Amateur Radio – a hobby where people talk about their hobby using their hobby.
International Beacon Project. The NCDXF, in cooperation with the IARU, constructed and operates a worldwide network of high-frequency radio beacons on:
14.100,
18.110,
21.150,
24.930, and
28.200 MHz.
These beacons help both amateur and commercial high-frequency radio users assess the current condition of the ionosphere.
http://www.ncdxf.org/beacons.html
I thought this was interesting:
The aurora borealis (northern lights) and aurora australis (southern lights) are created by the ionization of the E region of the ionosphere by streams of charged particles from the sun interacting with the Earth’s magnetic field.
The aurora does more than just make pretty lights in the sky; it can bend radio waves back to the earth as auroral propagation.
Since the aurora borealis occurs over northern Canada, two stations in the continental U.S. must each point their antennas to the north to use this mode.
With aurora there is a great deal of signal flutter. Phone tends to get garbled. CW is the most effective mode.
Click to hear CW auroral propagation.
Calling CQ to Make a Contact – Don Cassel VE3XD
Let’s assume your license permits you to operate SSB on 10 meters.
1. Begin by finding a clear frequency such as 28.360. Speak clearly into the mike and ask “Is this frequency in use? This is VE3BUC.” If you get no response you might ask a second time just to be sure. Again if there is no response then proceed to step 2. If someone says that the frequency is in use then just move to another clear frequency and try again.
2. Now call “CQ CQ CQ. This is Victor Echo 3 Bravo Uniform Charlie calling CQ CQ CQ. This is Victor Echo 3 Bravo Uniform Charlie, VE3BUC calling CQ and waiting for a call.”
Now you listen for the return call. Being on an HF band (10 meters) it is possible to get a call ranging from very strong to very weak.
3. You hear “VE3BUC this is Papa Yankee 1 Alpha November Foxtrot PY1ANF calling.”
4. You respond by saying “PY1ANF (using phonetics is best) this is VE3BUC. Thanks for the call your signal is 59. My name is Don and my QTH is Ontario. So how do you copy? PY1ANF this is VE3BUC over.”
You have made your first HF contact. At this point you can make the contact as long or short as you like depending on the band conditions and what you find to discuss with your new friend in Brazil.
5. You end an HF contact by giving both call signs and signing off. For example: “… thanks Luis for the contact and 73 to you and your family. PY1ANF this is VE3BUC signing off.”
What do you do if more than one station responds to your call? If you hear one call clearly then simply respond to that station as discussed above. If you hear only parts of call signs, maybe “Alpha November” then in step 4 begin by saying “the station with Alpha November make your call.” Once you have heard the complete call sign you can proceed as in step 4.
I passed my 5 words per minute Morse code exam!
I’ve been working on and off on learning Morse code for about the last four months. Generally, it only takes three weeks of consistent study to pass the test. I’m a slow learner and wasn’t very consistent until about two months ago. I primarily used Ham University to learn the letters and numbers. But the key for getting ready for the actual test was AA9PW Morse Code Practice. This site provides the ability to download sample tests (very similar to the real tests). I thought I was ready once I finished learning all the letters and numbers, but AA9PW puts it all together.
Despite all my prep, I barely passed the exam. There are two ways to pass the exam: (1) answer 7 out of 10 questions based on the text you copy during a 5 minute Morse code transmission or (2) copy a minimum of 25 characters in a row correctly. During practice tests, I was good at answering the questions. But when it came to test day it just wasn’t happening. I missed the first call sign and one of the names of the operators. Also the model number of the radio. When I turned in the 10-question portion, I knew I had only maybe 6 correct answers. But it ends up in the middle of the QSO I was able to copy 25 characters in a row. But I think I just got 25…. it was pretty tight. One of the examiners had to recount twice.
However, I still passed. That, along with me passing the Element 3 (General Class Theory) back in June, now means I hold a General Class license….. which really means that I have HF privileges.
Thursday night is now the night for the Hampton Public Service Net on 146.73 (the SPARK repeater).
… Morse code, why do I suck at it?
http://www.qsl.net/wj5o/mcode.htm
Here’s some more tips for the actual exam:
Now for the Examination
NUMBER NUMBERS NUMBERS … KNOW THE NUMBERS It’s difficult to have ten questions about a five minute QSO without four or five of them requiring numbers. (Call Signs, RST, Antenna Height, number of tubes, power, age, years a ham….etc)
Expect to have a CALL Sign with a DAH DIT DIT DAH DIT ( / ) … FCC exams are required to have all 26 letters, zero thru 9 numbers, at least 4 punctuation marks including the slant bar & procedural SK. Learn the common configurations for CALLSIGNS like 1×2, 1×3, 2×1, 2×2 & 2×3 … That way there will be no surprises if something like WN7OPQ/6 is heard.
The exam is a typical QSO that will last for a little over five minutes. Before the exam there will be a one minute warm-up to insure that everyone can hear the message. You will be given a paper to copy both the practice warm-up minute and the QSO . The QSO will start with a series of six “V”s and end with the procedural sign SK.
A passing score is achieved by answering 7 out of the ten questions correctly or 25 characters in a row. (Not counting the V’s or Warmup)…
Numbers and punctuation marks count 2 and letters count 1.
Typical questions:
What is the Call of the receiving station?
What is the location of the receiving station?
What is the Call of the Transmitting station?
What is the location of the transmitting operator?
What was the name of the receiving operator?
What was the RST report given by the transmitting operator?
What was the radio being used by the transmitting operator?
What did the transmitting operator say His power output was?
What type of antenna did the transmitting operator utilize?
What was the height of the antenna?
What was the weather described as?
How long had the transmitting operator been a Ham?
What was the reason given for ending the contact?
ADDITIONAL HELP: Learn the names of as many type of radios as possible… especially the more common ones like KENWOOD, ICOM, YAESU, TEN-TEC, SWAN, NATIONAL, HALLICRAFTERS, SBE & HEATHKIT.
Learn the names of the common antenna configurations….. like DIPOLE, DELTA LOOP, WINDOM, ZEP, BAZOOKA, YAGI, BEAM, INVERTED VEE, LONGWIRE & ROMBIC
THAT WAY IF YOU COPY A PORTION OF THE RADIO NAME OR ANTENNA TYPE IT WILL BE EASIER TO FILL IN THE BLANK.
Be “up” for the examination both mentally & physically.
A good night’s rest and something on the stomach is important.
Comfortable attire – (pinching shoes or a tight collar is a distraction)
Get to the examination location early. (get familiar with the testing facilities ..this takes the apprehension “edge” off)
Whenever the examination is announced – secure a seat close to the sound.
When given the opportunity – copy all of the “warm-up” or practice run.
CW exams start with a series of six Vs and end with the procedural sign AR or SK
LISTEN FOR:
Callsigns (If you miss part at first, they will also be in the closing).. The first call given is the RECEIVING operator followed by DE .. and then the Call of the TRANSMITTING operator
Names of the operators (receiving operator usually near the first of message)
…. Expect short names like JOE, JIM, JACK, BILL rarely a SAMANTHA or CLEMENTINE but often a MARY, JILL, BETH
When you hear UR RST or SIGs is/are — know there will be three numbers coming next. Most likely the first will be a 5 and the last a 9 (know what RST is ….and that the first number is never over 5)…. remember, it’s possible to get a RST report like …. 599 W/QSB (with fading).. ….QSB….QRM ….. QRN are the only ones I have ever seen on a 5 WPM exam.
If you miss a Character—-FORGET IT (for now) — mark your copy with a “-” or just a space where the letter should be. These “holes” can be filled in later…. see below.
QTH – look for City & State (rarely DX locations on 5WPM exam) Sometimes just the CITY or the STATE is given…. and the question usually asks for the CITY or STATE even if both CITY & STATE are given.
When you hear weather or WX it’s usually a two word description following. (WINDY and WARM……… COLD and FREEZING …..DAMP and RAINY) Sometimes followed by “TEMPERATURE IS __ DEGREES”
Type of radio (rig) –sometimes descriptive like OLD TUBE or QRP but most often the name of a manufacturer:
– KENWOOD
– ICOM
– YAESU
– TEN-TEC
– SWAN
– NATIONAL
– HALLICRAFTERS
– SBE
– HOMEBREW
– HEATHKIT
…. be familiar with names of Rig types
Antenna used. Know the names of several configurations:
– DIPOLE
– DELTA LOOP,
– WINDOM
– ZEP
– BAZOOKA
– YAGI
– BEAM
– INVERTED VEE
– LONGWIRE
– ROMBIC
By knowing the configuration names of the antennas it helps to fill in the “holes” in Your copy.
Comment like “BEEN A HAM 30 YEARS” or “AM IN 12TH GRADE”
Listen for why QRT…….. “I MUST QRT FOR WORK”…. “QRT FOR BED”
Listen for Callsigns again
The CW message is over: Listen for directions from the VE
Scan your copy – fill in the” holes” of the letters missed. (GROC_R) most likely GROCER (EN_INEER) likely ENGINEER …. GET THE IDEA?…. This filling in of the “holes” helps in getting 1 minute of straight copy (25 characters in a row)….. a person must be able to communicate at 5 words per minute…… a copy of CHICA-O and later adding the G still means that the person got the meaning of the communication.
See if QTH corresponds to the callsigns (KL7XXX should be Alaska–WH6XXX in Hawaii & etc)…. KNOW the Call sign areas
Read over ALL the questions BEFORE printing any answers.
Usually the questions follow the copy (first in message — first on test generally the same sequence – but there are exceptions)
Answer all of the “SURE” ones FIRST. (Hopefully 7 or more)….
Look at the “doubtful” ones. Are any a “toss-up” between 2 responses? Like is it a four or a six? If its in a Callsign ….. see if You answered Florida for a location … Florida is in 4 land
Look for “tell-tale” letters in your copy–if a couple of letters match to what You have knowledge of , MARK IT.
(DI_O__ is likely DIPOLE…. even if the copy is just D_____ and it’s about an antenna it’s probably DIPOLE
if the copy is just _a___ and it’s about a radio it’s probably YAESU
If there is one “I have no idea” it’s worth a guess. If it’s a callsign remember the FCC requires ALL numbers be used in the exam. Count the numbers You have copied….
If You are missing a ZERO or any other number, put it in the Callsign that doesn’t have a number in Your copy.
If an Op says His age is 78, it’s likely He’s not a go-go dancer. If an Op says STUDENT don’t expect a number over 20 for age.
As a last resort—– EDUCATED GUESS…… any omitted answers are already incorrect.
If you don’t have anything copied for antenna …. dipole, vertical, beam & longwire showup most often. NEVER OMIT AN ANSWER …… put down an educated guess.
Nothing copied for the rig? … Kenwood, Yaesu or Icom …. certainly better than leaving it blank.
Tips for Passing the CW Test
Don’t wait for the CW test to be eliminated to upgrade. It’s really not that tough, and you can do it. On the SolidCpyCW mailing list, Greg O’Brien, NE1OB, a Volunteer Examiner, offered the following tips:
* Things to remember:
o The format of the code sent is an exchange in a typical QSO.
o After VVV VVV, the test will begin with callsign de callsign.
o It will end with callsign de callsign plus appropriate prosigns. So, you will have two chances to get the callsigns correctly.
o Usually one callsign will contain a “/”, for instance k1pid/7 or ne1ob/m.
o Each exam will contain all 40 characters(A-Z, 0-9 ‘/’, ‘?’, ‘.’, ‘,’) and prosigns (‘AR’, ‘SK’, and sometimes ‘BT’).
o You need 25 characters in a row BUT numbers and punctuation and prosigns count as two characters.
o Spaces do not count.
* Other elements commonly included in the QSO exchange:
o rig (so know the common manufacturers, including Icom, Yaesu, and Kenwood),
o power (this is where the digits are used so it probably wont be 100),
o type of antenna (dipole, loop, vee, yagi etc.),
o antenna height (digits here),
o QTH (Don’t count on the state matching the town, and the comma will probably be between the city and state),
o caller and called ham’s names.
* The above elements plus the callsigns will be the basis of the 10 questions. When you answer the questions, enter the answer exactly like it was sent. If “California” was sent, don’t write “CA” or “Calif” as the answer.
* Things to study before the exam:
o Practice numbers and punctuation and prosigns to death. They count double, you cannot usually figure them out from context, and you probably spent more time on the letters.
o Practice callsigns – callsigns are hard. They contain numbers and ‘/’. They come at the beginning of the transmission and if you have trouble with them, it may wreck you confidence for a while.
o Learn the common manufacturers and models.
o Review the common antenna types.
* Key advice for the exam:
o Relax. Take a deep breath. Shake it out. Just imagine you are in your normal practice environment. (I know that it’s easier to say then do .)
o There will be a one minute warm-up before the 5 minute transmission. Make sure the volume is comfortable for you. Copy the warm-up to get loose.
o When you miss a character, just leave a space or an underline. Don’t try to replay it in your mind. You can fill it in later.
o At the end of the code sending, you will have time to review your copy and fill in those blanks you left. Use all your puzzle solving skills.
o Do your best on the 10 questions even if you think there is no way.
* Remember, the VEs want you to pass.
Greg also notes, “for a detailed look at a sample exam and more tips see the AC6V website.”
Visited the USS Wisconsin in Norfolk.
I got the Icom IC-PCR1000 hooked up (see 1 Oct). It’s connected to the eMachine so I opted not to us RxPlus and dug out my copy of Scancat Gold SE.
Now it’s just a matter of getting a good database of active freqs. My intent is to use the IC-PRC1000 for scanning local VHF/UHF comms (police, fire, etc.).
I got my weather radio back into operation – the Radio Shack Handheld SAME WEATHERADIO (CAT NO. 12-259):
I’ve got the batteries back in and an AC connection. It’s a neat little radio that allows you to customize the weather alerts the radio receives by town. Here are my local FIPS (Federal Information Processing Standards):
Gloucester, 051073
York 051199
City of Hampton 051650
City of Newport News 051700
City of Poquoson 051735
Morse Code is a method for transmitting information, using standardized sequences of short and long marks or pulses — commonly known as “dots and dashes” — for the letters, numerals and special characters of a message. Originally created for Samuel Morse’s electric telegraph in the mid-1830s, it was also extensively used for early radio communication beginning in the 1890s. However, with the development of more advanced communications technologies, the use of Morse Code is now largely obsolete, although it is still employed for a few specialized purposes, including navigational radio beacons, and by CW (continuous wave) amateur radio operators.
What is called Morse Code today actually differs somewhat from what was originally developed by Morse and his assistant, Alfred Vail. In 1848 a refinement of the code sequences, including changes to eleven of the letters, was developed in Germany and eventually adopted as the worldwide standard as “International Morse”. Morse’s original code specification, largely limited to use in the United States, became known as Railroad or American Morse code, and is now very rarely used.
More @ Wikipedia.
Here’s a better description of what “the code” sounds like [everyone recommends not to memorize dashes and dots]:
A di-dah
B dah-di-di-dit
C dah-di-dah-dit
D dah-di-dit
E dit
F di-di-dah-dit
G dah-dah-dit
H di-di-di-dit
I di-dit
J di-dah-dah-dah
K dah-di-dah
L di-dah-di-dit
M dah-dah
N dah-dit
O dah-dah-dah
P di-dah-dah-dit
Q dah-dah-di-dah
R di-dah-dit
S di-di-dit
T dah
U di-dit-dah
V di-di-di-dah
W di-dah-dah
X dah-di-di-dah
Y dah-di-dah-dah
Z dah-dah-di-dit
Minimal proficiency with Morse Code is required for a General Class amateur radio license. I’ve been having a very hard time learning “The Code”. There is about as many methods and techniques to learn and practice the code as there are dits and dahs in the Morse alphabet:
(1) Dr. Wheeler’s Code Quick: “Code Quick could teach a tree stump the code!” Says Bruce Kizerian KK7QP of Centerville, Ut. [I guess I wish I was more like a tree stump.] Here’s what Code Quick promises – Code Quick goes to your speech center. Only Code Quick sends the code to the language part of your brain for instant recognition, permanent memory and no plateaus. You hear each code symbol as an English sound-alike. 
With a little practice you will recognize code as easily as speech. Only Code Quick walks you through each character with fun and humor to make learning fast and exciting. Unforgettable cartoon cards, and unique learning activities lock the image to the code symbol instantly and forever in your mind. One new ham said, “I just couldn’t get them out of my mind. From the first time I heard them, they kept going around and around in my head!” This highly acclaimed course works for beginners but also for those who are stuck on a nasty plateau along the way. End your struggle and move up in the Ham community. You will never regret your decision to treat yourself to this amazing program. [When I was having a problem with the registration key for the software portion, Dr. Wheeler actually called me and fixed my problem.]
(2) Ham University: Mathew, KD6MSI writes “After almost ten years of being a ham, I have finally gotten up the fortitude to learn Morse Code. Well, truth be told, I really am enjoying the process. I have Ham University to thank for this. Let me just start by saying that I *love* this program. It is quite simply the best bit of learning software I have found. 
Ham University provides you with three ways to learn Morse code. First there are formal lessons which introduce the code one letter at a time. Then there are exercises — a set of typical transmissions to practice on (you set the speed). And finally there is Pentode®. This highly motivating game (inspired by Tetris) makes acquiring the code effortless. [The cat on the screen keeps mocking me.]
(3) ARRL’s Your Introduction to Morse Code: Don’t just learn the code–master it! This set includes two audio CDs (for your audio/music CD player) with nearly 2-1/2 hours of practice. Follow the proven ARRL Morse code teaching system. Sample exams included! Includes 2 audio CDs and instruction booklet. [The guy on the CD has a serious nasal tone].
(4) Tyler Larson’s Smart Morse: I mentioned this application on October 1st as a program I use with my Palm Pilot. The main feature that separates Smart Morse from other programs of this nature is the fact that this program learns about you as you practice. It takes note of which letters you’re struggling with and which ones you know well. It then focuses more attention on your problem areas while still continuing to practice the others. [I enjoy using this, but as my Palm doesn’t have a plug for headphones (I haven’t resuscitated my Tungsten 3 yet) the beep beep beeping annoys people around you].
(5) Sigurd Stenersen’s Just Learn Morse Code: designed to make it easy to learn morse code, as well as improve the skills of those who already know the code. The basic methods used to achieve this are The Koch method and Farnsworth timing. [This is a pretty slick application – as you copy code, the program also checks to see if your putting spaces in the correct spots, and after its done sending, it gives you a roll up by character letting you know the percentage of accuracy.]
(6) [Far and away my favorite]: The Rhythm of the Code! “BY POPULAR DEMAND,
The Rhythm of the Code is now available ON CD and for your listening pleasure. Just click the link and you can hear for yourself a sample of this amazing new code practice CD.
An independent research program has proved that students that use The Rhythm of the Code method have learned code in half the time as students that do not have the CD.Thousands of Ham radio operators have learned code with The Rhythm of the Code method – Get your copy today to unleash the awesome power of this PAK 1 CD and supercharge your brain!” […. supercharge your brain?]
(7) AA9PW Morse Code Practice: This page is designed to help you learn and practice Morse Code. There are also other pages which cover the morse code itself and a few hints on how to approach learning the code. This page will generate morse code consisting of groups of random characters and there are 25 characters per group (5 sets of 5 characters). You can pick which group of characters you wish to be tested on: the alphabet, the numbers or punctuation (inc luding prosigns) or all three. The computer creates a .au audio file and sends that to your browser so your browser (or helper application) needs to be capable of handling these files. You will also need a sound card or similar to be able to hear the morse.
In addition to the numerous amount of Morse teaching methods, there are also many websites dedicated to Morse:
PA3BWK’s Ultimate Morse Code Web Site: http://www.morsecode.dutch.nl/index2.html
Beginner’s Guide to CW: http://www.netwalk.com/~fsv/CWguide.htm
…. But I’m still not ready for my code test.