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Overlooked But Always in Demand
Dale "Kuby" Kubichek, N6JSX /8 (N6JSX)
on
March 25, 2003
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Over looked but always in demand HAM
Years ago when HAM's had to design and build/modify their own equipment the technical abilities of HAM's were recognized and accepted as a "normal" attribute of HAM radio. But today few HAM's do anything more technical than push a button, install a pre-tuned antenna, or hook up the red wire to the + terminal on a power supply. The art and requirement of HAM's designing, building, repairing, or modifying has faded away as electronics classes have faded away in our school systems. HAM radio, in general, has become a class of radio "operators" with few even knowing what a Colpitts, Hartley, Wein, Butterworth, Marconi, Faraday, Tesla, Kirchhoff, or Zepp even mean to radio. Few HAM's, today, fix their own radios, in part, due to the complexities, miniaturization, lack of schematics/PCB layout, or a lack of knowledge/skills. HAM radio is evolving and knowledge requirements are changing - for good or bad is an article for another day.
Most HAM's are operators/communicators but there is another sub-group within HAM radio that is more than just an operator, they are what I call the HAM Engineer. The HAM Engineer is, typically, a professional electronics/RF engineer, technician, or even an x-military technician. They can troubleshoot, repair, modify, build, and even design communications equipment or devices. Some of these HAM Engineer's can be found as "T"/fox Hunters.
The HAM Engineer is an overlooked, yet, required commodity to the ARES, EMA, RACES/DCS operations and repeater systems. When communications equipment goes down these HAM Engineer's can swiftly jump into the troubleshooting mode in an attempt to quickly fix the radio system restoring communications. It may be as simple as replacement a fuse, diagnosing a dead power supply, or finding a connector coax short but it will take a minimum amount of test equipment and spare parts.
These HAM Engineer's are needed more today than anytime in our history to support emergency operations, emergency communications equipment, repeater operations, and mobile/remote operations. HAM Engineer's need to become an integral part of ALL emergency support plans. HAM Engineer's could perform pre-emergency audits of the communications facilities advising what type of support equipment and documentation should be in place to support a possible emergency repair action (short of major radio repairs). HAM Engineer's can design, build, re-build, repair, and over see the erection of an emergency communications antenna providing the materials are readily available.
To this end I have created the HAM Engineer's "FIELD GO BAG" should have (at a minimum):
DMM w/probes (extra battery) RS22-163 or better
VSWR/power meter (1.8 - 440 MHz capability) RS940-0592/RS940-0593
jumper coax(s) and adaptors (UHF/BNC/N/SMA) to fit radios
PL-259 connectors (6 each) RS278-205
PL-259 connectors w/RG-8x insert - will work on RG-58) (6 each) RS278-204
BNC connectors (w/crimp tool) (6 each)
50' RG-8X/58 coax RS278-971
Outdoor antenna kit (2 each for 75/40m) RS278-758
wire jumpers w/clips RS278-001/RS278-1156
fuses - ranging 1A-30A various types RS270-1203/RS900-7133/RS270-1262
wire - various AWG minimum 3-6'
electrical insulation tape role (10' min) RS64-2352
heat shrink tubing various dia./lengths w/butane lighter (optional) RS278-1611
soldering pencil - butane (w/extra butane tank) RS64-2188
soldering pencil repair kit (VAC 30W) RS64-2803
soldering gun (VAC dual pwr) RS64-2187
solder 60/40 rosin flux core RS64-008
solder wick or solder sucker RS64-2090/RS64-2098
wire cutters (sharp) RS64-2045
knife (utility/xacto - sharp)
screw drivers - straight/Phillips/jewelers
non-conductive tweeker screwdriver RS64-2220
pliers (2) (regular, vice grip, needle nose)
crescent wrenches (2) (6” & 12”)
magnifying glass (lighted optional w/extra batteries)
pen light flash light (w/extra batteries)
permanent marker (Sharpe)
etc. - personal preference
(Note: RS numbers refer to Radio Shack part numbers)
This type of HAM Engineer's "GO BAG" should become an integral part of ANY emergency communications vehicle/site. The emergency organizations need to identify these volunteer HAM's and integrate them into their operations plans and activation rosters.
This article has expired. No more comments may be added.
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Trouble Shooters Overlooked, Always in Demand
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by KE4SKY on March 25, 2003
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This is a great starting list and I have only a few things to add, which you should consider, based upon your situation:
Various colors of either electrical tape or wire ties with tags for identifying coax feeds and power leads
50-ohm Dummy load(s) to handle min. 100w 1.8-460 MHz
safety glasses - absolute MUST
leather gloves
safety belt
hardhat
assorted extra hardware, U-bolts, clamps, ground strap, extra Polyphasers
50 feet of 1" nylon flatline and snap links for lifting tool boxes or equipment up ladders and through trap doors for the last floor of roof-top acccess
headlamp - because you WILL have to trouble-shoot and repair in the dark and need safe hands-free vision!
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RE: Trouble Shooters Overlooked, Always in Demand
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by KD7EZE on March 25, 2003
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I could be wrong, but it appears that this HAM engineer is a RatShack employee. If so, I offer my condolences; if not, my apologies. I've found that the inferior quality of RatShack parts is unacceptable. I prefer Amphenol silver/teflon connectors, Belden coax, and a good antenna analyzer, either MFJ or Autek, depending on your budget. I'm not a millionaire ham, but using dependable,name-brand tools, has always been a plus. And, using high-quality parts, seems like the best choice, when working with RF and RF circuitry. It's been too many times that I've solved a problem, because an inferior part, or an inaccurate test instrument was used.
This aside, good article!
'73 de KD7EZE
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by AB2NM on March 25, 2003
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"crescent wrenches (2) (6” & 12”)"
Always good to have a 12" wrench. Sometimes a 6" just doesn't have enough mass to properly 'mechanically agitate' a recalcitrant piece of electronics.
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by W3DCG on March 25, 2003
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Mini Nut drivers? And one of those telescoping pocket-clip "pencil" doo-hickeys with the little magnet at the end. Real nice when something falls "in there."
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by K0BG on March 25, 2003
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First off, I don't like the word HAM as it connotates a negative (1/2 a pig's a__), but prehaps that's your point. I prefer to use amateur radio operator.
As for David's (KD7EZE) comment on tools...right on! Far too many amateurs buy inferior tools, coax, connectors, and such and then cuss because they have problems with their station. Like the oil advertizement on TV says, "...either pay me now or pay me later..." Only later is more costly and much more frustrating.
Alan, KØBG
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just a small comment, meant to be constructive
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by KZ1X on March 25, 2003
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Why do you capitalize ham? It's not an acronym.
And, you might consider the correct use of the apostrophe. "Engineers" is the plural of engineer, while "engineer's" is the posessive form.
I'm one of those "ham engineers" you refer to, and I like to think we're the majority of hams. I'm inclined to think that most hams who are so qulaified would use theirm own list. But yours is certainly a handy start for someone thinking about such a portable kit.
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by RAD1OMAN on March 25, 2003
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If you are going to tote all that junk, consider a closed end (box) wrench to fit trailer hitch balls! Ever been out and discover that you did not have the right ball, ot the ball was on the wrong hitch?
How about a Linemans ButtSet... if you got dialtone, you got phone call, add a can wrench for those Just In Case moments.
Also, you can use the butt set with another phone or butt set as an intercom. Add a roll of cross connect... makes marginal antennas and works as phone wire :)
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by RAD1OMAN on March 25, 2003
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In the "go kit", don't waste your time with solder on connectors. Use crimp on and interseries adapters.
Crimp on BNC, interseries to SMA, UHF or N. Makes it easier on the back to tote all that stuff.
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by KD5VHF on March 25, 2003
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Add another bag about the same size with a back up radio,tuner,300ft roll of wire and some rope and while the other station is being repared someone else can be on the air in a few minuetes with the back up.
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by K4CMD on March 26, 2003
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A constructive comment for the constructive comment:
It's "possessive."
"Do not point out the splinter in thy brother's eye without first removing the log from thine own eye."
:D
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Comments on comments - stay on subject
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by N6JSX on March 26, 2003
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I wish commentors would stay on subject rather than nit pick a writing and post defacto slams against the writer(s).
Was this list all inclussive - heck NO - but it is a start and a subject that needs ot be considered by EMA/ARES/DCS/RACES! You nit pickers trivializing the subject are not doing any favors to HAMdom except to flap you wings inflating your peronal egos. Now do you understand why there are few technical articles posted here?
FYI, there are two more gramatical errors that I found, after the fact. I could spend days rewriting the article in an attempt to make it perfect but someone will alawys find what they consider an error. The issue is - writing it clear "enough" to get the message across! Also the history of the identification word "HAM" is subjective with many possibilities. So how do you know I'm wrong and you're right? And what's the point you know who I'm talking about - not pigs.
Radio Shack was used due to the easy access of obtaining these items - I make no claim for quality, and no I do not work for RadioTrash. So your slam did not register.
One comment stated something about all HAMs should be able to be HAM Engineers - this is fairy tale wish with no concept of reality. I know of repeater trusties (extra's) that do not know how to hook up a Bird meter to the repeater transmitter but they can administer a canned ARRL VE test! I know HAMs that cannot program their own HT's. So the technical knowledge base of "HAMduum" is going the same direction of CW!!!
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by AD7DB on March 26, 2003
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Possessive vs plural: Most of the first uses of that word were plural and therefore should not have had the apostrophe. The latter ones were of course possessive and correct. But why the heck did he capitalize "ham" all over the place??
Oh well... the article was good reading. Your go-bag will have to be a large utility trailer if you bring along EVERYTHING you think you might possibly need. Plus a spare tow vehicle for that, too...
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by K1MKF on March 26, 2003
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N6JSX added:
One comment stated something about all HAMs should be able to be HAM Engineers - this is fairy tale wish with no concept of reality. I know of repeater trusties (extra's) that do not know how to hook up a Bird meter to the repeater transmitter but they can administer a canned ARRL VE test! I know HAMs that cannot program their own HT's. So the technical knowledge base of "HAMduum" is going the same direction of CW!!!
-----------------
I knew sooner or later it would end up Code vs. No Code. I just didn't think the original author would take it there. Oh, well....
Mark
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by N2BR on March 26, 2003
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The go-bags are good but everyone did not say they had food and drinks with them.Whats a good go-bag any good without food and drinks.can not eat the antenna or gear....Take something with you to eat you might be there for a long time.....
Bob/N2BR
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by KE4SKY on March 26, 2003
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I believe that originator of the article intended this only to address useful tools for trouble-shooting, etc., not "Ten Essentials" of a 24-hour or 72-hour pack for emergency deployments.
There is a whole separate discussion on that topic in the Emergency Communications forum with lots of good comments.
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by N3BIF on March 26, 2003
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N6jsx, you really gotta wonder if it is worth it to share ideas,
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by W3DCG on March 26, 2003
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Call the Grammar Police!
I capitalized the word Nut!
...the dididi, the dah dah dah, is all I want to say to you, the dididi, the dahdahdah, it's innocence will pull you thru...
...poets, priests, and politicians,
...have words to thank for their positions,
...words that scream for your submission,
...no one's jamming their transmissions...
...when their eloquence escapes me...
...their logic ties me up and rapes me...
...the dididi, the dah dah dah, is all i want to say to you, the dididi, the dahdahdahdah, it's innocent and all that's true...
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by N3SKO on March 26, 2003
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I suggest that you add a tone generator and line tracer to the useful tools list. They work quite nicely when you have a cable on the EOC roof which you long for, but no one thought to label them! Of course, they are also quite helpful in locating those phone pairs that you would like to "borrow", too. :-)
BTW, thanks for bringing up the topic - I am struggling with this issue in a commo trailer that I am building. I hate to be in the boonies without the right parts/tools, but can't afford to being the whole shop.
73,
john
N3SKO/AAT3BF/AAM3O/AAA3DE/AAA9AC
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Carification - GO BAG
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by N6JSX on March 27, 2003
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It appears I missed making my point about "GO BAGs". I see TWO different types of GO BAGs.
The common GO BAG is for communicators/operators that have been well covered in ARES and other information.
This article is to cover a SPECIAL needs GO BAG - to support what I call the HAM Engineer. These (now days) non-typical HAMs that can fix and troubleshoot low level communications systems problems. This GO BAG is for the minimum utilitiy items they would need to be functional in the field. This GO BAG is not to sustatin them in living in the field. I feel that this type of HAM Engineer and their services have NOT been considered nor identified in most Emergency organizations rosters/plans.
I carry two GO BAGs - one for remote operating and another for Engineering.
Sorry about not adaquately differentiating between these two very different GO BAG finctions.
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RE: Carification - GO BAG
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by WB2WIK on March 27, 2003
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Nice article.
I always recommend having two tool boxes: Big one on wheels with lots of drawers to stay at home (usually in garage or workshop), and smaller one with handle to grab & go. The smaller one should have its own set of tools, not shared with the "big box," to save time when one really must grab & go.
Only problem is, I've accumulated so many tools that my grab & go box now weighs about 80 lbs and if anyone less than double that weight tried to grab it and go, they'd probably break their arm trying!
Good idea, anyway...
WB2WIK/6
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by AB8PX on March 31, 2003
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I think it was a very good post, WELL thought out, and I think I'm in a pretty good position to judge that. I've worked as a 'tronics tech for over 30 years - in West Virginia. It's sorta like working on Mars. If you don't have it with you, it doesn't exist. I work in my shop and I've worked in the field in three surrounding states.
I've worked on everything from audio gear & electronic organs, to industrial instrumentation (pneumatic & electronic) and RF. When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I work on stuff that nobody in their right mind would touch - in places some people would never go - like sewage treatment plants - or on top of a mountain at a water tank I had to hike 20 minutes up the hill (carrying tools) to get to.
When big storms have hit, I've had to go in the worst of them. I've learned about preparedness, and I've learned how to pack the most in the least space. I have one attache case of hand tools, keep my DVMs in it, too. As a died-in-the-wool tech, I also have a second attache case with a baby oscilloscope, adjustable power supply, + & - 15 volt op amp power supply, freq counter, audio signal generator & audio tracer, logic probe & logic pulser. In a larger suitcase I have bunches of connectors, extension cords, an outlet strip, variac, baby air compressor, headphones, light bulb fuse setup, dummy loads, piece of canvas to lay out in the middle of a grassy field or muddy floor - and a large piece of clear plastic to ward off rain - or stuff dripping on the inside of an industrial plant. Ingenuity counts. I've used an Icom 735 with a milliwatt output jack as a precision RF signal generator - an Icom H16 & U16 for VHF & UHF signal generation. In another kit, I have other specialized instruments - time pulse generator & reader, chart recorder, transducers, etc. I have a toolkit, just for 'breadboarding' circuits, a die grinder tool kit, another tool kit with drills and attachments. I have toolkits which contain a baby lathe and attachments. And - all this stuff ends up in the biggest toolkits I have - a couple of 7000 pound Suburbans (when loaded) with 1-ton axles under them - with a power inverter wired into one of them. One Suburban can't hold all the parts & tools, so I have to pick and choose what I take on any particular call.
You pack what you're most likely to use in your most important tool kit, the next most likely in the next kit until you have as many tool kits necessary for the task. At last count, I had over 40 different tool kits, ready to go at a moment's notice. If it's a little job, you grap only a few. As the complexity increases, you grab more.
Parts are a little different. You put small common parts in partitioned metal cases - in tiny zip-lock bags - with a sheet of specs on the parts. You put other common parts in shoebox sized plastic boxes - and very specialized parts - such as parts for only one type or brand of equipment - into other boxes. You grab the parts you are most likely to need for the job at hand.
I've found that the best way to organize parts is to put them into these organized boxes you can grab at a moment's notice - out of the shop and into the vehicle. I use a big plastic tub to carry whatever parts containers I need from the shop into whichever truck. One 'milk carton' container has sprays, chemicals, glue & batteries.
It all has to do with the tool & parts kits you have - ready to go - wherever. And - please don't laugh at me - I even have a military surplus hard-frame backpack - one of the handiest toolkits I've ever purchased. It's all about preparedness.
Oh, yeah, I learned this the hard way: A chainsaw - ANY kind of saw - comes in handy during or in the aftermath of violent storms. Over 30 years ago, I was on my way to a failed mountaintop repeater. A tree fell across the road, so I couldn't get to the top of the mountain. I turned around, and an even bigger tree had already blocked my path home. AFTER the rain stopped, I walked an hour to the nearest house. The next day, I went shopping for a saw.
Oh yeah - there's always one big tool kit full of cans of Vienna saussage, beanie-weinies, crackers, canned pop & water canteens which which just stays in one of the vehicles during warm months. I used to carry a table cloth and candle stick in that 'tool kit.' I'd spread out the tablecloth - put the candle in the center of it - light the candle - put a plastic plate and plastic spoons out - opened cans of food - plopped them onto the plastic plate - dined in elegance.
A roll of paper towells can be real handy. They serve as hand towells, napkins, and toilet paper. Until you fully understand the term 'Forest Dump' - it won't seem to be real important.
I will say this in closing. 70% of the equipment gets analyzed & repaired with just the first two attache' cases of tools and instruments.
Jim - AB8PX - 73
PS - If you're working in the middle of nowhere in the summertime, don't forget to pack a pair of boots which are resistant to snakebite - and a .38 - loaded with shotshells - for shooting the little varmints. One time, I was at a gas well. I plopped an attache case down on some pipes, and stirred up over twenty of them things. They came out of the pipes to greet me.
OK, have you ever had YOUR tools held hostage for hours - by a band of armed reptiles which absolutely were not afraid of you? Make all the jokes you want, but until it happens to you, don't call me over-prepared. I have BEEN THERE!
Oh, yeah, lest I forget. When they hand out the recognition, they hand it to the operators, not those who made it possible. Get used to being overlooked.
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by AB8PX on April 1, 2003
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Looks like I put this one to rest. This man knew what he was doing - shalom - AB8PX - Jim - 73
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Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by K6USN on April 2, 2003
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Good article, and the follow on's are entertaining reading. Sounds like 75 meters on Saturday night.
I would like to add Andersen Power Pole connectors for interfacing radios and power supplies with a common plug. Sure, you can take that chain saw one writer added and use it to trim all the power connectors off and then pigtail them with duct tape (our Homeland Security Team's input) but the Power Poles are a bit more civilized.
For hauling all this stuff around, I suggest a large (three bedroom size) U Haul truck with power lift tailgate. I will now scan this review for bad grammar, twisted syntax, and dangling participles so that it is politically and gramatically correct. Maybe we should add a Thesaurus and toss one of the extra butane soldering pencils....hi.
Cheers mates!
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RE: Overlooked But Always in Demand
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by WD4AOG on April 16, 2003
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It IS 75 meters on Saturday night. This is what those guys do during weekdays.
Here's an idea: Start a thread that says the sun rises in the east, then sit back and enjoy.
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