Wow, Dan, this is great! I really like the "balcony dipole" design you have there, and I think I'll give it a try when I have some extra time early this fall. I'd like to try and build a magloop, but where were you able to find you vacuum variable capacitor? Wish I had the time for hamfests and swapmeets and what not, but unfortunately for me right now my only alternative might be ebay.

Thanks so much for that diagram - I think it's a great starting point and will start looking into this option.

Hmm. I've heard of these, but not looked deeply into them. Do they really work as well as people say?

I'm kind of in a position right now (budget is part of it) to work with what I've got.. not in the position to buy an antenna analyzer or a mass of copper tubing and search for the right variable capactors to build a magnetic loop - but honestly, this looks wonderful: 

http://www.g4tph.com/ourshop/prod_1243749-ML40-MKII-G4TPH-magloop.html

So, I may just break down and order this from the UK and be done with it, but in the meantime I'd like to see what I can do with what I've got.

Good idea, though. I hadn't thought about a magnetic loop. That will be probably what I try next, when this effort fails 

Hello.. First time asking for advice in here, so thanks in advance for any help!!

So here's the deal.. I've found myself working away from home for the next few months, and I'll be staying in a small 4th floor apartment - with no trees within a good half mile of the place (no place to string anything). I have a small balcony (5ft x 11ft) with a metal railing/grate in front of it. I'm about 45 ft up looking over a downslope, so my HAAT is wonderful - the problem, of course, is the antenna system in this kind of space.

I've been experimenting with an old Superantenna MP-1, but finding any sort of ground (RF or electrical, really) has been a severe pain. The lousy radials of the Superantenna do nothing sitting on my 4th floor carpet, and getting them spead out at all on the balcony is a useless endeavor.

So, here's what I'm proposing, and was wondering if anyone had any advice as to what could make this work better.

FYI, here's the equipment I have to work with:

Yaesu FT-450d
MFJ 929 ATU (Supports random wire, and up to about an 8:1 match)
150' of bare antenna wire
100' of insulated stranded wire

Option 1: Chuck the superantenna radials but still use the radiator/loading coil sitting on a tripod fed to the ATU; attach a 1/4 wave length of wire for each band to the grounding nut on the tuner.

(Question: Should I tie these 'counterpoises' to only the ATU grounding nut, or also to the transciever? Should I also tie something to my best approximation of electrical ground - which would most likely be service ground, since I have PVC water pipes?)

Option 2: Run random wire around the perimeter of my ceiling or a wall attached to the ATU; still use the same RF ground "solution" (1/4 wave cut wires running on the floor).

Option 3: Do something with the balcony steel grate.. what exactly, I don't know.

Anyone had any luck (good or otherwise) operating in a small apartment devoid of trees up relatively high?

Hi Ollie. Could you please post a link to said FCC petition?

Otherwise, folks here might strangely think you're just making stuff up.

"You advance class holders are some of the "real" hams if that word ever applied to any of us. "

Really? I never knew ham radio was about comparing machismo and who's "better" due to what test they took 30 years ago.

First it was loads of crap for us "slow code" extras, now there's more vitriol for the "no code" ones, usually by Advanced class people who talk about how hard their test was - yet they seem to be reluctant to take today's so called "easy" test.

So what is it? Is Extra today a cakewalk, or is it too tough for you guys? Or, maybe are you guys just holding on to this as some kind of strange elitism. Personally, I don't think the difference between Advanced and Extra is that big a deal. I took 5WPM extra because that's what was available to me, yet I've gotten endless crap from OM's who somehow think it makes me a lesser ham that I didn't sit in an FCC office doing code at 20WPM. Guess what? You CAN'T, even if you wanted to. So, nobody can be a real ham today?

Hell, if there was a class beyond Extra, I'd be studying right now.

How about getting on the air and being hams, instead of sitting on an internet forum comparing how much room is left in your jeans due to your license class.

Tory,

I highly suggest you check out Tony Lacy's "NuMorse" program.. It got me from 0 to 10wpm in about 2 and a half weeks.

Also, I found it useful to record code messages on tape/cd and play them in the car on my commute home. I'd make a few new ones every few days, so I wouldn't memorize messages.

There are lots of ways to learn code, and different ways work differently for different people. Good for you for wanting to learn it for yourself - but don't be intimidated by the bullies who make you feel less of yourself because you aren't into code.

Code is a very small part of ham radio. Yes, you will find people on the air who will give you a hard time, but remember, people in ham radio are just that - people - and some of 'em are decent, and some of 'em aren't.

Sorry.. Meant to say we gained bandspace for phone. Some consider that good, some consider it bad -- but regardless, what I meant to convey was that you can still do CW anywhere on any band (save for 60), and that hasn't changed.  Nobody lost any privileges; CW didn't get more restricted.  The "state of CW" really hasn't changed in AR in practice. People that would have used it still will -- I really don't think the 5wpm license requirement was what got people "into CW".

I don't think a DX pileup is an indicator of the mass of rank and file amateurs.

It doesn't take too many hams to create a pileup. Even if there were only 1500 hams left, and they were active, you could still get a pileup with rare DX.

You are right, however. The issue isn't that we're losing hams - it's that the growth rate is slowing, at least right now.

We've doubled since 1980, but things have remained relatively flat over the past five years or so.. The average age of a ham operator in the US is about 60, and climbing. That can't keep going up forever.

Despite the fact that many people want AR to be 'exclusive', numbers means power, and that we have some say in our future. We lost the CW 'requirement' this month -- (but we didn't "lose CW", even though many seem to be feeling that's the case) -- but gained bandspace.

Ignore him Terry. He's a troll. Look at his posting history. If he knew what he was talking about, he'd know at a glance that you were a ham for at least eleven years:

"You may receive a license expiration notification from an entity, but you are not required to use its services. File for renewal 30-60 days, but no more than 90 days, before your license expiration date. "

Since IAMAHAM seems to think CW is more important than knowing basic FCC rules, I highly suggest you ignore him.

IAMAHAM, thanks for proving rather concisely that being "Pro-CW" doesn't make you a good ham.

Man, I am so sorry that I clicked that button twice on that novel-long post of mine. My browser timed out.

I truly apologize. ;P.

-Chris

These personal insult posts are disgusting, and I really think it's exemplary of a certain portion of people in AR today that are killing it.

Listen, not everybody's able to learn code, just like not everybody's able to play the piano. Before anyone accuses someone of being lazy and just 'not trying', why don't you guys look at all the things you can't do or lack talent in? There are very few all-around geniuses who can do just about anything.

I'm pretty damn technically adept, but the code was a different story for me. I wasn't able to get my Extra until the 5wpm drop, and I have gotten endless insults from OMs who somehow think there should be a code hierarchy.  Guess what. As much as you want there to be, there's not.  (Oh, and please don't tell me now how the new Extra test is a cakewalk that a monkey can do. Stop the shameless bragging, please.)

5wpm and 20wpm are different beasts, as you'll hear many people acknowledge - one you can hear dits and dahs, the other you have to 'speak' the code. Some people can't get it at ALL, yet they may be eager, passionate operators who are very technically adept.

I'd have been fine with a 5wpm for Extra, but I am cheering on the fact that we can now have a No-Code General. The idea of being able to talk on HF to someone within three generations of me that I can relate to sounds pretty good.  

No offense to the kindly old elmers out there - there are plenty, and they deserve all the respect in the world - but some of your contemporaries have a real problem.

I'll tell you right now that most of the rude behavior I've seen on the air has NOT been from young no-code techs. Strangely, the most welcoming and eager folks I have met HAVE been no-code techs.

While I'd never want AR to turn into CB, AR needs new hams - not the endless whining of OM's who would just as well see the service die with them.  I'm 28. I can't count the amount of friends who got really interested in AR, asked me about getting a license, and then said "Wait.. To get on HF.. You have to learn.. MORSE CODE?" That was the end right there for them.

Yes, the idea of a graduated system and a barrier to entry makes sense in keeping the riff-raff off the bands, but so does enforcement, self-policing, and RESPECT FROM AND FOR ALL HAMS. Look at it this way - if someone's gonna hook a linear up to a modified CB, they're going to do it no matter what, regardless of a code requirement.

All this can do is get more people involved in AR that were previously held back. I'm sorry if you're jealous or annoyed that us whippersnappers didn't have to walk in bare feet and 20 inches of snow to school uphill, both ways. Times change, things change.  I'm a "slow code Extra", and proud of it, and I have just as many privileges as you. That's just the way it is. (In fact, I had no choice in the
matter.)  

I feel bad for the upcoming "no-code extras" who will have to put up with even more abuse now; that's the only negative I can see from this ruling.

So, if you guys want to be really elitist, why aren't you naysayers harkening back to the days where hams had to take their tests at the FCC office? Think of it that way.. Did the VE program help or hurt amateur radio by lowering barriers to entry?

Like it or not, amateur radio, as it was on Dec 14, was a dying service. As a young ham, it's disturbing when half of the things you read about on ham forums and in ARRL are about SKs. I don't mean to be morbid, but its something overwhelming that lots of new hams, not only myself, have noticed. There aren't a lot of new folks coming in. There are a lot "going out."

Where do you think things will be in 25 years if that continues? Hmm. Ask the BPL companies, maybe.

If OM's don't want new hams to come in, fine, just say it. Tell us you think we don't 'deserve' it because we didn't have to jump through the hoops you did. Propose an "Old Man's Band".  But don't hide behind the code when your true motives are that you just don't want eager "kids" to join your elite club.

I can't think of any reason why anyone here would be thumping their chest about how "easy" it is now and how "hard" it was for you.

These personal insult posts are disgusting, and I really think it's exemplary of a certain portion of people in AR today that are killing it.

Listen, not everybody's able to learn code, just like not everybody's able to play the piano. Before anyone accuses someone of being lazy and just 'not trying', why don't you guys look at all the things you can't do or lack talent in? There are very few all-around geniuses who can do just about anything.

I'm pretty damn technically adept, but the code was a different story for me. I wasn't able to get my Extra until the 5wpm drop, and I have gotten endless insults from OMs who somehow think there should be a code hierarchy.  Guess what. As much as you want there to be, there's not.  (Oh, and please don't tell me now how the new Extra test is a cakewalk that a monkey can do. Stop the shameless bragging, please.)

5wpm and 20wpm are different beasts, as you'll hear many people acknowledge - one you can hear dits and dahs, the other you have to 'speak' the code. Some people can't get it at ALL, yet they may be eager, passionate operators who are very technically adept.

I'd have been fine with a 5wpm for Extra, but I am cheering on the fact that we can now have a No-Code General. The idea of being able to talk on HF to someone within three generations of me that I can relate to sounds pretty good.  

No offense to the kindly old elmers out there - there are plenty, and they deserve all the respect in the world - but some of your contemporaries have a real problem.

I'll tell you right now that most of the rude behavior I've seen on the air has NOT been from young no-code techs. Strangely, the most welcoming and eager folks I have met HAVE been no-code techs.

While I'd never want AR to turn into CB, AR needs new hams - not the endless whining of OM's who would just as well see the service die with them.  I'm 28. I can't count the amount of friends who got really interested in AR, asked me about getting a license, and then said "Wait.. To get on HF.. You have to learn.. MORSE CODE?" That was the end right there for them.

Yes, the idea of a graduated system and a barrier to entry makes sense in keeping the riff-raff off the bands, but so does enforcement, self-policing, and RESPECT FROM AND FOR ALL HAMS. Look at it this way - if someone's gonna hook a linear up to a modified CB, they're going to do it no matter what, regardless of a code requirement.

All this can do is get more people involved in AR that were previously held back. I'm sorry if you're jealous or annoyed that us whippersnappers didn't have to walk in bare feet and 20 inches of snow to school uphill, both ways. Times change, things change.  I'm a "slow code Extra", and proud of it, and I have just as many privileges as you. That's just the way it is. (In fact, I had no choice in the
matter.)  

I feel bad for the upcoming "no-code extras" who will have to put up with even more abuse now; that's the only negative I can see from this ruling.

So, if you guys want to be really elitist, why aren't you naysayers harkening back to the days where hams had to take their tests at the FCC office? Think of it that way.. Did the VE program help or hurt amateur radio by lowering barriers to entry?

Like it or not, amateur radio, as it was on Dec 14, was a dying service. As a young ham, it's disturbing when half of the things you read about on ham forums and in ARRL are about SKs. I don't mean to be morbid, but its something overwhelming that lots of new hams, not only myself, have noticed. There aren't a lot of new folks coming in. There are a lot "going out."

Where do you think things will be in 25 years if that continues? Hmm. Ask the BPL companies, maybe.

If OM's don't want new hams to come in, fine, just say it. Tell us you think we don't 'deserve' it because we didn't have to jump through the hoops you did. Propose an "Old Man's Band".  But don't hide behind the code when your true motives are that you just don't want eager "kids" to join your elite club.

I can't think of any reason why anyone here would be thumping their chest about how "easy" it is now and how "hard" it was for you.

Hello all..

I was wondering if someone could point me to some welcoming, friendly, and inclusive clubs in the Northern Virginia area.

I'm looking to get back into things after about a three year hiatus - my last experience with a club (that not surprisingly no longer exists) left me with a rather bad taste in my mouth and practically turned me off to the hobby.

I'm particularly looking for a club that won't look down on me because of my age (I'm only 28.. that was a big problem in the last one), and is into more than contesting (no offense, just not my thing) and ranting about how horrible ham radio has gotten.

I'm sorry if I come off as negative right now, but I really am interested in getting back into things. I'm a bit rusty, and would really like to get involved with a group that would help get me back up to speed and really be welcoming to new members.

I'm really interested in experimental transmission modes, sats, weather / emergency activities, and think I'd really enjoy being a VE some day. (I really like the idea of helping new people get involved..)

I'm in Western Fairfax county.. any suggestions?  
       

>The confusion was that the FCC will NOT accept a 605
>with an SSN if the name/address matches to someone
>who already holds an FRN. They think (correctly in
>this case) that the user is requesting a second FRN

Are you sure about this? I originally got my first license pre-ULS, and of course registered using my SSN. When I upgraded to General, I used my FRN. However, when I upgraded to Extra, I remember using my SSN - although I'm not sure why; I beleive it was at the request of the VE. Never had any problems or delays.

>There is no use being paranoid about it at all. IF
>IF IF someone wants your SS Number they have many
>ways to obtain it. AND everyone should know that
>when you pay a CPA or a Tax Preparer to do your
>income tax any and ALL of their employees do
>have .the ability to just casually walk over and jot
>down your SS Number and Name

Oh, give me a break. This sounds like the same type of person who doesn't care that someone's tapping their phone because they "have nothing to hide".  Just because SSNs are overused and abused nowadays, doesn't mean you should just willy-nilly give it to whoever asks, because "they can probably get it anyways." Why make an ID thief's job easier? Also, it's not always the VE.. What if a thief broke into a VE's car after a session and stole all the 605s? Not common, I'm sure, but possible. Why make yourself vulnerable if you can avoid it?

Granted, most VEs are upstanding folks and the FCC is a govermnent entity -- but you can't say it's a BAD idea to try to limit the use of your SSN if at all possible.

It's entirely proper and legal to use your FRN on a 605 - and any VE that wouldn't let someone take a test because of this is misinformed and incorrect. Granted, it may not be standard practice -- but that doesn't make it wrong.

Hello.. Just wondering if anyone here has had any experience installing a rig into a 2002 or 2003 Honda CR-V.. I've been looking for a place to pass power leads though the firewall to the battery, and have had zero luck.. I don't like the idea of drilling due to the proximity of the rack-and-pinion, airbag, and throttle controls down there..

Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks..

Chris / AG4WX