July 30, 2018

Find an HF signal from anywhere

With the advent of Software Defined Radios (SDRs) you can now listen to an HF receiver via the Internet. Fortunately, many people have made their SDRs available for public use and listed them on websites. To listen, all you need is an internet connection and a modern web browser. Most cover 1 Mhz to 30 Mhz.

Even better, there are now a host of "extensions" that allow you to use the received signals in a number of ways. One in particular uses "Time Delay of Arrival" (TDoA) to compare the same signal received at two or more SDRs in different locations. Using the clock from an attached GPS receiver at each location, the approximate location of the signal's transmitter can be determined.

It's a relatively complex process that has been made super simple. Read more about the process and find specific steps on how to located a signal here.

July 27, 2018

Hospital repeater to change frequency

The W5ETX repeater located on the UT Health Henderson (formerly ETMC) hospital is changing frequency. According to an email from John Newman (N9JN), an officer with the East Texas Emergency Communications Service (ETECS) in Tyler, the group is shifting the frequency in order to bring a new repeater into the linked system.

John explained, "ETECS purchased the 147.04 MHz repeater in Rusk. Our intent is to include that repeater into the ETECS (W5ETX) system. We wanted to use the 136.5 Hz tone on all of the ETECS repeaters."

"We found that there is another repeater in Livingston at 440 feet also on 147.04 MHz and using a 136.5 Hz tone. When Mike Miles in Lufkin keys up our Rusk repeater, he also bring up Livingston and vise versa."

"So, we have coordinated moving the 147.04 MHz frequency to Henderson and moving the 146.92 MHz frequency to Rusk. Both to have the 136.5 tone. There shouldn’t be an issue with 147.04 MHz and 136.5 tone from Henderson since the antenna is just above the hospital."

"Thomas Moss is programming the Rusk repeater and another set of cans to 146.92 MHz and we will try to get installed in the next week or so. After it is in place, the Henderson repeater will be programmed to 147.04 MHz."

"Additionally, we have discussed ad hoc, on frequency, link to 147.14 MHz in Palestine from Rusk. Moving Rusk to 146.92 allows for additional margin for that link."

July 26, 2018

Tyler ARC hosts monthly "Shop Night"

The Tyler Amateur Radio Club hosts a "Shop Night" each month, allowing guests to test some really nice rigs.

Through the gracious effort of Michael Fowler, W5FOW, club members (and guests) have a monthly hands-on opportunity with quality radios and test equipment. According to the club's website, TylerARC.org, 15 hams gathered to learn more about operating HF radios during the last shop night.

Shop Night happens the first Thursday of each month at about 6 PM, at the DCTexas shop at the southeast corner of Broadway and Front street. Read more on their website.

Shreveport Hamfest set for Aug 10-11

This year, the Shreveport-Bossier Hamfest will encompass two days this year! The event will run August 10-11, 2018  at the Louisiana State Fair Grounds in Shreveport. This year organizers promise it to be, "bigger, better and more of everything."

The hamfest runs Friday afternoon and all day Saturday and includes a fish fry Friday evening. Adults are just $5 for admission and children 12 and under are free. For more details, visit their website: ShreveportHamfest.k5sar.com

Hamfest Schedule:

Friday, August 10.
Set-up, 8am-5pm.
Hamfest Open, 5pm-7pm.
Fish Fry, 7pm.

Saturday, August 11.
Set-up, 6:30am-7:30am.
Hamfest Open, 8am-3pm.