Prepper Ham Radio

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE NET.........

2009-11-23T10:54:00.000-08:00

This actually dovetails nicely with Santa's "Life Lessons Series" Part 4.
Last night while preparing for the 160m meter net, a bunch of operators were on the 1.860 frequency having a very nice ragchew session. They are regulars since the 160m band opened up and they are always very gracious when I ask if I can have the frequency at 9pm for the net. It was no different last night except for one operator that expressed his opinion on our project and the whole Prepper movement in general. It was not directed at me, nor was it nasty or out of line, it was his opinion and he is certainly entitled to it. To kind of condense his thoughts, I'll just say he was calling us a bunch of "Chicken Littles". I thought about this and here are my thoughts....
This operator is, I'm afraid, the norm, rather than the exception. He has lived his life his own way probably not paying a whole lot of attention to things outside his immediate world. When he does pay attention to the news of the day, it has been trimmed and slanted as the Media is so inclined to do. I feel bad for folks like this. It is the goal of this movement and others like it to wake people up. Santa's post lays it out nicely. So read it a couple of times to let it sink in and get to work!!!! There is much to do, we have to be ready WHEN, not IF things get troublesome!!!!!!!!!
73
Dave K7DLB

Life's Lessons Part 4 APRN Goals

2009-11-23T09:48:00.000-08:00

Life's Lessons Part 4

I have enjoyed sharing with you this series of post on how and why the APRN was born and I hope you have enjoyed getting to know just a little about me and how this all happened. Next, I want to share the main goals we have here at the APRN and coming soon I will try to share some of the plans we have in the works to help accomplish the goals listed here.

The goals of the APRN

1. To have established nets run at least 3 nights per week

2. To help educate people that are either new to Ham radio or that are just learning what Ham radio has to offer them.

3. To demonstrate just how functional Ham radio is for communications needs with no grid support at all and also just how versatile the hobby can be with very limited grid support.

4. To be prepared to assist with any need for communications during an emergency or disaster, and to be on the air to help provide communications in the event of a failure of the grid supported forms of communication.

5. To help with educating people of the importance of being prepared to provide for themselves in the event of any type of emergency, rather it be a natural disaster or a man made event that would disrupt the way we live or normal lives.

This is just an outline of the major goals of the APRN and while there may well be more in the future, this will give you some idea about why we are here. If anyone here reading has any ideas or suggestions please use the email contact on the right side of this page.
73 for now
W4DMH
Dave aka Santa
Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

What a GREAT Discussion on 160 meter!!!!!!

2009-11-22T19:26:00.000-08:00

The APRN 160m net was jumping tonite!!!! The topic was changed at the last minute and we moved into a BIG discussion on the Swine Flu shot program. We found that thoughts and opinions were varied. Everybody had their reasons for getting or not getting the shots and those reasons were well founded. It seems that most folks really dug into the research and made some educated decisions!!!!!Thanks to all that checked in tonite and be sure to check in next week, same time, same frequency!!!!!
Tonites Check ins:
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8KWD John, WV
NW8I Del, OH
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
W4DMH Dave, WV
W3ATM Bill, PA New Check in, THANKS!!!!
N8HHG Paul, OH New Check in, THANKS!!!!
K2IPX Bill, NY New Check in, THANKS!!!!
AC0BG Dean, IA
PS: Have a happy Thanksgiving and if you are traveling, PLEASE be careful and have a safe trip!!!!!
73
K7DLB

The APRN 160 meter net tonite is............

2009-11-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

.......Wide open for discussion!!!! Ha!!! Tonite K7DLB will throw the doors to the APRN 160m net wide open for anybody to come in and participate. The discussion tonite will be "What direction do you see Ham Radio going in the next 10 years??". There have been a lot of changes lately, some good, some not so good. We started to touch on this last week with the Morse Code topic. So, tune in and join K7DLB at 0200UTC(9pm Eastern) on 1.860LSB and lets talk it up!!!!!

We need a Net Control operator for 80m Thursday nite net!!!

2009-11-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

Del, NW8I is the victim of a fierce line noise problem that takes him out of the 80m game. Until he finds the problem, we need a new net control operator for that position. If you are interested in picking up that net please click the E-mail button and let us know!!! It is not that hard!!! You do not necessarily have to run a topic every week if you would like to just run a general discussion net. I do have 1 operator interested but I'm not sure if he can do it each week due to other net commitments.

The 80 meter net is all crossed up!!!

2009-11-19T10:22:00.000-08:00

Yup, Del, NW8I has his fingers, toes and eyes crossed so tonite his crazy noise level doesn't return!!! As busy as 8om has been lately Del is going to get the net up and running at 0200utc(9pm eastern) on 3.961LSB or somewhere close. IF he's not there try 3.983LSB or who knows, maybe he'll be playing Follow the Net Control Operator to see who can keep up!!!! We certainly hope you can join in tonite and get in on some good converstation!!!!!!

Ham radio 101

2009-11-19T09:02:00.000-08:00

I am going to start posting some things that everyone interested in Ham Radio will need to learn. I hope that this will help those wanting to get there ticket.(License)

Ham operators have a language they use that many do not know, I will be trying to help you understand what you hear on the airwaves over the next couple of weeks.

Lesson one is going to be the internationally recognized phonetic alphabet. A good use for this other than Ham radio is when you talk with those customer service or tech support people. They are always fumbling for words to spell with phonetically and it throws them for a loop when you spell things back to them with ease using this.

TRY IT YOU WILL LOVE THE RESPONSE YOU GET.

A = ALFA

B = BRAVO

C = CHARLIE

D = DELTA

E = ECHO

F = FOXTROT

G = GOLF

H = HOTEL

I = INDIA

J = JULIETT

K = KILO

L = LIMA

M = MIKE

N = NOVEMBER

O = OSCAR

P = PAPA(PA-PA')

Q = QUEBEC (KAY-BEK')

R = ROMEO

S = SIERRA

T = TANGO

U = UNIFORM

V = VICTOR

W = WHISKEY

X = X-RAY

Y = YANKEE

Z = ZULU (ZED)

1 = ONE

2 = TWO

3 = THREE(TREE)

4 = FOUR

5 = FIVE (FIFE)

6 = SIX

7 = SEVEN

8 = EIGHT

9 = NINE (NINER)

0 = ZERO

The words in parentheses are the pronunciation or the alternate pronunciations for the words or numbers, but you will hear both used. With the letter Z, (ZED) is by far the most commonly used. With the number 9, NINER is the most common and easiest to understand ON THE AIR.

One more thing I will cover today is the use of 73 (best wishes) normally followed by either the persons call sign or de (from) then there call sign.

73 W4DMH or 73 de W4DMH

This would be;

Best wishes radio station W4DMH

Best wishes from radio station W4DMH

There you have the first lesson. Learn it and have fun with it the next time you need it with a call to TECH SUPPORT you will love it.

73 To All

W4DMH

Dave aka Santa

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Ham Radio 101

2009-11-18T10:26:00.000-08:00

I would like to share with our readers today that are either new to ham radio or that are not ham radio operators yet. If you are a prepper and do not plan to become a ham but listen to short wave this may help you as well.

CQ or as it is normally used CQ CQ CQ Normally next you will hear the operator say what band they are on such as 10 meter or 20 meter etc. then followed by there call sign then more often than not CQ CQ then QRZ

CQ - means I wish to contact any amateur station

QRZ - Means Who is calling me and spoken Q R ZED

Now lets cover some more of the common slang you may hear and not understand.

73 or 73's - This stand's for best wishes or best regards

88 or 88's - Hugs and Kisses

Now let me warn you there is a never ending quarrel over having the 's after the number. Well that will continue forever so I do not pay much attention to that.

XYL - Wife

YL - Young Lady (any women that is not married or commonly a girlfriend)

OM - Old Man (A common term like calling another operator a friend)

OT - Old Timer or someone that has been a Ham for a long time

LID - Used to describe a poor operator (using bad habits or being annoying)

HI HI - Laughing (like LOL on a computer)

Ticket - Your Ham license

Machine - A repeater

Rig - Your radio

DX - Long distance normally referred to as communication with a different country

QRM - Interference

QSB - Signals are fading

QSL - Used like saying that you understand what was said or you copy what was said

QSY - Changing frequency

QTH - Where you are located (My QTH is ________ county West Virginia)

This is just a small list but they are some of the most common. If you are a prepper and or new to ham radio please come back often for more info on ham radio and being prepared.

Stay tuned more to come soon

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Life’s Lessons Part 3

2009-11-17T14:11:00.000-08:00

Life’s Lessons Part 3

Being a talker and not a writer.

I want to share with you today how this site you are reading came about. If you have not read all of this series please start with part one to understand the entire story.

I have read a lot about being prepared to survive long term over many years of seeking to learn more about all the ways to do that. Since I am a talker not a writer I have never shared a lot with others via the internet. I got very involved with the sharing of information over the internet in February of 2009. The one thing that has always stuck out in my mind over the years is how many times people have tried to join together over the air via radio. It seems to me that no one ever really tried hard enough or for long enough to get people coming to one place to have a reliable form of communication if all of the grid supported forms were not working. The other thing that stuck in my mind is there were just so many different places that people gathered on the internet and shared information that we needed one place to all come and talk.

I talked to a close friend that is like minded and also a ham about this back in the last part of February 2009. I explained what my goal was and the reply that I remember was that is a lofty goal my friend, now let’s see if you can make it happen. Over a period of several months we again talked about it many times and some ideas were born from those talks. Around that time another friend got interested in this idea and we proceeded. As we spread the word a few more people got interested and we moved forward in creating what you see now. If it were not for several people putting in a lot of effort this would have never become what it is today.

The main focus that I have put in here is getting people from every place there is on the internet to come join us here in a joint effort to spread the word of what being a prepper is. I saw it this way, the word prepper is much more likely to attract new people into this by means of it being a much more kind and gentle way of describing what we are. Many people throughout this entire community have other words they use to describe themselves but when it comes right down to it we can all agree that preparing for whatever is the main ingredient to what we all do.

My focus from the very beginning was to see this some day become a word used world wide to attract new people to the idea of being more prepared. Like my friend told me in the beginning. “That is a Lofty Goal My Friend”. Well we have to start someplace if we ever have the hope of reaching a goal so large. We can do a lot of good if we all dedicate a little of our time to helping to spread the word to others in every way we can.

Ham radio to me was just the most logical place for me to be able to share some of the things that I have learned thru the years that may help others. I am not suggesting to you to give a list of what you have or everything you do. If you are concerned about security by coming and talking with us I do understand that and would suggest that you still can come and join us without telling the world what you have. I personally do not have a fear of sharing what I know with others and it is possible that this may come back to bite me some day in the future but I just do not see it being a real concern.

Being a talker and not a writer is why I chose to use ham radio as the instrument of choice for me to help spread the word. I see ham radio as the tool for me to best help the community as a whole. I truly want to see us grow to the point where if we ever loss grid supported form’s of communication we will all be able to keep in touch via the radio. Now is, ham radio the only way this can be done, of course not but it is certainly the most reliable means and the way to cover great distances easily. I do realize that ham radio is not in the cards for some and I fully understand that. It is a rather expensive undertaking if you have no gear to start with. I would recommend that if you have the equipment and the license that you join us now as it will be very hard to do it during an emergency under stressful conditions. I would go on to recommend that if you have the means and the interest you should begin the journey down the road of communications without further delay. Now is the time to get with it and practice your skills and waiting until the need is there will surly make for some very difficult times for you.

The human desire to communicate is one we should all explore a little more. If you like to go to forum boards and or chat rooms then I encourage you to think what it would be like if they stopped without notice today. Would you know where to go to find the information you are accustomed to enjoying now. I see it this way, we all have a need to communicate with each other, it is just part of our nature. This is the reason that I see a great need for this site and the nets we run. With joining in and participating now you will know where and when like minded people will be on the radio and your skills and equipment will be up and working. Why? Because you will have been using this means of communication all along and not waiting until it is the only thing capable of working.

I will share more of some of the plans we are working on and the goals we have in coming days but in the mean time I hope this has helped some understand a little more for now.
73 all
W4DMH
Dave aka Santa

Also please visit this new site www.imaprepper.org

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Life’s Lessons Part 2

2009-11-16T13:25:00.000-08:00

Life’s Lessons Part 2

Being a student of the school of life lessons and hard knocks

Know on with the next part of this story. Having attended this school of life lessons and hard knocks for most of my life, I can only say that if I talk about something it is because I have either paid attention to someone who has done it and learned from them, or I have done it myself and learned from that experience. Much of what I have learned over the years has not a thing to do with prepping as most would think. I have certainly taken my fair share of hard knocks along the way and maybe a few others shares as well. I have come away from every experience with a little more knowledge and if nothing else I have learned that some of those things may not be a good thing to do.

I am no different than anyone else reading this in the fact I have done things that were not the smartest thing to do, and I don’t even mind admitting to doing more then my fair share of stupid things. I see this as preparing in the sense that you are better prepared to avoid the things that you have taken a hard knock from and the next time you just may have the sense to avoid that situation altogether.

Moving on to what I feel is the most important thing in life having learned most of what I know thru this type of school. The sharing of information is the most important thing we can do. I am not the only student that attends this school and as far as I know there has never been a graduate from this school. The way that I see it is if we all share what we know with others there will never be a lack of knowledge that can be learned. If we all share the knowledge we have there will always be someone out there that is willing to learn from our mistakes and successes. We must just all be willing to share what we know with others.

I have already mentioned the fact that I am not a writer but I am a talker and that is why this page you are reading was created in the first place. I truly believe it is of the utmost importance to have a form of communication we can depend on nearly 100%. I see it as a very real possibility at any given time for any or all of us to be without grid supported forms of communications.

In the next part of this series I will get into what and how we all could and should be doing to make sure we can all communicate with others in the event grid communications are gone.

Santa

There were lotsa good words tonite on the APRN 160m net!!!

2009-11-15T19:36:00.000-08:00

Tonites APRN 160m net topic was Morse Code. When it comes down to it, as Preppers, we need to know CW as it has a lot of low power capabilities to cut through the QRM and other forms of interference. We heard from several operators that have experience in CW and a ton of good ideas for learning CW were passed around.
Tonites Check ins:
N8SFO Phil, WV; New Check in THANKS!!!!
KD8KWD John, WV
W4DMH Dave, WV
KC8ODH John, OH; New Check in THANKS!!!!
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA2SQQ Bob, NJ New Check in THANKS!!!!!
We also want to thank W8LMG, KD8IZZ, N8KUK and Phil,N8SFO for moving to allow us to use the frequency to run the net. THANKS GUYS!!!!!!
So once again, we want everybody that checked in to have a safe week and we hope to see you again next week, same time, same frequency!!!!
73

Some interesting links from tonites net...
N3FJP
AC6V, this site is loaded with resources!!!

The APRN 160m net Is at a loss for words!!!!!!

2009-11-15T10:03:00.000-08:00

Tonite, K7DLB Net Control of the 160m Net for the APRN has decided that Morse Code will be the topic. NO the net will NOT be in code, but we just want to know more about who knows code and can use it proficiently. K7DLB is a dyslexic nightmare of an operator and code is not in his operating resume. Yet. So, if you know CW and can help out those that don't know CW methods of learning Code, please join in and help out!!! Please tune in at 0200UTC (9PM) eastern on 1.860!!!!!!!

Life's Lessons

2009-11-14T10:07:00.000-08:00

Good morning everyone.

I would like to take some time and re-introduce myself to everyone reading here. Then I will get in to some goals that I have and want to share with you today.

First off my Ham radio call sign is W4DMH and my name is David M Hill Sr. I am located in Hampshire County West Virginia. I operate a very small excavating company here with the help of my son. I was born and raised just 3 miles outside of Washington D.C. While young I spent a lot of time going to southern Maryland and enjoying time on the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern shore of Maryland. I also spent time every summer on my Grand parent’s small farm in upstate New York. As a young man starting a family I landed in southern Maryland first but as the city grew I began my quest for a more rural life. I started my journey in the state of Virginia by moving first to Fauquier County and then on to Loudoun County. I continued my journey by moving North West until landing where I am now in the beautiful Mountain state of West Virginia.

I have been a Heavy Equipment operator for most of my life but have also dabbled in many other fields as well over the years. I have also had a license to drive big trucks most of my adult life. I now have my own heavy equipment and am much like every one else in trying to weather this economic crisis we are currently in. I am a hand’s on type of person and always have been. I enjoy building things myself and have spent a lot of time searching for knowledge on just how things work that we use everyday. I have always done my own repairs on everything in the home and have done my own mechanical work all of my life.

I have spent most of my life hanging around with people much older then myself because I always enjoyed listening and learning from there life experiences. I am a people person and can sit and chat with someone on just about any subject they want to talk about. I have been a firm believer in the rule that the only stupid question is the one that never gets asked. Over the years I have often thought that people must get sick of answering all of my questions. Now that my hair and beard have turned gray and almost white I now realize why the people that I asked questions of all my life never got frustrated with me. You see what I have learned over the last few years is that as we grow older and mature we find a need to share what we have learned over the years with others that are willing to listen.

I am not a college educated person with degrees but I have had a quest for knowledge all of my life. I like to refer to myself as a student even today and not a graduate of any kind. You see I have been going to school in a way all of my life and everyday I still try my best to learn something new. I have heard many people say that they are a graduate of the school of hard knocks but I like to consider myself a student of the school of life lessons and hard knocks. I do not believe my quest for more knowledge will ever stop but I do know that my desire to share the knowledge that I have, has grown in the last year. I am not to be considered an expert on anything at all, but I am more then happy to share with anyone willing to listen to the things that I do know about.

I should warn you that in School my worst two subjects were English and spelling so please bear with me as writing is most definitely not easy for me. If it was not for spell check you may not even be able to read this at all. You see I am a talker not a writer and trust me when I tell you that keyboards and me do not get along at all. This will bring me to why I am writing this piece to share with you all.

Only thru communicating can we help others throughout the world.
Life is too precious and fragile to not share.

This is our family's newest addition and is the first great grand baby. Lillian Marie and she was born at just 22 weeks but you would never know it today. This is the first time that my son and I have taken care of her with no one home but us. Now you see why I say that life is to precious and fragile to not share.

Part 2 coming Monday
Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Tonite KD8JPQ is the Boss of the APRN 80m net

2009-11-12T01:59:00.000-08:00

Tonite, Jeff KD8JPQ grabs the oars and he will row the APRN 80m net out into the murky sea of the 80 meter band. So, please check in and see what he has up his sleeve for tonite's topic!!!!! Remember, we will start out on 3.961LSB at 0200UTC, 9pm eastern, but sometimes it gets a bit rough and we have to move around a bit. But, that is part of the fun!!!!! Hope to hear ya there!!!!!

Today is Veterans Day.

2009-11-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Please take a couple of minutes and remember our Veterans. They gave so much to defend the Freedom that we all enjoy. Today, if you know a Vet, take him or her out to supper or out for a coffee. Be sure at least to thank them for their service. If you see a soldier out at the mall or the diner, buy their dinner, and say THANKS!!!! These folks deserve our utmost respect!!!!!!

A well Grounded net for sure!!!!!

2009-11-08T21:20:00.000-08:00

Tonites 160m APRN net was really interesting. We discussed how we ground our stations and passed some ideas and opinions along. The subject of grounding is about like antennas, everybody does it different, but the result is the same. Actually, tonite we found that we do about the same thing and it works!!! It is K.I.S.S. simple but effective.
Tonites check ins were
K7DLB Net Control
W4DMH Dave, WV
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8KWD John, WV
KB3CXQ Shaun, WV
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH

The 160 Meter APRN net will be well grounded.

2009-11-07T19:40:00.000-08:00

Sunday night the APRN net will be discussing grounding. We will try to discuss just how do we do it???? There are dozens of methods of grounding and let's talk about what works!!!
So please tune in and participate!!!!!
K7DLB will be lighting the fires at 9pm Eastern(0200UTC)on 1.860LSB, so tune in!!!!!

Fort Hood Texas

2009-11-06T02:04:00.000-08:00

As most know by now, there was a mass shooting at Fort Hood Texas Thursday afternoon. We will not get into the opinions or details here. But, please, everyone that reads this, offer up a moment of silence and lift up the victims and their families in Prayer.
These fine folks have put their lives on the line in defense of our Freedom and to have something happen like this is just not right......

out
K7DLB

The APRN 80 Meter Net was all abuzz!!!!!

2009-11-06T01:57:00.000-08:00

That's right, Del NW8I Net control for the APRN 80m net had some sort of line noise that just wiped out his receive. So, Dean AC0BG jumped in and did some great work to salvage the evening. Great job guys and once again that just goes to show how 2 Hams working together can get the job done!!!!!
Tonites check ins were:
Del NW8I, OH
Dean AC0BG, IA
W2IF Scott KY
KD8JPQ Jeff OH
KD8KWD John WV
KJ4CMG Berb KY

Thanks to all that checked in and a BIG THANKS to Dean for stepping in!!!!!

The APRN Thursday 80m Net

2009-11-05T02:16:00.000-08:00

Starring Del, NW8I lifts off at 0200UTC (9pmEastern)on 3.961 or close to it depending on band conditions.
Tonites topic will be "The modern resurgence of spark gap transmitters".........
Well, not really. But, tune in to find out what Del has up his sleeve for us as he fires up his rig and dims the lights in the neighborhood to guide the APRN through another fun and informative net. Please tune in and participate!!!!!

The APRN 160m net was an ICOM net!!!!!!!

2009-11-01T20:41:00.000-08:00

The discussion tonite was "What radio and equipment are you running?" Most of our participants tonite were running Icom equipment and a variety of antennas. Most were equipped to be able to hook to emergency power if needed and that is good. Anderson PowerPoles came up again and some more information was put out about them. The discussion was lively and we welcomed Mat W2AOJ from NJ to the list of Checkins!!!!
Tonites list included:
K7DLB Dave, MD, Net Control
KB3SJQ Ben, PA a new Checkin. THANKS Ben!!!!
W2AOJ Mat, NJ a new Checkin. THANKS Mat!!!!!
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA

Once again THANKS!! To all that participated tonite and have a safe week and we'll catch you right back here next Sunday, Same time, Same Frequency!!!!

Tonite's 160m net wants to know.............

2009-11-01T08:53:00.000-08:00

Well, you're just going to have to tune in and find out!!!!!!! Nothing like a little SUSPENSE on this day after Halloween.....So, everybody, quit raiding the bags of candy and tune in to 1.860LSB and find out what K7DLB has in store for tonites net.(We promise he won't say BOO and we're trying to get him to keep his mask ON 'cuz it is an improvement....) So, please check out the APRN 160m net tonite at 0200 UTC (9pm EST).

DON'T FORGET!!!! Turn them clocks back!!!!

2009-10-31T11:26:00.000-07:00

That's right!!!It's that time of year again and tonite we turn our clocks back to standard time.
You don't wanna be late for the 160m net tomorrow now do ya???????
Also, now is the time to replace the smoke alarm batteries as well. With my wife's cooking, our smoke alarms get a good workout, but I check them out anyways!!!!!

The APRN 80 Meter Net made the CONNECTION!!!!

2009-10-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Thursday night the APRN 80 meter net was plugged in by Del,NW8I and the discussion was lively and interesting!!! The topic was Anderson Power Pole connectors and their many uses and styles. These little connectors have made life alot easier for many Hams as the discussion proved out!!!!
Here is the check in list:

KM4DA-Willie-Lake Forest NC- new checkin

WA1HHN-Walt-Mass

Kd8JPQ-Jeff-OH

AC0BG-Dean-IA

W1LCR-Frank-Goshen, CT new checkin

N8TAH-Keven-OH

K0nwt-Newt-Decator,GA new checkin and QRP. Newt had about a 5/5 to 5/6 sig
with 5 watts! Newt is the APRN 1st QRP checkin!!!! Great job Newt and we hope to hear you again soon!!!!!

Many THANKS!! to all the participated in the Net and please be sure to check in every Thursday!!! Remember, the APRN is always looking to put up new nets on different bands and modes, so, please stay tuned!!!!!!

The APRN 80 Meter Net is CONNECTED!!!!

2009-10-29T01:38:00.000-07:00

Tonite at 0100 UTC (9pm Eastern),Del, NW8I will bring the APRN 80 meter net to life on 3.961LSB or somewhere close. The topic tonite will be a discussion about Anderson PowerPole connectors. So if you have any hints suggestions, thoughts, gripes or comparisons please join in the discussion!!!! We hope to hear you there!!!!!!

The American Preppers Radio Net Mission Statement

2009-10-27T19:39:00.000-07:00

The American Preppers Radio Net Mission Statement

Our goal is to use this net to teach people to learn to become more self reliant and less dependent on outside help. We also will focus our efforts on Fellowship among any and all Ham Radio Operators new or old, as well as preppers, which would like to join us. We also want to focus on trying to establish a network of Ham’s everywhere, to aid and assist with communications of like minded people, should any or all of the grid supported communications be down.

What we do not want to happen is for this to become a stuffed shirt unfriendly net like so many. Our whole purpose for creating this net is to help people, to Teach people, and to provide communication assistance. We also welcome people to both the world of Ham radio and of how to become more Prepared in the truest sense of the word. Political debate or discussion will not be welcome, religious debate and discussions should be avoided. Radical view points on any topic will not be welcome. There are plenty of places for that besides the Ham Radio in our opinion.

If you do not have a problem with this than we welcome you, and will help you and encourage you to be a part of this net, in any capacity which you want to participate. We are looking for people to take net control responsibilities, help with relay during the net, or anything else you feel you want to help with. We are open to any suggestions you may have, and we also encourage you to help with test that we may conduct on different bands as well.

We are new and we do want for this to become a place of fellowship and goodwill in the Ham and prepper communities. The concept of this net came about as our net was born on Thursday July 16 2009 and our web page was created on Thursday July 23 2009, just so you know how new this all is.

September 01 2009 we have added a forum board to help with support of the net. This is the place where everyone can come and join us rather they are Ham radio operators or not. As stated above we want all like minded people to join us and learn what they can do to have communications ability without grid support.

If you are still interested in helping please let us know and we will forward a copy of the Net's Preamble to you for you to look over. Please use the Santa's Mailbag button on the right side of the page to email use.

THE NEW APRN STORE!!!!

2009-10-25T23:23:00.000-07:00

We now have our own APRN store up and running!! There are a variety of images and items available and more are being added!!!!
If you are interested in a particular item, click on that item and you will see a box that says "customize it". There you can choose different background colors and font designs to suite your tastes. So, go on in the store and choose from many items and logo designs and have some fun!!!!!
Also, we are offering custom Call Sign, CB Handle or name mousepads set in the design similar to the APRN Eagle logo. You will see how it will look with an example in the store using Dave's W4DMH call sign. A great gift idea for the Holidays or Birthday!!!!! There is a 3-7 character limit.
So, click on the store logo on the right sidebar and support the APRN and get a kool item as well!!!!! If you need any help, email me at d.beaver@myactv.net.

The APRN 160m Net rides again!!!!

2009-10-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

Tonite Jeff KD8JPQ Took the reigns of the APRN 160 meter net and drove it like a pro!!! He had 5 check ins and they talked about a variety of subjects. Once again the APRN and K7DLB thanks Jeff for stepping in and doing a fine job!!!!!
Tonites Check ins:

AC8EM Mike,OH
NW8I Del,OH
N8TAH Kevin,OH
AC0BG Dean,IA
KD8KWD John,WV

Very cool antenna launcher

2009-10-25T12:57:00.000-07:00

There is a link up to Steve's web site on the left sidebar

SUNDAY!!! SUNDAY!!!! The APRN 160m Net is set!!!

2009-10-24T10:59:00.000-07:00

Once again this Sunday the APRN 160 net is prepared for take off on 1.860LSB at 0100UTC (9pm eastern).
This week Jeff, KD8JPQ is running the show and the topic will be "What were your WORST prep ideas?". Now that outta be interesting!!!! Remember, we've all bumped into a wall where we thought there was a door now and then, so let's all be honest and fess up!!!!!
We hope to hear you on Sunday night!!!!!

Del, NW8I SAVES THE DAY!!!!!!

2009-10-23T03:56:00.000-07:00

Somehow things got crossed up and Del,NW8I, a regular here on the APRN salvaged the Thursday Night APRN 80 Meter Net. THANKS DEL!!!!!
He reports a short net but The discussion centered around Webbots, Amp Repair and Antennas.
Besides Del, there was Walt, WA1HHN, and Dean AC0BG checking in.
We are working on getting some bugs worked out of the net schedules so PLEASE stay tuned for more information!!!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY APRN!!!!!

2009-10-23T03:39:00.000-07:00

Today is the APRN's 3rd(month) birthday!!!!! This project was started July 23rd 2009. Geez, it seems like yesterday.......
Well after 12,000 hits and some growing pains the future looks bright here. There is alot planned for the APRN and things may seem a bit slow now, but WATCH OUT!!!! Stay tuned.
Thanks to all that support the APRN by running one of our nets, giving us ideas and checking into our nets on a regular basis. WE APPRECIATE IT!!!!!!!!

This is one of the better videos on Backpacking Ham Radio!!!

2009-10-18T20:30:00.000-07:00

These Hams did a really good job of documenting their trip. Take a look!!!!!

Rats... The Band was short tonite!!!!!

2009-10-18T19:03:00.000-07:00

The American Preppers Radio Net 160 Meter net was fighting noise and just generally bad conditions tonite. We had a short talk about what we do to keep mice out of our preps as this is the time of year that they start to come inside. This weeks check ins were

NW8I Del,OH
N8BIT Dave, MI
KD8USA Ty, MI
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
VE3BY Carl Ontario, Canada. Carl,you didn't get on the map. Google put you over in the Horn of Africa!!! THANKS for checking in!!!
Next week, K7DLB will be taking a break, so Jeff KD8JPQ will be minding the store. So, lets all give him writers cramp and check into the net!!!!!!
73's
Have a Safe week!!!!!
K7DLB

2009-10-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

To everyone,

Yes even the SWL (please leave email here if you do copy us on 40m)

Not much notice but lets try a quickie informal SSB voice net this afternoon on 40 meters.

TIME - 3 PM Eastern
FREQ - 7.198 LSB
alt1 - 7.195 LSB
alt2 - 7.201 LSB
alt3 - 7.180 LSB

I have been thinking we might get better coverage by trying "daytime" on 40m vs the evening or 'grey line' propagation.
I will run Net Logger. Hope you can join in.

Larry kb0emb

Through rain, snow and the dark of night.....The 160m net takes off Sunday Night!!!!

2009-10-17T03:23:00.000-07:00

Yup, time flies when your havin fun and K7DLB is once again preparing for the APRN 160m net on Sunday night at 0100 UTC (9pm Eastern). This weeks topic will be dangers to your preps. We will talk about Rats, Mice, bugs and other things that can ruin your day if they get into your food storage.
So, come one, come all and join in the discussion on 1.860 LSB!!!!!

Tuesday Night APRN net

2009-10-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

The American Preppers Radio Net takes to the air tonight at 2359Z (UTC)

Lee K4USS has informed us that the net tonight will be on the 80 meter band at 3.961 for the first part of the net. Lee has been very busy installing new antennas for the 40 meter band and will move the net to the 40 meter band immediately after closing the 80 meter net. The 40 meter move will go to 7.198 as soon as we wrap up the 80 meter net.

A lot of people liked the 40 meter net but it has been very unkind to us recently so with a little luck and some people to make the move just maybe we can get that band to work for us again. Everyone that can do 40 meter please come join the net tonight and help us out with this test run to see if all the antenna work Lee has done pays off.

The topic for tonight will be How to Survive an Economic Meltdown.

Short List!!!! GREAT Conversation!!!!!!!

2009-10-11T19:22:00.000-07:00

The APRN 160 meter net went off as scheduled tonite and the check in list was short but we were long on the conversation!!!! We had an open mike night with a topic kicker about water pumps. Here is a website with a TON of info that EVERYBODY should check out!!!! http://www.backwoodssolar.com/.
Tonites check in list:

W4DMH Dave, WV
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH.
K7DLB Dave, MD Net Control.
So, thanks to all that participated and we hope you have a safe week and we'll catch ya next week, same time, same frequency!!!!

PS. K7DLB will need a substitute Net Control operator for the 160m net Sunday Oct 25. Please click the Email button and let us know if you can help!!! It's not hard. Heck, if K7DLB can do it......ANYBODY CAN!!!!!

WOW!!!! It's almost that time again!!!!

2009-10-10T09:40:00.000-07:00

Yup, here it is the weekend again and K7DLB is outside staring at his 160 meter wire making sure it is ready for another go at the APRN 160 meter net at 0100 UTC(9pm)eastern) on Sunday night. His neighbors think he is a bit nuts because his yard looks like a landing zone for UFO's with all of the antennas out there!!!!
The topic will be an open mic format with a short(or long) continuation of last weeks water storage topic.
So, come one come all and join in the discussion!!! Bring your thinking caps and comments and questions.

Thursday night 10-08-09 on 80 meter

2009-10-08T22:21:00.000-07:00

The Thursday night net was another fine one. The net started on the alternate frequency of 3.983 but soon moved back to it's home of 3.961. It seems there is a group of hams that have recently moved from another frequency to 3.960 so just before the net started we moved to the alt. frequency.

Well shortly into the net 3.983 became the place everyone wanted to be..... Welcome to the wonderful 80 meter band. AC0BG looked for another freq. and we soon moved back to what seems to be our home.3.961

After the move the signals were much better at first but soon begain to go up and down.

All in All we had a great net tonight....The first topic was actually the announcement of plans that are still in the infant stages of developing......The APRN has been looking into doing a DXpedition to Cape Brenton Island in Canada.... More on this later as plans develop......

Next we did a open mic round tonight like last week as everyone really seemed to like that..........

In the end as always the dedicated members that make up the APRN stuck to there guns (or mics) and managed to get in several rounds of comments before the net was closed and the freq. returned to regular amateur use.

W4DMH...... Dave.......WV.......Net Control

AC0BG.......Dean.......IA

WA1HHN ......Walt.......MA

KD8HDP...... Justin.......MI

KD8JPQ......Jeff..............OH

Thursday Night 80 Meter Net

2009-10-08T16:57:00.000-07:00

The 80 Meter net is on for tonight so come join in at 0100Z (UTC) at 3.961 or 3.983

There will be an announcement tonight about something that may interest people so we will go for a round of comments and see what others think.

The second round for comments will again be a OPEN MIC round like last week. Get your notes out and go over them and see if there is anything we have talked about that you would like to ask questions of other members or just comment with something you have learned on that topic.

Hope to see you on the air tonight once again remember to tell a friend and come join the fun.

Tuesday Night APRN Net

2009-10-05T20:42:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday night APRN net takes to the air again on it's new 80 Meter location at 3.961 with alt 3.983 at 2359Z (UTC)

Please come join Lee K4USS as he surfaces once again in time to take to the air.

Lee has not disclosed the topic for the net yet so you may have to just come join the us to find out.

The Tuesday night net has gone thru some real growing pains lately but worked very well on the 80 Meter band last week. Everyone please spread the word to everywhere you can so we can get as many as we can to join in the fun.

The APRN 160m Net was a real "SPLASH"!!!!

2009-10-04T19:51:00.000-07:00

The topic tonite was water storage and the group really jumped in and we had a super discussion!!! There were lots of ideas and everybody was getting writers cramp with the amount of info and ideas that came up during the net. Hopefully we can continue this topic as research gets done because everybody realizes that water is probably the most important resource for us to survive. Thanks for a GREAT discussion and we'll see you all next week same time, same frequency!!!!
Check in list:

W4DMH Dave, WV
AC0BG Dean, IA. Dean had a great signal tonite and lots of good info!!!!
AC8EM Mike, OH
NW8I Del, OH
KJ4LY Charles, GA Charles is a newcomer to the net. THANKS!! And we hope to hear from you again!!!
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
KB0EMB Larry, MO
Once again 73's to all that participated
K7DLB Net Control

Hear Ye Hear Ye!!!!! The 160 net will be all wet!!!!

2009-10-03T08:35:00.000-07:00

Tacky isn't it!!!! K7DLB net control for the APRN 160m net is wringing his hands and wringing his brain to get ready for Sunday nites APRN 160m net. This week we will start to talk a bit about water storage. Hopefully net control won't be all wet. So, think about the topic and be sure to check in on Sunday nite a 0100UTC(9pm eastern) on 1.860LSB.

Living off grid

2009-10-02T13:24:00.000-07:00

This is not a new video but I wanted to put this up because this has become a very talked about subject during the nets. Hope everyone enjoys this.

Now for you DIY type this will at least give some ideas of what can be done.

Part two

Yet another system to consider

80 meter net report 1- 1 - 09

2009-10-01T21:03:00.000-07:00

The 80 Meter net for 10-1-09 once again has gone above and beyond all I every thought would happen with this net. We started with the topic of how do you think we could improve the nets and websites. Some had very good suggestions that we will need to work on but most thought we were doing fine.

For the second round of comments the topic became what I referred to as OPEN MIC NIGHT. I was not sure how this would work out when I put up the net announcement but wanted to try it anyway. What I wanted to do with this is give everyone that makes this net possible a chance to talk on the subject they wanted to know more about. I have to admit this was initially because some topics seem to get very little attention . It is very hard to come up with 3 or more topics every week that are of intrest to everyone.

Well let me tell you this turned out to be the most lively net I have done to date. The topics were from A to Z and there were people that joined in and shared information willingly beyond my wildest dreams. I want to Thank everyone that took part in this net and was so willing to contribute. Without all of the great participation form all this net would truly not be possible. The 80 Meter net rocks once again.

73 to all

W4DMH

Santa

W4DMH....Dave....WV....Net Control

WA1HHN....Walt....MA

KB4MSU....Robert.......OH

NW8I....Del.....OH

W4SQL....Landy....SC

K4USS....Lee....VA

KD8HDP.....Justin....MI

KD8JPQ....Jeff....OH

Thank you all

Thursday Night 80 Meter Net

2009-10-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

Santa is back tonight fir the APRN Thursday night net.
Everyone please come join in the fun tonight.
The place is 3.961 on your radio dial.
We will use 3.983 as the alternate.
The time will be 0100 Z (UTC)
Tonight the first topic for the net will be, How Do You Think We Can Improve The Net. After discussion on this we will have a round of OPEN MIC when everyone will have a chance to ask any questions or bring up any topic they have had fun with before. Everyone please give this some thought and feel free to bring up whatever you want. We have had some topics in the past that continue to be very popular so feel free to bring any of them up again tonight. Everyone please come join and remember to tell a friend to come join the fun.
73
W4DMH
Santa

40 Meter net turns 80 Meter net out of necessity.

2009-09-30T01:11:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Night 40 Meter net turns 80 Meter net out of necessity on the fly. Lee K4USS took to the air on 40 meters at 2359 Z on Tuesday night for the APRN 40 Meter net. Well folks if you were not there you missed it as Lee took the 40 meter net and multiplied it by 2 and we ended up on 80 meter. Lee has tried very hard to get the ripples work out for the 40 meter net but they just keep coming back even stronger. With several weeks of giving it his all on 40 it was the straw that broke the camels back as once again 40 meter shut the net net down in record time.

The net was quickly moved to 80 meter at 3.983 and the net came back to life there. Those that were watching on Netlogger (which by the way is a free download on the left sidebar of this page) saw the change in the almost instant messenger window and knew exactly where to go.

The topic for the net was WHAT TYPE OF DISASTERS DO YOU NEED TO PREPARE FOR IN YOUR PARTICULAR AREA.

To all our regulars that missed us please note that the Tuesday night net will now be at 2359 Z (UTC) on 3.961 or as a alternate 3.983 so make a note and please do come and join us at the new location next week.

40 Meter net with Lee K4USS

2009-09-29T11:12:00.000-07:00

The American Preppers Radio Net 40 meter version will come to life again tonight at 2359Z (UTC) as Lee K4USS once again takes to the air. Folks the 40 meter band has been ruff and tuff for us so don't be surprised if Lee lets us know something new for the Tuesday night net. Rumor has it that there may be some changes in the works by Lee. So everyone please come and join in on the fun and keep your ear to the speaker for any clues as to what may be happening on Tuesday nights for the future.

Net controls for the APRN are free to do what ever they want to do with the net on there night. (almost anyway) I have been told by a reliable source that Lee has some top secret plans for his night on the air and it is possible we may be clued in on what they are tonight. I sure hope his plans don't include going underwater for the net. Keep in mind he did spend time on subs during his Navy days.

Come one come all and please do tell a friend to come join in

The Noise Really "Dried us out"!!!!!

2009-09-27T20:43:00.000-07:00

The APRN 160m net topic tonite was "Dehydrating Foods Basics" and lets just say the band was really overboard with noise tonite!!! In spite of the noise we had a thought provoking discussion and we all have some new things to consider and try out.
Tonites Check Ins were:
W4DMH Dave, WV
Kd8JPQ Jeff, OH
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA
AC8EM, Mike, OH
K0CKD Dennis, SC
K7DLB Dave, MD Net Control.
Once again THANKS!!!! to all that checked in and have a safe week!!!See you Same time, Same Frequency!!!
73's
K7DLB

ANOTHER HAM SAVES THE DAY!!!!!

2009-09-26T14:19:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to Del, NW8I for jumping in and running the 80 meter net on Thursday nite!!!! He ran the net like a pro and had a real good discussion going. There really was no topic but it was kind of a review of some of the discussions from nets past. MANY THANKS DEL!!!!!
Please remember, it is not hard to run a net. We do need some alternate Net Control Stations to run any one of our nets. Please consider it and let either Dave W4DMH or Dave K7DLB know if you can help!!!!!

Update!!!

Email from Del;

Hi Dave,

I saw that the 80 mtr net was canceled for tonight. I thought maybe their might be a few guys that hadn't gotten the word or were just giving a listen anyway. About 0105 Z I asked if anyone wanted to check in and believe it or not their were several.

kb4msu Robert Eaton, OH - 1st time checkin

ki4hee Bob SC

n8tah Keven near E. Wheeling, WVA

kd8jpq Jeff

kd8kwd John

kb8jnz Steve Indiana, PA

I announced the official net had been cancelled so we just had an unofficial net.

I couldn't remember what the topic of discussion was supposed to be so we talked a little food storage and a lot of emergency power. The guys had some really good input on novel ways of providing power and different combination's of doing it.

I closed the net down at 0205Z but a couple of the guys talked a little longer.

Its hard to remember who said what but one suggestion was using a weedeater to run a 125 amp alternator which seemed to work very well. Another suggestion was to burn wood in such a way as to produce fuel to fed to a carburetor to run a generator and the guys discussed using steam generators as well. For an off the cuff net it went pretty well.

The band conditions were pretty good for about an hour then the QRM and QRN picked up right at the end.

Dave there is a lot of interest in the topics the nets been discussing. Most everyone is better prepared than myself but they have great info to share.

73s

Del - nw8i

This just goes to show what I have said all along, The people involved in Ham radio are more than willing to jump in and get involved and help. Thanks a bunch Del.
Santa

80 Meter net for 9-24-09

2009-09-24T15:18:00.000-07:00

I hate to do this but the 80 meter net for tonight is canceled. I will be back next week so please do come back and join us. The net had to be sacrificed due to a paying job tonight that will interfere with the time the net is done. I hope everyone understands this and comes and joins us next week same time same place as usual.

Let me remind everyone we are looking for Operators to do Net Control for this very reason.

73 All

W4DMH

Santa

40 meter net with K4USS as net control

2009-09-22T06:26:00.000-07:00

Please come join the 40 meter net tonight. Remember it is now in the new time slot of 2359Z (UTC). Lee K4USS is back in the saddle and ready to ride the airwaves again. Lee has been busy installing a new antenna so help him give it a workout tonight and come join in on the topic for tonight's net. Lee has never got the topic of alternative heating systems on the air so look for that to be the topic for tonight's net. I truly hope the band will be much better tonight with the new time slot. Come one and all and bring a friend. Thank you all for the prayers last week for Lee's speedy recovery from surgery.

Food, Spam and canning!!!!! The 160m net made us HUNGRY!!!!

2009-09-20T20:01:00.000-07:00

Once again the discussion was lively on tonite's subject, "Food Storage and Methods". We discussed canning, shelving, Spam, and touched on dehydration tonite. Everybody had some real good points and I'm sure we all learned something new!!!
Tonites check ins were:
W4DMH Dave, West Virginia, Net Logger and BNC
WA1HHN Walt, Massachuesetts
NW8I Del, Ohio
KD8JPQ Jeff, Ohio
N8NMJ Mike, Maryland
KB1JQA Phil, Connecticut
The list was small but the conversation was great!!! Thanks to all that participated on the net as well as on NetLogger!!!
We will look for everybody next week, same time same frequency!!!!!
73's and have a safe week!!!!!
K7DLB

Let's stay on top of the TOP BAND NET!!!!!!

2009-09-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

K7DLB, Net Control for the 160m APRN Net has sent up smoke signals announcing that the topic for Sundays Net is going to be,"What foods are best for long term storage". This will be the first in a series of "Basic Prepping, Getting started discussions" Actually, the smoke signals were coming from his brain as he was trying to think of a subject!!!!!!
So please check in at 9PM Eastern on 1.860LSB and participate in the discussion!!! Who knows, you may just learn something or maybe you have some good information to share!!!!!!

80 Meter net results for 9-17-09

2009-09-17T20:07:00.000-07:00

Another great net tonight. They just keep getting better every week as we grow. The topic tonight was Gardening and trust me folks every one had something to add to the discussion. We had a variety ranging from a 130 acre working farm to people doing Square foot gardening due to space limitations.

We have set a new distance record for the 80 meter net tonight with a check in from Iowa to here in West Virginia. By the map it sure does look like roughly half way across the country to me. As winter approaches look for us to reach even greater distances on a regular basis.

Thank you all that take part in this net, because without you it would not be possible. The 80 meter net proves again to be a winner.
73 to all
W4DMH
Santa

Check in list

W4DMH ... WV ... Dave... Net Control

N8BIT/P... MI... Dave

N8TAH ... OH ... Kevin (using his roof for his antenna)

W4SQL ... SC ... Landy

KD4OWY ... AL... Nathan

AC8EM ... OH ... Mike

KD8KWD ... WV ... John

AI4JA ... SC... Gary

AC0BG ... IA... Dean (A distance record for the 80 meter net)

KD8HDP ... MI... Justin

There you it have as we put the wraps on another one.

80 meter net comes to life again tonight

2009-09-17T12:06:00.000-07:00

Once again Santa will take to the air on the 80 meter net. Everyone please come join the fun and bring a friend.

The topic for tonight will be Gardening and how do you see this fitting into your long term plans.

Hope everyone gives this some thought before time for the net. See you tonight on the 80 meter net on or near 3.961 at 0100Z (UTC)

Digital Net Update!!!

2009-09-16T10:17:00.000-07:00

Larry, KB0EMB,AKA Ozark Hiker, one of our Digital Gurus, is planning to try a bunch of new nets on various days and times. He will post them up over on the Forum so please click on the sidebar link to the Forum and get in to the Digital Modes thread to keep up to date for frequency and times!!!!!

40 meter net report for 9-15-09

2009-09-16T01:41:00.000-07:00

Here ya go folks....The 40 meter net Tuesday night was a little different than our normal nets...Lee K4USS was not able to run the net do to surgery Tuesday morning so all please pray for his speedy recovery and return....The night started as Dave W4DMH called to see if anyone was on frequency...Well with the ability to receive in the Mountains of West Virginia once again very hampered WA1HHN one of the nets regular check-ins jumped in and was able to copy and spread the word for W4DMH that he had zero receive....Walt WA1HHN jumped to the rescue with no copy of the preamble and saved the day for those waiting for the net....He copied 4 stations on frequency for the net and talked with them and explained the problem....Our hat is off to you Walt for saving the day at the very last second literally... Ahhh the joys of Ham radio and the wonderful people involved in it, always willing to help any way they can....The map is not a true representation of the net with the lines but it adds Me to any map I make automatically so imagine all the lines starting at WA1HHN instead...If my list is correct it looks like we had 2 new check-ins K4GMI and KM4DA so we hope they will come back again and We Welcome them to the APRN...
Net report from WA1HHN

WA1HHN MA Walt Fill In Net Control

K4GMI FL John

KM4DA NC Willy

KB 0EMB MO Larry

KD8JPQ OH Jeff

Thank you all for checking in under some really tough conditions and a special thanks to Walt WA1HHN for his rescue of the net.

40 Meter net tonight same place but new time

2009-09-15T07:36:00.000-07:00

Come join the fun same place 40 meter on or near 7.198 but starting at a new time 2359Z (UTC) or 8pm Eastern. Come one and all and do bring a friend. Sit down and get comfy and tune in for K4USS to take to the air once again. The topic for tonight's net will be alternative heating. Make notes and let us know what your plans are on this very important topic. Winter is coming and now is the time to start thinking of how to stay warm for those long cold nights ahead.

And another fine Net you've gotten me into!!!!

2009-09-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

The 160m band was wiggling all over the place tonite but we managed to squeeze another good net with some great discussion about battery power. Here are the links for some further reading and research. For the link on solar power, click here. For the link on wire sizing, click here.

Please check out the homepages for both of these sites!!!!!
Tonites check ins:
K7DLB Dave, Maryland, Net control
W4DMH Dave, West Virginia, Net Logger, Backup NC
AC0BG Dean, Iowa
W2GZB Dan, New Jersey
WA1HHN Walt, Massachusetts
KD8JPQ Jeff, Ohio
K4USS Lee, Virginia
N8XKJ Layton, Ohio
N8BIT Dave, Michigan

Don't forget to sign up over on the Forum!!!! also, E-mail or post up topics for next weeks net!!!!!
Thanks to all that checked in and have a safe week!!!
73
K7DLB

Don't forget!!! 160 is the NET!!!!!!

2009-09-12T08:41:00.000-07:00

Join us this Sunday at 9pm eastern for the APRN 160m net on 1.860. This week we will wrap up the discussions we have been having on emergency/battery power. Please come and join in to share the results of any research or ideas you may have on this topic!!!
K7DLB, net control, will make sure the wire is good and straight and the Kenwood is warmed up!!!!!

DIGITAL NET!!!!!!!

2009-09-11T09:57:00.000-07:00

This is gonna be good!!!!!

Larry, KB0EMB will be running a Digital Net Saturday. Here is his post from the forum.

OK gang, this Saturday @2000 UTC (4 PM eastern) I'll fire up the script to start the first APRN digital net on a frequency of 14.071.5 (USB or DIG) BPSK-31 mode ~1000 Hz on the waterfall. I should be operating portable (may have rain, so maybe not portable) with a net duration of 30-60 minutes.

Those not having an interface can still monitor, all that is needed is a microphone on the PC soundcard MIC input. Just place the MIC in proximity to the radio speaker and run Digipan or other PSK-31 mode software. A reverse can be done to transmit, just hold the radio microphone close to the PC speakers and key the radio as you click the software TX button. They call this "acoustical coupling" & while not the best system - it does work. If you don't have PC software for PSK-31 take a look at this URL http://www.digipan.net/

Likely future digital nets will be held on 40 meters, as an NCS can hear 'close' stations much better and 40 meters is not nearly as crowded for digital. I'd also propose that later on we try different modes. Some offer much faster transfer of data, to the point of being much faster than people can type or read, those modes are good for transferring a "larger" text file in shorter periods of time.
There is a program called MMSSTV (used in SSB voice parts of the band) that allows send/receive of photographs. One often busy frequency to illustrate is 14.230, some photos from outside the US/Canada might not be suitable for younger viewers.
URL is http://mmhamsoft.amateur-radio.ca/mmsstv/

Hope to CU on the waterfall,
73 Larry kb0emb

If you have digital capability or can rig up your station to copy the net PLEASE DO!!!
Many of you may be asking, what is a bunch of Preppers doing going digital???? Well, a laptop computer runs off of a battery....And digital as well as CW can operate in lousy band conditions where voice may not be able to be copied!!!!!

80 meter was alive and well

2009-09-10T22:59:00.000-07:00

Santa took to the air again for another round of The American Preppers Radio Net. Tonight was a short net but once again the quality of the check-ins was very high. We tried to keep the net short because the band was very crowded tonight. It seemed no matter where we tried before net time the frequency was in use. 3.965 ended up being the only place we could find with little noise or QRM from other frequencies. So at 8:35 pm it was announced on the web page and Santa began calling for early check-ins.

We had a great net tonight with a lot of interest in the digital modes which was the topic for tonight's net. It seems we will be moving in the direction of having a APRN net run with PSK-31 as soon as all the details are worked out we will announce that net here on the APRN home page.A big thank you to everyone that is participating in the nets and helping make this a very friendly and fun place to be.

Here is the list of check ins for this net.

W4DMH WV Dave net control

KD8HDP MI Justin

NW8I OH Del

KD8JPQ OH Jeff

WA8HNS OH Mike

K4USS VA Lee

KB0EMB MO Larry

W4SQL SC Landy

KD8KWD WV John

KA5EXI AL Mike

That puts a wrap on it folks
73
W4DMH
Santa

80 meter net comes to life again tonight

2009-09-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

Every one please come join us as Santa once again takes to the airwaves on the 80 meter band. Come one come all and bring a friend to join in on the fun. The topic for tonight's net is do you work any digital modes. Now that you know please think about this topic and come join the fun.

40 meter net with K4USS as net control

2009-09-09T05:44:00.000-07:00

With full legal limit power and a fine station fired up. K4USS Lee took to the air for his first run on the 40 meter net. We have to be honest here folks the band was the worst it has ever been so far. Lee gave it his all and we did manage to pull some check-ins out of the noise. Make no mistake friends Lees determination is not hampered in any way.

Lee is very active on 40 meter and has made the suggestion to move to 8pm Eastern as the band seems to be much better right up to the 9pm slot that has been used so far. This has also been suggested by others in the past. We have told Lee it is his net to do as he sees fit with. So update your calenders and remember to make the change to the new time starting at 8pm Eastern or 2400 UTC for next Tuesday night.

We thank everyone that tried so hard to check in with the net.

K4USS Lee VA

W4DMH Dave WV

KD8HDP Justin MI

WA8HNS Mike OH

KI4HEE Bob SC

KB0EMB Larry MO

So there you have it folks and a special Thanks to KD8HDP Justin for his help in the instant messenger on Netlogger to assist with call sign clarification.

Please welcome our new 40 meter net control

2009-09-08T11:03:00.000-07:00

Please welcome to the 40 meter net our new net control station. K4USS has offered to fill this void at the last second. Without further delay Please welcome Lee K4USS or sometimes known as Ugly Submarine Sailor. Please come welcome him tonight on the 40 meter net at 0100 UTC on 7.198 and join the fun.

Ya know, sometimes it does pay to get up in the morning!!!!

2009-09-06T19:49:00.000-07:00

Oh,yeah!!! The 160 meter net tonite was simply above and beyond!!!!We had 8 checkins tonite and we set a new distance record. Dean, AC0BG checked in from Ames, Iowa. Thanks Dean!!!!
Once again the discussion centered around emergency power and batteries. Seems that is a topic that many operators are really starting to put some thought into and should!!! Winter is coming and with the state of things in this world, Emergency Power is VERY important, not only for radio, but the household as well.
AS a reminder, next week, Sunday Sept 13th, we will begin dealing with topics here on the 160m net. If you have a topic you'd like to discuss, please click the E-Mail box and send it off to us. We will make a decision and post the result by the Friday before the net in order to give everybody a chance to research and come up with ideas and questions.
Tonites Check In List:
K7DLB-Net Control
W4DMH-Net Logger and Backup
AC0BG-Dean, Iowa
WA1HHN- Walt, Ma
NW8I-Del, OH
KD8JPQ-Jeff, OH
AC8EM-Mike,OH. Just a note, Mike works really hard to get a signal in to the net!!!!He is a little shy in the antenna department but he is with us every week through NetLogger and we REALLY appreciate his perseverance!!!!!!
KB3IFH- Randy, MD
KD8USA-TY MI
Once again THANKS!!! to all that participated tonite and we'll look for ya next week, Same Time, Same Frequency!!!!

QSL UPDATE!!!!!!

2009-09-05T21:08:00.000-07:00

Ok, the first batch of QSL cards is on it's way to the Post Office to go out Tuesday!!!! Many thanks to Randy KB3IFH for his quality work!!!!
If you have not received one our cards in a week or so after you have checked into a net or heard us on Shortwave or Global Tuners, please click the link and send out a RST and we'll send out a card!!!!
Shortwave listeners, we really want to hear from you!!!!!
All the Hams that have checked in, THANKS and keep on checking in as the topics will change from week to week!!!!

80 plus 80 equals 160......

2009-09-05T09:41:00.000-07:00

Good 'ol K7DLB has the calculator and abacus buzzing to get ready for the APRN 160m Net Sunday night at 9pm. So, scribble up a couple of Post It Note reminders, plaster them in a few strategic locations(no, the wife's nose is NOT a good place), and join in on the fun!!!!!!

80 Meter net results for 9-3-09

2009-09-04T12:06:00.000-07:00

Well folks....The 80 meter net for Thursday 9-3-09 started real rough as the noise level here was high...Staying persistent does pay off....The topic for tonight's net became Alternative energy at the last minute...Here is the truth of how that happened...I have been swamped the last few days dealing with several issues for the APRN.....So I totally dropped the ball for a topic for this net....My apologies to all for that....This topic came out during check ins as one of the stations announced he was totally on solar power for the net....Folks it don't get no better than this.....The wonderful world of Ham radio is always full of surprises....I have been amazed at the quality of our nets....It seems every week we have at least one or more new people joining to our nets.....This week has been no different with a lot of regulars returning as well as several first time check ins that seemed to enjoy and have some fun....I see no need to do a list as the google map says it all.
73
W4DMH
Santa

40 Meter Net was Generating Excitement

2009-09-01T19:42:00.000-07:00

Tonights Topic for the Rag Chew was Generators...when are they worth their weight in Watts? And everyone was really good to weigh in with some great personal examples and experiences about those gas-drinkin' volt-makers. Observations about power needs, gas stablizing, maintenence and more made this topic a good one which we're sure will be a good one to bring up in detail in a article here.

A little smaller group tonight, but everyone here was pure quality, with a first time check in that will sure be comming back, KB0EMB Larry out in Independence MO...(I like the name of that pretty town)Good signal Larry, n' thanks for the relay net control.

Some "regulars" got on the payroll...KD8HDP Justin, KB1LUK Bill, KC2SGV Joe, NW8I Del, and others...although considering this is only our 4th 40 net, that's stretching the term "regular" indeed.

And despite the Pirate Radio Sermonizer who started up immediately after we closed the net, we had a great time, sharing great advice and info about electrical generators and showing again that a net of good hams is always a benefit. To the Pirates Credit, they were nice to hold off until we were through....a Polite Pirate...ARRRRG! '73 KI4HEE

BTW... Tonights 40 meter Net Signal Plot via Google Earth includes a Ireland DX Station, EI6JK Mark who got on the list during the pre-net.

Here's tonights "Generator Gang"...

EI6JK MARK Ireland DX during pre-net
W4DMH DAVE WVA
KI4HEE BOB SC NET CONTROL
KB0EMB LARRY MO
NW8I DEL OH
W4SQL LANDY SC
KB1KZD DAN MA
AC5CH MS STEVE
N1FBF CT BOB
KD8HDP MI JUSTIN
W2KON NY JOE
KB1LUK MA BILL
KC2SGV NJ JOE
KB1RXA CT RICH

40 Meter Net Tonite

2009-09-01T16:57:00.000-07:00
Tune in or around 7.198 as KI4HEE starts taking check-ins at 01:00Z, (9PM EST). Lord willin' n the creek don't rise we'll have a fine bunch of check-ins from all over.

We'll see you on the air. KI4HEE

Tonites topic: Electrical Generators, when are they worth their weight in Watts?

WOW!!!!!!!!! What a Net!!!! AGAIN!!!!!!

2009-08-30T19:27:00.000-07:00

HA!!!!! We fooled the static again and had an absolutely wonderful net tonite on 160 meters. The discussion centered around a question posed by Del, NW8I. He had some questions about emergency backup power for his radio equipment. Dave, N8BIT had a lot of great information about his battery system. Walt, W1HHN, also had an interesting question about battery life and refreshing a tired battery.
We also set a new record tonite. We had a total of 10 check ins including Net Control. We also made use of the Net Logger IM feature to welcome 2 SWL listeners to the net!!!
Tonites check ins:
KB3IFH Randy, from Maryland
W4DMH Dave, from West Virginia
K7DLB/ Net Control, From Maryland
NW8I Del, from Ohio Del, here is your link to the meter that monitors your batteries: WWW.POWERWERX.COM
W4SQL Lonnie, from South Carolina
AC8EM Mike, from Ohio
N8BIT Dave, From Michigan
W1HHN Walt, from Massachusetts
KI4HEE Bob, from South Carolina
KD8HDP Justin, from Michigan.
Once again, THANKS!!!! to all that checked in and please be sure to check on one of our other nets. So, everyone have a safe week and we'll talk to you again, same time same frequency!!!!
73
K7DLB

The 160 Meter Wire is Being Stretched out!!!!!!

2009-08-30T07:09:00.000-07:00

Good 'ol Dave K7DLB is outside stretching out his 160 meter wire in preparation for the APRN 160 meter net tonite at 9PM eastern. The weather is great and the storms have moved out so let get with it and have a GREAT net tonite!!!!!!

First Offical 80 Meter Net

2009-08-28T01:06:00.000-07:00
Leading up to the top of the hour,you tune up the rig and get on frequency just to find out you now have to move the net as the frequency near you is in use. You rush to find a new one, bang the keyboard to get it up on the internet all the time wondering is anyone going to hear me tonight. Well the pressure is on and the adrenalin is flowing so there ain't much that really maters cause it is Game on time once again.

Once again we fired off the net at the stroke of 9. This was the first attempt of the official 80 meter net for the APRN. Band conditions were good but a little noisy then thru the air comes the first check in so you settle back in the chair and get comfy for the ride.

Once again we had a great net and lots of fun. The topic for tonight was.

What was your most memorial contact on Ham Radio.

The answers came from far and wide but rest assured every one was as good as the last. Every Ham I know can tell you of one that sticks out in his mind, and will forever. For some it is the first and others the farthest. But one thing you can count on is every one is unique in its own way.

What a fun net it was tonight so I will not bore you with typing the results as the map speaks for itself.Thanks to all that came and shared there story tonight it just don't get better than this folks.
73 all
W4DMH
Santa

New Band.... but the..... Same Time

2009-08-27T02:33:00.000-07:00

That's right folks....The votes have been counted and 80 meter it is, so 3.961 or near is where we will be. While 100 watts can be hard on 80 we will give it our all. Everyone come join and tell a friend All Are Welcome and don't be surprised if called on to put out a call for check-ins as 80 may be tuff on 100 watts. The topic for tonight will be..... "tell us of one of your most memorable contact's on Ham Radio:...... Give it some thought and come Prepared as Santa takes to the air.

Fast n' Furious Fourty Net

2009-08-25T19:58:00.000-07:00

I'm like a whipped pup after these nets... but it feels great to get another one on the books.

We started off a bit rocky...a DX Station in Newfoundland had the frequency pile-up'd at net time. Brian VO1DSK was having a great time working everybody so I tried taking the net down to a open freqency...7.188...but unfortunately it was too close to another net already in progress. Anyway, eventually the DX party ended on 7.198 so back to the net frequency we went...

And WOW! Did we get BUSY. Despite noisy conditions, we got 20 check-ins (counting Brian in Newfoundland during the prenet) and one guy...Lonnie, W4SQL in Summerville SC, who was transmitting on the radio but was receiving the net via the Internet at www.globaltuners.com ...purty darn NEAT!

Anyway...here's tonight's great check-ins...a great net...a great time had by all.

1. KI4HEE SC BOB NET CONTROL
2. VO1DSK NEWFOUNDLAND BRIAN PRE-NET
3. W4VDV FL JESSIE
4. W4DMH WVA DAVE
5. KB3IFH MD RANDY
6. KB3SFJ MD GARY
7. KD8HDP MI JUSTIN
8. KF4MJO JOE
9. N4UPG AL RICH
10.KB1MDB CT MARTIN
11.W4SQL SC LANDY
12.KC8TCB MI LYNN
13.AI4JA SC GARY
14.KB3IFH MD RANDY
15.KG4GTR FL VAN
16.KC2SGV NJ JOE
17.KB3RQU PA SCOTT
18.N1FBF CT BOB
19.W4GVE FL PAUL
20.KJ4NUN FL BRYON

What a great line-up! Thanks everyone for a great net! '73 Bob KI4HEE

Tuesday is "40" Day

2009-08-25T09:03:00.000-07:00
"Hawk"(KI4HEE) will be pushing as many watts as his "peanut-whistle" will handle out on 40 Meters again tonight at 0100 UTC (9PM EST). We've been getting a good turn-out on this net, with luck we'll get a pile-up again.

Tonight's Topic:How Prepared Are You?

Remember, we also use NetLogger software to track the net in real time. Use it to post queries, check-ins & comments during the net. Try it out!

THE TOP BAND WAS TOPS TONITE!!!!!

2009-08-23T19:23:00.000-07:00

Once again the 160 meter band was in a good mood tonite for the APRN net. We had 9 check ins including the net control station. Those that checked in were W4DMH, Dave in West Virgina; KI4HEE, Bob in S.Carolina; NW8I, Del in Ohio; N8NMJ, Mike in Maryland; W2GZB, Dan in New Jersey; N8BIT, Dave in Michigan; N4QNT,Art in N.Carolina; W1HHN, Walt in Massachusetts. We had some great discussion and comments about Prepping and issues related to the subject of emergency communications. It is interesting to meet new operators that are like minded and willing to share during the net. So with that, we're gonna catch our breath and put the hinge back together on the foot pedal!!!!!
Until next week, Same time, Same Frequency, This is K7DLB, your net control station for the APRN 160m net Saying 73 and have a GREAT week!!!!!

The 160 Meter Net...Be There, or be Square!!!!

2009-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:00
Please don't forget the 160m net tonight at 0100UTC (9pm eastern)on 1.860. Dave, K7DLB, will fire up the 'ol Kenwood and stomp on the foot pedal and fill the airwaves with the melodious tones of his voice. So come one, come all and join us!!!! If the band doesn't want to cooperate, we'll make it cooperate!!!!!!

Solar Power Vdeos

2009-08-22T23:51:00.000-07:00

This is Amateur Radio Today...

2009-08-22T09:33:00.000-07:00

While this video is a little dated (2003), it gives light on some of the valuable aspects of Ham Radio, especially on how it can provide valuable communication capability during emergency situations. Hosted by Walter Cronkite KB2GSD SK, a lifelong ham operator who recently passed away.

My thanks go out to "tomintexas" who posted the video on Youtube, along with another great video, "Hello Radio!", both video's produced and distributed by the American Radio Relay League,(ARRL).

Santa's Mail Bag

2009-08-22T00:48:00.000-07:00
The question I am asked the most ON THE AIR is Whats A Prepper

My Answer is:

I have been thinking about this for some time now. This phrase or word has been getting a lot of attention lately. It seems as though this means many different things to many people. I can only speak for myself and what it means to me. I feel this way about it.

Prepper to me is simply put a way to define any one that takes a step towards being more self reliant. If you have never felt the need to have even one can of food or anything extra in your house than you are not a prepper.

If however you have felt the need to have some extra of anything you use than you would be described as a prepper. I know this is a rather simple description but this is the best I can truly answer the question of Whats A Prepper.

Many more questions are in and I will get to them soon so please keep checking back for more
73 W4DMH
Santa

20 Meter Net has been rough

2009-08-20T20:48:00.000-07:00

Well the 20 meter net tonight was anything but normal… Tonight’s net was a testament to the fact, no one ever knows what will happen on ham radio… We kicked off the night with a little pre-net rag chew… The band seemed promising right up till 10 minutes before net time… As luck would have it the band fell apart quick as lightening… After many calls for check-ins and nothing but noise… W4DMH (Santa) and KI4HEE (Bob) decided to wing it on 80 Meter… The net QSY’d to 3.961 and continued on… The Netlogger program was running over the internet and the new location was listed there…We had a first time check-in to the net on 80 meter asking what it was all about…With the change in the time it gets dark the decision has been made to move the Thursday night net to the 80 Meter band…There have been many request to do 80 meter so everyone here is your chance to come join us next Thursday night on or near 3.961…

W4DMH WV Dave (aka Santa) Net Control
KI4HEE SC Bob (aka Hawk)
AB4JM/M NH Jim (Motor Home Mobile)
W3ERE PA Ed (First time check-in) Welcome Ed with the question whats a prepper???

So there ya have it folks not many, but a very interesting mix, with one new visit and that is what it is all about.
73 All
Santa

It sure beats Thursday Night TV!

2009-08-20T10:44:00.000-07:00

Don't forget, Thursday nite is 20 NITE! Come join Dave (aka Santa) on 14.320MHz. 01:00Zulu. (9PM EST)

Conditions have been poor of late, but the check-ins have been QUALTY! Become one of 'em...check-in early, stay late, n' bring a friend! We'll see ya' on the Radio!

They came from far & wide...

2009-08-18T19:13:00.000-07:00

Tonights net started out noisy but ended with signals coming in clear & strong. A lot to be said for persistance, it was a matter of keeping the net moving, calling for check-ins and working everyone who checked in.

There's starting to become a handful of regular stations like Bill KB1LUK, or Stuart KG4LMW in Knoxville on his front porch running 25 watts, who are checking in weekly. Great to see these stations working hard to get the net established. And it's always exciting to welcome a newcomer to the net, like Jim K4PV, with his wonderful sounding signal on his Flex Radio and powerful Delta Amp over there in the Florida Panhandle. Jim found this blog from our referrence to it during the net, as well as learned about the American Preppers Network, you can tell from his comments, he'll be checking in again.

While it was noisy...the net mined out pure gold...
1. KI4HEE BOB SC NET CONTROL

2. W4DMH DAVE WVA

3. NW8I DEL OH (MOBILE)

4. W2WTF BRAD SC

5. N5PED ART LA

6. KG4LMW STUART TN (QRP)

7. K1RMA DON NH

8. KB1LUK BILL MA

9. KG4SRW MIKE NC (MOBILE)

10.KD8CMX JOHN MI

11. K4PV JIM FL

12. KC8QKO CHRIS WV

13.W5MOE MOE AR

14.KG4BYL ROBERT VA

The Band was ALIVE!!!!!!!!

2009-08-16T19:16:00.000-07:00

WOW!!!! That is all we can say about the 160 meter net tonite!!!!!Band conditions were fairly good as we had 8 checkins for the APRN 160 meter net. We heard from N8NMJ, Mike from Maryland; NW8I, Del from Ohio: WA1HHN, Walt from Massachusetts; KB3ROZ, Ed from Pennsylvania; KD8USA, Ty from Michigan; W4DMH, Dave from West Virginia; KI4HEE, Bob from South Carolina; and net control was K7DLB, Dave from Maryland.
The cool thing this evening was that almost everybody could hear each other. Sometimes in adverse band conditions, some guys are really tough to hear. The band was good enough tonite that we had to only use relays a couple of times, and the next round of comments everybody was heard just fine. We spent some time on a rag chew, get to know ya type of post net and we secured at about 0210 UTC. So being encouraged by these results,we can't wait for the APRN 160 net next week 0100 UTC next Sunday!!!!
73's and everybody have a safe week!!!!
K7DLB\Net control

HEIL SOUND and HAM RADIO

2009-08-15T00:49:00.000-07:00
What do Country Music, Rock and Roll. And Ham Radio have in common you ask….Well…..HEIL SOUND would be the answer…The HEIL Microphone is widely known by ham radio operators world wide as one of the finest money can buy…Please watch the video below for the history of this company…. Ham Radio has more to do with the development of many things we never think of…..

Holy Moley!

2009-08-14T09:43:00.000-07:00
Three Weeks = 3700+ visits!

We thought this might be a blog with potential, but Jeeze!

According to a little statistic counter here on the Blog, we've been turning some significant numbers...
Weekly Average of Total Visitors...927
Weekly Average of Unique Visitors... 506
Weekly Average of First-Time Visitors... 288
Weekly Average of Returning Visitors... 218

All this in THREE WEEKS!

What does this mean? Well, we're gaining visitors at a great rate, we're seeing a growing number of first-time visitors, and almost half of all visitors are returning!

Ummm... I got a black n blue mark on my arm where I'm pinching myself.

Mucho thanks to Dave W4DMH for the heavy lifting of prowling the forums n blogs, getting the word out. Promotion is a nasty job but he's a nasty guy (LOL). But a HUGE bunch of thanks for everyone for visiting, reading, linking, getting others to visit, and coming back to read more as well. This is may become a success because YOU are making it a success!

In response to all the attention, we're burning the midnite oil & working on bringing even more to the blog, more articles, more features, and especially more Radio Nets! (Count on hearing more on that later.)

Ok, enuf of this...the arm is sore from all the backslapping...

Thanks everyone, n' we'll see you all on the radio! 73 KI4HEE

The Santa Claus of Ham Radio

2009-08-14T00:57:00.000-07:00

Mickey "Santa Claus" Hicks, WO6T Known to many amateurs and their children as Santa Claus, passed away Sunday, August 9. At the age of 79. For the past 38 years, Hicks, a ham for almost 50 years, would get on the air for 10 days each December as W6S Whiskers-6-Santa

I had the opportunity to speak with The Santa Claus of Ham Radio on 2 occasions. Once by his call WO6T and again as W6S. I will never forget the time's we talked.

Please read the article here SANTA CLAUS

"Whiskers 6 Santa" you will be missed by many

God Bless
Dave W4DMH

Thursday Nite Net was quiet...

2009-08-13T19:57:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had the feeling that everyone had gotten the memo but you? Or that everyone was watching, football n' you were watching Antiques Roadshow?

Well, that was the feeling you'd get listening to tonights net.

It was just one of those nights on the radio. You couldn't say anything about conditions, because conditions just wasn't there. It was like no one was on the radio tonite.

Actually it wasn't TOTALLY empty. Dave W4DMH checked in Darrell NW8I in Ohio and Bob KI4HEE checked in Bill KB1LUK in Mass. & Bob N1FBF in Connectcut.

So tonight wasn't quantity...but QUALITY!

Here's tonights net of Five Fine Stations...
1. W4DMH Dave WVA Net Control
2. NW8I Darrell OH
3. KB1LUK Bill W MA
4. N1FBF Bob CT
5. KI4HEE Bob SC

Thursday Night is 20 Meter Night

2009-08-13T08:21:00.000-07:00

Tune in tonight on 20 meter
"Santa" W4DMH will take to the air tonight on or near 14.320 at 9pm Eastern 0100 UTC... Come one come all and bring a friend to find out what the topic for tonight’s net will be....... Whatever it is you can only find out by being there to enjoy.....

Emergency Communications, What Works

2009-08-12T14:23:00.000-07:00

How people communicate with one another when land line phones, cell phones and the internet are at best unreliable or nonexistent, is one thing that seems to get very little attention and is wide open to speculation.
A small group trying to survive hard times (which, depending from your viewpoint seems inevitable) will need to have a plan to communicate with each other. Aside from carrier pigeons, or smoke signals, there are modern options to consider and prep for. Three most readily available are GMRS or FRS radios, CB radios, and Ham radio.

GMRS/FRS: These radios are good for short distances with little terrain interference. Used as pagers/communicators inside a building or a camp, GMRS/FRS radios offer low-cost & convenience. Small and easy to carry, GMRS/FRS radio family biggest drawback is their range. While fine as a group communications tool, they lack the ability of medium or long rage communications.

CB radios: Around for several years as an offshoot of Ham Radio,CB does not require a license and, unlike amateur radio, it may be used for business as well as personal communications. Enjoying a boom in the mid-seventies and are readily available today, CB radios are still the main short range communications choice for Truckers.
You can find CB’s fairly cheaply at yard sales and flea markets. Mandated by regulation as a low power device, the range on these radios is much greater when combined with a signal amplifier, or “Linear” Amp. It is not advocated using a linear amp, however for the most part, enforcement of the restrictions are few and often only when an illegal stations signal interferes with other communication methods. Long distance communication is possible when atmospheric conditions permit.
CB radios come in many different forms, ranging from legal 40 channel/4 watt models, to a grey-area type of “export radio”, that skirts legality by being built for ham radio use, but are easily modified for the CB band. Operating within the 10-12 Meter HF Band, CB radios need a longer antenna than UHF/VHF GMRS/FRS radios. The unregulated “outlaw” nature of CB radio often fills the airways with raucous and foul language. At times, it’s best to keep small children out of the radio shack when the CB is on.

Ham or Amateur Radio: Offers the farthest operating range, and broadest array of communication modes, from voice communication, to text, photo, video, and digital telemetry. Requiring a license to operate, ham radio is well organized and self regulated.
Ham radio is fairly cheap to get started in as there are many used radio bargains around. New ham radios cost run from hundreds, to several thousands of dollars, but with frugal shopping, one can set up a rather nice base station and talk all around the world.
Some of the best ham antennas are homemade, simple to conceal, wire antennas strung between trees. This type set up is very portable if need be, and can be setup almost anyplace. Mobile ham rigs are available that can talk all over the world... A typical ham might check into a long distance radio net during a morning commute, rag chew with regular’s everyday from Florida to Canada and make contacts from east coast to west coast hams with ease.

Choosing a way to communicate outside normal everyday methods, can be a daunting task. So much of it depends on your needs, but how you apply your limited resources, and for what return is inconsequential as long as your ability to get your message heard at a critical time can be assured. For further help in weighing options and to learn more about what choices are available, these websites can be of some help.

Original work by W4DMH refined by KI4HEE

CB/Ham and Other

Ham Radio In US

Ham Radio In US

Ham Radio In US

Ham radio in Canada

Ham radio in Canada

Long Net, Great Results

2009-08-11T19:29:00.000-07:00

Twenty Check-ins! Wow! What fun. Each time we do this, the list gets longer and longer. Conditions were less than desirable, but still, there were pile-ups as folks tried to check in, with audio fading in an out, it was sometimes tough to dig the callsigns out of the noise.

But after the smoke cleared, and a hour & 10 minutes later, 20 stations were in the net log:
1. KI4HEE BOB SC Net Control
2. W4DMH DAVE WVA
3. N5JXM BILL TX
4. KE5VOX RENE TX
5. KB1LUK BILL NH
6. KG4LMW STUART TN (25 WATT)
7. KA1SWK RUSSELL WMA
8. KB3ROZ ED PA
9. KA3IRJ FRED NJ
10. KB3EDT LYNN NJ
11. KC4YBO STEVE GA
12. KD4AEK RANDY VA
13. AI4QT BILL AL
14. WA0YAS* (GARBLED CALLSIGN)
15. W3BT JULIAN PA
16. WA0FAS ALLAN PA
17. KC8QKO CHRIS WVA
18. N4UTN CALVIN VA
19. N4ICF STEVE AL
20. KX4O JOHN VA

We added a new feature to the net...a ragchew topic, and tonite's topic was on how you would operate under "Field Conditions". A lot of great responses, which was expected since Ham Operators are aways known as people "Out Standing" in their fields. '73 Bob KI4HEE

Psst...spread the news...

2009-08-11T11:28:00.000-07:00
Just a reminder to tune in to 40 Meters tonight, 01:00 ZULU/9PM EST on or around 7.198MHz.
Bob KI4HEE will start the net with a new feature... A RAGCHEW TOPIC!

Tonight's topic..."How prepared are you to operate radio under "Field" conditions?"

We'll see you on the radio.... '73 KI4HEE

NOISE, NOISE and MORE NOISE!!!!!!!

2009-08-09T18:50:00.000-07:00

I'll betya all of the other bands were quiet tonite because we had ALL of the noise on the 160m band. We did manage 1 new checkin tonite though;KB3IFH, Randy from Baltimore, Maryland checked in and stuck around to shoot the breeze a bit. So tonite we had 3 checkins, W4DMH Dave, KB3IFH Randy, and K7DLB Dave net control. PLEASE keep in mind, we will continue to hold this net because as summer winds down, the 160m band "opens up" and it gets real easy to make contacts all over!!!!! So we will try again again next week!! Same time, same frequency. Until then, this is K7DLB, saying 73 and have a great week!!!!!

Have you got your ears on?

2009-08-09T08:26:00.000-07:00

While we've been having great success establishing a net on the Ham Radio Bands, there are many without a ham license who haven't been able to participate and are missing out on the action. Some have commented interest in getting a radio receiver so they can listen in. Short of getting a ham radio license & radio, a portable shortwave receiver is wise choice for anyone who wishes to have a reliable back-up for getting news & information.

With a wide range of radio coverage, a Short-Wave Receiver brings the world to your fingertips, allowing you to listen in on world-wide Commercial Radio Broadcasts, Aviation, & Maritime, Business Radio, and much more. Most Shortwave receivers have more sensitivity and selectivity than your run-of-the-mill radio receiver, so it can tune in weaker stations out of the noise, as well as audio signal filters and fine tuning that can help greatly in clearing up the clutter.

At right:Shopping around? Check out this KAITO KA1102BLK Digital AM/FM/SW World Receiver with SSB.

Most importantly, a good shortwave receiver offers more than the standard modes of AM (Amplitude Modulation), and FM (Frequency Modulation). SSB, or Single-Sideband mode is the method of choice of broadcasting a signal long range with low power. A majority of Military, Maritime, and Ham Radio broadcasts use single-sideband to communicate and a shortwave receiver with SSB capability opens up a whole world of radio often overlooked and unheard.

To listen in on the American Prepper Radio Net a shortwave radio needs to have single-sideband capability. Without it, the signals sound something like Donald Duck whispering....CB'ers call it "ghost-talk"....you hear it but can't make out what's being said .

If you like to learn more, J&R Audio and Electronics offers a good page of information about Short-Wave Radios in their product guide. (Editors Note: We wish to thank J&R Electronics for it's product images & links.)

Topband Sunday

2009-08-08T19:40:00.000-07:00
Spread the word. The Net's on 160Meters Sunday night at 0100 ZULU (9PM EST) listen on or around 1.860 Mhz. Dave K7DLB will be net control.

A hard band for some, a band of choice for others, 160 Meters is a wonderful band for all who can tune in. We'll be listening for your check-in starting at 9PM.

The Lady's Day on Talk Radio

2009-08-07T18:51:00.000-07:00
The Lady's of the CPN / APN will be on James Talmage Stevens Talk Radio Show this Saturday at 2pm Eastern time. Please show your support for them by either listening or if you can not listen please go download the show later and listen to the recorded version.

The panel of ladies will be
Kymber
Prepared in Tennessee
Phelan
Ernie

Last week Tom, Matt, Bob, and WVSanta were guest on the show and if you missed it you can download the show and hear what they had to say

We really hope that everyone will show there support and listen or download the show
Also you can call in to the show at 1-347-326-9604