EAST ALABAMA AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Skywarn Storm Spotter Training Online Class

Talk about preparedness! For those interested in this free online educational experience, National Weather Service Storm Spotter Training Classes are scheduled for late February and March.  This class only takes two hours and there are several sessions to choose from to fit your schedule. We have already had a couple energetic storms come through the area this year!

Find the registration link and session schedule here: SKYWARN STORM SPOTTER TRAINING Registration and Schedule

Simplex Network Update

At our meeting recently, efforts to continue development of our simplex net capabilities was further discussed.

Please note that we have put a dedicated page on our website devoted to this program. As with all dedicated pages, the Simplex Network page can be accessed by clicking on the MORE button or the menu button ☰ at the top of the pages or by using navigation links at the bottom of pages.

Winlink Presentation by Jerry Rice - KB9V at Club Meeting 

Jerry Rice - KB9V provided a fantastic presentation during the Club Meeting on February 6th.  The presentation focused on two related topics, both in the area of digital modes.

First, Jerry explained the functionality of Winlink and local Winlink facilities.  One Winlink node (KQ4DKA-7 @ 145.030 MHz) exists in Opelika on Magazine Avenue at this time and it can be used to transmit and receive digital Winlink messages.  The presentation was awesome, and a remarkable pdf file covering this topic was prepared by Jerry and can be accessed by clicking the link below:

Winlink 2M guide for local access to KQ4DKA-7

Second, Jerry provided a great explaination of some methods, applications, hardware, and technology involved in other digital modes such as FT8, Packet, PSK31, RTTY, Pactor, Clover, MFSK, Olivia, Throb, Domino, MT63, and AMTOR.  He also introduced some mesh network equipment and discussed techniques to use low-cost LoRa (Long Range) devices to utilize these extensive communications networks.  Jerry brought a good bit of his hardware along which he passed around so that we could see some of the equipment needed to do this work.  We were happy to see that most of it is fairly inexensive!  Again, he provided a top notch pdf document covering the topic and it can be accessed by clicking the link below:

An introductory guide to digital modes for HAM operators

These documents have also been posted to the Digital Radio page on this website.

THANKS JERRY!

How Would You Like To Build a 6 Meter Antenna from Copper Pipe? 

Here's a project for you. If you like 6 Meters, or if you are just interested in "The Magic Band", consider this classic homebuild.  Thanks to Glynn E. ”Buck" Rogers, Sr. (SK), we have here complete detailed instructions on how to put together a snazzy 6 Meter J-Pole from copper pipe.

Click here for a copy of Mr. Rogers original diagram and instructions! 6 METER J-POLE

Tech Talk

Monthly topics from the technical side of life:  

December, 2024:   Single Side Band

January, 2025:  Antenna Resonance and Bandwidth

February, 2025:  Near-Vertical Incident Skywave, or “NVIS” Antennas