A number of ECARS members are going to Hamvention this year. NJ2US, Jeff, is coordinating a Hamvention/Xenia ECARS QSO/Meeting, Friday and Saturday, 11 AM, at the flagpole. On the fly meetups and shoutouts are being coordinated via Slack. If anybody would like an invite to the free APP, send your call sign in an email to nj2us@arrl.net.
2019 ECARS Meet Up
One can activate POTA locations using all Buddipole products
Antenna
I used my Buddistick on 20m with the small coil on the 8 ft mast
and a separate Buddipole on the 18 ft mast on 40m.
To keep it all Buddipole an antenna switch was not used – just swap the coax around
The coax was the milspec Buddipole coax available with rubber covered BNC connectors in 25 and 50 ft lengths.
Power was managed by the Buddipole A123 battery and the Buddipole Power Mini
I used the Icom 7200 radio on 40m and 20m with great success.
Tips:
20w SSB is a great starting point for POTA power as its an S unit lower than 80w and uses less current meaning longer operating time on a 10Ah battery
Spot yourself and watch the Hunters pile up for your activation
Pre-test everything in advance so you can arrive and have each antenna deployed in 5 minutes and use the counterpoise to fine tune the swr. Lazy hams will use an antenna tuner to match it up. Gram counters will leave the tuner at home.
I built the Home Brew Buddipole back 20 years ago after chatting with Budd W3FF and it works just as well then as it does now for something made from scrap pvc and some speaker wire.
Now, Chris is innovating with small improvements and BIG improvements to their products. Everything they do is based on portable operation, customer feedback and new ideas unlike so many manufacturers that forgot about field testing and daily usage.
Trees are not needed when running the Buddipole in the field end to end
The 51.0 MHz net at Hamvention
12:00 3885 WW2 pack radio AM Net WW2 radios like BC-611, DAV, MAB and larger sets like TCS and things all the way up to a GRC-19
13:00 18.157.5 Pack set USB Net Back Pack radios of all type, some military but many not.
14:00 51.0 Cold War FM Net Cold war radios like the PRC-6, PRC-25/77 PRT/PRR many non US military sets, I ran a Russian R-107
Ray F/KA3EKH
A 6m handhled painted green or cammo may be OK to check in until you get a PRC25, PRC77, RF1 etc
http://staff.salisbury.edu/~rafantini/Dayton%20Hamvention.htm
TIS Station Will Aid Hamvention 2022
(From a press release by Information Station Specialists)
Amateur Radio and Information Radio will again merge at the same venue in Southwest Ohio in 2022. The amateur radio Hamvention, happening (May 20-22) near Dayton, Ohio, will utilize licensed, low power Hamvention Information Station 1620 AM as a new tool to push out to attendees traffic, weather info, parking and event details to attendees, as they approach. The City of Xenia, which hosts the event, is bracing to handle the influx of nearly 30,000 faithful ham radio operators – roughly doubling its population for the weekend. Due to the web of two-lane roads that serves the Greene County Fairgrounds and Expo Center, a sophisticated shuttle-bus operation will be in place to alleviate traffic congestion. Helping the inbound find shuttle lots is one of the key goals of the radio service. The 1620 AM signal will blanket Xenia and will be heard in surrounding Greene and Montgomery Counties, directing approaching attendees to special parking facilities. It is being provided as a service to the Hamvention by Information Station Specialists (theRADIOsource.com) of Zeeland, Michigan, which, this year, will utilize a newly designed, high efficiency/high capacity antenna to transmit the informational signal. The HPR.0990 Antenna and “RadioSTAT” transmitter system will be operated from and available for inspection at Booth 1002 during the event. This year, the company is also introducing the first manufactured 630-meter antenna at their trade booth. The company’s founder Bill Baker not so coincidentally hails from Xenia, Ohio. “I remember the devastation of the April, ’74 tornado,” recalls Baker, “and that is definitely a motivator in what we do every day.” Information Station Specialists’ products are used nationwide to provide critical public information during natural disasters that sever a community’s communications and power.
FCC database shows:
| Callsign: WPVW207 Licensee: Emergency Operations Center Harrison Twp. Fire Dept. Radio Service: Public Safety Pool, Conventional (PW) City: Kettering, OH Status: Active Grant Date: 05/31/2012 Expiration: 08/26/2022 |
| Site: 1 Address: 1107 Sharewood Ct, East City: Kettering, OH County: MONTGOMERY Coordinates: 39° 41′ 36.9″ N, 84° 8′ 49.7″ W |
| Frequency: 1.61000000 V |
| Site: 2 Address: 1107 Sherwood Ct, East City: Kettering, OH County: MONTGOMERY Coordinates: 39° 41′ 36.9″ N, 84° 8′ 49.7″ W |
| Frequency: 1.66000000 V |
| Site: 4 Address: 120 Fairgrounds Rd City: Xenia, OH County: GREENE Coordinates: 39° 41′ 59.7″ N, 83° 56′ 19.2″ W |
| Frequency: 1.62000000 V |
By Hamvention Webmaster03/31/2022
That’s ten great reasons worth being at Hamvention!! and bring $$$$ for the flea market vendor area for pro-loved goodies and new gear to enhance your operations from the commercial vendors.
I have no idea why NVIS is still misunderstood and hopefully this will help hams understand how it works and how to exploit it in their comms
NVIS has been and will be a critical methodology to communicate during a war or during emcomm activities.
It was used in D day and preferred by U Boats to communicate back to the Mother ship while avoiding UK listening stations to pick up their traffic.
This is a great method to communicate during local regional nets
Try it and you may like it!
Son Please keep trying because if we dont get e RBN report we will be cleaning the barracks with a tooth brush.
Sarge, these bloody drivers are not working after the laptop was updated
Icom is showcasing the new radio at Hamvention in May at Xenia
It will cover 2.4 and 5.6 Ghz and will use a radio that looks like the 705
This will prove to be an interesting radio and a chance to experiment and make QSO in the GHz band
Breaker Break!
The Central States VHF Society is proud to sponsor the 2022 Spring Sprints!
Your Central States VHF Society Spring Sprints Committee:
Kent O’Dell, KA2KQM
Mike Metroka, WB8BZK
Jon Platt, W0ZQ
Below are the complete rules for the sprints.
All are welcome and encouraged to participate!
1.0 Contest Purpose: Encourage weak signal VHF/UHF amateur radio operation & have fun.
2.0 Contest Date and Time:
3.0 Modes of Operation: All simplex modes of operation are allowed. (SSB, CW, FM, AM, Digital etc.) EME via your preferred analog or digital mode is also allowed.
Contacts through repeaters or via satellite are not allowed and will not count as contest contacts.
4.0 Classes: Stations will be classified as either Single Op or Rover. A portable or mobile station that operates from only one grid is considered a Single Op
station. A Rover must operate from at least 2 grid squares. A rover can have more than one operator, but only one operator on the air at a time!
4.1 Power: Power output used for contacts is for informational purposes only. Power output will not be used to separate contestants into different groups or
categories. You may want to place your station information such as rig, output power, antenna etc. in the notes section of your entry. That being said, the
following are the suggested power levels for the HP, LP and QRP groupings on the 3830 web site.
a. QRP: up to 5 watts PEP. (any band)
b. Low Power: up to 200 watts PEP. (any band)
c. High Power: up to 1500 watts PEP. (any band)
d. ** Please note: Rookie Class is for informational purposes only! **
5.0 Exchange: Maidenhead Grid Square. Microwave contest exchange must be the full 6 character grid.
6.0 Reporting: Score will be entered on the 3830 web page in the form provided for the particular sprint. The web page is http://www.3830scores.com/ .
Alternatively, you can postal mail a complete log to the contest chairman in place of a 3830 entry. A 3830 entry is preferred.
Your grid square goes in the web site box for “QTH”. Microwave use 6 digit grid. Rovers use the first grid activated as QTH.
Contestants with winning entries MUST SUPPLY A LOG for review by the sprint chairman to make score official. The Log can be a mailed paper log or
emailed as an attached text file in an ARRL recognized format. (ASCII, .txt, .log, Cabrillo) ARRL log sheets are the preferred paper format.
Your Central States VHF Society Sponsored Spring Sprints Chairman is:
Kent O’Dell, KA2KQM
Email: kotoka2kqm@windstream.net
Or postal mail:
Kent O’Dell
KA2KQM
2752 Monument Road
Jasper, GA 30143
The results must be posted on the 3830 web page within 14 days of the event. Paper logs may be mailed to the Sprint Chairman for this event. Mailed logs must
be post marked within 14 days of the event. The Sprint Chairman will post the results from a paper log on the 3830 web page.
6.1 Scoring: 50, 144, 222 and 432MHz , 1 point per QSO on any band. Multiplier would be the total number of grid squares worked for that specific band/
Sprint.
Final score: Multiply QSO points by the multipliers. Each Sprint is scored separately. Distance based total kilometers worked would be an optional entry for
information only. (Distances are not very accurate from 4 digit grids. )
6.2 Rover Scoring: 50, 144, 222 and 432MHz , 1 point per QSO on any band. Multiplier would be the total number of grid squares worked for that specific
band/Sprint.
If the rover moves to a new grid, then works a station again, a new contact is made for both stations. The new grid will be a new multiplier if the grid was not
worked before.
Rover in EM73 works EM84 as a multiplier
Rover in EM74 works EM84 as a new multiplier
When you move to a new grid, you start over on additional new multipliers.
Final score: Multiply QSO points by the multipliers. Each Sprint is scored separately. Distance based total kilometers worked would be an optional entry for
information only.
6.3 Microwave Scoring: For Microwave, 902 MHz and above use the sum of the distance of all contacts in kilometers. A station worked on a new band is a new contact.
If a rover moves to a new grid (4 digit) he/she can be worked again for another contact.
The 6 digit grid square exchange is required for accurate distance calculation.
Minimum contact distance is 1 kilometer. Thus, contacts within a 6 digit grid count as 1 kilometer.
6.4 Microwave Rover Scoring: Scored like Single Op Microwave, except stations can be contacted again for score after moving to a new grid. Grids activated
are not used directly for scoring and are not reported on 3830 web site.
6.5 The contest scoring is intended to be done mostly on the “Honor System”. But, after the submission period has expired, 14 days after that particular
operating event, the Sprints Committee or Chairman for that particular event will review the top 3 submissions to validate accuracy of the submission. And, the
Sprints Committee or Chairman reserves the right to request to review the actual contest log for any entrant for review if required.
7.0 Rover Operation: A rover must be a portable or mobile station that makes contacts from at least two different Grid Squares. For all sprints, including
microwave the rover must move to a new 4 digit Grid Square.
8.0 Assistance: Use of telephone, packet or internet methods to schedule contacts during the contest is acceptable. The telephone, packet or internet channel
will not be used while the contact is in progress. No “OK I am hearing you now” over the another communications channel. The alternate channel will not be
available in any way to the operator during the contact. The complete exchange of call signs and grids must be accomplished on the relevant amateur radio band.
The preferred scheduling method is on an amateur frequency such as 144.250MHz or 432.090MHz.
See following for 3830 site information. Underline identifies a user entry box.
3830 information 50 to 432 MHz Spring/Fall Sprint
*** Note: Please do not post your entire log into the comments section on the 3830 Scores Web site. With the ability of entrants being able to update and
make changes to their entry, we want to avoid bringing the integrity of the Sprint’s events into question. ***
(band is 50MHz, 144MHz, 222MHz, or 432MHz) for 4 separate contest entries
Submitter’s E-mail Address* _________________ __ Send copy to this email address
Call Used* ______________ Class* ^Single Op/Rover Power ^HP/LP/QRP
Operator Call _____________ Station Call ___________
Op Time (hrs) _____________ QTH* ________________ Club ^(none)
QSOs Mults Total Score Total Distance, km(optional)
band *_____ *______ *________ _______
Comments __________________________________________________(optional)
3830 information Microwave Spring/Fall Sprint
Submitter’s E-mail Address* _________________ __ Send copy to this email address
Call Used* ______________ Class* ^Single Op/Rover Power ^HP/LP/QRP
Operator Call _____________ Station Call ___________
Op Time (hrs) _____________ QTH* ________________ Club ^(none)
QSOs Total Distance, km Best DX QSO, km
*_____ *___________ *__________
Comments __________________________________________________(optional)
Information is included in all forms on 3830 site:
Log submission info http://www.3830scores.com/index.php
Link to contest rules https://sites.google.com/site/springvhfupsprints/
Revision 10 by NT4RT and KA2KQM 8/3/21
Developed in the late 1950s as a replacement for the Korean War-era AN/PRC-10, the AN/PRC-25, or “Prick 25,” incorporated pioneering solid-state circuitry. Additionally, it was water resistant, simple to operate and easy to maintain. Its 50 Hz “squelch feature,” muting routine background noise when a strong signal wasn’t detected, simplified tuning.
The radio had two antennas, a 3-foot standard antenna for most missions and a 10-foot long-range foxhole antenna carried in a canvas bag attached to the radio’s side. U.S. Special Forces and long-range reconnaissance patrols developed improvised “jungle antennas” that extended the range even farther.
The AN/PRC-25 pack consisted of two metal cans. The lower can contained the battery pack; the upper the transceiver. The radio proved to be almost “soldier-proof” in the field. The handset, however, was vulnerable to moisture.
Most RTOs pulled the battery pack’s clear plastic wrapping over the handset, securing it with a rubber band. The batteries were good for two to three hours of heavy use and could last for several days if used sparingly. The radios also could run off a vehicle’s power supply. The battery packs had to be destroyed when expended since the NVA used them in booby traps.
The “Prick 25” entered Vietnam in 1965 and was carried on virtually all land vehicles, riverine craft and aircraft. Gen. Creighton Abrams, deputy commander and then commander of Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, called the Prick 25 “the single most important tactical field item in Vietnam.” Adopted by more than 30 U.S. allies, the AN/PRC-25 remained in service well into the 1980s
Batteries lasted 1 day
Two SF Recon Teams operating 10 miles apart in Laos call out “Prairie Fire” as they are ambushed and outnumbered. One of them is holding their own. The other is running for their lives
. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7vsU8_bZn8
RT Colorado is the team that is running for its life.
RT Hawaii is holding their own.
Both RT’s have called out a “Prairie Fire” in Laos near the Ho Chi Minh Trail and are approximately 10 miles apart as the crow flies. Prairie Fire was an operation which sent MACVSOG units (Green Beret) into Laos. It was conducted in conjunction with the Marine Operation known as Dewey Canyon in the A Shau Valley south of Fire Base Vandergrift and south of the Rock Pile and Camp Carroll. An emergency call of Prairie Fire made from this area authorized all available air, sea and ground units to respond. All air units were authorized and expected to respond.
Colorado has just been hit by a North Vietnamese platoon of 40 men who desire no more than to wipe out this team completely off the face of the Earth. During this Prairie Fire, David Mixter is killed when he saves Mitchel’s life by shoving him to one side and exchanging fire with an NVA armed with an RPG. Mixter and the NVA exchange fire immediately. The NVA fires his RPG as Mixter fires his weapon. The RPG hits Mixter in the knee area and kills him instantly as the NVA drops dead by Mixter’s return Fire. Here’s a list of call signs for those included in the tape:
PRC-25 FIELD RADIO
PRC-25 RadioThe major field radio of the Vietnam War was the AN/PRC-25. “AN” meant it was a piece of military electronics, not a truck or a weapon or a can of SPAM. “PRC” meant it was a portable radio, “-25” meant it was the 25th one the military had standardized. It was inevitably referred to as a “Prick Twenty-Five” by GIs, or “Prick” for short. The PRC-25 was about the size and weight of a case of soda. With its battery “can” included, call it a case of soda sitting on top of a six-pack. (It actually weighed slightly more than that, 23.5 pounds) There was a handle on each side at the top to carry it. The radio consisted of two parts, both in metal boxes, called “cans.” The upper can held the radio itself, the lower can held its battery pack. Metal buckles held the two together. The radio was tough and would easily survive a 50 foot fall from a helicopter onto a metal-planked runway. You could throw the whole thing in the water for an hour, completely submerged, then pull it out and expect it to work. It could be battery powered for use as a backpack radio, or it could be plugged into an external power source for use in a vehicle or a helicopter.
The extra box included a speaker and a conversion to the vehicle/aircraft’s electrical system.
The operator controls were on top and looked like this:
PRC-25
The two “pre-sets” were done at the base camp. Usually they would be tuned to a selected main frequency and an alternative. The FUNCTION switch, in order, turned ON the radio, then SQUELCH suppressed static. RETRANS was a mode that allowed it to act as a relay for another radio. LITE turned on the little light in the REC-TRANS FREQUENCY channel dial, for night work. The VOLUME control controlled the receive volume. The PRC-25 worked like a car radio, you could dial in any frequency at any time, preset any two, then use the switches to select either of them, usually called a “push.” And maybe then dial in and use a third. The radio was issued with its own packframe.
The radio’s weak point was the communications handset. The handset was like a telephone handset, with a “push to talk” bar. A hook on the back allowed you to hang the handset off your web gear, etc. The handset could simply not get wet. In a wet, humid, country like Vietnam, this was a serious problem. The usual way to deal with this was to put the handset inside the clear plastic bag (usually the one from the radio battery’s packaging), tie it in place with a rubber band, and use it like that. Fording streams, the handset had to be held clear of the water. For all that, the microphone was fairly sensitive and could even be whispered into.
The radio antenna was exactly like a metal tape measure, but the bottom foot or so was a round flexible tube that screwed into the radio. There were actually two antennas, a regular one and a long-range antenna, carried in a canvas bag strapped to the side of the radio The radio had a transmission range, with the short antenna, of about 3-4 miles, but various terrain factors could influence this, of course. It helped to be higher up. The long range antenna was supposed to be good for up to 18 miles.
The rule of thumb was that the battery was good for about a day of casual operation, listening mostly, some occasional transmissions. In a period of intense use, transmitting/receiving all the time, it was good for perhaps 2-3 hours. The way the LRRPs and SF used it, shutting it off and only coming up at scheduled times to briefly transmit or listen, it was good for perhaps four days. Spare batteries were usually kept in a spare .30 caliber ammo can. When expended, the battery pack had to be physically destroyed. Inside were flashlight-type batteries which the Viet Cong could use in booby traps or to ignite bombardment rockets.
The RTO (Radio/Telephone Operator) was usually carefully chosen. He had to be someone with experience, who wouldn’t get rattled under fire. He had to be able to read maps, too. If something happened to the officer, the RTO would effectively command the unit, calling in fires, getting in medevacs, etc. It was also a dangerous job, since the radio antenna said to the enemy “Shoot ME first!” But an experienced RTO became like a “private secretary” to the officer, anticipating what might be wanted and preparing it in advance. At night, he and the officer, the platoon sergeant, and platoon medic slept close together, alternating radio watch, the “Twenty-Five” within reach of all. RTOs within a unit got to know each other too, and formed a kind of bond, since they did all the communications. There was a “status” to being the RTO. All the RTOs administratively reported back to the communications section back at battalion. The commo section also maintained your radio for you, out of the field.
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