13 Colonies Event

The annual 13 Colonies Special Event took place July 1 - July 7. This year’s theme was “Revolutionary War Era Colonial Currency.” 

Special events stations were K2A (New York), K2B (Virginia), K2C (Rhode Island), K2D (Connecticut), K2E (Delaware), K2F (Maryland), K2G (Georgia), K2H (Massachusetts), K2I (New Jersey), K2J (North Carolina), K2K (New Hampshire), K2L (South Carolina) and K2M (Pennsylvania).

This year, more than 108,000 contacts were made during the 13 Colonies Special Event. On my first attempt, I am happy to report that I contacted all 13 colonies, to earn a certificate with a "Clean Sweep" endorsement.  Yeah!  For me, as a new ham, contacting 13 colonies also means 13 new states toward my WAS (Worked all States). Pretty sweet.

73, KG7LNG

Field Day 2014 in Photos

First thing we noticed upon arriving at Field Day sight was the
elaborate "antenna farm" for such a remote location.
6m Antenna Flying High

All stations were clearly marked with bands and operator.
Station 5, SSB, 40 m
Operated by Owen, AK7AR

W7AH checking out 50 m antenna high in the trees.

Chatting about new antenna going up.

Everyone helps out at Field Day.
W7AH helping with antenna raising.




73, KG7LNG

Field Day Preparations

2014 Catalina Radio Club (W7SA) and Radio Society of Tucson (K7RST) Field Day

Mt. Bigelow, June 28-29, 2014

Days until ARRL Field Day! - 0 Days

Field Day Provisions

History

Field Day is the largest single emergency preparedness exercise in the country, with over 30,000 operators participating each year. Since the first ARRL Field Day in 1933, radio amateurs have practiced the rapid deployment of radio communications equipment in environments ranging from operations under tents in remote areas to operations inside Emergency Operations Centers. Operations using emergency and alternative power sources are highly encouraged, since electricity and other public infrastructures are often among the first to fail during a natural disaster or severe weather.To determine the effectiveness of the exercise and of each participant's operations, there is a contesting component. Many clubs also engage in concurrent leisure activities (camping out, cookouts, etc.). Operations typically last a continuous twenty-four hours, requiring scheduled relief operators to keep stations on the air. Additional contest points are awarded for experimenting with unusual modes, making contacts via satellite, and involving youth in the activity.

Preparations

I was feeling pretty good about field day, seeing it as an opportunity to have some fun, make new friends, and learn a few things. Then, I watched George Thomas describe his field day preparations on HamNation last night. George and friends, Tommy and Wayne, will be setting off for the woods of Mississipi to get "completely off the grid." With more than 50 items on the list of items they plan to take to with them, I began feeling my "take with me stash" (handheld, cooler, hat and name tag) was seriously lacking.

But, never fear, I have a team (actually two teams) behind me. This year, my club K7RST will be joining W7SA on Mt. Bigelow for Field Day fun. So, off I (and W7AH) go. Wish us luck and stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG

Hamventure with Antennas

After a whirlwind of ham radio activity over the last couple of months: three exams in pursuit of my Extra class license, the Hamvention in Dayton, purchasing my first handheld, my first QSO, setting up my Ham Chair and dabbling in HF, I am settling in and feeling somewhat like a "real ham." But, as every seasoned ham knows, being a ham radio operator, is not just about QSOs and Hamventions, there's some real work involved, especially to keep equipment and antennas up and running in tip-top condition. My first lesson ... helping replace W7AH's antenna rotator.

Outside Antenna Work Has to Start Early in Arizona

W7AH's 5-Band Beam Antenna Up

Half Hour Later ... W7AH's 5-Band Beam Antenna Down

Have to Keep Critters (Coyotes, Javelinas, Raccoons) from Nibbling Cables

W7AH Installing Temporary 40m Antenna

While New Rotator is on Order

Time to Test on 40m

KG7LNG Testing Vertical Antenna for 2m and 70cm

To be Installed on Roof Later

(I like to think of this as being "Outstanding in my Field" ... hi hi)

73, KG7LNG

Have Handheld, Will Travel

Hamventure to Yosemite National Park
June 12th - 15th

On a recent trip to Yosemite National Park with W7AH for some hiking and relaxation, it became apparent to me that the "ham radio bug" has bitten me badly. The first hint ... packed in my suitcase, along-side my hiking boots and sunscreen, was my Kenwood TH-F6A. The final give-away ... one of the highlights of the trip turned out to be the ham shack at the B & B where we stayed. Wish I could say we actually picked the Yosemite Rose B & B in Groveland, CA  because of the ham shack (how cool would that be) but it just happened to be a lucky coincidence I discovered while checking out their website after reservations were made based on promises of beautiful rooms, amazing views, and scrumptious breakfasts (all, and more, which were delivered). (http://www.yosemiterose.com)

Yosemite Rose Bed and Breakfast

Innkeeper, WJ6WHQ (aka Don), took time to talk to us about his own hamventures and show us around his shack.  I even had a QSO using his rig.

WJ6WHQ and W7AH Swapping Stories

KG7LNG and WJ6WHQ Hamming it Up

After spending a couple of hours talking with WJ6WHQ, I came away with an entirely new appreciation for the role ham radio plays in so many lives. For me right now, it’s a fun hobby with the added benefits of learning something new and expanding my group of friends. For Don, living in a remote area high in the mountains above Yosemite National Park, ham radio plays an essential role in his community. As a member of TCARES (Toulumne County Amateur Radio Electronic Society) WJ6WHQ and his fellow hams provide communications assistance with fires, floods, search & rescue, and health & welfare message assistance to the Red Cross. These dedicated hams do so using their own equipment, without pay, and usually in 12-hour shifts.

As W7AH and I drove in  and out of the park on Hwy 120, we saw the devastation caused by last year's Rim Fire, the third largest fire in California history, burning over 250,000 acres in Tuolumne and Mariposa counties. There were spots the fire skipped, but others where the trees had burned all the way up into the crowns. Imagine looking out your back window and seeing a fire of that magnitude approaching your home as WJ6WHQ and many of his neighbors and friends did.  Essential supplemental radio coverage was provided by TCARES.

Aftermath of 2013 Yosemite Rim Fire

Luckily for us, the fire was finally contained and Yosemite is still spectacular.  I'll end this post with a couple of my favorite photos from our trip.

Glacier Point

Mirror Lake Trail

73, KG7LNG

Hamventuring into the World of HF

June 4, 2014

Since purchasing my TH-F6A at the Dayton Hamvention, I have been having a blast tuning into frequencies that are relayed to other ham radio operators via repeaters. I have, especially, had luck with the AZ Repeaters EAARS linked system. Given, that I am in East Tucson, the Mt. Lemmon repeater, 146.160, seems to be an easy target for me. I have talked to many hams in Tucson and a few as far away as New Mexico.

But once I became comfortable with "radio protocol" and had firmly memorized my new call sign, including phonetics, I was ready to expand ... into the world of HF ... and W7AH's ham shack. (I only hoped his chair was as comfortable as my Ham Chair ... hi hi.) So, after a crash course in the operation of W7AH's equipment, the big moment finally arrived and I was ready to take my newly acquired HF privileges out for a spin!

First HF QSO

My first CQ call on 20m ("New Ham looking for her first HF contact.") was answered by N3BUO in Venus, Texas. I enjoyed chatting with him and, later, with his friend WA5FWC. Both were great contacts for my first HF experience. They seemed to really enjoy aiding my hamventure and first taste of long distance skywave communications.

Next hamventure goals ... (1) Become proficient operating W7AH's equipment solo and (2) Earn my Worked All States (WAS) award certificate by confirming QSOs with all 50 U.S. States. Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG

KG7LNG's Very Comfy Ham "Shack"

Okay, so now I have my Ham Radio License and have made my first QSO, now what? First order of business, purchase equipment and set up my ham shack.

I actually achieved the equipment purchase at the Dayton Hamvention. After visiting several of the vendors and trying out their handheld transceivers (over and over thanks to W7AH's patience), I decided on the Kenwood TH-F6A. The choice finally came down to "size" and "user friendliness."  "Size" because of my small hands and "user friendliness" because of my equally small amount of experience with electronic gadgets. But don't let the size fool you. This ultra compact FM portable model is technically sophisticated featuring 2m, 1.25m, and 70 cm band operation and dual-frequency receive within the same bands. I have to admit though, the "user friendliness" is enhanced greatly because of W7AH's experience and, again, patience. Every new ham's greatest asset is an Elmer!

Kenwood TH-F6A

Now, for the ham shack. I guess I may have taken a piece of advice given to me regarding equipping your first ham shack a little too literally  ... "the most comfortable chair in the house should be in your shack" ... because my first ham shack is actually not a shack at all, but a chair ... a very cushy reclining chair.

KG7LNG Ready for QSOs

If you think something looks like it is missing in my new "shack," (perhaps the chair looks a little large for me and my TH-F6A), then meet Bonney, the amazing Ham Dog, "K9HAM." (Not to be confused with FCC approved K9HAM, Lewis & Clark Radio Club, of Godfrey, IL.) 

K9HAM Ready to Assist

So, ham radio equipment ... check; ham "shack" ... check; ham dog ... check; next step, venturing into the world of HF and W7AH's ham shack. Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG and K9HAM

First QSO

May 17, 2014
Hara Arena, Dayton, Ohio

I have been told that many new hams have their first contact "set up" for them.  Logistics are arranged in advance to assure success and foster excitement.  But I think it would be safe to assume that not many of these arrangements involve center stage of an ARRL exhibit at the Dayton Hamvention, several accommodating patient ARRL employees, and a very nice ham behind the curtain.  For me, it was precisely that...and more.  It was awesome!

The Big Moment

First QSL Card

Ham Behind Curtain

73, KG7LNG

Best of Dayton Hamvention in Photos

Best Antenna Headdress

Best Ham-Cat in Hat

Best of the Flea Market

                                                                   

Best Prepared Ham

Best Elmer

Best Mobile Antenna Farm

Best Bragging Rights

                          

Best Ham Nation Humor

Best YL Accessory

73, KG7LNG
                       

                                                  

                           

Hamventure to Dayton Hamvention

May 17th and 18th, 2014

Since 1952 the Dayton Amateur Radio Association has been sponsoring an annual 3-day Hamvention held mostly at Hara Arena, a facility just outside the city limits of Dayton, Ohio. This year W7AH and I were there among 24,000 plus other ham radio enthusiasts. What an amazing experience for a new ham or any ham for that matter!

First of all, the arena...Hara is a very large complex that includes many interconnected buildings. Outside is a flea marketer's dream come true. A map and comfortable walking shoes were definitely a must. Although the doors opened on Friday, we did not arrive until Saturday. But once there, our adventure quickly began.

With over 550 indoor exhibits and a constant sea of people, there was a lot to take in.  For a new ham with very little actual hands on radio experience under her belt, it felt a little like "ham radio on steroids!" A little overwhelming at first, but I quickly settled in. I even came away with a shiny new engraved name badge and and a very functional hiking hat, both sporting my new call sign.

Ready for the Flea Market Sun

One of the highlights of Saturday for me was meeting my first Elmer, Gordo West, WB6NOA. After using his Technician and General Class books to study for my first two license exams, I felt like I knew him and wasn't shy at all walking up to his booth, introducing myself and asking him to sign my Extra Class book and pose for a photo. Later we were able to witness Gordo in action as he hosted a live broadcast of my new favorite show, Ham Nation, along with Bob, George and Valerie.

KG7LNG Meeting WB6NOA

Bob, Gordo, George and Valerie

Early Sunday morning, W7AH and I were lucky enough to "hang out" with Gordo outside while wandering among the largest collection of electronic goodies I have ever seen in one place. Okay let's be honest. That I have ever seen period!

My Two Elmers, WB6NOA and W7AH

After bumping into WB6NOA in the Flea Market, the next big event on Sunday was a party celebrating the 100th birthday of ARRL, American Radio Relay League, the largest membership association of amateur radio enthusiasts in the USA. And no celebration is complete without cake (really good cake)...

Happy Birthday, ARRL

ARRL President Kay Craigie, N3KN

So, for an overview, I think I have hit most of the high points. Stay tuned for my next two posts with more on my Hamventure to Dayton Hamvention: "Best of Dayton Hamvention in Photos" and "First QSO."

73, KG7LNG

Green Ham, Hold the Eggs

As a mother of four grown children, who are always on the lookout for signs of mental aging in me, I have had a bit of explaining to do as to "why ham radio?" So I will begin this new blog by answering that question.

Like many radio enthusiasts, I caught the bug of being able to communicate to people I had never met before from my dad. But instead of cutting my teeth on a ham radio handheld transceiver, I was handed a mike connected to a citizens band radio in my dad's 1972 Ford Ranger pickup. For my dad, a CB radio was useful for communicating with fellow volunteer fire fighters and keeping in touch with many of his trucker friends. For me it was just fun. My dad suggested "Scooby-Doo" as a handle for me and, in hindsight, I now see that choice as not just a "off the top of his head suggestion," but as a calculated move to increase my enjoyment. (Imagine truck drivers singing, "Scooby Dooby Doo, where are you?")

Eventually my dad sold his CB equipment and I went on to other things without two-way radio communication playing a part in my everyday life...until a month ago. Again, I was introduced to the radio hobby by someone close to me...my friend (and now Elmer) W7AH. He has been a ham radio enthusiast for many years and, after I realized the go to place to look for him was his ham shack, I decided it might be a good idea to join in on the fun. First scary words uttered (or muttered softly), "What do you think about me becoming a ham?"

Luckily he (as most seasoned hams) was totally supportive of the endeavor. In fact, he ordered a set of ham radio training books by Gordon (Gordo) West for me that day and dangled a carrot in front of me ... "You can't touch my equipment until you get your Extra Class license."  hi hi  So, one month and three exams later, I am now officially an Extra Class licensed ham.

As to why start a blog about my hamventure, I would have to say that the greatest thing I learned from my first two-way radio experience was that I have an amazing love of stories, both listening to and telling. So I thought it would be fun to share my path to becoming "a ham master," as my kids like to affectionately call me. Along the way I hope to make many new friends and share parts of their stories as well.  Stay tuned.

73, KG7LNG