Packet Radio - Northern VA

My KPC-9612+ can hear the following packet nodes in and around Northern Virginia:

In the picture you can see N4YXM connected to my PBBS :)

Chuck and I have been trying to get packets (mail) routing between us, I bet this was fun before the internet and its SMTP email systems took over!

73, David kk4zuu

Virginia Emergency Digital Network (VDEN - 145.730 FM)

I discovered that Virgina is still using and supporting packet radio.

The Virginia Digital Emergency Network (VDEN) Website is http://www.vden.org/

I am testing to other packet nodes in my area with a Kantronics KPC-9612+ and a Yaesu FT-2900R.

It is interesting just how far 5 watts can go at 1200 baud, and that is only the initial testing phase.

My antenna is an attic mounted clone of an Arrow 2m/70cm j-pole.

Back to my testing...

David

Yaesu FT-2900R (Packet/WL2K)

I purchased a Yaesu FT-2900R to use as a packet/WL2K base station.

I sourced the DB9/RJ-12 (6 pair) adapter, a 7ft RJ-12/6 cable, and a 3.5mm stereo cable from Amazon. I have links to Amazon for these items above to help you find them, (disclaimer) I might make a penny from you if you use the links.

73, David

Middle Mountain Cabins, WV WVA DXpedition to FM08DQ (June 20-22, 2015)

WVA DXpedition to FM08DQ (June 20-22, 2015)
6M, 40M (JT65)

Middle Mountain Cabins, near Bartow, WV

I had three measly QSO's, rain and storms at my location and some technical issues but I plan to return!

The unique thing about this location is it's in the National Radio Quiet Zone (NRQZ). It was really easy to obtain permission to operate at the cabins in-advance. I contacted two employees and they were both hams:

Jonah Bauserman (KW8V) and Paulette Woody (KD8NKC)

I advised them of my temporary, portable dipole setup, my max power and my planned operating frequencies. I was asked to point my signals away from the satellite dish and to have fun and enjoy our visit*. I ran low power (< 10 W).

*Please contact the officials yourself for your visit (nrao.edu)

It is a very remote location:

• It's a 12 mile drive along a well maintained dirt and gravel forest service road
• ABSOLUTELY NO cell phone service (NRQZ = no cell phone towers!)
• The nearest telephone is a curb side payphone about 16 miles away
• There is a science camp for kids at the bottom of the mountain 12 miles away, it had power lines and it looked like some telephone lines if there is an emergency in-season
• No electric (bring flashlights, lanterns)
• No running water (treat the water from the well pump out front per manual)
• No nearby store (bring everything you need, I used a separate deep cycle battery for my ham radio, which I accidentally drained)
• An outhouse is present (very well built)
• Three cabins (two are historical from the 1930's)
• I was able to use a 2M HT to contact a nearby repeater in Circleville, VA using 5 watts even with full foliage present and a stock antenna (elevation!)
• recreation.gov for cabin rental information (you get the entire site per rental)

I plan to return. Due to rain my son and I did not get to visit the Radio Telescope nearby in Green Bank, WV. It's on my list (rumors are the telescope may close in 2016).

73, David KK4ZUU

Virgina QSO Party 2015 Mobile QRP

I operated as a mobile, QRP, station in this years VA QSO Party (VaQP).

The tools I used to operate solo included:

-Laptop, CQX, N3FJP logger
-Tascam DR-05 audio recorder
-Nexus 7 tablet running aprsdroid (TCP/IP)
-iPhone hotspot (aprsdroid)
-Yaesu FT-60R HT (5 watts)

I had HF equipment with me but I did not use it as conditions were bad and I found myself behind schedule both days so I chose to operate VHF/UHF FM only.

APRS:

I was able to create a free account on aprs.fi and export my APRS data in Google Earth KML format and open it in Google Earth to archive my journey. The other thing this data will provide is indications of stops I made along the way to identify grid square data (along with the voice narration from the Tascam of my drive).

aprs.fi visualization of my journey

aprs.fi kml export into Google Earth

My VaQP Stats (unofficial):

QSOs: 76
QSO Points: 138
Multipliers: 18 Virginia Counties/Independent Cities worked
Total Score: 2,484 + 1,600 mobile bonus + 500 KT4KA/M= 4,584

I had a great time, I learned some valuable lessons on mobile contesting operations, and I really enjoyed myself. Next time I plan to caravan with at least one or two other vehicles.

73,
David kk4zuu

K1N Worked..onto Va QSO Party prep

I finally worked K1N on 20m today SSB.

I am gathering parts to build a 2m and a 70cm set of moxon antennas to use mobile for the VA QSO Party in March. I plan to go mobile: solo operator, FM phone (2m/70cm), and SSB/Digital HF. Well I hope to do all of that solo Sat, my son may join me some on Sunday.

K1N

Still trying to work K1N

VA QSO Party 2015

Today I spoke to members of the Ole VA Hams, KG4NXT and KD4DEE on their repeater.

John informed David and I about the March 2015 VA QSO Party.

I found some interesting, and some dangerous, operating procedures on YouTube from other hams. I don't think its safe to do a QSO and log it on a computer while you are driving people!!

I have a Yaesu FT-60R hand held, I have been looking for more FM capabilities for mobile. Suggestions welcomed for the event.

Welcome to my blog, KK4ZUU.

I started my journey in ham radio when I was younger, but I did not earn my license until 3/2014. In 12/2014 I upgraded to General Class.

I am an ARRL member, I enjoy reading QST in its paper format.

I operate on HF (Voice and Data) with JT65a being my favorite mode on < 5 watts. On 2m/70cm I use local repeaters on occasion to talk to local contacts.

Welcome to my blog!

73,
David kk4zuu