ICQ Podcast

I downloaded an App to my tablet the other day that lets me listen to podcasts from the public as well as the BBC etc.
While trawling through the many podcasts available I came across a really interesting podcast called ICQPODCAST 

This is a free weekly talk style podcast for anybody interested in all things radio.

Hosted by Martin Butler (M1MRB & W9ICQ) and Colin Butler M6BOY they seem to cover every imaginable radio topic in a very user friendly style. 

ICQPODCAST boys working 2012L                           

My favourite satellite SO50

Working SO50   (A quick overview of the satellite and how to work it)


SO50 in an amateur radio satellite that can be worked by anyone with an amateur radio licence.

It was launched on 20 December, 2002 and has given many years service so far, being used by amateurs around the world on a daily basis.

If you are new to satellites then to work S050 you will need either a dual band radio with  semi duplex operation. Or two separate radios, one to receive and one to transmit.

I use an FT817 with a whopping 5 watts output in to an Elk handheld antenna.

If you are not sure about if you can receive the satellite, why not just listen for the first few passes to get to grips with the doppler shift and the speed of the pass at different heights. as a rule the higher the pass the quicker it whips through the sky. But of course it is closer to you so reception should be easier 

ELK LOG PERIODIC

 
The satellites frequencies are.. Downlink:436.800 fm
                                              Uplink: 145.850  fm

You will also need to programme in a 67.0 Hz PL tone on the uplink, to activate the satellite.
SO-50 also has a 10 minute timer that must be armed before use. Transmit a 2 second carrier with a PL tone of 74.4 to arm the timer.

SO50

The Uplink should be fixed at 145.850. While the downlink is adjusted for Doppler as the satellite passes overhead.

It all sounds a lot harder than it is. It shouldn't take to long to get in to a routine of what you need, and what hands need to do what.
As you may think you need to be an octopus to adjust the frequency, aim the antenna, talk to the satellite and make a note of who you just called. All at the same time.

GOOD LUCK...

Speeding up the cw.

Just lately I have been trying to speed up my cw speed. It has been quite a while since I passed my cw exam (20 years) So the first thing that I noticed was the mountain of morse training Apps, web sites and programmes that are now available to help..

My speed is hovering around 12-14 wpm but even at this speed I still need lots of practice.

I recently joined FISTS. This is a UK based club that have loads of resources and events to keep you happy all year long. There is a membership charge, but is is so low for the year that it is just there to cover admin etc.
I also joined SKCC  This is a free club based in the USA also with loads of good stuff. Just send them a request via their web site and they will send you a membership number valid for life.


Training programmes that I am using at the moment include LCWO  and a Koch method App for my tablet.

If you live in and around North Cornwall give me a shout via twitter or here and perhaps we can arrange a sked. @G0UFV.
I mainly use 2m, 70cm and 40m

Or my WEBSITE


I spent a little time adjustimg my vertical antenna for best SWR this morning as I had messed about with it a few weeks ago to work SSB.


This evening (Sun 24th Nov) I am hoping to take part in the FISTS ladder. This is an event that takes place twice a month for fists members, although anyone is welcome to join in.

Maybe see you there..

FT817

Hello and welcome to my blogg.

To start let me introduce myself. My name is Paul and I am a licenced radio amateur. I was licenced in 1993 with the call G7OSI followed shortly after by my currant call of G0UFV.

After a long absence from the radio hobby I returned about two years ago when I purchased a Yaesu  FT817.
This was a revelation as I had been away for so long things had moved on at a great pace. Apart from this little radio doing everything that I needed in one box there were all these new modes to think about.. Digital modes, loads of great computer programmes available Apps for the tables, the list was seemingly endless.

After a little time getting to know the radio I started to play with Satellites, cw and sota activations, although the latter is very dependant on being able to drive to the summit and work from close to the car.

I have started this blogg to document my activities in the radio world and to pass on information about my equipment, new products etc etc.