Friday Night HAM Radio NET

[Mad Garden Gnome]

If I ever get a schedule that gives me Friday nights off, I wouldn't mind helping out with this.

Someday.

 

[12poundtest]

If I ever get a schedule that gives me Friday nights off, I wouldn't mind helping out with this.

Someday.

Thanks Ryan. Appreciate the thoughts and please keep us in mind if you get free on Fridays. We can really use the help.
73
Ed N7PHY

 

[12poundtest]

Hello Everyone,
I'll be your net control this week for the Overland Bound Ham Radio Net on Echolink. No specific topic, just checking in with everyone. I did get a new (to me) VHF/UHF rig for my truck which supports APRS. I would be interested to hear if you use APRS and how you are using it.

See you Friday. Thanks!
Ed N7PHY


Net Details
Overland Bound Ham Radio Net

Topic: Open
Net Control: Ed N7PHY - Edmonds WA
When: 17:30 PST, 20:30 EST, 01:30 UTC
OB Rally Point: https://www.overlandbound.com/event/ham-radio-weekly-net-2/

Where: Our net is graciously hosted by the Starlink White Mountain Repeater System group. Below is the current list of of nodes, hubs, repeaters, and links which get us on the air each Friday. For more information please visit their website at White Mountain Repeater Association .

Echolink
Conference Node 357087 (Starlink)

You may also connect through the following:
Allstar HUB Node 49842 Los Angeles, CA (Main Hub)
Allstar HUB Node 41050 Dallas, TX
Allstar HUB Node 49964 Atlanta, GA
Allstar HUB Node 49420 Los Angeles, CA
Allstar HUB Node 41120 Dallas, TX
Allstar HUB Node 49421 Atlanta, GA

DMR
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (C) K4CEG
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (D) AB5JK
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3124829
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3148905

Repeaters and Links:
KE6GVK 147.570 CLOSED Saint Johns, AZ
KE6GVK 223.420 PL 100.0 Saint Johns, AZ
K7RFX 145.550 PL 127.3 Tuscon, AZ
KJ7NWP 147.500 PL 127.3 Red Rock, AZ
KG7NVF 145.590 PL 127.3 Mesa, AZ
WB6IZC 446.800 PL 186.2 Temecula, CA
KS6R 223.650 PL 156.7 Long Beach CA
K6SIG 443.800 PL 156.7 La Habra, CA
AB5JK 146.620 PL 100.0 Uvalde, TX
AB5JK 444.600 PL 162.2 Uvalde, TX

Live Streaming Audio: (Anyone may listen in)

White Mountain Repeater Association

 

[Bookerman]

Ed, hold my beer. I think I need both hands to count this high. How many networks are connected???

...
Net Details
Overland Bound Ham Radio Net
<snip>
[1]
Echolink
Conference Node 357087 (Starlink)

<snip>
[2]
Allstar ...

["Reflectors" are a D-STAR thing isn't it? And BM a separate thing--they call 'em '"TalkGroups'" --so this heading should perhaps be "Digital Radios" and counts as two (2) networks]
DMR
[3 D-STAR]
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (C) K4CEG
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (D) AB5JK
[4 BM]
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3124829
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3148905

[5]
Repeaters and Links:
[Aaaand I'll count ALL linked analog repeaters as one network]

[6]
Live Streaming Audio: (Anyone may listen in)
White Mountain Repeater Association
[BTW, Thank you White Mountain Repeater Association ;) ]

WOW. I am astounded at the number of repeaters, reflectors, talkgroups, nodes (of two varieties) that are connected/linked/bridged/whatever. I might be stretching here, but my conclusions are: a lot of you are in California (or your heart is in CA through OverlandBound), and a lot of you like Amateur Radio and do some amazing things with the InterWebs. (In comparison, I took at look at the city near where I grew up and they have two (2) repeaters, and the next closest repeaters are, well, a day's drive away. Ya, Canada is big and full of a lot of empty spaces, eh?)

Oh, yes, I didn't see a conclusion, but is it too late to put in my vote for keeping the net on Friday? I suppose it's an on-the-drive-home net for some folks in CA (for those that venture out for the workday), but for me, and I suppose a good number of others in the rest of the U.S.A. and Canada it would be into the evening, and a nice way to wind down and wrap up the week. Sorry I haven't checked in for a couple of months, but the work at home grind has kinda worn me down, and our online training activities with the SAR team have been going like gangbusters. (I've hosted two sessions on radio comms, and another coming up in a couple of weeks!) But somehow I managed to find the time to cram in some study time, practiced the exam a bunch of times, then wrote and passed my advanced level. I celebrated by getting myself an additional call sign, so...
73 de VA2EV (also VA2EEK) Don

 

[Prerunner1982]

You know I could talk about APRS but as usual my weekend job gets in the way. May try to listen in but the last couple of times I have tried that I kept losing connection.

 

[12poundtest]

Ed, hold my beer. I think I need both hands to count this high. How many networks are connected???



WOW. I am astounded at the number of repeaters, reflectors, talkgroups, nodes (of two varieties) that are connected/linked/bridged/whatever. I might be stretching here, but my conclusions are: a lot of you are in California (or your heart is in CA through OverlandBound), and a lot of you like Amateur Radio and do some amazing things with the InterWebs. (In comparison, I took at look at the city near where I grew up and they have two (2) repeaters, and the next closest repeaters are, well, a day's drive away. Ya, Canada is big and full of a lot of empty spaces, eh?)

Oh, yes, I didn't see a conclusion, but is it too late to put in my vote for keeping the net on Friday? I suppose it's an on-the-drive-home net for some folks in CA (for those that venture out for the workday), but for me, and I suppose a good number of others in the rest of the U.S.A. and Canada it would be into the evening, and a nice way to wind down and wrap up the week. Sorry I haven't checked in for a couple of months, but the work at home grind has kinda worn me down, and our online training activities with the SAR team have been going like gangbusters. (I've hosted two sessions on radio comms, and another coming up in a couple of weeks!) But somehow I managed to find the time to cram in some study time, practiced the exam a bunch of times, then wrote and passed my advanced level. I celebrated by getting myself an additional call sign, so...
73 de VA2EV (also VA2EEK) Don

Hi Don
Congratulations on the new call sign! Yes, there sure are a lot of linked systems in this allstar network. And OB members often add a couple more repeaters on Friday evenings.

Sorry I didn't follow up to the day change question. There really hasn't been much discussion one way or the other. Though, as soon as Randall indicated he would have to drop I lost interest. No point changing days if we loose our cornerstone friends in this endeavor. The point behind these schedule questions is we do not have enough people available to keep the net running.

Anyway, stay safe up there Don and look forward to hearing your new call sign on the net.
73,
Ed N7PHY

 

[12poundtest]

You know I could talk about APRS but as usual my weekend job gets in the way. May try to listen in but the last couple of times I have tried that I kept losing connection.

Sorry to hear you are loosing connection Jon. Let us know if you find the culprit and it's something that may benefit the group.
Hope you can make it in there tonight.
73,
Ed N7PHY

 

[12poundtest]

Great net tonight everybody! Below are my (rough) notes. Feel free to correct or add to the notes.
You can see we talked quite a bit about APRS and I hope to have a dedicated net soon to dig in deeper. Any thoughts for other net topics?

Have a great weekend everyone!
73,
Ed N7PHY

Overland Bound Amateur Radio Net		Announcements
NCS:	N7PHY Ed
Topic: Open topic, APRS, Ham tech questions
Check In	Name	Location	I/O
KE6GGVK	MIKE	AZ	X	NETWORK ADMIN. REMINDER TECH ROUND TABLE TONIGHT 19:00 PST/22:00 EST
VA2EV	DON	QUEBEC		NEW CALL SIGN, ADV CLASS UPGRADE. FT991A NEW RADIO FOR BIRTHDAY. 160M CONTEST W RADIO, WAS INTERESTING. APRS WITH 710 IS NICE RIG. HAVE COUPLE IN SEARCH RESCUE RIGS. CAN DO CROSSBAND REPEAT. ONE IN CMD POST USED TO PICK UP FROM KENWOOD HANDHELDS, TACTICALLY DIGITAL FREQUENCY. USE APRS ALSO BUT LIKE OTHERS ONLY USE 10% OF FEATURES. USE IT TO SEND TEXT/EMAIL WITHOUT CELLULAR. CAN SEE WHERE OTHER PEOPLE OR DIGIPEATERS ARE AROUND ME. DEPENDS ON INFRASTRUCTURE AROUND TO GET PACKETS OUT THERE. PRACTICAL APP NOT MUCH DIFFERENT THAN POSITION REPORTING IN DMR. SARS TEAM BOUGHT 15 NEW RADIOS.
KI5BEE/VE3	CALVIN	ONTARIO		LOOKING INTO CANADIAN CALL. HAVE USED CROSSBAND IN PAST, FISHING TRIPS, AND USE TO HIT RADIO IN TRUCK WITH HANDHELD.
KO4BDT	MIKE	ROANOKE VA		SETTING UP FOR SUNDAY TRIP. LIMITED APRS EXP BUT DOING WELL.
KE7MU	BRAD	VAIL AZ		LOOKING INTO MOVE TO NORTH OF SEATTLE. DONE LITTLE OVERLANDING WITH 2017 PROMASTER VAN, SUITED FOR IT. LEARNED ENGINE CODE READER WILL GIVE PERFORMANCE OF ENGINE AND BLUETOOTH. CONSIDER INTERESTING FOR RIG. TALKED ABOUT PORTABLE HIGH PRESS PUMP TO CARRY WITH FOR AIR DOWN/UP. PICKED UP SUN/SAIL SHADE FOR VEHICLE. USES MAGNETS TO HOLD TO VAN WITH D-RINGS AND PAINTER POLES FOR OTHER END. 8X12'.
kb7rsv	SCOTT	LYNNWOOD WA	x
WX5SKY	JON	OK	X
KT4OZ	TERRY	VA		MOBILE - HERDING KIDS AROUND. OBD2 DONGLE, USE APP CALLED TORQUE FOR ANDROID ($7) FOR SEVERAL YEARS. BOUGHT USED SUZUKI 4 WHEELER. COMPLETELY DISASSEMBLED IT. :) DOING MAINT AND CLEANUP. TRAIL RIDING WITH KIDS. APRS USEFULNESS. MAY BE RESTRICTED BY INFRASTRUCTURE TO MAKE APRS USEFUL. CAN SEND TXT TO HAMS CELL PHONE. ABILITY TO SEND LOCATION VIA GOOGLE MAP LINK. CAN SEND RECEIVE SHORT EMAILS OVER APRS BETWEEN HAMS. DON TOUCHED ON CROSS BAND. QUICK POINT THAT CANNOT CROSSBAND BETWEEN HAM BAND AND OTHER SERVICE.
VK7VWK	RANDALL	TASMANIA		INTERESTED IN THE OBD2 DEVICE. HAVE A MORE EXPENSIVE DEVICE. LOOKING FOR DRONE TO TAKE ARIAL SHOTS. WORKING ON FRIENDS DRONE THAT CRASHED.
KF0AJN	ROB	CO		OBD2 from scan gauge. Having trouble stay ing, using 2tel. SMSGTE.ORG SMS GATEWAY SITE FOR APRS. AS FOR RX DROP, THINK ITS IN CONFIGURATION. CAN RECONNECT BY PUTTING SPACE IN CHAT AND SENDING.
K7BWH	BARRY	WA		6 meter rover. Has APRS which lets Barry travel as long as wife knows where he is. APRS is fun, drives cross country. Feature in kenwood, pickup beacons heard. Idea to use list to talk to people to pull other kenwood frequency. APRS IDEA, VOICE ALERT. CONFIG OWN RADIOS APRS TO REACH PEOPLE. TRAVELING AND TRYING TO RAISE SOMEONE. SET A TONE SQUELCH ON APRS CHANNEL BOTH RX AND TX. EVERYONE ELSE THAT DOES SOMETHING SIMILAR. CAN CALL ON APRS FREQ TO BRING UP SOMEONE DOING THE SAME. http://www.aprs.org/VoiceAlert3.html
KM4PJN	JIMMY	ROANOKE VA		1ST VAR FOOTBALL GAME OF SEASON. 39 DEG. SONS FIRST GAME.
KN4YHM	TROY	LAKE CITY FL		FIRST TIME ON NET. MY RIG IS 2006 WRANGLER TJ. HAVE NOT DONE TOO MANY MODS. GIFT OF 2" SPACER AND BADLANDS WINCH AND COUPLE LIGHTS. LOOKING FOR HD ROOF RACK. NOT SURE IF WANT TO DO ROOFTOP TENT OR CUSTOM BUILD TRAILER. TRAILERS ARE PRICED HIGH BUT LOOKING. FAIRLY NEW HAM (2019). FIRST TIME HEARING ABOUT APRS. HAVE SOME RESEARCH TO DO.
KJ7OKE	DON		X
VK2DY	ROBERT	AUSTRALIA		BEAUTIFUL FIRST 5 DAYS OF AUTUMN. TODAY BACK TO RAIN. HAVE USED APRS ON PHONE BUT NOT ON RADIO. NOT FOUND PRACTICAL USE OF APRS OVER RADIO. TALKED ABOUT MITSUBISHI DELICA WEEKS AGO, IMPORT COMPANY FOUND A COUPLE THAT LOOKED INTERESTING.
K7RFX	LARRY		X

 

[M Rose]

Sorry I missed the net tonight... volleyball season is in full swing for my daughter... but I should be able to start making them every other week.

 

[ChadHahn]

I was listening but I didn't have the channel programmed into my radio so I couldn't talk. I've been using APRS for some time and would like to participate in a net about it.


I have a 97 Landcruiser. 97 is the first year, I think for OBD II so it doesn't have as many features as it does now, but I have a $5 blue toot dongle that fits into the port. I also have an aftermarket Android headunit in my dash, the Atoto A6. It comes with Torque. When I'm towing or it's very hot, it's nice to be able to pull it up on my radio and monitor the engine.

 

[12poundtest]

Hey Everyone,
I'll be your net control for the next couple of weeks and am looking for topic suggestions.
Linked on the OB homepage is an article about the 'Ultimate Overland Checklist'

The Ultimate Overland Checklist for 3 Days

Our 3-day overland checklist to start preparing for your next excursion. In addition to the checklist below, you can download the trip planner here!

www.overlandbound.com

It's an interesting list but I'm wondering what you would add that might not be included. If everybody throws out a few (or many) 'don't leave home without' items, I'll take it all down and publish here in the forum thread.

The following Friday is wide open. APRS is on the table to revisit. Any other topic suggestions?

Thanks!
Ed - N7PHY

 

[M Rose]

Hey Everyone,
I'll be your net control for the next couple of weeks and am looking for topic suggestions.
Linked on the OB homepage is an article about the 'Ultimate Overland Checklist'

The Ultimate Overland Checklist for 3 Days

Our 3-day overland checklist to start preparing for your next excursion. In addition to the checklist below, you can download the trip planner here!

www.overlandbound.com

It's an interesting list but I'm wondering what you would add that might not be included. If everybody throws out a few (or many) 'don't leave home without' items, I'll take it all down and publish here in the forum thread.

The following Friday is wide open. APRS is on the table to revisit. Any other topic suggestions?

Thanks!
Ed - N7PHY

Some ideas would include “Why Upgrade”, “How Overlanding and Amateur radio supplement each other”, SOTA, POTA, how digital communications can be used in an emergency.

 

[12poundtest]

Hi Everyone,
Just a reminder. Tonight we are creating our own overland checklist. This would be any items that are a 'must have' for most trips. Can be anything from tools, parts, camp gear, food, communications, etc.

Hope you can make it.

73,
Ed N7PHY

Net Details
Overland Bound Ham Radio Net

Topic: Overland Checklist
Net Control: Ed N7PHY - Edmonds WA
When: 17:30 PST, 20:30 EST, 01:30 UTC

Where: Our net is graciously hosted by the Starlink White Mountain Repeater System group. Below is the current list of of nodes, hubs, repeaters, and links which get us on the air each Friday. For more information please visit their website at White Mountain Repeater Association .

Echolink
Conference Node 357087 (Starlink)

You may also connect through the following:
Allstar HUB Node 49842 Los Angeles, CA (Main Hub)
Allstar HUB Node 41050 Dallas, TX
Allstar HUB Node 49964 Atlanta, GA
Allstar HUB Node 49420 Los Angeles, CA
Allstar HUB Node 41120 Dallas, TX
Allstar HUB Node 49421 Atlanta, GA

DMR
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (C) K4CEG
DMR Reflector XLX830 Module (D) AB5JK
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3124829
Brandmeister DMR Bridge 3148905

Repeaters and Links:
KE6GVK 147.570 CLOSED Saint Johns, AZ
KE6GVK 223.420 PL 100.0 Saint Johns, AZ
K7RFX 145.550 PL 127.3 Tuscon, AZ
KJ7NWP 147.500 PL 127.3 Red Rock, AZ
KG7NVF 145.590 PL 127.3 Mesa, AZ
WB6IZC 446.800 PL 186.2 Temecula, CA
KS6R 223.650 PL 156.7 Long Beach CA
K6SIG 443.800 PL 156.7 La Habra, CA
AB5JK 146.620 PL 100.0 Uvalde, TX
AB5JK 444.600 PL 162.2 Uvalde, TX

Live Streaming Audio: (Anyone may listen in)

White Mountain Repeater Association

 

[12poundtest]

Absolutely amazing net yesterday. Thank you everyone who could make it. Below is our check-in list and the checklist items we came up with for our pre-packed or 'don't leave home without' items.
Feel free to add to the list here in the forum thread.

Hope to catch you again next week.
73,
Ed N7PHY

KI7WPG	Lora	WA	x
VA2EV	Don	Quebec CAN
KI5BEE	Calvin	Ontario CAN
KI5GPI	Donna	TX
kj6DHG	Renay	CA
KC0POB	Chad	AZ
K5TIN	Shane	LA
KE6GVK	Mike	AZ	x
K7XPO	Brien	AZ
KJ6DHG	Vinny	AZ
VK7VWK	Randall	Hobart Tasmania
KB7RSV	Scott	WA	x
W7BR	Brett	WA?
KF0AJN	Robert	CO
N7BMH	Brian	ID	x
VK2DY	Robert	Sydney Australia
KO4BDT	Charles	VA
KM4PJN	Jimmy	VA
KB1YAI	Thomas	AZ

 

[12poundtest]

And..... here is our awesome list!

BOG (bug out bag)
24 Hrs of essentials. Ready to go for search and rescue.
Camp
Contractor grade garbage bags (multiple uses)
TP
Flashlights (2 or more)
Extra batteries
Slingshot
Small air horn
Keep stocked pantry of shelf stable foods (3-4 days worth)
Can Opener!
FRED (flaming ridicules eating device)
Personal / 1st Aid
Other Half!
Medications
Benedrill pills and cream for allergy symptoms
Bathroom Kit
Fingertip pulse oxy monitor
blood pressure monitor
Bandages, band aids, gloves
Vehicle
Coolant
Belts
Extra gas
recovery gear
air compressor
Fuses
Paper Maps
Compass
Specialty sockets such as torx bits.
OBD2 reader
HF radio. Can use to call for help in remote location.
Aluminum foil. Multiple uses such as patching manifold.
Tools
Mallet
Basic tools
Socket set
Zip ties, various sizes
Paracord
Bailing wire, Pliers,
Clamptite wire tool kit
Advice
Make a list of what was not needed after each outing.
2 is one. 1 is none.
Headlamp recommended as one of the lights
Learn to program radio through keypad
Try not to take too much or overload.
Thank about what you might need to make a repair.
Keep mindful of expiration dates.
Find training from reputable instructor.

 

[CharlotteJacket]

Absolutely amazing net yesterday. Thank you everyone who could make it. Below is our check-in list and the checklist items we came up with for our pre-packed or 'don't leave home without' items.
Feel free to add to the list here in the forum thread.

Hope to catch you again next week.
73,
Ed N7PHY

KI7WPG	Lora	WA	x
VA2EV	Don	Quebec CAN
KI5BEE	Calvin	Ontario CAN
KI5GPI	Donna	TX
kj6DHG	Renay	CA
KC0POB	Chad	AZ
K5TIN	Shane	LA
KE6GVK	Mike	AZ	x
K7XPO	Brien	AZ
KJ6DHG	Vinny	AZ
VK7VWK	Randall	Hobart Tasmania
KB7RSV	Scott	WA	x
W7BR	Brett	WA?
KF0AJN	Robert	CO
N7BMH	Brian	ID	x
VK2DY	Robert	Sydney Australia
KO4BDT	Charles	VA
KM4PJN	Jimmy	VA
KB1YAI	Thomas	AZ

Agreed that it was a great discussion. Lots of great info.

I was eventually able to join via EchoLink, but does anyone else join via the Brandmeister connections? I didn’t see anyone else on there at start time and didn’t hear anything, so I downloaded EchoLink really quickly to listen in.

Thanks!

 

[Bookerman]

... does anyone else join via the Brandmeister connections? ...

I have connected using DMR in the past, and it does work, though with my bad hearing I prefer the rich tone of FM (even over Echolink) rather than the sound of digital.
One thing about DMR though, with all the bridging/linking going on, the DMR identifier will probably always show the same callsign, that of the person that set up the link.
Another thing about connecting over DMR: I generally use my openSPOT/hotspot because the local repeaters connect dynamically and will time out if I don't transmit within 10 minutes, and the digital audio quality is about the same using either a hotspot or one of the local repeaters.
-73- de VA2EV Don

 

[12poundtest]

Anyone out there interested in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program? Digging into the details it looks like fun, and I'm in these parks and forests anyway.
Thought it might be a good topic for this weeks net if there is interest.

Ed N7PHY

 

[M Rose]

Anyone out there interested in the Parks on the Air (POTA) program? Digging into the details it looks like fun, and I'm in these parks and forests anyway.
Thought it might be a good topic for this weeks net if there is interest.

Ed N7PHY

There are a few of us that do both POTA and SOTA. Next month I will be activating a state park or 2.

 

[CharlotteJacket]

There are a few of us that do both POTA and SOTA. Next month I will be activating a state park or 2.

Is this a QRP-type discussion? Fully self-contained (backpack-sized) set-ups? I'd love to learn more about that.