The First 100 Years Are The Hardest

 I've really learned alot about CW over the past month, exchanging QSOs in 31 states and 19 countries.  One think I've noticed is most people like to ragchew, and are a bit relaxed on the CW script I was focused on memorizing when I started out. I have read a two good CW operations books that are short and sweet, and full of useful information: Morse Code Operating for Amateur Radio  by ARRL. CW Geek's Guide to Having Fun with Morse Code  by Dan Romanchik.  I exchanged a nice QSO with Dan (KB6NU) on 8/3 and saw reference to this book on his QRZ page. Personal rules of thumb: -Use 3x2 when calling CQ.  example cq cq cq de wx7v wx7v k -Use 1x2 when answering CQ.  example TheirCall de wx7v wx7v k -Answering a cq or being answered  - repeat rst, name and qts 2 times. -Stick to the  pro-signs R (Roger), BT  (new thought), K (over), SK (done), ee (two bits, really done) -Use the macros for RIG, ANT and WX only if it seems the other statio...

Copied from this flexradio helpdesk forum for reference. https://helpdesk.flexradio.com/hc/en-us/articles/204923669-How-to-determine-the-amount-of-RF-Preamp-gain-to-apply-for-band-conditions As a rule of thumb, you want your antenna noise to show an increase in your S-meter by 8-10 dB and no more. If the noise goes up more than 10 dB with the RF preamp and antenna, you have too much RF gain and the SNR is degraded. Find a clear frequency on your VFO. Set the slice receiver mode to CW and the receiver passband filter to 500 Hz. Turn off any noise reduction, APF, RX EQ that will add gain to the receive audio. Disconnect the antenna - You can select an antenna input with no antenna on it like RXA or XVTA. Note the dBm reading with no antenna connected. Connect the antenna. Note the reading in dBm. This is where an accurate dBm calibrated S meter really counts. Ours is truly 6 dB per S unit and measures the actual receiver sensitivity in the selected bandwidth. If the noise goes up about...

  Contests - 2021 ARRL June VHF Contest - Logs Received Entry received at: 2021-06-27 22:51:40 Call Used: WX7V GOTA Station Call: (NONE) ARRL/RAC Section: NTX Class: 1D Participants: 1 Club/Group Name: Richardson Wireless Klub Power Source(s): Commercial Power Multiplier: 2X Preliminary Total Score: 158 Bonus Points: Entry submitted via web 50 Total bonus points 50 Score Summary: (Cabrillo log/dupe sheet file: WX7V.dup) CW Digital Phone Total Total QSOs 3 0 48 Total Points 6 0 48 54 Claimed Score = (QSO points x power mult) = 108 Submitted by: Chris L White, WX7V chrislwhite93@gmail.com

I worked the ARRLs VHF JUNE Contest this weekend. Single Operator, Low Power, 6M Band via Digital Modes (FT8 via WSJT-X and GridTracker logging program). I made my first dozen or so contacts before I remembered to put my WSJT-X in VHF-NA mode. That greatly simplified operations.  Rules for the contest are Grid Square Exchange Only. Signal strength optional (and not recommended during the context).  Cabrillo formatted logs are submitted online via the web app at contest-log-submission.arrl.org/ . I was only able to spend 4 or 5 hours "butt in chair" time and of course my score shows that! This was my very first contest to actually participate and submit logs in.  Special thanks to Joe NN5T for encouragement in the early hours of the context and Jim K5ND for the inspiration and cool roving set up!       https://www.k5nd.net/2021/06/arrl-2021-june-vhf-contest-rover-route/ Operated my station as WX7V with my Flexradio 6400M at 75w and an OCF Dipo...

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morse_code_abbreviations  http://lidscw.org/resources/cq-qso-template CQ call / answer RST / Name / QTH Rig / Power / Antenna / WX Thanks / QSL info / 73 Pro-signs have been underlined. BT new section of message AR  signifies the end of the message KN end of your transmission and an invitation to the other station to reply, SK end of the contact and your last transmission to that station. Example CW QSO: ME: CQ CQ CQ DE WX7V WX7V WX7V K JOHN: WX7V DE M0ABC M0ABC M0ABC KN ME: M0ABC DE WX7V BT GA ES TNX FER CALL BT UR RST 599 599 BT NAME IS CHRIS CHRIS QTH DALLAS TX, DALLAS TX BT HW? AR M0ABC DE WX7V KN JOHN: WX7V DE M0ABC BT GA CHRIS TNX FB RPT UR RST 579 579 BT OP JOHN ES QTH YORK YORK THE OLD ONE HI BT HW? AR WX7V DE M0ABC KN ME: M0ABC DE WX7V BT R TNX RPT ES INFO JOHN BT RIG IS FLEX 6400 PWR 100W ANT IS OCF DIPOLE BT WX IS SUNNY ES WARM BT HW? AR M0ABC DE WX7V KN JOHN: WX7V DE M0ABC BT RIG IS FT817 5W ES ANT IS DIPOLE BT WX IS WET AND COLD ...

Ken Wells, NM9P has posted several good videos showing how to use FDX on the flexradio to hear your own audio signal as it sounds on the air, post processing vs the MON function with is pre-audio signal processing Set up 2 slices on the same frequency and same mode on a clear frequency On Slice A, select that as TX and reduce your RF power to 1 or 2 watts into a dummy load or resonant antenna On Slice B select the RX antenna (blue) to XVTA. Turn On FDX Set the receive volume - when you transmit on Slice A you'll be able to hear your self on Slice B. There will be a slight delay in the received audio.   Use the quick record / playback function built into the flex radio slice if you want to transmit first and listen again. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LytzQGpE5ZM https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/8014278/using-fdx-to-set-up-your-tx-audio https://community.flexradio.com/discussion/7987118/nm9p-videos-on-adjusting-the-flex-6000-series-transmit-audio

The FlexRadio 6400 uses a ‘pseudo-balanced’ MIC input but the manual is not very helpful when it describes this as “ mic (+) and mic (-) lines are balanced all the way to the input of the A/D converter, where the mic (-) line is DC grounded.” Fortunately I was able find this circuit from Dale K4DC on the flexradio community support forum originally designed for the Yamaha CM-500.  This design works with my Bose QC-25 headset (2014) and my Koss SB 45 (2021).   I made two adapters, first one without the 10pF capacitor because I didn’t have one on hand.  I did not notice any impact on transmit audio quality.  I added the capacitor a few days later for permanent use.  I get great audio reports.  Reminder that the electret MIC requires you to enable BIAS voltage in SmartSDR radio set up.  For the BOSE headset I’m using this mic boom adapter (2021): https://www.amazon.com/Cable-Boom-Microphone-Playstation-QuietComfort/dp/B07W3W9LHV 73 Chris de WX7V Ref...

 Episode 14 of Ask Dave.  Good beginners guide on how to complete a simple QSO on CW.   Includes the proper abbreviations, pro-signs, and Q-signals.  Full Video is here.   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UY6Q9_Qmk8Q 1. Calling CQ / Answering CQ: 2. Exchanging Signal Report, Name and QTH: 3. Brag to extend the QSO by exchanging Rig, Antenna and Weather info: 4. Completing the QSO 73 and Two Bits!

I've received the ARRL DX Century Club Award on LoTW.  The DX Century Club DXCC is Amateur Radio's premier award that hams can earn by confirming on the air contacts with 100 countries.   This is the world map with pins showing the contacts I submitted as part of the award logged at QTH EM12, with station callsign WX7V granted on 11/4/2020. All with 100 watts and a wire antenna,  no power amplifier.   This was the moment I worked 9K2OW in Kuwait, which would become my 100th confirmed DXCC on LoTW. ARRL approved my DX Century Club Award application the following morning.   Thank you Hamad! I have the DX Century Club framed in my office, right above my graduate degree from SMU.  The certificate is dated 5/10/21, but its still 59 in my logbook, and mighty FB too! From here on out I can focus on my voice and CW skills using my new Mercury IIIs Power Amplifier I built a few weeks ago.   Also RTTY,  PSK31 and of course hunting park...

I found this cool mapping tool on the FT8 Digital Mod Club Facebook Group.   Download is from QRZ Logbook.   All you need is to import your logbook to ADIF (QRZ or LoTW) to the mapping tool and add your call sign and grid locator (optional).   The QSOs in 2020 were made with my end fed half wave multi-band antenna between 25-100W.  The rest were made with my off-center-fed dipole (OCFD).  Both antennas perform well- the key change in 2021 was raising my feed point from about 20’ (under the eaves of the house) to 43’ using a fiberglass mast.   http://tools.adventureradio.de/analyzer/ Chris de WX7V

I received my 1200 watt HF amplifier kit on Thursday and completed the build on Friday afternoon.  Start to finish was about 5 hours, with breaks, taking it slow, and a glass of wine!  Basic power on test was successful but I wasn't able to complete the first test, 1W RTTY, till Sunday, due to time constraints Friday evening. I had a few minor issues, but nothing with the build or quality of the components except for the rear case fan was dead on arrival.  Kenny had a new one shipped the next day.   The first test instructions required some additional tweaking on my end since I'm using a software defined radio.   I used FLDIGI from my PCs to generate the recommended 1W RTTY modulated signal into the Flexradio 6400M. Overall, the component quality is top notch, and Kenny does a nice job with the instructions, high resolution pictures, and assembly videos that are included with the kit on a USB drive.  The link to the full kit of parts are...

Edited 5/26.  The  ARRL has provided notice that these QSOs will not be counted towards DXCC.   Luckily I already had Fiji in my logbook.   We'll see how this pans out.  http://3z9dx-busted.com/    I've worked 3D2ZK Joanna "JK" Korczak twice now in Fiji Islands (40M and 30M) and learned of her opportunity to join the Polish Dxpedition to Bouvet Island.    Bouvet is the most remote island in the world the the #2 most wanted DXCC (after North Korea).  With 30YJ also planned in 2023 these groups will present a very rare opportunity for ham radio operators to add Bouvet to their logs! About:  Bouvet Island (Bouvetøya) is an uninhabited sub-Antarctic volcanic island that belongs to Norway . Discovered on 1 January, 1739, by Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, commander of the French ships Aigle and Marie, it was the first landmass spotted south of the 50th parallel south. 3D2ZK operating from Denarau Island (Fiji). Wh...

SHAVE AND A HAIRCUT, TWO BITS G0UPL's guide to your first steps in CW is very handy for getting on the air and making your first QSO using CW mode.    To recap - Learn Morse Code,  Get On the Air Quickly,  Learn the frequently used Q-Codes, Pro-signs and abbreviations.   Do what you can to start making contacts on CW as quickly as possible. http://qrp-labs.com/qcx/cwqso.html The LIDS CW QSO template is a VERY helpful guide so that you can just focus on listening- then transmitting - without worrying about what to say next.  I'm still new to morse code, so using CW Skimmer to help decode in realtime, and SmartSDR to transmit.  CQ call / answer RST / Name / QTH Rig / Power / Antenna / WX Thanks / QSL info / 73 73 and gud dx Chris de WX7V PS - THIS

  I have worked 103 countries and confirmed 96 on QRZ (90 on LoTW) since I starting chasing DX in November 2020.  The ARRL DX Century Club Award for Digital Modes is not far away.  The best results have been using FT8, 100 watts and a wire antenna even with these poor band conditions.    GridTracker has also been a nice tool to track everything on one screen.  Reception reports, grids worked, wanted DXCC, and the very powerful call roster filtering capabilities.  I'm building a legal limit amplifier for memorial day but I hope to close this award out before then. A word on transmit power:  Yes, most of these contacts have been with 100 watts. The argument has been made 1000 times if  FT8 was designed for low power output or for weak signal reception. Reminder that ARRL DX contest rules define lower power as 150w PEP output or less (not QRP - that's typically 5w or less).  Yes I've heard the anecdote that 1w FT8= 1000w SSB.  I've al...

This is a 5 minute watch  https://youtu.be/GzN-D0yIkGQ 1999 marked the last time a commercial Morse code message was supposedly transmitted to ships at sea. However, if you travel on the backroads to Point Reyes, Morse code is alive and well at KPH Maritime Radio Station thanks to the help of Maritime Radio Historical Society and National Park Service Here is an article written in January 2020 for those that prefer text to video. https://techcrunch.com/2020/01/18/the-last-radio-station/ 73 Chris de WX7V

W1AW is the Hiram Percy Maxim Memorial Station is known the world over for its on air Morse code practice sessions and news bulletins. When visiting ARRL HQ, W1AW is the first place members want to see. I'm working to improve my ability to head copy by listening to the code bulletins with the help of  W1AW operating schedule .  http://www.arrl.org/code-practice-files Code Transmissions :  Frequencies are 1.8025, 3.5815, 7.0475, 14.0475, 18.0975, 21.0675, 28.0675, 50.350, and 147.555 MHz. Digital Transmissions: Frequencies are 3.5975, 7.095, 14.095, 18.1025, 21.095, 28.095, 50350 kHz, and 147.555 MHz. Digial Bulletins are sent at 45.45-baud Baudot, PSK31 and MFSK16 in a daily at 6 PM and 9 PM Eastern Time. Pacific Mtn Cent East UTC   Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri 6 am 7 am 8 am 9 am 1300z     Fast Code Slow Code Fast Code Slow Code 7 - 9 am 10 am -12:45 pm 8 - 10 am 11 am -1:45 pm 9 - 11 am Noon - 2:45 pm 10 am - Noon 1 - 3:45 pm 1400z to 1600z   1700z...

 Not bad for 100 watts and a wire.  This is my personal signal propagation report captured thru GridTracker, on 4/6/2021.  Since we're at solar minimum I cannot wait to compare to solar maximum - somewhere half way thru Cycle 25!  The solar cycles are 10-11 year intervals so have to wait till 2026?

Updated February 2022: I wanted to update my original article and give a special shout out to Corrine who is working on a school project to study how a new invention or technology has changed history.   She is writing a paper about the telegraph and continuous wave and how Morse Code impacted society and changed the history of communication.  She found this timeline of the telegraph and wanted to share it with me as well. Thank you for sharing this resource Corrine!  Good luck on your 'Famous Inventors and Inventions' project for your technology class! 73  (da-da-dit-dit-dit    dit-dit-dit-da-dah) Chris de WX7V https://www.emissary.ai/telegraph-morse-code-text/ PS - March 2022:  If you're learning international Morse code I highly recommend Morse Mania for the iPhone.  For a small fee you can unlock the premium features.   Very nice application to practice sending and receiving Morse code.  Multiple levels, progress tracking, c...

 Its been a year since I got sucked down the ham radio rabbit hole.  There seems to be no end in sight.  As proof I recently bought a ZUMspot digital hostpot kit with nextion 3.5 display.  This is a Raspberry PI based MMDVM - multi-mode-digital-voice-modem.   The hotspot connects to the internet via wi-fi, and acts as a personal repeater that you can use to talk to other amateur stations all over the world with your handy-talkie.   I mostly have this set to AmericaLink (Yaesu System Fusion) but I also registered for a DMR-ID thru RadioID.Net .   Configuration was pretty straight forward, and the hotspot is fun to play with.  Open pi-star.local in a browser.  Depending on the OS (I'm using linux) you might have a different URL.  Connect to the local pstar-setup SSID on the hotspot using the default userid and password.  Also, let the pi-star run thru as many updates as needed to get to current.  I'm at v4.1....

Today I ordered these from Cheap QSLS Low Cost QSL Printing.    I confirm QSOs thru QRZ and LoTW, typically in the same day.  In addition I send QSO cards to confirm contacts made via PHONE, RTTY and PSK-31.  Usually only memorial or interesting contacts on FT8 due to the sheer volume. Reorder Details: MODEL NO.      QTY CHARGE    DESCRIPTION QT6-100 1           100       $ 20.95           QSLToon(c) Style QT6 QSLTOON https://cheapqsls.com/