Status report

Here's a summary of  "whazzup" with our Amateur radio learning curve.  First, we've put considerable time into what we're calling "The Yagi Project."  We would like to have a portable Yagi antenna to reach far distant HAM repeaters during our back country travels in Arizona, Utah and Idaho.  Through the hospitality of a online HAM Elmer, Don B. (N4UJW), we learned of a backpacking Yagi that uses music wire and a hollow arrow shaft.  (Click here for Don's tremendous website--Ham Universe--it's awesome.)  THANKS, DON! Anyway, we were going full speed ahead on this project until our special order of music wire showed up.  Opps, the .025 wire is so flimsy we can't imagine it will work as advertised.  My cohort N7NUU is undaunted and plans to use a larger diameter wire.  N7NUU's a hardcore backpacker who will be hiking the length of the Teton Crest Trail this summer.  he wants to be able to communicate on that hike with this portable Yagi design. (Click here for a description of the arrow shaft Yagi.) Meanwhile, I've switched gears and will be adapting the arrow shaft design using PVC pipe and thick, inflexible aluminum rods.  Today or tomorrow I will be roaming the scrap yards of Mesa, Arizona, looking for a supply of such rods.  This is a very important project for us and we simply have to get it done soon.

Each morning, I tune into the VVARA's morning "net."  It starts precisely at 7 am and continues until members run out of things to talk about.  I haven't yet spoke up.  I want to make certain I understand the verbal protocols before speaking up on the morning net.  It is very interesting to listen to. 

After our lunch last week with some VVARA members, we had hoped to learn more about ECHO LINK.  We've downloaded and installed the software.  However, the verification process is very complicated and we can't proceed on this project until we receive our FCC hard copy license in the mail.  ECHO LINK is therefore on hold for the time being.

Yesterday, we received permission to post up the Utah 2 meter repeater frequencies here on this website.  The Utah Frequency Coordinator sent us a nice note granting permission.  He asked us to put up all of the Utah repeater frequencies and we will do so soon.  THANKS, John (K7JL)

Today will be our first trip to Ham Radio Outlet in Phoenix.  We are really looking forward to it.

We now roam the Craigs Lists of the West using the search term "HAM radio."  When we find gear for sale, we go to eHam dot com to study reviews about the gear.  It helps us learn.  Yesterday, we found an old Radio Shack HTX-202 hand held in Mesa.  We hope to take a look at it today and, if the price is right, we might add it to our new collection of HAM gear.

We will be going back to Lafayette, Indiana, Thursday for a few days to visit Mom.  So, we looked up the Tippecanoe HAM club and will just miss their April meeting by a whisker.  Darn.  Anyway, with a little luck perhaps we can meet one or more HAMs from our hometown while we are back there.

We also spend a fair amount of time studying the various HAM clubs of Idaho.  We will also just miss the state convention this month.  We did send off our dues for the Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club and will definitely attend their May 4th meeting.

One important project that's on the front burner demands immediate attention: creation of laminated 2 meter repeater state maps for AZ, UT and ID.  We simply have to have them in our travels.  I suppose a printed list will work OK, too, but I'd really rather have actual maps of the machines' locations.

Well, time to run along this morning--the VVARA net begins in a few minutes and it's becoming a real morning routine to listen in.  The moderator/operator always puts out a call for anyone on ECHO LINK.  I sure hope I can join in from Idaho once in awhile.

Thanks for visiting this website.  Have a great day & 73, jp