Courtesy Icom USA – Contest University at Dayton Hamvention 2013 on YouTube 6 - June - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, Contest University, Dayton Hamvention, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled.add a comment
Contest University (CU) is a great program. I attended the first several years of the program and it was invaluable.
Icom America has worked out a wonderful deal where they have produced and presented ten sessions from CU 2013.
Icom America Inc. - Contest University at Dayton Hamvention 2013
10 videos
Icom America is proud to present the full course lineup from Contest University recorded LIVE from the 2013 Dayton Hamvention.
Link to the YouTube Channel: Contest University at Dayton Hamvention 2013 – YouTube.
I found the first 20 minutes of Episode 9 of particular interest.
Thank you Icom America and the CU team for making these videos available!
73
Steve
K9ZW
EtherGeist: FlexRadio 6700 – Initial QSO’s 4 - June - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, Flex-6000, FlexRadio Systems, K9ZW.Tags: Flex-6000, FlexRadio Systems, K6TU, K9ZW, SmartSDR
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Stu K6TU has written a lengthy post about his first Flex-6700 QSOs:
FlexRadio 6700 – Initial QSO’s
This last week I’ve been test flying the FlexRadio 6700 in a number of QSOs both on HF as well as 6m so I thought I’d give an update on the most recent experiences.
As a reminder I’m still using pre-release software together with the other alpha testers. Functionality is quickly approaching the release 1.0 level and so on-air testing is now seriously underway.
My installation is totally remote – all my radio equipment and antennas are located away from the house and controlled via Ethernet. Audio is handled by a balanced audio link over a spare CAT6 Ethernet drop patched through from the radios to my office in the house. The CAT6 cable has 4 pairs – two are used for stereo audio from the radio, one for microphone audio to the radio and the last for the PTT line. For many years I used a homebrew set of balanced audio drivers but early this year, switched over to commercial components made by Radio Design Labs. Much better fidelity and more audio drive (with gain controls brought to the front panel) make this link a considerable step up on my homebrew effort.
….. more at his blog….
LINK: EtherGeist: FlexRadio 6700 – Initial QSO’s
73
Steve
K9ZW
Insider’s Viewpoint – the Sage Words on FlexRadio Systems FlexInsider eLetters 31 - May - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, Flex-6000, FlexRadio Systems.Tags: Flex-6000, FlexRadio Systems, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled, SmartSDR, SmartSDR Preview
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Every now and again we all need to be reminded what is ours and what is not. FlexRadio System issued its twelfth FlexInsider today with a reminder that its contents are a targeted communication for early adopters of the Flex-6000 Signature series, and asked that wider distribution be held until FlexRadio Systems either grants permission, or implied was until they decide to release the contents themselves.
In practice FlexRadio Systems has been making FlexInsider newsletters available as a download a month after the early adopters receive their emailed copies.
Makes a lot of sense, and With Varying Frequency – Amateur Radio Ponderings is onboard with the request.
Greatly paraphrased FlexRadio Systems FlexInsider #12 relays that progress continues on the remaining pieces of the product package for the SmartSDR Preview Edition releases.
When my radio is ready, well then it is ready.
What is included in the Smart SDR Preview, and later SmartSDR v1.0 is a-okay with me. It isn’t like I am building or programing this radio!
I am preparing my radio room for the addition – actually I am doing a major overhaul/upgrade triggered by the new radio, but in honesty well overdue.
This week I did learn an interesting thing – my Flex-6500 order was in the first handful – something like the 4th order placed – kind of hard to tell. It is at least in the first handful entered online. My order since has been upgraded along the way to a Flex-6700 w/GPSDO. FlexRadio Systems did say the upgrade wouldn’t interfere with my early delivery slot.
One can only imagine what it is like at FlexRadio Systems right now – the impending launch of a major product could be likened to childbirth one could suppose. Must be amazing times!
If as customers we are pumped and excited, imagine what it must be like at the plant?!
Guess I better get my shack project sorted out, and get ready!
73
Steve
K9ZW
Ham Hijinks – The Noise Blankers Radio Group WR5P 27 - May - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled.Tags: Ham Hijinks, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled, WR5P
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The WR5P Group knows how to have fun. (I know I’ve mentioned them before).
Recent articles include:
- Instagram To Introduce New “Hamstagram” Filters
- Man Attends 11 Storm Spotter Classes In A Row
- Confused Protestors Picket Dayton Hamfest, Then Leave
- “Ultimate” Transceiver To Be Unveiled At Dayton Hamfest
- Hams Must Hold It As Dayton Says “No” To Restrooms
Think of it as “The Onion” for Amateur Radio:
Ham Hijinks – The Noise Blankers Radio Group WR5P.
Recommended!
73
Steve
K9ZW
eHam Should be Ashamed Having Become the SDR Troll-Fest of Amateur Radio 27 - May - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled.Tags: eHam, eHam Forum Trolls, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled
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Anyone have any idea why eHam allows open forum posting by renown Trolls?
The eHam SDR Forum http://www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/board,28.0.html has been taken over by a group of very negative Trolls
My repeated emails to eHam requesting action, reporting of their posts to eHam’s moderators, and the wider discussions about the problem in the radio amateur community have resulted in little action.
Actually less than little action, as apparently eHam has taken cue from the political world and chastises the ham who complains about their Trolls.
With a major new radio on the cusp of shipping the eHam SDR Trolls are having a festival. They do not own the radio they are blasting, openly state they have no intention of buying the radio, have never seen the radio, and yet are self proclaimed naysayers of the most vile Troll fashion.
Lambasting anyone who likes their radio with name calling, accusing the manufacturer of every vile trait they can make up, all based on some unhappy moment years ago with a different product.
The fact that they acted a the “customer from hell” every chance they got somehow never factors in.
The worse recent thread is Much Flex-6000 News where leader of the Troll Pack makes his usual attacks.
As eHam’s response to most Troll complaints is to trim the whole thread, rather than actually moderating, you might want to grab a screen shot if you want to read an think about the eHam trolls.
It is time for Amateur Radio to move beyond the eHam model, so perhaps eHam’s hands off approach will help hasten the development of a decent alternative.
I know a number of manufacturers have said they would not advertise on eHam due to the eHam Troll Problems.
What thinks you?
73
Steve
K9ZW
Boomset Upgrade – Arlan RadioSport RS60CF Headset 27 - May - 2013
Posted by k9zw in Amateur Radio, Dayton Hamvention, Hamvention, K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled, K9ZW Uses.Tags: K9ZW, K9ZW Just Rambled, RadioSport RS60CF
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RadioSport RS60CF Headset
One item I noticed at the Dayton Hamvention but was unable to buy there was the Arlan Communications RadioSport RS60CF Headset and related listen only headphones.
Several manufacturers were using the listen only version to demonstrate their radios.
I’d also recently read Stu K6TU’s account of how much he liked his new RS60CF.
Alas a search of the Hara from end to end didn’t find anyone selling the RadioSport headsets.
But they are featured on line:
http://www.arlancommunications.com/products/amateurRadio/radioSport/RS60CF.asp
These are in the same price range as a moderate to good basic aviation boomset, putting a a setup in the $350 price range.
Initial impression out of the box is these are above expectations and hugely comfortable.
I’ll post a report after I get some hours in using the RS60CFs.
73
Steve
K9ZW
