First HF contact

Posted on 2011-01-23 by James

Today I stopped by the club station (VE3JW) to watch Ernie (VE3EJJ) at the helm and to learn by his example. When I arrived, I saw Ernie working the VHF/UHF rig and a second operator! Guy (VE3VCF) was working on the new HF rig poking around as he and Ernie chatted.

Guy and I talked briefly and since he is more or less a new face to me, it was nice to speak with him for a few moments before the operating session began. Guy had asked Ernie if he could take over the VHF/UHF station since he wanted to log a few contest contacts while he was at the station. In his stoic manner, Ernie yielded the controls to Guy, taking the opportunity to read over the new radio manual.

I sat at the HF rig for a few minutes, watching as BPSK31 data was streaming along on at 14.0700 MHz. After a brief demonstration from Guy, I was up and running on the FLEX-3000 Software Defined Radio (SDR) that the station has. Wow! I love that setup!

After some more watching (listening in phone operation) I decided to call CQ on an unused portion of the spectrum. Lo and behold, someone answered! On the far-end, I heard Lou (NQ7I) responding to my CQ. I replied but there was no answer so I quickly turned the boom to the south-west and replied again. Success! We established our contact and chatted for 10 or so minutes. And that folks, was my first HF (and DX) contact! Thank you very much for the patience and the kind words, Lou!

As it was getting late by this point (the museum closes at 17:00h) I tried for one last contact before packing up. I managed to log another contact with an American station (regretfully, the call-sign escapes me at the moment). And I almost managed to log a contact with a Brazilian station! Maybe next time.

As always, thanks to Ernie for his patient guidance, and thanks to Guy for showing me the ropes on the FLEX-3000 as well as the operating advice!

73!

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OVMRC – Week 15

Posted on 2011-01-18 by James

This Week:

*Regulations Part I by VE3QMC
*Operating Procedures by VE3EJJ & VE3OIJ

This week we started to cover the rules and regulations behind the use of the Amateur Radio spectrum. The presentation was given by Michael (VE3QMC) who is an Industry Canada employee whose work parallels the regulatory aspects of Amateur Radio. The material was very direct and to-the-point as R&Rs tend to be. We expect another two full modules on regulations – this should be a hint as to the content of the Basic examination.

The second portion of the evening was a review of VHF/UHF operating procedures given by Ernie (VE3EJJ) and Darin (VE3OIJ). We did an in-class practicum in that we ran a miniature net to get people on the air. It was an excellent exercise because people operated the radio in much the same way that they will in the future. I saw a lot of smiles, so it was well received by the group.

As always, I quite enjoyed the evening and I continue to look forward to each session.

I enjoyed an after-class chat with Darin and Ernie and without realizing it, spent almost 30 minutes gabbing away. I could really learn a lot from these guys if given the opportunity.

Well, more regulations next week – and hopefully some on-air time at VE3JW.

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OVMRC – Week 14

Posted on 2011-01-11 by James

This Week:

*VHF/UHF station operation by VE3EJJ
*Station setup & buying equipment by VE3OIJ

This week’s material covered a topic that hints at the summation of the course once everyone passes the Industry Canada examination – actually buying & using radio equipment. Ernie’s (VE3EJJ) talk covered various aspects of operating on the VHF/UHF (2m / 70cm) bands and the typical modes of communication that new amateurs will likely use. The principles of repeater operation were well presented, though I think that the discussion would benefit from a brief demonstration as to how half-duplex operation works.

The second topic was presented by Darin (VE3OIJ) and covered the fundamentals of station design, purchase and setup. There was some great information presented to help the neophyte operator decide what equipment they will require, what features to consider, and just as importantly, which options are a waste of money.

So it would seem that the radio theory portion of the course has more or less given way to the practical applications of amateur radio. I have a feeling that there will be much relief from those who were scared off by the theory.

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VE3JW FN25 …

Posted on 2011-01-09 by James

This afternoon I stopped by VE3JW to learn from Ernie (VE3EJJ) while he worked at the club station. As it turned out, I spent the afternoon trying to tune in satellites which is most certainly not as easy as it would seem. Ernie patiently showed me some tricks as we tried tracking satellites as they faded in and out.

One thing I learned is that there certainly are some “satellite squatters” out there. I suppose these are the same people who never learned to share as kids – only now they are blasting the Yankee legal limit of 1.5kW at a satellite where 5-10W would suffice. Needless to say it was impossible to get a word in edge-wise. Maybe its the Canadian way, but I think I was too polite to break in to log a contact.

We had one opening to the Azores, however it seems that our signal was not received at the far end. It would have been pretty cool to work a contact across the Atlantic.

As usual, I learned a lot from Ernie about various aspects of Amateur Radio as well as some of Ernie’s professional experiences in Power Systems. I really try to learn as much as I can from Ernie – it is a privilege that I am able to spend time with him as he works the radios.

Thanks a ton Ernie!

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