All posts by Ron Pettigrew

Getting into HF

Ham Radio Blog,

I got a good deal on a Kenwood TS-450SAT that I could not pass up. Of course now I needed an antenna so the research began. I looked at dipoles, verticals, Mag Loops, you name it. In the true nature of HAM, I bought some speaker wire, some Army Surplus fibreglass tent poles and a used satellite dish tripod. I then picked up 1:1 balun and put together a 20M inverted V dipole.

I borrowed an antenna analyzer from my local ham club, tuned the antenna and I talked to another local HAM who is a mere KM away from me on 20M. Woohoo. Other than that I listened. At least until Field Day in June where I figured I would try my hand for an hour or so and see if I could raise anyone. Success! I had contest QSOs with people in California and Washington State. Next up is the Canada day contest.

I moved my inverted V because I was coming over the speakers in the living room and I was all set for the Contest. I only put an hour or so in as I am not a big fan of contests but it was a chance to talk and test out the new rig. I was able to have contest QSOs with Manitoba and central Ontario.

Aug 17,2020 update

Ham Radio Blog

I have been sharing the load for the NARC net with VE6MLC and we have recently added VE6AJE and VE6JH to our net controller ranks. We had a daily net running to check in on people during the last few months but have recently reduced the “wellness net to Sunday and Thursday. HAM radio operators by their very nature are a Stay Home Stay Safe kind of crowd. We have been lucky so far and everyone is still in goof health.

The Edmonton and Area ARES group ( https://aresedm.org ) has been working on a monthly checkin net on the VE6HM system repeaters and simplex to increase our awareness of how much different Simplex ( operator to operator ) is from using a repeater. Learning lots.

Jan 29 2019 NARC Net

Ham Radio Blog,

So tonight was my first run at being net controller for the NARC 2 Metre Net. I was able to get copies of the scripts the Net Controllers have been using for the last few year and I put together something for me to use. I ran the net from my vehicle and I was parked in a parking lot in Edmonton to run it on my Mobile. It went well with 33 check ins during the net.

Nov 2018

Ham Radio Blog,

The learning continues. Back in June I finally finished the online material for the ICS-200 Incident Command System training and wrote and passed the test.  Just another reminder that I can still learn new things.  I do not expect it means much else but alot of organizations are using ICS so it is good to know something about it.

I also wrote the Radio Amateurs of Canada CEC exam and passed. Later in August I have decided to take on the Northern Alberta Radio Club NARCpac SIG. NARCpac is the Club’s communications trailer. I am organizing the writing of a procedure and operations  manual.

The next meeting of the SIG is Nov 13 where we will define the purpose and goals of the NARCpac.

May 2018

Ham Radio Blog,

Get ready in the Park in Edmonton went very well.  Made some good connections. We (the Northern Alberta Radio Club) even got invited to put up a table at the Alberta Fire Chief Association convention.  Just reminding them we are out there.

I have been working on writing the RAC CEC (Certified Emergency Coordinator) exam.  Finally finished it and sent it in with no expectations.  I passed.  What does it mean? Means I have an understanding of what ARES does and I know where to find information on it. It also means I have a strong indication that EmComm is one path I am taking with my HAM radio volunteering.

 

April 2018

Ham Radio Blog,

Working with NARC on the NARC-PAC  eComm trailer to get it ready for the “Get Ready In the Park”  day on May 12 at Edmonton’s Horluk Park.  We have lots to do to get ready, I am sure it will be educational.  My part is to help make sure the radios we will be using are programmed, attached to antennas and working properly.

Monitoring VE6HM while I am driving and on my portable.

73 Everyone

de VE6RWP