Bob K0NR

FCC Says No to Digital Repeater Subband

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As reported on the ARRL web site, the FCC rejected the proposal from Ken Chafin, W6CPA, and Leon Brown, KC6JAR to create a 2M subband for digital voice repeaters. This proposal was apparently a good-intentioned approach to opening up new spectrum for digital machines (D-STAR, P25, etc.). Chafin and Brown jointly filed a PRM in … Read more

Crystal-Controlled Toasters

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The Phone Losers of America web site champions pranks of all kinds, especially ones associated with technology. One of their standard pranks is taking over the radio communication system used at the drive-up window of fast-food restaurants. They really out did themselves by creating a video that describes how to mod a CB radio to … Read more

Observations from Dayton

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Here’s a few thoughts and observations from the Dayton Hamvention®: Dayton remains the ultimate ham radio geekfest on planet earth. I am checking with other galaxies….so far, no competition. Attendance, inside booths and flea market activity all seemed to be down a bit this year. I am guessing that $3.85 per gallon gasoline might be … Read more

Use that New HF+6m Rig on 6 meters

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Colorado just experienced a nice 6M sporadic-e opening. Phil N0KE sent out this article as encouragement to try 6 Meters. A few years ago we started seeing new HF rigs with 6 meters included, and at the 100 watt level in many cases. At the Central States VHF Conference in July 1998, it was claimed … Read more

More News on BPL

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The Dallas Morning News reported that Broadband Over Power Lines Plan is Dead in Dallas because Current Communications is bailing out of its plan to offer internet service via BPL. However, Oncor is going to buy the equipment from Current and use it to help manage the power grid. This is consistent with recent trends … Read more

2008 Colorado QSO Party

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The Colorado QSO Party will be back again in 2008, this time a little later in the year (Sept 20-21). This radio contest was re-established in 2007 by the Pikes Peak Radio Amateur Association, with help from a number of clubs and individuals around the state. Complete rules and other information are available at the … Read more