Ham Radio

HF Slacker Works the CQ WPX Contest

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This past weekend, I had a great time working the CQ WPX (SSB) Contest. I am pretty much an HF Slacker but I do like getting on the air once in a while for these contests. The attraction seems to be the opportunity to make lots of contacts in a short time and picking up a few new … Read more

FCC Grants Waiver on TDMA

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From the That Took A Long Time department, the FCC granted a waiver requested by the ARRL that clarifies the rules concerning the use of TDMA (i.e., MOTOTRBO or DMR) on the ham bands. I posted on this topic way back in March 2011, so refer to that article for the background. Update: ARRL article posted here. I … Read more

This Spewed Out of the Internet #24

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Here’s another update of interesting important stuff spewing forth from the internet. The Noise Blankers continue to run amuck on these interwebz, with cutting edge reporting like this: Amateur Radio Club Indicted on Ferritte Trafficking Charges, Special Event Station to Mark Departure of Mother-In-Law, and Man Claims CQ Contest Victory Despite No Contacts. In a … Read more

How to Get a $10,000 FCC Fine

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The ARRL web site reported on this Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture from the FCC. That’s government talk for “we are fining you.” In case you are wondering how you can get fined by the FCC, here’s the sequence of events that resulted in a $10,000 fine for this person: Get a Technician License and … Read more

The Noise Blankers: Running Loose on the Interwebz

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I am always on the lookout for great ham radio information on the internet. I haven’t found any lately but I did come across The Noise Blankers radio group web site. It was difficult to tell if these guys are really serious or not but they do have an Official FCC Club Callsign (KF5TQF) so … Read more