Jay Maynard K5ZC on D-STAR Repeaters

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The Radio Amateur Information Network (RAIN) Report has an interview with Jay Maynard, K5ZC, from the National Frequency Coordinators Council concerning the use of digital repeaters. Jay discusses the issues around the alledged FCC statement that “D-STAR systems are not repeaters” and gives a good overview of the challenges of adopting digital repeater technology. The … Read more

Religion and Ham Radio

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We need to get the religion out of ham radio. No, I am not talking about the HF nets that support missionaries or similar activities. (Those people might actually be doing something good for the world.) I am talking about the religious debates concerning new technology…this technology is better than that technology. Amateur radio is … Read more

HamLinks Toolbar for IE and Firefox

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I just came across the NØHR Toolbar for Internet Explorer and Firefox. I just installed the HamLinks toolbar into Internet Explorer. (I had previously given up on Firefox.) HamLinks: The Ham Radio Toolbar for Firefox and IE HamLinks is a free ham radio toolbar that extends your (Internet Explorer or Firefox) web browser to give … Read more

ARRL Rocky Mt Division – Elect KØRM

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There is an important election coming up….no, not that silly race for the White House…I am talking about something really significant — the race for the ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Director. This person will be our representative to the ARRL Board of Directors. Talk about a tough job! You try representing the interests of the … Read more

How Big is the Worldwide Market for Ham Radio Gear?

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Ever wonder how much amateur radio equipment gets purchased each year? I was looking at some information on the new Kenwood TM-D710, including a press release on the Kenwood (Japan) web site. The Kenwood press release includes some background on the ham radio market: The global amateur radio equipment market is estimated to be worth … Read more

Pikes Peak Report – Colorado 14er Event

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Every morning (assuming clear skies and a clear head), I can look out my front door to see Pikes Peak towering over the horizon to the west. For an amateur radio operator, Pikes Peak is a convenient way to obtain awesome Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT). They were even nice enough to build a road … Read more