Just thought I'd post a thread for everybody to BS on, because usually we end up, me included, posting something about HAM radio on a lot of other posts.....which we probably shouldn't do. So here's the place to throw out just plain old random HAM BS......

And to start out....

How many of you have tried Echo Link? I did for a few contacts. If I remember I think I made contacts into Australia and somewhere on the east coast.....as well as here local. A pretty novel idea for computer based operators. But I found out it wasn't for me. Just like DXing the "old fashioned way" I guess. For those of you that are interested.....

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echolink

 

Hey...shouldn't this thread be called "Ragchew?"

I haven't used it...I won't be licensed until after I challenge the Canadian exam on December 16th.

If my performance on the one or two practice exams I've done every day for the past month is any indication, I'll have no problems getting the 80% or over required for "Basic with honours". That will get me access to HF/VHF/UHF. I just won't be able to do CW.

It does strike me as VERY useful for someone that's mobile with VHF though. Echolink-enabled repeaters would be a huge asset in terms of "reaching out" to communicate with another HAM that ws in your home city while you're on the road.

I don't think that it has the appeal of an "old-fashioned" DX contact from a hobby point of view, but it also strikes me as being much more likely to get your through for a scheduled contact.

 

I used Echo Link a couple time when I was trying to figure out coverage of repeaters in Northern Baja. Talked to a couple guys in Ensenada who said they were able to make contacts with guys in Souther Ca on good days. But other than that it kinda feels like cheating. I could just pick up my cell phone and make random calls to work the world.

There is a local net called Outdoor adventure net or something that has a few guys jump in via Echo link. They used to live close by but moved and can no longer reach the repeater. For that it makes sense. But on that same repeater a lady from England tends to jump in via Echo Link during rush hour. She gets all kinds of people wanting to chat.. "Wow, i talked to England" still seems like cheating to me.

 

Been on the local echolink here in PG via 2 metres and also by computer when I worked overseas. I still like the fact that using normal modes it's just you and the other ham, with your own equipment. Vhf or hf, it's a nice feeling knowing that the session is only dependent on your equipment and setup, not based on the internet infrastructure.

That said, I had a great time playing around with PSK31 on an old laptop. "Talked" from South America where I was operating as VE7WYC/HC1 to Italy with 10 watts on a homemade antenna. Still a digital mode but doesn't need an internet in between.

 

Ps this is like heaven. Ham radio and jeeps in one forum. Life is good. Yes, I'm easily pleased...

 

There is an Echolink station on my 2M repeater. A Ham friend of mine in OH gave it to me and another local ham has it installed at his shack. It gets some use. I too prefer HF DX.

On another note,today I disassembled and cleaned my old Hustler 270 2M/70cm base antenna that was stored behind the shed. Now it is mounted on the fence at 5 ft and hooked up to my HT. Hitting all the local repeaters now with 2 watts. Will get it up in the oak tree at about 30 ft soon.

Guess I will have to get a 2M/70cm radio in the shack now. Are you listening Santa?

N4XGI

 

Yeah...that's the way I felt too.........really nothing more than hooking your radio up to a phoneline......not really DX'ing at all....no thanks.

 

Get that thing up around 50ft and you won't believe how good simplex you will be able to talk as well. What I used to do was strap a mast up along side a tall tree and use it as a push up pole to get a few more feet out of it. The higher the better ya know...!!!

 

Our local HAM club repeater can support echo link on 2 meters. On Sunday evenings we have a club 2 meter net up for about a hour. About once a month we get a call from any member who is on vacation and and remembers to call in. Furthest distance so far has been a suburb of St. Louis.

 

Trees at 30 and 50 feet! Where the heck do you guys live? Jealous, I've got two palm trees about 20ft tall and a flag pole at about 25 feet. Not much for getting out but better than laying it on the ground. Plus I'm surrounded by houses and mad RF. I hear guys all the time talking about full length dipoles at 50ft in the trees and look out at my little G5RV with antenna envy. I don't even bother with HF at the house it's more frustrating than anything. When we run down south to Baja I carry my buddistick and put it up about 5 feet. Nothing around but dirt and and the Sea of Cortez. It's like sitting on top of a mountain.