Mostly oriented toward, or originating from, Morse Code:
http://www.hamuniverse.com/qsignals.html
Category: Uncategorized
She’s off to a Good Start!
Nine years old…and has already had her first satellite QSO. According to the FCC database, she earned her first Ham license in March of 2015 (at age 8?), and currently holds a General class ticket.
Look out, world!
Thoughts on Lifetime Licenses and Vanity Callsigns
The following is from Bob, WA9D
I just found this idea suggested online. I am not at all sure how seriously to take it. But in case it might have relevance for you:
- On the one hand, you probably know, the FCC has done away with the fee for requesting a vanity call sign. (They worked out that it cost them more to process it than they received.)
- On the other, you may also know, there is under some consideration a move to make your license last as long as you do. Not expiring after 10 years unless you take action. (Unless you expire after 10 years… but is that taking action?) Whether that will happen, whether it would apply to all classes, etc., is unknown.
But putting those together people have pointed out that there might be fewer “desirable” calls available to request: Whoever has the call you would really like might just keep on owning it, whether active as a ham or not. So the suggestion was made, take this with whatever sized grain of salt you might want, that if you anticipate going for a vanity call you might be better off to look for one you like, soon.
I repeat that I have no extra knowledge about what the FCC will do nor about what effect it would have on availability of calls!
Bob … WA9D
Further info will be welcomed. –Ed.
Geosynchronous ham radio is coming
In 2017, a new gesynchronous satellite is planned, with Amateur Radio onboard. In effect, this will open up a new ham ‘band’, according to the ARRL.
Digital operation – some entry links
If you’re new to digital ham ops, these might help:
For PSK31 –
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31
For JT65-HF –
http://www.eham.net/articles/25604
Additional links welcomed. Just clik on ‘Write a comment’, above
Field Day
Enter the hashtag
#AARLFD
on Facebook or Twitter. On Twitter, you don’t have to join, just enter it into the search field.
Comments? Similar hashtags? Just click on ‘Write a comment’, above.
Dayton Hamvention
Time to start thinking about http://www.hamvention.org
Have you attended in the past? What was it like? Comments welcomed; just click on ‘Write a comment’, above
Gender Imbalance in Ham Radio
Here’s a discussion on gender imbalance in ham radio, written by Dr. Yvette Cendes, KB3HTS, an Astrophysicist.
http://qrznow.com/gender-imbalance-in-ham-radio/
Comments? Similar links? Just click on ‘Write a comment’, above.
Non-tech Antenna Discussion
This is a non-technical discussion of some basic antennas, and their erection in less than ideal situations.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKC9zv8XuPs
Comments? Similar links? Just click on ‘Write a comment’, above.
Emergency Service: Two Flavors
http://www.arrl.org/ares-races-faq
Note: In Wisconsin, ARES and RACES are combined into one organization.
For more info about the Dane County organization, see
For the Wisconsin organization, see
Comments? Similar links? Just click on ‘Write a comment’, above.

