Calculating the line-of-sight radio path

VHF and UHF radio communication are most commonly based on line-of-sight propagation.  Line-of-sight is the thus the ordinary limiting factor which determines how far your signal will reliably travel.  There is a really great free tool for visualizing the line-of-sight path between two GPS locations.

https://www.scadacore.com/tools/rf-path/rf-line-of-sight/

Recently, I worked a station through the W6CX Mt. Diablo repeater from the summit of Mt. Lassen 292 km (182 miles) away, using my 5W Kenwood TH-F6A HT.  Below is the line-of-sight plot between the two summits using scadacore.com.  I simply entered the GPS decimal coordinates for the two locations and scadacore.com automatically produced the the radio path study and a google map showing the two locations.  This was quick and easy to do.

Radio path study between the summits of Mt. Diablo and Mt. Lassen

You can find GPS decimal coordinates for a location easily using Google Maps.

1. On your computer, open Google Maps
2. Right-click the place or area on the map or type in an address in the search
3. Select, "What's here?"
4. At the bottom, you’ll see a card with the coordinates
5. Click on the card to open it
6. Highlight the GPS decimal coordinates on the card to copy

The scadacore.com google map is interactive which allows you to move the points around and instantly see the plot.  This is a very helpful way to explore possible paths between two locations.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

WSJT-X Automatic Logging Into Ham Radio Deluxe

Ham Radio Deluxe DM780 supports an excellent selection of digital modes.  There are several popular digital modes that HRD DM780 does not support including FT8, JT65, and WSPR.  To run these digital modes, additional non-HRD software is required.

I have found WSJT-X easy to work with especially when combined with JTAlert. WSJT-X implements communication protocols or "modes" called FT4, FT8, JT4, JT9, JT65, QRA64, ISCAT, MSK144, and WSPR, as well as one called Echo for detecting and measuring your own radio signals reflected from the Moon.  These modes were all designed for making reliable, confirmed QSOs under extreme weak-signal conditions.

However, by default WSJT-X writes only to its own log when only basic configuration is setup.  This is inconvenient to Ham Radio Deluxe users as there doesn't seem to be an easy way to export/import the WSJT-X log into Ham Radio Deluxe.  Even if there were a manual export/import, who would want a two-step logging process anyway?  Spend less time logging means we have more time for making contacts. 

Fortunately, WSJT-X and Ham Radio Deluxe can be easily configured to work together to enable WSJT-X logged contacts to automatically update the Ham Radio Deluxe log.  The integration involves enabling and configuring "QSO Forwarding" in both applications.

Step 1: Configure HRD QSO Forwarding

• Navigate to HRD-->HRD Logbook-->Tools-->Configuration-->QSO Forwarding
• UDP Send - uncheck "Forward logbook changes using UDP to other logging programs"
• UDP Receive
• Add a check to "Fill in missing fields on Receive"
• Add a check to "Lookup missing fields on Receive"
• Uncheck "Receive logbook changes using UDP from other logging programs (TR4W, N1MM)
• Receive QSO notifications using UDP from other applications (WSJT-X)
• Receive Port: 2333
• Target Database: My Logbook
• MyStation fields should be: Merged

Step 2: Configure WSJT-X QSO Forwarding"

• Navigate to WSJT-X --> File --> Settings --> Reporting
• Check "Prompt me to log QSO"
• Network Services
• Check "Enable PSK Reporter Spotting"
• UDP Server
• Check "Accept UDP requests"
• Check "Notify on accepted UDP requests"
• Check "Accepted UDP restores window
• UDP Server: 127.0.0.1
• UDP Server port number: 2237
• Secondary UDP Server (deprecated)
• Check "Enable logged contact ADIF broadcast
• Server name or IP address: 127.0.0.1
• Server port number: 2333

Step 3: Test QSO Forwarding from WSJT-X to HRD

Note on rig control: I have configured rig control in both WSJT-X and HRD.  This means that I can only use one or the other at the same time to control my station.  With this approach, I simply disconnect HRD rig control when I am going to run WSJT-X.  When I am done with WSJT-X, I close the application and then click the "Connect" button in HRD to re-enable HRD rig-control.  If I attempt to run rig control in both applications at the same time, they conflict and generate an error.

• Complete a contact in WSJT-X
• Log the contact in WSJT-X
• Confirm that the contact was logged in HRD

Voilà!  You have successfully configured WSJT-X and HRD to automatically log WSJT-X contacts in the HRD logbook.  This will save you tons of time from having to manually type your WSJT-X QSOs into the Ham Radio Logbook.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Related posts:

• Migrating Ham Radio Deluxe to a New Computer
• Configuring WSJT-X with a Kenwood TS-480SAT and SignaLink USB

TH-F6A Power Jack Vulnerability

The Kenwood TH-F6A is a wonderful tri-band HT.  I have owned one for many years and enjoyed operating.

The radio's design is flawed in one aspect.  It is important to plug in the power connector into the jack on the radio before plugging it into the wall, cigarette lighter, or other external power source.  This is because an internal surface mount fuse can be blown if an energized power connector is plugged into the radio power jack.  Replacing the fuse is possible though difficult since it is a surface mount component.  This typically requires the radio be sent to Kenwood service for repair.

A better design would allow the power connector to be inserted or removed without risk to the radio.  Also, it would be desirable to design fuse replacement so that it can be performed by the owner and does not require the radio be sent to a service center for an expensive repair.

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Transmitting using a vintage Radio Shack center-loaded telescoping antenna

I have a vintage Radio Shack center-loaded telescoping antenna from the early 1990's.  It has a BNC connector and a loading coil in the middle of the telescoping sections.  It ordinarily sits in a box along with other radio odds and ends that I don't use regularly.  Radio Shack made these for ages and you can still find them for sale online.

Radio Shack center-loaded telescoping antenna with all sections collapsed

I was recently working on a vintage Kenwood TH-22AT 2m HT that still has its original rubber duck antenna.  The antenna wasn't pulling-in stations very well so I decided to dig out my old Radio Shack telescoping antenna and give it a try.  I was happy to find that the Radio Shack antenna worked better than the stock rubber duck.

As I was setting it up, I remembered that some adjustment is required in order to use it for transmitting.  The antenna can be used on a transceiver or a receiver such as a scanner.

Receiving: 25 MHz through 1296 MHz

Transmitting: Can be used as a 1/4 wavelength transmitting antenna from 130 MHz through 535 MHz.

• Caution
• When you use the antenna to transmit, you must always collapse the section located just above the loading coil. If you do not collapse this section, you might damage the antenna and your radio.
• When you use the antenna to transmit, you must calculate the 1/4 wavelength and adjust the antenna length accordingly. If you do not do this, you can damage your transmitting equipment due to an improper standing wave ratio (SWR).
• Use this formula to calculate the proper length for a 1/4 wavelength transmitting antenna: 2834 / Freq. in MHz = Antenna Length in Inches 

Common 2m Band Antenna Lengths

• 144.000 Mhz --> 19.7 inches
• 144.500 Mhz --> 19.6 inches
• 145.000 Mhz --> 19.5 inches
• 145.800 Mhz --> 19.4 inches
• 146.520 Mhz --> 19.3 inches
• 147.570 Mhz --> 19.2 inches
• 147.990 Mhz --> 19.1 inches

When receiving only:

• 25 Mhz to 136 Mhz - Extend all nine sections of the antenna
• 136 Mhz to 174 Mhz - Extend only the top four sections
• 174 Mhz to 1296 Mhz - Extend only 1 to 3 lower sections

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Migrating Ham Radio Deluxe to a New Computer

I have been migrating my applications and data to a new computer.  My old computer served me well for many years and has been exhibiting a growing number of issues indicating it was time to be retired. The next step in the transition process was to migrate Ham Radio Deluxe (version 5.24.0.38) to the new computer running the latest version of Ham Radio Deluxe (version 6.7.0.301).

I am very excited about this upgrade to HRD as I am looking forward to running a well supported high-quality application and discovering new features and enhancements.  HRD has been the rug that really tied the shack together.  This will also be the first version of HRD that I have had to pay for as I have always relied on the free version.

My strategy was to migrate my HRD log using a backup as well as custom DM780 macros and then manually configure the application.  I chose this strategy since it was straightforward and would assure a clean migration.  This strategy would also afford me the opportunity to review the HRD configuration for new settings and features that have been introduced since the old freeware version.

I have shared my migration procedures below in case this information is helpful.  If you have any additional tips or advice regarding upgrading and migrating Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) to a new computer, please be sure to leave a comment.

Migrate HRD Log Procedure

1) Install the latest version of HRD on the new computer.

2) Backup the HRD log files on the old computer and save the backup to cloud storage (e.g. Google Backup and Sync, Microsoft OneDrive, ...).

• HRD Logbook --> More --> Backup --> Options
• Change the backup location to use cloud storage
• HRD Logbook --> Backup

3) Restore the HRD backup files from cloud storage on the new computer.

• HRD Logbook --> Backup --> Restore
• Add the cloud storage location of your backup file
• Click Restore
• Confirm the number of records to restore and click, "yes"
• Confirm the number of restored entries and click, "OK"
• Click "Finish"

Reconnect HRD to the ARRL LoTW

1) HRD Logbook --> More --> LoTW --> Download

2) Add the LoTW username and password

3) Click download to confirm it is working properly

Migrate HRD DM780 Macros Procedure

1) Save the old Macros to a file on cloud storage

• Digital Master 780 --> Tools --> Macros
• Save the file to cloud storage

2) Load the old Macros into the new HRD

• Digital Master 780 --> Tools --> Macros
• Load the macro file on cloud storage

Confirm the old macros are available

Reconfiguring HRD Procedure

I choose not to attempt to migrate HRD configuration settings from my old version of HRD to the new version of HRD on the new computer.  I didn't want to deal with having to clean up self-created migration messes to save a few minutes of configuration.  Manually configuring HRD would work just fine for my needs and this would also provide me with an opportunity to discover new configuration settings and options.

1) HRD Logbook --> Callsign (My Info)

• Name
• Locator
• QTH
• E-Mail
• HomePage
• Radio
• Antenna
• Power

2) HRD Logbook --> Clock

• Format - change to GMT/UTC

Reassociate Keyhole Markup Language with Google Earth

During testing, I found that HRD would not launch Google Earth when attempting to do a lookup on a contact.  Instead, Adobe Reader was being launched due to a mis-association in Windows with Adobe and .KML (Keyhole Markup Language) files.  The solution was to re-associate .KML files with Google Earth in Windows.

1. Go to https://developers.google.com/kml
2. Click on "Half Dome hike" to save a .kmz file to downloads
3. Right click on the .kmz file in the downloads folder
4. Select "open with"
5. Select Google Earth and check "Always use this app to open"

Good DX and 73, NJ2X

Related posts:

• WSJT-X Automatic Logging Into Ham Radio Deluxe

Repairing Portable Rotatable Dipole

For portable operations, we have been using a portable rotatable HF dipole from EmComm-Products (model RADS 9-11/A) since 2008.  The antenna provides HF (160m, 80m, 40m, and 20m) and a second VHF/UHF antenna on top of the dipole which is fed by a separate cable enabling concurrent operations of both a HF and VHF/UHF radio on one mast.

Activating Hatteras Island, NC

KC2VSR (Field Day at Fort Ord, CA) rotating the dipole by giving the mast a simple twist

When setting up the antenna for portable operations to teach the radio merit badge in 2018, we discovered that we could no longer tune up when using the 20m elements.  SWR was extremely high.  The was the first time we had an issue when using the antenna after a decade of use.  It was time to give the antenna some attention and bring it back to working order. 

Diagnosis

Once back home, we brought out each of the elements and check them individually for continuity using a ohmmeter.  To perm this test, we placed one of the ohmmeter probes on one end of an antenna element and the other problem on the other end of the antenna element.

All the elements passed this basic test with the exception of one of the 20m elements.  The 20m element had no continuity indicating that the wire had a break somewhere along the fiberglass element.

I visually inspected the element for apparent damage and found none.  This suggested that something was amiss with connection between the wire and one or both end connectors.

Corrosion on the joint between the antenna wire and antenna connector

Using an X-acto knife I carefully cut a window in the shrink wrap at the junction between the antenna element wire and the end connector to inspect the connection.  This revealed corrosion on the junction.  Using the continuity tester, I checked for continuity between the wire and both end connections.  This showed continuity at the junction to the far end connector and no continuity to the near connector.  Ah ha!  We found the issue.  The corrosion was likely caused from a decade of operating near saltwater and in the rain.

Repair

A brass wire brush was used to remove the corrosion.  The connector was then resoldered to the wire along with a copper wire wrapped all the way around the connector to assure positive contact.  The connector was recovered with shrink wrap and relabelled as a 20m element.  This was a straightforward and easy repair.

Repaired 20m element

Results

We setup a wilderness radio station to teach the radio merit badge at summer camp with the portable rotatable dipole as one of the antennas.

Portable rotatable dipole back on the air at summer camp near Truckee, CA

We setup the antenna with the 20m elements and it performed flawlessly all week while at summer camp.  We made numerous SSB contacts on 20m.

Several people have contacted me asking about buying their own portable rotatable dipole antenna.  Sadly, the manufacturer, EmComm-Products, is no longer in business.  It has been an outstanding antenna.

Good DX and 73,  

NJ2X

Radio Scouting: Earning the Radio Merit Badge at Summer Camp

The Radio Merit Badge was earned by 5,205 Scouts in the US in 2018 representing a 10.9% drop from the year prior.  We hams need to make sure we step up our support of scouting and act as counselors for the radio merit badge.  The Radio Merit Badge requirements are demanding and require both classroom learning as well as applied learning in front of a radio.  The radio merit badge looks great on a scout uniform sash with its wonderfully designed Morse code message and lighting bolts.

Scouts BSA Radio Merit Badge

I had the privilege to teach the radio merit badge with my daughter's Scouts BSA troop while at summer camp in the Sierras in Northern California in 2020.  We had a small group of scouts and parents which provided the scouts with more radio operating time and more time for discussion and questions about radio.  This made the merit badge class sessions more fun and engaging.

The scouts had a blast learning hands-on on how to setup the entire wilderness radio station including:

1. Generator
2. Power supply
3. Kenwood TS-480SAT (HF+6m transceiver)
4. Yeasu FT-8800 (2m / 70 cm FM transceiver)
5. Kenwood TH-F6A (triband FM HT)
6. External speaker
7. 40 Meters home brew wire dipole
8. 20 Meters rotatable dipole
9. VHF/UHF antenna

Emergency communication rotatable dipole and VHF/UHF antenna packed up in its storage bag

The scouts made numerous contacts on 40 Meters, 20 Meters, 2 Meters, and 70 Centimeters.  We also tuned up and down on the shortwave broadcast bands and listened in on various programs from around the world.  This was an eye opening experience for the scouts who had never heard shortwave broadcasting nor made amateur radio contacts before.

Kenwood TS-480SAT Transceiver

The rotatable dipole worked like a champ having been serviced in the work prior to camp.  While on the workshop bench before camp, it was discovered that one of the elements had developed a break due to corrosion.  The repair was straightforward requiring a quick cleaning of the corrosion, resoldering, and shrink-wrapping.  The rotatable dipole helped demonstrate the directional nature of dipole antennas to the scouts.

Emergency communications rotatable dipole with VHF/UHF Antenna on top setup at summer camp 

One of our scouts, Sadie, earned her FCC Amateur Radio Technician license (KN6JYE) just prior to arriving in camp.  She had a blast using her license for the first time on VHF/UHF simplex calls, calls over area repeaters, and checking into various area nets including a fun 2m simplex net.  By the way, Sadie and her troop are running a popcorn fundraiser to help keep their scout program going.  Please stop by Sadie's Trails End popcorn storefront to make a purchase and support scouting and her troop.

Sadie, KN6JYE making contacts at elevation 3187m on top of Mount Lassen, California

The scouts were amazed and excited to experience the thrill of DX communication for the first time.  We made contacts on 40 Meters to other states and countries including Hawaii and New Zealand.  DX is alive and well even at the bottom of the solar sunspot cycle.

Amateur Radio Operator scout uniform strip

A big THANK YOU to the patient hams who talked with the scouts and helped them log their very first amateur radio contacts.  These hams helped the scouts to successfully earn their radio merit badges and we couldn't have done it without them.  It is the hands-on learning and radio operations that is the most inspiring and engaging aspect of the radio merit badge.  Several of the scouts expressed their enthusiastic interest in earning their own amateur radio licenses.  Please support scouting, radio merit badge activities, the annual Scout Jamboree on the Air (JOTA) special event, and youth learning the ropes on the air.  The next generation needs our support and encouragement just as much as we all did when we were their age.  Remember, it is youth who are the future of the amateur radio.

Good DX and 73,

NJ2X

Wildfire Evacuation Tactics

It is August 20, 2020, wildfires continue to rage along the central coast of California in Santa Cruz County and the neighboring Santa Clara County affecting tens of thousands of people and tens of thousands of acres.  There is zero containment so far.  Evacuation of entire communities is occurring.

I received a helpful list from a neighbor on preparing for a wildfire evacuation. I am sharing this information in case it is helpful to others.

- BE PREPARED
- TURN ON yard sprinklers.  Turn them off before you evacuate.

- MOVE outdoor furniture / anything flammable to IN garage.

- TAKE DOWN shades 

- CLEAN gutters / leaves of debris

- RUN hose lines around property, brass nozzles are best. 

- Turn OFF natural gas - wrench next to meter 

- Turn ON outdoor house lights (front of house/garage) 

- CLOSE windows and doors - Remove all cloth and plastic curtains 

- EMAIL / TEXT / CALL Let family outside of area know individual / group plans - Leave a letter on kitchen counter of who you are, who is with you and where you are going and how you’re getting there - INFORM all neighbors of your plans and learn theirs 

- MOVE indoor furniture away from windows / doors to center of room 

- MOVE flammable materials to the center of the garage, ideally not on the ground. 

- PLACE extension ladder leading to roof 

- CLOSE OFF roof / eave vents - duct tape 

- DISCONNECT automatic garage door opener, manually close. 

- TAPE any gaps between garage door and ground, so no embers can blow under 

- LEAVE car unlocked with keys in ignition 

- WRITE note and paste to front door informing you have evacuated and the date. Note where the closest fire hydrant is to you. 

- POSITION security cameras to see your surroundings better 

- CUT all branches that are too close to your house. Form pile away from house, not under trees (center of driveway for example) 

- REMOVE flammable plants (lavender, etc) within 3 feet of home 

- HELP your neighbors and COMMUNICATE regularly 

- EVACUATE while you have time on your side

If you are a amateur radio operator, remember, cell phone and internet services are prone to failure.

- BRING your fully charged amateur radio HTs and charger with you (already programmed with your area's repeaters).

- LISTEN to your radio to monitor for news updates.

Do you have additional tactics to add to this list?  Please leave a comment.

Be safe,

NJ2X

Anticipation is ... Monitoring the FCC ULS

There is nothing quite like the feeling of happiness and anticipation monitoring the FCC ULS after passing your FCC Technician exam.  What will my call sign be?  I hope it is a good one.  Wouldn't it be amazing if it included my initials?  Has my new call sign posted yet on ULS?  How about now?  Better check again a little later... Where is it!?  Cue the Carly Simon song, anticipation... is making me wait.  

The wait is part of the journey and part of the joy of becoming a ham.  It is just as much fun for Elmers too.

Good DX and 73, 

NJ2X

In every walk...

“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” – John Muir

One's courage...

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin

Death Valley, California

Backpacking Hack: Packing Duct Tape

I recently returned from a wonderful backpacking trek in the John Muir Wilderness located in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California.  The John Muir Wilderness is rugged and exceedingly beautiful.  It is also challenging backpacking country with high altitude and difficult terrain.  The trek tested our group's skills, readiness, and fitness.  Fortunately, we were well prepared and able to handle every test mother nature presented us.

John Muir Wilderness Marker

One item in my pack proved its usefulness over and over again - duct tape.  Duct tape is not just for air ducts or home repairs.  Here are just a few uses of duct tape while backpacking:

• Repair a pair of shoes by re-affixing a delaminated tread with duct tape
• Repair a tear in a tent stuff-sack with duct tape
• Patch a puncture in a water bag with duct tape
• Secure a moleskin pad with duct tape to prevent it from rubbing off while walking
• Cover a hip abrasion caused by a backpack with duct tape to prevent further injury
• Wrap a sprained ankle with duct tape to support the join and prevent further injury
• Whip an end of rope to prevent fraying
• Patch a torn tent bag

If you aren't carrying duct tape in your pack then you will inevitably find yourself wishing you had.  Fortunately, you don't have to bring a bulky and heavy roll of duct tape to benefit from this miracle material.  Several feet of tape will do.

A helpful method of packing duct tape is to roll several feet onto a plastic medicine bottle.  The width of the duct tape fits perfectly on the bottle and adds very little weight or volume to a pack.  This hack also provides you with a waterproof container for medicine or small items.  Later, when a length of duct tape is needed, simply peel off the desired amount from the medicine bottle.

You don't need to pack the whole roll

I hope this article has inspired you to add duct tape to your backpacking kit and try rolling it onto a plastic medicine bottle for convenient packing.

Several feet of duct tape rolled onto a plastic medicine bottle

Happy trails and 73, NJ2X

Related Articles:

• How to setup backpacking tarp shelters (A-Frame, Lean-To, and C-Fly)
• Amateur Radio Backpacking Checklist
• Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Requirements
• Backpacking Amateur Radio Power: Alternatives
• Project: Hacking the Nomad 7 Solar Panel for Amateur Radio Use
• Project: Fabricating a Anderson PowerPole to 3.4mm dc connector for the Kenwood TH-F6A
• Project: Regulating the 12v Output of the Nomad 7 Solar Panel
• Field Test: Nomad 7 Solar Panel Performance

© Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM, 2020. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Michael W. Maher and NJ2X.COM with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

Going far...

“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go.” – T.S Eliot

Yosemite Waterfall