Managing Your Amateur Radio Station

Today’s Article Count is 26.   The most recent update was made on September 09, 2024.

These articles describe Off-The-Air activities that can be an important part of your ham radio hobby.

There may be some blurring of the lines between two of our website pages.  The following matrix is intended to provide some guidance. 
If you don’t see what you hoped to find, please check the other page.

 

Operating Your Amateur Radio Station Managing Your Amateur Radio Station
   
Parks On The Air  –and–  Portable Operations Logging
VHF Operations  –and–  Repeaters QSL Cards
Things To-Do  –and–  General On-The-Air Topics Reference Material
Emergency Communications  –and–  Traffic Nets Computer Apps
and more… Test Instruments  –and–  Other Equipment
  Be Prepared
  and more…
   
   

 

* * Logging * *

A Look at Club Log

Posted May 21, 2021

If you enjoy crunching numbers even half as much as you enjoy operating your ham radio station then you can find a wealth of material in your logs.  Club Log takes the log entries that you upload and generates a view of who you have worked and which contacts have been confirmed.

Part of the How Do I… series.

A Look at Club Log [PDF]

Keywords: x

A Newer Look at
Club Log

Posted April 13, 2022

Our Author refreshed his popular document that explains many features provided by the CLUB LOG website and database.  The new version delivers 11 pages of content — six more than the original document.

Part of the How Do I… series.

Club Log and N3FJP [PDF]

Keywords: CLUB LOG, DXCC, DX, N3FJP, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, LOTW, ARRL, LOGGING, RADIOSPORT, CONTESTING

Amateur Contact Log Special Event Stations

Posted February 28, 2022

Suppose you volunteered to operate a Special Event Station on behalf of your Club.  Wondering how to set up the logging application for the 1×1 Special Event call sign?  Here are some tips.  Enjoy.

AC Log Special Operations [PDF]

Keywords: x

Logging Software

Posted  February DD, 2019

An accurate log is essential for Radio Sport Contesting.  A log is a powerful tool if you are in pursuit of Ham Radio Awards.  PC software makes logging a piece of cake.

Logging Software [PDF]

Keywords: x

A Plea for Logging Your QSOs

Posted Month DD, 20YY

Our author has a few thoughts about ways in which you can leverage the capabilities of the PC you may be using to work Digital Modes by loading an App and registering for the ARRL Logbook of the World, or by registering for eQSL. 

LOTW, EQSL, and DIGITAL MODES [PDF]

Keywords: x

N3FJP Rig Interface API…

Posted December 15, 2020

Today’s author discovered a wealth of functionality in the N3FJP Amateur Contact Log that can simplify setting up the Rig Interface for use with any of the N3FJP Contest Logging applications.

How Do I-AC Log and Contesting [PDF]

Keywords: BAUD RATE, PARITY, DATA BITS, STOP BITS, POLLING RATE,

When to Log a
WSJT-X QSO…

Posted November 11, 2020

Facts versus Opinions.  What constitutes a valid two-way radio contact, also known among ham radio operators as a QSO?  We have some facts and we enjoy sharing.  Please read and enjoy.

When To Log WSJTx [PDF]

Keywords: RRR, RR73, IARU, REGION 1, HF MANAGER’S HANDBOOK,

More Computer Tricks

Posted Month DD, 20YY

Computers and Ham Radios work side-by-side to perform essential record keeping in pursuit of achievement awards.  Ham Operators use the words Logging Software to describe the applications that simplify this task.  This article describes three popular Logging Softare applications.

More Computer Tricks [PDF]

Keywords: x

Setting up LoTW

Posted April 18, 2022

Our author collected thirteen pages of step-by-step instructions introducing and explaining how you can sign-up with the ARRL Logbook of The World (LOTW). 

If you have been  awaiting the New And Improved LoTW Sign-Up Procedure you might choose to read this How Do I… article instead. 

How Do I-Set Up LOTW [PDF]

Keywords: LOGBOOK OF THE WORLD, LOTW, LOGGING, QSL, EQSL, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, N3FJP, CERTIFICATE, STATION LOCATION, POSTCARD.

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N3FJP AC Log

Tools and Tricks

Posted September 17, 2023

A How Do I… a day keeps the doctor away.  Here are ten pages of tips our author has collected for you. Stay Healthy! 

AC Log Tools and Tricks [PDF]

Keywords: N3FJP, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, LOGGING  ROUTE 66, 13COLONIES, MAPS

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* * QSL Cards * *

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Sending DX QSL Cards

via the Bureau

Posted November 04, 2023

This article describes how you can prepare your QSL cards for sending to a DX station via the ARRL Outgoing QSL Bureau.

Send QSL Cards via the Bureau [PDF]

Keywords: OUTGOING, QSL BUREAU, ARRL, QSL MANAGER

Print QSL Labels from N3FJP Loggers

Posted September 07, 2024

If your penmanship is not what it used to be, using your computer and printer to create QSL Label Strips may be the solution. 
Read how to do it.

Print QSL Labels from N3FJP

Keywords: QSL CARD, STRIPS, LABELS, AVERY, 

Make Your Own
QSL Cards

Posted May 20, 2022

A bit of background information about essential QSL card information.  And, our author describes some Do-It-Yourself QSL Card Design and Printing applications.

Make Your Own QSL Card [PDF]

Keywords:  QSL, QSL CARDS, QSLMAKER, QSLWIZARD

Receiving DX QSL Cards
via the Bureau…

Posted April 02, 2023

Frank KB3PQT thought you might like to know more about the workings of the Incoming QSL Bureau.  This article has some content specific to the Third Call Area Incoming QSL Bureau.

Receiving QSL Cards via the Bureau

Keywords: INCOMING, QSL BUREAU, ENVELOPES, FOREVER STAMP, SASE, NATIONAL CAPITOL DX ASSOCIATION,

N3FJP AC Log Tools and Tricks

Posted September 17, 2023

A How Do I… a day keeps the doctor away.  Here are ten pages of tips our author has collected for you.  Stay Healthy!

AC Log Tools and Tricks [PDF]

Keywords: N3FJP, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, LOGGING ROUTE 66, 13 COLONIES, MAPS

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* * Reference Materials * *

Call Books

Posted April 18, 2023

The Telephone Company no longer publishes their telephone book.  How is it that the Radio Amateur Callbook remains viable despite competition from those who practically give away their data?  Our author makes an analogy between Amateur Radio Call Signs and lists of railroad rolling stock.

Call Books [PDF]

Keywords: CALL BOOK, RADIO AMATEUR CALLBOOK,

Alaska Counties

Posted October 01, 2023

There are no counties in Alaska.  Some people use the four Judicial Districts as substitutes.  Some people use the Alaskan Boroughs as substitutes.  This article will share insights with our readers.

Alaska Counties [PDF]

Keywords: ALASKA, COUNTY HUNTERS, AWARDS, N3FJP, AMATEUR CONTACT LOG, MAPS, LOGGING,

The Well Read Ham…

Posted October 21, 2020

Whether you are just starting into the world of Amateur Radio or you have been around a while, you may find something that piques your interest in one of the many ARRL publications.  Our author describes several of his favorite titles.

Well Read Ham [PDF]

Keywords: LICENSE MANUAL, ANTENNA BOOK, OPERATING MANUAL, HANDBOOK

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CTCSS, PL, DCS, DTMF,
Alphabet Soup

Posted December 21, 2020

As if CW, SSB, AM, FM, RTTY, SSTV, and FT8 weren’t enough, try your hands at under-standing these acronyms.  You’ll do good!

CTCSS PL DCS DTMF [PDF]

Keywords: CTCSS, PL, DCS, DTMF, RTTY, SSTV,

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* * Computer Apps * *

There’s an App for that

Posted Month DD, 20YY

It can be challenging to imagine a Ham Radio Station that runs without using a PC.  Hams have a wide array of PC applications from which to choose.  Read about them here..

PC Programs [PDF]

An App for that [PDF]

Keywords: x

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QRZ dot com

Posted November 06, 2023

Cogito, ergo sum.  If Rene Descartes was a ham radio operator he would feel right at home after reading this article.  Taking liberties with the philosopher’s dictum: “My call sign is in the QRZ dot com database. Therefore, I am.”

QRZ dot com [PDF]

Keywords: QRZ, DIGITAL LOGGING, GAMIFICATION OF RADIO, SOCIAL ASPECTS, COMMUNITY,

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* * Test Instruments and Other Equipment  * *

Test Buddy

Posted July 17, 2020

Today’s topic gets into standard configurations for DC Power Distribution and Wiring based on the widely recognized Anderson Powerpole ™ products.   A Test Buddy testing device is introduced as a way of ensuring a smoke free environment.

Test Buddy [PDF]

Keywords: DC POWER, ANDERSON, POWER POLE, POLARITY, TEST EQUIPMENT, POWERWERX,

Powerwerx Watt Meter

Posted July 01, 2024

Sometimes you just need a diagnostic test meter in your Go Box.  Our author shares his good results from using a Powerwerx Watt Meter.

Powerwerx Watt Meter [PDF]

Keywords: Anderson, Powerpole, Powerwerx, DC, 12 volt, Amps, Watts, Watt Hours, Amp Hours

Replacing a Microphone Cable

Posted August 22, 2021

Do you have a favorite mobile radio whose microphone cable has seen better days? 
Don’t give up on the radio.  Replace the cable!

Replacing Microphone Cable [PDF]

Keywords: MICROPHONE, CABLE,

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Some Of My Favorite Things

Posted November 20, 2020

Our author offers his thoughts on useful and affordable accessories for VHF and VHF/UHF Handheld transceivers.

Favorite Things VHF [PDF]

Keywords: PROGRAMMING SOFTWARE, SPEAKER MIC, MIGHTY POUCH, DIAMOND ANTENNA

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* * Be Prepared  * *

Photovoltaic (Solar Power)

Posted September 09, 2024

This article was developed to support our club Educational Activity as part of Field Day 2024.  We earned 100 Bonus Points and appreciate the opportunity to share this lesson with you.

Photovoltaic [PDF]

Keywords: SOLAR POWER, BATTERY, DEEP CYCLE, LITHIUM, REGULATOR,

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