In an effort to simplify mobile operations, I’ve replaced my Icom IC-2820 and my IC-706MKII with an IC-7100.  I still need to finish the install and get the radio under the seat, but I plan to do that after a couple of days of drive testing the install.  I’ll post some more pictures once everything …

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Made my first trip to Dayton for the 2014 Dayton Hamvention.  I was accompanied by Ed (K3HTK) and Eric (K9ZX) and of course, my XYL, Angela.  We attended Friday and Saturday and drove back and forth from Indy each day. Other than restrooms, we didn’t get a chance to explore the inside much, even though …

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Installed a sharp-tune cavity as a pre-selector and a pre-amp on the NF9K 70cm repeater.  Still need to fire up the service monitor and determine the exact impact that the pre-amp has had, but initial tests show an improvement. Participated in a VE session with the WD9BSA Team where we tested 11 scouts and scouters, …

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Last evening the WD9BSA VE Team, of which I’m a member, successfully tested 11 Boy Scouts and Scouters.  Of the eleven, seven passed!  The remaining four will retest with our VE Team later this month.  This testing session following a six-week Technician course.  Congratulations to the new members of our wonderful hobby!

I’ve recently installed a pre-amp on the 442.850+ repeater.  While I’m still limited in height, the addition of the pre-amp has made a measurable difference in the receive capabilities.  I’m planning to do some testing to figured out exactly what the impact was to the system.  So if you’re on the N/W side, tune it …

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Last evening I completed the setup of a Broadband Hamnet Mesh node.  I chose to go with the Ubiquiti NanoStation Loco M2.  Amazon as them for ~$56 and available for Prime shipping.  Since I’m currently the only node in Indy, I’ll likely be purchasing another node in the near future to do some experimentation.   …

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Quite a few projects/activities competed for my time last month: Worked with Ed Valasek (K3HTK) to completely tear down and rebuild his repeater rack.  Took the majority of a Saturday, but when we finished, things looked a whole lost better.  We were able to get the amplified functioning on his 33cm repeater and install a …

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The NF9K UHF Repeater received new LMR-400 feed line and a new antenna today.  Thanks to Ed Valasek, K3HTK, for his help.  We found water in the connectors at the old antenna.  The new antenna system is performing much better!   I’m going to be looking for a sharp-tune cavity in order to add a …

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Where did the month go?  February found me involved with the Camp Belzer Group (WD9BSA) for my first VE session with their team.  I had a great time and we were able to facilitate some license upgrades as well as some new licensees.  I actually participated in two VE sessions, one held the following day …

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The Naptown Amateur Group’s VE Team will host an ARRL VE Session on Saturday March 29th, 2014 from 09:00-12:00.  The session will be held at American Structurepoint Inc. located at 7260 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, IN 46256.  Participants must pre-register in order to attend.  Please visit the Naptown Amateur Group’s website at http://www.n9ag.org for information on …

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