Bands Have Been Wild During The DX Contest 25 & 26 Oct 2024

This is the civilian version of the application of the same acronym developed by the DoD for tactical purposes. The name of the app is the same but the acronym meaning has been changed based upon differing mission sets and to meet the needs of civilians, first responders and law enforcement. As a stand-alone, this app has little use aside from that of Google earth, however, when combined with a meshed network of communication devices over multiple users, this app can become an unparalleled asset among amateur radio operators in an emergency comms environment.

Once I got the radial elements reattached I weaved some electrical tape around them and the main element for added stability before wrapping the main element with some coax-seal. I remounted the antenna back onto the mast and called for a radio check. Not getting a reply, I keyed up a couple of repeaters, so at least I know I'm putting out a signal.

All done printing the faceplates!

Loads of activity on 14.282 today

Installed the new direct drive extruder and hot end onto the 3D printer and successfully tested the extrusion of filament. Now to start a print!

I bought this Yaesu FT-897 as a gift to myself for passing the General Class exam last month. I was going to buy an antenna but decided to make one myself to learn more about them, so I made a field expedient, 1/4 wave end-fed. I had gooten into amateur radio with my dad who became a silent key nearly three years ago. After hearing the radio crackle to life with the sounds of a 40 meter net I forgot about how I wouldn't be able to use it on all amateur bands (because it's a Japanese model), and I wanted to run and tell my dad all about it. I wanted to throw my call out but I figured I'd better just listen for now. I was as excited as a boy on Christmas.

The final one (for now) is done, just need to Bluetooth it and test it out.