Calling Amateur Radio Operators
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For the naysayers, yes amateur radio still exists and it is doing well. Are there any amateur radio operators here? If there are, are any doing any embedded work with the microFramework (hardware/software) or writing any high level code specifically for amateur radio (such as digital modes or antenna and electronics design)?
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
I only took national certification in 2005, passed it but haven't got money for licence. :( But thanks for reminding me about it, so I can try to gather money to get licence, and some radio.
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For the naysayers, yes amateur radio still exists and it is doing well. Are there any amateur radio operators here? If there are, are any doing any embedded work with the microFramework (hardware/software) or writing any high level code specifically for amateur radio (such as digital modes or antenna and electronics design)?
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
IZ8BLY here, but I'm no longer "active". In the past I pioneered soundcard-based digital modes, writing the first software for Hellschreiber and MT63. I also created two new digital modes that are still around on the air: MFSK16 and CHIP64. It was a lot of fun, but unfortunately it was very time-consuming. Sadly, writing database applications is more remunerative :( .
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For the naysayers, yes amateur radio still exists and it is doing well. Are there any amateur radio operators here? If there are, are any doing any embedded work with the microFramework (hardware/software) or writing any high level code specifically for amateur radio (such as digital modes or antenna and electronics design)?
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
AA1WW, Coop, here. I use PIC's but hobby stuff gets pushed to back burner. I have SJJmicro's $50 EDK for .NET MicroFramework and hope to fool around with that (also for work-related possibilities). I have some projects on hold I need to finish up: PIC+Keypad+LCD for a box w/ 2 AmQRP DDS boards, PIC for a classic PIC freq counter (box is ready; board half wired), and there's a bunch of PLL synthesizers I'd like to do and have as building blocks. Must be some neat audio DSP functions to implement with those dsPICs. Actually, I like fooling around with old tube circuits as much as the newer technologies. Coop, AA1WW
Jeff Cooper
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AA1WW, Coop, here. I use PIC's but hobby stuff gets pushed to back burner. I have SJJmicro's $50 EDK for .NET MicroFramework and hope to fool around with that (also for work-related possibilities). I have some projects on hold I need to finish up: PIC+Keypad+LCD for a box w/ 2 AmQRP DDS boards, PIC for a classic PIC freq counter (box is ready; board half wired), and there's a bunch of PLL synthesizers I'd like to do and have as building blocks. Must be some neat audio DSP functions to implement with those dsPICs. Actually, I like fooling around with old tube circuits as much as the newer technologies. Coop, AA1WW
Jeff Cooper
Awesome stuff. Yes the tube circuits are pretty cool. There's a resurgence of using tube amps amongst the audiophiles which is driving up the cost of what should be "cheap" tubes. I'd like to build a DDS exciter and hook that up to a conventional RX/TX strip made up with tubes. Have the synthesizer all DDS but the rest be tubes...that would be a neat project. I'll have to check into the SJJMicro EDK...that sounds neat! 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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IZ8BLY here, but I'm no longer "active". In the past I pioneered soundcard-based digital modes, writing the first software for Hellschreiber and MT63. I also created two new digital modes that are still around on the air: MFSK16 and CHIP64. It was a lot of fun, but unfortunately it was very time-consuming. Sadly, writing database applications is more remunerative :( .
That's really cool. I wondered where a lot of those digital mode applications got their start. It's interesting to see how some of those have taken off. I use PSK31 very frequently. Dude - you should become active again. At some point the sun will come back to life and I can work you on 6m! Yes...writing insurance software puts food on the table for me. I'd rather repair radios and build antennas but there's little to be made in that. Sigh. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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I only took national certification in 2005, passed it but haven't got money for licence. :( But thanks for reminding me about it, so I can try to gather money to get licence, and some radio.
By some Softrock kits and get on the air with PSK31. You should be able to do it for less that 100$US! 17m is my favorite band (well really 6m but 6m would be very rare into Poland!) Looking forward to hearing you on the air. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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VE6MRV here. My Flex5000A with PowerSDR, a big KLM Yagi & a QRO HF2500DX provides me with many exciting evenings when the band is open on the Long Path to far points on the globe. I can guarantee that my DX contacts, whether on SSB or on CW, have no counterpart in a stinking chat room. 73 /--When propagation is lousy, I play my guitar
Amen to that brother! The sterility of Internet chat rooms is depressing. If you ever feel like giving that setup away to a good home, I'll gladly sacrifice. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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VE2WRH here. I live in an apartment and my HF antenna is a hamstick on a balcony which limits my HF activity but 2M repeater is fine. An alternate for folk like me is internet amateur radio, eg CQ100. I know, many will say its not 'real' radio, but its fun and addictive. You also need to be licensed to use it so your contacts are all fellow hams. I made my living as a programmer for many years and I continue to write support programs for internet radio.
73
Hamsphere is another one but I could never get it to work right. Supposedly has ionisphere simulation. Too bad on the hamstick but you do what you can.
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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Sure. OZ8AGB here. Playing a bit with PIC's. Just built an LC Meter.
Neat...I saw an LCR meter kit i was thinking about getting but I have lots of projects ahead of me (13v/60A power supply, converted PC power supply, fix some radio gear, antenna building, etc...the list compounds daily) besides designing and building a 6m transceiver with the .net microframework. Oy. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
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Neat...I saw an LCR meter kit i was thinking about getting but I have lots of projects ahead of me (13v/60A power supply, converted PC power supply, fix some radio gear, antenna building, etc...the list compounds daily) besides designing and building a 6m transceiver with the .net microframework. Oy. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
Yes, a lot of other good projects. My next is a 600W PA for my K2. There is a neat sechematic for an LC meter here: LC meter
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By some Softrock kits and get on the air with PSK31. You should be able to do it for less that 100$US! 17m is my favorite band (well really 6m but 6m would be very rare into Poland!) Looking forward to hearing you on the air. 73
Tate Antrim All around nice guy!
Unfortunately today I've lost amount around 100$ so I won't buy any toy or get licence for quite some time :((