Articles

Make your own AllStar Node

Making my own allstarlink node

Remote access to your node from the Internet

For Hams in Australia, there is a simple solution. Check out vk44.net. This free (at the moment) service for AR operators in Australia provides a simple solution which securely allows remote access to your node anywhere in the world with very little configuration.

I connected my node to the Vk44 network in less than a day with most of that time being waiting for the VPN to be setup by the volunteers at Vk44.net and another large chunk waiting for my PI to update. Once this was completed, the configuration of the VPN on my Pi took only about 10 mins. Install the VPN client, copy and paste the provided configuration into a configuration file and reboot. Very simple.

vk44.net logo

Winlink – Wireless Email

This post is a work in progress I will update it as I discover relevant information.


What is Winlink?

Why use Winlink Email?

My Observations

(Some not thought through, just here as a reminder)
  • Ardop works ok but is a little susceptible to interference and QRM.
  • VARA has proved to be a much more reliable that ARDOP, even if it is a bit pricey. On the long list of purchases for the future.

FT8 Digital Mode

This post is a work in progress. It will be updated over time as I find more relevant information.


What is FT8?

FT8 is a popular form of digital weak signal communication used primarily by amateur radio operators to communicate on amateur radio bands with a majority of traffic occurring on the HF amateur bands.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/FT8
Continue reading “FT8 Digital Mode”

First HAM signals on my SDR

Last night I setup my new Nooelec StartXR SDR on the tables outside and connected the Ham-it-up module and antenna.

I successfully received my first HF digital signals. It was very noisy as the telescopic antenna supplied with the kits is not the best for HF receiving. So the next project will be to build (or maybe buy) myself a better antenna for receiving HF.

There seems to be quite a bit of QRM at my place, so that seems like something I’ll need to track down.

My First QSL via email

Making contacts between Ham’s is one of the most interesting parts of Amateur Radio. But don’t let the lack of a license hold you back. You can QSL via email and and WebSDR.

I’m currently studying for my foundation license so transmitting in not an option. I’ve been using several software defined radios that are available on the Internet.

Last weekend I was listening on the 10m band using a KiwiSDR located near Westdale WA. (South East of Perth, grid square: OF87hp)

While listening, I heard a CQ call from VZ1UOK. Not having a way of talking back, I looked up his details and shot him an email with my QSL to his call.

After 3 days he do back to me. I finally completed my first QSL via email. I can’t wait to get licensed and setup some gear so I can QSL on the air.

I’m becoming an Amateur Radio Operator

Over the last few weeks I decided I would finally go ahead and get my Amateur Radio License. It’s not the first time I’ve though about it. Back in 2014 I was looking at it but circumstances at the time meant it was not to be. So now I’m determined to become an amateur radio operator

Last weekend I made contact the the Bunbury Radio Club and Monday evening I attended a meeting at the Parade Hotel. The club has quite the history and has been regularly meeting for more than 30 years. There were 4 members present and my application for membership was accepted.

Check out the site at www.bunburyradioclub.com

There’s so much to learn and I’ve booked into the Ham College in August to study and take the test for my foundation license.

WebSDR’s are a great thing. I’ve spent. few hours this week listening around the bands.

I look forward to getting on the air shortly and get some equipment set up soon.