A Very Simple Tester for Coax Integrity from N1GY

 

          As I was browsing around the web this morning I saw a video by another ham in which he used what he called his coax tester. He did not explain the circuit for his tester but it gave me an idea. Obviously what he had was a form of continuity tester with specific design elements for attaching it to a newly installed coax connector. It took only a moment to come up with a workable circuit.
 The functionality of the tester is obvious. I have installed many PL-259s over the years and testing for a short with a regular digital meter sometimes seems to require three hands. This tester allows one to simply screw the PL-259 onto the tester to get an immediate “GO/NO GO” indication. If the LED lights up- you have a short circuit either in the coax or the connector. Start over. If the LED does not light up, the installation of the connector has no short circuit.
           I mounted the components in a small plastic box left over from a previous project and labeled the box with instructions on its use. I included a test button in the circuit so that the user could make sure that the unit would give a proper indication when used. The button momentarily short circuits the tester so the LED will light up. If it does not then it is probably time to replace the two 1.5 Volt AAA batteries that power the LED. The actual size of the batteries is not critical, AA or AAA will work just fine. The important thing is to power the unit with 3 volts DC. That way, no dropping resistor is required.
 If you want to use a 9 volt battery just add the appropriate dropping resistor to the circuit. A 330 Ohm 1/8 watt resistor will do the trick just fine for 9 volt power. I suggest the use of a battery holder to make exchanging the batteries as easy as possible.
​            A protective ring wall was installed around the test push button to prevent inadvertent short circuits while it is stored in a tool box, pocket, or go-kit. The ring wall is nothing more than a section of a PVC tubing connector, hot glued around the push button. It has to be higher than the button, but only by a fraction since you want to be easily able to operate the button when using the tester.

 

Parts List:
                        1          SO-239 connector 
                        1          Red LED  
                        1          Momentary Push Button (Normally Open)
                        1          Battery Holder for battery(ies) of choice
                        1          330 Ohm resistor (only needed if using a 9 volt battery for power)
                        1          Suitable enclosure
                        1          protective ring to go around push button (section of PVC connector)
                         Assorted hookup wire, hot glue, etc.
​            As you can see, the circuit is very simple. If there is a short circuit in the cable under test then voltage will be passed to the LED and it will light up. If the push button is activated then the circuit is also completed and the LED will light up.

 

FROM: www.n1gy.com

The Importance of Training

W1KRP Personal Editorial:

At times it seems like all we do is train for something. Whether it’s for personal or business related issues…. we train. Yes it does get boring at times but its importance cannot be downplayed. Coming from a background in public service I can attest to the fact that those that train at even the most minor tasks, obtain success when the SHTF. Repetition is the only way to make a response a “action”, and not a “reaction” which can set you and others back and possibly lead to dangerous consequences. This plan falls within the scope of emergency communications as well as any other service. With training remember that just because it’s old to you its most likely new to a fellow member. Possibly when you see or hear someone having trouble reach out and offer to help them grasp the issue and move forward. I remember in EMS at my license level disliking what at the time was called RECERT/DECERT every three months. If you did not have at least three documented field uses of IV starts (intravenous catheter), ET tubes (endotracheal intubations) and cardiac defibrillations within that three month period you had to attend a RECERT/DECERT session and show your skills to an instructor and be signed off before you practiced in the field. I found these to be great experiences, after initial bitching about the inconveniences, when I was faced with implementing these skills in the field under most times adverse conditions. Practicing, training, field usage…all these terms come into play every day in what we do. Yes, Ham Radio is a hobby but when the SHTF and people depend on you make sure you provide a service that will leave a positive impression on either the victim(s) or the served agencies you are working with or for. Also remember a public service mantra. “Do no harm”. In other words train. 73~Dick W1KRP

 

WHEN REPEATERS FAIL

Reliance upon repeaters or repeater systems for emergency communications is not wise. It is not uncommon for a repeater to fail, or be knocked out by some external force (e.g.- lightning, high winds, etc.). Repeaters can also be very "political."

Since the beginning of radio, the focus by most amateurs has been to see how far they can reach out with their signals. While DXing is an enjoyable pastime, it is rarely needed for EMCOMM, DON'T RULE IT OUT COMPLETELY FOR PUBLIC SERVICE! The ability to effectively pass traffic over long distances is often important, even lifesaving!

HF signals propagate either by a) line-of-sight; b) ground-wave (follows the contours of the earth); or c) sky-wave. Line-of-sight is usually good for a few miles.
Ground-wave is usually good from about 20 to 50 miles. NVIS sky-wave takes over at about 50 miles, and depending upon the frequency selected is good out to 500 miles. Beyond that, we are in the general area of low-angle DX.

NEAR AND FAR
Very often, a 40 meter signal at mid-day, can be heard near and far, all three types of propagation at the same time! To explain propagation, whether low-angle DX or NVIS, or somewhere in-between, I often use this illustration: Just as a billiard ball can be bounced toward a particular pocket by controlling the angle that it hits the bumper of the pool table, so do radio signals "bounce" (actually refract is more descriptive) off the ionosphere. Now, envision the earth as a round pool table with the ionosphere as the circumference or boundary. This "bumper" is constantly expanding and/or contracting in concentric circles, and varies in density often depending upon the time of day, the season, recent solar activity and/or the sun-spot cycle. This phenomenon is a science unto itself and is not the subject here. Just know that for local and regional EMCOMM, NVIS HF (usually in the 40 and 75/80 meter bands) can provide reliable communications over mountain ranges and under the most extreme conditions. The big advantage is that we are not dependent upon some remote mechanical device.

NVIS MADE SIMPLE
I (and others) have experimented with simple (1/2 wave doublet, G5RV, etc.) wire HF NVIS antennas as low as actually lying on the ground to 3 feet above ground, and they work amazingly well! A lot depends upon ground (earth) conductivity and how far down below the surface the moisture content may be. However, I recommend that any antenna be at least 8 ft. above the ground to prevent someone from tripping over it.

Remember that the higher you elevate a flat (horizontal) antenna (e.g. a simple wire doublet or G5RV) above earth ground, the more the NVIS effect will be lessened. A little height will allow for better line-of-sight and ground-wave propagation. I find that 25-30 ft above the earth works fairly well both near and far. Also the higher you go, the more directional it will be. An Inverted V antenna, at any height, will be less directional, but the NVIS effect will be less than a "flat-top."

Reference: http://www.EMCOMM.org/projects/nvis.htm

OTHER "REPEATER FREE" OPTIONS
Also, to avoid reliance upon repeater(s), don't rule out VHF simplex. Don't believe the myth that VHF is strictly "line-of-sight!" I routinely communicate PTP (Point-To-Point) over 50 miles on 2 meter FM simplex using only a simple ground plane antenna 20 ft. up...and with a mountain range between my station and the other! And over 100 miles routinely using a 13 element Yagi. I also communicate 300 miles on 2 meter SSB and/or CW using a 13 element Yagi (horizontal polarized). A skilled relay operator in the right location doubles these ranges! Also, consider six meters simplex FM, SSB, CW for EMCOMM.

REGULAR NETS

There are so many variables, regular participation in nets will provide you with the experience and knowledge of what works and what doesn't!

As far as of lack of interest in serious EMCOMM by hams is concerned...I wish I had the answer! All you can do is to try to explain that skilled and disciplined operators become that way and also maintain their skills by regularly participating in regularly-scheduled properly-run (non-repeater) public service nets. If there isn't one in your area...why not start one?

Drawn from: http://www.emcomm.org/archives/EQ/2010/summer2010.htm

BACK TO BASICS

"Make Good Operating Procedures A Habit"
From the April 2005 issue of EMCOMM MONTHLY

Let's face reality, folks. When push comes to shove, and when the chips are down, the majority of emergency communications will be voice (radiotelephone). At least in the United States. 100 years ago it was all in Morse. Spark gap was the mode-of-the-day...then later CW dominated. That was all there was. If you weren't a Morse operator...you didn't communicate. 60 years ago, a reasonable guess might be that the ratio was 50% Morse and 50% AM 'phone, plus perhaps a little SSB and FM.
It makes no difference if your favorite mode is CW or digital, or that voice is the least efficient mode. The reality is that most emcomm is done by voice...and will probably remain like that for a long time. CW, digital, and other modes are more effective in many ways and still have their place, and they can (and will) be used very effectively to supplement voice communications in certain situations and for specific functions. However, the reality remains...like it or not...voice is where we are at.
We all learned to talk before we entered kindergarten. By the time we left grammar school, most of us could read and write fairly well. By the end of high school, we all (should have, at least) mastered basic verbal and written language skills. While some of us had learned the Morse language by that time, most had not, and struggled to learn it later in life. Many hams learned just enough Morse to pass an exam...and unfortunately never or rarely use it. SSB and FM prevail.
In all public service, good communication skills are essential. But, unfortunately, what we hear on the bands...is usually NOT a good example of effective communication skills. As EMCOMM operators, we must NOT allow ourselves to become mediocre (or worse) voice communicators. Sadly, many operators emulate what they hear on the air. And what they hear, from both newcomers and old timers alike, is often improper, sloppy and/or inefficient.
So how does a skilled voice radio operator...operate?

A GOOD VOICE EMCOMM OPERATOR:

1. ALWAYS makes sure that his/her transceiver is properly adjusted. Mic gain level, on the proper frequency, not using excessive power, etc.
2. ALWAYS speaks clearly and succinctly...and not too fast (or too slow).
3. Establishes two-way contact and obtains a signal report before starting a transmission. (If you want a radio check take your radio to a repair shop.)
4. Avoids talking directly into a microphone. But rather talks "across the mic".
5. Knows and uses ITU PHONETICS
6. Uses ROGER solely to indicate that a transmission has been received and is understood. (ROGER is the voice equivalent of R in Morse.)
7. Does not use ROGER for "yes", "affirmative", or "I agree with you" and does not say: "That's a big ROGER" or some other similar slang term.
8. Says AFFIRMATIVE for "yes" and does not use it in place of ROGER. (They are not the same.)
9. Says NEGATIVE for "no". "Nega-tory" (or other similar slang terms) is not in his or her vocabulary.
10. Uses SAY AGAIN when they need something repeated. "Repeat" or "please repeat" may be confused with "received."
11. Says the call sign of the station he/she is turning the contact over to, followed by their call sign, followed by OVER. (Same as K or KN in Morse.)
12. Allows a one-second pause before transmitting. (If you wait too long...someone may butt in and say something like: "it's been passed to you.")
13. Keeps their transmissions reasonably short.
14. Pays attention and practices "TLC"...("To Listen Carefully").
15. Knows where (s)he is located and knows how to effectively communicate that location to another station.
16. On 'phone says: "Say your location" or "What is your location?" Never: "What's your QTH?", "What's your 10-20", or (worse yet) "What's yer twenty?". (Note: Law enforcement uses the "10 code" and their own phonetics. Amateur, commercial, maritime, aeronautical and other operators use the ITU standard prowords.)
17. Stays in a net (and pays attention) unless checked in and checked out.
18. Does not ask another operator to "check me in" (to a net) unless he/she plans to remain in radio contact with the relaying station during a net period. Telephone, email, Internet and other landline circuit relays are not radio...and do not count. Nor does: "Check me in to the net tonight. I'm going bowling." This puts the other operator on the spot and is worthless.
19. NEVER whistles, says "hell - oh", or blows into a mic when transmitting. (Use a dummy load instead.)
20. NEVER keys down on a frequency that is in use to adjust an antenna matching unit, and NEVER fails to identify when tuning up or testing.
21. NEVER slurs his or her call sign when identifying in voice.
22. NEVER "quick keys." On 'phone, always allow a pause of 0.5 to 1.0 seconds before PTT in order to allow another station break in. Then allow another 0.5 to 1.0 seconds before speaking. (This prevents cutting off the first few letters or words of your transmission.)
23. NEVER transmits using excessive power.
24. ALWAYS identifies at the end of each communication, and at least every ten minutes during a communication. (Part 97.119)
25. ALWAYS remains courteous and respectful of others on the air. (Even if the other operator is "a world class lid".)
DUH - UH!
Here are some transmissions that have actually been heard...during public service nets:
(After "doubling" on a net control station.): "Net? Is there a net on? What time is it? What frequency am I on?"
"BREAK!" (NCS says): "Go ahead". The "breaker" then asks: "Is the club breakfast this Saturday or next?"
"Uhh, W...as in...as in...as in...Juarez!"
"Uhh, H...as in...José."

 

Maine ARES Emergency Frequency List

 

Purpose: In order to provide frequencies which volunteers from outside of the respective counties can contact local hams during periods of emergency the following frequency assignments have been made. The frequencies are those designated for simplex use by the New England Spectrum Management Council. These frequencies are to be used for all emergencies and emergency exercises.

County and use Frequency

Piscataquis-Primary 146.400

Cumberland-Primary/Aroostook Secondary 146.415

Waldo-Primary/Somerset Secondary 146.430

Knox Secondary/York Secondary 146.445

Androscoggin-Primary/Washington Secondary 146.460

Aroostook-Primary/Kennebec Secondary 146.475

Sagadahoc-Primary 146.490

Lincoln Secondary 146.505

Statewide Call Frequency 146.520

Franklin-Primary/Cumberland Admin. 146.535

Oxford-Primary 146.550

Hancock Primary 146.565

Penobscot-Primary/Androscoggin Secondary 146.580

Somerset-Primary 147.420

Oxford Secondary 147.435

Piscataquis Secondary 147.450

Waldo Secondary 147.465

Kennebec-Primary 147.480

Hancock Secondary 147.495

Lincoln-Primary 147.510

Washington-Primary/Cumberland-Secondary 147.525

Knox-Primary 147.540

Penobscot Secondary/Sagadahoc Secondary 147.555

York Primary/Franklin Secondary 147.570

 

Maine Section HF Frequencies: 3940 kHz (night) 7262 kHz (day)

 

Additional Maine Emergency Frequencies:

52.525 6 meter coordination

223.50 1 ¼ meter coordination

446.00 70 centimeter coordination

Monthly EAWA Meeting

Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association  (EAWA) W1TU, will hold it's monthly meeting on Thursday, June 9^th at 7 PM at the Phase 4 Dining Hall of Meadow View Apartments in Ellsworth. Any licensed Ham and anyone interested in getting their Amateur Radio License is urged to attend. This month there will be discussion on getting prepared for the upcoming ARRL Field Day which will be June 25 and 26 at SERC (Schoodic Education and Research Center ) located at the old Winter Harbor Navy Base on Schoodic Point in Winter Harbor. Meadow View Dining Hall is located at 25 Tweedie Lane, Ellsworth. For further information contact Evie KA1BRA at eviesargent@yahoo.com or Dick W1KRP at w1krp@arrl.net

 

ARRL Field Day 2016

June 25 and 26 local Ellsworth Amateur Wireless Association (EAWA) ham radio operators will be participating in the annual ARRL Field Day event which is being held at the SERC (Schoodic Education and Research Center ) located at the decommissioned Navy Base on Schoodic Point in Winter Harbor. Operation will be 1400 hrs Saturday June 25 through 1400 hrs Sunday June 26. Licensed operators are invited to attend and it is open to the general public as well enabling people to see what Amateur Radio is all about. There will be a GOTA (Get On The Air) station as well where operators with limited exposure to HF operations can hone their skills and unlicensed people, public included, can try their hand at Ham Radio! For further information email Evie KA1BRA at eviesargent@yahoo.com, Dick W1KRP at w1krp@roadrunner.com  or go to http://www.arrl.org/field-day-locator to find a site