Skeds

[DaveInDenver]

Starting a thread to discuss or schedule radio checks and rag chews. I don't think there's ever been an organized thread for it.

What's a "sked": https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sked

Basically in ham radio a "sked" is a scheduled contact. Two or more hams coordinate a time, frequency and mode to attempt a contact. Reasons we may do this is to test radios and antennas, just to chat, check propagation, take advantage of a known or anticipated event such as sunspot increases, meteor showers, changes in atmospheric conditions.

10 Sked tips for hams: https://www.nj2x.com/2011/10/10-sked-tips-for-hams.html

Common frequencies: https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/rising-sun-common-frequencies.12717/
Common repeaters: https://risingsun4x4club.org/xf/threads/colorado-repeater-list.25953/

 

[rover67]

Motivation to get my base station back up and running. Thanks Dave!

 

[Hulk]

I'm in. I can set up my 2-meter base station in my family room again. I still have the thick antenna connection behind my couch from my J-Pole mounted two stories up.

 

[DaveInDenver]

Truth told, I don't have a home QTH either! So motivation to get off the dime here, too. I can reach the local ColCon repeater with an HT so I figured that would be a good first one.

 

[Mendocino]

I’m in! @DaveInDenver I'd love to see if we could make some HF contacts too!

 

[DaveInDenver]

Thinking the first should be Colorado Connection since we as a club take advantage of it so knowing how to use it is useful.

Date: Saturday, March 29, 2020
Time: 9AM MDT (1500 UTC)
Mode: FM Analog
Details: http://www.colcon.org

Post questions here if you haven't used the system!

Note: Last time I checked (today, 3/24/2020) the GJ repeater wasn't down so not sure why it says that. If only there were a way to know...

 

[DaveInDenver]

Well, maybe the link to GJ is broken. It's 1837MDT and I'm not hearing the daily 6:30 CERN net that uses ColCon. Can't believe it's a swing and miss on the first try!

 

[AimCOTaco]

Sounds like another bike ride is in order Dave... how far from your place to the GJ repeater site?

I did call out on 147.420 on my way home from work last night but not comebacks. 147.420 is a pretty quiet freq so easy to leave on an monitored for you local front rangers...

 

[DaveInDenver]

Verified that the GJ link to ColCon is broken as of today (Friday 3/27). I can listen to the repeater on Broadcastify but looks like I'll be unable to participate in the sked. Look forward to hearing you though!

 

[Hulk]

Did anyone get one this a.m.? Sorry to have missed it. I've actually had a busy week so I slept in the morning.

 

[DaveInDenver]

I listened to the audio feed for about 10 minutes. Didn’t hear anyone from the club.

 

[rover67]

Totally spaced on this one, sorry gents

 

[PhatFJ]

Getting the Shack back up. I will keep an eye on this thread. Love to try and make some contacts up north.

 

[rover67]

Sweet! I need to get my antenna back up. Also pick a spot. Maybe in the house would be nice, Before I just had my spare radio in the garage an motivation to get out there was super low sometimes.

Also, Pyramid Schemes and scams aside, nice Kirby. We have a gen 3 we got used for like $50, it reminds me of the FJ60.

 

[PhatFJ]

Sweet! I need to get my antenna back up. Also pick a spot. Maybe in the house would be nice, Before I just had my spare radio in the garage an motivation to get out there was super low sometimes.

Also, Pyramid Schemes and scams aside, nice Kirby. We have a gen 3 we got used for like $50, it reminds me of the FJ60.

Love the Kirby! A bit heavy but what workhorse, yep, just like a 60 .

 

[DaveInDenver]

LOL! Marco sees the vacuum and I see a hot air rework station, HP power supply and what may be a Tek 2465BDV scope. You're set up better than some engineering companies I've worked.

 

[Yeti]

@PhatFJ Nice tools. Now you got me thinking, do I need a rugged notebook? I'm off to eBay...

 

[PhatFJ]

LOL! Marco sees the vacuum and I see a hot air rework station, HP power supply and what may be a Tek 2465BDV scope. You're set up better than some engineering companies I've worked.

Yes, I have been messing around with electronics for a few years and picked up some test equipment along the way.

@PhatFJ Nice tools. Now you got me thinking, do I need a rugged notebook? I'm off to eBay...

I had a Dell XFR for a few years but the thing just could not stay cool and would lock up. I recently picked up the Panasonic Toughbook. I have a CF-19 and a CF-31, They are a great computer for the price E-bay. Running windows 10 on both, the CF-19 has a built in GPS receiver I am still playing with.