Lookout Mtn Amateur Radio Community

Topics discussed included :

1. What is EchoLink and why do we want to add it to our arsenal of things Hams can do? For a summary HERE’S THE LINK

2. What are the TSA guidelines for flying with a Ham Radio?

3. What are safe glasses for viewing the Eclipse of Aug 21, 2017 ? The Safe Glasses Recommended by NASA are made by 4 companies (American Paper Optics, Rainbow Symphony, Thousand Oaks Optical, and TSE 17) and must also have the reference number ISO 12312-2 printed on them. They must be less than 3 years old and have no scratches or wrinkles.

Topics discussed included:

1. EchoLink Training continued with specific information about Validation (i.e. how to get signed up to use EchoLink) Dot AC4HH had signed up during the past week and provided very helpful ‘how to’ information about what to do and how to do it.

2. Suggestions for possible future Topics were given and included “Gap or Bands opening or closing”, “Solar Flares”, “Antennas”, and more. If any of you want to take on any of these during a future net, please do.

3. We were reminded once again about the safe v. non-safe Eclipse viewing glasses. See information above for last week’s Net for details.

Topics included:

1. If someone says they cannot hear you — because you are noisy or scratchy, breaking up, or are in and out and not making it into the repeater – What does this mean? and what can you do to fix it? A discussion about this was done with very helpful solutions suggested.

2. If someone can’t understand you but your signal is ok, what are some actions you can take to improve your communications. Again, the discussion provided helpful solutions.

3. We also shared our experiences re. viewing the Eclipse.

Topics included:

1. What does the ANC (Alternate Net Control) Do? Details about this will be found on the Alternate Net Control Page in the dropdown list. The dropdown list is located in the header at the top of each page.

2. Preparedness information was discussed by Karen KW4SPN — specifically regarding “Making a Plan before a disaster — with emphasis on your decision as to whether to Go or Stay — and then re. Reunification after the disaster“.

A Survivor Notebook, prepared by KW4SPN was also discussed and has been uploaded to this website. You can find it in the dropdown list under the title “Survivor Notebook” Feel free to print it out, use it, and share with others.

Topics discussed included

1. Antennas Part 1. This very interesting Technical topic was prepared and presented by Dot AC4HH

But Alas and Alack, We had transmission problems (which continued for several weeks), and which were finally diagnosed to be due to the antenna at the Repeater site being the problem — (how appropriate) so this discussion was repeated several weeks later after switching to the Alternate Repeater while the Antenna is being repaired.

We continued to have transmission problems (the fact that it was due to the Antenna problem had not yet been diagnosed) so there was considerable discussion about the transmission problems and how to solve it. This led to a general discussion of what to do when one has trouble hitting the repeater with a HT (such as moving your position, using a tiger tail, holding the radio upright, etc. etc. etc.) This was another helpful training topic.

Monday Sept 18, 2017

Due to continued Transmission problems, we all switched to the Alternate Repeater. Everyone made the switch correctly and swiftly. It was a great exercise which confirmed to us that we really knew our radios. Kudos to all.

We were again on the Alternate Repeater which had no transmission problems so there was good fellowship and discussion by all. Among other things we discussed how to know (when you return from a trip or being away from the house) if you have had power outage and how long. Clues to a power outage included blinking lights on your stove clock, DVD players, etc.

A really interesting suggestion was to fill a small container with water, put it in a freezer — when it is frozen, put a coin on the top of the ice. Then, when you come back from a trip or vacation or whatever, check that little container. IF the coin is no longer on top of the ice but somewhere in the middle or at the bottom, you know you have had a power outage and can estimate if it was brief or for a longer time.

Monday October 2, 2017

Still on the alternate repeater with very clear transmissions. A Training topic on Antennas Part 2 was presented and was very informative. It included information about Rubber Duck antennas on HTs, how to make a homebrew antenna, Tiger tails for HTs, Mag Mounts, low resistance coax cables and more. After the talk by AC4HH, a good discussion and Q and A session ensued.

Monday October 9, 2017

Still on the Alternate Repeater — and not to worry– Echolink and Allstar will be on whatever repeater we are using each week, so if you are checking in from afar just look for the W4EDP-R Echolink Node and it will take you to whatever repeater we are using.

Our program this week was Part 3 of Antennas by AC4HH. This week she discussed:

1. How Repeaters Work

2. Mobile Antennas.

Again a wonderful and lively discussion followed the talk.

The Tech Talk portion of the Net tonight responded to a question last week about the proper length of Tiger Tails serving as Counterpoise for a HT (Handi Talkie radio). You can find the answer to that question in the section titled “How to talk on the Radio” in the drop down list at the top of this page.

For our Emergency Preparadness section we discussed things to do to prepare for rain and winds — another wonderful discussion with many good ideas ensued.

Monday October16, 2017. This week we were still on the alternate repeater and had 2 check ins by EchoLink.

Our program this week was “How to talk on the radio“. Much of the things discussed can now be found by going to that title in the Drop Down list at the top of this page.

Several topics for future discussion were requested including “we need more training about Echolink” and “how to program a Baofeng”.

Preparadness Training included several suggestions concerning preparations for storms and the upcoming Halloween including:

1. Keep shoes or boots at bedside if storms are expected during the night — for foot protection in case you have to exit over broken glass, nails, etc.

2. If you have to evacuate upstairs (in case of floods, etc) grab a jar of peanut butter and some water and take it with you.

3. There was also discussion about safety during Haloween times.

Our Technical Training topic tonight was Q signals and what they mean. Since there are at least 43 Q signals — not all of them were discussed but the ones which were included QRM, QRN, QRO, QRP, QRZ, QTH, and QST. More will likely be discussed in future Nets.

The Preparedness Training topic tonight was Actions to take if you experience an Earthquake. There were many actions discussed including the basic first three — which are Drop, Cover, and Hold On. Additional suggestions included Get in a doorway, permanently fasten pictures, bookcases, etc. that might fall on you (such as pictures above your bed, etc.) in the event of an earthquake.

And, as always the Fellowship discussion was fun and interesting as we shared what we had been doing since the last net. K0MAI, for example, plays the harp and had performed at two events in the past week. Others had been working on quilts, cooking, programming their radios, and more. Needless to say, we have a very talented group of YLs.

Technical Questions included a discussion of what to do when you hear a discussion on HF or other frequencies that contain language that is forbidden by the FCC.

Fellowship time was fun as usual with an update of what everyone is doing and even what our favorite candy is — assuming it will not be eaten before the one day that is left before Halloween distribution. : )

Our Training topic was a listing and discussion of the many many Nets that are available in our area. A long list was given with repeater frequencies, tones, etc. This list was so large that one YL said “there are so many we could check in to some net every day!” How true. Another asked “if this list could be put in print” so yes, we will post it soon as another category in the drop down (MORE) category at the top of each page.

Since Daylight Savings Time is changing soon, we also discussed what Zulu time will be in the EST for DST and Standard time. A very helpful website summarizes this — you will want to print it out . HERE’S THE LINK

Our Preparadness Topic discussed the need for 24 and 72 hour Emergency Packs.

The Technical Training Topic was “The 3 Kinds of Squelch.”

And since this Net occurred shortly after the Las Vegas tragedy, the Preparedness Topic was “How to respond to similar events.”

The Preparedness topic was Space Heater Safety

and the Technical Training Topic was “History of Communications.”

The Training topic by AC4HH was a review of an article on page 12 of a recent QST about a Ham N2MG and his involvement in a National Geographic TV program. She sent us the link to the program in which he provided Ham Radio information. This program is the introductory one in the series and the emphasis on Ham Radio is very interesting. I watched it and thought it was very interesting. Check it out. HERE’S THE LINK

The Emergency Preparedness topic reminded us of 5 Electrical Fire Risks and Hazards. If you would like to find out what these are HERE’S THE LINK

We had 11 Check ins and a good discussion of many things but no long topics because this was the night of the National Football Championship Game which overlapped with our YL net and since Chattanooga is in SEC country and both teams were SEC teams (Alabama and Georgia) well…..

Another great net with 9 Check ins (1 by Echolink) with the usual fun and great discussions.

The Technical Topic was about the LOTW (see separate page on this website for details).

The 2 Preparedness topics included information about:

1. How to keep humidity up in the house during very cold weather and how to keep skin, mucosa, etc. soft and resistant to infections and dryness complications.

2. Eleven Woodstove safety precautions to observe during this cold winter weather.

Another Great Net with 13 Check-ins. We are growing ! And the discussions and comments were great.

Among other things we discussed as our Technical Training — the topic “What is Zulu Time.” You will find the details in the drop down list under the title of “What is Zulu Time.”

We also began discussing (as a Preparedness topic) — Things we need to know and do as we approach the dreaded Tornado Season. There will likely be more information about this next week or soon on the YL Net.

We had 10 Check Ins tonight (perhaps the Olympics took its toll?)

Anyway, it was another great net and many interesting topics were discussed including how to use Bay Leaves and other things to rid bugs from rice, etc. You never know what will be discussed on our nets — so be sure to check in if you are a YL or listen if you are an OM.

Dot AC4HH gave interesting information about using Drones to hang antennas in trees. She based this on an article on page 67 in the March 2018 issue of QST. Check it out.

She also referenced the study time that one online site suggests that it takes to pass the various Ham tests:

• for Tech license 10 hours of study time
• for General 20 hours
• for Extra 30 hours

Personally I took a lot longer than that but that is a rough ball park suggestion.

So all, that to say – gals (and OM lurkers) — think about upgrading.

The Preparaedness Topic by KW4SPN gave very important information about food storage. Everyone took almost a whole page of notes. Wow

Wow — this was week 29 of our YL Net! Amazing! Time flies. The number of check ins is growing (we had 11 tonight) and everyone is getting more adept and relaxed in the conversations. Yayyyyy and hooray.

Topics tonight included the discussion of various home remedies that work.

Remedies mentioned included the use of Diatomaceous earth to treat fleas infestations, to protect growing plants, etc etc etc.

Anti- ant remedies included: Borax and sugar, peppermint oil, and the blue artificial sugar packets you see in stores and restaurants. Hmmmm.

Anti-deer repellent included Irish Spring Soap.

Wow — see what you are missing if you don’t check in and or listen?

A Technical Question was asked about harmonics. This was partly answered during the net and next week AC4HH will give more details.

In the meantime partial answers were given by KK4EAO who mentioned that this is referring to the resonance of antennas being much like music where you have thirds, etc. in harmony — and an OM, who was lurking, added additional clarification about the thirds (by texting a message):

• Take 7 Mhz as the fundamental frequency
• the first Harmonic is 14 Mhz
• the Second Harmonic is 21 Mhz
• the Third Harmonic is 28 Mhz

For our Training Topic we discovered more details about the origin of the term 33, which we use to close our YL Net each week. For the details, click on the link titled 33 and 73 in the menu bar at the top or side of this website.

Our Preparedness topic tonight, by KW4SPN, reminded us to do various things such as check smoke alarms, be sure your breaker box is at least 36″ away from anything flammable, and more.

This was week 30 of the YL Net (my how time flies) and we had 10 checkins, 3 of which were by EchoLink.

Our Training topic was by Dot AC4HH who provided a short lesson about Harmonics , in response to a follow up re. the question last week by Pam KM4EQS

Emergency Preparedness information was again provided by Karen KW4SPN.

And, as always a lively discussion took place during the fellowship time. The topic this week was “what Childhood thing do you remember …”

Among the technical questions this week was a question about learning more about the Net Logger program that many hams are using.

We had 11 checkins and another fun net.

The fellowship time was a lot of fun with old time rembrances of things many folks probably wouldn’t know these days — such as the clamps to hold skates onto regular shoes, etc. It was a hoot.

The Training Topic was presented by kk4eao and gave an overview of how to be a ham operator at an event — what to do — what to say — etc. With specific emphasis on an upcoming Special Olympics event but is applicable to all events. The details of what was said is in separate section on this website. Look for the title of “How to Work an Event”.

The Emergency Preparedness topic was presented by n9zen and gave wise advice about what to do to protect pets, plants, etc. when a weather freeze warning is predicted.

10 Checkins on this week #32 of the net.

The Training Topic was a group event as we discussed things to do re grounding and bonding of radio equipment and protecting electronics in general during bad weather, lightening storms, etc. One of the biggest suggestions was “UNPLUG EVERYTHING” : )

The Preparedness topic was presented by kw4spn and dealt with procedures and precautions to take during bad weather and included such things as the need to have already planned a safe place to go if you have to eveacuate, have a bucket of items needed in emergency (such as radio, contact information, food, hard hat, flashlights, heavy duty shoes, airhorn, etc. Additional suggestions were added by the other ladies on the net.

The New easier URL address for this our website was formally announced —

it is YLHams.rivercity.net.

This was our 34th week for the YL net and we had 12 Checkins. Wow. Growing each week.

The Technical Training topic this week was presented by KK4EAO and was SIMPLEX MADE SIMPLE. A Summary text of this information is found as a separate link on this website. Look for the topic “Simplex Made Simple”.

Fellowship Time was interesting as usual with discussions about the high spingtime in Chattanooga pollen counts among other things. Interesting and fun as usual.

We had ‘Crickets’ for the Emergency Preparedness Topic — but the EP person is working on something for next week so be ‘prepared’ (pun intended.)

Week 35 of our YL Net and it just gets better and better each week. We had 11 checkins — 3 of which were by EchoLink.

The Technical Training topic this week was presented by AC4HH and consisted of information about the Phonetic Alphabet. Rather than put the alphabet here, you will find it and a short video on how to prounounce the words on the LINKS page of this website. So check it out.

And speaking of links — suggestions for very helpful APPS were given. You will find these on the LINKS page on this website also.

Discussion included suggestions for what to do for our “Spring Fling”. No decision was yet made but there were several very good ideas thrown out for consideration. LIsten to (and if you are a YL) join us for the YL Net on Monday April 16 and perhaps /hopefully a decision will be made.

Week 36 of the YL net and we had 7 Check-ins (one by EchoLink)

The Technical Topic was presented by AC4HH and consisted of important Precautions concerning operation of your radio. She sent me a PDF file of what she had read to us — but alas and alack — I can’t find it. However, IF you have a ‘big’ radio (ie. an HF radio) it was the page in the manual that gives warnings — your radio’s manual proably has something very similiar so be sure to read it.

Several Technical questions were asked and ansered.

The Fellowship time was lots of fun as usual and among other things we discussed things that really ‘bug’ us when driving — such things as speed bumps — grrr and more.

The Emergency Preparedness topics included information about VOAD and what to do if you have flooding at your house during big storms.

This was week 37 with a new record of 14 Check-ins with 4 by Echolink. WOW

Training topic was about Repeaters and their locations.

Preparedness Topic was “focus on the rain” — which is appropriate since we are approaching rain and hurricaine season.

I am sure more fun things were discussed but alas I was out of town and unable to make connection by Echolink though I tried.

So that’s ‘it’ for April 23 : )

Another fun week (number 38) with 10 checkins (2 by Echolink)

Since it is spring weather in Chattanooga — the fellowship discussion included a lot of information about our outdoor activities (working in the garden, yards, etc).

Technical Training topic was information on how to get and transmit RADIOGRAMS. Very interesting.

The Emergency Preparedness Topic dealt with a big discussion regarding treatment for snakebites (since Tennessee has several big bad poisonous snakes.) A lively discussion and debate ensued about the treatment as well as how to prevent getting bitten in the first place (wear thick boots, long thick pants, carry a stick to prod the grass etc on the paths before you walk, etc).

We don’t have coral snakes in TN that I know of but they are present in Florida and other southern states — so a poem was given to help us identify the posinous coral snake from a snake that looks very similar but is not poisonous.

Both of these snakes have red, yellow, and black circular bands around their bodies — so the way to tell which is poisonous and which is not is to look at the bands and if the red and yellow are next to each other — or if the red and black are next to each other — well — here is the poem to guide you:

RED and YELLOW Kill a Fellow

RED and Black Venom Lack

So with that, we’ll end this review of the April 30, 18 YL Net.

This was Week 39 of the YL Net and we had several checkins by Echolink but so far no one has ever checked in by AllStar. If you would like to use AllStar that node is 46331. Our Echolink node continues to be 68581. Remember you do not have to be a member of the Chattanooga Club. You can be on the other side of the world — or somewhere closer — but if you would like to join us and you are a Licensed YL, please do. Everyone is welcome and the more the merrier.

Announcements included:

1. Information about the YL Fellowship this coming saturday where we will meet, great, eat, and view the pictures of the Arctic and Amazon Cruises that one of our YLs has recently taken.

2. Fox Hunt training this coming Saturday.

3. and more

Technical Training — was information concerning the origins and meanings of CQ and 73. This information has been posted in one of the drop down links on this website along with similiar terms and definitions. We will be adding to that drop down page in the future so keep checking it from time to time.

Emergency Preparedness topic was “What to do during an Earthquake” — many good suggestions were given including a very important thing to remember which is drop / cover / and hold on. Many more helpful suggestions were given –too many to list all of them here here — but a few included: get under sturdy furniture and hold on, move as little as possible– if in bed stay in bed and curl up, hold on, and cover head — use stairs instead of elevators — if you smell gas get as far away as possible –if outside find a clear spot and drop to the ground –if in car stop, avoid bridges and underpasses — and there were many more suggestions provided by all the YLs who were on the net tonight.

Which is a good reminder to always have a pencil and paper handy when we have Training or Preparadness topics because you will always want to take notes.

The Fellowship time was wonderful as always.

Week 40 with 12 Checkins (3 by EchoLink)

Training Topic was an assignment — to encourage everyone to learn the Phonetic Alphabet (A = Alpha B= Bravo C= Charlie etc etc etc ) and to begin using it when giving call signs — Why? — because so many letters sound similiar especially when you give your call sign fast. We have the complete list of the correct words to use in another drop down page on this website — so find it — copy the list — and begin using it.

Emergency Preparedness discussion was about HEAT and how to cope with it without getting Heat Exaustion, Heat Stroke, etc. Many good ideas were given and with summer coming this was very helpful and appropriate.

This antenna is also useful for working Satellites and many more fun Ham related activities including just reaching out farther to hit distant repeaters or to use Simplex at longer distances.

But you usually do not have to have such a serious antenna to do a FoxHunt. You can use an ‘ordinary’ Yagi, or a Tape Measure Yagi, or just a Handheld HT. It all depends on where the fox is hidden and how hard it is to find. The antenna that is pictured here is almost overkill for most Fox Hunts but the one that is currently happening in the Chattaooga area this week definitely needs such an overkill antenna — because so far — after almost a week of hunting –only 4 people (out of hundreds) have found the Fox. Sigh.

Our Technical Training topic wa given by AC4HH (Alpha Charlie 4 Hotel Hotel for those of you who are practicing your Phonetic Alphabet). It was about problems after an Electrical Storm (which we have frequently in our area of the world.) In a recent storm she and her OM lost power in parts of the house but not all of the house. So what to do ? She checked the Circuit breakers in the big breaker box, (and she gave information about how Circuit breakers work ) but that did not solve the problem — The final solution turned out to be that a ground fault interrupt switch had clicked off — she reset it and voila – everything was back to normal. She then gave a brief discussion about how and why ground fault interrupt switches work.

And thus ended another fun YL Net. As you can see — we have realllllly interesting nets. Join us and take notes.

This was Memorial Day — but even though folks are often out of town or with family and friends on holidays, we still had a great check in number of 10, of which 2 were by EchoLink.

And as usual a good time was had by all.

Technical Question was submitted by a YL who had found a vintage Antenna Meter dating back to the time of CB days and she wondered if it could be used now with HF and more. It was suggested that she bring it to the next pre club YL meeting — because surely several of the OMs will be thrilled to see it and will likely give her wise advice re what to do with it.

And also on the technical side — another YL told of her OM making a Yagi to use in fox hunting and etc. This yagi was very unusual since it was made from a metallic arrow and piano wire !!! Wow. Hopefully she will bring this to the next YL pre club meeting as we would all love to see that!!

Our Training topic was a short explantion of Special Events Stations — that they have 1 x 1 call signs, how long the call signs can be used (15 days or less), etc. Perhaps someday we YLs will do a special event and get one of these call signs. You can read more about what was covered in this training topic, you can find the details on Page 13 of the March 2016 QST Magazine.

Emergency Preparedness topic was based on the fact that we are having a lot of rain due to the early tropical storm that is coming into our area and putting down a lot of rain. So we discussed things to do re driving and coping with rain, flooding, power outages requiring generator use, and more.

Alas I forgot to send out the reminder email for this net but in spite of that we had 10 Check Ins. Super!

Our Fellowship topic included discussion about where each would want to go if they could take a trip — and wow — we have a potential group of world travellers. Perhaps someday we should do a cruise or take a trip to somewhere !! In the meantime we will continue to dream.

Technical Topic tonight was a brief review of SIMPLEX commincation and how the presenter (KC4CCL) had used it on a recent trip. She gave rave reviews about its effectiveness. For more detailed information — Look for the topic “Simplex Made Simple” at the top of the page or in the drop down list on this website. I move things around from time to time so things are not always in the same place. : )

Emergency Preparedness topic tonight was presented by our Net Control person (with good input by the YLs with additional information) and provided helpful information about what to do re. treatment of insect stings.

Some of what was said included:

• get the stinger out asap
• wash with soap and water
• apply cold compress
• take asparin or some type of anti-inflammatory pain pill
• take an oral histamine such as Benadryl
• don’t scratch the area
• put Baking soda in a small amount of water on the sting site
• put Chewing tobacco in small amount of water or tea leaves from a tea bag in small amount of water on the sting area.
• don’t stay alone — just in case a serious reaction occurrs — as you may need help getting to medical care.

And, as usual, even more wise advice was provided but it was too fast to write every thing down.

And thus ended another fun filled and informative YL Net. See ya next week.

We had 12 Checkins tonight with 3 by Echolink.

A Technical question tonight conderned what should we do about grounding or unhooking antennas. This is because we have so many storms with lightening strikes in the Chattanooga area. Although there was a training about this for the club a few months ago, the consensus tonight by several who went to that training was that even though grounding is wonderful — it is not easy to do — so the best thing to do (even if you are grounded) is to just unhook your antenna (s) from your HF radio until the storm is over. Also unplug any AC current entering the radio. HTs are fine as long as you are on a rubber duck type antenna and are not plugged in to any AC power.

The Training topic was “How to go outside and Make Contacts” — it’s that time of the year when you should go outside and have Radio Fun. Suggestions on how to do this were:

• Select location and get permission — some people are looking for your grid square so select a location that will glean contacts from them.
• Do a dry run in your back yard with your rig, antenna, power supply, etc. If you find you are missing something you are close by and can easily get it instead of being far far away and out of luck.
• Take snacks, water, appropriate weather gear, sunscreen, band aids,etc.
• Take a folding table, chair, cushion, tarp, cell phone, a friend and or a dog.

The Preparedness Topic dealt with Tips to Prevent Car Break-ins. Several cars have been broken into in our are area recently so this was a timely topic. Suggestions included:

• Lock doors and close windows
• Do NOT leave car running or leave keys in the car
• Hide valuables so they won’t be seen by curious lookers
• Park in lighted area
• Don’t have NRA or other such identifying stickers on the car windows or bumpers as they give a lot of information about you
• Don’t keep insurance information or other papers in the car which give your home address
• Use a steering wheel bar lock thing — costs about $20 or less and makes it impossible for a car to be driven away when it is on the steering wheel.

There were other suggestions and topics but this covers most of them. This was another wonderful, edifying, and fun Net.

Monday June 18, 2018 Week 45

There were 11 Check-ins with 3 by EchoLink (Remember our EchoLink node is N9ZEN-R 68581 if your would like to join us)

Announcements included:

• Remember our Soldering class is upcoming (July 20)
• Field Day is this month — be there !!!
• The Club HamFest is Oct. 20 at Camp Jordan — be there !!!

Suggestions for future projects for after we learn to Solder:

• Crystal Radio Kits
• Morse Code Oscillator Kits

Tech Questions included: Information was requested about LOTW and Trusted QSL Software

Training Topic was about Famous Ham Radio Operators. It seems that we YLs are not alone. There are many many famous people who are or have been Hams. A long, but not complete of course, list was given and included Kings, Queens, Movie Stars, Broadcasters, Astronauts, and many more.

Emergency Preparedness Topic tonight was a discussion of the Top 7 Summer Health Hazards. These included:

• Food Poisoning (from egg salad, etc. at picnics)
• Dehydration / heat exhaustion / heat stroke
• Sunburn
• Boating Accidents (usually due to ETOH consumption)
• Sports injuries
• Fireworks accidents
• Lawn mower injuries

Monday June 25 2018 Week 46

We had 11 Check Ins with 4 by Echolink Node N9-ZEN -R 68581

Speaking of the Echolink Node — it used to be 24/7 on this repeater but from now on will only be during our YL Net. So keep that in mind.

Fellowship Topic tonight was mainly related to the fun we all had at the Annual ARRL Field Day. We had a great turn out of YLs and a fun time was had by all.

The Emergency Preparedness topic was about how to know and Share information about the weather in severe weather. A lot of helpful informaton was shared including:

• Get a weather radio and pay attention to the alerts. It automatically will tune to the NOAA weather station for your area.
• In the Chattanooga area you can hear the NOAA weather reports on your HT if you tune to 162.550 so even if you don’t have a weather radio you can still know what is going on. Program that freqency into your HT.
• We have 2 Nets (one on Tues and another on Thurs) in the Chattanooga area related to weather. Check into the ‘practice / training’ sessions each week at 8 PM EST — so when wheather ‘happens’ you will know where to turn and what to do. The Tues Net is on the .610 repeater & the Thurs net is on the .790

For more information about those Repeaters check the list of Repeaters in the Chattanooga Area.

Monday July 2, 2018 Week 47

Even though this is a major Holiday Week when many folks are out of town, we had an amazing 13 Check-ins !! A New record. Yayyyy. 4 were on the EchoLink Node N9ZEN-R 68581. One Was a YLRL Representative from NC and another was in the Atlanta Area. And, as usual, several were local but use EchoLink.

By the way YLRL (Young Ladies’ Radio League) is the world wide / national organization for YLs everywhere. It was founded in 1939. Its website is http://YLRL.org Check it out and perhaps the next time Amber K4TAC checks in — hopefully she can give us more details about the organization.

Technical Question this week was about plugging and unplugging antennas from your HF and other radios during storms — the question was how many times can you do this? Will repeated in and out of the antenna hurt the radio? The consensus answer was that if you are gentle you can do this unlimited times. And of course, YLs are gentle. : )

Technical Topic was a review by Dot AC4HH and Terri N9ZEN who both recently participated in a Emergency Simulation Drill re the nearby Nuclear Reactor — very interesting

Emergency Preparedness topic was given by Pam KN4EQS and provided information about how to dress and prepare for yard work and gardening activities. Suggestions included:

• “DRESS TO PROTECT” with goggles, sturdy shoes, gloves, long sleeve shirts, insect repellant, heavy and long pants
• Re the heat — drink lots of fluids and be aware of high temps and do not get overheated
• Know your limits
• Take breaks often and be aware of early warning signs of overheating such as Headache etc
• Get vaccinated for Tetanus
• Watch out for snakes, fire ants, and other critters.

This and more was from the CDC website. Go there for more information.

And thus ended another wonderful YL Net. Our fun and Fellowship is To be continued next week (Monday July 9) Join us.

Monday July 16, 2018

We had 11 Check-ins Tonight (with 6 on Echolink Node 68581)

Discussions incuded information about the upcoming Soldering Party for all YLs (whether hams or not) to be held Saturday July 21.

There was also a good discussion on the Training Topic of How to Do a Foxhunt (since one was recently done by 3 of our YLs for a Church Vacation Bible School Project which was a great success and the foxes were found by the kiddos of the VBS).

Since we were advised by one of the Listening YLs that a weather event was moving in — we ended the Net a tad early and awaited the event (with our Handi Tallkies at the ready in case a SkyWarn Net would be established.

And thus ended week # 49 of our YL Nets.

Monday July 23, 2018

11 Check-ins with 3 by Echolink but there were several OMs listening also on EchoLink node # 68581 for a total of at least 8 on Echolink.

Fellowship Discussion time included many topics as usual including reports of the fun experiences at the Soldering Event on the previous Saturday. We had a big turn out at the event and everyone learned to solder though not everyone had enough time to complete their project so they took them home to finish. The “eating of gourmet food” time that followed the soldering was also great (and yes we did wash our hands before eating so as to not get any poisons or toxins from the solder — though it was not lead solder that we used since it is no longer really ‘allowed’.)

During Technical Question time — a question was asked about “What is a TONE and why is it needed”. Answers were provided by 2 YLs on the Net and after the net was over, an OM who was listening emailed an even more detailed definition and explantion. You can find that on the FAQ page of this website under the question: “What is a TONE”.

The Training Topic was short and sweet but very interesting — and was presented by our Soldering Instructor (KN4MEF). It was about OHM’s Law.

We asked for the brief transcript — and here it is:

• Ohm’s law states that I=E/R, or E=IxR, or R=E/I, all of which are the same. I always wondered where the I and the E came from since they represent amps and volts. I recently read something that explained that. Amps measure current intensity. The I represents intensity. Volts measure electromotive force or EMF. That’s what the E Stands for.

The Emergency Preparedness topic was presented by KN4EQS and provided great and very detailed information about the Treament of Burns, — when and how they can be treated at home, when you must go to the Hospital, and when you must call 911.

As you can see, we have reallllly great Nets and everyone is invited to participate — either via direct Repeater access OR by Echolink. Do join us whenever you can. Our only rule is “Licensed YLs can ‘talk’ and OMs just listen but everyone is welcome.

Until next week.

Monday July 30, 2018

10 CheckIns with 4 by EchoLink

Fellowship time was fun as usual with many interesting comments about various activities by the YLs during the past week.

Technical Questions included information requested about putting up Dipoles and other HF antennas. Good replies were given.

Technical Training #1 was a report by KN4MEF who told us about her new all purpose radio (HF, VHF, and UHF) and why she selected that type of radio. This was a very helpful and interesting review of the radio and provided much needed information to those still wondering what to get.

Training Topic #2 was provided by KK4EAO and KK4VRX about the Annual Atlanta Georgia Peachtree Road Race and why the involvement of Ham Radio Operators is a key component though largely behind the scenes as far as the racers and watchers are concerned. Most are unaware that Hams are there to help and of the many things Hams and others to provide safety and etc. for the participants. This was followed by comments from the point of view of what it is like to be an actual participant (runner) in the race.

The Emergency Preparedness topic was presented by KN4EQS who gave an interesting review of what to do re. Earthquakes. Information was also provided during the topic and in the discussion afterwards about the New Madrid Earthquake of 1812.

Monday August 6, 2018

This was our 1 Year Anniversary of the YL Net

Week 52 Wow !! Awesome

We had 12 CheckIns with 4 YLs on Echolink and 4 OMs listening on EchoLink and no telling how many YLs and OMs were listening on the 444.100 Repeater

Announcements included:

• Our next fellowship will be Sept 22 at 1PM EST — with food and fellowship and a HARP concert by K0MAI
• The Tri State Ham Club is presenting a DSTAR 101 course
• Listen to the ARRL News on 442.650 repeater at 7:30 EST every Monday
• Listen to the World Wide news on the 442.650 at 7:30 EST every Weds.

Technical Questions mostly related to further information about Soldering ‘how to’s’

Technical Training by AC4HH dealt with more details related to our Soldering event. Specifically she provided information about Resistors, Capacitors, and more. She sent us a copy of the information she presented and it is included here : __________________________________________________________________

YL Lesson: Resistors, Capacitors, and Semi-Conductors

“Tonight we’re going to go over the exercise about identifying resistors in your booklet that came with the soldering kit. But first, I thought I’d define some of the components in the kit.

First is the RESISTOR. The resistor as defined in the soldering practice kit is a “component used to control the flow of electricity in a circuit. It is made of carbon.” Definition from the Internet is: The resistor is a component that resists the flow of current. It is a passive device that doesn’t do anything actively in the circuit, but resistors allow you to have the current and voltages you want in your circuit. It goes back to Ohm’s Law beginning with the formula: I=E/R. Where (I) is the current – sometimes given as (P) for power – equals voltage (E) or (V), divided by resistance (R). The current is the amount of charge flowing through a certain point, and the resistor slows down the flow of the current or charge.

Now let’s talk about CAPACITORS. Our soldering kit booklet defines a capacitor as an electrical component that can store electrical pressure (called voltage) for release when needed. The Internet states that capacitors are energy-storing devices similar to a battery except the capacitor releases its energy much more rapidly. For example, a capacitor if fully charged, can release its energy all at once, such as in a flash bulb. You can charge a capacitor simply by wiring it up in an electrical circuit. When you turn on the power, an electrical charge gradually builds up on the plates – it contains a positive plate and a negative plate. Capacitors are often used as timing devices.

The last component for today is a SEMI-CONDUCTOR. Semi-conductors are like voltage regulators. They are made of a material (often silicon) that has an electrical conductivity falling between that of a conductor –metals, such as copper or gold and an insulator such as glass. Probably you have seen power poles with glass insulators near the top. The semi-conductor conducts current, but only partially.

Quick review: A Resistor resists the flow of current, allowing you to set the current and voltage you want in your circuit.

A Capacitor stores electrical current and can release it much more rapidly. It contains a positive and a negative metal plate.

A Semi-conductor acts as a voltage regulator. It conducts current, but only partially. … … … “

_______________________________________________________________

The EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TOPIC was presented by KE4RP and was important information about Landslides. At the conclusion of the presentation and discussion she recommened we go to the Ready.Gov website for more information and details.

And thus concluded another wonderful YL Net.

Join us and listen or participate every week

on the 444.100 repeater or via EchoLink Node 68581

We had 10 Checkins including 5 by Echolink

Training Topic was Antenna Noise and other Radio interfering Noises

Preparedness Topic was the top 10 Causes of death in women which are:

• Heart
• Canacer
• Lung (COPD etc)
• Stroke
• Alzheimers
• Unintentional (Accidential) injury (in kitchen, falls, etc)
• Diabetes
• Influenza and Pneumonia
• Kidney
• Septicemia

We had 9 Checkins

Training Topic: What are the WWV and WWVH Stations and their frequencies

Emergency Preparedness Topic dealt with floods, sinkholes, etc.

12 Checkins including several by Echolink

Tech Talk included a report of a ‘find’ — a great Ham radio site that KN4MEF had found and recommended to us. It is HamRadioSchool.com

Tech Training included Part 1 of 2 parts about “How to work your First Radio Event”. Both parts 1and 2 have been uploaded to this web site. You can find them on their very own page in the drop down list. Check this information out. It is very helpful.

Training topic was information about the ARRL “The Doctor is In” Podcasts

Emergency Preparedness Topic provided very helpful information from Ready.gov about responding to Active Shooters. Go to that website for specific details including the Run Hide Fight and more concepts.

We had 11 Check Ins (5 of which were on Echolink)

Training Topic was information about the new VM Program which is replacing the OO (Official Observer) Program. You can read the complete details about this on Page 79 of the October 2018 QST Magazine. This is important. Check it out.

We had 9 Check Ins (4 by Echolink)

Training Topic was about ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)

Training Topic was about “Handi Hams” = those who lend a helping hand to the Physically Challenged People to hem them get their Radio License and to get on the air. This Program began in 1967 by a group of local Nuns in Minnesota. By 1969 it had spread a lot and now is a well known ministry.

Preparedness Topic was about Mosquitoes. Very interesting information. You should have heard it. Wow.

Sorry I missed this so don’t know what happened. Sigh.

Training Topic dealt with how to write articles for QST Magazine and How to write Technical books. Ok all you writers — let’s see results. : )

Preparededness Topic was about Earthquakes and covered a lot of really important information with a lot of information obtained from the Ready.Gov website. So check it out.

Training Topic was About Morse Code. Some of our YLs already know the code and others are learning. Various Apps, methods, etc. were discussed.

For More information about this, check the page about Morse Code in the drop down list of various topics on this website.

Emergency Preparedness Topic included more information about Earthquakes since we are in a small fault zone and need to be prepared.

which is — unless someone complains, we will stop giving weekly net summaries and instead will start another page on this website that gives summaries of the Technical and/or Preparedness training topics when they are appropriate or were specifically requested.

And, now to see if anyone is really reading this page of summaries and if you agree or disagree with this change let me know at

YLNet (at) W4AM.net

written this way to prevent spiders and spammers.