R-pod Owners Forum : National Parks On The Air http://www.rpod-owners.com/ This is an XML content feed of; R-pod Owners Forum : General non-pod discussion : National Parks On The Air Copyright (c) 2006-2009 Web Wiz Forums - All Rights Reserved. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:52:47 +0000 Sun, 10 Jan 2016 04:44:08 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 9.64 360 www.rpod-owners.com/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=7333 R-pod Owners Forum http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_images/web_wiz_forums.png http://www.rpod-owners.com/ National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by CharlieMDoug,Let... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68894#68894 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 10 Jan 2016 at 4:44am

Originally posted by CharlieM

Doug,Let me assure you getting that license is not life threatening. I'm in my 61st year of being licensed, but I started young Wink. Get with it and join us!





You are making me feel like a young puppy! I will have been licensed 25 years on 04-02-16. I can still remember the warm glow of the Drake "C" twins.......]]> Sun, 10 Jan 2016 04:44:08 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68894#68894 National Parks On The Air : Not worried about losing my life... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68891#68891 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7333
Posted: 09 Jan 2016 at 10:33pm

Not worried about losing my life when I sit down with the bubble form and pencil.  Unless I trip and I land on the pencil.

Those that are jealous didn't make the right life choices so they could retire, or retire early.  All those that were blowing all their money on beer in their 20's instead of putting something in the retirement account.  They are just angry at themselves.]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2016 22:33:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68891#68891 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by David You... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68886#68886 Author: furpod
Subject: 7333
Posted: 09 Jan 2016 at 10:12am

Originally posted by David



You touched on something that I have found significant. Yes it is weird/different. Having worked all my life (also) - and then one day that changes, is an adjustment (between the ears). Also, some people will get seriously snippy, mean, jealous if you tell them you are retired. I have started telling people that I "work from home".     




I ran into a LOT of this when I retired.. but I was 37.. Now days, I guess I look old enough to be retired.. LOL
]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2016 10:12:13 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68886#68886 National Parks On The Air : Doug,Let me assure you getting... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68885#68885 Author: CharlieM
Subject: 7333
Posted: 09 Jan 2016 at 9:27am

Doug,

Let me assure you getting that license is not life threatening. I'm in my 61st year of being licensed, but I started young Wink. Get with it and join us!
]]> Sat, 09 Jan 2016 09:27:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68885#68885 National Parks On The Air : Yeah, I'd like to have access... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68883#68883 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7333
Posted: 08 Jan 2016 at 10:24pm

Yeah, I'd like to have access to all bands from the start...]]> Fri, 08 Jan 2016 22:24:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68883#68883 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by techntrek Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68842#68842 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 07 Jan 2016 at 6:31am

Originally posted by techntrek


Originally posted by David

Originally posted by techntrek

I'll be flowing through multiple parks this summer so I'll keep my eyes open for antennas sized for those bands.


You should get your Ham license...so you could give the rest of us points!

With your background/knowledge, you could probably pass the test without even reading the questions!

I hope to "activate" a few myself - once the weather changes/camping season opens. I'd like to activate a bunch of them but, there is this money issue....

I know, I know, it is still on "the list"!  When I've taken the tests on QRZ I always get in the 90's for the Tech, I just need some more work so I can sit back-to-back for the General.


There you go...that would be the way to go. The Tech ticket is fine and a good start but, General opens up a whole different world of possibilities. ]]> Thu, 07 Jan 2016 06:31:55 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68842#68842 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by Commander203Yep,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68841#68841 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 07 Jan 2016 at 6:18am

Originally posted by Commander203

Yep, It's going to be weird waking up on February 1st with no job. I've had one all my life, I know I'll miss the pay but there comes a time when you know it's time to move on to a new chapter in life. looking forward to the new adventure.

Anyway, I've considered running a coax cable from the TV to the Pod and just using the mobile antenna while in the POD or from a picnic table while camping. Although my wife is a HAM, I don't think she would appreciate the noise inside the POD, of course I could put her out on the picnic bench. I've thought about taking along a 30 Ft push up pole to mount an A99 on.

One thing for sure, I'll have plenty of time to think about it. By the way, nice looking radio. The FT-857D is a very good choice for portable operations. I also plan to pick up a Honda generator to power the radios among other things. We operated field day last year using a Honda 2000 watt Gen and it ran several radios with no problem. I was impressed with how quiet they are.

Guess I should probably get back to work.   


You touched on something that I have found significant. Yes it is weird/different. Having worked all my life (also) - and then one day that changes, is an adjustment (between the ears). Also, some people will get seriously snippy, mean, jealous if you tell them you are retired. I have started telling people that I "work from home".     

You'll get the radio situation sorted out. Part of the fun, for me, is figuring out how to do things. Portable is fun and adds to the camping experience, for me. You'll like the Honda genset, I think. I have the Champion and I like it in every way except - it is RF "noisy". I have to turn the radio off when charging.

]]> Thu, 07 Jan 2016 06:18:48 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68841#68841 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by David Originally... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68833#68833 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 8:41pm

Originally posted by David

Originally posted by techntrek

I'll be flowing through multiple parks this summer so I'll keep my eyes open for antennas sized for those bands.


You should get your Ham license...so you could give the rest of us points!

With your background/knowledge, you could probably pass the test without even reading the questions!

I hope to "activate" a few myself - once the weather changes/camping season opens. I'd like to activate a bunch of them but, there is this money issue....

I know, I know, it is still on "the list"!  When I've taken the tests on QRZ I always get in the 90's for the Tech, I just need some more work so I can sit back-to-back for the General.
]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 20:41:57 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68833#68833 National Parks On The Air : Yep, It's going to be weird... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68822#68822 Author: Commander203
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 10:11am

Yep, It's going to be weird waking up on February 1st with no job. I've had one all my life, I know I'll miss the pay but there comes a time when you know it's time to move on to a new chapter in life. looking forward to the new adventure.

Anyway, I've considered running a coax cable from the TV to the Pod and just using the mobile antenna while in the POD or from a picnic table while camping. Although my wife is a HAM, I don't think she would appreciate the noise inside the POD, of course I could put her out on the picnic bench. I've thought about taking along a 30 Ft push up pole to mount an A99 on.

One thing for sure, I'll have plenty of time to think about it. By the way, nice looking radio. The FT-857D is a very good choice for portable operations. I also plan to pick up a Honda generator to power the radios among other things. We operated field day last year using a Honda 2000 watt Gen and it ran several radios with no problem. I was impressed with how quiet they are.

Guess I should probably get back to work.   ]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 10:11:59 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68822#68822 National Parks On The Air : Good to hear from you. Since... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68820#68820 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 9:16am

Good to hear from you. Since you like 6 meters, I had to check my log to see if we had worked...unfortunately not. I used to spend a lot of time on 6 meters and up. Right now, my 6m5 (M2) antenna is in the mini-barn.

FB on retirement! I got "nudged" into it 2 years ago and don't miss all of the work place BS. However, I do miss the paycheck!

I used to take my FT-847 along camping. Last year, I purchased a FT-857D and made up my own "carrier" out of 1/4" luan plywood. It is in the truck until I go camping. Then I put it in the camper, once parked.
For antennas, I have an ATAS-100, "hamstick" dipoles, and a couple of wire dipoles. It is rare to have enough room and support for the wire dipoles.

Good luck in retirement and the radio install!



73!

]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 09:16:12 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68820#68820 National Parks On The Air : David, Sounds like another fun... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68816#68816 Author: Commander203
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 8:36am

David,

Sounds like another fun paper chasing event. Being a brand new Podder, I haven't gotten around to installing a radio in the POD just yet. With retirement looming the end of the month, it may just be time to get it done. I'll definitely listen for you guys on the bands, by the way we love the magic band.

73,from W5MIK
XYL is KE5KJY
Son is KD5KWI]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 08:36:47 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68816#68816 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by techntrekI'll... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68814#68814 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 5:51am

Originally posted by techntrek

I'll be flowing through multiple parks this summer so I'll keep my eyes open for antennas sized for those bands.


You should get your Ham license...so you could give the rest of us points!

With your background/knowledge, you could probably pass the test without even reading the questions!

I hope to "activate" a few myself - once the weather changes/camping season opens. I'd like to activate a bunch of them but, there is this money issue....
]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 05:51:30 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68814#68814 National Parks On The Air : Originally posted by Keith-N-DarCQ... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68813#68813 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 06 Jan 2016 at 5:46am

Originally posted by Keith-N-Dar

CQ National Parks, CQ national Parks, This is KB9NUM calling CQ National parks.




73!]]> Wed, 06 Jan 2016 05:46:17 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68813#68813 National Parks On The Air : I'll be flowing through multiple... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68802#68802 Author: techntrek
Subject: 7333
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 9:08pm

I'll be flowing through multiple parks this summer so I'll keep my eyes open for antennas sized for those bands.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 21:08:32 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68802#68802 National Parks On The Air : CQ National Parks, CQ national... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68797#68797 Author: Keith-N-Dar
Subject: 7333
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 7:44pm

CQ National Parks, CQ national Parks, This is KB9NUM calling CQ National parks.]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 19:44:29 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68797#68797 National Parks On The Air : Welcome to the Ham Radio hobby... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68794#68794 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 12:16pm

Welcome to the Ham Radio hobby - from WA9DU.

The main thing you need to do is to use Logbook of The World (LoTW) - if you do not already. All of the scoring and points are done via that.

Most of the activity will likely be on the HF bands (SSB and/or CW), though some are working VHF, digital modes, etc. There was a lot of activity the first weekend - much more than I anticipated. I worked 42 NPS units and I did not get all that were on. Pileups....YES!!!

If I can answer any questions, please ask. I know there are a few other Hams here on the forum, also.

Look me up on QRZ.com. This year is Indiana's bicentennial and we are doing some special things. I'll be operating portable in Jefferson County (Clifty Falls State Park) for the special "original counties" award - during the Indiana QSO Party, in May.

73!

]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 12:16:03 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68794#68794 National Parks On The Air : Greetings from KC3DFJ New Technician... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68789#68789 Author: johnmaci
Subject: 7333
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 11:23am

Greetings from KC3DFJ

New Technician here, trying to figure all this out while still having fun ]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 11:23:09 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68789#68789 National Parks On The Air : Here is something you might encounter... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68784#68784 Author: Guests
Subject: 7333
Posted: 05 Jan 2016 at 9:32am

Here is something you might encounter in your travels to the NPS facilities this year. Amateur Radio (Ham) is having a year log event to help celebrate the 100th anniversary of the National Park System. It is called "National Parks on the Air".

Being a "Ham", my/our goal is to "activate" and "chase" as many of the NPS facilities as possible (400+). We get "points" for activating and chasing. We can earn awards based on how many points we accumulate.

Activators go to the NPS properties and transmit, in hopes as making contact with as many chasers as possible. Chasers (usually at home)try to find these folks and make contact. All great fun for the radio enthusiasts.

So, if you happen to encounter someone(s) in a campground, national trail, historic site, etc. and this person is feverishly yakking into a radio, you'll know what they are up to. Be calm and give 'em a wave. One of them just might be me!

If you would like to know more........

   NPOTA

See you out there!]]> Tue, 05 Jan 2016 09:32:19 +0000 http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7333&PID=68784#68784