Operating Topics
OPERATING TOPICS
Web SDR’s
Newly licensed amateurs or those studying for their Foundation Licence are often restricted as to what they can first purchase to receive amateur band signals. Years ago it was not unusual for people to come into the hobby having spent time as a Short Wave Listener. One benefit was they understood the band structure and plans and the protocols of making CQ calls and having QSOs. These days provided you have a web connection you can use Web-based SDR (Software Defined Radio) sites to listen on the amateur bands to different modes from receivers located in many countries, including the UK, usually with decent antenna systems.
A list of WebSDR servers is shown here.
The G4FPH 160/80/60/40m WebSDR located in Central England is very popular as is the Hack Green HF WebSDR located in a secret nuclear bunker in Nantwich and monitoring 160/80/60/40 and 17m
Propagation Tools
The RSGB’s Propagation Studies Committee has a number of online tools available to help you work out the best band and time to make a contact. A video explaining these propagation tools has been added to the propagation pages on the RSGB website.
Satellite working
Operating via AMSAT satellites can be a lot of fun and isn’t too difficult but more importantly it doesn’t require a lot of specialist equipment. This YouTube video by Bill KN4MKB is excellent to get you started on this exciting new aspect of the hobby.
The Ultimate Guide to Working Ham Radio Satellites
Another video from Tim AE6LX is also worth viewing as he explains the Doppler effect which changes the uplink or downlink frequency on 70cm
How to work amateur radio satellites with your HT radio
For even more information on using satellites the video produced by Bob KK4DIV is worth a look
Ham Radio Satellites: How do I get started and what gear do I need?
Contest Operating
Tim G5TM has produced a video describing how to operate in your first HF contest, CQ World Wide which is an SSB contest which runs over 48 hours at the end of October
Raynet
Radio Hams have access to a wide range of radio bands, operating modes and equipment which allows RAYNET to offer a unique range of emergency communication services to our user services. They are often used to support public events such as this one which was a coast walk and half marathon. Raynet groups are located all over the UK.
Raynet Heritage Coast Walk and Half Marathon APRS & Voice Summary
QRM Issues
These days it is often the radio amateur who suffers from interference (QRM) on the bands. I found these YouTube videos from IANXFS (I haven’t been able to trace his callsign yet), which demonstrate how he dealt with it at his own QTH
Successful QRM / RFI (Radio Frequency Interference) Tracing
A Rare Local Area Power-Off Test – Amazing Results On QRM
How I Found & Eliminated My QRM / RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)