KF0YMN Christopher ( no clever nickname)2d ago

Hello Mastodon.Radio! I’m not new to Mastodon, but I’m new to #HamRadio. I think I need a different type of account to communicate with the ham radio folks on Mastodon, so give me a bit to settle in and get my profile set up.

I’m in Southwest Missouri, and I just passed my general. I’ll go for my Extra in a year or so, it’s time to stop taking tests and get on the air. I’ve got my rig, and I’m hoping field day will get me some experience setting up.

Show threadDiane Bruce VA3DB
@KF0YMN I do exactly the same thing with a separate account/instance just for hamradio keeping my politics etc. elsewhere.
Congrats on getting your ticket! What interests you in Amateur Radio?
Jun 24 at 10:58amWeb
Show threadKF0YMN Christopher ( no clever nickname)1d ago
@va3db Many things, but it all happened very fast after a briefly mentioning I’d been thinking about trying it out. Then I figured, I’d study for the technician test judt to see. A week later I was passing > 95%, so I looked for an exam and there was one the next day, so I figured it was a sign. I knew I’d never stay with a tech license, so I got my general. (1/3)
Show threadKF0YMN Christopher ( no clever nickname)1d ago

My interests? Long distance communication with my own gear I think. I like to experiment. I’m surprisingly comfy with DC electronics for a chemist, so now I’ll be learning AC. (Rheology uses the same equations with different names, so there is a chemistry connection too.)

Anyway, I’m way too invested not to go all in at this point. I think antennas will be my biggest chellenge. I’ve got space, but a lot of trees. (2/3)
@va3db

Show threadKF0YMN Christopher ( no clever nickname)1d ago
My long term target is 160m. I figure if I can do that I can do anything. I also figure that goes the furthest. (3/3)
@va3db
Show threadDiane Bruce VA3DB1d ago

@KF0YMN 160m is fun but it is more of a winter band for DX due to lightning storms. Those crashes make it difficult. Most HF DX is 20m but 15m is pretty decent as well. If you can get a decent 160m antenna up despite the trees that would be amazing.

Yes there are a lot of similar equations. My favourite is Information entropy and physics entropy.

Also e^i theta goes a long way!

Show threadKF0YMN Christopher ( no clever nickname)1d ago

@va3db Withh all of the set up I have to do, I suspect I won’t get really active until the fall. It’s getting to the point of the summer where working outside is oppressive.

If I can get a good pole up, I’ve measured a line for a 160m EFHW from my chimney. It goes over a low area, so even with sag, should stay up, but I may be able to put mid way poles up as well.

I’ve got time to think.

Show threadDiane Bruce VA3DB1d ago
@KF0YMN With an end fed make sure you have a decent counterpoise. (This is *not* the same as a ground!) You want somewhere for the 'other side' of the A.C. to go somewhere even if it doesn't radiate. You don't want your feed line into your shack becoming the counterpoise. I see folks sweating over chokes when all they need is another long wire for counterpoise.