Solar Packet Node Construction
We run a good sized (~20 stations, covers most of the population centers in the area) “plain” AX.25 packet network in Minnesota. Actually we are involved in several networks- there is 145.01, APRS(r) and even some 9600 packet. Once in while we get access to a promising /free node site (elevated- could be a building…
Into the wilderness with a radio…
Insula Lake State Forest is in the Superior National Forest, approximately 12 miles from the BWCA entry point 30 at lake one. You may have heard of Parks on the air, where ham radio enthusiasts set up their radio in state and national forests to make contacts and track them on the parks on the…
We bought a bus….
In the past we’ve been using RV space for radio operation space. There are many creature comforts of doing so – but the need for space isn’t always met within a small RV. Further, having sleeping quarters too close to radio quarters can make unhappy radio operators, unhappy cooks and eaters, and unhappy sleepers. So,…
“Sleepy” a 10KW /30′ Magnum MLT 3080
We needed a trailer to support solar panels and batteries for our large, 30′ ex FEMA comms trailer. I just sold off my last broken diesel light tower, as there was no current use case for these. A nice, wide and sturdy Magnum MLT 3080 (10KW) was on offer in northern Illinois. It was reported…
Repeater for a day
Occasionally the volunteer events we work need repeater coverage that is a little wider than what they normally have for coverage every day. The MS Twin Cities Ride fundraiser was one of those events. The route passes through some lower areas in the Mississippi river valley and the route outlines the Twin cities of St.…
We Bought a TV News Van
I was sniffing around the various auction sites last week. We have acquired for our new VOAD adjacent disaster recovery radio club a 29′ ex FEMA house trailer, converted to a command center. It is around 7000 pounds and is reported to tow poorly due to wind area, etc. This is really beyond the scope…
2025 Winter Field Day
Jan 25, 2025 10:00AM local to Jan 26, 2025 16:00 local Many people may know that during the last weekend of June ham radio people of all stripes participate in a contest to challenge our ability to communicate and to have a little friendly competition. In the summer time ARRL Field Day is a dual-purpose…
A Large Communications Trailer
I have written before on the many advantages of smaller communications trailers. Not long ago a group I am adjacent to, Minnesota VOAD (Volunteers Active in Disasters) sought out a large trailer for their Field Operations Teams. The idea is these individuals go out to track and report back on a range of disaster recovery…
Ham Radio Special Event Stations – Anoka is the Halloween capital of the world
Some people collect stamps, other people coins. There is something about collecting things that are unique that appeals to people. For ham radio operators, we collect contacts with other people. Originally this was done with postcards and exchanges via postal mail, and that continues. But there are also now digital mechanisms to exchange your contact…
Mobile /Portable Solar At Scale
A few years ago we got into solar to power ham radio equipment. 18 Volt, 100 watt panels (name plate maximum 5A at 18 volts) were available, for $100, and we could power modest projects like remote packet radio nodes. These needed a deep cycle battery and semi smart charge controller, that would protect the…
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