The YouTubers BunchCategory Added in a WPeMatico Campaign
Norm Goodkin K6YXH visits with David W0DHG and talks about getting up and running to do remote testing for Amateur Radio Licenses. Norm mentioned that there were a lot of other players involved, but this is a good review of what they went through to get up and running. We discuss security concerns and how it works.
The pastime of Learning Morse code has been on a huge upswing these last few months. Reddit posts have increased, LCWO usage is at an all-time high, and Google trends are showing an obvious bump in interest in “morse code” during the last 6 months. It seems that people have taken a liking to learning or getting better at Morse code. It might have to do with renewed interest in ham radio, COVID-19 stay-at-home impacts, or just people looking for something fun and interesting to do.
It’s definitely translated into quite a bit of on-air activity, but what I’m more impressed with are people across the Internet asking for advice learning the code.
I for one am glad to be a part of what seems to be a Modern Morse Code Renaissance.
I’ve neglected to write about my progress on becoming proficient in Morse code, but thankfully that doesn’t mean I’ve stopped practicing. I’m too busy trying to get good to write about it!
Some background for new readers – Back at the start of the 2020 (before it turned into the worst year ever), I embarked on a journey to practice Morse daily. I streamed every session to Twitch.tv and YouTube (you can see some goofy highlights and bloopers here).
It’s been several weeks since then, and mostly thanks to the COVID-19 outbreak, I’ve been able to find the time to not only stay (somewhat) consistent with practice, but to also commit my Monday and Friday evenings to CW Academy. I’m in the basic class with Dave W8OV, who has been an excellent instructor, with a group of hams that are right there with me trying to improve our ability to translate Morse code in our head, without writing, instantly.
I have definitely seen a massive improvement in my proficiency. I’ve completed all of the letters, numbers, and symbols. But still, I learned last night that I still have a long way to go before I have a FB QSO at 20-25WPM, but I can hold my own at an effective WPM (a.k.a. Farnsworth speed) of around 10 WPM. Not bad. But a ways to go.
Now I just need to get on the air.
True Morse code proficiency comes from on-air practice, not from LCWO drills or even classes like CW Academy or Long Island CW Club. It comes from the grueling embarrassment of flubbing your first QSO and getting better with every QSO after that. Absolutely nobody will disagree with that (unless you’re one of those super-human High Speed CW wizards like Fabian DJ1YFK).
I wonder who is going to be the lucky ham on the end of my first real CW QSO? If you’re reading this, sorry in advance for my awful copy.
-.-. ..-
--- -.
- .... .
.- .. .-. ..--..
--... ...--
dit dit
Not an activation but a quick hike up the peak to drop a couple gallons of water for my SOTA pals. Wish I could have stayed and played radio but need to maintain my 100% unique activation status and had to go get my bride from LAX.
Amazon Equipment List (Revised) – check my website at www.kg6hqd.us for the latest Amazon items I prefer. Your support is always appreciated and thank you in advance.
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FOLLOW ME:
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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kg6hqd/
Website: https://www.kg6hqd.us
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GEAR I USE:
Must Have Items:
* 5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: http://amzn.to/2phNNu6
* Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
* Guy Line / Cordage: http://amzn.to/2FNC2S9
Yaesu FT2DR Gear:
* Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio: https://amzn.to/2D5noFP
* Comet SMA24 VHF/UHF Antenna: https://amzn.to/2HM7YvO
* FT2DR Spare Battery: https://amzn.to/2Gl8XAO
* Yaesu MH-85A Camera Speaker Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ToVrzP
* RT Systems Programming Software: https://amzn.to/2D5O7lE
Ham Radio HF Gear:
* Elecraft KX2 & accessories: http://bit.ly/2tTYCqR
* Laptop Mini-Microphone: http://amzn.to/2phHVks
Backpack & Hydration System:
* My Osprey Backpack: http://amzn.to/2FIWXdu
* Platapus 3 liter bladder: http://amzn.to/2FOoYfw
* Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: https://amzn.to/2tYiirg
Footwear:
* Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: http://amzn.to/2DymFeC
* Darn Tough Socks: http://amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Camera Gear:
* GoPro 7 Black Kit Choice: https://amzn.to/2WEk9y4
* Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/2t4Rtkm
* Solar Charger Battery Bank: https://amzn.to/2GlfYBv
* Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: http://amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
* Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: http://amzn.to/2tV2kAA
* Nikon D750 Camera: http://amzn.to/2GBaUHB
* Nikon 16-35mm lens: http://amzn.to/2FNcyED
* Nikon 24-70mm lens: http://amzn.to/2phrkx7
* Joby GorillaPod: http://amzn.to/2piayhv
Drone:
* DJI Mavic Pro – Fly More Kit: https://amzn.to/2KT1BUw
Cooking & Food:
* MSR Ultra Light Stove: http://amzn.to/2FNxprf
* Fuel Canister for Stove: http://amzn.to/2FGMEqh
* Titanium 450ml Cup: http://amzn.to/2pjQE53
* Titanium long handle spoon: http://amzn.to/2FI8Eko
* Flint Fire Starter Tool: http://amzn.to/2FM8mVz
* Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: http://amzn.to/2phjrac
* Cliff Protein Bars: https://amzn.to/2KFDBZf
Clothing:
* My boonie hat: http://amzn.to/2HI1SYG
* My tan US Flag ball cap: http://amzn.to/2FW8NjH
* Neck Gaiter: http://amzn.to/2DxUOek
* Carhart Beanie: http://amzn.to/2HE2UEN
* Wool Gloves: http://amzn.to/2pnltXp
* North Face Gortex Jacket: https://amzn.to/2m3hSM5
* North Face Shell: https://amzn.to/2J3BWqq
* North Face Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/2IYLUcP
Other Items:
* Leki Trekking Poles: http://amzn.to/2HHf53P
* Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): http://amzn.to/2FPramY
* Gear Snake Wire Ties: http://amzn.to/2FOS4eF
* Eno Double Nest Hammock: https://amzn.to/2Nxqx5J
* Headlamp: https://amzn.to/2MRD6aU
* Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
* Sunblock: https://amzn.to/2Nxwpfh
* Bug Repellent (Skin So Soft): https://amzn.to/2IYYGYG
This was the toughest SOTA for me to date. For whatever reason I was impacted by elevation this time and it took me a little to acclimate since base camp was at 11, 352′ ASL. I was the oldest and biggest guy on this trip and carried the heaviest pack at 39.5 pounds total. I didn’t have the luxury to cross load my gear with somebody else but that didn’t stop me from keeping up with the pack. Would I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! I think as you progress in your hiking you need to find ways to stretch your individual capacity, ideally with others. Go hike and try new things!
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FOLLOW ME:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kg6hqd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kg6hqd/
Website: https://www.kg6hqd.us
—————————————————————————————————————
GEAR I USE:
Must Have Items:
****NEW FISHING POLE MAST (MUST HAVE): https://amzn.to/2KlxSWJ ****
5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: http://amzn.to/2phNNu6 (Older but shorter version used) . This one fits nicely into most backpacks as it’s shorter when collapsed.
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Guy Line / Cordage: http://amzn.to/2FNC2S9
Yaesu FT2DR Gear:
Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio: https://amzn.to/2D5noFP
Comet SMA24 VHF/UHF Antenna: https://amzn.to/2HM7YvO
FT2DR Spare Battery: https://amzn.to/2Gl8XAO
Yaesu MH-85A Camera Speaker Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ToVrzP
RT Systems Programming Software: https://amzn.to/2D5O7lE
Ham Radio HF Gear:
Elecraft KX2 & accessories: http://bit.ly/2tTYCqR
Laptop Mini-Microphone: http://amzn.to/2phHVks
Backpack & Hydration System:
My Osprey Backpack: http://amzn.to/2FIWXdu
Platapus 3 liter bladder: http://amzn.to/2FOoYfw
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: https://amzn.to/2tYiirg
Footwear:
Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: http://amzn.to/2DymFeC
Darn Tough Socks: http://amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Camera Gear:
GoPro 7 Black Kit Choice: https://amzn.to/2WEk9y4
Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/2t4Rtkm
Solar Charger Battery Bank: https://amzn.to/2GlfYBv
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: http://amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: http://amzn.to/2tV2kAA
Nikon D750 Camera: http://amzn.to/2GBaUHB
Nikon 16-35mm lens: http://amzn.to/2FNcyED
Nikon 24-70mm lens: http://amzn.to/2phrkx7
Joby GorillaPod: http://amzn.to/2piayhv
Drone:
DJI Mavic Pro – Fly More Kit: https://amzn.to/2KT1BUw
Cooking & Food:
MSR Ultra Light Stove: http://amzn.to/2FNxprf
Fuel Canister for Stove: http://amzn.to/2FGMEqh
Titanium 450ml Cup: http://amzn.to/2pjQE53
Titanium long handle spoon: http://amzn.to/2FI8Eko
Flint Fire Starter Tool: http://amzn.to/2FM8mVz
Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: http://amzn.to/2phjrac
Cliff Protein Bars: https://amzn.to/2KFDBZf
Clothing:
My boonie hat: http://amzn.to/2HI1SYG
My tan US Flag ball cap: http://amzn.to/2FW8NjH
Neck Gaiter: http://amzn.to/2DxUOek
Carhart Beanie: http://amzn.to/2HE2UEN
Wool Gloves: http://amzn.to/2pnltXp
North Face Gortex Jacket: https://amzn.to/2m3hSM5
North Face Shell: https://amzn.to/2J3BWqq
North Face Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/2IYLUcP
Other Items:
Leki Trekking Poles: http://amzn.to/2HHf53P
Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): http://amzn.to/2FPramY
Gear Snake Wire Ties: http://amzn.to/2FOS4eF
Eno Double Nest Hammock: https://amzn.to/2Nxqx5J
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/2MRD6aU
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Sunblock: https://amzn.to/2Nxwpfh
Bug Repellent (Skin So Soft): https://amzn.to/2IYYGYG
Had to turn and burn on this activation to meet a deadline only to find out it was handled ????Either way I was able to setup, activate then tear down in about 35 minutes. Made my six QSO’s and had to bolt. This was good prepping practice if I ever wanted to become a prepper. Being proficient with your gear is something I preach and why I think SOTA is so useful for real world emergency communications. Have you ever timed yourself to see how much time you’d need to deploy, communicate, then break down your gear so you know? Might be a useful thing to try.
Sorry about the sniffles, just getting over a pretty bad head cold and the exercise at elevation opened the floodgates on my nose.
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FOLLOW ME:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kg6hqd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kg6hqd/
Website: https://www.kg6hqd.us
—————————————————————————————————————
GEAR I USE:
Must Have Items:
****NEW FISHING POLE MAST (MUST HAVE): https://amzn.to/2KlxSWJ ****
5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: http://amzn.to/2phNNu6 (Older but shorter version used) . This one fits nicely into most backpacks as it’s shorter when collapsed.
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Guy Line / Cordage: http://amzn.to/2FNC2S9
Yaesu FT2DR Gear:
Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio: https://amzn.to/2D5noFP
Comet SMA24 VHF/UHF Antenna: https://amzn.to/2HM7YvO
FT2DR Spare Battery: https://amzn.to/2Gl8XAO
Yaesu MH-85A Camera Speaker Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ToVrzP
RT Systems Programming Software: https://amzn.to/2D5O7lE
Ham Radio HF Gear:
Elecraft KX2 & accessories: http://bit.ly/2tTYCqR
Laptop Mini-Microphone: http://amzn.to/2phHVks
Backpack & Hydration System:
My Osprey Backpack: http://amzn.to/2FIWXdu
Platapus 3 liter bladder: http://amzn.to/2FOoYfw
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: https://amzn.to/2tYiirg
Footwear:
Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: http://amzn.to/2DymFeC
Darn Tough Socks: http://amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Camera Gear:
GoPro 7 Black Kit Choice: https://amzn.to/2WEk9y4
Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/2t4Rtkm
Solar Charger Battery Bank: https://amzn.to/2GlfYBv
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: http://amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: http://amzn.to/2tV2kAA
Nikon D750 Camera: http://amzn.to/2GBaUHB
Nikon 16-35mm lens: http://amzn.to/2FNcyED
Nikon 24-70mm lens: http://amzn.to/2phrkx7
Joby GorillaPod: http://amzn.to/2piayhv
Drone:
DJI Mavic Pro – Fly More Kit: https://amzn.to/2KT1BUw
Cooking & Food:
MSR Ultra Light Stove: http://amzn.to/2FNxprf
Fuel Canister for Stove: http://amzn.to/2FGMEqh
Titanium 450ml Cup: http://amzn.to/2pjQE53
Titanium long handle spoon: http://amzn.to/2FI8Eko
Flint Fire Starter Tool: http://amzn.to/2FM8mVz
Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: http://amzn.to/2phjrac
Cliff Protein Bars: https://amzn.to/2KFDBZf
Clothing:
My boonie hat: http://amzn.to/2HI1SYG
My tan US Flag ball cap: http://amzn.to/2FW8NjH
Neck Gaiter: http://amzn.to/2DxUOek
Carhart Beanie: http://amzn.to/2HE2UEN
Wool Gloves: http://amzn.to/2pnltXp
North Face Gortex Jacket: https://amzn.to/2m3hSM5
North Face Shell: https://amzn.to/2J3BWqq
North Face Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/2IYLUcP
Other Items:
Leki Trekking Poles: http://amzn.to/2HHf53P
Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): http://amzn.to/2FPramY
Gear Snake Wire Ties: http://amzn.to/2FOS4eF
Eno Double Nest Hammock: https://amzn.to/2Nxqx5J
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/2MRD6aU
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Sunblock: https://amzn.to/2Nxwpfh
Bug Repellent (Skin So Soft): https://amzn.to/2IYYGYG
Exploring the Souther Desert Region of Southern California as I embark on my new role – Regional Association Manager. Drone footage, fighting through DX contesters, 20m band action, great hiking after a rain and and awesome day on the mountain with views that match.
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FOLLOW ME:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kg6hqd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kg6hqd/
Website: https://www.kg6hqd.us
—————————————————————————————————————
GEAR I USE:
Must Have Items:
****NEW FISHING POLE MAST (MUST HAVE): https://amzn.to/2KlxSWJ ****
5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: http://amzn.to/2phNNu6 (Older but shorter version used) . This one fits nicely into most backpacks as it’s shorter when collapsed.
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Guy Line / Cordage: http://amzn.to/2FNC2S9
Yaesu FT2DR Gear:
Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio: https://amzn.to/2D5noFP
Comet SMA24 VHF/UHF Antenna: https://amzn.to/2HM7YvO
FT2DR Spare Battery: https://amzn.to/2Gl8XAO
Yaesu MH-85A Camera Speaker Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ToVrzP
RT Systems Programming Software: https://amzn.to/2D5O7lE
Ham Radio HF Gear:
Elecraft KX2 & accessories: http://bit.ly/2tTYCqR
Laptop Mini-Microphone: http://amzn.to/2phHVks
Backpack & Hydration System:
My Osprey Backpack: http://amzn.to/2FIWXdu
Platapus 3 liter bladder: http://amzn.to/2FOoYfw
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: https://amzn.to/2tYiirg
Footwear:
Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: http://amzn.to/2DymFeC
Darn Tough Socks: http://amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Camera Gear:
GoPro 7 Black Kit Choice: https://amzn.to/2WEk9y4
Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/2t4Rtkm
Solar Charger Battery Bank: https://amzn.to/2GlfYBv
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: http://amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: http://amzn.to/2tV2kAA
Nikon D750 Camera: http://amzn.to/2GBaUHB
Nikon 16-35mm lens: http://amzn.to/2FNcyED
Nikon 24-70mm lens: http://amzn.to/2phrkx7
Joby GorillaPod: http://amzn.to/2piayhv
Drone:
DJI Mavic Pro – Fly More Kit: https://amzn.to/2KT1BUw
Cooking & Food:
MSR Ultra Light Stove: http://amzn.to/2FNxprf
Fuel Canister for Stove: http://amzn.to/2FGMEqh
Titanium 450ml Cup: http://amzn.to/2pjQE53
Titanium long handle spoon: http://amzn.to/2FI8Eko
Flint Fire Starter Tool: http://amzn.to/2FM8mVz
Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: http://amzn.to/2phjrac
Cliff Protein Bars: https://amzn.to/2KFDBZf
Clothing:
My boonie hat: http://amzn.to/2HI1SYG
My tan US Flag ball cap: http://amzn.to/2FW8NjH
Neck Gaiter: http://amzn.to/2DxUOek
Carhart Beanie: http://amzn.to/2HE2UEN
Wool Gloves: http://amzn.to/2pnltXp
North Face Gortex Jacket: https://amzn.to/2m3hSM5
North Face Shell: https://amzn.to/2J3BWqq
North Face Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/2IYLUcP
Other Items:
Leki Trekking Poles: http://amzn.to/2HHf53P
Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): http://amzn.to/2FPramY
Gear Snake Wire Ties: http://amzn.to/2FOS4eF
Eno Double Nest Hammock: https://amzn.to/2Nxqx5J
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/2MRD6aU
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Sunblock: https://amzn.to/2Nxwpfh
Bug Repellent (Skin So Soft): https://amzn.to/2IYYGYG
What I thought would be a quick turn and burn SOTA hike while the wife was at work turned into a little extra time and some critters. Saw some lion prints and dealt with some steep terrain as I made my way to the top of Mt. Lawlor for a Ham Radio SOTA activation.
APRS worked perfectly and the contacts came nicely. Took the “easy” route out of there though it was longer.
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FOLLOW ME:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kg6hqd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kg6hqd/
Website: https://www.kg6hqd.us
—————————————————————————————————————
GEAR I USE:
Must Have Items:
****NEW FISHING POLE MAST (MUST HAVE): https://amzn.to/2KlxSWJ ****
5.4m Telescoping Fishing Pole: http://amzn.to/2phNNu6
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Guy Line / Cordage: http://amzn.to/2FNC2S9
Yaesu FT2DR Gear:
Yaesu FT2DR Ham Radio: https://amzn.to/2D5noFP
Comet SMA24 VHF/UHF Antenna: https://amzn.to/2HM7YvO
FT2DR Spare Battery: https://amzn.to/2Gl8XAO
Yaesu MH-85A Camera Speaker Microphone: https://amzn.to/2ToVrzP
RT Systems Programming Software: https://amzn.to/2D5O7lE
Ham Radio HF Gear:
Elecraft KX2 & accessories: http://bit.ly/2tTYCqR
Laptop Mini-Microphone: http://amzn.to/2phHVks
Backpack & Hydration System:
My Osprey Backpack: http://amzn.to/2FIWXdu
Platapus 3 liter bladder: http://amzn.to/2FOoYfw
Katadyn Hiker Microfilter: https://amzn.to/2tYiirg
Footwear:
Solomon Trail Runner Hiking Shoes: http://amzn.to/2DymFeC
Darn Tough Socks: http://amzn.to/2GyKYvY
Camera Gear:
GoPro 7 Black Kit Choice: https://amzn.to/2WEk9y4
Wasabit GoPro Battery Pack: https://amzn.to/2t4Rtkm
Solar Charger Battery Bank: https://amzn.to/2GlfYBv
Zoom H1 Audio Recorder: http://amzn.to/2Gz1jRq
Dead Cat Zoom for Zoom H1: http://amzn.to/2tV2kAA
Nikon D750 Camera: http://amzn.to/2GBaUHB
Nikon 16-35mm lens: http://amzn.to/2FNcyED
Nikon 24-70mm lens: http://amzn.to/2phrkx7
Joby GorillaPod: http://amzn.to/2piayhv
Drone:
DJI Mavic Pro – Fly More Kit: https://amzn.to/2KT1BUw
Cooking & Food:
MSR Ultra Light Stove: http://amzn.to/2FNxprf
Fuel Canister for Stove: http://amzn.to/2FGMEqh
Titanium 450ml Cup: http://amzn.to/2pjQE53
Titanium long handle spoon: http://amzn.to/2FI8Eko
Flint Fire Starter Tool: http://amzn.to/2FM8mVz
Mountain House Freeze Dried Meals: http://amzn.to/2phjrac
Cliff Protein Bars: https://amzn.to/2KFDBZf
Clothing:
My boonie hat: http://amzn.to/2HI1SYG
My tan US Flag ball cap: http://amzn.to/2FW8NjH
Neck Gaiter: http://amzn.to/2DxUOek
Carhart Beanie: http://amzn.to/2HE2UEN
Wool Gloves: http://amzn.to/2pnltXp
North Face Gortex Jacket: https://amzn.to/2m3hSM5
North Face Shell: https://amzn.to/2J3BWqq
North Face Down Jacket: https://amzn.to/2IYLUcP
Other Items:
Leki Trekking Poles: http://amzn.to/2HHf53P
Therm-a-rest Sleeping Pad(small): http://amzn.to/2FPramY
Gear Snake Wire Ties: http://amzn.to/2FOS4eF
Eno Double Nest Hammock: https://amzn.to/2Nxqx5J
Headlamp: https://amzn.to/2MRD6aU
Mapping subscription – https://www.gaiagps.com
Sunblock: https://amzn.to/2Nxwpfh
Bug Repellent (Skin So Soft): https://amzn.to/2IYYGYG