SWPC Product Announcement

New Experimental Products Available:

Two new, experimental forecast products are now available, the 3-Day Forecast and the Forecast Discussion, both produced twice daily at 0030 and 1230 UTC.  The 3-Day Forecast is a concise, one-page summary using NOAA Space Weather Scale terminology and the Forecast Discussion provides detailed information covering observations and forecast rationale tailored for the user requiring in-depth, scientific information.
 
These products are available in the Data and Products section of the website at http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/latest/three_day_forecast.txt and http://www.swpc.noaa.gov/ftpdir/latest/forecast_discussion.txt, respectively.  Users can also subscribe to these products in the Product Subscription Service under the Forecasts and Summaries product category.
  
Feedback on these products is welcomed through January 11th.  Please submit feedback to: www.nws.noaa.gov/survey/nws-survey.php?code=3DSWF (3-Day Forecast) and www.nws.noaa.gov/survey/nws-survey.php?code=SWFD (Forecast Discussion). 

These two products will supplement the existing product suite and no current products will be discontinued at this time.

Quality Knives for your Go Kit or Collection

Here’s an off topic post~
My very good friend of mine is selling his knife collection. He has everything from pocket knives to hunting knives. He is also selling several custom made knives that he has acquired over the years.
Check of his blog, facebook and E-Bay pages for a great deal.
Christmas is around the corner and these items will make for great stocking stuffers~

Superstorm Sandy: How You Can Help

This was e-mailed to me~ 

Volunteers in New Jersey are being coordinated through an emergency response hotline, 1-800-JERSEY-7 (1-800-537-7397). Alternate numbers, for when the hotline isn’t staffed, include 609-775-5236 and 908-303-0471 or emails can be sent to Rowena.Madden@sos.state.nj.us.
The New York City agency NYC Service is coordinating volunteers for various relief projects in New York City. Go to its Facebook page  or email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name and email address.
The American Red Cross is collecting funds and coordinating blood donations. The organization sheltered more than 3,000 people across nine states during the worst of the storm. You can donate $10 by phone by texting the word REDCROSS to 90999.
Sandy has caused the cancellation of about 300 American Red Cross blood drives.
“Patients will still need blood despite the weather,” said Dr. Richard Benjamin, chief medical officer of the Red Cross, in a statement.
To schedule a blood donation at a center near you or for more information about giving blood or platelets, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) takes donations to rescue and shelter animals affected by the storm. Nearly 300 animals are staying with their owners in shelters in the New York City area, the agency said.
The ASPCA is also setting up a distribution center in Syracuse, New York with 4,000 sheltering units, which contain pet food, crates, food bowls, toys, and anything else an animal may need.
The Salvation Army: You can donate $10 to the Salvation Army by texting “STORM” to 80888. If you are already volunteer-certified, you can sign up to help out with disaster relief.
AmeriCares: You can donate to AmeriCares’ relief fund to help the organization, which is distributing supplies to 130 clinics in the 13 states affected by Sandy.
To follow news from some of the most affected areas and see how local residents are faring, here are links to Patch sites:
Greenwich Patch (CT)
Hoboken Patch
Ocean City Patch 
Point Pleasant Patch

Emergency Information for Sandy Victims

Hurricane Sandy Emergency Information

What to do after a hurricane (ready.gov)

Google crisis response:

Map with power outages, shelters, weather and more

State info:

CT

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DE

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MA

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MD

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ME

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NC

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NH

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NJ

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NY

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PA

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RI

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VA

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VT

NYC info:

nyc.gov

MTA map

Notify NYC alerts

Transit

Survival Preparedness

Who would have thought that some of the most populated areas in the U.S. would be going 5 days + without electricity, water, food & other necessities.
Many of you have laughed at me for storing food and survival gear, even some of my East Coast friends.
I not laughing at them and I do feel bad for them. It saddens me to see so many in dire straits (state of extreme distress.)
I pray several times a day for all those effected in this disaster.
It’s never too late to plan for a disaster.
Hurricane Sandy developed from a tropical wave in the western Caribbean Sea on October 22.
officials advised residents to prepare and or evacuate as early as October 24, 2012.
Here we are, it's November 2, 2012 and all hell is starting to break loose on the East Coast.

Some news links

Drivers Waiting 6 Hours For Gas in NYC...
Tempers Rise in Wake of Storm...
'Finding bodies left and right'...
'They forgot about us'...
CHUCK SCHUMER CONFRONTED: 'We Are Gonna Die!'
CUOMO: 'No reason to panic'...
Utility workers pelted with eggs...
Misery...
Mile-long lines, price hits $6...
Residents Furious RED CROSS Offering Cookies & Hot Chocolate, Not Blankets Or Clothes...
Two massive generators power NY media, not masses...
Staten Islanders Plead for Help: 'We Need Food'...
'Please don't leave us'...
VIDEO: Stranded New Yorkers Defecating in Apartment Buildings...
DIRE...

You should have supplies to last you a minimum of 4 weeks.
Here is a small list~
-----------------------------
    Personal locator beacon (PLB)
    Cell Phone
    Handgun
    Shotgun
    Riffle
    Ammo
    B.B. / Pellet Gun
    Pepper or Bear Spray
    Slingshot
    Shortwave Radio
    AM / Weather Radio
    Ham Radio
    C.B. Radio
    Survival Laptop
    Water Bottles
    Lantern
    Flashlights
    L.E.D. HeadLamps
    Batteries
    Solar Charger
    Ultimate Survival Kit
    MultiTool
    Can Opener
    Pocket Knife
    Knife (we recommend the SOG Knives – The Seal Pup Elite Knife)
    Cable Ties
    Portable Camping Stove
    Propane
    Waterproof Matches
    Emergency Candles
    Lighter
    Fire steel
    Magnesium Fire Starter
    Tinder (for fire starting)
    Plastic Freezer Bags
    Plastic Trash Bags
    Eating and Cooking Utensils
    Emergency Food or MRE’S
    Energy Bars
    Salt
    Medications
    Multi-Vitamins
    Sunglasses
    Sunscreen
    First Aid Kit
    Personal Hygiene
    Dental floss
    Rubbing Alcohol
    Binoculars
    Whistle
    Compass
    Flares
    Signal Mirror
    GPS Device
    4 Season Tent
    Plastic painters tarp
    Bivy sack
    Hiking Backpack
    Hiking Tarp
    Hiking Hammock
    Sleeping Bag  (Extreme Cold)
    Space blanket
    Mylar blanket
    Water Storage
    Water-purification tablets
    Water Filter
    Canteens
    Sewing Kit
    Maps
    Duct Tape
    Plastic Tubing
    Tool Kit
    Scissors
    Crowbar
    Machete
    Camp Axe
    Shovel
    Saw
    Snare Wire
    Emergency Credit Card
    Personal Identification Papers
    Family Photos (moral Booster)
    Dust Mask
    Good Hiking Boots
    Bandanas
    Gloves
    Extra Socks
    Gloves
    Rain suit or  poncho,
    Wide Brim Hat
    Chemical hand warmer packets
    Chlorine Bleach
    550 Paracord
    Fishing Pole
    Fishing line
    Bible
    Playing Cards
    Fire Extinguisher
    Jumper Cables
    Oil (for your vehicle, can also be used to start a fire or create smoke for a signal fire)
    Fuel Cans for/ with gasoline.  50 gallons
    Generator
    Tire Repair Kit
    Hard Candy ( can give you a boost of energy and a boost to your moral)
    Money ( Putting a $50 and a $100 in you kit might come in useful some day)
    Pet Supplies (if needed)

Tropical Storm SANDY

Tropical Storm SANDY
Thursday, October 25, 2012 17:30:00 UTC

Government Forecasters Warn of 'Frankenstorm'...
http://www.hpc.ncep.noaa.gov/discussions/hpcdiscussions.php?disc=pmdepd

TROP STORM WARNINGS: FLORIDA..
.http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/storm_graphics/AT18/refresh/AL1812W5_NL+gif/204249W5_NL_sm.gif

Computer Models...
http://icons.wunderground.com/data/images/at201218_ensmodel.gif

Threat for mid-Atlantic, Northeast from hurricane Sandy...
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capital-weather-gang/post/mega-storm-threat-growing-for-mid-atlantic-and-northeast-early-next-week-from-sandy/2012/10/24/0b7f1148-1e06-11e2-9cd5-b55c38388962_blog.html

BIG WINDS, BIG RAINS FOR NYC?


Extraordinary Circumstances Needed for Historic Storm...
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/extradinary-circumstances-need/618156

Ultimate QRSS Transmitter Kit

The ultimate QRSS Transmitter Kit is produced by Steve G0XAR and Hans G0UPL in 30, 40 and 80m versions. The kit contains the PCB, LCD, programmed micro controller and all board-mounted components. Download the instruction manual using the link above. The PCB is quite compact and moderate care is required in the construction. A rich array of functionality is provided by the design; please read the instruction manual to understand the facilities provided. Builder modifications will be shown on this page as they are developed!

Note for WSPR users: the 30m kit has a 10.140MHz crystal which is suitable for either the QRSS sub-band or the WSPR frequency. Therefore on 30m the kit can be used as a standalone WSPR transmitter. On other bands you may need to supply a suitable crystal for the WSPR frequency on that band. Alternatively you could use this kit in the AF output mode, fed into a conventional SSB transmitter set to the frequency of your choice.

The kit supports the following modes:

• QRSS mode (plain on/off keyed slow CW)
• FSK/CW mode (frequency shift keyed slow CW)
• DFCW mode (dual frequency CW)
• WSPR mode (Weak Signal Propagation Reporter)
• Slow-Hellschreiber (frequency shifted slow-Hell)
• Full-speed Hellshreiber
• Half-speed (“DX”) Hellshreiber
• CW (plain CW)
• Customisable FSK patterns

Other features:

• 24-character LCD + two-button user interface
• User-programmable (callsign, message, speed, FSK, mode, etc.), settings stored in EEPROM
• GPS interface, for locking the frequency in slow-speed modes
• On-chip generation of WSPR encoded message (no PC required)
• WSPR maidenhead locator can be generated from GPS-derived latitude/longitude
• Selectable “frame” size, for stacked QRSS reception
• Plain CW callsign identifier at selectable interval
• Produces 150mW RF output, or AF output for driving an SSB transceiver
• Higher output power by additional PA transistor and/or higher PA supply voltage

 For more info; Click Here
http://www.hanssummers.com/qrsskitmm.html

The MST (Minimalist Sideband Transceiver)

The MST (Minimalist Sideband Transceiver) is an easy to build and fun to use single sideband QRP transceiver for the 40M or 80M amateur bands. The MST transceiver follows a minimalist design making it inexpensive and simple to build yet still delivering excellent performance and being a pleasure to operate.

The MST PCB contains a complete transceiver except for a VFO. You can add a VFO of your own, as long as it has the correct frequency range and drive level, but to obtain best results it should be used with the companion DDS VFO. The DDS VFO offers drift free performance and features a clear backlit LCD display, selectable frequency steps and programmable IF offset.
MST Features:
1.Complete SSB transceiver on a single PCB (just add a VFO).
2. Superhet receiver using a 4 pole 10MHz crystal filter.
3. 5W PEP minimum power output using a rugged power MOSFET output stage.
4. Unwanted sideband suppression is typically 40dB.
5. All spurious transmit outputs below -45dBc.
6. AF and microphone gain controls.
7. Easy to adjust and set up.
8. Front panel LED transmit power and modulation indicator.
9. Plenty of audio output to drive a loudspeaker.
10. High quality double sided PCB with ground-plane, solder mask and silk screen.
11. Simple and easy to build using all through hole components.
12. No complicated coil winding required. Uses inexpensive commercial coil assemblies for tuned circuits.

DDS VFO Features:
1. Stable frequency no more drift!
2. Simple to operate using a single rotary encoder control with press button switch.
3. Bright 16 character by 2 line LCD display. Can be used with non-backlight display to reduce current consumption.
4. Output frequency range of 1MHz to 10MHz.
5. Selectable 1KHz, 100Hz or 10Hz frequency steps.
6. Tuning lock control.
7. Displays power supply voltage.
8. Programmable IF frequency. Ensures the displayed frequency is the same as the transmitted frequency.
9. Programmable IF offsets: Minus, Plus, None.
10. Draws only 80mA at 13.8V DC (with LCD backlight).
11. Spurious outputs at least -45dB.
12. Typically 300mV pk-pk sine wave output.
13. High quality double sided PCB with ground plane, plated through holes, solder mask and silk screen.
14. Simple and easy to build using through hole components apart from one SMD chip. To assist constructors the PCB comes shipped with the SMD chip already installed.




Reviewing and testing the ozQRP.com MST400 40m SSB QRP transceiver kit. Link http://www.ozqrp.com/index.html

Airlink Express Digital Mode Software

Airlink Express is a user friendly digital mode software package for the Amateur Radio Operator. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows Vista, and Microsoft Windows 7. It offers PSK, MFSK and RTTY digital modes with logging and macro capabilities. If you have ever used the Digipan software you will be immediately familiar with Airlink Express.
With the release of Windows Vista and Windows 7, Microsoft introduced a new sound architecture. Airlink Express is developed to support this new sound architecture, yet it maintains complete backward compatibility with Windows XP. Airlink Express brings back the familiar volume slider interface you’ve become used to from older Windows versions.
The DSP engine used in Airlink Express is MMVari by Makoto Mori, JE3HHT. This engine is very flexible and decodes as well, if not better, than any other soundcard mode engine currently available. It is used by many other software products like Logger32 and the N1MM contest logger.
FEATURES
These are just some of the features available in Airlink Express:
Automatic Multi Channel Display with PSKReporter capability
Country, Continent, Distance and Bearing Information
PSK, QPSK, MFSK and RTTY
Radio Control (CAT)
Center Bandpass Tuning
True FSK Keying
Macros
Bandpass Filters
Logging with ADIF Import and Export
Replay Last 60, 30, or 15 Seconds
Error free sending and receiving text and binary files (using ARQ)

Airlink Home Page; Click here
http://www.airlinkexpress.org/index.html

Download version 2.5.2.732

KATSUMI EK-160 Electronic Keyer / Paddle

The EK160  Electronic Keyer / Paddle is a commercial grade electronic keyer with a precision dual paddle built in.

Terminals are provided for connecting a paddle and/or bug or straight key (to use the keyer as an oscillator and to buffer the keying of a transmitter via the relay).  The keyer itself will function in "bug" (semi-automatic) mode at the flip of the front panel switch.

Speed setting is done via a front-panel control which is calibrated in characters per minute (5cpm = 1wpm, approximately ).

The adjustable paddles are switch - reversable for left-handed operators, and the contact spacing is easily adjusted on the front panel.   Iambic keying features full dot and dash memories. The weighting ("code ratio" can be adjusted from 1:3 to about 1:4.  There's a built in monitor with volume control on the front panel and pitch control on the back,  and a jack for headphones or external speaker (8 Ohms, 300mW).

Built-in high-speed reed relay supports negative-keyed rigs  with up to 280VDC and 2A on the key line, or use JFET keying for transistor-keyed +V rigs and save wear and tear on the relay..

Specifications:
Speed range: 6-50wp,
Keying circuit:  reed relay or JFET
Power Source:  110VAC  o r 220VAC
Size/Weight:  9x4x2.5in,  2 Lbs,  12 Oz.

for Link; Click Here
http://www.mtechnologies.com/katsumi/

Sky Sat Communications of Montenegro & InnovAntennas

Sky Sat Communications of Montenegro appoints InnovAntennas Exclusive Distributor for its Advanced Contest Solutions Product Line in the North American and United Kingdom Markets
Sky Sat Communications, founded by internationally renown amateur radio contester Ranko Boca, 4O3A, today announced the appointment of InnovAntennas as exclusive distributor of its Advanced Contest Solutions line of ultra high performance Filters, Switches and Automation & Control Devices that ‘no serious shack should be without’ for the North American and United Kingdom markets with immediate effect.
The Sky Sat 4O3A product line is the result of many years of contest winning experience and development. The pitfalls of under performing mainstream products have been overcome to provide high-performing products giving serious contesters––and DXers––trouble-free functionality to ensure the points––and new DXCCs––keep racking up! In two short years Sky Sat’s customer base has expanded to include many of the world’s leading contesters and contest stations including 4O3A, OH8X, ES5TV, PY5EG, S51A, WX3B, YT3M, DR1A, LZ9W, LX8I, K3WW, UA3AB, S52X, CR2X, II9P, et al.
Sky Sat’s CEO Ranko Boca, 4O3A said “I have been looking for the right partners to expand Sky Sat’s reach into North America and the United Kingdom for some time and was delighted to discover that InnovAntennas, with operations on both sides of the Atlantic, could cover both markets. InnovAntennas fully understand the needs of contesters and DXers, the amateur radio world’s most demanding customers, and are well suited to provide sales and support for our products.”
InnovAntennas is now stocking and supporting the Sky Sat 4O3A filter products and will be making available the balance of the product line during the second half of 2012. Available immediately are the High Power 5-pole and 3-pole Monoband Band Pass Filters (Series S & Series L) for the HF contest bands: 80m, 40m, 20m, 15m and 10m, and the High Power HF Triplexer/Combiner. Stations using Tribander antennas to cover 20m, 15m and 10m can use the High Power HF Triplexer/Combiner in combination with Series S filters to operate simultaneously with a high level of isolation on all three bands with multiple transceivers sharing the same antenna – perfect for serious contest efforts from home, Field Day and DXpeditions. All 4O3A filters, including the Triplexer/Combiner, are rated for full legal power at high duty cycle modes such as RTTY.
InnovAntennas America co-founder & executive chairman William Hein said “InnovAntennas strives to sell only the absolute best, no compromise antennas and accessories and have found a kindred spirit in Ranko, 4O3A. My new personal contest station in Colorado is being designed around 4O3A-designed products in the shack and of course our own InnovAntennas products in the air. We look forward to a long, productive relationship with Sky Sat and can’t wait to see what comes next out of Ranko’s lab!”
About Sky Sat Communications
Ranko Boca, 4O3A, founded Sky Sat Communications, a producer of digital and analog transmitters for commercial TV and FM broadcasters as well as custom telecom products for a global market, in 1990.
Unsatisfied with the performance and quality of performance products made for hams, Boca and Sky Sat launched a Ham Radio Department in 2010. Boca (ex-YU6AD, YT6AA, YT6A) married his decades of hands on contest experience with the latest technology to create unique, ultra-high performance products designed and manufactured without comprise for the amateur radio world’s most demanding users: contesters and DXers.
About InnovAntennas
Justin Johnson, G0KSC, launched InnovAntennas, Ltd. in 2011 after his antenna designing hobby led to a flood of requests to “please make one for me” from amateur radio operators who recognized that Johnson’s designs outperformed anything they could buy from a store. InnovAntennas America, Inc. was launched in January 2012 by William Hein, AA7XT and is based in Glade Park, Colorado. The company’s antennas and accessories are available directly via InnovAntennas.us (for North America), InnovAntennas.com (for the rest of the world) and via a worldwide dealer network.

More info here
http://www.4o3a.com/index.php/products

Heil USBQ Microphone Preamp

The Heil USBQ Microphone Preamp w/ USB Out brings professional quality, low noise microphone preamplification complete with two band shelving equalization, on-board headphone amplifier and D/A converter in a compact, portable package. Not just an adapter, but a true single channel mic preamp complete with balanced XLR input mic level, switchable phantom power, Bass and Treble controls and adjustable headphone output level. The Heil USBQ is ideal for professional recording, commercial broadcasts and communicating over the internet. No batteries, just plug into USB and enjoy.
Heil USBQ Microphone Preamp w/ USB Out Features

• Low noise pre amp with 16 bit up to 48 kHz sample rates.
• Frequency Response 20 Hz. – 20,000 kHz.
• Equalization + or – 12 dB Bass center 80 Hz, + or – 12 dB Treble center at 8 kHz
• +48 volt Phantom switch
• +40 dB adjustable microphone gain
• Headphone amplifier 60 mW into 32 ohms
• 1.2 kHz. Input Impedance
• 4 3/4″ long, 1″ diameter anodized aluminum case
• Comes to you with USB cable

Price: $79.95 USD
Link

73

"The best number is 73. Why? 73 is the 21st prime number. Its mirror (37) is the 12th and its mirror (21) is the product of multiplying, 7 and 3. In binary, 73 is a palindrome, 1001001 which backwards is 1001001." Amateur Radio Operators often use the number 73 as an abbreviation for "best regards", typically when ending a QSO (a conversation with another Amateur Radio Operator).

YAESU HF/VHF/UHF Transceiver FT-898A

Just Photo published. No more information yet. Stay tuned.
I only received this picture in an e-mail~No info yet.
Looks cool to me though~

Mountain Man of Amateur Radio.

West Michigan's Amateur Radio Mountain Man
KD8BIG- Mark Strait