Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Coalition Pushes FCC to Reclaim at least 120 MHZ of Broadcast Spectrum

The coalition of broadcasters willing to sell spectrum
rights has grown to 39 major market stations.  This
according to comments filed to the FCC by the Expanding
Opportunities for Broadcasters Coalition.  The trade group
also wants the regulatory agency to make the auction as
attractive as possible by not limiting wireless bidders or
which stations can share spectrum.

The coalition was formed because the principal broadcast
trade association, the National Association of Broadcasters,
is focusing on making sure the auctions hold harmless
broadcasters who are not selling and want to remain in the
business.  The coalition members don't have to identify
themselves publicly because of the obvious competitive and
operational issues related to publicizing their willingness
to sell.  However they are reportedly pushing the FCC to
reclaim at least 120 MHz of spectrum.

The deadline for comments on the FCC's framework for
broadcast incentive auctions was  January 25th.  Reply
comments are due in March.
 
Coalition Pushes FCC to Reclaim at least 120 MHZ
of Broadcast Spectrum 

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Stealth ST-940B Mobile HF NVIS Magnetic Loop Antenna

The Stealth ST-940B Mobile HF NVIS Magnetic Loop Antenna has been developed to address the emerging need to reduce the visibility of vehicles fitted with traditional HF antenna systems. Earlier, the presence of large HF Whip or auto tune vehicular antenna used to make vehicles an easy target But, the unique design of the ST-940B provides for a hidden, almost undetectable presence of en efficient antenna system on the vehicle, which is camouflaged by shaping it as a regular luggage roof rack.
The highly efficient auto tune antenna radiates with an almost vertical take-off angle. It provides reliable communication within distances that are traditionally affected by skip zones created by the radiation pattern of non-NVIS antennas.
A closed H/Q loop circuitry ensures significant increase in transmitting end receiving power as well as reception immunity to ignition and industrial noise. Compared with the traditional whip-type vehicle antennas, the ST-940B gives an additional 9dB of omni-directional gain, even in regions with poor soil conductivity. As a result, the overall performance of the entire vehicular HF installation is now much higher than other vehicle antenna systems.
The NVIS Mobile loop ST-940B antenna is skillfully modeled with extensive use of NEC CAD software. The roof rack has been meticulously designed to become an integral part of the antenna system rather than building the antenna around a random rack. The fully functional roof rack can also be used for carrying almost any kind of cargo, except fuel and light flammables.
The all-welded lightweight aluminum construction of the ST-940B HF Mobile antenna provides physical strength, excellent tuning point stability and protects the mechanical parts of the antenna from damage. Made to the highest quality standards and with extensive knowledge of materials, the construction is free of environmental problems such as corrosion due to dissimilar metal joints, UV degrading, low temperature cracking and dehermetization.
The shock-sensitive components of the system are protected by aircraft-type shock absorbing vibroframe. The micro-processor controlled interface of the Stealth ST-940B allows for flexibility in connection with any type of mobile HF transceiver.

Features:
  • Power Rating – The antenna is rated for a maximum RF power of 150W PEP.
  • Fully Automatic Operation – The motorized folding loop can change its position within seconds from inside the moving vehicle at any time. The antenna is designed so that it normally operates when the hinged loop is raised. However to support ALE/CALM and other networking functions of modern transceivers, the antenna can work for reception even when the loop is folded down. This feature allows for the vehicle to maintain a “hidden look” till transmission is required.
  • Multipurpose Graphic Remote Control – The rugged construction of the antenna remote control unit allows control and observation of the current antenna position and tuning parameters, through large, easily readable mnemonic symbols and messages on the bright OLED display that is installed on the vehicle’s dashboard.
  • Intelligently Designed User Interface – It allows customers to change warning sound signals as well as provides computerized access for radio technicians to the system parameter settings and diagnostics.
  • Easy Installation and Operation – The Antenna is easily installable on the hard roof of vehicles, end both installation & operation does not require highly qualified radio personnel.

More Info; Click Here
http://www.stealth-tele.com/plugins/custompages/detinf.php?id=372&id_categories=156



Tuesday, January 15, 2013

Night of Nights 10

This is a real cool video~
One day I might be half as good at sending CW~
Hat Tip to my Friend & Elmer, Bill (N8AM) for sharing this with me.



Video of 'DA', also known as Denice Stoops, the first female telegrapher who worked at KPH until the end of commercial morse operations and closure of the station in 1998.

Denice is seen here sending the closing transmissions of the MRHS (see them at www.radiomarine.org ) Night of Nights 10. Each year (in this case exactly 10 years) to the minute, that commercial morse operations ceased in the United States, former RCA shore station KPH comes alive to pay tribute to those who came before us to honor their skill and talents. Many other maritime shore stations and vessels join in, and thousands of people all over the world tune in each year to pay tribute, and copy the CW 'music' once again commanding the airwaves.

This video was shot in the control room at the KPH, KSM, KFS transmitter site and brought to a close Night of Nights X. The KPH 'wheel' is being sent in the beginning of the video before transmitter supervisor Steve Hawes 'pulls the plug' and connects DA's chrome Vibroplex bug to the panel to key all the transmitters at once. The whole building is electrified by the transmitters and the spirit of the men (and women) that were the only connection between those at sea and the world. It is an emotional experience to be part of such an event.

Friday, January 11, 2013

Kewl Mobile Antenna

I know nothing about this photo, it was sent via e-mail with a tag for Ham Radio News. I thought it was Kewl~

Log4Om version 1.11.4 Released

Log4Om is a fast and simple software developed in C# for complete ham radio station management.

Some of the key functions are:
  • Interfaced with QRZ.COM e HAMQTH.COM for rapid search and QSO data enhancements (massive update supported).
  • Innovative graphic DX Cluster management, with SPOT real time view on world map and auto tuning of the radio with CAT support.
  • Super Cluster: An alternative cluster based on online data sent by users to HRDLog.net
  • MySQL support for large databases and multi operator operations.
  • CAT support for numerous radios, through HAMLIB and OMNIRIG
  • Cluster integrated with propagation informations by HRDLog.net
  • ADIF import and ADIF / Excel (csv) / PDF export of log
  • Integrated with E-QSL, LOTW, ClubLog and HRDLog.net.
  • Fast and simple forms for help OM’s to write old good paper QSL with ease.
  • Complete log searching features, Log4Om enables the OM to update offline the QSO with updated informations.
  • Optimized for “paper to electronic” log conversion, with features that drammatically speeds up the speed of inserting QSO (auto-time functions with predefined QSO separations, automatically set timings for fast pile-up management)
  • Language selectable English and Italian
  • Complete label print feature— — —
        For more info and images click HERE
http://www.pisto.it/wordpress/log4om-en/

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Standard C-50D

Type: Amateur VHF/UHF transceiver
Frequency range: 144-146 / 430-440 MHz (10 m/50 W (CRF-081D) or 23 cm/10 W (CRF-301) options)
(5/10/12.5/20/25/50/100 KHz and 1 MHz steps)
Mode: FM
RF Power output: Hi: 50/40 W / Mid: 5/5 W / Lo: 1/1 W
Receiver system: 2 m/70 cm: Dual-conversion superheterodyne
1st IF: 21.8 MHz (2 m), 47.05 MHz (70 cm)
2nd IF: 455 KHz (2 m/70 cm)
Sensitivity: 0.16 uV (12 dB SINAD)
Selectivity: 12 KHz (-6 dB), 24 KHz (-60 dB)
Image rejection: 2 m: 65 dB
70 cm: 60 dB
Voltage: 13.8 VDC or mains
Current drain: RX: 1.3 A
TX: Max 12 A
Impedance: 50 ohms
Dimensions (W*H*D): 362*109*365 mm
Weight: 11.5 Kg
Manufactured: Japan, 1991-199x
Other: Remote control. 33 memories. CTCSS and DTMF options.
Related documents: PA modules: S-AV17 (2 m), M57788M (70 cm)

Thursday, December 20, 2012

10 Post-Apocalyptic Foods

*Canned or dried beans-Shelf-life: 30+ years
Kidney, pinto, black, or Lima — take your pick. Beans are the ultimate survival food because they're high in protein, easy to store, and come in many different varieties.
When combined with rice (another survival food) beans form a complete protein. That means the meal contains all of the nine essential amino acids to support your body. 

*Hard liquor-Shelf-life: Indefinite
In a time of crisis, alcohol is a must-have.
Unopened bottles of hard liquor like vodka, whiskey, and rum don't really go bad, though they may lose some of their "kick" as the years pass. Be careful about leaving them out in the sun though.
This is one of the more expensive items to have in your survival cupboard, but it has many practical uses besides drinking, like cleaning wounds. Having it available for a post-apocalyptic party doesn't hurt either.

*Honey- Shelf-life: Indefinite
Honey may crystallize over time, resulting in a heap of thick, sugary gunk at the bottom of containers, but in terms of safety, the golden liquid is practically immortal.
Honey can last for centuries if stored in a sealed jar, according to the National Honey Board.
Though it doesn't pack the same nutritional value (in terms of vitamins and minerals) as other foods, honey can add extra flavor to food, provide simple sugars, and can also be used to treat wounds and burns.
   Honey helps wounds in several ways. Its thickness provides a protective barrier. The hydrogen peroxide it contains is released slowly, killing germs in the wound. Some asyetunknown ingredients reduce inflammation, while others, perhaps amino acids and vitamin C, speed the growth of healthy tissue. Honey even makes wounds smell better, possibly because when bacteria in wounds eat honeys sugars, they give off sweetersmelling gases.

*Meals, Ready to Eat- Shelf-life: 5+ years
Commonly known as MREs, these pre-packaged meals have been sustaining American troops on the battlefield since 1981. Each foil pouch, which can be easily carried, prepared, and eaten, contains about 1,200 calories.
It's not just standard meat and potato dishes either. There are a wide range of entrees to choose from, including beef brisket, lemon pepper tuna, and vegetable lasagna for plant-eating preppers.
Depending on storing conditions, an MRE bag can stay fresh for up to five years. If you're less concerned about flavor, the pocket-size army grub can hold up for more than a decade. 

*Peanut Butter-Shelf-life: 2-5 years
Creamy, chunky, or organic, peanut butter is a cupboard mainstay for many Americans. Kept in low humidity the thick spread will last for quite some time. A high amount of Vitamin E prevents peanut butter from spoiling.
This is the one situation where you'll want to stay away from the all-natural stuff, which requires refrigeration because it does not contain preservatives.

*Pemmican-Shelf-life: Indefinite
Invented by Native Americans, pemmican was traditionally made from the lean meat of large game like buffalo, elk, or deer. The meat was dried over an open fire, mixed with fat, and pressed into little cakes. Sometimes berries were tossed in for extra flavor.
Pemmican makes the perfect survival treat because they're easy to make (there are only three basic ingredients), it's a good source of energy and protein, and it does not have to be refrigerated, cooked or heated.

Today, US Wellness Meats (http://www.grasslandbeef.com/StoreFront.bok) in Missouri makes packaged beef pemmican snack sticks and bars, which they say last up to two years in the freezer. 
Here's a recipe for homemade pemmican — for when your post-apocalyptic-self butchers an elk — which can supposedly last forever. 

Pemmican consists of lean, dried meat (usually beef nowadays, but bison, deer, and elk were common then) which is crushed to a powder and mixed with an equal amount of hot, rendered fat (usually beef tallow). Sometimes crushed, dried berries are added as well. A man could subsist entirely on pemmican, drawing on the fat for energy and the protein for strength (and glucose, when needed). The Inuit, Stefansson noted, spent weeks away from camp with nothing but pemmican to eat and snow to drink to no ill effect. Stefansson, a Canadian of Icelandic origin, often accompanied them on these treks and also lived off of pemmican quite happily, so its sustaining powers weren’t due to some specific genetic adaptation unique to the Inuit. In fact, when Stefansson returned home, he and colleague adopted a meat-only diet for a year, interested in its long-term effects. A controlled examination of their experience confirmed that both men remained healthy throughout.
So, pemmican has a reputation as a sort of superfood. While I’m usually leery of such claims, the fact that the stuff is essentially pure fat and protein (plus Stefansson’s accounts) made me think that maybe there was something to it. I set out to make my own batch.
I got about a pound and a half of lean, grass-fed shoulder roast, let it firm up in the freezer, then sliced it thin. After adding liberal amounts of salt and pepper, I set the oven to the lowest possible temperature (around 150 degrees) and laid out the strips of meat directly onto the rack. I cracked the oven door to prevent moisture buildup. At this point, I also put a handful of frozen wild blueberries on a small oven pan to dry out with the meat.

I let the meat dry out for about fifteen hours, or until it was crispy jerky that broke apart easily. I tossed the jerky in the food processor until it was powder. After the meat, in went the blueberries to process. Again, you want a powder.

Now I was ready to render some fat. I used grass-fed bison kidney fat, which was already diced into tiny pieces. I put about half a pound of that into a cast iron pan and cooked it slowly over super-low heat.

I made sure to stir the fat as it rendered out, and watched closely so that it wouldn’t burn. When the fat stops bubbling, the rendering is done.

Use a strainer to avoid all the crispy bits; you just want the pure, liquid fat.

Mix the meat and berry powder together, then slowly add the hot liquid fat. Pour just enough so that the fat soaks into the powder.

I think I poured too much too quickly, so I added a bit of almond meal to firm it up. Let it firm up, then cut it into squares or roll it into a ball. I went with a ball.

Pemmican will keep almost forever. Pure, dried protein and rendered (mostly saturated) fat are highly stable, so I wouldn’t worry about it going rancid. If it does, you’ll know.
Now, my pemmican wasn’t exactly delicious. In fact, it tasted a bit like bland dog food. Maybe I’ll jazz it up next time with some more salt and spices, but I don’t think pemmican is meant to be eaten for pleasure. This is utilitarian food, perfect for long treks through the wilderness. It gets the job done, and I’ll probably make it again. It definitely doesn’t taste bad; in fact, the taste grows on you after awhile.
My dog certainly enjoyed cleaning up the bowl.

*Powdered milk-Shelf life: Indefinite
Powdered milk is a mainstay of fallout shelters and food aid supplies when fresh milk isn't available. The dried stuff many not be very appealing, but it pretty much lasts forever and is useful for cooking and baking.
It's also easy to tell if the product has gone bad. If your powdered milk turns yellow, it's time to toss it.

*Ramen noodles-Shelf-life: 10+ years
The Japanese noodle is filling, easy to prepare, and light-weight. Some college kids even live on these squiggly pastas for years.
It makes sense: The dried bricks come with different-flavored packets and can be purchased for as little as 16 cents a pack. Mixed with some dehydrated vegetables, the noodles can make a nice meal.

*Rice-Shelf-life: 25+ years
Rice has long been a main food source for more than half of the world population. The hearty grain will continue to keep humanity strong and well-fed in the event of a disaster. 
Rice is also dirt cheap, comes in many types, and is easy to prepare.

*Twinkie-Shelf-life: 30 years
We're hopeful you scooped up a good amount of Twinkie boxes after Hostess announced plans to shut down its baking operations back in November.
The iconic golden snack cake may not be the most health-conscious munchy to bulk stock — it's mostly fat and sugar — but we figure when times get tough, the tough turn to junk food.
Though Hostess contends that the little cake's shelf-life is closer to 25 days, a science teacher from Maine once told the Associated Press that he harbored a Twinkie in his classroom for 30 years and despite being a little stale, it was probably still good enough to eat.


Friday, December 14, 2012

MX-P50A- A HF Power Amplifier for QRP Transceivers




MX-P50A hf power amplifier for QRP transceivers. Can be used both as a base and mobile unit, Extremely Small Compact and light weight, Full integration with the FT-817 using the supplied interface cable.
The amplifier incorporates various protection circuits such as high VOLTAGE,front mounted LED display.
This amplifier can be successfully used with other QRP rigs such as the ICOM IC-703(and Elecraft KX3), though automatic band switching will not be available and the band must be manually selected via the front band select switch.
Specifications:
Frequency (Band) Range : 80m 40m 20m-17m 15m-10m
Operating Modes : SSB CW AM RTTY and FM-Reduced duty cycle
Rf input : 5W
Out power : 50/60W
Band mode : AUTO/Manual
Power requirement : 13.8V 8A,(Cable Color Polarity Ж RED “+” BLACK “-”)
Cooling method:passive air cooling
Antenna connector : SO-239 50Ω
Size : 15/13/5 (cm) D/W/H
Weight : 1.2KG
Package list:
1x MX-P50A
1x Power cord
1x for FT-817ND ACC control cable
Price: $140 USD

source
http://www.12got.com/product/10805156121/MX-P50A+FT-817+IC-703+HF+amplifier+KX3+shortwave+shortwave+power+amplifier+power+amplifier




Thursday, December 13, 2012

100 Years of Amateur Radio

December 13, 2012 marks the centennial anniversary of perhaps the the most important event in amateur radio history in the USA. The Radio Law of 1912, passed in August 1912 became effective on December 13, 1912. Radio schools at naval yards and army posts were crowded with amateurs of all levels of experience to get a license from the Department of Commerce.

Irving Vermilya, 1HAA, later W1ZE, became the first licensed amateur in the USA being issued Certificate of Skill #1 and is known for all time as Amateur Number One. A number of other amateurs followed suit and rather than seeing amateur radio die out as the Law's authors obviously intended, amateur radio began to flourish with a combination of adopting new technology (Edwin H. Armstrong invented the regenerative receiver in September 1912) for reception and later transmitting (CW emissions became feasible after the World War) along with organizing message relay routes. Amateurs led the way finding that the wavelengths shorter than 200 meters were not useless through the new technologies and, by the early 1920s, a declining solar cycle that enabled communications not only for transcontinental paths, but intercontinental as well.

A century later we enjoy this hobby of amateur radio precisely due to the unintended consequence of a law designed to kill amateur radio that did not state its intention exactly and instead allowed it to live and thrive for 15 years! In 1927 more comprehensive radio legislation was enacted and in 1934 the Communications Act created the FCC that we know today.

For more information visit the United States Early Radio History site by Thomas H. White. Thomas' site is not limited to amateur radio, however, and is quite comprehensive on a lot of radio topics. The ARRL publication, 200 Meters and Down by Clinton B. Desoto documents much of the early amateur radio history. An article by David Newkirk, ex WJ1Z, now W9VES, The Coming of The Law (available to ARRL members), published in the November 1993 issue of QST also documents the forces behind the enactment of the Radio Law of 1912 and how radio amateurs responded to it. The December 2012 issue of CQ has The Radio Act of 1912: A Century of Radio Regulation and Licensing by Rich Moseson, W2VU, providing another perspective on this red letter day. Certainly, more articles on this topic have been published over the years and make for good reading.

As of December 13, 2012 amateur radio will officially be 100 years old complete with examinations and licenses. Happy anniversary!

http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?371663-A-century-of-amateur-radio-licensing-December-13-2012&highlight=1912
__._,_.___

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

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~

Sunday, November 4, 2012

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

Friday, November 2, 2012

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)

My Stamp Collecting Blog

Counter Added January 1, 2011

free counters

HOW TO READ PROPAGATION NUMBERS

The A index [ LOW is GOOD ]

  • 1 to 6 is BEST
  • 7 to 9 is OK
  • 11 or more is BAD

Represents the overall geomagnetic condition of the ionosphere ("Ap" if averaged from the Kp-Index) (an average of the eight 3-hour K-Indices) ('A' referring to amplitude) over a given 24 hour period, ranging (linearly) typically from 1-100 but theoretically up to 400.

A lower A-Index generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; a low & steady Ap-Index generally suggest good propagation on the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

SFI index [ HIGH is GOOD ]

  • 70 NOT GOOD
  • 80 GOOD
  • 90 BETTER
  • 100+ BEST

The measure of total radio emissions from the sun at 10.7cm (2800 MHz), on a scale of 60 (no sunspots) to 300, generally corresponding to the sunspot level, but being too low in energy to cause ionization, not related to the ionization level of the Ionosphere.

Higher Solar Flux generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; Solar Flux rarely affects the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

K index [ LOW is GOOD ]

  • 0 or 1 is BEST
  • 2 is OK
  • 3 or more is BAD
  • 5 is VERY VERY BAD

The overall geomagnetic condition of the ionosphere ("Kp" if averaged over the planet) over the past 3 hours, measured by 13 magnetometers between 46 & 63 degrees of latitude, and ranging quasi-logarithmically from 0-9. Designed to detect solar particle radiation by its magnetic effect. A higher K-index generally means worse HF conditions.

A lower K-Index generally suggests better propagation on the 10, 12, 15, 17, & 20 Meter Bands; a low & steady Kp-Index generally suggest good propagation on the 30, 40, 60, 80, & 160 Meter Bands.

Terms of Service

[In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit, for research and/or educational purposes. This constitutes 'FAIR USE' of any such copyrighted material.]
I am not responsible for any thing that happens to your mental health, computer and all personal property because you visited my site.
This site is a collection of some things sent to me by e-mail, obtained from other blogs and the internet. If there is a picture or quote that is copyrighted to you let me know and I will remove your item .
Thoughts expressed in my blog are just that . I give My Opinion on the many events, products and how too, reported by the media and other web-sites.
Do not use this blog site to obtain weather events or disasters information. What I post may not be correct. Always get information from the proper media, weather (NWS)(NOAA)
Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and USGS sites