Author Archives: admin

I’m Learning Morse Code

Posted on by

As you may (or may not) have read earlier in my blog, I have started an Amateur Radio Foundation License course. As part of it there is a Morse Assessment which so far scares the bejesus out of me, so I looked at AC6V.com Morse pages for help.

Most of the links contain software for Mac or PC which meant I could only use on one or other of my Machine. But the link I liked was the A beginners’ course in Morse which you can run from your browser or download package to run locally. There is also a French (Français) version.

So far though I am still on day one, but am getting more confident with those letters (A, E, R, N, T, I).

Foundation Training

Posted on by

CQ CQ CQ Gadget17 has made his first radio message at the WARG. As we were with the trainer it was to practice the initial call. I also got my first QSL card.

During the evening there were only 2 of us training (the other guy works as a pilot for a major airline). We practiced some radio etiquette on PMR radio’s, setting up a radio (to a power supply, antenna amplifier, antenna, and mic).

We then had a break from the training while club members discussed an event they will be marshalling in April.

Then we got to use a big Icom radio in which we were shown how to tune an ATU (Antenna Tuning Unit) on SSB (Single Side Band) then tuning the radio itself. Was a revelation when I got a hit on someone broadcasting and managed to (with some help) get the person’s Amateur License call-sign.

The only downside with WARG is that it’s quite a distance from Sutton. I had to get a bus and 2 trains to Whitton. I must say though that the club seems a friendly affair and it’s a shame will only be able to go there due to distance for the Foundation License training.

qso001.gif

Foundation License Here I Come

Posted on by

After sending numerous e-mails to Amateur Radio Clubs I have finally had 2 come back offering courses. After confirming my details to both, I have finally got a start date and amazingly it’s tomorrow.

The Whitton Amateur Radio Group is a fair distance away, but I think will be worth it as my local Radio club (The Sutton And Cheam Radio Society) cannot offer the course.

I have been swotting up by reading my Foundation Licence – Now (See Bottom of Page), and shall take to work to swot up some more.

Morse Code Software

Posted on by

Update:- Finally a program is available Here

Was chatting in the Mobitopia chat room earlier today and I mentioned the fact I am aiming to do and get an Amateur Radio license.

For part of the Amateur License there is a Morse Code part. What I want is a program for my phone so I can practise Morse Code.

  • Some of the features could include:-
    • Left/Right soft keys for Dots and Dashes (Dits and Dahs)
    • Alternative text input (i.e. for Txt Msgs)
    • Game mode to practice letters with increasing difficulty
    • Variable speed (XX WPM (words per minute))
    • Variable letter length (0-30secs to practise for ShortWave)
    • When in background plays pressed letters as Morse

It possible this will never get made, but I have to at least put the idea out so if anybody does see potential in this, it may get created.

Amateur Radio Books

Posted on by

Today my Granddad visited and brought with him some books he said he would get for me.

The books are for the Amateur Radio courses, but I have had little luck so far in finding somewhere near me that does the courses. I will be attending the SCRS next week, and hope that they will know somewhere locally.

The Books, “Foundation Licence Now!” (Alan Betts (G0HIQ)) and “Intermediate Licence – Building on the Foundation” (Steve Hartley (G0FUW)), are available from RSGB (Radio Society of Great Britain). Amateur Radio Training can be obtained Directly From Here