Show Notes

• Status of Everything

• OHB — Open HamClock Backend

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/KI (github)

• The Digital Age Assurance Act

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/KJ (legiscan)
  • Colorado’s Bill: https://lhs.fyi/KK (Colorado.gov)
  • MidnightBSD’s Statement: Until we have a better plan, we modified our license to exclude residents of California from using MidnightBSD for desktop use, effective January 1, 2027. https://lhs.fyi/KL (X / FKA Twitter)

• Ubuntu 26.04 LTS - sudo shows password length

  • Source: https://lhs.fyi/KM (OMG Ubuntu)

• Gridtracker 2 having some auto-update issues

  • (From the groups.io mailing list on 2/26)

• Announcements

  • Thank you to our Patreons!
    • W4DPE
    • Poul Kongstad
    • Eyegor
    • JohnnyK
    • Brad
    • Chuck Hailbronner
    • Rodney Underkoffler
    • joel brower
    • Ken Betenia
    • John Julian
    • Sterling (NØSSC)
    • Raymond W Ritch
    • Hy Chantz
    • KB7YS
    • Reginald Addo
    • Steve Anness
    • Gary Tibbetts AE1TG
    • Douglas Shock
    • K6GTE Mike
    • Robert
    • K5PDC
    • David Jaquay
    • CubicleNate
    • Steve Metcalf
    • BikeMe
    • Paul Griffith
    • Donald Gover
  • Podcasting 2.0 Options
  • Old Store Closed - Reviewing Options for Merch (currently have creator spring/tee spring shop)

• Live Chat Participants

  • Tucker KJ5NIT
  • Don KB2YSI

1. Open HamClock

• Feature-rich: Offers extensive customization and configuration.
• Spotting Control: Ability to turn off spotting to de-clutter the map.
• Setup: Easy setup process; remembers your preferences if saved.
• Full Screen: Can be run in full-screen mode.
• Updates: Regular updates with clear notifications and instructions.
• VOACAP Display: Improved propagation prediction display.

2. Hamtab

• Web-based: Runs in your browser for all OS’s.
• HamClock Themes: Includes a theme similar to Elwood's HamClock theme.
• Fewer Options: Less configurable than Open HamClock.
• Spotting Limitation: No clear option to remove all spots from the map.
• Map Interaction: Limited ability to click on the map for DX/solar info; can only click on spots.
• Solar Overlay: Not as detailed as Open HamClock, Open HamClock-backend or Bruce W4BAE HamClock.

3. HamVision

• Early Development: Still under heavy development; site is often in maintenance mode.
• Limited Configuration: Little to no configuration is possible at this stage.
• Updates: Latest info and updates are shared on their Facebook page.

4. HamClock me Online

• Web-based Version: Another browser option.
• Limited Testing: I haven’t explored this one deeply, but it’s worth checking to see if it meets your needs.

     GitHub-Based Projects

• General Note: These require familiarity with GitHub, Docker, and self-hosting.

1. Open HamClock Back-end

• Actively Updated: Closest in spirit to Elwood’s original HamClock.
• Setup Challenges: Can be tricky to get running if you’re not comfortable with GitHub/Docker.

• Mixed Results: I couldn’t get this running on my Pi4; the Mac OS version didn’t work due to OS version issues. Your experience may vary.

     3. Keeping HamClock Alive

• Resource: Bruce (W4BAE) has compiled a detailed guide and history at his website.
• -b Flag: Elwood’s last version (4.22) introduced a back-end override (-b flag) letting HamClock point to an alternate server.
• Easy-to-Follow Instructions: Bruce’s guide makes it straightforward to implement this workaround, and he’s responsive to questions.
• Result: I was able to set up a working HamClock on my Pi3b using this method. I kept my Pi4 still running Elwood's HamClock until I am happy with alternatives.  
•  Summary
  While Elwood’s original HamClock will stop functioning, there are multiple alternatives and ways to keep similar functionality alive. Your best option depends on your technical comfort level and preferred features. For those wanting a near-identical experience, Bruce W4BAE’s method is highly recommended along with Open HamClock-Back-end. As for a one stop shopping I would recommend Open ham clock. Enter it in your browser and you are ready to go. 

Hello Radio Enthusiasts!

Inside this issue:

• Historical Deep Dives: From the electrical empire of Werner von Siemens to the high-stakes drama of the Alexanderson kidnapping, and a special event station commemoration of the Titanic disaster.
• Bench Projects: Learn how to make Homebrew PCBs with a 3D printer and copper tape, or peek at the elegant KD5ZZU Z-match tuner build.
• DX & Field Ops: Travel back to the 1994 Peter I Island DXpedition or get the latest on the North Fraser Club’s 925 MHz Balloon Project.
• Radio Secrets: Unlock the hidden "superpowers" of the Icom IC-7300, 7610 and 9700 and explore the "IPS Buffet" antenna mix-and-match review.

Download the Lower Resolution Issue - 6 Mb

Read it On-line as a Magazine

Please note that there are active links for additional content when viewed on your device.

~ John VE7TI, Editor

Contents for this issue: 

Ham College episode 135 is now available for download.

Technician Exam Questions Part 22.
T7C – Antenna and transmission line measurements and troubleshooting: measuring SWR, effects of high SWR, causes of feed line failures, Basic coaxial cable characteristics, Use of dummy loads when testing.
T7D – Using basic test instruments: voltmeter, ammeter, and ohmmeter, Soldering.

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YouTube

Big news — I’m proud to announce that the Second Edition of my book VHF, Summits, and More is now available. I’ve received tons of positive feedback on the first edition, published in 2019, and I decided it was time for an update. This new version is printed in color, which greatly enhances the photos and graphics.

This book is an easy-to-understand introduction to VHF/UHF ham radio with an emphasis on mountaintop VHF operation. I’ve enjoyed ham radio and writing about it ever since I received my first FCC license. Although I’ve used the ham bands from 160m to 10cm (10 GHz), I find the VHF and higher frequencies the most interesting. This is mainly because of the interplay between mountains, Height Above Average Terrain (HAAT), and VHF propagation. VHF has lots of spectrum, lots of modes, and lots of fun challenges.

For the second edition, I gave everything a fresh look. I updated every chapter and added 100 pages of new material. In Part I, the VHF tutorial section, I added new chapters to improve the treatment of basic VHF/UHF: Popular VHF/UHF Bands, Antennas, Coaxial Cables & Connectors, and WSJT-X Digital Modes. Part II covers topics that originated from my blog, often based on questions I hear from newer hams.  In Part III, which is focused on SOTA, I added several chapters on how to be successful doing VHF SOTA, and I added a few new trip reports. I also added some information on combined SOTA/POTA activations.

The book is available in two formats: a color print edition and a Kindle edition, both available from Amazon. The print version ships immediately; the Kindle version will follow shortly.

Order your copy now. Operators are standing by.
(Actually, just use the Amazon site.)

73 Bob K0NR

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