Restructered pre-import

Old Pages/Amateur/Amateur_radio_station.md

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+See [:Category:AmateurRadios](:Category:AmateurRadios "wikilink") .
+
+HacDC's Radio Station
+
+[HamDesk](HamDesk "wikilink")
+
+Icom FT-718
+[Manual](http://www.icomamerica.com/en/downloads/Default.aspx?Category=20)
+
+Automatic antenna tuner
+[SGC-237](http://www.sgcworld.com/237ProductPage.html)
+
+20m rooftop vertical
+[antenna](http://www.hacdc.org/2012/08/new-amateur-radio-antenna/)
+
+[Ham Radio Deluxe](http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com/)
+
+[WSPR Net - Weak Signal Propagation Reporter
+Network](http://wsprnet.org)
+
+[Sound_Card_Interface](Sound_Card_Interface "wikilink")

Old Pages/Amateur/Antenna_Construction_Notes.md

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+## Links
+
+### Tried
+
+### Untried
+
+- [2m dipole](http://www.hamuniverse.com/2mtrcheap.html) simple - Must
+  be high above ground, no gain.
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- [2m 1/4-wave monopole](http://www.hamuniverse.com/2metergp.html)
+  simple - Note: It is ok to use 3 radials instead of 4, and they don't
+  really need to slope downwards unless truly perfect SWR at 50Ohms is
+  required. Sloping downwards will also reduce antenna gain.

Old Pages/Amateur/HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-3R.md

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+## Overview
+
+The UV-3R family of radios are dirt cheap 2W handheld transceivers with
+reasonably good stock features especially given the price. They can be
+very easily modified to take advantage of the on board MCU and crappy
+programming of that MCU. The UV-3Rs are software controlled radios (not
+SDRs) the DSP isn't controllable beyond squelch thresholds (afaik) which
+means only when and where to transmit and receive not any changes to
+modulation or demodulation.
+
+## Links
+
+### General Info
+
+- [uv3r.com](http://uv3r.com/)
+- [bricklore UV-3R tagged](http://www.brickolore.com/search/label/UV-3R)
+- [bricklore UV-3R Mark II
+  tagged](http://www.brickolore.com/search/label/UV-3R%20Mark%20II)
+- [Lior's
+  Work](http://www.liorelazary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51:hacking-the-uv3r&catid=14:baofeng-uv5r&Itemid=17)
+
+### Modifications
+
+#### Software
+
+- [CHIRP](http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home) - a free,
+  open-source tool for programming your amateur radio. (appears to
+  support the UV-3R)
+- [firmware modification
+  tool](http://www.radioaficion.com/HamNews/articles/9289-baofeng-uv-3r-220-mhz-soft-mod.html)
+- [manufacturer's software
+  tool](http://www.brickolore.com/2011/12/baofeng-uv-3r-software-version-110-uv.html)
+- ["Out of
+  range"](http://hamradio.selfip.com/i6ibe/baofeng/frequenze.htm)
+
+#### Firmware
+
+- [FOSS
+  Firmware](http://www.liorelazary.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=51:hacking-the-uv3r&catid=14:baofeng-uv5r&Itemid=17)
+  - pads can be fragile or lift off easily.
+    [User:haxwithaxe](User:haxwithaxe "wikilink") recommends using a
+    nonsolder based means of connection.
+  - code: [on github](https://github.com/lelazary/UV3RMod)
+  - feature set beyond stock firmware as of 2013/04/08 noonish [ripped
+    from WISHLIST on
+    github](https://github.com/lelazary/UV3RMod/blob/master/WISHLIST)
+    - Quick interface to program rx freq, tx freq, power and PL code
+      very quickly for repeaters. No offset, you just start with the rx
+      freq and shift it by whichever amount you want. This will allow
+      allow you to turn off the tx, or operate satellites. At any point
+      during this mode, you can hold the mem channel and it will ask you
+      which number you want to save this to.
+    - Memory mode will allow you to go through your saved memory. At any
+      point you can press menu and change more details about the
+      channel. The details will include power with granular level, DTMF
+      TX/RX, and other functions TBD. This mode will show the channel
+      name and the freq underneath it.
+    - Satellite Mode: Auto tuning of the frequency with response to the
+      Doppler shift.
+    - (not yet) Digital mode. Hopefully I could add some text base
+      digital data for rx and tx. You might need to tx the text using
+      morse code since there is no alpha numeric keypad on the radio.
+      The digital mode will also include a store and repeat message
+      forwarding.
+    - (mostly implemented) Computer mode: All the functions of the radio
+      including the RDA1846 registers, TX, and RX will be controlled
+      through the serial port on the radio.
+    - Fox/Hunt mode. Can be used to transmit a signal intermittently
+      (like call sign morse code). Or send the RSSI signal into the
+      audio, and with a directional antenna you can go hunting.
+    - (not yet) Advance mode: Any RDA 1846 register can be set manually
+      and saved for during startup.
+    - (not yet) If the digital mode works, then RF programming of the
+      radio. This will allow anyone to send you repeater information
+      from their memory locations. I will work by selecting a memory
+      channel to rx, and pressing a button. Then on another radio you
+      can send the programming info.
+    - (not yet) APRS mode: Boots straight to 144.39 mhz (or whatever you
+      set it to), doesn't accept inputs, stays on the set frequency.
+
+#### Hardware
+
+- [computer interface for
+  satelite](http://hamradio.selfip.com/i6ibe/baofeng/baofeng.htm)
+- [DIY programming
+  cable](http://uv3r.com/images/uv-3r_programming_ha4bf.jpg)
+- [APRS
+  rig](https://sivantoledotech.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/building-an-aprs-tracker/)
+  (without foss firmware)
+- fixes:
+  - [spurious
+    harmonics](http://www.brickolore.com/2011/11/baofeng-uv-3r-second-harmonic-issue.html)
+  - [very low, low
+    power](http://groups.yahoo.com/group/UV-3R/message/4036)
+
+#### Recommended Modifications
+
+- fix harmonics (needs links)
+- fixes as needed: speaker volume, [mic
+  volume](HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-3R_Mic-Volume "wikilink"), super-low
+  low-power (needs links)
+
+## Notes
+
+- **DON'T BUY THE PROGRAMMING CABLE** you can use a 3.5mm stereo plug
+  and a usb to serial device. (pinouts available
+  [here](http://uv3r.com/))
+- If you buy one the only working setup for using the manufacturer's
+  programming software found by
+  [User:haxwithaxe](User:haxwithaxe "wikilink") has been Windows7 with
+  **Vista** drivers for the Prolific serial adapter.
+  - others have had success with WINE and in XP but since many of the
+    cables have counterfeit controllers they have varying levels of
+    functionality with different drivers.
+  - [User:haxwithaxe](User:haxwithaxe "wikilink") used a VirtualBox VM
+    with usb pass through.
+
+### Recommended Accessories
+
+- A wide based flush fit BNC (or similarly durable connector) adapter
+  (sometimes called an antenna saver) given the short mating cycle "SMA
+  connectors are rated for up to 500 mating cycles" [citation via
+  Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMA_connector)
+  - example: [SMA Male to BNC Female
+    Connector](http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/m/mUgb7YRjFqInb9GoQZVkQMw/140.jpg)
+  - Also you can replace the adapter much more easily than the SMA
+    connection in the radio.
+  - You can even apply some threadlock (the light duty stuff) to the
+    threaded part and still keep the groundplane continuity because of
+    the wide base on the adapter touching the rim of the SMA socket.
+- Get a dedicated antenna for the VHF and UHF (or whichever you will use
+  the most). The dedicated antennas will do wonders for performance as
+  the stock antenna is really pretty horrible and multiband antennas in
+  general can only be so good on any given band they are tuned for
+  before the others suffer, so they end up being okay at best on all of
+  them. If you followed the above then get a BNC terminated antenna and
+  don't worry about adapters for the antennas.
+
+## Hardware Versions
+
+There are a large number of internally identical radios with very
+nonstandardized names in the UV-3R and UV-5R family.
+
+- UV-3R is the first iteration of the UV-3R series it is it's own beast
+  for the most part
+  - Mostly-clones UV-100 and UV-200
+- UV-3R MKII is the next oldest and has several variants
+  - UV-X4 - Just a rename for marketing?
+  - UV-3R+ (aka UV-3R Plus or UV-3R + Plus)
+    - different battery and charging method - has an actual charging
+      cradle but battery type is not common
+    - different audio jacks (separate speaker and mic/ptt)
+    - female instead of male SMA (not RP-SMA)
+- [UV-5R](HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-5R "wikilink")

Old Pages/Amateur/HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-3R_Mic-Volume.md

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+## Types
+
+There are several things that can cause built in mic sensitivity to be
+inadequate.
+
+- some batches have mic gain that is too high caused by poorly adjusted
+  trim pots
+- some have it too low due to the same reason
+- some have something wrong in the MCU that keeps the gain too low
+- some have misaligned case isolation bushing that cover the pin prick
+  mic hole in the case
+
+## Bushing/Case Fix
+
+1.  invoke your inner caveman
+2.  remove the front panel of the case
+3.  widen the mic hole in the front panel to ~2mm or 3mm (a pocket knife
+    does fine)
+4.  reassemble and test. if it works well stop here else keep going
+5.  remove the front case panel and remove the rubber boot over the
+    electrilet mic.
+6.  use a knife or a hole punch to widen the hole without removing the
+    entire flat face (which is there to help reduce vibrations in the
+    case from getting to the mic).
+7.  reassemble and test if it didn't work it is probably something else
+    or a combination of this and something else.

Old Pages/Amateur/HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-5R.md

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+## Overview
+
+The UV-5R family of radios are cheap 4W micro handheld transceivers with
+reasonably good stock features especially given the price. They can be
+modified to bypass the on board MCU, which is a write once chip that
+cannot be modified. The UV-5Rs are software controlled radios (not SDRs)
+they have hardware filters that prevent the same kinds of band expansion
+as the UV-3Rs.
+
+## Links
+
+### General Info
+
+- [bricklore UV-5R tagged](http://www.brickolore.com/search/label/UV-5R)
+- [Baofeng UV-5R Info](http://UV5R.net)
+- [Baofeng UV-5R Programming
+  Guide](http://uv5r.net/baofeng-uv-5r-programming/)
+- [menu
+  cheatsheet](http://kc9hi.dyndns.org/uv5r/programming/UV-5R%20Menus.html)
+- [info and software for programming (careful the software is
+  unveted)](http://kc9hi.dyndns.org/uv5r/programming/)
+
+### Modifications
+
+#### Software
+
+- [CHIRP](http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Home) - a free,
+  open-source tool for programming your amateur radio. (appears to
+  support the UV-5R)
+
+#### Firmware
+
+#### Hardware
+
+#### Recommended Modifications
+
+## Notes
+
+### Performance
+
+#### MCM2013
+
+- Receive sensitivity is pretty severely lacking. UV5R had issues at
+  WaterPoint 4 on nets C/H/G. No received signal at all. All other HTs
+  at the same location had perfectly fine Rx.
+
+### Recommended Accessories
+
+- A wide based flush fit BNC (or similarly durable connector) adapter
+  (sometimes called an antenna saver) given the short mating cycle "SMA
+  connectors are rated for up to 500 mating cycles" [citation via
+  Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMA_connector)
+  - example: [SMA Male to BNC Female
+    Connector](http://thumbs4.ebaystatic.com/m/mUgb7YRjFqInb9GoQZVkQMw/140.jpg)
+  - Also you can replace the adapter much more easily than the SMA
+    connection in the radio.
+  - You can even apply some threadlock (the light duty stuff) to the
+    threaded part and still keep the groundplane continuity because of
+    the wide base on the adapter touching the rim of the SMA socket.
+- Get a dedicated antenna for VHF and UHF (or whichever you will use the
+  most). The dedicated antennas will do wonders for performance as the
+  stock antenna is really pretty horrible and multiband antennas in
+  general can only be so good on any given band they are tuned for
+  before the others suffer, so they end up being okay at best on all of
+  them. If you followed the above then get a BNC terminated antenna and
+  don't worry about adapters for the antennas.
+
+## Hardware Versions
+
+There are a large number of internally identical radios with very
+nonstandardized names in the UV-3R and UV-5R family.
+
+- [UV-3R](HAM_HT_Baofeng_UV-3R "wikilink")

Old Pages/Amateur/HARC_Link_Farm.md

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+**General Radio Topics**
+
+[ARRL](http://www.arrl.org) [AMSAT](http://www.amsat.org)
+
+**Local Clubs**
+
+[Montgomery County ARC](http://www.marcclub.org/)
+[AMRAD](http://amrad.org/) [Vienna Wireless
+Society](http://www.viennawireless.org/home.php)
+
+**Local Retail Stores**
+
+[The RF Connection](https://www.therfc.com/)
+
+**Mesh Networking**
+
+[HacDC Byzantium Project](http://project-byzantium.org/) [Local
+Broadband Mesh Activity](http://www.remoteamateur.com/)
+
+**RTL-SDR (DVB-T USB dongle based SDR)**
+
+[RTL-SDR resource](http://sdr.osmocom.org/trac/wiki/rtl-sdr) [RTL-SDR
+resource](http://rtlsdr.org/) [Why buy a ham it
+up?](http://www.rtl-sdr.com/rtl-sdr-direct-sampling-mode/)

Old Pages/Amateur/HARC_Projects.md

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+**Technical Projects/Wishlist** 40 meter antenna on roof
+
+USRP/GNU radio installation
+
+Station Remote Control
+
+WhereAVR receiver [Spaceblimp
+Avionics](http://wiki.hacdc.org/index.php/HacDC_Spaceblimp_2)
+
+VHF/UHF rig
+
+Repeater
+
+Antenna rotator
+
+**Club Projects**
+
+FCC Technician Class License Preparation Course
+
+Local direct mail outreach

Old Pages/Amateur/HARC_Technician_license_Class.md

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+## HacDC entry-level (Technician) Amateur License test preparation class
+
+### Dates and Times
+
+The class will be held at the Space on two consecutive Saturdays:
+February 11 and 18 from 1 to 4 PM. The following Saturday: February 25
+at 9 AM (sharp) will be be the exam at the Winterfest at the Northern
+Virginia Community College Annandale Campus.
+
+### Resources
+
+- The target exam is at the Vienna Wireless Society's "Winterfest":
+  <http://www.viennawireless.org/winterfest.php>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) definition of the Amateur
+  Radio Service: ***"The amateur and amateur-satellite services are for
+  qualified persons of any age who are interested in radio technique
+  solely with a personal aim and without pecuniary interest. These
+  services present an opportunity for self-training, intercommunication,
+  and technical investigations."***
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- The ARRL Technician License manual and study guide:
+  <http://www.arrl.org/ham-radio-license-manual> . *'*Please look over
+  this resource carefully before class. *'*
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- A free license manual for the Technician class:
+  <http://www.kb6nu.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/2010_Tech_Study_Guide.pdf>
+  *'*Please look over this resource carefully before class. *'*
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- Some links to free online practice exams:
+  <http://www.eham.net/exams/>, <http://www.qrz.com/ht/>,
+  <http://aa9pw.com/radio/>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- FCC Amateur Radio Page:
+  <http://wireless.fcc.gov/services/index.htm?job=service_home&id=amateur>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- FCC Part 97: Regulations pertaining to the Amateur Radio Service:
+  <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_10/47cfr97_10.html>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- The entire Technician class license pool, of which 35 questions will
+  be randomly selected for your exam:
+  <http://www.ncvec.org/page.php?id=349>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- We will be viewing the HamCRAM presentation and answering questions.
+  You can preview the presentation here: <http://w9pe.us/> . *Your
+  comments on improving or replacing this presentation are greatly
+  appreciated.*
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- Recommended reading is John Delvoldere (ON4UN)'s operating ethics
+  materials at his web site: <http://www.ham-operating-ethics.org/> .
+  Not only will it give you good recommendations for being a good
+  citizen on the air, it will also give you an excellent overview of the
+  various facets of modern Ham radio. There is an excellent manual in
+  PDF format you may wish to have available when you start using your
+  new license.
+  - ON4UN is in Belgium, check out the station web page:
+    <http://www.dxwatch.com/qrz/lookup.php?c=ON4UN>
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- Founded in 1914, The American Radio Relay League (AARL) is the
+  national association for Amateur Radio in the USA. Today, with more
+  than 156,000 members, ARRL is the largest organization of radio
+  amateurs in the United States. Check out their web site:
+  <http://www.arrl.org>.
+
+<!-- -->
+
+- A short video: Richard Feynman describes "waves", including radio,
+  light, heat, etc. in a very sensorial (as in Montesssori education)
+  way: <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU8PId_6xec>
+
+### About the class
+
+Add another tool to your Maker toolkit: an Amateur Radio License.
+Amateur Radio Operators (Hams) have a long history of "Homebrewing":
+building their own equipment and experimenting in the hopes of making it
+work better, and the community has grown a tremendous breadth. There is
+tremendous overlap between the Ham and the Maker communities.
+
+HacDC has it's own club license: W3HAC, which we originally obtained to
+use ham radio for position tracking during our balloon flights using
+APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) on VHF and UHF frequencies;
+designing and building our own lightweight transmitter for the balloon
+payload. We have many Hams here, some with quite advanced licenses, and
+a bi-monthly meeting to discuss technical aspects of radio-based
+communication and build stuff.
+
+[Category: Classes](Category:_Classes "wikilink")