Author: N2DH

  • Neither Cold, Nor Snow, Nor Howling Winds!

    Neither Cold, Nor Snow, Nor Howling Winds!

    That’s right! Neither Cold, Nor Snow, Nor Howling Winds, will keep these Hams from going out and testing their gear and making contact. The same held true for a couple of us WEARC Club Members. Lou Mercado – KD2TSC, Wayne Oshin – KD2UXU, and Metin Serdar Serbetci – KD2UAF.

    This past Saturday we packed our gear and went to Eagle Rock Reservation, in West Orange, NJ to test out our gear. KD2UXU has just upgraded to General Class, and wanted to test out his newly arrived Xiegu 5105, and his new Wolf River Coil antenna setup. So off we went into the Wild! Man was it cold! But if you don’t train in bad conditions, how well do you think you’ll do under real pressure.

    We were able to get his antenna tuned to 40 and 20 meters and get him to help in a Parks on the Air activation. He made his first ever HF Contact to South Carolina running QRP at 5 watts! Great Work Wayne! He say’s he hopes to do more POTA activations in the very near future. Looks like we have a POTA Team in the making!!!

    Wayne says, ” I just want to let everybody know that I had a great time. Lou and Metin both helped me get up and running, as this was my first outing on HF as a new general class. I can’t say enough of how great it was and exciting to get my first two QSOs. Being a new member of WEARC I feel fortunate to have found a great club with great members who are very supportive, and willing to take time to help the new guys.”

    While we ARE STILL dealing with a Global Pandemic, we continue to practice Safe Operating Skills. Using masks, reasonable distancing, and awareness of others. We can continue to learn and teach others during this time. As long as we remain Responsible in our actions, I firmly believe we CAN make it through the Storm.
    In the meantime, Get Out There, and get in some air time!!

    73’s.Lou, KD2TSC.











  • 2021 Winter Field Day – The Rookie’s First

    2021 Winter Field Day – The Rookie’s First

    Winter Field Day 2021 was a new experience for me in my Ham Operators Journey.  This was my first Contest that I ever participated in. Had no idea what to expect.  Except, that I was going to have a Blast!  While no Records were broken, Lessons were Learned.  New Friendships were started.  Old Friendships were Fortified.  And the Hobby was well promoted to those that dropped by to see what it was that we were up to.

    Only had four hours to setup and operate in.  Unfortunately, I had to work the Saturday.  And a Long Day it was……  So it was All-In Sunday!!!  While I was there to primarily work the Contest, I also had to be the Host to the event at the area I chose.  That meant coordinating with those that showed to help.  Greet the guests.  And several other duties.  None the less I totally enjoyed every moment.

    We had a few Elmers show up, so definitely Learned a lot.  From proper placements of antenna’s.  To good etiquette when working hf and ht’s.  Encouraged a few of the guests to go and get licensed. While others watched from far.
    Had a Fellow Club Member, Metin Serbetci, KD2UAF, join the fun.  Talk about a Stand Up Guy!  Gave 100% of himself to help out with the setup, and breakdown.  He’s currently studying for his General License.  But I’m sure he’s going way over to Amateur Extra Class with absolutely no problem.

    Used my Yaesu FT-891, with an LDG Z-100 Plus Auto Antenna Tuner, and my BuddiStick Antenna.  Worked 20 meters on 100 watts.  Powered by my Bioenno Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) 12V 12Ah battery.  And used the N3FJP logging software for my logs.  At the end of the Day I only made 18 contacts on 20 meters.  But for my first time Contesting, I had a BLAST!!

    I encourage everyone that would like to learn more about Amateur Radio to contact any club and get all your questions answered.  You may also contact our club and I’m sure one of us would be more than happy to lead you in the right direction.

    73’s,

    Lou Mercado

    KD2TSC

    Metin Serbetci, KD2UAF on the Yaesu FT-891.



    Boy, if we could only tap into that antenna!!

  • Starting a New Life for the Clubs Donated IC-701

    Starting a New Life for the Clubs Donated IC-701

    Long before I joined the club a couple of years ago, a club member, now a silent key, donated his IC-701. He was Harold K2IBM an active member who recently went silent key. Since we have been getting some new club members there is a need for a “loner HF station” so a new member who has not yet invested in a rig can get on the air. In the past these members would have used the Club Station, but we are still in semi-lock-down because of COVID-19. Don K2DEG and a few other club members managed to get into the Club Room and retrieve some items, the IC-701 and an Antenna Tuner were part of that raid. 

    These parts were passed to me for a look over and check if everything was working. This Blog is my first switch on and test. You get to see me thrash about powering it up safely, learning how to operate it on receive and transmit. 

    IC-701

    This Icon radio was manufactured in japan somewhere between 1978-1979. Apparently (Google search) the IC-701 was built when Icom was just entering the US amateur market and this was their Flagship HF radio.

    Part One “The Switch On”

    Part 2 – Power Output Test

    This next video shows me testing the power output using a set of attenuators and a true RMS power meter. The test shows that on 14MHz. the unit produced just under 100Watts of power. The actual results had a attenuation of -55dB between the TX output and RMS power meter. The meter showed a -5.2dBm level so after the maths we have a recorded output of 49.8dBm. Since 50dBm is 100Watts, we did pass test by producing 100W of power.

    Part 3 Transmitter Harmonic Test

    We now use the Spectrum Analyzer to double check our power measurement and also measure the 2nd and 3rd harmonics. This test validated the previous power measurement and that my cheap RF power meter worked accurately. It also showed the IC-701 had 2nd harmonics at -62dB and 3rd at -56dB. The spec sheet states a Spurious Emissions of less that -60dB so, by my measurement a just pass result although the third is a little high. 

    This was the plot of the Harmonic measurement.

    The video of me taking the measurement can be seen below, but the plot above was not taken at that time.

    Part 4 RX Issues

    I spent some time with the receiver and concluded it was sometimes sensitive but most of the time just a deaf noisy receiver. I tested it using a signal generator providing -60dBm which gave a consistent S5 on my two radios. However I screwed up the recording of that video. We pick up the story again with the radio under test and working as well as I have been able to make it…

    See the RX testing video below.

    So, there you have it. This is the end of this first Blog. You have seen that the Club loaner HF station is a bit deaf right now and what I think is wrong with it. The next blog will be me taking it apart, repairing the switch and, with luck, making it work again. Until then 73’s from me.

  • How to Set-Up and Test Your Station

    How to Set-Up and Test Your Station

    A beginners guide to practical testing, setting up your equipment and how to start at Homebrew.

    This is a blog of the first run of this presentation captured from a Skype Club Meeting held Wednesday January 27th, 2021. The recorded video and a downloadable set of slides are below. 

    Part One – How to set-up and test your station • We review typical buy / make decisions for radio equipment • Go over the basic test equipment needed to support and build radios • Examples of using basic tests to ensure your station is operating correctly. • 

    Part Two – How-to Start at Homebrew • Discuss and recommend basic tools for construction • Introduce some favorites in available equipment – the cools stuff. • Look at available radio kits and design suitable for a new operator 

    Watch the Presentation – click video below

  • Sharing my antenna tuner

    Sharing my antenna tuner

    After a club.meeting some members asked for a demonstration of using an antenna tuner. Although there are a lot of YouTube videos and articles online I did not see an example like the one I was given as a young operator.

    Loading an incandescent light bulb

    Using a light bulb as a dummy load is a good way of seeing how tuning affects power. Fun as well. But note the bulb will still transmit so use your call sign and watch what you say.

    Tuning an Antenna

    Showing me tune the antenna tuner to get a good match, eventually. 

    First I tuned the receiver to a noisy signal on the band, then I tried various tuner settings to find one where the noise/signal from the radio could be peaked, this became my starting point for tuning with a real transmission.

  • Covid Has Not Deterred VE Testing by WEARC

    Covid Has Not Deterred VE Testing by WEARC

    The West Essex Amateur Radio Club of Essex Fells, NJ, continues to conduct VE testing with the examinees remaining in their cars under a covered car port at a local office building in Fairfield, NJ.The club has been conducting the VE testing concurrently with the American Red Cross Amateur Radio Club so they could utilize the facility as well for their applicants taking the test. If an applicant passes the exam they came for, they are then given the option to take the next level exam if they so desire.

    Last Saturday, October 24th,2020, the attendance consisted of 14 applicants and was administered by 10 VE’s. The results were quite gratifying with 13 applicants passing. I would like to acknowledge those VE’s who participated in the event, they were, K2NNN, KC2WRQ, AC2EI, K2DEG, WA2WL, KD2MAR, NB1LL, W2DG, N2DH, and KD2RNG.

    Those taking the test filled out all the paperwork required and submit it in advance of the test date.Mike Luongo, K2NNN, Liaison, who oversees the process, prepared the other required paperwork in advance so that the overall personal contact is reduced to a minimum.

    The applicants never leave their vehicles, and everyone wears masks, maintains proper social distancing and, since it is held outdoors, the risk has been managed to mitigate exposure to Corvid.

    The club has been conducting these outdoor tests since July and we hope to do one more round in November, however that will be dependent upon the weather.

    The willingness to volunteer by the club members and step up in these trying times is yet another example of the great public service radio amateurs provides to the community.









  • In the midst of a Global Pandemic what are we to do?

    In the midst of a Global Pandemic what are we to do?

    The Absolute Fact is Clear. We are in the Midst of a Global Pandemic. With so many casualties due to Covid-19, and the World Powers frantically looking for a cure. What are We to do? Are we to live our lives in Fear? Or, like many others, would we choose to Live? Yes, there are the obvious truths that many are walking around with the virus unknowingly. Yes, the chances of contracting this virus is possible. But as long as we follow the protocol that the Officials have given us. The precautionary measures that our Parents always told us. Cover your face when you sneeze. Wash your hands frequently. Stay away from sick ones.  As we follow these basic and simple measures, we can Live Life without Fear grasping us. Along with our Basic instructions from our Parents, we should wear a face mask when entering a public place. Keep six feet apart from each other. And stay home if we’re not feeling well.

    With that in Mind.I, myself Lou KD2TSC, in the black mask, along with Metin KD2UAF, in the white mask, decided to hit the park.It was a nice day, and I was just itching to try out my new Rig, the Kenwood TS140S, along with my MFJ 971 Manual Antenna Tuner, and an Expert Power 12v battery. We made an inverted V speaker wire antenna.Threw it up about 40ft into an evergreen. And hit the waves. Came across several groups talking. And even some that sounded like they heard us calling CQ.But none answered our calls. About 20 minutes in, the weather cut our outing.

    The important this is….We went OUT! We had FUN! We LIVED LIFE! As you can see in the pictures, we were also Socially Responsible. We kept reasonable distance from each other. Wore our masks. And afterwards made sure everything was properly sanitized. Don’t let Fear grip you. Be Careful. But Live Life. And I hope to Meet you Down the Log!  73’s.

    Lou Mercado,

    KD2TSC.







    Gummi bears caramels donut carrot cake carrot cake chupa chups bonbon tootsie roll.

  • Sad passing of member Harold – W2IBM

    Sad passing of member Harold – W2IBM

    Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Harold was a resident of West Caldwell, New Jersey since 1973. In his later retirement years, Harold became a snowbird who spent his winters in Longboat Key, Florida. An army veteran and a graduate of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Harold was an electrical engineer who worked on the space program at General Motors and at Kearfott Guidance & Navigation. He retired in 1998.
    Harold was an active member of the West Essex Amateur Radio Club, the Red Cross in both Florida and New Jersey, and in the Sarasota Emergency Radio Club. He was an accomplished swimmer who always felt his best when swimming laps in the pool. Harold was a model railroad enthusiast and a member of RealRail in Bradenton, FL. He was a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan.  

  • So you passed your Technicians Exam, What Next?

    So you passed your Technicians Exam, What Next?

    OK, you finally got the nerve to go and take the Technician Exam, and Wallah! You passed! What next? Well, I believe we’ve all been in that same position. Lucky for you, you’re in the right place if you took the Exam at a local Radio Club.Stick around and ask questions. Pretty much everyone in the Hobby is willing to help out a New Ham. If you’re anything like me, you already have your hand on an HT unit. A hand held transceiver. I recommend that you pick up a programming cable for it. Once you have that in hand, go ahead to repeaterbook.com and radioreference.com You can download all the local repeaters and useful frequencies for your area. And go ahead and program your HT. It’s a whole lot easier than manually programming it. Although, you should also learn to do it manually.

    Don’t forget about all those great people you met at the Club. Ask if there is open membership, and go ahead and join them. This would be by far, the best thing you can do. The combined knowledge of everyone there is worth a ton of gold. You can learn soooooo much from them. And if they’re anything like everyone at the West Essex Amateur Radio Club, in Essex Fells, NJ, you’re in great hands!

    Next is making your First Contact on the Radio. Ask for help on what to do. The proper procedure for making that call out. Trust me. Everyone there would be more than willing to help you out.

    Never stop asking questions. Write them down as you think of them. Research the hobby. Watch a ton of YouTube Videos. There are several YouTube’s that are absolutely great. Like Ham Radio Crash Course, Ham Radio Concepts, KB9VBR Antennas, theSmokinApe, and on, and on, and on, just to name a few…You get the point. Just look up ham radio in YouTube and you’ll run into a ton of great video’s.

    Another pointer, learn how to make your own equipment, like antenna’s, modifying your own equipment, making your own cables, and coax connections. Not only would it save you a ton of money, but it’s Crazy Fun and Satisfying. That’s what the Hobby is all about. Meeting new people, and having Fun.

    Now get off of the computer and pick up that radio and start making some contacts. Keep a log of Callsigns and Bands and frequencies you spoke to them on. All this info is waiting for you to find online and at your Local Radio Club.

    Enjoy and 73’s!

    Lou

    KD2TSC

  • Our Holiday Party

    Our Holiday Party

    Our annual Holiday party was held on Saturday December 14th, 7PM at Don Pepe II. Spouses, significant other, and other were invited. We had a great record breaking turn out this year, over 20 people attending!

    Our President Don awarded a liquid prize to the person having the nearest birthday. This was won by Harold W2IBM.