For new ham radio operators looking to find free or low-cost equipment and supplies, there are several good resources to explore… starting with us:

ICEMARC

Connecting with ICEMARC is one of the best ways for new hams to find resources. And if you’re not in or around Indiana County, PA, you’re still in luck:

• Many amateur radio clubs have loaner equipment programs for new members
• Experienced members often donate or sell used gear at discounted prices
• Club events like swap meets or flea markets offer opportunities to find deals
• Members may have extra antennas, coax, or components they’re willing to share

Online Communities

Several online platforms cater to ham radio enthusiasts:

• Ham Radio Subreddit: Active community for asking questions and finding deals
• QRZ.com Forums: Large ham radio forum with classified ads section
• eHam.net: Another popular forum with equipment reviews and classifieds

Hamfests and Swap Meets

These in-person events are great for finding used equipment:

• Check the ARRL website for upcoming hamfests in your area
• Bring cash and be prepared to haggle for the best deals
• Look for “free” tables where hams offload extra parts and supplies

DIY Projects

Building your own equipment can be very cost-effective:

• Simple antennas like dipoles can be made with wire and insulators
• Kits are available for building basic ham radio transceivers and accessories
• Online resources provide plans for homebrewing various ham radio projects
• Indiana County’s ICEMARC members have been there and done that. Let us help

Repurposing Materials

Get creative with everyday items:

• PVC pipe can be used for antenna masts and supports
• Surplus military masts make great portable antenna supports
• Scrap wire from old electronics can be used for antennas

Government Surplus

Check government auction sites for potential deals on radio equipment:

• GSA Auctions sometimes has radio gear available
• Local police or fire departments may sell off or auction off old radio equipment

Remember that while finding free equipment is possible, investing in quality gear when you can will enhance your ham radio experience. Focus on gradually building your station over time, starting with the basics and expanding as your skills and interests grow.

Y FT-8?

Here’s a post from ICEMARC friend Dan Wolfe, KN4FYR. It may make you reconsider FT-8, and wonder why you never got started with it immediately:

As some of you may know, I am a licensed amateur radio operator known colloquially as a ham radio operator.  From time to time, I write something about ham radio even though it’s a very small community and not likely to be read by any other hams. 

This blog, sparse as it is, contains three ham radio posts.  They are:

• An Extra Slice of Ham
• Nerd Alert! This is a Ham Radio Post
• Another Ham Radio Post: Sentimental Journey

Feel free to read those if you like, but for those looking for the TL;DR version, Chat GPT tells me that:

“Ham radio, also known as amateur radio, is a hobby that allows people to communicate over long distances using radio frequencies. Unlike standard commercial broadcasts, ham radio operators use a variety of equipment to send and receive messages, often bypassing the need for the internet or phone networks. This can be especially valuable in emergencies, when other forms of communication may be unavailable. Ham radio operators often assist in disaster relief efforts, providing crucial communication links. Beyond emergencies, ham radio fosters global connections, enabling hobbyists to learn about electronics, communication technology, and to connect with others worldwide.”

There exist several ways to communicate among hams, for example, morse code, voice, television, or from computer to computer.  One of the computer modes is called FT-8.  I’ll rely on Chat GPT again for a brief description:

“FT-8 is a popular digital mode in ham radio designed for making reliable, short-distance and long-distance contacts under challenging conditions. Developed by Nobel laureate Joe Taylor, FT-8 uses a computer and radio to exchange minimal information, such as call signs and signal reports, in rapid, automated sequences. It’s particularly useful when signals are weak or the band conditions are poor, allowing operators to communicate with stations thousands of miles away, even when voice or other digital modes struggle. FT-8 is widely used for casual contacts and DXing (long-distance communication) due to its efficiency and ability to connect stations with very low power signals.”

All set?  Got the terminology?  OK, off we go!

Ham radio operators are divided on the legitimacy of FT-8 in ham radio.  Some operators believe that the automatic collection of contacts, or QSLs, is a cheat.  It’s not REAL ham radio.  Some believe that you can set up FT-8 in your shack and walk away from the computer and let it do all the contacting.  Others believe that using FT-8 for contests and awards is cheating, too, since the operator isn’t really contacting a person.  It’s just two computers talking to each other and that shouldn’t count towards anything. 

I fall into the other camp. 

I have found FT-8 to be a whole lot of fun, and I have learned a lot as an operator and improved my skills by learning how to get the most out of it.

So, whilst I understand the objections to FT-8, I do not agree.  I genuinely enjoy it as do thousands of other FT-8 operators around the world.  So, something about it is appealing to a lot of operators.

Objection:  “FT-8 isn’t REAL ham radio.”

Defense:  Ever since ham radio got its start, every new technology that’s been introduced has been labelled at least temporarily as not real ham radio.  When single sideband transmission (SSB) was authorized for amateur radio use, some operators thought that using SSB was cheating because it wasn’t the purest form of ham radio, CW, or continuous wave transmission, the OG of ham radio modes.

Since then, there have been many other modes authorized on ham radio frequencies and most have gone through the same “it’s cheating” criticism until meeting with wide acceptance. 

Bottom line: if it’s authorized on the worldwide ham radio frequencies, it’s just as real as CW, SSB or earth-moon-earth.  (Yes, that’s a thing.)

Objection:  “There’s no operating going on.  It’s completely automated.

Defense:  Operating a ham radio station involves a multitude of tasks including but not limited to adjusting output power, changing frequencies, listening before you transmit, and adjusting these and other parameters to get the signal through with minimal power, no interference, and courtesy for other operators. 

In my FT-8 experience, limited though it is, I’ve had to learn to operate my rigs carefully, making certain to listen before I allow the computer to key up the transmitter.  I’ve had to learn how to choose frequencies and power levels correctly, while adjusting receive gain, bandwidth and other parameters that help get the message through.  The difference is that I am using a computer to do some – not all – of the adjustments.  Note that I can adjust power and frequency while making sure that I don’t overlap other hams using FT-8.  (Click to make this image more readable.)

You are still required to operate your radio in accordance with FCC rules and regulations just as you would with voice or CW transmissions.  But, instead of a microphone or morse code keyer, you’re using a computer.

As well, if an operator really DOES automate the FT-8 process, which is not permitted, they are violating FCC regulations.  FT-8 does not automate ham radio.  You still must operate responsibly the way you would for any other mode.

Objection:  “It’s too easy to make lots of contacts.  Doing it with SSB or CW is much harder and besides that’s real ham radio.”

Defense:  Ok, it IS true that it’s easier to make lots of contacts using FT-8.  But why is this a bad thing?  Don’t we want people to be active in ham radio?  Don’t we want all the hams to be successful? 

Yes.  Yes, we do. 

It doesn’t cheapen your ARRL DX Century Club (DXCC) award that you earned using voice or code.  The DXCC award has multiple categories.  If you have one with CW and voice that’s wonderful and I am impressed.  (Yes, favorably!)  But those DXCC awards based solely on FT-8 QSLs is so noted on the award certificate.  It is not precisely the same award. 

Here are some of the reasons why I enjoy FT-8 and why it’s so useful for me:

1.  I am hard of hearing and even with hearing aids and headphones, I can’t always make out what other hams are saying if conditions are bad.  If my ears were better, I would be able to, but they’re not.  FT-8 gives me the opportunity to make contacts and be competitive with other hams because I am not struggling to hear speech that others can hear easily.  Using FT-8 means I get to play ham radio with everyone else. 

2.  FT-8 is what’s known as a weak signal mode.  That means that a computer running FT-8 can “hear” and decode messages that are undetectable to the average human ear.   That means for me that with a limited antenna system, I can reach out farther than I could  using voice.  Weak signal modes like FT-8 give me a greater reach with the equipment I can afford.  More ham radio bang for my ham radio dollar.

3.  Ham radio has a reputation for being an old technology used by old men.

They’re half right.  Most ham radio operators are older.  One only need attend a local ham radio club meeting to confirm these demographics.  It’s considered an old man’s hobby.

As you know by now, I am a computer geek.  Computer message exchange modes like FT-8 and others bring ham radio into the 21^st century.  I can send email messages, images, digital files like word processing files, and other data via ham radio.  Plus – and this is its real strength for me – using these digital modes allow me to meld both ham radio and computer geekdom into one.  It’s the best of both worlds and making it all work together is a blast!

Here’s a photo of my computer desk/radio shack at home:

Sidebar:  I’ve always believed that the nexus of computers and ham radio is the perfect entry point for young people to enter the ham radio world.  Young students in electrical engineering and computer science programs are perfect for ham radio.  It would give them practical experience in radio transmission and reception hardware, antenna theory, analog and digital modulation modes, among others.  Using FT-8 is just one of many ways to integrate computers into ham radio, making it more attractive and available to young operators.

4.  I can help other operators worldwide.  FT-8 software such as WSJT-X or JDTX can report back to a central server which plots out where FT-8 and other computer-based ham radio communications are being received.  In other words, even when WSJT-X is idle, it is reporting what is being received at my location and making that information available worldwide.  By leaving my radio and WSJT-X up and running, I am helping other operators learn where their signal is going and help them adjust their operations to get their intended message through.  I like doing that.

Here’s an example of my spots.  This shows the stations that received my FT-8 transmission just now.  Note the station in South Africa:

Ham radio is what you make of it.  Ham radio means to you whatever you want it to mean.  If FT-8 isn’t for you, that’s ok.  If, like me, you find it challenging and fun, that’s ok, too.  If you believe that I’m cheating using FT-8, that’s ok.  I promise I won’t think you’re cheating doing whatever it is you like doing in ham radio.  And even I did, so what?  You like it and that’s what really matters.

FT-8 is ham radio.  It can be fun and rewarding, and I have spent many hours chasing distant stations at all hours of the day and night.  It allows me to blend my love of computer and radio technology in ways that fascinate me and take up a lot of time.

You don’t have to love it.  But you never know.  You just might.

This blog provided for us by Dan Wolfe, KN4FYR

What is Winlink?

Winlink, formally known as Winlink Global Radio Email, is a worldwide radio messaging system that uses amateur radio frequencies to provide email services with attachments, position reporting, weather bulletins, and message relay [1](https://winlink.org). It’s built and administered by volunteers and supported by the Amateur Radio Safety Foundation.

Why Winlink Matters

Emergency Communications

One of the primary reasons amateur radio operators at ICEMARC embrace Winlink is its crucial role in emergency and contingency communications. When traditional communication infrastructure fails during disasters, Winlink can provide a lifeline for sending and receiving critical information [1](https://winlink.org) [2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Winlink).

Reliability and Accuracy

Winlink boasts an impressive 99.99% availability rate over the past 15 years, ensuring that messages are transmitted with 100% accuracy [3](http://www.ws1sm.com/Winlink.html). This level of reliability is essential when every piece of information counts, especially in emergency situations.

Versatility

Winlink supports various radio technologies, including HF, VHF, and UHF bands, as well as different protocols like PACTOR, ARDOP, and VARA [3](http://www.ws1sm.com/Winlink.html). This versatility allows operators to choose the most suitable method for their specific needs and equipment.

Interoperability

One of Winlink’s strengths is its ability to bridge different radio capabilities and protocols. This interoperability ensures that messages can be sent and received across various platforms and systems, enhancing overall communication effectiveness [3](http://www.ws1sm.com/Winlink.html). ICEMARC relies on this for emergency operations preparedness.


Getting Started with Winlink

To begin using Winlink, amateur radio operators need to:

1. Obtain a Winlink account

2. Download and install Winlink Express (the preferred client software)

3. Configure their radio equipment and interface

4. Connect to the system to activate their account [3](http://www.ws1sm.com/Winlink.html)



Practical Applications

Winlink isn’t just for emergencies. It’s a valuable tool for:

* Maritime communications for offshore sailors

* Position reporting and tracking

* Retrieving weather information and maritime safety data

* Sending messages to non-ham email addresses (within legal constraints) [1](https://winlink.org) [4](https://hamradioprep.com/winlink/) [6](https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/11r46ge/winlink/)



Responsible Use

As with all amateur radio activities, operators must use Winlink responsibly. The system is open for monitoring, and messages sent via amateur radio frequencies must comply with FCC regulations [5](https://winlink.org/content/us_amateur_radio_message_viewer) [6](https://www.reddit.com/r/amateurradio/comments/11r46ge/winlink/). This transparency helps maintain the integrity of the amateur radio service.


Conclusion

Winlink represents a perfect blend of traditional radio communication and modern email technology. Its reliability, versatility, and crucial role in emergency communications make it an essential tool for every amateur radio operator. By incorporating Winlink into their arsenal, hams can enhance their ability to serve their communities and stay connected in any situation. Whether you’re a seasoned operator or new to amateur radio, exploring and mastering Winlink will undoubtedly expand your capabilities and contribute to the broader ham radio community. In an age where communication is key, Winlink stands out as a robust, reliable, and indispensable resource for amateur radio enthusiasts worldwide.

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I’ve been doing this ham radio thing for about a year and a half now.  I have a couple more observations to add to the blog post I wrote last year.

1.   The amount of learning required to get started is not massive.  You can get started with a relative minimum of technological knowledge and if that’s all you want, you can do quite a bit.  But…

If you want to get really good at it or learn the nitty, gritty details of how and why things work, it’s a daunting task.  I’ve said before that it’s a bottomless pit of things to learn and from my perspective, it can be pretty overwhelming.  Having said that, …

2.  … established ham operators are, for the most part, more than willing to share their knowledge and experience if you just ask.  If you pop up on the air with a question, chances are pretty good that you can get an answer or at the very least a clue about how to proceed.  The experienced operators are a magnificent resource if you’re stuck or just need an explanation of something you don’t understand.

3.  If you make a mistake and do something incorrectly, most hams are very forgiving.  It’s likely that they’ve made a similar mistake at one time and they don’t hold your boo-boos against you.  I still dread screwing up, but at least there’s no ridicule from it. 

So far as I know.  (Maybe people are laughing and pointing at me on other channels.) 

4.  There’s a Young Operators’ Net on Sunday and there’s an eleven-year-old young woman who runs the net.  She’s terrific and does a really top-notch job of net control.  Hearing those young voices on the air leads me to believe that…

5.  …ham radio is not a dead hobby.  Far from it, matter of fact. 

One of the things that surprised me when I finally dove into ham radio was that technology has advanced the amateur radio hobby into the 21st century.  With at least three or four digital voice protocols and an untold number of digital data protocols, you can get a message through in any number of ways including the old standards like CW and SSB.  There are orbiting digital satellites that ham operators can use.  You can bounce a radio signal off the moon and back to Earth if you can figure out how to do that.  You can even communicate with the astronauts on the International Space Station.  If you’re willing to put in the time to study how to use these modes of communication, you can do it. 

Literally, the sky’s the limit.

http://www.arrl.org/news/actor-tim-allen-gets-his-ham-ticket-for-real

6.  For we Hollywood types, there’s a working ham radio shack on the set of “Last Man Standing,” the TV show on Fox starring Tim Allen of “Home Improvement” fame.  Every once in a while, I’m told that someone on set fires up the on-set radio and communicates with the rest of we mere mortal operators, though I’ve not had that pleasure yet.

Here’s some more details: http://www.arrl.org/news/last-man-standing-moving-to-fox-network   (The photo is from the article.)

7.  You don’t have to be crazy rich to get started.  Once you are licensed, a new, entry-level handheld digital radio can be had for Amazon points, if you have enough of ‘em.  Even if you don’t, you can get in for less than $100 if you watch the sales.  If you’re OK with used equipment, you can get in for about half that.  If amateur radio interests you, cost need not be a barrier to entry.

8.  Ham radio operators help during natural disasters.  Here’s an excerpt of an NPR piece about how amateur radio stepped up to help Puerto Rico in 2017:

MCEVERS: How many messages have you relayed since the hurricane hit?

DOBER: Myself about a hundred.

MCEVERS: Oh, wow. And what’s – what are one or two that, you know, are you know you’re going to remember for a long time?

DOBER: Honestly, there was one woman who – she just broke down in tears when I told her. And she actually called me back five minutes later and she basically asked me, you just called me. And what you told me, I want to hear it again to make sure I heard it right.

MCEVERS: And what had you told her?

DOBER: I told her that, yes, I did call you five minutes ago. And the news I gave you is the news that your loved one is OK.

MCEVERS: And so she just had to hear it one more time?

DOBER: She had to hear it one more time, yes. And like I said, as soon as I told her – and it’s odd because you’re telling people – I mean, I was calling people in California, in Texas. And you’re telling them, hi, I’m from Pittsburgh, Pa., and I have news out of Arecibo for you or out of Puerto Rico. So for them it’s kind of like, what? You know, that’s not the way they’re expecting to get their news.

Here’s the whole article from NPR:  https://www.npr.org/2017/09/29/554600989/amateur-radio-operators-stepped-in-to-help-communications-with-puerto-rico

Here’s another article from NBC:  https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/puerto-rico-amateur-radio-operators-are-playing-key-role-puerto-n805426

And one more from CNN: https://www.cnn.com/2017/09/27/us/puerto-rico-maria-ham-radio-operators-trnd/

9.  I’ll quote myself from the original set of observations on this one:

People are people everywhere. I’ve made this observation about every country I’ve physically visited, and the international amateur radio community is no exception. I’ve talked on the radio with people from several different countries. I marvel at the universality of the experience among the operators I hear on the air. Korea, Canada, The Philippines, Australia, the UK, South America. It really shouldn’t surprise me how similar we humans are to our brethren ham operators around the world, but it did. It reinforces my contention that people are people no matter where you go. Governments may suck – and most do – but people are people everywhere. I find that very comforting.

This remains true and still amazes me every time.

10.  This isn’t an observation, but a shout-out to Jeff, aka VE6DV, from Canada who’s just happens to be moving this week.  He is our weekly net controller and runs the net superbly.  He’s all the things that’s right about amateur radio.  He’s helpful, friendly and welcoming.  And the net he runs has gained popularity because of the way he does it.  He deserves public kudos so here they are.

11.  One more shout-out, this time to Andrew Taylor, MW0MWZ, in the UK.  He authors and maintains a software package which allows amateur radio operators to extend their reach from tens of miles to all the miles.  His software makes worldwide communications easy to use.  It’s free and he’s WAY more responsive to questions and answers than any professional tech support company.  So thanks, Andy, for writing and maintaining Pi-Star.  Well done!

Bottom line for me:  I am thankful that my son, Jon (left), poked me in the eye about my license awhile back.  Jon, don’t make the same mistake I did and wait 50 years to get your license.  It’s a great hobby and really tests my technical expertise every time I sit down at the radio. (That’s other son, Andy in the background, circa mid ’90’s.)

If a person’s brain really IS a use-it-or-lose-it proposition as we age, this is a great way to exercise the ol’ noggin.  Amateur radio is a great way to exercise your mind and help keep you sharp. 

This concludes today’s nerd alert.

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Many thanks to Dan Wolfe, KN4FYR for sharing his story about when he began his amateur radio journey. You can reach Dan directly at KN4FYR@gmail.com, or leave a reply, below.

HF Antennas: DX in a Pinch

When it comes to HF operations in the field, balancing efficiency with portability is key. Here are a couple of options that strike that balance well:

1. Hamstick-Style Antennas

These compact, loaded whip antennas are a go-to for many mobile operators. While they don’t offer the efficiency of full-sized antennas, their ease of use is unparalleled. Most Hamsticks are designed for single-band operation, so consider carrying a few to cover your preferred HF bands. Pro Tip: Use a sturdy mount that allows for quick band changes. Some operators prefer a hood or trunk lip mount for added stability and better ground plane characteristics.

2. End-Fed Half-Wave (EFHW) Antennas

EFHW antennas offer excellent performance in a portable package. A 66-foot wire can cover 40-10 meters with an appropriate matching transformer. Here’s a quick setup guide:

1. Attach one end of the wire to your matching transformer
2. Run the wire up a tree or portable mast
3. Connect the transformer to your tuner or radio

For multi-band operation, consider using a 9:1 unun instead of the typical 49:1 for EFHW antennas. This configuration can be more forgiving across multiple bands.

3. Portable Vertical Antennas

Collapsible vertical antennas, like the popular Buddipole or Wolf River Coils systems, offer quick setup and good performance. These can be particularly effective for DX work when set up near a body of water for enhanced ground conductivity.

VHF/UHF: Local Comms Made Easy

For 2 meters and 70 centimeters, we have several options that balance convenience with performance:

1. Magnetic Mount Antennas

The simplicity of mag mount antennas is hard to beat. Look for dual-band antennas with at least 3dB gain. Some models offer a fold-over feature for easy storage. Remember: The larger your vehicle’s roof, the better ground plane it provides, enhancing antenna performance.

2. Roll-Up J-Pole Antennas

These ingenious antennas can be made from 300-ohm ladder line and rolled up for easy storage. When deployed, they offer excellent performance:

• Omnidirectional pattern
• Unity gain or slightly more
• No ground plane required

To set up, simply unroll the antenna and hang it from a tree branch or temporary mast using a non-conductive rope.

3. Portable Yagi Antennas

For situations requiring directional gain, consider a portable Yagi. Many designs can be assembled in minutes and offer significant gain over omnidirectional antennas. This can be particularly useful for working satellites or distant repeaters.

Tips for Rapid Deployment

1. Practice, practice, practice! Familiarize yourself with your antenna setups before you need them in an emergency.
2. Create an “antenna go-bag” with all necessary components, adapters, and tools.
3. Label your antenna elements and parts for quick identification in low-light conditions.
4. Consider using quick-disconnect connectors like Anderson Powerpoles for coax connections to speed up setup and tear-down.
5. Keep a laminated checklist of setup steps for each antenna in your go-bag.

Remember, the most effective antenna in an emergency is the one you can deploy quickly and reliably. While these solutions may not match the performance of your home station, they’ll get you on the air fast when it counts. By maintaining a versatile selection of portable antennas and practicing your deployment techniques, you’ll be well-prepared for whatever communications challenges come your way. Stay safe, stay prepared, and happy DXing from the field!