In his Power Tool Batteries for Portable or Emergency Operations article (a free preview from the July 2024 issue of QST Magazine), Gordon S. Novak, AF5KA, demonstrates how inexpensive DC–DC convertors can turn easily accessible lithium power tool batteries into a good backup or portable source for powering a radio.

This is a very timely and topical discussion in light of RRRA’s July Portable Operations July Activity.

AF5KA begins with a brief discussion of the DC–DC convertor specifications to look for as well as two types of battery connections: ad-hoc (using ATC fuses) and brand-specific plug-in connectors.

AF5KA then discusses power limitations, provides examples of battery sizes for different power levels, and mentions the easy-to-remember rule of thumb: “the maximum amperage to the radio is three times the ampere-hour rating of the 18V tool battery.” ¹

TL;DR; “Almost any power tool battery will power a QRP radio. An 8Ah battery at 18 V will power a 100 W transceiver.” ²

AF5KA’s article closes with a list of seven power tool battery advantages and a link to information on where to purchase some of the parts mentioned in the article.

In his A Sensitive Field Strength Meter for Foxhunting article (a free preview from the July 2021 issue of QST Magazine), Woody White, KZ4AK, presents the Field Strength Meter (FSM) for Foxhunting he built based on a design featured in the June 2001 QST article Simple RF-Power Measurement by Les Hayward, W7ZOI, and Bob Larking, W7PUA.

KZ4AK begins with a brief discussion of the W7ZOI/W7PUA digital readout FSM he built. And he quickly arrives at a key design consideration relevant to Foxhunting: “… signal trends are harder to follow on digital readouts than with an analog meter.” ¹

His article covers:

• Why a sensitive wide dynamic range FSM is a useful Foxhunting tool
• Considerations related to the meter’s lack of selectivity
• Circuit simplifications for Foxhunting and construction style

KZ4AK’s article references two QST articles about similar FSMs and includes the complete schemetic diagram for his FSM.

In his Welcome to Cycle 25 article (a free preview from the April 2021 issue of QST Magazine), Steve Ford, WB8IMY, discusses the new solar cycle that is under way and how it is having a positive effect on HF band conditions.

WB8IMY begins with some background information on solar cycles and discusses discovery of harbingers of the next solar cycle.

His article covers:

• Differing predictions for Cycle 25
• Changes in HF band behavior
• Benefits for low-power operating and mobiles
• Tips for preparing for the cycle peak

A 2021 Propagation Forcast sidebar by Carl Luetzelschwab, K9LA—originally published in the January/February 2021 Issue of NCJ—discusses the question “How big will Cycle 25 be?”

In closing, WB8IMY writes:

Better days are on the way—we just don’t know by how much. All hams will benefit regardless of license class. Who knows? History may repeat itself and Cycle 25 could even rival Cycle 19.¹

In his Augment Your ARES® Mission with FirstNet® article (a free preview from the September 2020 issue of QST Magazine), Randy Richmond, W7HMT, discusses how ARES members can apply for a subscription to FirstNet and use this tool for public service applications.

W7HMT begins by mentioning that the 2012 Spectrum Act, which funded FirstNet, authorizes supporting volunteer groups—including the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES®)—access to dedicated spectrum in Band 14 (700MHz).

His article covers technical details of how FirstNet differs from commercial cellular carriers and discusses advantages for ARES:

• How ARES teams can use cellular communication
• Assets to improve cellular resiliency
• Priority access to avoid cellular congestion
• Communicating directly with Served Agencies

W7HMT then describes the process of he went through when subscribing to FirstNet and provides a link for purchasing a FirstNet-ready smartphone.

In closing, W7HMT writes:

Given the fact that FirstNet, like existing cellular networks, is subject to impairment during disasters, there remains a need for a resiliency that only amateur radio can provide. Nonetheless, FirstNet can be another valuable resource in the ARES toolkit, to help provide communications in times of disaster.¹

In his Bicycle Mobile on the HF Bands article (a free preview from the August 2020 issue of QST Magazine), Christian Bravo, W4ALF, discusses “an easy way to implement a mobile radio system, for the operator on two wheels.” ¹

After experimenting with pedestrian mobile and being active with Summits on the Air (SOTA), I was looking for a new amateur radio challenge. My experiences with portable ham gear led me to the idea of adapting my mobile setup to fit on my bicycle. The two-wheel setup would allow me to be even more mobile, and still be able to communicate on the HF bands. ¹

W4ALF’s article covers:

• The Radio Setup
• The Bike
• Mounting the Antenna
• Performance

The Mounting the Antenna section of the article goes into detail about W4ALF’s tapped coil shortened vertical antenna with a raised counterpoise, including a description of the Buddipole pieces used for the vertical.

In closing, W4ALF states:

Operating bicycle mobile is a fun way to get out and operate while getting some exercise. Gear today lends itself well to having a high-performing HF setup on the go with two wheels. My antenna system allows for more bands and radials while operating stopped at a location without having to hang antennas. I hope the ideas presented here spark your own mobile adventures and homebrew modifications. ¹

An important part of hanging an antenna from a tree is a bearing, or pulley, to eliminate guy line friction and facilitate antenna repairs and adjustments.

The Wouff Hang—whimsically named after the infamous Wouff Hong from Amateur Radio history—is an easy to build bearing made from common PVC water pipe or electrical conduit found at any hardware or home supply store.

Author Roy Lewallen, W7EL, describes construction and use of The Wouff Hang in a well illustrated article which is (a free preview from the October 2019 issue of QST Magazine).

About the author

Roy Lewallen, W7EL, is the creator of the popular antenna-modeling software, EZNEC , and the author of many articles on ham radio-related projects. He was inducted into the Royal Order of the Wouff Hong at the ARRL National Convention in Seattle in 1980. While Roy has been hanging antennas since before getting his Novice license in 1957, this [article] is his first attempt at merging what he learned from those experiences.¹

Having the ability to experiment with operating your equipment in new ways is an aspect of Amateur Radio which sets our hobby apart from radio services such as CBRS, GMRS, FRS, and MURS.

In his Enjoy FT8 From Almost Anywhere article (a free preview from the August 2019 issue of QST Magazine), J. Robert Witmer, W3RW, writes:

Imagine hunting 6-meter DX at a restaurant while eating breakfast, or making an all-time new DX contact while waiting for a flight. I’ve found myself operating remotely in these types of situations, and many others, using nothing more than my smart phone. If you think this type of operating is complicated and expensive, prepare to be surprised!¹

W3RW goes on to describe his approach to remote FT8 operation which combines WSJT-X and TeamViewer with his radio, shack computer, and a mobile / portable device.

His article covers installation and configuration of WSJT-X and TeamViewer at your station and of TeamViewer on your mobile / portable device.

W3RW then discusses:

• Single Band Operation
• Multiband Remote Operation
• Other Considerations

W3RW reminds Amateur Radio Operators to enable the “watch-dog timer” in the WSJT-X software on their station computer to prevent run-away operation. And to enable their transceiver’s “watch-dog” feature if it has one.

In closing, W3RW states:

By combining WSJT-X FT8 operation with a remote desktop control program such as TeamViewer , you can add an exciting new dimension to operating. Operating remotely during breaks in the action while participating in other events can be a great way to catch elusive band openings and hopefully work a new one!

If you’re not a fan of FT8, the TeamViewer approach described here can be used to remotely control other station computer applications.¹

Providing service to others (e.g. Public Service communication support) requires adaptation to the evolving needs of those being served.

In his Positioning ARES for Serving in Todays World article (a free preview from the September 2018 issue of QST Magazine), ARRL Communication Manager David Isgur, N1RSN, writes:

With the advent of more uniformly functioning public safety organizations across the nation, more requirements imposed upon agencies and organizations assisting them, and the development of the Incident Command System (ICS) and the National Incident Management System (NIMS), ARRL was challenged to align the standards of ARES with current needs of our served partner agencies.

Without implementing such changes, ARES runs the risk of losing its status as a full participant and a valued partner in emergency and disaster relief situations. ¹

N1RSN’s article discusses how the ARES organizational structure will be brought into alignment with the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and Incident Command System (ICS)—and how ARES standards will be brought into alignment with the needs of served agencies—through the implemententation of a new strategic plan including:

• Guidelines to ensure that ARES remains an organization of organized, trained, qualified, and credentialed Amateur Radio operators who can provide public service partners with radio communications expertise, capability, and capacity
• An on-line volunteer management and activity reporting system to streamline ARES operations and facilitate better coordination with other national emergency and disaster response organizations
• A new Mission Statement
• A Vision Statement
• Identification of the expertise, capabilities, and capacity of the ARES organization as related to its role in emergency communications
• Standardization of training requirements for participation in ARES
• Proposed levels of training requirements which would correspond with levels of responsibility within the organization