JD Maag

2m-70CM Digital Radio

Digital Corner /

So, you are interested in Digital Voice Radio!!! This webpage is to help you get familiar and learn about the different mode and how to find an expensive means to use the many modes available to amateur radio operators. The following modes are for digital voice radio :

      1. DMR ( Digital Mode radio )
      2. D-STAR
      3. WIRES X
      4. FUSION (C4FM)
      5. P25
      6. NXDN
     7. M17

Do you have to buy seven different radios??? No!! Using a low-cost DMR radio and a low cost Hot spot, you can use the other digital modes by using what is called a reflector. The reflector is an internet gateway to a distant repeater on DMR which has a bridge to the other
modes and will send back the DMR mode to your hot spot. Here is an in expensive approach. Purchase the following : TYT MD-UV380 radio and a Zum Spot MINI which has a Raspberry Pi 4 computer and has the software already loaded on it.  The cost at the present is under $300.
The P-Star software is free and can be down loaded from the internet. Ham Radio Outlet has instruction on how the setup up the Hot Spot and the radio. There are youtube videos for which also can be used to setup the configuration. If you need any help from the NIARA, Jeff
KB9QG (JDeluce@frontier.com) or JD KD9QDL (KD9QDL@gmail.com) will be glad to help you!!

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NEW FCC rules on RF Exposure from the ARRL

Association Events /

Introduction

Amateur Radio is basically a safe activity. In recent years, however, there has been considerable discussion and concern about the possible hazards of electromagnetic radiation, including both RF energy and power-frequency (50-60 Hz) electromagnetic fields.  To allay such concerns, the FCC set limits on the amount of RF energy people can be exposed to. Some stations now need to be evaluated to ensure they are in compliance with RF exposure limits.

As detailed in a May 2023 QST article by Greg Lapin, N9GL, the rules which took effect on May 3, 2021 now require amateur radio operators to perform station evaluations.  The Amateur Radio Service is no longer categorically excluded from certain aspects of the RF exposure rules, and licensees can no longer avoid performing an exposure assessment simply because they are transmitting below a given power level.  

A two year transition period was implemented to allow existing stations to make any necessary changes, but as of May 3, 2023, the transition period ends and all transmitters operating in the US are expected to comply with the exposure rules.  The ARRL has on its website an RF Exposure Calculator to assist amateurs in performing station assessments.  

 

ARRL RF Exposure Resources

These links are to ARRL resources and tools related to RF exposure:

Frequently Asked Questions about the May 3, 2021 changes to the FCC RF-exposure rules

100th Edition ARRL Handbook’s RF safety section as a PDF

ARRL’s RF Exposure Calculator

ARRL Learning Network video on RF exposure 

 

FCC RF Exposure Resources

These links are to resources documentation that is on the current FCC web site. Some of this information has not yet been updates to reflect the recent changes in the rules.  The information on how to evaluate a station is the most current information that the FCC has available. Information on station exemptions has been superseded by new methods that all radio services use to determine whether a particular installation needs to be evaluated or not.

 

Articles

The following links are to ARRL articles on RF safety:

April 12, 2021 ARRL announcement of rule changes:  The FCC has announced that rule changes detailed in a lengthy 2019 Report and Order governing RF exposure standards go into effect on May 3, 2021.

July/August 2021 QEX article, written by Richard (Ric) Tell, K5UJU, titled Amateur Portable Radios (Handheld Transceivers): Exposure Considerations Based on SAR

September 2021 QST article, written by Ed Hare, W1RFI on new RF exposure rules

May 2023 QST article by Greg Lapin, N9GL, titled FCC Exposure Rules Soon to Affect Every US Radio Amateur

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ARRL members – Dues Survey

Association Events /
There is an ARRL dues survey underway.  The ARRL says they are in need of raising dues.
ARRL members can access the survey by logging in to the ARRL website and on the home page clicking on the Dues Survey link.
The survey continues to the end of the month.
The results from the survey will be tabulated and shared with the ARRL Board of Directors. The results will also be shared with members on the ARRL website in June. Your responses will aid our analysis and discussions, and ultimately help guide the future of ARRL.

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The NIARA has joined the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC)

Association Events /
The NIARA has joined the Straight Key Century Club (SKCC).  SKCC is an international club that has over 25,000 members that operate CW.
 
SKCC exchanges include RST, QTH, name, and SKCC number.  Here is the exchange info for the club call W9OU:
 
QTH:  IN
Name:  NIARA
SKCC#: 26699

A link to their website is:  https://www.skccgroup.com/

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Communication Trailer Update July 1, 2022 – Coax feed through installed

Digital Communications Trailer /
 
 

July 1st, 2022

JD, KD9QDL made the coax feed thru to connect outside antennas to radios. Jeff. KB9QG and Dave, KC9YY installed it on the trailer.
Monitors were installed along with drawers under the bench for each station. KD9QDL has been working on the wiring for the light and equipment.

2022-07-01 Digital Communications Trailer Update

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