CARA

Calgary Amateur Radio Association

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VE6KZ's Variable Transmission Line Tuner

Russ VE6KZ has developed an amazing Transmission Line Tuner (Antenna Tuner?) that solves a number of issues and weaknesses in traditional CLC tuners. 

Russ explained to me that he has a couple of commercial tuners that he can demo, that use the Pi network Capacitor, Inductor, Capacitor tuning.   These tend to be fairly high loss and are quite laborious to tune each time you change bands

This tuner uses different lengths of transmission line to allow Russ to switch in and out various tuning stubs to allow him to tune his antenna using only capacitance as the variable, and with minimal losses.

Here are some pictures of his station and the store behind his work:

<< All album photos 8/10 photos

Car Rally

Car Rally - Mapping using MAPS.ME or ORGANIC MAPS

Car Rally's are one of the popular events that a new HAM will find rewarding to attend.   It gives them practice using a NET, meet other like minded HAM's , and contribute to Community Service.

One of the requirements as a volunteer will be to ensure that you have an off-line map to use as a reference to find the Checkpoint, Blocker positions, and various way-point.   By off-line, I mean that there is often limited Cell phone coverage, which means that Google Maps is not a reliable resource. 

In Calgary, the Rally organizers provide detailed Rally course information in the form of KML files, which are posted in the Rally Recce.

If you are not familiar with KML files, or how to use them, do not fear.   The following is a quick and easy set of instructions on how to get set up. 

  • First, download the app MAPS.ME or Organic Maps to you phone.  These are free apps available on both iPhone and Android.
  • Next, email yourself the KML files that have been posted on the Rally Recce. 
  • Then, in your email, for each file select to open the file, and when prompted, select the app MAPS.ME as the default app.
  • Now that you have the KML files loaded, you can view the routes, waypoints, etc on the map.  
  • To select which files you would like to view, or hide, select Favorites.  Slide up the Bookmarks that are displayed and you can edit the list of files.

  


Fox Hunt

Foxhunting

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