Is a "Poor Man's 705" possible?

While I am proud owner of multiple radios from Icom over the decades (and still own all of them) I am having a hard time cost-justifying an expensive and new shiny Icom IC-705 as part of my QRP kit, like Steve K2GOG already jumped in on. 

My Yaesu FT-817 has served me well the past twenty years which includes many ARRL Field Day's and HOPE conferences and with the 705 coming in at ~US$600 over the cost of a Yaesu FT-818ND, ~US$400 over a Elecraft KX-2, and even US$750 over a used Yaesu FT-817ND, what the premium that the IC-705 delivers is really just the same core capability as all these other fine radios, but with some fancy user interface (UI) and an improved overall user experience (UX)

The Shiny

The top three attributes often discussed about the Icom IC-705 are:

• Color touchscreen display
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Compact size

To make my FT-817 or a new FT-818ND "shinier", I could buy a CAT-to-Bluetooth Adapter (US$20), use a Amazon Fire HD10 Tablet (US$15) as a touchscreen display running the 817 Companion app (Free.) This approach would allow for control of the radio, but not much else like how the Icom IC-705 integrates Wi-Fi to also offer full remote access which is very different compared to the basic bluetooth connectivity also present.

But the article is about a "Poor Mans 705." A FT-817/8 approach is still too much for your blood at ~US$700 to US$820.  We need to go much lowah ..... lowwwwaaahhhhh!

Cheap(er) Building Blocks

I recently completed building a uBitX. A QRP project with a sublime simple design blending analog and microprocessor technology. 

It is designed with experimentation in mind which can also combine a touchscreen display just like the one found on the expensive Icom radio. I figure this display upgrade would be a good start for a Poor Mans 705.

uBitx Architecture Model

The Block Model above is the uBitx with touchscreen modification. It is broken down into Analog, Digital, and Human Interface layers. 

It is important to note that the uBitx is a software-controlled radio as opposed to a software defined radio. 

In software-controlled, a microcontroller is used to control analog stages of the transceiver and interact with the user interface that makes and display changes/status. 

A software-defined radio (SDR) takes the  analog signals, converts them to the digital domain where the power of math (and coding) let us manipulate the signals to the desired analog output whether transmit or receive. The 705 is a SDR which also has software control, the best of both and you pay the price for it! 

With Arduino Nano as the microcontroller and all the uBitx code open sourced, this should help with the software learning curve.

User Interface and Experience

For those new to touchscreen projects, the Nextion HMI Display will expand your horizons when it comes to building/designing the user interface experience.  Many radio amateurs became familiar with these displays either through a uBitx project or something involving an MMDM digital hotspot. 

The Nextion has its own processor and memory that is programmed with its own editor software for developing the GUI you interact with. 

Nextion Editor with uBitx Main screen loaded

A web search will yield libraries of Amateur Radio screens made for the Nextion. The development experience is analogous (no pun intended) to front-end web development with your radio being the back-end infrastructure.  A robust community of users exists via various Facebook and Groups.io pages too.

It should be noted the Nextion does heavy processing and may introduce radio frequency interference (RFI) that may disagree with some less thoughtful HF QRP project designs. 

There are other TFTs to go with out there but few are simpler to program and addressing the RFI through the Nextion being in its own metal sub-enclosure will often suffice.

Wireless Connectivity

Anyone who has had a long history with digital modes commonly used on amateur HF spectrum is no stranger to the nest of wires and peripherals that would be built between their radio and a PC. In essence there are two services you are trying to make wireless; audio connectivity and control connectivity. 

Adding Bluetooth audio to a transceiver is a well trodden path of simple solutions  as long as you choose VOX over PTT. 

The same can be said for Bluetooth Serial device adapters that can plug into serial ports of common radio manufacturers. 

The Bluetooth serial connection is transparent to the radio control software and manufacturer protocols running across it. 

But many QRP builds do not include a serial connection nor a protocol to be used across one. The few that do like the QRPver Minion have standard on Yaesu FT-817 CAT Library.

One approach is for connectivity to be its own subsystem at the digital layer built with an ESP32. ESP32 have WiFi and Bluetooth built-in. 

Code would be built for the ESP32 to run network services (Bluetooth and WiFi) that understand various vendor protocols and give commands to the Arduino via I2C for control changes.

A Poor Mans Approach

Poor Mans Architecture

Based on what has been covered so far targeting the top three attributes of a 705, I come up with the above architecture. 

As of this publishing, I have yet to find a better source for the analog foundation than a uBitx kit which includes the microcontroller. 

For connectivity the Bluetooth Audio module and ESP32 can be readily sourced from Amazon. For the touchscreen I will go with a Nextion 4.3 inch - the same real estate as the 705.

Going larger than the available 3.5 inch touchscreen upgrade for the uBitx is going to require learning UX design with the Nextion Editor Software and the nuances of the controller running on the Nextion.

Once that is successful, adding connectivity require writing code on an ESP 32 and a routine added to the Arduino to look for I2C messages from the ESP32.

You would be correct in thinking I am planning to turn this into a fall/winter project.

 Be sure to keep an eye on the HVDN Github repo as ideation develops into design and prototype.

Any Pi?

At the Four Days in May (FDIM) 2021 annual QRP conference, the creator of the uBitx Ashhar VU2ESE announced work on the sBitx - an Open SDR using a Raspberry Pi. A PDF was published providing in-depth technical detail (that included code snippets) on their approach as well as a repo shared of code developed to date. 

Just like many of us saw with the expensive RS-BA1 remote control software that Icom sold, but has since been phased out due to competing lower cost (and better) options by the community itself, only time will tell if a combination of the sBitx and people like me will create a competitor via an open source low cost "poor man's 705".

Will be tracking this closely.

73,

- Joe, NE2Z

The Magical Military Tent Pole

Introduction

You've seen them for sale online, at some Hamfests, mentions of their for building antennas, I am talking about military tents poles repurposed and sold as military antenna masts. 

They come in heavy duty fiberglass, smooth-walled and ribbed aluminum. Camouflage netting supports being repurposed and sold as insulator top pieces for a vertical or base. They end up being re-usable building blocks for antenna experimentation.

I started using the heavy duty fiberglass poles a decade ago as end supports for dipoles on top of the Hotel Pennsylvania for HOPE Conferences that would occur every two years there. We would build 12 feet of fiberglass mast for each end and strap the masts to whatever structure that was anchored to the building as possible. 

Each conference they would be up there in the summer heat and winds for three days. The ends would be reinforced with duct tape. In eight years of use we hadn't had any structural failure with them but did started hearing some creaking in their last use.

Low Dipole atop Hotel Penn in NYC. Far mast just behind left corner of building

12 feet strapped to the side of an existing structure might have been secure enough, but what about when it comes to how high can you stack military masts safely in open space using guy rings and ropes?

Use case

Carrying the N2B load during HR3:2021

Is this a mast to serve as end point for a wire antenna, a mast for a beam or vertical, some combination? This adds up to how much load we are balancing at the top. 

Will this installation be a semi-permanent setup at home or will this be part of a portable operation kit? For the latter weight, easy setup/teardown are considerations whether one or more people are involved. 

Let's start with portable operations. and the most precarious setup.

Fiberglass Mast as Center Support for Wire Antennas (Dipole/V/OCF)

Base

Let start with ensuring you are setting up on level ground and what are you using for your base. The Paddle base is what is commonly used for flat surfaces as well as portable locations where you need to leave the least foot print on nature.

Top is Paddle Base
Bottom is Swivel Base(photos goverticalusa.com)

The mast kits used to include Paddle Bases but have since started to include the more expensive swivel stakes. These are good where ground is soft enough to pound them down into the earth.

When it comes to re-purposing or making your own portable base, I have used a plastic Christmas tree stand. 

An item you could re-purpose for a base in a semi-permanent installation is a concrete block used for posts as sold by local home improvement stores. 

They are too heavy for frequent portable operations but

a consideration for infrequent long operations setups like Field Day

at easily accessible locations.

Guy Ropes

11.5 x 8 x 11.5 inch
Concrete Block

For a total mast height of 24 feet, run guy ropes at 12 feet and then again at 20 feet for a mast that is 24 to 28 feet tall given a top load that will support the center of a wire antenna and 2/70cm mobile antenna.

While advise against going higher than 28 feet with fiberglass poles, for a similarly loaded mast that is 32 feet high, run guy ropes at 12 feet and then again at 24 feet. 

To add some life to the fiberglass poles I've wrapped duct tape around the ends since when these poles fail it is often at those points.

Tripod base using six
 fiberglass poles

If you want to run only one set of guy ropes for heights above 20 feet and have six extra fiberglass poles may you want to build a tripod base using a tripod adapter from companies like GoVerticalUSA or fabricating your own if you have the tools and materials. With a tripod added you can run your guy ropes at 24 feet for mast heights up to 32 feet.

Aluminum Pole Use

For this use since there is little weight difference between the fiberglass and aluminum poles, I use fiberglass poles for the legs of the tripod and all but the top two sections of the vertical mast.  

With the top two sections fiberglass this reduces signal pattern impact to the wire antennas. while having a stronger support.

Aluminum Poles as a Portable Vertical

With tent poles being four feet in length, you and up lugging at least six poles for 24 feet to as much as eight for 32 feet. If you go with a tripod base you end up adding six poles to each configuration. Does not make for light carry for portable operation, just acceptable load for long operation setups.

So I got thinking about making an antenna out of the aluminum poles and cut a short section of fiberglass as a base. 

Portable Vertical - Blue taps first aluminum pole, green is counterpoise laying on ground

The diagram above is that idea as a 13 foot vertical. 'B" is a fiberglass section cut down to one and three aluminum poles stacked on top of it. A non-metallic guy ring with ropes is attached between sections '2' and '3' to keep the structure stable. A short wire is connected from the balun to bare aluminum using a metal hose clamp and a twenty foot wire is attached to the other end of the balun laid on the ground as a counterpoise.

While I have made a few FT8 contacts with it on 20 meters using a Yaesu FT-817 with a Z-11 tuner. 

I need to do some more experimentation to see how far I can improve it to be a viable alternative to the performance of windsock verticals. 

Will follow this article up at some point with results.

73,

- Joe, NE2Z

Dash Battery Status: Field Day & QRP

 

The HVDN Notebook blog tries to remain very unbiased and focused on future relevancy around active lifestyles involving amateur radio without enforcing the beliefs or mission statements of certain national level advocacy groups.

It is the authors opinion that we enjoy a pretty great relationship with our local regional leadership when talking about the ARRL since they were more than happy to encourage what we did via our recent Hudson River Radio Relay special event which was led by a non-affiliated club in the ARRL ENY section.

As we get closer to Field Day and the end of COVID, looking back on our data analysis gathered over the last ten years about Field Day, it was a good idea to shift our attention to the status of battery operated field day efforts.

Certainly 2020 and this year are different when it comes to normal field day operations and is why talking about the differences between low power, battery powered and emergency stations is a good idea since many people will be still at home and possibly contributing to club overall standings.

Battery Powered

According to the 41 pages of ARRL Field Day rules for 2021,  in section 4.2 it specifically explains:

This is very clear. If you are a club, such as HVDN who will be operating under N2HVD this year from POTA K-2084 for just a few hours on Saturday June 26th, or a non club portable group of more than two people  in the Hudson Valley from a location only they can get to via backpack and foot power as a group of SOTA enthusiasts

This means that no matter how much battery capacity you have or output capability of our radio, if you wish to claim Class A - Battery status, you need to stay at less than 5 watts output if you will be sharing one callsign. 

Operating at low or QRP power is a way to drive distinction to your club or group compared to being plain old "alpha" class running on some sort of other power system such as carbon fuel based generators.

If we look at the "Bravo" class of setup and its battery powered variant, it is also very clear how they differ for these smaller groups of amateur radio enthusiasts that are not going to represent a club or be more than two people.

No one here at HVDN is complaining, but simply offering an alternative to encourage distinction for your field day activities for this year and the future.

Being safe is paramount since the majority of those involved in amateur radio are those at highest risk of suffering from not being young any longer.    For those who will be 1D from home this year and rolling your scores up to your favorite club, why not try a decentralized QRP field day instead?

Based on the public data shared from the ARRL, it is amazing that more operators do not try legitimate battery power operations in the field or even at home. The data below does not lie, unless the ARRL material is not accurate.

Look at the above chart. The most popular historic way to operate as a true battery powered station, using less than 5 watts is classified as 2AB and 3AB. This shows that HVDN is only part of a small crazy bunch of operators to attempt this likely in 2021.

There are even the 2 person 2B2B plus one transmitter 1EB and B1B classifications out there which have about the same number of crazy adopters.

So whats the point?

The total of entities operating as true battery powered stations is far too low and needs more to join the club compared to the larger "Alpha" cousins with the bubble based 1D's that will help again this year. which do not operate as battery powered.

The point is that there should really be a different classification for QRP power 5 watt stations as well as a separate class for those running from battery, but may wish to use more than 5 watts since radios like the Yaesu FT-891, Xiegu G-90 and a few others are pretty popular these days and are capable to run more than QRP power.

Low Power

Ever speak with a QRP operator about antennae or feedline?  They will have interesting stories about how to optimize the gain from an antenna headed where they want it, find ways to save weight by avoiding certain types of antenna or even feedline and probably be more knowledgeable about patient operating practices or ways to be more efficient in getting as much RF to radiate outward rather then get burnt up as wasteful heat energy.

All this differentiation should be encouraged by the ARRL, but not confused by battery power.  Nothing prevents anyone from dropping down in power to try QRP nor trying to be sustainable from just a battery. 

If you plan to be 1D from home (again) this year, why not challenge yourself by running QRP from home if you can scrounge up a battery to run your radio from before Saturday.

Emergency Stations

There are many first responder or community groups that fall under the "Echo" class of operation for Field Day, but what makes them so different than a battery powered station?  It is possible to run emergency and on battery, but this still means they are limited to only 5 watts.  

If there was a long term emergency situation and the ability to charge batteries was not possible, would more EB stations be a good experiment? Perhaps the E class stations will not use a whole building generator used for many EMCOMM facilities and see what they can do from a battery and only run five watts.

Obligatory Antennae Stuff

Not always can we arrange the perfect antenna system and often the way around that is to transmit more power to make up for a lousy antenna. 

Perhaps trying to optimize antenna as if everyone was using 5 watts would be an interesting experiment, especially since we have so many low signal to noise ratio modes and superior equipment available today capable of receiving weak signals.

Can we try to improve our antennae systems or try modes that reward low signal to noise ratios?

Hopefully the excuses of whatever you are already thinking about can be put aside and more people decide to try something new when it comes to field day.

It is HVDN's belief that that ARRL is taking us in the right direction during the strange times we live in, but they do not always do a good job of articulating the benefits, values and most important awareness things we should all be focusing on. 

Oh, and did you want access to the nice 10 year database in excel that we compiled from the ARRL website?

Feel free to reach out to me at .K2GOG.@yahoo...com (remove the extra dots!!) and I am happy to share a copy with you of the 2010 to 2020 data that was used for the below two articles.

Thanks for reading

Steve K2GOG

Trustee, N2HVD

Co-Founder HVDN

Organizer, HR3

ARRL Field Day: Independent Data Analysis

The Dreaded Independent ARRL Field Day 2020 Analysis Article

NEAR-FEST: What is under the tarp?

Since 2006, amateur radio operators, electronics hobbyists and camping enthusiasts have been making the pilgrimage to New England to experience an interesting two day long event known as "NEAR-FEST"

What is under the tarp you ask?  Some interesting electronics with a military
history for sale at the 24th NEAR-FEST in Deerfield, NH on October 12-13th 2018

Held twice annually, every spring and fall at the the Deerfield Fairgrounds has been the home of a unique event called NEAR-FEST.

Part electronic swap meet, educational session, casual gathering, food destination and opportunity to purchase brand new and interesting radio related equipment offers a little of something for everyone in the family.

Over the years, the New England Amateur Radio Festival has attracted those from both far and wide.

The October 2018 edition was no exception with those spotted from Quebec, Ontario, Virginia, Florida, Ohio, Japan, Haiti, Puerto Rico and of course the entirety of the North Eastern United States!

Event attendees can camp on site in a tent, roll up in an RV or camper or stay at any number of area hotels. 

This makes it a very convenient "ham fest" as compared to other amateur radio or even "maker" oriented events.

New England Tech Trek gives another reason to not leave NEAR-FEST too early
if you are not interested in purchasing something which is one of the
top reasons to go to a "fester" like this bi-annual event 

There is no need for every attendee to contend with an early morning drive or risk there getting late out of fear vendors will pack up early.  Once someone is at NEAR-FEST, they are generally there for a while.

Everything from food, ATM machines and restrooms are available to prevent people from leaving 

Helpful NEAR-FEST Tips

It is recommended however, to bring a backpack to hang on to anything acquired at the "fester".  A bottle of water, comfortable shoes, various batteries, rain repellent are recommended to have on hand too.

Need a rain jacket before going to NEAR-FEST?  L.L Bean h
as you covered at its various nearby outlet locations.

Most of these "forgotten" supplies however can be purchased at an L.L Bean Outlet in nearby Concord or Nashua.  This may be especially of interest to those with interests such as QRP kayak portable, SOTA or other converged ham radio/other stuff sort of activities. 

Over the past years, more commercial vendors both at NEAR-FEST and other similar events take credit card payment, so save your cash to support the tail gate community.

Also, if going with friends, agree on what "secret channel" to use and program a few options in advance to your hand held radio of choice.  All of the common "simplex" channels may be in use, but its still good to have those programmed too.

Frequency Suggestions for NEAR-FEST

If you have a DMR radio, the NEDECN has pre-populated code plugs for all area repeaters of interest to NEAR-FEST attendees.

All you need to add are your simplex and "secret" channels along with configuring them in the correct zone, scan list or receive group. Some "amateur radio" suggestions include:

• Standard FM analog frequencies such as 146.520, 146.535, 146.550, 146.580, 446.000 and 446.500 with no PL tone.

• Digital voice DMR frequencies such as 145.510, 145.790, 446.075 and 445.925 saved with TG 99, TS1, CC1. 

• Your own "secret channel" using FM analog, DMR or some other mode like Fusion or D-Star on 433.0125, 433.920, 147.030 or 223.500

Various DMR radios by Anytone, TYT, Vertex, Motorola and a few others can
easily be programmed for NEAR-FEST thanks to NEDECN's informative website

You can also try one of the "unlicensed" channels for FRS and MURS in order to include your not yet licensed amateur radio friends. A great radio for events like this are the Xiaomi Mijia with smart location sharing reviewed in the past on HVDN.

This inexpensive radio not only is a great discussion topic, but also serves dual purpose for both amateur radio and unlicensed operation in one friendly looking design. No internet is needed for this to work, compared to trying to share location with Google Maps or verbally explaining your location over the radio.

Time To Learn & Get Edu-ma-cated... 

An exciting addition to NEAR-FEST recently is the second annual New England Tech Trek or NE(T)².

This mostly hands on educational event engages children as young as 8 years old all the way up to and beyond the age of 80 years old.

For those not familiar with amateur radio and its infinite list of complexities, NE(T)² helps capture some of what amateur radio is all about to prospective "hams", existing hams or those newly licensed thanks to exam sessions also available at NEAR-FEST.

This year, New England Tech Trek showcased a range of well known habits of the amateur radio hobby that have seen modern changes as well as purely new and innovative applications and technologies relevant to any communications focused hobbyist.

NEAR-FEST XXIV Report

Friday October 12th and Saturday October 13th were the planned days for attendees to enjoy the event and rain only impacted part of Saturdays festivities before the event officially came to a close at 3:00 PM Eastern Time.

Inside three buildings were vendors of brand new equipment and small components. Outside and scattered between various food stalls were tail gate and "tent gate" vendors selling everything from surplus "militaria",  antennas, computers, rechargeable batteries, VHF/UHF radios, HF amplifiers, microphones and test equipment.

Some of the commercial vendors or service providers at NEAR-FEST XXIV included:

• KJI Electronics
• Quick Silver Radio
• Radio Oasis
• Dave's Small Parts of Shokan, NY
• Tune Up Clinic by Andy WA2CDL 
• Ham Radio Outlet
• GEMOTO
• Connect Systems Inc
• Plus about 30 more....

Not Just "For Sale" Stuff

There also were organizations focused on various parts of amateur radio visibility scattered throughout these rain proof building to help raise awareness of different parts of the amateur radio community that are built upon like minded members.

The Nashua Area Radio Society was just one of the
organizations that made the NE(T)2 event possible at NEAR-FEST XXVI

Was the ARRL there?

Aside from the expected ARRL attendance via a small table, other leadership and influencers were at NEAR-FEST also making a much larger presence known.

One of the non-commercial sellers had a monitor
that said "My wife said to take all reasonable offers" 

Key organizations present included one of the longest operating female oriented amateur radio clubs called YLRL which showcased its bi-monthly newsletter called YL Harmonics.

Niece, KA1ULN  was enthusiastic to engage with those who braved the weather to attend NEAR-FEST XXVI and it was great to meet her in person.

A national women's only amateur radio organization promoting the hobby since 1934

Booths for various geographic focused clubs such as White Mountain Amateur Radio Club, Nashua Area Radio Society, and the New England Digital Emergency Communications Network to name just a few helped make this a great way to decide who else to spend precious "membership" dollars with too.

Many of these organizations use NEAR-FEST as a great way for its membership to see each other in person as well as to raise funds for club activities through the sale of surplus member equipment, spare parts and even member driven projects.

Craig, N1SFT, oversaw some VYL (Very Young Ladies) complete
a small kit that required soldering 

Pictures, please!

The mixed smell of pine needles and grilled pepper & sausage sandwiches permeated the damp fall air across the fair ground which added to the overall great atmosphere by a well run and planned event by those responsible.

Thank you for all your hard work and effort for yet another NEAR-FEST!

Here are some further photos and commentary related to the event.

Most Curious Antenna Award

At the fall NEAR-FEST of 2016, Steve K2GOG (Co-Founder of HVDN) was seen walking around with a high gain 2.4 GHz antenna which attracted a lot of attention.  For the asking price of $5, it was hard to pass that up. This can be found on his QRZ.com profile page

This year, he was on the look out for something else very interesting to add to the antenna collection, but decided to pass on this 900 MHz corner reflector antenna based on its size and price. This could have been easily modified for 440 MHz, 1.2 GHz or maybe even a lawn chair!

Best Convergence Hobby Tailgate Vendor Award

There is much to say about this photo ranging from the precision GPS antenna attached to the roof of the Toyota RAV4 with the license plate of  "Hiker" to the bumper sticker that could relate to the load of vintage test equipment or his other favorite activity that is not ham radio

Hiker Trash:  Certainly, you wont win any feather-lite
pack tips if trying to take any of this gear out on the trail

Most Popular NE(T)² Discussion Topic Award

Anything to do with satellite operation was a big topic of interest inside the NE(T)² as well as outside. The impressive antenna array used for satellite communication demo  that made use of crossed polarization  14 element 435 MHz Yagi, 7 element 145 MHz Yagi and a 20 element 1200 MHz Yagi on a azimuth/elevation rotator. This is one impressive (and expensive) antenna system!

This impressive satellite communications array is capable of receiving
very weak signals as well as for transmitting very high power for
long range line of site communication

On a much more simple and cheaper scale was the Elk Log Periodic antenna found inside the NE(T)² building. T\

This much less expensive but effective antenna can be used to make contact through low earth orbit satellites such as those covered in the popular "Amateur Satellite Basics: Where, When & What to listen for" article from March 2018.

Not to be left out with all the satellite communication focus is a
high altitude balloon presentation at the right of the small crowd.

Digital Mobile Radio Robustness Network Award

The New England Digital Emergency Communications Network connects over 80 different repeater sites over much of the north eastern United States in order to create a very robust communications network.  The KM3T and W1RCF repeaters located on the fun to (mis)pronounce Mount Uncanoonuc  are part of DMR-MARC which is a different network than the popular Brandmeister network.

Both DMR networks are mostly able to talk to one another though due to great interoperability between those responsible for these tremendous contributions to modern amateur radio communities globally.   NEDECN had many radios on display such as the popular Anytone AT-D868UV along with some Motorola equipment for sale by one of NEDECN's members.

NEDECN did a fantastic job or promoting DMR at NEAR-FEST and they even operated a repeater for NEAR-FEST communications.

Reach For The Sky Award

Any time a number of amateur radio enthusiasts gather is the time to see who has the largest antenna on a car.  Here is one example of an HF mobile operator with a 8 foot long vertical antenna on a station wagon. License plates have been blanked out to protect the identity of this super ham-heros!

The Not Just Ham Radio Presentation Award (Tie!)

Computer and Maker enthusiasts were represented by a presentation about what can be done with a Raspberry Pi.

And, for those looking to get out and do something fun with a Raspberry Pi or antenna project can experience hidden transmitter locating or "Fox Hunting".

A very effective directional antenna can be constructed out of PVC pipes, hose clamps and a measuring tape.

The Last Picture Award 

With the weather getting a little more wet on Saturday, even the "hard core" military ham radio crowd started to pack up early.

Mystery Picture Award

Care to take a guess as to what this is? Sound off in the comments...

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