Ham Radio & Emergency Communications | JS8Call

Hello Operators.
Todays topic Ham Radio & emergency communications for preparedness focuses on families, groups, small communities sheltering in place, bugging in, or planning their own ham radio disaster plan. It's my goal that after watching this video, you'll consider using ham radio communication for your own ham radio disaster preparedness We will go through my ham radio station, radios, tools for group comms, ham radio antenna tower, shack power, js8call, ALE, repeaters, and SELCAL. Many of us around the world are experiencing a self quarantine the past few weeks. it's obvious too many of us now, bugging in or sheltering in place is very different from the disaster preparedness we expected and prepared for. Because of this, there are small groups and communities wishing to learn ham radio emergency communications for disaster preparedness.
73
Julian oh8stn
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Serious about survival radio and emergency communications preparedness? Watch this video next. • Decentralized Radio Co...
Mentioned in this video:
JS8Call www.js8call.com
NVIS EMCOMM messaging with JS8Call: • NVIS - Near Vertical I...
HamRing ALE SELCAL for Windows, Linux,
Mac: www.hamring.com
JS8Call Utiities: github.com/m0iax/JS8CallUtils...
Buddipole Powerplus: www.buddipole.com/powerplus.html
Buddipole Powermini: www.buddipole.com/powermini.html
DIY 45ah 576wh solar generator: • Portable Solar Generat...
DIY 5ah 56wh A123 battery pack: • Portable Ham Radio Bat...
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Communications for preparedness: • Ham Radio for Preppers
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[@OH8STN]

00:00 Intro 02:15 Simple Messaging 03:03 Group Net Messaging 04:47 - Setting up Persistent Group Net 07:48 - The Covid-19 Group Net 07:50 Sending a Group Net Message 12:00 APRS & Email JS8Call 16:52 Group Comms Realities 18:35 OH8STN fixed station config for group comms - VHF, UHF, APRS - ALE, SELCAL, HF & 6M - HF low power data - VX1210, SELCAL, WinLink 22:33 Station Power - 23:49 Backup Power 27:06 Sneak-a-Peak 73 Julian oh8stn Share video url: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWesg559Z9ZmrLM

[@Kd4jwf2024]

As always, you have given me another way of thinking on how to deal with communicating as a group, thanks....now time to set up JS8Call

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Jose. I was hoping this wasn't too abstract or complicated. Thanks for the feedback and the kindness, is very much appreciated.

[@comm744]

Excellent video mate! You are hands down the best source of "Auxiliary communication" preparedness on the net. Researched and *Used in the field*. Cheers. VE7SDX

[@STARKYMART]

I am monitoring CV19 group from Quebec Canada. Thank Julian

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome Martin. You can also send information to that group for others. I haven't been very happy with the information coming from news feeds. But information directly from hams in their areas, that should be pretty good. Thanks for watching and commenting. It's always good to see here

[@richardwhitcroftkc3rrw63]

wow....found this video late.... similar goals for group communications.....now to get my group moving in the right direction. it helps that i passed my general in december.

[@t.m2933]

Thank you for posting the content. I enjoy listening and learning from what you post.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for taking the time to watch. I know it can be monotonous and long. Like you said though, it's good learning. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@billbolen8115]

Totally stoked! This is a great video and has given me a lot to think about in what direction I should go in ham radio. 73, de Bill W4YAH.

[@permaculture3]

Another outstanding video. Thank you Julian for all of the effort you put into providing quality content.

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. 👍👍👍

[@GoranSkular]

Perfect video Julian, 73 de 9A3GOS

[@bizboy1313]

Great info. 73 from Gulf Coast Florida. AB1FL.

[@OH8STN]

Much appreciated

[@k2rcb]

As usual, great video. Made my first two JS8 contacts tonight - first to Brazil & second to South Africa on 40m. 4,701 & 7,803 miles from my QTH in Delaware.

[@AP268]

Great job Julian, I thought you would expertly cover this situation and you have. I’m expecting the 705 to be delayed now because of this. It would have been an ideal trail for the new radio. De James

[@dietalkaa]

Thanks again for the great update.

[@survivalcomms]

Excellent video Julian ! JS8Call is an excellent mode. The current situation has led to a greatly renewed interest in amateur radio amongst the general public here. Thanks for sharing !

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for this Brett. This ongoing crisis around the world, has shown people the government isn't going to save them, despite what they say. Party affiliations not required. Anyway it's always good to hear from you. I hope you guys are hanging in there. I suspect like us, you're pretty set already 😉👍

[@survivalcomms]

@@OH8STN We are good here. I live in the sticks and haven't been to town in a week. I've been doing lots of DSDplus monitoring of local stuff and working on a punchlist of backlogged projects.

[@cockerspanielhome]

Julian, Thanks for the great video, I agree with you that this mode of communication is very useful. I hope you and your family stay safe. Your efforts in showing us this type of communication and getting prepared. I look forward to seeing more videos from you on emergency communication. Thank you. Eric

[@OH8STN]

Thx Eric. It is an uphill battle teaching the community about data comms for emergency communications. Comments like yours help keep me going another day.

[@rachmielbenberel]

A superb presentation, Julian; expertly prepared and delivered.

[@OH8STN]

thanks you, much appreciated.

[@darrinpearce9780]

Great video as usual. Lots to think about in the current global environment. 73's fro VK

[@MyTube4Utoo]

Very interesting and informative, as always. Thanks Julian.

[@alaricsnellpym]

Thank you! Excellent video. I wish I had some HF equipment so I could get into JS8Call, it looks really useful! For now I'm stuck with VHF/UHF - we have good repeaters in the area, and of course APRS. Oh, and PMR (the UK short range UHF licence free thing) has been invaluable already within my family; my wife came down ill with potential COVID symptoms so had to be isolated from the rest of the family within the house, and having the PMR link kept her and us (we have kids) sane through it.

[@ka-bar5060]

This is all so interesting. It sucks that I could not get my general before all this went down. As a new HAM, I only have a Btech BF-F8HP (my first radio) and an Anytone 878 Plus. Better than a lot of people have, but after all this passes, and Lord willing I am still here, I plan to get a QRP rig. Thank you for the video and stay safe. 73 - KI5HYD

[@katavidhikerwoman]

Thank you for making this easier to understand! 73, AF7YU (Kat)

[@OH8STN]

You are very welcome. I've got more incoming oh, but these are time-consuming to produce. 73 Julian oh8stn

[@winterburan]

As always, very interesting video Thanks Julian

[@johnquijote7194]

Julian, been watching and re-watching your vids for a while, and I now realize that digital modes are necessary for emcomm /prep. Gonna buy the parts and try to figure it out. (Totally lost, but now I have lots of time on my hands to learn!) Thanks for the inspiration, direction, and everything else you do!!

[@OH8STN]

Yeah,its difficult to get this point across. Hopefully operators start understanding.

[@hicksdp]

As usual, excellent information we can apply to our situations. Thanks for all the hard work on these videos. N4DPH

[@Achisachis73]

great point! so true thank you

[@ddavis83864]

Excellent video! Thank you so much for everything you do.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you for watching David

[@jnelchef]

Excellent video! Great view of the shack. We tend to think that the people making videos like this have massive shacks with tens of thousands of dollars in equipment. You have a very modest shack but you get 100% out of your setup, far more than most gold plated shacks. Bravo!

[@OH8STN]

I would give you a hundred thumbs up if it were possible. Yes, we tend to get lost in the idea of more this, more that, more more more. I would like to beleive the operator, not the *bling*, is the most important aspect to effective communications. I have what I need, and sold everything else. I also think we learn to do more with less, when we have to.

[@kc5ril]

Very informative as always, Julian. Gives us all a lot to consider when things go down the khazi. I'm on the Texas Gulf Coast, and in the line of hurricanes every year. Always figured the most simple comms plan was voice, APRS, and not much else. Would love to see more EMCOMM groups have the same forward thinking mindset you do. Regards/73 Matt, KC5RIL

[@joewilson2258]

This is a few systems I am thinking of setting up . For the outside of the house I am planning on using my IC-7100 because it will cover from 80 meters up to 70 centimeters , and yes I know that it is a bit big for backpacking but as yet that is all I have for portable use . The other radio I have in the shack is the IC-7300 . One of the main reason I got into ham radio is situations like what the world is going through with the covid-19 virus and other natural disasters that may occur ,and to also be able to just do a bit of rag chewing . So Julian oh8stn 73 my friend from Joseph kn4kbh here in the state of Georgia and God bless and stay healthy in your country .

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Joseph. Sounds like you've got a good plan. 7300 is a magnificent radio. I don't have any experience with a 7100 but Icom is solid. Thanks for the comment.

[@timb4655]

Wow. Just trying to take all that in. Very comprehensive Julian. Great job putting all that together. 73 de 2E0IEH

[@OH8STN]

Thanks Tim. I hope it wasn't overwhelming. I thought in lieu of what's happening around the world right now, it was important to put my heart into it. Always appreciate your feedback and support, thank you 👍

[@NexxuSix]

Julian, I am primarily a CW Operator, and rely on CW because it is the simplest mode of communication that doesn’t require a sophisticated system to work. However, I will say that you have done so much work with JS8, that I am giving it a second look. I did have a NWDigital DRAWS Hat, but with troubleshooting, NWD and I concluded that the card was incorrectly populated with the wrong components, thus rendering the card inoperable. I have sent my DRAWS Hat back for a corrective repair, and hope to have this operational soon. Thank you for your informative videos on this subject matter. Your videos are concise, to the point, and can definitely help an Operator who knows little about the system to easily get started. 73!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness. Really been hoped manufacturers would develop radios with all inclusive features built-in. A ultra-portable rig with features for the CW, phone and data mode operators. Adding an internal audio interface would reduce the complexity (and headaches) for us. Most manufacturers still don't get it. That's why I make these videos. It's a shame about the NWDR Draws hat. It's a brilliant idea, which could've been implemented better. Anyway, thanks for being so awesome and taking the time to leave such a great comment. 73 Julian oh8stn

Impressive setup, Julian!

[@M0SZT]

Thank you extremely useful.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the feedback. 👍

[@tntshuffle-9799]

Really want to thank you for your videos. I have just recently come across your content, trying prepare for my tech and general license. Only wish I had done it sooner!

[@OH8STN]

Hey thanks for the kindness and feedback. Trying to remember, we all start someplace, and eventually we all get there 👍

[@tntshuffle-9799]

@@OH8STN Military experience, but civilian is quite a bit different for comms. I'm am learning quite a bit from you and truly appreciate your time and effort.

[@earlkisiel]

Thanks for sharing.

[@OH8STN]

You're very welcome Earl

[@billloveless6869]

Great info. While I will expand as I can, I will be mobile in a limited sense for a variety of reason. I do plan to set up for a grid down situation as i will not be leaving my spot.

[@OH8STN]

this is the most logical solution for most people. sheltering in place.Thats what my wife and I plan on doing. We just make certain our comms gear can be quickly removed for portable ops if required.

[@w4jmc]

Great job, I made a headway pack similar to yours, thanks and 73 W4JMC

[@OH8STN]

Does Headway builds are really fun aren't they? :-)

[@Seeker43]

I enjoyed listening to and watching your demo video. however my 78 yr old brain doesnt follow the cryptic commands, etc. but thanks for your valuable info. others can use it i'm sure. 73

[@OH8STN]

I didnt know how to respond to this comment Walter. I hope I can make this videos simple enough for everyone. It's a real challenge though. I will keep you in mind though.

[@cwo8771]

I think I found your channel through The Tech Prep. He was discussing NVIS. I’m new to the Amateur hobby.

[@AndyWragg]

Liked and shared. Great information once again Julian. Stay safe my friend. 73 G1AW

[@OH8STN]

Thank you Andy. It's also good to hear from you. Are you guys holding up over there in the UK?

[@AndyWragg]

@@OH8STN The whole country was put into Lockdown, like France and Italy last night. Only sanctioned journeys for food and medical are allowed now. Me and mine are holding up so far. We've had panic buying in the shops for the last 2 weeks but we've been able to get through with a few adjustments. My 2m and 4m radios are on every day for local nets and social banter. HF is still difficult from here but if things do get really bad, I have a DX Commander I can deploy at short notice. Bulldog spirit and all that. 73

[@brentjohnson6654]

Thanks for the video. As a new Ham it is helpful to know how all the prices fit together.

[@OH8STN]

Lego blocks 👍

[@brentjohnson6654]

OH8STN Ham Radio I am a fan of LEGO blocks! Well as long as they weren’t left on the floor by my kids ... ouch! Haha. Hey my family came from farming country in Finland around 1910.

[@OH8STN]

It's still a wonderful place to raise children.

[@MrJones-uq5cg]

Great video as usual, Julian. I have already passed it along. Your vid asked about our group or emergency comms. Though I don't have a "group" per se, there are preparedness folks I communicate with all over the US, from Seattle to New Hampshire to Texas, and points in between. JS8Call held a lot of promise, but it just doesn't seem to work as well for us as it does for you. Instead, we use a protocol where from xx:xx time we try 40m phone, from xx:xx we use Olivia, etc. It's definitely more of an active communication method, rather than a passive one like the message storage that JS8Call features. We continue to try JS8Call but after a while, folks get a bit discouraged and want to stick with what works for us. Again, great vid and thanks for sharing it.

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the feedback. I think the trouble you are describing is change aversion. It's easier to use something we've worked with for so long, and are naturally anxious about something new. The timing aspects of JS8Call shouldn't be a deterrent, but often is. Ultimately I think most people will find the amount of power required for SSB and Olivia is unsustainable in a grid down. As long as electricity is nearly free and flowing, people won't change from what they know. The way around this is getting the key radio operators to promote the best modes for the tasks were trying to achieve. Doesn't matter what that mode is as long as it's reliable when we need it. 👍

[@MrJones-uq5cg]

Perhaps. But perhaps there is no one-size-fits-all solution, and different situations and different people require different solutions.

[@OH8STN]

Yes of course that's true.

[@arikjohnson412]

Your neighbors must love that tower next door 🤣

[@n3ahc]

Nice! I am a technician so I am new to all of this. :)

[@OH8STN]

I remember just getting started as a technician. I had a blast back in those days. Just be sure not to let the grumpy old buggers chase you away. Welcome to amateur radio 👍

[@cedricvillani8502]

@@OH8STN think COVID-19 wil take care of that! ...too soon too soon lol

[@lastprophecynews]

good video!

[@OH8STN]

Thank you

[@jasongodwin460]

Great video, as always! I'm one of those apartment dwellers you mentioned, and I've been struggling with antenna solutions for HF. I might have to check out the magnetic loop. Stay safe! 73 de KG5TMP

[@OH8STN]

Did you see my window magloop pic on instagram? I should share it here also. The loop transmits in every direction around its circumference. that's why it makes a good nvis antenna as well

[@jasongodwin460]

@@OH8STNI found it! Looks pretty cool. The Chameleon one looks really neat, but expensive. Maybe I'll look into some DIY projects.

[@OH8STN]

DIY project is definitely the way to go when you're getting started. In fact I think I'm going to build one pretty soon for single frequency.

[@joshwalton2343]

Great video! Thanks again! I would love to see/hear/read more about using a mag loop for NVIS that you mentioned. Any resources you can recommend on that specifically? My real question is do you simply lower the loop and maintain it's vertical orientation or do you invert it? (Showing my ignorance on antenna theory here!)

[@OH8STN]

It's not ignorance. In fact magnetic Loops can normally be used quite close to the ground. About a meter or roughly 3 feet setup vertically gives me good results on 40m. Here's a good read. region6armymars.org/downloads/NVIS-Antenna-Theory-and-Design.pdf

[@George-bb9yi]

Thank you for sharing this video and your experiences. This video really helps put all of your videos in perspective and gave me more than a few ideas. On the issue of NVIS: have you come across any 'practical' magnetic loop antennas that will get down to the 160 meter and 80 meter bands? My limited understanding is that in extreme conditions the only reliable frequencies for NVIS are very low.

[@ChiefMiddleFinger]

I truly hope my skills (not just radio) will never have to be used to their full extent. There are several stages of use starting with: training, practice, rehearsal and implementation. At present time, many of us are currently somewhere inside the rehersal stage.

[@OH8STN]

I've been there once. I wouldn't like to go back.

[@JohnTarbox]

I really appreciate the level of detail that you went into with this video! The devil is always in the details so while quick overview videos can be fun, they can also be frustrating for someone trying to replicate a setup. Quick question on antennas, there is always the possibility that a tower could blow over or a wire snap in an ice storm, etc. Do you have a "hot spare" antenna in the shack, such as a mag loop, all set up and ready to go should you lose the tower in a severe storm?

[@OH8STN]

Now that is an amazing question. I do have a spare emergency antenna mast, just in case the tower comes down. It's a Russian surplus aluminum 10 meter telescopic mast. It loads up as a 40m quarter wave, or can support heavy antennas like yagis. I decided that I'm going to put a concrete base in the ground so I will always have a second mast on the property for antenna testing and emergencies. Great question. As far as the detail. I wish I could do more! The more detail I provide in the video, the longer it takes to produce the videos. It's a double-edged sword. If I don't produce them fast enough, I lose subscribers and views. It's actually a very frustrating dilemma.

[@Liberty4Ever]

GREAT VIDEO! I like the idea of using JS8 on CB but it's apparently illegal in the US, per FCC regulations. Sec. 95.412 (CB Rule 12) What communications may be transmitted? (a) You may use your CB station to transmit two-way plain language communications. Two-way plain language communications are communications without codes or coded messages. Operating signals such as "ten codes'' are not considered codes or coded messages. You may transmit two-way plain language communications only to other CB stations, to units of your own CB station or to authorized government stations on CB frequencies I've been using JS8 quite a bit lately. I'll be starting the build of the 40m Phaser kit soon, and I'll control it with a Pi4 to make a 24/7 JS8 message server, solar and LiFePO4 powered of course. I'm also interested in 10m JS8 for the new hams in our group whose Technician licenses don't have 40m privileges. 6m JS8 might be a great local option for the Techs and our SHTF group where we could communicate away from most people. The large 6m band is almost unused around here, but is there an inexpensive low power draw (not just QRP) USB transceiver that would be easy to use for JS8?

[@survivalcomms]

The only permitted emissions are A3E , J3E, R3E, and H3E per CFR 95.971

[@MrJones-uq5cg]

And you are not supposed to use profanity, or sing, or use more than 4w, or... I get the impression that FCC has fenced in 11m, and as long as the inmates don’t cause trouble outside the asylum, it seems as though they don’t waste enforcement resources.

[@zazouille2264]

Great video! I think “asynchronous communication” would better describe the concept than “passive communication” tho.

[@OH8STN]

Thank you, and I think you might be right👍

[@jimthvac100]

Great video and some good information, However I have been waiting on your field review and recommendations regarding the G90. I wanted to know how much you enjoy using it compared to your other rigs...

[@chrisdick9860]

Lot of great information in this video thank you ! However i do have one question , in the video you mention that JS8 call can be used with Cb radio , could you please do a video on setting up a Cb radio and JS8 call ? Please and thank you very much !

[@daleurban4059]

Thanks Julian for the informative info. Could you do a video on the ham ring app....

[@OH8STN]

Yes Dale. It's already started. 👍

[@memy5514]

Hi! Thanks for the good content @oh8stn! As in the EU data transmissions on CB are allowed (on some channels - as I understand it)- what would I use as my „call sign“ in JS8 (not having an amateur radio license, yet)? Any thouhts/iseas? Thanks so much!

[@KD2MIC]

Your content is great J, thanks for everything you post. I have to ask, what are you go-to digital modes for emcomm? My local group prefers MT63-2KL, but I can't seem to find any other users of that format so I wonder if we'd actually be able to get our info out except for internally.

[@OH8STN]

Js8call and winlink with Vara hf modem. JS8Call because it is narrow bandwidth m, has stored n forward, messaging, and APRS pos and message gateways. Winlink because it can reach people we can't reach with traditional data modes.

[@OH8STN]

The benefi of MT-63-X IS sending files m images, ... Unfortunately its weak signal and NVIS performance is quite poor.

[@KD2MIC]

@@OH8STN Thanks, I appreciate the knowledge share

[@larryweed12]

Julian I have watched many of your videos. I have been considering emergency solar power system but an article in today’s news made me think in another level. “Iran considering an EMP attack”. We now EMP is not a new concept but here we are with a spoken threat. Question: have you cosseted EMP and do you have a plan to mitigate its effect? This is on the top of my list. Larry N5LWL 73

[@OH8STN]

Hello Larry. Firstly a bit of sarcasm :-) "weapons of mass destruction". Remember that? What about Gulf of Tonkin? Every now and then we are given a new Boogeyman to frighten us into submission. Okay enough of my sarcasm. Hardening our homes and equipment is essential to surviving many of the potential disasters coming our way. The amount of hardening, whether to do it or not,... should all be approached in terms of "likelihood". How likely is it a Rogue Nation could get a nuke over major u.s. city!? Even if they wanted to, it's extremely unlikely. With that said, I Harden my equipment the same way I do for a coronal mass ejection, lightning strike, or widespread power outage with "unknown" origin. That hardening is backed up with redundant systems. Portable power and Communications are stored in Faraday cages, which are grounded to copper ground spikes several meters into the Earth. If my hardening fails, I can always redeploy my backup systems. There's even a third level, eg fireplace, woodstove, propane heater, ... At the end of the day we are about grid Independence. A potential threat from half way around the world doesn't worry me nearly as much as civil unrest for example. I'd love to start covering this topic on the channel, but it's an incredible amount of work.

[@JohnDoe-zg6fn]

👍🏼👍🏼

[@chuckwilliams5356]

Hey Julian, KE0OIZ here. Another awesome video. I was wondering if you could give us a rundown on the different tablets you use for your rigs. As a Tech licensee I haven't been able to use JS8. However I do want to start listening to HF digital using andFLmsg and JS8. I would love some information on suitable tablets and interfaces. THX and 73.

[@OH8STN]

Well this is a tough question. I can give you what youre asking for, but that wont answer the question. The tablets and raspberry pi are a set. The raspberry pi is there so you can choose whatever tablet you would like to use, when connecting to it wirelessly. In fact the tablet you use doesnt really matter, provided it has the resolution which is comfortable for you. So, I use a good nexas 9, samsung galaxy tab active, and the samsung galaxy tab s5e. Yours could be a ipad, huawai, or anything else. For our purposes, it is just a wireless screen. make sense?

[@chuckwilliams5356]

@@OH8STN Thank you so much for the response. I see what you're saying. The Pi's are the workhorse and the tablet is simply the interface. Makes good sense. I guess I'm trying to cheat and go straight from radio to tablet. Are you aware of any success along those lines? Again, thank you for the time and effort you put into the videos. I definitely better informed and inspired in my preps. 73

[@Subgunman]

Any idea if anyone has successfully used PCALE with a Raspberry Pi? Very nice set ups! Great info!

[@OH8STN]

Thanks for the kindness and the coming. For years I used PCSLE. I think it drives more people away from ALE than getting people started with ALE on a PC . I'm running HamRing on a Raspberry pi. It does all the same things as PCALE, without the complexity or narrow-mindedness of the app dev. It's in alpha testing right now. Check the link in the description, or sign up for alpha testing on HamRing groups.io.

[@spaceshipdev]

Hey Julian, this content is much appreciated. I'm going to go ahead and invest in Chameleon. Can you help me, while the Emcomm III is super affordable, is it not better to purchase a Cha Hybrid and use it as an emcomm but also be able to build up on it later? Appreciate your guidance.

[@OH8STN]

Great question. The emcomm is awesome. It is a very similar design internally than the hybrid. If you pln on sticking with an endfed wire, emcomm 3 is the one. if you would like to do multi config with short verticals, building up one piece at a time, go with the hybrid. I hope this helps.

[@TerryG7wrs]

Hi Julian just coming back to the hobby and want to do some digital from the car and in the field. I’ll be using the ic-706 raspberry pi but can you point me in right direction to a couple of Sound cards small and cheap as not sure what to buy and don’t want to waste money. Thanks Terry

[@OH8STN]

Hi Terry. Please check my channel for a video called The Ultimate Raspberry Pi build. That's where you should start.

[@TerryG7wrs]

Ok Thanks.

[@jameslee522]

What type of digital modes could I do as a Technician class? I have tried js8call. After running it all day on 10M I was only able to pick up 3 stations. I was hopeful there would be more activity even if it was just local.

[@OH8STN]

Yeah 10 meters isn't open very often these days. Also the US technician class license is very limiting. In other countries Techs have more privileges on other bands. If you can upgrade to General, 20 and 40 meters will open up so much more for you.

[@patriotarmament7407]

Can the Lab599 Discovery TX-500 do JS8Call,?

[@stefanszubski8383]

Does JS8Call allow for actual Lat/Long sent or just grid square?

[@OH8STN]

Up to 10 digits grid square

[@AmishSpecialForces]

Julian, how would you rate the Buddipole to the Genasun controller?

[@OH8STN]

I'm not sure I have enough experience to answer that question yet. I need the obvious difference is the buddipole has a built-in distribution for DC output and USB. It's also programmable. The Genasun is like a fighting knife . It's got one job and it does it extremely well. The buddipole is more like a Swiss Army knife. I'm going to need more time with the Buddipole before I can give more details on charging.

[@AmishSpecialForces]

I bought the GV-5 recently, and I'm currently building a distribution block to interface with it. However, this looks to be the bee's knees with it all in one.

[@kimcampbell9501]

Just wondering do you know of a hardware solution to add SELCAL to Hf transceivers?

[@OH8STN]

Not hardware but software. In the video I showed ALE and SELCAL running on a Raspberry Pi, with a Yaesu FT891. Check that part of the video again. The app is in alpha testing right now, but it's called HamRing. Link in the description and video incoming.

[@kimcampbell9501]

@@OH8STN Thanks

[@OH8STN]

@@kimcampbell9501 that's what I'm here for :-)

[@JimCoupeTQ]

Is the group messages visible for all js8call users or just for that group?

[@OH8STN]

Only for people who are following that group call sign. The caveat is you can sit on that frequency to watch the group messages on your screen. But without doing that, they won't be displayed on your screen.

[@JimCoupeTQ]

@@OH8STN Ok so i can place my marker on a frequency and lissen to other groups talking.. Also one thing you said is CB radio.. Have you tried it with this? Im SA6DHG on js8

[@alexgarcia5892]

Hey man whats up!! So i got 2 baofeng uv 5r for christmas been thinking bout join the ham community... but then the quarantine happend and im stuck home here in nyc and want to be more prepared but cant get my license yet for obvious reasons ..can you please help out on what to do to get on the air and join the community until i can get my license?!...please and thank you hmu asap

[@OH8STN]

The FCC website says there is no online testing so does the ARRL. If that's still true or not I really don't know. It would make sense to offer the technician class license online. Until you get licensed, you can still listen to the repeaters and other bands on air. You only need a license to transmit, not to receive. I would suggest starting here www.arrl.org/find-an-amateur-radio-license-exam-session Once you find one in your area, ask them the same question you asked me. Perhaps they are able to make some accommodation for you. Be strong, be safe and keep your head up there in New York.

[@user-sq8yl3ml9l]

Are you also able to patch into the APRS SMS gateway (smsgte.org) from your JS8Call interface and add on tool ?

[@OH8STN]

Yes, JS8Call utilities allows sms messages through the smsgateway, Its pretty amazing actually.

[@chriscoel]

Not possible on CB in USA: Must be plain language .. Pulled from FCC regs: Rule 12 Permitted Communications {A} You may use your CB station to transmit two-way plain language communications. Two-way plain language communications are communications without codes or coded messages. Operating signals such as "ten codes" (10-4, etc.) are not considered codes or coded messages. You may transmit two-way plain language communications only to other CB stations, to units of your own CB station, or to authorized government stations on CB frequencies about- [1] Your personal or business activities, or those of members of your immediate family living in your household; [2] Emergencies; [3] Traveler assistance; [4] Civil Defense activities in connection with official tests or drills conducted by, or actual emergencies announced by, the Civil Defense Agency with authority over the area in which your station is located. {B} You may use your CB station to transmit a TONE SIGNAL only when the signal is used to make contact, or to continue communications (Examples: tone operated squelch, selective calling circuits). If the signal is an audible tone, it must last no longer than 15 seconds at one time. If the signal is a subaudible tone, it may be transmitted continuously only as long as you are talking. {C} You may use your CB station to transmit one-way communications (messages not intended for two or more CB stations) only for emergency communications, traveler assistance, brief tests (radio checks) or voice paging

[@devinbutterfield6014]

As shown, you can do selcall (selective calling) on CB frequencies as it is for the purpose of calling not data transfer. This includes ALE selective calls.

[@OH8STN]

@@devinbutterfield6014 you are very correct Devin. Outstanding reply

[@Ei2iP]

Compromise antennas are a challenge, most of the contest stations are running high power, easier use cw and try some of the qrp frequencies.

[@OH8STN]

You should probably watch the entire video before commenting. A message with CW can't be received if you're not at the radio to copy it! A CW message also can't be decoded under the noise floor. So we use more efficient, purpose built modes for messaging.