Ham Radio Workbench Podcast

George and Jeremy spend time talking about their 2018 ARRL Field Day Experiences.  They discuss their general setups, what worked, what didn’t, and what they would do differently in 2019. Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Save $100 on the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Package by using code “HamRadioWorkbench2018” in your cart prior to checkout - https://store.digilentinc.com/ham-radio-workbench-bundle/ IKEA Office/Workshop Blog Post Bekant Desk - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/S19006323/ Alex Add-On Unit - https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/20260718/?query=ALEX+Add-on+unit FD Logging Thought Exercise MQTT - https://www.hivemq.com/blog/mqtt-essentials-part-1-introducing-mqtt Eclipse Mosquitto - https://mosquitto.org/ Kubernetes - https://kubernetes.io/ Kubernetes o

Jason Chonko from Siglent America is joined by Nick KN6NK to give an in-depth intorudction to spectrum analyzers.  We talk about the specs, features, and engineering that make up this handy piece of frequency-domain test equipment.  We also explore several common spectrum analyzer uses such as filter and cavity tuning as well as radio purity evaluation. Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Save $100 on the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Package by using code “HamRadioWorkbench2018” in your cart prior to checkout - https://store.digilentinc.com/ham-radio-workbench-bundle/ Siglent America - https://www.siglentamerica.com/ Siglent SSA3000X Series Spectrum Analyzers - https://www.siglentamerica.com/spectrum-analyzers/ EEVBlog Interview with Eric Qin Founder and CEO of Siglent - https://www.youtube.

One final piece of content from the 2018 Hamvention.  Every year, the QRP Amateur Radio Club International hosts a QRP conference called Four Days in May that proceeds Hamvention.  The event is home to a large collection of amateurs passionate about low power operation and building their own radios. George attended the event on Thursday and was able to capture talks by Hans Summers G0UPL of QRP-Labs fame and Dr. Jack Purdum W8TEE, famous in the BITX40 community.  Hans talks about the development of his smash hit new transceiver kit, the QCX and Jack talks to us about homebrewing. Special thanks to QRP ARCI President Preston Douglas WJ2V for allowing us to record these great talks. If you would like more information about QRP ARCI or are interested in joining, please visit http://www.qrparci.org/ We have launched the all new http://www.HamRadioWorkbench.com/ !  This includes our new Online Store where you can order Ham Radio Workbench projects that are currently in production.  You can also find documentation

  Our Interview coverage from the floor of the 2018 Hamvention hosted by the Dayton Amateur Radio Association. 00:02:29 - QRP Labs - Hans Summers G0UPL 00:26:07 - Siglent America - Jason Chonko 00:37:09 - Hytera America  - Matt Lunati N7OEI 00:52:20 - Small Batch Assembly -  Bob Coggeshall KW4WQ 01:14:48 - FlexRadio Systems - Mike Walker VA3MW 01:31:04 - Open Research Institute - Michelle Thompson W5NYV 1:37:17 - TAPR - Steve Bible N7HPR 1:45:33 - LOOP Antenna - Sergio I3VHF 1:50:44 - Rigol North America - Steve Huss KC7ZVM

This week George KJ6VU and Jeremy KF7IJZ are together in Xenia, OH for the 2018 Hamvention.  This episode celebrates the two year anniversary of the Workbench concept, and we are joined by our extended family for the occasion - Mark “Smitty Halibut” Smith KR6ZY, Kenneth Finnegan W6KWF, Gerald “Powerpole the World” Wilson KF5JNU, and Brittany Mrs. IJZ sit in for this roundtable.  We discuss Hamvention impressions, spending other people’s money, and (of course) DMR this week on the Ham Radio Workbench.

Eric Swartz WA6HHQ, co-founder of Elecraft, joins us to guide our understanding of RF receiver performance specifications.  Eric introduces us to common receiver specs such as Sensitivity, Noise Floor, Dynamic Range, Intermod Dynamic Range, Phase Noise, and RMDR.  He tells us what they mean in real-world receiver performance terms, how they are tested, and whether it’s better to have a higher or lower number in each one.  It’s also the final episode before the 2018 Hamvention and George and Jeremy share our plans for our Booth, special offers, and exclusives for show listeners who stop by booth 3104 in Xenia. Show Topic Begins at 1:09:36 Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Hamvention DMR Hotspot - 439.3125 TG 31075 George will be giving a forum presentation - Saturday, May 19 - 2:45 Room 3

Smitty KR6ZY joins as co-host this week as George is on vacation.  Smitty will be making a road trip to Xenia, OH to attend the 2018 Hamvention for the first time.  We talk about the preparations he’s undergoing to maximize his mobile Ham Radio experience as he drives cross country.  He talks to us about operating and charging a Bioenno Battery from his car as well as a speaker level audio mixer he’s designing to mix the audio of all of his radios.  Finally, we talk about Hamvention in general - including what to expect and what to look forward to. We look forward to seeing all of you at Hamvention in booth 3104 this year! 2018 Hamvention Discussion begins at 1:43:09 Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Mark “Smitty Halibut” Smith - KR6ZY Twitter - https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut YouTube -

Today we bring you a BayCon 2018 presentation from David Ranch KI6ZHD on Yaesu’s contribution to the Digital Voice radio market - Yaesu System Fusion.  David gives a brief overview of the mode and then talks about the state of Yaesu System Fusion in 2018. George and Jeremy spend a long time catching up on projects, many related to Digital Mobile Radio (DMR).  George gives a brief update on the Ham Radio Workbench Build projects for the 2018 season. Yaesu System Fusion Content begins at 2:20:23 Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Save $100 on the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Package by using code “HamRadioWorkbench2018” in your cart prior to checkout - https://store.digilentinc.com/ham-radio-workbench-bundle/ Slides for David’s Presentation - http://www.bay-net.org/docs/ki6zhd-fusion-baycon20

We finish the second half of our DMR Basics conversation with Kirk K6RCT.  In this episode we talk about DMR networks such as Brandmeister and cBridges.  We also discuss the various options for equipment available to hams from Motorola to the venerable Tytera MD-380.  Jeremy is also on the road from the 2018 Midwest RepRap Festival, (think Hamvention but for 3D Printing). Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Kirk Smith - K6RCT Twitter - https://twitter.com/k6rct DMR of Anarchy Network - http://www.dmrofanarchy.org/ Save $100 on the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Package by using code “HamRadioWorkbench2018” in your cart prior to checkout - https://store.digilentinc.com/ham-radio-workbench-bundle/ Everything Ham Radio Podcast - http://www.everythinghamradio.com/ Midwest RepRap Festival in a nuts

To mark the launch of the BayNet Brandmeister Talk Group 31075, Kirk Smith K6RCT (Operator of the K6DOA DMR Repeater in SLO) joins us to talk Digital Mobile Radio, or DMR.  DMR is a digital radio standard developed for use in commercial radio applications.  Because of its commercial background, there are several operating and technological concepts that are unique to DMR that differ from what we are used to in other Amateur Digital Voice modes such as DSTAR and Yaesu System Fusion.  In part one of this two part series, Kirk walks us through these fundamental DMR terms and concepts. In part two, we will talk about Brandmeister, cBridges topics and radio gear. Our Website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us for feedback and ideas - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Connect with us on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Kirk Smith - K6RCT Twitter - https://twitter.com/k6rct DMR of Anarchy Network - http://www.dmrofan

John Jacobs, host of the Field Radio Podcast, returns join in a discussion of basic DIY HF antennas.  We talk some of the most common and easiest to build antennas such as Dipoles as well as how to build them and where to scrounge for materials!  We also talk about our plans for our respective shows in light of Cale’s recent archiving of Ham Radio 360. We share the details of the Digilent Analog Discovery 2 package (and discount code!) with the audience! Follow us on Twitter - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us! - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact New FaceBook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ John Jacobs W7DBO, host of the Field Radio Podcast Field Radio Podcast - http://fieldradiopodcast.org/ Field Radio Podcast YouTube - http://www.youtube.com/c/FieldRadioPodcast Field Radio Podcast Twitter - https://twitter.com/FieldRadioPod The Ham Radio 360 Archive - http://hamradio360.com/ Keep up with Cale Nelson K4CDN at the 6 Arrows Radio Network - http://6arn.com/ The EXCLUSIVE

If you haven't done so, please take our survey!  http://survey.hamradioworkbench.com/ George is down with the Flu, so Mark “Smitty Halibut” Smith KR6ZY guest hosts this week.  We debrief on Winter Field Day and talk about the battery projects on KF7IJZ’s workbench and the antenna project on KR6ZY’s workbench.  Finally we share additional sessions from BayCon 2018.  First Pieter Noordhuis KK6VXV talks about developing software for working GOES Weather Satellites.  Finally, Tim Fairbairn AF6TF talks about Summits on the Air (SOTA). Smitty KR6ZY Twitter - https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/SmittyHalibut New Ham Radio Workbench Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamradioworkbench/ Winter Field Day - https://www.winterfieldday.com/ New Digilent Analog Discovery 2 Bundle Exclusive for Ham Radio Workbench listeners!  The regular price would be $339, but Digilent is offering a discount code for $100 off!  The bundle includes: Analog Discovery 2 BNC Adapter Board

George attends the annual Bay-Net repeater conference BayCon and brings you a selection of presentations.  Mike K6ML talks about building 122Ghz radios using automotive sensors.  Marcel AI6MS talks about building ARKnet, a wireless emergency intranet for the city of Cupertino.  Finally, George provides more on build projects. Please take a moment and take our listener survey!  http://survey.hamradioworkbench.com/ Starting in February 2018, you will no longer get Ham Radio Workbench in the Ham Radio 360 podcast feed.  Please find us in your favorite podcast app and subscribe to Ham Radio Workbench. iTunes Google Play Music Stitcher Android Options Our RSS Feed for any other Podcast app - http://hamradioworkbench.com/rss The Workbench Podcast is now the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast! We have a new website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ We have a new Twitter account - Please follow us! - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us at workbench at our new domain or by using our new contact form - http://hamr

When working with circuits diagnosis and design become nearly impossible if you can’t see what’s going on.  Digilent has created a super portable and affordable instrument that when combined with its Waveform software suite, it delivers to its users a bench worth of test and measurement instruments in a USB device slightly larger than a deck of playing cards.  George has been a huge fan of this device for a while and suggests that it’s a great option for those who need a lot of capability on a budget or those who need a lot of instruments in a portable package.  Join Kaitlyn Franz, Instrumentation Product Manager for Digilent, as she introduces us to the many functions of the Digilent Analog Discovery 2. Please take a moment and take our listener survey!  http://survey.hamradioworkbench.com/ Starting in February 2018, you will no longer get Ham Radio Workbench in the Ham Radio 360 podcast feed.  Please find us in your favorite podcast app and subscribe to Ham Radio Workbench. iTunes Google Play Music Stitch

A geostationary amateur satellite has been a dream for US Hams for years.  The AMSAT Phase 4B program aims to deliver on this dream.  Michelle Thompson W5NYV joins us to discuss the AMSAT Phase 4B program and her role in leading the Ground Station team. Starting in February 2018, you will no longer get Ham Radio Workbench in the Ham Radio 360 podcast feed.  Please find us in your favorite podcast app and subscribe to Ham Radio Workbench. iTunes Google Play Music Stitcher Android Options Our RSS Feed for any other Podcast app - http://hamradioworkbench.com/rss The Workbench Podcast is now the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast! We have a new website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ We have a new Twitter account - Please follow us! - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us at workbench at our new domain or by using our new contact form - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Welcome PowerFilm Solar as our newest sponsor for 2018!  http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/ Thanks for the motherboard Brian W4WWW  -  https:

We look at the future of the Ham Radio Workbench and discuss 2018 projects and plans!  Starting in February 2018, you will no longer get Ham Radio Workbench in the Ham Radio 360 podcast feed.  Please find us in your favorite podcast app and subscribe to Ham Radio Workbench. iTunes Google Play Music Android Options Our RSS Feed for any other Podcast app - http://hamradioworkbench.com/rss The Workbench Podcast is now the Ham Radio Workbench Podcast! We have a new website - http://www.hamradioworkbench.com/ We have a new Twitter account - Please follow us! - https://twitter.com/hamworkbench Contact us at workbench at hamradioworkbench dot com or by using our new contact form - http://hamradioworkbench.com/contact Ham Radio 2.0 Episode 120 with Cale K4CDN discussing the future of Ham Radio 360 in 2018 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIXYSx5FTAc Powerfilm Solar 10% off 30 Watt Portable Solar Panel Combo!  - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench Great discussion on microcontroller Interrupts on the E

David Shoaf KG6IRW from Elecraft joins George and Jeremy to talk all things HF Amplifiers.  David walks us through an introduction to HF amplifiers by discussing amplifier technology, characteristics, features, and considerations one must make before purchasing.  Along the way, David familiarizes us with the Elecraft HF amplifier line, 100 watts through full 1500 watt legal limit! Powerfilm Solar Offer Save 10% off 30 Watt Panel Package!  - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench David Shoaf KG6IRF at 2017 Hamcon courtesy of HamRadio 2.0 - http://www.livefromthehamshack.tv/2017/07/03/episode-104-elecraft-forum-presentation-hamcom-2017/ Airspy HF+ Now Available for Preorder! US:  https://v3.airspy.us/product/airspy-hfplus/ Outside US:  https://www.itead.cc/airspy-hf-plus.html Wellbrook HF Receiving Mag Loop Antennas - http://www.wellbrook.uk.com/Loop_Antennas DX Engineering HF Receiving Mag Loop Antennas - https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-rf-pro-1b BurningAmp - http://www.burningamp.org/ Flint

It’s Christmas Season once again and George and Jeremy are back to discuss gift ideas for your workbench!  This week, we’re joined by previous guests Nick KN6NK, Rod VA3ON, and Smitty KR6ZY.  This discussion will give inspire you with plenty of tools, test equipment, supplies, and stocking stuffers to add to your holiday workbench wishlist! Twitter Workbench Picture Thread - https://twitter.com/smittyhalibut/status/931740952690958336 Double Cross Antenna - http://w7dbo.net/MARTES_Double_Cross_Antenna.pdf Mount Panavise Jr. to an Arm!  - https://twitter.com/CyberQueenMara/status/931560219125063680 Hand Tools Weller ML100 Magna-Lite Micro Torch $10 https://www.amazon.com/Weller-ML100-Magna-Lite-Micro-Refillable/dp/B000KL2CGO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1510007582&sr=8-1&keywords=weller+torch Hakko CHP 170 Diagonal Micro Cutters $6 - https://smile.amazon.com/Hakko-CHP-170-Stand-off-Construction-21-Degree/dp/B076M3ZHBV/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1510971882&sr=1-1&keywords=chp170 Stainl

The Junk Drawer - a random collection of useful and invaluable items.  This week George and Jeremy bring you a veritable hodge podge of exciting ham radio content!  PowerFilm Solar shares an exclusive offer for HamRadio360 listeners.  George gives a preview of progress on build projects.  He then shares interviews with SteppIR, Flex Radio, and Novexcomm from Pacificon.  Our friends at the ICQ Podcast share an exciting announcement about G8BBC, the official BBC Ham Radio Station. Exclusive 10% discount onPowerfilm Solar 30 watt panel (Expires Dec 7, 2017)! (Promo code is HamRadio on Amazon) - http://www.powerfilmsolar.com/products/workbench Elecktor article on Android function generator - https://www.elektormagazine.com/news/review-function-generator-in-the-pocket RF Analyzer for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.mantz_it.rfanalyzer SDR Touch for Android - http://sdrtouch.com/ EveryCircuit for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.everycircuit.free&hl=en

Continuing the discussion of digital technologies in Ham Radio, George and Jeremy invite Kenneth Finnegan W6KWF back to do a very deep dive on Packet Radio, AX.25, and KISS modes.  We talk TNCs, equipment, and practical applications of Packet Radio this week on The Workbench. Kenneth Finnegan - https://twitter.com/KWF http://blog.thelifeofkenneth.com MMDVM Zumboard - http://mmdvm.blogspot.com/ DStar Registration - http://www.dstargateway.org/D-Star_Registration.html DMR Registration - https://www.dmr-marc.net/cgi-bin/trbo-database/register.cgi New Elecraft AX1 Antenna - https://va2ss.com/2017/10/19/elecraft-ax1-ultraportable-1720-meter-antenna-system/ Pacificon - http://www.pacificon.org/ Microwave Update 2017 - http://www.microwaveupdate.org/ Sierra Radio Systems - http://www.sierraradio.net/ Motrolla CDM1250 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/two-way-radios/analog-business-radios/discontinued/cdm1250.html#tabproductinfo Motrola CDM1550 - https://www.motorolasolutions.com/en_us/products/t