June 19, 2025 – Quick recap
The meeting covered a range of topics related to amateur radio, including equipment discussions, club business matters, and plans for upcoming events like Field Day. Members explored various software tools and applications for radio propagation analysis and DX mapping, demonstrating their features and discussing potential improvements. The group also shared recent radio operation experiences, addressed technical issues, and considered ways to expand the club’s web presence and member participation.
Next steps
• Dennis to continue exploring and evaluating the Ham DX Map application.
• Dennis to work on improving the club’s web page, including expanding content and potentially allowing member contributions.
• Wes to potentially contribute DX news content for the club’s web page.
• Club members to consider contributing content related to their ham radio specialties for the web page.
• Dennis to figure out how to log into and manage the club’s WordPress site.
• Dennis’s wife to potentially assist with familiarizing Dennis with the WordPress system.
• Club members participating in Field Day to prepare for the event on June 28-29.
• Ron to set up his field day equipment and send out his field day messages.
• John to continue operating his station as desired following the resolution with the HOA.
• Dennis to edit down the meeting recording and post a link to it.
Summary
Ham Radio and Financial Update
The meeting began with a discussion about ham radio equipment and experiences, including homemade radios and modern technology advancements. SADXA and Darrel discussed various radio models, their features, and pricing, noting that some newer models were not as well-received as the 705. The group then transitioned to business matters, with SADXA announcing a financial update: a check for $XXXX.XX was received from markup. No further business items were addressed.
Club Web Page Expansion Plans
Sadxa discussed plans to expand the club’s web page and invited members to contribute content related to their specialties in DX and ham radio. She mentioned working on gaining access to the WordPress site and proposed two options for members to participate: receiving logins for direct content creation or having designated sections where updates could be pasted by Sadxa. Sadxa also shared that three Tucson area members would be participating in Field Day on the 28th or 29th, operating under rules set by the Radio Society.
SADXA Field Day Planning Discussion
SADXA discussed their plans for Field Day, mentioning their intention to switch to a single Windows computer and run a radio. They expressed uncertainty about whether to prioritize making contacts or running for bonus points, noting that running generates more points per contact. SADXA also mentioned sending Field Day messages to a specific group, which they have been doing for about 4 or 5 years.
Radio Operations and Equipment Updates
The group discussed recent radio operations, including successful contacts with New Zealand and a significant solar flare that caused temporary signal drops on WWV and 10 MHz bands. They reviewed progress on equipment repairs and antenna installations, with positive community feedback received. The conversation ended with a discussion about a new Ham DX app, which requires payment to access full functionality, though some members expressed interest in exploring it further.
Ham Dx Map Software Demo
SADXA demonstrated Ham Dx Map, a software tool for amateur radio enthusiasts, showcasing its features such as globe display, SDR integration, DX position tracking, and path analysis. The tool allows users to select locations, enter operating parameters, and view detailed information about DX paths, weather, and signal bounces. SADXA highlighted the software’s user-friendly interface, customizable settings, and the option to download maps as PDFs, while also mentioning an available mobile app for easier access.
SDR and Aurora Data Exploration
The discussion focused on exploring a software application’s features, including its ability to display Aurora information and SDR (Software Defined Radio) data. SADXA demonstrated how to access and interpret various maps, such as CQ Zones and ITU zones, and discussed the potential need to pay for current Aurora data. N7WS clarified that the SDR listings represented online radio expeditions, which can be tuned like a physical radio. The conversation concluded with a brief overview of setting location preferences within the app.
Hamdx Map Application Troubleshooting
The meeting focused on troubleshooting and demonstrating the use of the Hamdx Map application. SADXA encountered technical difficulties with the interface, including issues with browser compatibility and setting transmit and receive locations. With assistance from N7WS, SADXA managed to navigate the application and demonstrate its basic functionalities, such as selecting locations and using the away tab. Despite some challenges, SADXA concluded that the Hamdx Map offered more customization options compared to other applications, though further exploration of settings was needed.
Radio Propagation Visualization Tool Review
SADXA discussed the functionality and limitations of a radio propagation visualization tool, noting its potential for planning amateur radio contacts but highlighting its inaccuracy during low solar activity. They explored features like adjusting launch angles, bounce settings, and map displays, suggesting improvements for user settings and interface controls. SADXA expressed interest in further experimentation and feedback, particularly on how the tool calculates and displays propagation paths.
VOACAP Propagation Prediction Software
The meeting focused on discussing VOACAP, a software tool used for predicting propagation conditions and setting up antennas. SADXA explained how VOACAP provides detailed settings for antennas, receivers, and propagation analysis, including features like sunspot number prediction and maximum usable frequency charts. The discussion highlighted VOACAP’s capabilities compared to other tools, with SADXA expressing more confidence in its accuracy. The conversation ended with a brief mention of upcoming weather conditions and antenna adjustments for the summer season.