Hamcon Colorado 2009

Forum Abstracts

0900 - 1000 - Room A - Youth in Space - An Edge of Space Science (EOSS) Forum moderated by Brian Sanders, NASA Space Grant Consortium.

University students at the Colorado Space Grant Consortium at are using amateur radio to achieve their project goals on sounding balloons and soon with the launch of two small Low Earth Orbiting satellites. Younger students typically gain basic radio familiarity by obtaining their Ham license and through the operation of radios in person to person voice communications. As they gain greater academic skills, they apply and test their skills on sounding balloon payloads exploring radio communications to the possibility of astronomic observations on sounding balloon platforms. Finally unique communication systems are developed for small satellites; one a 10cm cube to demonstrate a high rate communications system (UHF and S-Band); and a second 45cm sphere to explore the density of the upper atmosphere (about 350km in altitude) using UHF and VHF com to telemeter science data. Both student built satellites are scheduled to be launched in the next 3 years. The satellite ground station at the University of Colorado at Boulder is currently tracking previously launched student satellites and is able to download NOAA weather images. These projects are all student led and engage freshman to graduate students to provide them with real-world experiences which helps prepare them for a career in engineering or science.

Projects to be highlighted:

Student Tracking of EOSS balloons
S-Band hardware test on EOSS flight Summer 2007
Ground Station and Satellite contacts
CubeSat Satellite
DANDE Satellite

0900 - 1000 - Room B - DSTAR - An Introduction by Nate Duehr, WYØX

D-STAR Basics: Nate Duehr (WY0X), the Gateway System Administrator for the Colorado D-STAR Association's D-STAR repeaters (W0CDS) will explain the basics of D-STAR and why you might want to include D-STAR as a fun new mode in your Ham shack for voice and data! During this session we'll show how D-STAR works today, and set the stage for the second session. Even if this is the only session you can attend, feel free to stop by and learn the basics of D-STAR!

0900 - 1000 - Room C - HF System Simulation using Antenna Models by L. B. Cebik, W4RNL by Richard P. Buckner, P.E. ACE-HF

Richard Buckner will present new methods for HF System Simulation using antenna models made by Dr. L. B. Cebik, W4RNL (SK). Dr. Cebik's Antenna Central collection of antenna models for the HF ham bands will be shown and demonstrated. Mr. Buckner has specialized in VLF/LF/HF communications system design and analysis for more than 50 years, and has recently designed HF system simulation software for use in military, commercial and amateur radio applications. ACE-HF is based on the similar ACE-VLF software Mr. Buckner developed to support U.S. Navy strategic systems. He retired from Rockwell Collins in 1986 after 23 years with Collins Radio and Rockwell Collins. In 1994 he became an independent consultant with assignments on various Defense programs that led to the ACE (Animated Communications Effectiveness) concept—a method for depicting VLF submarine connectivity, and then to the ACE-HF NETWORK software now in used by most U.S. government agencies. ACE-HF PRO software for hams derived form that work.

0900 - 1000/Room D - - The ARES Forum, Moderated by David Markham, WØCBI

0900 - 1000/Room E - Switching Power Supplies by Virgil Leenerts, WØINK

Switch Mode Power. This presentation gives an overview of linear and switching power supply regulators. It will compare the features of each type with emphases on how the basic switching buck regulator topology works.

0900 - 1000 - Room F - Introduction to Remote Control of your Amateur Radio Station via the Internet by Bill McCaa KØRZ

An introduction to remote operation of an amateur radio station via the Internet will be presented. How to start, equipment and software required, common problems encountered, and FCC requirements will be developed. Included are techniques for managing AC power, transceivers, antenna selections, antenna rotors, linear amplifiers, transverters antenna tuners, power and SWR monitors, as well as the use of voice, CW, PSK31, RTTY and SSTV. Several examples of existing stations will be shown.

1000 - 1100 - Room A - Youth in Space - An Edge of Space Science (EOSS) Forum moderated by Brian Sanders, NASA Space Grant Consortium

Projects to be highlighted:

Student Tracking of EOSS balloons
S-Band hardware test on EOSS flight Summer 2007
Ground Station and Satellite contacts
CubeSat Satellite
DANDE Satellite

1000 - 1100/Room B - DSTAR - Advanced Topics by Nate Duehr

Advanced D-STAR: Nate Duehr (WY0X) will continue the discussion of D-STAR with some information and demonstrations of advanced D-STAR tools like D*Chat, D-RATS, and will have experienced D-STAR users and the leadership of the Colorado D-STAR Association on-hand to host a Q&A session. This session is the time for you to "Bring your thinking caps and your questions about D-STAR!"

1000 - 1100/Room C - QRP Forum by Al Dawkins, KØFRP & Dick Schneider, ABØCD.

We'll start with the basics of QRP and how you can get started just by cranking down the power knob. Then, we'll get you going with the challenges, and fun, of QRP contesting, operating in the field (camping, vacationing, on business trips), kit-building, awards, lightweight portable stations and a bit about solar power. With the next sunspot cycle just around the corner you'll be able to work the world with QRP.

1000 - 1100/Room D - The ARES Forum, Moderated by David Markham, WØCBI

1000 - 1100/Room E - Antenna Tower Safety by Mike Higgins, K6AER

This session is designed to expose the potential tower owner what is involved in the tower processes. Tower needs and the selection process. Tower types and there uses. Permit process, placement, excavation, concrete, tower grounding, erecting of the steel, guys and guy tension, rotors, antenna placement, safety consideration, tower climbing and safety equipment. High angle work and safety considerations. We will also cover contractor requirements, such as hiring and selection. OSHA requirements will be covered and general neighborhood visibility considerations.

1000 - 1100/Room F - Software Defined Radios (SDR) - The Software IS the Radio by Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR - President FLEX Radios

This session answers the question, "What is a Software Defined Radio and why should I care?" We will cover the different approaches to building SDRs and how they benefit the user both now and in the future..

1100 - 1200/Room C - Meteor Scatter by John Milligan N6ENU

John Milligan will present the benefits of using meteor scatter for VHF and UHF communication. We will discuss meteor scatter applicability in extending your range here in the Wild West, whether you are mountain topping, contesting, or grid chasing from the home QTH. The presentation will touch on the evolution of meteor scatter and discuss the latest technique, WSJT.

1100 - 1200/Room D - Professional 3D Antenna Modeling by Brian Mileshosky, N5ZGT

Today's antenna modeling/simulation software gives the designer amazing capability when it comes to designing an antenna. Not only is the antenna itself modeled, but so can the environment (nearby objects, etc) that affects its performance. Complete antenna designs can nearly be perfected thanks to today's sophisticated software; even before it's ever built for real!

1100 - 1200/Room E - Lightning Safety by Mike Higgins, K6AER

In the lightning safety session we will cover the basics and physicists of lightning. How the surge is effected by ground potential, grounding techniques, myth and reality, hardware, tower grounding station grounding, ohms law and surge currents. Types of grounds and explanation of ground sphere of influence. I will have hardware for inspection and demonstration of high voltage surge arrestors. After the 45 min presentation I will open the session to questions.

1100 - 1200/Room F - Software Defined Radios (SDR) - The Software IS the Radio by Gerald Youngblood, K5SDR - President FLEX Radios

This session will delve into the technical tradeoffs between various SDR architectures including high speed ADCs, quadrature downconversion to baseband, and DSP chips vs. general purpose processors. It will include a discussion of key performance criteria such as IMD dynamic range, blocking dynamic range and phase noise dynamic range as related to each approach.

1200 - 1300/Rooms A and B -The HamCon Luncheon Featuring Cheryl Muhr, NØWBV

Ham Radio has so many aspects and features. As a newly licensed Amateur Radio Operator, where do you start? If you have been in the hobby a while, you may be interested in trying something new. Join us for a presentation on the world of Amateur Radio from Antennas to DXing to family and friends. Ham Radio offers something for everyone.

1300 - 1500/Rooms D, E, F - ARRL Open Forum hosted by ARRL Colorado Section Manager, Jeff Ryan, KØRM.

Participate with ARRL leadership officials in a discussion of the current and future state of amateur radio. Q&A time is a special feature of this session.

15:00 - 16:00/Room A - Red Cross ECRV Van by Joe Callahan, KCØJCC

The ECRV , or Emergency Communications Response Vehicle , was designed and created for the American Red Cross by national Disaster Technology paid and volunteer staff, to provide communications links between disaster relief operations and the Disaster Operation Center, and the Public Switched Telephone Network , the Internet and other public and private communications networks. They include an interoperability switch which allows the Red Cross to communicate with the variety of internal communication systems based in the nation-wide network of chapters.

The nine base vehicles for the original design, Ford Excursions, were donated by Ford Motor Company ; subsystems and components were primarily acquired through funding via the Disaster Technology Integration Program (DSTIP). The vehicles were extensively modified to add an 8.5KW alternator driven by the diesel engine (keeping weight down, thereby avoiding significant safety hazards ), a 52' pop-up pneumatic mast capable of rotating while holding a large shortwave yagi antenna and which also has a video camera with telephoto lens for disaster assessment purposes, a VSAT two-way satellite antenna system, and sixteen HF, VHF, UHF, WiFi and microwave antennas feeding its radios and data systems. The Chevrolet Suburban is the basis of three vehicles delivered in October 2007, this version does not have the pneumatic mast.

15:00 - 16: 00/Room B - Military Affiliate Radio System by Jay Wilson, WØAIR

15:00 - 16:00/Room C - VHF Roving by James Duffey KK6MC

KK6MC describes his roving activity in NM and details how you can setup your own VHF/UHF rover. Roving consists of traveling from one grid square to another during a VHF/UHF contest and handing out grids. It is much better than contesting from a fixed QTH; you start the contest over in each grid, you can work dupes as long as they are from separate grids, you are rare DX in some grids, and you are always in demand during the contest. He describes his rover setup, how to plan a rove, how to pick the best spots, how to manage power in a rover, simple but effective antennas for roving, and strategies for improving your score as a rover. For fixed stations he has tips on how to work rovers to improve your score. He will have his rover on display in the parking lot so you can see what is involved in roving, that is as long as local zoning laws don't prohibit such things. He will twist your arm to get active in VHF contesting; the June contest is coming up. In particular, you should participate in the August 2009 UHF contest. Put the 200 in the 2009 UHF contest.

1500 - 1600/Blue Spruce and Big Horn Sheep Rooms - The Doctor is In - Power Line Noise by Mike Gruber, W1MG

Mike's presentation will be “The Power Line Noise Forum.” and will include:

Definition and Cause Power Line Noise
How to ID a Power Line Noise problem
The FCC Rules regarding interference from power lines
Who is Responsible for finding and fixing power line noise
The recommended complaint process
Details on the ARRL / FCC Cooperative Agreement process
How to Locate Power Line Noise
Noise Signatures
Noise Locating Equipment (with professional grade equipment demo/display)
Additional Resources

1600 - 1700/Room A -

1600 - 1700 - Room B - DX-ing by Kelly Jones, NØVD

This session will touch on many aspects of DXing. Topics span across a wide spectrum including working DX from a postage size lot to being on the other side of the pileup. Learn about various tools that can be added to your DXing toolbox such as computer logging, DX clusters, gray line and other propagation factors. Also get an understanding of how the different layers of the ionosphere affect your DX activities. We’ll also cover tips and tricks that can get you closer to the “front of the line” when trying to work the DX station. Techniques for working split, understanding the pileup’s “rhythm” and hearing your signal from the other side will all be discussed. Finally, we’ll cover topics such as effective QSLing, award chasing and Logbook of the World.

1600 - 1700 - Room C - Phoenix: Mission to the Martian North Polar Region by Scott Allen, WØSJE

The Phoenix Mars Mission was the first in NASA's Scout Program designed to study the history of water in the Northern Mars Arctic region. The target was selected after Odyssey detected large quantities of water from its orbital platform. Phoenix inherited the nearly-completed spacecraft built for the Mars Surveyor Program 2001 lander, as well as scientific instruments from the Mars Polar Lander. Numerous design improvements were implemented from the MPL experience and additional risks retired. The spacecraft was launched August 4, 2007 and entered the Martian atmosphere at nearly 13,000 miles per hour on May 25, 2008, landing in the area dubbed “ Green Valley .” The primary mission was anticipated to last 90 sols (Martian days) – just over 92 Earth days. The craft exceeded its expected operational lifetime by a little over two months before succumbing to the increasing cold and dark of an advancing Martian winter. It was declared concluded on November 10, 2008. The project made several significant scientific discoveries, including confirmation of shallow subsurface water ice, perchlorate in the soil, and snow falling from Martian clouds.

1600 - 1700 - Room D - Test Equipment by Bob Witte KØNR

Every radio amateur needs to have some basic electronic test equipment to aid in checking out the operation of radio equipment. This presentation provides an understanding of test equipment for amateur radio use and tips on how to use the test gear, with emphasis on multimeters, SWR meters, antenna analyzers and more.

1600 - 1700 - Room E - Simple and Fun Ways to Market and Grow your Club Membership by Katie Allen, W1KRB

You don't have to be a marketing expert to bring new people to your clubs or into ham radio. Come hear about some proven techniques and best practices that you can use to help breathe new life to your club.

1600 - 1700 - Room F - APRS - Introduction by Rich Painter, ABØVO

Rich will present a bit of APRS history and its current use. He will briefly review some of the current APRS equipment such as TNCs and trackers. Rich will address S-STAR positions and its gatewaying to APRS RF. He will close with some comments on APRS future and where to find more info.

1600 - 1700 - Blue Spruce and Big Horn Sheep Rooms - Public Service Nets Forum hosted by Lanny Ellis KØEZ

1700 - 1800/Room A - SATERN by Mike Gelski, KBØPVD, Salvation Army.

Mike Gelski will speak about SATERN and some experiences and lessons learned in Colorado last year as well as his experience following Hurricane Ike in southern Texas.

1700 - 1800/Room B - E. Timor DXPedition by Dennis Motchenbacher, K7BV, Executive Vice President of Vertex Standard's Amateur Radio Sales Division

1700 - 1800/Room C - Stardust: World's First Comet Sample-Return Mission

Launched on Feb. 7, 1999, Stardust covered 3-billion-miles during its first seven years in space before returning the world's first samples from a comet. Stardust's collector was extended to capture particles hurtling at it around six times the speed of a bullet, as the spacecraft flew within 149 miles of comet Wild-2 on January 2, 2004. The return capsule landed Jan. 15, 2006 in Utah , carrying both interstellar and comet particles. Following the successful return, NASA re-designated the Stardust mission as “Stardust-NExT,” short for Stardust-New Exploration of Tempel. Stardust-NExT is a low-cost program that will expand the investigation of comet Tempel-1 initiated by NASA's Deep Impact spacecraft. The mission will fly by the comet Tempel-1 on Feb. 14, 2011 and obtain images of the comet's coma and nucleus, as well as measurements of the composition, size distribution, and flux of emitted dust. It is hoped the Stardust-NExT will be able to image the crater caused by the Deep Impact “impactor” on July 4, 2005. The Stardust return capsule is currently on display at the Smithsonian Institution's National Air and Space Museum in Washington , DC .

1700 - 1800 - Room D - Mountain Topping - The Colorado 14'ers by Bob Wittee, KØNR.

The Colorado 14er Event is the premier mountaintop radio event. The presentation will cover how the 14er event works, operating guidelines, safety issues, equipment considerations and mountaintop operating in general. Included are a video and some great photos from past events.

1700 - 1800/Room E - Using Homebrew and Simple Test Equipment to Measure Receiver Specifications by Steve Finch, AIØW.

Advertisements and product reviews are full of specifications touting a transceiver's or receiver's capabilities. Mysterious? Incomprehensible? NO! This workshop will discuss what the numbers mean and show how simple homebrew and common test equipment found at hamfests can be used to measure the most important specifications – noise floor, blocking dynamic range, third order intercept, and others.

1700 - 1800/Room F - APRS - Tactical Field Use Advanced Topics by Rich Painter, ABØVO

Rich will present some of the AX.25 protocol origins. He will talk about and demonstrate the common TNC KISS protocol. Rich will demonstrate typical APRS packets in real time. He will discuss the details of the D-Gate D-STAR to APRS Gateway. Finally he will provide a list of additional resources.

1800 - 1900/Main foyer – Social Hour – no host cash bar available

Time to enjoy an “eyeball” with your fellow hams before the main banquet.

1900 - 2200/Main Ballroom - Saturday Evening Banquet Featuring Rick Roderick, K5UR, Vice President, ARRL

"Amateur Radio - The Greatest Hobby in the World!"

Participants must have a special ticket for this event.

2215 – 2315/Suite 401 – QLF Contest

Come test your endurance at sending code with your left foot. Its fun!

Midnight/Columbine Room - Wouff Hong Ceremony.

If you are an ARRL member and haven't attended a Wouff Hong ceremony, this is a MUST for you! Returning Wouff Hongers are also welcome. A $1.00 donation will be requested at the door.

SUNDAY, JUNE 11

0800 - 1000/Rooms A, B, C - Sunday Breakfast Featuring Gordon Hardman, WØRUN, Desecheo Island 2009 DXpedition, Peter I DXpedition (3Y0X)

1000 - 1100 - Room D- South Pole Amateur Radio: Operating KC4AAA and South Pole Living by Nick Powell, NH6ON

Ever wonder what about living and working conditions at the bottom of the world? Does the callsign KC4AAA evoke images of Spartan living in a harsh environment? The reality may be surprising. This presentation shows various aspects of South Pole living and ham radio operations collected over 7 years and from 8 trips to the Pole supporting the stations communications infrastructure. The experience provided a unique opportunity to observe station evolution during construction and occupation of the new elevated station as well as its communication infrastructure (including ham radio) transformation to 21 st century technology. Also, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station provides the Amateur Radio community a rare opportunity to participate in the Science and Technology goals stated by Dave Sumner in the Feb 09 edition of QST. Thoughts are presented on Amateur Radio's potential to support radiowave propagation research as well as the opportunity an ARRL – National Science Foundation partnership would serve to advance mutual goals in education and public outreach.

1000 - 1100 - Room E- Simple and Fun Ways to Market and Grow your Club Membership by Katie Allen, W1KRB

1000 - 1100 - Room F- The YL Forum by Cheryl Muhr, NØWBV

From local events to major DXpeditions, YLs can be found everywhere in Ham Radio. Come learn what the YLs are doing in Amateur radio. Plus this forum isn’t just for YLs come see how the OMs are participating in YL contests and chasing the YL awards just like the Ladies.

1100 - 1200 - Rooms A, B, C - Secrets of the Tornado by Tim Samaras

Tim Samaras’ harrowing mission: to predict a tornado’s track, arrive before it does, deploy a probe he’s designed directly into the twister’s path—and then get out of the way. He now spends every May and June racing through the Midwest’s Tornado Alley in a van packed with weather recording instruments. Successful deployments gather the data Samaras needs to model more accurately the deadly winds and predict the tornado’s path. Since the current warnings average a slim 13 minutes, every second counts in the race to save lives. Samaras achieved landmark success in 2004: first on June 11, when he dropped a probe into the path of a tornado tearing through the Iowa countryside. The tornado took the bait, passing within 10 feet of the probe, capturing the closest video footage ever recorded inside a tornado’s center. Two weeks later, in South Dakota, he dropped 3 probes directly in the path of a half-mile wide F4 tornado, containing winds over 200 miles per hour, recording a 100-millibar drop in barometric pressure—the largest in recording history. In 2009 National Geographic Books will release Tornado Hunter, a book about Samaras’ work