Links
American Radio Relay League – Not every amateur radio operator is a member, but the ARRL is more than a national radio club. The ARRL works to petition local, state and federal bodies on behalf of all amateur radio operators. The League also sponsors some cool contests and other on-the-air activities. The ARRL provides college scholarships to young hams. Lest we forget, there are also the code practice transmissions that help any amateur with their code copying skills. There is a lot more, but not enough room here to cover it all. Check them out, and if you’re not a member, consider joining.
FARM Net Preliminary Check-in List – A monthly list of FARM Net check-ins maintained by FARM Net members Jerry, KF0AUV and Shawnne, KF0AUW. The usefulness of this list cannot be overstated because it allows a Net member to verify that the NCS heard them when they checked into the Net. It is also a great resource for members and visitors to see if they have the required check-ins to remain on the roll, or to be added to the roster.
WebSDR – WebSDR is a site dedicated to software defined receivers that have been interfaced with the Internet, which allows multiple users to tune and use the receivers set to user preferred frequencies. Internet connected receivers are a valuable tool when propagation does not favor a NCS calling the FARM Net. They allow the NCS to log a member station’s check-in when calling the roll who may not have been heard directly by the NCS.
KFS WebSDR – Otherwise known as the Half Moon Bay WebSDR Internet connected receiver located in Half Moon Bay, CA. This receiver is useful for giving a Net Control Station an idea of propagation when calling the FARM Net. If the NCS can hear their transmitted signal through this receiver well, it is very likely most of the Net members will hear when they are called. It is also useful as a gauge of the minimum amount of power necessary to reliably conduct a two-way radio contact with Net members.
Northern Utah WebSDR – There are multiple SDR’s connected to the Internet through this site. The WebSDR1 Yellow works best for FARM Net coverage with WebSDR3 Blue as backup. Generally, the Half Moon Bay SDR works best for hearing the majority of check-ins when direct copy is difficult, if not downright impossible (there have been a couple nights where the only signals heard on 80/75 meters have been through Half Moon Bay and Northern Utah WebSDR receivers).
The N7KFL 10 Minute ID Timer – This is a web-based application written to run in a browser window by Andy, N7KFL. The majority of the code behind the application is JavaScript with HTML and CSS to help with the browser interface and appearance of the application. The application was written to help amateur radio operators in the U.S. to remain compliant with Part 97 rules. It was also written as a case study in how to use JavaScript to create a web application.
Broadcasting and Its History – This link is a referral from a young scholar who is taking a Ham Radio and Broadcasting class taught by Helen Garraway. Noah believes this resource will be a fun and informative resource for FARM Net members and visitors to this site. Thank you, Noah!
All About Ham Radio for Beginners – Another link referral from Conner who is earning his Radio Merit Badge. It contains a brief history of amateur radio as well as many resource links for anyone seeking to learn more about the different facets of amateur radio. Conner is also studying for his amateur radio license exam. Thank you, Conner and good luck earning the merit badge as well as passing the license exam! We look forward to working you on the air, maybe even in the annual Jamboree on the Air.