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Friday, July 31, 2009

We'll be Radio Stars!

UPDATE:Listen in to the show starting at 2PM Eastern with the Button at right.
Good things are happening at the APRN. We just got invited to be a part in a special episode of The Family Preparedness Guide, Hosted by noted author James Talmage Steven on Blogtalk Radio.

The live call-in show, scheduled 2PM EST/ 1PM CST, is one of the most popular shows on Blogtalk.radio, with world-wide coverage of listeners tuning in regularly for news & information about family preparedness.
If you have a question and would like to participate in the discussion, the Call-in Number: (347) 326-9604 will be available nation-wide.

We're excited to be a part of the program and are looking forward to talking preparedness, spreading the news of the American Preppers Network, and especially talking up Ham Radio.

Tune in Saturday, 2PM EST/ 1PM CST by clicking here.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Bad Conditions make for good Radio

Tonight's band conditions on 20 meters left something to be desired.
The band was very unstable, with signal attenuation one moment, booming signals the next. As W4DMH started the net, it was a struggle for everyone, and it was looking like the net would indeed be a short one.

But out of the confusion, a perfect example of ham radio's flexibility and adaptability rose out of the chaos, when Roy N4TUR in Florida appeared, asked if the frequency was in use, and out of sheer necessity, became a relay net control.

Roy was a total stranger, coming out of no-where, and not even knowing what net this was, but he was able to take the reins. With his strong signal, he was able to bring the net together, calling for check-ins and relaying his contacts to Dave up in West Virginia..

And despite the rotten conditions, the American Preppers Radio Net was able to log the largest number of contacts so far to date.

Here's the stations that checked-in tonight:
1 W4DMH WVA DAVE Net Control
2 N4TUR FL ROY
3 KI4HEE SC BOB
4 N8NMJ MD MIKE
5 KB1LUK NH BILL
6 KD8JPQ OH JEFF
7 K4CAV FL JAMES
8 KB3RDR OH KATHY
9 K4TCJ FL RAY
10 K8DRP MI DAN
11 AB8UB OH STEVE
12 KE5VOX TN RENE
13 K6JN CA CLIFF
14 KC0NRO MO JOHN
15 KD8KFQ WVA JOHN
16 KC2TBA NY FUN
17 KC9IWP IL WAYNE
18 K0JZW FL BILL

Our hats off to Roy N4TNR, and all the other hams who worked hard together to make tonights net happen.

We're sure there were several folk who could hear all or some of the action, but couldn't get checked in. All we can say is don't give up and keep trying, the great thing about Ham Radio and conditions on the bands... it's like the weather, stick around, it'll change.

'73 KI4HEE Bob & W4DMH Dave

Happy Birthday Baby!

One Week old today with over a Thousand Hits! Thanks to all for getting us off to a GREAT START!

Just wait till we grow teeth and get on solid food.

Thursday means Net Night on 20!


Here we go folks it's Thursday and once again it's time to crank up the RF and take to the air with the AMERICAN PREPPERS RADIO NET.
We hope you will come join us once again for the 20 meter net. We will be throwing our voices out over the air at 9 pm EST on or around 14.320 +/_ a bit to find a clear frequency. Lots of fun and remember everyone is welcome on our nets, so tell all your friends to come join us as well.




W4DMH Dave will be net control tonight and for those that have not heard he is sometimes called Santa even over the AIR

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Ham Radio = Preppers?


It's a little like Rum & Coke, Coffee & Donuts, Fred Astair & Ginger Rodgers... Ham Radio & Preppers seem to go together very well.

The concept behind Prepper(ism), of being self-sufficient, independent, and prepared to function with, or without outside support, is a definition that neatly applies to aspects found in Amateur Radio.

Prime example...the recovery efforts after Hurricane Katrina. With vast regions of the Gulf Coast losing it's normal communication infrastructure, Ham Radio operators sprang to action, filling the gap, providing vital communications. And they did it with their own radios, antennas, generators, time & talent. They did it because THEY CAN.


"Prepperism" is a concept with many applications, but it boils down to a tinkerers philosophy... freedom is sustained when you can build it, grow it or fix it yourself, and the ranks of Amateur Radio is FILLED with those who take that concept to heart.

Scratch a Ham Operator and you'll find a 'Prepper inside.
'73 KI4HEE

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

"Winging it" on 40

We made all the preparations to get the net cranked up, everything was ready, but at the top of the hour, the BBC started broadcasting on 7.205 and wiped things out. So, as fast as we could, we found a open frequency and moved the net to 7.196.

Despite moving off our advertised frequency, folks eventually found us and ended up with a good number of check-ins. Our first Net on 40 meters brought in 10 check-ins, with a couple of returning callsigns. Of course, Dave W4DMH was on hand, but we'd like to say howdy to Bill, N5JXM over in Texas for his second visit. Some of the other calls also found us via the blog, or via the live report on NETLOGGER, but we also got some check-ins who found us just by hearing us when they tuned across the band. It was great to welcome them to the new net, as well as spread the news about the APN blog.

All in all, while it was touch n go at first, by "winging it", we got another great net on the books.

Here's the check-ins for tonights net:

KI4HEE Bob SC (Net Control)
W4DMH Dave WVA
K4IDN David FL
KB3RDR Kathy OH
N5JXM Bill TX
W5MOE Moe ARK
K4TN Cary FL
KD5GFG Tom LA
W3OJO Joe NC

DON'T FORGET! Tune in on 20 Meters on 14.230, 9PM EST, Thursday night, when Dave W4DMH cranks up the net again.

'73 Bob KI4HEE

40 Meter APR Net Tonight!


This is short notice, but we will have a APR Net tonight on 40 meters.

Listen for it at 9PM EST on or around 7.205 MHz. Spread the word! Come early, stay late, bring a friend, hope conditions are good. We'll see you ON THE RADIO!

'73 KI4HEE Bob

PS... That's not actually me...the photo is really of the ham radio station of David Asbury,3ADT Philadelphia, PA, circa 1923

American Preppers Radio Net Poll

We are really amazed at how this poll is developing. We have a vision for this net that We will soon share with everyone. It seems we are getting off to a good start with the American Preppers Radio Net and the new Blog. We are so thankful to everyone that is emailing us with interest and also everyone that is voting in the poll. A big THANKS to everyone getting involved.
73 W4DMH Dave

Monday, July 27, 2009

American Preppers Radio Net

American Preppers Radio Net Has now posted the Net Schedule on the top of the page. We will update this as needed. You will be able to find us on three nights on different bands for now.
We are still looking for stations to join us and help with relay and Net Control for the American Preppers Radio Net
73 W4DMH Dave

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Ham Radio's Ability for World Wide Communication

I was just on the 10 meter band playing and made a 5/9 contact with EA1ABT Luis in Spain I just wanted to post this for people that are not familiar with how great Ham Radio is. 100 Watts and a vertical antenna and able to talk to Spain like he is sitting in my shack. Preppers should all consider this wonderful hobby for it's ability to communicate with THE WORLD
UPDATE: I just looked in the log book and this is my first 10 meter to Spain. The distance between us was 3,732 miles talk about long distance

Test Net's for American Preppers Radio Net

American Preppers Radio Net will be conducting test sessions on different days and bands as we can get operators interested in helping conduct these test. I will post the times and frequency's on this site. Please contact me for more info. or leave a comment if you are interested in helping with this. American Preppers Radio Net welcomes any and all suggestions or comments you may have.

God Bless from the Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
Santa

Friday, July 24, 2009

American Preppers Radio Net and your Call Sign

by 'Santa(Dave W4DMH)

A question was asked to me by someone who wishes to remain anonymous, but here's what they asked, and my answer to them. I've also replaced a name of a Web site they've mentioned, at their request, with the word BLANK - 'Santa

Question:
How do you handle the prepper people who want to participate, but who might not want their call sign posted on the website because they made contact with us?
They continue...
For example - I know that I've promoted the new preppers radio net over on BLANK , as there are a ton of amateur radio guys there - there is a whole thread dedicated just to amateur radio. But I also know that most of those guys, because they post about preps and opinions and stuff...are not about to tell everybody their call sign due to the ease of looking up and getting info on their name and where they live.

I haven't disclosed my call sign to anyone on the BLANK either, for the same reason. I just don't want every person I don't know on BLANK, including who knows how many trolls, having the ability to look me up.
Thoughts?

My Reply:

You have asked a very good question, but I'm not sure I can give you the answer you may be looking for.

Consider Amateur Radio as a giant party line... anyone can listen in. There is no privacy when you talk on the public airwaves.



ABOVE: Can you believe it? I've heard he still uses a CB RADIO!

We also use a program called NETLOGGER during the net, that sends the data across the Internet for anyone to see who also has that program. This is a very common practice in Ham radio. Also, most nets do publish lists of the check ins as a common practice. If you Google my call sign W4DMH, you'll find about 14 pages listed.

A persons Ham Call sign, something that is even more unique than a persons actual name, IS by it's nature, a publicly known identity.

BUT...if you check in to ANY net, unless you mention that you blog, or that you post on a forum under "such n' such" name, then NOBODY would know who you are on the computer. So I fail to see why everyone worries so much about it.

I've gotten probably 50 emails from people saying they are hams but they will not check into the net because that links there call to prepping. Well...my answer to them is, while it's sad for you to feel that way but SO WHAT?

As I see it, if you are emailing me telling me that, you must want to come "out of the closet" anyway. Please consider that as long as we hide in the shadows, the only people that will know who we are is the .gov people. This fact alone is what will stop us from being a voice able to effect change...like we preach for other people to do. I for one know the .gov people know who I am, and they are the ones that I worry about more than any one else. I am personally proud of the fact that I consider myself a Patriot and a Prepper and since the .gov people already have my IP address I may as well stay public as everyone that knows me also knows that I am not suicidal so a strange accidental death would seem suspicious.

Gee...I hope that helps and does not scare you off. We need all the help we can get. As I say it is sad that people feel they need to hide.
Santa

PS:
To take this a little farther I want everyone to know I refuse to hide in the shadows like a scared puppy dog with my tail between my legs. I will continue to live free as this nation intended for me to do. If they come and take me away then so be it because my worries will be over and my pain gone. If you are a true Patriot I would think you would feel the same. The word PREPPER or PREPPERS is new but this way of life has been around a lot longer than people think. If you are a PREPPER you should be proud of the fact that you have done what you could to be more self reliant just as my Irish Immigrant Grand Parents did. This is not a new way of life it is just a new word to describe a very old way of life. I am not saying that you should post a list of everything you have but to be afraid of admitting you have an interest in learning about the new word PREPPER or PREPPERS to me seems to go against every thing I have ever stood for.

When you check in to our net with your call sign that is the only thing you are admitting to. That you have an interest to learn more about this new word PREPPER. If we truly believe in teaching people to be more self reliant and less dependent on outside help than we most also be willing to stand in the forefront of this movement and not hide behind some name on a computer lurking in the shadows while we preach how we all need to stand up and teach people how to live a better life and help return this country to what it once was. I refuse to hide and if that means that they will come for me first than so be it. My name is all I have when it really comes down to it because if I don’t pay taxes everything else is gone.

My rant is over...and I guess you now know how I feel about this topic. By the way, Santa is really my nick name and what most people call me but if you want to see what I look like at least in December and you want to know who I am it is easy enough to look my call sign up on qrz.com. I am not busting my butt to get this net going to toot my horn people I am doing it because I feel very passionate about being able to communicate with people like me in the event the grid goes down or whatever. If the Internet is gone where the hell are you going to turn to for communication... No grid No Internet = no cell phone as well.
73 Dave W4DMH

OK I REALLY AM DONE WITH MY RANT NOW
God Bless from the Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
Santa

Thursday, July 23, 2009

20 Meters may have been weak, but our check-ins were STRONG


Despite marginal conditions on 20 Meters, tonights second edition of the American Preppers Radio Net was a complete success.

The Net had at total of 8 check-ins, from Connecticut to Texas, from Florida to Ohio, and points in between.

Here's the contacts of the 2nd. American Preppers Network Radio Net:
KI4HEE Bob SC Net Control
N1FBF Bob CT
N5JXM Bill TX
KE5VOX Rene TX
KG4RSF Mark FL
KD8JPQ Jeff OH
W4DMH Dave WVA
K1DEC Don MA

This is the second net done on 20 meters to date. It is expected that the net will be conducted on another band next week, which one, as yet undetermined. Check back to this blog in the coming days for an announcement as to what band the net will be held. It is being considered that the net schedule may be expanded to include different bands, different days, and different times to accomodate all involved.

We indeed like to welcome all who participated in tonights net, it wouldn't have been possible without you.

Any comments or suggestions are indeed welcome, as time goes on, look for this net to become a intergal part of your American Prepper experience.

'73 Bob KI4HEE

Everyone tune in Tonight...


The next net will be tonight at 9pm Eastern time on the 20 meter band. We will be on or near 14.320. The conditions were great last night when Bob KI4HEE and myself Dave W4DMH talked from around 9pm to 10pm. With a little luck the band conditions will be good, so come join the fun for the second weekly 20 meter American Preppers Radio Net. We are looking for anyone that would like to help in other areas of the country relay's for this net.

HELP WANTED - The pay is lousy but the reward is a bunch of fun

We need stations with way over legal limit power and monster beam antennas

No I'm just kidding but it would be really nice to find someone to help with this net that was west of the Mississippi that has some power and a beam antenna that is willing to help relay or to function as a net control operator

If you fit this description and would like to be part of a new net that is focusing on fellowship among other Amateur Radio Operators please contact me for more info.

73 Dave W4DMH

The American Preppers Network “Ham Radio Net” calling CQ CQ...

by Dave, W4DMH & Bob KI4HEE
Following on the heels of last weeks successful Ham Radio Net, The American Preppers Network will take to the air again Thursday night, July 23rd at 9 PM EST., on 14.320 MHz. in the 20 Meter Band.

The 20 Meter band's conditions were pretty good last week as attested by the Google Map Hawk KI4HEE posted in an article covering last weeks net. With 10 total check-ins that ranged from New Hampshire, well into northern Texas , the fledgling radio net established a reliable communications network that covered the majority of the continental US. Not bad for first-timers.

With a mind toward finding a set location within the Ham Radio Bands for a continued presence, the APN is still getting it's sea legs and will be calling the net on a variety of frequencies in coming weeks, Be sure to check back here for weekly updates.

While 14.320 MHz. may or may not become a regular frequency for the net, we should be on it or close to it this Thursday Night 9 PM EST.

A very special QSL card designed by KI4HEE for the American Preppers Net will be sent to any Ham Operator who checks in, as well as any SWL listeners who respond Via QSL info for W4DMH on QRZ.COM callsign lookup.
SWL listeners please log the time, your location, received signal strength, and a brief description of what you received, or checked-in call sign heard.

Being that this is a new net, there are still problems to be worked out. APN Communications Committee Chairman Dave, W4DMH says that along with determining a set schedule and operating frequency, the most pressing concern is manpower, "Anyone that wants to help out, particularly ham operators who can participate as a net control, please contact me for more info and a net preamble script. We will gladly consider any and all help that anyone wants to offer." he added, "By all means, do not hesitate to check-in Thursday night."

It should be noted that the two ham operators most actively involved in this net, W4DMH & KI4HEE, are both located along the East Coast, the hunt is on for Ham Operators west of the Mississippi willing to help make this net possible.

As the American Preppers Network grows, it is our hope that more & more people will gain exposure to the ideas of individualism, self-reliance and independence. All hallmarks much needed in these times.

Join the net, Thursday, July 23rd 9PM EST on or around 14.320 MHz, and as always...
“No Experience Necessary”
Get Free Information on Ham Radio
Sponsored By: American Preppers Radio Net