UTC TIME

Friday, April 30, 2010

New Site Features

We have moved this site on to a server to better serve you. If you have been following us by email feed you will need to go to the new site and sign up again. It is on the top right of the new page.Click HERE We are working very hard to get the new site working the way we need it to so please stick with us as we get everything up and working again.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Del's 160m Net Report!!


Here is the net report from NW8I, Del, the APRN's super stand in net control operator. THANKS AGAIN DEL!!!!!

The 160 meter net started kind of slow, there was just W2AOJ, Matt and
myself until about 15 or 20 after the hour. Then KJ4PZZ, Bill checked in
and at about 0145Z KI4LWA, Howard checked in.

We talked about antennas and antenna supports mostly with a little 2 meter
talk thrown in. All things considered it was pretty good net.

KI4LWA, Howard suggested that we might use 3817.76 as an alternate for the
80 meter net, as that freq was pretty quiet last Thurs nite.

Del

Stay tuned for updates on the changes that are going on here at the APRN and our sister Networks. There is alot going on with the APRN Mobile Communications Vehicle as well.
Hopefully, John will be back soon to run the APRN 80m net. He can see if the move suggested by Howard will make the net easier to run. So until next time, EVERYBODY HAVE A SAFE WEEK!!!!!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Uh Oh, The 160m net.....


Here we go again!!! K7DLB has a business meeting in Virginia Sunday and he may not make it back in time to run the APRN 160m net. I know, he PROMISED that he would be around for the net but this opportunity just came up in the last week and if it takes off, he will be a free man!!!!! Well, MAYBE.......
So just in case he is not back in time, once again please tune in at 9pm EDT (0100UTC) to 1.860LSB and see if maybe Santa W4DMH, or Del, NW8I grab the reins and start a discussion!!! Stay tuned to this site for last minute announcements!!!

Wednesday, April 7, 2010

The APRN 80m Net

John, Net Control for the 80m APRN net will need a stand in net control for this Thursday's net. There has been a death in his family and he needs to tend to that. We offer our condolences to John and his wife and our thoughts and Prayers will be with them as they deal with their loss.
If anyone wants to give net control a shot or even just ad lib net control we would appreciate it. Del, NW8I has been a great short notice stand in net control so give a listen on Thursday at 9pm (0200UTC) on 3.962LSB, and you just may hear the melodious tones of Del's voice in there getting the evening discussion started!!!!!

Saturday, April 3, 2010

80m Net Report &160M Net Annnouncement

reports that Thursday's APRN 80m net was hammered by bad band conditions. NW8I Del, was the only check in. Seems that band conditions are getting fairly rough lately. But, in proper Prepper fashion, we will keep trying because learning how to cope with bad conditions is necessary.
Tomorrow nights' 160m net will take a standby for the Easter holiday. K7DLB has a family commitment that just came up. IF someone wants to take the net, please go ahead and let K7DLB know how you made out. The 160m band has been bad lately as well. But, as this is the Easter weekend, please take time to give thanks for the gift that this day represents. Also, give thanks for the ability to prepare for any situation that may arise. We never know what may happen in the future, but there is a certain peace of mind that comes with Prepping. So, enjoy your day and we will be back in full force next weekend. K7DLB has been working like a dog in his garden, there is a Tomato plant sprout peeking in the starting bin so the future looks bright!!!!!

Thursday, April 1, 2010

The APRN Net on April Fools Day!!

So check in and see what the discussion will be!!!

Monday, March 29, 2010

The 6th man rises to the occasion AGAIN!!!! the APRN 160m net

Tell ya what gang, you just have to hand it to Del NW8I. He has been the APRN lifesaver as he is willing to step up to the plate and stand in as Net Control and we certainly appreciate it!!!!! THANKS DEL!!!!! Here is his net summary...

We had the net but the noise was bad and
the prop wasn't much better.

Dave, W4DMH checked in and we primarily discussed his RF problems. Dave's
signal was good on this end tonight but he still hasn't completely cleared
up the rf problem to his satisfaction.

We did have 5 brave hams check in tonight considering how bad the band was.

KJ4PZZ Bill
AC0BG Dean
N8BIT Dave
W4DMH Dave
NW8I Del 6th man net control

Thanks one and all for checking in this tough nite.

Del NW8I

73s to all

So, once again, thanks to Del for his help and please be sure to check out the APRN 80m net on Thursday at 9pm EDT on 3.962. Everybody have a great week!!!!

Oh yeah, don't forget to check out the APRN Mobile Communications Vehicle project. We need some help as far as donating some items and we will be posting more info as it comes along. If you have any questions just hit the e-mail button and fire them off!!!!!

Sunday, March 28, 2010

The APRN 160m Net will ............

We're not sure. K7DLB needs a stand in for tonites net, but as luck will have it, it is supposed to rain and that will cut his day short so he MAY be able to handle the net tonite. So tune in and see who wins the race to run the APRN 160m net tonite at 9pm EDT(0200UTC) on 1.860LSB. Of course, if you don't hear anything, don't worry, there is lots exciting stuff going on over on the TAPRN.com site. Check out Project APRN Mobile Communications Vehicle. This is gonna be a fun adventure for the APRN. So, check it out!!!!!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Net Report, Better Late than Never!!!!!


Thursday nites APRN 80m net was handled by Del, NW8I(Thanks Del!!!!) and here is his report......

I got on for the net at the last minute. As it turned out we had a pretty
good net. Some QRN, a little QRM on my end but it was ok.

Checkins:

AC0BG Dean
KJ4PZZ Bill
W1LQE Don TN New Checkin
KE5MXH Don OK New Checkin
N8VFJ Ed WV New Checkin
W4SQL Landy SC
NW8I Del OH Net Control

Bill KJ4PZZ started the discussion about what to do about pests getting into
pantries. He had used steel wool to block seams and corners and such.
Flashing was suggested as another way to block pests.

Storing food and such in metal and plastic buckets is another way of keeping
pests out of food.

We discussed water storage and purification. Several of the net members
have very good storage and purification systems to numerous to mention.
They are well prepared. We discussed how to keep pests out of the garden
which is hard to do.

Oh, KJ4PZZ and AC0BG both said regular milk cartons don't make reliable
water storage containers.

A new checkin, KE5MXH Don, uses forklift batteries for his backup system
with very good results. Don said factories are a good place to try to find
that kind of battery. They rotate them every so often. Forklift batteries
have a long lifetime. 15 or 20 years.

It was a nice net.

73s

Del

Thanks to all that checked in and Remember, K7DLB will need a stand in Net Control Op for Sunday Nites APRN 160m Net!!!!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

The first update to our new project

I want to share with everyone today the body of a email that I received this morning. All I can say is thank you very much for this offer in helping us accomplish what we have set out to do. It is so nice to read this and know that all the time and effort we put in here has seemed to make a difference. I do want to point out that we could not and would not be here if it were not for all of the people that help us out and also the people that participate in our nets.

Good morning Santa,

I have been watching your site for some time now and must say, I do like what you are trying to do. My grandson is into ham radio but not fully on board with the preparedness mindset. I have been speaking with him over the last year about this more and more. I sent him this link http://www.taprn.com/2010/03/aprn-goals-and-big-first-step.html to your site the other day hoping that the ham radios twist would help.  He just called me and told me he would be willing to donate a 1995 Chevrolet Astro van he no longer uses if you are interested. He said that it is a work van not a regular soccer mom type and it does need just a little tender loving care, but all in all is a very solid vehicle.

He also told me that your site and what you are doing is something he will pay more attention to in the future. I want to thank you for bring him one step closer to the preparedness mindset as nothing else I have tried has ever helped before. As a loving grandmother I am glad that something I did has finally seemed to get his attention.

He is located in the greater Washington DC area if that is close enough for you to work out getting the Van from him. If this will help please let me know so we can get this worked out soon.

We would both ask that you keep our identities secure for personal reasons in this matter.

Here is a site I have started that you may want look at. http://justiceforpreppers.blogspot.com/

May God Bless You
Truth Told
(Real Name withheld by request)

I want to personally thank you for this generous offer from you and your grandson. Please rest assured that we will handle this with the utmost respect for your privacy as you requested.

Please look here for more about this project.The APRN Mobile Communications Venture
73
Santa

Thursday, March 25, 2010

The 80m meter net will be winging it tonite!!!!!

Tonites 80m APRN net will need a stand in Net Control as John has some business to attend to. If Del NW8I or any one of our regulars can take the net we would certainly appreciate it!!!!

Also, K7DLB will need someone to take Sundays' Net AGAIN!!!! Heck, if he doesn't watch out, he is gonna be put in radio time out!!!! Actually, this is his favorite time of year. Tax time. He will be locked in his office figuring out how much Uncle Sam deserves and just how long it's gonna take to get that shiny new Kenwood 480....................................................

So, please let us know if you can take a net and PLEASE, stay up to date on the new APRN Van project!!!! AKA The APRN Mobile Communications Venture. And remember, if you can help, let us know!!!!!!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

APRN Goal's and a big first step

First please take the time to read this post since it has been awhile. Click here to read

I know it has been slow here and all I can say is now is the time to get back to work here. With the recent tragic events happening all around the world and having just been thru the worst winter here in the mid-atlantic region in recent memory. We see the need to get more organized and be more cooperative within our community's now more than ever before.

We have had an idea floating around our management team since day one of this net that we are now going to share with all of you. Since we are all about helping to teach others both like minded and people that have never even thought of being more prepared it is time to head to the front lines and help.

We have started trying to come up with a way to be able to go to events and setup a demonstration of how we can be effective in helping the community in the event of any type of disaster. Since we are all about communications and how effective Ham Radio can be and after tossing around many ideas we thought the the best way we could do this effectively, would be to set up a mobile communications vehicle that could travel to events and trade shows and demonstrate how this all works.

Our goal with this would be to help spread the word about preparedness and communications while also trying to help bring people together that are genuinely concerned about the state of not just our country but the world.

We will have to ask for help with this project as none of us are independently wealth. We can however come up with the needed help to do the work needed to set this all up and also enough people willing to go out and demonstrate how this all works.

The first need will certainly be the actual vehicle to make this all possible. It is our thought that we would be best served by a vehicle that has enough room to mount the equipment in but also would not break the bank to drive from place to place to help promote the preparedness message.

Any person or organization that is willing to help us on this project will get recognition in the form of mention of your web site or forum board of your choice in our literature and for contributions to this project substantial enough a spot on the actual vehicle listing the site of your choice.

The people involved in this project have a good bit of the equipment needed already but it would certainly be nice to come up with the equipment needed to become a permanent part of the vehicle as well.

We will be posting a list of what we have already come up with and what we feel our future needs are soon.

You can post in the comment section anything you may want to donate to this, or use the Santa's mail bag logo on the right side of this page to email what you may have that could help us in this effort.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Net Report !!!! Sundays APRN 160m Net


Here is Del's Net Summary from Sunday Nites APRN 160m net:


The question for tonite's net was "How prepared would you be if something
happened right now?"

Most everyone was prepared to a pretty good degree. Several good points
were made including being sure to rotate your stocks of gas every 3 months
or so(kd8kwd). Another good point was having a supply of vitamins and
minerals. Dean, ac0bg said vitamin D is especially good for disease
prevention.

Checkins:

W2AOJ Matt

KJ4PZZ Bill
AC0BG Dean
KB9QDC Matt
W9GWZ Gary
NW8I Del

All in all it was a good nite even tho we had a lot of QRN and QSB.

73s

Del nw8i

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Spring has Sprung!!! The APRN 160m net.


Tonite Del,NW8I will take control of the APRN 160m net. Come join Del for some good discussion on 1.860LSB at 9pm Eastern(0100UTC).

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Join us for the last APRN 80m net for this winter!!!!!


Well all of the snow is melted around here and Spring will Spring this Saturday at 7:04AM so its time to get out the mower and rakes to prepare for another wonderful season of YARD WORK!!!! YUK......
But first, check in to the APRN 80m net led by John, KD8DWD for a round of discussion on just about anything. The "open forum" is working well for the 80m net so join in with your prepping questions, thoughts or ideas at 9pm Eastern(0100UTC) on 3.962LSB.

Also, K7DLB will need a stand in net control for Sunday nights APRN 160M net. Please let him know if you can take the net for an evening!!!!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

A short list, but GOOD conversation.APRN 160m net


The check ins were light tonite as the APRN 160m net took off on 1.862.5LSB. Our home frequency was in use so we moved up just a bit. Please keep in mind, If you don't hear us when net time hits, dig around a bit. You will find us!!!
We talked about some spring gardening stuff, had a good round on the economy, and discussed how we will need to pay attention and get with the Prepping program. Things about this world economy are getting worrisome.
Tonites Check ins:
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA
NW8I Del, OH

Thanks to all that participated tonite and please be sure to check in on Thursday nite for the APRN 80m net led by John, on 3.962LSB at 9pm Eastern(0100UTC). John just got another main rig and he wants to give it a workout!!!!

Frequency change!!!!

We will be on 1.862.5 LSB!!!!

Saturday, March 13, 2010

OOPS!!! A REMINDER!!!!!


Don't forget that at 2am Sunday morning, Daylight Savings Time goes into effect!!! Set your clocks 1 hour ahead before you go to bed Sat nite. Of course, all of you die hard 160m operators will be up anyways, but you will have to take a break from your QSO's to get all of your clocks changed....... You don't wanna be early for Church or that big breakfast buffet!!!! And, you REALLY don't wanna be early for the APRN 160m net. Word has it that K7DLB has to wake up form a nap to get the net going.....Lets see if he remembers to set HIS clocks.........

The APRN 160m net SPRINGS to life!!!!!

On Sunday at 9pm Eastern Daylite time(0100UTC)the APRN 160 meter net led by K7DLB will get into action on 1.860LSB. The topic will be "what do you plan to do this spring to help your Preps?" so, join in the discussion and get ready for spring!!!!! We just hope it stops raining outside long enough to do SOMETHING!!!!
Also, K7DLB reports that his cable is down so he may not be able to use netlogger tomorrow night as his Broadband card does not do too well at the QTH.....Seems the cable company could use a little help in the prep department!!!!!!!A little wind and rain.......Well, how about A LOT OF WIND AND RAIN!!!!! Just glad it's not SNOW!!!!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

The APRN 80m Net TONITE!!!!!

Ok, lets give John, a good case of writers cramp as he takes the reins of the APRN 80m net at 9PM Eastern (0200UTC) on 3.962LSB. This will be the last net befroe Daylight Saving time takes effect so lets make it a good one. You know, after DST goes in, yard work starts!!!!!! HIHI!!!!
So check in, check out the discussion and join in!!!!!

Sunday, March 7, 2010

Some good discussion tonite on the APRN 160m net!!


Tonite that APRN 160m net topic was oddball uses for different things. We talked about using a 1 pound coffee can for a sterno stove, a nine volt battery and steel wool used as a fire starter, different uses for coffee filters, and the different uses for cucumbers. An example, a couple of cucumber slices in a pie pan left in a garden would drive away grubs and garden pests. Seems that the cucumber and aluminum in the pie pan reacts and the odor drives away pests. That idea will be put to the test this growing season. Also, we jumped into a heath discussion dealing with Apple Cider Vinegar and it's use as well as many other remedies for acid reflux. Here is the website for Bragg Apple Cider Vinegar.

Tonites Check ins:
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA

NW8I Del, OH

KD8LOF Missy, WV Missy is our first lady check in. In fact, KD8KWE and KD8LOF are our first husband wife combo check ins!!!!! WELCOME!!!!
KB9QDC Matt, WI
KB3SJI Barry PA

Thanks to all that checked in and please don't forget the Thursday Night 80m net led by on 3.962 at 9pm Eastern (0200UTC). We need to give John a good case of writers cramp so come join in the discussion!!!!

Saturday, March 6, 2010

The APRN 160m Net will be kinda odd........


The APRN Net on Sunday night will deal with the things that can be kinda odd in their uses. In other words, things that can be used in ways that were never really intended. A good example would be using a screwdriver as a hammer.......Well, maybe that's a bad example, but you get the point!!!(After all, K7DLB does that stuff all the time!!!!)
So come up with your ideas and join in Sunday nite a 9pm Eastern (0200UTC) on 1.860LSB and lets see what kinds off odd things we can talk about!!!!

Friday, March 5, 2010

Bad Band, Good discussion!!!! The APRN 80m Net


Last night the 80m band was being it's normal noisy self but John kept at it and Del, NW8I joined in and along with KJ4PZZ, Bill and KI4LWA, Howard, in spite of the noise. The discussion covered a number of topics one of them being Kerosene stoves, lanterns and heating. Del mentioned this website to check out: St Paul Mercantile. There are many items on that site of interest. So, thanks to everyone that checked in and remember, John will bring the Net back to life next week, same time same frequency!!!!!!

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Tonites the Nite!!! APRN 80m Net!!!

Tonite, John, will open up the APRN 80m net at 9pm Eastern(0200UTC) on 3.962LSB. The topic will be open for suggestions. Seems that emergency power and issues pertaining to that subject are popular, but, we don't have to stick with that. Think up some stuff to talk about and some suggestions for future nets. We gotta keep John busy!!!!! So, check in, join the converstation and if your not careful, you just might learn sumthin!!!!

Sunday, February 28, 2010

The APRN 160m Net ended February on a good note!!!


Tonites APRN 160m net featured a good discussion on a variety of topics ranging from fusible links, fuel sources for lighting and the peculiarities of the 160m band. WA1HHN and K7DLB worked the CQ 160m SSB contest this weekend and learned alot about the 160m band. It was interesting to see how the band would move into different locations and also move up and down the frequency range of the band.
Tonites Check Ins:

W4DMH Dave, WV
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA
NW8I Del, OH
KB9QDC Matt, WI. New Check in!!!!

N2ZKX Rich, NY Mobile!!!!!

K7DLB will be wore out, but the 160m net will go on!!!



K7DLB Net Control for the 160m APRN net will be worn out from typing log entries and spinning the dial on the TS-450 as a stray for the 160m contest that was happening this weekend. He reports the band was rolling from Illinois to Texas and all over the Northeast. Hopefully, the band will cooperate when he wakes up from a nap to get the Net underway at 9pm Eastern (0200UTC)on 1.860LSB. Not sure what the discussion will be yet, but we are sure it will be interesting nonetheless!!!!

Friday, February 26, 2010

FINALLY!!! The APRN 80m net gets a break!!!!

Thanks to John, persistence, the APRN 80m net got going last night. The band started out rough but cleaned up as the night wore along. The discussion centered around battery power and fuse protection for you equipment. Thanks to all that checked in!!!!!
w4dmh Dave, WV
ab0bg Dean,IA
nw8i Del,OH
wa1hhn Walt,MA
kj4pzz Bill VA new
kj4pta John SC new
km4da NC Bill
ki4lwa Howard VA new
We hope this net will become a regular feature here at the APRN. Thanks to John,  for sticking with it and getting it off the ground. See you all next week!!!!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

The APRN 80 meter net is wired up!!!!!





Thursday nite, John, will take the reins of the APRN 80m net. He has slogged through the snow and repaired the damage done to his wire antenna. So lets make his efforts pay off and join in on Thursday night at 9pm Eastern(0200UTC)on 3.962LSB or thereabouts. The topic will be open and we hope that the weather cooperates. So bring your ideas and thoughts and CHECK IN!!!!!!!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

The APRN 160 meter net was all charged up!!!!!!


Tonite,the APRN 160 meter net set a a couple of milestones. We had our first /AG check in. We also had our first mobile check as well. KD8KWE/AG checked in for one of his first HF QSO's. N2ZKX mobile checked in as our very first mobile 160m checkin!!!! Welcome to both and we hope to hear from you again!!!!
Also, NW8I and K7DLB switched to battery power for the 2nd half of the net. It was surprising to see that cutting the output power of the rigs to 30-45 watts did little to change the signal of both stations. K7DLB had a meter in line and here are the results.
13.07v to start. The rig pulled 1.25 amps on standby
While keyed and modulating, the average was 12.45 volts, with the rig drawing an average of 5 amps.
K7DLB did a couple of long winded reports just to see what the batteries would do and they held up just fine.
At the close of the net the batteries recovered to 12.52v and 1.5 hours later they are holding 12.90v.
The total AH used was 1.233AH.
The batteries used in K7DLB's setup are 4 6v 12ah sealed batteries from a emergency lighting setup. They are wired in a series parallel array and are in a nice compact wooded box that weighs about 15 lbs or so. Keep in mind, in an emergency situation, most radio contacts will be very short and to the point. What K7DLB will do next is to get into a contesting situation and use the pack for most of the day to see how it does.
NW8I has his setup performing very good as well. His signal did not change much at all and his 12v battery setup seemed to stand up to his TS-430s just fine.
That is the purpose of these nets. We need to test out our setups BEFORE they are needed. That will give us piece of mind that we can at least communicate in case of any situation that would shut down "normal" methods.
Tonites check ins
W2AOJ Matt, NJ
NW8I Del, OH
KD8KWE/AG Dave, WV
N8NMJ Mike, MD
N2ZKX/mobile Rich, NY

Saturday, February 20, 2010

The 160m APRN net is gonna try out battery power.






Inspired by Del, NW8I, K7DLB finished up building a small battery pack and he will try it out on Sunday nights' 160m APRN net. Word has it that Del will try out battery power as well. The net takes off Sunday at 9pm (0200UTC) on 1.860.
The net will start out at 100 watts for the check in portion of the net and then the switch will be made in the discussion portion of the net. Output power will be reduced and a meter will be used that will track the condition of the battery as time goes on. Please join in the discussion and see how 4, 6v 12ah batteries set up in a parallel/series configuration do for an emergency power setup!!!!!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

The APRN 80m and 160m Nets


Thursday nite was still suffering antenna issues so NW8I jumped in as alternate net control. The discussion varied dealing with emergency power and HF power amps being talked about. The check ins were:
AC0BG, Dean IA
NW8I Del Ohio THANKS DEL!!!!
KB9QDC, Matt WI
N9MZF, Mike IN

As far as the 160m net goes, Sunday is Valentines Day. Lets take the evening off and spend it with the Wife, Girlfriend or your special Valentine. The radio takes a bunch of time away from family and friends, especially if your significant other hasn't grasped the concept yet!!!!!HiHi!!!!
So the APRN Nets will return next week Feb 18, for the 80m net, and Feb 21 for the 160m net. Stay tuned for updates!!!!!!

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

If we get any more snow..........The APRN 80m net!!!!


Thursday night, is going to try out his slinky antenna and get the APRN 80m net on the air. His main wire is still down and is now under about 4 ft of snow!!!! We got smashed again Tuesday and today!!!!! Add in the winds and we have quite the mess!!!
So, tune in at 9pm, (0200UTC) on 3.962LSB and see what  has in store!!!!

Also, K7DLB will need a fill in Net Control Op to fill in for Sunday nights 160m net. He is going to have to work for sure!!!!! The storms have put a real kink in FedEx Grounds operations. So Email Dave, K7DLB and let him know if you can take over!!!!

Sunday, February 7, 2010

A full house on the APRN 160m net!!!!


In spite of the Super Bowl, we had a good list of participants for the APRN 160 meter net tonite!!! We really had no topic but each operator was asked what they would like to deal with in the coming months. There were several good suggestions as well as the need for a review of the topics we have covered in the past.
K7DLB had the net tonite as suffered a broken wire antenna because of the extreme weather over the weekend.
We here at the APRN hope that everybody under the gun of this latest winter blast stayed safe and well. Just think, 6 more weeks of winter!!!!!
Tonites check in list:
W2AOJ Matt, NJ
AC0BG Dean, IA
NW8I Del, OH
W1AYC Maurice, MA
W1HHN Walt, MA
N8BIT Dave, MI
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
Thanks for checking in and everybody have a SAFE week!!!!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

ANOTHER Snowbound 160m net!!!!!!


Sunday night Feb 7th, will take the reins of the APRN 160m net as there is a good possibility that K7DLB will have to work. We had 25+ inches of snow over here and if the roads are clear good old FedEx Ground is going to try to get some trailers moved into the terminals. HA!!!!!!
The topic will be the same as the 80m net from Thursday night. Medical and first aid supplies. So join in the discussion. Indianapolis is gonna win the Super Bowl so you can join in the fun on 1.860LSB at 9pm Eastern (0200UTC).

Also, last Thursday night,  tried another shot at the APRN Net and the noise level was brutal!!! NW8I Del was heard running the net and we really appreciate that!!! THANKS Del!! It was suggested to move the net to 3.962 and give it a try there. So, stay tuned for next weeks net announcement!!!!!!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

The APRN 80 meter net is all Doctored up!!!!


Tonites topic for the 80 meter APRN net will be Medical supplies and their availability and storage.  will take the controls tonite and direct the discussion to get folks to thinking about their medical needs and preps. So, join in the discussion at 9pm Eastern (0200UTC) on 3.961LSB or thereabouts. It may be another rough night signal wise as we have ANOTHER major winter storm on the way for the East Coast. But  is a persistent operator and he will give it his best shot.


A little note from the APRN.
The topics and discussions here one our nets are by no ways gospel. The idea is to get people to thinking about things related to Prepping and Preparedness. We have had some excellent discussions here and some different perspectives and thoughts have been offered. The idea is to help each other to get prepared and if there are any questions, thoughts or information that you may have found pertaining to past topic PLEASE bring it up. It is not a problem to continue a discussion or even postpone a topic to re-visit a past topic!!!!!

Sunday, January 31, 2010

The APRN 160 meter Net was talkative!!!!


Tonite the APRN 160m net discussed ideas to pass the time while the grid was down. John ran that portion of the net and there were several ideas offered from reading, to making items that are necessary to prepping by hand to just good 'ol conversation. In this electronic age, there are several of the lost arts that should be revived. We also dealt with some questions about battery charging. This is a constant topic that really needs some attention and research. You can never really have too much information about backup power and certainly as questions arise and information comes available, we will always make time to share.
Tonites Check Ins:
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA
NW8I Del, OH

KD8JPQ Jeff, OH

Saturday, January 30, 2010

The Snowbound 160m net Shovels Out!!!!


Well, the weatherman has struck again!!!! Here at the K7DLB ranch we were only supposed to get a dusting of snow and we wound up with 6 inches+!!!!!
Anyways, the topic for Sunday's net will be stolen from John, . The topic will be, "What will you do for entertainment if the electric grid fails?" In fact, K7DLB will get the net underway, and  will take over when the time comes for the discussion to start.
So, tune in and join in the discussion Sunday Nite on 1.860LSB at 9pm Eastern (0200UTC)

Friday, January 29, 2010

The APRN 80 meter net Thursday 1/28/10

Well folks John gave it his first try but we gotta tell ya it was a rough night to try to run a net on 80 Meters. John and myself both had a 30 over noise floor and even though we are only about 45 miles apart by air we could not hear each other. These conditions are not normal for 80 meter but as disappointing as this was for his first APRN net control duties,  John will take to the air again next Thursday night for another try at bringing the 80 meter net back to the APRN lineup of nets.

This is yet another example of how important it is to practice our communication skills now as you never know what will happen to the bands at any given time. The wonderful world of  HF on Ham Radio is always full of surprises both good and bad.

Check back often right here for coming announcements of where and when we will take to the air next.
73 for now
W4DMH

Thursday, January 28, 2010

The APRN 80 Meter Net takes off tonite!!!!!!!!!


Tonite, John,grabs the controls of the APRN 80m net. Please join in the discussion as we try to establish another Net to promote preparedness among Hams and radio users of all types. The topic for tonite will be:"What will you do for entertainment in a situation such as electrical grid failure". Fact is, we have been so used to pushing a switch and expecting to be occupied that we forget what is like to do something that is entertaining that doesn't involve electricity, high tech or little effort.
So, come on and join in tonite at 9pm, 0200 UTC on 3.961 or thereabouts!!!!

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Great Conversation Tonite on the 160m APRN Net!!


Tonite on the APRN 160m net we went back to our roots and each of us told the story of how we got started in Ham Radio. It is interesting to note that most got started in radio at a young age either by sheer curiosity or with the help of a friend. We all expressed the need for radio as a communications medium in the case of Prepping. This was driven home by the events in Haiti. One thing we need to remember, you don't need a fancy setup to get started. The basics will do just fine. A radio, antenna and power source will put you on the air!!!!
Tonites Check ins:

W2AOJ Matt, NJ
W4DMH Dave, WV
AC0BG Dean, IA
KD8USA Ty, MI
NW8I Del, OH
Kd8KWD John, WV

We hope to hear from YOU next week, same time, same frequency!!!!!

Saturday, January 23, 2010

The APRN 160 Meter Net is Reflective.......



The topic for the APRN 160 meter net on Sunday night will be, "What got you into Ham Radio, and what do you use it for?"

K7DLB, your net control operator is putting together a series about Ham radio and he would like to start off with that question. Please join in with your thoughts and opinions in tonites discussion!!!
The Net takes off at 9pm Eastern, 0200UTC on 1.860 or thereabouts. Remember, if we have to move it will be posted here and on Netlogger!!!!!

Sunday, January 17, 2010

Uh Oh!!! We had 2 nets tonite!!!!!!

Turns out that 1.860 came open and Del NW8I missed the frequency change and ran a Net along side of the one on 1.880.
Here is his net summary.....


I checked the APRN web site about 6pm eastern or so. I saw that you were going to be net control tonight which is good. I went to 1.860 at about 9:03 or so to check in and discuss tonigts topic. There was already 2 or 3 stations wondering where we were. So not knowing you were on 1.880 I called for checkins.

We discussed the topic of alternative sources of fuel for cooking, as best I could remember what the topic was. We had a good additional net. Most everyone agreed to alternate fuels such as propane, sterno, natural gas, wood and generated electric. Also, I have several packs of trioxane and the little stoves for it.

We had , I think, 4 new checkins tonight.

W2AOJ Matt

KI4JUP Lee ALA

W9PT Ron near FT Wayne, IN

WA4VEG Bob Charlotte, NC

Addionally:

AC0BG Dean

WA1HHN Walt



NW8I Del Accidental NC

The APRN 160m Net was a little short!!!!


Must be the NFL Playoffs....
We only had 2 check ins tonite for the net but the discussion was lively and interesting. We discussed Firestarting, wood burning, and cooking over a wood fire.One thing was brought up by W4DMH..You don't want to burn pressure treated lumber!!!!! The chemicals in there could do some real damage as arsenic was a major compound used until recently.
Being able to start a fire for cooking, heating or just protection from scavenging animals is very important and as Preppers we need to put that on our lists for research and action. Some of these topics may seem insignificant, but as things go, we may need to apply alot of pioneering basics in our day to day living.
One link came up while researching this today. It is a good read and thought provoking....
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/04/29/9-ways-to-start-a-fire-without-matches/#comments
I'm going to do a self styled bit of research on some of these methods once the camping season opens up this summer. Unless I blow myself up or set the campground on fire I'll give a report........

We landed on 1.880 tonite and the band was noisy, almost as bad a Summertime!!!!!

Tonites Check ins:

W4DMH Dave, WV
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH

APRN is on 1.880...We will try to hold it!!!!!!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

The APRN Net wants to know.....How are you gonna cook it???



The topic for Sunday's APRN 160m net will be Methods of cooking when the good 'ol oven won't work!!!! Or, burnt offerings over an open fire......
Sounds like K7DLB has had some experience in these matters!!!!
So, tune in at 9pm Sunday evening somewhere around 1.860 to start but keep a eye out on here for the last minute frequency change report. Also, Net logger will be up as well. Just keyword Netlogger and download it for free and look for the American Preppers Radio Net and the "almost Instant Messanger" will let you know where we land.

Friday, January 15, 2010

Some information for Amateur Operators..Haiti

Here is the Email sent out by the ARRL concerning the massive earthquake in Haiti. Please respect the efforts there as it is going to be EXTREMELY difficult to communicate in that area for quite some time.
Also, keep those folks affected in your thoughts and prayers and consider helping out the American Red Cross with a small donation as their resources have been maxxed out.
Out
K7DLB

ZCZC AX02
QST de W1AW
Special Bulletin 2 ARLX002
From ARRL Headquarters
Newington CT January 13, 2010
To all radio amateurs

SB SPCL ARL ARLX002
ARLX002 IARU Region 2 Requests Frequencies Be Kept Clear After
Massive Earthquake Strikes Haiti

On Tuesday, January 12 at 4:53 PM Haiti time (2153 UTC), a magnitude
7.0 earthquake hit 10 miles (15 kilometers) west of Port-au-Prince,
the island nation's capital. Communications in and out of Haiti have
been disrupted. No word has been received as of yet from any of
Haitian Amateur Radio operators. The ARRL encourages US amateurs to
be aware of the emergency operations on the following frequencies:
7.045 and 3.720 MHz (IARU Region 2 nets), 14.265, 7.265 and 3.977
MHz (SATERN nets), and 14.300 MHz (Intercontinental Assistance and
Traffic Net). The International Radio Emergency Support Coalition
(IRESC) is also active on EchoLink node 278173.

IARU Region 2 Area C Emergency Coordinator, Arnie Coro, CO2KK, is
coordinating a multi-national response by hams. There are organized
nets on 7.045 and 3.720 MHz; amateurs are asked to monitor the
frequencies, but to also keep them clear of non-essential traffic.
Amateur Radio operators should also be aware that emergency traffic
pertaining to the Haitian earthquake is expected on the SATERN
frequencies of 14.265 MHz, 7.265 MHz and 3977 MHz, according to
SATERN's leader, Major Pat McPherson. The Salvation Army is
accepting health and welfare traffic requests on its Web site.

"As late as 9:45 PM local time (0245 UTC), we have not been able to
contact any amateur or emergency services stations in Haiti," Coro
said in an e-mail. "Amateurs from Cuba, the Dominican Republic,
Puerto Rico and Venezuela are monitoring the 40 meter band
frequency. We are still keeping watch on 7.045 MHz, hoping that
someone in Haiti may have access to a transceiver and at least a car
battery to run it," but so far. no HH stations have checked in.

Tuesday's quake was felt in the Dominican Republic, which shares the
island of Hispaniola with Haiti, and in Eastern Cuba, but no major
damage was reported in either place.

The January 13 edition of The Daily DX reported that the Rev John
Henault, HH6JH, made contact late Wednesday morning with the
Intercontinental Assistance and Traffic Net (IATN) on 14.300 MHz;
this is the IARU Global Center of Activity frequency for emergency
communications. He said that he was safe, but had no power and no
phone service. He was operating on battery power and hoping to get a
generator running later in the day. The edition also noted that
Pierre Petry, HH2/HB9AMO -- who was in Cap Haitien (about 140 km
north of Port-au-Prince) is "okay"; Petry is in Haiti working for
the United Nations World Food Program. Later today, he will be
traveling to the capital.

The UN's 9000 peacekeepers in Haiti -- many of whom are from Brazil
-- were distracted from aid efforts by their own tragedy: Many spent
the night hunting for survivors in the ruins of their headquarters.
"It would appear that everyone who was in the building, including my
friend Hedi Annabi, the United Nations' Secretary General's special
envoy, and everyone with him and around him, are dead," French
Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner said Wednesday, speaking on French
radio. UN peacekeeping chief Alain Le Roy would not confirm that
Annabi was dead, but said he was among more than 100 people missing
in the rubble of its headquarters. He said only about 10 people had
been pulled out, many of them badly injured. Fewer than five bodies
had been pulled from the rubble, he said.

The United Nations said the capital's main airport was "fully
operational" and that relief flights would begin on Wednesday,
January 13.

The situation in Haiti is still chaotic. More information will be
posted as soon as possible. Information is being validated and
shared between many amateur groups and news sources as it unfolds.
NNNN
/EX

Sunday, January 10, 2010

The 160m Net was Heavy Weight!!!!!


Well, at least that was what almost everybody was saying.......It seems that the most popular New Years resolution was to lose weight. Well good luck to all in that endeavor. The discussion also involved committments to keep up the Preps and continue to spread the word of Prepping.
We wound up on 1.876 after our home frequency was in use. It won't be long we will find a frequency to call our permanent home.
Tonites Check ins:

W4DMH Dave, WV
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH

NW8I Del, OH
KD8EAF Josh, TN New Check in!!! WELCOME JOSH !!!!!

1.876 for the 160m net!!!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

A New Year, and a new Resolution!!!!!


Sunday Nite the APRN 160 meter net wants to know what your New Years Resolution is for this year. K7DLB your Net Control wants to lose weight, get out of debt and grow hair on his head......Well, two out of three ain't bad!!!!! Please tune in at 0200UTC, 9PM eastern on 1.860LSB and join in on the discussion. If the frequency is in use, K7DLB will post on here where he is hiding. He will also have netlogger available as well.

Friday, January 1, 2010

A funny thing happened at Midnite!!!!!!

Happy New Year everyone!!!!
I am presently in Waukegan Illinois and last night at midnite when the New Year was struck at midnite, I tried to call my kids on my cell phone and they were trying to call me. The system was locked completely up and it took 15 minutes to get through to me and several minutes of trying after that to get ahold of anybody else!!!! Even then the call quality was questionable.
Can you imagine what it would be like if a National Emergency was to take place? What would be the first thing most folks would go for? The cell phone, naturally!!!! I consider this event to be a bow shot warning us to be prepared to use other methods of communications. As Preppers and radio operators, we need to have those batteries charged and a family frequency established so we can at least have a shot of communicating with each other. Just some New Years Day thoughts!!!!!

out
K7DLB
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