APRN American Preppers Radio Net

New Site Features

2010-04-30T03:55:00.002-04:00

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.

Del's 160m Net Report!!

2010-04-12T12:22:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-04-10T21:54:00.002-04:00

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!!!

The APRN 80m Net

2010-04-07T14:31:00.004-04:00

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!!!!!

80m Net Report &160M Net Annnouncement

2010-04-03T22:54:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!

The APRN Net on April Fools Day!!

2010-04-01T06:02:00.003-04:00

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

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

2010-03-29T00:29:00.002-04:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-03-28T12:29:00.002-04:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-03-27T20:12:00.003-04:00

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!!!!!

The first update to our new project

2010-03-26T16:21:00.000-04:00

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

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

2010-03-25T12:23:00.004-04:00

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!!!!!!

APRN Goal's and a big first step

2010-03-23T13:11:00.003-04:00

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.

Net Report !!!! Sundays APRN 160m Net

2010-03-22T13:35:00.004-04:00

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

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

2010-03-21T02:21:00.002-04:00

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).

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

2010-03-18T13:21:00.002-04:00

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!!!!

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

2010-03-14T23:39:00.003-04:00

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!!!!

2010-03-14T21:01:00.000-04:00

We will be on 1.862.5 LSB!!!!

OOPS!!! A REMINDER!!!!!

2010-03-13T18:36:00.002-05:00

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!!!!!

2010-03-13T17:35:00.003-05:00

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!!!!

The APRN 80m Net TONITE!!!!!

2010-03-11T13:57:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-03-07T22:39:00.004-05:00

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!!!!

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

2010-03-06T19:04:00.002-05:00

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!!!!

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

2010-03-05T12:39:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!!

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

2010-03-04T05:26:00.003-05:00

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!!!!

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

2010-02-28T22:17:00.004-05:00

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!!!

2010-02-28T00:54:00.003-05:00

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!!!!

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

2010-02-26T13:15:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-02-24T14:06:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!!!

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

2010-02-21T23:21:00.003-05:00

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

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

2010-02-20T15:48:00.006-05:00

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!!!!!

The APRN 80m and 160m Nets

2010-02-13T12:48:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!!

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

2010-02-10T21:28:00.004-05:00

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!!!!

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

2010-02-07T23:12:00.004-05:00

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!!!!

ANOTHER Snowbound 160m net!!!!!!

2010-02-06T21:10:00.005-05:00

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!!!!!!

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

2010-02-04T05:42:00.004-05:00

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!!!!!

The APRN 160 meter Net was talkative!!!!

2010-01-31T22:29:00.005-05:00

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

The Snowbound 160m net Shovels Out!!!!

2010-01-30T19:26:00.004-05:00

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)

The APRN 80 meter net Thursday 1/28/10

2010-01-29T13:17:00.001-05:00

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

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

2010-01-28T05:18:00.008-05:00

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!!!!

Great Conversation Tonite on the 160m APRN Net!!

2010-01-24T22:34:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!

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

2010-01-23T20:26:00.004-05:00

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!!!!!

Emergency Communications out of Haiti via Ham radio

2010-01-18T12:26:00.000-05:00

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

2010-01-17T22:50:00.004-05:00

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!!!!

2010-01-17T21:44:00.003-05:00

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!!!!!!

2010-01-17T20:41:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-16T22:50:00.004-05:00

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.

Some information for Amateur Operators..Haiti

2010-01-15T13:10:00.001-05:00

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

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

2010-01-10T22:25:00.004-05:00

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!!!

2010-01-10T21:03:00.001-05:00

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

2010-01-09T15:15:00.003-05:00

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.

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

2010-01-01T18:10:00.003-05:00

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

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

2009-12-31T14:54:00.003-05:00

We here at the APRN wish each and every one of our readers and friends a very happy and prosperous New Year!!!! We truly hope that the New Year will bring lots of happiness and good news for all!!!!
As 2010 approaches, we hope you will continue to prepare yourselves and your family for whatever may confront us. It does help to be prepared for anything, and peace of mind and security is one of the pluses to being prepared. As radio operators. we need to continue to practice our operating skills in 2010 and help to spread the Prepper message throughout the radio community.
The APRN will continue our mission in 2010 and we need your help and ideas to make this an interesting and useful resource for radio operators, Preppers and anyone that is looking for Prepping information.

Short and Sweet....the APRN 160m net

2009-12-28T01:03:00.003-05:00

Sunday nites APRN 160m net was a 2 man show as AC0BG, Dean was the only check in. The net wound up on 1.857.5 as 1.860 was busy. Del and Dean did carry on a conversation about the old tools that were used back in the day.
Remember, if you don't hear the net on 1.860, spin that dial and track us down!!!! The 160 meter band is really busy right now as conditions have been really good lately. The APRN group is relatively new at operating nets in crowded conditions but we will figure it out!!!!!
Everybody have a safe week!!!!! Remember, Friday we will have to start writing 2010 on everything.......

As the year winds down.......The 160m APRN Net!!!!!

2009-12-26T22:31:00.005-05:00

Come on in and join Del, NW8I for the last official APRN 160m Net for 2009 on Sunday night at 0200UTC, 9pm Eastern. It has been a good year here at the APRN and we are looking forward to 2010 to be even better in many respects!!!!
The topic will be old tools and their uses. You know, technology has us spoiled. What would we do if we have to revert to the old "Elbow Grease Technology"???. Actually, we here at the APRN wonder if there are some times that the "old way" isn't the better way?????
SO, please be sure to tune in and join us and get involved in the discussion!!!!!

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T18:11:00.000-05:00

I want to say first of all I am very sorry for not being around at all lately.

I also want to thank everyone that has been helping out to keep things going.

I have been very busy lately with trying to make a living. I have been running 24/7 since Friday when it started snowing here. I have been plowing snow all weekend and today is the first real break I have had.

I will not have a lot of time until after the Holidays so I wanted to take this opportunity to wish every body a very Merry Christmas. God Bless all and please be safe over this Holiday season.

W4DMH

Dave aka Santa

It's that time of year again!!!! Part 2

2009-12-22T13:35:00.003-05:00

Sunday Night Del NW8I was at a Christmas program that members of his family were participating in. The program ran late and he did not get back in time for the net. So, the topic will be the same for this Sundays net. This is the time of the year for family and friends and we here at the APRN hope that everybody takes the time to spend some good quality time with family this season!!!! The radio will be there after the Christmas and New Year Holiday are over. And so will the APRN!!!!
Also, Don't forget tonites 40m net as Jeff KD8JPQ gives it another try. Conditions haven't been so good lately so dial around a see what happens at 5pm Eastern on 7.198LSB or thereabouts!!!!

Better Late Than Never!!!! APRN 160m Net

2009-12-20T19:00:00.003-05:00

Your humble author of Net Announcements, K7DLB, was stuck in Richmond Virginia fro the weekend after fighting his way through the "Blizzard of '09". He is home safe and sound and once again penning the Net Announcement for tonites net......

Tonite, Del, NW8I will be "Old Tools and how to do things the old way". As Preppers we need to remain schooled in the old way of building, maintaining and getting around the possible failures of some of the new tech ways that we have been accustomed to.
So, join in the discussion tonite at 0200utc, 9PM Eastern and maybe stir up some of those memories of hand saws, brace and bits, whittling knives and other old school items!!!!

The 160m Net was all HEATED UP!!!!!

2009-12-14T00:31:00.003-05:00

Here is Del's summary of tonites net
The topic for our Sunday night's APRNet was what do the net members use for
Emergency Soldering jobs. There were a lot of comments and I enjoyed this
net very much.

Most of the guys have or use one or more of the following items:
1. Use an inverter or generator to supply current to a conventional 110 vt
soldering iron.

2. Butane or propane torches, especially for outside RF connectors. One of
the points several guys made on the use of these tools was that they get
very hot and will burn what you're wanting to solder if you're not careful.
One tip was to shut the torch off for a second or two before you use it.
Another good suggestion was you can heat up a screwdruver held in a set of
pliers and do some soldering with that.

3. 12 volt battery soldering irons work pretty well and don't use too much
current. One idea was to use powerpole connectors on the iron and battery
for easy hookups.

4. There are smaller battery powered soldering irons using several AAs or
other types of batteries. Those are of limited use, taking a lot of
batteries with their high current draw.

5. Wood fired or charcoal fired old style soldering irons can be used for a
lot of jobs not requiring more delicate equipment.

Several of the guys have handpowered mechanical drills and the like. They
mentioned that sometimes you can find old style hand equipment at yard sales
and such. Obviously the APRNers as a group think this kind of equipment is
important, even tho most folks would say its old-fashioned. When the grid
is down old-fashioned will look good! I might add that everyone who checked
into the net has some form of emergency power, except for yours truly. I'm
workin on it. Really. Honest.

Some other contributions were that we're heading into a 35 mph world,
meaning we'll be using more battery powered vehicles and such. We need some
new reqs to enable this kind of vehicle to be used more safely in traffic
etc.

10 years ago one of the guys heard this comment made at a municipal meeting
in a local town. If the grid was down and/or transport was interrupted,
people would start dying in 3 weeks. Those weren't the exact words but you
get the idea.

Thanks to all who checked in tonight.

AC0BG Dean

N8BIT Dave

KD8USA Ty

WA1HHN Walt

W8UZZ Russ

NW8I Del

73s till next week

Del nw8i

The 10 Meter Band was rockin Saturday!!!!

2009-12-13T12:41:00.008-05:00

I actually got a little time to play radio late Saturday night and I found the 10m band just getting with it!!!! There was a contest going on and there was a GREAT opening!!!!! Take a look at the map. I've never gotten into South Dakota on 10 before so there was a new personal record set!!!!All done with my KENWOOD 450(Santa)at 100 watts and my trusty 'ol Moonraker. I hope the openings continue and I get to hear some of the Preppers gang workin the bands!!!!
K7DLB
PS You can click on the pictures in the posts to expand them!!!!!

Sunday Night Net

2009-12-12T10:40:00.000-05:00

The Sun night APRNet will meet on/or about 1.860 mhz at 0200Z(9pm eastern).

The topic for discussion will be: What do you use for soldering when the grid is down. 12 volt stuff, butane torches, fire heated soldering irons? Something else? Where do we get this equipment?

The topic was suggested a few weeks ago on one of the nets. Looking forward to the discussion.

Attention all you 40 meter Operators!!!

2009-12-07T13:21:00.005-05:00

PLEASE set aside the salad and steak for a bit to check in to the APRN 40 meter net Tuesday at 5pm Eastern. Jeff, KD8JPQ is out checking his antennas and making sure everything is A-ok to bring the net to life on 7.198LSB give or take a couple of KC's. So check in and join the fun as we never know what Jeff may have up his sleeve!!!!!
Don't forget, 7.198 +or- a few, 5PM Eastern!!!!!!

APRN LINKS

2009-12-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

Just a quick note for everyone. We have a page set up for links to useful information. If you find something you would like to share with others please email us so we can link to it. If you have not seen the page yet please click on the APRN Links on the bar at the top of the page

WOW what a net it was

2009-12-07T00:32:00.000-05:00

The 160 meter net was actually on 1.858 instead of 1.860 mhz tonight. The group on 1.860 continued to meet at 0200z so I just QSYed to 1.858. Most everyone found us, but in the future if you don't hear us on 1.860 just look up or down a few khz, hopefully we'll be there.

The topic for discussion tonight was what is your favorite prepper books? Non-fiction and fiction.

On the Non-fiction side The encyclopedia of Country Living by Carla Emery was popular. It covers a huge amount of information on planting, baking, cooking, farm animals and much more.

Next the Foxfire series of books was noted. This series covers all areas of old style living from Appalachia.

Also mentioned was Where There is No Doctor as well as Where There is no Dentist.

How to Survive the End of the World by James Wesley, Rawles is a good overall book on the prepper subject.

Libraries were mentioned as a source to borrow and look for books at their book sales. Another tip was to source links to the APRN Links page for additional sources of internet information.

In the fiction category:

Civil War II the Coming Breakup of America

The Patriots by James Wesley Rawles

Alas Bablyon by Pat Frank

Pulling Thru by Dean Ing

The Earth Abides by George R. Stewart

It was mentioned that the unemployment rate must be higher than the official stats because there are many people who have gone off the unemployment compensation roll that aren't counted. That is undoubtedly correct.

The check-ins for tonight were:

AC0BG Dean-Iowa
KD8JPQ Jeff-OH
W4DMH Dave- WV
WA1HHN Walt-MA
KD8KWD John-WV
K2IPX Bill-NJ
NW8I Del-OH

Late in the net K2IPX Bill checked in with a very nice sig from NJ. Bill is a professional meteorologist and his take on Global Warming is that it is an unproven science with a little dishonesty thrown in by the pro warming enthusiasts. He didn't volunteer that comment. As we had a professional on line I asked him what his opinion was. The reason I asked is because its hard to make a judgment on issues like Global Warming and others by listening to the Establishment media.

All in all it was another nice net tonight and I want to thank everyone who checked in. I appreciate it very much.

Del nw8i

Tonite Del, NW8I takes the controls of the APRN 160 Meter Net!!!!

2009-12-06T02:36:00.003-05:00

Ok gang....Tonite Del, NW8I will be substituting for K7DLB as Net Control of the 160m net. We don't want you guys treating him like the substitute teacher that you mistreated in High School!!! There will be no throwing of pencils, shooting spitballs or snoring allowed!!!!! Actually Del will be taking the Net for the Month of December. So lets make sure he gets a good case of writers cramp!!!!
Del's topic will be "What is your favorite reading material concerning Prepping?" Fiction, Non fiction, Author ETC.
So join in the discussion at 0200UTC(9pm) Eastern on 1.860LSB. Maybe some more of our friends out in the great midwest can join in as Del is located in Ohio.
Thanks Del for stepping in!!!!!

Free Medical Clinics

2009-12-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

With the economy the way it is I felt this information my help some people out. If you are in need of medical care and can not afford to see a doctor PLEASE see if there is a clinic listed in your state near enough for you to get the medical help you need. The National Association of Free Clinics has listings by the state here.

http://www.freeclinics.us/freeclinic.php

It's that time of year again!!!!

2009-12-03T13:47:00.002-05:00

Well, as the Christmas season approaches, many of us are getting busy at work and around the house not only settling in for winter but the hustle and bustle of the Christmas holiday season.
The same can be said for me. It am a Linehaul Contractor for FedEX Ground and our business EXPLODES at this time each year!!!! I have been asked to work Sundays up until Christmas so that takes me out of the 160m net for a bit. I have asked Del, NW8I to fill in for me.
We will let you know what is happening as time goes on so STAY TUNED for updates and info!!!!!!
73
Dave
K7DLB

APRN 40 Meter net returns Tuesday December 1st

2009-11-30T16:59:00.002-05:00

Please Welcome KD8JPQ Jeff as he takes the rains of the 40 meter APRN net this Tuesday night on 7.198 at 5pm Eastern.

I hope everyone will come join the fun with Jeff as the 40 meter net makes it's return to the Air. We have received many emails over the last 2 months asking when we were going to bring back the 40 meter net. It seems that there are a lot of people that can do 40 meter but not 80 and 160 meter. It has taken some time to get this worked out but we have got a plan and truly hope that more people will now be able to get on the net. Make plans now to come join and do bring a friend if you can, all are welcome here for the return to 40 meters.

The topic for Tuesday will be "REACHING OUT" so everyone please try to reach out and spread the word to others for the return of this very popular net.

Ham Radio 101 Q Codes

2009-11-30T13:54:00.001-05:00

Here is a list of the most commonly used Q codes. This can be a little confusing for someone just learning so if you have questions please visit our radio forum board and feel free to ask. There are a good group of people willing to help you learn if you just ask. Please click on the link on the left side of the page for the forum board.

QRG- Will you tell me my exact frequency (or that of _____)?
Your exact frequency (or that of _____) is ______ kHz.

QRH- Does my frequency vary?
Your frequency varies.

QRI- How is the tone of my transmission?
The tone of your transmission is ____ (1. Good; 2. Variable; 4. Bad).

QRJ- Are you receiving me badly?
I cannot receive you. Your signals are too weak.

QRK- What is the intelligibility of my signals (or those of____)?
The intelligibility of your signals (or those of _____) is (1. Bad 2. Poor
3. Fair; 4. Good; 5. Excellent).

QRL- Are you busy?
I am busy (or I am busy with _______). Please do not interfere.

QRM- Is my transmission being interfered with?
Your transmission is being interfered with ______ (1. Nil; 2. Slightly;
3. Moderately; 4. Severely; 5. Extremely.)

QRN- Are you troubled by static?
I am troubled by static _____ (1-5 as under QRM).

QRO- Shall I increase power?
Increase power.

QRP- Shall I decrease power?
Decrease power.

QRQ- Shall I send faster?
Send faster (____WPM).

QRS- Shall I send more slowly?
Send more slowly (____WPM).

QRT- Shall I stop sending?
Stop sending.

QRU- Have you anything for me?
I have nothing for you.

QRV- Are you ready?
I am ready.

QRW- Shall I inform ____ that u are calling on ____ kHz?
Please inform ____ that I am calling on ____ kHz.

QRX- When will you call me again?
I will call you again at ___ hours (on ___ kHz).

QRY- What is my turn?
Your turn is numbered ___

QRZ- Who is calling me?
You are being called by ___ (on ___ kHz).

QSA- What is the strength of my signals (or those of ____)?
The strength of your signals (or those of ____) is ____(1. Scarcely
perceptible; 2. Weak; 3. Fairly good; 4. Good; 5. Very good).

QSB- Are my signals fading?
Your signals are fading.

QSD- Is my keying defective?
Your keying is defective.

QSG- Shall I send ____ messages at a time?
Send _____messages at a time

QSK- Can you hear me between your signals and if so can I break in on
your transmission?
I can hear you between my transmissions; break in
on my transmission.

QSL- Can you acknowledge receipt?
I am acknowledging receipt.

QSM- Shall I repeat the last message I sent or some previous message?
Repeat the last message or message number____ you sent

QSN- Did you hear me or ____ on ____KHZ?
I heard you or _____ on ____KHZ.

QSO- Can you communicate with ____direct or by relay?
I can communicate with ____ direct or by relay through _____

QSP- Will you relay to____?
I will relay to ______

QST- General call to all amateurs or to ARRL members

QSU- Shall I send a reply on this frequency or on ___KHZ?
Send a reply on this frequency or on____KHZ.

QSW- Will you send on this frequency or on___KHZ?
I will send on this frequency or on ___KHZ.

QSX- Will you listen to ___on___KHZ?
I am listening to ___on___KHZ.

QSY- Should I move to another frequency or to ___KHZ?
I will move to another frequency or to ___KHZ.

QSZ- Shall I send each word or group twice or ___ times?
Send each word or group twice or ___ times.

QTA- Shall I cancel message number___?
Cancel message number___?

QTB- Do you agree with my count of words?
I do not agree I will repeat the first letter or digit of each word or group.

QTC- How many messages do you have to send?
I have ____ messages to send.

QTH- What is your location?
My location is ___ .

QTR- What is the correct time?
The correct time is ____.

This list is of the Q codes used mostly for CW or Morse code but you will hear several of these used in voice communication as well On The Air. I hope this will help some of you wanting to learn more or that are just getting started in Ham radio. As I said in a earlier post for Ham Radio 101 we Hams speak a different language sometimes and trust me if you are waiting until you need ham radio to use it you will have a big learning curve ahead. Now is the time to get good with the skill of communication not when you have no choice. Practice makes perfect but do not wait to start practicing in the midst of a emergency situation.
73 all
W4DMH
Dave
Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Everybody needs a Boat Anchor!!!!! The APRN 160 Meter net......

2009-11-29T22:32:00.005-05:00

No, the APRN 160m net is not a boat anchor, but the discussion on tonites net did bring up a couple of good points on why we should think about owning one. We talked about the new technology that is available today in the radio world and certainly there are some wonderful systems out there that can make Ham Radio very interesting, and user friendly. But, as was discussed, just how will the new technologies be able to support us when we need them most? How will we be able to repair them in case of damage, exposure to the elements or any other situation? A ton of food for thought. The old hybrid tube/solid state rigs or any other "Boat Anchor" just may be the answer. They take a bit more to operate and set up, but, they are also very repairable. So as W4DMH, put it, it is nice to have the new technology to play with, but for a backup to your backup, you just might want to look into a Boat Anchor!!!!
Thanks to all that checked in tonite. Have a GREAT week and we will look for you again next week, same time, same frequency!!!!
73,K7DLB
Tonites Check ins:

W4DMH Dave,WV

WA1HHN Walt,MA
KD8JPQ Jeff,OH
NW8I Del,OH
N8NMJ Mike,MD

PS Stay tuned for more info on the upcoming 40 meter net on Tuesday Dec 1st!!!!

The APRN 160m Net........Sunday 9PM Eastern!!!!

2009-11-28T19:57:00.002-05:00

Sunday night at 9pm the APRN 160m net gets underway once again with K7DLB at the controls. The topic will be "Where will Ham Radio be in 10 years". This is last weeks topic but it was postponed due to an awesome discussion about swine flu shots. Now, it could very well be sidelined again as you never quite know what is up the sleeves of some of our regulars!!!! They can be SNEAKY!!!!
So, please check in and join us for an one hours worth of great Ham Radio discussion.
Once again, 1.860LSB 9pm Eastern, be there or be square!!!!

Flu News

2009-11-25T15:28:00.000-05:00

For those interested in learning more about the H1N1 or swine flu topic from the Sunday Night net please see the link below

http://www.preparingforthefuture.org/flu-news-f11.html

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!!

2009-11-25T07:46:00.003-05:00

Please allow Santa and I to wish each and every one of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We really thank all of our regular readers and new friends for their support and encouragement. We hope that you all will enjoy the holiday. PLEASE,remember our soldiers in uniform that may not be home for this holiday. We here at the APRN are thankful for our military that sacrifices so much to defend our freedoms that we sometimes take for granted.
PS: The Thursday night APRN 80m net will take a standby for the holiday so that everybody can enjoy family and friends. If you are traveling, Be safe and we'll catch you soon on the airwaves!!! God Bless!!!! W4DMH and K7DLB

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE NET.........

2009-11-23T13:54:00.003-05:00

This actually dovetails nicely with Santa's "Life Lessons Series" Part 4.
Last night while preparing for the 160m meter net, a bunch of operators were on the 1.860 frequency having a very nice ragchew session. They are regulars since the 160m band opened up and they are always very gracious when I ask if I can have the frequency at 9pm for the net. It was no different last night except for one operator that expressed his opinion on our project and the whole Prepper movement in general. It was not directed at me, nor was it nasty or out of line, it was his opinion and he is certainly entitled to it. To kind of condense his thoughts, I'll just say he was calling us a bunch of "Chicken Littles". I thought about this and here are my thoughts....
This operator is, I'm afraid, the norm, rather than the exception. He has lived his life his own way probably not paying a whole lot of attention to things outside his immediate world. When he does pay attention to the news of the day, it has been trimmed and slanted as the Media is so inclined to do. I feel bad for folks like this. It is the goal of this movement and others like it to wake people up. Santa's post lays it out nicely. So read it a couple of times to let it sink in and get to work!!!! There is much to do, we have to be ready WHEN, not IF things get troublesome!!!!!!!!!
73
Dave K7DLB

Life's Lessons Part 4 APRN Goals

2009-11-23T12:48:00.003-05:00

Life's Lessons Part 4

I have enjoyed sharing with you this series of post on how and why the APRN was born and I hope you have enjoyed getting to know just a little about me and how this all happened. Next, I want to share the main goals we have here at the APRN and coming soon I will try to share some of the plans we have in the works to help accomplish the goals listed here.

The goals of the APRN

1. To have established nets run at least 3 nights per week

2. To help educate people that are either new to Ham radio or that are just learning what Ham radio has to offer them.

3. To demonstrate just how functional Ham radio is for communications needs with no grid support at all and also just how versatile the hobby can be with very limited grid support.

4. To be prepared to assist with any need for communications during an emergency or disaster, and to be on the air to help provide communications in the event of a failure of the grid supported forms of communication.

5. To help with educating people of the importance of being prepared to provide for themselves in the event of any type of emergency, rather it be a natural disaster or a man made event that would disrupt the way we live or normal lives.

This is just an outline of the major goals of the APRN and while there may well be more in the future, this will give you some idea about why we are here. If anyone here reading has any ideas or suggestions please use the email contact on the right side of this page.
73 for now
W4DMH
Dave aka Santa
Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

What a GREAT Discussion on 160 meter!!!!!!

2009-11-22T22:26:00.004-05:00

The APRN 160m net was jumping tonite!!!! The topic was changed at the last minute and we moved into a BIG discussion on the Swine Flu shot program. We found that thoughts and opinions were varied. Everybody had their reasons for getting or not getting the shots and those reasons were well founded. It seems that most folks really dug into the research and made some educated decisions!!!!!Thanks to all that checked in tonite and be sure to check in next week, same time, same frequency!!!!!
Tonites Check ins:
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8KWD John, WV
NW8I Del, OH
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
W4DMH Dave, WV
W3ATM Bill, PA New Check in, THANKS!!!!
N8HHG Paul, OH New Check in, THANKS!!!!
K2IPX Bill, NY New Check in, THANKS!!!!
AC0BG Dean, IA
PS: Have a happy Thanksgiving and if you are traveling, PLEASE be careful and have a safe trip!!!!!
73
K7DLB

The APRN 160 meter net tonite is............

2009-11-22T10:57:00.005-05:00

.......Wide open for discussion!!!! Ha!!! Tonite K7DLB will throw the doors to the APRN 160m net wide open for anybody to come in and participate. The discussion tonite will be "What direction do you see Ham Radio going in the next 10 years??". There have been a lot of changes lately, some good, some not so good. We started to touch on this last week with the Morse Code topic. So, tune in and join K7DLB at 0200UTC(9pm Eastern) on 1.860LSB and lets talk it up!!!!!

We need a Net Control operator for 80m Thursday nite net!!!

2009-11-21T16:43:00.003-05:00

Del, NW8I is the victim of a fierce line noise problem that takes him out of the 80m game. Until he finds the problem, we need a new net control operator for that position. If you are interested in picking up that net please click the E-mail button and let us know!!! It is not that hard!!! You do not necessarily have to run a topic every week if you would like to just run a general discussion net. I do have 1 operator interested but I'm not sure if he can do it each week due to other net commitments.

The 80 meter net is all crossed up!!!

2009-11-19T13:22:00.002-05:00

Yup, Del, NW8I has his fingers, toes and eyes crossed so tonite his crazy noise level doesn't return!!! As busy as 8om has been lately Del is going to get the net up and running at 0200utc(9pm eastern) on 3.961LSB or somewhere close. IF he's not there try 3.983LSB or who knows, maybe he'll be playing Follow the Net Control Operator to see who can keep up!!!! We certainly hope you can join in tonite and get in on some good converstation!!!!!!

Ham radio 101

2009-11-19T12:02:00.002-05:00

I am going to start posting some things that everyone interested in Ham Radio will need to learn. I hope that this will help those wanting to get there ticket.(License)

Ham operators have a language they use that many do not know, I will be trying to help you understand what you hear on the airwaves over the next couple of weeks.

Lesson one is going to be the internationally recognized phonetic alphabet. A good use for this other than Ham radio is when you talk with those customer service or tech support people. They are always fumbling for words to spell with phonetically and it throws them for a loop when you spell things back to them with ease using this.

TRY IT YOU WILL LOVE THE RESPONSE YOU GET.

A = ALFA

B = BRAVO

C = CHARLIE

D = DELTA

E = ECHO

F = FOXTROT

G = GOLF

H = HOTEL

I = INDIA

J = JULIETT

K = KILO

L = LIMA

M = MIKE

N = NOVEMBER

O = OSCAR

P = PAPA(PA-PA')

Q = QUEBEC (KAY-BEK')

R = ROMEO

S = SIERRA

T = TANGO

U = UNIFORM

V = VICTOR

W = WHISKEY

X = X-RAY

Y = YANKEE

Z = ZULU (ZED)

1 = ONE

2 = TWO

3 = THREE(TREE)

4 = FOUR

5 = FIVE (FIFE)

6 = SIX

7 = SEVEN

8 = EIGHT

9 = NINE (NINER)

0 = ZERO

The words in parentheses are the pronunciation or the alternate pronunciations for the words or numbers, but you will hear both used. With the letter Z, (ZED) is by far the most commonly used. With the number 9, NINER is the most common and easiest to understand ON THE AIR.

One more thing I will cover today is the use of 73 (best wishes) normally followed by either the persons call sign or de (from) then there call sign.

73 W4DMH or 73 de W4DMH

This would be;

Best wishes radio station W4DMH

Best wishes from radio station W4DMH

There you have the first lesson. Learn it and have fun with it the next time you need it with a call to TECH SUPPORT you will love it.

73 To All

W4DMH

Dave aka Santa

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Ham Radio 101

2009-11-18T13:26:00.005-05:00

I would like to share with our readers today that are either new to ham radio or that are not ham radio operators yet. If you are a prepper and do not plan to become a ham but listen to short wave this may help you as well.

CQ or as it is normally used CQ CQ CQ Normally next you will hear the operator say what band they are on such as 10 meter or 20 meter etc. then followed by there call sign then more often than not CQ CQ then QRZ

CQ - means I wish to contact any amateur station

QRZ - Means Who is calling me and spoken Q R ZED

Now lets cover some more of the common slang you may hear and not understand.

73 or 73's - This stand's for best wishes or best regards

88 or 88's - Hugs and Kisses

Now let me warn you there is a never ending quarrel over having the 's after the number. Well that will continue forever so I do not pay much attention to that.

XYL - Wife

YL - Young Lady (any women that is not married or commonly a girlfriend)

OM - Old Man (A common term like calling another operator a friend)

OT - Old Timer or someone that has been a Ham for a long time

LID - Used to describe a poor operator (using bad habits or being annoying)

HI HI - Laughing (like LOL on a computer)

Ticket - Your Ham license

Machine - A repeater

Rig - Your radio

DX - Long distance normally referred to as communication with a different country

QRM - Interference

QSB - Signals are fading

QSL - Used like saying that you understand what was said or you copy what was said

QSY - Changing frequency

QTH - Where you are located (My QTH is ________ county West Virginia)

This is just a small list but they are some of the most common. If you are a prepper and or new to ham radio please come back often for more info on ham radio and being prepared.

Stay tuned more to come soon

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Life’s Lessons Part 3

2009-11-17T17:11:00.003-05:00

Life’s Lessons Part 3

Being a talker and not a writer.

I want to share with you today how this site you are reading came about. If you have not read all of this series please start with part one to understand the entire story.

I have read a lot about being prepared to survive long term over many years of seeking to learn more about all the ways to do that. Since I am a talker not a writer I have never shared a lot with others via the internet. I got very involved with the sharing of information over the internet in February of 2009. The one thing that has always stuck out in my mind over the years is how many times people have tried to join together over the air via radio. It seems to me that no one ever really tried hard enough or for long enough to get people coming to one place to have a reliable form of communication if all of the grid supported forms were not working. The other thing that stuck in my mind is there were just so many different places that people gathered on the internet and shared information that we needed one place to all come and talk.

I talked to a close friend that is like minded and also a ham about this back in the last part of February 2009. I explained what my goal was and the reply that I remember was that is a lofty goal my friend, now let’s see if you can make it happen. Over a period of several months we again talked about it many times and some ideas were born from those talks. Around that time another friend got interested in this idea and we proceeded. As we spread the word a few more people got interested and we moved forward in creating what you see now. If it were not for several people putting in a lot of effort this would have never become what it is today.

The main focus that I have put in here is getting people from every place there is on the internet to come join us here in a joint effort to spread the word of what being a prepper is. I saw it this way, the word prepper is much more likely to attract new people into this by means of it being a much more kind and gentle way of describing what we are. Many people throughout this entire community have other words they use to describe themselves but when it comes right down to it we can all agree that preparing for whatever is the main ingredient to what we all do.

My focus from the very beginning was to see this some day become a word used world wide to attract new people to the idea of being more prepared. Like my friend told me in the beginning. “That is a Lofty Goal My Friend”. Well we have to start someplace if we ever have the hope of reaching a goal so large. We can do a lot of good if we all dedicate a little of our time to helping to spread the word to others in every way we can.

Ham radio to me was just the most logical place for me to be able to share some of the things that I have learned thru the years that may help others. I am not suggesting to you to give a list of what you have or everything you do. If you are concerned about security by coming and talking with us I do understand that and would suggest that you still can come and join us without telling the world what you have. I personally do not have a fear of sharing what I know with others and it is possible that this may come back to bite me some day in the future but I just do not see it being a real concern.

Being a talker and not a writer is why I chose to use ham radio as the instrument of choice for me to help spread the word. I see ham radio as the tool for me to best help the community as a whole. I truly want to see us grow to the point where if we ever loss grid supported form’s of communication we will all be able to keep in touch via the radio. Now is, ham radio the only way this can be done, of course not but it is certainly the most reliable means and the way to cover great distances easily. I do realize that ham radio is not in the cards for some and I fully understand that. It is a rather expensive undertaking if you have no gear to start with. I would recommend that if you have the equipment and the license that you join us now as it will be very hard to do it during an emergency under stressful conditions. I would go on to recommend that if you have the means and the interest you should begin the journey down the road of communications without further delay. Now is the time to get with it and practice your skills and waiting until the need is there will surly make for some very difficult times for you.

The human desire to communicate is one we should all explore a little more. If you like to go to forum boards and or chat rooms then I encourage you to think what it would be like if they stopped without notice today. Would you know where to go to find the information you are accustomed to enjoying now. I see it this way, we all have a need to communicate with each other, it is just part of our nature. This is the reason that I see a great need for this site and the nets we run. With joining in and participating now you will know where and when like minded people will be on the radio and your skills and equipment will be up and working. Why? Because you will have been using this means of communication all along and not waiting until it is the only thing capable of working.

I will share more of some of the plans we are working on and the goals we have in coming days but in the mean time I hope this has helped some understand a little more for now.
73 all
W4DMH
Dave aka Santa

Also please visit this new site www.imaprepper.org

Copyright © 2009 www.w4dmh.com

Life’s Lessons Part 2

2009-11-16T16:25:00.001-05:00

Life’s Lessons Part 2

Being a student of the school of life lessons and hard knocks

Know on with the next part of this story. Having attended this school of life lessons and hard knocks for most of my life, I can only say that if I talk about something it is because I have either paid attention to someone who has done it and learned from them, or I have done it myself and learned from that experience. Much of what I have learned over the years has not a thing to do with prepping as most would think. I have certainly taken my fair share of hard knocks along the way and maybe a few others shares as well. I have come away from every experience with a little more knowledge and if nothing else I have learned that some of those things may not be a good thing to do.

I am no different than anyone else reading this in the fact I have done things that were not the smartest thing to do, and I don’t even mind admitting to doing more then my fair share of stupid things. I see this as preparing in the sense that you are better prepared to avoid the things that you have taken a hard knock from and the next time you just may have the sense to avoid that situation altogether.

Moving on to what I feel is the most important thing in life having learned most of what I know thru this type of school. The sharing of information is the most important thing we can do. I am not the only student that attends this school and as far as I know there has never been a graduate from this school. The way that I see it is if we all share what we know with others there will never be a lack of knowledge that can be learned. If we all share the knowledge we have there will always be someone out there that is willing to learn from our mistakes and successes. We must just all be willing to share what we know with others.

I have already mentioned the fact that I am not a writer but I am a talker and that is why this page you are reading was created in the first place. I truly believe it is of the utmost importance to have a form of communication we can depend on nearly 100%. I see it as a very real possibility at any given time for any or all of us to be without grid supported forms of communications.

In the next part of this series I will get into what and how we all could and should be doing to make sure we can all communicate with others in the event grid communications are gone.

Santa

There were lotsa good words tonite on the APRN 160m net!!!

2009-11-15T22:36:00.005-05:00

Tonites APRN 160m net topic was Morse Code. When it comes down to it, as Preppers, we need to know CW as it has a lot of low power capabilities to cut through the QRM and other forms of interference. We heard from several operators that have experience in CW and a ton of good ideas for learning CW were passed around.
Tonites Check ins:
N8SFO Phil, WV; New Check in THANKS!!!!
KD8KWD John, WV
W4DMH Dave, WV
KC8ODH John, OH; New Check in THANKS!!!!
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA2SQQ Bob, NJ New Check in THANKS!!!!!
We also want to thank W8LMG, KD8IZZ, N8KUK and Phil,N8SFO for moving to allow us to use the frequency to run the net. THANKS GUYS!!!!!!
So once again, we want everybody that checked in to have a safe week and we hope to see you again next week, same time, same frequency!!!!
73

Some interesting links from tonites net...
N3FJP
AC6V, this site is loaded with resources!!!

The APRN 160m net Is at a loss for words!!!!!!

2009-11-15T13:03:00.008-05:00

Tonite, K7DLB Net Control of the 160m Net for the APRN has decided that Morse Code will be the topic. NO the net will NOT be in code, but we just want to know more about who knows code and can use it proficiently. K7DLB is a dyslexic nightmare of an operator and code is not in his operating resume. Yet. So, if you know CW and can help out those that don't know CW methods of learning Code, please join in and help out!!! Please tune in at 0200UTC (9PM) eastern on 1.860!!!!!!!

Life's Lessons

2009-11-14T13:07:00.000-05:00

Good morning everyone.

I would like to take some time and re-introduce myself to everyone reading here. Then I will get in to some goals that I have and want to share with you today.

First off my Ham radio call sign is W4DMH and my name is David M Hill Sr. I am located in Hampshire County West Virginia. I operate a very small excavating company here with the help of my son. I was born and raised just 3 miles outside of Washington D.C. While young I spent a lot of time going to southern Maryland and enjoying time on the Chesapeake Bay and the Eastern shore of Maryland. I also spent time every summer on my Grand parent’s small farm in upstate New York. As a young man starting a family I landed in southern Maryland first but as the city grew I began my quest for a more rural life. I started my journey in the state of Virginia by moving first to Fauquier County and then on to Loudoun County. I continued my journey by moving North West until landing where I am now in the beautiful Mountain state of West Virginia.

I have been a Heavy Equipment operator for most of my life but have also dabbled in many other fields as well over the years. I have also had a license to drive big trucks most of my adult life. I now have my own heavy equipment and am much like every one else in trying to weather this economic crisis we are currently in. I am a hand’s on type of person and always have been. I enjoy building things myself and have spent a lot of time searching for knowledge on just how things work that we use everyday. I have always done my own repairs on everything in the home and have done my own mechanical work all of my life.

I have spent most of my life hanging around with people much older then myself because I always enjoyed listening and learning from there life experiences. I am a people person and can sit and chat with someone on just about any subject they want to talk about. I have been a firm believer in the rule that the only stupid question is the one that never gets asked. Over the years I have often thought that people must get sick of answering all of my questions. Now that my hair and beard have turned gray and almost white I now realize why the people that I asked questions of all my life never got frustrated with me. You see what I have learned over the last few years is that as we grow older and mature we find a need to share what we have learned over the years with others that are willing to listen.

I am not a college educated person with degrees but I have had a quest for knowledge all of my life. I like to refer to myself as a student even today and not a graduate of any kind. You see I have been going to school in a way all of my life and everyday I still try my best to learn something new. I have heard many people say that they are a graduate of the school of hard knocks but I like to consider myself a student of the school of life lessons and hard knocks. I do not believe my quest for more knowledge will ever stop but I do know that my desire to share the knowledge that I have, has grown in the last year. I am not to be considered an expert on anything at all, but I am more then happy to share with anyone willing to listen to the things that I do know about.

I should warn you that in School my worst two subjects were English and spelling so please bear with me as writing is most definitely not easy for me. If it was not for spell check you may not even be able to read this at all. You see I am a talker not a writer and trust me when I tell you that keyboards and me do not get along at all. This will bring me to why I am writing this piece to share with you all.

Only thru communicating can we help others throughout the world.
Life is too precious and fragile to not share.

This is our family's newest addition and is the first great grand baby. Lillian Marie and she was born at just 22 weeks but you would never know it today. This is the first time that my son and I have taken care of her with no one home but us. Now you see why I say that life is to precious and fragile to not share.

Tonite KD8JPQ is the Boss of the APRN 80m net

2009-11-12T04:59:00.003-05:00

Tonite, Jeff KD8JPQ grabs the oars and he will row the APRN 80m net out into the murky sea of the 80 meter band. So, please check in and see what he has up his sleeve for tonite's topic!!!!! Remember, we will start out on 3.961LSB at 0200UTC, 9pm eastern, but sometimes it gets a bit rough and we have to move around a bit. But, that is part of the fun!!!!! Hope to hear ya there!!!!!

Today is Veterans Day.

2009-11-11T13:55:00.004-05:00

Please take a couple of minutes and remember our Veterans. They gave so much to defend the Freedom that we all enjoy. Today, if you know a Vet, take him or her out to supper or out for a coffee. Be sure at least to thank them for their service. If you see a soldier out at the mall or the diner, buy their dinner, and say THANKS!!!! These folks deserve our utmost respect!!!!!!

A well Grounded net for sure!!!!!

2009-11-09T00:20:00.003-05:00

Tonites 160m APRN net was really interesting. We discussed how we ground our stations and passed some ideas and opinions along. The subject of grounding is about like antennas, everybody does it different, but the result is the same. Actually, tonite we found that we do about the same thing and it works!!! It is K.I.S.S. simple but effective.
Tonites check ins were
K7DLB Net Control
W4DMH Dave, WV
AC0BG Dean, IA
WA1HHN Walt, MA

KB3CXQ Shaun, WV
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH

The 160 Meter APRN net will be well grounded.

2009-11-07T22:40:00.003-05:00

Sunday night the APRN net will be discussing grounding. We will try to discuss just how do we do it???? There are dozens of methods of grounding and let's talk about what works!!!
So please tune in and participate!!!!!
K7DLB will be lighting the fires at 9pm Eastern(0200UTC)on 1.860LSB, so tune in!!!!!

Fort Hood Texas

2009-11-06T05:04:00.002-05:00

As most know by now, there was a mass shooting at Fort Hood Texas Thursday afternoon. We will not get into the opinions or details here. But, please, everyone that reads this, offer up a moment of silence and lift up the victims and their families in Prayer.
These fine folks have put their lives on the line in defense of our Freedom and to have something happen like this is just not right......

out
K7DLB

The APRN 80 Meter Net was all abuzz!!!!!

2009-11-06T04:57:00.003-05:00

That's right, Del NW8I Net control for the APRN 80m net had some sort of line noise that just wiped out his receive. So, Dean AC0BG jumped in and did some great work to salvage the evening. Great job guys and once again that just goes to show how 2 Hams working together can get the job done!!!!!
Tonites check ins were:
Del NW8I, OH
Dean AC0BG, IA
W2IF Scott KY
KD8JPQ Jeff OH

KJ4CMG Berb KY

Thanks to all that checked in and a BIG THANKS to Dean for stepping in!!!!!

The APRN Thursday 80m Net

2009-11-05T05:16:00.002-05:00

Starring Del, NW8I lifts off at 0200UTC (9pmEastern)on 3.961 or close to it depending on band conditions.
Tonites topic will be "The modern resurgence of spark gap transmitters".........
Well, not really. But, tune in to find out what Del has up his sleeve for us as he fires up his rig and dims the lights in the neighborhood to guide the APRN through another fun and informative net. Please tune in and participate!!!!!

The APRN 160m net was an ICOM net!!!!!!!

2009-11-01T23:41:00.002-05:00

The discussion tonite was "What radio and equipment are you running?" Most of our participants tonite were running Icom equipment and a variety of antennas. Most were equipped to be able to hook to emergency power if needed and that is good. Anderson PowerPoles came up again and some more information was put out about them. The discussion was lively and we welcomed Mat W2AOJ from NJ to the list of Checkins!!!!
Tonites list included:
K7DLB Dave, MD, Net Control
KB3SJQ Ben, PA a new Checkin. THANKS Ben!!!!
W2AOJ Mat, NJ a new Checkin. THANKS Mat!!!!!
WA1HHN Walt, MA
KD8JPQ Jeff, OH
NW8I Del, OH
AC0BG Dean, IA

Once again THANKS!! To all that participated tonite and have a safe week and we'll catch you right back here next Sunday, Same time, Same Frequency!!!!

Tonite's 160m net wants to know.............

2009-11-01T11:53:00.003-05:00

Well, you're just going to have to tune in and find out!!!!!!! Nothing like a little SUSPENSE on this day after Halloween.....So, everybody, quit raiding the bags of candy and tune in to 1.860LSB and find out what K7DLB has in store for tonites net.(We promise he won't say BOO and we're trying to get him to keep his mask ON 'cuz it is an improvement....) So, please check out the APRN 160m net tonite at 0200 UTC (9pm EST).

DON'T FORGET!!!! Turn them clocks back!!!!

2009-10-31T14:26:00.002-04:00

That's right!!!It's that time of year again and tonite we turn our clocks back to standard time.
You don't wanna be late for the 160m net tomorrow now do ya???????
Also, now is the time to replace the smoke alarm batteries as well. With my wife's cooking, our smoke alarms get a good workout, but I check them out anyways!!!!!

The APRN 80 Meter Net made the CONNECTION!!!!

2009-10-30T12:48:00.003-04:00

Thursday night the APRN 80 meter net was plugged in by Del,NW8I and the discussion was lively and interesting!!! The topic was Anderson Power Pole connectors and their many uses and styles. These little connectors have made life alot easier for many Hams as the discussion proved out!!!!
Here is the check in list:

KM4DA-Willie-Lake Forest NC- new checkin

WA1HHN-Walt-Mass

Kd8JPQ-Jeff-OH

AC0BG-Dean-IA

W1LCR-Frank-Goshen, CT new checkin

N8TAH-Keven-OH

K0nwt-Newt-Decator,GA new checkin and QRP. Newt had about a 5/5 to 5/6 sig
with 5 watts! Newt is the APRN 1st QRP checkin!!!! Great job Newt and we hope to hear you again soon!!!!!

Many THANKS!! to all the participated in the Net and please be sure to check in every Thursday!!! Remember, the APRN is always looking to put up new nets on different bands and modes, so, please stay tuned!!!!!!

The APRN 80 Meter Net is CONNECTED!!!!

2009-10-29T04:38:00.004-04:00

Tonite at 0100 UTC (9pm Eastern),Del, NW8I will bring the APRN 80 meter net to life on 3.961LSB or somewhere close. The topic tonite will be a discussion about Anderson PowerPole connectors. So if you have any hints suggestions, thoughts, gripes or comparisons please join in the discussion!!!! We hope to hear you there!!!!!!

The American Preppers Radio Net Mission Statement

2009-10-27T22:39:00.002-04:00

The American Preppers Radio Net Mission Statement

Our goal is to use this net to teach people to learn to become more self reliant and less dependent on outside help. We also will focus our efforts on Fellowship among any and all Ham Radio Operators new or old, as well as preppers, which would like to join us. We also want to focus on trying to establish a network of Ham’s everywhere, to aid and assist with communications of like minded people, should any or all of the grid supported communications be down.

What we do not want to happen is for this to become a stuffed shirt unfriendly net like so many. Our whole purpose for creating this net is to help people, to Teach people, and to provide communication assistance. We also welcome people to both the world of Ham radio and of how to become more Prepared in the truest sense of the word. Political debate or discussion will not be welcome, religious debate and discussions should be avoided. Radical view points on any topic will not be welcome. There are plenty of places for that besides the Ham Radio in our opinion.

If you do not have a problem with this than we welcome you, and will help you and encourage you to be a part of this net, in any capacity which you want to participate. We are looking for people to take net control responsibilities, help with relay during the net, or anything else you feel you want to help with. We are open to any suggestions you may have, and we also encourage you to help with test that we may conduct on different bands as well.

We are new and we do want for this to become a place of fellowship and goodwill in the Ham and prepper communities. The concept of this net came about as our net was born on Thursday July 16 2009 and our web page was created on Thursday July 23 2009, just so you know how new this all is.

September 01 2009 we have added a forum board to help with support of the net. This is the place where everyone can come and join us rather they are Ham radio operators or not. As stated above we want all like minded people to join us and learn what they can do to have communications ability without grid support.

If you are still interested in helping please let us know and we will forward a copy of the Net's Preamble to you for you to look over. Please use the Santa's Mailbag button on the right side of the page to email use.

THE NEW APRN STORE!!!!

2009-10-26T02:23:00.005-04:00

We now have our own APRN store up and running!! There are a variety of images and items available and more are being added!!!!
If you are interested in a particular item, click on that item and you will see a box that says "customize it". There you can choose different background colors and font designs to suite your tastes. So, go on in the store and choose from many items and logo designs and have some fun!!!!!
Also, we are offering custom Call Sign, CB Handle or name mousepads set in the design similar to the APRN Eagle logo. You will see how it will look with an example in the store using Dave's W4DMH call sign. A great gift idea for the Holidays or Birthday!!!!! There is a 3-7 character limit.
So, click on the store logo on the right sidebar and support the APRN and get a kool item as well!!!!! If you need any help, email me at d.beaver@myactv.net.

The APRN 160m Net rides again!!!!

2009-10-25T22:58:00.004-04:00

Tonite Jeff KD8JPQ Took the reigns of the APRN 160 meter net and drove it like a pro!!! He had 5 check ins and they talked about a variety of subjects. Once again the APRN and K7DLB thanks Jeff for stepping in and doing a fine job!!!!!
Tonites Check ins:

AC8EM Mike,OH
NW8I Del,OH
N8TAH Kevin,OH
AC0BG Dean,IA
KD8KWD John,WV