Bad Conditions make for good Radio

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

'73 KI4HEE Bob & W4DMH Dave

Happy Birthday Baby!

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

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

Thursday means Net Night on 20!

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




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

Ham Radio = Preppers?

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

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

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


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

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

"Winging it" on 40

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

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

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

Here's the check-ins for tonights net:

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

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

'73 Bob KI4HEE

40 Meter APR Net Tonight!

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

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

'73 KI4HEE Bob

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

American Preppers Radio Net Poll

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

American Preppers Radio Net

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

Ham Radio's Ability for World Wide Communication

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

Test Net's for American Preppers Radio Net

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

God Bless from the Wild and Wonderful West Virginia
Santa