tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51122287798841017452024-03-05T08:55:59.489-05:00Jeffrey Pryor KC8NNOWeb log of a technology buff, communications enthusiast, weather spotter, and ham radio operator.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-78042516280175570102010-03-25T22:57:00.003-04:002010-03-25T23:01:14.856-04:002010 SKYWARN® Severe Weather Spotter Training<p>2010 SKYWARN® Severe Weather Spotter Training<br /><br />Lucas County SKYWARN® TRAINING<br /><br />The National Weather Service (NWS), in conjunction with Lucas County SKYWARN® and the Lucas County Emergency Management Agency, will be holding a SKYWARN® Severe Weather Spotter Training class on Saturday, March 27th 2010 starting at 10:00 a.m. at St. Lukes Hospital Auditorium in Maumee, Ohio. The class will last around 2 hours and includes a multimedia presentation. Gary Garnet, Warning Coordination Meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Cleveland, Ohio, organizes the training each spring. It is open to all citizens interested in severe weather recognition, reporting, safety and teaches:<br /><br />Basics of thunderstorm development<br />Fundamentals of storm structure<br />Identifying potential severe weather features<br />Information to report<br />How to report information<br />Basic severe weather safety </p>SKYWARN® Storm Spotters form the first line of defense against severe weather. It’s more than just a weather class. It is information that could save many lives by advance warning!<br /><br />All interested individuals are encouraged to attend this free training for all ages and it is not necessary to pre-register for this training. Those who attend and complete the program will be registered with the National Weather Service Cleveland Forecast Office and will be issued a SKYWARN® Spotter ID card at the training.<br /><br />For more information contact:<br />Tim McConoughey-Lucas County Skywarn Coordinator <a href="mailto:KD8HLX@ARRL.NET">KD8HLX@ARRL.NET</a>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-33027047576354716752010-03-17T22:58:00.004-04:002010-03-17T23:29:57.648-04:00TMRA Toledo Hamfest this Sunday<p>The Toledo Mobile Radio Association's annual Radio, Computer and Electronics Hamfest is this Sunday, March 21st, 2010. The Toledo Hamfest takes place at the Owens Community College – Student Health and Activity Center (SHAC) at 30335 Oregon Road in Perrysburg, OH. The hamfest hours are from 8:00 AM till 2:00 PM.<br /><br />See the TMRA Website for additional information:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.tmrahamradio.org/hamfest.htm">http://www.tmrahamradio.org/hamfest.htm</a><br /><br />Take Note: <strong>NEW LOCATION</strong> at Owens Community College. Also new for 2010, Forums and VE Test Session.<br /><br /><em>Forum Details:<br /><br />9:00 AM Jay Slough, K4ZLE “Your 8th Area QSL Bureau”</em></p><p><em>10:00 AM Jim Weaver, K8JE Director, ARRL Great Lakes Division “Promoting Amateur Radio Through International Treaty”</em></p><p><em>11:00 AM Steve Michalski, KB9UPS “A.R.I.S.S., Amateur Radio on the International Space Station”</em></p><p><em>12:00 Noon Dr. Alvin Compaan, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, University of Toledo “Solar Power for Living & Driving in Toledo”<br /></em><br />Navigate to the Toledo hamfest via APRS:<br /><br /><a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=HFEST-21t">http://aprs.fi/?call=HFEST-21t</a></p>Talk-In frequency on the TMRA W8HHF 2 Meter Repeater 147.2700 MHz (+ transmit offset) with PL of 103.5 Hz.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-19371629547863147772010-01-27T21:02:00.002-05:002010-01-27T21:32:32.967-05:00Toledo Fire Mutual Aid request by Defiance OhioThe Defiance Ohio Fire Department requested mutual aid from the Toledo Fire and Rescue Department earlier today for a Trench Rescue in Downtown Defiance. The incident was at 624 Perry Street in Downtown Defiance Ohio. The original request and response from Toledo Fire units started around 11:30 AM late this morning. This was the farthest mutual aid request I've ever heard dispatched for Toledo Fire. Downtown Defiance Ohio is approximately 60 miles from Downtown Toledo Ohio. The trip by road along US-24 would normally take about an hour and 15 minutes. Units from Toledo Fire included Chief 116, Engine 18's company along with the Trench Rescue Unit and Confined Space Unit as well as Engine 5 and Truck 5. The Toledo Fire units started this as a "Code 3" lights and sirens response. The Toledo Fire units were also noted as having switched their radios from the Lucas County Public Safety radio system over to the ECOMM-7 (emergency common) talk group on the Ohio MARCS radio system. However after about 20 minutes the Toledo Fire units were cancelled and able to return to service.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-55277352647875784542010-01-13T01:41:00.001-05:002010-01-13T01:44:09.942-05:00GRE @ CES 2010 - Part 3 of 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRCOdZNeu3H5RvhyqwXeWp2ynK4Zy7OKcSw7D_bA_ot44UKpHMhyphenhyphenc7RIfvXP3T2sbWYGynXlu5w737u-2wCBcwMlI50PwS_n7p6-fAZjJipPSmQMr12tcFKADx8Pqi30rLWeqGOUt229i/s1600-h/gre-ces-2010-booth.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 190px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426111110151653202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRCOdZNeu3H5RvhyqwXeWp2ynK4Zy7OKcSw7D_bA_ot44UKpHMhyphenhyphenc7RIfvXP3T2sbWYGynXlu5w737u-2wCBcwMlI50PwS_n7p6-fAZjJipPSmQMr12tcFKADx8Pqi30rLWeqGOUt229i/s320/gre-ces-2010-booth.jpg" /></a><br /><strong>General Discussion<br /></strong><br />The Radio Reference community in general should not be discouraged here by these latest models. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> indicates they indeed respond and listen to the RR community and users, but they also need to design for the global scanner market. Some of us here are from a much more advanced user base than the general scanner market, and the overall scanner market is not all that large to begin with. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> will continue to market and develop and sell to the entire base (which is a very small percentage of general consumers). But with growth in the overall scanner industry, we can all see benefits from an increased user base.<br /><br />We talked in general about the challenges of a niche market. I'll sum my thoughts up with a few points here in relation to <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">CES</span> and consumer electronics. These two new scanner model announcements were just two new models out of the 20,000 some new models reported as being announced across the entire Consumer Electronics Show this past week. Consider the market for TVs or mobile phones where there are billions of consumers and units in the market, with hundreds of manufacturers and thousands of new models. If we all can help expand the base, more options will be available across the entire scanner market. Some of what we all are doing here on RR with the Live Audio feeds we provide and information and discussion forums we offer can help expand that market. These <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">preprogrammed</span> and 'easy to use' product offerings from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> will be beneficial to folks here and will also help attract new consumers and expand the scanner market.<br /><br />Here are some of my general comments regarding the analog versus digital trend. Once digital activity is more prevalent, and digital starts to outsell analog, I would suspect we'll then see more models with digital, and at some point all models may have digital. We may even get to the point of televisions and mobile phones, when eventually some models in the future will only need to support digital. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> had asked if I had purchased an <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">iScan</span> yet, and I advised I have not, since in my particular case, all of my county is digital. Once a majority of the activity and demand moves to digital, the manufacturers and market will need to respond to that trend.<br /><br />We also talked a little about their business distribution model. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> not only sells directly now and through dealers, along with their <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">OEM</span>/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_9" class="blsp-spelling-error">ODM</span> relationships for distribution via Radio Shack and now also <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_10" class="blsp-spelling-error">MFJ</span>. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_11" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> also indicated that Radio Shack now only purchases from <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_12" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span>, and that is primarily because of the 'easy to use' factor of the Radio Shack/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_13" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> line. In fact more and more people now refer to the combined "RS/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_14" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span>" brand. From what I can see, a larger purchaser like Radio Shack that may be buying thousands of units at a time indeed earns their right to preferential model release time lines and other brand distinctions.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_15" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> mentioned that in 2005 the Radio Shack brand accounted for about 60% of the scanner market share. This was primarily from their ability to introduce and demonstrate scanners at their thousands of store locations. Today the RS/<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_16" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> brand is growing online as well, and while it may not have as large of magazine presence, the physical distribution at RS stores is still key. Target customers and markets include not only general hobbyists and racing enthusiasts but also a growing commercial/public safety market. And despite the general economic conditions of the past year, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_17" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> stated they have performed significantly well last year and are looking very good for 2010.<br /><br />We talked further on marketing methods and scanner design as related to a direct interaction with the hobbyist community. I eluded to the role that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_18" class="blsp-spelling-error">UPMan</span> and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_19" class="blsp-spelling-error">Uniden</span> has established here on Radio Reference. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_20" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> said they focus on responding to the community by offering the right products and that they don't want to be in a position to argue back and forth on an open forum. In regards to scanner design and manufacturing, <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_21" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> talked about how the Radio Shack PRO-95 was one of the first models designed based on feedback from the online community (then primarily Strong Signals).<br /><br />Today <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_22" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> continues to conduct regular reviews and prioritizing of projects as well as responding to marketplace changes. They do not create new models just for the sake of new models, so we won't see new offerings in all categories every year. In fact they reminded me that the Radio Shack PRO-96 was the lead digital trunking model for six years, and that unit continued to generate new sales until the latest digital releases. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_23" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> if anything said they have too many projects, and too many things they'd like to do. It is all a balance of technology/advancement, satisfying the customer, and responding to sales that drives new models in the industry.<br /><br /><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_24" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>, some final random items. In regards to beta testing, that is a pretty small and intimate group. But I would have to say that good customers that provide good feedback and have a good relationship with <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_25" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> would have the best opportunity to help participate. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_26" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span> also had a a formal Press Release announcement in the works regarding the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_27" class="blsp-spelling-error">CES</span> announcements, so stay tuned for that information. Also this has only been the 2<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_28" class="blsp-spelling-error">nd</span> year at <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_29" class="blsp-spelling-error">CES</span> for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_30" class="blsp-spelling-error">GRE</span>, and they indeed plan on being back at the show in year three. And for general information, the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_31" class="blsp-spelling-error">CES</span> is a consumer electronics trade show primarily for announcing and demonstrating new models, and not a ham-fest/computer-fest type show where one can purchase items.<br /><br />Any other thoughts, comments, questions, please feel free to post. I may have more answers in my notes or in my head if I was not able to answer any other particular questions that I did not cover.<br /><br />Jeff KC8<span id="SPELLING_ERROR_32" class="blsp-spelling-error">NNO</span><br /><br />See also Radio Reference for more discussion: <a href="http://forums.radioreference.com/gre-scanners/169314-gre-ces-new-product-announcements-3.html">Link</a><br /><br />[Part 3 of 3]Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-22665316023395095282010-01-13T01:38:00.003-05:002010-01-13T01:40:57.597-05:00GRE @ CES 2010 - Part 2 of 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuT4NpBgDg-DWCfIh_MpJH9Kc3dgoZC4wBrtL3agpb9DKQCnL24UQTGyNYlRc2NRLNy7wRJ_k31wEmDeYhDGZPVLWxR7DxGJoKLbq0vLCBREOUwkyxscjgenLUzIeTYbz3yOyN_S87GAu/s1600-h/gre-psr-110-scanner.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426110300504553138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQuT4NpBgDg-DWCfIh_MpJH9Kc3dgoZC4wBrtL3agpb9DKQCnL24UQTGyNYlRc2NRLNy7wRJ_k31wEmDeYhDGZPVLWxR7DxGJoKLbq0vLCBREOUwkyxscjgenLUzIeTYbz3yOyN_S87GAu/s320/gre-psr-110-scanner.jpg" /></a><br /><div><strong>PSR-110 Race Scanner</strong><br /><br />The working model was red in color as you can see by the attached photo. In regards to the dual display, the "2-Digit Sub-Display" is a top mounted LCD display for showing the car number. That allows the car number information to be visible from the top of the unit while attached to your belt. On the left side are two racing headphone connections (A and B). This allows two individuals to listen together (and talk to each other via the intercom feature when using racing headsets with microphones). In addition the right side has a phone/pc-if connection as well as the power connection. When a cell phone is connected, the answer (phone button) can be pushed and you can use your cell phone by talking through the racing headset (via the A connection only). As mentioned before this unit is UHF only, it also does not have an external speaker, and is focused on being a dedicated race fan scanner. The unit has V-Scanner like ability to easily recall the programming for each of the "Big Race Categories" (Champ Car, ARCA RE/MAX, Indy Racing, Craftsman Truck, Busch Series, and Nextel Cup). These groups are all preprogrammed and adjustable. The unit offers flexibility for scanning by CAR number, a FAV button for favorite cars, and direct access for the MRN frequency. The scanner is powered by three AA batteries.<br /><br />The race scanner market may be bigger here than some folks think. About 1 in 10 attendees at these big race markets may have a scanner, at a large NASCAR race with 250,000 folks there, that could mean around 25,000 people with scanners in the crowd. Folks are looking for preprogrammed units and easy to use models with alpha tags and car number information for an easy and flexible scanning experience. GRE also indicated that they will have an agreement with a track side scanner rental company for updating programming for these models at the race. Again look for this model's availability in June 2010 if not sooner.<br /><br />[Part 2 of 3]</div>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-60223161834500332462010-01-13T01:35:00.001-05:002010-01-13T01:38:13.237-05:00GRE @ CES 2010 - Part 1 of 3<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkBwZQtd0mPDoXyq1NRq9SmGZDF5hM0TA_IchHLe10bC3PgE3tFV7FygBrLSCe3SADw88XKvcs1x4QLYWmdXN8OaWOadUeb_sgosjcjV4iCsQjqMA0QDxF5XEjiB8O2ieyHnKopPivW3k/s1600-h/gre-psr-700.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 190px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426109652566943634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrkBwZQtd0mPDoXyq1NRq9SmGZDF5hM0TA_IchHLe10bC3PgE3tFV7FygBrLSCe3SADw88XKvcs1x4QLYWmdXN8OaWOadUeb_sgosjcjV4iCsQjqMA0QDxF5XEjiB8O2ieyHnKopPivW3k/s320/gre-psr-700.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Below is a summary of my discussion with Wayne Wilson and Raj Gounder of GRE America from CES 2010. GRE announced their new PSR-700 EZ Scan-SD (iScan equivalent model) as well as a new GRE branded PSR-110 Race Scanner at the show. I'll cover some more details regarding the specifics for these two new models, then get into some general discussion items as well as cover additional questions folks wanted to know.<br /><br /><strong>PSR-700 EZ Scan-SD</strong><br /><br />As for differences compared to the Radio Shack iScan branded model, this unit will not only be black in color, but also has a hard rubberized casing in place of a traditional solid plastic casing. The keypad has been redesigned and optimized for one handed operation (which was not a consideration with the original Radio Shack iScan version). The largest functional difference is the inclusion of V-Scanners which will allow one to save up to 200 different scanner configurations (scan list combinations and settings) for easy recall. Also are the various GRE versus Radio Shack specific branding elements as Don had mentioned ("Spectrum Sweeper" versus "Signal Stalker").<br /><br />The reason why GRE has released analog-only models first (RS PRO-107 and GRE PSR-700) is due to the fact that the analog trunking market currently outsells digital trunking on an order of 5 to 2. As Don had mentioned, a majority of activity and frequencies are still analog in the global scanner market, and hence a majority of people are still just looking for analog models. See the General Discussion section for some additional comments on my part in regards to the analog/digital trend. GRE did indicate that a digital version is "a year away", is in development, and is the highest priority for delivery. These initial analog iScan/EZ-Scan models will be a good proving ground for this latest form factor.<br /><br />The photo of the PSR-700 that I captured was not of a working unit, but a production prototype of how the scanner and casing will be produced. They did have a GRECOM branded piece of iScan looking hardware that was running the new PSR-700 EZ Scan firmware. It is interesting to see that everything for these scanners runs off the SD card, including all of the scanner firmware/software as well as holding all of the programming information. This should provide for a good future with the ability to essentially update most functionality via firmware/software upgrades. It will be great to see this SD card functionality on other future GRE models--especially the higher tier and full function type models like the PSR-500/600 form factors.<br /><br />While this line of models using the new iScan/EZ-Scan form factor is focused heavily on being preprogrammed and easy to use, this new form factor, and these new models are also just the latest step. It will be great to see some of the technologies introduced with these specific models eventually move across the entire scanner line.<br /><br />GRE indicated to look to June 2010 for first availability of the PSR-700 model and that the unit will have a price point similar to that of the Radio Shack PRO-107.<br /><br />[Part 1 of 3] </div>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-51610965458947106052010-01-08T00:46:00.003-05:002010-01-08T00:51:35.306-05:002010 CES Friday Agenda2010 CES Friday Agenda:<br /><br />Have a handful of sessions and a couple of keynotes that I'd like to attend. Also have time scheduled with GRE America regarding new Scanning Receiver models announced.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-47774084332000727122010-01-08T00:19:00.003-05:002010-01-08T00:23:53.726-05:002010 CES Thursday Recap2010 CES Thursday Recap:<br /><br />Went to the State of the CE Industry and Opening Keynote address this morning. Good insight into innovation, and interesting information from the Ford In Car Experience and the SYNC system user interface demonstrations.<br /><br />Attended two of today's Tech Policy Summit sessions including "Making Nationwide Deployment and Adoption of Broadband a Reality" and "The Spectrum Grab and Innovation". The first session was more of a pleasant discussion, while the second session had some interesting conflict between broadcast and commercial interests, and debate as to whether a true spectrum crisis is indeed looming.<br /><br />Spent some time on the conference floor--this space is huge. Was able to briefly swing by the GRE America booth, sent a picture via TwitPic. Have since posted some more information on Radio Reference regarding the newly released GRECOM branded models the PSR-700 "EZ Scan-SD" and the PSR-110 Race Scanner.<br /><br />Was at the Intel keynote. Interesting comments from Paul Otellini regarding computing power. The first Intel 4004 micro-processor from 40 years ago with 2000 transistors was compared to the processors released today with billions of transitions that are running 5000 times faster and costing 100,000 times less. He mentioned if automobile companies innovated like Intel, cars would drive at 470,000 mph using 100,000 mpg and cost 3 cents.<br /><br />Some additional general comments. 3D is all the hype, but still not that exciting looking for me, everything I've seen still looks like a bunch of 2D layers at fixed distances and doesn't approximate the reality of actual depth perception all that well. Proprietary app stores are on the rise and popping up everywhere (Ford, Intel, etc), but there is some promise of interaction and multi and cross platform support (i.e. interact with an Apple iPhone app via your Ford/Microsoft SYNC system). And personal and mobile computing will take a more prevalent place in the world, be ever more aware, and more available when at home and on the go, especially with all the new netbooks, tablets, smart phones and smart home technologies.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-8947325049525955482010-01-07T11:00:00.002-05:002010-01-07T11:03:25.104-05:002010 CES Thursday Agenda2010 CES Thursday Agenda<br /><br />First full day of the show. Will try to make it to the two keynotes today, plus I have a few sessions on my calendar. Will also explore some other general interest areas and exhibitors.<br /><br />Be sure to follow me on twitter @<a href="http://twitter.com/jpryor223">jpryor223</a> for updates through out the day.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-17453604518823697382010-01-07T10:53:00.003-05:002010-01-07T11:00:11.190-05:002010 CES Wednesday Recap2010 CES Wednesday Recap:<br /><br />Took a stroll down the strip and tossed $10 in the slot machines of 20 different casinos. Was able to hold my ground on the first half and first 10 casinos, but no luck on the second half. The best pull was at ARIA, with last $1 left, I hit the 3rd highest progressive for a $78 payout.<br /><br />Got my CES badge holder and went to the pre keynote address at the Hilton Center featuring Microsoft's Steve Ballmer. Very interesting topics and technology demos, all with a distinct Microsoft slant though.<br /><br />Hotel WIFI/Internet coverage is spotty at best, so most of my blogging activities will be limited to basic recaps and upcoming agendas for now.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-56706183477557429792010-01-05T00:43:00.005-05:002010-01-05T01:54:18.511-05:002010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES)I will be attending the 2010 <a href="http://www.cesweb.org/">CES</a> later this week in Las Vegas. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to cover the show from both a professional perspective as well as check out things from a hobbyist, enthusiast and personal perspective. While not being occupied by topics related to my day job, I plan to check out a variety of exhibitors and other interesting sessions. I'll also be sure to slide by the GRE booth, I suspect that there won't be much more for display than what they had at the Dayton Hamvention. But maybe they'll have an future iScan digital prototype or other GRE branded models.<br /><br />The following are my primary objectives during my CES/Las Vegas trip:<br /><br />1) Digital Health Summit (<a href="http://www.cesweb.org/sessions/search/results.asp?categoryID=1872">ces info</a>) (<a href="http://ces2010.digitalhealthsummit.com/">website</a>) - Cover the Digital Health Summit, in relation to my day job as a Business Analyst in a health care information company. We are simplifying the business of health care and connecting and empowering consumers to manage their health in a ever more consumer-based health care space. Looking for disruptive technologies and tracking the emerging markets of the rapidly evolving digital health care industry.<br />2) Tech Policy Summit (<a href="http://www.cesweb.org/sessions/search/results.asp?categoryID=1871">ces info</a>) - Attend the Tech Policy Summit with interesting sessions like "Making Nationwide Deployment and Adoption of Broadband a Reality", "The Spectrum Grab and Innovation", and "Inside the FCC's Communications Agenda". These sessions will likely offer interesting discussions regarding our ever growing and connected wireless communications world and may have ramifications for Amateur Radio and other spectrum uses.<br />3) GRE America (<a href="http://myces.bdmetrics.com/CDT-6278542/GRE-America-Inc-/Details.aspx">ces booth</a>) (<a href="http://www.greamerica.com/">website</a>) - Represent the Radio Reference community, answer questions and provide general coverage related to the GRE scanner product line.<br />4) General Interest - Explore other exhibitors and sessions of general consumer electronics interest.<br />5) "#20casinos" Challenge - Travel the Las Vegas strip, hitting a total of 20 of the largest Casinos in the world in 10 Hours (or less) and gambling a total of $200 bucks at said casinos. Part of my Wednesday free day and a special project that will likely have heavy Twitter and TwitPic coverage. Look here and on Twitter this Wednesday for more information.<br /><br />I've primarily be covering objectives number 2 through 5 both here and via Twitter.<br /><br />Stay tuned to this blog for a preview of my daily CES agenda and nightly summary and recap information. Follow me on Twitter <a href="http://twitter.com/jpryor223">@jpryor223</a> for real time updates and TwitPic images through out each day. And keep track of my position on APRS.fi via my <a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO-12">KC8NNO-12</a> APRS-enabled location tracking Smart Phone.<br /><br />Jeff KC8NNOJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-9857387958580856782009-12-26T14:30:00.003-05:002009-12-26T15:55:27.341-05:00Toledo Police Christmas Broadcast 2009I have posted an Audio Log file from one of Toledo Police's Christmas Eve 2009 Broadcasts. There is a link to the file in the Selected Activity Library (<a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/audiologs.html">http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/audiologs.html</a>) on the Audio Logs page.<br /><br />The following broadcast is a Toledo Police tradition:<br /><br />[Alert Tones:] "Attention all cars and listeners. Be on the lookout for a short jolly individual dressed in red and trimmed in white, who is constantly saying 'Ho! Ho! Ho!'. Subject was last seen operating a sleigh being pulled by eight reindeer, southbound from the North Pole. This subject's method of operation is that he spreads joy and cheer everywhere. If this subject is observed, all units are advised to assist this subject as much as possible. If found, this subject will bring you happiness all year long. All the members of the Toledo Police Division, the operators of the Communications Section, and this officer would like to wish all our listeners a very Merry Christmas. WNCE682 and KTS670. It's Christmas Eve 2009."<br /><br />[Followed by a radio response in reply to Officer James Ogle's broadcast:] "It's good to hear your voice Jimmy."<br /><br />Direct Link: <a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org:8008/2009-12-24_Toledo_PD_Christmas_Eve_2009.wav">12/24/2009 - Toledo Police - Christmas Eve 2009 Broadcast (1.7 MB)</a><br /><br />See the following articles from the Toledo Blade "Just like Santa Claus, TPD dispatcher delivers" (<a href="http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091225/NEWS02/912250365/-1/NEWS">http://toledoblade.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20091225/NEWS02/912250365/-1/NEWS</a>) and WUPW "Christmas Eve police tradition" (<a href="http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/Christmas-Eve-police-tradition">http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/local/Christmas-Eve-police-tradition</a>) for more information.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-29286469910251958262009-12-26T14:13:00.000-05:002009-12-26T16:05:10.862-05:00Audio Log from Oregon FD House FireI have posted an Audio Log file from Christmas Eve's house fire in Oregon Ohio. There is a link to the file in the Selected Activity Library (<a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/audiologs.html">http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/audiologs.html</a>) on the Audio Logs page.<br /><br />This file contains 20 minutes of fire ground audio from the Oregon Fire Department operations starting at 11:30 AM and through 1:00 PM during the day of Thursday, December 24th, 2009. Firefighters from Oregon FD Station 1, Station 2 and Station 3 responded to the historic 170-year old Johlin house at the 3900 block of Corduroy Road in the City of Oregon.<br /><br />Direct Link: <a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org:8008/2009-12-24_Lucas_County_Oregon_FD_House_Fire.wav">12/24/2009 - Ohio, Lucas County, Oregon FD - House Fire (9.0 MB)</a><br /><br />See the following article from WNWO "Johlin Winery family home spared after fire" (<a href="http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=394151">http://www.toledoonthemove.com/news/story.aspx?id=394151</a>) for more information.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-23223624147975137042009-12-23T21:32:00.003-05:002009-12-23T22:22:26.827-05:00Radio Shack holiday Scanner salesWhile this year's Radio Shack holiday Scanner sales don't include any of their digital scanners, and these sales have not been as exciting as last season, they still have some decent discounts. Radio Shack is offering $50 off three handheld analog scanner models and you may find some discount codes for additional savings.<br /><br />PRO-137 Racing Scanner: <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2963186">$79.99</a><br />PRO-164 1000-Channel Handheld Scanner: <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2970547">$149.99</a><br />PRO-107 Handheld iScan Trunking Scanner: <a href="http://www.radioshack.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3730721">$179.99</a><br /><br />"Sale valid until 01/02/10"<br /><br />The most interesting model is the new GRE built <a href="http://wiki.radioreference.com/index.php/Pro-107">PRO-107</a> Handheld iScan Trunking Scanner. This model is analog only and won't cover the Toledo/Lucas digital system, but this scanner still could be a good choice for those in other areas. It provides a fresh and revolutionary design that offers ease of use and flexibility, as well as simplicity of operation. The included memory storage card holds programming information for all analog frequencies and trunking systems in the entire US based on information from the Radio Reference database. It will be exciting to see some of these features incorporated into possible future models. Hopefully a Digital iScan is on the horizon.<br /><br />Jeff KC8NNOJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-23461254382344613562009-10-03T14:49:00.001-04:002009-10-03T14:51:19.496-04:00Selfridge ANGB Michigan Air Show 2009 picturesHello all,<br /><br />I finally got around to uploading and annotating my pictures from the previous month's Selfridge ANGB Michican Air Show:<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffreypryor/SelfridgeANGBMichiganAirShow2009">http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffreypryor/SelfridgeANGBMichiganAirShow2009</a><br /><br />There is an interesting collection of DHS assets included, and some neat pop up-communication tower shots, along with all the static aircraft and pictures from some of the flying acts.<br /><br />Jeff KC8NNOJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-17360404951122073622009-09-22T23:24:00.004-04:002009-09-23T00:00:43.605-04:00Test emergency prepardedness and practice communications skills with ham radio operating events and contests<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqx_AN-40Et_3_2mj4HelRIOrK9JEidwDUVFvyyoafsMZKZotU3fBaNHSyAlU4oOMI1S9cNfWnLtQs-7vOgXUk3NG8KRQ0oEke1rwNrPE3LafbtUub60vNvm6IB9TiqOSGQWlXakChxX5/s1600-h/OSPOTA-photo-2009-KC8NNO.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 320px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384500634405766066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqx_AN-40Et_3_2mj4HelRIOrK9JEidwDUVFvyyoafsMZKZotU3fBaNHSyAlU4oOMI1S9cNfWnLtQs-7vOgXUk3NG8KRQ0oEke1rwNrPE3LafbtUub60vNvm6IB9TiqOSGQWlXakChxX5/s320/OSPOTA-photo-2009-KC8NNO.jpg" /></a><br />I had the opportunity to work a couple <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amateur_radio">ham radio</a> HF (short wave) operating events/contests during this past September. These activities provided for both a good test of emergency preparedness in the field as well as the ability to practice communications skills from the comforts of home. I worked the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/80-meter_band">80 Meter HF frequency band</a> exclusively for these particular events, in both voice and digital modes, with each event needing different configurations, and having different goals and setup requirements.<br /><br />First, on Friday night, September 11th, I participated in an 80 Meter PSK31 digital mode contest, sponsored by the Penn-Ohio DX Society's "PODXS Ø7Ø Club" (<a href="http://www.podxs070.com/">http://www.podxs070.com/</a>). The Ø7Ø comes from the "070" frequency suffix that is commonly used for <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PSK31">PSK31</a> text chatting signals in the various HF bands (7.070, 14.070, etc) and the digital modes focus of this particular club. This specific contest was a short "sprint" from 8PM to 2AM local time with the goal to work as many stations on 80 Meters as possible using solely PSK31 during the six hour time period. For this event I was able to shoe horn my full size 80 Meter dipole into the backyard using somewhat of a inverted V configuration. I operated in the Low Power category (less than 50 Watts) and was able to make 42 contacts from 18 unique states and three countries, with the farthest contacts being in Utah and Puerto Rico.<br /><br />Next, during Saturday on September 12th, I packed up my HF equipment and setup in the field to activate <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maumee_Bay_State_Park">Maumee Bay State Park</a> for the Ohio State Parks On The Air 2009 event. This operating event was sponsored by the Portage County Amateur Radio Service and was their 2nd annual Ohio State Parks event (<a href="http://parks.portcars.org/">http://parks.portcars.org/</a>). This contest was an all day event from Noon until 8PM and it placed a premium on working stations at the State Parks. This provided an opportunity for hams to visit and activate parks across the state, along with the goal to work other Ohio stations on HF via deployment and utilization of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Near_Vertical_Incidence_Skywave">NVIS</a> antennas. The weather for this event was also ideal. For this particular setup, I utilized my full size 80 Meter wire dipole antenna in a Near Vertical Incidence Skywave configuration, having strung it up about 5 feet off the ground between a tree and a light pole at my location overlooking the inland beach area. This NVIS configuration sends the majority of the radiation straight up and the radio signals are then refracted back down to blanket a circular region surrounding the transmitter. I had no troubles hearing and working stations at the various parks from all around of Ohio using 80 Meter voice. Overall I had 52 total contacts at 30 unique state parks. Thanks to the Portage County ARS and Ohio State Parks for sponsoring this now annual event that takes place the weekend after Labor Day.<br /><br />While I don't consider myself a really serious ham radio contester, I do find these kinds of operating events provide an opportunity to get on the air and work many contacts during a short time frame. These activities can help test your emergency preparedness capabilities to deploy a solution to meet specific needs. Along with practicing communications skills, this gives you a chance to have fun and work with other hams while trying to reach similar goals that often require rapid exchange of specific information. Give a ham radio event like these a try, and I look forward to working you on the air!<br /><br />73 Jeff<br /><br />Photo caption: Station KC8NNO at Maumee Bay State ParkJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-47869662283833947932009-07-02T22:56:00.003-04:002009-07-02T23:07:48.144-04:00Recap of Field Day via Twitter PicturesFor those not following me <a href="http://twitter.com/jpryor223">http://twitter.com/jpryor223</a> on Twitter, here is a brief recap of Field Day activities from this past weekend:<br /><br />Bob W8NYY helping with launching antenna lines over trees via his industrial grade sling shot <a href="http://twitpic.com/8kdxu">http://twitpic.com/8kdxu</a><br /><br />Steve W8TER and Mike WA8SYD hanging up the TMRA information sign inviting all to stop by a ham radio field day site today <a href="http://twitpic.com/8khsu">http://twitpic.com/8khsu</a><br /><br />A ham radio slow scan TV image (SSTV) from Joe KJ0EYT at TMRA field day site in Maumee Ohio as received over the air via ham radio and then uploaded over the air via wifi <a href="http://twitpic.com/8lfnz">http://twitpic.com/8lfnz</a><br /><br />Steve KC8YRK and Nancy KC8ZLZ on the W8HHF 20 meter Field Day station working and logging voice contacts via ham radio <a href="http://twitpic.com/8lpcm">http://twitpic.com/8lpcm</a><br /><br />Steve W8TER the TMRA Field Day chair and others, what's a ham radio field day without food <a href="http://twitpic.com/8m35z">http://twitpic.com/8m35z</a>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-70750047974073447102009-06-02T23:39:00.002-04:002009-06-02T23:51:13.649-04:00Digi Classes: APRS program at June TMRA meetingJeff KC8NNO and Steve KB9UPS will be offering an Introduction to APRS presentation and conduct a basic APRS equipment demonstration at the upcoming <a href="http://www.tmrahamradio.org/">Toledo Mobile Radio Association</a> (TMRA) monthly General Meeting. APRS stands for the Automatic Packet Reporting System. This educational APRS program will take place at the Wednesday June 10th TMRA General Meeting which starts at 7:30 PM at the Electrical Industry Building in Rossford Ohio.<br /><br />This program is a continuation of the latest series of 'digi classes'--covering ham radio digital communications topics--and TMRA's overall commitment to providing ongoing educational opportunities. The program will consist of a presentation covering some of the basic functionality and uses for APRS, an interactive 'on the air' equipment demonstration, and as well as time for questions and answers and any additional discussion.<br /><br />The Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) is an amateur radio based system for real time tactical digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. In North America, APRS data and activity is primarily found in the 2 Meter band on 144.390 MHz. In addition, all such data is ingested into the APRS Internet system (APRS-IS) and distributed globally for instant access. In addition to messages, alerts, announcements and bulletins, the most visible aspect of APRS is its map display. Anyone may place any object or information on their map and it is distributed to all maps of all users in the local RF network or monitoring the area via the Internet. Any station, radio or object that has an attached GPS is automatically tracked. Other prominent map features are weather stations, alerts and objects and other map related amateur radio volunteer activities including Search and Rescue and signal direction finding.<br /><br />Individuals looking to learn more about the Automatic Packet Reporting System and where they can apply APRS digital communications are encouraged to attend the program and participate in the demonstration and discussion. Plenty of information is also available via the Internet with <a href="http://www.aprs.org/">http://www.aprs.org/</a> being a good place to start.Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-36105819318473856942009-05-31T18:55:00.004-04:002009-05-31T19:06:18.257-04:00Google Wonder Wheel gets "kc8nno" call sign search correct<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSs1wCylseNDLoNem6TqaovzVN40XQ2hx8Z3oNvJyOrYU1ZfvykB_ib-kcnxczl1ImL9BBqoe4-gixGX_M1lvfaJaC5cJPQ73myUJu3WBIbLynEifJAOrAjOpJvfjlTbicRPro5VZ79vi/s1600-h/kc8nno-googlewonderwheel.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 158px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvSs1wCylseNDLoNem6TqaovzVN40XQ2hx8Z3oNvJyOrYU1ZfvykB_ib-kcnxczl1ImL9BBqoe4-gixGX_M1lvfaJaC5cJPQ73myUJu3WBIbLynEifJAOrAjOpJvfjlTbicRPro5VZ79vi/s320/kc8nno-googlewonderwheel.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342125578480246514" /></a> I noticed that the Google Wonder Wheel feature got my amateur radio call sign <a href="http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1R2GPEA_en&tbo=1&tbs=ww%3A1&q=kc8nno&tbo=1">"kc8nno"</a> search correct with the spokes being "ham radio operator", "weather spotter", "oregon oh", "dayton hamvention", "lucas county" and "aprs fi".Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-26348597751852419122009-05-27T00:31:00.002-04:002009-05-27T00:38:17.396-04:00About NW Ohio Live Services: "Live Mapping (APRS)"This is the fourth entry of a series of seven blog entries that will provide additional details surrounding all the elements at NW Ohio Live Services (<a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/">http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/</a>).<br /><br />Today's topic is the "Live Mapping (APRS)" component (<a href="http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/livemappingaprs.html">http://nwohio-liveservices.dyndns.org/livemappingaprs.html</a>).<br /><br />The <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Packet_Reporting_System">Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)</a> is an amateur radio based system for real time tactical digital communications of information of immediate value in the local area. In addition, all such data is ingested into the <a href="http://www.aprs-is.net/">APRS Internet system (APRS-IS)</a> and distributed globally for instant access. In addition to messages, alerts, announcements and bulletins, the most visible aspect of APRS is its map display. Anyone may place any object or information on their map and it is distributed to all maps of all users in the local RF network or monitoring the area via the Internet. Any station, radio or object that has an attached GPS is automatically tracked. Other prominent map features are weather stations, alerts and objects and other map related amateur radio volunteer activities including Search and Rescue and signal direction finding.<br /><br />The Live Mapping APRS (Amateur Automatic Packet Reporting System) feature on NW Ohio Live Services is made possible by the <a href="http://www.aprs-is.net/">APRS-IS network</a> and <a href="http://aprs.fi/">APRS.fi (Google Maps APRS)</a> as well as all of the stations that provide RF APRS digipeaters and gate RF APRS traffic to the Internet. Find me on APRS via APRS.fi at <a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO*">http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO*</a><br /><br />This concludes the in depth look at the details surrounding the Live Mapping (APRS) element. Stay tuned for the next topic which will cover the Live Mapping (AIS) component in more detail.<br /><br />(About NW Ohio Live Services - Blog Entry 4-A of 7)<br /><br />2009 NW Ohio Live ServicesJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-15503148841171901732009-05-23T11:10:00.005-04:002009-05-23T12:44:12.944-04:00Ham Radio in the spot light for Glass City Marathon support<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru22vezSSYBYO1cV-KGQM8BDIF3spZBgUJ8dLQKxXPI_E4iSRWFDfglopwBFaKvH7u6EyjTlfCqAuFBo1BTvrSaPSgnxnohrPP5qwdeIMS0hMQ_RN_RuJNfbISh31MQCxcy0VBZGOKuLo/s1600-h/gcm02.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 121px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgru22vezSSYBYO1cV-KGQM8BDIF3spZBgUJ8dLQKxXPI_E4iSRWFDfglopwBFaKvH7u6EyjTlfCqAuFBo1BTvrSaPSgnxnohrPP5qwdeIMS0hMQ_RN_RuJNfbISh31MQCxcy0VBZGOKuLo/s320/gcm02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339042601041030882" /></a> The <a href="http://www.lucascountyares.org/">Lucas County ARES (Amateur Radio Emergency Service)</a> and ham radio are in the spot light this year for providing <a href="http://www.glasscitymarathon.org/Sponsors.aspx">Glass City Marathon</a> radio communications support. The marathon race was held on Sunday, April 26th, 2009 and race day weather was much warmer than normal. Ham radio operators worked from various fixed and mobile locations all along the 26 mile marathon race course that crossed through both Lucas County and Wood County in the Greater Toledo Ohio area.<br /><br />This year thanks to Jim Duggan, KD8CIJ, ARRL Public Information Officer for Ohio ARES District One, we also had plenty of media coverage and articles high lighting our ham radio communications support role.<br /><br />Local Toledo television station WTOL Channel 11 featured two live shots and on air interviews regarding ARES support and ham radio on their Your Day Friday, April 24th, 2009 morning program:<br /><a href="http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?s=10242385">http://www.wtol.com/Global/story.asp?s=10242385</a><br /><br />The American Radio Relay League's national weekly ARES electronic "E-Letter" newsletter on May 20th, 2009 features a "Hams Rally for Glass City Marathon" article:<br /><a href="http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/index.html?issue=2009-05-20#toc04">http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/index.html?issue=2009-05-20#toc04</a><br /><br />And the Ohio ARRL website includes a more detailed article with additional pictures from marathon race day operations:<br /><a href="http://www.arrlohio.org/glass_city_marathon_09.htm">http://www.arrlohio.org/glass_city_marathon_09.htm</a><br /><br />Thanks go out to all the Lucas County ARES members who volunteered, including those operators from Wood County, Hancock County, and Monroe County (Michigan) that came out to help as well. And special thanks to Rick Sharpe, K8RKS, our ARES Race Coordinator from Lucas County.<br /><br /><em>Photo by KD8CIJ: Jeff Pryor (KC8NNO) Handles radio traffic for race officials / ARES Net Control--Command Center in background.</em>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-77956577801620494242009-05-15T23:48:00.003-04:002009-05-16T00:01:24.771-04:00Heading down to Dayton Hamvention on SaturdayHello all,<br /><br />I'm heading on down to Dayton Ohio for <a href="http://www.hamvention.org/">Hamvention 2009</a> tomorrow. I'll be going via the <a href="http://www.tmrahamradio.org/">Toledo Mobile Radio Association (TMRA)</a> charter bus with about 50 other local ham radio operators. Follow our progress while enroute and returning via the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_Position_Reporting_System">Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS)</a> at <a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO-13">http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO-13</a> and watch for me walking around Hamvention at <a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO-7">http://aprs.fi/?call=KC8NNO-7</a> also via APRS. You may also see my relative location via <a href="http://www.google.com/latitude/intro.html">Google Latitude</a>. Also feel free to follow me on Twitter at <a href="http://twitter.com/jpryor223">http://twitter.com/jpryor223</a> for some mobile updates during the day.<br /><br />Jeff KC8NNOJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-81857695846230469622009-05-04T22:42:00.002-04:002009-05-04T22:49:39.668-04:00I am determined to tweet my Twitter more oftenHello all. I am determined that I will tweet on my <a href="http://twitter.com/">Twitter</a> account more often. I now have Twitter on my Windows Mobile phone and can access via mobile web, and have <a href="http://www.tweetdeck.com/beta/">TweekDeck</a> up for real time access while at home. So along with occasional posts on <a href="http://twitter.com/ScanMiamiValley">ScanMiamiValley</a> I'll have other random tweets via my personal account.<br /><br />Follow me on Twitter at: <a href="http://twitter.com/jpryor223">http://twitter.com/jpryor223</a><br /><br />What is this Twitter thing: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twitter</a>Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-49190991047961936522009-04-06T18:31:00.003-04:002009-04-06T18:36:13.847-04:00Putnam County celebrates kickoff of MARCS radio systemArticle about Ohio MARCS communications upgrades in Putnam County:<br /><br />LimaOhio.com - Glandorf, Ohio: Sunday, April 5th, 2009<br /><br />"It's like writing the final chapter of a best selling novel," Putnam County Sheriff Jim Beutler told state and local officials at the county's Multi-Agency Radio Communications System kick off on Sunday ...<br /><br /><a href="http://www.limaohio.com/news/county_35982___article.html/system_state.html">http://www.limaohio.com/news/county_35982___article.html/system_state.html</a><br /><br />Jeff KC8NNOJeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5112228779884101745.post-82321264548849522242009-04-02T19:52:00.004-04:002009-04-03T13:07:19.558-04:00Holy High Altitude Balloons: HALO II Launch this Weekend!According to the Amateur Radio High Altitude Ballooning Launch Announcements site (<a href="http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABlaunchannouncements.htm">http://showcase.netins.net/web/wallio/ARHABlaunchannouncements.htm</a>) there will be a large number of coordinated balloon launches this weekend.<br /><br />The HALO II Project involves 15 Universities from across nine different states simultaneously launching high-altitude balloons to create a balloon-to-balloon network in order to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) Education and conduct cutting edge multi point science experiments.<br /><br />The purpose of the <a href="http://www.taylor.edu/academics/acaddepts/physics/halo.shtml">HALO (High Altitude Launch Opportunity) project</a> is to set up a high altitude communications network. When one balloon comes over the radio horizon of another balloon they will link and and start communicating. This project and Part-15 900MHz Spread Spectrum HALO NETWORK is managed by <a href="http://www.taylor.edu/academics/acaddepts/physics/balloon.shtml">Taylor University (Indiana)</a>. Cooperating universities from Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and Virginia are also launching balloons.<br /><br />The launches for these balloon flights are scheduled for this Saturday, April 4th at 11:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time. All high altitude balloons are equipped with Amateur Radio APRS (Automatic Packet Reporting System) transmitters on 144.39 MHz. Refer to the ARHAB site for more specific launch locations and tracking call signs.<br /><br />The primary Talyor University balloon (<a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=KB9ZNZ-1">KB9ZNZ-1</a>) will likely have the normal Cross-band Repeater capabilities (Uplink ↑ 144.360 MHz & Downlink ↓ 446.025 MHz). The Wright State University balloon (<a href="http://aprs.fi/?call=W1WSU-11">W1WSU-11</a>) is listed as having telemetry (145.050 MHz AX.25 TLM), Fast Scan television (427.250 MHz AM ATV) as well as a 2 Meter beacon (146.565 MHz DF Beacon).Jeffrey Pryorhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10348119171841155381noreply@blogger.com0