June 2003
Articles from the
June 2003 issue of CQ posted on our
website include:
The June, 2003, issue of CQ is a VHF-UHF Special with a focus on ham radio above 50 MHz, including high-speed wireless networking. We start out with a feature that combines four of today's most popular ham radio activities -- VHF, QRP (low-power operating), mobiling or hiking, and contesting. Clarke Greene, K1JX, talks about the challenges and opportunities of QRP VHF contesting, where you need to make up for reduced power by increased height, which generally involves driving or hiking to a hilltop or other high location to operate. Contesting is also on the mind of VHF-Plus Editor Joe Lynch, N6CL, with the ARRL June VHF QSO Party kicking off the summer contest season on the bands above 50 MHz. Also on the topic of VHF contesting, we have the results of last year's CQ World Wide VHF Contest and the rules for this year's event which takes place on July 19 and 20. We also have the results of the 2002 CQ/RTTY Journal World Wide RTTY DX Contest, which didn't fit in last month's issue. Back to our VHF special, we finish off with Part 1 of a two-part article on ham radio and "Wi-Fi" -- that's the high-speed wireless networking protocol that's gaining in popularity among general computer users, and which uses frequencies that are shared with hams under the FCC's low-power Part 15 rules. Author Ron Olexa, KA3JIJ, looks at the pros and cons for hams of setting up networks under the Part 97 amateur rules, and concludes that sometimes, we're better off using Part 15. Ron's conclusion will get into the details of setting up a WiFi wireless network.
If VHF is not your "thing," don't worry -- CQ covers the full spectrum of amateur radio, including an article this month by Paul Wyse, W4PFM, on summertime DXing from Ethiopia ... on 160 meters! Seems that "top band" is not necessarily a dead band in the summer. Some old-timers may recall Paul as OA8V from the jungles of Peru, where he operated from the 1960s into the early 1980s.
A June tradition among hams is Field Day, the annual combination contest, emergency preparedness drill and social event. Beginner's Editor Wayne Yoshida, KH6WZ, Propagation Editor Tomas Hood, NW7US, and Public Service Editor Bob Josuweit, WA3PZO, all have Field Day on their minds this month. Bob also writes about the role of MARS, the Military Affiliate Radio System, in the current overseas conflict.
"Math's Notes" Editor Irwin Math, WA2NDM, takes us beyond VHF and shows us how to assemble a basic station using laser communications, all built around a $5 laser pointer. Contributing Editor Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, follows up last month's "Keys" feature in his "World of Ideas" column with a look at microphones ... helped out by the "master of mics," Bob Heil, K9EID (who's also on our May cover). "Washington Readout" Editor Fred Maia, W5YI, answers frequently asked questions about vanity call signs. Digital Editor Don Rotolo, N2IRZ, provides an overview of HF digital modes, and "What's New" editor Karl Thurber, W8FX, starts out his June column with a look at West Mountain Radio's new "RigBlaster Pro," which we'll be reviewing fully in the coming months.
Dave Ingram, K4TWJ, returns with his QRP column, looking this time at "Pixies and Tixies." You've got to read the magazine to find out what they are, but we can tell you that a little bit of pixie dust on your antenna just might help your QRP signal go even farther ... who knows? DX Editor Carl Smith, N4AA, also has QRP in mind. He writes about the particular challenge -- and satisfaction -- of QRP DXing.
Contesting Editor John Dorr, K1AR, steps outside the world of on-air competition in June, encouraging contesters to use some of the skills that they've honed in competition to help their local ham communities by volunteering, perhaps as teachers or "Elmers," by getting involved in their local clubs or taking part in public service activities. It's solid advice for all of us, not just contesters.
Finally, "Radio Classics" Editor Joe Veras, N4QB, introduces us to James Millen, a legend in ham radio history. He was Chief Engineer and General Manager of National Radio until he left to form his own business, the James Millen Company. You can still see his name, and his work, on flea market tables today.
If you're coming to the
Dayton Hamvention, please drop by the CQ booth and say hi. We're in a new
spot this year -- Booth #1 in the main arena.
On the Cover
The VHF station of Ivan
Pagacik, K1MS, of Littleton, Massachusetts.