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HamSphere Newsletter May 2018
2018-05-04 07:47 |
Admin Registered: 16 years ago Posts: 1,061 |
![]() Dear HamSphere Operators Welcome to the spring 2018 Edition of the HamSphere Newsletter. May is here and we have a lot of good stuff coming your way so here we go: HamSphere 10th year Anniversary By Kelly, SM7NHC This year HamSphere celebrates its 10 year anniversary. The first server version was dated 25 Dec 2007. ![]() ![]() HamSphere is the result of 48 years of communication radio experience. In 1970 my parents gave me a CB radio and I was hooked. Ten years later I managed to get my Amateur Radio license and have experimented with radio transmitters and receivers ever since. When you start your HamSphere 4.0 transceiver you will feel that it is something different than any other VOIP communication program. It will instantly take you back to the times when Ham Radio flourished with big antennas and home brew rigs and it really sounds and feels like the real thing. It is first when you take a look under the hood you will understand how similar a real Ham Radio transceiver it really is. HamSphere is built just like a real transceiver with balanced mixers, side band filters, amplifiers, detectors using SDR (Software Defined Radio) technology. But the coolest part is the propagation model. HamSphere 4.0 "bounces" its signals off a virtual ionosphere in constant motion. This means that the communication on HamSphere 4.0 is following the natural laws of Shortwave communication affected by Sun Spot numbers and Solar flux values. You can read more about HamSphere 4.0 and its technology here: https://www.hamsphere.com/5_51094_read.html I am very proud of the HamSphere community, our Admins and Elmers, our Support staff and our dedicated Subscribers, Trial and DX-Users. Without you guys HamSphere would not exist. Thank you! Sincerely Kelly Lindman SM7NHC / 5B4AIT Founder HamSphere A message from the Administrators HamSphere has connected us to so many different people from many parts of the world. We have awards in place of all platforms of HamSphere to reward you of your achievements. We have watched the HamSphere community grow over many years to which it has become a place for making new friendships. The HamSphere platform is here for radio enthusiasts of all ages to enjoy. There has been many who have become licensed Amateur Radio Operators with the help of our HamSphere Transceiver along with the assistance of many operators on our system being an Elmer. Our member base is increasing all the time with new operators giving this hobby a try. You, the seasoned operator of HamSphere can help the new HamSphere user become more efficient and experienced by giving your assistance during QSO. Remember, at one time or another we were all new to this so please enjoy this hobby of radio communications, be nice and helpful to one and another and enjoy the HamSphere experience. Peter, VK2PSW HamSphere Administrator HamSphere 3.0 News Our entry level HamSphere 3.0 is still very popular, over first four months in 2018 we have seen about 14200 active users on HamSphere 3.0. As a comparison, HamSphere 4.0 was used by about 6400 operators during the same period which is a steady increase from last year where the count was about 5000. In 2017 all in all, HamSphere 3.0 was used by 35137 users and HamSphere 4.0 by 17012 users. The total number of users who have used the HamSphere 1.0-3.0 transceiver since 2007 is 216638. The HamSphere 4.0 transceiver has been used by a tally of 43902 users since 24 July 2014 when 4.0 opened. We currently run one contest on HamSphere 3.0 which is the Annual Christmas contest. Results further down. New HamSphere 3.1 Beta Release After 6 years since the 3.0.3.2 release we are releasing a new 3.1 beta release with a brand new skin. ![]() Download from https://www.hamsphere.com/download Latest from Elmers/Admins on HamSphere ![]() de G0MOK Robert. Latest from 40m Help Group on HamSphere 3.0 Robert M0RCK is teaching operators Code of Conduct, Band Plans, Procedures and how to operate the system properly etc. This Help Group is doing good work, teaching ops about HS3 and HS4. You can find Robert on HamSphere 3.0 on 40m Early Morning Help Group frequency of 07.050.00 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1681612182087104/ HamSphere 4.0 Show Your Rig The invention domain does not find any limits when operators get started with their HamSphere 4.0 builds. Here a rig from Hans Lousberg, 19HS3396 where he is using very innovative solutions stacking multiple rig functionality using background plates. Hans is here using the Kenwood skin which does not have any plate screws. HamSphere 4.0 consists of small plug-in modules that are used as a kind of "LEGO"-blocks making it possible to design your rig in any way or form. More at https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphereShowYourRig/ ![]() HamSphere 4.0 Mobile News We have extended the trial time to 30 days for all mobile plug-ins. We currently have 10 different plug-ins which turn your mobile phone into a powerful Ham Radio transceiver for the HamSphere bands. Download the HamSphere 4.0 App: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.hamsphere.android.hs4hf Get the Plug-Ins: https://mobishop.hamsphere.com ![]() Mobile Awards Current Mobile scores. We have some 260 users hunting the prestigious Mobile Awards. The top-10 right now. ![]() The complete Mobile Top-list here: https://hs4.hamsphere.com/mobile.php HamSphere Digi modes We have good news. Finally we are issuing 3 new DIGI-Awards and a CW award. Our users have longed for these awards and they can be achieved by logging your QSOs as PSK, SSTV, RTTY or CW. ![]() Join the Digimodes on HamSphere Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamspheredatamodes/ See all HamSphere 4.0 Awards: https://hs4.hamsphere.com/dxhc New Antennas for mobile / PC 80m Bruce array for the Mobile phone ![]() Bruce Array is an antenna in the family of Curtain Array antennas which provide excellent performance in the lower HF and MF spectrum. It is optimized as a lightweight wire antenna which lends itself to easy deployment and good portability. It offers a remarkable TX gain of 6.1 dBi with an even better RDF RX gain (RX directivity) of 10 dBi. The peak radiation level is at 20 degrees elevation with an azimuth beamwidth of +/- 36 degrees. The Bruce Array is a DX hunter's delight. News from HamSphere 4.0 Web shop Audio compressor for both RX and TX audio. ![]() A compressor/limiter is a type of amplifier in which gain is dependent on the signal level passing through it. You can set the maximum level a compressor/limiter allows to pass through, thereby causing automatic gain reduction above some predetermined signal level, or threshold. ![]() ![]() ![]() Input Threshhold: Where the compressor should start kicking in level wise. Ratio: Audio level reduction 1:1 to 1:12 Attack: Time before the compression kicks in Release: Time to hold gain after the compression kicked in Limiter: Extra limiter to limit output spikes Output: Make up gain The plug-in has an A/P switch for (A)ttached and (P)ass through The compression can be done on RX audio and TX audio or TX audio only by selecting the R/T switch. Left LED instrument shows Gain Reduction and Right LED instrument shows Output level. The VFO Advanced Wide ![]() L-Linked (adjusts the receive and transmit frequencies simultaneously) R- adjusts the receive frequency only T- adjusts the transmit frequency only R=T- sets the receive frequency equal to the current transmit frequency Swirling the VFO knob with the mouse will instantly alter the frequency in small increments. If you swirl the VFO slowly, the frequency increments are smaller. Move the VFO knob very carefully for fine-tuning. The frequency can be adjusted in 1-Hz, 10 hz and 100hz steps. This VFO also cover the USB, LSB, CW and FM mode as well as Power Off and VOX. In addition it comes with a step up/down buttons.VFO Dial Plugin L-Linked (adjusts the receive and transmit frequencies simultaneously) R- adjusts the receive frequency only T- adjusts the transmit frequency only R=T- sets the receive frequency equal to the current transmit frequency Swirling the VFO knob with the mouse will instantly alter the frequency in small increments. If you swirl the VFO slowly, the frequency increments are smaller. Move the VFO knob very carefully for fine-tuning. The frequency can be adjusted in 1-Hz, 10 hz and 100hz steps. Big Power Switch ![]() https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.4.0.Plugin.Suggestions/ Rare Countries ![]() We have heard operators from the following rare countries over the past two months on both HamSphere 3.0 and 4.0 ANGOLA, BAHRAIN, BOTSWANA, CAMEROON, CONGO DEMOCRATIC REP, CORSICA, COTE IVOIRE, ETHIOPIA, FRENCH POLYNESIA, GHANA, GREENLAND, GRENADA, HONDURAS, JORDAN, KAZAKHSTAN, KENYA, KYRGYZSTAN, MALDIVES, MARTINIQUE, MAURITIUS, MONGOLIA, MYANMAR, NAMIBIA, NEPAL, OMAN, QATAR, RODRIGUES ISLAND, SAINT HELENA, SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS, SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE, ST. MAARTEN, SUDAN, SURINAME, SWAZILAND, SYRIA, TANZANIA, TURKMENISTAN, UZBEKISTAN, VATICAN CITY STATE, VIRGIN ISLANDS (U.S.), ZIMBABWE DXpedition Reports and Special Event Stations By Pat 14HS1 DXpedition: 138HS190 Op. Gerard 19HS190 Date: 16/03/2018 to 22/03/2018 QTH: Vatican City Grid: JN61fv XE/CT1ZR Op. Alvaro Date: 10/12/2017 to 30/12/2017 QTH: Tapachula, Mexico Grid: EK34uv Date: 31/12/2017 to 10/01/2018 QTH: San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico Grid: EK36qr 257HS110 Op. Yeye 173HS110 Date: 30/01/2018 to 10/02/2018 QTH: Rodrigues island Grid: MH10rh HP/HK6HFY Op. John Date: 09/12/2017 to 26/12/2017 QTH: Panama city, Panama Grid: FJ09ga Island On HamSphere: IOHS/AS017 Op. Scott K0DUB Date: 24/02/2018 to 08/03/2018 QTH: Okinawa Island, Japan Grid: PL36wn IOHS/AF017 Op. Yeye 173HS110 Date: 30/01/2018 to 10/02/2018 QTH: Rodrigues island Grid: MH10rh IOHS/AS026 Op. Ninja JA1WCV Date: 26/01/2018 to 28/01/2018 QTH: Jeju Island, South Korea Grid: PM33fl IOHS/AF004 Op. Marcel PD7YY Date: 01/01/2018 to 07/01/2018 QTH: Tenerife Island, Canary Islands Grid: IL18rb IOHS/OC046 Op. TU2QU/FO Jean-Marie Date: 01/12/2017 to 04/12/2017 QHT: Motu Ahi (Moorea Lagoon), French Polynesia Grid: BH52ck Special Event Station On HamSphere: 14HE2018 Op. Pat 14HS1 Date: 24/03/2018 to 01/04/2018 QTH: Brittany, France Grid: IN78xe Special event station for the « Spring Wolf Hunt 2018 » by LNDX 14HE51 Op. Joel 14HS51 Date: 22/03/2018 to 25/03/2018 QTH: Epernay, France Grid: JN19xa Special event station for the 22th Rally of Champagne wines, Epernay If you would like to be active from a rare/most wanted/new country or from an island, a lighthouse or a castle on HamSphere 4.0, we can provide you a sponsored account with all plug-ins and antenna needed for have a powerful station. The official DXpeditions QSL cards are also included and ready to use on the account. Islands, lighthouses & castles with an official reference on HF bands are eligible for IOHS, LOHS and COHS activity on HamSphere. ![]() ![]() For more info, please contact Pat 14HS1 via HamSphere or HamSphere 4 message or via Facebook: For HamSphere Private Message: httsp://www.hamsphere.com/pm.php?5,page=send,to_id=1660536 For HamSphere 4.0 Private Message: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/pm.php For Facebook messenger Message: https://www.facebook.com/14HS1 Old Timers Net By Tony 29HS132 Come one come all the legend 29HS132 is back with a Old Timers Net on 15 Meters frequency 21.320.00 on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 20.00 Hrs to 21.00 Hrs Weekly on Hamsphere 3.0 If your having a bad day come on my Net we will cure it !. This is the way a Net should be FUN ! HamSphere 80 Meter Award Net ![]() By Larry N8RGO The HamSphere 80 meter award net is going into the Spring and Summer which as we all know does not make for very good propagation. Our new start time for this time of the year is at 0200 UTC on Mondays. The hour start time difference seems to be making a difference in bringing in more of the western states. Traffic from California was heard by two stations checking in on the last net, so that is a good indication that others out west can make it into the net with little or no problems. Better Antennas of course will help in making a difference on how you will reach the eastern side, but so far all seem to be going well. DX this time of the year is much harder to achieve, however if we do get any DX stations checking in we will do our best to see if the state side stations you wish to contact can in fact be made. As always we do maintain a Facebook page for the 80 meter award net so please send a request to join if you are not already a member. We wish to encourage all states to check in and help support this great net that has been going on now for over a year and a half to help operators achieve their 80 meter award. So please check in Mondays at 0200 UTC / local time Sundays at 10 PM EST on frequency 3750 represent your state and achieve your award at the same time. Many last year got their 25 states out of 50 during the net and some even achieved their worked all states by getting their 50th state as well. Look forward to seeing you all on the net. 73 N8RGO https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere80meterawardnet Weekly Chat Net By Riaan, 44HS1509 The Weekly Chat Net is running on 145.400 MHz HamSphere 4.0 on Mondays and Saturdays between 19:00 and 21:00 UTC. During the nets we will be discussing HamSphere related topics like how to work split frequencies,working QRP,etc. Everybody will be welcome to come and join in the fun North America Rag Chew Net ![]() The reason we go to 2 meters is so that distant stations can comfortably take part in the round table discussion.We have been averaging 15 check in per session of the net sometimes we have more but normal is 15 operators. We have had presentations on VOACAP by Tim VA7FT and Rob 2HS6874 – and there is a video of that presentation available. The last few nets there has been some great discussions covering such subjects as Spotting, DX Monitors, Antennas, to name but a few. This net is designed to assist Operators and to answer questions. The group we have is a fountain of knowledge and experience so if you have questions this is the net to bring it to. We are not, by nature, a contact net, but if someone does need a contact we are not opposed to that, but our main goal is the sharing of information, answering questions and helping our fellow HS operators enjoy this great system. Most all of the presentations that we have done on the HamSphere North America Rag Chew Net are available on video on YouTube. Should you wish to see any of these videos please contact me (9HS4755) and I will provide the links. On behalf of myself and Rik our Net Logger I thank each and every operator who checks in every week, for without this great support the net could not function. The HamSphere North America Rag Chew Net: Wednesdays and Fridays 01:00 UTC on 40 Meters Freq 07.030 and 2 Meters 145.300 (Check the Event Calendar) 9HS4755 – Wayne – Net Control 2HS1189 – Rik - Net Logger KC9HH – Harold – Assistant Net Control Our facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/658843597656106/ Latest from the India DX Net ![]() India DX Net (a.k.a IDX Net) has been consistently operating on HamSphere for almost five years on a regular basis. Currently, we operate twice a week on HS3 and expect to soon work another two days per week on HS4. The objective of IDX Net had been to disseminate information regarding both HamSphere 3.0 and 4.0 platforms. It performs as a discussion net with a global outreach. Not only has the net earn a distinguished reputation as a source of authentic information pertaining to HamSphere and ham radio, it has also become a live forum to dwell into topics related to HF Radio Propagation, Antennas, Operating practices, Ethics, HF Transceivers, Station equipment setup and various other matters related to Ham Radio. The friendly and interactive nature of the net allows for questions to be freely tabled by participants which are discussed threadbare and satisfactory answers and solutions delivered. Our strength has always stemmed from the vast pool of knowledgebase and collective wisdom of participating HamSphere Radio operators. India DX Net is proud to have amongst its regular participants a set of operators from around the world with collective experience aggregating to hundreds of man-years of diverse expertise and skill sets pertaining to all aspects of Amateur Radio including HF/VHF/UHF communication, propagation, antennas, DX operating skills, deep understanding of communication equipment, various modes of radio communications including CW and various digital modes, etc. India DX Net has always tried to position itself in a manner where operators who are new to the hobby are helped and motivated to learn and understand the finer nuances of amateur radio and develop the required skills to enjoy HamSphere. We thank the entire HamSphere community for the overwhelming support IDX Net received through the journey over several years. We will look forward to your continuing support and patronage in future too. Those who might be new to IDX Net may join our FaceBook group and browse through a plethora of articles and posts related the art and science of HF radio communications. Click on the URL below to join the group. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.IDXnet.HF.radio/ For live discussions, please come and join us on IDX on HS3. We will be pleased to take up any questions or topic of discussion brought up by you. . India DX Net operating schedule... Frequency: 28.455 MHz (10m band) Net Time: 11:30 UTC onwards Net Days: Tuesday and Thursday Platform: HamSphere 3.0 (with sessions on HamSphere 4.0) Hoping to meet you all soon... 73, de VU2NSB (Basu) - Net Control Operator Master DXer Awards ![]() ![]() This is an annual award that is issued to top scoring DX operators after every calendar year as per rules. The eligibility for this award will start from 1st January of the year and will be open for points accrual till 31st December of each year. We'd like to congratulate the following operators for achieving the MasterDXer award 2017. LW6DC, Nestor RA9CUH, Alex, VU2RVE, Ravi 6HS773, Luz Mery PU2MNQ, Miguel More info: https://hs4.hamsphere.com/masterdx Contests on HS 3 Here are the results from the HamSphere "Christmas Contest 2017" that was held 2017-12-26 08:30 to 11:00. The results are based on a properly filled out logbook and that power limitation were kept. Congratulations to Angelo, 31HS688 who won this contest with the score of 2016. Well done! We would like to thank all contesters for your participation. Welcome back 26 Dec 2018. Full results here: https://www.hamsphere.com/26_50564_read.html Contests on HS 4 The North American Winter Contest 2017, Dec 16, 2017 Category US/Canada: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42474_read.html Category Europe: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42484_read.html Category Asia: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42494_read.html Category: South America, Central America & Caribbean islands, Africa, Australia & Oceania: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42504_read.html HamSphere 4.0 New Year Contest 2018 , Jan 6, 2018 Results: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42724_read.html HamSphere 4.0 Benelux contest 2018, Jan 20, 2018 Category: Category A, Europe: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42794_read.html Category: Category B, Asia: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42804_read.html Category: Category C, North and South America: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42814_read.html Category: Category D, Africa and Oceania: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42824_read.html HamSphere 4.0 All Asia DX contest 2018, 17 Feb 2018 Group A: Asia: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42934_read.html Group B: Euro: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42944_read.html Group C: North and South America: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42954_read.html Group D: Africa and Oceania: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_42964_read.html Late Night DX Gang European Union Open Championship 2018, 10 Mar 2018 Group A: Asia: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43264_read.html Group B: Europe: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43274_read.html Group C: North America and South America: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43284_read.html Group D: Oceania and Africa: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43294_read.html HamSphere 4.0 Pacific Ocean Contest 2018, 24 Mar 2018 Group A: Europe: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43334_read.html Group B: Asia: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43344_read.html Group C: North and South America: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43354_read.html Group D: Africa and Oceania: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_43364_read.html RDF Contest results ![]() Here are the results of the HamSphere 4.0 RDF contest April 2018. We congratulate the Epsilon team that managed to pinpoint the beacons with the score of 5951 and won this contest. They got 15HS18 within a few hundred yards which is amazing!!! Also team Alpha did a decent result with 3436 and nailed 15HS18 also within a few hundred yards. PI-team still needs a little more practice. Their best performance was 17HS18 within 76 km. HamSphere would like to thank all teams for a well performed contest and we wish you welcome back to the next one. Winning team Epsilon members received the following prizes: Pavel UR5FAI: 50 Euro HS Credits Alexey 50HS6209: 50 Euro HS Credits Andy SP2DNI: 50 Euro HS Credits Graeme VK7KT: 50 Euro HS Credits Fabio PY5ZR: 50 Euro HS Credits Sunil 177HS337: 50 Euro HS Credits ![]() See the RDF contest Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/672109146258046/ Latest Band plan on HamSphere 4.0 ![]() The 4.0 BC Band News The Broadcast 48m band is flourishing on HamSphere 4.0. Many stations around the world are trying out their wings. The 48m band is not a walk in the park. It requires skills to master. Our broadcasters have a small power AMP which enable them to elevate the power to slightly over 1 kilowatt, necessary for the band conditions. We also provide a set of effective BC antennas for the purpose. Here is the active BC band list. If you are interested in joining this broadcasting community, please send us a support message https://www.hamsphere.com/support ![]() Video Tutorials Mike WB7ECW tutorials: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/videos.php?external Download the software Download HamSphere 3.0 for Windows, Linux and Mac Download HamSphere 4.0 for Windows, Linux and Mac Download HamSphere 4.0 for Android Use the Support Ticket System We have a 24-hour support ticket system where you can get support regarding anything about HamSphere. * Changing call signs * Technical problems * Suggestions * General questions, etc. https://www.hamsphere.com/support And remember, always state the HamSphere system (3.0 or 4.0) including operating system and computer model such as Windows, Mac. Linux etc for faster support. You can also attach a screenshot of the issue if you like. Geert 13HS575 HamSphere Support How to Subscribe The HamSphere annual subscription costs 30 Euro, that is about $40 USD and includes all our features even the iPhone and Android apps. It also includes the standard 4.0 transceiver. Click here if you are interested in subscribing to HamSphere and get all features For many years our operators have asked for a Subscription alternative payment to PayPal. Finally we are able to process debit and credit cards directly via a Secure Payment Gateway. ![]() Welcome to the HamSphere online shop ![]() Lost Password / Restore data How do I get a new password? We get this question often. Here are two links to fix this. Click here to get a new password Or Click here to set your own password If it still doesn't work, please contact our support and we will manually give you a new password. Restore your HamSphere 4.0 rig: https://backup.hamsphere.com/restore_rig.php Links to official Facebook groups HamSphere Official 1-8 Net https://www.facebook.com/groups/330564887309180/ Digimodes on HamSphere https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamspheredatamodes/ HamSphere 4.0 - Show Your Rig https://www.facebook.com/groups/148521312150096/ HamSphere Main https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere/ HamSphere 4.0 Main https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere4.0/ HamSphere QSL-cards https://www.facebook.com/groups/1420003911568854/ HamSphere Late Night DX-gang https://www.facebook.com/groups/LateNightDX/ HamSphere SKED - QSO Scheduling https://www.facebook.com/groups/1012951745412722/ HamSphere DJin In The BC Band https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamspheredjininthebcband/ Hamsphere Russian-language radio club https://www.facebook.com/groups/1734563776800249/ HamSphere 4.0 Technical Discussions https://www.facebook.com/groups/1467781153543883/ HamSphere 4.0 Mobile https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.4.0.Mobile/ HamSphere Contest Club (HSCC) https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.Contest.Club/ HamSphere India DX Net https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.IDXnet.HF.radio/ HamSphere on Twitter and Facebook We have now received over 68000 recommendations on Facebook – Thank you FB users. And Thank You to over 9700 followers on Twitter. Super!! Follow HamSphere 4.0 on facebook There is so much information on all of our Facebook Groups to help you with queries and please, any questions just ask away, someone will be around to help with any questions that are asked. If you haven't joined any of our Facebook groups, do a search for "HamSphere" and you will find them and click on join to become a member. ![]() ![]() And our Facebook group Thank you for your interest and your continued Support. Kelly 5B4AIT HamSphere Founder |
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