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5B4AIT HamSphere Newsletter June 2020 2020-06-01 07:15	Admin Registered: 14 years ago Posts: 1,061

Spring / Summer Newsletter 2020 Welcome to the Spring / Summer edition of the HamSphere Newsletter 2020. Who knew what was going to happen in the world after we released the last Newsletter. But here we are 6 months later and the world is experiencing the worst crisis in a very long time: The Corona virus Covid-19 pandemic. But we have managed to collect the latest news and updates in our isolation and solitude. We wish you a good reading and...Stay safe everyone! 73 Kelly Lindman SM7NHC / 5B4AIT Founder HamSphere The Quarantine effect During this Covid-19 pandemic our servers have been working flat out. So many people stay in their homes in quarantine and use their computers and internet. In April we were using almost 80% of the the server capacity for HamSphere 3.0 and we averaged around 100 concurrent users over most of the 24 hours every day. In addition we got around 200 new users per day across the month which is more than double the normal new user flow. To cope with the demand we upgraded three of our servers. Please stay safe and follow the instructions from the health authorities. Latest from 40m Help Group on HamSphere 3.0 I'm Robert M0RCK and I run the Hamsphere 40m Early Morning Help Group on the frequency of 07.050.00 which is to help old and new stations to familiarise themselves with the system, to teach them the proper radio etiquette and how to use callsigns and Q codes professionally. I teach them how to use the HELP button so they can find the Manual, Code of Conduct, Band Plans, etc. I help them with technical information and also guide them to the Test frequency to check their audio and power to avoid over-deviation or splatter. I teach them how to use the HS3/HS4 Mobile and the HS3/HS4 PC, and any other general information about the HamSphere programme. I try to guide them on their way forward to gaining their amateur radio licence. I'm also there to help amateur radio users to refresh their memories about operating procedures!! I give information about how to pay for subscriptions, how to create and send QSL cards on the HS system, and any other queries that operators may have. I teach them how to operate in a responsible and respectful manner and to respect other operators. I operate on HS4 2m on frequency 145.5000 for operators guidance, information and queries about the system. I also give guidance through the HF operation, where to get modules, how to purchase them and how to use them. The 40m Help Group Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1681612182087104/ HamSphere 3.0 Moderators We are a team working on HamSphere 3.0 making sure the platform is safe and enjoyable. The moderators task is to maintain order and help operators on our entry level system HamSphere 3.0. You will see these moderators marked with an "M" in the cluster. Please do not hesitate to call us when on frequency. 5B4AIT Kelly 13HS575 Geert VU2NSB Basu 29HS132 Tony OZ1HLT Henrik 2HS6697 Wilson ZL3MA Graham SM7NHC Kelly G0MOK Robert VK2PSW Peter VE2QK Jim TI2SSO Sal KS1K Dave KC3AZT Steve VK6DJL Jan M3ARB Andy M0RCK Robert N1CNG Ron New awards on HamSphere 4.0 The Legendary, Vertical and Yagi awards were postponed due to technical reasons and the recent corona virus. But we promise to launch these three awards this summer. HS4 Legendary Antenna Award And as promised, the "Legendary Antennas" award. The criteria for this award is not yet set but will be presented shortly. But to make this award even challenging it will be based on same rules for both stations. No Yagi stacks or massive beams are allowed on either side. This award should reflect the conditions of the era when these antennas were designed, such as in the 1930's or 40's in the early days of Amateur Radio. HS4 Vertical Antenna Award and HS4 Yagi Award In an effort to put some focus on "antenna and propagation skills" we have launched two very interesting awards. The basic setup for a normal HF station is usually a wire, vertical or 3-Element yagi antenna. This is the traditional setup for most Amateur Radio operators. HamSphere 4.0 has provided its operators wit a choice of 3-element yagies and vertical antennas. Like in the Legendary award requirements, both stations must be cooperating using the same antenna flavor such as the 3-element yagis or the vertical antennas. The reason for this is that there should be a fair gain between the antennas. Many operators use the massive Yagi stacks today with tremendous ERP and pin-pointing capabilities, but we want to show that it is possible to make a QSO with these simpler antennas too. To entice RM usage as well as QSOing we will be creating two new awards this summer. The "RM Operator Award" and the "RM Award". Also we have launched two new awards 250 and 300 Country awards. HamSphere contesting Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.Official.Contest.Page/ HamSphere 3.0 4th of July Contest 2020 on HamSphere 3.0 Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. Independence Day is the National Day of the United States Contest starts: 4 July 2020 at 00:00 UTC https://www.hamsphere.com/contest.php?mode=edit&contest_id=402 HamSphere 4.0 Four hour series contest stage 3 You are very welcome to our 3rd stage of HamSphere 4.0 4-hour series contest. This is a big event which will be held during whole year and will consist of 6 stages. You will receive symbolic prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each stages. We spread this contest on all possible bands (excluding BC 48 m) of HS4.0 to make equal conditions to all operators. Next stage will be for another time UTC as well as all next stages. Contest starts: 27 Jun 2020 at 12:00 UTC https://hs40.hamsphere.com/contest.php?mode=edit&contest_id=1184 Summer CW 24 hour HamSphere 4.0 annual official Summer CW contest. Contest starts: 25 July 2020 at 04:00 UTC https://hs40.hamsphere.com/contest.php?mode=edit&contest_id=1174 SSTV 24 hour HamSphere 4.0 annual official SSTV contest. Contest starts: 15 Aug 2020 at 04:00 UTC https://hs40.hamsphere.com/contest.php?mode=edit&contest_id=1224 Four hour series contest stage 4 Welcome to our 4th stage of HamSphere 4.0 four hour series contest. This is a big event held over the whole year and consists of 6 stages. You will receive prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places in each stage. We carry out this contest on all possible bands (excluding BC 48 m) on HS4.0 to make it equal for all operators. Contest starts: 22 Aug 2020 at 16:00 UTC http://hs40.hamsphere.com/contest.php?mode=edit&contest_id=1024 New HamSphere 4.0 Plug-ins We have released a 160m Power Amp using 2 x 3-500Z tubes, 1 Kilowatts. This amp is limited to 160m operation and will improve the RF penetration into DX areas. Combined with the biggest antenna it will provide an ERP of 100 kiloWatts. This unit has been tested in countries near the equator with good results. You can buy it here: https://shop.hamsphere.com/product_info.php?products_id=247315 New HamSphere 4.0 RM Remotes We have run the HamSphere 4.0 Remote for almost two years. The concept is based on remotely controlled transceivers in different parts of the world. These radios can be booked by the hour using your HS Credits and they are all fully fledged transceivers with powerful antennas and plug-ins in good DX locations. It is an excellent opportunity for op erators to experience other locations in the world and try out a real DX machine with massive antennas. These transceivers are available to both Subscribers, DX and Trial Users. New RM additions 281RM1 Chichijima, Ogasawara Islands 252RM1 Clarion Island, Revillagigedo Islands 187RM1 Rusinga Island, KENYA 218RM1 Caye-Caulker Island, BELIZE 165RM1 San Pietro Island, SARDINIA 320RM1 Umwa, BANABA Island 254RM1 Mount ATHOS 36RM1 Cailungo, SAN MARINO 225RM1 Pulau Cermin Island, BRUNEI 270RM1 (Marcus Island), MINAMI TORISHIMA Island 131RM1 Leguan Island, GUYANA 39RM1 Luanda Island, ANGOLA 145RM1 Santa Cruz Island, GALAPAGOS 2RM3 Waterloo, IOWA, USA http://hs40.hamsphere.com/remote You can find the latest RM map at: https://hamsphere.com/rmmap It is good to see so many new Operator Selected Remotes forming providing the HS platform with many new rare DX. I remember when I heard a rare DX station for the first time during the 70's and I had no transceiver but I wanted to reply so eagerly. For me Ham Radio has always been associated with friendship, respect and without judgment. Knowing that you made someone happy on the other side of the world was enough. I always considered it a hobby with love for communication with other human beings around the world. I soon realized that the hobby meant a lot to some people as I was getting tonnes of QSL cards, but unfortunately I did not send a QSL back to everyone due to the tiresome procedures of sending cards back at the time. But after a while I felt that the contact itself meant more than these cards did. So instead of sending all these cards I started replying to all calls instead without hesitation. Today we have electronic QSL cards and it is so easy to send a card to confirm a contact and make somebody happy for the achievement. Keep up the good work and enjoy the hobby. 73 de Kelly SM7NHC / 5B4AIT RM News May 5 we have raised the limit from 50000 to 75000 points award for Remote RM station operation. You can book and activate the RMs here: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/remote Monthly recurring subscription On public demand we now offer monthly recurring subscriptions at €3.99/Month https://hamsphere.com/subscribe HamSphere 3.0 News The Daily Contact Challenge This is an ongoing contest/challenge for operators on HamSphere 3.0. Each challenge segment is set between 18.00 UTC to 18.00 UTC next day. Only unique logged call signs per day are calculated. So no need for band hopping :-) Please note that the unique call signs are only counted daily so working the same station another day is fine. The link is: https://hamsphere.com/challenge HamSphere Free-To-Air DX-List update We have as of 1 May 2020 set the DX-List to 80 countries (subject to change) . You can see the current DX-List here: https://hamsphere.com/dxlist HamSphere OSR update We received some questions about the OSRs such as: Can someone explain the OSR system. How to get one, what are the requirements. Or where can I find information on the OSR. We asked Paul Hart G0THD for an orientation: OSR stands for Operator Selected Remote. It is a full HamSphere station with subscription, and other associated charges, if additional antennas and plugins are purchased. Due to being remote, normally the station would be placed in a different country than that of the Operator. You have not posted your callsign, so at this point I am not sure whether you would be eligible to apply for an OSR. From the Remote application form (in the files section) "Any HS4 operator holding a valid CEPT compatible Amateur Radio license is eligible to establish a Remote (OSR) on HS4 after being vetted by the HS4 Remote Selection Committee (no exceptions)" This means that applications are limited to Full Amateur Radio Licence holders, whose licence class permits them to use a reciprocal callsigns in other countries. HamSphere (HS) callsign holders are not eligible to apply. I hope that helps. 73 de G0THD Where can I find the latest list on exotic OSRs? You can find the latest OSR map at: https://hamsphere.com/osrmap (Courtesy Andy, SP2DNI) How do I apply? Dave KS1K: Please see the remote application in the files section of this group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere4.0 de KS1K Sporadic E Season May/June is usually the best sporadic E season and you can work fantastic short skip stations on the HamSphere 10-11m band. Sporadic E or Es is an unusual form of radio propagation using characteristics of the Earth's ionosphere. Communication distances of 800–2200 km can occur using a single Es cloud. As its name suggests, sporadic E is an abnormal event, but can happen at almost any time; it does, however, display seasonal patterns. Sporadic E activity peaks predictably in the summertime in both hemispheres. In North America, the peak is most noticeable in mid-to-late June, trailing off through July and into August. A much smaller peak is seen around the winter solstice. Activity usually begins in mid-December in the southern hemisphere, with the days immediately ES Map v1.0 provides a LIVE visual representation of Sporadic Es reflection points in the ionospheric E-Layer for 10 and 11m bands. The map shows the latest reported Es clouds over the past hour. Remember to grab the Sporadic E plugin from the shop. It is called ES MAP. https://shop.hamsphere.com/product_info.php?products_id=234604 Luis Soares said: This plugin Works very well, as I hear on real HF. Try to listen 27555 on real and did listen from Canary Island to Netherland. Julio EA1ACS said: One day I tried to explain to my dog what a sporadic was, but he contested me analyzing the difference between "sporadic and walk with the dog", I think he won the battle. Maybe we will eventually have a second canine operator at this station ... hi, hi ... Good sporadics for everyone ...73's Julio EA1ACS. What antenna to buy From Zan Novosel, 9A3ZAN in Croatia we received the following question: Hello to all! I think it's time to buy the first antenna on HS4.0 and I need advice on which multi band antenna to choose. 6 band 5 el quad? Thanks for the suggestions!! 73! 9A3ZAN Here are some of the responses: Emeric, 14HS6026: It's a great choice ! In my opinion, the best multi band antenna. 73 de Steve, G7OQG: That was the first one I bought and still find it one of the best Franck, F0DUW: The G5RV for 5 euros its a very good antenna for Europe and better than the IDC. The log periodique antenna is good because work from 10 to 40 meter but gain on the multiband 5 el quad is better. For low band you have a multiband Optibeam work on 40, 60 and 80 meter. Pete, KW0FRE: That's the multiband antenna I've been thinking about buying for the higher bands. Leon, UA9UCO: Log Periodic 8 bands Dave, KS1K: The age old question, " i need advice which multiband antenna to choose..." Well, the age old answer, which came from W1FB, is " the best antenna is the one that works best for you. You have received some advise, but in the end it is up to you to choose. I believe that the 6-band 5-element quad is a good choice for 20-10 meters, and 5-element yagi for the low bands. DE KS1K John, 26HS8982: I went for a mix - fan yagi up to 20m -cardiode for 30 - 2e yagi for 40 and Dipoles for 60,80 &160 ...They serve me well Garth, VE3HO: Best single antenna 5 band 6 element quad then log periodic after that 5 element yagi for each band. de VE3HO. Gerard, 9HS5057: Single antenna 6 Bands 5 Element Quad for 10 to 20 meters, then 7 element quad for each of the rest bands. You will be one of best dx stations.have fun Paul, G0THD: Having tried 2-el Fan Yagi, Hexbeam, Log periodic, and 6 band 5-el quad, I agree that the 6 band 5-el quad is the best performing multiband antenna de G0THD Graeme, VK7KT: 6 band 5 ele quad has been a great performer for me on the higher bands.. And here is another one from Iain, 26HS5482. I've been a subscriber of Hamsphere for about 3 months now and I have worked over 100 countries which I am more than happy with. I do use the cluster but I always listen and wait my turn behind, I hasten to add, certain stations who knock the cluster but always seem to be there long before I am! I am just operating the basics, Vertical and Fishbone array antennae (spelling) and I would like to know just how much difference would purchasing a yagi or stacked quad? I struggled in the recent competition to pull signals in and get heard. Perhaps we should be able to try before we buy..... Kelly, SM7NHC Hi Iain, you can try many big antennas by renting the RM remote rigs. Rich, G7GLW If you are going to purchase a first antenna then the 6 band 5 ele quad is the one to get, you will find it very effective and great value. The antenna shop can be reached at: https://shop.hamsphere.com Cluster Plucking addiction Overcoming your cluster-plucking addiction by Jack Leahy KW5A /KP1 /KP2 /W3 Okay. You know you need help. All the Graybeards are blaming you for all the world’s problems --from the lack of sunspots to Sinking of the Titanic. But it's not your fault, not really. From the very first time you saw the cluster rolling like a Las Vegas slot machine -- listing all those juicy stations and countries that you need as well -- you were hooked. And it took over your life. First you were tempted to check the scrolling cluster at oh-dark-thirty just to see what obscure Pacific Island atolls our Intrepid Italian explorers have discovered next. Then you began to fantasize about a CAT-6 cable with which could pump the scrolling callsigns right into your arm. Your friends and family knew you were addicted and tried to intervene. But rehabilitation centers are expensive, and anyway, there are long lines. So here are some tips from a non-judgmental old Graybeard to help you overcome your terrible terrible addiction. 1. If you're quite new to the system, invest 10 euros in a waterfall display. You'd be lucky to find a bleeding elephant in a snowstorm using the standard frequency display! The waterfall helps you to find those tiny little teardrops which indicate that a desirable station may be on a specific frequency. Rotate your antenna until you identify the signal and, most importantly, find the best azimuth to his QTH. Then wait. 2. While many operators invest in the Scanning module, this is by no means necessary. Just listen for the sounds of a pileup! In fact, most experienced operators follow the pileups, and not the DX cluster. 3. After you have identified the target station, listen again for a few minutes to see how he's operating. Is he listening on his transmitting frequency? Many experienced operators operate split frequency, and if you don't know how to do that, well, now is a perfect time to learn. It's really quite easy. 4. Finally, when you feel comfortable and the operator has called QRZ, send your call sign ONCE. Speak slowly; don't be overcome by excitement, use standard international phonetics and especially pronounce any numerals in your call sign as clearly as you can. 5. Avoid the temptation to repeat your call-sign ad infinitum. The only thing you will manage to do is to irritate the station whom you are targeting. That’s never a good idea. If your target is working another station,by definition that means that he can hear him even if you cannot. Be silent and wait your turn and everything will go much smoother. 6. As many other graybeards have written in this forum, listening is the key. And don't bother the target station with extraneous information. If he wants to know your particulars, he will ask you. RM stations,in particular, are always watching the clock, and are particularly time-sensitive. Many OSR's have a thorough knowledge of their adopted QTH and can bend your ear if their remote has evolved from WOW! TO “Ah, it' just him again”.Get in, Get heard, and then Get Out of Dodge is a perfectly good strategy. 7. Be sure that all your data are correct before you send your QSL card. Most rare stations are quite good at returning cards, but it makes life a lot easier if the data on your card matches exactly what happened in terms of date, time and frequency. And please don't bug the operator about your missing QSL card. A simple IM indicating that the card is now several days overdue is all that's necessary. And if for some reason you’re not in his log, just sigh and vow to catch him another time. It is a hobby after all. if you follow these tips, you'll soon forget how the DX cluster works. And the next time one of we graybeards complain about cluster plucking (incidentally the ‘P’ in Plucker is pronounced like the ‘Ph’ in Pharmacy!), you can just sit and laugh and thank the heavens that you finally kicked your addiction. 73, good luck and good DX from Jack KW5A /KP1 /KP2 /W3 and more still to come! 30m band on HamSphere 3.0 By FO4ON Jean-Marie and SM7NHC Kelly. Last night I, FO4ON was on the 30 meter frequency band with HS.3.0 to do SSTV tests via the SSTV repeater to check my transmission quality based on the image feedback transmitted by the repeater. This repeater belongs to Robert Cavalaire 14HS5569. I had not used the SSTV repeater for a long time, but unfortunately my operation was interrupted by CQ calls in voice mode to my call sign. The calling kept on relentlessly despite my SSTV signal transmission with the repeater. It would have been necessary that I intervene in speech and helped by the administrator to be heard reason of the thing. From my feeling this is categorically translated by a form of LACK OF RESPECT for AMATEUR RADIO USES. Please read "The true Ham Radio spirit". Follow this link: http://www.hamsphere.com/5_5662_read.html The 30-meter band has been exclusive to digital or digital transmissions, but several Operators ignored this rule out of ignorance or through improper use of the contact rules which consists of “LISTEN” and check before launching a hypothetical CQ to a station already very busy and concerned about its tests. So now we 73's of FO4ON. Comment from Kelly SM7NHC: We have recently enabled voice mode on the 30m band for HamSphere 3.0 and it is important that all voice users respect the Digital Mode operators on the band. Please DO NOT call stations on voice if they are operating Digi Modes. Thank you. The Ham Radio log book The Amateur Radio contact between two stations is called a QSO. The QSO is a contact between two different physical operators. The Ham Radio log book should reflect contacts with other physical operators. On HamSphere we do not allow 2nd operators nor do we accept self-logging procedures and it is important that the log book is kept according to the Ham Radio standards. In order to help operators on the system we have now put in reminding and protective measures in the HS4 log book. We have also removed some incorrect log book entries in order to keep the log books up to standards. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. The Ham Radio license There have been many newly licensed operators on the system recently. Congratulations to those who have obtained an amateur radio call sign and we wish the best of luck to those who are studying for their ham call. We strongly encourage our users to get their own Ham Radio ticket as that is the purpose of HamSphere - to spread the Ham Radio spirit. To obtain or upgrade a ham radio license, you must attend an exam session administered by a Volunteer Examiner (VE) team. The good news is that most people don't have to travel far. In fact, some VE teams will administer your ham radio exam online. Over the years we have upgraded many operators from using HS call signs to licensed call signs. It may have been that they started with a HS call sign and later got licensed or that they reactivated an expired license. Here is a example list of call signs we have converted from HS call signs. HamSphere 4.0 Linux Many operators have asked for a 64 bit Linux version of the HamSphere 4.0. We have now created such version and it works well in for example Linux Mint. http://hs40.hamsphere.com/download HamSphere contests results HamSphere 3.0 HamSphere 3.0 Christmas Contest 2019 Here are the results from the HamSphere "Christmas Contest" 2019 that was held 2019-12-26 08:30 to 11:00. The results are based on a properly filled out logbook and that power limitation were kept. We had a total of 28 participants this year. Congratulations to Angelo, 31HS688 who won this contest with the score of 966. Well done! https://www.hamsphere.com/26_55172_read.html HamSphere 4.0 Here are the results of the "Latin America & Caribbean 24 hour" that was held 11 Apr 2020. Congratulations all winners! AND A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL CONTESTERS. Group A: Asia http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47935_read.html Group B: Europe http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47945_read.html Group C: North America http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47955_read.html Group D: Africa and Oceania http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47965_read.html Group E: Latin America and Caribbean http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47975_read.html Here are the results of the "HamSphere 4.0 European 24 hour 2020" held 7 Mar. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS AND THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPANTS! Group A: Asia http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47614_read.html Group B: Europe http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47624_read.html Group C: North America http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47634_read.html Group D: South America http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47644_read.html Group E: Africa http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47654_read.html Group F: Oceania / Antarctica http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47664_read.html Here are the results of the "HamSphere 4.0 All Asia DX contest 2020" that was held 15 Feb 2020. CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS AND THANK YOU TO ALL PARTICIPANTS! Category A, Asia: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47484_read.html Category B, Europe: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47494_read.html Category C, North America: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47504_read.html Category D, South America: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47514_read.html Category E, Africa: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47524_read.html Category F, Oceania: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47534_read.html Here are the results from the "HamSphere 4.0 four hour series contest 2020 stage 1" that was held 1 Feb 2020. 4 Hour Contests calendar: Stage 1: 1 Feb 2020 Completed Stage 2: 25 Apr 2020 Upcoming Stage 3: 27 Jun 2020 Upcoming Stage 4: 22 Aug 2020 Upcoming Results: HamSphere 4.0 four hour series contest 2020 stage 1 http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47474_read.html Here are the results from the "HamSphere 4 New Year Contest 2020" that was held 2020-01-25 over 24 hours. http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47464_read.html Here are the results of the HamSphere 4.0 Winter CW Contest 2019 that was held 28 Dec 2019. The results are based on a properly filled out logbook. We had a total of 65 participants which is 24 more participants than 2018. Congratulations to Andy, SP2DNI with the score of 23430. Well done indeed! Andy managed to complete 165 valid CW QSO's and 141 multipliers and wins the prize of 30 Euro HS Credits. Congratulations! In second place came Bruno, HB9BHS with the score of 10944. Well done! Bruno managed to complete 114 valid CW QSOs and 95 multipliers and wins the prize of 20 Euro HS Credits. Congratulations! In third place came Igor, UA9UCO who won with the score of 9328. Good work! Igor managed to complete 106 valid CW QSO's and 87 multipliers and wins the prize of 10 Euro HS Credits. Congratulations! Thank you to all CW participants! http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47114_read.html Results: "HamSphere 4.0 The North American Winter Contest 2019" Congratulations to the winners! A big Thank you to all participating contesters! Category: A, Asia http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47064_read.html Category: B, Europe http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47074_read.html Category: C, North America http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47084_read.html Category: D, South America http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47094_read.html Category: E, Africa and Oceania http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47104_read.html Here are the results from the "HamSphere 4.0 The North American Winter Contest 2019". Category: A, Asia Contest held: 2019-12-14 00:00 Congratulations to Alex, RA9CUH who won this category and receives a prize of 30 HS Credits Congratulations to Leon, 4Z5DW who came Here we finally have the final scores for the HS4 4-hour contes 2019. Due to a calculation bug we had to revert the results presented earlier. These are the correct results. Congratulations to all winners and a big Thank you to all participants. HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group A http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_46984_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group B http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_46994_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group C http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47004_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group D http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47014_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group E http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47024_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 Four Hour contest 2019 Group F http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_47034_read.html?update=1 HamSphere 4.0 RDF Spring Contest Unfortunately we only had one team participating (ALPHA). Results as below: http://hs40.hamsphere.com/64_48255_read.html Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.RDF.Contest/ HamSphere 4.0 Show your rig The HamSphere 4.0 software transceiver is fully modular and configurable. The size of the radio is basically limited to your desktop size. Below you see a massive transceiver built by Hans, 19HS291 in the Netherlands. HamSphere 4.0 comes with a standard transceiver which can be changed into any state or form. It is like building LEGO with modules called plug-ins. You can see the variety of plug-in in the HS4 Web Shop https://shop.hamsphere.com We also have a special Facebook group called HamSphere 4.0 Show your Rig. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/148521312150096 HamSphere 4.0 Mobile News 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 The HS 4.0 mobile app is taking off. Currently we have over 500 users competing in the awards section. It was released in November 5, 2017 and now has 100,000+ installs. The app has a similar modular design as the PC version, although the plug-ins are very different. These plug-ins are available at: https://mobishop.hamsphere.com Take a look at the Mobile top-list: https://hs40.hamsphere.com/mobile DXpedition Reports and Special Event Stations By Wayne 9HS4755 Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the DXpeditions have been put on hold. The Facebook DXpedition group is temporarily disabled. We are sorry about this. The HamSphere Essex DX-Group A new DX Group has started on HamSphere 3.0 on 50.12345 kHz Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.Essex.Dx.Group/ For those who are willing to join the THE ESSEX DX GROUP You need to send an e-mail to essexdxgroup@gmail.com in 'order to receive your membership member, & Personal QSL Card. NOTE: There will be NO preferences given to receiving a Member Number The numbers will be given in the order, that your e-mails are received. So send an e-mail to essexdxgroup@gmail.com Along with your 1. Name. 2. Callsign. 3. AND YOU’RE E-MAIL Address Your personal QSL Card and membership number will be sent to you via the e-mail your submit. if you would like a picture of yourself on the QSL card, You must send a passport size picture, Along With Permission for us to use your picture on the card. Please allow 2 to 3 days of us receiving your request, to issue membership numbers and QSL cards. Don't forget to send us your Name, and Callsign, & E-mail address to essexdxgroup@gmail.com North America Rag Chew Net By Wayne 9HS4755 The HamSphere North America Rag Chew (N.A.R.C.) net is making a move, the net will meet on Frequency 434.500 commencing on the 27th of May - we will remain on this frequency until the Fall when we will revert to using 40 Meters - 07.0303 for Check In and contact and then 434.500 for Round Table and discussion. Your N.A.R.C. team is working to improve the net and keep it interesting for all. The HamSphere North American 40 Meter Rag Chew Net meets weekly on Wednesday and Saturday at 01:00 UTC. For the summer period the net has been meeting on the 2 Meter Band but as of the 27th of May we are now meeting on 70CM at 434.5. Reason assigned for the move was the quietude of the repeater on 434.5 (Plant City, Florida) The Team that makes up the Hamsphere North America Rag Chew Net, is 9HS4755 – Wayne, Net Manager and Wednesday session Net control; NA1NA – Dan, Saturday Session, Net Control, VA7FT – Tim, Assistant Net Control, KI7WZB – Jim, Assistant Net control, 2HS1189 – Rik, Net Logger, KS1K – Dave, Net Advisor, and 2HS6874 – Rob, Net Advisor. The N.A.R.C. net averages between 16 and 20 HamSphere operator check ins per net and the subjects under discussion have been wide and varied. We have check ins from as far away as Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and Australia, and some regulars from the United Kingston and Finland. We encourage HamSphere operators to come to the net if they are new to the system or are seasoned HS operators…and we actively promote the asking of questions. The net has had presentations and talks on everything from VOCAP and it’s use, to “what are all those little buttons for” to someone having issues with the Microphone recorder. Lots of Ham Trivia and general trivia questions as well. It is a discussion net and we invite all to come and take an active part in the net. The HamSphere North America Rag Chew Net will be on the 70CM band until the fall, November, when we will go back to having the check in and contacts on 40 meters (07.030) and then move to 434.5 for the discussion and round table. Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/northamerica40meternet/ The HamSphere North America Rag Chew Net met on Wednesday 27th May on Frequency 434.500 at 01:00 UTC with 15 HamSphere Operators checked in: 9HS4755 - WAYNE (ON) NET CONTROL 2HS1189 - RIK (IN) NET LOGGER M6INJ - PETE (UK) VA7FT - TIM (BC) ASSISTANT NET CONTROL NA1NA - DAN (MN) NC AT WORK M7GLN - GLENN (UK) KS1K - DAVE (FL) NET ADVISOR 2HS1980 - SUNIL (CA) 2HS2265 - JOE (MN) 2HS6874 - ROB (FL) KI7WZB - JIM (WA) ASSISTANT NET CONTROL 9HS6329 - GLEN (ON) VE3HO - GARTH (ON) 9HS3639 - GEORGE (0N) KB2OFZ - DAVE (MD) Fifteen Operators checked in makes for a good net. This session M7GLN asked two questions: When is it proper to use 73 and is it plural 73s or singular 73, and What does the term 51 mean This generated some great discussion and also the Net Control 9HS4755 spoke of the fix for his issue with the Microphone recorder and how well it produced the preamble to the net. The next session of this net will be on Wednesday May 30th at 01:00 UTC on Freq 434.500 for Check In and Round Table or Discussion with Net Control will be Jim KI7WZB and 2HS1189 Rik as Net Logger, do join them. For comments or questions please email: hs40meterragchew@gmail.com de 9HS4755 Go Forth and Work Split. The HamSphere North America Rag Chew Net met on Saturday the 23rd of May on Frequency 145.300 at 01:00 UTC with 12 Operators Checked in: KI7WZB - Jim (WA) Net Control 2HS1189 - Rik (IN) Net Logger 9HS4755 - Wayne (ON) Net Manager VA7FT/CYO - Tim (Sable Island) Assistant Net Control M6INJ - Pete (UK) TG/WW6DX - Mike (Guatemala) MJ7GLN - Glen (Maitress Ile) 2HS6874 - Rob (FL) 9HS3639 - George (ON) NA1NA - Dan (MN)Listen only Net Control Sat Session KS1K - Dave (FL) Net Adviser 4S7DA - Denver (LK) Thirteen check ins..good number - Dave KS1K asked a question and said that mankind has always been drawn to be near water. There are four seas that are on the Russian Coast starting with the letter "B" - can you name them. At the end he gave Barents, Black, Baltic, and Bering. Dave, also talked about the Starling Satellites and Ballons along the equator that provide internet access. The Net Manager announced that the HamSphere North American Rag Chew net would be moving to 70CM to Freq 434.500 and this would take effect on the Wednesday 27th May commencing at your usual time of 01:00 UTC. The next session of this net will be on Wednesday May 27th at 01:00 UTC on Freq 434.500 for Check In and Round Table or Discussion with Net Control will be Wayne 9HS4755 and 2HS1189 Rik as Net Logger, do join them. For comments or questions please email: hs40meterragchew@gmail.com de 9HS4755 Go Forth and Work Split. Wayne A 9HS4755, Net Manager The HamSphere Late Night DX Gang Since the 9th of May 2015 (22.00 UTC) Georg ON8AIR created a new crew on HamSphere 4 (with permission of Kelly Lindman SM7NHC).Target of the group: generate more activity on HS4 The Late Night DX Group is one of the oldest clubs on HamSphere with both official awards and DX contests. Have you worked 50 Countries or are you close to working 50 Countries why not join the Late Night DX Group? The official Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphereLateNightDX/ India DX Net India DX Net (a.k.a IDX Net or IDXN) is into its 8th year of operation on HamSphere. It is primarily a discussion net with a global reach. Not only is the net regarded as a source of authentic information pertaining to HamSphere, it also regularly dwells into topics related to HF Radio Propagation, Antennas, Operating practices, Ethics, HF Transceivers, Station equipment setup and various other matters related to Ham Radio. Our strength stems from the vast pool of knowledge-base and collective wisdom of participating operators. Although the topics discussed on IDX Net are more relevant to HF radio and HamSphere 4.0, we have consciously chosen to run our net mostly on HamSphere 3.0 and occasionally on HamSphere 4.0. This is a deliberate decision since we believe that new operators prefer to start on HS3 to get a better understanding of HF radio before venturing into HamSphere 4.0. Hence we consider it to be our obligation to the HamSphere community to maintain our presence on HS3. To further bridge the information gap and to assist operators to leverage the fascinating art and science of HF propagation, antenna selection, and usage, IDX Net runs a special Facebook group which is dedicated to these topics. Those who have not joined "HamSphere IDX Net - HF Radio" Facebook group so far and wish to do so may click on the following group URL to join.. https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.IDXnet.HF.radio/ IDX Net also offers a very special official HamSphere award. This award is one of its kind with the unique requirement of consistant participation on both the HS3 and HS4 platform. The "HamSphere IDX Net Dual platform Award" is not a regular run-of-the-mill award, and it is crtainly not meant for the faint-hearted. Checkout the details on the HamSphere website awards page and then decide if you have the grit and the mettle to go for it. IDX Net is a world-wide net. All operators from anywhere in the world are welcome to join us. Please check our operating time and frequency below. Come and join us regularly for on-air live discussions. India DX Net operating schedule... Frequency: 28.455 MHz (10m band) Net Time: 12:00 UTC onwards on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Platform: HamSphere 3.0 (with on-demand sessions on HamSphere 4.0) Net Control Operator: VU2NSB (Basu) HamSphere 80 meter award net By Larry Roop, N8RGO The HamSphere 80 meter award net meets 1 time during the week on 3.750 at 0100 UTC Mondays. The primary goal of the net is to bring radio operators and states together to achieve their 80 meter award. We encourage all states to come into the net and participate, the more states we have into our net the easier it will be for new members and even some older members to achieve their 80 meter award quicker. Technically we are a contact net where you exchange signal reports and then exchange QSL Cards for the contact to count on a one on one bases. If our list of checkins in the net are around 15 or less we do have some time that we can spare for general rag-chew, but again it just depends on the amount of checkins. Durning the Spring and Summer months like we are in now attendance is down and we do not get near the states that we may get during the Fall and Winter months. We maintain a fairly regular group of people and that is fine but as stated we would love to have new members and especially new states check in. To our DX friends please be aware that conditions are much harder during this time of the year and it is much harder for many stateside stations to reach you. We can only do our best with the antennas that we have and the conditions we have to work with at the time of the net. We know that you guys want to acheive your 80 meter award just as bad as many of us do over here and if we can make that happen we will, patience is the key. If it does not happen during the net maybe something can be worked out for a contact at a later time or date. Please don't hesitate to get a hold of me on facebook and let me know certain states you would like to get a hold of if I know a person in that state I can try and make contact with that person and set something up. Previously on the net Tonight's HamSphere 80 meter award net 05/25/2020 was started at 01:00 UTC on frequency 3.750, the following 5 stations checked in. 2HS1189/IN, KA9V/IL, 2RM3/IA K4DPC/NC, and N8RGO/OH your net control operator. Tonight's net consisted of 5 checkins, and we thank all who did check in. We did have KJ4BET key down but no copy on him at all. Also we had AL7EN Russ in AK but no contact on him as well. And we had F5JFT over in France but no copy on him also. I want to thank Mike WW6DX for running a remote station 2RM3 in the state of Iowa, there was quite a bit of latency going on with Mike but still he was able to make 3 contacts and got QSL cards exchanged, thanks Mike. Remember we have a FB group labeled the HamSphere 80 meter award net, please check it out and if you are not a member send us a request to join and we will get you approved as quickly as we can. We closed the net at 0140 UTC Always keep in mind to check into as many nets as you can. As always have a great rest of the week ahead. 73 N8RGO. https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere80meterawardnet/ HamSphere 80 meter Early Birds 7:00 AM EDT/ 1000 UTC (or so) WAKE UP AND SMELL THE COFFEE NET FOR NORTH AMERICAN HAMSPHERE OPERATORS. 3.760.00 MHZ on HamSphere 4 (c) Please join our Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1531293857091569/ The new 50 Plus club Welcome to the old/new HamSphere 50 Plus Club. This group is devoted to all HamSphere 3 and 4.0 users with an age of 50+Welcome to the old/new HamSphere 50 Plus Club. This group is devoted to all HamSphere 3 and 4.0 users with an age of 50+ The purpose of this club is to share fun Ham Radio experiences on the HamSphere 3.0 and 4.0 system. The original concept was to have activities on HamSphere 3.0 but in this refurbished Club we will extend it to have activities on 4.0 too to show the concept of Shortwave propagation. In the near future we will have MEET EN GREET on Frequency runned by Leo or Nico on both HS3 and HS4 The Club will continue with Leo PA0CVE as captain with some help from Kelly SM7NHC and Nico 16HS1033 Now 244 members Facebook page Members (1 June 2020) 159 members (1 June 2020) https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.50.Plus.Club/ Time to listen! By Dave Bristol KS1K Attention Hamsphere operators. A situation exists and continues where operators are sending QSL cards to stations and OSR that they have never had a contact with. Some also send PM asking for cards. Operators must learn to follow correct procedures when these DX stations are operating. OSR and RM activations are done and paid for everyones benefit. Many of us who operate these stations will go off the air (QRT) if bad operators continue to call spots without hearing the station and do not listen when they can hear the station. It is not right to send a QSL card to a station that you have not had contact with or to ask a station for a QSL for a non existant contact. Please cooperate and do not cause chaos on the bands and continue to exhibit bad operating manners. These tips may help; 1. Listen, listen, listen. A good DX station will tell you what he wants. If he is giving directional calls, i.e. CQ North America, do not call if you are not in North America. 2. Do not give the DX stations callsign. He knows it very well. 3. Do not give the DX station any unnecessary information. If he wants your weather or other things he will ask for them. 4. Keep the contact short. Confirm his report to you and give your report short and sweet. 5. Be respectful of others who are awaiting a contact. 6 When calling you only need to give your callsign. No need to give your location and say that you are standing by. 7. Keep it simple. 1. Listen, listen, listen. A good DX station will tell you what he wants. If he is giving directional calls, i.e. CQ North America, do not call if you are not in North America. 2. Do not give the DX stations callsign. He knows it very well. 3. Do not give the DX station any unnecessary information. If he wants your weather or other things he will ask for them. 4. Keep the contact short. Confirm his report to you and give your report short and sweet. 5. Be respectful of others who are awaiting a contact. 6 When calling you only need to give your callsign. No need to give your location and say that you are standing by. 7. Keep it simple. HamSphere is very important to me. From the very beginning of HamSphere 4 beta test through the present day I have endeavored to share operating tips and ideas, including my DX tips: Dave's notes for working DX pileups. 1. Listen, listen, listen. A good DX station will tell you what he wants. If he is giving directional calls, i.e. CQ North America, do not call if you are not in North America. 2. Do not give the DX stations callsign. He knows it very well. 3. Do not give the DX station any unnecessary information. If he wants your weather or other things he will ask for them. 4. Keep the contact short. Confirm his report to you and give your report short and sweet. 5. Be respectful of others who are awaiting a contact. 6 When calling you only need to give your callsign. No need to give your location and say that you are standing by. 7. Keep it simple. If the DX station is working split -- which you will know if you listen, listen, listen -- be sure not call on his transmit frequency. From this point forward I will operate KS1K, PJ4/KS1K, VP9/KS1K and 8P/KS1K in the following manner. A. Will operate with spot off and only answer CQ calls. B. If stations come onto the frequency with their spot on and not in the QSO. I will announce that I am changing frequency. (QSY) C. If any station, at any time, interrupts an ongoing QSO I will again announce that I am changing frequency. (QSY), if deliberate or continued bad operating happens I will shut down. (QRT) Hamsphere 4 is a wonderful simulation of Amateur Radio. Some operators are treating it as Gamesphere rather than Hamsphere. Let's all work together to make it a peaceful and pleasureful for all. DE KS1K Latest Band plan for HamSphere 4.0 The 4.0 BC Band News Radio Elvira is active at HamSphere 4 since December 2015 and our team is still happy to be a part of the great hamSphere 4 “flightsimulator for radio hobbyists”. Since march 2020 our station got also a license for the mediumwave, it is a Low Power license that gives us permission to broadcast at a power of 1 watt PEP. It is fun to operate on shortwave and mediumwave at the same time, lot of reactions and it is also a good promotion for HamSphere4. You can listen to our station every regular Sunday from 05:00 – 22:00 at 6240- & 1485 KHZ plus at some special events. Between the half of July and half of August our team takes a Summerbreak to get a bit tanned . Our programming is simular to the ones on the formal offshore radiostations that were anchored at the high seas during the period 1960 – 1991. One important thing, you get a return QSL card after you sent one to us but sometimes it can take 1 day before we send them, be so kind not to remove a by you sent QSL card because you did not get a returncard fast enough. Greetings, Ines, Chris, Peter, Christian, PJ, Brigitte, Kelly van Hoorde (our mascotte), Bob, Dick, Annelies and the captain (me and myself) Here is the latest BC band plan as of 23 Oct 2019. Blankenberge Meet and Greet 1st International HamSphere/Hamradio Meet And Greet in Belgium-18 and 19 Sept-2021 After a long search we finaly found a suitable place to hold our Meet and Greet gathering in September 2021.. The hall will be located in Belgium/Blankenberge..8370-Kerkstraat 66 http://zaalforumblankenberge.be/ Hall has a capacety for 185 persons...Let's see how many we come up with... Hope to see a lot of you ... if you are interested to come you can give me a mail to confirm at.. Email adress: nicosan001@gmail.com The Meet and Greet 2021 Team...?? Edit or delete this Zaal FORUM - Blankenberge ZAALFORUMBLANKENBERGE.BE Zaal FORUM - Blankenberge 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. http://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 News from HamSphere 4.0 Web shop Check out the new Plug-ins/Antennas here!!! How to Subscribe The HamSphere annual subscription costs 30 Euro (plus VAT in EU), 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. More on http://www.hamsphere.com/subscribe 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: http://backup.hamsphere.com/restore_rig.php Links to official Facebook groups HamSphere Main https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere/ HamSphere 4.0 Main https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamsphere4.0/ Digimodes on HamSphere https://www.facebook.com/groups/hamspheredatamodes/ HamSphere 4.0 - Show Your Rig https://www.facebook.com/groups/148521312150096/ HamSphere QSL-cards https://www.facebook.com/groups/1420003911568854/ HamSphere Late Night DX-gang https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphereLateNightDX/ HamSphere SKED - QSO Scheduling https://www.facebook.com/groups/1012951745412722/ HamSphere 4.0 Broadcasters https://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.Broadcasters 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 CW Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/1399207190331834/ HamSphere Training Grouphttps://www.facebook.com/groups/HamSphere.Training Everything your wanted to know about Ham Radio HamSphere on Twitter and Facebook We have now received over 70000 recommendations on Facebook – Thank you FB users. And Thank You to almost 10000 followers on Twitter. Super!! Follow HamSphere 4.0 on facebook Follow HamSphere on Twitter 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 cont
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