K6AMS Ham Adventures

Echolink for Mac

2009-12-10T07:58:00.000-08:00

Great information for anyone wishing to access our repeater network with a Mac Computer. Visit the following website and download the free Echomac Software now!

http://echomac.sourceforge.net/

It took me literally about 60 seconds to install it and then 60 more seconds to connect for the very first time. No issues with my wireless router either. This same process took me HOURS on my old PC.

I will never go back to PC :)

73s
Aaron

Labor Day Family Activity - Climb the Tower!

2009-09-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful time teaching our kids how to climb our new 70' Amateur Radio Tower. They did great!

View From Eagle Tower

2009-09-10T21:15:00.000-07:00

This Labor Day we decided to teach the family how to safely climb our radio tower. This way the mystery and desire most importantly of our 7 yr old would be answered. Now he knows what gear is required and how to do it safely.

The view is great!

Aaron

Out on a limb!

2009-04-25T13:52:00.001-07:00

Had a fun morning by freezing my fingers on a frozen tower. It was really windy, cold and Icy today.

Working on Keller Peak in Deep Snow.

2009-03-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

I spent the morning helping SCIRA, Inc. install their repeater system back on Keller Peak. I had a real blast combining my favorite hobbies, climbing, ATV riding, and Ham radio. For pictures and more on this adventure see the SCIRA, Inc. Blog. We had 3-4 feet deep snow to drive through and 15 degree temperatures in the morning.

Aaron

Still trying to get the CHARACTER SPACE out of my vehicle registration!

2009-03-03T12:32:00.000-08:00

All I want is my registration to be "K6AMS" instead of "K6 AMS". I'm amazed at how ridiculous this process is. No wonder the State of California is in such trouble. I finally got through to an operator that stated I needed to now fill out a "Statement of Facts" form and mail it in.

How hard is it for them to use their little key boards and hit delete!!!!

I've been working on this for almost two years now.

Aaron

Keller Peak Road Snowed In

2009-02-25T14:52:00.001-08:00

I tried to reach our repeater site at the top of Keller Peak Road in
the San Bernardino Mountains today. No luck! The snow was just to
deep and soft for my 4x4.

I'll have to try another day. I need to get up there to see about
installing our 220 system next.

73s
Aaron, K6AMS

Repeater Repairs

2009-01-10T12:00:00.000-08:00

Spent a good portion of the day working with my friend Joe on our repeater system. I'm trying to sponge up all I can. It's kind of hard not having a Tech background. Everything is new.

73s
Aaron

Pearl Harbor Day Sunday, 7 Dec 1941

2008-12-07T09:53:00.001-08:00

This year Pearl Harbor Day falls on a Sunday just like it did many
years ago. I'm amazed how many people have forgotten all about this.
Just like September 11th, we must never forget!!

Aaron

Sent from my iPhone.

Visit my Blog! www.k6ams.com

ICE-300 Unified Command Training

2008-12-07T08:04:00.000-08:00

I am half way through this class. The training information is
excellent. I recommend it to anyone wishing to be more prepared for a
disaster.

73s
Aaron

Golden Guardian 2008

2008-11-18T05:34:00.001-08:00

We had an excellent time volunteering at the San Bernardino County EOC this November 13 & 14. It was a great opportunity for us to practice our emergency radio traffic skills and to make many new friends.

This exercise simulated a 7.8 earthquake on the San Andres fault line here in Southern California. Our traffic consisted of relaying vital hospital communications, relief supplies and yes the delivery of two semi loads of Tripe and Chitlins. Oh yes don't forget the Tabasco sauce. (Just for fun) :)

Snow Peak Repeater Site

2008-09-14T19:29:00.000-07:00

The Snow Peak Repeater Site will serve as a link for the LDS Church members who live in Twenty-nine Palms, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, etc. to the Colton, CA Bishops Storehouse. The repeater once completed will allow radio operators to transmit vital emergency information during a disaster. It has been a great adventure helping with this very important project.

Snow Peak is an 8,000 ft. peak that sits between San Gorgonio and San Jacinto Peaks in Southern California.

Thank you to those who have made this site and others available for the use of the LDS Church and SCIRA, Inc. SCIRA, Inc. was organized to support the Priesthood leadership of the LDS Church and particularly the Colton Bishops Storehouse. To support and or join SCIRA, Inc. please visit www.scira.net. We need your help!!! All of this takes a lot of time and funds to accomplish. 73s Aaron

Back to Mt. Baldy

2008-07-25T06:49:00.000-07:00

This trip we took the whole family and our friends family. We wanted to bost about the little guys that made it all the way to the top. Congratulations Braden (6), Justine (9), and Lance (6)!! These guys did what a lot of adults can't even do. They are really happy kids.

73s

Kern River Trip

2008-06-25T06:30:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful trip to the Kern River. Took the HT and the mobile unit. Were able to successfully send and receive APRS messages the whole way. Excellent Fishing too!

San Gorgonio Summit

2008-06-14T06:43:00.000-07:00

Bagged another peak. This time we took my Aunt Vernie with us. Lots of snow on the mountain this year. We had the best trip. Transmitted with my HT from the top too! Elevation 11,501 ft. above sea level.

Mt. Baldy Summit!

2008-05-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

We decided to take an adventure this year for our 18th wedding anniversary. So we hiked to the summit of Mt. Baldy, CA. Elevation 10,064 ft. above sea level. We had a wonderful time. Excellent views. One of my favorite hikes this season. 73s

A Day at the Tower

2008-04-19T13:38:00.000-07:00

Kind of like traveling in space.

Pretty High! But Fun.

Light wind. On top of the world.

The Crew. . .

Getting the SPACE out of my plates.

2008-02-07T09:16:00.000-08:00

Today is a new day. I decided to try yet again to get the SPACE out of my plates. It is my understanding that the CA DMV has reversed its decision to insert a space in Amateur Radio License Plates.

So I'm going to give it a try one more time. I hope it works this time. Thankfully, my local DMV manager is allowing me to mail another form to her rather than travel yet again into the office. I've already been in 4 times. That's not easy either, due to the fact that its a 45 minute drive each way plus an hour + at each visit.

I'll report back soon I hope.

73s
Aaron

Sobe Bomb - Mojave Desert Trip

2008-01-19T19:24:00.000-08:00

We took some time off to get away from the cold snow and warm up by the fire!

Kids don't try this at home ever!!

California DMV - Amateur Radio Plates - No Space Issue

2008-01-18T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ham radio operators beware if you plan on ordering new license plates with your call sign. The California Department of Motor Vehicles will add a "space" following the "6" in your call sign. Don't even bother trying to get them to change. They have no intentions to do so.

I have wasted so much time trying to them to remove the space from mine. The staff at your local DMV probably won't know anything about the issue either and won't be able to tell you upfront when you file the paperwork.

I wish that California would adopt what other states have done and put a graphic on the plates to clearly indicate that they are amateur radio plates. This way no confusion will occur and our call signs will look like they should. No Space!

For a response from DMV, go to the following blog or read the text below.

http://nospacehamplates.blogspot.com/2007/12/dmvs-dec-27-2007-response-to-marvin.html

DMV's Dec. 27, 2007 Response to Marvin Munster
This is in response to your letter dated December 13, 2007, regarding the spacing of your Amateur Radio (HAM) call letters on your license plates.

California Vehicle Code Section 5005 allows the Department of Motor Vehicles to issue special plates in lieu of the regular license plates to a vehicle owned by persons holding an Amateur Radio license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). These special license plates display the official Amateur Radio call letters of the applicant as assigned by the FCC.

The Department has been issuing HAM license plates since 1953 when the statute was first enacted. The placement or spacing of letters and numbers composed of the HAM license was originally determined by the FCC. Although the department is required by law to issue HAM license plates with specific call letters, spacing is not addressed in the statute and the department can exercise its administrative authority in this regard.

The Department adopted the spacing in order for law enforcement to differentiate between HAM license plates and other series license plates. Unlike other states, California does not distinguish the HAM license plates with a symbol or wording indicating the plate is a HAM plate.

In April 2007, it was brought to our attention that the HAM license plates were being ordered and issued without the proper spacing. The problem has since been corrected; however, those HAM plates issued with no spaces will remain valid until the plates are lost or damaged and duplicates are requested. The Department has received several complaints, regarding the spacing of HAM license plates ordered by applicants. Thoughts of eliminating the spaces have been reviewed, but we must take into consideration the other series license plates and the distinction that HAM license plates will no longer have.

Sincerely,

MARIO BALBIANI, Program Manager
Registration Policy Development
Department OF Motor Vehicles
Registration Operations Division
P.O. Box 825393
Sacramento, CA 94232-5393

Going Mobile......

2007-12-19T10:18:00.000-08:00

My first mobile radio arrived just in time for Christmas. I chose the Kenwood TM-D710A. The radio is very powerful with many slick features to keep me busy learning about. Not to shabby. It will make a great addition to my dash board. Get yours today!

Amateur Radio License Plates

2007-12-19T09:58:00.000-08:00

After waiting 3 months, my specialty plates finally arrived. Amateur Radio License plates are available for anyone holding a valid FCC license. The one time cost currently is only $21.00! Not bad at all. If you are interested in obtaining your own plates go to http://www.dmv.ca.gov/ and search for the form REF 17A. The specialty plates are designed so that emergency personnel can identify those who could help with emergency communications during a disaster etc.

My First Ham Tower Climbed Ever.

2007-12-05T05:39:00.000-08:00

What a thrill to climb a tower on top of Keller Peak (elev. 7,882 ft.). You feel like your on top of the world. I climbed the tower to relocate a friends antenna. It's not every day that you get to combine two hobbies into one - Ham Radio & Rock Climbing.

JOTA 2007 Boy Scout Event

2007-10-20T12:00:00.000-07:00

October 19 & 20th

This year's event was a great success. Many scouts had their first experience talking on the airwaves. Our location was in Colton, CA. The most distant local that the boys made was in Maui, Hawaii! In addition to a lot of good conversation, many boys earned their Radio Merit Badge. Good job Scouts! See you next year.