1. OPC Computing and Ham Radio
Remote Stations
Distance DX
Automatic Position Reporting
Repeater Tunneling
Software Defined Radios
Emergency Communications

2. The Presenter Don Ledwith Callsign K7SDF Amateur Extra Class
Member ARRL, RACES, Oakland Homeland Security ARPSC, GMARC, USECA, RACES, USCGAUX
First licensed in 1962 in Jr. High School in Salt Lake City, Utah (55 years)
In and out of ham radio since.
Current interests repeaters, HF, remote radio, positioning, public service

3. My Objectives Today
Provide an overview of the synergy and how radio has evolved. It's interesting and exciting
Provide a frame of reference for would-be amateurs.
Provide a 60K foot sampler, not a deep dive. But provide links for future reference.

4. Dispelling the Stereotypes
Hams are a semi-professional group who participate a variety of sub-hobbies and who have fun
The hobby is NOT from yesterday. Ranks are growing (750K US) although most hams are “older”.
Equipment need not be expensive nor take up a large footprint.
Morse code knowledge is NOT required
We do not inhabit huge rooms of equipment
We are not at all like citizen's band operators (self policing)

5. Specialties of Ham radio
Operating local VHF/UHF repeaters is a party-line of your friends
Seeking DX on HF is like fishing.
Operating specialties
Technical specialties

6. High Frequency Remote Stations
Remote Ham Radio
Remote Hams
Available to GMARC members with proper license class from Scott W1BIC

7. Distance Operating (DX)
How skip works and why HF sucks right now
The Solar Cycle and Propoagation
Band Conditions
DX clusters/spotting networks
The Reverse Beacon Network
Weak Signal Propagation Network

8. Web-Based Logging
Old method of confirming contact used a Call Book and exchanged QSL cards
Logbook of the World (LoTW)
Interface from Ham Radio Delux
Looking up callsigns
QRZ app.

9. Multi-function Rig Control and Contact Management
Ham Radio Delux
Start at 6:45 minute mark

10. Software Defined Radio (SDR)
Introduction to SDR
An SDR example: RTL-SDR dongle and free software
Start narration at 4:38
High-end SDR transceivers from FlexRadio

11. Automatic Positioning Reporting
How APRS works
APRS DatabaseThe Automatic Positioning Radio System Databaseabase
APRSdroid

12. Repeaters RF Finder app for Android
World's only geo-enabled repeater directory
Access to the World Wide Repeater Directory is provided by any version of the RFinder smartphone apps on Android, iPhone and iPad/iPod Touch, by subscription for $9.99/year.
A “scanner” app for public safety - Broadcasify
Hear local repeaters, Rochester Hills Fire

13. Repeater Tunneling Tunneling by internet – Echolink
ILRP - Internet Radio Linking Project

14. Emergency+Communication (EmComm)
Digital Mobile Radio (DMR)
DMR tutorial
Amateur radio HF - WinLink
Question: Is it “Radio”?
Oakland County Amateur Radio Public Service Corps
ARPSC is the umbrella organization for the Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES) and the Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) in Oakland County.

15. For more information Licensing New Product evaluations
User evaluations
Dipole antenna length calculator

16. 73 (Best Regards)
Questions?