Introduction to Grounding for Ham Radio
- Details
- Written by: Trig Morley (KC0RPY)
At our April 30th, 2026, tech night, George McCarville, WB0CNK, covered essential grounding techniques for ham radio, focusing on safety, lightning, and RF grounding. Key points included bonding metal components, maintaining a unified grounding system, and using protective devices. Watch the video to learn how to ensure safe and effective grounding in your setup!
Understanding 12V DC Power for Radio Amateurs
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- Written by: Trig Morley (KC0RPY)
In the March 2026 tech night discussion, Tom Apalenek WA2IVD, highlighted that the commonly referenced "12V" is actually 13.8V, accounting for a ±15% variance crucial for radio operation. He emphasized the risks of using low-quality power supplies, which can lead to voltage spikes that damage equipment. Protective measures like crowbar circuits were recommended to safeguard radios from overvoltage. The talk underscored the importance of investing in reliable power supplies to ensure optimal performance and longevity for amateur radio setups.
Tech Night - 3D Printing
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- Written by: Trig Morley
This is a presentation of 3D printing and the technologies involved in the process. It was presented by Howard Cripe - N0AZ for the February 26th Tech Night of the Santa Fe Trail Amateur Radio Club. It includes explanations of various 3D printers, filaments, and technologies used in the 3D printing process. There are video samples of the printing process in action, as well as some online resources available to assist in obtaining or creating 3D objects to print.
Chasing Radiosondes or Radios from Heaven!
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- Written by: G Wolfe (KIØKK)
The SFTARC Tech Night for January 2026 was a presentation by Mike Laney (KEØGHU) on Chasing Radiosondes. Mike provided details about the devices used, web sites used for tracking and data provided by the RadioSonde. There are also several stories about retrieval of the device.
Mike also provided this information with links:
- Here is google group https://groups.io/g/KcBalloonChase if you want to let others know you are going after a Sonde in the KC Metro
- Here is a link on how do build the tracker that interfaces with phone app to suppliment radio when tracking down sonde https://mysondy.altervista.org/mysondygo.php
Spark-Con 2025
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- Written by: G Wolfe (KIØKK)
Tom, WA2IVD, presented a video on his Ham Radio A2Z channel of selected events at the Spark-Con 2025 ARRL Midwest Convention on October 11, 2025 in Sedalia , Mo.
Additional pictures of the Hamfest and Banquet may be viewed in the club Picture Album (click Picture Album to view)