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| The RV Radio Network (RVRN) is an ARRL affiliated association of Amateur Radio Operators who share an interest Recreational Vehicles. On this website you will find information about rallies, hamfests, radio nets, and other activities of interest to the members of our club. | RVRN now has ham radio nets for every class of license, and even one net that does not require an FCC license. The list of club sponsored nets is below and a large list of RV/Ham nets is available by clicking the "RV/Travel Nets" button on the menu bar at the top of most pages. | Net Control Operators KA2HPG, N0ROB, W8TJT, KC1M, N3YRZ, KC5MEM, W9WRM, K9BJR, WA5FFL, WR5E, K7SWS, KE6NYT and KO6XX want to talk to you. If you would like to help us as an NCO or Relay station please contact our Communications Manager Fred, KA2HPG. |
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Latest Bulletin Board Posts
Posted by KI6HOB - 8-28-2024 _ 2:59 PM CDT I have sent email to info@yumahamfest.org inquiring about 2025. I will post here when or if I receive any information. Posted by KL7KTP - 8-22-2024 _ 1:50 PM CDT Update.. What I am finding is the Yuma Hamfest is scheduled for Feb. 21 - 22, 2025, however on their website it shows nothing. It only mentions about 2024. IDK? Posted by KL7KTP - 8-22-2024 _ 1:12 PM CDT Interesting KB6WHV. Everything I am hearing here in AZ is that Yuma is re-starting their Hamfest in 2025. What I am hearing is it will be the week after Quartzfest in January. Posted by KB6WHV - 8-21-2024 _ 1:13 AM CDT will there be a hamfest in Yuma in 2025? You know how things get spread. Website says no. Posted by K9BJR - 7-30-2024 _ 11:13 AM CDT Quick note - I have no free frequencies here for me to run the net on this morning. Lots of "little" conversations going on as well as all the other nets. I have been listening for an open slot for about 45 minutes now and still nothing. If anyone else has space to run the net - go ahead, but no space down here in Texas. Posted by KB9ITV - 6-4-2024 _ 1:46 PM CDT The DX Code of Conduct link at the bottom of the home page seems to have been hijacked by a gaming website. Tanganjudi slot machine? Thought you should know. 73 KB9ITV Posted by W8CI - 5-27-2024 _ 11:52 AM CDT Here is a link to new full service rv camping in Greene County, Ohio owned by the county. Not open yet but due to open soon. This a beautiful location and an easy drive to Hamvention. Give them a call soon if interested. Sorry about the double post earlier. Vy 73 to all. de Michael W8CI https://www.gcparkstrails.com/caesar-ford-campground-updates/ Posted by W8CI - 5-27-2024 _ 9:57 AM CDT Hello all! I hope those of you who attended Hamvention found it enjoyable. We have 598 of us radio souls who volunteer to make it a grand event. Most all of the forums were recorded..minus the ARRL forums and can be found on www.hamvention.org. We had a spectacular turnout, actually setting a record..35,877. Remember to make your camping reservations for next year at Caesarcreek State Park or John Bryan State Park or try Cowan Lake State Park. The Xenia Fairboard/Expo Center handles on site RV sites and you may want to contact them directly for available sites for next year. 73 de W8CI ...good on qrz if you want to contact me. Posted by W8CI - 5-27-2024 _ 9:56 AM CDT Hello all! I hope those of you who attended Hamvention found it enjoyable. We have 598 of us radio souls who volunteer to make it a grand event. Most all of the forums were recorded..minus the ARRL forums and can be found on www.hamventio.org. We had a spectacular turnout, actually setting a record..35,877. Remember to make your camping reservations for next year at Caesarcreek State Park or John Bryan State Park or try Cowan Lake State Park. The Xenia Fairboard/Expo Center handles on site RV sites and you may want to contact them directly for available sites for next year. 73 de W8CI ...good on qrz if you want to contact me. Posted by K9BJR - 5-14-2024 _ 11:35 AM CDT Sorry for everyone on the 20m net today, I heard N6MOS (Brett) really clearly - the best I have heard him - but he couldn't copy me. I could not hear anyone else over the air or SDR. I made 6 QSO's this morning on various bands including 6 with Japan (Lots of DX on 30m and 40m before dawn), so my gear is working. Could you or anyone else in the USA hear me? Posted by NY4NC - 4-25-2024 _ 11:24 AM CDT This is more than what you want, but it has advantages. I use an ICOM IC-7100 which is all-bands, HF, VHF, and UHF. I use a BlueCAT device (see the Repeater Book app for information), which can be ordered and then it plugs into the main unit of the IC-7100. It allows one to link to the Repeater Book app via Bluetooth. Then all one needs to do is to touch an entry in the Repeater Book app to set the radio to use the selected repeater. It is simple to use on-the-move. https://www.zbm2.com/BlueCAT/index.html According to the linked web site: "Versions now available for the ICOM 7000, 7100, 9100 and Yaesu FT-857, FT-817, FT-897, FT100D - 4800 baud version required." Posted by KB4DZN - 4-14-2024 _ 6:53 PM CDT I'm in the market for a simple 2/44 duo band for mobile use, perhaps in a passenger ride, possibly in the MH. I've tried the 5100 - too complex of a screen to handle in motion - period. Your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated. Brent Posted by K9BJR - 4-14-2024 _ 8:51 AM CDT I'm glad RVRN member Jason (Ham Radio 2.0 on YouTube) did his usual walk round live video of the Ham Fests he goes to. Yesterday was the Spring Belton (TX) Hamfest. I watched his video live and was pleased that I got the experience of walking round it and the benefit of NOT spending a ton of cash on all the goodies (and junk) for sale. Remember folks... There is always another local-ish Hamfest, a couple of months away. For me that is the DFW are one on June14-15. Posted by W2REV - 4-10-2024 _ 7:26 PM CDT I was thinking along the lines of using the trailer hitch. The only problem with back there I'd only be able to use my rig once parked. I thought about adding a hitch to the front since the hood is metal - might help. I have heard that some folks put a brush guard up front and mount to that, but I've yet to see a pic or whether it works well. Posted by K7SWS - 4-9-2024 _ 11:37 PM CDT Just a thought for W2REV I didn't know a thing about an Altas until I watched their sales video....Wow what a nice rig! You could build an L mount out of 2" square tube and mount the ATAS to the trailer hitch. I did something similar to a travel tra (continued on the Members Only page.) |
"Amateur Radio and RVs" by KC1M and WR5E
"ARDEN Mesh Networks" by N7ZEV More HamCon:Zion Presentations RVRN NETS
40m Nightly Net: Sun - Fri 7PM CT 7264 Khz +/- 10Khz UPCOMING RVRN EVENTS 
RVRN, FMCA-ARC, and RV Service Net will get-together from February 5 - 9 at HamCation For information contact K4HM - Hank  Here is the latest info on the 2024 Yuma Hamfest plans: Re: Yuma Hamfest/convention From: Paquette, Rick, W7RAP (SM, AZ) Ask the RVRN Tech Guy HERE (11/12) Can I use the TV wiring in my RV for my HF antenna.
Is it possible to use the pre-wired satellite connection on my RV as a entry point to connect my external HF antenna to my station inside? The RV is wired with F-type connectors on (presumably) 75 ohm wire and runs parallel with the pre-wired cable TV connector.
Thank you very much for contacting RVRN with your question. If I understand your question you would like to use your satellite 75 ohm coax for your HF antenna. Without knowing the electrical characteristics of your coax it is difficult to say. I am not worried about the 75 ohm impedance but question the power rating. If you can, find the cable number and look up on the internet to confirm both the impedance and power rating. There are F connector adapters to be able to use the standard PL-259 connector. Tim K5TGS (11/9) Larry asks about grounding for his antenna.
I'm trying to install a HAM radio in my 40' Class-A motorhome. It's skinned entirely with fiberglass. I think I have found a mirror antenna mount for the antenna. My concern is about the ground plane requirement to make antenna work. If I can get it to work and install the antenna on the mirror, will that connection to the entire frame of the motorcoach act as the ground plane and give me good coms?
Hello Larry, Thank you for reaching out to RVRN with your question! Yes, if there is an electrical connection to the frame that can be a big help. One drawback could be the HF antenna size and drag on the mirror while driving. I suggest you get access to an antenna analyzer and check the SWR for this setup as you may need a tuner. An alternate setup RVers use is the hitch on the back of the coach with a mast going upward. Either setup will need to be tested for actual performance as each is a bit of a compromise. Let us know how it goes. Tim K5TGS (11/4) Gary asks about voltage and current phase.
Gary asks: Will a non-resonant vertical antenna with a set tuner at its feed point have the voltage and current at its feed point in phase? No lengthy discussion please: only yes, no, or I don't know.
Gary, This is a good question. If your tuner can tune the non-resonant antenna to 1:1 it will be purely resistive, and voltage and current are in phase. Tim K5TGS (9/30) Randy asks about the pre-wired coax cables in an RV
Randy asks: Looking for an answer on whether it is possible to use the pre wired coax cables in a Rv, for the tv, as a means to connect your antenna and base unit. I don’t have a unit in my camper yet but was wanting to eliminate any drilled holes through the camper floors or walls.
Hello Randy, This is an excellent question. I suppose the most typical impedance of TV coax is 75 ohms. This will introduce a little bit higher SWR for you but certainly something you can work with. Theoretically, this mismatch should only introduce an SWR of 1.5 to 1. Depending on your antenna, it may be useful to have a tuner to compensate for the slight mismatch. In fact, many hams do use 75 ohm coax because it is so much cheaper. The only other consideration would be the power level if you are using an amplifier. If so, I would look up the actual specs for your coax to make sure you don’t exceed the power rating. Best Regards (9/2) Jeff asks what antenna analyzer to use
This question comes to us from Jeff in Ohio. I am considering buying an antenna analyzer, but they seem very expensive. One option I did come across is the nano VNA. These seem to have the same functions but are far less expensive. What do you think?
Well, Jeff, you have this down correctly. The nano VNA’s are, in general, less expensive, and in fact, will do much more. With the improvement in technology, the nano VNA has become a great option for many hams. They are very flexible and have enormous capability. The major drawback I have found is that unless a ham is very technically inclined, the learning curve is very steep and many hams get frustrated trying to figure out how the VNA works. I would first recommend watching several YouTube’s about the nano VNA. Many of these are well done, and will give you great insight into the complexity of the VNA. The ARRL also has some very good publications about the VNA so check that out as well. If you feel comfortable, then you might invest in a VNA and get used to its capability. Best Regards (9/12) Jay asks abut guy line placement
This question comes Jay in Idaho. I just purchased a 43 foot vertical antenna. Given my geographic location I would like to put two sets a guy lines on it. Where might I locate these and how far out should they be from the base?
Nice question Jay. I would recommend about 17 feet up and another set about 33 feet up. The general recommendation is to have approximately a 45 degree angle to the ground. Simple right angle trigonometry will give you the lengths. See http://www.cleavebooks.co.uk/scol/calrtri.htm. Best Regards (11/8) Brian asks about mounting a mobile antenna on his RV
Hi there,
I'm an inexperienced Ham and just bought a Diesel pusher. I would like to install a dual band mobile and antenna for convoy comms between 4 RV's while going to Alaska. My question is what is the "best" (LOL) antenna for this purpose and where would you mount it considering the ground plane complications/issues? What have others done? Thanks in advance, Brian Carter KI7IVE Hello Brian, Thank you for contacting RVRN! This sounds like a great trip you are planning. I need a bit more information from you. What is the roof material of the RV’s. Will the travelers be only using VHF/UHF amateur bands? Do folks already have radios? If so what do they have? Also, will you be using HF bands on the trip? Just me know. Tim K5TGS Best Regards (3/16) Tom asks about mounting a 2m antenna on his RV
I am trying to find an appropriate 2M antenna for my Class A Motorhome. I am struggling to find one on my own and hoping that an RVer can assist me with ideas.
Thank You Tom Tom, Thank you very much for your question and for your interest in RVRN. You have a very interesting question here and somewhat of a challenge given the structure of the motorhome. I will assume your roof is non-conductive as most all are. One challenge is to find a location where you have a ground plane for the antenna. Let's first talk about a roof mount. For a very professional install I have a link below for Bob, K6UDA, and his installation. A very nice install but very involved. Another option people have used successfully is to attach a baking sheet with at least a 16-inch radius, for the ground plane. While this is effective, attaching it to the roof can be challenging as you do not want to harm the roof material. The second option is a glass mount for any window on the coach. These can be effective if the window has no sunscreen application in it. A link for these is also below. I also include a few YouTube videos for your reference. I hope this helps you get an idea and to get started on your project! Tim K5TGS Here are the links:
Install &review of TRAM 1191 dual-band HAM antenna.
07:00 PM Central Time on Sunday - Friday 7264 KHz + or - QRM. RV Radio Network EchoLink Net Every Thursday at 8 PM Central time on the Multi-Mode South East Conference Node (*SELINK*). You can usually find us on Net Logger -or- Net Scraper Subscribe to weekly EchoLink Net reminder/update Email. Complete RV Radio Network EchoLink information HERE 
Give us your ideas on Rallies, Nets, the website, or ask us questions about whatever is on your mind. All suggestions are anonymous. All suggestions are delivered to the RVRN Board for review.
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