tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59669229414822062302024-03-13T13:10:56.618-07:00Tools and Tips By Joe - N2QOJTools, tips, and hints for computer/tech/amateur radio stuff. A discussion of some of the best tools and tips found via the worldwide web.Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-68500305869984827962021-10-06T10:34:00.003-07:002021-10-06T11:24:36.122-07:00Let's Learn About the nanoVNA!The introduction of the nanoVNA has made a tremendous impact on the DIY community, students, and the amateur radio community. There are several reasons for this: (1) extremely versatile - does the work of several instruments, (2) user interface - color, graphical based, (3) portability - lightweight and power miser, and (4) the most enjoyable reason - relatively low cost. Number 4 is the Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-83894205414988541762021-09-19T15:41:00.017-07:002022-04-17T21:50:49.691-07:00How to Renew Your FCC Amateur Radio License
How to Renew Your FCC Amateur
Radio License
A newly issued FCC amateur radio license is valid for a period of 10 years. Many hams simply forget to renew their
license, Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-18445964788446115962020-09-26T13:56:00.016-07:002020-10-03T22:13:33.842-07:00"How to Choose the Proper Coaxial Cable for Your Amateur Radio Station" by Joe SammartinoLet's start with a simple definition of coaxial cable - A feedline that transports radio frequency energy from your radio to your antenna and from your antenna back to your radio. A simple truth: The coaxial feedline is one of the most critical components of your radio station and, as such, deserves careful consideration.Factors to Consider and Other Considerations Length - How much Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-31964985975015182322020-08-23T13:45:00.001-07:002020-08-23T13:45:28.693-07:00Everything You Need to Look and Sound Good on a Video Call Everything You Need to Look and Sound Good on a Video Call
Eric Schoon
@ericpschoon
August 23, 2020, 8:00am EDT
You’ve probably been doing a lot of video calls recently—both
business and personal. And while the webcam and microphone on your
laptop are fine, you know things could be so much better. With
just a few pieces of gear, you can upgrade your video conferencing setup
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-74534413465887867182019-11-25T12:24:00.000-07:002019-11-25T12:24:11.884-07:00What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
Chris Hoffman
@chrisbhoffman
Updated November 21, 2019, 12:08am EDT
Everyone loses data at some point in their lives. Your computer’s hard drive could fail tomorrow, ransomware could
hold your files hostage, or a software bug could delete your important
files. If you’re not regularly backing up your computer, you Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-44321665951895298142019-11-03T10:04:00.000-07:002019-11-03T10:04:43.110-07:00Ham Radio - Line of Sight Obstruction Analysis, The Easy Way
This video demonstrates my attempt at using simple analysis to see if there was a Line Of Sight obstruction between these two stations when operating VHF/UHF at RUSS 10-12-19.
Apps used: Google Earth, APRS.FI
https://youtu.be/6Y4xGeeVmm4
Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-77846348387757126592019-11-03T09:59:00.003-07:002019-11-03T09:59:52.090-07:00How to Install a Video Doorbell by Josh Hendrickson
How to Install a Video Doorbell
JOSH HENDRICKSON @canterrain NOVEMBER 3, 2019, 6:40AM EDT
Josh Hendrickson
A video doorbell is the best smarthome gadgets you can own. But, if you’ve never installed any doorbell before, the actual installation can feel a little daunting. It’s a pretty easy installation process—we’ll walk you through it.
The Basics
For this guide, we’ll be Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-58644806558204183502018-09-07T11:58:00.002-07:002018-09-07T14:16:56.484-07:00Reset Your Roku With Your RemoteGot a Roku?
Does it sometimes get frozen or the graphics don't fill?
Tired of going to the Roku to unplug power and plug back in?
Then try this from your Roku remote. It works for me!
Press the following buttons:
1. Home 5 times.
2. Up 1 time.
3. Rewind 2 times.
4. Fast Forward 2 times.
Regards, JoeJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-3031907388892865822018-08-30T13:07:00.000-07:002018-08-30T13:07:22.101-07:00Secret Netflix Codes
Are you a Netflix user?
The following is excerpted from Josh Kurp's' article, "These Secret Netflix Codes Will Unlock Thousands Of Hidden Genres".
Netflix usually requires users to search for films and shows by exact titles or generic genres (dramas, comedies, etc.). But there’s a hidden way of working around this. The URL for something basic like “Documentaries” is http://Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-19677710386563608302018-08-17T14:52:00.000-07:002018-08-17T14:52:36.867-07:00For Hams: FT-8 Operating GuideInterested in FT-8? You should be. Whether it's a mode you want to try or whether you want learn what has grabbed the interest of so many hams like no other digital mode, this operating guide by Gary Hinson - ZL2IFB - will give you a very good understanding of the mode, its implementation, and its worldwide usage.
I am not an FT-8 operator at the present time but I have been reading, Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-21762511808382650182018-07-31T13:00:00.002-07:002018-07-31T13:00:53.546-07:00What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
From HowToGeek.com
What’s the Best Way to Back Up My Computer?
by Chris Hoffman on August 24th, 2017
Everyone loses data at some point in their lives. Your computer’s hard drive could fail tomorrow, ransomware could hold your files hostage, or a software bug could delete your important files. If you’re not regularly backing up your computer, you could Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-71711870222208353742017-07-21T00:55:00.001-07:002017-07-21T00:55:47.934-07:00Experimenters Sources for Electronic Parts and Kits
Interested in electronics? Kit building is a great way to learn and you end up with useful circuits/devices! Here are some websites (Working!) for any of you that might like to experiment with kit building.
Milestone Technologies (http://www.mtechnologies.com/)
Ham Gadgets (http://www.hamgadgets.com/)
FAR Circuits (http://www.farcircuits.net/)
Jackson Harbor (www.wb9kzy.com/ham.htmJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-23899875881852355712017-07-16T12:04:00.000-07:002017-07-21T00:58:03.262-07:00Narrow Band FM in Two-Way Radio
Good examples of Narrow NFM are FRS radios, PMR radios, or a modern business-band UHF radios. Narrowband NFM only has a modulation index of .8 which is about half the modulation index of normal FM. You can fit twice as many channels per megahertz (approximate bandwidth 11 kHz with channel spacing 12.5 kHz).
NFM may have better spectrum efficiency than FM,Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-586483874822656592014-01-04T09:30:00.000-07:002014-01-04T09:30:05.330-07:00A Li-ION Battery Alternative for the Yaesu FT-60r Hand-Held Transceiver
By Joe Sammartino, N2QOJ – QCARC/QCECG,
Queen Creek AZ
As most
FT-60r owners should know, the standard battery that comes with the FT-60r
purchase is the FNB-83b. It is an Ni-Mh
type, i.e. nickel metal hydride. The
standard matching charger (PA-44/48) for this battery is designed to ONLY
charge this NI-Mh chemistry but can also handle Ni-Cad (nickel cadmium)
chemistry.
Most Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-37452805581554842232012-12-31T00:50:00.002-07:002012-12-31T01:06:21.826-07:00Attending Your First Hamfest - Some Tips
Hi Folks,
If you plan on attending your first hamfest, try to go with someone who has experience.
In either case, alone or with experienced hams, the following tips from "Ham Radio for Dummies" are excellent.
I promise you will enjoy your first hamfest and all subsequent hamfests for life!
Here's a couple of tips from me first:
Important: If you are looking for antennaJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-43642697400446607502011-07-09T15:21:00.008-07:002012-12-31T01:08:41.229-07:00Review - Wouxun KG-UV3D Dual Band Ham Radio
Hello folks,
I got my grubby Western hands on this piece of Occidental communications gear recently.
I'll give you my thoughts by starting with my one word summary - VALUE.
It is an absolute value of function, features, and fit. Maybe we all have been "programmed" for far too long that a good dual band handheld has to be $300 plus and come with a big three badge - Kenwood, Icom, or Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-34711352577569215422010-03-06T13:36:00.006-07:002010-03-06T13:55:18.467-07:00Save Your Audio Settings - Windows PCDo you find that your recording and player settings get changed from time to time? Lots of applications, like SKYPE, take over control of your mic and output settings. When you are finished using SKYPE, your settings may be completely changed for your music player or other sound application. Also, if you have hobbies like amateur radio, podcasting, videography, etc., this can be a huge time Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-47598958573844948562009-09-07T21:41:00.006-07:002009-09-07T21:56:40.644-07:00Record Your PC Session to Video (Windows)Do you write computer tutorials?Would recording your PC session help you explain a new program or application to another individual?Would you like to capture your screen activity for a video you are producing?Try one of these software solutions:CamStudio - freewareJing (browser-based, MAC supported also) / Snagit / Camtasia (not free) - Popular solutions from the folks at TechSmith.If you have Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-40580164644379959842008-06-17T14:30:00.017-07:002009-09-07T21:57:55.595-07:00Three Great ServicesI had the thought that one of these soon-to-be-mentioned services would be the subject of my next blog entry but then it occurred to me --- combine them. I think you will see why shortly.Great Service #1: Give Away of the DayEvery so often, my favorite daily must-read website, lifehacker, will showcase an article about a specific utility or program that is available for free. The catch - it is a Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-17953568405499958182008-06-04T00:34:00.012-07:002009-09-07T22:03:15.931-07:00Searching for People on the InternetWhen looking for a person on the Internet, Google is fine but there are a few services that are made to perform people searches better.Here are three sites that can be valuable when looking for an online presence:www.pipl.comwww.123people.comwww.zabasearch.comwww.linkedin.comThe more you know about someone, the more your search will be productive. Think about these items when planning a search:Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-67401537738159951922008-06-04T00:26:00.003-07:002008-06-04T00:37:16.073-07:0030 Essential Pieces Of Free (and Open) Software for WindowsFrom December of '06 by the folks at SimpleDollar.com:30 Essential Pieces Of Free (and Open) Software for WindowsThis is a pretty good list. It has everything from word processor to money management to email clients to photo editing. Many of the listed 30 software apps are still going strong today.At least this is a good starting point if you are interested in free software for Windows.Please Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-70776340486477731432008-02-29T14:08:00.003-07:002008-02-29T14:12:10.603-07:00I need a boot disk! (Windows)Bootdisks - floppy, CD - whatever the case may be, at times, whether its to revive an old PC or laptop, you need a good boot disk. Where do you get it if you can't make your own?Here: www.bootdisk.comBe sure to check out the entire web site. Lots of PC support and "essential utilities".Cheers, JoeJoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-23887629124404089982008-01-31T12:08:00.001-07:002008-06-04T22:58:04.973-07:00Where do I find old versions of software? (Windows/MAC)Have you ever said to yourself, "Where can I find the older version of this program? It seemed to work much more reliably than the latest version."Or, do you need just the basic features of a popular utility and not all of those features of the new version? Or - and this happens a lot - you found your registration key but it is for the older version!Well, here is one source of great older Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-84056077943245902712007-12-12T00:32:00.000-07:002007-12-13T16:37:44.090-07:00Remote Web Cam using Skype (Windows/Linux/MAC)So many of us are already proficient web cam users. We use web cams for video chat, video streaming, recording video greetings and email, and some of us also use web cams as security devices.This blog entry will focus on the latter item - video security/monitoring. There are many programs available to utilize your web cam for security purposes.They allow you to use your web cam to monitor a Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5966922941482206230.post-34264244017515912932007-12-11T20:52:00.000-07:002007-12-12T01:12:53.418-07:00Slow Computer, Causes and Fixes (Windows)During a recent conversation with a friend, Frank, from Queen Creek AZ, the issue of "slow" computers came up. Why do they slow down and what can be done about it? This is a great issue to address, especially since this is the time of year some of us think about upgrading our present computer in favor of a faster, feature-rich new model.That's fine but don't be so quick to retire that "slow" Joehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07316414761696433302noreply@blogger.com0