Tag Archives: n4awl

Tail of the Dragon

Today is the first opportunity this year to drive what many around the world call The Tail of the Dragon! While off work today I took the chance to take my Honda Civic to Deal’s Gap store inside North Carolina, and turn around. A good friend of mine, Al otherwise known as WA4HSM, has a photography business called Moonshine Photo, and he sits on US Hwy 129 near Calderwood Dam, and snaps photos of cars and motorcycles on the Dragon. I recommend checking out his website at moonshinephoto.com and see what pictures you can find of yourself!

Al told me about the old community of Calderwood, where people who worked at the dam lived. I took a moment to drive through the delapitated community, which is open Monday – Friday until 3 pm, and viewed where the old houses and churches stood. A few buildings are still standing and they are quite remarkable. This also happens to be a nature reserve and the wildlife is bountiful! I had the chance to see deer and turkey, and while no bears were spotted, beware if you are in the mountains as many live in the woods.

On my way back towards civilization I took a moment to stop and marvel at the Little Tennessee River. Currently (as of today, Friday, August 12, 2016) repairs to Calderwood Dam have forced the company that owns the three dams on the river to drop the water level. I rememver when this was initally done the police found a bounty of cars and other items discarded in the river, that some parties probably wish were still underwater. Ha who knows, maybe Jimmy Hoffa is at the bottom of the river.

I took Foothills Parkway back to Maryville and enjoyed the drive through the mountains and nature. I do recommend careful driving as some drivers choose to drive recklessly, but law enforcement stay on the Dragon to keep them in proper check.

Another reason for driving the Dragon was to see how well simplex radio communications were received a distance away in Philadelphia. To our surprise and joy it received quite well! The only place that had difficulty via simplex and repeater was at Deal’s Gap store, located just inside North Carolina. Transmissions were still readable, although with significant static and difficulty. But along the Dragon, radio communications to the W4YJ, 145.250 MHz and KK4DKW, 145.270 MHz repeaters were nearly full quieting the whole trip, and with minimal difficulty. A note to other ham radio operators in the area, these two repeaters can be of assistance while on the Dragon, and all of US Hwy 129 from Tennessee into North Carolina.

Take a look at the pictures below!

Challenge Accepted – Learning Morse Code

After years of being a ham radio operator, and an Extra Class, I have choosen to learn Morse Code. When I was licensed the Morse Code portion of the exam was no longer required, although older hams had to copy Morse Code to obtain their equivalant licenses of Technician, General, and Extra class.

But a few things lead me to make the decision to learn Morse Code. A few of those reasons were for knowledge, use, and wanting to follow the footsteps of other hams.

When repeaters identify, a lot if not the majority of repeaters, use Morse Code to identify, even if they have voice identification enabled. Well not knowing code makes it exteremly difficult (more like impossible) to copy who the repeater licensee actually is. Knowing how to copy, and subsequently receive, Morse Code gives an operator the ability to copy the repeater which they happen to be monitoring.

Another practical use of code is DX’ing. A lot of DX stations will utilize Morse Code for making long distance DX contacts with other amateur radio stations. All too often I have been voice DX’ing and while generally able to break into a pile up, on the CW side there are not a lot of stations to break up in order to QSO with that hard to reach station.

Above all else is not wanting to be “that ham”. While respected as an amateur radio operator, I never had to learn code like other more mature hams had to do. When I began studying for my license I did after the code requirements were aboloshed. Side note: the reasoning for abolishing the Morse Code requirements was to generate more interst into the hobby, as it was experiencing a decline in use and licensees. But to set the example and follow what others before myself did, I am taking the opportunity to learn Morse Code.

I have found a few good websites online that have information to assist with learning Morse Code. One happens to be The Ham Whisperer where he has videos that teaches the Technician, General, and Extra courses, and Morse Code. I strongly reccomend The Ham Whisperer, and other links found on the N2AL website Under Training Materials & Links.

Below is a picture from a Pinterest article I found. I pinned it to my N2AL Amateur Radio Board, and wanted to share it with others taking the endeavor to learn Morse Code.

Best wishes for those studying to learn Morse Code, and thanks for taking the time to read my blog! If I can assist you with this endeavor please send me a messag

Morse Code

Maine Warden Service – North Woods Law

Yesterday evening after arriving home I checked my mail as I normally do. Enclosed in my mail was an envelope, with bubble wrap on the inside and weather-proofed, with documents protected by cardboard. My call sign, N4AWL, was written on the address label. Believing it contained QSL cards from contacted amateur radio stations I carefully cut open the envelope, and pulled out some documents, with a QSL card attached! Enclosed in this parcel was a QSL card from a station in Maine, but instead of many QSL cards from a QSL manager, it contained signed autographs from the wardens on the Animal Planet series, North Woods Law! To say that I was elated was an understatement!! I was so excited I could not speak, or sleep! It is not everyday a surprise like that lands on the doorstep, let alone the mailbox!

I had a conversation with “Mike” a few weeks prior, who is an extra class amateur radio operator, and during our conversation we discussed our professions, and our enjoyment of the television series, North Woods Law. He performs work for the Maine Warden Service, and the Wardens featured on North Woods Law. After our conversation on 40 meters, lower side band, unbeknownst to me he had the fourteen wardens featured on the tv series sign a poster for me, and included a one of a kind poster he designed, autographed by Warden Chris Simmons!

I am so humbled and thankful this fellow ham chose to think of me, and send me this gift. Words are unable to express my appreciation. I plan to find a Maine Warden Service department patch, and have these items framed. Have a look at the slideshow below, which contains the pictures of the QSL card, and the autographed posters.

 

73 and I hope to see you on the bands!

Andrew | N4AWL

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East Tennessee Amateur Radio Frequencies

Hey everyone! I am posting a spreadsheet, originally copied from my Yaesu FT-857D, with HF/VHF/UHF frequencies used around the East Tennessee area. I thought I would share this for those who would like to add useable frequencies into their radios rather easily.

This spreadsheet can be copied and pasted into Microsoft Excel, where you can create a .CSV file to upload to most radios. There is also a link below you may click, to view the Excel worksheet with this information, for easier reference.

Amateur Frequencies for N4AWL.com (excel)

For my personal use, you will see where some frequencies have TSQL and some have Tone settings. Depending on the amount of interference I receive on certain frequencies, I enable the TSQL to eliminate the interference. It is strictly user preference as to which tone setting you choose to use.

Should you have any additions or revisions, or questions, please send me an email via the Contact link, and I will get the information corrected.

 

10 meters

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
W4ZJM 29.62 - 0.1 Tone 100 100
AG4TI 29.66 - 0.1 Tone 91.5 91.5
KB4REC 29.68 - 0.1

 

6 meters

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
WA4BGK 52.71 - 1
KF4FTD 53.01 - 1 Tone 114.8 114.8
NO4Q 53.03 - 1
WD4GYN 53.11 - 1
WB4GBI 53.15 - 1 Tone 107.2 107.2
KQ4E 53.23 - 1
W4KEV 53.25 - 1
K4DHT 53.33 - 1
NQ4Y 53.45 - 1 Tone 114.8 114.8
KB4REC 53.47 - 1 Tone 100 100
W4BBB 53.77 - 1 Tone 100 100
W4KEV 53.93 - 1
KD4CWB 53.99 - 1

 

2 meters

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
WM4T 145.11 - 0.6
KA4OAK 145.13 - 0.6
KG4FZR 145.15 - 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3 McMinn
K4MFD 145.15 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Greene
WB4GBI 145.17 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8
KD4XV 145.19 - 0.6
W4BBB 145.21 - 0.6 Tone 100 100
W4KEV 145.23 - 0.6
W4YJ 145.25 - 0.6 TSQL 100 100 Monroe
KK4DKW 145.27 - 0.6 TSQL 127.3 127.3 Blount
145.29 - 0.6 Tone 127.3 127.3
WM4RB 145.31 - 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3
AC4JF 145.33 - 0.6 Tone 100 100
N4AZK 145.35 - 0.6
W4KEV 145.37 - 0.6 Tone 100 100
W4AM 145.39 - 0.6
W4WC 145.39 - 0.6 Tone 186.2 186.2
KI4OTQ 145.41 - 0.6 Tone 127.3 127.3
WB4YLC 145.43 - 0.6 Tone 127.3 127.3
KJA4M 145.45 - 0.6
WB4GBI 145.47 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8
WB4LHO 145.49 - 0.6 Warren
VHF CALL 146.52 0
146.535 - 0.6
SEV ARES 146.55 - 0.6
146.56 - 0.6
146.565 - 0.6
146.58 - 0.6
W4AM 146.61 - 0.6 Tone 107.2 107.2
WB4GBI 146.625 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8
146.64 - 0.6
W4OLB 146.655 - 0.6 Blount
K4BGW 146.67 - 0.6
K4DSZ 146.685 - 0.6 TSQL 88.5 88.5
KE4CCB 146.7 - 0.6 Tone 103.5 103.5
CATOOSA 146.715 - 0.6
WB4GBI 146.73 - 0.6 Tone 110.9 110.9 Knox
KI4KIL 146.745 - 0.6 Fentress
K4JP 146.76 - 0.6 Tone 103.5 103.5
KA4OAK 146.775 - 0.6 Tone 79.7 79.7
K4VCM 146.79 - 0.6 Hamilton
W4EYJ 146.805 - 0.6
K4EZK 146.82 - 0.6 TSQL 141.3 141.3
146.835 - 0.6
WB4GBI 146.85 - 0.6 Tone 127.3 127.3
W8EYU 146.865 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Cumberland
W4SKH 146.88 - 0.6 TSQL 88.5 88.5
W4NSA 146.895 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Cumberland
KC4ROG 146.91 - 0.6 Tone 203.5 203.5
W4GZX 146.925 - 0.6 Bradley
WB4GBI 146.94 - 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8
W9QXW 146.955 - 0.6 Tone 100 100 Union, GA
W4SKH 146.97 - 0.6
KC4ZGN 146.985 - 0.6 Gilmer, GA
KA6UHV 147 + 0.6 Tone 131.8 131.8 Hamilton
KD4CWB 147 - 0.6 TSQL 100 100 Knox
KE4RX 147.015 + 0.6 TSQL 110.9 110.9 Roane
W2IQ 147.03 + 0.6 Tone 100 100
K4AIH 147.045 - 0.6 Tone 151.4 151.4 Cherokee, NC
KG4FZR 147.06 - 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3 McMinn
WB4GBI 147.075 + 0.6 Knox
KI4KIL 147.09 + 0.6 Tone 100 100 Fentress
KG4LHC 147.09 + 0.6 Tone 203.5 203.5 Cocke
WA4KNI 147.09 + 6 Tone 91.5 91.5 Vance, NC
KD4NEC 147.105 + 0.6 Tone 100 100 Roane
K4EAJ 147.12 + 0.6 Tone 82.5 82.5
N4BZJ 147.135 + 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3 Whitfield, GA
KE4KQI 147.135 + 0.6 Tone 114.8 114.8
K4EAJ 147.15 + 0.6 Tone 82.5 82.5 Morgan
147.16 + 0.6
KC4DSY 147.165 + 0.6 Tone 82.5 82.5 Unicoi
WD4DES 147.18 + 0.6 TSQL 118.8 118.8 Bradley
W4KEV 147.195 + 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Sevier
W4NGT 147.21 + 0.6 Tone 100 100 Union, GA
WB4OAH 147.225 + 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3 Hamblen
W4GHZ 147.24 + 0.6 151.4 151.4 Mcaon, NC
KJ4SI 147.255 + 0.6 Morgan
K4LNS 147.27 + 0.6 Tone 88.5 88.5 Carter
KF4JPU 147.285 + 0.6 Bledsoe
W4BBB 147.3 + 0.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
KE4VQM 147.315 + 0.6 Tone 141.3 141.3 Monroe
WD4ORB 147.33 + 0.6 Tone 82.5 82.5
W4KEV 147.345 + 0.6 Tone 118.8 118.8
KA4OAK 147.36 + 0.6 Tone 100 100 Campbell
KA4ELN 147.375 + 0.6 Tone 123 123
K4DPD 147.39 + 0.6 Rhea

 

1.25 meters

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
AJ4G 224.12 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Bell, KY
N4OQJ 224.22 - 1.6 Knox
KA4OAK 224.28 - 1.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Campbell
WB4GBI 224.34 - 1.6 Knox
N4OQJ 224.38 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
K4KKH 224.4 - 1.6 Knox
K4MFD 224.44 - 1.6 Tone 118.8 118.8 Greene
N4KFI 224.46 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
KD4HZN 224.48 - 1.6 Hawkins
W4BBB 224.5 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Blount
N4KFI 224.58 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
K4IBW 224.7 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
K4PCK 224.76 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
K4IBW 224.8 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
AC4DR 224.84 - 1.6 Tone 88.5 88.5 Roane
KD4CWB 224.86 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Knox
WD9JGI 224.9 - 1.6 Tone 127.3 127.3 Monroe
W4WC 224.9 - 1.6 Tone 100 100 Greene
KG4LDK 224.92 - 1.6 Tone 203.5 203.5 Cocke
KB4PSI 224.94 - 1.6 Greene

 

70 centimeters

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
K4BTL 442 + 5 Tone 100 100
WM4RB 442.025 + 5 Tone 100 100
K1AT 442.1 + 5 Tone 100 100 Loudon
WX4RP 442.15 + 5 Tone 100 100
WD4DES 442.25 + 5 Tone 118.8 118.8
KG4FZR 442.275 + 5 Tone 141.3 141.3
AJ4G 442.325 + 5 Tone 100 100
WB4IVB 442.35 + 5 Tone 100 100
KA4ELN 442.4 + 5 Tone 123 123
W4KEV 442.5 + 5 Tone 100 100
K4IBW 442.6 + 5 Tone 100 100
WA4ROB 442.85 + 5 Tone 103.5 103.5
N4WT 442.9 + 5 Tone 156.7 156.7
W4OAR 442.925 + 5 Tone 100 100
AK4EZ 442.95 + 5
AA4UT 443 + 5 Tone 100 100
N4UAG 443.025 + 5
W4WVJ 443.05 + 5 Tone 100 100
KA4AZQ 443.075 + 5 Tone 100 100
K4ETN 443.1 + 5 Tone 118.8 118.8
KD4PBC 443.15 + 5 Tone 146.2 146.2
W4WC 443.2 + 5 Tone 100 100
KJ4HPM 443.225 + 5 Tone 100 100
WA4FLH 443.25 + 5 Tone 88.5 88.5
WA4KJH 443.3 + 5 Tone 100 100
KF4PVQ 443.325 + 5 Tone 141.3 141.3
W2IQ 443.45 + 5 Tone 100 100
KD4CWB 443.5 + 5 Tone 100 100
AC4JF 443.55 + 5 Tone 88.5 88.5
K4JFT 443.6 + 5 Tone 100 100 Monroe
K4IBW 443.675 + 5 Tone 100 100
KG4LHC 443.75 + 5 Tone 203.5 203.5
KD4CWB 443.8 + 5 Tone 100 100
WB4JGI 443.825 + 5
AC4JF 443.85 + 5 Tone 100 100
KE4RX 443.975 + 5 Tone 110.9 110.9
KD4CWB 444 + 5 Tone 100 100
KC4PDQ 444.075 + 5
KB4REC 444.175 + 5
K4MFD 444.2 + 5 Tone 118.8 118.8 Greene
W4NCS 444.225 + 5 Tone 100 100
W4IC 444.25 + 5 Tone 127.3 127.3
W4GZX 444.275 + 5 Tone 114.8 114.8
WB4GBI 444.3 + 5 Tone 118.8 118.8
N4KFI 444.325 + 5
AC4JF 444.35 + 5 Tone 88.5 88.5
KC4NNN 444.425 + 5
KB4REC 444.525 + 5 Tone 123 123
W4BBB 444.575 + 5 Tone 100 100
WB4NKL 444.65 + 5 Tone 100 100
K4IBW 444.675 + 5 Tone 100 100
444.7 + 5
N4CKB 444.725 + 5 Tone 146.2 146.2
K4ETN 444.75 + 5 Tone 192.8 192.8
KK4DKW 444.775 + 5 Tone 94.8 94.8
KE4FGW 444.825 + 5
N4WT 444.875 + 5 Tone 156.7 156.7
KD4TZT 444.925 + 5
UHF CALL 446 0

 

DMR

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone County
K4MFD 444.0375 + 5 CC 1 1 Greene
KB4REC 444.175 + 5 CC 1 1 Knox
WB4GBI 440.575 + 5 CC 1 1 Sevier

 

Weather

Name Frequency Duplex Offset Tone Rx Tone Tx Tone
WX 1 162.55
WX 2 162.4
WX 3 162.475
WX 4 162.425
WX 5 162.45
WX 6 162.5
WX 7 162.525
WX 8 161.65
WX 9 162.75
WX 10 163.275