Friday, March 21, 2014

HamQSLer ?


HamQSLer is the premier free, open source program for designing and printing your QSL cards. HamQSLer allows you to design professional looking QSL cards, and then either print them with QSO information added on your own printer, or save them to JPEG files for forwarding to a QSL print shop.
Below are 3 more examples of simple QSL cards you can create in minutes, after you get familiar with the software.


I was almost out of QSL cards ... so I started looking for something more than a basic design. Which I have used for years. I wanted one of those nice picture cards ...  until I checked the price ! Then I stumbled across a program called HamQSLer.
The software is not complicated at all, but I do recommend reading the PDF help files before you attempt to create your own QSL card.


One of the neat features I liked was creating a picture within a picture.You can also control the size of both pictures !


You can even download your adif log file into the program and it will print your qso's on your QSL card for you. 
You can add,  logo's .... designs ...... make 2 sided cards .... create photo cards .... etc.
Sure you have to buy printer ink and good card stock or photo paper .... but it's a lot of fun designing any card you want.You can have a different card for each ham event. The possibilities are endless !!
It has plenty of features that I haven't mentioned. So go to the website and check it out !
Click on the link below

HamQSLer


Remember

73 de N4LA
"Get RADIO-ACTIVE"


Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Another 2014 Ice Storm !

Well spring starts this week. Or at least that's what they say. Here's a picture of my multiband yagi covered with ice ! I sure hope the wind doesn't get up. Or I'm in trouble !

Saturday, March 15, 2014

A testimonial of the new Key Concepts straight key !!



Hi Todd ...
Hope u are well. At long last a parcel arrived today! I must say it was well wrapped, well this magnificent key emerged from the box, a CW masterpiece of engineering! I must commend you on a wonderful ham radio product full of quality, after reading start up procedure it was into the shack to hook it up, WOW! CW sending never felted this good. My old German junker was the standard for nice sending but pro pump key smashes that now! What a joy it is to use this key and to look at, just had to mention it, sending u some photos me using key and my collection best regards ..... Romano (EI5EN).


This is Todd at Key Concepts .......
Many of you already know that I am now producing custom made CW KEYS ... exclusively for LNR Precsion in Randleman NC. Our (NT9K Design) "Pro Pump" is the 1st new production key of 2014. It includes solid brass components, with a "clear" satin brass sealant applied, to protect and prevent the key from tarnishing.. The base is made of top quality cold rolled steel with a crinkle black, powder coat finish. This key was designed for those old school operators who love to "pound brass". It weighs in at nearly four and a half pounds ! We hope to design and build more keys in the near future, including single lever paddles ... and small portable keys as well. 
All of our keys are hand crafted ... one at a time. 
They are also individually tested before shipping. 
For info on how to purchase ... click on the link below.




73 de N4LA
Todd

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

TX Factor - Episode 1 (TXF001)

A new Amateur Radio show hits the UK ... Check out episode # 001

This show is great ... I can't wait to see more !!



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Wednesday, February 19, 2014

New Pro Pump CW key hits the market

LNR Precision in Randleman North Carolina is now providing custom built straight keys for ham radio operators world wide. For more information check out their website at ...
www.lnrprecision.com

Thursday, February 13, 2014

Snow in the South !

Here's a picture of the qth. 5 inches of snow and 2 inches of sleet and freezing rain. Life as we know it has stopped at least for the day.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

How to Get on top of the DX pile-up !!!


1. If you come upon a pileup, find the exact DX frequency and slowly tune up your KW right on his frequency. Take your time doing this as it has maximum effect this way. The longer you take, the better. It lets others know that YOU are going to call the DX.

2. If you cannot wait to find out the DX call sign, ask, "What is the DX call sign?" On CW send “DX?” Call?" Do NOT listen, this takes time. DO this repeatedly until someone gives you the DX call. This will show all others on frequency that you are serious about wanting to work this DX. This is called sharing.

3. When you find out the DX call, repeat your call over and over again on the DX frequency. Even if he is working split there is a chance he may be listening on his transmit frequency.

4. When the DX says "ABC only"- Don't believe him. If he says "Europe only" - Don't believe him. If he says, "2's only" - Don't believe him. Keep giving your call "XYZ” !!.XYZ !! .XYZ !! How Copy MARIO?" Make sure you use his name when you call him, he may think you are someone he knows. It must work as we hear it on bands all the time so it has to be effective. Don't pay attention to directional calls. When did any DX know what they wanted ? What matters most is what YOU want.

5. To get the DX to work other modes tell him you want to set up a schedule later which is convenient to you. You should wait until the pileup has built up to several hundred and just before the band is about to go out, then ask him to meet you on CW, PSK31, RTTY or SSB at a set time and frequency. Above all, make sure you tell him that YOU need him on these modes. This will endear you in the hearts of all on frequency, it shows that you can work more than one mode and are a well-rounded amateur.

6. If you have worked the DX previously make sure you call him and tell him that he is stronger than the last 6 times you worked him this week. The DX station will want to know this. Others on frequency will respect you more, you will be recognized as a Big Gun DXer.

7. When you find a DX pileup, to bring your operating skills to a higher level and impress all those on frequency - Zero beat the DX send "QRL? Is this frequency in use?" This shows character and that you are truly a caring person.

8. When finally making the DX contact, give the DX some background about yourself, TX, RX, ANT, WX, how many children and grandchildren you have, where they went to college, what size bedroom slipper you wear, or any other items of interest to the DX. This shows that you are not just a 59 kind of guy. This is most effective when the band is just about to fold.

9. After you have worked the DX you will need the QSL route. Although this will be listed on the DX packet cluster, in ARRL & DX News Letters, and on the Internet, there is no reason for you to go to all the bother of reading these sources. You can just keep calling on the DX frequency."What is the QSL Information?" If you don't get a reply with the information after 8 or 10 calls, keep it up, your persistence will payoff. There are plenty of other stations on frequency who are waiting to work the DX who have read these publications and they willing and ready to help you.

Courtesy of 3Z9DX ( Dom )