HAM Radio

Even though there is a bit of difference between the Zepp and J-pole, they are still electrically identical.

 

No not really, there is a bit of difference between the two, make both of them and see for yourself.

 

73 es gud DX!

de kc5ngx

 

I know this ain't about CB radio, but since yer talking about ham radio, thot I'd share this. I got hold of an unusual HF radio. It is a mil spec, NTIA-complaint Harris RF-3200 transceiver, 'an I'm tickled pink! This thing has 320 memory channels, is USB, LSB, AM, CW and is data-capable. 125 watts out. In addition, a KW+ antenna coupler is included. I got the rig, tuner, and all the books, including the original 1992 invoice when it was purchased new. It was used in Maritime service, shipboard, and, I think, a yacht owner was the original owner. It covers 1.6 MHZ thru 30 MHZ (yeah..it would ostensibly cover 11 Meters, but it will never go there so long as I own it). To those not familiar, the Harris Company is a domestic transceiver maker that caters to commercial operators, maritime, and US (and overseas) governments. You'll also find Harris equipment in the military. The emissions specs are extremely "tight" (.0-65 PPM).

The antenna coupler will match dipoles, whips as short as 10 feet, and end-fed wires. It also goes outside on a mast or tower and is fed, not with coax, but with ladder line! Hams know what that is, of course! So much for "coax length"!

So what does a feller DO with such a radio? Well, it certainly covers the amateur bands--no doubt about dat! I can even listen to the CB band, too!

It has a lot to do with this "NTIA" stuff. Army and AF MARS (Military Affiliate) stations are subject to this agency as well as Civil Air Patrol, USAF Auxiliary. MARS and CAP now must comply with NTIA specs for HF and VHF operations. NTIA is "National Telecommunications & Information Agency" and it controls US Gov't and military radio operations. I ran across this set at a good price, and it allows me to operate both the amateur and USAF frequencies (for which I am authorized. I just couldn't pass it up: less than $500 for both for a $10,000 radio! (original price) and a 1 KW tuner/coupler! Think what a truck radio this thing would make tho illegal for CB. I just thot that you's would be interested, what with our mutual interest in radio, that's all!

 

Quite a haul!

What’s the going service rate for a factory technician?

 

USAF Mars member?

 

Well, I don't think that would be necessary. I have the service manual, schematics, installation instructions and this thing is beautiful! You'd think that serving on shipboard/yacht it would have lots of wear. But.....it doesn't! It looks like NEW! And it WORKS, too! It looks like one of those large Icom (IC-746, IC-756 and Yaesu rigs! I've had it on, checked the transmit, and it works @ 125 watts OUT. It is simple to wire a desk mike and I'm thinkin' about my original Golden Eagle D-104 for a desk mike. Wiring the mike is easy since it uses the conventional 4-pin Amphenol mike plug.

Currently life member of CAP having joined as a Cadet in 1964. I was AFA2ET a number of years ago, but I lapsed because the Civil Air Patrol nets conflicted with MARS nets. I couldn't meet 2 nets at the same time, so............ Cap WON! Besides, I got to FLY on missions!

CAP frequencies are controlled by USAF; indeed they ARE USAF frequencies. We are authorized (not licensed) under USAF Frequency Management. Like USAF and all military, CAP is subject to OPSEC rules. It uses standard military voice protocols (almost identical to MARS) and is used for support of USAF domestic air missions (non combatant), disaster relief missions, and internal communications. As a kid, I thought it was SO kewl to be able to talk to the USAF on my radio, and the Air Guard guys used to come on frequency in their C-130's! And as said, it is subject to NTIA, not FCC. If you play around on the radio, you might have a mean Major or Lt Col breathing down your neck! SO that's why members must have NTIA-compliant radios--just like MARS. In fact, CAP's NTIA compliancy list is on the 'web and is used by other agencies as a 'benchmark' as to which radios will meet the NTIA specs. They are VERY strict as to emissions standards--even for the receiver (tho I'm sure a lot of people "cheat" on that! After all, if you can HEAR the other stations, what's the beef so long as you don't interfere with others?
If you want to know what Civil Air atrol does, its history, its relationship to USAF, its all on the 'web!

And this is the story of this particular Harris mil spec radio. It was almost dropped into my lap on QRZ and I jumped on it! Gonna be fun!

 

I know what CAP, did some work with them about 20 years ago out at Selfridge ANG base. I think others should know, it seems people don't even know what they do or how they do it.

United States Air Force Auxiliary | Civil Air Patrol National Headquarters

I just wondered about MARS, some asked if I was interested in it a while back and I asked about it through their contact site which was before they made the big changes but never got a response. I dropped all my affiliations with my AREAS and RACES locals because I got tired of the BS and the arrogance, When they were making fun of the people who wanted to join, calling them derogatory names, I said that's enough and left. I also felt that I should not have to go through ECOMM training as if I was in the military or part of the some responded group. I had my training with the Civil Defense (remained with the local group until 1978 when they cut the funding for it and created FEMA) which should have been enough to participate. I think it has become more bureaucratized and top heavy than it should be, and I hear lately MARS has too.

 

I think you'll find various politics, etc. in ANY organization. Some of us choose some sort of volunteer service, and I chose CAP because of communications and flying. I also agree that CAP is one of the best-kept secrets in the USA, tho its surely accidental. Its origins and history is also quite interesting, especially CAP's submarine patrol off the coasts in 1942. Believe it or not, CAP SANK 2 German U-boats and shared credit with Navy and Coast Guard in some kills.

And that's mainly how this thread got started about the Harris RF-3200: because of the CAP/USAF Communications mission. Unfortunately I can't share much about that due to OPSEC restrictions.

Today, I spent most of it installing the antenna coupling unit and learning how to operate the radio. Right now, I'm listening to an amateur net on 3923 KHZ. I should be up and running tomorrow if all goes well.

73

Gadfly

 

Let us not forget David Ferrie, “most famous” CAP member.