Pacifcon Convention Wrap-Up

by David Hackleman, K6VML

Per Ken Alker’s request on the SBARC listserver, here is my account of Pacificon, October 15-17, 2021.

My trip to Europe had been cancelled due to COVID. Pacificon was coming up at about the same time that the trip would have been. I had never been to it and decided it would be a worthwhile alternative. Earlier in the week I made a reservation at the San Ramon Marriott, site of the convention, even though the special rate had expired. Turns out I got the room at about the same rate. This was … Read more…

How I Unbricked a Nanostation M2

How I Unbricked a Nanostation M2

Ryan Elliott / AI6NE

Most of this is taken from this webpage

http://www.fusionnetwork.us/index.php/articles/general‐ tutorials/how‐to‐recover‐a‐bricked‐ubiquiti‐nanostation2‐or‐picostation2/ and https://forum.openwrt.org/viewtopic.php?id=69631

  • First off, make sure your network adapter and Ethernet cables are working properly.
  • You’ll need a TFTP program. Windows has a built‐in TFTP console. Look online on how to enable or find it or download one.
  • Download firmware version XM.v5.5.11.28002.150723.1344.bin from the internet. I have a copy if you need it. Email me at ai6ne@sbarc.com.
  • Remove Ubiquity label from lower part of the back … Read more…
  • Consider Supporting our Scholarship Fund

    *** Be sure to allocate your donation to the “Scholarship Fund” box. ***

    In 2021, the Board of Directors created the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation Scholarship Fund to provide annual support to high school seniors with excellent academic records who plan to study Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) in higher education. Each year, the Scholarship Committee will select a high school senior who will receive up to $1,000 to support their undergraduate studies.

    This scholarship is funded entirely through contributions made to the Santa Barbara Wireless Foundation Scholarship Fund. Tax-deductible contributions to the Scholarship … Read more…

    FM Simplex Node Frequencies in Santa Barbara

     

    Over the past few months there has been a renewed interest in AllStarLink FM simplex nodes among our members. These low power devices allow users to connect to remote VoIP nodes and repeater systems using an internet connection and an HT. Most opt to buy or build a device on 70cm.

    A couple years ago, during the initial DMR hotspot craze, SBARC expert consultant Matt W6XC identified a few frequencies around 431 MHz that were useful for digital hotspots like the OpenSpot and ZumSpot. HOWEVER, these frequencies are … Read more…

    REGULATORY ALERT: Changes to RF Exposure Rules

    You may have read about a recent change to the FCC regulations governing RF Exposure standards for amateur radio stations.  The new rules went into effect on May 3, 2021. While the change does not modify existing RF Exposure (RFE) limits, it does now require that ALL amateur radio licensees evaluate their stations for RFE.

    What does this mean for me?
    Operators of existing amateur stations have two years to complete an RFE evaluation. However, operators of all new stations or of any existing stations that are modified in a way that’s likely to change … Read more…