HRWB 223 - A Conversation with Bill Meara from the SolderSmoke Podcast

In this episode we talk all about our second on the air operating event, Ham Radio Workbenches On The Air.  We had so much fun the last time, we decided to do it again.  We talk about whats on our workbenches and go over all the details about operating HRWBOTA. The operating event will be Sunday March 16.  For all the details go to https://hrwbota.com We meet Alan, N7AKG, the developer of the Ham Radio Instant Scoring Service, HISS, that allows operators to create their own contests and show scores in real time.  We also meet Andrew, KC2G, the developer of several interesting projects including the HRWBOTA tracker web site.

In this episode we meet Patrick, KJ7SZU, the owner of the company that makes the digital clock and information device, Geochron.  The mechanical Geochron clock has been around for over 40 years.  When Patrick saw his first mechanical Geochron clock he was hooked !  He was so impressed with the idea that he bought the company and completely remade the Geochron as an internet connected information display device on a large screen 4K video display. Join us for this fascinating story all about Patrick's journey to the present time with the Geochron. 

In this episode we meet Rosy Schechter, KJ7RYV, ARDC Executive Director, John Burwell, KI5QKX, 44Net Program Manager and Rebecca Key, KO4KVG, ARDC Communications Manager. ARDC, Amateur Radio Digital Communications.  The ARDC manages the IP address space that starts with 44 and they are the funding source for millions of dollars in grants every year to benefit amateur radio. Learn about what the 44 Net is, how it can be used by radio amateurs and how the ARDC manages their grant funding process.

In this episode we talk about how to prepare for Winter Field Day and field operating in cold weather in general.  Winter Field Day is a great operating event for individuals and clubs.  Its a great excuse to get out and operate when it, brrrrrr, cold outside !  

In this episode we meet Vance, KV4P, the designer of a radio module that connects to your Android phone and turns it into a 2m FM HT.  Vance is a professional UX (User eXperience) designer and brought his years of design knowledge to the project.  The result is a modern take on how a hand  held 2m radio should work in addition to the convenience of intergration into your mobile phone that you carry with you every day.

In this episode the tables are turned and George, KJ6VU, becomes the special guest.  The topic is how he designed his station control system.  The station controller is used to monitor and control key components in your remotely controlled ham radio station.  The station controller can also be used to monitor and control a repeater system or any other critical equipment. We will discuss what you need for effective remote station control, how George went about designing his control system and how it works.  Topics include the system architecture, circuit and physical design and selection of key components like the microcontrollers that run the system and the node red software environment that provides the user interface. The station controller will eventually be offered as a commercial product for sale through his company Sierra Radio Systems.  

In this episode we meet Jonathan Kayne, KM4CFT, the designer of a very popular new QRP radio called the CFT-1.  Jonathan shares his journey from concept to production of his new radio design.  The truly remarkable thing about his accomplishment is that he has achieved this in less than a year.  Join us for a fun conversation and a bit of inspiration.

In this episode we give you the buyer's guide to holiday cheer.  The team put their heads together to come up with many suggestions for the workbench, ham shack and portable ops plus a few stocking stuffers.  If you are buying for a loved one, best ham radio buddy or yourself, you are sure to find many great suggestions in this show.

In this episode we catch up with our good friend Bill Meara, N2CQR, the host of the SolderSmoke podcast.  SolderSmoke is a haven for those of us interested in home brewing our own radio equipoment.  Bill shares his experiences both at the workbench and also operating around the world.  SolderSmoke was one of the inspirations behind the HRWB Podcast and we appreciate all that Bill and his team have done to bring great content to the ham radio community for the last 20 years. 

In this episode we catch up with our good friend and show regular Thomas Witherspoon, K4SWL, to find out how things are going in the disaster recovery from hurricane Helene.  We are also joined by our good frend Josh Higgins, K7OSH, from the Hoodview ARC and discuss what we should do, as amateur radio operators, to prepare for disasters.