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| The RV Radio Network (RVRN) is an ARRL affiliated association of Amateur Radio Operators who share an interest Recreational Vehicles. On this website you will find information about rallies, hamfests, radio nets, and other activities of interest to the members of our club. | RVRN now has ham radio nets for every class of license, and even one net that does not require an FCC license. The list of club sponsored nets is below and a large list of RV/Ham nets is available by clicking the "RV/Travel Nets" button on the menu bar at the top of most pages. | Net Control Operators KA2HPG, N0ROB, W8TJT, KC1M, N3YRZ, KC5MEM, W9WRM, K9BJR, WA5FFL, WR5E, K7SWS, and KE6NYT want to talk to you. If you would like to help us as an NCO or Relay station please contact our Communications Manager Fred, KA2HPG. |
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Latest Bulletin Board Posts
Posted by NY4NC - 4-25-2024 _ 11:24 AM CDT This is more than what you want, but it has advantages. I use an ICOM IC-7100 which is all-bands, HF, VHF, and UHF. I use a BlueCAT device (see the Repeater Book app for information), which can be ordered and then it plugs into the main unit of the IC-7100. It allows one to link to the Repeater Book app via Bluetooth. Then all one needs to do is to touch an entry in the Repeater Book app to set the radio to use the selected repeater. It is simple to use on-the-move. https://www.zbm2.com/BlueCAT/index.html According to the linked web site: "Versions now available for the ICOM 7000, 7100, 9100 and Yaesu FT-857, FT-817, FT-897, FT100D - 4800 baud version required." Posted by KB4DZN - 4-14-2024 _ 6:53 PM CDT I'm in the market for a simple 2/44 duo band for mobile use, perhaps in a passenger ride, possibly in the MH. I've tried the 5100 - too complex of a screen to handle in motion - period. Your thoughts and comments would be greatly appreciated. Brent Posted by K9BJR - 4-14-2024 _ 8:51 AM CDT I'm glad RVRN member Jason (Ham Radio 2.0 on YouTube) did his usual walk round live video of the Ham Fests he goes to. Yesterday was the Spring Belton (TX) Hamfest. I watched his video live and was pleased that I got the experience of walking round it and the benefit of NOT spending a ton of cash on all the goodies (and junk) for sale. Remember folks... There is always another local-ish Hamfest, a couple of months away. For me that is the DFW are one on June14-15. Posted by W2REV - 4-10-2024 _ 7:26 PM CDT I was thinking along the lines of using the trailer hitch. The only problem with back there I'd only be able to use my rig once parked. I thought about adding a hitch to the front since the hood is metal - might help. I have heard that some folks put a brush guard up front and mount to that, but I've yet to see a pic or whether it works well. Posted by K7SWS - 4-9-2024 _ 11:37 PM CDT Just a thought for W2REV I didn't know a thing about an Altas until I watched their sales video....Wow what a nice rig! You could build an L mount out of 2" square tube and mount the ATAS to the trailer hitch. I did something similar to a travel trailer we had in the past. I just added a braided strap between the mount and the frame of the RV. I use the ladder on our Winnebago Vectra and I have also added a ground strap to that as well. Steve K7SWS Posted by W2REV - 4-9-2024 _ 7:05 PM CDT Our mode of travel is an Airstream Atlas. It's a Mercedes Benz chassis and fiberglass body motorhome, not the "silver bullets" that come to mind when mentioning Airstream. Our old rig had a ladder on the back that easily supported my ATAS120 for an FT857. I am at a loss at how and where to mount the ATAS on this RV. What complicates the matter is this RV is already at 10-6 in height, and the roof real estate is already taken up with 3 air vents, 2 plumbing vents, and solar panels. Has anybody got any ideas? Posted by KI5ECE - 3-18-2024 _ 10:11 AM CDT Anyone attending the Cajun RV Festival Apr 11-15 down at Isle of Iberia RV Resort. We are attending with two other couples. First time for us Tom KI5ECE Posted by KB6WHV - 3-7-2024 _ 10:44 AM CST Lots of fun and activities on the branmirster talk group 31652 RV talk group this morning. Posted by KB6WHV - 3-7-2024 _ 10:44 AM CST Lots of fun and activities on the branmirster talk group 31652 RV talk group this morning. Posted by N7ZEV - 3-6-2024 _ 6:46 PM CST I've been carring around a folding Lectric ebike in the jeep for over a year. Fits in a 40 galon tub from Home depot, (makes loading easier, for an old guy). Sure comes in handy at Quartsfest and the larger RV parks. Had a couple of issues, both were resolved quickly and to my satisfaction. Cost was about 1500 as I recall. Frank / N7ZEV Posted by KE6NYT - 2-14-2024 _ 5:02 PM CST Looking at getting an e-bike. Don’t go camping enough to consider a $4k bike. Just something reliable to get around the campground and/or maybe into the nearby town. Looking into Rad Power bikes or Lectric brand Any thoughts Posted by K4HM - 2-12-2024 _ 6:58 PM CST The 2024 HamCation is now "in the books" and a good time was had by all. The RVRN and the FMCA-ARC shared a new lakefront camping area right across the road from the new pavilion. There was plenty of room for happy hours and the RV Service Net was just east of us in their regular lakefront spot. Lots of inter-mingling among the groups and many are members of 2 or even all 3 clubs. Folks are already talking about doing the same next year. Overall it was another great HamCation. Posted by K4KOA - 12-16-2023 _ 7:16 PM CST I thought this KOA article would be interesting to the group https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=pfbid0cHKmzro94VMJENwYQaKtefHBjMHt5diZBLPdxm6gEr5U6G5fpR4Rzg4BnURA1MzZl&id=100064569138973 Posted by KB6WHV - 12-14-2023 _ 8:49 PM CST Success on the net tonight using EchoLink. Do not use SELINK on brandmeister network. If anyone has another way to hear the net on brandmeister net, please let the network know so we can try to keep DMR alive and well. Posted by KB6WHV - 12-13-2023 _ 5:45 PM CST Thank you Hank!!!!! I will use EchoLink this week. Posted by K4HM - 12-9-2023 _ 3:21 PM CST Hi David, I am curious who you have contacted about this. I will be glad to get with you and try to see what is causing the difficulty. "Dropping" sounds like most likely a network issue and until this week the only net we have conducted on the internet was the MultiMode/EchoLink Net and I am confident we can get you on there. You may also be interested to know that we (continued on the Members Only page.) |
SK - April, 5 2024 
From John Conte - KD2FB, we learned of the passing of Beth Freeman - KB4ZWX. Beth was the widow of Don Freeman - KD4OIH who became a SK last August. Don and Beth were 30 year members having joined RVRN in the spring of 1993 and were quite active for more than 20 years.
The Latest Network News is <HERE>
RVRN NETS
40m Nightlhy Net: Sun - Fri 7PM CT 7264 Khz +/- 10Khz UPCOMING EVENTS
2024 RVRN Spring Eyeball Rally
Returns to Berlin RV Park May 11 - 16 See the details Here Make your RVRN Rally Reservation Here 
Your Rally Hosts Are Dwight-W8TJT & Michelle-N3YRZ RVRN Western Rally : July 10 - 14 With HamCon:Zion : July 12 - 13 This RVRN Rally is in association with a new major Hamfest and ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Convention in St. George, Utah. See the Western Rally details < HERE> Complete the Western Rally Application <HERE>> For information contact WR5E - JJ Lambert
RVRN Fall Eyeball Rally : Sept. 23 - 27 At the Appalachian Springs Outdoor Resort in Pigeon Forge, TN Your Rally Hosts Are Dwight-W8TJT & Michelle-N3YRZ For more information contact KC1M - Calvin Means Complete the Fall Rally Application <HERE> Ask the RVRN Tech Guy HERE (11/12) Can I use the TV wiring in my RV for my HF antenna.
Is it possible to use the pre-wired satellite connection on my RV as a entry point to connect my external HF antenna to my station inside? The RV is wired with F-type connectors on (presumably) 75 ohm wire and runs parallel with the pre-wired cable TV connector.
Thank you very much for contacting RVRN with your question. If I understand your question you would like to use your satellite 75 ohm coax for your HF antenna. Without knowing the electrical characteristics of your coax it is difficult to say. I am not worried about the 75 ohm impedance but question the power rating. If you can, find the cable number and look up on the internet to confirm both the impedance and power rating. There are F connector adapters to be able to use the standard PL-259 connector. Tim K5TGS (11/9) Larry asks about grounding for his antenna.
I'm trying to install a HAM radio in my 40' Class-A motorhome. It's skinned entirely with fiberglass. I think I have found a mirror antenna mount for the antenna. My concern is about the ground plane requirement to make antenna work. If I can get it to work and install the antenna on the mirror, will that connection to the entire frame of the motorcoach act as the ground plane and give me good coms?
Hello Larry, Thank you for reaching out to RVRN with your question! Yes, if there is an electrical connection to the frame that can be a big help. One drawback could be the HF antenna size and drag on the mirror while driving. I suggest you get access to an antenna analyzer and check the SWR for this setup as you may need a tuner. An alternate setup RVers use is the hitch on the back of the coach with a mast going upward. Either setup will need to be tested for actual performance as each is a bit of a compromise. Let us know how it goes. Tim K5TGS (11/4) Gary asks about voltage and current phase.
Gary asks: Will a non-resonant vertical antenna with a set tuner at its feed point have the voltage and current at its feed point in phase? No lengthy discussion please: only yes, no, or I don't know.
Gary, This is a good question. If your tuner can tune the non-resonant antenna to 1:1 it will be purely resistive, and voltage and current are in phase. Tim K5TGS (9/30) Randy asks about the pre-wired coax cables in an RV
Randy asks: Looking for an answer on whether it is possible to use the pre wired coax cables in a Rv, for the tv, as a means to connect your antenna and base unit. I don’t have a unit in my camper yet but was wanting to eliminate any drilled holes through the camper floors or walls.
Hello Randy, This is an excellent question. I suppose the most typical impedance of TV coax is 75 ohms. This will introduce a little bit higher SWR for you but certainly something you can work with. Theoretically, this mismatch should only introduce an SWR of 1.5 to 1. Depending on your antenna, it may be useful to have a tuner to compensate for the slight mismatch. In fact, many hams do use 75 ohm coax because it is so much cheaper. The only other consideration would be the power level if you are using an amplifier. If so, I would look up the actual specs for your coax to make sure you don’t exceed the power rating. Best Regards (9/2) Jeff asks what antenna analyzer to use
This question comes to us from Jeff in Ohio. I am considering buying an antenna analyzer, but they seem very expensive. One option I did come across is the nano VNA. These seem to have the same functions but are far less expensive. What do you think?
Well, Jeff, you have this down correctly. The nano VNA’s are, in general, less expensive, and in fact, will do much more. With the improvement in technology, the nano VNA has become a great option for many hams. They are very flexible and have enormous capability. The major drawback I have found is that unless a ham is very technically inclined, the learning curve is very steep and many hams get frustrated trying to figure out how the VNA works. I would first recommend watching several YouTube’s about the nano VNA. Many of these are well done, and will give you great insight into the complexity of the VNA. The ARRL also has some very good publications about the VNA so check that out as well. If you feel comfortable, then you might invest in a VNA and get used to its capability. Best Regards 6:00 PM Central Time on Sunday - Friday 7264 KHz + or - QRM. RV Radio Network EchoLink Net Every Thursday at 8 PM Central time on the Multi-Mode South East Conference Node (*SELINK*). You can usually find us on Net Logger -or- Net Scraper Subscribe to weekly EchoLink Net reminder/update Email. Complete RV Radio Networkk EchoLink information HERE For the Current and previous issues see the Members Only page 
Give us your ideas on Rallies, Nets, the website, or ask us questions about whatever is on your mind. All suggestions are anonymous. All suggestions are delivered to the RVRN Board for review.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
BirmingHAMfest
Civic Center - Trussville, AL
March 16
The 68th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Hamfest
ARRL West Texas Section Convention
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March 20 - 23
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Pima County Fairgrounds Tuscon, AZ
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FMCA Conventioin
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RV Full Hookup
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Pima Co Claremore, Oklahoma
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