FT8

WHAT IS FT8?

     FT8 is a digital mode used in amateur radio that is designed for efficient and reliable communication in weak signal conditions. It has become a popular mode among ham radio operators due to its efficiency and effectiveness in making contacts over long distances. 
https://www.minnesotahamradio.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-ft8/, 3/30/24, 4:23 PM

 Equipment requirements for FT-8.

1.  Valid amateur radio license.
2. Functioning radio setup. This includes radio, power supply, antenna, feedline, and possibly an antenna tuner.
3. Computer with either a sound card (speaker and mic jacks) or open USB ports and able to run the WSJT software. An internet connection is useful, but not required. You can use Windows, Linux, or a Mac.
4. A connection between the radio and the computer.

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DXing

     DXing, taken from DX, the telegraphic shorthand for "distance" or "distant", is the hobby of receiving and identifying distant radio or television signals, or making two-way radio contact with distant stations in amateur radio, citizens band radio or other two-way radio communications.

RATPAC

     Radio Amateur Training Planning and Activities Committee (RATPAC) comprises Amateur Radio Operators of a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences. Together, we host nationwide Amateur Radio Zoom presentations twice-a-week, Wednesdays on general radio topics and Thursdays on amateur radio emergency communications. The topics are selected from audience recommendations that the planning committee then seeks topic experts or discussion panel members. The presentation audience consists of thousands of amateur radio operators worldwide who participate directly in the Zoom sessions or with video links of the presentation and related documentation sent out after each session.

• For past  RATPAC communications presentations go to: http://tiny.cc/rpem 

POTA (Parks On The Air)

     Portable amateur radio operations that promote emergency awareness and communications from national/federal and state/provincial level parks. Visit the POTA  website for more information (https://parksontheair.com/)

Parks on the air parks that are within an hour of Bakersfield:

Click here to download the Log sheet .pdf format

SOTA (Summits On The Air)
     SOTA is an award scheme for radio amateurs that encourages portable operation in mountainous areas.

     SOTA is fully operational in nearly a hundred countries across the world. Each country has its own Association which defines the recognised SOTA summits within that Association. Each summit earns the activators and chasers a score which is related to the height of the summit. Certificates are available for various scores, leading to the prestigious "Mountain Goat" and "Shack Sloth" trophies. An Honour Roll for Activators and Chasers is maintained at the SOTA online database. https://www.sota.org.uk/, 3/30/2024, 4:28pm

Field Day

Field Day is Ham Radio's open house.
     Every June, more than 40,000 hams throughout North America set up temporary transmitting stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio's science, skill and service to our communities and our nation. It combines public service, emergency preparedness, community outreach, and technical skills all in a single event. Field Day has been an annual event since 1933, and remains the most popular event in all of ham radio. Learn more about the history at : http://www.arrl.org/field-day

Contests

     Participate in contests. Ham Radio contests are competitions where operators try to make as many contacts as possible within a certain time frame. They can be a lot of fun and a great way to test your skills.