The DLARC Dispatch
The DLARC Dispatch
Your Monthly Signal from the Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club
Your Monthly Signal from the Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club
Embedded Files
Detroit Lakes Amateur Radio Club • [Month], [Year]
www.w0emz.orgIn This Issue
In This Issue
On the Air & On the Calendar
Key Up for These Events!Wavelength Wisdom
Your Technical Tip(s) of the Month!Member Spotlights
The Ham Behind the Handle!Stay Connected!
Where The Ragchew Never Ends!On the Air & On the Calendar
Key Up for These Events!On the Air & On the Calendar
Announcements
Announcements
THE HAM & EGG NET
The Holiday Inn has changed things up. The only option for breakfast is now the buffet.
Wavelength Wisdom
Your Technical Tip(s) of the Month!Wavelength Wisdom
Who Needs a Lab? Pills, Tape, and Mutual Inductance
Who Needs a Lab? Pills, Tape, and Mutual Inductance
from Jim Bowlby (KF0SVB):
I’ve been exploring options for a low-cost RF signal generator and came across a promising design titled An Si5351-Driven QRP Amplifier – kk9jef. The project uses the same Si5351 oscillator chip found in the QMX, making it an interesting and accessible experiment.
Attached are a few progress photos from the build. The initial breadboard setup includes an Arduino Nano, an Si5351 module, and an SSD1306 OLED display. The Si5351 multiplies and divides its internal 25 MHz reference to generate a wide frequency range, and I mapped a 10K potentiometer to tune across the lower portion of the 40-meter band. Oscilloscope measurements show the output frequency tracking reasonably close to the intended value.
I then expanded the setup by driving the kk9jef amplifier from the breadboard. A small battery pack provides 2–3 V gate bias, with the output terminated into a 50-ohm dummy load. Oscilloscope measurements indicate approximately 40 V peak-to-peak, or about 14.3 V RMS — roughly 4 watts into 50 ohms using a low-impedance 6 V supply. The improvised aluminum heat sink stayed warm but not excessively hot during testing.
Technical Tips & Tricks
Technical Tips & Tricks
Parks On The Air Update
A quick look at the rapid worldwide growth of Parks on the Air, along with a preview of what’s coming next with POTA 2.0 and the upcoming improvements to the POTA.app tools and features.
Duval County ARES Built the Ultimate Emergency Comms Trailer
An inside look at the brand-new Duval County ARES ham radio trailer — a fully self-contained, climate-controlled mobile communications unit built to support emergency operations during disasters.
Member Spotlights
The Ham Behind the Handle!Member Spotlights
This month, we’re proud to recognize Shaun Carlson, KF0IBC, as our Member Spotlight. Licensed for four years and now holding an Amateur Extra license, Shaun brings enthusiasm and curiosity to every aspect of amateur radio. From participating in local nets and POTA activations to building antennas and tackling hands-on projects like the QMX+ transceiver, he is always pushing himself to learn something new. Balancing family life, a full-time career, and community involvement, Shaun reflects the spirit of experimentation, growth, and fellowship that makes amateur radio such a rewarding hobby.
License & History
License & History
● Years Licensed / Class: Licensed for 4 years. Amateur Extra.
● Inspiration: His Father-in-Law, Chad Harstad (W0EMZ), encouraged him to get licensed.
● First Interest: Initially earned his Technician license so he could talk with his Father-in-Law on the radio.
Operating & Interests
Operating & Interests
● Favorite Bands/Modes: SSB on any band, some digital modes, and currently learning CW.
● Favorite Activities: Enjoys learning new aspects of the hobby, building antennas, experimenting with portable operations, constructing projects like an EFRW kite antenna, and assembling the QMX+ transceiver. Active in POTA hunting and activations.
● Nets & Groups: Participates in the regional Friday night 2-meter simplex net, the DLARC Sunday net, various regional VHF nets, and occasionally the Free Speech Radio net on TGIF 2021.
● Current Setup: Primary HF radio is a Yaesu FTdx10 and primary VHF/UHF radio is an Icom 9700. Also uses a Yaesu FTM-300DR for WIRES-X. Portable operations typically include a Yaesu FT-891, (TR)uSDX QRP rig, and soon the QMX+. Rarely travels without an HF radio.
Life Outside the Shack
Life Outside the Shack
● Profession/Life: Director of Enterprise IT at Arvig in Perham with 15 years of service. Active in family life with three children and homeschooling responsibilities. Also serves as Detroit Lakes City Council Alderman (Ward 1) and Chair of the Planning Commission.
● Hobbies/Skills: Enjoys pellet grilling, working with a 3D printer, and spending time with family.
Reflections
Reflections
● Most Memorable Contact: Made contact with astronaut Kjell Lindgren aboard the ISS in 2022 using a mobile setup, receiving confirmation via QSL card.
● Dream Operating Location: Anywhere he happens to be — enjoys making contacts while traveling and hopes to complete a POTA activation in Puerto Rico.
● Advice for New Hams: Find the part of the hobby you enjoy and dive in. There is always something new to learn — and plenty of hams willing to help.
Stay Connected!
Where The Ragchew Never Ends!Stay Connected!
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