THE BRIEFING ROOM
Abita Springs, Louisiana
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Help testing your PEANUT, ECHOLINK, DMR, DSTAR or C4FM? E-Mail (see below); or, visit my CHAT ROOM Any News/Links to share?? E-Mail to K5HUM@ARRL.NET (when this occurs please try again 5 minute later) |
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Current Login ROSTER for John's KD5AXU Gulf Coast 6 METER NET. Click to View/Copy or Capture the 6M Net Covad-19 is still ravaging the world. So please maintain social distancing (15' apart) and please wear a face mask in public. Interested in becomming a Ham Radio Operator? Free OnLine Web Classes by George W5JDX and Tommy N5ZNO TV Shows devoted to Ham Radio: TWIT.TV and Ham Radio Now |
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(derived from e-Mail, Chats etc) (Q) I just purchased my first W10 tablet but the virtual keyboard is driving me nutty. I see no USB sockets for using outboard USB peripherals like a keyboard. Solution? (A) Most new Tablets come with Bluetooth for adding other devices like wireless Bluetooth keyboards, mice etc. Small Bluetooth keyboards can be found on e-Bay or Amazon for under $12. (Q) Do you know of a group of Hams that meet on JITSI? (A) I do; try HTTPS://MEET.JIT.SI/HAMCAM1 - however its password protected and I was asked not to publicized it. So, e-mail or whereby me for the password. And, if you know of similar gatherings on WebRTC based web sites like JITSI or WHEREBY (or??) please let me know. (Q) Mike, since MEET.JIT handles 70 users and WHEREBY has dropped back from 50 to 4, why are you still using WHEREBY? (A) I suppose the best I can offer is "brand loyalty", plus I met several principles at Telenore who have always been helpful. On top of that I have very little need for more than 4 users and when I do I simply QSY to MEET.JIT(.)SI (Q) Mike, I downloaded the Web Server (HFS.EXE) you use and I can access it on MY Browser, but no one on the Web can reach it. Can you offer me any clues? (A) The best I can do is mention what needs to be done at the beginning. You must forward tcp/ip port 80 thru your Router and Firewall. This assumes your ISP will allow it. "HOW to do that" depends on your hardware and operating system, and is beyond the scope of a simple answer. You might find more detailed help by Googling "how to port forward" on an XYZ system. (Q) What is your objection to DOWNLOADING and INSTALLING Com Apps for Internet communications? I kinda like ZELLO and TELEGRAM myself. (A) Zello and Telegram are good programs but they both suffer from the same disadvantages; you must download, install, and register them. Where as, WHEREBY and JITSI are based on the WebRTC protocol thats now built into all Browsers, and, are ready to go. Plus, JITSI allows 75 users, with many useful features, and is open source, and therefore TOTALLY FREE. (Q) I heard you mention a new nightly Internet Forum for the Central Gulf Coast Hurricane Net that meets concurrently while the Net runs. Details? (A) Yes, visit the CGCHN Forum and if you like it, bookmark the link. You can invite all your Ham Buds. Note: You will need a functioning CAM and Mic. the PASSWORD is "CGCHN" if asked. (Q) I want to video chat with a friend. With the dozens of Apps now available, what App is FREE and easy to setup and use? (A) Easy is in the eye of the beholder :) Personally, I like anything based on the new WebRTC Protocol, (that is now built into most better Browsers). I dislike any Apps that have to be downloaded and installed (i.e. SKYPE, ZOOM TELEGRAM etc etc.) Now, if its just you and a friend (4 is free), I suggest WHEREBY(.)COM/RM_NAME For large groups (up to 75) I recommend MEET(.)JIT(.)SI/RM_NAME JIT is open source, so always free, and has lots of nifty features. (Q) I just purchased a new W10 Laptop that came with Microsofts new Edge Browser and I love it. So much so I now uses it exclusively to monitor my video chat room. However, I am so used to running Chrome for G-Mail I installed it too and run it in the background to monitor for incoming e-mail. Here is my issue HiHi. I also run Peanut to chat. If I click on a Ham's call in Peanut it opens QRZ.COM in the Edge Browser which disrupts my video chat running there. Whats the solution? (A) Install FireFox (or??) and make it your DEFAULT Browser. Now if you click a Ham call your default will open on top of everything else. After viewing, close or minimize and you are set to go again. (Q) Mike, why arent you keeping the CGCHN Web page upto date? (A) The CGCHN is mainly a co-operative effort by just a few Hams. As the Admin of the web server I get by with the least of the efforts. Each Net Controller files a Logon list for that night to our Net Scribe who inturn tabulates everything and ultimately forwards the active sheets to me, whereupon I post them on the ARC.TZO.COM server. Obviously any break in the system causes delays. Before you complain, please volunteer your help and participation. Please contact W5ORA (Q) Can you share some of your favorite TV shows that are devoted to the hobby of Ham Radio? (A) Sure, I have never found one that I didn't like, so, here are several that I frequently watch. Please don't be offended if I failed to mention yours. Just Google "Ham Radio TV shows" for more. AmateurLogicTV - HamTV - HamRadioNow and TwitTV (Q) I heard Microsofts new Edge Browser is a clone of Chrome. Have you used it? and what happened to the CGCHN web site? (A) Yes, IMHO the new Edge Browser is as good as Googles Chrome if not a clone. As for the CGCHN web site, I am just the hardware guy, John - N5JHF was the chief scribe in charge of supplying the daily documents. John has been down recovering from a Quad Bypass. We hope he will be returning to his regular activities as soon as he is able. (Q) I cannot afford Adobe but would like to read and edit PDF files. What do you recommend for a good FREEWARE PDF editor? (A) Another Ham Bud recommended something called AbleWord and Neat Office, both for Windows 10. Between the two you can edit and convert most formats to PDF etc and vice-versa. AbleWord can be downloaded HERE and Neat Office can be downloaded HERE NOTE: Download and install times vary from 5 to 10 minutes. (Q) I know you now use WHEREBY for video chats but what happened to MEET.JITSI? It was one of your favorites a while back. (A) Interesting that your bring that up. JITSI is not only still around but has dramatically improved. First its still TOTALLY FREE, and like WHEREBY easy to independently create a room. Plus it has all the whistels and bells of ZOOM and MEET. Want more details?, call me in my video chat room above. (Q) How can I transmit live video from my smart phone "in real time" to an online friend without any added software or gadgets? (A) Easy, you and your friend can setup a free video chat room on WHEREBY (or JITSI). He keeps his room running, then you open your cells Browser and type in his WHEREBY (or JITSI) chat room address. Example: My room is HTTP://WHEREBY.COM/K5HUM Want more details?, call me in my video chat room above. (Q) Mr HUM, what is your secret for staying online 24/7? (A) Nothing secret about it, Everything runs on a W10P Dell Laptop with lots of RAM (8gb) and a BIG 50gb SSD. If the grid goes down the internal battery keeps the server going, assumming the Net is still there. The Internet pipe is 100gbps. So, there it is! Want more details, get me in my chat room. (Q) Mike, how can I get a page on your ARC web site? (A) I will consider it but there are some caveats. However why not run a web server yourself? Meanwhile contact me in my video/voice chat room on WHEREBY (see below) and tell me what you have in mind. Bare in mind the ARC index is devoted to CGCHN and anything else will be a blind subset. (Q) Mike, I see you post a lot on Quora. Is it worth your time? (A) The answer to that question is still out there. I was told I could make money by providing questions that would grab attention and get lots of replies and likes. I have been active every day for a month now, asked over 100+ questions and earned a total of 56 cents :) I'm glad I have a nice pension lol (Q) Why all the noise about Zoom? Google's Meet offers all the same advantages (video/voice/chat) and is Free for 100 users and 60 minutes! (A) Good point! My preference for free small get togethers (4 or less) is still WHEREBY.com. Once you chose a room name thats all anyone needs to join. And being based on WebRTC it works in any of the current popular Browsers (Edge,Chrome,FireFox). My room is my Call - K5HUM Example: copy and paste ( http://whereby.com/k5hum ) into your browser. (Q) Mike, you are smart enough to know that communicating (chats etc) over the Internet is NOT Ham Radio. Where is your loyalty? (A) I adhear to the belief that "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder". This reminds me of QRP'ers who enjoy knocking their heads on brick walls because it feels so good when they stop! :) So, enjoy whatever floats your boat :) (Q) Mike, would be greatful if I could send you my W10 Laptop and have you straighten it out! I'm willing to pay! (A) There is a 95% probability you can do that yourself with the W10 "RECOVERY" command. Recovery offers two options, "Keep your Programs and Data" OR "restore to like new", (the latter option is used by resellers). (Q) Mike, where are you originally from? (A) I was born and raised in the Big Easy (Gentilly). Went to Saint James, Saint Aloysius, Delgado & LSUNO. Became a Commercial Pilot and moved to Diamondhead (with a runway in back yard). Ten years later, when age caught up with me, we moved to a fishing camp in Lake Catherine. Finally a heart attack brought me to the North Shore (Abita Springs) where I reside today ;) If you think you know me, please say Hello (Q) Mike, I follow you on Quora but notice you cherry pick the questions you answer. How come? (A) I tend to avoid questions that could easily be asked of Google or Bing etc, as well as questions that simply make no sense. Then I only reply to questions that I believe I know the answers too :) "It's better to remain silent & be thought a fool, than to open mouth & remove all doubt" -Abe Lincoln- (Q) Whats the best software to run Ham Digital modes on my Computer? (A) Here is a link to David PA7LIM popular Digital Windows Programs, where you can download both BlueDV and PEANUT. The BlueDV Windows program can run Dstar, DMR and Fusion (C4FM). Note: PEANUT only requires a PC with Internet and a soundcard but BlueDV will require a USB Digital Transcoder Interested in WebSDR? Try NA5B HF Web Receiver (Q) I am a new DStar user who is mostly interested in QSO's. I see dozens of MODES indicated by letters like A,B and C etc. Can you suggest a good Dstar Reflector and Mode for Chats? (A) Yes, it is a bit confusing. Try REF001C and REF030C for starters. This Web page may offer some heads up on DStar Reflectors and their locations. (Q) What's your opinion on all the emphasis on Digital Modes today, such as DMR, dSTAR and C4FM? Good? Bad? Or?? (A) I am an old ham from the days of simple Amplitude Modulation. So, I can recall the snide comments when frequency modulation and Donald Duck (SSB) arrived. Hams have always been innovators. I like how the digital world has integrated into personal computers. An obvious upside is I no longer need a cumbersome antenna, just an Internet connection, which everyone has today! (see next) (Q) Wooooo! Why not just talk on cell phones? Where are the challenges, like acquiring WAS, WAC, and WAB certificates?? (A) Well, how about WAM (worked all modes?) I believe Ham Radio is still evolving. Who knows whats next? Maybe Hams will one day load the ionosphere with trackons that carry communications around the globe with no infrastructure. -=QST=- It is my sad duty to report the recent passing of a good friend Don Devine - KC1RX from Covad-19. Don and I explored every new chat/video platform that appeared over the last 30 years. May he RIP. (Q) Mike, my Browser is stuck on last weeks ARC.etc Web Page!! (A) When on ARC.TZO.COM force a refresh using Ctrl+F5 (Q) I see you run a small home Web Server. Is it something anyone can do? Or, should I pay and use a Web Provider? (A) Yes, anyone can do it. There are two basic ways to go about it; use a drag and drop web builder like WEBS, OR, if you feel proficient in HTML roll your own using a free windows server like that found HERE. However, I will caution that running a 24/7 Web Server from my QTH is a true labor of love :) (Q) With all the new free video chats avaible today why are you so strong on this WHEREBY company? (A) Thats a fair question. I guess because it flat works, with good video and audio quality. But more importantly, because its based on WebRTC, a proven protocol thats BUILT INTO EVERY BROWSER (i.e. there is NO APP to D/L or INSTALL, or REGISTER, and gives users IMMEDIATE access by simply typing WHEREBY into their Browser with their selected room ID. Click HERE to see it work or ask questions (i.e. HTTP://WWW.WHEREBY.COM/K5HUM). (Q) I heard a rumor that you are a W10 expert - ok so much for buttering you up :) I have wierd problem, can you help? (A) As a Mason I am obligated to help a Brother, but it takes some trust on your part. IOW, I will need remote access to your computer. This is easily and safely done with an App called TeamViewer. You will need to download and run it then give me the ID and password it generates when you run it. We can first communicate by Phone, EchoLink, PEANUT, or WWW.WHEREBY.COM/K5HUM (video, voice and text). Download TeamViewerQS (Q) I have been a Ham most of my life and truly enjoy the hobby. Unfortunately at my age I am no able to climb towers and put up antennas. However, I love ragchewing. Whats an old elmer to do to stay active? (A) First, you are not alone. The average age of Hams today is climbing. Half of my interest is the technology. Have you tried any of the new hybred on-line or internet modes? I recommend PEANUT for starters. Its FREE and can run on any Internet device without extra hardware. There are many VHF/UHF REPEATERS available for the HT and mobil enthusiast. For more details and free software go here www.pa7lim.nl (Q) What is involved in running a home Web Server? (A) Right off its a thankless job that requires special port 80 server software to run a conventional site. Next, a solid knowledge of ports, firewalls, and a willingness to keep a machine running 24/7. (Q) How is the sub domain "ARC.TZO.COM' able to support Web Pages other than the Central Gulf Coast Hurricane Net (CGCHN)??? (A) The CGCHN holds the INDEX position, every other page is a sub page to that Index. To reach the sub pages, one must know the exact file name and append it to the sub domain url as in ARC.TZO.COM/6M_NET.TXT This offers some security, minimizes the traffic load on the server, and allows for other (more?) pages to run on the server. (Q) Many HAM's today seems to hold an EXTRA Class Ticket diluting what was once considered a special ranking. Whats your opinion? (A) Careful! I hold an Extra Ticket HiHi, but since you asked for my opinion, I think the criterion for the Extra Ticket should be changed to length of service and given without examination. Example, the General should be given on request, the Advanced after 5 years of unblemished service, and the Extra after 10 years. The Technician should be the tough exam with more on Digital and SHF and given ALL privileges. My reasoning is based on the fool (idiot?) proof design of modern Ham Rigs, which 99% of new Hams purchase, as opposed to those (the Technicians) who want to build. Comments anyone?? (Q) What do you honestly think about the possibility of life in other galaxies, universes? (A) I am open to the possibility. (Q) Your opinion?? What caused the Myan's to suddenly abandon their magnificent cities in central america? (A) The common answer is dieases, droughts, lack of foods, etc but many find those answers un satisfactory. I fall in that latter group. (Q) The Ham who created BlueDV for Windows did a great job. Once I setup DMR, DSTAR and C4FM and have them all Linked - is there a way to quickly change which mode transmits without re-linking?? (A) I agree about DlueDV. I suggest sending David a small token$ of appreciation. As for changing the xmit default, just click the desired xmit mode in the box right above the green jewels. (Q) Why are you still using that TZO sub domain service for your Web pages, when FQDN's are so inexpensive today? (A) I guess old habits are hard to break? (Q) Your Web Site was offline for several hours yesterday. What happened? Nothing serious I hope? (A) The big downside to operating a home server is you are subject to the dependability of the ISP. Mine was back online in two hours. (Q) QUORA is loaded with weird questions and poor grammar. However I enjoy your replies. So, how do you pick the questions you answer? (A) The poor grammar is immaterial if I sense the question is legit. Typically I only answer one out of every five sent to me, and then only when I feel I can contribute accurately and meaningfully. (Q) What does, and does not, constitute Ham Radio communications? (A) This (still raging) debate stems from purist who insist if RF is not the principle medium it cannot be called RADIO. Since the goal is still communication, its my opinion these discussions are fun and perhaps interesting, but serve no useful purpose. (Q) Mike whats the big deal with all these Digital modes? (A) Big deals?? hihi, a few are: aside from crystal clear audio, unique channels (called Rooms), with many divided by interest and locations, and you can tell from the "Last Heard" list who was recently using the system. (Q) What is an Easter Egg as it relates to Web Pages? (A) Typically it referrs to harmless undocumented, funny, or useful links buried in Web Pages. (Q) Is there a preferred way in Windows to switch xmit modes using PA7LIM's BlueDV software? (A) I simply click the mode slider in the GUI to OFF then ON. The only downside I'm aware of is having to re-link the connection. (Q) Since you like Cosmology, do you think the universe has an edge? (A) No, I subscribe to an infinite flat universe as opposed to one where if you travel long enough you will return to where you started. (Q) In our recent chat about Time Travel you suggested that the grandfather paradox was not necessarily valid. We broke off before you defended that assertion. So please elaborate? (A) What if any changes made in the past simply forked into another parallel reality?? (Q) How can I determine the optimum spot to place my router and or WiFi box in my great room for the strongest signal from my provider? (A) I walk around the room with a cheap WiFi detector. Signal penetration is indicated by the number of green led's that glow. E-Bay sells two: IoGear and E-Trust (Q) Mike, this Web Page is drab and unimaginative and needs some serious attention to be brightened up. (A) If you are volunteering I will take any help I can get! So??? (Q) I see you frequently listed on PEANUT'S Last Heard Dashboard; I call but never a reply. Is there a best time? (A) Sorry about that. EMail and lets schedule, or try EchoLink. (Q) I'm hearing a lot of mention about "4G-W2 Mobile Radios" Can you elaborate more? Advantages etc? (A) Sorry, I'm not up to speed on that but I have a friend (Clay - W1PI) who probably is. Get his e-mail from QRZ.COM or find him on Zello where he runs an Amateur Radio Group. (Q) What are your available modes of communication aside from the Radio Ham Bands or the Landline? (A) For Ham friends I'm available vi the following methods: EchoLink(K5HUM), DStar(04C), DMR, FUSION(XLX307), PEANUT(ENGLISH) and for everyone: WhereBy (Q) Consider this a personal invitation to attend our NEXT Ham Fess! Hopefully by then the Covad-19 pandemic will be behind us. (A) Thanks! Believe me, I would love to go, so I am going to make a bigger effort. When I was younger I also never missed local Field Day's. (Q) I heard you provide free basic web pages to other Hams. How do I get get in on that? (A) What I do is offer a page off my existing sub domain. Send me an idea of what you have in mind, and I will consider it, but I make no promises. However, my offer is not restricted to only licensed Hams. NOTE: Licensed Ham are also elegible for various FREE services, including Web Pages, at QSL.NET (Q) The ARRL's QST magazine just promoted ZOOM for groups to meet to comply with mandated social distancing due to the COVAD epidemic. This sounds like a natural for the Hurricane Net that continues to lose Net Controllers. So, what do you think? (A) I am open to the idea but I am only the WebMaster for the Net, not their parliamentarian. Some of the Net principles might resist the idea because its NOT ham radio. I will go with the consensus. (Q) What do you recommend for protection against malware etc? (A) Aside from ALWAYS keeping your operating system up to date, (and avoiding the dark web), for 3rd party scanners I like BitDefender. Digital/Repeater Links Contributed by Ian G3ZHI. (Q) Can you suggest a few Windows Utilities that you cannot live without? (A) I like ClipMate (for storing and organizing everything you Copy with Ctrl-C), and UltraEdit (a do it all file editor). Both are Shareware, can be found on the Web, and definitely worth the coins (IMHO). (Q) Do you have a favorite Web Browser?? (A) I am liking the new Microsoft Edge browser more and more, especially for video; but I also use Chrome (exclusively for e-mail), Firefox and Opera. (Q) Do you have a favorite Ham chat client on the Internet? Non Ham?? (A) I like PEANUT, and frequently can be found in the English room otherwise, I like ZELLO for voice and ZOOM for general video, but my favorite PRIVATE video chat app is WHEREBY because it easiest for people to use, requiring no special software, only a modern Web Browser (assuming they have a Cam and Mic). (Q) I would also like to run a home based Web Server like you. Is it complicated? What would you recommend? (A) First you need to be well versed in arcane subjects like port forwarding, DNS, TCP/IP, Routers, and Firewalls. Then a good knowledge of scripting language (minimally HTML) and PHP and PERL. Next is associated cost with hardware platforms, Internet providers, and long hours. Oh, did I mention getting a UPS? My frank advice is to find a 3rd party WYSIWYG Web Site Provider like GoDaddy etc. HOWEVER, to answer your question, I have used many (like KeyFocus and Abyss to name a few), now I am obeying the KISS rule, and using a small simple Server known as the HTTP File Server. (Q) Mike, my W10 Laptop did an MS upgrade and never recovered. It locked up. Before I take it to a shop, can you HELP? (A) Sometimes those Windows updates end poorly. To regain control of the operating system, unplug any power pack then carefully remove the battery, wait 15 seconds, then replace the battery and try rebooting normally. 99% of the time, it will. (Q) Mike, we are relocating and I would like to find a good home for our dog. He is affectionate and gets along well with all. (A) Unfortunately we already have four. Before you consider the SPCA, try running an Ad in a local paper. We love dogs and wish we could take him in; however, we will ask around. (Q) Why must you repost my questions to you? (A) The volumn of messages I get is quite low so it isn't a problem plus, and being retired, it gives me something to do. However, what goes here is selected for the possibility of broader interest, and, my wife likes to play editor. (Q) Mike, how about sharing a few of your favorite Web sites? (A) Sure, glad to. Here are a few that I can recall from memory. For a generic check of your ISP speed try https://fast.com To quickly clear your Browsers desktop click ABOUT:BLANK To find your current IP address click checkip.dyndns.org To see who currently has an IP click IP assignment and enter the IP. (Q) Mike, when video chating I saw a big round analog clock on your monitor. Whats the URL for that?? (A) There are likely many but i like this Clock Join the ARRL "QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo" beginning Aug 7 Get all the Details Here then you must Register to participate. (Link Contributed by Don KC1RX) (Q) Mike, despite your admonitions against it, would you help me setup a small home web server like yours?? (A) The best I can offer is to do some screen sharing to give you insights as to how I am setup. If that interest you, contact me vi the "Ask or Tell Mike" link down below (Q) I see you echo a lot of questions and answers here that readers ask you on the Quora.com web site. Are you paid by Quora? (A) No, its purely ProBono. (Q) Why are you hung up on WebRTC for chats? (i.e. WHEREBY) A lot of users do not have CAMs or want to use them. (A) Being lazy I like FULL duplex audio (i.e. no click or touch or push to talk). Next, Cams are NOT required; so, if texting is your thing, you can do just that. Then, there is screen sharing. (Q) Is there a way to hear what I sound like when using the BlueDV Digital application? (A) Yes, for Dstar reflectors try linking using the E (echo) mode. For Fusion, look for the PARROT reflector. Transmit and count to 5 and the reflector will echo back what you said. Adjust accordingly. Got a Question, Comment or Contribution? Ask or Tell Mike! |
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