Chennai region's highest point VHF repeater at Swamimalai/Yelagiri Hills re-activated

The dedicated team of HAM's who made this happen, inspite of several odds. (L to R) VU2DPN(Deepan), VU2ABS(Aravind) , VU2DRK(Ramki), VU2PCP(Paneer) , VU2AKW(Ashok), Vu3DSN (Saro) , (not in this photo) Vu3VWR(Raghav), Vu2DH(Das), Vu3MOA (Mohan) & SWL(Manikandan-who brought the spectrum analyser).

Due to the untiring efforts & committment of a team of Chennai Hams , the third and highest point repeater in Chennai range has been re-activated at Swamimalai/Yelagiri Hills . Yelagiri is a hill-station on midway betweenChennai and Bangalore located at an altitude of 1,050 metres (3,500 ft).Distance : 258+ km from Chennai, 150 km from Bangalore.

The Duplexer which is india's first operational homebrew duplexer. The repeater also is homebrew.

Yelagiri Repeater Frequency : 145.475(-600)
Approximate Geographic GPS Coordinates :
Latitude : 12.572827 / Longitude : 78.649235

The tower MAST from a distance.

This repeater has been non operational for a longtime now due to various technical reasons, last week a dedicated team of HAMS made the visit and the tedious climb up the top of the hill and carried out basic repairs. It was tested fromChennai with good signal report usng beam as well as Omni directional antennas .



VU2ABS(Aravind),Vu2DH (Das),Vu3VWR(Raghav) & Vu3MOA(Mohan) with repeater room and tower base in backdrop.

In further weeks it needs to be tested to see how much range this repeater could cover, but this repeater should pave way for reliable amateur VHF link betweenChennai & Bangalore as well as all other towns and cities in South India within 150-200-250 Kms of the Yelagiri repeater.

Approx Coverage range of repeater within a 200 Kms radius, subject to line of sight clearance, equipment, antenna type/height etc.

The forest path leading to the top of Swamimalai.

VU2DH(Das) climb up the hill through the bushes, fitting his reputation as an expert fox hunter.

A team member climbing the tower.

Vu2ABS(Aravind) next to the repeater/duplexer cabinet.


With this Chennai has three VHF repeaters operational, the other two repeatersare 145.775(-600) & 145.675(-600). There is also a UHF repeater under test ,Tx-435.800/Rx-434.100.

All HAMS in South India are requested to try accessing this Yelagiri repeater and give you feedback.

Full set photo profile of the trips pls click links below.

Yelagiri Trip 17th Jan'10

Yelagiri Trip 24th Jan'10

Thanks and Regards

G.Vipin Shankar(SWL)
ChennaiHamsBlogspot Team

Tools and Test Equipment For The New Ham Radio Operator

A state-of-the-art HAM Repair Shack, offcourse under Indian conditions this might be little too much for households.

This article is tailored for the new ham radio operator so if you have been a ham for many years, you already know that there are a few required tools and test equipment you need to be able to maintain your station, it's accessories and your antenna setup.

Hand Tools: You can't have toooo many!

(not listed in any particular priority)

1. A good set of screw drivers. Look for a phillips head type and a flat blade type. There are many different sizes of screw drivers out there. Pick and assortment of the sizes you think you may need. Multi-use screw drivers are vary handy and they have usually 4 different blades that can be interchanged in the handle and one tool will do the job of 4 saving you space in your tool box.

A good set of Jewelers screw drivers is needed when it comes to those tiny screws on knobs and controls and also putting on mic connectors, etc. Remember those tiny screws in the hinges of your glasses.......that just justified the purchase of them. They will come loose eventually and you just saved yourself a trip in the car.

2. Tool Box...as mentioned in #1 above. The size and type depends on the amount of tools you may want to add in the future.

3. Wire cutters. These vary in size according to the wire size that you will be cutting. As a general rule of thumb, many wire type antennas that you may build, require #12 or #14 gauge wire, so the wire cutters should be of appropriate size. Wire crimpers would be a good tool to have latter on. These aid in the connection of various connectors to wire ends and splices. Some even have small bolt cutters built in....very handy when you need them.

4. Wrenches and socket sets. Adjustable wrenchs are recommend as they are multipurpose and fit many different size nuts or you can get the open end types or closed end types to suit your taste. Many choices are yours in socket and wrench sets that come in handy carrying cases for good prices with a wide assortment of sizes to fit "all". Wrenches are usually needed when mounting many antennas on supports depending on their construction and the mfg's ecommendations and many other variables.

5. Pliers. These come in many different sizes and shapes according to their intended use. A couple of different sizes of "Channel Lock" types are very handy along with regular hand sizes. Some come with wire cutter ends. "Needle nose" types are very handy also and come in many sizes. "Ignition pliers" are very handy for small jobs and fit in your pocket. A pair of "Vice Grips" is a help.

6. Tape measure. 12 feet or longer depending on your needs. Great aid for antenna work!

7. Electrical Tape. Not really considered a hand tool, but you will certainly use it.
Again, don't buy the cheap stuff, especially if it will be used outdoors.

8. A good sharp pocket knife or utility knife. Used for trimming insulation from wire, coax, etc. Use as needed and be careful.

9. Soldering iron and/or gun. This will depend on your ability to solder. Many times in your ham radio lifetime, you will need to be able to solder, so if you don't know how....just get a ham friend who knows how to help you learn or search the internet. There are many good "How to Solder" web sites out there. When soldering, practice, practice and lots more practice for the inexperienced!

10. All of those tools I left off of this list that will come as time passes and you get more acquainted with exactly what you may need depending on how far you want to go with your station and your ability......don't forget a good ladder that will safely reach your job.

11. SAFETY FIRST! Hand tools, ladders, test equipment, other ham equipment, etc, can get you hurt, or worse. Metal ladders should NEVER be used when working with ANY electrical job. Get help if you don't know what you are doing or are not mechanically inclined...be safe, not sorry! Remember Antenna Safety and the lethal levels of electricity you may be working with in or around your ham station!

Suggested Test Equipment for the New Ham:
(Again, not presented in any particular order of importance)

1. SWR/POWER METER.
It refers to an external swr/power meter. Yes, you may have a built in unit in your radio, but how do you know it is accurate? An external meter is invaluable in trouble shooting station problems!
This will strictly be an individual choice. It must cover the frequency range and potential rf power level that your station will be operating on. Some are built into different radios, some are external. As a general rule, most external swr/power meters are more accurate than the little ones built into the face of many radios. The external types come in many sizes, frequency ranges and power levels. An swr/power meter that covers up to 30mhz...will usually not work on 6 meters and higher frequencies with any sort of accuracy. Assure yourself your meter is the right one for your station by reading the specifications of it. You need accuracy....not guess work!

2. A good multimeter.

Again, your choice. It can be either digital or analog. It needs to be able to measure at least continuity, voltage (AC and DC), current, (preferably AC and DC), and resistance (ohms), up to the expected levels you may need to measure with a safety margin to spare. It is also assumed you know how to use one....if you don't, read the instructions and then get a good ham friend who knows how to help you learn more about how to use it. DANGER.....you COULD BE ELECTROCUTED if you don't know what you are doing. You can also destroy your meter if it is not used properly. The voltage, current and resistance range must be higher than your "expected" working ranges!

3. Dummy load.

Used for a substitute "perfect" or near perfect antenna load.
Very helpful in determining if your transmitter has output without connecting the transmitter to the antenna and the resulting harmful interference this causes. When used in conjunction with a power (rf watt meter) it will tell you if your radio is up to specifications on it's output. It must also be designed for the frequency range you will be using it for. Many hams have one for the hf frequencies and then another for VHF/UHF use. Your choice depending on your station and your future plans for operating.

4. Optional. Antenna analyzer.
Very helpful and time saving when working with antennas and their design and tuning.

5. Other items of test equipment not on the list will come as you progress.

Assorted items you may want to keep on hand:
A small vice. Comes in handy when you need that third hand!
Sealer for weather proofing outside connectors and joints, splices, etc.

Choosing HAM/Amateur Radios : An Insight

Need Help in Choosing Your First Amateur Radio?

RADIOS: There are so many to choose from. For the new Ham, it would be best to stick with a reliable, time proven, name brand: (Alphabetical Order) Alinco, Icom, Kenwood, Yaesu. Offcourse now there are few Chinese brands which are coming out with good quality sets at affordable prices. WOUXUN is one of them and have some good products which are value for money as per global user feedback/reviews.

Base, Mobile, Mobile used as a base or an HT (Hand Held Transceiver) is the question lingering in a new HAM's mind???

HandHeld Transceiver/Walkie Talkie : It all depends on your lifestyle and budget. If you are on the go a lot and on a budget, an HT might be a good choice. A 2 meter or 2 meter/440 might be your best choice. If you want to use it in your vehicle, a 1/4 or 5/8ths wave magnetic mount antenna for the outside of the vehicle might be the best bet. You can also get a second antenna for home use. More on the antennas is there in the blog. The good thing about buying an HT is that is it portable. The drawbacks are that they have limited power output, and batteries must be recharged. Popular brands like Yaesu/ICOM/Alinco including accessories would cost approx Rs.14,000/-.

Chinese make WOUXUN HT model KG-UVD1P including accessories can be got in India for Rs.6000 approx incld accessories/customs duty and is good value for money. Recently HAMS in Chennai came together and imported 30 of these directly from China . We hope it would give VHF/UHF activity in Chennai a boost.

Base Station: Most new Hams start out with 2 meter operation. A fancy base station has a lot of options, but most are not necessary to Hams who use 2 meters. They are also expensive and are rarely used by new Hams. Cost is approx Rs.20,000/- for VHF/UHF Dual & Rs.30,000+ for HF rigs.

An all band HF/VHF/UHF base radio from Yaesu.

Mobile radios: An excellent choice for permanent mounting in a vehicle and what many experienced Hams use on a daily basis while in their vehicle. There are few drawbacks and many advantages. The Mobile runs off the car battery (and the cables should run directly to the battery for best performance), the Hand Microphone is easy to use and, most of all, there is a lot more power available than with an HT. The only problem one might encounter is "noise" from the vehicle electronics, which can usually be resolved with the installation of a commercially made filter.

Mobile radio mounted inside a vehicle in vertical position.

Mobile used as a Base: This is the rig you see the most for in-home use. It has the power needed, the features most used and runs from a 12 Volt power supply. This is also a good option as, if the A/C power fails, a 12 Volt backup battery can be used to continue transmitting in emergency situations, a primary use for Ham Radio. I have used this type of rig for years and have yet to find a drawback. You will need a 12 Volt power supply: For 2 meters, a 12 - 20 amp filtered supply should do very well.

SUMMARY: If you are on the go and will operate some from home on a tight budget, a 5 Watt HT Hand Held is your best starter radio. If you will operate from your home most of the time, a Mobile used as a Base is the best choice. New Hams with more resources should by an HT, a Mobile used as a Base and a Mobile for each vehicle. This is what most Hams end up doing during the first years. Remember, you still need a power supply and antennas!

Tip: New Hams with young children should be careful to not let kids play with the new "toy". Disconnecting the Microphone works well.

Choosing The Right Antennae for your HAM Rigs

ANTENNAS: Choosing the right antenna is one of the most important parts of good Amateur Radio operation. As with the selection of a radio, it is suggested that a well respected brand of antenna be your choice to get you started. After you learn more about how they perform, under what conditions, and then using your antenna as a baseline, you can then experiment with other antennas. Many Hams say this is one of the most enjoyable parts of Ham Radio.

Good, time proven antenna brands include: (Alphabetical Order) Comet, Cushcraft, Diamond, Hustler, Hygain, Larsen, Maxrad, MFJ, and Workman.


Suggested types of antennas for New Ham would include Verticals,Slim Jim, Yagi Beams, and J-poles.

Vertical Antennas: The typical antenna found on vehicles, in homes on a metal sheet or base verticals mounted outside. These types of antennas have omni-directional coverage, but usually have lesser range than a Yagi Beam.















A SlimJim Antenna

Yagi Beam: A long metal boom with perpendicular tines mounted in descending size along the boom length. This antenna is good for extended range, but has a narrowed area of coverage.
J-pole, and others: A J-pole is a simple antenna that is fun to construct. They can be purchased inexpensively, and be used inside or outside. They can be rigid, flexible or roll-up type. This antenna does not compete with most Vertical or Beam antennas, but cannot be matched for flexibility of use. Most experienced Hams have a J-pole antenna close by for emergency use.
One of the biggest challenges for New Hams is the selection of the proper antenna for the given location of use. Now that we have discussed the basic antennas available, let's list some possible use scenarios:

3 Element Yagi

JPole Antenna

RURAL AREAS WITH MOST OTHER HAMS IN A LARGE CITY MILES AWAY: For the home, the best bet would be a Yagi Beam, mounted on a pole or tower. The antenna is pointed toward the city. Again, the Yagi has limited angle of coverage, but better coverage in one general direction.

APARTMENT IN TOWN WITH ANTENNA RESTRICTIONS: Within the restrictions of your home, mount a vertical antenna as high up as you can. Not all of us are lucky enough to be on the top floor of a 40 story high rise, but good results can get you into the local repeaters and some simplex frequencies. A 5/8ths wave magnetic mount antenna on top of the metal refrigerator works well. If you can't do that, find a place where a mag. mount can sit on a large pizza pan, which acts as a ground plane. If that won't work, try using a J-pole hung up vertically at the top of a wall, hopefully away from metal. Move it around to find the best area for reception. Use caution with power output when close to people. Later on, if you get an outside antenna, you can use an antenna switch and still use the inside antenna during storms.

HOME WITH DEED RESTRICTIONS OR RESTRICTIVE COVENANTS: These are homes that have room, but erecting a pole or a tower outdoors is prohibited. In addition to the inside antenna listed above, think about being Patriotic and erecting a flag pole made of non-metallic PVC. A flag on top and a surprise inside!


HOME WITH NO RESTRICTIONS: Inside, as a backup and storm antenna with a switch, use an antenna listed above. Outside, the choices are open. You can erect a "Push-Up" pole or a tower, and put up a large Vertical, a Yagi Beam and even a rigid J-pole. Talk to an experienced Ham about grounding issues when constructing an outside antenna.

IN YOUR VEHICLE: Let's refine our earlier discussion. A "rubber duck" that comes on an HT does not usually transmit well inside a car. An outside permanent or magnetic mount antenna works well in 1/4th or 5/8th wave. The mobile unit should have the same type antenna also. If you mount a mobile or even use an HT with a small amplifier, it is a good idea to run the cable in an area that is out of the way. Many times, running the coax under edges of carpet or underneath seats is time well spent.

Magnetic base mobile antennas

EXTRA GOOD IDEAS FOR EQUIPMENT: An external speaker of excellent quality is a good investment. An extra power cord for your Mobile used as a Base hooked to a large Deep Cycle battery for backup is a good idea. An SWR/Power meter. An extra battery pack and an Alkaline battery pack for your HT is a needed item. For HTs, a small external plug-in hand microphone is a good buy

Kind Attention : Chennia HAMS Call Signs list for Post Cards Returned

As per info received from Mr.Vittal vu2vit@gmail.com , below is the list of call signs of Chennai based HAMS for which the postcards sent were returned . We are posting this info here with a view to obtain their correct address, pls inform all concerned and pass on this message . Pls give your feedback on correct address to Mr.Vittal directly on his mail.

Chennai based HAMS for which postcards returned : Correct address needed.

vu2ar ramamurthy vu2beg hartwig fisher vu2bum balakrishnan vu2bvu b.v.kumar vu2dna t.s.danapalan vu2dnv vu2eer seetharaman vu2gai Antony Miranda, pondicherry vu2ggn gopikrishnan vu2gka kaniamuthan, pondicherry vu2gtd shanmugam vu2gts g.ramkumar vu2jar j.ravi vu2jkj j.krishnamurthy vu2jmb nazir ahmed vu2jmc vu2jru j.ragu vu2mnp md.nishar

vu2mtg mohan t george vu2nal md.navas vu2pij md kutty vu2spq s.srinivasan vu2tda t.d.ashok vu2tje p.ragunathan vu2tsv t.sahadev vu2tte T.krishnadev vu2tvt sanil george vu2vdj varadarajan vu2vsa srivatsan vu2xtl arvind bose vu2zaa vu2zqj v.sankaran vu3bgd subramanyam vu3bge saradha vu3emq vu3gaz gangai amaran vu3ggn padma vu3grk girija
vu3har hari vu3ibz vu3jsk jayashree vu3jyg jayanthi vu3kbk k.balakrishnan

vu3kgt george thomas gummidipundi vu3kml kanchanamala vu3kmm mammen vu3krk vu3ktu kasturi vu3niy nyas ahmed vu3nkg gopinath vu3rac Ramakrishnan vu3rnl nirmala vu3smt manimegalai vu3spa s.parasuram vu3sra sundararam vu3tds murthy

Innovation : How to built a "Go Box" portable amateur radio station

This page documents how Amercian HAM KR7RK built a "Go Box" portable amateur radio station. It's was his hope that this will give you some ideas to other HAMS across the world build your own Go Box.

His main objectives in this project were to put together a portable HF station. The plan was to use this station for fun (contesting, field day, vacation use, etc.), as well as have it available to support emergency services should the need arise.

Design goals included the following:

* It has to be "plug-and-play", meaning that basically the only things needed to get it operational would be to plug in an antenna and power source.
* It has to be functional on all HF bands and modes. VHF/UHF can be incorporated as necessary
* It has to have modern equipment including a sound card interface.

* It has to be compact, but also large enough to comfortably operate for extended periods of time.
* The equipment has to be easily accessible rather than bolted directly to the box.

For the full article on how this was built pls view http://www.kr7rk.com/gobox.htm

Amateur Radio Satellite Communication : An Introduction

One of the aspects of the Amateur Radio hobby is the use of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for communications. These are satellites placed in orbit for Amateur Radio use. These satellites pass over the earth with durations for effective satellite communications of an average of 10 minutes for a given location. During this time Amateur Radio operators (Hams) can communicate through the satellite to other Hams who are under the same satellite footprint.

More information is available at http://www.amsat.org/

For best satellite communication it is important to use a directional antenna system that is pointed at the satellite position and tracks the satellite’s position as it travels through space.

Communication satellites called OSCARs (Orbiting Satellite Carrying Amateur Radio) can be accessed, some using a hand-held transceiver (HT) with a factory "rubber duck" antenna. Hams are also often able to make contact with the International Space Station (ISS) as many astronauts and cosmonauts are licensed as amateur radio operators.

AMSAT India – Indian Amateur Radio Satellite Programme

AMSAT is a worldwide group of Amateur Radio Operators who share an active interest in building, launching and then communication with each other through non-commercial Amateur Radio satellites. By any measure, AMSAT's track record has been impressive. Since its initial founding over 25 years ago, AMSAT has predominantly volunteered labor and donated resources to design, construct and with the added assistance of government and commercial space agencies, successfully launched over two dozen Amateur Radio communications satellites into the orbit of Earth. Sharing the same vision and objectives, other like minded groups throughout the world have since been formed to pursue the Amateur Radio Satellite program.

A HAM below with a handheld radio & simple three element antenna catching the sattelite signal outdoor.

A sophisticated setup with a automatic antenna rotator which is connected to the sattelite tracking software and keep aligning as satellite moves.

One of the popular web based
Indian HAMSAT satellite live tracking software, it tracks your internet IP and gives your latitude/longitude also in comparison with satellite's current position as well future appearance time windows.

HAMSAT Downlink - VHF 145.900 MHZ can be listed when sattelite is in Indian range with simple VHF setup, but window would be 5 to 10 minutes max or lesser unless you can have a moving antenna.
HAMSAT Uplink - UHF 435.250 MHZ
The best equipment is a handheld dual band VHF/UHF transreceiver like the Wouxun KGUVD1 and a handheld external antenna.

An artists impressions of satelite in space.

AMSAT India were responsible for the Amateur Radio satellite HAMSAT 1 (VO-52) launched on 5th March 2005 and they are currently working on it's successor HAMSAT 2.

Further information on VO-52 can be found at
http://www.amsat.org/amsat-new/satellites/sat_summary/hamsat.php

HAMSAT (VO-52) - N2YO Real Time Satellite Tracking
http://www.n2yo.com/?s=28650

AMSAT India sponsors VO-52 Operating Certificate

http://www.southgatearc.org/news/february2009/amsat_india_certificate.htm

VUSAT Yahoo Group
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vusat/AMSAT%20India
http://www.amsatindia.org/

HAM Radio Demo/Presentation at Multi Club Rotary Meeting in Chennai

Thanks to the efforts taken by OM Devdas VU2DH who apart from being a veteran HAM is an active Rotarian President also now , a wonderful platform was organised for rotarians in Chennai to be sensitised/gain knowledge about HAM Radio and its benefits to the world . A JOINT MEETING OF 5 CLUBS WAS CONDUCTED AT HOTEL BENZ PARK,CHENNAI ON 19.NOV 09 WHEREIN A DETAILED DEMO / PRESENTATION ABOUT HAM RADIO WAS GIVEN by veteran OM Thiagarajan (VU2PTR) to 50+ rotarians from various walks of life.

Rotary Clubs which participated are listed as below.

1. ANNANAGAR AADITHYA , PRESIDENT. K.M. DEVADAS
2. AARCH CITY-MADRAS, PRESIDENT. J. SHANKAR
3. MADRAS ASHOK NAGAR, PRESIDENT. K. MURALI
4. MADRAS NUNGAMBAKKAM , PRESIDENT. SUNDEEP BHATTAD
5. MADRAS WEST , PRESIDENT. G. NANDAGOPAL

After the official rotary style fellowship, the meeting was called to order at 1930 hrs with the above 5 presidents and the Chief guest/Speaker Mr. P. Thyagarajan(VU2PTR) – CEO , Accuspeed Engineering Design Services Ltd. President Nandagopal delivered his welcome speech followed by the club announcements by Pres. Sandeep and introduction of the chief guest by Pres. Devadas(VU2DH).

To the amazement of audience few HAMS including VU2DH, VU2PTR, VU3MOA etc setup a full fledged base radio station in 10 minutes (known as a shack in the HAM World) in front of the dais, for the audience it looked like a police control room with number of Radio tranceivers and handheld/walky talkies which were modulating on and off with their typical hiss.

VU2PTR Mr. Thyagarajan made a wonderful/informative/interactive presentation explaining details like the Origin of the word HAM (Hertz, Armstrong & Marconi) – Also known as AMATEUR RADIO, Origin of this hobby, which is in existence in over 320 countries , countrywise ham population, different HAM frequencies/bands, usefullness of HAM in calamities, its failsafe nature etc.

It was a explained in detail about HAM or Amateur Radio communication as a wonderful and unique hobby/media to make talk on social matters and make friendship all over the world. Mr. Thyagarajan explained about CW transmission and its abbreviated words, syllabus for examination, procedure for getting license, rules and regulations, licensing fees etc. During natural calamities like Cyclon, Earth quake, Tzunami, the first thing to be affected is entire telecommunication network including lanlines, cellular etc . It was re-iterated that at this stage HAMs are the only one who can emerge into situation without waiting for any permission from any authorities, voluntarily reaching the spot and erecting a fullfledged radio station within few minutes and can start transmitting all over the world.

To quote an example of operations , during the last Indian tsunami 8 such radio stations were set up along South Tamil nadu Coast which was badly affected , who receive all and any rescue msgs received from Government officials , police, Military and pass it on to District Collectors and other government agencies for providing necessary relief materials and measures instantly whereas without this radio communication it would have taken days to setup such a link . Apart from this, many HAMs (Amateur Radio Stations) were assisting from their respective homes in communications during relief operations. This was extended during the heavy cyclonic storm in 1996 also in Chennai, Earth quack in Lathore etc…

It was also explained that the hams also can track & trace unauthorized transmission used by any anti social elements etc , with the help of Radio Frequency Direction Finder (RFDF) which is practiced in a pet name of FOX HUNT. Rtn. K.M. Devadas(VU2DH) has a record of 4 times 1st place winner in different states like TN, KARNATAKA, KERALA for this game in tracing the FOX in record time, apart from many other positions in this game.

A book about ABC of Amateur Radio (HAM) was distributed by Rtn. K.M. Devadas(VU2DH) R/c Annanagar Aadithya to all the Rotarians who attended the meeting. We hope more such meeting about HAM Radio get organised across Chennai in various forums.

Amateur Radio in India/Globe : A Look back at 2009 events / milestones

On behalf of all Chennai Amateur radio HAM enthusiasts we would like to express our most sincere wishes for a wonderful 2010 . A lucky sign for this New Year is that we can at last see some sunspots that indicate there will be an improvement in the propagation of HF bands . HAMS globally report that in many years there has never been such a lengthy absence of solar activity as in the last two years.

Let us all hope that as 2009 is coming to an end, 2010 will have much better things in store for all Amateur Radio lovers in India in terms of better legislation to ease rules which are choking the hobby , more people get knowledge/awareness to become HAMS, more public awareness campaigns to popularise the hobby etc.

We are trying to compile here some of good/positive things which happened with Amateur Radio/HAMS in the Indian context.

* Several websites/blogs launched in India by HAMS which especially helps in giving info to budding amateurs to access information easily and inturn keen for the survival and growth of the hobby.

* HAMFEST India 2009 held in Bangalore and was a gala event with very good participation.

* Several other events held across India.

As per info provided by VU2GMN , below is the feedback received by ARSI from WPC officially for several requests made by ARSI and issues raised over the past few years and followed up with relentless personal visits to interact with officials on several occasions.

1. WPC not able to do away with security clearance which is the biggest stumbling block to issue of new licenses. They say it is an inter-departmental issue on which they have no control . We will keep fighting to get it removed as it is illogical at this point of time
2. On line renewals of licenses is under consideration
3. On line examinations is also under consideration
4. Allocation of frequency within 50.00 to 50.20 MHz not possible at present as it has been allocated to Fixed, Mobile and Broadcasting services. We will continue trying for at least a couple of spot frequencies
5. 10100 to 10150 has been allocated to Amateur Services on a secondary basis
6. 7.1 to 7.2 exclusively allocated to amateur services as already informed
7. If any group wishes to conduct emergency communication drills, a formal fax request can be done and during that time third party traffic will be permitted which is normally not allowed
8. Removal of Morse Code for all classes of licenses- they have not committed as of now but was informed orally that it is under consideration
9. Mobile or portable operation will still require permission on case by case basis. Security issues quoted as reason
10. Validity of amateur licenses- under consideration for implementing the 10-year and lifetime licenses
11. Renewal of licenses by local monitoring stations under consideration

Let's hope & pray as part of the Global HAM Family that 2010 brings much more joy and happiness all Amateur Enthusiasts and their families to keep this unique & wondeful hobby flying to greater heights.

On Behalf of All Chennai HAMS

ChennaiHamsBlogspot Team

Strong Chennai HAMS/SWL participation in HAMFEST 2009 at Bangalore

More than 700 hams and swl participate at the hamfest 2009 held at Bangalore on 7th & 8th November . From chennai 41 Hams and 6 swl's registered .

Some of partipants were 2GMN,2WYR,2SDU,2DH,2VIT,2MTS,3STJ,2GWH,3MOA,2DRK,2AKW,3USI,2VAU,2GJR,3GGK,3RLR,2KLS,2GPS,2PIY,2PTR,2RDX,2ETO,2LF,2MBA,2CMR,3VWR,3UBR,2TSF,2ABS,2DA,2PSQ,2DPNand SWl Jaisakthivel attended the hamfest. The next hamfest is going to be held at Pollachi on 2010.

For full photo profile pls click here.

Thanks and Regards

ChennaiHams Team

Underwater Radio Communications using VLF/ELF

This is in continuation to already two articles published on Marine/Air Traffic communication and I thought it would be best to complete it like a trilogy by writing in the most complex form of radio communication, UNDERWATER RADIO PROPAGATION.

Underwater radio communication is an important component of global technology in the 21st century, but at the same time continues to be a very challenging part as it has many uses in various spheres including underwater diving , deep sea exploration , oil exploration , Naval submarine operations etc.

Communication with underwater submarines is difficult because radio waves don't travel well through thick electrical conductors like salt water. The obvious solution is to surface and raise an antenna above the water, then use ordinary radio transmissions. Early submarines had to frequently surface anyway for the oxygen needed by their diesel engines. During the Cold War, however, nuclear-powered submarines were developed that could stay submerged for months. In order to allow for communication with submerged submarines, several techniques are used.

VLF radio waves (3–30 kHz) can penetrate seawater to a depth of approximately 20 meters. Hence a submarine at shallow depth can use these frequencies. A vessel more deeply submerged might use a buoy on a long cable equipped with an antenna. The buoy rises to a few meters below the surface, and may be small enough to remain undetected by enemy sonar / radar.

Due to the low frequency, a VLF broadcast aerial needs to be quite big. In fact, broadcasting sites are usually a few square kilometers (or miles). This of course prevents such aerials being installed on submarines. Submarines only carry a VLF reception aerial, and do not respond on such low frequencies. So a ground-to-submarine VLF broadcast is always a one way broadcast, originating on the ground and received aboard the ship. If two-way communication is needed, the ship must surface and communicate on other, higher, frequencies (such as UHF or VHF).

Electromagnetic waves in the ELF frequency range (3–3000 Hz) (see also SLF) can travel through the oceans and reach submarines anywhere. Building an ELF transmitter is a formidable challenge, as they have to work at incredibly long wavelengths: The US Navy's system operates at 76 hertz the Soviet/Russian system (called ZEVS) at 82 hertz. The latter corresponds to a wavelength of 3658.5 kilometers. That is more than a quarter of the Earth's diameter. Obviously, the usual half-wavelength dipole antenna cannot be constructed, as it would spread across a large country.

A VLF Antenna site in US. A typical VLF Transmitter site occupies a huge surface area and stretches for kms mostly . An example is a Grid laid out in the form of a Six pointed star (Star of David), with the Main Transmitter Station (MTS) at the center and transmission towers at the points. There are 13+ Transmission towers totally. The grid is composed of a central mast and two concentric circles of six masts each.

A surfaced submarine can use ordinary radio communications. Submarines may use naval HF, VHF and UHF voice and teleprinter circuits. Where available, dedicated military communications satellite systems are preferred for long distance communications, as HF may betray the location of the submarine. The US Navy's system is called Submarine Satellite Information Exchange Sub-System (SSIXS), a component of the Navy Ultra High Frequency Satellite Communications System (UHF SATCOM).

A Radio room inside a submarine.

No wonder the Indian Navy attached high priority to submarine communications even decades ago and subsequently anticipated the importance of Very Low Frequency (VLF) underwater transmissions instantaneously. As part of an ambitious naval modernisation program, during the mid-1980s the Indian Navy had constructed a VLF broadcasting station in Tamil Nadu.

Although not publicly declared, it was reported that the United States, the undisputed leader of submarine communications actively collaborated in the project, which was completed in September 1986. This facility needs to be viewed as an “initial step” in the quest of development of underwater Very Low Frequency/Extremely Low Frequency (VLF/ELF) and laser communications for effective coordination of the submarines with the Indian NCA. The operational VLF facility is used by the Indian Navy to communicate with its SSK fleet of Russian Kilo Class and German Type 1500, with trailing communication buoys at periscope depth of 10 to 20-metres. After the nuclear-powered ATV become operational, the VLF facility will permit Indian National Command Authority to issue launch orders to the submerged ATVs at periscope depth.

INS Kattabomman, located at Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu is home to a VLF (Very Low Frequency) station and communications network. It allows the Navy to communicate with its submarines, underwater, at long ranges. It can monitor surface vessels and can distinguish between merchant vessels and naval vessels over long distances in the Indian Ocean. It is the first of its kind in Asia and its technology was developed locally. VLF facilities exist at Chennai and Calcutta as well.

G.Vipin Shankar (SWL)

Chennai Airport VHF Radio Communication Infrastructure having problems

Subsequent to the earlier article , this interesting article appeared in TOI newspaper today 2nd Sept 2009.

Pilots, ATC fume as radio at city airport cracks up
Arun Ram TNN Chennai: The sole area control VHF radio at Chennai airport, which monitors aircraft movements up to 200 miles, is cracking up in the face of increasing traffic, putting pilots and controllers under severe stress. Though the air traffic control (ATC) is using a second area control frequency on a trial basis, it is unable to make it fully functional because of a shortage of personnel. The situation could prove risky during monsoon, when pilots ask for urgent deviations to avoid turbulence. Unlike in Delhi and Mumbai (which have 2 frequencies) and Kolkata (which has 3), Chennai has only one frequency (118.9 Mhz) for area control.

Chennai handles about 350 take-offs and landings daily, and a controller has to monitor and interact with up to 30 aircraft during peak hours. This results in overlapping of conversation between several cockpits and the ATC. Pilots call it ‘stepping down’. “When I am stepped down, all I get to hear is a buzz,” a pilot told TOI. “Normally, it may not be dangerous as I come under the approach radar once I am 50 nautical miles from the tower. But during monsoon, when I may have to request for urgent deviations, it could prove shaky.” ATC officers said such overlaps often happen. “In two years, traffic has doubled but upgradation of gadgets and manpower has not happened,” said an ATC official.

Air traffic management executive director V Somasundaram told TOI that the Airports Authority of India was planning upgradation of facilities across the country, but denied having problems with the Chennai area control VHF. Radar blacks out for 4 hours Hundreds of passengers at Chennai airport were put to hardship as flight movements were disrupted for about four hours on Tuesday because of radar failure.

The approach radar at the ATC went blank after an earthmover snapped an underground cable. P 4 AIR POCKET Trouble in air as gadgets fail INADEQUATE MANPOWER DESPITE TRAFFIC DOUBLING IN 3 YEARS Chennai: Too few men grappling with too old machines — that’s what Chennai air traffic control is. While the approach radar conks off often, as it happened on Tuesday morning, the single area control VHF used to communicate with pilots up to 200 nautical miles is proving too inadequate for the exploding traffic. “It was okay to have just one VHF till three years ago, when the airport was handling only about 150 movements a day. The traffic has doubled since then. Though we are trying out a second frequency, 124.45 MHz, to monitor aircraft between 80 nautical miles and 40 nautical miles, we don’t have enough people to operate both the frequencies simultaneously. We need at least 200 controllers, but we have hardly 140 people working in four shifts,” said an air traffic official.

Unlike Chennai air traffic control, which has only one area control frequency, Delhi and Mumbai have two, and Kolkata has three. All hell breaks lose at the control tower when the ageing approach radar that monitors flight movements within a radius of 50 nautical miles also fails, sending the controllers scurrying for pen and paper to make manual calculations of aircraft positions. Adding to the controllers’ nightmare are the confusing call signs (code names) of aircraft. There is no uniformity in terms of number of digits; some have two digits, others three or four. Three different airlines have call signs such as 442, 2442 and 3442. “During peak hours, with the VHF acting up, we may not hear one digit and may end up giving instructions to the wrong pilot,” said an air traffic controller.

When contacted, air traffic management executive director V Somasundaram said he had not got any complaint on the area control VHF malfunctioning. “Anyway, we are planning to upgrade the system across the country. Chennai will have a new system called performancebased navigation, which would make air traffic control more effective from October. As for manpower, we keep enhancing the strength as per the requirements,” he said. Chennai ATC has a wide range, extending to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the east, Thiruvananthapuram in the south, Hyderabad in the north and almost till Goa in the west. Besides handling landings and takeoffs, Chennai also has to monitor movements along busy overhead flight paths like the Singapore-Dubai route. The control tower at the airport monitors aircraft movements within a radius of 10 nautical miles using 118.1 MHz frequency. Then there is the monopulse secondary surveillance radar (MSSR), called the approach radar, which has a range of 50 nautical miles. Beyond this and up to 200 nautical miles, the communication is handled by the area control VHF on 118.9 MHz frequency.

Courtesy : arun.ram@timesgroup.com

Introduction to Radio Communications in Air Traffic Control operations

I am sure all of us who love Radio communications are aware that both ships as well as aircraft across the world primarily use radio communications as a mode of ensuring that there is safe movements of passengers and cargo across the world from point to point.

Although modern technologies like sattelite communications etc do play their role in keeping aircraft or ships moving safely, radio communications on VHF/HF is still the backbone of air/ocean traffic control operations. I have already published an article on ship traffic operations and so this article would focus on air traffic management.

The soft and relaxed voice from the ground has a soothing effect on the pilot who completes his tiring journey by making a successful landing. It's a wonder for many how an aircraft reaches its final destination from a departure station, who all are involved in the process of safe flight and landing ? It is understandable if they assume that the pilot is the person who takes care of everything from take off, enroute flying and landing.

People in general know about the pilot, but much less about those who remain behind the screen and shoulder the responsibility of guiding the flights from the starting an engine at departure aerodrome to its landing at destination.

The limited field of view from the pilot's cockpit limits pilot's ability to avoid any close proximity to other air traffic around him during the course of the flight as well as on the ground. He is, therefore, dependent on the Air Traffic Controller for directing him in his flight and on the ground for all manoeuvres right till the end of his journey.

To eliminate confusion in understanding a particular instruction, standard Radio Phraseologies have been laid down which are understood by the pilots and Air Traffic Controllers the world over. A small mistake by Air Traffic controller or a misunderstanding by a pilot can result in a disaster and the loss of many lives. While pilots are required to follow Controller's instructions faithfully and meticulously, Air traffic Controller ensures that the instructions given are clear and flawless.

Although globally there are private players you manage air traffic operations, in India strictly air traffic operations is under the control of Airports Authority of India who manage the entire civilian skies which India controls. Defence has their own Air Traffic operations primarily managed by the Indian Air Force.

Civilian Air traffic management across the country is executed through a network of control towers, navigational aids and beacon stations which are located both at airports as well as non airport locations across the country. The Radio communication part of its consists of three main components.

Control Towers - Any airport you see you cannot miss a tall oval building which rises above other structures in the airports and that essential is the control tower with which an aircraft contacts first before a pilot can start his engine. Then its the tower control which guides the aircraft till take off and upto say 5-10 nautical miles when its handed over to Radar.

Chennai Airport Tower Frequency : 118.100 MHZ

Approach Radar - Once taken off the aircraft then switches to another radio frequency which guides them till possibly approx 200 nautical miles from the takeoff location or to another ground control enroute to final destination airport. Once the aircraft nears the destination airport the process happens vice-versa with first approach radar controllers guiding the aircraft till visual sight of control tower and air traffic controllers guide the aircraft to land safely.

Chennai Airport Approach/Radar Frequency : 127.900 MHZ / 124.450MHZ

FIC Region - This is more at a global level where the whole world is divided into various Flight information regions and aircraft when they travel from say Asia to Europe pass through multiple FIC Region controls. Chennai is an FIC Region and has control upto near Singapore on the eastern side and many airports under its region.

Control Towers and Approach Radar operations use VHF communications for contacting aircrafts, whereas FIC's use HF for long distance communication.

If you are more interested to know about Air Traffic Control operations in India AirSpace , pls visit the Indian Air Traffic Controllers guild website which has plenty of info.

http://www.atcguild.com/netair/index.asp.

http://www.atcguild.com/ATSROUTECHART.ASP

G.Vipin Shankar, SWL

Ham Radio demo at the Regional level CBSE Science exibition at Chennai

An Hamradio demo was conducted at the regional level CBSE Science exibition held at Chennai recently . In the 10th standard CBSE syllabus on the social studies, under the disaster management heading there is chapter on how Amateur Radio is helpful during the natural clalamities globally as well as in India . Based on this The Devi Academy School in valasaravakkam has taken a keen interest to put up a demo station at the Regional level CBSE science Exibition held on Auguest 10th & 11th 2009 at The Hindu Seniorsecondary school in Indira Nagar, Chennai. OM Shanmugam VU2 CSM took care of setting up the station and explained to the visitors/students about the importance of the Amateur radio during disaster situations .

The response from the CBSE Schools and especially students/visitors was overwhelming . We thank the principal and the staff of The Devi Academy School , VU2CSM and an SWL WB Sivaraj who is an old student of The Hindu Senior Secondary School who had arranged the battery backup at the Venue. Hope more students taken up this as an active hobby and thus ensuring HAM Radio continues to grow as an ever exciting hobby of keeping you voice on air.