ASOL group Exam conducted at SRM University-Chennai on March 14th 2010

After a long gap of several years , due to efforts of few like minded HAMS an ASOL group exam sessions was organised in Chennai exclusively for students of SRM university interested in this hobby . On March 14th 2010 37 students from SRM university appeared for Grade II and restricted grade ASOL exam .

Thanks to the untiring and committed efforts of VU2CSM who ensured that the students were trained well in all aspects of HAM Radio for couple of months before they were fully ready for the exam . The university students had a valid reason for the urgency in taking up this ASOL exam as the university is launching a nano satellite for amateur operators in collaboration with ISRO.

SRM university is planning to launch a MICRO SATELLITE which is a multi disciplinary research initiative involving faculty and students of Mechanical, Aerospace, Electrical, Computer Science and Chemical engineering and th target is to launch the satellite named SRMSAT - around July 2010.

The 15 watt satellite will weigh between 10 and 15 kg and measure one meter cube.The project is estimated at Rs 2 crore and the construction of the satellite is being carried out within the university's premises. Shortly the university will also have a HAM Radio club station which will be operational . Thanks to Chennai WPC officials who conducted the exam at SRM premises and Vu2ABS Aravind as well as other HAMS for the logistics arrangements/support.

Probably this is the last batch of students/SWL's appearing for the ASOL exams in Chennai as per the old syllabus pattern. From April 2010 the ASOL WPC exam syllabus and the examination pattern is going to change to a new format which would mutiple answer choice questions . Let us all wait for the good news whether this makes the whole process simpler for budding HAMS in any way, although info is morse code would continue for timebeing .

HAM Radio Demo & Presentation at "Trek Polama" event

“Trek Polama” event conducted by Chennai Trekkers Club proved to be a wonderful success . VU2ABS who is also an active HAM presented a special session to a packed audience on HAM Radio & its use in Emergency communications . Union Minister of State Mr.Napolean , who is also an avid photographer graced the occasion and interacted with all and was quite interested in CTC activities including HAM Radio communications.

VU2ABS Arvind giving the presentation with a small live radio shack on display in background.

A "Garmin" GPS on display

The aim was to increase awareness of trekking in the local community, a healthier and more adventurous lifestyle, bring people closer to nature to build more environmental awareness and get more people infected by the CTC spirit.

Almost 1000+ CTC members and general public participated in the event which started at 2:00 pm with various sessions related to trekking, GPS & Navigation, mountaineering, wildlife, butterflies, snakes and offcourse HAM Radio & Emergency communication.

The presentation session by VU2ABS was quite interesting with both technically as well info of general nature on the benefits of HAM Radio to the trekking community . Presentation also included few video clips CTC members greatly appreciated the value of HAM Radio as most of the forest / hills and remote forest locations they trek do not have cell phone coverage and hence HAM Radio would be a great communication tool.

The mini shack with Wouxun handy
& Yaesu FT All Band base station + antennas

Many of them have expressed interest to take up the ASOC exams to become licensed HAMS and endeavour is to ensure that by year end atleast 100+ ctc members should be becoming licensed HAMS so that there are more people on the band in chennai to share of the passion of this unique hobby.

One of the presentation slides.

CTC Member , VU2ABS + Harmonic & VU3VWR with a HAM banner in the background

Today the most important step to be taken by HAM’s is to ensure that in the face of stiff competition from other modes of communication like Cellphones/e-mail etc as well as people having various options for a hobby, how do we attract more youngsters to become HAMS and continue this passion to years to come. CTC like platforms could be the ideal lauchpads to catapult HAM hobby to next level.

For full photo album pls click here.

Congrats to VU2ABS Aravind for his initiative in this direction and we hope more such public awareness events to attract younsters on the joy of HAM Radio are conducted in Chennai in the near future.

A Thrilling Adventure : 2010 MARS Chennai Foxhunt

The MARS (Madras Amateur Radio Society) Fox Hunt was conducted today 28.02.10/Sunday at Chennai. Many teams participated in the event which began in the morning at 8:00 am with the fox making an announcement for commencement and then fox started howling the tone in fox frequency 144.900 Mhz. The timeframe target for locating the fox was 8:00 am to 12:00 am and indicated distance was 60 Kms line of sight from city “0” stone.

The tools of the trade, straight out of a 007 BOND movie, beam antenna, compass , VHF Transceiver etc being kept ready at startpoint for taking initial direction bearning.


The fox tone was given for 60 sec on & 240 sec off and the power was reduced from 50/25 W in the beginning hours to 500 MW by the end of the hunt. Most of the teams started the fox hunt from City/outskirts and then signals indicated West/South West towards Tambaram/GST Road direction. But since signal tracking is a real skill and is influenced by so much extraneous environmental factors, the fox signal proved very elusive and erratic.

The veteran YAESU handy tuned to the fox frequency.

Team taking intermittent bearing on hilltop.

5 teams participated in this years MARS foxhunt as below.

Team 1 : VU2DH , SWL Vipin Shankar , SWL Satheesh & VU3UBR
Team 2 : VU2JA, VU2ABS, VU2GPS, VU2VWR
Team 3 : VU3RGK, VU3STJ, VU2LSW , VU2DNY
Team 4 : VU2DRK , VU3MOA , VU3USI
Team 5 : VU3WIB , SWL

Checking signals in the middle of an overbridge.

But the fox signal proved very elusive with conflicting signal strengths as well as directions as time passed . After 12:00 pm /4 hours an announcement was made that since nobody could locate the fox, the hunt would be extended for another 30 minutes.

By this time most of the teams were within 5 Kms radius of the fox and were into drastic measures including walking on hot dry Palar river bed, climbing up a stone quarry hill , use bikes to check on smaller trails, rummaging through farm houses etc , but all this did not yield anything.

Finally close to 12: 30 PM the fox location was announced as “Pazhaya Seevaram Sri Lakshmi Narasimhaswamy Temple” which was a hilltop temple shrine location on the banks of Palar River and on Chengalpattu-Kanchipuram road at an approx 60 kms to 75 Kms direct road drive distance from Chennai depending on the route you take . No team managed to catch the fox this time even after the time extension . The fox hole was at an approx line of sight distance of 56.6 Kms from Chennai “0” stone point (source - Wikimapia software).

The "Fox Den"/hilltop marked in square as seen in this sattelite aimage with adjacent shrub jungle/stairs/hills etc.

Participants had to climb up many steps leading to the "Fox Den" at the top of the hill .

The "Fox Hole"

The elusive fox was VU2GHX Madhavan . Within 5 to 10 min of the fox locaton announcement most teams reached the spot.

Anyways it was real fun as after all its for the love of HAM hobby that everybody set aside a whole good Sunday and made this trip . All teams had their own moments of fun , joy, tension, anger etc which all made the whole foxhunt a thrilling and challenging experience for one and all, especially for the first timers. Thanks to the MARS organising team for conducting this event again after a gap of couple of years. All HAMS hope the Chennai Foxhunt becomes an annual event moving forward.

A special mention of VU3WIB (Right) who's spirit & love for the hobby really needs to appreciated as he travelled the entire journey of 150+ Kms with rig/beam on a two wheeler with an SWL.

A good lunch session/getogether was arranged by MARS for all the participants near to the fox den which was appreciated and relished by all. The only regret was that all the day’s hard hunting by teams didn’t yield any prizes to take home, only good memories of this unique experience .

For full photo profile pls click here.

Anybody else having more photos/something to be added to the story board pls send across.

ChennaiHamsBlogspot Team

Tribute to VU2 RF "Ranga"

That familiar old but steady voice on Chennai VHF net daily "Vu2 Romeo Foxtrot" has become silent key & would'nt be heard anymore . Vu2RF handle "Ranga" passed away today morning in Chennai after a brief hospitalization . Ranga was among the seniormost HAM's in CHENNAI and used to attend all HAM related meetings in and around the city inspite of his old age .

He always has cheerful advice for the younger lot. As per old timers a very sincere and kind radio amateur who was always willing to help anyone, Ranga got his ticket in 1972 and has been a HAM for past 30+ years. He was initially in Calcutta and later moved to Chennai and settled out. He was active on HF/VHF and was a very good homebrewer and has contributed many test equipments to the hobby.

The last HAM meet he attended in Chennai was the MARS(Madras Amateur Radio Society) monthly meeting held on Jan 26th 2010. All Chennai HAMS salute this great HAM and his contributions to the hobby, we are sure he would be remembered always as a nice person we knew and who chrished being a HAM.

Mahabalipuram Eyeball 2010 : A memorable Ham-together

The Gala event in progress.

Cherished by all HAMS & among the popular events in VUland, Mahabalipuram Eyeball meet 2010 was conducted today at TTDC Resort near Chennai and turned outto be a huge success. The meet organized by the untiring efforts of OM Vittal VU2 VIT and his team had 101 participants from all four South Indian states belonging to different walks of Life, but offcourse united by the loave for radio waves.

Thanks to the entire team for the wonderful location TTDC resort & AC conference hall . Om Santhanam VU2 YFS welcomed the gathering. One minute silence was observed for the sake of departed souls who passed away in the past year. OmVU2DH Devadas honoured VU2 PCP and VU2 VIT for their wonderful contribution through the years to Hamdom .

Few senior hams like VU2 UR, VU2QM, VU2 RVK were felicitated by VU2 VIT. A VHF handheld donated to the Yercaud Repeater(TCD repeater Maintenance fund) was auctioned in a very innovative american way on the floor by VU2 DRK and VU2DH.

A life time Achievement Award by ARSI was given to SWL T.K.Vishwanathan, which was presented to him by ARSI President VU2GMN . The details of the astonishing achievement by this swl was narrated by Vu2 UR.

VU2GUR gave very good narration about satellite communication and a notable new system of a dipole which was really very interesting. VU2 LF, VU3 MII, VU2 ABS, VU2 PCP had compact stalls full of exciting ham stuffand was a real crowd puller.

VU2PTR narrated about his new venture PTR 2K 10 , a 50 watt transmitter set assembled by him in his own clean and compact construction way. It was astonishing to note that cost is less than Rs. 2500/ even though it was finished in a very good commercial manner.






VU2DH, VU3VWR, VU2VIT & VU2DRK

VU3RGK with his homebrewed sattelite communication/UHF antenna.

VU2PCP with his homebrewed VHF/UHF beams and slim jim antennas.

The following from chennai hams participated apart from HAMS/SWL's from various other south Indian states including Kerala/Karnataka/AndraPradesh:

VU2GMN, VU2 DRK, VU2UU, VU3 WIB, VU3 MSZ, VU2 VIT, VU2 BOA, VU3 STJ, VU3 MES, VU3MII, VU2 RDX, VU2 PTR, VU3 GGK, VU2 GHX, VU2 DH, VU3 USI, VU2 AKW, VU3MOA, VU2 KLS, VU2 CMR, VU2 TTL, VU2 GWH, VU2 SBU, VU3 VWR, VU2 ABS, VU2 PIY, VU2 AKW, VU2 SDU, VU2 WYR, VU2 UBR, VU2 KBX, VU3 RGK, VU2ISR, VU2 UMX, VU2 LF, VU3 MPK, VU2 YNT, VU3 INA, VU2 LSW, VU2 DNY, VU2GMS, VU2 GPS, VU2 ATN, VU2 DPN, SWL ARULRAJ, SWL, VELMURUGAN, SWL ASHOK, SWL VIPIN SHANKAR.

Full Photo Album pls click below links.

Mahams 2010 , PhotoAlbum contributed by VU2DPN.

Mahams 2010 , PhotoAlbum with Narration contributed by VU2LSW(Narayan Rao).

CLICK TO VIEW A SHORT VIDEO ON MAHAMS 2010.

Anyone wishing to contribute further photos/storyboard for the Maham 2010, pls send by e-mail and it will be added into this article string.

Thanks and Regards

ChennaiHamsBlogspot Team

HAM Demo at Chennai Trekking Club's gala event at Chennai on March 6th 2010

Vu2ABS Arvind would be conducting a workshop on Ham Radio & emergency radio communications as part of the gala trekking event "Trek Polama" which is to be conducted on March 6th 2010 at Anna Nagar,Chennai by Chennai Trekking Club.

Chennai Trekking Club or CTC which is based in Chennai was established on February 22, 2008 by a small group of trekking enthusiasts. It started as a dozen member club grew into a big non-profit organization that strives to encourage trekking as an organized sport. CTC organizes treks mainly in and around South India. It also organizes other activities like photography tours, one day hikes, workshops on navigation using GPS, treks for a social cause and walks for charity. CTC has organized more than 100 treks.

It has more than 3500 members and more than 10 people joining every day. CTC has also taken up several nature conservation/environment protection initiatives also as its entire backbone is nature's gifts in the form of pristine forests. Since most of the trekking happens in remote jungles , Ham radio will be very useful during treks where there is no cell coverage and becomes very essential, especially during emergencies. In December 2009, Vu2ABS had given a presentation to group of 50 CTC members about ham radio, which was very well received and many are interested in becoming active hams .

To Register for the March 6th Event Pls click here.

More info on CTC click here or http://www.chennaitrekkers.org/

All HAM Enthusiasts are welcome to join the event.

Chennai HAM's import 30 nos Dual Band Wouxun HT's!!!

WOUXUN KG-UVD1P fits into one's hand quite well and has an ergonomic design.

Few Chennai HAM's came together and did a bulk import of 30 nos dual band VHF/UHF WOUXUN KG-UVD1P HT's from China. This is expected to give a big boost to UHF activity in Chennai as there is already a UHF repeater which is active here. The whole exercise including planning, execution & logistics arrangements were executed by team VU2ABS(Aravind), Vu2DH(Das) & Vu2DPN(Deepan) .

The challenge was to negotiate with WOUXUN China directly for a good deal , liase with different users in Chennai to organise/pool the funds needed, remittance to overseas, airfreight arrangements for shipping from China to India(Chennai) , priority imports customs clearance and then final delivery to users as full set kits.

Photos of the full set delivered to users consisting of radio, external mike, car charger, desktop charger, DC adaptor, earphone handfree, pouch/sling, AA battery holder, antenna connectors, warranty card etc as taken after arrival at Chennai. The price worked out to approx INR 6,000(incld accessories/import customs duty) , which is quite a value for money.

The import box packed which arrived from HKG at Chennai Airport and was customs cleared.

PROs about this Handy as per user feedback :

Very low cost/high value for money , great receive audio , ok stock antenna , great battery , lot of free extras , programing software available , dual bands , nice display , feels good in your hand , very sturdy , built in flash light , regular 88.5mhz FM radio, voice prompts/VOX, sos feature built in, nice green receive LED, nice red transmit LED , ergonomic design, desktop charger, dual VHF/UHF display and Rx

CONs about this Handy as per user feedback :

Trasmit audio modulation could be better, No DTMF , not a true VFO , steep learning curve for programming , hard to understand manual unless to go through couple of times , not your standard antenna connector

The overall verdict from users is that for the price, it is worth every penny and affordable for new HAMS to start being on air!!!, there is plan to organise another batch of import , depending on demand.

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.