Catalina Amateur Radio Resource Newsletter

Batteries & Accessories

These are the batteries I have been telling many of you about. All of the batteries listed below are made with Japanese (not Chinese) cells, come with a warranty, and perform better than expected. I own each of the batteries listed, and I can assure you that they work exceptionally well, especially with their pricing being at least HALF of retail!

Don't Forget Spare Batteries For Your HT!

You should have at least TWO batteries, a high-gain portable antenna, and an SO-239 adapter (for an external antenna) in your HT's "go bag." A "battery eliminator" that takes AA alkaline batteries is also a good idea as well (see below). This way, you'll be prepared to operate for at least 2-3 days in the event of an emergency.

Li-Ion Replacement For HX-370S & Yaesu FT-60R

This lithium-ion battery replaces Yaesu/Vertex FNB-V57 and FNB-83 batteries. This battery is HALF the weight of the Ni-MH battery which is listed below and one third its retail price! Also works with the Vertex FT-150 and VXA-220 aviation radios.

Click HERE To Order

$21.00 + $8.95 UPS Shipping (Up to 2 batteries.

Ni-MH Replacement For HX-370S & Yaesu FT-60R

This nickel metal hydride replaces the Yaesu/Vertex FNB-V57 and FNB-83 batteries. Like the Lithium-Ion battery above, Ni-MH batteries have no "memory effect" as do the older Nickel Cadmium units. Also works with the Vertex FT-150 and VXA-220 aviation radios.

Click HERE To Order

$28.00 + Shipping

Li-Ion Replacement For Yaesu VX-6R/7R

Compare this Lithium-Ion battery to Yaesu's retail price of $83.00 and Universal Radios "discounted" price of $64.95. Performs great and holds a long charge. Talk to Rich Zanelli, W6RLZ ("Mr. Z") who bought two of them.

Click HERE To Order

$34.80 + Shipping

Nickel Metal Hydride Replacement For Vertex VX-10

Like the Lithium-Ion battery above, Ni-MH batteries have no "memory effect" as do the older Nickel Cadmium units.

Click HERE To Order

$28.00 + Shipping

Alkaline Battery Eliminator for HX-370S & Yaesu FT-60R

The FBA-25A is a 6X AA Alkaline battery case (a.k.a. FBA-25) for Yaesu & Vertex radios, such as Vertex VX-110, VX-120, VX-127, VX-150, VX-160, VX-170, VX-177, VX-180, VX-210A, VX-400, VX-800, VXA-150, VXA-210, VXA-300, VXA-300. Provides handy instant high-watt power! Also known as FBA-25A

Click HERE To Order

$29.95 + Shipping

Alkaline Battery Eliminator for Yaesu VX-6R/7R

The FBA-23 is a 2X AA Alkaline battery case for Yaesu-Vertex radios such as VX-5R/RS, VX-6R, VX-7R/RB, VXA-700, VXA-710, etc. Also fits Standard-Horizon HX460, HX-471. Holds 2 X AA cells, and inverts voltage up to 4.5VDC. Provides handy instant backup power.

Click HERE To Order

$27.95 + Shipping

Click Image Above

For Larger View

D, C, AA. AAA Solar Battery Charger

How do you recharge your AA radio batteries when there is no electricity? The answer is the Sunstar ES879 Solar 11-in-1 Charger. With solar power, you can charge regular D, C, AA and AAA cells. You can also charge seven different types of GUM (prismatic) batteries. Charging time varies from 1 to 18 hours depending on sun light, battery size and battery condition. AA charging time is 4 hours in bright sunlight. This charger charges two batteries at a time. The meter indicates charging time. More battery accessories, cables, and goodies like this at www.universal-radio.com.

Click HERE To Order

$24.95 + $6.95 UPS Shipping

HT Radio Accessories

RatTail VHF Antenna Booster - It Really Works!

What is it? The RatTail VHF Antenna Booster is a patented technology. This passive device attaches to a handheld radio operating in the Marine, Aircraft or 2M Ham Radio bands. An increase in transmitted energy of 9 to 12db (800% - 1600%) is seen when measured at a distance of 2 kilometers or more. This increase results from a transformation of your radio's 1/4 wave vertical antenna to a 1/2 wave dipole antenna. Thus more energy is delivered to the horizon. This makes it very useful for emergency rescue operations where rescue workers are having difficulty getting their message through to a base station. Boaters will double their range from a small craft to land. This device only works on handheld radios. A 5 watt handheld radio becomes effectively like a 20 or 40 watt radio, thus increasing its ability to get a signal through. Received sensitivity is also increased by the same amount. This model is for VHF bands only.

Note From K6CBC: I own one of these and it really works! Contact me, if you would like a demonstration.

Click HERE For More Information

Price $24.95

The Diamond SRHF40 is a strange HT antenna for 2 meters and 440 MHz. The top 13 inches of the antenna is completely flexible, just like a pipe cleaner. It can be twisted into almost any shape. The total length of the antenna is 16 inches. It is a 1/4 wave on 2 meters and 1/2 wave on 70 cm. It can handle up to 10 watts. The Diamond RHF40 is also a capable wideband receive antenna for 120/150/300/450/800/900 MHz. Gain + 6db with 10 watts maximum power. The base terminates to a 50 ohm SMA connector. $26.95

The Diamond RHF40 is the same but features a BNC rather than an SMA connector. $27.95

UPS Shipping is $6.95

Click HERE To Order

SMA Male to SO-239 UHF Adapter

Allows connection of a portable, magnetic mount vehicle antenna, or base antenna with a standard SO-259 coax connector and cable to your HT. Scanner World sells this adapter for $8.99 + Shipping

Click HERE For More Information

K6CBC Price $5.00

SMA Male to BNC Female Adapter

Allows connection of a portable or magnetic mount vehicle antenna with a standard BNC coax connector and cable to your HT. Gigaparts sells this adapter for $10.00 plus Shipping.

Click HERE For More Information

K6CBC Price $5.00

Speaker Mic for Standard-Horizon HX-370S & Yaesu VX-6R/7R

Many of you have asked if there was a smaller, lighter speaker mic for the Yaesu VX-7R that replaces the very bulky $59.95 waterproof microphone. This is it! Performs very well. Screw-in plug is water resistant, but the speaker mic is NOT waterproof. Acceptable for daily activities. Mini-jack for earpiece. Before you buy, ask to see mine first.

Click HERE To Order

$14.95 + $5.00 USPS Shipping

Speaker Mic for Yaesu FT-60R & VX-150

This is a smaller, lighter speaker mic that replaces the more costly OEM mic for the Yaesu FT-60R HT. Performs very well, but the speaker mic is NOT waterproof. Has red transmit LED on front and angled plug for snug fit on side of radio. Acceptable for daily activities. Mini-jack for earpiece. Before you buy, ask to see mine first.

Click HERE To Order

$14.95 + $5.00 USPS Shipping

Click Top Image For

A Larger View of the

Coiled Tube Earpiece

Coiled Tube Earpiece for Speaker Mic

This is a clear, coiled acoustic tube earpiece that plugs into the 3.5mm jack of the Yaesu/Vertex compatible speaker microphones listed above. Works just like the US Secret Service earpieces you've seen in the movies! A 2.5mm plug model is available for police and fire fighters who use the Motorola speaker mic on their jobs. More goodies like this at www.kawamall.com.

Click HERE To Order 3.5mm Plug Model

Click HERE To Order 2.5mm Plug Model

$11.50 + $8.00 USPS Shipping

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For Larger View

Rolling Emergency Radio Backpack

A well-made rolling backpack for your portable Emergency Radio Base Station. Plenty of space inside for the 12VDC battery pack (below), back-up HT radios, spare batteries, etc. Antenna attaches to pull-up handle. Product Details: Size: 22" x 14" x 10" Materials: Tough 600D Polyester water resistance fabric. More luggage goodies like this at www.ambertradinginc.com.

Click HERE To Order

$14.95 + $11.95 Shipping

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For Larger View

24-Amp 12VDC Battery Pack With Meter

Recommended by Gordon West, WB6NOA, this 12VDC battery power pack supplies a full 24 amps to power up mobile rigs like the Yaesu FT-8900R quad-band mobile. A direct connection to the battery inside allows operation of radio at full transmit power. Fits easily inside rolling backpack listed above. Email K6CBC for details on configuring. Anderson PowerPole™ connectors is the recommended hardware for making 15/30 amp 13.8VDC connections. Click HERE to read about the connectors, which have become the "standard" for the ham radio industry. More battery accessories, cables, and goodies like this at www.harborfreight.com.

Click HERE To Order

$79.99 + $9.99 UPS Shipping

Click Image Above

For Larger View

12VDC Safety Float Battery Charger

Use on 12 volt batteries while in storage or during cold weather. Floating circuit maintains a full charge without overcharging. Automatic safety shutoff. 10ft. long leads with copper clamps. More battery accessories, cables, and goodies like this at www.harborfreight.com/.

Click HERE To Order

$6.99 + $6.99 UPS Shipping

Fun Ham Stuff

Handy Plastic Laminated Reference Cards

These wallet-sized cards are available for both the Yaesu FT-60R and VX6R/7R HT models.

Click HERE To Order

$5.20 + Shipping

K6CBC Price $7.00

Ham Operator Certificate • Nice Gift Item!

Print a nice full-color 8"X10" "Amateur Radio Operator" license certificate that's suitable for framing from this online certificate creator. No software needed to download or install. Makes a very nice gift item, and its FREE!

Click HERE To Create Your Certificate

FREE

FCC License Reproduction

Print an exact reproduction (including FCC watermarks) of your FCC Amateur Radio License online. No software needed to download or install. Two wallet cards are also included at the bottom of the printout. Price FREE!

Click HERE To Create Your Repro FCC License

FREE

Design Your Own QSL Cards

Print your own beautiful custom-designed QSL cards. Exchange QSL cards with your HF contacts and start your collection today. Free software download. QSL Maker was created by WB8RCR for hams everywhere.

Click HERE To Download QSL Maker

FREE

Search Engines

ARRL Expanded FCC License Search

Search by name, call sign, or zip code to find hams in your own area. Over 120 listings show up for Catalina Island!

Click HERE To Begin Search

FCC Online Resources

FCC Online Search Tools

ULS Database License Search

ULS Online License Resources

How To Obtain A Vanity Callsign

FCC Part 97 Regulations For Amateur Radio Service

Call Sign Prefix Search

Search for call signs worldwide, both foreign and domestic USA from a huge database. Information on city and country of origin are available.

Click HERE To Begin Search

Call Sign Searches

Quick call sign searches with profiles, email addresses, and photos. Very nice!

Click HERE To Begin Search

Let's Go Shopping!

Gigaparts Online Superstore

Good bargains on HT's, HF rigs, and antennas. Website is very easy to navigate, and worth the effort to save you money. Basic search and advanced search functions are quite good.

Click HERE To Go To The Store

Universal Radio • Shortwave & Ham Products

Good bargains on HT's, HF rigs, and antennas. Prices for batteries, adapters, cables, etc. are a little high. Compare prices with HRO below. Looking for something special? Shoot K6CBC an email.

Click HERE To Go To The Store

AES Amateur Electronic Supply

No matter what you are looking for in Amateur Radio, you can find it at AES. Are you looking for a new HF Transceiver? Or maybe it's time to look at a new Dual Band VHF/UHF transceiver? We have the best selection you can find anywhere. Whatever type of equipment you are looking for, your first stop should be our "Product Type Search" below. Pick a category and see what every manufacturer has to offer. Happy browsing!

Click HERE To Go To The Store

Ham Radio Outlet • Ham Radio Superstore

Good bargains on HT's, HF rigs, and antennas. Website is a little difficult to navigate, but worth the effort to save you money. Local stores in Anaheim and Burbank.

Click HERE To Go To The Store

Memberships

The American Radio Relay League

The ARRL is the only national organization representing Amateur Radio in the US. Since 1914, ARRL, with about 155,000 members, is the largest organization of radio amateur operators in the United States. As an ARRL member you support the ranks of thousands of other ham radio enthusiasts shaping the Amateur Radio service today. If you consider yourself an active ham, you need ARRL now. If you are not presently an active ham, let ARRL help you. Annual Membership of $39.00 includes subscription to QST Magazine.

Membership Benefits

http://www.arrl.org/benefits.html

Join Now!

https://www.arrl.org/forms/membership/

Catalina Amateur Repeater Association

CARA has been operating repeaters on Catalina Island for over 35 years. The repeaters are located 26 nautical miles off the Southern California coast on Santa Catalina Island. From their offshore location at an elevation of 1602 feet above sea level, they have great coverage of the Southern California area. The repeaters are open repeaters for all amateurs who are members, non-members, visitors and even travelers and vacationers to the Southern California area. We simply ask that they obey FCC regulations and operate courteously. Your $30.00 annual membership helps support the operation of the Catalina Airport and Avalon repeaters

Repeater Information

http://www.cara.nu

Membership Application

HERE For Online Membership Application

Los Angeles County ARES

The Los Angeles Section Southwest District Amateur Radio Emergency Service is part of ARES, a nationwide organization of licensed radio amateurs who have volunteered their expertise and equipment to provide emergency communications whenever disaster strikes. Jim KI6FGV, SW District DEC, has announced a new SW District net, Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on the DARN network, beginning March 12th (see below). All ARES members are encouraged to check in and visitors are welcome! Membership is FREE.

ARES Website

http://www.areslax.org/

Membership Application

HERE For Online Membership Application

American Red Cross • Long Beach Chapter

Disaster Communications Team

The American Red Cross rovides emergency assistance to families and workers during local or national disasters. Assist at disaster sites or mass care shelters, providing shelter and food. Should be flexible and enjoy working with and helping people in crisis from a variety of economic and ethnic backgrounds. Free training provided required. Disaster teams on-call for 24 hours to cover when chapter is closed, day and/or night.

Red Cross Long Beach Website

http://www.greaterlongbeachrc.org/

Disaster Volunteer Application

Click HERE For Online Volunteer Application

Catalina On-Air Contacts

The frequencies below are monitored constantly and are good way of reaching fellow hams when visiting Avalon. The Avalon Repeater is a low-powered repeater just for the City of Avalon and is used as our "water cooler" for rag-chewing and as an important link for our ARES Team during emergencies.

Avalon UHF Repeater

Our Avalon Repeater is operated and maintained by CARA and operates 24/7 with the following parameters. Our local network meets on-air at 6:45 PM every Monday. Lost or need help finding a hotel or restaurant? Use the Avalon Repeater or Avalon Simplex Channel for help.

448.400 MHz — Shift 5.0 MHz Offset Tone 110.9

Avalon Simplex Calling Channel 147.555 MHz

Catalina Airport Repeaters

The Catalina Airport repeaters are operated and maintained by CARA and operates 24/7 with the following parameters. The CARA network meets on-air at 7:00 PM every Monday, followed by "Swap Net" after the member check. ""Trivia Net" meets Thursdays at 7:00 PM. Fun!

147.0900 MHz + Shift 0.6 MHz Offset No Tone

224.4200 MHz — Shift 1.6 MHz Offset Tone 110.9

927.9374 MHz — Shift 25 MHz Offset DPL 311

Los Angeles County ARES

The Los Angeles Section Southwest District Amateur Radio Emergency Service is part of ARES, a nationwide organization of licensed radio amateurs who have volunteered their expertise and equipment to provide emergency communications whenever disaster strikes. Jim KI6FGV, SW District DEC, has announced a new SW District net, Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM on the DARN network, beginning March 12. All ARES members are encouraged to check in and visitors are welcome! membership is FREE.

147.360 MHz + Shift 0.6 MHz Offset Tone 103.5

446.240 MHz — Shift 5.0 MHz Offset Tone 100.0

446.740 MHz — Shift 5.0 MHz Offset Tone 100.0

American Red Cross

The Red Cross Net meets every Monday at 8:00 PM, hosted by Gordon West, WB6NOA on the CLARA repeater (Claremont Amateur Repeater Association).

145.220 MHz — Shift 0.6 MHz Offset Tone 103.5

References & License Preparation

What Is Ham Radio All About?

Know someone who might be interested in Amateur Radio? This is a great overview of our fascinating hobby.

Click HERE For More Information

The Gordon West Radio School

As one of Gordo's students, I can tell you that this is by far the very BEST study course you can take to prepare yourself for your new FCC Radio Amateur license.

Click HERE For More Information

Best FCC Preparation Site

The W5YI FCC license preparation site was created by hams with the intention to best prepare you for not only passing e FCC examination, but to continue your study of this fascinating hobby.

Click HERE To Visit The Website

FCC License Study Materials

Gordon West's study guides and CD's are the best! If you would like to see any of the guides listed on the website below, just give me a call. In the meantime, give a listen to two of Gordo's CD's by scrolling down to the bottom of this page.

Click HERE To View The Catalog

ARRL Reference Materials

ARRL Help For Beginners

ARRL Online Study Course

ARRL Technical Reference Books

ARRL Emergency Communications

ARRL Licensing & Upgrading Books