Posts on KD9MES Transmissions

Logbook

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:27:00 -0400

24-AUG-2026

Configured Baofeng to transmit to W9IRA repeater:
- Frequency: 146.700 MHz
- Offset: -0.600 kHZ
- T-CTCS (Uplink/Downlink Tone): 88.5
Checked in with “Morning Show” between 8 and 9 AM EST
- Others reported my TX was weak
Ordered SRJ77CA dual-band antenna, hope to improve TX/RX quality

02-SEP-2026

Tuned to W9IRA at 7 PM EST for Newsline and check-in.
Tested RX quality around the house–some dead spots on stairs but good quality in kitchen (except by the kitchen sink) and front room.
Checked in at 7:55 PM EST, my check-in was acknowledged with no reported issues.
Selected announcements:
- Next siren check-in is on Friday, 04-SEP-2026.
- Check arrl.org/hamfest for hamfest events.

Current Equipment

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 13:10:00 -0400

This page will be updated as I build or acquire new radio equipment. Ham radio equipment can get pretty expensive though, so I will likely try and find ways to get as much out of my current setup as I can before trying something new.

Baofeng UV-5RA

Like many hams before me, when I first became interested in the hobby I saw the Baofeng brand name come up a lot. The main advantage to Baofeng radios is that they are cheap and easy to operate. The main disadvantage is that you get what you pay for: they’re not particularly powerful and the rubber ducky antenna that many models ship with doesn’t give you great TX/RX quality. I have heard that some models are not strictly compliant with all FCC regulations, potentially allowing operators to use them in ways that could be disruptive. At time of writing I admit that I don’t have the technical expertise to verify these claims one way or another (yet). I’ve also heard that some hams tend to look down on folks who use them, but fortunately I have yet to speak with anyone like that in my local ham community.

Acquisition

I bought my Baofeng UV-5RA off of Amazon shortly after I got my technician license in 2018. I have not had much luck finding the exact model again, but many near-identical models can be easily found on Amazon today. Here is an example of one that is very similar to mine. If memory serves, I bought mine for roughly $25. When I tracked down the link above to write this post the price was $15.98.

Operation

Baofeng is the platonic ideal of a cheap Chinese import. As such, their user manuals are not particularly well-written. Fortunately, since they are so popular with hams, there are a myriad of online resources available for how to use and program them. The OEM user manual can be found here. Fellow ham W7APK has an excellent writeup on his website with all kinds of technical information on how to get the most out of your Baofeng, and that page is my go-to whenever I need reference material.

Upgrading the Antenna

The Baofeng UV-5R models ship with a very wimpy 6.5" rubber ducky antenna. This is usually enough to get you started when you are primarily listening in on repeater activity, provided you have decent line-of-sight where you’re operating. However, I found that when I started wanting to participate in check-ins my transmissions were reported as “very weak” by other hams. Per the recommendation on W7APK’s website, I bought a Diamond Antenna brand SRJ77CA antenna as a drop-in replacement. It is currently available on Amazon for $25.99. So far I’ve noticed much better reception, but have not yet had a chance to test transmission quality. Keep an eye on the logbook for updates! (Update: TX seems much improved as well, no complaints from local repeater during check-in!)

Deer Chili

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 21:16:00 -0400

Background

Every Fall, my office hosts Chili Club. We take turns bringing in homemade chili and compare notes on recipes and techniques. This year I wanted to bring something unique, so I started thinking about how to put my own spin on the concept. I come from a family of avid hunters, so my freezer always has some wild game. I took this recipe by Wendy from Allrecipes and adapted it for my needs. This recipe makes a large pot of chili that will feed 8-10 people.

Ingredients

1 lb 80/20 hamburger meat
1 lb deer meat
3 15-oz cans dark red kidney beans
3 15-oz cans diced tomatoes
2 white onions, chopped
4 stalks celery, chopped
2 red bell peppers, chopped
3 tsp minced garlic
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
4 Tbsp chili powder
2 tsp ground cumin
2 tsp dried parsley
2 tsp dried basil
1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the deer meat, hamburger, and onion and cook until the meat is evenly browned, and the onion is aromatic but not soft. Do not drain. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add kidney beans, tomatoes, celery, red bell pepper, and red wine vinegar. Season with garlic, chili powder, cumin, parsley, basil, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir to distribute ingredients evenly.

Simmer on low heat for 2 hours.

Dal Makhani

Mon, 20 Jun 2022 20:07:00 -0400

Background

My wife loves Indian food, so I recently started experimenting with our instant pot and some Indian cookbooks. Her favorite dish is Dal Makhani, so I thought I’d give that one a shot first. After trying a few recipes with less-than-ideal results, I started experimenting on my own. Eventually I came up with a recipe that my wife loved, and so I wrote it down.

Ingredients

1 cup whole black urad dal sabut (black lentils)
2 Tbsp ghee
1 bay leaf
3 green cardamoms
1 tsp cumin seeds
1 yellow onion, finely chopped
3 green chiles, finely chopped
1-inch knob of ginger root, finely chopped
6 tsp minced garlic
1/8 tsp asafetida
1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp tomato puree
3 1/2 cups water, divided
3/4 tsp garam masala
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp red chili powder
2 1/2 tsp salt
3 tsp kasuri methi (fenugreek leaves)
1 Tbsp unsalted butter
Half and half (to taste)
Chopped cilantro (to taste)
Instant Pot

Instructions

Wash & soak lentils 4+ hours, or overnight.

Press saute button on Instant Pot. When hot, add ghee, bay leaf, and green cardamoms and sautee for a few seconds. Add cumin seeds and let them sizzle, then add chopped onion, chiles, asafetida, and cayenne pepper. Cook 6 minutes, then add ginger and garlic. Cook 1 minute, then add tomato puree. Add 1/2 cup of water and cook 4 minutes. Add garam masala, cumin powder, chili powder, and salt. Cook 1 minute, then add soaked lentils. Toss. Add remaining 3 cups of water. Stir and close lid. Press Bean/Chili button and cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then vent.

Open lid and press Saute button. Mash/blend some of the lentils. Add fenugreek, butter, and half and half. Simmer for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Add chopped cilantro. Serve.