Charles Finlay
@cpfinlay.bsky.social
Retired from 42 years in IT and enjoying my radio hobbies.
SWL since 1960s
Scanning since late 1970s
Ham since 1984
SDR since 2021
GMRS since 2024
SWL since 1960s
Scanning since late 1970s
Ham since 1984
SDR since 2021
GMRS since 2024
Also picked up a type-accepted GMRS radio and matched antenna.
I think my "shack" is complete.... yeah, riiiiight 😉
Ham HF
Ham 2m/70cm
GMRS/MURS/FRS
CB SSB
I think my "shack" is complete.... yeah, riiiiight 😉
Ham HF
Ham 2m/70cm
GMRS/MURS/FRS
CB SSB
January 28, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Also picked up a type-accepted GMRS radio and matched antenna.
I think my "shack" is complete.... yeah, riiiiight 😉
Ham HF
Ham 2m/70cm
GMRS/MURS/FRS
CB SSB
I think my "shack" is complete.... yeah, riiiiight 😉
Ham HF
Ham 2m/70cm
GMRS/MURS/FRS
CB SSB
Speaking of CBs... I recently picked up a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. Listening to it is reminding me why I left CB for Amateur (Ham) radio back in the mid 80s!! 😉
I am working towards assembling a more complete communication station.
I am working towards assembling a more complete communication station.
January 28, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Speaking of CBs... I recently picked up a Uniden Bearcat 980 SSB. Listening to it is reminding me why I left CB for Amateur (Ham) radio back in the mid 80s!! 😉
I am working towards assembling a more complete communication station.
I am working towards assembling a more complete communication station.
Picked these up locally from an estate sale. $25 for the pair. They have been stored in their boxes since the mid-80s. They are in like-new condition and work perfectly! Not exactly sure what I am going to do with them yet, but that was too good of a deal to pass on.
January 27, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Picked these up locally from an estate sale. $25 for the pair. They have been stored in their boxes since the mid-80s. They are in like-new condition and work perfectly! Not exactly sure what I am going to do with them yet, but that was too good of a deal to pass on.
I had a moment of nostalgia the other day and bought a NOS CB radio on the cheap to complete my communications capabilities. Outside of some skip stations, it's fairly dead. There's a stretch of I-76 a couple of miles away, so I am going to monitor channel 19 just for kicks. 10-4. lol
January 13, 2025 at 3:21 PM
I had a moment of nostalgia the other day and bought a NOS CB radio on the cheap to complete my communications capabilities. Outside of some skip stations, it's fairly dead. There's a stretch of I-76 a couple of miles away, so I am going to monitor channel 19 just for kicks. 10-4. lol
Enjoyed a long holiday with my daughter Caroline and I gave her the RT-890.
She liked that it could receive Airband, NOAA weather and FM broadcasts.
She was about 2 miles away and we were able to talk to each other on VHF despite hilly terrain and numerous houses between us.
She liked that it could receive Airband, NOAA weather and FM broadcasts.
She was about 2 miles away and we were able to talk to each other on VHF despite hilly terrain and numerous houses between us.
January 13, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Enjoyed a long holiday with my daughter Caroline and I gave her the RT-890.
She liked that it could receive Airband, NOAA weather and FM broadcasts.
She was about 2 miles away and we were able to talk to each other on VHF despite hilly terrain and numerous houses between us.
She liked that it could receive Airband, NOAA weather and FM broadcasts.
She was about 2 miles away and we were able to talk to each other on VHF despite hilly terrain and numerous houses between us.
Picked up a GMRS license from the FCC. I applied on Sunday and received the license on Monday! It's good for 10 years and is applicable for immediate family. I thought it would be useful to contact nearby family in the unlikely event that all other forms of communication fail.
December 3, 2024 at 6:55 PM
Picked up a GMRS license from the FCC. I applied on Sunday and received the license on Monday! It's good for 10 years and is applicable for immediate family. I thought it would be useful to contact nearby family in the unlikely event that all other forms of communication fail.
My daughter recently expressed interest in ham radio, so I got her a cheap Radtel RT-890 for fun.
USB chargeable
Lightweight
Color screen
Uses SMA-F antenna
With programming cable:
- Chirp compatible
- M7OCM firmware
I liked it so much I got me one! (it won't replace my Yaesu VX-7).
USB chargeable
Lightweight
Color screen
Uses SMA-F antenna
With programming cable:
- Chirp compatible
- M7OCM firmware
I liked it so much I got me one! (it won't replace my Yaesu VX-7).
November 21, 2024 at 3:07 PM
My daughter recently expressed interest in ham radio, so I got her a cheap Radtel RT-890 for fun.
USB chargeable
Lightweight
Color screen
Uses SMA-F antenna
With programming cable:
- Chirp compatible
- M7OCM firmware
I liked it so much I got me one! (it won't replace my Yaesu VX-7).
USB chargeable
Lightweight
Color screen
Uses SMA-F antenna
With programming cable:
- Chirp compatible
- M7OCM firmware
I liked it so much I got me one! (it won't replace my Yaesu VX-7).
The Nooelec Nano 3 makes a great SDR for your smartphone. There are many apps for tuning anything from FM broadcast to ADS-B & Airband!
I use a 90 degree USB-C to USB-A to create an easy to pack and ready to go portable radio solution!
I use a 90 degree USB-C to USB-A to create an easy to pack and ready to go portable radio solution!
November 18, 2024 at 9:21 PM
The Nooelec Nano 3 makes a great SDR for your smartphone. There are many apps for tuning anything from FM broadcast to ADS-B & Airband!
I use a 90 degree USB-C to USB-A to create an easy to pack and ready to go portable radio solution!
I use a 90 degree USB-C to USB-A to create an easy to pack and ready to go portable radio solution!
When factoring in terrain and how it impacts your signal reception, here's a cool website to use. Here's what the plot between me an the local airport and port.
It also has a map that shows expected range based on altitude of transmission (such as a plane). Handy for ADS-B!
heywhatsthat.com
It also has a map that shows expected range based on altitude of transmission (such as a plane). Handy for ADS-B!
heywhatsthat.com
November 18, 2024 at 9:00 PM
When factoring in terrain and how it impacts your signal reception, here's a cool website to use. Here's what the plot between me an the local airport and port.
It also has a map that shows expected range based on altitude of transmission (such as a plane). Handy for ADS-B!
heywhatsthat.com
It also has a map that shows expected range based on altitude of transmission (such as a plane). Handy for ADS-B!
heywhatsthat.com
Here's a cool site to check for nearby FM stations and their signal strength at your QTH. I used this information to determine whether I needed a cavity filter for my ACARS/VDLM2 SDR receivers.
www.fmfool.com/modeling/
Sister site for TV signal info: www.tvfool.com/index.php?op...
www.fmfool.com/modeling/
Sister site for TV signal info: www.tvfool.com/index.php?op...
November 18, 2024 at 8:54 PM
Here's a cool site to check for nearby FM stations and their signal strength at your QTH. I used this information to determine whether I needed a cavity filter for my ACARS/VDLM2 SDR receivers.
www.fmfool.com/modeling/
Sister site for TV signal info: www.tvfool.com/index.php?op...
www.fmfool.com/modeling/
Sister site for TV signal info: www.tvfool.com/index.php?op...
If you have the Uniden SDS200 but have not added the waterfall upgrade released less than a year ago, check it out!
www.uniden.info/download/omp...
www.uniden.info/download/omp...
November 18, 2024 at 8:45 PM
If you have the Uniden SDS200 but have not added the waterfall upgrade released less than a year ago, check it out!
www.uniden.info/download/omp...
www.uniden.info/download/omp...
If you have a Uniden HomePatrol 1 or 2 scanner but don't have the extreme upgrade, here's what it adds: info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/vi...
Short video clip I made using it when experimenting using a an amp to improve the control channel on a remote P25 trunk system. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwdL...
Short video clip I made using it when experimenting using a an amp to improve the control channel on a remote P25 trunk system. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwdL...
November 18, 2024 at 8:42 PM
If you have a Uniden HomePatrol 1 or 2 scanner but don't have the extreme upgrade, here's what it adds: info.uniden.com/twiki/bin/vi...
Short video clip I made using it when experimenting using a an amp to improve the control channel on a remote P25 trunk system. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwdL...
Short video clip I made using it when experimenting using a an amp to improve the control channel on a remote P25 trunk system. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwdL...
Here's a representation of what I have running for ADS-B, UAT, MLAT, ACARS, VDLM2 and AIS using inexpensive USB Software Defined Radios (SDRs). It's a great way to learn about those technologies (along with Linux and Docker!).
I keep adding to it and that is why I call it a rabbit hole. 😉
I keep adding to it and that is why I call it a rabbit hole. 😉
November 16, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Here's a representation of what I have running for ADS-B, UAT, MLAT, ACARS, VDLM2 and AIS using inexpensive USB Software Defined Radios (SDRs). It's a great way to learn about those technologies (along with Linux and Docker!).
I keep adding to it and that is why I call it a rabbit hole. 😉
I keep adding to it and that is why I call it a rabbit hole. 😉
My daughter (Caroline) plans to pursue an aviation career after high school which I think is so cool! Her mom got her pilot's license not to long ago and we have extended family in the business.
She recently told me she' like to get a ham radio license!
😀 <- Proud dad!!
She recently told me she' like to get a ham radio license!
😀 <- Proud dad!!
November 16, 2024 at 4:51 PM
My daughter (Caroline) plans to pursue an aviation career after high school which I think is so cool! Her mom got her pilot's license not to long ago and we have extended family in the business.
She recently told me she' like to get a ham radio license!
😀 <- Proud dad!!
She recently told me she' like to get a ham radio license!
😀 <- Proud dad!!
When I was looking for a new deep-cycle marine battery to provide backup power for my radio operations, I discovered that the modern option uses Lithium Phosphate w/special chargers.
When the power was out for days after Hurricane Alicia in 1983 I developed an obsession for battery backup power.
When the power was out for days after Hurricane Alicia in 1983 I developed an obsession for battery backup power.
November 16, 2024 at 4:46 PM
When I was looking for a new deep-cycle marine battery to provide backup power for my radio operations, I discovered that the modern option uses Lithium Phosphate w/special chargers.
When the power was out for days after Hurricane Alicia in 1983 I developed an obsession for battery backup power.
When the power was out for days after Hurricane Alicia in 1983 I developed an obsession for battery backup power.
Here's a pic of of my first ham radio (Heathkit VF-7401) being built as part of a mail-order electronics course I took as a teenager.
I got my license (KA5UGW) back in the days of morse code and FCC office testing! These days I go by K5CPF.
I got my license (KA5UGW) back in the days of morse code and FCC office testing! These days I go by K5CPF.
November 16, 2024 at 4:37 PM
Here's a pic of of my first ham radio (Heathkit VF-7401) being built as part of a mail-order electronics course I took as a teenager.
I got my license (KA5UGW) back in the days of morse code and FCC office testing! These days I go by K5CPF.
I got my license (KA5UGW) back in the days of morse code and FCC office testing! These days I go by K5CPF.
My current operating position in Roxborough, Philadelphia PA. The house was built in 1894 and provides me plenty of space to enjoy my hobbies. I've joined the local ham radio club (PhilMont) and have even added AIS tracking and feeding to my SDR fun!
November 16, 2024 at 4:27 PM
My current operating position in Roxborough, Philadelphia PA. The house was built in 1894 and provides me plenty of space to enjoy my hobbies. I've joined the local ham radio club (PhilMont) and have even added AIS tracking and feeding to my SDR fun!
This was my operating position at the "Active Senior Community" (aka Old Folks Home or OFH) from 2018 to 2023. I didn't have much space but it worked fine even with indoor antennas!
November 16, 2024 at 4:23 PM
This was my operating position at the "Active Senior Community" (aka Old Folks Home or OFH) from 2018 to 2023. I didn't have much space but it worked fine even with indoor antennas!
Of all my mobile radio configurations, this was my favorite (2010). The minivan has motorized antennas to go into the garage and everything I needed to operate while mobile.
I used to volunteer to provide communications from remote positions during marathons, etc.
I used to volunteer to provide communications from remote positions during marathons, etc.
November 16, 2024 at 4:20 PM
Of all my mobile radio configurations, this was my favorite (2010). The minivan has motorized antennas to go into the garage and everything I needed to operate while mobile.
I used to volunteer to provide communications from remote positions during marathons, etc.
I used to volunteer to provide communications from remote positions during marathons, etc.
This was my radio operations setup when I was in an HOA situation. I used Ventenna products and other extendable antennas to stay off the HOA naughty list. 😉
November 16, 2024 at 4:14 PM
This was my radio operations setup when I was in an HOA situation. I used Ventenna products and other extendable antennas to stay off the HOA naughty list. 😉
My radio operating position from the mid 1980s... I lived in a Houston high-rise at 240'. I loved operating 2m SSB from there and developed my love of digital radio modes during that time using my Commodore 64.
This was during the "BBS & Fidonet" days before the Internet was commonly available.
This was during the "BBS & Fidonet" days before the Internet was commonly available.
November 16, 2024 at 4:06 PM
My radio operating position from the mid 1980s... I lived in a Houston high-rise at 240'. I loved operating 2m SSB from there and developed my love of digital radio modes during that time using my Commodore 64.
This was during the "BBS & Fidonet" days before the Internet was commonly available.
This was during the "BBS & Fidonet" days before the Internet was commonly available.
Software Defined Radio (SDR) USB sticks are inexpensive enough to allocate fulltime to a specific purpose. During the COVID lockdown, I assembled an ADS-B, UAT, MLAT, ACARS & VDLM2 capture, decode, visualization and feeder station using a Raspberry Pi4b. "PhillyRox" is among the top 1% globally!
November 16, 2024 at 4:00 PM
Software Defined Radio (SDR) USB sticks are inexpensive enough to allocate fulltime to a specific purpose. During the COVID lockdown, I assembled an ADS-B, UAT, MLAT, ACARS & VDLM2 capture, decode, visualization and feeder station using a Raspberry Pi4b. "PhillyRox" is among the top 1% globally!
I've been feeding Radio Reference / Broadcastify since 2012 using a repurposed Homepatrol-1 and an old EeePC which is still running Windows XP with MS Steady State and ProScan RadioFeed. It's been very reliable over the years feeding Public Service and Amateur Radio transmissions.
November 16, 2024 at 3:54 PM
I've been feeding Radio Reference / Broadcastify since 2012 using a repurposed Homepatrol-1 and an old EeePC which is still running Windows XP with MS Steady State and ProScan RadioFeed. It's been very reliable over the years feeding Public Service and Amateur Radio transmissions.
Cell phone weather alerts are great, but I wanted a radio-based backup solution. I decided to use my old Radio Shack 12-254 portable weather radio with S.A.M.E and found an inexpensive USB battery eliminator that allows it to run 24/7 without needing to replace batteries. Works perfectly!!!
November 16, 2024 at 3:45 PM
Cell phone weather alerts are great, but I wanted a radio-based backup solution. I decided to use my old Radio Shack 12-254 portable weather radio with S.A.M.E and found an inexpensive USB battery eliminator that allows it to run 24/7 without needing to replace batteries. Works perfectly!!!