The Other Home of NW7US and HFRadio.org - Tomas

Finally! Firewall is up and running!

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 08:36:30 GMT

Yes!

After much searching and struggle, trial and error, the new firewall is up and running. Testing seems to be going well. Now, we begin the migration from the old server to the new server. WHEW! Finally.

Things will move fast, now... keep your eyes on the news, here.

- Tomas

FIREWALL PROJECT UPDATE

Mon, 25 Feb 2008 13:47:21 GMT

The firewall project is not yet completed

I've tried several other "make your own" firewall ideas. Nothing is giving me what I need, to protect the new server, while giving me the flexibility I need to deploy the server. I will be working this coming weekend on yet another strategy. I hope to make significant progress in this last part of the new server configuration.

Thanks for your sticking with me and supporting HFRadio.org

- Tomas

P.S., have you checked out my other hobby site? http://myspace.com/tomashood - please come listen.

Music

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 03:58:25 GMT

I'm finding centering in my crazy life... in music... creating music.

Check out my Music space: http://myspace.com/tomashood - this is where I share in greater depth all that is happening with me, especially regarding music. I play guitar, and some keyboard. I also try to sing. The mix of all of this is that I am trying to be a singer/player/songwriter. I hope that I can use music to express what's on my heart and in my soul. In the least, it surely helps me relax and center.

Leave a comment there if you do visit my music page. I'd love to hear your comments on my various musical samples and raw ideas. Thank you...

- Tomas ( remember: http://myspace.com/tomashood )

Winter Blues

Wed, 13 Feb 2008 20:46:35 GMT

Update...

I've been fighting off some kind of infection... first in my sinus, then in my eye, now in my ears. So, this results in my inability to go faster with preparing the Firewall for the new HFRadio.org server. I am heading back to the doctor in a few minutes to find out what I can do about this latest bout.

By the way, please check out: Tomas David Hood Music Page - please listen to my music, and post a comment. Thanks! Enjoy.

More news when I have some...

Firewall update

Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:23:36 GMT

Ug! I cannot believe how difficult it is to create the kind of firewall that I am in need of in this application. Since I have two networks served through the same Internet pipeline, I have to have a firewall that will split things properly, as well as protect each network. I've tried two different firewalls that were supposed to work in this way, but they each had limitations that made them unfit for my application.

So, I'm back to the drawing board and will be trying a third option, this weekend. Once I can get the firewall in place, then I can move the server addresses to point to the new server. That will be a HAPPY day, indeed.

In the meantime, thank you for hanging in there, with me...

- Tomas

Server move - update

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:57:03 GMT

Firewall under construction, etc.

The web server is pretty close to finished. At this time, I am working hard on finishing up the firewall box. The firewall box is another server that is setup to filter all of the traffic to and from the new web server. A lot of work has been done to both the web server and the firewall server, especially this week. It looks like I should have the whole package online by this coming Monday, January 7, 2008.

The firewall has been a challenge. The team of local administrative folks and I had an initial firewall setup, but it was not functioning to the level that I demand for running the whole HFRadio.org setup. So, we've moved to a higher-level, more "intense" server and firewall setup.

I'll keep you posted on the latest news...

73 and Happy New Year!

- Tomas

New Server Still Under Configuration

Tue, 18 Dec 2007 15:30:38 GMT

We actually have four machines now, that will be part of our new server "cluster" making up the HFRadio.org Web site - one will be the main web server, one will be for mail, and two for other functions. In addition, we now have a firewall rather than just a router.

This should make things more efficient, reliable, and, hacker-safe. We have had to fight hard against intrusions, etc. What a pain that has been.

So, I feel that we can get the server up by January 1, 2008. There are several of us working on this project. Keep your fingers crossed!

In the meantime, HFRadio.org - the Online Resource of NW7US, (with the Propagation Center and more) will continue to limp along with our old and current server.

I'll post more as time allows.

- Tomas, NW7US

Latest HFRadio.org News

Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:03:57 GMT

Update on HFRadio.org

After struggling during the last year in keeping the server up and running, I decided to purchase a brand-new, "real" server. This is a 2U (that's the size) server with real server guts. This was quite expensive (3600 bucks). It is nearly ready to put up on the Internet. It has been proving to be a solid server with no problems. We have been testing it and working on revisions to the website software, etc. I think this will make a HUGE difference in the way the website(s) will respond to the public.

I will post more news about this as time allows. I hope the server will be live by the end of November, 2007. Thank you for hanging in there.

Limping aloing?

Wed, 21 Mar 2007 21:17:54 GMT

Well - We are Limping Along

HFRadio.org is up and running on the re-vamped server. However, I think it is still running too hot. So, I am trying to raise funds to get a new 1U rack mount case that is "longer" (deeper from front to back), so that the hard drives are farther away from the motherboard, and so I can have additional fans installed. I am also wanting a larger-capacity power supply, so that it will run cooler.

The server appears to be stable, though. Time will tell as I add the rest of the software features (turning them on). Will it overheat and crash? I'll let you know.

Do you want to help me pay all of the hardware and bandwidth bills? Your help is VERY much appreciated. Check out the information about how you can help by visiting this page. PLEASE HELP, TODAY. THANK YOU.

Update on Health stuff

My wife is not doing well. We are nearing a point where some resolution may be had, however. The latest diagnosis confirms that she may have surgery to remove the tumors. Once that is accomplished, and when she recovers (that may take up to a year because of the rest of her health), then treatment of the CTD (connective tissue disease) may begin. It is going to be (and has been) a long journey. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you.

Wikipedia - I'm starting to contribute...

I'm starting to help out in the Amateur Radio areas on Wikipedia. My user page can be found if you search for NW7US.

Update on the Server (HFRadio.org)

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 01:23:18 GMT

Here is the latest on the HFRadio.org server:

As you probably know, the server has been down for about three months. This has been due to a series of issues, including funding issues, operating system problems, and hardware work that had to be done.

While the latest plan was for me to be over in Seattle, today (January 26, 2007), for medical-related appointments regarding Leigh's tumor and cancer issues, the plan has had to change. The new plan is for me to be in Seattle next week, Friday (February 2, 2007), so we can be at Swedish, and so on. I have to co-ordinate my server-related travel to Seattle to be at the same time that I go for other things. So, I have moved the server install to NEXT Friday.

Some of you know the basic facts regarding my wife and her health issues. She recently was diagnosed with a tumor, and there are red flags regarding a possible cancer. We have been dealing with a whole lot of appointments and resulting travel, since about October. This has cut into my available time, since I have to also work my day job. My health is improving, but my plate is pretty full trying to take the slack so my wife can rest and deal with the medical situation.

This whole week has been spent mostly in medical facilities or on the road up north of Brinnon. Leigh is not doing too well. Your continued prayers for her are most appreciated. Thank you.

Somewhat related to this is the auto accident that my wife, one of my sons, and I suffered in about two years ago. The vehicle that I was driving was at a stand-still on the Hood Canal Bridge, in Washington State. We were the last vehicle in the west-bound lane, in the waiting line of traffic. One of my sons and my wife were passengers. While we were waiting for the bridge to re-open to traffic, another driver plowed straight into the rear of our vehicle at about 30 to 40 miles per hour.

He told the police officer that he was looking out over the water to see what boat was causing the bridge to be closed to traffic. (The bridge opens up to let marine traffic through, which causes vehicle traffic to be blocked). He also yelled at me when he first got out of his truck and came up to our vehicle, "Why did you stop right in the middle of the road?" What a strange thing to ask… if he knew that the bridge was closed to our traffic. It was very clear that there was a waiting line of vehicles.

Well, our vehicle was completely "totaled" and we were not able to open our doors. We had to wait for others to break open the vehicle. My wife was immobilized by the medical workers and we all were taken to the hospital.

Two years later, we're still dealing with the repercussions from that single act of that driver's negligence. My wife has had to have spinal surgery, and has on-going medical issues related to the accident. I have had three surgeries due to the accident. Thankfully, though, our son did not need any surgery, though he certainly has suffered, too.

Life has not gotten easier, but rather, quite a bit more difficult, mostly due to that one single incident. All of last year was spend mostly running from medical task to medical task. The trauma is real, and life has not been the same as it was, before.

That's the short story... thank you to those of you who have been keeping us in your prayers.

Islamic Recruiting

Tue, 26 Dec 2006 03:46:04 GMT

Are they trying to get me to convert?

For some odd reason, my Spaces blog (this thing that you are reading) has been the target of Muslim recruiting teams. I've turned off the ability for you to post a comment to me, because these Islamic types are using that to post links to their Islamic websites where they are trying to a) convert you, b) share political ideals with you, c) get you to hear and see their message.

Well, this is not an advertisement blog to be used for Islam, or other groups, to spread their message. They have their websites, let people come to them on their own. Don't use my web spaces and web sites for your gain.

This website is about ME, Tomas Hood. I'm NOT a muslim. I am a born-again Christian of the non-Catholic type. I am pro-Israel, pro-Democracy, pro-Freedom. I support the United States of America, and its global war against terrorism. I don't believe in blowing up my children to convince you to convert to my religeon, like the Muslims do. I don't believe in killing innocent people just because they don't believe the way I do.

http://www.americancongressfortruth.com/

Now, if you want to stop visiting my site because I don't believe in violence and world-domination, that is your choice. I am not going to apologize for my convictions. And, I am still a Ham Radio operator who enjoys the Space Weather topic.

Thank you.

- Tomas Hood, NW7US

The Latest HFRadio Propagation and Space Weather Site Update

Sat, 02 Dec 2006 21:00:44 GMT

Major News!

Well, here is the latest update on what is going on with the HFRadio.org Radio Propagation and Space Weather Resource Web Site: After wrestling with Fedora Core 6 too long, I installed Fedora Core 4. I then let the server run for a couple of days under Fedore Core 4, to see if the server would crash in the same way that it did under Fedora Core 6.

The server did NOT crash while running Fedora Core 4. I then decided to risk again. I installed Fedora Core 5 (with all updates). The server has been running 24 hours a day for several days, since upgrading to Fedora Core 5. That means that Fedora Core 6 is the problem. Not my hardware.

So, now I am working on installing all of the essential custom programs and restoring data. And, of course, working on "hardening" the server against attacks. That in itself is a large task, as each part of the server functionality has to be hardened.

I do want to thank those very few of you who have recently sent support. One of you donated a spare hard drive: THANK YOU. A few of you sent donations. THANK YOU.

Here's the plan: if all goes well, the HFRadio.org Web Site server should be back on-line by this coming Friday. That's November 7, 2006. Stay tuned for further updates.

Don't forget: I still need to pay the co-location fees, some additional upgrade fees (I've had to purchase additional items for the hardware upgrade), travel costs (the server is not hosted at my home, but about three hours' drive (one way) from here, and some tech support fees from the co-location hosting company. If you can help please donate:

Donations still needed to help keep HFRadio.org alive and well

Send your donations to: nw7us at hfradio dot org via PayPal

Many thanks for your help!

- Tomas (NW7US)

Having problems with the Upgrade (sigh)

Mon, 20 Nov 2006 05:32:10 GMT

Well, things are not going smoothly with the upgrade.

The hardware upgrade was the first problem that I had. The second hard drive that I added to the server was defective, and quit working about four days after starting the burn test (this was for storage of website data, and I did not lose anything).

The main problem, however, seems to be related with the Operating system software.

I am using the latest Fedora 6 - and all the updates are installed.

Randomly, I am getting a kjournald panic crash, with the unwind / hard lock / soft lock process. I am NOT sure what this is. I am researching. Until the system runs reliably, I cannot put it back online for the public.

THIS IS MOST FRUSTRATING!

I understand how the community really wants this server back up. If any of you are LINUX Kernal experts, I could use some hints.

I may have to try going back to Fedora 5, instead. However, I really want to use the latest version... (again, SIGH).

PAYPAL DONATIONS NEEDED:

Also: this is costing me a bit more (the hard drive issue) than I had hoped.

If you feel up to contributing some funds toward the HFRadio.org website project, please send funds via pay pal to the following address: nw7us at hfradio dot org (translate that into a real e-mail address).

Thanks for hanging in there... 73

- Tomas NW7US

Update on progress

Thu, 09 Nov 2006 22:33:28 GMT

Here's the latest on the upgrading of the HFRadio.org server:

1. The hardware fixes and upgrades are completed, and the testing phase is completed. The hardware seems to remain at an acceptable temperature level. The additional hard drive appears to be reliable.

2. I am beginning the installation of the latest operating system version. This will include the latest patches.

3. After step two, I will be upgrading the software and applications, then tailoring the security of the server.

4. It looks like I can get the server back on-line by next week. I am still limited on free time, but am doing the best I can.

5. Thank you to the few very kind individuals who have helped out via paypal. Funds *are* tight, and your help is deeply appreciated.

I will post more updates when I make additional progress.

Thank you for hanging in here, with me, as I work toward getting the server back online.

We're temporarily "down" until the new server upgrade is completed.

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 12:17:20 GMT

Sometime around October 22, 2006, the server was made "un-available."

Due to some hardware issues (overheating), it was decided that this was the time that the server needed to be taken offline for a much-needed maintenance and upgrade process. During this period while the server is down, HFRadio.org is being re-directed to my Windows Live Spaces site. This is a temporary measure.

The server upgrade includes installing the very latest version of a linux operating system, and an intense effort to upgrade and improve the software that "runs" the HFRadio.org resources. This is a bit costly, and it is time-intensive.

Please be patient as I have to work all of this on my spare time. I plan on having the website back to "normal" in one to two weeks.

If you are interested in helping me by donating some funds toward off-setting my costs for this project, please use PayPal and send your donation to nw7us at hfradio dot org (make sure you use the dot org - that is very important!).

Thank you for hanging in there, while I improve the server and the resources of HFradio.org - 73,

- Tomas Hood (NW7US)

Photo Album: Tomas David Hood's Musical Instruments and Equipment

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 04:05:16 GMT

Tomas David Hood's Musical Instruments and Equipment

Line6-PodXT-1

S6302986

S6302990

S6302995

S6303000

S6303037

S6303040

S6303049

S6303050

S6303051

More Photos...

Photo Album: My office companions...

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:44:26 GMT

My office companions...

CQ (as in, "CQ, CQ, CQ")

Peekie Boo ("Peeks")

What's up?

Photo Album: A few of my favorites...

Mon, 30 Oct 2006 12:37:01 GMT

A few of my favorites...

Fort Flagler Lighthouse at Port Townsend, WA - by NW7US, Sept 2002

NW7US - Tomas - Port Townsend Fair, 2004 - Emergency Operations Booth

NW7US radio gear at Emergency Booth, Port Townsend Fair, 2004

Book List: Must reads

Sat, 27 Jan 2007 02:30:49 GMT

Must reads

John Slusser: Collectors Guide To Antique Radios
Thousands of individuals all over the world are enchanted with the hobby of antique radios. This is a helpful guide...
Various: Now You're Talking! (Get Your First Ham Radio License)
Want to start exploring the Amateur Radio hobby? Do you want tobecome involved in Emergency Communications? Get this book. It is a great introduction to the hobby.
Joseph J. Carr: Old Time Radios! Restoration and Repair
Presents the history, theory, and practical operation behind old-time home, auto, amateur, shortwave, and CB radio sets, providing the detailed instructions and schematics needed to repair or rebuild them.
Lawrence Magne: Passport to World Band Radio, New 2007 Edition
World band radio is a trusted source of daily entertainment andcrisis reporting for millions of Americans. Passport, the #1 seller in the field, provides exactly what world band listeners want.
Nicholas Hardyman: World Radio TV Handbook 2007: The Directory of Global Broadcasting (WRTH)
For DXers, radio listeners, and broadcast professionals alikeThemost up-to-date information on mediumwave, shortwave, and FM broadcasts and broadcasters, this handbook continues to be the most comprehensive guide to broadcasting on the planet.