tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31810360248803400722024-03-14T00:12:43.816-04:00Hello Radio!!My amateur radio experienceskb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.comBlogger64125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-51054568563844518842024-02-04T13:05:00.000-05:002024-02-04T13:05:47.065-05:00Wallpaper, another great K3Y event and Remembering Curt K2CWM<p><b> </b>I'm back! I haven't posted since May 2023. I got sidetracked for the Summer and Fall playing golf and really didn't do too much Ham radio. Actually none at all. </p><p>But January came along and my favorite activity was in full swing (<a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">K3Y</span></a>) so here I am, so let's get started!</p><p><b>Wallpaper:</b></p><p>Last spring I decide to get my <a href="https://lotw.arrl.org/lotw/logout" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">ARRL </span></a>DXCC. I was finally awarded it on May 6 2023. I decided it was time to put up some wallpaper. The ones displayed aren't all of my awards, just the ones I felt needed to be displayed. </p><p>I also use <a href="http://eQSL.cc"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">eQSL.cc</span></a> but yet to achieve either WAS or DXCC. I have certainly made enough contacts to earn these awards but I guess people are not using the service as much as LoTW and QRZ. Actually, QRZ can import my LoTW log so I guess it is just LoTW more then QRZ. (nit picking).</p><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYnZGE6c8g8zoek5TlyCQKn06rJh-Z356ZL8gZtQtcal0kvKhQpAbVRgZI5RnxpeilndHLxLGdxe2PXvK26EUUNmMto-ny6_gLPxe9p3lpuXIKc2yFVKIySKonlmgy1yFKr6-7lZzYk_uS9i5DMpn6I0750uOauSRUJ60ADuLQ970wWV-52pGhbuA/s4160/0520231515b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrYnZGE6c8g8zoek5TlyCQKn06rJh-Z356ZL8gZtQtcal0kvKhQpAbVRgZI5RnxpeilndHLxLGdxe2PXvK26EUUNmMto-ny6_gLPxe9p3lpuXIKc2yFVKIySKonlmgy1yFKr6-7lZzYk_uS9i5DMpn6I0750uOauSRUJ60ADuLQ970wWV-52pGhbuA/w640-h360/0520231515b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">ARRL WAS and DXCC also QRZ DX and WAS.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlFUU3XdfzuzW-SSzTd3aCqSw5IYuKeGBoAb1Q3BaLPmlc0RmtpPvvioX4oKijVPn84ZDsSsKjzgXcS1Z6yWVPz6ltT-G2G4t9s8o8eiz1U-DjQTTezYolh9usTlQMpIie-NEI94_Bl6BIhKB5tks0mZ8kkuZQgXX6JVPEAIYeqIllqI5pPRkLiBn/s4160/0520231515a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlFUU3XdfzuzW-SSzTd3aCqSw5IYuKeGBoAb1Q3BaLPmlc0RmtpPvvioX4oKijVPn84ZDsSsKjzgXcS1Z6yWVPz6ltT-G2G4t9s8o8eiz1U-DjQTTezYolh9usTlQMpIie-NEI94_Bl6BIhKB5tks0mZ8kkuZQgXX6JVPEAIYeqIllqI5pPRkLiBn/w640-h360/0520231515a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some of my SKCC awards, WAS-S, Senator and 2xQRP</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>K3Y Event:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><p><a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">K3Y </span></a>event is now over and it was a great month for me. I've posted some stats for the month below.</p><p>(last years totals)</p><p>Total QSO for January : 281 (208)</p><p>Total SKCC Brags : 170 (130)</p><p>Total K3Y unique operates worked : 135 (115)</p><p>Total Band slots : 124 (120) </p><p>US Entities Worked (50 States + DC & PR): 45</p><p>Continents: 6 out of 6</p><p>DX <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small; text-align: justify;">Entitie</span><span style="background-color: white;"><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">s</span><span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">: 13 out of 18</span></span></p><p>As you can see results are much better than last years. I also got the Grand Sweep. QSL card are usually sent out before June. Anyone can participate, you don't have to be a member and you can still get a QSL card.</p><p>We are pretty much at the peak of sunspot cycle so it was much easy to make those rare contacts. For equipment I have a Flex 6400 100W and an 80-10M OCF Windom dipole up maybe 35 to 50 feet. Really don't need much to do well.</p></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgSrF7HONC0_5Djp-TXJD2RaNgBaRMSILv2-ouePqLCY8TQecRsa5rCcXxJg4BfsLt5h3gKjg__Xds3YL13-DDfZ_aiDlnBkXKEvODdXjGubHBH6RHG8xMXoqH2lXWOtXUtJMaB7xMyXVR-Cjxowko5Eyg3-agUAec4E1_jmuU2hx006d5ctZDuXpcko/s906/k3y2024.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="906" data-original-width="864" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrgSrF7HONC0_5Djp-TXJD2RaNgBaRMSILv2-ouePqLCY8TQecRsa5rCcXxJg4BfsLt5h3gKjg__Xds3YL13-DDfZ_aiDlnBkXKEvODdXjGubHBH6RHG8xMXoqH2lXWOtXUtJMaB7xMyXVR-Cjxowko5Eyg3-agUAec4E1_jmuU2hx006d5ctZDuXpcko/w610-h640/k3y2024.png" width="610" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log band slot map</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Remembering Curt K2CWM:</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I never meet Curt in person but we chatted many times in QSOs and on the Sked page. He always left a comment on my posts to encourage me to keep at it. We were also FB friends and I followed his many exploits and his <span style="font-family: inherit;">travels </span>to <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tennessee to visit his family. I do miss him. God Bless Curt 73!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">All for now. Hope to post again soon.</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-size: 15px; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">73!</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><p></p>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-4025290950563732212023-05-06T08:00:00.000-04:002023-05-06T08:00:13.377-04:00Linux, the Anarchist of OSs, K3Y QSL card and working on DXCC<p>Time for a little update.</p><p><b>Linux:</b></p><p>In my last post, someone suggested I install Linux on my old laptop computer. Ubuntu seemed like a reasonable choice. The problem with any distribution of Linux is there is really no organized plan. And if there is a bug... Oh Well! Really wished I had not done this. I ended up losing my Windows installation. I guess I will never learn my lesson on Linux. Both the SKCCLogger and skcc_skimmer run on Linux. I just wish there was a native version of SmartSDR for Linux.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2mJXy8H6s4e5GVjT1VAKI12c25t9YHPc3gkZ8t9ADzMX9WUsZi5UZklw2c-dfWnbmmRwVrXOD9pUmF6H03KU8mf_E4ekOV46MDP66l0l9YO2DzFZ8ruZdOyYA-4vb2Qr3BqAOUOYBI36NJffCkQVG3U1-yhRBLv9OTmwsGR5fXRxCpA6F0R2NOPO/s4160/0327231234.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw2mJXy8H6s4e5GVjT1VAKI12c25t9YHPc3gkZ8t9ADzMX9WUsZi5UZklw2c-dfWnbmmRwVrXOD9pUmF6H03KU8mf_E4ekOV46MDP66l0l9YO2DzFZ8ruZdOyYA-4vb2Qr3BqAOUOYBI36NJffCkQVG3U1-yhRBLv9OTmwsGR5fXRxCpA6F0R2NOPO/w640-h360/0327231234.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>K3Y QSL card:</b></p><p>I have received my K3Y QSL card last March. Below are the pictures of the front and back of the card. It was nice to get the grand sweep again. This is my favorite SKCC event.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRAjE6JN6mN12sF87PHe69BekyAG1D2COYvqn_jxqeE_txhirj_M5yA71T8ZACVPOgb2IP-iiTNwBJ9h-xcCqy8mI-nT21ipOMRMDYuhsM3iJ8VTJoIUzHJfIkRkgBEfaodDYAHBiIDf--jMqy7RS-eAAAnQdWiJGolNIAaichlMkvrDVLO63fcLu/s1650/design-41.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXRAjE6JN6mN12sF87PHe69BekyAG1D2COYvqn_jxqeE_txhirj_M5yA71T8ZACVPOgb2IP-iiTNwBJ9h-xcCqy8mI-nT21ipOMRMDYuhsM3iJ8VTJoIUzHJfIkRkgBEfaodDYAHBiIDf--jMqy7RS-eAAAnQdWiJGolNIAaichlMkvrDVLO63fcLu/w640-h408/design-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /> <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GjbLsJ2Xv8RDPv6ISmVRyKFtHt6Eg3wuYYHg_b8t2__jnCIx_01mlh6p1Q842MSXI3QATya3wRVgNWuQ_Fek16r8QEOcuNRiX7bj1v6zvk2qfoCcJhe4hw87WGKamg_MwMfF_7r64uUbHnK2DRHFg12Havrk-VOzrq3ZWHQdp8i86j9ZTrYIvIzF/s1635/k3y2023back.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1066" data-original-width="1635" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9GjbLsJ2Xv8RDPv6ISmVRyKFtHt6Eg3wuYYHg_b8t2__jnCIx_01mlh6p1Q842MSXI3QATya3wRVgNWuQ_Fek16r8QEOcuNRiX7bj1v6zvk2qfoCcJhe4hw87WGKamg_MwMfF_7r64uUbHnK2DRHFg12Havrk-VOzrq3ZWHQdp8i86j9ZTrYIvIzF/w640-h418/k3y2023back.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><b>Senator x7:</b><div>Finally made it to Sx7. It has been really difficult this last year going from x6 to x7. A lot of Ts are doing POTA and are not likely to do a SKCC number exchange. Also many now want to do Marathons or Ragchews and will not do just a number exchange. </div><div><br /></div><div>I have over 10,000 SKCC contacts in my log. I think I am going to limit my SKCC activity to sprints only from now on.<br /><p><b>DXCC:</b></p><p>The next thing I would like to accomplish is DXCC. For this, I am doing FT8. It seems the fastest and easiest way to do this now. </p><p>As of this writing, I have 100 for LoTW, 96 for eQSL.cc and 100 for QRZ. Hope to finish this soon. Already have my QRZ and LoTW certificates on the way.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHnaA5TbkptKezOAUBj4rOiVIbjnblxEBngJW_jSM3JF_FEOKOX7tG6NXdsNscJ8pcLtOfz7iMg9e4mj0JKDgsbuUomUJuKjUMn-_j1hDNq4jxudcTSwEzUW_rSgfWIQltvnvdlmV45qg4E8C3poNkKhbsPtD4Xe2U-Rg0Jwk3xbRpbUK0_dz5RlY/s1920/ft8.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdHnaA5TbkptKezOAUBj4rOiVIbjnblxEBngJW_jSM3JF_FEOKOX7tG6NXdsNscJ8pcLtOfz7iMg9e4mj0JKDgsbuUomUJuKjUMn-_j1hDNq4jxudcTSwEzUW_rSgfWIQltvnvdlmV45qg4E8C3poNkKhbsPtD4Xe2U-Rg0Jwk3xbRpbUK0_dz5RlY/w640-h360/ft8.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot of my FT8 setup</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Something total different:</b><br /><p>I heard this quote awhile ago and I thought it worth repeating. </p><p>" <span face="Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #101010;">I believe that it is better to tell the truth than a lie. I believe it is better to be free than to be a slave. And I believe it is better to know than to be ignorant."</span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><a class="qa_157562 oncl_a" href="https://www.brainyquote.com/authors/h-l-mencken-quotes" style="background-color: transparent; box-sizing: border-box; text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">H. L. Mencken</span></a></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">I would also like to add "I believe it is better to love than to hate."</span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">All for now. Next time I hope to have finished the DXCC for eQSL.cc</span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;"><br /></span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-size: medium; font-weight: 400;">73 - KB1WOD</span></p><p class="bq_fq_a" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 5px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></p></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-89607711323452417242023-02-21T13:10:00.000-05:002023-02-21T13:10:08.049-05:00New life for my old HP laptop, Flex6400 scare, Social Media Police ( wannabes)<p><b> HP Laptop:</b></p><p>I bought this HP back in 2010. It has been largely a disappointment, but I decided to try and extend its usefulness by adding another 4G of memory, bring it up to a total of 8G which is the most it will take. Also the battery was not holding a charge so I bought a new battery for about $30 from <a href="https://www.battdepot.com/us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">BattDepot</span></a>. The cost of the memory was only $15 from <a href="https://www.memorystock.com/index.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">MemoryStock</span></a>.</p><p>Adding the memory help some especially since this PC was upgraded from Windows 7 to Windows 8 and finally to Window 10 64bit. Only issue now is it won't be able to upgrade to Windows 11 due to some BIOS issue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-PfVeMV4p9Lo-CJz9Y4u5UTu-6FoXlP3N4fwsW40lFaL9_VAXQY3_3ypKJQUDuRdeosvJxBSWac57nAmWNuFjDwXcBjpPL0AjLB_YqXGsnp-Ks6wLUmozmG6IFZuRr3VOd54ySf5WNxJ4cFGJUPVlIyYVjnjXEHViDd3HNB2KgDlM5W4xKXZW3IZ/s4160/0217231355%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-PfVeMV4p9Lo-CJz9Y4u5UTu-6FoXlP3N4fwsW40lFaL9_VAXQY3_3ypKJQUDuRdeosvJxBSWac57nAmWNuFjDwXcBjpPL0AjLB_YqXGsnp-Ks6wLUmozmG6IFZuRr3VOd54ySf5WNxJ4cFGJUPVlIyYVjnjXEHViDd3HNB2KgDlM5W4xKXZW3IZ/w640-h360/0217231355%20(1).jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><b>Flex6400 scare:</b></p><p>Well, it happened to me again. My 6400 starting losing communication with my computer. But this time we were able to recover, and I think I know what might of caused the problem!</p><p>A month after I received my first 6400, I tried setting it up with SmartLink. Just to see if I could get it running, which it seem to run correctly. Not really being interested in remote operating and not willing to add all the traffic to my local network, I powered down my radio and reconnected it directly to my computers Ethernet port and powered it back up. That seems to be when I started having communication problems. see the post:</p><p><span style="color: #ff00fe;"> <a href="https://dsckb1wod.blogspot.com/2022/02/flex-6400-issues-end-of-k3y-2xqrp-award.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">https://dsckb1wod.blogspot.com/2022/02/flex-6400-issues-end-of-k3y-2xqrp-award.html</span></a> </span></p><p> So for some stupid reason, I decided to redo the experiment. I was going to see if I could allow some of our local hams to get on the HF bands who could not do so from their QTH for what ever reason.</p><p>Well, guess what? you guessed it, I started having communication issues again. Fortunately, between updating to the latest software and doing a factory reset, we were able to resolve the problem. We meaning Flex tech support. They do a great job. Very responsive and knowledgeable.</p><p><b>Social Media Police (wannabes):</b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAOy8bXjNUTnzCK9OekCS6kWCbuN8_EXgiw9mhjbv5j4BEaV_vMpaYAmKcvSQOwL4AfPrRfpCac-adeLqft9SgwYNQ9DHiGXxqUaVUEGHi9spIk6Qp_hijiu9RnsSqjUEdMxY0R374JX0-2tv7ALcunUx2aNEAbgFTgP2lkrrnnvWtkjedqlXmxK8/s1920/FT8-10m.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1920" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzAOy8bXjNUTnzCK9OekCS6kWCbuN8_EXgiw9mhjbv5j4BEaV_vMpaYAmKcvSQOwL4AfPrRfpCac-adeLqft9SgwYNQ9DHiGXxqUaVUEGHi9spIk6Qp_hijiu9RnsSqjUEdMxY0R374JX0-2tv7ALcunUx2aNEAbgFTgP2lkrrnnvWtkjedqlXmxK8/w640-h176/FT8-10m.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Well, I posted this on a Facebook page and got a couple of comments that questioned the "relevance" to that particular page. Implying I should not have posted.</p><p>What is the relevance? Look at it! This is wrong on so many levels. First, someone is overdriving his audio and generating spurious harmonics that are exceeding bandwidth restriction and causing interference over at least 70kHz on the band. </p><p>As you can see, It is interfering with a CW signal on 28050kHz. Which by the way, is one of the calling frequencies for a certain club. So I ask you is this relevant? (rhetorical)</p><p>The good thing about a blog is you don't have to accept comments.</p><p>I think I have said enough.</p><p>All for now 73!!!</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-5666262135328623612023-02-02T17:33:00.000-05:002023-02-02T17:33:21.261-05:00Andy's Ham Radio For Linux, K3Y 2023<p>Time for some updates</p><p><b>Andy's Ham Radio For Linux:</b></p><p>The nice thing about Ham Radio is there is so many variations of the hobby. One such variation is software programs that aid and enhance the enjoyment of Ham Radio.</p><p>The other day a local Ham Radio Club (<a href="http://www.nsradio.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">NSRA</span></a>) invited Andy <a href="https://www.qrz.com/db/KB1OIQ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">KB1OIQ</span></a> SKCC #6265S to give a presentation of his Linux base collection of Ham Radio software that he has integrated on to an Ubuntu distribution of Linux. Andy is a very personable and energetic and has just released his 25th version of his distribution.</p><p>Here is a link to his presentation on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BOlHi73zY74" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">YouTube</span></a> that he gave to the <a href="https://www.ratpac.us/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">RATPAC </span></a>group. This the same presentation as he gave us.</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSlBEmachfZz1_WfNoPdoz_ycucqajYA6DlgXHGTd_WrGP6TY4GKvZD0RuSunUtKy4BX4BMXu88q1PhFtJmWfMF6brbkkqk5axUXKSXDLaZtUk1VxVOZpIav_uSCbuzHBO3zLW0mbuWpgLJ9-XcTHAuiQe1gLESPjfBLs9fvs-ZSxCKCxvXUW4dfG/s1998/kb1oiq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1998" data-original-width="1944" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrSlBEmachfZz1_WfNoPdoz_ycucqajYA6DlgXHGTd_WrGP6TY4GKvZD0RuSunUtKy4BX4BMXu88q1PhFtJmWfMF6brbkkqk5axUXKSXDLaZtUk1VxVOZpIav_uSCbuzHBO3zLW0mbuWpgLJ9-XcTHAuiQe1gLESPjfBLs9fvs-ZSxCKCxvXUW4dfG/w622-h640/kb1oiq.jpg" width="622" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andy KB1OIQ and Dave(me) KB1WOD ( Team Flannel HIHI)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>I first "meet" Andy late 2013 early 2014. At this time I was living in Wakefield, MA and working in Boxborough, MA. A 40 minute drive one way on a very busy Interstate 495. I had put one of my Baofeng HT in the car so I would have something to do on those long rides to and from work. The PART Westford repeater is located about half way between Wakefield and Boxborough so I could reach it for almost my whole commute and I was a regular user. Andy was a regular check-in and we chatted many times.</p><p>Andy also participates as a K3Y operator during <a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">SKM</span></a> . Please visit his QRZ page and watch his presentation (Links above). I am sure you will enjoy it.</p><p><br /></p><p><b>K3Y:</b></p><p><a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">K3Y </span></a>event is over and it was a great month for me. I will post some stats for the month.</p><p>Total QSO : 208</p><p>Total Brags : 130</p><p>Total K3Y unique operates : 115</p><p>Total Bands slots : 120 </p><p>Not too bad considering I didn't start until the 7th. I also got the Grand Sweep. QSL card are usually sent out before June. Anyone can participate, you don't have to be a member.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oCuK9TXYQvcRCcHHK1T84bKqE276JruvRV_I5EkDMIqeYIrahAzrSkTvb89ugrbZiDUP22nkCR9vxwbweKT9XRo6sseS_hOQzEr-tj8AIOOC9ihbeAuG4TRvejlvD28CHxiG83LfPDfa9XzcC_UdZBbcMsY_PDU1K5cBcSTsM6TVg5k832upX8Ty/s913/k3y2023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="913" data-original-width="830" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-oCuK9TXYQvcRCcHHK1T84bKqE276JruvRV_I5EkDMIqeYIrahAzrSkTvb89ugrbZiDUP22nkCR9vxwbweKT9XRo6sseS_hOQzEr-tj8AIOOC9ihbeAuG4TRvejlvD28CHxiG83LfPDfa9XzcC_UdZBbcMsY_PDU1K5cBcSTsM6TVg5k832upX8Ty/w582-h640/k3y2023.png" width="582" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Band slots I had QSOs</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND8uOz80u93xdKEUUIMwg7bcIYiAhbAY0d-BZmpkbv1Ld8I6EHL1PxD8wYu0eQBGhs8FJ44ustobaR-2TajglBW-iwXh1yMCv4dV_OoH0dLmSazmwLmIld3XymLB_BRnf_XvJt332wXxqYnOpm3RGe_S5XAM5x1qg768rjX7rFsCdpzV75TdbZ0to/s1650/design-41.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiND8uOz80u93xdKEUUIMwg7bcIYiAhbAY0d-BZmpkbv1Ld8I6EHL1PxD8wYu0eQBGhs8FJ44ustobaR-2TajglBW-iwXh1yMCv4dV_OoH0dLmSazmwLmIld3XymLB_BRnf_XvJt332wXxqYnOpm3RGe_S5XAM5x1qg768rjX7rFsCdpzV75TdbZ0to/w640-h408/design-41.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This years QSL design was by Steve N0XC # 10091</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-28915413308591157542023-01-10T11:06:00.000-05:002023-01-10T11:06:18.578-05:00K3Y QSL cards, Flex-6400 update, New radio - VGC VR N7500, RFI solved finally (I hope)<p> Time for some updates.</p><p>Well, K3Y is under way so I thought I would post same past QSL cards.</p><p><b>K3Y QSL Cards:</b></p><p>Just thought I would put these here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zASC0okBrYT0Pf85ZDb6T8YWfwutR6p6KiHqskRpcKjPXS4QycTZOpRccwpzE_VDEVQjEg32WKGYMmvyi2SF1QFlGi_wdRtMJXs1yMHWQX_0k16hPZdvpj5OGPLxn4UlR_DfS9BG4qVciqzSJIh-TqXJE33jtvosbKcsatk-z_iq2MtZuDsRW-n5/s3141/k3yqsl2018-2020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3141" data-original-width="1635" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1zASC0okBrYT0Pf85ZDb6T8YWfwutR6p6KiHqskRpcKjPXS4QycTZOpRccwpzE_VDEVQjEg32WKGYMmvyi2SF1QFlGi_wdRtMJXs1yMHWQX_0k16hPZdvpj5OGPLxn4UlR_DfS9BG4qVciqzSJIh-TqXJE33jtvosbKcsatk-z_iq2MtZuDsRW-n5/w333-h640/k3yqsl2018-2020.jpg" width="333" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn08GSnPV3v_Gxx0rCTf1KvXaQPQPU4ChcyJHH4psoNahRO2Ti2M1acznI06fm8ltCInNokW2ALkuxDFX8Fi0ZqQ7OTZIak23ulD58TTISrkxfkG-1Arz2-j0Mw4A8SikPVYBHhZT4TycDksxm2w0v2eXUfv2VFSf12gyrY3ldQGlW9jLOKJK4Bhjk/s2101/k3yqsl2021-2022.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2101" data-original-width="1654" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn08GSnPV3v_Gxx0rCTf1KvXaQPQPU4ChcyJHH4psoNahRO2Ti2M1acznI06fm8ltCInNokW2ALkuxDFX8Fi0ZqQ7OTZIak23ulD58TTISrkxfkG-1Arz2-j0Mw4A8SikPVYBHhZT4TycDksxm2w0v2eXUfv2VFSf12gyrY3ldQGlW9jLOKJK4Bhjk/w504-h640/k3yqsl2021-2022.jpg" width="504" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>Flex-6400 update:</b><div>Well the replacement 6400 has been working great now for about a year. At some point I would like to try the remote capability of the software.</div><div><br /></div><div>There was a problem with version 3.3.29 where the radio would forget the ATU settings when switching bands but that was solved in the next version 3.3.32. I have been happily running 3.3.32 for almost a year now. </div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Vero NR-7500:</b></div><div>This radio is a headless 2M 70CM radio with APRS capability.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvJn528ytPJwDLnLQtkAd8eW03Oxw1h4dN7Er1gCXjhuRVOKonYYEsHSBbCTTw5IN-s0AgyO5xmViiHLH5HZqxNJ6OEB87-ouCDU7-1IMfXbC2TXPQGXwkbODgppeFiZKpccIMXNQxo4lpS3ljvbzVARCiFAWGuP4bpsj5_wqVOu-aoGXbzECggi3/s4160/1227221852.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYvJn528ytPJwDLnLQtkAd8eW03Oxw1h4dN7Er1gCXjhuRVOKonYYEsHSBbCTTw5IN-s0AgyO5xmViiHLH5HZqxNJ6OEB87-ouCDU7-1IMfXbC2TXPQGXwkbODgppeFiZKpccIMXNQxo4lpS3ljvbzVARCiFAWGuP4bpsj5_wqVOu-aoGXbzECggi3/w640-h360/1227221852.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2M, 70CM with APRS</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SJxXTpiIYvSUISEKbAZ1r7_bcJhpXs8j8CEWkpUmRNp-HArKDytankeAK4f1ABm_JkVKkj2V_SEEPDLopjXjvjduz02iv5YLMndK2XLVJJAGGkYVj0BSmAUFb6zi8HFsflUdu6yo2YcenLHwrNvBcv847hjED9i3Xuz4Uo0HoFrOTg8C0FQhrQQR/s4160/0109231459.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1SJxXTpiIYvSUISEKbAZ1r7_bcJhpXs8j8CEWkpUmRNp-HArKDytankeAK4f1ABm_JkVKkj2V_SEEPDLopjXjvjduz02iv5YLMndK2XLVJJAGGkYVj0BSmAUFb6zi8HFsflUdu6yo2YcenLHwrNvBcv847hjED9i3Xuz4Uo0HoFrOTg8C0FQhrQQR/w640-h360/0109231459.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Attached Mic.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><br /><div>I bought this radio sometime ago. Here is the link to there web page <a href="https://www.verotelecom.com/VERO-VR-N7500-50W-Dual-Band-Mobile-Radio-With-APP-Programming-p541441.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">N7500</span></a>. It has some interesting feature. I like the hardware, but the software, documentation and support is less the acceptable.</div><div><br /></div><div>As you can see there is no front panel controls. Everything is controlled via a Blue Tooth connected Android or iOS device that is running their app called HT that can be download via the play store. You may have to type in "VGC VR-N7500" to find it.</div><div><br /></div><div>However, channel select and volume can be controlled via the Mic. If you press the OK button, it will announce the channel you are presently on. Pressing the M button will effect the functions of the up and down button. For volume mode it will change the volume up or down and for channel mode, it will change the channel up or down.<br /><p>This is a YouTube video that is the best I have seen on the product <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6-FsM1M_fig" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Review by Tech Minds</span></a> <br /></p><p>Here is another review that you might like:</p><p> <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PyBqVZ_Tvc" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">VGC VR-N7500: APRS! Android, iOS, Bluetooth, Dual Band 2m/7cm Ham Radio Review</span></a></p><p><b>RFI:</b></p><p>I think I finally solved my 20M RFI problem that was setting off my smoke detectors.</p><p>I bought 25 clip-on chokes and put them on both the antenna lead wire and the power cable for the smoke detector. It seem to work at full power. If this doesn't fix it, I don't what to do next.</p><p>Bought the chokes form <a href="https://www.digikey.com/en/products/detail/fair-rite-products-corp/0446167281/8599503" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">Digi Key</span></a></p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscYHIW3G7xjGIGUNOareiuc5gdAvWQ5u2l0fuwKfpn5MHRDQigjsurRB9KJM56A6QXV-oDD9ufrXa1U1mGdjAdU1Ue00VwsBhUNjCfzfcuS5cxgW9lShyQ0YlXWAqp0TdNc6P9Ugo9eMKCzZnM8voRzW8MS261dL9NZZ990DbZmAjoh7adfdxdn0Y/s4160/0110231043a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhscYHIW3G7xjGIGUNOareiuc5gdAvWQ5u2l0fuwKfpn5MHRDQigjsurRB9KJM56A6QXV-oDD9ufrXa1U1mGdjAdU1Ue00VwsBhUNjCfzfcuS5cxgW9lShyQ0YlXWAqp0TdNc6P9Ugo9eMKCzZnM8voRzW8MS261dL9NZZ990DbZmAjoh7adfdxdn0Y/w640-h360/0110231043a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip-on chokes spaced about 5 to 7 feet apart on antenna lead cable.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtwf5G0HjuDAwZhfpvcwqTCt9N7fDAAa_owXSLGHQzA_nRSePr13OAu6e9is_Qcfkl59Lu4PxPqU0U-1ZESvO3QRZD6H6A2Zwsr4LEex_VAG1M0335VEmjdOrkGbXj2eD2uvKyOOi9Xm7IzTWdt-GHdsh5CdvmhXplHpUONtbviQWOwla461WAE78/s4160/0110231043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtwf5G0HjuDAwZhfpvcwqTCt9N7fDAAa_owXSLGHQzA_nRSePr13OAu6e9is_Qcfkl59Lu4PxPqU0U-1ZESvO3QRZD6H6A2Zwsr4LEex_VAG1M0335VEmjdOrkGbXj2eD2uvKyOOi9Xm7IzTWdt-GHdsh5CdvmhXplHpUONtbviQWOwla461WAE78/w640-h360/0110231043.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clip-on chokes on power cable to the smoke detector.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>All for now 73!</p><p><br /></p></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-47964772481656996392022-02-16T16:41:00.002-05:002022-02-18T08:41:52.872-05:00Flex-6400 issues, end of K3Y, 2xQRP award, and more!!<p><b><br /></b></p><p><b>Flex-6400:</b></p><p>Well, my brand new 6400 died less then a month after I received it. The problem seems to be that the audio, spectrum and waterfall data was not being sent by the radio all the time. There would be times it would start working for about 10-15 seconds and then just stop. </p><p>However, the command interface seem to work fine. Also it was still able to transmit.</p><p>I was communicating with an apps person for awhile. Since nothing he suggested worked, I got a phone call from <span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">Dan Quigley, N7HQ, the support d</span><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">irector, who connect to my Flex via TeamViewer and determined there was nothing else that could be done remotely. Dan started the process of having Flex build me another 6400 to be shipped to me before I had to send the broken radio back.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">This whole process took about 12 days. I have the new 6400 running now. Hope I have better luck with it.</span></p><p><span face="Arial, "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 15px;">I discovered there is a bug in the CW mode. If you set the the delay in the P/CW window to certain values, it will randomly stop transmitting. But it does recover, so you only lose a little. This seems to be a know bug and if I set the delay to a small value it does not happen.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Qu4PSFO1uwlVqMgNhTwrg9prh_81KuVTFRMuQroz9m97FNs9CeFJhejRb_Hawsq-RljBDhaVoRvM4PzuSCFYrKu0MTtuyzmarKgXuaIFnRaW72ybqE0opokXogk_qs6e2Fx5G55_qsyLRrea3rTzuHW0aW2Ku5H2geCfNGBTc4tPiFCLXLaNPVyR=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2Qu4PSFO1uwlVqMgNhTwrg9prh_81KuVTFRMuQroz9m97FNs9CeFJhejRb_Hawsq-RljBDhaVoRvM4PzuSCFYrKu0MTtuyzmarKgXuaIFnRaW72ybqE0opokXogk_qs6e2Fx5G55_qsyLRrea3rTzuHW0aW2Ku5H2geCfNGBTc4tPiFCLXLaNPVyR=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flex-6400 number 1</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p><p><b>K3Y event:</b></p><p>January was the <a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">SKCC anniversary event</span></a>. It lasted from Jan 2nd to the 31st. This is the second year in a row that I was able to complete the grand sweep.</p><p>I worked 86 out of 174 band slots, 110 K3Y operators worked, 12 DX Entities out of 17 worked, 5 Canadian Prov/Terr of possible 6 and 42 states worked. </p><p>All in all a good result. Not bad considering I worked the last 11 days with no WARC bands.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDJUCAbl_Afvg3Zwt5cq54XG4MYaque1lVot9UXSva6qIFTd-n4RArMoEjCd8eyCJhp-6veICfWHLd3-M6oJhQvHepwOfHgr2owpgrSsDjJ2aKnkqBIRJ5DPJlU82ZvVw02WHpJJPDoMzjzdrL4_huGnHoUGMj6J0Io_QIv8jCfBucU7r0ZrI3fAh8=s854" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="854" data-original-width="805" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDJUCAbl_Afvg3Zwt5cq54XG4MYaque1lVot9UXSva6qIFTd-n4RArMoEjCd8eyCJhp-6veICfWHLd3-M6oJhQvHepwOfHgr2owpgrSsDjJ2aKnkqBIRJ5DPJlU82ZvVw02WHpJJPDoMzjzdrL4_huGnHoUGMj6J0Io_QIv8jCfBucU7r0ZrI3fAh8=w604-h640" width="604" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My band slot results for the 2022 K3Y Event.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><b>2xQRP award:</b></p><p>This award I am very proud of. It took me sometime to get, but it was worth it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb06wJUxWg6fa5XbQPlaCnLt5j1FdgSHxbiw02PmR05y4clKthnMY7vffZGu8okBzLrgtKAYXPWsMSupqmhvbVJfPzWhY3hSXfQhDARrPqFyGn60Aklf_pNdnqZKTpShcM9ijx0CKuJwQsC8Rhj8I95C_OwR3utK1ReDMWY7vKxAK7_n7uzFosAXFP=s3300" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2550" data-original-width="3300" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhb06wJUxWg6fa5XbQPlaCnLt5j1FdgSHxbiw02PmR05y4clKthnMY7vffZGu8okBzLrgtKAYXPWsMSupqmhvbVJfPzWhY3hSXfQhDARrPqFyGn60Aklf_pNdnqZKTpShcM9ijx0CKuJwQsC8Rhj8I95C_OwR3utK1ReDMWY7vKxAK7_n7uzFosAXFP=w640-h494" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p><div><b>Operating:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>I ended up with 147 brags for January. Might be my best brag total ever.</div><div>I had 47 QSO in the January WES. I have not been as active in the WES lately. Hope to change that in the future. </div><div><br /></div><div>February's WES I did a little better, 70 QSOs. All were S&P, no CQing this WES.</div><div><br /></div><div>Bands seem to be opening up. I have had a lot more 12 and 10M QSO lately. Come on Cycle 25!!!</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Repair of DG-5:</b></div><div><br /></div><div>Well I finally seem to have fixed all the problems with the DG-5 Digital Display for my TS-520S. I had to replace a 7454 IC that had a bad input. I also re-soldered all the through holes and ran a piece of copper wire through each. Hopefully this is the end of it!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToeNBii3Q-cdU_UTz2QUJQbCeBN2DFEMuXC1ZFOv4uT-HbVEHB3MGqbzDz-rgFlUdZ7xdi175pY4hVhXjqcMPjLgYo53ZOIfvKY_AHtPhqzZgceeLTrqwOxVgQCbq3JD0op_gLlsYm395jPHGMvMAzHpBp4IJL5r81YMJoX0zScc10zGCEbEyjFzH=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhToeNBii3Q-cdU_UTz2QUJQbCeBN2DFEMuXC1ZFOv4uT-HbVEHB3MGqbzDz-rgFlUdZ7xdi175pY4hVhXjqcMPjLgYo53ZOIfvKY_AHtPhqzZgceeLTrqwOxVgQCbq3JD0op_gLlsYm395jPHGMvMAzHpBp4IJL5r81YMJoX0zScc10zGCEbEyjFzH=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">before: The digit third from left should be a "0"</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCWX0hTK58Uw2pgoIDNvfcT1cg1K4BpeXVIkMo3AfI4A0G9WF9e9LkIAnyY4MBeZeXZBiSME0M5i1OY4lzJlmQjrBKppugKGGhn94sIKpQUbmwv78HIzXpCd0oltpBmMfS5879sJXomEdqs13NDvbzdaiuxT5UVkO36shk7PhrslkraD0geS-IQZTK=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhCWX0hTK58Uw2pgoIDNvfcT1cg1K4BpeXVIkMo3AfI4A0G9WF9e9LkIAnyY4MBeZeXZBiSME0M5i1OY4lzJlmQjrBKppugKGGhn94sIKpQUbmwv78HIzXpCd0oltpBmMfS5879sJXomEdqs13NDvbzdaiuxT5UVkO36shk7PhrslkraD0geS-IQZTK=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After Third digit is now a "0"</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well, I guess I will end this here. CUL es 73</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-4008995184116930152021-12-30T09:15:00.000-05:002021-12-30T09:15:25.306-05:00NEAR-Fest failure on my part, COVID, New Radio !!<p>Yes, it has been awhile. A lot has happen in the past few months, not all good.<b> </b></p><p><b>NEAR-Fest:</b></p><p>The week before NEAR-Fest, my wife and I went for a three day vacation up to Vermont. We didn't realize how many people would be up there this year. They were wall to wall. Needless to say, we both got COVID. That ruined my plans to have a table for the SKCC at NEAR-Fest the next week. A couple of SKCC member tried to man the table in my stead, but without the banners not many people know who they were. Sorry for that guys. I hope to do better. However with the latest surge of COVID, I am not sure the NEAR-Fest will be on in the spring.</p><p>Thanks to Mark, NX1K and all the rest who help out.</p><p><b>COVID:</b></p><p>As I stated, my wife and I got COVID. I was pretty sick for about 10 days. My wife had somewhat milder symptoms. I am still have some problems with a lingering cough. The doctor did a x-ray and it showed my lungs have some scaring. I am going to have another x-ray next month to see if it has gotten any better. By the way, we are both vaccinated and wore mask when ever we went in side anywhere. So you can still get COVID even if you are vaccinated and take precautions. </p><p>Do yourself a favor, DON'T GET COVID!! get vaccinated please. A Ham friend for mine and his wife didn't get vaccinated. They both got COVID and died. Very sad.</p><p><b>New Radio:</b></p><p>As my Christmas/birthday/Christmas/birthday gift from my wife for the next two years , I traded in my 6300 for a brand new 6400. Just got it yesterday and am having a ball with it.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoiO_kbcgGwzBJKI12V_xBqzZfiJr1DJQHUs_YZz5UWILFNJYslFK-eMEi0m44gvxsdONIOsT37R4hxO-OES6kMlZ2-Qckfyosb4SMVXEIM-rJ_mcF5r_oosvDithYsqIlWgTqVtrfEzEqNQCDaUEsrLA2awwszJZ3BNDLAaXcrkAyUpl88IrPYFgN=s4160" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhoiO_kbcgGwzBJKI12V_xBqzZfiJr1DJQHUs_YZz5UWILFNJYslFK-eMEi0m44gvxsdONIOsT37R4hxO-OES6kMlZ2-Qckfyosb4SMVXEIM-rJ_mcF5r_oosvDithYsqIlWgTqVtrfEzEqNQCDaUEsrLA2awwszJZ3BNDLAaXcrkAyUpl88IrPYFgN=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new Flex-6400</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I trade my 6300 in for the 6400. So I was without my Flex for about 3 weeks. I had to send my 6300 back to Flex so they could check it out before they would finalize my purchase of the 6400. It took a week for shipping, another week for them to check out my 6300 and then another week to ship my 6400. So in the mean time, I set up my Kenwood TS-520S and used that for awhile.<div><br /></div><div>I don't have an antenna tuner for the TS-520S, so before I setup the TS-520S, I checked my OCF antenna with my RigExpert antenna analyzer.</div><div>80, 40 and 20 meters seem to be OK to run without a tuner. 15 meters was a little iffy. Since the TS-520S has tube finals and I wasn't going to be doing a lot of 15M QSOs, I figured it would be OK for the short term, and it was.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYBplNb4zlw-keQT6YPDl4uCtWey24zrpxMwu-a3OsTl0Ud2MQQ5orblP3JuVyH_5QPQbYliqqt14p5t60NSZlPKQJB-PuRM-XPkUFFWJ846jZAMYbHE5QRDh1dQMnqczB3-yDsZGW-x5PGvw3AfGn0jaNCpZ8RpKkEsYSPXDEKjcbEnvxJBKdGaEp=s1594" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1594" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjYBplNb4zlw-keQT6YPDl4uCtWey24zrpxMwu-a3OsTl0Ud2MQQ5orblP3JuVyH_5QPQbYliqqt14p5t60NSZlPKQJB-PuRM-XPkUFFWJ846jZAMYbHE5QRDh1dQMnqczB3-yDsZGW-x5PGvw3AfGn0jaNCpZ8RpKkEsYSPXDEKjcbEnvxJBKdGaEp=w640-h370" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Analysis of me 80-6M OCF </td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /><br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQolnm2kdNLhAAWPBIYbQwkGxqUzN12G_3xT8DRbv-KgUU0WFDIEaUx4qB9uD3bsYUy-JjIDdi1FrGZapExKuX3M1msIOmGvZiTheX3xnBhpsJ-7SrBJadNOQQ9YlWpeCBeETHaWnuX0yjwhGbBrsNUzml0PYCGroJpKuGp0-t2DvfJsAnxNTL6D02=s4160" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2340" data-original-width="4160" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjQolnm2kdNLhAAWPBIYbQwkGxqUzN12G_3xT8DRbv-KgUU0WFDIEaUx4qB9uD3bsYUy-JjIDdi1FrGZapExKuX3M1msIOmGvZiTheX3xnBhpsJ-7SrBJadNOQQ9YlWpeCBeETHaWnuX0yjwhGbBrsNUzml0PYCGroJpKuGp0-t2DvfJsAnxNTL6D02=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">While my 6300 was back at Flex, I was using my Kenwood TS-520S.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>Operating:</b></p><p>I hit a couple of milestones recently. I finally got a 150 points for the 2xQRP award (still waiting for it to be approved) and also made Sx6. In general I have not been as active recently but hope the change that next month when the K3Y event is going on.</p><p><b>160-6M OCF:</b></p><p>Well this is on hold now. Because I was sick with COVID, I missed my opportunity to run some new lines to hang the antenna. I will try again in the spring (I hope). </p><p>All for now. Thanks for dropping by es 73!!</p><p><br /></p></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-62260804594915925622021-08-17T10:08:00.002-04:002021-08-18T12:52:38.330-04:00NEAR-Fest info, 160-6M OCF repaired and other stuff (SKED page audio work around)<p><b> </b>Well I guess it's time for another post.</p><p><b>NEAR-Fest:</b></p><p>Just reserved my spot for the Oct 15,16<a href="https://near-fest.com/" target="_blank"> <span style="color: #ff00fe;">NEAR-Fest</span></a><span style="color: #ff00fe;"> </span>. There are three of four of us that will man the table for the two days. If you come to NEAR-Fest, stop by to have your picture taken at the both and have it published in the Rag Chew.</p><p>By the way, I am looking for videos and picture that I can put on my laptop to display. If anyone has anything they want to share, I would appreciate it.</p><p><b>160-6M OCF repair:</b></p><p>After much back and forth with <a href="https://www.radiowavz.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">RadioWavz</span></a> , I was finally able to order the coil that broke. I modified the connections a little to provide some strain relief to the connections. I am hoping between the strain relief, D rings and zip ties, it will hold up a little better. I will wait until sometime this fall to put it back up. Too many leaves on the trees right now.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXxi1vTVbFg_tj6WbM00P-Ag3iaNbZD6_zS8ElITRKUB7rrERsMKaTM_ydKa9Aq20-5V90JwqkL3lHqi_T8ZftRfEEuP5WKLX8MUmPL_LyQoGQDT_K1hB19_-_vAT26m8Lc5yw2N9ACw/s2048/0810211114.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUXxi1vTVbFg_tj6WbM00P-Ag3iaNbZD6_zS8ElITRKUB7rrERsMKaTM_ydKa9Aq20-5V90JwqkL3lHqi_T8ZftRfEEuP5WKLX8MUmPL_LyQoGQDT_K1hB19_-_vAT26m8Lc5yw2N9ACw/w640-h360/0810211114.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Modified coil connections.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><b>Operating:</b></p><p>As always working on the next level of awards. I have several band awards waiting to be submitted but just haven't gotten around to sending them in.</p><p>I have about 50 more Ts I need for Sx6. Hopefully I can finish that soon.</p><p>I also have 138/150 points for my 2xQRP award.</p><p>I hang around the<span style="color: #ff00fe;"> </span><span style="color: #f200ff;"><span><a href="https://sked.skccgroup.com/#" target="_blank">SKED</a></span> </span>page most days to see if I can help out. Not many people that could use my number ask for a QSO. I use to be all over people for QSOs when I was working towards Tx8 and Senator. Go figure.</p><p><b>SKED page audio work around:</b></p><p>I have noticed several people complaining about their attempts to post or PM someone being ignored. If you are using Chrome or Edge, the audio alerts don't always seem to work. I have trouble with PMs. When someone PMs me for the first time, I do not get an audio alert and I miss them quite often.</p><p>What I do to somewhat solve this problem is to open a second SKED page tab and then select the PM tab. There is no need to select someone to PM just the PM tab. What this will do, is to enable the audio alerts in the "everyone" tab. So when anyone post in the everyone tab, an alert will sound. Unfortunately, any post will sound so at times, you might get a lot of dings. Also any PMing you get will also generate an alert. I then can go to the first SKED page and can hear the alerts and see the messages.</p><p><b>This is in the category of "who would of thought?":</b></p><p> I was recently reading a book about the life of a B-52 pilot.</p><p> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sluggo-Chronicles-Memoirs-Bomber-Pilot-ebook/dp/B084BZ95HY/ref=sr_1_1?Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.x=30&Adv-Srch-Books-Submit.y=12&dchild=1&keywords=sluggo+b-52&qid=1629201484&refinements=p_20%3AEnglish&s=digital-text&sr=1-1&unfiltered=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">The Sluggo Chronicles: Memoirs of an Old Bomber Pilot</span></a>. He mention a movie that was produced by the Air Force that he was a part of while he was in pilot training. The movie is called "The Year of 53 Weeks" and is about what they went through during pilot training. He mentioned it was on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nu7Jhpl5QxA&t=11s" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">YouTube</span></a>. What I didn't realize until after the video was over, is that it was put there by the <a href="https://www.archives.gov/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">US National Archives</span></a>. It turns out the US Archives offers quite a lot of material on line.</p><p>Go visit and poke around for a while.</p><p>For you new guys:</p><p><a href="https://dsckb1wod.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-skcc-for-intellectually-challenged.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;">The SKCC for intellectually challenged</span></a></p><p>All for now 73</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-4132482767290538342021-06-10T14:07:00.000-04:002021-06-10T14:07:22.758-04:0020 Meter RFI problem solved, 160-6M antenna failure.<p> <b>20 Meter RFI problem solved</b></p><p>Since I moved into my shack above the garage, I have had RFI issues with my hard wired smoke detectors on 20 meters.</p><p> Well, recently I put up a new OCF dipole antenna that was suppose to give me 160-6 meters. While I was checking it out, I gradually increased the power on all bands checking for bad things. When I got to 20 meters, I was able to increase the power to 100% (70 Watts) without the smoke detectors going off. My first thought was that the new antenna did a better job of containing the RFI issue. I don't think this is correct.</p><p>Unfortunately, or serendipitously, the 160-6 meter antenna broke (see below) and I put my old 80-6 meter OCF back up. I again slowly increased power on 20 meters waiting for the smoke detectors to go off, but again, they didn't.</p><p>What had changed? Then I realized that since my initial setup back in Oct of 2019, I had purchased three metal shelves and set them up against one of the walls in the storage area. The antenna coax is behind the shelves. I believe the shelves are shielding the smoke detector from my antenna wire. Hey, that's my story and I am sticking to it hi hi. Bottom line, I haven't had any problems since.</p><p><b><br /></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlopsG6JPZNw6LjSlvtCvL65Sd0TcMv5h-L8gYytP33BMVX6_Hfc061sQ3aXNSPkVei6jcCrc8_iQVT6PZhmzhIZ1eY71JXc8aURzClnLqRS6Np7bmCluCyMSiH8nDKMJo0varZ38Roug/s2048/0605211642.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlopsG6JPZNw6LjSlvtCvL65Sd0TcMv5h-L8gYytP33BMVX6_Hfc061sQ3aXNSPkVei6jcCrc8_iQVT6PZhmzhIZ1eY71JXc8aURzClnLqRS6Np7bmCluCyMSiH8nDKMJo0varZ38Roug/w640-h360/0605211642.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can see my antenna coax on the floor behind the shelves. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Antenna Failure</b><div>Well my 160-6M OCF did not hold up to the winds I get here. It broke where I thought it would, at the inductor. The wires are soldered into the terminal lugs, not crimped, and there is no strain relief on the terminals. Depending on a soldered joint for mechanical connection is not a good idea. For one thing, solder will deteriorate when exposed to the weather and for another, a cold solder joint could also compromise the connection.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well it looks like I have another antenna repair project to look forward to, oh joy!</div><div><br /></div><div>I am going to try and add some strain relief to these connections.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVTMhWShJOrOYnYYnvzmmFMPhQ7rp_HDWciDpOuKeCim9Z2D07Uj4l2VgiCykmzVw8C4PBQANHK8rmUespj6_SdowmA_Cg8GPgqEw9l6wNjRISJWzHRh0Tf_92oEFPJVkcrFxVYGuwCw/s2048/0605211644a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSVTMhWShJOrOYnYYnvzmmFMPhQ7rp_HDWciDpOuKeCim9Z2D07Uj4l2VgiCykmzVw8C4PBQANHK8rmUespj6_SdowmA_Cg8GPgqEw9l6wNjRISJWzHRh0Tf_92oEFPJVkcrFxVYGuwCw/w640-h360/0605211644a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terminal connection to inductor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT9NwRq3dHY82PYjVfgTAdF21a9-S7WDstnQL5CqNVya1YrZ5w-gdVoWCIRvXV1ilB7uBM_SVRo5YG2XlUdDrPJiMtFFxzvh0Jl7UrrtdSVWalOuKtcHktYIg5Jrkk_q40IgfaHilW7c/s2048/0605211639a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIT9NwRq3dHY82PYjVfgTAdF21a9-S7WDstnQL5CqNVya1YrZ5w-gdVoWCIRvXV1ilB7uBM_SVRo5YG2XlUdDrPJiMtFFxzvh0Jl7UrrtdSVWalOuKtcHktYIg5Jrkk_q40IgfaHilW7c/w360-h640/0605211639a.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Failed connection on inductor.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm9RI4qY0Ipr8entKc6s5RDn3-mQ-LQVGx7xAJ2UrnwHyP0VMsnPKQqzgFibSjfEW5iqagnn8G0RV-fDV9JkTOI5OezGCWIqEfH-e4Wfmf7OLJnWEV6psIsi7Z1FVktIKLlRImPbUuSw/s2048/0610211349.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIm9RI4qY0Ipr8entKc6s5RDn3-mQ-LQVGx7xAJ2UrnwHyP0VMsnPKQqzgFibSjfEW5iqagnn8G0RV-fDV9JkTOI5OezGCWIqEfH-e4Wfmf7OLJnWEV6psIsi7Z1FVktIKLlRImPbUuSw/w640-h360/0610211349.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Poor solder connection on the antenna wire end that was soldered to the terminal lug.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Well, enough for now.</div><div>73!!</div><div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-54731141297012114002021-05-30T15:51:00.004-04:002021-08-15T07:57:43.985-04:00More antenna fun, Field Day coming up!<p><b> Repair of Antennas</b></p><p>I had two antennas that need some repair work done on them. My 80-10M EFHW had two breaks in the wire. My 160M sloper had a damaged end cap that needed to be replaced. Repairs have been make without too much difficulty.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGnt2oB6P1JY8r51e6RxlOc9SJ3yP8BeSe0wP_k4WHfNRjlKoAbk5FOqIEQZ1zwxAvGiGiojitsOZv2EI9w0-S-skWqpKaqH7n96y8DnXcANNT6P85ziJzCunCcNd7JBhEilj8cUsepA/s2048/EFHWRepair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilGnt2oB6P1JY8r51e6RxlOc9SJ3yP8BeSe0wP_k4WHfNRjlKoAbk5FOqIEQZ1zwxAvGiGiojitsOZv2EI9w0-S-skWqpKaqH7n96y8DnXcANNT6P85ziJzCunCcNd7JBhEilj8cUsepA/w640-h360/EFHWRepair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spliced wire in two placed and then heat shrink over the splices.<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_f7KEfgYSt_VJQTI8J2L2RGQiIYxAbwr7nBXI53fU5VY6BZixLZuEyf_HPohWVMsUosmLaTY64klAyoArGSoc6kN71jfeMKR3q90u0ZbVHRQsXyAM0-1nGyI-UjINYWz0PD8Ncgnw3E/s2048/160SloperRepair.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq_f7KEfgYSt_VJQTI8J2L2RGQiIYxAbwr7nBXI53fU5VY6BZixLZuEyf_HPohWVMsUosmLaTY64klAyoArGSoc6kN71jfeMKR3q90u0ZbVHRQsXyAM0-1nGyI-UjINYWz0PD8Ncgnw3E/w640-h360/160SloperRepair.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New end cap(white) on 160M sloper.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />As you might remember, I only had one projectile left for my antenna launcher. Well, I ended up with none. I tried to shot another line higher up from the woods and got my last projectile stuck in a tree. So none left.<div><br /></div><div>So I had to make up some more. That wasn't so difficult to do, except just finding the parts to do it was a little bit of a problem. It turns out 3/4" PVC pipe and end caps are popular for lawn irrigation system. Well this time of year a lot of places are sold out of end caps. It took me awhile to find some, but I did, and I made up 4 new projectiles. You can buy the 3/4" PVC in 2' sections which allows you to have four 6" sections. Just the right size.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE8QQwKtKJ9kO2Tspj5hkTGlT5dRTrtiKmWcMJ-EOQgqYIpNnnLrUAXp1b_F8HGw4X4FX0pHLmmj4aBLDP_uQTdCfcYeGJQR3ZGKN4Zhp5Ujrt-0Gzl14xy72BVMC0002ytGllMXorzs/s2048/new_projectals.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxE8QQwKtKJ9kO2Tspj5hkTGlT5dRTrtiKmWcMJ-EOQgqYIpNnnLrUAXp1b_F8HGw4X4FX0pHLmmj4aBLDP_uQTdCfcYeGJQR3ZGKN4Zhp5Ujrt-0Gzl14xy72BVMC0002ytGllMXorzs/w640-h360/new_projectals.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Four new projectiles.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><p><span style="font-family: inherit;">BTW, my antenna is not doing so good mechanically. With the rain and winds we've been getting lately, it keeps drooping more and more and I keep having to to raise it up a little. I have got to get a line over the trees up higher.</span></p><div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I ended up taking down my 160-10M OCF. It was just not up correctly. It has been raining the last couple of days here, so putting it back up will have to wait awhile.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></div><div><b>Test of 160-6M OCF dipole</b></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">I did a SWR plot of my 160-6M OCF dipole. I am a little disappointed in the 160M band. I was hoping it would be better then what is shows. I am hoping that raising it up higher might help. We will see. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPtmXAV4OsA3GRpzERAuS0zh7VHswh9TL0ybvW5Qii4glygvjivfcA3XMjLbDa0MN-jbuZiDA7qbfOMM-B5WHV5Ap2KEtHYEjXa8U8Cixn72bWIr-Hr4kq-IIWClnOGlwDqsf_r7_IHo/s1594/160-6short.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1594" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgPtmXAV4OsA3GRpzERAuS0zh7VHswh9TL0ybvW5Qii4glygvjivfcA3XMjLbDa0MN-jbuZiDA7qbfOMM-B5WHV5Ap2KEtHYEjXa8U8Cixn72bWIr-Hr4kq-IIWClnOGlwDqsf_r7_IHo/w640-h370/160-6short.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWR plot of short 160-6M OCF dipole</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWUJ0GRbW49rd5hePhesyQZ51WpLfK-OPztkdx7WTS3CF8KaFiGoWQRgYFcamRt5UN97vA0ibGN90FXqsL0oo3Q1FTumzapFvrIdV59LwaMnRmlTRaAnWR_z0EnMRWLHJNv9dKynLbvM/s1594/160-6.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1594" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifWUJ0GRbW49rd5hePhesyQZ51WpLfK-OPztkdx7WTS3CF8KaFiGoWQRgYFcamRt5UN97vA0ibGN90FXqsL0oo3Q1FTumzapFvrIdV59LwaMnRmlTRaAnWR_z0EnMRWLHJNv9dKynLbvM/w640-h370/160-6.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWR plot for 80-6M OCF dipole</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1IAsfwjzUs5ANlvbEv4C4gHFfyPV1VmyR9owhTiRiDtRG6OZx5ba5h9A3AqAiyNqoO-7biDsIK0xhRkDauxz-ikkjmYCcyfC_B-by-umTXyXYy2lbBQ-sVDn5o-eTeanplrX1ea6ze8/s1594/160m.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1594" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg1IAsfwjzUs5ANlvbEv4C4gHFfyPV1VmyR9owhTiRiDtRG6OZx5ba5h9A3AqAiyNqoO-7biDsIK0xhRkDauxz-ikkjmYCcyfC_B-by-umTXyXYy2lbBQ-sVDn5o-eTeanplrX1ea6ze8/w640-h370/160m.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">SWR for 160M (160-6M OCF)</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Field Day</b></div><div>Some of the members of the local club, <a href="http://caara.net/main/" target="_blank">CAARA</a>, are trying to setup a <a href="http://www.arrl.org/field-day" target="_blank">Field Da</a>y site. <span style="text-align: center;">Field Day this year is June 26-27.</span><span style="text-align: center;"> </span> I don't usually do Field Day, but this year I think I will go so I can meet some of the local guys. Also I have quite a bit of spare antenna stuff that I can lend to the effort. Here is a list of of things I have available:</div><div><br /></div><div><ol><li>40-20-10M Fan dipole</li><li>80-6M OCF dipole</li><li>15M dipole</li><li>80-6M EFHW</li><li>100' Coax cable</li><li>80M sloper</li><li>160M sloper</li><li>~400' of rope</li><li> 25' Coax cable</li></ol></div><div>All for now. I will post again when I get my antenna back up.</div><div><br /></div><div>73</div></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. this page had issues had to redo it a little.</div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-74222023994986219872021-05-21T17:35:00.002-04:002021-05-21T17:35:51.876-04:00New toy! RigExpert 230 stick, Antenna fun, more furniture for the shack<p>Hello again! Just bought myself a new toy. Always wanted an antenna analyzer and I saw Randy's (K7AGE) <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQXyspNkl2c" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">review </span></a>of this little beauty and knew I had to have it.</p><p>I want to compare my OCF 80-10M antenna with a Short Pro Line DX 160-10M</p><p>Link to <a href="https://rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/stick-230/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">RegExpert Stick 230</span></a></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgGfl_1QHU6dJDFi6Y2KowLCVkG4mUPViSTLC-fMsCJUnoZr-t-CuDTtgXach01PNFjAQuVb1MBm264agaWDs_I0ZUobXseN2lsZcK57Q9b-LF5JBS8iBX2SQu-QsGB0PDpfVExbmOG0/s1920/20210428164408.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="403" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWgGfl_1QHU6dJDFi6Y2KowLCVkG4mUPViSTLC-fMsCJUnoZr-t-CuDTtgXach01PNFjAQuVb1MBm264agaWDs_I0ZUobXseN2lsZcK57Q9b-LF5JBS8iBX2SQu-QsGB0PDpfVExbmOG0/w717-h403/20210428164408.jpg" width="717" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Below is the plot of my 80-6m OCF dipole. Though it is hard to see, the SWR for 160M is over 10:1. The plot was done with the AntScope2 program available from the website here <a href="https://rigexpert.com/files/software/Antscope/antscope2forwindows/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">AntScope2 Download</span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This is freeware software, so it does have some ruff edges.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It is hard to see, but the SWR for 160M is higher the 10:1. Obviously it won't work on 160M.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSIfjx0EK_40Q4o68ZZQs2yP1DZELlhTwd75e0XlrmqBOLz_heNP2BHBy0_rEWGRSGjdluNrtPGTrm1Gq7Q3MXhNmA08_MWvi-7HGwkzIsJ-LvxAK0Bi1mtS7Okl5FpBHkX24Sgwt4JU/s1594/160-6.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="924" data-original-width="1594" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJSIfjx0EK_40Q4o68ZZQs2yP1DZELlhTwd75e0XlrmqBOLz_heNP2BHBy0_rEWGRSGjdluNrtPGTrm1Gq7Q3MXhNmA08_MWvi-7HGwkzIsJ-LvxAK0Bi1mtS7Okl5FpBHkX24Sgwt4JU/w640-h370/160-6.png" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Shack Furniture</b></div>A couple of pieces of new furniture for the shack. Two bookcases, which were about 50 bucks each and a four foot wooden table for about 130 bucks. The table I needed for my keys. The table I had before was a little rickety and shook when I tried to use my bug. The bookcases fit nicely under my windows. Really spruced the place up!<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bCkzEy6-u7CJduU90mcT7Ymu2Uu0czdt_RbhWUzjbZNPTy2NkazHkgm-77rBK-BoEeuUQJc0cfyx6_aabFTmyriNQ0gkRcMRMEXN2tr14_oyRht-q76b0q1DLxzORIW3K6SP3_nK5hg/s2048/0428211857a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8bCkzEy6-u7CJduU90mcT7Ymu2Uu0czdt_RbhWUzjbZNPTy2NkazHkgm-77rBK-BoEeuUQJc0cfyx6_aabFTmyriNQ0gkRcMRMEXN2tr14_oyRht-q76b0q1DLxzORIW3K6SP3_nK5hg/w640-h360/0428211857a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof7OFFw_Uko5rxnF_IVv1-3uoIiAa3XzjOBuDGtaHMSOVN04kR3QiplTBzUwVoKhUGbevy8A-MixHqj38jlz6s60zDIlXvjJhODrFKhyTaJFq3ngNDewcX1dQEyw6tJjFb6mKrGnDo2g/s2048/0428211858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1152" data-original-width="2048" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgof7OFFw_Uko5rxnF_IVv1-3uoIiAa3XzjOBuDGtaHMSOVN04kR3QiplTBzUwVoKhUGbevy8A-MixHqj38jlz6s60zDIlXvjJhODrFKhyTaJFq3ngNDewcX1dQEyw6tJjFb6mKrGnDo2g/w640-h360/0428211858.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Antenna Fun</b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>Got one antenna project done. I was able to get my 2M/70CM Slim Jim mounted to the back of the garage. I had it temporally attached to my deck. It worked OK there but, with summer time coming and leaves out now, I was not getting into some repeaters. Plus I don't think my wife liked looking at it.</div><div><br /></div><div>One little side note: My wife won't let me climb a ladder anymore so I asked the guy that does my lawn to hang it up for me. COVID has hit him pretty hard financially this last year, so he was glad to get the extra work. And I was glad to help him.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAJcskuYWyb_3lyZU2lI38H7cpDLLnzy8NBgAvYYq8rkekgn1PIeRr6WEtp7CPxjiTexG45mYzTwPtCc803CHu-sCml9_b76V9HXn8ufhggov7zWPotH3rq5JYAMWd-_haY41muF-VK8/s2048/0711181452_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLAJcskuYWyb_3lyZU2lI38H7cpDLLnzy8NBgAvYYq8rkekgn1PIeRr6WEtp7CPxjiTexG45mYzTwPtCc803CHu-sCml9_b76V9HXn8ufhggov7zWPotH3rq5JYAMWd-_haY41muF-VK8/w360-h640/0711181452_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary position</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlcctZaHvPBeI1I0TIPveOhxTNE4DEeRpisoBSqQbxAQOYLvBgeJ8lYctZ8UjrfTyp-ktrnaNmbrlbmcfYF2uA4_CprszlVtE9IM3Akid1Fatzrvorn-bONIKB7sBgUxykwrRCy2z9GY/s2048/0520211035_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlcctZaHvPBeI1I0TIPveOhxTNE4DEeRpisoBSqQbxAQOYLvBgeJ8lYctZ8UjrfTyp-ktrnaNmbrlbmcfYF2uA4_CprszlVtE9IM3Akid1Fatzrvorn-bONIKB7sBgUxykwrRCy2z9GY/w360-h640/0520211035_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">permanent position.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br />My other antenna project was to replace my 80-6M OCF Windom dipole with a short 160-6M OCF Windom dipole.<div><br /></div><div>This project had some issues. First I wanted to add two extra ropes to each end. The first would be a backup/safety rope in case the primary rope broke. The second rope was in case the antenna broke at the end, I would have a way to pull the rope that was attached to the end of the antenna back down. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well when I tried to pull the two ropes up over the tree using the existing rope, the existing rope broke. So I lost my original rope. So now I had to try and get a new rope over the tree.</div><div><br /></div><div>So I got out the old <a href="http://joplin-arc.org/antenna-launchers/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #01ffff;">JARC antenna launcher</span></a> pumped it up to 45 lbs. and shot a line over the tree. Well, I think 45 lbs. was a little too much. The damn thing went so far I couldn't find the projectile anywhere and ended up losing it.</div><div><br /></div><div>Since I only had one projectile left, I had to pick a safer target. I stood in the woods, picked a reasonably clear spot. I pumped up to 35 lbs. this time. It turns out even 35 lbs. is a lot, I almost hit the house. Next time I think I will try less, maybe even 25 lbs.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well anyways, I got a line up and raised to antenna. Not as high as I would like, but will have to do for now. I am so sore from all the back and forth and up and down the stairs. I am not use to it anymore.</div><div><br /></div><div>Well long story short, I got the antenna up and it tunes up on all bands. Next step to gradually increase my power and hope my smoke detectors won't go off.</div><div><br /></div><div>Next step will be to try and get the end higher. I need to make myself a few more projectiles though be fore I try that.<br /><div><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UEWLwuIY1f80gKEJZFDjqXi3kLr3pYEqPWtl_qMyxX52_3WlboIyDZOV3hbl5ypGh8MoX1SEfsg-0PWJjtJsq2Lz3DTAc5K34N5Q5gn2in8lv4rkFECwn2W8GS7Zxb0Af1lETiaRugw/s2048/100_1202.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0UEWLwuIY1f80gKEJZFDjqXi3kLr3pYEqPWtl_qMyxX52_3WlboIyDZOV3hbl5ypGh8MoX1SEfsg-0PWJjtJsq2Lz3DTAc5K34N5Q5gn2in8lv4rkFECwn2W8GS7Zxb0Af1lETiaRugw/w640-h480/100_1202.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Center point. Maybe 35 feet high</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlGU8yca-F7aGJFZkMcKJy-HDJiP_S964von6P6bD0dotugIgk4fnARlvKQVeUq6aq6E1CVK4oDZmJIv8kKcja0xBLqmEGGz9f3Soa5nIcf-NHe-8854LwxAGdPtxzZmOgl1NsCfD_ts/s2048/100_1203.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAlGU8yca-F7aGJFZkMcKJy-HDJiP_S964von6P6bD0dotugIgk4fnARlvKQVeUq6aq6E1CVK4oDZmJIv8kKcja0xBLqmEGGz9f3Soa5nIcf-NHe-8854LwxAGdPtxzZmOgl1NsCfD_ts/w640-h480/100_1203.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">chock at the end of the vertical radiator. Maybe 10 feet up</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcQzym5HVSaw7_3kC7_B4NCmsSItCmc0E8ERLscojWcksTGmcpxI-eCaRn6TXCPCZqEOPK8lBHoU9ci63SE_1_8uIJskOZsbLmjAYzo1k-ntjdSKspE64CjUfiR34g1LTvThpGm9D26Q/s2048/100_1204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXcQzym5HVSaw7_3kC7_B4NCmsSItCmc0E8ERLscojWcksTGmcpxI-eCaRn6TXCPCZqEOPK8lBHoU9ci63SE_1_8uIJskOZsbLmjAYzo1k-ntjdSKspE64CjUfiR34g1LTvThpGm9D26Q/w640-h480/100_1204.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The in line inductor. The little blob next to the leaves.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWY8uql5VIdsj7zXWWXH8LvBWV7sFys0ldz2-vlZHoe-C0I2fBt_N9gBE1OVTp4-OyASPLat0hj_HPhYG08aYVhnMmeU6dYrOKXtkC_IPcY1zfnfJ8BUDFjYVT1arKcQz3qTsvngQZdo/s2048/100_1205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWY8uql5VIdsj7zXWWXH8LvBWV7sFys0ldz2-vlZHoe-C0I2fBt_N9gBE1OVTp4-OyASPLat0hj_HPhYG08aYVhnMmeU6dYrOKXtkC_IPcY1zfnfJ8BUDFjYVT1arKcQz3qTsvngQZdo/w640-h480/100_1205.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">closer view of inductor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLnd5mAPfVQK-xl_rfFjahPGDCHwUxgYr3jzhHOTU7ivP5yy8WlZLs36yc2OUZz3qc-xP0awcz-n72WhoCThjChatJ53kUcuOUeULec89-Nr0pjT9hZ6jfMy-vU3Xq9xmofuUkIDobeg/s2048/100_1206.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLnd5mAPfVQK-xl_rfFjahPGDCHwUxgYr3jzhHOTU7ivP5yy8WlZLs36yc2OUZz3qc-xP0awcz-n72WhoCThjChatJ53kUcuOUeULec89-Nr0pjT9hZ6jfMy-vU3Xq9xmofuUkIDobeg/w640-h480/100_1206.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This end is up about 40 feet.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hPm97DCjBlPkTNHozvbS_JAXkmJZt0ETlWv4lpEC8LKM6ERr_fRKzn5dFNghRBFq5U51Qfs-WIgDX-cqCDi_h2q97zaVEVuxj8_vgXQ5rWgsKx59ptnJUA4skDVcx4aN0u_dE6nQhcY/s2048/100_1207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6hPm97DCjBlPkTNHozvbS_JAXkmJZt0ETlWv4lpEC8LKM6ERr_fRKzn5dFNghRBFq5U51Qfs-WIgDX-cqCDi_h2q97zaVEVuxj8_vgXQ5rWgsKx59ptnJUA4skDVcx4aN0u_dE6nQhcY/w640-h480/100_1207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other end in a tree about 30-35 feet maybe.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9WoQAeAWQmUKx5VAzdGp-kFPbcWdRn6BsAGzETndsHJNH4VXOf6HjYC6WmU11rC6mKfy5JqZ3rTSSyQbhEFm0vF8gFG556mv6qstbDW5oU50R5wbrKJGNXoG1R3YEl2FPIwOlgawbpo/s2048/100_1208.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjf9WoQAeAWQmUKx5VAzdGp-kFPbcWdRn6BsAGzETndsHJNH4VXOf6HjYC6WmU11rC6mKfy5JqZ3rTSSyQbhEFm0vF8gFG556mv6qstbDW5oU50R5wbrKJGNXoG1R3YEl2FPIwOlgawbpo/w640-h480/100_1208.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the center</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVGKkZnzNLEWDUH_jZUOgl_daAatIs3oBn2mlVeRx_PRygnTkjb3m8Vgp-dXzlZMAdh-742ZoZKibJgpSXxlGuKdb4HSNLNBynnfxnsDZLOVw3leFHXkehYx7iTegI83ntbG8rladnWs/s2048/100_1209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxVGKkZnzNLEWDUH_jZUOgl_daAatIs3oBn2mlVeRx_PRygnTkjb3m8Vgp-dXzlZMAdh-742ZoZKibJgpSXxlGuKdb4HSNLNBynnfxnsDZLOVw3leFHXkehYx7iTegI83ntbG8rladnWs/w640-h480/100_1209.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The inductor is about 10-15 from end on antenna.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Well, that is all for now. As soon as I make up some projectiles I will try and shot a new line.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>73</div><div>Dave KB1WOD</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-79779526459870684092021-04-22T11:54:00.022-04:002021-04-22T13:54:44.703-04:00K3Y QSL cards arrive, Two meter rig finally on the air again<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hello again. I will try to publish more posts. Winter is ending and a nice Spring is shaping up. We did have snow last Friday which was very late in the season for this area. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Maybe I will get the new antenna put up soon. The antenna I am speaking of is a reduced length 160-10 meter OCF dipole from RadioWavz. It is 147 feet long as apposed to 246 feet for a full size 160M OCF. My 80M OCF dipole is 137 feet, so the extra 10 feet shouldn't be a problem here. It doesn't say it will work on 6 meters, but if it tunes up, it will be good enough. I got to get back on 160 meters!! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a link to the web site: <a href="https://www.radiowavz.com/product/dx-off-center-fed-windom/78" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #800180;">Short 160m OCF dipole</span></b></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also bought 500 feet of cord from <a href="https://www.dxengineering.com/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #800180;">DX Engineering</span></b></a> to replace the cord that is there now. The cord has been up for over 2 years now and should probable be replaced. Plus I got some ideas about how to mitigate the problem of a broken antenna and or cord. I will let you know how that works out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">BTW I am vaccinated and good to go!! </div><p></p><p><b>K3Y QSL Cards.</b></p><p>I received three K3Y QSL cards. I didn't expect the 2019 or the 2020 card because I didn't send in an envelope to the QSL bureau for these two years. I guess they must have been sitting there waiting for me. oops!!</p><p>2019 and 2020 I only got 18 of 19 regions so I didn't bother sending in an envelope. I guess I will have to change that. I also got an additional QSL from the bureau. I think I should keep a couple of envelopes there JIC. Here is a link to<u><b><span style="color: #800180;"> <a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/member_services/qsl_buro/" target="_blank">SKCC QSL Bureau</a></span></b></u>.</p><p>Here are pictures of the K3Y QSL cards that I received. See my last post for more info on my K3Y activity. <a href="https://dsckb1wod.blogspot.com/2021/01/blog-post.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #800180;">K3Y 2016-2021, Weird key failure, VOAProp fail, odd email from the ARRL and more!!</span></b></a></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LAxvUzUGlue6jU28bXV8cSh74OmjVwbVBp-ggbzJIEicmrZewRE3s9yrIZdwxV1l89hDpjV9jr0Mv8VDJwBXoNdDN0YhhbSddpz6RJH11-_l-bycEPNWq7mVLsDjMHALmZil0Zhlweg/s2048/0403211428a+%25282021-04-03T20_34_54.465%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1281" data-original-width="2048" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-LAxvUzUGlue6jU28bXV8cSh74OmjVwbVBp-ggbzJIEicmrZewRE3s9yrIZdwxV1l89hDpjV9jr0Mv8VDJwBXoNdDN0YhhbSddpz6RJH11-_l-bycEPNWq7mVLsDjMHALmZil0Zhlweg/w640-h400/0403211428a+%25282021-04-03T20_34_54.465%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmUez_QxI53dMu60NDCr_LbsJwNqQCXUpul7ytRei1SzsBVMgUl8sh6UqF5YSQkcmq6VWRXl89gSw8eupjBGLK8623ocTlhCBzXIeFQ5vYS8X7347IUCBnBYPIuBla67rCHJzJN_WEgE/s2048/0403211428c+%25282021-04-03T20_33_33.734%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1259" data-original-width="2048" height="394" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwmUez_QxI53dMu60NDCr_LbsJwNqQCXUpul7ytRei1SzsBVMgUl8sh6UqF5YSQkcmq6VWRXl89gSw8eupjBGLK8623ocTlhCBzXIeFQ5vYS8X7347IUCBnBYPIuBla67rCHJzJN_WEgE/w640-h394/0403211428c+%25282021-04-03T20_33_33.734%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2o3HnJcoNi_G1i44yZVUf04yfXLWvpkbBP-wfa7z4YVxHlE-vOWS9UHJkjot1f7cStFy8W1n9V8soYicOlvA4WEHycFZrVY4hc4jf2r3y0ARRU6l1zeHffD2SYesocqPHnY_V9q_vXE/s2048/0403211636+%25282021-04-03T20_38_17.975%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1235" data-original-width="2048" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjb2o3HnJcoNi_G1i44yZVUf04yfXLWvpkbBP-wfa7z4YVxHlE-vOWS9UHJkjot1f7cStFy8W1n9V8soYicOlvA4WEHycFZrVY4hc4jf2r3y0ARRU6l1zeHffD2SYesocqPHnY_V9q_vXE/w640-h386/0403211636+%25282021-04-03T20_38_17.975%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p><b>Two Meter Rig</b></p><p>Only took me a year and a half to run a piece of Coax. No tree or roof climbing, just connect the wire to both ends. I don't really use two meters that much any more, but that will change. I have checked-in to a couple of nets lately so that's a good start. Plus made contact with a couple of old friends.</p><p>I would like to relocate my 2m antenna form the deck to the back of the garage. It kind of looks "trailer parkish" where it is now. Plus I hope it gets a little better coverage if it is up higher.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiM3zbYhwPJLQXgnOcKbxYl-RMBUd-Y9Z9pnJ-vuZ1nPTvAbQvNPhboodjU0dj9DV5b1LNFavfbv9xyV4iWgNis9R32u2zhtEnqshl561GR8p5KzXy63Qqtiowq7qjnkDR4M93CRbUCn8/s2048/0711181452_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="853" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiM3zbYhwPJLQXgnOcKbxYl-RMBUd-Y9Z9pnJ-vuZ1nPTvAbQvNPhboodjU0dj9DV5b1LNFavfbv9xyV4iWgNis9R32u2zhtEnqshl561GR8p5KzXy63Qqtiowq7qjnkDR4M93CRbUCn8/w480-h853/0711181452_HDR.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What my 2 meter antenna looks like at the moment.</td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p><p><b>Operating</b></p><p>My activity has slowed down some lately. I bought a Kindle so I have been reading up a storm lately. I have read a lot about WWII lately, mostly about the Philippines. Some very interesting and moving accounts of those early times in the war.</p><p>I am still doing brags and WES, but not as aggressively as in the past. I am still working on the 2xQRP award. I now has 128 points and working towards Sx6.</p><p> Well all for now CUL</p><p>- 73</p>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-63320576241296519282021-03-18T09:29:00.002-04:002021-03-18T15:10:52.272-04:00K3Y 2016-2021, Weird key failure, VOAProp fail, odd email from the ARRL and more!!<p>Well, back again. It has been interesting times. </p><p>I remember a story a college history professor told us on our first day of class: </p><p>"The old king had died and his son, who was not well like by one of the old kings advisor was to be crowned. At the ceremony Each person present was to say a few "flattering" remarks to the new king. The old advisor couldn't think of anything nice to say about the new king. So he thought about it for awhile and realized that the most interesting times in history were those of great turmoil. So when it came time for the old advisor to speak, he said "May you live in the most interesting of times".</p><p>For myself, I rather live in boring times, thank you very much!!</p><p><b>K3Y Events</b></p><p>Here it is February and the K3Y event has been over for about 2 weeks now. I ended up doing pretty good this year. I got the grand sweep and had 91 band slots with over 100 K3Y operators worked. My best year so far. The only thing I would have liked to do was to work 160M. But I have been too lazy in putting up an antenna for160M.</p><p>The below link is a google spreadsheet of my K3Y band map for the years 2016-2020. I was actually able to use the skcc_skimmer to generate the band map for each year. Since my SKCCLogger file has all my contacts since Jan of 2015, all I had to do was set the K3Y_YEAR parameter to the year I wanted and relaunch skimmer. I then cut and pasted the chart into a text file and then imported the text file to Open Office spreadsheet. Pretty cool!</p><p>Click here -> <a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1cVwAmqtiornCfotZImBf7bvPs9lo2wbGpeVwiVCVOls/edit?usp=sharing" target="_blank">K3Y 2016-2020</a> </p><p>Below is the band map for 2021 K3Y. Already sent in my SASE for my QSL card!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoQj31dTPYs-i7hF5FEKRg15FIUDjcMgh3NSZmRQ0QZJHU2w_rmcLJIVAg3cXhJBC7yUMmZTB4GZgW1O_YYkETxb2NinRxxApUNYX7ibffh6Kr7joUGPuI3tLoyP83HNM1LJHkT9UI8/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1920" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSRoQj31dTPYs-i7hF5FEKRg15FIUDjcMgh3NSZmRQ0QZJHU2w_rmcLJIVAg3cXhJBC7yUMmZTB4GZgW1O_YYkETxb2NinRxxApUNYX7ibffh6Kr7joUGPuI3tLoyP83HNM1LJHkT9UI8/w640-h360/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><b>Key Failure</b><div>Had a very strange key failure recently. One morning I was all set to answer a CQ, but no transmit. I was able to narrow it down to my VibroPlex key, very strange. So I got out the old Ohm meter and started poking around, looking for a broken wire or loose connection. Plug was good, had continuity from the contacts all the way to the plug, except for the ground terminal, which tied to the base/paddles. So no contact between the paddle and the terminal post. So how can this happen?? What it turn out to be, was the screws that secure the paddle assemble to the base were loose. All I had to do was tighten the screws and all was good. Go figure!!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxysHXmtUSXJCTRV_S729hcCj2HKBCFNQnwsyek5pdhDVvARsYMZQgy2E1Vz2JCmey8eESTeVQHkx8uVl-5JVGWvlu_aSnZTIOUO7vG9qiTcz3GlOjWr39_HZmDNrv2WUJiFCNAVQuBZ4/s2048/0216211347.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxysHXmtUSXJCTRV_S729hcCj2HKBCFNQnwsyek5pdhDVvARsYMZQgy2E1Vz2JCmey8eESTeVQHkx8uVl-5JVGWvlu_aSnZTIOUO7vG9qiTcz3GlOjWr39_HZmDNrv2WUJiFCNAVQuBZ4/w360-h640/0216211347.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The two screws on the left had to be tightened</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /><p></p><div><b>Log File corrected for K3Y</b></div><div>Back in 2016 and 2017, I missed logged all of my K3Y contacts. I erroneously put K3Y as the call instead of using the operators call. This royally screwed up my log. Fortunately, the comment block had the operators call along with the SKCC number, so I was able to set things right. It probable took about an hour to fix, so all is good now.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Awards</b></div><div>Since I moved back to MA in 2018, I started to work on another LoTW CW WAS award. I finally got it last month. NV was my last holdout. Thanks to Tom W4FLL!!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d-P0N1gW4ynM-5O1BJC_SDa5ftWEsCG4BtskIssCo1AOZrIlNHnN1GwLt4sA6uLz3Bn-N12IkUsMmAtj_Z9TANTwVsT0w8mJAfvwZ0r1F1vJqqhtNACtZRka3LaKZAFGln8SluyGz0Y/s2048/0217211523+%25282021-02-17T20_26_43.960%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1621" data-original-width="2048" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9d-P0N1gW4ynM-5O1BJC_SDa5ftWEsCG4BtskIssCo1AOZrIlNHnN1GwLt4sA6uLz3Bn-N12IkUsMmAtj_Z9TANTwVsT0w8mJAfvwZ0r1F1vJqqhtNACtZRka3LaKZAFGln8SluyGz0Y/w640-h506/0217211523+%25282021-02-17T20_26_43.960%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>I also have received my Tx25 award.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Email from ARRL</b></div><div>So I received this email from the ARRL on Jan 17. I thought it was odd, especial the last paragraph. That is until I watch "60 minutes" on Feb 14 and there it was. Enough said.</div><div><div class="nH V8djrc byY" style="align-items: flex-start; background-color: white; color: #202124; display: flex; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; padding: 20px 0px 8px 72px;"><div class="nH"><div class="ha" style="background-attachment: inherit; background-clip: inherit; background-color: transparent; background-image: inherit; background-origin: inherit; background-position: inherit; background-repeat: inherit; background-size: inherit; border-right: inherit; color: #222222; font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.375rem; line-height: 28px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><h2 class="hP" data-legacy-thread-id="17711deb963a8ce0" data-thread-perm-id="thread-f:1689164232915586272" id=":1hp" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border: 0px; color: #202124; display: inline; font-family: "Google Sans", Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 1.375rem; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: no-contextual; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-weight: 400; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px 10px 0px 0px;" tabindex="-1">ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio</h2><span class="J-J5-Ji" id=":1hy" style="align-items: center; display: inline-flex; flex-wrap: wrap; min-height: 28px; position: relative; vertical-align: bottom;"><div aria-label="Not important" class="pG" data-tooltip-align="b,l" data-tooltip-contained="true" data-tooltip-delay="1500" id=":1hv" role="img" style="align-items: center; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; height: 20px; justify-content: center; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative; width: 20px;"><div class="pH-A7 a9q" style="align-items: center; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: 50% 50%; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: 20px; background: url("https://www.gstatic.com/images/icons/material/system/1x/label_important_outline_black_20dp.png") center center / 20px no-repeat; border: none; display: flex; height: 20px; justify-content: center; opacity: 0.54; outline: none; position: relative; width: 20px; z-index: 0;" tabindex="0"></div><div class="bnj" style="height: 10px; left: 5px; margin: 1px; pointer-events: none; position: absolute; top: 4px; width: 14px;"></div></div><div class="ahR" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 0.75rem; height: 18px; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 18px; margin-right: 6px; transition-duration: 0.1s; transition-property: background, color; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1); white-space: nowrap;"><div aria-label="Inbox" class="hN" data-tooltip="Search for all messages with label Inbox" name="^i" role="button" style="background-color: #dddddd; border-radius: 4px 0px 0px 4px; color: #666666; display: inline-block; 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padding-bottom: 0px;" tabindex="-1"><div class="Bk" style="border-bottom-color: initial; border-bottom-style: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-color: initial; border-left-style: initial; border-radius: 0px; border-right-color: initial; border-right-style: initial; border-top-color: rgb(239, 239, 239); border-top-style: solid; border-width: 0px; float: none; margin-bottom: 0px; position: relative; width: 1576px;"><div class="G3 G2" style="background-color: transparent; border-bottom: 0px rgba(100, 121, 143, 0.12); border-image: initial; border-left: 0px; border-radius: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: none; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><div id=":1hh"><div class="adn ads" data-legacy-message-id="17711deb963a8ce0" data-message-id="#msg-f:1689164232915586272" style="border-left: none; display: flex; padding: 0px;"><div class="aju" style="align-items: center; cursor: default; display: flex; float: none; height: 80px; min-width: 40px; padding: 0px 16px;"><div class="aCi" style="position: relative;"><img aria-hidden="true" class="ajn" data-hovercard-id="memberlist@www.arrl.org" data-hovercard-owner-id="128" data-name="ARRL Web site" id=":an_10-e" jid="memberlist@www.arrl.org" name=":an" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/profile_mask2.png" style="background-color: #cccccc; border-radius: 50%; display: block; height: 40px; width: 40px;" /></div></div><div class="gs" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 20px; width: 1504px;"><div class="gE iv gt" style="cursor: auto; font-size: 0.875rem; padding: 20px 0px 0px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf gJ" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; border-collapse: collapse; display: block; font-size: 0.875rem; letter-spacing: 0.2px; margin-top: 0px; width: auto;"><tbody style="display: block;"><tr class="acZ" style="display: flex; height: auto;"><td class="gF gK" style="display: block; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; max-height: 20px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap; width: 1259.73px;"><table cellpadding="0" class="cf ix" style="border-collapse: collapse; table-layout: fixed; width: 1259px;"><tbody><tr><td class="c2" style="display: flex; margin: 0px;"><h3 class="iw" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; color: #5f6368; font-size: 0.75rem; font-weight: inherit; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 20px; margin: inherit; max-width: calc(100% - 8px); overflow: hidden; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><span class="qu" role="gridcell" tabindex="-1"><span class="gD" data-hovercard-id="memberlist@www.arrl.org" data-hovercard-owner-id="128" email="memberlist@www.arrl.org" name="ARRL Web site" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; color: #202124; display: inline; font-size: 0.875rem; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: 0.2px; line-height: 20px; vertical-align: top;">ARRL Web site</span> <span class="go" style="color: #555555; vertical-align: top;"><span aria-hidden="true"><</span>memberlist@www.arrl.org<span aria-hidden="true">></span></span></span></h3></td></tr></tbody></table></td><td class="gH bAk" style="align-items: center; color: #222222; display: block; margin: 0px; max-height: 20px; text-align: right; vertical-align: top; white-space: nowrap;"><div class="gK" style="align-items: center; display: flex; padding: 0px;"><span alt="Jan 17, 2021, 2:42 PM" class="g3" id=":1ih" role="gridcell" style="-webkit-font-smoothing: auto; color: #5f6368; display: block; font-size: 0.75rem; letter-spacing: 0.3px; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; vertical-align: top;" tabindex="-1" title="Jan 17, 2021, 2:42 PM">Jan 17, 2021, 2:42 PM</span><div aria-checked="false" aria-label="Not starred" class="zd bi4" data-tooltip="Not starred" jslog="20511; u014N:cOuCgd,Kr2w4b;" role="checkbox" style="cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; height: 20px; margin-left: 20px; outline: 0px; user-select: none;" tabindex="0"><span class="T-KT" style="align-items: center; border: none; display: inline-flex; height: 20px; justify-content: center; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; position: relative; text-align: center; top: 0px; transition: opacity 0.15s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1) 0s; 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margin: 8px 0px 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;"><div class="a3s aiL msg5766938960816965835" id=":1ix" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: 1.5; overflow: hidden;"><div class="adM" style="font-size: small;"></div><div lang="EN-US" link="blue" style="overflow-wrap: break-word;" vlink="purple"><div class="adM" style="font-size: small;"></div><div class="m_5766938960816965835WordSection1"><div class="adM" style="font-size: small;"></div><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.arrl.org/&source=gmail&ust=1613501770849000&usg=AFQjCNFigNOV0bjwRY2X7XXJCGcZs26mCQ" href="http://www.arrl.org/" style="color: #1155cc; font-size: small;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0b6cda; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL — the National Association for Amateur Radio® — have stood for the development of the science and art of communications, public service, and the enhancement of international goodwill. Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the public has solidified the well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio saves lives.”" border="0" class="CToWUd" height="75" id="m_5766938960816965835_x0000_i1124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEgoiSj7gQbEJMezKNCU9Ul7cARn8uVbsezY3jBsWy3PnuCdpMaYSrMtTqceppJzFvHi-eS17ANZEw51iBb3jMkSEojxz_sje-HM3DIdSM529Cmnt3IG17JMtX65JbDV6xdeI0aQrbbZiHgANnmhxnTU=w474-h75" style="height: 0.7777in; width: 6.7708in;" width="474" /></span></a><u></u><u></u></p><table border="0" cellpadding="0" style="font-size: small; width: 665px;"><tbody><tr><td style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 1pt; width: 658.344px;" valign="top" width="99%"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b><br />ARRL on the Purpose of Amateur Radio<br /><br /></b>For over 100 years amateur radio and ARRL — the National Association for </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Amateur Radio® — have stood for the development of the science and art of</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> communications, public service, and the enhancement of international goodwill.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Amateur Radio’s long history and service to the public has solidified the</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> well-earned reputation that “Amateur Radio saves lives.”<br /><br />Amateur Radio Operators, due to their history of public service, their training,</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;"> and the requirement that they be licensed by the FCC have earned their status </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">as a component of critical communications infrastructure and as a reliable </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small;">resource “when all else fails."<br /><br />Amateur Radio is about development of communications and responsible </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: small;">public service. Its misuse is inconsistent with its history of service and its </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: small;">statutory charter. ARRL does not support its misuse for purposes inconsistent </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: small;">with these values and purposes</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: xx-small;">.</span></p></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 1pt;" valign="top"><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 12pt;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><u></u> </span><u></u></p></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: Roboto, RobotoDraft, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 1pt;" valign="top"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;"></div></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><b>VOAProp fail</b></div><div>Twice now when Windows does an update, VOAProp kind of disappears. It is there on the tool bar, but does not display. It turns out I have to uninstall VOAProp and delete all the remaining files manually and then reinstall. A nuisance but at least it is back.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>All for now see you soon 73!!</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-50497268528782212112021-01-24T10:41:00.000-05:002021-01-24T10:41:40.165-05:00New 160M sloper, K3Y event(2020), More RFI woes with hard Wired Smoke DetectorsNote: This post was started June 22 2020. I just couldn't bring myself to post at that time. I am finishing it now.<br />
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<b>160M Sloper:</b><br />
Sort of got my 160M sloper up and it doesn't work very well yet. The reason, I believe, is that it is not very high. Only about 20 feet at the feed point and really doesn't slope much. I need to get it higher and a little more of a slope. I think I will wait for warmer weather. I need a longer feed line for one thing and more rope for another.<br />
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One side benefit, my OCF 80-6M Windom now tunes on 160M. I am going to say the reason for this there is about 40 foot stretch where both feed lines are parallel and next to each other.<div><br /></div><div>Update: Well I tried to raise the slopper higher but met with disaster! The feed point end was tied high in a tree in front of my garage and the other end was tied to a tree trunk out back of the house. We had a pretty good wind storm one night and the line tied to the feed end broke and the whole thing came crashing down and busted. It also put a big dent in the side of the garage door. Not good at all, the XYL was not pleased!!!</div><div><br /></div><div>So, I have bought a 160M to 6M OCF from<a href="https://www.radiowavz.com/product/dx-off-center-fed-windom/78?cp=true&sa=true&sbp=false&q=false" target="_blank"> RadioWavz</a> . Hasn't gone up yet. I am waiting for some warmer weather. It is about 20 F today BTW. (Jan 24, 2021)<br />
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<b>Flex 6300:</b><br />
Discovered something about SmartSDR that I didn't know. Last week I put up a 160 meter sloper. I have connected it to the Ant2 input to my Flex 6300. So this means that when I am on the 160 meter band, I want Ant2 active.<br />
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At first I was a little confused how to do this. If all else fails, RTFM! It turns out, if you use the Band select button on the left of the display, and select your bands that way, and if you have already setup a receiver for that band, SmartSDR will use that receivers parameters. Otherwise, you will have to create one.<br />
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For almost since I started using my 6300, I have just been type in a frequency in the receiver window. Early on the band select would not keep my settings and I would have set it up again. This was fixed a long time ago, but I keep changing bands by typing in the frequency I wanted.<br />
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BTW Flex finally came out with a fix for all the DAX issues when Windows upgrades it software. New version is: 1.12.1.35. I found out by accident via an email from the flex forum. There was no notification sent out but Flex. So it is a good thing to monitor the Flex forum.<br />
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<b>RFI Woes:</b><br />Still have a problem with my hardwired smoke detectors and 20M. So for now I am only outputing 50 Watts on 20M. All other bands are fine.</div><div><br />
<b>K3Y Event:</b><br />
Well, did OK this year in the K3Y, but failed to get AS this year. Below are some screens shots. Things of note: Worked 160-6 meters for region 1. This is more of a stunt, because I have several SKCC members who are very close to me. So the upper bands are basically line of sight or ground wave. Max, KH6ZM from HI was very strong and I got him on 6 bands including 10M!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGpoHP3aBs1YdTotfHQU-tG2mhwIXiJOuPHFHQa_hSBsVFMHgpH2txZKPrdSTNWr-X_4Jupj0jUNCAMsPZqEjWW4eeZ8-GJgoTH8P5Kp6TTTy7FVePXU_7Y13RloJgZ86grPQO1GUxJI/s1600/Screenshot+%25281%2529.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAGpoHP3aBs1YdTotfHQU-tG2mhwIXiJOuPHFHQa_hSBsVFMHgpH2txZKPrdSTNWr-X_4Jupj0jUNCAMsPZqEjWW4eeZ8-GJgoTH8P5Kp6TTTy7FVePXU_7Y13RloJgZ86grPQO1GUxJI/w640-h360/Screenshot+%25281%2529.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My layout for operating</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQP5nM6TDWAm9_o5CyoSnpEEsz87EWojfNMwJ3ajBZiT-7SQsFm1MyXbxOTrplajxlbj0G-kXK5iktXrKC9ldVjfc7sO9cXeIHZkMPIG4qeN6vKl6uO0P6-45egM6gRPwAVZ20C3ewec/s1600/K3Y_slots.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="894" data-original-width="834" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlQP5nM6TDWAm9_o5CyoSnpEEsz87EWojfNMwJ3ajBZiT-7SQsFm1MyXbxOTrplajxlbj0G-kXK5iktXrKC9ldVjfc7sO9cXeIHZkMPIG4qeN6vKl6uO0P6-45egM6gRPwAVZ20C3ewec/s640/K3Y_slots.png" width="596" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Log results for K3Y. Only missed AS this year.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div><br /></div><div>OK will post this now. Hope to post again after the 2021 K3Y.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>73</div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-61574268245197515222021-01-02T10:27:00.001-05:002021-01-04T08:17:35.798-05:00Chasing K3Y made easier<p> Every year the SKCC has an anniversary in January called<span style="color: #cc0000;"> <a href="https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php" target="_blank">K3Y</a> .</span> There are several tools available to make it easier to find K3Y operators.</p><p>1)<span style="color: red;"> <a href="https://www.k7mjg.com/SKCC_Skimmer" target="_blank">skcc_skimmer</a></span></p><p>2) <a href="https://sked.skccgroup.com/#" target="_blank">SKCC Sked Page</a> </p><p>3) Your favorite logging program that has a comment field. I use the <a href="http://www.ac2c.net/Downloads.php" target="_blank">SKCCLogger </a>by Ron AC2C.</p><p>For skcc_skimmer. There are several things you have to do to display K3Y spots.</p><p>1) K3Y has to be a goal.</p><p>2) K3Y_YEAR parameter has to be set to the correct year.</p><p>3) make sure skimmer is using the correct log file (*.adi)</p><p>When you log a K3Y, <b><u>DO NOT put K3Y as the call!!</u></b> Use the operators call. Most K3Y operators will send their call when they send their name (for instance, Dave/KB1WOD) . If not, you can asked them for it or use the number they sent to look up their call. </p><p>In the comment field of your log, put the K3Y call that was sent, for instance K3Y/0. </p><p>On the sked page, K3Y operators can put "K3Y/X FREQ" in their status. This will show up in skimmer as a K3Y goal.</p><p>One thing that these tools can't do, is look for different operators for the same K3Y/X. Which is a category in the K3Y event. Also, sometime someone on the sked page puts some like "Looking for K3Y/0 15M" in their status. Unfortunately, this will show up as a bogus goal if you are need the same thing.</p><div><br /></div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-45354650021080636342019-11-27T16:12:00.000-05:002021-05-26T14:29:18.099-04:00Near-Fest Fall 2019, Strange electrical problem, more tinkering and the 160 meter antenna is up finally!!I want to say hi to Judy, KE6MHX<span face=""arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-weight: 700;"> </span>and Dave out in CA. I worked with them (remotely) for many years. They read my blog from time to time. I had a chance to have lunch with Judy recently. She still works for Kollmorgen and was out here for work, so we got together for lunch. Really enjoyed visiting with her. Hope to CUAGN Judy 88/73<br />
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<b>Near-Fest Fall 2019:</b><br />
Wasn't going to go to Near-Fest in October because there was a Nor'Easter that weekend and I didn't want to be driving in the pouring rain. But Larry N1FG ask me if I was going and it turned out the storm was further out to sea then expected and the weather was rather nice.<br />
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I saw a lot of 70's ham gear for sale this year. Most were in the $200 to $300 range. Most of these radios were pre-WARC.<br />
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I was surprises to see several Kenwood MC-50 Mic stands for sale. I was looking for one several years ago but couldn't find one. I pick one up, with the mic for $50. It works great!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRDgwhEWoHVxovy2Fpnp_NK9YpRfjD0DcRgoyaYJtLeQySC8iEypPGMwAoSycVNdVbJ6D1Mx-LExjMRozCD0IK7FaTcT3D8s3HkCtC1x5X0y2iXJ_s8U9GUAliX5_n9_QC4sZ_VGhheI/s1600/1105190759+%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1103" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzRDgwhEWoHVxovy2Fpnp_NK9YpRfjD0DcRgoyaYJtLeQySC8iEypPGMwAoSycVNdVbJ6D1Mx-LExjMRozCD0IK7FaTcT3D8s3HkCtC1x5X0y2iXJ_s8U9GUAliX5_n9_QC4sZ_VGhheI/s640/1105190759+%25282%2529.jpg" width="440" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">MC-50 with Mic that I bought at Near-Fest</td></tr>
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Met up with Larry, N1FG by the Community Church food pavilion (where else? hihi). Larry took a road trip across the country this last summer and made several stops to visit some SKCC members along the the way, Including Bert, F6HKA, who was at Dayton and Tony, K6ELQ out in CA among others Please read about his road trip in the Sept 2019 <a href="https://www.skccgroup.com/member_services/newsletter/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Rag Chew</span></a> .<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81SQ5NW0L3NmzwOiVjrFAfvddug1eABZcM2Uq2vxuwxjs751Icfr__A8VPmsgPkrGEEDcvMTiFpIrI6ntkx7fxWq1cWd2tVs9knUWRjKtUkNVwBxKdaK2-vUk5FSBYMb3olwVjUOoaD8/s1600/IMG_0884.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh81SQ5NW0L3NmzwOiVjrFAfvddug1eABZcM2Uq2vxuwxjs751Icfr__A8VPmsgPkrGEEDcvMTiFpIrI6ntkx7fxWq1cWd2tVs9knUWRjKtUkNVwBxKdaK2-vUk5FSBYMb3olwVjUOoaD8/s640/IMG_0884.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larry N1FG and me met at my favorite spot at Near-Fest. </td></tr>
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<b>New England Vintage Electronics Club:</b></div>
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Usually I don't get into the antique radio items at Near-Fest, but this radio caught my eye. It is an Apex radio, which I never heard of. Two features of this radio are: Tubes are shock mounted and the user has to supply all the DC voltage to run it. </div>
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From what I understand, early on not a lot of houses were wired with electricity, radio manufacturers would have to provide terminals for the DC voltages and the customer would have to supply these voltages. Deriving them form what power source they could get there hands on. Visit their web site <a href="http://www.nevec.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">here</span></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apex radio</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolc0AakdyRYJLd0E1X2a5D5-5M12-4yf5HUm1K41bDhdYspOI0LaRO8nHSaP424U8CCO7I-FKpbkBTZJPCKARiYCEOoU7_dwF6oekIFqXmkbWB9teCqAlwSBXnOhdqQXuIbnL9qTemM/s1600/1011191057a_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMolc0AakdyRYJLd0E1X2a5D5-5M12-4yf5HUm1K41bDhdYspOI0LaRO8nHSaP424U8CCO7I-FKpbkBTZJPCKARiYCEOoU7_dwF6oekIFqXmkbWB9teCqAlwSBXnOhdqQXuIbnL9qTemM/s640/1011191057a_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The tubes are shock mounted to reduce micro-phonics. Notice the DC terminals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Met Bill Holly at Near-Fest. Bill has a nice collection of keys, mostly VibroPlex. He has written a book the history of the VibroPlex company, but, unfortunately, I don't think you can get it anymore.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Edit: Bill's email is k1bh@fairpoint.net</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
He had some copies of another book he wrote called "Love Letters to Spike". See photo below. I thought I had an email address for Bill, but damned if I can remember it.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdSNDXUZwK1N_dc1ytRYa03HQyK7CeH7OQFgoY7VLYknC5QC0obp53VEfLBvFXLDhu-xh_-hW9af_AWN1ngUlil70KEJ5tzsnaFmjIVsCq0ofr04EV-oD_liTWtQs4t2i-zWEoB8E36E/s1600/1011191107_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEdSNDXUZwK1N_dc1ytRYa03HQyK7CeH7OQFgoY7VLYknC5QC0obp53VEfLBvFXLDhu-xh_-hW9af_AWN1ngUlil70KEJ5tzsnaFmjIVsCq0ofr04EV-oD_liTWtQs4t2i-zWEoB8E36E/s640/1011191107_HDR.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet Bill Holly, K1BH. He has quite the collection of telegraph keys. Has written a book on VibroPlex keys</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0JpfbGe9aF6MGh_s9QoawnF-H6Huw56HXwX2qBz4G-WArzkO3ICAn1dLAIqYKBsA2JuMWzd8dE0lVEx0PPq9U4GvWVppIcspJvLPP0esswkJs8Qs_mbeM1vyl20wZ1MHrGqmbZMVAY4/s1600/1027191111.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv0JpfbGe9aF6MGh_s9QoawnF-H6Huw56HXwX2qBz4G-WArzkO3ICAn1dLAIqYKBsA2JuMWzd8dE0lVEx0PPq9U4GvWVppIcspJvLPP0esswkJs8Qs_mbeM1vyl20wZ1MHrGqmbZMVAY4/s640/1027191111.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought this book from Bill K1BH. Interesting read about a telegraph operators love letters to his girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweoV2v4lxECD3J38K0lcAydzk64KdB9azNpvhvfshaNeCGeTk1NVXdJ-k52nQD6pFr0I5FtK0M366EYEISsDd06PM_bcW5NUfFKxcGWgitkOscmAQQfLpYRhyiJlNJhckkk1T_GZahzc/s1600/1011191156.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiweoV2v4lxECD3J38K0lcAydzk64KdB9azNpvhvfshaNeCGeTk1NVXdJ-k52nQD6pFr0I5FtK0M366EYEISsDd06PM_bcW5NUfFKxcGWgitkOscmAQQfLpYRhyiJlNJhckkk1T_GZahzc/s640/1011191156.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">No explanation necessary.</td></tr>
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<b>Strange Electrically Problem:</b><br />
I started having some strange electrical problems. When I keyed my radio just once, the floor lamp started to flicker very randomly. Very annoying to say the least. I got the electrician over that did the wiring to look at the problem. What he did to solve the problem was to short the neutral to ground at the box in the garage. That seems to have solved the problem. He also replaced the arc fault circuit breakers in the box. Everyone knows they suck, right?<br />
<br />
<b>DG-5 repair:</b><br />
<br />
My Kenwood DG-5 digital display had some more issues. First off, the display was real dim. This turned out to be a bad feed through on the PCB at the base of 2SD235 transistor.<br />
<br />
Second, the upper two digits were acting flaky. And guess what? more bad vias.<br />
<br />
Not entirely surprising, it turns out the DG-5 was plagued with bad vias. There are about 82 on the main PCB. I think I fixed about 20.<br />
<br />
Some people just heat up and apply a little solder to the via. A much better fix is to pass a 24 or 30 gauge single strand wire through the via and solder on both sides of the PCB. This provides a mechanical as well as an electrical connection.<br />
<br />
It still has some flakiness, but better then before. I will probable have to do all the vias, but not today.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0md0Q7jFrwdCCWZmHYycCHXFsDdX7DVNBrNclKL9hIQwSfor-YTVhdtRbXEZzH05XqJzLtc9FCgS11_WtQ_jtd3rDgUxmQZjVMzY_qzmDtAbXBz-j4UPWez1_Bqz5jrT-jIcmTjBa1n0/s1600/1108190954.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0md0Q7jFrwdCCWZmHYycCHXFsDdX7DVNBrNclKL9hIQwSfor-YTVhdtRbXEZzH05XqJzLtc9FCgS11_WtQ_jtd3rDgUxmQZjVMzY_qzmDtAbXBz-j4UPWez1_Bqz5jrT-jIcmTjBa1n0/s640/1108190954.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My Kenwood TS-520S with the DG-5 digital display.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>160 meter Sloper:</b><br />
<br />
Finally was able to put up my 160 meter sloper. I have had this antenna for about three years now. I got it when I was still living in VT. Had a lot of trouble trying to get it up in a pine tree but was never successful.<br />
<br />
However, it was not that difficult to put up here at my Georgetown home. I actually got the line over the tree in the front of the house the first try. A first for me hihi. It took me two days to finish only because I am having issues with my knees lately and didn't want to go up and down stairs too many times in one day. Getting old sucks!!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFARy4sRpiuevKi2z88NNhfPs3bVVCg12rW9m4t3DVNBZpS7EVNNgBlFCu811Ljxv8JD-4XTjBLTJF4vMEY8REMWxAY4ey7uxN-tG_5YNIhr2VjPPo80JJR5SlbMHBbk0sAG9bdPWgjk/s1600/1127191243.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibFARy4sRpiuevKi2z88NNhfPs3bVVCg12rW9m4t3DVNBZpS7EVNNgBlFCu811Ljxv8JD-4XTjBLTJF4vMEY8REMWxAY4ey7uxN-tG_5YNIhr2VjPPo80JJR5SlbMHBbk0sAG9bdPWgjk/s640/1127191243.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The picture is a little dark, but my 160m sloper is up. You can see my 80-10M OCF Windom dipole just above and to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFxWlOPIX8AdziDdeOIM4bJ_fmlPhyF0f3R7oDdwJzKvAqrVMY_XHQfDVoUWteVH1P0A22Wes4BBDoCkKs8mX3svgQ_QF3cofO92lnKJrcpYruOT1ZhrXwdUULjgxf9kHijAsD6I6Zec/s1600/1127191244.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUFxWlOPIX8AdziDdeOIM4bJ_fmlPhyF0f3R7oDdwJzKvAqrVMY_XHQfDVoUWteVH1P0A22Wes4BBDoCkKs8mX3svgQ_QF3cofO92lnKJrcpYruOT1ZhrXwdUULjgxf9kHijAsD6I6Zec/s640/1127191244.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ground line to ground rod.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkWBlVjpGHmOIy2MnW5XpauWDWBYC6vql3mgiaDCmZQKj-gG00hJ0ztVbmeR7KjeFB0wrKEXme5r4OOgPW9h9pyDRWJhWylBbqh3ZjA0FQEtXhOI38Roj4qoLaQWcmjKg04eLB79I2Y4/s1600/1127191245_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkWBlVjpGHmOIy2MnW5XpauWDWBYC6vql3mgiaDCmZQKj-gG00hJ0ztVbmeR7KjeFB0wrKEXme5r4OOgPW9h9pyDRWJhWylBbqh3ZjA0FQEtXhOI38Roj4qoLaQWcmjKg04eLB79I2Y4/s640/1127191245_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not the best picture but the view from the back yard.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>SKCC:</b><br />
There has been a couple of interesting discussions on the news/user group about head copying code and also using a computer to decode CW. If you get a chance, or haven't already done so, you might want to read through these treads. Also one on "<a href="https://groups.io/g/SKCC/topic/my_winter_time_qrn_is_back/61202505?p=Created,,,20,1,0,0::recentpostdate%2Fsticky,,,20,2,20,61202505&jump=1" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">My winter time QRN is back</span></a>"started by Russ K1RWT. Russ lives in the next town over from me. I pass by his house when we do our grocery shopping. Nice house, almost downtown Groveland. Quite a few business around him. I suspect a heating system in one of them is what is causing his problem.<br />
<b>WES:</b><br />
Month count overall QRO<br />
Oct 51 63 51<br />
Nov 33 129 90<br />
<b>Brags:</b><br />
Month count place<br />
Oct 70 16<br />
<br />
As you know we are at the minimum of the Sunspot cycle. But you can still get some DX in. Last month I was able to get Australia, Argentina and Israel. Not bad for less then 100 Watts and a flat lander to boot!!<br />
<br />
Well, I think I should stop this here. It has already taken me almost two months to just write this small bit.<br />
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All for now!<br />
<br />
-73 Dave KB1WOD<br />
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<br />
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<br />kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-13250440898193452762019-10-10T15:15:00.002-04:002021-05-26T14:22:47.540-04:00NearFest, Shack DONE, OCF Windom back up and some RFI issues solved!!Well, it has been awhile. I guess it is time to do an update on things. Actually it has been a really long time. I started this post in the spring and it is now October. Gee, do I procrastinate.<br />
<br />
<b>Near-Fest (spring 2019)</b><br />
Was not bad weather this Spring at Near-Fest. However, it seems vendors and the flea market have thinned out. I am not sure why. Maybe the fact that Boxborough Ham Fest is every year now is impacting Near-Fest.<br />
<br />
I did buy three stereo cable with 1/4 inch plugs for my TKA key project. I am waiting for my shack to be complete to finish the project.<br />
<br />
I did see Larry, N1FG and of course he took some pictures for the "Rag Chew". Always nice to meet up with Larry.<br />
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The real tragedy was the church concession was not open. So no apple pie this year.<br />
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<b>OCF Windom</b><br />
Well I was able to put up my OCF Windom dipole. I took the EFHW antenna down. It had broken several times and needed to be retired. Glad I was able to get my OCF back up.<br />
<br />
I think the root cause of the EFHW failure was because one end was tied to the porch, which did not allow any give when there was some wind. We had some 50 mph winds which put a lot of strain on the antenna. So I shouldn't be surprises it broke.<br />
<br />
I am hoping since the OCF dipole is anchored in two trees, it will not be as prone to breakage.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzGBlTgmzY6SNi0o6RAGrqMgo5DvbV8iWYIzwOwLdEzXsXQvFVO1YXefReqrbvcm-2W6VsEukQcZhjnQTjB1ioxKEI2MdG2zeVKMGhZq9yg7X6s27JojO5vT0G24Lq21MPtiQVmvcPiM/s1600/100_1183.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqzGBlTgmzY6SNi0o6RAGrqMgo5DvbV8iWYIzwOwLdEzXsXQvFVO1YXefReqrbvcm-2W6VsEukQcZhjnQTjB1ioxKEI2MdG2zeVKMGhZq9yg7X6s27JojO5vT0G24Lq21MPtiQVmvcPiM/s640/100_1183.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">OCF dipole</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3-hcl_yYBQcFosUXyQt0cynwBTHiVSxSZN7iB8IG48vDlqoOzFyHSusnjY1GBG9wJoYTKBIu-OSI3nY10vt3OleGz4luNR3lo0LKDsTQ1xXnQOgQ-teuxh8Jb3ka6fPRgC3LTBxhr64/s1600/100_1184.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM3-hcl_yYBQcFosUXyQt0cynwBTHiVSxSZN7iB8IG48vDlqoOzFyHSusnjY1GBG9wJoYTKBIu-OSI3nY10vt3OleGz4luNR3lo0LKDsTQ1xXnQOgQ-teuxh8Jb3ka6fPRgC3LTBxhr64/s640/100_1184.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closeup of OCF</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnL8atTbs5asnw0SteFUqC9DTgNKO2Yd_in5BZ8qkHNnbeQwOlRndAxkjrlYXcypmcg_tctUIrTzSXzmQm3ajVJZmpHAla_H7I0n0OGCKcUQZdkZy2KJA1bcChFknzwnBB3LiklKQCr8/s1600/100_1187.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgnL8atTbs5asnw0SteFUqC9DTgNKO2Yd_in5BZ8qkHNnbeQwOlRndAxkjrlYXcypmcg_tctUIrTzSXzmQm3ajVJZmpHAla_H7I0n0OGCKcUQZdkZy2KJA1bcChFknzwnBB3LiklKQCr8/s640/100_1187.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary mount for my Slim Jim 2m/70cm antenna. I hope to get it mounted to the back of the garage when my ham shack is completed.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ngsy1brCB-HnktTi9Szg70jGXvy41A4LHSkEazXMCP9FTH9tB0293PftIhFYXI2_mTHQZRsq7F_ghRvVMnc0dK_GXSnHKCYtNQTDs4yB-NEub-UczixiXoCcFelkcGcZ6kgk4KfI5TY/s1600/1004191311_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Ngsy1brCB-HnktTi9Szg70jGXvy41A4LHSkEazXMCP9FTH9tB0293PftIhFYXI2_mTHQZRsq7F_ghRvVMnc0dK_GXSnHKCYtNQTDs4yB-NEub-UczixiXoCcFelkcGcZ6kgk4KfI5TY/s640/1004191311_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Toilet flange used as antenna wire input to ham shack.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b>Flex</b><br />
Nothing too shattering form the Flex front. I did have a DAX issue that was caused by a Windows update. So I submitted a bug report and within a day Tim had the problem fixed. For some reason some of the DAX drivers got named wrong and Tim just had to rename them.<br />
<br />
I must say Flex service is great. Never had an issue they could not solve.<br />
<br />
<b>Shack Update</b><br />
The shack is finally complete and I have moved in!<br />
<br />
Below are some pictures of the ham shack being built.<br />
<br />
Since the room above the garage was never intended to be used, the contractor needed to add a beam down the middle of the floor because the span was too long for the joist. They also needed two beams across the width of the garage. One over the garage door and one in the back of the garage.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdh7EsCpiwfQBFD1TPi5D_LV2LypnNNPnSXhYU-pL_qTlAc-KaFIU-XID1CVl9-DyfB2lTXbUsj0pPJxlAH22C2YAEpNsSurZZJT2Jtsw_sih9rZqVPG3vzZRxhZeBNgb9LutIwe0ijg/s1600/0709191215a.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOdh7EsCpiwfQBFD1TPi5D_LV2LypnNNPnSXhYU-pL_qTlAc-KaFIU-XID1CVl9-DyfB2lTXbUsj0pPJxlAH22C2YAEpNsSurZZJT2Jtsw_sih9rZqVPG3vzZRxhZeBNgb9LutIwe0ijg/s640/0709191215a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">floor beam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlD6tt7poGzQRFaxxmztcmiNsK3UncWDS-AwrM_tbLz7KpZ2roQdv5kdm8Nva1lw3HWllazte05PdtPU6uVfhiQtL90_FGdUavzCdbp0LFsPXxidhdgphCxKR8pQlAxzMuKXQPz4mYqs/s1600/0709191214_HDR.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZlD6tt7poGzQRFaxxmztcmiNsK3UncWDS-AwrM_tbLz7KpZ2roQdv5kdm8Nva1lw3HWllazte05PdtPU6uVfhiQtL90_FGdUavzCdbp0LFsPXxidhdgphCxKR8pQlAxzMuKXQPz4mYqs/s640/0709191214_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was the Faux door on the front of the garage.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Window to replace the Faux door.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bR47HSsnOPSzVmxZ5QGAec0wEnrf-mr8FfogSk0IWFlOUe0EznkocwMhfaGRln_NARgFvYjMa58h5QAjFblm5YkkFN3eZYOgvckUW5cDA5HsM1gu9q7VfnoPAVrrYDbt4iYC1GawVpY/s1600/0710191408.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bR47HSsnOPSzVmxZ5QGAec0wEnrf-mr8FfogSk0IWFlOUe0EznkocwMhfaGRln_NARgFvYjMa58h5QAjFblm5YkkFN3eZYOgvckUW5cDA5HsM1gu9q7VfnoPAVrrYDbt4iYC1GawVpY/s640/0710191408.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall between shack and storage area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Storage area</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stairs and platform.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCgac9hRIoG7Fc09Sme6BAKbXAccu1-Mk3OdRZbAbKwrKEsRn9Lf-jK2SXUsjk8SjpmjRZ_5EHU7wmVMuECSEBAs7MtGVqszKLPJ3z4XzKvjo6Lp3iNLvrsCLwS5MFrAo5N0Hua4aVbE/s1600/1009191651.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQCgac9hRIoG7Fc09Sme6BAKbXAccu1-Mk3OdRZbAbKwrKEsRn9Lf-jK2SXUsjk8SjpmjRZ_5EHU7wmVMuECSEBAs7MtGVqszKLPJ3z4XzKvjo6Lp3iNLvrsCLwS5MFrAo5N0Hua4aVbE/s640/1009191651.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Open for business</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLXO9e-W0HAkAQ0mvIp_lBun0jXiMaRJQuGtRUvgC6BuSwvwCMht97z4a3jkBdt393sYSmQKgQnSet0iepTc_ptA2NgoPYPpNbOfeNV9hLbrjEjQmbp5APiQsjwDXuuuELR_A8swH-L0/s1600/100_1193.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbLXO9e-W0HAkAQ0mvIp_lBun0jXiMaRJQuGtRUvgC6BuSwvwCMht97z4a3jkBdt393sYSmQKgQnSet0iepTc_ptA2NgoPYPpNbOfeNV9hLbrjEjQmbp5APiQsjwDXuuuELR_A8swH-L0/s640/100_1193.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The new shack!!</td></tr>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyHRxrFhgrMriNc7XTrA8n4q7CCru6hYoSpChUlX27R5KDRmwVQaWNeqY4Wv3sHXm9IF7Yi9fu6EYL8bNu7nw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Of course setting up the shack was not without problems. When I was setting up, I started setting off the smoke/heat detectors in the garage, mostly 40M and 20M. If I reduced power, the problem would go away. My solution was to route the lead in coax from the antenna completely around the back of the storage room and the shack. I also rearranged my layout so the radio is now towards the front of the garage and further away from the smoke/heat detectors. This solved my RFI issues with the smoke detectors and also greatly reduced the RFI into my speakers.</div>
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<b>WES:</b><br />
Here are my WES results. I didn't submit a May or June WES.<br />
<br />
Month count overall QRO<br />
April 42 86 57<br />
July 55 27 17<br />
Aug 29 72 52<br />
Sept 13 172 123<br />
<br />
<b>Brags:</b><br />
Here are my Brag results for April to September. Not getting the 90+ brags that I was trying for every month. Kind of fell of the wagon.<br />
<br />
Month count placed<br />
April 21 42<br />
May 59 26 I was bonus brag this month<br />
June 28 24<br />
July 48 21<br />
Aug 36 16<br />
Sept 36 21<br />
<br />
<br />
That is it for now.<br />
<br />
73 - Dave KB1WODkb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-59352915490066112632019-03-13T15:50:00.001-04:002019-03-13T15:50:34.274-04:00SKCC K3Y event, Antenna problems, Shack update and Who am I?Time for another installment!<br />
<br />
Good news!! I finally made Sx4. It took a real long time to get there. Hopefully Sx5 will be not so hard, especially with all the new members joining. There are already new Senators with numbers in the 17, 18 and 19 hundreds! Truly remarkable. I guess we are getting our name out there and more people are trying CW.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>CW skills:</b><br />
Recently there was a topic on the SKCC <a href="https://groups.io/g/SKCC/topics">groups.io</a> about CW skills. There were several things talked about.<br />
<br />
One was that it appears some operators were using some form of decode software to read CW. I know this for a fact. I actually had one operator tell me that is what he was in fact doing.<br />
<br />
A second comment was that some were using "electronic code generators". I know that the rules allow this if you have some impairment that does not allow you to use a mechanical key. But, I have heard some hams calling a "perfect" CQ but when they start a QSO, the sending is not quite the same quality.<br />
<br />
Of course my road to learning CW was all wrong. I started by memorizing the code and repeating it in my head without really listening to it. Big mistake. I tried to use a decoder, but found they left a lot to be desired. Decoders expect mostly perfect code and perfect conditions. They are more or less designed for contesting.<br />
<br />
I tried listing to the ARRL CW practice files on my computer. That worked OK but just.<br />
<br />
A great book to read is "<a href="http://www.zerobeat.net/tasrt/index.html">The Art and Skill of Radio-Telegraphy</a>" By William G. Pierpont NØHFF (SK). This pointed out all the mistakes I was making, and I was making a lot!!<br />
<br />
Copying in your head is probably the best skill to try and acquire. Recently I have been listening to random words (500 most common) at 18 WPM with characters at 25 WPM. I listen for about 2 mins and try and copy them. I am using the <a href="http://www.justlearnmorsecode.com/">JLMC </a> program by Sigurd Stenersen LB3KB. It is fairly programmable so it works well. I probably get about 20-40% but this has help me a lot in the head copy department.<br />
<br />
<b>K3Y:</b><br />
Well, the <a href="https://skccgroup.com/k3y/k3y.php">K3Y</a> event is over and, unfortunately, I only got 18 of the 19 regions. I missed out on AF. There was only one station on from Africa and that was John <span style="background-color: #f0f7f7; color: #000066; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px; text-align: center;">ZS6JBJ. </span><br />
<br />
John did a great job, but conditions were not great here in MA for an AF contact. Only a couple of times did I hear him at 329 but most of the time there was nothing heard at all. Plus the pile ups were bad. John only had 101 total contacts, which was the least of all areas. South Africa is a tough place to get.<br />
<br />
It seems John tried to be on at least twice a day everyday. He was mostly on 40 and 20 meters. Oh well, maybe next year.<br />
<br />
John ZS6JBJ Thanks for being a K3Y operator. I really appreciate your dedication!<br />
<br />
There was a remarkable number of QSOs, over 32,000! By the way, the free map web app exceeded the usage limit. so you can't see the K3Y operators location.<br />
<br />
<b>Antenna</b>:<br />
Well my antenna broke three times. It turns out that where the wire goes into the trap is a weak point.<br />
If you look at the first picture, you will see that the antenna wire goes into the first hole, loops around, comes out the second hole and then is wound around the form and then repeats the threading on the opposite end.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlgt4erA6Ul6dz3-zqFydFWTSf_v7uEXzj8Y4IjL0fT8F55pEj79JRe5p1ZXMWvW86Zffo9n-gqsD-w1o2nZHKmUp64tylKOtixTcA_9nxBihfV7sdKvDucSOFc6uD1Ulaidb7zlqt1E/s1600/1123181319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHlgt4erA6Ul6dz3-zqFydFWTSf_v7uEXzj8Y4IjL0fT8F55pEj79JRe5p1ZXMWvW86Zffo9n-gqsD-w1o2nZHKmUp64tylKOtixTcA_9nxBihfV7sdKvDucSOFc6uD1Ulaidb7zlqt1E/s640/1123181319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Looking at the second photo, you can see the wire has broken right at the hole. (ignore the spider nest hihi). What I did to try and fix it, was to move the trap up about an inch and try and splice the wire together.<br />
<br />
Well that worked OK for a couple of weeks, and then it broke again where I had spliced the wire. So for the second repair, I tied the wire together with a square knot and soldered the ends together.<br />
<br />
Well that only lasted a little while before it broke again. Finally I tied a square knot again and just twisted the ends of the wire together and put a bunch of electrical tape around it.<br />
<br />
Turns out wind is a big problem for me here in Georgetown. We were getting 50-60 MPH winds here. No wonder my antenna broke!<br />
<br />
I have finally used some bungee cords to help with the wind problem. That seems to have work for now.<br />
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Now that the weather is getting better, I think I will try and put up my OCF Windom. Hopefully that will stay up better.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Added Bungee cords. One at the transformer end and one about 20 feet along the wire looped around the porch railing. This helps with strain relief for the antenna.</td></tr>
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<b>WES:</b><br />
Here are my results for the last 4 WES events. As you can see, I have been slacking as of late.<br />
<br />
Dec 80 QSOs 39 overall 24 QRO (good for 10th place all time for area 1/MA)<br />
<br />
Jan 52 QSOs 40 overall 22 QRO<br />
<br />
Feb did not post results only made 13 contacts. I should have posted anyways just to get the number of participants up a little.<br />
<br />
Mar 43 QSOs 84 overall 56 QRO<br />
<br />
I don't know if this is new or not, but on the WES page, there are some statistics that are quite interesting. It gives results of top 10 scores for all areas and states at this link: <a href="https://skccgroup.com/operating_activities/weekend_sprintathon/wes-stats.php#US">Weekend Sprintathon Participation Statistic</a> . Interestingly I have 10th place for MA and I have 7 out of 10 top 10 for VT. Of course VT doesn't have a lot of members, 74, (0.37% of total members) and not many participate in the WES. Also most of my WES events were done in VT.<br />
<br />
<b>Brags:</b><br />
<b>Month QSOs place</b><br />
Nov 81 19th<br />
Dec 97 16th<br />
Jan 105 37th (K3Ys counted as brags)<br />
Feb 39 25th<br />
<br />
<b>Progress on new shack:</b><br />
Oh I wish! Well I did get a structural engineer to design the changes that need to be done to the floor above the garage. Now I am waiting for my builder to come over and pick up the drawings so he can start the project. and waiting and waiting....<br />
<br />
<b>Who am I? (Ancestry DNA:)</b><br />
Off topic but interesting. As a Christmas present this year, I got an ancestryDNA kit. So I sent it in and didn't get any real surprises.<br />
<br />
I am basically English (73%), Irish, Scottish (22%) and about 5% Germanic.<br />
<br />
<b>Flex:</b><br />
Flex radio has released V3 of their 6000 software. Again it will cost you $200 to upgrade. I am still running the latest version 1. V3 doesn't have anything I need. My 6300 has locked up a couple of times but not enough to make me go crazy and spend $200.<br />
<br />
All for now - 73 Dave KB1WOD<br />
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<br />kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-31284379926749179692018-11-17T16:34:00.000-05:002018-11-17T16:34:08.677-05:00Oct 2018 Near-Fest, K3Y QSL card, QRP, Log book woes AGAIN! and much more of course<b>Near-Fest:</b><br />
<br />
This October was not a good one for Near-Fest. It was wet and cold. Not too many vendors or flea market guys showed up. So it was very sparse this year.<br />
<br />
However, I did run into <a href="https://www.qrz.com/db/N1STN">Mike N1STN</a> who had some interesting antenna launchers for sale.<br />
We have all seen this type of antenna launcher before; however, this one is a little different. It has an extension piece on the valve to make it easier to fire the launcher. It is also built with much better PVC material. Mike says he routinely puts 100 psi of pressure into the launcher.<br />
<br />
He only makes a few and sells them only at Ham flea markets. He also makes one with an electric valve trigger, but those were sold out.<br />
<br />
They are completely assembled and very well constructed. I want to say they were $120 but I can't remember now.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD64WSxfq6TCYiqOTckt9cGpQFobXsSCl9gcQUxSTMmwnuqjPW3MMPiB6a49v7hzM4J1TrYQfkCwwwvLaQV0W5XkczZZVLL1FHW5VpuYajFq6hCT0kZ_QwukADSH64HKRyQuYps4TgFM/s1600/1013181005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidD64WSxfq6TCYiqOTckt9cGpQFobXsSCl9gcQUxSTMmwnuqjPW3MMPiB6a49v7hzM4J1TrYQfkCwwwvLaQV0W5XkczZZVLL1FHW5VpuYajFq6hCT0kZ_QwukADSH64HKRyQuYps4TgFM/s640/1013181005.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Antenna launcher</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXY3F3tq52BZr1MXokewGRVhsgCBfY2YrZYNU8SRqktI6daVSDgivAKtENbLDkKAM-QoJJxW6iVB17pYxOBFCDdlLsAVC209iMUxRRHykHZ8K_ooGFbU4q2B4oIRtrHqng1ABeyAQvN4/s1600/1013181006_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIXY3F3tq52BZr1MXokewGRVhsgCBfY2YrZYNU8SRqktI6daVSDgivAKtENbLDkKAM-QoJJxW6iVB17pYxOBFCDdlLsAVC209iMUxRRHykHZ8K_ooGFbU4q2B4oIRtrHqng1ABeyAQvN4/s640/1013181006_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Close up view. Notice the projectiles are small orange colored PVC types.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny6U_VwwDWWIARDUDFOH4nTpzWbMClJ76Xuwz2yU1KLFd4C-lpABISf0UAl4_ueEtcxKEoXhU6XFCxrTMYK7RaMCXRxp8oNfHRu8QMP5TnopVZZ_tDhxmNoY8pPcQ_QCJJw752xP9XFY/s1600/20180222_084337-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="595" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiny6U_VwwDWWIARDUDFOH4nTpzWbMClJ76Xuwz2yU1KLFd4C-lpABISf0UAl4_ueEtcxKEoXhU6XFCxrTMYK7RaMCXRxp8oNfHRu8QMP5TnopVZZ_tDhxmNoY8pPcQ_QCJJw752xP9XFY/s320/20180222_084337-1.jpg" width="119" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air cannon with an electric valve. Mike was kind enough to send me this picture. Thanks Mike!</td></tr>
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Of course the main reason I go to Near-Fest is for the home made desserts! This year it was Dutch apple pie. Very good!!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrVhlIMyCrArNYaCNu0fgsydyyeaw6pXEFEgxLdY1SIr3C_mwa-a_ostGBhT2rk88MFc8EED63zSrved2Of7A3YlAJ97Bw0WxRVc-tL48-lMSmd9LBRt29H8p-7pUJqblzDSiCwhVnwM/s1600/1013181053_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrVhlIMyCrArNYaCNu0fgsydyyeaw6pXEFEgxLdY1SIr3C_mwa-a_ostGBhT2rk88MFc8EED63zSrved2Of7A3YlAJ97Bw0WxRVc-tL48-lMSmd9LBRt29H8p-7pUJqblzDSiCwhVnwM/s640/1013181053_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The local church group runs this food concession where they serve the pie.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJetzbCK5y9aj6TRUi8JCVav2YAg-fJ3xF7Ve6aMHWCZANHyp1TG1Ox7IDlgSKixtf2i9uL71FF5SIgRhupDlML88-yfLp-qxt9ulHRMxivMBzp9IEf8xcxunFZYI17o9AecLpCtjVok/s1600/1013181021.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnJetzbCK5y9aj6TRUi8JCVav2YAg-fJ3xF7Ve6aMHWCZANHyp1TG1Ox7IDlgSKixtf2i9uL71FF5SIgRhupDlML88-yfLp-qxt9ulHRMxivMBzp9IEf8xcxunFZYI17o9AecLpCtjVok/s640/1013181021.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pie special this year: Dutch Apple Pie Ala mode! Yummy!!</td></tr>
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Ran into this interesting looking trailer. Reminded me of the NestEgg trailers. It turns out this was a prototype trailer someone had built. The person had a complete Ham station inside.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZqU4wuPuNiyp_DwGwR2FPofhbFxxQPZTvlxwS1dRx9r2xYcXyCixHNIHkdS476XHE2V7axKdRkDNuqWFNHa5i7nAruXNP2CsLoT6RU7ph72SgnwzOvDfGbxOEwhd2cOsl1FQVsUO5z4/s1600/1013181133_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnZqU4wuPuNiyp_DwGwR2FPofhbFxxQPZTvlxwS1dRx9r2xYcXyCixHNIHkdS476XHE2V7axKdRkDNuqWFNHa5i7nAruXNP2CsLoT6RU7ph72SgnwzOvDfGbxOEwhd2cOsl1FQVsUO5z4/s640/1013181133_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is a home made "Egg"</td></tr>
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Of course no visit to Near-Fest would be complete without stopping by the Nut Net table with Brian WO1VES and Harry WA1VVH. The Nut Net is an informal net that starts every night at 11:00 P.M. on the <a href="http://www.nsradio.org/Pages/info2.htm">NSRA</a> Danvers MA repeater and is open to everyone. Brian was telling me that there are not a lot of check ins, but he says there are a lot of listeners. He says a lot of people tell him how much they like listening to the Nut Net.</div>
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I must admit it is quite informative as well as entertaining.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhFfuJdjLrSTYWJw8yuOU3bYhp8tibNAYFU1ZJ1o4Y_LSeIWAXN_Flk7DwHvNdNyP-HAZqcJp9u25-PrOyDnCcV8tmIzihtr4a8W8SM0JdzWNNMvQvN2MsacIUxWO7A7k4g3hgMSTmV8/s1600/1013181037_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVhFfuJdjLrSTYWJw8yuOU3bYhp8tibNAYFU1ZJ1o4Y_LSeIWAXN_Flk7DwHvNdNyP-HAZqcJp9u25-PrOyDnCcV8tmIzihtr4a8W8SM0JdzWNNMvQvN2MsacIUxWO7A7k4g3hgMSTmV8/s640/1013181037_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nut Net guys Harry and Brian.</td></tr>
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<b>K3Y QSL card:</b><br />
Well, here is my 2018 K3Y QSL card. This one was special because I got the grand sweep. Other years I would only get 18 of 19. One year it was Asia and one year it was South America.<br />
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Notice that I had gotten them all by the 9th. I wasn't taking any chances this year!!<br />
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The reason I got it so late is because I was moving and didn't want to worry about having it sent to the wrong address. Especially since I was not sure where I would be for awhile.<br />
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Thanks to Drew AF2Z and Jeremy <span style="background-color: #f0f7f7; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">KD8VSQ for getting this QSL card to me!</span><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvh2dD1Uw5ZcA7mQOikshFzMdbRTLr4jjJ-2lG8dKrupXycLtggOAsDjZ_ap3zVdRiel1GIO9W7B3a7nR1JPFddP-JrzMtquD2wdqnZ2F5wKq-qo8E03ltQPaxojp1EdqhZjkT3PhyphenhyphenR0/s1600/1113181747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1600" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimvh2dD1Uw5ZcA7mQOikshFzMdbRTLr4jjJ-2lG8dKrupXycLtggOAsDjZ_ap3zVdRiel1GIO9W7B3a7nR1JPFddP-JrzMtquD2wdqnZ2F5wKq-qo8E03ltQPaxojp1EdqhZjkT3PhyphenhyphenR0/s640/1113181747.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K3Y QSL front</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRevCzqY1ds2EPz14NA8R_xWOZGIpXDgtGIvDZJPpN_sgI9pN1U8SB6xJhEAqXwjQVUeXOIjkR50tfx64gA402whHJPEe4kTdHz5ZkjEJLQMCMWC3NR7pRHe9jc7F5R18jh9hQ0lfrOY/s1600/1113181747b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1033" data-original-width="1600" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrRevCzqY1ds2EPz14NA8R_xWOZGIpXDgtGIvDZJPpN_sgI9pN1U8SB6xJhEAqXwjQVUeXOIjkR50tfx64gA402whHJPEe4kTdHz5ZkjEJLQMCMWC3NR7pRHe9jc7F5R18jh9hQ0lfrOY/s640/1113181747b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K3Y QSL back</td></tr>
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<b>QRP:</b><br />
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Moving along, got 60 (need 150) 2xQRP points so far. One note: I have had a couple of sked page QSOs where the other operator was QRP, but did not indicate that they were until they sent their power. It would be helpful if you request a SKCC qso and you are QRP, to please let me know that ahead of time. It will save me some time. Or I could just ask HIHI.<br />
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<b>Log book woes:</b><br />
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Well, I did it again. I forgot to correct the clock in the K2FRP SprintLogger. All 59 of my QSOs were off by one hour. It took me half the day to correct the log and correct eQSL.cc and LoTW.<br />
Maybe I should stop using it.<br />
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Windows bit me with an update. I have been able to just ignore the recovery feature for the SKCCLogger, but this time.. NOPE!!. When I opened the logger, I noticed that none of my QSOs since WES were there. Fortunately, I was able to recover them after an initial moment of panic.<br />
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<b>SKCC:</b><br />
I am working towards Sx4. It is taking me a long time to get there. The main reason has been the two moves I have had in 4 months. My antenna isn't as good as what I had in VT plus I was off the air for 2 months. I am down to needing 60 more "T"s.<br />
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<b>WES:</b><br />
October WES I had 77 QSO and was 36th overall and 20th in QRO. Bonus was to spell words from calls. I missed one word. I needed one more "P".<br />
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November WES was not so good. Ended up with only 59 QSOs and was way down in the standings. I was 69th overall and 51st in QRO, not my best effort.<br />
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<b>Brag:</b><br />
Did not get my 3 per day this month. I ended up with 73 brags which was good enough for 17th place.<br />
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<b>Rag Chew:</b><br />
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BTW I got a mention in the June issue of the Rag Chew news letter in the Brag section. Also my article "The SKCC for the Intellectually Challenged " is in the March issue. If you haven't read the Rag Chew, you should. Not just because of me... there are a lot of good things in there.<br />
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Here is a link to all issues <a href="https://skccgroup.com/member_services/newsletter/">The Rag Chew</a><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f0f7f7; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Ted, K8AQM is the editor and is always looking for material for the news letter, so if you have something, let him know. Thanks Ted for your efforts!!</span><br />
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<b>QSOs:</b><br />
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I have had 309 QSOs since my last Oct 3rd. All were CW.<br />
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<br />kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-69755490047973917382018-10-03T13:46:00.000-04:002018-10-03T13:46:35.897-04:00GFCIs replaced, New SKCC cootie key, New power supply<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>GFCI:</b><br />
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So a few post ago, I was complaining about the GFCIs my electrician installed. So I bought some Leviton GFCIs and had my electrician replace the ones he installed. Big difference, they work great. The ones that were replaced were from General Protecht. Which are made in China. Lesson learned: "Use the good stuff or you will regret it". By the way, thanks for all the advice I got from the group on this. It really helped<br />
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<b>SKCC cootie:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.lnrprecision.com/store/Keys-c31279921">LNR Precision INC.</a> is selling sideswiper keys with the SKCC logo on the base. So I bought one, of course. It was less the $100.00 and arrived about a week ago. I have been using it for awhile and like the feel. It has about a 2 1/2 pound base so it is very stable. They sold out quickly but will do another run of 100 I think.<br />
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Thanks Randy <a href="http://www.kb4qqj.com/">KB4QQJ</a> for this cool cootie!! Please visit his QRZ.COM page.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmylhbt8DFSAvnt1maBcwEu3Oa7CjE6yo6R_wxgDhQIamyFv58fmp_Xx6VucAINvnZM6f2AWI9eRmdFhm9V07XhSHr8_28c-QDRIIwuZ7J2pA9SB4SrIxl5bm1iaRi4Vsrrt3QhqhF9Y/s1600/1001180925.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEmylhbt8DFSAvnt1maBcwEu3Oa7CjE6yo6R_wxgDhQIamyFv58fmp_Xx6VucAINvnZM6f2AWI9eRmdFhm9V07XhSHr8_28c-QDRIIwuZ7J2pA9SB4SrIxl5bm1iaRi4Vsrrt3QhqhF9Y/s640/1001180925.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new SKCC cootie key</td></tr>
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Here is a little video of my SKCC sideswiper in action.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwGeB5ZAdvg9VhFNDUp8CLvWXdd1MEiWiCFp3Ds_7Puxvm2WuDVsYngY5Q3iQpeWlC25Kq1KRdHYgO9IsfmrA' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<b>Power supply:</b><br />
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I have been using a TekPower power supply model number TP30SWV for a couple of years now. I had a lot of "odd" noise artifacts on my Flex 6300, which I wasn't sure it was from the power supply or not. So I decided to buy a new supply. I bought an <a href="https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/alo-dm-30t">Alinco DM-30T</a> from DX Engineering. Boy what a difference. No more funny wandering noise issue. I should have gotten one of these in the first place. Again "Use the the good stuff or you will regret it". I am think about using the TekPower supply to power my 2 meter rig to see if it cause any issue with it. I am going to say no, because the 2 meter rig is FM so it should be immune to AM noise.<br />
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<b>WES:</b><br />
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<span style="background-color: #f0f7f7;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For the September WES I was not able to put in a full day on Saturday, but was able to do so on Sunday. This months theme was Cootie Operators. This is a picture of my "Cootie". I been using it exclusively for about a year now and really enjoy it. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f0f7f7;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was 22nd overall out of 227 and 15th out of 166 in the QRO group. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f0f7f7;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLTZ01B9kalfWG1YqYuo_63lNWLLi99xOfk5TzM2qQrdEW7BVpg5H3J1-rO3BxVGGRauVRZz3o5Sv01yvlICKw25qfZGq7yaw8ZywEl9rKXrJpsu-j856FvzQzANPa0rQRs3IWNxCI48/s1600/0809180955.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKLTZ01B9kalfWG1YqYuo_63lNWLLi99xOfk5TzM2qQrdEW7BVpg5H3J1-rO3BxVGGRauVRZz3o5Sv01yvlICKw25qfZGq7yaw8ZywEl9rKXrJpsu-j856FvzQzANPa0rQRs3IWNxCI48/s640/0809180955.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: #f0f7f7;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<b>Brags:</b><br />
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Got 71 brags this month. Fell short of my 3 a day goal. I am at 11th place right now but window on brags doesn't close until the 15th of the month.<br />
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<b>QRP:</b><br />
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Still working on this. I have 32 points so far for the 2xQRP award. I need 150.<br />
For 1xQRP I have 52 points. I need 300.<br />
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<b>QSO:</b><br />
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Made 147 CW QSOs in September. Also 7 FT8 contacts just for fun.<br />
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kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-78604025420215594892018-09-17T13:02:00.000-04:002018-09-17T13:02:04.841-04:00Nostalgia, Antenna repair, QRP at the worst of times and etc.<b>Nostalgia:</b><br />
Back in 2012, or there about, I tried to look up my old call sign (WB1AHE) on the F.C.C. U.L.S. site with no results. I could not remember when exactly I had gotten my first Ham license and wanted to see if it was in their data base. Alas, No.<br />
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The other day, I decided to google my old call signed and got a pleasant surprise. There is a web site called <a href="https://archive.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">archive.org</span></a> .that has a ton of free material on line. It actually had the Radio Amateur Callbook on line and searchable!! Visit the site. I think you will find it interesting. Oh, bye the way, I did find my call sign in the 1977-78 Radio Amateur Callbook.<br />
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As you know, I just moved into my new/last QTH. As I was unpacking, I noticed a book marker in a 1976 ARRL Handbook. When I opened to the bookmark, I saw the article for the QRP transmatch that I had built for my HW-8. I had forgotten all about it. It even had some of my hand written scribbles for a switch I had added for a 50 ohm resistor load used to tune the final of the HW-8! Also I found the section for the first dipole antenna I built. It was a folded dipole (bazooka) antenna cut for 15 meters.<br />
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It actually worked quit well. Conditions must have been good back then because I made a lot of contacts to TX, MS and LA with it.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UWsTjws8SOVneiLpiH4ePXGf1qMxUi_snhyphenhyphen3LBLgiVK_BLYZ0HJpSShplLCMa5fLBNC29QIAZWEX9Ia8eD2IooYYJMQWuk6LW1etTaoq8MaQEpF9pTNAgWW9JikL7NLjF3m7Zl8g7B4/s1600/0903181407.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8UWsTjws8SOVneiLpiH4ePXGf1qMxUi_snhyphenhyphen3LBLgiVK_BLYZ0HJpSShplLCMa5fLBNC29QIAZWEX9Ia8eD2IooYYJMQWuk6LW1etTaoq8MaQEpF9pTNAgWW9JikL7NLjF3m7Zl8g7B4/s640/0903181407.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My first home made dipole. A 15 meter "Bazooka"</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XS7jB4xG8K_KdLLQwYy1u_N-Ns3NovDjKuVzOnGmJVa31fes7bR0sIX5GeKLNBbjhGTPE1-uG2U86r94CQeww8dkdk-N5aNHywzu2PzZbRcyoO5VOrlggCyAHJbSI25p058DckMURSg/s1600/0903181406+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="833" data-original-width="1600" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8XS7jB4xG8K_KdLLQwYy1u_N-Ns3NovDjKuVzOnGmJVa31fes7bR0sIX5GeKLNBbjhGTPE1-uG2U86r94CQeww8dkdk-N5aNHywzu2PzZbRcyoO5VOrlggCyAHJbSI25p058DckMURSg/s640/0903181406+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The QRP transmatch I build for my HW-8 random wire antenna</td></tr>
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<b>Antenna:</b></div>
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When I moved from VT at the begin of March 2018, I had to take down my outside antenna. There was still a foot of snow on the ground. One end came down without a problem, but the other end; was not coming down. The rope I used to tie that end had wrapped itself around a branch. I could not budge it. I finally was able to break the wire at the crimp. Of course, I wound up flat on my back in the snow. Was pretty funny, but it was down. So now I need to repair it.<br />
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I got all the pieces to repair my Carolina Windom™ antenna. Up until now, I have been calling this a OCF dipole, which turns out to not be exactly correct. I think when you add the vertical radiator, it becomes a Carolina Windom™. But since that is a trade mark name, W8AMZ (SK) could not use it. Therefore, it is called an OCF dipole / Windom. If you are interested, there is a good explanation here of the <a href="http://www.radioworks.com/Trademark.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Carolina Windom</span></a> by <span style="text-align: center;">Jim Thompson, W4THU.</span></div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">The dimensions for the W8AMZ are slightly different then the </span> Carolina Windom™. The short side is 44' for the W8AMZ and 50' for the Carolina Windom™. Overall length is about the same, only where the off center is placed is different.<br />
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So repairs are complete. Just waiting for the leaves to drop.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmi-DnpngYQeRh_rgaUed3svLYN4Y7tz9lkSc72BKcCYiLBqNin6mmBy4En4izkkd2cM_QDlAH7i79uhRIM_syT8Ak5yHXEgMq6jVC_qrzXSV2wB5ra3DGl6zvkYyEJ87bHmTWEEgR7Y/s1600/0904181012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBmi-DnpngYQeRh_rgaUed3svLYN4Y7tz9lkSc72BKcCYiLBqNin6mmBy4En4izkkd2cM_QDlAH7i79uhRIM_syT8Ak5yHXEgMq6jVC_qrzXSV2wB5ra3DGl6zvkYyEJ87bHmTWEEgR7Y/s640/0904181012.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My W8AMZ OCF dipole/ Windom missing the short leg</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish-yLDVjcxcSJpgScYsXDqc9cyjb2lEX3WznEa_tPc5FCFOzhiwE1cri19Glb6_8BH6P6kgXUZ6yjL3GQA9F1lpls1IXlvE0eGZJzeSKAQtMC0zorXKvgPct_h0Mz9KJ0fpGcNis6MiU/s1600/0906181323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEish-yLDVjcxcSJpgScYsXDqc9cyjb2lEX3WznEa_tPc5FCFOzhiwE1cri19Glb6_8BH6P6kgXUZ6yjL3GQA9F1lpls1IXlvE0eGZJzeSKAQtMC0zorXKvgPct_h0Mz9KJ0fpGcNis6MiU/s640/0906181323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Step: solder new wire to the end of the old wire and do the strain relief.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d2DZP1DjExylmQQKnaZzl5Lt0WPpLFxWczTlXgpkcvXRtnWdWIORZXnwXa40XeByXhz1vKsntzYYji9PCRuVCxB-VwPGObbUw4cR_dlOZ3RJL9-6etEhJxIBoama4if-b3l5gtUraEg/s1600/0916181550.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-d2DZP1DjExylmQQKnaZzl5Lt0WPpLFxWczTlXgpkcvXRtnWdWIORZXnwXa40XeByXhz1vKsntzYYji9PCRuVCxB-VwPGObbUw4cR_dlOZ3RJL9-6etEhJxIBoama4if-b3l5gtUraEg/s640/0916181550.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second step: measure out 44' and add isolator to the end</td></tr>
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<b>WES:</b></div>
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I had a great time with the September WES this month. I was not able to work most of Saturday, but was able to work almost all of Sunday. I finished with 72 QSOs and 870 bonus points.<br />
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I was 22nd overall and 15th in the QRO 100 W or less group. I will take it.<br />
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This month's theme was Cootie/sideswiper operators, of which, I am one. So for every cootie contact I made I got double points.<br />
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<b>Brag:</b><br />
Had a good August brag count. 106 plus the bonus station, Steve VK7CW. September will probable not be as good.<br />
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<b>QRP:</b><br />
I have decided to try for thr 1xQRP and 2xQRP awards. Since conditions at very poor and will only get worst in the next year or so, I figured it would be a good challenge. Lets face it, anyone can work QRP when the conditions are good HIHI.<br />
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kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-52831885630132309362018-08-28T14:48:00.001-04:002018-08-28T15:41:24.864-04:00Final Destination.. No, not the movie!<b>Final destination:</b><br />
Well, been at my final QTH for 9 weeks now. It did not take me as long to get my station on the air as the last time. Got it up and running on Sunday, July 15th. Three weeks instead of 2 months this time. It help I had all my stuff this time.<br />
<br />
Things are not going as smoothly as I would have hope. Buying a house is not much different them buying a used car. "Buyer beware". It doesn't matter how well you inspect a house, you can't see everything that may cause a problem. Like a new roof!<br />
<br />
We have had a lot of plumbing and some electrical work done. Plan to have more electrical work done soon. The garage has a descent space over it, but quite a bit of work needs to done before it is usable.<br />
<br />
I am having problems with the new GFCIs the electrician installed in the bathroom next to my radio room and in the kitchen. My radio seems to trip them with ease when I put out 100 W. 30 M is so bad I can only put out 10 Watts!!! 40 and 20 I can run about 50 Watts.<br />
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The other drawback is the altitude here. I am only 79 feet above sea level, where Randolph, VT was almost 700 feet. I don't get out quite as good here.<br />
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<b>SKCC:</b><br />
For July I got 60 brags plus the bonus brag for K5MP. Was not able to operate the first two weeks of July due to move, but did respectable. For August, I am in the mid 90's right noe. A few more days left for brags.<br />
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<b>WES:</b><br />
Was able to participate in the August WES. Made 100 QSOs. Did a lot more CQing this time. So far I am in 13th overall out of 213 and 6th in my category out of 98.<br />
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I really miss it when I can't do the WES.<br />
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<b>SKCC Awards:</b><br />
Got several SKCC awards lately.<br />
15M Cx1<br />
20M WAS, WAS-C, Cx6, Px6 and Tx9<br />
30M Px2<br />
40M Sx2, Px6, Cx7 and Tx10<br />
80M Sx1<br />
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Thank goodness for the <a href="https://skccgroup.com/member_services/files_and_downloads/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">SKCCLogger</span></a>. I would have never figured this out with just a spreadsheet<br />
Thanks Ron AC2C!!!<br />
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<b>Flex:</b><br />
Been working like a charm, mostly. I had a couple of lockups recently, but not often enough to worry. There have not been any updates the 1.X version of the software, only the 2.X version. I have been happily running version 1.11.12. Since I have the "cheap" radio, I don't see the need to pay the $200 for the upgrade. I have had no issues with Windows updates messing up the DAX or CAT interfaces.<br />
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<b>Antennas:</b><br />
I have got most of the parts to repair my 80-6M OCF dipole. I will wait until the leaves are off the trees to get it back up. Also want to get my 160 Slopper up then.<br />
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I was toying with the idea of a 160-6M OCF dipole. But it turns out, If I make the long end of the 80-6m OCF the short end of the 160-6m OCF, and add the required length to short end the long end of a 160-6M OCF, It would be the same. Only thing I don't know is how long the vertical radiator has to be.<br />
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<b>New Shack:</b><br />
Below are some pictures of my shack. It is not fully up. I still need to put up my Slim Jim antenna for my 2m rig.<br />
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Bad news: My 2M rig causes the GFCI's to trip. I guess I will have to wait until they are changed.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr61hvlG7qsEmWBzPi8a17i5Q7Rl0hxjSXC4C0QOk-FsUHYqsrz4zM2RZ5fHtXqihrZo2ZTg1otj3miEMebnkYiYOcnUqnE1VTtek7bo7-g_IIzf61YADuzBX19uNyDR4A8FMHG4InLLA/s1600/0805181846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr61hvlG7qsEmWBzPi8a17i5Q7Rl0hxjSXC4C0QOk-FsUHYqsrz4zM2RZ5fHtXqihrZo2ZTg1otj3miEMebnkYiYOcnUqnE1VTtek7bo7-g_IIzf61YADuzBX19uNyDR4A8FMHG4InLLA/s640/0805181846.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New Shack!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CkzNWwjIOLcJpGGNdYGzOVr8m6sI9scLX4uKs8DF2VASgkPc-niKwaShuVTVog1ovuEn-pvIU6lFzm5S5ALqoLkWI1b180y8Nkqjga4ufsvE6aeaYv3jiXDCiTYVRmBje9385E147x0/s1600/0715181334_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3CkzNWwjIOLcJpGGNdYGzOVr8m6sI9scLX4uKs8DF2VASgkPc-niKwaShuVTVog1ovuEn-pvIU6lFzm5S5ALqoLkWI1b180y8Nkqjga4ufsvE6aeaYv3jiXDCiTYVRmBje9385E147x0/s640/0715181334_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EFHW 80-10m up in the trees about 50'</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iKyhmHwZrPqOfg3_ExTM9QHK-9OiRY4dUUMktiwYbmsTN9NO61EfFU1JaBdjosDCJMY75ZfYX8DzrH0LPETkgbcgGhScEp7v47IPrm24LNN-pZHYhHuXrcY1zEJnhfTwdvV6mSfP8No/s1600/0715181334a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1iKyhmHwZrPqOfg3_ExTM9QHK-9OiRY4dUUMktiwYbmsTN9NO61EfFU1JaBdjosDCJMY75ZfYX8DzrH0LPETkgbcgGhScEp7v47IPrm24LNN-pZHYhHuXrcY1zEJnhfTwdvV6mSfP8No/s640/0715181334a_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One end tied to deck post close to the house</td></tr>
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First try at a video</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwZHMHXPHvsP2OJkyN5JzCDzOSkVWn-SYe8TAJ-PPWmQW5zEOjf2pWKoH6QDotKdWqKi1HNuHQDlQzeCsW0Xw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<br />kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-62406327333683696572018-06-18T15:54:00.003-04:002018-06-18T15:54:53.219-04:00Big changes.. some good... others...not so much. WES, K3Y and Brags<b>Big Changes</b><br />
Well the biggest change is that we sold our house in VT and have moved back to MA. Right now, we are renting a house in Rockport. Actually not a bad place to be in the Spring. Weather is nice, cool but not cold and the tourists haven't shown up yet so the traffic is still OK.<br />
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Also nice to get back to some decent fish in the restaurants. You just can't get good fish in VT, sorry.<br />
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The worst part was being off the air for almost 2 months. That was not fun.<br />
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We found a house in Georgetown and will be moving at the end of June.<br />
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I don't mind telling you the last six months have been the worst of my life. I will never do this again!<br />
I don't miss VT much but I do miss my house. We had it build for us and it was just what we wanted. But, best laid plans as they say.<br />
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<b>Temporary Station</b><br />
The below pictures are of the temporary station. Since I didn't want to impact the property, I bought an EFHW 80-10 meter antenna and hung it over a tree in the back yard and tied it off to the porch on the back of the house and to a tree out in the woods. It's direction is NW to SE. I didn't intend it that way, it just happened.<br />
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I had a 20 foot piece of COAX and used that to connect the radio and antenna. Unfortunately, it was not long enough to bring in through the window, so I have to leave the radio on the porch. A little bit of a nuisance since I can't leave it out there.<br />
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The antenna works quite well. It tunes 80 - 10 meters fine except for 30 meters. I only get a 2:1 SWR on 30.<br />
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Wires come in through the window and I use foam strips to form a seal.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI82z6qdGSzNJMUFRtM6M24QGuEaKmawc-_-YUIuPvhgvi1uRPEaX7QO_3JWnmYMOZ-AYsDynU1eAeLlPMTnnUB5VOLivO7q5AXkVXYAh7_o4vWgu02zqYgKAyX-gHsxbaCJKhBm958_M/s1600/0422181423_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI82z6qdGSzNJMUFRtM6M24QGuEaKmawc-_-YUIuPvhgvi1uRPEaX7QO_3JWnmYMOZ-AYsDynU1eAeLlPMTnnUB5VOLivO7q5AXkVXYAh7_o4vWgu02zqYgKAyX-gHsxbaCJKhBm958_M/s640/0422181423_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Temporary EFHW 80-10 tied to the porch railing.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ISHDfkviVg2uKdfc35498uvrd0gj9i8H60Gk0KVoPot4rfLOBH3VsVDydqeeoFOn8chJfuX8g3eiJxIctN3xjtLBmpBIJprlGPUW3oWeS_RvryQ2jgr1Mf9NFIj8V4WeB79i2nluh1w/s1600/0422181423a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8ISHDfkviVg2uKdfc35498uvrd0gj9i8H60Gk0KVoPot4rfLOBH3VsVDydqeeoFOn8chJfuX8g3eiJxIctN3xjtLBmpBIJprlGPUW3oWeS_RvryQ2jgr1Mf9NFIj8V4WeB79i2nluh1w/s640/0422181423a_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">EFHW up over the tree, about 50 feet up.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Using an old laptop as my computer for the Flex-6300.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYOAWyGKQ1dsG6pzDXvrIyNYeHH1OArk4E6ieK4o9KvwFkLgLZ0ggrYzB0LyRevXLEuNrPPhV-Sg58Ot2AOnSR1ltrTmF9xEFgpGI7zPBtGJhmN8Rvqd-RIvGAYnfG6NGHk52m-rhZfw/s1600/0427181225a_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibYOAWyGKQ1dsG6pzDXvrIyNYeHH1OArk4E6ieK4o9KvwFkLgLZ0ggrYzB0LyRevXLEuNrPPhV-Sg58Ot2AOnSR1ltrTmF9xEFgpGI7zPBtGJhmN8Rvqd-RIvGAYnfG6NGHk52m-rhZfw/s640/0427181225a_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Radio sits outside. My feed line was not long enough to put the radio indoors.</td></tr>
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<b>WES</b></div>
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I was able to do the January February and June WES.</div>
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Month QSO Overall QRO</div>
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Jan 50 33 25</div>
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Feb 92 15 7</div>
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June 33 60 47</div>
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<b>K3Y</b></div>
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As you may know K3Y is a month long SKCC anniversary event. The goals is to contact as many K3Y operators on as many bands and areas as possible. </div>
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This is not a contest, so WARC bands are permitted. I did good this year I got a total of 67 out of a 143 slots. and got the grand sweep. Worked all zones 0-9 plus KH6, KL7, KP4, EU, AF, OC, SA, NA and AS. 19 in all. I also worked 90+ different operators out of 195. I also operated as K3Y/1 and made 16 contacts. I am happy with my results.</div>
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<b>Brags</b></div>
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For January I had 124 brags (K3Y counted as brags), 38 in February, 19 in April and 81 in May.</div>
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So far for June I have 52 brags.</div>
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All for now. Thanks for stopping by!</div>
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73 Dave KB1WOD</div>
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kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-72744102767079837452018-02-20T19:21:00.005-05:002021-11-28T11:19:53.202-05:00The SKCC for the Intellectually Challenged<br />
<br />
<div align="CENTER" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 20pt;"><b>The
SKCC for the Intellectually Challenged </b></span>
</div>
<h1 class="western">
Introduction</h1>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Why am I writing this? Well, in the
four plus years that I have belonged to the SKCC, I have picked up
quite a few nuggets of information and techniques that have greatly
enhanced my enjoyment of the SKCC and CW in general.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Like a lot of new ham operators, I was
glad the FCC did away with the code requirement. That was a hurtle I
didn't think I could jump and kept me away from getting my license
for many years.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Little did I know that after getting my
license, I would be spending 99% of my time on CW.
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The SKCC web site has a wealth of
information Everything you need to know is there, but it can be
overwhelming trying to sort it all out. What I hope to do here, is to
give a simplified view of the SKCC and how to use all the tools
available to enhance the experience.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Here is a link to the main web page:
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://skccgroup.com/">Straight
Key Century Club (SKCC)</a></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<h1 class="western">
The SKCC</h1>
The SKCC is a group of CW operators who enjoy using mechanical
keys to make CW contacts. The goal of the group is to encourage
members to make contacts with other members to achieve personal goals
and promote the use of CW.
<br />
Your skill level is not important, but it does enhance everyone’s
enjoyment.
<br />
The members and officers are pretty laid back but are very active
in their club duties. They are very responsive to any request or
issue.<br />
They have a user group here: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="https://groups.io/g/SKCC">SKCC
User Group</a></u></span></span><br />
<h1 class="western">
Software and Online tools</h1>
Software, I believe, is the key (pun intended) to the SKCC
success. What software does best is routine repetitive tedious tasks
repeatedly without complaint, something us humans hate to do.<br />
One thing I am not going to do is explain how to use these
programs. The old term applies RTFM! If you don't know what that
means, Google it. The authors of these programs have spent a lot of
time writing the help files. Please read them. Most are searchable
and there is always Google or Bing, if you are of that camp. There
are also user groups that you can search.<br />
Warning to Windows user: Some of these programs write data into
the directory that the software is installed. The windows directories
“Program Files” and “Programs Files (x86)” may not allow you
to write to these directories. Therefore, you may have to install
these programs elsewhere. Mine are at C:\.<br />
<h2 class="western">
SKCC Sked Page</h2>
Where to meet people. It is not a spotter page per se, but more of
a chat board. Great place to hang out. My SKCC QSOs really took off
once I started visiting the sked page. It was a little intimidating
at first. I wasn't sure what to do and it took a while to get
comfortable. But finally, I relaxed and have made some good friends
there.<br />
One approach is to logon but stay “Away”. That way you can see
who is there and send them a PM (private message) to request a QSO.
New numbers are in great demand, so if you are visible on the sked
page, you might get overwhelmed with request and panic, not that I
did that..HIHI.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The Sked page is here: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://sked.skccgroup.com/">SKCC
Sked Page</a></u></span></span>. There is a help file here: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://k7mjg.com/SKCC_SkedPage">SKCC
Sked Page Help</a></u></span></span><br />
<h2 class="western">
SKCCLogger by AC2C</h2>
Don't let looks deceive you. This is a very powerful logger,
especially for SKCC QSOs. The only thing it doesn't do, is to upload
logs directly to either LoTW or eQSL.cc. But that is easy to
overcome.<br />
Its ability to analyze your logs and detect your goals and
generate reports that can be used to earn your goals is outstanding.
I have used it exclusively for almost all my SKCC logging needs. It
can be also be used for sprints.<br />
The program can be downloaded here <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="https://www.skccgroup.com/member_services/skcc_logger/" target="_blank">SKCCLoggerDownload</a> </u></span></span><br />
Ron also has a user group here: <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="https://groups.io/g/SKCCLogger" target="_blank">SKCCLoggerUser Group</a></u></span></span><div><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="color: navy;">Note: download location for the SKCCLogger has changed.</span></div><div><span style="color: navy;"><br /></span>
<h2 class="western">
skcc_skimmer by K7MJG</h2>
This is a windows console based SKCC member RBN (reverse beacon
network) program. No fancy GUI just the info you really need to know.
I use this for my regular QSOs and for WES. You can have
multiple copies running with different configuration files. This is a
real-time update program. That means it periodically updates the
members you have sent a “de THEIRCALL”.
<br />
For this program, the three things that you should supply to the
configuration file are: your call, the location of your log file in
adf (example: mylog.adi) format and your grid square. You may also
adjust the SPOTTER_RADIUS parameter. I have mine set to 200 miles
radius. This gives me about 6 RBN stations that are near to me.<br />
Another interesting feature of this program is if you call CQ,
skimmer will report where your call is being heard, regardless of
your radius limit. This helps to see if your signal is getting out.
It is also a good indication as to how long it takes for the skimmers
to decode your call. One thing you might also get from this is how
good your sending is. RBNs are software tools connected to radios
that listen to CW on the bands. If your sending is not good, then
your call will never be decoded. So, practice your sending or you
might never be heard.<br />
You can download the program here. <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://k7mjg.com/SKCC_Skimmer#id_Download" target="_blank">SKCC_Skimmerdownload</a></u></span></span><br />
<h2 class="western">
VOAProp by G4ILO</h2>
GUI for propagation prediction software. Based on Voice Of America
propagation prediction software.
<br />
This software helps you determine which band may work for a
particular station. Though it is not perfect, it will give you a good
idea of what bands are good for the time of day.<br />
You can download the program here. <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://www.g4ilo.com/voaprop_about.html" target="_blank">VOAPropGUI</a></u></span></span><br />
<h2 class="western" style="break-before: page; page-break-before: always;">
SprintLogger by
K2RFP</h2>Note: this program is no longer available.</div><div>Not a must but I like it for WES and SKS. It can also be used for
cwfun events. The reason I like it is because for sprints, I start
with a new log and then start skimmer with it pointing to the K2RFP
log file. I also run skimmer without reading the sked page see below.<br />
SKED = {<br />
'ENABLED': False, # usually is set to True<br />
'CHECK_SECONDS': 60,<br />
}<br />
This tells me if the calling station is already in my log. Save a
lot of time. After the sprint, I import this log into my main
SKCCLogger file.<br />
You can download the program here. <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://cwfun.org/zip/">SprintLogger
by K2RFP</a></u></span></span><br />
<h1 class="western">
Awards</h1>
There are many awards that you can achieve with the club. I am
only going to talk about what I believe are the top five awards. One
thing to note. There is no cross-log checking for awards. I believe
this was intentionally done because some people don't like to summit
logs or don't like to be bugged by people to submit their logs. Since
there is no monetary value associated with SKCC awards, it was felt
the honor system was good enough. (IMHO)<br />
<h2 class="western">
Centurion</h2>
The easiest, but the most critical. Why? Because a lot of members
never reach this first goal. They may have joined the club for
reasons other than awards. Myself, I was looking for help learning
CW. I never really paid attention to goals, was not interested.<br />
It was a follow ham that I used to talk to on 2 meters that got me
interested in chasing some of these awards, Matt AA1JD. He would talk
about the SKCC and some of the events and so I decided to try and get
some of these awards. Once I got into it and started figuring out
some of the tools available, I was in all the way. Matt was first on
my list for Centurion.<br />
Some things you might want to think about. If you are calling an
unspecified CQ and are using an electronic keyer, please also have a
mechanical key hooked up. Why? If a SKCC member responds to your CQ,
he would like to exchange numbers. That means you will have to do the
exchange with a mechanical key. If you do not have one connected, you
can't do the exchange. Also, if you are looking for SKCC members
please call CQ SKCC. It really helps other members who may want to
exchange numbers, but are not sure that you will do that. Also, it
wouldn't hurt to give your number for any exchange, providing you are
using a mechanical key, e.g. “MY SKCC NR <YOUR_NUMBER>. The
other operator may not know about the SKCC and he might ask you about
it. Never hurts to advertise.<br />
<h2 class="western">
Tribune(s)</h2>
These awards are a little confusing and daunting, at least to me
they were. However, once I understood what each level meant, it was a
piece of cake. Well, maybe not that easy. Mark, K7MJG, has a very
easy to understand chart that explains all levels from Centurion to
Senator.
<br />
The basic Tribune award requires you to make 50 unique number
exchanges with Centurions, Tribunes or Senators since the date of
your Centurion award. However, if you want to achieve a Senator
award, you need another 350 unique number exchanges with Centurions,
Tribunes or Senators. This is quite a lot so breaking it into 8 - 50
QSO blocks seems like a good idea. At least you have manageable goals
and other members can see your progress with the SKCC_skimmer
program.
<br />
You can view Marks chart here. <span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a class="western" href="http://k7mjg.com/SKCC_Skimmer#id_Awards_Chart">Award
Chart</a></u></span></span><br />
<h2 class="western">
Senator</h2>
THIS IS NOT THE END! You are almost there! The hard part is over.
Getting that last number for Tx8 was a tough one for sure. Enjoy this
part. Getting your Senator will be a walk in the park compared to
reaching Tx8. Remember you start over with contacts. So, any T or S
station you QSOed with to get your Tx8, can now be QSOed with again
to get your S.<br />
But don't let it end here. All too often hams reach the Senator
level and just go away. Why? IDK. I guess they were looking for a
challenge and are now on to other things. Who knows. The more members
who are active, the easier it is for others to reach their goals. We
do have some members who are Sx5 so keep at it.<br />
<h2 class="western">
WAS</h2>
There are four primary WAS awards WAS, WAS-C, WAS-T and WAS-S.
Please see the explanation of each of these awards on the SKCC web
page.
<br />
Since this is a relatively new and small club and reaching Senator
is not easy, not all states have Senators yet. In fact I was the
first Senator in Vermont and only got that in Jan of 2016, so not
quite two years ago. North Dakota, for example, doesn't have any
Senators. But the good news is portable operation is permitted so a
Senator from one state can travel to a state that doesn't have a
Senator and exchange numbers for people to get their WAS-S award.<br />
<h2 class="western">
PFX</h2>
Prefix award where the SKCC number of the prefix is added to the
prefix score. The interesting thing about this award is if the SKCC
number of a station you work is greater than the number of a previous
prefix you work, you get to add the difference between the two
numbers to your score.<br />
<h1 class="western">
Activities</h1>
There are several monthly activities and one yearly activity.
These activities are a great way to get more new numbers for awards.
I usually get quite a few numbers that I need for awards
participating in these activities. None of the sprints permit WARC
bands. I am not going to go into a lot of detail here. The web site
has all the info you need to operate these activities.<br />
<h2 class="western">
SKS</h2>
Two-hour sprint. Always held at the same time every month. Much
like other sprints.<br />
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<br />
<br /></div>
<h2 class="western">
SKS-E</h2>
This is a special sprint that is more EU friendly. But NA
participation is allowed. Also has some accommodations for QRS
operators.
<br />
<h2 class="western">
WES</h2>
My favorite, the Week End Sprint. This is a 36-hour event, of
which you are only supposed to work 24 hours. I like the “work a
few then take a break” aspects of this sprint.
<br />
<h2 class="western">
K3Y Anniversary event (not a contest)</h2>
This is a month-long event held every January. This is the only
event where all Ham bands, including WARC bands are permitted. The
goal is to fill in as many K3Y/X band slots as possible. One thing to
note here: Try to get as many DX K3Y as soon as possible. It turns
out there may not be DX K3Ys for the whole month so get them while
you can. I missed out on SA last year because very few SA stations
were on late in the month. Those that were, were on late (after 00:00
UTC) and only on 20 meters. Which from my QTH in VT, made it
impossible to get a contact.
<br />
<h2 class="western">
SKN</h2>
Monthly SKN is truly the reason the SKCC exists. However, over the
years it has become less important since all the other activities
seem to generate quite a bit of CW on the air.
<br />
First night of <u><b>every</b></u> month. Not much is said on the
web site about it. I assume it uses the same rules as the ARRL SKN.
No logs or QSO counts are submitted.<br />
<h2 class="western">
Brags</h2>
A monthly - month long “event”. Contacts with other members
not included in other events and not yet QSOs with that month.<br />
I try to work at least 3 brags a day. Doesn't always happen, but I
manage usually get between 50 and 100 brags a month.
<br />
<h2 class="western">
Final Comments</h2>
The SKCC is not for everyone, but it seems to fit my personality.
I always felt that there should be some objective to obtain or some
skill to be mastered. The SKCC seems to provide me with both.<br />
As of December 31, 2017, there are over 18,000 members. Granted
not all members are active, but enough are active that you can always
find a member on the air almost any time and almost any band.<br />
There are many other clubs that emphasize other aspects of CW.
Each are very good at what they try to accomplish.
<br />
I hope these few pages will be of use to others and come join the
fun of CW.<br />
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<br />
<br /></div>
</div>kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3181036024880340072.post-45766360440408552032017-10-23T10:29:00.001-04:002017-10-31T13:40:13.840-04:00 Ham Radio - QRP: Vibroplex Vibrokeyer Interesting analysis of the design of Vibro-Plex single lever. It all makes sense to me.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.hamradioqrp.com/2017/10/vibroplex-vibrokeyer.html?spref=bl"> Ham Radio - QRP: Vibroplex Vibrokeyer</a>: Get it right the first time The electronic keyer, for sending Morse code, came into into use in the late 1950's and early 1960's....kb1wodhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18286019398211962909noreply@blogger.com0