In my previous post I touched on my Lifelong Morse Code Journey. This time I'll touch on some of the keys that have helped me on my journey to the WORLD!
As I mentioned in my earlier posts the key below was my first REAL telegraph key I used in my journey. . This key is over 60 years old and has been mounted on presswood, plywood, tables, plastic and currently this piece of granite. I cannot recall the number of QSOs I've hammered with this key but it has seen me through Novice, General, Advanced and Extra code exams. As I look back on my journey, not only is this my first piece of ham radio equipment but this instrument is my most PRIZED piece of ham radio equipment.
When I decided to reacquaint myself with Morse Code, this was the key I used to re-start my journey. In 1983 when I decided to get relicensed as a Novice I purchased a Morse Code Practice Oscillator Kit from Heathkit. I brought this out of mothballs to continue my Morse Code journey after a 30 year absence.
Well, it seems that adage about "It's just like riding a bicycle" is true. I connected my childhood straight key to the Heathkit Code Oscillator and pounded away.
It didn't take long for my mind and appendages to work in unison. Thanks to operators like Lawrence N2VGA who made it easy to return to the Morse Code mode.
Now that I was reacquainted with doing Morse Code, I decided it was time for this Old Dog to learn a new trick. Even though I had been away from Morse Code for 30 years, the mode of CW has always been in the back of my mind. Years ago I had purchased a Ten Tec Ultramatic Electronic Paddles to pair with my Ten Ten Omni 546D, only never to use it. Now fully engaged in Morse Code, it was time to continue my Lifelong Morse Code Journey and unbox this key to unlock the door to a NEW WORLD of operating CW. PADDLES!
This was a difficult transition for me. It took weeks getting the paddles adjusted to my speed and touch. For me, this unit was so sensitive. It was an ALL NEW experience. But I was not going to let this small piece of metal defeat me. Operators like Bill, K4NYM known affectionately as "The POTA Activator"; helped me navigate me through my unmitigated disastrous sending on far too many occasions. But for me, I remembered that as a youth Novice I never let my poor sending stop me from continuing getting on the air to improve my skills. You can practice as much as you like but REAL WORLD experiences are what HELPED ME.
And if that wasn't enough to keep my fingers busy, I had a couple of Bencher paddles laying around collecting dusk. So why not dusk them off and let my fingers tippy toe across their paddles. I started off in low gear while getting the feel of these Bencher paddles, The BY-1 and BY-2.
For me, these paddles had a different feel than the electronic Ten Tec Ultramatic paddles. I did not hesitate to jump on the air and make contacts as much as possible while making adjustments to the paddles for my personal feel. It didn't take long for me to get really comfortable at higher speeds while having a QSO
As I became more proficient in using paddles, I decided to get more involved operating more SKCC Straight Key Century Club events and their SKCC Sked Page to garner QSOs. Since the club advocates the use of straight keys, side-sweepers (Cooties) and bugs, it was time for me to try something else new and different. So I built my own Hacksaw Blade Cootie Key. Talk about something WAY, WAY out of my COMFORT ZONE. This key pushed me in a good way. It made me become more aware of my sending and not running characters together. It was tough going but well worth it.
It took hours of practice and QSOs for me to feel comfortable using the Cootie Key.
Parks on the Air QSO with Rob WC1N
There is no doubt in my mind I would never have been able to take on this next key, If I had not tried the Cootie Key (Side-Sweeper) first. Even after many hours of practice, many adjustments and many QSOS, I'm still not where I'd like to be using this next key. What key? "The Vibroplex Bug"
It boggles my mind how many operates have in my opinion mastered the use of this key at speeds which are way above my present skill level. This is how it all started with me and My Vibroplex Bug.
Finally after many hours of practice and on - air QSO, I felt confidence enough with setting my Bug up for higher speeds like this Parks on the Air QSO with Tom NV4H.
Learning how to use these different keys has helped revitalize My Lifelong Morse Code Journey, A couple of years ago I made a vow not to buy any more radios. However, I NEVER vowed not to buy any more Morse Code Keys.
Here 's what's next on my Christmas list.
VizKey from Jim W6JIM collection of Keys
Santa, I've bene a good boy so far this year. H! Ho!
For the last few months Vince / VE6LK has been running a YouTube channel series "One CW Question". Its a GREAT series where he interviews Morse Code operators of ALL LEVLES about the one TIP these operators would offer to new Morse Code operators and enthusiast. When you get a chance check out this series. Link Below
Vince's series got me thinking about my introduction into Amateur Radio. As an only child during the early 50's television was in its infancy and commercial broadcast radio was my highway to the world. The RCA Victor Cabinet Radio to the right in this photo was the centerpiece of our Living Room. It had AM and Shortwave Bands. FM? It was around but there were very few FM broadcast stations in the U.S. at that time.
circa 1954
It was during the Christmas holiday of 1956 when I was introduced to Amateur Radio and was totally amazed that a REGUALR person could talk to someone on the other side of the world without wires. (Telephone). That was my first step onto my road to ham radio.
A couple of years would pass before receiving a Gilbert Erector Set for Christmas. It was a huge set with different types of components including an electric motor. The manual contained instructions to build all kinds of neat things. It opened this kid's mind to endless possibilities. One being, building a telegraph kit. The picture below is what my Erector Set looked like plus an example of the build of my telegraph kit. My battery though was a 6V Lantern battery. My first telegraph key,
Gilbert Erector Set
That big RCA Victor Cabinet radio also played a role along my Morse Code road. I was lucky that sometimes on the shortwave portion of that radio I could pick up Morse Code signals. Much to my dismay, the speeds were far too fast for my brain to decode. However, that only made me hunger to find out more about ham radio.
It wasn't until I moved up from a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout that my Morse Code interest truly took roots. The Boy Scouts offer so many areas of learning and exposure through their Merit Badge program. For me, it made learning "FUN".
1960 Boy Scout Manual
To the amazement of the pack leaders and my Troops sponsors, the Merit Badge I wanted was, the Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge. No one in the history of this Troop had earned this Merit Badge. A teacher who was a member of the church that sponsored my Troop was willing to assist me in earning my Signs, Signals and Codes Badge. If you think CW Morse Code is difficult, try sending Code with Signal Flags and using a Boy Scout flashlight to act as a Signal Lamp to send Code. For me with my trusty Erector Set telegraph kit setup, learning Telegraph Morse Code was easier than the other two. It took me a full year to learn the Signs, Signals and Codes to earn that Merit Badge.
Signs, Signals and Codes Merit Badge
That Merit Badge made me want more. But the Scouts couldn't offer any more along the lines of codes. So, that 1956 Christmas holiday exposure to Amateur Radio re-surfaced. How could I get an Amateur Radio license? Back then, there wasn't an Internet. There weren't any personal computers. There were no thumb drives, Micro discs, floppy discs, or SD cards. There weren't CD's. There were no cassettes or cassette players. There were reel-to-reel tapes but who could afford tapes and the player / recorder back then. Thank God for records (LP's) and libraries.
For months, I spent countless hours at the library reading through FCC material about not only Amateur Radio licenses but Radiotelephone Broadcast licensing as well. (At 20, I earned a First Class Radiotelephone Operator License) It took several more months to save money from allowance and selling Christmas cards to purchase an Ameco Equipment Company Morse Code Album (LP) set and my first REAL straight key, which I still have today more than 60 years old
I not only wore grooves into those LPs but went through several needles on my record player as well. I had modified my Erector Set Telegraph setup to include a doorbell buzzer and was gifted a pair of WWII telegraph headphones to the delight of my parents. I spent many a late night in our basement listening to code on those LPs.
Finally in the fall of 1963 along with that teacher who helped me earn my Signs, Signals, and Codes Merit Badge, accompanied me to take my Amateur Radio Novice exam. I marched into the Federal building in Louisville, KY. USA with (4) #2 pencils, a notebook with several sheets of loose leaf paper and the contraption below. I was the "Young Sheldon" before there was one.
The written portion of the Novice test was easy for me as I memorized the answers. The code test wasn't that difficult as I was rather hard headed and refused to believe what some had told me to not worry if I failed the code as a lot of people failed it the first time. I was sure I had passed the test and sure enough several months later a Novice license arrived in the mail.
Unfortunately the one thing I didn't plan for after getting my license was the cost of equipment. I had a year to upgrade from my Novice license but there was no way I could delivery enough newspapers in a year to purchase the Heathkit rigs I wanted. And it was about that time girls and sports came into play in my life and Amateur Radio quickly took a back seat.
The seed was planted and for the years that followed I toiled around getting relicensed and purchased licensing handbooks and casually listened to those Ameco LP's but was not truly devoted like I was as a kid. Instead, I committed myself to obtain my Third Class and First Broadcast license to pursue a career in radio broadcasting in my late teens.
As the years passed and I approached middle age I ran out of excuses to get relicensed. In January 1983, I did what some may consider unfounded and purchased a used Ten Tec Century 21, Butternut HF5V antenna and an ARRL Novice License Manual. For me , this forced my hand to become relicensed.
Unfortunately, I had lost the mindset of that fearless Boy Scout and allowed the doubts of my middle aged mind enter. Relearning Morse Code was different and difficult this time. Listening to the Ameco LP's wasn't helping. At that time there were cassette tapes of code practice along with the new technology of floppy disk with code. None of it help. Then, I went back to my days of listening to shortwave radio and started listening to and copying Morse Code QSOs on my Ten Tec Century 21. THIS IS WHAT WORKED FOR ME. I found it easier and more natural FOR ME to hear actual QSOs. Morse Code is a language and in order to fully learn it, I believe you have to immerse oneself in the language.
The written Novice exam was a piece of cake and in March 1983, I passed my Novice exam and on Field Day after 1983, the mailman delivered my Novice Class License of KB4FLC. On that day I continued my childlike mindset, settled into my little shack and jumped on the air during Field Day. I didn't break any records but thanks to others, I experienced ONE GREAT FIELD DAY as a newly licensed Ham Radio operator.
1983 Field Day Received 2nd Novice license this day
In 1984, I upgraded to General and in 1991 upgraded to Advanced while easily passing the EXTRA code requirement of 20 WPM but missed passing the EXTRA written exam by 2 questions which I had not studied for. after upgrading to Advanced, I can count the times on both hands I used Morse Code from 1991 - 2021.
It was during the COVID shutdown, I decided to upgrade to EXTRA, went back to my basis of equipment building and troubleshooting. I discovered Summits on the Air, Parks on the Air, and more importantly, rediscovered Morse Code.
Again FOR ME, I jumped right back into the fray of getting on the air, making tons of sending mistakes using both a straight key and paddle, missing all types of words when receiving and asking for a lot of repeats. Thank God for the number of patient operators who worked with my ineptness. This is how I sounded on one session of sending CQ in 2021.
To me, this sounded horrific. However, I was not going to let my slow sending, along with sending "agn" and "QRS" prevent me from improving my new Morse Code Journey down the BRICK road. Like I did on that "Field Day" in 1983, I jumped right back on the air and flung myself into LISTENING and speaking the language of Morse Code again.
Now as I approach 3/4 of a century on this earth, for me the pitfalls of relearning something or learning something new is only dependent of my ability to establish a consistent routine of practice in order achieve some positive consistency. To date more than 95% of my QSOs are Morse Code. And I still practice using a straight key just as I did as a pre-teen.
As I look back at the start (the 50's) of my Morse Code Journey Down the BRICK Road;there were likely less than a handful of resources available to learn Morse Code. One take away I got from VE6LK Vince's "One CW Question" is the outstanding operator's TIPS which are given in Vince's series. All of which are valuable and great. The great thing is all of the tips are not right and all are not wrong. What works for one may not work for someone else. Everyone learns at a different pace, different method and different concept. That's what is so GREAT about the MANY resources available today versus when I started my Morse Code Journey. The list is endless. They key is find the one which works for you and don't stop until you find the one that suits you..
My only advice is learn like a child who is fearless and has not been stained by negatively. You may face obstacles but don't let that, or others or the adult in you create doubt that you are incapable of beginning your Morse Code Journey Down The "BRICK" Road.
What a day! A once in a lifetime experience. Although the Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve POTA site in Louisville, KY. USA is about 40 miles south of a totally region, I was able to experience 99.3 % of totality. Health concerns prevented me from traveling those 40 miles to an area of complete totality but what I did experience was equally awe striking.
For months I had planned to operate at a Parks on the Air site during the eclipse. My plan was to operate QRP with my Yaesu FT-817 C, SSB and FT8 using my Signalink and Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughpad and my Buddipole Deluxe Antenna System. I wanted to see if the eclipse would have any effect operating QRP. The FT-817 gave me several band options and the Buddipole Antenna in dipole configuration would be easily tunable on all bands 40 - 10 meters. I've compiled enough data and spent enough time with my Buddipole Antenna System all I need is a tape measure to tune it on all bands. With a tape measure I can usually get it resonant to 1:15:1 by adjusting the whips as I have pre-set the coils taps for 40 - 10 meters.
However, when I woke up on Eclipse day, Monday April 8, 2024, I had an epiphany. Why limit myself to the FT817. Why not operate three stations simultaneously. I had the rigs, had the power (batteries) and the antennas. What a neat plan!
So here's was the setup:
Yaesu FT-817 QRP for SSB, CW optional 2 meters
12V 3Ah Bioenno Battery
Buddipole Deluxe Antenna in Dipole Configuration
QRP Labs 20 meter QRP QCX mini for WSPR
9v 200mAh Battery
Tufteln 20 Meter vertical
QRP Labs 80 - 20 Meter QDX Digital for FT8
12V 3Ah TalentCell Battery
QRP 40 - 10 Meter EFHW
Panasonic FZ-G1 Toughpad with GPS Dongle
I loaded up my Touring bike and headed to my usual POTA site Beargrass Creek State Nature Preserve US-7956 Louisville, KY, USA to setup and start my Solar Eclipse 2024 experience.
SURLY Long Haul Trucker Bicycle
I quickly setup my Buddipole in a diople configuration with the other antennas attached to the top of my Buddipolle mast in an area where I wouldn't be an obstacle to others who would take advantage of the beautiful weather to observe the 99.3% of the eclipse totality over the Louisville, KY. USA area. The setup was very quick as you can view below.
After the raising the Buddipole in a diploe configuration with the Tufteln vertical and QRP EFHW attached o the top of te mast, I checked the SWR with my Nano VNA and found it to be 1.15:1 for the entire CW portion of 20 meters.
Because everything was within arms reach, even though they were on the ground, for a short time I was able to operate all stations simultaneously. The QCX Mini was automatically running in WSPR mode, the QDX was running by itself. All I needed to do was make a quick click to log a QSO and with the attachedpilot kneeboard and using my CW Morse SP4 paddle, Morse Code operation was Eezy Peezy.
I had all of my antennas set up in an orientation along the U.S. path of the eclipse., I wanted to see if the eclipse was going to have any effects with transmitting and / or receiving.
My 20 meter QCX Mini WSPR using 9V 200 mW received well all along the U.S. path of the eclipse with receptions reports in the U.S., eastern Canada, Central America and Europe.
The BIG surprise for me came with the operation of the QDX on 20 meters with 5 watts. I was amazed at the WSJT-X waterfall. It was lite up like a Christmas tree. I knew my little QRP signal did not stand a chance as it was difficult to find an area to squeeze into to transmit. There were countless stations calling "CQ POTA" and "CQ SEQP" (CQ Solar Eclipse QSO Party) However, I was able to sneak in a couple of FT8 QSOs (N0RC/KS) & W9NG/MS) Plus, I had one incomplete QSO with VU3EFG/India. It was nice to see all of the FT8 activity.
There was lots of activity for SSB on 20, 17 and 15 meters. Lots of QRO stations. Called "CQ" for several minutes but again my QRP signal could not break through crowded band conditions. Additionally, I work SSB so little, some may have thought someone else was using my callsign. "hi hi"
Most of my operating was CW. Most of my time was spent on 20 meters with a few 15 meter contacts and several "CQ" calls on 17, 12, 10 meters. There was plenty of hunters taking advantage of modest 20 meter band conditions. I was appreciative of the amount of new to me HUNTERS like a DX from F4ILH- Jean Baptiste and equally thankful for some of my familiar Hunters. W2AEQ - Alan / K9IS - Steve / VE1CNS-Bryne / AA0IW - David and1st time hunter for me AE6Z - C.W.
The highlight of this day's Parks on the Air activation was a CW QSO with N5KT - Gerald as the eclipse passed over him in Texas and 8 minutes later with W0YEM - Nick, as the eclipse passed over me in Kentucky. USA. EPIC!
There was enough activity to keep me busy for many hours but I spent a lot of time communing with others around me and partaking of this epoch celestial moment in time.
April 8, 2024 will be one of those Parks on the Air activations I'll never forget
For the past few weeks I've been using my Buddipole Deluxe Antenna system in several different configurations for my Parks on the Air activations. Nothing special but the antenna has been sitting in the corner for too many months collecting dust. I've had a lot of success using using my Buddipole antenna during recent QRP use. It brought to mind something I was told and has been ingrained in my ham radio DNA for over 60 years. For ham radio operating your money is better spent on an effective antenna system than your radio. Whether you make it, bake it, print it, or buy it; spend the money first on that antenna system.
My ham radio antenna redux journey started something like this. In March 1983 when I took my Novice test to get re-licensed, I had moved back in with my aging parents to care for them. I had already purchased my rig (Ten-Tec Century 21) and antenna (Butternut HF6V). As I look back, purchasing that antenna at THAT time was not one of my best ham radio operating decisions. I wish I had done what I did when I was first licensed in 1963 and built my own antenna. (The mind of a child can be so innocent and yet plausible.) There was nothing wrong with that Butternut antenna. It is a great antenna.
However, their house was two stories with an attic (Total height was almost 40' high)with a metal roof and a small backyard 30 x 12, surrounded by similar dwellings and power/telephone lines surrounding the property. Considering safety and operating efficiency, It took me almost 2 years to mount the Butternut to optimum (though compromised) operating position. The Butternut antenna was mounted with metal pipes attached to side of house that place the base of antenna 10 feet above roof with several wires running from base to metal roof to act as a counterpoise. I worked the world on CW with that Century 21 & Butternut HF6V setup.
The point for me, was my excitement to get on the air as quickly as possible. I wished I would have invested more time in preparing and evaluating my antenna setup before purchasing the Butternut.
As we approach warmer temperatures with better weather here in the U.S., what better time to invest in some antenna system evaluating, antenna repairing and building. There's no time like the present to do some antenna work and take advantage of the benefits of this enhancedsolar cycle as it will come and go before you know it. You'll want to be assured your antenna will give you its best not only during these intensified solar conditions but during solar minimum as well.
If any of you follow me on Social Media, you may have noticed I do most of my Parks on the Air activations via bicycle. You also may have seen I have a lot of cycling jerseys. I like to say, I have as many ham radio antennas as I do cycling jerseys.
I have made quite a lot of antennas over the years. Some good and some I try to forget. Some Mono, some dual band, J-Pole, Moxon-Turnstile, Yagi, Egg Beaters, Flower Pot antenna, linked dipole for QRP and QRO, some EFHW for QRO and QRP, some vertical, some random wire for QRP and QRO, Delta Loop and antennas for satellite use.
QRP/QRO 40 meter Mono Band
QRP Tufteln Linked EFHW
QRP 40 - 15 Lijnked Dipole
QRO 60/ 40/ 30 / 20 Linked Dipole
QRP 40 - 10 meter Random Wire
Moxon Turnstile for Sat work
40 - 10 Meter QRP EFHW
Their use depends on some variables in portable use. Terrain, footprint, type and length of mast, availability of trees for deployment (if they can be used) which radio, which bands, mode of operation, band conditions, solar and terrestrial weather, and how I feel, etc.
Some of my most memorable contacts have been made using antenna I've built. For me, there's nothing more satisfying and rewarding than getting that cross continent or QRPp QSO with an antenna built with my own hands.
Besides, wire, coaxial cable, connectors, heat shrink, insulators , etc the most important tool for my antenna building projects is either an Antenna Analyzer or Nano NVA. Hands down it makes antenna building so much easier.
I remember reading something about antennas from renowned ham radio enthusiast Doug DeMaw W1FB (SK) that went something like this .... the most important part of an effective ham station is the antenna system. Expensive transceivers and mediocre antennas do not complement one another if you want to communicate over long distance paths.
I purchased
my Buddipole Deluxe Antenna almost 16 years
ago.This blog is not to endorse or
oppose any aspects of the Buddipole antenna system but simply my experience in
using it.
Over
my many years in ham radio, I’ve owned only three commercial built antennas. At the time I purchased my Buddipole antenna I
owned a SUV and was impressed with its small footprint.I didn’t use my Buddipole that much before
going car-free after three years of it’s purchased. Most of my Buddipole use after going car-free
has been for Field Day.
Field Day 2021
Field Day 2010
When
I discovered Parks on the Air in 2020,it was time to bring my Buddipole into use other than Field Day. For
many of the years of owning my Buddipole, I was never able to get any decent
SWR readings on all bands. Nothing lower than 2.5:1 on any bands 40 – 10 meters in the Dipole configuration.
When I retired in 2016, it gave me more time to enjoy ham radio. During the pandemic shutdown, I took the opportunity to figure out what I was doing wrong or why I couldn't get a decent SWR reading in the Dipole configuration.
I re-read the operating manual,
enlisted help through inquires on social media, joined the Buddipole users
group, purchased a Nano VNA. Still nothing under 2.5:1I was at my wits end. I had invested several
hundred dollars into my entire Buddipole Deluxe Antenna System with all of its
ancillaries and was ready to sell it.
Before getting materials to package my Buddipole to sell, I
re-read (KI6AWK) David Haycock’s “Brief Guide to the Buddipole Antenna System. I
decided to try setting up in a vertical configuration for 40 meters and
trimming some speaker wire for radials and using the Triple Ratio Switch
Balun.I was thrilled to be able to achieve a SWR down to 1.5:1 on 40 meters using the
TRSB with 3 radials, 9.5 foot whip, two standard 22” Antenna arms and the 18’
mast.
Triple Ratio Switch Balun
40 Meter Vertical with Radials
Then I decided to try setting up the antenna in a 20 meter dipole configuration without the TRSB using standard whips and antenna arms. I still could not achieve a SWR lower than 2.5. So
I decided to check the coax I was using which came with my system. I checked
with my Nano VNA and no problems. As I was disconnecting the coax from Nano VNA,
I looked down the barrel of the BNC connector and noticed the center pin of the
coax had disappeared. Further examination showed the center conductor of the
coax had pulled away from the coax braid.No wonder I was getting inconsistent SWR reading with this coax.
After
placing a new BNC connector to the coax, re-setting up Buddipole in a 20 meter
dipole configuration, I got a 1.15:2 SWR reading without connecting it to my Nano
VNA. Deciding not to press my luck, I disassembled my Buddipole for another
day.
Now
that I was able to assemble and get my Buddippole to operate in the manner for
which it was manufactured, I pulled the “For Sale” sign from it. Additionally,
I found another article from (KI6AWR) David Haycock. “More on Buddipole
Tuning”.This article gets a little
more in-depth with how to adjust for the resonant frequency, feed point
impedance and provides a table to easily fine tune the Buddipole in a dipole
configuration. From that day forward, I've never had any issues assembling my Buddipole Antenna System in any configuration from 80 - 2 meters.
NOTE:
I have found the best way to fully appreciate and use the Buddipole Antenna
System is with the use of an Antenna Analyzer.
This tool is invaluable in fully enjoying the capabilities of the
BUDDIPOLE.
Over
the years I’ve used several different configurations. L-Shape, V-Shape, Dipole,
Vertical, 6 Meter Yagi, and 2 Meter J-Pole.
Buddipole L-configuration
Buddipole V-Configuration
6 Meter Yagi
2 Meter J-Pole
I’ve used my Buddipole Antenna with My QRO rigs:
Ten Tec Delta 580, Yaesu FT-891 and QRP rigs: Yaesu FT-817, QCX 40 & 20
Meter Mini, QDX, HB-1B and Pixie rigs
During my most recent Buddipole antenna Parks
on the Air activation, I used my QRP You Kits HB-1B QRP CW transceiver on 20
meters in a dipole configuration. Below
is a picture of the setup and a QSO map of the QSOs on what turned out to be a
very, very chilly March afternoon with less than optimum band and solar
conditions.
Buddipole POTA activation 3/16/24
HB-1B & Buddipole POTA activation 3/16/24
With the above types of results I’ll be using my
Buddipole Antenna systems quite a bit more
Buddipole:More on tuning KI6AWR
by David Haycock, KI6AWR
Buddipole is an antenna system with many
combinations and ideas to get a signal out in the air
The Buddipole, the Buddistick and the
BuddiHex
The BuddiHex took 10 years of iterations
and design ideas to come to production with its massive wait list
Buddipole offers spare parts and
accessories to make your deployments easier and faster on any ham band
First, READ THE MANUAL, as its not a
traditional dipole but a slightly Offset Center Fed Dipole. This brings the
antenna impedance closer to 50 ohms due to its shorter antenna length. For a
10m dipole it would be deployed like a regular dipole. However, one side will
be a bit longer or shorter and its tap point will be different than the other
side. No need to understand it just follow the instructions and you will be
fine.
Yes, an antenna analyzer like the
Rigexpert 230 Stick will be ideal as is the iPortable meter. I use both
depending on what I am deploying. Its a bit pricey but I have had mine for 10
years and replaced the battery twice. Its an ideal size and does exactly what I
need ….quickly in 3 seconds be able to check the SWR. I just got the RE Stick
and I am excited to try it out at the parks.
Ok always ensure you use the guys on your
tripod ALWAYS as the wind can knock it over
Tip #1 Get longer whips to replace the
standard 5 and half foot ones. Longer whips means more signal on 20m and 40m.
The 9 and half footers are a nice add on to your kit
Advertisement
Tip #2 Get additional arms to increase the
length between the VersaTee and the Coil to increase signal output and allow
the ablity to make a beam
Tip #3 Get the TRSB Triple Ratio Switch
Balun as it will allow its use as a common mode choke to keep RFI out of the
coax but also to work as a transformer to up convert the impedance ratios to
match at 50 ohms. Compromise antennas can be very capacitive (remember the LC
circuits on the ham exam) but the big coils on the Buddipole compensate but the
resonace impedance can be 12.5 ohms so we need to bring it up to 50 ohms using
the 1:4 position. A 9:1 balun takes 450 ohms and drops it to 50 ohms.
Trust me, I tried to play around and make
my own but I did get Alex Biocca’s kit but since I have too many Buddipole kits
I needed another one. I should have gotten two so I can use it with my Super
Antenna MP1 or homebrew whips.
Tip #4 Just get the Deluxe Kit at a Dayton
Special price as the 18 ft mast makes a big difference. Try to get every
antenna up that high as a 1/2 wave above ground is the way to go for best
radiation performance.
You can get the painter pole adapter from
Budd and be all set up with a Big Box store special Painter Pole $40
The Buddipole team is happy yo mix and
match components with other brands as needed as its all about having fun and
making QSO
73s
IPS
Bonus Tip: You will get a Mastwerks
eventually so get it now
See the Dec 2022 QST for my BuddiHex
review
POTA with the BuddiHex is the next level
of operations think being an Extra class or Advanced
Its been awhile since my last blog post and even more so posting on any social media platform. I would like to thank all for their inquiries and concerns and apologize to all for not responding .
Some of you may know I've battled some health issues over the past several years. In 2008, I had what I call the "Humpty Dumpty" surgery. That surgery involved a bikini incision across my abdomen, where they removed half my stomach,12 feet of my intestine, Gall Bladder, Bile Duct, and Pancreas as part of my Pancreatic Cancer surgery. (They also removed five golden rings, four calling birds, three French hens, and two turtle doves ) Lucky for me, my oncology surgeon was not part of the King's Men and was able to put me (Humpty Dumpty) back together again.
My successful recovery in part, was due to what I call my mostly mental with some physical therapeutic remedies of participating in triathlons, bicycle touring and ham radio.
As noted by my oncologist there was a possibility of cancer returning in a different area and indeed In 2016, I had my first of what has turned out to be three bladder cancer surgeries and treatments. (2022 & 2023). 2019 saw the first onset of liver failure and during a 9/11/2020 surgery to insert stent to open my liver duct around scar tissue from pancreatic cancer surgery, my intestine was perforated. No B\ig deal as I was ready to leave the hospital the next day.
Since 2020, my immune system has been comprised and effectively no defense from infections which resulted in chronic inflammation symptoms, (Migraines, Sinus Infections, Vertigo, and four COVID Breakthrough infections). Since the beginning of 2023, I've have gone through a multitude of tests to eliminate Lupus, MS, ALS, MD, RA, Lymphoma and other autoimmune diseases. Nothing.
In March 2023, I woke up one morning and my sight in my left eye was almost gone. My doctor thought I had had a stroke. Nope. While on a POTA activation in late June 2023 with Mike N4DCW, I temporally lost the feeling and use of my right leg. Another possible stroke? Thought by physicians? NOPE again.
It was more mentally then physically taxing. Having trained and participate in triathlons, traveled many miles bike touring, after my pancreatic cancer surgery, any physical issues I've battled have been easy. Amateur Radio though was my mental savior but that all started to fall apart in September 2023 when for reasons still unknown my ham radio Instagram account was terminated, my Ham Radio "X" account feeds began to get saturated with sexual, political and commercial / spam solicitation posts. It was an effort finding ham radio content Even some SAD HAMS on "Mastodon". Additionally, my POTA activations became increasingly filled with tune-ups, and unetiquette Amateur Radio operator behavior. I had had enough.
In mid October, my body and mind started to shutdown. I was mostly bed ridden through the end of the 2023. None of my team of medical specialists couldn't find a reason that was causing my health issues. They wanted to place me on a multitude of medications, spinal taps and other neurological test. Hell No!
I'm that dreaded patient who takes an active role in their healthcare. I've never taken well to people saying, "Well, that's the way we've always done that" or "That's the way it is" or "Let's take these pills for a few months and see what happens." Like the other James, I follow the "Kobayashi Maru" solution. Difficult for me to accept a no-win scenario. Think outside the box. Find the cause and stop treating the symptom.
During Christmas holiday 2023 while going through my worst case of COVID and discussing a lifetime of ailments, sicknesses and health issues with my endocrinologist, we stumbled upon the suspicion I might have Celiac disease. Negative blood test for Celiac disease but strong possibility I was Gluten Intolerant,
To all of our amazement, especially mine, since going gluten free in January 2024, all of my blood work has improved. My T-cells and chronic inflammation markers have improved, blood pressure has lowered extensively, no more erratic blood sugar swings, my A1c level is best in six years, BMI has fallen, left eye vison has drastically improved, no monthly migraines, nasal congestion or sinus infections, no skin reactions (Rashes, eczema, sun burn), no digestive issues, no more bloating, no neurological issues, no depression, no more brain fog, no more chronic fatigue, no more daily joint and muscle pain or daily pain medication which I have been on since 2019.
Seemingly all of this from a lifetime of undiagnosed Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity. My mental state had improved and the cause of my ailments are being treated instead of the symptoms. Now monthly blood workups for the next few months to see if things continue to improve and to check if anything else crops plus quarterly scans for cancer.
So with that being said, look for this Wanna-Be Jedi's return to POTA activities with a FULL MONTY of modes, CW,SSB, FT8 and SSTV. There is an empty line in my logbook waiting for any takers.
A year ago I purchased and built a QCX Mini (40 Meter version) QRP CW transceiver from QRPLabs. My main reason for this purchase was the small nature of the radio. A subsequent added reason was its capacity to operate with 9 volts.
Over the last year I have used this rig several times using a 9 volt / 200 mah battery. Most recently August 26th and 27th, 2023 during a Parks on the Air activation.
On those two days the Terrestrial weather was extremely HOT with daytime high temperatures near 100 degrees Fahrenheit. My activations on those two days were at or near sunrise. Even at sunrise it was warm, humid and muggy with sunrise temperatures hovering in the low 80's.
However, the Space weather was working in my favor with the SFI at 139, A index of 6, K index of 2, Sun Spot number of 70, and Solar Winds of 380. The noise of the HF bands was relatively quiet.
My antenna for both days was my 40/20 Meter Linked End Fed Half Wave antenna I constructed from Tufteln. Joshua / N5FY has a nice selection of antenna and other ham radio related accessories. Visit his site here https://www.tufteln.net/
I wanted to get this antenna as close to vertical as possible so I used 150 feet of Weaver Arborist Throw Line and a 14 ounce weight to get it as high as possible into a tree.
Here is how I launched my line into this tree. Its an awkward backward between my legs and over my head throw which works very well for me.
Once my antenna was up well over 50 feet into the tree, I setup as much as possible in the shade and within less than two minutes of calling CQ, I received my first QSO.
My station is so small it fits on a kneeboard from Tufteln which hold my rig, paddle, battery, audio recorder and notepad for logging.
My setup is simple, light and what I consider to be small which can fit in a small backpack. The heaviest item of my setup is the arborist throw line and weight.
Due to the heat, I only operated about an hour on August 26th and 27th. Both days were on 40 meters with 1 watt or less. Here are maps of QSOs for both days.
August 26, 2023
August 27, 2023
All in all it was a fun two days of operating QRPp, 1 watt and less using a 9 Volt battery you'll find in your home smoke detector. And if you do decide to try this type of operation, please DO NOT REMOVE the battery from your smoke detector
Most of you will recognize this sign on a lot of our roadways. However, this sign applies to Ham Radio, too. Over the this last weekend of March 2023, I was operating portable hunting Parks on the Air. I came upon a prominent You Tube contributor who is relatively new to CW POTA activations. Upon his posting of his activation in POTA Spots, the very nature of his call sign undoubtedly brought a lot of attention. I listened for a few minutes and sure enough, he was being bombarded. Many wanted to get the opportunity to work this You Tube contributor. There were signals on top of signals and even I was having difficulty making out some of the calls. I could hear speeds from what seemed like 12 WPM to 25 WPM.I mean hunters were all over him. This was truly "MARCH MADNESS". As I listened I could tell he wasn't accepting calls from what I considered the strongest stations. What was going on?
What was happening is most of the hunters did not see or were unaware of his first post on POTA Spots. Additionally. the pileup was so intense and overwhelming most did not hear his signing a "Q" code. Although when completing a QSO and sending a CQ, again some ignored or did not listen to the "Q" code he was including in his "CQ".
In his initial POTA Spots he included this in his comments."New CW OP 14 WPM or BE IGNORED" but once he was re-spotted that comment was lost. However, throughout the entire time I was listening he was send "QRS" a lot. Unfortunately, a lot people didn't know what "QRS" meant, didn't hear it due to pileup or just plain ignored it. The second he ended a QSO, there were some sending their call at 25WPM repeatedly hoping to break through and be heard. And there were those you adhered to his request or understood the assignment and lowered their speed to his speed. This activator was sending his CQ's a a causal 14 WPM but only a few caught on.
Kudos to this POTA activator as he never became wavered by those not following his request. He was a true Ham Radio professional if there is such a thing. I got to thinking about what effect this might have had on a less experienced SSB POTA operator, someone newer to CW or a newly Amateur Radio operator. Would this crush their desire to continue CW? Or for that matter, deter them from continuing their Ham Radio journey?
For those who don't know "Q" codes or need a refresher; here is a link to those codes:
In MY OPINION, as POTA hunters it is not our right to justify the speed at which an activator sends CQ and/or responds. As a hunter we don't know the key that person is using, how they are using that key, the speed they able to receive, or their CW experience, etc. Help them out and reduce your speed to match their speed. It will not only make their activation go smoother and quicker, it will cut down on them requesting repeats. Send carefully and PLEASE SLOW DOWN.
Recently I made a Twitter, Instagram and Mastodon post stating I had purchased a new radio after saying I wasn't going to buy another radio. I just couldn't let this radio go to someone else. Before revealing what radio it is let me briefly explain why I purchased this radio.
Many are aware I do all of my Parks on the Air activations via one of my bicycles. But few know that I'm a bicycle tourist and have done some ham radio operating during most of my bicycle tours. For almost 10 years my bike touring rig has been the FT 817, Key, mic, Z817 Auto-tuner, 12V 3A LiFePO battery, 80-10 meter Random Length (9:1) unun, plus throw weight and paracord. Excellent radio for bicycle touring. However, I'm always trying to find ways to cut weight and space while bike touring. Since I'm a diabetic, I generally burn about 3000 daily calories on my multi day bike tours, I eat a lot, a whole lot while riding, so food takes up a lot of space in my panniers. So I decided to create more space for next year's bike tours.
My choice is a YouKits HB-1B (MK3 version) covering 40, 30, 20, 17 and 15 meters.
YouKits HB-1B Transceiver
This super rig along with a 40,30,20,17,and 15 meter linked dipole I'm constructing from 26 AWG HOT PINK wire for dipole with RG174 coax, Weaver Leather Arborist throw line weight and the SP4 POTA/SOTA Mini Morse Code Paddle along with a LiFePo 12v 3 Ah battery will fit very snug in one of my panniers.
So the suspense is over. Happy Holidays and thanks to all of the wonderful people of PARKS on the Air and POTA hunters who make my Ham on a Bike POTA activations possible.
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