Reading view
Via the ARRL: ARRL on The Weather Channel
Experiments with the QMX+
At the moment, I am testing my QMX+ transceiver on 15m and 10m QRP FT8. I am still experimenting to see what sequence I have to use to get the QMX+ soundcards to be recognised by the Windows 10 PC. Currently it works fine although I cannot remember the sequence in which I plugged things in!!
Also, the audio levels need increasing on the higher bands. This can be done by putting the PC in terminal mode and adjusting some numbers. I have yet to do this.
Overall, I think the QMX+ is a good rig. It will be even better when I adjust the audio levels on the higher bands.
July 14, 2024. A Vintage 1957 Solid State Transmitter.
In 1957 I had two important subjects firmly on my mind: Girls and Only 2 more years before I could escape my boring town in Western Pennsylvania -- about 30 Miles from Butler, PA which of course is in the news today.
Electromagnetic Waves -- Sir Lawrence Bragg -- Royal Institution (Video)
Special QSL Card: RTI Direct from Tamsui July/August 2024
Bob shares a 1968 off-air recording of Radio Australia
Carlos’ Shortwave Art and recording of Rádio Mitre (July 14, 2024)
MY AX1 Kit
I’ve had a lot of fun with my Elecraft AX1 antenna since I bought it six or seven years ago. I’ve activated several parks with it, and it has yet to let me down. Running five watts into a 45-inch whip shouldn’t really work, but somehow it does. While I don’t always use it as my primary antenna, I always take it along on outings as a backup.
I have used my AX1 in a variety of settings, e.g., picnic table portable, with a car window mount, clamped to the handlebars of my bike, etc. While perusing the Temu website, I stumbled upon a tactical-style MOLLE pouch capable of holding the AX1 and all the accessories I typically use for those configurations. The cost was a mere $8.00 (USD) for a pair of them. (The original offering is no longer available, but a search for “molle pouch” on Temu or AliExpress should find this pouch or something similar.)
![AX1 Kit (front). I have two of these pouches, so I used a nylon zip tie label to tell them apart.](https://wb3gck.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ax1-kit-front.jpg?w=450)
![AX1 Kit (Rear). The pouch is MOLLE-compatible.](https://wb3gck.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ax1-kit-rear.jpg?w=450)
It measures 6.3 in. (16cm) x 4.33 in. (11cm) x 2.1 in. (5.5cm). For as inexpensive as they are, the quality is pretty good. The material is durable, and the zipper works smoothly. Each pouch came with an American flag velcro patch. At these low prices, you often get what you pay for. This time, though, I think it was a pretty good deal.
Here’s what I carry in the bag:
- Elecraft AX1 loading coil & whip
- Radials (4 @ 13 feet)
- Tufteln AX1 Stand
- Car Window Mount
- Camera Mount Clamp (Bike Mount)
- Elecraft AXT1 Tripod Mount
- Elecraft AXB1 Bipod
- 3-foot RG-316 coax cable w/ BNC connectors
Everything fits comfortably in the little pouch, but there isn’t much room to spare.
![This is everything I carry in my AX1 kit. (See text for list)](https://wb3gck.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/ax1-kit-contents.jpg?w=450)
I normally carry my AX1 pouch in my backpack. When I have too much other stuff in my pack, I can use the MOLLE straps to attach the pouch to the outside of the pack.
It’s nice having all of this stuff in one place. Now my little AX1 is always ready to go, however I plan to use it.
72, Craig WB3GCK
European Es season
Usually, the Es season in Europe goes "off the boil" about now. Es can occur at any time of the year, although the peak times are in spring and early summer.
It is interesting that most of my spots on 10m QRP FT8 this morning were probably F2.
See https://www.tvcomm.co.uk/g7izu/radio-propagation-maps/europe-sporadic-e/ .
Gun culture - NOT amateur radio
This morning, we see on the news that Donald Trump narrowly missed an attempt on his life.
The USA has a gun culture and a very high death rate due to guns. It is sad that political candidates cannot give their "pitch" without the fear of being shot.
Logs 14 Jul 2024
5015 1721 Deltracks. SINPO 34433. Change of freq
5040 0815 Deltracks. SINPO 24432.
5880 0801 Radio Rock Revolution. SINPO 34433.
6020 0750 Radio Casanova. SINPO 35433.
6160 0808 Skyline R Germany via Shortwave Gold. SINPO 34433.
6160 1542 Weekend Music R via Shortwave Gold. SINPO 34433.
6170 1603 Radio Delta. SINPO 54444.
6210 1553 Radio King Shortwave. SINPO 24432.
6295 0820 Weekend Music Radio. SINPO 44444.
6392 1705 Radio Joey. SINPO 44433.
7660 1033 Radio Pamela. SINPO 24432.
15105 1735 Cupid Radio. SINPO 34433.