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13 Colonies update
If you remember my previous post where I commented:
“Onwards and upwards so…. Happy 4th of July to my American Friends…. I’ve already gotten 7 of the 13 Colonies station in the log and I started chasing them today.“
“Check out their website for more information.”
So it would seem that last evening I was lucky/skillful enough to get the remaining 6 colony stations in the log along with the WM2PEN Bonus Station in the log.
Last night I did hear the GB13COL Bonus Station on 20m ssb and could not break the pile up.
This morning I did hear the TM13COL Bonus on 15m cw but once again was unable to break the pile up.
So far out of the 14 contacts ( 13 colonies and 1 Bonus station) 3 contacts were made in CW and 11 were made using SSB.
Power levels are 90w for SSB and 40W for CW.
I’m (foolishly) feeling confident that before the event ends on July 7th I should be able to complete the SWEEP including the 3 bonus stations.
After all I only need 2 more…..
The last time I was able to do this was in 2022.
Once again Happy 4th of July to my Neighbors to the South
73bob
Modern Amateur Radio Hobby – An Introduction
Modern Amateur Radio Hobby – An Introduction
Brüllend laut!! So stellt ihr das Mic Gain richtig ein
WIRES-X Installationsanleitung
ARRL June VHF Contest
This weekend is the ARRL June VHF contest. Its a fun way to test our your VHF Capabilities and your antenna systems…
The following is a “cut N paste” from the ARRL Website:
About
Contest Objective: For amateurs in the US and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Stations outside the US & Canada (and their possessions) may only work stations in the US (and its possessions) and Canada.
Dates: The second full weekend in June. (June 8-10, 2024)
Contest Period: Begins 1800 UTC Saturday, ends 0259 UTC Monday.
Now this is a busy weekend for me (radio wise) as the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour will be in Kingston during that time and its the only scheduled Public Service Event that our local group does every year.The picture on the left was taken the first year I assisted the Kingston Group on the event. Previous to that I lived in Ottawa and I participated with the Ottawa Group on the same event.
But lets get back to the contest for a bit:
First of all…. Head over to the ARRL website for the latest update and the full rules for the Contest.
Click on the ARRL logo below for the Rules PDF
![](https://va3qv.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/arrl-logo.jpg?w=594)
Using my Yaesu FT991a I plan to be giving out the “Rare FN14” Grid square on both 2m and 6m SSB.
On Saturday my Bike tour shift will finish around 6pm (EDST) or 2200 (UTC) if I did the conversion correctly… So I plan to operate from 2300 UTC for a couple of hours.
On Sunday my tour will finish around 9am (EDST) or 1300 (UTC) once again if the conversion works and will try again then around 1400 UTC once I get home.
My 2m/70cm antenna will be a simple Halo or loop which will be horizontal at approx 20 feet above ground. The 991a has an output of 50w ssb on 2m. As the loop is “sort of” useable on 70cm I will be able to give some locals an extra multi.
![](https://va3qv.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ft991a.jpg?w=840)
My 6m antenna will be a simple “Buddipole 6m Dipole. The 991a has an output of 100w ssb so it should be able to get a bit of a signal out across the Lake (at least I hope it will).
Later tonight there is a vhf net that starts on 144.250 usb that is based in Eastern Ontario. Check out the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club for more into on that. After that they call the role on 70cm and 6m. I stand a change on 6m and 2m if someone has their beams aimed southwest. More on how this works later.
Lets see who can hear the “Popgun” with the tiny antennas…
73bob
ARRL June VHF Contest
This weekend is the ARRL June VHF contest. Its a fun way to test our your VHF Capabilities and your antenna systems…
The following is a “cut N paste” from the ARRL Website:
About
Contest Objective: For amateurs in the US and Canada (and their possessions) to work as many amateur stations in as many different 2 degrees x 1 degree Maidenhead grid squares as possible using authorized frequencies above 50 MHz. Stations outside the US & Canada (and their possessions) may only work stations in the US (and its possessions) and Canada.
Dates: The second full weekend in June. (June 8-10, 2024)
Contest Period: Begins 1800 UTC Saturday, ends 0259 UTC Monday.
Now this is a busy weekend for me (radio wise) as the Rideau Lakes Cycle Tour will be in Kingston during that time and its the only scheduled Public Service Event that our local group does every year.The picture on the left was taken the first year I assisted the Kingston Group on the event. Previous to that I lived in Ottawa and I participated with the Ottawa Group on the same event.
But lets get back to the contest for a bit:
First of all…. Head over to the ARRL website for the latest update and the full rules for the Contest.
Click on the ARRL logo below for the Rules PDF
![](https://va3qv.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/arrl-logo.jpg?w=594)
Using my Yaesu FT991a I plan to be giving out the “Rare FN14” Grid square on both 2m and 6m SSB.
On Saturday my Bike tour shift will finish around 6pm (EDST) or 2200 (UTC) if I did the conversion correctly… So I plan to operate from 2300 UTC for a couple of hours.
On Sunday my tour will finish around 9am (EDST) or 1300 (UTC) once again if the conversion works and will try again then around 1400 UTC once I get home.
My 2m/70cm antenna will be a simple Halo or loop which will be horizontal at approx 20 feet above ground. The 991a has an output of 50w ssb on 2m. As the loop is “sort of” useable on 70cm I will be able to give some locals an extra multi.
![](https://va3qv.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/ft991a.jpg?w=840)
My 6m antenna will be a simple “Buddipole 6m Dipole. The 991a has an output of 100w ssb so it should be able to get a bit of a signal out across the Lake (at least I hope it will).
Later tonight there is a vhf net that starts on 144.250 usb that is based in Eastern Ontario. Check out the West Carleton Amateur Radio Club for more into on that. After that they call the role on 70cm and 6m. I stand a change on 6m and 2m if someone has their beams aimed southwest. More on how this works later.
Lets see who can hear the “Popgun” with the tiny antennas…
73bob
via HACKADAY: Design Review: USB-C PD Input For Yaesu FRG7700
Comparing Transceivers: A Personal Journey from Yaesu FT-817 to Elecraft KX2 and Beyond
Ham Radio With K0PIR
Years ago, I owned a Yaesu FT-817, a fantastic transceiver that I even used as a mobile rig in my 1991 Ford Explorer. I have fond memories of using it during my ski trips to the Black Hills. With it...
The post Comparing Transceivers: A Personal Journey from Yaesu FT-817 to Elecraft KX2 and Beyond appeared first on Ham Radio with K0PIR - Icom 7300 and 7610 SDR Transceivers and now Elecraft!.
Wild-PTT – Kein Fehler, ein Feature!
SharkRF openSPOT 4 Pro: Hotspot für die Hosentasche
Asturias and Picos de Europa, Spain
SOTA summit: Cabeza de Mesa https://sotl.as/summits/EA1/AT-052
Activation Date: July 11, 2023
Unique: Yes, peak number 276
Call sign used: EA/M0SNA/P
Portable operation: Yes
Radios: Yeasu 857D
Antennas: SOTABeams 20/40 bandhopper
Band/Modes used: 20m and 40m voice
Operating highlights:
- Spectacular views
- EA2 – new association for me
Pack weight: Approximately 25 lbs
Drive: Park in Sotres
Hike: ~8.3 miles R/T with ~2,800 ft ascent.
Hike and AZ profile:
- Long, fairly easy to follow trail but steep at times
- Very few other hikers
- Large, no trees
- Rocks etc to help secure mast
Recommend: Yes but travel light
Solo operation: All alone
Cell Coverage: Good cell coverage
Photos: Copyright Paul Gacek 2024
Out of the corner of my eye I’ve watched his movie. It didn’t really matter that I couldn’t hear anything as it was in Spanish, set during the Spanish Civil War and actually looked quite good. Boredom had me restless and I rifled through the Iberian in flight magazine that like so many has airport maps, pictures of unbelievable cuisine and something that absolutely caught my eye. Asturias; mountains, coast line, royal palaces and of course cuisine. I’m sold.
Interrupted by Covid and years later, I find myself driving toward what I thought would be a great first Spanish peak. The barrier was unmistakable and the bright neon lights declaring no entry without reservation was not what I wanted to see this early AM.
“Do you speak English?”, “Yes” she replies telling me that twenty minutes earlier, I could have driven in but now and without any reservation I’m out of luck. Come back tomorrow but that isn’t really my plan as I have this not so carefully planned trip to climb peaks, see Vitoria’s (1813) geography and then enjoy Bilbao and aspects of the Basque Country.
The idea of speeding is silly and really isn’t an option. The mountain roads are very narrow, climb relentless and wind and wind around a geologic marvel that is the Picos de Europa National Park. It’s July and while not a big destination for foreigners, it’s super popular with Spanish and I’m convinced my late arrival will yield no parking spot and all in all I’m skunked.
The downside to parking in Sotres is the 500 ft decent to then start a 2,200ft ascent but I have a space and walk down the paved road trying hard to determine which peak is mine.
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2228.jpeg?w=1024)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/screenshot-2024-01-11-at-7.06.26e280afpm.png?w=1024)
The car pulls up next to me and the window winds down. “Sorry, I don’t speak Spanish” is my reply to her. “Would you like a ride?”. Thinking wasn’t required and I blurted out “yes!!”. Pilling in the back they inquire where I have been. The story of mountain top radio needs a little explanation. The three young hikers were very curious about my peak and I surmised my paltry 8 miles and almost 3,000ft was just a warm up for them. Nevertheless, this Basque Country trio are charming and pretty much take me right to my car. Absolutely a Godsend as I was knackered.
Thirty euros buys me all I can eat at the hotel for dinner and then I discover it includes all you can drink….wine, beer….
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2238.jpeg?w=1024)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2274.jpeg)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2275.jpeg)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2276.jpeg)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2273.jpeg)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2278.jpeg)
![](https://nomadic.blog/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/img_2233.jpeg)
Like most Brits, I love Spain, I really do. The south is a big attraction with its warm weather, beaches and sometimes Fish and Chips. In stark contrast, the Atlantic Coast of Spain is green, wet and a place less trodden. It’s been a desire of mine to hike/drive west along the Pyrenees and then along the Atlantic coast to that little know Napoleonic debacle that was the evacuation via Corunna (1809). Another day, sooner than later.
Funkamateur vs. Krakus: Der Mikrofonumschalter (Teil 1)
Yaesu SP-8 Speaker Replacement
Yaesu SP-8 Speaker Replacement. A good sounding, easy to find replacement - the Visaton R10S 4 inch 8 Ohm speaker. Also fits the FPS-101 and SP-101.
The post Yaesu SP-8 Speaker Replacement first appeared on N0UN.net.Getting back onto 160m “Top Band”
Since setting up the new HAM station here in the UK the one band I’ve not yet got back onto is 160m, one of my most favourite bands in the HF spectrum and one that I was addicted to when I live in France (F5VKM).
Having such a small garden here in the UK there is no way I can get any type of guyed vertical for 160m erected and so I needed to come up with some sort of compromise antenna for the band.
Only being interested in the FT4/8 and CW sections of the 160m band I calculated that I could get an inverted-L antenna up that would be reasonably close to resonant. It would require some additional inductance to get the electrical length required and some impedance matching to provide a 50 Ohm impedance to the transceiver.
Measuring the garden I found I could get a 28m horizontal section in place and a 10m vertical section using one of my 10m spiderpoles. This would give me a total of 38m of wire that would get me fairly close to the quarter wave length.
For impedance matching I decided to make a Pi-Network ATU. I’ve made these in the past and found them to be excellent at matching a very wide range of impedances to 50 Ohm.
![M0AWS Homebrew Pi-Network ATU](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-Pi-Network-ATU-2048x1536.jpeg)
Since I still had the components of the Pi-Network ATU that I built when I lived in France I decided to reuse them as it saved a lot of work. The inductor was made from some copper tubing I had left over after doing all the plumbing in the house in France and so it got repurposed and formed into a very large inductor. The 2 x capacitors I also built many years ago and fortunately I’d kept locked away as they are very expensive to purchase today and a lot of work to make.
Getting the Inverted-L antenna up was easy enough and I soon had it connected to the Pi-Network ATU. I ran a few radials out around the garden to give it something to tune against and wound a 1:1 choke balun at the end of the coax run to stop any common mode currents that may have appeared on the coax braid.
Connecting my JNCRadio VNA I found that the Inverted-L was naturally resonant at 2.53Mhz, not too far off the 1.84Mhz that I needed. Adding a little extra inductance and capacitance via the ATU I soon had the antenna resonant where I wanted it at the bottom of the 160m band.
![M0AWS 160m Inverted L Antenna SWR Curve](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-160m-InvL-SWR-2048x1536.jpeg)
With the SWR being <1.5:1 across the CW and FT8 section of the band I was ready to get on 160m for the first time in a long.
Since it’s still summer in the UK I wasn’t expecting to find the band in very good shape but, was pleasantly surprised. Switching the radio on before full sunset I was hearing stations all around Europe with ease. In no time at all I was working stations and getting good reports using just 22w of FT8. FT8 is such a good mode for testing new antennas.
As the sky got darker the distance achieved got greater and over time I was able to work into Russia with the longest distance recorded being 2445 Miles, R9LE in Tyumen Asiatic Russia.
In no time at all I’d worked 32 stations taking my total 160m QSOs from 16 to 48. I can’t wait for the long, dark winter nights to see how well this antenna really performs.
![M0AWS Map showing stations worked on 160m using Inverted L Antenna](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-160m-InvL-Stations-Worked-2048x1256.png)
The map above shows the locations of the stations worked on the first evening using the 160m Inverted-L antenna. As the year moves on and we slowly progress into winter it will be fun to start chasing the DX again on the 160m band..
UPDATE 6th October 2023.
Been using the antenna for some time now with over 100 contacts on 160m. Best 160m DX so far is RV0AR in Sosnovoborsk Asiatic Russia, 3453 Miles using just 22w. Pretty impressive for such a low antenna on Top Band.
More soon …
My old valve radio station
Going through some old photos today I found a few great memories from the past of my old valve radio stations that I’d restored over the years.
These old radios gave me some wonderful moments over the years and a fair few hours of restoration to get them into operational condition. They sounded great on air and I often got comments from other amateur stations about how warm the audio sounded. Some did also mention the drift of the transmitter with temperature changes but, you just have to accept that when using vintage radio equipment.
![M0AWS FT101E Transceiver, FL101 Transmitter, FR101B Receiver and TS520S Transceiver.](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-Valve-station-PT1-2048x1386.jpeg)
Above is my old FT101 line up. It consisted of the great FT101E transceiver, a complete standalone solution that was extremely popular in its day. Below it is the FT101 line up made up of the FT101 transmitter, FR101B receiver and matching speaker.
Top right is the lovely Trio TS520S with the matching digital frequency display which is incredibly rare and very sought after today.
These radios gave me a lot of pleasure for many years and I wish I still had them today.
My second Yaesu valve line up took a lot more restoration than the 101 series and was quite challenging at times but, with a lot patience and time spent sourcing parts I got them back to as close to new operational condition as was possible.
![M0AWS FLDX400 Transmitter, FRDX400 Receiver, FL2000B Amplifier and FTDX501 Transceiver.](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-Valve-Station-PT2-2048x1337.jpeg)
The Yaesu 400 series line up consisted of the FLDX400 transmitter, FRDX400 receiver and was finished off with the FL2000B amplifier. These 3 pieces of radio equipment looked beautiful in the flesh and were wonderful to operate. Taking a good 15mins to warm up and become stable you couldn’t rush getting on air. This line up was my favourite by far even though they weren’t as good as the 101 line up.
Above the 400 series is the later FTDX501 transceiver with matching speaker. This was a great radio in its own right but, not as much fun to operate as the 400 line up. To the right of the FTDX501 is the matching Yaesu Microphone for the 400/500 series. This mic is incredibly rare and I had to visit many radio swap rallies to find it, worth the effort though.
Top right you can see my old SWL receiver, the great Drake SW4A. I never had a Drake line up as they are quite rare in the UK but, it certainly would had made a great addition to the station.
![M0AWS FLDX400, FRDX400 & FL2000B Station being operated by M1ACB and G6ALB](https://m0aws.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/M0AWS-Valve-Station-PT3-2048x1367.jpeg)
Finally this is a photo of two friends of mine, Steve Thomas M1ACB (Current General Manager of the RSGB) on the right and Andy, G6ALB with whom I spent many hours sending and receiving morse with to get our Class A licences. We had a fun day together operating the old radios and taking it in turns to handle the pile ups!
More soon …
Yaesu Interface Cable SCU-28
TX Relay, Power and TX REQ IN
Wiring the Break Out Box and TX-REQ-IN
Partial Success