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Xiegu X6200: Released for Preorder

Discover the latest in ham radio technology with the Xiegu X6200, featuring RF direct sampling, versatile frequency support, and built-in wireless capabilities. Explore key features, setup tips, and recommended accessories in our comprehensive overview.

Excellent Go Box For Sale

Excellent Go Box for sale. Covers 160m thru 432 mhz all modes including a netbook with WSJT modes. All equipment stows inside the pvc/aluminum waterproof audio case with 2 handles, total weight 32 lbs.

The Ultimate Companion for Amateur Radio Enthusiasts: The New KH1 Hand-Held 5-Band Transceiver

Ham Radio With K0PIR

Hey there, Ham friends! If you're passionate about amateur radio, you'll be thrilled to learn about the latest addition to the world of ham radio gear: the KH1 Hand-Held 5-Band Transceiver. This pocket-sized wonder is taking the amateur radio community...

The post The Ultimate Companion for Amateur Radio Enthusiasts: The New KH1 Hand-Held 5-Band Transceiver appeared first on Ham Radio with K0PIR - Icom 7300 and 7610 SDR Transceivers and now Elecraft!.

New 2023 XIEGU HF QRP Radio

It is a new generation of ultra-portable transceiver. With advanced RF direct sampling and powerful RF units, It integrates the functions of major models. The new XIEGU HF radio also sports a remote network control function.

How To Build the Worlds Dumbest Drive On Antenna Stand for Under $35

Need a solid, drive on stand to deploy your inverted V, random wire or vertical antenna during ham radio field events? Then you need the World’s dumbest drive on antenna stand.

Introduction:

As you most likely know by now, I enjoy making portable homebrew antenna systems. About 3 years ago I build this easy drive on stand from parts I had laying around. Today you can build the same stand for somewhere around $35.Β 

After looking at the photo, you may be thinking that PVC would be lighter and less expensive so why use black pipe? It’s true, PVC may be a few dollars less and is lighter weight but I still think black pipe is a better alternative.Β Why 2 inch pipe? The telescoping masts I use all have a base diameter of approximately 1.75 inches,

Benefits:

Black pipe won’t fail under windy conditions or stress crack when using longer (30ft) telescoping masts. You won’t be backpacking this stand so is weight really an issue? PVC may be a couple of dollars less but why give up the strength of steel? However, if you have PVC or just want to use it as an alternative, then just substitute it in my list of pipe materials below.Β 

Antennas I have raised with my drive on stand and telescoping masts include my homebrew HP9SL VP2E inverted V, my SOTABEAMS Three Band Dipole, my QRPGUYS QRP Tri-band vertical and my crazy Slinky random wire vertical.Β 

In the photo you will notice that I used duct tape to attach a section of wood to the pipe. The attached wood has a velcro pad which I use to mount my 9:1 UNUN during random wire deployments. The 9:1 UNUN has a connection for the counterpoise wire.Β 

What You Will Need:

  • To build this rock solid stand you will only need 7 parts.Β 
    • 1 24 x 6 x 1 inch pine board (I got scrap board at Home Depot)
    • 4 1/2 inch long lag bolts (Amazon has a box for around $6.
    • 1 2 inch by 12 inch black steel threaded pipe (Home Depot $9)
    • 1 2 inch threaded pipe flange (Home Depot $20)
    • Hammer and Adjustable Wrench
    • Paint and brush (optional)

Step By Step:

  1. It’s probsbly a good idea to paint the wood base on all sides if you plan to use it during wet weather.
  2. Near one end of the wood base, center the pipe flange on the wood base.Β 
  3. Hold each lag bolt over a mount hole in the flange and use a hammer to lightly tap each lag bolt until it bites into the wood.
  4. Then tighten each lag bolt with the adjustable wrench.
  5. Throw the wood base, pipe, mast and antenna in your car.Β 
  6. Ready to operate? Just drive onto the wood base and screw in the pipe.Β 
  7. Deploy your antenna and start making QSO’s.Β 

Takeaways:

  • You can build this drive on stand ar a reasonable cost.
  • The stand could not be simpler to use.
  • The stand is durable and will last a lifetime.
  • Using steel pipe eliminates any concern for failure.

Conclusion:

If you enjoy working portable ham radio operations as I do, and want an alternative way to quickly deploy different types of antenna systems then The World’s Dumbest Drive On Antenna Stand may be just what you are looking for.Β 

Wertheim National Wildlife Refuge K-0481

Introduction:

Since the weather is still very cool here on Long Island, I decided to try out my new β€œMount-It! Car Desk” for this activation. Werthiem is my first attempt at using the table for any deployment.

While I do like the convenience of the new table and the fact that it keeps me out of the weather, like anything else in the world, is not perfect. But for reading, using a laptop, eating or playing Amateur Radio, it’s another good, inexpensive tool for general use.

Benefits of the Mount-It! Car Desk:

The Mount-It Car Desk
  • A car desk is a great way to activate a park from the back seat of your car during nasty weather.
  • The car desk is sturdy enough to hold my KX3, 3Ah 12vdc LIfePO4 battery, UTC clock and notepad sized logbook.
  • I plan to use the car desk for other tasks like using my laptop and reading while killing time between doctor appointments.
  • The car desk can be used with the steering wheel or attached to the headrest of the front seat for back seat operations.
  • The unit is lightweight so you can easily take it with you wherever you go. It’s also easy to set up and take down, which makes it that much more convenient in a pinch.
  • The car desk is a stable surface to work on. The angle of the desk can be altered for use with a QRP rig, laptop or angled for reading.

Check out the Mount-It! Car Desk here

Watch The Mount-It Car Desk Video here

Takeaways:

The railroad bridge over Carmen’s River

My first impression is that the car tray is not rock solid. When using the onboard KX3 with the QRPGUYS paddle kit (shown in photo), there is a very slight up and down movement to the tray, mostly due my heavy hand leaning on it.Β 

Initially I was a bit flustered trying to work my first few contacts with the slight motion of the tray but after a short time I was able to compensate for the movement. Of course using an alternative plug-in paddle would have resolved that problem.

The car desk easily handled the weight of the KX3, Bioenno battery and my heavy handedness. I’d say that the car desk could easily handle the weight of any current QRP rig around. Β 

FAQ:

What can I use a car desk for?
You can use a car desk for a variety of tasks, including eating, working on a laptop, or reading.

How do I use a car desk?
To use a car desk, simply attach it to your steering wheel or front seat headrest and place your belongings on the surface. You can then adjust the height and tilt of the desk to find the most comfortable position for you.

Is a car desk safe to use?
Yes, a car desk is safe to use as long as you follow the instructions. Make sure to attach the desk securely to your steering wheel or front seat headrest.

Where can I buy a car desk?
You can buy a car desk online or at most automotive stores.

How much does a car desk cost?
The price of a car desk varies depending on the brand and model. However, most car desks cost between $20 and $50.

Do I need any special tools to use a car desk?
No, you don’t need any special tools to use or install a car desk. However, some desks may come with a set of instructions that include helpful tips for installation.

Conclusion:

Using the car desk definitely helped with my activation. Rather than leaning over to the left when I had to place the KX3 on the folded left rear seat, it was a pleasure to sit forward while working and logging my contacts.

With a roof mounted Hamstick and 10 watts CW, it’s always a surprise to find out just how far a signal with travel. During this activation I worked as far west as Oregon (K7GT) and to the east it was Poland (SP9RXP).

Check out the Mount-It! Car Desk here

Exploring the Kenwood TH-D75A: The Ultimate Portable Handheld Transceiver

Ham Radio With K0PIR

So you've seen all the hype about the New Kenwood TH-D75A. Here's my breakdown. After reading, do you think this is the ultimate portable transceiver? I researched the best videos on YouTube and made a playlist for your conveience. (See...

The post Exploring the Kenwood TH-D75A: The Ultimate Portable Handheld Transceiver appeared first on Ham Radio with K0PIR - Icom 7300 and 7610 SDR Transceivers and now Elecraft!.

New Icom ID-50A VHF/UHF D-Star Hand Held Transceiver

Ham Radio With K0PIR

Recently, I had the chance to view (videos) the new Icom ID-50A. From what I saw, it looks like a solid option for amateur radio operators seeking an efficient and effective handheld transceiver. With its impressive features and specs, this...

The post New Icom ID-50A VHF/UHF D-Star Hand Held Transceiver appeared first on Ham Radio with K0PIR - Icom 7300 and 7610 SDR Transceivers and now Elecraft!.

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