I’ve been busy lately, doing a lot of things for a lot of different people and even having fun with the process. I have been making some changes to the way I operate and how I am adapting to such things as getting older. The first change is I have added the remote VFO IC-RC28 to the shack. In the photo above, I have the RC28 next to my paddles. I like it there as I am often cruising up and down a band when doing activities like POTA. It is more comfortable with the dial being more horizontal and it is also enough out of the way when I am using my desk — well, like a desk. Just to he left of the RC28 goes my mouse. Everything right there one, two, three.

Another change coming to the shack is a new (to me) amplifier. I am getting an SPE Expert 2.0K-FA amp. This amp is capable of 1.8 to 2.0 KW of power and is set up fro general coverage (includes outside the ham bands). I normally never use more than 1 KW so what this gives me is a lot of headroom. The 2.0 is about twice as heavy as the 1.5 which I currently own. With the additional cooling I will be able to run digital modes up to 1 KW. However, I normally do not need anymore than 100-200 watts for CONUS coverage. I am adding an amplifier interface cable to the IC-7300 so both radios can each run the amp with a push of a button. The SPE Expert 1.5K-FA will be up for sale shortly.

Antennas. I’ll be putting up a new antenna. This is be a 203′ terminated end-fed non-resonant antenna. This will be a very broadbanded antenna and will allow me to operate on 60 meters. I also have some field antennas coming and I will post about them on a different post.

Power.

I added a 100 Ah battery to the list of portable power options. This battery will give me a full weekend of operating. This battery will also provide back-up power when black-outs or brown-outs occur. I have another set of solar panels on the way. This country is heading towards power shortages as fossil fuel plants are beign shut down and not being replaced. However, our energy usage is continuing to increase. Several parts of our country are already suffering from these outages.

I do have a couple of field trips planned in the near future and of course operating from home.

The wonderful thing about amateur radio is there are so many ways to enjoy the service. I do not call amateur radio a hobby as it is a service even we can enjoy it like a hobby. Until next time, get out there and get on the air, or stay at home. 73 de Scott