OnAllBands has been taking a close look at products that can help you get more out of your Hustler 4BTV, 5BTV, and 6BTV vertical antennas. We’ve got quite a bit of ground to cover, so we’re starting with the DX Engineering add-on kits that let you easily and effectively expand coverage. Check out this article on the Hustler BTV Series 17M Add-On Kit. Later this month we’ll be exploring what operators say about the 80M add-on kit.
Today, we turn our attention to the latest addition to DX Engineering’s lineup of devices that have turned the Hustler BTV verticals into an affordable and proven DXing juggernaut for hams around the globe, especially those dealing with limited space and HOA restrictions.
The updated DX Engineering 12 Meter Add-On Kit for Hustler 4BTV, 5BTV, or 6BTV HF Vertical Antennas (DXE-AOKC-12M) adds 12 meter coverage (24.890 through 24.990 MHz) without giving up existing band coverage. Simply install the kit, check the tuning, make minimal tuning adjustments, and you’re on the air with an additional band.
Users on eHam.net have called the DXE-AOKC-12M a “great product for the money,” “first-rate made,” “a superior product that performs, “very easy to assemble,” and “a straightforward way to add 12M to the Hustler without it looking like a Rube Goldberg contraption.” Check out all the reviews at eHam.net.
The RF power handling of the DXE-AOKC-12M 12 Meter Add-On Kit is conservatively rated for 1,500 watts PEP SSB, 1,000 watts CW, and 375 watts RTTY and Digital modes (including FT8) at an antenna SWR of 2:1 and below. This rating is for 12 meters only; it does not apply to BTV antenna trap or resonator frequencies where the use of less power is advised.
The 17M and 12M kits work together because they do not interact with each other. Further, installing them on your BTV antenna will not drastically affect other bands. The 17M and 12M kits match each other, except for the coil on the 17M, and they add negligible wind loading to the antenna. The kits can mount on opposite sides of the Hustler BTV vertical and may be installed at the same time or at different times.
The above photo shows the following:
Bulkhead ConnectorTIP: The use of the OMNI-TILT base is recommended for BTV ground mounting when both 17M and 12M kits are installed.
The 12M add-on kit includes:
Installation of the DXE-AOKC-12M can have the effect of narrowing the SWR bandwidth of 20, 15, and 10M—a reasonable tradeoff for adding the extra band. After the 12M kit is installed and tuned, any required shift to the usable SWR frequency ranges on those bands can be accomplished by trap sleeve repositioning on the respective band trap. SWR may be optimized for CW and Digital or SSB segments by careful trap sleeve tuning adjustments.
For more about tuning, assembly instructions, and further details, read the DXE-AOKC-12M manual. Visit DXEngineering.com to order this impressive Hustler upgrade.
The post Product Spotlight: DX Engineering 12 Meter Add-On Kit for Hustler 4BTV, 5BTV & 6BTV Vertical Antennas appeared first on OnAllBands.
August 21, 2024
North Korea is extremely selective about what it chooses to show to outsiders, yet an Ontario man was able to tune in to a live feed of North Korean state television.Thank you to RTL-SDR.COM reader Micha for submitting a story about how he has been able to use SDR# and the Airspy Server Network to explore cable TV stations across the globe via cable TV signal interference.
If you were unaware, the SDR# software from Airspy.com has access to the Airspy Server Network, which is a collection of public Airspy SDRs available all over the world that can be accessed freely over the internet. To access these SDRs simply select "Airspy Server Network" as the source in SDR#, and click on the "..." button next to the server address entry. A map will pop up where you can select from SDRs all over the world.
Using Airspy SDRs in Russia, and in other countries (Guatemala, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Indonesia, Vietnam, Micha found that there were several analog TV signals found at frequencies that should not have terrestrial TV signals there. Upon further investigation, he realized that these are actually cable TV signals that are leaking and causing interference across the RF bands. Micha notes that he's also observed how the leaking signals often change in frequency and intensity too, making it difficult to keep track of them.
Combined with the TVSharp SDR# plugin, Micha was able to recover some (very rough) images from these interfering signals. Micha has provided several images shown below that demonstrate Russian cable leakage, as well as for Mexico and Argentina.
The LibreSDR is a relatively new software defined radio on the market. It is based on the AD9363 radio transceiver chip and an AMD XC7Z020 FPGA, and appears to be an upgraded/modified Chinese clone of the PlutoSDR. It can be found on marketplace sites like Banggood for US$319.99. (The Tech Minds YouTube description box also notes coupon code BG91c241, Exp:8/31, which brings it down to US$$259.99)
In his video, Matt from the Tech Minds YouTube channel introduces the LibreSDR / ZynqSDR, and explains how to set up the LibreSDR firmware, which is an unofficial port of the PlutoSDR firmware.
He then tested the SDR with SDR++ on Windows for receiving the air-band and found that it worked well, except that it only worked over USB, and did not work with the ethernet connection. Next, he tries SDR-Console V3, and finds that he is able to connect to the LibreSDR via ethernet with this software. Matt goes on to test his QO-100 setup, replacing his PlutoSDR with the LibreSDR, noting that the VCTXO in the LibreSDR works great to prevent any signal drift.
Finally, Matt tests transmission of DATV with the LibreSDR, but finds an issue with a center spike causing issues with decoding. He notes that the center spike does not occur with his PlutoSDR.
Over on her YouTube channel SignalsEverywhere, Sarah has uploaded a new video showing how to use a program called 'hacktv-gui' to transmit analog TV signals using a HackRF software defined radio. Analog TV standards such as PAL and NTSC have been phased out in most of the world in favor of digital TV standards instead. However, transmitting these yourself can be a fun experiment that may help breathe life into old television sets.
In the video Sarah explains how to use the hacktv-gui and hacktv software, and how to create a video transmission. She mentions how hacktv also supports the use of a FL2K device, which is a cheap VGA adapter that can be used to transmit signals.
Version II of the 15-10 rig is mostly done. I did a lot of work on the AF amp, balanced modulator, Mic amp, carrier oscillator, and filter. Dean KK4DAS and I continue to test and measure the RF power amplifier. I describe the brutally simple, non-sequenced T/R switching arrangement, and the spread-out open air construction style.
Version I of this rig is on its way to the Dominican Republic. Version II will stay in Virginia. I have already worked a lot of SSB DX with this rig, including, Thailand, Taiwan, China, India, Kenya, Australia, American Samoa, and others.
During May there are plans for two separate attempts to make contacts from Newfoundland using the QO-100 geostationary satellite amateur transponders.
Newfoundland is just outside the coverage area of QO-100, the elevation at Signal Hill at St. Johns is -0.9°, however, contacts have been made from Indonesia at an elevation as low as -1.3° so there is a chance of success.
Gopan VO1/M0XUU (VU3HPF) will be in Newfoundland from May 8-15 and will attempt to make QO-100 contacts.
David VO1/G0MRF and Graham VO1/G3VZV will be in Newfoundland May 15-19 and plan to be active on QO-100 using SSB / CW / FT8 / FT4 / DATV.
You can follow posts on X at:
Gopan M0XUU – https://X.com/vu3hpf
David G0MRF – https://X.com/g0mrf
Graham G3VZV – https://X.com/G3VZV
Video of the presentation ‘Making QO-100 contacts from North America – A new challenge’, given by Graham G3VZV at the 2022 AMSAT-UK Colloquium
https://amsat-uk.org/2022/11/01/making-qo-100-contacts-from-north-america-a-new-challenge/
Information on QO-100 is at https://forum.amsat-dl.org/index.php?board/3-qo-100-es-hail-2-p4-a/
About UV-K5 CEC Firmware Version 0.1X (from v0.1p)
1.About Version 0.1X
This version is the stable version of UV-K5 Version 0.1P
In Version 0.1P, many things were changed, including the internal variable structure, and we received feedback for about 8 days to check if there were any problems. The original plan was to just change the name from Version 0.1P to Version 0.1X, but several features were added as follows. Please read Version 0.1P for main features
2.SSB Filter (bandwidth)
The filter can select one of these : VFO, 3K, 2K, 1.7K, 3K+, 2K+,1.7K+
This filter operates only in SSB mode and is disabled in existing FM mode. If you select a filter with +, the + mode is also applied to CW mode
VFO : Previous firmware state. It is selected among WIDE/NARROW selected in VFO
3K ~ 1.7K : When actually measured, it is a little wider than stated.
3K+ ~ 1.7K+ : It improves the functionality of the existing filter. Based on SINAD, there is an improvement effect of about 1dB.
3.SSTV
3.1 Scottie 1 Mode
Scottie1 mode was added to the existing Martin1 mode. You can select it from STVEnc in the settings menu.
3.3 QSO TX Number
SSTV transmission sequence record. It is displayed at the top right when transmitting SSTV.
3.4 SSTV transmission resolution has been increased. If this causes problems, I plan to reduce the resolution again.
X-TAL is not connected to the MCU (CPU) used in UV-K5. (Internal LC res) So, there is a slight problem during precise transmission like SSTV.
4. Download
https://github.com/phdlee/uvk5cec/releases/tag/v_0.1x
Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.1M (SSTV, Text Configuration)
In version 0.1M, items related to text settings and SSTV transmission function were added. As previously announced, only compiled binaries will be released from 0.1M until 1.0 is released.When the version is upgraded to 1.0, we will organize the source code and release it together. It probably won't take long.
1.Improved text input
Most of the contents are the same as the existing firmware. I only did something very small. Since you will be using text input frequently in the firmware (UV-K5 CEC version), changed it to make input more convenient. I only changed the function of the * button and the F button very slightly.
U.Info - > My Call : your call sign
U.Info - > My Name : your name
U.Info - > My Grid : your grid (using https://www.qrz.com/gridmapper)
You only need to enter 4 digits (Example : EM37)
U.Info - > DX Call : Call sign of the other party (This is used on SSTV and CW Eleckeyer)
U.Info - > DX Name : Name of the other party (This is used on SSTV and CW Eleckeyer)
And there are a few additional text items (CW message, GPS Location and etc). Enter whatever you want to enter.
3.SSTV transmission function
SSTV supports Martin v1. Due to limitations in flash memory space for writing firmware, various functions could not be included. However, I am also considering adding the ability for SSTV users to create their own templates if they wish.
(The implementation included scottie and PD90 protocols, but they were excluded when compiling due to lack of firmware space)
The text to be included in the picture must be entered in SSTV M1 (SSTV message 1) in the text input menu (U.Info).
Additional: I thought a lot about resolution when transmitting SSTV. If this is not a toy but a function that is actually used, I thought it should have a resolution that can be read when transmitted with a 5W radio rather than being flashy.
4.Download Link
https://github.com/phdlee/uvk5cec/releases/tag/v_0.1m
5. Video (How to)
DE KD8CEC
An ARISS Slow Scan TV (SSTV) event is scheduled from the International Space Station (ISS) December 16-19, 2023, on 145.800 MHz FM to celebrate the 40th anniversary of amateur radio in human spaceflight.
The event is slated to begin on Saturday, December 16, at 10:15 GMT for setup and operation and continue until Tuesday, December 19, ending at 18:00 GMT. These times are tentative and are subject to change due to crew availability.
Images will be downlinked at 145.800 MHz +/- 3 kHz for Doppler shift and the expected SSTV mode of operation is PD-120.
Radio enthusiasts participating in the event can post and view images on the ARISS SSTV Gallery at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/
The signal should be receivable even on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing.
You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at https://www.amsat.org/track/
ARISS SSTV Blog https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/
Useful SSTV info and links https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/
ISS SSTV image 5/12 received by Murray Hely ZL3MH January 31, 2015
The SSTV system in the Service Module will be activated to attempt to verify a replacement piece of hardware during the period of Oct 27 until Nov 01.
The system will be off around the required period of no transmissions during the planned EVA on Oct 31. Images will be transmitted on 145.800 MHz and in the typical PD120 format.
There are 2 windows for testing, separated by an EVA:
Fri Oct 27 at 12:15 GMT – Sun Oct 29 at 18:50 GMT
Tue Oct 31 at 10:05 GMT – Wed Nov 01 at 18:10 GMT
Your images can be posted to the Gallery at https://www.spaceflightsoftware.com/ARISS_SSTV/index.php
Since this is a test of replacement components of the system, there still may be unexpected outages or issues.
The signal should be receivable on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing.
You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at https://www.amsat.org/track/
ARISS SSTV Blog https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/
Useful SSTV info and links https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/
ISS SSTV image 5/12 received by Murray Hely ZL3MH January 31, 2015
UPDATE: Event to be Rescheduled. R4UAB reports that from October 3, 2023 to October 5, 2023 images will be transmitted from the International Space Station via the SSTV protocol as part of the “About Gagarin from Space” experiment. The topic of the program is the first artificial Earth satellite, amateur radio satellites, school satellites.
SSTV images will be transmitted on 145.800 MHz using a Kenwood TM-D710 transceiver. They are expected to use the PD-120 SSTV format.
The scheduled start of transmission is October 03, 2023 at approximately 14:40 UTC. The end of transmission is scheduled at October 05, 2023 at approximately 18:15 UTC. The date and time may change.
The “Russia ISS SSTV” diploma is awarded to radio amateurs (observers) for receiving SSTV (slow-scan television) broadcasts from aboard the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the space experiment (SE) “About Gagarin from Space.” To receive the “Russia ISS SSTV” Diploma, one must receive and decode three images transmitted over a radio channel from on board the ISS using the SSTV protocol only on the days of the SE . Each image must be at least 90% complete and of acceptable quality. Information on earning the certificate is available at https://r4uab.ru/diplom-iss-sstv/
AMSAT Argentina is also offering a diploma for reception of ISS SSTV images. Learn more at http://amsat.org.ar/?f=9
Source AMSAT News Service https://mailman.amsat.org/postorius/lists/ans.amsat.org/
The signal should be receivable on a handheld with a 1/4 wave whip. If your rig has selectable FM filters try the wider filter for 25 kHz channel spacing.
You can get predictions for the ISS pass times at https://www.amsat.org/track/
ARISS SSTV Blog https://ariss-sstv.blogspot.com/
Useful SSTV info and links https://amsat-uk.org/beginners/iss-sstv/
It's always interesting when I write, to see what feedback or help is out there. I encourage you all to write back your thoughts in the comments below.
So a quick trip down to the link https://www.armbian.com/ Reveals a good download area for hardware which you may like to try it out on. Although the Raspberry Pi is not listed, surely it can't be long before something is ported over.
I know recently Ubuntu Linux has been ported for the Raspberry Pi. But are there cheaper methods of playing around with Linux and using it to advantage our hobby?
Paul mentioned he uses an old Android TV Box. I have one of these which I use coupled up to my main TV for watching Youtube on.
The advantage of the Android TV box they are cheap! A mini computer all self contained inside a little box. Normally they include a power supply, simple remote, and work straight away out of the box when you plug them into your TV, booting from their internal Android firmware. They are also very simple to get running with Linux (in most cases). Adding a keyboard and mouse, blow the Linux firmware on to an SD card, and away you go (In theory anyway).
If you would like a little play around with Linux they have got to be an excellent starting point, and if you don't like it or get get fed up, brick it, or just end up throwing it into the corner of the shack, you haven't lost much.
You buy them from the likes of ebay, just type in Android TVBOX. You need to check first that the processor type is supported before you buy. Here is an example at around £20 UK:
As well as the Armbian website support there are lots of videos on Youtube to a show you how to go about installing Linux.
(Depending on processor type):
Here is one I dug out, there are plenty of others, but it shows you the basics how to go about and get it running with Armbian.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0xezRDUCDkg
Hope that helps!
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