RF-Quiet Solar PV for Ham Radio
Technical Reference/Radio Frequency Interference
This article discusses the potential for solar power systems to coexist harmoniously with amateur radio, challenging the notion that they are inherently incompatible. Drawing from personal experience, the author emphasizes the importance of selecting RF-quiet components, focusing on series-string Sunny Boy grid-tie inverters. The article also highlights considerations for system design and limitations based on roof orientation, shading, and array size. Overall, it presents a valuable perspective on creating a radio-friendly solar PV setup.
A Compact and Stealthy Field Portable Antenna
Antennas/Portable
In the quest for an ideal field portable antenna, the author recounts experiments involving various wire configurations. While a previous candidate, a 41ft random wire, proved effective but lacked stealth, the search led to a surprising rediscovery of a design previously rejected—the Rybakov Antenna. With a focus on simplicity, rapid deployment, and multiband capability, the author explores the versatility of a 26ft Rybakov, avoiding the halfwave trap. The article delves into the antenna's performance and its potential as a discreet, resonant solution for field operations, addressing the challenges encountered during a POTA activation. Additionally, the Unun/Balun design used in conjunction with the Rybakov Antenna is discussed, providing insights into achieving a balanced system.
W1SMA SCMARG
South Coast Massachusetts Amateur Radio Group
IC705 GoBox: A Portable Windows-Based Solution for All-Digital Modes
Technical Reference/Ham Radio Go Kits
This project details the creation of a portable GoBox housing an IC705, Windows 11 PC, and Bluetooth microphone. The robust setup, enclosed in a weatherproof Hofbauer Explorer Case, ensures stability and functionality for QRP and emergency radio activities. The aluminum-mounted devices minimize RF interference, and a built-in LifePO4 battery powers the 10.1 TFT touch LED monitor, providing approximately 12 hours of use in receive mode. With a focus on grab-and-go versatility, this GoBox stands as an efficient solution for outdoor ham radio operations.
Understanding Impacts of 75-ohm Devices in 50-ohm Systems
Technical Reference/Coax Cables and Connectors
This article explores the implications of using 75-ohm devices, common in TV setups, within 50-ohm systems. While mismatched cables and connectors may lead to minimal consequences in receive-only setups, potential losses and reduced isolation in splitters and taps are examined. The article concludes that, for general applications, inexpensive TV-type components can offer reasonable performance with some trade-offs
Enhancing Frontend Performance with Optimized Band Pass Filters
Technical Reference/Filters
This article explores the nuanced design challenges of Band Pass Filters (BPF) in radio receivers, balancing low insertion loss, high stop band rejection, and narrow bandwidth. The focus is on the "Series-Trap, Shunt-C" topology, resonator count impact, and meticulous layout design for superior stop band performance across various frequency bands
4W8X Log Online
DX Resources/Logs
4W8X DXpedition - November 2023 Timor Leste
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2344
Build a W3DZZ Antenna, Field Strength Meter, 6 Meter Beacons - Worldwide, aLog365, E51D North Cook Islands, E51D Log Online, Yaesu FT-818 Review, WRTC 2026 UK,
HW44A Log Online
DX Resources/Logs
Online Log and OQRS for H44WA DX Pedition to Solomon Islands 2023
Enhancing Icom IC-7300 RX Antenna
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Icom IC-7300
Despite the model limitations, such as a single TXRX antenna connector, the author shares a reversible modification involving a coax relay for enhanced functionality, demonstrating the transceiver's adaptability and customization potential.
ARRL Audio News November 22, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 22, 2023
2023 Fall Section Manager Election Results
Two balloted Section Manager elections were conducted this fall. Ballots were counted on Tuesday, November 21, at ARRL Headquarters. All two-year terms of office will begin on January 1, 2024. For Section Manager of the ARRL Alaska Section:
- David Stevens, KL7EB (incumbent), received 105 votes
- Jeffrey Wolf, N8EX, received 72 votes
David Stevens, KL7EB, of Anchorage, Alaska, has been declared re-el...
K8GP Delmarva VHF and Microwave Society
K8GP web site, home of the Grid Pirates Contest Group.
Yaesu FT-817 Audio Enhancement: Heathkit-inspired Homebrew Project
Technical Reference/Audio
Inspired by Heathkit, author aimed to enhance his Yaesu FT-817 with audio and RF processing. Design goals included a compact enclosure, PCB simplicity, matching jacks, a visual meter, and a built-in signal generator. Despite challenges in finding a suitable compressor IC for a 5V DC mic jack, he chose the Analog Devices SSM2165/2166 series. Prototyping with a solderless breadboard, author planned a PCB layout for its versatile performance in communication use.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2343
Aluminium Push Up Mast , Yaesu FT-710 QST Review, FT-710 Yaesu official web site, Short introduction to D-STAR, ICOM IC-7100 Review , Troubleshooting Data Mode Problems, Fix FT-757GXII blank display
Former Illinois Section Manager Tom Ciciora, KA9QPN, SK
ARRL is sad to report that Thomas "Tom" T. Ciciora, KA9QPN, of Sandwich, Illinois, has become a silent key. He was 66 years old. Ciciora served as the Section Manager of the ARRL Illinois Section from 2006 - 2017. He was an ARRL Life Member. According to an obituary, Ciciora was active in several amateur radio clubs and had been the director of the Sandwich Emergency Management Agency. Ciciora w...
ARRL Headquarters to Be Closed for Thanksgiving Holiday
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® Headquarters in Newington, Connecticut, will be closed in observance of Thanksgiving on Thursday, November 23, 2023, and Friday, November 24, 2023. There will be no W1AW bulletins, code practice, or visitor operations during that time.
ARRL Headquarters will reopen at 8:00 AM Eastern Time on Monday, November 27, 2023. We wish you and yours a hap...
VU2SWX Ham Radio blog
TT's Jottings-Blog of VU2SWX, Travails of an Indian Geek
tk8500 ICOM IC-R8500 Control Software
Software/Radio Control
tk8500 is open source software designed to control and program the ICOM IC-R8500 receiver.
Build an Arduino CW Decoder
Technical Reference/Arduino/Morse Code
An Arduino-Based Solution for 5-35 WPM Signals. Explore the circuit, controls, and setup of this innovative device designed by Allen Baker (KG4JJH). Decode Morse code efficiently, providing a valuable tool for operators, from novices to veterans, and offering a hands-on experience with Arduino technology.
SKYWARN Recognition Day Is Ready to Go
The 2023 SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) is December 2 from 0000z to 2400z. The event honors all SKYWARN storm spotters and amateur radio operators for their contributions to the National Weather Service (NWS) during severe weather. Amateur radio operators also provide vital communication to the NWS and emergency management when normal communications fail. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Admin...
H44WA Solomon Islands
DX Resources/DX Peditions/2023 DXpeditions
H44WA Solomon Islands November 15-29, 2023. A team of Western Washington DX Club amateur radio operators will activate Solomon Islands in November 2023.
PR0T Log Online
DX Resources/Logs
Online Log for PR0T Trinidade and Marim Vaz Islands 2023
The University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club, W3USR, Got a Facelift
With a grant from Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC) for almost $200,000 and private donations of more than $20,000, the University of Scranton Amateur Radio Club in Scranton, Pennsylvania, has installed new amateur radio equipment and antennas for its station, W3USR. The station is now located on the fifth floor of the university's Loyola Science Center and features state-of-the-art op...
A mobile radio installation
Operating Modes/Mobile
Detailing a Yaesu FT-857 and ATAS-120 installation in a 1997 Toyota Tacoma, the author used Polar Plot to map signal strength. Using a hand truck with a laptop, FT-817, and an Iron Horse antenna, they circled a chalk-outlined 100-foot diameter, revealing potential nulls towards the truck's rear and through the cab, offering insights into antenna performance.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2342
Three-Element Hex Beam Project, 40m Wire Antennas Comparison, 9:1 Balun and Unun, Building a new lithium battery, Dx-peditions365 App, Tripod Platform and Bi-Quad Antenna Mount, Band Decoder Arduino,
ARRL Audio News November 17, 2023
ARRL Audio News November 17, 2023
2023 ARRL November Sweepstakes Continues
The second part of the ARRL November Sweepstakes is for phone contacts, and it begins Saturday, November 18 at 2100 UTC, and runs through Monday, November 20 at 0259 UTC. The contest objective is to support amateur self-training in radiocommunications, including improving amateur operating skills, conducting technical investigations, and intercommunicating with other amateurs. Amateur stations i...
2023 ARRL Board of Directors Election Results
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® announces the results of the 2023 ARRL Division elections. ARRL Great Lakes Division Vice Director Scott Yonally, N8SY (2,175 votes), of Lexington, Ohio, defeated candidate Michael Kalter, W8CI (2,023 votes), for the position of Division Director. Yonally will assume the role when Director Dale Williams, WA8EFK, who has held the seat since 2014, ...
Comparing Mobile whip versus EF HW Vertical
Antennas/End-Fed/End Fed Half Wave Antenna
PH0NO conducted field tests comparing a mobile antenna (DX-UHV) to an end-fed half-wave wire. Results on 20m showed the end-fed wire outperforming the mobile antenna, with a significant difference in signal strength. On 40m, the end-fed wire surpassed the mobile antenna in spots and reach. While the mobile antenna is more practical, the end-fed wire offers superior performance. Further testing is planned.
W6BW Mountain Amateur Radio Club
Official web site of the mountain amateur radio club w6bw, oakhurst ca.
FT-817 Audio Speech Compressor: Boosting Signal Power with SSM2165
Technical Reference/Audio
Designed for the FT-817, this audio speech compressor, centered on the Analog Devices SSM2165, offers a 40 dB compression range, enhancing signal power. Built externally with the SMD version to preserve warranty, the circuit interfaces smoothly with electret microphones. Testing shows a 6 dB average power increase. Adaptable to rigs with electret microphones, it maintains unity gain and 40 dB compression.
Delta Loop vs End Fed Half Wave on 20m
Antennas/End-Fed
Intrigued by a German OM positive experience with a 20m delta loop, the author replicated the design, noting its favorable 50-ohm impedance compared to their 40m version. Testing against a vertical EFHW, the delta loop excelled within EU but lagged at longer distances. Despite needing more testing, the user leaned towards the EFHW for its overall performance and practicality.
Top Amateur Radio Websites - Issue 2341
Performance of 49:1 Ferrite Core Transformers, Variations on a Dipole, Yaesu FTDX101D QST Review, GP Antenna for 1296 MHz, Repair of an FT-1000 MP Mark V , Cloverleaf Antenna, CWvox
Yaesu FT-857 Repair: Tackling a Sense Wire Issue
Radio Equipment/HF Transceivers/Yaesu FT-857
After owning the second-hand radio for a few months, it developed a sense wire failure, limiting output to 20 watts. Yaesu support advised the owner, an Electrical Engineer, to investigate. The issue was traced to a blown digital transistor, Q1032. Yaesu provided free replacements, revealing intricate internal components during the repair.
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