Posts by ‘k4ds’

FREQ-Mite

The FREQ-Mite was received and is on the bench (actually a table).  It came fast and in perfect condition.  A parts inventory showed all was received in order.

FREQ-mite received and ready to be built

I started to put the parts on the board.  I tend to build these kits slowly as it is the journey not the destination.  Although there has to be a destination that includes a functional and useful end result.

Freq-Mite build in process

 

Temporary became pemanent

The once temporary operating position for my QRP radios has become permanent as it is really the only place available (for now). The bug fits nicely behind the small keyboard.  My other QRP radio (Penntek TR-25) is standing by at the ready.

I have had several great rag chews over the last two weeks on 40 meters during the daylight hours using just two watts output.  These QSO’s have been in the 150 to 350 mile range.  I have also found that my old Lafeyette Radio bug works better than I remember.  I guess over 50 years on the shelf brought out its good side.

A real QSO with the NorCal 40B

Yes, two watts is useable with an attic antenna for a nice QSO.  A little rig like the NorCal 40B goes very nicely for a long rag chew when things are just right (band conditions, time of day and distance).  I had just such a QSO with a station about 340 miles away during the daytime hours.  Great chat until my fist decided it was time.

This is my temporary QRP radio setup.  The keyboard normally resides on the pullout shelf.  (One screw still to be put in the top cover -hi hi.)  Behind the radio is my Elecraft W1 Power Meter and the bug is a Lafayette Radio MS-435 circa the early 1960’s.

 

NorCal 40B – It works

Well – the NorCal 40B works.  I aimed for short contacts to test the little radio and it works.  A SOTA contact, three POTA contacts and an SKCC contact, and the thing works.  It is running ~2 watts and due to user error the first contact (SOTA in KY) was made at ~.3 watts.

I did mess up the case a bit.  It is a clever way to make a case, but a bit cheesy.  That is no excuse for the small mistake I made in assembling it.

NorCal 40B wired

Well, the wiring of the NorCal 40B is finished.  I slow walked the process over concerns of one of the intermediate steps in the build.  Good thing it’s the journey and not the destination that counts because so far the destination is not so hot!  (Please see subsequent posts,)

Hamcation 2024

We made the trip to Orlando, Florida for Hamcation 2024.  Several small items were purchased, and one biggie was acquired.  Just what I needed, a new paddle.  A ZN-QRP paddle by N3ZN Keys was added to the operating desk.  This key works very well in the shack and is small enough to take portable.  The key is evidence of excellent craftsmanship and attention to detail.  I have been eyeing Tony’s keys for many hamfests and finally purchased one.  I am very happy I did.

NZ-QRP Paddle by N3ZN

ZN-QRP Paddle (N3ZN Keys)

NorCal 40B

I started the build of the NorCal 40B kit by NM0S Electronics.  I am building it by circuit stage not by the normal manual method.  We will see how that goes.

SKN 2024

I had a few contacts during this year’s ARRL Straight Key Night or in my case Straight Key Day.  I used my FT-897D and the straight key side of my Brown Bros. CLT-B Combo Key.

Integrity in POTA

This morning I looked at the POTA online log and saw something very disturbing and makes me strongly doubt the number of parks I have been given credit for. I worked an activator yesterday but found two contacts from two different parks in the log. A further review of the log found that I recorded two parks in my log with this station on two separate dates. However, the POTA online log for those same two dates shows a total five parks worked. So sad!