It has been decided to hold off on any mods to the HW-8. Yes, it is not the smoothest operating radio, but that is part of the draw. It is not my main rig and old school has it place in my Ham Radio activity.
As mentioned below in this blog the earphones I am using are far from comfortable. Also, in low light conditions it is hard to read the dial. To modify or not? I would not do anything that could not be reversed (at least at this point). However, the use of the HW-8 would be greatly enhanced with certain mods such as improved audio and being able to read the dial and know the radio is powered up in all light conditions.
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 me
ters 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.
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 r
adio 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.
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.
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.
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!
I found it!
Once upon a time I could work the Pacific (from GA) with the aid of the greyline early in the morning on 30 meter CW. Realizing I am now using an attic (or loft if you prefer) antenna, I assumed propagation was just not the same.
I found the Pacific! FT8 has taken it away from me on 30 meter CW. Running 15 wattsa and an attic antenna on FT8 reaching out that far is not easy, but doable. However, with FT8 there is just no personality to the contact. FT8 will not be my home on 30 meters, but I may visit from time to time.
a. I Run 25 watts on CW. But I reduce power to 15 watts as FT8 is a full duty cycle mode. The K3 can handle the power, but to prevent possible RFI I dial it back.
I did an inspection of my antenna the other day. It looked very good physically. In fact, if there was wind or water damage I would have a far more pressing issue to deal with than the repair of my antenna. After all my antenna is in the attic! As I looked at the bent to fit doublet my thought was how does anyone in the world hear me?
I have to do something different. Operating any more has become for the most part working the same park for the tenth time or watching the Reverse Beacon. The price one pays for very poor judgement when downsizing!