{"id":1773,"date":"2017-09-23T06:56:43","date_gmt":"2017-09-23T11:56:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?page_id=1773"},"modified":"2024-08-01T14:48:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T19:48:09","slug":"station-setup-downsized","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/wa2bsw.com\/?page_id=1773","title":{"rendered":"Station Setup"},"content":{"rendered":"

In December 2016 the QTH was downsized to a Cluster Home community with HOA rules.\u00a0 Flying under the radar while following the rules is required.<\/del><\/p>\r\n

Note to hams downsizing:<\/strong> adjusting to a small space for operating can be easy, but a small space for antennas is a no no.\u00a0\u00a0 Needless to say, I miscalculated. Please see my Operating in the shadows<\/a> page.<\/p>\r\n

The Shack<\/strong><\/p>\r\n

\"\"<\/a>The shack is located in the second floor study.\u00a0 The picture to the left is of the operating position on July 24, 2024.\u00a0 The Elecraft K3\/P3 combo is sitting on the lower shelf (a Penntek TR-25 is stored to the left of the K3) and the computer monitor is located on the top shelf.\u00a0 On the desk surface under the transceiver are three iambic paddles (two Begali and a Vibroplex) and the Begali Intrepid bug.\u00a0 Attached to the left side of the white shelf is the LDG remote antenna tuner control.\u00a0 On the single shelf to the right is an HW-8 QRP Transceiver and HR-1661 speaker.\u00a0 Under the transceiver on the desk surface is a Broiwn Bros. combo key, a 1944 Vibroplex bug and a Begali straight key.\u00a0 Out of the photo is an Astron RS-35M power supply, a Yaesu YD-148 microphone (rarely used, but has come in handy in snagging a few new Parks) and a Radiosport headset.\u00a0 Also, out of the photo on a pullout keyboard shelf is a Bluetooth keyboard, mouse, NorCal 40B and Lafayette Radio Electronics MS-435 Bug key.\u00a0 Left click to enlarge for a better view.<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

Antenna(s)<\/span>: Below to the right is my current main antenna system.\u00a0 It is in the attic and is still being tested.\u00a0 \u00a0HOA plus a very small yard = low power levels, stealth antenna systems and “nothing to see here.” \u00a0Left click to enlarge for a better view.<\/p>\r\n

 <\/p>\r\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\r\n

When in a cluster home community, it is a challenge to keep the antenna system closer to your QTH than your neighbors.\u00a0 In my case, since there is minimal yard and no trees, keeping the antenna system close to our house is easy – it is in or on it.\u00a0 The downsized antenna system chronology is as follows:<\/p>\r\n