I have been investigating ways to automatically switch antennas in a 2-Radio (SO2R) station for use in Contesting. Using multiple antennas is nearly a must for HF contesting, including Yagis, Veticals, and any of a variety of wire antennas. When working a Contest, Band Switching is a key time-waster, and steps need to be taken... Continue Reading →
First Trial of Horizontal Loop
I installed a prototype 40m Horizontal loop for testing in a recent contest. This was a test to see if a low-elevation loop would be useful for NVIS propagation, as I was trying to maximize the number of close-in stations I could work. If it showed promise, it might be something I would use for... Continue Reading →
Trying an HF Horizontal Loop Antenna
I was looking for a new antenna to try this weekend. I will be in the NAQP CW Contest and there will be many stations active across the US, Canada, and hopefully some DX. I have been thinking about a Loop antenna for some time. My main use for it initially will be as an... Continue Reading →
Building an Elecraft KAT-500 Antenna Tuner
I have had a number of automatic Antenna Tuners in recent years.I have had MFJ tuners, LDG tuners and the built-in tuners in my TS-930s, Elecraft K2, ICOM IC-7600, and Yaesu FTDX-3000. They have all worked pretty well. The first LDG tuner, the IT-1100 has been a real survivor. I put it in my mobile... Continue Reading →
Using N1MM+ OTRSP Data for Antenna Switching – 2020 Update
I have been looking at antenna switches for using two radios with a number of antennas. The common switches I have found are referred to as "Six packs" or 2X6 antenna switches, which establish connections for 2 radios to any of 6 antennas. N1MM+ provides antenna selection information in a serial data stream via the... Continue Reading →
CQWW CW 2016 – A Contest and a Beverage
As I have become more interested in Contesting, I have met some top contest operators in my Local Contest Club, and have been looking for some antenna improvements for my modest Station at KG3V in White Stone, VA. My current antennas include an 80m half-wave dipole on all Bands (with an external Tuner), and a... Continue Reading →
Assembling Glen Martin Rt-424 Roof Tower
The RT-424 is a 4.5 foot tall roof-mounted tower for rotatable antennas. As I have heard, this looks like a nice product but the instructions leave something to be desired - something HUGE. Here are a few notes and warnings from my assembly process. Things you MUST know: There are 28 bolts, and eight of... Continue Reading →
Roof Tower RT-424
I have been looking at a way to get a Yagi on my roof. No room for a big tower at my QTH, but something on the roof is within reason. I have been looking at the Glen Martin Roof Towers, particularly the smaller Glen Martin RT-424 Roof Tower. It is a 4.5 foot tall,... Continue Reading →
It Really is all About Antennas
As I try to continually improve my Station, I keep coming back to the antennas. I have a couple very nice Radios, but I am still not very competitive in Contests, especially DX contests. I have always used mainly wire antennas and generally if I can hear them, I can work them. Now I know... Continue Reading →
CW Contest Made my F-150 Truck Crazy – DEBUNKED!
UPDATE - Just to set the record straight, I no longer believe that RF was what caused my F-150 to lose its mind. I had a similar problem not too long again, and there was no Contest. Ford had to replace some wiring harness inside the transmission ($$$$$$ for them). That seems to have fixed... Continue Reading →
Kg3v Ham Radio Blog 