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 →
DXDUSB Instructions
I have started to create some instructions for installing the DXDUSB. Go to the DXDUSB Page on this Blog (from the Top-level) and you will find a Link to the Instructions File. This is a work in progress, and will be updated frequently. For now, it mainly provides details on how to get the needed... 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 →
DXDUSB Update – Now Available
I have completed all the development I plan to do on the DXDUSB interface which allows using any USB Port to interface to a DX Doubler SO2R controller. I now have a stable version and will make available DXDUSB units to anyone that wants them. With the end-of-life announcement of the DX Doubler, I do... Continue Reading →
R.I.P DX Doubler (Updated 8 Aug 2018)
I recently heard that the DX Doubler (DXD) SO2R Controller by TopTen Devices, has been discontinued. Looking at their Web Site, it has completely vanished, along with the Radio-specific cables, User Manuals, etc. This controller was a great addition to my shack a few years ago. It is a very simple design, with no Microprocessors... Continue Reading →
MFJ-1924 Mobile Screwdriver Antenna Controller Settings
I have been using an MFJ-1924 Controller on my HiQ 4/80 mobile antenna for a number of years. The Controller started having an issue when it was very cold outside (very cold here in VA is < 30 F.). It seemed like an intermittent connection, causing me to fail to get pulse counts from the... Continue Reading →
Raspberry PI 3
I am getting a chance to do some embedded programming with the latest Raspberry PI micro computer and a 7" touchscreen display. The pair can be purchased locally (at Frys electronics here on the West Coast) for under $ 150. If you do some online shopping, you can probably get closer to $ 100. I... Continue Reading →
WINDOWS 10 – More Garbage you Can’t Live Without
I just got a new laptop computer. Had little choice, as the old one is 5-6 years old and it has gotten to the point that it takes several minutes to bootup. I tried all the normal cleanup tricks, but that along with all the major components being badly outdated, made the choice an easy... Continue Reading →
Kg3v Ham Radio Blog 