View Full Version : Cheap SSB QRP
The XYL surprised me last weekend by suggesting that I take a solo vacation this fall. If I were the suspicious type I'd worry about her having something going on the side but I know it's just that she's tired of seeing my ugly face around the place. That, and she took her own solo vacation last spring and probably feels like she owes me the same.
Anyhow, I was thinking that I'd like to do some camping and bring along a QRP rig to get in some quality ham radio time. My code skills still kind of suck and i don't know if they'll be any bettter by then so I'd like a rig that can do SSB for phone and maybe digital. Don't need all-band coverage, 20 and 40 would be enough, and I don't want to spend a whole lot of money if I can help it.
Any suggestions? Either a kit or a used rig would be okay.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 04:58 PM
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/Product.php?productid=MFJ-9420
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 06:00 PM
Fun shit, Carlo!
I've actually done this - 9 trips, three with the XYL. HIGHLY recommended! And I'll stop saying nasty things about your wife.
Anyway, took ham radio along on a couple of the solo trips. Here's what I did. QRP? Turn the RF down on the TS-570. This is one of the things I love about all this fancy transisterized 12 V stuff. Hook it up to your car battery with heavy clip leads. These mid-range rigs are perfect for this. Not too big, and you get all the knobs. Treat it like Field Day, but put fun first. They draw little in RX and if you keep the TX power down, your car battery will still last a long time. I actually took a spare car battery and used that. Built those m'self, just don't recall the gauge. It never needed recharging, but I wasn't on that much. Fun and worth having? OHellYeah. Everything cabled with PowerPoles and some fancy schmancy huge gauge stuff that's real flexible. Made the cables, just don't recall the gauge.
Spend your coin on a screwdriver antenna... I had a little time and was taking my wife's (she even let me borrow her car) '99 Blazer. Bought a used screwdriver antenna off eBay and built a controller for it. Made a "surfboard" contraption for the roof-rack on the Blazer (wasn't allowed to make any permanent mods -- there are limits, ya' know?). This is a sheet of 1/4" x 4" aluminum stock (about 4' long) that u-bolts to the Yakima load bars on the Blazer. 1" braid attaches each end of the "surfboard" to bolts under the roof rack for a solid electrical connection to the car's body. In the middle is the mount for the screwdriver (just a peg that sticks up). This is all installed before the trip, takes maybe a half hour. Slap the antenna on it, and it's ready to go. Also have a hamstick mount on it, but never had much luck with those. Screwdrivers are poifect for campground radio. Doesn't take much to set up when you get there and if you take a garden variety 12V HF rig, you always have the quick option of cranking it up to 100 watts if you hear something interesting (and you WILL). Dipoles and wirestuff is easy too, if you have the trees. Make your cables long enough to set up on the picnic table. This is why I took the extra battery, now that I think of it - easier to move a car battery than deal with the cabling. I haven't been brave enough to drive with the antenna attached -- think it'd do fine except for clearance issues.
I'm envious, bro. Any ideas where you'll go? (Want more secrets?)
Go after Labor Day. Kids are back in school and if you plan just a tad (GTF away from anything resembling a big city), you won't need any reservations. A lot of the National Forest campgrounds technically "shut down" on Labor Day. You have to check with each campground -- once they shut down, they're free, but the water pump might be locked. When I did this, I just planned where I was headed the first night and played it by ear after that. The idea is to get away from reservations 'n' crap, eh? Usually moved a couple times per trip, which lasted anywhere from 5 to 9 days (solo). The 9-day trip included a few days with friends in AZ. Usually 5-6 days is just damn fine, and it was just as much fun having the wife along. In case she ever reads this. ( <- j/k) We did a 12-day camping trip together in 2003 that included 4 nights with friends outside of Spokane, WA. Drove the whole thing. One other night in a motel, but 7 nights of camping (mostly planned up-front). I'd do that again tomorrow.
My advice? Make the rig easy (take it for sure, though) and plan for some serious fuck-off time. Don't OVERPLAN it, but take what you need. This is one of those rare things that fat middle-aged white guys rarely get. Your wife is now a saint. Plan on some downtime and putting the brain in low gear awhile (harder than you think!). And never forget that a good cooler will keep beer cold for three days with normal ice. Downside is if you don't have any camping gear. For my two cents, it was well worth the price of admission. I think I may still have a packlist around here, if you're interested. My wife and I have been trading these sorts of "favors" for years. She usually burns hers on family, so we both win.
If you decide to camp in CO, let me know -- know some really cool spots.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 06:54 PM
There's an idea. Camp close to an Island member and borrow a rig. If for any reason you were to find yourself here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/parks/name/perrot/ I could loan you some gear for the duration of your vacation.
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 07:07 PM
Don't need much.
http://westton.com/misc/2004camphr.jpg
Look for a used Argonaut -- one of the first 3 (models 505, 509, 515) or an Argosy I or II (525 / 525D )
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 07:23 PM
Nice campsite.
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 07:40 PM
Nice campsite.
Blue Lake (NFS campground), a tad south of Cuchara, CO. It's a fave and I don't think I've ever seen the lake. Deep forest stuff and I love that. Pic is from 2004. The CG maven said "If you hear my dogs, you know bears are in the area." Did hear some barking in the night.
Just love that shit. A little brandy and a cigar in front of a campfire? Fuck yeah.
Dunno about Carlo's camping experience level, but I'd put ham radio at number 2 on the priorities. Maybe 3. He's just been handed a gift from God hisself and should be careful in how he squanders it. That's all I'm sayin'.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 08:08 PM
Carlo, breadboard rock hammer?
Ten-Tec Argonaut V + 6N2 (526). This will give you 25w out on all bands from 160-2 and is very portable.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 08:10 PM
My backpack set up
http://galesvillefiredepartment.org/kc9eci/bp1.jpg
http://galesvillefiredepartment.org/kc9eci/bp2.jpg
Where it took me:
http://youtu.be/Hr0U50kjRSw
I need to talk to N0EXE and see if he's interested in doing the VHF contest in July.
Fun shit, Carlo!
I've actually done this - 9 trips, three with the XYL. HIGHLY recommended! And I'll stop saying nasty things about your wife.
She's got huge...tracts of land...
QRP? Turn the RF down on the TS-570. This is one of the things I love about all this fancy transisterized 12 V stuff.
My rig, an Icom IC-736, has a built-in power supply so I'd have to bring along an inverter but that's doable. It's a bit unwieldy, though, which is why I was thinking about something a bit more portable.
Spend your coin on a screwdriver antenna...
I was hoping to not be tied to my car, again, why I was thinking about something a bit more portable
I'm envious, bro. Any ideas where you'll go? (Want more secrets?)
Not too far—the local mountains would be good enough although southern Utah or northern AZ might be a possibility. If it's late enough in the year that the temperature has dropped below the melting point of lead, the Anza-Borrego Desert state park may work. The only problem there is the lack of trees for hanging antennas.
Go after Labor Day.
Oh, yeah, that's a given. I won't even be eligible for vacation time until then anyhow.
My advice? Make the rig easy (take it for sure, though) and plan for some serious fuck-off time. Don't OVERPLAN it, but take what you need.
I've been camping my entire life so I know how to handle it pretty well. I like to travel very light when I'm by myself and my years in a truck have shown me how little I really need to get by. I might want to get a warmer sleeping bag and perhaps a better (i.e., larger) tent, though. All I have is a little Kelty backpackers tent and that gets kind of cramped.
This is one of those rare things that fat middle-aged white guys rarely get.
No shit. I'd been kind of down that day after talking to my mother and letting her get me pissed off once again and the XYL surprised the hell outta me by bringing it up out of essentially nowhere.
Your wife is now a saint.
And she's got huge...never mind, I already said that.
Plan on some downtime and putting the brain in low gear awhile (harder than you think!).
You forget I'm a truck driver. My mind is naturally in low gear.
If you decide to camp in CO, let me know -- know some really cool spots.
I doubt I'd want to travel that far, especially that late in the season, but I'll let you know if I change my mind.
Look for a used Argonaut -- one of the first 3 (models 505, 509, 515) or an Argosy I or II (525 / 525D )
Ten Tec gear is fine stuff, but it tends to demand top dollar because of collectors.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 08:22 PM
http://www.portableqrp.com/
KC2UGV
06-19-2012, 08:26 PM
Have you given any thought to the Mojave Desert after labor day? It's actually quite gorgeous, and you might be able to get a view of Tiefort (Which is a beautiful mountain), if not able to get near it (If NTC isn't in session).
I would think an Icom IC-703 would be perfect for this.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 08:43 PM
I would think an Icom IC-703 would be perfect for this.
If he could get one on loan, yeah. The word ''cheap'' is in the title. Yes, I've priced a few lately.
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 08:54 PM
Just knew you'd be on top of it. ;)
Last solo camping trip here was 2005; really enjoyed those. It was fun to have the radio along, but that was never the purpose. Serious ass sitting in a totally cool environment? Now you're talkin'.
Tent here is a cheap Eureka, think I bought for a little over $100. 4-man, but really just about big enough for the wife and me. She's not fat (but I am). Solo, I used some Thermarest pads, but ended up with a double sleeping bag and an air mattress after a trip or two with her (she was right). Roam the countryside and forget about shit for awhile. Take a camera and use it because we'll demand pictures.
Rig? Well hell... If you don't have some HF gear that runs on 12V, maybe a decent used Ten-Tec would do? :evil:
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 08:56 PM
I would think an Icom IC-703 would be perfect for this.
IC-7000. It has a power adjustment. Now, if you INSIST on QRP.... ;)
If he could get one on loan, yeah. The word ''cheap'' is in the title. Yes, I've priced a few lately.
Does this mean I'm sitting on a gold mine and don't know it? I thought prices on the 703 had gone down. Guess I'd better hold on to it for a while longer. :chin:
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 09:07 PM
Does this mean I'm sitting on a gold mine and don't know it? I bought prices on the 703 had gone down. Guess I'd better hold on to it for a while longer. :chin:
I got mine for $400. It crapped the bed twice within the first year and they replaced it with a 703+. They pop up on ebay often enough and the 703 yahoo group as well, but you're still looking in the $500 to $700 range. For that price you might as well get a brand new FT-817. You give up 5 watts and an internal tuner but gain two bands. That said, I wouldn't part with my 703+ for anything.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 09:09 PM
IC-7000. It has a power adjustment. Now, if you INSIST on QRP.... ;)
Yeah, but if you're camping and carrying your power supply on your back, what is the current draw on RX for that 7000 vs a 703+. Off the top of my head I think it is something like 350mA on the 703. Don't quote me on that, I may be wrong.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 09:11 PM
Does this mean I'm sitting on a gold mine and don't know it? I bought prices on the 703 had gone down. Guess I'd better hold on to it for a while longer. :chin:
Well how much do you think it's worth? I've been seeing them in the 400+ $$ range.
kf0rt
06-19-2012, 09:28 PM
Yeah, but if you're camping and carrying your power supply on your back, what is the current draw on RX for that 7000 vs a 703+. Off the top of my head I think it is something like 350mA on the 703. Don't quote me on that, I may be wrong.
Good point. I guess it depends on your camping conditions.
The manual for the IC-7000 says 1.3 to 1.6 amps receive. That's a lot of current if you're carrying the power on your back. Not a huge deal if you're car camping, though. Backpacking is a special case? Tried that once; about killt me.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 09:33 PM
Good point. I guess it depends on your camping conditions.
The manual for the IC-7000 says 1.3 to 1.6 amps receive. That's a lot of current if you're carrying the power on your back. Not a huge deal if you're car camping, though. Backpacking is a special case? Tried that once; about killt me.
http://www.buddipole.com/portablepower.html
These A123 battery packs are the cats ass for portable opps. One of the guys here has the 4S4P and with that and a small solar panel runs all day with his 857 at full power.
Anyone know about this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Youkits-TJ4A-4-band-Backpack-SSB-CW-AM-HF-transceiver-kit-SMT-parts-finished-/280783280157)?:
http://www.youkits.com/TJ4A/DSCF4732-1.jpg
At $399, a little more than I was hoping to pay but it seems like a fairly capable unit. Can't find any IC-703s currently for sale to compare prices but if the price of a used FT-817 is any indication, it would be at least $200-300 more.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 09:50 PM
Chinglish is funny.
This listing is for our new TJ4A 4 band backpack SSB CW AM transceiver kit with SMT part finished.
Please note that our kit is old school style which means it needs a lot of soldering job.
Besides multi-meter, a frequency counter is needed to complete the kit. The kit would be much easier
to you if you have the experience of constructing other kits, such as radio receiver, alarm, etc.
WØTKX
06-19-2012, 09:54 PM
Interesting... http://www.youkits.com/
KC2UGV
06-19-2012, 09:57 PM
Anyone know about this (http://www.ebay.com/itm/Youkits-TJ4A-4-band-Backpack-SSB-CW-AM-HF-transceiver-kit-SMT-parts-finished-/280783280157)?:
http://www.youkits.com/TJ4A/DSCF4732-1.jpg
At $399, a little more than I was hoping to pay but it seems like a fairly capable unit. Can't find any IC-703s currently for sale to compare prices but if the price of a used FT-817 is any indication, it would be at least $200-300 more.
From what I've read, it's a pretty decent kit, if you are fairly experienced with chinglish. The manual has a bit to be reckoned with.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 09:59 PM
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QRP-SERIES
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QAMP
I can build these in about an hour each, including warm up time on the soldering iron.
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QRP-SERIES
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QAMP
I can build these in about an hour each, including warm up time on the soldering iron.
Yeah, I've seen those but they're CW only. I'd like to have SSB capabilities.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 10:17 PM
Interesting... http://www.youkits.com/
Fred, VE3FAL is a pretty good guy too. He was one of the first hundred members of the SKCC and has been very helpful within the organization over the years.
Ten-Tec Argonaut V + 6N2 (526). This will give you 25w out on all bands from 160-2 and is very portable.
While I agree in principle (both rigs are about 20 - 25 W out max, and are small rigs with low power consumption on receive), finding them in good shape & inexpensive is, well, tough. They're in demand.
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 10:22 PM
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QRP-SERIES
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QAMP
I can build these in about an hour each, including warm up time on the soldering iron.
I've thought about getting a couple of the amps for use with my Flex 1500.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 10:24 PM
I've thought about getting a couple of the amps for use with my Flex 1500.
Well how hard would it be to build it to run 4 bands?
Ten Tec gear is fine stuff, but it tends to demand top dollar because of collectors.The older Argonauts can be found. They're at most about 5 W out, but they do work well.
I'd loan you my 505 if it was operational, but it needs some TLC first.
The Argosy-s, especially the analog Argosy I (525) are very nice, and can go up to 50 W out if needed. I've seen them go for about $250 - 300. I wouldn't mind having one; I used them when I demo'd them in the store, back in the day, always liked those rigs. The only danger is that the original finals are, sadly, made from Unobtanium, although I believe a substitute is available.
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QRP-SERIES
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QAMP
I can build these in about an hour each, including warm up time on the soldering iron.Prices have gone up, I see. And aren't those CW only?
I almost forgot about the Scout (Model 555). 5 to 50 W out, adjustable. It has plug-in modules to change bands; advantage is that you only buy (or carry) the ones you want.
One on eBay right now for under 2 bills as I type this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ten-Tec-Scout-555-HF-Transceiver-/230809532098?pt=US_Ham_Radio_Transceivers&hash=item35bd51f6c2 . And it comes with the 40 & 20 meter modules...
Also a couple of 509's, and a 525D, all currently relatively low bids. Also a Triton IV, 100 W rig but it can be run at low power.
I'm tempted, but I need another rig right now like a hole in the head... not that that's stopped me before...
KC9ECI
06-19-2012, 10:37 PM
Well how hard would it be to build it to run 4 bands?
Point taken. Just don't know that 20W v 5W is really enough of a difference to be worth the cost/effort.
I almost forgot about the Scout (Model 555). 5 to 50 W out, adjustable. It has plug-in modules to change bands; advantage is that you only buy (or carry) the ones you want.
One on eBay right now for under 2 bills as I type this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ten-Tec-Scout-555-HF-Transceiver-/230809532098?pt=US_Ham_Radio_Transceivers&hash=item35bd51f6c2 . And it comes with the 40 & 20 meter modules...
Yeah, I saw that and was going to ask you about it. $200 is about the price I was hoping for.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 10:55 PM
Prices have gone up, I see. And aren't those CW only?
Yes, prices have gone up in the last 15 years. Yes, CW. I forgot that the Pope wants a little SSB on the side.
KG4CGC
06-19-2012, 10:57 PM
Yeah, I saw that and was going to ask you about it. $200 is about the price I was hoping for.
Good luck. Haven't checked up on the Scout in the last year or so but they were going for near a mint on ebay the last couple or 4 years.
Well how much do you think it's worth? I've been seeing them in the 400+ $$ range.
That's about what I thought. Maybe a 703+ would be worth more, but mine's a plain old 703.
Yeah, I saw that and was going to ask you about it. $200 is about the price I was hoping for.
I hear a lot of good things about the Scouts. They were shooting for a low cost portable/mobile rig, which is why the power output is lower, and it has the band modules.
The worst thing I hear about the Scouts? Sometimes trying to find a particular band module can be tough. But they are available.
And the rigs are still serviced by Ten Tec, and aren't at all hard to work on. Go for it!
...I'll also keep an eye on the Ten Tec reflector for you. Very often, things come up for sale there first, and often at a more reasonable price (and in much better condition) than what you'll find online...
W4GPL
06-20-2012, 07:36 AM
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2012/etherkit_debuts_with_open_source_qrss_transmitter_ kit.htm - this isn't what you asked for, but it's still neat. :)
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2012/etherkit_debuts_with_open_source_qrss_transmitter_ kit.htm - this isn't what you asked for, but it's still neat. :)
Yeah, it is pretty cool. Can't hardly beat the price and it works with Linux and Mac OS X as well as Windows.
wa6mhz
06-20-2012, 08:20 AM
Whatever rig U score, I would recommend really looking at the antenna you are going to use. We have lousy sunspot condx and 5W into a poor antenna means very few contacts. U can get away with it on CW, but on SSB, U need a decent signal to be heard.
A good friend in the DX Club bought a FT-817 and one of these small portable antennas (think it was a MP-2) to take on a South Seas trip. He had the licenses all lined up and was going to be a multi-island DXpedition. But each place he went, he would call CQ after CQ with no answers. he just was not getting out. With 100W, U can do it. But at 5W, that is just TOO QRP to work anyone if you don't have GREAT sunspots to help. His DXpedtion was a bust! So if I was going, I would take a 100W radio like my ICOM IC-706MK2, a mini Antenna tuner and a small switching PS that is good for 100-240VAC input. A little more suitcase space, but a LOT better chance at making contacts. The Buddipole might work OK, but I would probably try to make Dipoles for the various bands (maybe a multiband dipole or G5RV) that could be strung up in a tree. Sometimes they have natives that can climb palm trees and lift up the center for U. So with a 100W and a decent antenna, U would make ALOT of contacts and maybe even generate a nice pileup since more people can hear you. But with 5W and a poor antenna, U will be lucky to work across the street!
I hear a lot of good things about the Scouts. They were shooting for a low cost portable/mobile rig, which is why the power output is lower, and it has the band modules.
I did a little research on them, the word is that they have very hot receivers but have a tendency to drift during long high-speed CW QSOs because of the way Ten Tech overtaxed the microprocessor by using it to run both the frequency synthesizer and the electronic keyer. That's not going to present a problem for me, though; even if I do get my code skills up to snuff by the time I leave, I doubt that I'd be doing more than 20 WPM.
The worst thing I hear about the Scouts? Sometimes trying to find a particular band module can be tough. But they are available.
I only need 20 and 40, the two most common modules out there so it shouldn't be too bad.
...I'll also keep an eye on the Ten Tec reflector for you. Very often, things come up for sale there first, and often at a more reasonable price (and in much better condition) than what you'll find online...
Thanks, Ron, that would be great!
RR, Pat, I was figuring on making a couple of wire dipoles for 20 and 40 meters. And it's not like I'm going on a DXpedition or anything, just doing a little local camping.
There is one Scout on eBay at the moment, and several listed on QTH. Of those, be wary of one of the offerings.
WØTKX
06-20-2012, 09:20 AM
You can also do an advanced search in Google for the whole "craigslist.org" domain.
That's how I found my original model Ten Tec Corsair, and a few other interesting items.
You can also do an advanced search in Google for the whole "craigslist.org" domain.
That's how I found my original model Ten Tec Corsair, and a few other interesting items.
Good advice, hadn't even thought about that.
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/june2012/etherkit_debuts_with_open_source_qrss_transmitter_ kit.htm - this isn't what you asked for, but it's still neat. :)
When they start making these for the higher bands, I might toy with the idea of a 17, 15, or 12m beacon.
I figure the transmitter, a 6V 2-4AH rechargeable battery, and charging regulator in an outdoor enclosure. Mount the enclosure to the mast at the bottom of a 1/4 wave antenna with a small solar panel, and off you go.
There is one Scout on eBay at the moment, and several listed on QTH. Of those, be wary of one of the offerings.Which one? (I have a hunch, though)
BTW, I know of an Omni V that's about to go up for sale. Current owner just got his hands on an Omni VI+, which is what he really wanted all along... once he takes delivery, the V will be available.
... his original VI+ was a Field Day casualty a couple of years ago...
Which one? (I have a hunch, though)
BTW, I know of an Omni V that's about to go up for sale. Current owner just got his hands on an Omni VI+, which is what he really wanted all along... once he takes delivery, the V will be available.
... his original VI+ was a Field Day casualty a couple of years ago...
Talk to me about the V - what's included with it?
And as far as a Scout goes, Carlo, here you are:
http://madison.craigslist.org/for/3087924649.html
And as far as a Scout goes, Carlo, here you are:
http://madison.craigslist.org/for/3087924649.html
Hah, way ahead of you. I sent him e-mail this morning inquiring about which band modules are included.
KC9ECI
06-20-2012, 11:47 AM
Talk to me about the V - what's included with it?
And as far as a Scout goes, Carlo, here you are:
http://madison.craigslist.org/for/3087924649.html
Dammit! I'll be down that way on Friday.
Talk to me about the V - what's included with it?
And as far as a Scout goes, Carlo, here you are:
http://madison.craigslist.org/for/3087924649.htmlI don't know offhand what filters came with it, or if it has the N4PY V.9 upgrade chip. I'll try to find out from Bill the next time I see him.
Also, I don't believe the PS is included; I gave Bill back the PS he had had on his old VI+, and I don't believe his incoming VI+ includes the PS. And before you ask, no, I don't know what his asking price is yet, I will try to find that out as well.
I can get the filters. What I can't get are the FM and RS-232 boards. Appreciate you checking into it.
I can get the filters. What I can't get are the FM and RS-232 boards. Appreciate you checking into it.Bill tells me that his V does have the RS-232 port on back, I didn't ask him about FM.
Did you try inquiring about the boards on the Ten-Tec reflector?
Bill tells me that his V does have the RS-232 port on back, I didn't ask him about FM.
Did you try inquiring about the boards on the Ten-Tec reflector?
Not yet, but looking through the archives I don't see a lot of them being posted.
ki4itv
06-23-2012, 11:08 AM
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QRP-SERIES
http://www.ramseyelectronics.com/cgi-bin/commerce.exe?preadd=action&key=QAMP
I can build these in about an hour each, including warm up time on the soldering iron.
Those would be a really cool addition to any remote outing.
KB3LAZ
06-26-2012, 04:40 AM
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?351439-Radio-Gear
Here is a scout with three modules for 250$. Idk what they go for but I saw you talking about them so here is a link.
http://forums.qrz.com/showthread.php?351439-Radio-Gear
Here is a Scout with three modules for 250$. Idk what they go for but I saw you talking about them so here is a link.Valencia, hmmm?
That guy doesn't live too far from here... tempting, but right now, no shekels for another rig.
KB3LAZ
06-26-2012, 07:54 AM
Valencia, hmmm?
That guy doesn't live too far from here... tempting, but right now, no shekels for another rig.
I dont live to far from Valencia either! Heh!
Oh, and its your fault! I blame you! I have been putting multiple ten tec setups into my idea book! Not solely you ofc but you get the picture. In this case being at fault is not a bad thing.
I did a little drafting of what I want my shack to look like in the semi near future. Then again, I have also done some drafting on a brick and cobblestone courtyard I want to build with brick oven/bbq and fishpond. That is however another story. The inspiration came from a Turkish tea house. Turkish tea is rather good by the way.
KC9ECI
06-26-2012, 05:52 PM
Still haven't found anything?
Still haven't found anything?
Nope. Not in a hurry and I'm spending money somewhere else right now.
KC9ECI
06-26-2012, 09:26 PM
Copy that. Sorry the Mad town thing didn't work out. On an unrelated note, I stopped at a yard sale Saturday and found the QRP version of a backpack stove. Svea 123, in the box, all the parts including the destructions. 25 cents.
Copy that. Sorry the Mad town thing didn't work out. On an unrelated note, I stopped at a yard sale Saturday and found the QRP version of a backpack stove. Svea 123, in the box, all the parts including the destructions. 25 cents.
The guy finally got back to me. He only has the 40m module, which makes it a slightly less than stellar deal, and I didn't like the idea of paying him via Wal-Mart money transfer. Plus, he was a good ways south of Madison and I there was no way I was gonna ask you to drive that far out of your way.
You know, I still have the Svea 123 that I bought forty years ago. Fucker works perfectly, too. They don't make things like that anymore.
KG4CGC
06-26-2012, 10:28 PM
Nope. Not in a hurry and I'm spending money somewhere else right now.
Two wheels, a motor and nothing but the wind!
Two wheels, a motor and nothing but the wind!
That would be nice but I'm actually making payments on a Drake TR-7.
I just found the motorcycle of my dreams, though:
http://images.craigslist.org/5K85Fd5He3E23K73Fec6p0d8ecc8c02fc1830.jpg
A Beemer with ape-hangers. Who woulda thunk it?
KG4CGC
06-26-2012, 10:57 PM
I just found the motorcycle of my dreams, though:
http://images.craigslist.org/5K85Fd5He3E23K73Fec6p0d8ecc8c02fc1830.jpg
A Beemer with ape-hangers. Who woulda thunk it?
Pope Mobike?
Pope Mobike?
Sister Mary Margaret would look bitchin' sittin' on that little pillow...
—Pope Carlo I
http://www.lollipoplingerie.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/SW/888529.jpg
KG4CGC
06-26-2012, 11:20 PM
Sister Mary Margaret would look bitchin' sittin' on that little pillow...
—Pope Carlo I
http://www.lollipoplingerie.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/SW/888529.jpg Yeah. She'd also be stopping traffic with her rat ass in the wind.
That would be nice but I'm actually making payments on a Drake TR-7.I liked that rig, what little I got to play with it at FD (K3VX brought his rig)
Looking at the front panel, it's interesting that the design seems to be a natural precursor to the layout of the Corsair.
Sister Mary Margaret would look bitchin' sittin' on that little pillow...
—Pope Carlo I
http://www.lollipoplingerie.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/SW/888529.jpgWoof. Bring on the Inquisition!
I liked that rig, what little I got to play with it at FD (K3VX brought his rig)
Looking at the front panel, it's interesting that the design seems to be a natural precursor to the layout of the Corsair.
And well it should. Rumor has it that when Drake abandoned production of amateur radio gear in '83, a few of the engineers made their way from Miamisburg to Sevierville. If you look at the schematics and overall design philosophy of a TR-5/TR-7 then compare them with a Corsair, more than a few similarities are evident.
I like the styling of both the Drake stuff and Ten-Tec's post-Omni/pre-Jupiter gear. I also like how each ensemble works. The really big gripe I have with Drake is their lack of a matching solid-state amplifier and multiscope, a la YO-901 or SM-220. I'm seriously thinking about building one. Ten-Tec's 9MHz 1st IF is close enough to Kenwood's or Yaesu's scope IF input that their panadapters can be converted fairly easily - a crystal swap and retune should get one there. 2nd IF will be a bit trickier but a 455KHz mixer/amp can be built.
KA9MOT
06-27-2012, 10:07 AM
I did a little research on them, the word is that they have very hot receivers but have a tendency to drift during long high-speed CW QSOs because of the way Ten Tech overtaxed the microprocessor by using it to run both the frequency synthesizer and the electronic keyer. That's not going to present a problem for me, though; even if I do get my code skills up to snuff by the time I leave, I doubt that I'd be doing more than 20 WPM.
They tend to drift up a little as they warm up. Not a problem really. They are a great little rig. I really enjoyed the one I had.
That one on eBay sold low. Usually they sell for $300 with 1 band module. I suspect it sold low because of the poor pictures, and he wants $30 for shipping, claims he packs it himself and then when asked about the high shipping claims he pays the UPS Store to pack it. Personally, when the UPS Store gets involved I get out.
And well it should. Rumor has it that when Drake abandoned production of amateur radio gear in '83, a few of the engineers made their way from Miamisburg to Sevierville. If you look at the schematics and overall design philosophy of a TR-5/TR-7 then compare them with a Corsair, more than a few similarities are evident.
I like the styling of both the Drake stuff and Ten-Tec's post-Omni/pre-Jupiter gear. I also like how each ensemble works. The really big gripe I have with Drake is their lack of a matching solid-state amplifier and multiscope, a la YO-901 or SM-220. I'm seriously thinking about building one. Ten-Tec's 9MHz 1st IF is close enough to Kenwood's or Yaesu's scope IF input that their panadapters can be converted fairly easily - a crystal swap and retune should get one there. 2nd IF will be a bit trickier but a 455KHz mixer/amp can be built.
I've heard that rumor as well. I'll have to remember to ask Scott W4PA at Vibroplex about it, he was at Ten Tec long enough that he ought to know.
Hmmm. A scope... interesting thought. You know, it could be very popular an item with the TT crowd, if done well (and I know you'll do it well). Something to think about...
I've heard that rumor as well. I'll have to remember to ask Scott W4PA at Vibroplex about it, he was at Ten Tec long enough that he ought to know.
Hmmm. A scope... interesting thought. You know, it could be very popular an item with the TT crowd, if done well (and I know you'll do it well). Something to think about...
I know how to do the prep work for silk screening the front panels. Probably wouldn't cost all that much to set up a serigraphy operation in my garage, either, so if you should ever get serious about doing it let me know.
KC9ECI
06-27-2012, 03:46 PM
I know how to do the prep work for silk screening the front panels. Probably wouldn't cost all that much to set up a serigraphy operation in my garage, either, so if you should ever get serious about doing it let me know.
I was a press operator for several years for Northern Automotive Systems. I printed the graphics for dashboards, heater controls, etc.
KA9MOT
06-27-2012, 08:25 PM
My backpack set up
http://galesvillefiredepartment.org/kc9eci/bp1.jpg
http://galesvillefiredepartment.org/kc9eci/bp2.jpg
Where it took me:
http://youtu.be/Hr0U50kjRSw
I need to talk to N0EXE and see if he's interested in doing the VHF contest in July.
I enjoyed that video so much I watch the other one, and enjoyed it too. Thanks for sharing!
KC9ECI
06-27-2012, 09:13 PM
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them. I'm not much of a video producer, but I think I know how to have fun with ham radio and camping if nothing else.
KC2UGV
06-28-2012, 07:46 AM
Thanks, glad you enjoyed them. I'm not much of a video producer, but I think I know how to have fun with ham radio and camping if nothing else.
I've got the dumb question: What type of antenna is that on top of the ruck?
I've got the dumb question: What type of antenna is that on top of the ruck?
Folded dual-band dipole for 2 and 432 from the looks of it.
WØTKX
06-28-2012, 02:04 PM
Close. Looks like one of these:
http://www.ku4ab.com/StarshipTri.html
I have one too. :monkeydance:
When we ran FD at 'DSG's parents, I took along a couple bags of military masts. Enough to get a pair of 32 footers in the air. Plan was to get two each 6, 2, 222 and 432MHz loops and phasing harnesses for each then put the 6 and 432MHz stacks on one mast; 2 and 222 on the other. The masts would also support wire antennas and would be located close enough to the tent that feedline loss wouldn't be an issue.
Never got around to making that happen before losing the spot.
WØTKX
06-28-2012, 03:25 PM
I got a bag-o-masts that will hit 58'. Guyed, of course.
KC9ECI
06-28-2012, 03:26 PM
Close. Looks like one of these:
http://www.ku4ab.com/StarshipTri.html
I have one too. :monkeydance:
That's where it came from but it's the dual band 2M/70cm antenna. Don't know if they still sell that or not.
I got a bag-o-masts that will hit 58'. Guyed, of course.
How do you folks manage to get that much in the air all at once?
WØTKX
06-28-2012, 05:09 PM
Large air cannon.
The "Starship" is the same antenna with the addition of a 3/8 mount for a hamstick. All with the same feedpoint. I've used the loops of course, and tried the 3/8 mount on 30, 10, and 6 with "hamsticks". Added a little wire to the ground side and got a better match on 30.
KC9ECI
06-28-2012, 05:28 PM
I may have to get me one of them so I can add 6M to it. 6M is going large here at the moment. KA9FOX down the road from me just reported working two UK and and Iceland station on 6.
KC9ECI
07-02-2012, 03:27 PM
http://www.qrvtronics.com/HAM-Radio 40M SSB kit for $130;
Interesting, but kind of limited.
Interesting, but kind of limited.
20 kHz tuning range? :wtf:
I could see that kind of limited range for CW, but that's almost useless for SSB.
20 kHz tuning range? :wtf:
I could see that kind of limited range for CW, but that's almost useless for SSB.
It would probably do well for working 40m digital, though.
It would probably do well for working 40m digital, though.
Which 40m digital? Domestic or DX?
For example, PSK can be found at both 7.035 and 7.070. You need more than a 20 kHz bandwidth to cover both.
Which 40m digital? Domestic or DX?
For example, PSK can be found at both 7.035 and 7.070. You need more than a 20 kHz bandwidth to cover both.
.035 isn't used that much. 90% of 40m PSK activity is found on .070.
.035 isn't used that much. 90% of 40m PSK activity is found on .070.
:chin: Wasn't that way when I was on PSK.... :chin:
Guess that shows how long it has been since I used the mode....
KC9ECI
07-02-2012, 05:17 PM
It would make a sweet little single band rig for JT-65 though.
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