Menu

Show posts

This section allows you to view all posts made by this member. Note that you can only see posts made in areas you currently have access to.

Show posts Menu

Messages - PuJo

#16
Antennas / Antenna
September 05, 2015, 09:10:16 AM
Morning guys.
I have posted this question on other forums and getting mixed answers.

I have a KX3 W/ATU, DRF, etc....

I want to operate from the gulf on the oil rig I work.
Antennas always the question.

My options are to get the Super Antenna MP1 and set it on top of the helideck that is a 40'x40' square iron plate, or an end fed wire antenna hanging down the side of the structure.

I do not have a antenna analyzer so getting the MP1 on the spot would be kinda hard, but not impossible.
I wanted the MP1 for super fast deploy and retrieval. Helicopter on a 5 minute final is all the notice I will get to retrieve the antenna.

End fed 9:1 unun or without balun is the other option.
I can let it hang downward toward the water however it will be extremely close to the metal structure.
Using a fishing pole I could get it away from the structure somewhat but its windy out there.

If I use the wire antenna without a balun, I would still have to use coax ran down the fishing pole to the wire.
Should I just use the 9:1 unun balun fed with coax to the end of the pole then start my wire?

Not sure how to setup or what to use. I'm looking for opinions. Now that I am 100% QRP/P I do not want to invest in big antennas, but I do want effectiveness.

Look at the image below, I am on top with my Arrow working SO-50.
Any ideas on how I could try and setup an antenna??

The platform is pyramid shape and I would like to operate from the highest point. Its a long walk from the bottom to the top with your gear.
220 steps to be exact!!

Anyway, what do you all think?

#17
General Discussion / Micro Stamping, Must See video
January 04, 2015, 10:58:32 PM
Guys,
I have just came across this video, and just cannot believe it.

From you friendly, neighborhood, politician....http://www.liveleak.com/ll_embed?f=5db54dabbab8
#18
General Discussion / Re: OSCAR Satellites
January 01, 2015, 06:13:49 PM
I work SO-50 quite often.

If anyone need grid EL48oc, I will be working from this all water grid (Gulf of Mexico) when I return to work in a week.
Seems everyone wants this rare grid....

-PuJo
#19
General Discussion / OSCAR Satellites
January 01, 2015, 04:02:50 PM
Hey Guys,
Any of you ever operate on SO-50?

-PuJo
#20
Technical Corner / Re: Repurposing
December 31, 2014, 05:33:59 PM
You are correct. By the time everything is done, I could have purchased something new.

But I can always use the touchscreen with a Raspberry Pi. Should work well.
Or, just use my MacAir and call it done.

Its not for the item, its the thrill of getting a plan together and a little Unobtanium and end up with a working unit.

But, in the end....you are correct. Need.. more.. power.. Scottie!!
#21
Technical Corner / Repurposing
December 31, 2014, 11:38:53 AM
Since a few of us are on the topic of repurposing.

I work in automation, (PLC's) I have a few AllenBradley Panelview 1200 with embedded Windows CE.
These are 10" touch screens for running automation. I was wondering if there were any ham apps that can run on CE?

If not, I can always remove the guts and maybe retrofit a RPI, but why reinvent if I don't have to.
They operate on 24vdc, and could possible be used while in the field. Power supply may be an issue.

Just kicking it around, wanted to see what you guys think.

Thanks,
PuJo

-- Searching the forum, I have seen quite a few post on repurposing. Any chance this can be a topic under the "General Categories"?
-- Also, How do I get Louisiana on the board for "State Wide"?
#22
Technical Corner / Re: New guy on the block
December 31, 2014, 10:48:01 AM
Yes, I plan to use a pelican case.
Here is the link:
http://www.pelicancasesforless.com/p-11433-pelican-1560-case.aspx

Also, I would like to stay away from vertical antennas if possible, but will not limit myself to an end fed dipole.

I guess its all about simplicity. I looked at the New Super Antenna, http://newsuperantenna.com/
But to get the tuning dead on, I would need an analyzer of some sort. The radio has a built in tuner, but rather something tuned by cut to length.

Operating QRP, I need everything to radiate the correct way.

I am open to options, I haven't even made the box yet. I do want to try a vertical, but quick deployment means if the helicopter is on a short final, (5 minutes out). I need to be able to quickly pick up and get out of the way.

I picked the flight deck to operate due to it being the highest point on location.
Being just 180' above sea level (flight deck) I was thinking that I need all the height I can get. However I am also hoping that the salt water would also play a role in good QRP.

I am just not sure exactly what I will do as of yet, so it will be a process of elimination as for as an antenna.
#23
Batteries & Solar / Re: Best brand of LIPO batteries?
December 31, 2014, 10:23:30 AM
Gil,
I myself am on the hunt for a good LiPO battery pack.
Not sure if you ran across this site, but I think I will be going this rout.
Sure it's a little expensive, but I believe you get what you pay for.

Here is the link: http://www.tracerpower.com/tracer-lithium-polymer-battery-packs.html

Here is a video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pRfHNtrm9XA
#24
Technical Corner / Re: New guy on the block
December 31, 2014, 09:20:39 AM
My favorite beer is an "OPEN ONE"  8)
 
Quote from: KK0G on December 31, 2014, 08:40:55 AM
On the other hand I see you like beer........ we'll get along just fine. My favorite beer is...... cold ;D
#25
Technical Corner / Re: New guy on the block
December 31, 2014, 08:18:37 AM
Morning Gents.
First let me set things straight......

I do fly a lot, but I am not a pilot. I have logged up to 6 hrs a day in a Bell 407, but as a passenger. Sorry....

I'm a I&E technician, (Instrumentation / Automation & Electrician) on an Oil Rig in grid EL48

KK0G - sorry to disappoint you, but for what its worth, I do like guns, hunting, fishing, and drinking beer.

Here is the order in which I live:
  -  God
  -  Family
  -  Guns
  -  Beer
  -  Hunting
  -  Beer
  -  Friends
  -  Beer
  -  Oh forgot to mention work...

If I lived close to NWARadio, I would be called the "Deer Slayer !!"

#26
Technical Corner / Re: New guy on the block
December 30, 2014, 07:52:19 PM
If you are the Deer-Whisperer from AR then yes! (I remember the pic)
If not, sorry wrong number....


EDIT: Just looked at your profile, you are from AR, yea, its me. I totally deleted my FB. Too much drama for me.
#27
Technical Corner / Re: New guy on the block
December 30, 2014, 01:06:10 PM
Bob,
Thanks for the reply.
The radio has a built in tuner, so that is not an issue.
I have a MacBook Air, that can survive for approx 8 to 12 hours on a full charge, with some eye candy turned off.

I like the end fed 6-40 wire antenna. My only issue is that when I am on the flight deck, it a 40'x40' iron plate!
Along with the platform being all metal, its hard to keep the wire tuned. When the wind blows, and it always does. The antenna will detune due to the iron structure. Otherwise, it works great..

On the 2 meter side of things, I will just stick to the arrow antenna. While i use it in hand for satellite work, it is easily connected to a tripod for getting into the repeaters, or simplex. Not to mention, you can change the polarization easy with the tripod, and your on 2m SSB. The antenna is compact, easy to assemble and packs away nicely.

So getting back to the box. 

Any ideas on layout, or general design of the go box?

Thanks,
PuJo

#28
Technical Corner / New guy on the block
December 30, 2014, 11:43:03 AM
Morning Gents.

I just ran across this site in my search for designing my CommGo Box. (Great Site)

I have been a ham since 2002. About 5 years ago, my station took a lightning hit, and I have been silent since I discovered the Baofeng, about a year ago. I figured $30 on amazon, and a dual band HT, can't go wrong. Well, this has rekindled the ham flame I once had. I started using the Baofeng with my Arrow antenna, and have been making great contacts on SO-50. I work in the Gulf of Mexico, (oil Rig) making contacts from EL48 has been an adventure. It seems everyone wants this water grid!

Meanwhile, back on the ranch..........

So the ham bug bit me again, not wanting to go all out like I had done years ago. I decided to go 100% QRP/P.
I purchased the KX3/PX3, and have in my arsenal of ham gear, a FT-1500 2m rig.

I really have my eyes on building a CommGo Box. (as stated in my first sentence, but started chasing the rabbit)
I have looked all over the net, and have found many great boxes, however.....I wanna do something a little different.

I fly a lot, and plan to take this along with me wherever I go. The box would need to carry everything. Radio(s), Laptop, Batteries, Solar charger, and what ever else is needed in a go box.

I am asking you guys to assist me in the design of this box.

I don't need fancy power hungry dancing lights. I need something practical, but nice looking.
When I operate from the gulf, all I want to do is carry the box up to the flight deck, hang an endfed dipole off the side and away I go.
It needs to be simple, at the same time elegant. I have 2m & HF to go in the box, antennas and laptop for digital modes. CW with the build in keyer from the KX3.

I started putting it on paper, and this is what I came up with so for.
Pelican 1560 case:
http://www.pelicancasesforless.com/p-11433-pelican-1560-case.aspx

Volt Amp Meter:
http://www.amazon.com/Volt-Meter-Digital-Shunt-200V/dp/B005HBBZEM/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1419955405&sr=8-4&keywords=volt+amp+meter

LED:
http://www.amazon.com/Triangle-Bulbs-3528-IP65-White-60L-Waterproof-Flexible/dp/B005EHHLD8/ref=sr_1_sc_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1419955559&sr=8-3-spell&keywords=12+voltv+LED+light

But still need these itmes:
Battery Pack
Charging system
Antenna System 2m / HF

So are you guys up to the challenge?

Let get Louisiana Preppers on the map!

Thanks,
PuJo