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Messages - Andywragg

#61
Hi Guys

I took part in the RSGB 70cm AFS Super League contest yesterday. Using a borrowed FT817 and a ZL Special 12 element beam yagi with one of the 3m tripod stands I use with the band for the lighting gantry.

I managed 33 QSO's in the session with my furthest QSO 120kms away. Had a great time but made a few mistakes along the way. I was 417m ASL. I know many of you don't like or partake in the contests, but since joining the local club it's been good experience for me, helping me with civilian radio etiquette and to get to know the local operators in my area and beyond.

Here's a short video I made of the experience.
https://youtu.be/Nt2euCWbFeo
#62
Antennas / Re: My Take on The NVIS X-Pole
January 22, 2018, 09:09:36 AM
Quick video I did over the weekend.

https://youtu.be/xq7PU5oLWh8

Just need to mod the hole in the middle as its a bit too big and it sits at 13 feet not 15 as per the design.


Enjoy..
#63
Antennas / Been Given a Windcamp WA-4 Balun.
January 22, 2018, 07:21:11 AM
I was at my Radio Club yesterday helping to troubleshoot some interference issues we have on certain bands, and I've been given a balun for the Windcamp WA-4.
The antenna elements and winder are missing but the banana plugs are still there so all I have to do is make a couple of wires up, and terminate them on the balun. The website gratuitously shows the measurements for the elements on its product page.

Does anyone have any experience with this specific antenna?

73s

Andy
M6UAW
#64
Another vote for the UBITX. I have one on back order.
#65
General Discussion / Re: Ordering from QRP Guys
January 22, 2018, 06:42:09 AM
Iambic Mini Paddle w/Base

And its literally just arrived through the mail. I now have a paddle to play with.
#66
Antennas / My Take on The NVIS X-Pole
January 19, 2018, 05:37:04 PM
Hi Folks

Finally finished my attempt at an NVIS antenna for use in the field. Based on a mashup of designs from the military, Commsguy (via another social medium) and a paper by DX Engineering, here it is...(see attachments)

The X-Pole as I'm calling it is good for 80 and 40m and is self supporting. The mast (a lightweight fibreglass 6m telescopic flag pole) threads through the hole in the middle and stops at 15 feet where the diameter of the pole equals the hole in the middle. The 2 inverted V dipoles at 90 degrees support the mast when pegged out at 42 feet from the mast centre.

Made from 6mm Perspex (from my radio club), M6 stainless wing/nuts and bolts, and some bits from SOTABeams, plus a bit of 2mm Grizly Cub cord. I've got 30m of feeder cable to go with it as well, just need to put the BNC ends on it.

I hope to test it out once the weather calms down and gets a little warmer.


Design Doc from DX Enginneering can be found here...

http://static.dxengineering.com/pdf/WP-NVIS-Rev2.pdf

Cheers

Andy

#67
General Discussion / Re: Ordering from QRP Guys
January 18, 2018, 09:26:08 AM
Hi Guys

I got a Paypal update last night saying that the item had been notified and is now in the USPS tracking system. Good news.
#68
General Discussion / Re: Ordering from QRP Guys
January 15, 2018, 02:10:30 PM
OK Gil Thanks for responding.

The waiting game begins......I wonder what will arrive first the keyer (from QRP guys) or the uBITX?


73s

Andy
#69
General Discussion / Ordering from QRP Guys
January 15, 2018, 06:02:56 AM
HI Guys

I placed an order last week from QRP Guys, and got a transaction receipt from Paypal, however I have yet to get any emails from QRP Guys re shipping Etc.

I know Gil has ordered from them before, what was the experience like?


Best regards

Andy
#70
How big is your printer?
#71
Thanks Bob.
Just out of interest, how much does it cost to print a box?
#72
I just ordered the uBITX. It's on backorder so it will be a while before it arrives.

As for a case/enclosure.........

So of the builders  are using a cheap plastic case off Banggood for less than £10. I might get one of these and wrap it in Gorilla tape, after running silicon sealant over all the long joints.
#73
How about approaching Farhan (of BITX40 and UBITX fame) with regard to 'hardening' the UBITX for the/our intended use? As far as I can tell, the UBITX fulfils most of the radio specific goals, with the exceptions being the enclosure and battery.

For me having an internal battery is a negative attribute, as typically I'd want a number of battery packs that are easily swappable. No point having a radio you can't use cos the battery is flat (in the field away from charge facility or in the middle of the night when there's no sun to solar charge).
I speak from experience here as a former military signaller, experienced in pretty much all the PRC 3** Clansman range. Whilst these are bombproof radio's I wouldn't want to lug one (HF Variety) around as a civvy due to the weight of the pack and the cells.

When funds allow I shall be getting hold of a UBITX and looking to source a suitable field style case in which to install the guts of the radio.
#74
General Discussion / Re: Merry Christmas!
December 27, 2017, 12:16:19 PM
A bit late but Merry Christmas Everyone.

I got me a 6m fibreglass fishing/flag pole on the way from amazon with some Christmas money. It's only 510mm collapsed, perfect for stashing in the mesh pocket down the side of my pack.

Laterz,


#75
General Discussion / Field Radio/SOTA Training Day
December 17, 2017, 08:57:04 AM
Hi guys,

So yesterday I went to one of the local public areas/parks and did some set up and comms training to identify any weaknesses in my gear and technique. Whilst the gear performed sadly my poor technique was exposed.

Heres the video of the experience

https://youtu.be/O6v54gA8JS8

Cheers

Andy