William Stearns » ham radio

WSPR Test This Afternoon

wstearns — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:56:24 +0000

Left WSPR up and running in the garage this afternoon just to see if I could see anything. Need to read up on it some more, but already seeing stations from my setup.

40m Test RX Only WSPR

Built a 6m Moxon Antenna

wstearns — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 11:10:33 +0000

Colby and I spent some time last night doing some soldering with a torch on our 6m Moxon antenna. Was going to try and have it ready for the VHF contest start, but the bathroom floor needed to get done first. The antenna is constructed from 1/2″ rigid copper and was modeled using the software from the Moxon Antenna Project. We did have enough time to get it about 15′ off the ground to take a look at the antenna analyzer. Wow, something must have worked because I was presented with a 50.150 MHz with an SWR of 1.1:1 and an impedence at 50Ω. Must be something to say for using software and sticking to the design plans.

Nothing comes without a couple of glitches, the boom mounting plans weren’t followed and I soldered before I slid on my CPVC parts. A 2×4 on its side was substituted for the boom. The weather wasn’t very cooperative either, so we were constantly going back in the garage to avoid being rained on. Anyways, will hopefully do some more testing and take some obligatory shots of the antenna for posterity.

Also tuned around the 40m band last night for possibly participation in the North American CW Sprint. I decided that my copying speed and the battery in my newly acquired Bencher paddle were not up for the challenge. Maybe we’ll do the SSB Sprint coming up in a couple weeks.

On a side note, my Extra Class Amateur Radio License was granted by the FCC. Time to look for a vanity callsign I suppose.

TARCFest XXII – Saturday, August 29, 2009

wstearns — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:04:44 +0000

Apparently labeled as “Florida’s Friendliest Tailgate”, TARCFest XXII – Saturday, August 29, 2009 is being held at the Tampa Amateur Radio Club’s clubhouse at 7801 N 22nd St, Tampa, FL 33610. Time to finish going through the garage and see if I have enough to justify a spot to sell my spare stuff.

TARC Clubhouse

Renewed my ARRL Membership

wstearns — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:22:25 +0000

After participating in Field Day over the weekend with Colby, I decided to renew my membership to the ARRL. I used to enjoy Amatuer Radio about 10 years ago, but with moving to North Carolina and then back to Florida, my interest in getting back into the hobby was reduced.

I’m going to start going through my gear and take inventory of what works and what doesn’t. I know my TR-751A is in need of more surgury to fix the now scratchy volume pot. I had a new squelch pot wired in when I lived in Naples, FL. There are no parts available for this radio when it comes to these particular ones, so extreme improvising is needed.

Anyways, depending on antenna and radio conditions Colby and I may participate in the CQ WW VHF contest on the 18th-19th this month.