CWops Test (CWT) - 1300Z Jul 13
Call: K9ZO
Operator(s): K9ZO
Station: K9ZO
Class: Single Op HP
QTH: IL
Operating Time (hrs): 1
OpMode: SO2R
Summary:
Band QSOs
------------
160:
80:
40: 74
20: 47
15:
10:
------------
Total: 121 Mults = 118 Total Score = 14,278
Club: Metro DX Club
Comments:
Many, many years ago I used SO2R. I always burned out receiver front ends! This
past weekend I hosted WT2P for the IARU contest and we started a rudimentary
SO2R configuration - Antenna Genius via wired LAN, band switching rand rotor
control with Green Heron. Bandpass filter on 40 M only, manual switching of the
Comtek ACB-4 80 M 4 square controller. It worked well for him with not burps on
S&P with one Flex 6600 slice on 40 meters all the time and automatic band
changes for the others. We were not able to figure out the documentation for a
Stack Match and GH Everywhere so did not use the 80 M inverted vee. The first
improvement should be separating the 40/80 M fan inverted vee which use the same
feedline.
On Monday morning a 12V supply went bad. I felt sorry because it was one that
went with us on the VP8ORK DXpedition. I realized I had not spares, so put all
the Flex gear on a single supply. The other supply was used in the garage for
the Antenna Genius. The only power supplies in town are for sale at the local
pawn shop. I will have to check prices since they are heavy full wave bridge
supplies.
After tech support from WT2P last night I got things running. I did not take
advantage of the flexibility. I think 40 was good and often had a run going,
but did manage to make some quick band changes, however, I still need to work
out receiving on two bands at once or tuning while an exchange is being given on
another band.
My goal was 50, then 100 QSOs. I made 121. I felt there was a lot of clutter by
having spots show on the Maestro, and think the band maps might be better.
Incorrect spots posed a cluttering problem.
I'll be back in the afternoon. I have lots of work - cleaning up branches from
a storm, fixing open wire feedline that I will use for folded dipoles, etc. It
never ends.
I have most of the pieces collected for a 4 square on 40. I need to add bolts to
the 80 meter 4 square and want to change controllers to get omni direction and
perhaps 8 directions, but must be compatible with Green Heron. Ned control
cable or solar/battery at the center of the array.
Yesterday's big event was rescuing a ground hog from the window well, but he
damaged the vinyl window frame and well cover, so there is more work to be
done!
KE9UA visited yesterday. I is always so helpful getting me started on solving
technical issues. I have a lead on a 1.5KW 2 M amp to use for EME. That will
be a big project, but I have collected most of what I need to get started. The
big frustration will be getting a tower permit (or two) and putting up a tower
before the fall.
So much to do. I need a high school aged assistant who is interested in learning
radio!
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