DX in the Dark!

It was dark as I was waiting for Blackpool Illuminations (historical light show) to start when I heard an old friend, Steve WZ1Y from Conneticut USA. We made contact on 20m he was impressed with my mobile I normally work him from the home QTH, this was a first from my mobile station. Also you get to see the lights come on and a quick view of Blackpool by night.

More DX Action

More DX action on my day trip to Blackpool. I worked 3 Stations on 20M using 50 watts through a mono band maldol HF20 mobile antenna,the radio is Yaesu FT100.QSO's are with 3A/IZ2EID/P (Monaco),HA501CW (Hungary) and AB8AL (USA).

Mobile Contact 27/10/2006

Here is one of many contacts I had on the way to Blackpool operating mobile.As you will see i live on the top of the Moors which is good for radio,however you need a 4x4 because its a bumpy ride down the the old dirt track.You can also hear my Dog trying to get in on the action!

Jamboree on the Air

Cq Cq Cq JOTA !!!! That was what you could hear today down at the works QTH the Starcentre at Keighley College.This is where i work im a full time teaching technician in fabrication and welding,also a part time position in the Star Centre which is the college's Science Technology Aeronaughtical Regional Centre (STAR).

This Years JOTA/JOTI event went down great with a fun day for the 50 Scouts that attended the event which was being held world wide over this weekend.

AT the Star centre i was operating from the shack, helping the scouts obtain there Communications Badge.I was part of a team that did a total of 5 activities. The Scouts had to,build a crystal radio,down load a pod cast, jamboree on the internet ,Cool codes and playing radio. My YL Louise M3TLL was delivering cool codes which was Q codes,Phonetics,Call Signs and Pre-fixes etc.She made what a scout leader said was usually boring, fun and interesting.So with the use of PMR radio's and a head full of radio stuff, by the time they came to the H.F Station they had a good understanding of radio and operation.

We were operating on the H.F bands mainly 20m and 40m and worked many other Scout Jamboree Stations from
Cheq Republik,Switzerland,Hungary,Norway,Germany and Italy as well as England.The Scouts also used a YasueVR-5000 Yaesu Scanning Receiver * Frequency Coverage: 100kHz-2599.99MHz * Modes: CW.LSB,USB,AM,AM-N,WAM,FM-N,WFM * Real-Time Spectrum Scope * DSP Bandpass, Notch & Noise Reduction Filters.

This worked well for the Scouts with the winlog Dx cluster running they managed over 150 stations logged in SWL mode.They needed 25 to go towards the Communication Scout badge, so they were hot on the VFO and keen to hunt on the H.F bands and did quite well as we were operating 9am -3pm it worked out that each group got 1 hour in each area so time was short.

I was loose on the ft1000mp working through a carolina windom 160, 0-30m and a cushcraft ma5bmini beam 20-10m.Propagation was good for Europe but i did'nt hear any DX,last year we worked Canada,Brazil and USA.The Scouts were all happy and thrilled with all the activities they'd undertaken and all gaining the radio comminication badge went safely back to there home towns and i pulled the plug and that was another JOTA . Im looking forward to next years JOTA. The next time ill be in the Star Centre should be the middle of November when im training 12 Air Cadets to gain a Foundation licence,the Huddersfield 59th ATC have recently been on a Foundation course and some have obtained a licence. 73s Good DX see you next Weekend on the bands during the World WIDE CQ Contest.

Radio Com 5, Computers and Radios

BONITO RADCOM 5.2

This is the software that I have been running for a while from my PC to my Yaesu FT-857. It is connected from a COM Port via a dongle to the back of the rig with a CAT Interface lead. The software includes DSP filter and decoder for RTTY, CW, PSK, Fax and SSTV, full radio control, real time 3D scanner, equaliser, sat-tracking frequency management and a frequency analyzer.

WEATHER FAX FROM CANADA
click on image to enlarge
This is a weather fax received on HF from a Canadian weather station. There are many stations worldwide continuously transmitting weather information. You can receive many stations but obviously it all depends on the propogation.
This image is showing isobars.


SSTV PICTURES ON 20M BAND
click on image to enlarge
Here is an image of some SSTV - another feature of the software. There are many different filters and settings which are quite simple to use and allow good quality images. You can also transmit quite simply and drag your own images into the windows and then edit with your callsign etc.









SAT FAX USING SCOPE
click on image to enlarge
This image shows the settings for receiving satellite faxes, you can see there are various scopes. On the top left is a spectrum analyzer, the top centre shows a tuning scope and the right is the signal scope. The large middle scope shows the Level Controller. There are also fine adjustments such as bandwidth and different filter/equalizer settings all of which are fairly simple and straightforward. I have received some excellent signals and images of the Earth from space through the NOAA satellites with this software.







SATELLITE TRACKING AND SATSCAPE
click on image to enlarge
This image shows satellites being tracked and decoded at the same time. I think that anyone interested in satellite tracking may consider downloading Satscape as this is a really good program and is obtainable free via the Internet. I use both when I am in satellite mode and as you can see the screen looks good and it isn't often a satellite passes me by without being decoded. You can also set up a scan facility and program the satellites you wish to receive in advance and let the software decode the images whilst you're doing something else, maybe walking the dog H.I.





WORKING CW AND RTTY
click on image to enlarge
This image shows another function, this is working RTTY and here two stations are in QSO using their keyboards to do the talking. It decodes both RTTY, PSK and CW all in the same format, just simply click your mouse on the top left scope where the signal is present and the text will appear. again you can transmit on all the modes mentioned with this software but you will need a Rigblaster.







DSP AND RECORDING
click on image to enlarge
You can use RADCOM 5.2 solely as a radio control program and one of it's other benefits is a recording facility but more importantly a digital sound processor or the DSP filter. This is very useful whilst working on SSB especially working weak signals or working QRM/QRN conditions. The program works with your PC soundcard and you simply connect a jack-lead to the ext speaker socket in the back of the rig to the line-in on your PC, you then use your PC speakers to listen.

Another great feature of this software is the simple reprogramming/entering your favourite frequencies. I have entered quite a few such as some local repeaters, some calling frequencies on 2M and 6M and general interesting stations I've been listening to on short-wave. One click and I'm back on that frequency.

It is a bit pricey (about £180) but anyone who likes computers and radios will be quite impressed with this program, it puts Ham Radio Deluxe back in the drawer! I've yet to master it all but I've had it for about 12 months and so far I am well satisfied.

73 for now, that was a serious one, next time will be more fun!

Ham Radio - Just one of my hobbies

This video shows something else I enjoy doing to give you an idea of what I do as well as Ham Radio.

Latest EQSLs

This is an EQSL card I received this week from the station I worked in the Special Events video. It is from Nigel who was working the call sign MX0SSW which is Silcoates school. They were raising money for the blind. I worked this station on 2m FM.

This card from HR1AAB is from Alberto who is located in Honduras, South America, he was a 5 and 9 signal on 20m. I used my FT-847 and the antenna was the vertical multi-band Hustler 6BTV.

This is a card which was a nice surprise from Maurizio who is not a Licensed Ham but what we call a shortwave listener. He heard me speaking to a station in Spain on 40m, again on the FT-847 but this time I used a dipole antenna which is a G5RV. The same evening I managed to work over 25 stations on 40m, countries included Greece, Italy, Spain, Russia, Tenerife, France, Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Slovenia. There are many shortwave listeners and as you can see they do have fun sending cards also. Some shortwave listeners win awards for collecting cards from all around the world. If you are interested in becoming a shortwave listener you may do so by buying a HF receiver and construct some home-brew wire antennas making it quite a cheap way to get involved in the world of radio.


Good luck to all and 73s.

latest piece of kit

The Shack is looking cool with my latest addition.I am now the proud owner of a MFJ-969 Deluxe Versa Tuner II,this unit arrived from the USA courtesy of Hamcity.com and after paying the import tax it worked out that i saved £32. The MFJ-969 Antenna Tuner gives you MFJ's superb AirCore Roller Inductor and full 6 meteres through 160 Meter coverage!You get everything you've ever wanted including...300 Watts PEP SSB full featured antenna tuner, widest matching range, full size lighted Cross-Needle SWR/Wattmeter reads true peak forward power, QRM-Free PreTune, 8 Position antenna switch, built in 50 Ohm dummy load, heavy duty 4:1 balun -- all in a tough, attractive cabinet. MFJ's famous 1 year No Matter What warranty.
The MFJ-969 Antenna Tuner's AirCore Roller Inductor, gear driven turns counter and spinner knob gives you exact inductance control for absolute minimum SWR. MFJ's exclusive AirCore Roller Inductor has an air core that can't burn up! You get ultra-high-Q, the lowest loss, highest efficiency and highest power handling of any roller inductor in ham radio.
MFJ's exclusive Self-Resonance Killer Keeps potentially damaging self-resonances away from your frequency. Huge self-cleaning wiping contact gives you excellent low-resistance connection without contact arcing or burning.Solid 1/4 inch brass shaft, self-align bearings -- smooth non-binding operation.
The MFJ-969 Antenna Tuner covers all frequencies from 160 Meters thru 6 Meters, including the "magic band" -- the widest matching range of any full featured antenna tuner. Match dipoles, verticals, inverted vees, random wires, beams, mobile whips, SWL receiving antennas -- nearly any antenna. You can use coax cable, random wire or balanced lines. Has heavy duty 4:1 balun.
MFJ's new ActivePeak reading Circuit accurately reads true peak forward power -- an MFJ exclusive.
MFJ's lighted Cross Needle SWR/Wattmeter reads SWR, true peak forwards and average reflected power simultaneously on 300 Wat or 30 Watt ranges.
So ill be in test mode for the next week or so but it seems to be working well so far.73 to all DE 2E0HTS Simon

Talking to Special Events Stations from my QTH

QSL from WP4AOO

This week the HF bands haven't been in good shape at all, the other evening was spent trying to work DX stations on 40m and 20m. I was most surprised when I ran into my old friend VE3OWV Nick on 40m, this was amazing as I was using my G5RV. I also worked a handful of German stations, some Italians and a Spaniard all on 40m. The spanish station was only operating on 5 watts (QRP).

After a couple of hours of 40m I decided to flick back up to 20m (my favourite band) and worked 2 stations from Puerto Rico. Above is a card from one of them Jose WP4AOO. I did this contact on my Cobwebb but then switched to the Hustler 6 BTV and added a couple of S points to the signal with a 5 and 9.

This morning on my way to work I had a quick contact with a VK station (Australia) on 20m - not bad for a mobile on 50 watts eh?!

73s for now

A Quick Contact Into Russia

This is a short film demonstrating a contact into Russia with RA1ZN (Vic) on HF using my Mobile station which is a Yaesu FT100 and Maldol 20m Monostick and some good propagation. Enjoy it!

73s

DE 2E0HTS Simon.

Working DX Whilst Mobile

This week I haven't been on air much during the evenings, I had a quick listen around but the bands have been a bit quieter on an evening. My activity this week has been mainly from my mobile station which comprises of a Yaesu FT-100, 2 Maldol HF antennas mounted on the rear (one for 14MHz and one for 7MHz) through a 2-way switch. Also, on the rear wheel there is a 7/8 wave 145/433MHz this is fixed to a home-brew stainless bracket.

My activity was mainly on listening mode travelling to workbut I did manage to contact Russia, Estonia and the Ukraine with solid 5 and 9 signals both ways. Receiving wise I have heard ZL (New Zealand) and VKs (Australian stations) quite loud all on 14MHz. This has been happening at 7.15 UTC.

On my return journey USA, Saudi Arabia and most of Europe have been giving excellent signals to the mobile which is disguised as a porcupine but is actually a humble Toyota Rav4.

Other Bits and Pieces

QSL (confirmation)

This is a QSL card from a station I spoke to from my home setup. He was located at the Russian Space Centre Energia. His callsign was R3K. I have many other QSL cards from all around the world. These cards confirm a QSO (voice contact) with stations using similar equipment all around the world.

Weather Satellites

This is also another part of the hobby I am interested in. This is an image of the UK, Europe and Africa transmitted from a weather satellite orbiting the Earth and received by my humble station. The radio I used was the Yaesu FT-857 hard-wired to my PC using Bonito Radcom software to decode weather images.

Radio Activity This Week

I started off this week listening to higher portions of HF around 14 - 14.350MHz and I was very pleased to have stumbled across some rare DX stations giving me a solid signal 5 and 9 was 8P6GU who was Haschel from Barbados. After chatting to him I went on to speak to stations in Honduras, Puerto Rico, Peru and the USA.

The best performing antenna seemed to be the Cobwebb which consists of the formation of a large spiders web laying horizontally. I also use a Hustler vertical which often works well into South America and a G5RV which is a 102ft long dipole fed with 300 Ohm ribbon feeder. The reason all my antenns work so well is probably due to my location which is right on the top of a small hill 1000ft tall hanging off the edge of a very steep drop. Radio paradise!

Finally I worked M0RHQ, an RAF station (RAF Linton-On-Ouse) this afternoon which was an arranged QSO. I managed to speak to some of the personnel and a small networked formed from stations around the UK. This was on the lower frequencies known as the 80m band.

73s for now. Thanks for reading this rubbish!

The Radio Shack

Here is a picture of my station. I use this to contact different countries, my latest contacts include Barbados, Honduras, Brazil and the USA. So far I have 94 logged countries out of 334 so I have a long way to go!