The Perfect Present

I was very lucky this year as far as receiving presents. Louise (M3TLL) my lovely YL got me something that she new would be well received and appreciated more than most things, which was of course some Ham Radio equipment. Thanks Lou!

Louise managed to get a good deal from our local Ham Buddy – Adam 2E0LXA, who had a great little Yaesu FT-817, QRP multi banded/mode portable transceiver that he was selling. The little rig came with a “Miracle Antenna” and a “Wonder Wand” tunable counterpoise which I have already tried successfully on 5Watts making QSO into Estonia as well as across the Atlantic into the US. I must admit I was surprised with the performance of the Miracle Antenna and I am looking forward to getting out with the portable QRP station and finding out what the possibilities are with a simple QRP set up, as well as using the rig outside on the Satellite’s.
I have already been trying the standard rubber Whip (YHA-63) connected to the BNC located on the front panel, I worked my local buddies M0DIT, M1PAC and M3RIZ who are all around 6 miles away over in Keighley. This was done whilst walking the Dog Dudley, the FT-817 was working well whilst running off the battery pack with 5/9 reports exchanged on 2M FM. I am very pleased with this years Christmas present and should get many years of use out of it, money well spent!

I was also lucky enough to receive some cash from the family which I put too and invested in a backup 30Amp Power Supply Unit (PSU), which I had been considering for some time. So we headed into the City (Bradford) for a visit to Maplin Electronics where I picked up an Identical model to the original PSU in the shack. The new PSU can be seen in the background of the picture as well as via the link. Hope you all had a good Christmas and are ready for the New Year.

Santa's Helper

Christmas is upon us once again and it the time of year when Santa has a lot of presents to deliver, so as usual Dudley our four legged friend will be busy lending Santa a Paw.

The picture was taken earlier today when Dudley suddenly flew off in the direction of Lap Land where Santa is awaiting the annual return of all his helpers.

So if you leave out any mince pies for Santa tonight don't forget to leave a couple of gravy bones for Dudley, Rudolph and the rest of Santa's helpers.

I hope you all get some nice presents and have a Merry Christmas!

XW-1 / Hope OSCAR 68

Click on Image to enlarge

Despite the snow continuously falling up here on the Moor top and both Louise and I feeling full of cold, the water supply being frozen solid - BAH Humbug! I have still kept up with my usual radio antics whilst trying my best to keep us both warm and comfortable.

I have been playing around with the Radio Com software that I have had installed on my machine for the last 4 years which is proving to be unbeatable for decoding the NOOA WX SATs. This time I have been using the software to monitor the new Chinese Satellite - XW-1(HO-68). The Sat is still mainly beacon only, which transmits around 435.790MHz in CW mode. I use the Ft-847 and IO-10El antenna to receive the "bird" feeding the incoming AF from the rig to the computers sound card where the Radio Com software picks up the audio to be decoded. The software works similar to any other radio decoding software having lots of nice and useful features. The Spectrum Analyser is one of the many useful tools, in this case used to visually observe the new "birds" signal whilst decoding the received beacon's CW transmission.

The HO-68 Satellites beacon is reported to be strong world wide from the various reports from other Hams and relevant sources that I've come across on the net. As you can see from the above image I am also receiving the Hope Oscar 68(HO-68) beacon very well and I am looking forward to hearing some real activity via the new "bird" soon.
The CW TX from the HO-68 Satellites beacon was decoded by the Radio Com CW decoder which reads.

T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T T X W X W

If you haven't yet heard the XW-1(HO-68) Satellite yet, or are new to Satellites and don't know how to track them. Have a look at downloading Satscape to help you locate them. The rest off you G L, & have a Merry Christmas.

XW-1 In Orbit

As an avid Satellite Operator Santa has come early for me, I am referring to the exciting news from AMSAT China regarding the recent successful launch of their very first Amateur Satellite XW-1.

XW-1 payload was deployed by the CZ-4C rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center earlier this month and is currently commissioning in a sun-synchronous orbit at about 1200KM, ASL.

The XW-1 communications payload includes a beacon and three cross
band transponders operating in FM, linear, and digital modes.

Mode V/U (J) FM Voice Repeater (30 dbm (1 w)):
Uplink: 145.8250 MHz FM, PL 67.0 Hz.
Downlink: 435.6750 MHz FM

Mode V/U (J) Linear Transponder (Inverting) (30 dbm (1 w)):
Uplink:145.9250 - 145.9750 MHz SSB/CW
Downlink:435.7650 - 435.7150 MHz SSB/CW

Mode V/U (J) PacSat BBS (30 dbm (1 w)):
Uplink:145.8250 MHz AFSK 1200 BPS
Downlink: 435.6750 MHz AFSK 1200 BPS

Mode Beacon (23 dbm (200mw)):
Downlink:435.7900 MHz CW

I am looking forward to hearing XW-1 on my FT-847 and IO-Ten El Sat antenna and with 1Watt of output PWR it should be nice and loud once the AMSAT Teams finish their preliminary settings and testing.

In the meantime I will be keeping an eye on twitter for further updates and developments that are regularly tweeted from AMSAT.

Another excellent source of all the latest AMSAT and General Satellite Information is observations which constantly gets updated by AL – GM1SXX and many of the other experienced Satellite Ham Operators.

VO-52 SAT QSO

With the IO-Ten Element Satellite antenna working so well since I put it up, I decided to have a another shot at making a video demonstrating just how easy and uncomplicated it is to be able to work the Low Earth Orbiting SSB Sat like VO-52. Hope you enjoy the video and look out for the Festive hat.

Cyber Shack

Whilst SWLing the HF bands each evening, I had a play around with Adobe PhotoShop CS2 and came up with this funky cyber shack.

I enjoy the SWL side of Ham radio just as much as actually transmitting my own signals, I like tinkering around with the PC at the same time as keeping a close watch out for interesting signals. As you can see with the above image, I had a mess with some of the filters, which is pretty straight forward enough. Basically I was just messing about and having fun whilst listening to fellow Hams.
Oh yes, I could not resist working a couple of interesting Stations at the same time.

2E0HTS CYBER CHALLANGE
I wonder how many Rigs you can spot and for those who enjoy the challenge leave the Make & model info as a comment (just for fun)

HF Mobile 60 Amp Power Source

The Toyota mobile Ham station has been working amazingly well since I knocked up the roof-bar mounted stainless steel antenna brackets. The reports and results that I've received have made me realize the benefits of running 50W /mobile into 3 meters of 50 ohm low loss coax. A nice and simple set up with low losses with a well grounded rig/antenna to the vehicle chassis combined with a modest antenna is a very effective way to put out a good signal, as I have been finding out over the past 6 years.

With the Yaesu FT100 set at 50W I can operate continuously when the vehicle engine is running, but the Toyota 2.0 Litre Petrol 4X4 needs a 45AH battery to power its creature comforts, which get a bit of a hammering during these wintry months.
So, I decided to replace the battery with something that would give me a bit more Umph, for both the Toyota and the amateur radio equipment carried on board.
I picked up a heavy duty replacement 65AH battery, which will give me a few extra amps for a lot longer. The mobile station is now at 100%, firing on all four cylinders! Listen out for 2E0HTS/M somewhere on 20M. Have a nice weekend.

Excellent Conditions provide new DXCC

With the CondX being as good as ever, I have continued making some brilliant DX QSOs on the 15M Band using the SSB Phone mode. Yesterday was very good up until dusk with a repeat of the same excellent openings today also on the 15M Band.

I have been working with my good old Yaesu FT-767GX and 50W into the Vertical Hustler 6BTV which is fitted with wire radials and is ground mounted with a 5’ foot length of 1 ½ inch, solid steel bar that protrudes from the ground 18 inches for the fixing of the antenna base. I have had the Hustler for over 5 years and find it works excellently on the higher portion of HF, especially during the day times when the F-Layer position suits the vertical angle of radiation perfectly. I find that during the evening when the F-Layer changes the three sided vertically polarized delta loop usually takes over from the straight forward vertical, giving a different angle of reflection/radiation. Again the Dipole which is totally horizontal at around 30 ft above the ground also works better in the evening but is poor during the day light hours. It’s nice to be able to switch between the three differently radiating antennas and can be very useful indeed to make the most out of the 50W that I use.

With the 15M Band been as good as it has been the 6BTV has been getting some awesome reports as well as managing to acquire a new DXCC in the log. The latest Country to be added to the list was New DXCC - Ghana - 9G5TT on 21.250 MHz, the exchange was a 5/9 report which was very nice to hear.
I worked many stations from North, South and Central America, all of which were big signals providing lengthy and interesting conversation which I really enjoyed. My log from this weekend contains quality as opposed to quantity QSOs and I hope that we can continue to enjoy the true nature of the hobby, which is making friends with fellow Hams worldwide and sharing some lovely experiences. In a nut shell “What a great time we can have when we get a little propagation”.

Here are a few of the Guys I worked during the fantastic opening on 21MHz. - VE3XN, W4TJE, K4VV, K1NIU, W2VP, W9RE, WX4TM, PY2DU, 9G5TT, W9EXY, & TI8II. I hope to get lots more nice QSO next time and in the meantime, have a great week 73!

Chipper

I was pleased to awake to the sound of an old friend taking me back thirty years to my youth. I am of course talking about the HF Chipper that I am hearing on 17M and 15 Meters making a pleasant QRM sounding woodpecker noise.

I used to hear this noise a lot back in the early 80s when propagation was very good. When State-Side signals from mobile Truckers were coming in loud on AM using simple mobile antennas and little rigs.

When I switched on this morning and heard the noise, I said to my YL Louise how conditions should be definitely on the up. Shortly after I tuned around 20m and I found signals coming in from Dominica Republic, Jamaica, India and China all before mid day. I am now making the most of the opening and at present I am active on 15m using the Hustler 6BTV and FT-767. I've just had a great QSO with Gary - VE3XN on 21.290 and right now I am tuning around the many loud signals. Hope to see you on the band somewhere over the weekend, especially now we are entering the up slope of the Solar Cycle. Happy DXing.

Graduation

As well as Ham Radio, Work and Life in general, I have been studying in service with the University of HUDDERSFIELD.  This has meant that I have spent the last two years teaching, writing papers as well as reading and researching many different types of Theorists. It's been lots of hard work, self discipline and commitment but well worth the effort when I graduated earlier receiving a Certificate in Education (PCET).

I took my YL – Louise and Mum – Janet, to the Award Ceremony, where it was a proud moment for all.
MUM and Myself

Louise took some nice pictures to put up for you to see - 2E0HTS, washed, scrubbed and gowned, which is a once in a lifetime experience!
Louise and Myself However after seeing myself in the Cap and Gown I wouldn't be at all surprised if I am found to be appearing in the next Harry Potter, Hog-warts adventure, as a Wizard or something? Hope you enjoy these pictures…

The day was extra special as the Chancellors blessing was on screen from Professor Patrick Stewart, OBE, better known as Captain Jean-Luc Picard.

The actual moment of Graduation

Group photo of my Tutor and Class 2007 - 2009 after our Graduation

Right thats it, time to get some Zs. Til next time....

The Bands

The past couple of mornings have been a bit frosty so I decided on the Car rather than Motor Cycle to get to work which worked out well as I've heard some great signals coming in on 20m from VK - Australia and  JA - Japan. The distant DX Stations usually start coming  through well up here from now until around late February time. I use the trusty little Toyota 4 X 4 to get through the winter months and at the same time I get more radio time in to operate my FT-100 mobile Ham Station. For the time being, the Motorcycling will be used solely for pleasure when the WX is more reasonable avoiding any unpleasant accidents.

Back in the Shack, the past two evenings have been a different story as by the time I get back from work the 20M band has closed down and 40M has not been particularly exciting either. So I have been tuning down on 80M instead and having fun working European Stations on SSB using the recently made home brew 130 ft dipole. I have been getting good reports from the dipoles performance which consists of two equal legs at 65 ft made from 2.0 mm multi stranded copper wire, which is fed with 25 feet of 350 Ohm ladder feeder, terminating at a home made choke into 50 Ohms Coaxial cable (RG58 Heavy). The radio that I have been using with the dipole on 80M is the FT-767GX from Yaesu, I worked some nice Ops such as German Club Station - DL0WER with Andy (DL1BI ) behind the Mic. Other 80M QSOs included, PA3FAO, HA6FQ & ON100PES . ON100PES is a special event Station that is celebrating 100 years since the first Belgian expedition/research station made it to the Antarctic. I always enjoy working the Club Stations and special event Call Signs that are found on the 80M band. 

Thats all for now hope to hear you somewhere on HF soon, I will be active on the SATs also as usual. 73 thanks for the visit.

PSK-31 Contacts

The past couple of nights have seen quiet conditions on 20m so I've concentrated on working a couple of satellites as well as listening around on the LF bands. I had some fun last night on PSK-31 working stations up and down Europe. Using my home brew 130ft Dipole, FT-767 interfaced to my PC and Nomic rigblaster I worked quite a few stations on 80m running qrp (30w).

Stations were coming in well on 80 meters around 3.582 lsb and I worked stations from Norway, Sweden, Germany and the UK including SM6AMU and a fellow Twitterer M0TZO - Paul. For a full transcript of the contact with Paul you can read it here on MØTZO's Blog. Twitter is proving to be a lot of fun and I'm managing to bag a few Twittering followers into my log.

Thanks to all my followers so far, hope to get many more. If you're not on Twitter you can join up here feel free to add me to find out when and where I am active on the bands.

Roof Mounted Mobile Antennas

I have always used fixed mounts on my vehicles for both HF and VHF antennas which are the boot mounted grub screw type to ensure a good ground is obtained. The only snag is the corrosion that an take place beneath the mount and not forgetting the wibble wobble whenever I opened or shut the back door.

I decided to fabricate my own mounts which would bolt to the roof bars giving an extra 5” (127mm) height above the existing mounts.
To prevent any further corrosion problems I decided to use 3mm stainless steel as the material which took a bit of drilling but easy enough at a very low RPM using a radial drill. Once I removed any burs I bent the mounts into a right angle and mounted the stainless plates as far apart as possible on the roof bar. Each of the mounts is drilled in line to match holes in the roof bar (2 holes each mount) which I bolted up tight.

The antenna mounts went on to the stainless mounts nice and straight, I fixed a short grounding wire to the locking nut on the antenna mount which I fed to a close by bolt that was connected to the vehicles chassis. The SWR was 1:1 on 20M and whilst mobile earlier this morning I made QSO with Roy – VK6MV beaming long path. Roy was 5/9 at times from Cuballing, in Western Australia coming in very well to Yaesu’s original Field Commander more commonly known as the FT-100. I recieved a 5/5 report which was excellent as I was actually mobile. I also made QSO with Estonia and Italy whilst operating /mobile with the new antenna mounts. The final result looks a lot better than the commercial mounts you see, the new mounts are solid, well grounded, neat, as well as very strong.

The Antennas pictured are 145/433MHz and 14MHz, The Vehicle is a Toyota Rav-4
Mount Is Grounded To Chassis With Short Wire

CQ WW DX

Over the weekend I celebrated 4 years of romance with my lovely YL Louise M3TLL. I first met Louise at work during the 2005 CQ World Wide DX Contest when we were involved with the STAR Centre project. Louise and I hit it off during the contest and I have managed to continue to catch the yearly contest ever since. I look forward to the CQ WW Contest every year as Louise always supports me by encouraging me to take part in the contest; it reminds her of when and how we met. I guess I am the lucky one when it comes to how we celebrate our anniversary playing radio during the CQ WW DX contest. I sure did get lucky and picked a good one there! Thanks for putting up with me Lou!

This Years CQ WW results gave me, 48 DXCC and 15 Zones.

14MHz, 21MHz, & 28MHz were worked using the FT-847 and Hustler 6BTV Vertical. Both 3.5MHz & 7MHz were worked using the FT-767 and a 135 ft Dipole. I made just over 100 QSO and gave away lots of points. Thanks to all participants and for all of the effort you all put in every year, once again I thoroughly enjoyed my anniversary.

See you next year and for those that are interested, here are the 48 DXCC and 15 Zones I worked over the weekend.

V26B- 21 MHz- ZONE 08- Antigua & Barbuda
LQ0F- 21 MHz- ZONE 13- Argentina
P40A- 21 MHz- ZONE 09- Aruba
OE5UAL- 28 MHz- ZONE 15- Austria
CU5CQ- 21 MHz- ZONE 14- Azores
8P5A- 21 MHz- ZONE 08- Barbados
OT5P- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 14- Belgium
AA4V/VP9/P- 21 MHz- ZONE 05- Bermuda
E73M- 28 MHz- ZONE 15- Bosnia Hercegovina
ZV5E- 21 MHz- ZONE 11- Brazil
LZ9W- 21 MHz- ZONE 20- Bulgaria
VE2IM- 14 MHz- ZONE 02- Canada
VY2ZM- 7 MHz- ZONE 05- Canada
VC3O- 14 MHz- ZONE 04- Canada
EA8MT- 21 MHz- ZONE 33- Canary Is
EE9K- 28 MHz- ZONE 33- Ceuta & Melilla
9A7A- 28 MHz- ZONE 15- Croatia
P33W- 21 MHz- ZONE 20- Cyprus
OL7R- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 15- Czech Republic
HI3K- 21 MHz- ZONE 08- Dominican Republic
RM3Q- 21 MHz- ZONE 16- European Russia
DF0HQ- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 14- Federal Republic of Germany
OG5B- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 15- Finland
F8AKC- 28 MHz- ZONE 14- France
FY5KE- 21 MHz- ZONE 09- French Guiana
4LOA- 21 MHz- ZONE 21- Georgia
OX2A- 21 MHz- ZONE 40- Greenland
HG1S- 7 MHz- ZONE 15- Hungary
IR4X- 21 MHz- ZONE 15- Italy
UP6P- 21 MHz- ZONE 17- Kazakstan
HB0/HB9AON- 7 MHz- ZONE 14- Liechtenstein
LY8O- 21 MHz- ZONE 15- Lithuania
CR3L- 7 MHz- ZONE 33- Madeira
ER4DX- 21 MHz- ZONE 16- Moldova
CN3A- 21 MHz- ZONE 33- Morocco
PJ2T- 21 MHz- ZONE 09- Netherlands Antilles
PI4DX- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 14- Netherlands
SP3GEM- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 14- Poland
YR1C- 21 MHz- ZONE 20- Romania
GM6NX- 7 MHz- ZONE 14- Scotland
YT7R- 28 MHz- ZONE 15- Serbia
YT7R- 7 MHz- ZONE 15- Serbia
OM8A- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 15- Slovakia
S53S- 7 MHz- ZONE 15- Slovenia
ED5T- 28 MHz- ZONE 14- Spain
V48M- 21 MHz- ZONE 08- St. Kitts and Nevis
FS/K1XM- 21 MHz- ZONE 08- St. Martin
HB9AAP- 14 MHz- ZONE 14- Switzerland
9Y4D- 14 MHz- ZONE 09- Trinidad & Tobago
W9RE- 21 MHz- ZONE 04- U.S.A.
K1TTT- 3.5 MHz- ZONE 05- U.S.A.

Model Tower 2

I had a go at making a slightly different mini tower and yagi out of TIG welding wire and this is what I came up with.



The tower is two sections with a six element yagi antenna that can be rotated 360º simply by hand. The model is made by myself from 3.2mm TIG welding wire which has been built using the MIG welding process. As usual it was fun making it and there is no doubt that I will be fettling up some other project soon. Hope you like it!