Ham Radio Projects

I have a few things on my to-do list and need to sort the order out.

Two antenna projects are on the list, a full wavelength 160 meter loop and an active antenna. The active antenna parts have arrived and I’ll put it together in my spare moments. The loop antenna needs a few more bits and pieces so it will need to wait. The loop will also be set up for 630 meters, another antenna project.

I’m setting up for a CW only station and to that end have purchased a 1Watter for 160 meters [S/N 409]. It is at the final PA and tune up stage right now. The enclosure build is next on the menu.

After the 1Watter is complete, the 5 watt amp is next. This will take me from QRPp to QRP on 160.

Future projects include the Ultimate 3S so I can put a beacon on the air. This will give me a feel for the propagation to/from my location.

Project status page.

Amateur Radio … I’m changing gears!

Hmm … Yet another blog … does the world need this?

Probably not but I need a way to organize my thoughts and document my projects in the LF/MF world as well as my adventures in (re)learning CW.

Living at the end of the [repeater] network gives me fewer VHF options for QSOs. There are few hams in the general vicinity and mountains are blocking access to those that are closest.

Since the 1980’s I’ve:

  • played with the amateur satellites (ISS, MIR, OSCARs, etc) … timing is everything but being in the north does not help,
  • help maintain repeater networks on mountaintops (Yukon, Northern BC) … exciting, but that thrill is fading as I age,
  • managed communications on long distance (100+ mile) running races … learned a lot about logistics and being prepared,
  • participated in search and rescue exercises and real events … working in military operated searches was really helpful in making me a more professional operator
  • made HF contacts around the world … usually 80, 40 and 20 Meters
  • contested in my spare time … what spare time?

Some day I may be up for the challenge of EME.

For now I’m trying to step away from the usual world of VHF FM voice/data and move into more exciting territory.

Chasing NDBs and operating on the newer top bands for Canadian amateurs is interesting, technically challenging and less populated thus making contacts more valuable … that sounds like fun to me!