Buddipole and TS590 Update

The TS590 is quite an upgrade from the ICOM 735. Noise rejection and filter options allow many signals impossible to hear on the IC-735 come up out of the noise.

With the Buddipole dipole up just 12 to 15 feet, directionality is not great, but on very weak stations an "ARM" rotator helps get my signal out.

I doubt I could have completed the ARRL Diamond DXCC Challenge without the station upgrade.

Station Upgrade: TS-590 and Buddipole

I have upgraded from a ICOM IC-735 with ICOM antenna tuner and matching power supply to a Kenwood TS-590. For my antenna I have changed from the old AEA Iso-Loop to a Buddipole dipole.

With the TS-590's internal tuner I can work 10-30 meters when the dipole is set up for 15 meters.

The DSP filters and overall listening experience is vastly better than the ICOM 735 which still works fine but does not have the filter capability of a modern rig. My IC-735 is 30 years old. The second HF rig I owned. The first being a Heathkit Comanche and Cheyenne.

DXCC, Another Submission Made

Just sent in 50 additional QSOs towards my overall DXCC totals. Only one new country via the TX7M expedition.

With my ground mounted old  antenna getting to 250 countries will be difficult. My coverage in to Africa, the Middle East and India area is limited. The 100 watts I have seems adequate. My problem is not being able to receive well!

IOTA 200 Received

The Islands on the Air (IOTA) program sponsored by the Radio Society of Great Britain (RSGB) has been a lot of fun. I just received my reward for contacting over 200 IOTA islands. Most of these QSOs were made during the 1988-1993 sunspot cycle. Now that the next cycle is upon us I hope to get to 250.

The IOTA award process is web based and trouble free. QSL cards are required and checked quickly by IOTA volunteers.