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.

Buddipole Deluxe Arrived

After selling a bunch of nice but unused stuff on eBay I just received my deluxe buddipole package in the mail.

Packaging was super. I got the 18 foot mast.

I hope this will help me get out in my town home.

I also plan to do some remote QRP work with my FT-817 now that the bands are improving.

DXCC Countries List & Personalized Beam Headings

The New Jersey DX Association has a web page that will generate a personalized beam heading list vs DXCC country. Many log programs will do this but I still like to see a listing--even though my Iso-Loop antenna is hardly a beam.

DXCC Countries List & Personalized Beam Headings

Yuri Gagarin Special Event Stations

If you are into space exploration, ham radio and special call signs this event is a triple play. Check out the bands for Yuri Gagarin Special Event Stations.

The bands have been pretty good and I have heard--but not yet worked--several of these event stations on 20 meters

Yuri Gagarin Special Event Stations: Ari OH3KAV has posted this list of Russian stations that will be active:

R50YG 'Yuri Gagarin'
R50SK 'Sergey Korolev'
RG50D
RG50K
RG50F Star City training center
RG50C Landing Site
RG50G
R1961G
U5ARTEK/A
R3K Energija Space Flight Control Center

What will be here?

As the new sun spot cycle begins, my radio activity will increase. I like dx work although my ground mounted AEA IsoLoop antenna and 100 watt IC-735 faces tough competition in the pile ups.

I recently bought a FT-817 for portable QRP work and have started to look at Buddipole and home brew alternatives. I am beginning to think that a Buddipole is a better--and lower cost--alternative given the limited altitude of the dipole.

I also have interest in SDR and software. Several unbuilt kits purchased several years need some soldering.