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.
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
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.
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.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
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!
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.
The IOTA award process is web based and trouble free. QSL cards are required and checked quickly by IOTA volunteers.
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
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.
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.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
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.
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
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
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