Author Archives: robert

Wonderful Band Conditions for 160 Meter Contest

Posted on December 1, 2017 by robert

I’m only noodling around, running S&P mostly to find new states or countries.  Band noise floor is about -110 dBm, which is pretty quiet.  A few signals are 70 dB above that.  Most are 35 dB above the noise floor.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 160-Meters, Contests | Leave a comment

First Practice FMT Run

Posted on December 1, 2017 by robert

A good friend of mine, John WA1ABI, is responsible for planting the FMT bug in my head.  I’ve been admiring his results in the ARRL FMTs for years — he is constantly an outstanding performer.  John graciously suggested that we … Continue reading →

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Can You Trust Your RX For a FMT?

Posted on November 26, 2017 by robert

My go to ham rig is my K3s, which includes the KTCXO3-1 Temperature Compensated Crystal Oscillator, a device specified to maintain 0.5 to 1 PPM,  One might think that in a reasonably controlled environment that the K3s could be used in CW … Continue reading →

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So How Far Off is Your Soundcard?

Posted on November 26, 2017 by robert

I am starting my journey into the world of Frequency Measuring Tests.  I decided to use my receiver in AM mode and compare the unknown frequency to a known frequency obtained from a HP3335A (locked to a Rubidium source) that … Continue reading →

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CAS-4B with a Future Ham

Posted on November 19, 2017 by robert

I’ve been spending a little time with a young neighbor, introducing him to Amateur Radio.  I try to mix a little on-air activity with some theory.  It’s amazing how comfortable he is with solving equations in his head. This past … Continue reading →

Posted in CAS-4B, Satellite | Leave a comment

Restoring HP3335A Part 2

Posted on November 14, 2017 by robert

After cleaning the synthesizer inside and out, I replaced multiple screws that were missing from the internal metal frame, and bolted down the power supply, which was obviously replaced in the past (without putting it back in properly).  Despite the … Continue reading →

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Restoring a HP 3335A to full operation

Posted on November 11, 2017 by robert

I’ve always been sort of a time nut, but that’s pretty closely related to frequency.  The ARRL helps to sponsor a periodic Frequency Measurement Test, usually held in April and November.  A good friend of mine, John WA1ABI, always participates … Continue reading →

Posted in FMT, Gear, Testing | 5 Comments

DX Progress through October

Posted on November 1, 2017 by robert

Many other projects (like teaching another set of Technician’s) reduce the amount of time I have on air, but DX progress continues slowly.  My confirmed country count hasn’t changed (262), but the DX Challenge count has creeped up to 1250.  … Continue reading →

Posted in DX, LotW | Leave a comment

3C0L Annobon Island

Posted on October 18, 2017 by robert

The Annobon Island DXpedition has been racking up QSOs.  I finally got a chance to listen to their 160 meter signal tonight and it’s outstanding here in RI.  Haven’t broken through the pileup yet.

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QSO #7000 in LotW

Posted on October 3, 2017 by robert

While I am sure I’ve had many more QSOs (I’ve got many old written logbooks from 1970-2000), I didn’t start using LotW until I got back on the air in February of 2011. Today I entered my 7,000th QSO into … Continue reading →

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