Author Archives: robert

Passing Pixie!

Posted on February 21, 2017 by robert

After experimenting with T37-6 yellow core inductors, it was time to change to the T37-2 red core.  These have a lower operating frequency, up to 10 MHz, and it is possible that they might have a higher attenuation on 14 MHz … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Pixie, Projects, QRP | 1 Comment

Pixie PLUS 5-Pole LPF

Posted on February 20, 2017 by robert

My Pixie produces about 500 mW of output power when driven by a 13.8 volt supply.  The total input power to the board is about 1.5 watts.  As I’ve mentioned the Pixie only suppresses the 2nd harmonic by about 10 … Continue reading →

Posted in Pixie, Projects, QRP | Leave a comment

A 40 Meter LPF for the Pixie

Posted on February 20, 2017 by robert

As I mentioned the 40-meter Pixie QRP rig has pretty horrible harmonics, well above the maximum allowable FCC limit (-43 dBc).  One Pixie was about -9 dBc, and the other was about -20 dBc. The output filter in the Pixie … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Pixie, Projects, QRP | 2 Comments

Pixie Varibility

Posted on February 16, 2017 by robert

Given the dismal harmonic supression of my first Pixie kit, I was excited to test another. While still not passing, it is isn’t absolutely dismal. The readings were taken with a 40 dB external attenuator.  So the fundamental is actually … Continue reading →

Posted in Pixie, Projects, QRP | Leave a comment

QRP Still Rules the World; even on 80 Meters

Posted on February 13, 2017 by robert

Yesterday I decided to set my radio up on a QRP (5 watt) beacon mode on 80 meters (I used a propagation mode called WSPR, transmitting once every 10 minutes).  I let the rig run from about 4:45 PM local time … Continue reading →

Posted in DX, Propagation, QRP | Leave a comment

Pixie Pain

Posted on February 11, 2017 by robert

There is an inexpensive QRP kit that sells on eBay for somewhere between $4-10, called a Pixie.  It is a single conversion rock bound 40 meter QRP rig often set to 7.023 MHz, but sometimes 7.040 MHz.  They are often … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Pixie, QRP | 1 Comment

HELP: My TH-D74A Radio Won’t Go into DV Mode

Posted on February 4, 2017 by robert

Well, not MY TH-D74A, but that was a problem a friend was having with his new Kenwood TH-D74A radio.  He could NOT select a memory channel programmed to DSTAR (Kenwood calls that DV for Digital Voice, or DR for Digital Repeater).  Also … Continue reading →

Posted in TH-D74A | 10 Comments

Fixing the “Solar_Terrestrial Data” Widget

Posted on February 1, 2017 by robert

Paul Herrman, N0NBH, has been providing Solar-Terrestrial Data banners for many years to hams for use on their websites.  One of them is a Widget used by many on WordPress sites, originally authored by Tom, NS6T.  That’s the widget I’ve … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM | 5 Comments

Winter Field Day — Satellite Success

Posted on January 29, 2017 by robert

I joined Newport County Radio Club, W1SYE, for their Winter Field Day again this year. The weather for New England was fantastic — in the low 40s dropping down to the upper 20s at night.  The only downside was a … Continue reading →

Posted in Contests, Satellite, SO-50, WFD | Leave a comment

W1YRC Maximum Society Member

Posted on January 26, 2017 by robert

I’m always “selling” the benefits of Amateur Radio to my friends, and one of the things I mention is you get to meet some wonderful people.  I consider myself very lucky to know Bob Beaudet, W1YRC, RI’s Section Manager and avid … Continue reading →

Posted in ARRL | Leave a comment