Author Archives: robert

First QSOs with K1

Posted on January 7, 2016 by robert

I finally had some time to hook the K1 up to a real antenna.  I gave 30 meters a whirl because that was where there was some transmit issues due to the wrong supplied toroid size, as well as the … Continue reading →

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AUXCOM Certificate

Posted on January 2, 2016 by robert

The certificates for the AUXCOM class at the end of September were mailed out to the students this week.

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K1 Assembly Complete

Posted on January 1, 2016 by robert

I completed and installed the two coils in 50 minutes.  I then spent another 40 minutes doing the TX tests and alignment.  That brings the total time to 25.75 hours. The initial transmitter testing went well, with coils almost peaked … Continue reading →

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Goals for 2016 and 2015 in Review

Posted on January 1, 2016 by robert

I completed almost all my 2015 goals. Complete DXCC Challenge with 1000+ points YES (1136) Complete 30m and 12m DXCC (7BDXCC) (80m seems unlikely) Yes – Bonus did 80 too Complete 12m WAS (7BWAS) (a stretch to get DE and … Continue reading →

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DX Standings at End of 2015

Posted on January 1, 2016 by robert

2015 was a pretty good year for DX. At the beginning of 2015, I had just completed my fifth DXCC band (but not 80 meters), with 217 countries confirmed, and 918 Challenge points. A year later, I have 245 confirmed countries … Continue reading →

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K1: All But Final 2 Toroids

Posted on December 31, 2015 by robert

Two hours and 5 minutes later, and the final transmitter components, with the exception of T3 and T4 have been installed.  Total time is now  24.25 hours.  It’s going to take an hour to wind those two remaining toroidal transformers, … Continue reading →

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Quad Hands — Helpful Holding Device

Posted on December 31, 2015 by robert

I’ve used a rather inexpensive “Helping Hand” source from China to help hold parts while I solder them.  That tool is a pain to use and not very effective.  So I’ve been looking for a replacement.  I ran across something … Continue reading →

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RX Alignment Completed

Posted on December 28, 2015 by robert

I completed the VFO work and all the RX alignment steps (calibration, filter alignment) in 50 minutes.  All the tests and alignment steps went quite well. The only problem I hear is obviously internal (hear it with antenna disconnected and … Continue reading →

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K1 RX Assembly & Tests Completed

Posted on December 28, 2015 by robert

I spent 50 minutes installing mostly mechanical components to enable the initial K1 tests. In this final RX assembly part, a coax jumper was a major pain simply because it was short yet had to be lead formed to fit … Continue reading →

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K1 Assembly: Three Toroids Mounted

Posted on December 26, 2015 by robert

Winding the toroids takes a bit of time, not so much the simple inductors, as the transformers with multiple windings. Today I completed L2, T1 and T2 and mounted them.  It took 65 minutes to deal with the 8 parts … Continue reading →

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