Author Archives: Bob Beatty

Siglent SDG 2042X Stability Test

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Bob Beatty

I want to replace my dead HP 3335A with a new Siglent SDG 2042X.  After all, the latter is 40 years newer, 20 pounds lighter, and maybe 1/8 the volume.  It is also silent as a church mouse (the HP’s … Continue reading →

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Elecraft K3s DDS/PLL Induced Drift

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Bob Beatty

I wasn’t very clear when I was posting about my pre-FMT calibration.  But I did describe that the K3s was not a particularly effective rig to use for a FMT.  This is because of how the digital synthesizer was implemented.  … Continue reading →

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So Long OLD Friend!

Posted on April 13, 2019 by Bob Beatty

And just like that, my 1980 vintage HP 3335A Synthesizer died this afternoon when I turned it on to get a better graph of my K3s PLL frequency hunting.  Dreaded “Unlocked” indicator and crazy display.  I have another that I’ve … Continue reading →

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Preliminary Results for April 2019 FMT

Posted on April 12, 2019 by Bob Beatty

I was able to participate in the FMT last night (around 10 PM local time).  This was a pretty big deal for me, because I haven’t been in the basement that late at night since I was in the hospital … Continue reading →

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Rig Instability and Calibrating for FMT

Posted on April 10, 2019 by Bob Beatty

Back in the day, a superhet receiver, employed several mixer stages, requiring various oscillators, and a sometimes sketchy VFO (Anybody remember the Swan 753 — lovingly referred to as the Seven Drifty Three?).  That made for a real challenge when … Continue reading →

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Getting Ready for April 12 FMT

Posted on April 6, 2019 by Bob Beatty

The next Frequency Measuring Test (FMT) is scheduled for 0200 UTC on April 12.  For us East-coasters, that would be 10 PM EDT on THURSDAY. I’ve just powered up my gear so it will be sitting in a stable for … Continue reading →

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Where things stand Q1

Posted on April 1, 2019 by Bob Beatty

With good-old winter providing no outdoor distractions, and my health improving enough to give me some extra energy, the first quarter of 2019 was productive in terms of Ham Radio goals.  At this point Teach a Technician Class  (Starts on … Continue reading →

Posted in 160-Meters, AMSAT, DX, Goals, Grid Chase, Satellite, VUCC, WAS | Leave a comment

AO-92 “DOH!” Moment

Posted on March 17, 2019 by Bob Beatty

I’m still working on my 50th Anniversary AMSAT Satellite Friends of 50 Award, which requires me to make at least one satellite contact on each of 50 days.  Being tied to orbital mechanics with my schedule is a challenge, and … Continue reading →

Posted in AMSAT, AO-92, Satellite | 4 Comments

Seeking new wallpaper for shack

Posted on March 6, 2019 by Bob Beatty

Like a lot of hams, you will find my station in the utility room in my basement.  Read that concrete floors, walls, bare studs, no ceiling tiles, buzzing shop lights, etc.  I’m always looking for something to hang up to … Continue reading →

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Rhode Island is a state???

Posted on March 2, 2019 by Bob Beatty

Above comment heard around noon today during ARRL DX Contest.  Of course I replied “Yes, smallest state of the 50”.  Not a very surprising question, since RI is just a blip on the map between Conn. and Mass.  Only 48 … Continue reading →

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