Category Archives: Gear

One of the many reasons I admire Elecraft

Posted on May 4, 2012 by robert

So how many CEOs do you know that send out an email like this one: Hi Bob,I see that your KX3 should be arriving at any time. I’m keeping close tabs on these early production units. Feel free to email … Continue reading →

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My BuddiPole Configuration

Posted on March 22, 2012 by robert

Many folks are fans of the BuddiPole, and I’ve written about it before.  Buying one of their kits gives you an “erector set” of parts that you can mix and match in various combinations.  I’ve acquired so many parts it … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear | 18 Comments

Saying goodbye to a faithful friend…

Posted on February 8, 2012 by robert

So today I boxed up my Yaesu FT-817ND and LDG Z-817 tuner.  They are off to their new home in TX.  That little QRP rig is responsible in a major way for rekindling my interest in Ham Radio.  Hopefully it … Continue reading →

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KPA-500 — a couple of quirks

Posted on December 21, 2011 by robert

Nothing big, but I did notice that the KPA-500 had a noticeably warm cabinet when turned “Off” using the button on the front.  It turns out when in this mode the amp pulls about 11.5 watts of power. So the … Continue reading →

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Elecraft KPA-500 #588 comes to life…

Posted on December 19, 2011 by robert

Although I’ve been using an Icom IC-9100 very successfully for the past 9 months or so, the urge to complete my DXCC this sunspot cycle is growing stronger.  I’ve managed about 70 countries so far, but only have confirmation from … Continue reading →

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Do you need a charge controller with a LiFePO4 battery?

Posted on November 28, 2011 by robert

The makers of the new LiFePO4 batteries recognized a market in replacing traditional Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries.  With a little help from some built-in electronics, they offer a technology that packs 30% more energy into the same form factor … Continue reading →

Posted in Alternative Power, From the OM, Gear | 10 Comments

Shipping restrictions on LiFePO4 battery caught my eye

Posted on September 28, 2011 by robert

I recently purchased another K2 Energy K2B12V10EB battery (4 cells in series, 10AH, 123 Watt-hour LiFePO4 chemistry – in a package similar to a 7AH SLA battery but about 1/3 the weight). I noted with interest that the package had … Continue reading →

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I can’t wait any longer…

Posted on September 28, 2011 by robert

While I am anxiously awaiting Elecraft’s release of their KX3 QRP rig, my fingers are itching to try something new.  It’s been awhile since I’ve built a radio from a kit (the last time was a HW-16 years ago) — … Continue reading →

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Why I like BuddiPole

Posted on August 31, 2011 by robert

I have mentioned my BuddiPole antenna before.  I think BuddiPole tends to elicit some strong responses from folks.  There is the camp that swears BuddiPole is too expensive for what you get.  There are those that feel BuddiPole is poorly … Continue reading →

Posted in From the OM, Gear | 3 Comments

Irene, I say again Irene

Posted on August 29, 2011 by robert

Pretty much all of the east coast from North Carolina to New England was visited this weekend by an unwelcome guest — Hurricane Irene.  This was a massive storm, over 500 miles in diameter, that managed to dump an enormous … Continue reading →

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