Category Archives: Gear

Errors in PortableRotation.com AZ/EL Manual

Posted on October 17, 2018 by robert

The Portable Rotation 12PRSAT AZ/EL Rotor is a pretty cool product, works well with SATPC32.  But there are several critical errors in the latest documentation (version 1.5). To enter Magnetic Declination (14 degrees west in RI) do the following: Power … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Satellite | Leave a comment

Warming Up for the FMT

Posted on April 4, 2018 by robert

2018’s first FMT is scheduled for 0100-0225 UTC on April 6 (9 PM-10:25PM EDT Thursday).  It’s been many months since I’ve fiddled with my measurement gear, so today it was hooked up and will be left powered on so that … Continue reading →

Posted in FMT, Gear | Leave a comment

The Little Generator That Could

Posted on March 17, 2018 by robert

We’ve had a string of winter storms (3 in two weeks and a 4th on the way), and in each storm we have lost power, the last one for a little over a day.  When we have a power failure, … Continue reading →

Posted in ECOMM, Gear | Leave a comment

Eureka! PortableRotation AzEl Rotor Running with SatPC32

Posted on March 9, 2018 by robert

I’ve toyed for years with installing a steerable array for LEO Satellites at my home.  In fact, somewhere in the mess I call my basement lies a 19 year old “new-in-the-box” Yaesu G5500 Az/El rotor.  I had purchased it to work … Continue reading →

Posted in AMSAT, Antennas, Gear, Satellite | 2 Comments

Configuring TM-D710GA for APRS Indoors

Posted on December 20, 2017 by robert

That last word “Indoors”is the clue… The TM-D710GA has a built-in GPS.  Not surprisingly, it does not receive indoors, and it has no provisions for an external antenna (only an external GPS receiver). I had setup the radio for A-side … Continue reading →

Posted in APRS, Gear, TM-D710GA | Leave a comment

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 →

Posted in FMT, Gear | 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 →

Posted in FMT, Gear, Testing | Leave a comment

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

Replaced my Mobile Mount Today

Posted on April 14, 2017 by robert

Back in March of 2013, I installed a Diamond K9000 Motorized Antenna Mount. Unfortunately it started acting up about five months ago after about 3.5 years of service mounted on a truck that leaves its garage about twice a week, … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear | Leave a comment

A New Transistor for the Pixie

Posted on February 21, 2017 by robert

Of course the Pixie final transistor, Q2 S8050, gets darned hot, and I’ve blown one out in the past just holding the key down more than a few seconds.  With my Pixie + Red Core Filter, I was seeing about … Continue reading →

Posted in Gear, Pixie, Projects, QRP | Leave a comment