My CW Journey… update

One of my goals since getting my license was to learn CW.  I know there are hams out there that are upset that the CW requirement was removed from license requirements, but on the upside, without the CW test, there can be more people to get into the hobby and on the air.  I’ve had… Read More »

QRP Labs QCX 40m Build

Now to get proficient using the code! I recently finished building the QRP Labs QCX for 40 meters. This was a fun build! I didn’t run into any surprises once I read the instructions which are very well done. The only real challenge was winding the toroids (not pictured above). I actually would one too… Read More »

Weather station installed

I installed a Davis Vantage Pro2 and am sending data to the Citizen Weather Observer Program (CWOP). I’ve installed a Raspberry Pi that is running WeeWx that collects and distributes the data. You can view the weather station live at www.endlessraindrops.net.

Trying Contesting

I am fairly new to Amateur Radio, first licensed in January 2019. The great thing about the hobby is how absolutely broad it it. “The hobby of a thousand hobbies” as oft cited on The Ham Radio Workbench Podcast) There are so many aspects to try out. My interest in getting my license was focused… Read More »

New (to me) 4BTV vertical

I found someone selling a Hustler 4BTV vertical antenna on craigslist for under $100 so I had to go check it out. I went and it looked in good shape, and the guy sold it with a 20′ mast attached which made the deal even better! (Not that I planned on installing it on the… Read More »

G5RV up high

We had some tree work that we needed done so decided to take the opportunity to use the crew’s climbing and rigging skills to move the antenna and get it up higher in the air and oriented with the lobes directed East-West. We hired Family Tree Care since they have done work here two years… Read More »

New Set-Up

Last night I started working on my grounding & bonding. My shack is located in an unfinished room off of the garage which the former owner used for reloading his ammo. My long term plan includes finishing the insulation and sheetrock on the remaining walls and adding a new subpanel and service for the radio… Read More »

New main rig in service!

New Radio! So I ended up buying a new radio to add to the collection – the Kenwood TS-590SG. I love it! I especially love how easy it is to get on the air using digital modes (while I learn CW to operate via straight key…) I’m currently using a G5RV but it isn’t as… Read More »

It’s Here!

Now if I can get my antenna up in the trees I’ll be good to go! The rig looks very clean and well cared for. I’ll be sure to check out the tubes and coils prior to firing her up. The Kenwood TS-530s is a hybrid HF transceiver and looks like people online think it’s… Read More »

CW training

I’ve been slowly working on learning the code. I plan on operating CW once I get the QRP Labs QCX finished as well as using the new (to me) Kenwood TS-530s. I finished building the Morseduino and have been listening to lessons on the High Speed Code CD by KB6MT and started doing the LCWO… Read More »