Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Foldable feet for small radios
Many thanks to Randall (K8UFM) who shares the following tip:
Thomas,
I found these on Amazon and they work great for small radios.
PONICOR 2PCS Zinc Alloy Mini Foldable Laptop Stand, Portable Computer Keyboard Riser with 2 Adjustable Angles, Self-Adhesive Invisible Notebook Stand and Keyboard Lift for Desk (Black)
This is Tom WW8D in Salem Va. I sure do enjoy your videos on youtube. I received a new KH1 yesterday and I just wanted to tell you that I have a clear waterproof case like the one you but its a slight bigger fromHarbor Freight. Its an Apache 550 and everything fits perfect in it.
I purchased the Apache 550 a few days prior to Helene hitting our area. I intend to make a post or video soon showing how this apache case compares size-wise with my Pelican cases. It is, in general, a much larger case than the M40 I currently use with the KH1. See photo below.
Video: Demystifying SWR
Many thanks to Vince (VE6LK) who writes:
Here is an EXCELLENT video explaining return loss, why lossy coax hides SWR issues and many other things:
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
1296 on the Icom IC-705
Many thanks to Alan who shares this video of VK3FS operating his Icom IC-705 on the 23cm band.
Video description:
If you enjoy SOTA, parks, microwave or radio in the great outdoors, then Icom IC-705 is the radio for you. Having received many accolades, and a long list of positives, some might say there’s one thing missing on the IC-705 and that’s the 23cm band.
The good news – is it’s a relatively easy fix with the help of a 1296 MHz transverter from SG Labs.
Chameleon adds color counterpoise kits to catalog
Many thanks to Don (W7SSB) who notes that Chameleon antennas has added color counterpoises to their product offerings.
Many thanks to Dennis (K2DCD) who shares the following message sent originally by Larry (W2LJ):
Once again, I’ve been giving thought to attempting to pump new life back into the New Jersey QRP Club. For many, many years it was considered to be one of the top QRP organizations in the country. It ranked right up there with the NorCal QRP Club, the Colorado QRP Club, the New England QRP Club and others.
In the early 2000’s, due to the efforts of George N2APB and Joe N2CX and a host of others, the NJQRP Club reached its azimuth when it sponsored Atlanticon, the QRP confab of the Mid-Atlantic Coast. It was held in Baltimore and each year I was dying to go. But my two kids weren’t even really toddlers yet, and with Marianne and I both working full time, it was an impossibility.
Soon after Atlanticon ceased, it seemed the club started to wither away. Stalwarts became Silent Keys, others moved away and NJQRP started to become a shadow of its former self. There were a few times I met with other members at the food court of one of the malls near Princeton. There were also a few outdoor gatherings at the park in Grover’s Mill – the infamous landing spot of the Martians in Orson Well’s “War of the Worlds”. And then finally there was nothing.
So where does that leave us? The website was moved to its present URL location in 2016. As far as I can tell, there have been no updates. And in all honesty, except for the Skeeter Hunt, there hasn’t been much activity to update the webpage with. Whatever the members have been up to individually, there’s been no real effective means of communication between them.
George N2APB has moved to Tennessee and N2CX is a Silent Key. There’s no roster, so there’s really no way to tell who was a member and who was not, and what members if any have either moved out of the area or have become Silent Keys. And since the last iteration of NJQRP, there just may be a whole new generation of New Jersey QRP’ers anxious to meet their like minded brethren in the state.
So we start with a new beginning. I started a Facebook page. As of right now, it’s a public group and I think you can just join. I’ve also started a Groups.io group now that Yahoo groups are defunct. This group will be an e-mail reflector and our main way of keeping in touch with each other. If you’d like to join that, you’ll have to send me an e-mail ([email protected]) and I’ll send you an invitation to join.
Granted, it’s not much of a start, but it is a beginning. Hopefully, as the word spreads and QRPers in New Jersey and the surrounding area become interested, maybe we can start holding meetings, if we can find a location that is convenient for all.
I’d like to stress that while the New Jersey QRP Club will primarily serve local QRPers as far as any future live in person events go, there are no residency requirements. All are welcome and if we do meet in person, we can always incorporate a Zoom component as other clubs I belong to have been doing to include those who can’t attend in person for whatever reason.
It’s not my job to run the organization, that will be up to the members. I’m just going to try and re-launch it. So stay tuned – maybe we can light this candle and get this puppy off the ground!
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Radio Review: FX-4C SDR QRP Transceiver
Many thanks to Ron who shares this excellent review of the FX-4C by our friend Alan (W2AEW):
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Field Antenna Survey
Many thanks to Phil (KA4KOE) who shares the results from an informal survey he conducted on the POTA Facebook group. Phil writes:
Tom
I’ve let the survey run for about 3 days on the POTA Facebook group. Sample size was 658 votes. I opted to do a “type” survey and not by manufacturer.
Something tossed in tree and just hoped it would work: 2%
Total: 93%.
Remaining obscure types cut-off below 2% accounted for 7%.
Again, like the poll I conducted previously on radio types, not surprised by the No. 1 spot.
What DID surprise me was #7: I put that selection in the poll types as a joke but 2% of hams throw a wire up in a tree or other support with no forethought and hope it works.
The Palm Pico: Getting a grip!
Many thanks to Terry (N7TB) who shares the following tip:
I have both the single and double Pico paddle and the KX3 mount. After watching you hand hold your paddles, I came up with a way to make small paddles easier to hold. I have attached a photo. It is a small piece of 3/8 ID pipe insulation to make holding the Pico paddle easier.
Have a great trip to Hamvention.
73,
Terry
N7TB
QRP Radios from the 70s and 80s
Many thanks to Ron (W6AZ) who shares the following video from Mikrowave1 on YouTube:
You asked for it! Here is the birth of QRP and a whack at revealing the top 10 QRP Homebrew Projects and Commercial Radios that started it all. What is all the fuss about low power?
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Retekess V115… a versatile addition to a ham radio kit
Many thanks to Jamie (AA4K) who shares a video he made showing the Retekess V115 as an external speaker:
Is it hard for you to keep track of all the LICW Classes and News? Then dive into the “This Week in LICW” podcast, weekly with Duff WA7BFN and learn more about what’s happening in the club! Duff will talk about what’s new, noteworthy and all the things that are happening in the club, so you won’t miss out! So, If you want to be sure you understand everything that’s happening in the Long Island CW Club, don’t miss an episode!
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Adrian Ciuperca (KO8SCA): 3Y0J Presentation to the Northern Illinois DX Association
Many thanks to Eric (WD8RIF) who shares this excellent presentation by Bouvet activator, Adrian (KO8SCA):
Many thanks to Scott Wooten who shares the following announcement via YouTube:
Welcome to the Georgia State Parks on the Air event. Our goal is to have all fifty Georgia State Parks on the air in one weekend. This event is open to all licensed Amateur Radio Operators whether you live in Georgia or not.
There are two ways to participate: Activating or Hunting. Activators fall into two different categories: Single Operator or Club, and there is a special category for Georgia ARES operations.
The first annual 36 hour event kicks off on April 1, 2023 at 1200 Zulu and concludes at 2359 Zulu on April 2, 2023.
If you participate please remember this event is considered a CONTEST, so while casually operating Parks on the Air on the WARC bands is permissible, this event does not allow operations on the WARC bands.
For more information or to sign up as an activator, go to GAPARKS.org
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links/videos to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Just before Thanksgiving, I received an email from Cara Chen at Retevis. She wrote,
I am responsible for the radio review cooperation. We have a SDR radio HS2 for review cooperation. Are you willing to test and write a blog about it?
When I asked her what that meant, she said that she would send me an Ailunce HS2 SDR Radio, if I would review it here on my blog. When I told her that I would be brutally honest in my review, she seemed OK with that and sent me the radio.
What follows is an honest review. It’s not a QST-style review. I don’t have the test equipment that they do, nor did I have the time to put the radio through all its paces. Even so, I did operate the radio on HF and VHF, phone and CW, enough to make the review worth reading, I think.
If you don’t want to read the rest of this review, I can sum it up as follows: The Ailunce HS2 is a fun, little radio, with lots of potential. It’s not perfect, though. The buttons are too small, the display is too small, and the manual needs work. More about all those below.
What’s in the box?
As you can see below, the radio came with a handheld microphone, a DC power cord, and a USB cable.
First impressions:
It’s really small. It’s 45 mm H x 120 mm W x 190 mm D (1.77 in H x 4.72 in W x 7.5 in D)
The carrying case is kind of nifty. If you’re going to operate portable, it’s nice to have.
The extruded metal case include a nice heat sink.
There are a lot of connectors on the rear panel, including the power connector, an SO-239 for HF and VHF antennas, an SMA for a GPS antenna, two USB connectors, an Ethernet connector, and four 3 mm phone jacks.
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
IC-705 Firmware Update
Many thanks to Uli Zehndbauer who notes that Icom recently released a new firmware update for the IC-705.
Here are the details/notes about this firmware version from Icom:
Changes from Version 1.27
– Displays the Receiving (or Transmitting) route icon (RF or TM: Terminal mode) on the RX History Log and QSO Log
– Displays the Receiving (or Transmitting) route icon (RF or TM: Terminal mode) to the chunk information in the QSO audio file
– Displays the Receiving route icon (TM: Terminal mode) to the following screens;
RX HISTORY screen
GPS POSITION (RX) screen
QSO audio, PLAY FILES screen
QSO audio, FILE INFORMATION screen
– Improves the WLAN access point list so that you can delete the connected or saved access points
– Improves the CI-V command 1F 01 (DV transmit call sign) so you can set only the “UR” call sign without the other call signs.
In the past two weeks I’ve received a number of video links from QRPer readers who are featuring CW activations in their YouTube videos.
First up is Steve (K9NUD) who has started a new channel featuring his CW activations primarily using a cootie/sideswiper. Steve is doing something I wish I had the time to do which is add CW closed captions to his videos. This makes it easy to follow along. Check out this video:
Jonathan (KM4CFT) recently noted in the comments of my YouTube channel that he made a video of his third ever CW POTA activation. I had to check it out and am glad I did. You get a very good idea of what it’s like on the air as a CW newbie. In other words: not that bad at all! Incidentally, when I looked up Jonathan on QRZ, I discovered we have a mutual friend in Zach (KM4BLG).
Keep up the great work, Jonathan!
Chris (KD2YDN) sent me a link to the following video on his new YouTube channel. In the video I actually get to hear what my signal sounded like during his SOTA/POTA activation. He certainly captured some amazing morning scenery and a gorgeous sunrise from Westkill Mountain:
I think you should consider checking out these videos and subscribing!
The ARRL Handbook 100th Edition
The ARRL has announced pre-orders for their new ARRL Handbook. I feel like everyone should have a copy of the Handbook. It’s simply chock-full of useful information–much of which is simply timeless. I still reference the 1994 handbook my buddy Mike (K8RAT) gave me shortly after I got my license in 1997. I feel like it’s important to have reference material like this in paper.
As a side note, I’ve been to a number of shortwave radio broadcast transmitting stations and at each one of them I’ve seen the ARRL Handbook on the Chief Engineer’s shelf. Lots of great radio principles inside.
The book is $80 on pre-order. That’s a lot for a book, but it’s also a LOT of book!
Here’s the announcement from the ARRL:
We have arrived at a milestone. The 100th edition of The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications is here: Handbook 100. How do you celebrate the most widely used one-stop reference and guide to radio technology principles and practices? By continuing to fill the pages of another edition with the progress and achievement of radio amateurs. Handbook 100 is written for everyone with a desire to advance the pursuit of wireless technology. Here is your guide to radio experimentation, discovery, and innovation.
What’s Inside
Each chapter is filled with the most up-to-date knowledge representative of the wide and ever-expanding range of interests among radio amateurs. There are practical, hands-on projects for all skill levels — from simple accessories and small power supplies to legal-limit amplifiers and high-gain antennas.
Key topics:
Radio electronics theory and principles
Circuit design and equipment
Signal transmission and propagation
Digital modulation and protocols
Antennas and transmission lines
Construction practices
Updated with new projects and content, including:
An all-new chapter on radio propagation covering a wide range of bands and modes
New and updated sections on electronic circuit simulation
New cavity filter and high-power HF filter projects
New coverage on digital protocols and modes
New material on RFI from low-voltage lighting and other sources
Revised sections covering new RF exposure limits
New content on portable station equipment, antennas, power, and assembly
New material on ferrite uses and types
New section on how to use portable SDR to locate sources of RFI …and more.
Because I receive so many tips from readers here on QRPer, I wanted way to share them in a concise newsletter format. To that end, welcome to QRPer Notes, a collection of links to interesting stories and tips making waves in the world of radio!
Simon’s World Map
Many thanks to reader, Mike Bott, who notes that Simon’s World Map has been updated to V1.2.3.
First, he notes that Chameleon Antenna is now selling RG-316 assemblies with in-line RF Choke options and BNC fittings . They have a number of lengths available:
Did you know that there is an ever growing list of Software and Apps that allow you to practice and/or learn Morse Code using Computers, Laptops, Tablets, Android and other devices? Truly a great idea, but, if you’ve ever tried using a mouse to send Morse Code, I am sure you’ll agree that it is makeshift at best. But why?
Because It takes the right tools for the job!
To Send Morse Code it takes a Proper Built Key Or Paddle.
Now You can practice with a host of software and apps using your own device!
With this magic FT-8 box and a little power bank, all you need to make FT8 in SOTA expeditions is your smartphone.
I don’t own this product, but found it might interest many people visiting your excellent website.
Best 73′ from Switzerland,
JF (HB9MCZ)
Lab599 Discovery TX-500 Covers
Many thanks to Mike (KG4MTN) who writes:
Hi Thomas,
I have just received a nice set of 3D screen/keyboard covers from KB7MDB for my TX-500. Along with these covers he included 5 screw-on plug covers. All appear to be nicely made and fit my rig just fine. Cost was $15, which includes shipping. I have the 2-cover set, I believe he also makes a single-cover unit. Mine is black but I think he also makes them in orange. Shipping is very prompt. His Etsy site is Brewer 3D Design LLC.
The Maxpedition EDC Organizer holding my MTR-3B and accessories in this photo.
Many thanks to Ray (K8DRT) who reminds us of an ongoing sale at Maxpedition’s main website. The sale includes a number of popular Organizer Pouches including the Fatty which I use for my Elecraft AX1 antenna, and their smaller EDC organizer that I’ve used for a number of radio accessories, logging pads, and EDC items over the years.
QRP radios, product announcements, reviews, news and more. Low power amateur radio fun!
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Many thanks to Tom (WW8D) who writes:
