tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64061482696561432012024-03-10T02:47:05.126+00:00NJ2XAdventure in amateur radioNJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.comBlogger1192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-48428103781744502612024-02-13T15:00:00.000+00:002024-02-13T17:51:01.481+00:00Completed 12m ARRL DXCC Award<div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A big THANK YOU to Bobby (VP8WA) in the Falkland Islands for being my 100th DXCC contact confirmed on LoTW on 12 meters. </span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLYHMB8DJf6u_W3_PD6a0X7QSr4WEFcuuqxV6ykMuwkcg9IPi8q_v2z0YneqVbn2eoET2RBYP8SNKMvAtTHhVzh1xZkO_3ItptpucB0Lh8vzhTugzC2BwfJYff4TIQb3WPnXW7N0STa1V2yq3pb7pfPL9VI-yluzg4oNb49Uc4OKcv5UOzmYPEUTaEck/s640/640px-Flag_of_the_Falkland_Islands.svg.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLYHMB8DJf6u_W3_PD6a0X7QSr4WEFcuuqxV6ykMuwkcg9IPi8q_v2z0YneqVbn2eoET2RBYP8SNKMvAtTHhVzh1xZkO_3ItptpucB0Lh8vzhTugzC2BwfJYff4TIQb3WPnXW7N0STa1V2yq3pb7pfPL9VI-yluzg4oNb49Uc4OKcv5UOzmYPEUTaEck/w400-h200/640px-Flag_of_the_Falkland_Islands.svg.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag of the Falkland Islands</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Falkland Islands is an archipelago in the South Atlantic Ocean on the Patagonian Shelf with </span>3,662 inhabitants in 2021<span style="font-family: inherit;">. At the time of this writing, a QRZ.com query returned a total of 225 call signs issued by the Falkland Islands. The number of active hams will be less than this figure. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The principal islands are about 300 mi (480 km) east of South America's southern Patagonian coast and about 752 mi (1,210 km) from Cape Dubouzet at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, at a latitude of about 52°S. The archipelago, with an area of 4,700 sq mi (12,000 km2), comprises East Falkland, West Falkland, and 776 smaller islands. As a British overseas territory, the Falklands have internal self-governance, but the United Kingdom takes responsibility for </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">defense</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> and foreign affairs.</span></div><div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am delighted to have earned the ARRL 12 meters DXCC award. It took many years to earn this award. All contacts were made with 100 watts or less and using simple wire antennas.</span><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">As I write this, I have now completed DXCC on 10 Meters, 12 Meters, 15 Meters, 17 Meters, 20 Meters, 30 Meters, and 40 Meters. At this moment, I will be working on achieving DXCC on just one more band.<br /></span><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">6 Meters - No gain antenna</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">80 Meters - 48 qualifying contact confirmed on LoTW</span></li><li style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">160 Meters - No antenna</span></li></ul><span style="font-family: inherit;">I am also pursuing the DXCC Challenge Award which requires confirming at least 1,000 DXCC band-points on any Amateur bands, 160 through 6 meters (except 60 meters). I presently have 850 contacts confirmed on LoTW toward the DXCC Challenge Award.<br /><br />Good DX and 73, NJ2X</span></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0FIQQ 1ZZ, Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas)-51.796253 -59.523613-80.106486836178846 -94.679863 -23.486019163821155 -24.367362999999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-17468294088038949162024-02-11T22:14:00.002+00:002024-02-11T22:14:30.326+00:00Digital QSL Card from KH2GM for a February 10, 2024 12m FT8 contact<div>Thank you Jesus (KH2GM), for our 12m FT8 contact on February 2, 2024 and your digital QSL card. The photo is most impressive.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO5sOGdFKo0iVklNYtZ-ub8HTncLLKfG95prkYngPz2fpbA-b2N_hYywj2KjzDlfqIUXx6xkSGf6qI1AXxJuVc5AAoduyHTtRJdb6CZaReeEY5dhFMsRGsuMrd03aRImVoJqUilROWOhWDpVMiKVn5d5ED42lCCATMOFlkcIw8nBiWZHTwSMRp9-uryc/s1650/NJ2X_20240210_1814_12m_FT8_RecNum_7897.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwO5sOGdFKo0iVklNYtZ-ub8HTncLLKfG95prkYngPz2fpbA-b2N_hYywj2KjzDlfqIUXx6xkSGf6qI1AXxJuVc5AAoduyHTtRJdb6CZaReeEY5dhFMsRGsuMrd03aRImVoJqUilROWOhWDpVMiKVn5d5ED42lCCATMOFlkcIw8nBiWZHTwSMRp9-uryc/w640-h408/NJ2X_20240210_1814_12m_FT8_RecNum_7897.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Athens, AL, USA34.8028661 -86.97167416.4926322638211573 -122.1279241 63.113099936178848 -51.8154241tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-86728812261357257852024-02-11T00:26:00.007+00:002024-02-11T02:08:18.685+00:00Digital QSL card from N4NQ February 10, 2024 12m FT8 contact<div>Thank you, Sid (N4NQ), for the wonderful digital QSL card for our February 10, 2024 12m FT8 contact. I really love the Georgia Queen river boat in the photo. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQw3uKM8cD9TULMHuS31wxWP7az_FgXvQOiwfb4mzSWByk6jBpnyxn4-Y-XCaeHI0h3X6BBAwt9lG6wV8GnnmwJ3SMtEXTDFzhMGxl5etCfDGDX4UYc2UpM0N7XDqTQsgsC3F7U2cb7GAQQtKX6-5Q2HRhk2UvbDKl8LCS6RznynFVNabQjo7trIpLaA/s1650/NJ2X_20240210_1817_12m_FT8_RecNum_67236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQw3uKM8cD9TULMHuS31wxWP7az_FgXvQOiwfb4mzSWByk6jBpnyxn4-Y-XCaeHI0h3X6BBAwt9lG6wV8GnnmwJ3SMtEXTDFzhMGxl5etCfDGDX4UYc2UpM0N7XDqTQsgsC3F7U2cb7GAQQtKX6-5Q2HRhk2UvbDKl8LCS6RznynFVNabQjo7trIpLaA/w640-h408/NJ2X_20240210_1817_12m_FT8_RecNum_67236.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">N4NQ Digital QSL Card</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Lawrenceville, GA, USA33.9562149 -83.98796255.6459810638211536 -119.1442125 62.266448736178845 -48.831712499999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-71179880485246814812024-02-03T07:59:00.003+00:002024-02-04T18:31:25.700+00:00Vermont QSO Party 2024<div>It is time for the Vermont QSO Party 2024! Check out all the rules on <a href="https://www.ranv.org/vtqso.html">Vermont QSO Party (ranv.org)</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Event: 0000Z, Feb 3 to 2400Z, Feb 4, 2024</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKdagw1DQxN3-vqEG4Y_GXr9rmtCLFiNhEeHbJMjCEkR6nP-VsB9tLQL4gyWXfWGkYJpkJMGbaOt4VcSouXfpBJ4j5a3c70o_fKibVBKvfMlfmTQHkLGWimoVEFs77fBMZlj6xlXRUKQrNmAOu3cVpGjYvPsJ2HXy08wpuP6yxyMb5o98T8CHPlfPDTg/s640/640px-Flag_of_Vermont.svg.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="384" data-original-width="640" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPKdagw1DQxN3-vqEG4Y_GXr9rmtCLFiNhEeHbJMjCEkR6nP-VsB9tLQL4gyWXfWGkYJpkJMGbaOt4VcSouXfpBJ4j5a3c70o_fKibVBKvfMlfmTQHkLGWimoVEFs77fBMZlj6xlXRUKQrNmAOu3cVpGjYvPsJ2HXy08wpuP6yxyMb5o98T8CHPlfPDTg/s320/640px-Flag_of_Vermont.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Vermont, USA44.5588028 -72.57784149999999116.248568963821157 -107.73409149999999 72.869036636178848 -37.421591499999991tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-49651937950908772242024-02-02T13:00:00.017+00:002024-02-02T13:00:00.135+00:00Meet the students using radio waves to contact the ISS<div>This is an excellent NBC's Today Show news program with Harry Smith reporting about students using amateur radio to contact the International Space Station.</div><div><br /></div><div><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://tinyurl.com/5a2jzrt5&source=gmail&ust=1706888001234000&usg=AOvVaw27LHQgcRSasYqA2nM5CykQ" href="http://tinyurl.com/5a2jzrt5" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">http://tinyurl.com/5a2jzrt5</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttezyP288OGcHNar5Sr5Vz8gfyogEIUvpPobCdd8AdtS3GhVYgu0OHqJUP19ELKxlCcFawTwN5CHh8QxEJ0zBdOaCFCOhuOIAR_9MfD_Rs4kcgI3xd-4AaSPexfMFniqufaSXM5yO30yD8_DNc0Dj-qWig84XRt2ATTQyuzLDiZTsaR4MTtyEuHO3R3E/s640/ISS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjttezyP288OGcHNar5Sr5Vz8gfyogEIUvpPobCdd8AdtS3GhVYgu0OHqJUP19ELKxlCcFawTwN5CHh8QxEJ0zBdOaCFCOhuOIAR_9MfD_Rs4kcgI3xd-4AaSPexfMFniqufaSXM5yO30yD8_DNc0Dj-qWig84XRt2ATTQyuzLDiZTsaR4MTtyEuHO3R3E/w400-h266/ISS.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">International Space Station</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Pennsylvania, USA41.2033216 -77.194524712.893087763821157 -112.3507747 69.513555436178848 -42.0382747tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-86165042843728990292024-01-21T01:06:00.001+00:002024-02-04T18:30:12.018+00:00Digital QSL Card from AA5SH - January 15, 2024 10m FT4 contact<div>Thank you, Michael (AA5SH), for the wonderful QSL card for our January 15, 2024 10m FT4 contact. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmunt9bwnC0d91AkqPsOCNmXPplhVAwfzS1acx5HR209C0biEJapl3oMTQ5sGwWO9RHp60kPB_h8J-YZvJP2dGAXHMoJa1BRrj2xYBMCgn_tpekvprArZenNXBFu8h7Vz0pWHUafYkOmPMkQB3OdNSNJMjZY-ksnKuj36KqdGz0HNZEgn-3ebdnDK_YUk/s550/QSLCard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="550" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmunt9bwnC0d91AkqPsOCNmXPplhVAwfzS1acx5HR209C0biEJapl3oMTQ5sGwWO9RHp60kPB_h8J-YZvJP2dGAXHMoJa1BRrj2xYBMCgn_tpekvprArZenNXBFu8h7Vz0pWHUafYkOmPMkQB3OdNSNJMjZY-ksnKuj36KqdGz0HNZEgn-3ebdnDK_YUk/w640-h408/QSLCard.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Livingston Parish, LA, USA30.4340146 -90.67730462.1237807638211557 -125.8335546 58.74424843617885 -55.5210546tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-26953568896922822012024-01-20T02:25:00.001+00:002024-01-20T02:25:14.018+00:00Digital QSL Card from W0PAS - January 14, 2024 FT4 12m contact<div>Thank you, Paul (W0PAS), for the beautiful digital QSL card for our January 14, 2024 12m contact on FT4. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRtWpdf4JC7lIg-qajZi6N876XawpqlXhKmbfzRKOsME7axRSwEjB_KIozQhAAxvgZGl7V6kk4wZjslSO_3zhvB9CZ0tFR4cB8fbYkaY5SLtm-oDP5pgTn__329C05scvMdoy2RZQ9dVfr0elmg8mryQkxL5_RP0zKWjOjBz_WKCieTK1Pkbq3vD9Gjg/s1700/NJ2X_W0PAS_FT4_lkSeUsKq.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1700" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioRtWpdf4JC7lIg-qajZi6N876XawpqlXhKmbfzRKOsME7axRSwEjB_KIozQhAAxvgZGl7V6kk4wZjslSO_3zhvB9CZ0tFR4cB8fbYkaY5SLtm-oDP5pgTn__329C05scvMdoy2RZQ9dVfr0elmg8mryQkxL5_RP0zKWjOjBz_WKCieTK1Pkbq3vD9Gjg/w400-h306/NJ2X_W0PAS_FT4_lkSeUsKq.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Cleveland, OH, USA41.49932 -81.694360513.189086163821152 -116.8506105 69.80955383617885 -46.5381105tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-15737685318962654242024-01-14T05:39:00.009+00:002024-01-15T18:03:28.586+00:002100 US Counties Confirmed on QRZ.com<div>Tonight (January 13, 2024), I completed and confirmed my 2100th unique US County contact with Shaun (KQ4HUU) located in Carlisle County, Kentucky. Thank you, Shaun, for Carlisle County and the new milestone on my journey to completing and confirming contacts with all 3,007 US Counties on QRZ.com.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75HFlGCmMOVXGTZ27ILjr1SZS2sKMUltLAA-iZpzsZ7bu_gBvyei66BggIDLD073MZdHCShVgMr-xA1Vk8QkHqbq6wX3KKkrNc3xqQXNZ_97ZBjU0DHWnuhfa9L4F5FErnLLy2N-8SJweMv68Or3p0FZMCfxiO1BmQp1tGmkb3Lf_LndGddfX3LgcPFk/s282/QRZ.com%202100%20Counties%20(square).JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="282" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg75HFlGCmMOVXGTZ27ILjr1SZS2sKMUltLAA-iZpzsZ7bu_gBvyei66BggIDLD073MZdHCShVgMr-xA1Vk8QkHqbq6wX3KKkrNc3xqQXNZ_97ZBjU0DHWnuhfa9L4F5FErnLLy2N-8SJweMv68Or3p0FZMCfxiO1BmQp1tGmkb3Lf_LndGddfX3LgcPFk/s1600/QRZ.com%202100%20Counties%20(square).JPG" width="282" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>My Q-rate for new county contacts has steadily and noticeably declined. Gone are the days where I could make new county contacts all day and night long. I am lucky if I can make a couple of new ones each week. This certainly makes the hunt more interesting.</div><div><br /></div><div>Accelerating my Q-rate with new county contacts means doing something different than randomly listening and pouncing. At my present declining rate, it is apparent that I simply won't make contact with all US counties in my lifetime.</div><div><br /></div><div>To increase the possibility of receiving help from hams operating in counties that I need, I signed up on <a href="http://www.countyhunterweb.org/index.php" target="_blank">The County Hunter Web</a>. The site has a "Special Needs" page where hams can advertise the specific counties that they are chasing. The idea is that hams will read these pages and offer help when they are able. I decided to only add the states where I need a critical few rare-DX counties. I haven't received any offers for help yet for the few states and counties I added. It would be wonderful if I do.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have tried directly contacting hams in counties that I need to inquire if they would be interested in setting up a sked. So far, this approach hasn't borne fruit. I have had no success in arranging skeds with this method in spite of many hours of research and sending emails. Nevertheless, the idea is sound and likely required. Eventually, I will need to arrange help to make contacts with some of the more rare-DX US counties (e.g., Greenlee County, AZ).</div><div><br /></div><div>A variant I have tried is to join various repeaters in counties I need using Allstar Net or EchoLink and make a call to ask for help on HF. This approach actually has worked, and I was able to schedule and log HF contacts this way. Unfortunately, most of the time when I drop my call on a repeater in this way, I receive no response - silence. I have concluded that repeaters in rare-DX counties are rarely used. In general, I enjoy this approach since it involves radio and also for the random fun factor.</div><div><br /></div><div>Another possibility is to travel (or near) the counties I need to log contacts that way. This is a rather expensive proposition in terms of time, money, and effort. However, it worth considering when incidentally travelling. The obvious mode and band choice in this scenario would be FM on UHF or VFH for portability and making local line-of-sight contacts.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have accumulated several states where I only need one or two more county contacts to complete the state. If you happen to live in one these counties or nearby and would be willing to help me out, please send me an email to set up a sked with me. I would greatly appreciate the help.</div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Maine</b> - Somerset County</li><li><b>Vermont - </b>Grand Isle County</li><li><b>New Jersey</b> - Hudson County</li><li><b>Maryland</b> - Kent County, Worchester County</li><li><b>Arizona </b>- Greenlee County</li><li><b>Virgin Islands</b> - Saint John County</li></ul></div></blockquote><div>If you are an amateur radio County hunter, please leave a comment with what you have found to work well for you. It would be wonderful to learn from you.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Carlisle County, KY, USA36.8206685 -88.97967768.510434663821151 -124.1359276 65.130902336178849 -53.8234276tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-12672544046032028832024-01-13T18:57:00.006+00:002024-01-15T16:56:12.853+00:00Digital QSL Card from N0JL - January 13, 2024<div>Thank you to John (N0JL) for sending a beautiful digital QSL card for our January 13, 2024 FT4 contact on 12m. I really love the QSL card photograph with the reflection of the bucolic scene in the mirror like surface of the pond. It looks so peaceful and serene. John, I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDSyceih0pvBa1A9G5f3yrI1x0gQr6XSwIpODloWrrm3-l-JgjKbslYAk257ipRe1Jp5Ko2PzWmw26hP0SVvz0dlmk3sceXTR8_8ymclElt1pCoHqlD87GethjOS7zR24zJ_y0Ec96MUkT1qbjk_evz6PcEo79jeSNFIofvDBwpp5lhTKjhuKFmJl-fc/s1650/NJ2X_20240113_1740_12_FT4_RecNum_2923.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWDSyceih0pvBa1A9G5f3yrI1x0gQr6XSwIpODloWrrm3-l-JgjKbslYAk257ipRe1Jp5Ko2PzWmw26hP0SVvz0dlmk3sceXTR8_8ymclElt1pCoHqlD87GethjOS7zR24zJ_y0Ec96MUkT1qbjk_evz6PcEo79jeSNFIofvDBwpp5lhTKjhuKFmJl-fc/w400-h255/NJ2X_20240113_1740_12_FT4_RecNum_2923.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-73175131625295142882024-01-03T15:58:00.004+00:002024-01-09T14:37:53.925+00:002023 - My amateur radio year in review<div>Each year, I like to take a look at my progress toward my amateur radio related goals. The New Year is a perfect time for reflection and evaluation. Here are a few statistics I collected related to my amateur radio operations for 2023 as of January 1, 2024. It was a very good year for radio thanks to the abundance of sunspots. Looking forward to even better conditions 2024 as the 11 year sunspot cycle peaks.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobHw3R6a6Vk4s63L75TRWQ3R9G3yuG5ZI4pSyXCI1ewJh7ygLScPdyyCFnDnpkU_Heo3ZpK_nJWl0i0LQZ0zZcUGOJyglJez0LsX400FsrQOX8AiqrWbD5Ns1hwCfdnaEcpEjADMnJdARmn_FGLpEKFJHWKJIGsrJou2IPeT4ltvAF2_kF6RmExMb/s640/Analytics.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgobHw3R6a6Vk4s63L75TRWQ3R9G3yuG5ZI4pSyXCI1ewJh7ygLScPdyyCFnDnpkU_Heo3ZpK_nJWl0i0LQZ0zZcUGOJyglJez0LsX400FsrQOX8AiqrWbD5Ns1hwCfdnaEcpEjADMnJdARmn_FGLpEKFJHWKJIGsrJou2IPeT4ltvAF2_kF6RmExMb/s320/Analytics.jpg" width="320" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>Logbook of the World</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em; text-align: left;"><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">Total QSO records = 16,788 (3360 added in 2023)</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Total QSL records = 11,141 (2,315 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC unique countries = 177 (20 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC Challenge progress = 827/1000 = 66% (171 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DXCC 80m = 46</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DXCC 40m = 100 </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00; font-size: 14.85px;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 30m = 107 <span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00; font-size: 14.85px;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 20m = 123 <span style="color: #04ff00;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 17m = 117 <span style="caret-color: rgb(4, 255, 0); color: #04ff00; font-size: 14.85px;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 15m = 123 <span style="color: #04ff00;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 12m = 87</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">DXCC 10m = 117 <span style="color: #04ff00;">☑</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">DXCC 6m = 5</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS from Santa Cruz, County California</span></li><ul><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS 12m completed in 2023</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS 12m digital completed in 2023</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS band awards: 80m, 40m,30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m, 10m</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS 6m = 22 states</span></li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: 14.85px;">WAS FT4 = 48 states</span></li></ul></ul></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><b>QRZ.com</b></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.85px;"><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Number of grid squares confirmed = 1216 (144 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Number of US Counties confirmed = 2098 (463 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Number of bands with confirmed continents award = 8 (0 added in 2023) </li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Number of bands with all 50 states confirmed = 8 (1 added in 2023)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Leaderboard:</li><ul style="line-height: 1.4; list-style: outside; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;"><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Most Confirmed QSOs = #6,748 (11,816 QSOs)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Most Countries Worked = #10,170 (180 QSOs)</li><li style="border: medium; margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;">Most Band-Countries Worked = #7,492 (847 QSOs)</li></ul></ul></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Aptos, CA 95003, USA36.977172900000006 -121.899401628.01447412848178 -157.0556516 45.939871671518233 -86.7431516tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-30717843873065263712023-12-30T14:39:00.000+00:002023-12-30T14:39:17.115+00:00Completed 40m ARRL DXCC Award<div>A big THANK YOU to Leong (XX9ET) in Macao for being my 100th DXCC contact confirmed on LoTW on 30 meters. Thank you also for being my first contact with Macao. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><div>Macao is a city and a special administrative region of China in the western Pearl River Delta by the South China Sea. Macao is 60 km (37 mi) west of Hong Kong.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjtkaBd9RFTLUapwL8CWEfwpR-nG86L3IlLD_qDklblA67Zto0sw7RohU-CoKwb5oxktNelQxcfHkrKIiwel_Gx7YFiwKwJiUIAIbo-B3V7MZJRZp7Y7AVFNKOZ7DS0Ctl7DJtAZhjVdDtZtscmBaXzy48H-X3eDdnKtttI5pB8YFivpHOaiU170SPEM/s640/640px-Flag_of_Macau.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjtkaBd9RFTLUapwL8CWEfwpR-nG86L3IlLD_qDklblA67Zto0sw7RohU-CoKwb5oxktNelQxcfHkrKIiwel_Gx7YFiwKwJiUIAIbo-B3V7MZJRZp7Y7AVFNKOZ7DS0Ctl7DJtAZhjVdDtZtscmBaXzy48H-X3eDdnKtttI5pB8YFivpHOaiU170SPEM/s320/640px-Flag_of_Macau.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag of Macao</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><div>I am delighted to have earned the ARRL 40 meters DXCC award. It took many years to complete. All contacts were made with 100 watts or less and using simple wire antennas.</div></div><div><br /></div><div>As I write this, I have now completed DXCC on six bands: 10 Meters, 15 Meters, 17 Meters, 20 Meters, 30 Meters, and 40 Meters. I am presently working on achieving DXCC on two remaining bands.<br /><ul><li>12 Meters - 85 qualifying contacts confirmed on LoTW</li><li>80 Meters - 46 qualifying contact confirmed on LoTW</li><li>160 Meters - No antenna</li></ul>I am also pursuing the DXCC Challenge Award which requires confirming at least 1,000 DXCC band-points on any Amateur bands, 160 through 6 meters (except 60 meters). I presently have 825 contacts confirmed on LoTW toward the DXCC Challenge Award.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Macao22.198745 113.543873-6.1114888361788466 78.387623 50.508978836178841 148.70012300000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-10798417664040630772023-12-30T07:00:00.027+00:002023-12-30T19:12:36.287+00:00Completed 12m WAS from Santa Cruz County, CA<div>A big THANK YOU to Kevin (KF0IPD) for confirming my 50th State contact on 12 Meters needed to complete ARRL 12m WAS mixed and digital awards. Kevin, I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFJRrz3FtpM7VkApBkm3GysXiFWGKhBgYFEaFRPugCyoGoM9yV-gws_pPDKAShNDVWScizpskTtrxtSSuZoja770JTg9KsrWaP0eRgE4kJhnFmwoWGB3TKwXXS4DTqG4AADuVQo81rM1te7C2tXyES522lYxkAdi8z8iTCri35oV24IYYbtAhWgN4JBI/s640/640px-Flag_of_Colorado.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJFJRrz3FtpM7VkApBkm3GysXiFWGKhBgYFEaFRPugCyoGoM9yV-gws_pPDKAShNDVWScizpskTtrxtSSuZoja770JTg9KsrWaP0eRgE4kJhnFmwoWGB3TKwXXS4DTqG4AADuVQo81rM1te7C2tXyES522lYxkAdi8z8iTCri35oV24IYYbtAhWgN4JBI/s320/640px-Flag_of_Colorado.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colorado State Flag</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div>From my QTH in Santa Cruz County, California, I have completed WAS on 80m, 40m, 30m, 20m, 17m, 15m, and 10m. I have confirmed 22 State contacts on 6m; though, I am not really pursuing the award. I have completed 47 state contacts using the FT4 mode. Just need Montana, New Mexico, and Wyoming.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Denver, CO, USA39.7392358 -104.99025111.429001963821158 -140.146501 68.049469636178856 -69.834001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-17512429508751494772023-12-23T00:46:00.004+00:002023-12-23T00:46:40.807+00:00Digital QSL Card from W5AAI - December 22, 2023<div>I received this serene QSL card from Marvin (W5AAI) in Pryor, OK for our December 22, 2023 40m FT8 contact. Thank you Marvin. I look forward to working you again further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe4wmll2EQHUMbaHxeP3mi55yUr69_ddLr5rlBRP4ETSBq0d_zAH8enuXBnatp4Nv_VMttpI12Y8q0nPDFitfFywWOmrnLoITJw6Fjawck5JIpOb7ih1YNS671cxOweYkw6tydFtmguAsK_wY3pTqH7m_usYPGr0yLGUH1SE2qlIcFyYxJwe2lgK-RY0/s459/QSO20231222203642NJ2X.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="297" data-original-width="459" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUe4wmll2EQHUMbaHxeP3mi55yUr69_ddLr5rlBRP4ETSBq0d_zAH8enuXBnatp4Nv_VMttpI12Y8q0nPDFitfFywWOmrnLoITJw6Fjawck5JIpOb7ih1YNS671cxOweYkw6tydFtmguAsK_wY3pTqH7m_usYPGr0yLGUH1SE2qlIcFyYxJwe2lgK-RY0/w640-h414/QSO20231222203642NJ2X.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Pryor, OK 74361, USA36.3084275 -95.3169135999999927.998193663821155 -130.4731636 64.618661336178846 -60.160663599999992tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-87423966306401511262023-12-23T00:42:00.001+00:002023-12-23T00:42:26.565+00:00Digital QSL card from W1WRA - December 22, 2023<div>I received this excellent digital QSL card today from Bill (W1WRA) for our December 22, 2023 10m FT4 contact. Thank you Bill for the contact and card. Look forward to working you again in the future.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsUJCa1H3sPTVF4nV-dXs_mAfgCkggRfOlJCC-KU3tDjnF6NHtIlUDNz-XoFmY4ukUcEytujyTfNLFhhBrdZgxFZW2wi7X4koMLi2quRnrQfg3qu5udqgzA9MrTVOSCj_QNOkmYEcJXZrTCGkqivZNeEOAUcLh2xpGT9RA1nWDoaLWk0H3DV80YASTOk/s1650/NJ2X_20231222_1729_10m_FT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFsUJCa1H3sPTVF4nV-dXs_mAfgCkggRfOlJCC-KU3tDjnF6NHtIlUDNz-XoFmY4ukUcEytujyTfNLFhhBrdZgxFZW2wi7X4koMLi2quRnrQfg3qu5udqgzA9MrTVOSCj_QNOkmYEcJXZrTCGkqivZNeEOAUcLh2xpGT9RA1nWDoaLWk0H3DV80YASTOk/w640-h408/NJ2X_20231222_1729_10m_FT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Bedford, NH 03110, USA42.9463291 -71.51320079999999314.636095263821154 -106.66945079999999 71.256562936178852 -36.356950799999993tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-79256990375758827292023-12-21T22:18:00.002+00:002023-12-21T22:18:37.823+00:00Digital QSL Card from N8CWU for December 21, 2023 10m FT4 contact<div>I received a wonderful digital QSL card today from Larry (N8CWU) for our December 21, 2023 10m FT4 contact. I was delighted to see the setting of this photograph as it immediately brought back fond memories of visiting the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Thank you Larry. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXYLQp_MukAf5Paw2wXWdhvaQUZQ8C39asmBBvuAIkb9hFV0p5nAe-T1i6NLhrn_iPphZGh945ggYatPg3JYjQ9PKKGk-MradPnCWdqM988Vpg3svV5ntm0keK9sfF145h6cH5n13kTm-2AMPN0943USZ6AFmvwD6Hbq0YaoeAp_LqoW-QHtmRxnEUU/s1700/NJ2X_N8CWU_MFSK_qaSQs0TN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1700" height="490" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEXXYLQp_MukAf5Paw2wXWdhvaQUZQ8C39asmBBvuAIkb9hFV0p5nAe-T1i6NLhrn_iPphZGh945ggYatPg3JYjQ9PKKGk-MradPnCWdqM988Vpg3svV5ntm0keK9sfF145h6cH5n13kTm-2AMPN0943USZ6AFmvwD6Hbq0YaoeAp_LqoW-QHtmRxnEUU/w640-h490/NJ2X_N8CWU_MFSK_qaSQs0TN.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Digital QSL card from Larry (N8CWU) for a 10/21/2023 10m FT4 contact</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com046379 Lighthouse Rd, Buxton, NC 27920, USA35.2505365 -75.52882456.9403026638211571 -110.6850745 63.560770336178848 -40.3725745tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-6732586924713348162023-12-14T20:00:00.010+00:002023-12-17T15:44:28.313+00:00Digital QSL Card from W1AL - November 13, 2023<div>I really like the digital QSL card that Scott (W1AL) sent me for our November 13, 2023 10m contact via FT4. It is beautifully designed. Thank you, Scott. I look forward to our next contact further on down the log.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnRWZybpUN35SLkJM-yaG8nsxOiLsdoWZIPG2yFeKqR-R1iDFS2pGxuB7_ayh_U9iC6AdAtjB7xOXmJglW_UPM3BaVaBpSZotMxKWk8DTRPIkULVGsENXuPjdF5z3aW097-muya5LBUAxFWFIuGeF6wHU5jL4AR2onzzRVxbx2otZiHJmmzhIu3M1ewM/s1650/NJ2X_20231113_2044_10m_FT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibnRWZybpUN35SLkJM-yaG8nsxOiLsdoWZIPG2yFeKqR-R1iDFS2pGxuB7_ayh_U9iC6AdAtjB7xOXmJglW_UPM3BaVaBpSZotMxKWk8DTRPIkULVGsENXuPjdF5z3aW097-muya5LBUAxFWFIuGeF6wHU5jL4AR2onzzRVxbx2otZiHJmmzhIu3M1ewM/w640-h408/NJ2X_20231113_2044_10m_FT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">W1AL Digital QSL Card - November 13, 2023 10m FT4 Contact with NJ2X</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Lee County, FL, USA26.6630286 -81.9534815-1.647205236178845 -117.1097315 54.973262436178842 -46.797231499999995tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-33043878645656895412023-12-11T07:00:00.001+00:002023-12-17T15:23:53.903+00:00Digital QSO Card from KA1MXL - December 10, 2023<div>I received this beautiful digital QSL card from Kevin (KA1MXL) in Warwick, Rhode Island (Kent County) for our 10 Meters contact on December 10, 2023 via FT4. Thank you, Kevin, for the contact and QSL card. I look forward to our next contact.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeol3mNPpOvqyTAK6H-1mDsiSFoPMTZeuHde-BAuymOqvCH_ytKn2ZIa1YGnSSB8m_oqpnxu4OQUJmeWG1BtRQmKNSFlObTtAz3ucb87l0X1TkJftMFzyTdilJcxH_6Y2kNRnJ5fi_GDmzWPtxA1pvSnw-gOKygYW8Pe72EJKsgkCHUrRPjlVruBBK1k/s1650/NJ2X_20231210_1813_10_FT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1650" height="407" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeol3mNPpOvqyTAK6H-1mDsiSFoPMTZeuHde-BAuymOqvCH_ytKn2ZIa1YGnSSB8m_oqpnxu4OQUJmeWG1BtRQmKNSFlObTtAz3ucb87l0X1TkJftMFzyTdilJcxH_6Y2kNRnJ5fi_GDmzWPtxA1pvSnw-gOKygYW8Pe72EJKsgkCHUrRPjlVruBBK1k/w640-h407/NJ2X_20231210_1813_10_FT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Warwick, RI, USA41.7001009 -71.416167113.389867063821157 -106.5724171 70.010334736178848 -36.259917099999996tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-77943785145518646572023-12-05T20:55:00.004+00:002023-12-10T19:14:45.032+00:00800th confirmed DXCC Challenge Award contact<div>A big THANK YOU to Derek (ZD7CTO) on Saint Helena Island for being my 800th confirmed contact toward the ARRL DXCC Challenge Award. This was also my first contact with Saint Helena Island which made it doubly exciting.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTUmSsNrWzoYLBKCszZZapc4XvKcgP31C5lbCt_QsoY1yOR85N9wxgHhPY9-Mkhf7zbWnOUDjv67NddYG2qTcclF9ZMCTHoBt771r3QgtISNy-_j4DpxPYoEGEjcvDOwQx5Kj8acUNegVzX9tHBwll6WBqDcLoK3mZwp42d2gAozQjGjImNrmx6u7s2M/s640/640px-Flag_of_Saint_Helena.svg.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrTUmSsNrWzoYLBKCszZZapc4XvKcgP31C5lbCt_QsoY1yOR85N9wxgHhPY9-Mkhf7zbWnOUDjv67NddYG2qTcclF9ZMCTHoBt771r3QgtISNy-_j4DpxPYoEGEjcvDOwQx5Kj8acUNegVzX9tHBwll6WBqDcLoK3mZwp42d2gAozQjGjImNrmx6u7s2M/s320/640px-Flag_of_Saint_Helena.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag of Saint Helena Island</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>Saint Helena Island is a remote volcanic tropical island 1,950 km (1,210 mi) west of the coast of south-western Africa, and 4,000 km (2,500 mi) east of Rio de Janeiro in South America. It is one of three constituent parts of the British Overseas Territory of Saint Helena, Ascension, and Tristan da Cunha.</div><div><br /></div><div>80% there with only 200 more contacts to go to complete the ARRL DXCC Challenge Award. The award now seems within reach and achievable instead of distant and theoretical. There are still many DX locations that are relatively easy to reach representing holes on various bands to fill. For example, I need Vietnam on 17m. The easy to fill holes probably don't add up to 200 contacts though. That means I need to work the hard-to-reach stations which for me are in Africa and the Middle East.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have an opportunity to add a good number of new DX contacts by working more on the 12 Meters band. The band is performing really well with the return of sunspots, and it has traditionally been one of the bands I am least active on. I now have a 12 Meters half-wave end-fed vertical antenna that I can tune up.</div><div><br /></div><div>I only need to confirm two more contacts on LoTW to complete 40 Meters DXCC. I have a bunch of unconfirmed DX expedition contacts that will eventually be confirmed on LoTW. In the meantime, I continue hunting for additional 40m DX contacts who use the LoTW.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have made several DX contacts recently with stations that don't confirm contacts via the Logbook of the World (LoTW). I remain hopeful that these radio amateurs will eventually see the light and join in the LoTW and upload our contacts. From time-to-time, this does happen.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Saint Helena, STHL 1ZZ, St Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha-15.9650104 -5.7089241-44.27524423617885 -40.8651741 12.345223436178845 29.4473259tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-50218466233297472422023-12-03T07:11:00.034+00:002023-12-10T19:38:06.839+00:00Astron RS-35M Back in Action<div>In my prior post (<a href="https://www.nj2x.com/2023/11/astron-rs-35m-rip.html" target="_blank">Astron RS-35M RIP</a>), I shared how my 16-year-old workhorse linear power supply failed and my intent to bring it back to life by repairing it myself. I studied basic electronics in college and have completed many electronic projects over the years, so I felt confident that repairing the power supply was within my capability. I also enjoy a good challenge, keeping electronic gear out of landfills, and saving money. I saw no reason to buy a brand-new linear power supply.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3jDaMztsl4cSBo6YtZqeELz6bH3P-uN65gS-u1ccs1CD11hLVi8kYbNwMI2WNlX_ba5nATiR9FvnMXTYUJVENXwr1QRPw2FdGQKMbOWAYrBOtd2Gc8_tAQjkCve6rrG736AGjnD06tzAiAYEKsh6ENWw-lHKEM4yvhXuK9bEKTsxTLEGsqPoTCBySbA/s4030/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="4030" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB3jDaMztsl4cSBo6YtZqeELz6bH3P-uN65gS-u1ccs1CD11hLVi8kYbNwMI2WNlX_ba5nATiR9FvnMXTYUJVENXwr1QRPw2FdGQKMbOWAYrBOtd2Gc8_tAQjkCve6rrG736AGjnD06tzAiAYEKsh6ENWw-lHKEM4yvhXuK9bEKTsxTLEGsqPoTCBySbA/s320/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dead Astron RS-35M Power Supply</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">What is a linear power supply?</h2><div>The main purpose of a power supply is to convert electric current from a source to the correct voltage, current, and frequency to the load. </div><div><br /></div><div>A linear power supply provides regulated output voltage (in this case 13.8VDC) to power an electrical load (amateur radio equipment in this case) without the use of switching or digital components. A key component of linear power supplies are large transformers.</div><div><br /></div><div>A linear power supply has many outstanding characteristics as compared to switching power supplies including low noise, low ripple, simplicity, robustness, and ease of repair. This comes at a cost of being relatively heavy, large in size, and requiring heatsinking. Linear power supplies are generally preferred by hams for amateur radio applications.</div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Diagnosis</b></h2><div>Over the years, the linear power supply had slowly acquired a noticeable hum. The 60-Hz hum seemed to have grown more loudly in the last year or two. Hum in a linear power supply can be an indication of bridge rectifier and filter capacitor degradation. Electrolytic filter capacitors are notorious for breaking down with time. The power supply's original filter capacitor was 16 years old and possibly in need of replacement. My hypothesis was that the power supply blew its fuse at power-on due to a bridge rectifier with a dead-short and this may have also taken out the electrolytic filter capacitor.</div><div><br /></div><div>To verify my hypothesis, I started by unplugging the power supply from house power and the attached equipment and put it on the bench. The first step was to remove the chassis cover. This was accomplished by removing three screws on the top of the case cover and four screws on the bottom and then sliding off the cover.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next step was to discharge the electrolytic filter capacitor. This is an important safety step as the filter capacitor is physically large and can store potentially dangerous electrical energy. To discharge the capacitor, I placed a power resister across the filter capacitor terminals in place. I then confirmed the capacitor was fully discharged with my voltage meter.</div><div><br /></div><div>I then loosened the screw on the bracket that holds the capacitor in place. I also removed the positive and negative terminal screws from the filter capacitor. This permitted the filter capacitor to be removed from the power supply. I placed the discharge resister across the capacitor terminals again as a safety precaution.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next step was to remove the bridge rectifier gang from the power supply. I decided the easiest way to remove the bridge rectifier was to simply snip the two AC (yellow) and the positive DC (red) leads and then unbolt the bridge rectifier gang assembly from the chassis.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNWNUe0E_UCnVgDFbi4nNQIDmOF1FvQ9oGVswA5h84k_Vr2rWmoSIwwA8Hah7eys0VdF6hK_XfeDVnKpvBcCO9OuOji20TM9G3Tm2Y_A3xQFD6-Tz2RwFDaveTo51vvfsU-KSx1m62zoUuSo611rFhIcpaL4506wI_XM4TYIHIgi7Y-QiyeeIULZYH1A/s2482/IMG_0941.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1632" data-original-width="2482" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNWNUe0E_UCnVgDFbi4nNQIDmOF1FvQ9oGVswA5h84k_Vr2rWmoSIwwA8Hah7eys0VdF6hK_XfeDVnKpvBcCO9OuOji20TM9G3Tm2Y_A3xQFD6-Tz2RwFDaveTo51vvfsU-KSx1m62zoUuSo611rFhIcpaL4506wI_XM4TYIHIgi7Y-QiyeeIULZYH1A/s320/IMG_0941.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original Diotec DB2501 dual bridge rectifier gang </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Once the bridge rectifier gang assembly was out of the chassis, I used my multimeter's diode test feature to check the bridge rectifier gang. The test showed that indeed the rectifier had a dead short (between positive DC and one of the AC terminals in both directions) and needed to be replaced. It is likely that only one of the rectifiers had a dead short. I decided to replace both DB2501 rectifiers as the cost is low and not really worth trying to salvage one rectifier. It is also important to match the two rectifiers, so they work together.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW8uqPsCXYb8Lm5Cl-mlQXZuC8dJnYEWwDC6rLBNntKd0CsdUU0qNgCo_Waxh1lMnerykFWG_M0-B9i19Mvh3uwPER45OxZJzisfrhxZ8xzYEa1PgNqLxiN2am1enuQJ_u5b-MdtwCseG4zEc2pQ5ojjsFpzAqM3Zn02vyfmKuQf-qIgJU7-p8_MMfI4/s2679/IMG_0956.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2008" data-original-width="2679" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNW8uqPsCXYb8Lm5Cl-mlQXZuC8dJnYEWwDC6rLBNntKd0CsdUU0qNgCo_Waxh1lMnerykFWG_M0-B9i19Mvh3uwPER45OxZJzisfrhxZ8xzYEa1PgNqLxiN2am1enuQJ_u5b-MdtwCseG4zEc2pQ5ojjsFpzAqM3Zn02vyfmKuQf-qIgJU7-p8_MMfI4/s320/IMG_0956.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original DB2501 bridge rectifier assembly testing found a dead short</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I checked various RS-35M schematics, and they indicated that the correct bridge rectifier was supposed to be a pair of DB3501. For some unexplained reason, my particular RS-35M power supply had a pair of DB2501 bridge rectifiers installed. A pair of DB2501 rectifiers would have to work much harder and thus not last as long as a pair of DB3501. Having the incorrect underrated components was likely a root cause issue.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrOlBIYB2NySM2a8Xtntg0AxxluwGvwHcPSTaKk4jsJ2Ct1Y5jxNAZ7_WLvxL5MEcz4exzJvpM-blT3Y0AmOtVtQfgf1sbcAXWgwI1qq4ircMO8AT1nWZoiLyYj3M1b0l1PCatHHA6bXwEjwlZDf6byMBJLe9xt2R_uymjsiQO9HGiN5ucRdSFzdKqWQ/s1363/IMG_0958.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1222" data-original-width="1363" height="287" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbrOlBIYB2NySM2a8Xtntg0AxxluwGvwHcPSTaKk4jsJ2Ct1Y5jxNAZ7_WLvxL5MEcz4exzJvpM-blT3Y0AmOtVtQfgf1sbcAXWgwI1qq4ircMO8AT1nWZoiLyYj3M1b0l1PCatHHA6bXwEjwlZDf6byMBJLe9xt2R_uymjsiQO9HGiN5ucRdSFzdKqWQ/s320/IMG_0958.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original (undersized) DB2501 removed from the Astron RS-35M</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Replacement Parts</h2><div>I bought the replacement parts directly from <a href="https://www.astroncorp.com/shop?Category=Replacement+Parts" target="_blank">Astron</a> rather than risk getting it wrong with other sources. Buying from Astron made it very easy to purchase parts that were both electronically and mechanically suitable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I decided to simply replace the original electrolytic filter capacitor rather than try to determine if it was still serviceable. This was an easy decision.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8vE5q3a5znLf5q0W6Lr-CvSRjVdMHrLc5m9yzu8WbYe0ReizhT3UwfKcMoK0ZTXCt0uZQoxYAQfBpF-n6RFDwMT92IVNaKRpfiNC6_NAvlkCDJGhrvfeHneNQw1HTCppuVheBNvwj7KQn7qjrrO3jFNbPGLko_-FNdIgX9dW3wGk5HGV7GKzC64n4EE/s2902/IMG_0943.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2902" data-original-width="1956" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs8vE5q3a5znLf5q0W6Lr-CvSRjVdMHrLc5m9yzu8WbYe0ReizhT3UwfKcMoK0ZTXCt0uZQoxYAQfBpF-n6RFDwMT92IVNaKRpfiNC6_NAvlkCDJGhrvfeHneNQw1HTCppuVheBNvwj7KQn7qjrrO3jFNbPGLko_-FNdIgX9dW3wGk5HGV7GKzC64n4EE/s320/IMG_0943.jpeg" width="216" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacement Electrolytic Filter Capacitor (25 VDC, 100,000 µF)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>For the bridge rectifiers, I could have replaced the original Diotec DB2501 (100V, 25A) rectifiers with the same or returned to the specified DB3501 (100V, 35A). However, for a nominal additional cost, I found I could replace the original DB2501 rectifiers with two heavier duty DB5001 (100V, 50A) components. This seemed like a good choice.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dUNqMtHdCTYr00tnY_A2_WAENHKTx09-t2V3T6fuPuKdgZi9P8FrFqWRkTC_-U2Ude-nYIaLgU4OXCi7z6i4ZdAKm6piAAhFVleRL16hGChOMhfvCMJqnoVcZO_FACG-Y3oOqgeSlSpizAF_CQ6r7k10RE-5cVZc_bM5pRMcVqXCgoI6HHC7e2T5rvU/s3031/IMG_0942.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2497" data-original-width="3031" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0dUNqMtHdCTYr00tnY_A2_WAENHKTx09-t2V3T6fuPuKdgZi9P8FrFqWRkTC_-U2Ude-nYIaLgU4OXCi7z6i4ZdAKm6piAAhFVleRL16hGChOMhfvCMJqnoVcZO_FACG-Y3oOqgeSlSpizAF_CQ6r7k10RE-5cVZc_bM5pRMcVqXCgoI6HHC7e2T5rvU/s320/IMG_0942.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Replacement DB5001 bridge rectifiers</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>To reconstruct the rectifier gang assembly, I upgraded the wire to 10 gauge. The heavier gauge wire would more easily handle the electrical power while also providing a little more heat dissipation.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD49Liuh7XMw8Q0TX7GfEt-P38HSZIlQIMbQDF5sWnFWjR719nxRk9pfuwB623hOCUyM2qJUrbxqIzow7_M-5GvI1o22q2DZ4v_FYibgnMZjXF8ukcqQmh8ujQow5rQQRI89HEwLvFo9bbm2Hs1bMQ2KAdqliBka3nJbCn-1LFjzQUXRkQIXL-8Kg0e4k/s4032/IMG_0945.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD49Liuh7XMw8Q0TX7GfEt-P38HSZIlQIMbQDF5sWnFWjR719nxRk9pfuwB623hOCUyM2qJUrbxqIzow7_M-5GvI1o22q2DZ4v_FYibgnMZjXF8ukcqQmh8ujQow5rQQRI89HEwLvFo9bbm2Hs1bMQ2KAdqliBka3nJbCn-1LFjzQUXRkQIXL-8Kg0e4k/s320/IMG_0945.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">10-gauge wire ready for assembling the bridge rectifier gang</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>The bridge rectifiers are mounted directly to the power supply chassis. The metal chassis acts as a heatsink for the rectifiers. When I removed the original rectifiers, I noticed that they were installed with white heat sink compound. For the repair, I used GC Electronics Type Z9 silicone heat sink compound.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyN3rMtgghfv-J457Fjq9Fi8L8kK3vA3K0vqoHXIsZwXveuhhHAxp89k7t9C5WEB6zvkhEUsVvqWEF7ApQ1tEmoF4w87PZznpQFp9LDm8NooFxQfRIcy2VV8UcpYIEYfNRWTB4NE8T5kJYWkNtw6qsj9gJFtfneFeF8z0f2YNHVmbY2_EP7QYxsR3h2w/s3120/IMG_0952.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRyN3rMtgghfv-J457Fjq9Fi8L8kK3vA3K0vqoHXIsZwXveuhhHAxp89k7t9C5WEB6zvkhEUsVvqWEF7ApQ1tEmoF4w87PZznpQFp9LDm8NooFxQfRIcy2VV8UcpYIEYfNRWTB4NE8T5kJYWkNtw6qsj9gJFtfneFeF8z0f2YNHVmbY2_EP7QYxsR3h2w/s320/IMG_0952.jpeg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Type Z9 Heat Sink Compound</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I replaced the linear power supply's fuse with the same standard AGC-8A fuse.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixn_z25mgMLZvjD2vK8nTq7HOTE2GetKxLgHa07XXy2HkS2urIb39l7TD6tUSWWtXcs2c1wb1HPdj36lgHBAJGoHmpBzjEW8AYpiCrGHc6OVGWW7ydLb5pJKHNearBpeYCpE1PuRewDmkIEjTAQULUZcuYu3Jh8XT2mRSBEfEsmuoGciC6tDDO8q13Yn0/s320/IMG_0953.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original AGC-A8 blown fuse (left) and new replacement AGC-8A fuse (right)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><div><h2>Repair</h2></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b>Step 1: Assemble the bridge rectifier gang.</b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The DB5001 bridge rectifier connector pins need to be twisted 90 degrees so that the connector holes line up. I used a pair of needle nose pliers to gently twist the connectors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Next, I oriented the DB5001 bridge rectifiers, so they matched the original DB2501 orientation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqfhpZ1jn7ocJfCWVPw896fL259mbeLc6x83Y-N_vzT-M9wlCW3mT5tzoodKXDsqOPkiotSHwGSpPRDd_qu4ECfghQ9K_gXgMqxTqAHHgjd-1l4rjh-hiri9a0NXwP30k9CwmqvSLRYeg8ZG8tOPfmOgfSi8OvcoatUv7vE43KKIJc0UrwnFxlL5xYvs/s4032/IMG_0944.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXqfhpZ1jn7ocJfCWVPw896fL259mbeLc6x83Y-N_vzT-M9wlCW3mT5tzoodKXDsqOPkiotSHwGSpPRDd_qu4ECfghQ9K_gXgMqxTqAHHgjd-1l4rjh-hiri9a0NXwP30k9CwmqvSLRYeg8ZG8tOPfmOgfSi8OvcoatUv7vE43KKIJc0UrwnFxlL5xYvs/s320/IMG_0944.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original DB2501 bridge rectifier assembly</td></tr></tbody></table><br />I then placed the three 10-gauge wires through the connector holes AC to AC, positive DC to positive DC, and AC to AC.<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYSEPRiyUqntJoFPbaU4MK9PbShKJWK9gDwHRjRCZF9QS54KmYjms_cQzrUMe3bBJvlHiufOP8Snhro0nDJRg7q4t6DWFluUvueQkpHh8UMzxXLrEBEXA0MGV90ApartEjRA9g43OvXL0B_8pN-m3XimzrLlM5VkPO7kXKsaBArEQdOqJBIS9bBONrDI/s4032/IMG_0946.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiYSEPRiyUqntJoFPbaU4MK9PbShKJWK9gDwHRjRCZF9QS54KmYjms_cQzrUMe3bBJvlHiufOP8Snhro0nDJRg7q4t6DWFluUvueQkpHh8UMzxXLrEBEXA0MGV90ApartEjRA9g43OvXL0B_8pN-m3XimzrLlM5VkPO7kXKsaBArEQdOqJBIS9bBONrDI/s320/IMG_0946.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old DB2501 bridge rectifier assembly with oriented DB5001 rectifiers and 10-guage wires</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>Next, I used original DB2501 bridge rectifier gang assembly as a jig for the next DB5001 assembly. I pinned the two assemblies together by placing a hex key and a punch through the center holes. This made it easy to solder the connectors and wires while maintaining the proper orientation and hole spacing. Correct hole spacing is necessary to install the assembly in the chassis.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3BAUkXodT6e8LpjI8ptcqNcnFCypWm2eW2snPy9ijtG-ro7wjqVsUvvVbNxOn2nPuYkihMbbH4jg9T0uCvUmo-ydTRMpCGjLpVlD1YN0-6Hr0bEphOcZinagEQ9bB3h0lo8Mn4S8UZNoWaP2UHCpeLhTI4OBw_W9rc0SB8tuWfqjPA3Ytiq2odT9To/s4032/IMG_0947.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlG3BAUkXodT6e8LpjI8ptcqNcnFCypWm2eW2snPy9ijtG-ro7wjqVsUvvVbNxOn2nPuYkihMbbH4jg9T0uCvUmo-ydTRMpCGjLpVlD1YN0-6Hr0bEphOcZinagEQ9bB3h0lo8Mn4S8UZNoWaP2UHCpeLhTI4OBw_W9rc0SB8tuWfqjPA3Ytiq2odT9To/s320/IMG_0947.jpeg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p>The next step was to solder the 10-gauge wires. I used a dab of electrical solder flux to prep the wires and connectors for soldering. Flux cleans the metal surface which helps the solder to flow. After soldering the wires and connectors, I also tinned the middle section of each of the three 10-gauge wires. Having tinned wires helps when soldering the power leads.</p><div>The next step was to solder the two AC input transformer leads (yellow) and the DC positive output lead (red). I removed a small length of the plastic insulation from each wire. I then wrapped the 10-gauge solid wire with a lead wire and soldered it. The heavy gauge of these wires required me to turn up my soldering iron temperature to high (750F) to properly flow the solder throughout the connection.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Step 2: Prep the chassis for installation of the bridge rectifier gang </b><span style="text-align: center;"><b>assembly.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I carefully removed all traces of the original white heat sink compound from the chassis using a paper towel and wiped down the chassis interior to remove dust and debris that had accumulated over the years. It is important to have a clean chassis surface free of debris. I then applied a liberal coat of the fresh white heat sink compound to bottom surface of each of the DB5001 bridge rectifiers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Step 3: Install the bridge rectifier gang </b><span style="text-align: center;"><b>assembly.</b></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">I placed the chassis on its side to make it easy to position the bridge rectifier gang assembly while simultaneously pushing the rectifier screws through the bottom chassis holes. I used a 1/4" drive 9/32" deep well socket to hold the nut while using a short-handle Philips head screwdriver to tighten the rectifier screw. The space is a little tight, so this technique made it easy. After tightening the screws and nuts holding the rectifiers to the chassis, I used a paper towel to wipe up the excess white heat sink compound that was squeezed out.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IQOieAPZ1z1hzYbsP05xtf_DUDMlZLnyHKzX7aI65dJGQuVBhMS2mCHxCIfvEzFrRbiUMuR-0vwZRgxq6Hq1w5Kv_wZ7Is8CwggHU_DsU31UcdfIUIb8Gb-VsqNtg4kbk26ghhnwKY1NZ42RxC-JZxdb63P7tu_Sek3xV44bg3BLjSQJzteBVBQ7KTE/s4032/IMG_0948.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5IQOieAPZ1z1hzYbsP05xtf_DUDMlZLnyHKzX7aI65dJGQuVBhMS2mCHxCIfvEzFrRbiUMuR-0vwZRgxq6Hq1w5Kv_wZ7Is8CwggHU_DsU31UcdfIUIb8Gb-VsqNtg4kbk26ghhnwKY1NZ42RxC-JZxdb63P7tu_Sek3xV44bg3BLjSQJzteBVBQ7KTE/s320/IMG_0948.jpeg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Short handle Philips screwdriver and a 9/32" deep well socket</td></tr></tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Step 4: Install the replacement electrolytic filter capacitor.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I first discharged the new replacement filter capacitor with a resistor to make sure the capacitor was safe to handle. I then mounted the new replacement filter capacitor in its bracket making sure the capacitor polarity was oriented the same as the polarity as indicated on the circuit board. I then tightened the negative (black) and positive (red) wires to the circuit board and capacitor. I then tightened the capacitor bracket so that the assembly was secure to the chassis.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqZhZ1GzVFN7WvwiNNxPJ7kdlDzn9LesugV3RmInwoH69ZkJFrbcNApDzGs4gT2AVQS2akOx8DMbrH2J7PdCX7QMe9mfkvGd_A9XKkiu66BePid3RTxqi3p2pnV2f8r6gw_4jNr0akv6Zqq9Ys9MqUjk8jGHrxrIhlWg_-Nr3Hr-Q5KknjPlAoZIJDs0/s4032/IMG_0950.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqZhZ1GzVFN7WvwiNNxPJ7kdlDzn9LesugV3RmInwoH69ZkJFrbcNApDzGs4gT2AVQS2akOx8DMbrH2J7PdCX7QMe9mfkvGd_A9XKkiu66BePid3RTxqi3p2pnV2f8r6gw_4jNr0akv6Zqq9Ys9MqUjk8jGHrxrIhlWg_-Nr3Hr-Q5KknjPlAoZIJDs0/s320/IMG_0950.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New replacement electrolytic filter capacitor installed.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><b>Step 5: Replace the AGC-8A fuse.</b></div><div>I removed the old burnt out AGC-8A fuse and replaced it with a new AGC-8A fuse. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><b>Step 6: Test the power supply and measure the voltage output.</b></div></div><div>I connected my multimeter to the power supply's output terminals. I plugged in the power supply and turned it on using the switch on the front of the chassis. To my delight, the volage output measured at 13.74 volts. The power supply was working again!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHoMXvRf6mxUQdmJhxIPcqej8IkVwY2ksABS52tKIPLVy2Fwg_HoHSttb1B2NBPmguzCRDnXLVADbCeYadi_6WKmceG9c20W1RsRY1w7i0Z9c8Af26px1ghUd5yRjGYNjmrOoiJtYwr70j15sXlCq8h74ESTfDMHoyZtJhMtjrc2stybbSwUTG9VHx5E/s3621/IMG_0955.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2703" data-original-width="3621" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyHoMXvRf6mxUQdmJhxIPcqej8IkVwY2ksABS52tKIPLVy2Fwg_HoHSttb1B2NBPmguzCRDnXLVADbCeYadi_6WKmceG9c20W1RsRY1w7i0Z9c8Af26px1ghUd5yRjGYNjmrOoiJtYwr70j15sXlCq8h74ESTfDMHoyZtJhMtjrc2stybbSwUTG9VHx5E/s320/IMG_0955.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Power supply output voltage test (no load)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><b>Step 7: Install the power supply chassis cover.</b></div><div>I turned off the power supply and then disconnected the AC power input. I then placed a resistor across the filter capacitor terminals to discharge the capacitor as a safety measure. Then placed the power supply on its side and carefully slid the cover onto the chassis. Once in position, I screwed in three screws on the top and four screws on the bottom. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Step 8: Test the power supply with a load (radio).</b></div><div>I returned the power supply to its operating position and reconnected my main radio. I powered up the power supply and then the radio. The voltage was consistent with minimal load (receive only) and with a full load (transmit). It was wonderful to hear the power supply function silently both idle and under load. The hum is gone!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJHON_t8Brt6louq_k45A5cFUrLGRB6iOpjINbqGBjYTsRtE2_uNI8Haby2C9UFk9bJF18HG7-kilMKi1P5P_ZOBn-fzlLhqTtISrsxdUFjeNwMx99nf-HNTB1z4u3htotvE2b1YypjiRHZUltj0kStLE6eAwd46htFhtoySUez3RpWAt5zsR-YfcNxE/s3757/IMG_0957.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1894" data-original-width="3757" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXJHON_t8Brt6louq_k45A5cFUrLGRB6iOpjINbqGBjYTsRtE2_uNI8Haby2C9UFk9bJF18HG7-kilMKi1P5P_ZOBn-fzlLhqTtISrsxdUFjeNwMx99nf-HNTB1z4u3htotvE2b1YypjiRHZUltj0kStLE6eAwd46htFhtoySUez3RpWAt5zsR-YfcNxE/w400-h201/IMG_0957.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Repaired Astron RS-35M power supply under load</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Conclusion</b></h2><div>Repairing my Astron RS-35M was a very satisfying project. The process was thoroughly enjoyable - figuring out what to do, ordering parts, performing the repair with the sweet smell of solder smoke, and testing to find the issue and repair outcome. The repair cost about $40 for replacement parts and $13 for a tube of heat sink compound (with 99.9% of the tube left over). The repair represents value as compared to buying a brand-new power supply.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am delighted to be back on the air and making contacts again with a nice silent power supply. A big thank you to Astron for making such a great power supply. My Astron RS-35M has been an outstanding performer for many years. I appreciate its design, years of reliable service, and serviceability. In spite of Astron originally installing the incorrect and underpowered DB2501 rectifiers 16 years ago, I plan to stick with Astron for all my future power supply needs and I would recommend Astron to my fellow hams should anyone ask.</div><div><br /></div><div>Have you repaired an Astron power supply before? How do it go? Would love to hear from you. Please leave a comment.</div><div><br /></div><div>For those who appreciate a bit of electronics trivia, Astron designates standard desktop power supplies with the "RS-" prefix meaning <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>R</b></span>egulated <span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>S</b></span>upply. The "M" suffix denotes power supplies with front panel <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">M</span></b>eters.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>December 3, 2023 Update</b></div><div>I discovered today that the original failure also caused both meter lamps to burn out. I didn't catch this at first due to working with the linear power supply on a well-lit bench. The meters seem to also be registering a little higher voltage and current values than before the failure which may be due to the absence of the load from the incandescent lamps. I am considering replacing the lamps with LEDs as a future project. For now, the meters are perfectly readable in their usual operating position.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com4Irvine, CA, USA33.6845673 -117.82650495.3743334638211522 -152.9827549 61.994801136178843 -82.6702549tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-13768270700885359532023-11-24T19:42:00.016+00:002023-12-08T15:26:54.306+00:00Astron RS-35M RIP<div>I have been using an Astron RS-35M linear power supply in the shack since I first became a ham in 2007. It has performed flawlessly year after year providing a consistent 13.8 volts to my radio gear. Over time, it acquired a bit of hum but otherwise performed as it should. Hum in a power supply can be an indication of the gradual deterioration of the supply's filter capacitor and bridge rectifier components.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yesterday (November 23, 2023), my well used and well appreciated RS-35M immediately blew its AGC 8A fuse (with a noticeable thud) when I attempted to power it on in the morning.</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW44858buMA-m99TBD2fPZdzBdHn6bZp4RPYURyKLEe7C0BuvQkX6D8SfRCjwUYioRqHl5lz5CZ2OAiE61mfZI5Wz7XQyhz3MlwrxsgB51HjLapw9fDbH_ep8QUWSSb1iJ225YzP_hDgnOL1Oi5YB6Mad07dOCmRZCrtJ3TLh5yI2Jr6i1pTXC5I6Bfc/s3848/IMG_0921.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3848" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwW44858buMA-m99TBD2fPZdzBdHn6bZp4RPYURyKLEe7C0BuvQkX6D8SfRCjwUYioRqHl5lz5CZ2OAiE61mfZI5Wz7XQyhz3MlwrxsgB51HjLapw9fDbH_ep8QUWSSb1iJ225YzP_hDgnOL1Oi5YB6Mad07dOCmRZCrtJ3TLh5yI2Jr6i1pTXC5I6Bfc/s320/IMG_0921.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Internal view of the Astron RS-35M Power Supply</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>I decided to use this power supply failure as opportunity to replace the original bridge rectifiers and the original filter capacitor (25v 64000 µF electrolytic). These parts tend to degrade with time and use. I also decided to upgrade the DB2501 (25 Amp) bridge rectifiers to DB5001 (50 Amp) since the cost difference was only $1.50 each. The higher power DB5001 will work a little less hard to do the job.</div><div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbAjzr7sE3nCmw_De_P0GXUEEI-9ymVFPeH7ElbefhsI2tAO_EP1YCppDlJYP_nx4CGBedXGnJgcwbW689aX7Sz2-KZYHUcCRPRraHB5m97zrJNpIrJXYO_X47gbOptJp8gtSzDfCdaX1wRV5UWOftetnKNClsAuEgozNFviDnSorRcno42dbroXFUew/s4030/IMG_0922.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2262" data-original-width="4030" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbAjzr7sE3nCmw_De_P0GXUEEI-9ymVFPeH7ElbefhsI2tAO_EP1YCppDlJYP_nx4CGBedXGnJgcwbW689aX7Sz2-KZYHUcCRPRraHB5m97zrJNpIrJXYO_X47gbOptJp8gtSzDfCdaX1wRV5UWOftetnKNClsAuEgozNFviDnSorRcno42dbroXFUew/s320/IMG_0922.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Astron RS-35M Power Supply</td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div>I bought the replacement parts on Astron's website <a href="https://www.astroncorp.com/">https://www.astroncorp.com/</a> at reasonable prices. I am looking forward to receiving the parts, completing the repair, and getting back on the air soon. Stay tuned for a future article about the repair process.</div><div><br /></div><div>Rest in peace Astron RS-35M (during this short hiatus). You will be repaired in couple of days and back on duty supplying clean power.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Related articles on <a href="http://NJ2X.com">NJ2X.com</a>:</div><div><h3 class="post-title entry-title" itemprop="name" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size: 18px; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-variant-position: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><a href="https://www.nj2x.com/2023/12/astron-rs-35m-back-in-action.html" target="_blank">Astron RS-35M Back in Action</a></h3></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Aptos, CA 95003, USA36.977172900000006 -121.89940168.666939063821161 -157.0556516 65.287406736178852 -86.7431516tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-82484448857007842922023-11-18T11:10:00.003+00:002023-11-18T11:10:59.399+00:00USAF MARS Certificate 75 Years November 2023<div>I was delighted to receive a nice surprise today from the United States Air Force Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS) for making a contact with W1A during their 75th year special event held November 5 - 11, 2023. I really like the certificate confirming our contact.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGdJQO_Cyqd-Csf3qCnov4RzysEPmqrJdrm_bKxqEB5-qKyel3gyf1hT2bbXxeb7es9Egou-WXkf4MCUDJn5KrIosSWP7ik7N7XtLVBz1cOeT5dyfvmM7k44Y_shcxc9_iRGekuo6MD9uWwN_nno3BzivSbDDeC_9UO4mAYW_jRGGRsxalTuDY-3KeQ/s1650/2023%20USAF%20MARS%2075%20Years_NJ2X.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1275" data-original-width="1650" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMNGdJQO_Cyqd-Csf3qCnov4RzysEPmqrJdrm_bKxqEB5-qKyel3gyf1hT2bbXxeb7es9Egou-WXkf4MCUDJn5KrIosSWP7ik7N7XtLVBz1cOeT5dyfvmM7k44Y_shcxc9_iRGekuo6MD9uWwN_nno3BzivSbDDeC_9UO4mAYW_jRGGRsxalTuDY-3KeQ/w640-h494/2023%20USAF%20MARS%2075%20Years_NJ2X.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Scott AFB, IL, USA38.5426987 -89.855181815.401033205966428 -125.0114318 61.684364194033577 -54.6989318tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-69102223642485252482023-10-29T21:17:00.004+00:002023-10-30T02:30:43.429+00:00Digital QSL Card from W6BSD on October 29, 2023 <div>Thank you, Ken (W6BSD), for the beautiful digital QSL card. Hope to work you again in the future.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vfxwz3P3snNY9wuSuwF8pgD6zK-IK2v5AnRG4V2QqCWK4RKIXiGFDVwuRoWUv2HCcoCIneMZTdy4CdPc0bOkeZ_GDJnaZHok_yCbQ4RwHM3jcH0BltDtVQoNrZi9JagmCwH8fTLIFAfjO5kaOCSYLVp7WW6DsX8k613QSyCvV9nikRTgJBi0bIWzZ74/s1024/QSL-yxnbjs6q.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="683" data-original-width="1024" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Vfxwz3P3snNY9wuSuwF8pgD6zK-IK2v5AnRG4V2QqCWK4RKIXiGFDVwuRoWUv2HCcoCIneMZTdy4CdPc0bOkeZ_GDJnaZHok_yCbQ4RwHM3jcH0BltDtVQoNrZi9JagmCwH8fTLIFAfjO5kaOCSYLVp7WW6DsX8k613QSyCvV9nikRTgJBi0bIWzZ74/w400-h266/QSL-yxnbjs6q.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com2Golden Gate Bridge, Golden Gate Brg, San Francisco, CA, USA37.8199286 -122.47825519.5096947638211518 -157.6345051 66.130162436178836 -87.3220051tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-87304673336028543992023-10-20T13:00:00.016+00:002023-10-29T18:53:57.825+00:00Yupiteru MVT-7100<div>Many moons ago, I had the pleasure of owning a 1990's vintage Yupiteru MVT-7100 scanner. It was a really great little handheld radio. It had wide band reception and 1000 memories (10 banks) that could be scanned at 30 channels per second. The sensitivity was excellent (better than 1 µV on most ranges). The superheterodyne receiver was capable of continuous tuning from 0.53-1650 MHz (tunes down to 0.1 kHz) and supported AM, FM, W-FM, CW, and SSB modulation. Amazing! </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJSOEb18O3H-kEWwPbf2IRJu9jJIm3tdt7d7ZVqrEuF2AJOZjsViyM-fUmhAIk8c9c2oZUAU0-ULq1gEd_pYh4UHiJk4Gskvnr8DNHgCvLuNhhvaql8Gj3APC3lt2edbPosDn_5awT6CrwGJZE1Rp93IF8-JukbxGvjOWlLGQ9YvJIb4kfUWgsj2XBRo/s950/yupiteru-mvt-7100.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="714" data-original-width="950" height="241" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqJSOEb18O3H-kEWwPbf2IRJu9jJIm3tdt7d7ZVqrEuF2AJOZjsViyM-fUmhAIk8c9c2oZUAU0-ULq1gEd_pYh4UHiJk4Gskvnr8DNHgCvLuNhhvaql8Gj3APC3lt2edbPosDn_5awT6CrwGJZE1Rp93IF8-JukbxGvjOWlLGQ9YvJIb4kfUWgsj2XBRo/s320/yupiteru-mvt-7100.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yupiteru MVT-7100 multiband receiver</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div><div><div>It covered all the ham bands including: 160m, 80m, 60m, 40m, 30m (WARC), 20m, 17m (WARC), 15m, 12m (WARC), 6m, 2m, 1.25m, 70cm, 33cm, 23cm, 10m, and 4m. It also covered the 11m (CB) band.</div><div><br /></div><div>Tuning steps were configurable: 0.05 / 0.1 / 1 / 5 / 6.25 / 9 / 10 / 12.5 / 20 / 25 / 50 / 100 kHz.</div><div><br />As was the case with all the other handheld scanners of this vintage, the radio could only be programmed manually (not via computer). This could be tedious with 1000 memories. However, programming was part of the fun and charm of the radio.</div><div><br /></div></div><div>The antenna was connected via a robust BNC connector. On an aside, I still prefer the BNC connector to the modern SMA connector. The BNC connectors are stronger and more durable. I have seen several SMA's fail while BNCs continue to work without failure with decades of hard use. I am not convinced the more fragile and shorter life SMA connectors have been good for handheld radio gear. What are your thoughts?</div><div><br /></div><div>The Yupiteru was a versatile and fun radio to play with. It is considered by many as one of the best general coverage handheld scanners ever made.</div><div><br /></div>Good DX and 73,
NJ2X<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Tokyo, Japan35.6764225 139.65002723.854315676804809 122.071902 47.498529323195193 157.228152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-79248461595070446382023-10-13T13:00:00.022+00:002023-10-14T14:18:47.462+00:00Arizona QSO Party 2023<div><span style="font-family: inherit;">The Arizona QSO Party 2023 is being held <span color="rgb(var(--color_15))">1500z Oct 14 to 0500z Oct 15, 2023 (UTC). I plan on hunting <b><u>Greenlee County</u></b> which is the last AZ County that I need to complete contacts with all counties in the state. If you happen to know the frequency a Greenlee County ham is calling, please let me know.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span color="rgb(var(--color_15))"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span color="rgb(var(--color_15))">Join the party. Make some contacts. Have ham radio fun!</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span color="rgb(var(--color_15))"><br /></span></span></div><div>For more information to go: <a href="https://www.azqp.org/">AZQP - Arizona QSO Party</a></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXkdbvOZSLrKZ7d9o7Xu4k9mFAS9KYX-xDjdH26EBEV-53NzeOA2APPBqMqsrm6kfFmFRqZ_Qc6TBsXsb-lVFab6RqLX52hO2Hitm5IUa_a_6OI53i3eqgGeYDXWii_1gB1ijLk3OQfK6QmbchFy9NEOQXxHkuB0HPOX1tLtCkXTZzHKGGKeFNnq_2rE/s640/640px-Flag_of_Arizona.svg.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="427" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiXkdbvOZSLrKZ7d9o7Xu4k9mFAS9KYX-xDjdH26EBEV-53NzeOA2APPBqMqsrm6kfFmFRqZ_Qc6TBsXsb-lVFab6RqLX52hO2Hitm5IUa_a_6OI53i3eqgGeYDXWii_1gB1ijLk3OQfK6QmbchFy9NEOQXxHkuB0HPOX1tLtCkXTZzHKGGKeFNnq_2rE/s320/640px-Flag_of_Arizona.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arizona State Flag</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X</span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Greenlee County, AZ, USA33.2405598 -109.28315314.9303259638211543 -144.4394031 61.550793636178845 -74.1269031tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6406148269656143201.post-5530591466511642772023-10-06T14:21:00.004+00:002023-10-06T14:41:25.507+00:00Completed 30m ARRL DXCC AwardA big thank you to Vasily (YL3AKH) in Latvia for being my 100th DXCC contact confirmed on LoTW on 30 meters. Latvia is a country in the Baltic region of Northern Europe. Its capital and largest city is Riga. Latvians belong to the ethnolinguistic group of the Balts and speak Latvian. Around 3000 BC, the proto-Baltic ancestors of the Latvian people settled on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.<div><br /></div><div>I am delighted to have earned the ARRL 30 meters DXCC award. It took many years to earn this award. All contacts were made with 100 watts or less and using simple wire antennas.<div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1rFGasDzjqEUIopOTTJnpwTv-6tsU1K8kuWw6mZlpJoly2NpEMqOh7WrFdvD94Yd2I6NyJA-XqNf9kwVYs931CKcX85Tn3M-WL5bdC_48707Zm_AWxCFO7-G9Od4cuWMitGa7ct5nLbgyWgvX6rpHOo0pB_JmiqunSlZHuX-pSZHySwi4qjpCqGF_64/s640/640px-Flag_of_Latvia.svg.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="640" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy1rFGasDzjqEUIopOTTJnpwTv-6tsU1K8kuWw6mZlpJoly2NpEMqOh7WrFdvD94Yd2I6NyJA-XqNf9kwVYs931CKcX85Tn3M-WL5bdC_48707Zm_AWxCFO7-G9Od4cuWMitGa7ct5nLbgyWgvX6rpHOo0pB_JmiqunSlZHuX-pSZHySwi4qjpCqGF_64/s320/640px-Flag_of_Latvia.svg.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flag of Latvia</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div><br /></div>As I write this, I have now completed DXCC on 10 Meters, 15 Meters, 17 Meters, 20 Meters, and 30 Meters. I am working on achieving DXCC on several bands.<br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>12 Meters - I now have an antenna and progressing (69 qualifying contacts confirmed on LoTW).</li><li>40 Meters - Making good progress (93 qualifying contacts confirmed on LoTW)</li><li>80 Meters - Slow progress (40 qualifying contact confirmed on LoTW)</li><li>160 Meters - No antenna.</li></ul>I am also pursuing the DXCC Challenge Award which requires confirming at least 1,000 DXCC band-points on any Amateur bands, 160 through 6 meters (except 60 meters). I presently have 769 contacts confirmed on LoTW toward the DXCC Challenge Award.<br /><br />Good DX and 73, NJ2X<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Good DX and 73,
NJ2X
</div>NJ2Xhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16158090797002144566noreply@blogger.com0Dobele Municipality, Latvia56.5333505 23.063817236.714795216555217 -12.092432800000001 76.351905783444778 58.2200672