Author Archives: fjk

Indiana QSO Party (May 3rd and 4th)

Posted on by April 22, 2014

The Indiana QSO party will be held May 3rd and 4th.  I have not decided whether I will operate SSB, CW or both during the contest.  I am in Morgan county.  While Morgan County is not the rarest Indiana county it does seem to be needed by many County Hunters.

I hope to work many of you during the IQP.

Here is some information on the Indiana QSO Party:

The purpose of the Indiana QSO Party (INQP) is to encourage contact with Indiana amateur radio stations by other Indiana hams and hams worldwide. Stations outside of Indiana work Indiana stations only. Indiana stations work everybody, including other Indiana stations. See the rules for the rest of the details.

The INQP returns May 3-4, 2014.
The rules for 2014 are unchanged except for the addition of a bonus station (Indianapolis Radio Club 100 year anniversary).

The full rules are available at:  http://www.hdxcc.org/inqp/

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

Warmer Weather and Clear Skies

Posted on by March 31, 2014
LinkScope

Goethe Link Observatory 36 Inch modified Cassegrain Telescope

Tonight we took advantage of the clear skies and new moon by opening the 36″ Goethe Link telescope.  The weather this winter in Central Indiana has provided very few opportunities for amateur astronomers.   Normally cold weather would not prevent us from using the Link Observatory or our own telescopes.  However, observing this winter has been very difficult because of frequent snow storms and weeks of overcast conditions which have only allowed us to get out and observe one night this winter.

My wife and I are just starting to dip our toes into astrophotography.  Like ham radio, astrophotography is a hobby that offers endless opportunities to spend money! We are trying to start slowly without sinking a fortune in specialized equipment.  A friend loaned us a small planetary camera to try out before we purchase our own.

M42 Orion Nebula

M42 Orion Nebula

We decided to try it out on the Link 36 inch scope last night.  Our first photo clearly shows our lack of experience.  However, it was really exciting to see our first crude image materialize on the laptop’s screen. The photo on the left is of M42, the Orion Nebula.  It shows the Trapezium (stars which form a trapezoid) and the large Nebula (gas and dust around the Trapezium).  The Orion Nebula is visible with binoculars but you won’t see any color with binoculars because our night adjusted eyes cannot see the color.  However a CCD camera can capture the color.  I’m hoping our astrophotography skills will improve with more practice.

Locating Orion Nebula, M42

Locating Orion Nebula, M42

 

 

If you would like to look at the Orion Nebula in your binoculars here is a chart that will help you locate it.

 

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

 

 

Skywarn Training

Posted on by March 8, 2014

Skywarn-LogoLast night my wife and I attended the annual SkyWarn training session held by the Bloomington Amateur Radio Club.  These sessions are held each year as a training course for new spotters and as a refresher for existing spotters.  The training provides information on recognizing dangerous weather conditions and how to stay safe when severe weather is approaching.  Each year my wife and I learn something new from these excellent training sessions.

Even if you are not interested in becoming a storm spotter, I recommend that you look up your local SkyWarn group and attend one of their introductory training sessions.  What you learn may save your life.

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

A Little Snow and a Little Contesting

Posted on by March 2, 2014
More Snow at Our Farm

More Snow at Our Farm

We caught a bit of a break this weekend with the weather.  Instead getting the 5 to 8 inches of snow the National Weather Service predicted, we only received about 2 inches.    Never-the-less the ground is now white again and the temperatures are dropping toward single digits!

I used the snow as an excuse to spend a few hours working DX during the ARRL SSB DX contest.  The propagation was very good on 10m and 15m with both bands staying open late into the night. The contest was a good opportunity to become more proficient operating the KX3 and KXPA100. I got a lot of practice selecting the correct DSP settings for the crowded band conditions.

The KX3’s receiver continues to amaze me in how it is able to pull week stations out from between much stronger stations.  The DSP and flexible passband settings can literally pop stations out of the garble.

Here is a summary of my part time effort.

Band QSOs Points Countries
20m 28 144 27
15m 114 342 45
10m 157 471 53
Total 319 957 125
Score 119,625

More Snow on the Way

Posted on by February 28, 2014

This weekend is shaping up to be a good weekend to spend some time on the radio.

So far our winter has been one of the snowiest and coldest on record in Central Indiana.  Over the past week we had just enough of a warm spell to melt off most of the snow that had accumulated  since January.  Unfortunately, the temperatures have already dropped back into single digits.  If the return to frigid temperatures were not enough, today the National Weather Service gave us a ground hog day moment by predicting 5-8 inches of snow for this weekend. Ugh!  It is starting to feel a lot like the winters I experienced while living in Syracuse, New York where 100 to 150 inches of snow annually was typical.

Regardless of the weather, as long as the power stays on and the antennas stay up I should be able to spend some time working a little DX during the ARRL SSB DX contest this weekend.

Surprise Award

Posted on by February 25, 2014
2012 Sweepstakes 1st Place Indiana Single Op, High Power, Unlimited

2012 Sweepstakes
1st Place Indiana
Single OP, High Power, Unlimited

I was pleasantly surprised a couple of weeks ago when I received an envelope from the ARRL which contained a certificate showing that I had won 1st Place in the Indiana Section in the “Single Operator, High Power, Unlimited” category of the 2012 SSB Sweepstakes. The certificate also has a sticker confirming that I made a clean sleep which was my primary objective during the contest. Please don’t burst my bubble by telling me I was the only entrant in this category!

Regardless, I don’t participate in contests for the awards, and it’s a good thing because this is the only contest award I have ever received.  I participate in contests because I enjoy making contacts with hundreds of other Hams in a single weekend.  I find it really exciting to “work all states” or a hundred or more countries in a single weekend.  My goal in most contests is to score higher than the previous year.  I enter some contests just to try something new; like I did earlier this month when I operated RTTY for the first time during the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest.  It was a lot of fun setting up the station to work RTTY.  It was even more fun when I put my RTTY setup on the air to make a few contacts during the contest.

If your getting tired of doing the same old things with your ham station all the time, consider trying contesting.  Jump right in and give out a few contacts the next time you hear the band full of other hams calling “CQ Contest”.  You might find you actually enjoy the action. If you want to know what contests are occurring each weekend, be sure to check out WA7BNM’s Contest Calendar at:

http://www.hornucopia.com/contestcal/weeklycont.php. 

Bruce does an excellent job providing nearly everything you need to know about up-coming contests.

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

KX3 / KXPA100 Given First Workout in ARRL DX CW Contest

Posted on by February 23, 2014
KXPA100 with Optional Antenna Tuner

KXPA100 with Optional Antenna Tuner

I am a little late getting this posted because I have been busy setting my station up for RTTY operation (a new mode for me) for the NAQP RTTY contest.  

However, last week I received the Elecraft KXPA-100 amplifier which was backordered at the time I ordered the KX3.  The KXPA100 is a compact 100 watt amplifier designed to boost the QRP signal from the KX3 up to the 100 watt level of a standard transceiver. It is primarily designed for those wanting to use the KX3 as both a portable QRP rig and a primary home transceiver.

KX3 and KXPA100 In Operation

KX3 and KXPA100
In Operation

The KXPA100 when inter-connected to the KX3 using the CAT 5 interface cable will work seamlessly with the KX3.  Once the KX3 and KXPA100 are connected all of the functions of the KXPA100 are controlled from the KX3; including the amplifier on/off, band changes, antenna tuner and output power adjustment.  When the KX3 power is increased above 10 watts the KXPA100 kicks in.  When the power is set below 10 watts the KXPA100 is internally bypassed.  The optional internal antenna tuner (located in the  KXPA100) will automatically track and adjust with band changes.  Like most automatic antenna tuners it contains memories that remember the settings per frequency segment and antenna selected (Ant 1 or 2).  If the tuner does need to re-tune the process takes just a few seconds.  The turner is wide ranged and should be able to match any reasonable antenna.

I wanted to give the new KX3 and KPA100 a try so I decided to make a few contacts during the ARRL CW DX contest last weekend.  I had only planned to make 90 to 100 contacts but once I started, I was having so much fun with the KX3 that I found it hard to quit.

The KX3 is a marvelous CW rig.  When combined with the KXPA100 it is a near perfect CW contest rig.  I found it’s CW operation more enjoyable than my Icom 756 Pro III.  The KX3’s receiver is very quiet and does an extraordinary job separating strong signals that are copious during contest operation.  I didn’t experience any receiver de-sensing by strong adjacent signals as I sometimes do with the Icom 756 Pro III.  I’m not putting Icom 756 Pro III down because it also does a great job in crowded band conditions, the KX3 with it’s roofing filter and latest generation DSP outperformed the 756 Pro III in my hands on testing.

Here is a summary of my results:

ARRL CW DX Contest – ALL Band, Low Power, Assisted (S&P)

Band QSOs Points Countries
40m 46 138 25
20m 110 327 46
15m 94 282 43
10m 126 378 49
Total 376 1125 163

Total Score:  183,375

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

Using a Modified SignaLink™ for FSK Transmission

Posted on by February 23, 2014
KC9QQ Ready for NAQP RTTY Contest

KC9QQ
Ready for NAQP RTTY Contest

After the CQWW WPX RTTY contest I decided to modify my RTTY setup so that it could operate FSK instead of AFSK.  I wanted to do this because in the CQ WPX RTTY contest I had experienced several cases where the SSB filters (the only filters available during AFSK operation) didn’t provide the desired selectivity.  In a previous post (SignaLink™ USB Not Transmitting) I talked about the modifications made to my SignaLink™ for FSK operation.  I decided to tryout the modification in the NAQP RTTY contest on Saturday.

I didn’t have a lot of time to operate because I needed to take several hours off to attend our monthly astronomy club meeting.  However, I was able to spend enough time with the new setup to realize that being able to use the RTTY filters in the Icom 756 Pro III resulted in a substantial improvement over the SSB filters.

The RTTY filters were able to do a much better job providing error free copy of stations adjacent to other strong signals.  In a few instances, I used the Icom 756 Pro III’s  dual peaking filter to pull weak stations out of the noise.  I was impressed.  There were a couple of stations that I was only able to copy about 50% of their transmission, but after I activated the dual peaking RTTY filter I copied them error free.  I limited my use of the dual peaking filter because it did make it a little more difficult to tune in stations, but it was just a click away when I would run across a weak station that needed a little boost to be pulled out of the noise.

A Lesson Learned

I want to thank the station that took the time to tell me that I was off frequency.  I was about 50 contacts into the contest, but seemed to be having problems being heard on the first or second call.  Several stations had sent Agn? Agn? after I made my call.  After I called one very busy station at least four times he came back and told me that I was off frequency.  I looked at my radio and realized that I had left the RIT on!  I turned the RIT off and stations quit asking me to repeat my call and report!  Murphy is alive and well.  I didn’t plan on setting any records; I just wanted work a new mode, hand out a few contacts and have some fun.  All three objectives were accomplished.

Here is a summary of my results:

NAQP RTTY February 2014:  Low Power, All Band

Band QSOs Points Sections
80m 24 24 18
40m 43 43 22
20m 15 15 12
15m 30 30 13
10m 24 24 9
Total 136

Final Score:   10,200

SignaLink™ USB Not Transmitting

Posted on by February 23, 2014

If you have ever had trouble getting the SignaLink™ to go into the transmit mode perhaps  you may find this article helpful.

After I operated in the CQ WW WPX RTTY contest I decided to modify my setup so that I could run my Icom 756 Pro III in the RTTY mode, in order to take advantage of the 756 Pro III’s nice RTTY filters.  This meant I had to switch from AFSK transmission to FSK transmission.  Since the SignaLink does not support FSK output  I started searching for a different interface which that would allow me to operate FSK.  While I was searching for other interfaces I came across an article written by K7SFN describing how to modify the SignaLink™ for FSK transmission.

Here is a link to Frank’s nice modification: http://www.k7sfn.com/projects/signalink.html.

SignaLink FSK Modification for Icom 756 Pro III

SignaLink FSK Modification for Icom 756 Pro III

I made the modifications to the SignaLink™ described in Frank’s article.  I also made a serial cable to connect between my shack computer and the FSK keying jack I had installed on the back of the SignaLink.

I reconnected the SignaLink™ to my computer and radio and setup MTTY to work with the new FSK setup.  I fired up the rig and MTTY and was receiving RTTY as I expected.  I then connected my Icom 756 Pro III to a dummy load to test the FSK keying circuit I had added.  When I tried to transmit, the SignaLink™ would not go into transmit (the PTT led would not come on).  I then spent two frustrating hours trying to figure what I might have messed up making the modification.  I even fired up Fldigi to see if I could transmit PSK-31 and it would no longer transmit.  I was concerned that I might have damaged my SignaLink making the modification.

Rather than lead you through my whole trouble shooting process I’ll just cut to the chase.  I followed the troubleshooting guide in the SignalLink manual  and could not correct the problem.  I then went to their website to see if they had any other solutions.  On the website they had the following statement:

My SignaLink™ USB was working perfectly but now will no longer Transmit – This is the most common problem we hear about and it is virtually **always** due to the software volume controls being reset by Windows.  This can happen if you unplug the USB cable, change the default sound card in Windows, or accidentally mute the SignaLink’s output.  Other things can cause this to happen as well, so please check your Windows software volume controls carefully.  Note that they will most likely be reset exactly opposite of how they should be set, so they can look correct at a glance.

I then repeated Tigertronic’s audio setup procedure and the SignaLink™ started transmitting again.  I don’t have any idea why windows behaves this way, but beware if your SignaLink™ will no longer transmit, be sure to go back through the audio level setup described in the SignaLink™ manual.  Had I known this could occur I would have saved myself several hours of troubleshooting.

I can now continue to use the SignaLink™ to receive RTTY and use FSK instead of AFSK for transmitting. I plan to try out the new setup during the North American QSO Party RTTY contest this weekend.

73,

Fred, KC9QQ

My CW Progress

Posted on by February 26, 2014

During most of the time I have been a ham (other than my year as a novice) I haven’t spent much time operating CW.  After I passed the 13 wpm CW test for my General Class License, I pushed CW aside and operated SSB on the HF bands and FM on the local repeators.

This was definitely a mistake because my speed degraded over time and I missed out on the opportunity of becoming a proficient CW operator. I also lost many years of enjoyable CW operation.  Now that I am older and my ears or not as good as they once were, I have found that improving my speed and ability to copy CW has been a slow but rewarding adventure.

I have always been amazed watching or hearing other hams carrying on CW conversations at 20-25 words a minute; taking only an occasional note.  A ham I used to work with could carry on a CW conversation at 35+ wpm while also having a conversation with someone in the shack!  I found that truly amazing.  I’m sure I will probably never be able to copy 35+ words per minute while carrying on a conversation with someone in the shack, but I have at least set a goal of being able to head copy normal QSOs at 25+ words per minute.

Elecraft K2 During Assembly

Elecraft K2
During Assembly

After I retired in 2008 I put my TS-520 back on the air and spent more than a year operating SSB in contests and chasing DX.

In 2009 I decided to purchase an Elecraft K2 (10 Watt) transceiver kit; to re-experience the joy I had found building Heathkit and Knightkit kits during my early early ham years.

K2 Interior

K2 Interior

The Elecraft K2 is a marvelous kit; which was somewhat more challenging to build than the Heathkits and Knightkits I had built, but the end product turned out to be a transceiver that worked as well or better than many commercially built models. When it was finished I realized that its receiver was practically as good as my Icom 756 Pro III. Since my K2 was initially configured for only CW, I had to us CW to tryout my new masterpiece. I discovered that I really enjoyed operating CW, but my speed  and comprehension were below the 13 wpm I had mastered to get my General license.

I decided to work on improving my CW skills.  I have made significant progress from my sub-13 wpm speeds, but I’m still not copying as well as I want to.  Therefore, I continue regular practice to further improve my speed.  For my practice sessions I use three programs. They are:

  1. Morse Runner  http://www.dxatlas.com/morserunner/
  2. G4FON (Kock method Trainer)  http://www.g4fon.net/CW%20Trainer.htm
  3. RufzXP  http://www.rufzxp.net/
G4FON Kock Trainer

G4FON Kock Trainer

I started with G4FON which will send random code groups, simulated QSOs, and a list of common words using the Koch method.  In the Kock method of learning the individual letters are sent at the user selected final speed (e.x. 25 wpm) you hope to achieve but the letters are spaced out to a lower user selected speed (e.x. 15 wpm). This is done to help you learn what the letters sound like at the high speed,  but with the letters spaced out so you have a little more time to think between letters while you are learning.  Initially, I tried to copy down all of the letters, but I found that I was unable to write the letters down much faster than 20 wpm.  Therefore, I would run sessions where I would listen to complete words without trying to write them down.  This removed the pressure of trying to write down each letter and it helped me begin to form the sound of the words in my head.

Morse Runner Contest Simulator

Morse Runner
Contest Simulator

Morse Runner is contest simulator.  When you run Morse Runner you set your desired operating speed and call CQ.  Stations then call you and you have to correctly copy their call letters and exchange to receive credit for the QSO.  The program setup can be customized to provide a very realistic simulation of actual contest QSOs; including QRN, QRM, multiple callers and even LIDS.  This program has helped me to combine copying the code with keying the received code into my computer. Developing this skill is essential for CW contesting.  The neat thing about Morse Runner is that it adds and element of fun to your CW practice.  You really have the feeling your are participating in a real contest.  Since it is focused purely on contesting it doesn’t help a great deal with head copying conversations but it is very effective in helping one to simultaneously copy and type call letters and contest exchanges (serial number).

RufzXP High Speed Callsign Trainer

RufzXP
High Speed Callsign Trainer

The program I find the most challenging is RufzXP.  RufzXP sends call letters which you must accurately copy.  Each time you correctly copy a set of call letters RufzXP increases its sending speed for the next set of call letters.  Some of the sets of call letters can be very long such as: JA1ZPM/KP5/QRP.  It will send a set of 50 call signs.  You are graded on the number of correct call signs and on your maximum speed.  It is almost impossible to not make mistakes because it keeps speeding up until you do make a mistake.  However,  it is very effective at pushing you above your best speed;  which is a key factor needed to increase your speed.

So how is my CW today.  Well it is still not as good as my goal, but I am getting much better. During contests I am able to copy call letters and exchanges at 20-25 wpm.  When the call letters come at me at 30-35 wpm (especially with lots of dits! e.x. HB5HSI) I often have to listen to the call sign several times to get the correct call.  I try to operate several CW contests year, both for the enjoyment and to improve my skill.

As far as rag-chew QSOs, I can now head copy around 20+ wpm but I am still 5-10 wpm below where I would like to be.  Also sometimes a longer word will throw me and cause me to miss a couple more words just trying to get my brain back in sync!

I’ve heard a lot of hams explain how their speed was 10 wpm and after they worked Sweepstakes one weekend their speed had miraculously increased to 25 wpm.  I assume these stories are true, but I that has not been my experience.  Every gain in speed I have achieved has taken hard work and hours of practice.  I’m sure a big part of my problem is because my ears are just not as good as they used to be.  I have mild tinitus  in both ears which is probably slowing my progress.  However, even with that handicap, my speed continues to improve-albeit not as fast as I would like.  At least, now my speed is high enough that I enjoy just listening to CW QSOs.

What is the solution?  There is no doubt that the only way to get my speed above 25 wpm is continued practice and on-the-air operation.  With a little luck, I think this will be the year I achieve my goal.

73,

Fred,  KC9QQ