V6 for sale.? Unmodified, stock firmware, assembled (with cabinet), and calibrated.? I've made about a dozen CW contacts with it. No SSB contacts only listened to the SSB signal on a web SDR receiver.? I'm never going to get around to messing with it to make CW operation? "convenient." $175 shipped US.? Paypal accepted.? Bob? WB8CAC, currently@...
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Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
...and NOT* use the CW carrier.
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 12, 2020, at 9:16 AM, Joe Puma via Groups.Io <kd2nfc@...> wrote:
? Thanks Evan. I have done the power mod on V3 and also used different sized bias resistors which worked better for my board. ?My power out on CW is slightly higher then on SSB and it¡¯s not because of the CW carrier. My emails are along the 331 emails as I was asking questions so I am familiar with Allison¡¯s mod and comments about the differences between power out on CW And SSB. I know if you¡¯re going to do the mod. It¡¯s best to test your SSB out and use the CW carrier.?
Joe KD2NFC? On Mar 12, 2020, at 9:02 AM, Evan Hand <elhandjr@...> wrote:
?Joe, To the best of my knowledge, the v5 boards have the upgrades in the sections prior to the first mixer (upgrading the 2n3904 to BFR93W) related to SSB performance.? The upgrades that are not done are in the driver and predriver stages where the 2n3904s are suggested to be replaced with 2n2222a or better devices.? Those sections are the same for both CW and SSB and can be modified for more consistent performance per Allison/KB1GMX in messages over a year ago.? The original work was done on the v3 and v4 boards, which then brought up the harmonics and spurs issues.? This lead to the v5 fixes that solved them through both redesign of the output filter sections of the board and the addition of a 45 MHz low pass filter between the 45 MHz IF stage and the first mixer T2.? The 40 meter power "dip" has not been addressed.? I believe that the v5 boards are not as bad as some of the prior boards.? I conjecture that one of the issues was incorrect turns or spacing of the 40 meter lpf inductors that seems to have reduced the problem, but not eliminate it. To get more information of what has been tried to balance power out across bands I would read through the 331 messages that start with this one from Allison: Message #49729 /g/BITX20/message/49729There has not been a significant change to the uBitx in the stages from Q90 through the output lpf, so there is some opportunity to improve, though the output that Rob listed is not as bad as some that have been posted on this message board. All, Above are just suggestions, conjecture, and beliefs on my part.? Please take that into account and please excuse any errors or misconceptions on my part. 73 Evan AC9TU
|
Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
Thanks Evan. I have done the power mod on V3 and also used different sized bias resistors which worked better for my board. ?My power out on CW is slightly higher then on SSB and it¡¯s not because of the CW carrier. My emails are along the 331 emails as I was asking questions so I am familiar with Allison¡¯s mod and comments about the differences between power out on CW And SSB. I know if you¡¯re going to do the mod. It¡¯s best to test your SSB out and use the CW carrier.?
Joe
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 12, 2020, at 9:02 AM, Evan Hand <elhandjr@...> wrote:
?Joe, To the best of my knowledge, the v5 boards have the upgrades in the sections prior to the first mixer (upgrading the 2n3904 to BFR93W) related to SSB performance.? The upgrades that are not done are in the driver and predriver stages where the 2n3904s are suggested to be replaced with 2n2222a or better devices.? Those sections are the same for both CW and SSB and can be modified for more consistent performance per Allison/KB1GMX in messages over a year ago.? The original work was done on the v3 and v4 boards, which then brought up the harmonics and spurs issues.? This lead to the v5 fixes that solved them through both redesign of the output filter sections of the board and the addition of a 45 MHz low pass filter between the 45 MHz IF stage and the first mixer T2.? The 40 meter power "dip" has not been addressed.? I believe that the v5 boards are not as bad as some of the prior boards.? I conjecture that one of the issues was incorrect turns or spacing of the 40 meter lpf inductors that seems to have reduced the problem, but not eliminate it. To get more information of what has been tried to balance power out across bands I would read through the 331 messages that start with this one from Allison: Message #49729 /g/BITX20/message/49729There has not been a significant change to the uBitx in the stages from Q90 through the output lpf, so there is some opportunity to improve, though the output that Rob listed is not as bad as some that have been posted on this message board. All, Above are just suggestions, conjecture, and beliefs on my part.? Please take that into account and please excuse any errors or misconceptions on my part. 73 Evan AC9TU
|
Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
Joe, To the best of my knowledge, the v5 boards have the upgrades in the sections prior to the first mixer (upgrading the 2n3904 to BFR93W) related to SSB performance.? The upgrades that are not done are in the driver and predriver stages where the 2n3904s are suggested to be replaced with 2n2222a or better devices.? Those sections are the same for both CW and SSB and can be modified for more consistent performance per Allison/KB1GMX in messages over a year ago.? The original work was done on the v3 and v4 boards, which then brought up the harmonics and spurs issues.? This lead to the v5 fixes that solved them through both redesign of the output filter sections of the board and the addition of a 45 MHz low pass filter between the 45 MHz IF stage and the first mixer T2.? The 40 meter power "dip" has not been addressed.? I believe that the v5 boards are not as bad as some of the prior boards.? I conjecture that one of the issues was incorrect turns or spacing of the 40 meter lpf inductors that seems to have reduced the problem, but not eliminate it. To get more information of what has been tried to balance power out across bands I would read through the 331 messages that start with this one from Allison: Message #49729 /g/BITX20/message/49729There has not been a significant change to the uBitx in the stages from Q90 through the output lpf, so there is some opportunity to improve, though the output that Rob listed is not as bad as some that have been posted on this message board. All, Above are just suggestions, conjecture, and beliefs on my part.? Please take that into account and please excuse any errors or misconceptions on my part. 73 Evan AC9TU
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Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
Looking at the schematic for the V5, I understand that the way it works is that the CW key line (DC) is fed into mixer 1 along with the Clock #2 signal.? The output signal path from this is then through the 45 MHz low pass filter (I think that's what it is on the schematic) and then into the normal transmit power output chain through Q90.? Isn't that the same as CW?
Regardless, for testing it in SSB, could I use the tune output from a digimode program such as Fldigi?
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Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
Because CW and SSB use different output stages and the mod he¡¯s doing is for SSB. I, sure someone here can explain it better. ?If you don¡¯t want to use a varing whistle use a 1khz tone from your iPhone. (Youtube video). The uBitx is not like other radios. ?
Joe
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 11, 2020, at 11:05 PM, Matthew Chambers NR0Q via Groups.Io <mchambers@...> wrote:
? why? he already did the test with CW which will give the maximum power out vs a whistle which will vary and may have a complex signal component and reduce how much power you see on a non-peak reading meter. in radio shops we always test in either CW or FM for max power out, and then in AM to set the carrier level.
Matthew Chambers, CBT, NR0Q Owner/Engineer
M Chambers Communications Engineering LLC PO BOX 855, Moberly, MO 65270 Mobile (660)415-5620 On Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 9:57 PM Joe Puma < kd2nfc@...> wrote: Do the same test but in SSB. Give a steady whistle. ?
Joe KD2NFC? On Mar 11, 2020, at 10:13 PM, Rob French (KC4UPR) <kc4upr@...> wrote:
? I've collected all my parts to do Allison's transmit chain modifications (BFR106, 2N2222, 11 ohm resistors...).? I'm ready to go... but I wanted to QC my output power first.? Now, I have noticed on 40 meters (where I spend most of my time), that the output power is low, so now that I finally have a power meter, I went ahead and tuned RV1 while transmitting into a dummy load.? I tuned RV1 to get 12W output on 3.500 MHz, and then checked the output power across the rest of the bands.? This is what I got... is this representative of what other people have seen?? I know I'd seen reports of crazy low output power (<1 W) on 10 meters, which I did NOT observe here, obviously.? (Note, all of these were done with CW.)
|
Frequency
|
SWR
|
Power (W)
|
|
3500000
|
1.00
|
12
|
|
4000000
|
1.00
|
9.4
|
|
5332000
|
1.00
|
6.3
|
|
5405000
|
1.00
|
6.2
|
|
7001000
|
1.00
|
6.7
|
|
7300000
|
1.00
|
5.6
|
|
10100000
|
1.00
|
5.2
|
|
10150000
|
1.00
|
4.7
|
|
14000000
|
1.01
|
6.6
|
|
14350000
|
1.01
|
6.2
|
|
18068000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
18168000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
21000000
|
1.04
|
5.8
|
|
21450000
|
1.05
|
8
|
|
24890000
|
1.04
|
4.1
|
|
24990000
|
1.04
|
4
|
|
28000000
|
1.04
|
4.8
|
|
29700000
|
1.03
|
4
|
Any thoughts?? (a) Are these typical of what others have observed?? (b) What can I expect from the transmit modifications, relative to this?? Higher output on 30, 20, 17?
Thanks!
-Rob KC4UPR
PS - Random aside.? So I am using KD8CEC firmware version 1.2.? I noticed something weird on 40 meters... If I tune to exactly 7.000.000 MHz, or lower, in the 40 meter band, I hear the T/R relay switch and the display indicates in CW transmit, but there's 0 W output power.? But if I tune to 7.000.010 or higher, it's fine.? It's kind of like it's enforcing transmit restrictions, except that the ONLY place that it seems to do this is on the bottom end of 40 meters!? I've tried to trace code behavior for the band limiting, and could not identify anything that would make this happen.? Has anyone else observed this???
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Re: uBitx v6 Microphone
#v6
it was simply the feedback from the speaker back into the mic, i guess. by now, i guess you have also changed the calibration of your radio. trying to listen to an ssb on a nearby radio is quite useless. the radio will overload the the carrier will be very loud. the audio from the speaker of the receiving radio will burst into the mic and loop around creating squeals. - f?
On Thu, Mar 12, 2020 at 11:57 AM Rene < rmvanb@...> wrote: Ok Mark, de ssb-signalen zijn goed, nu zonder licentie, ik luister on the bands, most 20 and 40 meters. The tone i hear is like the high tone you here when you start to caibrate, its much louder then my voice and if i disconnect the microphone and push on the key, then TX start to work and still the tone is there. It is also with dummyload and antenna...
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Re: uBitx v6 Microphone
#v6
Ok Mark, de ssb-signalen zijn goed, nu zonder licentie, ik luister on the bands, most 20 and 40 meters. The tone i hear is like the high tone you here when you start to caibrate, its much louder then my voice and if i disconnect the microphone and push on the key, then TX start to work and still the tone is there. It is also with dummyload and antenna...
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Re: uBitx v6 Microphone
#v6
No, i don't use cw, but now the problem is even bigger? i tryed to calibrate again, but the am signals here are week and the ones there are, are next to each other. So i tryed yester day to calibrate again but seems not to work out. This afternoon i'll try again. Thanks for reply.
Greetz
Rene
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Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
why? he already did the test with CW which will give the maximum power out vs a whistle which will vary and may have a complex signal component and reduce how much power you see on a non-peak reading meter. in radio shops we always test in either CW or FM for max power out, and then in AM to set the carrier level.
Matthew Chambers, CBT, NR0Q Owner/Engineer
M Chambers Communications Engineering LLC PO BOX 855, Moberly, MO 65270 Mobile (660)415-5620
On Wed, Mar 11, 2020 at 9:57 PM Joe Puma < kd2nfc@...> wrote: Do the same test but in SSB. Give a steady whistle. ?
Joe KD2NFC? On Mar 11, 2020, at 10:13 PM, Rob French (KC4UPR) <kc4upr@...> wrote:
? I've collected all my parts to do Allison's transmit chain modifications (BFR106, 2N2222, 11 ohm resistors...).? I'm ready to go... but I wanted to QC my output power first.? Now, I have noticed on 40 meters (where I spend most of my time), that the output power is low, so now that I finally have a power meter, I went ahead and tuned RV1 while transmitting into a dummy load.? I tuned RV1 to get 12W output on 3.500 MHz, and then checked the output power across the rest of the bands.? This is what I got... is this representative of what other people have seen?? I know I'd seen reports of crazy low output power (<1 W) on 10 meters, which I did NOT observe here, obviously.? (Note, all of these were done with CW.)
|
Frequency
|
SWR
|
Power (W)
|
|
3500000
|
1.00
|
12
|
|
4000000
|
1.00
|
9.4
|
|
5332000
|
1.00
|
6.3
|
|
5405000
|
1.00
|
6.2
|
|
7001000
|
1.00
|
6.7
|
|
7300000
|
1.00
|
5.6
|
|
10100000
|
1.00
|
5.2
|
|
10150000
|
1.00
|
4.7
|
|
14000000
|
1.01
|
6.6
|
|
14350000
|
1.01
|
6.2
|
|
18068000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
18168000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
21000000
|
1.04
|
5.8
|
|
21450000
|
1.05
|
8
|
|
24890000
|
1.04
|
4.1
|
|
24990000
|
1.04
|
4
|
|
28000000
|
1.04
|
4.8
|
|
29700000
|
1.03
|
4
|
Any thoughts?? (a) Are these typical of what others have observed?? (b) What can I expect from the transmit modifications, relative to this?? Higher output on 30, 20, 17?
Thanks!
-Rob KC4UPR
PS - Random aside.? So I am using KD8CEC firmware version 1.2.? I noticed something weird on 40 meters... If I tune to exactly 7.000.000 MHz, or lower, in the 40 meter band, I hear the T/R relay switch and the display indicates in CW transmit, but there's 0 W output power.? But if I tune to 7.000.010 or higher, it's fine.? It's kind of like it's enforcing transmit restrictions, except that the ONLY place that it seems to do this is on the bottom end of 40 meters!? I've tried to trace code behavior for the band limiting, and could not identify anything that would make this happen.? Has anyone else observed this???
|
Re: Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
Do the same test but in SSB. Give a steady whistle. ?
Joe
toggle quoted message
Show quoted text
On Mar 11, 2020, at 10:13 PM, Rob French (KC4UPR) <kc4upr@...> wrote:
? I've collected all my parts to do Allison's transmit chain modifications (BFR106, 2N2222, 11 ohm resistors...).? I'm ready to go... but I wanted to QC my output power first.? Now, I have noticed on 40 meters (where I spend most of my time), that the output power is low, so now that I finally have a power meter, I went ahead and tuned RV1 while transmitting into a dummy load.? I tuned RV1 to get 12W output on 3.500 MHz, and then checked the output power across the rest of the bands.? This is what I got... is this representative of what other people have seen?? I know I'd seen reports of crazy low output power (<1 W) on 10 meters, which I did NOT observe here, obviously.? (Note, all of these were done with CW.)
|
Frequency
|
SWR
|
Power (W)
|
|
3500000
|
1.00
|
12
|
|
4000000
|
1.00
|
9.4
|
|
5332000
|
1.00
|
6.3
|
|
5405000
|
1.00
|
6.2
|
|
7001000
|
1.00
|
6.7
|
|
7300000
|
1.00
|
5.6
|
|
10100000
|
1.00
|
5.2
|
|
10150000
|
1.00
|
4.7
|
|
14000000
|
1.01
|
6.6
|
|
14350000
|
1.01
|
6.2
|
|
18068000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
18168000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
21000000
|
1.04
|
5.8
|
|
21450000
|
1.05
|
8
|
|
24890000
|
1.04
|
4.1
|
|
24990000
|
1.04
|
4
|
|
28000000
|
1.04
|
4.8
|
|
29700000
|
1.03
|
4
|
Any thoughts?? (a) Are these typical of what others have observed?? (b) What can I expect from the transmit modifications, relative to this?? Higher output on 30, 20, 17?
Thanks!
-Rob KC4UPR
PS - Random aside.? So I am using KD8CEC firmware version 1.2.? I noticed something weird on 40 meters... If I tune to exactly 7.000.000 MHz, or lower, in the 40 meter band, I hear the T/R relay switch and the display indicates in CW transmit, but there's 0 W output power.? But if I tune to 7.000.010 or higher, it's fine.? It's kind of like it's enforcing transmit restrictions, except that the ONLY place that it seems to do this is on the bottom end of 40 meters!? I've tried to trace code behavior for the band limiting, and could not identify anything that would make this happen.? Has anyone else observed this???
|
Transmit Output Power (CW)
#v5
I've collected all my parts to do Allison's transmit chain modifications (BFR106, 2N2222, 11 ohm resistors...).? I'm ready to go... but I wanted to QC my output power first.? Now, I have noticed on 40 meters (where I spend most of my time), that the output power is low, so now that I finally have a power meter, I went ahead and tuned RV1 while transmitting into a dummy load.? I tuned RV1 to get 12W output on 3.500 MHz, and then checked the output power across the rest of the bands.? This is what I got... is this representative of what other people have seen?? I know I'd seen reports of crazy low output power (<1 W) on 10 meters, which I did NOT observe here, obviously.? (Note, all of these were done with CW.)
|
Frequency
|
SWR
|
Power (W)
|
|
3500000
|
1.00
|
12
|
|
4000000
|
1.00
|
9.4
|
|
5332000
|
1.00
|
6.3
|
|
5405000
|
1.00
|
6.2
|
|
7001000
|
1.00
|
6.7
|
|
7300000
|
1.00
|
5.6
|
|
10100000
|
1.00
|
5.2
|
|
10150000
|
1.00
|
4.7
|
|
14000000
|
1.01
|
6.6
|
|
14350000
|
1.01
|
6.2
|
|
18068000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
18168000
|
1.02
|
5.5
|
|
21000000
|
1.04
|
5.8
|
|
21450000
|
1.05
|
8
|
|
24890000
|
1.04
|
4.1
|
|
24990000
|
1.04
|
4
|
|
28000000
|
1.04
|
4.8
|
|
29700000
|
1.03
|
4
|
Any thoughts?? (a) Are these typical of what others have observed?? (b) What can I expect from the transmit modifications, relative to this?? Higher output on 30, 20, 17?
Thanks!
-Rob KC4UPR
PS - Random aside.? So I am using KD8CEC firmware version 1.2.? I noticed something weird on 40 meters... If I tune to exactly 7.000.000 MHz, or lower, in the 40 meter band, I hear the T/R relay switch and the display indicates in CW transmit, but there's 0 W output power.? But if I tune to 7.000.010 or higher, it's fine.? It's kind of like it's enforcing transmit restrictions, except that the ONLY place that it seems to do this is on the bottom end of 40 meters!? I've tried to trace code behavior for the band limiting, and could not identify anything that would make this happen.? Has anyone else observed this???
|
SVHFS 2020 Registration Through April 15th
SVHFS Conference 2020 Registration...The Clock Is Ticking
Pre-registration is open through April 15, 2020. Please use the registration form on the conference web page
?
The 2020 Southeastern VHF Society Conference will be held in Gainesville, Georgia on April 24-25, 2020. Gainesville, GA is approximately 60 miles north of Atlanta in EM84ch. It is about 1.5 miles from I-985.? The Ramada Inn, of Gainesville, Georgia is the conference hotel for the 2020 SVHFS Conference. The hotel is now taking reservations directly. To book your room, please see the or follow this information: The conference rate is $80 per night. To secure this rate, call the hotel directly at 770-531-0907. Do not call Ramada central reservations or book through the Ramada Website. ? Ramada Inn 400 E.E. Butler Parkway Gainesville, GA 30501 770-531-0907 N34.297420 / W083.8222475 ¨C Thanks,
Robin Midgett K4IDC
|
Re: Sasquattch Stomp Reminder
Many Hams think that too. And, I generally manage to get help on 2 meters or 440 - all I ever hear on 11 is cursing and people trying to "stomp" on each other. With a good quarter wave vertical, even ground mounted, you are going to be better for DX than more power on a loaded whip.
?Yes, if you lower the voltage to the finals, the power out drops. ?Contrary to what many (CBers) think, more power does not increase range anywhere near as much as a better antenna. ?I proved that back when I ran a full length whip, compared to shorter antennas. Performed some simple tests using a field strength meter in a unit that also had a signal generator. The full length performed the best both RX and TX. ?For the record, I was one of very few who had the license to legally repair and adjust all radios, not just CBS. ?Now, I have only used a CB when I was on the long trips when I moved here about 14 years ago. 2 meters helped at times, but not often.
Wayne WA2YNE
On Wed, Mar 11, 2020, 10:00 AM Mark Spohr < mhspohr@...> wrote: Doesn't the power decrease when you lower the voltage?
--
Alex Netherton, W5ALX
Buncombe County NC, EM85ro
|
Re: Sasquattch Stomp Reminder
?Yes, if you lower the voltage to the finals, the power out drops. ?Contrary to what many (CBers) think, more power does not increase range anywhere near as much as a better antenna. ?I proved that back when I ran a full length whip, compared to shorter antennas. Performed some simple tests using a field strength meter in a unit that also had a signal generator. The full length performed the best both RX and TX. ?For the record, I was one of very few who had the license to legally repair and adjust all radios, not just CBS. ?Now, I have only used a CB when I was on the long trips when I moved here about 14 years ago. 2 meters helped at times, but not often.
Wayne WA2YNE
On Wed, Mar 11, 2020, 10:00 AM Mark Spohr < mhspohr@...> wrote: Doesn't the power decrease when you lower the voltage?
|
?You can use small gauge electric fence wire. Sold at feed stores such as "Tractor Supply". ?While not as good as copper, aluminum or copperweld, it can work well enough. I forget the price but if comes in very long spools. ?I know a ham that loaded a former electric fence for an antenna. ?Hamsticks are an option, but there is another make, Lake, I think, that HRO sold. ?I have a set of 5 that I bought from them, with a set of bayonet mounts, one stud and 5 that thread onto the whip base. 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 ?The 10 can be adjusted for 12. ?I also have a 6 meter Hamstick, and I bought a magnet mount that has 4 large magnets. Tricky to get onto the roof of a vehicle, a bit trickier to remove. I need to get it off the roof of the house and clean up the magnets. I used it on two different vehicles, and put it on the metal roof on the house with the 6 meter antenna. ?Note, for 6, you can adjust a 5 foot CB whip for 6. Great if you want to work 6 mobile, as a 1/4 wave whip would be about 56 inches. ?BTW, I worked a couple of Mexican hams on 6, that were around the West Coast of Mexico. ?Plus several eastern states. ?I am around 30 miles from Ft Stockton TX, and had some nice openings on 6. ?When I first got the mobile whip set, I set one up on 20, I think it was, at night up in WA, and worked Sweden, Russia and Finland that night. ?In another place, I set up a 75 meter dipole, with ends going around trees so the ends were pointing at each other. Small lot in a mobile home park. Did what I could to be on the air. ?Improvise as you can. ?Use small cheap wire for dipole.? ?Don't need much with QRP rigs. ?They also sell a small tuner kit for an end fed QRP antenna. I have the kit, but have yet to build it. ?I plan a 40 meter dipole, with, maybe, 20 meter legs. Can use some stranded copper I have, if I don't need to use it to repair my 160/75 dipole. ?One end of the 160 was fastened with poly rope that broke, and a helpful person pulled the wire out of the insulator up on a high pole. Trying to figure out how to get that part down, to redo it. ?Main thing is, figure out what you can do, and DO it.
?Wayne WA2YNE ?73
Maybe a tuner with included an artificial ground. At HF I think you could use the cheapest green steel wire for gardening.
|
Maybe a tuner with included an artificial ground. At HF I think you could use the cheapest green steel wire for gardening.
Il 11/mar/2020 21:10, "Mark - N7EKU" < n7eku@...> ha scritto: Hi Chris,
Of course you can run it inside and zigzaging is no big deal.? Just try to keep the angles less than 90 degrees.
But, listening would be a lot more pleasant with the antenna outside; farther away from all the electronic noise makers inside the apartment.? An option would be an endfed antenna.? It could start at a window or balcony and the end could just be tossed over a tree.? MyAntennas makes some good ones, or you can check out AA5TB's website and make your own.? With the antenna starting on the 3rd floor and the end up in a tree somewere, there would be little chance I think for theives to get at it.
73,
Mark
|
Hi Chris,
Of course you can run it inside and zigzaging is no big deal.? Just try to keep the angles less than 90 degrees.
But, listening would be a lot more pleasant with the antenna outside; farther away from all the electronic noise makers inside the apartment.? An option would be an endfed antenna.? It could start at a window or balcony and the end could just be tossed over a tree.? MyAntennas makes some good ones, or you can check out AA5TB's website and make your own.? With the antenna starting on the 3rd floor and the end up in a tree somewere, there would be little chance I think for theives to get at it.
73,
Mark
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Chris,
All is not lost if you can run an antenna inside unless you live in a faraday cage. Stow the half wave dipole until your living situation changes to a more opportunistic location or use it for portable outings. Assumption is your apartment is on ground floor since don't indicate otherwise. Tacking a wire at the top of a wall and the edge of the ceiling or across the ceiling would be good. With a long drill you may be able to drill a small hole through the headers above doorways to continue your run of wire without having to bend it down through the doorway and up to the ceiling on the opposite side of the doorway.You may be able to build a balanced dipole for the higher bands, e.g. 10m, 12m, and 15m. It depends where your station is placed regarding your antenna feed. The close it is to the end of an endfed the better. Be sure to use an unun balun and ATU for endfed antennas. 18 awg to 22 awg has worked well for my ranch, single floor duplex. Not my primary antenna but I had to try it. It does work. Not optimally but surprisingly at times.
If you have access to the attic or a crawl space you may gain another foot or two of height. Of course, if your apartment is located in a multi-floor building the higher your apartment above ground the better. Another option is building a magnetic loop. It can be mounted on a short pole or camera tripod inside your apartment, preferably near an open window. You need to know how the walls of your apartment are constructed. My apartment walls have solid foam insulation with aluminum foil on both faces. No RF will penetrate the walls. Therefore my antenna needed to be at the top of the wall or higher.
Whatever your selection is may work some of the time. It will never be ideal. Sometimes you will be surprised from the contact if it is a DX QSO. You may only be able to work NVIS contacts but you will be able to work. Until you change your living condition you may have to take your equipment mobile/portable for ideal antenna deployment.
Best 72, KB8AMZ, Terry
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I feel that reducing transmit power from 5 watts to maybe 3 watts would be more challenging and fun than increasing power. I have been QRP since my first QSO. Last night I worked a 5 watt QSO from NE Ohio to Lithuania. Your rules though. Just giving my opinion. Best 72, KB8AMZ
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Alex Netherton
Terry L. Morris