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D-RATS RF Access Point


 

I have completed testing of the UHF and VHF radios and have shut them down. I am satisfied the radios are stable. My next task is to get an HF station going at my location so I can test D-RATS on HF. I am currently seeking a suitable radio. I have narrowed my frequency choice to 30 or 40 meters. I am still on the fence about using AFSK or BPSK modems. I will post here when I am ready for HF testing.


Thanks,

Patrick (N3TSZ)


Mitch Winkle
 

Patrick,

Excellent news.? 30 or 40 would work with you me and a few others I know who are good for testing in our region.? I am good on either band.

I might suggest that AFSK be the first step since it is easy to integrate on any OS platform (Direwolf, UZ7HO).? You won't see a ton of difference in throughput, maybe less actually using BPSK, but if condx are rough, switching to BPSK 125R will get you through pretty well, and it works ok on NVIS and Skywave? because the signal is a bit wider than 31, or 63.? Mitigates the doppler issues.

It might be good to round up the troops on "TheRovers" RATS channel to coordinate testing.

On your antenna selection, if you have 150 feet or so, try an 80m OCF dipole.? They work great and you don't need them very high if you want NVIS on 80 and 40.? Sky kicks in fine with 20 and higher.? 30 has a mind of it's own. ;)?? If you are short on space, you can use a 40m version at half the length or you can bend the long end of the 80m version, keeping the included angle > 90 degrees.? Mine is only 15 feet or so above ground at the center.? The short leg slopes down to about 10 ft.? The long leg is more or less flat.? Needs a tuner for 30 and 15, but otherwise, with careful trimming, you won't need much in the way of a tuner.? I have a PDF of how to construct one if anyone wants it.? Find it here :?



Mitch, AB4MW
--
Mitch Winkle

...How long will you go limping between two different opinions? If the LORD is God, follow him...
1 Kings 18 ESV