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KQ4LRC

@kq4lrc

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followers

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HF - VHF/UHF kinda guy. Based in Central AL currently.

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The FT 840 is out and the G90 manpack build is in!

Made a Throw antenna with a cobrahead [positive = 44ft x negative = 25ft counterpoise] and this thing tuned up easily! Based off of @_the_communicator post. My theory was treat it like a 150/160, first test is good.

Made a contact out to Naples FL from Hinseville GA, approx 400 miles at 4 watts.

Attempted to configure JS8 Call on the fly with the digirig lite, didnt happen this time.

Next purchase for this manpack build is a set of armorloq frames and a affordable bag to match.

#hf #hamradio #manpack #g90 #amateurradio by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

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a year ago

Was out looking at a new to me thrift store today with my wife. Found these gems while there.

The DIY book was something id never seen before. This is the 1990s edition. I didnt grow up learning how to fix anything really. Only in the past few years have I started to lean more to DIY, and this book will forever be a reference now. by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

Crafting some panels for the SIGBOX. Use to only be velcro and im changing that this week.

Ive followed @thetechprepper for a while now and always envied his cool guy FZ M1 and the panasonic family for there durability. I came close to buying a FZ M1 MK2 but one of his videos reminded me "My needs are different then others." One dag id like to have a rugged device but the need isnt there yet.

Stay tuned for further development of this little cyberdeck box. Ill include a product on how to make it once im satisfied. by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

Building a 20 meter vertical 1/4 wave, based on Salty White[K40G0]

One long wire on the positive terminal, 4 wires of the same length on the negative terminal.

Measurements made from ChatGPT as im still learning how to build antennas(properly) for my trusdx.

Hoping this deployment will be better and a lower SWR. I dont have a choke and need to research more on them. Ill take any suggestions to improve on this!

KQ4LRC by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

So, in summary, this is my second attempt at getting a digital success on the trusdx and it worked. But my antenna DIY skills suck still.

1️⃣First attempt: Spent a few hours with my buddy and his nanovna trying to dial im the SWR of my inverted vee 40m dipole. We both feel semi-competent in antennas. We were both left stumped after this. We got to about a 2-3 SWR after starting from a 5-8 SWR. Our main tools were ChatGPT, the nanvna, and electrical tape as we literally trimmed the wire. The endstate achieved was we could recieve js8 but no one recieved or at least acknowledged us.

2️⃣Second attempt: Its Field Day.
Doing some more research on dipole antenna tuning, I disoveted the ends of my setup were too close to the ground [about 6 inches]. Science says, the ground will screw with SWR if the wire is close / touching. I also learned you can fold / twist the wire length instead of cutting it and the same result is achieved on tuning.
I put the ends about 3 ft off the ground and went for an inverted vee configuration again. It was mid-day, I assume the band was closed as I heard nothing after double checking my setup.
Later at night, about 2200 and after switching to a normal dipole configuration, I made contact as pictured above. It was awesome, but random contacts are the end goal for me. I need to make some distant HF friends.
After making contact I fired up the FT840 and just listened to the busy bands for a while.

📶SWR: Hit 2-3.8 SWR and had an output of 2.5 watts. Yes the SWR bounces to 9 but I assume that was the wind.

📻TRUSDX
I think this radio isnt for me, at least not with my current antenna understanding. Im not giving up, but I am definitely purchasing a G90 later this year instead. taken in Hinesville, Georgia by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

Been a hot minute and ive been busy with life and the hobbies.

As far as the hobbies, I first built my cybrtdeck ive named SIGBOX. Will be using it for all things radio and computers, just Windows 11 dual booted with Kali - until I get more comfy with Linix.

Secondly, I got this trusdx. I am going to conduct my maiden voyage into digital modes with an attempt via only the USB cable. Ive done my homework and verified the CAT works per DL2MANs tutorial on youtube. Bad weather approaching today so ill throw up the 40m antenna tomorrow. Hopefully ill have a great success.

Why did I not give more love to my FT 840??? I just want to get portable and ill need to spend over $100 to make the 840 work digital. After I validate this - or devalidate[?] - ill get it on digital and share my findings with both.

- KQ4LRC taken in Savannah, Georgia by @kq4lrc

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a year ago

FIRST CONTACT!!!

Set out to achieve a 15 ft mast with pvc piping. Inspired by OE 254. .. Getting 10ft up was easy enough, getting 15ft was a bit of a battle but the rush of being heard was amazing.. Made two contacts into SC and NC.

Next project:
- Digital Modes(What ways are there to achieve this with a 840?)
- 20Ft Antenna
- Easier way to stow cables and ropes for quick deployment
- Find a buddy to make contatcs with taken in Savannah, Georgia by @kq4lrc

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2 years ago

Got a lil CB radio to the truck. Kind of always wanted one and the new Twister pushed me over the edge into it. No regrets!

This is just my initial setup with this little CB 27 Pro from Raddiodity. Definitely will improve the installation later with a direct connection to the battery and a better antenna setup.

In the picture:
Used the box the radio came in with some tape in my Ram 1500 Tradesmen(2018). Considering mounting it long term with a improvised clip in the center cup holder or to the center dash wall. by @kq4lrc

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2 years ago

Got the Yaesu FT 840 up on the air finally!

Currently is seems im only able to listen. Learned the hard way that in the back yard I probably need 12ft of height, not 6ft for 40m. Looking next into building a main mast for it.

Original concept was to copy the @thetechprepper 40m/80m build video. It definitely has helped me get started.

Next goals:
1. Better mast, at least 12ft tall and home made
2. Establish contact on 40m with someone in the state or SE region
3. Look into CAT/FT8 with the 840 and digirig

#hamradio #hamradiooperator #hf #techprepper taken in Georgia by @kq4lrc

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2 years ago

2m/70cm and my first radio, this UV9R-Pro.

So far ive made only one contact with some locals and only barely. Didnt know how to setup repeaters properly at the time. Now I do and barely anyone aside from some CW... Definitely going to invest in HF next.

#baofeng #uv9r#hamradio #amateurradio by @kq4lrc

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3 years ago