A couple of months ago, I stumbled across NR6C, Gregory's website where he detailed a modification that he came up with that upgraded the stock tuning dials on his Ameritron AL-800H HF amplifier. What caught my eye about this modification was how fast he claimed that he could tune up his amp after performing this modification. I have the same amplifier and thought this would be a great idea for me to try, as well.

In addition to the precision vernier dials, the key to this modification is the adapter plate and the shaft extensions that Gregory makes in his shop. I contacted him about obtaining the necessary parts and he was more than willing to help me out! He offered to send me the necessary parts and directed me to where I could order the precision verniers from Henry Radio on eBay, which is located here: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-5...0001&campid=5336136228&icep_item=330837447160. As you can see the the numbered dials make...

A short while ago I posted pictures of my installation of the Elecraft KX3 2 meter board. I also shot a video of the whole process, as well:

The new ThumbDV, a USB based version of the popular DV3000 AMBE™ board is now available for order from NW Digital Radio. By adding the ThumbDV to your PC, Mac, or Linux machine, you can now use your computer's mic and speakers to access the popular D-Star network. In addition, the AMBE-3000 chip supports other digital modes, such as DMR, System Fusion, dPMR, NXDN, P25 Phase 2 HR, and others (required software for these modes is in various stages of development). The price is $119.95 and is available direct from NW Digital Radio: http://nwdigitalradio.com/thumbdv-ordering-now-open

This is my attic 40/20/10 meter fan dipole that I installed in my attic today. In my opinion, it's a work of art! All I did was make spacers out of 1/2" PVC tubing the wire is spaced 6" off center. Then I combined my 40,20, & 10 meter antenna with a w2au balun that was part of my 10 meter antenna.
So far I am tuning around the bands and it is GREAT! Using my repaired MFJ-266 analyzer I am getting great SWR readings on 40,20,&10. I am able to tune 17, & 15 meters with my internal antenna tuner 12 meters is not happening but I can get that with my A99. I am going to get an IMax 2k in the spring to cover 10 and 12... for local talk



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On 11/11/2014, the FCC's Office of Engineering and Technology approved the new Yaesu FT-991 portable HF & 2m/440 transceiver.



Based on this approval, the new rig should be available very soon, probably even before Christmas. Several popular retailers have listed the price at about $1700.

When the Wouxun KG-UV8D VHF/UHF handheld radio was launched earlier this year featuring a large color screen, dual VFOs with crossband repeat, I knew I wanted to try one out. I recently ordered the radio from Powerwerx.com for $150, who becaue I'm local, had it delivered to me within a day.

The radio comes with the basic necessities that all Wouxun radios come with: radio, battery, antenna, belt clip, drop-in charger, wrist strap and manual. Here's a pic of the radio assembled next to the charger:


Although this radio isn't much smaller than the other Wouxun radios, the shape and size makes it feel really good in the hand. I think the ergonomics are excellent.



As you can see in the following picture, the radio is fairly small, similar in size to the Icom ID-51:...

I recently ordered the 2 meter transverter option for the Elecraft KX3 and did the install. Here are the photos.

This is the final assembly of the board, absent the shield that snaps on top:


To install the board, you have to remove the tuner (if installed), add the SMA connector, then replace the mounting screws for the tuner with posts, and then reinstall the tuner. This procedure is all very simple and only takes a few minutes. You also have to install two cables, one that runs to the local oscillator and the other that attaches to the 2m board for the antenna. These cables simply snap onto the mounting posts on the KX3 board. Lastly you mount the 2 meter board and then attach the RF shield (not shown.

Here are the pics that show the two cable runs.

Antenna:
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The Tromelin Island DXPedition is now on the air, operating as FT4TA for the next 10 days. Tromelin Island is just east of Madagascar and this is a very rare contact. The last time it was on the air was year 2000 or so. More information can be found on their website at http://www.tromelin2014.com/en/

Ameritron has finally released the long anticipated update to the ALS-1300 solid state amp, the ALS-1306 1.2KW amp which now includes 6 meters.



Other updates include minor changes to the various indicator lights and included 10/12 meters (this is an option on the ALS-1300). The price is $3299 or $400 more than it's predecessor. The amplifier uses the same MRF-150 FETs, has a very similar chassis size and the same power supply as the ALS-1300.

A little while ago, I discovered that my little 2m/400 SWR/Power meter had bit the dust while I was trying to tune a 440Mhz base antenna. Unfortunately, my MFJ-259 analyzer only covered up to 2 meters, so I decided it was time to look for a new analyzer that could cover HF through 400+Mhz. I had been looking lustily at the RigExpert line of analyzers and decided to go with the AA-600 analyzer that covers 0.1-600Mhz. I ordered the unit from rigexpert.net at a price of $575 shipped and had the unit in my hands in a few days.

Here is everything that comes in the package: The analyzer, a carry pouch, the manual, Antscope software, USB cable, 3 NiMh AA batteries with charger, and a S0-239 to N connector adapter.



Here is a close-up shot of the analyzer turned on showing the initial menu:...