Recent content by KK6FVT

Hahaha! Ironically, the first thread/build I find when searching AMFONE is a quad 4x1 linear. If your shack is cold, building something of those power levels might not be a bad idea. 73, Eli

Couldn't be worse than this. 15kW linear over a bet on a case of beer. That being said, you're right. By all means, I could have picked a far easier tube, run at a far better voltage (5kV isn't anyone's idea of fun). I can't think of any way to provide specific justification for why I picked...

Ideally I'd be looking at those bands - 10-80m. I've seen builds allowing for 160m, but it takes even more consideration that I'd rather not make at this point. From the datasheet, it prescribes that running AB2 a pair requires 11W of drive power to produce 3.8kW @ 5kV. Legal limit power, if...

Hey everyone, Well, let me put this project into a bit of perspective, because if I blurt out what I want to do, I WILL be called crazy. Keep in mind, you'll probably call me that anyway, but at least you know what you're dealing with. Basically, I'm on the high side of 20 years old, and...

Right now I'm working on a HF single-board AM/FM transceiver using an Analog Devices DSP (ADSP-2181 if you're interested). Nothing's quite materialized yet, but I should be getting to the preliminary board design within the next week or so. General idea is that it will be uC (probably Arduino...

Yep, that's an inevitability I've kinda had to face as I've started laying some groundwork out. HT and stock rubber duck doesn't do me any favors though - looking to order a larger mobile antenna in a few days' time. I see you're in Silicon Valley; mind if I ask what part? I'm going to school...

Hey everyone, I'm starting to write a logger program for Mac, and was wondering what makes a good program; that is, what parameters should be logged. The main reasons being: 1. I'm a software developer and want to try my hand at something new (OS X apps aren't what I usually develop)...

Makes sense. How much should I be looking to spend on the first key? That is, is up to say, $100 and a half a worthwhile price for a good key?

What are some good qualities in a key to look for? And for everyone who's contributed to this thread before, I almost made first contact a few minutes ago. Caught a few guys on 439.075, although when I finally tried to get on the conversation I think either I was too low power to be heard or...

Well, I've officially completed a rite of passage and constructed my first antenna - a 2m J-pole. Photos tomorrow when I can get a picture of it. What do you guys recommend for a new key? I have a learner's one but it is bare as bare bones gets and a 2x4 would be less stiff. Just like with the...

You must be psychic...I've just started working on a 2m J-pole using 1/2" copper pipe. I figure for $20 or so I can finish it off and I'll be well on my way to my first antenna! One of the questions I've had is, is it possible (and by that I mean advised) to learn CW/Morse with something that...

I'm in the process of looking up a few repeaters in my area that I can check with this thing. I might go buy an SMA to BNC adapter tomorrow so it gives me better antenna choices to work with. What would you say the range with the standard rubber ducky as opposed to a ground plane would be on...

Well, prepare yourselves for some laughs because we now have tales from the newbie in order. Got the UV5R and have struggled with it. Not in that it wasn't working right, in that I didn't understand the menus. @Brett: Maybe an old tube rig would be a good start for me. Finally, I kicked...

Brett, Much to chew on - preferably, I'd like to go with routine HF on the first rig and work myself up from there - of course, after I achieve the next grade of license, as much of HF spectrum isn't Technician-friendly. Does the standard HT rubber ducky give alright results (provided...

Hey all, Name's Eli, 20 years old, new (freshly licensed) op in California. I'm posting this because quite frankly, I don't know where to start. I've had my license since the early part of the summer, but haven't gotten on the air yet because of two reasons - one, the price of most...