Well, after a short hiatus because of a hobby change that didn't work out, I am once again making contacts. My new QRP station (your life might be too short for QRP but mine isn't. 
) consists of a Samlex SEC-1235 power supply, a Yaesu FT-891 transceiver and a Chameleon F Loop antenna.
I went with the Chameleon over the Alexloop (which I love) this time around because its larger knob and 6:1 ratio does make tuning easier.
In looking at the photo, keep in mind the actual signals are generated off the ends of the loop while its nulls are facing me and the window. This greatly reduces (or eliminates) any adverse effect of the aluminum miniblind on SWR. As is, I can tune to a flat or near flat SWR on any band except 40 meters where it is in the 1.5 range.
As far as the FT-891 goes, it is a great little radio. The DNR is a noise killer and the spectrum scope (no waterfall) works really well. I am using the default Mic Gain and Processor settings and getting great audio reports.
The Samlex produces an unflinching 13.85 volts and makes absolutely no sound. (Fan probably never comes on because I'm running at such low power.) I've never heard the fan in the radio either.
Needless to say, I'm very pleased.
If you are not an outside antenna guy for one reason or the other, a setup like this is hard to beat.
The real fun comes in telling your contact that you are running 10 watts into a magnetic loop. Indoors.
73
) consists of a Samlex SEC-1235 power supply, a Yaesu FT-891 transceiver and a Chameleon F Loop antenna.I went with the Chameleon over the Alexloop (which I love) this time around because its larger knob and 6:1 ratio does make tuning easier.
In looking at the photo, keep in mind the actual signals are generated off the ends of the loop while its nulls are facing me and the window. This greatly reduces (or eliminates) any adverse effect of the aluminum miniblind on SWR. As is, I can tune to a flat or near flat SWR on any band except 40 meters where it is in the 1.5 range.
As far as the FT-891 goes, it is a great little radio. The DNR is a noise killer and the spectrum scope (no waterfall) works really well. I am using the default Mic Gain and Processor settings and getting great audio reports.
The Samlex produces an unflinching 13.85 volts and makes absolutely no sound. (Fan probably never comes on because I'm running at such low power.) I've never heard the fan in the radio either.
Needless to say, I'm very pleased.
If you are not an outside antenna guy for one reason or the other, a setup like this is hard to beat.
The real fun comes in telling your contact that you are running 10 watts into a magnetic loop. Indoors.
73
