Video of the G3XBM shack

Just for fun, I've put a very short video of the G3XBM operating "shack" (actually a corner of the smallest bedroom) onto YouTube. It shows the current set-up of homebrew and commercial equipment in use as well as the 500kHz transverter. I do most of my construction elsewhere.

New 40m WSPR DX record (for me) - 16451kms

Just put my WSPR beacon on 40m a few minutes ago. First report was from a G station 44kms away. The next was from VK4YEH who was 16451kms away, a personal DX record with WSPR. Then in the following 30 minutes just G4AKU - I was lucky.

Sunspots - an improving picture

From http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o4.htm

Sunspot group #11035 has grown into the largest and most magnetically complex sunspot group of solar cycle 24. At 0102 UTC the sunspot group released a small C5.3 solar flare, the largest solar flare of solar cycle 24.  The sunspot count is 38 which is the highest of solar cycle 24. The solar flux index is 82 which is tied for the highest SFI of solar cycle 24.

I've got to get back on 10m in readiness for the good times ahead. Roll on 2010!

Idea for a simple 10m WSPR transceiver

GQRP club sells  inexpensive 14.060MHz crystals and these doubled would come out on 28.120MHz. I am wondering if they will pull UP to 28.1246? If so, they would make a perfect source for a DSB WSPR transceiver. Half the TX power would be wasted on a signal 3kHz lower but it would be a very simple design with just an oscillator, doubler, balanced mixer, PA and low pass filter, plus the basic audio input and DC receiver parts, which would re-use much of the TX design. Some experiments are needed!

Alternatively, can anyone suggest a more modern approach such as using a programmable reference oscillator as used in SDRs? What is the best one? Where do I get them from?

Linux Journal - special ham radio edition

The January 2010 edition of this US Linux OS magazine is a special one dedicated to amateur radio. Although I'm not a Linux freak, I'm sure that many readers will find it of interest.

See http://www.linuxjournal.com/ham

500kHz transverter boxed at last

Today I completed the 500kHz transverter by putting it in a small Maplin's ABS case with coax connectors and an on/off switch. Attached is a photo showing the transverter unit on the shack table and with the box lid open so you can see the completed unit. It has been a most enjoyable project. The schematic of the transverter is on my website on the "Operating on 500kHz" page.

On WSPR, I'm still awaiting my 50th unique report that I hope will come in the next few days before I take down the 500kHz antenna and reinstall my 28MHz halo.

Big Ben - a 119 year old recording

Not ham radio, but just spotted this fascinating recording of Big Ben chiming. It was made on a wax disc 119 years ago in 1890.

Geminids meteor shower tonight

This evening the Geminids meteor shower should peak between 2000 and 2200z in the UK.  As there is no moon visible and the sky should be reasonably clear it could be a fine sight. Increased meteor activity should allow European DX on bands like 50MHz and 144MHz by meteor scatter (MS). Best place to listen/look is on 50.230MHz in JT6m mode.

YO5OFJ's pages with everything

Vanyi's Homemade/homebrew HF transceivers page is a collection of lots and lots of circuit ideas showing transceivers from 160m - 10m created by various people over the years. It is a good place to look for ideas when thinking about new projects.

DSB mod for the Heathkit HW8

When looking around for ideas for DSB rigs I found a page which shows how to modify the HW8 for DSB operation by adding a balanced modulator and audio stages.  KL7R reports that he worked New Zealand using the modified HW8 on sideband.