Thursday 24 August 2017

FT8

So I heard about this new digimode that was similar to JT65 except you didn't have the time to watch the paint dry with this one!

JT65 is just sooooooooo slow that I just lose interest on the first over. That curtailed my exploration with this mode and left me with only the occasional dabble with RTTY and PSK31 to quench my digi-thirst.

I, as I tend to do with lots of things, watched a few vids on youtube to gauge whether I should afford this new mode some time. It seemed easy enough to master and with the benefit of being only 15sec key down time worthy of try.

Installation of WSJT-X with the K3 was simple....having it controlled by Win4Ksuite and, via JTAlert sending all logged contacts directly to Log4OM....and it wasn't long before my FT8 collection was underway. This is supposed to be a low power mode, so I limit myself to 5W to increase the "oh, I didn't expect to get that one" fun factor.

I also took the opportunity of removing the SignalinkUSB from the circuit and replacing with 2 stereo leads directly from the back of the K3 to the soundcard on the PC. It works a dream and will probably result in #1Son getting a new addition to his set up.

SO, in short....yes, worth a go!

Saturday 28 January 2017

Well done kiddo!

Well, today is #1Son's day.
Congratulations for passing the Advanced exam......I am really pleased and very proud of you.

Nuff said!!

Sunday 8 January 2017

Xmas was great!

I went home with a half empty car only to return with one filled to the gunnels!

#1 Son enjoyed stepping in to the 21 century with full CAT control, auto logging and filters! He is now the proud owner of a TS-590S.....and I have to say, what a nice radio it is too. The old FT-767 will go on the market, hopefully to give someone else the pleasure of it.

I didn't really get anything in the line of radio stuff to talk about.....a replacement 2m/70cm antenna was all. I installed it on the car this afternoon and am very pleased it adjusted perfectly and looks nicer than the replaced item.

That's it so far!