QST November 2001
iPerf Example
If you have setup a ham radio Wi-Fi link and you want to measure the real throughput, copying files, or accessing to speedtest.net is not really the proper way.
I’ve written an article on calculating the total bandwidth in WiFi links , and I try to eplain the reason and give you some more hints.
Florence HamFest 2014
On Saturday 12 April 2014, my local ARI Section, will organize the fourth edition of the Florentine Ham Radio Flea Market.
Also for this edition, as name of the event has been choosen the popular “Florence HamFest” term.
almost 60 between , private OM, and dealers will be present, includin the most popular Ham Radio shops dealers, like DAE, Marcucci SPA, Ham Radio Shop, Magic Phone, Bianconi but also many manufacturers, like Antenna Dinamica, Begaly Keys, ProSisTel, and others. At the end all the major ham radio brands will be present, including, OM Power Aplifiers, Diamond Antennas, Innovantennas, Yaesu , Elecraft, ICOM, Kenwood, Antenna Dinamica, Liri Falls and many many more….
Don’t really know how many people we could expect, probably a number from 500 to 800 but, stating from the companies that have already booked a space, we can already consider this hamfest a success.
Will probable post some pictures next month, but in the mean time if you are curious, you can have a look at the web site www.florencehamfest.com
Tuning the buddistick
Today I’ve taken some time to test my latest portable antenna, the Buddistick.
By using an MFJ-269 antenna analyzer I’ve tried to find the main tuning keys for this small multiband antenna.
I’ve been able to find an excellent SWR and Impedance setting for the 20 meters band, but I’ve also learned that tuning this antenna is a mix of settings.
First of all the Coil, as stated in the official documentation, the coil can be tuned by simply moving the clip till you hear the highest noise.
The antenna analyzer confirmed this.
Another determinant factor is the counterpoise. The lenght and the presence of metal close to the wire can significantly impact on impedance and SWR readings.
Whip lenght, can also influence but not as much as coil or counterpoise position.
I’ve taken some notes for coming outdoor operations, and they are almost similar to the ones published by FK8DD in his web site.
Another important trick I’ve learned is the 1/3 coil / clip position. By simply placing a clip at 1/3 right or left of the coil can surely tune the coil lowering or shortening the antenna.
FK8DD settings
After having properly setup the antenna for the 20 meters band and having called CQ for a couple of minutes (with no answers) I’ve decided to approach the 40 meters band using the Higher Noise method. I’ve found in fact that setting the clip at the third turn from bottom, and leaving the couterpoise as was set for 20 m, the SWR reading on the FT 817 was showing 3 dots…. By sliding down the Whip the SWR reading become excellent. So I made a few calls even here.
I’ve not been able to make any contacts due to the very low time remained, but i’ve been certainly enjoyed plaing with antenna tuning, one of the most popular sports among hams 😉
Reverse Beacon Spots
Florence Old Bridge
This picture I’ve taken few days ago, reveals, what I’ve always considered, the symbol of amateur radio in Florence.
This Yagi Antenna tower, erected very close to the old bridge several years ago I suppose belong to IK5JXR (I5BKO), now SK.
Just wanted to share this piece of my city with you.
Kenwood MC-60A
I’ve just published an article on a recent comparison between MC-60A and handheld microphone.
While trying to improve Kenwood TS-590S SSB performances, I recently purchased an used MC-60A microphone.
After a couple of weeks in which I’ve been testing this preamplified desk microphone, I’ve sorted out by making a final on the air comparison.
According to my tests, the original handheld dynamic microphone works better that the desktop one.
Read my article and listen to the audio recording.
MC-60A vs 590 S Dynamic microphone
IW5EDI Radio Shack
Just taken this shot with my Nikon D-90
Transceivers: Kenwood TS-590S – Yaesu FT-857D
SWR – PWR Meter : Daiwa CN-801
Microphohe: Kenwood MC-60A
Morse Key: Begali Stradivarius
Power Supply: Nissei MS280A 25A
Morgain Antenna 40/80
Here a plan for a Morgain Antenna for 40 and 80 meters band.
This dualband antenna similar to a folded dipole permit to operate low bands by using a very limted space.
Today has been the first time for my new Yaesu FT-817.I’ve taken the opportunity of a sunny, and sunny winter Sunday , to test my on-the-go shack frommy parents’s terrace.
This setup, that is not completed yet, since I’m wating for some Buddistick components alreay ordered at Wimo, is the one I will bring with me for some SOTA next summer and in March when I will be on Dolomites.
Setup is composed by:
Everything packed in a Shimano fishing bag.
I’ve operated 20 15 and 12 meters bands for almost one hours making some CW contacts with OM3LL, YO2BBX RM22WG TC10SWAT and heard but could not make contact VP9/M0BLF.
Tried also to break into some other stations calling but the battery drained to 10,8 volts and decreased to 1-2 W the total output, so with a such antenna, it was really hard.
Well, lesson learned from this experience is that working QRP in portable is really a great compromise, and Antenna efficiency is the most important factor in making DX.
Another important aspect is that working in portable means not having all those facilities that we are used to have in our home QTH and that outdoor operations means taking care of wind noise, and Sun light along to a not perfect temperature.
Icom Inc has announced a firmware upgrade for the IC-7700 HF/50MHz
ICOM 7700
The new upgrade, available for download from ICOM firmware page in March 2014, will provide the same additional features as made available to the IC-7800.
All these new features are almost equivalent to the latest 7800 new implementations.
Latest firmware 1.21 was publishes in march 2011.
Link to Icom Japan Announce