SPARKY's Blog

iP30 iPortable™ Antenna SWR Analyzer

admin — Thu, 17 May 2012 02:00:50 +0000

Description:

The iP30 iPortable™ Antenna SWR Analyzer is designed for field use. This compact battery powered unit has an easy to read frequency display and measures SWR in the HF Band. The SWR readings quickly show you the actual VSWR measurement. This is the easiest way to adjust your portable or base station antenna to be best matched for your radio.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Frequency Coverage 400kHz – 35Mhz (continuous)

Band Switch: Quickly change Bands 160M,80M,60M,40M,30M,20M 17M,15M,12M,10M,

Source Impedance: 50-Ohms

RF Output Level : 1.7Vpp (typical)

Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) Technology

10-Bit A/D converter

SWR Range : 1.0~9.9

Impedance Range: 10~500ohm

Weight: 7oz

Compact size: 3.5”(H) x 2.5”(W) x 1.25”(D) (w/o knob, connector)

Battery : 9V Alkaline Battery (Battery NOT included)

External Power : DC 7-14V

Power Consumption : < 120mA

Sleep mode draw : 4 mA Unit goes to sleep after 30 sec. Battery mode only.

NOTE: Unit will NOT go into sleep mode using external power.

MADE in the U.S.A

CONNECTORS:

· External Power Connector: 2.1mm center positive

· Antenna Connector: BNC

CONTROLS:

· Tuning Knob : Changes Frequency

· Band Switch: Quickly changes Bands

· Step Size Switch: 10Hz, 100 Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz and 100kHz

Sleep time adjust

· Power Switch: “unit ON”

Price: $199.99 Plus $10.00 Shipping and Handling

Link

ZS-1 SDR Transceiver updated

admin — Wed, 16 May 2012 05:40:16 +0000

In the middle of March 2012 you could see a note about Russian SDR Transceiver ZS-1. http://www.cqdx.ru/ham/new-equipment/russian-zs-1-sdr-transceiver. Now ZS-1 is updated. It became some extra connectors and useful functions.

First of all it equipped with a separate KEY and PTT connectors. CW key and keyer paddle are accepted now. Automatic key with software adjustments is realized in FPGA.

External power amplifier is controlled via TX and ALC connectors.

ACC connector allows to control up to 8 external devices in direct mode or more with an external decoder. The software will be implemented to customize ACC connector functions. For example, it can be used to control band filters on the output of the external power amplifier or to control an external antenna switch.

Reworked amplifier provides 15W output power. Minimum output transmitter power is 1 mW. In low output power mode signal can be transmitted at any frequency in the range 300kHz – 30MHz. This allows, in combination with the built-in SWR meter, to use the transceiver for antenna analysis and adjustments.

Receiver frequency range is also extended down to 300kHz.

Now the ZS-1 SDR transceiver has acquired additional functionality and enhanced capabilities for external connections, while ideology and structure remained the same. The main transceiver units are also remained unchanged. And as a consequence, all parameters remained at the same high level.

Soon the ZS-1 will be shown at the Ham Radio fair 2012 in Friedrichshafen. After that ZS-1 will be distributed together with CE certification and 2 years warranty. It is planned to get FCC certification, what will make this transceiver available worldwide.

Additional information is available in the Yahoo group http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ZS1SDR/.

New VHF/UHF Yaesu FT-1d digital HT

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:26:09 +0000

The Yaesu FT-1D offers a new level of technology that you can hold in your hand. This 2 meter/440 HT provides both analog and digital communications on both bands with up to 5 watts. Enjoy wideband from 500 kHz to 999 MHz (less cellular frequencies) reception including the AM and FM broadcast band. Solid AM band reception is enhanced with a built-in bar antenna. Other features include: vibrate function, GPS with logging and exchange function, image transmit (QVGA 320 × 240), Wires, optional camera microphone, mini-USB port, Micro-SD card port.

Features:

Integrated GPS
CTCSS/DCS Encode & Decode
Weather Receiving with Weather Alert
Dot Matrix LCD
APRS
Wideband Receive

The Video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi7274g1gDI

TKS for info to Rob PE9PE

Tokyo Hy-Power 400 Watts Linear Amplifier HL-450B

admin — Mon, 14 May 2012 06:01:38 +0000

The HL-450B has a built-in auto band-select function. It uses a newly developed micro processor based technology, and works a smooth automatic operation when driven by the radio in either SSB or CW mode.

In addition, manual band setting is possible as well. It is designed to be “user friendly”. Since the HL-450B is compatible with our optional external remote controller (HRC-60), operation is possible from remote locations, if plugged into the socket at the rear panel.

The HL-450B is equipped with a hard-key terminal to make a smooth send / receive switching with the radio. Built-in ALC circuit helps suppress excessive output and avoid the signal distortion.

The HL-450B has various protection circuits such as for high antenna SWR, over drive, over current etc. When any abnormal condition is detected, operation is automatically shut down to prevent the failure. The large analog power meter is easy to read and the output can always be monitored.

Price: TBD

The nanoKeyer is an Arduino Nano based CW Contest Keyer kit

admin — Thu, 10 May 2012 18:41:46 +0000

What is nanoKeyer? The nanoKeyer is an Arduino Nano based CW Contest Keyer Addon.

It was designed specifically for use with the K3NG Arduino keyer open-source firmware adding many features and flexibility.

The nanoKeyer is suitable as a standalone keyer or for keying the radio via the USB port by using the K1EL Winkeyer protocol from a connected computer and your favoured contest logging software. By means of the K3NG firmware it can be also used as a computerless keyboard keyer by attaching a PS2-Keyboard to it.

Click here for a full overview of features…

It’s open source code and open hardware so you can customize it to fit your needs and projects or buid it as a club project. For your convenience we offer a parts and PCB sourcing service for building your own nanoKeyer.

Contest keying has never been this easy…

Oscar, DJ0MY

It was designed specifically for use with the K3NG Arduino keyer open-source firmware adding many features and flexibility.
The nanoKeyer is suitable as a standalone keyer or for keying the radio via the USB port from a connected computer and your favoured contest logging software. By means of the K3NG firmware it can be also used as a computerless keyboard keyer by attaching a PS2-Keyboard to it.

Picture by DJ0MY

Key Features (K3NG Firmware):

CW speed adjustable from 1 to 999 WPM
K1EL Winkeyer interface protocol emulation
Supported by major logging apps (e.g. N1MM, HRD, etc. in K1EL Winkeyer mode via USB port)
Command mode for using the paddle to change settings, program memories, etc.
PS2 Keyboard Interface for CW keyboard operation without a computer
PTT with configurable lead, tail, and hang times
Up to 12 memories with macro and serial number support
QRSS and HSCW
Iambic A and B, Ultimatic and Bug mode
Farnsworth Timing, Autospace and Wordspace Adjustment
Keying Compensation, Dah to Dit Ratio, Weighting adjustment
Non-volatile storage of most settings
and much much more….

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UsOtCMb7O08

Video by DJ0MY

The firmware is open source code provided by K3NG so you can customize it to fit your needs.

The keyer features one radio port with a optically isolated PTT keying line as well as the CW keying line.
The paddle is conneted with a standard 6.3mm Stereo Jack compatible with most modern radios.

Via the USB jack of the Arduino Nano plug-in board (the “heart”of the keyer) the keyer can communicate with a PC or MAC. The FTDI chip drivers will provide virtual serial COM port on the computer wich is then available to external loggers for communicating with the keyer (via the K1EL Winkeyer emulation mode).

A mini DIN jack allows to connect an externalPS2-Keyboard for computerless keyboard keying.

While the keyer can be powered solely via the USB port there is also the possibility to connect a battery or external power during computerless operation.

nanoKeyer building instructions PCB REV C (PDF)

Link 1 | Link 2 | Get the Kit

Kit Price is 29 EUro (The Arduino Nano V3.0 needs to be purchased separately).

Kenwood TS-990S FIRST Picture

admin — Tue, 08 May 2012 06:51:25 +0000

Have a look (!) First scanned picture of new ‘secret’ gear – TS-990s from Kenwood:

Click pic to enlarge
Picture by ARRL

Micro “SparkysPedition” 2012 finished with great result

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 11:40:14 +0000

Just came back to home from short but very excitement QRO “SparkysPedition” 2012. For 2 days worked 3200 QSO including 7O6T and many other DX stations all around the Globe.

ER0/KL1A’s QSO’ result with 7O6T ( it was easy )

Particularly impressed QSO over the Long Path on 14 MHz by SSB with New Zealand station – ZL4AX/Mobile.

ER0/KL1A 20m SSB (Recorded by TF4M)

ER0/KL1A 15m SSB (Recorded by TF4M)

SUPER SIGNAL from 9K2UU at ER0/KL1A’s Shack.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tq7mDnASyY

ER0/KL1A License

Photo Gallery

Amplifier Research : Model 10,000A250A, M1, M2 10,000 Watts CW 100kHz–250MHz

admin — Mon, 07 May 2012 10:41:35 +0000

The Model 10,000A250A is a self-contained, air-cooled, broadband, completely solid state amplifier designed for applications where instantaneous bandwidth and high gain are required. Push-pull MOSFET circuitry is utilized in all high power stages in the interest of lowering distortion and improving stability.

The Model 10,000A250A is equipped with a Digital Control Panel (DCP) which provides both local and remote control of the amplifier. The DCP uses a 3¾-inch diagonal graphic display, menu assigned softkeys, a single rotary knob, and four dedicated switches (POWER, STANDBY, OPERATE and FAULT/RESET) to offer extensive control and status reporting capability. The display provides operational presentation of Forward Power and Reflected Power plus control status and reports of internal amplifier status. Special features include a gain control, internal/external automatic level control (ALC) with front panel control of the ALC threshold, pulse input capability and RF output level protection. Also included is an internal RF detector that provides an output for use in self-testing or operational modes.

All amplifier control functions and status indications are available remotely in GP IB/IEEE-488 format and RS-232 hardware, and fiber optic. The bus interface connector is located on the back panel and positive control of local or remote operation is assured by a keylock on the front panel of the amplifier.

High efficiency universal input, power factor corrected switching power supplies provides DC to all internal sub-assemblies.

Housed in a stylish, contemporary enclosure, the Model 10, 000A250A provides readily available RF power for typical applications such as RF susceptibility testing, antenna and component testing, watt meter calibration, particle accelerators, plasma generation, communications and use as a driver for higher power amplifiers.

List Price: $553,500

HRD Software, LLC announces the release of Ham Radio Deluxe 5.20.0.7.

admin — Wed, 02 May 2012 02:00:12 +0000

This is the 3rd release of software since W4PC, WA9PIE and K0CHB acquired the rights in November of 2011.

Erik Gawtry KC0WWC and Rick Ruhl W4PC have been coding in tandem for the past few weeks and have created this version with more fixes and some new beta features which will be in version 6. This version 5.20 includes the beta for a contesting interface, a Cabrillo export and support for the Ten-Tec Eagle.

Rick Ruhl, W4PC, said, “We decided to add the new features to give the users a taste of what we’re going to do in 6.0. 6.0 will have many new features which will include FSK support, a new DXCC awards interface, label printing, and the super sweeper in Digital Master. Super Sweeper will allow multiple signals to be decoded in the window formerly referred to as Superbrowser”.

This is the first version compiled with the Visual Studio 2010 compiler. Rick and Erik have been working since version 5.11 to move the program from Visual C++ 6.0.

The HRD group will be at the DX Convention in Visalia, CA on the 20th and 21st and will be in booths 108-109-100 at the Dayton Hamvention.

HRD 5.20 is free, but will include a no charge upgrade to version 6.0 with the purchase of 5.X support for $59.95. The retail version of HRD will be $79.95 when it’s released at Dayton 2012.

You can purchase and download the product at http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com.

HRD Downloads: http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
HRD Forum: http://forums.hrdsoftwarellc.com

Ham Radio Deluxe 5.11 is here and its FREE. http://www.ham-radio-deluxe.com
Radio Operations Center for your AEA/Timewave or Kantronics TNC, Now sync’s with DM-780
EmComm Ops for Packet TNCs, be ready.

Check it out at http://www.w4pcsoftware.com

by W4PC

Related Links :
ver. 5.11a
ver. 5.1
HRD Sold

Web-based remote control for ACOM-2000A, SteppIR or Rotators

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 02:00:06 +0000

Description:

The RC-1216H is developed especially for remote control of Amateur radio accessories like Antennas, Power Amplifiers and rotators via the Internet in a user-friendly and cost-effective way. Lot of radio accessories are designed to be controlled from a PC via a serial port (RS-232). Serial ports are not very convenient to transfer over the Internet. The RC-1216H acts as PC against the connected equipment at the same time as it shows a more user friendly web based user interface for the operator. The web interface is much more convenient to use over the Internet as no special software need to be installed in the PC and it can be reach from any Internet connected PC around the world. For the moment the Remote control RC-1216H can be configured to control SteppIR antennas, the ACOM-2000A Power Amp, Prositel Rotators, Yaesu rotators with GS-232B interface and other Green Heron controlled rotators. The Remote control unit RC-1216H system is connected to the Internet primarily via 10 or 100 Mbit Ethernet and fixed connections like DSL, cable and WLAN or 3G Mobile systems.

The RC-1216His easily configured via modern USB and WEB based user interfaces.

Applications:

“RC-1216H” ACOM Control Microbit Application (Photo by RemoteRig.com)

“RC-1216H” SteppIR Control Microbit Application (Photo by RemoteRig.com)

“RC-1216H” Rotators Control Microbit Application (Photo by RemoteRig.com)

Manual (pdf file)

Link

Price: $311 USD