THE DRAKE TR-4 IS BACK

After what seems like a year, my TR-4 is home and working. I have made several contacts on 80m and 20m. However, I can't get any power out on 10m. I am not sure what is wrong. Today, the band conditions were excellent. I heard Guatemala, Germany, and Bermuda but contacted none of them. Even a man in Texas did not hear me. The S meter needle does not move very much either. The power needle on my tuner goes to 300 W when I am tuning (of CW setting) but when I change to SSB, it does not deflect when I speak. I need to talk with Paul and see if he has any ideas.

OMNI-D

My Drake TR4 is still not working correctly. For the last several weak, I have been using a borrowed radio. Wade KJ4WS, has let me use his extra Ten-Tec Omni-D. With a borrowed power supply from Jerry N4EO, I am finally back on the HF air. I have a Dipole cut for 40m that I can tune for 80/75m and an Inverted V for 20m. I have not yet had any luck on 10m but still listening. I would love to have a 5 band vertical but until I get my own Drake working, I can't justify spending any funds of an antenna not made of simple wire.

MY RETURN

Until 4 years ago, I still was not able to have a station in Columbia, TN. I did decide to get back into it during the fall of 2008. I started by joining the local club... Maury Amateur Radio Club. Then I purchased an Alinco 2 meter HT. I do not recommend it. Within just a few months, the 3 batteries I purchased would no longer hold a charge. At about $60 each, I could have afforded a second hand desktop!

2013-08-24

Several more Brazil QSOs on 10 meters! The where having a contest called CVA  (Concurso Verde e Amarelo: Green and Yellow Contest... the Brazilian colors) I am puzzled about something: They were obviously having a hard time hearing my 8 watts since that asked me to repeat my call many times. However, they all gave me a 59 signal report. For you who do not know what that means: "5" is for readability (1-5 so perfect) and "9" for signal strength (1-9 so super strong)!! I am not sure how valid the RS reports can be if people are not honest. I have to admit that I rarely give the right report. I just do not want to hurt people's feelings, I guess. Here is what the system is supposed to be:

R = READABILITY
1-- Unreadable
2-- Barely readable, occasionally words distinguishable
3-- Readable with considerable difficulty
4-- Readable with practically no difficulty
5-- Perfectly readable

S = SIGNAL STRENGHT
1-- Faint signal, barely perceptible
2-- Very weak signal
3-- Weak signal
4-- Fair signal
5-- Fairly good signal
6-- Good signal
7-- Moderately strong signal
8-- Strong signal
9-- Extremely strong signal

T = TONE (Only used with CW)
1-- Sixty cycle a.c. or less, very rough and broad
2-- Very rough a.c., very hash and broad
3-- Rough a.c. tone, rectified but not filtered
4-- Rough note, some trace of filtering
5-- Filtered rectified a.c. but strongly rippled-modulated
6-- Filtered tone, definite trace of ripple modulation
7-- Near pure tone, slight trace of modulation
8-- Near perfect tone, slight trace of modulation
9-- Perfect tone, no trace of ripple or modulation of any kind

Source: List produced by N4UJW

201-08-25

It was a great day for DX! There were at least two QSO Parties going on. I made at least 15 DX contacts including Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Denmark, Romania, and Croatia... all of these new countries for me.

I also went to our MARC Radio Class. It really is just for people preparing for their Technician and General Licenses. I am just using the classes as refreshers and a way to encourage me to study for my Extra examination. I should be ready to take the test in November or December.

I have received several new QSL cards though eQSL. There are still many hams that do not use this system but not having money for regular cards and stamps, it is the option I have chosen almost exclusively.

2013-08-22

I heard an amateur from Brazil and one from Argentina on 10 meters yesterday. Both reported that the band was open to North America. They were giving 59 to all contacts. They were also putting out 500W and coming in strong. However, I was unable to break through the pileups. My signal is very weak on 10 meters for some reason. I am only able to put out less than 20W! I think I remember Wade (owner of the TX I am using) told me something was wrong with the radio but not sure). I would love to get back on 10 meters.

FIELD DAY 2013

This was the first year I have been able to be a part of the ARRL Field Day from beginning to end. I have to say it was a lot of fun! I love the challenge of seeing how many contacts I can make. During the night before the contest started, I did take advantage of the HF radios to make personal contacts. It was thrilling to make so many contacts on 20m. I especially loved the DX contacts with Hungary and Ecuador.

2013 MARC ANTENNA PARTY

In preparation for the 2013 Field Day later in June, a group of us gathered that the Maury County Park to check out our antennas. It was a beautiful day to enjoy the company of friends.

Getting ready of the launch. 

It's a bird. It's a plane. It's a dipole! 

It's a.... WHAT?! 

Paul checking an antenna.