Some Random Thoughts

Some random thoughts I'll share:

I use MFJ-90xx single band xcvrs in my truck, a 40-meter and a 15-meter. Well, pretty much just the 40 right now with the sunspot numbers at zero. These are nice little rigs, except for a couple of minor things that bug me:

The dial is pretty much for decoration only. Mine reads about 8 KHz low, so when W1AW is transmitting I see it around 7055, instead of 7047.5 where it actually is. I finally figured out that's why I seldom heard FISTS stations - they were at 7065 on my dial.

The audio from the built-in speaker is pretty bad; you have to crank the volume up to max to hear anything, even when the truck is not moving. I tried some headphones once and almost lost hearing since the audio in the headphones was way louder than the speaker volume. I have since installed an FM modulator in my FM radio in the truck that allows me to play MP3s through the radio audio system; it works fine for the MFJ also, and the volume control is in the 1st quarter of the dial where it should be.

Other minor annoyances with the MFJs are the long warm up time in cold weather: if you start a QSO while the rig is cold, the other guy will have to follow you down the band as it warms up. And while driving, if I pass over any large bits of ferrous metal, it pulls the frequency about 100 Hz.

But I'm not trading these guys, even after I get my 718. They're too much fun.

Worked Roy, WQ9Z, tonight through some terrific SSB QRM. I'll be glad when the broadcasters finally vacate 40 meter spectrum so maybe the SSBers will move up band a little. Wishful thinking, I'm sure. Til next time, GL es GUD DX

Kudos to FCC (Finally!)

ARRLWeb: FCC Directs Manassas BPL System to Act Following Ham's Interference Complaint

After TWO YEARS of complaints, the FCC finally steps up and takes action on the Manassas BPL interference!

I hope this is the new FCC stance on BPL: they actually will enforce their own rules on interference. BPL operators have been acting as though FCC enforcement was the least of their problems; and until today, they were right.

So, way to go, FCC! Thank you! Keep up the good work!

1st Time on 40

Worked P40A, John in Aruba at Iguanavilla, last night after 10:00 while sitting in my driveway. A small-to-medium pileup was in progress, but John was not working split frequency and I was able to get through.

He was one of the loudest stations in the low end of 40 meters, and the 1st DX I have worked on 40 (aside from a station in Mexico a few months back).

I will be going for a QSL card, to get Aruba confirmed.

I heard Tim, P40D, the other night but wasn't able to work him through the pileup. I guess John and Tim are taking some spring break time at John's place. Nice shack, guys!

Watch This Space

I am taking some action that if successful, will get me back on 20M CW. I will know if I it works in a couple of days.

20 meters is still pretty good for DX and domestic stations, while the sun is quiet. While my little DSW was working, I worked some pretty good stations while only running 2 watts. I really want to get back on 20 with a QRP station, and I am making a move to accomplish this.

So watch this space.

Watch This Space, Continued

I have really missed operating on 20 since my DSW went to heaven, and lately I have been considering ordering a Rock-Mite so I could get some QRP time in before Ham-Comm and the homecoming of my IC-718.

The main reason I hesitated is the current long lead time on shipping. Dave has some truly wonderful kits, and does a great job for what is almost a one-man operation, but the shipping delay means I probably wouldn't get the Rock Mite before I bring home my 718, so it would get pushed aside while I play with the new rig.

Day before yesterday I was playing around with eBay searches, and up pops an MFJ-9020. There were a couple of anxious moments near the end, but I managed to get in the winning bid. Both the MFJs I use now are eBay children, so my luck so far has been very good with this method of buying ham rigs. I'm hopeful that that lucky streak will continue with this one.

So I should be back on 14.058 MHz in a couple of weeks. 20 has been a good band lately with the low solar noise, and I am looking forward to chasing some DX at the low end as well as running up my F.I.S.T.S. count.

Getting There?

I also need Alaska (but not Hawaii). I would really like to work Maine, Vermont, Montana, and Idaho. Not many hams in those places.

Back On 20!!

The MFJ-9020 just arrived! It looks mint, almost new was a modest description. Okay, let's take it to the truck and try it out.

Tuning around, there's a mobile in Arizona calling CQ, nope, he can't hear me. Hope the power out on this thing is okay.

Tuning some more, there's a PSK station around 14064, no help there.

Tuning around, okay, here's a guy signing, let's give him a call when he's through. He hears me, needs a repeat on the call, so let's do that. Good! He's giving me a 559 report, and he's copying okay. Maybe I jumped in a little quick after he signed, but he's copying me fine, so I guess this thing works.

My 1st contact with my new 20 meter rig (from my truck in the parking lot)?

Rod, 8P6JD in Saint James, Barbados. 2700 miles on 4 watts and a 4-foot whip. Yes, I guess it's working.