Search found 74 matches

by N8TGQ
Sun Jan 28, 2024 9:23 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Unconventional Power Sources for Ham Radio Operations.
Replies: 3
Views: 1829

Re: Unconventional Power Sources for Ham Radio Operations.

I tried using solar and bicycle power for a while. I found unless you're going to be out doing lots of radio for few days, it wasn't worth it. It's a lot easier to use low power and carry an extra set of "AA" batteries. And I don't carry them if I'm out for only 1 or 2 days.
by N8TGQ
Wed Jan 24, 2024 5:12 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Ground antenna for TX ?
Replies: 2
Views: 1903

Re: Ground antenna for TX ?

I remember one time being set up so my EFHW antenna was behind me. I had made 4 or 5 contacts before I noticed it was on the ground! Never tried intentionally though.
by N8TGQ
Sun Jan 21, 2024 4:36 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Show me/recommend a straight key for portable use
Replies: 3
Views: 3098

Re: Show me/recommend a straight key for portable use

housekey.jpg Here's one I built with my grandson. He looked at my straight key one day, and said, "Why do they call it a key? It don't look like a key to me". So we took one of his play keys, a plastic box he got with candy in it, a couple of small bolts and built this. We were gonna add ...
by N8TGQ
Wed Jan 17, 2024 11:35 am
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Cold Temperature Testing Your Rigs.
Replies: 4
Views: 2759

Re: Cold Temperature Testing Your Rigs.

Thanks for the update, Paul!
by N8TGQ
Tue Jan 16, 2024 12:02 pm
Forum: General Discussion
Topic: Cold Temperature Testing Your Rigs.
Replies: 4
Views: 2759

Re: Cold Temperature Testing Your Rigs.

I know mine work down to 50°. Below that, I don't work!

The link you provided requires membership, so not able to check it out.
by N8TGQ
Thu Jan 11, 2024 7:40 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Show me/recommend a straight key for portable use
Replies: 3
Views: 3098

Re: Show me/recommend a straight key for portable use

Small.jpg
Small.jpg (149.41 KiB) Viewed 3028 times
I couldn't find anything I liked, so I experimented and built my own. This is
about the 5th version. No adjustments needed because I built to my specs.
It's made from copper foiling tape, an old g(ift card and an old earphone wire and plug.
by N8TGQ
Thu Jan 04, 2024 9:49 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: New ham interested in CW
Replies: 56
Views: 25447

Re: New ham interested in CW

Opinions are what make the forum relevant! I learned the code from the ARRL tapes back in the 80s. No matter what method you use, it all comes down to time and effort you put into it. When I tried as a kid, I wasn't serious about it and never did get far.
by N8TGQ
Fri Dec 22, 2023 6:37 am
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Favorite portable antenna
Replies: 2
Views: 2488

Re: Favorite portable antenna

Check my antenna setup over in the field reports section:

https://qrper.net/viewtopic.php?t=150
by N8TGQ
Fri Dec 15, 2023 6:35 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Best beginner CW transceiver kit to start with
Replies: 10
Views: 6314

Re: Best beginner CW transceiver kit to start with

Here's another one you might like:

https://breadboardradio.com/40-woodpecker.html

Sidetone, a bit of tuning on the receiver and a real front panel!
by N8TGQ
Thu Dec 14, 2023 12:22 pm
Forum: Questions & Advice
Topic: Best beginner CW transceiver kit to start with
Replies: 10
Views: 6314

Re: Best beginner CW transceiver kit to start with

Welcome to ham radio! Maybe try one of the "pixie" type kits to get started. They're not the greatest on receive, but easy to put together and inexepensive. Choose a frequency between 7025 and 7125 to use with the Technician class license. Here's one made byan American company that uses a ...