The Plano Amateur Radio Klub held a hands-on PSK31 seminar
at the Lucas Fire Station this morning. We began by going over some basic PSK31
information, how to properly interface a standard HF rig with the sound card of
a PC, and demonstrated basic software configuration and operation for PSK31.
After the demonstration those attending were encouraged to jump in and make a
few contacts of their own. We were using about 40 watts on 20 meters and were
able to make several state-side contacts with a Buddipole at 12’. For those who
attended that may be interested in downloading the PowerPoint presentation, I
have converted it to Adobe .pdf format for download. If you have any questions
please feel free to drop me a message using the “contact me” form on this
website.
Saturday, 22 May 2010 00:00
Kenwood TS-940S Review
I recently bought a Kenwood TS-940S on Craigslist at a very reasonable price with the intention of reselling it. I posted it in the usual ham classified ads, and also put it up on ebay. However, after operating it for a couple of weeks I found that I really like this rig. Sure, it's a few electronic generations behind, but it's built like a tank! While it lacks some features that the newer flagship rigs usually carry, such as a band scope, and DSP, I found that the audio quality is simply second to none. The anlalog filtering does a more than adequate job of reducing QRM, and it doesn't mangle the audio in the process. The built in power supply, and the fact that it does 250 watts PEP are also nice features, although I don't fully take advantage of these since I have the amplifier and Astron RS-50. I usually don't mind a few menus here and there, but I have to say, the size of this rig, and the layout of the controls, are great for easy operating, and the audio is superb, no listening fatigue at all. So, I've decided to sell the Icom 756 Pro 3 in favor of keeping the TS-940S. I'll miss the band scope, but honestly, past that the difference in performance is negligible, and I picked up the rig for 25% of what I have in the Icom. The last positive I'll mention for the TS-940S is that it has a 10.7 MHz IF output tap directly on the back of the rig. I'm hoping this will make it easy to do the SDR IF interface. We'll see how that project goes.
Sunday, 03 January 2010 22:58
Adding SDR Capabilities to Analog Rigs
I recently came across an article written by Doug Hall, K4DSP, which outlines a project that adds SDR capabilities to existing transceivers. Although the bandwidth and performance is limited by the front-end of the transceiver, this project still adds a lot of capability to many rigs. Not only will you get a second receiver, but you'll also get the "brick wall" filtering that SDRs provide, as well as a nice panadapter. The best part is that since you're tapping the IF, which doesn't change in frequency, you can use an inexpensive SDR kit coupled with free software to add this capability using the transceiver's tuning function to adjust the TX/RX frequency. Doug describes the process to get this project done in his article, and I've made a kit for the IF buffer, which is available in my online store if you're interested. Although the article specifically outlines the process for the TS-2000, I believe this process could be used on most any rig that has a 10.7 MHz if that can be tapped. Some rigs, such as the Kenwood TS-940S have a direct connection on the rear of the rig for the 10.7 MHz IF tap. Use your imagination and some very interesting weekend projects could be in the works!
The Plano Amateur Radio Klub held a hands-on PSK31 seminar
at the Lucas Fire Station this morning. We began by going over some basic PSK31
information, how to properly interface a standard HF rig with the sound card of
a PC, and demonstrated basic software configuration and operation for PSK31.
After the demonstration those attending were encouraged to jump in and make a
few contacts of their own. We were using about 40 watts on 20 meters and were
able to make several state-side contacts with a Buddipole at 12’. For those who
attended that may be interested in downloading the PowerPoint presentation,
