DH3RM Homemade Mag Loop

I have always been fascinated with antennas... especially portable and small indoor antennas. I worked Rainer DH3RM and he sent me this info on his indoor antenna ... Isn't it amazing what a person can use to communicate around the world !!

Hello Todd,

Here my picture of my homemade MagLoop antenna,
it's working under the roof.
14m high over the ground.
Diameter 1,1m
Material is aluminum for pipes to heated floor.
The split capacitor with 5 to 28 pF with little gear drive.
You also looking at qrz.com, pictures coming soon.

Our QSO today on 21 Mhz at 1523 UTC.

73 and happy weekend

Rainer, DH3RM

EL2DT Qso on 17 meter SSB 09/26/2010

ZS8M

I worked Pierre / ZS8M on Marion Island this morning ..... We worked on  15 meter SSB for a all time new country... Boy that doesn't happen often !! ..... He was on 21.315 and I worked him split ( 5 up )... This is a rare one, so if you get the chance this one is worth the effort ... don't forget to watch the video on the ZS8M website ... man it looks cold there !!

Approx operating times:

Week days: 03:00 to 05:00z on 40m

  From 14:00z to on 20, 17, or 15m all subject to QRM

Weekends: 03:00z till late depending on propagation

N4LA ..... Polar Bear # 246

What is the Polar Bear QRP Club ? .....  The Polar Bears agree to go outdoors and operate their radios in any of the following months:

October, November, December, January, February and March.

Click here for more Info

N4LA ..... SKCC # 7066

Its official ... I'm officially a new member of the Straight Key Century Club ... SKCC # 7066  ... A special thanks goes out to Randy Drake (KB4QQJ) ..who loaned me this old military J-38 straight key to get started.
I've just got back into CW in the past year, so my skills are poor and code speed slow ... but hopefully with the help of a few friends who love CW ... I'll be up to speed in a few months !!
Guess I'll have to buy me a straight key soon ... and get this loaner back to Randy. I'm looking for a old Navy Flameproof  straight key thats in good shape ... so if anyone out there has an extra one ... let me know... 73 de N4LA

A Backpackers Dream Set-Up !!

Elecraft KX-1

I've been collecting gear for my ultra-light backpacking set up for some time now... Here is the Eqpt list so far...

The Tranceeiver I chose was the Elecraft KX-1 ... This rig was built by my good friend Larry Draughn (AE4LD)... and its loaded with all the available options... It covers 4 bands 20/30/40/80 and has the auto antenna tuner installed. This rig is a backpackers dream weighing only 11 oz fully loaded !!

The CW key I chose was the Palm Mini-Paddle ... Dimensions only 1 x 1 x 3 inches –perfect for travelers, backpackers and outdoor-QRP-fans !!

I also included a set of ultra-light Ear- Buds ...  and a BNC to binding post adapter ... which allows me to connect straight into my homebrew  W3EDP style longwire antenna and leave the heavy coax at home.

I've included some pictures CLICK HERE of my Jackite 31ft fiberglass portable mast that I can take backpacking if no antenna supports are available.

I also have the option of my Mini-Buddipole or various end fed antenna's made by Par End-Fedz  when operating portable.

I encourage all you Hams to become RADIO-ACTIVE .... Go Portable ... Get Outdoors ... AND HAVE SOME FUN !!

73... From N4LA  

HF Portable ... UK Style !!

2E0ZCL / Portable

I had a nice chat with Barry 2E0ZCL yesterday ( Sept 17, 2010 ) on 20 meter SSB.

He took this picture right after our qso and E-mailed it to me ... Thanks Barry !!