Sunday, July 31, 2016

Monitoring Your JT65/JT6 Signal Around the World

Many of you are aware of the Reserve Beacon Network for gathering received CW signals from receiving stations around the world. This is then feed into spotting networks. This allows station that are not normally spotted to monitor their signal level from spots around the world.

PSK Reporter (www.pskreporter.info/pskmap.htmlallows JT65/JT9 operators to do the same by displaying their received signal on a world map.


Saturday, July 30, 2016

JT65 Setup for Elecraft K3S

Elecraft K3S on JT65/JT9- Setting Up & Using
Link to this Doc- http://tiny.cc/K3S-WSJT-X
Installing and Setting Up Software
  1. Using Elecraft’s instructions, get the K3S rig control working using the USB connection. Check it using Elecraft K3 Utility and note the Com #
  2. Download and install the free WSJT-X software- http://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt
  3. Setup the WSJT-X software
    1. From top menu select.File...Settings
    2. Settings screen dialog box will open
  4. Start with General Tab

Thursday, July 21, 2016


An Interface for Elecraft KX3 & KX2 to Use with N1MM


This interface will allow you to:

  • Read the Elecraft KX3/KX2 frequency in N1MM
  • Control the radio’s frequency
  • Send CW by keying the radio

What you will need:

  1. N1MM+ software (free) - download here
  2. The Elecraft ACC-1 KXSER (3.5mm to DB9-F) Serial Interface Cable
    1. You can request this in place of the USB ACC1 cable that ships with KX3 (the same one you use for Firmware updates).
    2. If you did not choose to substitute serial for USB you can either purchase one from Elecraft ($29 + shipping)
    3. If you would like to build your own for ~$10 or even less if you have an old RS-232 cable or connector laying around. See circuit below, which also includes ability to directly key the radio.
  3. An RS-232 Serial to USB Adapter (although you can find very inexpensive versions, I strongly suggest you spend a few extra dollars to get a quality one. I have had excellent success with the StarTech ICUSB2321F, it has added advantage that will retain same Com Port # and not change each time you plug it into computer)

Using Elecraft KX3/K3 KY Codes to Allow N1MM & RTTY-FSK


A Step-by-step Guide (assuming no previous experience)
Anthony Luscre- K8ZT
Introduction
This guide has been written assuming you have had little or no experience with using KX3 USB Interface or N1MM operations. For those with previous knowledge fill free to skip ahead to needed configuration and sample Macros. There maybe other settings that work, but these worked for me.This setup should also work with K3 or K3S


Why?
  1. I wanted to use the KX3’s excellent FSK (not  AFSK) and KX3’s RTTY to Text Decoding
  2. I did not want to use a Signalink or other digi interface or use my computer’s sound card
  3. I was only interested in using RTTY for casual operation in a contest that required serial numbers and wanted to be able easily send reply with incrementing serial numbers
  4. A bonus is ability to also use this setup for SSB or CW (If you are interested in non-macro driven, direct keying CW see appendix)

Sunday, June 12, 2016

How You can Benefit from QRP Contesting

How You can Benefit from QRP Contesting  by K8ZT


No matter your favorite interests in Ham Radio, a little contesting may be just the way to enhance or rejuvenate your enjoyment.


Fall traditionally kicks off the heart of radio contesting season just as the baseball season is coming to a close. So there probably is no better time to give a few contesting tips while stretching a few baseball metaphors.

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

The Web Resource Hoarder

I maintain a webpage for Educators, Students & Other Interested Surfers. Visit techweb.apps.sparcc.org or use the shortened URL- tiny.cc/wrh

This site is for the curious, the data nerds and trivia freaks out there. There is so much here that you will just need to start poking around. Just don't blame me if you find that many hours have passed before you realize you have been exploring the site and its many links.