Author Topic: Passed General  (Read 5862 times)

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apache235

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Passed General
« on: March 15, 2017, 03:44:57 PM »
Well with all the trepidation, I passed the General test last Saturday with a 35.  Now all I have to do is figure out how this ham stuff really works.  I do have a KX3 on order, I'll try the QRP and I do realize we are at the solar minimum so the 100 watt amp may be next which will mean a different antenna from my up to 20 watt stealthy dipole. 

Quiet1

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #1 on: March 15, 2017, 06:56:00 PM »
Congratulations, apache!  So... the skipping journey off the ionosphere begins....
North of the salt, south of I-10.

ghrit

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #2 on: March 15, 2017, 06:59:49 PM »
Good job, Apache!!  First things first, QRP or not, the starting blocks are antennas.  Let us know how you make out.
There are two kinds of ships.  Submarines and targets.
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Tevin

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #3 on: March 15, 2017, 07:22:12 PM »
Good deal, man.


AD

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #4 on: March 16, 2017, 10:06:39 AM »
CommGrats Sir!  Welcome to the world of HF.

Look into digital modes like PSK and JT65 (think txting over HF). Great way to make contacts in marginal conditions. Computer based error corrections.

Then you can always learn CW the origional "digital mode".

You mention a stealthly dipole.  What do you have now?
The only dumb question is the one that did not get asked!!

apache235

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #5 on: March 16, 2017, 08:57:39 PM »
The antenna is an ultra-light 40-6 meter off center di-pole.  All I need now is for the radio to show up, a KX3.  If QRP doesn't fare well I may go with the 100 watt amp for it and try a Cobra antenna  http://www.k1jek.com/  I've also been looking at the magnetic loop antennas but we shall see.

XJP5

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #6 on: March 16, 2017, 10:11:09 PM »
Well done my friend! Welcome  ;)

Tempstar

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #7 on: March 17, 2017, 08:41:39 AM »
Excellent and welcome to HF!!
Now, explore some wire antennas to get the full power out!
"Preparedness is a lot more than just buying stuff"

apache235

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #8 on: March 17, 2017, 12:04:25 PM »
I think antennas will be the "printer ink" of the ham world.  Radios are a one shot deal, but antennas - long wire, multi-band. magnetic loops, di-pole, offsett di-pole, yagi's and on and on  :P

ghrit

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #9 on: March 17, 2017, 12:36:15 PM »
http://www.antenna-theory.com/antennas/main.php
A lot to pick from, and it is NOT all inclusive.
There are two kinds of ships.  Submarines and targets.
KB3ZMF        FN21dy
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AD

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #10 on: March 17, 2017, 06:18:23 PM »
I think antennas will be the "printer ink" of the ham world.  Radios are a one shot deal, but antennas - long wire, multi-band. magnetic loops, di-pole, offsett di-pole, yagi's and on and on  :P

By some copper coated steel coated antenna wire and start building some.

Ham sitck dipoles work great and are directional.

Hell light up your rain gutters too
The only dumb question is the one that did not get asked!!

apache235

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #11 on: March 18, 2017, 08:10:49 PM »
Rain gutters - now there is a thought ;D

AD

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #12 on: March 18, 2017, 09:11:08 PM »
Rain gutters - now there is a thought ;D

Many O hams have done rain gutters, Barbed wire fences just about anything can be made to radiate. Just get a good manual tunner and light it up!!  8) :o ;D
 
The only dumb question is the one that did not get asked!!

Tempstar

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Re: Passed General
« Reply #13 on: March 20, 2017, 07:07:52 PM »
By some copper coated steel coated antenna wire and start building some.

I started using 1/16" stainless cable a few years ago. It will literally outlive me.

And yes, for some of us the antenna building is half the fun! My favorite is the Red Cross' flag pole, tunes 20 meters nicely and has made many Field Day contacts!
"Preparedness is a lot more than just buying stuff"