I got interested in this topic a couple of months ago, when I started thinking about getting some 160m capability. It’s just a difficult thing to get a long-enough wire high-enough into the air on my property. An STL is an appealing idea, even though there are some known compromises. Typically, I go through four […]
back from the hiatus…
Been busy with a paying project that I won’t be posting about here. Anyway, this week, I dusted off my Python to write a script to convert all the .WAV files in a tree-structured music library to .MP3 files in parallel structure. It uses the pydub library (which wraps ffmpeg) to do the heavy lifting. […]
Decoding DRM shortwave broadcasts (IC-7300 configuration)
This turned out to be really simple. Step 1: If you haven’t already done it…Get the transceiver connected to a PC using the USB cable and appropriate drivers. When this is successful, you should have the ability to get sound from (Microphone – USB Audio Codec) and send sound to (Speakers – USB Audio Codec) […]
model for the end-fed half-wave antenna
I’ve fooled around with an modeling program called 4nec2 a bit in the past (when I was simultaneously fooling around with an ADS-B receiver). Lately, I’ve been taking a more serious look at it to see if I can find ways to improve my outgoing HF signal from the EFHW-8010. If you look at the […]
ham radio update
Ham radio update: a) Was AC3BP, now K3GMQ (sentimental reasons: I had the novice call WN3GMQ in high school). Couldn’t think of anything cleverer for a vanity call sign. b) The antenna went up a week ago (see pic)….it’s a 130 ft end-fed half-wave. Wire highlighted in red for visibility. The far end is about […]
wideband magnetic loop for receiving
My recent build of a wideband receiving loop using parts from the local home center. Each of the loops are 0.7 meter in diameter and of #12 stranded THHN wire. The wires are fully enclosed in 1/2″ PEX tubing with plastic adapter fittings to the weatherproof junction boxes, one of which holds the amplifier. Currently, […]
got my ham license…
Took the test last Monday (actually three tests: Technician, General, and Amateur Extra). FCC issued the call sign today: AC3BP Addendum: got my vanity call sign… it’s now K3GMQ as of 10/28/2017. I had a Novice license briefly in high school: WN3GMQ. I still remember my mom calling me up over at my friend Kenny […]
work (at least the full-time variety) is done!
As of September 5, 2017, it’s over. Planning “my next move from the comfort of my Aunt Faye’s couch”. HT: Donald Fagen.