This week, we’ve gathered some interesting material for the workbench and the field. There’s a practical look at real-time tracking, something that comes up often for satellite enthusiasts, alongside a deep dive into radio direction finding techniques. For those keen on digital modes and QRP, we have a couple of project updates that might spark some winter build ideas. Antenna experimenters will find a detailed design for an 80-meter wire beam, which is always a challenge on that band, especially for limited-height setups. Finally, a fascinating account of portable contesting from an unconventional location offers some inspiration for maximizing performance with minimal resources. It’s a mix of theory and practical application, touching on everything from HF to VHF/UHF, and how to make the most of your operating time, whether from a home station or a remote site.
This resource details how to repurpose an IR turret for real-time tracking of the International Space Station. It covers the fundamental principles of ISS tracking and provides methods for calculating azimuth and elevation angles using basic tools, beneficial for satellite operators.
This content explores various aspects of radio direction finding, focusing on the
Fox Hunt V7 Kits. It describes different antenna designs, such as the tape measure beam with an offset attenuator, and provides instructions for constructing a WB2HOL beam antenna from common materials, useful for
fox hunting enthusiasts.
This page offers updates and documentation for the ADX – Arduino Digital Modes HF Transceiver. It includes calibration procedures, firmware updates, and important notes on the SI5351 library, serving as a valuable resource for builders and users of this mono-band HF transceiver.
This article revisits the ZRS QRP-808 kit system from the 1980s, comparing its features to the earlier QRP-805. It provides electrical diagrams and assembly instructions, offering a nostalgic and educational experience for hams interested in vintage QRP projects.
This paper outlines the design of an 80-meter, 3-element wire beam antenna in an inverted-V configuration, optimized for towers of limited height. Using EZNEC modeling, it details a system with a central parasitic reflector and two switchable driven elements for directional coverage without mechanical rotation, appealing to HF antenna builders.
This blog chronicles over a decade of portable HF contesting from rural Ireland, highlighting the achievements of Olivier, EI/ON4EI. It details his use of green energy from a caravan to achieve top-tier results in major international contests, offering insights for portable and contest operators.
