Cheap GPSDO kit - a must have for service bench.

Sometimes we all need to compare quality of our equipment, make some tunning of circuits, or just check/recalibrate rig frequency. 

For those working on TRX repair good stable and accurate signal frequency is a must have. Unfortunately, modern (mostly from BY) cheap frequency counters using (as per description ) internal TCXO generators, but the truth is, they are not locked perfectly and from my experience they are "no go" for proper RIG tuning/calibration. All this lead me to "buy" some GPSDO. 

Because I am not happy "buying" things I can make with my own hands, so decided to buy a kit instead. 

Fortunately polish ham Marek SQ7HJB designed some neat GPSDO device with Arduino Nano, GPS module and SIS5351 with two signal outputs, and neat OLED display. Max frequency is determined by SIS5351 and in my case ends up at about 155MHz.

Completed PCB - pic source: http://sq7hjb.pl/index.php/mini-gpsdo/

 GPSDO diagram - pic source: http://sq7hjb.pl/index.php/mini-gpsdo/

Overall cost of this GPSDO kit (without Hammond enclosure) is ~ 50 Euros. That's not the price to make bank loan.     

Below You can see my approach to this nice piece of equipment, if You decide to make something similar I can help You with Polish language :-)

Below You can see a kit - THT version of PCB, Arudino, encoder, WaveShare GPS with ceramic antenna, OLED display and SIS5351 generator.

Comple GPSDO kit - pic source: https://radiohobby.pl/projekty/gpsdo-z-si5351-generator-czestotliwosci/

After soldering all joints, voltage regulator and pins ( which takes ~1hour and it's very easy ) we can power the device and check for proper voltages, non intentional shorts etc. If all is ok, now time to solder heart and brain of this device. Be carefull as all of them are ESD sensitive! 

Asembling instructions is VERY accurate and exact, unfortunately in Polish but this should not be a problem. All vital information You can see on RADIOHOBBY project page, if You need more info, mail me. 

You should end up with PCB looking something like that : 

 If all well GPSDO is running form first shot showing some information.

You'll see LED on GPS module lit (red one on pic above), and will start blink immediately after picking up satellite signal.

After some minute or two when generator will be locked at programmed frequency "LOCK" LED(green) will lit as well and after few (2-3) GPS count passes we can switch the display to show frequency correction. Small @ on the right show that GPS is locked, and accuracy is better than 1Hz.

There are several ways to program frequencies - with encoder, or with PC. If You are familiar with Arduino programming sources are available on project page in package. To be honest I get mine already programmed kindly by Marek (tnx a lot).  

4 memory banks for most needed frequencies can be programmed with multi encoder, which is also suitable for QRG step change, time zone settting and display switching.  

Two outputs of GPSDO can be populated with low pass filters - i.e one 10MHz filter for frequency counter clock, and second for frequency You need. Or - just leave the second one unpopulated - feed directly from SIS5351 output for various frequencies as I did. Also, if needed (as in my case) - I had to change GPS antenna for ordinary external GPS car antenna block with 3m RG174 cable.

All this fit perfectly into Hammond enclosure, but this depends on your choice.

In case anyone need more info - don't hesitate to drop me @.

73

Digging in the "salt mine"

 My friend Arvo ES1CW (R.I.P) said to me one day, that working with the QSL's card is like salt mine digging...well, Arvo was main ES (ERAU) QSL manager, so his salt mine was much bigger than mine. The only thing I have about, it's every QSL is like piece of crystal, keeping inside "moment" of QSO. Each one is different, and each one should have it's way to recipient. You can have e-qsl, LOTW - but it won't give You same personal memories when You keep paper card in your hands..

So if You have in your log S.E.S callsign 3Z95IARU (I know few of You 6m op's worked them) - You'll get your card soon (I hope). At least I'll do my best to make it happen. 

95yrs of IARU S.E.S QSL
  

Small :-) 31kg's batch just sorted for each DXCC. Guess which DXCC is won ths battle? 3rd column... yes, it's DL packet. Imagine how big it must be in Central PZK Bureau...? 

 

 

2020 ARRL EME contest and 70MHz #JO57GG by Danish op's

Same as last Year, well known group of Danish operators will be QRV in ARRL EME Contest, on 144 MHz and 1296MHz band during 2nd weekend of October, 10-11 under the call OZ9KY.  

They will be located same as usual in JO57GG, at the Jorgen's OZ1GWD QRA. Although they plan to do extensive run in EME contest, in the meantime 70MHz operation is also planned for those who need this rare #. 

 

 Lot's of various equipment will be set up, so no doubt they will have fun :-)

Please contact Henrik, OZ8ZS with OZ2OE (inspecting the setup above) for sked schedule and more information.   

GL all !

New Polish 50MHz beacon

 On behalf of Jurek, SP3SLU I'm glad to announce following info :

From beginning of September 2020 there's new beacon SR3KWA/B active on two bands 50 & 144Mhz from permanent location in Turek, JO92GA. 

Working frequencies 50.345MHz and 144.463Mhz CW mode. 

Both transmitters are 5W output TX feeding Squalo Antenna on 6m, and Cross dipole on 144MHz. 

 
Location at Zbig, SP3GRE property, on local hilltop, overall height for 2m antenna is 158m a.s.l and little lower for 6m Squalo antenna (pic below).  

Both transmitteres were donated by "Polski Klub UKF" and adapted by SP5XMU and SP5MX. 

Initial idea of beacon - Jurek SP3SLU and Zenek SP3JBI, all work done by SP3KWA members and fellows from OT-27 (Southern Greater Poland) branch of PZK.

Any reports welcome - please send us note with your locator, equipment or just report SP3SLU@WP.PL

Tnx Jurek.

Around Poland VHF dxpediton - Logged stations (END)

Worked stations during all grids event 4 & 6m. Log closed.

ANY complaints about NOT IN LOG or busted calls please send EXCLUSIVELY to Mek via e-mail

   SP7VC@WP.PL

 AFTER EXTENSIVE CHECK LOG UPDATED 08 Sept.2020

 

JO71VQ: 

4m: DJ4MM, DF5VAE, SP3CMX, DL4KUG, DF1AN, SP1NEN, OZ8ZS, SP3PAA, DL4IB, DL3KUD, DL5WG, PA2IP, DL5WG, DK2GOX, DG1VL, OH1MLZ, SP1MVG, GM6VXB, OZ1JXY, G3YHM, OG3M, OH2MA, OH7MLQ, OH7TE, G4BRK, DL5FN, PA3ECU. 

TO: DH2OAA 

 

 

 

JO70QV:

4m: OH2MA, OH7TE, OH1MLZ, DF5VAE, OZ1JXY, OZ5KM, DF6HT, S57TW, PA2IP, OZ8ZS, PA0RDY, DK2GOX, DG1VL. 

TO: DF1AN

 

 

 

JO80GL:

4m: DG1VL, OZ5KM, DK2PH, PA3ECU, DK2GOX, DF5VAE, OH2MA, OH7TE, OH1MLZ, OH2BYJ, PA4VHF, SP2MKO, SP6A, S57TW, LA7QIA, DF6HT, ON5CD, DJ8ES, DF1AN, OZ2OE, DL6BF. 

TO: OZ1JXY, OZ1DLD, DM2BHG

 

 

 

JN89WX:

4m: OK2BRD, DG1VL, DJ5MN, DH2UAK, DK2EA, S57TW, S51DI, 9A1Z, DK2GOX, OZ5KM, OZ1JXY, PC5C, DK2PH, PA2J, PA3ECU, OH2MA, DJ9YE, DF6HT, DF9ZT, PA3EAQ, DL6BF, PA7MM, PA0RDY, ON4IQ, PA2IP, DF5VAE, DL8BDU, G3SHK, DL2OM, G3YHM, PA4VHF, DL5FN, ON5CD, DJ4TC, GW3ATZ, GW8ASD, GD3YEO, G8TTI, G8CVS, M1DNJ, G4YLB, G4ZFJ, GS8VL, G4KPZ, GM4FVM, MI0OBC, G8EEM, SP1MVG, OH1MLZ, LA7QIA, upd. OZ8ZS. 

TO: SP3CMX, DF1AN, LA7DFA, OH7TE, DL8YE, EI7HBB

 

JN99RU:

4m: DF5VAE, OH2MA, DJ5MN, PA7MM, PA0RDY, ON5CD, PA3ECU, OH1MLZ. 

TO:OZ6FH, 9A2DI, OH7TE, DF1AN

 

KO00LA:

4m: OZ1JXY, PA3ECU, PC5C, OH2MA, OH7TE, ON5CD, OZ5KM, SP1MVG, OK2BRD, DK2GOX, SP3CMX, DL8FBD, DL1OBF, S57TW, DF5VAE, PA0RDY, DJ5MN, PA4VHF, PA7MM, DJ2QV, PA2J, PA2IP, ON4IQ, DL5FN, DL6BF, OZ2OE, DG1VL. 

TO: PA3EWP, DL4WO 

 

KN19FI:

4m: OZ8ZS, PA2IP, DK5EW

TO: SP3CMX, DL5FN

 

6m: OE3KLU, S51DI, IZ5EME, DL8FBD, 9A2DI, YU7EF

KN19HO:

4m: OZ1JXY, PC5C, PA2J, OK2BRD, OZ5KM, S57TW, ON5CD, DG1ROD, OH7TE, OH2MA, DK2PH, DL4WO, DL6BF, SP1MVG, DK2GOX, DL1OBF, PA7MM, DF5VAE, DJ5MN, ON4IQ, PA4VHF, DJ2QV, DF9ZT, ON4GG, DG1VL, PA3ECU, PA2IP, DL5WG, OH1MLZ,

TO: S52OR, DJ4MM, DM2BHG

 

 

KO20AU:

4m: PA2J, PA2IP, PC5C, DK2EA, PA3ECU, G4KUX, ON5CD, DF5VAE, DJ4MM, OZ1JXY, DK2PH, ON4IQ, OZ8ZS, OK2BRD, SP1MVG, OZ1DLD, ON4GG, DL8FBD, DL6BF, DL1OBF, PA7MM, DL4WO, DG1ROD, ON7GB, DK2GOX, DL2OM, DJ5MN, S57TW, 9A2DI, DJ4TC, DJ2QV, ON4PS, PA4VHF, OZ8ZS, DL8YE, OH1MLZ, DG1VL, OH2MA, OH7LMQ, DF1AN, DL5WG, OZ2OE, G3SHK, OV3T, DM2BHG, SM4KYN, DL5FN, OH7TE.

KO11SS:

4m: PA7MM, ON4IQ, OZ1JXY, PA3ECU, DF5VAE, OH2MA, S57TW, DK2GOX, OH1MLZ, DL6BF, DJ9YE, SP1MVG, DL1OBF, PA4VHF, OZ8ZS, PA0RDY, OG3M, OH7TE, DK2PH, ON5CD, OZ3ZW, DG1ROD, ON4GG, DF1AN, PA2IP, PA2J, DL8YE, DL8FBD.

KO12RS:

4m: S57TW, DK2EA, DL5WG, OZ1JXY, PA0RDY, OZ8ZS, S51DI, DF5VAE, PA2J, DG1VL, DM2BHG, DF1AN, DL6BF, DK2GOX, DJ5MN, ON5CD, OZ2OE, PA3ECU, PA4VHF, OH2BYJ, OH1MLZ, OH2MA, OH7TE, DK2PH, PA7MM, DJ2QV, SP1MVG, DL4WO, S52OR, DL5FN, DJ4MM, DK5EW, OH7LMQ, DG1ROD, OZ5KM, DL8FBD upd ON4IQ.

KO13BX:

4m: DF5VAE, PC5C, PA7MM, OZ1JXY, SP2MKO, ON4GG, OH2MA, OH7LMQ, OH7TE, OH1MLZ, G4KUX, DL6BF, PA0RDY, DK2EA, ON5CD, DK2PH, S57TW, PA3ECU, OZ1DLD, DK2GOX, ON4IQ, DL5WG, OH2BYJ, S51DI, DK5EW, PA4VHF, OZ8ZS, OZ2OE, DF1AN, PA2J.

TO: DK1MAX, DJ2QV, DH2OAA, SP1MVG, 9A2DI, DM2BHG.

KO14EG: 

4m: DK2EA, DK2PH, OZ5KM, PA7MM, OZ1DLD, PA0RDY, ON5CD, OZ1JXY, DF5VAE, DL6BF, ON4GG, DL1OBF, DL8FBD, DL1OBF, PA3ECU, DL4WO, SP1MVG, PA1AW, OH2MA, OH7TE, OH1MLZ, OM5KM, PA4VHF, OH7LMQ, ON4IQ, DK5EW, DL8YE, DG1VL, DM2BHG, DL5WG, PE4BAS, DF1AN, S52OR, S57TW, SP2HMR, PC5C, S51DI, SP2MKO, OZ8ZS, DF6HT, upd DJ4TC, S57TW.

KO03HT:
4m: DF5VAE, DK2EA, DL6BF, OH2MA, DK2PH, OZ1JXY, OZ5KM, OZ1DLD, OG3M, OH1MLZ, PA3ECU, DK2GOX, SP2JYR, ON5CD, S57TW, S52OR

TO: DK1MAX, DL1OBF, PA4VHF, PC5C

KO04HE: No QSO's because of very strong military radar from Kaliningrad Region, sorry.

JO95AA:
4m: DF5VAE, OZ1DSD, OZ1QZ, OZ2OE, SP3RNZ, OV3T, PA2IP, G4KUX, OZ5KM, DK2PH, DF1AN, OZ1JXY, DK2GOX, OZ8ZS,
TO: PA0RDY

6m: LZ2RR, GW7SMV, OZ8ABE, SP2CHY, EI7BMB, DF5VAE, EI4GNB, LZ1SW, SP1MVG, DM5DX, YO3YV, YT1Q, DL3BQA, ON8DM, LZ2CM, SM6MUY, OZ1IEP, G0JHC, DL7VEE, SV2DFK, MW0ZZK, IZ5EME, S51DI, F6GCP, S57TW, TA1BM, Sp1GPI, PA5Y, ON4IQ, ON4GG, PC7M, DF5DE, ON7GB, G4RRA, ON5CD, DL5YEE, G3TXF, G0CHE, F4VPC, F6BBO, PE1RLF, PA0RDY, MM0AMW, SP2IQW, PC7M, PA5Y, DK2PH, PA0WRS, DL8FBD, DC6KI, G0SYP, DF5SF, PA3FYE, ON6NL, F1GTU.

JO85XA:
4m: SP1MVG, SP9HWY, SP3RNZ, DL4KUG, DF1AN, DF5VAE, SV2JAO, SP2JYR, OZ7IS, OZ8ZS, OZ7IS, OZ2OE, DJ4MM, GI4SZU, OZ1DSD, SP2FH, S57TW, PA2IP, G4KUX, PA0RDY, PA2M, PA7MM, DL6BF, DK2PH..
TO: DJ4TC, DL5WG, DJ5MN, G0CHE, OZ1JXY, PA3DOL, G4BRU, DK2GOX, G4FUF


6m: MM0AMW, EA6SX, UY2ZA, MI0IHH, SP1JNY, EI7IX, MD0CCE, GI6ATZ, G1GEY, EB3JT, SP2IQW, UX7QV, Ei7BMB, PA5Y, SP1MVG, DF5VAE, SP1NEN, SM7MBH, IZ5EME, DM5DX, OZ8ABE, DL3BQA, IK0FTA, EI3KD, ON7GB, GW7SMV, SP2CHY upd PA2M, DD5DX, DK8NE, DK2PH, DK2EA, G3TXF, ON5CD, OH1MLZ, G0JHC, G4FUF, PA0RDY, GD0TEP.

JO74JA:
4m: G3YHM, DF5VAE, SP1MVG, DF1AN, GM6VXB, ON4GG, OZ8ZS, PA7MM, PA0RDY, ON4IQ, G3SHK, PA1AW, OH2MA, OH7TE, DK2GOX, ON5CD, GW6TEO, G3YHM, OZ1JXY, DJ5MN, DK2EA, DF5VAE, OZ1DSD, PA2M, DL6BF.
NC: OK2BRD

JO73HX:
4m: DF5VAE, PA3ECU, DK2GOX, G3SHK, ON4IQ, OZ3ZW, ON4GG, SP1MVG, OH7LMQ, PA7MM, G3YHM, PA0RDY, OH1MLZ, DJ4TC, DL6BF, OH7TE, OH2MA, DF1AN, OZ8ZS, S57TW, ON5CD.
NC: PA1AW

JO72QR:
4m: DL5WG, PA3ECU, DF5VAE, DK2PH, PA2M, G3SHK, PA0RDY, PA2IP, DK2GOX, PA7MM, ON4IQ, ON5CD, S57TW, SP3CMX, 9A2DI, OH1MLZ, G3YHM, G4BRK, OH2MA, OH7MLQ, DJ4MM, DL8FBD, DF6HT, DG3LSM, SP3PAA, DM2BHG, DF1AN.
NC: DL6BF

JO82NC:
4m: G4BWP, DK2GOX, DJ5MN, S57TW, OH2MA.
NC: G3SHK, OZ1JXY, DK2PH

JO92HA:
4m: SP3RNZ.
NC: OZ2OE.

"Around Poland" VHF dxpedition - WET squares event

After a week of "Around Poland VHF dxpedition" activity on the mainland squares, a special event is planned :-) 

Luckily convinced Mek, he should go sailing, and voila! 

Donors list updated - THANK YOU for your generous support !

First EVER 70MHz activity from 

WET squares 

JO85xa and JO95aa 

will take place soon. 

 

planned JO85XA90

planned JO95AA00

Map sources : TK5EP map locator https://www.egloff.eu/googlemap_v3/carto.php

This event is scheduled for weekend July 25th - or 26th as we are limited by weather, more info TBA later.

Each square will be activated for 5 full hours, so full day sail is scheduled, adding 2+2 hours for sailng forth and back.

 

Fishermen's boat "HARPUN", already checked by Mek, with 230V power for SSPA on board :-) antennas will be attached at the back, both 3 ele YU7EF for 6m , and 2x2el (wide angle) for 70MHz.

Temporary shack for 6 and 4m equipment, and operating place.

Some of You already worked DL guys on 6m (DL3BQA / LY2AAM and Co.) on their way back home from one of their Baltic VHF expeditions, but certainly none of You worked theses squares on 70MHz.

To make this happen, we are seeking your help. 

 Previously we never asked for it. 

 paypal.me/sp7vc 

 But renting a boat for whole day sail, is unfortunately quite expensive. 

Overall costs of renting this boat for full single day event on the Sea will exceed 500 Euros.

If You want to help with this special event please consider ANY donation.

Donors : OZ1JXY, PA2M, G4BWP, OZ2OE, PA3BIY, S57TW, DL6BF, DK8NE, DK2GOX, PA3ECU, S51DI, Dk2EA, OZ8ZS, DF1JC, DJ9YE, PA2IP, DG1VL, EI7BMB, DF5VAE, OZ8ABE, MD0CCE, GW7SMV, DL1OBF, PA2J, DM5DX, PA7MM, DJ4TC, DM2BHG, SP1MVG.

THANKS FOR ALL SUPPORT - WITHOUT YOU IT WILL BE MORE COMPLICATED

All donors will get their QSL card free of charge, also special "coffee" mug is planned as a gift for those who make highest count of active squares during the Around Poland VHF x-pedition.
Donors callsigns will be updated here on the page. 

"Around POLAND" VHF dxpedition

I am honoured to present another project of Mek SP7VC and Kasia SQ7OYL for this VHF Summer.

Because of COVID-19 restrictions and problems with traveling around EU, and other safety reason his previously planned for the Summer Iceland 2020 Tour has to be postponed.

But as unsettled soul, instead of Iceland, Mek planned some other domestic activity - with hope that many of You will work missing gridsquares in Poland on 50MHz and 70MHz.
In addition activity on 3 & 6cm band via RS is possible.

Multiband equipment with 50/70MHz YU7EF Yagis, 9el Yagi for 2m and 60cm dish for 3&6cm, and reliable equipment IC7300 / IC-9700 / FT-847 / FT-290+trsvt and SSPA's will be used with SSB, CW, FT8, MSK144, possibly dualband same time where possible.   

Look at the map below, and note in Your calendar dates interested for You.

 

Trip is scheduled as follows :

July 19 from JO92, JO82, JO72, JO73, JO74, 

July 25 (or 26) JO85 - JO95 WET squares event - READ MORE IN NEXT POST

 

July 27 - JO94, KO04, KO03, KO14, KO13, KO12, KO11, KO20, KN19, KN09, KO00, JN89, JO80, JO70, JO71 

For any question concerning dates and certain squares needed  - please contact Mek directly by e-mail SP7VC@WP.PL to give him a look where to stay longer. . .

Stay tuned for more info!