Finnaly arrived ;-) 4m Double Century MLA Award

Today finally got my first of Awards issued by IRTS - Irish Radio Transmitters Society.

Looking good, ready to printout from convenient pdf format file.
No fee's, Awards are free, all You need is only spreadsheet with QSO's/grids certified by local Award manager or two ham operators and send it to IRTS Award manager.

Read more at IRTS site  http://www.irts.ie/cgi/st.cgi?70mhz

Good luck! 

GJ Tracker for EME - MSSTDFMT.dll issue

Installing free W7GJ "GJTracker" software for EME prediction found some annoying issue with Windows dynamic loaded libraries underWin10 OS.
This can happen in Win7, Win 8 and 8.1 as well, but very rarely on XP SP3.

After unpacking the GJTracker software and copying unzipped folder into root directory clicking .exe file caused Windows to splash an error warning :

"Class not registered. MSSTDFDMT.dll is missing or corrupt."   

This is caused by wrong registry setting or accidental unregistering the library from System.
Another (probable) cause is than some version of Windows do not use this .dll which is actually connected with Visual Basic libraries and partially Outlook Express/Office.

Below is a simple solution, choose 32 or 64 bit version depending on OS You're running.

1. Try to find MSSTDFDMT.dll in Your system - check if it's already there - if YES - should be located in  C:/WINDOWS/System32 for 32 bit version, or C:/WINDOWS/sysWOW64 for 64bit OS.

If it's missing - You need to download it from net, or copy it from another PC and simply paste downloaded file into the folder (depending on which version of OS You're running) 

Last step is registering the .dll file in Windows registry using regsvr32 command.

32bit OS: click Start, Run - type cmd in the dialog box and run it.
After old good DOS window appear You should see something like c:/windows/system32
Type:

and press Enter. You will see OS note that registering the file is successfull.

64bit OS: same as above, but using Win8.1 or Win10 to get Command Prompt with Administrator prvileges we need to click the "Windows", type "cmd" directly to "Run" box and choose "Run as administrator".
After confirming we want to use Administrator rights type in Command prompt as below:

and hit Enter.
OS will confirm the file was registered successfully.

Now You can run GJtracker again and all should be fine.

73!




 

Merry Christmas and happy New Year everyone !

For all kind readers and sympathics of my blog and their families...

Let the coming Christmas give You amazing gifts, love and happiness,

and New Year bring all the missing DX's  :-)

Merry Christmas everyone!

IC-7300 low SSB power? Not anymore.

Here You can see two different Icoms IC-7300, both with newest FW 1.14 tested on 100W Spinner dummy load using standard hand Micropohone.  

IC-7300 SSB TALK POWER MOD

Do You need more explanation or You can catch conclusions yourself ? ;-) 

Thanks for my good friend Peter SP2DMB for cutting and producing the video, and for Mek SP7VC for lending the TRX for comparison.


 73 !

IC-7300 Keypad - step by step video by Peter SP2DMB

Here's the link for those who want to DIY.

SP2DMB KEYPAD 1

SP2DMB KEYPAD 2

73 !

IC-7300 6m EME receiver tests

Receiver measurements done earlier and described in previous post lead me to do some on air test.
When my 756P3 came on workbench to LNA modification, it was the time to test 7300 on EME signals.
Not digging deeper into RX architecture and differences, test show that both receivers performs well and 7300 without LNA is usefull for EME try, even with single antenna.
At the time I can't say 7300 is better than 756P3, because  having both connected I can't see much difference.

 IC-756P3 RX screen:

 

Maybe (only my subjective look) 756P3 with internal preamps is 1-2dBJT better at EME decodes.

IC-7300 RX screen:

On the other hand 7300 seems to be a little "quieter" at the same time - maybe because of (as per Icom adverisement ) extremely low RX phase noise.
 
At least I can say having 7300 as spare RIG for 6m  is good idea.   

TBC.

73!

ICOM IC-7300 External Keypad - Updated

Here we are.
For those who don't like to push IC-7300 screen constructor of  famous FT-847 filter mods, Peter SP2DMB produced external keypad in few final versions.

Depending on version device uses PCB with SMT elements, covered with ABS box.

Version "mini" with 4 keys

Keypad 7300 "Max" with or without Mic connector - choose version which suits your needs.

For more info and test videos check Youtube VIDEO  or drop him e-mail at sp2dmb@gmail.com

73!

GM6VXB/P wet square # IP60WD

Saturday bring quite a nice suprise and occassion to work rare wet square IP60WD after putting 4m antenna back on duty in the morning.
Beacuse of bad weather Martin GM6VXB stuck at his QRL /P on drilling Rig "Transocean Spitsbergen"

 Image credit http://www.offshorepost.com/transocean-drill-north-sea-hurricane/

As usual with radio depending on workload and QRL breaks giving unique chance to work rare squares usually not active, or uninhabited at all.  

Despite my temporary antenna limitations at ~3m above the ground signals were good and clear.

This resulted full QSO with both sides 73 exchanged.

Martin will move to another rare # JP01 on Monday, at least when WX permits to get out of IP60.
Good luck !

Unlocking MSK144 mode in MSHV 1.26 - (obsolete)

Growing interest in new mode MSK144 without installing WSJT-X lead me to write this short "HOWTO"
After installing MSHV we can see MSK144 mode checkbox is grey.

 We will fix it now :-)

Assuming your MSHV instance is installed in drive/partition D: on your PC we need to get into "settings" folder - in my example it's  D:\MSHV126\settings.

 Look for the file as shown above.

 Open it with Notepad and scroll down to get line "mod_identifaer=2"

Change the value from "2" to "0", and in the line below "auto_decode_all=MSK144=0" set value to "1"
Close the file saving changes.

There You are. After restart MSHV will let You operate  MSK144.

Unfortunately there's no way to change it under running program, if You switch to FSK441 or any other mode, software will not let You back to MSK144.
Good idea is to use two separate instances of MSHV, with one configured only to MSK.

Enjoy !

ES0UG & LY2AAM Summer Baltic pedition QSL arrived

Nice suprise today, visiting P.O.Box for usual parcels from Central QSL bureau found ES0UG and LY2AAM cards from Summer Baltic pedition among others new 4m grids.

Tnx to Uwe DL3BQA & gang - KO07, KO08 and KO23 now in pocket. CU from another #guys.

73!

New multiband beacon SR5TDM in KO01KX

In effect of huge work done by friends from SP5, Poland will have another usefull set of beacons on few bands starting from 10m on HF and 6m/4m/2m/70cm on VHF.

New beacon is located in KO01KX, with the same call SR5TDM/B on all bands. QRG's : 28.215MHz, 50.415MHz, 70.115MHz (CW dial). 

At the moment beacon is QRV on 10m, 6m and 4m with 3W output and set of turnstile antennas proudly made by RNZ LAB. 

Pic credit : Tom SP5XMU - Thanks!
More bands to come soon - follow the info at the beacon site http://sr5tdm.com

Pic credit : Tom SP5XMU - Thanks!

As You can see, antennas are installed on wind power station, takeoff is full 360 degress with clear horizon.
Overall height is ~200 meters a.s.l.

More outstanding photos : HERE and HERE 

Hope You can hear the beacon soon !

73

UN3M @ 70MHz QSL card arrived.

Finally, UN in the pocket. New DXCC, new main grid, new loc. Best DX of 2016.

Thank You Nick for beautiful QSL card !
 CU again in 2017 !

SP/OH5LID again in the shack ! ;-)

Well.
All what's good or even better, coming to an end very quickly.


Again, after two Years from first meeting, I've had unique opportunity to eyeball QSO and to drink a Tomza beer with my Finnish friend Janne, better known as LID.

OH5LID to be exact ;-)

This time Janne as "Iron man" or maybe Ironmagpie :-) stopped by in our house for trip break on the way back from after Ironman competition in Pula, Croatia, driven by his amazing Boss XYL Natalia.

We had FB evening here joining 40 Years Anniversary meeting of local club SP3PGZ from Kolo, where we meet lot of ham radio operators, good beer and Polish cuisine specialities.

 

      L to R : Janne himself, my XYL Ola, Natalia and Andy SP3FCO.

Long talks after back home, and unique atmosphere with our special guests makes Suomi, Polish and Russian almost the same languages :-)

Pity Finland is not next door - but we will try to fix it :-) maybe next Year,

Have a safe trip home!

6m from Kanton Island, Kiribati by T31T Polish DX pedition - Ended

This page will bring You fresh news about 50MHz  activity from T31T,  Kanton, Central Kiribati.

A  Polish DX-Pedition by REBEL DX Goup will run EU's Most Wanted #5 DXCC entity on HF, but special, 

first ever 50MHz activity from Kanton Island will be conducted by well known globetrotter 

 Mek SP7VC

Main operation will start after long trip from Poland to Samoa 5W1, and few days sailing to remote Kanton Island. Estimated time - October 1-2nd. 

 

Due to transportation costs, ( more than $1k ) and high luggage manipulation fees, attemp to bring EME equipment there and Moonbounce operation on 6m has been cancelled.

Mek will utilise one of Icom's IC-7300 and 4 element Yagi designed by YU7EF for terrestial Es operation, all possible modes. If You feel there's a chance to any opening into particular part of VK/JA/ZL please send DXCLX spot. Although there will be no real time DXcluster usage, we will try to QSP message to Mek.

Below is a Azimuthal map with headings from Kanton Island.

Saturday, September 24.2016

For those who want to see where they are now - tracker link :

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0Xgla9mNNNgqbSv0mxAeuaNVP7CqnQ1qj

SP3RNZ/8 #KO20BU QSL's ready to send

Cards will be send via bureau coming Monday, September 5th.

73 !

GM6VXB/P Bleo Holm activity #IO98GC

On behalf of Martin GM6VXB I am forwarding following information :

On monday , August 29 Martin will fly to the Bleo-Holm ship, and will
try to activate IO98GC square.
His work there is scheduled for at least 3 days, so 2/4/6m activity is possible.

Image courtesy www.bluewater.com

Operation will start on 4m, probably Monday evening.
Band will be changed to 6 or 2m for random operation if no takers on 4m.
Antenna change takes 15-30min so please be patient.

Times of operation as follows (UTC) :
Tuesday onwards 05:00-06:00, 09:00-09:30, 11:00-11:30, 11:00-12:00 15:00-15:30 and evenings possibly 18:00-20:00 UTC. 

Depending on workload there's small chance to operate outside of this schedule. Martin is hoping that ship is in good position to keep antenna in good position with low noise.

GL !

GM6VXB/P Buzzard platform JO07KU grid activation.

On behalf of Martin GM6VXB, I am pleased to announce that despite all compliants on last JO08 activity Martin will try to activate rare grid JO07KU at Buzzard Oil platform.

 Picture courtesy www.offshore-technology.com

Latest info:

"Now been told I have got a flight today at 13:00.It is quite windy offshore so will see if I can get antennas up tonight.

Will see if I can be QRV tonight but not sure if things will be organizedby then.

If not I hope to be QRV tomorrow around 05:00 for one hour and next period is from 12:00 to 13:00. 

Evenings from around 19:00 for two hours."

Activity will concentrate on 4 and 6m, all depending on tests after arrival, and possible interferences to comm systems onboard. Usual MS frequencies and modes.

MY NOTE : Please be patient. This is one man show, he is not on vacation, lot's of work to do prior to ham radio, so activity periods, and lenght can vary depending on conditions there...

 

GL !

KO20BU 6/4/2m expedition summary.

Thank You all for great fun we had last weekend !
Sorry for those who missed our activity as there will be no KO20 on air soon again...
Here some statistics for our "dx"pedition, all logged station You can find in previous post.

SP3RNZ/8 - 4m
"ON AIR" time 17 hours 43 minutes.
40 QSO's, 31 random "MS", 6 "Es" QSO's , 3 skeds, 32 squares, 10 DXCC
QSO Map:

SP7VC/8 - 6m/2m
"ON AIR" time 12 hours 21 minutes.
 6m - 73 QSO's, 29 random "MS",  44 "Es" QSO's , 2 skeds, 71 squares,
19 DXCC
QSO Map:

 2m -  20 QSO's, 14 random "MS",  6 "Tropo" QSO's, 19 squares, 10 DXCC
QSO Map:

CU from another grid soon . . .

SP3RNZ/8 - SP7VC/8 - KO20BU on the air !

After 530km trip we are alive and kickin' in KO20BU very close to the UR5 border.
WX fine, even more we can expect, +32degrees in shadow. You can fry eggs on the asphalt :-)
Arrived ~17 UTC, antennas up now, and we are QRV 6 and 4m MS/tropo.
Some fresh pics :

 4m antenna, YU7EF EF0406

Mek with 6m and 2m antennas

Full setup 6/2 and 4m in the backyard :-)

4m table shack ;-)

 And me :-)

SP7VC/8 in the action on 50.223 JT6M

Logged stations August 05.2016 :

SP7VC/8
6m : ON7EH, SP8SN, G0CER, DF6HT, SP1MVG, OZ3ZW, OK2BRD

SP3RNZ/8
4m : SP8SN, PA0RDY, SP6MLK, OZ2OE, PA2IP, OZ3ZW, PF7M, ON7EQ, OH2MA, OH8MGK,


Logged stations August 06.2016

SP7VC/8
2m : US0WJ, G4SWX, SP3UCA, DF1JC, SQ1FYB, OK2BRD, PA2IP, PF7M, SP3YM, SP3LD, SP3KQV, DK5OX, ON4PS, SN9D, SP1MVG, OH8MGK


6m :  ON7EQ, SP7BUZ, YL2CP, ON7GB, OZ5AGJ, DJ6YX, S59A, ES6RQ, DK3WG, US5WE, SM5KWU, OH3DP, OZ8ZS, G0EML, GM3PPE, GM1KHU, DF5LQ, GW4ZAR, DF8LC, GM4UYE, DL4SZB, DK1IZ, LA8OOA, G0JEI, G0PQY, PA4DO, PA0RDY, DL7SB, OZ6PI, LA6OJ, PE1RLF, G4GEE, PE2JMR, PE5ROS, OZ4ACK, G4DBL, M0SAT, PH5T, G4FKA, DB7QE, G0CHE, OZ3PLH, SM7FJE, G4IJE, SM7LAD, OZ8UW, G4CZP, M0BCT, ON5PU, OZ5LJH, ON7EH, ON4PS, OZ1DJJ, OH8MGK, OH2MA, SM5CUI, PF7M, SM4KYN, OH1MN, SP7TEE,

SP3RNZ/8
6m:  OZ1DJJ, OZ8ZS

4m : OZ8ZS, ON7GB, OZ5AGJ, S51DI, OZ1JXY, OZ2M, OH1MLZ, ON4PS, OH2BYJ, OZ1DJJ, DI2MN, OZ1MFP, OH3DP, SQ8AQX, SP9HWY, SP3OCC, OZ2OE, GM4FVM, G6CQC, PA3GMG, PA0RDY, G3SHK, OZ8ZS, PA2CHR, OK2BRD, 

2m : SP1JNY, 

Logged stations August 07.2016

SP7VC/8
2m: PE1RLF, SK5AA, SM5DIC, S51AT,
6m : SP3OCC, 9A2DI, SV2DCD, I3VWK, S51AT

SP3RNZ/8
4m : S57A,

 

Rocks are good this time of the day.

 

Some of them were long ..

Many of us dreaming about clear waterfall... Amazing silence in KO20BU.

 Small Es into UK..

Antennas, coffee, raspberries and cranberries ;-)

Tuesday afternoon with long chat, coffee and raspberries with keen VHF'er Tom SP5XMU.

 As always, stopped by for few minutes, left after "small" hour :-) But who still believe that ham's can meet for a quick "moment"  

SP3RNZ / 8 - KO20BU MS Distance Prediction

If Perseids will be as strong as they are predicted, we should be able to reach distance close to 2000km from KO20BU.

 Map courtesy : OK2KKW site

It means, hardest QSO on 4m could be West part of UK, Ireland and Spain but it all depends on density of the shower.

CU soon.   

"SIX on SIX" Award.

Mark WN3SIX issuing very nice, colourfull Award for those who do 6m.

Seriously talking it's not very easy to get six different stations with "SIX" suffix nowadays..
But if You dig deeper in your log, there's a chance You already have some from the past.

Award is free, only fee is post fee payable to Mark WN3SIX directly.

Here are the RULES with complete list of available stations.

GL !
 

GM6VXB/P - #JO08 - cancelled.

According to message from Martin GM6VXB/P due to extensive KST abuse and discussion, there will be no further activity from remaining Platforms. Gear is packed and will be shipped back to GM.

MY PERSONAL NOTE  : 

I have been "somewhere" in the field more than 15 times. I can say I know what I'm talking about.
There's always a risk when You travel somewhere at rare place, You'll find somebody unsatisfied after.

But the hell, any small or big dxpedition is not a WHOREHOUSE, 
not everyone can be satisfied at once..

Those who complained, You better think that ham radio is still a hobby, not a fight.

It is not up to us to dictate to anybody what advances can 
and cannot be made.

Or maybe go somewhere and see it from the other side ?




Congrats for those who worked # JO08, sorry for those who not. You decide whom to thank.

SP3RNZ / 8 & SP7VC / 8 - KO20BU "Pre" Perseids activity

"Joined square Pedition KO20BU" - very "END" of Poland, Zosin village. August 5-7.2016.

We will be QRV form KO20BU starting Friday late evening August 5th, for two days, leaving KO20 on Sunday August,07 morning UTC time.

Activity planned on 50, 70 and 144MHz running two bands simultaneously, with priority given to 70MHz.

RIG used Icom's 7300 x2, FT847, TS2000 and PA's.
Antennas 70MHz 6el YU7EF, 50MHz 4el YU7EF, 144MHz 11el Yagi.

Log, pictures, news will be posted on this blog, we will try to do it realtime, depending on network coverage.

No KST chat, any violence of RF contact, posting reports, yours or for other station, will be clearly marked and will cause QSO remove from log.

We will always transmit in 1st period, on any band. Direction will be noted in CQ, as well as split, if needed.

We hope to have more luck than last KO20 activity.

73

GM6VXB/P - #JO08 6/4/2m platform activation

On behalf of Martin GM6VXB here's the news about coming activation of JO08 squares starting at Piper Bravo # JO08CL, Claymore Alpha # JO08DK and Tartan Alpha # JO08AI platforms.

Quick look where they are ;

Image by Gautier, D.L. - US Dept. of Interior USGS Bulletin 2204-C, page 9, Public Domain,

# Piper Bravo JO08CL July 25-27 qrv not earlier than 18UTC

Image courtesy Flickr.com

Leaving early morning July 27.
Been informed that there is only a small pole available for antennas so he can only put
up one antenna at a time. Which band - depending on conditions there.

# Claymore Alpha JO08DK July 27-29

Image credit: trawlerphotos.co.uk

Will be on Claymore from morning of July 27th until morning of July 29th.

# Tartan Alpha # JO08AI July 29-30(31)

Image credit: Oil-rig

On Tartan Alpha for the last work. Leave the field Either Sunday July 30 or Monday July 31st depending on flight availability.

NOTE : All flight times can change as the three platforms are in a poor area for fog so delays
are possible during July.

GL !

First SP -UN QSO on 70MHz by SP8WJW

I knew it's possible. First QSO between UN and SP is a fact now.

Piotr SP8WJW worked 2226km CW QSO with Nick UN3M about 06:55 UTC.

Massive clouds over Eastern UR and part of Russia with MUF up to 100MHz before and after QSO were observed.

Congrats Piotr, EX next? WTG !