Electronics | Amateur radio | Nerdy Stuff
A Yaesu G-800DXA rotator is being used for azimuth satellite tracking being driven from SatPC32 via a K3NG rotator controller interface.
The factory fitted trimpot is only a standard single-turn trimmer, which was awkward to set to a precise value of 3.29V on the A/D output (remote – pin 4) correlating to full CW 450°.… Read more...
An Icom IC-410PRO UHF transceiver is being interfaced to a Clear-Com intercom system via a TW-47.
I/O required between the IC-410PRO via it’s 8-pin RJ45 connector and the TW-47 are:
• Ground
• PTT
• Mic Ground
• Mic
• AF Out
In line with the dumbing down of society , there is no mention of microphone pin outs in either the IC-410PRO Basic Manual or the “Advanced” Manual, so attention turned to a compatible microphone, the Icom SM-26 for further information.… Read more...
My 20 year old Diamond X-500 2/70 antenna stopped working earlier this year.
Not wanting to muck around, I simply ordered a new X-700 from Strictly Ham the following day.
I thought 20 years was a great run for an antenna, outside in the elements all this time.… Read more...
This simple modification replaces the standard rocker switch with an illuminated type rocker switch that is a drop-in replacement.
One annoying thing about the Weller WTCPT soldering iron is, there is no in-your-face indication it’s on, and it’s easy to inadvertently leave it on.… Read more...
Doug, VK4OE, shows us some handy modifications to a 5/16″ combination spanner to make it more user friendly when dealing with SMA connectors in tight spaces.
… Read more...
This article also applies to: Yaesu FT-7800, FT-7900, FT-8100, FT-8800, and FT-8900
Having just recently acquired a pair of Yaesu FT-7800R VHF/UHF Twinband transceivers, a programming cable was now needed.
Only after a few minutes searching, and we find warnings about the non-genuine USB programming leads out of China.… Read more...
I was recently considering the purchase of one these 2.7 GHz frequency counters, available from Jaycar and other suppliers.
Although 2.7 GHz capability is very appealing, a primary requirement was to have the ability to lock it to the shack 10 MHz Master Reference, a Trimble Thunderbolt GPS Disciplined Oscillator (GPSDO).… Read more...
These things sure don’t like high SWR, as smoke came out of mine once!
I finally realised I was transmitting on 28MHz into my 50MHz yagi… Ooops!!!
Anyway… R23 crapped itself… big time. Went open circuit.
Refer to PBA overlay below.… Read more...
The FT-50R will drain it’s battery rather quickly, even if the transceiver is turned “off”.
This mod will reduce the “off” current drain of the transceiver.
Note: Actual layout of PBA may vary depending on revision.
Abbreviated procedure;
This 
describes how to modify a Yaesu FT-817, so that the +12V appearing on the accessory connector switches on and off with the radio.
Normally, the +12V appears on the ACC connector when it has internal batteries fitted or DC plugged into the rig.… Read more...
Kuhne provide a PLL Lock status LED on the PLL board of their G3 transverter modules.
This LED is inside the module, which is great when the lids are off on the shack bench, but of limited value when out in a real operational environment.… Read more...
A look at the Icom CR-293 High Stability Oscillator option in an IC-910.
Easy to tweak, and the stability is very good.
You may not need to muck around with GPS Locking at all.
Eltek FLATPACK2 Volts Setter
$60.00 AUD
Genuine OEM Belt Clip for Anytone AT-D878UV & AT-D868UV - 3 Pack
$21.00 AUD
Eltek FLATPACK2 24/48V Touchscreen Controller Kit
$145.00 AUD
YK04 Remote Control Kit
$30.00 AUD
K3NG Universal Rotator Controller Kit
$109.00 AUD
K3NG Universal Remote i2c Starter Kit
$20.00 AUD
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