CB'ing and Ham radio in the 21st Century - Page 7

Kymmy · 05-04-2012, 10:02

Really must get myself a decent 20+ amp PSU, using an old converted PC PSU atm but that's not quite powering the HF on 100w..

Can anyone suggest a cheap supplier? or a 2nd hand one?

Uncle Peter · 05-04-2012, 10:23

Can't go wrong with one of the Manson/Palstar 20-25 linear PSUs Kymmy. Should be able to pick up a used one for less than 50 quid. Providing you're not looking at the used kit list from a certain emporium in Cannock

Occasionally you see the 50A Zetagi PSUs pop-up and they're well worth grabbing but careful not to break your back if you do.

Kymmy · 05-04-2012, 10:28

I'd be happy with a switch mode (as long as it's got an noise offset)

Give me a nudge if you see any please... If not might have a wander round Dunstable Downs Radio Carboot sale in May

Kymmy · 08-04-2012, 10:12

Went hunting up/down the 2m/70cm repeater lists last night seeing what I could get on the new antenna.. The location here is surrounded by hills on 3 sides yet was surprised on 2m what I could get on 5w out of my 50w capable radios (Amersham, Aylesbury, Northhampton, Corby, Barkway, Bedford) with also a couple on 70cm (luton when it's working, cambridge and bedford) so that gives me mobile to home coverage for at very least from South London to Boston and Coventry to Swaffham.

Just need to get the 1/2 G5RV up again now for HF/CB

Uncle Peter · 10-04-2012, 11:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Went hunting up/down the 2m/70cm repeater lists last night seeing what I could get on the new antenna.. The location here is surrounded by hills on 3 sides yet was surprised on 2m what I could get on 5w out of my 50w capable radios (Amersham, Aylesbury, Northhampton, Corby, Barkway, Bedford) with also a couple on 70cm (luton when it's working, cambridge and bedford) so that gives me mobile to home coverage for at very least from South London to Boston and Coventry to Swaffham.

Just need to get the 1/2 G5RV up again now for HF/CB

If you're working those you will probably hear the Leicester repeater on 2m (Charlie Fox) which has a quite exceptional coverage but unfortunately it's one of the prat magnets

Comes in quite strong here on the border with the Viking lands but we already have our own up here: the notorious MP and MN!

Kymmy · 10-04-2012, 12:08

Used to work MissPiggy and MN when up in Manc land back in the 90's

Jon T · 10-04-2012, 13:14

I can hear CF. DY(Derby 70cm) has also had problems with music and prats in the recent past. One of the best repeaters around here used to be EE(Chesterfield, 70cm), it was never quiet when I was first licensed, now sadly this is not the case. Infact the most you hear from a lot of repeaters round hear are the 15 minute ident beacons.

Kymmy · 10-04-2012, 15:26

Just got a MAAS 25amp (the digital readout one) from HRD for £5 so that's me back on air once it gets delivered.. Just gotta work out this new fangled digital on/off switch (has on the bottom of it (WT KEY 2B)

Jon T · 10-04-2012, 16:15

I have one of these: http://www.hamradio.co.uk/accessorie...250-pd-716.php

Basically the same as you've just bought only with analog meters. Had it for a good few years and never had a problem with it.

I'm looking for a new dual band handheld, it won't get the use it might have done afew years ago so don't want to spend too much. So was looking at the Wouxun KG-UV6D which can be had for under £100, or a Kenwood TH-F7E(£236). Stretching the budget to it's absolute limit i'm also considering the Alinco DJ-G7(£330).

**Paul** · 10-04-2012, 16:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Blackened

I have rig envy! Show us some pics if you get chance, Paul?
What was modified on it?

Mine is in the attic atm, but Ive attached a picture that looks identical.

Im actually trying to remember the details of the modification. I believe it was to add either 1 or 2 more bands (super super low, or super super high). As I recall it was a switch that "shifted" the whole A-E range - so instead of C being the normal middle band, it shifted up (or down), meaning A or E gave you access to the new channels.

Kymmy · 10-04-2012, 16:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jon T

I'm looking for a new dual band handheld, it won't get the use it might have done afew years ago so don't want to spend too much. So was looking at the Wouxun KG-UV6D which can be had for under £100, or a Kenwood TH-F7E(£236). Stretching the budget to it's absolute limit i'm also considering the Alinco DJ-G7(£330).

Had my Yaesu FT50 for many a year, bought it just before I went to live in OZ for a bit, great fun getting it through customs as they kept telling me I can;t brig in a CB

Eventually got it through to them that it was ham radio and I even had a letter from their version of the RA stating that I could bring it in and get a reciprocal licence..

Currently not have 2 FT50's, a VX5 and a VX1.. I do like Yaesu

Kymmy · 15-04-2012, 08:41

Been listening to 11m (finally managed to get up my 1/2 G5RV and hammered in an earth spike and gawd is it dead with nothing on FM or SSB.. I know being surrounded by hills I won't hear much local but the conditions are not yet coming up the freq that far so no DX even.

Russ · 15-04-2012, 09:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

Been listening to 11m (finally managed to get up my 1/2 G5RV and hammered in an earth spike and gawd is it dead with nothing on FM or SSB..

This is why I'm hesitant to dust off the old 148. I've got a firestick and mag-mount but I wouldn't want to use it in the car as it would distract me too much and going on what everyone is saying about how quiet it is (even on 555), I doubt I could be bothered to go to the trouble of setting up the Antron.

Kymmy · 18-04-2012, 10:11

I'd still set it up for later in the year Russ as the bands should improve with the summer..

On a ham radio note been trying to get rtty (radio Teletype) working on an old PK232 recently and failing as there's very little decent software about.. So downloaded MMTTY, set up a soundcard, made a little PTT adaptor (RTS to PTT via an optoisolator) and then set about on 20M's (about 14.080-14.100) looking for contacts.. Got acknowledged by the Brazilian 2014 world cup Special event station ZY2014WC (but he faded before I had a chance to swap signal reports) and a good 599 from both Oman A45XR and Newfoundland VO1NM all on 40watts.. That was all about 9:30pm last night..

Uncle Peter · 19-04-2012, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kymmy

I'd still set it up for later in the year Russ as the bands should improve with the summer..

On a ham radio note been trying to get rtty (radio Teletype) working on an old PK232 recently and failing as there's very little decent software about.. So downloaded MMTTY, set up a soundcard, made a little PTT adaptor (RTS to PTT via an optoisolator) and then set about on 20M's (about 14.080-14.100) looking for contacts.. Got acknowledged by the Brazilian 2014 world cup Special event station ZY2014WC (but he faded before I had a chance to swap signal reports) and a good 599 from both Oman A45XR and Newfoundland VO1NM all on 40watts.. That was all about 9:30pm last night..

Had a dabble with PSK yet? Hamradio Deluxe is your weapon of choice.