I have never had an outdoor HF antenna until now, and what a difference with the same antenna outdoors versus indoors. I managed to hang an OCFD antenna for 40, 20, 10 and 6 meters in a very small crowded lot.
Category: HF
I upgraded the Kenwood SP-230 speaker using the Phits K95A and Phits GPH-X80 kits. The new speaker and foam made quite an improvement in detail and sound quality over the original speaker.
I found a deal on a Kenwood MC-50 Desk Mic for my TS-530SP or TS-830S. All that was needed was a new 4-pin connector and the mic worked perfectly.
I recently tried HF packet using a vintage Kantronics KAM All Mode TNC and the FT-991A. I used an RJ45 A/B switch to be able to switch between either port of the KAM or between the KAM and my KPC-3.
PE1NNZ has updated the firmware (beta version) on the (tr)uSDX to add audio over USB. This allows for digital modes such as FT8 over USB without separate audio cables.
The QDX offers a unique approach to digital modes and is a high quality QRP transceiver. Packed with features, this kit is fantastic for ultra portable digital modes.
The Kenwood TS-830S has an IF output which can easily be used to feed an inexpensive SDR for a panadapter display.
After assembling the low bands version of the (tr)uSDX, I decided to try the high bands version of the kit, which includes 10, 12, 15, 17, and 20 meters. I mainly wanted the 10 meter band as we’re on the upswing of the current solar cycle.
Building an adapter to connect a speaker mic to the (tr)uSDX is fairly simple and can improve the experience when operating in phone modes.
Replacing the HV caps in the Kenwood TS-830S is a fairly simple job, thanks to KE4AA for the parts. This is the second hybrid rig that I’ve replaced these HV caps for.