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The Napier Amateur Radio Club “Q” VHF/UHF Antenna Project

The Completed “Q” Antenna ready for use. It does look like a Pool Q!

This antenna was recently developed by Laurie, ZL2TC as a Club project for the Napier Amateur Radio Club. The design brief was for a simple, rugged 2 M/ 70 Cm antenna that is easily constructed by club members in an evening. We ended up with a repeatable design that acts as an end-fed half-wave dipole on 2 M and a 3 dB gain collinear antenna on 70 Cm. The SWR is unity on 2M and less than 2:1 on 70cm and is very effective in triggering local repeaters. The stiff 2M long tapered fibreglass housing is UV resistant, waterproof and the base of the antenna is a 28mm alloy tubing for mounting.

The 28mm Alloy base mounting Tube
The 28mm Alloy base mounting Tube
The Waterproof Choke Winding
The Waterproof Choke Winding
The Top Choke Sleeve
The Top Choke Sleeve

The kit comes complete with Step by Step instructions and all parts including cut to length coaxial cable, the pre-drilled fibreglass tube outer casing, alloy mounting tube, heat shrink tubing and waterproof tip.

This antenna kit would make a great project for a club evening construction evening. The price is very reasonable at $40.00 plus another $15 P&P within NZ. You can pay via Direct Credit or by cheque or by cash.The NARC has a limited number of these for sale.

Contact: The Napier Amateur Radio Club Inc via Karl ZL1TJ (karl@waspnet.co.nz) for information on ordering and payment.

 

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The NARC Hawke’s Bay Hamfest April 5, 2014

Hosted by the Napier Amateur Radio Club Incorporated
After kicking around ideas during the past year the Napier Amateur radio club decided to to host the first ever North Island Hamfest during the weekend of April 4th and 5th. Planning over the past 3 months paid off! Emails were sent to 40 clubs around the North island with an attached Flyer which was kindly forwarded to their club members. Thank you to the hard working club secretaries!  The Friday night get-together renewing old acquaintances and meeting new ones before the hamfest allowed hams to register before the opening the next day.

The Nelson Park Cricket Club Venue
The Nelson Park Cricket Club Venue

The Nelson Park Cricket Club in Napier was a great venue but the weather looked a bit ominous. But typical of Hawke’s Bay, the heavy weekend rain forecast turned into an insignificant shower Saturday morning. Over 60 hams including many that traveled very long distances checked in with Karl ZL1TJ, our secretary by the 10 Am Hamfest start. A short welcome to all and a quick prize draw saw the conference open with the first speaker Jan ZL2CZE on SDR technology

NARC Club Secretary Karl ZL1TJ checks in the attendees
NARC Club Secretary Karl ZL1TJ checks in the attendees
Early Morning Car Boot Sale opens the Hamfest
Jan, ZL2CZE explains SDR Receiver technology
Jan, ZL2CZE explains SDR Receiver technology
Rob, ZL2AN talks about measurement and matching issues with Yagi antennas and how to solve the problems involved.
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Dave, ZL2MQ talking about his beautifully constructed low noise 2m preamps and KW solid state amplifier used for moonbounce work on 2M
Dave ZL2MQ's professionally construction 2M KW amplifier for EME
Dave ZL2MQ’s professionally construction 2M KW amplifier for EME
Inside the ZL2MQ Amplifier!
Inside the ZL2MQ Amplifier!
Propagation 101 – Lee ZL2AL explains how the sun can be your best friend to help you work rare DX.
How to efficiently install HF and VHF mobile radios and antennas was explained by Laurie ZL2TC to an attentive audience

After lunch, Bob Sutton ZL1RS, a notable EME Dxer made a presention on his trips to Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world operating EME for the past 25 years. Bob and Chris ZL2DX then did a live on screen demonstration of EME contacts using JT65B mode on 2M into the USA with his antenna array set up outside the venue.

Bob showing pictures of his trips to Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world operating EME for the past 25 years.
Bob showing pictures of his trips to Africa, the Pacific and other parts of the world operating EME for the past 25 years.
Bob explains how the JT65B operates
Bob explains how the JT65B mode operates as his setup operated by Chris ZL2DX was working stations in the USA via the moon. Impressive Bob!!
Bob's homebrew solid state KW 2M Amplifier does it's thing bouncing signals off the moon to the USA at moonrise just after lunch
Bob’s homebrew solid state KW 2M Amplifier does it’s thing bouncing signals off the moon to the USA at moonrise just after lunch. His portable yagi antenna array pointed to the moon (lower left)
Bob's 1 KW on 2M Have a look at the aluminium heat sink base!
Bob’s 1 KW on 2M Have a look at the aluminium heat sink base!
About 20 hams and a few of their YLs stayed on and enjoyed the hospitality of the Napier RSA on Saturday night before traveling home the next day.

Many raffles and draws took place during the day with prizes of the new 2M VHF/UHF antenna kit developed by the NARC which will soon be offered for sale to the ham community. Other prizes included an SDR receiver dongle and ICOM hats and calendars Thanks to ICOM NZ for their prize donations. The day ended with a few drinks and a few farewells to those who had travelled long distances.

The Napier Amateur Radio club wishes to thank the six speaker/presenters and all the amateurs who helped us make the event so successful. In addition we say thank you for the support by local amateurs and those who traveled long distances to be with us on the day.

It was a weekend of fun, absorbing new technology and refreshing old ones. The bonus was renewing old acquaintances and meeting new ones. Ham radio was the winner on the day.

73, Lee ZL2AL – (Photos by Dave Walker ZL2DW)

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NARC Minutes April 2, 2014

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 2 April 2014 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.
Apologies: ZL2CZE, ZL2DC, ZL2VM, ZL2MQ.

Present: Lee ZL2AL, Mike ZL2MY, Wally ZL2MO, Bert ZL2OC, Revell ZL2SS, Willy ZL2AGD, Stan ZL2ST, Rob ZL2US, Dave ZL2DW, Gary ZL2GAZ and Karl ZL1TJ.

Minutes of the previous meeting: read and confirmed correct: ZL2MO, ZL2AL.

Arising: Rob reported Branch 13 has received a communication from NZART business manager Debbie Morgan expressing appreciation for the warm welcome and enjoyable afternoon she and her husband experienced at the 1st of March ‘Meet Debbie’ event.

Correspondence:
Various emails regarding the forthcoming Bay Hamfest.

Finance:
Accounts were tabled by Lee for various minor expenses related to the Hamfest.
Treasurer Stan reported on the state of the club’s current account, Lee suggested that the Hamfest should return a modest surplus, especially if all, including club members, pay the entrance fee.

General business:
A report by Rob and Dave ZL2DW on the 29th of March trip to the Navy’s Irirangi radio establishment and the Waiouru Army Museum organised by Branch 13.
The journey over the now totally sealed Napier Taihape road is a great way to travel West.
The Irirangi Receive and Transmit installations are about 10 Km apart and cover some 20 acres and contain an iteresting collection of antennas of all descriptions.
The receiving equipmet was kept ‘under cover’ but the three 10 kW transmitters and ancillary equipment were inspected. The station is remotely controlled from Auckland.
The Waiouru Army Museum visit followed, it was discovered that the museum contains an extensive and very interesting library.

Lee then reported on the final arrangements for the Saturday the 5th Bay Hamfest. Various minor changes and adjustments to the organisation, the main raffle prize will be a Q-tenna 2 band kitset antenna. Some further kits will be available for sale also (price $40). Icom made available some baseball hats to be used as minor raffle prizes. Dave ZL2DW was appointed ‘official’ photographer.
Forty plus hams from as far away as Whangarei, Wellington and New Plymouth have booked.

The meeting closed at 8.05 pm.

Followed by Lee ZL2AL’s presentation: “The History of Amateur Radio”.
Lee is obviously becoming an expert at the art of ‘Power Point Presentation. Coupled with being a totally dedicated Amateur Radio Operator from his 16th (Which adds up to many years!) made for a fascinating talk starting with Spark Transmitters and ending with the latest equipmet and what might be round the corner. Thanks Lee, hang on to the slide show, it is good enough to be used again.

Karl ZL1TJ
Secretary NARC

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NARC Meeting Mar 5, 2014

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB

Meeting on Wednesday 5 March 2014 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2PG, ZL2DC, ZL2VM.

Present: Lee ZL2AL, Mike ZL2MY, Wally ZL2MO, Bert ZL2OC, Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2MQ, Stan ZL2ST, Rob ZL2US, Jan ZL2CZE, Dave ZL2DW, Peter ZL2CD, Rob ZL2AN and Karl ZL1TJ.

Minutes of the previous meeting: read and confirmed correct: ZL2MO, ZL2MY.

Arising: No matters arising.

Correspondence:

Thank you note from Mike G7MRY regarding his visit the previous club meeting.

Received by both Jan and Lee, a thank you from The Sotherlunds AG6KR and AG6KQ of South Dakota regarding their visit on 4 December 2013.

Finance: Accounts were tabled, $100 deposit for hire of the Nelson Park Cricket Club building for the 5th of April Hamfest and $20 for various expenses, Payment moved ZL2ST, ZL2AL.

General business:
A brief report by Stan and Lee on this year’s Field day contest. The event clashed with the Napier Art Deco weekend. Lee operated from home and Stan from the Clubrooms for a limited time to ensure Branch 25 participation.

Rob, ZL2US reported on the Branch 13 ‘Debbie Day’ event on Saturday 1st of March. Debbie Morgan, business manager of NZART and councillor Warren ZL2AJ explained the latest news from NZART.
The meeting was well attended by some 35 members and was followed by a BBQ.

Lee introduced Mr Peter Breen ZL2CD, who recently renewed his amateur radio licence. Peter was originally licensed some 45 years ago and has now decided to become active again.

Lee then presented further developments and preparations for the 5th of April Hamfest.

The Nelson Park Cricket Club pavilion has turned out to be perfect in all ways and has been booked. Catering will be done by the Cricket club kitchen staff. The adjacent Napier Pipe band parking area would be perfect for the Car boot sale, Laurie to approach the club for permission. Publicity is underway, Lee having emailed all club secretaries in the North Island. Attendance is the main unknown at present, the pavilion can cater for 60 to 70.

Various tasks and logistics were discussed. Mainly thanks to Lee’s ongoing and concerted effort the Hamfest is shaping up to be a successful and fun day.

The meeting closed at 8.05 pm.

Followed by Laurie ZL2TC’s presentation of the now ready for action club construction project, the dual band, fiberglass enclosed, 2m / 70cm antenna. Laurie’s final design, after much experimentation and testing, is a half wave end fed vertical on 2m, doubling as a collinear with 3dB gain on 70 cm. Laurie presented the completed antenna and several kitsets ready for assembly.

The kitsets are to be advertised at $50. Club members will get a discount (Of course). Of those present 4 or 5 indicated interest, initially 10 or so kitsets will be assembled locally.

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary

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HBARC “Debby Day”

The Hawke’s Bay Amateur radio Club organized a “Debby Day” on Saturday 1st March. The occasion was to meet and greet Debby Morgan ZL2DM from NZART Headquarters. It was also a chance to have a social gathering of many local hams for some fun and a BBQ provided by Rob ZL2US, President of the HBARC. Debby spoke at some length about her career in nursing and switching to be secretary of NZART and her role as secretary and ARX for our association.

Debby explaining how NZART membership needs to keep increasing
Debby explaining how NZART membership needs to keep increasing

She also stressed how vital it is for our membership to continue increasing. Debby led a discussion on the current finances of NZART which triggered further discussions and suggestions on future directions and initiatives for NZART.

Locals hams listening to the future directions of NZART
Locals hams listening to the future directions of NZART

Several local hams joined the association after her talk. Rob, ZL2US thanks Debby for her visit and very informative talk. A BBQ followed and a great time was had by all.

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A New Ham in Napier – ZL2SS

Revell ZL2SS and Peter ZL2LF outside the NARC Clubrooms after the exam. Revell is the one with the happy smile!
Revell ZL2SS and Peter ZL2LF outside the NARC Clubrooms after the exam. Revell is the one with the happy smile!

The 18th of January saw Revell Troy turn up at the NARC Clubrooms to sit his radio amateur’s exam. No need to worry. Peter ZL2LF and Lee ZL2AL assured him that it wasn’t all that difficult. It wasn’t and Revell flew through the exam in short order and passed. A few days later he was assigned ZL2SS. Well done Revell We will expect to hear you on the air soon.

73, Lee ZL2AL

 

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NARC Meeting – Feb 5, 2014

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 5 February 2014 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2VM, ZL2DC, Accepted ZL2TC,ZL2MO.

Present: Lee ZL2AL, Mike ZL2MY, Wally ZL2MO, Bert ZL2OC, Revell ZL2SS, Dave ZL2MQ, Stan ZL2ST, Rob ZL2US, Shane ZL2PG, Karl ZL1TJ and visitors Mike Pratt G7MRY and Mr.Norm Redlick (Shane’s dad) from Canada.

Minutes of the previous meeting, read and confirmed correct: ZL2MY, ZL2MQ.

Arising: Rob enquired if any further communication had been received from the Soderlunds. None has. Dave ZL2MQ asked if the 6m beacon is operational. Response from Laurie: we do have a license but the antenna needs repairs. Dave: should the 2m beacon be CW only? Laurie: Yes.

Dave ZL2DW: refer to latest Infoline, 6m beacon frequencies to be moved.

Correspondence:
Email from Branch 13 regarding the social get together planned for Saturday 1 March starting 2pm at the Pakowai Hall clubrooms. Attending wil be Debby Morgan, NZART business Manager and regional Councillor Warren ZL2AJ. After Debby’s talk the barbeque will be fired up.

Finance: Stan presented accounts for shared expenses for (Nat sys.) repeater maintenance ($20) and MED licence fees ($61.33), also an account parts for repairs to the club’s HF tri-band antenna ($94). Payment moved ZL2TC, seconded ZL2ST.

General business:
Laurie welcomed visitor Mike Pratt G7MRY, member of the Andover and Salisbury Radio Club. Mike told the meeting about his New Zealand tour and imminent return home. He found the Napier ARC through the website and commented that repeater traffic in Hawkes’ bay indicates a more active amateur radio fraternity than other parts of the country.

Lee’s friend ZL1AIX donated a number of back copies of NCJ and KiwiX magazines to the club. Lee also reported on having refurbished the boom section of the 3 element 3band yagi donated to the club by Stan recently. The antenna is virtually ready to be installed. Laurie thanked both Lee and Rob who assisted in various ways.

Dave ZL2DW referred to gear offered for sale via the Branch 13 and Branch 25 reflectors. https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/zl2gt/info .

Rob mentioned repeated malicious triggering of the Hastings 670 and Napier725 repeaters.

Lee congratulated Revell, now ZL2SS on passing the licensing examination with very high marks.

Lee also briefly explained the ongoing preparations for the planned April 5th one day Hamfest.

The meeting closed at 8pm.
Followed by Laurie ZL2TC’s discourse on 6 meter operation. The 6meter band, which has become available to ham radio once again thanks to the demise of analogue TV is sometimes called “The Magic Band” because as Laurie says:”When it is dead it really is, but when it’s open it is magic”. The band, being neither HF or VHF, has characteristics all of it’s own and can be very exiting as sudden openings appear (and disappear). Propagation is via sporadic E, clouds of metallic ions produced by disintegrating meteorites or through signals bouncing of the tails of minor meteors entering the earth’s atmosphere. The latter offers great signals but of very short duration only. Laurie discussed equipment needed and various modes, Internet resourses and beacon operation. 6m DXCC has been achived.!

Karl ZL1TJ Secretary

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The ZL2ST Tower – End Of An Era

Stan ZL2ST in the Shack
Stan ZL2ST in the Shack
IMG_1691
Not Happy not Having a Tower

Stan ZL2ST has been my neighbour across Auckland Road in Greenmeadows for the past 8 years. It’s been fun but Stan is downsizing and moving to another part of Napier after 14 years. His tower originally had a fine Tri-Band yagi on top but a snarky neighbour two houses away decided he didn’t like the look of it and the NCC was unforgiving of course and the yagi came down. The tower didn’t so Stan made the best of a bad situation and worked DX the hard way with wire antennas over the past many years. There wasn’t a lot of DX that got by him.

It was interesting at times with the two of us after the same rare station on the same band at the same time. Both of us ran high power but somehow we ended up taking turns calling and we both usually worked the DX. When I heard something interesting on, a quick phone call and Stan would be in the hunt. I called AFTER I worked the DX of course!

IMG_1693
A crane makes short work of the tower removal
IMG_1698
Nearly there

 

 

 

 

Unfortunately, the tower is not making the trip to the new abode and has been donated to another local ham. It only took an hour to be removed. A crane made short work of the job and was soon seen driving away.

I could see Stan’s tower each time I walked out my front door.

IMG_1701
Off to a New Home

It just doesn’t seem the same any more with that big gap in the sky.

Good luck with your move Stan. I will miss your extreme DX signals from across the road.

73, Lee ZL2AL

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NARC Meeting – Dec 4, 2013

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 4 December 2013 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2DW, ZL2DC, ZL2LF, ZL1FS (ZL2UFS). Accepted ZL2ST,ZL2AL.

Present: Lee ZL2AL, Mike ZL2MY, Willy ZL2AGD, Wally ZL2MO, Bert ZL2OC, Revell Troy, Dave ZL2MQ, Stan ZL2ST, Rob ZL2US, Jan ZL2CZE, Marty ZL2PX, Karl ZL1TJ and visitors Hannah and Otto Soderlund AG6KR and AG6KQ.

Minutes of the previous meeting, confirmed correct: ZL2AGD, ZL2TC.
Matters Arising: Nil

Correspondence:
Letter the Napier City Council regarding the ground lease for the club rooms..

Finance: Napier City Council annual lease account paid. Payments for repeater and beacon licences are now due.

General business:
Laurie welcomed visitors Hannah and Otto Soderlund, AG6KR and AG6KQ, members of ARALB, Associated Radio Amateurs of Long Beach, California. Otto was given the opportunity to say a few words and spoke about the ARALB club, and it’s involvement with SS Queen Mary, now used as a hotel at Long Beach. Club members do regularly act as hosts and guides to visitors to the ship’s ancient and very large radio room, station W6RO.
A year long journey travelling through Australia and New Zealand brought them to NZART headquarters in Upper Hutt where Debbie ZL2DL recommended a visit to Branch 25, Napier.xThe journey is now nearly complete and both Otto and Hannah are looking forward to going home and having a fully equipped shack available once more.

Stan and Lee reported on the ZM4T contest group participation in the most recent CQ WW CW contest, the group beat the NZ record amongst others. Stan, finding it ‘painful’ working through the night, obviously still enjoys the adrenaline rush. Otto asked about equipment used. Lee referred to the ZM4T website.

Mike ZL2VM wrote a report regarding the Civil Defense station and the proposed need to upgrade the amateur radio radio there. Laurie suggested to postpone discussion till Mike can be present. The bottom line suggestion in the paper is to seek a discussion with CD leadership first. Wally ZL2MO reported on progress with the paint job, pricing and samples at this stage.

Lee showed has latest QSL card, great design and beautifully executed in Russia, 2000 cards for the princely sum of NZ$ 120 including freight.

The meeting closed at 8:15 pm.
After which Jan ZL2CZE showed his latest acquisition, two ex Chech army 6 meter transceivers, bought at an army surplus store during a recent trip to the old country. These locally made RF10 sets, QRP (1 Watt or so), FM, frequency range 44 to 54 MHz programmable in 25 Khz steps sell for the equivalent of NZ$45.

Lee then set up his gear and ran the dvd record of the A52A Bhutan Dx-pedition. Produced by James Brooks, another quality film, not only highlighting the trials, tribulations and fun times of the team led by Glen Johnson W0GJ but also a fascinating report on Bhutan and it’s people today.
Thanks Lee, a great way to round the evening off.

Karl ZL1TJ – Secretary NARC

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NARC Minutes – Nov 6, 2013

MINUTES OF THE NAPIER AMATEUR RADIO CLUB
Meeting on Wednesday 6 November 2013 at the Clubrooms 123 Latham Street

Chair: Laurie ZL2TC, the meeting started at 7:30 pm.

Apologies: ZL2US, ZL2DC, ZL2LF, Ms Helen Roughan.

Present: Lee ZL2AL, Dave ZL2DW, Mike ZL2MY, Willy ZL2AGD, Wally ZL2MO, Bert ZL2OC, Revell Troy, Dave ZL2MQ, Stan ZL2ST, Mike ZL2VM and Karl ZL1TJ.

Minutes of the previous meeting, confirmed correct: ZL2TC, ZL2MY.

Arising: Nil

Correspondence:
Documents from the Napier City Council regarding the ground lease for the club rooms.
Last signed in 2009 and due for renewal. Conditions remain the same, annual ground rent of near $400 has crept up over the years. Tabled by Stan: documents related to the change over of electric power supply companies.

Finance: Account payable to the Napier City Council for annual lease.
The cost of re-programming the Eprom memory of the Tait radio was paid by Laurie.
He will not pass the charge on to the club and so made the club a $100 donation.

General business:
A reminder by Dave ZL2DW of the forthcoming Christmas dinner, bookings to himself or Laurie. Lee ZL2AL reported that an aerial rotator needed for the club’s new HF antenna system will be donated to the club by himself and Gary ZL2IFB. Originally bought at trademe for $120 for the contest station but now going spare.
Lee also reported briefly on the recent CQ WW contest, about 5500 contacts were made, results to be published when available.

The meeting closed at 7:45 pm.

The meeting was followed by the Annual General Meeting after which the homebrew contest for the PanPac Trophy was held.

Entries were:

Laurie ZL2TC's 8 Db Gain Collinear 70 Cm Antenna
Laurie ZL2TC’s 8 Db Gain Collinear 70 Cm Antenna

Laurie ZL2TC: Left – A UHF co-linear antenna sometimes called ‘Coco’ antenna, made from 50 Ohm coax cable inserted in a fibreglass rod. Simple but theoretically capable of a 8 Dbi gain.

Dave Walker, ZL2DW's Junk Box Power Supply. Cost = $10.00 and the Winner on the Night!
Dave Walker, ZL2DW’s Junk Box Power Supply. Cost = $10.00 and the Winner on the Night!

Dave ZL2DW: Right –
a home brew power supply capable of 12 Amp at 13.8 Volt. All components out of the junk box, the regulator is a truck 24 to 12 volt reducer.

Below – Dave’s recently constructed 9 meter tilt over mast, a 2m skeleton slot aerial constructed from what was a Gisborne’ kitset.

ZL2DW's Mast
ZL2DW’s Mast
Dave's Skeleton Slot Antenna project
Dave’s Skeleton Slot Antenna project

Mike ZL2MY: further refinements to the local (Holger’s) version of the Hexagonal beam under construction. The mounting base and central post with internal coaxial links now completed.

The winner was: Dave ZL2DW’s power supply with 4 votes. Shared second with 3 votes each went to Dave ZL2MQ’s amplifier and Mike ZL2MY’s hex beam.

ZL2MQ's beautifully built preamp
ZL2MQ’s beautifully built preamp

Dave ZL2MQ: Left – A broadband (30 to 3000MHz) receiver pre-amplifier.

Based on the PCA103plus chip, has a maximum gain of 27 Db, but reduced to 15 Db by filters and attennuator. Beautifully built.

 

Karl ZL1TJ, Secretary NARC.