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My amateur radio aims for 2012
6 January 2012 | by 1. VHF JT65
As you know by now, I have become a great fan of JT65 on HF. I want to start using the mode on VHF. In particular the JT6M mode for 50MHz looks interesting. Would it be viable with 100W and a vertical? Maybe! I have to try it. If not, no doubt a simple low dipole would work for meteor scatter.
The challenge is the interface with the FT847 which I have struggled with in the past. Looks like I have various options which I hope to pursue soon.
2. 70MHz
Need to improve the performance of the 70MHz receiver and probably up the power a bit. I have a plan …. Not too worried about tropo on the band but would like to be more competitive for Es and meteor scatter.
3. 1.8MHz JT65
I wonder what could be done on 160m from a ‘small garden’ using JT65?
4. 144MHz EME
I would love to try and work some EME. Probably my old 13el on a stepladder in the back garden then. Need that interface for the FT847!
5. 28MHz mobile
I’m planning to install the Anytone AT-5555 in the car now I have the more efficient 10m antenna.
Hope I can do at least some of these.
3 Responses to “My amateur radio aims for 2012”
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Nice list! For MS, you might want to take a look at http://www.pingjockey.net/cgi-bin/pingtalk
I see a lot of activity on 160m JT65, biggest problem is going to be getting a reasonable antenna up for it. Inverted L seems to be the way of most folks, I’d put up as much wire as will fit, and then coil-load the L to make up for the shortened wire (assuming you need to).
I’ve also seen plans for helically wound antennas for 160m, but you will need a decent radial system for both of these to work.
10m mobile is FUN. Highly reccomended.
My resolution is to finish learning CW and start working towards my Triple Play award.
I saw a demo of the JT65 (or a predecessor to it) Meteor Scatter at the CSVHFS 2002 conference in Milwaukee (was it really TEN years ago?!?) and it’s incredibly impressive. One 10 ele Yagi on 2m on a tripod 15′ off the ground and 15 minutes later 700+ mile contacts were made. Yeah they were scheduled but nothing special in relation to meteors were happening that day.. it was normal “dust” entering the atmosphere.
This article reminds me that I need to try this. I do have a 11 ele beam at 2m up at 43′.. I really need to run this some day.
My aspirations for 2012 in ham radio are to get on the air again. It’s been hard as my children are at the correct ago for me to want to spend as much time as I can with them but they are not yet ready for ham radio. I have that to look forward to and eventually “I’ll be back”.
The fact that people are running the JT modes on 160 is interesting. I put up a 1100′ beverage (which will be 300′ shorter in the spring) that I can try that with… hmm… Don’t have the Inv-L up yet though so it’ll be “listen” for the time being.
Fred W0FMS
Definitely good activity on 160m. Obviously not a conversational mode, but allows me to add states while I work on my CW proficiency!