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@skyterrapin 24 күн бұрын
KX3 will have no problem with the lipo voltage
@TheArtofEngineering 5 ай бұрын
Thanks for this! As an ex ship’s RO I also love those coast ops God bless them… 73 de VK2AOE
@TheArtofEngineering 5 ай бұрын
Love mine too. Killed my first attempt… but so cheap, I tried again and success! Also installed AGC… thought it wasn’t working but when I finally read instructions noticed I needed to do an adjustment 🤡. I have also built a QCX + for 160 m also awesome. Hans Somers is a genius!!! 73 de VK2AOE
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Hans is a good chap. I agree. Have fun building and learning 73 Bruce G4ABX
@EmporiumDigitalStudios 6 ай бұрын
This is an excellent idea! My desk is growing because my rig is expanding and I think this can do the job. My only question is if the shelves can support considerable weight as many of my radios are old from the 70s and they are about 20 kgs each. Have you tested if they are safe with this method? This modular idea really is superb.
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
My heaviest rig is my Collins 51-S1 RX. The Desk will happily support that and my SPE linear amp and everything else I put on top -- so I don't have any worries -- providing you have used good quality wood and threaded stock! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@ai5dd 6 ай бұрын
going to build this soon, thanks for the help.
@CharlesHarpolek4vud 8 ай бұрын
If you cannot move easily behind your desk, you have failed to provide 4 making any changes easily. IF ham shack with equipment pushed against the back wall, then I know not a real ham uses it because you cannot get behind there and make the changes you know are coming with wires and so on. I wrote an article with pictures and gave it to all the ham magazines but nobody picked it up and published it. I used 4 by 4 posts and carefully measured so my desktop would be at typing height/ also called writing height/ which you can find scientific measurements on the web. I used a piece of rounded front cabinet top material with a slick finish in my choice of colors-- don't use glaring glaring white-- cures off white or cream or otherwise but no reflecting white. I made the cross shelves well supported out of the wire frame plastic coated material that is sold to go into new construction as a closet shelf........ Ideal for strength but does not stop air flow. My height measurement included my addition of heavy duty rollers on the bottom of each leg... Where's foot stomping locks on them. My article in photos or on an old computer that are tough to recapture, so you just have to use your good imagination........... Ohh and do not shove the back against the wall!!!!!
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Charles Some of us don't have the space - so my solution is to have my computer monitors on brackets/arms that can be moved out of the way to give good access to the cables at the rear of my bench. This minimises the need to crawl around on one's hands and knees! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@W4EMB 8 ай бұрын
I trim my antenna for 7.012 it seems to work well for the other harmonics
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Yep. That's the way. Trim it to the bottom of the lowest band -- and with luck, the VSWR will be fine on the other higher bands 73 Bruce G4ABX
@DukeDave1 9 ай бұрын
Thank-you great idea good layout for your kit. Thanks
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
You are welcome. My shack desk is now in its 3rd iteration! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@pcmultimedia1 9 ай бұрын
Hi there , I recently built one of these, also the 40m version , with the AGC and the xtal filter, it’s bloody amazing , it also give me an idea of your building skills, I’ve since built the QCX + version , then the 50w amp, I’ve got a few more kits on the way , I’m also smitten with these kits. I e also got the 5 band kit version on order.
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Well done sir! Once you have mastered the BIG tapped toroid, everything else is pretty plain sailing. I now have the QMX kit to build. 73 Bruce G4ABX
@KAMPYOLUNDA 10 ай бұрын
''👍- 73''
@ZonaEA 10 ай бұрын
Superb!
@truckinguy92 10 ай бұрын
How do you know what is going on in the field without a visual interface? Other than the monitor you showed in the video (which I doubt you take in the field), I don't see a visual interface?
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Using my Raspberry Pi as my computer for portable and QRP operation, I use a Tablet as my interface. You can set the Pi to generate a wifi 'Hot Spot' that you can then log onto with your Tablet and essentially do a 'screen share' to get sight of the Build a Pi application on your Pi. (BAP is what I use, written by Jason KM4ACK) However. I always log to paper! Its quicker and simpler than trying to get electronic logs to work effectively when outdoors! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@truckinguy92 Ай бұрын
@@G4ABX thank you. Logging on paper is double the work. Exponentially more depending on how many contacts you make. I couldn’t imagine having to enter 200-300 contacts from paper into a logging program.
@haddourabah2689 11 ай бұрын
Hello I am Algerian it is with great honor that I write you this message which I hope I will find the answer with you I just bought a ten tec Argonaut 509 the problem I can't read the frequency on the dial if you can help me thank you
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Good afternoon. I suspect the 509 tuning mechanism is not working. You need to dismantle the VFO and its associated mechanism, re-grease it all and re-assemble. Its NOT an easy task. You will then need to re-thread the pointer assembly in order to see the tuning dial 'move' There are a number of videos on line. Look for 'TenTec PTO Rebuild' 73 Bruce G4ABX
@christian_f8ghe 11 ай бұрын
Hi, very interesting but where come from power supply of Rpi. I tried to connect rpi zero 2w on my IC-705 with a cable with 2 mini-USB connectors but there is no power on Rpi. Is it normal ? Does it need a spécific cable or other way to power the R pi ?
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Christian. You need a separate 5V supply to the USB-C port on the Pi and the 705 doesn't have this available. Make sure you use 5V not 12V or you will 'fry your pi' Have a look at my Website for some details on inexpensive and RF-Quiet 'Buck Converters' I use for this task 73 Bruce G4ABX
@michaeledmonds3027 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video, thanks. I looked at the mountain toppers over the last several months for pocket-sized qrp, but migrated to qrp labs' QMX. I've ordered the assembled version shipped to Texas for under $190. I like the build quality reputation, display information and 5 bands. It looks like a wait of 2-3 months for delivery. Have you any experience with the QMX? Michael, KZ5MSE
@G4ABX Ай бұрын
Hi Michael. Sorry for not replying sooner. I have ordered a QMX kit and will build it shortly. With all their kits, the tricky bit of the build is usually the large main tapped toroid. Make sure you fully scrape all the enamel off where you make the taps -- as trying to re-solder is a nightmare! All of Han's kits have worked first time for me :-) 73 Bruce G4ABX
@juliogonzo2718 Жыл бұрын
Hmm I bought a few 5v 3a ubec modules and they put out 4.94v which is going to upset the rpi. I guess I will have to find another use for them
@G4ABX 11 ай бұрын
I measured my 5V buck converters and they output 5.1 or 5.2v. However I tired my Raspi and it was happy down to 4.5v so I suggest you try what you have. Put a largish reservoir cap across the output to help with 'startup' and power pulses -- say 250uF or bigger
@MakeDoAndMend1 Жыл бұрын
Have you tried a 100ft tape measure. Especially ones you wind up. Atu required. Cheers from old George
@G4ABX 11 ай бұрын
Not tried the 100ft but do use a 30ft tape measure antenna for portable working. My 30Metre tape is a fabric one -- for measuring out wire for my various portable antennas. 73 Bruce
@MakeDoAndMend1 Жыл бұрын
Just great to see approach the Hobby in a cost saving way. I try and make my hobbies self funding. However gone are the days of army surplus ham rallies. Ex pmr stuff etc. Cheers from old George a diy Ham Radio guy returning to the Hobby now retired.
@G4ABX 11 ай бұрын
Hi George and a Happy New Year. There really isn't a need to spend BIG bucks on the Amateur Radio hobby. From desks to rigs. I'm helped by the fact that I run QRP -- so don't need amplifiers or BIG Atu's. I also try and build stuff myself whenever I can -- it keeps the 'little grey cells' exercised. Have a great 2024 73 Bruce
@TheArtofEngineering Жыл бұрын
Wow…. Awesome mod. I’ve built the QDX…. And currently building a QCX plus for 160m. My 40m QCX MINI I trashed …. Installed same T1 incorrectly and trashed board trying to extricate it ! 73 de VK2AOE
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
That T1 is quite a challenge -- and the lower freq the band, the thinner the wire and the greater the difficulty! I will order the new QMX as a Winter project :-) 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk @g4abx
@RollerCam Жыл бұрын
I bought 30 stainless steel "all thread" pieces years ago and now, I finally know where I will use them! Great idea! Thank You!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Delighted i've sorted out your stock :-) Best wishes Bruce
@ak6q Жыл бұрын
Dr.T can you please show the SOTA set up you use, I am wanting to see the display in line with these bits. 73 NA0MT, Thanks for using my SIDE KX parts!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
I was thinking to do a follow up video anyway -- so watch this space. 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk
@robertk4vl412 Жыл бұрын
Great idea, thanks for sharing.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
You are very welcome Best wishes Bruce
@rogerpalmer9154 Жыл бұрын
Hi Bruce. What do you rate higher. This rig or the QCX mini. Just starting out in morse and QRP portable looks like fun.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Hi Roger. I have both -- my OCX mini is the 40M version. The mountain topper wins out for its frugal power requirements and its multiple bands. I use it with the QRP guys 3 band switched vertical -- and its a great combination . Just make sure your headphones have a volume control otherwise you will be subjecting yourself to som pretty loud noises! 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk @g4abx
@rjy8960 Жыл бұрын
Hi Bruce, I've built a couple of Raspberry Pi based amateur radio projects for running digimodes in the field and came across this one a couple of days ago and thought I'd replicate it to accompany my DX-500 /P system. I loved the idea of using the Pi Zero and whilst I've got the Flirc case for a Pi 4B I didn't know they made this one. It's tiny! I have it all up and running but I thought I'd throw a coupe of thoughts into the mix..... WSJT modes are time sensitive so need a stable real time clock to time TX and RX. The Pi has an NTP client daemon that runs to get time from a pool of servers when the device starts so the lack of an on-board RTC isn't normally an issue. In the field if it can't see the servers because it's not connected to a network it reverts to the last known time so is out. To fix this on the other two projects I added a small £5 RTC module and that works perfectly. I will sync it when I'm at home and its time holdover is sufficient for a period to remain accurate enough. It should be within 1s of UTC ideally. Adding an RTC to a Pi Zero in a Flirc case is a bit of a challenge as there is no space. However, you can add the ability to us an iPhone as an Internet hotspot using a package called usbmuxd. When an iPhone is set up as a hotspot and plugged into a Pi it will enumerate as an Ethernet port and so the OS can use that to get out into the wild and pull time. I have it running on mine (I also use it with the other projects, it's also useful to let pskreporter report back) although does need a special cable to go Lightening to micro-USB. I've tested it with a micro to USB-A socket and then plug a standard Lightening to USB-A into it and it does indeed work. Once it has time, the phone can be unplugged and the soundcard / radio connected. I have a cable on order from Amazon and cost about £8. I don't think it needs to be MFA licensed so expect it to work. If not, I'll just have to cart around the USB-A adaptor. Another issue I ran into is an incompatibility with the desktop used in the Bullseye OS and Fldigi which AFAIK interferes with the Pulseaudio system so results in no sound devices being available. I burned a LOT of time with this as I like to use Olivia on 60m. Running Buster works for me. The Hotplug config entry also burned up a LOT of time. Why is this is a thing when the whole idea of headless operation is typically mutually exclusive with having a monitor??
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Interesting! I use the RTC module on my Pi4 setups -- for portable use mainly where I don't have Internet connectivity. I to run Buster for the exact same audio issue. My main 'digital modes' PC is a Raspi-4 8Gb with a 200Gb SSD. I tend to use an external sound card if my rig doesn't have one -- or use the IC-705 that is 'plug and play' with FLRIG and WSJTX keep the ideas coming! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@GoToCashout Жыл бұрын
Can you make this radio TX 100w ?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
You can but not without an Amplifier! Its a 10-watt radio 'barefoot'
@havefun2952 Жыл бұрын
Where can I get these wire winders? Does this antenna need a tuner?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
I get all my wirewinders for SOTABEAMS in the UK -- although Amazon also have some. The antenna 'tuner' is essentially 'built in' as you adjust it for the 3 bands of interest and then its a matter of moving the slide switch to whatever band you are using. 73 Bruce G4ABX
@ThinKkBIGG Жыл бұрын
You know you can't put that combination of batteries together? You cannot put your 105ah battery with 2 of 30ah together since they are not identical, with the same characteristics and with the same internal resistance. Even if it was 2 batteries of the same model, if they are not of the same age and wear, then it is not recommended to install this one together since they will destroy each other given the internal resistance that has developed. One of the batteries will provide more current and the other will drain into the other battery... They will not be balanced. It is wrong to say that you can use any batteries we have. All battery combinations must be identical and if possible from the same production run. I can't wait to see, if you use an HF station, the level of RFI you will have with the buck converter which is made in switch mode. 10 amps is not even enough for a full power VHF/UHF radio. You won't be able to feed a lot of transmitter or a very powerful transmitter (is it really a ham radio station?). 3 or 4 months of reading still makes you a beginner by the way.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Hi Hugo -- good afternoon. We are all beginners! Amateur Radio is specifically about experimenting with technology and improving your knowledge. Yes it would be ideal to have matching batteries but most of us are not blessed with the funds to do everything we would like -- so we use what we have, taking care with necessary precautions, fusing, breakers, monitoring etc. As for the Buck Converter, I've been using the setup with my Amateur Rado station (K3, IC-705) for the past month. My station utilises QRP (10w) power levels and as far as I can tell on the HF Amateur bands, there is no increase in background noise level utilising the Buck Converter. It performs as I would have hoped. If you are going to use dissimilar rated batteries then absolutely you should charge them to the same voltage before you attempt to connect them in parallel other wise you WILL get a current race as they equalise voltage levels. Having connected them in parallel once top balanced , then using the setup I have shown, (and monitored) they do take/supply different levels of current due, as you correctly state, to their different internal resistance - but connected in parallel, this has not been an issue. I can measure the current in both batteries and it is correctly split based on the internal resistance ratio. Whether or not there will be any long term degradation, time will tell. What I agree you would NOT do is to connect dissimilar batteries in series as this WILL affect the performance and the ability to charge each battery equally and optimally. As I continue to use the setup I will monitor performance and look to improve any deficiencies I find -- as I said, Amateur Radio is all about technological experimentation and self improvement :-) 73 Bruce g4abx.co.uk @g4abx
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Hugo. I can report that after several months operation and many battery cycles, everything still works as I predicted. No degradation in battery capacity and a good match between the different battery types/capacities 73 Bruce G4ABX
@mikemcdonald5147 Жыл бұрын
you tube expert says you can't do that and its not really a ham radio station. Ham radio operator proves them wrong LOL :)
@TAKEONEURBANPRODUCTION Жыл бұрын
Sound like.listening to survival documentary cool !
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Glad you liked it Best wishes Bruce
@ThinKkBIGG Жыл бұрын
You're not using the right tool to crimper the lug at the end. You will not have a reliable connection with this technique. The tool is made for insulated crimp connectors for 22-18/16-14/12-10 AWG. Thanks!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
I know :-) This is a demo build - so not perfect. I will invest in an hydraulic crimper for these BIG connectors -- and I advise anyone else to do the same :-) 73
@ThinKkBIGG Жыл бұрын
@@G4ABX It's just that you talk like you know the technique well and show you how to do it. Usually, when we show how to do it, it's that we master the technique and the subject... not just showing what we do. It's very different. People may try to wrongly reproduce your process. A connection error on a battery can create an explosion. It is not trivial and negligible. There is a responsibility to have. Indeed, a good quality hydraulic crimper will offer better results. 73!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Agreed. I completely understand the risks of high power. It is definitely not trivial. Each connection was physically stress tested to ensure it was good -- even if I didn't have the perfect crimper and you will see in the next video where we actually begin the build, the first section is all about safety. 73 Bruce g4ABX
@willydp1961 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for Sharing👍 Is it possible to put the needed items in a list as a reference please? Waiting for the next episode 😉 73 ON7TW
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Willy -- good evening. If you take a look at my website-- G4abx.co.uk, you will find an expanding section Tab on the 'Solar Powered Shack' All of the details will be there, together with the power calculations used to size the system, pictures, details etc. I will begin to create links to the various items used in the build. The next video (part 2) is 'in the can' and needs editing. I plan to post it on Friday. I have the following (Part 3) planned and will shoot that video this week
@willydp1961 Жыл бұрын
@@G4ABX Thansk a lot, xill check it out ;)
@KM4ACK Жыл бұрын
Great video! Looking forward to the next one in the series
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Thanks Jason. You are the chap that inspired my adoption of the Raspberry Pi -- so you have a lot to answer for :-) Next instalment will be out in a weeks time. 73 Bruce
@dxscotland5901 Жыл бұрын
This is a brilliant subject Bruce especially in today’s challenging environment! Will be following with interest! Thanks Gm4zji Chris.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Thanks Chris. Personally, I'm not looking to cover our home's complete energy requirements -- that too BIG and expensive a job to complete on your own, but if I can show that you can at least financially proof your hobby with a modest investment in terms of cost, time and Solar panel installation, then I will have done what I set out to achieve. We only have a relatively small garden and there was no way I was climbing on any roof to install the panels -- so these are ground mounted and can be set up to get the maximum amount of sun in your situation. 73 Bruce
@thirtycrows Жыл бұрын
Hey! Nice MP573 PreAmp. Built two of them, they're awesome :) 73!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Agreed! 73 Bruce
@sshah876 Жыл бұрын
WOW nice and small setup, is gps not needed for digital modes?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
GPS is not needed. You just need your 'Maidenhead locator' which is available on line. Just look up Maidenhead locator and navigate to your QTH. That will give you your 6 digit locator. Your Digital modes application needs this locator. Its completely free -- if you have a problem I can find it for you given your exact QTH location. 73 Bruce G4ABX
@sshah876 Жыл бұрын
@@G4ABX Excellent, thanks for your feedback sir.
@bigdaadio.K2WW Жыл бұрын
Where were you looking at wsjt? Am I missing something. If I sound ignorant, it's because I am! 73 K2WW
@selenamiranda8409 Жыл бұрын
With a 1/4 wave fishing pole.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Yup. Mine was 6 metre long 73 Bruce
@selenamiranda8409 Жыл бұрын
How do you tuna a boat? or tuna fish?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
You don't need to :-) Once its cut to length, there is no need to TUNA anything 73 Bruce
@johnm0jfe Жыл бұрын
Will a pi zero be powerfull enough to decode and send morse code? Reason for asking plan to use it in small mini laptop guise as have a brain injury that means I can't do it in my head anymore and since stroke memory is affected. Thanks de M0JFE
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
You will need at least a zero 2W. The bare 'Zero' doesn't have enough puff for much at all! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@johnm0jfe Жыл бұрын
@@G4ABX thamks for that will keep an eye open am nee to this and find your videos a help. Good DX de M0JFE
@markhuisinga1698 Жыл бұрын
I really like this idea. You really did a great job. Thank you for sharing.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
You are welcome Mark 73 Bruce
@robertharden4092 Жыл бұрын
I have a couple large wire antennas I bought years ago six seven years ago .one has about seventy foot of ladder line or window line on it it is a multi band . Do I hook my ladder line directly to my antenna tuner or put co-ax on my ladder line? Thanks Bob H.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Hi Bob Ladder line is the most efficient feeder you can have. MUCH better than coax! So if your tuner has a balance input, connect your ladder line and tune to your hearts content :-) 73 Bruce G4ABX
@RBIBIANO Жыл бұрын
My usb otg hub does not work! Do i have to install any driver to make it funcional?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
No there are no drivers to install. It just works
@GarryCottle-v5q Жыл бұрын
Thank you Bruce, I followed your instructions on deploying my EFHW and it worked out very well. Garry VK2GAZ
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Great. Happy to help :-) 73 Bruce
@Kinetic79 Жыл бұрын
Lots of great videos on your channel! don’t know if I can score this coffee in the US, but I’ll look!
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
It really doesn't matter which type of coffee pod you use. Just make sure you 'warm up the water path first' and flush it out after your coffee! Best wishes Bruce
@mikehuizenga9854 Жыл бұрын
Love the SotaBeams wire winders. Try this trick for a quicker deployment. When you are un-winding the antenna, try allowing the plastic winder to rock freely as you pull wire off the winder. Instead of rocking your wrist back and forth as you are pulling wire off of each of horns, just let the winder dangle between your fingertips. Let me explain: using just your fore finger and your thumb, form a circle within the large handhold whole of the winder and now begin to pull wire off the winder. The winder will freely rock back and forth as you pull wire off. I use an inverted V linked dipole with the 10m SotaBeams mast. Most days are windy where I live and I use 2 sets of guys (one at the top and one in the middle) with micro para cord down to 4 stakes in the ground. That might seem like a lot of string, but it only takes me 10 minutes to put down my back pack, deploy my dipole and be on the air. I have it down to a science and the winders make it easy to deploy the antenna and guy wires using my "free rocker" technique of un-winding. 73
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Great advice Mike. It works! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@The_Last_Post Жыл бұрын
I’m looking to do this mod to my Digirig too. Have you experienced any issues since shortening the cables?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
No its been perfect with my KX2 -- and so much easier to store in the box with the radio! 73 Bruce G4ABX
@bstarkey54 Жыл бұрын
Great Video! I was just looking at what to put together for my new equipment as I'm just getting started and this looks like a great solution that would let me adjust and expand as different pieces of equipment are added or moved. Really appreciate you showing this.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Evening Brian It was a great idea thought up by my Wife after we had been doing a bit of unrelated DIY. Yes, it's very customisable and you can size it to use 'standard' wood from Kitchen suppliers -- or whatever you can find. Have fun. 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk @G4ABX
@lawrence3242 Жыл бұрын
Mount the camera high so you don’t have to bend over.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
The problem with a goPro 3 is that if you mount it high up, you can't get the detail. 73 Bruce G4ABX
@trevorbond1325 Жыл бұрын
Nice shack. Thanks for posting. Grimsby Ontario Canada
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Thanks. Its taken a while but the Desk has brought it all together 73 Bruce G4ABX
@thuff3207 Жыл бұрын
I really like the MTR 3B to bad they stopped selling it. The new one is too big. What else is as good as this radio that is for sale today.
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
These regularly come up for sale in the UK on the various Ham Only sale sites. 73 Bruce G4ABX
@brianchislett2699 Жыл бұрын
How much is it in UK!?
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Morning Brian About £230 from the USA. You can pick these up second hand -- but there is a more affordable alternative, the SW3B Its less 'clunky' than the Mountain topper and is about £175 imported to the uk 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk
@KT4RAM Жыл бұрын
Very nicely done! I really like the idea of using all-thread and wingnuts to adjust the shelving height. Again, congratulations on a very nicely organized shack. Best regards, Greg KT4RAM
@G4ABX Жыл бұрын
Thanks Greg. It was an idea that came from a bit of unrelated diy -- and it does work well -- with, as you say, the ability to adjust pretty much everything. 73 Bruce G4ABX g4abx.co.uk @G4abx