Licensed ham radio operator who desires to learn & exchange data for the benefit of the ham community
📢 PARA Inc. Announcement 📢
HERO Condition Red Activated
All members are requested to monitor the following frequencies: VHF 144.740MHz HF 7.095MHz
Please post your situation updates in the comment thread below.
Stay safe and vigilant!
RFP 250N50 TC High-Frequency Power Transistor for DIY 50R Dummy Load.
Source: https://s.lazada.com.ph/s.lW3fA
Accuracy test of DeepVNA 101 using RigExpert AA-600.
Source: https://youtu.be/W5_v-E8GOTU?si=_si8SclQnvScumOk&t=285
📢 Join Us for the IARU HF World Championship!
📅 Date: July 13-14, 2024
🕛 Contest Period: Begins 1200 UTC Saturday and runs through 1159 UTC Sunday
📡 Bands: 160, 80, 40, 20, 15, and 10 meters
PARA Inc. invites all amateur radio operators to participate in the IARU HF World Championship this weekend! Both Single and Multioperator stations can operate the entire 24-hour period.
Let's show our support for the PARA DX∅HQ Team as they take on the challenge and represent us on the global stage. Together, let's make this a memorable contest!
Stay tuned and good luck to all participants!
Activation of the New Hamshack Hotline 7-Digit Extension Number
Instructions: How to Manually Re-provision Your Cisco SPA525G
Step 1: Access the web UI of your Cisco IP Phone by entering its IP address in your browser.
Step 2: Ensure you are logged in as an administrator by clicking "Admin Login" and then "Advance".
Step 3: Navigate to the "Ext 1" tab. Locate your current 10-digit extension number and remove the three zeros to convert it to a 7-digit extension number.
*Note: Do not alter any other settings, especially your password.
Step 4: Click "Submit All Changes".
Step 5: Wait for your Cisco phone to reboot.
Good luck and 73.
Alinco EMS-77 Speaker Microphone
Cable Replacement
The pinout configuration of the replacement cable differs from the original, so a multi-tester is needed to determine the precise pin arrangement. Compatibility is ensured as long as the cable has 8 pins.
You can buy it through online platforms like Lazada or Shopee here in the Philippines, with the product often shipped from China at a lower cost.
The performance and quality remain unchanged after the repair.
Will the cec_0.2B firmware (for testing), featuring APRS along with SSTV, CW, CWB, AM, and SSB, become the preferred firmware for UV-K5 and UV-K6 models based on EGZUMER and developed by Ian Lee, also known as phdlee (K8CEC)?
Introducing UV-K5 Version 0.2B (APRS) This version is a test version. If there are no major problems, the version number will be changed to...
Sharing you below information and link on how to contact the ISS;
Frequencies in Use:
The following frequencies are currently used for Amateur Radio ISS contacts (QSOs):
Voice and SSTV Downlink: 145.80 (Worldwide)
Voice Uplink: 144.49 for ITU Regions 2 and 3 (The Americas, and the Pacific and Southern Asia)
Voice Uplink: 145.20 for ITU Region 1 (Europe, Russia and Africa)
VHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 145.825 (Worldwide)
UHF Packet Uplink and Downlink: 437.550
VHF/UHF Repeater Uplink: 145.99 (PL 67 Hz)
VHF/UHF Repeater Downlink: 437.80
Source:
Contact the ISS
PARA 91st Anniversary Celebrations
Date & Venue
November 25, 2023, Saturday
5th Floor NTC Building, Quezon City
To learn more about the Program of Activities, click the link below.
https://www.para.org.ph/para-91st-anniversary.html?fbclid=IwAR0kUCvoR1sqq607s8CKVfNrvjI2w2JO1JIZzCBmU7KhmGif6DPwZyllsfw
JOTA | JOTI 2023
I'm excited to share my experience with the QJE QJ-PS30SWI Switching Power Supply, which I obtained from my HAM radio enthusiast friend and admired photographer, Jappy Columna. I was initially suspicious about switching power supplies because of their known noise issues, which frequently produce interference on many radio frequencies, including harmonics. To address this issue, many current designs include noise offset capabilities. However, I was pleasantly surprised when I tested the QJE QJ-PS30SWI with my Alinco DR-638H radio from only monitoring, low to high power. To my surprise, the spectrum analyzer on my Software Defined Radio discovered no discernible noise interference in many bands.
However, I found some harmonics on 90KHz, 150KHz, and 210KHz, but they were so minimal that they hardly posed any significant concern. This minor presence of harmonics was a negligible trade-off given the overall performance of the QJE QJ-PS30SWI. It was evident that this power supply was engineered to effectively suppress noise, and even if some minimal harmonics were present, the ability to adjust the noise offset allowed me to achieve pristine communication on the 2m and 70cm bands without disturbances or electromagnetic interference (EMI).
subsequently the QJE QJ-PS30SWI Switching Power Supply exceeded my expectations and efficiently handled the noise issues prevalent with switching power supply. I can now enjoy my HAM radio activities without worrying about unwanted interference or EMI, making this device a great addition to my setup. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my friend Jappy Columna, for introducing me to this fantastic power supply, which has significantly improved my entire radio experiences.
I'd also want to thank J Angelo Rac, DU2XXR, a ham friend, for the Alinco DR-638H and the Diamond SX-200. With this basic configuration, connecting via simplex or even using a repeater system is a delightful experience.
I observed harmonics at 90kHz, 150kHz, and 210kHz of the QJE PS-30 SW Switching Power Supply using a spectrum analyzer from my software defined radio. Notice the RF signal as I move the noise offset from right to left and from left to right. So far, I haven't found any noise in any of the bands. There may be some noise, but it is not significant enough to be concerned about due to low interference or EMI that does not harm the 2m and 70cm bands where I operate, as well as other communication equipment and electronics.
Surecom SW-102 Firmware V2.06 vs Diamond SX-200
Diamond SG-7900 Antenna is setup inside a room on a tripod with 5" radials as ground plane.Reflected Power:Freq: 144.560MHz@ 5 Watts = 0.002@ 50 Watts = 0.300
We are thrilled to announce the Amateur Radio Orientation Seminar, organized by the Philippine Amateur Radio Association (PARA). Get ready to dive into the world of amateur radio and explore the endless possibilities of communication!
🗓️ Date: October 28, 2023
🕗 Time: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
📍 Venue: 5th Floor NTC Multipurpose Hall, BIR Road East Triangle, Diliman, Quezon City
Join us for a day filled with informative sessions, hands-on activities, and engaging discussions about amateur radio for beginners, this seminar is your gateway to enhancing your skills and connecting with fellow radio enthusiasts.
Topics to be Covered:
Introduction to Amateur Radio
Amateur Radio Rules and Regulations
Electrical and Electronics Principles and Concepts
Amateur Radio Practice
Registration Details:
Secure your spot now by registering at https://tinyurl.com/HamRadioOrientationSeminar or contacting the PARA Secretariat at Contact Number +63(917)1564715 or via Email [email protected] Limited seats available, so don't miss this opportunity to expand your knowledge and passion for amateur radio!
Let's come together to learn, share, and celebrate the spirit of amateur radio. See you there!
🚨 The ARRL Simulated Emergency Test (SET) is scheduled for October 7 - 8 🚨
The SET is ARRL's annual national emergency exercise designed to assess the skills and preparedness of Amateur Radio Emergency Service® (ARES®) volunteers and those affiliated with other organizations involved in emergency and disaster responses. It is open to all radio amateurs, partner organizations, and national, state, and local officials.
To get involved, contact your local ARRL Emergency Coordinator or Net Manager.
For MORE INFORMATION on The SET, head to:
LINK➡️ tinyurl.com/ybyb7jfz
Title: Understanding VSWR Meters and Using DeepVNA 101 for Optimal Transmission.
Are you a radio amateur or enthusiast wanting to improve your transmission setup? Understanding VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) meters and using technologies such as a DeepVNA 101 can significantly improve your radio experience. We'll go over the fundamentals of reading a VSWR meter and using a DeepVNA 101 for efficient transmission in this blog, using my personal and temporary setup as an example and for testing only.
Part 1: VSWR Basics and Reading the Surecom SW-102
What exactly is VSWR?
The Voltage Standing Wave Ratio (VSWR) of a radio frequency (RF) transmission line is a measure of how well it is matched to its load, such as an antenna. A low VSWR indicates a good match, whereas a high VSWR indicates a mismatch, which can result in signal loss, reduced transmission efficiency, and probable transmitter damage.
Reading the Surecom SW-102:
Surecom SW-102 is an excellent tool for monitoring VSWR and other relevant characteristics. Let us now interpret the readings I got:
Power to transmit:
Transmitting with 51.6 Watts of power. This is the amount of power sent by your transmitter to the antenna system (Alinco DR-638 Max Power is 50 Watts).
1.34 VSWR:
1.34 VSWR reading is quite good. VSWR levels close to one suggest a near-perfect match, whereas values up to two are normally considered acceptable. Your reading indicates that your antenna is well-matched to your transmission line, resulting in minimal signal reflections and losses.
1.11 watts of return power:
This is the power that is reflected back towards my transmitter as a result of a mismatch. A lower return power is ideal, and my reading of 1.11 Watts corresponds to the low VSWR.
Part 2: DeepVNA 101 for Comprehensive Analysis
What exactly is a DeepVNA 101?
A DeepVNA 101 (Vector Network Analyzer) is a sophisticated tool for measuring the complicated impedance of RF components such as antennas, transmission lines, and filters. It provides extensive information regarding impedance, phase, and other parameters, allowing you to thoroughly analyze our setup.
Precise Analysis with DeepVNA 101:
While the Surecom SW-102 provides basic VSWR information, a DeepVNA provides more detailed information. Here's how we can use it to our advantage:
Impedance Analysis:
DeepVNA can detect both real (resistance) and imaginary (reactance) impedance components. This data is essential for optimizing antenna performance.
Understanding Impedance and Impedance mismatch:
Impedance is the sum of an RF component's resistance (actual part) and reactance (imaginary part). In an ideal world, RF system components like as antennas and transmission lines would be perfectly matched to avoid impedance mismatch. An impedance mismatch can cause signal reflections, power loss, and overall system performance degradation.
Actual Scenario:
Antenna Diamond SG-7900 on a Wooden Surface
Consider placing the Diamond SG-7900 antenna on top of a hardwood surface. This configuration introduces new variables that can impact the antenna's impedance characteristics. The wood may have dielectric qualities that interact with the antenna, causing impedance variations.
DeepVNA 101 for Impedance Analysis:
Setup: Connect the DeepVNA 101 to the Diamond SG-7900 antenna and measure the impedance. The DeepVNA 101 will provide information on the impedance of the antenna at various frequencies.
The DeepVNA 101 displays an impedance measurement of roughly 57.24Ω (Shown on the Actual Impedance). This value indicates that the impedance of the antenna at that frequency is significantly different from the conventional impedance of 50 Ohms commonly employed in RF systems.
Interpreting the 57.24Ω Impedance Reading.
An impedance mismatch is indicated by a measured impedance of 57.24Ω. An impedance mismatch in a typical RF system can cause various problems:
Signal Reflections:
When an antenna is misaligned, a portion of the signal is reflected back towards the transmitter. The energy reflected contributes to the return loss.
Power Loss:
Because the reflected signal reduces the effective power reaching the antenna, power transmission is inefficient.
Return Power Watts (1.11 Watts):
A return power of 1.11 Watts shows that just a small percentage of the transmitted power is reflected back. This corresponds to the VSWR value, suggesting a good match between the antenna and the transmission line.
Sweep Frequency:
DeepVNA 101 can do frequency sweeps to see how your system works across a wide variety of frequencies, assisting you in identifying resonance areas and potential problems.
Finally, improve your radio experience.
You may fine-tune your transmission setup for best performance by combining the data from your Surecom SW-102 and utilizing the capabilities of a DeepVNA 101. As indicated by the low VSWR result, my temporary setup for testing already exhibits a solid fit between my transmitter and antenna. A DeepVNA 101, on the other hand, can provide more detailed analysis if you want to go further into the nuances of your system.
Impedance measurements with a DeepVNA 101 can provide useful information about the performance of RF components such as the Diamond SG-7900 antenna. When the antenna is positioned on a wooden surface, an impedance value of 57.24Ω shows an impedance mismatch, which could result in signal reflections, power loss, and poor efficiency. The relationship between the VSWR reading of 1.34 and the return power watts indicates that, despite the mismatch, the antenna is quite well-matched, with just a modest amount of power reflected back.
Keep in mind that a properly matched transmission arrangement not only ensures efficient signal transmission but also extends the life of your equipment. Understanding VSWR and using advanced tools like DeepVNA 101 will help you make the most of your radio communication activities, whether you're a novice or an experienced operator.
First in the world the Philippines launches the largest satellite near the philippine sea | Japan.Launch of SpaceX Falcon 9 carrying cube satellites Maya-5 a...
Since I attempted to modify my RS918 mcHF RF Board version 0.6.0 to 0.6.3 with the RD16HHF1, which has more power wattage than the stock RD15HVF1 (non-genuine), I've realized that the modification isn't necessary because there are no significant differences in power wattage and the RD16HHF1 produces four times more heat than the original design. My conclusion is that version 0.6.3 requires a body case design that allows for the addition of an appropriate heatsink to swiftly reduce the heat temperature. As a result, I'm going back to the original design version 0.6.0, but this time I'm utilizing genuine Mitsubishi RD15HVF1 MOSFETs. After all, the design is intended for QRP.
To improve voltage meter illumination, just connect a 12VDC T10 Peanut Bulb with a T10 socket to the 13.8VDC output.
Hello everyone, I'm just looking for a solution to my RS918 with mcHF RF board version 0.6.0. I changed my MOSFETs to RD16HHF1 based on the schematic diagram of RF Board version 0.6.3, but I subsequently discovered that I also needed to replace the old voltage regulator with an LM2931CDG. Unfortunately, this voltage regulator was already obsolete, but according to the datasheet, there is another series model NCV2931 with the same value. Can someone suggest a model other than the NCV2931 to replace the LM2931CDG? Thank you🙏
Announcement: Join Us at the Independence Day Booth at Rizal Park, Manila near Dancing Fountain.
Attention all amateurs and members of PARA (Philippine Amateur Radio Association)! We are thrilled to invite you to our Independence Day booth, where we celebrate the spirit of freedom and showcase the ingenuity and talent within our community. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to engage with fellow enthusiasts, learn from experts, and proudly present your exhibits, Go Box and Digital Radio Communications.
📅 Date: June 11 to 12, 2023
🕒 Time: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Rizal Park, Manila
Whether you're a seasoned amateur radio operator or just beginning your journey, this event promises something for everyone. Here's what you can expect:
1️⃣ Explore Exhibits: Immerse yourself in the diverse world of amateur radio as you visit a variety of exhibits showcasing cutting-edge equipment, innovative projects, and inspiring demonstrations. Get inspired by the creativity and passion of your fellow enthusiasts.
2️⃣ Engage in Discussions: Participate in interactive discussions shared by and experienced operators. Share your knowledge, ask questions, and expand your understanding of the latest developments in amateur radio technology and practices.
3️⃣ Amateur Radio Contests: Test your skills and compete in thrilling contests designed to challenge your expertise in various aspects of amateur radio. Engage in friendly competition and showcase your proficiency.
4️⃣ Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow amateurs, forge new friendships, and expand your professional network. Share stories, swap experiences, and find like-minded individuals who share your passion for amateur radio.
5️⃣ Special Exhibitor Opportunity: We encourage all PARA members and amateurs to contribute their exhibits to our booth. This is your chance to showcase your projects, experiments, or achievements to a wider audience. Simply contact our event coordinator upon arrival, and they will assist you in setting up your exhibit space.
Join us at Rizal Park, Manila. as we come together to celebrate the spirit of Independence Day and the power of amateur radio. Let's create an atmosphere of camaraderie, learning, and innovation.
Remember to bring your enthusiasm, curiosity, and a spirit of exploration. Together, we can make this event a resounding success!
For more information, please contact:
📞 Event Coordinator: Lawrence DU1SVY
🌐 Website: www.para.org.ph
We look forward to welcoming you to the Independence Day booth at Rizal Park, Manila.
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I observed harmonics at 90kHz, 150kHz, and 210kHz of the QJE PS-30 SW Switching Power Supply using a spectrum analyzer from my software defined radio. Notice the RF signal as I move the noise offset from right to left and from left to right. So far, I haven't found any noise in any of the bands. There may be some noise, but it is not significant enough to be concerned about due to low interference or EMI that does not harm the 2m and 70cm bands where I operate, as well as other communication equipment and electronics.
Audio Broadcast
To improve voltage meter illumination, just connect a 12VDC T10 Peanut Bulb with a T10 socket to the 13.8VDC output.
Malachite DSP SDR V5 (1.10d Fully Activated)
https://zoom.earth/storms/mawar-2023/#map=wind-gusts/model=icon
After tuning the 40m Band Hamstick Short Mobile Antenna (courtesy of DX1ARM) setup to a car mount with 5m RG58 coax using the DeepVNA 101 by BH5HNU, here is the result obtained using DeepSDR 101 with latest Firmware 1.0.1, just released April 17, 2023, also by BH5HNU from Deepelec. 2 Stations from Indonesia and Iloilo City. https://deepelec.com/2023/04/17/deepsdr_101_1_0_1/
Elwood Downey, WB0OEW, developed a piece of software called HamClock that offers a number of essential functions for amateur radio operators. It can be used with other Linux-based systems, but it is intended to run on a Raspberry Pi computer. The program can be found here. --> http://clearskyinstitute.com/ham/HamClock/ The following are some of HamClock's features: 1. Display of the current time and date: HamClock offers precise time and date data that is helpful for keeping track of UTC time, which is frequently used in amateur radio conversations. 2. HamClock may display a world map with the current time zones and grayed-out regions on it (where it is either sunrise or sunset). The optimum time to contact other amateur radio operators throughout the world can be determined using this. 3. Information concerning propagation conditions, including sunspot counts, solar flux, and A and K indices, can be seen on the HamClock display. Which bands are now available for communication can be determined using this information. 4. Calendar display: HamClock contains a calendar that lists public holidays, other noteworthy occasions, and moon phases. 5. Practice with Morse code: HamClock has a built-in Morse code generator that can assist amateur radio operators get better at using it. All things considered, HamClock is a flexible and practical piece of software for amateur radio operators, offering a number of functions that can be useful for communications and staying up to date with current conditions.
HamClock running on Windows 11 via Raspberry Pi + Bullseye through Oracle Virtual Machine VirtualBox
The tracker shows where the Space Station is right now and its path 90 minutes ago (-1.5 hr) and 90 minutes ahead (+1.5 hr). The dark overlay indicates where it is nighttime in the world.
updating the GPS maps for the Philippines and bringing my Garmin nüvi 760 back to life. Special thanks to Garmin.bbbike.org and Openmapchest.org
My first NanoVNA before my NanoVNA-F and DeepVNA 101, performing the firmware upgrade based on EDY555 & DiSLord version 1.2.00, modified by Hugen 79 to 1.2.14 for better, responsive, and faster display.
Stay Safe! 73 DV2/KE2ACS/1 #PaengPH
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