WB9PNU 10 GHz Beacon Update

Visiting my grandchildren on Sunday afforded me the opportunity to introduce them to microwave hill topping and to check my 10 GHz rig to see if it is still working and frequency stable.  I set up behind St. Robert's Catholic Church (EM48rs) located on a ridge near Missouri Route 94 and Interstate 70 in St. Charles.  I aimed my dish towards DePaul Hospital about 4 miles away due east in EM48ss.  I am happy to report that the WB9PNU 10 GHz beacon is QRV and so is my rig!  Beacon telemetry on Sunday, February 25 around 4 pm local time indicated beacon power output to be 1.43 watts, 12.94 volts, 64.7 F enclosure and 66.7 F amp temperature.

Vy 73 de Ron, KO0Z

February Breakfast

           Pictured left to right:  Herbert, AF4JF; Zack, W9SZ; Harold,KD9SG; Rich, N0PQU; Dallas, WD9IVD; Bob, N0IS and Mike, N0OBI.  Not pictured is Ron, KO0Z taking the snapshot. 

It was good seeing everyone again.  Cabin fever had set in and getting together to discuss winter projects harks of springtime.  In fact, Zack heard the chirping of red wing blackbirds which means robins are not far behind!  We gathered at the TA Truck Stop, Country Pride restaurant for good food, good conversation and good company.  Harry, WA0CNS was unable to make it; however, he is hard at work making the W1GHZ 10 GHz cheap transverters and he has four being constructed.  FB Harry!  Our hopes are to get these "loaner" rigs out for contests to get more hams active in the fun of microwaves. 

Ron is going to order gasfets for his 24 GHz doubler and proceed on with his stalled project.

Mike and Ron discussed grinding mirrors for telescopes. 

Ron showed his dongle, LNA and Tbias connector.  He hopes to copy the WB9PNU beacon with the dongle and LNA while visiting his grandkids in St. Charles.

Our next BARS breakfast will be in St. Louis.

CSVHFS Spring Sprints 2018

Let's make plans to participate in the CSVHFS spring sprints:

144 MHz, April 9 from 7 to 11 pm local time

222 MHz, April 17 from 7 to 11 pm local time

432 MHz, April 25 from 7 to 11 pm local time

uW,  May 5 from 8 am to 2 pm local time

50 MHz, May 12 23Z to 3Z on May 24.