BARS Project Update

Last week, I visited Herbert, AF4JF and deep into the recesses of his electronics laboratory, I saw some of his latest endeavors.  He and Rich, N0PQU are working on a PTT relay developed by W1GHZ to be used in a Radio Shack 10 meter transceiver to act as an IF rig for Rich's 10 GHz transverter.

                                                W1GHZ PTT relay board

In addition, Herbert is experimenting with a sequencer circuit.  This board is capable of sequencing four different functions.

AF4JF is making steady progress on the BARS 10 GHz beacon project.  He used a programming board designed by OK1DXD using an Arduino processor that controls an Elcom synthesizer and it is switchable between four discreet frequencies, as well as acting as a programmable beacon with call sign, grid square designation and 4 sensor readings!

This Arduino processor, Elcom combination produces about 10 milliwatt of power at 10 GHz.  Herbert was using a LP for an antenna and a satellite downconverter connected to a SDR dongle to view the spectrum.

Although we are in the throws of Winter which limits outside uW activity, inside, BARS is making progress.

Happy New Year!

                                                         Happy New Year 2018!

ARRL 10GHz And Up Contest Results

Ron KO0Z just sent out a link to a very nice article about this year's ARRL 10GHz And Up contest (click here if you want to read it). That contest mentions many famous names and callsigns and even few of ours. It also mentions results. I am glad to publish here that Zack and Ron both made the "Top 5" lists in their call area!

Congrats!

Let's hope that we will have more contest participants and even better results next year. You can see the contest included in the BARS activities on the right side of this blog.

73 Herbert
AF4JF

BARS December Brunch

Saturday, 16 December, the weather outside wasn't frightful and the company inside was decidedly delightful and none of us had thoughts of let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.  Although the northern hemisphere's first day of  astronomical, winter is only five days away, today felt like a fall day.  Sunny skies, sixty-degree temperature and dry roads made it a perfect day for BARS December brunch and Christmas celebration. 

In addition to 10 GHz beacons and 24 and 47 GHz transverters, a recurring BARS theme is wineries.  Today we met at Chandler Hill Winery in southern St. Charles County (EM48) just a scant few miles from the historic Daniel Boone home.  Herbert, AF4JF accidentally discovered the winery while out on a "Sunday" drive with his wife Alice in search of potential, suitable microwave locations.  Great discovery H!

The winery opened at 11:00 am and Ron, KO0Z and Debbie arrived at 11:30 am to join Herbert, AF4JF; Mike, N0OBI; Harry, WA0CNS and Rich, N0PQU inside.  The food was delicious and the company excellent.  Inside we didn't cover many microwave topics.  The winery provided live music and the band, although very good, made carrying a group conversation somewhat difficult.

Before too long, we went outside to the parking lot and Harry showed us his 24 GHz transverter and dish project.  Herbert showed us his early Christmas present - a DB6NT 47 GHz transverter!  Herbert wasn't even a bit hesitant and allowed us to touch it!  

Mike, N0OBI, while at work, noticed a technician getting to discard a number of wall-wart power supplies.  So Mike took them off his hands and gave them to Herbert.  As luck would have it, I needed to replace my Peet Brother's Weather Station "Big Picture" power supply which was failing.  I needed a 12 VDC, 1 amp supply and Mike had 12 VDC, 2.5 amp supplies which turned out to be perfect.  Mike's wasn't sure if they all worked, but I am here to tell you that the two I selected work just fine and my home weather station display is once again working!  Tnx Mike and Herbert!

   
  Mike's wall-wart acquisition's proved to be just what I needed to power my weather display

 
                    The view from Chandler Hill Winery in St. Charles County, Missouri

                                    Chandler Hill Winery, EM 48 in St. Charles County

                  A splendid view of the vineyard in St. Charles County Femme Osage Valley

        BARS members present from left to right:  Debbie, KC9ULA; Mike, N0OBI; Harry, WA0CNS; Herbert, AF4JF; Rich, N0PQU and Ron, KO0Z enjoying brunch at the winery.

           Herbert, AF4JF, Mike, N0OBI and Harry, WA0CNS examining Harry's 24 GHz rig.

            Herbert, AF4JF's Christmas present - a Kuhne Electronics 47 GHz transverter!

                     Some of the sights seen in the Femme Osage Valley near the winery

    
                                                      73 and happy holidays to all! 

Tid Bits

While watching PBS last night, 15 December 2017, there was a special over the scientific discoveries of Voyager I and II.  The program mentioned that Earth's Deep Space Network is still able to detect Voyager II's radio signals even though it passed through our solar system's heliospheric bubble on August 2015 at one-trillionth of a watt!  Now that is weak signal detection!

May I also commend to you the December 2017 article,"What Happens If China Makes First Contact?", by Ross Anderson in The Atlantic Monthly.  The article explores the commissioning of China's new, Aperture Spherical Radio Telescope in Pington.

The article explores China's commitment to doing SETI research along with some existential arguments that are quite interesting.

This radio telescope is 500 meters in diameter!  It will be interesting to see what new discoveries this world-class radio telescope will detect.  The article also explores China's future plans to put a radio telescope on the dark side of the moon.

November BARS Breakfast

Today, Sunday 5 November, five BARS members met at the TA Truck Stop restaurant in Troy, IL for our monthly breakfast.  Our December meeting will involve lunch at a winery in St. Charles County.  Herbert, AF4JF, Harold, KD9SG, Bob, N0IS, Zack, W9SZ and Ron, KO0Z.  Besides breakfast, today's gathering involved getting project ideas regarding 24 and 47 GHz.  Zack brought both of his systems.  Herbert is already on 24 GHz and well on his way towards 47 GHz.  Ron is still working on putting his 24 GHz station.  It was good seeing everyone this morning.

                                                       Herbert's 3.4 GHz transverter

                                                Nicely machined pipe cap filters                                            

                                         Herbert's 2.3 GHz transverter even though the pcb states 3.4

                   Pictured left to right:  Herbert-AF4JF, Harold-KD9SG, Bob-N0IS and Zack-W9SZ

                                   

                                                   W9SZ's 24 GHz transverter

                                                               24 GHz filter
                                                    

                                                              Zack's 47 GHz dish antenna

                                                             47 GHz dish feed

                                             Herbert-AF4JF and Zack-W9SZ in Troy, IL

                                                             Troy, IL water tower

                                            Troy, IL TA Truck Stop restaurant...Good food

BARS September 30, 2017 Lunch

Litchfield, IL, I-55 exit 52, Maverick Steak House and Spirits restaurant, Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 10 am.  Herbert, AF4JF, Zack, W9SZ and Ron, KO0Z met at the restaurant parking lot and moved a quarter-mile north to parking lot overlooking a field and Zack drove northward to a parking lot at the opposite end of the field, approximately 1 km to test out Herbert's 24 GHz transverter with a 432 MHz IF.

Zack and Herbert were able to hear each other quite well!  A successful test for AF4JF!  Ron, KO0Z is still working on his 24 GHz rig.  He needs to get a 12 GHz doubler to proceed further.

It was a beautiful, fall Saturday with temps in the 70s and low humidity.  A good day to microwave.  After the test, we ate a big lunch at Maverick's and made plans for the upcoming microwave sprint/MAD on Saturday October 7th. Both Zack and Ron were able to copy the WB9PNU beacon in Bridgeton, MO with S-1 signals.  Not very strong, but detectable.  We had the I-55 off ramp ridge between us about a half-mile away which could have been blocking signals.

                   Herbert, AF4JF setting up 24 GHz to work Zack, W9SZ across the field

Zack, W9SZ looking south, across the field, towards Herbert, AF4JF

 
                                      Initial contact between AF4JF and W9SZ on 24 GHz

 

 

                                         24 GHz QSO between AF4JF and W9SZ EM59de

                               Zack, W9SZ and Herbert AF4JF chatting in Maverick's parking lot

                                                 AF4JF's 24 GHz dish with splash feed point

                   Herbert, AF4JF setting up while Zack, W9SZ is doing likewise across the field.

                                           Close up of  the 24 GHz splash feed 

                                                      AF4JF's 24 GHz transverter 

                                             Herbert ready to make a 24 QSO test with Zack!
 

               
                                                      Herbert's 1.2 GHz transverter 

                          Zack, W9SZ set up at the north end of field with his 24 GHz rig. 

                    A successful 24 GHz QSO, now time for lunch at Maverick's in Litchfield.