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.

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!