We installed a 75m loop for SSB operation on our tower when we built it. The loop is full size and is diamond shaped so that our lower SteppIR DB36 yagi can rotate inside of it. The loop is fed at the bottom corner about 20 ft up from the ground. It works great for SSB operation on 75m but we have often wished we could use it across the entire 80m band. This goal led to a project to create a matching system for the antenna. The idea was to use a set of loading coils in series at the feed point create a good match in all segments of the 80m band…
We shared this project at our project night meeting in January. I recently published an article explaining the design and construction of an 80m Broadband Matching System. The ideas used can be applied to many other matching system arrangements for many different types of low-band antennas.
Every January Meeting we hold Project Night, where members bring in and share recent homebrew projects that they have built. This year’s Project Night was full of interesting projects built by our members.
Member Projects
Scott NE1RD Kits
Our Programs Chairperson, Scott, NE1RD led it off by showing us some kits he had built, including the K1EL PaddleStick Keyer that we will be building for the February Tech Night.
Bob KB1TEK – QRP Kits
Bob, KB1TEK brought some QRP kits that he had built.
Dave K1DHP – VLF Detector
Dave, K1DHP showed us the VLF Detector that he built.
Hamilton, K1HMS – Antenna Switches
Hamilton, K1HMS brought Antenna Switches that he had built.
Dave K1DLM – Heakthkit
Dave, K1DLM showed us a Heathkit that he plans to build.
Dennis, K1LGQ had another explosive presentation when he showed us a KX2 stand that he built.
Dennis hows plans for his KX2 Stand
Fred AB1OC – Low-Band Match
Fred, AB1OC brought an 80m band matching system that he will install in order to make our 80m delta loop be resonant across the band. He has programmed our MicroHam system to automatically have the box switch the matching system as we tune through the 80m band. I’m looking forward to using this to get the last 20 80m contacts for my 5 Band DXCC!
Anita AB1QB – CW Pi
I (AB1QB) demonstrated a Raspberry Pi project that I built over the holidays. It is called a Morse Code Virtual Radio. When you hook up a monitor and a straight key to the Raspberry Pi, it will decode what you key in. This was a big hit with the kids who visited us for ARRL Kids Day.
Mike, AB1YK – Panadapter
Finally, Mike, AB1YK brought in a number of projects that he has done including a Panadapter and a CW Generator.
Anita AB1QB - CW Pi
Scott NE1RD Kits
Mike AB1YK - Panadapter
Mike AB1YK - CW Generator
Hamilton K1HMS - Ant Switches 2
Hamilton K1HMS - Ant Switches 1
Fred AB1OC - Low-Band Match
Fred Ab1OC - Low-Band Match 1
Dennis K1LGQ - KX2 Stand 2
Dennis K1LGQ - KX2 Stand 1
Dave K1DLM - Heakthkit 2
Dave K1DLM - Heakthkit 1
Dave K1DHP - VLF Detector
Bob KB1TEK - QRP Kits 2
Bob KB1TEK - QRP Kits 1
Overall it was great to see all of the projects that our members have been working on. The gallery above contains more pictures from Project Night.
January 9, 2018, Tech Night meeting will feature Steve Elliott, K1EL, the owner of www.hamcrafters.com and the designers of the many amazing kits Hamcrafters offers. Steve will discuss aspects of kit design and building, including the PaddleStick CW Keyer that will be built during our February 13 Tech Night.
You can order your kit online, or buy one directly from Mr. Elliott after his presentation. (Mr. Elliott will bring a limited number of kits for purchase.) The PS2B kit is $59 (cash). We will be looking for a rough count of those interested in purchasing this kit during the regular members meeting on January 2.
Don’t miss out on the fun. This is a great little kit, and you’ll have a great tool to practice CW or to get on the air. Shoo away those wintertime blues by heating up a little solder with friends. See you there!
Radio Amateurs Developing Skills Worldwide
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