W5TSU

For the W5TSU.net:8030 receiver I build a broadcast band filter. This should front end overload and intermod created by these stations and allow for better Ham band receiption. I also wanted to learn how to build my own coils.

I found a design at the vk3il blog. This filter was modeled with the ELSIE (free version). It is a 7-pole Chebychev filter with cutoff frequencies of 1.7MHz.

I started by winding some coils from 22, 26 and 30 awg magnet wire. I use a MingHe model LC100-A meter to masure these coils. I found holding the coils with my fingers didn’t make a sizeable different in the coil. What did make a difference was how tight the coile was wound and the lingth of the wire used. The size of the winding did make some difference but not as much as the amount of wire and how stable the winds where.

This is my grandfather’s ham license from 1952.

My mother told me stories of her and her father lessioning to the radio. Him teaching her morse code. I picture in my mind, mon sitting on her fathers lap and her talking to some ham on AM.

My mother tough me my name in code when I was five. – .- .-. -.-

W5TSU

I’m fascinated by the WSPR (http://wsprnet.org) network and found out you can build a transmitter station with an Raspberry Pi.

So, because I have a few Raspbery Pi comptuers setting about doing nothing, it’s time to put one to work. The code for this is at (https://github.com/JamesP6000/WsprryPi). WSPR net has some documentation on it (http://wsprnet.org/drupal/node/5353). The output from the RaspPi is a square wave so lots of filter is needed. (http://www.gqrp.com/harmonic_filters.pdf). A kit is avaible at (http://www.kitsandparts.com/univbpfilter.php).

I’m working on getting my extra class license. Here are a few things I have found that help. Even with a background in electronics and years of being a ham I still score about a 50% on any practice test I take.

Here are several places to get study guides and take sample tests. I use my phone to take practice test ofter.

Check out Dave Casler, (KE0OG) youtube videos. These are very nice and a great resource.