Contest results

I am not really attending contests to win, more for fun and to test the technology. However, it feels good to receive certificates like this one:

Success with Ham Radio on 122GHz

Harry WA0CNS and myself went outdoors to play with our new 122GHz units (about 500 microW of output power, 19dBi horn antenna on my side) on Saturday, November 7, 2020. We managed to make full contact using CW signals (Morse code) across the distance of 5.2 km (3.2 mile):

This frequency is extremely difficult, signal propagation depends heavily on moisture in the air. In theory, it should work better during winter months. We will keep trying for longer distances!

Some pictures of the stations used:

More details about our attempts on this contact can be found here (click on the link).

73 Herbert

Hiking with my dog - Klondike Park, MO

I have been active recently. After our dog Darcey recovered from knee surgery and heart worms treatment (!!), she is finally able to hike with me. We have been going to several parks around Saint Louis. One of the nicest places certainly is the Klondike Park.

Here are two maps of the area:

There also are several videos on YouTube. I like this one.

Several more pictures:

The scenic overlook on the top of the cliff certainly is a good location for microwave operation, but there is a minor challenge - the entry road is blocked by a beam gate. Means that all the radio equipment would have to be carried about 1/3 mile up the hill. I will try that some day ...

Inventor Forge Maker Space

As I have posted in November, I became a member of the local Maker Space organization. That membership gives me access to big machine shop equipment, such as mill and lathe, lasers and CNC machines. Here is some basic information in case others would be interested:

Note that we have Open House every Thursday starting 6:00 pm. The picture above shows our address and some contact info.

PF 2019

My wife and me wish you Happy Holiday and very successful year of 2019, without medical trouble and stress, full of fun!

Maker Space

Wow,  I see that I haven't posted anything for a long time again ... been busy with my job duties. Maybe a little lazy at times.

Some of our microwave activities are captured on the BARS blog site.

However, I have recently discovered a place just around the corner from my house (closer than the closest pub) where I can do most of the mechanical work on my projects. Even some of the electrical. Here is more info about the place.

I am getting trained in using all the metal working equipment (lathe, mill, CNC machines ...). There are many Ham Radio related projects that depend on access to these things. I will try to catch up in publishing and show some of the results here.

In the mean time, you can go to the link posted above and read some details. You can also find a list of other maker spaces there ... maybe you will be as lucky as I was and find a similar place in your backyard?

73 Herbert

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2018