Well, this year’s SSB contest was the grand debut of my shiny, new SE0X shack! I set a daring goal for myself: to outshine my high score from way back in 2013. So, did I reach for the stars, and what’s the scoop on the hot, new “clean desk policy” in the shack? Buckle up
The Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge contest provided a good opportunity to test the new RX antenna setup paired with diversity receive.
A classic Yaesu FT-1000 transceiver has been added to the SE0X line of equipment.
After years of using home-brew verticals for Topband it was time for change. In preparation for the contest season 2018-2019 I installed a new vertical for 80 and 160 meter, the commercially produced “Axtorp”. This is a linear loaded vertical from Lannabo Radio, the HF antenna specialist on the Swedish west coast. It stretches 18 meter
With the rise of FT8 I was getting curious to explore VHF propagation. Last summer I installed a 144 MHz transverter from HA1YA and a Big Wheel omni directional horizontal antenna. It turned out pretty well, but why stop at dipping your feet. What did I do next to improve performance on 144 MHz? 🙂
The SE0X Skimmer has a temporary replacement antenna, a PA0RDT Mini Whip. Results are impressive considering its simplicity and tiny physical shape. There is a separate story on this simple antenna here. This post is focused on the analysis of Reverse Beacon Network spots to evaluate the antennas performance.
Getting ready for CQ160 SSB this weekend by upgrading the remote shack with a better way to control RX antennas and other remotely switched functions at SE0X. Introducing the Stream Deck, a very useful gadget from the gaming community!
A new temporary skimmer antenna has been installed at the SE0X skimmer site. I didn’t expect much from the small and simple PA0RDT active mini-whip antenna, but its good performance, especially on 160 meter, surprised me in the ARRL DX contest.
As the 2018 IARU HF Championship was chosen as the arena for WRTC activity was high this summer contest weekend. I decided to kick out the K3/TS-590 combo and go all SDR in SO2R configuration. Propagation was also helpful, especially on low bands. Read the full writeup of the IARU HF Championship weekend at SE0X here.
After years of successfully keeping my Topband vertical in service during winter storms in costal environment my streak of luck has finally come to an end. This season alone I had more problems with the Topband vertical than in the past 10 years. Heres a quick recap of the so far very eventful season at