Author Archives: m0spn

Vertical vs Horizontal – HF Monopole vs Dipole

Posted on September 24, 2020 by m0spn

This article should perhaps be titled ‘HF Quarter Wave Ground Mounted Vertical Monopole With Radials vs Horizontal Half Wave Dipole at Quarter Wavelength Height’ but that seemed a little wordy. Having recently resolved my noise issues (which is probably worthy … Continue reading →

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An Introduction to JS8CALL

Posted on June 16, 2020 by m0spn

Most introductions to JS8CALL cover configuration and calling CQ. Whilst this is useful I feel it overlooks the power and flexibility of the mode. In this article I hope to jump straight to the more interesting capabilities. Firstly, the very … Continue reading →

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Configuring Hermes Lite 2 SDR, Quisk, Direwolf and Hamlib

Posted on March 23, 2020 by m0spn

After multiple failed attempts to trigger Quisk PTT via CAT on a virtual serial port, I discovered later Direwolf versions include support for Hamlib. This itself was also not straightforward as by default, Direwolf is not compiled with Hamlib support. … Continue reading →

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GridTracker; a JTAlert for Linux?

Posted on February 1, 2020 by m0spn

As a Linux user I’ve never used or understood the advantages of JTAlert. Attempts to explore this have also failed due to JTAlert not playing well in WINE. However, I recently saw comments online suggesting GridTracker is JTAlert for Linux, … Continue reading →

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70W HF Linear Amplifier Project

Posted on February 1, 2020 by m0spn

Whilst very happy with the performance of the Hermes SDR, I’ve been considering a matching HF linear to provide a moderate (6-9dB) increase in output power. I have ideas about operating portable using battery power; ~50W seems a nice balance … Continue reading →

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Hermes Lite 2 SDR Transceiver

Posted on January 8, 2020 by m0spn

The Hermes-Lite is a low-cost direct down/up conversion software defined amateur radio HF transceiver based on a broadband modem chip and the Hermes SDR project. It is entirely open source and open hardware, including the tools used for design and fabrication files. Over … Continue reading →

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QRP FT8 Operating Tips

Posted on January 21, 2019 by m0spn

A few tips on making the most out of FT8, especially when operating QRP. Listen on odds and evens *before* selecting a TX frequency. Just because you can’t hear anyone on the receive cycle doesn’t mean you’re not colliding with … Continue reading →

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OH3SPN FT8 Activity

Posted on January 18, 2019 by m0spn

I’m now active from Tampere, Finland using the call OH3SPN, primarily FT8 on 30/20/17m due to antenna restrictions; FT817 (typically 2.5W out), G4ZLP MinoProSC interface, indoor SPX-100 antenna or short wire connected to LDG Z100 Plus. I’m very happy to report … Continue reading →

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CQ DE OH/M0SPN

Posted on April 23, 2018 by m0spn

As of April 2018 I’m now located in Tampere, Finland, Locator: KP11UL.  You may see my call appearing in various logs with an OH prefix whilst I’m awaiting my official Finnish callsign. I’m currently maintaining both (M0SPN and OH/M0SPN) callsign … Continue reading →

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Over Voltage Protection

Posted on October 24, 2016 by m0spn

I recently re-homed several cheap 13.8V linear PSUs from rallies, ranging from 3 to 10A. My intention is to power smaller items of equipment; TNCs, FT817s and similar. However, after inspection it became apparent that all lacked any form over over … Continue reading →

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