I figured I’d post an update regarding some of the activities that are going on in and around the shack.
First off, the SVXLink project has stalled out while I search for a radio interface. After finally getting it to compile on the Raspberry Pi, I was able to configure it up and get it to connect to Echolink and was able to log in via my iPhone/iPad. The system will not, however, key up the repeater. The interface board I’m using, the AMI-2, doesn’t use the same pins for COR that SVXlink is looking for. So I may have to build an interface for it. I’m still looking forward to getting it up and running so that I can put the WIndows laptop away and get something running more stable.
The repeater projects are still moving along:
- 33cm: I received a suggested 33cm frequency pair from the IRC, but unfortunately the input is being used by another local group, so I’ve given that information back to the coordinator and I’m awaiting an updated pair suggestion. I do have a 16dB pre-amp and a 150W final amplifier. I’ve also received the 915MHz filters in, so I’ll be replacing those in one of my TK-981’s that will be used as the receiver. K3HTK and I still need to do the modifications on the external amps, but the pieces continue to fall into place. Thanks to K9YDO for the loan of a 24VDC power supply to drive the amps.
- 70cm: I picked up two Micro 75W amplifiers at the Lafayette Ham Fest. I’m hoping to bench and fire them up this weekend. 500mW should give me ~75W out. Since the new 70cm repeater is centered around UHF Maxtrac’s I’m likely going to need to do a low power mod to stabilize the radio. This involves a 10k pot and three resistors to regulate the voltage going to the VCO. I have also submitted the update to my coordination to the IRC for the increased power level. I will likely seek out a UHF pre-amp as well to round out the project.
In other news, I’ve jumped back into APRS. I’ve had an Alinco DR-135T for a number of years. It’s just been sitting in the shack. I picked up a $40 GPS puck from Amazon and have it interfaces with the radio. I’d initially planned to just setup the unit as a tracker as phase one and then expand my capabilities with phase two. However, as tends to happen with projects in this hobby, phase one and two are rapidly merging into a single phase. I have a laptop mount and pole left over from my previous police car, and I’ve ordered the foot plate to mount that in my 2008 Jeep. Right now I’m using APRSISCE/32 on a Windows 8 laptop, and plan to mount that in the Jeep. That same laptop will also be used for digital HF work once I get the IC-706MKII installed (see next note).
I’ve decided to take my first steps into a mobile HF operation. I’ve purchased an Icom IC-706MKII from a fellow ham and have pieced together the remote mount kit for it. I also have the LDG-Z100 tuner with the appropriate interface cables to allow it to function remotely from the control head. I’m currently working out mounting options for what will be the fourth radio in my Jeep. Planning to take the radio on vacation so I’ll have APRS running as well as digital HF (when I’m not driving). The mobile antenna dilemma is still working itself out. Short-term I’ve purchased a tri-mag mount for the top of the car and am going to try out a single 20M Hamstick off of one of my dipoles. I plan throw that on the roof this weekend and see how it tunes up with one of my analyzers. Long term will likely lead toward some sort of screwdriver antenna.
The best thing about this hobby is that there is always something new to try…. So many projects and so little time…..
