Clik here to view.
Weight for it...
Slowing a Vibroplex Bug using an aftermarket 1.9 oz weightLeft to right - 1.9 oz weight, standard bug weight, homemade weightI've been using my Vibroplex bug about a year now. When I first received it...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Hard fought SKCC QSO using the Ten-Tec Century/21
Sometimes you need to move your QSOMy ever changing station configurationLeft to right - Elecraft KX3, Ten-Tec Century/21 with Ten-Tec Eagle on top, the MFJ 493 keyer on the right4 keys - Navy...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Over the waterfall
Situational awareness After reading all the hoopla surrounding the ICOM 7300 with its nice touch screen and waterfall/spectrum display, it got me to thinking that I was missing out on something.HDSDR...
View ArticleClik here to view.
First Down Under contact
The bands aren't dead yetStill relatively new to the HF CW scene I have a bit over 1400 contacts and I've found that more than half my calls now are with stations I've previously worked. Don't get me...
View ArticleAll keyed up
Sometimes I can't decide which CW key to useAs I've been posting videos I've received requests to display the translation of the CW as it's received and sent. I have tried narrating a bit in some of...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Spruce up a basic transceiver with an SDR
Using SDRPlay as a panadapter for the Ten-Tec EagleSDRPlay produces a nice middle of the line Software Defined Radio (SDR)SDRs are a lot of fun to play with simply as broad band receivers. I've used...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Non-resonant versus resonant antenna for receive only use
Well... that's not what I expectedI've been playing around with my SDRPlay and have been thrilled with its sensitivity when connected to my attic antenna. My attic antenna is a 68 foot doublet that...
View ArticleClik here to view.
More power to you with the Elecraft PXA100
When 5 watts is not enoughGasp! My blog is called "HamRadioQRP"... so what sort of heresy would lead me to post a topic on using more than 5 watts...Will I have to turn in my QRP card?I bit the...
View ArticleSpace, the final frontier in CW
Give your CW a "break"I was listening to CW stations tonight through my SDR having extended QSOs on 40m between 7015 and 7035. There seemed to be a good number of stations sending between 24 wpm and...
View ArticleClik here to view.
QRPP QSO with QRM
Hard fought QSO with the 1WatterI haven't used the 1Watter in a while so I thought I'd pull it off the shelf and hook it up for a QSO. The 40m band was in pretty good shape but the frequencies covered...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Sticker Shock
CW keys cost too much, or do they?I read various forums and blogs for the same reason you might be reading this one. I'm always interested in learning more or trying to answer someone's question in a...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Been busy lately?
How much are you operating?So are you working on your CW skills? How much are you on-the-air? Are you a casual operator or are you a CW-aholic?There's a tool to help you track your on-air activityThe...
View ArticleClik here to view.
CW tone comparison C21 to KX3
The old ways are sometimes bestThis is a short one. I haven't found much time lately to enjoy the hobby, but the past few evenings I've been firing up the old Ten-Tec Century/21 and just listening to...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Vibroplex Bug Vari-Speed
How Slow Can You Go ?My friend Kurt (N4KJK) has loaned me his Vibroplex Original Deluxe Bug.Shiny, Indeed!Vibroplex Original Deluxe Bug with Vari-Speed I've enjoyed my used Vibroplex Standard Bug made...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Vibroplex Vibrokeyer
Get it right the first timeThe electronic keyer, for sending Morse code, came into into use in the late 1950's and early 1960's. Vibroplex introduced their first paddle key, the Vibrokeyer, in 1960....
View ArticleClik here to view.
Squeeze Keying - Iambic mode operation
IAMBIC modes of electronic keyingIambic mode keying occurs when you squeeze dual lever paddles, and then release both paddles simultaneously. If the keyer is in mode A, it will finish sending the...
View ArticleClik here to view.
2B Radio Parts replacement bumpers for Vibroplex keys
Rubber baby buggy bumpersSometimes I needlessly struggle with a problem because I'm cheap.My Vibroplex Vibrokeyer was manufactured in 1960. My Vibroplex Bug was manufactured in the mid 1970s. In both...
View ArticleNovice Morse proficiency exam practice
Time warp - Simulated Novice FCC examIn the past couple of years my copy speed has increased to the point where I'm able to have QSO’S at 25 wpm, but I still remember when 5 wpm was a struggle.My keyer...
View ArticleThe top 100 word practice
Learn the words to learn the languageLearning the characters of Morse Code is just the start. Letters make up the words, but words make up the language.I practice copying random words in morse code...
View ArticleClik here to view.
Thank you for my signal report
3 numbers can mean a lotQRP operators strive to make the most out of a little. So when we receive a signal report it means a lot to us. But the common signal report, given using the R-S-T System,...
View Article