VR2XMT - Charlie Ho

Hexbeam

2011-12-26T22:06:00.001+08:00

Today I put up the HEXBEAM ( from K4KIO ), it works fine.

Re-arrangement of antennas

2011-12-15T09:50:00.004+08:00

Due to some un-expected reason, I need to dismantle all my antennas last week. At the moment, only maintain one vertical antenna for 10/15/20M. for the time being, some re-arrangement work is underway including a winch-up pole for the new five band antenna. I hope all the work can complete during Christmas holidays, if not , then early next year.

In future, my signal may not be as good as before, due to the down scale of antenna system.

ARRL RTTY Roundup 2011

2011-12-15T08:37:00.003+08:00

ARRL RTTY Roundup 2011

ARRL 10M Contest 2010

2011-12-02T12:07:00.002+08:00

ARRL 10M Contest 2010

World Wide RTTY WPX Contest 2011

2011-11-07T08:14:00.001+08:00

World Wide RTTY WPX Contest 2011

Antenna Mast Bracket

2011-09-23T12:30:00.003+08:00

I need to strength some of the antenna mounting on roof, so ordered four pcs of mounting brackets, 304 stainless steel type of material, all looks good.

BV100 Award - 中華民國建國一百年獎狀

2011-09-17T08:07:00.007+08:00

Received three nice BV100 awards (中華民國建國一百年獎狀) issued by Amateur Radio Taipei for celebrating the centennial of Taiwan. Namely, they are:

1) VHF award
2) Tri-band award
3) Dual-mode award

Apply for the award by filling the registration form on line.

http://www.bv100.tw/EN/Award/Award.aspx

No QSL cards are required and the award is free of charge.

2010 Oceania DX Contest Certificate

2011-08-23T11:50:00.003+08:00

As indicated from the Oceania DX Contest Committe that the certificates have been published on-line as pdf files for us to download. Today I download my certificate for reference. For sure, will participate again this year.

L-Match Antenna Tuner - Completed

2011-08-16T08:02:00.003+08:00

Project completed. It become my daily use antenna tuner, very nice.
So far, so good.I have been able to match all my antenna up on the roof, and there is absolutely no signs of any component heating or arcing.

LY2SA - #158 on Six Meter

2011-08-13T09:47:00.003+08:00

LY2SA worked on 25 June 2011 at 0655z. Vidas returned me a nice QSL. Now my Six Meter Score going up to #158 - all confirmed.

L-Match Antenna Tuner

2011-08-09T09:23:00.004+08:00

I always needed a "HEAVY DUTY" antenna tuner that could take about 2KW to match with my Heathkit SB-220. I have the Ten-Tec 238B which purchased many years ago, working fine without any problem. However, like to have another one connect to my second amplifier.

Since I have the 238B (L-Match) and thinking to use other tuning method. Finally I selected the modified "L-Match" network again for the reason that it has only two adjustable parts, one inductor and one capacitor, it make the tuning more easier.

The tuning capacitor is a Jennings 500pf vacuum capacitor and the roller induction is from Jonhson 229 series (10uH), it is more than enough because I do not operate low band much.

The case is from China, very nice and heavy duty, most important is very cheap. (around US$20 including shipping) and size is 110mm*275mm*250mm (H*W*L).

With some effort over the weekend, it is almost complete except for some hardware, like the tuning knob and extender rod for the antenna switch.

Tuning is very easy and all my antennas from 10M-40M.

KN-Q10A QRP Transceiver from BA6BF

2011-08-02T08:09:00.007+08:00

Recently I bought a very nice QRP Transceiver ( KN-Q10A) from BA6BF.
It is a four band (80/40/20/15M) 15W CW/SSB gear, very nice collectable radio.

Front End Saver with 80M Pre-amp

2011-04-06T10:52:00.004+08:00

Further to my recent DIY project of the "Front End Saver", I make another one together with 80M pre-amp in one single PCB. It also can switch over to three radios. The box was completed yesterday and very pleased with the performance and high gain / low noise level of the 3SK88.
It is easy to add 160M in with appropriate tuning capacitor and control realy and switch. However, I don't need it at the moment.

ARRL International DX Contest 2010 - Phone

2011-03-30T08:00:00.005+08:00

I almost forgot in 2010, again the first place in Hong Kong for single operator 20 Meters in the ARRL International DX Phone Contest.
The award certificate came in very late this time.

JH1BED/VR2RJ

2011-03-29T16:00:00.005+08:00

Taka-san (JH1BED/VR2RJ) is now working in ShenZhen and his QTH is closed to Futain Check Point. He sent me email last week and we arranged eyeball QSO. Last Sunday (27 March), I picked him up at the Fanling Station at around 11:30 am. After lunch , went back to my QTH and he operated CQ WPX SSB contest for about 2 hours. He worked 150 stations. We look forward to have more gathering in the future time.

Front End Saver

2011-03-23T14:10:00.003+08:00

I use a separate receive antenna for 80M, to eliminate the possibility of blowing out the radio’s front end, I made the ‘front end saver’ followed the circuit designed by KD9SV. It disconnect the receive antenna during transmit, ground the receiver input when transmitting thus keeping RF out of the radio and eliminating the chance of blowing the radio’s front end.

The box installed with a switch to select three radios, I also reserve some space inside the box for a low noise pre-amp.

FT-736 lost audio output

2011-02-20T21:41:00.004+08:00

My FT-736R suddenly lost audio output (only the scanning beep OK).
I checked the AF unit Q06 upc2002 pin 5 have only 2V. Looks like the IC failed and shorted out the 1Ω,1/4W resistor (fuse), 13.8V at the supply side.
Then I replaced the 1Ω, the sound come back. Well, I am a little bit lucky this time, not the upc2002, otherwise need to do more soldering work.

80 Meter DX

2011-01-10T08:26:00.004+08:00

I have set up the 80M antennas this winter and hope to make some DX QSOs on 80M. Noise is a big problem around my QTH. So I need to use the 0.75 Meter coaxial loop for receiving. The input signal level is very low, but with good S/N ratio. Transmitting using the Butternut HF2V vertical, it perform very well. Please look for me daily on 3.797 Mhz +/-

Eyeball QSO with E21EIC

2010-11-20T08:05:00.004+08:00

Champ, E21EIC and his XYL spent four days holiday in Hong Kong recently. We went to the hotel and met him up for our second eyeball QSO. He gave me a very good present (HS0AC Six meter QSO QSL card )by hand.

Although it was a very short time for the gathering, but a lot of fun. Look forward to meet him again.

FT-920 - High SWR on 50 Mhz

2010-09-25T22:16:00.009+08:00

Main Unit

Q1084 - burned

After replace

The FT-920 experienced with the following problem recently:

1) high SWR on 6m
2) no control / adjustment of VHF power on the internal VR pot
3) TX on SSB , no mic input and getting full pwr output - at this point pwr cannot tune down
4) the above not appear on HF
5) turn on the ATT to 12 / 18, the above problem goes away.

I sent out help in the yahoo FT-920 group, but no solid hints on this. Two weeks ago, I saw Kevin, KI4NBO post that he had the same problem. He finally found out the problem realted to Q1084 - 2SC2714.

Q1084 is part of the T/R switching at the front end. It is turned on in transmit to keep the TX signal out of the RX antenna circuits. It is in the direct line of fire if the radio gets a lightning hit, so it goes along with those other JFETs being burned. (very lucky that the JFET is working at my radio) The attenuator circuits are also connected in at this point.

I have followed his hints to repalce the same, the radio back to normal now. Many thanks to Kevin, KI4NBO for his great work.

MFJ-269 Anatenna Analyzer Repairing

2010-09-13T09:31:00.005+08:00

Few weeks ago, when I doing the routine inspection of my antennas, make a big mistake that the MFJ-269 antenna analyzer was connected into the vertical antenna and key the radio with the yagi antenna, strong RF signal caused the analyzer damaged. The problem was that the unit connected with a dummy load the it display R=27-28 Ohm X=0, no matter in what frequency range.

Searching through the web and tried to source the circuit diagram of the unit, not success. Finally I noticed that Goran SM7DLK wrote a very good article about repairing his unit to the common problem (27.9V display) of MFJ-269. Then I sent an email to him asking for the circuit diagram. He is very kind and sent me one.

I checked into the circuit and understand it by the help of Fai, VR2ZXP that the possible ways to cause the fault by strong RF are the diodes D14, D17, D15 & D16 in the bridge. D14-D17 is the DIODE SCHOTTKY HSMS2820. It is easy to obtain from Mouser Electronics.

Then I removed the PCB out and have the first try, but the SMD components are too small, that I could not go further. For this case, I need helping eyes … Fai, VR2ZXP promised to help.

Finally, he found the D16 was leakage and it was replaced. The unit back to normal.
My thanks go to Fai, VR2ZXP for his helping eyes and skillful hands.

All Asian Dx Contest - 2009

2010-08-02T12:20:00.003+08:00

Our Club QSL Maanger, Loagn (VR2XRW) informed me a very nice Award and Medal for the 2009 All Asian DX Contest (Phone) was received.

The contest was operated by me and VK6DXI,category Multi-op, Single TX, by using the sepecial event callsign = VR2009EAG.

A92GR and A92IO - Confirmed

2010-07-24T11:14:00.004+08:00

A92GR ( Mohamed ) and A92IO ( Dave ) returned the nice QSL card to me.

# 156 Country on Six Meter confirmed. !!!

HS0AC - #157 on Six Meter

2010-07-18T12:27:00.002+08:00

Worked HS0AC 0031z 18 July 2010, #157 country on six meter.

Also, thinking it is the first ever six meter HS <-> VR2 contact.

=

HS0AC is the sole station authorised for 6-metres in CQWW VHF contest

Perhaps the biggest development to be announced by RAST President Chaiyong Wongwuticomjon, HS1QVD, during the July meeting at Sena Place Hotel was the temporary six-metre authorisation issued by the NTC for RAST's club station HS0AC to operate during the CQWW VHF contest on the weekend of July 17-18, 2010.
Information received earlier (and posted on this website) had indicated that other Thai stations might operate, but the letter issued by the National Telecommunications Commission grants permission for the HS0AC club station only, and the letter also specifies the use of licensed equipment for this purpose.
Nevertheless, operators are keen to be the first to transmit a legal six-metre signal from Thailand in almost 20 years, the last time this has been authorised was during a SEANET convention hosted by RAST in Chiang Mai back in 1992.

=

TV Antenna

2010-07-04T13:49:00.003+08:00

I picked up the Maspro TV antenna dipole in the rubbish bin.
(easy to find after typhoon)
Try to use it for receiving the CCTV-1 HDTV, it is OK but signal is marginal with other channel.
I added few elements to it , perfect !!

香港業餘無線電遠程通訊協會HARDXA - Discuz Forum

2010-07-01T06:33:00.003+08:00

Recently, Edward (VR2XSC) and Sing (VR2IL) set up the Discus Forum for our members

It is open to registered members only.

http://hardxa.ham-radio-op.net/

HA8CE - Confirmed

2010-06-23T08:12:00.002+08:00

Thank you Pista ( HA8CE ) returned the nice QSL card.

# 155 Country on Six Meter confirmed. !!!

A92GR - #156 on Six Meter

2010-06-21T08:28:00.006+08:00

Last evening at 12:10z, worked A92GR on six meter , which is #156 country on the magic band.

Also, worked EX, SV, 9H, I and UK ..

Cycle 24 going well ... should have a lot of fun.

HA8CE - #155 on Six Meter

2010-05-30T16:07:00.006+08:00

I am very happy to work HA8CE and HA8IH on 50.130 at 05:26-05:31z.

New one since 2004 ... My 155 country on the magic band .. Really happy !!!

士多啤梨園

2010-05-04T11:32:00.003+08:00

Pansy and I 上星期日去咗雲泉仙館後面嗰個士多啤梨園。
味道ＯＫ喎，不過唔係太大粒。

Last Sunday, we went to a Strawberry Garden nearby our QTH. Although the strawberry are small , but very sweet.

ARRL International DX Contest 2009 Award

2010-04-10T08:17:00.002+08:00

VR2PM - Silent Key

2010-03-25T21:39:00.004+08:00

Our best friend, VR2PM became silent key early this morning.

He was one of the active six meter Dxers in the past years, achieved 6M DXCC in 2004.

He will be missed.

Six Meter Propagation

2010-03-23T08:08:00.002+08:00

Six meter propagation going well to the south direction from my QTH. Worked VK8MS, DU7/PA0HIP and 9V1TT last evening in between 12:00z to 13:30z. Also heard YC1MH, 9M6XRO and VK4ADC but not making QSOs. With the increase of sunspots, look forward to have more DX activities through the magic band.

Japan CQ Ham Radio Magazine - RTTY Chat Room

2010-03-11T08:06:00.004+08:00

HISAMI DEJIMA san, 7L4IOU sent me email recently for virtual interview, which is for the RTTY column in JA CQ ham radio magazine. Now it is published in the March 2010 Issue. Hisami-san is very active ham in the digital mode and read his callsign everytime in the contest.

2009 CQ WW WPX SSB Certificate

2010-02-22T11:04:00.004+08:00

In 2009, I participated in the WW WPX SSB contest, category Single Operator 10M high power. The result came out:

First Place in Hong Kong
First Place in Asia
Sixth Place World

I am very happy with the result.

Annual Dinner Lucky Draw

2010-02-22T08:16:00.005+08:00

I am very lucky to win one of the lucky draw in the Company's Annual Dinner. It is a Canon SELPHY CP790 Photo Printer.

The Selphy CP790 features a large 3.0″ LCD screen, an integrated carrying handle, storage basket, optional battery pack, Canon’s Easy-Scroll Wheel, and postcard sized prints in as little as 47 seconds.

The outlook of the printer is very nice.

Wan Chi Keung 尹志強

2010-02-17T15:02:00.002+08:00

My primary school classmate, one of our best football team member, Wan Chi Keung 尹志強 passed away yesterday (16 February 2010) at the age of 53.

My sympathy and condolences go to Michelle and his family.

QSL card received - JQ1YGU

2010-02-09T07:53:00.002+08:00

Following my reception report of the SEEDS ( Space Engineering EDucation Satellite )to the SEEDS Project Team, a confirmation QSL is well received on today.

Digital Talker - SEED II - CO-66

2010-01-18T21:33:00.005+08:00

Other than the SSTV image from the SEED II ( CO-66 ), here is the recording of the Digital Talker and SSTV audio from the pass window at 1252z 18 Jan 2010.

http://www.vr2xmt.com/ra/sat/CO-66%20Digital%20Talker%2020100118%20125237z.mp3

Please click the link above to listen, have fun.

SSTV image - SEED II CO-66

2010-01-16T23:16:00.010+08:00

At 1352z on 16 Jan 2010, first time received the SSTV images transmit from the SEED II Satellite (CO-66), downlink frequency is 437.485 MHz. Equipment are FT-736R, 12 ele yagi and software MMSSTV.

http://cubesat.aero.cst.nihon-u.ac.jp/english/seeds_2_e.html

Marvin Gin, W6VM became SK

2010-01-16T10:20:00.004+08:00

Received email from John Baer (W6SL) and Bill Fong (W6BBA)informing that Marvin Gin, W6VM passed away on 1/13/2010.
I am sad to hear that. He was in and out of the hospital with diabetes and lung water problems lately.
He was a great guy, ham friend in Santa Maria, CA, USA. He is very much missed. May he rest in peace.

RDXC 2009 Contest Award

2010-01-14T08:32:00.003+08:00

HO-68 First QSO

2010-01-12T11:28:00.000+08:00

I got my first few QSO'S on the linear transponder of HO-68 last evening.

The new SAT has a fantastic footprint which allowed me to make it possible working JA when the bird start to climb up from the south horizon. What an excellent signal and audio on any station, it was like 20 meter band on a contest day, finally worked 11 JA, 1 HL and 1 BY.

Congratulations to the entire team---from construction, to launch, to commissioning the first Chinese Amateur Radio Satellite. The hard work is evident and appreciated by ham operators around the world.

QRV on Satellite again

2010-01-10T18:37:00.006+08:00

I spent two weekends to put back the simple satellite antennas, including:
G-800SDX AZ rotator
G-500A EL rotator
Maspro - 144 MHz 8 element yagi
Maspro - 430 Mhz 12 element yagi

It finished in the late afternoon today, by chance AO-51 passing through, made three QSOs

1) BD4SY 1010z 59 59
2) UK8GDW 1019z 59 59
3) RA0SBY 1020z 59 59

It works fine so far.

Eyeball QSO with Mirek, VK6DXI again

2009-12-20T09:28:00.004+08:00

Last evening, met up with Mirek, VK6DXI again while he routing from KaoShung back home. We have a nice chat in a restaurant in Shatin, where nearby by the hotel which he stay for two nights.

He will return to VK land this afternoon. Look forward to meet Mirek again in the short near future.

15M trap cols

2009-12-13T07:55:00.001+08:00

The trap coils are rewinded with 2.00 mm wire.

Also Ok and ready to put it back.

Leszek (SP3DOI) and Krystyna (SP3HDB)

2009-12-06T21:03:00.011+08:00

Leszek (SP3DOI) and XYL, Krystyna (SP3HDB) started their trip around the world since 30 November, 09. They are arrived Hong Kong in the afternoon of 4 December and scheduled to depart to the next country (Australia) on 6 December. I told them that is the best time to be here because the 2009 East Asian Games will have the opening ceremony on 5 December evening, set in Victoria Harbour. Also, have Fireworks show as well. Fireworks will be roughly at 2115hrs and last for 15 minutes, local time. He took my advice and went up to the Victoria Peak and has dinner there and watches the big show.

On 6 Dec, Leszek and Krystyna took the MTR to Fanling Station, met up with me and my XYL, Pansy. After lunch, back to my QTH and Les spent an hour in my shack to operate the special event call “VR2009EAG”, made about 50 QSO on 17M, majority stations from Europe.

Then I drove them to the Airport in the late afternoon.

I am happy met up personally with Les after many QSOs in the past years, especially while he was the operator in most major Expedition.

http://www.sp3doi.com/expeditions.html

Create 318Jr 10-15-20M Tri-bander

2009-11-29T08:48:00.015+08:00

Early this year, I replaced the driven element trap coils (10/15M)of the Create 318jr tri-bander becasue of high SWR. Today I have the same problem again, so I start to check what happen inside and root out problem sources.
The 10M trap looks fine:

However, the 15M trap coil spacing is not in equal spacing, so I removed the winding and found the coil form was melted.

I need to find suitable time and method to fix it. For the time being, running QRP with the Fritzel vertical.

12M Three Element Yagi

2009-11-12T20:43:00.002+08:00

Today I put up the home brew 24MHz three element yagi. The SWR is around 1.2 centre at 24.930 , now is waiting for some DX ...

Six Meter with SB-200

2009-11-08T21:30:00.005+08:00

Recently I performed several enhancement work to the SB-200 which converted to Six Meter many years ago, including:

1) change the ventilation fan to box fan, it gave out more air flow towards the 572B
2) change the plate choke, Teflon rod with 0.6mm wire , 60 turns.
3) improve input circuit to achieve as low as 1.1 . It worked very fine and power output significant improving, with 65W in , power output reached 600W.. acceptable result.

JIDX Contest 2008 Phone

2009-10-20T08:12:00.006+08:00

I am very happy to received a very nice award and Plaque for the JIDX Phone Contest 2008, in the category 14Mhz Single Operator High Power.

Headset with Switch Box

2009-10-14T08:49:00.004+08:00

Recently I am using a computer headset for my radios, it works great and have good audio report around. I also made a small box to switch over three radios, that help not to have too many microphones on the shack table.

Compare with my Heil Proset Plus, it is more light weight and comfortable, especially in the hot and humid weather here in Hong Kong.

However, the mic input level need very careful adjust because of high level output from the electret condenser microphone.

WW RTTY Contest 2008 Certificate

2009-10-01T07:23:00.002+08:00

World Wide RTTY DX Contest received.

New Type International Reply Coupon

2009-09-28T16:23:00.004+08:00

Hong Kong Post start to sell new type UPU International Reply Coupon.

Last week, I went to the nearest Post Office and bought one for my friend's collection.

VP8YLG - Falkland Islands

2009-09-14T12:00:00.003+08:00

I am lucky to have a QSO with Victoria while she operating in Falkland Island as VP8YLG (one of YL expedition 17-31 January 2009) on 27 January 2009 at 0005z on 20M.

A very nice QSL card received from Victoria, SV2KBS.

RDXC 2008 Contest Award

2009-09-10T12:27:00.003+08:00

Received the RDXC 2008 award, nice one.

Mirek Rozbicki - VK6DXI

2009-09-07T07:54:00.009+08:00

On 6 September, Mirek Rozbicki VK6DXI spent half day in Hong Kong while the way back home from Taiwan. He visited me and being one of the operator of VR2009EAG and participate in the All Asian DX SSB contest.

We enjoyed our second eyeball QSO and he was happy to QRV from DXCC nr 50.

VR2009EAG QRV !

2009-07-02T08:09:00.002+08:00

The special call VR2009EAG was on air yesterday, first good opening on six meter into JA, HL, BV and BY. In the late afternoon, good condition on 17M with JAs. In the evening, made good contacts to EU and NA with RTTY. a total of around 450 QSOs were made.

SB-220 from W7RY

2009-06-23T11:54:00.008+08:00

Recently I purchased one nice SB-220 from Jim, W7RY. It is 100 % stock unit without any modification, plus original manual. Price ask by Jim is reasonable, but shipping charge is very expensive, almost half the price of the amplifier. Jim help me to remove the tubes and ship separately. The box with amplifier weight about 64 lbs after packed. It is on the way back by USPS, probably arrived next week. Here are some pictures from Jim before shipping out.

Although I have the same for daily operation, but would like to have one more for backup. However, I need to perform some modification / upgrade to it , in order to have a stable working unit.

Membership with HARTS

2009-06-23T11:49:00.003+08:00

I am no longer the member of Hong Kong Amateur Radio Transmitting Society (HARTS) since 13 April 2009. All the incoming QSL cards address to me will be disposed.
Stations like to have my QSL card, need send direct to me. Information well in www.qrz.com

Six Meter Open to Europe

2009-06-14T17:32:00.004+08:00

At 0723z, first QSO with UT7QF with 55 report, and my signal was 59. Countries worked as follow: UR, F, YO, I, IS0, EA and DL. Not bad at all in the low sun spot. Band close at 0814z.

Sound Card Interface

2009-04-27T12:25:00.005+08:00

The sound card interface which I am using is only one port. It cannot switch over to other radio. So I make another one last week by using one surplus RS232 DB9 switch box, save a lot of drilling time.
It is connect to FT-2000 with SSTV and RTTY FSK, FT-920 RTTY FSK.
It work great so far.

SSTV LIVE CAM

2009-04-24T08:27:00.001+08:00

Recently I have installed a “FTP Widget” program in my work station, it will automatically posting received images from my SSTV software (MMSSTV) to the remote host, while I am QRV and or stand-by on the frequency, mostly on 14.230 MHz.
This way the image is sent to the web page in the best resolution and create real time for amateurs sending pictures to see how well their pictures are being received from my station in Hong Kong.

Below is the link and feel free to visit:

VR2XMT SSTV LIVE CAM

HAVE FUN.

OK RTTY CONTEST 2008

2009-04-21T07:50:00.002+08:00

Although not spent much time in the contest, but still have plenty of fun. Also, have this nice certificate, which received yesterday.

HB9SPACE QSL CARD

2009-04-16T07:47:00.002+08:00

Very nice QSL card received direct yesterday.

ARRL International DX Contest 2008 Award

2009-04-16T07:37:00.002+08:00

ARRL International DX contest 2008 Award.
I am the only VR2 participate , so no question - first place.

FT-2000 Firmware Upgrade

2009-04-15T08:11:00.002+08:00

I have carried out the firmware upgrade during the Easter holiday The new version FW 1.46 and EDSP 11.50, called "PEP" from Yaesu. The performance is outstanding, which is highly recommended.
Of course, look forward to have more new upgrade and enhancement again.

SSTV QSO

2009-04-13T10:28:00.003+08:00

It was a very quiet afternoon and nothing to do, configured the MMSSTV program and made some QSO through SSTV on 20M. Condition not really good, but acceptable. Here are some pictures.

Beat the Banana 3km Fun Run 2009

2009-03-02T07:59:00.014+08:00

1 March 2009, my company, ASC (HK) Limited volunteer team particpate the charity run "Beat the Banana 3km Fun Run" of World Cancer Research Fund Hong Kong. My wife sponcered me for the run.

The running route – around 3km - starting from the Cultural Centre > Tsimshatsui Promenade > International Mail Centre and then back to Cultural Centre >

We took the picture with Mr. Wong Wing Tak, Banana Man of the 2009.

2008 CQ WW WPX SSB Certificate

2009-02-26T07:47:00.002+08:00

I am very happy to receive the 2008 CQ WPX SSB Certificate today.

21 Mhz
First place - Asia
Third place - World

A good memory to "VR10" Prefix.

7L1FPU

2009-01-30T11:28:00.002+08:00

Kuniyoshi "KUNY" NAKADA (7L1FPU,JG0VCM,W1FPU,AH0BT) and his XYL visited Hong Kong on 26 Jan 09 for a three days tour for the purpose of commemerating their 10th year wedding. By chance, Kuny help me to bring along four trap coils for my Create 318jr, which have problem earlier, thanks Kung for your help!
I met them, as well as Logan, VR2XRW in the Chek Lap Kok Airport and drove the couple to the hotel in Hung Hom.
Now Kuny already back home and look forward to meeting him again next month. He planned to come again with his two friends in February.

Lion Dance

2009-01-29T11:18:00.004+08:00

We start to work after three days of Chinese New Year holiday, our office is invited a Lion Dance to celebrate and wish for prosperous year of OX.

Special event call sign VR2009EAG

2009-01-28T16:36:00.005+08:00

To commemorating Hong Kong 2009 East Asian Games, our Radio Club, Hong Kong Amateur Radio DX Association (HARDXA) is scheduled to activate a special event call sign VR2009EAG later this year to celebrate the 5th East Asian Games to be held in Hong Kong from 5-13 December 2009.
Operations will be primarily HF from 7MHz through to 28MHz and VHF on 50MHz, modes operated shall be primarily SSB, RTTY and PSK31.

The QSL card is being designed and will send out to printer shortly.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

2009-01-05T08:34:00.002+08:00

On 2 Jan 09, we spent several hours to tour the world-class cable car “Ngong Ping 360” in Lantau Island, Hong Kong.

Ngong Ping cable car is a visually spectacular 5.7km cable car journey, travelling between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. We enjoy very much on the panoramic views of the Hong Kong International Airport, South China Sea, the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, as well as North Lantau Country Park.

Wetland Park

2009-01-03T12:01:00.005+08:00

Pansy and I visited the Wet Land Park on 31 December 2008. The park is located at the northern part of Tin Shui Wai, New Territories, Hong Kong. The mission of the Hong Kong Wetland Park is to increase the public awareness, knowledge and understanding the values of wetland throughout the region.

Wedding day – Dr Martin Bayes (VR2/AA1ON)

2008-12-28T20:59:00.002+08:00

First met Martin (VR2/AA1ON) in April, 2005 when he came to Hong Kong for business. He set up the station in his Fanling office and active in most of the contest.

Today he got married in VR2.

Congratulation to Martin and Queanne!!

Heathkit SB-220 Amplifier Meters

2008-11-05T20:54:00.001+08:00

I recently had the need for a pair of meters to complete the Heathkit SB-220 amplifier project. I quickly found that these original meters can be expensive! However, I also found there are reasonably price meters available if you don't mind doing a little work to replace the meter face and get them to suit the purpose.

Create CB-3F/2K Balun

2008-10-08T08:25:00.003+08:00

Yesterday I have problem with my three element yagi - Create 318jr that intermittent of high SWR occur. I dismantled the balun and checked that the colour of the wire changed, may be the result of handling high power all the time. I need to replace another balun or repairing the balun this weekend.

Volta RTTY contest Award

2008-09-29T08:13:00.002+08:00

Recently recieved this nice certificate through mail.

JARL 2008 ALL ASIA DX CONTEST - PHONE

2008-09-11T15:07:00.003+08:00

JARL ‘All Asia DX Contest’ is one of my favor contests. The contest period is Sept. 6-7, 2008.
During the contest, stations exchange RS report plus operators' age. I have decided to enter the category as SO20HP, but finally moved to SOABHP. As a result, made 844 QSOs and have the score 82343 points.
The eldest operator age logged is 89 and youngest is 15

VR10XMT RTTY Award

2008-09-04T07:57:00.002+08:00

Here are two RTTY contest awards for the Prefix "VR10".

4X4DK QSL Card

2008-09-04T07:55:00.002+08:00

Ami, 4X4DK sent me the QSL card for our six meter QSO. Many thanks.

AP2DKH QSL Card

2008-08-28T07:54:00.002+08:00

W2FB Steve, QSL Manager of AP2DKH sent me the QSL card to confirm the great six meter QSO with Dr. Khalid.

Many thanks.

50Mhz opening to AP and 4X

2008-07-28T09:39:00.003+08:00

Good six meter opening to AP and 4X on 26 Jul 08.

Worked:

AP2DKH 0627z 50.163
4X4DK 0638 50.168

Look forward to have more opening soon.

Digital Terrestrial TV Reception

2008-07-21T08:39:00.004+08:00

Since the launch of DTT services on 31 December 2007, the first phase of DTT services covers the northern part of the Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon peninsula, part of Shatin and the eastern part of the Lautau Island, amounting to around 50% of population in Hong Kong. My home is located in northern part of New Territories, so need to wait until mid of July, 08.

Last week, I purchased one decoder and connect it to my old "Sony" TV and test the reception before making any decision to but new HD TV set. The decoder start to search TV program when power on and finally all 13 channels were shown up. Signal strength is in between 57-60 % , not bad.

The next step is searching around a suitable HD TV .

3-500z flash over

2008-07-16T15:26:00.003+08:00

One of the 3-500z experienced with "flash over" problem recently. I am not sure if the tube already damaged or it can re-condition with burn-in procedure apply.

I plug in the tubes (both V1 and V2) into an empty chassis, with only heater voltage connected, no HV. I have observed the V2 (flash over tube) heater not light up correctly, compare with V1.

I have no idea why it is, need to check later.

2008 IARU Contest

2008-07-14T08:20:00.002+08:00

Over the contest weekend, the band condition was really terrible. It also happened that thunder storm during the Sunday afternoon time, I need to switch off the radio and unplug all antennas.

Of course, the scores was very poor ...

FT-2000 Remote Keypad

2008-07-07T12:05:00.005+08:00

FT-2000 has 4 voice memories, which is a convenient feature for me during contest. However, I find it inconvenient to hit the F1 - F4 function keys with my big fingers. The alternative is to buy the remote keypad FH-2, but consider it is very expensive.

Information from the net that the keypad is a combination of push button and resistors, which make it as voltage divider and it is the same as the previous model FH-1, see attached circuit diagram and resistor values.

The original FH-2 keypad has 12 buttons, which are for other functions. My application is for F1-F4, so I decided to make the keypad as simple as possible by using a plastic box, with 4 push buttons. It works fine and ready for the IARU contest.

RDXC 2007 Award

2008-07-01T22:14:00.003+08:00

I am happy to receive the RDXC 2007 Award.

13th Place - World and of course Country Winner, because no other VR2 participate in this Category.

I3VHF - Baby Loop Antenna

2008-07-01T22:01:00.003+08:00

Recently I got the I3VHF Baby loop antenna from Horst, VR2BT. He is going to move QTH and no more room for this antenna. The loop antenna is quite heavy and well designed. Control open and close to the variable capacitor by using a mouse connected to the controller.
I have installed it today. It works fine from 10M to 40M, performance close to the dipole.

Six Meter Open to EU

2008-06-28T21:37:00.002+08:00

At 0659z , six meter open into EU.
SP8AWL replied to my CQ call on 50.115 Mhz. Then followed with SP7CDG at 0702z.
At 0723z, SV2DCD coming up.
This is the first time EU QSO in Cycle 24.

FT-2000 FSK connection

2008-04-22T14:05:00.006+08:00

Last week, I connected the FT-2000 with my homebrew interface, which use the opto coupler 4N32, for RTTY FSK keying. Calling CQ for quite some time without any reply and finally find out thatI wasn't getting any shift.

I've used this interface on other radios over the years with no problem, including FT-920, IC756pro and FT-990. Finally I solved the problem, by the help / information from one of the member in the FT-2000 newsgroup .

The 4N32 opto coupler has a 0.50 volt plus collector "on" voltage which is OK under the usual TTL "low" state and has keyed all my other radios with no problem.

The FT-2000 requires the low or "ON" state to be less than 0.4 volts in order to key the FSK line.

I replaced the 4N32 by a 4N37, which has 0.3 saturated voltage (VCE sat) and it works perfect now.

I believe the FT-2000 is the first of the Yaesu radios that makes extensive use of 3.3 volt (low power) CMOS logic. The "low" requirements of the low power CMOS devices is considerably less than the old CMOS and TTL (most of which worked below about .65 volts). The standard for low power CMOS is down around .3 volts

C52C - The Gambia 2007 DXpedition

2008-04-16T14:32:00.003+08:00

I am one of the lucky station in Hong Kong worked C52C on 40M in the Gambia 2007 DXpedition operated by the OM0C contest team. On 24 Oct 2007, by chance I can stay a little bit longer at home early in the morning, normally I need to leave home at 2200z. I made the contact with several calls, two many competitors (JAs).

Today I received the nice QSL card.

CQ World Wide WPX Contest - 2008

2008-04-02T14:13:00.003+08:00

Over the weekend, participate in the CQ World Wide WPX Contest, 15M High Power category. The propagation on the first day was terrible, no signal heard from EU, but JAs are workable. The score on the first day was very low and only achieved approx. 300,000

In the morning of second day , the situation was almost the same, and could only work JA, YB, BY, UA9 and with several station from Pacific.

In the afternoon, start from 0700z, EU signal going up and maintained good condition until 11:00z. I am very lucky to catch this opening and boot up my score just over my last year record. Final at 865,686

The equipment used during the contest are:

Yaesu FT-2000

Create 318jr

Heathkit SB-220

2006 UK RTTY Contest Award

2008-04-01T17:10:00.002+08:00

The award finally arrived on today. I need to wait more than two years for this nice colourful award issue by GM4FDM.

Russian DX Contest 2008

2008-03-17T12:10:00.002+08:00

Over the weekend, participate in the Russian DX contest all band-phone.
I have been in this contest started from 2005 and have fun with it.
With the low solar activity, band condition was poor. My score not as good compare to last year.

TX5C

2008-03-11T08:13:00.003+08:00

With a simple trap dipole,which is only two meters high on the roof, I was lucky to catch TX5C on 40M at 1428z on 9 March. It is very difficult becasue of JA wall. I need to call almost for an hour to get it, new one for me on 40M.

I hope to have them in the log on 20M and 17M. Watch and wait for good propagation ...

Palestine E4/OM2DX

2008-03-05T08:13:00.003+08:00

The QSL card arrived yesterday.

Band condition was poor lately, only worked them on 20M.

Porsche and Jade with RED PACKETS

2008-03-04T08:13:00.003+08:00

As promised, Martin and Anni gave Porsche and Jade the "RED PACKETS" for the year of RAT. They like it very much but Jade walk away when taking photos !

Six Meter SB-220 Rebuild

2008-03-03T15:23:00.005+08:00

Steve, VR2XMQ gave me the SB-220 when the time he moved QTH. The amplifier was modified to six meter by one of the ham in the United States. However, the amplifier experienced with problem since it arrived. In the first instance, the HV meter was damaged in shipping and flash over when switch on, which finally proved one of the 3-500z have problem. The outlook of the amplifier was bad, most of the screws are rusted and internal wiring is in a mess, overall it is not a professional workmanship.
The amplifier was sit there for sometime and few weeks ago, I decided to re-build the amplifier and make it ready for cycle 24 for some DX in the magic band.
Here below are the major improvements:
1) repainted the power and filament transformer and inside chassis
2) replace most of the rusted screws
3) replaced all eight HV filter capacitors to 270uf 450V 105 degree C
4) replace the HV rectifier board completed with eight 1N4007, which used as the 5.1V bias zener diode
5) replace two panel meters
6) replace the load capacitor
7) add soft-start and soft-key
8) replace the burnt safety choke (8 mm Teflon rod with approx. 60 turn of SWG 22 wire.)
9) replace one 3-500z
10) refine the input SWR
11) tidy up all internal wiring

With AC mains supply at 207V, it gave out 900W with 100W drive. It can be more if AC voltage up a little bit. Now it is a 100 percent working amplifier and ready to go.