At Utopia or In Transit?
Paul Veal (N0AH)
on
November 26, 2008
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At Utopia or In Transit?
By Paul Veal N0AH
For years, I have always been after that next piece of equipment to make my station complete, a combination of equipment leading to Utopia. Using both newer and older equipment, I think I’m there.
I have owned a number of rigs, antennas, towers, amplifiers and wall clocks. Microphones decorate the shack table and can be found in a number of drawers. But up until this month, I never felt so much at peace as I do now. I feel I have found Utopia with the perfect balance of coax, gear, and strategic placement of wall maps.
The rig: The Icom 756 Pro III. After parting with my Kenwood TS-940 and then an original Icom 756, I made the trade to a 756 Pro. Big mistake as it sounded muffled. I tried a Yaesu FT-1000 but too confusing to operate. I’ll never trade in the Icom Pro III.
Microphone: For me, it is the stock hand mic that came with the Pro III. I use the Heil headset for contesting but let’s face it, the mic that came with the rig was built for the rig. It sounds just fb on the air! I’ve tried others, but I keep coming back to the basic hand held stock microphone.
Antenna: OK, so I’ve written a few articles on the subject and have tried well over 20 verticals and about the same number of beams. I have found Utopia with the Cushcraft A3S tri-bander with the added 40M kit. I just got done with the ARRL Sweepstakes and I’m sold.
Amplifier: None. I have owned three. All have worked without problems but they take up a lot of room and are a distraction from what I have learned to concentrate on, my antenna system.
Other items giving my station the balance needed for that Utopia rush include my Ameritron RCS-8V remote coax switch, HRO coax, a held down ground system, Yaesu G-800SA rotor, Glen Martin 20 foot roof top tower, Geochron clock, Schurr key and my I.C.E. 400X Broadcast Filter allowing me to work a ton of DX on 40 meters.
By themselves, none of these items make the station. However, in combination, this is the best set up I’ve had in years. Is your station Utopia for now or are you in transit? What do you still need?
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N5JFJ on November 26, 2008
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Paul,
I enjoyed this article you have written, it's not about arguments, or trouble, or complaining about one thing or another. It just reminds me of "The Journey" associated with Ham Radio, along with the pleasure of Collecting each desired piece of Gear, and building that perfect station that we all dream of doing.
What would I do differently, now?
Laughing...Just Square One - My Equipment Shelving unit. I should have put more thought in that FIRST.
What is it thay say about "Hind Sight?"
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, Happy New year and as always GOD BLESS you and your family.
8-)
Jerry / N5JFJ
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by K1CJS on November 26, 2008
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Nice writeup. The part stating 'Amplifier: None' was the best part, IMHO. Especially when you wrote you were concentrating on your antenna system, the most important part of your station. As the newbies get more into the hobby, I believe they too will come to the same conclusion. 73!
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2EY on November 26, 2008
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Excellent Article! Thanks!
I've not achieved "shack utopia", and probably never will, because I have limited space for both antennas and rigs, and because there are so many things I want to try.
But at the same time, "the journey" is a heck of a lot of fun.
41+ years and still going!
73 de Jim, N2EY
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2UGB on November 26, 2008
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Just when you have that Utopia station set up, photographed, and printed on a QSL card, new ideas come to mind, hi. Makes a case for e-QSL and ability to easily change the photo.
At my age, I'm about where I can hope, even want to be, rig-wise. As a QRP cw op, the FT-817NDs and new FT-587D suit me fine. But, the antenna must, some day, absolutely be improved.
73 and enjoy your own version of Utopia.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by NI0C on November 26, 2008
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Hi Paul,
Nice writeup, especially for the Thanksgiving Day weekend. I'm sure the IC-756 pro3 is an excellent rig. If memory serves me correctly, Icom was the first to implement IF DSP with a 24 bit A/D and 32 bit floating-point digital filters. My new K3 has these features.
I can't help but note that you gave up your amplifiers after you achieved CQ Magazine's formidable 200 zone 5 Band WAZ award. Maybe I'll do the same someday, but for now the amplifer sure helps, especially on the low bands where antennas run up against real estate limitations.
73,
Chuck NI0C
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KY6R on November 26, 2008
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After experimenting with different antennas / towers and power combinations - which took me on a fascinating trip "around the block", I have also settled on at least a couple of things:
Christmas Tree of K1WA arrays (2 elements for 40, 30 and 20) on a 48' military push up mast. A 200 watt radio (I also gave up the amplifier for good after trying about 3). I also have a trusty ladder line and SGC remote auto tuner doublet up 60'.
One 200 watt rig, and one 100 watt as back up. That's what will get me to DXCC Honor Roll and beyond - hopefully during cycle 24.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KF4HR on November 26, 2008
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Interesting subject Paul. Years ago I used to think (and tell my xyl) that someday I'd reach a point where I'd have all the radio gear I need (or want), but after 40+ years of hamming I'm beginning to think that may never happen.
At one time I thought I had reached Utopia when I obtained an IC-7800/PW-1/TS-2000X, and a fully equipped FT-736R. And of course antennas, towers and accessories to complement that gear. Ah... Utopia! Uh... no, I was missing a few things:
Satellite operations...
ATV...
220 gear...
D-Star gear...
Mobile gear...
Upgrade the antenna tuner...
Upgrade the PC...
Rig for QRP/portable use...
Ok... finally Utopia! Nope not quite. Then a local ham introduced me to Boat Anchor collecting, which led to the Collins A-line boat anchor bug biting me (hard) and Utopia slipped back out the window again. A few years later; a rack of Collins A-Line boat anchor gear blesses my shack.
A few things I've learned over the years:
* Assuming someone maintains interest in this great hobby of ours, good equipment will eventually give way to better, and/or more interesting equipment.
* Utopia in the shack is a matter of financing, want, will, and time. And the sad truth is - there's a good possibly Utopia may never be reached because technology constantly moves forward and most amateurs don't like being left behind.
* Whether a person reaches shack Utopia or not, it's all fun.
* It's not the destination that matters, it's the journey.
KF4HR
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by NU0R on November 26, 2008
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A very nice article.--- Utopia is different things to different hams. For some, a G5RV in the attic and one shiny new rig placed precisely in the center of the table is "utopia".--- For another ham, utopia is a room full of wires running every which way ,looking much like a bowl of spaghetti. This ham would want many rigs, stacked high on top of each other and most with the screws all stripped from constant "tweaking". This ham, to attain "utopia", does not own a trash can. The floor works just fine , thank you. You know this guy. He may live near to you.---- And then there is the ham who has done it all, only to realize that what he really likes is "debating" on e.ham.net. He may not even like to operate the radio, but he loves to argue a point. I don't mean to imply that I am belittling this type. Actually he is very useful. He has a lot to offer.------ So where am I in this mix? Several rigs, ample antennas, love my Icom 746 Pro, love my Cushcraft A-3 tribander. Am I happy with my progress? NO, but I work at it every day. Oh "Utopia" where are you hiding? HI HI
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by W3LK on November 26, 2008
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Paul:
You really like the CushCraft better that the Tennadyne you had in Wyoming?
73,
Lon - W3LK
Naugatuck, Connecticut
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by VE6TL on November 26, 2008
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I agree with G3LBS. This hobby is all about testing, experimenting, tweaking, trading, building, improving, and so on. Notice these words end in "ing", which means in the act of doing. I hope I never get to the point of having the Utopian station. What's the fun of that?
Jerry, VE6CNU
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by K6AER on November 26, 2008
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Paul,
Nice article but you said something that doesn’t make sense.
I don’t understand your statement that an amplifier is a distraction. It is just another tool in the tool box. When the band starts to open or close and there is a QRO DX station you want to work but just barely can hear, he’s not going to hear you. Lost opportunity because you were concerned about space or a distraction. This is like putting up a beam antenna with out the rotor.
I have also found many stations have much higher noise levels than I do at my station and with out an amplifier they don’t hear me. You are limiting your options.
Now if the real reason you don’t have an amplifier anymore is because of neighborhood TVI, I understand. Getting your antenna up higher will mitigate that problem.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by M0HEM on November 26, 2008
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this ham radio you learn everyday about getting the best out of the radio
73 john m0hem
http://www.qrz.com/m0hem
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by K0BG on November 26, 2008
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This hobby is all about testing, experimenting....! Well, that's all and good, however, if you don't learn from your testing and experimenting, etc., you're worse off than you were before you started.
I'll hand it to Paul; he knows what he has, he uses them knowing full-well their limitations, and he doesn't justify them with inane references.
Alan, KØBG
www.k0bg.com
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KE4PTM on November 26, 2008
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"Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or
what's a heaven for? -- Robert Browning
My definition of a ham utopia is a continually
changing thing. I am doing well enough at my
current QTH but always have an idea floating around
in the back of my brain as to where I would
like to be located and how I want my antennas
to be situated in the future to get that much
closer to my goals. The biggest rub is how much
more busy and involved my life has become with
regards to work and family.
A truly utopian setup would have to include the time and energy to enjoy it after finally I have it in hand.
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N8NSN on November 26, 2008
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I am pretty content with what components are in the station these days. I am sure if something strikes my interest (different modes of operation) in the future I will be adding more equipment. As a casual operator and a non-contest format I haven't found a driving need to keep adding to the line up. No amplifier to this day, though I would like to "add that extra signal" from time to time. The antenna system took the most time and consideration to develop.
A complete listing of the current station is available on QRZ . com
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N5YPJ on November 26, 2008
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Utopia is right where I am today with the equipment I have and being able to operate.
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N5YPJ on November 26, 2008
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Utopia is right where I am today with the equipment I have and being able to operate.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2KFC on November 26, 2008
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Hello,
I think that I am in Ham Radio "Nirvana" State ,when I am operating from The South Pacific,the most important part of Ham Radio Station is just the right PREFIX!!!That all...
73!
John,SP2GGZ,N2KFC,YB1AQV,
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2EY on November 26, 2008
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G3LBS asks:
"Isn't it better to travel hopefully than to arrive?"
That depends on the destination..
73 de Jim, N2EY
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N6AJR on November 26, 2008
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I guess I am still in transition, I have a ton of stuff, and am continually adding stuff. My mantra is "he who dies with the most toys wins" and I am in contention. Yea you are still dead, but what the hey..
I don't think my shack will ever be finished, just as soon as you get something installed and working, some one comes out with something new, I.E. I went from hand loggig, to ac log, to n1mm and same with cw get to dm780 to win key and so on, If I had finished my shack sometime in the past I would still be runing a swan 350 hI hi
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2KFC on November 26, 2008
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G3LBS asks:
"Isn't it better to travel hopefully than to arrive?"
Depends,how often do you travel,if you travel a lot,like I do,after you saw almost everything Man can see,from Ice of Alasca to South Pacific,from Europe to Asia,the best thing is to "arrive",after 38 hrs trip,including 24 hrs in the Airplane,from New York City to Bandung City in Central West Java in Indonesia!!!It is the real pain in The Ass!!!
73!
John,SP2GGZ,N2KFC,YB1AQV,
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by AI7RR on November 26, 2008
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I applaud Paul for reaching what he believes is his destination in Ham Utopia. It can be the end to the search but not the journey. The journey continues so long as (SK) is not printed at the end of your call. My fairly new YL (not yet too knowledgeable in the hobby of Ham) asked me just this morning, "Is there a finite price to this hobby?" Of course, my answer, "NO". After being inactive for more than 25 years, I have a lot to catch up on and a long journey ahead and I'm looking forward to each step.
73,,Roger
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by WB2WIK on November 26, 2008
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I'm not there, and never have been really.
But maybe one day, in retirement!
For now, I consider myself close enough if I live CC&R-free where I can install antennas as I wish, on towers, and can run a kW on 160 through 2 meters (which I can) and make lots of contacts.
But I've operated from a few "big gun" contest stations, and then I come home, kick my tower and feel like tossing my gear out a window, LOL. Just nothing compares to having 12-14 tall towers with stacked monobanders, working DX on 40m in the middle of the day, and being repeatedly told, "First signal from the States so far" on several bands. I've done that and had those reports from some of the "big" stations, and it's incredible.
In the meantime, I'm happy enough to just have no antenna restrictions, a supportive XYL and stations that work.
Happy Tnxgvg,
WB2WIK/5
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KQ9J on November 26, 2008
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A lot of hams, from the sound of it, would consider my modest setup Utopian; what with several rigs, an amp, a tower and beam. There's a lot I want to do yet and most likely will. Right now, I consider myself fortunate to have what I have. It is better than what a lot of people have. Not as good as what some people have.
If you visit the webpages of the "big gun" superstations, they are always re-working their systems, improving them and adding things.
I guess if I ever have the "perfect" setup (yeah right) I will know it. :)
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by WA3YAY on November 26, 2008
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I've always loved the gear I built myself the most. Oh how I miss sorting through an unbuilt Heathkit.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N5ACK on November 26, 2008
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I only have a IC-718 no amp. Don't think I ever will have an amp, as my antenna is the limiting factor. I live in a CC&R community, have no tall trees to run wires up, so stealth is a must. I have a Windom hooked one end to the top of my chimney, and the other end at the top of a 10' pole. Ideal setup? I think not, but it works ok, I've worked Europe and Japan on it somehow. I would like to have nicer equipment someday, but it's not in the cards for a while since this is all I can afford.
No matter what you have, there is always someone else that has a better setup to make you drool over.
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by W6PMR on November 26, 2008
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After years of thinking about it I finally had the time, yard space and money to put together my "Dream" QTH.
In the back yard I built a '16X'12 room with 220 and 110 power, an A/C and heater unit, lots of plugs and I also installed enough insulation to install my "Dream" stereo, (Surround?) system with a big screen and THX sound that I could BLAST if I wanted to.
Up went the room and it looked great! same looks as the main house, tower installed on the side, plenty of room for all my "Stuff" and then some.
I was going to install a small kitchen with a fridge and a microwave, gotta have those snacks while ragchewing on 80 or watching the game on the big screen with my radio buds. Then reality.
My wife is a quilter and had been using a small upstairs bedroom for her hobby. It was a mess!. It was way to small for her as her "Stuff" was half way up to the ceiling! As I was beginning to finish the utimate radio/stereo room of my dreams I began to realize that she needed the room much more than I did.
I gave her the room and took over the upstairs bedroom even though it meant re-engineering everything and bringing my plans for the ultimate QTH back down to Earth.
Life gets in the way sometimes on the way to nervanna. Paul.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by WV4L on November 26, 2008
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Since only getting back into the hobby in the past couple of years I'm definitely "In Transit". There are so many modes and ways to participate in this hobby that I think I will always be in a state of transition. That said, I'm like many others who have a certain perception of what a Utopian dream station is. Some of mine are more realistic than others but those same dreams can act as goals to strive for.
73 & Happy Thanksgiving.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by W3LK on November 26, 2008
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<< In the meantime, I'm happy enough to just have no antenna restrictions, a supportive XYL and stations that work. >>
Me, too.
73,
Lon - W3LK
Naugatuck, Connecticut
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2EY on November 26, 2008
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WA3YAY writes: "I've always loved the gear I built myself the most. Oh how I miss sorting through an unbuilt Heathkit."
www.elecraft.com
73 de Jim, N2EY
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At Utopia or In Transit? - Mobile!
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by KN4AQ on November 26, 2008
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I don't even have a real home station right now. When I did, before we moved two years ago, I rarely used it. Always something more important to be doing at home.
But when I got a new car (Toyota RAV4), shortly after moving, I decided to trick it out for ham radio. It has:
- ICOM 706MKIIG with a Tarheel 200
- ICOM 2820 D-STAR dual band
- Yaesu 8900 quad band
- Alinco 220
- GRE Scanner
- CB
There are 8 antennas, and powerpole power distribution system. All the radios that can be remoted are. All the up-front stuff is mounted on a RAM system, in easy sight and reach.
And I'm very glad gas is back down to $2/gallon, so I can afford to drive it.
Yet to add: APRS/packet, and HF/VHF Winlink2000.
73,
Gary KN4AQ
www.ARVideoNews.com
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by W8KQE on November 26, 2008
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I've got the ProIII, which I had been looking forward to own for years (having used the original 756 with the monochrome screen since 1997). I THOUGHT I was going to be in 'rig nirvana', but I was wrong! At least with my rig, the ProIII is great on voice modes, but lousy on CW! I am, frankly, stunned at all the pops, clicks, and what appears to be distortion when receiving in CW mode! I've been a CW op since 1977, and have an 'audiophile ear', so i'm not imagining these DSP artifacts. Even my 'lowly' FT-450 with DSP doesn't exhibit all the artifacts on CW that I get with the supposed venerable ProIII. So, I find myself 'in transit' once again, trying to figure out my next move for an HF/6 rig!
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by 5R8GQ on November 26, 2008
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N2KFC:
"the best thing is to "arrive",after 38 hrs trip,including 24 hrs in the Airplane,from New York City to Bandung City in Central West Java in Indonesia!!!It is the real pain in The Ass!!!"
Yup, arriving feels *very* fine, and your ass IS sore!! Try Los Angeles to Tokyo, Tokyo to Taipei, Taipei to Singapore, Singapore to Reunion, Reunion to Antananarivo (Madagascar). Of course you can fly LAX to Paris then Paris to Antananarivo, but that's an extra $1,000 each way....
I agree that finding the Utopian station is journey, and that's the fun.....hope I never get there.
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At Utopia or In Transit? - Neither!
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by AI2IA on November 26, 2008
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The station is nothing at all.
The operator is everything.
Work on the skill.
Know what you know and know that you know it.
Amateur radio is not in having, but in being.
Amateur radio is what you make it for yourself.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit? - Neither!
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by KC2WI on November 26, 2008
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Ham Radio Utopia for me would be enough land for a varity of antennnas, and enough more land so that there are no neighbors to complain, and enough space in the house for a decent sized shack with shelves for equipment display and storage as well as a good sized operating desk, and most importantly enough money to afford the land and house plus a reasonable assortment of antennnas, radios, and other equipment.
The actual equipment is secondary. There is no 'ideal' radio or antenna. I don't need a $15,000 radio or a KW amplifier. I'd rather have 100 Watts and great antennas.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit? - Neither!
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by K6MM on November 27, 2008
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Can't help but think of that old Teddy Roosevelt quote: "Do the best you can, with what you have, where you are".
Happy Holidays!
73, John K6MM
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit? - Neither!
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by KC5HMC on November 27, 2008
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I really enjoyed this article!! I am working on my mobile station to get it to where I think it is perfect for me. Then the base station gets a make over.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit? - Neither!
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by K3JVB on November 27, 2008
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I doubt I ever will be there.
I am constantly trying new things. Rigs, antenna's and the like. I think that is the "best" part of ham radio.
Having a smallish QTH makes it more interesting. I try and cover as many bands as I can. Vhf-hf.
I have, for the most part great results. But that does not mean I stop trying to improve. There is always a little more to be had. That drives the YL nuts...LOL
Great article, and Happy Thanksgiving to all.
73
John
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KB2DHG on November 27, 2008
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Nice article OM,
I also am satistfied with my shack. My first shack in my last home was indeed utopia and there was nothing more I needed. BUT unfortunately I had to move from a house to a condo and well, As most of you know that usually means the demise of Amateur Radio or at least a decent antenna. Through due dillagence and the will to have my beloved hobby, I again have my wonderful shack up and running. NO I was not able to have my beam antenna but I do have my dipoles and am on the air. I am comfortable and am making my DX contacts.
The key to every ham station is NOT how much equipment or antennas you have BUT to have a station you are comfortable using and relaxed being there. This is a relaxing rewarding Hobby. The art of the contact is just that. I find making a DX contact via QRP is more exciting than when I power up my amp and load a multi element beam antenna. Just be comfortable and enjoy your hobby!
73 and HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by K4JSR on November 27, 2008
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Utopia for a true ham is *ALWAYS* just one more goody
away.
73, Cal K4JSR
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KC5HMC on November 27, 2008
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K4JSR hit the nail on the head!! I wish I had thought of that.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by WB2WIK on November 27, 2008
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>At Utopia or In Transit? Reply
by W6PMR on November 26, 2008 Mail this to a friend!
After years of thinking about it I finally had the time, yard space and money to put together my "Dream" QTH.<
::Locaton, location, location!
I won't have the dream QTH until I can afford ten level acres atop a several thousand foot high plateau with no obstacles in any direction for 20-30 miles, but within a 20 minute commute to a major metroplex. There actually are such places, but 'round here that would cost maybe $15-20 million.
I'm just one LOTTO ticket away.
WB2WIK/6
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KI4HTR on November 27, 2008
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W6PMR: "As I was beginning to finish the utimate radio/stereo room of my dreams I began to realize that she needed the room much more than I did."
You're a good man, Paul.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by WA2JJH on November 27, 2008
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Yes, the first 3 rules of real estate are a major factor. Location,LCL,LCL.
The location parameter I have done best with........My QTH back then was in a 15 story apt building. I had well over 150 feet above Sea level.
It was the only high rise building within hundreds of meters of me.
I do not want to count how many rigs I owned, fixed up, then gave or sold it to a new novice.
That was the Karma back then. If you had an extra rig takinh up space, it was either a new hams gift or hernia.
I am not a Ham Radio UTopia type ham.
When I was younger, I wanted the latest radio.
I have a few HF radio's that are destined to be classics. I feel that between the TS-950SDX, TR-7, and a Harris commercial HF rig, I have a rig for every mood or mode.
The New breed of software controlled radio's, do not do a thing for me! Love the concept. It has much promise. The more hardware that can be emulated with software, seems to be a warp drive to standard R&D methods......Hmmmm, strange new world!
Perhaps a ham will write some decent SDR algorthymes to add to your I-phone. Why not have a 3-30mhz ssb/cw in your cell phone????
However, I cannot perdict the future. I am certain as soon as a certain
HARRIS radio(In mil use now) can be had for under a few "G's", I will own one.
I am also traveling much these days. The flea markets out of the US are nice!
I am on the most during the cold winter months. Sorry, during the nice spring months, I take a break from ham radio.
I also do not bring any type of ham rig when I travel. This is not by choice!!! Kinda funny how one can board an air craft with a BLUEBERRY or Swiss army kneif cell phone. I used to bring my VX-5 everywhere.
Today, it is a forbidden device.
Always in transit dude! I have been finding some interesting electronics at NYC flea markets I can walk to.
Sometimes a get a cherry. Last time it was a Hallacrafters HX-50X.
Fourty bux, I hadf a nice late 1960's SSB transmitter to play with.
Perhaps, I will desig a simple set of opto-couplers to let the HX-50 work with a Drake R-8.
I find never finding perfection, leads me to many new adventures, learning something new, or I get into some fun harmless situation.
I am not in transit. Transit implies a concrete expected result.
I guess....I am just a ROLLING STONE??? OUCH retract....that was a cheap shot.
73 enjoy what ever path you choose.
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by MACKAY3031 on November 27, 2008
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Nice article.I have found utopia In having my ticket and operating.My ultimate station is out of reach(A constellation of Rhombics...4 wavelengths per leg).
I am having a blast with my Icom 718, a homebrew tuner, and my dreaded lamewire antenna.( 90 feet of copperweld retrieved from the center of catv distribution line)up 40 feet on the high end, 10 feet on the low end.I added a short element below the main wire for 20 meters, and now it works 80, 40 and 20.Before, only 80.I put radials under it to good effect, and it seems pretty good for a lamewire.Finding out where the nulls and lobes are on it is great fun.It is quite good in some directions and deaf in others.All a whole lot of fun.After being a hard core swl DXer for years, being able to work the stations I receive is a joy that is difficult to convey easily.Optimizing the antenna system is also a total blast, even on a .33 acre lot in the city...and an xyl that does not appreciate the aesthetics of a fabulous antenna!
The journey rocks.
No amp here either.
But I have some really nice rx gear.
73 DE KI4WCA
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KA5ROW on November 27, 2008
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I don't think anyone ever gets there. I am content with what I have for the most part. This is a hobby that is never complete, you always need to buy something else and then something else again. It never ends.
I think if you had unlimited funds you would get board with the hobby or any hobby. The anticipation of a peace of gear adds to the hobby.
Someday when I get that amp, antenna, or tower I will do this or that.
You may never get there but the dream of building your shack will always give you that high that keeps your interest alive.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by K7PEH on November 28, 2008
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Dream Station --- ?
The only thing left in my dream is putting up a decent antenna. I need to knock a few 100 foot cedar trees over before I will have the rotation space for the 4-element SteppIR I want to put up. I may have to settle for a 3-element SteppIR but even then I think I have to knock down those trees. That is in the plan anyway.
The Dream++ station though is more property. I would like to have at least 5 acres but even more if I can find it. Not around here though where the prices are $1.5 million per acre! If I had that property, I think a number of antennas will be used. Besides a 4-element SteppIR or maybe one of their big new things I will at least put up a good 160 meter full wave horizontal loop.
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by AE6CP on November 29, 2008
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Great Topic! I'm in transit but Utopia is in sight.
I'm moving to Texas sometime this year, I'll have 75 acres of tall trees at my disposal. I've got all the gear I need to make my utopia there with the exception of a new rig. My budget for a new radio will be about 3500 bucks, so I'm wondering if I should get the proven ProIII or wait and get the IC-7600.
Anyway, I want a real SHACK outside of my home, I'll get a small Tuff-Shed, insulate it, put a small frestanding woodburning stove in it along with a window unit AC, a small fridge, coffee pot. I'll put Ham gear on one side and reloading gear on the other side. (I won't reload if I've got a fire going!)
My ham shack will be the ProIII or 7600 going to an 2 pos antenna switch, which will go to an Ameritron AL-811H, or Henry 2K Classic. The output of the 811H will go directly to a Mosley TA-33 tribander on a small 36ft mast. The output of the Henry will go to another two pos antenna switch connected to a dummy load and to a Palstar BT1500A fully balanced (double L) antenna tuner. The output of the Palstar will be 600 Ohm homemade ladder line going to a horizontal full wave loop cut for 1.8MHz as high in the trees as I can get it.
All my coax will be LMR-400. I'll have a set of deep cycle marine batteries with a Battery Tender and a 2KW generator.
Other accessories will include a Furman power conditioner, sounds sweet speaker, a set of K8RA paddles, an EV RE-20 mic on a boom stand with a Presonus channel strip (preamp, compressor, EQ) (don't worry the Icom rigs only allow a 2.8KHz tx bandwidth) A Heil handi-mic with an HC-5 element, A set of Sony MDR-7506 headphones. And maybe a dual band rig if there's a local ham scene where I'm going.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2KFC on November 29, 2008
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Hello,
I think that some Hams are going "overboard",you do not need any special "installation" to enjoy Ham Radio...100Watts TRX and simple antenna,that all!!!Rest is "timing" and operators skills!!!
I did over 20000 QSO,s from YB1 ,useing TS830 and Vertical Dipole Antenna...
Vertical Dipole is very effective and cheap ANT for DX work and you do not need big tower or complicated ground system...try one,you will be very nicely suprised.
73!
John,SP2GGZ,N2KFC,YB1AQV,
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KB1OSY on November 29, 2008
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i have not even gotten close to my utopia but i can say that as a new ham i had the pleasure to help an elder get closer to his life long dream and i can tell you that it was so much fun getting up his roan 45 tower up 100' and seeing the smile in his face as he tells me about what he has planned for the tower
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At Utopia or In Transit?
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by UC1AWX on November 29, 2008
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My friend saw in nightmare a 160m quads. Later I find out that it was done at 80m.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by N2KFC on November 30, 2008
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Hello,
Always something new in Ham Radio...today I was trying WSPR ,a new digital,weak signals mode by K1JT...Wow,wow,WSPR is working very ,very good !!!Signals as weak as -27dB S/N in 2500Hz Channel you can copy very easy !!!Fantastic !!!
Thank you K1JT...good job !!!
Go to : http://wsprnet.org/drupal/
for more info...
73!
John,SP2GGZ,N2KFC,YB1AQV,
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by G3LBS on December 1, 2008
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Like newspapers, other people's rigs are better than your own.
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KT8K on December 1, 2008
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I am happy to say I am in a very utopian part of my journey.
Station Location is definitely a Key Factor for me!
Though my new (3rd) wife (2006) is not a ham, she is very supportive of my hobby. (She insisted I buy myself an Orion a few years ago! - that makes her a keeper all by itself, eh?) When she insisted she had to live in town I spent over a year searching and found us a beautiful home on a small city lot on the 2nd highest spot in town, with the back yard attached to a city-owned wood with 90' trees and no public access. I have a collection of tree-suspended vertical and horizontal dipoles, an HF9v hidden in some evergreens, and a handful of Tentecs and a TS-850 in the shack. (Someday I may even hide a beverage in those woods!)
The proof is in the pudding, and cracking the top 10 U.S. QRP list in the CQWWDXCW has been my dream come true (I was 7th in 2007). To do so without a tower or directional antenna (other than the basic directionality of the horizontal dipoles) is a lifetime achievement in my book. I am in hog heaven. When I am operating QRP on 80m and every third station expresses amazement at my signal strength, or when I can S&P European stations on 40 and 20 with as many first-call responses as the kilowatt stations, _that_ is utopia! I wouldn't mind a tower and big beams, and it may happen some day, but not without running a gauntlet of permits and neighborhood approvals ... in the meantime it's all fun. (I have no illusions about ever cracking the top 10 _world_ QRP scores in CQWWDXCW without directional antennas, though ..)
Maybe someday I will win the lottery and have a tower or 5 - you can't have too many antennas, can you? Until then, I am loving the journey and having a ball, and can't ask for anything more except the chance to keep building more antennas and improving my station and operating skills.
This is a great and very economical hobby compared with most, and the journey is a blast.
Best reception to all & 73 de kt8k - Tim
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by K6YE on December 2, 2008
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Paul,
I am happy with whatever station I happen to have at the time. As long as I can chew the fat via DX or local, I am elated.
As a novice, I started out with an Ameco AC-1 transmitter, Hallicrafters S-85 receiver and an end-fed dipole (total bliss). I operated my Elmer's KWM-2A and 4L quad and thought it was the cat's meow. I never bought one even though I thought it was tops at the time.
I moved up to a Heathkit DX-40 and a Hammerlund NC-300 and dipoles for the DC bands and had a blast. I added a Gonset GSB-100 for SSB and a SBE-33 for mobile and thought it was the bomb.
In 1984 I bought my first new radios: Kenwood TS-430S, Kenwood TW-4100A, and Yaesu FT-208R. Finally we bought our first house and erected a Cushcraft ATB-34 yagi. Boy this was great!
I traded the TS-430S for an Icom IC-761, the ATB-34 for a KLM KT-34XA (atop a new 54' tower), added a Henry 2KD-5 and a whole new world opened for me. I could hear and be heard better than ever before.
We moved to Colorado in 2004 and am now using a Force-12 C-4XLD, 160/80/40/ meter sloper, and an 80 dipole. I am again in Utopia. I plan to put up a 5L 6-meter yagi for a new taste.
I admire the stations of others but I really enjoy operating my modest setups. I have been a ham for more than 45 years and it just keeps getting better.
Enjoy the hobby while you are on this side of the dirt.
Semper Fi,
Tommy - K6YE
DX IS
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by KA2DDX on December 3, 2008
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I enjoyed your comments. Especially "amplifier: none". I've never owned one. In fact, I usually don't run my 100 watts but like to keep it around 50 watts or so. For the new hams, antenna, antenna, antenna.
1 - antenna
2 - receiver
3 - transmitter
4 - whatever accessories you need / want.
Thanks again........nice holiday to all.
Larry - KA2DDX
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by W5WSS on December 3, 2008
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The reading takes me back to a simpler time...just kidding. I obtained uphoria...oh yeah you said utopia lol. I remember myself as a very young enthusiastic new ham, by 1983 I already built a number of beams and quads all worked very well. In 1984 I built a mono band log-yagi for 10M and combined with the location and the equipment Miami,Fl. and a new Kenwood 820s I was working dx with ease and very often my signal reports were 40-60 over S-9 into Europe. I know the feeling and will remember. Today I use home made indoor antennas or a home made 20M ground plane that I take up to a hill top here in Tulsa,Ok. to get my fix of dx lol. AHHHH. 73
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by XW1B on December 4, 2008
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Good article! My 44 year journey in ham radio has been fun, and it keeps getting better. I'm finally in a constantly-warm climate, semi-retired, exotic call sign, and have two FT-2000's sitting on the desk with assorted other toys. I reached the end of the road last month when the SteppIR MonstIR went up on the 140 ft tower. Utopia at last!
The 6m EME bug bit hard recently.....CRAP! Back to square one!
Happy Holidays and much DX to all!
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RE: At Utopia or In Transit?
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by KB6QXM on December 11, 2008
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First I was building a Utopia shack. 100% cutting edge software defined and controlled shack, then the financial crisis hit. Now I will have to save what I have, wait to see if the situation gets worse. If it gets better than the cutting edge station will go on the air. I only need to spend another $15K to finish.
Hopefully 2009 or 2010 will be better. Now I will have to use my circa 1989 equipment till times get better.
I hope the Silicon Valley will still be here then!
<grin>
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by K6LHA on December 14, 2008
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Hmmm...I seem to have been in 'utopia' the first time on HF 55 years ago and have been going 'downhill' (to many others) ever since. :-)
Once I had control of 41 HF transmitters, 4 VHF transmitters, then 9 microwave radio relay terminals, all without needing a single radio license. To see where, download the following 6 MB file: http://sujan.hallikainen.org/BroadcastHistory/uploads/My3Years.pdf
Now I've got exactly one transceiver, a compact Icom IC-746Pro that shares deskspace with an HF receiver, a scanner, automatic antenna tuner, and SteppIR controller box...with room to spare. One discone antenna for scanner and 2m work, one variable-length vertical for 20m to 6m.
I've been told repeatedly that I should have gotten a ham license 'first.' Nope, I got a First 'Phone first. 51 years later I got my amateur radio license. :-)
I'm not complaining about my radios. :-)
73, Len AF6AY
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