HAM Radio thoughts
A few weeks ago I got my MJF-4125 Power supply for my Icom 706 radio. I believe this a perfect match for my needs. I don't notice any 60 cycle noise on any bands. There is a switch on the back for 110 or 220 volt systems. It can produce 23 amps at 13v and can peak at 25 amps. It is small enough to zip tie to the top of the radio along with a no-ground adaptor plug and lighter socket plug for power emergencies. I am thinking of getting a MJF mini-mite manual tuner (I have a big Icom IC-2 auto tuner now)as this will travel easier. MJF has a reputation of good products but terrible QC, otoh they allow self repair without voiding the warranty.
I am really loving the idea of a tuned random antenna, although someday I may make nice tuned dipoles for several frequencies so I don't have to pack a tuner everywhere. I LOVE this little Icom 706!!
I am now playing with psk-31 a digital slow speed multiple user on channel in rtty mode It allows data in even higher noise situations (better than voice but not as good as morse). I am using the crashy kpsk in mandrake linux, I just patch a stereo cable between the mic jack and my Icoms headphone jack, in the future I will set the VOX to instant on the Icom and run a stereo patch from the speaker form the computer to the mic jack on the Icom so I can have half duplex communications.
- The plan for PSK31 activity has always been (since PSK31 started) to concentrate activity starting from the bottom edge of the IARU RTTY bandplan, expanding upwards as activity increased. The exception is in the 10mts band in order to give non full privileges ham to meet. It was defined as 150 Hz above it. Keep in mind that all you need is about 100 Hz as channel separation.
- These recommended frequencies are in accordance with the IARU bandplan for region 1. There may be differences for regions 2 and 3
1838.150
3580.150
7035.15 for region 1 and region 3, and 7080.15 for region 2 *
10142.150
14070.150
18100.150
21080.150 (although most activity can be found 10 kHz lower)
24920.150
28120.150
* This is due to the fact that the 7 MHz band is much wider in region 2 (the Americas), and the IARU bandplan reflects this.
