Many of you know that in 2003 I sold off my whole Ham Radio station to generate money to invest in our photography studio. I cried when I shipped the last radio then. Although my focus has been on my photography, I always knew that I would make it back into ham radio. Couple of years ago I was lucky enough to purchase a Ten Tec Titan IV digital HF radio. Of all the HF radios I have owned, it is by far my favorite. Chasing states and DX on HF is great. I love it. In fact I look forward to the ARRL DX contest this coming weekend! Yet I cannot ignore the fire in me to build a station capable of working through any amateur satellite, ISS or even the moon.
To build a station with those type of capabilities is not an easy task. Because of the weak signals, frequencies and funds available. Now that does not mean it has to be expensive, just built correctly. Did I mention the funds are limited? ; ) . I have spent the past several weeks thinking of what my end goal is and what do I want to be able to do with the finished station. Sometimes it is easier to write down things to help you remember, keep focused and plan out a project of this magnitude. I hope to use this blog to document the process. I will share my thoughts, production, experiments and qso's with you. There are many others doing the same and as I find their stories, I will share them with you here. So what are my goals...
My Goals...
- Dedicated Satellite radios
- Voice and Data capable
- Azimuth and Elevation Controls
- 145mhz Uplink/Downlink
- 435mhz Uplink/Downlink
- 2.4ghz Downlink
- 10m Downlink
- Tower Webcam
The Breakdown...
- Satellite Radios - This is probably the hardest decision for me, which radios to use. Again, not having a great amount to spend, I have to figure out which radios to use yet. I really want an Icom IC-706 or a Kenwood TR-751a for 2m.
- Voice and Data Capable - Be able to work most if not all the amateur satellites through voice including the International Space Station. Also be able to receive data from any of the digital satellites.
- Azimuth and Elevation Controls - Computer controlled az/el controls. Desired unit is the Yaesu 5400 series rotors. Initial controllers will be the trusty old Alliance U-110's. Controllers should allow for small incremental degree changes.
- 145mhz Uplink/Downlink - I believe in well designed and built antennas. My original antenna was a 12el K1FO designed antenna for 145mhz. I will use the same design, only now the antennas will be circular polarized. Relay's will be added to allow pre-amps and the ability to switch from RHP to LHP polarization.
- 435mhz Uplink/Downlink - Original antenna's was a 19el K9RIW designed antenna. I will use the same design, only now the antennas will be circular polarized. Relay's will be added to allow pre-amps and the ability to switch from RHP to LHP polarization.
- 2.4ghz Downlink - Antenna will be a 2ft mesh dish with a RHP feed. Downlink will be to a 2.4ghz-144mhz transverter.
- 10m Downlink - Antenna will be a dipole feeding signal into the HF radio.
- Tower Webcam - I have always wanted a camera on the tower. No real logical reason, just thought it would be cool. It would allow me to watch the tower and make sure it turns. Also when I do want to listen for echos off the moon, I can use it to aim the antennas! I will use a cheap webcam that I already have.
Funds for this project are low if non-existent. I will be selling and bartering for pieces as we go. The project won't happen over night and that is fine. Building a station like this is exciting and fun. I can't wait to get started...
73's
Chad
kg0mw
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