My first electronics project was a crystal set, some 46 years ago. Radio Communication and making stuff fascinated me and still does. First licensed in 1981 as G6HWN, I upgraded to class A and G4XAT in 1984. I dont get on the air much, but hugely enjoy experimenting and making stuff when I have the time. Aerial projects, transmitters, receivers, amplifiers, if only I had more time there would be more.
Currently on the ideas desk, 10 metre fishing pole based Slim Jims for 4, 6 and 10 Metres.
I’m wondering if I can get the 6 and 4 on the same pole…..
Featuring Laser cut acrylic element spacers for repeatability. Based on the excellent pages of John, M0UKD which can be found here complete with on-line calculator:
http://www.m0ukd.com/Calculators/Slim_Jim/index.php
December 2012 – Just bought a s/h HF amp – a commercial design from the late 70’s – 75 amps@13.8 volts – 500 watts output. And it works fine – made a few modifications to the power wiring to reduce voltage drop and make it safe(r) to disconnect, by using 5.5mm gold plated contacts designed for electric model aircraft. These have been used previously by me for running 10’s of amps to motors where they showed themselves to be excellent. Also saves messing with wingnuts as on the original. Needs more modifications, RF sensing c/o and/or PTT, ALC back to driver (75 watts maximum) and some relay current reduction. Thanks to John G8MNY for the lead on the unit and the modification suggestions.
Slim Jims on hold, but thinking about making some simple Moxon rectangles to do a similar task, ie mount on a single fishing pole. Be easier to stack them up as they will be horizontal. Good talk at my radio Club in January too, from Alton Antenna Arrays. Be interesting to see how he makes his.