So I setup VFO B on the k3 for 14.060 using my new Grove HS-900 antenna. This way I was able to listen for VA2OTA with in my right ear and on VFO A cruise all the other bands for contacts with my left ear. While waiting for VA2OTA my left ear picked up 4O3A at 14.019 I gave him a call and he came right back with a 599...not bad for 5 watts and an attic dipole. It was a very short QSO as he had many in line waiting for him. I was hearing some action in my right ear but it was only other stations working VA2OTA so it was off to VFO A again to see what was out there. 40 meter was not to busy as it was still early so back to 20 meters. I came on a QSO that was just ending so I waited and called Vito ON6VL he came back to me and gave me a 559 report. Conditions were changing and Vito was starting to loose me so we ended our QSO. It was back to the computer and someone who posted a spot for VA2OTA said they had to use the audio peak filtering on their K3. That got me thinking and I not only used the APF (a link to YouTube for an example) but diversity mode as well. BINGO it worked at 14.060 VA2OTA jumped out of the noise floor. Now mind you it was...JUST....above the noise floor. I waited for my turn as there was a line up wanting to make contact. I gave him a call and he came back to me we exchanged reports and that was it. So over all the radio time was a success.
6 comments:
Sounds like an excellent radio adventure. I've never listened to two VFOs simulataneously, I'm wondering how difficult that is. Are you able to switch out the left or right so you can concentrate on the signal?
Good afternoon Casey, yes there is a balance type option were you can listen to either VFO or both. Each VFO has it's own filters and is completely independent. Also at the push of a button you can have either VFO in both ears removing temporarily the one you are not intrested in.
A nice thing diversity mode in that K3. Kind of multitasking for radio. I know that SO2R operators listen that way in contests. I think it's difficult and not for everyone. Well done Mike. 73, Bas
Yes Bas one could say that listening in diversity is as good as cheap drugs....:)
Hello Mike,
Indeed not bad. It's very good for an attic antenna. If the signal is strong, you could consider to use 2.5 watts in QSO's with Europe. This will give you more than 1000 Miles per Watt.
Just keep an eye on the S-meter.
Good luck with the attic antenna farm.
73, Bert
Good morning Bert, very good idea and I hope to get some radio time this weekend and will give the lower power a go.
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