Has the HA8ET low-noise preamp proven effective at 144 MHz in a VHF PA? But let’s start with a tip that might come in handy for portable transmitting.
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TIP: Connecting devices into a single unit
TCVR, preamplifier, rotator controller, and SDR
I connected the TCVR, preamplifier, rotator, and SDR into a single unit using a ratchet strap. This allows me to connect the TCVR to the preamplifier and SDR and set up the cabling in advance. The setup may not look very neat, but it’s simple and fully customizable.
VHF Operational Log, February 2023
Despite my concerns, the snow had melted even at this elevation. Of course, I got wet, and a lot of things weren’t working. But first things first.
I arrive at JN88ST at 7:45 a.m. The weather looks pretty pleasant, +8°C. Despite wind warnings and rain forecasts, conditions are very good. The field is pretty wet, but what else could I expect in late February?
I even have time for a quick snack. A little before the operational start, I start up the generator. However, a surprise follows—the power supply for the TCVR and accessories isn’t working! After a moment of investigation, I find a faulty 230V cable. It’s already 9:01—high time to get started.
But the TCVR won’t put out any power. I suspect the sequencer on the preamplifier is blocking the TCVR’s ALC. While fiddling with the wiring—in the cramped space behind the back seats, of course—the coaxial cable shifts, and the TCVR audibly starts to produce more significant noise. The connector! I also carry a spare coaxial cable. It’s just thinner, shorter, and, of course, needs to be replaced. Of course—in the rain.
Table of the TOP 10 VHF PA contacts
I toss my wet jacket and hat into the trunk and finally start transmitting. It’s 9:25 when I make my first contact. It seems that the computer-controlled antenna rotation isn’t working (bad calibration?), but I can manage without it. I scan the band and search. After the first hour, I’ve logged 22 contacts.
But I can really feel the benefit of the HA8ET preamplifier. It feels like I’ve reached a point where my reception is better than my transmitter’s range. That’s the situation where I’m picking up signals on the first try, but the other station is asking me to repeat the details. In response to my call, OM2JK comes in from the nearby—though quite rare—locator JN87. Next comes E70SIC at 559 kilometers, followed by other longer contacts. Reception with the preamplifier is excellent. I try calling I4GHG as well, but it doesn’t look like a connection will be possible at that moment, and given the nearly half-hour delay, I have too few contacts to keep trying this one any longer.
TIP: Using a second monitor
An older 15-inch LCD monitor has expanded my workspace. On it, I have AirScout, PstRotor, and a map of locator squares rendered by the N1MM logo. This makes the operation much clearer.
Since it’s more comfortable to transmit this way, I’m trying to set up some contacts via the ON4KST chat. I manage to make a contact with IK4GNG, followed by DJ7R. However, the longest contact is with IK4LFI at 704 kilometers. At the end, I try IK4ZHH, but the Operating Activity event is over.
Directional Map of VHF PA 02/2023 Contacts
Directional Map Based on VHF Operational Activity Scoring
The log contains 82 contacts to 23 locators: JN54, JN59, JN64, JN75, JN76, JN77, JN78, JN79, JN85, JN86, JN87, JN88, JN89, JN93, JN95, JN97, JN98, JN99, JO70, JO80, JO90, KN04, and KN05. What’s interesting, however, is the average, which is 197 km per QSO (175 km per QSO in January and 171 km per QSO in November). The preamplifier proved to be excellent!