Elecraft does not allow us to order their product directly because they only distribute via Japanese distributor. I have owned Elecraft radios, K1, KX1, K2 and K3 and I payed a lot.
Elecraft announced they accept KX3 order and our distributor also announced. Look at following price list for KX3 Kit (with no option).
Elecraft says: $899.95 This will be about 80 Yen x 899.95 = 72,000 Yen
Our distributor says: 132,200 Yen
As I have TS-590 and K3 so for me KX3 is not base radio but DX vacation radio. KX3 need external AMP to get 100w.
As I have FT-857, K2 and Eagle which all run 100w so KX3 is not attractive at all.
If I want to replace these radios for DX vacation in near feature then I will look for a way to buy directly (not via our distributor)
73
2012/1/2
Great news from Elecraft....."Elecraft now sell direct to JA"
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
3D2YA from OC-156 in 2012 Update
Expected Antenna for 20-10m Band will be Bravo-5 vertical Dipole by N6BT.
It is very small but effective antenna. I modified a little bit to be packed in standard suitcase. The longest pipe is now under 70cm.
This is Bravo-5 at test site near my house and a example of SWR. The Band width seems about 200KHz on 20m.
It is very small but effective antenna. I modified a little bit to be packed in standard suitcase. The longest pipe is now under 70cm.
This is Bravo-5 at test site near my house and a example of SWR. The Band width seems about 200KHz on 20m.
Thursday, November 17, 2011
3D2YA from OC-156 in 2012 Update
3D2YA's plan by JA1NLX as of Nov. 18, 2011
Callsign: 3D2YA
QTH: Yangeta Island, Yasawa Group, Fiji IOTA OC-156
Schedule: Mar 15 to Mar 21, 2012
Band, Mode: 3.5 - 28MHz CW/RTTY/SSB mainly in CW
Transceiver: FT-857D/100w
Antennas: Vertical Dipole, Bravo-5 by N6BT for 14 - 28MHz and Random wire with ATU for other Bands.
QSL info: You may send your QSL to JA1NLX. I will QSL for all QSOs via buro. Log will be uploaded on LoTW when I come home. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE (1 IRC or 2 US$)
Others: I will upload daily topic on this page and the latest Log on ClubLog server if good internet is available.
Callsign: 3D2YA
QTH: Yangeta Island, Yasawa Group, Fiji IOTA OC-156
Schedule: Mar 15 to Mar 21, 2012
Band, Mode: 3.5 - 28MHz CW/RTTY/SSB mainly in CW
Transceiver: FT-857D/100w
Antennas: Vertical Dipole, Bravo-5 by N6BT for 14 - 28MHz and Random wire with ATU for other Bands.
QSL info: You may send your QSL to JA1NLX. I will QSL for all QSOs via buro. Log will be uploaded on LoTW when I come home. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE (1 IRC or 2 US$)
Others: I will upload daily topic on this page and the latest Log on ClubLog server if good internet is available.
Friday, November 11, 2011
3D2YA from OC-156 in 2012
 |
| Yageta island, Yasawa Group, Fiji |
Stay tuned........
73
aki ja1nlx
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Radio for my DX Vacation
These are Radios I have used since 2008.
As whole weight is generally limited my target weight is under 50-60 pounds (23-27Kg).
Generally speaking FT857 will be the best if weight is very severe. Eagle is the best only if weight is not severe.
K2 is best radio for CW but very poor for Digital Mode. Audio level setting is very critical to keep stable output power. Any idea will be appreciated.
I will take FT857 or Eagle somewhere in South Pacific next year.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 The END
Log has been uploaded on LoTW server.
1306 QSL cards have been printed/sent via Buro (by GlobalQSL)
267 QSL cards not yet.
This is QSOs/Band sorted by Continent chart. Not too many QSOs with EU and NA due to poor condx.
I will try again somewhere in South Pacific next year too. Hope to work you again. Thanks !!!
73
1306 QSL cards have been printed/sent via Buro (by GlobalQSL)
267 QSL cards not yet.
This is QSOs/Band sorted by Continent chart. Not too many QSOs with EU and NA due to poor condx.
73
Saturday, August 27, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 Story
This is a story of JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187
8/19
Arrived at Lizard Island Resort at 1200 Local time (GMT+10H) after 21H trip.
My room is located at at 30m high above beach. There are a lots of bush and trees between my room and beach. I decided to set up antenna at balcony. Vertical element is about 6m long wire wounded on fishing pole. 2.5m x 80 radials are raid on balcony flore. I have good match with Z11 Pro ATU. This is my Antenna and Transceiver etc with local beer.
QRV started at about 1400. As I was tired with long trip I worked only 100 QSOs today. Everything tomorrow.
8/20
It is Winter season here in Australia. Weather is very good with sun shine and low humidity everyday.
In the morning Band opened for NA and JA on 21MHz. In the afternoon 24MHz was good for JA and EU.
In the early evening I enjoyd many QSOs with JA and EU on 18MHz.
8/21
In the morining Band opend for JA and NA on 21MHz. In the afternoon I enjoyed QSOs with JAs on 28/24MHz and some EUs on 24MHz. In the early evening I worked JAs and some EUs/NAs on 14MHz. 2230 was best for East coast of NA.
8/22
Condx was very poor in the morning. I worked almost nothing. In the afternoon I worked some NAs and EUs on 14/18MHz. In the early evening I tried 10MHz and worked almost JAs. After that QSYed to 14MHz and worked some EUs.
8/23
I will QRT in the early evennig today and pack all my stuffs in bugs for tomorrow morning departure.
I added some more QSOs with NA on 18MHz and EU on 14MHz. Condx was not good for these area though.
Total QSOs 1500, including 200 with EUs and 100 with NAs. I tried SSB and RTTY a few times with no luck.
This is dinner with friend, Bill and his wife.
This is very friendly resort for HAM. I enjoyed very much thanks to thier great support.
As I said before there were a lots of bush and trees, They cut down a few trees for me to see great sunset from balcony this morning. Great serivece !!!
Generally speaking Eagle Transveiver and Random wire antenna worked very well. I had no RFI problem evenif ATU matching was stable.
I know quite well that my sigs is not strong. I apprecite your patience. For me it was not easy to pick up your sigs too. The sigs from EU and NA were weak with QSB. I did my best to pick up you.
8/19
Arrived at Lizard Island Resort at 1200 Local time (GMT+10H) after 21H trip.
My room is located at at 30m high above beach. There are a lots of bush and trees between my room and beach. I decided to set up antenna at balcony. Vertical element is about 6m long wire wounded on fishing pole. 2.5m x 80 radials are raid on balcony flore. I have good match with Z11 Pro ATU. This is my Antenna and Transceiver etc with local beer.
QRV started at about 1400. As I was tired with long trip I worked only 100 QSOs today. Everything tomorrow.
8/20
It is Winter season here in Australia. Weather is very good with sun shine and low humidity everyday.
In the morning Band opened for NA and JA on 21MHz. In the afternoon 24MHz was good for JA and EU.
In the early evening I enjoyd many QSOs with JA and EU on 18MHz.
8/21
In the morining Band opend for JA and NA on 21MHz. In the afternoon I enjoyed QSOs with JAs on 28/24MHz and some EUs on 24MHz. In the early evening I worked JAs and some EUs/NAs on 14MHz. 2230 was best for East coast of NA.
8/22
Condx was very poor in the morning. I worked almost nothing. In the afternoon I worked some NAs and EUs on 14/18MHz. In the early evening I tried 10MHz and worked almost JAs. After that QSYed to 14MHz and worked some EUs.
8/23
I will QRT in the early evennig today and pack all my stuffs in bugs for tomorrow morning departure.
I added some more QSOs with NA on 18MHz and EU on 14MHz. Condx was not good for these area though.
Total QSOs 1500, including 200 with EUs and 100 with NAs. I tried SSB and RTTY a few times with no luck.
This is dinner with friend, Bill and his wife.
This is very friendly resort for HAM. I enjoyed very much thanks to thier great support.
As I said before there were a lots of bush and trees, They cut down a few trees for me to see great sunset from balcony this morning. Great serivece !!!
Generally speaking Eagle Transveiver and Random wire antenna worked very well. I had no RFI problem evenif ATU matching was stable.
I know quite well that my sigs is not strong. I apprecite your patience. For me it was not easy to pick up your sigs too. The sigs from EU and NA were weak with QSB. I did my best to pick up you.
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
Log has been uploaded on LoTW server and ClubLog..
Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE. (1 IRC or $2.00)
QSL for all QSOs will be sent via buro from Global QSL.
I will post JA1NLX/VL4 OC-187 story later.
73
Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE. (1 IRC or $2.00)
QSL for all QSOs will be sent via buro from Global QSL.
I will post JA1NLX/VL4 OC-187 story later.
73
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187 QRT
QRT at 06z Aug 23 and final Log has been uploaded on ClubLog. Check your QSOs. If you have problem then please let me know.
This was my last dinner with Bill and his wife. We talked each other for the first time at Welcome party when I arrived here.
Condx has been not good for EU and NA during my stay. Window is very limited. Sory for your patience.
See you next time. 73
This was my last dinner with Bill and his wife. We talked each other for the first time at Welcome party when I arrived here.
Condx has been not good for EU and NA during my stay. Window is very limited. Sory for your patience.
See you next time. 73
Monday, August 22, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187 QRV
The latest Log has been uploaded on ClubLog as of 00z Aug 23.
Operation desk...
Today is the last day. I will QRT at around 07z Aug 23. I hope 10 and 12m will open until QRT.
73
Operation desk...
Today is the last day. I will QRT at around 07z Aug 23. I hope 10 and 12m will open until QRT.
73
Sunday, August 21, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187 QRV update
Just uploaded the latest Log on ClubLog.
We have a very nice winter weather here in Lizard Island. No rain everyday, max temp about 28c and min 18c. This is sunset shot.
73 and see you on the Band.
We have a very nice winter weather here in Lizard Island. No rain everyday, max temp about 28c and min 18c. This is sunset shot.
73 and see you on the Band.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187 QRV
I have uploaded current Log on ClubLog as of Aug 21 00z.
This is my antenna.Can you believe me ?
Although condx has been not good for EU and NA I worked many EUs on 12m and 17m yesterday.
Please look for me om higher Bands. 73
This is my antenna.Can you believe me ?
Although condx has been not good for EU and NA I worked many EUs on 12m and 17m yesterday.
Please look for me om higher Bands. 73
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
I will depart from Tokyo for Lizard Island tomorrow afternoon, 06z Aug 18 and arrive at Lizard Island at about 02z Aug 19.
If everything will go on schedule then I will be able to start QRV on 20m or 17m CW first at around 03 or 04z.
I hope to work as many as possible.
Please listen to announced frequency plus/minus a few KHz.
73
If everything will go on schedule then I will be able to start QRV on 20m or 17m CW first at around 03 or 04z.
I hope to work as many as possible.
Please listen to announced frequency plus/minus a few KHz.
73
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Monday, August 8, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
The latest plan as of Aug 9.
Arrive at Lizard Island at about 03z, Aug 19.
QRV will start at about 04z, Aug 19 if everything will be OK.
QRV will finish at about 10z, Aug 23.
Return home on Aug 25.
Mode: Mainly CW and RTTY/SSB if possible
Freq: 7015, 10115, 14040, 18088, 21040, 24905, 28040 for CW
14085, 18110, 21085, 24920, 28085 for RTTY
14260, 18128, 21260, 24950, 28460 for SSB
Equipment: TenTec Eagle Transceiver running 100w, Random Wire with ATU or Buddistic 1/4 wave vertical.
Propagation window by VOACAP online....
For EU...05-07z on 14MHz, 08-10 on 21MHz, 10-12z on 18MHz, 14-16z on 14MHz 21-23z on 14MHz
For NA..00-06 on 21MHz, 04-08 on 18MHz, 06-13z on 14MHz
QSL via JA1NLX. Will QSL for all QSOs via Buro/LoTW. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE.
Log will be uploaded on OnLine Log server daily if possible.
Topics will be uploaded daily on this page if possible.
Internet is only available at guest lounge. Please do not send request mail or request spot during stay. I can not read/see anything in the room.
Hope to work you from OC-187.
Arrive at Lizard Island at about 03z, Aug 19.
QRV will start at about 04z, Aug 19 if everything will be OK.
QRV will finish at about 10z, Aug 23.
Return home on Aug 25.
Mode: Mainly CW and RTTY/SSB if possible
Freq: 7015, 10115, 14040, 18088, 21040, 24905, 28040 for CW
14085, 18110, 21085, 24920, 28085 for RTTY
14260, 18128, 21260, 24950, 28460 for SSB
Equipment: TenTec Eagle Transceiver running 100w, Random Wire with ATU or Buddistic 1/4 wave vertical.
Propagation window by VOACAP online....
For EU...05-07z on 14MHz, 08-10 on 21MHz, 10-12z on 18MHz, 14-16z on 14MHz 21-23z on 14MHz
For NA..00-06 on 21MHz, 04-08 on 18MHz, 06-13z on 14MHz
QSL via JA1NLX. Will QSL for all QSOs via Buro/LoTW. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE.
Log will be uploaded on OnLine Log server daily if possible.
Topics will be uploaded daily on this page if possible.
Internet is only available at guest lounge. Please do not send request mail or request spot during stay. I can not read/see anything in the room.
Hope to work you from OC-187.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 OC-187 updated
Transceiver: TenTec Eagle with Kenwood KPS15 PS.
Others: microHAM CW Keyer, Elecraft W1 power meter and mini-paddle.
PC: MSI, Logging by Logger32 software.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
Propagation forecast in August by VOACAP online says that the window may open ........
For EU
05z - 07z on 14MHz, 08z - 10z on 21MHz, 10z - 12z on 18MHz, 14z - 16z on 14MHz and 21z - 23z on 14MHz
For NA
00z - 06z on 21MHz, 04z - 08z on 18MHz and 06z - 13z on 14MHz
This is my operating plan at present time. As you know KU2F/VK4 is now active from OC-187.
He says that best time/freq is 21z - 23z on 14MHz for EU and 11z - 13z on 14MHz for NA.
Anyway your suggestion and advice will be very much appreciated.
Lizard Island does not provide internet service in the room. It is only available in guest lounge.
Please do not send me direct e-mail or request message on DX spot during vacation because
I can not read anything online. Stay tuned.....
For EU
05z - 07z on 14MHz, 08z - 10z on 21MHz, 10z - 12z on 18MHz, 14z - 16z on 14MHz and 21z - 23z on 14MHz
For NA
00z - 06z on 21MHz, 04z - 08z on 18MHz and 06z - 13z on 14MHz
This is my operating plan at present time. As you know KU2F/VK4 is now active from OC-187.
He says that best time/freq is 21z - 23z on 14MHz for EU and 11z - 13z on 14MHz for NA.
Anyway your suggestion and advice will be very much appreciated.
Lizard Island does not provide internet service in the room. It is only available in guest lounge.
Please do not send me direct e-mail or request message on DX spot during vacation because
I can not read anything online. Stay tuned.....
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
This is primary antenna I expect. It consists of mini tripod, 4 antenna arms, LowBand coil and Long whip. All come from Buddipole. Max total length is about 5m. I have 1/4 wave length on 14,18,21,24 and 28MHz. 2.5m x 80 radials and various capacitors attached for better matching at feed point.
I used this antenna in FK/JA1NLX 2009 and JA1NLX/VK4 2010. It has worked very well with a little troublesome for band changing.
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
This room is one of Sunset Point Villa which I booked. Maybe I have great sunset view !
I do not know whether I have good room for antenna setup. The antenna will be 5m long Buddistick 1/4 wave vertical for 3.5-28MHz or random wire with ATU.
Lizard Island Resort says HAM will be always welcomed if he/she set not big antenna up !
Stay tuned.....
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Another QRV from OC-187
KU2F/VK4 will be active from Lizard Island OC-187 between July 18-21, 2011.
You have 2 chances to work OC-187 !
You have 2 chances to work OC-187 !
Saturday, May 21, 2011
New Transceiver for DX Vacation
Elecraft announced new Transceiver KX3 at Dayton. It will be available by the end of this year.
KX3 pricing has been not announced yet but it will be $700 - $800. Following are announced specification for KX3 and options. (These are subject to change without notice)
KXPA100 amp will be essential for my DX Vacation. I am interested in details of KXPA100, dimension, weight etc.
KX3 STANDARD FEATURES
° 160-6 meter ham bands; generazl coverage from 1.6-30 MHz (optional
broadcast-band filter module covers 0.5-1.6 KHz)
°All modes: SSB, CW, Data (four sub-modes), AM FM
°Ultra-compact size: 3.4"H x 7.4"W x 1.7"D; 18 oz. (less options)
°Rear tilt feet fold up for transport
°Custom high-contrast LCD with alphanumeric text display
°Current drain as low as 150 mA in receive mode
°High-performance 32-bit floating-point DSP
°Built-in PSK/TTY decode/encode allows data mode operation without a PC;
transmit in data modes using CW keyer paddle
°Low-noise synthesizer with 1-Hz tuning resolution
°Firmware updateable via provided application software
RECEIVER
°Quadrature down-sampling mixer compatible with PC-based SDR
(software-defined-radio) applications
°Receiver I/Q outputs for use with PC soundcard
°Narrow roofing filter option with four bandwidths (500Hz, 1500Hz, 2700Hz,
3800Hz) for excellent dynamic range
°Switchable preamp (2 levels) and attenuator (2 levels)
°8-band receive audio equalizer
°Dual watch over ±10kHz range; uses applicable roofing filter
°Easy-to-use PassBand Tuning (PBT) for shift/width/hicut/locut; roofing
filters automatically track DSP filter settings
°Automatic and manual notch filtering; adjustable noise reduction and noise
blanking; binaural audio effects for enhanced receive
°Center-tuning indicator for CW and data modes
°Built-in speaker; stereo jack for headphones/external speakers
TRANSMITTER
°Adjustable output, 0.1 to 10W+ (100W+ with KXPA100 amp)
°Ruged, SWR and temperature-protected final amplifier stage
°Optional MH3 microphone with PT and UP/DOWN functions
°Optional attached keyer paddle with spacing adjustment
°Switchable PA output impedance for efficient 5-W or 10-W use
°Fast, silent, PIN-diode T-R switching - no relays
°DSP speech processing for excellent "punch"
°8 band equalizer tailors passband to your voice and microphone
OTHER FEATURES
°Built in digital voice recorder (DVR) with two message buffers
°Internal CW keyer with 8-50 WPM range
°Six CW/DATA message memories
°100 general-purpose memories store VFO A/B, modes, etc.
°Accessory/RS-232 port for computer control using supplied cable
°Full remote-control command set works with most amateur radio software
applications (emulates Elecraft K3)
°One-click firmware upgrades via the web (with free PC software)
Optional mobile bracket compatible with RAM-mounts
°Tutoriall-style manual ideal for new hams
OPTIONS and ACCESSORIES
KXFLE Roofing Filter Module (500/1500/2700/3800 Hz)
KXAT3 Internal, Wide-Range 20-W Automatic Antenna Tuner
KXAM3 Broadcast Band Filter Module (0.5-1.6 MHz)
KXBT3 Internal 8-AA Cell Battery Pack with NiMH Charger (Batteries not
supplied; nonrechanrgeable batteries can also be used)
KXPD3 Precision Keyer Paddle
KXMM3 Mobile Mount Bracket
MH3 Hand Microphone with UP/DN Controls
KUSB RS232 to USB Adapter
KXPA100 High-Performance 160-6 meter, 100-W Amplifier; usable with most 5 to
10 W transceivers
KXAT100 Wide-Range 100-W ATU with Dual Anenna Jacks (attaches to KXPA100
module)
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
All has been fixed. See topics on May 14, 2011. See you in Aug 19 - 23.
Saturday, May 14, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
Following is the latest plan as of May 15. It will be fixed shortly.
8/18 Depart from Tokyo
8/19 Arrive at Lizard Island. QRV will start at around 0400z.
8/23 QRV will end at around 1000z
8/24 Depart from Lizard Island for Cairns.
8/25 Depart from Cairns for Tokyo.
Band and Mode
7-28MHz CW/SSB.
It will be around IOTA frequency.
CW: 7015 10115 14040 18095 21040 24920 28040
SSB: 14260 18128 21260 24950 28460
Transceiver and Antenna
TenTec Eagle Transceiver running 100w. Simple random wire wounded on fishing pole with ATU and radials. Antenna will be set at room deck high above sea.
QSL
I will QSL via Buro for all QSOs. The Log will be uploaded on LoTW when I am back in Tokyo. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE. Address is on QRZ.com.
OnLine Log
The Log will be uploaded on ClubLog daily if good internet service will be available.
8/18 Depart from Tokyo
8/19 Arrive at Lizard Island. QRV will start at around 0400z.
8/23 QRV will end at around 1000z
8/24 Depart from Lizard Island for Cairns.
8/25 Depart from Cairns for Tokyo.
Band and Mode
7-28MHz CW/SSB.
It will be around IOTA frequency.
CW: 7015 10115 14040 18095 21040 24920 28040
SSB: 14260 18128 21260 24950 28460
Transceiver and Antenna
TenTec Eagle Transceiver running 100w. Simple random wire wounded on fishing pole with ATU and radials. Antenna will be set at room deck high above sea.
QSL
I will QSL via Buro for all QSOs. The Log will be uploaded on LoTW when I am back in Tokyo. Direct QSL will be welcomed with SASE. Address is on QRZ.com.
OnLine Log
The Log will be uploaded on ClubLog daily if good internet service will be available.
Monday, May 9, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from OC-187 updated
VOACAP give us interesting propagation prediction chart.
Here are a few charts from VK4 to DL, OH, JA, W6 and W2 in August this year.
Here are a few charts from VK4 to DL, OH, JA, W6 and W2 in August this year.
For DL
For OH
For JA
For W6
For W2
As you see I do not expect too much for EU and East coast of NA. In Sept 2010 I operated JA1NLX/VK4 at Dunk Island, OC-171. I found very limited opening for EU around 17z on 14MHz and almost no opening for NA. The location was not good for NA though.
Your comment and advise will be very much appreciated.
Monday, May 2, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from IOTA OC-187
I am planning to operate JA1NLX/VK4 from Lizard Island, Queensland, Australia in August, 2011.
Lizard Island is located about 240Km north of Cairns.
I will QRV during 3 or 4 days in August on HF Bands CW and SSB if possible.
Details are not fixed yet.
Friday, March 25, 2011
A35AY Buro QSL status by GlobalQSL as of Mar 26, 2011
All A35AY QSL card has been already printed and sent as of Mar 26, 2011.
Friday, March 4, 2011
JA1NLX/VK4 from IOTA OC-xyz
I operated JA1NLX/VK4 from Dunk Island OC-171 in 2010.
I am planning next trip in 2011. It may be JA1NLX/VK4 from a island in IOTA OC-xyz. Note that xyz is not equal to 171 !
It will be in summer or autumn......... Stay tuned.........
I am planning next trip in 2011. It may be JA1NLX/VK4 from a island in IOTA OC-xyz. Note that xyz is not equal to 171 !
It will be in summer or autumn......... Stay tuned.........
Monday, February 28, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Sunday, February 13, 2011
A35AY QSL via Buro
Friday, February 11, 2011
A35AY Daily Topics
A35AY has been operated during Feb 3, 2011 21:00z and Feb 9, 2011 05:00z.
3800 QSOs has been logged (including many dupes) on 7/10/14/18/21/24/28 CW and 14/18/21/28 RTTY.
Fafa Island Resort is very nice for DX Vacation. Staff are very kind and helpful. They know HAM radio very well. They have 13 Fale (Bungarow). As this is just in off-season there were only a few family during my stay. I had almost private beach. They say the best season (for non-HAM) will be in September.
I had very strong wind almost every day. I used 4 rope to support fishing pole. You must take care to support Antenna.
As Internet connection was not available this page could not be updated. Following are daily topics.
Log has been uploaded on OnlineLog . Check your QSOs on OnlineLog. If you find any problem then please let me know.
Log will be uploaded on LoTW when these check will be done. I will QSL for ALL QSOs via buro (GlobalQSL) as usuall. If you need direct QSL then please send me SASE.
I think I answered all even if it was dupe. I know who has been logged 2 or 3 QSOs on same band/mode though...
You may be interested in my Antenna.
About 7.5m wire is wounded on 6.3m long fishing pole. This wire is directly connected to Antenna input of Z11 Pro ATU. 2.5m long radial wires (x80) and 5m long radial wires (x4) are layed down on the ground (beach). These radials are connected to earth input of Z11 Pro ATU. 40m long coax cable is connected between output of Z11 Pro ATU and Transceiver (via power meter). In my case 30m long coax is good enough though.
Z11 Pro ATU makes good match for all bands except 1.8/3.5. 7.5m long element is too short for these bands. Band change is very easy. You need to transmit 1 or 2 seconds.
At high tide water come in about 2m or so to Antenna pole. The beach is perfectly open for East-North-West.
You may say "That works well ?" Yes it works very well on all bands. As you heard me my sigs was not strong but you heard me. Believe me I worked almost 3800 QSOs with this simple Antennas and 100w power.
Interesting pictures....
2011-02-03
In the darkness I arrived Fafa Island Resort at 20:30. A lots of stars in dark sky. It took almost 30 Hours from my home in Tokyo....very tired !!!
With only some small lights in Fale I could not unpack my bags.
I found main electricty (240V) was not alive this time. Everything tomorrow....
2011-02-04
I got up at 06:30. OK it was sunny this morning. Although 240V has not been allive I begun to unpack bags and setup Eagle with PC and Antenna.
Manager said "Is this Antenna ? It is too small !"
I supposed previously stayed HAM used much bigger Antennas.
At 08:30 I finished all setup without 240V.
I walked to restraunt and took breckfast. I asked manager to provide 240V quickly.
I founf another problem.....My laptop could not be connected to internet.....OH well !!!
When I was back in Fale 240V was allive !!! All seemd to work OK except Eagle. Again Eagle was poor for RFI. I must reduce TX power down to 50 watts. I replaced Eagle to FT-857. OK it workd as usuall.
At 10:00 A35AY started on 17 meter CW after checking higher bands. 17 meter has been good with almost 420 QSOs. JA, NA, SA, VK/ZL has been logged for 4.5 hours.
At 14;30 after some QRX I changed to 20 meter and worked 160 QSOs, AS, VK/ZL, EU.
At 21:30 after dinner I canged to 30 meter. AS, EU has been logged. 30 meter seemed OK for EU too.
At 22:00 240V suddenly turned OFF !!! I had no idea to ask manager at this time....Everything tomorrow !!! This is real world in small island in Tonga. Sorry for my sudden QRT. I had no way to announce this QRT !!!
Logged about 630 QSOs on 15/17/20/30 meter CW today though....
2011-02-05
It was my 67th birthday !!! At 07:30 240V was ON. I asked manager to turn 240V ON and keep allive as long as possible.
It was bad above 15 meter. 17 meter was good in day time followed by 20 meter. 30 meter was good in late eveing.
Resort manager kindly provided "special" 240V today. It worked 24 hours !
2011-02-06
WX was very bad today with rain and strong wind.
I started on 15 meter followd by 12 meter and 10 meter. 15/12 meter opened for both JA and NA/SA. 10 meter opened only for JA.
Fortunately I did not notice any man-made noise on each Band. Both big and QRP sigs could be easily heard. I have worked many QRP stations on each Band.
My simple antenna (7.5m wire on fishing pole with Z11 Pro ATU, a lots of short radials on the beach) has worked very well on each Band. It was very easy to change Band, simply trarnsmitting QRP carrier.
2011-02-07
WX was sunny again with wind, not bad.
I tried 30 meter in mid-night and worked many EU, NA and JA. In the morning I operated RTTY on 17 meter, my first attempt. I worked about 130 QSOs, mostly W but some XE and YV.
In the afternoon condx was poor, no opening. In the late evening after dinner I tried 30 meter again. Condx was very good for all over the world. I worked many EU, NA and JA.
2011-02-08
Condx was poor on high bands in the morning. I worked RTTY on 10/15/20 meter with not many QSOs.
In the evening after dinner I tried 40 meter. 40 meter opened NA, JA and EU at same time. I have operated all bands except 80 meter with total 3400 QSO. This was my record !!!
2011-02-09
This was the last day for A35AY.
Thanks to all staffs in the resort I enjoyed A35AY operation very much with unexpected result. Finally 24 hours operation was possible.
I decided to check Eagle again today,
Bad sidetone click noise by RFI can be noticed remarkably on 10 meter. It seemed almost OK on other bands. I workd a lots of NA and JA on 17/15/12 meter CW with Eagke. I found no serious problem except side tone click on 10 meter. Strong sigs and weak sigs can be heard as it is. It is just like "AGC OFF" I could pick up each sigs very easily. When I received a few stations calling me on almost same freqyuency sometimes noticed a little distortion. I do not know what it was.
At 18:00 (05:00z) A35AY closed. I made about 3800 QSOs (including many dupes as usuall) during this vacation. It was my new record.
Internet connection was not available with my laptop computer. I do not know why but I could not connect to wireless Lan in the resort.
I enjoyed last night in Fafa Island, looking satisfied !!!
2011-02-10
I left Fafa Island at 16:30 for international air port in Tongatapu Island. It took almost 1 hour by boat and car. I arrived at Auchland in the late evening and stayed at Holiday-Inn Auckland Airport for one night.
3800 QSOs has been logged (including many dupes) on 7/10/14/18/21/24/28 CW and 14/18/21/28 RTTY.
I had very strong wind almost every day. I used 4 rope to support fishing pole. You must take care to support Antenna.
As Internet connection was not available this page could not be updated. Following are daily topics.
Log has been uploaded on OnlineLog . Check your QSOs on OnlineLog. If you find any problem then please let me know.
Log will be uploaded on LoTW when these check will be done. I will QSL for ALL QSOs via buro (GlobalQSL) as usuall. If you need direct QSL then please send me SASE.
I think I answered all even if it was dupe. I know who has been logged 2 or 3 QSOs on same band/mode though...
You may be interested in my Antenna.
About 7.5m wire is wounded on 6.3m long fishing pole. This wire is directly connected to Antenna input of Z11 Pro ATU. 2.5m long radial wires (x80) and 5m long radial wires (x4) are layed down on the ground (beach). These radials are connected to earth input of Z11 Pro ATU. 40m long coax cable is connected between output of Z11 Pro ATU and Transceiver (via power meter). In my case 30m long coax is good enough though.
Z11 Pro ATU makes good match for all bands except 1.8/3.5. 7.5m long element is too short for these bands. Band change is very easy. You need to transmit 1 or 2 seconds.
At high tide water come in about 2m or so to Antenna pole. The beach is perfectly open for East-North-West.
You may say "That works well ?" Yes it works very well on all bands. As you heard me my sigs was not strong but you heard me. Believe me I worked almost 3800 QSOs with this simple Antennas and 100w power.
Interesting pictures....
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| Day tour guest arrived |
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| Landing |
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| Sunrise at Fafa Island |
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| My Fale and painting |
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| Guest in my Fale |
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| Sunset at Fafa Iskand |
2011-02-03
In the darkness I arrived Fafa Island Resort at 20:30. A lots of stars in dark sky. It took almost 30 Hours from my home in Tokyo....very tired !!!
With only some small lights in Fale I could not unpack my bags.
I found main electricty (240V) was not alive this time. Everything tomorrow....
2011-02-04
I got up at 06:30. OK it was sunny this morning. Although 240V has not been allive I begun to unpack bags and setup Eagle with PC and Antenna.
Manager said "Is this Antenna ? It is too small !"
I supposed previously stayed HAM used much bigger Antennas.
At 08:30 I finished all setup without 240V.
I walked to restraunt and took breckfast. I asked manager to provide 240V quickly.
I founf another problem.....My laptop could not be connected to internet.....OH well !!!
When I was back in Fale 240V was allive !!! All seemd to work OK except Eagle. Again Eagle was poor for RFI. I must reduce TX power down to 50 watts. I replaced Eagle to FT-857. OK it workd as usuall.
At 14;30 after some QRX I changed to 20 meter and worked 160 QSOs, AS, VK/ZL, EU.
At 21:30 after dinner I canged to 30 meter. AS, EU has been logged. 30 meter seemed OK for EU too.
At 22:00 240V suddenly turned OFF !!! I had no idea to ask manager at this time....Everything tomorrow !!! This is real world in small island in Tonga. Sorry for my sudden QRT. I had no way to announce this QRT !!!
Logged about 630 QSOs on 15/17/20/30 meter CW today though....
2011-02-05
It was my 67th birthday !!! At 07:30 240V was ON. I asked manager to turn 240V ON and keep allive as long as possible.
It was bad above 15 meter. 17 meter was good in day time followed by 20 meter. 30 meter was good in late eveing.
Resort manager kindly provided "special" 240V today. It worked 24 hours !
Special 240V Line from somewhere !!!
2011-02-06
WX was very bad today with rain and strong wind.
I started on 15 meter followd by 12 meter and 10 meter. 15/12 meter opened for both JA and NA/SA. 10 meter opened only for JA.
Fortunately I did not notice any man-made noise on each Band. Both big and QRP sigs could be easily heard. I have worked many QRP stations on each Band.
My simple antenna (7.5m wire on fishing pole with Z11 Pro ATU, a lots of short radials on the beach) has worked very well on each Band. It was very easy to change Band, simply trarnsmitting QRP carrier.
2011-02-07
WX was sunny again with wind, not bad.
I tried 30 meter in mid-night and worked many EU, NA and JA. In the morning I operated RTTY on 17 meter, my first attempt. I worked about 130 QSOs, mostly W but some XE and YV.
In the afternoon condx was poor, no opening. In the late evening after dinner I tried 30 meter again. Condx was very good for all over the world. I worked many EU, NA and JA.
2011-02-08
Condx was poor on high bands in the morning. I worked RTTY on 10/15/20 meter with not many QSOs.
In the evening after dinner I tried 40 meter. 40 meter opened NA, JA and EU at same time. I have operated all bands except 80 meter with total 3400 QSO. This was my record !!!
2011-02-09
This was the last day for A35AY.
Thanks to all staffs in the resort I enjoyed A35AY operation very much with unexpected result. Finally 24 hours operation was possible.
I decided to check Eagle again today,
Bad sidetone click noise by RFI can be noticed remarkably on 10 meter. It seemed almost OK on other bands. I workd a lots of NA and JA on 17/15/12 meter CW with Eagke. I found no serious problem except side tone click on 10 meter. Strong sigs and weak sigs can be heard as it is. It is just like "AGC OFF" I could pick up each sigs very easily. When I received a few stations calling me on almost same freqyuency sometimes noticed a little distortion. I do not know what it was.
At 18:00 (05:00z) A35AY closed. I made about 3800 QSOs (including many dupes as usuall) during this vacation. It was my new record.
Internet connection was not available with my laptop computer. I do not know why but I could not connect to wireless Lan in the resort.
I enjoyed last night in Fafa Island, looking satisfied !!!
2011-02-10
I left Fafa Island at 16:30 for international air port in Tongatapu Island. It took almost 1 hour by boat and car. I arrived at Auchland in the late evening and stayed at Holiday-Inn Auckland Airport for one night.
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