The "Shack"
Current Equipment Line-Up
Ten-Tec Corsair HF Transceiver - Acquired in 2004, this is the preferred
rig for "rag chewing" as it is outfitted with somewhat wider (2.8 KHz) crystal
filters in the first and second IF. The audio output of this rig is impressive,
especially when the other station has good audio quality. Another advantage of
this rig is that with a quick change to narrower (2.4KHz) filters the rig is
ready for field day use, and the CW capabilities are outstanding. Disadvantages
of this unit: No computer control capabilities, ham-band only coverage, and no
FSK capabilities for RTTY. This radio is also used for annual field day
operation at W8LKY.
Ten-Tec Paragon HF transceiver - Acquired in 1996, this rig is used for
DXing and contesting. It has somewhat limited computer control capabilities,
true FSK capabilities, and general coverage receive abilities including a 6KHz
bandwidth for AM reception but no AM transmission capability. This unit was
updated with the N4PY Paragon 1.9 firmware chip (Highly recommended) in 2006 to
allow full SO2R (Single Operator, 2 Radio) computer controlled contesting
capability.
Yaesu FT-990 HF transceiver - Acquired in 1994, this rig is the primary
RTTY contesting radio. It has a full complement of crystal filters, and DSP
audio processing. It has full computer control, a built in CW keyer, General
Coverage receive, and AM and FM Transmit capabilities. To date, the only problem
encountered with this rig has been a burned out dial bulb!
Yaesu FT-857D HF Transceiver - Acquired in 2007, this rig currently
serves as a backup radio in the shack, and also will soon see duty as a mobile
rig. This is the first radio I have owned with 6 meter capability, and I have
recently started to explore the idiosyncrasies of this band.
Ameritron AL-82 Linear Amplifier - Acquired in 2003, this heavy duty HF
amplifier replaced it's little brother, an AL-80A that was sold to K3YX. Shortly after acquiring this unit, the plate air variable
capacitor had to be replaced. This was the result of a failure in an inexpensive
(Chinese made) antenna switch that caused arcing in the amplifier that went
unnoticed until significant damage was done. Moral of the story? Don't cut
corners on components that must carry significant RF current.
Ameritron AL-80A Linear Amplifier - Originally purchased in 1997, this
amplifier was sold to K3YX in 2003, and then purchased back from his estate in
2007. This amplifier complements the Ten Tec Paragon primarily on 15 and 10
meters.
Yaesu FT-2600M 2M FM Transceiver - Acquired in 2002, this unit is used
for local repeater and simplex communication.
Icom IC-28H 2M FM Transceiver - Acquired in 1996, this unit is a
permanent two meter mobile installation.
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