Perturbation

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Solar Analysis Paralysis

Posted: 05 Jul 2016 09:35 AM PDT
https://ke9v.net/2016/07/05/solar-analysis-paralysis/


There’s been an increase in chatter of the signal intelligence kind about
the looming solar minimum and what may (or may not) follow it. The uptick
in interest and associated gloomy talk is probably related to this recent
Forbes articleÂ*suggesting a bleak future for HF propagation of a favored
variety.

This only comes as a “surpriseâ€� to those not paying attention. In fact, Â*It
wasn’t long ago that same news source announced,Â*Sun Flatlining Into Grand
Minimum.

The last few solar cycles have been so anemic that it has raised concerns
about what most had come to expect as predictably normal. Still, the recent
stretch with few or no sunspots is unusual, but not completely unexpected.

We’ve been talking about the possibility of a MaunderÂ*event for most of the
21st century.

Apparently, many HF enthusiasts have chosen to ignore the data and hope for
the best. Wishes dont help and neither do the clueless who often chime into
the conversation to say, “don’t worry, in my fifty years of radio activity
I’ve seen solar highs and lows, and this too, will pass�.

It probably won’t.

I mean, fifty years in the hobby seems a long time, until you compare it
with the 4.5 billion years the Sun has been doing its thing. Sure, we have
patterns recorded from the last few hundred years and so long as our star
behaves typically then it becomes predictable.

But as soon as it goes off script, all bets are off.

We can’t do anything about the Sun, but we can modify our radio
relationship with it. In the same way that investors build diverse
portfolios resistant to downturns in a single segment, there are things we
can do to minimize risks.

Propagation on 10, 12, 15, 17 and to some extent, 20 meters is negatively
impacted by a quiet Sun. Meanwhile, 160 and 80 meters might be enhanced.
Don’t have gear or antennas for the low-bands? Time to make an adjustment
to your equipment and antenna portfolios.

We have HF spectrum resistant to future conditions, it’s just not of the
toss a wire in a tree and easily work DX with one watt’ variety that we
have enjoyed in the old days.

It’s going to require more real estate for antennas and more power for HF
success in the new millennium so there’s no reason to worry yourself sick
about our future. Ham radio can continue to exist with the Sun devoid of
sunspots and perpetual solar minimum on Earth.

But if youre inclined to worry, worry about this: will we still want to
play in that new reality?

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Recommendation for First Ham Radio Transceiver

Posted: 27 Jun 2016 04:00 AM PDT
https://ke9v.net/2016/06/27/recommen...o-transceiver/


If youve been around this hobby long, chances are good youve been asked to
make an equipment recommendation for a newly licensed radio ham. Its a
really tough request. Theres a lot of gear that fits the bill, but any such
conversation requires consideration for budget and whether buying new or
used makes the most sense.

What you consider affordable might be way over the top for someone else.
And then what about new versus used? Besides, any hardware recommendation
made comes with the risk that it could end up disappointing. Its indeed a
tough question and one I’ve always thought best to evade and avoid.

But when asked again recently, I decided the time had come for me to step
up and make the case for what I believe to be the best amateur transceiver
for the new radio enthusiast. And that required the aforementioned
discussion about the cost of our hobby and the benefits of buying new
versus used equipment.
Budget

When I was first licensed, there were still ARRL publications in
circulation suggesting that budding radio enthusiasts could assemble a
complete HF station from parts salvaged from discarded television sets.

Another publication implied that finding an ARC-5 receiver from any World
War II surplus store was a good first step in the hobby. While anything is
possible, not everything is practical and frankly, I found these
suggestions ridiculous, even in 1976.

I ended up buying an HW-16 transceiver from Heathkit and assembled it. Of
course it didnt work – too many cold solder joints and a few wiring errors.
A local ham helped me repair it and get it on the air. Along with the
matching HG-10B VFO and a few accessories, I think I had about five-hundred
dollars in my Novice station.

Im aware that a lot of hams got started in the hobby building their own
equipment from razor blades and chips of galena. The *maker ethos* runs
deep in our fraternity. But Im also aware that many of those same hams
didnt have indoor plumbing when they built those stations from scavenged
parts. Times change.

When it comes to cost, fifteen-hundred dollars seems a reasonable budget
for a new operator in this new century. You could spend more. Plenty more.
In fact, theres no limit on how much you could spend, but fifteen hundred
bucks will buy all the equipment required for any new enthusiast to be
fully baptized in practically everything this hobby has to offer.
New vs. Used

When it comes to used gear, there are plenty of good deals to be had. But I
dont recommend that new radio amateurs buy used equipment. Not everyone who
sells used is trustworthy and theres usually no warranty on used gear and
no returns. If youre a new ham and have an experienced friend to help guide
you thru a used equipment purchase then so much the better your risk can
be mitigated.

But theres another good reason why your first major amateur radio purchase
should be new instead of used. After a few months, you might decide that
ham radio isnt your cup of tea. It happens. In that case, chances are you
will be able to sell your almost new gear for a significant percentage of
what you paid for it. That way, your cost to take the hobby for a test
drive is greatly reduced.
Shack in a Box

There are several transceivers that cover HF, VHF and UHF and some of these
provide all-mode capability across that spectrum. In earlier days, the
inclusion of so much tech in one box required designs that compromised
performance.

Most of those shortcomings have since been addressed and this type of
equipment provides great value.





For a lot of very good reasons, I recommend the ICOM IC-7100 as the best
“firstâ€� transceiver for any new Â*amateur radio enthusiast.

The head is detached from the main transceiver body making for an
incredibly small footprint on the desk. It provides 100 watts output on
160-6 meters and includes VHF and UHF with all modes. That permits access
to local repeaters, both FM and D-STAR. All-mode VHF and UHF opens the door
to contesting, rover work or even EME.

On the HF bands and six meters, its a rock solid performer. The big touch
display makes operation and accessing menu options a snap. I used the 7100
to work dozens of RTTY stations with no other interface. I programmed a
couple of memories with my call sign and signal report and copied RTTY
right off the main screen working stations in a contest by pushing just
two buttons.

Its USB interface makes pairing it with your computer a single cable detail.

This is a transceiver that can transport the new operator from their first
QSO to DXCC and beyond. Long after the neophyte has graduated to seasoned
operator, the 7100 will continue to deliver excellent value.

The IC-7100 can be purchased for under $1000 so why the $1500 budget?

I think anyone buying the 7100 should also purchase the companion AH-4
auto-tuner. It integrates perfectly with the transceiver (one button
auto-tune) and matches a wide range of loads. 80-6 meter operation is
possible with a 40-foot wire and a ground connection. It performed
flawlessly for me and I cant imagine owning a 7100 without this accessory.

Purchasing those two items will set you back about $1250. With your
remaining budget, you can pick up a 30-amp power supply and possibly even a
VHF/UHF antenna. There might even be a little change leftover for a
telegraph key or set of headphones.

When asked, this is the HF equipment I recommend for any new radio ham.

But understand that I believe the IC-7100 is an excellent value and great
choice for radio amateurs of all ages and experience levels.Â*It performs
well and provides nearly limitless opportunity to explore more facets of
the hobby than almost any other transceiver in a similar price class.