Welcome To The W6RTW Web Site

This picture of my station is old. It is from 1998. I have added several items to this station, including an Icom IC-756 Pro II, an Icom 706 MK II G, an Ameritron AL-80B and a second Heathkit SA-2060A tuner. Several other odds and ends. A new picture of my current shack is posted below. This location was in the garage. I have now taken over one of the bedrooms in the house. Much nicer and climate controlled!

At Dayton, 2006, I picked up a couple new goodies. A 222 MHz Transverter kit from Elecraft, a W4RT Antenna Boss II and a Tarheels Model 400 Screwdriver antenna for my mobile rig. It will be installed on my full size Ford Bronco. Once installed, I will post photos of the setup.

 

This is a picture of my more current shack. I am tinkering with SO2R operation. (Single Operator 2 Radio) My primary (run) setup is an ICOM 756 Pro II with a Drake L7 Amp (two 3-500Z) and a Heathkit SA-2060A Tuner. My secondary (Search & Pounce) setup is a Kenwood TS-940SAT with an Ameritron AL-80B Amp (single 3-500Z) and another Heathkit SA-2060A tuner. Added to the shack after this picture was taken is a second Kenwood SM-220 Station Monitor. I find this device to be indispensable when operating with the Linear Amp on. It sure makes it easy to see if I am over driving and/or splattering. I was trying to see how I could switch the one unit between stations, but SO2R solved my delimma. I couldn't be calling CQ on one rig, working someone on the other, and watch both signals. So now I can! To the left of this picture is my VHF/UHF Station and beginner HF Station for visitors. VHF/UHF setup is an ICOM IC-706 Mk II G and an Elecraft 222-28 222 MHz to 28 MHz Transverter. Since the transverter only puts out 25 watts, I added a 125 watt amplifier to it. It makes a big difference. I use this setup on 50, 144, 222 and 440 MHz. The beginner HF station consists of an ICOM 725 and AT-150 Tuner.

My Computer is also on that side of the shack. It contains all my station control software and logging software. I use the N3FJP suite of logging software. I have found this software to be the easiest to use and Scott keeps it constantly updated. I also use Logbook of the World (LOTW) for QSLing 100%. I will also QSL via card to anyone wishing one.

NEW PICTURE . My shack today is a bit different. Basically the description above is mostly accurate with the following exceptions. My Kenwood TS-940 has been retired. My Icom 756 Pro II is now my Search & Pounce Radio and a new Icom 756 Pro III is my Run Radio. I have also added a K1EL Winkeyer USB which takes a significant processing load off my computer during CW contesting. For SO2R I have added a Top-Ten DX Doubler which makes radio selection so much easier.

By having a Pro II and Pro III side-by-side, I have found the following: Transmit between the two is a push, but on receive the Pro III is quieter, making it appear more sensitive. The Noise Reduction and Noise Blanker are better by having less impact on the received signal, and the preamps introduce quieter amplification of the received signal. Overall, the Pro III has a cleaner and quieter receiver. I have a second Kenwood SM-220 Station Monitor so I can watch my signals from each station. I have built two automatically selected bandpass filter blocks for each station. The bandpass filters cover 160 through 10 Meters. This was a real necessity for SO2R work. On the VHF side, I have added an Alinco DR235 MkIII for 222 MHz FM RACES work. It's a nifty little radio. I have put up a Cushcraft 220 Ringo Ranger for this radio.