QSO's and Camping with Nephews

On Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday I went camping with four Great Nephews, it as a good thing my sister went along to keep us civil.

Boys being Boys

The weather was warm on Monday when swimming and river activities occupied the day. On Tuesday, mist (light rain) and cooler weather kept the boys inside the tent with Lego Projects. Wednesday's weather was little better and outside activities resumed.

Tess (my Dog) was in "Little Boy Heaven"

I brought along my FT-817 and new BuddiPole. We were camping on the river at 1200 feet elevation with high mountains all around. I did not expect much success. But I had a few QSO's from around the West, and I snagged a 59 report from N5S - the special event stations commemorating the Last Space Station Launch.

I configured the BuddiPole as a Vertical, as Chris - W6HFP and I had done for Salmoncon (see previous post), with the exception I did not have a TRSB (Triple Range Switch Balun) as Chris lent me for Salmoncon. I tried to order one for this camping trip, but the web page indicated (in error) they were out of stock. So, for the trip I created a temporary 2:1 balun with a Binocular 43 Core which worked very good (I will post more info later).


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FT-817ND - My First Modification

OK, I have had my FT-817ND for a few days, and I just love the Rig.

Now it is time for my first modification (yeah, right!) - my fat fingers and thumbs do not fit the knobs very well. That is OK, I knew that was going to be a problem before ordering.

I like the idea and feel of VFO Tuning and Menu Selection with my right hand thumb, but the little depression on the tuning knob is; far too small, and too close to the axis of the knob, to provide the leverage necessary to be effective.

A Google search provided links to the "Kranker Knob" and other accessories - but, I did not want the additional expense and did not (really) want to modify my new FT-817.

What is needed; is a crank (nib) for the original stock knob.

The solution was found in the sewing kit. A hat pin, cut to about 3/8 inch, was carefully pushed between the original plastic knob-center and the outer rubber knob band - a tight fit keeps it in place.

The results:  the "Knib Knob" (c) was invented.

FT-817ND - VFO Tuning via the -  Knib Knob

And, They Come in Designer Colours

Note: only the red pin has been cut to the required length

The modification looks and feels very natural. With your right thumb-pad resting on the Knib Knob, it is easy to spin the knob, pick a menu item, or do fine tuning of the VFO, with very little effort.

The Knib Knob is a QRP size modification for a QRP size Rig.

Note: Thinking about it, a "U" shaped bent pin may provide even more Knib Knob stability - something I may try.  Also, a more permanent installation could include a small hole in the edge of the knob to press fit the pin.

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Orders for the Knib Knob will soon be accepted on this Site

Return here for details
( and, I also have a large bridge for sale :-)
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All Knib Knob product reviews will be published.

Seriously, this simple little thing, just works Great! - Talk to the (x)YL, and try it!

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FT-817ND Received

I received my new FT-817ND yesterday (it could not wait for Christmas to be opened) and I have been reading, listening and playing with it since.

The menu system and operation is going to take a while to appreciate. So far I have mostly been listening and practice receiving code.  I did make one SSB QSO with Ryan - KI6SHE in San Diego 59.

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FT-817ND

Well, finally after 6 months of wrangling around, head scratching, talking about, and trying to decide to (or NOT) buy a FT-817ND with Z-817 ATU - I did it, it is on order!

http://www.aesham.com/display_pages/ft817.shtml

This is my second impulse buy of the year, and it only took 6 months!!

Now, I only have to wait the required few days for the postal service for delivery,  .  .  but, do I have to wait even longer to open it on Christmas day?  .  .  .  -  Nah!

I'll soon be calling CQ

Now, where was that 817 yahoo group??

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