Peter Marks, a software developer and technology commentator from Access Informatics, joined Chris Taylor on Nightlife to discuss the latest news in technology.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/nightlife/nightlife-tech-talk-with-peter-marks/105315754
It was good to meet Chris Taylor who's filling in while Philip Clark is on leave. Chris was one of the Chaser gang and I fondly remember watching VHS cassettes of CNNNN when I worked at CNN 25 years ago.
I've been staying in Tasmania this week, on the north coast, near Devonport and naturally I wanted to bring some sort of radio gear along. The QRP-Labs QMX recently added the ability to transmit sideband. I've had a few contacts with this and reports are good. The QMX (and QDX) are particularly good at FSK modes like WSPR I think due to the direct synthesis rather than audio mixing.
My travel case is quite small and fits everything I need including a pill bottle microphone.
The station was set up overlooking the ocean with a 29' wire pretty much just resting on some bushes.
Operation was on 40m at first but 20m was the standout. I was heard as far away as Europe in the first transmission.
I'm embaressed to admit that the very compact tuner was purchased from China and is clearly a copy of the QRP Guys' Ununtenna Plus. I have ordered the real thing which they say has much better quality toroids in it. The design is good and it's the most compact antenna tuner I can carry with me.
The QMX has a built in tuning mode with SWR display but I find nulling the LED on the tuner is easier.
At first I tried operating inside the house with the wire running out through a metal sliding glass door but I couldn't get it to tune. I think the close coupling to large metal earth threw things off. Operating outside was pleasant and signals were very good.
The Moorabbin & District Radio Club Hamfest must be one of the biggest in Victoria and it's always a good excuse to pick up some parts and catch up with friends.
My feeling was that it was a bit smaller than last year but still worth a visit. I purchased a Bird power meter with a fault (but it came with the needed part). A few pushbuttons and a vintage morse key being sold from an SK estate by Drew. A few impressions of the show:
The in-line power/SWR meter I bought was said to be faulty due to a burnt out diode. The Seller supplied me with a replacement and said he hadn't got around to fixing it.
When I got it home, I opened it up and tested both diodes and they seem to be OK. Attaching a transmitter and it seems to work. I'm not too concerned about calibration so I'm happy with the purchase. It came with 2x N to BNC adapters which are probably worth what I paid for the whole thing.
I headed off early to visit VK3ZZC who's unwell at the moment. We wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. Great to catch up with Drew VK3XU, Peter VK3YPG, Nigel VK3DZ, Dave VK3ASE, Peter VK3YE, Chris VK3AML, Jim VK3ZKK, and others.
How long until it takes over our lives or jobs completely?
Also self-driving trucks on the road and we bid farewell to Skype.
Peter Marks, a software developer and technology commentator from Access Informatics, joined Philip Clark on Nightlife to discuss the latest news in technology.
https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/nightlife/nightlife-tech-talk-with-peter-marks/105261180
The Macedon Ranges Amateur Radio Club had a table with information for potential new members.
ALARA, WIA and many others had tables and there was quite a bit of gear for sale at excellent prices.
I presented a talk on how AI is being used in the new versions of FreeDV.
Congratulations to the organisers and I hope they do it again.
