2026-07-21T15:01:36Z https://yabu.me Gary @N8DMT https://yabu.me/npub1avnyqyet0hgxqnfrjmx3yte3h22rh3xl6ynthrwp7wq4y694dlcql3l44c https://mastodon.radio/system/accounts/avatars/109/364/803/401/276/114/original/9f38f3b872761cad.png https://mastodon.radio/system/accounts/avatars/109/364/803/401/276/114/original/9f38f3b872761cad.png https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsp54e8m5caxqgkv98xw0mf8fkgqm8xt62y4a9jlqv5974tl4ej4vqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqhaqqkq In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs8dzzxsn6s3pldq8tjzgwxgwe4jkhex5x9ychj2vps058s9mxlaqsmg00f8'>nevent1q…00f8</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>To find where a file is in the search results, right-click on the file and select Open File Location which brings up a new window showing the file location/path. They degraded the search tool and effectively killed off the ability to easily find specific individual files in these latest windows versions… #Microslop 2026-03-12T11:48:27Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsgwz9w4natrg8ttsc9hvmf0cr6z29fzmh8nqm60z29kt3nqz05j5gzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq5fwshg In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsf07ajvg730alk4mp9x5vkrq45x0f69lzfz5f38nk8m533k7r7ktqm5a0jy'>nevent1q…a0jy</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Have been looking for one of those mugs for some time. Congrats! (The search continues here…) 2026-03-11T14:43:49Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsx833fmsgxe4qmfpetg24eh4gcy95qryv9pz85qaq0lusd29nuagqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqycdazr In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqst64lar7yxw3qu42qugx09t4vr6ugfu2j05nzsfsx5hkhd8tsypfgnm7l5j'>nevent1q…7l5j</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Nice! The included mount will certainly make use far easier than without. Covers a nice frequency range too. :radio_tower: 2026-03-10T22:40:54Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs9wudln8sy8xdnfpafnrpan5tx5nka0g2j7uztxf6pfld764uvtpszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqkue5cg In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsftzwy2jrrlcj39jh7qaesnk90g9turxzqydvy38sl8745drewaegmtc9m7'>nevent1q…c9m7</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Mag-Loop Antenna Tuning Indicator Project - Collected a few plastic caps, dug out the #30 wire-wrap wire, and tested LEDs for brightness using DVM diode-check function. Found some really bright RED LEDs to try in next version (super bright using IC-705 20% TX power level). Plan to make a few versions using different number of loop turns. Maybe red cap for higher power (less turns) and white for lower power (more turns)? Still thinking about how to best attach to loop. #HamRadio #DIY #MagLoop<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/116/178/666/181/003/478/original/d75578a957cf6c69.jpeg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/116/178/670/860/140/840/original/e61a1860bb84df31.jpeg"> <br/> 2026-03-05T21:28:52Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsftzwy2jrrlcj39jh7qaesnk90g9turxzqydvy38sl8745drewaegzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqks65qj In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsrzyzsnhe5mpj68mjl0enuyxlqm4n2yh8zx5582n364vltf6r97xsnfxxek'>nevent1q…xxek</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Turns out that adding ferrite to a loop antenna “dampens the loop RF flow”, i.e., degrades the antenna efficiency. Doh! But, taking out the ferrite and just coupling a small three turn loop to the mag-loop’s main loop does not degrade the antenna much (if at all). This version built with a few turns around a water bottle cap and close coupled to the loop works pretty well down on 40m. Will continue testing and optimizing, then write up as blog post thereafter.<br/>#HamRadio #DIYSuccess #MagLoop<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/116/156/796/359/121/181/original/1c089d39b120d95b.jpeg"> <br/> 2026-03-02T00:43:28Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsrzyzsnhe5mpj68mjl0enuyxlqm4n2yh8zx5582n364vltf6r97xszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqzcwwnv In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs082dqn2l72fyrkvsz2erc87p3n0ng2hxj8mntvcxyq66s5yrz3jqkg4cu2'>nevent1q…4cu2</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>How does that old story go? If it appears to work well on 10 meters, it must work on all the bands right? As it turns out, the same indicator seems to attenuate the RX signals down on 20 meters by more than 10 dB. Removing the indicator returns signal strengths to normal. More experimentation ahead (will try a few other core materials and vary the number of loop turns feeding the LED)! #DIYFail #HamRadio #MagLoopAntenna 2026-03-02T00:22:13Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs082dqn2l72fyrkvsz2erc87p3n0ng2hxj8mntvcxyq66s5yrz3jqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq70n8c0 Today’s distraction from the news: Build a DIY LED tuning indicator for the magnetic loop antenna. Searched for information on the AlexTune LED indicator which just attaches to the PL259 loop connector. No joy on finding details/schematic on that. Instead found a video by VK3YE on a simple clamp-on ferrite core with a couple of turns of wire through it connected to a LED indicator. Works great! #ChameleonMagLoop #HamRadio<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/116/156/106/831/400/957/original/825d2d7aa576fa95.jpeg"> <br/> 2026-03-02T00:08:23Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsda5pjd4achpzp7n609q56p4hr7wn9q9g66t94uvphlaywkm2jr7qzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqxn28qt In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqswl8qe5wkzry7q77fer7yyqevtyajf0e2708l48xkr7rdp792h79qqfd0mr'>nevent1q…d0mr</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Did you open the case and see if it had sets of crystals for TX/RX frequency control? It reminds me of a Wilson Mark II that I had in the distant past… 2025-10-15T16:23:29Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs826n8fyzcc4r3qeh5gf6fp0t2h4yu8hnsuw8sppqz2l9fewvxutszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq2uapqt In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsr7zs0r6rzxv7k92fqv4wr03uqhr2hdz04wka28vmdrg45qctcpdqvwfunj'>nevent1q…funj</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Very nice! And has both remote and local control! Really miss remote (LabVIEW / GPIB) control for most gear here in the home lab… Thanks &amp; 73 2025-09-19T20:54:15Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsp4pqkde6y7njy8ldee0mt44kd8pgy49g2h069hfkk3k2ys3xmhaszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq5hnx9j TIL: TinySA-Ultra has a quick screenshot shortcut on the front panel. To use this function:<br/>1) Check AUTO NAME on STORAGE menu<br/>2) Set the DATE TIME on CONFIG menu<br/>3) Be sure to have a microSD card inserted<br/>4) Using a small plastic pointer (i.e., PalmPilot extra stylus you’ve been saving all these years), press the small green text/outline SD card symbol just above the battery indicator<br/>5) Presto: Screen captured to card in .bmp format with date/time file name<br/>#HamRadio #TestEquipment<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/114/976/986/439/025/030/original/a3fe4cd13cbf8531.jpeg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/114/976/991/859/189/552/original/5233128787b74277.jpg"> <br/> 2025-08-05T16:09:30Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs98reuqxxt4slh6af7smfaju0wkjaul74clqlye9tqjeq3ghdjk6gzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqux2pde In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqspa7qsulkdzdhan78n8gx44djww8fed6eug7qvn2ex4cs62m5t5nsl5xud6'>nevent1q…xud6</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Really like your 435B-K13 — have many uses for one of those here. Keeping an eye out for one of those (from someone who does not appreciate what this instrument does). Will be powering up my Telk scope and charging batteries later today. 2025-06-08T12:19:18Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqs0dd78eutf3a8jmedhng4lwen868cv5adkz3pq76p8sdy9kf66psczyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqnkxxtm In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsptlm75x4zeexedcgv8t9yk60e0v3hcx5dn06mhp2uucrw2rhtkdqldmach'>nevent1q…mach</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Long time ago, but think annoying the family with the clacking late at night was a contributor to funding the radio upgrade to the IC-735! :radio_base: 2025-02-16T02:27:26Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsv00eafmdltx4nusfeuytf7qycn9das9009keh9zmgsxgf4ugk62gzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqg9unz2 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsqragnnjkupgy8750k2daa82q8lzfwwqvxvgye5uwjkn4904sv24gjk8wyd'>nevent1q…8wyd</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Bought in the early 90’s an Icom IC-720 HF radio that had lived on a Florida sailboat. Was “thought to be working when last used”. Found corrosion on metal frame /shields inside, and discovered at least 10 copper PCB traces in shielded modules had totally disappeared/dissolved. Had months of fun fixing that radio (and sold soon to upgrade to a IC-735). Saltwater!! 2025-02-16T01:50:52Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsysaxxfqy99669jsanq9um6mlatvksxjwwh4yucga8skn2fdpzhaqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqaeygnu In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsg2hj3vatyu79j4mag33r48tsyuuexwpvue5h07y79xqt3t8h8k3ctv9fwx'>nevent1q…9fwx</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>How about alligators? Any better? 2025-02-13T18:16:41Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsv0zr9sq9w3jhvkr4g7346v94c025x5upgszgv2tx09g7gu8nwxwszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqlcdv9c In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqs2q8u82e72pdn84m7hcm449jzlqq6807k0cerf2tmlt89wfzk0f8qf2z703'>nevent1q…z703</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Have similar formable cable here but not insulated outer surface. Don’t the turns short out when wrapped around the core? (Have constructed a similar cable several times in the past — just without the cores (was OK with shield currents). 2025-01-28T15:35:25Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsfu6y0u76psqznjv9g8acs98wjgrzkyrv6kmxqu9trhk385f3g8fgzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqtdmuqq In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqst6nwnrcxr3w7egr0z32rs34ug7um0xt4sxdlqqn9kljwp9zag9ms0gp55s'>nevent1q…p55s</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Roger that. Keeping things simple in social media… (And thanks for the nice videos!) 2025-01-22T21:22:15Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsw740qzkwfthrja57c63kvhdfplp55nfdkjne522hxg8xcc8g7weqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq3q2zh4 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqszjn68qw6jrcfxv2kzc2xygjv3tfuvpa33j0w4jqpx8rx9fy3g32c73rmp4'>nevent1q…rmp4</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Missed another key characteristic: broad banded (typically 2-3, sometimes 4+ octaves). 2025-01-22T20:37:23Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqszjn68qw6jrcfxv2kzc2xygjv3tfuvpa33j0w4jqpx8rx9fy3g32czyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq3hkd4c In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsrfq8vw7za59w9duu76m2elzukfektu60yyjm6ut87n2l8pkfd9xg3rqr9v'>nevent1q…qr9v</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>I call them cavity-backed spirals, with the cavity behind the antenna aperture playing a big part in the lower freq drop off. Their circular polarization and ability to be flush mounted is an important characteristic in their use in electronic warfare applications. Have a couple in the lab here for when CP is needed. Have fun &amp; 73… 2025-01-22T20:27:16Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsr429vvgaym6ew9w2k4jcpdcdqnjdq34f9h8x3545l7h6f7rd90wszyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqj2h9cp Here’s the first real measurement with the TinySA-Ultra, capturing power levels and spectrum of a 100 MHz Sine OCXO that I use for my Pluto SDR up/down converter setup. Fundamental power at 100 MHz is ~ +13 dBm (enough to split and then comfortably drive two paths of Level 7 mixers). Second harmonic is ~ -26 dBm (~39 dBc) and third is ~ -41 dBm (~54 dBc). Still getting used to slower sweep speeds, but this is working quite well. Next step is to fire up the PC SW to yield better screen captures.<br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/113/732/521/617/738/310/original/8a06311d9aca20ed.jpg"> <br/> <img src="https://mastodon.radio/system/media_attachments/files/113/732/521/999/411/487/original/c698f2f32df2ea3f.jpg"> <br/> 2024-12-28T21:21:10Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqstasyr2024apkwgpjl5nyn46zrm0zv9uha650s806tkdjuvtx9qxczyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqhft2kt One of the major RF test equipment suppliers (Rohde &amp; Schwarz) has published a FREE 129 page technical note on making common measurements using a spectrum analyzer. While focused on using R&amp;S equipment, many measurements are also applicable for those with other brands (even lower cost home lab equipment like TinySA-Ultra, etc.). Includes background theory and how-to-measure step-by-step walk throughs. A fun read for geeks!<br/><br/>Measuring with Modern Spectrum Analyzers<br/><a href="https://scdn.rohde-schwarz.com/ur/pws/dl_downloads/dl_application/application_notes/1ma201_1/1MA201_9e_spectrum_analyzers_meas.pdf">https://scdn.rohde-schwarz.com/ur/pws/dl_downloads/dl_application/application_notes/1ma201_1/1MA201_9e_spectrum_analyzers_meas.pdf</a> 2024-12-10T21:12:49Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsdtdnhefwth3dkgy8j5tqt02nqk4z2yg8yyvgfys7patnfkvtdwkqzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqqyggkr In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsg9hanuagdeqg677qzk3wcj0ed08y5h6xm9zhtwu4fc63lr8kcsqg3dyhr7'>nevent1q…yhr7</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Might also consider the “Someone Steals Them” factor and how you would feel coming out of the store to find them missing? That points me to more middle of the road products… 2024-09-18T16:42:08Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsxf0c9frrmvppvwve0suafdwsj5sw2645uw9jmh5mj06fenngfr8qzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlq6p44m5 In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsw0e8lyks7s5lftp6fp3pky8h2tg8qam2wavdrwp7v92yrky30y4ghxh4ga'>nevent1q…h4ga</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Happy to see approximately 10 dB return loss in your video. My slightly smaller LPAs are similar RL from 800-8000 and use hardline from feed to SMA-M. Generally hook directly to PLUTO SDR with a long USB cable to laptop when chasing emitters. (Use SATSAGEN and/or SDR-Angel on PC for monitoring/decode.) 2024-08-04T17:25:01Z https://yabu.me/nevent1qqsqzltxyn4my5xgd8pvqgy22w8fxkz7mmjggyh3yhygauxe3epysegzyr4jvsqn9d7aqczdywtv6y30xxafgw7ymlgjdwudc8ecz5ngk4hlqg4s3hj In reply to <a href='/nevent1qqsqeep2d6rndl8ec9rz69rffcaj37dkch9rm89ugrcu8thvfv66u9skd50qx'>nevent1q…50qx</a><br/>_________________________<br/><br/>Do you have two of them, supporting determination of K (and calibrated field measurements thereafter)? Have similar small LPA in lab here, but without hand grip. That’s a nice feature! 2024-08-04T16:57:09Z