2019 Update

Greetings, all.

It's been a while.

I've had some significant life changes in the last 18 months, and my amateur radio activity has really dropped off.  I'm basically not on the air right now, and haven't been.  I did make a few 6 meter contacts during the summer season, and that's about it.

That's not to say I haven't been making some minor changes to my equipment setup.  I have done that, actually.

Here's some equipment I've purchased recently:

• Alinco DJ-G7T.  I purchased this to get a portable 1296 MHz FM capability for my portable shack, though it's also capable of 2 meters and 70cm operations.  I also like the fact that it has a full duplex capability, so there is an opportunity to use this radio for talking to FM OSCAR satellites.
• Alinco DJ-G29T.  This radio has the same form factor as the DJ-G7T, but instead it covers 222 MHz and 902 MHz.  I've had a few 222 MHz SOTA contacts using my Yaesu VX-8DR HT, which is capable of operations on 222 MHz with a reduced power output.  I look forward to being able to make more contacts on 222 MHz and 902 MHz.
• Another Yaesu FT-817ND.  I have one of these already, but I purchased another from KG6HQD some time ago.  This, plus a diplexer, and my Elk Antenna, will allow operation with more OSCAR satellites.  I also purchased a Chinese knock-off TCXO for this 817 for about $10.
• Arrow Antenna 6 Meter Dipole.  I purchased this to have a better 6 meter antenna, mainly for portable operations.

As you can tell, I'm getting more and more in the VHF and UHF operations.  Or, at least I intend to.

We'll see what 2020 brings!  I'll very likely be moving here in about 6 months, either to another location in the Virginia/DC/Maryland area, or possibly elsewhere.  I look forward to more radio activity in the future!

73
Nate N0PCL