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May 5, 2024. Happy Cinco de Mayo! Contests and Operating.

That is what this hobby is all about. Simply stated: Contests and Operating which I had a chance to do yesterday. 

What fun it was to operate in the 7 Call Area QSO Party (7QP) on May 4, 2024. There I was with my Big Gun Homebrew Rig running all of two watts into a Delta Loop and I worked stations. What a joy it was for me to get reports while running a low-end station, yet I was heard!


Shown in the video is the Version 1 Shirt Pocket SSB Transceiver which was repackaged about a year ago. How cool is that to get 5X9 reports and the op at the other end can't even copy your call sign. That is contesting and operating for you!

Actually, my design (not a warmed over Bitx topology) could have potential as a SOTA/POTA rig. If the contest is still running today, I should dust off the PSSST-20 and get a few more reports.

Once you have homebrewed something, resist the temptation to start yet another new rig project. Use what you have built and learn about what you have done. This is a chance and opportunity to think about product improvement. 

This particular radio used a piece of PC Board as a base plate. I can now see that is too flimsy especially if portable operation is contemplated. About an inch shorter in the depth would make for a plus. The Front Panel has good room with those of us suffering from FFS. I also note a flicker in the Color TFT on Transmit. This needs further review. But it does work pretty good for a homebrew radio. 

I love contests as it provides an opportunity to showcase what I have built. No Bitx, no TIA, no EMRFD and no Facebook Groups. I am still thinking about Tik Tok.

73's
Pete N6QW

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