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Showing posts from May 2, 2021

KM3KM mercuryIIIS Power Amplifier Kit

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I received my 1200 watt HF amplifier kit on Thursday and completed the build on Friday afternoon.  Start to finish was about 5 hours, with breaks, taking it slow, and a glass of wine!  Basic power on test was successful but I wasn't able to complete the first test, 1W RTTY, till Sunday, due to time constraints Friday evening. I had a few minor issues, but nothing with the build or quality of the components except for the rear case fan was dead on arrival.  Kenny had a new one shipped the next day.   The first test instructions required some additional tweaking on my end since I'm using a software defined radio.   I used FLDIGI from my PCs to generate the recommended 1W RTTY modulated signal into the Flexradio 6400M. Overall, the component quality is top notch, and Kenny does a nice job with the instructions, high resolution pictures, and assembly videos that are included with the kit on a USB drive.  The link to the full kit of parts are available online at https://www.km3km.co

Joanna 3D2ZK and Bouvet DXpeditions!

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Edited 5/26.  The  ARRL has provided notice that these QSOs will not be counted towards DXCC.   Luckily I already had Fiji in my logbook.   We'll see how this pans out.  http://3z9dx-busted.com/    I've worked 3D2ZK Joanna "JK" Korczak twice now in Fiji Islands (40M and 30M) and learned of her opportunity to join the Polish Dxpedition to Bouvet Island.    Bouvet is the most remote island in the world the the #2 most wanted DXCC (after North Korea).  With 30YJ also planned in 2023 these groups will present a very rare opportunity for ham radio operators to add Bouvet to their logs! About:  Bouvet Island (Bouvetøya) is an uninhabited sub-Antarctic volcanic island that belongs to Norway . Discovered on 1 January, 1739, by Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier, commander of the French ships Aigle and Marie, it was the first landmass spotted south of the 50th parallel south. 3D2ZK operating from Denarau Island (Fiji). What a pileup!  I've never used the WSJT-Z Mod by