Summer season 2024.
After a long winter, it’s time to think about what might be interesting in the summer of 2024. Of course, almost all of Europe (except for the very exotic ones) was activated by someone at different times, but quite a lot of time has passed and I think that “new players” have appeared who will be interested in these DXCC!
Some changes have been made to the current setup. The most important thing is that it has been redesigned parabola - new longer and thicker stiffeners were purchased and installed, as a result the effective diameter was increased from 1.8 to 2.4 meters. The rear tension sleeve was replaced from plastic (which cannot withstand increased stress) to a more reliable one made of duralumin.
The reflective material of the parabola has been replaced. There is hope that I will be able to add 2-3 dB to the reception, which will allow the owners of 2.5-3 m parabolas to be heard with a power of 150-200 watts.
A new rotator was made weighing just over 4 kg + a new controller from OE5JFL.
And most importantly, the 13 cm kit is ready for use: transverter from “SG Laboratory” + 100 watt PA from PE1RKI.
But I will make a separate post for each trip. The immediate plan is:
June 22 afternoon ferry to EA9. Moonrise at approximately 21.00 gmt, if I find a place where I can park and deploy the dish, I’ll try to start this evening. If the weather permits and no force majeure occurs
I will be active on June 23, 24 and 25. As always, coordination via HB9Q chat. If there are problems with the Internet, then the main frequency 1296.100 and 2320.100 is always 1st, CFOM, 1000 Hz.
On the morning of June 26th there is a return ferry and I hope to be at the Friedrichshafen HAMfest by Saturday.
From 1 to 5 July activity E7/EA8DBM from Pale, JN93 then departure to …..
to be continued…..
Update:
From 7 to 11 July activity 4O/EA8DBM from Gornja Brezna, JN92
The new parabola has been improved and tested. The cold sky/sun ratio has increased from 2.5 dB (on last year's 1.8m dish) to a solid 5 dB on the 23 cm band! Impressive gains! Unfortunately, as the saying goes, "everything has its price." Unfolding and strengthening it has become much more difficult compared to the old one. You can’t just pull it by the ring and secure it with your hands anymore; I had to make a special device for tension.