Transceiver
Nowadays I operate three transceivers. The Yaesu FTDX10, Kenwood TS-480HX (200W version) and Yaesu FT-857D. The FTDX10 is my main radio at home. The TS-480HX is standby for an extra punch when I need the extra power and is also my HF rig for mobile and portable operations. The FT-857D I mainly use on VHF and UHF.
I can switch TX between the FTDX10 and the TS-480HX through a TRS-450 TRX switch from SV1AFN. The TRS-450 allows me to add my US4LG X-phase QRM Eliminator to the receive line.
All the rigs are powered by a stack of SPA8230 (23A), Samlex SEC1225 (25A) and switching power supplies. Those power supplies do not produce any QRM at all.
All transceivers are hooked up to my pc. I use a Behringer UCA222 and multiple Soundblaster Play3 soundcards handle the audio from the PC for digital modes.
Receiver
Next to the three transceivers I have a SDRplay RSPduo receiver, which has in fact two identical wideband receivers. I use this receiver mainly for medium wave up to 30 meter band. The RSPduo is connected to a remote-controlled pc in the attic.
Audio
Although especially the FTDX10 and TS-480HX have a splendid audio through the original handmike, I use a Devine DM20 dynamic microphone which can be switched to operate with the FTDX10 or TS-480HX. With an Alesis keyboard sustain pedal I operate the PTT switch. I can also hook up my Bluetooth Jabra headset through my pc and do all audio wireless.
I use the speakers from a Sony home cinema set. Especially the center speaker does an excellent job in the specific audio range of the human voice.
Antennas
I am continuously experimenting with antennas, so this part of this page changes every now and then.
The Five Band Square Halo
One of my 2020 projects was a limited space dual band halo antenna for 10m and 20m. After I added 12m, 15m and 17m, I named it the The Five Band Square Halo. The mechanical design is inspired by the Cobwebb antenna, and electrically by the famous halo antenna, which is commonly used on VHF as an omnidirectional antenna with horizontal polarization. The Square Halo stood about 12m from the ground. It covered 20m, 17m, 15m, 12m and part of the 10m band.
I replaced the Square Halo with a 7 band Cobweb built by AWK Antennas in Poland. It’s an all compromise antenna that does quite well in 20m, 17m and 15m. Next to that I built a 10m horizontal dipole, which is mounted just below the Cobweb.
14m endfed wire with autotuner
For the low bands, I use a 14m long wire endfed through a CG-3000 remote automatic tuner. It uses my aluminium balcony fence as a counterpoise.
VHF and UHF
For 2m and 70cm I use a vertical polarized X-30, about 10m (33ft) high. Complemented by a horizontal polarized square halo. The latter antenna, 70cm part of the halo, is as large as a matchbox! But still managed to work DX with it during tropo conditions.
Miniwhip
As an auxiliary antenne for my QRM eliminator, I use a Miniwhip active antenna. It is mounted close to my neigbour’s solar panel installation to pick up maximum QRM for optimum performance.
The Wellgood loops
This is a very affordable active loop, made by M1GEO in the UK, which I added in 2021. The Wellgood is a quiet receiving antenna which I use for listening from DC up to 10 MHz. I use two loops for diversity receive mode to eliminate man made noise.
The Moxon
A full size Yagi would have a too big turning radius for my house. PG0DX Henry inspired me to build a Moxon. I used special PVC tubing, loudspeaker wire and other used materials to build my own version. It performs very good with excellent front/back ratios and up to 4 S-units more signal compared to a regular 1/4 wave vertical. Later I added 6m wire dipole to the Moxon and a 2m vertical dipole on top.
When solar activity provides propagation on 10m, I kick the Moxon in action. It’s mounted about 13m from the ground. Here is a picture made just after it was mounted on the roof. During years of low solar activity, the Moxon is decommissioned.
The Channelmaster antenna rotor in the picture performed flawlessly for over 20 years, but finally broke beyond repair.
MMANA antenna designs
I have gathered quite some antenna designs and made a few myself.
You can download them from my OneDrive.