MISCELLANEOUS

There are always projects that either fit in no category, or in multiple categories. Often these projects are not really projects, but things I learned that I would like to document so others may benefit from it.  So having a "miscellaneous" category on hand seemed like a good idea.

QSO with International Space Station (NA1SS)
On the last day of the summer of 2010 I managed to snag a contact with the International Space Station. I called the ISS at 5:33pm, and the call was answered by Col. Doug Wheelock. More...

Yaesu FT-897 Noise Blanker
During the 2004 ARRL 10 meter contest I was plagued by severe power line noise. This was a good opportunity to test the noise blanker in the FT-897. More...

IF Filter Measurements on a Yaesu FT-897
When I installed a 2kHz (SSB) mechanical Collins filter from Inrad in my Yaesu FT-897 transceiver, I became curious how it would stack up against the factory installed mechanical filter. I decided to do some measurements to see how the added filter changed the behavior of the radio. More...

Mobile 2-meter radio installation in 2003 Toyota Corolla
In November 2002 I ran into a cheap close out deal on a RadioShack 2 meter radio, the HTX-252. Since I didn't have a radio in the Corolla, I thought it would be a good idea to put this one in that car. More...

Marconi meets OSCAR-1 on PCSat
On December 12, 2001, Marconi met OSCAR-1 on PCSat. More...

Creating PDF Files from Windows Applications
I wrote this little HowTo document because many people asked me how I was able to create PDF files without having to pay for additional software. This material is dated. However, the method still works and I have adapted the HowTo for MS Windows XP. More...

CyberPower BC1285C Interference
In May of 2006 I bought a UPS to protect my shack against short power outages. After comparing a few models in the store I settled on the BC1285C by CyberPower. It had a nice blue informative LCD display and although it worked well as a UPS, it caused horrible interference.  More...