New project - Ubitx - Radi2cino

I've always been interested in building my own radio. I've seen many projects available on the net which I could get my hands dirty with. I had a WSPR kit which I've finished working on it but I had little problem and somehow I lost interest on it.  I saw another one which allows SSB/QRP kits from India. It comes as a full assembled board but with no case and lot of other interesting projects which can be based on that board. The UBITX kit is made available by VU2ESE and can be bought from his website at:

http://www.hfsignals.com/index.php/ubitx/

This kit is selling like a hot cake, snapped most of the available kits just few days after it was launched at the end of last year. Currently, it is being back-ordered, and it usually takes around 2 months to get yours ready for shipping. Mine is already in the post and unlucky me, I choose to get it shipped via India Post and it takes weeks to reach me I guess. Should've choose DHL shipping for an extra USD$10. BTW, the kit cost is just USD$109 for now, the same price when it was launched last year. 

BTW, while waiting for the UBITX to arrive, I've ordered a Raduino replacement from a US ham, W0EB. This Raduino replacement has been designed/developed by W0EB/W2CTX/N5IB and made it available for US$45 (shipped to Malaysia). The kit comes unassembled and it comes with two SMD chips and lots of SMD resistors and caps. This is my first time working on SMD and the only tool I've is soldering iron. Anyway, managed to assemble it but yet to test it out. 

Had a problem with Si5351a, developed some bridges with some of the pins. So, applied lot of flux to remove the bridges. Since this is my first time doing SMD soldering and I think it is good enough and if it doesn't work later on, I'll need to re work on it again.

The case that I have bought, I was thinking of getting a smaller one, but for now, this is good enough. Front panel ready, back panel will wait. Forgotten to buy the UHF connector for the case.

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Upgrading my Heathkit SB-221 with Harbach upgrade kits

Finally, after I have got all the upgrade kits that I ordered from Harbach, I started putting them together today. It took me many hours since I couldn't visualised on how they're supposed to be installed based on the installation guides which really useful nonetheless.

I started my upgrade with the RM-220 meter board. It has missing R2 resistor and Jeff had shipped it along with my FB-220 kit which I ordered later. I didn't think it was necessary to upgrade the capacitors bank but many of my friends suggested it since the amplifier was built 30+ years ago. The capacitors might have dried up. Along with RM-220, I did the FB-220 upgrade too since  I need to work on the connection anyway. Anyway, the meter board doesn't require the old zener diode, so I've removed it as per the installation guide.

After the two upgrades, I did a test run just to make sure everything was okay before going for the other upgrades. The HV reading seems to be a okay and as per the original specs. Before the upgrade, the reading were a bit off for both CW and SSB mode.

Satisfied with the HV side upgrades, I went ahead with adding the SS-221-240 upgrade. This requires a lot of works since there are four things need to be done:

1. Installing the circuit board (it is upside down since I couldn't find a safest way of installing it and looking at some of the photos found on the net, they're doing the same thing.
2. Installing the bridge rectifier.
3. Adding  transient voltage suppressors ( 390V ZNR suppressors).
4. And lastly the diodes across the T/R relay.

The last part before doing another test run was to put in the SK-220 soft key. Its a bit cramp there since there is RF choke installed. The installation guide doesn't warn this though. But I managed to squeezed it in.

Done with all the upgrades, I did a check on all connections and tidy some of the wires with cable tie. I did a power up test run and let it ran for half an hour to see if I any smoke came out and everything went just fine. Put back the casing and now ready for RF test. This will be done when I get my hexbeam fine tuned. Stay tune!

Got myself an SB-221!

I've been aiming to own one since I upgraded my license back in 2012 and I'm more interested on the old tube amplifier like those from HeathKit, Kenwood and Yaesu. The only thing that holding me back was the cost to get it shipped from US to Malaysia. The SB-200 and the likes can be had for around USD$400-600 but the shipping and handling can be costly due to the weight and customs charges, it might comes to a total of USD$200 for shipping cost.

My luck changed, on 24/12, I was browsing mudah website and was looking for something unrelated but was bumped to an advert, a Heathkit SB-221 for sale. The advert was posted about a month before that and according to the guy, there was no other enquiry other than from a person from neighbouring country. So, the deal went through and on 27/12, I got a very clean (from outside) and very good condition SB-221 with a 10M mod done. No other mods have been done since the amplifier was built and according to the OM, he hasn't turn it on for the last 10 years since he made a move to Malaysia.

Since I don't have a proper radio to test everything, I did only a turn-on test and let it run for half an hour. No burning smell, and the tubes glowed as expected. The only I did was to replace the broken 240V cheap plug with a much better one. The plate voltages for both CW and SSB are a bit shy to the one on the specs, probably due to the age but well within the 10% tolerance.

Anyway, before I get this connected to my current rig, a TS-590SG, I've ordered few upgrade kits from Harbach Electronics which include the soft-key, soft-start, meter board and the capacitors block.

Some photos when I took off the casing:

 

TYT MD-380 + DV4 Mini = DMR hotspot at home

So I saw the TYT MD-380 on sale in lazada for RM450 (- 10% discount from Maybank) = RM405 in total. Didn't think long before I click the buy it now button. I've bought few things from lazada which were delivered from overseas and never got taxed or hold by customs. So, why not give it a go. The local TYT distributor charges double the price for the same thing!

Anyway, its a bit hard for me to understand all the terminologies used in the DMR. Watch the youtube video on how to set up the MD-380 and connect it through the DV4 Mini dongle and managed to have it working last night. With all the DMR jargons that I need to understand, I successfully connected to a talk group 3100 (US Wide), going through Brandmeister, TG4999 and went to BM's website to connect me to TG3100. I've no idea if this is the best way to do it.

While monitoring the QSOs this morning, suddenly I heard my callsign called up on the radio. It was Charles, WB2LMA calling me. Sorry, I've no idea how to find who is active on the TG, but yah, had my first QSO on DMR through the DV4M hotspot on TG3100. Thanks Charles for calling me on the TG.

9M2MI IOTA/ILLW 2016 DXpedition

A bit late in posting this entry. I was one of the crew members that went for the IOTA/ILLW 2016 DXpedition at Pulau Undan.

Here is the video made by my friend, 9W2SBD (also one of the crew). Enjoy!

Maplin N96GY(WH1080) WX station + APRS

During my trip back to Manchester last month, I've got myself a cheapo WX station. Sold by Maplin under it's Maplin Gadget brand with N96GY model, I made to understand by reading some of the documentation found in Maplin website, it is an OEM from Fine Offset Electronics which produces few variants of the WX station with USB connectivity. I was a bit hesitate to buy it at first since 1) it is cheap 2) getting it to connect to a router will be a hassle. After few more research, I found out that there is a package called FOWSR available for OpenWRT and the price paid might be worth it to get it up for a year or so before getting something better/more expensive.

Assembling the unit is a no brainer, don't think you need to look at the manual to get the outdoor unit assembled. I've got it mounted on my porch since my house only has a small garden. For those who're thinking of putting a weather station, you should follow the one suggested here:

http://wiki.wunderground.com/index.php/PWS_-_Siting

Anyway, the next hurdle is to get FOWSR to talk to aprs-is server. The FOWSR software was developed quite sometimes back and it hasn't been enhanced further. It supports the following format:

• Weather Underground
• PWS Weather
• pywws
• XML

Left from the supported format is the APRS/CWOP format. I was looking to enhance the FOWSR but I couldn't get some of the libraries to compile properly using OpenWRT SDK (couldn't find this lib: libusb-compat), I might need to get the full source and recompile everything. But lucky me, I found someone using the same weather station + fowsr and his WX packet can be found on the aprs.fi. Emailed the packet owner, Nick (VA3NNW) to get more information on how he got his stuff running and he sent me a perl wrapper code that will reformat wunderground format into APRS/CWOP format. Thanks Nick for your help .. my WX station is up and running now and can be found here:

http://aprs.fi/weather/?call=9M2TPT-13

BTW, I've a workaround to have the WX packet to back-feed into the RF, by using aprx. What need to be done is to put a filter in section and in the section. If I ever get the OpenWRT SDK working, I might use it to output into a text file and let aprx to beacon out from the text file, this will then get picked up by other igate and into the aprs.fi. But for now, my current setup is working just fine.

I've modified Nick's perl script a bit to output a file into a /tmp directory instead of sending it direct to the APRS-IS server. I'm using aprx to beacon out from this text file into RF and back into aprs-is from someone's igate. This is now work well.

Nick has changed a bit on how his scripting works now, he is using CGI. For those who're interested in Nick's perl script, do head up to his page at:

http://noseynick.net/wx/noseywx.html

New ASAA and new blogspot URL

I've passed my CW test last March 2012 and I'm now a proud owner of a Class A callsign, 9M2TPT.  My aim to upgrade myself before the fifth year is fulfilled. I'm now able to transmit on few more HF bands + higher power too. My Class B callsign seems to be valid until end of next year and I've no idea if I'm allowed to use both callsigns.

Anyway, I've renamed the original blogspot (9w2tpt.blogspot.com) into the current blogspot, so, if you've been referred to by search engine to the old blogspot URL, do switch the 'w' to 'm' and all will work just fine.

Working in APRS packet mode with ISS

I'm just into this, working in APRS packet mode with ISS. Many of my friends who actively involved with APRS have worked with ISS before but for some reason, I've left behind. Not until few days ago when finally, my beacon is heard, repeated and s-gated from ISS to satellite APRS gateway and finally showed up in ariss.net. My setup won't allow me to communicate with ISS BBS system nor messaging since I'm 'misusing' aprx (meant to be as internet gateway for APRS) to send the beacons. I'm still looking for a terminal based software which can run on Linux to experiment further with the BBS and what nots.

Anyway, thanks to many of my friends, now I know that I could track the ISS using SatScape (Java) that could be run from any operating system (I'm running Mac OSX Leopard). And now I learnt that using WIDE1-1, WIDE2-1 while working with ISS is not advisable. Bob has suggested that we should use ARISS, APRSAT or WIDE as per his FAQ found here.

Here is the first time my callsign appeared in ariss.net:

9W2FTW ..

Finally, eventhough Asma is still waiting for her official 'AA', unofficially, she has taken the 9W2FTW (FOR THE WIN!) callsign as per SKMM's database. She has been checking almost daily for the letter from SKMM. I guess we probably need to pay the Shah Alam office a visit somehow to get the 'AA'..

Congratulations, Asma!

Crank up - tilt-over antenna mast

After waiting for few months, finally, the guy who I paid to fabricate my antenna mast made a call few days ago saying that they're ready now. What a relief, after paying quite a sum for a deposit in November last year, at least now I can see how it going to look like.

For now, they've done the foundation/base for the mast. Need to wait for a day or two for the concrete to fully dry up before they could put up the mast's base. Some photos as of today:

As of 08/03/10:

BTW, the design was taken from John Tait's website which could be found here:

Crank-up Tilt-over Tower

Update as of 05/04/2010:

WL-500G as an APRS igate

Last week, 9W2DIE passed his Asus WL-500G to me with the hope that I could convert it as an APRS igate. This router has a single USB port which could take most USB devices connected to it, surely, with the correct firmware and kernel modules loaded. After few days, at last, I managed get it to work.. so what do we need to give this old router a new life?

1. X-WRT/OpenWRT 8.09 or later firmware, 2.4 kernel is good enough (openwrt-brcm-2.4-squashfs.trx)
2. PL2303 USB-Serial converter (Belkin or FTDI should work fine too.. but not CH314 which we need kernel 2.6 for it)
3. Load of patience

Loading the x-wrt/openwrt firmware is a straight forward by following this guide. We need to use tftp though, I've no idea if we could upgrade the stock firmware with the x-wrt one using the web interface, but no harm trying.

After we've successfully uploaded the new firmware, we need to add few extra stuffs to make the USB works. Go to web interface, under System->Packages, add usb-ohci, usb-serial and the correct kernel module for the USB-Serial converter .. since I was using PL2303, so the usb-serial-pl2303 is the right module to be installed. Attaching the USB-Serial converter should load the pl2303 kernel module automatically.

The rest of the setup should be the same as the one found here.

No hardware modification needed for this router, not like the Linksys WRT54G series. Any TNC which supports KISS mode should work just fine. I've tested the Byonic's TinyTrak4 and probably will try Argent Data's OT1+ this weekend (if we've another TT).

As of now, we've successfully converted Linksys WRT54GL and WL-500G for iGate usage. The good thing about using the router is, it can still be your normal wireless router + it can acts as your igate too. Killing two birds with one stone .. and it saves your electricity bill too ..

NOTE: Migrate to aprx and your headache with aprs4r + ruby = not enough memory will be a history. As per Eric comment below, you could run aprx on most routers that can run openwrt and have USB port. Head up to the following website where you could download the compiled firmwares with aprx 2.01 included:

http://www.kissoz.dk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=57

Nothing much to write but something to share..

Yesterday,  someone named Fred in tracker2 mailing list sent this link to the list .. it is an interview done by  revision3/hak5 online with N4PAT on APRS.

How to build APRS on the cheap - Video

Enjoy!!

First few contacts on 6 Meter ..

Couldn't hold my excitement .. I've tried few times working on 6 meter, most of the time by listening to 50.110 but most of the time, it returned with just load of noise .. nothing much excitement coming from 6 meter band .. so I thought until I call on CQ this afternoon .. did my call at 3:30PM MYT and thanks to the following VK6 stations for the contact:

VK6KXW (Peter) - 55 to 57

VK6ADI (Barrie) - 53 QSB

VK6JJ (John) - 42 and lost you on your last transmission

VK6IA (Andrew) - 53

VK6IQ (Glen) - 55

Thanks all for the contact, you guys really made my day today. Sorry if I missed to wish all of you Merry Christmas & Happy New Year ..

New mailing list for APRS users in Malaysia

It seems that the number of APRS users in Malaysia has been increasing steadily of late and as such, having a mailing list to discuss issues and suggestions to make APRS even better assimilated within the amateur radio operators is the best way. Currently, APRS is mainly concentrated in KL, Penang, JB and Kota Kinabalu with some others are coming up with the infra and slowly adapting.

From my past few weeks experience going around Peninsular Malaysia, it seems that the setup in Penang is more toward having one way igate, with JB following suite but I believe there is at least one working digipeater somewhere in Tampoi. Hopefully with this new mailing list, we could share our knowledge locally and discuss what the best to improve the adaptation of APRS among Malaysian radio amateur operators.



For those who're interested, our mailing list is: myaprs @ yahoogroups.com.

Moving igate to LHS ..

I see no point of me running WRT54GL/APRS4R since I've got my Linux Home Server running 24/7 now. I've problem with the combination last night when Weerut sent me a message saying that my igate was down .. and when I checked it, yes, it was down for few hours already.. somehow, it lost the serial connection to the TT4 and I need to restart the router to get thing back to normal. Will do the necessary configuration tonight but nothing much really need to be done.. I've aprs4r installed, just need to get the serial port working and that should be it.. and I guess the WRT54GL can now go to someone who really need it.. raise your hand if you need a standalone IGATE! .. this offer valid to local ham only!

What I've got today!!

A ham has lost his interest in radio .. so .. he is letting go some of the stuff he has .. for a good price too. So, what do I've in my equipment list now:

1. Nagara Ant (TA33-JR) - 3 band beam .. Gosh .. all the instructions are in Japanese .. I believe this is the same as Mosley TA33-JR.

2. Motorola GM338 (going to be mine next week) - This going to be my permanent radio for APRS digipeater/igate.

Still eyeing some of the things off him .. waiting for him clearing up his store room (yes, he has some parts for power amp etc) .. and yes, that pneumatic mast laying infront of his house seems really really tempting.. I'll wait for him saying .. yes .. he want to let it go .. and it will be mine! *evil grin*

Update: Forgotten what I got last week .. a Vibroplex Blue Racer & BHI DSP module.

MARES at HITB 2009

MARES was involved in the HITB 2009 to showcase its stuff especially on the APRS and satellite communication. Unlucky us, we couldn't get a team to come over to showcase their satellite stuff but we managed to have booth setup to promote amateur radio as a hobby and what APRS could do. I couldn't attend the APRS session on the second day of the event so I hope everything went great.. I know with 9M2SQL (the great man!!) and 9W2STT + the rest of the team, everything should be alright.

Anyway, some photos snapped by 9W2SUN and the gang. Sorry, was too busy setting up the UIVIEW and forgotten to snap some myself.

My entire digipeater/igate setup ported at the event:

Me with 9M2SQL & 9W2CTS busy setting up the booth in the first day ..

RAE 2009-02 announcement is out

For those who are interested on sitting for the Malaysian Radio Amateur Examination, the announcement is out already and can be found here:

http://www.skmm.gov.my/Admin/WhatIsNEw/CCD09/RAE0209.pdf

So, hurry up with your RM50 postal order and send your application before 16th October, 2009 or you'll miss the boat and need to wait for another 6 months.

Tracker2 + LCD and poor decoding

I do sometime clear up the Favourite from my Nuvi350 but it left me wondering why it took so many packets before a single callsign pop-up in the Favourite list. Wonder no more .. after I added an LCD module to my setup I found out that most of the incoming packets were not recognised by Tracker2 eventhough they came with a very strong signal. I have no idea if this has to do with configuration or purely hardware problem. I've a TT4 which could decode most if not all packets it received but surely I need to tweak the configuration. In Tracker2 firmware, I could not find a way to do this. BTW, TT4 is connected to a Yaesu HT through an audio cable while the Tracker2 is connected to a Kenwood TMV71A through a data cable. I've played around with the audio level going through the PR1 pin on the Kenwood but it doesn't help much.

Anyway, since it is hard to get a suitable enclosure for the LCD display, I just epoxy-ed the exposed parts & traces on the LCD and 3M-ed it to my car's dashboard..

Update 1: It seems lowering the audio setting on PR1 pin/Kenwood data port does increase the number of packets decoded by Tracker2. The default setting was at 9, I reduced it to 6 before and now to 4. Probably it was over-deviation that causes the problem? I've no idea really but will monitor if this is the case.

ILLW 09 / 9M4LHB - Bukit Malawati Lighthouse

Attended the ILLW 09 field day at Bukit Malawati Lighthouse, Kuala Selangor (MY0005)/9M4LHB last weekend. Forgotten to bring a camera with me but my friend has posted few on the facebook.

Anyway, due to various engagements, I couldn't get to the lighthouse earlier. The team was there much earlier .. they went on Friday and setting up the station early on Saturday morning. I was there in the late afternoon, reaching around 5:30pm and stay back until almost midnight.

How many contact stations did I get? Hmm.. probably around 7-8 .. bands were closed quite early that night. Thanks all .. see you guys again next year!

(photos ripped off from Rabin's facebook album) ..