New Transceiver: The Yaesu FT-450D

Just an hour or so ago, I pulled the trigger and ordered my new transceiver — the Yaesu FT-450D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I went with this rig because it meets almost all of the following criteria:

• 100w PEP output
• Pre-installed CW filter and IF-DSP
• Small enough to be portable, but larger than, for example, the FT-857
• Less than $700 new

With the $50 mail-in rebate from Yaesu, the total cost will meet the price criterion.

There are two problems yet to overcome.  First, to operate at full power, the FT-450D requires 22 amps constant.  My current power supply is only 19 amps.  Therefore, I will need to operate at less than 100w until I can purchase a minimum 30 amp power supply.  However, even at 50w, I’ll be operating and 10 times the maximum PEP output of the FT-817.

The second problem is finding a way to run coax into the house so I can set up the radio on my computer desk in the study.  Since I live in a parsonage owned by the church, I cannot drill holes or otherwise change the structure in any way.  I am hoping to be able to temporarily remove a screen from the nearby window and run the coax in, using foam or some other material to seal the bottom of the open window.

Regardless of how I finally set it up, I am anxious for the radio to arrive so I can get back on the air.  As soon as it arrives and I get it set up and running, I’ll publish a video review.

73,

John — KQ8X

 

Goodbye QRP

As I mentioned in my last post about the MP1 Super Antenna, I needed an antenna capable of handling higher power, and I promised I would explain why.  I need it because I am moving on from QRP operation.

When I first got into QRP, I was in a living situation where antennas were not an obstacle.  I had good antennas at decent heights.  However, now that I am a United Methodist pastor, I can no longer have permanent antenna installations in a location I am guaranteed to be living for more than about three years.  Because of this, I am forced to use a portable antenna in sub-optimal deployments.  In order to be able to operate effectively, therefore, I need more power.

So, I’m selling my Yaesu FT-817 in order to help fund the purchase of a 100w HF rig.  Right now, I have my eye set on the Yaesu FT-450D.  The reviews are good and the YouTube videos I’ve seen look very promising.  If I am successful in selling the 817, I will be purchasing the 450D as soon as I can.

If you are interested in possibly purchasing my FT-817, here is a link to the eBay auction.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Yaesu-FT-817-QRP-HF-Transceiver-/301908425997?hash=item464b24fd0d:g:j58AAOSwwpdW9HAl

73,

John — KQ8X

Arrival of the MP1 Super Antenna

The MP1DX Super Antenna package arrived today via UPS.  I have to say I was immediately shocked at how small this antenna is.  Put together, with the top telescoping whip fully extended and the tuning coil completely closed, the antenna is only about 7 feet long.  One thing I am impressed with is how easy it will be to put this antenna up and get on the air.  The most difficult part of that process will actually be taking down the 20m dipole and disconnecting the coax from it to use with the MP1.

One thing I am not impressed with is the carry bag for the antenna and mounting hardware.  It is a thin, cheap, vinyl-like material that will never stand up to repeated use and transport.  One thing I will definitely want to do at some point is look for a better alternative to the bag.

Another thing I’m concerned about is the strength of the telescoping top section.  As I write this, we are experiencing 20 to 30 mph sustained winds gusting to 40+.  Will the top section stand up to such winds?  Only one way to find out.  After I leave the office for the day, I will begin the process of setting up and tuning the antenna and attempt to make some contacts.  I’ll record it all and post a video later.

Something I’m not entirely sure of is the configuration of the radial system for this antenna.  The radials are all connected to a common push-on connector and fit on the mounting bracket of the antenna.  I was under the impression that the radials were separate from each other, each with its own connector.  I also notice that there are two connection points on the mounting bracket for another set of radials, but only one set of radials was included in the package.  I’ll have to do more research on this.

More later.

73,

John – KQ8X

KQ8X is QRV thanks to Super Antenna

It’s been almost a year since my last post.  In that time, I was moved to pastor a new church in another town, which is important because now my antenna situation has now changed.

I strung up my 20m dipole in a tree about 7 feet off the ground (which is nowhere near high enough) and ran the coax in through a hole in the wall of the enclosed back porch of the parsonage.  It was the only possible place for me to put the antenna at my current location due to not wanting to drill or otherwise make any physical changes to the house or property of the church.

After trying the antenna with my FT-817, I found it to be horribly inadequate.  While the SWR was fine, its performance was very bad, nothing like it was in its last location.

So, after much research and planning, I have purchased Super Antenna’s MP1DX antenna package.  Rather than taking time and space to describe the antenna here, follow this link to the MP1DX on Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Super-Antenna-MP1DX-Portable-SuperStick/dp/B014VVL340/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1458524361&sr=8-1&keywords=mp1dx

You can find out more about the MP1 at http://www.newsuperantenna.com

I chose this particular antenna for the following reasons:

1. I needed a limited-space antenna solution.
2. I needed an antenna that did not depend upon the availability of end supports as a dipole does.  1 & 2 combined made me realize I needed a relatively small ground plane vertical.
3. I needed an antenna that is highly portable.
4. I needed a multi-band antenna so I would no longer be limited only to 20 meter operation.  Although I would like to operate on 80 and 75 meters, I did not purchase the optional coil for 80 and 75 meters at this time.  That may be my next purchase later on.
5. I needed an antenna that would handle more than just QRP power levels while still fitting the portability and limited-space criteria.  The MP1 will handle up to 500w SSB and 300W CW.  I’ll say more about this criterion later.

So, I’m looking forward to receiving the MP1 sometime on Tuesday.  With any luck, I’ll be posting a video about on YouTube.  Look for the link in my next blog post, as well as more details on my mention of higher power in #5 above.

Until next time, 73,

John – KQ8X