National Parks on the Air https://npota.arrl.org/nps-events.php
Throughout 2016, Amateur Radio will be helping the National Park Service celebrate their 100th anniversary. Hams from across the country will activate NPS units, promote the National Park Service and showcase Amateur Radio to the public.
A few weeks back my good friend John, WA2KSM offered me the use of a true oldie goldie! This old Heathkit HW8 CW QRP rig was so clean inside and out that it was hard to believe its age. No scratches or dings anywhere!
As you might imagine, the band control push buttons need cleaning but that’s about all the TLC it needs.
Not having a way to cleanly match this little gem to my G5RV, I purchased the “World’s Smallest Standalone ATU” from Elecraft.
Since I have owned Elecraft gear in the past and now get great pleasure from my KX3, I had no doubt that the T1 would be the right choice for the HW8. My assumptions were right. Tuning is a breeze and performance is all I’d expect from Elecraft.
The 20 meter band has been weak over the summer but I have already made a few contacts on this beautiful old QRP rig. Since I have the original manual, some of this winter will be dedicated to going over the entire alignment procedure.
If you are into QRP or low power operation and are in need of a portable Auto Tuner, take a spin over to the Elecraft T1 site for all the specs!
Enjoy taking your rig out into the great outdoors? If so, the Side KX with cover from GemsProducts.com may be a good choice for you. My product arrived via USPS in just 3 days.
Not only does it enhance the look of the rig but it does actually provide some useful protection. With the addition of the Side KX and the snug fitting cover, the face and controls of the rig are virtually free of those first few raindrops, dust and dirt.
It’s one of those kits that take a few minutes to install. Of course it’s a good idea to follow the suggested anti-static procedure during installation. Take a minute to insure all ground points on the inside of the new side panels are clear of tape and paint. Mine arrived 100% clean.
Installation can be done without splitting the rig open but you may find it to be a hassle to get the mic connector back in place. Once it’s all together you will find the cover to be a snug fit but it is flexible and once you get the hang of it it is easy to install and remove.
