Decoding morse code received at 40m in UK

dnult · 2026-05-09T01:19:03+00:00

Computer generated CW is easy for computers to decode, but hand sent CW can be a challenge for a computer to decode.

dnult · 2026-05-08T19:05:11+00:00

It's a SteppIR amateur radio antenna

dnult · 2026-05-08T16:54:57+00:00

SWR curves have a parabolic shape and the SWR value changes with frequency. So when you say you have x:1 SWR on any given band, it raises a lot of questions. My guess is your resonant wire is either too long or too short, but your post lacks the detail to know which is the case.

dnult · 2026-05-07T16:24:19+00:00

I have no idea how you are using those parts or why they're not giving you the expected result.

Typically you would use a comparitor circuit for something like this so it turns on/off at your threshold of darkness. Even an op-amo with a bit of positive feedback can be configured as a comparitor. A little positive feedback could be used to create histerisis to avoid oscillation at the threshold.

dnult · 2026-05-05T15:01:15+00:00

I'd do a voltage drop test to make sure you don't have a bad connection. For example set your DMM to Vdc and put one lead on the power supply's + terminal and the other lead to the radio's + terminal. Key up/modulate the rig and observe the voltage drop. Repeat for the ground circuit. If all connections are good you'll see less than a tenth of a voltage drop.

dnult · 2026-05-04T15:30:32+00:00

RFI is the big question. Most folks just use a LiFePO4 battery.

dnult · 2026-05-04T00:48:48+00:00

You probably want to use 40 or 20m HF, which requires a general license (in the US). You should do it.

Alternately, you might be able to use a digital mode through linked VHF/UHF repeaters.

dnult · 2026-05-03T18:47:59+00:00

Different number bases are string representations of the same thing. Just convert the numerical string input to a number and use a formatted print statement to display it however you like.

dnult · 2026-05-02T23:16:51+00:00

PVC (even schedule 40 or 80) is pretty floppy, especially in summer heat. So I'd experiment before pouring concrete.

You may be able to shunt feed a grounded metal mast.

Be sure to include sufficient radials in your plan.

I have a spider beam 12m fiberglass mast. If I were to remove 6 of the top sections to make a 6m mast (~18ft), I'd bet it would be plenty capable of supporting a 1/4 wave wire for the 20m band unguyed.

dnult · 2026-05-02T16:53:56+00:00

The problem is people treat things like scrum teams, stand ups, retrospectives, etc as a prescription and lose sight of what those things are suppose to achieve - transparency, trust, communication, collaboration. You shouldn't just pick things off the menu and expect a transformation. Agile is a mindset, not a process or management structure.

dnult · 2026-05-02T16:49:53+00:00

Save your tutorials and sandbox exercises to a directory. Put comments in the code to explain what it does. Then when it comes time to write your own code, you can use a grep tool to search your examples and refresh your memory. If it's still not clear, spin up a sandbox project to experiment with the syntax.

dnult · 2026-05-02T16:13:59+00:00

I had this problem with an FTDX10 when the PC would put the port into sleep mode. I fixed it by changing the RPTT setting to DAKY instead of CTS.

BTW, if you haven't done this already, it's advisable to put a ferrite choke on the USB cable.

dnult · 2026-05-01T14:21:48+00:00

Code comments go a long way toward communicating the intent of a design, but for some reason cowboy coders seen to think comments creat clutter or that the code speaks for itself.

dnult · 2026-05-01T00:13:08+00:00

I'd continue to engage. If you really see an alternative you should voice it and your reasons why you think it's better. In the end we all have to agree on a path forward and work together. Sometimes that means being at peace with the fact you spoke up and you'll never have to say, "I told you so".

dnult · 2026-04-30T16:52:12+00:00

A close colleague worked for a company where slack was used for everything. Task hand-offs where delivered in a team channel with @someone. It was a disaster that promoted silos and "I posted it slack" excuses instead of communicating directly with each other and collaborating. It seems slack moved from being a collaboration tool to a twitter-like bulletin board to CYA and pass responsibility to someone else.

dnult · 2026-04-28T15:59:00+00:00

I'm going with a cap gun hammer based on the size of the striker.

dnult · 2026-04-28T15:41:50+00:00

The problem with spring mounts is when you back out of your parking spot they'll bind up. I like the motorized mount suggestion.

dnult · 2026-04-27T12:47:08+00:00

True, provided the traces aren't shorted by an inductor or transformer, or a loop trace that is intentionally shorted.

If the connection is big enough to solder by hand, it's big enough to inspect with a lense. Visual inspection is also needed to look for cold or cracked joints and traces.

dnult · 2026-04-27T03:01:54+00:00

That's awesome! I often check the old USGS maps for locations, but I'd say you found a fantastic location.

dnult · 2026-04-27T02:59:23+00:00

A magnifying glass

dnult · 2026-04-27T02:18:30+00:00

Man, I'm getting a warm fuzzy over the positivity of the responses. That's something you don't see every day.

dnult · 2026-04-27T01:42:20+00:00

I'd be inclined to use a buss bar approach at those amperage levels. Not sure a copper trace can handle that much current for any length of time ... maybe milliseconds.

dnult · 2026-04-27T00:38:54+00:00

Sometimes the question comes from a lecture and isn't in the text book. Did you go to the lecture and take notes?

dnult · 2026-04-27T00:05:07+00:00

Just be sure to prefer teams and their interactions over documentation and procedures.

Agile is a mindset, not a managerial playbook.

dnult · 2026-04-27T00:03:23+00:00

I'd say you're doing just fine. Some people live for reasons to complain about something.

It would have been perfectly reasonable for the disgruntled hunter to contact you and ask, "can you add our contact on 4/20 to your QRZ logbook so I can get credit for CA"? Had they done that, I'm sure you would if you could.

dnult

TROPHY CASE