The DX Shack 2005
The station is optimised for
DX'ing (long distance communication) so there are dedicated systems
for monitoring all the bands and DX spots in use ( 3.795Mhz -
80m dx window for example). The DX often appears and disappears
before you know it so, if you are a dedicated DX enthusiast, it's
important to be in a position to be in two places or more at the
same time. Rare DX seldom hangs about to become drowned in the
noise of a European pile up (masses of stations all trying to
get a contact at the same time. Sounds like a crowd at a football
match all shouting to be heard. Imagine trying to pull out one
voice from that) .
Sadly the Collins and Drake gear
has all been sold off now and it's almost a "black box"
station that you see here. Having said that I love old "Fox
Tango's" (Yaesu FT model radios of the 70's and 80's).
This shack is the latest incarnation
with an upgraded computer system. The dual screen allows pages
to be moved around between screens making logging and cluster
and propagation page displays a dream. The two Yaesu 901DM's on
the left are part of the main LF (low frequency - 40,80,160 M)
receiving system. These are linked to Beverages (7-900' long wire
aerials close to earth) and K9AY receiving loops mentioned elsewhere
on this site. Once you have used a Beverage or a special receiving
loop aerial you never go back to an ordinary antenna for reception!
On top of the 901's are the antenna switching unit and an MFJ
DSP filter system which is indispensable on crowded bands during
the CQWW events).
Next to this stack is the main
transmitting section (amps are below out of sight). On top of
the pile is an Icom 756 PRO2, which has pre amps fitted. This
is in use on the 6m and 160m antenna system. Below that in the
centre a Yaesu FT1000MP Mkv attached to the 80 and 40 meter system
and on the bottom an Icom 775DSP for 20,15 and 10 meters.
The VHF transmitters are on the
shelf and are a Yaesu FT- 221R and FT-225RD with Mutek front end
boards fitted. On the far right is the guest rig shelf which currently
has an old FT-One which is used for local UK rag chew. I am also
a "Fox Tango" collector so this radio is interchanged
with FT-101's, 102's etc.
(L) The two dedicated Yaesu 901's for LF and (R) the
transmitters. Top Icom 766Pro2, below Yaesu FT-1000MP Mk5, bottom
Icom 775DSP.
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