All ready for the final tests of the 2.4GHz tvtr.

I had to rebuild the 8vDC reg circuit after the first regulator failed (worked fine, then let out some smoke!). Tested all voltages. 

 Ready to put the 2.4GHz tvtr on the test bench with some RF into it !

And then had a chance to assemble the VK4GHZ Thunerbolt Commander board to go with my Thunderbolt GPS.

2.4GHz tvtr almost ready for 'smoke' testing. Just PTT lines to be completed, and some internal DC protection.

Good AE condx this morning... QSYed to 1296MHz and ran SpecLab monitoring for Grant VK2MAX. Three good periods when planes were in the hot spot...

At 2203z Grant's CW was 419... very workable, but a shift to SSB and I could just hear Grant (41 on peak). QSO not competed!

ZL2WHO/B 144.271MHz beacon in.

Was great to walk into the shack this morning and see that we had tropo condx between SE VK4 and ZL.

Worked Harry ZL2ADU a few times up to RS57 on 144.1MHz. QSB was very deep.

ZL2WHO/B on 432.271MHz was also heard on one of the QSB rises up to RST419. Then I went to Brew by U to bottle the latest batch of beer, and missed out on a few more station :)

Further progress towards 2.4GHz.

Spent far too many hours last night getting the aluminium sheet fitted, and then all the boards mounted.

Now to start the coaxial lines, as well as all the wiring!

A bit more progress made today.

The Trimble Thunderbolt GPS unit with VK4GHZ controller mounted in 2U 19" rack cabinet to match the 2.4GHz tvtr.

Amazing AE impacts on 144MHz WSPR signals from VK4MIL and VK4LHD

Progress towards 2.4GHz has taken a big step forward. The transverter's 2U 19" cabinet now complete (except for labels).

Fantastic to see a Es opening on the first night that Alan E6RQ was active from Niue on 6m. Propagation favored the southern states, but good to work Alan again from QG62lp.

 

Spent last weekend up at Sundown N.P.

 CQ'ed a lot. FT-817ND at 5w PEP into my OziPole portable dipole, just isn't like being at home with the 5 element HF mono-banders and QRO ;)