October updates

Right, so a few things this time.

I put the MEPT together, set up a dipole cut for 10.140 MHz and with a 12v7A SLA, let it run for a while. None of the 30 meter QRSS grabbers were picking it up though. I set up the frequency counter and it registered 10.140010 MHz. I exchanged a few emails on the list, had a phone call about it... Still was not getting into any of the grabbers in ZL, VK2 or VK7. I though, perhaps the frequency counter is not accurate.

I arranged to take the counter to Barry, VK5BW. He compared it to his rubidium standard. Surprisingly it was only 10Hz off at 10MHz. So with that sorted I moved onto the next task, which is finishing the VK5JST antenna analyser... Its not finished yet, hopefully I can get some more time in on it over the weekend. Then I think its organising a decent feed line up to the dipole and an insulated box =)

Much time has been taken up with emergency plumbing. Yeah, the fun variety of "why is my backyard full of water all of a sudden?" So much digging revealed a split pipe and conveniently a tap I'd put it to aid changing things around later =) Its all fixed now, but that was two days work to get it all dug up and repaired... but not yet filled in the hole. Another few hours of fun on the morrow.

Some time back I talked about my new acquisition. A mobile-ground-plain. Well, a ute actually. One day I will do some mobile radio with in it. In short I have invested a lot of time with paint striper, a scraper, sand paper and etch primer to get rid of the aging paint, some bog and a bit of surface rust. Its coming along nicely. However the big news for today is, it runs! I have had several attempts to get it running over the last couple of months. Just could never get it to fire. Thought it was an electrical problem. Today I noticed the choke cable going to the carby for the first time. Its always been there, but as I have an automatic choke on the car, I hadn't thought to fiddle with the choke lever. Anyhow it runs and its bloody loud! The only problem is it doesn't idle. Its a start. Running is good =) Its a big step forward and is just more motivation to get the front locking hubs replaced so its a four wheel drive again ;) All in good time. I have a big trip in January I hope to have it on the road for.

cheers,

Kim VK5FJ