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Dan Koellen AI6XG
Jun 27, 20248 min read
A 40 - 10 meter QMX
The QMX from QRP Labs is modified for operation from 40 to 10 meters. A perfect SOTA rig when matched to a 40 meter EFHW
1,668 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 9, 20249 min read
LCD Display for the KD1JV TriBander
In an earlier post I described the modifications I made to the KD1JV designed TriBander to make it more useful for SOTA. The...
293 views
1 comment


Dan Koellen AI6XG
Jul 18, 202311 min read
Making the KD1JV Tri-Bander More SOTA Friendly
This post outlines the modifications made to reduce receive current consumption, reduce weight and size, and change the controls and readout
813 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 2, 20236 min read
QRP Tube: High Voltage DC to DC Supply Evaluation
The high voltage supply for the vacuum tube transmitter needs to be low noise in the 40 meter band, efficient for battery operation and...
430 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 2, 20236 min read
QRP Tube: T/R Switch and QCX Interface and Modification
A Modified QCX and TR Switch for Vacuum Tube SOTA transmitter
363 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 2, 202316 min read
QRP Tube: Single Tube SOTA Transmitter
A single tube transmitter is developed for portable and Summits on the Air (SOTA) use. The SOTA transmitter had to be relatively...
557 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 2, 20235 min read
QRP Tube: Vacuum Tube, Battery, Lightweight, Compact, Portable: Can They Coexist?
Using vacuum tube equipment for SOTA activations? Why not! A portable battery operated vacuum tube transmitter is part of a SOTA system.
1,787 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
Feb 28, 20235 min read
All Wound Up About EFHW Transformer Winding
After successfully using an End Fed Half Wave (EFHW) antenna for SOTA, I decided to build a 10 to 80 meter EFHW antenna for my home...
3,039 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
Jun 17, 20226 min read
Evaluating efficiency, transformer and mismatch losses in toroid transformers - some observations.
Two methods for transformer loss are evaluated. We learn that mismatch loss must be accounted for.
1,940 views
1 comment


Dan Koellen AI6XG
May 16, 20226 min read
Reactive Component Measurement With the NanoVNA
Exploration of using the nanoVNA to measure inductance and capacitance at frequency of use.
3,609 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
Mar 2, 202211 min read
Toroid Transformers - How Hot Will It Get?
There are a number of factors in choosing a toroid for a RF transformer. While one may model electrical performance, calculate predicted...
2,351 views
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Dan Koellen AI6XG
Jul 30, 20212 min read
Leg Benchmark W7Y/EW-017 Activation - An Alternative Route From the West
Pole Mountain From My Operating Position Summit Trip Summary Distance: ~ 2.6 mi one way Transport: Hiking Elevation Gain: ~500 feet...
110 views
2 comments


Dan Koellen AI6XG
Jun 16, 202113 min read
Don't Fear the Smith Chart
Like many radio amateurs I was initially intimidated by the Smith chart. Transmission line and antenna theory, unfamiliar terms and...
2,180 views
3 comments
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