Since getting my ticket a few years back, I’ve dabbled a little with go box cases. Many of you saw the wood box I created for my IC-7300. That was my actual shack in the house as I used to set up next to end table by the couch. Since then I have a real desk at home and traded the original go box.
Well this past summer I picked up a FT-450D from a SK and decided that I’d try another go box. This time with a shallow depth 4U high Gator box. I wanted it to be reasonable small, but robust to handle in shipment.
One of my design goals with this setup was a self-contained HF setup, with the computer and monitor in the case somehow. Ideally all everything but the antenna would fit in the case.
So, to start with, using an FT-450d has its good and bad points. The good points being a decent ATU, bright display, and good contrasting text on the front panel controls. The bad points are no panadapter, and probably the biggest draw back on space consideration is the lack of a USB interface for digital modes. Because of that I needed to use a Signalink which eats up room in the case.
I purchased two metal shelves about 10 inches deep and mounted the 450D and Signalink on the bottom shelf. The top shelf is a power supply and my homebuilt Magnetic loop stepper motor controller. This would allow band changes without having to get up and mess with the loop.
Below if notice I have LED lighting tape strip mounted on the upper shelf to light up the lower section to read the display easier. This will also provide lighting at night to write on paper. I got this from Menards, and these lights when run off DC don’t generate any RFI.
Next, I wanted the ability to run either off batteries or 120v, so I add at Samlex battery backup module(BBM-1225) This neat little device will charge a 12v lead acid battery from the Samlex 12v power supply. If the power supply is off, the battery will take over without any cable changes.
There’re also some Anderson power pole distribution blocks in the back to hook things up neatly, but allow for easy changes if needed. That panel on the back is a 2U server rack blanking panel. I installed the power switch and power poles on the back to hook up the battery and to power an external device easily.
Finally, I had a strong desire to integrate a computer in the unit somehow.
Reason were the following:
I did not want to take my laptop outside.
Desired to have a GPS receiver for a time source from satellites, thus no internet needed for accurate FT8 time source. Accurate time is needed for FT8, and helpful for loggin
Wanted something low power that would run directly off of 12v, thus making it easy to run off a car battery
Wanted computer integrated to keep the rats nest of wires to a minimum or well hidden.
Self-contained go box that is 100% ready, just grab and go, and don’t forget the antenna
I purchased the following for the computer setup
12” 1920×1080 HDMI monitor from ebay(TOGUARD 12” HDMI HD display)
Raspberry Pi4 Model B 4GB ram Adafruit PID 4269
Zero2Go Omini Multi Channel Power supply Adafruit PID 4114
Adafruit Ultimate GPS breakout ver 3 Adafruit PID 746
Aluminum Metal Heatsink Raspberry pi 4 Case Adafruit PID 4341
Qty 1 Stacking Header extra long Adafruit PID 1979
Qty 1 Stacking Header standard Adafruit PID 4079
12”x24” 1/8” textured plastic sheet Parts-express Part 265-948
16gb MicroSD card, from anywhere
Micro HDMI to HDMI cable less then 3 foot long is good enough(I got mine off of Amazon)
I chose to hinge the front cover, and use the textured plastic as a bezal to mount the monitor, Pi and GPS receiver. You can cut that plastic with a jigsaw or band saw, and then a sander to round the corners. The cutout for the monitor I did with a Dremel. Monitor mounted from the front, and yes if you look at that sloppy job its hot glue around the monitor. I couldn’t come up with any fancy way to attach it.
Basic High level procedures for setting up the Pi with the GPS receiver
Download the latest raspberry pi OS image from raspberrypi.org
Follow instructions to image a microSD card and install it in the computer
Connect the monitor and Pi and keyboard temporarily on a desk to get working
Learn how to run updates on OS from above raspberrypi.org tutorials online
Install Zero2Go DC power supply, this converts 12v down to 5 volts, read notes below on this further down
Install GPS receiver and take a look at some general instructions on setting up the Pi as a NTP time server here below. Just read the instructions after the initial raspberry pi image part https://github.com/TinajaLabs/ansible-role-ntp-gps/blob/master/README.md There are other examples out there, and this is where I’ll leave it open for others to research as there might be better ways.
Zero2Go board install notes.
This board in theory should be easy to setup, but using a Pi4 creates some headaches due to new OS versions of software. Go to there website for details, but even then you may run into issues. There are configuration step to install there software so that you can configure the board to boot the pi up when power is applied, or to remain off and requiring you to push a button on the right side of the board. Since I don’t have access to the button, I needed to install there software to change the setting.
Unfortunately, after installing the software, and making the change to boot up at power on, caused some issues after the first reboot. The zero2go board would constantly reboot the pi after login if I was connected only by 12v. If I use the pi USB power supply, it wouldn’t do that. I tried everything and decided to just remove there software so it wouldn’t start up at boot. This stopped the reboot, and the card remembers my changes, so next time it will continue to boot up when power is applied.
So basically, install the software, change the settings to the zero2go card to have it boot when power is applied, and uninstall the software.
Conclusion
Overall, I was impressed at the performance of the Pi 4 in this use case. FT8 is CPU intensive and generally doesn’t decode fast enough on a Pi3. On a Pi 4 its usable. I found that it would decode a good 8 to 10 signal quickly and then another 5 to 6 a bit past the starting time for the next transmission. That’s not ideal since the timing would be off when you responded to a QSO. But the stronger, easily decoded signals popped up fast and it was able to transmit on time.
Using FLRig control was fairly easy to setup. I was using a usb to serial cable for the FT450D, and had to determine what comm port to use in Linux
Setting up the Signalink was a bit more of headache. Mostly the pain was self induced. The internal jumpers on my signalink are loose from changing it up on many rigs over the years. I fought that for a while until I finally just used a new dip socket to fix the problem. After that, it worked just fine.
Future plans, I’d like to shoehorn a 2m/440 rig in there but that signalink and speaker is in the way. I might relocate the speaker to the right of the monitor, and I may permanently modify the signal link up near the monitor too. I just have to extend the 3 volume controls to the front with some wire. Sort of a remote head Signalink.
Key ham radio apps installed
FLrig – Rig control
FLDigi – PSK31 and related digital/CW modes
WSJT-x FT8/JT65 and related
CQRLog Logging program
PiGate, a Winlink version for Linux for email over HF
And a variety of other apps to long to mention here.
Below is WSJT-X with FLDigi running on the right. Yes this is a small screen, your gonna need reading glasses, but it works ?
Back in the summer, the Schaumburg Amateur Radio Club added a little competitive edge to Field Day 2020, by organizing a competition for it’s members and awarding financial prizes in several different categories:
1st Place $50
2nd Place $25
3rd Place $15
Here are the official results, which have now been certified by the Board. Congratulations to the winners!
Dave, K9KBM, has provided us with some useful insight regarding guidelines by automotive manufacturers, relating to the use of RF in vehicles.
If you have a newer car you might want to check your owner’s manual under the heading of “Electromagnetic Compatibility”.
Not only are there warnings to keep antenna and power cables at least 4″ from electronic modules and airbags, it limits power output to 50W on all frequencies except 806MHz-870Mhz which is limited to 10W. There are also images showing the placement of antennas at different frequencies.
This relativity new addition to owner’s manuals is due to the “World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations” or UNECE regulation 10. The limitations and warnings may be new to the public but have been around for years although less formally in the auto industry for commercial and emergency vehicles.
The following examples are taken from Dave’s owner manual.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, it is unlikely that there will be any club group events taking place, but it will still be possible to operate on an individual basis.
Here are a few pictures from recent years, which will hopefully inspire you to take part in some way.
Back in August 2020, a brave group of SARC club members volunteered their time and experience to help take down the radio antenna tower at the home of silent key, Ray WA9BLP.
At the time, Roberto WA9E was able to take some great video footage of the project. The video has now been edited, and is available on the SARC YouTube channel, by using the following link.
Thanks to all involved. Here is a link to an earlier post that shows Millie’s Thank You note.
Geoff Stevens KA9QGH President called the virtual meeting to order at 7:02 PM
Attendees:
Danny Kafka KD9HIL
Rob Glowacki N9MVO
Mike Sorensen K9KQX
Terry AE9TJ
Geoff Stevens KA9QGH
Mike Griffiths K9KMV
Ed Liska AC9SD
R. Kocourek W9RKK
Brent Kaser WB9UXN
John Zietlow K9WIC
Garrett K9GBN
Russ Schmidt KC9NUV
Doug W9YFC
David Traxler WA9UBR
John Scrip N9IJS
Dennis KD9HIK
Jim Campbell KB9RGU
Steve Karson AC9EM
John Douglas KD9KSH
Leo Ribordy N9NBH
Don Dewar KD9NJR
Cliff Sowka K9QD
Secretary’s Report:
Cliff Sowka K9QD informed November’s Minutes published in RHG. Approval so moved. SARC Website requires Officer/Committee information updated.
Treasurer’s Report:
Chris Brewer AC9GN. Not present. Need Financial Report for close of 2020. Need Proposed Budget for 2021.
Public Service:
Rob Glowacki N9MVO informed there is nothing to report at the moment.
EMCOMM:
John Zietlow K9WIC. Activity currently on hiatis.
Repeaters:
Terry AE9TJ reported our machines are functioning properly. Leo N9NBH described inability to invoke NEWSLINE while AllStar attendees were online. Discussion with Rob N9MVO ensued regarding up/down data speeds and/or Repeater Key/unKey controller process was thwarting ability to bring NEWSLINE up onto the machine. We’ll need to review our data service invoice to determine what speeds we’re contracted for and if that may be part of the difficulty in handling the audio stream’s capacity when three or more AllStar ports are connected. Could also be related to the controller’s command sequence; not sure at the moment.
Construction Project:
Bill McGovern W9WEM no report.
VE Exams
Ed Liska AC9SD reported the single candidate scheduled for early December did not attend the planned exam and the Volunteer Examiners returned home. No plans for January or later in Q1 until such time as the VE Team can find suitable facilities to hold their testing sessions.
Radio Hill Gazette RHG
Mike Griffiths K9KMV reports there was a recent article submitted as a very informative reprint but he was hesitant to publish without the original author’s authorization.
Membership:
Bob N9JAX no report.
Social:
No current plans.
Education:
Leo N9NBH reports our training schedule will be on hiatus for the duration. Dennis KD9HIK described DuPage Club’s plans for ZOOM license training to be offered starting January.
NETS:
No planned NETS for Christmas Eve nor New Year’s Eve. Mike K9KMV will post this update on the Website to inform those not currently receiving SARC-ALL communications.
Steve Karson AC9EM submitted the following report for December 3rd:
Thanks everyone, for checking into our Club NET tonight. 25 Hams checked in!!! Question of the night: The weather is getting colder, is your car battery ready for the winter? Will your ham radio operate if you have one installed? We had some traffic about Skywarn, Wellness Net, recent silent keys, and other topics. Also, we are sponsoring outdoor VE Testing this Saturday. Check the Club Web Site for details if you are interested in taking a test…
Check-ins included:
K9MKD, Kevin
N9MVO, Rob
W9RKK, Robert
K9KMV, Mike
N9NBH, Leo
KB9RGU, Jim
KD9HIK, Dennis
K9CMZ Charlene
K9WIC, John
WB9UXN, Brent
AC9SD, ED
N9IJS, John
N9LTW, Lou
KD9KSH, John
KD9NJR, Don
K9KQX, Mike
W9YY, Jack
W9YFC, Doug
KB9QVX, Kevin
N9VWC, Mike
KD9JBS, George
KD9QAH, Tim – Welcome new SARC Member!
K9GBN, Garret
WA9E, Roberto
AC9EM Steve Net Controller
Be Safe and Happy!!!
73
Steve Karson, AC9EM
For the December 8th TechNet, KD9HIK was Net Control Operator. The Net started at 7:32 PM, local time. The following operators checked in:
N9MVO Rob
W9RKK Robert
W9WEM Bill
WB9UXN Brent
WB9VWM Hugh
KD9FMN Paul
K9CMZ Charlene
K9KBM Dave
AC9SD Ed
K9QD Cliff
W9YY Jack
K9WIC John
KD9KSH John
WE9PP Jim
KF5IV Owen
W9YFC Doug
KD9NJR Don
KD9AJI Chris
KC9NMW Tim
N9IJS John
VA3DMZ Scott (Checked in from Windsor Ontario via ALLSTAR)
KD9OLJ Sid
KY0Q Rich
Topics included discussion about use of Choke BALUNs and lightning suppressors on exterior di-pole, RF Chokes on long wire antennas, “MAKER’ sites and 3D printing.
KD9FMN asked about documentation of maximum safe RF in mobile applications. Concern was about potential to damage in vehicle computers.
N9IJS reminded DMR users that BRANDMEISTER will be implementing a security protocol and that Hot Spots will have to be updated.
Please let me know if there are any omissions or corrections.
73
Dennis C. Calvey
On Friday, December 11, 2020, 11:04:16 AM CST, Leo Ribordy wrote:
Thank you to all the hams that checked into the net this evening. The question for the night was: Do you have backup radio’s for HF-UHF-VHF?
KB9RGU Jim
AC9SD Ed
W9RKK Robert
K9EYE Pierre
N9LTW Lou
W5SLS Scott
K9WIC John
K9CMZ Charlene
WB9VWM Hugh
K9KQX Mike
KF5IY Owen
K9KMV Mike
W9YY Jack
KC9NMW Tim
KD9NJR Don
KB9QVX Kevin
K9QD Cliff
KY0Q Rick
K9GBN Garrett
KD9POE Mike
N9VWC Mike
K9KBM Dave
N9NBH Leo net control
WA9E Roberto
K9MKD Kevin
KD9RCJ Kevin
AC9CG Mike
KM4WLD Bill
—
Leo Ribordy N9NBH submitted the December 15th TechNet report:
Thank you to all the hams who checked into the Tuesday evening net. The question for the
evening was: During a contest can you check in and make a few contacts and then leave?
Yes you can, though the group running the contest would like you to participate for the full
time. Do you have to submit a log? No you do not have to submit a log to the contest nor
You do not have to send your logs to Lotw or QRZ. Sending your logs to Lotw will help keep a record if you are working on any certificates.
W9RKK Robert
KD9FMN Paul
KB9RGU Jim
K9CMZ Charlene
K9KBM Dave
K9WIC John
WB9VWM Hugh
K9KQX Mike
N9VWC Mike
K9QD Cliff
WB9UXN Brent
KD9HIK Dennis
KD9POE Mike
KF5IV Owen
W9YFC Doug
KD9AJI Chris
N9MVO Rob
KC9NMW Tim
KY0Q Rick
KD9NJR Don
N9NBH Leo net control
Publicity:
Dennis K9HIK No activity at the moment.
Programs:
No report.
Old Business:
None.
New Business:
Rob Glowacki N9MVO reported receipt of SK radio gear. He has pictures and will be summarizing the inventory and provide a listing with anticipated price offers to the membership shortly.
Rob also reported last Saturday’s ARRL 10M Contest provided excellent propagation for his 5W QRP participation as recent Sun Spots became very active.
John Shofield AC9JS provided an update regarding plans for Tom Doyle K9MF SK:
There will be a funeral mass at St Marcelline Church in Schaumburg soon, but a date has not been set yet. We plan on having a larger memorial party after Covid, perhaps in the spring or summer of 2021.
With the help of Geoff KA9QGH’s ZOOM-enabled call, the meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM
Attendees:
Russ Schmidt KC9NUV
Cliff Sowka K9QD
John Douglas KD9KSH
Geoff Stevens KA9QGH
Danny Kafka KD9HIL
John Zietlow K9WIC
Ed Liska AC9SD
Leo Ribordy N9NBH
Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK
Kent Ochs W9KAO
Jim Campbell KB9RGU
Leo Ribordy N9NBH
Terry AE9TJ
Rob Glowacki N9MVO
Secretary’s Report:
Cliff Sowka K9QD. November Board Meeting was not held; therefore October Board Minutes were briefly reviewed.
Elections. Election process for 2021 was completed and our website’s home page needs to be updated as follows:
President
Geoff Stevens KA9QGH_________
Director Jim Campbell_KB9RGU
Vice President
Danny Kafka KD9HIL___________ Director Ed Lishka_AC9SD
Secretary
Cliff Sowka K9QD______________
Treasurer
Chris Brewer_AC9GN_
Treasurer’s Report:
Chris Brewer AC9GN. No Report. We’re not sure if the annual insurance renewal cycle has been completed. We also need a proposed budget for 2021.
Public Service:
Rob Glowacki N9MVO. No Report.
EMCOMM:
John Zietlow K9WIC informed there will be a SkyWarn Net this coming Saturday on 3905 KHz hosted by ARRL Section Manager Tom W9RY. Also, Illinois EMCOMM is studying the possibility of a WINLINK simplex exercise utilizing repurposed WiFi equipment for Amateur use.
Repeaters:
Operations normal after a recent reset. Rob N9MVO and Terry AE9TJ will be conferring with Leo N9NBH to determine some options in providing internet access for reactivating the currently dormant Fusion machine. If the Barrington Road installation is used, then antenna/diplexer accommodations are needed. If the Plum Grove installation is used, then WiresX + another Fusion radio for slave link back to Barrington Road’s internet connection could be built. There also needs to be information provided to Illinois Repeater Association to update our equipment location and frequency utilization. The team will work to prepare an update during the December Business Meeting.
Construction Project:
Bill McGovern W9WEM. No report
VE Testing:
Ed Lishka AC9SD. Plan for December currently indicates there will be a testing session held for one candidate this coming Saturday.
Nets:
Leo Ribordy N9NBH provided the following report for the November 24th TechNet:
Thank you to all the hams that checked into the net this evening. Asked all the check ins
what they were doing for Thanksgiving and also if they remembered the Polio vaccination
we went through as kids.
W9RKK Robert
N9MVO Rob
N9LTW Lou
K9CMZ Charlene
K9QD Cliff
KD9FMN Paul
KD9POE Mike
KB9RGU Jim
N9IJS John
WB9UXN Brent
W9WEM Bill
KB9RHR Darryl
AC9SD Ed
KD9JBS George
WB9VWN Hugh
KD9NJR Don
KC9NMW Tim
K9GBN Garrett
K9WIC John
KD9PWI Pat
N9NBH Leo
WA9E Roberto
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
STAY SAFE
Dennis C. Calvey hosted The Tuesday evening Dec 1st Tech Net which started at 07:00 PM (local time).
The following operators checked in:
W9RKK Robert
N9IJS John
K9CMZ Charlene
K9QD Cliff
WB9VMW Hugh
KD9POE Mike
N9LTW Lou
KD9JBS George
KD9ASI Robert (?)
K9MKD Kevin
KD9QBR Ken
KD9KSH John
AC9SD Ed
W9YY Jack
KB9RHR Daryl
WA9E Roberto
KD9NJR Don
KC9NMW Tim
N9PEF Dirk
K9GBN Garrett
KD9OLJ Sid
W9YFC Doug
Ed, AC9SD, reported that there will be a Volunteer Examination in December.
Mike, KD9POE, suggested that due to Covid restrictions that make face to face meetings difficult, that we look for topics that might be difficult for new Hams. Several suggestions for simple antennas to deal with ordinance or HOA restrictions, including attic mounted J Pole, attic mounted fan dipole, and portable Wolf River Coil.
No operators reported participating in the ARRL EME Contest.
Additional discussion regarding JS8 Call.
Reminder that the SARC Board Meeting, by Zoom, will be held Wednesday December 2 and regular club net on Thursdays.
As in the past, apologies if I missed someone or got the information recorded incorrectly.
Net Closed ~ 8:06 PM (local time).
73
Dennis C. Calvey
Radio Hill Gazette RHG:
No Report. Mike K9KMV requests articles.
Recurring Calendar:
Insurance, Meeting Room Reservations for the Airport, Tennis Plus Basement, and CRC, need to be renewed for 2021. Cliff K9QD resurrected previous traffic to assist in establishing the proper governmental contacts required.
Membership:
Geoff KA9QGH. No report.
Publicity:
Dennis C. Calvey KD9HIK Publicity Chair reported there may not be a published re-opening plan from the Schaumburg Park District for several months.
Social:
John KD9KSH. Present. Nothing to report for obvious reasons. Dirk W0RI had previously has suggested a Road Rally event via SARC-ALL. Interest remains alive but no updates at the moment.
Education:
Leo N9NBH. No Report.
Programs:
John K9WIC indicated Tom ARRL Section Manager W9RY is available to present prepared ARRL materials if we request.
Old Business:
An invoice was presented for “Website Listing Service”. Invoice was referred to Matt Walsh for verification. Ed AC9SD will send the invoice notice (due December) to Chris AC9GN so that our Domain N9RJV.ORG is renewed for 3-years at $180.
It is unknown if our insurance has been renewed; normal renewal cycle is ~April/May and we will need to check with our Treasurer to ascertain current coverage.
New Business:
Fusion Machine implementation will be studied and discussed during our December Business Meeting.
Motion to Adjourn:
Meeting adjourned 7:58PM. Submitted December 3, 2020. Cliff Sowka Secretary
