Portable on the 2m band with an old Trio TR-7010

July 2011 and I'd recently acquired an old Trio TR-7010, a classic 2-meter SSB transceiver that I'd purchased second-hand from an eBay seller. While not the most modern piece of kit, these older transceivers often prove their worth in the field, and I was keen to put it through its paces.

My antenna setup was relatively simple but effective: a SOTA beam mounted on a 6-meter pole. Throughout the day, I made a number of contacts, primarily with stations located within the UK. The majority of these were in England, as one might expect, but I also had successful QSOs with several Scottish and Welsh operators. These contacts, while not particularly unusual for 2-meter work, were nonetheless satisfying and provided a good test of the TR-7010's capabilities.

However, the highlight of the day's operations came when I made contact with PI4GN, a Dutch station. 2-meter DX isn't an everyday occurrence, particularly when operating portable with modest equipment. This contact was likely facilitated by favorable propagation conditions, perhaps a sporadic-E opening or some tropospheric ducting.

The TR-7010 performed admirably throughout the session. Despite its age - the model having been first introduced in the late 1970s - it demonstrated that older equipment can still be highly effective in the field. The receiver's sensitivity was more than adequate, and the transmitter's output (rated at a modest 8w), while not high by modern standards, was sufficient to make the Dutch contact.

This experience reinforced my appreciation for older, simpler rigs, especially in portable settings. While modern transceivers offer numerous features, there's something to be said for the reliability and straightforward operation of these classic units. The TR-7010, with its analog VFO and basic controls, allows for quick frequency changes and easy operation - attributes that are particularly valuable when operating outdoors.

The success in contacting PI4GN also served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of VHF propagation. Even with relatively low power and basic antennas, surprising results can be achieved when conditions are favorable. It's experiences like these that continue to make amateur radio, and particularly DXing, an engaging pursuit. The possibility of unexpected contacts keeps the hobby interesting, even after many years of operation.

Radio:  Trio TR-7010

Antenna:  SOTA beam

Power:  8w

Location:  Lichfield

Three radios I'd love to have owned but didn't

For many newcomers to amateur radio, certain transceivers leave lasting impression. The Icom IC-756 Pro3, Yaesu FT-890, and the venerable FT-757GX are three such radios that have left lasting impressions on me personally, even though I never actually owned any of these radios. 

Icom IC-756 Pro3

The Icom IC-756 Pro3, released in the early 2000s, was a game-changer in the world of analog/digital hybrid design. It quickly became a favorite among contesters and DXers for its awesome features. The big, colorful TFT display was ahead of its time, giving users a cool visual display of all their operating info with the spectrum scope feature. It made exploring different bands super exciting for new hams and was a handy tool for experienced contesters. Plus, the Pro3 had a user-friendly interface and top-notch DSP capabilities, making it a must-have rig for contesters and DXpeditions.

Yaesu FT-890

The Yaesu FT-890, a much simpler radio popular in the 1990s, offered a compelling blend of compact size and capable performance. For amateur radio operators dealing with limited space, its ability to deliver 100 watts, in a package suitable for both base and mobile operation, was very attractive. 

Its straightforward controls and durable construction made it a forgiving radio for those still learning the ropes of HF operation. It's also, to my 

mind, a great looking little radio!

Going back even further, the Yaesu FT-757GX, introduced in the 1980s, was one of the first truly compact HF all-mode transceivers.

Yaesu FT-757GX

For all hams of in that era, it opened up a world of possibilities. Covering 160m through 10m, it offered a taste of every HF mode and band in one box. Its simplicity of operation, combined with features like a built-in antenna tuner, made it an excellent learning platform for those new to HF. 

I've lost count of the numbers of hours I must have spent drooling over this radio in magazines back in the day!.

Each of these radios represented a sweet spot of capability, usability, and aspiration for their respective eras. For a new ham, owning any one of them would have provided not just a capable station, but a piece of amateur radio history. While technology has moved on, these radios remain respected and sought after, testament to their design and the memories they've helped create for countless operators over the years. 

An unusual QSL card from EA1VB (Primitivo), 17m CW

Back in March 1992, I had a really cool CW QSO with EA1VB (Op. Primitivo) over in Spain. The chat itself was fun, but what really stuck with me was the unusual and unique QSL card I got a few months later via the RSGB bureau.

Upon opening the envelope, I was surprised to find a hand-written QSL card from Primitivo. It wasn't the usual printed card most hams use. Instead, it was crafted on sturdy cardstock, with all the QSO details meticulously penned by hand onto what seemed to be a cut-out 'QSO details' template stuck onto the card. What made it even more special were the actual Spanish postage stamps affixed to the card - something I'd never seen before.

This experience highlighted the varied and often personal nature of QSL cards in our hobby. While many operators and clubs opt for professionally printed cards, others choose to create something more individual and memorable.

QSL cards, serving as physical confirmations of radio contacts, come in a wide array of forms, including:

1. Standard printed cards: These often feature the operator's callsign, location, and perhaps an image of their station or local landmarks.
2. Photo cards: Some hams use actual photographs of themselves, their shacks, or antennas.
3. Artistic cards: These can range from hand-drawn illustrations to computer-generated designs, often reflecting the operator's interests or local culture.
4. Contest or DXpedition cards: Often more utilitarian, designed for quick filling out during high-volume operations.
5. Electronic cards: With the advent of systems like Logbook of The World (LoTW), many operators now confirm contacts electronically.
6. Awards-specific cards: Some operators have special cards for contacts that contribute to particular awards.
7. Homebrew cards: Like the one from EA1VB, these are personally crafted by the operator, ranging from simple handwritten notes to elaborate designs.

Exchanging QSL cards has been a long-standing tradition in the world of amateur radio. These cards not only confirm our radio contacts but also serve as physical reminders of the contacts we make over great distances (or closer to home in many cases).. They often become cherished items in a ham's collection and can even be used to apply for different operating awards.

Primitivo's one-of-a-kind, handmade card is a special and unique keepsake that reminds me of the personal bonds we form through this amazing hobby.

Radio:  Kenwood TS-140

Antenna:  Doublet

Power:  50w

Location:  Wellington, Telford

Adding a new one, CP4BT (Bolivia) 30m CW

Back in January 1997, I was scanning the 30m band late at night. The conditions were pretty average, just the usual winter noise. Then, around 00:20 UTC, I caught a faint CW signal. After some careful tuning, I figured out it was CP4BT, operated by Claus in Bolivia.

We got in touch and did the usual signal reports, names, and locations exchange. The signal strength was bouncing between 339 and 449, which was expected for that path and time. Claus was spot-on with his keying, making it easier to copy despite the not-so-great conditions.

Our chat lasted about 5 minutes before the signal faded into the noise. This QSO was a big deal for me because it was my first time reaching Bolivia, adding a new country to my DXCC list. Even though Bolivia isn't super rare DX from England, it had somehow slipped through my fingers until then.

This QSO showed me the potential for long-distance chats on the 30m band at night, even with basic power levels and antennas. It also reminded me of the importance of staying patient and keeping an eye out for new countries to add to the list.

Radio:  Icom IC-738

Antenna:  Random wire

Power:  50w

Location:  Loughborough

D4C, 15m and 20m RTTY

In late September 2007, I had the opportunity to work D4C on São Vicente, Cape Verde, not just once, but twice! These contacts were extra special because I got to use RTTY, which over the years had become  my favorite HF mode.

The first time I connected with D4C was on 20 meters around 09:40 UTC. The signal was decent, with a bit of QSB going on. I stumbled upon D4C while scanning the RTTY segment of the band, and after a short wait in the pileup, I managed to make contact. We exchanged signal reports (a solid 599) and I moved on to see who else I could get in the log before shutting down and getting on with a few chores.

The very next day, I ran into D4C again, this time on 15 meters, at around 13:40 UTC. The conditions on this band were much better, and without any pileup, I was able to reach them on my first try, exchanging simple 599 signal reports once again.

Even though both contacts were quick contest-style operations, they were still really quite satisfying. Cape Verde might not be the rarest DXCC entity from the UK, but it's always a good feeling to log any country on different bands and modes.

These QSOs really showed me how effective RTTY can be for DXing. Its ability to cut through noise and correct errors makes it a great choice for working DX stations, especially in less-than-ideal conditions.

Thanks to these QSOs, I was able to add to my RTTY DXCC totals for both the 15m and 20m bands, getting me one step closer to my goal of achieving DXCC on all modes.

Radio:  JRC JST-245

Antenna:  Random wire sloper

Power:  50w

Location:  Great Barr, Birmingham

Africa calling, J28OO (Djibouti), 40m CW

One February evening in 2008, around 2200 UTC, I was just casually flipping through the 40m CW segment. The conditions were pretty typical for that time of year, with some moderate QRN levels. As I was slowly tuning the VFO, I suddenly heard a clear, steady CQ signal that caught my attention.

I quickly figured out it was J28OO, operated by Darko in Djibouti. Djibouti isn't the rarest entity out there, but it's not one I come across often. So, I saw this as a chance and decided to give it a shot.

To my surprise and delight, Darko responded to my first call. We exchanged the usual info - signal reports, names, locations. His signal was a strong 599, and he said mine was the same. Our chat was short but sweet, lasting about 5 minutes.

Darko's keying was spot-on and relaxed, which made it easy to understand. We didn't have a long conversation, but the contact was still satisfying. It was a good reminder that sometimes, just casually tuning around can lead to cool stuff.

After our chat, I made sure to ask for a QSL card through his QSL manager. Eventually, I got Darko's card, which now has a special spot in my collection. It's a nice little memento of this unexpected QSO.

Radio:  Yaesu FT-950

Antenna:  Random wire sloper

Power:  80w

Location:  Lichfield