Ham radio QRP station build - FLDIGI to FT817

[JRUBIN]

This is a series ive recently started to answer quections im often asked about both setting up the QRP stations for maximum performance (or minimum loss) as well as the configuration for FLDIGI. Its sort of an evolving thing right now, so Ill post as I have new material. Ill point out that I am ahead of this, already at setting antenna length for zero reactance, but its still in editing.

 

[JRUBIN]

The next video in the series deals with the configuration of the audio between the Yaesu FT-817 and the computer using the simplest possible configuration to achieve the task to include a Y adapter as an auto monitor to forego the need for a software monitor in pulse audio.

As shown, there is no need for expensive 3rd party hardware or complicated configurations to achieve this goal. just:

A cable that goes from the Yaesu FT 817 data jack to the computer
A Y connector
An external speaker


Part 2 - Sound Configuration

 

[JRUBIN]

In this video we come to the point where it is time to set up the antenna to operate at the resonant frequency which we will be operating at. We will be using the MFJ 259B SWR analyzer to accomplish this task. With a Buddipole vertical setup using a single counterpoise. Once completed station information will be added to FLDIGI including spotting information. Finally Transmit volume will be adjusted to the correct level so that operations can begin.

Part 3 - Station Construction

 

[JRUBIN]

In this episode the PSK reporter is setup to analyze a manual beacon that will be sent out by the Yaesu FT817 HF ham radio transceiver. FLDIGI is set up so that a button can conveniently be pressed to allow this beacon to be transmitted. VOACAP is also discussed to see what the propagation possibilities are in your particular geographical location.


Part 4 - Transmission Testing

 

[JRUBIN]

In this episode we look at some useful tools that can be used to determine the probability of a signal reaching its destination such as end to end voacap as well as listening to the transmitted signal by means of a web based SDR. Further discussion as it related to FLDIGI includes the signal to noise radio as well is the IMD , inter modulation distortion.

Part 5 - Signal Analysis from the Distant End