On the ground
The "new normal" continues to roll in for November and it may not be as bright as imagined. Every country has its version of 'new normal' for the citizenry, some are easy and some are hard, and it depends on whether you are old or whether you are young. No matter your status, everyone will be affected by the 'new normal' and its mentality. This is driven by the people in authority, some who do not understand but think they do, and others who understand but are totally excluded from the process. This is not unique to any place but just the way that globalism rolls in these times. Our world has changed irretrievably, we cannot go back, so it is forward ever, for all of us and our amateur radio, and that applies to every amateur radio operator and for every country on our planet.
This is not the first time that we are adapting, so this should not be difficult unless we make it so. There are always people who resist change, including even some amateur radio operators. This brings more discussion to every issue and tests the metal of the executives in our amateur radio organisations. Not pointing any fingers, but I suspect that the older amd more experiences amateur radio operators could prove to be resourceful and helpful. In places like ours where there is no effective club station the onus is on our amateur radio operators to present their best amateur radio station to the world.
That may be easier than we think, because all it takes is a clean, understandable audio signal to be heard on the other side of the world. What is used to produce the clean audio signal on the other side of the world is actually of no importance to anyone, but the amateur radio operator may wish to exhibit his pride. Many amateur radio stations are using pre 2000 equipment, the only problem is finding a maintenance center and personnel for repair. This is the fallout from the pandemic. Many senior amateur radio operators did not make it through the pandemic. Their amateur radio equipment is now taken over by family members, who have now become amateur radio operators, for sentimental or other reasons.
On the other hand many new amateur radio opertors are taking advantage of the cost saving offered by these amateur radio transceivers and receivers on eBay. Many amateur radio stores have closed down from the pandemic, but those that are still open usually sell all the amateur radio equipment required with warranty. A google search "amateur radio transceivers for sale" reveals almost all the great radio deals today. New amateur radio equipment is also available. Recent news coming from the big three indicate that some of the popular radios are now on their discontinued list. There is a global shortage of specific components, hence the discontinuation of some popular models.
The other components of the amateur radio station puts the icing on this amateur radio cake. Finding the best microphone for the radio could take time that is time well spent in tailoring the sound you need. Some operators are very particular with their 'sound' on the radio, while others are not. There are brand name nicrophones made specifically for certain radios. Another important item is the loudspeaker on the receiver. For some anything will do, but for the serious amateur radio operator nothing but the best, and that costs money. Serious operators invest in a very good headset, as this seem to be the way to go.
http://www.arlancommunications.com/products/amateurRadio/
http://www.vibroplex.com/contents/en-us/d9155.html
Any microphone can be used on any radio so long as you observe the matching parameters. Some operators even use the microphone that comes with their computers. It is all about the transmitted sound. Headphones put the speakers up close so you hear everything. A comfotrtable pair is life changing.
For me the most important station component is the antenna. I am still learning about antennas and in recent times my thinking was challenged and my outlook has changed with new research. I always loved vertical antennas as they blended nicely with my city lot. Verticals have always worked for me on the low bands, 40 meters and 80 meters. Living on an island with the sea no more than 4 miles in any direction, is just a step or two behind living on the beach, which is the IDEAL condition. The best antenna is the half wave dipole, and with parasitic elements it is even better.
The good thing about amateur radio is that you can be a scientist and conduct your own tests on any antenna system that interests you. The vertical gives the lowest angle of radiation which is what we need for deep DX on any amateur radio band. Keep this in mind if your plan is for real DX and without a linear amplifier. A correct and proper instalation is required for vertical antennas to work best. Using radials, the eleated radials work best. Eliminate all guesswork, get a reputable antenna analyser, like a Rig Expert model. Do not let the price scare you. Test and test again. Any help you need, call.
https://rigexpert.com/products/antenna-analyzers/
To make all this work perfectly everything is connected by coax cable and plugs. The big thing seems to be crimp plugs, but they seem to be inherently unreliable, so consider this in your planning. I use solder plugs. It takes more effort and time to make up, but does not not create any problem of any kind in the future. Expensive or cheap cable, that is your choice between RG213 of RG8X. Consider well. Of minor issue is coax connector, plug pl259, check the surface, it may not be what you are looking for. I am advised that in coax plugs always buy the Amphenol brand. There is something about Amphenol.
[to be continued]
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