NIØF

RONALD E BLOSS
43 Circle Dr
Hutchinson, KS  67502  USA

Grid: EM18ac   County: Reno  ITU:7  CQ:4  Member ARRL & SKCC #14904

ni0f at ni0f dot com

 

As a kid I became friends with the local TV repairman who was a ham and had a station in the back of his shop.  I spent many an afternoon listening to his HRO 50.  I was originally licensed as a Novice in January 1990, immediately got the upgrade bug, worked around the clock on my code speed and passed the 13 wpm General a few weeks later.  I passed the Extra Exam Friday December 9, 2016.

I have been enjoying this hobby for over 30 years.

To all the operators who work me, thank you and I will confirm via LOTW, eQSL and QRZ.  I upload to all systems every couple of days.  I will also send a paper card if you want/need that.

Previous call(s) KBØFQM, WØDIT, ADØWS, KGØJ.

Rigs include:

Icom IC-7300 (x2)

Yaesu FT-1000MP

Amplifier: Heathkit SB-200

Transmatches (for the doublet), a MFJ-949D, a MFJ-949E, a MFJ-949C and a MFJ-991B.  The internal transmatches in the Icoms will tune any issues with either the Hex Beam or the 40m coxial antenna (normally not needed at all). When using the amplifier I match the doublet with a legal limit homebrew transmatch.

 

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Operating position one (above) with IC-7300 and homebrew legal limit antenna match. The SB-200 lives in this op position.

 

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Operating position two (above) has an IC-7300 and Yaesu FT-1000MP with MFJ-949E and MFJ-991b antenna match.

 

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Above, NA4RR 6 band hexbeam, installed roof November 2017.

 

Station logging done with N3FJP ACL.  Station computers are HP Z400 Workstations with Quad Core Xeon processors, 8 gig ram and SSD boot drives, running Windows 10.  These computers were purchased on EBay from refubishers for approx $170 each and are basically in new looking condition, they are more than adequate for Amateur Radio software use.

Antennas include a NA4RR Hex Beam, an 80M doublet fed with homemade 600 ohm ladder line at 40 feet and a coaxial dipole (double Bazooka) for 40 meters also at 40 feet. I also throw up my MFJ-2982 "Feather Lite" 31 foot portable vertical at times.  I frequently get questions about the balanced coax feed for the doublet so I've added a drawing with notes explaining what I am using.  Works very well for me.

I was awarded the Rookie of the year in the KSQP in 2016.

I hope to be back with the 1x1 call KØK in 2022 in the Kansas QSO Party.  http://www.ksqsoparty.org/

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Entire page and contents © 2022, Ronald E Bloss