OT - American hamming in UK

[Mike Geddes]

To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
this regard:

1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
agreement.

Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
maybe already done some hamming from UK.

Thanks and 73,
Mike
N4JX

K1/4  #2319
K2/100  #6042



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[dave.wilburn]

I have traveled with this MFJ power supply, and used it with a K2/100,
and an IC-703, without issue.
http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-4225MV

Adaptable power connections for other countries are available at any
office / computer store.
-  

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 S/N 5982


On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 22:00 -0500, Mike Geddes wrote:

> To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
> traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
> Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
> ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
> a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
> If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
> this regard:
>
> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
> gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
> type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
> it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
> power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
> 4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
> meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
> suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
> place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
> agreement.
>
> Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
> are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
> thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
> maybe already done some hamming from UK.
>
> Thanks and 73,
> Mike
> N4JX
>
> K1/4  #2319
> K2/100  #6042
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
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[Kurt Pawlikowski]

David and Mike,

    The eHam reviews ( http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3856 ) seem to
indicate that it has a loud fan. The more recent reviews (this year)
seem to indicate more problems. I would guess, unless I had a "tried and
true" PS, I'd be a little leery of taking anything on such a trip.

    Regards,

    kurtt

    Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC
    The Pinrod Corporation
    [hidden email]
    [phone]
    http://pinrod.com

David Wilburn wrote:

> I have traveled with this MFJ power supply, and used it with a K2/100,
> and an IC-703, without issue.
> http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-4225MV
>
> Adaptable power connections for other countries are available at any
> office / computer store.
> -  
>
> David Wilburn
> [hidden email]
> K4DGW
> K2 S/N 5982
>
>
> On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 22:00 -0500, Mike Geddes wrote:
>  
>> To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
>> traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
>> Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
>> ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
>> a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
>> If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
>> this regard:
>>
>> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
>> gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
>> type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
>> it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
>> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
>> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
>> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
>> power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
>> 4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
>> meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
>> suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
>> place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
>> agreement.
>>
>> Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
>> are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
>> thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
>> maybe already done some hamming from UK.
>>
>> Thanks and 73,
>> Mike
>> N4JX
>>
>> K1/4  #2319
>> K2/100  #6042
>>
>>
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Post to: [hidden email]
>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>>
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>    
>
> _______________________________________________
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>
>  

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[dave.wilburn]

I have put quite a view hours on mine here at the house, and have taken
it on trips.  The only complaints I have, is the binding post through
holes are oriented in an odd manner, by whomever built it, and the
banana plug connections are mini-bananas.  

I took it apart to see if I could re-orient the post, and it wasn't
worth the effort, too much stuff in there.  I could not find mini-banana
connectors that were capable of carrying the load that the K2 generates.
So I often had to wrap the wire around the binding post.  Which I didn't
particularly like.  I wanted something easy on, easy off, that I didn't
have to worry about coming loose.  YMMV

I have not ever noted an issue from the fan, or had any problems with
it.  It has traveled with me when I was on the road full time, and run
radios at the house here that were on for 6 or 8 months at a time, for
packet telpac node.
-  

David Wilburn
[hidden email]
K4DGW
K2 S/N 5982


On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 21:37 -0600, Kurt Pawlikowski wrote:

> David and Mike,
>
>     The eHam reviews ( http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3856 ) seem to
> indicate that it has a loud fan. The more recent reviews (this year)
> seem to indicate more problems. I would guess, unless I had a "tried and
> true" PS, I'd be a little leery of taking anything on such a trip.
>
>     Regards,
>
>     kurtt
>
>     Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC
>     The Pinrod Corporation
>     [hidden email]
>     [phone]
>     http://pinrod.com
>
> David Wilburn wrote:
> > I have traveled with this MFJ power supply, and used it with a K2/100,
> > and an IC-703, without issue.
> > http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-4225MV
> >
> > Adaptable power connections for other countries are available at any
> > office / computer store.
> > -  
> >
> > David Wilburn
> > [hidden email]
> > K4DGW
> > K2 S/N 5982
> >
> >
> > On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 22:00 -0500, Mike Geddes wrote:
> >  
> >> To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
> >> traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
> >> Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
> >> ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
> >> a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
> >> If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
> >> this regard:
> >>
> >> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
> >> gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
> >> type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
> >> it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
> >> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
> >> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
> >> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
> >> power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
> >> 4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
> >> meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
> >> suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
> >> place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
> >> agreement.
> >>
> >> Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
> >> are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
> >> thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
> >> maybe already done some hamming from UK.
> >>
> >> Thanks and 73,
> >> Mike
> >> N4JX
> >>
> >> K1/4  #2319
> >> K2/100  #6042
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> _______________________________________________
> >> Elecraft mailing list
> >> Post to: [hidden email]
> >> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> >> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> >>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
> >>
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> >> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
> >>    
> >
> > _______________________________________________
> > Elecraft mailing list
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> >
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> > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
> >
> >  

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[Kurt Pawlikowski]

David,

    I guess my observation was that the reviews seemed to be less
favorable for the more recent units. Could be just random, but then
again, it could mean something.

    Also, when I'm going to depend on something (like using it in a trip
as Mike is), I feel a lot better about it if it's been in use a while.
Every piece of electronic equipment suffers from "infant death." That
is, the highest failure rate occurs at the beginning of the unit's life
cycle. So, generally, if it makes it past a week or two, it's likely to
last some years without trouble.

    Regards,

    kurtt

    Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC
    The Pinrod Corporation
    [hidden email]
    [phone]
    http://pinrod.com

David Wilburn wrote:

> I have put quite a view hours on mine here at the house, and have taken
> it on trips.  The only complaints I have, is the binding post through
> holes are oriented in an odd manner, by whomever built it, and the
> banana plug connections are mini-bananas.  
>
> I took it apart to see if I could re-orient the post, and it wasn't
> worth the effort, too much stuff in there.  I could not find mini-banana
> connectors that were capable of carrying the load that the K2 generates.
> So I often had to wrap the wire around the binding post.  Which I didn't
> particularly like.  I wanted something easy on, easy off, that I didn't
> have to worry about coming loose.  YMMV
>
> I have not ever noted an issue from the fan, or had any problems with
> it.  It has traveled with me when I was on the road full time, and run
> radios at the house here that were on for 6 or 8 months at a time, for
> packet telpac node.
> -  
>
> David Wilburn
> [hidden email]
> K4DGW
> K2 S/N 5982
>
>
> On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 21:37 -0600, Kurt Pawlikowski wrote:
>  
>> David and Mike,
>>
>>     The eHam reviews ( http://www.eham.net/reviews/detail/3856 ) seem to
>> indicate that it has a loud fan. The more recent reviews (this year)
>> seem to indicate more problems. I would guess, unless I had a "tried and
>> true" PS, I'd be a little leery of taking anything on such a trip.
>>
>>     Regards,
>>
>>     kurtt
>>
>>     Kurt Pawlikowski, AKA WB9FMC
>>     The Pinrod Corporation
>>     [hidden email]
>>     [phone]
>>     http://pinrod.com
>>
>> David Wilburn wrote:
>>    
>>> I have traveled with this MFJ power supply, and used it with a K2/100,
>>> and an IC-703, without issue.
>>> http://www.mfjenterprises.com/products.php?prodid=MFJ-4225MV
>>>
>>> Adaptable power connections for other countries are available at any
>>> office / computer store.
>>> -  
>>>
>>> David Wilburn
>>> [hidden email]
>>> K4DGW
>>> K2 S/N 5982
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, 2007-11-29 at 22:00 -0500, Mike Geddes wrote:
>>>  
>>>      
>>>> To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
>>>> traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
>>>> Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
>>>> ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
>>>> a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
>>>> If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
>>>> this regard:
>>>>
>>>> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
>>>> gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
>>>> type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
>>>> it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
>>>> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
>>>> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
>>>> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
>>>> power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
>>>> 4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
>>>> meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
>>>> suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
>>>> place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
>>>> agreement.
>>>>
>>>> Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
>>>> are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
>>>> thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
>>>> maybe already done some hamming from UK.
>>>>
>>>> Thanks and 73,
>>>> Mike
>>>> N4JX
>>>>
>>>> K1/4  #2319
>>>> K2/100  #6042
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> _______________________________________________
>>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>>>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>>>>
>>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>>>    
>>>>        
>>> _______________________________________________
>>> Elecraft mailing list
>>> Post to: [hidden email]
>>> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
>>> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
>>>  http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft   
>>>
>>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
>>> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
>>>
>>>  
>>>      
>
>
>  

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[Stewart Baker]

Just a side comment.
If we (amateurs) give up the right to lawfully transport our hobby equipment
around the world just because it is a hassle, then the terrorists have won.

73
Stewart G3RXQ
On Thu, 29 Nov 2007 22:00:48 -0500, Mike Geddes wrote:

> To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
> traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
> Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
> ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take
> a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
> If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
> this regard:
>
> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio
> gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
> type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
> it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
> power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
> 4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
> meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or
> suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in
> place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
> agreement.
>
> Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
> are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
> thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
> maybe already done some hamming from UK.
>
> Thanks and 73,
> Mike
> N4JX
>
> K1/4  #2319
> K2/100  #6042
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Post to: [hidden email]
> You must be a subscriber to post to the list.
> Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.):
> http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm
> Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com

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[stephen Farthing]

Mike,

1. Please do bring a rig with you. I am sure you will be rewarded with loads
of contacts.

2. In the UK we have a mains voltage of 240 Volts 50 Hz and a different
mains plug. You will need to ensure that the 12 volt DC PSU you bring with
you will cope with the 240 volt supply. A simple US to UK travel plug
adaptor will suffice and you can get these at the airport or at a high
street shop. Over here we have a chain of shops called Maplin which are
somewhat like Radio Shack which sell the adaptors plus wire for antennas and
connectors. However they are not strong on components.

2. When I travel in the USA with my QRP buddies Jan G0BBL and M0PUB, we only
take simple QRP kit and use laptop power supplies which cope with both US
and UK voltages. However the current output of these will be insufficient
for your K2/100 but possibly not if you remove/do not use the PA. If you do
buy yourself a new switch mode PSU get it in the USA as you will pay lots
more for it over here - we have a blanket tax of 17.5 percent on most things
over here - one of the reasons why we come to the USA to buy stuff. (OT A
pair of levis that cost me $15 in Wallmart in Arkansas costs £85 over here).

3. If you are flying from London to Scotland using one of the budget
carriers (Ryanair, Easyjet) you will be charged extra for anything except
hand luggage. So travel lightly if you can.

4. I have travelled all over the US and Europe with ham Radio stuff and
never had a problem at an airport. I normally take mine in a laptop case or
in a rucksack as hand luggage. The worst that has happened is I got a bag of
stuff I bought at Pordenone last week hand searched on departure from Marco
Polo airport, probably because it had an ATV RX/TX in it. If you are polite
to the staff the problem invariably goes away.

5. Re antennas - roach (crappie in the USA?) poles are widely available from
Angling shops over here and cheap. I normally use a Norcal Doublet made out
of speaker wire (Bell wire in the colonies?) which in essentially a 44 foot
doublet and support it with a roach pole and connect it via a balun to the
ATU of whatever rig I use - which mostly is an FT817 and an Elecraft T1 as
the K2 is a bit too bulky for me to travel with.

Hope this helps. Let me know if you need anything else.

Regards,

Steve G0XAR - Norwich - England

-----Original Message-----
From: [hidden email]
[mailto:[hidden email]] On Behalf Of Mike Geddes
Sent: 30 November 2007 03:01
To: Elecraft
Subject: [Elecraft] OT - American hamming in UK

To my friends across the pond (and here in the states): My son and I are
traveling to UK in mid-February to visit some family and see the country.
Flying in to London, then heading north to Newcastle and points beyond,
ending up in N. Scotland.  Some of my ham buddies are encouraging me to take

a rig and do some hamming to try and make some contacts back in the states.
If I do, I will be taking my K2/100 for the job. I have some questions in
this regard:

1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it is worth trying to get radio

gear through security, customs, etc?  I will have it secured in a Pelican
type case with custom fit foam.  Just don't want a hassle in trying to get
it in and out of the country.  2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.  3) What type of
power plug adapter would I need to fit the receptacles in your fair land?
4) What antenna would you suggest . . . I am thinking about a 20 and/or 40
meter coax fed dipole. Again, open to suggestions.  5) Any licensing tips or

suggestions?  From what I read it appears there is a reciprocal agreement in

place.  I just need to make sure I have a my license and a copy of the
agreement.

Sorry if an off topic post like this is inappropriate here. I do know there
are a number of UK hams (and Elecraft brothers) on this reflector and
thought they may have some helpful insight.  As well as you yanks that have
maybe already done some hamming from UK.

Thanks and 73,
Mike
N4JX

K1/4  #2319
K2/100  #6042



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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

If I had the opportunity of visiting Scotland the last thing I would do is
take a radio, instead I would just enjoy Scotland!

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

----- Original Message -----
From: "Stephen Farthing" <[hidden email]>

1. Please do bring a rig with you. I am sure you will be rewarded with loads
of contacts.

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[dj7mgq]

Hallo,

> 1) Do you think it will be more trouble than it
> is worth trying to get radio gear through security,
> customs, etc?

In the last several years I've taken my K2 by air from DL to CU, SV, 4O, 5B, EA
and TA. I have never had any problems at all. Be sure you have your license with
you and a copy of the CEPT documents would also be a good idea, if some official
feels like asking questions.

Up to date T/R 61-01 CEPT docs can be found at:

 <http://www.ero.dk/documentation/docs/docfiles.asp?docid=1802>
 <http://www.ero.dk/documentation/docs/implement.asp?docid=1802>

and to search:

 <http://www.ero.dk/documentation/docs/searchform.asp>


vy 73 de toby
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[oe9fwv]

hi all,

On 30 Nov 2007 at 8:22, Stephen Farthing wrote:

> The worst that has happened is I got a bag of
> stuff I bought at Pordenone last week hand searched on departure from
> Marco Polo airport, probably because it had an ATV RX/TX in it. If you
> are polite to the staff the problem invariably goes away.

I suggest leaving a copy of your amateur radio license in the bag or have it
at hand for the customs. I have had nice contacts with the affected officers
like this.

73! de Werner
OE9FWV

--  
 Die letzten Worte des PC's: Starting Windows95...



PGP-Key: <http://www.qsl.net/oe9fwv/furlan.asc>
Fone [phone]
Fax [phone]
Mobile      [phone]


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[M0XDF]

On the PSU - why not buy one here (I guess exchange rate might be an issue),
I'm using a Watson Power-Mite, purchased from Walters & Stanton (Watson is
their kit)

http://www.wsplc.com/acatalog/Watson_Mains_Power_Supplies.html
should be the first item on that page

Its very small, quiet - both physical and appears to be on RF too
Has switchable input voltage, so when you take it back it will work - it
should work in any country I would have thought.
A few nice features:
* uses a standard power cord with 'normal' PC style 3 pin - just take the
right cord for the country (anyone know right code for that kind of plug).

* fan can run in auto mode or permanent on, it didn't come on much when I
used it with my FT-857 in the summer.

* short-circuit and  over-voltage protection

* adjustable voltage, so if you don't really need another supply at home,
use it on the bench etc.

since you're staying with family, have it delivered to them or get them to
purchase for you, W&S have a shop in the Midlands and Scotland too.


I haven't used the Alinco one, but it has an adjustment to compensate for
the RF it produces.


On 30/11/07 03:00, "Mike Geddes" <[hidden email]> sent:

 2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
> switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
> the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
> Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.

--
All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.
-Sean O'Casey, playwright (1880-1964)



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[Julian, G4ILO]

Buying anything here is going to cost about twice what it would in the
States. Everything here is going to seem expensive to you because of
the weak dollar, so my advice would be to bring everything with you.

For the antenna, these end-fed dipoles
http://www.parelectronics.com/end_fedz.htm look to me to have an
advantage in ease of deployment at temporary locations than the
regular centre fed sort.
--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf
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[Julian, G4ILO]

The Alinco DM-330 power supply got a good write-up in RadCom a couple
of months back.

Don't know where in the north of Scotland you are going but this place
www.dunnethead.co.uk is apparently run by a ham, Brian, GM4JYB. He
used to advertise in RadCom but when I checked to get the address just
now he seems to have stopped. I haven't stayed there myself, though I
did have an exchange of emails a few years ago when I thought about
going up there, and I think he would allow use of his shack.

--
Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
Zerobeat Ham Forums: www.zerobeat.net/smf
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[Peter Howson]

Simon

What could be better than sitting down in the evening with a K2 and a glass
of 18 year old Macallan.

http://www.themacallan.com/

OK - maybe a K3 !! But remember
1, There is no such thing as a bad whisky, although some are better than
others
2, The only thing you need to add to a malt whisky is a little water and
more malt.

Like other replies, Mike, I would say bring your K2, make contact with the
locals and enjoy your holiday.

73
Peter
GM8GAX
K2 #04027




> If I had the opportunity of visiting Scotland the last thing I would do is
> take a radio, instead I would just enjoy Scotland!
>
> Simon Brown, HB9DRV
>

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[Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy]

Peter Howson  <[hidden email]> wrote:
 
> What could be better than sitting down in the evening with a K2 and a
> glass of 18 year old Macallan.
 
This could start an interesting thread, or clan warfare :-)

> Like other replies, Mike, I would say bring your K2, make contact with
> the
> locals and enjoy your holiday.
 
Welcome to Scotland Mike when you come!
 
73,
Geoff
GM4ESD
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[Simon (HB9DRV)]

Sitting down with an 18 year old Miss Macallan :-)

Simon Brown, HB9DRV

----- Original Message -----
From: "Peter Howson" <[hidden email]>
>
> What could be better than sitting down in the evening with a K2 and a
> glass of 18 year old Macallan.
>

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[Kenneth E. Harker]

On Fri, Nov 30, 2007 at 08:22:48AM -0000, Stephen Farthing wrote:

> 5. Re antennas - roach (crappie in the USA?) poles are widely available from
> Angling shops over here and cheap. I normally use a Norcal Doublet made out
> of speaker wire (Bell wire in the colonies?) which in essentially a 44 foot
> doublet and support it with a roach pole and connect it via a balun to the
> ATU of whatever rig I use - which mostly is an FT817 and an Elecraft T1 as
> the K2 is a bit too bulky for me to travel with.

It's "speaker wire" over here, too.  I've never heard the term "Bell wire"
before.

Do you really fish for roaches in the UK?

--
Kenneth E. Harker WM5R
[hidden email]
http://www.kenharker.com/

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[M0XDF]

Yes - small country, small fish - but it's spelt Roach (no e)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roach_(fish)

On 30/11/07 13:24, "Kenneth E. Harker" <[hidden email]> sent:
> On Fri, Nov 30, 2007 at 08:22:48AM -0000, Stephen Farthing wrote:
> Do you really fish for roaches in the UK?
--
The rung of a ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's
foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.
-Thomas Henry Huxley, biologist and writer (1825-1995)


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[Bill Hammond]

That warning includes a pint at your run of the mill pub @3.50 pounds, over
7.00USD.   Bring your own ;-))   I was in the Manchester area and Peaks
district three weeks ago. Sorry, no time for ham radio.   I did enjoy country side
and even a few high priced pints. Be warned if yiou fly in country that there is
a one carry on limit
73,
Bill
AK5X
K3 #69


In a message dated 11/30/07 5:19:23 AM, [hidden email] writes:

> Buying anything here is going to cost about twice what it would in the
> States. Everything here is going to seem expensive to you because of
> the weak dollar, so my advice would be to bring everything with you.
>
> For the antenna, these end-fed dipoles
> http://www.parelectronics.com/end_fedz.htm look to me to have an
> advantage in ease of deployment at temporary locations than the
> regular centre fed sort.
> --
> Julian, G4ILO K2 s/n: 392  K3 s/n: ???
> G4ILO's Shack: www.g4ilo.com
>

**************************************
Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest
products.

(http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop00030000000001)
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[Doug Faunt N6TQS [phone]]

It's about the same size at the MFJ-4125, and W&S may have a better
reputation than MFJ.
It does look like a nice piece of kit, but what kind of warranty
coverage does W&S give to non-resident purchasers?

The price is very good, in fact, especially if W&S will do the required
paper work for a VAT refund.

73, doug

   Date: Fri, 30 Nov 2007 10:58:35 +0000
   From: "David Ferrington, M0XDF" <[hidden email]>

   On the PSU - why not buy one here (I guess exchange rate might be an issue),
   I'm using a Watson Power-Mite, purchased from Walters & Stanton (Watson is
   their kit)

   http://www.wsplc.com/acatalog/Watson_Mains_Power_Supplies.html
   should be the first item on that page

   Its very small, quiet - both physical and appears to be on RF too
   Has switchable input voltage, so when you take it back it will work - it
   should work in any country I would have thought.
   A few nice features:
   * uses a standard power cord with 'normal' PC style 3 pin - just take the
   right cord for the country (anyone know right code for that kind of plug).

   * fan can run in auto mode or permanent on, it didn't come on much when I
   used it with my FT-857 in the summer.

   * short-circuit and  over-voltage protection

   * adjustable voltage, so if you don't really need another supply at home,
   use it on the bench etc.

   since you're staying with family, have it delivered to them or get them to
   purchase for you, W&S have a shop in the Midlands and Scotland too.


   I haven't used the Alinco one, but it has an adjustment to compensate for
   the RF it produces.


   On 30/11/07 03:00, "Mike Geddes" <[hidden email]> sent:

    2) Suggestions for a nice portable 20a
   > switching power supply?  I am looking for a smaller unit I can include in
   > the case with the radio. And it must have 110/220v power options.  I saw an
   > Alinco that seemed to fit the bill. I welcome your ideas.

   --
   All the world's a stage and most of us are desperately unrehearsed.
   -Sean O'Casey, playwright (1880-1964)



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