About – G5VZ

G5VZ

The 2020 shack was quite basic, really. In 2021 I’ve added a Gemini DX 1200 amplifier and now using an EFHW for 80m up. I still have a huge amount of stuff in storage.

In September 2020 I set up the station to one side of my office work area: a Sun SDRPro2 transceiver, an old amplifier and an LDG 600 autotuner with a doublet antenna.

Now an end-fed half wave an/tenna – about 39m of wire – is giving much better results.

I also now have an Icom IC-705

G5VZ - November 2020 — G5VZ – Station in November 2020

I am a great fan of Palm Radio keys. It’s such a shame that they are no longer being made. The Palm Single is a real favourite! The tiny Pico keys are great, too.

Palm Single and keyer — Palm Single side-swiper, here alongside an MX‑K2 CW Keyer

J38 key — J38 straight key mounted on an oak base

However, on Christmas Eve this white box appeared on my desk…

As it was, I was unable to wait until Christmas morning and opened it then and there.

It took no time at all to adjust the settings and, just to be on the safe side, put a Material 31 ferrite on the lead.

I then enjoyed a very comfortable QSO on 80m with G4LHI, using the key on the air for the first time.

Both Sun SDR2 Pro and IC-705 are so good with the Gemini amplifier which has the 10W drive option.

The Palm Single is taking a well-earned rest just now!

In March 2021 Duncan, G3WZD nominated me for membership of CWops and I am now proud to be CWops member 2877.

Logo of CWops

Sculpture in use with IC-705 — Begali Sculpture key and IC-705 transceiver

A history of my QSL cards is here

I’ve scanned QSL cards received and these can be viewed here

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