HF · CW · SDR · QRP
IO93ip located in Yorkshire in the north of England
The station today
This page will describe the present G5VZ station, the radios in use, the CW keys on the operating desk, the antennas, and the portable arrangements used away from the main station.
G5VZ operations are based around a FlexRadio 8400. The radio has an internal ATU and runs 100W. The emphasis is on HF operating, CW, SDR, practical station building, and keeping the station flexible enough for both everyday operating and experimentation.
Placeholder text can later be replaced with a fuller description of the station layout, the aerial switching arrangements, the logging software, the computer and display setup, and the operating preferences used for ordinary QSOs, nets, DX and casual listening.
Base station
The station is arranged around a modern SDR workflow, with the radio and software forming a single operating environment. Placeholder text can describe the computer, display, logging, audio and accessory arrangements.
The SDR display makes band activity visible at a glance, while traditional operating habits still matter: listening carefully, keeping signals clean, and knowing when to call and when to wait.
CW
CW remains central to the station. The operating desk includes bug keys, paddles and other keying arrangements, each with its own feel and rhythm. Placeholder text can later describe the Begali keys, Vibroplex bugs and any interfaces used for keying the radio.
The choice of key affects the whole character of an operating session. Some keys invite careful, measured sending; others encourage a more flowing style. This section can include notes on adjustment, feel and preferred use.
ADS-B and 1090 MHz
The station now includes a dedicated Raspberry Pi 5 receiver for 1090 MHz ADS-B aircraft transmissions. FlightAware PiAware and dump1090-fa provide the local SkyAware aircraft map and feed received data to FlightAware.
The same receiver also supplies a second feed to the 1090MHz UK aggregator. This makes one set of receiver hardware useful both locally and to more than one external aircraft-tracking network, without interfering with the normal PiAware feed.
The complete build, enclosure, software arrangement and monitoring are described on the project page.
Portable and QRP
Portable operation is a useful contrast with the home station. It asks for simpler equipment, lighter antennas and a more deliberate operating style. Placeholder text can describe the portable radio, battery arrangements, portable keying, logging and antenna choices.
The station photographs in this section can be used to describe outdoor operating, temporary aerials, the practicalities of carrying equipment, and the pleasure of making CW contacts from a small and self-contained station.
Later, this panel can include a note on QRP expectations: careful listening, timing, efficient antennas, and realistic operating goals often matter more than transmitter power.
Antennas and history
This final panel can bring together the practical and historical sides of the station. It can describe current antennas, previous aerials, experiments, station changes, and the wider history of the G5VZ call.
Placeholder text can later be replaced with details of the antenna system, the bands most often used, any VHF or 4m arrangements, and the story of earlier G5VZ material such as cards, signs and photographs.
