Amateur Radio Station W1JHU

On the Road with the "Roo"

As some of you may know I (Al) am an FCC licensed amateur radio operator (ham).  My call sign is W1JHU and I've been licensed for 55 years having received my novice license (WN1JHU) in 1955.  Within a few months I took the necessary FCC tests and was upgraded to General Class and finally to my current Advanced Class license.  At the home QTH (home address) I operate an ICOM 756 PRO III transceiver (see below).   I have made many radio contacts during our many stops.  In fact, I quite often will check in daily with a wonderful group of hams from New Hampshire, New Mexico, Kentucky, Delaware, Illinois, and Missouri.  Their calls are K1GZL(Charley), W5TWY (Terry), KB1DXC (Mike), KA1YVU (Art), AI4OX (Dennis), KB1IZU (Bob), K0WOJ (Bob), K0AYF (Mike), KB3IRZ (Craig), and AC9T (Frank).  We meet daily at 8:00 PM (EST) on 40 meters.  It is always a pleasure to chat with them and other hams while traveling.    

I also use the ICOM IC-756PRO III transceiver in the motorhome running 100 watts along with an ICOM SM-20 microphone.  The rig is powered by a Samlex model SEC-1223, 12VDC power supply located under the counter top. 

The antenna is a High Sierra "Sidekick" screwdriver antenna mounted atop the motorhome ladder.  I 've installed a 60" whip and capacity hat to improve my signal on the 80 and 40 meter bands.  Heavy duty quick disconnects are incorporated so the antenna can be easily taken down for travel.  Antenna grounding is accomplished via a 1"x 1/4" copper bus bar that runs the full length of the ladder and is bonded to the motorhome frame.  The antenna is remotely tune from inside the motorhome with a High Sierra remote control box.  

Here's a look at the home QTH station.  The rig is an ICOM IC-756PRO III driving a Toyko-Hi-Power HL-1.2Kfx solid state amplifier to a Palstar AT1KP antenna tuner.  The radio and peripherals are powered by an Alinco Model DM-330MVT 12VDC supply.  The antenna is a Hustler 4BTV trap vertical encased in 2" white PVC pipe and disguised as a flagpole.  The computer is a Dell Latitude C400 running Ham Radio Deluxe, version 3.5, for rig control.  For CW I use a Vibroplex "iambic" key in conjunction with the "PRO's" electronic keyer.   The microphone is an ICOM SM-20. The headset is an inexpensive set from Radio Shack.

Trips

Home