Solar Data/Propagation tool for Windows

Based on information’s from N0NBH Solar Banners, (hamqsl.com), i have decided to build a small banner for Windows desktop (work under 7 and 10, not tested under XP, 8, anyway should work, reporting welcome), reasons are simple, i wanna a quick view of solar propagation status, just on my computer-desk, updated information’s that i can look anytime. Hamqsl.com, provide a lot of kind of banner that you can easily put on your website, but, banner for Windows 8 is not free, this for Windows Vista & 7 doesn’t work anymore because Microsoft Gadgets have been discontinued, the Windows Sidebar platform in Windows 7 and Windows Vista has serious vulnerabilities. Microsoft has retired the feature in newer releases of Windows. Instead you can use 8GadgetPack but i dislike adding crappy unknown application like this …

Right now, the application is released, it’s mainly designed for one screen configuration only, (i work for double screen configuration).

The tool is loaded at right of primary screen at every windows loading. To disable, run msconfig, and unselect solarinfo.exe

 

You can force the refresh by pressing a button, or the last information’s are loaded every 15min, minimiz/maximiz window can by done by double click on systray icon.

Top button, put the window overlaps all the other, disabled by default.

Default location software is; C:\Program Files (x86)\SolarInfo

Download SolarInfo_Setup, (the installer maybe need local admin right), also you can only run SolarInfo for a standalone using.

Software is free of use, you can redistribute.

For other kind of propagation software you can visit also, DxZone.com

UV3R+ vs. GT-3 TP MarkIII

I have get my Baofeng GT-3TP to replace my UV-3R+ from ebay (seller uncleb2c), you can find it around 45€ (shipping included) with usb programming cable, it’s a quick review, he’s little bit more heavy but the battery is 1800Mah, the sensitivity is very better than my UV-3R+, the [MENU] is also more easier, global use is pleasant. If like me you use it mainly on local repeater, burst tone can be sended by 1750 or 2100Hz [PTT+A/B] or [PTT+Band].

Programming this radio is a nightmare, depending of chip you ‘ll got with your copy. The best way is too download CHIRP from

http://chirp.danplanet.com/projects/chirp/wiki/Download

After have launched CHIRP, select your COM port, then Vendor and Model, in my case BF-F8HP. Then Radio and Download from Radio.

 

MP1 SuperAntenna, bracket for balcony mount

I have buy a MP1 SuperAntenna on Wimo website, in last February, this HF antenna is dedicated for portable operation, covering from 10 to 30 meters, (and more if you buy coil option for 80m) I use it mainly on my balcony, because of lack of space. In my quick test, i have do some QSO in Europe, with somes stations in Italy, Bulgaria, Romania, Russia, Macedonia, with 100W on 20 meters band. The SWR was « good » between 12 and 20 meters.

The MP-1 is a universal antenna (made by SuperAntenans USA) with 180cm length and max. 150 Watt power load. In the specification of the package, i noticed, POWER: 500W SSB, 300W CW/DATA/FM, The center loading coil is adjusted with a sliding tap, just move the outer part of the coil up and down. The antenna has a 3/8″ thread bolt for mobile use, suitable for the appropiate base mounts. For use while driving the telescopic part of the antenna should be by the available optional steel whip. Without the center loading coil the antenna can be used on 2m and 70cm by adjusting the length of the telescope. The standard version covers all bands from 7 to 30MHz, for 80m operations an optional extension coil is available. With option UM-2 or TM-1 the antenna has a PL connector.

I currently build a bracked system with strong aluminum board, to ensure the mount on my balcony.

Some resulting of test with the original counterpoise, using my ICOM IC7300 and SWR grpah meter.

Band QRG Power (W) SWR
40M 7.100 100 ~1.5/2:1
30M 10 (most oriented CW) not tested not tested
20M 14.150 100 Close to 1:1
17M 18 100 too HIGH
15M 21.225 100 1.4:1
12M 24.895 100 1.2:1
10M 28 100 too HIGH

 

 

 

update: 07/07, bracket for balcony mount is now ready! i'm mainly QRV on 20 meters

Update 15/08/2017

After using the antenna for 3 months around, the ring has just started to rust, as you can see. Yeah this part seem to be not stainless.

I never get any response from superantenna support.