AB1WX Ryuji

@[email protected]
26 Followers
23 Following
94 Posts
Portable only, #sota and #pota. Interests: RF/analog engineering, neurophysiology, science/tech in general, culture, global issues and generally good life.
Modealmost exclusively CW, straight key
HomeFN42li
AB1WX RyujiDec 8
My SOTA focus is HF high bands, but I made a center-loaded extension to convert my standard high-band vertical monopole for 40m and 60m. It has a tapped loading coil and a bottom extension element. It works well enough for daytime low-band local/regional contacts with familiar OPs from W1/W2/W3/W4/VA2 that are otherwise well within my skip zones on high bands. Photos at W1/HA-023 Stinson Mtn on 6 Dec 2025.
AB1WX RyujiSep 18, 2024
Finally, the mechanism and a simple fix for TS590's ANT 1/2 selector problem have been figured out. Details have been published in the TS590 Groups.io group. The fix can be implemented without deep disassembly or SMD replacement.
AB1WX RyujiAug 31, 2024
Mt Osceola 1323m W1/HA-011 US-4512 KFF-4522 from yesterday's #SOTA and #POTA activation. As you imagine, posting photos is a lot easier than transcribing and uploading my log when I wake up. I tied #SOTAbeams #Carbon6 on a dead tree to avoid RF power loss. The transformer is there to drive the single vertical radiator on all bands. Pink wire is a loop radial for 10-20m and the white one is for 40m for local contacts.
AB1WX RyujiAug 21, 2024
This square G-Shock shows UTC and my local time. It's made for surfers but also ideal for #POTA #SOTA and amateur radio in general. It shows a tidal graph, which I'd instead trade for space weather summary... I know I am asking too much. I changed the strap for Casio genuine combi bracelet v1.
Show threadAB1WX RyujiAug 15, 2024

Part 3:

https://www.animatedknots.com/constrictor-knot-rope-end-method
Double constrictor is an even more secure variant. Very useful when tying things down to vehicle/trailer, tying wound cables, etc. Best in slip form for undoing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaLyC-h09k0
Woodland zip tie is useful when carrying a jacket tied to the pack, etc.

I use NiteIze CamJam to replace trucker's hitch. It's significantly less work and places where leveraged tension is needed is uaually known in advance.

CamJam is also good for adjustable guy wires.

Constrictor Knot (Rope End Method)

A quick temporary whipping for a fraying rope's end.

Show threadAB1WX RyujiAug 15, 2024

Part 2:

https://www.animatedknots.com/double-dragon-loop
More secure but not much more work than bowline, easy to remember and undo. A loop can be made in the middle of a rope without access to either end, so it can replace Alpine butterfly.

https://www.animatedknots.com/buntline-hitch-knot
Versatile. Classic. It's actually quite fast with the finger wrap technique. Use slip knot to facilitate undoing.

https://www.animatedknots.com/farrimond-friction-hitch-knot
A super convenient friction hitch when the rope is very long (no need to access the end of the rope). Easy to undo.

Double Dragon Loop

Double Dragon Loop.

AB1WX RyujiAug 15, 2024

The most useful knot for #SOTA and #POTA in my book: Ian's secure knot. Originally a shoelace knot (I never had this undone while hiking, but it is easy to undo intentionally). It is very useful when tying a mast to a fence, tree, etc., because the knot is secure against the motion/vibration of the mast. Most other knots/hitches (like constrictor) are weak when the mast moves inside the knot. Highly recommended, especially for Spiderbeam 12m HD!

https://www.fieggen.com/shoelace/secureknot.htm

See Parts 2 & 3 for more

Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot

Tutorial for tying the Ian's Secure Shoelace Knot, in which the laces are formed into two loops, both of which are passed through the “hole” in the middle.

Ian's Shoelace Site