21 March 2021

New QRM

So I have found that there is some sort of new RFI bleeding into my receive signal.  I'm not sure what it is exactly but it sounds like some sort of 60 Hz tone.  It's a rough, pulsating tone and I am wondering if it's from some sort of wallwort in my shack.  Unfortunately, I have all of my computers and everything plugged in my shack but I am hoping that, with the purchase of a "new to me" used HP Z210 workstation to put the BBS on, I can put it outside of the shack or that with a newer computer there will be less RFI.  I will just kill the electricity to the entire shed and run my IC-718 on a battery to listen to what might be causing the issue.

With the stimulus, I decided splurge a little more and renewed my ARRL and QRZ subscriptions.  The ARRL has helped me a lot even when I was not a member and the XML data lookup on QRZ is very nice with my logging software.  I went ahead and invested in things I may not be able to get again for a while yet so I can enjoy my operating time a lot more.  I don't mind working that rare distant DX with my modest station.  I'd like to get a small amp — about 300-500 watts — to help me get out with distant DX.  I still do not believe in using an amp in a contest as I consider that cheating.

I'm looking forward to solar cycle 25.  It would be great to get some of that rare DX going to put in my log.  Now to get a more comfortable chair for my tiny shack...

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