ZR2DX SHACK LINEUP
KENWOOD TS570S: (HF + 6m)
Primary 6m radio; connected to Henry 2006A 6m Linear Amplifier. Also used
for HF Digital. Connected to Pentium II computer via soundcard interface
for Digital Operation. Fitted with Kenwood MC-60 Desk Microphone.
ICOM IC-910H (2m/70cm Allmode)
Primarily used for satellite operations, as well as 2m VHF DX operation. Connected
to Celeron 667 computer via soundcard interface for digital operation. Has
UT-106 DSP module and UX-910 23cm module fitted. Main (2m) Band speaker output
routed
through a BHI NES10-2 DSP speaker. Fitted with Icom HM-37 DTMF microphone.
ICOM IC-706MkIIG (HF + 6m + 2m + 70cm)
General utility radio. Used as backup for the TS570 and IC-910, as well as
for mobile operation.
4x RANGER FM RADIOS (50MHz, 70MHz, 145MHz, 144MHz)
A selection of Ranger FM radios offer FM capabilities on 6m, 4m, 2m and 2m
packet frequencies.
KENWOOD TS-830S HF + MICROWAVE MODULES 144MHz Transverter
An aged but classic radio, the TS830S offers HF operation as well as being
used for the IF unit for the Microwave Modules 28MHz - 144MHz transverter
(with matching preamp). Also in the shack is a Microwave Modules 28MHz
- 433MHz transverter, which is interchangeable with the 144MHz unit.
MIDLAND 70cm FM RADIO
Programmed for the major repeater frequencies as well as a few simplex frequencies,
this radio is used to access the Eastern Cape Repeater Link system via
the 70cm input on Lady's Slipper mountain. This allows constant access
to the Link system without interaction from or with other radios.
KENWOOD TR-7200G 144MHz Crystal-controlled Radio
Monitors the 145.650 Town repeater, located at Louis Le Grange Square, Port
Elizabeth.
LINEAR AMPLIFIERS
A Henry 2006A Linear Amplifier is connected to the Kenwood TS570S for use
on 6m. A Heathkit SB230 is available for HF.
2x HY-GAIN CD45II ROTATORS
Used to control direction of the 2m and 6m beams
YAESU G-5600B AZ-EL ROTATOR
Used to control azimuth and elevation of satellite antennas.
EA4TX ARS (Antenna Rotator System)
Connected via parallel port to Celeron 667 computer, and to Yaesu G-5600B
az-el rotator. Using SatPC32 software for tracking, this unit allows automatic
control of satellite antennas.
SWR/POWER METERS
A Diamond SX-600 monitors output power and SWR on the 70cm satellite uplink,
and a Hansen FS-5S monitors 6m output power and SWR.
POWER SUPPLIES
Power for the radios and peripherals is supplied by means of an ALINCO DM-330MV
32A switching power supply, and a RCW POW108BB 22A Regulated power supply
PACKET STATION
The 144MHz packet radio station comprises a Ranger FM radio, a Kantronics
KPC-3 TNC and a Compaq Deskpro P1 computer. Software is Winpack 6.8
OTHER ACCESSORIES
Other station accessories include a QRV MorseMate CW reader, 2 homebrew soundcard
interfaces, a PSKMeter, and MFJ CW Paddle key, a Walters Electrical antique
straight key and an MFJ headset with boom microphone.
