KC9BQA

   5pm Monday

   *We are switching to our “summer” (don’t laugh) hours effective Wed., April 2nd.  The 144.240 net out of WI, called by WB9LYH in EN54cl, will start at 8pm central and 9pm eastern, effective Wed., April 2nd.  This time will remain in effect until at least October*  
   Please help spread the word about this time change.  We don’t want anyone left out.
   This time change concerns only the 144.240 Wed. net called by WB9LYH in EN54cl, central WI.

 
   Also — I want VHF’ers to know about all the options on Monday nights.  Many nets and activity periods take place on different bands.  I made a post on March 9th about this or you can click this link for more detail:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7603

   5pm Monday

  Want to repost this info.  Encourage all V/UHFer’s to get the word out.  These sprints could always use more publicity. 

   EDIT, EDIT  Sept. 24, 2014  —  If you want the latest info on what I still have for sale, it’s here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7852  That post dated June 27, 2014 is still current, as of late Sept., 2014.   Feel free to share the word about my my towers, antennas, rotors and feedline for sale to hams everywhere.   All the info below is outdated.  END OF EDIT

   UPDATE  4:30pm Monday, March 31, 2014

   The Tokyo Hy-Power HL-350DVX is SOLD.   All brick amps are SOLD.  The IC-910H is SOLD.  
 
  4 rigs are still available:

   1)  Yaesu FT-736R with 50/144/222/432 MHz — $1100 with hand mic
   2)  Yaesu FT-736R with 50/144/222/432 MHz — $1100 with hand mic or $1150 with MD-1 desk mic.  
   3)  Icom IC-575H  50 and 28 MHz — $450 with hand mic or $500 with SM-6 desk mic.
   4)  Icom IC-275 H  144 MHz — $500 with hand mic. 
   The 4 above rigs all are used and have performed fine in my shack, with no known issues. 
   If you want more detail, read on…

  
      On to rigs:  
   I still have a pair of 4-band Yaesu FT-736R’s.  Both rigs have the 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz band modules.  Of course they are all-mode.   20-25 watts out on each band.  Unless you go the transverter route, or find the rare and expensive Icom 375, a 736R is what you need to get on 222 MHz SSB.  Plug and play.  These rigs have been super reliable for me, not a moment of trouble in the 9 years I’ve used them.  
   Again, I have two 736R’s, and they’re $1100 each with a hand mic included.  Or if you want to add an MD-1 desk mic, I’ll include that for $50.   I do have manuals. 

   I also have an Icom 575H and I forgot to include an Icom 275H that I used regularly. 
   The 575H is a dual-band rig.  All-mode.  100w on both 50 and 28 MHz.  Talking 6 meters and 10 meters.  6 meters comes alive in summer and 10 meters is a worldwide band right now, at the peak of its sunspot cycle. 
   The 575H is used and has always performed well.  Priced very reasonably (look around) at $450 for the rig with a hand mic and $500 if you want an Icom SM-6 desk mic included. 

   *BELOW IS A NEW RIG FOR SALE — ICOM 275H*
   My 275H is used and has always performed well.  100w, all-mode on 2 meters.  These are classics.  This is a nice, clean one, too.  I’m sure I have a manual somewhere in my shed.  I can include a hand mic if you want one.  Price is $500. 

   I would prefer to sell these rigs within a few hundred miles of SE WI.  I’ve already had inquires about shipping them to places like Colorado and Maryland, and I appreciate the emails.  If I don’t see interest locally, I will ship as a last resort.  I am willing to drive up to 200 miles to meet with a buyer, no problem.   Or you can come pick it up. 

   Other items that I will need to sell in 2014 and 2015 …
   A variety of rotors.  Most work.  This will take some time, to properly test, identify and describe them.  Some rotor control boxes as well. 
   Several Astron Power Supplies.  
   A 2304 MHz transverter.  I will need to have this looked at by a pro, to make sure it is performing as it should.   It was in kit form and expertly assembled by W0GHZ.  Think it puts out 10-15W, and it might be an SSB Electronics kit.  
   Long yagis for 28, 50, 144, 222, 432, 902, 1296 and 2304 MHz.  The 144, 222, 432, 902 and 1296 antennas are all stacked pairs.    
   70′ of Rohn SSV is one tower and 100′ of Rohn SSV is a 2nd tower.  These are both self-supporting.  The 100′ stick is especially robust. 
   Of course, there will be lots of hardline to come off the towers, too. 
   I will have more to say about the towers, yagis and feedline as we get into summer.  If you are looking to buy a turnkey, multi-band VHF/UHF station that is up in the air and working right now, we should talk.

    12:30pm Friday

    Had a little time this noon to check thru the ON4KST.com chat archives (if you haven’t heard of this free and no BS ham chat, click here  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=1072  for details).   Was glad to see that K8TQK’s Monday night 144.252 net is back on the air, after several weeks with rotor troubles. 
   K8TQK’s 144.252 net is on @8:30pm eastern every Monday.  His QTH is in south-central OH, grid square EM89je.  His antenna pattern is to first look North, then NE, E, SE, S, SW, W and finally NW over the next 45-60 minutes.   K8TQK has a whopping signal on all the V/UHF bands, and gets out 300-400+ miles easily.  Why do I post K8TQK’s net reports?  Because for several years we teamed up on Wed. nights and because  he has great reach, plus he’s been promoting more activity on the SSB/CW side of V/UHF for decades.   
   There are many good nets and activity periods around the Midwest/Great Lakes and you can read all about them at posts dated Oct. 13, 15, and 17, 2013 at kc9bqa.com.  All 7 nights of the week are covered in those posts.  You are free to spread that info everywhere.   Get on the air and say hello.  There’s way more activity on 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz, but it definitely helps to know when and where to find it.  

   Here are the reports:
   On March 10th, K8TQK was back with the 144.252 net.  Bob was off for February with rotor trouble. 
   On March 10th Bob had 18 check-ins:  N8WNA and N8AIA EN82;  KD8UJQ EN91;  W2UAD FN13;  KB3TNZ FN10;  N1GC EM95;  WB4IXU EM86;  N4TLL EM87;  WD4NMV EM85;  WA4NJP and K4LES EM84;  WB7PMP EM88;  WB8ART EM79;  K9MRI and W8BYA EN70;  KB8GUE EM89;  WB0DGF EN63 and KB8JNE EN80. 

   On March 17th, K8TQK had 22 check-ins from his usual multi-state territory:  N8WNA, K8JA and N8AIA EN82;  AC3L/M FN00;  WD8CHR EN90;  KB3TNZ FN10;  VA3ELE/M FN03;  K8GDT EN91;  W2UAD FN13;  K8KGM, KD8DJE, KC8QDQ and KB8GUE EM89;  W4LES, W4IMD and WA4NJP EM84;  N4TLL EM87;  WD4NMV EM85;  KY4MRG EM77;  K9LQZ EM68;  K9ZF EM78 and WA4REE EM65.

9:45am Sat.

EDIT, EDIT  Sept. 24, 2014  —  If you want the latest info on what I still have for sale, it’s here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7852  That post dated June 27, 2014 is still current, as of late Sept., 2014.   Feel free to share the word about my my towers, antennas, rotors and feedline for sale to hams everywhere.   END OF EDIT

I am not shutting down the website, at least not until sometime in 2015 or 2016.  For now, everything will operate pretty much as it has for the past few years.  I’ll make net announcements, net reports and try to remember to post info about the V/UHF contests.  There will also be periodic updates about new items for sale as I dismantle my VHF/UHF station.  Talking towers, long yagis, feedline, rotors, power supplies, a few spare rigs that need repairs and various accessories.   If you have a sincere interest in these items, contact me.  My email is good at qrz.com but if you can’t get it there, you can also use wi.todd (at sign) yahoo.com.  What I’m trying to avoid is a crush of curiosity-seekers.  I don’t mind talking gear, towers, rotors, etc with those who might be buyers.  Visits can be arranged, too.  Check out the first post I made this morning (8:30am Sat. on 3/15/2014) if you need more details.

WB9LYH and I have emailed several times the past few years about the future of the 144.240 Wed. night net.   Good news — Mark still enjoys calling the net and plans to continue it.  He’s a very busy guy and the net is one way he can relax and enjoy VHF for at least an hour each week.   For at least the rest of 2014, I plan on continuing to support the net via this website and with the weekly emails I send to several hundred VHF’ers in a multi-state area surrounding WI.  I hope others will continue to help spread the word, and try to encourage more on-air activity at all times.

9:30am Sat.

EDIT, EDIT  Sept. 24, 2014  —  If you want the latest info on what I still have for sale, it’s here:  http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7852  That post dated June 27, 2014 is still current, as of late Sept., 2014.   Feel free to share the word about my my towers, antennas, rotors and feedline for sale to hams everywhere.   END OF EDIT

I got on the air in late 2003-early 2004.  I jumped in with both feet because when we moved here in June of 2003, it was the first time I had ever lived somewhere with space and a great view.  I knew if I ever lived at a great radio QTH that I would put up a nice station, just so I could say I tried it.  As a total appliance operator, I needed a lot of help.  I got it and it’s been a lot of fun.  But these days, too many things are breaking down and the endless repairs are really fouling up my attitude.  I can no longer justify $1000 here and $500 there for new rotors, renting a 130′ cherry-picker, paying the good guys who help me when I get in the ditch.
Plus… my wife and I won’t be living at this QTH forever and when we do move, I have a gentleman’s agreement with the local township to take the towers down.   We may not move for several years, but it will happen and I don’t want to spend the last few years worrying about selling off the station in a hurry.   So in 2014 and 2015, I am making it a priority to sell everything and get it into the hands of hams who will use it.
This will be an ongoing process and I’ll make periodic updates to kc9bqa.com.  The first post this morning, dated March 15, 2014 (8:30am) explains it in greater detail.

Next post will be about what this all means for the future of kc9bqa.com (the VHF/UHF promotion aspect)

 EDIT, EDIT — JUNE 27, 2014
I just posted a comprehensive listing of what’s still for sale.  Talking about my towers, yagis, feedline and rotors.  Please visit that June 27, 2014 post at kc9bqa.com for the latest info.  Nearly all my rigs, amps and transverters for 28 thru 2304 MHz have been sold.  So the info below is outdated.  Again, the latest update is at kc9bqa.com, dated June 27, 2014. 
  END OF EDIT

Update @5pm on Monday, March 31st —
The post below has some outdated info.  You are better off going to an updated post I just made at kc9bqa.com, dated March 31st. 

Update @5pm On Monday, March 17th… The IC-910H is SOLD.  The RF Concepts brick amp for 432 MHz is SOLD. 
I will update as other items are sold.  I’ve gotten a lot of emails; things are happening so don’t delay. 
Update @7pm on Tuesday, March 25th… One of my two TE Systems 2212G Amps for 222 MHz is SOLD.  The other one may be spoken for by an out-of-state ham.  If you are local and want a 2212G for $325, get in touch with me soon. 
Update March 31st — All brick amps are SOLD. 
Also SOLD — The TE Systems 1412G amp. 

There are way more things that will end up for sale than are listed here.  But it will take time, so today I’ll start with these small steps.

RIGS:
Icom IC-910 with optional 1296 MHz module.  Bought new about 10 years ago, and it’s never given me a moment of trouble.  So you get 100w on 144, 75 on 432 and 10 on 1296.  All-mode, of course.  I will include an SM-6 hand mic.  $1150.
EDIT — EDIT  5pm March 17th.  THE 910H is SOLD. 

Yaesu FT-736R’s.  I have a pair.   Both have 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz — all modes.   I have one MD-1 desk mic and a hand mic for the other.  These rigs will get you on 222 SSB, plus you get all 4 bread-and-butter V/UHF bands with 25w out.  Both rigs have performed flawlessly for me.   The rigs are $1100 each and the  MD-1 is $50.

IC-575H — 100w on 6 Meters.  All-mode.  Rig is used — 6 is my favorite band.  $450 with a hand mic or $500 if you want an SM-6 desk mic as part of the deal.

BRICK AMPS:

TE Systems 1412G.  25w in gets you 150-160w on 2 meters.   I’m the original owner and it works fine.  Includes onboard preamp.  $225.  SOLD 

TE Systems 2212G’s.  25w in gets you 125-130w on 222/223 MHz.   Again, I’m the original owner and they work fine.  I have a pair, and they’re $325 each.  Reason they’re more than the 1412G is that these cost considerably more new. 
One of these is SOLD.  The other will be shipped out-of-state next week unless I hear from a local buyer in the next day or two (as of March 25)  Update March 31st — Both 2212G’s are SOLD. 
RF Concepts RF4-310.  25-30w in gets you 100-120w out on 432/440 MHz.   I bought it used and it looks used.  But these are solid performers and it just keeps on working.  $150.
EDIT — EDIT — 5pm March 17th.  The 432 MHz brick is SOLD. 

That’s what I’m ready to sell today.  Like I said, there’s far more I will have for sale, and I can go into that later.  Trying to keep things simple right now.
Those are cash-and-carry prices.  For the next month or two, I’m only posting this gear for sale via kc9bqa.com and thru 4 Midwest VHF/UHF groups.  I want those VHF’ers to have the first chances.   At this time, I’d prefer face-to-face transactions.   I will also consider driving a few hours for the right buyer.  I’d much prefer that to shipping.

If you like short stories, you’re done.  Thanks for reading.  Check back at kc9bqa.com frequently because I will make more for sale posts as we get later into spring and summer.  There will be rotors, towers, long yagis for 28 thru 2304 MHz,  feedline, power supplies and accessories.  If you have a sincere interest, contact me.   My email is good at qrz.com.  If you can’t access that, then please use wi.todd (at sign) yahoo.com.  I don’t mind emailing or talking, but I am discouraging curiosity-seekers.

Amateur Electronic Supply’s Superfest is ON again this year.  Superfest is from 9am -3pm on Saturday, April 5th.  This draws in hams from WI and surrounding states.  My QTH is 35 minutes north of Superfest and if you want to personally inspect the gear and my shack, this would be a great opportunity.   I will plan on being around my QTH on April 4, 5 and 6th.  If you have interest in inspecting this gear, email me and we’ll figure out a time to get together.  If you cannot make it to Superfest but would still like to see the gear, we can make other times work — just email and we’ll set something up.   I work out of my home and I’m often available during the afternoon and/or early evening.

OK, time to hit the “publish” button and put this out in cyberspace.  It’s going to look weird, but it’s time.

   10:15pm Thur. 

   WB9LYH had 12 check-ins to the 144.240 Wed. Net last night.  We’ll get to the list in a bit.

   **THE 144.240 NET WILL SWITCH TO SUMMER HOURS (hah!) STARTING WED, APRIL 2ND.  START TIME WILL BE ONE HOUR LATER — 8PM CENTRAL AND 9PM EASTERN.**  Please help us by spreading the word to everyone you can think of.  
   This time change will stay in effect until at least October.  We switch times seasonally to try and follow the sun.   We noticed years ago that when sunset is later, we get less check-ins.  Plus, starting the net later in summer helps catch better conditions, as the sun sets and the atmosphere “turns over” temperature-wise. 

    Again, effective April 2nd, the 144.240 Wed. net called by WB9LYH EN54 out of Central WI will start @ 8pm central and 9pm eastern.  

  
    Here’s WB9LYH’s net report from last night:  Propagation was iffy, with few stations on.  Checkins were N8WNA EN82;  WB0DGF EN63;  KA9DVX EN51;  K9CCL EN61;  WA9BNZ and W9BBP EN40;  WB9SLI and N9NYA EN43;  KD0UHN EN41;  WB0YWW and KG0SJ EN22 and KC9CLM EN53. 
    Looks like KD0UHN is a new call to the net.  Welcome, Scott and glad you made the trip from Bettendorf, IA. 
    This net is always looking for new check-ins and more participation.  DX is encouraged, too. 

   
     GUYS — I’m going to make a long-overdue post this weekend, hopefully by Saturday.  It’s time to sell my rigs and gear.   Rigs for 144 thru 2304 MHz, rotators, control boxes, power supplies, brick amps, and eventually antennas for 28 thru 2304 MHz, plenty of feedline runs and even towers.  Talking a 100′ stick of Rohn SSV, plus a separate 70′ stick.  All self-supporting.  Been putting this off too long and it’s time to get started.

   12:20pm Sunday

   I forgot to specifically mention that WB9LYH will be ON with the 144.240 net this Wed.   Winter start time is 7pm central/8pm eastern. 

   We had a nice turnout next week and with hints of spring showing up, here’s hoping even better nets and band conditions are right around the corner. 

    WB9LYH is located in Central WI, grid EN54cl, near WI Rapids.  His antenna pattern starts out looking NE, then E, SE, S, SW, W, NW and N over the next hour or so.  All licensed amateurs are welcome.  The net is informal and the purpose is to stir up more activity on the SSB side of 2m.   
   WB9LYH has stacked 17B2’s and 500 watts from a ridgetop QTH and he loves pushing the propagation limits.  We are always looking for DX targets in that 300-600+ mile range, so help us spread the word. 
   We really appreciate our regulars and reliable, strong signals, too.

   One more post to follow — the Spring VHF/UHF Sprints are only a month away.

   12:20pm Sunday 

   This post originally appeared on Jan. 27, 2014 at kc9bqa.com.

   Want readers to know that I list many different nets on all 7 nights of the week at kc9bqa.com posts dated Oct 13, 15 and 17th, 2013.   Go back in the October 2013 archives and take what you need.  Tell your ham buddies who probably are wondering where all the signals are on bands like 50, 144, 222 and 432 MHz.  
   
   Mondays are always a great night across a wide part of the Midwest and Mid-South.  Visit this post http://kc9bqa.com/?p=7438  to see your Monday options on 144 and 432.100 MHz.  I originally made that post on 10/13/13 and as far as I know, all the nets I mention are alive and well.