How I transfered CW into a mike

 

During the CWOps CWA Intermediate course I had trouble getting CW into the mike with the keyer of my IC-7300. During the video meetings my CW had some echo sound and it was difficult for the others to read. I still had an old K1EL keyer from the estate of PA3BCB. Had to find out how it should work. In the end I found some documentation and a power supply. I got the thing working but the sound was not too loud. I didn't want to dismantle to whole thing to solder the sounder off the printboard to extend or amplify it. So I drilled a hole just above the sounder and took a stiff hose which I put into the hole. At the other end of the hose I mounted a half part of an fuel filter to amplify the sound a bit. Then I put that on the mike as you can see. Everyone was happy now and this is how I transfered my CW sound into the mike for the video meetings.

#60m Maldives worked

 

Quite a strong signal on the band. Have seen 8Q7 before on 60m but never been able to contact this DXCC. Second new one on 60m this year.

Bouvet Isl. in the log

   For those that don't know. Bouvet is a Norwegian island in the south arctic region. It is the worlds most remote island and there are no people living there. It is also one of the most wanted DXCC that radio amateurs want to contact with their radio. Getting there is a challenge, getting on the island is an even bigger challenge. Right now there is a group af radio amateurs on a DXpedition on the island to give radio amateurs worldwide a chance to work this DXCC.

This exceptional DXpedition did cost 2 million dollars. A huge amount of money for just a hobby I think. Some people really take this radio hobby serious in their lives.

One of the team members OY1R Regin has been visiting me years ago. I really hope to work him on CW or SSB on this DXpedition. But the chance to do that will not be very high I think.

I heard 3Y0K on 20m SSB yesterday, they had a good signal. But the pile-up was huge, so I kept listening. Most times working a DXpedition like this is just waiting for the last days of it, when most big stations have worked them and the smaller ones like me get a chance. I hope for a CW or SSB contact but for insurance a FT8 contact will do. So I heard them on 15m FT8 this evening, quite strong but unable to get in the log. I switched over to 20m FT8 and found them with a real strong signal and 5 or 6 streams. My S-meter was on about S7 in peaks, which is really strong. I decided to call them but had to leave the computer since other chores were calling. Suddenly my phone went crazy as others saw 3Y0K calling me and warned me with messages. I switched over to remote on my phone and saw that 3Y0K gave me a report but no RR73. So I went upstairs in my shack and changed my calling frequency slightly. I called again and...

Second ATNO (All Time New One) of 2026.