Fred Randall, K1UKX

In what used to be our living room, my amateur station shares space with two computer systems, a copy machine and three desks. My XYL suggested the location, feeling that it would be a more pleasant environment for me than my former “dungeon” in the basement. My old shack is now simply a workshop for construction and repairs.

Equipment includes an Icom 746, and Alinco DX-70T, and a JRC NRD-515 receiver with memory unit — the latter being the station’s primary AM receiver. Also seen is the National NCL-2000 amp and a Pentium III, 500 MHz computer. For signal monitoring (my own, and others), there is a Tektronix 2236 100 MHz scope with frequency counter.

The homebrew station control console (with the two analog Meters), permits selection of station equipment and provides monitoring of line and power supply voltages. The console also provides electronic antenna switching and muting for the JRC unit.

In addition to the Heil “Goldline” microphone, there is a home-brew amplified mic used exclusively for AM (usually on 29 MHz). This mic provides the EQ and levels necessary to have a decent-sounding AM signal, even with the “riceboxes.” Using only about 10 watts of drive on AM, the NCL-2000 provides 275 watts output.

A four-band, two-element homemade spider quad on a 48-foot Rohn foldover tower is the main antenna, with inverted “Vee’s” for 80 and 40 Meters. A Diamond discone, side-mounted on the tower, is used for 2 Meters and monitoring.