New transceiver Yaesu FT-920

It was time for replacing my old Kenwood TS-850 transceiver. The TS-850 has served me well, but it was getting old, and a new HF transceiver was in the pipeline.

I found a fine offer on the Danish second-hand site ham.brugtgrej.dk. An Yaesu FT-920 was for sale in mint condition. The FM-unit and a 250 Hz CW crystal filter were included. I studied the FT-920 reviews on eham.net before contacting the seller. I bought the transceiver on the spot, and transferred the payment via web banking. A big parcel arrived two days later.

The FT-920 is a medium-class transceiver - it is not a contest machine. As I only participate in contests a few times a year, this transceiver will probably fill my needs.

Here are some pro & contra statements regarding the FT-920:

Pro FT-920

• There are two VFOs with each their own display 
• There are 2 antenna ports and one “receive only” port.  
• The DSP works at audio frequencies and can be switched off
• The noise blanker is excellent
• The CW operator is spoiled with functionality
• The RF output can be turned down to the mW level
• The 6m band is included (100 W output)
• The RX is pleasant for long-time listening (according to reviews)

Contra FT-920

• No 2m/70cm band
• No dual receiver
• No option for SSB crystal filter
• No dedicated transverter port 
• No band-scope 
• The cabinet is big and heavy

My new transceiver Yaesu FT-920.

Time will tell if my new purchase turns out to be a success. Right now, I intend to work JT65/JT9 on HF and collect countries for my future QRP DXCC award. 

OZ1BXM Lars Petersen
Homepage: oz1bxm.dk

Moving the VHF antennas

My current VHF antenna system is positioned just between my own house and my neighbour's house. Both houses are terrace-houses, and a part of the antenna is above my neighbour's roof.

I am working to extend my VHF antenna system in order to operate EME, and more space will be needed. That is why I have decided to move the VHF antennas towards the center of my garden.

In the picture below, you can see how a 6 meter long steel tube (diameter 50 mm) will serve as the lower part of the antenna mast. The upper part (not mounted yet) will be a steel tube which is going to be rotated by a Yaesu rotor.

The new antenna mast.

The construction is to begin ASAP. I will report how the work is progressing in a later update.

73, OZ1BXM Lars Petersen
Homepage: oz1bxm.dk