Trying to work K5D

I am not as active on the Radio as I should be.

I spend more time helping people with Hamtests.co.uk & hamradioforum.net than my own pursuits of that next elusive DXCC.

So have spent some time (and money) this week, trying to work K5D. But boy has it been tough.

To start with finding a place on the bands I can hear K5D. Usually I get static. The one time I can hear him he is working numbers. 5, 6, 7, 8 and that’s about an hour gone.

I also made a few purchases in case can try to work data as my setup wasn’t complete. From G4ZLP I ordered a Icom lead for my DigiMaster Comport, an Icom CI-V lead and a USB soundcard. All working great now, and good value at £31.47 ($45.50 approx) for the 3 items including delivery.

So hopefully with a few days left still of the K5D operation, I am still hopeful.

I also ordered (but not arrived) and CW key for my FT-817 & CW PC interface from BullDog iambic keys.

Finally sorted the blog out as an upgrade left the theme not working. Also my HRD (Ham Radio Deluxe) text thing stopped working.

This is now uploaded to my mini Linux server and the one file is served from there. It’s now proudly on display at the top of the page above the header image.

Viglen MPC-L

viglen-mpc-lFinally I have got my Viglen MPC-L which I purchased last year for the grand some of £80 thanks to the fine people at Ubuntu UK Podcast and this episode, working!!!

I had a few problems with the Xubuntu that was installed and decided to replace it with a fresh copy. This didn’t work, and I was also having problem with not having enough Ethernet ports.

Last week this was solved when my Granddad brought a 8 port switch tha had been my uncles.

So, on with Xubuntu? No. A friend said I should try Debian, and after a few failed attempts, I eventually succeeded.

To install I had to use the following line:-

  • intall pnpbios=off pci=noacpi

Also there was a few hiccoughs with the partitioner, but finally it’s up and running.

So far have installed the following extra programs via apt-get

  • irssi (using this the most as box will be on 24/7)
  • lynx
  • elinks (after friend told me was better than lynx)
  • eggdrop (but still trying to figure this one out)
  • Some others I can’t recall right now

Box has been running more or less constant for few days now and so far seems to be happy. Will report back soon, with how it’s really going (ie if any problems show up).