Today the Samlex inverter was delivered, I immediately unpacked it and began on the install.  I had already done some of the work, and I wasn't going to climb underneath the rig to show off the fuse box, but here it is.  We ran a short extension cord to the microwave and gave it a test run, no problem!

Tomorrow I'll cut the hole for the control head and install it.  This is installed under the dinette next to the transfer switch.  Currently it's not hardwired into the system I considered adding a second transfer switch.   The 4/0 wire was a little larger than required, they recommend a 2/0 wire for this size inverter.  I was slightly disappointed the connectors on the inverter didn't easily accept a 4/0 lug ring.  I had to slightly modify it to make it fit perfect.  I was hoping I could put the inverter about 2 feet away from the batteries, but this install is much nicer, and it's actually pretty close.

Pretty impressive inverter,  although we don't plan to boon-dock a whole lot, the ability to run a coffee pot or microwave without starting the generator is really what we were looking for, along with the TV's and computers.  Maybe some day we'll go with a massive bank of 6v GC batteries, and Solar panels.

73's
KG7CUL

Had a great time Saturday with my cousin Todd and his boys.  We activated the North Cascades National Park for the National Parks on the Air Event.  Todd put together a small video.  I had a lot of fun, still need to practice my logging skills.  We easily made over ten contacts each and I got some practice working pileup's.  The park is only about 30 minutes from my QTH so I'm thinking I might have to activate it again soon.  Hope to have my LoTW account set up soon.
73  
KG7CUL

Although there has been a slight learning curve with the software, how to set up, operate, manipulate radios and servers.  The biggest gripe about the program is the inability to resize the windows.  This may seem petty, but really? no window size option?, except you can stretch the spectrum scope larger vertically.  You would think Icom would have realized that users often will dedicate a whole screen to the waterfall display.  So the only way to change the size of the windows is to change the resolution on the monitor.  Currently I only use one monitor, but with the way this program works I feel I need to have a monitor maybe even with as low resolution as 640x480.  Below is both 720 & 1080.   

On another note, running with the Ic-7300 here, locally it's pretty nice.  But when you want to remote the rig I've ran into a few things I don't like.  There is a lot of radio settings that you have to change back and fourth when you want to go from local RS-BA1 operation[with spectrum scope], to RS-BA1 remote operation. (CIV Baud rate) (CIV USB Echo Back), (Unlink from Remote).   So far I have not figured out how to run the spectrum scope via remote.  Seems you have to set the baud rate to 19.2kbps for remote operation and the scope requires 115kbps.  Anyway the scope via the software seems fairly responsive but not as nice as the waterfall on the radio, even if it is only on a 4.3" screen.  

73
-Bryan
KG7CUL

Well, all I need now is 3/4" to 2 1/2" & launching barrel, and I'll put together the launch and safety switch.  I can't wait to try it out.  I did test it and it worked just fine, now I have to hunt down that tubing.

73.

​KG7CUL

Happy to report my Icom radio is now accessible via remote!  It took a lot of courage to buy the RS-BA1 software with all the horrible reviews on eham, but I knew some persistence at troubleshooting would pay off.  So my review of the RS-BA1 software, well do be honest, I wish they would have spent a lot more time on it, but it does what it is supposed to so I guess I'd say  4 stars.  It doesn't have a log book, it isn't the do everything ham radio software.  But it does work.  It's pretty neat to be able to listen and transmit right through the laptop speaker and mic, I'm sure it's not the best quality but hey, IT works!

Hamachi LogMeIn is the program that makes this all possible.  I know the Icom software is designed to be used on it's own, just with a computer, a radio, and a router.  But here in the real world, I don't have a router, I connect to the internet with my cell phone(Foxfi).  I'm not sure everything here is perfect, as Hamachi does show problems, but I'm not too concerned because does work.  I just want to say thanks out there for the moral support if nothing else.  73.   KG7CUL

More Anderson Powerpole connectors!  Yesterday I took the time to install power pole connectors on my samlex 1235m.  It sure is nice having them chassis mount.  At this rate I may need to buy more of these handy little connectors.  I wish I had been more organized for this job, took lots longer than it should have, but it came out really nice, I used a sharpie to touch up the black paint that I scratched up while cutting the opening for the plugs.  Happy with this upgrade!

I picked up this "PowerStation" at Costco for $75.  Inside is a 18ah sealed battery, it has it's own float charger, USB port, air compressor, light, and 12v cigarette plug.   All it needed was Anderson Powerpole.  Anyway, here it is, it's to the back of the box near the 110v in.  Pretty happy with it, and it's fairly light.
73
-Bryan   KG7CUL

The loop is up and working.  I made some adjustments yesterday.  It's now cut to 544', I have it fed with 80' of 450 ohm window line and the AH-3 tuner does all the work. I've noticed in the late morning signals from the Portland area are consistently two S units louder than my 75m dipole. 
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Today I spent a couple hours pulling rope and running wire.  Currently all four antenna ropes are up in the trees.  Now to pull up the full loop wire.. too bad it got dark seems I only have about an hour more worth of work and I should be up and running.  Boy that's a lot of rope n' wire!!  Below is my new HF antenna setup... but of course not finished.   73..  KG7CUL