K4RO

Episode 065 - Kirk Pickering - K4RO

From the hills of Tennessee, Kirk Pickering, K4RO, operates a SO2R, single operator 2 radio, contest station and makes over ten-thousand contacts a year. Using Beverage antennas, Kirk is able to operate 160 meters, the “top band”, as solar cycle band conditions fade.  Kirk is Eric, 4Z1UG’s, guest on QSO Today.

Show Notes

Listen to Podcast

Radio Shack science fair kits

WWV Fort Collins

First Receiver: Heathkit GR-81 General Coverage, gift from Forest Hailey

Discovered on 80 meters during SWL years: Ed Boltan, WA3PUN

Westinghouse Research in Pittsburg PA class

First License: Novice, WB3FAX, December 1976, age 14 years

First Rig:
Heathkit HW7 QRP Transceiver
Hallicrafters S77A

Rig Upgrade:  Heathkit HW-101

First Contact: WA1ZXJ, Evelyn Petitti,  on January 19, 1977

Book - From 5 Watts To 1,000 Watts; A Programmed Course To Take You From CB To HAM Radio; Theory Test Question-Learn Code Quickly And Easily, Edited By Radio Shack's Staff Of HAM Radio Operators

Current Rig: 

• Set up as SO2R - single operator 2 radio
• 2 Icom IC-781
• Ameritron and Alpha Amplifiers

SO2R Station advice:  Start with a second receiver.

Unix System 5

The Well - early Internet bulleton board

How to prepare for low Sunspot cycle.

• Repair all Beverages
• Make sure all 20 meter antennas are in working order

Advice, to become a SO2R operator:

• Learn how to use one radio really well
• Get an auxillary receiver, maybe a tube radio
• Train brain to listen to another audio stream simultaneously

The Flow State - a state of concentration and rhythm good for contesting

K4RO contesting tricks for beginners:

• “Get on the air and make contacts”
• Gain experience
• Listen to an experienced operator and follow an expert during a contest
• Don't waste time.  You against the clock
• Join CW OPS  International Organization

Favorite Mode during contests: CW

The secret of successful operation on the Top Band  or 160 meters:  

• Being able to “hear” and know how to listen
• Follow the “grayline” terminator, Sunrise or Sunset are the best times to be on the band
• Short phased vertical arrays  

Beverage Antenna - full wave horizontal wire receiving antenna

National Contest Journal, published by the ARRL.  Who is the audience for the NCJ and what is its greatest asset for the reader?

Spurious Emissions -
Dayton Hamvention musical performance group consisting of:
KX9X, N0AX, K4RO, W4PA

Ground control to climber John

K4RO Website

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Heathkit GR-81 GC receiver

Heathkit IT-17 Tube Checker

Heathkit HW-7 3 Band QRP Transceiver

Icom IC-781 HF Transceiver