Using the Radio Shack at OH73ELK

1. Preparation

Turn ON the Switcher "SHACK" at the panel downstairs

Please check the antenna connector. If it is unplugged (like on the picture below), please connect it to the SWR and POWER Meter jack.

Then, turn ON the green button on the general switch located on the right side of the table (see the next picture):

NB: Please switch OFF the general switch every time you have finished operating.

2. Operation

Transceiver

If you are not familiar with the Icom 7300 transceiver, please read the official manual which is on the table (you also have a special guide to the Icom IC -7300 by Andrew Barron,ZL3DW).  Turn on the transceiver. The RF power of the transceiver can be set here (see the next picture - you have to PUSH this button):

NB: The IC 7300 is a touch screen / menu-driven transceiver. If you are not familiar with this technology, please read the manual.
Here is one important example: Do not look for a band switch. In order to switch bands, push the touch screen here (see the next picture):

Antennas

VERY IMPORTANT: always set the antenna to the appropriate band with the switch RQUAD “RU-005A” (you can see RQUAD “RU-005A” switcher on next picture):

You just need to press one of red buttons, do not press button "F".

Every time you change bands, you need to check and/or switch the antenna! 

The following antennas are available:

• 1: Fullsize 3-3-5 Yagi beam 20-15-10m
• 2: Inv-V 30 m ("Kelemen")
• 3: GP 40 m, elevated  
• 4: Inv-V 80 m, only SSB segment 3.6-3.8 MHz
• 5: Inv-V "Kelemen" 80/160 m only CW segment  on both bands, NO ANT FOR SSB 160 available
• 6  DX-Commander 30/20/17/15/12/10 m (WARC bands!) 
• 7: Inv-V 40 m alternative ANT
• 8: GP 40-20 m alternative ANT

As mentioned before, every time you stop working, please turn off the green button of the general switch. This also switches the antennas to ground! This is very important for protection against static electricity and thunderstorm hazards. If you stay during summer when thunderstorms are possible, please carefully disconnect the antenna from the SWR and POWER Meter during thunderstorms and upon departure.

Yaesu rotor G-1000DX

The rotor allows to turn the 10/15/20 beam. 

DO NOT OVERLAP across NORTH!!!

For example: when turning the antenna from NORTH-WEST to SOUTH or EAST, rotate COUNTER-CLOCKWISE. When going from EAST to NORTH-WEST, rotate CLOCKWISE.

Please use extreme care when using this rotor and if the Overlap lamp comes on, contact Alex!

During the winter season, at temperatures below -5 degrees, please use the rotor as little as possible.

If the temperature drops below –10 ° C DO NOT USE THE ROTOR (such temperatures are outside the working range of this Yaesu rotor).

In this situation, you can use other ANT for 20/15/10 bands!

Please do not change the antenna rotation speed. It is set in the middle position.

Headset / footswitch

The station works very well with the current setup. Please do not change the wiring or add peripherals without the consent of Alex.
You can use the headset Heil BM-10 iC and footswitch Heil FS-3 or separate table mic.

Leaving the station

At the end of your stay, please carefully disconnect the antenna from the SWR and POWER Meter, turn OFF the general switch and turn off the switscher SHACK downstairs
Obviously, you should also disconnect the antenna during your stay whenever thunderstorms are approaching.

Amplifier

The shack is equipped with an amplifier (under the shack table) and a remote control unit (on the shack table).

Do not use this equipment without prior authorisation by Alex. Without proper introduction and briefing, the use of the amplifier equipment is dangerous and can lead to extensive damage.

There is a special separate instruction for use of Amplifier.

3 General remarks

Please always use sound judgment concerning safety issues. In case of doubt, think twice.

Do not even think about climbing the tower or similar activities.

If you want to erect your own antennas, please check beforehand with Alex.

Enjoy your stay at OH73ELK!