Category Archives: Technical articles

High mains voltage due to solar panels

High mains voltage due to solar panels

Last week an electrolytic Capacitor had failed in a 70’s measuring instrument (HP 8445B preselector). The capacitor in question is a smoothing capacitor in the power supply assembly. It stopped smoothing, but shorted the whole supply out. Poof, fuse blown. Thank goodness for that! Not much time that moment, so something for the next day…. Continue reading »

Alpin 100 amplifier high voltage issue

Alpin 100 amplifier high voltage issue

About two weeks ago, my Alpin 100 suddenly failed whilst transmitting. Shutdown with error 52. The manual stated that the high voltage was less than 1500 V or over 3300 V. I tried to restart and immediately went to the HV menu, the voltage was about 2100 V, which was much lower than the expected… Continue reading »

Visiting F6GYH

Visiting F6GYH

In September, I paid a visit to Bernard, F6GYH. Bernard lives in Fayl-Billot, which is about 15 minutes of driving from my French QTH. His location is excellent for VHF and up, because he has nearly 360 degrees unobstructed sight. Even with a tower of modest height, his antennas have a clear view to the… Continue reading »