KD0ZW
Welcome to the site. Please pardon the dust as we are under construction.
KD0ZW is operated by Michael Mona and I have enjoyed an Extra Class License since 1985. I operate the station from approx 41.5NL -93.5 L (West Des Moines Iowa). The station is equipped to operate most HF, VHF, and UHF bands. I’m set up to utilize, CW, SSB, FM, and digital modes. Usually, 30 watts or less. Most of my equipment is Home Brew. However, I am also a fan of high-quality equipment made by ICOM, Kenwood, Drake, Diamond, and Comet. Originally, I operate mainly on the HF frequencies, using either a 6BTV vertical or a 24ga. Non-resonant 74′ wire. Recently, I added satellite communication capabilities. Starting the build-in Jan. 2019, an 8-bit SAT-TRAC System was created which I call “The Adventure”, and then it was updated this spring 2022 to a 32-bit SAT-TRAC 32 system.
The complete system is a one-of-a-kind system featuring AS5600 sensors, IR auto-calibration, long-range RC communications, as well as environmental controls for heating and cooling the tracker on the deck. The Tracker ‘ZW3’, features two C.P. 10 element yagis and two C.P. 5 element 2m yagis to the DBA 270 VOX mast preamp and brought to the station with 5m of LMR600 connected to 27m of EchoFlex 15+ coax. The rotor ‘ZW3’ & controller are powered by the 32-bit Arduino Due and connect directly or are used in an RC configuration. A 5.9ghz HD cam is mounted under the dome showing what is going on to the control operator. The SAT-TRAC 32 unit sits on a portable tripod on the deck. All power for the system is provided by a 160-watt solar panel configuration with a LifePO4 storage battery. New enhancements like antenna switching and specialized preamps are in the wings, so stay tuned! Hope you enjoy the visit.
73,
MIke
KD0ZW
Here is the stations’ data:
| QRZ Record# | 275781 |
| QRZ Admin | KD0ZW |
| Last Update | 2019-04-17 18:15:56 |
| Class | Extra Codes: HAI |
| Effective | 2019-03-14 |
| Expires | 2029-06-08 |
| Grid Square | EN31cn |
| Geo Source | Geocoded Address |
| US State | Iowa |
| US County | Polk |
| Sunrise | 11:30:06 UTC |
| Sunset | 01:06:29 UTC |
| GMT Offset | -6 hours |