[EIDXA] PJ2 after action report

[Bob Lee]

I had the opportunity to help N0YY install a new station console for the PJ2T team.  I had four objectives: assist in the assembly of a new station console at, fix the RFI in their new (inverter-based high efficiency) air conditioner, operate a bit and finally, scope out Willemstad for a possible vacation spot (most likely following a contest). 


I came home yesterday after having achieved all of them. 


The crate arrived on the island ahead of me by a week but customs issues kept it tied up until Tuesday (Oct 13) noon. It wasn't my issue to worry about so I went ahead with my other jobs.  First I attacked the AC.  Solid 10 over noise across 20m. It's a Westinghouse Inverter unit, meaning they run the compressor with a square wave generator. I confirmed the noise was there only when the compressor ran by tuning my HT to 14MHz and sniffing with a short piece of coax.  


The manufacturer has installed two ferrite beads on the line to the motor. I disconnected the connectors on the motor lead and the leads to the fan motor because both came from the inverter box and appeared to be radiating. 


I twisted the wires together and added a couple beads and did a check. I heard no noise and thought I'd broken the AC. A quick check revealed that I'd silenced it well enough it's no issue. I added a few beads for good measure, taped it all in Scotch 33 and closed it up.  I wouldn't have been able to do this without the invaluable help of KC9UMR when I had to debug my own heat pump this spring.


The trip to town was nice. Willemstad is an urban (the only) center on the island and not a resort town. It would be a good place to kick for a couple days but it's not a week+ destination like Maui. 


Operating was fun. I was kind of lazy as I did only 1000 Qs. EU is very loud at night in 40m, as was I ( used some beam up on some tower - I didn't ask for details).  Rates were 120/hour on the 2nd night on 40m.  Conditions weren't as good and I had to piece together a lot of calls from partials.  Rates on 15/20m were more like 140-160/hour.  I'm surprised I was so busy given how "not rare" this island is, but I enjoyed the pileups.  You can lose track of time very quickly in that environment. 


Console went together as expected except for a minor problem that required a trip to the hardware store for a new blade for their Skil saw.  When I left N0YY and W0CG were busily building wire harnesses and installing equipment.  Pictures at this link. 


https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10153114815475895.1073741837.589555894&type=1&l=73971c1aa7


I could see going back once for a contest, but likely not annually as there are other very capable stations I can get to much easier.


Bob Lee
W0GXA


"CW forever"