[Lowfer] Lowfer/Hifer Items for Sale-QRSS/WOLF Lowfer Transmitter (Lyle, K0LR Design)

[Les Rayburn]

Alas, my deed restricted neighborhood seems unlikely to allow me to explore transmitting on the LF bands again anytime soon, so I'm parting with several items
that others may be able to put to good use. I've tried without success to interest other local hams on getting into Lowfer activity (Jimmy Long, W4ZRZ are you listening?)
so I'm going to offer these for sale before putting them on Ebay. 

QRSS/WOLF LF Transmitter/Beacon (Lyle Koehler, KOLR Design)

This is a fully assembled and working CW/QRSS/WOLF LF Transmitter/Beacon based on the design of Lyle Koehler, K0LR. This is a fully synthesized Lowfer transmitter with a built-In keyer. It's capable of transmitter in either CW, QRSS (Slow Speed CW), or WOLF modes in the frequency range of 130-190kHz. Simple modifications would make it a great exciter for the Medium Frequency experimental work near 500 KHz. WOLF is a BPSK mode that offers superior performance to CW and even QRSS. 

The unit was built for me by Lyle Koehler, K0LR in 2002. It requires 12VDC for the exciter, and and can accept 0-40VDC input for the final amplifier. At 30VDC, the unit will easily output 10-15 watts, making it a great exciter for the 136 KHz ham band where legal. 

You can read all the construction details, parts lists, etc. at: 
http://www.nutstreet.net/k0lr/all-in-one/all-in-1.htm

The unit is housed in an attractive metal case with switching for Power, Internal or external keying, Mode selection, two speeds of QRSS operation, etc. There is a red LED power indicator, and I fitted an external digital temperature meter to monitor the homebrew "crystal oven" to insure maximum frequency stability. Currently, the unit is programmed to transmit my former "callsign" of XMGR. The internal keyer EPROM is easily flashed to change the callsign. 

*NOTE: This is not an appliance operators transmitter. It does not come with an instruction manual, or technical support. But it is perfect for someone who is familiar with LF/MF equipment and lacks the time or patience to build one from scratch. You can be on the air running very advanced modes quickly. XMGR was received in 14 states, at distances out to over 1,800 miles using 1 watt into a "T" vertical antenna. 

$500 including free UPS Ground Shipping in the US. 


Litz Wire Antenna Coil (Homebrew) 

10/30 Litz Wire antenna coil for a LF Transmitter. This is approximately 250-300 turns of Litz Wire wound on a low loss Teflon air core, 5" inches in diameter. I used this with a small, second variometer to tune a 50 foot "T" vertical to resonance on 184 KHz. Lack the test equipment to measure the exact inductance of the coil, but it's large. Perfect for a Lowfer transmitter. 

The coil is coated with 3M Q-Dope, and is very low loss. 

$50 including free UPS Ground Shipping in the US. 


Palomar Engineers 1750 Meter Transmitter

A great starter Lowfer transmitter! This fully assembled, commercial project was the entry for many hams into the world of LF. Rare and hard to find now. Crystal controlled 1 watt transmitter including AC power supply and external final amp with antenna tuning coil. 

Marry this to a modern, inexpensive CW keyer and you can put a great QRSS beacon on the air quickly. Fully assembled and functional, but I don't have a copy of the original instructions. I'm sure someone in the LWCA or on this list could help you with those. Also a collectors item for anyone who enjoys the history of this part of the hobby. 

$100 including free UPS Ground Shipping in the US. 


HiFER Transmitter (Earl Andews, VE3AB Design/Build)

This is a homebrew CW transmitter with both "QRP" and "QRO" capabilities for the HiFER band where a lot of experimentation has been going on during the past few years. Built for me by Earl in 2004, I operated this has beacon, "XM" in QRSS mode for a few months with great success. Using a simple dipole, this beacon was received in several countries! 

It's in a simple, gray metal case with a front panel meter for measuring power output, an SO-239 jack for connecting your antenna, 12VDC power leads, and an RCA jack for attaching your code key, or memory keyer. It includes six pages of hand-written instructions and notes from Earl. Again, perfect for someone who wants to play around with the HiFer band but doesn't have the time or patience to roll your own. 

$100 Including free UPS Ground Shipping in the US. 

If you're interested in any of these items, please let me know via e-mail or telephone at 205-253-4867. I'd prefer payment using PayPal. I've been an Ebay member since 1996 with a feedback rating of over 400. No negative feedback, and my user ID there is "Paladin1". I've been involved in LF work since the early 1980's. I'd like to see this stuff go to a good home and make some room in the attic. 

73,

Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
121 Mayfair Park
Maylene, AL 35114