Current Station Features

Built around a Kenwood TS-2000, the station is functional 24 hrs. a day, in SSB, AM, FM, FM rpt., PSK-31, RTTY and CW modes, on 160M, 80M, 40M, 20M, 17M, 15M, 12M, 10M, 6M, 2M and 75cm.

Uses the popular (free) W4MQ software for user and station control. Use any search engine to locate the W4MQ web site, to download the software.

Three automatically-switched antennas:

• Ant. 1: Full sized 160/80/40M trapped dipole at 42 ft. It is a "cloud burner" with a high radiation angle -- ideal for medium-range QSO's.
• Ant 2: Cushcraft R-6000 no-radial omni-directional 1/2 wavelength vertical. At 50 ft at the base it exhibits a moderately low wave angle on all bands above 20M -- suitable for both general purpose short range operation as well as DX.
• Ant 3: VHF/UHF vertical -- excellent coverage up and down the coast.

Station Location

Located on the central California coast, north of Santa Barbara, south of San Luis Obsipo and Santa Maria, Latitude: 34.8, Longitude -120.5, elevation 970 ft. Six miles from the nearest town, Lompoc, atop of small hill, the site is excellent for RF propagation and has an exceptionally low noise level.

You'll Need for Your PC

• A microphone and speakers (or headphone). ( If you are already set up for Echolink or IRLP you may need little level adjustment.).
• W4MQ WebXCVR software.. Free Download: Use a search engine to locate the W4MQ Web Site. Install FULL version of the software FIRST, then the current update.

Getting Started

• Study WebXCVR operations on w4mq.com
• Ignore references to Echolink or Skype and the Web Server software.
• The software does not function well under Windows Vista.
  The software DOES function well under XP and System 7.


• First time, go to Setup>Select Sound Type>IRB Sound. Next; Enter Logon Info. Duplicate the screen below.
• Exception: enter YOUR callsign in USRCALL and YOUR password in PASSWRD.
• When finished SAVE and then CLOSE.
• Logon and adjust sound levels in this same menu.

Genuinely Useful Hints From Users

Probably the easiest way to set microophone (TX) level is to go to a strong local VHF repeater and monitor yourself. Adjust speaker (RX) level while listening to stations on the air.

In HF modes, reduce RF gain to less than half scale on the blue level indicator. More will introduce noise and distortion. The remote base is high on a quiet hill; so the front end of the receiver can easily be overloaded by strong signals.

Tune in one of three ways: (1) dial -- nobody uses this, (2) keypad number entry -- best for large changes, (3) up/down arrow keys -- best way to "tune the band." Click on a frequency digit to select how fast you tune..

The < > keys are best for adjusting controls. Keypad number entry is less convenient except for large changes..

Explore the menu at the top, especially the key-stroke help menu. Other useful functons are logging, dx cluster and PSK.

Use the antenna tuner (blue button) when you change bands or frequency more than a little.

DON'T BE AFRAID TO USE THE REMOTE -- NOBODY'S MONITORING YOU
-- YOU CAN'T HURT ANYTHING.

You have a full hour to play, and you can immediately log back on. However, if you don't transmit for fifteen minutes, your connection will drop out.

The receiver is genaral coverage. It listens with no transmit outside the ham bands.

You can transmit only in the band segments for your license class.

We have many plans to expand over time, and volunteers to add features are always welcomed. .

Your Password to Operate

Current dues-paid members may submit this form or sign up with the Secretary at any regular club meeting.

Name: E-Mail:
Callsign: License Class:
I am a current dues-paid member of the Satellite ARC
( 4-8 chr. case sensitive )
Choose a Password: Enter it Again:
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