K4SPBlog

 I have a Peltor Comtac 3 headset because reasons. I got it to use with my Motorola handhelds, primarily the XTS2500. For a long time I have wanted to adapt the two PTTs that came with it to work on other radios I own. Today I'm attempting to adapt it for a Yaesu FT-991A These come with the 6 pin NATO connector, U-229, described on Cryptomuseum, here . I need to remove this cable and add my own. I'll be adding two since few ham radios have audio in and out all on one connector. First I have to identify the function/color of each wire. Pins on the connector are labeled A-F with corresponding functions below: GND A SPK B PTT C MIC D EXP E EXT F I keep all pinouts I identify in a  Google Sheet  of pins, wire colors, and functions with pictures where able. I got the functions from that Cryptomuseum link above.  Disassembly of the U-229 is simple with a wrench and some pliers. Then I add color of each wire to the spreadsheet near the appropriate letter. Inside the PTT we ...

 In my never ending quest to continually delay my entry to the CW club, I think my nest hamateur venture will be satellite operations. Multiple satellites with ham radio capabilities orbit the earth at any given moment. One of my favorite youtube channels, saveitforparts , (my new life motto btw), does lots of satellite operations, mainly snooping on commercial, government, and even military satellites. He builds dishes with different low noise amplifiers (LNAs), low noise blockers (LNBs), software defined radios (SDRs), and a bunch of craigslist junk. He just installed a fully automated satellite tracker inside a surplus radome and I could definitely see myself wasting time on similar ventures.  The uber expensive M2 SATPACK, an example of a commercial egg beater antenna. To get my feet wet, I thought the best way would be using these ham radio focused satellites. The only equipment I would need is an antenna. Antennas must be circularly polarized due to the way satellites co...