Station Operating

Our station call is W2EF.

The West Essex Amateur Radio Club (WEARC) operates W2EF, a comprehensive amateur radio station designed to support a wide range of communication modes across multiple frequency bands. The station’s configuration emphasizes versatility and reliability, incorporating high-quality equipment and carefully selected antennas to meet the diverse needs of its operators.

The primary transceiver is the Icom 756 Pro 2, an HF and 6-meter transceiver renowned for its advanced digital signal processing capabilities, which enhance both transmission clarity and reception sensitivity. Paired with the Icom SM-30 dynamic microphone, this setup ensures high-quality audio for voice communications.

To accommodate varying antenna impedances across different frequencies, the station optionally utilizes the MFJ-993B IntelliTuner. This automatic antenna tuner can handle up to 300 watts of power and offers a broad matching range, facilitating efficient operations across multiple bands.

For Morse code (CW) operations, the station is equipped with the MFJ-4220 electronic paddle keyer. This device provides precise control over keying speed and timing, catering to both novice and experienced operators.

The W2EF station employs a combination of HF and VHF/UHF antennas to ensure comprehensive coverage:

– HF Antenna: A Tilted Terminated Folded Dipole (T2FD) serves as the primary HF antenna. Developed in the late 1940s, the T2FD is known for its broadband capabilities and relatively compact size. It performs effectively over a wide frequency range without significant dead spots in terms of frequency, direction, or radiation angle .

– VHF/UHF Antennas: The station employs several vertical gain antennas for VHF and UHF operations. These antennas are designed to provide omnidirectional coverage with varying gain levels, enhancing communication capabilities on these bands.

All equipment is powered by Astron linear power supplies, delivering stable and clean DC voltage to ensure optimal performance and protect sensitive components.

Digital Modes

For digital modes, the W2EF station utilizes a DigiRig, a compact and versatile interface designed for seamless integration of amateur radio transceivers with modern computers. The DigiRig acts as both an audio interface and a CAT (Computer-Aided Transceiver) control device, allowing operators to engage in a variety of digital communication modes, such as FT8, PSK31, and RTTY, with ease. This device supports full-duplex audio processing, ensuring high-quality signal transmission and reception. Its built-in isolation prevents ground loops, which can introduce noise into digital signals, and its USB connectivity simplifies the setup process. The DigiRig is compatible with most digital mode software, including WSJT-X, FLdigi, and Winlink, making it an indispensable tool for modern amateur radio operations.