Clint Turner, KA7OEI has created a very helpful new page for those who've
always wanted to try long distance laser communications. I'm proud to call
Clint a friend, since we go way back to the "Lowfer" days of experimentation
with CCW on the 160-190KHz band.
His writing style and clear, straight forward style that makes technical
material easy to understand. This new web page is no exception. He also
currently has completed a world record optical QSO of over 107 miles...so he
knows what it takes to make DX qso's in this range.
http://modulatedlight.org/optical_comms/using_laser_pointers.html
You'll find circuits, tips of modifying the Ramsey Electronics laser
communicator kit, and practical approaches to extending distance.
Personally, building two laser transceivers for use in contests has been on my
VHF "To Do" list for a year or more. I've even contemplated making a serious
attempt at VUCC on the band, which requires working five grids via laser. Four
is pretty easy, since this can be done at any grid intersection...but working
that 5th grid is a bit more problematic. (Ha, Ha)
For rovers, "laser" is the cheapest band upgrade you can add. Two kits from
Ramsey would cost less than $100, and far less if you homebrew using cheap
laser pointers. Give one to a fixed station, and "drive by" to work them during
the contest.
73,
Les Rayburn, N1LF
EM63nf
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