QO-100 Ground Station
In 2023, my first station to access QO-100 was based on the ADALM Pluto, however this failed over the winter and therefore I had to decide if I was to buy another Pluto, or change the station build. I have now had two Pluto units which have failed for different reasons and therefore decided to go another route.
The 2024 station is based on the DX Patrol QO-100 Upconverter MK4, retaining the Pluto for RX with SDR console for the time but this will move to a downconverter at some point. The Exciter Radio will be my Yaesu FT-847, which is ideal as it has full-duplex capability.
In 2023, I used SSTV, FT4 & FT8, 300 baud Packet and SSB, I had a number of contacts which has been very enjoyable thus far so I want to get back on the satellite as soon as I am able to re-build.
QO-100 DX Club Bronze Award - 50 Entities (Oct 2023)
The operators on QO-100 have been very helpful and courteous, some sending me received SSTV pictures for analysis, and SSB QSO's are always an interesting discussion on the station builds and related radio subjects. With a less congested band, there is always time for a qso !
| Callsign | Date | Mode | Name |
| YL2GC | 07/04/2023 | FT8 | Vlad |
| DL9RAN | 07/04/2023 | SSB | Norbert |
| G4GIR | 22/04/23 | FT4 | Ian |
| PA3DSB | 07/10/2023 | CW | Paul |
| RP78DS | 01/05/2023 | SSTV | Special Event Stn |
| EI2GYB | 16/04/2023 | 300 Baud Packet | Steve |
| CT7AOV | 23/12/2023 | RTTY | Hugo |
First QSO's per mode on QO-100
Station build in progress, but this is how it will be configured ;
Station Schematic diagram
The Upconverter is located in the cabinet, behind the dish along with the Pluto, SG-Labs PA and power supplies. The IF coax is fed from the shack along pre-routed buried conduit.
**PIC
Dish and Garden Cabinet
The dish is located alongside my other Satellite dishes and antennas.
**PIC
Dish, amongst Friends