Liquid Metal Antenna

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A liquid metal antenna can tune over a range of at least two times greater than systems using electronic switches 

Researchers at the North Carolina State University (NCSU) have demonstrated a reconfigurable liquid-metal prototype in the Journal of Applied Physics.

Published in a paper titled by the university, they describe how a reconfigurable liquid metal antenna driven by electrochemically controlled capillarity is a new electrochemical method for reversible, pump-free control of liquid eutectic gallium and indium (EGaIn) in a capillary.

Antennas are interesting as the shape and length of the conducting paths which form them determine their operating frequencies and radiation patterns.

“Using a liquid metal – such as eutectic gallium and indium – that can change its shape allows us to modify antenna properties more dramatically than is possible with a fixed conductor,”
— Jacob Adams, co-author of the paper and an assistant professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NCSU

Icom IC-7600 HF New Firmware

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Icom have announced a significant firmware update for the IC-7600 HF Transceiver. The update provides a new range of functions including waterfall screen for the band scope, among many!

Improvements

icom_IC-7600_firmaware
  • Waterfall screens, mouse operation, and other additional functions have been added to the spectrum scope.
  • An APF AF Level setting has been added.
  • CI-V commands for antenna control, logging software and RIT/DELTA-TX have been added.
  • TX Delay (HF/50M) settings have been added to adjust the TX delay time.
  • A Standby setting has been added to remotely turn ON the IC-7600 transceiver by a command from the REMOTE jack.
  • "MOS-FET” is now the default value of “SEND Relay Type.”

More information and to download the update - http://www.icom.co.jp/world/support/download/firm/IC-7600/2_00/index.html

Icom Launch IC-2730 Dual Band Radio with Optional Bluetooth Headset!

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Icom have announced details of the new IC-2730E dual band mobile transceiver which will be available in early 2015. The new VHF/UHF dual band mobile transceiver provides VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF simultaneous receive capability as well as VHF/UHF receive. 

Icom Launch IC-2730 Dual Band Radio with Optional Bluetooth Headset!

Icom Launch IC-2730 Dual Band Radio with Optional Bluetooth Headset!

An independent tuning knob, separate controller and large display makes it ideal for easy, intuitive mobile operation.

The IC-2730E is the latest Amateur radio product from Icom to provide optional Bluetooth capability allowing you to control the IC-2730E with the optional VS-3 Bluetooth headset (optional UT-133 Bluetooth unit must be installed in the IC-2730E).

Planned Features

  • Optional VS-3 Bluetooth Headset. Large Easy-to-See, Backlit Display 
  • Easy Vehicle Mounting with Optional MBF-1
  • HM-207, Remote Control Microphone
  • VHF/VHF, UHF/UHF Simultaneous Receive Capability
  • Controller Attachment to the Main Unit with Optional MBA-4
  • Independent controls for each band

Other Features

  • Wide frequency coverage, 118–136.975MHz (AM/AM-N), 137–174MHz & 375–550MHz (FM/FM-N)
  • 50W output power on both VHF and UHF bands
  • 104 DTCS and 50 CTCSS tone codes
  • Split tone function allows you to encode and decode different CTCSS/DTCS tones
  • 1000 memory channels, 2 call channels and 50 scan edges with 8-character channel name
  • Cross band repeater capability
  • Free download PC programming software, CS-2730
  • Versatile scanning capability
  • Squelch delay and squelch attenuator
  • Sub band auto mute function
  • • Sub band busy beep function
  • • Auto power off

• Time-out-timer
• 16 DTMF auto dial memories

The IC-2730E will be available in January from all authorised Icom Amateur radio dealers with a suggested selling price of £299.95 (inc.VAT).


More information - http://www.icomuk.co.uk