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Dell Celeron-366Mhz laptop, built-in COM1
port for GPS data, USB-serial adapter for radio control if necessary
(PSK20 doesn't need the USB adapter) - display while in QSO with KB9UBZ
(update: now using a Sager 2.8Ghz P4 laptop)
In-Flight MIXW Operation on PSK31
As shown above, I normally run MixW along
with Microsoft MapPoint and my own Grid-Locator software. The grid
software receives navigation data from the aircraft's GPS, displays the
current speed in knots and MPH, altitude, direction, and current grid
location. It also provides a constant geographic location update
to MapPoint (ie: moving-map), the "pin" function lets me drop a marker
on the map. Each "pin" stores the date, time, and callsign of the
station I was working when I dropped the marker. The "log write"
function adds a dataline to a custom log book that stores my
current grid location along with the remote station's info, time, and
date, for additional logging data.
The map is continually updated with the
locations of past QSOs
MFJ tuner, Small Wonders Lab PSK20 (kit
built) and SWR meter on camera
mount.
The feedline
to the antenna runs to the antenna connector under the instrument panel.
The antenna is a ~15ft wire ADF antenna strung from the top-front of the
cabin to the top of the tail. The whole radio setup fits in my
headset case and only takes a couple of minutes to setup and tear down.
 2nd Station setup: Yaesu FT-747GX, up to
100w available through the 20amp supply on all digital modes and SSB.
The box on the far right is a data/mic switchbox and aviation headset
interface for voice.
Scene out the window while in QSO with KB9UBZ - around 4500ft
abeam Cape Canaveral.
SSTV
In late 2004 and 2005 I started operating
airborne SSTV with a lot of success. I use a small handheld
digital camera to take pictures out the window then take the pictures
directly off the memory card to MixW and then onto HF.
Here are a couple of frames from SSTV QSOs
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