VK3XRA Ham Radio Blog

The end of 2025

nospam@example.com (Robert) — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:41:00 +0800

It's time to think about 2026.
I've had a quiet 2025 and done very little in the way of projects. No builds to speak of and no progress on any old projects.
I'm not sure why, maybe just getting old and slowing down.
I really want to start a new Arduino project. I'm intrigued with their Cloud based software development and I've got a nice sensor pack I picked up cheap so wouldn't mind playing with that.
I might have some time in January for writing some Arduino code.
I've also been thinking of software defined radio projects I could try.
All fun things after the New Year.

Farewell 2025.

Solar Installed

nospam@example.com (Robert) — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 09:54:00 +0800

After a long process designing my solar installation its finally up and running.
I had a GoodWe GW5000 inverter installed along with ten 440W panels set up as two strings of five.
This gives around 4kW of power on a good day.
I've set up a Home Automation server that monitors the inverter and charts to solar output.
Even on a dull day I still get 600W which runs most appliances for free during the day.

Once I get an idea of performance I'll look at getting a battery installed. I'm planning on a 6kWh two module unit which should give me ample power for evening power usage.

The middle of winter

nospam@example.com (Robert) — Mon, 29 Jul 2024 12:50:00 +0800

Cold wet and dark.
Winter in Melbourne gets a bit dreary and not a good time to be out.
Warm evenings inside catching a new Netflix movie sounds way better.

Its time to look at some radio projects. Maybe some Astronomy exploration? I have a project I'm itching to get back to that needs some work so maybe that's a plan.