Dilshan R Jayakody’s Web Log

The BG7TBL FA-5 frequency counter has become recognized as an excellent choice for experimenters and radio enthusiasts, offering high-spec performance comparable to branded units. But it remains remarkably accessible due to its low cost.  FA-5 Frequency counter. The FA-5 has powerful hardware. However, most existing control applications lack a good user experience. Many of them rely on scripting languages, such as Python, while others utilise simple command-line interfaces . These limitations inspired us to create FA-5 VizControl . This native application provides a comprehensive, intuitive, and portable desktop experience for managing the FA-5 . We developed FA-5 VizControl using Lazarus and the FPC ( Free Pascal Compiler ). This choice ensures maximum compatibility and portability. The application functions as a standalone, portable executable on both Linux and Windows operating systems. There is no need for complex installation routines. Users simply download and launch...

This is a simple surge arrester array that I made in my free time. Built using readily available components, the array provides effective shielding against lightning-induced surges and static discharges that can damage sensitive transmitting and receiving systems. The primary goal of this project was to create a robust, low-loss surge protection unit that can handle multiple RF lines simultaneously. By integrating gas-discharge based lightning arresters with a solid grounding infrastructure, the array ensures that transient over-voltages are safely diverted to ground without affecting normal signal transmission.  Installed surge arrester array. The core of this project relies on a few key components: At the heart of the design are eight BL-2000 Lightning Arresters , each incorporating a GDT ( Gas Discharge Tube ). These units are designed to conduct high-voltage transients from the coaxial line directly to ground within microseconds of a surge event. The BL-2000 series is a...