[digitalradio] Grid Locator
When working dig modes I see stations send their grid locator followed by a single number represented in degrees followed by a number represented in kilometers. What is this and how was it calculated?
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
You would think those 'old guard' guys would consider that we used to have to know binary and 2's complement math to use a computer at all. The technology got to the point where you didn't need those 'older' skills. We are better for it. Brian Denley http://home.comcast.net/~b.denley/index.html - Original Message - From: Dan Hensley kc9...@yahoo.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 4:33 PM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital Another problem is that the old guard who have an axe to grind against new amateurs due to the change in licensing requirements and other new FCC policies to go with that change which occurred back in Feb of 2007, are running new amateurs off in droves. Hazing or outright threatening behavior by hams licensed before Feb of 2007 is another reason new hams are not getting on the air. I went through this myself. A mentality has arisen that amateur radio is only for listening and you're never supposed to transmit. Everyone wants the bands quiet and wants the next amateur to just stop operating. --- On Tue, 12/15/09, Glenn L. Roeser hillbillietr...@yahoo.com wrote:
Re: [digitalradio] Grid Locator
kr5tham wrote: When working dig modes I see stations send their grid locator followed by a single number represented in degrees followed by a number represented in kilometers. What is this and how was it calculated? Many digital modes programs will either auto detect an IARU locator (usually in the format IO93if - which is my locator) as it comes in, or the operator manually enters it into another part of the program. This is then used, together with the stations own locator information, to calculate the distance and bearing from the station being worked. Many programs then allow this data to be entered and sent as part of the transmitted message. Often referred to as a macro you can set up an automatic message with tokens that will call up the details and put them into the message automatically. If you want details of the IARU Locator, otherwise known as the Maidenhead locator system, have a look at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maidenhead_Locator_System If you tell us which program you use for digital modes someone will be able to tell you if it will do this for you and, if it is possible, how to set it up. Dave (G0DJA)
Re: [digitalradio] cognitive radio systems;?
I do hope cognitive radio designs will be done responsibly for the spectrum they occupy, and I cite RMS Express as an example of a responsible approach to mitigating interference. And (military) ALE as I've experienced it as the opposite. However, I fear device manufacturers wanting to use spectrum everywhere will not produce radios able to detect weak emissions when their receiver bandwidth is so wide as not to see it above the noise. Among the BPL comments and replies is one manufacturer's assertion that there were no signals to be interfered with -- when his spectrum analyzer noise floor was higher than the level those signals would normally reach. By using only measurement technology to required for Part 15 certification, that manufacturer was able to ignore signals I believe he knew or should have known (as the lawyers say) were or could be present. We must listen first. So should any responsible user of shared spectrum. He must be able to hear *any users authorized* in the spectrum shared, at levels and in bandwidths they are authorized to use. This is not so easy, considering that we often carry on Olivia or Contestia QSOs below the background noise level. It could be made easier by restricting automatic (cognitive) radio to spectrum where weak signal modes will not be encountered. Cortland KA5S [Original Message] From: Bob McGwier rwmcgw...@gmail.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: 12/16/2009 12:54:35 AM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] cognitive radio systems;? Cortland Richmond wrote: One problem with cognitive radio is that it seems it will be designed to detect only emissions similar to those it is meant to receive. Therefore, it is best used in spectrum particularly allotted to just those kinds of emissions. This rather defeats the purpose of white space. RMS Express by way of contrast has a busy detector that will prevent transmitting over many kinds of modulation different than it uses. Compare this with (say) ALE, whose polling (encountered on MARS frequencies) takes no account of voice or even Olivia on channels it happens to select. Cortland KA5S This is not correct in my experience. In all serious systems under development, the CR is looking to characterize all energy to some degree or another, irrespective of whether it is a matched filter to a particular waveform. The purpose is to find a channel that works. Energy on the channel is an indicator it would not as the source would be cochannel interference and with some high degree of probability, the interference would be mutual. Dislike for any particular system which automates channel usage but does not behave responsibly is not to be used to condemn responsible digital system developers. The enforcement of this responsibility is done by pressure (peer) and performance (being interfered with by those not detected). Bob N4HY
Re: [digitalradio] cognitive radio systems;?
Good point Cortland. Cognitive radio offers national regulators the opportunity to adopt a much lighter touch to regulation. They could do away with rigid frequency allocations - the users radio will just look for an unused frequency and use it. As you say the problem lies in what is considered an occupied frequency. We may well find that a signal 10 db above the prevailing noise floor would be considered noise and thus available for use. On 2.4 GHz technologies such as Bluetooth and Wifi adapt to interference. I'm sure as cogitive techniques develop we'll see large chunks of the spectrum operated in a similar manner to 2.4 GHz, eg license exempt with the Equipment (users won't necessarily realize it's a radio) choosing the lowest interference frequencies to carry out the required task. European Union RSPG report on Cognitive Technologies http://www.southgatearc.org/news/november2009/rspg_report_on_cognitive_technologies.htm 73 Trevor M5AKA --- On Wed, 16/12/09, Cortland Richmond k...@earthlink.net wrote: I do hope cognitive radio designs will be done responsibly for the spectrum they occupy, and I cite RMS Express as an example of a responsible approach to mitigating interference. And (military) ALE as I've experienced it as the opposite. However, I fear device manufacturers wanting to use spectrum everywhere will not produce radios able to detect weak emissions when their receiver bandwidth is so wide as not to see it above the noise. Among the BPL comments and replies is one manufacturer's assertion that there were no signals to be interfered with -- when his spectrum analyzer noise floor was higher than the level those signals would normally reach. By using only measurement technology to required for Part 15 certification, that manufacturer was able to ignore signals I believe he knew or should have known (as the lawyers say) were or could be present. We must listen first. So should any responsible user of shared spectrum. He must be able to hear *any users authorized* in the spectrum shared, at levels and in bandwidths they are authorized to use. This is not so easy, considering that we often carry on Olivia or Contestia QSOs below the background noise level. It could be made easier by restricting automatic (cognitive) radio to spectrum where weak signal modes will not be encountered. Cortland KA5S [Original Message] From: Bob McGwier rwmcgw...@gmail.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: 12/16/2009 12:54:35 AM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] cognitive radio systems;? Cortland Richmond wrote: One problem with cognitive radio is that it seems it will be designed to detect only emissions similar to those it is meant to receive. Therefore, it is best used in spectrum particularly allotted to just those kinds of emissions. This rather defeats the purpose of white space. RMS Express by way of contrast has a busy detector that will prevent transmitting over many kinds of modulation different than it uses. Compare this with (say) ALE, whose polling (encountered on MARS frequencies) takes no account of voice or even Olivia on channels it happens to select. Cortland KA5S This is not correct in my experience. In all serious systems under development, the CR is looking to characterize all energy to some degree or another, irrespective of whether it is a matched filter to a particular waveform. The purpose is to find a channel that works. Energy on the channel is an indicator it would not as the source would be cochannel interference and with some high degree of probability, the interference would be mutual. Dislike for any particular system which automates channel usage but does not behave responsibly is not to be used to condemn responsible digital system developers. The enforcement of this responsibility is done by pressure (peer) and performance (being interfered with by those not detected). Bob N4HY Suggested frequencies for calling CQ with experimental digital modes = 3584,10147, 14074 USB on your dial plus 1000Hz on waterfall. Announce your digital presence via our Interactive Sked Pages at http://www.obriensweb.com/sked Yahoo! Groups Links digitalradio-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com
[digitalradio] AFSK packet on the XW-1 Amateur Satellite
On the AMSAT Bulletin Board Mineo Wakita JE9PEL reports that the AX.25 Packet BBS on XW-1 has been active, he writes: AFSK packets were active yesterday over Japan, 12:55 UTC, 15 Dec 2009 Received by JA0CAW, 435.675MHz AFSK 1200bps The 2m to 70cm FM transponder was also tested yesterday, see http://www.southgatearc.org/news/december2009/xw1_beacon_reports.htm No reports as yet on the SSB/CW linear transponder being tested. 73 Trevor M5AKA Daily Amateur Radio News Email or RSS: http://www.southgatearc.org/ Email Your News Items to: editor at southgatearc.org Or use the Form at: http://www.southgatearc.org/news/your_news.htm
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
Im not sure where to go with this. I appreciate the fact that you agree with many of us that the dropping of the CW requirement for Extra was the wrong way to go. Many others will disagree with that, and like politics, they won and we all have to live with that decision. But, it is no reason to give up and just quit. You have made your own personal decision to learn code, and indeed that does make one more able to fullfill the ideal of a ham radio operator, in the view of many inside and outside of ham radio. That simply means you have the skill to use that mode, unlike many newcomers to the hobby. Back when it was required, though, many passed the test and never again touched a key or tried to copy a CW QSO. That was a personal decision, much like learning enough electronics to pass the test, yet never opening the case of a rig, or building even the simplest circuit. Again, a personal decision, but at least one has the capability to do so later, if he so desires. As for the QSL card thing, I would disagree with the idea that no one sends cards. Just ask the bureau sorters today. They report higher and higher numbers of cards handled, almost from a month to month basis. My incoming envelopes are coming more often, and are stuffed fuller with cards, than ever before. I design and print my own cards today, just like I have for the past 43 years or more. It used to be a much more difficult procedure, but with the computer, it is but a moment of my time to print up, and cut, another few cards. I certainly appreciate my home made cards, and those of others who do the same. Yes, a nice double sided, colored, postcard type QSL is nice to look at, but simply costs money on the part of the sender. Mine, and other homebrew cards require some artistic output on our own part, and I think they even more represent the true spirit of ham radio. So, dont buy 1000 cards. Print a few, and see how many you use. That allows you to change them, if you find you need to add new information, or remove old. A change of address, calls, DXCC status: or adding your zone or grid square is easy to do. This year is the 100th birthday of Boy Scouting in the USA, so my latest cards have a picture of Baden Powell, the founder and indicate its my 61st year in the program. Oh, and yes, I do upload to both LOTW and eQSL, and appreciate receiving confirmation matches on LOTW, because those come faster, and one can be assured they really do count for any of the ARRL awards for which they have been announced (DXCC-WAS) . I simply have way too many cards here already, and do not need another 50 or 100 French or English or German cards, etc. I do have at least one card for every country worked (333), and though I appreciate the fact that others may want a card - and do send one for every one received - I like the fact of savining both money and time when I do not have to send out another card and the ham on the other end says LOTW please.I do not use the eQSL awards program, but see no reason to refuse to upload to that program, for the other guy. Oh, and by the way, its not just the powerhouse stations using LOTW, many many of my matches and verifications are from 100 watt stations (or less) from around the world. Right now, my country status is: Real cards 333 - LOTW 269 - eQSL 199. Proof in the pudding - hams still use real cards. If the powerhouse stations were not using LOTW, by the way, you might just have difficulty getting a card from some of them anyway. Who wants to sit around and fill out 100,000 cards? Eventually you would probably get one, if you still wanted it, but in the meantime, the rest of us have already got itconfirmed and verified in the DXCC program. Danny Douglas N7DC ex WN5QMX ET2US WA5UKR ET3USA SV0WPP VS6DD N7DC/YV5 G5CTB All 2 years or more (except Novice). Short stints at: DA/PA/SU/HZ/7X/DU CR9/7Y/KH7/5A/GW/GM/F Pls QSL direct, buro, or LOTW preferred, I Do not use, but as a courtesy do upload to eQSL for those who do. Moderator DXandTALK http://groups.yahoo.com/group/DXandTalk Digital_modes http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digital_modes/?yguid=341090159
Re: [digitalradio] Re: Techs on HF digital
Dave Sparks wrote: ... But what I don't see is that certain tests produce more CONSIDERATE operators. Some of the worst lids are people who seemingly paid their dues, and yet still cannot control their potty mouth on the air, deliberately QRM others, etc. I think what Dave talks about here is a general societal problem and not limited to ham radio. Yesterday a co-worker told me he had attended his daughter's Christmas program at school the night before. He said he couldn't believe it when on several different occasions parents would walk up to the stage and talk to their kids DURING THE PERFORMANCE. There were people constantly coming and going into the auditorium while events were happening as well. Sadly, bad manners and lack of respect seem to be on the rise in our society. 73, Tim, N9PUZ
[digitalradio] Some Solar Cycle 24 Firsts
Posted Wednesday December 16, 2009 at 1400 UTC at http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o4.htm Sunspot group #11035 near N30W13 has grown into the largest (seven times larger than the Earth) and most magnetically complex (beta-gamma) sunspot group of solar cycle 24. At 0102 UTC the sunspot group released a small C5.3 solar flare, the largest solar flare of solar cycle 24. More small C class solar flares are possible, with a chance for an isolated medium size M class solar flare. #11035 also produced the first partially geoeffective (Earth facing) coronal mass ejection (CME) of solar cycle 24. The CME will arrive at Earth in a approximately two days and could spark a geomagnetic storm and visible aurora. Another geoeffective CME is possible, with an associated sudden ionosphere disturbance (SID) and shortwave fadeout (SWF). The sunspot count is 38 which is the highest of solar cycle 24. The solar flux index is 82 which is tied for the highest SFI of solar Cycle 24. With the increased sunspot count we should see improved propagation conditions on 15 and 12 meters. 73, GUD DX, Merry X-mas Happy New Year, Thomas F. Giella, NZ4O Lakeland, FL, USA n...@arrl.net COL LF/MF/HF/VHF/UHF Frequency Radiowave Propagation Email Reflector: http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/spaceweather NZ4O Daily Solar Space Weather Geomagnetic Data Archive: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o1.htm NZ4O Solar Space Weather Geomagnetic Data In Graphic Image Format: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o2.htm NZ4O Daily LF/MF/HF/6M Frequency Radiowave Propagation Forecast Archive: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o3.htm NZ4O Solar Cycle 24 Forecast Discussion Archive: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o4.htm NZ4O 160 Meter Radio Propagation Theory Notes: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o5.htm NZ4O Solar Space Weather Geomagnetic Raw Forecast Data Links: http://www.wcflunatall.com/nz4o6.htm Harmful Man Induced Climate Change (Global Warming) Refuted: http://www.wcflunatall.com/globalwarminglie.htm Suggested frequencies for calling CQ with experimental digital modes = 3584,10147, 14074 USB on your dial plus 1000Hz on waterfall. Announce your digital presence via our Interactive Sked Pages at http://www.obriensweb.com/sked Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: digitalradio-dig...@yahoogroups.com digitalradio-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: digitalradio-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
Gary I feel you are right on ! The problem is very much people are just lazy and want everything on a silver platter. Many feel it's a right not a privilege I can see by your call that you have been here for a while. I can still remember question number 5 on my test. what happens to the plate (fig 5) if the screen resistor opens? On my cold snowy day of testing before the FCC I had to drive from ST. Louis to KC to take the test. And get there before 8AM. Getting up well before sunrise and getting home well after dark. But did walk out with the ham and the first class radio telephone in hand. The hard part was driving back home to St. Louis with a fried brain. If I had to do it all over again. I would do it today not back in the 1970. What's next? Curb service? At 09:27 PM 12/15/2009, you wrote: Hello Gary, Gone are the days of being proud of getting your General or Extra Class ticket. Taking a bus to the FCC field office in the city making a day of it. Now days just memorize the answers and your a Extra Class. The system nowadays is so easy a Cave Man with a IQ of five, could get a license. Being a VE here also, I see testes that know the answers but nothing more about them. The basic problem people are just lazy and want everything on a silver platter. You should show these Tech's what they are missing out on, maybe they will upgrade. Remember you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. Now flame time. 73 Gary WB6BNE
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
At 10:41 PM 12/15/2009, you wrote in part: No one wants to send real cards. I would have cards made, but who would I send them to when i know damn well I ain't gonna get a REAL card in return? try me!
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
I ONLY SEND REAL CARDS TRY ME TOO .. --- On Wed, 12/16/09, John Becker, WØJAB w0...@big-river.net wrote: From: John Becker, WØJAB w0...@big-river.net Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2009, 12:08 PM At 10:41 PM 12/15/2009, you wrote in part: No one wants to send real cards. I would have cards made, but who would I send them to when i know damn well I ain't gonna get a REAL card in return? try me!
RE: [digitalradio] HRD Final Beta
Hi, Looks like January 2010. Simon Brown http://sdr-radio.com From: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com [mailto:digitalra...@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Peter L. Jackson Release Date The target release date for HRD 5.0 is October 31st, 2009. The next beta kit is scheduled for late October 2009.
[digitalradio] For Sale: TS440A , IFC232C interface. 500 Hz CW filter.
I have just added this to ebay... http://cgi.ebay.com/Kenwood-TS-440S-500-Hz-CW-IFC-232-interface_W0QQitemZ130352892583QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item1e59a34aa7 TS440S with internal automatic antenna tuner. YK-88 500 Hz CW filter installed. Also includes a Kenwood IFC-232C interface for full rig control and use with digital modes. I am the only owner of this radio, had it since 1989. Non smoking environment. Never used as mobile (does not include mobile mounting bracket). Stock hand microphone. I am selling it because I rarely use it now that I have a TS-2000. It is in good working order but the light bulb at the S-meter does not work, While working fine, outwardly it does have a few marks from taking it to Field Day and other demos. All else seems to be fine. The tuning knob seems slightly stiff compared to my TS-2000, not sure if that is because the TS-2000 has a smoother system , or because the TS-440S is aging. I will make a youtube video of it working upon request. Has NOT been modified for transmission outside of bands. It has been modified to display digital readout to extra decimal place. No printed manual (you would not want the manual after what my cat did to it) but manual is available for free on-line. Great transceiver for new or experienced ham. Andy K3UK
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
Don't fear the 'old guard'. Don't let them push you around. In fact, push back. When it gets down to it, they're pretty harmless and really just fun to watch. If you got the license, you have every right to be here as these they do. We must get beyond the technocratic caste system as it does no one any good. This practice of judging someone's character, based on what mode they do/do not use or how their call sign is formatted or worse, the class of their license, is ridiculous! We don't need quiet bands. Unless we want the bands taken away from us. Get on and operate. Be active. Explore all the aspects of this great hobby. Please, try out all these wonderful digital modes that the developers have worked so hard to provide us with to enjoy. Don't about those who claim to have, been here first. These people have low self esteem and have a need to beat down others so they'll feel good about themselves. I had deal with the old guard' when I first came in to this hobby. You know what? They all got old and died and the bands became a better place for it. We were shunned because we wanted to operate packet stations and heavens forbid, hook up a computer to it. This was the 80's and we were still living in caves then. This hobby...this thing that we do, only gets better by inclusion and and exclusion. We must welcome every new op to hobby with open arms and recognize that they are the ones who will save us from our own narrow mindedness. philw de ka1gmn On Tue, Dec 15, 2009 at 9:09 PM, Brian Denley b.den...@comcast.net wrote: You would think those 'old guard' guys would consider that we used to have to know binary and 2's complement math to use a computer at all. The technology got to the point where you didn't need those 'older' skills. We are better for it. Brian Denley http://home.comcast.net/~b.denley/index.htmlhttp://home.comcast.net/%7Eb.denley/index.html - Original Message - From: Dan Hensley kc9...@yahoo.com kc9ncf%40yahoo.com To: digitalradio@yahoogroups.com digitalradio%40yahoogroups.com Sent: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 4:33 PM Subject: Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital Another problem is that the old guard who have an axe to grind against new amateurs due to the change in licensing requirements and other new FCC policies to go with that change which occurred back in Feb of 2007, are running new amateurs off in droves. Hazing or outright threatening behavior by hams licensed before Feb of 2007 is another reason new hams are not getting on the air. I went through this myself. A mentality has arisen that amateur radio is only for listening and you're never supposed to transmit. Everyone wants the bands quiet and wants the next amateur to just stop operating. --- On Tue, 12/15/09, Glenn L. Roeser hillbillietr...@yahoo.comhillbillietrace%40yahoo.com wrote:
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
Phil Williams wrote: If you got the license, you have every right to be here as these they do. It's one of my own points of view that you have to meet the licence requirements as they stand when you apply. So, Einstein or Hawkins would have had to take the same entry exam when or if they decided to apply for an Amateur Radio Licence as every other applicant would have had to at that time. So, if either Einstein or Hawkins were to apply now for an Amateur Radio Licence, and pass, would they be seen as some how less of a Radio Amateur than others? Doing down people because they pass an exam and you do not think is as rigorous as the one that you passed does not prove that they are less able than you. In my opinion. Dave (G0DJA) Suggested frequencies for calling CQ with experimental digital modes = 3584,10147, 14074 USB on your dial plus 1000Hz on waterfall. Announce your digital presence via our Interactive Sked Pages at http://www.obriensweb.com/sked Yahoo! Groups Links * To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/ * Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional * To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/digitalradio/join (Yahoo! ID required) * To change settings via email: digitalradio-dig...@yahoogroups.com digitalradio-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: digitalradio-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
Re: [digitalradio] Techs on HF digital
Dave Ackrill wrote: Doing down people because they pass an exam and you do not think is as rigorous as the one that you passed does not prove that they are less able than you. In my opinion. Dave (G0DJA) I hope that the percentage of hams who look down on newcomers who passed what they view as a lesser test is small although they may be a rather vocal minority. In many activities it's the whiners and complainers we here from the most. For me personally I could care less when someone got their license or what vintage of test they took. My only criteria is 'did I enjoy the QSO?'. 73, Tim, N9PUZ
[digitalradio] Re: Techs on HF digital
--- In digitalradio@yahoogroups.com, Gary grwes...@... wrote: Snip- Your thoughts? Gary - N0GW I have mixed feelings about that. I bought an FT-857D as incentive to learn code and get on HF. Well it didn't work. I found quite a few things to play with on 6m and above. Packet radio, PSK31 and other sound card modes APRS etc. I had already passed the written extra exam by then and had to take it again when the FCC finally dropped the the code requirement. I don't think it would really hurt to give techs a few kHz on the HF bands for digital modes, but I don't really think it is necessary. The general exam isn't hard enough to stop anyone that wants to work HF from getting on the air. Our club offers Ham Cram style classes for both tech and general, usually 2 tech classes for every general and that is because of a lack of students. The opportunity is there for those that want it. A lot of our new techs seem to get into it for public service. Weather spotting, Red Cross and things like that. A tech license is all they need or want. They may never own or want more than a 2m HT. I don't think more privileges is really going to change that. Just my 2 cents. Mike kc9doa
