Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
I ordered one of these after reading your report. I built it with the stock filters, though I ordered the extra parts. I hooked it up to my K3, LP-PAN, and Quisk software. Here are some screenshots of NDB's, plus a picture of the case I put it in. http://wa5znu.org/2009/06/lfconv/ Leigh/WA5ZNU Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. Jack K8ZOA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station is pretty much the whole lower 48 states into Canada. I have been on the air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the 505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc. Mike WE0H Jack Smith-6 wrote: Geoff: There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz range operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however. There are also quite a few lowfer Part 15 (unlicensed, but permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range. The Longwave Club of America is a good starting point for these Part 15 operations. http://www.lwca.org/ No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately. Jack K8ZOA Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Jack, Although I do not have any details to hand there is some Amateur CW activity in Europe within a few kHz of 500 kHz, and I believe that crossband to HF contacts are made also. 73, Geoff GM4ESD Jack Smith wrote: Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. Jack K8ZOA -- View this message in context: http://n2.nabble.com/VLF-LF-Converters-tp787815p2404797.html Sent from the Elecraft mailing list archive at Nabble.com. __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
I'll copy this to the reflector...I don't have that answer Phil. Just got into the Elecraft rigs at the Orlando Hamcation when I ordered my K2. I am sure someone on the reflector will have an answer. You should hear Pat XSH/6 real well down there on 600m as he is 4 blocks from the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. He normally sits on 506.35kc running CW or 505.266kc running QRSS-3. Mike WE0H Phil LaMarche wrote: I have general coverage in my K3, what and how would I enter this frequency? Phil Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc. www.instantgourmetspices.com www.w9dvm.com 800-395-7795 pin 02 727-944-3226 FAX 727-937-8834 NASFT 30210 K3 #1605 W9DVM From: WE0H I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station is pretty much the whole lower 48 states into Canada. I have been on the air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the 505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc. Mike WE0H Jack Smith-6 wrote: Geoff: There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz range operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however. There are also quite a few lowfer Part 15 (unlicensed, but permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range. The Longwave Club of America is a good starting point for these Part 15 operations. http://www.lwca.org/ No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately. Jack K8ZOA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
To enter a 600m frequency on the K3, say 506 KHz, use this sequence: [FREQ ENT] 0506 [ENTER] where [ENTER] is the AFX button. If you are going to listen on 600m it might be helpful to manually tune the ATU for optimum reception: First select KAT3= LCSET in the Config menu; then exit the config menu and press ATU TUNE. You can then adjust CA or CT with the VFO-A knob, and adjust L with the VFO-B knob. Switch between CA/CT with the ANT button. (When you are done with 600m don't forget to switch Config: KAT3 back to AUTO, and retune the ATU on 160m if you use that band.Otherwise the K3 will try to use your manual settings for 160m.) 73, Drew AF2Z On Sun, 01 Mar 2009 10:07:34 -0600, Mike WE0H wrote: I'll copy this to the reflector...I don't have that answer Phil. Just got into the Elecraft rigs at the Orlando Hamcation when I ordered my K2. I am sure someone on the reflector will have an answer. You should hear Pat XSH/6 real well down there on 600m as he is 4 blocks from the Gulf Coast in Mississippi. He normally sits on 506.35kc running CW or 505.266kc running QRSS-3. Mike WE0H Phil LaMarche wrote: I have general coverage in my K3, what and how would I enter this frequency? Phil Philip LaMarche LaMarche Enterprises, Inc. www.instantgourmetspices.com www.w9dvm.com 800-395-7795 pin 02 727-944-3226 FAX 727-937-8834 NASFT 30210 K3 #1605 W9DVM From: WE0H I am one of those 600m stations, WD2XSH/16. Currently building my K2 and after that, a new 7mc IF transverter to get the K2 down on 600 meters. I currently run a 3mc IF transverter and my TS-930. CW coverage for my station is pretty much the whole lower 48 states into Canada. I have been on the air for a year or so now. The band is 505-510kc but most hang out in the 505-508kc area to avoid the NDB's on 510kc. Mike WE0H Jack Smith-6 wrote: Geoff: There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz range operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however. There are also quite a few lowfer Part 15 (unlicensed, but permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range. The Longwave Club of America is a good starting point for these Part 15 operations. http://www.lwca.org/ No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately. Jack K8ZOA __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Elecraft mailing list Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm Post: mailto:Elecraft@mailman.qth.net This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Jack, Although I do not have any details to hand there is some Amateur CW activity in Europe within a few kHz of 500 kHz, and I believe that crossband to HF contacts are made also. 73, Geoff GM4ESD Jack Smith wrote: Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. Jack K8ZOA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Geoff: There are a dozen or so experimental stations in the 500 KHz range operated by a group of hams. http://www.500kc.com/ has more detail. It seems that not too many are actually radiating as of this time however. There are also quite a few lowfer Part 15 (unlicensed, but permitted) beacons in the 186 KHz range. The Longwave Club of America is a good starting point for these Part 15 operations. http://www.lwca.org/ No 136 KHz amateur operations here in the US, unfortunately. Jack K8ZOA Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy wrote: Jack, Although I do not have any details to hand there is some Amateur CW activity in Europe within a few kHz of 500 kHz, and I believe that crossband to HF contacts are made also. 73, Geoff GM4ESD Jack Smith wrote: Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. Jack K8ZOA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
A pal of mine used a MSF clock rx to a panadaptor which worked remarkably well. Could get the details for anyone interested. David G3UNA From: Geoffrey Mackenzie-Kennedy [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: 2008/08/28 Thu PM 01:10:53 BST To: Jack Smith [EMAIL PROTECTED] CC: Elecraft Discussion List elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Jack, Although I do not have any details to hand there is some Amateur CW activity in Europe within a few kHz of 500 kHz, and I believe that crossband to HF contacts are made also. 73, Geoff GM4ESD Jack Smith wrote: Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. Jack K8ZOA ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com - Email sent from www.virginmedia.com/email Virus-checked using McAfee(R) Software and scanned for spam ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Regarding the VLF converters, one question I have for the SW folks at Elecraft is whether they could add a transverter band to support these unique receive converter IF frequencies. For example, I have a VLF converter that I've used for years that was designed for a 4 MHz IF. I realize that I can simply tune 4 to 4.5 MHz and mentally ignore the 4 MHz portion of the display, but it would be ideal if I could define a new transverter band where 4 to 4.5 MHz is displayed on the front panel as 0-500 kHz. Scott N7NB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:58 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Interesting Ron.and,as a matter of interest, on the 'Night of Nights', I've copied KPH, on 426kHz, here in the far north of NZ's North Island, for several years now. 73 de Mike, zl1mh. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.10/1638 - Release Date: 8/27/2008 7:06 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Wow, Mike! Have you told them? They'd like to know and you'll get a nice 'QSL' from the Grand Dame of KPH, Denise Stoops (the first female operator there). She sends QSLs out on original RCA radiogram forms as long as the supply left over from full time station ops lasts in response to an SASE. They put in a nice signal here, but I'm only 600 miles away. On the other hand, I'm close enough that I've managed to be at the station for one of their night of nights activities. That's a special bit of nostalgia for me since I used to chat with them on the air from ships visiting San Francisco Bay while testing the shipboard CW gear. For those here on the reflector without MF capability, KPH also transmits CW and RTTY on various HF frequencies and is active as K6KPH on several Ham bands, usually on 7050, 14050 and 21050 kHz and occasionally on 3550 kHz. There's more info about the facilities, stations in operation and frequencies used on: http://www.radiomarine.org Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Interesting Ron.and,as a matter of interest, on the 'Night of Nights', I've copied KPH, on 426kHz, here in the far north of NZ's North Island, for several years now. 73 de Mike, zl1mh. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
I have worked the ham station call for the past two years during the Night of Nights and also monitored KPH on all marine frequencies except the 600 meter frequencies. I simply don't have an antenna for anything that low. After the second year I sent a QSL and, as you mentioned, I received a nice QSL on an RCA message form from Ms. Stoops. The volunteers there are doing a wonderful job in preserving an important part of radio history by restoring the old equipment and keeping the station available for tours, etc. I also understand they secured a new coastal station license for KSM which uses the same equipment as KPH and can accept commercial traffic when it is in operation. Monitoring KPH, KFS and WCC helped me with learning Morse back in the days when I was thinking of getting a ham license. I understand WCC was dismantled except for the receive building which they are trying to preserve as a museum but the transmitter location was dismantled and the receive location has no equipment. Fortunately, KPH has not suffered that fate. I wish I lived close enough to the station to visit during the next Night of Nights. Bruce - W8FU -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Ron D'Eau Claire Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 3:52 PM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Wow, Mike! Have you told them? They'd like to know and you'll get a nice 'QSL' from the Grand Dame of KPH, Denise Stoops (the first female operator there). She sends QSLs out on original RCA radiogram forms as long as the supply left over from full time station ops lasts in response to an SASE. They put in a nice signal here, but I'm only 600 miles away. On the other hand, I'm close enough that I've managed to be at the station for one of their night of nights activities. That's a special bit of nostalgia for me since I used to chat with them on the air from ships visiting San Francisco Bay while testing the shipboard CW gear. For those here on the reflector without MF capability, KPH also transmits CW and RTTY on various HF frequencies and is active as K6KPH on several Ham bands, usually on 7050, 14050 and 21050 kHz and occasionally on 3550 kHz. There's more info about the facilities, stations in operation and frequencies used on: http://www.radiomarine.org Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Interesting Ron.and,as a matter of interest, on the 'Night of Nights', I've copied KPH, on 426kHz, here in the far north of NZ's North Island, for several years now. 73 de Mike, zl1mh. ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com Internal Virus Database is out of date. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.7/1629 - Release Date: 8/23/2008 1:16 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Scott, Right now, the K3 XVx RF can be set to most any frequency (MHz increment) from 0 to 999 - but unfortunately the IF frequency is currently limited to 7, 14, 21, 28, and 50 MHz. If we could convince Wayne and Eric to support the 10 MHz band as an IF, that would work for the 10 MHz IF used in the Jackson Harbor Press kit that has received some recent 'press' here. I suppose a 4 MHz If might be possible too - but that may depend on how many users there may be. What is the chance that you could change the mixer crystal to give your VLF converter a 7 MHz IF? If it has tuned circuits at the output, those would have to be changed to the new IF as well, but it certainly should not be a daunting task, perhaps just a few toroids to wind. I don't know how well any of this works because I have not tried it, but it seems feasible looking at the K3 transverter interface menus. 73, Don W3FPR Scott Prather wrote: Regarding the VLF converters, one question I have for the SW folks at Elecraft is whether they could add a transverter band to support these unique receive converter IF frequencies. For example, I have a VLF converter that I've used for years that was designed for a 4 MHz IF. I realize that I can simply tune 4 to 4.5 MHz and mentally ignore the 4 MHz portion of the display, but it would be ideal if I could define a new transverter band where 4 to 4.5 MHz is displayed on the front panel as 0-500 kHz. Scott N7NB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:58 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Interesting Ron.and,as a matter of interest, on the 'Night of Nights', I've copied KPH, on 426kHz, here in the far north of NZ's North Island, for several years now. 73 de Mike, zl1mh. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.10/1638 - Release Date: 8/27/2008 7:06 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.11/1639 - Release Date: 8/28/2008 7:39 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Jack Smith wrote: Those interested in listening to signals below 500 KHz with their K2 or K3 may find my new review of Jackson Harbor Press's inexpensive VLF/LF up converter of interest. It's at http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/jackson_harbor_press_vlf_converter.htm I've been using it with my K2 and an active antenna I'm working on and can hear WWVB quite well here in Northern Virginia, along with a number of other stations. I'm on the west coast [near Sacramento] and about 120 miles from the XRAY-9940 LORAN-C station at Middletown CA, and about 190 miles from the Master-9940 at Fallon NV. Both run 400KW peak [I think]. That's about all I can hear anywhere from below 100 KHz to 400 KHz or so with my Palomar VLF converter, the signals are huge. Maybe I need a different VLF box. 73, Fred K6DGW - Northern California Contest Club - CU in the 2008 Cal QSO Party 4-5 Oct 08 - www.cqp.org ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Don: It's certainly possible to change my VLF converter such that a 7 MHz IF is used instead, but I brought this up primarily because the addition of these virtual bands shouldn't be a tremendous effort in SW. But, of course, such things are always simple for the person who doesn't have to actually do the work. And the inclusion of such a band could open up the floodgates for special band requests. To standardize things a bit, I recommend that Elecraft consider adding the 10 MHz band as an IF in the transverter menu. I can easily move my VLF converter to a 10 MHz IF and the LO can be supplied by my local H/P frequency standard. Scott N7NB -Original Message- From: Don Wilhelm [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 1:46 PM To: Scott Prather Cc: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Scott, Right now, the K3 XVx RF can be set to most any frequency (MHz increment) from 0 to 999 - but unfortunately the IF frequency is currently limited to 7, 14, 21, 28, and 50 MHz. If we could convince Wayne and Eric to support the 10 MHz band as an IF, that would work for the 10 MHz IF used in the Jackson Harbor Press kit that has received some recent 'press' here. I suppose a 4 MHz If might be possible too - but that may depend on how many users there may be. What is the chance that you could change the mixer crystal to give your VLF converter a 7 MHz IF? If it has tuned circuits at the output, those would have to be changed to the new IF as well, but it certainly should not be a daunting task, perhaps just a few toroids to wind. I don't know how well any of this works because I have not tried it, but it seems feasible looking at the K3 transverter interface menus. 73, Don W3FPR Scott Prather wrote: Regarding the VLF converters, one question I have for the SW folks at Elecraft is whether they could add a transverter band to support these unique receive converter IF frequencies. For example, I have a VLF converter that I've used for years that was designed for a 4 MHz IF. I realize that I can simply tune 4 to 4.5 MHz and mentally ignore the 4 MHz portion of the display, but it would be ideal if I could define a new transverter band where 4 to 4.5 MHz is displayed on the front panel as 0-500 kHz. Scott N7NB -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Mike Sent: Thursday, August 28, 2008 10:58 AM To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Subject: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters Interesting Ron.and,as a matter of interest, on the 'Night of Nights', I've copied KPH, on 426kHz, here in the far north of NZ's North Island, for several years now. 73 de Mike, zl1mh. No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.10/1638 - Release Date: 8/27/2008 7:06 PM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - http://www.avg.com Version: 8.0.138 / Virus Database: 270.6.11/1639 - Release Date: 8/28/2008 7:39 AM ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Actually 4 MHz is probably the most common I.F. for LF/MF converters. Many Ham band rigs receive in the 4.0 to 4.5 MHz range and it uses a commonly-available and cheap 4.0 MHz crystal for the L.O. The other designs I've seen mostly use that range. I bread boarded a diode ring mixer converter for the 400-500 kHz range, but haven't converted it into a finished unit yet so I haven't investigated what the K3 (or the K2) will with it in the transverter menus. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- Scott, Right now, the K3 XVx RF can be set to most any frequency (MHz increment) from 0 to 999 - but unfortunately the IF frequency is currently limited to 7, 14, 21, 28, and 50 MHz. If we could convince Wayne and Eric to support the 10 MHz band as an IF, that would work for the 10 MHz IF used in the Jackson Harbor Press kit that has received some recent 'press' here. I suppose a 4 MHz If might be possible too - but that may depend on how many users there may be. What is the chance that you could change the mixer crystal to give your VLF converter a 7 MHz IF? If it has tuned circuits at the output, those would have to be changed to the new IF as well, but it certainly should not be a daunting task, perhaps just a few toroids to wind. I don't know how well any of this works because I have not tried it, but it seems feasible looking at the K3 transverter interface menus. 73, Don W3FPR ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Or better pre-selection, such as a high-Q tuned antenna. I don't mean a typical active antenna either. Most of them are a broadband amplifier hooked to a whip. Signals way off frequency are amplified right along with the desired ones and no amount of preselection after the antenna is going to help once the amplifier at the whip has generated broadband cross mod. When I lived near Portland I had that problem on any MF receiver I tried, so I built a small ATU for that range and hooked on my HF antenna as a random wire. With the tuner in the circuit the MF range went from noise caused by BCB and every other sort of monster signal overloading the RX to Q5 copy of a large range of non-directional beacons (NDBs) and stations like KPH. Those NDBs only run 50 watts or so into a short antenna, yet I copied many of them over a range nearly 1,000 miles when cdx were good. All that aside, the fate of the 600 meter band seems sealed because the US Coast Guard (USCG) has reserved virtually the whole 400-500 kHz spectrum for low-frequency GPS beacons. Those beacons will transmit correction signals that improve the accuracy of GPS sufficient to control vehicles on the ground and to land aircraft. (It's no surprise that almost all of those beacons are slated for installation at airports.) I'm a little surprised that the FCC has issued some 600 meter licenses to coastal stations since, but those may be subject to cancellation at any time the USCG wants, just as the Amateur experimental license is provisional. So, one of these days, the 400-500 kHz band will be wall-to-wall data beacons bleating out their information to GPS receivers nearby, and in the slot just above 500 kHz and below the AM broadcast band we still have NAVTEXT broadcasting text weather reports to ships. I don't know the fate of the LORAN system there. It's been heralded as a backup to satellites, and there's some good sense in doing that. It all depends upon Coast Guard priorities with their greatly-expanded Homeland Security mission since 9/11. Ron AC7AC -Original Message- I'm on the west coast [near Sacramento] and about 120 miles from the XRAY-9940 LORAN-C station at Middletown CA, and about 190 miles from the Master-9940 at Fallon NV. Both run 400KW peak [I think]. That's about all I can hear anywhere from below 100 KHz to 400 KHz or so with my Palomar VLF converter, the signals are huge. Maybe I need a different VLF box. 73, Fred K6DGW ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters.
Mike wrote: ...listening on the Marine bands now is comparable to walking in a graveyard... 73 - Mike, zl1mh.listening on the Marine Complete with the sadness of knowing that many old friends are lying there. Part of growing older is, indeed, learning to say Goodbye to old friends. Not all of them are people. Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
RE: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Nice write-up Jack! One of the things CW buffs can do with such a converter is catch the Marine CW stations that are still active. Station KPH on the California Coast is very active, and the last I saw there are several others around North America warming the 600 meter (400-500 kHz) airwaves regularly now. Very few ships are still using CW, but a number of licenses for coastal stations have been maintained, and even a few new ones issued to individuals unwilling to let 600 meter CW die. When active, one will hear the CQ Wheel calling for anyone with traffic, traffic lists being send, press (news) sent, etc. More information about KPH with ties to other stations available is located at http://www.radiomarine.org/kph-proj.html Just don't try to hear them between 15 and 18 minutes past the hour or between 45 and 48 minutes past the hour. They still observe the traditional two 3-minute silent periods when all stations stop routine activities and listen for distress calls on 500 kHz. And for some real DX fun, check out the occasional transmissions from SAQ at Grimeton (Sweden) on 17.2 kHz! That would require some modification of the input filter, I suspect. SAQ runs a Alexander Alternator: a big specially-designed rotary alternating current generator hooked to an antenna. See: http://www.alexander.n.se/startsida_e.htm Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] VLF/LF Converters
Ron 17.2 KHz is well within the working range of the Jackson Harbor Press kit. The main issues are a good receiving antenna and local noise. I can hear German and French LF stations (200 b/s encrypted GMSK) in the 20 KHz range a few dB above the noise most of the time with my experimental active antenna, SAQ may be detectable with narrow band techniques such as the ARGO QRSS program. Back in the day, I used to listen to the long wave CW from the public coast stations and ships up and down the East Coast--quite a collection of signal quality could be found, not to mention operator fists. Jack K8ZOA Ron D'Eau Claire wrote: Nice write-up Jack! One of the things CW buffs can do with such a converter is catch the Marine CW stations that are still active. Station KPH on the California Coast is very active, and the last I saw there are several others around North America warming the 600 meter (400-500 kHz) airwaves regularly now. Very few ships are still using CW, but a number of licenses for coastal stations have been maintained, and even a few new ones issued to individuals unwilling to let 600 meter CW die. When active, one will hear the CQ Wheel calling for anyone with traffic, traffic lists being send, press (news) sent, etc. More information about KPH with ties to other stations available is located at http://www.radiomarine.org/kph-proj.html Just don't try to hear them between 15 and 18 minutes past the hour or between 45 and 48 minutes past the hour. They still observe the traditional two 3-minute silent periods when all stations stop routine activities and listen for distress calls on 500 kHz. And for some real DX fun, check out the occasional transmissions from SAQ at Grimeton (Sweden) on 17.2 kHz! That would require some modification of the input filter, I suspect. SAQ runs a Alexander Alternator: a big specially-designed rotary alternating current generator hooked to an antenna. See: http://www.alexander.n.se/startsida_e.htm Ron AC7AC ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
