Re: [DX-CHAT] How do we make better international DXers?
That reminds me of the American " World series " of a game not played anywhere else but in NA ! And Miss Universe is always won by someone from planet Earth. Credit to Letterman for that one. N8UX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] W6AM - then & now
Rolling Hills ain't what it used to be. After reading the note in the latest Contesters rate sheet regarding the W6AM page at - http://www.qsl.net/ne6i/w6am/ I forwarded this interesting URL to my friend Tim, KA8DDZ. The next day he returned this striking Google Maps comparison of the rhombic farm as it was back in the day, and what the area looks like now. Scroll to the last 2 pictures at the bottom of my picture page - http://home.alltel.net/okhn8ux/pictures.htm Little boxes all in a row now... a lil sad, actually. At least we have the pictures from yesteryear to keep the memories alive. Rich, N8UX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Unidentified local signal 30m
I was cruising through the noise on 30m this morning, and began to hear 5 character groups, or rather, the hash from a CW transmission all through 30m. I found the signal at 10.126, and it was pegging full scale (>60db over) on a ts-850 - adding 20db att reduced it to 50 over. There was no fading in the signal, so I assume it's ground wave and local to me in Somerset, KY. I'm aware of the mysterious "numbers" stations, but this one is destroying my 30m dx'ing. Should I investigate, or will the MIB make me disappear, and make it look like it was my fault? Funny - the transmission ended at 1135 ut with AR AR AR SK SK SK, then DIT DIT. Well, any friend of CW is a friend of mine, I guess. Two bits, Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] modern radio design not friendly
At least Charles was able to replace the battery and go on his merry way. In the old Icom IC751A. all-band, all-mode radio, if you let the battery go dead you became the proud owner of a doorstop. (I speak from I had a 751 that went belly up this way - fortunately there is an after market board that fixes it, plus adds a few features (more memories, variable rate tuning, i think). 751 - a good dx rig for the price. Rich, N8UX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] An "Official" LotW user list?
I'm not sure a "list" of over 18,000 certificates would be of much use. I guess what I was getting at is that the text list of callsigns can now be integrated into certain cluster user software that will let you know when a call being spotted is a certificate holder. But on second thought, perhaps HB9BZA's list is a more accurate representation of *active* LotW users, as his list is built from contributed lotwrprt.adi files. Perhaps the official list would be information overkill. Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] An "Official" LotW user list?
In relation to my previous post, I think if ARRL would periodically release an "official" user list, it would provide incentive for cluster users to chase dx that choose to qsl via LotW. Yes, I hear the non-cluster types tearing me down for "not finding them the old fashioned way". I certainly continue to get myself up at 4am with a cup of coffee to tune thru the bands looking to be the one who spots the dx first - after I work them. But my time has become more valuable in my middle years, and I embrace spotting, rig control, LotW. The more data presented to me from my monitor, the better. I don't get up at 4am as much as I did when I was an 18 yr old Novice, and my rig no longer keeps my coffee warm, but the excitement is still there, and I guess that's what it's all about. tu de Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
RE: [DX-CHAT] Logbook of World
By the way I suspect there are more contesters using LOTW that actual DXers. I think the main reason for that is they are all using Absolutely... contesters are more "in touch" with electronic submissions. They're used to the process. On the other hand, I have 50 qsls from w3lpl -hi! Any positive suggestions? I think something that has not been mentioned much is the recent feature of certain dx clusters now indicating which spotted callsigns are LoTW users. By using the "un-official" callsign list at - http://www.hb9bza.net/lotw/ ...and integrating it with VE7CC's ar-user program, I can now search and pounce on dx that I'm relatively sure will qsl via LotW. I'll still pay the price for the exotic cards for the shack wall, but when it comes to qsl'ing specific band/modes, I'm all for LotW. This new cluster feature really improves my time management when it comes to pursuing DXCC. This is not a sales pitch for VE7CC's program (besides, it's free), but I recommend it. Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] KP5 Documents
On Wed, 15 Mar 2006, N7MAL wrote: > Forgive me for asking a stupid question and throwing water on > everyone's parade but has anyone published a copy of the documents, > signed by F&W, authorizing the KP5 operation...???... I have never seen ANY documents published showing that any given DXpedition was legal. I am assuming the proper documents were submitted to ARRL. Unlike some people, I do have some trust in the ARRL and believe they had a valid reason to OK the operation. ARRL is not going to publish the documents. It doesn't matter to me whether or not it's even "legal", as far as dxcc approval is concerned. The fact remains that someone, somewhere, wields the strength to make a call to the "gubmint" and stop someone from operating their radio(s). That's the thing that troubles me. Now if it was completely unauthorized, then that would have been a lil different I guess. But I read the article, and all the permissions were there. I tend to believe that another dxpedition person got their feelings hurt. This operation came together in record time, on short notice. I think it took someone by suprise, and they didn't like that. There are a lot of big egos in Amateur Radio. If it was a genuine mistake, I TRULY believe that the person would have made an apology to K3LP and N3KS. I think they would have relayed that apology to the world from this person... if it was an honest mistake. The lack of any further news on this front dispels this theory, in my mind. I agree that time will flush out the whole back story on this. Who wants to be the next operator to set foot on Desecheo? -hi Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] KP5 ?
Well, it seems the order from on high for KP5 to QRT has been dismissed as "one of those things". Those who worked them will get the card - myself included. But my inquiring mind still wants to know who took it upon them self to decide that KP5 should be cut short. Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Bottomed out...
Picture says it all...Rich http://www.dxlc.com/solar/images/AR_CH_20060308.jpg Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Solar SSN charts?
Somewhere I recall seeing a long chart showing monthly flux or smoothed sunspot numbers going back before the turn of the century. Many cycles were shown, all on one chart. Anyone know the source? dxlc.com/solar has the data, but I was looking for a continuous visual representation. tnx es 73, Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Well, that's a new experience
Ok, maybe this has happened to you all before, but it's a first for me. I'm sitting in the shack easy chair reading email, logged into the cluster, with a rig across the room tuned to a random 40m cw freq. I hear an SV1 calling cq what sounds like a kc down - ok, nothing new for me, but I'll place it on the cluster for others. Let's see... I'll guess about 1kc down from my freq, so... SV1ENG... 7012 CQ... Five seconds later I hear "N8UX de SV1ENG"!! Frantically I run across the room, check the antenna, and reply. Antonis thanks me for the spot, we exchange pleasantries, and we log each other. I must say it shook my plaque loose a lil -hi. Reverse spotting? Hmm... a new technique perhaps. I don't guess it would have worked to good with 3Y0 though...:-) Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Pronouncing VU7
VU7 is the Laccadive Islands (lak-a-div) 73, Jerry K3BZ Ahh... now that one I remember. I guess you can tell now that I've been away from my DXCC pursuit for a while. Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Pronouncing VU7
Ok. We call it VU7, but how do I pronounce LAKSHADWEEP ? I learned how to pronounce Desecheo this year, now this one is driving me nuts. After 26 years, I thought it was time to start learning the names, instead of calling them by prefix. Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Peter I
The last time I looked The Constitution still allows me, and you, the right to express our opinions. That's true but the constitution does not give you the right to express your opinion on this reflector. We have rules. Umm, I worked 3y0x on 80 meters. There... we're back on topic! Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] 3Y0X QRV by 0400
As if nobody is aware...hi! Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Yagi info needed
Thanks for all the suggestions, guys. This yagi is most definitely *not* a 15-3CD. The boom is 2 feet shorter. But if worse comes to worse, I'll take the specs for the 15-3cd and make something work. I put some feelers out on some other forums as suggested. Thanks, Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Re:Yagi info needed (2)
I would assume it is the venerable 15-3CD, but that one has a 14' boom, not the 12' that I have. So it pre-dates the 15-3CD. Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Yagi info needed
Perhaps this may be a bit off-topic - but it does have to do with dx'ing! 26 years ago I used a Cushcraft 3 element 15m beam. I moved to Ky in 1982, and since then the beam has been stored in a barn loft. Spurred on by the 3Y0X activity, I've decided to get it out of mothballs and put it back up. It was a great antenna then, so I guess it will suffice today as well. It's all complete, but unfortunately I've lost all the paperwork to it. I believe it was called a model A21-3, but not positive. It has a 12 foot boom, and uses the "reddi-match". But all my markings have worn off the elements, so I have no idea as to the correct lengths. I can barely see the clamp marks on the boom, so I could get the spacing close. Anyone on the list have any info they could fax or email? I thought I would put the question out here first, as there is quite a base of knowledge on this list. If no luck, I'll try the various antenna list. Google didn't reveal anything for me. Tnx, Rich Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Logs Closing
re Logs closing Could some DX club or individual take on old logs as a cenral clearing house? Nice service, eh? I was sitting here with my morning coffee thinking the same thing. Yes, would be a nice gesture. If I weren't so far behind on my own logging chores I wouldn't mind picking up a couple myself. But then again maybe handling someone else's qsl'ing would inject a lil discipline into my own logging. Rich (qso wid 7Q7RM in 1999) Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Thanks KP5
Sounds like their leaving. I'm happy to have them as all time new one on 15ssb and 30cw. Both qsos with 100w and wire. I was amused at the cluster spots, and the zombies that followed the QSX. I kept casting in the same fishing hole, and his ears came to me. It's important to turn the dial the right way, but it's also important to know how the dx is spinning his dial. As for the legal papers presented to them, that's sad, but not the first time smelly stuff like this has cropped up. Thanks KP5, Rich, N8UX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Plug in drives
Thanks for the reply. So far the replies have been mixed. Some say yes, and some say no. May have to try it out beforehand. I guess it's going to primarily depend on the logging software you're going to use. In my case, I could probably make CT, or NA work, but any windows software install is going to run into trouble with the registry. Also, you'd still have to setup ports for your keying, rig control, etc if you have that going on. Be good for backups, though. Rich, N8UX Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Olivia
The soundcard cowboys strike again I'm not against using the soundcard and pc for communication on the cheap, but don't we have enough MFSK modes already? And it doesn't seem particularly efficient to me. Rich, N8UX. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Waterproof Connections
Oh, I forgot - some times I also coat everything with a layer of ScotchKote electrical coating. But be warned you'll have to cut it all off with a knife once it's dry, in order to take it apart. So it's 130C for the waterproofing, Super 88 tape for the UV protection, and Scotchkote (sometimes) to top it off. No, I don't work for 3M -hi. N8UX. At 07:23 AM 7/20/2005 -0400, I wrote: You hit right on my preferred method - Scotch 130C, followed by Super 88 electrical tape. Always be sure to cut your tape with scissors, do not just stretch and tear it - this will prevent "flagging" later on. Also make your wraps overlap in the proper direction, taking into consideration the direction that water will be flowing over it - like shingles on a house. Using this method, I have *never* had a connection fail due to moisture. I have 10 year old horizontal so239s that are still going strong at the top of the tower. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Waterproof Connections
You hit right on my preferred method - Scotch 130C, followed by Super 88 electrical tape. Always be sure to cut your tape with scissors, do not just stretch and tear it - this will prevent "flagging" later on. Also make your wraps overlap in the proper direction, taking into consideration the direction that water will be flowing over it - like shingles on a house. Using this method, I have *never* had a connection fail due to moisture. I have 10 year old horizontal so239s that are still going strong at the top of the tower. Also, don't forget drip loops. Rich, N8UX. At 11:18 PM 7/19/2005 -0700, you wrote: I learned the proper materials and methods for watertight connections while working for over 20 years in underwater acoustics. When you put transducer arrays and other electrical devices underwater at depths of greater than 600ft, and for long periods of time, you lean how to do it right. The materials we used on electrical cable connections were to first cover it with the pliable material that we called Monkey Dung. I have seen a similar material used by hams over the years and I am sure it is adequate. It is a pliable, tacky, putty like material that can be hand molded to completely cover the connectors. It is very similar to the material they use on RV's to seal panel and exterior skin materials. You can buy it by the roll at an RV parts supplier. I'll bet it works just fine. This material completely encases the connector, and then is covered with a self vulcanizing tape which creates an impervious seal. The partial roll I have remaining in my shack was made by Bishop Electric of Cedargrove, NJ. I tried to locate them recently to try and buy some more, and couldn't find them. I have recently purchased a Scotch 3m product called 130C Linerless Rubber Splicing Tape. This is very similar to the Bishop Electeric tape, but I have no long term, or underwater experience with it. It just looks very much like the same thing. You can then cover the self vulcanizing tape with conventional vinyl electrical tape if you wish to eliminate the tacky exterior you will be left with from the self vulcanizing tape, but it contributes little to the watertight covering. For ham radio coax connections, I think you can eliminate the monkey dung and just use the self vulcanizing tape covered over with vinyl electrical tape. That should get the job done for the long term. John Owens - N7SEJ _ Netscape. Just the Net You Need. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, dx-chat@njdxa.org This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org