Re: Re[2]: [Elecraft] OT: Motorola buys Yeasu. Wow!
-Original Message- From: Joseph M Grib [EMAIL PROTECTED] this is a 2% business for major gear. I've heard this from other sources and I think it's true. Even if it were a 10% business that doesn't give a lot of wiggle room. Why do you think that ham dealers across the US have been folding? Why do you think there's been a lack of dealer and manufacturer presence at hamfests and shows? It's because it's not profitable to do it. Yup. But that's not our fault, is it? Do you work for free? The days when most people had 9 to 5 M-F jobs and paid overtime for anything outside those strictly defined limits are pretty much over. How many hours do you think Wayne, Eric and the others have put in on the K3? What you the consumer are paying for is the service behind the sale and the ability to actually see things before you purchase them. Agreed. And the products have to be priced to support that. When I was on the other side of the counter, I heard all the time how I can get it cheaper by the 1-800-XXX number. Then fine and go use the 800 number but when it's needing repairs or you need advice, go call the 800 number and don't come bother me. Yup. The question is, why do the rigmakers allow their product to be distributed that way? Don't they realize that, by doing so, they are killing off their distribution network? You don't walk into your local grocery store and argue with the checkout clerk how cheap you can get milk somewhere else do you? Then why do you do it at a ham store? But when you go to buy a car, haggling over the price is often part of the deal - even a new car that's in demand. Same for when you buy real estate. Why is it OK to haggle for those things but not a ham rig that costs hundreds or thousands of dollars? One thing that has kept me homebrewing and Elecrafting for many years is the ads in ham magazines that show a rig but don't show a price. Sorry, but how much it costs is an important specification! Sure there's tons of places to get stuff on the internet and I'm sure a lot cheaper, but if the ham community wants ham stores to be around and not everthing to be either a 800 number or on the internet, then you will have to support your local store and local dealers, or they'll disappear. Or perhaps times have changed... For a very long time, Heathkit was only available by mail order. The price of a Heathkit was what it said in the catalog and in the magazine ads. Unless you lived in MI you didn't pay sales tax but you did pay shipping. Heath eventually opened retail stores, but they didn't last too long. Ten Tec is only available factory-direct. The prices are clearly shown and the same for everybody. Service is reportedly excellent. I understand that once upon a time TT was available through dealers, but that ended years ago. And of course Elecraft offers excellent service and advice, spare parts and direct advice from all levels of the company. This isn't just happening with ham rigs. Want parts? There's Digi-Key (guess where the name comes from?) Mouser, Dan's Small Parts and many others. Wire and cable? The Wireman and many others. Last time I needed to fix an appliance (old Maytag D8300 dryer - yes, even Maytags break) I got the parts online. Ordered Saturday, at my door Tuesday. A big part of what makes these things possible are: - email and the internet - modern ham gear is smaller, lighter and more reliable than the old stuff - there are many shipping options, and with the smaller/lighter ham rigs the cost is not *too* bad. Perhaps the day of the distributor is ending, and factory-direct/internet sales is the new paradigm for a lot of things. 73 de Jim, N2EY Email and AIM finally together. You've gotta check out free AOL Mail! - http://mail.aol.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] Re: K1 on USB CW
In a message dated 6/17/04 2:41:52 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The present day LSB - USB band standards have their roots from years ago in the availability of 9 Mc crystals / filters - when SSB was experimental and you had to build your own. 9 Mc plus a VFO running at 5.0 to 5.5 Mc gives you 20m USB. Subtract the VFO frequency and you tune backwards on 75/80m and you get LSB. No, that's just not true. Urban legend. I believed it for years but when I did the math the truth could not be denied. The only way you get sideband inversion is if the heterodyne oscillator is above *both* the input and output frequencies of a mixing process. Yes, the 9 MHz IF / 5-5.5 Mhz VFO scheme was popular, and it does result in one band tuning backwards. But it *does not* result in sideband inversion! Generate USB and 9 MHz and mix it with a 5-5.5 MHz VFO and you get USB on 75 and 20. The LSB/USB convention for hams goes back to before hams used 9 MHz filters to generate SSB. . Now if you use a 5 MHz SSB generator and a 9 MHz VFO you *do* get sideband inversion. If anyone wants the exact math, I have it all written up. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K2 receive volume
One point: We need to distinguish between volume and gain. I've never noticed any K2 being short of volume - meaning the ability to deliver room-filling audio without unacceptable distortion, *given a big enough signal*. But some K2s have more gain than others, meaning total overall amplification from the antenna terminal to the speaker or headphones. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] K1 on USB CW
In a message dated 6/19/04 7:55:57 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What's really amazing is that there are so many folks who NEVER were around then, who NEVER operated SSB at the beginning and NEVER had the very common Central Electronics 10 or 20 rigs that can tell all of us who were there that it's impossible to operate the way that we did. I don't see anybody claiming that. I guess I am getting senileit must have been impossible that many times I forgot to flip the sideband switch when moving off of 75 meters and being on the wrong sideband. It's possible that you forgot to swap sidebands. I do recall, however, having lots of fun working to have the most carrier suppression I could get, and the most stabile VFOand then setting up round tables on 75 where some of us were on LSB and the others were on USB on the same frequency No doubt! What is being claimed is simply this: If you generate SSB (either sideband) at 9 MHz and mix it with a 5-5.5 MHz VFO you will get the same sideband on either the sum (20 meters) or difference (75 meters) mixing product. It's not a function of the rig used, or the time period, or whether it's phasing or filter. The math proves it. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ Elecraft mailing list Post to: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft You must subscribe to post. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, Unsub etc): http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] A small FD experience
In a message dated 6/28/2004 1:33:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I double-dare you to model this antenna in EZ-NEC, Tom ;) I triple-dog-dare you! ;-) [1] Congrats on your daring effort. He who dares, wins. [2] 73 de Jim, N2EY [1] Reference to K2ORS's classic A Christmas Story [2] Motto of the Special Air Services ___ 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/elecraftHelp: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com
Re: [Elecraft] Colour (Color)
In a message dated 7/22/2004 9:44:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: In a message dated 7/21/2004 5:18:05 PM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I say it's green, XYL says it's grey! I'm a printer with lots of ink experience. The color is grey and it may have a touch of green in it. The same issue came up when the Pennsylvania Railroad painted their GG-1 locomotives Brunswick Green. Allegedly the mix was one drop of green paint to one gallon of black. There's also the recipe for a very dry martini where the bartender simply looks at the bottle of vermouth while pouring the gin (or is it the other way around?) The straight answer: It's gray. A very nice shade of gray, not too light, not too dark, not too glossy, not too flat. 73 de Jim, shaken, not stirred N2EY ___ 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] 44 ft. doublet magic lead length and bats in my belfry
(insert standard no connection disclaimer HERE) 1) Google up G4FGQ (Reg Edwards) website 2) Download DIPOLE#.EXE freeware 3) Have fun tring different dipole/feedline combos. (note that it's all metric!) 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] 125' EFHWA (was: long wire balan)
In a message dated 8/3/04 8:25:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Mediocre? I'll match it against any trap dipole. If I didn't have the G5RV I would suggest a windom. Had a trap dipole once and long wire beat it G5 RV beat the long wire. I have read varying reports on the G5RV some call it compromise others love it. I would say it's the best antenna I have had. My results have been that a *good* trap dipole beats a G5RV - but not by much. Both beat an equivalent long wire *unless* the long wire has a good ground system (as in more than a few radials and a ground stake). YMMV The keys to trap dipoles are the trap construction and overall adjustment. Lossy, low Q traps will give mediocre results. Good high Q traps will do much better - typically less than 1 dB down from a full size dipole. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Knobs etc.
In a message dated 8/11/04 4:02:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: (later to become Vincent, HRD) Says James: 'In my opinion, there's nothing in this world Beats a 52 Vincent and a red headed girl.' - Richard Thompson 52 Vincent Black Lightning 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] (Elecraft) K2 - VOX - Straw Poll
In a message dated 8/12/04 6:54:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: When the subject of vox comes up, I always think of that great moment in history when Neil Armstrong stepped onto the lunar surface and said, Except that's not exactly what he said. It's what he was supposed to say, but he actually said: That's one small step for man, one ... iant leap for mankind. 73 de Jim, N2EY who still remembers that night. ___ 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] Antenna Wire
In a message dated 9/8/2004 5:40:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Charles Greene [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If you live near enough sea water to get an occasional sea spray, the copperweld copper clAdding will corrode green, then the core will rust in several places. After that the wire breaks if flexed like. It doesn't require salt spray to do that, either. Just takes longer. What happens is that *any* break in the copper cladding can let in moisture, and set up an electrolytic corrosion situation. The steel core corrodes like mad because it's essentially the cathode in a copper-steel cell whose plates are shorted. Of course salt water makes a better electrolyte than rain water, but any sort of ions in the water help things along. Pretty soon you have a piece of copper tubing and the wire fails. There are different levels of copper cladding, too - some are much thicker than others. There are also versions with insulation, which tends to protect the wire everywhere except joints. Joints can be protected by Plumbers Goop or similar noncorrosive sealer. Some folks swear by copperclad, others swear at it, but it *is* the strongest stuff for a given gauge. In the end, a lot depends on your replacement philosophy. Some folks replace before it falls down, others after... 73 de Jim, N2EY I didn't used to believe all the stuff about acid rain and UV exposure until I saw what my wire antenna hardware looked like after 5 years aloft. Not pretty! ___ 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] CW
In a message dated 9/25/04 12:28:34 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've tried a number of approaches but so far nothing seems to work for me. What approaches have you tried so far? Oddly, I can send at modest speeds but seem to be almost completely unable to read incoming. That's not odd at all. Sending and receiving are related skills but ability to do one doesn't mean you can do the other. I could send long before I learned to receive. Have you tried the G4FON software package? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Audio levels in K2
In a message dated 10/10/04 1:44:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We've been over this topic many times. If you go thru the reflector archives you find that most of the low audio problems are caused by improperly setting the AGC during alignment. A quick test is to shut off the AGC by pressing PRE/ATT and AGC together. If the volume comes shooting up the AGC is set wrong and is way too aggressive. Agreed! But some of us have experienced apparently low overall gain (not low audio) even with the AGC off. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Hum Coupling
In a message dated 11/1/04 8:36:41 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I cannot help but note that the venerable Kenwood TS-930S and TS-940S rigs had their big hunk of a power transformer mounted right next to the PLL section - and no hum problems were apparent, and it was NOT a toroidal type transformer, just a standard E+I section type, with no outer cover - you could see the laminations and windings. Yes, the PLL assemblies were inside shielded compartments, but there did not appear to be anything special about them - specifically, they were not Mu Metal, although they were steel. There's the answer. Steel is ferromagnetic, aluminum isn't. Steel isn't as good a shield as MuMetal, but it does the job. I suspect that a K2 built with a steel cabinet would be much more magnetic-field immune than the stock aluminum case. It would also weigh a lot more, but that may not be a problem for home use. However, the radio would operate just fine when the shield covers were open - as during testing and alignment, so the shielding or lack thereof (in the Kenwoods) was not germane to that sort of problem. Was the entire shield removed, or just the covers? I suspect a lot of the shield wss still in place. What was different about their design that made it hum proof - at least from fields induced by the mains transformer? The steel shield is a big factor. Another is that they may not have used iron-core coils in the PLL, or used a different type of iron. Yet another is the frequency range of the PLL. The prime suspect, IMHO, in the K2 hum pickup is the PLL coils with their iron cores. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] CW - SS - Off Topic
In a message dated 11/10/2004 9:59:20 AM Eastern Standard Time, Mike Morrow [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Lee wrote: I was amazed how far and how easy contesting for CW has become with the advent of the computer generating the code. Memory keyers eliminated a lot of the sending even before PCs were common. The slick computer programs for contesting have sure off-loaded computing time on the grey matter CPU. Yep. The voice folks aren't much different - latest thing in SSB contesting is the voice keyer with canned messages in *your* voice. It almost seems equivalent to running a marathon by riding a motorcycle. Having run two marathons and many shorter races, that's a good analogy! But such is the way of progress - the K2 has two VFOs, ten memories, can be remote-controlled and doesn't need to be tuned up. I guess I like the purity of older ways. I did SS with my other rig - all homebrew, 100W, inverted V at 37 feet. (google up my homepage to see a picture). No computer, no memory keyer, not even a second VFO. 424 QSOs in 76 sections. I can change bands in about 20 seconds but it's a bit more complex than with the K2 The use of paper logs and lack of automated sending was a major limitation in how many QSOs I could make per hour this year, and how much effort it took to make the ones I did. For example, it's amazing how many of today's ham CW gurus advise Morse newcomers to skip the straight key and begin with an iambic keyer. I think that's bad advice, and actually makes it *harder* to learn good sending. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Big K2 (was Kits I'd like to see in 2005)
In a message dated 12/26/04 2:48:52 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A full sized K2 for those who don't need small size. Give more importance to having room for fingers to twist knobs without hitting the ones close by and etc. From what I'm seeing the performance is up there with many of the major brands so there just might be a market for such a K2 I'd love to see just that - a K2Big? What would be really sweet, I think, is if it could be packaged so that you could put all the options in the box at once - ATU, 100W amp, and say a 7 AH battery. There could even be a separate heat sink for the 10W finals so they wouldn't have to be undone from the case each time. From what I can see, such a package could be made by redoing the front panel board and the case with a muchlarger ones, leaving the rest almost as-is. Main headache I can see is coming up with a replacement for the LCD readout. I'd certainly go for a K2Big, as would at least some others. I'm sure Eric and Wayne would produce one if they sensed a market that would support the cost of producing such a variant. After all, a lot of the cost would be in metalwork and related hardware rather than electronics. There's also the basic philosophy of Elecraft that is focused mostly on QRP and compactness. I'm sure the Aptos crew could come up with a really sweet QSK legal-limit amp if they wanted to...but that's not what they are focused on. I think that a lot of K2 owners, particularly contesters and DXers, get around the small size of the K2 by using computer control. That way they have a small rig for portable use and a big computer display for home use. The big remote knob (CRS* is causing me to block on its real name) gives a nice ergonomic interface for tuning and RIT. Of course there's always abject begging and pleading... 73 de Jim, N2EY (if somebody with my big paws can build a K2, almost anybody can...) ___ 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] OT: VOA Article about Hams in India
In a message dated 1/5/2005 2:58:28 PM Eastern Standard Time, Daniel Reynolds [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I think that as long as there is QRP, Elecraft, kit building, and ham radio in general - there will always be CW (unless they one day decide to make CW illegal. I hope you're right. I also hope there is always a place for CW and home construction in ham radio. Outfits like Elecraft are helping to preserve CW by making really good build-it-yourself CW equipment available and affordable. We still make kids learn how to write by hand with #2 pencils even though most American students have access to a computer and know how to use one. Also things like doing arithmetic by hand are *required learning*. Traditions and skills do not perpetuate themselves. Some folks, probably quite well-meaning, seek to reduce the qualifications for an amateur license even further. In at least one case, a no-code, no-homebrew license has been proposed to FCC, with the additional requirement that the transmitter not use voltages greater than 30! To save space, here are some links for those interested: Proposal: http://www.rrsta.com/rain/ncvec.html Paper that preceded the proposal: http://gahleos.obarr.net/messages/0002.html Response to proposal (3 parts) http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.radio.amateur.policy/msg/1f29355163c4ed4e?dmode=source http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.radio.amateur.policy/msg/a0bb67064e87e3d8?dmode=source http://groups-beta.google.com/group/rec.radio.amateur.policy/msg/0fceb52701a89334?dmode=source Related discussion off-reflector is invited. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Atomic Clocks and Aluminum Siding
In a message dated 1/8/05 11:04:16 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I believe WWVB is on 80KHz, 60 kHz. -- Anybody else on this reflector ever been to the WWV transmitter site? I was there circa 1992. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Headphones
In a message dated 1/19/05 3:53:58 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I'm in the market for a new pair of headphones. I have a pair of Sennheiser HD-490s that are just fantastic. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Speaking of AGM batteries...
The batteries on hamcall are big 'uns! $40 plus free ship for 25 AH and a carrybox is very tempting. But how to charge them? I use a 7 AH battery originally meant for UPS service. Not the ideal, I know, but it does the job and I don't use battery power much anyway. For a charger, I found a discarded-because-the-battery-failed UPS, extended the battery connections outside the case, and plugged in. Of course you have to keep an eye on it because if the power fails it will go to invert mode! Anybody have experience with this sort of setup as an inexpensive charger? I know it won't work with KBT2 because of the diode, but what about external gel cells? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] K2 CW speed
In a message dated 2/22/2005 2:51:15 PM Eastern Standard Time, Bill Coleman [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On Feb 22, 2005, at 1:16 PM, Andrew Moore wrote: The highest official CW speed was about 74 wpm, a record that was set decades ago and never overturned. If there's so many people who can copy north of 60 wpm, why has this record never been broken? That was a record for hard copy - McElroy pounded out the copy on a *manual* typewriter! Head copy is a different animal. The folks who can copy 80-100 wpm or whatever aren't pounding keyboards with every received letter; they're listening to the code like someone talking. How fast can the average person carry on a verbal conversation vs. transcribing one? In highspeed contest operation, you're only looking for information in bursts - usually just call and report, maybe section/country. What McElroy was doing was for minutes at a time. -- For comparison, consider the test for US Navy Radioman A class (IIRC) circa 1958: 24 wpm 5 character code groups, copied on a manual typewriter (mill). Passing grade was a maximum of 3 errors. In an hour. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] K1 Popular Bands
In a message dated 3/13/05 10:53:19 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It would certainly be nice if Elecraft would offer an option to build up the 4-band filter board into a simple 3 band filter board, covering 80 / 40 / 30 meters. There are some who would be very interested in that. I'd be interested in an 80/40/20 meter K1, for Field Day. However, one thing that truly amazes me about Elecraft designs is the add-on ability, for accessories that didn't exist when the original product was designed. 73 de Jim, N2EY 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Military DC Generator
In a message dated 3/20/05 6:24:05 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: home backup power and power for portable operations like Field Day. I ran across a Military DC MEP-025A 28V Gasoline Powered generator. Its voltage is adjustable from 10 to 32V. Toronto Surplus is selling these new in the original box for $579. With the addition of a good inverter this might be a good deal on a high quality generator. Lot of maybes and it depends on that one. First off, the MEP-025A is rated 1.5 kW - 28 vdc and 53 amps. I suspect that if you crank it down to 12-14 volts, you can still only pull 53 amps from it. That's only about750 W output. Plenty for a single-transmitter 100W-class FD site if everything runs off 12V. Maybe even two transmitters. But for home backup, I doubt it will even run the fridge. The economy of the system depends on the total cost of the generator, inverter, and various cables and interconnects. Unless the inverter is very efficient, you'll lose some capacity in the conversion process. So for home power backup, its utility seems very limited unless your house is set up for 12 or 24 volt DC operation of certain critical systems. May be useful as a backup for a solar or wind system. I don't know how quiet that generator is, either electrically or acoustically. Usually I put the 110 VAC generator at the end of a 100 foot heavy-gauge extension cord - but you can't do that at 12 volts unless the cables are *very* heavy. I don't know if getting parts for such a generator would be a problem. The websites seem to indicate it is mid-'70s vintage. Will it run OK on unleaded gas? FD usefulness depends on what you do on FD. A QRP setup can easily be run off batteries, with possibly a solar panel to keep up the charge and earn natural power points. For a K2 with 100W, a large battery (you need about 120 AH if you operate the entire period) could do the job, or the generator could charge a smaller battery. But for about the same money you could get any of a number of current-model generators. Some models have both 12V and 120/240V output. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Bad fist
In a message dated 4/6/05 5:10:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What exactly is a lid? A derogatory term for someone who asks silly questions I suppose. Anyone know the origin of the term? The tobbaco-can-lid story given by others is the origin, passed down from landwire telegraph days. The classic definition is A poor operator. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Bad fist
In a message dated 4/6/05 12:54:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've noticed that happens more often these days as ops get on the air after learning Farnsworth code. It's wonderful that they are able to learn CW more easily and enjoy it more quickly, but several ops I've known who learned Farnsworth had to stop and learn to copy all over again once they got on the air. The problem is that in normal operation most ops on the air don't leave the exaggerated spaces between letters that the Farnsworth system allows when you set the Farnsworth speed well above the actual sending speed. They've been studying Farnsworth CW at 20 WPM and when they got their receiving speed up to, say, 10 wpm, they try to get on the air. Suddenly real CW at even 10 or 15 wpm sounds like a run-together jumble to them until they learn to follow the proper spacing and rhythm of CW. Quite possible, but there's another, more pervasive problem, I think. In the bad old days many if not most of us spent a considerable amount of time listening to the ham bands before we ever got a license, transmitter, or went on the air for the first time. We knew what good sending and bad sending sounded like, how the bands behaved, how to fight QRM and QRN, etc., from using our receivers to learn the code from actual received signals. We also learned the typical form of a QSO and many other incidentals like prosigns by listening to other ham QSOs. But it seems that today a number of newer hams learn the code from computers, tapes or trainers and have almost no on-air experience with Morse before they get on the air and try to use the mode. And since there's no sending test, they have to learn to send on their own. Often they are trying to do all this live, on-the-air, rather than one step at a time. I think the predominance of transceivers today has a lot to do with this. In the old days a prospective ham would start off with a receiver, and spend lots of time listening, putting up an antenna, etc. When the license was earned, you'd buy or build a transmitter and go on the air. The delay between passing the exam and getting the actual license was so long (6 to 8 weeks) that it was possible to buy or build a transmitter in the interim. Today many hams get the license first, then get a transceiver. Kinda hard to sell the idea of spending all that money for rig that is half-useless without the license. To me sending that way is like playing music off key, but if I run into one of those ops, I'll stretch out my spacing so they can copy. That's how I QRS with the bug, which bottoms out around 15 wpm. Most slower ops find it easier to copy. -- On the issue of how to get started: Use a straight key first. Get a good one, learn the proper adjustment, posture, etc., and then use only the straight key until you get good at it. I went from straight key (J-37) to bug (Vibroplex Original, 1974 vintage, Standard model). The straight key experience was invaluable. -- Elecraft connection: Just had a wild idea: One of the best beginner rigs was the Heath HW-16. It was a CW-only transmitter-receiver (not really a transceiver) all in one box that covered the Novice bands only. Ran the Novice legal limit, was simple to build and simple to operate, but had decent performance for its time and the cost was rock-bottom. No AGC, no S meter, no bells or whistles, but it had a sharp filter in the receiver, a decent dial for the time, and QSK. What if Elecraft made a successor to that famous rig? Say a CW-only transceiver that was dead-simple to build and operate, but would run 50-100 watts? Minimal controls and displays, maximum value. What if the basic unit were only a receiver, and you would add the transmitter section later? The K2 is a great rig but it's very complex and the basic one is over $500. The K1 doesn't get out of the QRP class. What if 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Resistor Color Code Guide
In a message dated 4/9/05 8:27:31 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I don't think RadioShack carries these any longer, per a quick phone call I just made. Are there any other sources for something like this? I made one, decades ago, from shirt cardboard. Used little brother's crayons. Still have it someplace. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] KPA800 @ $2.8k: count me in/out
In a message dated 4/25/05 7:29:57 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I think the whole amateur market is getting out of hand. But that is just my opinion. Well, take a look at what ham gear used to cost...and what the average person made an hour/week/month/year. IIRC, a Collins 75A-4 cost about $700 back 45 years ago - when a $5000/yr income meant a solid middle class life for a family of four. (And the 75A-4 is just a *receiver*!) 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Re: Favorite K2 Remote Program? ([EMAIL PROTECTED])
In a message dated 4/29/05 7:01:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: B. Hard-wire control from point to point C. A telephone link via an unlisted telephone number Hmmm... I guess it comes down to interpretation as to whether an internet link meets the above criteria adequately. Literally, an internet link doesn't. But at least some would argue that the security of password protection, encryption, etc., is at least as secure as a telephone line with unlisted number. --- Be that as it may, I find some aspects of that kind of remote control to be unsettling. Will we reach a point where few hams actually have stations in their homes, and instead simply access a remote station? Will anti-antenna folks use remote access/control as an excuse, or even a legal argument? What if someone builds a superstation, and then *sells* remote access time to it? Would that be legal - or in the best interest of the ARS? Maybe the most important question isn't whether something is legal, but whether it's a good idea. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] RE: Can Elecraft take over the global HF ham radiobusiness ?
In a message dated 5/1/05 8:47:10 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Most people, I would imagine, build primarily as a means of saving money. There's no point in building something if I can buy something similar for less money. Maybe not for you. But having built a lot of rigs from scratch and from kits, I'm simply ruined for manufactured ham gear. But it's a moot point anyway. There's nothing on the market that directly competes with the Elecraft rigs. Sure, there are other QRP rigs, some of them very good - but they're all different enough from the KX1, K1 or K2 that direct comparison is somewhat difficult. Are there any mainstream ham rigs with the K2's capabilities, where the mfr uses no house parts, gives complete service and alignment info, and will sell you any part in any quantity, no questions asked? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] RE: Can Elecraft take over the global HF ham radiobusiness ?
In a message dated 5/2/05 1:14:22 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It is almost always more expensive to build than to buy something of the same specification. Yes and no. Building from scratch with new parts bought in small quantities from regular sources rarely saves any money. Kits are a different story because the kit company can get volume discounts. If you scratchbuild with parts from irregular sources, it becomes a different game entirely. Two of my Southgate projects use variable capacitors from WW2 freqmeters. Those caps must have cost a fortune in their day - but they cost me only a dollar or two in surplus. Heathkits, if I recall correctly, were never particularly cheap. Here in the USA, from the mid 1950s to about the early 1970s, they were the least expensive way for a ham to get on the air with new gear. In most cases you couldn't buy the parts new for what the kit cost. When the HW-101 appeared, about 1968, it cost about $300 with AC power supply. What other new rig could compare with the '101s features in its time? Ham radio, for me, is not just about operating. If I want to make contact with people around the world, I can use the Internet. Yep - which is one reason we don't see the rapid growth in amateur radio that we saw years and decades ago, when ham radio was about the only way the average person could do long-distance electronic communications. I build for the enjoyment of it, and because to make radio contacts using something I have built myself feels like more of an achievement than making contacts using a shop-bought radio. The fact that I have got bored with every commercial radio I have ever owned, while my K2 is still here, is the proof of it. There should be a warning sticker on every Elecraft box that it will ruin you for appliances But even if you bought one already built - what rig can compete with the K2? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] RE: Can Elecraft take over the global HF ham radiobusiness ?
[EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It is almost always more expensive to build than to buy something of the same specification. Building from scratch with new parts bought in small quantities from regular sources rarely saves any money. Kits are a different story because the kit company can get volume discounts. Scratchbuilding with parts from irregular sources is a different game entirely. Two of my projects use variable capacitors from BC-221s. They must have cost Uncle fortune but they cost me only a dollar or two in surplus. Heathkits, if I recall correctly, were never particularly cheap. From the mid50s to the early 70s, they were the least expensive way for a US ham to have new gear. You couldn't buy the parts new for what most Heathkits cost. A 1968 HW-101 cost ~$300 with ACPS. What other new 1968 rig could compare? If I want to make contact with people around the world, I can use the Internet. One reason the rapid growth of years ago isn't happening today. Back then ham radio was about the only way the average person could do long-distance electronic communications. to make radio contacts using something I have built myself feels like more of an achievement than making contacts using a shop-bought radio. There should be a warning sticker on every Elecraft box that it will ruin you for appliances But even if you bought one already built, what rig can compete with the K2? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] start with straight key or paddles?
In a message dated 5/8/05 3:56:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: If I ultimately intend to use paddles as most of you appear to be doing, why is it a bad idea simply to start with a set? I can understand that what I'm really wanting to do is to train my fist and ears, but it looks like paddles involve somewhat different monkey motions and maybe it would make more sense just to buy a set and get on with it. In my limited experience, using a straight key will usually help you learn the code in a way that other keys won't. I recommend starting out with a straight key, then moving on to a bug or keyer once you have mastered the code at a reasonable level. I wouldn't bother with the MFJ unit. There are freeware programs that do the same thing. Or you can simply tape-record yourself sending, put the tapes aside for a week or so, then play the tapes back and see if *you* can copy them. Another trick is to set up your code-generating software (such as the G4FON package) to send a known text, then try to send in step with it. As for the CFO: All the items you buy at this stage are learning tools. You wouldn't send a child to school with only half the required supplies It's a good idea to listen to real live off-the-air code as well as the machine-generated stuff. Off-air code isn't always perfect - I've known more than a few new hams who could do good copy from computer-generated code but fell apart on the real thing until they had some exposure to it. Most of all, remember that what you're learning is a set of skills, not just one or two, and that it takes a variety of tools to do that job. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] start with straight key or paddles?
AC7AC wrote: The FCC examiner sat there and listened to you send, and judged whether the sending was acceptable or not - both speed and accuracy. Yep. FCC supplied a straight key, but you could bring your own bug or keyer *if* it could interface to the FCC's setup easily. I'm sure that's why the sending test was dropped. IIRC, the stated reason was that very very few people passed receiving and failed sending. IMHO the real reason was that FCC had a limited number of qualified examiners. There wasn't a decent way to quantify the test so it could be administered by VEC's. I disagree! IIRC, the sending test ended in the late 1970s but the VE system didn't appear until the early 1980s. About a 5 year gap. Exams by mail existed before the VECs. Novice, Technician and Conditional exams could be given by a volunteer examiner (no caps) if certain conditions were met. Testing included code sending and receiving, and proctoring the writtens. So FCC figured that any ham qualified to be a volunteer examiner was qualified to judge at least 13 wpm code. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Morse on the Tonight Show, Tonight, Friday the 13th
I guess you can't tell us ahead of time who won - as if there was any doubt 73 de Jim, N2EY -Original Message- From: Ken Miller, K6CTW [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net Sent: Fri, 13 May 2005 08:12:44 -0700 Subject: [Elecraft] Morse on the Tonight Show, Tonight, Friday the 13th All, Tonight Chip, K7JA and I, K6CTW will be having a contest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno. It will pit morse code vs text messaging (by the current US champions). ___ 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] Tuner efficiency question
In a message dated 5/13/05 12:51:01 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Many QRP operators assume that a tuner used for QRP can be small because one doesn't need the power-handling capability of a larger tuner. However, if a tuner has x db loss, then that loss will reduce the strength of a received signal by x db whether the signal is transmitted at 5 or 500 watts! That's true but it doesn't mean good tuners must be big. The lossiest element in most tuners is the inductor. If an inductor has high Q, then by definition it has low loss. Power-handling capability is a related but different thing.It involves the ability to withstand high voltage if necessary, and to dissipate a certain amount of power. A high Q coil doesn't necessarily have a high power handling capacity, and vice versa. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] A Morse PDA/communicator and other uses for Morse code [was: T...
In a message dated 5/13/05 2:48:43 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: driving my co-workers nuts with an Outlook hack I wrote that would play the sender and subject of each incoming message out my speaker in cw :). Years earlier, I'd written a plugin for TinyFugue that would send what each person said in the chat room out in cw, with different pitch, speed, weight, and swing assigned to each of the regulars :). That is just too cool. Here's what I'm looking for: I have a Motorola V180GSM cell phone. It has the ability to associate different rings to different incoming callers (if they're in the 'phone's memory). And you can write your own ringtones. I'd like to find instructions on how to input Morse code ringtones on this specific phone. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Morse on the Tonight Show, Tonight, Friday the 13th
In a message dated 5/14/05 4:46:26 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Sending an SMS message requires far more than just keying in the receiver's phone number and the text itself. Once all this is keyed in and the send button is pressed, the cell system takes over. Right - but the text messagers weren't done entering the message before the Morse ops were done. The delay in the SMS system was immaterial - they never got to the point of sending, at least from what I saw. Besides, the challenge was simply which mode was faster. That was clearly demonstrated. Oddly enough, I've encountered many a cell phone that announces an incoming text message by sending SMS - in Morse! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Morse on the Tonight Show, Tonight, Friday the 13th
In a message dated 5/14/05 4:05:35 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The official text is 160 characters INCLUDING spaces, 136 without. But SMS requires that spaces be keyed in where Morse does not. So SMS is at a throughput disadvantage from the beginning. No it isn't. Morse requires spaces between letters and words, and the spaces are longer than some letters! In the Australian test, btw, the text messagers used abbreviations and the Morse ops used the straight text, yet Morse still won. Don't know if the Leno test allowed text abbreviations - the Morse ops sent the straight text. 73 de Jim, N2EY looking for my green eyeshade. ___ 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] Morse on the Tonight Show, Tonight, Friday the 13th
In a message dated 5/14/05 4:33:07 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Its unfortunate they had to be costumed up as 140 year old telegraphers. I think it was a great idea! It may have been cute however it doesn't do our image much good. Sure it does - it shows we have a sense of humor. Plus, TV is visual, and the costumes made it clear to the audience who was who. It should also be remembered that the text message sender was the *world champion*, not someone selected at random. Some would say that any publicity is good publicity but I'm not so sure in this case. I think they did a great job and the costumes were a nice touch. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] RE: Can Elecraft take over the global HF ham radio business ?
In a message dated 5/19/05 9:13:11 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: in their heyday, Heathkit didn't take over the ham radio market. Certainly they were wildly popular -- but there were plenty of companies that sold built equipment. There were also other companies selling serious kits, like EF Johnson. Heath's line of ham gear, particularly receivers, at any given time was very limited compared to other companies. Heathkits were pretty good but not in the same class as, say, Collins or Drake. And that was in an age when completely homebrew stations were the norm. I've been a ham since 1967 and completely homebrew stations were rare even then. Of course today a few still homebrew: http://hometown.aol.com/n2ey/myhomepage/index.html Today, things are different. Appliance operators rule, and the kit- built rig is an exception. It would be difficult to overcome that bias in order to take over. I'd say that appliance stations have been most numerous since at least the mid-60s if not longer. Elecraft's success shows that not everyone wants to go that way, though. That's a good thing. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Can Elecraft take over the ham radio business ?
In a message dated 5/20/05 9:14:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Lets assume that Elecraft had the K2 as we know it, and a K3 more expensive kit with all the useless accessories (IF notch, PBT, general HF coverage, preselector, no birdies etc). OK - I have no doubt that Eric Wayne could do it. Also assume that the K3s performance and specs were equally good to the basic K2 Not so easy. K2's single-conversion design, short signal path and unusual PLL system put hamband performance first, at the expense of other features. Different tradeoffs mean different payoffs. I prefer the Elecraft tradeoffs. and its price not prohibitive. That's the real kicker. What price is prohibitive for such a rig - $2000? $3000? Price out a full-up K2/100, then see what the parts alone would cost you in small quantities. A K3 would have to cost more. How many of us would choose the K2 as the main rig over the K3 ?? Depends on the price. Would the average ham out there resist the urge of owing such a (K3) rig that he/she built himself instead of a ready made box with inferior basic performance ? No telling what most hams would do. Some would build, others would never even consider it. The price alone would deter many others. How many hams per year buy new 100W transceivers of any kind? My estimation would be not too many, but I may be wrong. Agreed. Also, while the K2/100 box is full, there are still growth paths for the K2. Changes in FCC rules may allow Elecraft to put the 100W amp and its tuner in a separate box (already done by some homebrewers). Maximum flexibility, minimum weight/size. Or the K2's insides could be implemented in a bigger box. I have considered doing this as a homebrew project. New sheet metal, new control board with bigger knobs, controls and displays, nothing irreversible. My impression of K2 is that it was designed to be the ultimate QRP CW ham rig. All else is add-ons. That's the opposite of the design philosophy of almost all other hamrigs since the KWM-2, which are primarily SSB rigs that have CW tacked on. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] PwrAntenna
Quoting K2VCO: Let's say you have a 1.5KW amplifier. Overall efficiency might be 50%, so it draws 3KW key down. What does it draw key-up? Now let's say you operate 2 hours a day, 5 days a week. During that time, you QSO 50% of the time. During a QSO, you transmit 50% of the time and listen 50% of the time. You use CW, so your duty cycle is 50%. This will cost you 3KW * 10h * 0.5 * 0.5 * 0.5 = 3.75KWH, or, at the specified rate, about 48 cents a week, or $25 a year if you always use the amplifier and don't take a vacation. Actually a bit more. If the amplifier draws, say, 250 W key up (to keep the heaters hot, fans turning, and B+ caps charged) then you have an additional 8.75 hours x .25 = about 2.2 kWH. So the weekly total is really more like 70 cents a week. Of course in most cases merely leaving a few lights on a few hours each day will use more kWH in the course of a year. SSB will be cheaper. How do you figure? The duty cycles are about the same. SSB may even have a higher duty cycle if you turn the processor on. btw, the duty cycle of CW is about 44%: Consider the standard word PARIS. With all the spaces, it's 50 time units long. But the key is down only 22 of those times. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] KPA800/1500 Power Question
In a message dated 5/26/05 12:38:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: , it's generally thought that a 20-amp 240V circuit is appropriate. This is probably more than you will need for a KPA800, which would probably work fine with 15 or perhaps even 10 amp service at 240V, but (depending on the length of the line to your service entrance) it probably means no. 12 wire, which is not a big deal. General rule for house wiring: #14 for up to 15 amps #12 for up to 20 amps #10 for up to 30 amps You can use heavier wire for less drop. The cost of the wire is usually insignificant compared to the cost of installing it. --- Many amplifiers have a dual-primary transformer whose windings can be connected in series for 240 and in parallel for 120. If you ever use one of these, do NOT connect the neutral to the point where the two windings are connected in series - just connect the outer ends. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] stranger than real life
In a message dated 6/12/05 11:44:15 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What are kids taught in US schools these days? In the UK, it's unlikely that anybody under the age of 25 or so knows what an inch, foot, yard, pound or ounce is. My kids know both systems. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Re: may have it wrong
In a message dated 6/17/05 2:12:37 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Wayne N6KR wrote: ...what you described won't work very well, because both wires need to be about 33 feet long at this frequency. By cutting one 33-foot piece of wire in half, you've made a 20-meter antenna :) A modeling program like EZNEC predicts that a 33-foot center fed wire will show a gain of about 6.9 dbi on 7 MHz and about 7.1 dBi on 14 MHz. That's essentially no difference at all. Of course, that assumes no difference in matching network losses, which I'd not expect a KX1 user to see using such an antenna without a feed line. (Of course, if a coaxial feeder is used, then some means to holding down the SWR on the feedline is very important to avoid losses there.) There's more to it, though: On 40 meters, the feedpoint impedance will look like a resistance of a few ohms and a reactance of several hundred ohms or more. Will the matching network be able to handle that, and do it without undue loss? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Re: may have it wrong
In a message dated 6/17/05 11:03:26 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Jim N2EY wrote: On 40 meters, the feedpoint impedance will look like a resistance of a few ohms and a reactance of several hundred ohms or more. Will the matching network be able to handle that, and do it without undue loss? The impedance at the center of a 33 foot doublet on 40 meters will be about 12-j850 ohms. Yes but what was described wasn't a doublet up in the air. IIRC, he wasn't using a feedline, so one end of the wire is close to the ground and the rig. More like a semivertical with one radial. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Idea on improving CW speed
In a message dated 7/2/05 12:53:32 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Has anybody done this? Oh yes. In the Koch method (I think that's the right one), you learn a few letters and then work up. So you might learn I and e and then practice them until you get very good. Then add a letter and work on three letters. That's the Koch method in a nutshell. Here's my thought. One method is to just listen up on the bands and see what you can hear and read in CW. But what would happen if you did this with just a few letters? Listen up to a QSO but concentrate on hearing just the I's and e's. Once you feel like you are getting a lot of them, add a letter or two. Over time, would this be a valid method of listening and improving one's speed? That's how I learned the code, way back in 1966-67. Didn't know any better - I thought that's what everybody did. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Re:Ufer Ground question
In a message dated 7/14/05 12:39:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: all the points at which the rebars touched each other were cad welded (I think this is the term but it has been a while); the process uses little molds that are filled and then fired, resulting in a corrosion free weld (no oxide in between) That's cadwelding, aka thermite welding. A mixture of powdered iron and aluminum is set afire (usually by a bit of magnesium powder) and the resulting reaction will weld the steel. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Sad day for amateur radio
In a message dated 7/21/05 1:30:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: those of us who took our 13 wpm AND 20 wpm code tests in front of a grumpy FCC Inspector waiting for retirement instead of a collegial VE buddy can't stand to be in the same room with ANY of you guys! Not true! In the summer of 1968, at the age of 14, I passed the General and Advanced written tests as well as 13 wpm receiving and sending. In the summer of 1970, at the age of 16, I passed the Extra written test as well as 20 wpm receiving and sending. I took the test at the first session after the 2 year waiting period for Extra had elapsed. Both tests were at the FCC office at 2nd and Chestnut in Philadelphia, in front of FCC examiner Joe Welch (locally known as Joe Squelch for his no-nonsense demeanor). Sending tests were done with a straight key, receiving with a legal pad and #2 pencil. For the 20 wpm code I was the only person taking the test. The fact that some hams didn't have to meet the requirements I did is not their fault. FCC makes the rules - blame FCC if there's a problem, not those who met the new requirements rather than the old ones. I don't like many of the rules changes of the past 20-25 years, but it's the FCC that made them, not the newer hams. btw, from those days to the present, I have always been able to pass the current license exams. I take an online practice exam every few months just to stay in shape, as it were. Nothing to it. -- 8 years ago I paid a lot of money for a 200 MHz 32 mb P1 Dell PC. Today you can get a lot more computer from the same outfit for a lot less money. Should I be mad at those who didn't pay what I did in 1997? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] QPC
In a message dated 7/21/05 5:40:55 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Who controls the scope and format of the licensing exams? The exams are made up of the required number of questions drawn from the pool for that test element. The questions and answers are prepared by the Question Pool Committee (QPC) and submitted to the FCC for approval. Anyone can write questions and send them to the QPC for inclusion in the pools. The QA pools are periodically updated to remove out-of-date questions and add new ones. Does the FCC require that it be a list of multiple choice questions? Yes. Been that way for more than 40 years. Multiple choice means that there is one and only one correct answer, and no examiner interpretation is needed or possible. The test is completely objective - either you pick the right answer or you don't. If you want a fair but thorough way of assuring that new licensees pay the dues, why not do it on the basis of an oral exam? Each candidate spends 30 minutes before a panel of three very experienced VEs (maybe 25 years each). The VEs ask questions reflecting the scope of the standard question pool. This need not be done in either a hostile or high pressure atmosphere. The objective is for candidates to demonstrate that they know what they're talking about. The decision to pass or fail is based on a majority vote of the three VEs. Which would be an *extremely* subjective test. FCC would never go for it. This is the time honored format that is traditionally used as the Final Exam for PhDs. Should an Extra class amateur radio license be the equivalent of a Ph. D? I think not! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Could This Be The Solution?
Note the date. http://tinyurl.com/bg5gc 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Dropping the Code Test
In a message dated 9/1/05 4:30:13 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There are a great many of us who would at least like to see a CW requirement maintained for the Extra Class exam. There is a very small (but real) chance that the FCC would do that if they are provided with novel and compelling reasons. (Note: The traditional arguments, such as Without the code test, ham radio will become another Citizen's Band, are known to the FCC, and they are unconvinced by them. We need to get the FCC to say, Gee, we never thought of that.) If you'd like to see some semblance of a code test preserved, this is the time to think outside the box. Some ideas: 1) Don't compromise on what you really want. FCC has a history of going a step farther, so a comment for Extra only code tests looks to them like a comment for none at all. If you think Element 1 should stay, say so! 2) Point out the wide use of Morse Code on HF by hams, and particularly its use by hams who are technically inclined, homebrewers, etc. 3) Despite the popularity of the mode, hams using Morse Code are rarely the subject of FCC enforcement actions. 4) Take the time to read the NPRM a couple of times, and specifically comment on FCC statements that you disagree with. For example, FCC called the FISTS recommendations of written-test changes vague, yet they specifically spelled out exact steps to be taken to improve the written tests. 5) The reductions and eliminations in Morse Code testing since 1990 have not resulted in longterm changes in the growth of US amateur radio. Nor have they resulted in an increase in technical development, etc. 6) Suggest that FCC could do something similar to Canada (they still have code testing, but the grade is considered part of the overall testing, not a go/nogo standalone element). 7) Suggest that if the code test is eliminated, the bottom 15% of each HF band should be set aside for Morse Code only. 8) Write your comments in the standards form used by many commenters. (search ECFS for my comments to previous proposals - last name Miccolis) 9) Include a brief description of your amateur and professional experience, education, etc. Whil it may feel like bragging, the FCC does look at who is commenting as well as what they say. 10) Take your time, spellcheck, proofread, etc. It really matters. Just IMHO 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Dropping the Code Test
In a message dated 9/3/05 1:29:28 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: So doesn't that make those portions of a band where other modes are not allowed CW Only? There are only two such subbands in the USA: 50.0 to 50.1 and 144.0 to 144.1 MHz. What some folks call the CW subbands on HF are all shared with data modes like PSK31. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Dropping the Code Test
), thousands have been sold and put on the air. Could it be that the sort of folks who really want to be hams are looking for a challenge, and not the easiest path? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] To CW or not to CW ...
In a message dated 9/3/05 5:05:39 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: My feelings are that CW as a requirement will go away, there's no question in my mind. We'll see soon enough. What I would like to see happen is that the tests include some questions about CW operation That's easily done. Make up some questions and answers that fit the standard multiple choice format. Submit them to the Question Pool Committee (QPC) for inclusion in the next revision of the various question pools. and an opportunity for the perspective new ham or upgrading ham to get credit for copying accurately at some speed be it 5, 15, or 20 WPM. If the candidate ham was really into CW then those portions of the tests would give their score a boost. If they weren't interested in CW but instead got really turned on by satellite work using phone or digital then not having a good grasp of CW would not prevent them from getting a license so long as they were knowledgeable of the other material. Canada just inaugurated a similar system. Passing the code test is not an absolute requirement there, but it is worth a certain number of points on the written test. Suggest that in your comments! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Dropping the Code Test
In a message dated 9/4/05 8:50:38 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: This is really tiring to hear. CW subbands has always been the short way of saying the frequency segments where voice (and later other wide modes) are not allowed. Yup, but a lot of us say CW/data subbands too. Nobody actually thinks that CW is restricted to those frequencies or that only CW is allowed to be used in them. I have encountered more than a few hams who think that there *are* CW-only subbands on HF, and don't realize that data modes share all of that space. When someone says exclusive CW subbands or CW-only bandspace it's pretty clear they think only Morse Code is allowed. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Datlight saving
In a message dated 9/5/05 9:49:45 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: There are LOTS of devices with clocks that use the time change algorithm that has been in use since the 70s. Every one of those devices will become obsolete. So, just think of your favorite devices, such as VCRs, wrist watches, etc. You will get to replace them all. Heck, even older operating systems like Win95 and Win98... Of course there are work-arounds, like lying to the computer for a couple of weeks a year. I'm not going to replace anything. Because sooner or later they'll probably change back! 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] CW in Emergencies?
In a message dated 9/6/05 12:35:37 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yes Craig, and each and very one of those guys passed a code test! They also passed at least one, and usually several, written tests that specifically included the regulations. Yet they broke the rules anyway. Yes indeedy, that ole' Morse code sure does serve as a mighty fine filter to keep the riff raff out. Apply the same logic to the written test. Should the writtens be eliminated too, since they're not a perfect riff-raff filter either? And note this: What mode are those folks using on 75 meters? It sure isn't Morse Code? Tune down to the low ends of the bands and see if you can find the same behaviors from hams using Morse Code. Read the FCC enforcement letters (ARRL website is one source) and see what mode most of the alleged violators use. It's not Morse Code, and the disparity is not explained by the relative popularity of the modes. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] WSJ article
In a message dated 9/8/05 5:14:53 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Just look what the Walmart Super Stores and the Home Depot's have done to the local grocery stores and hardware/lumber yards. And what Mc Garbage has done to the local burger joint. It's the power of advertising. I disagree! It's the power of people's buying habits, plus the economies of scale, plus competition. Wally World et al survive and flourish because people - customers - take their business from the established stores and bring it to WW. The short-term gain is that WW can offer lower prices and a bigger selection. The long-term consequence is that local businesses are wiped out. And it's not just local businesses. The big chains dominate the manufacturers, forcing them to cut costs or lose the contract. (Look what WW did to Rubbermaid). They go overseas for products, forcing US manufacturers out of business. And then folks wonder where the good jobs went... Also in order to keep costs down, quality is sacrificed. Also serviceability, so that you have to buy a new one because the old one wasn't meant to be fixable. -- We saw a version of this happen in amateur radio 30-odd years ago. The old-line US ham radio manufacturers were mostly pushed off the shelves by imported rigs from Japan. The same happened in consumer electronics. Fortunately a few US ham mfrs. survive, like TenTec. The success of Elecraft is proff that at least part of the market looks beyond the price tag, at things like simplicity, performance, serviceability, etc. We don't just vote at the polls - we vote economically every time we buy something. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] WSJ article
In a message dated 9/9/05 10:38:58 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Globalization, exporting of jobs, foreign investment, huge increases in demand, pressure from stock holders, Iraq, Afghanistan, the rise and fall of ham radio manufacturers in the U.S.: I'm blaming 1's and 0's. That's certainly one factor, but here's another: A big box. Way back before WW2, some railroads experimented with the idea of putting metal boxes on flatcars. The idea was that shipments smaller than a boxcarload could be handled, as well as shipments to folks without a siding. Then came the idea of putting an entire trailer on a flatcar. Then someone asked why the wheels needed to go along for the ride, and the cargo container became a reality. Containerized shipments can go by rail, truck, ship, or sometimes air without any handling of the contents. Speed is up, cost, damage, and pilferage are down. The rest is history. 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] An Interesting Article for Amateur Radio Hikers
In a message dated 9/12/05 12:24:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: my K2 used the aux i/o computer link to order a family-sized triple pepperoni pizza in the middle of the sweepstakes. Make that anchovy pizza and I'm in! LesseeKPO2? (PO for Pizza Ordering) 73 de Jim, N2EY kudos to Rod Newkirk, W9BRD, and Grommethead Schultz ___ 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] OT: Pilotless F-106
In a message dated 4/3/08 7:32:33 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I worked on the F-106 for 4 years and never saw a connection on a connector that wasn't soldered. Ever work on 58-0787? In 1977, it landed itself after the pilot ejected: http://www.f-106deltadart.com/71fis.htm 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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] Wait times... [OT]
In a message dated 4/5/08 3:24:41 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: No engineering project is EVER on budget. Yes, they are; I've worked on many that were. Forget about that one. And no engineering project is EVER allowed a reasonable development schedule by Marketing and Executive Management. Forget about that one too. I've worked on engineering projects that had reasonable schedules. What you don't often find is both characteristics (adequate schedule and reasonable budget) together. I've heard and read of military contractors in the World War II era like Douglas Aircraft and others bringing in a new warplane on spec, ahead of schedule, and under budget. They say it's true, and I believe it, I guess. But whatever they were doing right in those days just doesn't happen any more. Whole bunch of things were different then. For one thing, there was a war on, and the nation's resources were completely dedicated to fighting it. The Army and Navy weren't going to haggle much over development price of a new aircraft that could give them an advantage in combat. There were also lots of projects that went nowhere. For example, the P-47 and P-51 are well known WW2 fighters. Anyone with an interest in WW2 aircraft knows them. But there were also the XP-48, XP-49, and XP-50 between them, which never went into production. Look down the list and the projects that never went into production far exceed those that did. There were also lots of versions, variants and modifications. The first couple of versions of a plane were often quickly superseded. While the P-51 prototype flew less than 6 months from the day the order was placed, the plane went all the way to the H model before the war ended. How much was spent developing all those versions? Imagine if there were K3 models all the way to H.. Finally, there was IMHO a much greater tolerance for odd and even dangerous characteristicsm as long as the basic specs were met. The P-51 was fast and powerful, but a pilot had to trim the heck out of it before takeoff to counter the enormous propeller torque. Forget to do so and the plane would crash. That sort of thing was accepted as the price of high performance. Think about how many features there are in any Elecraft rig and how few real problems. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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] Alternatives to PowerPoles?
In a message dated 4/6/08 11:00:03 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: APPs are bad design, bad technology, just bad why? What would you use instead? Particularly given the desire for a genderless connector that can carry considerable current (20+ Amps)? Not trying to argue, just wondering about alternatives. Ten Tec and some others use Molex but they're not genderless, they're one-use, etc. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Planning your summer road trip? Check out AOL Travel Guides. (http://travel.aol.com/travel-guide/united-states?ncid=aoltrv000316) ___ 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] Alternatives to PowerPoles?
-Original Message- From: Mike S [EMAIL PROTECTED] At 11:07 PM 4/6/2008, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote... What would you use instead? Particularly given the desire for a genderless connector that can carry considerable current (20+ Amps)? Considering these are used for carrying polarized power signals, why do you want/require that they be genderless? Convenience and flexibility. There's a very good reason that wall outlets aren't hermaphroditic. That's because they are much higher voltage, and always a source. They're also meant to be used by people who know almost nothing about electricity. As radio amateurs, I'd hope we'd know a little about what we are doing. We use the same RF connectors (although gendered) for everything from the legal limit of power down to receiver inputs; make a mistake and the results can be very unpleasant. Is 12 volts somehow more dangerous? The only reasonable argument I've seen is that it allows charging batteries without adapters. But, given that improper charging of many modern battery technologies can be dangerous if a specialized charger isn't used, making it easy to connect a 13.4V, 20A regulated supply to a 12V lithium pack doesn't seem wise. The problem is that with adapters it's just as easy to make such mistakes. If you adopt gendered connectors, you'll get in the habit of having adapters everywhere, and there goes the advantage. . There's also the advantage of a universal standard - all cable ends the same; you never have the wrong end, multioutlet systems are all the same. --- And there's still the original question: what would you use instead? If there were a gendered PowerPole configuration, would that solve the problem? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] K3 - some FW wishes...
-Original Message- From: Alexandr Kobranov [EMAIL PROTECTED] # General LOCK for all knobs (if somewhere - sorry, not found) If you can lock *all* the knobs, how do you ever unlock the rig? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/25/08 6:27:49 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What are some of the most common errors for beginning CW Operators. WELCOME! In no particular order: 1) Not getting on the air. While it is a good idea to do some practice off-air and get some basic skills down, you don't need to be an expert to make lots of CW contacts and have lots of fun. 2) Sending too fast for the situation. 3) Expecting too much too soon. 4) Trying to use a rig that's not very good for CW (doesn't apply to Elecraft rigs!) 5) Not being familiar with abbreviations and procedures. Make a list of the common ones and have it handy. Listen to a few QSOs and get the general idea of how it's done. 6) Not asking questions or requesting help. (you've avoided this one!) 73 es GL de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/25/08 8:08:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 2) Letting a self-important bad operator discourage you because he/she can't or won't QRS to your speed or tells you that you don't have the skills to get on CW, or to operate on a specific band. (I worked a guy who told me he never used 20 meter CW because he was told by some idiot that it was a expert operator's band and folks there didn't tolerate anything less!) It seems to me that a true expert is able to operate effectively at both low and high speeds, with both experienced and inexperienced operators at the other end. So if someone won't/can't QRS for a beginner, it says more about that person's skills than it does about the beginner. IMHO 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] CW Mistakes
In a message dated 4/26/08 11:43:23 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Learning to translate dits and dahs into letters and other characters. Slow code encourages translation! I think what you mean is counting - hearing H as four dits rather than a single sound-group. That's why Farnsworth-spacing is a good idea. Learning code from a book or other visual source. (Not including learning about code from a book such as Pierpont: The Art Skill of Radio Telegraphy). Agreed! Starting after age 50. Grin. Actually, research has shown that one of the ways to slow the aging process is to learn new things throughout life. Particularly things that are *very* different than what you've done before, not just extensions of existing stuff. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] OT: Wanted 60Hz vibrating reed freq meter
In a message dated 4/28/08 2:10:17 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Looking for a vibrating reed type of 60Hz frequency meter for a generator monitor I'm trying to build for field day. Sorry, I don't have one. But I do know an alternative. Way back in QST for March, 1971, there was an article about a line voltage and frequency monitor. The frequency measuring section consists of a couple of resistors, a pair of zener diodes, a 0.22 uf capacitor, a bridge rectifier, a calibration pot and a 0-1 mA meter. I built one and it works very well. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Need a new ride? Check out the largest site for U.S. used car listings at AOL Autos. (http://autos.aol.com/used?NCID=aolcmp0030002851) ___ 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] Bass in audio is good
-Original Message- From: S Sacco [EMAIL PROTECTED] We're not broadcasters, we're communicators. That's true. But there are all sorts of communication! That extra frequency response takes away from the spectrum available for our fellow Amateurs. Hold that thought Don't even get me started on that ESSB stuff...and why is AM even LEGAL anymore, anyway? It's legal for two reasons: 1) A considerable number of hams like it and use it. 2) No one has come up with a proposal to ban it that hasn't generated overwhelming opposition from the amateur community. Ban AM (particularly from the HF amateur bands) proposals have popped up from time to time since before I became a ham 40 years ago. Always the same basic reason: AM is too wide. Now about tak[ing] away from the spectrum available for our fellow Amateurs - if using the minimum amount of spectrum is the issue, why are any modes wider than a few hundred Hz allowed? Ten CW or PSK31 QSOs can fit in the space of one SSB QSO, so why is SSB still allowed? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Bass in audio is good
-Original Message- From: Joe Subich, W4TV [EMAIL PROTECTED] Most HF users want AM and ESSB (occupied bandwidth greater than required for communications quality - 2.6 to 2.8 KHz) banned. On what information do you make this claim? 73 de Jim, N2EY ___ 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] Bass in audio is good
In a message dated 5/5/08 5:14:48 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Many years ago Bell Labs (and others) proved rather thoroughly that 2.4 to 2.6 KHz was more than adequately for communications purposes. Their tests were specifically in relation to toll grade audio for long distance telephony. Which is *not* amateur radio communication! Things like QRM, QRN and selective fading are not usually encountered in landline telephones. Note also that despite the quality standards, people often have to repeat themselves on the telephone, spell out words and names, etc. The FCC rules specifically required a maximum bandwidth of 2.6 KHz on the US 60 meter channels. That should provide a strong example of what FCC and NTIA consider to be the maximum bandwidth necessary for single sideband operation in amateur allocations. No, they shouldn't. The 60 meter channels are shared with other services. Amateurs are secondary users there, and must conform to the primary user's standards. Most amateur transceivers use 2.4 KHz bandwidth filters for SSB generation - even cascaded 2.4 KHz filters with an effective bandwidth in the 2.2 KHz range. The default SSB transmit bandwidth for the K3 should be 300 - 2900 Hz or 200 - 2800 Hz in order to not be excessively wide and meet the FCC regulations for use on the US 60 meter allocation. Agreed! But that's only on 60 meters. Should we stop using LSB because other services don't generally use it? Should we channelize our bands because that's what other services do? I say there's room for all. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family favorites at AOL Food. (http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod000301) ___ 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] They Laughed At My K1
In a message dated 6/29/08 3:47:46 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Plus, just think of those multiplier points for QRP and for solar power. Unfortunately, there probably weren't any. The way the Field Day rules are written, the power of the most-powerful rig in an FD setup is the power of all the rigs. All QSOs get the same power multiplier. IOW you don't get the QRP-battery multiplier unless every FD QSO is made running QRP-battery. There's a 100 point natural power bonus (not a multiplier) for making at least 5 QSOs with a rig powered by an alternative energy source (usually a solar panel). At K3TU we earned this bonus with a K2 and solar panel. IMHO it would be a great thing if a multi-rig FD setup could have different power levels on different band/modes. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] Re: K3 Key-down on power-up [Solution?]
In a message dated 6/29/08 8:43:06 AM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why anyone would let a stupid user operate their 2K radio at a field day site is beyond me. OTOH: One of the things FD is supposed to be is a training/education exercise. While it's certainly not a 100%-accurate simulation of a real emergency drill, there's always something to be learned. (I've done ever single FD since I was licensed in 1967, and learned something on every one.) Part of that education is learning about stuff we don't ordinarily do. The first Elecraft I ever saw in real life was N3IUT's K2, whose sn is under 200. All the ads, numbers and testimonials in the world did not have the impact of using that rig under FD conditions. Sure it's a risk to let someone else use a rig - of any price. I've always thought that one should not bring something on FD that one cannot tolerate losing, or having damaged. But I'm still grateful to those many amateurs over the years who let me and others use FD rigs we could not have owned ourselves at the time, and so learn what distinguishes a great rig from a good one. In 1970 I was a 16-year-old, licensed just three years. Yet the let me run the 40 meter CW setup overnight on FD that year. The rig was a Drake R-4B/T-4XB, worth something like $1200 at the time. More like $5000-6000 in today's money. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] FD - Some Comments about the Event
In a message dated 6/29/08 8:00:14 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: FD is not a contestit is an operating event. I would say FD is not *just* a contest or Contesting is only one aspect of FD. Like Amateur Radio itself, there are many ways of doing FD, some of which are very different from others. Some groups take scoring very seriously, others don't think much of it and it's more of a social event. Some are very into the publicity angle, or the emergency-preparedness thing, or the training-less-experienced-hams part. I don't think the League even likes to rank station that participate as to who made how many points. If you look up the scores database, that's how results are sorted (high score to low). Same in the QST report. If FD allowed multipliers (rather than mode points) then we would have a contest. The FD multipliers are for power level. A QRP-battery QSO can be worth 5 times the points of a QRO QSO, or 2.5 times the points of a low-power QSO. FD rules are so loose you can change your class at anytime. Only in a very limited way (number of transmitters), and only for specific reasons. For example, if a club started out with three transmitters (3A) but then somebody showed up with a fourth and lots of folks to put it on the air, they could reclass themselves as 4A. Or if they could not get one rig working at all, they could reclass themselves as 2A *if* they'd never had three rigs on the air at once. It would be interesting to see how many vertical and dipole antennas were used this year. We used a Windom and two G5RVs. Squalos and verticals for VHF/UHF. Yes there are better antennas but the resources needed to put them up and take them down are considerable. FD is about training (both in technical and operating) skills. I would add practical radio to that as well. Theory is one thing, getting something to work in the real world is another. I was never a Boy Scout but I learned a heckuva lot about knots and handling lines on FD. Random comments: 1) Send in your entry, no matter how insignificant it may seem. Log entries are votes in a very real sense. 2) If there is something you want to see changed in the rules, suggest it in a specific way to ARRL. For example, you might want sections to count as multipliers on HF, grid squares on VHF/UHF. If so, *tell the ARRL contest folks*! 3) While the memory (and the bug bites, sunburn, poison ivy and aches/pains are still fresh, write down what you learned this year. What worked and what didn't, what you'd do the same and what you'd change. Put those notes in a folder marked FD 2009. Trust me, it's a big help for next year! 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] FD: QRO + QRP with pwr multiplier
In a message dated 6/30/08 5:16:58 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: For this year and last year, I've added a QRP station to our club's QRO FD setup, but I submit it as a separate entry. As far as I can tell, this is within both the rules and spirit of Field Day -- it provides another station, another example of radio use for anyone to check out, try, or just talk about, while I share in the social aspect of the club event instead of being off on my own. What you've done is to have a separate FD station that just happens to be near another one. I ran 1A-Battery (solar), using the call W0SAA, while the rest were 5A using W0SA (having those two calls available was a coincidence, but cute). The QRP station was my K2, with two wire antennas, a bit away from the main stations, which this year consisted of four kilowatt stations, plus a 100-watt digital station and a VHF station. I was off to the side a bit, but still within the 1000-foot circle of the main group. You didn't have to stay within the circle. W0SAA was a different FD entry than W0SA, and could be separated by any distance since the scores were separate. I'm not a competent contester yet -- I got 154 contacts, all CW SP -- but I had a darn good time. I'm not sure what your definition of competent contester is, but IMHO, if you gave out 154 QSOs and had a good time, that's a core competency! -- IMHO, it should be possible to have multiple power levels on FD. Here's one way it could be done: FD considers each band/mode a separate entity. IOW 40 CW is separate from 40 phone, 20 phone is separate from 40 phone, etc. When you fill out the summary sheet, you enter the number of QSOs per band/mode. Why couldn't each band/mode have its own power level, and all QSOs *of that band/mode* would be scored at the highest power level of that band/mode? A club could then run a mixture of the three power levels if desired. Only a minor change to the summary sheet would be needed. That way, a club might decide to run QRO on 75 'phone, low power on 20 digital, QRP on 40 CW, etc., and each band/mode would get its own power multiplier. That would maximize interest and avoid the need for things like the W0SA/W0SAA split described above. IIRC, one of the purposes of FD is exposure to new and different things. So the QRO folks could see QRP in action, and the reverse. It used to be done that way. Before 1971, the same FD group could have multiple power levels by band/mode. (I wuz there!) The change was made for FD 1971 to simplify scoring. But that was long ago, back in the days before computer logging and online log submittals, when everything was done by hand. That's ancient history now; why not a better system that rewards diversity? The way to get it is for lots of us to write the Contest Advisory Committee. I would not be surprised if none of them knew that, at one time, multiple power levels were allowed in the same FD group. Just IMHO 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] Lightness of the K3
I have to ask Is the lightness of the K3 unbearable? (runs, hides, looks for missing sock) 73 de Jim, N2EY ...bowler hats? ___ 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] Band button
In a message dated 7/5/08 6:25:50 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Nowhere is it written that the bands assigned to the Amateur service must be referred to by wavelength. Agreed. Indeed, here in the USA, our FCC refers to the slices of spectrum we're assigned as Frequency Bands, not Wavelength Bands. Actually, both terms are used by FCC. I just checked Part 97, and the terms are used almost interchangeably. For example, the title of 97.301 is Authorized Frequency Bands. But when you look at the charts which tell who can operate where in what region, the leftmost column is labeled Wavelength Bands. Even odder, FCC refers to 3.5-3.6 MHz as 80 meters and 3.6-4.0 MHz as 75 meters as if they were not right next to each other. I am not making this up. When I first heard about it, I thought my leg was being pulled, so I went and checked. 73 es yes it's trivia, but it's my trivia de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] Band button
In a message dated 7/6/08 2:36:25 PM Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: What does top band mean? 160 meters (1.8 to 2.0 MHz) The name derives from the time when we thought primarily in terms of wavelength. Going to a longer wave was going up and to a shorter wave was down. Hence Clinton B. Desoto's book title 200 Meters and Down (yes, it should be metres) 160 is the longest wave hams can use, hence it's the top band. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut000507) ___ 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] OT: US call areas
In a message dated 11/26/07 2:29:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I suspect that when the original call sign issuing system was created, the US population was a lot less mobile than today. From what I've read about the 20's and 30's, it was common for people to have lived their entire lives within one state. In those days it was common for people to live their entire lives within one *town*. But that had nothing to do with the call sign system. That probably helped condition the idea of call sign goes with location. Nope. The original licensing concept in the USA was that there were station licenses and operator licenses - and the callsign denotes a station, not an operator. A licensed station had to be operated by a licensed operator. This idea was most useful in radio services like maritime radio. A ship or shore station would be assigned a callsign, which would not change even though many different licensed radio operators would operate the station. And the callsign could indicate things about the station. The idea was adapted to amateur radio, but over the years it has gradually been de-emphasized. Once upon a time, it was possible to have an amateur operator license but no station license, or to have several station licenses. It was even possible to have more than one operator license. Amateur callsigns were assigned to stations, not operators, and were originally only assigned to fixed stations. (Mobile and portable operation were not originally allowed to US hams). Callsigns were originally issued by the district offices, not the central Hq. of FCC and its predecessors. Before WW2, there were only 9 districts, all CONUS hams had calls beginning with W, and all hams in the possessions and territories had calls beginning with K. Some states were split into two call areas (NY, PA, NJ to name just three) After WW2 the district borders were shuffled, 0 calls were added and split states were eliminated. Possessions got distinctive prefixes and CONUS stations could begin with K. We went through periods when all calls were sequentially issued, when Novices and repeaters had distinctive calls, when mobile operation required a special license, and much more. What we have today is a remnant of those old systems. Each rule had its good and bad features. One of the biggest problems with the old gotta-change-when-you-move system was that hams who moved a lot went through a lot of callsigns - and QSL cards. Hams could run across old friends on the air and not realize it because they'd changed calls when they moved. Also, as the number of hams grew, getting a corresponding callsign in the new district could be impossible. Now we have a choice. A good thing IMHO. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop000301) ___ 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] OT - American hamming in UK
In a message dated 11/30/07 7:36:09 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It was 18 AWG solid copper wire with a cotton covering, usually white with a colored stripe, and was widely used to hook up ...bells, what else! I still have a roll. No, it's not for sale. 73 de Jim, N2EY, WCP (World Class Packrat) ** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop000301) ___ 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] 66 cents a day
In a message dated 12/1/07 9:23:38 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Since the K3 is modular, I would presume plugging in a new DSP board would supply whatever horsepower is needed. We'll be replacing boards and software, not entire radios. That's true only within the limits of the original hardware. Look at a PC - upgradeable in theory, but in practice it's often not long before it's cheaper and easier just to buy a new computer. That said, note that there are plenty of 20+ year old rigs whose performance and features are very good and whose price can be very reasonable. If I get to enjoy my K3 for 5 years and sell it for half what I paid, I still got a bargain - my hobby only cost $1,200/5 = $240 a year or the equivalent of a couple of rounds of golf, two nice dinners out or a visit to the dentist. This was a selling point Collins used a half-century ago: their gear was expensive to buy, but its resale value was also high. Here's another way to look at it: If it costs you $1200 to own your K3 for 5 years, that's 66 cents a day. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop000301) ___ 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] K3 - Tuners
In a message dated 12/8/07 6:49:45 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: K9ZTV wrote: Why in the world would you want to use an external tuner when the K3 has an internal one? Besides the remote tuner, one big reason is because you already have the external tuner. Another is if you want to feed a balanced line and don't want to deal with the balun problems that can happen if the load Z is very high, very low and/or very reactive. Interesting article: http://www.somis.org/bbat.html One of the great things about Elecraft rigs is that you can add or remove the ATU at any time. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Check out AOL's list of 2007's hottest products. (http://money.aol.com/special/hot-products-2007?NCID=aoltop000301) ___ 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] Which Heil Prosets should we carry?
In a message dated 12/29/07 10:32:21 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why carry any microphones (or keys, for that matter)? Why act as a retailer for any standard accessories that can be purchased from dealers or the manufacturer? Two reasons: 1) You can make one big order rather than a couple of smaller orders. 2) You are guaranteed that the unit you buy will work with your Elecraft rig. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) ___ 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] K1 band selection -Friendly opinions
In a message dated 12/29/07 11:51:41 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The WARC bands (including 17 meters) are great, but the simple truth is they are not as well populated as the old standbys (10, 15, 20, 40, 80, 160). I think that's due, in part, to the popularity of multi-band coax-fed antennas. Yes, and that's a major reason for hams who have limited antenna resources (lot size, high supports, space on the tower, etc.) Of course the classic dipole-fed-with-ladder-line and end-fed-random-wire antennas can be made to work on those bands easily - if you can put one up. But there are other reasons. One biggie IMHO is that they are not included in contests, so they don't get the exposure that contests generate, and the big gun contesters do not build stations for those bands. Another reason is that they are relatively narrow (30, 17 and 12 meters together are only 250 kHz, which is narrower than any other single Region 2 HF amateur band). Plus 30 meters is CW/data only in the USA. There's also the fact that their propagation isn't much different from the adjacent bands, with the possible exception of 30 meters. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) ___ 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] Sienna Transceiver
(Insert standard no connection disclaimer HERE) W5WVO asks: Where's the beef? Main website: http://www.dzkit.com/ Specifications: http://www.dzkit.com/sienna_specs.htm Datasheet: http://www.dzkit.com/sienna.htm All I had to do was google Sienna transceiver Sure it costs a lot, but it includes things like an embedded PC. And it's not new at all. Remember that Elecraft was once an unknown company with a single transceiver product. I recall more than a few people telling me that nobody in his right mind would pay over $550 for a CW-only QRP kit rig from an unknown company... Frankly I don't see any reason to prefer the Sienna over a K3. I do see a couple hundred to a thousand reasons to prefer a K3 over a Sienna. Still, as KK7P points out, is is a good thing to see another American company producing a serious HF transceiver kit. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) ___ 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] Kinda OT, about changes ....
In a message dated 12/30/07 11:33:11 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: And pricing? The K3/100 is right on par with the great Heath SB-101 from the 1960-70's, when you factor in government CPI adjustments. The SB-101 was from the mid-1960s. Replaced by the SB-102. IIRC, the bare-bones SB-101 kit cost $360 less shipping 40 years ago. That works out to $2160 today, adjusted for inflation. What you got was a good basic 100 watt SSB/CW transceiver that covered 80, 40, 20, 15 and 10 meters. No RIT, no AGC choice, no noise blanker, no memories, no keyer, no sidetone on SSB, no built-in speaker, no ATU, no general coverage, no WARC bands, no second rx, etc. You could add one optional four-pole filter for CW ($22 then, $132 now), and a second VFO ($100 then, $600 now) could be added externally. Some years later, an external digital readout became available, for $180 IIRC (works out to about $900 today...). Of course both the SB-101 and K3 need power supplies if you want to run them from AC power. But the SB-101 also needed a power supply to run from 13.8 volts DC. And as much as I am a fan of Heath gear, the SB-101 was in no way competition grade. Not compared to rigs like the Drake twins, or the Collins S-line, whose receivers alone, with no options, cost much more than the SB-101. But to me, the most amazing change is the flip of what happened 30-40 years ago when the offshore equipment pushed Heath and Hallicrafters out of the picture. Within the last few years, there are 3 companies that looked at Japan, and said, Oh ya? Watch this! Elecraft, Ten-Tec and Flex Radio. All 3 right here in America. (cue the patriotic music!) Actually, Ten-Tec appeared in the late 1960s, with simple QRP rigs. By the 1980s they were making general-purpose HF transceivers like the Omni and Corsair. IMHO, it was Ten-Tec that pushed amateur HF transceiver design towards better CW performance. Before TT got into the act, manufactured HF transceivers were designed for SSB and had CW added as an afterthought. Nobody offered a transceiver with true QSK before TT did so. And it was Ten Tec that first pushed QRP out of the super-simple class. It does make me happy to see this. I am impressed with all three companies. A good friend of mine bought the SDR-5000 and it is a great radio. I, for my reasons, chose the K3. It is a joy to be able to have the choice. Consider the choices in new ham rigs available in 1967 and the choices available now. And what they cost. Good times then - and good times now. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) ___ 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] Re: [QRP-L] Re: As good as it gets...for now?
In a message dated 1/1/08 9:22:31 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Four wires, each approximately 3-4m (10-13 feet) long. The PW-1 is ground mounted with radials stretched out orthogonal to each other. I also failed to mention the bands that I tried. The were 40, 30 and 20m. Well, there's part of the problem: Too few radials, and too short for the band. Try adding more wires, and making them longer. The other issue is skip distance. Verticals less than about 5/8 wave long have good low-angle radiation (towards the horizon) but poor radiation at higher angles. If you are trying to work someone a few hundred miles away, a vertical may not put enough RF at the correct radiation angle. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** See AOL's top rated recipes (http://food.aol.com/top-rated-recipes?NCID=aoltop000304) ___ 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] dipole antenna efficiency
In a message dated 1/4/08 4:31:49 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The most expensive thing is ground to install them where antenna restrictions don't bring down the wrath of the taste police. AMEN!! (I have been trying for over 50 years to convince the world that antennas are beautiful, but without success) Me too. I've always found it odd that the very people who want the convenience of modern technologies often consider the technologies themselves to be unattractive, and want things to look like a time when life was much more difficult. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] dipole antenna efficiency
In a message dated 1/4/08 4:34:29 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I've never understood the popularity of the G5RV. It's achieved a sort of cult following. It's an ingenious compromise antenna for several bands, that's all. Actually, just a ~102 foot dipole with a matching system that gives low (but not unity!) SWR on several HF bands, so that a simple ATU can match it. The original design was for a 20M -ONLY- antenna, Not true! I have PDF's of the original articles by G5RV himself, and from the very beginning it was a multiband design. He had a small garden (back yard to us Yanks) and wanted to get on the air easily, quickly and simply. For his application, it worked. But it must be remembered that when G5RV designed the antenna, the ham bands were somewhat different than today. 30, 17 and 12 meters weren't ham bands at all. 9-/75 meters in G land was 3.5 to 3.8 MHz only, and 40 meters was 7.0 to 7.1 MHz. Most important of all, the rigs in use were capable of matching reasonable levels of SWR - meaning 3 or 4 to 1 wasn't considered to be worth worrying about for the bands and short lines being run. and somehow has morphed into a do everything hoax. Not a hoax, but there's a lot of misunderstanding about the antenna. The biggest misunderstanding is that too many folks expect to put up a G5RV-like antenna and get 1:1 SWR on all parts of every HF band from 80 thru 10 meters, automatically. And work the world with the same ease as folks with big aluminum. That's just not going to happen. It's just a dipole with an ingenious feed system, not magic. I do antenna talks at conventions and hamfests, and I always ask; How many of you use a G5RV? The hands go up and it's usually about 50% of the audience. I say; Gosh, I'm sorry, and try to show them how much easier and more efficient it would be to simply use the open wire feeder portion of the antenna and a balun at/in the (required) tuner. It's easier to do it that way *IF* you can make the feedline and antenna length such that the balun doesn't have to deal with very high, very low, or highly reactive impedances on the bands of interest. Or if you can run the balanced line all the way to a true balanced tuner that can handle the impedances presented to it. Some years ago the Carolina Windom had the same sort of following And for the same reasons - with the same limitations. The G5RV and Windom antennas can be useful solutions in many cases. The main thing is to understand how they work and what their limitations are. --- Comparing HF antennas can be very misleading because of all the vagaries of propagation and expectations. For example, suppose two hams with identical 100W output rigs put up identical dipoles, but Ham A's dipole has a feedline/tuner system that is 88% efficient and Ham B's dipole has a feedline/tuner system that is 22% efficient. Ham A loses only 12 watts in the feedline/tuner system - that's about as good as it gets on HF. Ham B loses *78* watts in the feedline/tuner system - almost six times the loss of Ham A! Yet at the receiving end, the difference is only one S unit - 6 dB. Slight differences in propagation could easily mask that and make Ham B's antenna appear to be as good or better than Ham A's. A lot of hams will say a particular antenna works great for them. But what does that really mean? I remember one multitransmitter Field Day, some years ago, when a variety of antennas were tried out by the various station teams. All reported their setups worked great when notes were compared a few hours into the contest. But for one team, that meant they were able to average 40-60 QSOs/hour, and for another team, it meant 10-15 QSOs/hour! Their expectations were completely different. (And compared to truly competitive setups, neither was a world-beater). 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] dipole antenna efficiency
In a message dated 1/5/08 11:40:39 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: We simply do not have conductors that will handle RF with anything like the efficiency they will handle DC or low frequency AC. That's because all the RF current 'crowds' onto the very surface of a conductor. As we make an antenna physically smaller, the impedance drops. As the impedance drops, the RF currents and resistive losses go up. Even silver or gold - the best electrical conductors known - are not nearly good enough for the sorts of currents we see in small antennas. As an antenna is made shorter the resistive losses far exceed any other losses in the system. Of course those resistive losses occur in the matching network too. It's not just the antenna itself that converts RF into heat better than it makes electromagnetic waves. This is so well said that it deserves repeating. In *theory*, a dipole 1.3 feet long can be made to radiate 80 meter RF almost the same as one 130 feet long. But in *practice*, the resistive losses of real-world practical antenna systems of those sizes are very different. And what we're looking for are practical, real-world antennas that we can put up in the limited space we have available. --- Another factor to remember is that under good conditions we can do pretty incredible stuff with very low power.100 watts into an antenna system that has 1% efficiency will radiate the same amount of RF as 1 watt into an antenna system with 100% efficiency. So even a poor antenna will sometimes let you make a QSO. --- It seems to me that one of the biggest stumbling blocks we amateurs have with antennas is seeing and understanding the entire antenna *system* - which includes the antenna itself, its surroundings, the feedline, matching networks, etc. We have to consider all of them together. And like the links of a chain, the weakest one will be the problem. A great antenna in poor surroundings will work poorly, etc. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] AM bandwidth, the rest of the story :=)
In a message dated 1/15/08 3:18:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 500kW? I assume that must be a typo. AFAIK, the limit on the AM BCB is 50kW in Canada and the US. There was one 500 kW AM BC station in the USA, however. IIRC, it was WLW, and it ran that power level in the 1930s. Special experimental permit or some such. WW2 caused reduction to 50 kW - I don't know if WLW was allowed to increase power after the war. Google WLW for history, pictures, etc. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] [K3] QST Labs review? -- Pool?
In a message dated 1/16/08 7:33:22 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It is more likely that they will wait until the firmware is more mature, the subreceiver is available, and all modes are working. Reasonable guess, too. There's also these factors: - there's a considerable amount of time between when a rig arrives at Hq and when the article appears. They do extensive lab tests (whether you agree with their methods or not), try the rig on the air, and more. - They will almost certainly get a kit K3/100 with a lot of options, too. And there will probably be an extended report on the website, same as with the K2. - They will probably want a couple of ops to try it out, just to see how different people react to it. --- How about a pool? My guess is the K3 review will appear in QST for December, 2008. Anybody else? 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] Believers, Translations, 2nd Receivers, Bugs, Fixes, Deposits, etc.
I've been reading this reflector a long time, but recently all the complaints about the K3 not being ready on a specific date, not having the second receiver, not having NIST-certified numbers for every possible specification and mode, etc., have become quite annoying. Then I was reminded of this story: A little boy and his grandmother are at the beach. The little boy is playing in the shallow water while grandma watches from the sand. Suddenly a rogue wave comes without warning and sweeps the little boy out to sea. One of the lifeguards jumps in after the little boy and swims toward him with powerful strokes. The other lifeguards launch the rescue rowboat and row furiously after them. Just as the first lifeguard reaches the little boy, he disappears from view. Lifeguard dives and pulls him up. Shark fins are sighted heading for them, and the rescue rowboat arrives just in time to pull them aboard. The sharks are so intent that they attack the rowboat itself. One of the lifeguards gives the little boy artificial respiration, two more row for shore with all their might while two more are fighting off the attacking sharks and bailing the now-leaking rowboat. Meanwhile an even larger rogue wave is seen bearing down on them. But the lifeguards somehow manage, through superhuman efforts, to fight off the sharks, resuscitate the little boy, and get to land before the second rogue wave hits. The lifeguards bring the little boy back to his grandmother, safe and sound. Then they collapse on the sand, soaked and exhausted. Grandma's only comment is: He had a hat. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Start the year off right. Easy ways to stay in shape. http://body.aol.com/fitness/winter-exercise?NCID=aolcmp0030002489 ___ 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] OT: solved: K7NEE/8R1 Dan (Guyana) on 30m
In a message dated 2/2/08 1:27:56 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I don't know if it is a violation for the FCC to use an improper call when portable outside the US IANAL/IMHO: Technically, FCC has no jurisdiction in 8R1. However, FCC does have the authority to consider character issues when issuing/renewing licenses. Everyone who applies for a license is assumed by FCC to be of good-enough character to be issued the license if they meet the other requirements. However, if they prove by their actions that they cannot follow the law, particularly if the violations are serious and intentional, their license may be in jeopardy. And it doesn't have to be an amateur radio violation. Some hams have lost their licenses for things like freebanding because those things are clear violations of the Communications Act. A felony of any kind can result in loss of all FCC licenses, too. This doesn't mean every ham who gets a speeding ticket has to worry about losing their amateur radio license. But a ham who willfully violates 8R1's radio laws by, say, using a bogus call, may give FCC reason to be concerned about that ham's ability to follow Part 97. FCC doesn't always go after the licensee right away, either. Sometimes they wait until the licensee tries to renew the license. Again, all IMHO and IANAL. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) ___ 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] OT: new concept/tool for cw DXing and contesting.
In a message dated 2/3/08 10:02:53 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The reality is that it is just one step up from the DX clusters. Except that using clusters in many contests will put you in a different entry class. The trend towards such automation is not new. Some time back, W3FQB (SK) wrote a story called The Man Who Broke The Bank about a techno-ham who built a fully automated SS station and proceeded to make an incredible score. The computer did everything - tuned across all the bands looking for new ones, called CQ, made the QSOs, kept the log, decided where the best points-rate could be found, etc. He just sat and watched it go, and occasionally keyed it manually just to have something to do. The article was in QST for May, 1953. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0030002548) ___ 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] New concept/tool for CW dxing
In a message dated 2/6/08 2:59:17 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: It seems strange that some hams would find this sort of technology objectionable. Not to me. After all, aren’t we all about technology? No. While technology is a big part of ham radio, it's not the only thing. If it were, we'd have stopped using modes like CW, AM, FM and FSK RTTY long ago. We'd have channelized, ALE-type rigs, etc. Why would we hang around this forum if we weren't looking for a leg up. Just because someone has found a tool to work a new one doesn’t mean anything except to the ham that did it. That's fine in everyday operating. But in a competitive situation like a contest it's a different thing entirely, because competition is a mix of technology and operator skill. Some analogies: What if someone wanted to use a hybrid bicycle in the Tour de France? One that would store the energy from a downhill run to be released on an uphill climb? For that matter, why aren't mopeds allowed? I could probably win the Boston Marathon if they let me use roller skates (and everyone else didn't). Corked bats in baseball - super-distance golf balls - turbine-powered Indy cars - lots of ways technology can give someone an edge and change the game completely. There are times when I take out my homebrew DC receiver and a homebrew transmitter and pound away. There are times when I like to take my KX-1 to Central Park. There are times when I have three or four ham programs running all connected to my K3 during a contest. I do it because I want to and because its fun. No problem with any of that. The question is, where is the line at which a contest station is no longer single-operator unassisted? If it wasn’t, I could go play golf (and really make myself miserable). They call it golf because all the other four-letter words were already taken. 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) ___ 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] K3 (yada yada)
In a message dated 2/6/08 10:27:18 AM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: The term yada yada became popular after its use in the tv comedy show Seinfeld. Not that there's anything wrong with that! 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp0030002548) ___ 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: [OT] Re: [Elecraft] New concept/tool for CW dxing
In a message dated 2/6/08 4:51:37 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: A substantial proportion of people are naturally conservative. They don't react well to things being changed. Another substantial proportion of people are naturally progressive. I would say change oriented. All progress involves change, but all change does not involve progress. These two forces are in a never-ending circular dance of engagement, even struggle. This is basically the thesis-antithesis-synthesis process of Hegelian dialectic, if you remember your Philosophy 101. If either side, thesis or antithesis, becomes all-powerful, the dialectic process is subverted and things tend to go wrong eventually. I think there is a third kind of person: the one who is balanced between the two forces. This is because Nature does have a slight built-in bias in favor of change. It's called adaptation. An individual, a species, even life collectively either adapts or eventually becomes extinct. Nothing stays the same forever. Stasis is not an option in this universe. I don't think we know anywhere near enough about the Universe to say that. Some forms of life here on earth have remained unchanged for tens of millions of years, if not longer, because they were and are well-adapted. Others have changed radically in much shorter times (domesticated animals, for example) because it was adaptive to do so. The laws of nature don't seem to change over time - we assume that they are the same since the Big Bang. One law of nature that is too often forgotten is the Law of Unintended Consequences. When one has run afoul of that Law, one tends to be a little cautious. This small bit of potentially relevant philosophy is brought to you as a brief respite from the ravages of taking some things in our wonderful hobby way too seriously. :-) I am seriously tempted to quote the Philosophy Song from Monty Python, but I will leave that for the reader to look up. Instead I will say this: Contesting and DXing are essentially competitive games many of us hams play because we think they are fun. And like any game, most of the rules are arbitrary. And it's not life-or-death if a rule is broken, or stretched. But that does not mean the rukes should not be taken seriously! Just the reverse. --- Some posts back I made a reference to a QST fiction article from 1953 about a ham who built a totally automated SS contest station. It was science-fiction back then, but not so fictional today. In fact, it may actually be possible today. We already have Pactor robots on the ham bands.(not going there!) What if someone actually built a completely automatic contest station? One that could keep pace with the very best contest ops, would never get tired or make a mistake, would listen to every band simultaneously and analyze far more data than any human could to maximize score, would access an enormous database of info, etc., etc. Should such a station be allowed to compete in the same entry class with stations that actually need an operator? IOW, where is the line drawn? 73 de Jim, N2EY ** Biggest Grammy Award surprises of all time on AOL Music. (http://music.aol.com/grammys/pictures/never-won-a-grammy?NCID=aolcmp00300025 48) ___ 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
