Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Larry Burke]

> WHO is there in March and June to be interfered with?

 

I don't see DX activity tapering off in March. Heard, Cocos (Keeling), Juan de 
Nova and Iran show up on my calendar as potentials for March 2016. I worked my 
first 160m Vietnam in March 2014. That same month Z81Z was worked. In March 
2015 I worked E30FB on Topband. My log shows it's a good month for LP to places 
like DU and 9M2. I see 3C0 and 9M0L worked in March 2012 the list goes on. 
It's actually a pretty good month for DXing here. One of the best months in 
some respects.

 

Larry K5RK

 

From: guyk...@gmail.com [mailto:guyk...@gmail.com] On Behalf Of Guy Olinger K2AV
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 7:34 PM
To: Michael St. Angelo
Cc: Joe Wilkowski; Larry Burke; TopBand List
Subject: Topband: Stew Beef

 

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo  > wrote:

 

The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of
operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.


Does sound concerned, nice, fair, decent, honorable, etc. But...

 

We already have the winter Stew and a warm-up Stew. Have had winter Stew for a 
long, long time. Those are there and established. Of the two, the winter Stew 
is the one that is clearly in the hopefully quiet DX season. If your main 
purpose in the contest is to pick a date to get out of other people's way, 
discontinue the winter Stew. That will get most out of other people's way. Huh? 
Oh yeah, that really sounds weird.  :>)

 

So we would be complaining about the two Stews in March and June? WHO is there 
in March and June to be interfered with? In the northern hemisphere the Summer 
Stew by itself probably accounts for more CW activity in one night than for any 
other reason for all June, July and August nights combined. 

 

There ARE openings during the summer months, but almost NOBODY is listening in 
the Northern Hemisphere. The only other competition is the few minutes of 160 
at the end of the quickie mid-week CW contests as they all dash to 160 at the 
very end for a few more Q's and mults. They'll be happy to get five six seven 
Q's in four five six states in three minutes, and poof, they're gone. Are you 
really sure you heard them? Better freeze the P3 screen for proof. Otherwise 
you might be hallucinating. Was that a light-switch band opening? 

 

In March some stations are rolling up the radials for the planting season, some 
already did in February. What will we be interfering with in late March? In 
this era QRN and tornados barely end by January, and start anew in February, so 
those of delicate ears that cannot stand to hear anything except sweet DX will 
have departed for quieter bands.

 

IF the four seasons approach to Stew Perry runs for a while, AND the non-winter 
scores actually count in a year's end annual summary score, we will see folks 
in the non-winter runs for something other than practice or run-up to the 
perceived real Stew Perry in December. Maybe DXing to down under will increase 
if more of us actually show up on 160 in the months of long southern nights. 

 

As to the timing, IMHO we should keep to the seasonal Solstices and Equinoxes. 
Easy way to remember four Stews.

 

73, and a great new year to all

 

Guy K2AV



-- 
Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline for active antenna; benefits of multi-turn K9AY loop/SAL/etc?

[K9AY]

Pete & all:

I have done a number of experiments with multi-turn K9AY Loops and flags. I 
have only made brief mentions in print, mainly in last year's NCJ article. 
Still sorting out the most useful data from a number of observations.

In short, what W8JI says is true -- larger conductors increase the signal 
level, and parallel multiple loops do the same. The mechanism is more 
complicated than simply reducing losses, involving the interactions with the 
fields. I'm still working on that analysis. 

One piece of data is that increasing the spacing between multiple, parallel 
loops also increases signal level (gain). This is on a scale of inches to a 
couple feet, so it's not array gain. 

73, Gary
K9AY



Message: 9
Date: Sat, 2 Jan 2016 10:45:43 -0500
From: Pete Smith N4ZR 
To: topband reflector 
Subject: Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline for
active antenna; benefits of multi-turn K9AY loop/SAL/etc?
Message-ID: <5687f0a7.6030...@contesting.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

I was recently reading a web page by LZ1AQ 
.  It is full of fascinating data and 
design equations for the use of small magnetic loop antennas.  There 
were two points, in particular, that caught my layman's attention:

1.  He recommends using shielded CAT5 data cable with RJ-45 connectors 
as feedline.  The obvious advantage is having three pairs left over for 
voltage supply and control.  See 
 for more information.

2.  He cites experimental data showing that coplanar crossed loops and 
multi-turn quad loops both offer very significant improvement in the 
recovered signalcompared with a single loop.  See 
 to 
check whether I got this right. Anyway, it occurred to me to ask if 
anyone has ever tried multiturn K9AY, SAL or flag/pennant receiving 
antennas, and did you see something similar?

Any other critiques of his design would be appreciated.  The price is 
certainly right, and the construction looks good. A couple of 1-meter 
coplanar loops wouldn't be at all hard to construct.

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Mike Waters]

Tree and Gary,

Very well said indeed. It's about "tolerance" and the Golden Rule.

"Tolerance is giving to every other human being every right that you claim
for yourself."
 --Robert Green Ingersoll

"It is essential to employ, trust, and reward those whose perspective,
ability, and judgment are radically different from yours. It is also rare,
for it requires uncommon humility, tolerance, and wisdom."
--Dee Hock

"It is thus tolerance that is the source of peace, and intolerance that is
the source of disorder and squabbling."
--Pierre Bayle

As long as we all tolerate others with opposite interests and opposite
opinions about contests, modes, etc. than ours, and simply allow them to do
what they enjoy, then 160 meters will remain the Gentlemen's Band.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 2:12 PM, Tree  wrote:

> I would like to point out that we all have different perspectives and
> should allow that some people are going to look at things differently than
> ourselves.
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Stew Beef

[Guy Olinger K2AV]

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo > wrote:

The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
> Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form
> of
> operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.
>

Does sound concerned, nice, fair, decent, honorable, etc. But...

We already have the winter Stew and a warm-up Stew. Have had winter Stew
for a long, long time. Those are there and established. Of the two, the
winter Stew is the one that is clearly in the hopefully quiet DX season. If
your main purpose in the contest is to pick a date to get out of other
people's way, discontinue the winter Stew. That will get most out of other
people's way. Huh? Oh yeah, that really sounds weird.  :>)

So we would be complaining about the two Stews in March and June? WHO is
there in March and June to be interfered with? In the northern hemisphere
the Summer Stew by itself probably accounts for more CW activity in one
night than for any other reason for all June, July and August nights
combined.

There ARE openings during the summer months, but almost NOBODY is listening
in the Northern Hemisphere. The only other competition is the few minutes
of 160 at the end of the quickie mid-week CW contests as they all dash to
160 at the very end for a few more Q's and mults. They'll be happy to get
five six seven Q's in four five six states in three minutes, and poof,
they're gone. Are you really sure you heard them? Better freeze the P3
screen for proof. Otherwise you might be hallucinating. Was that a
light-switch band opening?

In March some stations are rolling up the radials for the planting season,
some already did in February. What will we be interfering with in late
March? In this era QRN and tornados barely end by January, and start anew
in February, so those of delicate ears that cannot stand to hear anything
except sweet DX will have departed for quieter bands.

IF the four seasons approach to Stew Perry runs for a while, AND the
non-winter scores actually count in a year's end annual summary score, we
will see folks in the non-winter runs for something other than practice or
run-up to the perceived real Stew Perry in December. Maybe DXing to down
under will increase if more of us actually show up on 160 in the months of
long southern nights.

As to the timing, IMHO we should keep to the seasonal Solstices and
Equinoxes. Easy way to remember four Stews.

73, and a great new year to all

Guy K2AV


-- 
Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[mstangelo]

Tree,

The contests may operate 10 nights a year but those nights are usually weekend 
when I, as well as others, have time to operate on the Topband.

Why not take advantage of the unused nights and schedule the content during the 
week?

By the way, thanks for reinforcing idea that discussions about the "Gentleman's 
Band" should be gentlemanly.

One thing this discussion as brought up is that 160 has unique propagation 
characteristics are not found on other HF bands and we have to find out a way 
to accommodate all operators and legacy modes as well as newer modes.

Mike N2MS 

- Original Message -
From: Tree 

Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the
contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about
10 nights a year.

In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active
outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading
up to the contests.

That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests.   I
understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but
if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it
to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band
during those 10 or so nights.

Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind.

Tree N6TR

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Gary Smith]

For me, unless I use the amp, I get more DX on quiet nights than 
during a contest on 160. The more powerful stations always trump me 
when it comes to DX but while I'd rather make the contest DX Q, it's 
part of the game I chose to play, I could turn on the amp and I know 
if I hear them, I can work them.

With that said, I get far more enjoyment out of working so many 
people on 160 during a contest than I do prowling the band, looking 
for a weak signal from a DXCC entity I haven't worked before. 

And thinking about it while I type this, I don't believe I have 
worked a DXCC ATNO or even a needed 160M ATNO during a contest in the 
last 5-6 years now. To that end, I'm usually listening to 160 most 
every night and I haven't worked a non-DXPedetion new one on 160 in 
maybe, the last 3 years.

In summation; I agree with Tree's assessment. To me, for the very few 
nights per year with a contest on and considering the tremendous 
activity they generate; the rest of the year is not impacted by them 
and the amount of operators found on 160 on any given non-contest 
night, is minuscule in comparison.

I don't see Contesting interfering with my contacts in the least, it 
only increases my log numbers...  :D

73 & HNY,

Gary
KA1J


> Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective
> 
> Plus, I love the increased DX  activity a contest brings.  
> 
> Bob AA6VB

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Gary Smith]

My logging software is Logic9, it's not free and has just one author 
to make changes as he deems fit. It has a spot log feature that is 
very well done. It does takes a bit of time to set the software up 
exactly how and to what you want to be notified about but it will 
give a real time audible "Alert" about a needed entity through your 
speakers if you select that option, it will also send you an email 
about the sighting on the cluster if you desire. As I have it set, it 
only shows cluster posts from North America. I have it set to use 
telnet and html based data.

Since it works with your personal log data, it knows what you need 
for new contacts as per what you describe in the spot log and band 
table setup and will show you everything spotted or just the new ones 
you need (your choice). If all you are interested in is 160, you go 
to the band setup and tell the program to not follow all bands except 
160 and then you get to refine that to lets say; only CW. So all you 
would see are all the 160 CW cluster posts from North America. If you 
select a particular check box option on the spot log main window, 
then it will only show 160 CW posts from North America that you have 
never worked.

I have stopped using Logic's contesting formats which are very easy 
to configure and use and am now using N1MM and after the contest, 
import the contacts into Logic where the import is seamless. N1MM 
does more as it is a program designed solely for contesting. Logic9 
though is a fabulous program to; get alerted by, keep track of all 
your awards and handle just about all of your ham radio related data 
needs.

I find the spot log as I have set it up for my desires, invaluable. 
Once you work a country, the color of the post in the spot log 
changes. Once you confirm that QSO via LOTW or card, you no longer 
see that country listed (unless you choose to see all posts, in which 
case you  will see that call but it will be in black lettering so you 
know at a glance if you need it or not.

73 & HNY,

Gary
KA1J

>  Now that I have your attention
> Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message 
> when there is DX present on 160 meters?
> I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the 
> "notification" check box.
> 
> Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for 
> contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.
> BILL K4OWR

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Les Kalmus]

Bill,

Spot Collector, a program in the free DXLab Suite, can do this.
It is capable of collecting spots from up to four internet sources 
simultaneously and displaying them on the screen in real time.
It has extensive filtering capabilities so you could set a filter for 
160 spots from NA East for needed countries, for example, and have the 
system send you an email when a filtered spot shows up.


Les, W2LK

On 1/3/2016 10:00 AM, K4OWR wrote:

 Now that I have your attention
Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message 
when there is DX present on 160 meters?
I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the 
"notification" check box.


Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for 
contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.

BILL K4OWR
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


_
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Re: Topband: Band opening?

[K4OWR]

* Thanx Les...looks like a great piece of software. I downloaded and 
installed it, but cannot get it to access the internet...claims "can't 
access internet".**
**I examined my firewall to see if it's rejected, then even turned it of 
to see if that would work...no luck.**I'm working on it.

BILL
*
On 1/3/2016 10:16 AM, Les Kalmus wrote:

Bill,

Spot Collector, a program in the free DXLab Suite, can do this.
It is capable of collecting spots from up to four internet sources 
simultaneously and displaying them on the screen in real time.
It has extensive filtering capabilities so you could set a filter for 
160 spots from NA East for needed countries, for example, and have the 
system send you an email when a filtered spot shows up.


Les, W2LK

On 1/3/2016 10:00 AM, K4OWR wrote:

 Now that I have your attention
Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text 
message when there is DX present on 160 meters?
I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the 
"notification" check box.


Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for 
contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.

BILL K4OWR
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband



_
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Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 1/3/2016 7:00 AM, K4OWR wrote:

 Now that I have your attention
Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message
when there is DX present on 160 meters?
I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the
"notification" check box.

Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for
contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.
BILL K4OWR


It's news to me that this group is supposed to be for contestors.
Anyway, I have found DXwatch.com to be useful, if you know
about its limitations:

1.  Documentation isn't great.

2.  It works well in terms of sending an email, except

3.  There is a feature to send to an "alternate email" address
that simply doesn't work.

4.  The feature of sending a text message to a phone has been disabled.

5.  A workaround for this is to use a feature that cell phone carriers
provide:  you send an email to a special address for the carrier,
and the carrier converts this to a text message for the phone.
IE, from DXwatch's viewpoint, it is just sending an email; from
your phones' viewpoint, it is just receiving an SMS text message.
(See for example: 
http://20somethingfinance.com/how-to-send-text-messages-sms-via-email-for-free/).


Having said all that, it has been very useful for me. You can
certainly filter for 160 meters.  I can directly credit DXwatch
for bagging Chad for an ATNO, earlier this year.  I was out walking when
the alert came in and I was able to get home in time to make
the QSO.  Chad has been particularly troublesome because
previous QSO's never produced QSL's and/or were not approved
for DXCC.  (This was not on 160 meters, but is given as
an example of DXwatch).  It was also instrumental in working
Monaco (surprisingly difficult).

All of this presupposes the DX has been spotted.  On CW, it might
be more useful to be able to use the RBN to issue alerts.
Of course, that has the limitation that the station to be
spotted must call CQ (or "test") to show up.
Does anyone know how to get RBN alerts?

I have spot filtering in my logging program that is supposed
to be able to send email alerts, but I have never been able
to get it to work.  The logging program docs, of course, blame
my ISP, my mail program, Windoze, etc, anything but their program.

Rick N6RK
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 1/3/2016 8:08 AM, Tree wrote:

Another option is the VE7CC software.  It can sniff through spots and send
you a message or announcement on your computer.

http://www.bcdxc.org/ve7cc/ccc/cluster.htm



Couldn't get this to work with my email.

Rick N6RK
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Band opening?

[K4OWR]

 Now that I have your attention
Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message 
when there is DX present on 160 meters?
I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the 
"notification" check box.


Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for 
contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.

BILL K4OWR
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Tree]

Another option is the VE7CC software.  It can sniff through spots and send
you a message or announcement on your computer.

http://www.bcdxc.org/ve7cc/ccc/cluster.htm

This might only be a 32 bit program.

Tree N6TR

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 7:50 AM, K4OWR  wrote:

> * Thanx Les...looks like a great piece of software. I downloaded and
> installed it, but cannot get it to access the internet...claims "can't
> access internet".**
> **I examined my firewall to see if it's rejected, then even turned it of
> to see if that would work...no luck.**I'm working on it.
> BILL
> *
>
> On 1/3/2016 10:16 AM, Les Kalmus wrote:
>
>> Bill,
>>
>> Spot Collector, a program in the free DXLab Suite, can do this.
>> It is capable of collecting spots from up to four internet sources
>> simultaneously and displaying them on the screen in real time.
>> It has extensive filtering capabilities so you could set a filter for 160
>> spots from NA East for needed countries, for example, and have the system
>> send you an email when a filtered spot shows up.
>>
>> Les, W2LK
>>
>> On 1/3/2016 10:00 AM, K4OWR wrote:
>>
>>>  Now that I have your attention
>>> Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message
>>> when there is DX present on 160 meters?
>>> I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the
>>> "notification" check box.
>>>
>>> Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for
>>> contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.
>>> BILL K4OWR
>>> _
>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>>
>>
>> _
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>
>>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
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Topband: New Noise

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
I'm seeing on Topband.  

 

Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
checks out FB.  

 

So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo for
Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.  

 

My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:

 

1.If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one? 

2.   Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.


3.   How about plasma TV?

Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL

4.   something new  

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: New Noise

[Art Snapper]

Hi Bob,
It has been my experience that plasma TV's are usually quiet in the middle
of the night. For instance, today my neighbors began getting up around
07:30L and the noise floor quickly increased. The buzz seems to be the
worst between 1820 and 1830KHz
.
73 Art NK8X

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 8:06 AM, Bob Garrett  wrote:

> Greetings,
>
>
>
> Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
> meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
> coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
> useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
> beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
> My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
> pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
> the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
> much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
> floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
> I'm seeing on Topband.
>
>
>
> Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
> checks out FB.
>
>
>
> So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo
> for
> Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
> anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
> light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.
>
>
>
> My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
> good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:
>
>
>
> 1.If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
> the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one?
>
> 2.   Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.
>
>
> 3.   How about plasma TV?
>
> Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
> now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL
>
> 4.   something new
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
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Re: Topband: New Noise

[Herbert Schoenbohm]

Bob,  I had a horrendous noise which peaked at about 2mHz but covered 
the band even down to the AM radio portion. The noise sounded like a 
buzz saw with distinct peaks and valley across 160 meters. So I cut the 
main breaker in the house (rig still works with big UPS system) a the 
noise was gone. (This essentially eliminated all the devices in the ham 
shack two routers and a half dozen wall warts.)  Turned the breaker back 
on and then started taking down individual breakers down one by one 
until I found the circuit that corresponded with the noise.  I found the 
noise to be emitted for one of those new  "Energy saver" Led lights in 
one of the ceiling socket.  I inspected the LED lamp and saw a small 
burned spot.  This one little device putting out a lot of noise  was 
capable of obliterating the entire band even with a substantial pick up 
on a Beverage which originates 500 feet way and runs in a opposite 
direction.  Fortunately the problem originated at home and was thus 
easier to deal with.



Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ

On 1/3/2016 9:06 AM, Bob Garrett wrote:
Boxbe  This message is eligible for 
Automatic Cleanup! (rgarre...@comcast.net) Add cleanup rule 
 
| More info 
 




Greetings,

  


Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
I'm seeing on Topband.

  


Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
checks out FB.

  


So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo for
Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.

  


My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:

  


1.If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one?

2.   Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.


3.   How about plasma TV?

Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL

4.   something new

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Re: Topband: New Noise

[John Kaufmann]

A relatively new source of RF noise is solar panel installations.  These are
becoming more widespread and I'm now hearing multiple reports of solar panel
noise from other hams in my area.  The culprit seems to be the power
inverters that use high speed switching circuits and radiate through the
wiring.  I'm dealing with such a problem right now from a new installation
at a neighbor's house.  Fortunately the neighbor is very cooperative and we
are working with the installer (Solar City) to try to fix the problem.

My QTH used to be very quiet but no more.  Good luck.

73, John W1FV

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob
Garrett
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 8:07 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: New Noise

Greetings,

 

Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
I'm seeing on Topband.  

 

Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
checks out FB.  

 

So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo for
Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.  

 

My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:

 

1.If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one? 

2.   Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.


3.   How about plasma TV?

Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL

4.   something new  

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Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Robert Harmon]

Rick,

Thanks for sharing the text message info.
I use DXWatch and will give it a try.  Will be great to get
a text on spots I need. !

73,
Bob
K6UJ

On 1/3/16 8:21 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:

On 1/3/2016 7:00 AM, K4OWR wrote:

 Now that I have your attention
Is there any method anyone knows of to receive email or a text message
when there is DX present on 160 meters?
I subscribe to several, but none of them seems to include 160 in the
"notification" check box.

Perhaps we could create one? I know this group is supposed to be for
contestors, but let's be honest, loads of other things are discussed.
BILL K4OWR


It's news to me that this group is supposed to be for contestors.
Anyway, I have found DXwatch.com to be useful, if you know
about its limitations:

1.  Documentation isn't great.

2.  It works well in terms of sending an email, except

3.  There is a feature to send to an "alternate email" address
that simply doesn't work.

4.  The feature of sending a text message to a phone has been disabled.

5.  A workaround for this is to use a feature that cell phone carriers
provide:  you send an email to a special address for the carrier,
and the carrier converts this to a text message for the phone.
IE, from DXwatch's viewpoint, it is just sending an email; from
your phones' viewpoint, it is just receiving an SMS text message.
(See for example: 
http://20somethingfinance.com/how-to-send-text-messages-sms-via-email-for-free/).


Having said all that, it has been very useful for me. You can
certainly filter for 160 meters.  I can directly credit DXwatch
for bagging Chad for an ATNO, earlier this year.  I was out walking when
the alert came in and I was able to get home in time to make
the QSO.  Chad has been particularly troublesome because
previous QSO's never produced QSL's and/or were not approved
for DXCC.  (This was not on 160 meters, but is given as
an example of DXwatch).  It was also instrumental in working
Monaco (surprisingly difficult).

All of this presupposes the DX has been spotted.  On CW, it might
be more useful to be able to use the RBN to issue alerts.
Of course, that has the limitation that the station to be
spotted must call CQ (or "test") to show up.
Does anyone know how to get RBN alerts?

I have spot filtering in my logging program that is supposed
to be able to send email alerts, but I have never been able
to get it to work.  The logging program docs, of course, blame
my ISP, my mail program, Windoze, etc, anything but their program.

Rick N6RK
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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Michael St. Angelo]

The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of
operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.

What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free of
contest operation.

Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of
the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies?

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
Wilkowski
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM
To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that
too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
too far.
- Joe K8FC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.

Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this
event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
chaos that it causes. 

- Larry K5RK


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Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Tree]

I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the
contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about
10 nights a year.

In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active
outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading
up to the contests.

That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests.   I
understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but
if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it
to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band
during those 10 or so nights.

Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind.

Tree N6TR

On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM, Michael St. Angelo 
wrote:

> The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
> Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form
> of
> operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.
>
> What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free
> of
> contest operation.
>
> Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of
> the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies?
>
> Mike N2MS
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
> Wilkowski
> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM
> To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef
>
> Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
> contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree
> that
> too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
> forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
> too far.
> - Joe K8FC
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
> Burke
> Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef
>
> > Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.
>
> Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in
> this
> event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
> chaos that it causes.
>
> - Larry K5RK
>
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[K4OWR]

 Your contention that a few hours of a contest "interferes" with  
DX'ing, QRP, and digital is ridiculous since it provides many more 
opportunities to pursue those very activities by providing contacts when 
there is typically very little to behad. I've never noticed any amount 
of activity, specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would 
be impacted since there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on 
160 meters.

BILL K4OWR

On 1/3/2016 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo wrote:

The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of
operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.

What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free of
contest operation.

Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of
the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies?

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
Wilkowski
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM
To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that
too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
too far.
- Joe K8FC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef


Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.

Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this
event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
chaos that it causes.

- Larry K5RK


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Re: Topband: New Noise

[Steve]

I inspected the LED lamp and saw a small burned spot.


saw something similar with a CFL bulb a few years agohuge s9++ buzz from 
LF through to low HF. I could hear it all over the neighborhood with a 
portable SW receiver so... and after several days of DFing and making noise 
maps of the local area, I traced it to a cottage four doors away. The 
cottage was vacated as the owners just come here in the summer but I 
eventually got access from a relative. It was a CFL light left on in the 
crawlspace (to discourage some of our local otter population from moving 
in!) but ... it had burned out and partially melted the glass, with a lot of 
black charring on the base. A very dangerous situation if there had been any 
flammable material nearby. Even in this burned-out state, is was generating 
some serious RF it seems.


Steve


WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook":  http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl

VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves": 
http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/ 


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Re: Topband: Band opening?

[K4OWR]

It's news to me that this group is supposed to be for 
contestors.>>
Rick N6RK 


 Seriously I call your attention to the very name of the group: 
topband@contesting.com

BILL


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Re: Topband: Band opening?

[Larry Burke]

Seriously, Bill?  

contesting.com is a domain name, not the name of this list. Take a gander at
www.contesting.com to see all the lists hosted under that domain. 


Larry K5RK


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of K4OWR
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 1:08 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Band opening?


>>
>> It's news to me that this group is supposed to be for 
>> contestors.>> Rick N6RK

 Seriously I call your attention to the very name of the group: 
topband@contesting.com
BILL


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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Chortek, Robert L.]

Nothing beats a bit of context and perspective

Plus, I love the increased DX  activity a contest brings.  

Bob AA6VB

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 3, 2016, at 11:03 AM, Tree  wrote:
> 
> I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the
> contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about
> 10 nights a year.
> 
> In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active
> outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading
> up to the contests.
> 
> That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests.   I
> understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but
> if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it
> to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band
> during those 10 or so nights.
> 
> Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind.
> 
> Tree N6TR
> 
> On Sun, Jan 3, 2016 at 10:54 AM, Michael St. Angelo 
> wrote:
> 
>> The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
>> Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form
>> of
>> operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.
>> 
>> What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free
>> of
>> contest operation.
>> 
>> Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of
>> the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies?
>> 
>> Mike N2MS
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
>> Wilkowski
>> Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM
>> To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef
>> 
>> Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
>> contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree
>> that
>> too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
>> forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
>> too far.
>> - Joe K8FC
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
>> Burke
>> Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
>> To: topband@contesting.com
>> Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef
>> 
>>> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.
>> 
>> Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in
>> this
>> event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
>> chaos that it causes.
>> 
>> - Larry K5RK
>> 
>> 
>> _
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>> 
> _
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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[K4OWR]

* Excellent! Point made far better than I did**
**BILL*

On 1/3/2016 2:01 PM, Tree wrote:

I guess one point that needs to be kept in mind - if you add up the
contests that have an impact to normal DX operation - it probably is about
10 nights a year.

In some of these contests - I have worked DX countries that are not active
outside of contests - or have worked new ones in the preparations leading
up to the contests.

That leaves something like 355 nights a year with no contests.   I
understand some people don't like them and they turn off their radio - but
if you look at the overall activity level during a contest and compare it
to outside of contest - there are many more people "enjoying" the band
during those 10 or so nights.

Good discussion - but let's keep the numbers in mind.

Tree N6TR



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Re: Topband: Using shielded CAT5 data cable as feedline for active antenna; benefits of multi-turn K9AY loop/SAL/etc?

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

I should have been clearer - all his work is with small loops, typically 
1 meter diameter. My interest was in the possibility of improving the 
performance of my omnidirectional active Skimmer antenna, currently a 
Clifton Labs 8-ft vertical.  Since some of his antennas favor horizontal 
polarization, according to his writeups, my thought was that perhaps 
combining vertical and horizontal polarization might yield a net 
improvement in SNR.


73, Pete N4ZR
Download the new N1MM Logger+ at
. Check
out the Reverse Beacon Network at
, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

On 1/2/2016 11:19 PM, Tom W8JI wrote:
2.  He cites experimental data showing that coplanar crossed loops 
and multi-turn quad loops both offer very significant improvement in 
the recovered signalcompared with a single loop.  See 
 
to check whether I got this right. Anyway, it occurred to me to ask 
if anyone has ever tried multiturn K9AY, SAL or flag/pennant 
receiving antennas, and did you see something similar?


Be careful in what you might think the data means. The measurements 
are for an unmatched system, and apply to broadband untuned loops with 
"low impedance" loads.


In a case like that, the parallel wires reduce the impedance primarily 
by reducing reactance. It is no different than a thicker conductor, 
which would reduce reactance and increase current in the simple circuit.


This does not necessarily mean the loop would have a higher SNR, that 
would depend on how the amplifier "likes" the lower impedance and if 
external noise is limiting the system.


It does not mean more directivity. An even larger improvement in 
sensitivity would come from cancelling reactance.


If  a small terminated loop had increased conductor size it would have 
more sensitivity, which means increased signal and noise pickup, 
because the termination and source resistances would decrease.


You can see this effect by modeling an EWE antenna, or any small 
loop.  As the conductor is made thicker the optimum termination 
resistance decreases. This increases sensitivity, because radiation 
resistance remains the same and loss resistances decrease. You can 
pick up a few dB in sensitivity in certain cases.


If the amplifier or receive system is affecting S/N in a significant 
manner, it would improve S/N. If external noise is the significant 
factor in sensitivity, then it would pretty much do nothing.


This effect occurs in all sorts of lossy antennas. For example, if you 
paralleled two close-spaced Beverages (making them act like a single 
very wide conductor) sensitivity increases. This does not mean S/N 
ratio increases, because signal and noise from the antenna would 
increase at the same rate. It just means the level of signal and noise 
from the antenna is a bit higher.


If receive amplifier or system internal noise is helping set noise 
floor, then it would help S/N.


73 Tom



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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Larry Burke]

Bill, 

 

I'm not familiar with what you are using on 160m or how often you get on the
band, but just because you have never noticed any DX activity on a
non-contest weekend does not mean it is not there. There is plenty of DX on
Topband when conditions are good. And while a contest might bring out some
DX activity, it also drives some away. I can't tell you how many times there
has been non-contest DX underneath some contest CQ machine that cannot hear
them. I've personally missed several new ones that way. 

 

Mike made a reasonable request for compromise by establishing a segment of
the band for non-contesting during the Stews. How is that "ridiculous"? 

 

 

- Larry K5RK

 

 

 

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of K4OWR
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2016 1:03 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

 

 Your contention that a few hours of a contest "interferes" with DX'ing,
QRP, and digital is ridiculous since it provides many more opportunities to
pursue those very activities by providing contacts when there is typically
very little to behad. I've never noticed any amount of activity,
specifically on 160, on a non contest weekend, that would be impacted since
there typically is hardly any...again, specifically on

160 meters.

BILL K4OWR

 

On 1/3/2016 1:54 PM, Michael St. Angelo wrote:

> The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with 

> Larry and Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes 

> with other form of operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital
operators.

> 

> What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is 

> free of contest operation.

> 

> Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion 

> of the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital
frequencies?

> 

> Mike N2MS

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