Topband: de n7dd

[Larry via Topband]

i am in need of the connections for the Clark Electronics KB-2 beverage antenna 
switch box. There are 3 wing nut connections on the back of the box and I need 
to know what the input to each is.
Help would be appreciated. Please email direct to pace...@aol.com
thanks,
larryn7dd
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Re: Topband: The "new" Topband

[Larry]

Yes. Quite a few of us are active on 630m. Activity is world wide 
although not so much during the summer months. There are always beacons 
to be heard, mostly WSPR and FST4W-120. QSO's via FST4-60 usually but 
there are a lot of CW guys active on the US east coast.


BTW, 630m is not the "new topband", that title belongs to the 2200m (137 
kHz) band, and yes there is activity there also.


Lots of web pages devoted to both bands. Google is your friend!

73,

Larry - W7IUV
central WA - DN07dg



On 9/28/2022 8:15 AM, Radio KH6O wrote:

Colleagues,

Have any of you attempted to get on the 630 meter band?

As a US Coast Guard radioman in the 1970s, 500 kHz was the worldwide
maritime CW calling frequency; almost all night-time traffic occurred
on 600 meters. While stationed at Coast Guard Radio Honolulu (NMO),
I'd copy stations Pacific-wide -- from Alaska to Australia, from the
US west coast to Asia. Just incredible coverage sunset to sunrise.

(Daytime traffic shifted to the 6, 8, 12, 16, 22 and 26 MHz maritime bands.)

73,
Jeff KH6O


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Re: Topband: 1/4 wave sloper..aka half sloper.

[Larry]

I have had similar results with half sloper connected at 50 feet on a 
100 foot tower (45G). I have radials now but didn't always have them but 
never tried to do a definitive look to see if the radials improved the 
sloper and by how much, if any. The radials were put in mainly because I 
had always planned to switch to a loaded tower - just haven't got there yet.


73, Larry W6NWS

On 1/11/2022 6:38 PM, Steve wrote:
Jim ...  Since getting on topband I've only used a half-sloper hung 
from the top of my 48' Delhi tower. I'm presently at 163 DXCC, mostly 
CW. The base of the tower connects to ~60 buried radials of various 
lengths. You really need a ground system for this antenna to work 
properly but my early version worked well with just a half-dozen 
buried radials too.


Steve VE7SL




Original Message- Have any of you folks used, or tried a half 
sloper aka  1/4 wave

sloper ?   Loaded or otherwise ?   I'm talking about say terminated up
80-90'  up a tower.

I have used slopers on  75m  with reasonable success, but never 160m.

Radials, elevated or on ( or in) the ground isn't happening.  Wife put
the kabosh on that.

Jim   VE7RF
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WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook": http://qsl.net/ve7sl/

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

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Topband: 160m FST4

[Larry]

My RX is monitoring 160m FST4-60 and will be at least overnight. It is 
reporting to PSKreporter which does a good job of reporting activity if 
people bother to enable that function in their software setup.


73, Larry - W7IUV
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Re: Topband: W6 to EU openings last night

[Larry Pace via Topband]

guys,
Conditions to EU have been excellent this past week from Arizona. Looks like 
the sunrise enhancement has finally returned. I have never seen EU with S9 plus 
20 to 25 at this location in the past 30 years.
Let's hope for similar conditions for the commons contest.
n7dd

Sent by Larry

On Jan 5, 2021, at 10:32 AM, Michael Tope  wrote:

I tried calling CQ on CW at around midnight local (0800z) this morning and 
worked JE1CTM, G3PQA, G3OQT, and G3OLB in succession all with good signals into 
Southern California. This came after an absolute bounty of European QSOs on 
FT8, including a number of eastern European QSOs. HB9BIN was showing an FT8 "R" 
reading peaking well over +10 (+14 I think) and he stayed consistently over +5 
for quite some time. He was so strong I kept wondering if it might be someone 
in the states pirating his call. There was, however, a lull earlier in the 
evening where the band appeared to shut down completely to Europe (no FT8 
decodes whatsoever). I was really surprised that things opened back up the way 
they did.

73, Mike W4EF...

On 1/5/2021 6:47 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
> 
> On 1/4/2021 12:43 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote:
>> 
>> I didn't come on last night . . . but I've been working across to Texas,
>> Colorado and Arizona over the past week or so.
>> 
>> What sort of time were your QSOs Rick?  (will look out for you tonight)
>> 
>> 73 Roger G3YRO
>> 
> 
> The openings were around 0400 to 0500 UTC.
> (Tuesday morning UTC, Monday night in CA)
> Last night I was listening a little earlier
> and heard W0FLS working a DH1 station, but
> nothing from the EU end was audible, not
> even waterfall tracks.
> 
> 73
> Rick N6RK
> _
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Topband: 300' Bog

[Larry]

BOGs are highly ground dependent;  At my QTH, they work well, and while the 
signal level is significantly lower than the 850' BAG I run toward the South 
BOGs show good directionality and selectivity.  Variation in soil moisture 
content affect performance as does the presence of wet leaves on top of them.  
I use the preamp in my transceiver with good results.

Larry W8ANT

Date: Sun, 03 Jan 2021 20:01:16 +
From: w3...@roadrunner.com
To: "'topband@contesting.com'" 
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 217, Issue 5
Message-ID: <3a0a36bc92069cabcd8a00cb9159ffc2c29813dd@webmail>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

anyone with experience using a 300' BOG? Suggestions based on your
experience?

ie are they worth it? 

I tried one before but without a preamp and found it worthless. (
almost no signals heard)
suggestions on best preamps? With all in good working order, what
benefits do they provide? Comparable to a longer Beverage?

Tnx

Bob 

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Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

[Larry-k1uo]

I agree Rick..  Too “clever”  but just enough to fool me.. once.
After I get the new coil ready (Using brass hardware to replace the stainless 
bolts also) and find the sweet spot again using the proper coil clips, I will 
SOLDER the clips onto the copper at that time without shorting out any other 
coil turns.
Since this is a series coil at the base, I will use a shunt coil to match the 
swr..  I hope that is what I am going to do and not blow up something else .

From: Richard (Rick) Karlquist
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2020 10:02 AM
To: Tim Shoppa; Larry-k1uo
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

I

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Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

[Larry-k1uo]

@Tim,  For the sake of my “experiment” I was indeed using the band clamp to 
hold a small aluminum eyelet soldered onto#14 wire for the tap wire.   The 
wire used for the coil is solid copper 10 gauge wire.   I found some clips that 
would work up to #10 wire at DX engineering called coil clips if you are 
looking.  I believe after I rebuild a coil and tap it “properly” that things 
will indeed work ok.

Not top dog ok but Home Owners Association ok.

Thanks all for both private and public help with suggestions and helpful 
information for this old guy…  aren’t we all.

From: Tim Shoppa
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2020 9:25 AM
To: Larry-k1uo
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

Conductivity of Copper: 5.85 x 10^7 mho/m

Conductivity of 301 Stainless: 0.14 x 10^ mho/m

Stainless is 42 times worse conductor than copper.

Larry, was the band clamp holding a copper conductor onto the coil, or was the 
band clamp actually being relied on for conductivity.

If current was being carried by the hose clamp: Typical 301 stainless band 
clamp (say one that will accomodate both 1/2" and 3/4" tubing) is .023" thick 
by 5/16" wide. For an area of 0.007 square inches carrying the current. 

Because copper is 42 times better conductor, a equivalent copper conductor 
would be just a little more than 0.00017 square inches. So that stainless band 
clamp is a worse conductor than AWG 26 copper wire.

The tables list 26AWG as having an ampacity of 0.36A. So even at 100W and 50 
ohms you are past the limit. Go to legal limit and 50 ohms and you are way 
past. Go to a high Q circuit and you are way way past.

I would recommend something different for coil tapping for a 10AWG coil: I am a 
big fan of the Mueller BU-27C copper clip, rated for 40A DC. If you are going 
onto thick copper tubing, Mueller the BU-27CGW (the "geophone clip") works well.

Tim N3QE

On Sun, Nov 15, 2020 at 6:40 PM Larry-k1uo  wrote:
Probably everyone but me knew or knows this but it seems it is NOT a good idea 
to use stainless steel band clamps  as coil taps.  Especially on a large 160M 
Base coil.     Oh well….   The ss band only got red hot and caused the #10 wire 
coils underneath it to melt into the pvc form and did not start a fire at least.
Regards  Larry  K1UO

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Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

[Larry-k1uo]

   I found some small aluminum coil taps at DX Engineering I will try on the 
#10 solid copper coil wire I am using so as not to short multiple turns this 
time. The ss band clamp thing I saw on uTube  (lol) but obviously he was not 
running 1500 watts and, with me not having tried to load an 80M vertical for 
160 before, I bought it hook, line and sinker. At 72 I hate asking for help.
  The schedule 40 pvc  form  is 3.5 in OD with 35 turns of #10 wire spaced ¼ in 
so 4 turns per inch.   I assume because the Band clamp was shoring multiple 
turns was what started the heating process early?  I don’t know for sure but I 
am winding another coil as I had the machine shop make me an extra form.  I 
terminate the #10 solid copper wire at each end of the form with a 1/1 inch 
stainless bolt.
   Hopefully I am on the right track to get back on 160M with something that 
the HOA wont ban me for.
Thanks to all.   Larry  K1UO

From: Roy Morgan
Sent: Sunday, November 15, 2020 10:16 PM
To: Larry-k1uo
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

L

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Topband: Stainless Steel for coil taps.

[Larry-k1uo]

Probably everyone but me knew or knows this but it seems it is NOT a good idea 
to use stainless steel band clamps  as coil taps.  Especially on a large 160M 
Base coil. Oh well….   The ss band only got red hot and caused the #10 wire 
coils underneath it to melt into the pvc form and did not start a fire at least.
Regards  Larry  K1UO

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Re: Topband: ARRL 160M and 1830-1835 change

[Larry via Topband]

george,
i believe that those stations who have key clicks are truly not aware of their 
problems. 
a private email to the offending station may cure the problem. i really cant 
conceive that someone would do this on purpose, especially on top band.
larry    n7dd


-Original Message-
From: GEORGE WALLNER 
To: Tim Shoppa 
Cc: Jon Zaimes via Topband ; Jon Zaimes 

Sent: Fri, Oct 23, 2020 2:30 am
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL 160M and 1830-1835 change

Tim,
You are right. In theory the window could work. But the problem is that 
those (non-DX) who violate the rules suffer no consequences. Therefore, 
those with the cheek gain an advantage.
But,..
A much (much) bigger problem is stations with strong clicks. I believe that 
some may be intentional. If you have strong clicks you will have fewer 
stations near "your" frequency. The result is a quieter frequency and a 
higher QSO rate! (While the rest of us get squeezed even more.)
In any case, clicks, whether intentional or just the result of either 
negligence or a poorly set up station, should not give the source station an 
advantage!

73,
George,
C6AGU




On Thu, 22 Oct 2020 21:42:02 -0400
  Tim Shoppa  wrote:
> George, in ARRL 160 the DX would *only* be looking for W/VE  if CQing during 
> the contest. So the DX Window concept has some value (if anyone ever 
> respected it which they didn’t).
>
> This is a fundamental difference from CQ160 where DX can work DX for points.
>
> Arguably DX-only-works-W/VE makes ARRL 160 less popular with some segments of 
> DX hams. It’s certainly a fundamental part of the ARRL 160 DNA.
>> On Oct 22, 2020, at 9:31 PM, GEORGE WALLNER  wrote:
>>
>>
>> If 1,830 - 1,835 is reserved for "intercontinental contacts", who will 
>> should CQ? The DX? He is not a DX on his own continent. These "DX windows" 
>> are not practical.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> George
>>
>> C6AGU/AA7JV
>>
>>
>> On Thu, 22 Oct 2020 14:43:52 + (UTC)
>>
>> Jon Zaimes via Topband  wrote:
>>
>> Interesting Tim.
>>
>> November QST came in a few days ago, and the summary of rules in there says 
>> "1.830-1.835 MHz should be used for intercontinental contacts only."
>>
>> Dropping that rule was long overdue so glad to see it stated in the rules 
>> online. 
>>
>> 73/Jon AA1K
>>
>>
>> -Original Message-
>>
>> From: Tim Shoppa 
>>
>> To: topBand List 
>>
>> Sent: Thu, Oct 22, 2020 9:35 am
>>
>> Subject: Topband: ARRL 160M and 1830-1835 change
>>
>>
>> Also as I review this years ARRL 160M rules...
>>
>>
>> An earlier version of the rules (current in 2012) here
>>
>> http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Contest%20Rules%20PDFs/2012/2012-160M-Rules-V2.pdf
>>
>> says "6.1 The segment 1.830 to 1.835 should be used for intercontinental
>>
>> QSOs only".
>>
>>
>> The latest version here
>>
>> https://contests.arrl.org/ContestRules/160M-Rules.pdf notes that "6. the
>>
>> 1830-135 kHz window is no longer reserved for W/VE-to-DX QSOs in this
>>
>> contest".
>>
>>
>> Does anyone recall, when the rule was officially changed? It wasn't being
>>
>> well respected in some previous years if it was in effect.
>>
>>
>> Tim N3QE
>>
>> _
>>
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>>
>> _
>>
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>>
>>

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Re: Topband: Looking for a 2n5109

[Larry]

FYI, since the genuine 2N5109 is so difficult to source (and the 
2N3866), you might want to look at using a DCP68. This is a surface 
mount device that will electrically replace the 2N5109 in the W7IUV 
preamp provided you don't need to operate it at frequencies higher than 
3 Mhz.


I have successfully used this device by simply soldering short leads on 
the part and installing it directly in place of the 2N5109. You do need 
to provide a heat sink of some sort. I have soldered the collector pad 
down to a 3/4 inch square pad on an PCB and have also just soldered a 
3/4 inch square, or larger, piece of copper sheet directly to the 
collector tab.


The measured NF at 137 kHz and 475kHz is about 1 dB better than the 5109 
and about 0.5 dB better on 1.8 Mhz. Best of all is that it costs less 
than a buck and is available from most common distributors.


73,

Larry - W7IUV





On 10/22/2020 9:22 AM, Edward stallman wrote:
I remember about a year ago a discussion not to buy the 2n5109 
transistors from E-Bay sellers . Some searching shows the 2n5109 has 
been discontinued for many years . So is anyone that's been saving one 
for many years willing to part with it ? I'm using it in a W7IUV pre-amp .


Thanks Ed N5DG

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Re: Topband: Every mid week. . .

[Larry via Topband]

hi all,
last night was my first effort at top band for this season. i worked 10 EU 
stations on CW. only one was a new one but i dont care. it's just fun being 
heard in EU from the "almost west coast". mostly nice to renew acquaintances 
with old friends.
i have no interest in digital modes but more power to those that do. 
any DX on top band is a thrill and if the band is closed then there is always 
NetFlix.
73,larryn7dd 


-Original Message-
From: Mike Smith VE9AA 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, Oct 9, 2020 10:31 pm
Subject: Topband: Every mid week. . .

We see an announcement about "activity night" on Wednesday. (which borders
on begging and cajoling at times)

 

Every Thursday into Friday we see complaints from the same individual
talking about the lack of activity, where were you guys, do you have QRN or
whatever.(aka 'guilt trip')

 

It gets really really old.  I delete most of them w/o even reading them.
Every once in a while I open one 

up hoping the "ask" or "announcement" has changed, but nope.same old
whining.

 

Maybe some of us don't like working the same fellows mid week in the warmer
weather ? (QRN, other stuff going on in our lives)

 

Maybe some of us have pretty much worked all we want to work on 160m.

 

Maybe some of us now concentrate on rare DX, or contest QSO's or FT8 or SSB
(or any number of things)

 

This is not the 1950's or 1960's where we have to announce weekly where the
listening/CQing will take place.(and then complain about it the next day
when you don't fill your personal log book)

 

I am sure W1BB (and everyone else) didn't whine about the lack of activity
in their paper newsletters.

 

I already suggested to you (privately a year or so ago, to help you save
face) about some things you could do to improve "activity night" but you
have not even tried one of them. (a la CWops CWT awards, just to mention
one)

 

Please. Stop the whining.

 

Mike VE9AA

p.s.-I really enjoy the N6TR and VE6WZ (and others) reports.  Absolutely no
whining ! (aka 100% whine free)

 

Mike, Coreen & Corey

Keswick Ridge, NB

 

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Re: Topband: Rotator Potentiometer shunt fed twr

[Larry via Topband]

I use wire wound pots in both my rotators and have experienced problems with 
them burning out on certain TX frequencies. 
Wound some small toroid transformers and soldered them at each of the three pot 
leads (at the rotator). Problem solved.
larryn7dd


-Original Message-
From: Jim Brown 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, Aug 23, 2020 10:17 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Rotator Potentiometer shunt fed twr

On 8/23/2020 2:39 PM, Phil Duff wrote:
> Aren't most rotors and their masts normally grounded thru the rotor body 
> and mast clamp & mounting bolts to their tower/support?

Antenna current at the joint between the two pieces of the rotator is a 
common source of IMD, as first articulated by W3LPL (although he calls 
it something else).

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: 9 circle RX array combiner board

[Larry]

Beware of ebay 5109's. Most, if not all, from Chinese vendors are 
counterfeit. They usually don't work well, if at all, in place of a real 
5109.


Larry - W7IUV



On 3/1/2020 4:30 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote:

There's no shortage of 2N5109s on eBay for about one dollar each



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Re: Topband: 9 circle RX array combiner board

[Larry]

RE: 2N5109 replacement

With my supply of 2N5109's getting low, I looked long and hard at 
suitable replacement parts.


There just isn't anything made in a leaded package that's worth while.

I did find a rather generic power transistor in a "large" SMD package 
that works quite well in my preamps for the MF and LF ranges.


The DCP68 (and for those who need a PNP DCP69) has proven to be somewhat 
better than the 5109 in this application with a measured NF averaging 
4.5 dB vs. the 5.5 dB of the 5109.


I have, in fact, soldered pigtails on the SMD part and stuck it in place 
of the 5109 on existing boards (with suitable heat sink).


I'm happy with the part but of course YMMV!

73,

Larry - W7IUV


On 3/1/2020 3:31 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:



On 3/1/2020 2:22 PM, VE6WZ_Steve wrote:
Just like some guys enjoy woodworking and making furniture that they 
may not really need, I like to build radio things just for the fun of 
the project even though I may not really “need” it.  For three years I 
have been using the original 9 circle RX array kit that I bought from 
DX-engineering, and it has performed well, but I wanted to build my 
own and add my own design tweaks.


Using KiCad, I have designed and built a 9 circle RX array combiner 
with a 2N5109 pre-amplifier integrated onto the same board.





73, de steve ve6wz
_



Now I know why you work stuff I can't even hear :-)

The 2N5109 is just about extinct.  Did you secure a
source for it before you laid out your PC board?  If
you did, please share it with the rest of us.  Most
people are now using substitutes for the 2N5109 with
varying degrees of success.  Are you possibly doing
that?  Of course those substitutes are not in a
hermetic metal can, so the PC board has to be laid
out for differently for them.

You might want to look at these references for
so-called "E-field" arrays of whip antennas:

A military design:

https://www.dst.defence.gov.au/sites/default/files/publications/documents/DST-Group-TR-3522.pdf 



Various improvements to the above:

http://home.earthlink.net/~christrask/Complementary%20Push-Pull%20Amplifiers.pdf 



You also find a lot of other good stuff on Chris's site.

They go beyond the DXE design.

Good luck with your project.

BTW, how do you like KICAD?  I'm currently using a grandfathered
EAGLE 7.7 perpetual license, but "some day" I might switch to KICAD.

73
Rick N6RK
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Re: Topband: 160m activity and propagation

[Larry via Topband]

Hey Bob,
I found the season typical though signals in general were down from this part 
of the cycle. I did work 128 European stations in the CQ 160 which is a 
personal best for me.
There were many nights when I had the EU RBN lit up with huge reports but no 
answers to many CQ's. I blame that on the FT8 Phenomenal.
Larry

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Thursday, February 20, 2020, W7RH  wrote:

Greeting all,

This season has been interesting not because of highlights but because 
of a noticeable change in propagation at least from my Arizona QTH. I 
will note from my perspective highlights have been few.

Yesterday Dave W0FLS was holding court calling CQ. I could just barely 
hear the DX in EU he was working.

To Roger G3YRO congrats but no QSO. You had a good 579 signal calling CQ 
at 0100 hours UTC. You had a break through the aurora wall and I did not!

In other news HL5IVL Kim, had a true 599 plus 20 signal calling CQ in 
the early morning here. Not another signal on the band.

In solar cycle 23 even though I was working full time on weird shifts I 
managed EU contacts almost daily with only a few periods of black outs. 
My operating habits have changed a bit to early morning through sunrise 
and sunset through sunrise in European Russia and Eastern EU. I stay up 
for Western EU if conditions appear to be good which for the most part 
they have not.

Missing this season has been European Russians. Where did they all go? 
Perhaps to another band? On the other hand there were many stations 
worked in Zone 15 primarily in southern end. With the exception of EA 
and CT zone 14 was a flop except for a couple big openings. SM5EDX was 
an exception.

Has anyone else noticed a change in propagation patterns? I'd like some 
input here with a focus and western US but midwest and eastern US 
welcome as well.

73

Bob, W7RH



-- 
W7RH DM35os

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our 
humanity." - Albert Einstein

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Re: Topband: Very little NA Activity

[Larry via Topband]

From my perspective in Arizona I would say that there have been a lack of EU 
stations active on 160. For example last Friday evening (Saturday morning in 
EU) I was being received by at least 6 EU RBN with huge reports but only one 
answer to many CQ’s.Conditions have been better than average this top band 
season but is everyone on FT8?Larry

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Sunday, February 9, 2020, Roger Kennedy  
wrote:


Well, I've personally never really understood this desire (or obsession?) to
only want to work new Countries . . .

After all, it's more of an achievement to have a contact on Top Band with
someone 4,000 miles away in a big country, than it is to work someone 2,000
miles away on some little island!

I did start totting up countries worked on 160m back in the 70s . . . but
gave up actually counting once I had reached 100. (these days I'm pretty
sure my total must be over 300)

Roger G3YRO

-Original Message-
From: uy0zg [mailto:uy...@mksat.net] 

Nothing to do about

Many want to become famous - they only need new countries .. :

http://www.arrl.org/system/dxcc/view/DXCC-160M-20200209-A4.pdf#page=1=a
uto,-12,848


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Re: Topband: Inquiring minds want to know....

[Larry]

First thing, 160 meter is NOT the Topband and hasn't been for a number 
of years. 2200m is the Topband, with 630m in second place, and 160m a 
distant third.


There are two areas of interest in the MF/LF/VLF world. Amateur and 
non-amateur/SWL.


If you are primarily interested in just listening and logging many 
interesting signals, you can spend a lifetime tuning below 500kHz and 
never hear it all.


Just a few from the high end first approximate frequencies):

Navtex 512kHz

NDB 200-500 kHz

DGPS 300 Khz

LW Broadcast 200kHz +/-

WWVL and similar 60 kHz

Military data 10-35 kHz

Geophysical and atmospheric noises various VLF down to a couple kHz or less

If you are interested in amateur operations including experimental 
transmissions there are a number of places to look.


630 meter band: lots of amateur activity here. Some CW but mostly JT9 
digital. Several hundred station currently active worldwide. Lots of 
WSPR activity with 630m reports exceeding those from 160m EVERY night! 
From my rather poor Inland Northwest QTH, I have worked 120 unique 
calls in 39 states and 7 DXCC so far. The power limit is 5 watts EIRP/ 
500 watts transmit power max. With a typical backyard antenna system 
running about -15 to -20 dBi it might take the whole 500 watts to get 5 
watts radiated. Not a band for the timid...


2200m band: lots less activity due to severe physical limitations. 1 
watt EIRP/1500 watts transmitter power max. With typical backyard 
antennas running around -30 dBi, you need a KW to get 1 watt radiated. 
Probably less than one hundred active transmit capable stations 
worldwide but many times more than that listening. Most work is WSPR 
beacons but also JT9 QSO's. I have 11 stations worked in 8 states and 3 
DXCC so far.


There is a no license low power band at 187 kHz approximately. I don't 
know much about this one except there are a number of east coast USA 
beacons running that I have never been able to hear.


There are several experimental stations that occasionally transmit WSPR 
beacons on approximately 75 kHz. I have heard a couple of them out to 
1000+ miles.


There are a few really motivated experimenters who transmit beacons on 
about 8 kHz. I've never been able to hear any of them but I believe 
signals have been copied across the Atlantic in the past.


If you want to know more about the 630 meter band look at :

https://njdtechnologies.net/

John provides a 630 meter daily report of activity plus lots of other 
info to get you started.



73,

Larry - W7IUV



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Re: Topband: 200 Amp low pass filter for power mains?

[Larry via Topband]

Your local power company is responsible to provide RFI free power. If you have 
determined that your noise is not coming from sources in your home then a 
friendly phone call to the power company may solve the problem.
Most power companys have a trained RFI tech that can help.
Good luck.
Larry   N7dd 

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Friday, January 24, 2020, Richard (Rick) Karlquist  
wrote:

On 1/24/2020 10:21 AM, Ron AE5E via Topband wrote:
> I think a good share of noise on 160 for me is coming in on the power line.  
> The ground mounted transformer is about 1000' feet away and serves other 
> homes as well as mine.  The lines are all buried.  Where it entered the house 
> I would like to try to suppress noise.
> I can turn off all lights, appliances, furnace, pumps, etc but the noise is 
> still significant.  If I drop the main breaker it is gone.  So that is why it 
> seems to me it is on the line when it enters the house.
> So thinking a 200 amp low pass filer before the breaker box might the a 
> solution.  Maybe it just needs to be bypassed with capacitors, I am only 
> speculating so far.
> So lets hear if from Topband guys who have figured this out!
> Ron, AE5E
> _

I suspect you still have something energized in your
house.  Try this:  turn the main breaker off and then
hold a pocket AM radio next to the energized mains
listening for noise and then  compare to the "de-energized"
lines in your house.  I am thinking you will hear
no noise in either case.  If your theory was correct,
you would hear noise on the mains coming in and
nothing on the house wiring.

In any event, a 200A RFI filter is a non-starter.

If the noise is somehow on the mains coming in, you
need to move your antenna away from your house wiring.
Possibly listen on a loop antenna that you can locate
in a corner of your yard, and then orient it to null
the remaining noise.

Rick N6RK
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Topband: de n7dd

[Larry via Topband]

does anyone know of a HV (20KV) capacitor with a value of approximately 500 pf 
that has a NPO value?
thanks in advance.
larry/n7dd
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Re: Topband: 2019 STEW PERRY

[Larry via Topband]

US1Q called me during the contest and was much too loud to be in the Ukraine. I 
am quite sure that he was using a remote TX station in the USA.
This would be a question for the contest administrator to decide on.
HNYn7dd 

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Tuesday, December 31, 2019, Mike Smith VE9AA  wrote:

Hi Nick, 

 

I did not work US1Q during this years contest, so won't comment on that
operator (but I understand 100% what you are saying, even though your
English is not perfect, hi hi)

 

I have in the past, "worked" an Italian station on 160m (I forget the call)
at 5NN+30dB many hours after sunrise in Italy, so I know exactly what you
are saying.

 

Fortunately (I think) we 'hope' these fellows using USA remotes (and any
remotes, actually) are the 1/1000 of true operators and not every other
operator.

 

I can only surmise they find satisfaction in trying to fool everyone, but
personally I don't "get it" (don't understand)

They are only really fooling themselves and it's themselves that stare back
at them in the mirror every morning.

 

 

73 de Mike VE9AA FN66 (New Brunswick, Canada)

 

Mike, Coreen & Corey

Keswick Ridge, NB

 

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Topband: spotlight on tucson

[Larry via Topband]

just when i thought the season was fair at best i had a great evening working 
EU, 27 stations in the log with many at 599.
the surprise of the season was being called by UN9L. that's a new country and 
very rare to work zone 17 from arizona. only two others ,EY8MM and UA9MA in 35 
years at this location.
160 meters lives!
73,larryn7dd
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Topband: cosmic ray update

[Larry via Topband]

well that came out unreadable! try again.
scores over the past years:  2009   618,000,   2010    752,000(83 countries),   
 2011   600,000,   2012   324,000,  2013   367,000.
2014   312,000,    2015   319,000,    2016   278,000,   2017   372,000,   2018  
   384,000.
2009-2011 were very good years with many Europeans well over S9 at times. this 
season no EU has been stronger than S7.
hope for the best this year.
larryn7dd


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Topband: cosmic ray update

[Larry via Topband]

for what it's worth here are my scores from past years:2007   247,0002009   
618,0002010   752,000   (83 countries)2011   600,0002012   324,0002013   
367,0002014   312,0002015   319,0002016   278,0002017   372,0002018   384,000
certainly scores were dependent on conditions that weekend but no doubt 2010 
was by far the best.
European signals were constantly over S9 the entire season. so far this season 
no EU has gone over the S7 mark. (zero noise on the beverages)

hope that it gets better soon. it has been a very bad winter.
larryn7dd
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Re: Topband: Zone 2 for Far East

[Larry via Topband]

Congratulations Eugene. De n7dd

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Friday, December 13, 2019, Eugene Popov /RA0FF/ via Topband 
 wrote:


I thank Jeff K1ZM/VY2ZM and Miriam VY2NA  for the great help to the stations of 
the Far East in contacts with zone 2.
My 160 is in full complement now!
 
https://forum.qrz.ru/attachment.php?attachmentid=244402=1576293813
 
 
73! Eugene, RA0FF
http://wwwq.qsl.net/ra0ff /
https://twitter.com/ra0ff/
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Re: Topband: ARRL 160m

[Larry (K8UT)]

Steve,

RE: CQ hole
>If you left a run spot to go pee, it would be gone within about 1 or 2 
minutes


The latest rev of N1MM's Spectrum Display includes a "CQ Freq Search" 
enhancement whereby up-to 5 frequencies of sufficient width (based on 
mode) and vacancy (one minute) are highlighted. You can mouse-click and 
jump to a new "CQ hole" and resume RUNning.


-larry (K8UT)

-- Original Message --
From: "VE6WZ_Steve" 
To: "Topband" 
Sent: 2019-12-09 11:35:49
Subject: Topband: ARRL 160m


This was the first time I made a serious attempt at the ARRL 160m contest. 
Usually I will just poke around and hand out mults.  Since condx were looking 
pretty good, I decided to stay in the chair a bit longer.

I must say I forgot how this contest is really more like SS with some DX thrown 
in rather than a real DX contest. I knew the band was in great shape to EU 
because of how loud the EU callers were, at least 4 of which were dupes. At 
around 4 AM, John SM5EDX called in to tell me I had a great signal at his local 
NOON! So I knew the band was in good shape over the pole at my morning. The 
band was wall-to-wall during prime-time, but I could usually find a CQ hole 
somewhere.  If you left a run spot to go pee, it would be gone within about 1 
or 2 minutes.

1319 QSOs (1381 total QSOs but 62 dupes!!! some guys just kept duping me, 
multiple times…I just kept logging them)
83 sec (I worked all sections  before I went to bed Friday night)

52 DXCC:

EU- 114 QSOs, 25 DXCC

AS- 97 QSOs, 5 DXCC: 86 JA, 7 UA9, 2 HL, 1 BY, 1 JT

OC- 8 QSOs, 2 DXCC: 7 KH6, 1 5W

SA- 3 QSOs, 3 DXCC: 1 CE, 1 YV, 1 PJ2

AF-1 QSO, 1 DXCC: 1 D4

I was operating my remote station using the Flex 6600, ACOM 2000a, 2 el TX, and 
multiple RX.
My preferred radio is the K3s because it has superior weak signal RX, but it 
has no waterfall via the remote.

My remote station is a challenge to operate a contest like this. Here is some 
info on how things are set-up.

I am not "a boy and his radio",  I am "a boy and his PC".  I use the Flex 6600 
PC software on one monitor, and the remote station PC is on the other monitor where I log with N1MM 
and control the station.  There is no physical radio or switching at the operating table. Just the 
PC, a mouse and a keyboard.
I always use diversity RX with my 9 circle array in one ear, and the Beverages 
in the other. Each has 8 compass directions and each are controlled with a 
clickable rotor compass dial on the PC.  SO...to change directions I need to 
click the 9 circle, then click the Beverage selector, and then click the TX 
array direction, then get the cursor back to N1MM to log. Often I would be RX 
in multiple directions in each ear which was handy, but boyIm pretty sure 
I'm developing carpel tunnel syndrome from using that mouse!  During the 
morning run was really crazy...JA, OC, NA, N polar and EU all possible signal 
arrivals!
If I was RX for JA, and some polar EU would call if I had one ear on EU I might 
hear them, but then if they are weak, I need time to switch the other RX to 
have good copy.  If the callers are only dumping their call once…I might not 
get it.  Same with NA calling from the back of the RX.  The Beverage broadside 
phased pairs are very sharp, and the difference can be copy-no copy just 
between N to NE.  I may consider adding my RBN skimmer 30m loop into the RX mix 
so I can have “omni” rx, but it does not hear as well.
So if I missed any callers, or seemed really slow responding, it was probably 
because I was busy switching my RX and struggling to get the mouse back into 
N1MM to type in a call.  This is one disadvantage of the remote compared to 
having a physical direction switch so I could keep the focus on N1MM.
There were some very exceptional EU signals, some of which when they called I 
was sure they were NA.
On Friday night at 0730z JE1BMJ and JE1CKA got my attention even though I was 
RX for EU. This was just at JA sunset. I switched to JA and had a nice run on 
41 JA till I went to bed at 0830z.
Congrats to Joel VE6WQ at VE6JY and Eric VE6BBP who were both rocking the band 
during the contest.

Thanks to those how called me and could hear me.
Lets hope these great conditions persist throughout the season.

73, de steve ve6wz
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Re: Topband: H40TT on 160m

[Larry via Topband]

I think that you guys are missing the point. Knowing Wes I am sure that post 
was pure sarcasm. He is a CW op surpreme.LarryN7DD

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Monday, November 25, 2019, Alan Swinger  wrote:

So, your computer worked him while you were out of the room and not at the 
rig!? If only there was an award for computers vice operators. - Alan K9MBQ


-Original Message-
>From: Wes 
>Sent: Nov 25, 2019 7:42 AM
>To: topband@contesting.com
>Subject: Re: Topband: H40TT on 160m
>
>Conditions are awful with horrible noise this AM.  Haven't figured out whether 
>it is local or what. I don't need H40 and I'm defiantly not a fan of FT8. 
>Nevertheless, I set up the rig and unsuccessfully called for awhile before 
>deciding to come into the office and check my email.
>
>I just stepped back into the shack and see that "I" worked him at 12:26:30 
>with 
>a -15 signal report.
>
>Wes  N7WS
>
>On 11/25/2019 4:46 AM, Gary Smith wrote:
>> I finally worked them, just a couple
>> minutes ago FT8 @ 11:30Z, on their 1.836
>> band plan, Right in the middle of my gray
>> line, 6:30AM local.
>>
>> I'm lucky to hear them at this time, I'm
>> 75' from AMTRAK and gray line is always
>> obliterated heavy commuter rail traffic
>> with me being 5 minutes away from New
>> London, CT, a major hub between Boston &
>> NYC. During the contest I missed several
>> gray line contacts because I couldn't hear
>> anything for 30 seconds with each passing
>> train and that's the busiest commuter
>> time.
>>
>> Grouse grouse...
>>
>> One of the impressive things I notice with
>> JTDX's FT8 waterfall, while the P3 shows
>> bright red obliteration of the signal and
>> headphones are also obliterated when the
>> trains pass, with the JTDX waterfall there
>> is almost no indication of the RFI from
>> the train passing. I was -22 & they were
>> -18 so the signals were low indeed.
>>
>> Ah well, they're in the log now. Love 160,
>> it's never a sure bet.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> Gary
>> KA1J
>>
>
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Topband: a "WZ" kind of night

[Larry via Topband]

got home late, around 0630z and caught a huge EU opening at their sunrise. 
logged 16 EU in 20 minutes. yes!
finally the skip comes to the southern west coast. happy me.
larryn7dd
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Re: Topband: A Bit of Zone 2 History Was Made Last Week

[Larry via Topband]

gang,
you are missing the point. this thread has turned into a discussion of FT8 vs 
CW. again.
the original message is about jeff and miriam taking the time, effort and no 
doubt expense to give the deserving few a new zone. some day you may be lucky 
enough to need only one zone for WAZ. you may not be whining if it was zone 2.
imagine the delight for steve, VK6IR who completed his 5BWAZ! 
this is what ham radio is all about. my wife and i were fortunate to visit 
VY2ZM/VY2NA and finer people can't be found. i suggest that you find the time 
to write and congratulate them for their efforts rather than bitch about what 
mode they used.
just a thought,
73,larryn7dd


-Original Message-
From: Michael Walker 
To: Eugene Popov /RA0FF/ 
CC: k...@aol.com ; topband 
Sent: Mon, 11 Nov 2019 1:15
Subject: Re: Topband: A Bit of Zone 2 History Was Made Last Week

It is clear that the 160M is just full of grumpy old farts.  That is ok, we
are getting used to it.  :)

You'd think someone is making them use FT8.  No one said you had to use
it.  If you don't like it, just spin the dial or turn the radio off.

I have a pretty good hearing 160M station.  I see maybe 5 guys on CW.  For
you 5, that is awesome!!

I see double to triple  that on FT8.  If you want the screen shot that
shows the activity, just ask me and I'll send it to you.

For all you guys b*tching about FT8, how many actually turned on the radio
an called CQ?  This week?  This month?  This year?

I'm trying to work new countries on 160M CW.  I might hear 1 a month in
CW.  Maybe.    Not true in FT8.  The one and only exception is if there is
a contest.  Then, you guys don't get on because the band is then too
crowded.

Sounds like you need a new hobby, unless your hobby is complaining.

73 all.  Maybe I'll work you on the air.  Feel free to yell at me if you
hear me.  LOL

Mike va3mw



On Sun, Nov 10, 2019 at 7:10 PM Eugene Popov /RA0FF/ via Topband <
topband@contesting.com> wrote:

>
>
> Hi,
> Unfortunately, I learned very late about work plans from the 2 zone. I
> heard a short, quiet squeak in the CW, and later decoded the signal
> on 1840. Unfortunately, all the work was for JA friends, RX was only in
> 1908.
> May be later on 1840, but I’m no decode...
> For me, the 2 zone is the only one that is needed for 160m. Usually, guys
> coming to CQWW’s work only for Europe, no chance for us (Far East Asia).
> But I continue to hope and listen band :)
>
> 73! Eugene, RA0FF
> http://wwwq.qsl.net/ra0ff /
> https://twitter.com/ra0ff/
>
>
> >Пятница, 8 ноября 2019, 21:50 +11:00 от k1zm--- via Topband <
> topband@contesting.com>:
> >
> >08 Nov 2019
> >
> >
> >Hi Gang
> >Jeff and I just got back from a one week "mini dx'pedition" to ZONE 2.
> Three ferries and about a 2400km roundtrip drive to 50.112 North from PEI
> was made with the express purpose of giving ZONE 2 to our JA 160m friends.
> >Prior to our trip, only one single JA station had ever managed a qso with
> ZONE 2 on Topband and that was JA7HMZ about 35 years ago - so this zone was
> much needed by most 160m JA dx'ers.  Quite of few of our 160m JA friends
> have been stuck at 39 zones on 160m for many years - so this was our chance
> to help them get ZONE 2 for #40.
> >So without too much bandwidth - here is our report:
> >QRV 31 October to 04 November 2019
> >Roughly 350 stations worked on Topband - in 42 DXCC countries (we could
> have worked more but we took lots of time off in order to sleep and then
> get up for the JA window from about 0715z - 1110z.)
> >We tried some CW but signals were very very weak and FT8 proved the only
> possible way to complete contacts to JA.
> >It was pretty exciting to work these (6) JA friends:
> >JF8QNF
> >JA8EAT
> >JA7NI
> >JA1BK
> >JA8WKE
> >JA3FYC
> >We decoded no other JA signals on our side- but we know we were decoded
> by these other JA stations:
> >JH7PFD (two decodes)
> >JE6KYA (one decode)
> >JA1EOD (several decodes).
> >Epilogue:
> >We think that each JA qso that was made completed WAZ 40 on Topband for
> these JA friends. (meaning ZONE 2 was most likely their last one needed).
> >Steve VK6IR called us on ON4KST chat saying he had been chasing ZONE 2 on
> 80m for 5BWAZ for 45 years and asked if we could work him on 80m.  We did
> not know about 80m since the antenna had not been tested  for that band
> but, after checking it with my analyst, I found it resonated at about
> 3778kHz.  Steve said he could not do SSB there - so I asked him if he could
> do digital.  YES! was his reply and we managed a qso on FT8 a few minutes
> later.
> >After we uploaded our LOG FILE to LOTW (completed on 06 November) -
> within minutes there were 37 DXCC entities instantly confirmed via LOTW -
> including VK6IR and all (6) lucky JA friends we had worked.
> >So we are happy we helped some of our JA friends with WAZ 40 - and, at
> the same time, we are a bit  disappointed that we could not do more.  The
> A/K were lousy on nights one and two - things got better on night 3 

Topband: 160 skip distance

[Larry]

160 is absolutely capable of NVIS;  I've tested it and 160 NVIS works on
sideband with between 10 and 20 watts, or about 2.5 watts CW, so having
a groundwave signal nulled by NVIS is possible.

Larry W8ANT

Message: 1 Date: Mon, 16 Sep 2019 11:48:22 + (UTC)
From: Dan Edward Dba East edwards 
To: Guy Olinger K2AV , Arthur Delibert
 Cc: Roger D Johnson , Top Band
Reflector  Subject: Re: Topband: Skip Distance
Message-ID: <1555768658.7896927.1568634502...@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

i see the same thing testing with k5lc only 2 miles away, at high noon...
>> 3db variations...trees blowing in the wind ??? makes you 
>> crazy...or,?crazier, in my case ???
> 73, w5xz, dan
>
> On Thursday, September 12, 2019, 09:58:57 PM CDT, Arthur Delibert 
>  wrote:  
>  
>  I certainly remember when I was a kid that we would have deep fades on a.m. 
> BC stations coming from 20 miles away, plus or minus a few. But that was at 
> night. Are you doing your tests in the daytime?? Topband and a.m. BC 
> frequencies are so low that I would think they?d reflect off the ionosphere 
> even at near vertical angles of incidence. But in the daytime, I would expect 
> the skywave to be absorbed by the D layer. 
>
> ? Art, KB3FJO 
>
>> On Sep 12, 2019, at 10:35 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV  wrote:
>>
>> Decidedly possible.
>>
>> W4KAZ RBN node is 7 miles away. There is skywave contamination almost every
>> evening with large drops. It can be increased or reduced by the choice of
>> antenna at the RX site, but not eliminated.
>>
>> The largest signal to the RBN is usually high noon. That is fudged by wet
>> local conditions, but very obvious in long dry spells.
>>
>> Why or how? No idea. Stuff I was taught all these years doesn't really
>> explain.
>>
>> You can try your measurements at summer dry high noons part of a dry week.
>> Where I live that would improve your results. Can't be sure that
>> extrapolates to your location.
>>
>> 73, Guy K2AV
>>
>>> On Thu, Sep 12, 2019 at 9:02 PM Roger D Johnson  wrote:
>>>
>>> I've been running some tests on my 8 circle array with K1JB. Joe is 17
>>> miles
>>> away and I sometimes notice deep fading on his signal. Makes plotting the
>>> antenna pattern very difficult. Is it possible to have skywave
>>> contamination
>>> at this short range?
>>>
>>> 73, Roger
>>> _
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>>> Reflector
>>>
>> -- 
>> Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
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>   
>
> --
>
> Subject: Digest Footer
>
> ___
> Topband mailing list
> Topband@contesting.com
> http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
>
>
> --
>
> End of Topband Digest, Vol 201, Issue 13
> 
>

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Re: Topband: Transmit High Pass Filters for BCB Interference

[Larry via Topband]

There is a 50KW AM broadcast station line of sight to my top band antennas. 
Caused huge problems at greyline because they are dawn to dusk transmitting.I 
built the HPF in the ON4UN handbook. As designed the rejection below 1.8 mhz 
was 60 db. With careful tuning of the coils and the use of a spectrum analyzer 
the rejection is now 72db.Problem solved.It's a simple project and cost me less 
than $20.Good luck.n7dd

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail
Get the new AOL app: mail.mobile.aol.com
 On Tuesday, July 30, 2019, Richard (Rick) Karlquist  
wrote:

On 7/29/2019 10:33 AM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> Here is what I used when I had the same problem 50kw line of sight 4 
> miles 1MHz.  Expensive, but worked very well.
> http://herostechnology.co.uk/pages/RF_Filters.html
> 

Yes, at 1 MHz, this would work well.  Other hams would be
advised that it is ineffective for QTH's with stations
high in the BCB.  The data sheet goes to a lot of trouble to
obfuscate this.  At my QTH, I have a strong BCB station
right at 1.7 MHz.  This fact rules out a large number
of filters.  You can see in the photo in the data sheet that
only 3 toroids are used.  This explains the poor performance
at 1.7 MHz.  As always, YMMV.

Rick N6RK
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Re: Topband: 9Y4/OK2ZI 60m?

[Larry Burke]

He seems to have found the 60m FT8 frequency he is working the pile now.


Larry K5RK 

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of Steve Lawrence
via Topband
Sent: Sunday, June 30, 2019 9:00 PM
To: Top Band List List 
Cc: Karel Odehnal 
Subject: Topband: 9Y4/OK2ZI 60m?

My good friend Karel, OK2ZI, is currently QRV from 9Y4. He plans on 60m
operation:

"I have also 60m licence. What is the best QRG for the USA? I do not have
this band at home so I do not know it.
But I hope that US stations enjoy the pile at 60m."

I can't advise him on this so feel free to email him directly.
ok...@atlas.cz

TU & 73 - Steve WB6RSE
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Topband: new NOAA solar cycle prediction

[Larry]

https://www.weather.gov/news/190504-sun-activity-in-solar-cycle?fbclid=IwAR1rG9yCItKzY8xnQzDbvms66ErvmjTLlGwcYoFBndv_C_Dae2soy1osQE8.
 


Of note: 
“We expect Solar Cycle 25 will be very similar to Cycle 24: another
fairly weak cycle, preceded by a long, deep minimum,” said panel
co-chair Lisa Upton, Ph.D., solar physicist with Space Systems Research
Corp. “The expectation that Cycle 25 will be comparable in size to Cycle
24   means that the steady decline in solar cycle amplitude, seen from
cycles 21-24, has come to an end and that there is no indication that we
are currently approaching a Maunder-type minimum in solar activity.”

I would like to know the basis for this prediction, as it conflicts with
Dr. Zharkova's theories regarding solar cycles, which explain the
ongoing decline of solar activity.  In particular NOAA rejects
Zharkova's prediction of an upcoming grand solar minimum.  I've emailed
them to ask this question and will post their reply to the reflector if
and when I get it.

Larry W8ANT
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Re: Topband: Bouvet

[Larry via Topband]

Steve,

Sometimes when experiencing bad weather at sea it's prudent to turn your back 
to the sea and wait it out.

Check their position in a couple of days to see if they have returned to their 
normal route.

N7DD

Sent by Larry

On Mar 26, 2019, at 4:25 PM, Steve Lawrence via Topband 
 wrote:

They've turned back? - Steve WB6RSE


rows to show:showing spots for DX call: 3Y* 
<http://dxwatch.com/dxsd1/srch.php> 
send a spot <https://dxwatch.com/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0=dx=3y*#> / search spot 
by callsign <https://dxwatch.com/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0=dx=3y*#>
dedxfreqobstime
IN1FO <https://dxwatch.com/qrz/IN1FO> 3Y0I <https://dxwatch.com/qrz/3Y0I>   
 1820 [AN-016] turning back - see GPS tracking2036z 26 Mar <>

Dom's GPS:

> https://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0tARRAqk3ftzEN8piDb2UOWqGrnOX349o
>  
> <https://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0tARRAqk3ftzEN8piDb2UOWqGrnOX349o>
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Re: Topband: XR0ZRC?

[Larry via Topband]

Hi all,
I started calling them around 0315z when they were peaking S9. That's very loud 
considering the beverage has no noise. Using all of my learned skills I just 
could not work them. I was using the second receiver, listening dual and trying 
to find a frequency that seemed clear. The operator was working European 
stations that I could not hear and then I heard him return to WA7NS who is loud 
here. He came back to him twice and WA7NS responded both times but no joy. He 
then came back to a PA2 station. Some minutes later he came back to WA7NS once 
again and completed the QSO. I followed suite, called on the WA7 freq and 
slowed down to 15 WPM. Immediate return.
Normally I would send at the same speed the DX is using but in this case the 
slower speed worked better. Surprising to me is that "tail-ending" worked also. 
Hint to the wise. 
I do not believe that they are hearing very well, working one station (last 
night) about every two to three minutes.
Good luck.LarryN7DD


-Original Message-
From: Wes 
To: topband 
Sent: Tue, 26 Mar 2019 22:31
Subject: Re: Topband: XR0ZRC?

I was copying them last night on 160 about Q4 through the static crashes, but 
judging by the size of the pileup on the panadaper screen and their widely 
known 
receiving problems I didn't bother to call with my peanut whistle. Of course 
conventional wisdom says that I should not hear them without a RX antenna.

Their operators seem to be a mixed bag.  On 40 meters about two weeks ago, they 
were actually changing frequency every so often.  I would think, where did they 
go and then see on the scope they moved down a few dozen Hz. Unfortunately, 
they 
did this in the middle of what I thought was our QSO.

Wes  N7WS


On 3/26/2019 12:37 PM, W7RH wrote:
> IMHO. Not just one but several Dxpeditions recently have had what seems like 
> vacation style operating while promoted as full time full efforts. Some from 
> hotels and resorts and some from less comfortable environments but subject to 
> big city noise. With the decrease in solar activity you would think a little 
> more low band effort would be in order.  I don't think FT8 is the answer for 
> them either. If they can't hear on CW their noise floor will be an issue in 
> FT8 mode too. I'm sure someone will argue that point but if you can't work at 
> least --18 then forget it.
>
> The XR0ZRC ops had a decent signal to the SW the last two evenings which was 
> really their first major show on CW. I was able to copy them for more than 2 
> hours each night until giving up.
>
> My thought is if you are going to run a KW and carry one along, then it would 
> only make sense they carry some wire, coax and transformers in a bag as well. 
> Shoot, even a K9AY could be carried in 3ft travel bag. While we can't make up 
> for TS QRN man made noise is another and sometimes challenging issue. IMHO
>
> RX firstTX second
>
> 73 bob, W7RH
>

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Re: Topband: Frequency Dependant Remote antenna switching

[Larry (K8UT)]

For those interested in a Do-It-Yourself project that supports 
Band-Drive or Frequency-Driven antenna control, the freeware program 
FreqEZ runs as a Windows Console that connects via ethernet or WiFi to a 
Raspberry Pi Controller and antenna selector.


In Frequency-Driven mode, you define up-to 50 frequency segments that 
control any combination of 16 output relays. For example, if you use 
four narrow-bandwidth verticals to cover the entirety of the 75/80 meter 
band, you would configure FreqEZ to engage the preferred relay(s) in 
each of four frequency ranges. All configuration and definitions are 
done in software - no switches/jumpers/diodes/solder bridges. 
Communication is done with UDP and TCP packets - no messy serial ports.


You can read more about FreqEZ here:
http://hamprojects.info/freqez/

Or watch a short video here:
http://hamprojects.info/wp-content/HamProjects/FreqEZ/FreqEZ%20Overview_Video.mp4?_t=1540736190

-larry (K8UT)

-- Original Message --
From: "VE6WZ_Steve" 
To: "Topband" 
Sent: 2019-02-26 14:37:24
Subject: Topband: Frequency Dependant Remote antenna switching


After posting my video link about TX and RX direction switching, I have 
received some emails asking about how I switch my various transmit antennas.

This morning I built another video that describes my frequency dependant 
switching system that uses the Station Master band decoder.
What might be unique about the system I use is the requirement to switch 
multiple frequency segments within each band in order to deal with some of my 
narrow bandwidth antennas.  I require more than just band switching.
I discuss the capabilities of the unit, how it is programmed and how I have 
distributed the control lines to the various antennas.

Perhaps this might give some ideas to others with complex antenna switching 
requirements or those planning a remote.

https://youtu.be/n2yR4AU0lkA <https://youtu.be/n2yR4AU0lkA>

73, de steve ve6wz
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Re: Topband: Thanks

[Larry via Topband]

hi guys,
you have me confused. 4U1ITU is easy from southern arizona. Bordered by 
France/Switzerland and Germany all are easily workable.
I don't understand the "black hole" comments.
Larry


-Original Message-
From: Wes 
To: topband 
Sent: Mon, 25 Feb 2019 1:50
Subject: Re: Topband: Thanks

Even blacker I think, but with the noise and SSB splatter, who can be sure?

Wes  N7WS

On 2/24/2019 1:25 PM, w...@w5zn.org wrote:
> The propagation into Arkansas on 160 meters from 4U1ITU is pretty much a 
> black 
> hole. I can only imagine what is like further west
>
> Joel W5ZN

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Re: Topband: Satisfactory fiberglass pole for K9AY loop

[Larry]

I've used 3 inch PVC pipe at the bottom with 2.5 inch above to make a 
supporting pole. I used the loop to guy it at the top and just rope guys 
at the middle. Not push up but it works.


73, Larry W6NWS

On 2/20/2019 10:33 AM, Arthur Delibert wrote:

Not sure how much height you need for a K9AY loop.  I've used 16-foot 
Shakespeare fiberglass poles for various antenna supports.  Amazon has 10, 13, 
16 and 20-foot versions.  (Search for Shakespeare fiberglass wonderpole.)  
Whatever length you buy, note that you probably shouldn't count on the last 
extendible segment, by itself,  as part of the length you need, because it's 
too flexible to support much weight; if you need that extra length, Ducktape a 
small-diameter dowel onto the last two sections to give that last section some 
extra stiffness.

Art Delibert, KB3FJO


From: Topband  on behalf of N4ZR 

Sent: Wednesday, February 20, 2019 9:15 AM
To: topband reflector
Subject: Topband: Satisfactory fiberglass pole for K9AY loop

Maybe 15-20 years ago, I used a very inexpensive push-up  fiberglass
pole to support the loops of a K9AY loop system.  Alas. details and
source have fled my brain, and much of what I've studied on line is much
more expensive (and probably much sturdier) that what I had then. I'd
appreciate any current suggestions.

--

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: Topband: ARRL DX contest

[Larry via Topband]

Bob,

I was operating 20 meters and when the band closed I checked 160. This was 
around 0200z. The European's were very loud. Some were S9. Worked about 20 in 
10 minutes on a CQ. Lots of russia and east Europe. Band went dead after 30 
minutes but came back one hour later. It was the best opening of the season for 
me.

What a difference 400 miles can make.

Larry

Sent by Larry

On Feb 16, 2019, at 8:49 AM, W7RH  wrote:

Greetings All,

Spotty openings to Europe from the SW with one surprise contact LZ2WO just 
before sunset. Otherwise 1 G4, and a few EA stations. Also Q5 at Sunset was 
IK2CLB with no QSO.

After 0300 no further EU DX worked. The band went downhill rapidly. Off to bed. 
In the morning only a few JA and RT0C were worked.

Regarding V84SAA. Comments on the reflector were not cool. If you are going to 
work one in the contest then work them all as a multiplier is just that. Sorry 
if it's a dupe. However at my Sunrise you were doing contest exchanges. IMHO

73

Bob, W7RH

-- 
W7RH DM35os

"It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our 
humanity." - Albert Einstein

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Re: Topband: : V84SAA

[Larry via Topband]

Hi Wes, 

They have been very loud around 1300z, my usual potty stop. Worked them a few 
days ago on the first call and again this morning using the W7NQ club call. I 
only hear a few west coast stations calling them and the USA stations are 
having trouble hearing. They came back to a Calif station three times before 
the N6 answered. Pretty strange.

Went up the band and called CQ with no JA answer and no RBN spot. I found that 
very strange.

Just goes to prove the understanding of low bands by Jeff and Krassey. They had 
the same great signal on the Spratley operation also. My complements to Jeff 
for his great 160 meter efforts. Must be discouraging to call CQ for hours at a 
time with no answers and just listen to noise. THANKS JEFF!
Larry/ n7dd

Sent by Larry

On Feb 10, 2019, at 5:56 AM, Wes  wrote:

I first worked them on 160 on 2/8 @1201Z.  Very marginal so tried again with a 
sure QSO @1222Z. Went to 80 and worked them @1404Z.  This one didn't show when 
it should have in Clublog, so worked them again on 2/9 @1134Z.  I went to 40 
and worked them @1154Z.  Again, not sure they got "WS", maybe "WH" so I just 
worked them again @1222Z.  Listened on 160 and hear CQ and spotted them first 
@1229Z.  As I write this ~1250Z, they are 579.

Of course, none of this should be happening because I'm using an 55-foot 
inverted-L with 20 radials for TX and RX on 160 and a 45-foot high inverted-vee 
on 80 and 40 and everyone know these won't work:-)

Wes  N7WS


> On 2/9/2019 11:20 AM, cqtestk4xs--- via Topband wrote:
> Antenna here is a bent wire vertical with 60 radials and an SAL-30.
> As expected they were coming in from due west anywhere from 549-579 an hour 
> before my sunrise  until a little after my sunrise.  I called and called for 
> an hour with no contact, while they were working mostly EU and some Asia.
> Bill KH7XS
> _
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Re: Topband: CQ160 Conditions

[Larry via Topband]

Hi Rick, 

You are correct. I am 425 miles from the ocean. As DF2 PY would like to say- I 
am located in the far LEFT COAST.

Either way the conditions were really poor for me with only 5 European stations 
in the log. I chased down EU spots that were normally extremely loud but 
nothing heard. I expect that it was much worse at  your location.

As they say, next year!

Larry

Sent by Larry

On Jan 28, 2019, at 1:04 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist  
wrote:



> On 1/28/2019 11:27 AM, Larry via Topband wrote:
> Good job. Unfortunately the conditions from the West coast were the worst in 
> the last 10 years.
> Funny band.
> Larry
> n7dd

Hi Larry, you worked me in the first minutes of the contest
in full daylight, hi.

AFAIK, you are east of Salt Lake City.  Also considerably south
of there as well. I would hardly consider your QTH the "west coast".
I often hear you working stuff I can't even hear.  Spot light
propagation etc.

73
Rick N6RK
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Re: Topband: CQ160 Conditions

[Larry via Topband]

Good job. Unfortunately the conditions from the West coast were the worst in 
the last 10 years.

Funny band.

Larry
n7dd

Sent by Larry

On Jan 28, 2019, at 10:31 AM, Jim - WS6X  wrote:

SOAPBOX: In my 36 years on TB, this was the best 160 weekend ever from my
little pistol station! Worked 58 EU in 26 DXCC, 5 AF in 5 DXCC, and 6 SA in
5 DXCC. The band was so wide open, as the propagation shifted, I had a
difficult time holding a frequency with full legal limit! Many West Coast
and EU sounded like locals.
EQUIPMENT: K3S in full diversity; AMP: ACOM 1500; TX ANTENNA: Inv-L, 62 feet
vertical, 40 radials; RX ANTENNA: (rarely used the entire weekend) 2-el
Hi-Z, Pixel Loop
See my results on 3830.
Thanks for all the Qs.
Jim - WS6X

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Re: Topband: Band Report

[Larry K4AB]

N4KG used to say "160 is never good 2 nights in a row".

73,
Larry K4AB

On Tue, Dec 18, 2018 at 11:54 AM Don Kirk  wrote:

> As a followup to my previous post about great band conditions early Monday
> morning, the band this morning (Tuesday) was back to its typical self if
> not a little worse from here in the Midwest USA.  European stations peaking
> 25 dB above my noise floor early Monday morning were lucky to be peaking 5
> dB above my noise floor this morning (which is much more the norm).  I
> would call what we experienced Sunday night / Monday morning one of those
> rare special days (magic days).  I sometimes notice a day each side of the
> magic days where propagation is a little better than normal, but this
> morning was not one of them here in the Midwest.  What Sunday night /
> Monday morning shows is that you must check the band everyday or you have a
> great chance of missing one of those very special moments where the band is
> red hot.
>
> Just FYI,
> Don (wd8dsb)
>
> On Mon, Dec 17, 2018 at 6:20 PM Don Kirk  wrote:
>
> > Hi Dave and Gang,
> >
> > This morning I was on from 0600 to around 0730 UTC and the band was in
> > great condition into Europe from the Midwest (but lots of QSB), and at
> the
> > same time I heard KH6 really pounding in strong.  I typically call
> > conditions like this morning as one of those special days that occurs
> only
> > a handful of times a year on 160 meters.  Stations like DL5AXX and SM5EDX
> > were at times peaking 25 to 30 dB above my noise floor, but there were
> lots
> > of smaller stations easily workable which is an indicator of very good
> > conditions.
> >
> > Here is a link to a recording of DL5AXX that I made this morning:
> > https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEqLKMjG7L8
> >
> > 73,
> > Don (wd8dsb)
> >
> >
> >
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>
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Re: Topband: Hi Z Antennas

[Larry via Topband]

Dennis,

I congratulate you on your efforts to make your top band receiving adequate 
despite your local noise. There have been too many poor excuses for remote RX 
sites. 

You exemplify the true ham spirit, experimenting with antennas that fit your 
needs at your location. I wish others would do the same.

See you in the contest this weekend and good luck.

73,
Larry
n7dd

Sent by Larry

On Nov 30, 2018, at 1:10 PM, Dennis W0JX via Topband  
wrote:

I have had a Hi-Z four square up since early 2012. It is a very good system for 
my needs. I have adequate land - although it was necessary to put it out in the 
front yard to get it away from the TX antenna - for the 80 foot per side 
layout. I see 18 to 24 db front to rear rejection depending upon angle of 
signal arrival. My system is probably compromised by power lines that border 
two sides of my property. The Hi-Z is connected to the second RX in my K3 and 
is used in diversity mode on 160 and 80.

For main RX on the low bands I used to have two, 450 foot reversible beverages. 
However local noise sources have made those beverages almost unusable in the 
past 5 years. Hence I was forced to put up antennas which have excellent rear 
rejection. For that purpose, I installed three "dual flag" receive arrays. 
These are similar to DHDL rx antennas developed by George, AA7JV except that I 
use two flag loops instead of the half deltas.

The flag antennas (really simplified Waller flags) have excellent rear 
rejection and make the AC power line noise almost non-existent. If you purchase 
the Bev-Flex, I do recommend installing it as a EWE or FLAG. If you go with the 
Hi-Z two element, make sure there are no antennas or large metal objects in 
near by proximity or you won't get the receiving pattern you need.

73, Dennis W0JX
Milan, OH 
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Topband: use of WD-1 Military field phone wire for bog and/or beverage (terry burge)

[Larry]

Terry:

I tried a reversible BOG a couple years ago, and found that there was a
reason nobody talked about it;
the attenuation of the ground made the signal coming back along the two
wires MUCH weaker.  I was using 16 ga copper landscape wire; I tried
several different impedance ratios but never could get a decent signal
on the reverse direction, and was scratching my head until I finally
figured out it was ground attenuation.
Your ground may vary, but I run individual BOGs for each direction.

Opinions vary on the use of WD1 for Beverage Above Ground, but for BOGs,
where the attenuation from ground is already significant, I'd stick with
copper if I could.  WD-1A is 3/7 steel, is between 19 and 20 gage each
side and costs around 5 to 8 cents a foot on eBay.  14 gage THHN runs
around 8-9 cents a foot at the local supply house, and you can make 2
decent BOGs from one 500' spool.  Plus you don't have to check each foot
of the new wire for insulation cracks and shorts, an issue I have
encountered with WD1-a wire, most of which has been used before being
surplused.

If I were going to use WD-1a for BOGs, I'd get a can of liquid tape,
check each foot as I rolled it out and patch any bad spots with the
liquid tape, and tie both ends together to double it up to reduce the
loss in the wire.

Good luck!
Larry W8ANT


"Message: 5
Date: Fri, 23 Nov 2018 11:08:58 -0800 (PST)
From: terry burge 
To: topband@contesting.com, terry burge 
Subject: Topband: use of WD-1 Military field phone wire for bog and/or
beverage
Message-ID: <1186206495.167951.1543000139...@connect.xfinity.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Hi folks,


I know it's been discussed but I don't recall the specific questions I wish to 
know. Does the WD-1 need to be separated (2 wire) to work as a beverage or bog 
beverages. Can it just be used as is for both reverseable or just one 
direction. Also, don't know if there would be any advantage or disadvantage to 
having a dual wire beverage? The bog's won't be real long due to my property 
limitations but I'd like to have something to see if I can improve my S to N on 
160. Especially for 160CQWWPHN contest which I always enjoy operating in. 
Worked ZL2OK Dave last year! Still a great moment for me."


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Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 188, Issue 7

[Larry]

 Mike K wrote in part >>>

Message: 2 Date: Mon, 6 Aug 2018 12:06:12 -0500 From: Mikek


I have installed a 253ft Bog, ?I used WD-1A a pair and just twisted the
two wires together. Any reason I should separate the pair and just use a
single wire? Can the WD-1A be used for a Bi-directional BOG, or is the
spacing too close?

Mike:

Several things: 

  * I have tried bi-directional BOGs at my QTH and what I found with my
ground is that the losses on the direction using the double wire for
a return transmission line were very high, about 40 db or more when
leaves got on the antenna. I got signal at the far end, but by the
time it traveled back 250' along the parallel pair it had been
significantly attenuated. Your ground may be different;  you may
want to try Rudy Severn's ground test method using an 80 meter
dipole to determine your ground characteristics, but at my QTH (WV
rocks and highly conductive clay soils) the "return BOGs" were
essentially useless, and I now use only unidirectional BOGs. 
  * As Guy noted, the ground characteristics can (and at my QTH
defintely do!) vary significantly, and this is another hurdle to
overcome which I suspect affects return line losses for 2-way BOGs.
  * As others have noted, ground moisture can make a huge difference in
performance especially for some sorts of clay soils like those I have.
  * I did find that termination of the BOGs helps with F/B, and varying
the resistance can change the pattern of one of my BOGs enough to
help null 'town noise' from a town about 5 miles away.
  * getting the termination resistance right also helps with multiband
operation by keeping the impendance excursions down so that the BOG
works more consistently on 160, 80 and 40.

The things about BOGs that I like is that they are quick, cheap, easy to
install well, require no supports of any kind, and very low profile.

Regards and good luck with your BOGs!
LArry W8ANT

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Re: Topband: N7NM's book

[Larry via Topband]

Hi all, 

Not home to check the QSL for date and time that I worked S21XX on what was 
definitely LP. My morning just before sunrise he peaked 589! That was a magic 
morning. One of the few memorable moments on the magic band.

Larry
n7dd


Sent by Larry

On Jul 15, 2018, at 8:25 PM, Hugh Valentine  wrote:

I have QSL from S21XX when I had the big antennas and many long beverages.
Feb 08,1997 @ 2342Z  80M CW.

I did not record the path in the computer log, but it was a special QSO.
If that can be extrapolated to mean anything from Georgia.just adding to 
conversation.

Val
N4RJ


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill Tippett
Sent: Sunday, July 15, 2018 4:25 PM
To: topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: N7NM's book

N4IS wrote:

Here ..page 36.

https://k9la.us/NM7M_The_Big_Gun_s_Guide_to_Low-Band_Propagation.pdf

I had never seen Bob's book before but thanks to JC for posting that

link.  There's a statement on page 93 which needs correction.  Bob wrote

that he had examined several logs provided by Joerg DL3DXX (including S21XX)

and "I never found a single 160 meter long-path contact, NOT ONE!"  Well,

maybe "not one" but actually three LP contacts with S21XX (SE direction

after NA sunset) that I know of (W4DR, N4SU and myself).

http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/Topband/1997-02/msg00202.html


I was also surprised Bob omitted any mention of the N7UA <-> A61AJ (K1ZM

op) tests in November 2000 using 4-squares at each end of the path.  That test

proved to me that the SW (post NA sunset) and SE (pre A6 sunrise) directions

were real and not an RX antenna problem.  Note that this test was done prior

to publication of Bob's book in 2002.

http://lists.contesting.com/archives//html/Topband/2001-09/msg00088.html


Suffice it to say, we've learned much about this propagation

mode in the 15 years since Bob's book was published.


73,  Bill  W4ZV
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Topband: 160 spotlight effect

[Larry]

All:
First off, the effort made by the recent Baker Island DXpedition is
greatly appreciated.  Those who spent their time and effort to make this
happen deserve thanks and praise.  Thank you, one and all, for a great
DXpedition!

Now on to the subject of this post, something mentioned in the
discussion about the recent Baker Island DXpedition, _*the 160 spotlight
effect.*_ (With my modest station using wire antennas, I was able to
work them on 20 meters, and hear but not work them on other bands.)_**_

I have noted this phenomenon on a number of occasions over the last 4
years, when I have been on 160, but have been the beneficiary only once
that I recall, for a relatively short period one night.  Does anyone
have a concise explanation of the mechanism behind this?
The one night I enjoyed being "in the spotlight" I put 12 new DX
contacts in my 160 log, which thrilled me, but I remain curious about
how this happens.  I've heard some bits of differing theories, but still
don't have a complete mental picture of the mechanism involved.

Can anyone on Topband share their thoughts on this, please?

Sincerely, Larry Wright W8ANT
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Re: Topband: KH1/KH7Z was a tough go

[Larry via Topband]

Here is my opinion:
15- weak but easily worked on SSB
20- loud and worked on both modes easily.
40- loud and worked on both modes easily
80- no antenna
160- extremely loud and easy to work. Can’t believe that someone on the west 
coast couldn’t make a contact!

Very good operation considering the time of year and antenna restrictions.

Thanks for the hard work. ATN on top band. 

73,
Larry
N7DD

Sent by Larry

On Jul 14, 2018, at 4:42 PM, terry burge  wrote:

I see this stuff about how easy or difficult the KH1 operation was to work. I'm 
on the west coast in northwestern Oregon and I personally found them one of the 
worst operations to hear from the Pacific I've ever worked. Worked them on 80 
and 40 for ATNO and on 20 and 17 too. The 80 meter contact was one of the 
hardest I've had on that band as they kept dropping into the noise floor. And 
I've had some pretty difficult contacts on 80 meter before but KH1/KH7Z is 
right up there with the hardest. These were all SSB contacts. I spent a lot of 
time trying to work them on 12 meters and some on 15 meters too. On 15 I should 
have managed to work them but they apparently went QRT right when they were 
coming up and I lost my chance. Didn't really need them on 15 having worked K1B 
on 20/17/15/10 back in 2002.


One thing I was blown away with was I worked E51JD, Jim on Raratonga, South 
Cook Islands with a good 57 or better signal but the KH1 was near impossible to 
hear on 15 meters at the same time. Judging from the map I don't think E51 and 
KH1 are all that far apart but the propagation sure was different. I'd guess 
about 1000 miles apart at the most but much closer to the equator. The Pacific 
is a big ocean we all know. On 12 meters I never did hear him on SSB. They 
would of been an ATNO on 12 so I spent a lot of time listening for them on 
there.


And as far as I know they did not work any SSB on 160. When I tried to hear 
them on 160 meters CW I don't think I could ever heard them but my CW is poor 
enough I might have heard them and not realized it. Everyone calling sounded 
like they were going 25-35 WPM which I just take my hat off too. I'm maybe 
15-18 WPM at the best of times, maybe. Copying beacons is about my extent on 
that mode.


Terry

KI7M

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Re: Topband: Baker Island DXpedition on 160

[Larry via Topband]

Granted that summer is not the best time but your efforts in activating this 
rare country are greatly appreciated. Good luck and “god speed”.

73,
Larry
N7DD

Sent by Larry

On Jun 13, 2018, at 12:26 PM, GEORGE WALLNER  wrote:

Rob,
You are right about the timing not being good, but it is way too late now to 
postpone the operation. Most of us are already in the Pacific or on a plane, 
the boat is being loaded, etc., etc.
This is the time we could get and these are the limitations we must live with. 
The circumstances at the FWS were conducive to issuing a permit this year. 
There was no guarantee that those circumstances would remain the same in the 
future. Please remember that, for Navassa we had to wait 18 years for the 
official "stars to line up". Also, fewer sunspots are supposed to be good for 
TB conditions.
As for antennas, of course taller would be better, but...we got the permit by 
agreeing, not arguing.
We have a new 160 m antenna design that I have been testing from C6AGU. With 
the help of a salt-water "ground" it will work OK. (NEC indicates a gain of 6 
dBi.)
73 and CU,
George


On Wed, 13 Jun 2018 11:55:10 -0500
Rob Atkinson  wrote:
> I respectfully suggest the Baker Is. dxpedition be postponed for a few
> years until band condx improve.  It makes no sense to me to mount this
> costly undertaking to a limited access location when propagation is in
> the toilet.   If USFWS is managing access, they've lately shown that
> they'll only approve trips to islands under their custodianship every
> 10 years or so.  If this is the case with Baker Is., then this trip
> will make another one in a few years impossible.
> 
> Another point I'd like to make is that a later trip might afford a
> chance to renegotiate what I consider a ridiculous antenna limit,
> which seems to be based on a ridiculous antenna design, namely the "43
> foot all-band vertical."Such a height with top loading might work
> okay on 80 meters but on 160 its efficiency will be poor.
> 
> 73
> 
> Rob
> K5UJ
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Re: Topband: Biodegradable staples

[Larry via Topband]

hi all,


living in Tucson where the ground conductivity is 15 (?) which would be the 
better receiving antenna?


300 foot BOG
300 foot BOG elevated 3-4 inches above earth
600 foot beverage 6 feet above ground 


note that i don't know what a lawn mower is either.


73,
larry
n7dd



-Original Message-
From: Rick Stealey 
To: Wes Stewart ; topband 
Sent: Fri, Jun 8, 2018 12:31 am
Subject: Re: Topband: Biodegradable staples

Oh, cactus plants, huh?  Your situation is simple - just tie the radial off to 
the cactus.

Problem solved.  Simple!


Rick  K2XT


From: Topband  on behalf of Wes Stewart 

Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2018 10:23:33 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Biodegradable staples

I want to see a barefoot child running around my cactus patch.  And what, pray
tell, is a lawnmower?

Wes  N7WS

qrz.com/db/n7ws

On 6/7/2018 1:29 PM, Rick Stealey wrote:
> You should never use steel staples in the ground.  Think for a minute. They 
> are sharp, rusty objects that stay a long time.  Imagine a barefoot child 
> playing in the area (after you are SK possibly).  Imagine a lawn mower grabs 
> a piece of radial wire and jerks it out of the ground with wire staples 
> attached.
>
> All you need to do is buy or make wooden dowels, drill a hole and string them 
> along the radial and pound down in.  Only need to be 4 inches long.  Simple, 
> cheap, safe.
>
>

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Re: Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing

[Larry]

You missed the horror of SSB (c 1950s) - who wants to sound like Donald 
Duck?


73, Larry W6NWS

On 3/30/2018 8:42 PM, John K9UWA wrote:

Horrors FT8  and Digital JT65 etc?

REAL Horrors QRO stations making contacts on FT8?

Horrors SSB that Donald Duck stuff isn't PHONE?

Horrors RTTY REAL hams do CW and PHONE?

Horrors Multiple Guess FCC tests for hams?

Horrors No Code Hams?

Horrors using a Computer to Log your contacts?

Horrors Computer Duping in contests?

Horrors using Packet Cluster?

Horrors using 2 mtr spotting network among your local buddies?

Horrors using Echo Link?

Horrors REPEATERS?

Horrors using QRO said the QRP'er?

Horors making the Black Hole of the Midwest compete against the East Coast
Wall of signals evenly in a contest?

Horrors RHR?

Horrors Messing up the Ham Bands with some Silly Contest? Everybody is
FiveNine even if you can't hear them?

Horrors Messing up the "Nets"

Horrors working DX from a "List" When Last Heard u were 4//5 4/5 4/5 Net guy..
give him the last number again?

Horrors making me with the dipole in the attic compete even up in contests with
the guys with 4 hi stacks of monobanders?

The list goes on and on. Yet the above is the progression of Ham Radio. None of
us do all of it. All of us do Some of it.

Everyone has an OPINION as to what is OK and what is Not OK by their rules and
morals. Probably an honest poll of all on the topband reflector I doubt you 
would
get many votes on the above list that were identical as to yes, no or maybe on
every point above. Given a bit of time I am sure I could think up a few more.

John k9uwa
John Goller, K9UWA & Jean Goller, N9PXF
Antique Radio Restorations
k9...@arrl.net
Visit our Web Site at:
http://www.JohnJeanAntiqueRadio.com
4836 Ranch Road
Leo, IN 46765
USA
1-260-637-6426

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Re: Topband: low inv-vee

[Larry]

I seem to recall reading that the "ideal" angle between the legs was 110 
degrees. How that was derived or even if it is true I do not know.


I had a half sloper and converted to an inverted vee. I had done fairly 
well with the half sloper and not too bad with the inverted vee but with 
the inverted vee I would occasionally see cluster comments that I was 
deaf from EU. Nothing scientific here. Plotting QSOs between the two 
showed that the more distant QSOs were on the half sloper but that could 
be propagation or other factors not specifically because of the antenna. 
The half sloper was attached to a 100 foot  45G at about 66 feet and the 
inverted vee apex was at 95 feet suspended out from the 45G. At the top 
of the 45G was a KT36XA, 80M rotatable dipole, and a 2 el 40M yagi. The 
two were not up at the same time so there is no true A/B comparison and 
RBN wasn't around yet.


73, Larry W6NWS


On 3/29/2018 12:11 AM, Wes Stewart wrote:

We live in two countries separated by a common language.

In the states, we consider any wire in a "v" shape suspended upside 
down to be...wait for it... an inverted vee, regardless of height as 
far as I know.


Are you suggesting that in Merrie Olde England there is a specified 
angle between legs that define a "v"?


Wes  N7WS

On 3/28/2018 2:23 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

...You'd have to have the centre at
least 100ft high for it to be an inverted vee.

Roger G3YRO
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Topband: de n7dd

[Larry via Topband]

hi all,


can anyone tell me if there is common grey line between Kuwait and Tucson, 
Arizona?
especially where SR/SS match. if so what dates?


thanks,


larry n7dd 
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Re: Topband: Working dupes on a band

[Larry via Topband]

If you are a DX station please call me no matter how many times we have worked 
before. Its nice to know the band is open and that I am not calling CQ into a 
dark void.

Yes the RBN helps but there is no replacement for a real contact.

Larry
N7DD

Sent by Larry

On Feb 1, 2018, at 3:15 PM, terry burge <k...@comcast.net> wrote:

Hi guys,


I see nothing wrong with working someone you have had more than one contact 
with before. At least as long as there are not people trying to work an ATNO. 
But that is where my rub comes from. Can't tell you how many  times I hear the 
'locals' working the DX night after night and making it near impossible to get 
a break and try to work those week European signals. I've been hearing this 
strange effect on 80 mtr phone where the static seems to ride on their signals 
making it that much harder to copy them. I don't hear that on NA or SA signals. 
Then when you can 'maybe' copy a signal report there is the W station 'just 
wanting to say hello again tonight and your are stronger than last night'! DX 
work is hard enough without having to compete with old home week. Sometimes for 
parts of the county like Oregon where I'm at you maybe get only a few minutes 
of time where you might hear a DX station. And hearing another 'you're 59+10 
over' again from the east coast to some DX just sucks!


So it may seem like being mainly concerned with 160 meter CW it is different 
but I do wish you would consider what it was like the first time you tried to 
work that weak DX signal and getting blocked out by someone just wanting to say 
DX they are stronger tonight that they were last night. You've been there and 
should remember. If there are some trying to get that ATNO, give them a break. 


I say again, there is nothing wrong with making friends and renewing your ties. 
Just don't stop some other weaker station from getting there chance. Same as 
you wouldn't jump in on top of their QSO to say 'how's it going' while their 
trying to pass signal report. 


Terry

KI7M

> On February 1, 2018 at 1:52 PM JL PFIRMAN wrote:
> 
> 
>My first post here,but read all the posts every day in fact look forward 
> to it! My feelings exactly Pete and might I add ,there are still gentlemen on 
> topband.This am at 1215z I was able to copy and have a good contact with 
> HL5IVL for an ATNO on 160.
>There were 3 or 4 others calling and Kim came back with W3T? after a few 
> more times he copied my call correctly. I just wanted to thank those who 
> stood by until I compleated my QSO,thanks again fellow 160 ops. PS it was a 
> peak at my sunrise. Jim W3TO
> 
>>> On February 1, 2018 at 1:16 PM Pete Rimmel N8PR wrote:
>> 
>> 
>>In my opinion, there is nothing wrong with working the same station 
>> on the
>>same band more than once. We used to do it all the time to assure we 
>> had
>>"insurance" contacts with someone we needed for DXCC or other award. 
>> Online
>>logs and ClubLog has limited that need to some extent, but not 
>> everyone has
>>a near-real time log we can check.
>> 
>>Now, with the advent of the CQ Magazine's Annual DX Marathon, There 
>> is no
>>choice but to work the same stations EVERY year to achieve the CQ 
>> zone and
>>Country totals for the year long Marathon.
>> 
>>I always hesitate to work the tough ones in a big pile-up if I have 
>> them
>>confirmed for DXCC, because I do not want to take the opportunity 
>> away from
>>someone who needs them for a new band country.
>> 
>>HOWEVER, I do try to work them eventually, usually when the 
>> propagation
>>favors my QTH, so I can add them to my totals for the year.
>> 
>>If stations cannot understand that, they should get with the 
>> program... They
>>could be in demand by everyone every year ! That should be something 
>> to
>>look forward to - being in demand !
>> 
>>I know this is different than thinking in the past, but that is the 
>> reality
>>of today ! I already have 60+ DXCC on 160 in January 2018 alone 8^)
>> 
>>73, PeteR N8PR
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>From: rayn6vr
>> 
>>In my mind, the station you are talking about is very inconsiderate 
>> and
>>lacking poor judgement.
>>It is a common thing to call and say hi to someone on TB when the 
>> condx are
>>slow or poor propagation.?
>>If I were to get such an email, I would never work thay stn on any 
>> band, any
>>mode, contest or not!
>>73,Ray?N6VR?
>>PS would li

Topband: suggestions on receive antenna to EU

[Larry]

 Forwarded Message 
Subject:suggestions on receive antenna to EU
Date:   Sat, 16 Dec 2017 13:48:51 +
From:   Larry <lmwatbull...@runbox.com>
To: topband@contesting.com



Gents and ladies:

I have a very good 700'+ beverage installed to the South, and have tried
various BOGs, but want something for listening to EU stations.

EU is not a great direction for me as my QTH is on the west slope of a
long mountain range running NNE to SSW; there is a bit of a saddle at
about 50 degrees true, but EU is uphill most of the way.  Ground varies
from very rocky to patches of conductive clays; normally it is diffcult
to impossible to get a 4' ground rod in.

Max distance at about 45 degrees is around 500'

So, with all that in mind, I seek your advice.

Would I be better off with some sort of large loop (K9AY etc.) or
perhaps a double delta, or would I be better off with a 450' beverage to
the EU?

Thanks in advance for your thoughts and suggestions-
Larry
W8ANT



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Re: Topband: No American activity

[Larry]

About 0300Z (11PM local time) the only station I heard was TZ4AM.  I 
couldn't stay on longer as I have to get up around 0730Z (3:30AM local 
time).


73, Larry W6NWS


On 11/2/2017 5:43 AM, Roger Kennedy wrote:

Well as our Sunrise seems to be too late in the night for many people, I
came on at 0400 last night . . . surely that's not too late over there?

The band was clearly open (got a +48dB RBN report from W1NT) . . . but only
had ONE DX QSO !

There were 3 other Europeans calling CQ DX too . . . again, didn't hear them
get any replies.

Roger G3YRO
  _


Roger,
That is late evening/early morning in the North America. I'm fast asleep
on weekdays since I have to get up for work.

I try to operate during your sunrise on Friday and Saturday nights when
I remind myself to take a nap during the day. Not as young as I used to

be...

Mike N2MS



On October 31, 2017 at 6:15 AM Roger Kennedy 
wessexproductions.co.uk
<http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband> > wrote:



There are usually several of us Europeans on at around our Sunrise (about
0630Z) . . .

But even though the band is open (as you can see on RBN), no stations

about

to work !

Roger G3YRO


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Re: Topband: Conditions Last Night

[Larry]

I worked a couple EU stations from NC and heard a few more on 160M. TK5R 
(I think that was the call as I'm not at the radio computer) was the 
strongest I heard and worked. Only a half sloper (top is up about 50 
feet) here (the RX antenna is down).


73, Larry W6NWS

On 10/28/2017 6:40 AM, Michael Walker wrote:

I worked a few EU's on 80, but no joy on 160M

There was also only a few WSPR stations reporting a path.

Mike va3mw


On Sat, Oct 28, 2017 at 5:48 AM, Roger Kennedy <
ro...@wessexproductions.co.uk> wrote:


Well, I spent a few hours on the CQ WW last night, trying to pick out DX
amongst all the strong European stations . . .

Didn't hear a single North American station !  (even though I'm sure all
the
big signals were on)

Perhaps conditions will improve tonight.

Roger G3YRO
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Re: Topband: FT8.

[Larry]

The "Call 1st" option would seem to imply the auto QSO notion but "Call 
1st" causes the "Enable TX" to be disabled  when you send the "73" 
message regardless of the settings value for this behavior. I was told 
this was done specifically to not create an auto QSO machine. Without 
"Call 1st" there is no auto answer.


73, Larry W6NWS


On 10/25/2017 11:59 PM, Gary Smith wrote:

I used RC2 and now, RC3 and there's no way
in this software to make FT8 QSO's
automatically. I don't get why so many
people think it is a QSO machine that you
let it go and it finds and makes QSO's for
you. That's just not true, it does not do
that.

73,
Gary, KA1J


On 10/25/2017 6:57 PM, DXer wrote:

Try leaving FT8 unattended, and see how many QSOs it makes by
itself?

73 de Vince, VA3VF
_

I've unsubscribed but the WSJT-X Yahoo group can be searched for a
thread where a guy said he went off to the kitchen and came back to
find he'd "worked" someone.  He said also that because he wasn't in
the shack, he wasn't going to QSL.  I asked, why not, the other guy
didn't know you were in the kitchen?

So, yes, RC1 will make automatic QSOs.  And if you don't complete,
you can always use text messaging via JTAlert.

N7WS
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Re: Topband: Unfortunately I also feel that Ham radio is more or less lost.- Hans Hjelmstr?m

[Larry]

There was a time when SSB was considered evil.

73, Larry W6NWS


On 10/25/2017 4:23 PM, Bryon Paul Veal NØAH wrote:

RF/IP will save amateur radio.  It is a HUGE industry and is  growing by
leaps and bounds. School's are ridiculously slow in getting RF into
standard STEM curriculum but it will happen. Kids already use so many
wireless devices...compare and contrast what they use with what we have and
the light bulb turns on.

  As for digital, relax, all because you don't like it doesn't mean anything
to the hobby. 21st century technologies will naturally be what drives our
hobby, and that is mostly the digital modes.

Yes, there is a gap right now with youth and licensure, but it will close
soon enough.

  160M rocks, just be glad it has new energy with modes common with the
times.I just got my 160M DXCC, 92 CW, 6 PH, 2 JT65.  It has easy to
associate antennas and other components making RF a lot of fun to teach and
learn and apply to the MW and above stuff you can't see!

73

Paul. N0AH


Sent with AquaMail for Android
http://www.aqua-mail.com


On October 25, 2017 9:46:19 AM W0MU Mike Fatchett <w...@w0mu.com> wrote:


Ham radio is not dead.  It has been dying since I got into it.

1 - Fear of the FCC and loss of license is gone

This was a rarity anyway.  People are still losing their licenses and
the fines can be huge.

2 - Profanity and other on-air forms of civil disrespect abound

Society in general acts this way not just hams.  Hams are people too.

3 - 8 and 9-YO EXTRA Class ticket holders - Cracker-Jack-prize
ticket-holders

The tests have been made easier. Why does this matter?  My son who got
is tech at 13 could of had his extra by 15 but he got his general and
stopped.  He have very little interest in radio.  Some of it is because
of the nasty people he has heard and had to deal with, lousy conditions
and his free time is chewed up with fantasy football, Drones, gaming
etc.  There are so many more outlets for kids and young people today
than ever.

4 - Cell phone comms to anywhere in the world kills mystery of radio

What really has killed radio is the steep price to get in and dwindling
locations in which to do it.  To be competitive you must have a pretty
nice station.  That is a major turn off.  You can be a competitive gamer
with middle of the road computers.

5 - Examine QST's "The Doctor Is In" column and look at questions Extra's
are asking

People have been asking silly questions for years in that column.

6 - It appears today's kids are more interested in gaming as opposed to
things math/science
   they are just application-experts and have little or no understanding
of HOW a computer
   functions.(I have to admit my digital hardware skills are quite
lacking too.)

How many kids were interested in ham radio when you were growing up?  I
bet not many.  I went to a Junior high school and we had one teacher and
about 8 students interested in a school about about 300 people.  I bet
that percentage is off the charts high for interest in radio.  I just
happened to live in a very rural area with a bunch of hams around.

Those gamer kids probably know more about computer than most of us on
this list.  They know how to over clock and get the most out of their
rigs, etc.  Different skill sets.  They will be driving unmanned fighter
jets, drones, tanks and more and will do it far better than any of us.

How many hams can explain how their radios work.  Take a K3 or flex for
example.  I bet most hams would not be able to tell you how a modern rig
works.

7 - CC restrictions against antennas has crippled many op's driving them
to being
   repeater-band operators

Which is why FT8 and other modes like this and whatever is coming will
keep ham radio alive.

8 - Loss of CW as an entry-into-Ham-Radio-Filter has seriously dumbed-down
the technical
   side of Ham Radio

Wrong.  Dead wrong.  There are more people interested in CW now than
ever.  When you allow people to learn what they want instead of forcing
them down a path you get more out of them.   I can't tell you the number
of Parks on the air SSB or county hunter ops that have started to learn
CW because they want to make more contacts and have figured out CW is
better when condx suck.

9 - Repeater systems linked together by commercial fiber lines, etc.

Why is this bad?  Linking is good for statewide coverage, you get to
talk to more people and the systems are more robust and can handle
emergency and rescue ops better.


73 Dick/w7wkr at CN98pi and CN97uj
===
Message: 3
Date: Wed, 25 Oct 2017 12:23:51 +0200
From: Hans Hjelmstr?m <sm6...@hjelmstrom.se>
To: Steve Ireland <vk...@arach.net.au>, sm5...@ssa.se,  sm6cmU
  <sm6...@inolit.se>, topband@contesting.com
Cc: Kjell Nerlich <sm6...@gmail.com>, sm6...@ssa.se,Peter Andersson
  <sm6...@skara.net>
Subject: Re: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school

Topband: FT8

[Larry via Topband]

Pure and simple—-
No skill, no thrill.

n7dd

Sent by Larry
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Re: Topband: Solar eclipse and 160m propagation.

[Larry Gauthier (K8UT)]

Bob,

For your constituents who plan to operate the Eclipse event as a QSO party 
(August QST, pg 94, Ward Silver), N1MM+ has a contest definition in its 
>File >New Log in Database... dialog window. Select "eclipse."


-larry (K8UT)
-Original Message- 
From: Robert McGwier

Sent: Friday, July 14, 2017 11:21 PM
To: Tom Frenaye ; topband
Subject: Re: Topband: Solar eclipse and 160m propagation.

Virginia Tech, New Jersey Institute of Techology and others are putting
teams into field to do measurements of several sorts during the eclipse.

A student of mine is building low power, inexpensive ionosondes to measure
the height of the F layer using radar pulses on HF and measuring the round
trip time in the 3-6 MHz region before during and after the eclipse from
the West coast to the East coast along the path of totality.

A student of mine designed an SDR to measure scintillation on satellite
signals as it passes through the ionosphere before, during, and after the
eclipse. This was her master's thesis. She just graduated and was a
recipient of "Future Leadership" position with Northrup Grumman.

Most of the students involved at VT are members of the VT amateur radio
association (K4KDJ).

Current and former students of VT were the genesis of HAMSCI.  They reached
out to Ward Silver and Dave Pascoe who met with the students and me at
Dayton two years ago and here we are.

Dr Nathaniel Frissell, W2NAF and Magda Moses KM4EGE were both members of
VTARA which I am honored to serve as faculty adviser.

Nathaniel has moved on to NJIT and is taking RBN data during the Solar
Eclipse QSO Party to try and observe shifting propagation.

HAMSCI.org is something we hope leads to lots of "citizen science" by hand.

Our science investigator is Dr Greg Earle, w4gde and he and this activity
are supported by the national science foundation.  I'm playing SDR and
radio consultant to the VT team.

73s
Bob N4HY

On Wed, Jul 5, 2017 at 8:17 AM Tom Frenaye <fren...@pcnet.com> wrote:


At 06:48 AM 7/5/2017, CT1EKD wrote:
>Hi Topbanders
>In 21th August we will have a solar  eclipse... Do you know any
>studies about propagation at eclipses, before, during and after ?

Pedro -

Here's a place to start.   http://hamsci.org/

 -- Tom




e-mail: fren...@pcnet.comYCCC  --> http://www.yccc.org/
Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444

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--
Bob McGwier
Founder, Federated Wireless, Inc
Founder and Technical Advisor, HawkEye 360, Inc
Research Professor Virginia Tech
Chief Scientist:  The Ted and Karyn Hume Center for National Security and
Technology
Senior Member IEEE, Facebook: N4HYBob, ARS: N4HY
Faculty Advisor Virginia Tech Amateur Radio Assn. (K4KDJ)
Director of AMSAT
Member of PVRC (Roanoke-Blacksburg), TAPR,  life member of ARRL and AMSAT,
NRVR.ORG (Rocketry)
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Re: Topband: N7QT on "Increasing the Rate of the JT Modes"

[Larry]

The traditional JT65 QSOs are a bit like watching grass grow. But a 
couple of DXpeditions have run some JT65 lately. But I have had a number 
of cases  where I called CQ and stations responded with a signal report. 
After responding with a signal report the QSO was considered complete. 
Some still want a "73" to complete the QSO. This scheme mimics the 
traditional CW/SSB "599/59, 599/59, TU" style exchange for 
DXpeditions/contests.


There have been a number of VK and JA stations on 80 JT65 I have worked 
from the East Coast earlier in the year. Many VK, JA, HL, and YB 
stations on 40. I did work VK on 160.


73, Larry W6NWS

On 5/21/2017 6:53 AM, Tim Shoppa wrote:

In the latest ARRL Contest Update, N7QT has a very interesting article on
increasing rate with the usually slow JT65 modes, from a max of one QSO
every 6 minutes to one every 4 minutes. K7ADD notes an additional doubling
of rate can be achieved if you can keep two QSO's in flight at any point in
time by interleaving transmit and receive on two different frequencies
within the same band (a EXTREMELY advanced technique, and one that does not
eat much more bandwidth given the extremely low bandwidth these modes
take), giving a rate of 20 or even 30  QSO's per hour.

So possibly these methods could be used by a DXpedition that has already
worked through all the "Easy" CW guys at a higher rate earlier.

N7QT also notes that from the west coast on the pickup in activity from
Asia on JT65:  "He often decodes more signals between 14.076 MHz and 14.078
MHz than there are signals in the entire CW band segment."

See details in the ARRL contest update here: http://www.arrl.org/
contest-update-issues?issue=2017-05-17

Me? I love RTTY contesting so you might think I'd appreciate JT65. But the
one time a local friend tried to show me JT65 in action I got bored and
wandered away long before I got to see an actual QSO. But maybe us
contesters and DX'ers have something to teach these digital guys something
about rate!

Tim N3QE
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Re: Topband: DX Propagation long path is getting strong this season

[Larry - K1UO]

A couple of us in Maine also worked Joe WL7E this morning but the LP direction 
was closed for us.  Instead, Joe was worked via the conventional NW path for me 
with the HI-Z array.  There was some slight copy to the West direction but I 
attribute that to pattern overlap on the vertical RX array.   So far this 
season we here in the NE area have had very limited and short openings of any 
kind to the SSW or even the SSE LP to Asia at our SS. 
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Topband: coax soldering

[Larry via Topband]

hi guys,


planning on installing some more beverages. i have a roll of CATV 75 ohm cable. 
it is the kind with a double shield. aluminum wrap over tinned copper shield. 
there is some kind of sticky on the shield and i dont think that i can solder 
efficiently to it.


what is the best way to clean the "sticky" off the shield so that i can solder 
to it for PL259's?


thanks,
larry
n7dd 
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Re: Topband: zone 2

[Larry]

VO2NS was on 160 a day or two ago.

73, Larry  W6NWS


On 11/17/2016 11:26 AM, Kenneth Grimm wrote:

Hi Andrzej,

I believe that VO2NS  in zone 2 is planning to be active in the CQWW CW
contest.  That wouldn't help with 30 mx, but should with 20 and 80.

Powodzenia i 73,

Ken - K4XL

On Thu, Nov 17, 2016 at 11:04 AM, Andrzej_SP6AEG <andrzej_...@interia.pl>
wrote:


Dear colleagues, whether known about the activity in the near future with a
second zone WAZ?
It seems unbelievable but I have no QSO with the zone 2 on 80/30/20 meters



Regards

Andy

SP6AEG

160 WAZ #333

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Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 166, Issue 5

[Larry via Topband]

I disagree.

The inverted Vee, specifically, transmits vertically polarized
RF and has about the same gain as a 1/8 wave tee top ground plane
vertical, if EZNEC is to be believed.  Inverted Vees can also be
arranged in arrays.  They are useful DX antennas;  I got a 559 signal
report from a Dutch station early Sunday morning while running 700 watts
into an inverted Vee with the apex at about 55'. Note that my QTH is on
the west side of the Blue Ridge mountains.

The inverted Vee is easy to deploy (one hoist point), cheap to build (no
radials required), and while it won't compare with a full height 1/4
wave vertical for DX, it is not a bad compromise antenna.  Plus, if you
lower it, it works very well for regional NVIS, especially during the
daytime.

On 10/10/2016 12:00 PM, topband-requ...@contesting.com wrote:
> Message: 8
> Date: Mon, 10 Oct 2016 09:25:05 -0400
> From: Herbert Schoenbohm 
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: phased inverted V dipoles
> Message-ID: <1dc914c3-fffa-ffa6-60a4-8863173ad...@gmail.com>
> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
> 
> Probably not worth the effort as any dipoles less than 250 feet high are 
> serious cloud warmers.
> 
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Topband: Ethernet control switching of HI-Z 4-8 Pro System

[Larry - K1UO]

Is anyone on here controlling their HI-Z 4-8 Pro (or similar) remotely over
an Ethernet or VPN connection?  If so, what equipment are you utilizing to
do this?  I am trying to eliminate controlling remotely via a USB connection
at the remote location PC using Teamviewer.

Thanks for any suggestions
Larry  K1UO
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Re: Topband: ET7L NOT VALID

[Larry]

The main e-mail address for the DXCC desk went to someone who is no 
longer there for a long time and no one else looked at the mail for that 
ID. I don't know if it has been fixed. I mentioned it in phone call with 
the DXCC desk earlier this year.


73, Larry  W6NWS
On 8/11/2016 6:53 AM, Victor Goncharsky via Topband wrote:

Frank,
Being asked by ET7L crew, I have personally sent the scanned documents to ARRL 
Hq on on June 30!
This includes their ham license which, actually, is the part of their work 
permit-agreement issued by the Ministery which is, as I understand, is powerful 
enough to authorise ham radio operation from ET.
The ET7L crew, in fact has been trying to get in touch with ARRL on the matter 
in July, but got no response from Newington, their QSL manager US0LW said.
Frankly, this situation reminds me the 7O1YGF one.
Best regards,

Среда, 10 августа 2016, 22:22 +01:00 от Frank Davis < fda...@nfld.net >:

Just found out today that ET7L operation is not valid.  My card submission was 
rejected by the DXCC desk.  No reason give.

VO1HP
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Topband: ANtenna

[Larry via Topband]

Mike:   Given the stated constraints, I'd put traps on the ends of the
80 meter inverted vee and add more wire to make a 160 meter inverted
vee.  If you are short on space, fold the ends in towards the center.

regards,
Larry
W8ANT
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Re: Topband: Posting

[Larry via Topband]

hello all,


re: . We don't need to re-read everything from the post..



please do not snip out the previous comments! i, for one, don't read every post 
that comes into my e-mail. 


when i see a post heading that seems to interest me then i open it and it is 
very convenient to see all of the previous comments.


just my "two cents" worth.


73, larry n7dd



-Original Message-
From: Bill Cromwell <wrcromw...@gmail.com>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Sun, Apr 10, 2016 11:32 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Posting

Hi Jake,

Sometimes we forget and I don't suppose we want to excoriate people for 
forgetting sometimes. But we now know that some of the smart phones are 
not smart enough to allow editing in the replies. I believe mine 
accommodates clipping, snipping, and trimming. Meanwhile, when people 
regurgitate an entire digest with multiple copies of multiple messages I 
have come the point where I delete the entire mess without looking 
beyond the header - I'm not likely to find the relevant text even if I 
try to sort out the mess. I could have been enjoying a chat with the 
XYL, walking the dog or 

In the end I suppose the delete key is our only real tool.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On 04/10/2016 12:11 PM, jcjacob...@q.com wrote:
> How do,
>
>
> I've got to whine a little
>
>
> PLEASE!!! Edit or copy paste when you reply to a post. We don't need to 
> re-read everything from the post, just a snip-it.
> So, please learn how to copy/paste or otherwise edit, before you hit send.
>
>
> OK, done venting.
>
>
> 73 es GDDX
> K9WN Jake
>

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Re: Topband: VK0EK Operation From Spit

[Larry via Topband]

What doe's this mean? Can someone please explain?


I have a 14 minute window at their sunset, This would be my only opportunity to 
work them on top band assuming that they start 160 meter operation exactly at 
their sunset time. I have reported this to their "control" station but the only 
answer I received was that the information was received. W7 and most W6 won't 
work them?


73, Larry N7DD

 I'm sorry - but there will be no low band ops from spit - its specifically to 
get ATNO's for those who couldn't hear Atlas.
> 




-Original Message-
From: Chortek, Robert L. <robert.chor...@berliner.com>
To: jim <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com>
Cc: TopBand <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Tue, Mar 29, 2016 5:29 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: VK0EK Operation From Spit

Does this mean there will be no more opportunities during the West Coast 
sunrise?

Bob AA

Sent from my iPhone

> On Mar 29, 2016, at 10:01 AM, Jim Brown <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:
> 
> Got this in response to a question to the pilots.
> 
> They were not on 80 or 160 this morning.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
> 
>  Forwarded Message 
> Subject: Re: Next 40M CW to W6
> Date: Tue, 29 Mar 2016 04:19:25 +
> From: VK0EK <supp...@vk0ek.freshdesk.com>
> Reply-To: VK0EK <supp...@vk0ek.freshdesk.com>
> To: k...@arrl.net
> 
> Hi Jim,
> 
> I'm sorry - but there will be no low band ops from spit - its specifically to 
> get ATNO's for those who couldn't hear Atlas.
> 
> Thanks, 73, and Good DX!
> Heard Island Expedition
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Re: Topband: Untoward (?) comments on 160

[Larry via Topband]

hi rob,


160 meters is all about hearing! you can't get that out of a "cracker-jax" box. 


it's not too difficult for guys with lots of property available but for the 
guys on small lots?? kudos to them. then there are remote RX sites but that's 
another story for another time.


160 meters is as much a challenge today as it was 35 years ago and will 
continue to be so for the next 35 years.


enjoy top-band, it's not as easy as you may think.


73, larry n7dd 



-Original Message-
From: Rob Atkinson <ranchoro...@gmail.com>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Mon, Mar 14, 2016 4:45 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Untoward comments on 160

>Amazes me; it takes years to accumulate enough skill and equipment to
>get on the air with a good signal, especially on 160 and then become
>a participant in the opposite mentality of what the sport is all
>about.

You are around 35 years out of date.  It was harder to get on 160 in
the days of the phony "all-band" rigs that covered 10 to 80 meters but
now that every plastic box had a button on it for 160 and you can get
a solid state plastic box amplifier that automatically switches bands
and tunes up and you can go buy a dipole that is cut for 160, getting
on 160 is about like getting on CB.

73

Rob
K5UJ
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Re: Topband: Stew

[Larry via Topband]

Yes, 160 meters IS a gentleman's band. Unfortunately ruined by people calling 
others "AH".


Bill, you should apologize to the K1 in question and please check your own code 
of conduct before condemning others.


Larry, N7DD 



-Original Message-
From: Jeff Kincaid <w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: TopBand List <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Sun, Mar 13, 2016 3:47 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew

Surely he was trying to type "LID."  Note, however, that gentlemen may differ 
on who was the lid in his story.Jeff W6JK On Sunday, March 13, 2016 8:21 
AM, Glenn Wyant <va...@sympatico.ca> wrote:Is" AH  " some sort of 
Gentlemans secret code ?  Surely it cant be what I think !  Not double 
standards in the Stew !  va3dxSubject: Topband: Stew> 
 Spent a total of 4 hours in the SP. Activity, at least from here in > east 
TN, was lower than previous. The logger got to the point where it > said "dupe, 
dupe, dupe"constantly.> DX would just appear out of nowhere...Italy, Germany, 
Venezuela.>  This morning I caught a VK6 working a K1 and tried to tail end. 
The > guy would not give up the Fx for a second to let me work the DX. I sent > 
AH, and he sent ?, I sent AH, and he sent ? Guess he didn't get it. I > was 
dialed up to 2kw at that moment so I know he heard me, but he was > not going 
to standby. The "gentleman's band" huh?> BILL K4OWR
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Re: Topband: A35T

[Larry via Topband]

I have been listening for a few days now. They have never had a readable signal 
until last night. For about 2 hours they were S7-S9 and hearing very well. 
Actually much better than the east coast stations that were calling. Spot light 
to my location? I dont think so because of the long opening.


I would like to commend the 160 meter operator who was excellent. He seemed to 
have a great sense of just how well the station that he came back to could copy 
him. In one case he came back to an east coast station about six times. During 
one transmission he gave the stations call at least 10 times. Great devotion to 
get him in the log.


Great job by the A35T team.


73, larry n7dd 



-Original Message-
From: Doug Renwick <ve...@sasktel.net>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Thu, Feb 25, 2016 2:33 pm
Subject: Topband: A35T

They hear well but their TX, 339, is weak.  Got a 1 minute opening
(seriously) around SR and made the contact.

Doug/VA5DX

I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could.

-Original Message-

I am listening this AM to both sides of the A35T Top Band operation.  The 
signal from the DXped continues to be up and down, never strong and fading 
completely at times on very short cycles.

The result, with A35T now hearing quite well, is MANY, MANY NA stations ARE 
BEING HEARD and responded to by A35T, with the NA station never hearing the 
A35T response.

During the last hour this scenario has occurred with perhaps a dozen 
stations.  It is a shame.  After A35T responds 3 times, or more, with the 
call sign and sig report, with no response from the calling station, A35T 
has no choice but to return to CQing.

On the other hand, a LOT of stations ARE going into the log this morning as 
the terminator works its way across the continent.  Congratulations to the 
Top Band operator at A35T, who is doing it correctly under the existing 
conditions.

73, es CU all in the CQ 160 SSB contest this weekend.

de Milt, N5IA 

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Re: Topband: Antenna Tuners

[Larry]

I have started looking at tuners myself and was mainly interested in 
auto tuners. There are some that claim to handle the legal limit except 
for RTTY. I have a Dentron MT3000A  manual tuner and it doesn't seem to 
care. OTOH most of my antennas usually don't need a tuner as I have had 
solid state rigs since the early 1980's and they are not as tolerant of 
an SWR above 2:1. I recently switched to a solid state amp which is much 
more touchy about SWR than the radios. I am thinking the auto tuner may 
make the amp a bit happier. The choices are few however.


73, Larry  W6NWS

On 2/14/2016 10:11 PM, Robert Harmon wrote:

Jim,

You are undoubtedly going to get a variety of  recommendations on a 
tuner.
I guess the first thing to decide is if you really want an automatic 
tuner.  Secondly it if you
are going to use balanced line or not.  And last but not least power 
level you will be using.  I have a Palstar AT5K which works very 
well.  Rated for our legal limit then some.   Easy to tune
up and takes full limit easily.  It is a manual tuner though.  I used 
a Dentron MT-2000 for years and
it had switchable taps on the inductor.  There were places where I 
couldnt get a nice match, needed
another tap, hihi.  My preference now is the rotary inductors like the 
Palstars.  You can dial in a great

match all the time, no switch settings to contend with.

Bob
K6UJ

On 2/14/16 6:30 PM, Jim Murray via Topband wrote:
Hello all,Would you have any recommendations for antenna tuners?  
Have been looking at the automatics, Palstar, Mfj, LDG At-1000Proii 
etc..  Have been using an old Dentron which doesn't have very close 
markings on the dials and getting tired of turning and adjusting.  
Another option would be another manual such as the At2k with more 
precise settings. I do quite of bit of band hopping and even on 160 
my Inv. L is perfect on 1.830 but doesn't like going very far either 
up or down, hence the need for a little tuner loss. The automatics 
look pretty appealing but would appreciate any opinions from the 
group.Thanks

Jim/k2hn
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Topband: de n7dd

[Larry via Topband]

hi bob (DU7ET),


you have done an outstanding job on top band this season. thank you for your 
devotion. you have given many a new country on 160.


have a safe voyage and may you have following seas. see you next season.


73, larry n7dd 
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Topband: sunrise/sunset dislpay

[Larry via Topband]

hello all,


This is a very interesting web site that shows sunrise and sunset any place in 
the world.


Take a look, I am sure that you will find it interesting,


http://www.timeanddate.com/astronomy/south-georgia-sandwich/king-edward-point


73, Larry N7DD
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Topband: de n7dd

[Larry via Topband]

Conditions were awful from Arizona during the contest weekend. two and three 
days BEFORE the contest they were excellent to Europe. Guess that "Murphys Law" 
was in full effect. Too bad.


The first night only produced a handful of EU and the second night there were 
NO EU to be heard.



Look at the YouTube video that was sent to me by IK0IOL. You may find it 
interesting.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mes-Wf7BpU





Would like to say it was fun but it was not this year. 


73,
larry
n7dd
multi by n7dd and w8tk

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Re: Topband: VP8STI Humor, Design engineer trauma

[Larry via Topband]

hi milt,


nothing heard in tucson and listened for hours. i was using a beverage pointed 
directly to them.


just started messing around and heard them with a beverage pointed at 200 deg. 
never loud enough to call but they were there. try that direction, it may work 
better for you as it did for me. 


worked SS many years ago so not to concerned but need SG so kind of getting 
familiar with the propagation. band seemed pretty good as i worked quite a few 
SA stations.


good luck to the needy.


73, larry n7dd  



-Original Message-
From: Milt <miltn...@gmail.com>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>; W7RH <midnigh...@cox.net>
Sent: Sun, Jan 24, 2016 6:16 am
Subject: Re: Topband: VP8STI Humor, Design engineer trauma

Bob,

I concur that this might be the reason that Top Band has been so difficult 
for propagation to our area.

I heard them the first night at Q4, right at our sunset.  They were working 
EU so I didn't call.  They promptly faded away, not to be heard again that 
night, or since.

I just finished nearly 6 hours under the earphones and I heard not a single 
dit the entire evening from VP8 STI.

And this evening there were some posts, including one by you, that said his 
signal was becoming discernable to the posters from out west.  Here; 
NADA

Anyway, it is fun, and the ol' lady sure has a bag of tricks.  I doubt we 
will ever know and understand all the vagaries of 160 Meter propagation.

73, and good night.  GL with your quest.

de Milt, N5IA


-Original Message- 
From: W7RH
Sent: Saturday, January 23, 2016 10:42 PM
To: topband
Subject: Re: Topband: VP8STI Humor, Design engineer trauma

Congrats to those out West that have VP8STI in the log. You guys
certainly had the good draw and the right angle. I did work them on 80m
using OMNI short vertical and 100W. They however were not even moving
the S meter.

I offer my theorem on why Western US contacts are infrequent in this
case. Using my station and beam heading to the SE I worked CE1/K7CA
using QRP. I could do that from early darkness until his sunrise.
considering I've worked all of south America with 100W the extra 1500
miles should not be difficult especially being a trans equatorial QSO.
The conditions would also have to be very disturbed with no direct polar
region influence.

Looking at the VP8STI website they provide topographic and satellite map
of their physical location which is located on Thule Island to provide
safe harbor. I note to NW is Mt Larsen about 2 miles away. It rises some
2500 ft and the terrain effectively disrupts everything below 15 degrees
or nearly half of their vertical beam-width. This antenna is not in salt
water and a good guess would be that it has about 30 1/4 wave plus
radials. They have a clean shot to Europe in the far field. The NW path
is broken by Thule Mountain and along the way is going to pass through
the Andes Mountains. I would suggest the ground reflection element in
this case is scattering, which also causes increased path loss. This is
much like attenuation cause by the Rocky Mountains to Europe from
western US. Of course this the height of the F layer is a factor as well.

Responding to an earlier post by K7TJR regarding K7ZV mountain location.
I will take a QTH with extensive wide open flat land or slightly sloping
down hill over a mountain top any day. The curvature of the earth and
far field reflection is important (slight far field gain). I am not
saying that a mountain top won't work for 160. Heck, it might be
possible to build an antenna that is flexible on take off angle.

73

Bob

-- 
W7RH DM35OS

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I'm not 
sure about the former.

 Albert Einstein

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Re: Topband: VP8

[Larry via Topband]

hi bill,


please accept my apology about working South Sandwich island previously on 160 
meters. i can only say that my countries worked on top band is sloppy at best. 
it consists of a countries list from the ARRL with check marks on the countries 
that i thought i had worked. i dont collect QSL cards except for my WAZ on top 
band.


going back through my old logs i find that i worked LU3ZY in 1978 but not on 
160 meters.


my mistake! going to pound some serious "brass" for VP8STI. getting to the 
point in my life that i don't really care about new band countries but if they 
are on i enjoy the challenge of a new one. 


73, larry n7dd  

  



-Original Message-
From: Bill Tippett <btipp...@alum.mit.edu>
To: larry P. <pace...@aol.com>
Sent: Sun, Jan 24, 2016 10:41 am
Subject: VP8



Hi Larry,


I noticed you mentioned working S. Sandwich many years ago.  What station was 
that?  VP8SSI made a few Qs in 1992 with S. America but nothing else according 
to KJ9I (one of the ops).  Good luck with S. Georgia!


73,  Bill  W4ZV


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Re: Topband: VP8STI 160 Meter Path

[Larry Burke]

Propagation was interesting. It felt a bit like being on 6 meters. N5DG, who
is only 80 miles NW of me, and I had been listening most of the evening. At
best we were hearing peeps. Then at 0336z Ed not only starts hearing him
well, but logs him. Still nothing here. It's a full 20 minutes later before
I heard and worked him. He came out of nowhere. Signals improved
considerably after we worked, built to about 569 and stayed that way for at
least the next 30 minutes. 

Ed and I experienced the same situation on 75 meters -- only they built to
true 5x9 there.  

Like Joel, I tinkered with various directions. But they definitely peaked SE
for me. Never heard much, if anything, in other directions. 

Larry K5RK 

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of MU
4CX250B
Sent: Thursday, January 21, 2016 7:42 AM
To: w...@w5zn.org
Cc: topband
Subject: Re: Topband: VP8STI 160 Meter Path

Not a peep from them all evening into New Mexico. Frustrating!
Jim w8zr

Sent from my iPhone

> On Jan 21, 2016, at 5:54 AM, Joel Harrison <w...@w5zn.org> wrote:
>
> Tonight on 160 VP8STI had a good signal. Here in Arkansas their signal 
> arrived from the NE from around 0115z until around 0200z peaking 
> around 5 dB above my noise floor. Around 0200z they went "QRX" for a few
minutes.
> When they returned their sig was much weaker and finally faded.
>
> As the evening went on their sig returned around 0330z here and was in 
> and out of the noise, still peaking to the NE and somethings shifting E to
SE.
> Right About a half hour before their SR the signal peaked to the SE 
> and remained their until they faded into the sunrise.
>
> Best signal level here was 10 dB above my noise floor.
>
> Just wanted to pass that on for the folks (K9LA, W4ZV, etc) that keep 
> track of these paths for us.
>
> 73 Joel W5ZN
>
>
> www.w5zn.org
>
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Re: Topband: XW4ZW Update

[larry pace via Topband]

Hi Ken,

I started to hear your CQ at 1330z and called every time you stood by. I heard 
no other NA stations calling you. At around 1400z you mentioned on the chat 
room that you were plagued by local noise caused by a switching power supply 
being used for some lightning which you repaired. You heard me soon after that.

I think that in the hour that you were good copy here I only heard you work two 
NA stations. That is real devotion for which I commend you. It's got to be 
really frustrating to call CQ with no answers.

You were a new band country for me and certainly made my day. It ranks up there 
with unforgettable top band memories.

Thanks again.

73, Larry n7dd


On January 19, 2016, at 5:39 PM, Ken Claerbout <k...@verizon.net> wrote:

I see now why my original post, from the 18th, didn't show up.  I sent it to 
the wrong address.  It's below.

I can report that the beverage is working very well!  Only thing I can figure 
is that it fills in a gap to the south, where the 4 square pattern falls off.  
Last night the band was rather noisy to the south.  The guys in Bangkok told me 
this morning they had rain so that may explain it.

Nothing left to do but keep plugging away.  I really hope things pick up on 
Topband but I know XW is very rare on 80 as well.  I have 330 plus countries on 
80 from home and still need it.

73
Ken K4ZW/XW4ZW
  
---
Hi Gang - quick update on things from Laos. Yesterday I added a few more 
radials to the TX antenna. It's a trapped wire vertical for 80 & 160, full 
size. It now has 32 quarter wave 160 meter radials. As most of you have 
observed, when propagation allows, it's working fine.

I continue to be a little confounded on the receive side of things. For example 
on 80 meters the TX signal is fine into the US but it's real work pulling out 
stations calling. Some of them with big arrays and full power. I don't have a 
high noise problem and there have been no storms in the area. I'm using a 
completely refurbished, by DX Engineering, W8JI 4 square array on receive. 
Maybe more of an RX system than some of the guys hearing me. The F/B on it is 
excellent, on the signals I can hear. That wasn't necessarily the case last 
year. Today I added a second ground rod at each element, not being sure what 
condition the existing ones were in. When I arrived I replaced ALL of the coax 
and control lines. We in effect have a new system now. 

Today I installed a beverage to the south. It's a little short for 160, about 
450'. But it will be interesting to compare it to the 4 square. The rig by the 
way is a Yaesu FT 5000 so I have good hardware. In fact there is a new one 
available and I guess I can always try swapping radios.

All I can say is if you hear me, keep plugging away. At times it feels like I'm 
in a big RF RX hole but one of these days things will break loose. I do have a 
favor to ask. If you worked me last year, please don't make a duplicate QSO. 
Too many people need XW. Sit back, listen, and enjoy knowing you already made 
it into the log. There is a log checker on my QRZ.com page. Logs are uploaded 
daily to K1SE and ARRL LOTW.

As of now, I'm scheduled to fly back to Bangkok on the 23rd. I do have some 
flexibility. Let's see how things go.
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Re: Topband: K5P good job !

[Larry via Topband]

hi roger,


just what do you mean by "calling on top of someone else"? of course they are 
since a rare station creates so many callers that it is impossible to find a 
calling frequency that is clear. even if it seems clear doesn't mean that it 
actually is. there are probably tons of stations that you can't hear. for those 
who do not have the ability to "dual receive" do you expect them to check their 
TX frequency before transmitting? i would guess that you have never been on the 
DX end of the pile up.


if you want a clear frequency then try this- if the DX announces he is 
listening between 14205 and 14210 then cluster spot him listening on 14209.5. 
80% of the callers will move up which gives you the best chance when you call 
between 14205 and 14206. it's a PILE UP my friend, almost everything goes.


also, would you please include your call sign to the comments that you make. i 
am replying to roger who?


73,
larry
n7dd  

The big problem is that this "system" works! It's simple statistics. The more 
times you
send your call, the better chance of the DX picking it out of a pileup.

I don't think the people that do this give a rats behind if they're calling on 
top of
someone else. They are like people who cut in line ahead of you. It's all about 
them!

73, Roger




-Original Message-
From: Roger D Johnson <n...@roadrunner.com>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Mon, Jan 18, 2016 3:45 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: K5P good job !

The big problem is that this "system" works! It's simple statistics. The more 
times you
send your call, the better chance of the DX picking it out of a pileup.

I don't think the people that do this give a rats behind if they're calling on 
top of
someone else. They are like people who cut in line ahead of you. It's all about 
them!

73, Roger


On 1/18/2016 10:00 AM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote:
>
> When someone is doing something wrong we should not "out" or embarrass them.
>
> You should try to settle the situation offline without leaving any bad 
> feelings.
>
> If you know the offender you should discuss it with him (or her) person to 
> person. Be diplomatic.
>
> Don't lecture to them, discuss it with them. You have noticed they are doing 
> something which interferes with good operating practices and also mention 
> that other listeners have noted the fact.
>
> If you cannot contact the person you can mention the offense on a contesting 
> or DX'ing forum such as this
>
> I find it is better to show them the way.
>
> Mike N2MS
>
>
>
>
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Re: Topband: K5P good job!

[Larry]

If the op gives in to the pummeling then even worse chaos generally ensues. 
Of course, trying to hold out kills the rate. The op may have "heard" a call 
that really wasn't there or a station that finally just fell out of the 
propagation range.  It's a challenge to decide when to abandon a call and to 
go on.


73, Larry  W6NWS
-Original Message- 
From: lmlangenf...@tds.net

Sent: Sunday, January 17, 2016 12:40 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: K5P good job!

Message: 16
Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2016 09:55:36 -0400
From: "Mike Smith VE9AA" <ve...@nbnet.nb.ca>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Topband: K5P good job !

If the DX said WB6Z? I certainly wouldn't call.  Full credit to the K5P op
who tried to stick with it til he figured the original caller wasn't hearing
him or they were getting pummeled so badly from calls not even close to the
original, that he moved on.  Rate is king when time is limited.(dxpeditions
only have so many days)

gah !

Mike VE9AA

**


Mike, you're quite right.  There seems to be a real epidemic of those 
constantly calling out-of-turn (COOTs??) lately, and there's no question 
Q-rates are suffering as a result of this senseless (and now seemingly 
pervasive) QRM.  There's no rational excuse for it.


Both yesterday and this morning I heard many more than a few "easy" Qs fail 
to go to completion when K5P diligently and accurately tried to reply to 
callers who responded with nothing more than relentless repetitions of their 
calls.  Apparently you did , too.


Jeepers!

73,

Mark -- WA9ETW
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Re: Topband: Ethics and the Individual

[Larry Burke]

And you conveniently ignored the part when I addressed the "as long as it
hurts no one else".

- Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Tom W8JI
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 7:29 AM
To: Larry Burke; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Ethics and the Individual

You conveniently clipped off the part where I said  "as long as it hurts no
one else".

Don't  play stupid games with me by rewording what I say and posting it in
public to make it look like I said something I did not. Also, don't lecture
me about ethics after that stunt.



- Original Message -
From: "Larry Burke" <w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 16, 2016 8:10 AM
Subject: Topband: Ethics and the Individual


>> The ethics are limited to following the rules, and what a particular
> person decides to do beyond the rules is up to the individual
>
>
>
> Martin Shkreli would be proud of this argument. Increasing the price of
> Daraprim 5000% did not break any rules either. And, hey, he didn't hurt
> anyone or infringe on their rights -- they were sick already and if they
> wanted to get better the drug was available to them. It's the ultimate
> pay-to-play.
>
>
>
> - Larry K5RK
>
>
>
>
>
> _
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>
>
> -
> No virus found in this message.
> Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
> Version: 2016.0.7294 / Virus Database: 4489/11412 - Release Date: 01/16/16
> 

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Topband: Ethics and the Individual

[Larry Burke]

> The ethics are limited to following the rules, and what a particular
person decides to do beyond the rules is up to the individual

 

Martin Shkreli would be proud of this argument. Increasing the price of
Daraprim 5000% did not break any rules either. And, hey, he didn't hurt
anyone or infringe on their rights -- they were sick already and if they
wanted to get better the drug was available to them. It's the ultimate
pay-to-play. 

 

- Larry K5RK

 

 

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

The RHR lawyers consider a product review in QST by a non-ham as their legal 
review? How interesting. 

 

You said you can get the "ruling" that the RHR guys go by. The QST product 
review is it?!?

 

- Larry K5RK

 

From: Louis Parascondola [mailto:gudguy...@aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:10 AM
To: w...@sbcglobal.net; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

 

Larry, I posted it all an hour ago.



-Original Message-----
From: Larry Burke <w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 9:03 am
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

> RHR has lawyers on retainer and I'm sure this has been legally looked at.
I can get the ruling they go by.



We'll be waiting with bated breath, Lou Parascondola. 





- Larry K5RK

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

> RHR has lawyers on retainer and I'm sure this has been legally looked at.
I can get the ruling they go by.

 

We'll be waiting with bated breath, Lou Parascondola. 

 

 

- Larry K5RK

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

So you're telling me that RHR and those RHR attorneys on retainer used a QST
product review as their determination that their operation is legal?

Just curious... are you an RHR subscriber, Lou?


- Larry K5RK


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Louis
Parascondola via Topband
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:56 AM
To: w...@sbcglobal.net; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

I'm sure qst did their homework on the issue first.

Sent from AOL Mobile Mail


-Original Message-
From: Larry Burke <w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: 'Louis Parascondola' <gudguy...@aol.com>; topband
<topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 09:26 AM
Subject: RE: Topband: strange propagation


Correction should have read "non-lawyer".

- Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com?;>mailto:topband-bounces@contest
ing.com] On Behalf Of Larry Burke
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:23 AM
To: 'Louis Parascondola'; mailto:topband@contesting.com;>topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

The RHR lawyers consider a product review in QST by a non-ham as their legal
review? How interesting. 

 

You said you can get the "ruling" that the RHR guys go by. The QST product
review is it?!?

 

- Larry K5RK

 

From: Louis Parascondola [mailto:gudguy...@aol.com?;>mailto:gudguy...@aol.com]
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:10 AM
To: mailto:w...@sbcglobal.net;>w...@sbcglobal.net; mailto:topband@contesting.com;>topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

 

Larry, I posted it all an hour ago.



-Original Message-
From: Larry Burke <mailto:w...@sbcglobal.net;>w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: topband <mailto:topband@contesting.com;>topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 9:03 am
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

> RHR has lawyers on retainer and I'm sure this has been legally looked at.
I can get the ruling they go by.



We'll be waiting with bated breath, Lou Parascondola. 





- Larry K5RK

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

> Please sign your emails with your callsign (assuming you have one)

 

He's looking at YOU, Lou ("Conversion King") Parascondola.

 

 

> so I am getting this issue looked at by the owner to see what he says

and

> I will check on this with the RHR group

 

You seem pretty tight with these guys. What is your affiliation? 

 

 

> Furthermore, the ARRL has looked into the legality and published in QST
http://www.remotehamradio.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/RHR-ARRL-REVIEW.pdf


 

I specifically asked someone at the League whether they have examined
commercial remote operation from a legal standpoint and was told "no". A
product review by a non-lawyer hardly counts as a legal review. If the
League has performed such a review, perhaps they would be willing to share
it with us. Likewise for the RHR guys. It will never happen. 

 

 

> We have to see if RHR is a registered trademark

 

Yes, RHR is a registered trademark. And the trademark is not held by
remotehamradio.com. 

 

 

> I joined this reflector not quite a week ago.  I am new to 160 meters

 

Looks like we found the expert. 

 

 

- Larry K5RK

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

Correction should have read "non-lawyer".

- Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:23 AM
To: 'Louis Parascondola'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

The RHR lawyers consider a product review in QST by a non-ham as their legal
review? How interesting. 

 

You said you can get the "ruling" that the RHR guys go by. The QST product
review is it?!?

 

- Larry K5RK

 

From: Louis Parascondola [mailto:gudguy...@aol.com] 
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 8:10 AM
To: w...@sbcglobal.net; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

 

Larry, I posted it all an hour ago.



-Original Message-
From: Larry Burke <w...@sbcglobal.net>
To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 9:03 am
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

> RHR has lawyers on retainer and I'm sure this has been legally looked at.
I can get the ruling they go by.



We'll be waiting with bated breath, Lou Parascondola. 





- Larry K5RK

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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

> RHR is the safest, most regulated, use of a remote station. IP's are
watched, people pay a membership, they have to log in, and they know if
caught breaking any law they lose a deposit and are booted.


Safest -- yep... none of that pesky high voltage in the user's shack to get
tangled up in. And no towers to fall from. Heaven knows we don't want hams
messing with that kind of stuff. 

Most Regulated -- so there are additional regulations imposed on RHR that
the rest of the amateur community is not accountable for? That's
interesting. 

IPs are watched -- meh. This is minimally effective.

People pay a membership -- now THAT I cannot argue with. 

They have to log in -- this may one day be the height of their technical
competence if this trend continues

If caught breaking any law they lose a deposit and are booted -- so how many
people have actually had this happen to them? 
 

RHR has stated that they require operators to operate "ethically" on their
network. Exactly how to they define that term?  Is it considered ethical for
a ham in, say, Huntington Beach CA to call -- via a commercial remote in New
York -- a station at the United Nations on 6m when the only propagation at
the time is ground wave? 


- Larry K5RK

 





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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

It was actually a pretty simple question: How does RHR define ethics? 

Having spent a fair chunk of my career as the manager of an ethics and
compliance organization in a major corporation, I can assure you being
ethical is not the same thing as following the rules. Five minutes with
Google will tell you the same thing. But I'll bite... if "ethics are limited
to following the rules" what rules is RHR insisting users follow? The exact
sentence used in their advertising is "RHR requires that operators operate
ETHICALLY and LEGALLY on our network". So it looks like even RHR had
something beyond "rules" in mind when they used the word. 


- Larry K5RK


-Original Message-
From: Tom W8JI [mailto:w...@w8ji.com] 
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 11:38 AM
To: Larry Burke; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: strange propagation

> RHR has stated that they require operators to operate "ethically" on 
> their network. Exactly how to they define that term?  Is it considered 
> ethical for a ham in, say, Huntington Beach CA to call -- via a 
> commercial remote in New York -- a station at the United Nations on 6m 
> when the only propagation at the time is ground wave?


If you don't like the rules of an award, I suggest you work to modify the
award or create a new award.

This may come as a real shock, but you are going to have a very difficult
time changing the world to fit your particular feeling or idea of how you
think the world should be, without changing the actual rules.

It cannot matter less what you think other people should do. The ethics are
limited to following the rules, and what a particular person decides to do
beyond the rules is up to the individual (as long as he infringes on no one
else's rights in the process). That might even be a good way to run a
country.

If a few people spent half the time they do whining and complaining working
on a new award or changing the award, the problem could have been fixed 20
years ago.

My belief is the real hobby for some is being unhappy with not being in
charge of everyone else. They don't want the problem fixed, because then
they would have nothing to get all stirred up about.

73 Tom 

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Re: Topband: Field Checking strange cards

[Larry via Topband]

hi lou,


i assume that S2 you mentioned would be Bangladesh.


i worked S21XX 04 feb 12, 1997 and received a report of 579. the card is in 
hand and has been accepted by the ARRL. 


they were worked both rx/tx from my location in tucson, arizona and is part of 
my WAZ 160 certificate number 259 (40 zones). each and every of the 40 zone 
stations were worked from right here!


i am extremely proud of my WAZ 160. it took years of effort with countless 
hours of listening. no remote, RBN or cluster (never spotted on my cluster 
host).


i would never question the morality of others because of their use of outside 
"aids" regardless of new rules or facilities. they can use whatever they want 
to accomplish a particular goal but when all is said and done i doubt that they 
will have the same sense of accomplishment.


herb, KV4FZ spent hours pounding away trying to work the K5P. so did countless 
others. i hope that you all get to put him in your logs. in my opinion that's 
what ham radio is really about.


73,
larry
n7dd 



-Original Message-
From: Louis Parascondola via Topband <topband@contesting.com>
To: mgcizek <mgci...@gmail.com>; topband <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 8:24 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Field Checking strange cards

Since I have personal knowledge of the S2 to Connecticut QSO as being valid, I 
would just be curious how many on here have worked S2 on 160 and has it 
confirmed.  Lou W1QJSent from AOL Mobile Mail-Original Message-From: 
Mike Cizek W0VTT <mgci...@gmail.com>To: Louis Parascondola <gudguy...@aol.com>; 
topband <topband@contesting.com>Sent: Fri, Jan 15, 2016 12:32 PMSubject: Field 
Checking strange cardsLou, Larry, and the gang,Newington's instructions to 
Field Checkers state that our job is to verify that the information on the QSL 
cards is the same as is claimed on the application.  If we note anything 
"unusual", like a 160m QSO taking place in broad daylight, we note it on the 
application.  It is NOT our job to decide if the QSO is "good" or not.  This 
also applies to unauthorized operations like P5RS7, and the like.If I saw a 
claimed 160m QSO with S2 at 4pm local time, I would flag it on the application. 
 Then, I would go home, look up sunrise and sunset times for that date in both 
CT and the guy's town in S2, write it all up, and email it to the DXCC desk.  I 
have done exactly this before, and I know some of my colleagues have, as 
well.-- 73,Mike Cizek WØVTTOn 15-Jan-16 01:01, Louis Parascondola wrote:> Tom 
please comment on the 4pm QSL card from ct. Claiming S2 at 4pm > local time.>> 
Sent from AOL Mobile Mail>>> -Original Message-> From: Tom W8JI <mailto:w...@w8ji.com;>w...@w8ji.com>> To: topband <mailto:topband@contesting.com;>topband@contesting.com>; Mike Cizek 
W0VTT <mailto:mgci...@gmail.com;>mgci...@gmail.com>> Sent: Thu, 
Jan 14, 2016 09:42 PM> Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation>>> I am a 160 
card checker, and I damn well DO check the times! I'm sorry> to report that I 
have found cases where "impossible" QSOs were claimed,> and reported them to 
the mother ship in Newington. I would sincerely> hope that my colleagues would 
do the same.>>>>> But isn't it legal to operate anywhere in the lower 
continental USA to > make> a DXCC contact in the lower continental USA?>> As 
far as I know, they made that legal many years ago, and the contact> simply has 
to be made from the USA lower 48 no matter where.>> Where were all the 
complainers when they did that? As far as I'm > concerned,> that was the end of 
DXCC meaning very much. I wrote and complained. > Now it> is what it is.>> 73 
Tom>> _> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband; 
target="_blank">http://www.contesting.com/_topband_Topband 
Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

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Topband: Fwd: Strange propagation

[Larry via Topband]

-Original Message-
From: Larry <pace...@aol.com>
To: barry.n1eu <barry.n...@gmail.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 14, 2016 10:22 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation


More than once I have worked some Ukraine station in the 160 meter contest at 
S9 plus when it is broad daylight in UB5. Obviously they are operating a remote 
station. Guess I need to log them, Ha.


The kicker is when i receive a QSL card direct and they expect a return.


Yes I understand the need to integrate modern technology into ham radio. Remote 
stations,
remote receiving locations etc. My opinion is that if you cant operate from 
your physical location for what ever the reason then try another hobby.


Happy new year!


Larry
N7DD
 


-Original Message-
From: Barry N1EU <barry.n...@gmail.com>
To: topBand List <topband@contesting.com>
Sent: Thu, Jan 14, 2016 10:06 pm
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation

This is a BIG issue to grapple with.  It would make sense to me that a
callsign transmitted over the air should correspond to a station location
in a publically viewable registry and if the location of the transmission
deviates, the callsign needs to append /XX to reflect the station location.

73, Barry N1EU

On Thu, Jan 14, 2016 at 9:52 PM, Herbert Schoenbohm <he...@vitelcom.net>
wrote:

> Dave,  What will happen then is that the RHR gurus will just jack up the
> rates to take the hams with deepest pockets. Additionally the laws of
> supply will kick in and more RHR station and others will invest in this
> scheme to put more stations on the air.  As this progresses the value of
> the entire DXCC program will diminish. There must be some brakes put on
> this before is is to late.  The other night I was thrilled to have an
> Italian station calling me on 160 only to learn later he was actually on
> the mainland via an RHR station.  Is this the way amateur radio is supposed
> to trend?
>
>
> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
>
>
> On 1/14/2016 5:28 PM, Dave Blaschke, w5un wrote:
>
>> Look at the situation; There are just a few stateside RHR for rent
>> locations. As more and more "hams" begin to use these sites to work
>> DXpeditions, the queue length to access one of these sites will become
>> hopeless long. JUST A THOUGHT.
>>
>> Dave, W5UN
>>
>> On 1/14/2016 6:33 PM, Herbert Schoenbohm wrote:
>>
>>> I have lost my amateur station in three major hurricanes over the years
>>> here, everything including radios (from water) and antennas. I have also
>>> rebuilt them a four different locations until I finally scrapped enough
>>> money together and bought a home next to a large salt pond. I have full
>>> remote station here but it only functions for contest operated by a cliff
>>> dweller in NYC who cares not for DXCC credit.  The problem with the US RHR
>>> deals is that it completely skews the process as far as the propagation
>>> differences across the fruited plan.  I would love to add to my DXCC totals
>>> as I close into the 300 mark.  USA stations can do this but is it ethical.
>>> It sure makes money for a pay to play amateur radio scheme. But is it the
>>> way you want low band Dx-ing to become?  I hope not as you only will need a
>>> computer and an internet connection and everything else that used to a
>>> worthwhile effort is trashed.
>>>
>>> I remember a former 160 meter DX pioneer, Charles O'Brien who originally
>>> from Illinois used a 1/4 wave bent Marconi and 25 watts to work a G
>>> station.  This is what we are or what we used to be. RHR I am afraid is the
>>> end of an era were perseverance and not vast amounts of  QRO muscle and
>>> money decided who was on top. That is a shame and perhaps to some a
>>> disgrace as it really chances everything including the respect we have for
>>> those who did so much with so little.`
>>>
>>> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
>>>
>>> On 1/14/2016 12:43 AM, Dave Blaschke, w5un wrote:
>>>
>>>> I will say this:
>>>> operating a remote station (for money) owned and managed by someone
>>>> else will never be as satisfying as operating your own station, built by
>>>> your hands. But than again, if you have no station, and are unable to build
>>>> one up, what's your choice? I built (and rebuilt) a beautiful station and
>>>> antenna system here over the past fifteen years, only to see much of it
>>>> destroyed by storms in recent years. Now I am unable to rebuild anymore.
>>>>
>>>> Dave, W5UN
>>>>
>>>> On 1/14/2016 2:26 AM, Carl Luetzelschwab wrote:
>>>>
>>>>>

Re: Topband: Strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

> The ethics of the whole thing has already been settled by the ARRL so
ethics don't have to be looked at.

Actually the ARRL didn't do squat about ethics. They left the "ethics" up to
the operator. You are confusing "rules" with "ethics". There is a difference
between what is permitted and what is moral/ethical. Adultery is not a crime
in most industrialized countries. It is not a crime in 29 of the US states.
It is "legal" -- but ask your spouse whether they think it is cheating.

Larry K5RK





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Re: Topband: Strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

Mike, if you were presented with a card showing a Topband QSO that took
place two hours after the sunrise at the QTH of the card holder how would
you handle it? Let's assume for the sake of simplicity that the card holder
has lived at the same QTH for his entire hamming "career".


Larry K5Rki


-Original Message-
From: Mike Cizek W0VTT [mailto:mgci...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2016 7:41 PM
To: Larry Burke; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation

Larry, et al,

I am a 160 card checker, and I damn well DO check the times!  I'm sorry to
report that I have found cases where "impossible" QSOs were claimed, and
reported them to the mother ship in Newington.  I would sincerely hope that
my colleagues would do the same.

--
73,
Mike Cizek WØVTT


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Re: Topband: Strange propagation

[Larry Burke]

I was specifically told by one checker that he doesn't even check the time
of a Topband QSO. Go figure. 


Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Kris Mraz
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2016 7:19 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation

Which brings to mind another issue: 160m card checkers will disallow a card
if the DX QSO occurred in the middle of the day since the path would be
impossible.
Can't make that assumption, anymore.

Kris N5KM


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