Re: Topband: Conditions on 160m for ARRL Contest

[Mike Greenway]

Conditions down here also in SE USA.  I had over 150 Q in 62 countries doing an 
all out effort both nights.  I did work G3YRO who was commenting on condition 
and someone mentioned the GM5A station on the water.  They had decent signals 
both nights.  Yes being near the coast makes more of a difference than what 
theory dictates I think. I have a friend that lives in a salt marsh with very 
minimal antennas and he hears 160 stuff that I never hear inland with a large 
selection of receiving antennas.  The last 4 or 5 years have been down for me 
compared to years prior to that.  Hopefully things will swing up next year as 
the flux has pretty much bottomed out.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 160 4 SQUARE

[Mike Greenway]

Greg, N4CC,, I have been using something similar to what you are describing for 
about 10 years.  I have 140 ft of Rohn 25 with all Phillystrand guys.  The 4 
verticals are supported by nylon cords running from the top of the tower.  The 
height of the tower allows me to have 90 ft verticals plus around 45 ft top 
hats at the proper spacing between verticals.  I am using a Comtek phasing box. 
At present around 40  135 ft radials on each vertical.  I never detuned the 
tower as the F/B and F/S have always been excellent so I did not see the need.  
I did look into it but decided to leave as it was. It has been a very 
competitive transmit system. If you need any further details contact me.  73 
Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: SimplEx Torque Sleeve

[Mike Greenway]

Does anyone have experience with the PPC SimplEx Torque Sleeves for F 
connectors?  They make taking F connectors on and off a breeze without having a 
tool.  Supposedly they work with PPC EX type F connectors but wonder if anyone 
has tried them on other brands.  I could not find a distributor that sells just 
sleeves in small quantities.  Comcast uses them on their installations.  I use 
a lot of F connectors on the receive antenna systems and it would be nice to 
have these sleeves available.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: A Tale of a Successful 160 meter RFI Hunt

[Mike Greenway]

That is interesting Frank as I was just at K4TEA’s QTH yesterday trying to find 
why he had more noise from one direction that had no signature of any type, 
just higher background from 1.7 Mhz up to around 2.5 Mhz. 80 M is fine.  He is 
near an interstate so maybe there is something similar out there.  I built a 
large DF loop for 160 I can haul on a pickup to use with my K3. We moved from 
location to location trying to triangulate on it but we felt it was going to be 
within .5 miles but I see your source was 2 miles away.  Thanks for the input.  
Keep us posted on your success on getting it turned off.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: DXE 4 square

[Mike Greenway]

I just reinstalled a DXE 4 ele receive system I had at another location here at 
home.  I have what sounds like AC riding on signals when I am on antenna 
positions 2,3, and 4 but only hear it on 80 Meters.  Position 1 is okay.  
Sounds like fuzz riding on the CW signals.  Anyone with with a DXC 4 square run 
into anything like that?  My regular antennas sound okay.
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: RX PREAMPS

[Mike Greenway]

I  have used the HI Z rx system and also the DXE ones.  HI Z said in the past 
no need for a sequencer to get power off the amps if the xmit ant was close to 
the rx system antennas.  Close I would say 60 foot.  DXE has always suggested 
using a sequencer to get power off the amps during xmit.  I am going to be 
forced to move a DXE system within 65 ft or so of my 160 vertical and wonder if 
anyone has had any experience of using the DXE without a sequencer close to 
their xmit antenna.  Just hate to install one more thing I could get around but 
will if absolutely necessary.  I know moving it closer is not an ideal 
situation but you do what you have to.  Any input?  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 154, Issue 18

[Mike Greenway]

Hi Peter, I have built many 160 T’s and they always come out best with the 
vertical height + the horizontal top equaling around 135 – 140 ft for 1820.  I 
know you mentioned 1900 but you can scale that from these numbers.  I have 
several with 90 ft vertical and 45 top wire and friends with 70 vertical and 65 
horiz top wire.  The lengths will change as you add more radials but once over 
20-25 the freq change should become minor so I would not do a lot of 
adjustments until you get some radials on it. These numbers will vary a small 
amount per location of course but this should be close.  I usually put the 
antenna as high as possible and not trim the vertical.  I adjust the top hat on 
both ends.  I know that is more trouble but that way you get to maintain all 
the vertical height possible for your location.  I feed mine direct with a very 
small mismatch.  GL 73 Mike K4PI

From: topband-requ...@contesting.com 
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2015 12:00 PM
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Topband Digest, Vol 154, Issue 18

Send Topband mailing list submissions to
topband@contesting.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
topband-requ...@contesting.com

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topband-ow...@contesting.com

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than "Re: Contents of Topband digest..."


Today's Topics:

   1. Tee Antenna dimensioning (Peter Bacon)
   2. Re: Pre Stew - N3A (Joe Galicic)
   3. BOG antenna research at HC1PF ( K1FZ-Bruce )


--

Message: 1
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2015 12:20:46 +0100
From: Peter Bacon 
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Tee Antenna dimensioning
Message-ID:

Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Advise please on the formula to calculate the lengths of the horizontal
elements for a 160m Tee antenna.  Currently I have a 60 foot vertical wire
suspended between the trees, with a long horizontal section making an
inverted L, but want to change it to a Tee.  I am looking to resonate the
antenna around 1.9 MHz and then bring it down with a hairpin match.
Thanks Peter G3ZSS


--

Message: 2
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2015 13:45:07 + (UTC)
From: Joe Galicic 
To: "List, TopBand" 
Subject: Re: Topband: Pre Stew - N3A
Message-ID:
<793005858.5188916.1445175907791.javamail.zim...@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Thanks to everyone for all the Q's and patience digging my QRP signal out. I 
made 103 contacts with many 6 & 9 point contacts and four 12 and 15 point 
contacts. Those were a real challenge. Overall band conditions were great with 
low QRN and local noise. I had a blast ! -73 Joe N3A/N3HEE 

- Original Message -

From: "Joe Galicic"  
To: "TopBand List"  
Sent: Friday, October 16, 2015 9:53:12 AM 
Subject: Topband: Pre Stew - N3A 

I will be operating the Pre Stew as N3A (NAQCC Special Event Station). I will 
be QRP at 5 watts. I hope to work a bunch of you ! Thanks -Joe N3HEE 
_ 
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 



--

Message: 3
Date: Sun, 18 Oct 2015 11:47:22 -0400
From: " K1FZ-Bruce " 
To: Topband 
Subject: Topband: BOG antenna research at HC1PF
Message-ID: <20151018114722.gxslmib04cgkg...@webmail.myfairpoint.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

?
Luis, IV3PRK/HC1PF? has been instrumental in BOG antenna research. He has 
brought together information from some of the top BOG antenna 
users/researchers, and an antenna plotting expert. He has?constructed BOG 
antennas that helped over come noise at HC1PF his 2nd QTH near the equator.?
?
http://www.iv3prk.it/new-page.htm
?
?
73
Bruce-K1FZ


--

Subject: Digest Footer

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Topband@contesting.com
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband


--

End of Topband Digest, Vol 154, Issue 18

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

Re: Topband: The Remote Question..

[Mike Greenway]

Sad indeed to see the post this morning.  The idiom “the means justify the end” 
is true in this case for sure.  I guess eventually the rules will say lets just 
call them on the phone and exchange reports, as we are near that with remotes 
now.  That makes it easier and I guess that is what everyone wants as in 
school, if too many students are failing lets make the test easier.  

I will not take the easy way out to increase my Challenge totals although that 
is my primary goal in radio these days.  The spirit and challenge of what DXCC 
was meant to be has eroded for sure.  If that makes you feel good jumping coast 
to coast for the best prop, go for it.  I always wondered why I was being beat 
out on 160 and 6 by certain 4 land stations and I can ignore their Challenge 
totals now that I know they don’t really believe it is a true Challenge.  Don’t 
use technology as part of the argument.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: WD1A

[Mike Greenway]

Hi Roger, I use a 800 ft bi directional beverage using the WD1A wire.  I am 
using the transformers sold by KD9SV to feed and terminate it.  I use some 
small nylon cord to help support it between each rigid support.  It does fairly 
well but have no way to compare it to a single wire in that direction.  On 
paper it does not look very good and some day I may change over to two 
separated copper or copper weld wires but this was easier at the time I needed 
it.  GL on whatever you decide.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 147, Issue 19

[Mike Greenway]

Hi Bill, Just to see what would happen I even took the top off with the blow 
touch right on the material and it would just glow and never ignite.  I am 
thinking the material has gotten old and not longer wants to ignite.  I would 
think the blow torch would be as hot as any spark.  Any other comments welcome. 
 I am going to try another container of the igniter but they have all been 
stored in the same area possibly 10 years.  73 Mike

From: topband-requ...@contesting.com 
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 12:00 PM
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Topband Digest, Vol 147, Issue 19

Send Topband mailing list submissions to
topband@contesting.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
topband-requ...@contesting.com

You can reach the person managing the list at
topband-ow...@contesting.com

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than Re: Contents of Topband digest...


Today's Topics:

   1. Re: CADWELLS (Bill Wichers)
   2. Re: CADWELLS (Art Snapper)
   3. Re: Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests (Kris Mraz)
   4. Re: Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests (Andy Blank)
   5. Re: Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests
  (Stan Stockton)
   6. Re: Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests
  (W0MU Mike Fatchett)
   7. Fw:  Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests (k1fz)
   8. Re: What IS troubling about this report (Walt)


--

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 17 Mar 2015 02:11:00 +
From: Bill Wichers bi...@waveform.net
To: Cecil chac...@cableone.net
Cc: TOPBAND TOPBAND@CONTESTING.COM, Mike Greenway
k...@bellsouth.net
Subject: Re: Topband: CADWELLS
Message-ID: 2fb91b25-63dd-4b9a-931f-583d0e1ca...@waveform.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=Windows-1252

Just to add: the spark igniter is a flint-type unit. Those used for starting a 
torch would probably work too but would be more difficult to aim into the mold 
than the gun-like cadweld ones are. 

-Bill

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 16, 2015, at 9:35 PM, Cecil chac...@cableone.net wrote:

 There is a spark igniter that is used with cadweld...I've had trouble 
 lighting them off with a propane torch.  Usually if they have been stored in 
 a dry location they are good for years.  The blue tube is loaded with an 
 igniting compound in the bottom...so it is the last thing that goes into the 
 mold and a small amount of it is trailed over the edge to facilitate lighting 
 once the lid is closed.  So just any of the powder won't light off you have 
 to light off the starter powder.
 
 Cecil
 
 Sent using recycled electrons.
 
 On Mar 16, 2015, at 5:58 PM, Mike Greenway k...@bellsouth.net wrote:
 
 I some have old style Cadwell that require lighting off with a torch.  I 
 have had them for many years and apparently the chemical mixture has gotten 
 too old to fire off as I tried one today and just no reaction. Has anyone 
 run into this before?  Don?t guess there anything easily mixed up to replace 
 the thermo compound.  73 Mike K4PI
 _
 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
 _
 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


--

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 22:57:50 -0400
From: Art Snapper a...@nk8x.net
Cc: TOPBAND TOPBAND@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: CADWELLS
Message-ID:
CAH6Jzym390g=l0nmzcgxrybnhncbre7fespf65eqzpfb1up...@mail.gmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

Sparklers (kids fireworks) can be an effective fuse for Cadwelds. It even
works in the rain.
73
Art

On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 10:11 PM, Bill Wichers bi...@waveform.net wrote:

 Just to add: the spark igniter is a flint-type unit. Those used for
 starting a torch would probably work too but would be more difficult to aim
 into the mold than the gun-like cadweld ones are.

 -Bill

 Sent from my iPhone

 On Mar 16, 2015, at 9:35 PM, Cecil chac...@cableone.net wrote:

  There is a spark igniter that is used with cadweld...I've had trouble
 lighting them off with a propane torch.  Usually if they have been stored
 in a dry location they are good for years.  The blue tube is loaded with an
 igniting compound in the bottom...so it is the last thing that goes into
 the mold and a small amount of it is trailed over the edge to facilitate
 lighting once the lid is closed.  So just any of the powder won't light off
 you have to light off the starter powder.
 
  Cecil
 
  Sent using recycled electrons.
 
  On Mar 16, 2015, at 5:58 PM, Mike Greenway k...@bellsouth.net
 wrote:
 
  I some have old style Cadwell that require lighting off with a torch.
 I have had them for many years and apparently the chemical mixture has
 gotten too old to fire off as I tried one today and just no reaction. Has
 anyone run

Topband: CADWELL

[Mike Greenway]

For all that responded thanks for the input.  I took another canister of the 
igniter/powder and this time looked closely at the bottom of the pile that was 
dumped.  There appear to be a few granules that are at the bottom that are a 
little larger ie 1/8 inch maybe that must be the igniter.  I don’t recall 
seeing this on the first canister.  This time I used a flint lighter that was 
used in the old school days of lighting a propane torch.  It took off like a 
scalded dog and I see why they have gone to an electric igniters on the newer 
models.  You could get seriously burned if you are not cautious. 

Now I just need a canister of the material to replaced the one that more of 
less went to waste.  That is probably something I will never find but who 
knows.  Anyway first ground rod done.
73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: CADWELLS

[Mike Greenway]

I some have old style Cadwell that require lighting off with a torch.  I have 
had them for many years and apparently the chemical mixture has gotten too old 
to fire off as I tried one today and just no reaction. Has anyone run into this 
before?  Don’t guess there anything easily mixed up to replace the thermo 
compound.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Grounds

[Mike Greenway]

I am building a new two wire beverage and have built many in the past that 
seemed to work okay but I am paying close attention to detail on this one.  I 
have a couple of questions to start.  Most all agree that the antenna xfmr 
ground and and the coax ground should be separate.  How much distance between 
the two ground point is recommended for this?  Also is there a problem using 
the same ground for both coax feeds?  ON4UN recommends a common mode choke 
about 15 feet away from the feed point but at present I am not installing those 
yet.
73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Radial Question

[Mike Greenway]

My 160 vertical is right up against the house so I have used “under the house” 
radials for years.  The basement is not finished out so I just tacked them to 
the floor joist with a staple gun and brought them back to a central point at a 
window just adjacent to the tower and drilled a hole through the window frame 
large enough to handle some larger wire which connected to the ground radial 
system.  As time went on I put aluminum screen wire along the joist and 
connected that into the radial system.  I have had this system in place over 25 
years.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Digial mode spurious issues

[Mike Greenway]

I don’t am still puzzled why the digital modes decided to use the 1837 to 1839 
area with the size of the 160 M band. I know the SSB guys use a lot of the 
1840-1900 area but 1900 to 2000 is usable isn’t it?  I rarely hear much up 
there and 3 or 4 khz up there would never be missed.  Probably not an answer 
but it has seemed strange to me since they started operating in that area.  
Some of their signals are bone crushing and wide.  73 Mike K4PI

From: topband-requ...@contesting.com 
Sent: Tuesday, December 31, 2013 12:00 PM
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Topband Digest, Vol 132, Issue 30

Send Topband mailing list submissions to
topband@contesting.com

To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
topband-requ...@contesting.com

You can reach the person managing the list at
topband-ow...@contesting.com

When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
than Re: Contents of Topband digest...


Today's Topics:

   1. Digital mode spurious issues (Tom W8JI)
   2. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Mike Waters)
   3. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Jim Brown)
   4. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Richard (Rick) Karlquist)
   5. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Joe Subich, W4TV)
   6. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Charlie Cunningham)
   7. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Jim Brown)
   8. Re: [CQ-Contest]  Stew Perry Streaming Audio (Herb Schoenbohm)
   9. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Grant Saviers)
  10. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (W2RU - Bud Hippisley)
  11. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Mike Waters)
  12. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Charlie Cunningham)
  13. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (JC N4IS)
  14. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Mike Waters)
  15. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Tom W8JI)
  16. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Charlie Cunningham)
  17. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Steven Raas)
  18. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Mike Waters)
  19. Re: Stew Perry Streaming Audio (Shoppa, Tim)
  20. CA/OR/AZ activity during Stew Perry - anecdotal data (Barry N1EU)
  21. Re: Digital mode spurious issues (Tom W8JI)


--

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2013 12:11:49 -0500
From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
To: Topband topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Digital mode spurious issues
Message-ID: AB0B5258E3B345428ADE0FAFD65179C0@MAIN
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-1;
reply-type=response

I have not been on the air for a year or so, but decided to get back on. I 
was listening to a DX station around 1833 when a digimode station up roughly 
around 1837 came on with a LSB spurious signal on 1833. His signal was a 
series of slowly changing stepped tones. I don't know what mode that was. 
His unwanted sideband suppression was about 40 dB, but that was not nearly 
enough. He was 15 dB out of noise with his unwanted sideband.

Does anyone know of a universal software to decode signals? Since the FCC 
does not require a CW ID, I think that is the only way to identify stations.

I assume:

1.) Operators are unlikely to accept they have a problem if they are getting 
good reports on the intentional signal

2.) Some rigs just should not be used for digimodes (this was a sideband 
suppression issue)

3.) Those who unwisely placed digimode subbands next to popular weak signal 
areas, especially when sideband selection produces a supurious that falls in 
weak signal areas, are unlikely to rethink the poor placement or poor advice 
on selecting sidebands

4.) With a little work to convince them, most digital ops with radio 
problems would avoid operating

73 Tom 



--

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 30 Dec 2013 12:30:34 -0600
From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com
To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
Cc: Topband topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Digital mode spurious issues
Message-ID:
ca+fxyxj7jeqkdttr1bwswzu-zjsc0h79yn8hhjdfjks+xlz...@mail.gmail.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Tom,

I believe the mode that operates at 1873-1838 is JT65, and WSJT is needed
to decode it. I never tried it. It was developed by K1JT for weak-signal
and EME work.
http://www.physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/K1JT/wsjt.html

A common scenario with digital modes is that the audio into the mic input
is too high, causing unwanted spurs.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com


On Mon, Dec 30, 2013 at 11:11 AM, Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com wrote:

 ... a digimode station up roughly around 1837 came on with a LSB
 spurious signal on 1833. His signal was a series of slowly changing
 stepped tones. I don't know what mode that was. His unwanted sideband
 suppression was about 40 dB, but that was not nearly enough. He was 15 dB
 out of noise with his unwanted sideband.

 Does anyone know of a universal software to decode signals? Since the FCC
 does not 

Topband: PHASING SHUNT FED TOWERS

[Mike Greenway]

I did try it with two shunt fed towers on 160 meters 1/4 apart using a 
Wilkinson power divider and had little success and then read in ON4UN’s Lowband 
 book that phasing shunt fed tower was very difficult if possible at all.  You 
might take a look at his book and see if those comments are still there.  73 
Mike K4PI
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: RG6 BEV

[Mike Greenway]

Thanks for all the input, the one thing I did not see staring me in the face 
was the fact that RG6 is used instead of wire.  That answers all my questions 
as I thought there was just a single wire there and could not figure out how 
that was possible.  73 Mike K4PI
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: ALUMANIZED STEEL

[Mike Greenway]

I know some use steel wire on there beverages but I see that Tractor Supply 
offers steel coated with aluminum.  Anyone used this before for very long 
beverages?  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: ALUMINUM

[Mike Greenway]

From some feedback on the aluminum coated steel, I am thinking about trying 
some regular aluminum, 14 gauge.  Anyone got a downside to this?  Price, 
weight, conductivity are good and little if any stretch.  I will use aluminum 
screws and nuts on the end terminations with No Ox.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Z81Z

[Mike Greenway]

I see that K4ZW is in Z81 for a week or so.  He mentions doing low band but 
wondered if anyone had more info as to whether he might have an amp with him 
for 160 and freq he might be using.  Would really love to work this one on 160. 
 I know he is a good low band op.  I sent him an email but not sure if he is 
picking up his email while he is there.  
73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: TOPBAND DINNER

[Mike Greenway]

I saw GU4YOX mention the Dayton Topband dinner and was wondering if there might 
be an announcement coming out soon for ticket sales.  73 Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: HS0ZEE SUMMARY

[Mike Greenway]

HI Bob, basically most agree he cannot hear due to local noise etc.  I knew 
he was spending a lot of time on 160 and thought maybe someone on the east 
coast might have worked him.  73 Mike K4PI


-Original Message- 
From: Bob Garrett

Sent: Friday, February 01, 2013 4:59 AM
To: 'Mike Greenway'
Subject: RE: Topband: THANKS

Mike,

Do share a summary with the group please.  I'd bet more than 99% of us still
need HS.  73, Bob K3UL 


_
Topband Reflector

Topband: HS0ZEE

[Mike Greenway]

Anyone on the East coast had any luck working HS0ZEE on Top?  I have listened 
to him often on 30 M and he seems to have some trouble hearing and wondered if 
his RX was any better on Top.  Any details appreciated if a QSO was made.  73 
Mike K4PI
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: THANKS

[Mike Greenway]

Thanks to all for the great input on HS0..  73
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Power Line Noise Detecting

[Mike Greenway]

If I didn’t say it, what it tried to say was if I hear the arc 100% this 
pole has a problem.  The antenna on the Ultrasonic has a  very very narrow 
pickup range and you have to move very slowly over every piece on the pole. 
If I don't hear the arc there could still be a problem on the pole although 
I have not run into this case yet.  Radar Engineers makes an expensive model 
for the power companies  http://radarengineers.com/rfitvi.htm#spark


Agreed on the radio to get to the area. I use a Radio Shack Aircraft band 
with a 3 ele yagi.  73 Mike



-Original Message- 
From: Tom W8JI

Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2013 7:10 AM
To: THOMAS M GREENWAY ; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Power Line Noise Detecting


Good job up to the last step. After getting where I think I have the pole
with the VHF TRF receiver I use a Ultrasonic detector that was shown in QST
by W1TRC. It will enable you to 100 % verify the problem is on the pole you
suspect.

That isn't actually 100% verification, or even near 100%.

Most RFI generating arcs make broadband acoustical noise, but not all of
them. No single method is ever 100%.

I would guess ultrasonic is around 80% or so, and it still takes a radio
to get to the pole.


___
Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge coming on December 29th.

Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 119, Issue 24

[Mike Greenway]

Keep me posted as I need that on 80 and 160 but would be happy for just 80
Will be in the CQ WW this weekend.  Got a HI Z 8 vert array going at the 
farm.. Sound pretty good..


-Original Message- 
From: topband-requ...@contesting.com

Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2012 12:00 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband Digest, Vol 119, Issue 24

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Today's Topics:

  1. Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Martin)
  2. Re: Converting a full-size G5RV to a T for 160m
 (Michael G. Carper)
  3. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Jim Brown)
  4. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Tom W8JI)
  5. XW2CW (George)
  6. Re: XW2CW (George)
  7. Re: Toroidal common mode choke (ZR)
  8. KD9SV Dual Band Pre-Amp and F.E.S. (Rick Arzadon)
  9. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Jim Brown)
 10. Looking to improve TX antenna Efficiency (Steven Raas)
 11. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Jim Brown)
 12. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Thomas Herrmann)
 13. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Martin)
 14. Re: Toroidal common mode choke (Tom W8JI)
 15. antenna wire (Jorge Diez - CX6VM)
 16. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Tom W8JI)
 17. Re: antenna wire (Shoppa, Tim)
 18. Re: Toroidal common mode choke (donov...@starpower.net)
 19. 2011 ARRL 160 Meter Contest Certificates (Kutzko, Sean, KX9X)
 20. Re: Where to ground the Beverage feedline? (Herb Schoenbohm)


--

Message: 1
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 18:33:19 +0100
From: Martin dm...@t-online.de
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Where to ground the Beverage feedline?
Message-ID: 50aa6d5f.7060...@t-online.de
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-15; format=flowed

Topbanders,
please comment on this :
The feedline of a beverage is buried all the way from the feedpoint to
the shack. There it goes up vertically about 5meters, enters the shack
side by side with other feedlines and is- after about another 5meters  -
connected to the radio .
The cable is fitted with a common mode choke near the radio.

Where should i ground the feedline? Is it a good idea to ground it where
it comes off of the soil? Should it ( additionally) be grounded at the
radio? Should i install another common mode choke at the feedpoint?

All comments welcome.

--

Ohne CW ist es nur CB..

73, Martin DM4iM


--

Message: 2
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:17:12 -0500
From: Michael G. Carper m...@wa9pie.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Converting a full-size G5RV to a T for 160m
Message-ID: 006501cdc68a$7b7d05f0$727711d0$@wa9pie.net
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

Thanks for all the replies.  I've also found this article by AD1B in CQ from
1995 to be helpful.

http://techdoc.kvindesland.no/radio/antennas/20061010171110285.pdf

Thus far, the (102') G5RV is up at about 50' and I'm not using it in a T
configuration.  It's loading up on 160m like a regular G5RV.  I know that's
not optimal, BUT...

I only need 30 more countries on 160m for DXCC and we'll be moving by March.
So I'm not going to get all fancy with another inverted-L... or putting down
a full ground field.  I'll do the best I can to work 30 more with the G5RV
or by following the attached article.

Mike, WA9PIE


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Michael
G. Carper
Sent: Sunday, November 18, 2012 7:09 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Converting a full-size G5RV to a T for 160m

Hey guys.



I saw a few items in a Google search where guys had converted their
full-size G5RV into a T antenna on 160m.  It had something to do with adding
the obligatory counterpoise and shorting the feedline.  This would turn the
antenna from a horizontal radiator to a vertical radiator.



Anyone have any info on this?  Or can you refer me to a source?



Mike, WA9PIE

___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com



--

Message: 3
Date: Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:45:52 -0800
From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Where to ground the Beverage feedline?
Message-ID: 50aa8c70.7010...@audiosystemsgroup.com
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

On 11/19/2012 9:33 AM, Martin wrote:

Should i install another common mode choke at the feedpoint?


Absolutely!   And bond the shield to ground on both sides of the 

Topband: CABLE CHOICE

[Mike Greenway]

I am going to need to run a coaxial cable from a receiving system about 900 ft 
away from the shack.  My first thought was flooded RG6, Commscope F660BEF, 
which would appear to have about 4 db of loss but then thought possibly some 
flooded RG11, MaxPipe S1D60PN-O-R1K,  might be a little better.  I could not 
find any loss specs on it.  More money of course.  Any input on this one?  73 
Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: METAL DETECTOR

[Mike Greenway]

Has anyone had good success finding radials with a metal detector?  They are 
advertised as being able to find copper and aluminum.  W8JI described his 
method on of using a MFJ antenna analyzer connected through a transformer to 
the radial system and then using a small receiver with a loop to track the 
signal.  That should work but I was interested in trying the metal detector 
idea if anyone has had any success.  73 Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: TT8TT

[Mike Greenway]

If you still need TT on Topband, as I do, please go to 
http://www.i2ysb.com/joomla5/ and vote in their band needed survey to show you 
need them on 160.  Often the AF expeditions will shy away from Topband stating 
“too much QRN” but hopefully this one will hang in there.  73 Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Beverage Antenna;

[Mike Greenway]

Guy, yes I am using WD1A on a 800 ft reversible around 12 high that has helped 
me work some tough ones in both directions E-W.  I am using KD9SVs matching 
units.  I have nothing to compare it with right now.  73 Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Mother of all ferrite common-mode coaxial chokes

[Mike Greenway]

Just a note about something in this same vein that I ran into recently with 
leakage in cables with BNC connectors.  I bought some 3 ft jumpers made up 
with BNC connectors and the connector has no tension when connecting to a 
BNC jack and once in a while I have to reseat the connector to try and get 
the connection back.  How I noticed it was on a panadapter you could see 
images start to ingress  Also on a antenna connection I was getting some 
hash from a switching supply in the receiver and reseating the BNC would 
clear thing up.  Amphenol and good quality BNC's have some resistance when 
rotating the BNC ring and they are tight.  The ones if have take very light 
torque at all to rotate and hence they are not always making a solid 
connection.  They have no band marking so my guess is they are out of BY. 
There is one major manufacturer using these right now but are soon to 
replace them.  73 Mike K4PI 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Progress with ugly computer noise

[Mike Greenway]

Be careful with UPS units as I have seen them cause more problems noise wise 
that computers.  A friend of mine had a really bad one he had to unplug to 
operate on any band.  Everything was clean once he got rid of that thing.. 73 
Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.

[Mike Greenway]

I wondered how long it would take before they started selling some RFI 
generating lighting.  Soon we can have a complete neighborhood of RFI from 
just lights.   I am sticking with incandescent.  I have enough stock to last 
the rest of my lifetime.HI.  Some years my employer opted to go with some 
new high efficiency fluorescent lighting and it blanked every AM radio in 
the 5 story building.  73 Mike K4PI

-Original Message- 
From: Jim F.
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2012 11:21 AM
To: top Band
Subject: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.







I bought two  LED  40 watt equivalent 110V. light bulbs from Home Depot that 
use
only 9 watts of power, for $9.99 ea.

They seemed like a good deal but cause noise interference on 160m and the FM 
radio band.
(I did not try other bands.)

I like the bulbs but best use them away from your radio station and have 
someone turn them off and on while monitoring your favorite 
frequencies/bands.

73,

jim / W1FMR
___
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Need advice for K3 and RX BC AM

[Mike Greenway]

I use my K3 on the AM 550 - 1700 MW broadcast by just turning the width to 5 
KHhz and selecting the AM mode .  I do turn the PREAMP and receive most 
station fairly well but if you are serious about the MW area outside the ham 
bands you will probably need the General Coverage module installed.  Of 
course you do need a good antenna, beverage, LW etc the low bands either 
way.  The K3 is basically a ham bands only radio as it comes.
73 Mike K4PI

-Original Message- 
From: Bill Cromwell
Sent: Monday, March 12, 2012 10:28 AM
To: Topband Reflector
Subject: Re: Topband: Need advice for K3 and RX BC AM

On Mon, 2012-03-12 at 16:09 +0700, Jo, YC0LOW wrote:
 My Elecraft K3 has no AM filters installed. I tried to RX AM broadcast
 stations on MW band but had no success.
 I'd be grateful if you could advice me to add it on, or, is there a way to
 do it as is, now pse?
 I need it as features to check the 160m RX antenna directions in the 
 coming
 YB8Y DXpedition (OC-221, GL PI64mh) starts in March 20th. 2012 .

 Tnx es 73 de Jo, YC0LOW
 ___
 UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Hi Jo,

I am not familiar at all with the K(n) radios. Rick has suggested that
your radio is not going to hear very much below the 160 meter band due
to filtering. But - the way to copy AM with an SSB only receiver is to
tune only one sideband. On AM we usually tune with the carrier in the
center of our AM passband with both sidebands and no BFO. In SSB mode
tune in the station so it's carrier is zero beat with your BFO. One
sideband will then fall into your filter's passband and will be
demodulated for you. It should also activate your S-meter. Without the
board that Rick has describe this may not work for you at all.

SWL operators use the BFO to help with reception of distant SW broadcast
stations on AM.

73,

Bill  KU8H

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Noise problem question

[Mike Greenway]

The W1TRC unti is very, very sharp with the parabolic reflector.  The one I 
saw mentioned earlier as a Bat detector kit does not appear that it would be 
directive enough but the W1TRC is super effective.  The signature is very 
subtle and you have to be right on the bad component.  I have compared it 
with the commercial Radar Engineer units that the power companies use and it 
is almost identical in pinpointing the defective part on the pole.  Not that 
we have to do that but when you hear the arc signature on the pole you know 
you have the right one.  I have had occasions when it would appear a pole 
was bad but no arc signature and it would turn out to be another pole 
adjacent.  It is possible for the arc to be covered or on top when the unit 
cannot detect it but it has worked 100% for me.  They power company uses a 
Ultrasonic unit that is on a pole where they can sniff around once on top of 
the pole.  73 Mike K4PI

-Original Message- 
From: W2PM
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2011 8:37 AM
To: mikefur...@att.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com ; k...@k3lr.com ; Chet ; Lee Ward
Subject: Re: Topband: Noise problem question

I'm not sure this would be useful as it seems not to be very directionally 
sharp.  The ultrasonic device would be the last step in positively 
identifying the source of the arcing so it necessarily means it has to be 
extremely sharp. Less than 3 degree sense zone. You can get reasonable 
sharpness at 400 MHz AM with a 5 or 6 element handheld Yagi by the way but 
not sharp enough to point to actual source component up one the tower or 
pole.

On high tension towers there are banks of insulators so the gapping noise is 
likely from one of those, not the whole bank. This is why you have to narrow 
it down.  IF you're lucky and have an honest and competent power company 
they'll do it and just pointing them to a specific pole or tower is fine. 
They'd appreciate it (but make sure you get them all before calling them 
in!)

A final note, based on my extensive working with ARRL on this topic it is 
clear the industry and FCC doesn't look at solving these things in weeks. 
Months minimally and often more than a year.  FCC moves very very slowly and 
the office which handles this has been reassigned at time to other projects 
taking them off all amateur enforcement  for months at a clip.  That will 
only get worse with diminishing budgets. I

Sent from my iPad

On Dec 22, 2011, at 7:53, mikefur...@att.net wrote:

 I have one of these units ... http://pw1.netcom.com/~t-rex/ ... A nifty
 device. I purchased the complete
 unit as a kit about 7 years ago for around $40 plus shipping. I have never
 seen him advertise
 the kit, I found out about that after I contacted him. The gentleman that
 produces
 this kit is also a ham, a KC7  in Nevada. I added a $14 radio shack
 speaker/amplifier for
 all to hear. I have not used it to find noise, when the rain stops I'll 
 see
 how it does. I does have
 about a 150' to 200' detection range on the local bats depending as per my
 gain setting.

 73, Mike WA5POK

 -Original Message- 
 From: Tim Duffy K3LR
 Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 8:38 PM
 To: 'Chet' ; 'Lee Ward' ; topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Re: Topband: Noise problem question

 Hi Chet:

 Just add a l to the end

 http://www.midnightscience.com/ultrasonics.html

 I own one of these units - it is great for finding power pole problems.

 73,
 Tim K3LR

 -Original Message-
 From: topband-boun...@contesting.com 
 [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
 On Behalf Of Chet
 Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 8:01 PM
 To: 'Lee Ward'; topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Re: Topband: Noise problem question

 The link noted below does not work for me.  I am using I E 8.

 I tried it 3 times.  Please post a better one if you have one

 73

 Chet N4FX

 -Original Message-
 From: topband-boun...@contesting.com 
 [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
 On Behalf Of Lee Ward
 Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 8:27 PM
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Re: Topband: Noise problem question

 Phil, W0XI, has put a kit ultrasonic detector on the market. Well worth
 looking into.

 http://www.midnightscience.com/ultrasonics.htm

 73, Lee, K0LW

 -Original Message-
 From: topband-boun...@contesting.com 
 [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
 On Behalf Of W2PM
 Sent: Wednesday, December 21, 2011 4:04 PM
 To: John G3PQA
 Cc: David Raymond; topband@contesting.com; Jon Zaimes AA1K; W5UN
 Subject: Re: Topband: Noise problem question

 I have used one which the ARRL RF lab brought down here to address a very
 serious problem.  We were able to identify the BOLT on the insulators 
 where
 arcing was coming from, photograph it, attach both the audio file and the
 spectral display unique to each offender and the power company still
 reneged. Until FCC saw this and that was the end of the power company
 resistance. Problem fixed.   Those devices are not easy to aim however. 

Topband: Topband Noise noise question

[Mike Greenway]

There have been two well written construction articles by W1TRC in QST...Jim 
Hanson, W1TRC, author of A Home-made Ultrasonic Arc Detector QST Apr 2006 and 
“Adapting a Three Element Tape Measure Beam For Power LIne Noise Hunting”  QST 
May 2007.   FAR circuits sells the board for the Ultrasonic detector.  Once you 
hear the arc on the detector there is no denying there is a problem with the 
pole.  Using the VHF unit to get to the pole and then using the Ultrasonic is a 
killer combination.  I have found dozens and dozens of bad poles in the last 
few years but unfortunately they just keep coming.  If you are plagued by power 
line noise having the combination of units is a must to help pinpoint the bad 
pole and the Ultrasonic detector will show you which item on the pole is the 
culprit.  Dry weather is needed for successful tracking of arcs on power poles. 
 73 Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: MORE T8 INFO T8CW

[Mike Greenway]

Hi Mike,

Now in palau rolling blackouts, the power failure time of hotel area is 11:00 
to 15:00.
I can not QRV in a good time zone, but I do QRV at the time before and behind 
that.

I stay palau between Dec. 22 and Jan 9.
Though regrettable, a power failure continues all the time among the length of 
stay.
However,　I expect to still go well. 

Thank you 73
Ryosei Aimiya
T8CW/JH0IXE 
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: EK0HBN QSL Information

[Mike Greenway]

It looks like a busted call for IK0HBN who is active on 160..73

-Original Message- 
From: Herb Schoenbohm 
Sent: Saturday, December 17, 2011 10:54 AM 
To: TopBand List 
Subject: Topband: EK0HBN QSL Information 

Please does any member of this list have any information on the QSL 
route for EK0HBN?  QRZ.com comes up em,pty and LOTW deson't have any 
uploads.


*Call sign* *Worked* *Date/Time* *Band* *Mode* *Freq* *QSL*
Details https://p1k.arrl.org/lotwuser/qsodetail?qso=314590912 KV4FZ 
EK0HBN 2010-12-18 23:56:18 160M CW 1.82603 
Details https://p1k.arrl.org/lotwuser/qsodetail?qso=359374097 KV4FZ 
EK0HBN 2010-12-18 23:56:00 160M CW 1.826 



Please send me anything you might have on this new one for me.


Thanks,


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: T8CC

[Mike Greenway]

Anyone on the east coast USA hearing T8CC on Topband?
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: WD1A

[Mike Greenway]

I wonder if anyone knows how to reach W5UN?  He made a post concerning his 
problems with WD1A breaking inside the insulation and was wanting to find out 
if he thought it was a corrosion or tension problem. I tried the email he used 
to make the post several times but no response.  Has anyone else had problems 
with WD1A breaking?  I plan to try a 2 wire bev using the WD1A but if is 
troublesome I may opt for something else.  73 Mike K4PI
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK