Re: Topband: remotes

[mstangelo]

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Re: Topband: Remotes

[mstangelo]

The art of working DX has been going downhill for years. I would not allow 
spotting.

Mike N2MS

> On 02/05/2024 1:11 PM EST David Raymond  wrote:
> 
>  
> We've seen the same thing the past few days with people using RHR to 
> work the current 7O2WX operation.  Of course, I'm sure they will be 
> claiming it for their DXCC, which at one time was the world's most 
> prestigious and sought after amateur radio award. Between remote 
> operation and digital contacts not having their own category, the once 
> coveted DXCC award has become essentially irrelevant and meaningless.  
> Although solutions are comparatively simple, unfortunately, no one at HQ 
> seems interested in fixing it.
> 
> 73. . . Dave, W0FLS

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Re: Topband: Lack of DX CW Activity

[mstangelo]

I've been following this thread. Do you know why FT-8 is so popular. I remember 
what a salesman told me years ago "You bought the radio. Now what are you going 
to do with it?" Let me explain.

As a teenager in Queens, New York I bought my equipment from Lafayette Radio. I 
saved up enough money to buy a serious radio, a Lafayette HA-350 that I got on 
a sale price. After getting it he asked me  "You bought the radio. Now what are 
you going to do with it?" and explained Hams rarely consider the environment 
that they intend to use the radio. Since many Hams in the city lived in 
apartments or has postage stamp lots he sold them am antenna that at least 
would get them started. I popular one was Hustler whips, I forgot the others. 
We were moving to the suburbs and told him I would select an antenna once there.

Years later I got married and in we bought a house in Queens on a postage size 
lot. It was in a quiet residential area and the utilities were underground. 
Looking back the noise level was low. I could not get up a 160 antenna so I 
concentrated on Low Frequency and NDB DX'ing.

I followed my job to New Jersey and and able to buy an acre lot in horse 
country a couple of miles from the ocean. I bought an Elecraft K3 and started 
with an Inverted L against radials which I figured was the minimum needed for 
160. I noticed the noise level was getting higher than in Queens and it was 
harder and harder to work the weak signals. FT-8 came out. I tried out, did not 
like it. I consider it an ersatz mode and as a rule don't operate with a 
computer. I still do paper logging. I am retired so what to do?

I found out I don't like sitting around for extended lengths of time. We spend 
lots of time at the beach and parks so I started to do lots of portable 
operation; I find a quiet place at the beach or park and operate there. I am 
amazed at the low noise levels. I haven't operated 160 portable but are 
thinking of ideas.

Getting outdoors also makes the hobby more palatable with my wife. She says Ham 
radio could provide good mental exercise but is a sedentary hobby, bad for 
physical health.

Enjoy what gives you satisfaction but keep it legal.

Mike N2MS





> On 01/06/2024 1:35 AM EST David Raymond  wrote:
> 
>  
> I don't know if I would call it lazy but it certainly is a matter of 
> ease and convenience.  Just look at all the new expeditions that focus 
> primarily, if not exclusively, on FT-8.  No need to for seasoned, highly 
> skilled, ace operators to dig out weak calls signs from huge CW piles 
> which sound like a swarm of buzzing mosquitos. . . or SSB piles for that 
> matter.  My 11 year old great nephew could run the piles once things got 
> set up.
> 
> 73. . . Dave, W0FLS
>

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Re: Topband: Timor Leste Nov 17 ( Dietmar Kasper)

[mstangelo]

Jim,

You should have stayed in Illinois and bought some farmland downstate on the 
Mississippi.

I moved from a city lot in New York to an acre lot in New Jersey a couple of 
miles from the ocean. When I moved here 23 years ago I was surrounded by 
gentleman farmers and noise level much lower . I was was successful on 160 with 
100 watts and an inverted L against radials. The noise level has steadily 
increased and some farms have been replaced by townhouses.

73 Mike N2MS


> On 11/16/2023 3:19 PM EST Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
>  
> On 11/16/2023 10:07 AM, Salvatore Borace wrote:
> > Hi Dietmar, dont pay attention for many lazy people want FT8
> 
> Salvatore,
> 
> FT8 is a weak signal mode, providing the advantage of about 15 dB more 
> noise rejection than CW. From my QTH near San Francisco, I haven't heard 
> EU on CW for 3 years; in 8 years, I've heard 6 EU stations, and two have 
> heard me. When I moved here from Chicago in 2006, I was able to work EU 
> on CW. The difference is MUCH louder noise on both ends of the QSO.
> 
> All with the same TX and RX antennas, including a 100 ft Tee-vertical, a 
> 550 ft Beverage to EU, and a two-element array of phased loops spaced 
> 5/8 wavelength.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC

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Re: Topband: E51D on 160 Tonight

[mstangelo]

One should not condemn the people but the leaders who are pushing the 
aggression. We don't know what the politics of the station operators. 

Scientific endeavors should supersede politics.

We are still operating the International Space Station with the Russians.

Benjamin Franklin know the importance of Cooks's expeditions and asked the 
Colonial sea captains to respect this voyage, See item 6: 



Mike N2MS


> On 08/31/2023 5:09 AM EDT Jim Brown  wrote:
> 
>  
> On 8/30/2023 11:24 PM, uy0zg via Topband wrote:
> > War does not change people at all.
> 
> Here, it has strengthened the Ukrainian people.
> 
> I will not work RU stations until this aggression ends.
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC

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Re: Topband: WSPR results after one month

[mstangelo]

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Re: Topband: WSPR and topband

[mstangelo]

I believe they received special authorization.

Mike N2MS
> On 04/27/2023 12:31 PM klie...@myfairpoint.net wrote:
> 
>  
> If no beacons are allowed below 10M, somebody better inform these folks:
> https://www.ncdxf.org/beacon/
> From the above website:
> 
> Each beacon transmits once on each band once every three minutes, 24 hours a 
> day.
> 
> A transmission consists of the callsign of the beacon sent at 22 words per 
> minute followed by four one-second dashes.
> 
> The callsign and the first dash are sent at 100 watts. The remaining dashes 
> are sent at 10 watts, 1 watt and 100 milliwatts.
> 
> At the end of each 10 second transmission, the beacon steps to the next 
> higher band and the next beacon in the sequence begins transmitting.
> 
> 73 Kriss KA1GJU
>  
> 
>  
> 
> 
> 
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Re: Topband: European broadcast stations

[mstangelo]

I enjoyed listening to the LW stations but unfortunately they are disappearing:

 On 04/03/2023 8:31 AM David Olean  wrote:
> 
>  
> Hello Michael
> 
> I have an old Bendix MN-26C Aircraft Navigation receiver and use it in 
> my workshop that also doubles as my 160 meter ham shack. Of course, I 
> use my Beverage wires on the BC band and have listened to LW broadcasts 
> from Europe.  Over the last few years, many of the stations have 
> disappeared, but the last time I tried it, I could hear Droitwich in 
> England (BBC)  and another station in Iceland. The Icelandic station 
> played all sorts of stuff including rock n' roll. Both stations were in 
> the 200+ kHz range. I used to hear many more stations around Europe and 
> even the middle East and North Africa. Signals vary a lot depending on 
> conditions, just like 160 meters! Droitwich and Iceland were quite 
> listenable at times.
> 
> 73
> 
> Dave K1WHS
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Re: Topband: FAA, Tower Painting

[mstangelo]

Government usually does not unilaterally propose anything, except raining 
taxes. The proposal comes from a lobbying group representing an industry or a 
organization.

Who is pushing this effort, the crop dusting industry?

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Wes Stewart 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 19 Jul 2016 04:35:12 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: FAA, Tower Painting

That's redundant.

On 7/18/2016 7:04 PM, Hugh Valentine wrote:
> government stupidity

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Re: Topband: Working Europe

[mstangelo]

I totally agree with Jim. We should use the band and not limit our QSo's to 
contesting or hunting DX.

One of my goals in to work WAS QRP. When I have the time (and willpower) I get 
up around dawn to operate 160. I usually hear domestic stations calling DX.

If they don't have any success I call them running QRP. Sometimes it results in 
a nice ragchew. We discuss DX, or the lack of it and our antennas.

Get on the air.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: James Rodenkirch 
To: Top Band Contesting 
Sent: Fri, 01 Jul 2016 23:22:43 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Working Europe

Mike: I would posit we - the "top band community" - need to promote increased 
operations -- fuggedabout "decent rx antennas" --- just get more hams 
operating on top band:

- emphasize the Maunder minimum
- emphasize the rise of efficiency of small lot antennas, as a resulting 
"benefit"
- emphasize the benefits of a new low band rcv arrays

It's about encouraging hams to explore top band, as the "minimums" descend on 
us.not, necessarily, encouraging "ultimate stations" --- i.e., get 'em on 
the band..

71.5/72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV

Guy said:

>There is the issue of when people are actually listening on 160. *Sounds*
dead because no one is there.

...AND THEN there is the issue of when people *can* actually listen; by
that I mean, they have a decent rx antenna at their disposal.

I've noticed quite a few locals (W1) with increasing interest in 160. The
low-space rx antenna options out there are attracting interest. This is
good. Bring on the minimum.

Mike N1TA
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Re: Topband: WSPR during eclipse

[mstangelo]

You may want to check out the excellent WSPR kit selection from QRP Kits:



Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: lstosk...@cox.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: topband-requ...@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 31 May 2016 16:38:25 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: WSPR during eclipse

Totally agree.  I'm thinking of putting together some cheap Part 15 
transmitters for the two "new" bands and setting them up as I drive up to 
totality.  Or sending them out to some friends along the path and recording on 
WSPR-X.  If the new $5 Rasp Pi modules come out in time I'm willing to bet that 
they might almost be the whole rigwith a bit of oomph added.  No need to go 
get them after the big show.

I was at the one in Munich some years ago.  A show not to be missed.  Even 
though it rained a few minutes into totality as the temp fell and let the sky 
loose!

N0UU


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Re: Topband: VK0EK confirmation

[mstangelo]

Jim,

This outburst is unnecessary and goes against the spirit of Amateur radio and 
the Topband.

A operator's participation should not depend on any donation from any 
"sponsors".

This is also unprofessional. One should never embarrass a person when 
discussing or debating an issue. I was taught this in my engineering education 
it has been reinforced many times in my career.

I think you owe SP6AEG and SP6EQZ an apology.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Jim Brown 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 18 Apr 2016 16:05:35 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: VK0EK confirmation

On Mon,4/18/2016 2:56 AM, Andrzej_SP6AEG wrote:
> Courtesy of my friend  Wlodzimierz Herej SP6EQZ paid a donation of $ 10  for
> VK0EK.

Sounds like you're one of the last of the big spenders!

> To this day I have not found confirmation of my QSO on LoTW?.
> I sent the payment on April 12, 2016
> Is the donation has been sent too late and the previous procedure does not
> work, can I do something wrong?.

Did you not read the VK0EK website?  Early LOTW confirmations would be 
sent to those who contributed BEFORE the expedition began. Like you, I 
waited until I had worked them on the boat on their way to Heard to send 
them $300. That's much more than I usually contribute to DX trips, but 
this was a VERY expensive one. I sent a check, and got a nice thank you 
note from KK6EK's XYL. She said I'll get my LOTW when Bob returns home.

> I guess I will have to again make fee to confirm my QSO using the form:
> https://shop.vk0ek.org/

It would be good for you to again make a contribution, increasing the 
size of your support. This was a VERY costly expedition.

> Thank you very much for having responded to my call, and especially to 160 m
> what  gave me 263 entities to 160 DXCC.

The way to say thank you is to send more money. :)

European hams got 52.5% of VK0EK QSOs, NA got 19.4%.  EU got 2,372 
Topband Q's, NA got 293 (I got one of them).  Many NA hams who DO 
contribute to these trips are getting more than a bit tired of hearing 
EU stations complaining about DXpeditions not working them but not 
sending money to support the costs.  Most NA hams are retired, so when 
we send money it is from our savings or our pensions.  Here's a partial 
list of the guys who paid for your QSO.

https://vk0ek.org/sponsors-3/

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: Low band antenna project questions

[mstangelo]

Gary,

I have an inverted L similar to this setup and it does a decent job on 160 
through 20 meters.

I put up an inverted L supported in trees because it fit he backyard layout. It 
is 5/16 long with a 50-55 foot vertical component.

I have 30 radials 70 feet long and 4 130 foot radials because this is what it 
into the yard. 

I only run 100 watts and use an MFJ-929 autotuner. 

I first started out with a 160 meter dipole at 50 feet and this inverted L 
performs much better.

I use one set of halyards for the supports over the trees and a second set of 
pulleys to support the L.  The L support lines have wood stump counterweights 
to allow for sway. I can easily lower the inverted L to prepare for a major 
storm.

Good luck with the installation.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: NC3Z Gary 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 07 Mar 2016 13:50:29 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: Low band antenna project questions

OK, still working on my permanent low band antenna and what I can fit 
for an effective antenna. The space I have is a recently cleared forest 
area. I had originally considered a full size loop but the best I could 
do is 50' high, although that would be a bit higher than my temporary 
dipole it is not much in the scheme of things. And I keep getting talked 
out of it.

I have walked the back many times with the tape measure and lines to see 
what I can fit, and what I can fit is a catenary line to support a T or 
L at 50' above ground. And after reading numerous articles the consensus 
was not to use radials much longer than the vertical height. I can 
easily fit 32 radials @ up to 75' each.

Now I want to be able to use this antenna for 80M as well as the non-DX 
portion of 160M. I can house a autotuner at the base (or make my own 
network but that would require control lines). My thinking is to make 
the 160M a 5/16 WL vs 1/4 to be more beneficial to 80M tuning without 
loosing anything on 160M.

With the above limitations is this an effective solution?
T or L ?
Am I missing anything?

Working on a RX antenna later.

-- 

Gary Mitchelson
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
_


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Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

[mstangelo]

James,

Let's assume region 1 and 3 allow high power SSB operation above 1.850 Mhz and 
CQ "recommends" that operators say above 1.850 Mhz and away from the 1.910 QRP 
or 1.995-2.000 experimental segments. Will contesters follow that 
recommendation? Probably not.

I base my conclusion on experiences with other bands. Contest operators usually 
work over existing QSO's and nets. Fortunately we have the WARC bands on HF 
where contests are not allowed.

The only way this would work is if CQ limits the SSB contest to a certain 
segment of 160 meters.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: James Rodenkirch 
To: mstang...@comcast.net
Cc: Top Band Contesting 
Sent: Tue, 01 Mar 2016 17:18:55 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

Appreciate the reminder re Region 2, Mike.but..will a "common plan" 
amongst all IARU regions, if not adhered to by participants (evidenced here in 
Region 2), be "worth the effort" to bring about???

Again, I am a newbie to 160 AND a QRP operator so DXCC entities, to me, mean 
anything west of the U.S., stopping just past HL/JA/VK lands.

P.S. I'm "new" sobe gentle in your replies!!


From: mstang...@comcast.net 
Sent: Tuesday, March 1, 2016 9:15 AM
To: James Rodenkirch
Cc: Top Band Contesting
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

That is the band plan for the US in ITU Region2.. The problem is different ITU 
regions and countries have different 160 meter assignments.

I common worldwide allocation will mitigate lots of these issues.

We should urge our IARU representatives to work towards a common 1.8 to 2 Mhz 
160 meter band at the next IARU conference.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: James Rodenkirch 
To: Top Band Contesting 
Sent: Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:31:16 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

>From what little I've read - I am a "newbie" to 160 meter operating,- I gather 
>a band plan carries little "weight," in the bigger schemes of things?

Below is the 160 band plan, courtesy of that august group, the ARRL:

160 Meters (1.8-2.0 MHz)
1.800 - 2.000 CW
1.800 - 1.810 Digital Modes
1.810 CW QRP
1.843-2.000 SSB, SSTV and other wideband modes
1.910 SSB QRP
1.995 - 2.000 Experimental
1.999 - 2.000 Beacons

.digital modes mean "what?" E.G., JT-9/65 found on 1.840 or so...
..SSB from 1.860 and up observed hourly, each day.



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Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

[mstangelo]

Don,

You efforts are appreciated. I can understand the hurdles involved.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Don Beattie 
To: mstang...@comcast.net, 'James Rodenkirch' 
Cc: 'Top Band Contesting' 
Sent: Tue, 01 Mar 2016 16:27:06 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

Mike - I agree the objective, but the reality is a little harder!

The 160 allocations across Europe, for example, vary widely. 1800-1810 is
not generally part of the allocated spectrum. Various countries have various
parts of the band with varying power privileges (you'll have seen
http://www.iaru-r1.org/index.php/documents/Documents/HF/160m-allocations-in-
IARU-R1-rev-7-Jan-2015.pdf/ I am sure )

IARU tried at WRC 2015 to get an agenda item for WRC 2019 on the global
harmonisation of the 160m band. We failed - there was simply not enough
support from national administrations, many of whom could not see the
priority. So although IARU can continue to seek harmonisation, the reality
is that this is not going to happen any time soon, sadly. 

73

Don, G3BJ / G5W (Presidnet IARU Region 1)


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
mstang...@comcast.net
Sent: 01 March 2016 16:15
To: James Rodenkirch 
Cc: Top Band Contesting 
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

That is the band plan for the US in ITU Region2.. The problem is different
ITU regions and countries have different 160 meter assignments.

I common worldwide allocation will mitigate lots of these issues.

We should urge our IARU representatives to work towards a common 1.8 to 2
Mhz 160 meter band at the next IARU conference.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: James Rodenkirch 
To: Top Band Contesting 
Sent: Tue, 01 Mar 2016 15:31:16 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Am I the only one in step?

>From what little I've read - I am a "newbie" to 160 meter operating,- I
gather a band plan carries little "weight," in the bigger schemes of things?

Below is the 160 band plan, courtesy of that august group, the ARRL:

160 Meters (1.8-2.0 MHz)
1.800 - 2.000 CW
1.800 - 1.810 Digital Modes
1.810 CW QRP
1.843-2.000 SSB, SSTV and other wideband modes
1.910 SSB QRP
1.995 - 2.000 Experimental
1.999 - 2.000 Beacons

.digital modes mean "what?" E.G., JT-9/65 found on 1.840 or so...
..SSB from 1.860 and up observed hourly, each day.



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Re: Topband: How can I tune an FCP without isolation transformer ???

[mstangelo]

Douglas,

Have you reviewed K9YC's slides 73 to 79 in this excellent presentation:



Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 01 Feb 2016 19:57:39 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: How can I tune an FCP without isolation transformer ???

Correction:

I mean i CAN NOT get an isolation transformer...

73Douglas, CO8DM

"No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna 
de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, 
de dormir, de todo." - Nikola Tesla
- Original Message - 
From: "Douglas Ruz (CO8DM)" 
To: 
Sent: Monday, February 01, 2016 2:49 PM
Subject: Topband: How can I tune an FCP without isolation transformer ???


Hi Topbanders,

I am building an Inv L for 160m with FCP.

As i can get an isolation transformer i will add a series loading coil 
(about 17uH) to my FCP and then an RF choke.

How can i tune my FCP + Loading coil ??...i need a balance between 
FCP+Loading coil and the Radiator.

Can i build 2 FCP with loading coils and tune like a dipole with my 
MFJ-259???...then remove one of the FCP´s or keep both.

Thoughts ??

73Douglas, CO8DM

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Re: Topband: CQ 160 CW Contest

[mstangelo]

Andy,

It is not clear to me; can a low Power or QRP operator use a remote rx within 
100km?

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Andy Blank 
To: Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
Cc: 160 
Sent: Wed, 27 Jan 2016 19:37:47 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: CQ 160 CW Contest

Jorge, this new rule is for SINGLE OPERATOR ASSISTED ONLY.

Multi ops, single ops are not allowed to use remote rx.

For those of you that did not follow the thread, this was in response to
some stations that requested a compromise.
We decided to allow it only for assisted operation.
This rule mirrors exactly the accomodation made for the Stew Perry contest.

To clarify, web SDRs are OK if they are in the 100km radius. One and only
one receiver can be used.
Anyone caught using receivers outside of these limits will be subject to
disqualification.

Reminder: Single Op Assisted is HIGH POWER only.
Low power stations get listed together for this category only.

Have fun in the contest, let's hope for some good conditions!
BTW, the rule for 5 day submission of logs is not all that new.
Please email your cabrillo logs ASAP after the contest.

All the information can be found at CQ160.com.


73, Andy N2NT
Director CQ160 Contest


On Wed, Jan 27, 2016 at 2:27 PM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
wrote:

> Hello,
>
> Just reading the rules, don`t like this, how they can control it?
>
> A new rule is added to allow the use of one and only one remote receiver
> located within 100KM of the main transmitter site. WebSDRs are OK, but must
> be located within the 100KM limit. The rule is designed to accommodate new
> technology, and for those who experience high noise levels at the
> transmitting site.
>
> Will not hurt nobody here, but for those that are playing for top scores
> maybe is a problem
>
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
>
>
>
> 2016-01-27 14:51 GMT-03:00 Tree :
>
> > Just a reminder that the biggest 160 meter contest is coming up this
> > weekend.  It starts at 2200 UTC on Friday and runs for 48 hours.
> >
> > Full rules can be found at http://www.cq160.com/.  Exchange is RST and
> > your
> > QTH for US/VE stations.  For DX - it is RST + CQ zone.
> >
> > One fairly new rule is that logs need to be submitted within 5 days of
> the
> > end of the contest (unless you ask for a waiver).
> >
> > Hope conditions are good.  The VP8 operation will likely resume either
> > during or after the contest.  I remember working VP8ORK during the 2011
> CQ
> > 160 contest - so it is possible to work DX during this contest.  ;-)
> >
> > 73 Tree N6TR/7
> > Hillsboro, OR
> > _
> > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> >
>
>
>
> --
> 73,
> Jorge
> CX6VM/CW5W
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Re: Topband: 79th Anniversary of my 1st Ham License

[mstangelo]

Paul,

Congratulations on the milestone. 

It is good to see you are still active.

Your setup makes good use of a small lot and should be an inspiration to others.

73 Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Paul Elliott 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 20 Jan 2016 06:35:24 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: 79th Anniversary of my 1st Ham License

My first ham license was dated January 19, 1937. I was 14 years old, a
sophomore in high school in Kingsville, Texas.  Parts from defunct Atwater
Kent AM receivers (all radios in those days were AM-no FM yet) to build a
two tube (types 57 and 56) regenerative receiver and a TNT (type 45 tube)
transmitter-all 40 meters. Key was a broken off piece of hacksaw blade
mounted on a piece of 1x4 pine board.  The Brandes earphones had external
connectors with the full plate voltage (about 100 vdc) of the receiver on
them.  Antenna was a piece of wire going out the window to a tree-highest
point about 15 feet. The ratio of QSOs to stations called was not very
great-but it was not zero.

My first ever DX contact was in August 1937 with VK2SS on 40m CW.  A WAG is
that I probably was running about 5 watts-was using a dial lamp to measure
(?) input current.  His QSL is in its own special frame hanging on my wall. 

QTH for the past 25 years has been a 120x120 foot lot, electrically quite
noisy, in Hobbs NM.  Two wire transmitting antennas.. An inverted L, about
3/8 wavelength on 160m, fed against what radials I could put down. Feedline
is 100 feet or so of 1" hardline. Using a homebrew tuner in the shack this
antenna is used on all 9 HF bands. The other is a 60 foot slanted dipole,
with open wire feedline and its own tuner.  It is used on 40m thru 10m.
Receiving antennas are two Ewes and a 100 foot wire two feet off the ground
next to a concrete block fence.  This piece of wire is a surprisingly good
receiving antenna sometimes.

About 20 years ago I started working on a WAS on 160 m.  After that I
started chasing DX.  Most of my operation is on CW but will use phone when
necessary.

Presently have 186 countries confirmed on 160 m, have 325 on160m thru 10m.

Time and life have taken their toll. It used to be CW at 35-40wpm.
Declining finger dexterity limits me to about 25 wpm while transmitting.
Time constants in the brain limit receiving to about the same range as
sending. At higher speeds I can still hear letters clearly-but they don't
melt together to make words.  Really simple, though-a man goes with what he
has.

My thanks to those on this forum who have been very kind to me over the
years.  Your kindness and expertise are not forgotten.

73  Paul W5DM

 

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Re: Topband: K5P good job !

[mstangelo]

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 



- Original Message -
From: Jim Brown 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 18 Jan 2016 01:54:50 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: K5P good job !

On Sun,1/17/2016 1:26 PM, Louis Parascondola via Topband wrote:
> I'd rather not say, I'm just citing that the ploy works.

When those who observe and are able to identify bad behavior are 
unwilling to "out" the bad guys, they keep on doing it.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: strange propagation

[mstangelo]

Let's all calm down.

I believe this latest tirade started with RHR. I may not elect to use it but 
anyone else is entitled to use the service.

We've survived Incentive Licensing, code free licenses, solid state radios and 
other changes. We will survive this change.

We should be tolerant as well as considerate.

Mike N2MS
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Re: Topband: Strange propagation

[mstangelo]

You could look at this in another way. 

Wasn't W!BB's location a the Water Tower an early form of RHR, except that he 
walked to the remote site instead of operating remotely.

Does anyone know if Stew made his DXCC solely from the Water tower site?

Did anyone else ever operate from the Water tower site?

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Herbert Schoenbohm 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 15 Jan 2016 01:14:05 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation

Jim,

  Artificial insemination is advanced technology also but pray tell me 
that it is more fun.  We are not taking about an either- or situation of 
"embracing progress in amateur radio" at all. What some of us eschew is 
the replacement of what was here to for a relatively stable paradigm and 
replacing it with something that is much different.  Stew Perry, W1BB, 
Charlie O Brien, W2EQS, and Bryce W9PNE did with what they had and made 
us proud of their accomplishments and contributions. Now Stew did not 
get in his car and use the super powered MacKay  coastal stations near 
by to work 160 meters. He took a right turn to his hamshack location at 
an old lighthouse, put up a zepp antenna,  and worked the first 160 
meter DXCC with 100 watts.  Some may call this "old school" but this is 
precisely what topbanders were all about. I hate to see this lost in 
`some pay to play scheme in the future.


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
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Re: Topband: Strange propagation - antenna suggestions

[mstangelo]

Dave,

I know your dilemma. In addition we are also getting older and most of us 
likely will have to downsize or relocate. 

I also like to build and fiddle around with my own station. Operating another 
person's not my cup of tea. RHR takes the Amateur out of Amateur radio for me.

I've learned to be adaptable. I'd look at putting up wire antennas and antennas 
which can be easily disassembled or moved.

I started in the hobby at my parent's house on the South Shore of Long Island. 
My budget was also limited at the time so I stuck to wire antenna. The area is 
susceptible to hurricanes so I decided to put my wire antennas on double 
halyards so that they could survive low winds and be easily taken down during a 
storm.

After college and was able to purchase decent equipment but I moved to Queens, 
New York to an "Archie Bunker" type house with a postage stamp size lot. I 
could not get an effective signal out on the HF bands. Since we frequented 
parks and beaches I concentrated on portable operation. This was effective on 
the higher HF bands but I still wanted to get back on 160.

I relocated to central New Jersey near the ocean and convinced my wife to get a 
house with an acre lot. Again, I decided to put up wire antennas for a 
different reason Our area does not have a history of hurricanes; I just did not 
want to go through the hassle of getting a town permit for a tower. My 
transmitting antenna is an Inverted-L about 60 feed high with 32 radials. I 
have various loop receiving antennas.

Anyway, along comes Hurricane Irene, a once-in-a-lifetime storm, followed the 
following year by Sandy. In both instances I was able to take down the antennas 
and get them back up after cleaning the yard. Fortunately I did not have major 
tree damage but I did have to relocate the far end of the L. In both cases I 
get the station running before power was restored.

It is not my ideal setup. I feel it is the minimum required for 160 meter 
operation but one has to make pragmatic decisions.

This is probably the largest lot I will ever have and since my daughter has one 
foot out of the house my wife is talking about downsizing. 

We'll try to get a place without restrictive covenants and in the meantime I'm 
studying designs for smaller transmitting antennas such as K9YC's "Getting on 
160 from a Small Lot (and Larger Ones Too)".

Good Luck.

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Dave Blaschke, w5un 
To: Carl Luetzelschwab ; topband 

Sent: Thu, Jan 14, 2016 1:15 am
Subject: Re: Topband: Strange propagation

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

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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[mstangelo]

I agree. This is my biggest gripe about contests, meaningless signal reports.

You hear SIG 599 PSE RPT. Any data sent which does not convey information is 
noise.

This turns off hams, and more importantly, prospective hams.

Hopefully we are using real signal reports during the Stew Perry contest. Stew 
would have wanted it that way.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Rob Atkinson 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 08 Jan 2016 14:12:31 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

I completely agree with Don on this.  the incessant and utterly
meaningless "599" or "59" because it is programmed in and the operator
too lazy to think about a real signal report makes the minimal value
of contests sink to zero.

They have become nothing more than a vehicle to keep the ham radio
economy running and the "play" part, after consumer hams have done the
plugging.

73

Rob
K5UJ


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Re: Topband: K1BB

[mstangelo]

Tree,

That was a very interesting article in 73 about Stew Perry.

They discussed the WARC bands. I remember when they were announced but I don't 
recall the proposal to expand the 160 meter band to  1750-2000 kHz.

Does anyone know why we didn't get the extra 50 kHz? Did the radionavigation 
services want to use it?

Mike N2MS 


- Original Message -
From: Tree 
To: g...@ka1j.com
Cc: 160 
Sent: Wed, 06 Jan 2016 15:30:43 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: K1BB

There is a copy of a CQ Magazine article on him that you can access from
the Stew challenge page:

http://www.kkn.net/stew/ - look just above the line before the results.

Tree

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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[mstangelo]

Tree,

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

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

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

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

Mike N2MS 

- Original Message -
From: Tree 

Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

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

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

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

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

Tree N6TR

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Re: Topband: re topband QRP

[mstangelo]

Jim,

I disagree. Since it is a category I find that some operators appreciate the 
information. It sometimes leads to a discussion about our setups.

With regards to miscopying someone. If you cannot intrepret the information 
sent because of a weak signal QRM or QRN you have not made a valid contact.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Jim Brown 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 25 Dec 2015 20:50:44 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: re topband QRP

On Fri,12/25/2015 12:24 PM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote:
> I operate QRP and normally give out that information as well as my power 
> levels after the signal report.

As a QRP op myself, I urge you to NOT do that. If I had worked to dig a 
weak signal out of the noise, I would interpret ANYTHING after R or TU 
as telling me I had miscopied something, and you are repeating 

73, Jim K9YC


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Re: Topband: re topband QRP

[mstangelo]

Tom,

I never sign callsign/QRP.

Information about your power level is not junk. It is information about a 
contest category.

What is junk is the erroneous 59 or 599 signal reports during mist other 
contests.

You should start a campaign to urge operators to send correct signal reports.

Mike N2MS

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Re: Topband: re topband QRP

[mstangelo]

Robb,

I operate QRP and normally give out that information as well as my power levels 
after the signal report.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Robb Webb Proprietor of Robb Webb Photography 

To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 25 Dec 2015 17:54:14 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: re topband QRP

So what should I sign 
G0URR/QRP/P
G0URR/P 

How else do I let you out there know I'm a QRP station. 

I will be on for tomorrow's Stew with an inverted L with a 30ft vertical 
portion 100ft above the sea on a cliff !! 

Hoping for good things

Robb 
G0URR 

Robb Webb Photography
Bringing Photography to life
Mobile: 07891 575892

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Re: Topband: F-type connectors transmitting question

[mstangelo]

Gary, Tom,

Thanks for the information. I will stick with the compression UHF connectors.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Tom W8JI 
To: Michael St. Angelo 
Sent: Sun, 20 Dec 2015 00:22:21 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: F-type connectors transmitting question

F11 will handle at least 3 kW outside in the air.

Don't worry about the braid. The foil plus braid is good enough. You'll 
never notice any radiation from it.


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Re: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors

[mstangelo]

Larry,

My cable company recently replaced the coax to my house.

The Compression type F connector they used had an additional rubber gasket on 
the front so that it would make a watertight seal to the lightning arrestor 
bulkhead.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Larry K4AB 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 16 Dec 2015 02:43:56 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors

I'm in the process of installing a receive 4 square for 160
using F type connectors and high quality flooded RG-6.

Do these things need additional weatherproofing?

As I recall all the many cable TV installations I have had
over the decades, done by major cable and satellite companies,
none have been weatherproofed.

If its good enough for those guys, at those frequencies,
shouldn't it be good for us at 1.8 MHz?


73,
Larry K4AB
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Re: Topband: Evolution

[mstangelo]

There is an Experimenter bacnd around 137kHz - 2200 Meters

I guess this would be the Tip Top band.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: W2RU - Bud Hippisley 
To: k...@myfairpoint.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 15 Nov 2015 23:33:39 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Evolution

On Nov 15, 2015, at 11:13 20AM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:
> 
> 160 meters is low band, does this make the 470 band  the "even lower band" ? 

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Re: Topband: RFI - and lots of it

[mstangelo]

My water meter is outside and the feed to the house is via plastic pipe.

My electrical panel ground is connected to the plumbing at the point closest to 
the electrical panel.

There is a piece of copper pipe soldered across the cold and hot water pipes 
near the water heater.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Tim Shoppa 
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 30 Oct 2015 18:47:57 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: RFI - and lots of it

I assumed the "central point" Jim was referring to, was a central point for
the plumbing. For the electrical side, this is a no brainer, it has to be
the entrance panel.

I have observed in my neighborhood, that the plumbing is usually bonded to
ground just after the water meter. That seems like a "central point" to me.
The bonding wire can be very long if the electrical service panel is on a
different side of the house than the water main.

My county's codes also requires that there be some kind of jumper for
ground outside the water heater between the cold in pipe and hot out pipe.
I don't know if this is a safety requirement or they are trying to divert
electrolysis to prolong life of the water heater.

I think other counties have a requirement that there be a similar jumper
around the water meter or around the shutoff valves near the water meter.
The folklore I've heard with that, is that this was needed when the
electrical code was OK with using cold water pipe as an electrical ground.

Tim.

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Re: Topband: interconnecting cables

[mstangelo]

They make BNC crimp connectors for RG-6. I've even seen them at Lowes.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Art Snapper 
To: 160 
Sent: Thu, 29 Oct 2015 14:49:29 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: interconnecting cables

I am curious about terminating RG-6 cable connections in the ham shack.

I have been using several types of adapters, i.e. F female to BNC male,  F
female to UHF male, or F female to RCA.

I have not been overly impressed with these adapters from either an
electrical or mechanical viewpoint.

Is there a preferred method for termination, like soldering a PL-259 on
RG-6?

I like using the F connectors on the receive side, to prevent damage caused
by user error.



73
Art NK8X



ᐧ
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Re: Topband: VK and QRN

[mstangelo]

We have had dry weather here in the Northeast US and the noise levels have been 
low. I've been working DX on 160 around sunrise. Hope your noise levels go down.

Mike N2MS 
- Original Message -
From: Steve Ireland 
To: Topband reflector 
Sent: Wed, 28 Oct 2015 07:43:18 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: VK and QRN

G’day

For those who are wondering where the VKs have gone on 160m, the answer is we 
have had high levels of QRN for the last two weeks- plus.  Whenever I have 
turned on at sunset or during the evening, the needle is hitting S9+ with 
static crashes. Looking at the evening news weather map, it has been the same 
across the country.

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ

---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
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Re: Topband: RFI - Lots of it

[mstangelo]

Jim,

Did you power down the battery backup for in-house systems such as your 
security system and cable modem and routers?

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Jim Murray via Topband 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 25 Oct 2015 22:13:45 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: RFI - Lots of it

Greetings,Last Fall we moved into a new location.  This Summer I spent a lot of 
time and effort putting up an Inverted L and radial system.  Now after tuning, 
etc. completed I have what appears to be power line noise, source unknown at 
this time.  I threw the main in our home and noise still remained.  The closer 
I get to the power lines or the antenna system the louder it gets.  As I jump 
in freq., the higher the band the less noise.  I have a portable receiver that 
is capable of rx on the ham bands.  As it sits right now 160 is just about out 
of the question.  Rig is a ft1000mp mk5 field and the NB does do a good on the 
noise but also on the weak signals.  This is the first location in 35 years 
that I've run into this.  I don't have much faith at this point in the power 
company finding the source but will call them this week.  Any ideas would be 
greatly appreciated and also wondering about Noise Phasing with MFJ-1025.  I 
read w8ji article on it but not sure if it would help on noise of this 
magnitude.Regards,jim/k2hn
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Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 151, Issue 20

[mstangelo]

Can the newer buoys can send the GPS coodinates when polled? If so, you can use 
this information to locate them.

The bands are quiet these days; maybe we should start a Fish Buoy listening 
group. They propagate well for such an inefficient antenna.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Milan Gütter, OK7GU ok...@ges.cz
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 28 Jul 2015 16:33:51 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 151, Issue 20

Hi,

The Topband Fish Buoys

(see for example)
http://www.ryokuseisha.com/eng/
http://www.taiyomusen.co.jp/eng/products/radio_buoy/
http://www.taiyomusen.co.jp/pdf/TB-568S-E.pdf   and others

we hear in Europe too (with good antenna).

Sometimes, during good openings, is the topband full of signals.



73 and Good DX

Milan OK7GU
www.ok7gu.com



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Re: Topband: 160m band 1936

[mstangelo]

I enjoy browsing through these Popular Mechanics magazines. They usually have a 
cover story, such as flying cars, that is marketing hype and go nowhere. The 
filler stories, however, are where the revolutionary ideas are reported.

Check out page 580. They have a short blurb about the Ernest Lawrence 
Cyclotron. It was instrumental in the development of high energy physics and 
won him the Nobel Prize.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Jay Terleski j...@arraysolutions.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 14 Jul 2015 18:15:25 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: 160m band 1936

Check this out.

Hammond Organs and 160M band in 1936
https://archive.org/stream/PopularMechanicsApr1936/Popular%20Mechanics%20Apr%201936#page/n154/mode/1up


Jay Terleski
President
Array Solutions
214 954 7140
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Re: Topband: Fwd: Fwd: ARRL Board meets next week - I'm looking for input

[mstangelo]

Technology is always giving us new tools to work with. You cannot compare past 
accomplishments with present ones.

As we age or downside our living conditions may force me to operate RHR. I'm 
fine with that and will acknowledge the fact during the QSO.

The League should provide different classes of awards. Some examples are:

- Local operation QRP 5 watts
- Local operation 100 watts
- Local operation QRO

- RHR QRP 5 watts
- RHR 100 watts
- RHR QRO

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: W7RH midnigh...@cox.net
To: topband topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sat, 11 Jul 2015 16:29:56 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Fwd: Fwd: ARRL Board meets next week - I'm looking for
input

Many of you folks are too sensitive, especially to legitimate use of 
remotes. Yes, DX'ing and constesting on a competitive level can be 
challenging to the pocket book but, contrary to comments one does not 
have to be a Rich to compete in awards or competitions.

Tom W8JI, made the most logical response.

I think the mob got all worked up because they didn't think about the actual
rules, they just dislike RHR (and not the dozens of free uncontrolled
remotes all over the place). For years they have been competing against
people who use other people's stations, move around, or have a remote. Now,
out of the clear blue sky, DXCC is suddenly useless when the actual changes
than made it useless were made over 30 years ago.

I think the real solution is a DXCC endorsement or a new DXCC that requires
the holder to swear he did it all transmitting and receiving from one
location all by himself with gear he assembled.

One station, one control point.

73 W7RH

-- 
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: FCC Upgrades Topband Frequency Allocations

[mstangelo]

The statement about the radio buoys is vague.

By open sea' do they mean out of the 12 mile territorial zone or 200 mile 
exclusive economic zone (EEZ)?

This would only apply to only American fisherman because the FCC has no 
jurisdiction over foreign fisherman outside of our EEZ.

Does this mean the FCC would prohibit the operation of unlicensed radio buoys 
in the American EEZ?

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 30 Apr 2015 07:50:20 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: FCC Upgrades Topband Frequency Allocations

Below is the second paragraph in ARLB016 that I received from the ARRL via
e-mail yesterday. It sounds like the FCC is somehow sanctioning those pesky
CW fishnet beacons on 160m!

In addition, the FCC has raised the secondary Amateur Service allocation
at 1900 to 2000 kHz to primary, while providing for continued use by
currently unlicensed commercial fishing vessels of radio buoys on the 'open
sea.' 

This statement is also at
www.arrl.org/news/fcc-proposes-to-permit-amateur-access-to-2200-and-630-meters
except that the above quote is part of the first paragraph there, and not
in a paragraph by itself as in the email.

Maybe it's just an error. Anyone have any further details?

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
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Re: Topband: Fw: Use of Remote Receivers During 160 Meter Contests

[mstangelo]

Xtreme category, where have I heard that term?

Classical 160 meter operating involves real estate and the expenditure of lots 
of money or time for effective transmitting and receiving antenna systems and 
amplifiers. This is accomplished mostly by old men with lots of spending money 
and time on their hands, kind of like the Olympic games.

How can younger people or those without the resources participate in these 
endeavors? They came up with the X-games instead of the Olympics. Hams are 
starting to use the newer technology to enhance their radio experience.

I am one of those old men how is presently busy with work but retirement is on 
the horizon. I have an acre property now but my wife and I will probably 
downsize once our mixing product leaves the nest. If you asked me a decade ago 
I would preach the classical operator model but now I will take advantage of 
the new technology to allow me to operate in the future.

Both methods have to co-exist or else the hobby will die. They should have 
additional categories for remote receiving or operating in contests and awards 
chasing.

Mike N2MS

 - Original Message -
 From: k1fz k...@myfairpoint.net

 snip

 Ham radio, like life in general, is evolving. With a lot of technology 
 change, it's a good time to breath some fresh air
 and let it jell out.
 
 snip
 
 73
 Bruce-K1FZ

snip 
 
 On Mon, Mar 16, 2015 at 11:40 PM, Kris Mraz n5kilom...@gmail.com wrote:
 
 CQWW used to have the Xtreme category that allowed/encouraged remote
 internet stations.
 Seems like that's the place for those who want to use remote
 receivers. I haven't kept up with
 that category but I believe it was dropped in 2013.

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

Re: Topband: RG-6 questions

[mstangelo]

Tom,

I guess you meant to say that Type HN and others, including UHF, are far more 
suitable for high voltage operation.

 The worse connectors are BNC, F, and type N. Type HN and others, including
 UHF, are far more.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
To: mstang...@comcast.net, Chuck Hutton charle...@msn.com, Richard Rick 
Karlquist rich...@karlquist.com, Top Band Reflector topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 16 Mar 2015 15:27:35 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: RG-6 questions

I better correct two pre-coffee typos I made:


 That is NOT the voltage breakdown of the coax from center to shield. That 
 is a wiring class voltage, similar to the jacket punch-through to a bare 
 external conductor.

 If you take regular foam dielectric RG6 (which is almost never a real 
 RG6 style)  cable and strip back the end, and high pot the cable, the 
 center to shield dielectric breakdown of cable ***withOUT** a flaw is over 
 12 kV.

This means modern RG6-type (which was also called F6 and isn't a real RG6 
military number with copper shield and solid dielectric), if it does not 
have a serious internal flaw, at even a remotely reasonable SWR, is heat 
limited.



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

Re: Topband: Question...

[mstangelo]

Eddy,

Unfortunately many technical nets have been replaced by group discussions. I 
participate in the group discussions but I enjoy talking about station and 
antenna setups and hearing the results of the experimentation on the air.

My 160 inverted L came down during the first snowfall of the season. I'm 
waiting for the ice and snow to melt before so that I can fix it. Hopefully 
I'll meet you on the air.

Mike N2MS

 
- Original Message -
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: mstang...@comcast.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 01 Mar 2015 14:34:52 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Question...


On 2015-02-27, at 4:04 PM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote:

 Eddy,
 
 You do have a computer in the shack. You are an internet operator.
 
 Ham radio was one of the first forms of social media. We used to discuss 
 operating and contesting issues on the air with our nets. We replaced the 
 radio social media with internet groups and chat rooms.
 
 I bet you're like me and spend more time on internet groups that on the air.
 
 We have met the enemy and it us.
 
 Mike N2MS





Hi Mike,

Yes, that is quite true: lately I probably spend more time in front of the 
computer, than I do in front of the rig. I keep telling myself that it's merely 
a phase I'm going through, but on-the-air QSOs just don't seem like what they 
used to be. 

Seem to be more challenging  interesting encounters  people on-line, than 
on-the-air, of late. 

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Question...

[mstangelo]

Eddy,

This is fine as long as you sign VE3XZ/JA drone.

Mike N2MS


On 02/27/2015 07:34 AM, Eddy Swynar wrote:
 Hi Guys,

 My appreciation of computers in the Ham shack, I'm afraid, is limited to 
 placing the contest QSOs that I might make into Cabrillo format , 
 post-contest, for benefit of to-day's contest sponsors---and I was dragged, 
 kicking  screaming all the way, into that stage, several years ago...!

 I don't know why, but my ...spidey senses always go on high alert 
 whenever radio  computers are mentioned in the same subject.

 No doubt that accounts for my ignorance as to to-day's Amateur scene...so I 
 have an ignorant question, from an otherwise ignorant Ham: somebody please 
 bear with me,  kindly give me the condensed Coles Notes version in your 
 reply...

 Specifically, suppose I want to work the (imaginary, of course) upcoming 
 DX-pedition to North Korea that is being mounted as a distraction to 
 basketball, by Dennis Rodman  a few of his well-heeled Ham friends. I would 
 dearly LOVE to log the operation on 160-meters CW---but I understand that 
 their topband aerial will be limited to a very simple random 130' length of 
 wire, thrown out a hotel upper storey window. Question: can I link myself via 
 the internet to some remote ...rent-a-station in, say, nearby Japan, and 
 use that station to QSO them, all the while using my callsign of VE3CUI...?

 Like I said earlier, it's an ignorant question, from an ignorant Ham---but I 
 would like to know the answer, just the same...!

 Many thanks, 

 ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
 _
 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

_
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Re: Topband: Question...

[mstangelo]

Eddy,

You do have a computer in the shack. You are an internet operator.

Ham radio was one of the first forms of social media. We used to discuss 
operating and contesting issues on the air with our nets. We replaced the radio 
social media with internet groups and chat rooms.

I bet you're like me and spend more time on internet groups that on the air.

We have met the enemy and it us.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 16:07:17 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Question...

Hi Guys,

snip 

But know what...? I personally don't care. I don't have a berth for my computer 
in my shack,  neither do I plan to set one up there any time soon, either.

snip

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
_
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_
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Re: Topband: Question...

[mstangelo]

Tim,

The whole call would be - VE3XZ/JA drone. 

This was my attempt at satire. I am referring to remote operation as drone 
operation

Who knows? Maybe the IARU will authorize the drone suffix.

Mike N2MS 


- Original Message -
From: Tim Shoppa tsho...@gmail.com
To: mstang...@comcast.net
Cc: topBand List topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 27 Feb 2015 21:58:01 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Question...

I don't think signing VE3XZ/JA is good enough for remote through Japan.
The ones I know who do such stuff, have a special foreigner in JA call
that starts with 7J, and there's even a special block of callsigns for
club of foreigners in JA.

The truly groundbreaking remote operations I know of, are guys who travel
to JA or BY and operate their USA station remote from there. They have had
very nice QEX and NCJ articles about their efforts. My opinion of folks who
can put together a remotely-controlled station and run a contest with it,
is very high.

Tim N3QE

On Fri, Feb 27, 2015 at 1:22 PM, mstang...@comcast.net wrote:


 Eddy,

 This is fine as long as you sign VE3XZ/JA drone.

 Mike N2MS


 On 02/27/2015 07:34 AM, Eddy Swynar wrote:
  Hi Guys,
 
  My appreciation of computers in the Ham shack, I'm afraid, is limited to
 placing the contest QSOs that I might make into Cabrillo format ,
 post-contest, for benefit of to-day's contest sponsors---and I was dragged,
 kicking  screaming all the way, into that stage, several years ago...!
 
  I don't know why, but my ...spidey senses always go on high alert
 whenever radio  computers are mentioned in the same subject.
 
  No doubt that accounts for my ignorance as to to-day's Amateur
 scene...so I have an ignorant question, from an otherwise ignorant Ham:
 somebody please bear with me,  kindly give me the condensed Coles Notes
 version in your reply...
 
  Specifically, suppose I want to work the (imaginary, of course) upcoming
 DX-pedition to North Korea that is being mounted as a distraction to
 basketball, by Dennis Rodman  a few of his well-heeled Ham friends. I
 would dearly LOVE to log the operation on 160-meters CW---but I understand
 that their topband aerial will be limited to a very simple random 130'
 length of wire, thrown out a hotel upper storey window. Question: can I
 link myself via the internet to some remote ...rent-a-station in, say,
 nearby Japan, and use that station to QSO them, all the while using my
 callsign of VE3CUI...?
 
  Like I said earlier, it's an ignorant question, from an ignorant
 Ham---but I would like to know the answer, just the same...!
 
  Many thanks, 
 
  ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ
  _
  Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
 
 _
 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


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

Re: Topband: Brave New World

[mstangelo]

Let's put this into context. This is not the end of the world.  

Amateur Radio is a hobby and like any hobby has various facets. Different 
people have various ideas of what the hobby should be. Some hams are or imagine 
themselves to be experimenters, engineers, metalworkers, awards collectors, 
country collectors, traffic policemen, radio broadcasters, military radio 
operators, historians, first responders, survivalists, adventurers or equipment 
flippers. (Have I missed anything?)

I've heard complaints about the hobby not being what is used to be since I 
started in the hobby in the 1960's. This is usually out of envy so I take no 
stock it this argument. The hobby has not changed but the technology had 
radically changed.

I started in the hobby because of the fascination of communicating through the 
either without using and any other communications infrastructure. I like to 
build equipment and operate without depending on external communication aids 
such as spotters, DX clusters, online propagation forecasts, text messaging or 
the internet.

I presently live on an acre plot which has given me the ability to put up an 
Inverted V to effectively operate on 160 meters. 

I am a pragmatist. I am not getting any younger and my wife wants to downsize. 
I may end up in a place where I cannot put up effective antennas so I may 
consider remote operation as an option. We all have health issues and we may 
end up in retirement communities or assisted living so remote operation can 
enable me to enjoy the hobby.

We should consider the new technology as a way of extending our hobby.

Mike N2MS




-Original Message-

Hi Guys,

Is the day very far off in the distant future when the physical human
element won't even be needed at a radio station on the eve of a contest...?

Just programme the event into the computer, hook it up to the rig...and then
go off to bed. The next day you meander down to the shack, coffee in hand 
rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, to learn that in your absence, your
station made some 5,000 QSOs, AND DXCC, twice over!

Remember Dr. DX of the 1980's...? Shades of days yet to come---if ,
indeed, those days are not here already.

At the risk of sounding like a dinosaur---on second thought, who cares? The
dinosaurs ruled the earth for untold millions of years, to man's single
million---just as insurance companies  lawyers are spelling the demise of
kids' playground toys and group get-togethers, computers will spell the end
of the very essence that makes Ham radio fun. At least to dinosaurs like
yours truly, anyway.

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ




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

Re: Topband: K1N DQRM Tracking Project

[mstangelo]

The actors on 14.313 were on the air for months. They also advertised their 
calls so it was probably easy to track then.

It's different if a DQRM'er is on sporadically and on different frequencies.

I thought the Wullenweber was use by the Military, not the FCC.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com
To: topband topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:04:17 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: K1N DQRM Tracking Project

You may have seen an old Wullenweber antenna array at one of those older
FCC sites. IIRC, one is (or was) on the east coast. AFAIK, the Wullenweber
is not used anymore by the FCC and is scheduled to be (or already has been)
replaced with a different --and far less complex-- antenna.

One thing the FCC uses their newest HFDF system for is to pinpoint the
source of some idiots who make a sick hobby out of QRMing, for example,
14.313. There are remote locations all over North America. The FCC claims
--and I believe them-- that they can use that system to quickly triangulate
an HF transmitter's location with a very high degree of accuracy.

From looking at the PDF I referenced earlier, I'm not certain that all the
remote locations are in operation yet. The last one appears to have a
completion date of sometime later this year.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

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

Re: Topband: HVDC

[mstangelo]

I don't think you would have noise from the line except if there is a fault 
that is causing arcing at an insulator.

I'd hate to live near the end points where the AC to D and Dc to Ac conversions 
are done.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Jeff Kincaid w...@sbcglobal.net
To: Ws9v w...@royell.net, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 10 Feb 2015 18:03:45 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: HVDC

Out west we have the Pacific Dc Intertie, a 500KV system bringing power to So 
Cal from Oregon.  Is anyone aware of any noise issues with that?

Jeff W6JK



On Tuesday, February 10, 2015 9:53 AM, Ws9v w...@royell.net wrote:
 


Hi All


Through the center part of Illinois they have begun work at the government 
level to install a  690,000 VDC power line   As with all this there is huge 
amount of opposition an even groups trying to ban it 

Does anyone have any experience with a line of such high VDC as a noise source 
?  It will pass within  3/4 of a mile south of my QTH



I am really concerned my only hope if this goes thru is to pull up stakes an 
move   rather than attempt to fight its noise 

Any thoughts

de WS9V  Skip


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Re: Topband: K1N DQRM Tracking Project

[mstangelo]

If you did locate the offender what would you do?

You could report him (or her) to the FCC but the FCC would probably not act 
until they could catch the offender in the act.

These DQRM offenders act sporadically so it would be difficult to track them 
down.

What is the offense? This is not interference in an emergency or health and 
welfare situation but to a station participating in a hobby event which itself 
is using up tens of kilohertz of spectrum for the act of working a new 
country.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Jim Garland 4cx2...@miamioh.edu
To: n0...@juno.com, Topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 08 Feb 2015 19:49:28 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: K1N DQRM Tracking Project

I don't remember the article, Charlie, but that's a fabulous idea, and at
first blush it doesn't sound all that hard to implement. One way might be to
set up three receivers at different locations, each with a 10 MHz GPS or
rubidium time base (both inexpensive and readily available.). For each
receiver, a simple frequency divider could produce a pulse every 100
milliseconds from the time base. The pulse would trigger a frequency
counter, which would then count the elapsed time from the ttrigger pulse
until the DQRM signal started transmitting (or stopped transmitting -
doesn't matter which).  Once the differences in elapsed times were known
between the three receivers, the DQRM signal could be accurately
triangulated. Sounds ike a fun project. Sure wish we'd had something like
that for the Navassa DQRM jerks.
73,
Jim W8ZR


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

Re: Topband: Radial Plate Designs

[mstangelo]

I use these ground bars. I don't like soldered connections outdoors.

I picked up my ground bars at a hamfest. They are made out of copper, not 
aluminum. Does anyone know where I can purchase the copper ground bars today?

If you use the aluminum ground bars with copper wire I'd use an al-cu anti 
oxidant compound like Penetrox.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Tim Shoppa tsho...@gmail.com
To: Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net, topBand List topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 04 Feb 2015 15:31:59 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Plate Designs

A different idea than lug connections, is to use load-center style ground
bars bolted to the metal plate.
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-23-Terminal-Load-Center-Ground-Bar-Kit-PK23GTACP/100129430

I fully agree this is not up to Bellcore grounding standards. But seems
much more ham-amenable, especially for those of us who unroll many of our
random-gauge radial wires across driveways and lawns on contest weekends
and hook up in cold weather - the clamp screws in the ground bars are
easily worked with a screwdriver in a gloved hand and accomodate any
random-sized-style conductor.

Tim N3QE

On Wed, Feb 4, 2015 at 10:17 AM, Paul Christensen w...@arrl.net wrote:

 I've long thought about designing a radial plate that addresses some
 significant limitations with currently available product.  Specially, every
 commercially available radial plate uses single-hole lugs to attach a
 radial wire to the plate.   The problem is that with upwards of 60+ lugs in
 harms way of accidental contact, single-hole lugs are very susceptible to
 rotation and loosening.

 In the link below, you'll see a different kind of radial plate that makes
 use of double-hole lugs.

 http://tinyurl.com/pykx44x

snip

 Paul, W9AC




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



_
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Re: Topband: EP6T and outside world

[mstangelo]

I'll have to agree with Eddy. When I started on 160 meters in the early 1970's 
I had to build a receive converter and used a Johnson Viking 2 for the 
transmitter.

I recall the only radios that supported 160 were Collins and Drake and I could 
not afford either.

I the Yaesu FT-101B was introduced in the mid 1970's. This was a reasonably 
priced radio that supported 160 and was very popular.

I finally landed a good job after college and purchased a Drake TR-7 in 1979. 

My recollection on radios with 160 are hazy. What other radios supported 160? 
What radios you used for 160 before the 1970's?

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com
Cc: Dave Olean k1...@metrocast.net, topband topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 23 Jan 2015 12:37:37 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: EP6T and outside world


On 2015-01-23, at 7:34 AM, Mike Waters wrote:

Hi Mike,

160 stopped becoming the Gentleman's Band ever since mainstream manufacturers 
started incoroporating a spot marked 160 on the front of their rigs  
linears...

~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ

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

Re: Topband: That radar on 1915...

[mstangelo]

Hearing it on 3260 0240UTC here in New Jersey.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Doug Grant dougk...@gmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:24:02 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: That radar on 1915...

Has anyone heard it recently? I have not been on 160 much since the
first of the year.

I heard it this afternoon on 3250 (it also has been heard on 4400 and 5300 kHz).

Thanks  73,

Doug
_
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Re: Topband: That radar on 1915...

[mstangelo]

Also at 5190 0244UTC.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: mstang...@comcast.net
To: Doug Grant dougk...@gmail.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 16 Jan 2015 02:41:23 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: That radar on 1915...

Hearing it on 3260 0240UTC here in New Jersey.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Doug Grant dougk...@gmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 22:24:02 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: That radar on 1915...

Has anyone heard it recently? I have not been on 160 much since the
first of the year.

I heard it this afternoon on 3250 (it also has been heard on 4400 and 5300 kHz).

Thanks  73,

Doug
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[mstangelo]

Could it be coming for Cutler ME, the site of the Navy's VLF station?

Maybe they are running tests on a some MF system.

Mike N2M
- Original Message -
From: k...@myfairpoint.net
To: Topband topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 09 Dec 2014 13:25:02 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

 Still hear it 8AM local time in mid-coast Maine. Running S5, S6 / 
slight QSB. Coming  from the East-NE. 
  About the only North American land in that direction is southern New 
Brunswick and Nova Scotia. 

  Any VE1 stations hearing it ? Does Jack VE1ZZ have an email address ?

  73
  Bruce-K1FZ

  www.qsl.net/k1fz/beveragenotes.html
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[mstangelo]

Huh?

Loose lips sink ship was form WW2. Social media is a modern product like Yahoo 
groups?

Please explain your reasoning...

Mike N2MS


-Original Message- 
From: k...@myfairpoint.net
Sent: Tuesday, December 09, 2014 1:28 PM
To: mstang...@comcast.net
Cc: Topband
Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

 Don't know, don't want to know.

  Anyone old enough to remember about loose lips,  sinking ships and
social media. ?

  73
  Bruce-K1FZ

  On Tue, 9 Dec 2014 18:54:25 + (UTC), mstang...@comcast.net wrote:
Could it be coming for Cutler ME, the site of the Navy's VLF station?

 Maybe they are running tests on a some MF system.
 Mike N2M

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

Re: Topband: Radial Wire

[mstangelo]

I'd use their dog wire because it has PE insulation.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: donov...@starpower.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 22 Oct 2014 18:17:06 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Radial Wire

iwc2carl on ebay is my favorite supplier of bulk wire. He's very reliable, 
consistently less expensive (including shipping) than the retail stores and 
electrical wholesalers, ships in a few days and you can't beat the 
convenience of delivery direct to your door. He almost always accepts 
an offer of 90% of his asking price. 

http://www.ebay.com/sch/iwc2carl/m.html?_nkw=_armrs=1_ipg=_from= 

For radials I typically use 1000 foot reels of 16 AWG stranded for $50.00 
per reel plus ten dollars for shipping. 

73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

_
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Re: Topband: Deployable radials for 80/160M

[mstangelo]

One option for outdoor use Polyethelene PE covered wire.

One good source is Dog Fence Wire:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/14-Gauge-Heavy-Duty-Superior-Pro-Dog-Fence-Wire-Solid-for-Invisible-Fence-/400264279386?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0hash=item5d319c355a#ht_3626wt_1124

It is meant to be used outdoors but the price is higher than other alternatives.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Carl k...@jeremy.mv.com
To: Grant Saviers gran...@pacbell.net, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 27 Jun 2014 13:57:45 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Deployable radials for 80/160M

Around here that wire gets pretty well corroded after a few years just in 
the air from acid rain and salt laden fog off the ocean 20-30 miles away.

I wonder what that does to the conductivity?  OTOH my yagi elements from a 
different alloy are still rather shiny after 30-40 years.

THHN for wire antennas seems to hold up the PVC layer 10-15 years then 
becomes fodder for elevated radials.

Carl
KM1H



_
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Re: Topband: Spam:************, Re: Deployable radials for 80/160M

[mstangelo]

Matt,

I started using surplus stranded high temperature teflon coated wire for my 
radial system because I got it at a good price. It is flexible and easy to work 
with but I noticed that if the ends were not sealed of if there were breaks in 
the insulation it would soak up water via capillary action. I needed more wire 
to finish my 36 radial system so I decided to try 14 gauge THHN insulated wire 
from Lowes. It is not as flexible but I should not have to worry about it 
absorbing water.

Most of my radial system is in the wooded area of by property. I have some 
radials on the grassy area of my yard that I move in the summer. I use the 
solid wire for the permanent installation and the stranded wire for the 
seasonal installation.



Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Matthew King - KK4CPS kk4...@gmail.com
To: he...@vitelcom.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 17:01:59 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Spam:, Re: Deployable radials for 80/160M

Wouldn't stranded wire be preferred for such a use?  Maybe I'm missing
something, but it seems that solid wire would be more prone to breakage.

Matt
KK4CPS


On Thu, Jun 26, 2014 at 11:33 AM, Herb Schoenbohm he...@vitelcom.net
wrote:

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

Re: Topband: Rig Question

[mstangelo]

I have both rigs.

I use the K3 for CW and the TS-590S for SSB. For casual operating I like the 
TS-590 better than the K3 and it is also half the price of the K3.

I have one issue with Elecraft service. I sent my rig back to have the PA pins 
changed from the tin plated to gold. pins. I felt that was a design defect but 
I had to pay for the labor.

I'm scheduled to send my TS-590 to Kenwood for the ALC fix but I will not have 
to pay for the labor; just the shipping there.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Greg n...@windstream.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 20:35:55 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Rig Question

Why not just get a K3 instead of something that rivals it.  It's made in
the USA, too, and Elecraft has the best customer service in the industry.  I
have no affiliation with Elecraft -- just a satisfied user.  73, Greg-N4CC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Thomas
W4HM
Sent: Sunday, June 15, 2014 10:27 AM
To: a topband @ COL
Subject: Re: Topband: Rig Question

Trent the Kenwood TS-590S would meet your requirements and it has a better
receiver in it than the TS-2000. The TS-590S receiver section rivals the K3.

73  God Bless,
Thomas F. Giella W4HM
Lakeland, FL, USA
thomasfgie...@gmail.com

W
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Re: Topband: Rig Question

[mstangelo]

Gary,

Contact the Kenwood Service Center and give them your email address. They will 
then send you an email when they are ready to upgrade your rig.

The secondary receiver in the TS-990 is essentially that of the TS-590.

I did not bother to get the K3 Panadapter. I used a QS1R as a secondary 
receiver with the K3. I can view the whole HF spectrum with the QS1R.

Mike N2MS 
- Original Message -
From: Gary and Kathleen Pearse pea...@gci.net
To: topband List topband@contesting.com
Cc: mstang...@comcast.net
Sent: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 23:24:50 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Rig Question

Where is the TS-590 ALC fix described Mike? I have one and will have it done if 
it’s available. 

I also had a TS-990…the receiver performance (both primary and secondary) were 
no better over a month’s trial on 160-15M than my 590. Looks real good however. 
Eye candy usually does.

I have a 6-month old K3 with most options. It still sits in its box after 
mid-winter service by Elecraft next to the new boxed P3/SVGA. The 590 is just 
too easy to use in comparison.

73, Gary NL7Y


 I'm scheduled to send my TS-590 to Kenwood for the ALC fix but I will not 
 have to pay for the labor; just the shipping there.
 
 Mike N2MS


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

Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

Don,

You bring up some good points. I got a couple of hundred feet of Flooded 
Commscope 75 ohm RG-11 type at a good proce. I don't have the part number 
handy. I've been very happy with it at 100 watts. I'm thinking of running 500 
watts. The center conductor is copper clad steel. I'm concerned about RF 
current losses because of the skin effect on 160 meters. Does anyone have any 
experience with this type of CATV cable at high power?

A 1:5 maimatch may be an issue at the amplifier but I guess I can place a L 
matching circuit between the amp and coax to get the SWR down.

I like Flooded cable not because it is anti-fungal but to keep out moisture. My 
coax runs 45 feet underground and 20 feet under my deck. I had some groundhogs 
visiting us under the deck and fortunately they didn't have a taste for the 
coax. The visitors have been relocated.

Mike N2MS 
- Original Message -
From: Donald Chester k4...@hotmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 19:17:59 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

I think you're being overly picky. The 75-ohm cable would be at worst a 1.5:1 
mismatch. Probably a fraction of a dB loss at most, particularly with foam type 
hard line. If you have a source of good, low-loss 75-ohm coax that will safely 
handle the power you intend to run, and which will hold up for an extended 
period under direct burial, use it. The most likely consequence might be a 
slight re-adjustment of your matching network.

From my experience, the greatest problem even with direct burial cable has 
been rodents chewing on the plastic outer jacket, but moisture infiltration 
and corrosion may be a problem as well. I am not aware of any fungal problem. 
I started out with a 140-foot run of RG-213 direct burial rated cable to the 
base of my series-fed 160m vertical. When I first tested with fresh coax, it 
was running about 93% efficiency to a dummy load at the far end of the 
transmission line. After about a decade I re-tested it using identical 
measuring procedure, and the efficiency had dropped to slightly less than 80%. 
I replaced the cable and once again the reading came up to the original 93% 
efficiency, but after only three years it had dropped to around 83%. The 
second time I didn't find any evidence of rodent damage as in the previous 
case (however I didn't pull up and inspect the entire length), but I ended up 
erecting poles, installing fresh cable, and running it elevated, 8' off the 
ground.

I no longer use coax with this antenna at all. I eventually replaced it with a 
run of 440-ohm balanced open wire line, #8 copperweld conductors spaced 2 1/2 
apart, elevated using the same poles. Comparing rf ampere readings at the base 
feed point using a thermocouple meter, with the same DC input to the final, the 
reading was noticeably higher at 1800 kHz with the OWL system, and about the 
same or just slightly higher at 2000 kHz. These are overall efficiency readings 
that include likely variations in losses with the different types of matching 
networks used at each end of the two types of transmission lines.


Don k4kyv

-Original Message- 
From: mstang...@comcast.net
Does anyone know of a source for 50 ohm RG-8 type direct burial coax able.

I can find many sources for CATV and Satellite 75 ohn cable but not 50 ohm.

Direct burial cable is coated with and anti-fungal compound. I''ve had 
success with 75 ohm cables for receiving and want to purchase 50 ohm direct 
burial for transmitter feeds.
Thanks,

Mike N2MS
  
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

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Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

Frank,

That is true but a 1/2 wavelenght at 160 meters is quite long, about 260 feet; 
shorter with the velocity factor.

Mike N2MS 
- Original Message -
From: donov...@starpower.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
Sent: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:01:13 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

You can easily make the 75 ohm coax essentially invisible in a monoband 
application by using some RG-11 to extend the total length of the 75 
ohm feedline to any multiple of 1/2 wavelength. 

73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

- Original Message -

From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com 
To: topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2014 8:33:35 PM 
Subject: Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable 

On 6/13/2014 12:17 PM, Donald Chester wrote: 
 I think you're being overly picky. The 75-ohm cable would be at worst a 1.5:1 
 mismatch. Probably a fraction of a dB loss at most, particularly with foam 
 type hard line. If you have a source of good, low-loss 75-ohm coax that will 
 safely handle the power you intend to run, and which will hold up for an 
 extended period under direct burial, use it. 

Yes. Assuming a suitable matching network at the transmitter, worst case 
excess loss due to a 1.5:1 mismatch is 0.18 dB, no matter how long the 
line. Curves showing this have been in every edition of the ARRL 
Handbook since I've been a ham (59 years). 

73, Jim K9YC 
_ 
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_
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Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

All,

I'll try out the CATV RG-11 before spending my money on 50 ohm coax.

It will also save me the touble of digging another trench.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Carl k...@jeremy.mv.com
To: mstang...@comcast.net, Donald Chester k4...@hotmail.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 13 Jun 2014 20:36:49 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

Ive been using that CATV RG-11 since the late 70's as jumpers to the 
hardline from wire antennas, in the house, and as phasing lines for 160 and 
80M verticals. Never a hint of heat at 1200W but someone with a 3CX15000 
might have a different opinion. Measured loss at 2 MHz was .17dB/100' 
Several lengths are over 35 years old, reused several times MF to UHF, and 
pass regular sweep tests.

Carl
KM1H




- Original Message - 
From: mstang...@comcast.net
To: Donald Chester k4...@hotmail.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Friday, June 13, 2014 3:49 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable


 Don,

 You bring up some good points. I got a couple of hundred feet of Flooded 
 Commscope 75 ohm RG-11 type at a good proce. I don't have the part 
 number handy. I've been very happy with it at 100 watts. I'm thinking of 
 running 500 watts. The center conductor is copper clad steel. I'm 
 concerned about RF current losses because of the skin effect on 160 
 meters. Does anyone have any experience with this type of CATV cable at 
 high power?

 A 1:5 maimatch may be an issue at the amplifier but I guess I can place a 
 L matching circuit between the amp and coax to get the SWR down.

 I like Flooded cable not because it is anti-fungal but to keep out 
 moisture. My coax runs 45 feet underground and 20 feet under my deck. I 
 had some groundhogs visiting us under the deck and fortunately they didn't 
 have a taste for the coax. The visitors have been relocated.

 Mike N2MS
snip
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

Does anyone know of a source for 50 ohm RG-8 type direct burial coax able.

I can find many sources for CATV and Satellite 75 ohn cable but not 50 ohm.

Direct burial cable is coated with and anti-fungal compound. I''ve had success 
with 75 ohm cables for receiving and want to purchase 50 ohm direct burial for 
transmitter feeds.

Thanks,

Mike N2MS
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

Bill,

Thanks. I will check it out.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Bill Wichers bi...@waveform.net
To: mstang...@comcast.net, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:58:51 - (UTC)
Subject: RE: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

Usually direct burial cable is just a PE jacket with a flooding compound in 
the braid. 

Times Microwave makes a direct burial variant of their LMR-400 called 
LMR-400-DB. It adds a flooding compound in the braid. The flooding compound 
will seal small fractures in the jacket.

BTW, for everyone, there is a new dry type of water blocking compound used in 
fiber optic cables that is usually in the form of a powder or a yarn. When it 
gets wet it expands and seals the damaged cable area. It's lots easier to work 
with than the more traditional gel-type flooding compounds. Maybe if we're 
lucky we'll see someone start making coax that way!

  -Bill

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

Re: Topband: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

[mstangelo]

Bill,

Thanks. I will check it out.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Bill Wichers bi...@waveform.net
To: mstang...@comcast.net, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 03 Jun 2014 14:58:51 - (UTC)
Subject: RE: 50 ohm direct burial coax cable

Usually direct burial cable is just a PE jacket with a flooding compound in 
the braid. 

Times Microwave makes a direct burial variant of their LMR-400 called 
LMR-400-DB. It adds a flooding compound in the braid. The flooding compound 
will seal small fractures in the jacket.

BTW, for everyone, there is a new dry type of water blocking compound used in 
fiber optic cables that is usually in the form of a powder or a yarn. When it 
gets wet it expands and seals the damaged cable area. It's lots easier to work 
with than the more traditional gel-type flooding compounds. Maybe if we're 
lucky we'll see someone start making coax that way!

  -Bill

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

Re: Topband: Legality of Circumventing Commercial Maritime ISP Services??

[mstangelo]

Herb,

I agree that one should obey the rules but you should not chastize all users 
because of the offenses of some.

I used to cruise in the Bahamas in the late 1980's. The incidence of illegial 
opertion witnessed by me was rather low. You infer that so many are not even 
legally licensed. Maybe the percentage went up but I am suprised this is so 
with the advent of satellite services.

The subject of the original post concerned the Legality of Circumventing 
Commercial Maritime ISP Services by using Amamteur radio. The offenses you 
mention are in territorial waters. You cannot use Amateur radio in territorial 
waters unless you have a reciprocal license from that country. Is it legal to 
use Commerical Maritime ISP Services in territorial waters? I believe you have 
to use local land or cellular based services for communications from thes 
waters.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Herbert Schonbohm herbert.schoenb...@gmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sun, 16 Mar 2014 21:48:08 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Legality of Circumventing Commercial Maritime ISP 
Services??

Mike,


The issue with cruisers using the ham bands is that so many are not 
even legally licensed or if they are have no permit to operate in the 
ports and harbors where they are visiting.  Most of the islands in the 
Eastern Caribbean do not permit third party traffic of any kind.  So the 
cruiser scofflaws falsely claim they are Micky Mouse to avoid 
suspicion.  Across the Caribbean island you can leave the territorial 
waters of one country and cross into the territorial waters of another.  
When you hear amateurs in the states running a marine radio service on 
any band you normally hear a litany of illegal practices.  Just listen 
to the content of the phone patches and you will quickly see this is true.

When you follow the narrative on the link below you see that EL0BF is 
not a valid amateur license but rather a pirate call.  This raises 
another issue as the sale boat Fiesty Lady is a U.S. Registered vessel 
under the flag and laws of the U.S.  The mere idea of just self 
assigning an amateur sounding call for your sailing experiences is 
wrong.  But in this case we have someone who is not by his own admission 
in immediate danger but rather chooses to use amateur radio as his 
communications for a trans-Atlantic crossing.  This not only places him 
in peril for not having the proper communications equipment for such a 
journey but deprives him of a vast world wide system of marine 
communications on frequencies that are monitor by other boats that may 
be only a hour away.  IMHO amateur respecting their hobby must not be 
enablers of this nonsense.

Regards,

Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ








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

Re: Topband: New MFJ 259C available

[mstangelo]

I also recommend the VNWA. It is a true network analyzer.

The MFJ is basically a SWR meters and does not accurately display Impedance.

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Grant Saviers gran...@pacbell.net
To: Carl k...@jeremy.mv.com, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 04 Mar 2014 02:23:04 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: New MFJ 259C available

My VNWA V2.6 factory assembled Vector Network Analyzer, designed by 
DG8SAQ is available for $400 incl shipping, USA only, as I upgraded to 
the newer version V3.

1KHz to 1300MHz, 2 port, USB powered, no cables or standards included.

see www.sdr-kits.net for full specs

Radcom review at http://sdr-kits.net/VNWA/RadCom_VNWA_Review.pdf

Grant KZ1W


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

Re: Topband: Yikes! Heavy snow, freezing fog and 23 degrees F in Raleigh, NC

[mstangelo]

Charlie and All,

We wish you the best of luck.

I live in a heavily wooded neighborhood and used to lose power at least once a 
year. I also listen to the LF and the VLF spectrum as well as operate MF and HF.

I bought a generator to power the refrigerator and the heating system in the 
winter. I can also operate my shack from 12 volt batteries.
When things are stabilized I turn lemom into lemonade by taking advantage of 
the lower noise floor during a blackout amd do a lot of listening on the LF and 
VLF bands and some low power operating on 160 and 80.

I lost power for 15 days after Sandy. The power company did extensive repairs 
and tree trimming after the storm. Since them we haven't lost power.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 12 Feb 2014 19:37:13 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: Yikes! Heavy snow, freezing fog and 23 degrees F in Raleigh,  
NC

Yikes, HEAVY snow, freezing fog and 23 degrees F in Raleigh!  It's really
coming down and accumulating FAST here! Next we're supposed to get   hit
with sleet, freezing rain and ice - up to 1/2 inch!  Hope my power stays on!
I'm too crippled up and there's too much snow already to try to get out to
the garage and fire  up the generator and ru n a cable into the house! I
guess my gas logs can keep me from freezing!

Wish; me Luck!

73,
Charlie, K4OTV
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: To clamp or NOT...that IS the question

[mstangelo]

When I build a preamp I install the cupped machine pins from an IC socket in 
the protection device mounting holes so that I can experiment with different 
protective devices and easily replace devices which have been damaged.

If you have IMD from back to back diodes try two or three diodes in series.

Mike N2MS

snip

Jim,

Getting directly back to your original question, I built a KD9SV preamp,
and it has clamp diodes included in the design (I did not add them, they
were part of the original design by KD9SV).  Does you KD9SV preamp already
have clamp diodes protecting its input, and if so you have already answered
your own question about adding clamp diodes to protect it (no reason to add
them if you already have them).

snip

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

Re: Topband: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

[mstangelo]

Rick,

Thanks for the detective work!

What is the recommended frequency on 80 meters for beacon operation? I could 
not find it on any bandplan.

http://www.hamuniverse.com/arrlbandplan.html

Mike N2MS
- Original Message -
From: Bill Aycock billayc...@centurytel.net
To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com, Rick n...@triad.rr.com, topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 11 Nov 2013 04:07:04 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

You think the frequency selection is stupid? Take a look at their 
objective. --Super Slow CW.  10 hours for a QSO.
A QLF contest has more Pizazz  and makes more sense.
Bill--W4BSG

-Original Message- 
From: Tom W8JI
Sent: Sunday, November 10, 2013 9:32 PM
To: Rick ; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

What a stupid frequency for a test beacon of any type!


- Original Message - 
From: Rick n...@triad.rr.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, November 07, 2013 4:57 PM
Subject: Topband: Steady Carrier on 80 CW


 Good evening all,

 Hate to burst the theories, but it appears the carrier on 3501.6 MHz is 
 a QRSS beacon operated by W4HBK.

 I used Spectrum Lab and selected the 1-second dit in the Quick Settings 
 tab, Slow Morse Reception (QRSS) menu selection. The carrier drops about 6 
 Hz from the space to the mark and decode with the eye. Inter-character 
 spacing is a dit, intra character spacing is a dah  both are on the 
 space, or higher tone. Idle period is also the space tone.

 I dropped W4HBK an e-mail to get further information on this beacon ... he 
 is also operating a QRSS beacon on 30 meters. His reply was:

 Hi, Rick.  Tnx for the report.  I am using  an eight second dot period 
 and transmitting on a frequency of 3500.8 with a frequency shift of 5 Hz. 
 You can see details of my mept at my blog: 
 http://pensacolasnapper.blogspot.com/2011/07/my-new-dds-mept.html

 It is built around the DDS VFO kit sold by N3ZI and amplifier kit from 
 W8DIZ.  Power is 1 W to a 43 foot vertical.

 73 bill w4hbk


 Oh, his QTH is Gulf Breeze FL, near Pensacola.

 And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.

 73
 Rick
 NM3G
 _
 Topband Reflector


 -
 No virus found in this message.
 Checked by AVG - 
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: WLW

[mstangelo]

Bill,

I also enjoy the war stories about the old transmitters.

With regards to DX'ing I've been follwoing Mark Connelly's exploits for years 
and have built some of this designs.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: n8...@yahoo.com
To: Bill Aycock billayc...@centurytel.net, topband@contesting.com, Mark 
Connelly markwa1...@aol.com
Sent: Tue, 17 Sep 2013 23:52:59 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: WLW

Bill

I may be in the minority , but , I don't mind such derailments...

Dan N8DCJ 



Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

- Reply message -
From: Bill Aycock billayc...@centurytel.net
To: topband@contesting.com, Mark Connelly markwa1...@aol.com
Subject: Topband: WLW
Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 12:51 pm


I HATE it when Topbanders get bored; thing like this WCKYWLW etc flood 
out.
Bill--W4BSG

-Original Message- 
From: Mark Connelly
Sent: Tuesday, September 17, 2013 10:15 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: WLW

1.7 megawatts out of WLW was no doubt the highest power run by anyone in the 
Western Hemisphere on medium wave.


Duba, Saudi Arabia runs 2 megawatts on 1521 kHz all the time.  No wonder 
that it often screams in here on the coast of Massachusetts around local 
sunset, as in this recording:
http://www.qsl.net/wa1ion/audio1/dx_saudi_arabia-1521_20060503_2300z.mp3
or this one:
http://www.qsl.net/wa1ion/audio1/dx_1521_saudi_arabia_20081029_2300z.mp3


1521 has proven to be a useful propagation indicator to the Middle East, as 
is the UAE station (R. Farda) on 1575 with 800 kW and Kuwait (R. Sawa) 1548 
(600 kW).


The signals are at least 15 dB stronger at seashore sites than at locations 
even just 5 to 10 miles inland, especially if the intervening land is sandy 
or rocky.  A receiving antenna that is substantially elevated would cut 
those losses some at the inland site.


Mark Connelly, WA1ION
South Yarmouth, MA



He told us it was put in for Crosley who got a bug in his butt to  see what
the rig would really do. The meter showed the total current on the  three
finals. One night he cranked it up as far as it would go. Keep in mind, 
the
voltage on the finals was 17,500 volts, as I remember. He got that meter up
to 100 amps. Do the math. He burnt up some local fences that  night.

Of course, 13 transmitters (with plug-in coils) each  running 220,000 watts
simultaneously on several bands down the road at  VOA was astonishing, but
that 1,700,000 watts at WLW was stuck in our minds  all the way home that
night.  We were TopBand guys,  afterall!

73, Best DX, Barry, W9UCW

_
Topband Reflector 

_
Topband Reflector
_
Topband Reflector

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?

[mstangelo]

Mike,

I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time 
surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!).

They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just 
getting on the air and listening or giving a call.

Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com
To: topband topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?

snip

Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better
word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's
what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz,
the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of
Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise.

All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended
anyone, but what else can we say? :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Coupla things

[mstangelo]

Dale,

I agree with you. The reason for the signal report is to convery honest 
information to the other party. If the signal is not pure I would not send a T9 
and I would send a K when I receive clicks.

If we used the correct signal report the responsible offender would be grateful 
to receive this information if he or she was not aware of it. Repeat offenders 
would get the point if they were constantly receiving 599K reports.

I still hear the occasional chirpy signal. They're usually operators with 
homebrew rigs. They're grateful to receive the report and the discussion of the 
radio turns into a nice ragchew.

Mike N2MS  

- Original Message -
From: DALE LONG dale.l...@prodigy.net
To: mstang...@comcast.net
Sent: Mon, 28 Jan 2013 22:54:56 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Coupla things

Mike

I give them a 7 on the tone report such as 557 not 559.  This will get 
their attention more than the K which they may not understand. And I'm always 
interested in true signal reports and any problems that my signal may have.

73,

Dale - N3BNA


 From: mstang...@comcast.net mstang...@comcast.net
To: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca 
Cc: topband@contesting.com; Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com 
Sent: Monday, January 28, 2013 12:15 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Coupla things
 
I thought the proper way of indicating clicks is with the signal report - 579k. 
I haven't heard this used in years.

If the offender gets's this signal report it may give him a clue something is 
amiss.

snip

Mike N2MS



- Original Message -
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:54:11 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Coupla things


On 2013-01-28, at 7:57 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:

 
 I hope everyone attempts to contact a person in private first, and only uses 
 public means when no private contact info is available or they are creating 
 an imminent disaster.
 
 The respectful thing, however, is always direct communications unless 
 something prevents that. That should go without saying.
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Coupla things

[mstangelo]

I thought the proper way of indicating clicks is with the signal report - 579k. 
I haven't heard this used in years.

If the offender gets's this signal report it may give him a clue something is 
amiss.

It worked when I was a novice years ago in the 1960's.

Remember all thise key click filter articles on the old QST?

Mike N2MS



- Original Message -
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 28 Jan 2013 13:54:11 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Coupla things


On 2013-01-28, at 7:57 AM, Tom W8JI wrote:

 
 I hope everyone attempts to contact a person in private first, and only uses 
 public means when no private contact info is available or they are creating 
 an imminent disaster.
 
 The respectful thing, however, is always direct communications unless 
 something prevents that. That should go without saying.



Hi Tom et al,

Alas  alack, that sort of thing simply does NOT happen in to-day's Topband 
world...

Far too often, the unwitting perpetrator is often lambasted  
skewered---behind his back, of course---on the likes of The ON4KST Chat Room 
with fellow like-minded gentlemen...and more often than not, some anonymous 
aide will kindly and repeatedly send FIX KLIX at the end of the victim's 
transmissions on the air...

snip
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: dominating the spectrum

[mstangelo]

Is anyone using these ruggedized Freescale LDMOS transistors in any new 
amplifier designs?

http://www.youtube.com/user/digikey?v=KZF-FR8b71sfeature=pyvad=14013206369kw=ldmos

Mike N2MS
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Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge coming on December 29th.

Re: Topband: 1810

[mstangelo]

It was loud by the ocean here in NJ, grid square FN20xj, at 1100UTC this 
morning.

I'm going to dig out my Palomar Loop and see if I can DF the signal.

Mike N2MS
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Fishing beacons redux

[mstangelo]

Is this the correct thing to do? How do you know that the beacon user is 
breaking the law in his jurisdiction?

In any case jamming should not be proposed as a solution. Amateur radio 
operators should not cause malicious interference.
 
If word got out that hams were jamming commercial fishermen it would give us a 
blabk eye. Remember, the public would perceive the fishermen using the beacons 
for their livelihood, and hams using these frequencies for a hobby.

The best thing to do is to provide the information to the ARRL Intruderwatch 
and maybe they can make a case to have the manufacturers delete channels in the 
160 meter band.

Mike N2MS

snip

The most effective way to get rid of one is to operate on, or very close
to, the beacon frequency. It takes some period of time, but if the owner
can't hear the beacon reliably he will program a new frequency. Several
nights of heavy activity near a beacon often results in a channel switch.
... 

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

Re: Topband: Fishing beacons redux

[mstangelo]

Has anyone used the Taiyo Beacon Receiver for MF reception. It would make a 
nice DF recieiver for 160 Meters.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Dave Mueller daven...@gmail.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tue, 02 Oct 2012 04:08:15 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Fishing beacons redux

In my part of the world, beacons are used extensively to mark 
fisherman's long lines.  I would say that the average fishing boat has 
10 or 12 of these beacons which are deployed along the length of the 
line, which could be tens of miles long.  These lines take quite a while 
to deploy, are left for some time, then recovered by the vessel.  
Finding the line after it's been left to fish is what the beacons are 
used for.  Here in the NW Pacific they are used extensively for tuna 
fishing.  In the Atlantic, they are used in the swordfish industry.

snip

I found some information online here:

http://www.commercialfishingsupplies.com.au/radio-buoys.php
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Dog fence parameter radial wire

[mstangelo]

I have an inverted L in the trees of my back yard with 30 radials. The length 
of the radials is 70 feet since this is what I could fit into the existing 
area. I lay my radials on the ground since the area is wooded and doesn't have 
much foot activity.

I got my radial wire years ago when surplus wire was cheap. This is no longer 
the case.

I want to add additional radials and am looking for a suitable wire source that 
will not break the bank. I'd like to use solid copper wire.
 
I was thinking of using 18 gauge insulated dog  fence parameter wire. Has 
anyone use this wire for their radial systems?

Thanks in advance,

Mike N2MS
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: The use of digital modes on 160 metres

[mstangelo]

All,

I feel the issue is that the band plans for the three regions are not aligned, 
especially region 2. 

Since CW is still a popular mode of communications for this band I propose 
three regions should allocate 1810-1840 for CW.

SSB is not a popular on 160 as it is on 80 or 40. I don't hear much activity 
except during contests. Digital modes will grow, so I propose allocating 
1840-1870 for narrowband digital modes and 1870-2000 for SSB and wideband 
digital modes.

Mike N2MS


- Original Message -
From: Brian Mullaney b...@lintech.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:04:25 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: The use of digital modes on 160 metres

snip

I can't seem to find a mention of a DX window in either the R1 or R3 
IARU bandplans.

  I do see R3 puts digital at 1830-1834 and R1 at 1838(1840)-1843

73,
Brian N2AET

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

Re: Topband: DXCC Fairness

[mstangelo]

Jim,

You can't have your cake and eat it. The West coast has nicer weather than the 
East coast but the left coast ocean is larger...

Maybe there should be an award based on Grid Squares.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
To: 'TopBand' topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 19 Sep 2012 17:17:35 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: DXCC Fairness

Talk about DXCC fairness -- it's FAR easier to work DXCC with a modest 
station anywhere around the Atlantic, or within 1000 km of it, than it 
is from the Pacific.  I've got a very nice antenna farm and have taken 
the time to become a competitive contester, but I am almost never able 
to work DXCC in a weekend contest, all bands combined. But guys on the 
east coast consider it trivially easy. The difference is especially 
striking on Topband -- there are often openings from EU to eastern NA, 
whereas we might HEAR a dozen signals a YEAR out here in California.  It 
took me four years to work 100 countries on 160, and two years later I'm 
at 125. I haven't heard EU for two years.

73, Jim K9YC
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: TB digital

[mstangelo]

Tom,

I problem is the IARU region 1, 2 and 3 band plans do not line up. The region 1 
160 band starts at 1.810Mhz so the IARU Region2 pansis useless for DX digital 
communications. All regions should align modes.

If ALL l regions decide on 1830 to1840 for digital modes we should follow the 
recommendation.

Digital modes are the future. It will give those hams who have limited real 
estate and monetary resources to enjoy the topband.

Mike N2MS 

- Original Message -
From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
To: Topband@contesting.com
Sent: Mon, 17 Sep 2012 11:33:03 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: TB digital

I'm not surprised some of us don't know the band or history of use, or have 
not read IARU bandplans. What I wish we could do, is be a little nicer to 
each other as we learn things from each other.

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

Re: Topband: ITINERANT 160 M ANTENNA PROJECT

[mstangelo]

Bill,

Since this is a temporary installation you do you get some thin insulated wire 
and lay 30 to 60 radials on the ground.
You have to carry more wire but you won't have to worry about supporting 
elevated radials.

I use 16 conductor surplus ribbon cable for this purpose.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: bills stuff billsst...@gotsky.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 01 Aug 2012 18:00:15 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: ITINERANT 160 M ANTENNA PROJECT

The plan is to develop a simple, relatively inexpensive, relatively 
light weight and shippable/airline transportable 160 antenna kit for one 
man quick deployment for modest DXpeditions or contributed for use by 
resident hams in rare-ish (for 160 m) locations. The ability to make 
adjustments to actual deployments to provide matching is important since 
such antennas are famously variable due to soil and local obstruction 
environment and there should not be a need for antenna matching 
hardware, especially at the planned higher powers.

snip

Inv L top wire end was at ~ 2.5 m height with a support of opportunity 
(e.g., a tree) ~ 25 m from base

I am looking for collaborators to contribute ideas to help improve, and 
potentially, test design issues. Check out the website at

http://n6mw.ehpes.com

for the Itinerant 160 m antenna project expanded discussion toward the 
bottom.

The immediate target is designing and assembling a respectable 160 m 
antenna that might go to KH8 on a DXpedition.

Bill, N6MW

billsstuff(at)gotsky.com
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: FCP model

[mstangelo]

I think a more relevant question should be is there a better or simpler 
elavated radial arrangement that can fit into the 66 foot linear space that 
will radiate more effectively than the FCP design? I'd be willing to extend 
that distance to 100 feet since many surburban lots can support a 100 foot run.

Most people cannot erect elevated 2 or 4 quarter wavelength full length radials.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Rick Karlquist rich...@karlquist.com

snip

The question is not does the FCP work? but does it
have any advantage over conventional elevated radials?
We already know that folding an antenna element has no advantage
over loading coils, why should radials be any different?

Rick N6RK

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

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

[mstangelo]

Tom and All,

I also use phono connectors on some older radios. I'd prefer to substitute BNC 
connectors but I don't want to modify the equipment.

What I find helpful is to squeeze the shell of the plug so that it will fit 
tightly on the female receptacle and cover the shell with heat shrinkable 
tubing so that the pressure is always applied to the connection.

Mike N2MS.

- Original Message -
From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 13 Jul 2012 16:08:18 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Mother of all ferrite common-mode coaxial chokes

snip

Because I use phono plugs that really have improper shield grounding 
integrity, and sometimes the pressure connections add a tiny bit of unwanted 
shield impedance to the groundplane of the box entrance, I use high 
impedance beads on these particular cables. I also, as a practice, keep an 
eye on those connectors. I use those connectors by necessity, because 
several of my radios use phono plugs for external antenna ports, and there 
is no easy way to change connectors.

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

Re: Topband: Laird ferrites

[mstangelo]

I agree with Chuck,

Laird, formerly Steward, is an established magnetics company.

Jack Smith of Clifton labs uses them in some of this designs.

http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/easy_broadband_transformer.htm

You should evaluate them.

73,

Mike N2MS



- Original Message -
From: Chuck charle...@msn.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sat, 30 Jun 2012 01:28:50 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Laird ferrites

On 6/29/2012 8:07 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
 Other than those samples, I've never gotten a thing from Fair-Rite, 
 but they have been an excellent corporate citizen, and they have been 
 quite willing to sell directly to hams for group purchases at the same 
 prices they sell to distributors for the same quantities.. Why would 
 we want to bite the hand that feeds us to buy virtually unknown parts 
 from a company we've never heard of? 73, Jim Brown K9YC 
 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 
 QSB QSB - hw? BK 

I'm quite happy with the test results for Laird #35 toroids. The price 
is much less that Fair Rite for a comparable part.

From my point of view, there's no need to stick with IBM, GM, etc.


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

Re: Topband: Radials help

[mstangelo]

What radial length does the FCC requirement stipulate for the 120 radials? 
Quarter, half or a full wavelength?

How did they come to this decision since Brown, Lewis and Eppstein used 0.4wl?

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net
To: he...@vitelcom.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:03:26 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Radials help

The 120 comes from the watershed 1937 Brown Lewis and Eppstein study now
found in the IEEE journals. There were distinct characteristics to 120
times 0.4 wl (actually 115) that improved results even vs. 60.

That a deficient radial system on one side has any significant reduction in
that direction alone VS THE OTHER DIRECTIONS is a fairly well debunked
idea.  That the missing radials reduce radiation in all directions, due to
diminished efficiency, is not disputed.

73, Guy.

On Fri, Feb 10, 2012 at 2:54 PM, Herb Schoenbohm wrote:



 On 2/10/2012 1:11 PM, Milt -- N5IA wrote:
  If that is the case, WHY do the pro broadcasters install all 120 radials
 at
  full length; even bare wire buried a couple of inches underground?

 Answer:

 Because the FCC requires it as part of your AM application.  Some
 stations that were required to protect a distant station on the same
 channel but away from the area they wanted to cover, even applied for a
 waivers with a deliberately poor ground system in the protected
 direction ...but the FCC said no way Jose.  

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

Re: Topband: Need some Ferrite cores for common mode choke

[mstangelo]

I get my cores from Mouser Electronics. They have a good good selection of 31 
and 43 solid toroid and snap on cores. They have expedited shipping.

http://www.mouser.com/catalog/catalogUSD/644/1062.pdf

Mike N2MS
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Ticked over intentional interference on top band

[mstangelo]

I was taught to contact the station personally and notify him of the problem 
tactfully.  Don't broadcast your gripe.

Try to contact him (or her)  and send an accurate signal report, such as 579K. 
Remember, K indicates clicks and C chirp.

Contact him via an email or phone call and notify him of the issue.

I remember starting as a novice in the late sixties. We were crystal controlled 
and we had to manually tune our rigs and chirps were common. I started out with 
an Ameco AC1 which was a MOPA (master oscilattor power amplifier) rig. I 
received an post card form an OO (official observer) notifying be of my chirp 
and offering assistance if necessary. I remember the note started off with 
something to the effect that This is not a violation notice or a 'bawling 
out, but one ham helping another fellow ham. I was impressed with the 
professionalism.

Mike N2MS



- Original Message -
From: Bill Cromwell wrcromw...@gmail.com
To: W2PM w...@aol.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com, wa3...@comcast.net
Sent: Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:17:34 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Ticked over intentional interference on top band

On Sun, 2012-01-22 at 08:07 -0500, W2PM wrote:
 But as someone else mentioned, if a station has a signal problem, and despite 
 how beloved some of our colleagues are I have heard nasty stuff a number of 
 times, there is nothing wrong mentioning it and people shouldn't be upset 
 provided it's not said unconstructively.
 
 Sent from my iPad

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

Re: Topband: The 16th Stew Perry TopBand DX Challenge

[mstangelo]

The correct procedure is that the faster operator should slow down to 
accomodate the slower operator.

73,

Mike N2MS

  - Original Message - 
  From: kd6...@earthlink.net
  To: topband@contesting.com
  Sent: Monday, November 21, 2011 4:35 PM
  Subject: Re: Topband: The 16th Stew Perry TopBand DX Challenge


  Hi Folks:

  I'm a slow CW op (less than 10 WPM). Would it be worth my time to 
participate, or will my slow speed slow down other stations and while I add 
to the QRM?

  73

  Brian, KD6NRP
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UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Web SDR's and 'Cheating'

[mstangelo]

Why should the general listener be punished because of some cheaters. A delay 
is not necessary; we just need ethical contesters.

This is also no worse than contesters who use DX clusters or DX spots do locate 
DX stations.

I'm old fashioned. We shouldn't use any external communications infrastructure 
when making QSO's.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Kostas Stamatis sv1...@otenet.gr
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Fri, 07 Oct 2011 15:58:55 - (UTC)
Subject: Re: Topband: Web SDR's and 'Cheating'

Anyone who makes available his sdr without delay, just helps cheaters. We 
all know some of them who use a sdr receiver to make qsos. Maybe there is no 
need anymore to learn the calls. Just stop this. A delay of 1min for example 
is perfect to enjoy all the goods of an sdr receiver without helping 
cheaters. I don't know if software allows it but i don't think it is 
difficult.
73 Kostas sv1dpi

- Original Message - 
From: Thorvaldur Stefansson 
To: Brendan Minish ; 
Sent: Thursday, October 06, 2011 7:47 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Web SDR's and 'Cheating'


 hello Brendan,

 Perhaps this thread is too old, but I only now came across it, sorry if 
 the
 subject has been beaten to death already.

 As you may know I have served my Perseus SDR receiver over the internet 
 for
 almost a year - it never occurred to me that people would use it for
 cheating purposes.   I found the experiment interesting for a variety of
 technical issues - it also pleased me to allow remote users to experience
 what Zero Noise level sounds like.   Obviously the issues are the same
 whether a SDR or a regular remote receiver is used for cheating.


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