Topband: Baker Isl News

[wb6rse1]

The KH1 crew will start teardown earlier than planned. FT8 operation on Top 
Band is planned. EC USA and Eastern EU take note. Details below.

Good luck. - Steve WB6RSE


Per N1DG:   http://www.kh7z.net/ 

2 July Update – 1400z Update 


"Things are humming on Baker Island.  After storms, SAT phone failures, extreme 
heat and a storm that damaged both our low band antennas everything is fixed 
and we have over 40,000 QSOS in the log.
We are all happily working radio shifts handing out ATNOs and making memories 
that will remain with us forever.
Our pilots have requested we shift our 30 mtr frequency to down 1 to 10.107 to 
avoid EU QRM.  We also will try FT8 normal mode on 1.840 at 09:00 UTC 3 July 
for East Coast USA who have been hard to work. If successful we will stay on 
160 through the night giving Eastern EU a shot.
We are still getting lots of FT8 callers using the wrong software.
Also we hope to activate 60 mtrs (FT8) on 4 July.
Lastly because of the tides and heat we start tearing down late on the 4th and 
leave Baker on the 6th.
Don"
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 2018 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

The Top Band Dinner at the 69th International DX Convention in Visalia, 
California was held on Friday, April 20, 2018. The dinner was once again sold 
out. Special thanks goes to Glenn, WØGJ, "Bouvet - Almost," and Lee, KY7M, and 
Ned, AA7A, "The N5IA 8-Circle Full-Sized 160m Antenna," for their truly 
outstanding and very enjoyable presentations.
 
This year's dinner was supported by the manufacturers, vendors and 
organizations, listed below, who generously donated door prizes that 
significantly contributed to the dinner's overall success.
 
THANK YOU!
 
73! Steve WB6RSE
 
 
THANK YOU:
 
 
ARLAN COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.arlancommunications.com 
 
ARRAY SOLUTIONS
http://www.arraysolutions.com/ 
 
ARRL HQ
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/ 
 
BALUN DESIGNS
http://www.balundesigns.com 
 
DOGPARK SOFTWARE
http://www.dogparksoftware.com 
 
DX ENGINEERING
http://www.dxengineering.com 
 
The DX STORE
http://www.dxstore.com/ 
 
ELECRAFT
http://www.elecraft.com/ 
 
ELECRAFT COVERS
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5 
 
FLEX RADIO
http://www.flex-radio.com 
 
HI-Z ANTENNAS
http://www.hizantennas.com 
 
HRO
http://www.hamradio.com/ 
 
K4UEE DXpedition DVDs
http://www.k4uee.com/dvd 

NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org/join_ncdxf.html 
 
NIFTY ACCESSORIES
http://www.niftyaccessories.com/ 

PHOTO QSLs
http://www.photoqsls.com/ 

STEPPIR
https://www.steppir.com 

UX5UO PRINT
http://www.ux5uoqsl.com 
 
VIBROPLEX
https://www.vibroplex.com 

WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO
http://www.westmountainradio.com/ 

YAESU
https://www.yaesu.com 
 

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

Topband: 7Q7EI on 160

[wb6rse1]

7Q7EI - no CW on 160 - only FT8

Info here:

http://www.eudxf.eu/7q7ei-status-report/ 


GL - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

Just a few seats remain available for the Visalia Top Band Dinner on April 20, 
2018 at the IDXC.

Info here:

https://topbanddinner.jimdo.com 

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 2018 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

Announcing the Top Band Dinner at the 2018 Visalia International DX Convention.

Self-serve Buffet Dinner. Pre-Assigned seating. Door Prizes. $42/person. 

Program: "Overview of the N5IA 160m 8-Circle Antenna," by Lee Finkel, KY7M and 
"Top Band from Bouvet, 3YØZ" by Glenn Johnson, WØGJ. 

For the most up to date information and to register see:  
http://topbanddinner.jimdo.com/ 


73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: BOG pre amp info ?

[wb6rse1]

Larry, W7IUV, made some changes to the design over the years. It's important to 
find the latest recommended component valves for optimum preamp performance.

GL - Steve WB6RSE

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

Topband: 3YØ and KH1 on 160m

[wb6rse1]

Efforts by two teams of highly seasoned and experienced DXpeditioners are well 
underway to put both Bouvet and Baker-Howland in your 160m log in 2018. Pent up 
demand for both is great. They are #2 and #4 respectively, on the current 
overall DXCC most wanted list.

The 3YØZ team plans to be on the island towards the end of January 2018. 
They've just added additional sleeping and operating shelters to support their 
24/7 all band two week commitment.

The KH1 DXpedition is now set for June 2018. The plan is to be on the air for 
10 days, all bands plus FT8 on 6m.

Both DXpeditions will be very QRV on Top Band.

Expenses, as always, are dominated by the transportations costs and both teams 
welcome your contributions.

Bouvet:

http://www.bouvetdx.org/how-can-you-help/ 

Baker:

http://www.baker2018.net/pages/donate.html 


Why not contribute to both NOW while your thinking of it?

See you in the pile ups.

73 - Steve WB6RSE


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

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner 2017

[wb6rse1]

The 68th International DX Convention in Visalia, California is now history. The 
Top Band Dinner was held on Friday, April 21, 2017. The dinner was attended by 
145 deserving Top Banders.

Thanks to Glenn, WØGJ, for his outstanding presentation previewing the Bouvet 
DXpedition to take place in early 2018. The team is anticipating putting 
everyone’s call in the log with ‘round the clock multiband operation and plans 
for a 3el beam on 160 as part of their extensive antenna farm. This will be the 
most expensive DXpedition ever at roughly $750,000 USD, the vast majority going 
of funds going towards safe transportation to and from this most remote and 
highly in demand DXCC entity. Half of the funding is coming from the very 
unselfish crew themselves.

They still need your support. Any contribution large or small will be greatly 
appreciated. Do it now at:

http://www.bouvetdx.org 

In addition to Glenn’s presentation, I had the privilege of describing my 
experiences chasing 160m DXCC from a small West Coast city lot.
 
This year's dinner was supported by the manufacturers, vendors and 
organizations, listed below, who generously donated door prizes that 
significantly contributed to the dinner's overall success.
 
THANK YOU!
 
73! Steve WB6RSE
 
 
THANK YOU:
 
 
ARLAN COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.arlancommunications.com 
 
ARRL HQ
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/ 
 
BALUN DESIGNS
http://www.balundesigns.com 
 
NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org

DOGPARK SOFTWARE
http://www.dogparksoftware.com 
 
DX ENGINEERING
http://www.dxengineering.com 
 
DX PUBLISHING
http://www.dxpub.com/ 
 
The DX STORE
http://www.dxstore.com/ 
 
ELECRAFT
http://www.elecraft.com/ 
 
ELECRAFT COVERS
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5 

EXPERT LINEARS
www.expertlinears.com
 
FLEX RADIO
http://www.flex-radio.com 
 
HAM SUPPLY
https://www.hamsupply.com

HRO
http://www.hamradio.com/ 
 
ICOM
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/ 
 
K4UEE DXpedition DVDs
http://www.k4uee.com/dvd 

KE7X Elecraft Books
http://www.ke7x.com

NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org/join_ncdxf.html 
 
Photo QSLs
http://www.photoqsls.com

STEPPIR
http://www.steppir.com

UX5UO PRINT
http://www.ux5uoqsl.com 

VIBROPLEX
https://www.vibroplex.com

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

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

A limited number of additional seats are now available for the April 21st Top 
Band Dinner at the IDXC in Visalia.

Contact me ASAP.

DINNER INFORMATION - topbanddinner 

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

One seat is open for the Visalia Top Band Dinner on April 21st. Info here:

DINNER INFORMATION - topbanddinner 

73 - Steve WB6RSE


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

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

The 2017 Top Band Dinner at the Visalia International DX Convention will be 
held on Friday, April 21, 2017 at the Marriott Hotel immediately adjacent to 
the Visalia Convention Center.

Registration, program, menu and cost information can be found on the dinner’s 
website:

https://topbanddinner.jimdo.com 

Early registration is strongly recommended.


73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Bowtie Flags

[wb6rse1]

Mark’s observation feeds my skepticism of a bowtie vs a flag in the specific 
circumstance where a ground independent RX antenna is your only option.

A bowtie would be about half the capture area of an equivalent “box” flag and 
consequently at a immediate disadvantage. If I was going to replace the flag 
with another ground independent design in about the same footprint, it would be 
a Waller flag.

73 - Steve WB6RSE

 
On Dec 13, 2016, at 11:00 AM, Mark Connelly via Topband 
 wrote:

My experience with the Bowtie I installed in 2010 was that it was about 10-12 
dB less sensitive than a Flag or Kaz Delta occupying the same rectangular "box" 
of air space.

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

Re: Topband: Orientation of a 160 meter receive loop?

[wb6rse1]

The main use of the coax loop or any loop for that matter is not gain but low 
noise directivity. Placing it on a small TV rotator allows for the nully of 
local noise to help improve the SNR for the desired signal. A preamp may not be 
necessary especially of it increases the desired signal and the noise the same 
amount. As with any loop, it will interact with nearby resonant antennas and 
that can be positive or negative depending upon the orientation and distance 
between antennas.

The coax loop was my first RX only antenna at it really helped. I highly 
recommend making it rotatable because local noise sources are guaranteed to 
change.

GL - Steve WB6RSE

>> 
>> Thanks, in advance for any 'advice' or reaffirmation I am on solid` ground 
>> here.
>> 
>> 72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV

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

Re: Topband: best headphones for cw

[wb6rse1]

Chuck -

I’ve been very pleased with Heil ProSets for both CW and SSB.

If you can, borrow the recommended models to see how you like them.

What’s “best” is always going to be subjective just because there are so many 
variables.

Communications frequency response vs full range.
Over the ear or on the ear cushions.
Built in microphone boom; dynamic or electret element.
Mic frequency response.
Cord as a Y vs on one side or wireless.
Overall comfort and aural fatigue.
Price.
Etc.


The question begs a second question: Amplifier QSK relay noise.

My reference standard for a legal limit amp is the Alpha 87A with PIN diodes. 
The diodes are expensive vs vacuum relays that are popular with manufacturers. 
The Alpha 9500 relays could wake up the dead wearing earphones. A deal breaker 
for some.

Expert Linears has a mod to quiet the stock SPE 2K-FA relays which is supposed 
to be very effective although I don’t have any first hand knowledge. The SPE 
1.3-FA review in July 2016 says that you might want to use headphones when 
operating QSK. No mention is made of any kind of quieting mod having been done.

The Elecraft KPA-500 amp uses inexpensive switching diodes for T/R switching 
and is as seamlessly quiet as the Alpha 87A. No doubt their legal limit amp 
that never came to market used the same design.

I’d like to see manufacturers use solid state diodes vs relays as T/R switches. 
Elecraft has shown this to be a commercially viable design.

73 - Steve WB6RSE



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

Topband: Correction 2016 Visalia Top Band Dinner Recap

[wb6rse1]

CORRECTION: The Visalia Top Band Dinner 2017: April 21.

73! Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 2016 Visalia Top Band Dinner Recap

[wb6rse1]

The 2016 Top Band Dinner at the Visalia IDXC is history. On Friday, April 15, 
2016, 160 people had registered for the “160” Top Band Dinner. A record maximum 
capacity crowd.

Thanks go to the presenters for their excellent, informative and entertaining 
160m presentations:

Rich, KY6R - VKØEK 160m antenna raising
Jared, N7SMI - VK9WA Willis Island
Ned. AA7A - VP8STI & VP8SGI - South Sandwich and South Georgia Islands
and the keynote presentation:
Craig, K9CT, K5P Palmyra

The Organizations, Manufacturers and Vendors listed below generously supported 
the dinner. They deserve our thanks and patronage.

Note: The Visalia Top Band Dinner 2017: April 17.

73! Steve WB6RSE

VISALIA TOP BAND DINNER prize donors:

Arlan Communications
Array Solutions
ARRL
Balun Designs
Cordell Expeditions
The Daily DX
DogPark Software
DX Engineering
DX Publishing
The DX Store
Elecraft
Elecraft Covers
Expert Amplifiers
Flex Radio
Force 12
Hi-Z Antennas
HRO
ICOM
K4UEE DVDs
KE7X Books
NCDXF
Nifty Accessories
Palomar Engineers
PhotoQSLs
UX5UO QSLs
Vibroplex
West Mountain Radio
Yaesu
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: VK0EK on LoTW

[wb6rse1]

If you contributed prior to the operation, your Qs were almost immediately 
uploaded to LOTW. My 160m Q was confirmed on LOTW about 10 minutes later once I 
recovered from the joy of seeing “You just made a QSO with VKØEK,” pop up and 
thought to upload an ADIF file.

Impressive indeed and likely very expensive to maintain the satellite link to 
enable this feature.

73 - Steve WB6RSE



> On Apr 11, 2016, at 1:08 PM, David Raymond  wrote:
> 
> I completed an OQRS QSL request for VK0EK and made a modest donation to help 
> with expenses.  To my surprise my VK0EK QSOs are already confirmed on LoTW.  
> While this operation had plenty of challenges with propagation I felt the 
> operation was very well run, well organized, and the operators outstanding.  
> 
> 73. . .Dave, W0FLS
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: BCB High Pass Filter

[wb6rse1]

I highly recommend the Array Solutions W3NQN BCB.

I had a local BC station a few miles away developed problems resulting in IMD 
with an external preamp ON connected to a flag that rendered 160 unusable.

The W3NQN BCB completely fixed the issue. Notified but I’ve no idea if the 
offending BC station ever made repairs.

As I understand it, W3NQN custom builds and selects components so that each 
filter meets specs.

Brick wall it is and well worth the expense.

73 - Steve WB6RSE

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

Topband: Spotlights

[wb6rse1]

In addition to very brief anxiety ridden spotlights, I’ve also experienced some 
memorably long ones on Top Band.

1) Oct 9, 2005. CX5BW. It was the usual 3 minute eternity waiting for the Alpha 
to warmup while hoping the opening would last. Q@ 0303Z and Pedro was on for 
quite awhile remaining Q5. My RX antenna was a 10 ft coax loop diamond, 2.5 ft 
on a side.

2) Oct 18, 2007. ES1QD. I thought it was a local CQing. When he ID’d, I almost 
fell out of my chair reaching for the amp’s ON switch. Q @ 0322Z and he was 
there for hours.

3) Sept 25, 2008. EL2DX. Q @ 0431Z. There for several hours.

All of the above Qs were easy, just one or a few calls.

“Chance favors those who are prepared.” Louis Pasteur.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 2016 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

Announcing the 2016 Top Band Dinner at the Visalia IDXC April 15, 2016.
Craig Thompson, K9CT, will present: “Top Band from Palmyra, K5P.”
There will be a self-serve buffet dinner and door prizes.
Complete details and registration information can be found at 
http://topbanddinner.jimdo.com

73! - Steve WB6RSE

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

Topband: K5P QRV 160

[wb6rse1]

Just noted 2336Z per K9CT on the 160 chat:

“Hello from Palmyra …..we have fixed the 160m antenna and will be on at our SS 
… GL"

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Shunt Feed Cage

[wb6rse1]

I shunt feed my 54 ft free standing 3 section crank-up tower for 160m and 80m, 
remote relay band switchable omega match. 2:1 SWR bandwidth is around 40+ kc on 
160 and about 20 kc on 80.

3/8” solid gamma rod, 15” from a tower leg attached at about the 22 ft level, 
the top of the bottom section of the tower. These parameters will not change 
nor will the fact that I have no radials since there is no place for them on my 
small city lot. There are two 8 ft ground rods at the tower base.

If I were to put a cage of 2, 3 or 4 wires around the gamma rod, each spaced 3 
inches or so from the rod, could I expect to see a significant improvement in 
bandwidth on 80m? Or I won’t know until I try it?

Tks - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: ZD8W for JA/EU and West Coast 160/80

[wb6rse1]

QSO’d Oliver W6NV at ZD8W on 10m.

His schedule for tonight, Nov 13:

JA and EU: Will start on 80 @ 21-22Z and move to 160.

USA West Coast: @ 05Z will start on 80. Move to 160 around 06Z. Will be on160 
at least 15 minutes before his SR at 0627Z.

Will likely switch bewteen 160 and 80 depending upon condx.

GL - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Router Recommendations

[wb6rse1]

Recomendations received for Linksys and Asus models. Tks to all who replied.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Router Recommendations

[wb6rse1]

Recomendations received for Linksys and Asus models. Tks to all who replied.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: KD9SV-OK1RR relays ???

[wb6rse1]

The mast of my RX flag is 20-25 ft from my 160/80m shunt fed tower. I run a KW+ 
on the low bands. I use an Array Solutions AS-RXFEP RF Limiter (aka FES etc.) 
in line with the flag at the rig’s RX Ant IN. The RXFEP uses a gas discharge 
tube and a pair of matching transformers with back-to-back diodes in between.

I favor this passive approach which avoids having to deal with any relay and 
sequencing issues when QSK.

https://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/as_rxfep.htm

The “manual” link shows the schematic.

I also use a W3NQN BCB filter (from AS).

I have had my K3’s COR (carrier operated relay) trigger on 80m depending upon 
the orientation of the flag. A not so obvious RF path of some sort. This issue 
was solved by placing the BCB ahead of the FEP.

I recommend the RXFEP if you want a passive non-relay solution. If you have 
strong local BC stations, the W3NQN brick wall BCB filter works wonders.

Steve WB6RSE




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

Re: Topband: RX antenna ???

[wb6rse1]

Don’t know if this Rev 5 is the latest as Larry made some value changes over 
time.

‎www.mtmscientific.com/preamp.pdf

Steve WB6RSE


On Aug 28, 2015, at 10:12 AM, Jeff Kincaid w...@sbcglobal.net wrote:

Now that we've all retested the broken link, does anyone have a copy of the pdf?
'JK 

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

Re: Topband: RX antenna ???

[wb6rse1]

Getting back to CO8DM's original question about a preamp to use with a flag. If 
the receiver noise level pops up and then drops when a receive antenna is 
connected and then disconnected, then it’s likely that a preamp may not be 
needed at all.

When I first played with a coaxial loop, a preamp was necessary. Since going to 
a full size flag, I find that I seldom even bother turning on a external 
preamp. I do have a relatively short coax run of about 75 ft from the flag to 
the receiver.

I’d try the flag first without building/buying a preamp and see how it plays.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Fwd: ARRL Board meets next week - I'm looking for input

[wb6rse1]

It’s an easy problem to solve. Just change every country with districts into 
multiple DXCC entities. WØ-W9. Ten new countries. VE1, VE2, VK1 etc. Move to 
another “country,” start all over. And restart DXCC by band and mode from 
scratch. No grandfathered credits. How about on April 1, 2016? If you move from 
Phoenix to Seattle you keep your credits. Move a few hundred miles West to LA, 
too bad. From Pittsburgh to Cleveland, no dice. Great fun. Think of the 
possibilities. The pile ups, scheds, getting up in the wee hours of the night 
all over again just for an “ATNO.” Think of the money that could be raised to 
fund DXpeditions to re-activate wet rocks or islands with no indigenous 
population.

Now look in the mirror and ask yourself if your DXCC totals prove anything 
other than how old you are.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Video Switch for Low Band Antenna switching

[wb6rse1]

4O3A sells a variety of products for station control and antenna switching:

http://4o3a.com

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 2015 Visalia Top Band Dinner Recap

[wb6rse1]

The 66th International DX Convention in Visalia, California is now history. The 
Top Band Dinner was held on Friday, April 17, 2015. Attendance set a new all 
time record. Special thanks goes to Bob Allphin, K4UEE, for another outstanding 
presentation: “Top Band From Navassa, K1N.” The K1N DXpedition proved once 
again that Bob is no amateur when it comes putting most wanted top ten entities 
on the air.
 
This year's dinner was supported by the manufacturers, vendors and 
organizations, listed below, who generously donated door prizes that 
significantly contributed to the dinner's overall success.
 
THANK YOU!
 
73! Steve WB6RSE
 
 
THANK YOU:
 
ALPHA RADIO PRODUCTS
http://www.rfconcepts.com/
 
ARLAN COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.arlancommunications.com
 
ARRAY SOLUTIONS
http://www.arraysolutions.com/
 
ARRL HQ
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/
 
BALUN DESIGNS
http://www.balundesigns.com
 
THE DAILY DX
http://www.dailydx.com/
 
DOGPARK SOFTWARE
http://www.dogparksoftware.com
 
DX ENGINEERING
http://www.dxengineering.com
 
DX PUBLISHING
http://www.dxpub.com/
 
The DX STORE
http://www.dxstore.com/
 
ELECRAFT
http://www.elecraft.com/
 
ELECRAFT COVERS
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5

EXPERT AMPS USA
http://www.expertampsusa.com

EXPERT LINEARS
http://www.expertlinears.com
 
FLEX RADIO
http://www.flex-radio.com
 
HI-Z ANTENNAS
http://www.hizantennas.com
 
HRO
http://www.hamradio.com/
 
ICOM
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/
 
FORCE 12
http://www.force12inc.com
 
INRAD
http://www.inrad.net/home.php
 
K4UEE DXpedition DVDs
http://www.k4uee.com/dvd

NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org/join_ncdxf.html
 
NIFTY ACCESSORIES
http://www.niftyaccessories.com/

PRO AUDIO ENGINEERING
https://proaudioeng.com
 
PHOTO QSLs
http://www.photoqsls.com/
 
TENTEC
http://tentec.com/
 
UX5UO PRINT
http://www.ux5uoqsl.com
 
WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO
http://www.westmountainradio.com/
 
YAESU
http://www.yaesu.com/

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

Topband: 2015 Visalia Top Band Dinner Recap

[wb6rse1]

The 66th International DX Convention in Visalia, California is now history. The 
Top Band Dinner was held on Friday, April 17, 2015. Attendance set a new all 
time record. Special thanks goes to Bob Allphin, K4UEE, for another outstanding 
presentation: “Top Band From Navassa, K1N.” The K1N DXpedition proved once 
again that Bob is no amateur when it comes putting most wanted top ten entities 
on the air.
 
This year's dinner was supported by the manufacturers, vendors and 
organizations, listed below, who generously donated door prizes that 
significantly contributed to the dinner's overall success.
 
THANK YOU!
 
73! Steve WB6RSE
 
 
THANK YOU:
 
ALPHA RADIO PRODUCTS
http://www.rfconcepts.com/
 
ARLAN COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.arlancommunications.com
 
ARRAY SOLUTIONS
http://www.arraysolutions.com/
 
ARRL HQ
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/
 
BALUN DESIGNS
http://www.balundesigns.com
 
THE DAILY DX
http://www.dailydx.com/
 
DOGPARK SOFTWARE
http://www.dogparksoftware.com
 
DX ENGINEERING
http://www.dxengineering.com
 
DX PUBLISHING
http://www.dxpub.com/
 
The DX STORE
http://www.dxstore.com/
 
ELECRAFT
http://www.elecraft.com/
 
ELECRAFT COVERS
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5

EXPERT AMPS USA
http://www.expertampsusa.com

EXPERT LINEARS
http://www.expertlinears.com
 
FLEX RADIO
http://www.flex-radio.com
 
HI-Z ANTENNAS
http://www.hizantennas.com
 
HRO
http://www.hamradio.com/
 
ICOM
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/
 
FORCE 12
http://www.force12inc.com
 
INRAD
http://www.inrad.net/home.php
 
K4UEE DXpedition DVDs
http://www.k4uee.com/dvd

NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org/join_ncdxf.html
 
NIFTY ACCESSORIES
http://www.niftyaccessories.com/

PRO AUDIO ENGINEERING
https://proaudioeng.com
 
PHOTO QSLs
http://www.photoqsls.com/
 
TENTEC
http://tentec.com/
 
UX5UO PRINT
http://www.ux5uoqsl.com
 
WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO
http://www.westmountainradio.com/
 
YAESU
http://www.yaesu.com/

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

Re: Topband: Yikes

[wb6rse1]

Let’s see. You likely have thousands if not tens of thousands invested in gear 
and antennas. You have a computer and a monthly ISP bill. And a monthly 
electric bill. These guys unselfishly invested their own time and a lot more 
than $6 each to give you the joy of an ATNO and band/mode slots.

Did you donate to the project ahead of time? Do you donate to Clublog that has 
substantial costs but does not require you to join and that allows you to 
request your card via the bureau for free?

Are you “thirfty” out of financial necessity? OK. You’ll get your card and LOTW 
eventually. Or is it just out of habit?

So why even bring it up?

Sympathy is in the dictionary between two words I won't repeat here.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Alternating tone RFI

[wb6rse1]

I’ve also posted this on the RFI reflector.

I’m hearing a peculiar RFI tone on 160m and 80m. It’s two tones. One is a long 
tone with a short OFF. The other is approximately 13 kc lower and is ON exactly 
when the first tone is off. Sometimes the second tone appears plus and minus 13 
kc from the longer tone’s frequency. I notice this every night but not until at 
least an hour or two after sunset. It’s not on in the early hours prior to 
sunrise. Signal strength appears to be directional. I’ve heard it occasionally 
on an upper HF band like 17m during the day but it’s much weaker.

I can’t find anything online that matches this description.

Any ideas on what to search for will be appreciated.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Navassa

[wb6rse1]

The upcoming K1N operation from Navassa will undoubtedly have a significant 
effort on the low bands including 160. If you haven’t already or feel inclined 
to do so again, I’m sure the team would welcome your support.

http://navassadx.com  click on “Donate.

Bob, K4UEE, will present: “Top Band from Navassa, K1N” at the Top Band Dinner 
at the Visalia IDXC April 17, 2015.

Complete details and registration information can be found at:

http://topbanddinner.jimdo.com

73! - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: OT Phasing SSB

[wb6rse1]

Back in the day, did you use a 9 Mc audio phasing SSB exciter and a 5 Mc VFO to 
operate on 75m? Do you still have that working gear? If so, please reply off 
list.

Thanks  HNY - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: KP1

[wb6rse1]

A new one for many on 160 coming in January. I’m sure the team will welcome any 
and all support.

http://kp1-5.com/new/news.htm

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: BCB interference ?

[wb6rse1]

I had a local BC station start to produce spurs that overloaded an external 
preamp for my full size RX flag. The Array Solutions W3NQN RX filter did the 
job. I tried an Array Solutions AS-402 BCB High Pass Filter but it doesn’t have 
the brick wall response of the W3NQN design. For all I know, my local BC 
station is still malfunctioning. The Clifton Lab design looks as if it should 
work comparably to the W3NQN filter.

The Array Solutions AS-RXFEP front end protector should be consider if your RX 
and RX antennas are close and your run QRO.

Steve WB6RSE



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

Topband: XV7BM QSLs

[wb6rse1]

XV7BM 160m QSLs (March 2014 QRV) are in the mail.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: A35

[wb6rse1]

A35V and A35X are having problems with antennas for 160 but “We have not given 
up completely on 160m - we will try again on Monday.

They are QRV for another 6 days.

http://a35va35x.com

GL - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Test message

[wb6rse1]

Sorry for the test msg. Pse ignore.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Visalia Top Band Dinner Recap

[wb6rse1]

The 65th International DX Convention in Visalia, California April 4-6, 2014 is 
now history. The Top Band Dinner was held on Friday, April 4 with a record 
setting crowd in attendance. A special thanks goes to Craig Thompson, K9CT, for 
an excellent presentation: A Tale of Two Islands — Wake and Amsterdam. Top 
Band Results, Comparisons and Contrasts.” Craig was part of the crew on both 
the K9W and FT5ZM DXpeditions. Craig’s extensive analysis of propagation 
effects was especially informative.

This year's Top Band dinner was supported by the manufacturers, vendors and 
organizations listed below who generously donated door prizes that 
significantly contributed to the dinner's overall success.

THANK YOU!

73! Steve WB6RSE

http://topbanddinner.jimdo.com


THANK YOU:

ALPHA RADIO PRODUCTS
http://www.rfconcepts.com/

ARLAN COMMUNICATIONS
http://www.arlancommunications.com

ARRAY SOLUTIONS
http://www.arraysolutions.com/

ARRL HQ
http://www.arrl.org/catalog/

BALUN DESIGNS
http://www.balundesigns.com

THE DAILY DX
http://www.dailydx.com/

DOGPARK SOFTWARE
http://www.dogparksoftware.com

DX ENGINEERING
http://www.dxengineering.com

DX PUBLISHING
http://www.dxpub.com/

The DX STORE
http://www.dxstore.com/

ELECRAFT
http://www.elecraft.com/

ELECRAFT COVERS
http://tinyurl.com/7lm3m5

EXPERT AMPS
http://www.expertampsusa.com

FLEX RADIO
http://www.flex-radio.com

HI-Z ANTENNAS
http://www.hizantennas.com

HRO
http://www.hamradio.com/

ICOM
http://www.icomamerica.com/en/amateur/

INNOVANTENNAS
https://www.innovantennas.us

INRAD
http://www.inrad.net/home.php

K4UEE DXpedition DVDs
http://www.k4uee.com/dvd

KE7X BOOKS
http://www.ke7x.com/

NCDXF
http://www.ncdxf.org/join_ncdxf.html

NIFTY ACCESSORIES
http://www.niftyaccessories.com/

PHOTO QSLs
http://www.photoqsls.com/

THE QSL MAN
http://www.w4mpy.com/

STEPPIR ANTENNAS
http://www.steppir.com/

TENTEC
http://tentec.com/

UX5UO PRINT
http://www.ux5uoqsl.com

VIBROPLEX KEYS
http://vibroplex.com/

WAVE NODE
http://www.wavenode.com

WEST MOUNTAIN RADIO
http://www.westmountainradio.com/

YAESU
http://www.yaesu.com/

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

Topband: TX6G on 160

[wb6rse1]

Report from TX6G. GL - Steve WB6RSE

Well we did get the 160m antenna up last night and the radials laid. We didn't 
get on the air until 04.30z Saturday morning. And we worked the grand  sum of 5 
stns all night. Were condx down or are we not getting out?

We'll be on again tonight, starting earlier. If we hear nothing we will check 
every hour on the hour.

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

Topband: TX6G

[wb6rse1]

Local time early morning report from TX6G. It’s been raining heavily. They hope 
to put up antennnas for 160/80 today weather permitting.

Outstanding signals on the other HF bands. Working many EU during those 
openings.

Good Luck all.

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Recent FT5ZM operation

[wb6rse1]

Repeat - the server strips out the HTML link.

To the deserving:

The FT5ZM DXpedition remains about 10% short of their financial goal. If you 
haven’t already done so, the team’s efforts and remarkable accomplishments 
deserve your support. Every little bit helps and further encourages these 
self-sacrificing team members to activate another rare one.

http://www.amsterdamdx.org

73 - Steve WB6RSE

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

Re: Topband: Recent FT5ZM operation

[wb6rse1]

To the deserving:

The FT5ZM DXpedition remains about 10% short of their financial goal. If you 
haven’t already done so, the team’s efforts and remarkable accomplishments 
deserve your support. Every little bit helps and further encourages these 
self-sacrificing team members to activate another rare one.

FT5ZM - Amsterdam Island DXpedition 2014 | Ham Radio Expedition to Amsterdam 
Island, Indian Ocean, 2014

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: YJØOU 160m

[wb6rse1]

Per YJØOU on 17m CW 2-23-14 2223Z Bill says last night was the last time on 
160m.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: VP9/G7VJR

[wb6rse1]

Michael, G7VJR, is now QRV from VP9. He will be on 160 later. He's running 100 
watts.

Great CW op.

GL - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: FT5ZM logs updated

[wb6rse1]

Clublog says Last QSO in database: 2014-02-01 13:59:55. I have a 15m Q made 
well after that which does appear. So the last QSO data isn't as accurate as 
we might care to interpret.

Steve WB6RSE

On Feb 1, 2014, at 2:02 PM, Tree wrote:

This does not appear to have any of the QSOs made tonight their time
(none of the West Coast QSOs made this morning on 160 or 80 are here).

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

Topband: 2014 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

Announcing the Top Band Dinner at the 2014 Visalia DX Convention.

The dinner wiil be held on Friday April 4, 2014. Craig Thompson, K9CT, will be 
the featured speaker: A Tale of Two Islands — Wake and Amsterdam. The Low 
Bands: Results, Comparisons and Contrasts.

See this website for complete details and registration information:

 2014 VISALIA TOP BAND DINNER

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

Topband: UPDATE: 2014 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

The clickable link is apprently stripped out but the server.

**

Announcing the Top Band Dinner at the 2014 Visalia DX Convention.

The dinner wiil be held on Friday April 4, 2014. Craig Thompson, K9CT, will be 
the featured speaker: A Tale of Two Islands — Wake and Amsterdam. The Low 
Bands: Results, Comparisons and Contrasts.

See this website for complete details and registration information:

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

Re: Topband: Common Mode Chokes

[wb6rse1]

My thanks to K9YC, KZ1W and everyone else who replied.

Steve WB6RSE

 
 On Jun 9, 2013, at 6:57 PM, wb6r...@mac.com wrote:
 
 G3TXQ shows characteristics for common mode chokes:
 
 http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/chokes/
 
 Has anyone built the 17T of RG58 on an FT240-31 choke and verified the 
 performance?
 
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Common Mode Chokes

[wb6rse1]

G3TXQ shows characteristics for common mode chokes:

http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/chokes/

Has anyone built the 17T of RG58 on an FT240-31 choke and verified the 
performance?

TU - Steve WB6RSE
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: C82DX 160m

[wb6rse1]

C82DX will be QRV Oct 15-22, 2013 with special emphasis on 160 and 80.

Their sponsor page is now active. I'm sure that DXpedition co-leaders Tom, 
N4XP, and Don, N1DG, and their entire crew would welcome any all support.

C82DX 2013 Home Page

73 - Steve WB6RSE
All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: RFI ferrites

[wb6rse1]

I use a label maker and put the ID on the edge FT240-XX when I receive them.

73 - Steve WB6RSE

___


On May 17, 2013, at 8:24 AM, Shoppa, Tim wrote:

I like to use a white paint marker to put numbers on big cores as I unpack them 
:-)

Tim N3QE

All good topband ops know how to put up a beverage at night.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: #12 Ga Wire Source?

[wb6rse1]

Suggestions please for a source of multistranded #12 ga copper wire suitable 
for a flag/loop that sees alot of flexing between fiberglass poles.

Off list response OK and I'll post a summary of the results.

Steve WB6RSE
All good topband ops know fine whiskey is a daylight beverage.
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: W3NQN BCB Filter

[wb6rse1]

This topic has been covered before on this list. I believe that my recent 
experience is also worth reporting.

After over a decade of operating on 160m, I'd never experienced any significant 
problems with BC carriers other than very weak carriers on 1810, 1820, 1830, 
1840 kHz etc. The greater Los Angeles area is not at a loss for high power BC 
stations. Several weeks ago a very loud and wide signal appeared for the first 
time on 1840 kHz in addition to others every 10 kHz. These spurs were a bit 
weaker after sunset but still loud and wide. Any legitimate 160m signal within 
about 3 kHz of these spurs could not be copied. The spurs' modulation matched 
that of a broadcast station six miles from my location. With the assistance of 
a local broadcast signal compliance expert, signal strength measurements were 
made using professional grade equipment close to the BC station's transmitting 
towers as well as at my station. The spurious signals were just out of 
regulatory specifications and the modulation was mushy. The station's engineer 
was contacted. He advertised that he would perform some s
 tandard maintenance. To date, nothing has changed.

All of the possible combinations of equipment at my station were tried in an 
attempt to isolate and diagnose the problem. The result was that the spurs 
appeared only with an external preamp in the path with a full size receiving 
flag. This was observed with not just a single preamp but with a second preamp 
of an entirely different design.

I inserted a W3NQN Receive Only BCB filter between the flag and each of the two 
preamps, one at a time. The result in both cases was that the spurs were 
reduced to very weak carriers daytime and to a just perceptible level when the 
BC station switched to nighttime power (10 kW to 490 watts). Something has 
likely changed in the BC's station signal, causing the preamps to become 
overloaded resulting in IMD problems.

http://www.arraysolutions.com/Products/BCB%20RF%20Filters.htm

This filter has an extremely sharp cut-off below 1700 kHz. I understand that 
precision tolerance components are hand selected for custom assembly of each 
filter to guarantee the specified response. W3NQN has started to label his 
products Design, Assembly and Testing by W3NQN.

These filters have a well deserved reputation. The BCB is superb.

73 - Steve WB6RSE


_
Topband Reflector

Topband: 2013 Visalia Top Band Dinner

[wb6rse1]

The 2013 Visalia Top Band Dinner will be held on April 19, 2013. There will be 
a buffet dinner, door prizes including a Hi-Z Antennas  Hi-Z 4 level 2 (PLUS6 
Amps) System and a special program: Les Kalmus, W2LK: ZL9HR - The Auckland and 
Campbell Island 160m Challenge. 

Cost is $40 (USD) per person. For for further details and reservations please 
see:

http://www.dxconvention.com/pages/dinners-topband.html

73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: 1840

[wb6rse1]

Anyone is Southern Calif / Los Angeles area hearing a very loud BC 
station/harmonic on 1840?

Steve WB6RSE
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: PTØS Summary

[wb6rse1]

For those who may not have seen it. 3K Qs on 160.

http://pt0s.com/PT0S_Summary.pdf

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge coming on December 29th.

Re: Topband: Delta loops antennas

[wb6rse1]

Over the last decade I have experimented with a variety of loops: coax, delta, 
diamonds, flags. The only real-estate available has been the roof of my house. 
There is just no room on my city lot to accommodate a K9AY or beverages, let 
alone a 4-square - much as I would like to have had the luxury of trying any of 
them. My experience with a roof mounted FOØAAA quickly demonstrated that it 
must be ground mounted. No surprise, ground dependent designs are just not 
effective when elevated on a roof. 

I've also tried a variety of toroidal cores for the loop matching transformer 
with mixed results. A binocular core transformer, as described by W8JI and 
others, finally made the large loops sound like real antennas.

I agree that the K6SE original QST paper and ON4UN's latest Low Band DXing, 
book deserve study. George, AA7JV, also has demonstrated the effectiveness of a 
variety of ground mounted loop configurations.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
It is undesirable to believe a proposition when there is no ground whatsoever 
for supposing it is true. - Bertrand Russell

Topband: ZL9HR

[wb6rse1]

Re: ZL9HR on 160  80. Anyone have any insights on this?

No antennas are allowed in or near the water, and the team will have to 
shuttle back and forth from the island as no overnight stays are  allowed 
(unless the weather prevents return to the boat). 

Steve WB6RSE
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Re: Topband: ZL9HR

[wb6rse1]

On Nov 25, 2012, at 4:43 PM, Michael Tope wrote:

http://k3el.wordpress.com/dx/zl9hr/propagation/

2. Operating times -- It is a condition of our operating permit that we leave 
the island during the hours of darkness. 
___

All: Thanks for the comments on and off list. Mike, W4EF, found the definitive 
caveats as noted above.  It's been so long since ZL9 has been QRV that I didn't 
recall the restrictions. As far as 160/80 are concerned, we can only hope they 
can stay QRV for some time after their sunset before having to leave for the 
night. And/or that the wx is just enough to keep them overnight but otherwise 
not severe.

Past operations I know of:

ZL4LR/A 1978
ZL9AMO et al 1988
ZL9DX  K8VIR/ZL9 1997
ZL9CI 1999

Good hunting all.

Steve WB6RSE
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Topband: PT0S

[wb6rse1]

PT0S is QRT. OQRS is up and running. LOTW credits are already posted.

Harry and Tomi are known for their low band DXpeditions and this one yielded 
another impressive low band total. Considering the great many obstacles, their 
success is a tribute to planning, resourcefulness  and tenacity.

We are all suffering from a lack of sleep. It is no longer just me, others are 
starting to fall asleep at the key.   

The entire crew is to be congratulated. If not a new DXCC overall, certainly 
most of us added a new mode or band.

Now is the time to consider some extra support when requesting your QSLs. They 
don't require it, but they'll certainly appreciate it.

http://pt0s.com/qsl.html

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Topband: PTØS

[wb6rse1]

George, AA7JV, is just back from a recon trip to St. Peter  Paul Rocks for the 
PTØS operation coming up in November. George used an Elecraft KX3 with a whip 
on the recon trip to determine the quietest location for the low band receiving 
antennas: 300 ft away on another island. You can read about it in News 
Updates here:

http://pt0s.com/news.html

This kind of effort really deserves your support. I'm sure George and Tomi, 
HA7RY, and the whole team will certainly appreciate it.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Detuning transmit antenna in receive

[wb6rse1]

My tower shunt feed for 160 and 80 is latching relay remote controlled. On 160, 
certain orientations of my very close RX flag result in reduced signal due to 
the influence of the tuned vertical. In those instances, I detune the shunt 
by selecting 80m. My amp has a rather dramatic way of reminding me if I fail to 
switch the shunt back to 160 when transmitting.

Just one station's solution.

73 - Steve WB6RSE

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

Re: Topband: Wellbrook receive loop performance

[wb6rse1]

And comparisons on the list with the Pixel loop would also be welcome.

http://www.pixelsatradio.com/product/shortwave-magnetic-loop-antenna/

Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Top Band Dinner - Visalia 2012

[wb6rse1]

ANNOUNCING THE TOP BAND DINNER AT THE 2012 VISALIA DX CONVENTION

WHEN: Friday, April 20, 2012. Check-in and no-host bar starting at 6:30 PM.
WHERE: Convention Hotel - Holiday Inn - Visalia CA - Birch Room.
PROGRAM: Bob Alphin, K4UEE, HKØNA, Top Band from Malpelo.
DOOR PRIZES
MENU: Miner 49er BBQ self-serve buffet dinner.
COST: $37 (USD)/person.
If you wish to attend, please email me with the number of reservations you 
would like along with CALL (or XYL/guest) , FIRST and LAST NAME, and contact 
EMAIL address for each person. You will receive a return email confirming 
availability along with payment information.
THIS DINNER SELLS OUT IN ADVANCE. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: T8CC

[wb6rse1]

Ulf, DL5AXX, was on 160 as T8XX this last Sept. 221 Top Band Qs. Just 12 with 
NA.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Receive ant question

[wb6rse1]

On Oct 26, 2011, at 2:32 PM, Rik van Riel wrote:

With the RX antenna a reasonable distance (100ft) away
from the TX antenna, would an RF limiter (like the one
ICE makes) be an acceptable substitute for a front end
protector with relays?

I am running 100W only here, no amp.


I run 1+ KW on 160/80 to a shunt fed tower that is 10 to 15 ft from an RX loop 
at its closest rotation.

With an ICE 196 ahead of a preamp for the loop, I have had no problems over 
many years, first with an FT1000D (which I do not think grounded the RX only 
input during TX) and more recently a K3 which does have RF protection for the 
RX front end.

YMWV but you're likely very safe. 

Note that the ICE 196 is no longer available from the new company 
http://www.morganmfg.us/radio-products/

Array solutions is planning a replacement but I have yet to see it on their 
website.

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: ICE 196 Info

[wb6rse1]

A few months ago there was a post that ICE is now:

http://www.morganmfg.us/

I asked about the ICE 196 and received this:

Sorry, we are not currently supplying that product.

The interior of the 196 can be seen here:

http://cn2r.net/cn2r/Photo/Station/Shack/Switching%20Control/slides/Ice%20196%20Rx%20limiter.html

I opened mine and don't see the cap from the junction of the resistor and the 
blue cap to ground in the picture. The resistor is 5 ohms and the blue cap is 
.001. The back to back diodes look like small signal 1N34A types. The binocular 
cores are approximately 1/4 inch long, much smaller than BN73-202s.

From this listing, dimension B, my guess is that the cores are mostly likely 
BN43-1502s:

http://toroids.info/BN-43-1502.php

73 - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: ICE Replacements

[wb6rse1]

Jay, WXØB, of Array Solutions tells me that they are very close to introducing 
products to replace some of the ICE designs no longer available.

The ICE 196 RF limiter and the 197 that adds a lightening arrestor, have been 
redesigned to use Mini-Circuits RF transformers that virtually eliminate the 
insertion losses that were present in the original design.

ICE 302 and 303 coax surge arrestor redesigns should be available soon. And 
they're re-engineering the low cost bandpass filters, and BCB filters.

Watch the Array Solutions website for details and availability.

http://www.arraysolutions.com/

73 - Steve WB6RSE




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

Topband: ICE 196

[wb6rse1]

Anyone have the specifics of the parts used in the ICE196 front end protector? 
A picture of the interior shows two binocular cores, two diodes, a resistor and 
two ceramic caps. The manual does not list any details, windings etc. nor can I 
find anything web surfing.

Thanks - Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Top Band Dinner - Visalia 2011

[wb6rse1]

The 2011 Top Band Dinner at the Visalia DX Convention is now open for 
reservations.

WHEN: Friday, April 15, 2011 starting at 6:30 PM.

WHERE: Convention Hotel - Holiday Inn - Visalia CA.

PROGRAM: The Low Bands from VP8ORK South Orkneys.

DOOR PRIZES: AlphaPower, Array Solutions, ARRL, CQ Magazine, The Daily DX, The 
DX Store, DX Publishing, DXEngineering, Elecraft, Elecraft-Covers, Icom, INRAD, 
NCDXF, Nifty Accessories, Palomar, The QSL Man, Steppir, Ten-Tec, Waterproof 
Log Books, Yaesu . maybe more!

MENU: Miner 49er BBQ buffet dinner. No host bar.

COST: $37 (USD)/person.

If you wish to attend, please send me an email with the number of reservations 
you would like along with CALL, FIRST  LAST NAME, and contact EMAIL address 
for each person.

You will receive a return email confirming availability along with payment 
information.

A SELL OUT IS EXPECTED. FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED!

73! Steve WB6RSE
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK