Topband: Web SDR's and 'Cheating'

[Ken Claerbout]

Who among us is surprised?  Almost all of the new technology tools (SDR, 
chatroom, Spectran, etc.) while intriguing and fun to operate, can be used to 
make QSO's that would not otherwise be made.  I personally have no interest in 
working DX that way.  It removes some of the challenge that drew me to Topband 
in the first place.  Sadly, it causes one to look at some achievements on the 
band with a far more skeptical eye too.

Ken K4ZW

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

Topband: Vertical Array Over Uneven Ground

[Ken Claerbout]

Has anyone modeled or have experience with a transmit vertical array, say a 
4-square, over uneven ground? By uneven I mean a variance of up to 2 - 3 meters 
over the footprint of the array elements. I have plenty of room at this QTH but 
the terrain is fairly uneven. I've done some modeling but would like to see if 
my findings compare with others that may have done the same. Modeling was done 
with radials on the ground, not elevated.

Thanks
Ken K4ZW
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Re: Topband: Vertical Array Over Uneven Ground

[Ken Claerbout]

Since I started this thread, hopefully this will end it.  I was talking about a 
difference on the order of 6' - 9', which I think was understood.  But there 
are always those few that like to stir the pot, no matter how petty.  Thanks to 
those who provided useful feedback.  I'll follow up directly as I get further 
into the project.

Ken K4ZW 

___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Topband: Webinar - The first Top Band DX Contest – the 1921 Transatlantic Test

[Ken Claerbout]

Frank Donovan, W3LPL, provides a very entertaining and informative look at the 
1921 Transatlantic contest, complete with the transmitters, receivers, and 
antennas used.  Since that time much has changed in the equipment and antennas 
used.  The lengths contestants will go to win a contest has not.  Guaranteed 
you will enjoy Frank's presentation.

Date:  March 18
Time:  9 PM EDT (March 19 - 01:00 UTC)
Registration: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/949979170

Ken K4ZW










_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Z81Z

[Ken Claerbout]

 Got a line up on the tower today so I will do my best to be on this evening.  
But I have a lot of challenges to deal with in order to make this happen so 
hang in there.  I will do my best.

73 Ken K4ZW/Z81Z


_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Z81Z

[Ken Claerbout]

 I was unable to get the antenna working today.  Not really sure why because it 
was tested extensively at home.  Could be interaction with the tower.  Maybe 
just as good as some strong rain storms are moving through the area.  I'll make 
another attempt at it tomorrow.

Ken K4ZW/Z81Z
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: The Quest to save AM radio

[Ken Claerbout]

Exactly right. Isn't small government wonderful? That's really not the 
problem. Many federal agencies, including the one I work at, have plenty of 
money and personnel. It's more a function of priorities and who sets them.

Years ago when I was in a Master's program, one of the courses I took was 
Telecommunications Law taught at the George Mason University School of Law. It 
was taught by an adjunct professor who was an attorney at the FCC. I was the 
only engineer in the class. It was a fantastic class, the best one of the 
program! One of the things we looked at was expanding broadband access in the 
US. BPL was prominent at the time. I remember trying to make the case about its 
interference potential to existing services and I was basically told I hear 
you, your right, but you are barking up the wrong tree. It was clear many of 
the decisions were being made by policy types and not by people that understood 
its implications, especially the technical part. If BPL was going to be 
defeated, it would happen because it wasn't financially viable, not on 
technical merits, because it harmed existing services. Who could be against 
greater broadband access for the public? Are other services like guys with t
 heir ham radios and AM broadcast stations (who listens to AM) going to trump 
that objective?

I'm more dubious about greater enforcement than some it appears. It's an uphill 
battle on many fronts. Aren't there powerline RFI cases that have gone 
unresolved for years because the FCC won't step in or won't enforce their own 
standards? Besides, how long have guys like K1MAN and KZ8O been on double 
secret probation, and nothing can be done about them? 

Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Are We Headed Into Another Maunder Minimum?

[Ken Claerbout]

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) is pleased to host Carl 
Luetzelschwab, K9LA, as he presents Are We Headed Into Another Maunder 
Minimum? What Does It Mean for Propagation?

Date:  Thursday, April 24
Time:  9 PM EDT (Friday, April 25 - 01:00 UTC)
Registration:  https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/659385122

73
Ken K4ZW

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

Topband: Webinar - A Long Overdue Review of Gray Line Propagation on the Low Bands

[Ken Claerbout]

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) is pleased to present A Long 
Overdue Review of Gray Line Propagation on the Low Bands with Carl 
Luetzelschwab, K9LA. Carl will trace the origin of gray line propagation, and 
show that there is a problem with the current explanation that propagation 
along the terminator is efficient. He will then provide an alternative 
explanation for gray line that satisfies both observations and ionospheric 
physics. 

Date: Thursday, September 11
Time: 9 PM EDT (Friday, September 12 - 01:00 UTC)
Registration: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/582697442

Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Webinar - Grayline Propagation, or Florida to Cocos (Keeling) on 80m

[Ken Claerbout]

Description:  The 2013 VK9CZ DXpedition to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands made 
51 QSOs with US Zone 5 on 80m. 21 of these QSOs - more than 40 percent - 
were with stations in Florida. This presentation discusses several possible 
propagation mechanisms for this grayline event, and concludes that 
propagation through the dark ionosphere, rather than along the grayline 
itself, was the responsible mechanism.


Date:  March 5
Time:  9 PM EST (March 6 - 02:00 UTC)
Registration:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1210821051936697601 


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

Topband: Webinar - Grayline Propagation, or Florida to Cocos (Keeling) on 80m

[Ken Claerbout]

N4II's very informative Webinar has been posted to the World Wide Radio 
Operators Foundation (WWROF) web page.


The 2013 VK9CZ DXpedition to the Cocos (Keeling) Islands made 51 QSOs with 
US Zone 5 on 80m. 21 of these QSOs – more than 40 percent – were with 
stations in Florida. This presentation discusses several possible 
propagation mechanisms for this grayline event, and concludes that 
propagation through the dark ionosphere, rather than along the grayline 
itself, was the responsible mechanism.


The direct link to the archive is: 
http://wwrof.org/webinar-archive/grayline-propagation-or-florida-to-cocos-keeling-on-80m-ed-callaway-n4ii/


73
Ken K4ZW

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

Topband: XW4ZW Update

[Ken Claerbout]

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

As of now, I'm scheduled to fly back to Bangkok on the 23rd. I do have some 
flexibility. Let's see how things go.
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Webinar - High Performance RX Antennas for a Small Lot

[Ken Claerbout]

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (www.wwrof.org) is pleased to
sponsor the following Webinar.

High Performance RX Antennas for a Small Lot

Jose Carlos (JC), N4IS, will look at basic concepts of RX antennas and share
his experiences with lowband RX antennas on a small lot, including the
Waller Flag.

Date & Time:  March 3 - 9 PM EST (March 4 - 02:00 UTC)

Register:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5041717483258312204

73
Ken K4ZW 


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

Topband: WWROF Webinar - High Performance RX Antennas for a Small Lot

[Ken Claerbout]

Thanks to JC N4IS for his excellent presentation on lowband RX antennas and
to WWROF for their continued sponsorship of the Webinar programs.  We had
almost 500 people register for this event!  The recorded Webinar along with
a copy of JC's slides has been posted to:
http://wwrof.org/webinar-archive/high-performance-rx-antennas-for-a-small-lot/

73
Ken K4ZW 


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

Topband: N4IS - Waller Flag Construction Webinar Posted

[Ken Claerbout]

Thanks to JC, N4IS for his presentation. The Webinar and his slides are now 
available on the WWROF webpage at 
http://wwrof.org/webinar-archive/n4is-waller-flag-construction/

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Dayton 2017 Contest Activities With K3LR

[Ken Claerbout]

Thanks to Tim Duffy, K3LR, for doing a short video on Contest University and
other contest related activities at Dayton 2017.  You can access the video
on the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) at the following link -
http://wwrof.org/webinar-archive/k3lr-contest-university-2017-dayton-contest-activities/

73
Ken K4ZW 


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

Topband: Upcoming Webinars - Preparing for the Upcoming Contest Season

[Ken Claerbout]

Hi Gang - with CQWW DX and other contests coming up, I've put together
a few Webinars to kick things off.  More are in the works, but we're
ready to announce the first two.  Pass the word!

Wednesday, October 4, 9 PM EDT (Thursday, October 5 - 01:00 UTC)
A Look at Propagation for the 2017/2018 Contest Season
Registration:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5179671020739447042

K9LA will review the status of Cycle 24 for the next half-year, and
will discuss how the contest bands will be affected.
Bonus - He'll also tell host K4ZW whether the lowbands will open this
year during his XW4ZW lowband DXpedition or, whether to bring extra
beer money and a deck of cards.


Wednesday, October 11, 9 PM EDT (Thursday, October 12 - 01:00 UTC)
Contesting! It's a fun game. Let's do it the right way.
Registration:  https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4458259451700357122

W5ZN discusses the ethics of radiosport and why following the rules matters!

73
Ken K4ZW

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

Topband: TZ4AM

[Ken Claerbout]

I thought 160 Meters was the Gentleman's band?  Some of you need to take a deep 
breath and relax.  Surely you have more important things in your lives?

Jeff knows he has an RX problem and he's working on it.  What more can he do?  
Topband is difficult and frustrating from many locations.  A little 
understanding and encouragement goes a long way.   

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: A way forward to keep 'old school' modes vibrant alongside FT-8?

[Ken Claerbout]

Most of you know where my heart is on this one.  And there are some
good suggestions for keeping the old school modes vibrant.

While good intentioned, the idea of splitting up the DXCC award is
going to be a wasted effort.  I would argue remote operating has
already changed the DXCC landscape in a major way.  Whether it's good
or bad is a personal thing.  Technology is constantly changing.  The
DXCC program will never keep up.  Get on the air.  Do your thing.
Have fun.  When it ceases to be fun for me, then I know I'll move onto
something else.

Anyone up for a contest this weekend?

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Receiving Antenna Metrics With Examples Webinar

[Ken Claerbout]

The World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) is pleased to
present the following Webinar.

Date - Tuesday, February 13
Time - 19:00 UTC
Registration - https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6004189296300531458

Jukka OH6LI shares a presentation about receiving antennas.  Gain and
front-to-back are well established specifications.  Some have used
Receiving Directivity Factor, RDF as a receiving antenna metric.  Now
we have also the DMF.  The Directivity Merit Figure algorithm is shown
in an Excel tool for the first time.  The Receiving Antenna Metrics
Excel workbook is EZNEC and MMANA compatible.  Presentation includes
new metrics Noise Margin and Leaking Index.
A number of antennas will be used as examples. The examples begin with
residential area level solutions, extending to staggered beverages and
beyond.

Please note that this presentation will be recorded and available for
playback at your convenience on the WWROF webpage:
http://wwrof.org/category/webinar-archive/

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Webinar - Receiving Antenna Metrics With Examples

[Ken Claerbout]

Thanks to Jukka, OH6LI, for his very informative Webinar.  The event
recording, presentation slides, and Excel spreadsheet used can be
found on the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation (WWROF) at
http://wwrof.org/webinar-archive/receiving-antenna-metrics-with-examples/

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change is Upon us!

[Ken Claerbout]

Seems like this is a matter of personal preference, where our
individual interest lies, and what motivates us to operate.

Some of you may know my attempts to activate XW on the lowbands these
past few years.  My success on Topband to the US, most difficult path,
has been limited at best.  It seems this would be an opportunity ripe
for use of FT8.  Personally, I have ZERO interest in doing so.  I’d
rather stay home or, drink beer with the guys at night than do that.
Just my personal preference.  Nothing wrong with those who would do it
different.  Same with RHR.  I’ve seen it used to overcome propagation
challenges that someone has from their home QTH.  I don’t think much
of it, I don’t understand the satisfaction, but I recognize it’s
allowed for DXCC and people still feel good about working someone that
way.  Your prerogative.

I got involved in lowbands around the age of 17 because I loved the
challenge.  That and competing with my peers, through continuous home
station improvements has kept me engaged in this for almost 40 years.

This is a game changer, and you can be sure more, with greater impact,
are on the way.  If it keeps people active in our beloved hobby,
that’s a good thing!  For those who think guys like me are dinosaurs,
I would kindly suggest you don’t understand what motives us.

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: ET3YOTA Lowband Report

[Ken Claerbout]

Greetings - I thought I would share a few comments from the recently
concluded visit with friends at the Ethiopian Amateur Radio Society
and our ET3YOTA (Youth On The Air) celebration.  It’s been awhile
since I’ve been back here, so it was good to reconnect with everyone.
Bob, W9XY, and I traveled together to Addis.  It was his first visit
to Africa.  The goal for the week was to spend a lot of time on the
air, not just ourselves, but also the club members.  It was a chance
for us to work with them, to refine operator skills, and jointly work
on some station projects.  This is a very enthusiastic group.  They
love to get on the air and operate!

Specific to the lowbands, there were three challenges going into this.
First and foremost was getting permission from the university and
security office to stay overnight.  The gates are closed from 8 PM to
6 AM.  Second would be to install an effective transmit antenna. There
is a Butternut HF2V there now, without the 160 meter adaptor.  We were
hoping to do something better.  And the third item was how to deal
with noise in the city.

We were granted permission to say for three consecutive nights, both
Bob and I along with a couple of club members.

I brought along an 18 meter Spider Pole, with the idea that we would
put it on the 4th floor metal roof and try to string some sort of
vertical/inverted L, using a trap so it would work on both 80 and 160
meters.  It’s like what I use at XW4ZW except in Laos, I have a rope
between two tall towers to support the antenna.  And there I have to
lay out a counterpoise.  The Spider Pole went up without much trouble.
The trap near the top makes it bend a bit.  I had to add about 15 feet
of wire to the bottom of the antenna, at the base of the spider pole,
to get it to resonate near our operating frequencies.  We used a piece
of string to hold that section of wire off the metal roof.  The
segment of wire coming off the top of the pole slopped back down to
the metal roof, finishing a mere 15 feet above it.  The SWR was close,
but we ran it through the station tuner to improve the match.  This is
one of the ugliest antennas I have ever built, but boy did it work!
After a few CQ’s on Topband, we were told half of Europe was calling.
And guys in the US, as far west as W5, reported hearing us.  I looked
at Bob and starting laughing, pointing to that antenna and saying, you
have to be kidding, that!?

The city noise.  It was as bad as anticipated, solid S9 plus 20 on
Topband and S9 on 80 meters.  I was hoping, like I saw during Z81Z,
that the noise might subside some by early morning.  That did not
happen.  It was steady.

To those who spent a lot of time calling to no avail, we feel your
pain too.  We didn’t come here to be alligators.  Our sense of
accomplishment comes from putting stations in the log.  I did have an
MFJ noise cancelling unit and played with it a bit, but it didn’t
offer any relief.  Part of that is probably me, not having an
effective “noise” antenna, and having a lack of time to really play
with it.  Remember our days were very busy and we had only three
nights to operate.  I do think it will be possible to devise a better
receive system to combat some of the noise.  W9XY and I both agreed
that even if we could knock the noise down a few S units, it would
have opened up another layer or two of stations.  On Topband we heard
a lot of people right at the noise, often getting a character or two
before they would drop back down.  We were both listening.  I should
mention that W9XY is a frequent winner or top finisher of CW pileup
competitors, so he’s no slouch picking out calls.

For those wondering about FT8, yes it would be very effective in this
environment.  I am not anti-FT8, and I sure don’t want to start
another debate about it.  Simply, it doesn’t interest me.  I don’t
derive any satisfaction making QSO’s with it.  If the choice was FT8
only or stay home, I would choose the latter.  I like the challenge
this situation provides and developing solutions to overcome it.  It’s
also a good learning experience for these young engineers at the
university.  Members of the club are active on FT8, so perhaps they
will try.

The final numbers are 92 QSO’s on Topband with 24 DXCC entities.  As I
mentioned, we heard many calling.  I didn’t know what to expect going
into this.  It would have been nice to log more stations, but I’m good
with the number given the situation.

On 80 meters we had 433 QSO’s with 44 entities.  Maybe the signals
were louder, but for whatever reason we had much better luck on this
band, even working some western US, who I know were not using a remote
station in another part of the country.

All in all I was very pleased with the results for three nights of
operating.  We took occasional breaks to let the club members,
spending the night with us, operate 40 SSB.  Some were also working on
WSPR and QRP transceiver kits obtained during their participation in
the 2018 YOTA conference this past 

Re: Topband: Fwd: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters OK1YQ (OK1RD) Legitimacy???!!!

[Ken Claerbout]

Several months ago I was asked by the League for a segment of one of
my DX-pedition logs.  I assume it was for this, but I don't know that
for a fact.

Times are changing.  There are more ways than ever for someone who
wants to game the game.  Fake cards seem rather old fashion.

73
Ken K4ZW
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 160 Meters in Thailand

[Ken Claerbout]

Hi Gang - I was fortunate to be part of the HS0ZAR M/2 team for CQWW
DX CW.  I arrived at the station on Tuesday afternoon, hoping the days
leading up to the contest a couple of us would be able to hand out
QSO's on the lowbands.  A lot of work needed to be done in preparation
for the contest, including cabling of new antennas into the shack.
Two of those antennas are Waller Flags for receiving.  So between not
having antennas available and the long hours of preparation, there was
little time for operating. Maybe next time.

Nevertheless, everything came together beautifully and we had a blast.
Here's some pictures of the station and the contest operation.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IngAca7VQbQ=youtu.be

73
Ken K4ZW/HS0ZLD
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Experiences with toploaded vertical with spiderbeam pole?

[Ken Claerbout]

Hi Henk - we are using an 18 meter Spiderpole at ET3AA.  It supports a
wire, using a Unadilla 80 meter trap (no longer in production), so
that it works on both 80 and 160 meters.  I found while using those
traps at XW4ZW, that they cannot handle more than 900 - 1000 watts.
That is not an issue in Ethiopia as they are power restricted.

I'd be happy to share some pictures, email me, but basically the wire
is wound around the pole in a somewhat helical pattern, with the trap
a meter or two down from the top of the pole.  The wire from the top
of the trap goes to the top of the pole then out like an L. You could
use the top-loading design shown on their webpage too.

As I said during my presentation at the Dayton Topband dinner last
year, it is the ugliest antenna I have ever built.  It was put up in a
hurry and swings/bends a lot as you say.  I took it down last month,
so we can re-guy it when I'm back this weekend.  That will keep it
straighter than it was.  The pole appears to be very strong.

The pole at ET3AA works way beyond my expectation.  I credit that to
the fact is is sitting on a metal roof covering the entire university.
It's a vertical antenna, so naturally  the counterpoise is a BIG
factor, especially with a shortened version such as this.  Good luck!

73
Ken K4ZW


On Mon, Feb 17, 2020 at 7:31 AM Henk Remijn PA5KT via Topband
 wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I am looking for experiences with the toploaded vertical with a 18m
> Spiderbeam pole.
>
> As described on the Spiderbeam website:
> <>
>
> I have erected a 18m pole for use as 80m vertical. Looking if I can
> change that to 160m as well.
>
> I see a lot of swing of the top of the pole. Just wondering if the
> CQ-534 is strong enough to keep the antenna straight during heavy wind.
>
> 73 Henk PA5KT
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Slightly OT - amplifier noise

[Ken Claerbout]

A couple of issues I see.  It depends which direction(s) the noise and
desired signal are coming from.  You may null the noise and signal.
Also, the loop is bi-directional.

I've been playing with a DX Engineering RF-PRO-1B at ET3AA and it
works.  Thanks to Tim and the gang for their support.  But there is a
lot of noise and not being able to null everything except the desired
direction I suspect is an issue.

Our noise is close in, so I have some upgrades in place using a Hi-Z 4
square and NCC-2 with a "noise" antenna as Frank mentions.
Unfortunately the next thing I need to do after I send this, is to
cancel my reservation for the 27th of this month.  Africa looks like a
pretty safe place Covid-19 wise at the moment.  But one look at the
long lines at immigration did me in.  I don't have the patience for
that.

73
Ken K4ZW


On Sat, Mar 14, 2020 at 11:43 PM  wrote:
>
>
> Hi Rick,
>
>
>
> A noise receiving antenna close to a noise source is used in conjunction
> with a higher performance receiving antenna such as a Beverage or an
> array of short verticals and a passive or active noise canceller.
>
>
>
> A small loop antenna provides a mechanically steerable null off of both
> sides of the loop. Null beamwidth is just a few degrees at the 3 dB
> points, otherwise a small loop is an omni-directional receiving antenna.
> Simply turn the loop to minimize the interfering noise signal strength.
>
>
> The smaller the loop, the deeper the null depth but the smaller the signal
> strength of desired signals. A small loop antenna requires a low noise
> high gain pre-amp directly at its feed point for optimum sensitivity.
>
>
> A small loop antenna should be close to ground for optimum null depth.
> Horizontally polarized skywave signals penetrate the nulls if a small
> 160 meter loop antenna is much higher than than about ten feet above the 
> ground
>
>
> On 160 meters a small loop antenna provides:
> - a 30 dB null off each side of a 5 foot diameter loop.
> - a 25 dB null off each side of a 10 foot diameter loop, or
> - a 20 dB null off each side of a 17 foot diameter loop
>
>
> 73
>
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> - Original Message -
>
> From: "Richard (Rick) Karlquist" 
> To: "Dave Cuthbert" , n...@arrl.net
> Cc: "Topband" 
> Sent: Saturday, March 14, 2020 10:17:59 PM
> Subject: Re: Topband: Slightly OT - amplifier noise
>
>
> I am trying to understand what these noise cancelling
> schemes do that couldn't be done with a simple loop
> (rotating the loop until the noise drops into one of
> the null directions). You can easily prove to yourself
> with a hand held AM BCB receiver equipped with a ferrite
> bar antenna that even the worst power line noise can
> almost always be greatly suppressed by properly rotating
> the receiver. Similarly, I have had good luck with
> small tuned loops (10 feet perimeter) nulling power
> line noise. Smaller loops seem to have deeper nulls.
>
> It is critical to keep loops away from your other antennas
> and power wiring. Otherwise, they will not exhibit a
> good null.
>
> Rick N6RK
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
>
> _
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Re: Topband: 160m Vertical

[Ken Claerbout]

I would favor using an inductor.  Tune it for the lowest part of the
band.  Then using a relay or two, you can short out turns if you want
to move higher in the band.  Although I think you will find using Rohn
25, it will be pretty broad.

73
Ken K4ZW


On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 11:28 AM  wrote:
>
>
> Hi Ron,
>
>
>
> A more reliable approach is a tuner in your shack. The extra coax
> cable loss from elevated VSWR is insignificant on topband.
>
>
> How high up the band do you want to go and at what maximum VSWR?
>
>
> A resonant Rohn 25 160M vertical will be about 124 feet tall for
> resonance around 1820 kHz
>
> If for some reason you must install a tuner at the feed point of the
> vertical, follow Tree's advice and make it slightly short: 120 feet
> of 115 ft if you need to tune for minimum VSWR above 1900 kHz.
>
>
>
> Use a small tapped inductor to tune it around the band.
>
>
> 73
> Frank
> W3LPL
>
>
>
>
>
> - Original Message -
>
> From: "Tree" 
> To: "Ron WV4P" 
> Cc: "160" 
> Sent: Friday, May 15, 2020 3:18:39 PM
> Subject: Re: Topband: 160m Vertical
>
> Slightly shorter makes it easy to use an inductor to make up the
> difference. If you make it long - you can do the same with a capacitor -
> but it's typically more trouble than the inductor.
>
> Tree N6TR
>
> On Fri, May 15, 2020 at 8:15 AM Ron WV4P  wrote:
>
> > I have built an insulated base for a 1/4 wave 160 antenna. The antenna
> > will be XXX' of Rohn 25. In searching I see people using heights from 115'
> > - 130' with a pretty high number around 124'.
> > I do not know how I am going to match it yet, I figure I will do my
> > research on that once it's up so I can learn while experimenting But
> > the height has me second guessing. I want it tunable across the band,
> > perhaps using a Tornado Tuner like my JK 801's have with a motorized
> > inductor ? But the question at hand is do I want the antenna Tall or Short
> > ? What is the Method behind the Madness ? :o)
> >
> > Thanks in advance,
> > Ron WV4P
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> > Reflector
> >
> _
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>
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Re: Topband: DXCC Committe

[Ken Claerbout]

I don't wish to drag this debate out any longer than necessary, but
some credit is due the League and the DXCC desk. I was contacted some
time back asking for a section of one of my DX logs.  I gave them the
whole thing.  Check as many QSO's as you like.  I have no idea if this
had anything to do with the station being discussed, but he was not in
my log.  So it seems like concerns about cheating were heard, and they
are probably doing as much as they can, with the resources available
to them.

73
Ken K4ZW


On Mon, Mar 23, 2020 at 3:43 PM Bill Tippett  wrote:
>
> FYI:
>
> http://g3txf.com/dxtrip/Fake-C21XF/Fake-C21.html
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
_
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Re: Topband: Portable transmit antenna suggestions?

[Ken Claerbout]

We installed an 18 meter Spider Pole at ET3AA, which supports a wire
Inverted L for 80 and 160.  It blows around pretty good at times.
While I don't discount Jim's experience, it's been up for 2 plus years
and is still going strong.

73
Ken K4ZW

On Wed, Mar 10, 2021 at 12:13 PM Jim Brown  wrote:
>
> On 3/10/2021 4:25 AM, S57AD wrote:
> > Spiderbeam sells 160m antenna kit (top loaded 60' vertical - telescopic
> > fiberglass pole, all the wires, etc,
>
> Their fiberglass is not to be trusted structurally. I speak from experience.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
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Topband: Congratulations - VE6WZ

[Ken Claerbout]

Congratulations to Steve Babcock, VE6WZ, who received the Yasme
Excellence Award for his contribution to the art of lowband antennas
and remote operating.  Steve has made available to the amateur
community countless hours of instructional videos on lowband topics,
available for free on YouTube.  Thanks for all you've done Steve!

73
Ken K4ZW
_
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Re: Topband: Lawn staples

[Ken Claerbout]

Areas of my yard have a lot of stone.  Six inch staples were a pain to
use.  Four inch worked better, in case you have similar soil.  Also, if you
are going to install a bunch of them, do yourself a favor and buy the
staple driver tool which makes it a breeze.

73
Ken K4ZW

On Tue, Feb 22, 2022 at 5:02 PM Mark - N5OT  wrote:

> I think I gave $18 for a box of 1000 at a hamfest in Joplin MO a couple
> years ago.
>
> Honestly, I can't believe how cool turf staples are, or that I didn't
> use them for all the years before that.
>
> They really are the easy button on putting down radials on the ground.
> I use a mower to get the grass as low as I can, then I use my string
> trimmer to get it down to pretty much dirt where that individual radial
> will go.  Then I staple the wire to the ground.  Then after a season of
> regular grass growth and mowing, you never see them again, but they do
> their work.
>
> I'm a convert.
>
> 73 - Mark N5OT
>
>
> On 2/22/2022 2:56 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
> > On 2/22/2022 12:12 PM, Gene Smar via Topband wrote:
> >> HongWay 6 Inch Galvanized Landscape Staples 360 Packs Garden Stakes.
> >
> > I'm happy with the box I bought from DX Eng several months ago.
> >
> > 73, Jim K9YC
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> > Reflector
>
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> Reflector
>
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Re: Topband: B7P

[Ken Claerbout]

webSDR's are really fun to play with and great for testing purposes.  But
you can bet the mortgage they are also being used for other less than
honorable purposes, especially on our beloved Topband.

I'm interested the RM Noise initiative (https://ournetplace.com/rm-noise/).
A search on YouTube brings up some excellent demonstrations.  This could be
a game changer.

73
Ken K4ZW

On Thu, Apr 4, 2024 at 10:49 AM VE6WZ Steve  wrote:

> Here BG2AUE has been logged 3 times on 160m.
> BD4WN 5 times, BA7IO 2 times and one QSO with B5TT.
>
> Unfortunately when I check QRZ for BG2AUE his QTH is spotted in the large
> city of Harbin, and his equipment does not suggest any dedicated 160m rx
> antennas.
> My QSOs with BG2AUE have also suggested his rx is really good.
> It is possible (likely) he is getting some NA webSDR help (like a KIWI).
> Of course we won’t know for sure unless he says so on his QRZ page like
> Kanti VU2GSM does. He lives in the city of Bangalore, and has little hope
> of working DX on the low bands without webSDR.
> If you have had QSOs with VU2GSM you will notice how quickly he responds.
> I worked him on 40m when I was TX with just 10w. (I had info to know he
> was rx on a local VE6 Kiwi at the time )
>
> Steve, Ve6wz
>
> From Babcocks iPhone
>
> > On Apr 4, 2024, at 6:59 AM, John Kaufmann via Topband <
> topband@contesting.com> wrote:
> >
> > It is also my experience that stations in China and Southeast Asia in
> general do not hear well at all on the low bands. One exception is BG2AUE.
> I have worked him multiple times on 80m CW from my QTH in the Boston area.
> He hears extremely well on 80. Every single time I've worked him there,
> he's been very weak but he's always answered me immediately. I've also seen
> him spotted a few times on 160 but have yet to hear him there. That's an
> extremely difficult path from W1 on 160. In fact, zone 24 is one of the two
> remaining zones I need for 160 WAZ, the other zone being 26.
> >
> > 73, John W1FV
> >
> >
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
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