Re: [DX-CHAT] The Two BS7H operations
In a message dated 11/13/04 1:46:32 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Yep. '94 was not accepted, '95 was approved. I don't recall what changed. Still the same little piece of very damp rock! The *story* I heard was that the second time around, they built a platform whose supports were ENTIRELY above water. I worked the first group on SSB and the second on CW. Sure would like to see the first operation credited !!! Tom N4KG
[DX-CHAT] Solar K index data site
The solar K index has risen from 6 to 9 over the last 30 hours. This one is going to take a little while to 'settle out'. :-( The following site shows the solar K index every 3 hours over the previous 3 days. http://solar.sec.noaa.gov/rt_plots/kp_3d.html Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] South Sandwich
In a message dated 10/20/04 6:37:26 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Does anyone know if there are plans for an expedition to the South Sandwich Islands in the next couple of years. I have no idea, but I hope that the next operation from South Sandwich will make an effort to include 160 Meters with a decent (top loaded) vertical antenna and at least a modest amplifier. Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] Query abt DX splits
In a message dated 10/18/04 12:48:40 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Why everybody on phone wants to be on 14195 and all CW on 14025 escapes me !! 73 Rag LA5HE "Once upon a time", the lower band limit on 20M SSB in the USA was 14200 so 14195 WAS 'out of the American Band' at that time. After the USA limit was moved to 14150, DX'ers still stayed on 14195. On CW, the Bottom 25 KHz is reserved for Extra Class Licensees ONLY in the USA so many DXpeditions / DX stations stay on 025 or just below, listening above 25 for ALL license classes. Only 10, 12, 17, 30 and 160M CW do not have license class frequency restrictions in the USA. Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] TX9
30 and 40M should produce very strong signals from TX9, peaking AFTER local Sunrise in the USA. The TX9 team seems to be concentrating on 80 and 160 after erecting their big vertical. They were quite strong in ALA on 80M CW at / after my sunrise on Friday morning. Their 75M SSB signal was not as strong but was readable and workable at my sunrise (1200Z). They were also on 30M CW before SR working a lot of JA's and North Americans before changing to 30M RTTY as the sun came up on NA. I suspect the lack of 160M and little 80 / 40 / 30 M operation by TX0DX due to their early departure due to weather conditions may be part of the motivation to hit the low bands hard on this trip. I'm sure they will be more active on the higher bands (and 40M) as they get the rest of the antennas erected. Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] Indai VU2 on 30m
I have worked several VU's on 30M, dating back to 2000. To the best of my knowledge, 30M is still not 'fully authorized,'but in or before 2000, the Indian government granted 'temporary authorization' for both 30 and 6 Meters for 6? months. Apparently no problems resulted from the amateur activity and this authoriztion has been renewed regularly. At present, the only countries where 30M is still unauthorized are A4, HS, and 5Z. ALL 3 WARC bands are still unauthorized in HS. Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] 10 m Propagation
There was a good 10M opening to Europe (including Scandanavia) on Sunday, Feb 8 from 1330 to 1600Z from here in North Alabama (60 miles east of Mississippi - W5). Stations were worked in DL, EA6, F, G, GI, GM, GW, LA8XM, LY2PX, OK, OZ1LO, PA, SM, plus LU, YV, ZL, ZS, 4X, 5B, 9G, 9J. Tom N4KG
Re: [DX-CHAT] QSL INFO
You can find the manager for 9N7WE (and most other DX) on the K4UTE DX Manager site (NO4J.com/NFDXA/QSL/index.asp) OR, on QRZ.com (scroll down to DX Corner for the Manager search info)
Re: [DX-CHAT] EWE
In a message dated 12/9/03 12:21:10 PM Central Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: None of the three antennas performed as well on receive as the transmitting antenna. Special RECEIVING antennas typically have REDUCED SIGNAL LEVELS but IMPROVED Singal-to-Noise Ratio. My Beverages are typically 10 dB down from my transmit antennas on Received Signal LEVEL but often / usually show Better S/N which allows better copy. EWE antennas are very small and have even lower signal LEVELS but sometimes do yield improved S/N. Tom N4KG
[DX-CHAT] 3C0V OFF TIMES
According to the Spot Database on DX Summit, there are NO spots for 3C0V on the following dates and times. Basically, they seem to all be asleep between 0030 - 0100 and 0600 - 0700Z which will limit low band openings to the central and western USA. Hopefully they will provide some late night activity for the Low Banders as the high band demand begins to drop off :-) Sept 27 No spots 0002 to 0608Z Sept 28 No spots 0054 to 0524Z Sept 29 No spots 0025 to 0719Z Sept 30 No spots 0043 to 0604Z Oct 01 No spots 0113 to 0637Z Oct 02 No spots 0033 to 0653Z Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] New Q Signal Need
In a message dated 9/9/03 11:14:43 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: most of the radio ops who operate CW on a larger scale know that QRL now implies Is the frequency in use? or The frequency is in use. Actually, QRL? implies the QUESTION is the frequency in use?' and QRL implies the STATEMENT the frequency is in use a subtle difference that has not registered with a LARGE number of operators. I like the .. . or ? idea. Much less interference is created by those procedures. Tom N4KG Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Autumn is Here /Solar and Gephysical Forecast
In a message dated 9/4/03 4:17:33 AM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Last Mon when the prop condx were better than normal, I noticed that the Autumnal 20M LP has returned. From NC, 20M LP was open to the S. Pac around 1230 UTC. N4KG: I'll put my money on SHORT PATH to the Pacific on 20M (and 40M) at our mornings. Matter of of fact, caught H44VV on his first CQ. From 1300 UTC to 1400 UTC, 20M was open to the Indian Ocean with FR5FG worked, and heard a VQ9 running a big pile-up. The VQ9 was really loud here. N4KG: FR5 and VQ9 are probably LP on 20M in the AM. Too early in season for 40M LP to Indian Ocean. 40M LP is prob also around, but the ionsopheric storms due to coronal mass streaming are keeping the paths closed. N4KG: You 'might' start hearing the South China Sea region on 40M at your sunrise. South and Central Asia won't appear on 40M for a few more weeks. Tom N4KG Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Yemen
In a message dated 9/2/03 10:44:54 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I need BS7...that's it...let it resurface...! WA8JOC The Puerto Ricans want the Military to stop using one of their islands for Bombing Practice. I hereby nominate 'Scaffold Reef' as their next target. Talk about a 'Deleted Entity' ! :-) Tom N4KG (worked both operations, one on CW other on SSB...so it goes) Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] [DX-News] CW - Stick or Carrot?
MANY of the smaller (one or two operator DXpeditions) are dedicated to mostly / only CW operations such as all of the operations by G3SXW and G3TXF to FH, FW, ZD7, ZD9, ZL7 etc, G4ZVJ to XU, ET3, 9L, etc, DJ6SI Some other relatively recent mostly CW operations include A52OM AP2ARS C91MR ET3VSC HK0GU ST2X SV9/DL8KWS YI1BGD ZK1QMA 3C5XA 3DA0DF 5W0MO Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] [DX-NEWS] [DX-News] CW - Stick or Carrot?
He DID upgrade to Extra Class in time. At 12 years of age, it took some time for him to learn all he needed to know to pass the Advanced and Extra Class Exams. Perhaps I should have written 'not (then)' instead of not (yet). Sorry for the confusion. Tom N4KG In a message dated 8/19/03 8:01:37 AM Central Daylight Time, Htorr writes: One of my (now famous) protege's was handicapped by not (yet) being able to operate in the Extra Class CW Band-segments in spite of the fact that he could copy 40 WPM (or more) at his young age. What purpose was being served by prohibiting this VERY capable CW operator from operating in the Extra Classs Band Segments? I can't help but wonder if he could copy 40 wpm and had a general class license, why did he not upgrade to Extra Class? Tom, W6HT Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] [DX-NEWS] [DX-News] CW - Stick or Carrot?
You are RIGHT ON Ward ! Personally, I think Incentive Licensing was a disservice to Amateur Radio. I attained FULL operating privileges at age 12 when I passed my General Class Amateur Radio Exam and I think I turned out OK. One of my (now famous) protege's was handicapped by not (yet) being able to operate in the Extra Class CW Band-segments in spite of the fact that he could copy 40 WPM (or more) at his young age. What purpose was being served by prohibiting this VERY capable CW operator from operating in the Extra Classs Band Segments? I found it VERY interesting that after ARRL created the CW DXCC Award, many of the staunch Phone Only DXers in our club took up the chase on CW. It worked MUCH better than all the harranging about incentive licensing! As far as FD is concerned, I think a 2 to 1 point advantage for CW is enough. If that doesn't create enough incentive, then I don't expect a higher number would have any more impact. Tom N4KG In a message dated 8/18/03 9:49:29 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Well, gents, we can all sit around and harrumph about how everything's going to hell in a handbasket or we can DO something about it. Think. Instead of treating CW as some kind of advanced hazing technique to make sure the freshmen understand that we upperclassmen run the show, why not make it attractive to learn and use CW? Once prospective licensees are not beaten about the head and shoulders with the Morse requirement, it might be that they could take a more positive view of the mode. If someone MADE you demonstrate, say, SSTV capability would you immediately embrace it? Every one of those dolts getting a letter from Riley for HF infractions passed the Morse test, you know. Think. Why not offer award programs for demonstrating Morse proficiency? How about really pushing the Morse proficiency endorsements? Weight the CW QSOs even higher for Field Day - the world's largest ham radio event. Get your state QSO party to double the value of every CW QSO. Publicize QRP organizations and techniques - those guys are incredibly active. Go someplace rare and put it on CW-only. Show others why CW is cool and fun. Think. Let's come up with the kind of exam and licensing structure we think would really act to qualify a licensee. Questions on procedures and real use of equipment. Why not require evidence of 100 on-the-air QSOs to make General? Give the entry-level licensee full frequency privileges, but a limit of 100-watts - don't keep them in ghettos where the upperclassmen never tune. It's not 1959 anymore with hordes of teenagers building 50-watt crystal controlled transmitters - the new hams need to mingle with us old guys. The hobby badly needs Elmers and helping hands extended to newcomers, not a poisonous group of bitter veterans dishing out hostility. Look at it this way - you're going to be a role model, you have no choice about it. You do get to choose what kind of role model you'd like to be, however. As many have noted, with every transmission (and now email) you are advertising. If a new ham or someone thinking about getting into ham radio read your latest post or listened to your last QSO, would it make them a better ham or want to learn CW? 73, Ward N0AX --- Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems, etc DX-NEWS http://njdxa.org/dx-news DX-CHAT: http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX NEWS items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] Archives http://www.mail-archive.com/dx-news%40pro-usa.net --- Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
[DX-CHAT] Single Band DXCC's
While on the topic of DXCC HR Listings, I'd like to see the Single Band DXCC Listings based on Current Entities instead of lifetime totals. I believe 'most' of the Top Guns use 'negative accounting' i.e. number of Needed Entities as their measuring stick instead of total entities. With Current Entity Based Listings, the number needed can easily be determined by a simple subtraction of the Current Entities from the (fixed) number of currently available entities. To placate the REALLY OLD TIMERS, I would have no objection to appending either the number of Deleted Entities or Life Time Entities after the call such as 40M under 333, N4KG / 346 etc. Tom N4KG (licensed a mere 48 years) Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] What is DX?
In a message dated 7/10/03 6:16:49 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: On another front, the new DXCC is clearly the Challenge but by not starting fresh and allowing the OTs to scour their QSL files, the League missed an incentive opportunity for the relatively newer DXers. Not exactly a level playing field. In pushing for a fresh start, I pointed out that W4DR would be the first winner and the next 10 were equally easy to predict. In the Challenge a golden opportunity was missed. 73, Steve WB6RSE There is another 'gotcha' in the DXCC Challenge, namely the inclusion of SIX METERS in the totals. Steve is right, there are NO surprises in the DXCC Challenge Listings. Just look at the I2EOW TOPBANDS List and then add in the 6M DXCC Totals and you can accurately predict the Top DXCC Challenge listees. Note that the Top Guns in the USA on 6M have around 140 'entities' on that band. This means that a Top Gun HF (only) DXer will still be 140 'points' below W4DR, W1JR, K8MFO, and others with high 6M totals after spending hundreds of $$$ to have their 12, 15, 17, 20, and 30M QSL's 'verified' by ARRL. Unfortunately, the DXCC Challenge Listing consists ONLY of the TOTAL number of Band Countries, including SIX Meters. Hopefully they will eventually come out with a TOPBANDS like listing that includes the number of (Current) DXCC Entities by BAND as well as the Total. Using LifeTime numbers for the Single Band DXCC Listings is another 'gotcha'. I grind my teeth when I look at the 40M DXCC Listing for example. I only need TWO entities on that band (BS and P5) but am 16 entities behind the leader, W8AH because AL has another 14 DELETED entities that I will never be able to add to my totals. It's WAY past time to use CURRENT ENTITIES for the DXCC Listings. If the OT's want recognition for their Deleted Totals, I have no objection to showing LifeTime or Deleted Totals following each call in the listing, but lets use Current Countries for the Basis of the Listings! Tom N4KG (with only 48 years of DXing under my belt) Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Deleted vs Expunged
In a message dated 6/17/03 12:40:54 PM Central Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Today we have current totals and all-time totals. Current totals count towards DXCC, Honor Roll and Top of the Honor Roll recognitions. All time totals, including deleted, count for nothing other than bragging rights and a listing once per year (QST or web? I forgot) (K1MY) The thing I don't like about Life Time Totals is that everyone has a different Starting Point (i.e. a different number of 'countries' that were available during their amateur career). Most Long Time DXers use negative accounting to track NEEDED countries. With Life Time Totals, there is NO WAY to know how many countries are still Needed since everyone's basis is different. With Current Countries based listings, EVERY listing can be compared with the number of Current Countries Available and a simple subtraction yields the number of (current) countries each entrant still needs. To my mind, the best solution would be to rank the listings by Current Countries and append either the number of Deleted Countries Worked or the Life Time Totals after each callsign. This approach recognizes the achievements of both the New Kid on the Block and the Old Timer. I would especially like to see this for the Single Band Awards. I look forward to the implementation of a Spreadsheet Listing of Current Countries per Band for the Challenge Listing (even if it does include 6 Meters which I have never operated). To my mind, the Challenge Listing of Total Band Countries (including 6M) is virtually meaningless since it is impossible to determine how those countries are divided by band. The I2EOW TOPBANDS List remains the MOST INFORMATIVE All (HF) Band Current Country Based Listing for DXers. Tom N4KG (New Kid on the Block with only 48 years on the air) N4KG needs 10 on 80M, 2 on 40M, 1 on 20M, 2 on 15M, 4 on 10M and 14 or less on each of the WARC Bands. It is IMPOSSIBLE to determine those numbers from the LifeTime DXCC Listings because they include my Deleted Countries Worked on Each Band as well as the Current Countries. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] HO1A
You can find the Home Call, Home Address, and e-mail address for HO1A by going to www.QRZ.com and typing HO1A in the 'get call' window. Tom N4KG On Wed, 5 Feb 2003 Frank [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Hallo Dx'ers !! During the last ARRL 10 Mt contest i make qso with HO1A. Anyone know the qsl manager ? Tks in advance and good DX !!! Francesco Frank Venneri P.o.Box 2036 74100 TARANTO/10 ITALY -- I K 7 M X B -- ICQ: 173454242 http://www.qsl.net/ik7mxb E-Mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] DX end op styles
Charly, With due respect, I find only ONE QSO per call area to be highly Unruly, Confusing, and Frustrating for callers. The pileups tend to be long and drawn out with a LOT of anxiety to be the ONE guy who gets through to avoid having to wait for the full rotation to be able to call again. I, for one, do NOT care for your suggested approach. In going by call areas, it usually takes 2 or even 3 QSO's before (nearly) ALL of the callers are aware of the area change, and this ASSUMES that everyone has GOOD copy ALL of the time. I find it MUCH more efficient to work a given number of QSO's (or minutes) per call area, trying to cover all areas once per hour. Also, when going by call areas, it is sometimes (often?) preferable to move GEOGRAPHICALLY rather than Numerically. For example, at USA Sunrise, use the following sequence: 1,2,3,4,8,9,0,5,7,6 Tom N4KG On Mon, 03 Feb 2003 Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: About the difficulties of contacting AH3D ... my email showed eleven guys have said they also were puzzled abt splits, etc. and six said they had easy contacts. I have asked Carl of DX Magazine to allow me to write a short article advocating a style of operating for DX which may provide max exposure for successful callers which I hope will at least spark more thot on the subject by challenging the status quo. As u know, I advocate no (or few) directional CQs (based on geography) but rather the working of one #1,then one #2, then one #3 and so on. I hope I can flesh out my reasoning in print. 73, Charles Harpole [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Fw: Re: [DX-CHAT] Shortened Coiled Ants - Caution
Larry, Your comment that an impedance of 50 ohms at 84.3 degrees results in an SWR of 1:1 is NOT correct and may lead to confusion about SWR and complex impedances. To obtain an SWR of 1:1, the Load Impedance must be REAL (NO reactance) and match the Characteristic Impedance of the Line. For 50 ohm coax, the load impedance must be 50 + j ZERO to produce a perfect match with SWR = 1:1 Plotting Z = 5 + j 49.7 on a Smith Chart shows an SWR of approximately 20:1. The formula for SWR as a function of Reflection Coefficients is given in the ARRL Antenna Book and other texts. Regarding dipoles, the feedpoint impedance varies with height above ground in a diminishing oscillation centered around 72 ohms as shown in the ARRL Antenna Books and Handbooks. For heights above 1/4 WL, Dipole Radiation Resistance reaches it's highest value of ~95 ohms around 0.3 WL high and it's lowest value of ~58 ohms around 0.6 WL high. Note that antenna current will be a Maximum when the Radiation Resistance is at a Minimum which maximizes the antenna gain. Tom N4KG On Tue, 28 Jan 2003 K4WLS [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Shortened coiled dipoles and verticals exhibit a large amount of inductive reactance. Even if the overall impedance is 50 Ohms, the large voltages on the feed line cause by the large inductive reactive component can result in ATT or final transistor failure. Never use the ATT in your rig or directly connect such antennas to your rig. Always use an external tuner with such antennas. Suppose the impedance of your shortened coiled antenna has a Resistive component of 5 Ohms and an Inductive Reactive component of 49.7 Ohms: Z = R + j XL = 5 + j 49.7 = 50 Ohms at 84.3 Deg Oh yes, that will give you an SWR of 1:1, but Ouch !!! on the inductive kick. The perfect antenna has a resistive component of 50 Ohms and no Capacitive or Inductive Reactive component. Unless a simple dipole, then 72 Ohms of course !! Larry (K4WLS) Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Confirmed but not worked
As a (former) long time QSL Bureau Volunteer Sorter, I have seen MANY QSL's for inactive calls. Usually, these are from DXpeditions who fill out cards to ALL log entries and send the unclaimed cards via the bureaus after some period of time. Obviously there are a number of 'busted calls' in the logs. Tom N4KG On Mon, 27 Jan 2003 Shelby Summerville [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: As most, I have anguished over those worked, but not confirmed cards? Thanks to 10, unnamed to protect the guilty, DX stations, I am on my way to confirmed, but not worked, 160 meter, DXCC! Yep...I'm the owner of 10 cards from DX stations that thought they worked me on 160! Do I know whom they worked...probably! Will I make it to 100 confirmed, but not worked...probably not! Will I submit those cards...not unless a new category of DXCC is created? C'Ya, Shelby Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Fw: Re: [DX-CHAT] [TowerTalk] GAP vs Cushcraft
Here is a copy of a TowerTalk Post I wrote several years ago about Low Band Verticals. Tom N4KG Dual Band Verticals for 80 and 40 meters - de N4KG The HF-2V is full size (or nearly so) on 40M but base loaded on 80M. Base loading is the LEAST efficient method of loading, resulting in a low feed impedance and narrow bandwidth. My friend KZ4V has an HF2V with 120 radials 33 ft long which works well on 40M but she struggles on 80M with this antenna. Her new 90 ft high inverted vee and vertically polarized Delta Loop are much more competitive on 80. I like the design of the relatively new and unknown MFJ-1792 80 / 40 vertical. It is full size on 40M with a loading / isolating coil and tophat on top for 80M. Top loading is the most efficient form of loading. This antenna is reasonably priced at $160. Two users have reported good results with this antenna on Towertalk. The GAP verticals are inductively loaded by a transformed reactance on the lowest band of operation which reduces efficiency on that band. For an excellent review see page 75 in the January 1995 issue of QST. Most users express displeasure with performance on the lowest band of operation. ( I have no affiliation with any antenna manufacturer or retailer. ) de Tom N4KG Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] GAP Vertical
On Tue, 21 Jan 2003 Timothy Varnadore [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I was just told that I have a GAP VOYAGER - not a Challenger... my bad. SRI! Tim According to GAP, the VOYAGER covers 160 (90 KHz), and all of 80, 40, and 20 Meters. This antenna is roughly 45 ft tall with a large capacity hat on top. It does require guying with non-conductive guys. On 160M, my understanding is that the internal capacitor is transformed to an inductance through the internal transmission line. This inductance is in SERIES with the feedpoint. Reports indicate that this antenna is quite inefficient on the LOWEST band of operation. I am aware of a couple of users of this antenna and from my observations, they DO perform well on 80 and 40 Meters. The GAP Challenger covers a narrow range on 80M and uses the same capacitance transformation to inductance in series with the feed point. I believe it works well on 40M and also covers the high bands, including 6 and 2 Meters Tom N4KG Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Alpha amplifiers
There is an AMPS reflector on Contesting.com I believe K4JA is the moderator. Tom N4KG On Wed, 1 Jan 2003 Ragnar Otterstad [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Is there a reflector or NG for Alpha amplifiers ? 73 HNY Rag OtterstadLA5HE also JW5HE OZ8RO located in Telemark - home of skiing. Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] TO2
Your first clue is that T is a French prefix. TO2FG gives you an even bigger hint... He is on Guadaloupe...FG :) (I asked) Tom N4KG On Sun, 29 Dec 2002 Mike(W5UC) Kathy(K5MWH) Watson [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: Ok Gang. What's a TO2? WFWL? I already did that.. age and treachery will overcome youth and skill Outgoing Mail Scanned by Norton Antivirus 2002 Sign Up for Juno Platinum Internet Access Today Only $9.95 per month! Visit www.juno.com Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Fw: Re: [DX-CHAT] [TowerTalk] 5Band antennas
Here is what W1JR has to say about the TH11. Joe is an antenna engineer, formerly employed by Cushcraft. - Forwarded message -- From: Joe Reisert [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: [EMAIL PROTECTED][EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED] Date: Wed, 19 Jul 2000 11:19:39 -0400 Subject: Re: [TowerTalk] 5Band antennas Mauri, Don't forget to mention the Hygain TH-11 which covers 5 bands (20, 17, 15, 12 and 10 Meters). It has LPDA driven elements and reflectors without traps. In fact, it only has 6 single frequency well made low loss traps only in the directors. Best of all, the TH-11 (yes, that is what I use) performs very well on all 5 bands (although on 12 meters the gain is down a little since that band is only an LPDA). Traps don't have to have high loss. They need the proper construction. Furthermore, only use ONE resonant circuit in each trap (not the multiband Mosley type). HyGain had the answer since they used a large diameter coil form, large diameter copper wire well bonded on the terminations, a space between the coil winding and the termination, and (a big AND), large diameter tube over the trap. If you do all this right like HyGain did, the Q of the trap can be 200 or more and be very low loss. 73, Joe, W1JR At 09:46 AM 7/19/00 +0200, [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: One of the few 5/6 bands directional antenna that really work is the LPDA. Trapped or shortened yagis have instead the typical problems of losses (again, losses are not only in heating and confined the in the traps or coils)and more bands lead to have more losses nearly everywhere. Yagis with half wave resonant elements do not work when the elements frequency is close to each other (i.e. a 24.9 Mhz director and 28 Mhz reflector) and when too much aluminium is in close proximity. Concentrical loops, if resonant, suffer like the yagi plus some extra harmonically related troubles (not only on odd multiples) and because of coupling (link effect) Like in many other life fields one person can decide what to buy or built, it can be an object or a dream. Choosing for the object we pay and bring home something real, choosing the dream we pay to believe it. 73, Mauri I4JMY HyGain TH11 vs CC X9 The TH11 is an EXCELLENT PROVEN performer that will stand up with the best on 20, 15 and 10 and has amazing performance on 17 and pretty fair on 12 Meters. It has stood up to terrible weather and TWO awful ICE storms this past 2 winters. I haven't stood in line very long on any DX when it was hearing W1s. Why give up 2 bands and pay the same price for an UNPROVEN and hard to get antenna? (CC X9) 73, Joe, W1JR I was had just decided to get a TH11 since, according to hygain, it is broad banded on 5 bands. However, I was at the AES open house this weekend and talked to the Cushcraft rep there. Of course he said that the X9 was better. He said that the X9 will give better performance on 10, 15 and 20 because it did not have to be optimized for all 5 bands. He then went on to say that it would perform adequately on 12 and 17 but with an SWR of 4:1 and can be used on those two bands with an antenna tuner. In other words the X9 has better performance on 10, 15, 20 but not as good on 12 AND 17. Also, he said, you can install a 40 m 2 element add-on kit. Too good to be true? Any comments? Les W9IM GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] beginning DXer
One of my favorite all time radios is the Kenwood TS830. It has an EXCELLENT receiver with cascaded filters. Variable Bandwidth and Variable Pitch can be realized using front panel controls. A separate VFO is needed for split frequency operation. The Yaesu FT990 is another oldie but goodie. There are a lot of used decent radios from the 80's that can be purchased at attractive prices. My favorite simple antennas are an 80M dipole and 20M dipole fed with ladderline and oriented N/S. The 80M dipole acts as a current fed Long Wire on the ODD harmonics which include 30, 17, and 12 Meters. It acts as a voltage fed pair of wires on 40, 20, 15, and 10M. The 4 main lobes on 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, and 30M are roughly 30 degrees from the ends of the wire. Smaller lobes fall inbetween. Using only dipole antennas, I have worked over 320 countries on each of the WARC bands (and 80 / 40M). The 20M dipole will produce a figure 8 pattern from 10M through 30M, filling in the NULLS of the 80M dipole assuming both wires are parallel or in line. I recommend a height of 40 to 60 ft for high band operation. Most of the radiation at these heights will be refracted by the ionosphere during daytime hours. Flat Horizontal orientation is preferable. Inverted Vee installation will reduce performance, especially on the harmonic frequencies. Tom N4KG (RF Design Engineer / Avid All Band DXer) On Wed, 31 Jul 2002 k1my [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I recently gave a presentation on beginning DXing at our Arizona State Convention. At the end of the presentation several newbie's approached me and ask for my recommendation as to a beginning DXer station. These are brand new hams who really don't know anything about DXing. What are your thoughts for: * an economical station (xcvr, antenna, etc), probably a used xcvr, but which one? * a best value station for someone with a little more money Remember that we don't have a heck of a lot of trees out here for dipoles or wire antennas. Suggestions would be appreciated and I'll incorporate them into my presentation for the next time. 73, Bruce, K1MY/7 Sun Lakes, Arizona Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
Re: [DX-CHAT] Dentron - Clipperton-L Amplifier
There are (at least) a couple of versions of the Clipperton L. When operating PROPERLY, I believe you should be able to get 1000 to 1200 W on (most) bands. Mine is very UNSTABLE on 10M and may continue to produce output even after the key is let up. I simply detune the tuning capacitor until it stops oscillating :-) IF the 10M tap has been added, it may arc over on 160M at full power since there is such a high voltage between the 10M tap and the mounting screw. 160M output depends on which version you have. I believe the early versions did not have enough inductance and was only capable of about 800 W on 160M. Weak tubes will also result in lower output. Tom N4KG On Thu, 11 Jul 2002 15:44:02 -0600 Bill Rinker [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: I have the club's (K7JAC) Dentron Clipperton-L Amplifier to determine if operational. What is the rated output? The operation manual spec is missing. Bill - NE9Z Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org GET INTERNET ACCESS FROM JUNO! Juno offers FREE or PREMIUM Internet access for less! Join Juno today! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/web/. Subscribe/unsubscribe, feedback, FAQ, problems http://njdxa.org/dx-chat To post a message, DX related items only, [EMAIL PROTECTED] This is the DX-CHAT reflector sponsored by the NJDXA http://njdxa.org
