Re: Topband: The Future of Ham Radio

(this is a non-topband related matter but I feel I must chime in -- mostly because if you scare away the next generation of topbanders, there won't be a topband) I wish most of you (agree or disagree with the ARRL) were in attendance at the W9DXCC Convention this year where Tom spoke very

Topband: The Future of Ham Radio

Hi all, I apologize if this is not the place for this, but the recent FT8 discussion has gotten me to thinking. I'm one of the younger hams in the hobby. I got my license and extra at 20 and am 26 now. I was semi-active on the phone bands up until late 2015 when I moved into my current apartment

Re: Topband: K2AV Counterpoise

K8BHZ wrote: >>> The length to avoid is nothing more than a half wavelength, which >>> translates the same impedance from end to end >>> i.e., the high Z open end translates to a high Z antenna base end. This >>> results in minimum radial current. I'm not so sure I buy that and I don't think

Re: Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

In my case I have lots of space and I can lay down radials or do elevated. My vertical part is about 85ft and the rest is horizontal. It has served me well enough, but I honestly thing it could do much better and that is why I ask. My problem is I don't know how on this list truly knows what

Re: Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

Elevated radials can also be run zigzag to fit them in the available space. My 1/4 wavelength S radial was like that. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

Jeez Carl, If you had read my write-up, you would realize that I NEVER recommended 2 radials for operatingjust as a simple technique to measure resonant radial length in one's soil Also, the point is NOT that everyone should use shortened radials. The point IS that for hams with the

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 7:59 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > ... Some people like running 5kw to work dx ... 5 kW. Hmm...To quote one Topbander (who shall forever remain anonymous), "If you can't make it with ten thousand watts, it's just not amateur radio! (It's been *many*

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

Some people would prefer the machine gun method.  We are all different, thankfully. Some people like running 5kw to work dx and yes it happens every single day and many countries and others will go for QRP and every iteration between. I guess I missed your point. W0MU On 10/26/2017 12:12

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

So why does everyone have to play by your rules and not those of the people giving out the awards?  How about the built in 10 to 15 db advantage of living next to the pond may give?  Remote radio is ok but Digital is not. You get your awards your way, I will get mine mine. 73 W0MU On

Re: Topband: K2AV Counterpoise

1): The length to avoid is nothing more than a half wavelength, which translates the same impedance from end to end. i.e., the high Z open end translates to a high Z antenna base end. This results in minimum radial current. At 10' up, they're close to free space (0.47 vs 0.5 WL). At 2" above

Re: Topband: K2AV Counterpoise

This page, and the links to a couple of N6LF documents that are included there, might help: http://ac6la.com/aecollection3.html Not covered on that page are a) how the efficiency changes as the radials are placed closer to the ground, and b) whether there is any difference in best radial

Re: Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

No need to do it on my account. On 10/26/2017 6:31 AM, k8...@alphacomm.net wrote: This issue does indeed keep coming up, so  I am posting my response (of 3 years ago) again for K7EG, N7WS, VA3MVW, W0MU, and others.  N7WS _ Topband Reflector Archives -

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

>>>AA6YQ comments below -Original Message- From: Mark K3MSB [mailto:mark.k3...@gmail.com] Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2017 1:28 PM To: Dave AA6YQ Cc: topBand List Subject: Re: Topband: A way forward to keep 'old school' modes vibrant alongside FT-8? (long) You can’t retract any awards,

Re: Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

Thanks, I need to digest this. mike va3mw On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 8:31 AM, k8...@alphacomm.net wrote: > This issue does indeed keep coming up, so I am posting my response (of 3 > years ago) again for K7EG, N7WS, VA3MVW, W0MU, and others. The shortened > radials are still

Topband: 3C1L Information

>From the 3C0L/3C1L website: October 26 - Update 20:30 GMT Plans regarding 3C1L have changed. Yuris is in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea and he says that they plan to activate 3C1L again. He is looking for proper QTH. But they are not QRV yet. Those were pirats playing on the air earlier this evening

Re: Topband: subject

AMEN Don-this dead horse has been beaten enough! 73, Steve, WD8NPL -Original Message- From: Donald Moth via Topband Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2017 3:44 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: subject Isn't it about time to move on from FT8 to other things like DX and who is

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

Hi Steve, Thank you very much for bringing this topic up, and for your summary. The elephant in the room needed addressing. I almost bought the new transceiver I've been wanting this yearuntil I saw the reflector post about the gentleman who "worked 20 new ones this season, and I

Re: Topband: subject

Apparently, that is not possible because too many upset hams are either unwilling or unable to take their minds on what other stations are doing. ;-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Oct 26, 2017 2:47 PM, "Donald Moth via Topband" wrote: Isn't it about time to move on from FT8

Topband: subject

Isn't it about time to move on from FT8 to other things like DX and who is hearing who at what time and strength. on CW or SSB. We've milked this to an end. Only my own openion  Don W2MPK _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

A remote they did not build, but can be used for free is ok? :^) That's like going to a friend's house to work the DX from there, perfectly 'legal', but not something that attracts me. Let's not add any more variables. It's 'complicated' enough with all the narcissism going around. This is a

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

I would like to know if FT8 also uses the same "Deep Search" as JT65.If it does, read this and decide if it is for you. JT65, is it doing what we want it to do? | | | | JT65, is it doing what we want it to do? | | | Raoul ZS1C On Thursday, October 26, 2017, 8:36:27 PM GMT+2,

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

Only if they used a credit card and a remote station that they didn't build! 73 Mark K3MSB On Oct 26, 2017 2:28 PM, "DXer" wrote: Hi Mark, So, if I use the same 'rational' some people here seems to use, those DXCC awards earned with full legal power, multiple towers,

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

Hi Mark, So, if I use the same 'rational' some people here seems to use, those DXCC awards earned with full legal power, multiple towers, beams, and amps, should really be a mark of shame on their holders? :^) There is no one way, your way, yes, but not only one way. 73 de Vince, VA3VF On

Re: Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

Hi Vince Well, you could use a machine gun instead of a bow and arrow to bag the “big one” and hang it’s head on the wall, but it wouldn’t be quite the same, now would it? What’s the difference in rolling up to the ice-cream hop in your 1962 Coupe DeVille convertible that you just cut a check

Topband: FT8: Making it too easy?

For those that say FT8 makes it too easy to win awards, climb the DXCC ladder, or make it into the HR. May I ask what the reason is for going to the trouble, and expense, of purchasing the best transceivers, installing towers, beams, and amps? How is your operating enhanced, if not by making it

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

You can’t retract any awards, and I don’t believe you even have to worry about that. Let’s say you have 150 Confirmed on 160M right now using a combination of SSB, CW, FT8 etc. The current single band award would not change – it’s “Mixed” by default. I would envision 3 new awards to come

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

That's right. Make sure to disable PSKReporter in WSJT-X, and Hamspot.net in JTAlert. This way you won't look bad saying one thing, and doing another. LOL 73 de Vince, VA3VF On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 12:35 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > > I know that 3Y0X will have the ability to

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

The ARRL will create a new certificate.  It will be new income. This is a no brainer.  They already have an FT8 mode in WAS. I know that 3Y0X will have the ability to do FT8 with them.  Like I said earlier, when they get on 160m FT8, if they do, how many calls of people dead against this mode

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

An issue that you'll have to confront in your proposal to the ARRL is the disposition of awards already granted to operators based on QSOs made in "K1JT modes". Will recent DXCC awards that included some FT8 QSOs be retracted? Will 5BDXCC awards or Challenge endorsements be retracted if they

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

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

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

Gentlemen: Tim writes very well below. However, I have had 45 or more FT8 emails and I truly think we are airing the same laundry many times. Steve Ireland did raise a very good point..but While I respect all the varied opinions, it may be time to stop beating the modes to death (new

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

Quoting ARRL Contest Update for October 18 2017: "FT8 mode usage continues to increase! According to a tweet by Michael, G7VJR, operator of Club Log, "In September 2017, the number of FT8 QSOs uploaded to Club Log was the same as CW and SSB combined." (Bengt, K7ADD)" DXCC concept of "by mode"

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

Mixed, as per one of the definitions: containing a mixture of both favorable and negative elements. FT8 belongs in it, it's a favorable element. LOL 73 de Vince, VA3VF On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 11:10 AM, Nick Maslon - K1NZ wrote: > Hi Dale, > > My comments were more aimed at the

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

Hi Dale, My comments were more aimed at the "let's separate FT/JT modes into their own separate DXCC category and disqualify them from Mixed" sentiment. I have no problem with the per mode style DXCC awards. I just wanted to point out that someone can't retroactively change the definition of

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

Hi Nick, Not necessarily needed retraction. Not at all.. It seems to me that a solely one more or other.. is called for, also, a mixed mode, already in place, with any or all of a mix of modes. These are all digi modes that I am speaking of. Pretty much the same as "phone" awards.. doesn't

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

Not sure of to think of this. Was it another veiled dig at a mode you don't enjoy? 73 de Vince, VA3VF On Thu, Oct 26, 2017 at 9:43 AM, Steve Ireland wrote: > > This ‘new wave’ digital award could have a new cool, 21st century-looking > certificate (are holograms 21st

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

G’day Thanks very much to all those who contributed to the thread following my ‘FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing?’ post. Here is a summary of what appeared in my ‘In Box’. First, special thanks to CJ Johnson WT2P for bravely giving the ‘new school’ perspective and actually taking radio,

Topband: 160/80 generator noise

hi i am  getting on the bog 200ft [61meter long ]sound of like Generator on 160/80 40m is clean so i change for the other antenna no noise is there away i feed the coax ? [rg58 50 ohm ] it was made like that for 50 ohm coax can it be the way the coax facing the bog ? or what it can be any help

Topband: Shortened Radial Experiments

This issue does indeed keep coming up, so  I am posting my response (of 3 years ago) again for K7EG, N7WS, VA3MVW, W0MU, and others. The shortened radials are still in use here, with 235 countries worked on 160.  The Vp shortening depends entirely on soil type, so math will only get you so

Topband: FCP Inverted L

Thanks to Guy and all who replied. Yes, I will disconnect radials when I add FCP. I have concluded my inv L is very inefficient based solely on flat SWR over entire CW band. Vertical leg runs up very close to fir tree trunk also. Major work is needed beyond adding FCP. Bought Graphic RF

Re: Topband: K2AV Counterpoise

I'm not sure why you say that but I disagree. I cannot recommend highly enough Rudy's site: http://www.antennasbyn6lf.com It's all there. Wes  N7WS On 10/26/2017 5:08 AM, Michael Walker wrote: And, apparently, that is like an old wound that will not heal. Radials need to be much shorter

Re: Topband: K2AV Counterpoise

And, apparently, that is like an old wound that will not heal. Radials need to be much shorter and I am trying to find the supporting math. At a 1/4 wave, there is too much ground loss. Mike > On Oct 25, 2017, at 11:06 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > > I have read in a

Re: Topband: FT8.

Thanks, JC. Fair enough. I'm not a fan of SSTV. It's not watching paint dry, but watching the picture being painted. After monitoring the mode for a few days, I did not understand what some of the pictures had to do with the hobby. I'm not a fan of APRS. Somehow I don't understand the kick some

Re: Topband: FT8.

The "Call 1st" option would seem to imply the auto QSO notion but "Call 1st" causes the "Enable TX" to be disabled  when you send the "73" message regardless of the settings value for this behavior. I was told this was done specifically to not create an auto QSO machine. Without "Call 1st"

Re: Topband: FT8.

I have started a series of CQ and gotten bites but they do not complete. To verify this, I just now called CQ with FT8 and I got a reply from SM7OYP but my software did not reply. It will not reply until I tell it to do so. http://doctorgary.net/wsjt-x-cq.jpg So I clicked on his reply to me

Re: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing?

A similar situation regarding digital modes took place on 50 MHz this summer. In the case of 6 meters, JT65 and FT8 are now the predominant modes for DX work on 6 meters. During terrestrial sporadic-E openings, there are very few DX stations now operating CW or SSB on 6. Meteor scatter is the

Re: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

Hi Steve You've certainly stirred up some QRM here! I can visualize you right now, tinny in one hand and turning the barbie with the other, saying to yourself: "Was it something I said?" :-) -- 73 Ian, G3NRW g3...@g3nrw.net * Editor: TS-590 Family Resources Page:

Topband: Stuck electronic keyer on 1809.5 khz

Sounds like someone’s electronic keyer is stuck on dashes on 1809.5 khz at an approximate heading of 75 degrees from my location in Fishers Indiana which is just NE of Indianapolis. Signal does not appear to be groundwave. Don (wd8dsb) _ Topband Reflector Archives -