Topband: The 2022-23 160 Meter Season

2023-03-07 Thread w5zn
ld say "Whatya gonna do?" Regardless, it is great to see Eddy on 160 meters and hope he continues to be active on the band. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: My new 9 Circle works great!

2022-12-08 Thread w5zn
The YCCC-9 design by John, W1FV is an outstanding performer. I have had one installed at W5ZN for several years now and have documented direct comparisons with my HiZ-8 160 and BSEF-8 160 arrays plus my four 580 ft Beverages. While the HiZ-8 (200 ft diameter on 160) is the clear top performer

Re: Topband: Beverage upgrade question

2022-08-24 Thread w5zn
is most times radio amateurs have unrealistic expectations of what the performance of a specific antenna will be. With that said, I have compared the antenna you are considering at your QTH here at W5ZN with a single Beverage that you currently use. I could not document any noticeable improvement

Re: Topband: Poor 160m DX Propagation

2022-04-20 Thread w5zn
The situation here at W5ZN is the same as Dave's. Way too much lightning from now until September to keep all of the 160 meter antennas out and operational. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2022-04-20 11:31, David Raymond wrote: As we've said before, many of us in NA are fighting not just QRN

Re: Topband: What antenna would you build?

2022-03-24 Thread w5zn
enna_Forum-160_meter_TX_Array.pdf https://ncjweb.com/features/sepoct18feat.pdf As Tree notes, the very first step is to determine exactly what your objective is. The five element parasitic array has met my objectives for both contest and DX activities. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2022-03-23 22:38, Dino Darling wrote:

Re: Topband: 8 Circle question

2022-02-07 Thread w5zn
Jim, Which 8 circle version are you referring to?? The HiZ-8 or the Broad Side-End Fire (BSEF) 8 vertical array? The HiZ-8 uses all 8 verticals for each direction but the BSEF array only uses 4 verticals for each direction. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2022-02-07 14:38, Jim Miller wrote: I'm looking

Re: Topband: CQ160 CW - In Memory of Gene Walsh N2AA

2022-01-27 Thread w5zn
and loud IS good ! :-)) Looking forward to seeing, and working, everyone this weekend! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2022-01-27 12:26, John Crovelli wrote: We NEVER give up. GD From: Felipe J. Hernández Sent: Thursday, January 27, 2022 12:59 PM To: John Crovelli

Re: Topband: How were CQWWDX-CW Test cndx on TB at YOUR QTH?

2021-11-29 Thread w5zn
before the contest ended, at my SS, EU sigs were great and JW7QIA was excellent for well over 30 mins. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2021-11-29 14:29, w3...@roadrunner.com wrote: Id give it a 6.5. Europe was plentiful on FRI night, but with just fair sigs. SA-CA-Carib fair. I tried very hard to work

Topband: For AA1K

2021-09-10 Thread w5zn
Yes John - my emails are not getting to you for some reason. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: JT5DX - JT1CO confirmations

2021-09-10 Thread w5zn
places, and have been delayed over the past year. If you haven't sent a paper QSL card, I would recommend that route. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2021-09-10 06:12, Jorge Diez - CX6VM wrote: hello How do you get confirmations from these stations? No logs on Clublog, no answer SASEs and no answer emails jt

Re: Topband: PL259 type connectors for RG11

2021-04-08 Thread w5zn
Hi Ray, I run a lot of RG-11 here on long runs from the shack to my RX arrays and use PL-259 crimp connectors. I have gone exclusively to the DX Engineering connector, DXE-PL259CS8U. I crimp the shield and solder the center pin. No issues and they work fine here at W5ZN. 73 Joel W5ZN

Re: Topband: ARRL CW Contest

2021-02-22 Thread w5zn
Same down here in Arkansas Dave. Not gud on 160 at all this past weekend during the contest. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2021-02-22 07:43, David Raymond wrote: > Conditions on 160 from here in the Midwest were dreadful. I could never hear > Roger, G3YRO, well enough to even call. Other EU beacon

Re: Topband: Stew Perry Contest

2020-12-28 Thread w5zn
Stan - yes dangerous..take a whiz on it instead :-))) ZN On 2020-12-28 09:49, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote: > On 12/28/2020 6:49 AM, Stan Stockton wrote: > >> I can see myself with my thumb over the end of a water hose before the CQ >> 160 Contest trying to spray water on power

Re: Topband: Stew Perry

2020-12-25 Thread w5zn
I want to amplify what Dave said and Dave, thanks for the post! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-12-25 10:22, David Raymond wrote: Best wishes and Holiday greetings Topbanders. . . There will be many of us looking forward to operating the Stew Perry contest this weekend.  It's a great contest, unique

Re: Topband: I identified signal on 1.825 MHz this morning

2020-12-11 Thread w5zn
Signal is ~45 degrees from EM45 Arkansas. running about 15 dB above my noise floor. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-12-11 05:15, David Raymond wrote: Signal bearing from central Iowa/EN21 is about 70 degrees based on some interpolation from the 8 circle array. On 12/11/2020 6:06 AM, Don Kirk wrote: I’m

Re: Topband: CQWW and 160

2020-12-01 Thread w5zn
e bit more than) irritation when you have an excellent run of DX callers going and a "local" calls and won't stop! :-))) I'm not drawn either way and would be OK if were changed or remained as is. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-12-01 11:27, Ron Spencer via Topband wrote: Here too in centra

Re: Topband: Rohn 25 Vertical questions.

2020-08-19 Thread w5zn
uggest an improvement was made other than to my comfort level! GL with the project and GL this winter! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-08-19 14:03, Ron WV4P wrote: Thanks for all the replies and willingness to share hard earned wisdom. Tim, When you say "May cause noise" Is that on TX ? or ?

Re: Topband: DXCC committe

2020-03-23 Thread w5zn
the QSL manager for the QSO in question to determine why it is not in the log, and why you received a QSL card if it is not. Most DXpeditions keep very accurate logs. Your dispute should be with them, not the DXCC Desk that followed the DXCC rules and applied them as they should. 73 Joel W5ZN

Re: Topband: YCCC 9 Vertical Array Preamplifiers

2020-03-01 Thread w5zn
Allow me to clarify my post. I was referring to the high impedance amplifiers at the vertical elements, not the 2N5109 preamp used sometimes post combiner. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-03-01 20:27, w...@w5zn.org wrote: As an alternative to the 2N5109 preamps, last year I acquired a set of HiZ

Topband: YCCC 9 Vertical Array Preamplifiers

2020-03-01 Thread w5zn
purpose as I realize some like to use a simpler amplifier design that they can build and/or repair. If you have an interest other than what has been mentioned you can contact Lee at HiZ. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: T-loaded vertical

2020-02-19 Thread w5zn
So, what impact will the yagi have on the T element??? 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-02-19 12:57, donov...@starpower.net wrote: Hi Ed, A T-top at right angles to a Yagi will have little affect, but anything close to broadside is very bad within 500 feet or less on 40 meters. Fortunately a 60 foot

Re: Topband: Strong Carrier 1828.5

2020-01-20 Thread w5zn
Yes I'm hearing it here in Arkansas as well. Peaks to the NE around 45 to 50 degrees. Its about 15 dB above my noise floor here. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-01-20 16:42, Don Kirk wrote: Receiving strong carrier on 1828.5 KHz that sounds like sky wave. Its currently peaking 30 db over my noise

Re: Topband: Good Conditions, little NA Activity

2020-01-05 Thread w5zn
Nick, Dave is fine, or at least he was the last time I spoke to him a couple of months ago. He has remarried (you recall his wife Charlotte passed away a few years ago) and he has moved to a new QTH and, sadly, says he has no interest in radio now. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2020-01-05 10:49, uy0zg

Re: Topband: Wednesday 160m DX CW Activity Night

2019-12-11 Thread w5zn
Just a few mins past SS here. LB6GG is on and that's it so far. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-12-11 16:09, David Olean wrote: I heard G4EIM/QRP  calling AA1K and the signal was very Q5 and pretty impressive at about 22:00 UT.  I tried calling a bunch of CQs up 2 khz, but had no takers. I'll

Re: Topband: BOG

2019-12-03 Thread w5zn
Polliwog! I love it. I'm presenting Low Band Receive Antenna Options at the Arkansas DX Association conference this weekend and I'm going to throw that one in!!! Thank Mike! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-12-03 15:56, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote: polliwog piece of long limp inductive wire on ground

Re: Topband: Crazy high RBN SNR reports

2019-11-21 Thread w5zn
Well that's depressing...I thought my 160 sig was really BOOMIN' in there! :-))) 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-11-20 11:49, VE6WZ_Steve wrote: I have been operating my RBN skimmer for 8 years. It is common for me to get emails asking about unusually high SNR reports, especially from trans

Re: Topband: Circle arrays

2019-10-17 Thread w5zn
Greetings Jacques! As you know I have several years experience with vertical arrays here at W5ZN using all three of the current popular versions on 160, the BSEF-8, HiZ-8 and the YCCC-9. They all work well and all have their own unique characteristics. Having been to your QTH I know you have

Re: Topband: Protecting an Array Solutions K9AY Loop from Transmitted RF

2019-10-15 Thread w5zn
I use these at W5ZN. They are excellent. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-10-11 10:07, Tim Duffy wrote: Hello Pete: This is the RX limiter we use to protect front ends at K3LR. https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-rg5000hd It works very well. 73 Tim K3LR -Original Message- From: Topband

Re: Topband: Remote operation

2019-10-13 Thread w5zn
OK I'm confused..was it remotes or FT8 that killed amateur radio?? Or maybe the 50 other chicken little proclamations that did? I need professional help to sort this all out (that's a given, so please don't comment on that condition!) 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives

Re: Topband: Which RX antenna is better?

2019-07-30 Thread w5zn
ar but when the prop gods smile on you that low noise RX antenna will give you the edge. GL with the projects and I very much look forward to the upcoming low band DX season! 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: unwelcome topics

2019-07-17 Thread w5zn
Get your comments in now, because the clock is "ticking" before Tree tells us to cool it on this topic!! :-))) ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 7P8LB

2019-05-11 Thread w5zn
My card arrived in the mail today. 73 Joel W5ZN On May 2, 2019, at 9:31 AM, FZ Bruce wrote: Anyone received 7P8LB LOTW low band QSL confirmations yet ? 73Bruce-k1fz _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Shunt-Fed tower how-to Video

2019-04-25 Thread w5zn
Steve, This is an excellent tutorial. Thanks for not only sharing but taking the time to produce it as well. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-04-24 20:03, VE6WZ_Steve wrote: This week I added a second gamma-wire to my shunt fed tower for 160m in order to lower the reactance and therefore lower

Re: Topband: NA activity CW topband ....................

2019-04-13 Thread w5zn
level is high on the TX antenna so my focus has moved to other bands/activity. I'm sure that's probably the case with a few other "regulars" on the band as well. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-04-13 03:31, uy0zg wrote: Hi What happened ? One NV3N from all over America. No e

Re: Topband: From 5x3c

2019-03-18 Thread w5zn
at 0025z 5X3C was again very strong, peaking 20 dB above my noise floor. At 0040z the signal had completely disappeared! I do not ever recall hearing signals from central Africa that strong at my QTH. My noise floor at W5ZN is usually between -130 to -125 dB. Hopefully others can experience

Re: Topband: Great moments in Top Band History - 7P8LB

2019-03-16 Thread w5zn
As one of the very fortunate ones to make it through the pileup last night, the excitement didn't permit me to put it back in my pants until this morning Sorry if that offends some of you, I just couldn't resist that opening! :-))) 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-03-16 08:44, Tree

Re: Topband: Thanks

2019-02-24 Thread w5zn
The propagation into Arkansas on 160 meters from 4U1ITU is pretty much a black hole. I can only imagine what is like further west Joel W5ZN On 2019-02-24 11:09, Tree wrote: Back in 1990, I lived about 30 minutes from 4U1ITU and put about 25K QSOs in their log during my 14 month stay. I

Topband: Thanks

2019-02-24 Thread w5zn
for understanding and being accommodating. It was greatly appreciated. Thanks again. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: V84SAA

2019-02-07 Thread w5zn
My error!!! please correct that to "their SUNSET" !! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-02-07 03:44, w...@w5zn.org wrote: V84SAA had one hell of a signal this morning into Arkansas beginning just a minute or two before their SR. If that keeps up hopefully a lot of NA will make it into their log

Topband: V84SAA

2019-02-07 Thread w5zn
V84SAA had one hell of a signal this morning into Arkansas beginning just a minute or two before their SR. If that keeps up hopefully a lot of NA will make it into their log. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: FT-8

2019-02-01 Thread w5zn
and destroyed FT8. I'm not a judge and don't stay in a Holiday Inn Express but it appears to me both modes are healthy! 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: CQ160 Conditions

2019-01-28 Thread w5zn
side benefit.I slept like a rock last night!!! :-)) Thanks for all the Q's and those who hung in there to work me. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2019-01-28 13:11, daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote: And not any better from the Midwest (Iowa). . . .both EU and Asia. 73. . . Dave, W0FLS -Original Message

Re: Topband: Might be a good EU DX night

2018-12-26 Thread w5zn
Its more than 1:15 before my sunset here Arkansas. I don't hear any EU on 160 just yet however there are several EU on 80 meters now that are S7-S9 here. I'm anxious to see when 160 pops in! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-12-26 13:29, Tim Duffy wrote: The K3LR 160 Skimmer just heard HA0NAR at 2014Z

Re: Topband: Might be a good EU DX night

2018-12-26 Thread w5zn
Just a few minutes after sending my post about 80 meters sigs, I am now hearing a few EU stations now on 160, one hour before my SS here in Arkansas. Hope this holds up!! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-12-26 13:29, Tim Duffy wrote: The K3LR 160 Skimmer just heard HA0NAR at 2014Z. That is one hour

Re: Topband: choke/bleeder resistor on RXvertical?

2018-12-20 Thread w5zn
amplifiers After a proper installation to ensure good RF connections in the system and address any common mode noise condition that may exist, all of these are extremely quite at my QTH without the need for "bleeder" components. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-12-19 11:19, Jamie WW3S wro

Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

2018-11-19 Thread w5zn
a note to the DXCC desk at HQ and also maybe your ARRL Director (please don't bug a Director in another Division, bug yours!). I would expect it to be investigated if enough folks raise the issue. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-11-17 08:08, Bill Tippett wrote: "There have been no uploads for OK1YQ t

Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

2018-11-19 Thread w5zn
t to be investigated if enough folks raise the issue. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-11-17 08:08, Bill Tippett wrote: "There have been no uploads for OK1YQ therefore it all has to be cards. 73 Clive GM3POI" Thanks Clive. I was under the mistaken impression that ARRL had closed the previous

Topband: For Kent N8ZRD

2018-11-19 Thread w5zn
Kent N8ZRD are you not receiving my direct emails?? 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

2018-11-17 Thread w5zn
occurred with the LoTW system ARRL will address it. 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-11-17 06:28, n...@n4is.com wrote: Hi Joel I have the same impression as Bill mentioned. 160m paper QSL requires a card checker, however LOTW confirmation does not have the same process, no QSO or QSL check at all. We've

Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

2018-11-17 Thread w5zn
occurred. Regardless, there is convincing evidence some bogus QSL cards were reviewed and accepted by a DXCC card checker somewhere and then entered into his DXCC record! 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-11-17 05:29, Bill Tippett wrote: Doesn't say much for the DXCC checking process either. 73 Clive GM3P

Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

2018-11-16 Thread w5zn
Hi J.C., I have not worked this station on 160 meters or on 2 meter EME (or on any band). 73 Joel W5ZN On 2018-11-16 13:32, n...@n4is.com wrote: I never heard him on any band but he must be very active on EME ARRL DXCC - 2 Meters -151 OK1YQ http://www.arrl.org/system/dxcc/view/DXCC-2M

Topband: ICE Model 402 BCB Filter

2018-11-15 Thread w5zn
I have a new ICE Model 402 receive only BCB Filter (high pass 1.8 MHz up) 50 Ohm, that I do not need. If interested please contact me off list. 73 Joel W5ZN _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Conditions and Activity

2018-11-02 Thread w5zn
Finally got one RX system running last week just before the pre-Stew. Roger - your sigs have been very, very gud this week as well as others from EU. Hopefully that is a gud sign of things to come this season. 73 Joel W5ZN On 11/2/2018 1:10 PM, Roger Kennedy wrote: Good to hear the band

Re: Topband: Radial wire

2018-09-06 Thread w5zn
that should pull apart easily and give you a "2 for 1" deal. Anywho, just curious if anyone has any experience using it for radials? 73 Joel W5ZN _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband