Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
Hi, I continue to find evidence that 160 meters is NOT closed for the season. Most of the evidence is to be found way up in the phone band. I wondered if those guys were running California kilowatts or something but in some of the QSOs they mentioned their power output in the 100 watt area. I have occasionally heard some CW calls for DX but those are scarce. Apparently the CW hams are just plain absent..doing soemthing else for the 'closed' season. This morning I set up a receiver to slowly scan (troll) from 1800 to 1830 kc...continuously. While I am working around here in and out of the shack I will hopefully hear anybody in range if there is activity. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
YW5X (IOTA activation in Venezuela) has been active on 160M CW past couple of nights with a fair number of callers. Tim N3QE From: Topband [topband-boun...@contesting.com] on behalf of Bill Cromwell [wrcromw...@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:02 AM To: 'topband' Subject: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating.. Hi, I continue to find evidence that 160 meters is NOT closed for the season. Most of the evidence is to be found way up in the phone band. I wondered if those guys were running California kilowatts or something but in some of the QSOs they mentioned their power output in the 100 watt area. I have occasionally heard some CW calls for DX but those are scarce. Apparently the CW hams are just plain absent..doing soemthing else for the 'closed' season. This morning I set up a receiver to slowly scan (troll) from 1800 to 1830 kc...continuously. While I am working around here in and out of the shack I will hopefully hear anybody in range if there is activity. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Oooops - forgot to mention quantity --- four would be nice (in case they go south again) Jim R. The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
On 08/25/2013 09:15 AM, Shoppa, Tim wrote: YW5X (IOTA activation in Venezuela) has been active on 160M CW past couple of nights with a fair number of callers. Tim N3QE Hi Tim, Maybe I should be listening more at night instead of mornings... 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
Bill - I was on this morning, listening for the YW5X station and calling CQ periodically - worked two west coast stns...W7IZ and K7CF (received a 599+ 10 from K7CF and 599 from W7IZ) but didn't hear a peep east of me. I could JUST make out VK3ZL on 1824 or so but Bob was just above ESP levels here in s/w Utah. I heard the YW5X station two nights ago (I believe that was their first full day of ops) on 80 but nada last night or this morning on 160 or 80! I agree there is far more activity up in the SSB portion -mostly, in my words, bunches of friends/good-'ol-boys gettin' together. I'll be on this evening and early tomorrow morning - see if your scanner hears me as I'd enjoy adding you to my log, given we've chatted here at the top band reflector! 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: tsho...@wmata.com To: wrcromw...@gmail.com; topband@contesting.com Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 13:15:27 + Subject: Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating.. YW5X (IOTA activation in Venezuela) has been active on 160M CW past couple of nights with a fair number of callers. Tim N3QE From: Topband [topband-boun...@contesting.com] on behalf of Bill Cromwell [wrcromw...@gmail.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:02 AM To: 'topband' Subject: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating.. Hi, I continue to find evidence that 160 meters is NOT closed for the season. Most of the evidence is to be found way up in the phone band. I wondered if those guys were running California kilowatts or something but in some of the QSOs they mentioned their power output in the 100 watt area. I have occasionally heard some CW calls for DX but those are scarce. Apparently the CW hams are just plain absent..doing soemthing else for the 'closed' season. This morning I set up a receiver to slowly scan (troll) from 1800 to 1830 kc...continuously. While I am working around here in and out of the shack I will hopefully hear anybody in range if there is activity. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
This morning I set up a receiver to slowly scan (troll) from 1800 to 1830 kc...continuously. While I am working around here in and out of the shack I will hopefully hear anybody in range if there is activity. Bill KU8H Working some Europeans in August 2013 about my bedtime. All on CW G3JMJ very active many mornings 0346-0352 UTC 1.825 MHZ IV3PRK often active worked 0358 UTC 1.831 MHZ SV3RF 0353 1.818 MHZ G4EIM 0414 active many mornings 1.830 MHZ I2ZFD 0400 1.830 MHZ Hope these times frequencies result in more CW contacts. 73 Bruce-K1FZ www.qsl.net/k1fz/ _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Okee Dokede - someone offered to send me four - he said he has thousands of those J-310sthanks to all that replied with info! Jim R. From: rodenkirch_...@msn.com To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 07:16:31 -0600 The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
What's taking out the J-310s, Jim? I have some around here somewhere, but it's been years since I've seen them. Did you try Digi-Key? Do you need to modify your preamp a bit to better protect the J-310s? 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:40 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Okee Dokede - someone offered to send me four - he said he has thousands of those J-310sthanks to all that replied with info! Jim R. From: rodenkirch_...@msn.com To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 07:16:31 -0600 The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!!
That's great, Jim!! Sounds like it's working well!! Have fun! I'm sure you will like it! 73, Charlie, K4OTV From: James Rodenkirch [mailto:rodenkirch_...@msn.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:53 AM To: Charlie Cunningham Subject: RE: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! Got the delta loop up and wired over the past three days, Charlie!! Tried it out last night and, before the preamp died, I was seeing an S unit to two difference when switch between east and west direction on 80 meters and 40. The preamp died as I was getting on 160 BUT...I did use the preamp in my Argonaut VI, just to see how it worked and, while listening to some SSB stations I did a switcheroo (have a switch in the DC voltage line to the relays out at the antenna) and saw a solid 2 S unit difference on at least two of the stations. Comparing the noise level of my vertical versus the delta loop shows the noise level is reduced by at least 3 to 4 S units. So, something is working Hi Hi Conditions on 160 weren't great this morning AND the entire lash up at my operating table was very kluged - going to make up a DC power distribution box and add the switches (switch the relays in or out to switch direction from east to west or vice versa)o be and a T/R relay circuit (as soon as I find one and get the pars) so more 'work' and planning to be done. I have only had it up and running since yesterday afternoon so lots of testing still in order. I don't have any test equipment other than a DVM and a noise bridge but will be fun to play with it when signals are being heard. 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com; mikew...@gmail.com; topband@contesting.com Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 15:18:40 -0400 Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! That's great, Jim! Let me know how it plays! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 3:00 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; 'Mike Waters'; 'topband' Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! When time permits, Charlie, I will do just that! Almost done with everything up to the two boxes with the switchable components - resistor, xfmr - as I await the xfmr(s) arrival. Outta be listening by Sunday morning!! From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com; mikew...@gmail.com; topband@contesting.com Subject: RE: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 14:41:40 -0400 Well, Jim Since you wound both transformers, why not try them both, and see if you can measure any difference? I' guessing you won't see much! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Thursday, August 22, 2013 2:00 PM To: Mike Waters; topband Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! Thanks, Mike - will try the 2:3 ratio one first! Date: Thu, 22 Aug 2013 10:21:14 -0500 From: mikew...@gmail.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! P. 7-69 of Low Band Dxing (5th ed.) by ON4UN says a maximum of 4 turns on the low-Z primary for binocular cores. It might work, but there are other turns ratios you might try. Here is a list of turns ratios for those cores I made: http://www.w0btu.com/Binocular_core_turns_ratios.pdf If you get a 500 Server Error message, contact me directly and I'll e-mail it to you. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 3:49 PM, James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.comwrote: I received enuff info and thoughts to know I'll utilize the 5:7 winding version. _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
A couple weeks ago I declared my intention to be back on making some feeble noises in a few days. Unfortunately that hasn't happened. At this point I have no idea when I will be QRV, as I just don't have enough time or energy to get the station set up and repair finished. 73, Paul N1BUG _ Topband Reflector
Topband: 160 meter activity
160 is really picking up here. I called CQ on 1824.5 this morning here in Atlanta at 1030 Z. VK3ZL came back to me with a 599 report and I gave him an honest 579. The band has been open for some time at this QTH. However, the RX antenna is the Hi-Z 4-8 PRO, 8 vertical array (with 4 antennas active at any time). No doubt I hear signals others cannot hear. I do HIGHLY recommend it.. 73, John, W4NU _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Best coax for direct burial?
My forthcoming 160m vertical requires about a 700 ft run of coax. I'd like to bury the coax over most of the run, but some of it will be elevated, with high UV exposure. (I'm at 7000 ft elevation and sun shines 330 days/yr.) The climate is very arid here (about 4-6 in rain/yr), so water ingress isn't a major consideration. I'd like an RG-213 type coax with a solid dielectric, rather than an LMR-400 type, or anything with a foam dielectric. The losses aren't an issue, since this will be used exclusively on topband and 80m. I'm unclear about what direct burial coax means, especially with respect to the outer jacket. Is polyethelene to be preferred over PVC with respect to toughness and UV resistance? Stranded center conductor is mildly preferred but not essential. Mostly what I'm looking for is long-term reliability. I'd appreciate advice and suggestions, and also any recommendations about suppliers (some of whom give very little technical info about their products and are rather cryptic about who actually makes the coax.) Tnx and 73, Jim W8ZR _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Best coax for direct burial?
Jim, Davis RF BuryFlex is the way to go. It has a PE jacket, a stranded copper center conductor, it's direct burial (just as the name implies), and it handles direct sunlight exposure very well. I have been using it for 15 years, and it all came from the same roll I bought from The Wireman at the Shelby NC Hamfest. It's a little more expensive today, but I plan to buy another roll soon. 73, Tony K4QE On Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 11:25 AM, Jim Garland 4cx2...@miamioh.edu wrote: My forthcoming 160m vertical requires about a 700 ft run of coax. I'd like to bury the coax over most of the run, but some of it will be elevated, with high UV exposure. (I'm at 7000 ft elevation and sun shines 330 days/yr.) The climate is very arid here (about 4-6 in rain/yr), so water ingress isn't a major consideration. I'd like an RG-213 type coax with a solid dielectric, rather than an LMR-400 type, or anything with a foam dielectric. The losses aren't an issue, since this will be used exclusively on topband and 80m. I'm unclear about what direct burial coax means, especially with respect to the outer jacket. Is polyethelene to be preferred over PVC with respect to toughness and UV resistance? Stranded center conductor is mildly preferred but not essential. Mostly what I'm looking for is long-term reliability. I'd appreciate advice and suggestions, and also any recommendations about suppliers (some of whom give very little technical info about their products and are rather cryptic about who actually makes the coax.) Tnx and 73, Jim W8ZR _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..
On 08/25/2013 12:35 PM, Bruce wrote: Working some Europeans in August 2013 about my bedtime. All on CW G3JMJ very active many mornings 0346-0352 UTC 1.825 MHZ IV3PRK often active worked 0358 UTC 1.831 MHZ SV3RF 0353 1.818 MHZ G4EIM 0414 active many mornings 1.830 MHZ I2ZFD 0400 1.830 MHZ Hope these times frequencies result in more CW contacts. 73 Bruce-K1FZ www.qsl.net/k1fz/ Thanks Bruce, It's four hours earlier here and I'm often in the sack before local midnight. From what others are saying I am very suspicious of having a problem here. With my 30 watt transmitter I can't always work whatever I can hear but I have been able to hear quite a bit in the past. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector
Topband: J-310 FETs
If one needs J-310 FETs. Look on eBay there are quite a few listings with reasonable shipping cost. 73 de Price W0RI _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Jim, If you really have trouble getting some J-310s, let me know. I'd really have to hunt -probably out in my garage. The J-310s that I have, if I could find them, are, I expect, at least 20 years old and pre-date the shenanigans that Paul is warning you about. The ones that I had, are, as I recall, either ON Semi or NSC. I probably should find mine, I guess. I bought the JFET version of the old AMECO preamp, from my friend, Bill, K4CIA, so I might need some spares someday. The vacuum tube version of the AMECO preamp didn't have those vulnerabilities, and worked great on all the low bands up through 30m, for the same purpose that you are using yours for. Paul's giving you some good advice. That's why I asked if you had tried Digi-Key. GL! 73. Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 2:44 PM To: James Rodenkirch; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Jim, The major semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., Fairchild) who once mass-produced JFETS in TO-92 style cases have now obsoleted most of them. This occurred approximately 2-3 years ago. When shockwaves of the news hit, many folks (and the on-line bottom feeders), started hoarding the remaining supply. Even the SMD versions are now in danger of going obsolete. Presently, only InterFET Corporation and Linear Systems appear to be manufacturing both through-hole and SMD versions of high-performance JFETs although their per-piece prices are very high. Before the wave hit, I purchased hundreds of various JFETs in TO-92 style cases -- J310s being one type. You're welcome a to a few. True, in many applications it may not make a big difference between say a J310 and MPF-102, but it unnerves me when I don't know exactly what I'm using in a circuit. Be careful when sourcing any semiconductor. As you noticed, JFETs are widely available on the Asian market but when making a purchase through small on-line retailers - and the big auction site, it's not possible to trace the supply chain of the component to its origin. For example, some Toshiba low-noise bipolar transistors are in fact re-labeled 2N3904 devices. Unless the purchaser has access to a curve tracer and a means to perform critical noise and frequency response testing, one is left to trust the seller for a clean chain of custody between the time of manufacture and point of sale. When China is the only source of many TO-92 JFETs, the red flags are up (no pun intended). Because of this, I have only purchased semiconductors direct from the OEM or through well-established distributors including Newark, Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, AvNet, and Allied. For an interesting perspective concerning the severity of the counterfeit semiconductor market, see the following report issued by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA): http://tinyurl.com/l9hqpw6 Let me know if you're address is currently good on QRZ. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.com To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:16 AM Subject: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
As far as am aware On-Semi still make the TO-92 J310. Fairchild ceased production about 2 years back. I did a last time buy from Mouser for several thousand J310 and the much more linear J309. 73 Andrew Ikin G8LUG _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!!
Ever since I added back-to-back 1N4148's between the preamp's input and ground many years ago, I have never lost a transistor in my preamp. Before that, it seemed that I was replacing it after nearly every thunderstorm. A couple of years ago I changed it a little: I added a small incandescent lamp in series with the preamp input. At the same I changed from just two to four of the same diodes in series/parallel. There are other ways as good or better than this, but this works for me. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 10:13 AM, James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.comwrote: Any ideas on a front end protection circuit for a preampl? _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!!
That's always worked for me, Mike! The bit of resistance that I suggested that Jim add ahead of the FET gate and the diodes serves the same purpose as your incandescent lamp - but I expect that the lamp is more rugged and forgiving. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike Waters Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 4:15 PM To: James Rodenkirch; topband Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! Ever since I added back-to-back 1N4148's between the preamp's input and ground many years ago, I have never lost a transistor in my preamp. Before that, it seemed that I was replacing it after nearly every thunderstorm. A couple of years ago I changed it a little: I added a small incandescent lamp in series with the preamp input. At the same I changed from just two to four of the same diodes in series/parallel. There are other ways as good or better than this, but this works for me. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 10:13 AM, James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.comwrote: Any ideas on a front end protection circuit for a preampl? _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!!
Got it, Mike and Charlie - will do something like that - reverse diodes across the input, if nuthin' else! From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mikew...@gmail.com; rodenkirch_...@msn.com; topband@contesting.com Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 16:21:05 -0400 Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! That's always worked for me, Mike! The bit of resistance that I suggested that Jim add ahead of the FET gate and the diodes serves the same purpose as your incandescent lamp - but I expect that the lamp is more rugged and forgiving. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike Waters Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 4:15 PM To: James Rodenkirch; topband Subject: Re: Topband: Two 2:1 transformers to choose from!! Ever since I added back-to-back 1N4148's between the preamp's input and ground many years ago, I have never lost a transistor in my preamp. Before that, it seemed that I was replacing it after nearly every thunderstorm. A couple of years ago I changed it a little: I added a small incandescent lamp in series with the preamp input. At the same I changed from just two to four of the same diodes in series/parallel. There are other ways as good or better than this, but this works for me. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 10:13 AM, James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.comwrote: Any ideas on a front end protection circuit for a preampl? _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
I've found what I'll need, Charlie, courtesy of Andy Ikin! Thanks to all for the assistance on this project! 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: w...@arrl.net; rodenkirch_...@msn.com; topband@contesting.com Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 15:55:21 -0400 Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Jim, If you really have trouble getting some J-310s, let me know. I'd really have to hunt -probably out in my garage. The J-310s that I have, if I could find them, are, I expect, at least 20 years old and pre-date the shenanigans that Paul is warning you about. The ones that I had, are, as I recall, either ON Semi or NSC. I probably should find mine, I guess. I bought the JFET version of the old AMECO preamp, from my friend, Bill, K4CIA, so I might need some spares someday. The vacuum tube version of the AMECO preamp didn't have those vulnerabilities, and worked great on all the low bands up through 30m, for the same purpose that you are using yours for. Paul's giving you some good advice. That's why I asked if you had tried Digi-Key. GL! 73. Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 2:44 PM To: James Rodenkirch; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Jim, The major semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., Fairchild) who once mass-produced JFETS in TO-92 style cases have now obsoleted most of them. This occurred approximately 2-3 years ago. When shockwaves of the news hit, many folks (and the on-line bottom feeders), started hoarding the remaining supply. Even the SMD versions are now in danger of going obsolete. Presently, only InterFET Corporation and Linear Systems appear to be manufacturing both through-hole and SMD versions of high-performance JFETs although their per-piece prices are very high. Before the wave hit, I purchased hundreds of various JFETs in TO-92 style cases -- J310s being one type. You're welcome a to a few. True, in many applications it may not make a big difference between say a J310 and MPF-102, but it unnerves me when I don't know exactly what I'm using in a circuit. Be careful when sourcing any semiconductor. As you noticed, JFETs are widely available on the Asian market but when making a purchase through small on-line retailers - and the big auction site, it's not possible to trace the supply chain of the component to its origin. For example, some Toshiba low-noise bipolar transistors are in fact re-labeled 2N3904 devices. Unless the purchaser has access to a curve tracer and a means to perform critical noise and frequency response testing, one is left to trust the seller for a clean chain of custody between the time of manufacture and point of sale. When China is the only source of many TO-92 JFETs, the red flags are up (no pun intended). Because of this, I have only purchased semiconductors direct from the OEM or through well-established distributors including Newark, Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, AvNet, and Allied. For an interesting perspective concerning the severity of the counterfeit semiconductor market, see the following report issued by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA): http://tinyurl.com/l9hqpw6 Let me know if you're address is currently good on QRZ. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.com To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:16 AM Subject: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Actually, Jim - for 160 and 80m, where you could tolerate some capacitance, you could even try back-to-back 1 amp rectifiers, like IN4004-1N4007. You surely wouldn't blow those out! :-) I'd probably start with the 1N4148, though. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 4:43 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; 'Paul Christensen'; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? I've found what I'll need, Charlie, courtesy of Andy Ikin! Thanks to all for the assistance on this project! 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: w...@arrl.net; rodenkirch_...@msn.com; topband@contesting.com Date: Sun, 25 Aug 2013 15:55:21 -0400 Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Jim, If you really have trouble getting some J-310s, let me know. I'd really have to hunt -probably out in my garage. The J-310s that I have, if I could find them, are, I expect, at least 20 years old and pre-date the shenanigans that Paul is warning you about. The ones that I had, are, as I recall, either ON Semi or NSC. I probably should find mine, I guess. I bought the JFET version of the old AMECO preamp, from my friend, Bill, K4CIA, so I might need some spares someday. The vacuum tube version of the AMECO preamp didn't have those vulnerabilities, and worked great on all the low bands up through 30m, for the same purpose that you are using yours for. Paul's giving you some good advice. That's why I asked if you had tried Digi-Key. GL! 73. Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Paul Christensen Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 2:44 PM To: James Rodenkirch; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Jim, The major semiconductor manufacturers (e.g., Fairchild) who once mass-produced JFETS in TO-92 style cases have now obsoleted most of them. This occurred approximately 2-3 years ago. When shockwaves of the news hit, many folks (and the on-line bottom feeders), started hoarding the remaining supply. Even the SMD versions are now in danger of going obsolete. Presently, only InterFET Corporation and Linear Systems appear to be manufacturing both through-hole and SMD versions of high-performance JFETs although their per-piece prices are very high. Before the wave hit, I purchased hundreds of various JFETs in TO-92 style cases -- J310s being one type. You're welcome a to a few. True, in many applications it may not make a big difference between say a J310 and MPF-102, but it unnerves me when I don't know exactly what I'm using in a circuit. Be careful when sourcing any semiconductor. As you noticed, JFETs are widely available on the Asian market but when making a purchase through small on-line retailers - and the big auction site, it's not possible to trace the supply chain of the component to its origin. For example, some Toshiba low-noise bipolar transistors are in fact re-labeled 2N3904 devices. Unless the purchaser has access to a curve tracer and a means to perform critical noise and frequency response testing, one is left to trust the seller for a clean chain of custody between the time of manufacture and point of sale. When China is the only source of many TO-92 JFETs, the red flags are up (no pun intended). Because of this, I have only purchased semiconductors direct from the OEM or through well-established distributors including Newark, Mouser, Digi-Key, Arrow, AvNet, and Allied. For an interesting perspective concerning the severity of the counterfeit semiconductor market, see the following report issued by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA): http://tinyurl.com/l9hqpw6 Let me know if you're address is currently good on QRZ. Paul, W9AC - Original Message - From: James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.com To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:16 AM Subject: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? The J-310s in my little preamp are kaput - I looked at Mouser but the shipping costs are way too high for a couple of little Jfets - any body have lots of extra J-310 (or equivalent) they could spare? What ever your costs would be, including mailing them off, would be far cheaper than what it would cost me to buy them outright! Thank you, in advance, for any help -- reply off line works good for me72, Jim Rodenkirch _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Thirty years ago I used 6DJ8 (E88CC) to solve a third order IMD problem with tuned loop that was using J310s. The IMD was caused by Radio Free Europe on 13m. 73 Andrew - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com; 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:14 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Of course, a 12AT7, or better, a 6DJ8, would be excellent preamps as well, and aren't so sensitive to transients etc. :-) (Showing my age, I guess!) -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 3:58 PM To: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? As far as am aware On-Semi still make the TO-92 J310. Fairchild ceased production about 2 years back. I did a last time buy from Mouser for several thousand J310 and the much more linear J309. 73 Andrew Ikin G8LUG _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Yes, we could swing the grids of those tubes quite a ways before encountering enough non-linearity to produce a significant amount of intermod, Andy! The old original AMECO tunable vacuum -tube preamp, that I borrowed from Bill, K4CIA, worked really well with my KAZ terminated RX loop for the low bands. It was connected to the receive antenna port on my FT-1000MP, so I wasn't blowing FETs! My electronic design career began before the end of the vacuum-tube era, and I used the 6DJ8 commercially in some VHF monitor receivers, as a cascode RF stage in the front-end. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Andy Ikin [mailto:andrew.i...@btopenworld.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 5:16 PM To: Charlie Cunningham Cc: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Thirty years ago I used 6DJ8 (E88CC) to solve a third order IMD problem with tuned loop that was using J310s. The IMD was caused by Radio Free Europe on 13m. 73 Andrew - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com; 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:14 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Of course, a 12AT7, or better, a 6DJ8, would be excellent preamps as well, and aren't so sensitive to transients etc. :-) (Showing my age, I guess!) -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 3:58 PM To: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? As far as am aware On-Semi still make the TO-92 J310. Fairchild ceased production about 2 years back. I did a last time buy from Mouser for several thousand J310 and the much more linear J309. 73 Andrew Ikin G8LUG _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Charlie, When I was poor man 40 years ago, I always wanted Tektronix 545B Scope, which I couldn't afford. So I built a Chinese Copy with discarded parts from the Calibration department of the computer company I worked for. The scope use many 6DJ8s. I did get it working after about a year; not bad for some one with no formal electronics training Tektronix were very helpful in supplying some critical parts. Looking back I must have been mad, but it was one hell of away to learn how these things work. Bye the way I manufacture a special Head Amplifier for the KAZ and other Flags. This has 1100 Ohm input matching/isolation transformer, about 20dB gain and a less than 1dB NF and uses 8 x J309s plus a string of 1N4148 limiting diodes. Wellbrook FLG100LN. There are about 70 units in service mainly in the US with MW Dxers. 73 Andrew G8LUG - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com Cc: 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 10:29 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Yes, we could swing the grids of those tubes quite a ways before encountering enough non-linearity to produce a significant amount of intermod, Andy! The old original AMECO tunable vacuum -tube preamp, that I borrowed from Bill, K4CIA, worked really well with my KAZ terminated RX loop for the low bands. It was connected to the receive antenna port on my FT-1000MP, so I wasn't blowing FETs! My electronic design career began before the end of the vacuum-tube era, and I used the 6DJ8 commercially in some VHF monitor receivers, as a cascode RF stage in the front-end. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Andy Ikin [mailto:andrew.i...@btopenworld.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 5:16 PM To: Charlie Cunningham Cc: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Thirty years ago I used 6DJ8 (E88CC) to solve a third order IMD problem with tuned loop that was using J310s. The IMD was caused by Radio Free Europe on 13m. 73 Andrew - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com; 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:14 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Of course, a 12AT7, or better, a 6DJ8, would be excellent preamps as well, and aren't so sensitive to transients etc. :-) (Showing my age, I guess!) -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 3:58 PM To: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? As far as am aware On-Semi still make the TO-92 J310. Fairchild ceased production about 2 years back. I did a last time buy from Mouser for several thousand J310 and the much more linear J309. 73 Andrew Ikin G8LUG _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
Gee, that's really interesting, Andy! I also built a much simpler oscilloscope when I was a teenager and new ham! Yours was a really elaborate and impressive 'scope project! Congrats! Glad to hear from someone who has experience with the KAZ and flag antennas. My KAZ was for 160 and terminated in 1000 ohms - mostly because that's what I had on hand. It was a very good RX antenna for 80, 40 and 30m as well. Your preamp sounds very interesting! It must be fairly elaborate, if it uses 8 of the J309 FETS! I'd be interested in the circuit! Best regards, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 6:32 PM To: Charlie Cunningham Cc: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Charlie, When I was poor man 40 years ago, I always wanted Tektronix 545B Scope, which I couldn't afford. So I built a Chinese Copy with discarded parts from the Calibration department of the computer company I worked for. The scope use many 6DJ8s. I did get it working after about a year; not bad for some one with no formal electronics training Tektronix were very helpful in supplying some critical parts. Looking back I must have been mad, but it was one hell of away to learn how these things work. Bye the way I manufacture a special Head Amplifier for the KAZ and other Flags. This has 1100 Ohm input matching/isolation transformer, about 20dB gain and a less than 1dB NF and uses 8 x J309s plus a string of 1N4148 limiting diodes. Wellbrook FLG100LN. There are about 70 units in service mainly in the US with MW Dxers. 73 Andrew G8LUG - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com Cc: 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 10:29 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Yes, we could swing the grids of those tubes quite a ways before encountering enough non-linearity to produce a significant amount of intermod, Andy! The old original AMECO tunable vacuum -tube preamp, that I borrowed from Bill, K4CIA, worked really well with my KAZ terminated RX loop for the low bands. It was connected to the receive antenna port on my FT-1000MP, so I wasn't blowing FETs! My electronic design career began before the end of the vacuum-tube era, and I used the 6DJ8 commercially in some VHF monitor receivers, as a cascode RF stage in the front-end. 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Andy Ikin [mailto:andrew.i...@btopenworld.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 5:16 PM To: Charlie Cunningham Cc: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Thirty years ago I used 6DJ8 (E88CC) to solve a third order IMD problem with tuned loop that was using J310s. The IMD was caused by Radio Free Europe on 13m. 73 Andrew - Original Message - From: Charlie Cunningham charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: 'Andy Ikin' andrew.i...@btopenworld.com; 'Topband Reflector' topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:14 PM Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Of course, a 12AT7, or better, a 6DJ8, would be excellent preamps as well, and aren't so sensitive to transients etc. :-) (Showing my age, I guess!) -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 3:58 PM To: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? As far as am aware On-Semi still make the TO-92 J310. Fairchild ceased production about 2 years back. I did a last time buy from Mouser for several thousand J310 and the much more linear J309. 73 Andrew Ikin G8LUG _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
On 08/25/2013 06:31 PM, Andy Ikin wrote: Charlie, When I was poor man 40 years ago, I always wanted Tektronix 545B Scope, which I couldn't afford. So I built a Chinese Copy with discarded parts from the Calibration department of the computer company I worked for. The scope use many 6DJ8s. I did get it working after about a year; not bad for some one with no formal electronics training Tektronix were very helpful in supplying some critical parts. Looking back I must have been mad, but it was one hell of away to learn how these things work. Bye the way I manufacture a special Head Amplifier for the KAZ and other Flags. This has 1100 Ohm input matching/isolation transformer, about 20dB gain and a less than 1dB NF and uses 8 x J309s plus a string of 1N4148 limiting diodes. Wellbrook FLG100LN. There are about 70 units in service mainly in the US with MW Dxers. 73 Andrew G8LUG Hi Andrew, When we build our own gear we do learn a lot. The first gear I built was a V-O-M in a cigar box. I was around about 13 and somebody gave me meter movement. Cigar boxes were free and so were junk televisions and radios. The ARRL handbook was over at the library. I didn't have a mode switch or a range switch but plugged resistors into an octal socket to make up each mode/range. I used it for almost two years before I got a *real* V-O-M. The real one was a little more accurate and a lot more convenient to use. But to this day I am familiar with how voltmeters work! That was about 50 years ago... I'm 66 now. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: 160 meter activity
Well I applaud your making the effort at giving an honest report. It seems to me that 599 is reported far too casually these days and I certainly attempt to give honest reports even in a (non contest) pile up. Although R reports are fairly easy - I give 3 if I'm struggling, 4 if I have to pay attention and 5 if it's easy. But S reports, especially on the low bands where we are often using preamps, attenuators or both make an objective report a bit tougher. The other night I was chatting with my pal W6YA on 20. My 100 watts to a 5/5 stack always gets a better report on his K3 than his 1500W to a 4 el gets on my K3 until he finally said that he always uses his preamp on the high bands because the K3 S meter is factory calibrated with the preamp on, and he like I strive to give meaningful reports. Anyway, I would be interested in how other ops (who care) try to give meaningful reports - objective vs subjective. Also my compliments to N4ZR and the RBN guys who are providing a great service to the ham DX community in this regard. 73 Bob HS0ZIA From: John Harden jh...@bellsouth.net To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:17 PM Subject: Topband: 160 meter activity 160 is really picking up here. I called CQ on 1824.5 this morning here in Atlanta at 1030 Z. VK3ZL came back to me with a 599 report and I gave him an honest 579. The band has been open for some time at this QTH. However, the RX antenna is the Hi-Z 4-8 PRO, 8 vertical array (with 4 antennas active at any time). No doubt I hear signals others cannot hear. I do HIGHLY recommend it.. 73, John, W4NU _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?
On 8/25/2013 6:29 PM, Charlie Cunningham wrote: Gee, that's really interesting, Andy! I also built a much simpler oscilloscope when I was a teenager and new ham! Yours was a really elaborate and impressive 'scope project! Congrats! Glad to hear from someone who has experience with the KAZ and flag antennas. My KAZ was for 160 and terminated in 1000 ohms - mostly because that's what I had on hand. It was a very good RX antenna for 80, 40 and 30m as well. Your preamp sounds very interesting! It must be fairly elaborate, if it uses 8 of the J309 FETS! I'd be interested in the circuit! Best regards, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Andy Ikin Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 6:32 PM To: Charlie Cunningham Cc: Topband Reflector Subject: Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s? Charlie, When I was poor man 40 years ago, I always wanted Tektronix 545B Scope, which I couldn't afford. So I built a Chinese Copy with discarded parts from the Calibration department of the computer company I worked for. The scope use many 6DJ8s. I did get it working after about a year; not bad for some one with no formal electronics training Tektronix were very helpful in supplying some critical parts. Looking back I must have been mad, but it was one hell of away to learn how these things work. Bye the way I manufacture a special Head Amplifier for the KAZ and other Flags. This has 1100 Ohm input matching/isolation transformer, about 20dB gain and a less than 1dB NF and uses 8 x J309s plus a string of 1N4148 limiting diodes. Wellbrook FLG100LN. There are about 70 units in service mainly in the US with MW Dxers. 73 Andrew G8LUG Andrew, i used a antenna similar to the KAZ when I first was on 160, except I fed it in the middle of the horizontal bottom leg(6 inches above ground) just like a K9AY, using a 9:1 xfrmr. It worked like a dream. I used two mounted at right angles just like a K9AY and rigged it to work in 4 directions like a K9AY, 1000 ohm termination worked great. http://www.suddenlink.net/pages/w5uc/160.html#The%20K9AY%20Type%20Array 73, Mike, W5UC _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: 160 meter activity
There is an official S meter scale based on microvolts at the antenna jack, 50uV is S9. Objective S meter reading? When band noise is S9+20 on my transmit antenna, a true S9 signal wouldn't even be copied. Of course on my RX antenna band noise is S1 and a strong EU signal is S5 to S6 for real easy copy. Probably the reversebeacon style Signal to Noise would be most fair but even that will mostly depend on relative local noise. Tim N3QE - Original Message - From: Bob Kupps [mailto:n...@yahoo.com] Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 07:44 PM To: topband topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: 160 meter activity Well I applaud your making the effort at giving an honest report. It seems to me that 599 is reported far too casually these days and I certainly attempt to give honest reports even in a (non contest) pile up. Although R reports are fairly easy - I give 3 if I'm struggling, 4 if I have to pay attention and 5 if it's easy. But S reports, especially on the low bands where we are often using preamps, attenuators or both make an objective report a bit tougher. The other night I was chatting with my pal W6YA on 20. My 100 watts to a 5/5 stack always gets a better report on his K3 than his 1500W to a 4 el gets on my K3 until he finally said that he always uses his preamp on the high bands because the K3 S meter is factory calibrated with the preamp on, and he like I strive to give meaningful reports. Anyway, I would be interested in how other ops (who care) try to give meaningful reports - objective vs subjective. Also my compliments to N4ZR and the RBN guys who are providing a great service to the ham DX community in this regard. 73 Bob HS0ZIA From: John Harden jh...@bellsouth.net To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2013 9:17 PM Subject: Topband: 160 meter activity 160 is really picking up here. I called CQ on 1824.5 this morning here in Atlanta at 1030 Z. VK3ZL came back to me with a 599 report and I gave him an honest 579. The band has been open for some time at this QTH. However, the RX antenna is the Hi-Z 4-8 PRO, 8 vertical array (with 4 antennas active at any time). No doubt I hear signals others cannot hear. I do HIGHLY recommend it.. 73, John, W4NU _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: 160 meter activity
On 08/25/2013 07:44 PM, Bob Kupps wrote: Well I applaud your making the effort at giving an honest report. It seems to me that 599 is reported far too casually these days and I certainly attempt to give honest reports even in a (non contest) pile up. Although R reports are fairly easy - I give 3 if I'm struggling, 4 if I have to pay attention and 5 if it's easy. But S reports, especially on the low bands where we are often using preamps, attenuators or both make an objective report a bit tougher. The other night I was chatting with my pal W6YA on 20. My 100 watts to a 5/5 stack always gets a better report on his K3 than his 1500W to a 4 el gets on my K3 until he finally said that he always uses his preamp on the high bands because the K3 S meter is factory calibrated with the preamp on, and he like I strive to give meaningful reports. Anyway, I would be interested in how other ops (who care) try to give meaningful reports - objective vs subjective. Also my compliments to N4ZR and the RBN guys who are providing a great service to the ham DX community in this regard. 73 Bob HS0ZIA Hi There is idea that S9 is 50 microvolts at the antenna terminal - is that 50 ohms or? - and that is truly objective. However, I don't give the S-meters a lot of credence in that regard. And I have operated (still operate) teceivers that don't have an S-meter. There are winky blinky lights or anything. If I have an S-meter it gets a vote but my ears have the bigger say. With no S-meter my ears have ALL of the say. I have actually heard on the air reports of S-0 (that's a zero). Huh? What! I thought tha guy was doing a good job copying a signal that didn't exist! We can give in to the canned QSO contest style and always give out 599 or we can just do our best with an *estimation* of signal strength. That's my story and I'm sticking to it. 73, Bill KU8H _ Topband Reflector
Topband: J-310
Dans small parts them at 3 for 1.50. _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Dual band shunt-feeding tower on 160/80
A buddy of mine has a 100’ 25G tower and wants to run it on both 160/80. I’m thinking a par of shunts will work for that? If you have done this, I would be interested in your comments on the general implementation. Thanks! 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: 160 meter activity
Bill, The stations on the RBN are automatic, and work even when unattended. They are not like the DX clusters which require a manual post. Call CQ and see. :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Sun, Aug 25, 2013 at 10:16 PM, Bill Cromwell wrcromw...@gmail.comwrote: The next thing for me to do is call CQ and see who answers or posts to RBN. _ Topband Reflector
