Re: Topband: RBN and cluster spots
People can choose to turn on or off RBN spots and FT/x spots on CC clusters like VE7CC. My node W0MU-1 is connected to VE7CC and others and allows the users to set spots how they like. I also recommend CC USER VE7CC User interface that easily allows you to set many many filters and you can connect your contest software to CC User to take some of the strain of spots off the logging software. I have no clue why people would turn off RBN. I wish we had one for SSB! W0MU On 3/8/2020 5:01 PM, Mike Smith VE9AA wrote: Steve, I wish I knew the answer to your question. When I go assisted in contests, (which is probably only 20-30% of the time) I connect to VE7CC which carries RBN spots. ( I prefer to tune for my DX, but that's another story)...I will go assisted if the sponsor does not differentiate between assisted and non-assisted..why would I want to tie 1-arm behind my back if there is no separate category?HI I don't know which clusters carry them in EU (or if EU's connect to VE7CC as well) but I *can* tell you that after only a couple CQ's in any big CW contest, I have the same hoard of EU big guns (mostly M/M's) call me, so that tells me it's (probably) an RBN spot. Then later, at other times things will be very dry for a long time and then I'll get a little mini "packet pileup" of normally weaker stns when apparently some kind soul has spotted me on a traditional Telnet/Packetcluster there in EU..often it's a flurry of mostly DL's, or mostly PA's, or mostly EA's (you get the idea) Because I normally run UNassisted, after every contest I'll do a search on dxscape or oh8x cluster to see who the kind souls were that spotted me and whether it coincided with the mini packet pileups and it almost always is. Most times it's callsigns I don't readily recognize and they are not the big guns (who use the RBN_). I am always grateful we have both, but scratch my head why someone would only want 4cylinders naturally aspirated, when they can have 8 or 12 turbocharged! Seems so easy to me. Connect to a cluster which carries RBN spots. Easy-Peasy. For reasons that I am not privy to, I still don't think many in EU do. Weird ! Mike VE9AA..'course the RBN didn't help me at all this weekend on SSB, hi ! VE6WZ sez: ".It seems that quite a few ops out there either don't know about, have forgotten about, or somehow "don't believe" in the RBN network?? ." Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Inverted L with elevated radials for topband
When it comes to elevated radials, the amount of guys who have strong opinions on the subject are many - and unfortunately the amount of objective data behind those strong opinions is generally not existent. On the other hand, the N6LF work is one of the few well documented objective works available. You won't go wrong drawing your radial design based on the N6LF graphs. As far as the performance and feedpoint question goes, build the best ground you can and then cook up the match network based on the measured values. 73/jeff/ac0c alpha-charlie-zero-charlie www.ac0c.com On 3/5/20 5:43 PM, Grant Saviers wrote: comments in line On 3/5/2020 10:02, Gabriel - EA6VQ via Topband wrote: I have some doubts about installing and inverted L with elevated radials for 160m. I have been searching in Google and find some contradictory information, so I would appreciate very much if you can help me with your own experience. As noted by others, N6LF has a wealth of modeled and measured data on elevated radials. antennasbyn6lf.com The antenna would be supported by a 16 m (52.5 ft) high fiberglass pole placed on top of a 3m (10 ft) high small tower with the horizontal part of the L slopping down to a 5 m (16 ft) high mast about 23 m (75 ft) away. Two to four tuned elevated radials can be placed, although they will have to be bent due to space restrictions. By "tuned" do you mean resonant 130ft +/-? Again N6LF has data for 2 to 16 elevated radials, and with more they can be shorter. Also see his paper in Antenna Compendium 8 re inductively loading for shorter radials. I had only 2 75ft radials on a 52' mast. Now the doubts: What impedance can I expect at the feed point with this configuration? Having the radials as high as possible will minimize ground losses and decease Z. With 2x at 10ft plan on 25 to 30 ohms. How to match it in order to feed it with a 50 ohm cable? Some pages say that no match is required, only a choke. Other pages say a hairpin is necessary as the impedance can be too low. So other say that a tuner at the base is required? I am confused L SWR losses on 160 are so low that a 2:1 doesn't cost many db's. Too keep your amplifier happier I use a 50::25 ohm transmission line transformer. make it or buy it. A good choke is a must. Make the K9YC 4" #31 choke. What performance for DX can be achieved by this antenna? Is it really good or do you have some better suggestion for a really small lot where no ground radials are possible? You won't do better with anything else. More radials will improve it slightly. Would it be worth to use a higher fiberglass pole, let's say 4 m (13 ft) higher, in order to lengthen the vertical section of the L? Would the difference be noticeable? The taller the better but probably less than 1 db gain. Anyone has real experience setting up this antenna with elevated radials? Most information I can find on Internet is related to ground mounted antennas. Read all of what Rudy N6LF says, and you will be an expert. Grant KZ1W Thanks in advance! 73. Gabriel - EA6VQ _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RBN and cluster spots
Steve, I wish I knew the answer to your question. When I go assisted in contests, (which is probably only 20-30% of the time) I connect to VE7CC which carries RBN spots. ( I prefer to tune for my DX, but that's another story)...I will go assisted if the sponsor does not differentiate between assisted and non-assisted..why would I want to tie 1-arm behind my back if there is no separate category?HI I don't know which clusters carry them in EU (or if EU's connect to VE7CC as well) but I *can* tell you that after only a couple CQ's in any big CW contest, I have the same hoard of EU big guns (mostly M/M's) call me, so that tells me it's (probably) an RBN spot. Then later, at other times things will be very dry for a long time and then I'll get a little mini "packet pileup" of normally weaker stns when apparently some kind soul has spotted me on a traditional Telnet/Packetcluster there in EU..often it's a flurry of mostly DL's, or mostly PA's, or mostly EA's (you get the idea) Because I normally run UNassisted, after every contest I'll do a search on dxscape or oh8x cluster to see who the kind souls were that spotted me and whether it coincided with the mini packet pileups and it almost always is. Most times it's callsigns I don't readily recognize and they are not the big guns (who use the RBN_). I am always grateful we have both, but scratch my head why someone would only want 4cylinders naturally aspirated, when they can have 8 or 12 turbocharged! Seems so easy to me. Connect to a cluster which carries RBN spots. Easy-Peasy. For reasons that I am not privy to, I still don't think many in EU do. Weird ! Mike VE9AA..'course the RBN didn't help me at all this weekend on SSB, hi ! VE6WZ sez: ".It seems that quite a few ops out there either don't know about, have forgotten about, or somehow "don't believe" in the RBN network?? ." Mike, Coreen & Corey Keswick Ridge, NB _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RBN and cluster spots
Dave, I agree entirely. Which is why I have BOTH streamed together via VE7CC into my main packet window, the bandmap, and onto the Flex waterfall. steve > On Mar 8, 2020, at 3:51 PM, > wrote: > > While I watch RBN I still watch the old fashioned packet cluster that whose > ship sailed many years ago. Many worthwhile things appear on the cluster > that never appear on RBN. If you really want to know what's going on you > need to be watching both. 73. . .Dave, FLS > > -Original Message- From: VE6WZ_Steve > Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2020 4:15 PM > To: Topband > Subject: Topband: RBN and cluster spots > > This winter I've noticed that when CQing on 160m, if I get spotted on the > “conventional” packet cluster, I seem to get more action. > I’ve always found this surprising because usually with 3 seconds (!!!) my > call is spotted on the RBN network, so why doesn't everyone already know I’m > CQing there? > > It seems that quite a few ops out there either don’t know about, have > forgotten about, or somehow “don’t believe” in the RBN network?? As far as > thinking the RBN network is “un-fair” or not "old school" like finding your > own DX, well to each his own, but the packet cluster ship sailed many years > ago! > > Perhaps this email is just a reminder to consider either checking the RBN > network directly in your browser or getting the RBN skimmer spots fed > directly into your logging program packet window. > I use the VE7CC “CC cluster” program which will filter the skimmer spots > anyway I want (eg. no NA spots) and they get streamed together with the > conventional packet cluster into my logging program, and also directly onto > the Flex waterfall. If anyone in EU calls CQ, the spot will show up on the > waterfall within 2-5 seconds! I know exactly where the “open” spots are on > 160m before I call CQ. I see the who’s-who across the band all the time. > > I know many reading this already use the RBN regularly, but even in the KST > chat room I get questions like “where are you CQing”? Heck, I was spotted > within seconds of my first CQ on the RBN network ! > > 73, de steve ve6wz > > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RBN and cluster spots
While I watch RBN I still watch the old fashioned packet cluster that whose ship sailed many years ago. Many worthwhile things appear on the cluster that never appear on RBN. If you really want to know what's going on you need to be watching both. 73. . .Dave, FLS -Original Message- From: VE6WZ_Steve Sent: Sunday, March 08, 2020 4:15 PM To: Topband Subject: Topband: RBN and cluster spots This winter I've noticed that when CQing on 160m, if I get spotted on the “conventional” packet cluster, I seem to get more action. I’ve always found this surprising because usually with 3 seconds (!!!) my call is spotted on the RBN network, so why doesn't everyone already know I’m CQing there? It seems that quite a few ops out there either don’t know about, have forgotten about, or somehow “don’t believe” in the RBN network?? As far as thinking the RBN network is “un-fair” or not "old school" like finding your own DX, well to each his own, but the packet cluster ship sailed many years ago! Perhaps this email is just a reminder to consider either checking the RBN network directly in your browser or getting the RBN skimmer spots fed directly into your logging program packet window. I use the VE7CC “CC cluster” program which will filter the skimmer spots anyway I want (eg. no NA spots) and they get streamed together with the conventional packet cluster into my logging program, and also directly onto the Flex waterfall. If anyone in EU calls CQ, the spot will show up on the waterfall within 2-5 seconds! I know exactly where the “open” spots are on 160m before I call CQ. I see the who’s-who across the band all the time. I know many reading this already use the RBN regularly, but even in the KST chat room I get questions like “where are you CQing”? Heck, I was spotted within seconds of my first CQ on the RBN network ! 73, de steve ve6wz _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: RBN and cluster spots
This winter I've noticed that when CQing on 160m, if I get spotted on the “conventional” packet cluster, I seem to get more action. I’ve always found this surprising because usually with 3 seconds (!!!) my call is spotted on the RBN network, so why doesn't everyone already know I’m CQing there? It seems that quite a few ops out there either don’t know about, have forgotten about, or somehow “don’t believe” in the RBN network?? As far as thinking the RBN network is “un-fair” or not "old school" like finding your own DX, well to each his own, but the packet cluster ship sailed many years ago! Perhaps this email is just a reminder to consider either checking the RBN network directly in your browser or getting the RBN skimmer spots fed directly into your logging program packet window. I use the VE7CC “CC cluster” program which will filter the skimmer spots anyway I want (eg. no NA spots) and they get streamed together with the conventional packet cluster into my logging program, and also directly onto the Flex waterfall. If anyone in EU calls CQ, the spot will show up on the waterfall within 2-5 seconds! I know exactly where the “open” spots are on 160m before I call CQ. I see the who’s-who across the band all the time. I know many reading this already use the RBN regularly, but even in the KST chat room I get questions like “where are you CQing”? Heck, I was spotted within seconds of my first CQ on the RBN network ! 73, de steve ve6wz _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers
George, et.al., Several years ago I had an implant as part of a heart study. My first question to the cardiologist was "what about 2Kw SW & VHF-UHF transmitters?" His answer was "These newer devices are immune to high powered ham radios." He did not know that I was a ham. I went back to blasting on the air-waves without any issues. I was so interested in the thumb-drive sized device, when it came time to remove it after 5 years, he gave it to me and it sets on my operating desk as a reminder. Good luck with your implant. Blast away. 73 & Best DX Charlie WD5BJT See September 2006 CQ Magazine for a published work. www.qsl.net/wd5bjt -Original Message- >From: Jim Brown >Sent: Mar 8, 2020 1:11 PM >To: topband@contesting.com >Subject: Re: Topband: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers > >Hi George, > >Many years ago, I saw what I considered solid input that these devices >are not sensitive to RF at frequencies we use. The laws of physics >support that -- RFI is coupled either by by antenna action or a magnetic >field. Devices like this are far too small for there to me much of >either, and proper design requires that their construction reject both >means of coupling by their construction. > >73, Jim K9YC > >On 3/8/2020 7:24 AM, George Taft via Topband wrote: >> Is there anyone on the TB reflector with experience with this new pacemaker >> device? > >_ >Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: Fwd: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers
Hi George > > Several years ago my XYL went through the same and had a pacemaker put in. At > the time, I was seriously into contesting and at one time I had multiple > stations in a multi multi setup. During that time I had concerns too and > invited the Medtronics tech to my house to confirm no issues. Amazingly my > wife was ok doing what I considered a worse case test. Fired up 4 stations, > 1500 watts each, with what yagis were in play, all pointed to the house. > Thought I might affect the laptop/sensing unit from the tech but no. Not a > single issue with anything (Good!). Closest tower was 100 ft away. > > Not sure if it’s exactly the same unit but the Medtronics stuff excellent in > this environment. I don’t think you will have any problems. > > Regards, > > Mark, K1RX > > >> On Mar 8, 2020, at 10:24 AM, George Taft via Topband >> wrote: >> >> A few years ago, my Cardiologist was recommending a pacemaker for my heart >> health. I was concerned over RF issues with my DX operating and polled the >> TB reflector for personal reports from those who current had pacemakers >> installed. I got several encouraging reports, but at that time my heart >> health was stable and I opted not to have it done. >> >> I currently suffer from A-fib and the condition is worse than that previous >> period. My Cardiologist is now recommending a new pacemaker device: >> Medtronics Micra. It is installed directly into a heart chamber and has a >> supposedly battery life of ten years or more. My specialist says there is no >> danger from RF issues with the "Micra" implant. >> >> I mostly operate low bands on my two phased arrays which are some distance >> (400 - 500 ft) from my shack. And of course I use an Amp with output of >> 1000-1500 w. >> >> Is there anyone on the TB reflector with experience with this new pacemaker >> device? I would appreciate comments either on or off line, thanks >> >> 73 George W8UVZ >> _ >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers
I worked in engineering for a pacemaker firm for 16 years. About a half dozen of the other engineers were hams too. I never heard of any issues with RF interference (and I surely would have being right in the middle of it). I'm talking about 1990's technology as I have been retired for 20 years. 73, Bill WE5P Get BlueMail for Android On Mar 8, 2020, 14:11, at 14:11, Jim Brown wrote: >Hi George, > >Many years ago, I saw what I considered solid input that these devices >are not sensitive to RF at frequencies we use. The laws of physics >support that -- RFI is coupled either by by antenna action or a >magnetic >field. Devices like this are far too small for there to me much of >either, and proper design requires that their construction reject both >means of coupling by their construction. > >73, Jim K9YC > >On 3/8/2020 7:24 AM, George Taft via Topband wrote: >> Is there anyone on the TB reflector with experience with this new >pacemaker device? > >_ >Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband >Reflector _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers
Hi George, Many years ago, I saw what I considered solid input that these devices are not sensitive to RF at frequencies we use. The laws of physics support that -- RFI is coupled either by by antenna action or a magnetic field. Devices like this are far too small for there to me much of either, and proper design requires that their construction reject both means of coupling by their construction. 73, Jim K9YC On 3/8/2020 7:24 AM, George Taft via Topband wrote: Is there anyone on the TB reflector with experience with this new pacemaker device? _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: RF Issues with Heart Pacemakers
A few years ago, my Cardiologist was recommending a pacemaker for my heart health. I was concerned over RF issues with my DX operating and polled the TB reflector for personal reports from those who current had pacemakers installed. I got several encouraging reports, but at that time my heart health was stable and I opted not to have it done. I currently suffer from A-fib and the condition is worse than that previous period. My Cardiologist is now recommending a new pacemaker device: Medtronics Micra. It is installed directly into a heart chamber and has a supposedly battery life of ten years or more. My specialist says there is no danger from RF issues with the "Micra" implant. I mostly operate low bands on my two phased arrays which are some distance (400 - 500 ft) from my shack. And of course I use an Amp with output of 1000-1500 w. Is there anyone on the TB reflector with experience with this new pacemaker device? I would appreciate comments either on or off line, thanks 73 George W8UVZ _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
