Re: Topband: maybe off subject but ...

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Terry,

DOSBOX does not require any repartitioning.  It runs like a virtual machine 
within the host OS.  While FreeDOS or DR DOS would be great, they are far less 
convenient to use, and require significantly more effort to install.

73, Tony Scandurra
ARS K4QE - FM05fv



> On Aug 26, 2020, at 2:50 AM, Terry Burge  wrote:
> 
> Thanks  for the DOSBOX info. I had heard there were ways to run a DOS
> program on Win8/10 but it sounded like I would need
> to use some division of my hard drive. I am definitely not computer
> literate and since Dos went away I find it hard just to move my
> files/pictures around so you probably can get the idea.
> 
> Thanks for all the help. And the idea of using a thumb drive to transfer
> and store the programs. Now if I can get that far with my old floppy drives
> including the Original Necwires2 from Roy Lewellen.
> 
> Terry
> KI7M
> 
> 
> On Tue, Aug 25, 2020 at 3:44 PM Jeff Kincaid  wrote:
> 
>> If all else fails, I suppose you could just run DOS:
>> 
>> DR DOS 7.x 
>> 
>> DR DOS 7.x
>> 
>> DR DOS is an MS-DOS compatible operating system from Digital Research that
>> evolved from their earlier CP/M-86 ba...
>> 
>> 
>> 'JK
>> 
>> 
>> On Tuesday, August 25, 2020, 2:02:23 PM PDT, Terry Burge <
>> ki7m.pcr...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> 
>> Hi topbander,
>> 
>> Once upon a time I got fairly good designing quad antennas on Necwire2. I
>> still have many of those designs on various 3 1/2" floppies with the
>> programs. Am I dating myself? Anyway that was about the only antenna design
>> program I managed. It requires a DOS based computer like Windows XP/etc.
>> I'm not sure if Windows 7 is still capable of running DOS. On Craig's List
>> can be found various computer that have Win7 but I need to know if they are
>> DOS capable so I can manage some antenna design work. Like I say I just
>> have not have any luck with newer stuff I know is available and have even
>> tried without success.
>> 
>> Any answers?
>> 
>> Terry
>> KI7m
>> _
>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
>> Reflector
>> 
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
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Re: Topband: maybe off subject but ...

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Try DOSBOX.

Works just fine in any version of Windows including 10 regardless of bitness.  
Works in Linux and MacOS, too!

73, Tony Scandurra
ARS K4QE - FM05fv



> On Aug 25, 2020, at 5:01 PM, Terry Burge  wrote:
> 
> Hi topbander,
> 
> Once upon a time I got fairly good designing quad antennas on Necwire2. I
> still have many of those designs on various 3 1/2" floppies with the
> programs. Am I dating myself? Anyway that was about the only antenna design
> program I managed. It requires a DOS based computer like Windows XP/etc.
> I'm not sure if Windows 7 is still capable of running DOS. On Craig's List
> can be found various computer that have Win7 but I need to know if they are
> DOS capable so I can manage some antenna design work. Like I say I just
> have not have any luck with newer stuff I know is available and have even
> tried without success.
> 
> Any answers?
> 
> Terry
> KI7m
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

_
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Re: Topband: Windows 10 Update heads up

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Flex recently released a bug fix related to sound cards for their 1.x users 
even though 1.x is no longer actively getting new updates.  This is above and 
beyond what software companies normally do.  It is akin to Microsoft issuing a 
bug fix for Windows 95.

It should also be noted that Flex provides updates to their software free of 
charge within the boundaries of each major revision.  Thus, version 1.x users 
received the bug fix for free.  So did users of versions 2.x and 3.x.

73, Tony K4QE

Sent from my iPhone

> On Aug 16, 2020, at 1:23 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
>> On 8/16/2020 8:21 AM, Anthony Scandurra via Topband wrote:
>> There is no monthly, yearly, or ANY fee for running a Flex radio.  There is 
>> an UPGRADE charge when going from one major revision to the next (for 
>> instance, from version 2.x to 3.x) which is OPTIONAL.  You don’t need to 
>> perform the upgrade unless the added features appeal to you.
>> 73, Tony Scandurra
>> ARS K4QE - FM05fv
> 
> In fairness to Flex, they continue to issue bug fixes
> to version 2.  You only have to switch to version 3
> if you want the new features.
> 
> Rick N6RK
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Windows 10 Update heads up

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

There is no monthly, yearly, or ANY fee for running a Flex radio.  There is an 
UPGRADE charge when going from one major revision to the next (for instance, 
from version 2.x to 3.x) which is OPTIONAL.  You don’t need to perform the 
upgrade unless the added features appeal to you.

73, Tony Scandurra
ARS K4QE - FM05fv



> On Aug 16, 2020, at 7:52 AM, Rob Atkinson  wrote:
> 
> Seems to me that for the money hams pay Flex in that annual service
> fee, (or is it monthly?) you ought to get professional Windows
> maintenance.  There are ex-MS techs out there who can be hired.
> 
> I've had a Mac at home for the past 15 years at least.  Since 2008
> it's been a mac mini.  So far, Apple has set it up so that I can
> choose between automatic and manual updates.  I always have mine on
> manual.  I get a notification when updates are available and then I
> pick a time when I'll install them.  Macs have their share of nuisance
> problems and I am not heavily invested in computerized ham radio.  If
> I had to depend on a computer for ham radio I'd probably find another
> hobby.
> 
> Microsoft forces these updates because if they didn't millions of
> users would blow them off, and updates are vitally important for the
> security of your machine against outside threats.   A lot of the
> updates have to do with patching vulnerabilities, many of which are
> immediately getting exploited in the wild.   So many windows PCs have
> been hacked over the years the Company got serious about it beginning
> around 10 years ago and this is part of the result.
> 
> 73
> Rob
> K5UJ
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

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Topband: Fwd: Top Band Single Sideband Net

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Forwarding with permission from K3SSS.

Please reply directly to Peter.

73, Tony K4QE

Begin forwarded message:

> Cleaning out an old box, and underneath the Canal Zone and Ivory Coast QSLs, 
> I found a typed paper membership roster of the Top Band Single Sideband Net, 
> dated Nov 9, 1977.
> 
> 630 members with calls are listed. 
> 
> Is anyone interested in a copy, or in the actual typed (last page 
> handwritten) document?  Or is there some museum of crumbling paper who might 
> want this ?
> 
> Let me know, otherwise I'll pitch it.
> 
> -peter
> K3SSS
> 908-770-8884

_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Furnace RFI

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

PDF Resolving Furnace and A/C RFI(Radio Frequency Interference … 


73, Tony K4QE

> On Oct 4, 2019, at 9:15 AM, MrToby  wrote:
> 
> The ARRL has a 2017 presentation on their website titled "Resolving Furnace
> and A/C RFI Problems"
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: unwelcome topics

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Tisk, tisk, tisk…

Damn that spelling autocorrect got me again!

73, Tony K4QE
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: K2AVQ FCP antenna

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

Richard,

Go to the Master’s lair and see what he has written.  Click on "Placing an FCP” 
in the left frame.

https://www.k2av.com 

73, Tony K4QE
_
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Re: Topband: FT-8

[Anthony Scandurra via Topband]

AMEN!

TBDXC Member #91

https://www.tbdxc.net 

73, Tony K4QE

> On Jan 31, 2019, at 5:36 PM, daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote:
> 
> There is simply no substitute for the real, direct, visceral connection one 
> has with the person on the other end with either CW or SSB modes.  I'll be in 
> charge of the QSO, thank you.   Not my computer.
> 
> 73. . . Dave, W0FLS
> 
> -Original Message- From: cqtestk4xs--- via Topband
> Sent: Thursday, January 31, 2019 3:59 PM
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: FT-8
> 
> This thread has been addressed on various reflectors.
> I've tried it, made around 400 contacts or so, and found the mode pretty 
> boring.  Even with my pileups on FT-8 the mode left me cold.  I felt the same 
> way with RTTY...tried it and found it boring.  Why?  With CW SSB/AM I felt a 
> connection with the other person, someone sending with a key or a person 
> speaking to me.  With RTTY and especially FT-8 my machine is decoding your 
> machine.  Oh yeah, I know my XCVR is a machine and so is yours, but for me 
> it's not the same.
> I understand why guys get all hot and bothered about the new mode, it gives 
> the guys who don't know CW a chance to work DX on a mode other than SSB and 
> gives the weaker signal guys a chance to work DX.  For the guys with bigger 
> stations it gives them a chance to work the rarer ones on tough bands like, 
> 160 or 6.  Maybe that's why I'm not into FT-8, I've got a big station, and 
> can work CW.  Also, I've never been really into putting the new one in the 
> log as much as many guys are...I'm more of a contester.
> If you want to work your pileups and/or work 300 countries on FT-8, that's 
> fine with me.  I'm not going to look down my nose at you but please don't 
> condescendingly  tell me I'm a dinosaur or refuse to accept new technology. 
> I'm accepting it, I just don't want to be part of it.  No hard feelings.
> Bill KH7XS/KH7B/K4XS
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector 
> _
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Re: Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change is Upon us!

[Anthony Scandurra]

I stand corrected.  Thank you, Joe and Grant, for the RTTY history lesson.

I hope my point about the reduction of the human element was not lost
despite its faulty premise with regard to RTTY.

73, Tony K4QE

On Sat, Mar 31, 2018 at 12:09 PM, Grant Saviers <gran...@pacbell.net> wrote:

> Yep, automatic TTY networks go back a lot more than 50 years. Certainly
> with the Model 19 in the 1940s and probably before that.
>
> The ASR-33 and its "stunt box" are a true marvel of low cost mechanical
> engineering.  Send WRU, asking "who are you?"  And the automatic answer
> back - "HERE IS" a character stream (older TTYs in baudot, USASCII for
> ASR33) sent in response from a broken off tabs on a drum, up to 20
> characters (more than FT8 - hi).  Plus the A is ASR means a remote TTY
> (later a computer) on the TTY network  could command the paper tape in the
> reader to be sent without any humans around.  Or an electrical switch could
> be triggered - like to turn on your amp.
>
> The ASR33 wasn't the first TTY to offer such capability, the Model 28 and
> many before it enabled very large TTY networks to operate unattended at the
> remotes.  I worked on the computer end of one as a summer job in the
> 1960's.  A lot of those "telephone" lines leased for TTY use were DC
> circuits end to end and could have surprisingly high voltages present to
> overcome the line resistance.
>
> https://www.smecc.org/teleprinters/28stuntbox001.pdf
>
> Another example besides punched cards where mechanical widgets performed
> pretty complex tasks we have forgotten or now think were invented with
> computers.
>
> A fun place to see such stuff in Seattle http://www.museumofcommunicati
> ons.org/Plus Paul Allen's Living Computer Museum
> http://www.livingcomputers.org/  (older computers restored and working)
>
> And the best computer museum is in MountainView CA   The Computer History
> Museum   computerhistory.org  Main exhibit "Revolution, the First 2000
> Years of Computing"
>
> Grant KZ1W
>
>
>
> On 3/30/2018 17:15 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
>
>>
>> When was the last time a mechanical RTTY machine responded back
>>> without it's human pushing the green keys?
>>>
>> Mechanical RTTY machines have had answerback (WRU) capability for more
>> than 50 years:
>>  <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teletype_Model_33>
>>
>> 73,
>>
>>... Joe, W4TV
>>
>>
>> On 3/30/2018 2:21 PM, Anthony Scandurra wrote:
>>
>>> "Maybe someday there will be unmanned solar-powered stations on remote DX
>>> entities."
>>>
>>> This was actually proposed at the 2017 IDXC in Visalia by a well-known
>>> and
>>> prolific DXpeditioner.  I was the only person in the room who stood up
>>> with
>>> a dissenting opinion about it.  However, I did have several people come
>>> up
>>> to me after the presentation was over to tell me they agreed with me.
>>>
>>> Reducing the human element ruins the accomplishment, in my opinion.  I
>>> think many others agree with that sentiment.
>>>
>>> I am all for technological advancement, but, for instance, when SSB
>>> supplanted AM, the human element was not reduced.
>>>
>>> Digital mode proponents will say that there is still a human element to
>>> the
>>> process (despite what some naysayers have proclaimed), and I agree.
>>> However, the REDUCTION of the human element reduces the FUN part of it.
>>> One can argue that you cannot copy RTTY without electronic means, either.
>>> That does not fully compare with how the JT modes work. The JT modes,
>>> more
>>> than any others, reduce the human's role in the QSO.  When was the last
>>> time a mechanical RTTY machine responded back without it's human pushing
>>> the green keys?
>>>
>>> 73, Tony K4QE
>>>
>>> On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 1:51 PM, Brian Pease <bpea...@myfairpoint.net>
>>> wrote:
>>>
>>> When 90% of band activity is taking place in ~1% of the available
>>>> bandwidth, it gets one's attention, doesn't it.
>>>> Personally, I have always considered DXpedition, and especially contest,
>>>> CW exchanges to be a bit silly, with nearly everyone getting a 5NN
>>>> signal
>>>> report.  With today's technology I think eventually a computer will be
>>>> able  sort out a CW pileup nearly as well as a human, and do it 24/7
>>>> while
>>>> perhaps giving more accurate signal reports.  Maybe someday there w

Re: Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change is Upon us!

[Anthony Scandurra]

George,

I understand and agree with most of what you say, but the sailboat analogy
is a bad one.

I can sail a boat alone.  I can't have a QSO without someone else on the
same mode.  The vacuum FT8 creates is the problem.

73, Tony K4QE

On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 2:26 PM, GEORGE WALLNER 
wrote:

> Dave,
> For those of us who like CW, it will always be the preferred mode. FT8 may
> lower the DXCC threshold; perhaps it should be counted differently. But FT8
> is opening 160 m to hams with limited facilities, and that is a good thing.
> Most of us know that HF is a linear environment and that there is always
> some signal, even if it is way below the noise. That signal has always been
> there, ready to be exploited by a new mode. So FT8's success should not be
> a surprise.
> Personally, I want the CW QSO, not the just the QSO.
> I see a parallel in sailing. Power boats (and ships for sure) way
> outperform sailing boats. Still, there are as many sailing enthusiasts out
> there as before. They love sailing, not just getting there.
>
> C U on CW,
>
> George.
> AA7JV
>
>
>
>
> On Fri, 30 Mar 2018 10:10:29 -0500
>   wrote:
>
>> IMHO, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to see the demise of CW (alas).
>> Between FT8 and RHR, topband standings as we have known them are virtually
>> meaningless.  The guy with a  backyard vertical, reasonable radial system,
>> and 100w can easily accomplish on topband (and get equal DXCC credit) what
>> has historically taken a significant effort. . .QRO, large antennas/arrays,
>> and receive antennas.  As for the DXpeditions, they will quickly migrate to
>> this mode with the improving QSO throughput as it requires comparatively
>> little skill on the part of the operators.   For me personally, it is
>> disappointing to watch it all unfold. But unfold, it will.   73. .
>> .Dave, W0FLS
>>
>> -Original Message- From: k1zm--- via Topband
>> Sent: Friday, March 30, 2018 6:50 AM
>> To: topband@contesting.com
>> Subject: Topband: Straws in the Wind A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change is Upon
>> us!
>>
>> Hello Gang
>> I am probably not the only one who has been paying attention lately, but
>> I may be the first to comment directly on what has been taking place right
>> before our eyes the past two nights on 1.836kHz - and its possible
>> implications going forward for future Dx'ing on 160m. Pls read on.
>>
>> I am sure most readers of these pages are well aware of the current
>> dx'pedition to Malawi operating as 7Q7EI. Norbert DJ7JC has been a real
>> trooper working the lowbands and has had quite a bit of success doing so -
>> so well deserved kudos & thanks to Norbert.  Norbert has managed to make
>> quite a few NA stations happy with a NEW ONE on Topband and we all very
>> much appreciate his efforts - well done Norbert - thank you!
>>
>> So what I am about to comment on next IN NO WAY is an negative opinion on
>> Norbert - it is just an observation as to what is now occurring and its
>> possible implications for all of us who like to work DX on 160M!.
>>
>> On or about 27 March, Norbert tried 160M CW operating on 1830kHz - in his
>> grayline period - and was heard by a number of stations including NO3M and
>> me here at VY2ZM. Others were in there too perhaps - Kaz K8KS may have been
>> another and a few more as well.  I also heard some EU stations in there
>> calling among the NA stations.
>>
>> About 0228z, Norbert asnwered me as UY2ZM - went QRZ a few times but QRNN
>> on his side prevented a legitimate qso.  I heard him fine but I know he did
>> not copy my callsign correctly - and later he even said so over ON4KST
>> noting "I heard a few callers, mainly from EU but logged no NA or EU qso's
>> on Topband - so I went back to 80M CW as the sun came up."
>>
>> The next night Norbert came on ON4KST  chat and announced that he was
>> going to try 1836 using the new FT8 Dx'pedition mode now in beta trials
>> following its release by K1JT.  I am told that the dx'pedition version of
>> FT8 will also be used experimentally by the upcoming KH1 Dx'pedition.
>>
>> Dx'pedition Mode - offers some unique promise when and if it ever is
>> fully conceived including:
>>
>> 1) A shortened qso sequence using only 2 of the traditional FT8 required
>> QSO elements
>> 2) The promise of simultaneous qso's between Multiple HOUNDS and the FOX
>> (in this example the FOX was 7Q7EI)
>> 3) The potential, as a result, of up to 300-400 qso's per hour may be
>> possible one day - which would improve the overall qso totals of any
>> dx'pedition - IF this ever becomes REALITY.
>>
>> So on night two Norbert came up on FT8 dx'pedition mode - first on 80m
>> and I managed to work him fairly quickly here at VY2ZM.
>>
>> Others worked him as well - as we all struggled to learn exactly how to
>> operate this new flavor of FT8.  It is a bit tricky and I invite anyone
>> reading this who may be interested to take a look - because Dx'pedition
>> mode uses special 

Re: Topband: Straws in the Wind ....A 160m Dx'ing Sea Change is Upon us!

[Anthony Scandurra]

"Maybe someday there will be unmanned solar-powered stations on remote DX
entities."

This was actually proposed at the 2017 IDXC in Visalia by a well-known and
prolific DXpeditioner.  I was the only person in the room who stood up with
a dissenting opinion about it.  However, I did have several people come up
to me after the presentation was over to tell me they agreed with me.

Reducing the human element ruins the accomplishment, in my opinion.  I
think many others agree with that sentiment.

I am all for technological advancement, but, for instance, when SSB
supplanted AM, the human element was not reduced.

Digital mode proponents will say that there is still a human element to the
process (despite what some naysayers have proclaimed), and I agree.
However, the REDUCTION of the human element reduces the FUN part of it.
One can argue that you cannot copy RTTY without electronic means, either.
That does not fully compare with how the JT modes work. The JT modes, more
than any others, reduce the human's role in the QSO.  When was the last
time a mechanical RTTY machine responded back without it's human pushing
the green keys?

73, Tony K4QE

On Fri, Mar 30, 2018 at 1:51 PM, Brian Pease 
wrote:

> When 90% of band activity is taking place in ~1% of the available
> bandwidth, it gets one's attention, doesn't it.
> Personally, I have always considered DXpedition, and especially contest,
> CW exchanges to be a bit silly, with nearly everyone getting a 5NN signal
> report.  With today's technology I think eventually a computer will be
> able  sort out a CW pileup nearly as well as a human, and do it 24/7 while
> perhaps giving more accurate signal reports.  Maybe someday there will be
> unmanned solar-powered stations on remote DX entities.  It is certainly
> much easier than self-driving cars, which should be sorted out in a few
> years.
>
>
> On 3/30/2018 1:02 PM, Ed Sawyer wrote:
>
>> My thoughts on FT8:
>>
>>
>> -  How is it actually a Q from our normal perspective?  The
>> comments
>> Jeff made on the fact that 2 operators (on both sides of the circuit)
>> could
>> see evidence of each other for 20 minutes before the "computers" finally
>> made the connection - is proof that the operator is not making the QSO.
>>
>> -  There is a floating robot in the Pacific making FT8 QSOs with
>> people right now - unattended.
>>
>> -  3Z9DX has stated that they will leave an FT8 station going 24/7
>> (which means unattended) on T31.
>>
>> -  Are these what we want to count as QSOs?  What about in
>> contests
>> - FT8 is already infiltrating VHF contests.  Should they be considered
>> valid
>> contest Qs - while you sleep?
>>
>> -  I agree with Jeff and others that for people that that consider
>> topband a PTA to operate and/or are not CW operators - 160M looks like the
>> perfect place to drop a robot and go concentrate on something else.  But
>> isn't this a slippery slope?  What about 10M/12M since the sunspots are
>> low.
>> Or 80M because the static crashes in the tropics are terrible - etc.
>> Before
>> you know it the whole DXpedition is an FT8 robot while the "crew" is
>> lounging about the pool with the XYL/YLs.
>>
>> -  If we continue to facilitate such nonsense, they we deserve
>> what
>> we get in my opinion.  If we decide that the band counter is so important
>> we
>> don't care how we have to get it, then its time to look in the mirror
>> folks.
>>
>> -  On the other hand, maybe some people are happier with the
>> computer doing the heavy lifting of digging out the QSO.  Personally,
>> count
>> me out of that list.
>>
>>
>> Ed  N1UR
>>
>> _
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>
>>
> _
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>
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Re: Topband: shared apex loop array

[Anthony Scandurra]

Here's the correct URL:

http://www.contestuniversity.com/attachments/W3LPL_Receiving_Antennas_2014.pptx

73, Tony K4QE

On Tue, Nov 10, 2015 at 9:26 PM, Jim Murray via Topband <
topband@contesting.com> wrote:

> Sri can't seem to get these links to work.  This is listed on Google then
> follow receiving antennas, etc.  Last try- hopefully it works.
>
> W3LPL - Contest University
> www.contestuniversity.com/.../W3LPL_Receiving_Antennas_2014.pptx
>-
>-
> Receiving Antennas - or - What happened to the. Beverages at K3LR
> and W3LPL? directive antennas for small lots; higher performance for larger
> lots; very high ...Regards,jim/k2hn
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
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Re: Topband: Fw: BOG antennas

[Anthony Scandurra]

You can find some of Guy's info on BOGs (among other things) on this page:

http://www.w0uce.net/K2AVantennas.html

73, Tony K4QE

On Wed, Apr 1, 2015 at 11:58 PM, Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com wrote:

 If anyone is serious about trying a BOG, I would spend the time searching
 the Topband reflector archives for K2AV's comments about them. Although I
 can't personally vouch for the accuracy of Guy's thoughts concerning BOG
 length and soil conditions (measured with a DOG*), I am 99.9% convinced
 that what he's stated about BOGs is technically correct and very useful
 indeed to anyone who wants to build one.

  * DOG=Dipole On the Ground

 73, Mike
 www.w0btu.com
 _
 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

_
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Re: Topband: DXCC Program Integrity

[Anthony Scandurra]

I don't see ARRL staff pulling down six figure salaries, driving expensive
cars, or living in mansions.

Why do we always assume there is an ulterior and possibly malicious
motive?  The inescapable fact is that the ARRL needs funds to fight for us
in Washington.

The ARRL is not perfect, but no organization is.  If you don't want to
participate in DXCC because you think it is corrupt, then don't!  No one is
holding a gun to your head.

73, Tony K4QE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Anthony Scandurra]

The pulse faded into the noise around 1300Z here in central NC.  As of
2300Z, nothing heard.  Local sunset was about an hour ago.

73, Tony K4QE

On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 5:36 PM, Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com wrote:

 There seems to be some recordings at
 www.eham.net/ehamforum/smf/index.php/topic,100298.0.html

 73, Mike
 www.w0btu.com

 On Mon, Dec 8, 2014 at 11:56 AM, K2RS k2rsonl...@comcast.net wrote:

   a friend who's in the ARRL Intruder Watch group forwarded me an e-mail
  this morning informing him that IW has received reports about the noise
 and
  they're looking for audio recordings. I'm not sure what IW actually does,
  but at least they're aware of it.
 
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 Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

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Re: Topband: FT5ZM

[Anthony Scandurra]

Gary,

I know I worked them on 40 SSB last night, and I do not appear in the log.
 So, I checked about a dozen other guys in the spots for 40 SSB last night
who supposedly worked them after I did.  None of them appear in the log
either.  Methinks there are some bands missing in today's upload!

73, Tony K4QE


On Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 5:18 PM, Gary Smith g...@ka1j.com wrote:

 Rats, back in the chase, must have been a slim. Just checked clublogs
 FT5ZM log and the 160M Q didn't show up but my 17M contact an hour 
 a half later did. I know I heard them come back to me so it must have
 been a slim but geez with the signals like they were, it sure sounded
 like their signal.

 Ugh...

 Gary
 KA1J

  Fingers crossed it wasn't a slim I worked. The signals were in  out
  but for 4-5 minutes I could hear them clearly. Time'll tell.
 
  If I did get him it was greatly because the kiddies weren't playing
  so hard today.
 
  73,
  Gary
  KA1J
 
 
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Re: Topband: More anecdotal stories to cause one to stop and....

[Anthony Scandurra]

Go to this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/23847007/Radio-Engineers-Handbook-1943-Terman

...and then type page 686 at the box in the toolbar just above the page
display.  It takes you to page 674 in the book.

73, Tony K4QE


On Sun, Sep 15, 2013 at 5:18 PM, Richard Fry r...@adams.net wrote:

 AJ4SQ wrote:

 ...  I'm only trying to understand what the model is doing, and what it
 means by surface wave.


 Chapter 10 of RADIO ENGINEERS' HANDBOOK (1st Edition) by F. E. Terman has
 a good discussion of this beginning on page 674, but the page count on the
 subject is too much to link to here.  Hope those interested can access it,
 somehow.
 _
 Topband Reflector

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Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Are stacked verticals feasible?

[Anthony Scandurra]

Mike,

This is the book.

http://store.cq-amateur-radio.com/Detail.bok?no=26

73, Tony K4QE


On Fri, Sep 6, 2013 at 10:41 PM, Mike Armstrong armst...@aol.com wrote:

 Carl and Charlie,
 I am not sure it would even be close to practical or even doable, but I
 remember seeing an old book on verticals written by a prior Navy Captain, I
 believe.  He had a very interesting design for what WE would, today, call a
 collinear that was 3/4 wave length tall on 20 meters. it was, in
 reality what looked like half of a double-zepp antenna in a vertical
 orientation. It intrigued me that it was like a half wave stacked on top of
 a 1/4 wave worked against ground (normal radial field). The interesting
 part was how he used a skirt around the middle quarter wavelength
 portion to produce the the in-phase relationship with the physically lower
 1/4 wave.

 You guys may already know the design I am talking about.  I saw that book
 a long time ago, like back in the late 60's I think. maybe early 70's.
 I was considering trying to find the article or book whenI was looking for
 a better vertical for my winlink node on 20 meters. the one I have been
 talking about.  However, I tried the 5/8ths first because I knew how to
 build one without having to possess any special instructions.  It was so
 successful, that I completely forgot about the collinear.  On the other
 hand, this discussion reminded me of that book and how author raved, a
 little anyway, over its performance.  I remember that the height of the
 finished antenna for 20 meters was something very close to 50 feet..
 and that is not much taller than a 5/8ths. maybe 7 or 8 feet taller.
  So on 20 it is very doable and, supposedly, it has some reasonable gain
 for the effort.  I would like to find the book because it described a good
 way to make that all-important s
  kirt that got the phase correct between the upper half-wave and the lower
 quarter-wave sections.  Due to its relatively tall structure, it probably
 wouldn't even be possible to build one for 160. at least not by most
 of us.  It would be interesting to see if it has the same problem that
 Tom was referring to for the 5/8ths. too low radiation angle.  I know
 it isn't supposed to have that secondary lobe that a 5/8ths has.. So
 maybe it would be an improvement . IF it was even possible to build
 one.  That would be one tall structure on 160 LOL LOL. Still, for
 someone needing an omni antenna with some gain on the higher HF bands, it
 might be a decent answer.  Never built one, so I really don't know if it
 really works or not.  Although, as I said, that author was a Navy Captain
 whose job was designing some of the shipboard antenna systems, like the
 NORD and some other odd ducks Well, odd to those who don't have to
 build low loss, low band antennas on
   a floating postage stamp.  I know, I know, you might have trouble
 thinking of something the size of an Aircraft Carrier being referred to as
 a floating postage stamp, but if you have spent any time at sea on a big
 deck, you know exactly what I mean by that statement.. he he he he.  I
 really should remember his name, darn it. with all the time I spent on
 ships at sea working with his designs, it is really sad (bad?) that I don't
 remember his name.. Paul something?  I'll find out. lol

 Mike AB7ZU

 Kuhi no ka lima, hele no ka maka

 On Sep 6, 2013, at 19:03, Charlie Cunningham 
 charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com wrote:

  Well, Carl
 
  You just proposed a total height of 3/4  wavelength, it seems. Do you
 have
  that much height?
 
  Charlie, K4OTV
 
  -Original Message-
  From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of ZR
  Sent: Friday, September 06, 2013 9:26 AM
  To: Shoppa, Tim; topband@contesting.com
  Subject: Re: Topband: Are stacked verticals feasible?
 
  Look at it as 2 ground planes with the lower feed point 1/4 wave above
  ground along with its elevated radials which should make it pretty much
  ground independent according to what has been published on here and
  elsewhere.
 
  The second ground plane would be identical with 1/4 wave spacing from the
  top of the lower antenna or a 1/2 wave between feed points.
 
  Then I would think that the ground conductivity at the reflection point
  would be the only concern as far as efficiency and gain??
 
  If installed as vertical dipoles then there would also have to be
 additional
  spacing between them.
 
  I would think that at 6-12' spacing from the tower it would minimize
  interaction on 160 or 80?
 
  Does anyone on here have EZNEC and can plot this?
 
  Carl
  KM1H
 
 
 
  - Original Message -
  From: Shoppa, Tim tsho...@wmata.com
  To: Carl k...@jeremy.mv.com; topband@contesting.com
  Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 10:30 PM
  Subject: Re: Topband: Are stacked verticals feasible?
 
 
  Isn't this a Vertical dipole? Two quarter wave radiating elements? And
  tower behind it will be 

Re: Topband: Best coax for direct burial?

[Anthony Scandurra]

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

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Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Height of antenna and takoff angle - Titan II site 571-5

[Anthony Scandurra]

For those who may interested in visiting the Titan Missile Museum and/or
learning more about the museum and ham radio operations there, here are a
few links that may interest you:

http://www.titanmissilemuseum.org/

http://gvarc.us/GVARCFrames/Titan/Discone/Discone.htm

http://www.wa0itp.com/titandiscone.html

http://www.qsl.net/wb5dyg/html/Titan.htm

73, Tony K4QE


On Sun, Jul 28, 2013 at 12:41 AM, Frederick Wagner
fhwagn...@sbcglobal.netwrote:

 The article and discussion about W3CRA's wonderful results reminded me of
 my tour of duty as a

 Missile Combat Crew Commander at Davis-Monthan AFB near Tucson. My primary
 site, now destroyed,
 was about 500 feet above the valley floor for headings about 300 through
 345 - and the antenna was a

 military Collins Discone over a military grade radial field, and the
 discone could be fed at the base as a folded cage monopole -

 that monopole was about 60 feet tall and the cage was at least 45 feet in
 diameter.
 My 'free' time to operate was mainly at night, and I'd take my Century-21
 transceiver to the site, and run some RG-58 from

 my commander's console down to where I could tie into the antenna
 switching relay (our site rarely had to use HF for
 communications). On 80 CW, at night, on that antenna, in the late 1970's,
 working up into WA, BC, AK, JA and on to the rest of Asia
 was like calling down a quiet hallway. The only Titan II site left in
 Tucson is 571-6 down in the valley next to I-19,

 preserved as the Titan Missile Museum, and visiting hams can tie into the
 discone  - but it sits next to a mountain of mine tailings,
 with none of the takeoff  angle advantages that the site across the valley
 and up the hill had.
 If anyone wants to see the location, follow the two lane road East out of
 Green Valley AZ up to the mouth of Madera Canyon.
 Near the mountain, you'll see some faded Orange Fiberglass globes on the
 HV powerlines. We periodically had military Helicopters
 visiting the site, and those balls were so the helos would know where the
 site, and the powerlines were.
 My callsign in those days was W7HSS - I occasionally operated from other
 sites west of the copper mines, but the best results
 were always from my home site, 571-5

 Fred Wagner
 KQ6Q (ex W7HSS, W5QDL, K(N)6VVD
 _
 Topband Reflector

_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Have you filed comments to FCC's proposed changes to 1900-2000 kHz yet?

[Anthony Scandurra]

This is a rewrite of Don Chester's excellent posting he made to the
Top Band reflector.  It contains simplified instructions for filing
you own comments.  Thank you, Don, for reminding us all about this!!!

The deadline is the 25th of this month.  Just 16 more days left!

Even if you have zero interest on what goes on in the top half of our
160 Meter band, its still crucial to get this passed.  In the unlikely
event that radio location beacons will ever return, it would impact
all users of the band, with everyone trying to squeeze into the bottom
100 KHz. This may be our only window of opportunity to regain primary
status across the entire band.

Here's how to file online.  It's really easy!

Click on this link:

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/proceeding/view?name=12-338

You can view the comments others have filed by clicking on the blue
circle with an i in it in the column on the left labelled Recent
Public Filings.  If you need ideas about what to write, you can get
them from filings made by other hams.

To submit your own filing, write a letter of your own in a word
processor like WordPad (comes with every version of Windows since the
early 90s), Microsoft Word, OpenOffice, or AbiWord.  If your word
processor supports it, save it in PDF format (Word, AbiWord and
OpenOffice all do).

Then, go to this link:

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/upload/begin?procName=12-338filedFrom=E

Fill out all of the required fields (the ones with red asterisks next
to them - there are only five).  You can leave all the other fields
blank. Attach your document using the Choose File button at the
bottom.

Let's not give the FCC the impression that few hams care about
maintaining and preserving Top Band.

73, Tony K4QE
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Reversible BOG?

[Anthony Scandurra]

Page 7-89 in the 5th edition of ON4UN's book.

On Sat, Jan 12, 2013 at 11:34 AM, Grant Saviers gran...@pacbell.net wrote:

 The reversible single coax Beverage is described in ON4UN 's Low Band
 DXing at least editions 4  5.  I've built a couple elevated ones from ebay
 RG58 and they work fine.  I think RG6/RG59 would work as well with small
 changes to the transformer ratios.

 Grant KZ1W


 On 1/11/2013 9:17 PM, Jim Miller wrote:

 As a follow up I wonder if rather than using windowline, whose
 transmission
 line performance would be subject to variations in weather, it might be
 better to use coax. The outside of the shield would always be the antenna
 but the interior acting as the transmission line would not be subject to
 weather variations.

 Coax reversible BOG?

 73

 jim ab3cv
 _
 Topband Reflector


 _
 Topband Reflector

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Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Spam:*******, PT0S

[Anthony Scandurra K4QE]

The LoTW files are, in fact, being processed.  As far as I can tell, it is
well into the Nov SS Phone logs based on the matches I have been getting
today.  I have also received 2 of the 4 expected matches for my PT0S
contacts.

Expect another huge delay after folks start uploading their CQWW DX CW logs.

Patience is the order of the day (week?) as the ARRL addresses the load
issues over the next few months.

I do wish HQ was more communicative about what is going on and what steps
they are taking.  There is too much speculation and rumor flying around.

73, Tony K4QE


-- 
73, Tony K4QE
___
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Topband: Shared Apex Loop Array

[Anthony Scandurra K4QE]

I did a search and haven't found any previous comments on this reflector
about the Shared Apex Loop Array.

Has anyone tried it yet?


-- 
73, Tony K4QE

Elecraft K3 #6478 + P3 #2058 + KPA500 #844 + PR6 + K144XV
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Re: Topband: UA9YAB - Silent Key

[Anthony Scandurra]

Try this link instead: http://dx-world.net/ua9yab-family/ 73, Tony K4QE
  
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: HI-Z BACK IN BUSINESS

[Anthony Scandurra]

From the Hi-Z Antennas site...

*The Hi-Z 4, Hi-Z 8N, and the Hi-Z 8W products are being sold as permitted
under the terms of a*

*certain License Agreement among PDS Electronics, Inc. dba DX Engineering,
as the Licensor,*

*and Hi-Z Antennas and Lee Strahan, as the Licensees.*

On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 3:30 PM, Anthony Scandurra k...@att.net wrote:

 In fact, they have changed it.

 And there are now some notes on the product pages indicating that they
 have a licensing agreement with PDS (aka DX Engineering).

 73, Tony


 On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 11:05 AM, Guy Olinger K2AV 
 olin...@bellsouth.netwrote:

 They have not removed the Legal Troubles banner from their web page yet.

 73, Guy

 On Thu, May 31, 2012 at 10:58 AM, Larry Emery k...@uninet.net wrote:

  According to the latest Newsletter dated May30 2012 Hi-Z is back in
  business
  for good and taking orders!   FB Guys..  Good luck in your venture!
 
  73
  Larry K1UO
 
  ___
  UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
 
 ___
 UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK



___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK