Re: Topband: Lawn staples

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Gene,

My inverted L is at teh edge of my lawn. I have 35 radials in a 200 degress 
radius in the wooded arear of my yard.

I add 6 more radials in the grassy area of my yard in November when finished 
with the mowing and remove them in the spring. I measure the impedance before 
and after. The resistance at resonanc goes down as I add the radials.

I will be interested in your measurements.

Mike N2MS
 
> On 02/22/2022 3:12 PM Gene Smar via Topband  wrote:
> 
>  
> I retired a couple of years ago and no longer have to launder my white dress 
> shirts.  Therefore, I no longer have a ready supply of wire shirt hangers 
> collecting in my closet.  Therefore, I needed to buy some REAL lawn staples 
> to add more radials to my shunt-fed tower's ground screen.  
> 

> BTW - the answer to my question yesterday about laying radials and not 
> connecting them to my tower before impedance measurements was answered 
> unanimously (one of one responses) - the wire's presence in the dirt probably 
> won't make a difference.  So I'll add as many radials as I can tolerate 
> installing and measure Z as I connect them, maybe 5 at a time, to the tower's 
> ground ring.  I'll also measure Z before and after I lay down the additional 
> radials, but before I connect any.  Stay tuned.
> 73 deGene Smar  AD3F
_
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Re: Topband: TopBand DownUnder

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I remember the Slinky's being copper plated. I wonder if the skin depth lowered 
losses on 160 meters.

Mike N2MS

> On 09/14/2021 9:33 PM W0MU Mike Fatchett  wrote:
> 
>  
> I have a drawer full of slinky's the steel version.  I recall that 
> someone was making slinky beverages for people that could not stretch 
> out 300 plus beverages.  I never got around to making one.  Maybe the 
> slinky's are collector items now and I can get my money back!  HI!
> 
> W0MU
> 
> On 9/14/2021 5:08 PM, Grant Saviers wrote:
> > A bad idea when the Slinky is steel.  Helical wound copper wire 
> > antennas do work, for TB we used a wound vertical on a FG pole at H40TT.
> >
> > It was amazing to me that EZNEC will auto generate a helix wire of 
> > arbitrary dimensions, pitch, and segmentation.
> >
> > Grant KZ1W
> >
_
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Topband: Reminiscence of Stew Perry

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

David J Ring Jr of the Radio-Officers Facebook page shares some stories of Stew 
Perry who was also a Radio officer as well as a friend.



Mike N2MS
_
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Re: Topband: COSMIC RAY UPDATE

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Mark,

I hear you. As an engineer I basically worked a sedentary office job during the 
day and operated at night. When I retired I figured I would have more time but 
I make it a point of being active. My wife and I take a hike very day. When out 
of the house I try to operate portable therefore most of my operation is during 
the day. With this new regimen I find I am really tired after dinner. As a rule 
we do not turn on the television until after dinner.

I also thought I would have more time during retirement for the hobby but this 
is not he case. I'm busier than ever.

Mike N2MS
_
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Re: Topband: COSMIC RAY UPDATE

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I attribute the decline in participation to the raising noise floor and the 
aging population of ham radio operators.

I been operating 160 since I moved to the present location form a city lot in 
1998 and have noticed the noise level constantly raising. I've been successful 
in noise sources in the household but most of my noise is external.

This is a hobby of mostly old men. The rigors of extensive antenna work and 
operating during night periods becomes more challenging as we age. I am 67 and 
retired this year and keep very active during the day. Getting up to operate in 
the middle of the night or at dawn was easier when I was younger.

In addition, many of us are also downsizing to small lots or restricted 
communities. Yes we can operate remotely but I like to operate in front of a 
rig.

I don't want to be pessimistic, just realistic. Enjoy it while you can.

Mike N2MS
> On December 15, 2019 at 9:49 AM Carl Luetzelschwab 
>  wrote:
> 

> So 160m continues to be a mystery - and I'm glad of it.
> 
> Carl K9LA
> _
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Re: Topband: JAs in "droves"

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

HF frequencies are not really used for communications these days except for 
backup or emergency purposes. Ironically, this fact will take the pressure off 
of auctioning the Amateur 160 Meter and HF bands.
I worked for two companies that ran HF Coastal stations, ITT and AT  ITT 
wanted to close the  stations in the late 1970's and sell the valuable real 
estate. They could not shut down unless the circuits could be handled by an 
alternative carrier or service.
 I visited the WSL Southampton receiving site in in 1979. They handled Marine 
Wireless Telegraph(CW), SITOR and were the receiving site for ARINC 
Aeronautical SSB. They had one commercial HF point-to-point circuit, a 
diplomatic RTTY circuit from the UN to Havana, Cuba. The equipment consisted of 
two Hammarlund SuperPRO receivers run by a Northern Radio stabilized 
oscillator. These boatanchors were probably installed in the 1960's. 
They could not close down the site until they found an alternate facility for 
the diplomatic circuit. They offered to move the circuit to a cable or 
satellite facility but the Cuban's did not budge;they wanted a HF circuit. The 
diplomatic circuit was eventually moved to WLO and the site shut down. ARINC 
set up their own stations. Marine services were handled by other carries and 
eventually Global Wireless. I don't know if Global Wireless does HF any more.
If you thing of it, the 20th century was the heyday of HF communications. The 
sunspot peaks in 57-58 an 69-70 offered great propagation; we probably will not 
see peaks close to that in our lifetime.
Remember, this is a hobby and make the most of it.
Mike N2MS 


> One of these days, ham radio will be no more. Commercial users have had their
> eyes on those frequencies for years and sooner or later, they will get them. 
> In
> the USA, money talks and they have a lot of money!
> 
> Thank you.
> 
> Brad Anbro, N9EN
> Bluff City, Tennessee
> _
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Topband: Effect of Radial Field on Antenna Impedance

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Now that the leaves are off the trees and the cold weather has returned it's 
time to do antenna work.

I have an inverted L between two trees with 34 radials on the ground. Four 
radials are 135 feet long, the rest 70 feed long. I choose these lengths 
because they fit my yard. During the summer I keep the radials in the wooded 
area of my property in an arc of about 210 degrees. Once the leaves are off the 
trees I spread the radials into a full 360 degrees.
I normally measure the feed impedance with my N2PK VNA with requires lugging a 
laptop along with me. I built a  FA-VA5 Antenna Analyzer. While cumbersome to 
used standalone it is battery powered and quite handy.
My Inverted L is longer than a quarter wavelength on 160. I also use it on 80 
meters and don't have to worry about matching a high impedance.
I wanted to see what effect changing the radial field diameter. I measured at 
the resonant frequency, 160 and 80 meters. Here are my results:

210 degree radial field:
Freq(MHz)  RsXs
1.62 21.2  -1.7 (close to resonance)
1.8  30.7  +112
2.0  46.5  +237
3.5 111.0  -654
4.0  65.6  -346

360 degree radial field, relocated 7 radials.
Freq(MHz)  RsXs
1.62 16.7  -5.6 (close to resonance)
1.8  23.6  +107
2.0  36.4  +233
3.5 124.0  -661
4.0  59.7  -351 

I wanted to move more radials but unfortunately they are stuck under a frozen 
leaf cover. I'll get to these when it warms up.

I was surprised that moving just a few radial made such a difference. 

Mike N2MS
_
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Re: Topband: Pasternack PL259

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I believe the connector produced in China have threading problems.

Mike N2MS


> On December 5, 2018 at 4:52 PM James Lee  wrote:
> 
> 
> The Pasternack offerings are pretty expensive, especially given that no 
> silver is present!  They are listed at about 11 bucks each unless I misread 
> the data; I will try a couple of them with RG213.
> 
> Sad to hear ths rumour that there may be a threading problem when using these 
> and attaching to amps or rigs?
> 
> 
> Jiim
> NK7B
> _
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Re: Topband: new style PL-259's with screw on back INSTRUCTIONS

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

These are compression connectors similar to the N type compression connector.

I use them as well as crimp type UHF connectors because I don't like the solder 
type PL259 connectors for RG-8. RG-58 or LMR-400 type coax.

Pasternack offers a similar type connector. Their data sheet has assembly 
instructions. You can use it as a guide.



Mike N2MS


> On December 5, 2018 at 12:34 AM Pete Michaelis - N8TR  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> EBAY item 192225630585 looks similar to the Multicomp clamp 
> connector  discussed on
> Towertalk early in 2011.   See:
> http://lists.contesting.com/_towertalk/2011-02/msg00214.html
> 
> 73, Pete - N8TR
> 
> 
> 
> At 09:45 PM 12/4/2018, terry burge wrote:
> 
> Hi Gary
> Take a look at ebay 'UHF PL259 male clamp Plug lot connector for 
> LMR400 RG8 RG213 RG214 Coax cable' from 'superstore_dan'.
> Terry
> KI7M
> _
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Re: Topband: Radials in the desert

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Chet,

Have you tried digging a shallow trench with an edge trimmer? They are also 
known as edgers.

Mike N2MS


> On June 20, 2018 at 8:06 AM Chester Latawiec  wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> Any suggestions on burying radials in the desert sands of Kingman AZ?  
> Radials placed on the surface just stay there and are constant tripping 
> hazards.
> The desert sand is like rock.  The top 1/4 inch is loose sand but below that 
> it's like rock.  You vertually need a pick axe to loosen the sublayer.  One 
> option is to pick axe a shallow trench for each radial in the desert sun, but 
> tripping over the radials would be a better alternative.
> Any suggestions?
> I'm really getting tired of tripping over the radials of Jess, AI9L's radial 
> field.
> 73
> Chet VE3CFK
> 
> 
> Sent from my Samsung device
> _
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Re: Topband: Laser Com introducing a breakthrough Top Band antenna at Dayton

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Keep in mind this is only effective with FT-8, not CW...

Mike N2MS


> On April 1, 2018 at 12:01 PM donov...@starpower.net wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Laser Com Announces New Topband Antenna System 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Reported by Woody K3YV 
> 
> 
> Laser Com, Inc. of Titusville, Florida recently announced their 
> development of a revolutionary new 160 meter antenna system 
> based on their proprietary laser communications system. 
> 
> 
> Dr. Benjamin Dover, Laser Com’s chief engineer, cited their research 
> into laser-based space communications as providing the “happy 
> accident” that led to the discovery of the laser based 160 meter 
> antenna system. 
> 
> 
> Dr. Dover said that an accidental connection of the wrong cable 
> led to the discovery. A cable that had been carrying 1.8 MHz 
> signals was inadvertently connected to the modulation input of the 
> laser transmitter that that Ben was testing. “Imagine our surprise,” 
> said Dr. Dover, “when we noticed that 1.8 MHz radio frequencies 
> were being radiated all along the laser beam. This is something we 
> never expected. The possibilities are endless.” 
> 
> 
> 
> Laser Com plans to market the laser antenna not only as a commercial 
> product, but also as a low cost 160 meter amateur radio antenna. 
> Dr. Dover set up the prototype as a demonstration of the product’s 
> simplicity. 
> 
> 
> The secret to the 160 meter laser antenna is in the base unit’s 
> modulation transformer that directly modulates the Plesseo-Dyminium 
> laser crystal. The user simply places the laser box on the ground and 
> adjusts the laser beam straight up into the air. As the laser beam rises 
> into the sky, the 160 meter signal travels up the laser beam and is 
> radiated all along the length of the optical beam. 
> 
> 
> The laser beam shines nearly a mile into the atmosphere. However, 
> due to path losses along the beam, the actual 160 meter radiation is 
> only transmitted by the first few hundred feet of the laser’s beam. The 
> result is an omni-directional vertical 160 meter antenna that is several 
> hundred feet high. 
> 
> 
> Acting like a co-linear antenna array, the over all antenna gain is 
> approximately 10 to 15 dB in the 160 meter band. 
> 
> 
> Dr. Dover said, “We're really excited about this product. There are no 
> antenna restrictions on an invisible light beam, no lightning risks, and 
> no damage from wind storms. The only down side is s ignal attenuation 
> due to heavy fog, which can attenuate the 160 meter signal by as much 
> as 6 dB. Otherwise, this is as near to a perfect antenna as you can 
> hope for.” 
> 
> 
> Laser Com plans to introduce the amateur version of this antenna at the 
> Dayton Hamvention this May. 
> 
> _
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Re: Topband: TN5R to start tonight on TB

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

This has been happening for years with DX spotting. The technology has changed 
but the urge to get the new one hasn't

Mike N2MS 


> On March 13, 2018 at 11:10 AM Roger Cooke  wrote:
> 
> 
> What???  Another cheat? I thought this was amateur RADIO, you know, 
> contacts over the air.
> 
> I think I shall just give them a ring and claim it that way.
> 
> This hobby is becoming a farce. I wonder how many so-called top 
> DX-ers use this method?
> 
> 
> 73 de Roger, G3LDI.
> 
>
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Re: Topband: Radial Wire System Comparison - (was adding a parasitic reflect

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Paul,

I got a good deal on stranded teflon wire. It cost me $0. I lay it on the 
ground. The only issue I have with it is that the wire is stranded and it wicks 
in moisture. Teflon is easily nicked and the moisture finds it's way in.

You mentioned your wire is solid so you should not have that problem. 

In any case I'd be hesitant in removing the insulation and soldering. The 
exposed joints may corrode.

I got my wire 25 years ago. At that time teflon was cheap because scrap dealers 
didn't like it. The overseas recyclers they shipped wire to burned off the 
insulation to get to the copper; That is not possible with teflon.

Mike N2MS


> On February 1, 2018 at 9:39 AM Paul Christensen  wrote:
> 
> 
> >"The reason is that the standard DA ground system as far as I know, has
> always involved strapping radials to a copper strap running along the line
> of radial intersection, clipping off the radial wire that runs past the
> strap."
> 
> Unless there's modeled or measured data, that's the "conventional wisdom,"
> -- and it makes sense in those commercial installations where it's
> impractical to use insulated wire that can withstand long-term soil
> conditions.  Or, is there really that much cross coupling that results in
> radial current cancellation when the wire is insulated?  
> 
> The wire is buried just below the ground surface and only the wire
> insulation would come in contact between radial wires.  However, the
> conductor-to-conductor distance at the overlap points would be very small.
> For the answer, I'll likely need to run a NEC 4.2 model, and assign Z axis
> distances of the radials that can be easily adjusted in NEC that results in
> anything from a wired cross connection point to any spacing distance in
> between radials.
> 
> >Why the teflon insulation?
> 
> Already acquired from a surplus supplier...a lot of it.  In addition to the
> Teflon insulation, it's solid, silver-tinned copper, 18 AWG.  
> 
> Paul, W9AC
> 
> _
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Re: Topband: No American activity

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Roger,

That is late evening/early morning in the North America. I'm fast asleep on 
weekdays since I have to get up for work.

I try to operate during your sunrise on Friday and Saturday nights when I 
remind myself to take a nap during the day. Not as young as I used to be...

Mike N2MS


> On October 31, 2017 at 6:15 AM Roger Kennedy  
> wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> There are usually several of us Europeans on at around our Sunrise (about
> 0630Z) . . . 
> 
> But even though the band is open (as you can see on RBN), no stations about
> to work !
> 
> Roger G3YRO
> 
> 
> 
> _
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Re: Topband: Best 160 antenna

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Have there been any professional studies done on the efficiency of elevated 
radials?

One would think the broadcast industry would be interested in a few elevated 
radials instead of burying all that expensive copper. They could use the 
Aluminium conductor steel-reinforced cable favored by the power companies.

I read N6LF's paper and I recall he emphasized the radials should be tuned? 
What are the effect of changes in foliage around the radials ground moisture 
content when it rains or snows.

I tried elevated radials when I installed my Inverted L but found it 
problematic supporting four quarter wavelength radials in the yard. Also, the 
XYL doesn't mind some wires strung across the tree tops but would object to low 
wires strung about the yard.

I ended up placing radials in the ground since most of that part of the yard is 
wooded. They get buried under the undergrowth and leaves.

Mike N2MS


> On August 28, 2017 at 10:17 AM Mike Waters  wrote:
> 
> 
> Maybe not. There has been more research done since I last read N6LF's
> writings, etc. The earth underneath must have something to do with it. In
> any case, the current has to be the same on all the radials.
> 
> This is the first reference. See what you think.
> http://lists.contesting.com/_topband/2007-11/msg00248.html
> 
> 73, Mike
> www.w0btu.com
> 
> On Aug 28, 2017 8:03 AM, "StellarCAT"  wrote:
> 
> Really? Well established FACT? I’m quite confused then as reading John’s
> book it seems quite nebulous the impact of elevated radials. Doesn’t seem
> to be a ‘fact’ – more dependent on location and other variables. I’m not
> suggesting you’re wrong – just it seems the jury is quite out on this
> ‘fact’. W8JI measured a -4.3 db difference between 4 elevated and only 60
> (not 120) on the ground  others show differences of -3 – almost -6 db
> ... I’m not sure itsquite that clear to say “well established fact” ...
> Gary  K9RX
> _
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Re: Topband: Ladder line Beverage Installation

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Fritz,

I cut a U shaped slot on the top, install a short piece of tubing and run the 
wire through the tubing. I keep the tubing in place by placing a black UV proof 
tywrap on the top of the pipe.

I use tubing so as to not chafe the wire.

Mike N2MS


> On May 12, 2017 at 9:36 PM FritzOAQ  wrote:
> 
> 
> Mike,
> 
> What do you connect to the PVC pipe to hold the wires?
> 
>  
> 
> Herb,
> 
> How do you connect the paint sticks to the posts?
> 
>  
> 
> Fritz K4OAQ
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> I drive the metals posts into the ground and slide a 10 foot section of gray
> 
> 
> PVC pipe over the post for my supports.
> 
>  
> 
> Mike N2MS
> 
>  
> 
>  
> 
> DXE sells some nifty ladder insulators designed for wooden posts. They are
> listed at $13.95 for a bag of 25. (DXE P/N DXE-LL-LNS) In my case I wanted
> to use metal fence supports with wood on the top for an easier installation
> with a 3 lb maul rather than digging holes for the post supports. While
> pushing my cart through Home Depot one day I stumbling upon paint stir
> sticks in the paint section for .99 cents for a package of three. They are
> made of pine and are 33 inches long and appear very durable being almost 1/4
> inch thick. They can flex a bit but hard to break even over your knee. Much
> to my surprise the DXE Beverage insulator snaps right on to the top portion
> where the paint mixer would normally put his hand. Although not really
> necessary a small wood screw would prevent any insulator from unsnapping in
> high winds. A coat ofThompson's Water Seal on the paint stick is also an
> option. Mounting these insulators in this fashion would bring the ladder
> line in a vertical position with respect to ground. With a half twist ever
> 70 feet I think this would enhance the performance and not degrade it in
> anyway. If I am wrong with that the Beverage gurus might possiblycorrect me.
> 
>  
> 
> I know this is sort of a trivia post but I was amazed at how easily the DXE
> insulator snapped on the paint stick. Also if wooden 2X2's are an option for
> support they can be placed in line of the Beverage field first. Then a screw
> gun can zip these paint sticks in place as required.
> 
>  
> 
> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
> 
>  
> 
> _
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Re: Topband: Ladder line Beverage Installation

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I drive the metals posts into the ground and slide a 10 foot section of gray 
PVC pipe over the post for my supports.

Mike N2MS


> On April 13, 2017 at 2:43 PM Herbert Schoenbohm 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Maybe since my Beverages have to be at least 8 feet high to avoid the 
> deer horn (yes we have them in the field were my beverages run). Driving 
> a 10 ' 2X2 into the ground requires me to carry along a step ladder.  
> The way I described allow me to driving in the and 8 foot  metal post, 
> which has stabilizer blade, about I.5 feet into the soil. My wooden 
> paint stick gives me another 30 inches which yields me a total of 8 feet 
> allowing the deer to pass underneath.  These deer are voracilus when 
> they get their horns tangled and the Beverages are usually toast when 
> they are done wit them. The metal fence posts are very sturdy and stable.
> 
> 
> On 4/13/2017 9:58 AM, Rob Atkinson wrote:
> > Why don't you nail or screw a cross piece of needed length to the top
> > of each post, and screw a threaded porcelain standoff insulator so it
> > sticks up on each end.  You can find them at hamfests.  They are
> > usually white porcelain cylinders with tapped holes on each end.
> > Since it is only for receiving there might be an even easier hardware
> > fix.   You could probably transmit with my construction.
> >
> > Rob
> > K5UJ
> > _
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> 
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Re: Topband: twisted house wiring

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

BX cable is still required in New York City. I had to use it when I lived in 
Queens.

How did the metal wrapper get hot? Was current passing througgh it? The BX I 
had included a ground wire; maybe the earlier BX used the wrapper as the ground.

Mike N2MS


> On February 22, 2017 at 3:45 PM K1FZ-Bruce   wrote:
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Live near a housing development with many tenants. The high line on the road 
> is about 20  feet diagonally from my attic.  Getting a lot of noise even with 
> my house main breaker off.
> Appears to be induced into the attic wiring.
> 
> Question. Anyone tried some form "twisted pair with green wire"  house wiring 
> to reduce noise ?
> If Yes, how did it work ?
> Wiring laws vary from state to state.   If anyone has something that worked, 
> then I can ask local electrical law enforcement about it.
> 
> Years ago they had a BX cable   . It was twisted wires inside a metallic 
> wrapper.  When I was very young they used to think the metal wrapper got hot 
> and started house fires.
> 
> 73
> Bruce-k1fz
> http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
>  
> _
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Re: Topband: Terminating resistors

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I use these on my dummy loads.


Keep in mind that they need to be mounted on a heat sink and because of the 
small size they don't handle surges like their larger brothers.


If there is a change of lightning strikes nearly you may want to parallel 
multiple units.


Mike n2MS


> 
> On January 27, 2017 at 12:35 PM "jcjacob...@q.com"  
> wrote:
> 
> I was looking for some non-inductive resistors for experimenting with 
> antennas.
> 
> This list is AMAZING!! Thanks for the replies, but it looks like Grant, 
> KZ1W, has pointed me in the correct direction.
> 
>  Check out the Ohmite non-inductive 100w series
> http://www.ohmite.com/cat/acl_ap101.pdf
> Digikey stocks some values.
> 
> Grant KZ1W
> 
> 
> 
> Thanks to Grant and to all on the list.
> 73 K9WN Jake
> 
> _
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> 
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Re: Topband: New user, some advice needed.

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

Pat,

My Inverted L is longer than a quarter wavelength. I also use it on the HF 
bands 80-20 and it is easier to match since it is not a multiple of a half 
wavelength

Mike N2MS


> On December 21, 2016 at 3:43 PM Patrick Armstrong  wrote:
> 
> 
>I have noticed several times that people talk about being able to put up
> a full .250 wavelength vertical and I have wondered why almost never do
> they think about making it .270 wavelength instead of .250 wavelength. The
> little extra length gives a feed point impedance of 52 ohms with some
> inductive reactance which can be canceled with a series capactor. This
> gives a more efficient feed than a .250 wavelength and using an inductor to
> get a match. I designed my 75/80m vertical this way and with 65 radials (
> odd number 'cause that's all the wire I had) it has allowed me to work 280
> entities with100 watts, all SSB. (Blasphemy I know, I have an ear condition
> which made 13 wpm almost impossible for me).
> 
>I also use this antenna on 160m by using linear loading and an inductor
> for matching. Linear loading seems to be overlooked in a lot of discussions
> of antennas on this list and I wonder why. Am I missing a downside to these
> matching systems? If so I would like to hear about it.
> 
>Pat Armstrong  KF5YZ  Heart of Texas
>
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Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: coax soldering

[MICHAEL ST ANGELO]

I don't like soldering to coax connectors and use crimp connectors.


I know they made BNC crimp connectors for RG-6. They may make crimp type PL259 
connectors for RG-6.


Another option is to stick with F type compression connectors and install  F 
type female receptacles on the equipment.


Mike N2MS


> 
> On December 4, 2016 at 3:31 PM DXer  wrote:
> 
> That's exactly what I've been doing for some years now. I buy the cable
> already terminated with F connectors, and add BNC, PL259, or N adapters
> as required.
> 
> Not the most efficient as far as minimizing losses is concerned, but
> terminating cable is not something I enjoy.
> 
> I don't know how this would work with hi power. I operate with less than
> 100W always.
> 
> 73 de Vince, VA3VF
> 
> On 2016-12-04 3:03 PM, Renee K6FSB wrote:
> 
> > > 
> > I think the best method is F connector, snap and seal, if you must 
> > have
> > a 259 use an adapter.
> > 
> > Renée, K6FSB
> > 
> > On 2016-12-04 11:50 AM, Larry via Topband wrote:
> > 
> > > > > 
> > > hi guys,
> > > 
> > > planning on installing some more beverages. i have a roll of 
> > > CATV 75
> > > ohm cable. it is the kind with a double shield. aluminum wrap 
> > > over
> > > tinned copper shield. there is some kind of sticky on the 
> > > shield and i
> > > dont think that i can solder efficiently to it.
> > > 
> > > what is the best way to clean the "sticky" off the shield so 
> > > that i
> > > can solder to it for PL259's?
> > > 
> > > thanks,
> > > larry
> > > n7dd
> > > 
> > > _
> > > Topband Reflector Archives - 
> > > http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> > > 
> > > > > 
> > > 
_
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Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Michael St. Angelo]

The Stew Perry contest is one of the better ones but I agree with Larry and
Joe.  Contests  tend to take over the band and interferes with other form of
operation such as DX'ing, QRP and probably Digital operators.

What is missing is that we don't have a "WARC" type MF band which is free of
contest operation.

Maybe we could compromise. Is it possible to limit the SP to a portion of
the band that does not interfere with the DX, QRP and Digital frequencies?

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
Wilkowski
Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 3:49 PM
To: 'Larry Burke'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that
too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
too far.
- Joe K8FC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.

Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this
event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
chaos that it causes. 

- Larry K5RK


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Topband: F-type connectors transmitting question

[Michael St. Angelo]

I acquired some Commsphere Flooded F-11 type coax. I installed compression
Type UHF connectors on the coax. I solder the copperclad center conductor to
the center pin. The shield braid is connected via compression.

The UHF connectors are working but I am concerned about the reliability
because the shield braid has about 50% coverage. I'd like to try F type
connectors. Will the smaller center conductor pin of the F type connector
handle power when transmitting? I presently use 100 watts but may use an amp
in the future.

Mike N2MS


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Re: Topband: RUSSIAN 160 METER CONTEST

[Michael St. Angelo]

The Topband reflector has a worldwide audience so it makes sense that Vlad 
mentions  it here.

Other regions of the world will have good propagation at that time.

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Milt -- N5IA
Sent: Friday, December 19, 2014 12:04 PM
To: Tim Shoppa; topBand List
Subject: Re: Topband: RUSSIAN 160 METER CONTEST

Then pray tell why is Vlad advertising to the Top Band reflector on the WWW if 
it is not supposed to be a WW contest?

And thus far I have not seen a reply from Vlad.  And the Reply All, which sent 
a copy of my comments/question to Vlad at his personal address, came 
back as undeliverable.   ???

Oh well, I will find something else to do on Top Band tonight.

73, and CU all in the SPDC next weekend.

Milt, N5IA, and also operator of N7GP, both in DM52 
===


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Re: Topband: Rig Comparisons

[Michael St. Angelo]

Jim,

The Mobility industry has been using pre-distortion. It has finally been
implemented in the Hermes and Apache Labs Transceivers by Warren C. Pratt.
He has won the ARRL Technical Innovation award and justly deserves it:

From
http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-board-lauds-unforgettable-milestone-formalizes
-lotw-policy-honors-award-recipients 

* The 2014 ARRL Technical Innovation Award went to Warren C. 
Pratt, NR0V, of Santa Cruz, California. Pratt was cited for his research
leading to the development of PureSignal, an adaptive baseband
pre-distortion algorithm used to improve the linearity of amplifiers and
reduce intermodulation distortion products emitted by software-defined
transmitters.

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim Brown
Sent: Tuesday, July 29, 2014 1:01 AM
To: 'TopBand'
Subject: Topband: Rig Comparisons

Online chatter about what rigs were used at WRTC and why got me to pursuing
something that's been bugging me for a long time -- the band pollution
produced by many of today's transmitters. K6XX tackled it in talk to NCCC
last fall, and over the weekend, when IOTA was slow (which was a lot of the
time in W6) moved on it.

snip

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

Topband: Crossed Field Antenna

[Michael St. Angelo]

It's been quiet on this group.

The April 9th issue of Radio World Magazine has an article about the Crossed
field Antenna.

An company, Crossed Field Antennas LTD, Has filed a comment with the FCC
espousing its advantages:

http://apps.fcc.gov/ecfs/comment/view?id=6017582994

This should rustle you from you winter doldrums..

73,

Mike N2MS

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

Re: Topband: Legality of Circumventing Commercial Maritime ISP Services??

[Michael St. Angelo]

Dan,

If the traffic is limited to health and welfare informational messages to
family and friends I don't see any issue with cruisers using the ham bands.

It also depends on your interpretion of FCC Part 97.113. 

Since we now have online buy and sell and trade services does this mean that
these activities are prohibited on the Ham Bands?

The same goes with mobile operation. Is this now prohibited since we can
communicate with cellphones?

I believe it is a carryover for the days of Maritime Coastal Stations
lobbying but those stations are gone.

Mike N2MS

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dan White
Sent: Saturday, March 15, 2014 10:49 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Legality of Circumventing Commercial Maritime ISP
Services??


Yachtsmen may be using amateur radio in order to avoid paying the fees for
more expensive maritime email systems, perhaps such as
http://www.sailmail.com/ , which charges an annual vessel fee of $250. 
This is most certainly a radio service.

Winlink on the other hand, operates under Part 97 of FCC Regulations. 
They market themselves to boat owners for maritime use. See
http://www.winlink.org/node/233 for details.

My question is simple and legitimate. After reading FCC Part 97.113 which
deals with Prohibited Amateur Communications, the rules specifically state
routine communications are prohibited in cases where other radio services
are available. Are the yachtsmen using email servers operating within our
amateur spectrum in compliance with FCC Part 97.113?

FCC Part 97.113 a:  No amateur station shall transmit, (5)Communications, on
a regular basis, which could reasonably be furnished alternatively through
other radio services.

73,
Dan
W5DNT
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