Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Spark had  other  uses,   Add ozone to the air, reduce the insect bug 
population, warm up the shack in cold WX,   Arc kept you awake, could light 
your cigar when needed.

So outside of minimizing your personal connection  with others , what else does 
digital do ?  ( ; >   )
 
73
Bruce-k1fz




 
On Wed, 25 Oct 2017 10:34:30 -0500, Mike Waters  wrote:

Oooh! Vey well said, Dave!! Short and perfect. :-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Oct 25, 2017 10:14 AM, "Dave AA6YQ"  wrote:

"Technologies available before you reached the age of 35 are standard;
every op should use them. Technologies that arrived after you reached the
age of 35 will kill the hobby."

We've heard this with every new technology, going back to the advent of CW
in the days of spark.
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Topband: Info wanted

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Jeff,

Will pass your email on to the 160 meter topband reflector.  Africa has much 
noise, & not many noise free areas. Unfortunately your QTH  is not in one of 
them.
Noise is additive,  so the right directive antenna will help. 

73,
Bruce-k1fz



Hi Bruce:



I had lunch with Laurent Miglioriini TZ4XR yesterday. He's in Gao (northern 
Mali, no power and hence no powerline or other urban noise) and his QRN level 
on 160 m (and to a lesser extent on 80 m) is also s9. He tried to reduce this 
by disconnecting from the local power network and running his ICOM off of a 
battery with everything else off and a ground for the ICOM only. Still s9.  


I think this is just just the way things are in Mali. I don't think that the 
radials have anything to do with the QRN which is coming in with propagation. 
Last year I noticed that QRN gets better later in the year and when it is cold 
and there are fewer thunderstorms in this part of Africa.


In the meantime we are still working on receiving antennas, trying to get the 
BOGs to provide some "gain" toward EU and NA, increasing signal strength over 
the noise level. So far neither BOG appears to be doing much. But I also think 
we need a preamp to increase the signal strength coming off of these antennas, 
since the preamp in the Elecraft appears not to be sufficient.


We expect permission to put up real beverages in about a week. 


We have a SAL 20 from Array solutions (or SAL 30 if we want to convert it) but 
can't mount it until a nearby building is finished after which we will be able 
to put it on the roof.


In the meantime, I can hear only the strongest stations and only some of the 
time on 160. So I think I'll stop calling CQ and just start calling people whom 
I can hear on the TX antenna.


73,


Jeff


tz...@aol.com
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Topband: RG-6U

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Elan,


Need to use the coax impedance that  the BOG  transformer was manufactured for: 
  

 If F fitting  use 75 ohm coax like RG-6

If  SO-239   larger coax fitting ,then use 50 ohm coax  like RG-58  or  RG-8.

73
Bruce-k1fz


 Thu, 19 Oct 2017 19:07:51 + (UTC), "E.P"  wrote:

HI is it better to feed the BOG with RG-6U VERSION or normal rg6 ? there is 
some different i like to try it since i use 50 ohm rg58 wonder is this will 
make a lot of different ?thank you vy 73 elan g0uut
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Topband: Info wanted

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Have a friend that is getting noise from raised radials connected to his 
inverted L antenna. 

 He can not bury the radials due to space problems.  

Are there any  recent solutions to the problem.?

Thank you in advance for your input. .

73
Bruce-k1fz
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Topband: 3C0L

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Tim,

They were good copy here also one hour before sunset !
I am close to salt water, an inlet just down  the hill to the south.

One hour early is great propagation though.

73
Bruce-k1fz

On Tue, 17 Oct 2017 09:48:01 -0400, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

3C0L had superb signals on 160M last night and a ginormous pileup.

Their signal started out an hour before my sundown, on my NE-facing K9AY
loop, but began showing QSB there an hour after my sundown. I then checked
and was surprised their signal was so much better on my transmit antenna.
This is something I've noticed several times on African DXpeditions.

I wonder if "Looking to the NE" makes sense before sundown because this my
shortest path to the most darkness, but the further after sundown a more
direct E or even southerly path makes more sense.

Tim N3QE
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Re: Topband: TZ4AM

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Yes Raoul,

160 meters is a competitive band.  Not just competing with each other,  but 
with varying conditions,

Usually  a small/poor  transmit antenna  needs a large radial field to get a 
good low angle signal out.

Local Noise:
Years ago I had a very strong background noise, that turned out to be a  
neighbors  poorly built computer "power supply".
Took a long time in the 1990's to find it. 

73
Bruce-k1fz



 
On Sun, 15 Oct 2017 06:33:04 + (UTC), Raoul Coetzee  wrote:

 I agree! And not everybody have space for good RX antennas.And even if we can 
install a good RX antenna in limited space, cheap Chinese products are making 
it worse, it  is a struggle to hear anything.
The other problem is, I use at least 600 watts on 160m, and some EUs try to 
work you with a 100 watts and a dipole,and then call you deaf if you cannot 
hear them. Some do not understand 160m at all.
Regards,Raoul ZS1C


On Saturday, October 14, 2017, 3:07:12 AM GMT+2, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:  
 
 
Africa is a high noise location.  Jeff is working on his antennas,
Meanwhile  giving as many  contacts as he can copy.
As his receive antennas improve,  hope you  find yourself in his log.
73
Bruce-k1fz
 



On Sat, 14 Oct 2017 03:23:54 +0300, Saulius Zalnerauskas  wrote:

But no copy as always.
RX problems

LY5W

www.contesting.com/_topband
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Re: Topband: TZ4AM

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Africa is a high noise location.   Jeff is working on his antennas,
Meanwhile  giving as many  contacts as he can copy.
As his receive antennas improve,  hope you  find yourself in his log.
73
Bruce-k1fz
 



On Sat, 14 Oct 2017 03:23:54 +0300, Saulius Zalnerauskas  wrote:

But no copy as always.
RX problems

LY5W

On Thu, Oct 12, 2017 at 8:33 PM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:

> Jeff, TZ4AM hopes to be on  160 meters tonight around 0300 UTC. He
> likes ~  1826.5, 1827.5 and usually   operates split.
>
> Band Conditions are not good but hope for an improvement.
>
>
> 73
> Bruce-k1fz
> .
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Topband: TZ4AM

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Jeff, TZ4AM hopes to be on  160 meters tonight around 0300 UTC. He 
likes ~  1826.5, 1827.5 and usually   operates split.

Band Conditions are not good but hope for an improvement. 


73
Bruce-k1fz
.
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Topband: Aurora

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Northern lights visible in coastal Maine. May have a radio black out, or 
enhanced propagation to a area.   worked E31A in the last one, Best to keep an 
"ear" open.
73
Bruce-K1FZ. 
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Topband: Fwd: DX signals

[K1FZ-Bruce]

http://www.newsweek.com/fast-radio-bursts-frb-explained-658554


Don't sound like a net beacon.   Ask them if  they QSL.  ((;>))

73
Bruce-K1FZ
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Topband: DX signals

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Don't sound like a net beacon.   Ask them if  they QSL.  ((;>))

73
Bruce-K1FZ
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Topband: 160 4 square

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Your tower may act as  a reflector if ground at the base   . If un-grounded,, 
then no problem.
Could take many hours on the tower to work out problems. Its easier to spend 
the hours with a modeling 
program while on the ground.

W7EL Roy Lewallen
P.O. box 66958
Beaverton, OR 97007

Roy sells antenna modeling programs.

If someone else does the modeling for you,  unseen factors may be left out.

73
Bruce-k1fz 
 


 
On Sun, 27 Aug 2017 12:56:44 -0600, "Greg"  wrote:

Question for the group...

From a 140 foot freestanding tower, I will suspend 4 pieces of phillystran
90 degrees apart from the top of the tower.  Antenna wire will be attached
to the phillystran such that verticals will be dropped to create a 4 square.
I will have as much vertical length as practical and still obtain the 4
square spacing required -- but the vertical length certainly will not be
close to a quarter wave.  The intent is to use the verticals as a 4 square.
In thinking of ways to increase the electrical length, should I run wire
back toward the tower from the top of the vertical section to get the full
1/4 or use a T with wire going back toward the tower and down the
phillystran to create a "top hat" effect -- or does it matter?  Obviously
this is a compromise but hopefully still an effective antenna with
directional gain.  Thanks in advance for your thoughts.  73, Greg-N4CC
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Topband: Ecipse

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Even though Maine was not in the Eclipse path, noticed noise in the West 
direction was below S-meter zero on 160 meter antennas. Normal lowest noise is 
East out over the Atlantic ocean..

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html 
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Re: Topband: WD1-A wire

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Many Thanks to everyone for the help. Have some WD1-A   wire coming. 

God that was fast !

73
Bruce-K1FZ







On Thu, 27 Jul 2017 11:33:50 -0400, "kd9sv"  wrote:

Craig from Radioware may still have some remaining...gary

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
K1FZ-Bruce
Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2017 11:11 AM
To: Topband
Subject: Topband: WD1-A wire


Anyone know of a dealer that sells WD1-A military field telephone  wire ?   
My Beverage antenna hidden in dense trees has failed,  thanks to someone who
decided to
trim up the border line  with a chain saw.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
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Topband: WD1-A wire

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Anyone know of a dealer that sells WD1-A military field telephone  wire ?   
My Beverage antenna hidden in dense trees has failed,  thanks to someone who 
decided to
trim up the border line  with a chain saw.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
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Re: Topband: LU5OM shortened dipole (inverted vee) doing a nice job

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Good information Gary.
 
Lot  of the fun of low band DXing comes from  getting new countries, and 
finding what antenna works best.

Yes, In the transition  that takes place  at gray line time,  there is often  
high angle taking place.

As in the past, building our own radio from scratch  is not so easy, but  lets 
"have at it"  with our antennas.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html

 On Tue, 25 Jul 2017 08:21:27 -0400, "StellarCAT"  wrote:

that’s a pretty ‘general’ statement! I had a 90’ high inverted L with the bend 
supported by a tower – it was only about 50’ from a 143’ tower ... it had ~30 
100’ radials under it ... and I managed to work 100 countries in 89 consecutive 
days - from Arizona! That included some pretty rare/distant entities. It worked 
VERY well as far as I was concerned. 

I say this only so that someone reading your comment, having only this as an 
option, isn’t dissuaded from trying it ... if it is what you have available – 
go for it! 

As for comparing a V at a low height (for most everyone it WILL be at a low 
height) to a vertical and saying the V was better would, I believe, suggest a 
feed system issue I’d think on the vertical. I’d think it would beat out a 
horizontal, for long distance DX, most of the time – and substantially at that. 
The vertical that is. OR the ground losses are really substantial. Or both.  

Just because DX is worked using a low horizontal antenna doesn’t imply 
something is “good” ... it only implies it is sufficient. “Good”ness is very 
subjective. 

but as they, as we all say – do what you have to ... 

Gary 
K9RX
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Topband: VK6LK SK

[K1FZ-Bruce]

G'day Steve,

Robin and Mike were great DX friends. Got together  usually weekly to talk 
about DX..  Early on with poor radios they had  QRM problem if they both on  
160 meters at the same sunrise time.  They decided  Mike would take 160 meters 
and Robin  80 meters (75 SSB) this time period..

Robin had two Beverage antenna toward North America, They were arranged and 
feed in a V Beam fashion, terminated and high enough so a "Joey" would not take 
them down.

Salt water came up to his QTH underground, so he had a system to catch 
rainwater from  the roof of his house and store it in very large tanks for home 
use..  His vertical antenna(s) radials were very effective over this below 
ground salt water possibly acting as raised radials.

Robin did work other bands including 40 SSB in his later years.  Worked him 
once on 10 meter SSB from my mobile in the early 1990's. 

73
Bruce-K1FZ

http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html


 On Mon, 24 Jul 2017 21:01:08 +0800, "Steve Ireland"  wrote:

G’day

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Robin VK6LK. The passion of Robin and his 
great friend Mike VK6HD for lowband DXing was an inspiration to me when first 
arriving in Western Australia in 1989. The old SSB DX window just below 3.8MHz 
at local sunrise won’t sound quite the same – Robin’s presence there was as 
regular as clockwork for most of the last quarter of a century. 

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ
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Topband: VK6LK

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Received an email from  Kim VK6TM.His father, Robin VK6LK passed away today 
at 1830 hours WA time.
Robin operated both 80 and 160 meters. His main stay was 80 meters while his 
best DX  friend VK6HD operated mainly 160 meters.

Robin is on the DXCC honor Roll.  He was always eager to work someone who 
needed a new country.  He was a 80 meter beacon on long path most days to North 
America at his sunrise,
Also at times on short path conditions permitting.

Very sorry to hear of his passing.

73
Bruce-k1fz  
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Topband: LU5OM shortened dipole (inverted vee) doing a nice job

[K1FZ-Bruce]

There are always exceptions.

A few years ago there was someone that had a inverted V that  worked well for 
DX. 
 It was found that it was feed with open wire feeders that acted as a vertical 
antenna  with top loading. 

If  your antenna works well be happy.   Ham radio is a great hobby.

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html




On Mon, 17 Jul 2017 02:14:48 -0400, Don Kirk  wrote:

Manuel (LU5OM) had been using an Inverted-L on 160 meters, and he recently
switched to a shortened dipole installed as an Inverted Vee.  Each of the
last 3 mornings Manuel has been using his inverted vee and I have heard
Manuel (LU5OM) all 3 days, and this Sunday morning I heard him for 1.25
hours running with a very constant signal that was able to overcome static
crashes from lightning strikes.  I made some recordings for Manuel and
created a brief youtube video of him calling CQ on Sunday and here is the
youtube video URL for those interested.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P56Rq-vCEEU=youtu.be

If Manuel were not transmitting (not calling CQ) you would think the band
was dead, but in reality there has been pretty good propagation for long
periods of time between Indianapolis Indiana and Argentina the past 3 days
that I have listened.

Also in the video I tried to briefly demonstrate for Manuel that the
reduced RF gain trick provides very little (if any) improvement in my
receiver performance on 160 meters when using my very old Kenwood TS-180s
(contrary to what most others report with their receivers).  Maybe I'm not
doing something right, but I've never been able to find noticeable
improvements (to any great extent) in my receiver performance by backing
down my receivers RF gain control.

Just FYI, and 73,
Don (wd8dsb)
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Topband: QSL DX users.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

QSL net just became clear of the ransomware virus. 

Back to DXing.

Thanks
73
Bruce-k1fz
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Topband: Propagation info

[K1FZ-Bruce]

IV3PRK Luis web site:   

http://www.iv3prk.it/
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Topband: Fwd: 160 meter propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Been wondering what is going on with "the band"Check out  IV3PRK's. Luis's  
web site for almost 3 cycles.

Good info.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: Electro magnetic energy

[K1FZ-Bruce]

We see electromagnetic  energy  of tiny short waves. Sometimes directly, 
sometimes reflected. See a single color, like a red  flower ?,The red frequency 
 is being reflected to our eyes.   
Our low band antennas can be manipulated to add, reject, or skew  signals.  
Thinking in DC terms, magnets can attract or repel,  Like poles repel, 
opposites attract..
With that in mind found this informative info. 

https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/7/15741176/gravitational-microlensing-white-dwarf-star-albert-einstein-relativity

73 
Bruce-k1fz
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Topband: Aurora

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Northern lights extending down into  Maine(reports on local 11PM local time 
news  also)

73
Bruce-k1fz
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Re: Topband: propagation question.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Tim,

Many thanks for your research, 

 How do the numbers compare to other years,  the same contest ?.

Bruce-k1fz





On Wed, 24 May 2017 21:18:50 -0400, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

Bruce, I went and looked at reversebeacon statistics for the two nights
before the Chelyabinsk meteor (that would be 13 Feb 2013 and 14 Feb 2013)
as well as the night of the strike (15 Feb 2013). The strike was at 0320Z.
I specifically looked for 160M EU-NA transatlantic reversebeacon spots and
counted the number of such spots.

On 13 Feb 2013, there were 636 EU-NA reversebeacon spots.
On 14 Feb 2013, there were 776 EU-NA reversebeacon spots.
On 15 Feb 2013, there were 1984 EU-NA reversebeacon spots.

HOWEVER, there is a confounding factor, which is that ARRL DX CW started on
16 Feb 2013. I think the pickup in spots on 15 Feb could be entirely
explained by stations warming up and checking out the night before the
night before the big contest.

There was one station, LY7M, that was on 160M for several hours before and
several hours after the meteor. I plotted a curve of its strength at a NA
Skimmer and while there are a couple peak-ups, I don't think the peak-ups
are necessarily tied to the meteor strike. You can see the curve I plotted
here: http://n3qe.org/ly7m-meteor.png

Tim N3QE


On Wed, May 24, 2017 at 4:20 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:

>
> Watch " Meteor Strike" on some PBS TV stations tonight.Check your
> local TV listings for time and channel.
>
>  Did anyone notice an increase in low band propagation for awhile, after
> this rather large event ?
>
> 73
> Bruce-K1FZ
> http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: propagation question.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Watch " Meteor Strike" on some PBS TV stations tonight.Check your local TV 
listings for time and channel.

 Did anyone notice an increase in low band propagation for awhile, after this 
rather large event ?

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: propagation variables ?

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Interesting info

http://www.space.com/36934-humans-change-space-weather.html

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: Fwd: Re: Loop query

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Jake,

It is not the best antenna for DX  ,, but a good antenna for Field Day.
The rather high angle pattern should net you many QSO's.
With the match box an acceptable  VSWR for the transceiver should be possible.
Good luck & have fun.

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html






On Sat, 20 May 2017 17:55:19 -0400 (EDT), "jcjacob...@q.com" wrote:

How do Top Banders, 


I've got a "theory" question for the collective group. 


Think Field Day. Full wave loop on 75/80 meters. Coax fed with a 2:1 balun. (I 
know, use ladder line and a Match Box). Is it usable if you use ladder line 
down to near ground level into the balun, and coax from there? OR does/should 
the balun be up in the air at the loop itself?? We're thinking put the balun 
down near ground so the weight isn't up in the air.. Remember, field day and 
temp install. 


What say you all?? 


73 
K9WN Jake 



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Re: Topband: Out-door antenna tuning boxes.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Guy,

Sorry I  do not.  I purchased two in different hardware stores and another in a 
 sporting goods store.

I needed short boxes to silicon rubber  to the concrete support piers. Most 
boxes were longer, so had to 
check around.

73
Bruce-k1fz



 On Fri, May 12, 2017 at 11:02 AM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:
 heavy duty black fishing tackle box

Do you have a manufacturer or model number for those?

73, Guy K2AV
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Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 173, Issue 8

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Charles,

Do you have a FCC call sign ?

Bruce-k1fz

 On Fri, 12 May 2017 14:57:57 -0400, Charles Yahrling  wrote:

Waterproof Boxes

The orange waterproof boxes marine flare kits come in make good boxes too
as they are taller and have o-ring seals on the hinged lid.

You can get them up the road in Searsport, at Hamilton maine, Bruce.

They repack the flares (which come in 5-gal steel buckets) to make up kits
of various sizes, so i know they have the empty boxes there.

hamiltonmarine.com for on-line catalog

On Fri, May 12, 2017 at 12:00 PM,  wrote:

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 than Re: Contents of Topband digest...


 Today's Topics:

1. Out-door  antenna tuning boxes. (K1FZ-Bruce)


 --

 Message: 1
 Date: Fri, 12 May 2017 11:02:43 -0400
 From: K1FZ-Bruce 
 To: Topband  Subject: Topband: Out-door  antenna tuning boxes.
 Message-ID: 201705121502.v4cf2hy9003...@mail23c26.carrierzone.com
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8


 Finding a suitable plastic antenna tuning box is often not easy in local
 rural America.

 I have found that heavy duty black fishing tackle boxes work well.  Many
 are thick walled, and designed to be out in the hot sun on docks, and in
 boats for long periods, year after year.

 They come in various sizes with covers that open for easy mounting of
 components, and tuning.

 73
 Bruce-K1FZ
 http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html


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Topband: Out-door antenna tuning boxes.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Finding a suitable plastic antenna tuning box is often not easy in local rural 
America.

I have found that heavy duty black fishing tackle boxes work well.  Many are 
thick walled, and designed to be out in the hot sun on docks, and in boats for 
long periods, year after year.

They come in various sizes with covers that open for easy mounting of 
components, and tuning.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Re: Topband: Solar Flare

[K1FZ-Bruce]

There are always nay-sayers  as in recent global warming dialogue.

Good chance back in the spark transmitter days when someone showed up with a 
tube oscillator, he was told that all the experts agree you must  have to have 
a spark to transmit (;))

We do not need to run with  closed minds.
 
73
Bruce-k1fz


 On Sat, 22 Apr 2017 21:17:56 -0500, Cecil Acuff  wrote:

Hope it does not turn out to be a cyber attack...big deal in the utility 
industry where I work as an IT specialist.

Cecil
K5DL

Sent using recycled electrons.

 On Apr 22, 2017, at 9:09 PM, Bruce Whitney via Topband  wrote:
 
 The effects of GMD on power systems are well known by many engineers in 
our electric utility industry.  The recent failures were unrelated. There is no 
mystery. 
 
 
 Sent from my iPhone
 
 On Apr 22, 2017, at 9:35 PM, Steve wrote:
 
 The root  cause was collision with an ice berg.
 
 
 a well researched TV documentary recently shed brand new light 
here...apparently they had a nasty coal fire burning in one of the coal bunkers 
from departure up until the day before the iceberg. It severely warped / 
weakened one of the walls of the flood compartment walls which happened to be 
at the exact spot of the iceberg's contact and subsequent ripping of the hull. 
The plate eventually burst and allowed the next several watertight compartments 
to flood which made the ship's bow start to tilt. The documentary concluded 
that if there had been no fire and plate warpage then the ship would have 
stayed afloat. .they should have never departed while the fire was still 
burning but after all of the hype and big $ involved, decided to go anyway. The 
fire info was hushed-up during the official inquiry, I suspect maybe for 
insurance purposes... fascinating new light.
 
 Steve
 
 
 
 WEB - The VE7SL Radio Notebook:  http://qsl.net/ve7sl/
 
 VE7SL BLOG - Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to 
Nanowaves: http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/
 
 The excitement of learning separates youth from old age. As long 
as you're learning you're not old. - Rosalyn S. Yalow 
 
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Re: Topband: Solar Flare

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hello Jorge,

Thanks for the signal information.  Always good to hear from you. 

73
Bruce-k1fz

 On Sat, 22 Apr 2017 21:42:44 -0300, Jorge Diez - CX6VM  wrote:

Hello

good condx tonight, some europe, 5V and 8Q7 with good signals

73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W

2017-04-22 21:36 GMT-03:00 K1FZ-Bruce :


 Hi Gene,

 OK.  That is a broad statement.   The cause of  the Titanic sinking  was
 equipment failures, hi
  The root  cause was collision with an ice berg.

 The 160 meter band is open  5V7P is strong here.  Corona start up
 Enhancement  is taking place.

 73
 Bruce-k1fz


 On Sat, 22 Apr 2017 18:44:34 -0400, Gene Smar  wrote:

 Both outages were reported on local (DC) news yesterday as having been
 caused by utility equipment failure.  The root cause of the equipment
 failure wasn't disclosed.


 73 de
 Gene Smar  AD3F
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-- 
73,
Jorge
CX6VM/CW5W
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Topband: Solar Flare

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Major solar flare. Power outages in NYC and San Fransisco.

Aurora noise on what few signals there are on 160..

73
Bruce-K1FZ 
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Topband: Propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 

Propagation still peaking north-south. Worked Mario LU8DPM at 0156.  We are 
very close to the same longitude of 70 Degrees.
Typical aurora conditions.

73
Bruce-k1fz 
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
_

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Topband: Propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Propagation still peaking north-south. Worked Mario LU8DPM at 0156.  We are 
very close to the same longitude of 70 Degrees.
Typical aurora conditions.


73
Bruce-k1fz 
file:///C:/Users/Clark/Documents/WEB%20Pages/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: Propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

160 band is coming back slightly/slowly. Propagation is still better S-N,  N-S..
More activity is taking place. 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Topband: 160 meter long openings - and what it looks like in the sky - de DK7PE

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 

 Original Message 
Subject: Aw: Topband: 160 meter long openings - and what it looks like in the 
sky - de DK7PE
Date: Tue, 21 Mar 2017 20:27:33 +0100
From: "Rudolf Klos" 
To: k...@myfairpoint.net, dk...@rooody.de





Hi Bruce,


I red about your comments on long 160m openings. By chance I was at the polar 
circle during the latest solar storm two weeks ago.  I have been up there quite 
a few times during the past two years chasing polar lights but never 
experienced such an intensity of Aurora Borealis. Here are some pictures I took 
March 5th to 7th. It was a Kp Index of 5.3 - not bad for 2017. By the way, when 
I was in TN0CW and TL0CW I experienced outstanding 160m openigs to W6/W7. Later 
I heard that was solar storms as well... A very interesting phemon.


Good DX on 160m!


73s Rudi DK7PE/EA8 

Not  possible to see the  photographs on the topband refelector.-Sorry.
 

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Re: Topband: 160 meter long openings

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks for your input also.
Not limited events, my observations have been for ~17  years on 160 meters,   
and  ~ 30 years working a sked with VK6LK on 75 meters.  Agree  there are 
varying parameters.
An opening on 80 meters does not guarantee a  160 meter opening. that is well 
known.
Observations come more from  an 160 meter opening and asking myself "what just 
happened "? ,   in the world, and solar system ?
Openings are not  the same world wide.  But we especially  like the ones that 
give us new countries.

73
Bruce- k1fz 
 

On Mon, 6 Mar 2017 09:09:55 + (UTC), bruce whitney  wrote:

Bruce,Thanks, interesting new info on a very complex subject. Every storm is 
different. Must use caution with observations from limited events.Rules of 
physics always the same everywhere but every CME comes with its own differing 
parameters with respect to the particular conditions and orientation of the 
geomagnetic field over the course of the event.
I'm sure, nothing you didn't know very well but I have been working with 
GMD/GIC recently and couldn't help but comment. No claim to be an 
expert.Bruce-W8RA

  From: K1FZ-Bruce 
 To: Topband  
 Sent: Sunday, March 5, 2017 9:08 PM
 Subject: Topband: 160 meter long openings
   

My observation are that long 160 meter openings take place at the start of 
auroras then diminish.

This may be why.
https://thespacereporter.com/2017/03/study-says-solar-storms-remove-electrons-earths-atmosphere/


73
Brucw-k1fz
 
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Topband: 160 meter long openings

[K1FZ-Bruce]

My observation are that long 160 meter openings take place at the start of 
auroras then diminish.

This may be why.
https://thespacereporter.com/2017/03/study-says-solar-storms-remove-electrons-earths-atmosphere/


73
Brucw-k1fz
 
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Topband: Increasing DX propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Its warming up, looking like an early spring.   "One sixty" is starting to ramp 
up with longer, stronger DX
I hear complaints --- I  can't put in a ground rod,  the ground  is still 
frozen.  
Take a tip from the Electric power companies, who are out there replacing their 
damaged poles.  
Use a drill bit to get through the frost,. and  yes impact hammers do work also.
But drills open up a path without compressing the earth. 

BIg Box hardware stores like Lowe's, Home Depot  and others have drill bit 
extensions. The shanks are sizes that will fit into 1/4 and 3/8 inch drills.
And at the other end there is a fitting that will accept  larger bits.

Check it out  before the DX fades 

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
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Re: Topband: twisted house wiring

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 As I remember it from an electrician that married a 2nd time to my Aunt. hi.   
The ground lost its connection and the coiled wrapper became hot like a "hot 
plate" carrying the current.I was about 10 years old then and just wondering 
how a radio worked.  
73
Bruce-k1fz 



On Wed, 22 Feb 2017 17:06:26 -0500 (EST), MICHAEL ST ANGELO  wrote:

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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Topband: twisted house wiring

[K1FZ-Bruce]

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: Echo on 160m yesterday morning

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 Andy,

There was a passenger on an airliner that took photographs of a very large 
Aurora at that time. .  One of the photographs was shown on TV   -ABC World 
News.

It is likely that the Aurora sparked all these events.

I have noticed that there appears to be a link between the start of an aurora 
and long path 160 meter openings.

73,  DX,

Bruce-K1FZ


 On Mon, 6 Feb 2017 14:42:58 +, Andy Cook  wrote:

I think this form of ducting takes place way above the layers of the atmosphere 
where weather happens. In my experience the magnetospheric ducting is normally 
localized in impact. If this was really happening in multiple places around the 
world at the same time on this occasion then I think that is unusual.

Andy, G4PIQ

-Original Message-
From: "K1FZ-Bruce" 
Sent: ‎06/‎02/‎2017 13:46
To: "g4...@btinternet.com" ; "Topband" 
Subject: Fwd:  Echo on 160m yesterday morning


 

Hi Andy,

Ducting takes place over a relatively small area.  Depends upon cloud layers 
and temperature zones

This event took place   ~ world wide.   Band openings between North America  to 
Asia, and Australia.

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html




 On Mon, 6 Feb 2017 12:20:07 + (GMT), Andy Cook  wrote:

I think you'll find this was Magnetospheric Ducting. Take a look at some of the 
articles here http://la3za.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Unusual%20Propagation 
and here http://folk.uio.no/sverre/papers/2009_MagnetoDucting-QST-LA3ZA.pdf. 
Delay depends on your latitude - but couple of hundred millseconds is about 
right and this is a peak time of year for the effect. 
I've heard this quite frequently on 80m around mid local-evening during the 
winter, and one occasion - on 3rd Feb last year - very strongly indeed. That 
night I was able to hear my echoes with just 25mW into a dipole on 80m - but 
it's often strong enough to be audible with a few watts. I've read papers which 
suggested it does also occur on 160m.
Reports of these being less strong / gone when you switch to a vertical look 
plausible as well since they apear to require vertical incidence from the 
ionosphere.
73,
Andy, G4PIQ 
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Topband: Fwd: Echo on 160m yesterday morning

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 

Hi Andy,

Ducting takes place over a relatively small area.  Depends upon cloud layers 
and temperature zones

This event took place   ~ world wide.   Band openings between North America  to 
Asia, and Australia.

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html




 On Mon, 6 Feb 2017 12:20:07 + (GMT), Andy Cook  wrote:

I think you'll find this was Magnetospheric Ducting. Take a look at some of the 
articles here http://la3za.blogspot.co.uk/search/label/Unusual%20Propagation 
and here http://folk.uio.no/sverre/papers/2009_MagnetoDucting-QST-LA3ZA.pdf. 
Delay depends on your latitude - but couple of hundred millseconds is about 
right and this is a peak time of year for the effect. 
I've heard this quite frequently on 80m around mid local-evening during the 
winter, and one occasion - on 3rd Feb last year - very strongly indeed. That 
night I was able to hear my echoes with just 25mW into a dipole on 80m - but 
it's often strong enough to be audible with a few watts. I've read papers which 
suggested it does also occur on 160m.
Reports of these being less strong / gone when you switch to a vertical look 
plausible as well since they apear to require vertical incidence from the 
ionosphere.
73,
Andy, G4PIQ 
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Re: Topband: Echo on 160m yesterday morning

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Your transceiver 
switching may not have been fast enough to catch the echo the first time 
around.


On Sun, 5 Feb 2017 11:21:51 -0800, Tree  
wrote:





Yup - pretty crazy. Or space aliens were messing with 
me.


On Sun, Feb 5, 2017 at 9:51 AM, k1fz mailto:k...@myfairpoint.net; 
target="_blank">k...@myfairpoint.net wrote:

Great info Tree,

The earth is ~24,000 miles around at the equator, less toward the poles. 
(Reason we have 24 hours in a day)
Your timing would indicate that your echo was heard the second time around.

73
Bruce-k1fz

-



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Re: Topband: K1FZ observations

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Mike ,

Have seen tropospheric bending may times over the years. This was different.
Worked 2 meters  for years in the 1960's
Need to keep an open mind.

 73
Bruce
 

On Sun, 5 Feb 2017 13:08:11 -0600, Mike Waters  wrote:

Hi Bruce,

I think what you experienced on channel 13 was a coincidence.

Tropospheric VHF and UHF band openings have nothing to do with any kind of
enhanced 160m conditions. Tropospheric bending occurs when a cold air mass
happens to be beneath much warmer air aloft. The reflection occurs where
the two layers meet because of the difference in energy levels.


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Topband: Science tonight

[K1FZ-Bruce]

FYI
For those who watch PBS television. 
Scheduled tonight are "Super batteries" , followed by 
"Aurora-fire in the sky"
Check your local TV listings for time and channel.

73
Bruce-K1FZ




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Topband: propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Well we had very unusual propagation the 
last few days. A station from Africa CN2CO was coming through after lunch. 
About 2 PM local time I tuned across him again.
.
After awhile there was a break in the European pile up, as he repeatedly called 
CQ. I got a contact, then K1CP worked him also.
There are strange propagation events at times.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html





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Re: Topband: Fw: 160 meter long path

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Congrats Price,

 
Thats a tough one. Very limited openings exist. 
 
Arnold, W2HCW (sk) did it on 80 meters, but on 160 meters is much more 
difficult. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz

On Wed, 4 Jan 2017 16:59:27 + (UTC), HAROLD SMITH JR  wrote:

I remember years ago (25?) working ZL3GQ,SK, on 160. It was around 
2100Z. It had to be LP as the short path would have been mostly in day 
light. 

73 Price W0RI

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Re: Topband: Working LP from USA to VK6

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Steve,

 
I could copy faintly when you were on 1824.5 working Europe.  QSB was 
tough. Think it will be better the next few days as the compressed 
layers should be better. If I remember right it was around 2125 hours. 
Split and calling for NA should help. 
 
Will be listening as well as others,..  K1CP was copying another VK6 
about that time. ,  K1UO worked VK6LW a couple of days ago LP. 
 

73
Happy New year. 
 

Bruce-K1FZ
 

On Wed, 4 Jan 2017 10:11:57 +0800, Steve Ireland  wrote:

  G’day all and Happy New Year

Conditions have been great into Europe over the last few days, making 
me think LP QSOs into North America ought to be possible again after my 
sunrise (currently 2115Z). Usually the openings occur from sunrise 
until about 15 minutes after. 

To show how far LP can be worked from VK6, Mike VK6HD once worked Jeff 
K1ZM LP, when Jeff was living in New York. I also recall Mike was heard 
considerably farther east (maybe into W3 or W8?). 

If anyone in eastern NA would like to try for a LP QSO, I shall be 
on/around 1832 most mornings for the next ten days. 


Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ

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Re: Topband: Front End Filters

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Rudy,
 
Using topband archives.  Try going back to the beginninmg of the 
emails. It started with "thinking out loud", subject then someone 
changed the subject. 


 
73' Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Sat, 24 Dec 2016 08:46:47 -0500, Rudy Bakalov via Topband  wrote:

  So what problem are we trying to solve here?

73, Rudy N2WQ


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Topband: Front End Filters

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
The one they are  developing for marketing 'can' have 1 KHZ segment 
crystals channels.. 
 
I would encourage anyone to insert a single crystal in their receiver 
antenna input to see the
difference before considering a purchase.  (Careful not to transmit 
into the experiement)
40 meters is a good test  band as usually has many signals after dark.. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Fri, 23 Dec 2016 17:56:07 -0700, Dave  wrote:

  About 15 years ago I built a switchable front end crystal filter, I was
going to market it but it was too expensive for the Ham market. It covers
1800 to 1850 in 5kHz segments with a slight overlap so that there are no
gaps, each section is a half lattice, the insertion loss is about 6dB but
that isn't a problem because I always have about -15dB of attenuation in the
receive path input. Nose bandwidth is 5kHz and about 8kHz at -20dB. Lack of
noise blanker performance is not a problem because big signals make the
blanker useless anyway. I used it during contests when my rig was an IC781,
since changing to a more modern rig, an IC7851, the filter provides no
significant improvement. For working DX on a crowded band it is useful if
your rig does not have a good roofing filter. 


HNY /MX

Dave AA0RS

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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks for the information Stew.  Originally I tried it at my parents QTH on 40 
meters when I was teenager. Was licensed in 1950 as W1TJQ. 

 
Ideas get lost and time goes by.  In the 1920 Hugo Ginsburg ( not sure of his 
last name spelling)  in a book at the Belfast Library said silicon looked 
promising as a rectifier. It took to early 1950/ late 1940's for it to be 
re-discovered. 
 
Thanks again. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Fri, 23 Dec 2016 01:51:50 + (UTC), GALE STEWARD via Topband  wrote:

  Years ago at the W3GM M/M station, Gerry had several crystal filters (50 
ohm Z input & output) in the 40M RX path. As I recall, these were about 20-30 
khz wide (each) and were of slightly different center frequencies so that most 
of the 40M CW band could be covered. 
I DO remember that they worked very well. I never saw one for 160. 
73, Stew K3ND

From: K1FZ-Bruce 
To: Topband  
Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2016 3:41 PM
Subject: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

 
We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an antenna we 
can usually hear better. We also know  if we limit the noise from a receiver IF 
we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more noise  
in relationship to the wanted  signals. 
 
What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the antenna 
signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
Years ago I played  around with a single crystal at the input of an old tube 
type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters, on what seemed 
to be one frequency. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 
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Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks Mirko and Matt,

 
This is not on the market yet, but should do a lot for noise on 160 meters.  
 
Bet a tube transmitter had  naysayers. Need  a spark to transmit. hi. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 16:18:56 -0600, Matt Murphy  wrote:

  This appears to be the 4O3A unit. I hadn't realized these 
existed, so I'm

glad you posted the question:

http://www.4o3a.com/index.php/products/ham-radio-gear/crystal-front-end-unit/

On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:47 PM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:



Thanks Mirko,


Very Good information. What is needed is to reduce noise more (lower)
than signals. 
73

Bruce-k1fz


On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:36:30 +0100, S57AD wrote:

As far as I recall, Inrad sells front-end xtal filters. Some 25
years ago
when I lived in Belgrade, at YU1EXY we had two six-pole filters for SSB
part of 40M band but I can't recall and difference with or without those
filters. Beside those two xtal filters we used 8 pole Cohn LC filter with
4-gang variable capacitor and with very step curve (I think it was 600 or
800 Hz at -6 dB), which drastically reduced noise and QRM. We could hear
3rd or even 4th layer of callers in 40m pile-ups. 


As for xtal front end filters, I think 4O3A produces such a filters to be
used at in-band stations, but didn't have chance to try & use them... 


73, Mirko, S57AD

2016-12-22 21:57 GMT+01:00 K1FZ-Bruce :

> Tim,
>
> My single crystal was in the 1950's. 
> A crystal lattice could take in much of the 160 meter band and be
> pratical. 
> Thanks for your input. 
> 73

> Bruce
>
> On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:49:12 -0500, Tim Shoppa wrote:
>
> Bruce - It has long been rumored that the big EU multi-multis have
> a crystal filter at their run frequency receivers. e.g. if they are
running
> on 7003.4, they have a crystal filter in front of their receiver for
> 7003.4. have never observed that in my visits but maybe in decades past,
> when receivers had less damage range, it would've made sense. Also a good
> reason to put up a fight for ownership of YOUR run frequency HI HI
>
> I believe EMRFD has a schematic for a single-frequency receiver, maybe
> not exactly like you described but similar in principle. Let me see if I
> can dig it up. 
> Tim N3QE

>
>
> On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:41 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:
>
>
> We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an
antenna
> we can usually hear better. We also know if we limit the noise from a
> receiver IF we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
> have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more
> noise in relationship to the wanted signals. 
> What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the
> antenna signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
> Years ago I played around with a single crystal at the input of an old

> tube type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters,
> on what seemed to be one frequency. 
> 73

> Bruce-k1fz
> http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
_
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- End forwarded message -

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Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks Mirko,

 
Very Good information.   What is needed is to reduce noise more (lower) than 
signals. 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:36:30 +0100, S57AD  wrote:

  As far as I recall, Inrad sells front-end xtal filters. Some 25 years ago
when I lived in Belgrade, at YU1EXY we had two six-pole filters for SSB
part of 40M band but I can't recall and difference with or without those
filters. Beside those two xtal filters we used 8 pole Cohn LC filter with
4-gang variable capacitor and with very step curve (I think it was 600 or
800 Hz at -6 dB), which drastically reduced noise and QRM. We could hear
3rd or even 4th layer of callers in 40m pile-ups. 

As for xtal front end filters, I think 4O3A produces such a filters to be
used at in-band stations, but didn't have chance to try & use them... 

73, Mirko, S57AD

2016-12-22 21:57 GMT+01:00 K1FZ-Bruce :

> Tim,
>
> My single crystal was in the 1950's. 
> A crystal lattice could take in much of the 160 meter band and be
> pratical. 
> Thanks for your input. 
> 73
> Bruce
>
> On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:49:12 -0500, Tim Shoppa wrote:
>
> Bruce - It has long been rumored that the big EU multi-multis have
> a crystal filter at their run frequency receivers. e.g. if they are running
> on 7003.4, they have a crystal filter in front of their receiver for
> 7003.4. have never observed that in my visits but maybe in decades past,
> when receivers had less damage range, it would've made sense. Also a good
> reason to put up a fight for ownership of YOUR run frequency HI HI
>
> I believe EMRFD has a schematic for a single-frequency receiver, maybe
> not exactly like you described but similar in principle. Let me see if I
> can dig it up. 
> Tim N3QE
>
>
> On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:41 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:
>
>
> We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an antenna
> we can usually hear better. We also know if we limit the noise from a
> receiver IF we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
> have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more
> noise in relationship to the wanted signals. 
> What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the
> antenna signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
> Years ago I played around with a single crystal at the input of an old
> tube type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters,
> on what seemed to be one frequency. 
> 73
> Bruce-k1fz
> http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
_
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- End forwarded message -

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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks Mirko,

 
Very Good information.   What is needed is to reduce noise lower than signals. 
73

Bruce-k1fz
 

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:36:30 +0100, S57AD  wrote:

  As far as I recall, Inrad sells front-end xtal filters. Some 25 
years ago

when I lived in Belgrade, at YU1EXY we had two six-pole filters for SSB
part of 40M band but I can't recall and difference with or without those
filters. Beside those two xtal filters we used 8 pole Cohn LC filter with
4-gang variable capacitor and with very step curve (I think it was 600 or
800 Hz at -6 dB), which drastically reduced noise and QRM. We could hear
3rd or even 4th layer of callers in 40m pile-ups. 


As for xtal front end filters, I think 4O3A produces such a filters to be
used at in-band stations, but didn't have chance to try & use them... 


73, Mirko, S57AD

2016-12-22 21:57 GMT+01:00 K1FZ-Bruce :


Tim,

My single crystal was in the 1950's. 
A crystal lattice could take in much of the 160 meter band and be
pratical. 
Thanks for your input. 
73

Bruce

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:49:12 -0500, Tim Shoppa wrote:

Bruce - It has long been rumored that the big EU multi-multis have
a crystal filter at their run frequency receivers. e.g. if they are running
on 7003.4, they have a crystal filter in front of their receiver for
7003.4. have never observed that in my visits but maybe in decades past,
when receivers had less damage range, it would've made sense. Also a good
reason to put up a fight for ownership of YOUR run frequency HI HI

I believe EMRFD has a schematic for a single-frequency receiver, maybe
not exactly like you described but similar in principle. Let me see if I
can dig it up. 
Tim N3QE



On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:41 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:


We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an antenna
we can usually hear better. We also know if we limit the noise from a
receiver IF we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more
noise in relationship to the wanted signals. 
What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the
antenna signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
Years ago I played around with a single crystal at the input of an old

tube type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters,
on what seemed to be one frequency. 
73

Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html


_
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_
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--
Mirko S57AD
_
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_
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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
160 meters is above the broadcast band. 3rd order should be above 160, 
not lower. 
lattice filters, many near 9 MHZ. for single sideband transceivers,  
are used successfully. 
Could take out more noise, than adding. 
 
All the arguments against this could also be used against roofing filters. 
 

73
Bruce
 
 
On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 12:56:21 -0800, "Richard (Rick) Karlquist"  wrote:

  Crystal filters are known to have a 3rd order intercept
point. Depending on how many AM BCB stations impinge
on your filter, you could get intermods. Switching
in an attenuator ahead of the filter should help,
if you can stand the increase in noise figure. 


Rick N6RK

On 12/22/2016 12:41 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:



We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an 
antenna we can usually hear better. We also know if we limit the 
noise from a receiver IF we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even 
more noise in relationship to the wanted signals. 

What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of 
the antenna signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the 
receiver. 
Years ago I played around with a single crystal at the input of an 
old tube type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 
meters, on what seemed to be one frequency. 


73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html


_
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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Tim,
 
My single crystal was in the 1950's. 
 
A crystal lattice could take in much of the 160 meter band and be pratical. 
 
Thanks for your input. 
 

73
Bruce

On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:49:12 -0500, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

  Bruce -  It has long been rumored that the big EU multi-multis 
have a crystal filter at their run frequency receivers. e.g. if they 
are running on 7003.4, they have a crystal filter in front of their 
receiver for 7003.4.  have never observed that in my visits but maybe 
in decades past, when receivers had less damage range, it would've made 
sense.  Also a good reason to put up a fight for ownership of YOUR run 
frequency  HI HI

 
  I believe EMRFD has a schematic for a single-frequency receiver, 
maybe not exactly like you described but similar in principle. Let me 
see if I can dig it up. 
 

Tim N3QE

On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:41 PM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:

 
We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an 
antenna we can usually hear better. We also know  if we limit the 
noise from a receiver IF we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even 
more noise  in relationship to the wanted  signals. 
 
What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the 
antenna signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the 
receiver. 
Years ago I played  around with a single crystal at the input of an 
old tube type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 
meters, on what seemed to be one frequency. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 
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Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an antenna we 
can usually hear better. We also know  if we limit the noise from a receiver IF 
we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more noise  
in relationship to the wanted  signals. 
 
What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the antenna 
signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
Years ago I played  around with a single crystal at the input of an old tube 
type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters, on what seemed 
to be one frequency. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 
_
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Topband: Bad Timing

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Signal strength is lower on my Receiving delta antenna. 
 Found a rodent hole where the coax cable goes under frozen ground. 
Not a good holiday gift, but. plugged the hole with. d-CON. 
Antenna is still usable...so far. 

 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
_
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Re: Topband: test message to topband

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Thanks Tim. 

 
Will un-install the other one. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz

On Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:55:55 -0500, Tim Duffy  wrote:

  Hello Bruce,

I have been using ESET NOD32 for 10 years - without problems. 

It is the number one rated virus protection. 


73
Tim K3LR

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
K1FZ-Bruce
Sent: Wednesday, December 14, 2016 7:47 PM
To: Bill Cromwell; Topband
Subject: Topband: test message to topband

Thanks Bill, 
 
From emails from other topband  users . Think my virus program may be
trying to tell me that the original email has been modified. 


 
I have malware protection,  and ESET NOD32 anti virus.  Ever hear
anything negative about either one ?
 
Noticed it - first email after NOD32 installation. Think that will be
my first un-install. 
 

 
73
Bruce-k1fz

On Wed, 14 Dec 2016 19:21:50 -0500, Bill Cromwell wrote:

Hi Bruce,

I looked at my copies of your last two messages (from the "?" post) and
I don't see them. I do see extraneous blank spaces here and there -
probably where you question marks appear for you. Computers with
different fonts and especially with different 'formatting' specs (user
configurable) do all sorts of nasty things like that. It may be your
computer and it might be the server software at any one of the servers
along the way. 

My best to you getting it sorted. 


73,

Bill KU8U

On 12/14/2016 01:38 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:

Test message. Question mark research. _
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


--
bark less - wag more

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Topband: test message to topband-different computer

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 Test message.  Question mark research. 

_
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Topband: Question marks

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
On  topband,  someone is adding many question marks to my last two postings.  
What does that accomplish ? 
 
73
Bruce-K1FZ
_
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Topband: Bowtie Flags

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
 
Earl, K6SE (sk)  advanced loop antennas on 160 meters. For 
information-See Page 34, July 2000 QST magazine. 
The small 160 meter bandwidth allows loop optimization k6SE gives 
dimensions. 
 
George Walter AA7JV  helped the TX3A Chesterfield DXpedition group 
with interconnected  two half delta loops. 
For more information  check "low Band DXing"  5th edition  page 7-106. 
 
Loop antennas optimized for the 160 meter band have been used in 
various folded loop   configurations for some time.. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 


_
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Re: Topband: Bowtie Flags

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Nick, 

 
Although I did not measure it, the front to back, and front to side is 
better, overall more quiet. 
 

It is receiving toward the Caribbean. 
Europe, and USA stations, are lower in signal strength. 
 
Can often work Caribbean and South American stations through a small 
pile up when they are not working split. 
 
In my case it was a worth while change. 
 
The original plan was to be able to drive my car under it. 
 

73
Bruce-K1FZ
 

On Mon, 12 Dec 2016 16:35:14 +, Nick Hall-Patch  wrote:

What specific improvements did you note when the Delta was raised Bruce?

Thanks,

Nick
VE7DXR



At 16:23 12-12-16, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:

Dennis,

Is there a photo or sketch available of your antenna anywhere by email ?

Note: Height above ground helped a lot when my receiving Delta
antenna was re-installed higher. The bottom wire went from 3 feet up
to ~6 feet at my QTH. 
73

Bruce-k1fz

http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html

_

Nick Hall-Patch
Victoria, BC
Canada

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Re: Topband: Bowtie Flags

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Dennis,
 
Is there a photo or sketch available of your antenna anywhere by email ?
 
Note: Height above ground helped a lot when my receiving Delta antenna 
was re-installed higher.  The bottom wire went from 3 feet up to  ~6 
feet at my QTH. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html

On Sun, 11 Dec 2016 22:00:12 + (UTC), Dennis W0JX via Topband  wrote:

  Mike and Don,

I have been using an expanded version of a DHDL here since November 
2011. I was forced into going this way because the neighborhood around 
me has become very noisy and the antenna seems to be less susceptible 
to noise than my other antennas. I call it the Dual Flag array. I 
essentially expanded the DHDL deltas into the shape of a flag. My flags 
are large, approximately 24.5 feet tall and 32.5 feet long and 
separated by three feet. The wires cross in the middle rather than at 
the bottom so the flags are 180 degrees out of phase. They are similar 
to a Waller Flag antenna in some respects. 

My dual flag antenna is supported in the middle by a 31 foot pole made 
up of military fiberglas poles and the ends are supported by two trees. 
The bottom wire is 6 feet above ground. The feed transformer was wound 
on a binocular core with two turns on the primary and 7 turns secondary 
giving 918 ohms when fed with 75 ohm cable. I think my load resistor is 
1290 ohms at the back of the second flag. You can put a variable pot 
there and tune for best F/B but that is not necessarily the best RDF. 

I have found my dual flag array to be the quietest RX antenna in my RX 
system. It works very well on 160 through 40 although the pattern turns 
broadside on 40 meters. It beats all my 450 foot beverages hands down 
and is a great compliment to my HiZ 4 square which is now on the main 
RX of the K3 with the dual flag on the sub RX. You can also build a 
switching system to reverse directions but the circuit is rather 
complicated so I have two of these dual flag antennas pointed in 
different directions. I manually switch directions by moving the 
transformers and loads around using banana jacks when really need to 
grab a new country. 

As with all antennas of this type, an effective common mode choke at 
the feed point is an absolute must.SInce a rotatable version would be 
very difficult to build and support on a tower, the next logical step 
would be a smaller true Waller Flag like NX4D's Big Waller. 

I must give credit to George AA7JV who modeled this antenna for me and 
provided the inspiration through his TX3A DHDL RX antenna. 


73, Dennis W0JX
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Topband: Fwd: Re: Electric Fence Noise at W9RE

[K1FZ-Bruce]

-
 
Noise usually comes when vegetation starts touching the lowest wires. ' 
Roundup' weed control can  be a help. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz

On Fri, 9 Dec 2016 14:41:59 -0500, James Wolf  wrote:

  I have a horse farm behind me that has electric fences all over their
smaller pens and larger pastures. When it is installed correctly and the
sender is working correctly they are quiet. Unfortunately, his are not. 
In some places he has the hot wire mounted below the lowest fence board to
keep the dogs from moving in certain areas where some of the wire is
touching the ground. The whole place needs completely redone. Luckily,
setting the NB on the radio to its lowest setting keeps the pops away and
the intermod is tolerable except in contests. I can usually just walk the
fence and hear it arcing, or I can tell which section is arcing by putting
my one good ear next to the wire and listening to it ring. I used to put
ferrite beads and capacitors in the older controllers to roll off the sharp
transition of off and on; I don't have to do that any longer. The bottom
line is that if installed correctly and if using any recent controllers, you
won't be bothered. 

Jim - KR9U

___

Funny thing about electric fences... 

I lease out 9 acres of my property in KH6 to a farmer who has an electric
fence around that part of the property. As far as I can tell it is totally
silent. I parked my truck next to the fence, tuned to 1710 kHz and other
than background noise, it was totally quiet...no pops etc. No antennas up
yet, but this certainly looks promising. Any thoughts?

Bill K4XS/KH7XS

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Re: Topband: Improving condx?

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
A few weeks ago someone called it "the midnight effect". (local time)
 
 It is closer to sunrise in Europe for some, but

quite some time before sunrise for others. 
 
Have fun !
 
73
Bruce-K1FZ
 

On Wed, 7 Dec 2016 14:55:29 -0500, Art Snapper  wrote:

  Conditions to EU were better than I have seen so far this season I was 
only
on from 0430-0500z, but even that was impressive. 
Tom 4O/KC0W was very loud. In fact, he was louder than he is at our sunset
peak. 

73
Art NK8X

On Wed, Dec 7, 2016 at 2:46 PM,  wrote:

> Greetings Topbanders. . . 
>
> I got on the air on TB late last evening about 11:00 p.m. Central Standard
> Time and had a pleasant surprise. I had been QRV 160 earlier in the
> evening and found conditions to EU to be poor (when I have trouble copying
> SV3RF, F5IN, HA8RM, etc., things are bad). However, I got back on later
> having suspicions that maybe conditions were beginning to improve so I
> started calling CQ. I was pleasantly surprised and ended up working 32 EU
> stations (not a bad run from here in the Midwest). It wasn’t a continuous
> run as I stopped to tune around from time to time to see what else might be
> going on. I could have worked more stations but was tired and went to bed. 
> The real surprise was well over half the EU stations worked were either new
> call signs for 160m or all time new call signs. I was careful to make sure
> I was getting call signs accurately so I’m confident the “unique” call
> signs were indeed valid. As we get further into the season I’ve noticed
> the past week or so this pattern of improving conditions as EU SR
> approaches. It most definitely has not always been that way this season
> here in Iowa. In any case, it might pay for you stateside guys to stay up
> a little late as EU seems to waiting. 
>
> 73 and compliments of the Season. . .Dave, W0FLS
> _
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- End forwarded message -

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Re: Topband: 1809.2 kHz constant dashes

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
Very weakly hear it to my West from Belfast Maine.  Not detectable in 
any other direction. 


 
Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Tue, 6 Dec 2016 01:17:46 -0500, Don Kirk  wrote:

  I'm hearing what sounds like a stuck Key sending dashes (rate 
approximately

20 dashes sent in 10 seconds). Does not appear to be a local signal and
heading approximately 90 degrees from Fishers Indiana (which is
near Indianapolis). 


Hard to get super accurate heading right now due to Thunder Storms in
Southern US, but definitely close to 90 degrees from me. 

Anyone else hearing and please provide heading from your location. 

At 0600 UTC it is peaking about S7. 


Don (WD8DSB)
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Topband: New use for Noise Canceling box

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Tree,
 
Years ago I had a very similar noise. Seemed to be in the power lines 
as I drove around with my car radio at AM 1700 KHZ. 
Purchased a MFJ 1026 even though a naysayer said it could not work with 
the noise in the power lines. 
 
After experimenting with 'noise antennas' into the auxiliary input , a 
close to ground antenna to my south worked well. Was able to totally
null out the noise and work DX again. 
 
I lived with this for a couple of years until the big Ice Storm of 
1998.  Everyone in the lost power. I got an old power generator going 
and got on the air,
and there was no noise.  As the power company was fixing the broken 
power lines, I was listening and watching. Immediately when a neighbor 
got power , the noise was back. 
 
Contacted the neighbor and found him to be cooperative. After some 
testing, found the problem was his computer. it had one of 
those Chinese power supplies


that became well know with time. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/
 

On Sat, 3 Dec 2016 06:01:23 -0800, Tree  wrote:

  Last night - around 8 PM or so - this HUGE noise signal showed 
up on 160 -

sweeping up the band slowly. Probably a DC power supply with signals every
80 kHz or something. But - it has some energy all over the ban - thus
rasing my noise floor. Sorry if I was an alligator last night. 


I put a Beverage up to the East just before the contest started - so I had
two RX antennas - the other being a Hi-Z 4 square. The Hi-Z said the noise
signal was East - perhaps a bit stronger in the South direction than North
- so call it just South of East. The Beverage picked it up very well - so
it agreed. A feeble attempt at DFing last night was unsuccessful - but
will be tried again if it stays on during the daytime. It is still on this
morning before Sunrise. 


The nasty part of the noise is about the same signal strength as most good
signals coming in that are not local (looking at the band scope). It has a
10 kHz or so wide peak. 


I was able to put the two RX antennas into a MFJ-1026 - with the output
going to the RX input of my K3 - and adjusted the controls to null out the
noise. With a local signal - I have been able to obtain deep nulls and
this proved to be true with this noise. I was actually running guys on the
East coast right in the middle of the worst part of the noise after doing
this. 


This technique would likely be useful for those who have a similar noise
situation - so I wanted to share. You obviously don't need a beverage for
the "noise" antenna - just something that is good at picking up the noise
and perhaps nothing much else. If you have a neighbor that has a noisy
device - just put something that is close to their house. 


It's a battle out there to keep your noise sources under control. I'll
report back if I am successful in finding this one. 


73 Tree N6TR / K7RAT
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Re: Topband: Inverted L Radials

[K1FZ-Bruce]

This is normal, but without the radials your RF is  mostly heating up 
the earth. 
 
If you make the L a little longer, then insert a variable capacitor at 
the feed point, you should be able to find a higher feed point with the 
radials connected.. 
 
With trial and error 'juggling' the extra wire length and capacitance. 
you can get very close to 50 ohms, and get a good signal out for DX. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 

On Thu, 1 Dec 2016 19:59:57 + (UTC), james soto via Topband  wrote:

  Hi allLast year i install an inverted L antenna for 160 with few 
radials different lenght.ohms was between 20 to 25 ohms and swr about 
2.2 . This past weekend i was checking thethe antenna with the mfj 
analyser and i proceed to disconnect the radials from the groundrod and 
just leave the ground portion of the coax attach to the ground rod and 
the reading wasSWR 1.2 and 50 ohms. are this normal ?

Thanks
KP2BH / jimmy
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Re: Topband: Noise sources in general

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Yes, basically true, but in my case most of the noise is coming from 
one direction. 

Antennas with deep nulls have allowed me to work DX. 
Also use a MFJ-1026 to help with nulls. 
 
We are drifting toward more noise in the world not less, with human 
population increases. We all need to live somewhere. 
If only we could live noise free. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
 

On Fri, 18 Nov 2016 14:14:22 -0600, daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote:

  The reality is it ultimately becomes unsolvable regardless of antenna
options. 73. . .Dave, W0FLS

-Original Message-
From: K1FZ-Bruce
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2016 12:32 PM
To: Topband
Subject: Topband: Noise sources in general

When I moved here in rural Belfast Maine, year 1990, I only had three close
neighbors. As time has gone on, have new single house neighbors, then the
city okayed a low-income housing development. Have from 24 t0 32 families
within about 500 feet. Noise you bet, too many to correct. Inhabitants keep
changing. Good antennas are the only solution so far. 


73
Bruce-k1fz

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Topband: Noise sources in general

[K1FZ-Bruce]

When I moved here in rural Belfast Maine, year 1990, I only had three close 
neighbors.  As time has gone on, have new single house neighbors, then the city 
okayed a low-income housing development. Have from 24 t0 32 families within 
about 500 feet.  Noise you bet, too many to correct. Inhabitants keep changing. 
Good antennas are the only solution so far. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 

- Forwarded message from daraym...@iowatelecom.net -

Date: Fri, 18 Nov 2016 11:57:51 -0600
From: daraym...@iowatelecom.net
Reply-To: daraym...@iowatelecom.net
Subject: Topband: Noise sources in general
To: Guy Olinger K2AV , Joe Galicic , topband@contesting.com

With ever burgeoning sources of manmade noise (various energy efficient 
lights, switching supplies, computer related hardware, etc.) it would seem 
the only real way to escape the noise problem is to abandon the the 
urban/suburban areas and move to the country. Even then casinos, wind 
energy farms, and other commercial enterprises can move in to create 
unsolvable, multiple noise sources from multiple directions killing the 
prospects for a low noise environment, especially on TB. My noise floor on 
TB out here in the Iowa countryside has gone from somewhere in the -130 dbm 
range to about -107dbm (or more)@250 Hz bandwidth during daytime hours. . 
.and it's not power line noise. New houses have popped up 1/2 - 3/4 mile 
away and with every new one the noise floor continues to creep upward. My 
biggest noise source used to be electric fences in various directions, which 
the NB took care of nicely. Now the problem has changed and can't really be 
solved. . .except to perhaps move out further. 73. . .Dave, W0FLS

-Original Message- 
From: Guy Olinger K2AV
Sent: Friday, November 18, 2016 8:17 AM
To: Joe Galicic
Cc: List, TopBand ; William Hill
Subject: Re: Topband: Plasma TV noise

We can all thank our lucky stars that plasma TV has got to the point where
vanishing popularity has got its numbers down to where it no longer has
economy of scale. Economics are killing it. 

What you can do at your neighbor's party is to pour some Pepsi inside his
TV and hasten it's demise. Sledge hammers would work too, but it's hard to
be covert using a sledge hammer. The replacement will be LED-based, which
happily now has both quality and economics of scale tilting positive. 

The new radio killer will be solar cells that have individual controllers
so a shadow on one part of a panel doesn't kill the whole panel. New
battle, new economics, new solutions. 

73, Guy K2AV

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- End forwarded message -

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Re: Topband: Strange resistance between Beverage ground rods

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
True Yuri. 
 
Yes, much of it- low in frequency. This is why we wind our isolated 
antenna transformers to pass 160 meters and above,
with very low primary to secondary coupling capacity to minimize 
passing of these frequencies. 
 

 
73
Bruce-k1fz 

On Tue, 15 Nov 2016 13:47:40 -0500 (EST), Yuri Blanarovich  wrote:

  Don't forget that in the ground there are "travelling" Eddy currents,
being generated by all kinds od "services". The worst are in the areas
where trolley services, electric trains and other high power services
use ground as the other conductor or just being there. They can get so
bad that they can "eat" gas lines, water lines and cause accelerated
corrosion and breakage. They would definitely affect any "ground"
measurements and interfere with measurements. 


Yuri K3BU.us
MVmanor.com
  
 
 
 On Tue, Nov 15, 2016 at 01:24 PM, Jon Zaimes wrote:
 
 > As I recall mine are typically in the hundreds of ohms or low
thousands, never as high as
20k, even on a 950 ft wire. 

I do see large variations of these across my 12 acres, even 
significantly different readings on each wire in a staggered phased 
pair. 

We have two different soil types, which may be a factor. 

My ground rods are typically 3-5 feet, and water table is usually a 
few inches deep or less. 


73/Jon AA1K


Sent from my iPhone


On Nov 15, 2016, at 9:20 AM, Herbert Schoenbohm wrote:

I have reflection transformers at the end of every two wire 
Beverages which I try to test by measuring the wires on the feed 
end. I remove the transformer from the two wire WD1-A and check the 
resistance between the two wires which tells me that through the 
reflection transformer I have continuity. It measures about 40 ohms 
wire to wire, this is done when I notice any performance change of 
the antenna. Now come the next test that baffles me completely. When 
I measure from either wire to my ground rods alone, to see what the 
return resistance is, I get reading in the vicinity of 20K across 
the 900 foot run. I understand that if the reading was very low it 
would defeat the whole Beverage principle. But is 20K Ohms 
reasonable, very good, or marginal? I use three foot foot rods at 
either end and when I pull one out yesterday before moving it the 
bottom 1/4 was moist and muddy. That Southern end of several 
reversible Beverages is located about 100 feet or less from a sal
t marsh or salt pond. I also have to such antennas made up of ladder 
line a DX Engineering components. They all appear to be working well 
even though large grass has reach and covered portion of some of them. 


But my question is what is a reasonable or good return ground 
resistance for a 600' or 900' Beverage. I haven't found any sources 
of information expect the saying that the higher Resistance the 
better. Is this correct?


Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ

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Topband: BOIG antenna changes

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Years ago, before 1920, Harold Beverage ran a "wave antenna" wire on the ground 
on Mount Desert Island, Maine over the rocks on the shore line to a Navy 
Barrage receiver, near Otter Cliff's.  He discovered its directional 
properties. 
Later about  ca ~1948 Albert E. Weymouth, Original W1BX call sign, had me, a 9 
year neighbor kid, help him with a wire on ground, and also with a buried  
under ground wire antenna.  
I bring this up because I recently heard someone on 160 SSB  give a, now middle 
age ham, credit for inventing the BOG antenna. 
 
Many times I have inquires from those new to 160 meters and interested in a BOG 
antennas.  With Beverage as part of the name Multi band operation is assumed. 
Research by Luis, IV3PRK at HC1PF has confirmed that the antenna is a one band 
device when expecting a real good pattern. Reduced directivity can be found on 
other bands

Please check out both of  Luis WEB pages:
http://www.iv3prk.it/new-page.htm
http://www.iv3prk.it/bog-modeling.htm
 
 A name change  has been talked about, but never got going. 
Wire on ground is most descriptive, with WOG a single letter change. 

 
Started the ball rolling (slowly) by changing the bogantennanotes wording, and 
will continue  as time permits.. 
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/
 
 
73
Bruce-K1FZ  
  

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Topband: Out the back door propagation.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

I'm in mid-coast Maine. W1AW is in Newington CT.  On a good low angle night 
I can see over 20DB front to back on their signals.. 
 
To night I see 6db at best. This  can be from aurora,...  or when 10 meters 
is"hopping" with signals most of them North-South,
160 meters is not so good.  (or Maybe an opening to CE, LY, PY.     For 
me at least, tomorrow at sunrise is a good morning to sleep in. hi   
 
73
Bruce   
 
 
 
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Re: Topband: question

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 

Hi Luis,
 
Your question about the BOG wire. 
 
After my last email thinking possibly you were writing  about 
single wire BOGs. 
In this case the wire size is not important other than large enough not 
to break.. The insulation should be good
I like plastic insulation. 
 
My opinion:    Better to try one BOG antenna first, solve the 
problems, then add more. 
 

Bruce-k1fz
 
 
 

  Hi, I have several questions, I am interested in setting up antennas
reception BOG in a key antenna RCS-10, I would like to put in the same key
6 BOG's and 2 Beverages I already own, each Beverage is also 0 degrees to
600 feet that look about the USA and Europe at 45 degrees to 700 feet. 


I would like that the BOG's were cut and functioned for 40-80-160 between
Good and Very Good was excellent for the 3 bands that is almost impossible. 


They can be placed in the same Swiche all antennas?

As it would be better to feed them with 59 or RG6 RG?

The cable from the key to the radius is 40 meters RG 59 or better RG6?

I know that each antenna must place a ground rod, I can make a copper tube
1.50 meters?

I use Bafles duplex wire gauge 20 or 22 that is right or should be thicker?

How far should I place each transformer to not interact or be fed antennas
key interaction is reduced?

For now these are the questions that I have to do. 

Thank you very much and I look forward to the answers. 


Sincerely

HK6P

LUIS

PD was experimentacion but if anyone knows more and can save money by not
consult those who know
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Re: Topband: question

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hello Luis,

 
The BOG wire is not the gauge of the wire, but the impedance. Many 
transformer  suppliers are using 150 ohms. 
 
BOG antennas react with the earth it rest (sits) upon. The BOG length 
to get a good pattern varies a lot with the local earth. 
It is basically a one band antenna, although you may be able to hear 
signals on other bands. 
 
The transformers can be wound for the coax cable impedance that you specify. 
 
My opinion , recommend that you only try one BOG antenna, after you 
solve the problems to find the right length to get a good front to 
back, Then attempt to add more BOG antennas. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/index.html
 
 
 

  I have several questions, I am interested in setting up antennas
reception BOG in a key antenna RCS-10, I would like to put in the same key
6 BOG's and 2 Beverages I already own, each Beverage is also 0 degrees to
600 feet that look about the USA and Europe at 45 degrees to 700 feet. 


I would like that the BOG's were cut and functioned for 40-80-160 between
Good and Very Good was excellent for the 3 bands that is almost impossible. 


They can be placed in the same Swiche all antennas?

As it would be better to feed them with 59 or RG6 RG?

The cable from the key to the radius is 40 meters RG 59 or better RG6?

I know that each antenna must place a ground rod, I can make a copper tube
1.50 meters?

I use Bafles duplex wire gauge 20 or 22 that is right or should be thicker?

How far should I place each transformer to not interact or be fed antennas
key interaction is reduced?

For now these are the questions that I have to do. 

Thank you very much and I look forward to the answers. 


Sincerely

HK6P

LUIS

PD was experimentacion but if anyone knows more and can save money by not
consult those who know
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Re: Topband: : how to check a BOG

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Yes, wide sweep from 1000KHZ to about  7000KHZ  Had to drive the 
ground rod a few times.  My last estimate of removal wire resulted in 
the wire "too short'
Had to add wire. Had enough  of driving, and removing ground rods.  
Was one that wedged in the ledge rocks and is still there. 


73
Bruce-k1fz

On Sun, 23 Oct 2016 15:33:44 -0400, "N2TK, Tony"  wrote:

  Bruce,
Did you sweep from say the AM band up to 40M to find the null? Was the 
null pronounced? I assume as you shortened the wire you hooked up to a 
terminating resistor and repositioned the ground rod?


Tnx
N2TK, Tony

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of K1FZ-Bruce
Sent: Sunday, October 23, 2016 3:02 PM
To: Art Snapper ; Topband
Subject: Topband: : how to check a BOG

I purchased a MFJ 5014 noise generator for $ 39.95 (it took awhile to 
get here, think they build to order.)


At Mid-day time to reduce interference, set it way out, with about 20 
feet of wire sitting on the ground in the direction of the BOG null. 

Tuned frequencies on the receiver to find minimum signal, trimmed the 
BOG wire to bring the null into 160 meters. 


"Worked like a charm"

73'
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/

On Sun, 23 Oct 2016 13:57:41 -0400, Art Snapper wrote:

I took a hint from Luis HC1PF. A small 1.8+/- clock oscillator and a 
wire attached to a pole is what he used. 
I found said oscillator on eBay. 

It worked, but I am not sure the near field results should be taken for 
granted. 


73
Art NK8X
p.s. Still trying to figure out the computer problem that plagued me 
during the SP, and is gone now!


On Sun, Oct 23, 2016 at 12:53 PM, Bob K6UJ wrote:


How do you plot the directivity of your BOG ?
I am toying with the idea of either transmitting from my car HF rig 
(milliwatt sig) and plotting the pattern from diff directions or is 
it possible to transmit with the BOG with a real low milliwatt sig ? 
I was thinking then I could drive around with my HF rig in the car in 
about a half mile radius and see if I could plot the pattern. This 
might not be doable, but thought I would throw it out there. 
How do you test your BOG ?


Bob
K6UJ


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Topband: : how to check a BOG

[K1FZ-Bruce]

I purchased a MFJ 5014 noise generator for $ 39.95  (it took awhile to 
get here, think they build to order.)


 
At Mid-day time to reduce interference,  set it way out, with about 20 
feet of wire sitting on the ground in the direction of the BOG null. 
 
Tuned frequencies on the receiver to find  minimum signal, trimmed the 
BOG wire to bring  the null into 160 meters. 
 

"Worked like a charm"
 
73'
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/
 
 

On Sun, 23 Oct 2016 13:57:41 -0400, Art Snapper  wrote:

  I took a hint from Luis HC1PF. A small 1.8+/- clock oscillator 
and a wire
attached to a pole is what he used. 
I found said oscillator on eBay. 


It worked, but I am not sure the near field results should be taken for
granted. 


73
Art NK8X
p.s. Still trying to figure out the computer problem that plagued me during
the SP, and is gone now!

On Sun, Oct 23, 2016 at 12:53 PM, Bob K6UJ  wrote:


How do you plot the directivity of your BOG ?
I am toying with the idea of either transmitting from my car HF rig
(milliwatt sig)
and plotting the pattern from diff directions or is it possible to
transmit with the BOG with
a real low milliwatt sig ? I was thinking then I could drive around with
my HF rig in the car
in about a half mile radius and see if I could plot the pattern. This
might not be doable,
but thought I would throw it out there. 
How do you test your BOG ?


Bob
K6UJ


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Topband: Propagation

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Seeing a large front to back on antennas tonight indicating low angle 
propagation. 
 
Good for the contest
 
73
Bruce
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Topband: Fwd: Re: inv. L

[K1FZ-Bruce]

I waterproof with silicon as best possible, and the most important  part is  
make an upside down U turn in the coax at the end. Water does not "like" to 
flow up hill in most cases. 

 
73
Bruce-k1fz

On Thu, 20 Oct 2016 09:16:08 -0400, Art Snapper  wrote:

  I had a few hours free yesterday afternoon, so I began the dual 80/160
radiator inv. L project. 

In the process, I found that water had entered the coaxial center insulator
that was used at the feedpoint of the antenna. 

Does anyone have a favorite solution for a weatherproof, coaxial feedpoint
for this type of antenna???

The radials are attached to several load center ground bars, that are
screwed into a copper pipe that is driven into the ground. 

The pipe gives me a rigid mounting point for some kind of insulator or
standoff. 

BTW, after a temporary fix, I ran some quick SWR tests. There appears to be
very little interaction between the elements. At least from an SWR
perspective. 

de Art NK8X

ᐧ

On Mon, Oct 17, 2016 at 11:16 AM, Art Snapper  wrote:

> I was considering adding a second vertical element to my 160 inverted L. 
> This one would be roughly a quarter wave tall for use on 80. 
>
> I tried modelling in Eznec, but wasn't comfortable with the results. I may
> have screwed it up. 
>
> Has anyone tried it for real? Is it a big compromise on either band? Would
> a switch at the feedpoint have any benefit?
>
> My inverted L has about 50 radials. 
>
> 73
> Art NK8X
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Topband: BOG antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

We have learned a lot about BOG antennas thanks to research by Luis, 
IV3PRK/HC1PF. 
 
The initals BOG was for Beverage On Ground.  He found that it did not function  
as a Beverage when on the ground, but the pattern was better, noise generally 
lower. 
It may require a preamplifier in the radio room.- Depends upon the 
receiver/transceiver. 
 
The 200 foot length is the starting point for a wire 'right' on the ground. As 
it disappears under vegitation , you may have to shorten it a couple of years, 
or use a stick with a hook at the end to pull it out of the weeds. 
 
Best to read Luis's research pages to get an idea what is going on. 
 
 
http://www.iv3prk.it/new-page.htm
 
http://www.iv3prk.it/bog-modeling.htm
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
 
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Topband: WD-1-A Field telephone wire.

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Bottom line -This wire works well in two wire BOG antenna applications. 
 
Something to think about.  Steel strands are off set by four copper strands. 
 
If we so afraid of steel magnetically interfering with the signal why are we 
using steel towers for transmit.?
Yes they are galvanized, but zinc is a rather poor conductor, but better than 
steel. 
 
One needs to take into consideration that the tower is a fat conductor. each 
leg is in parallel with the others. 

Like resistors in parallel resistance is lowered, so losses are OK as is. 
 
Some how we took something that is working well and are trying to say it is 
not. 
Typically we develop products the opposite way around. 
 
 Please don't loose any sleep over it, but if you do, could go work some DX. 
 
73
 
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
 
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Re: Topband: Soldering radials?

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Matt,

 
We can not ever have enough radials, especially with a less than a 1/4 
wave vertical.  Shorter antennas can get competitive if
enough radials are used.    Recommend solid wire because oxidation 
from water can corrode the stranded faster. Each strand
is loosing conductivity.  Solder them where they cross each other.   
If not connected, voltage differences leak power away. 

Takes time but in mid winter, it worth it.  Busting through a pile up 
easily can bring a smile. 
 

73
Bruce- k1fz

On Wed, 12 Oct 2016 16:27:58 -0400, Matthew King - KK4CPS  wrote:

  All this talk of radials makes me wonder about my radial field 


The area that the radials live in has been burned in a backfire. It has a
wide variety of wire in it, mostly stranded copper. I'm sure the
insulation is no more now that it's been burned. 


I'm quite sure they're corroded now, most likely on each strand of each
wire. 


The million dollar question, now - are the radials ruined? Would I realize
better coverage if I were to replace them?

Inquiring minds want to know 


73

Matt
AK4MK


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Re: Topband: Soldering radials?

[K1FZ-Bruce]

WLBZ AM radio 620 KHZ. in Bangor, Maine  in the early 1960's had a reduction in 
the ground wave signal 
most noticeable over 40 miles.  We  found the radial connections installed in 
the 1920's were in tough shape. 
 
Ran new radials and inter-connected with silver solder. After the work was 
completed 
could copy the station ~130 miles distant in Portland Maine on a car radio. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
PS remember how long those old car radio antennas were? hi
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 

On Wed, 12 Oct 2016 07:16:09 -1000, Merv Schweigert  wrote:

  I had soldering problems here in the salt air until I switched to
no lead plumbers solder and pure resin flux. have not had a problem
since, I have radials and connections over 7 years old that
are in great shape, exposed to the elements. 
YMMV
73 Merv K9FD/KH6

> I'd like to get the latest thinking from the group
> on soldering radials. What I currently thinking
> is as follows:
>
> SOLDER SELECTION:
>
> 1. Tin lead doesn't hold up in the weather. 
>
> 2. "Stay Brite" 3% silver solder (97% tin,
> no lead) is known to work well, but is expensive,
> and has a considerably higher melting point
> than 63/37. 
>
> 3. Lead free plumber's solder obviously works
> in water pipes, but does it hold up outdoors
> in the rain? What is the melting point?
>
> FLUX SELECTION:
>
> 1. Pure rosin. Hardest to work with, but minimum
> corrosion issues. 
>
> 2. Activated rosin. Easier to work with. What
> corrosion issues are there?
>
> 3. Acid core plumber's flux. Very easy to work
> with, very corrosive. Does this hold up in the
> rain, etc?
>
> (I remember the dire warnings that Heathkit manuals
> had about not using acid core solder, but I
> guess that doesn't apply to radials.)
>
> CRIMPING?
>
> Has anyone tried crimping as an alternative to solder?
>
> Rick
> N6RK
> _
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> . 
>

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Re: Topband: Fw: WD-1 Wire impedance

[K1FZ-Bruce]

RF measured two different batches of the Plastic covered WD-1A   
wire. One was 130 ohms and the other was 150 ohms. 

Lot of hams use it for two wire beverages with good luck. 
 
1. Remember postings saying Beverage wire  size  could be very small 
if it could be physically supported. This
because the current on the wire is so small the loss is small. This 
wire does have some copper strands,  think it was four.. 


 
2. Then because the impedance is so low that almost any insulation is 
adequate. 
 
I put up a temporary beverage  4 or 5 years ago -(time flies)  My 
wire just running over the branches along a tree line- no insulators.. 
It was, yes I 'll say it again, 'temporary' for a few months but years 
later it is still working well. 
 
The wire is tough, made for war time use... It stands up well.. 
 
I do stay away from the old original  type with a lot of twist, as 
believe there is 'some' cancellation. (like as in twisted pair)

 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 

On Mon, 10 Oct 2016 17:00:23 -0400, Herbert Schoenbohm  wrote:

  But believe the WD1A really works well at this QTH in both forward and
reverse modes. I have made many direct comparisons on extreme DX on 160
and the WD1A was the difference it too to hear the weak signal. My
tests on the VK0 and VP8 Dx-peditions with a 600 foot single wire
Beverage and the WD1A reversible configuration of the same length made
me a firm believe in the WD1A Beverage ability. Furthermore the WD1A is
cheap, strong, easy to construct just passing over limbs of small
trees. In fact it is so strong that when a deer (yes we have them here)
gets caught up in them the far end boxes, until I put in break away
jumpers, was the victim. 


On 10/10/2016 4:41 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
Boxbe  This message is eligible for Automatic Cleanup! 
(rich...@karlquist.com) Add cleanup rule  | More info

Hi Herb and all,
When I was in the Army, 1958 to 1960,, I was a "Field Communications 
Crewman". It meant, I helped string telephone wire. 
We used what was called WD-1TT. It was two separate conductors. They 
were twisted, not molded together. Each conductor was made of 3 
steel wires and 4 copper wires making a 7 strand conductor. It might 
have been 4 steel and 3 copper. 
I have never found listings for WD-1TT on eBay. We spliced it by 
stripping about 10 inches from each conductor and tying a square 
knot and twisting the loose end on the conductor and covering with 
friction tape and then Scotch electrical tape. We could run 3 
telephone circuits on 2 wires and ground with isolation transformers. 
Regards...Price W0RI


With steel being very lossy AND magnetic AND frequency
dependent, the characteristic impedance of this
stuff is likely to be complex and frequency varying. 
I don't see how it would ever work well for a
reversible beverage. 


Rick N6RK
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Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

To: Aravind Balasubramanian 

Hello Aravind,
 
If phased on 160 the close spacing creates many problems for the phasing and 
very low impedances. 
 
Coax cables  need to be different length than 80 meter cables. 
 
Years ago I had phased on 80 meters, and switched  to to a non phased on 160. 
Used  the non fed tower as a tuned reflector against ground. 
Required a lot of  switching relays. 
 
It worked better than a single vertical, but not great. 
 
 Got some front to back that was useful on receive. 
 
It was a lot of years ago, unable to  remember all the details. 
 
73
 
Bruce-k1fz
 

On Fri, 23 Sep 2016 02:17:21 +0530, Aravind Balasubramanian  wrote:

  i just planted my first topband antenna. a homebrew extended length
butternut 2 v with homebrew tbr160 coil on a 30 feet pushup mast to help me
squeeze a slooping radial in my 40 feet x 45 feet tiny terrace. i was able
start my 160m dxcc ac with a ua4 on lotw. Want to add one more hf9v and
convert it into a 2 el phased array for 80m with a compromise spacing of 50
ft (max diagonal spacing available). rx is a challenge. max allowed power
of 400 w dc input to final in vu land is another challenge. i plan to build
a dual waller flag http://nx4d10.wixsite.com/waller-flag/page3 and place it
as far away from the diagonal line of the phased array as possible. what
kind if interaction/detuning/directivity hit should i expect. for 160m/cqww
cw contest weekends i can try installing the flag in my neighbours terrace
temporarily. 

assuming i add another tbr160 to the 2nd hf9v can i expect any directivty
gained by the 80m phasing on 160m. i will keep the linear happy by using a
tuner. has anyone modelled something similar?

any tips/suggestions welcome. 

73 de Aravind vu2abs

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Re: Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
 
Good Info Dave, Thanks. 
 In Maine, one contest Weekend, about year 1999-2000  worked 103 countries. 
 Lots of countries in Europe not that far away in the Northeast direction. 
73

Bruce-k1fz

On Thu, 22 Sep 2016 14:49:04 -0500, daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote:

  Success also depends a lot on your location. Working 119 DXCC from a 70'
inv vee from NY is a whole lot easier than doing it, for instance, out here
in the Midwest (Iowa). YMMV. . .73. . .Dave, W0FLS

-Original Message-
From: Joe K2UF
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2016 11:45 AM
To: 'Topband'
Subject: Re: Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

I Have an inv V hanging off of my 70 foot tower. Because I live on a
suburb lot the legs of the antenna are bent to fit the lot (really ugly). I
have worked DXCC (119) with that minimal antenna. It can be done but you
have to be patient. 


73 Joe K2UF

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Re: Topband: Flag close to tower?

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
 
WB6RSE has done exceedingly well with his Roof Mounted  rotatable Flag 
antenna that is very close to his transmit vertical. 
 
See March 2011 QST magazine. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz

On Thu, 22 Sep 2016 10:52:25 -0700, Bob K6UJ  wrote:

  I am thinking of trying a rotatable flag for 160. 
I have a small lot and the farthest distance I can install the flag from

my tower is 35 feet. Since it will be rotatable I assume I can aim the
null
at the tower to minimize any intereaction. Is it worth trying or not ?
I read somewhere that the K9AY loop antenna can perform fairly close to
a tower, but how about a flag ?

Bob
K6UJ

 Bruce-k1fz
  http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
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Re: Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

 
 
The rorary Flag antenna by WB6RSE was in March 2011, QST magazine. He 
has done exceeding well receiving with his Flag antenna on 160 meters.. 


 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Thu, 22 Sep 2016 17:07:31 +, Arthur Delibert  wrote:

  I have good luck with a pennant antenna, using a DX Engineering 
pre-amp at the antenna.  I live in a densely populated suburb, where 
it seems like every neighbor has every RF noise-maker ever invented, 
and the antenna does a pretty good job except for neighbors that are 
right off the front end of the antenna.  The down-side is that it's 
fixed direction; but I have seen info about someone who built one on a 
rotating platform.  There's a ton of information about how to 
make them at  http://www.angelfire.com/md/k3ky/page37.html

 
Art Delibert, KB3FJO
North Bethesda, MD

-
From: Topband  on behalf of K1FZ-Bruce
Sent: Thursday, September 22, 2016 11:47 AM
To: Topband
Subject: Topband: 160 meter starter antennas 

This is the time of year that many of us in the Northern Hemisphere 
have been waiting for. 

 
 DX is coming up, long and stronger. Many 'old timers'  have their 
antennas  "ready to roll". 
 
New comers to the band may want an inexpensive starter receive antenna, 
If there is space
a beverage is a good forgiving antenna. 
 

 
For limited space:
Despite some criticizing,  a loop antenna can result in many DX 
contacts. Even SWL's in the AM radio  BCB like them. 
 
Yes there are always better antennas, but many of us started with 
in-expensive wire types. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html

 
flag_loop_antennas - QSL.net
www.qsl.net
Recommend a 900 ohm low capacitance primary antenna connection. 
Isolation: Less than 6pf (3-4pf typical) inter-winding capacitance for 
minimum common mode transfer ... 


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Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Paul,

 
Glad you are ready to work DX
 
Are the Beverage antenna transformer and termination resistor  close 
to the ground rods, with short interconnect wires.?

 
Are your coax cables buried to help with noise pick up.?
 
Some of the small metal loops are not as good as the larger wire home 
built ones. 
DX is getting much better  most notice-able at sunrise & sunset. 
 

73
Bruce

On Thu, 22 Sep 2016 17:25:25 +0100, Paul Mclaren
 wrote:

  I am in that category only having put up inverted L for 160m as 
an extension on my 40m quarterwave vertical recently.   Receive 
antennas are Wellbrook loop and a couple of 40m beverages point 
NE/SW on top of a 7 foot high boundary wall.  This was only put in 
place in the summer so yet to try my first winter and can't really 
believe I will hear anything Stateside or beyond - my best DX so far 
with limited effort is A65.   The beverages are not very directional 
on 160m but hear into the local suburban noise better than the loop 
plus they work well on 80m and 40m RX as a bonus. 
 
I'll take any criticism going but for a normal UK house my garden is 
pretty average so I have to make do. 
 

Regards

Paul MM0ZBH

   
 

Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
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Topband: 160 meter starter antennas

[K1FZ-Bruce]

This is the time of year that many of us in the Northern Hemisphere have been 
waiting for. 
 
 DX is coming up, long and stronger. Many 'old timers'  have their antennas  
"ready to roll". 
 
New comers to the band may want an inexpensive starter receive antenna, If 
there is space
a beverage is a good forgiving antenna. 
 
 
For limited space:
Despite some criticizing,  a loop antenna can result in many DX contacts. Even 
SWL's in the AM radio  BCB like them. 
 
Yes there are always better antennas, but many of us started with in-expensive 
wire types. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/flag_antennas.html
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Topband: midnight peaks

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Larger numbers of low-banders came up at  NA ~midnight from both sides of the 
Atlantic. 
 
More fun for all. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
  

  I often get a peak from 11:30 to 12:30 from Europe
 
 Work F8IQS, G4ERZ, G3ROO, SV3RF, LY2OU, LA7THA, G4UFK,  and others
 
Even though its near midnight here, it is aproaching sunrise  there

  .73
 
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html

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Topband: BOG Question

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Hi Glenn,

 
I got my BOG working very well in the early spring time. up to 8 S 
units F/B.  Through the summer it got very dry (drought) here in 
Belfast. The F/B went slowly down to 2 to 3 S units depending upon the 
direction & incoming angle. 
 
Last night we got a huge thunder shower and the F/B on some 
neighborhood  noises are over 4 S points. 
 
I had been thinking that I would use the garden watering can to wet the 
ground, if ground conditions did not change.  (BOG length Is now only 
171.5 feet long)

 
Bogs are very dependant upon ground conditions. I would never stop 
using one though. There have been noise conditions so severe that a BOG 
was the only antenna that I could copy DX on. 

 
At an earlier time, one of my original  BOGs  had a strange  ~7 
MHZ  impedance change. 
QTH info: (While not the original house, the lot goes back to the 
1790s  Never know what will be found when digging in the ground.   
Checked the BOG length with a metal detector and found a very old 
water pipe. Removed a large section of the pipe and the impedance 
change went away. 
 
A BOG antenna will work, and a BOG antenna will work very well, and 
also can work exceeding well.  The exceeding well is difficult to  
maintain.  A resonant circuit that variables keep changing mostly 
from
the rain, but also vegetation growth..   A lawn mower and watering 
can is good solution  for Summer time DXing.  Winter time snow takes 
care of the most active DX season. 
 
Had  purchased a MFJ-5014 "White Noise Generator" and adjusted the 
wire length for best 'front to back'   low in the 160 meter band. 

 
Posting to the topband reflector to also help others 
. http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/

 
73
Bruce-k1fz
 
 

On Sat, 10 Sep 2016 15:53:38 -0400, Glenn Kurzenknabe  wrote:

  Hi Bruce,
 
The WX is supposed to start getting cooler, so I am planning some work 
on my BOG’s...   A couple of things came up and I would like your 
opinion 
 

They will lay on top of some of my TX radial field  ---  radials are buried
 
They will intersect the  control cable from the Hi-Z RX array and the 
feed line of it and a couple of other antennas, all above ground. 
 
BOG’s are insulated wire. 
 
After a few misfires with BOG’s I am looking forward to trying them 
with your design and notes, this time!! 

 
Am I in trouble???
 
Thanks and 73
de Glenn, K3SWZ


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Topband: : BOG Question

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Stew,
 
A BOG can do a good job untermnated.   If too long they self 
terminate. Depends upon the soil as to length. 
 

Check youtube.    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTXvcEwgUsU 
 
Also check ..http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/
 
The biggest mistake is making the BOG antenna too long. Try not to go 
over 200 feet for 160 meters.  Longer will work in some locations   
soil like desert, sand, other non/ partial conductiing types. 
 

 
73
Bruce-K1FZ
 

On Wed, 7 Sep 2016 15:18:28 + (UTC), GALE STEWARD via Topband  wrote:

  I'm thinking of trying a BOG as I could run it across the corner 
of my neighbor's field (after he's finished mowing for the season.)

My questions are:
Can a BOG be used un-terminated and is it then bi-directional, as is a 
conventional beverage?
In a terminated BOG, is the maximum received signal direction into the 
terminated end or into the feed transformer end?
The reason for these questions is that I could easily position the BOG 
to the EU direction but the feed point end needs to be at the NE end 
(toward EU). It's not possible to run a feed line across the end of the 
field to the "far" end of the BOG. 
I didn't see these issues addressed in anything that I could find online. 
Any info appreciated... 
73, Stew K3ND

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Re: Topband: Bev for V3-land

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Bill,
 
Re-read his email. He is not asking about a transmitter antenna, only a 
Beverage antenna. 
 

Bruce,

On Sun, 14 Aug 2016 16:42:26 +, william radice  wrote:

   You do understand he will still need a transmit antenna?

Bill

On 8/14/2016 11:05 AM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:

Martin,

A beverage antenna is, in general, much more forgiving of local 
problems. A good choice for the conditions you have. 
73

Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html


On Sun, 14 Aug 2016 10:29:26 +0200, Martin wrote:

Topbanders,
a fellow ham is setting up his station in V3-land and asked me to give
him some hints on beverages. I'm far from an expert but fortunatelly
there are lots here on this reflector. 
The location is in the area Belmopan / Spanish Lookout / San Ignacio, so
very far from the coast. It is a hill sloping down in all directions. 
There is a layer of soil over rocks , the rocks are visible some 
places. I believe the ground is not very conductive. 
Should he go for (reversible) beverages or should he choose something else?

Preferable directions?

Once set up, the station can be rent. 



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Re: Topband: Bev for V3-land

[K1FZ-Bruce]

Martin,
 
A beverage antenna is, in general, much more forgiving of local 
problems.  A good choice for the conditions you have. 
 

73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 

On Sun, 14 Aug 2016 10:29:26 +0200, Martin  wrote:

  Topbanders,
a fellow ham is setting up his station in V3-land and asked me to give
him some hints on beverages. I'm far from an expert but fortunatelly
there are lots here on this reflector. 


The location is in the area Belmopan / Spanish Lookout / San Ignacio, so
very far from the coast. 
It is a hill sloping down in all directions. 
There is a layer of soil over rocks , the rocks are visible some places. 
I believe the ground is not very conductive. 


Should he go for (reversible) beverages or should he choose something else?
Preferable directions?

Once set up, the station can be rent. 


--

Ohne CW ist es nur CB.. 


73, Martin DM4iM / V31iM
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Topband: Aurora

[K1FZ-Bruce]

8-2-2016
 
Early evening weather forecaster says  Aurora tonight 11PM to 2 
AM Eastern time. 
 
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 
 
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