Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259

[chacuff]

And that's how PL259's should be installed...excellent. Do that and you won't 
have problems with them. They're great connectors if installed correctly. Most 
don't...
I have no argument for a Type N over a propery installed PL259 on braided 
cables..
A high wattage iron is important. Want to make that shield connection flow 
quickly instead of sinking lots of insufficient heat trying to get the job done.
CecilK5DL


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: John K9UWA  
Date: 12/8/18  9:13 AM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 

Since you asked. In my antenna system I have about 500 PL-259 connectors. 
99% of them are King Silver Teflon connectors. I built the system in 1988 and 
1989. So almost all of it is 30 years old. To Date I have had three failures 
all due 
to water getting into the connectors cable and one rusted out Ameritron RSC8V 
switchbox. That out of 18 of these RCS8V relay boxes. Many of them I modified 
to 
phase switching for the multiple stacks of yagi's. Total of 23 yagi's 40-10m 
wires 
for 80/160. 

#1 use good cable
#2 prep and install of PL-259 connectors.
   A.  strip outer insulation.
   B.  Dip quickly in and out of Solder Pot which instantly 100% tins the braid
   C.  Cut Shield of coax to correct length with a tubing cutter and screw the 
coax 
    into the Coax fitting.
   D.  Solder quickly all 4 holes. I use a 550 watt Wall Solder Gun
   E. Solder the center conductor.

  All main runs of coax on 20-10m are 3/4" CATV hardline cut to half wave 
mults. 
All Fittings on the ends of the 3/4" coax are home brew from Plumbing fittings 
and 
Amphenol Barrell connectors. Never had one fail yet in 30 years and only three 
failures of PL/Tee/SO connectors and they were due to water getting into the 
connectors. The failures after 30 years were do my tape job on the fittings. 
Not to 
the method of install or the connectors.

John k9uwa

>
> What's the way to solder a UHF male?
>
> Rob
> K5UJ

John Goller, K9UWA & Jean Goller, N9PXF 
Antique Radio Restorations
k9...@arrl.net
Visit our Web Site at:
http://www.JohnJeanAntiqueRadio.com
4836 Ranch Road
Leo, IN 46765
USA
1-260-637-6426

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Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 soldering/reliability problems)

[chacuff]

The shield has to be soldered to be installed properly. If I use 259's I only 
use silver plated ones where soldering the shield to the connector is easy.
CecilK5DL


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: Paul Christensen  
Date: 12/6/18  10:05 AM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
  soldering/reliability problems) 

I think the primary flaw of the PL-259/UHF connector is that shield
connectivity is strictly a function of thread tightness.  There's no inner
sleeve to maintain good electrical contact of the shield with any loosening
of the connector plug.  Otherwise, I have no issues with either connector up
through UHF.  

When people speak of "impedance bumps" when discussing the PL-259/SO-239,
they're almost always parroting hearsay.  When asked how it matters, why it
matters, and where exactly on the line it matters, few people can answer the
question. 

Paul, W9AC



-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of Clive GM3POI
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 10:43 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

For anyone that doubts the loss of a good 259. Google K2RIW on the subject
who knows a thing or two about UHF and did some numbers on the subject.
I have used for a good long time the Silver plated Teflon with a gold pin
from the RF connection. I usually end up buying 50 at a time.  
73 Clive GM3POI

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: 06 December 2018 15:31
To: 'GEORGE WALLNER'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

I have been using PL-259 connectors forever. I have switched to crimp
connectors when I need to make up a new cable. No sense replacing the
soldered connectors if they are working fine. ThePL-259 is a low loss, easy
to assemble connector for up to at least 6M (nothing higher in frequency
here) that makes good contact and are easy to seal with rescue tape followed
by Scotch 33+. Some of my PL-259's have been in use outside for 40 years and
still look good and work well. I hope manufacturer's don't change.    
73,
N2TK, Tony

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of GEORGE WALLNER
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2018 9:13 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

Greg,
I completely agree. For all my outdoors applications I use N connectors. 
Unfortunately, amateur radio gear (even seriously expensive gear) is still
built with SO-239 connectors which perpetuate the use PL-259 male
connectors. As a result, my station and my DXpedition gear contain both,
necessitating the use of adaptors. How do we convince manufacturers to
change?
73,
George
AA7JV/C6AGU



On Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:00:53 +1300
  Greg-zl3ix  wrote:
>
>
> I continue to be mystified by the fact that the amateur radio 
> community insists on using PL259 connectors. N-type are much more 
> reliable (used by professional communicators), low cost, can be 
> crimped easily and quickly and have a well-defined impedance right up 
> into GHz frequencies.
>
> Back in 2005 I started having contact problems with the connector on 
> my SteppIR 3-element. There was a thin layer of oxide that built up 
> around the centre pin of the PL259. I had had similar problems with 
> other connectors around my shack. I decided to change my entire 
> station, including the SteppIR, to N-type, and have never looked back.
>
>
> 73, Greg, ZL3IX
>
> On 06.12.2018 13:29, Steve Ireland wrote: 
> G'day
>>
>> About five years I discovered this fool-proof and brilliant
> way to solder PL-259s invented by Bill Maxon N4AR who taught this to 
> Tim K3LR. Tim uses this method throughout his contest station and did 
> a great job of documenting it - see 
> http://www.k3lr.com/engineering/pl259/
> [1] and it has totally changed my angry and worried attitude towards 
> soldering PL-259s.
>>
>> The key component is Amphenol 83-1SP connectors.
> The connector body is silver and the shell is nickel and you can buy 
> them from Mouser or DX Engineering.
>>
>> Vy 73
>>
>> Steve, VK6VZ
>>
> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus
> software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus [2]
>> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband [3] - Topband 
> Reflector
>
>
> Links:
> --
> [1]
> http://www.k3lr.com/engineering/pl259/
> [2]
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> [3] http://www.contesting.com/_topband
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Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 soldering/reliability problems)

[chacuff]

The old school solder on type N connectors are to difficult for most to do 
properly...
I don't fool with them anymore. The Times Microwave EZ series crimp connectors 
for their LMR-400 & 600 cable is the only way to go. I use them on all my 
stuff. Legal limit is no problem...3kw and up would be a problem...but who does 
that right.
The cable prep tools are nice too.
CecilK5DL


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: terry burge  
Date: 12/6/18  10:33 AM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: donov...@starpower.net, topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
  soldering/reliability problems) 

I agree with Frank, Not that I necessarily think PL-259's are the greatest, 
they are not. But I have never really learned to put N-connectors together and 
don't trust my skills at trying it again. For HF I don't think the added 
expense with any lower loss is worth the difficulty with N-connectors vs. 
PL-259's. I may be challenged sometimes to get the solder to flow on the 
PL-259's but I manage somehow. Also the new one's I just got with the screw 
down back end looks like I will have less trouble with getting a solid 
connection to the shield. That is where my biggest problem with PL-259's show 
up. Even up at 2 mtrs which I use sparingly I've got them. If I get serious up 
there I'll look more into 'how to put on N-connector' but the cost and the 
possible lower loss I doubt will make any difference with the way I use 2 mtrs 
compared to how I've always been challenged by N-connectors.

Terry
KI7M
> On December 6, 2018 at 7:58 AM donov...@starpower.net wrote:
> 
> 
> I agree Clive, there is no reason to switch from high quality UHF 
> connectors such as Amphenol 83-1SP silver plated connectors 
> on 6 meters or below. They have much better center pin contact 
> pressure than N connectors and are much less susceptible to 
> installation errors by either amateur or professional installers. 
> 
> 
> Older generation N connectors with floating center pins are highly 
> problematic because its difficult to install the center pin with proper 
> depth and axial alignment. If the pin is installed so its just a few ten 
> thousandths of an inch too long, or the axial alignment isn't almost 
> perfect, the male connector will permanently damage the mating 
> female connector. If ithe pin is installed just a few ten thousands 
> of an inch too short the connection will be very unreliable. If for 
> some reason N connectors must be used, use only the modern 
> generation of N connectors with captivated center pins. 
> 
> 
> I have hundreds of Amphenol 83-1SP PL-259 connectors in my 
> station and withour exception they have all been 100% trouble free 
> for more than thirty years. K3LR has had exactly the same 
> experience with hundreds of 83-1SP silver plated connectors in 
> his station. 
> 
> 
> N connectors on HF? No thank you. 
> 
> 
> 73 
> Frank 
> W3LPL 
> 
> - Original Message -
> 
> From: "Clive GM3POI"  
> To: topband@contesting.com 
> Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 3:42:35 PM 
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 
> soldering/reliability problems) 
> 
> For anyone that doubts the loss of a good 259. Google K2RIW on the subject 
> who knows a thing or two about UHF and did some numbers on the subject. 
> I have used for a good long time the Silver plated Teflon with a gold pin 
> from the RF connection. I usually end up buying 50 at a time. 
> 73 Clive GM3POI 
> 
> -Original Message- 
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK, 
> Tony 
> Sent: 06 December 2018 15:31 
> To: 'GEORGE WALLNER'; topband@contesting.com 
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 
> soldering/reliability problems) 
> 
> I have been using PL-259 connectors forever. I have switched to crimp 
> connectors when I need to make up a new cable. No sense replacing the 
> soldered connectors if they are working fine. ThePL-259 is a low loss, easy 
> to assemble connector for up to at least 6M (nothing higher in frequency 
> here) that makes good contact and are easy to seal with rescue tape followed 
> by Scotch 33+. Some of my PL-259's have been in use outside for 40 years and 
> still look good and work well. I hope manufacturer's don't change. 
> 73, 
> N2TK, Tony 
> 
> -Original Message- 
> From: Topband  On Behalf Of GEORGE WALLNER 
> Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2018 9:13 AM 
> To: topband@contesting.com 
> Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 
> soldering/reliability problems) 
> 
> Greg, 
> I completely agree. For all my outdoors applications I use N connectors. 
> Unfortunately, amateur radio gear (even seriously expensive gear) is still 
> built with SO-239 connectors which perpetuate the use PL-259 male 
> connectors. As a result, my station and my DXpedition gear contain both, 
> 

Re: Topband: Private thanks to you on your posting vs W0BTU RE topband Leaving

[chacuff]

Not Helpful...
But quite revealing...earning them stripes!
CecilK5DL


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: "Richard (Rick) Karlquist"  
Date: 9/5/18  8:20 AM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: Mark K3MSB  
Cc: topband , Tree  
Subject: Topband: Private thanks to you on your posting vs W0BTU RE topband 
Leaving 

Off the reflector:

Thanks Mark for posting this "rebuttal?" to W0BTU.
His rules are way too stifling for my tastes.

On another reflector, some bozo was going off
on me saying I didn't know what I was talking
about, etc. when I was trying to give him
some friendly advice.

The moderator asked me if I wanted
to have him kick this guy off the reflector
because he offended me.  I told him, heck no,
he just makes himself look stupid.  I'll let
the readers decide which one of us is the fool.
You know the saying, don't argue with a fool...

Anyway, your comments are very well received here.
I'm going to save your "rules" for future reference.

I'm a self confessed "never-FT8'er", but I wouldn't
dream of forcing the FT8 enthusiasts off the reflector.
I don't get where the beef is here.

73
Rick N6RK


> I had to go rummage around my Trash folder to find the original post that
> started this:
> 
> “From the FT8 arguments in addition to the "millennials causing
> the WWV shutdown" argument, it appears that the parts of the hobby that I
> enjoy do not cross paths with those on the topband reflector. Although I
> wish you all many CW DX, it appears that I am no longer welcome and that I
> must take my leave.”
> 
> I've no idea what the millennial and WWV comment is about as I did not
> follow that thread.
> 
> So we're back to the old FT8 vs CW argument.    Was this person
> specifically harassed and hunted down for his views?   Shame on the
> moderators if that's what happened.    Or, did “the leaver” just not feel
> welcomed because others expressed contrary views and wouldn't back off?
> If that's the case, then there's the door, don't let it hit ya where the
> Good Lord split ya.
> 
> I've been on this reflector for a number of years and from how I observe
> the moderators actions, I doubt any harassment and hunting down of heretics
> occurred;   I like to see the moderators shoot a warning shot across the
> bow to get the ship of discourse turned away from the rocks, and overall I
> think they do a good job of it.
> 
> In today's society people believe they have a right not to be offended.
> Really?   I don't think so. Nobody, including myself,  has the right to
> have their opinions respected.    You do have the right to express your
> opinions freely, and without fear of persecution.   In reality, that's not
> really true for a reflector as it's a private venue,  but most reflectors
> operate as a benign dictatorship and hold to these principles.
> 
> Mark's Principles of Discourse:
> 
> #1:   You don't have the right to not be offended.   You don't have the
> right to have your views favorably accepted.    You don't have the right to
> expect people with contrary view to back down because you're offended.
> Accept the fact that people will not agree with you.
> 
> #2:   Only you can decide to take offense.   Sometimes the offenses are
> real,  a lot of times imaginary.   When I've felt offended by people on a
> reflector, or in email, or other electronic mediums,  I privately email the
> potential offender for clarification.   The vast majority of times there
> was no offense intended.  Remember,  with electronic mediums you loose
> about 93% of the intended message (body language, tone of voice etc – look
> this one up if you don't believe me.    Google is your friend.).
> 
> #3:   If you don't respect the source of the insult,  don't let it bother
> you.
> 
> #4:  If you're new to the sandbox, welcome.   Unfortunately, if you want to
> be respected for your views,  then you have to first earn your stripes.
> “Respect is something earned, not something given”.   I have no idea who
> said that, but it's true. The corollary is that even if you don't
> respect a persons position,  courtesy still remains.
> 
> So Mike W0BTU,  this is the 2nd thread in which you've posted your
> stackexchange etiquette manifesto:
> 
> “but I gar-run-tee you that none of this bickering and (fill in your own
> definition of inappropriate behavior here) is tolerated there. ”
> Respectfully Mike,  it seems you've had it with this “bickering” and
> “inappropriate behavior” and recommend putting the proverbial hammer down
> to set thing straight (you “gar-run-tee” it). That's concerns me.
> 
> Is it really bickering that's occurring, or might it be just a healthy
> discourse on issues you might not feel need discussed any longer even
> though they may be of import to list members?
> 
> “fill in your own definition of inappropriate behavior here”.   Wow.   I
> suspect you may not agree with mine.   So, lets use mine and you follow
> them, OK ?
> 
> “*Unacceptable 

Re: Topband: making a bev seem longer

[chacuff]

I don't have problems with noise...which may be why RX antennas don't perform a 
whole lot better than my TX antenna. I wouldn't say it's extremely quiet but 
it's not excessively noisy.  Hope to play more with antennas this fall and 
winter.
Cecil


Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone

 Original message 
From: Mike Waters  
Date: 8/7/18  4:58 PM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: Phil Duff  
Cc: topband  
Subject: Re: Topband: making a bev seem longer 

A loop such as that has a very narrow null at very low angles, and
therefore it's usually not very effective for anything except for local RFI
or another local ham. For power line or nearby QRN, it's useful. But that's
about it. There are much better RX antennas.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Mon, Aug 6, 2018, 7:37 PM Phil Duff  wrote:

> > On Aug 6, 2018, at 7:06 PM, Cecil Acuff  wrote:
> >  Wish I could find an effective RX antenna that showed a great s/n
> improvement over the L.
>
> Look into a magnetic loop such as the design by N6RK as described in a
> past NCJ:
>
> http://www.n6rk.com/loopantennas/NCJ_loop_antenna_N6RK.pdf
>
> I use one on 160/80 and find it effective at improving the S/N ratio over
> my vertically polarized 160m and 80m transmit antennas.
>
>
> de Phil NA4M
>
>
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Re: Topband: CW160

[chacuff]

Probably our club station in Gulfport... K5GDX.   We operate field day style... 
Generator power and all.   RX 4 Sq,  550 beverage to Europe added this year.  
1/4 wave vertical under a balloon over our radial field. Lots of funbut off 
the air tonight. Strong winds this afternoon took the balloon (trees) and we 
didn't have enough helium remaining in the bottle to fill our backup balloon. 
If so,  glad we could give you MS Jim. 
CecilK5DL



Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE smartphone

 Original message 
From: Jim Brown  
Date: 01/30/2016  12:29 PM  (GMT-06:00) 
To: topband@contesting.com 
Subject: Re: Topband: CW160 

On Sat,1/30/2016 9:40 AM, David Raymond wrote:
> Condx to JA from here in Iowa this morning were quite good 

Yes, it was a good night. Dave, W0FLS and Toni, N0NI, are two guys who 
pulled my QRP signal out. Thanks also to W5MX and someone signing a club 
call in Gulfport, MS who heard me and gave me KY and MS. Two states 
down, four to go. Still need VT, CT, WV, and SC. I parked on K8JQ hoping 
for a sunrise peak, but it didn't happen.

C6AGU (AA7JV) was loud here around his sunrise, but we didn't make it. 
HK1R was loud much of the evening, but no Q. K4UEE was also loud from 
GA, perhaps testing antennas for his next trip. He also pulled me out.

I may have goofed by taking a nap -- that peak when Gary worked CA 
probably happened then.

73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: Shared Apex Loop Array

[chacuff]

I’m curious if it’s really any different than a two loop K9AY on one support.

 

Cecil

K5DL


From: Carl
Sent: ‎February‎ ‎9‎, ‎2014 ‎1‎:‎36‎ ‎PM
To: donov...@starpower.net; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Shared Apex Loop Array


Is the SAL-30 available piecemeal? I have plenty of wire, coax, enclosures, 
support tubing, etc, and would just need the proprietary controller

Since I already have 5 two wire 500-750' Beverages for 10 directions the 
high cost of a complete package is not economically justifiable for me just 
to see if the SAL-30 makes a difference.
I may be a dinosaur but I still enjoy the mental stimulation of building 
things.

Carl
KM1H


- Original Message - 
From: donov...@starpower.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sunday, February 09, 2014 1:13 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Shared Apex Loop Array


 See N3OC's review of the Shared Apex Loop Array in the February PVRC 
 Newsletter, page 5

 http://pvrc.org/Newsletters/feb14.pdf

 Its competitive with other small receiving arrays and single Beverages and 
 its not surprising that
 much larger arrays of phased Beverages and phased verticals offer superior 
 RDF performance.

 73
 Frank
 W3LPL



 - Original Message -

 From: D Rodman MD rod...@buffalo.edu
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Sent: Sunday, February 9, 2014 5:19:29 PM
 Subject: Topband: Shared Apex Loop Array

 I recently put reviews about the SAL-20 and SAL-30 on eham.net if anyone
 is interested. Two on air demonstrations of the F/B are on YouTube.
 Please refer to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVi5xQIXnXU (160m) and
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_S7JwfEpQ8 (80m).

 -- 
 David J Rodman MD
 Assistant Clinical Professor
 Department of Ophthalmology
 SUNY/Buffalo

 Office 716-857-8654
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 -
 No virus found in this message.
 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
 Version: 2014.0.4259 / Virus Database: 3697/7077 - Release Date: 02/09/14
 

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Re: Topband: Idiom Press

[chacuff]

I had a similar experience a couple of years back.  Customer support is not 
what it use to be years back.  Calls went unanswered, emails went 
unanswered...I was about to trash the rotor controller and go to something else 
when one day I decided to try calling once more and someone answered the phone 
and got my problems taken care of. Next time I make a purchase decision their 
products won’t make the list.

 

Google search on Idiom Press and see the eHam discussionsthis is a long 
running problem.  I don’t trust the eHam reviews they seem to be bogus.



Cecil Acuff
Gulfport MS
K5DL


From: Mike Schultz
Sent: ‎October‎ ‎20‎, ‎2013 ‎7‎:‎53‎ ‎AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Idiom Press


I've been waiting for an email response from Idiom press for 2 months.
Mike, KS0T


-Original Message- 
From: Larry
Sent: Saturday, October 19, 2013 2:37 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Idiom Press

Anyone know what is going on at Idiom Press? I placed 2 orders with them 
online, so far after 4 weeks no response at all either email or phone 
(voicemail full). My credit card was billed for one order, but that took 10 
days to show up, the other has not been billed to my card yet.

Larry W8VVG
_
Topband Reflector 

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Re: Topband: WLW

[chacuff]

Me neither...

 

My delete key works if I get bored of it...  Used it a lot a while back on the 
stacked vertical thread.

 

I find listening for hets on LW/MW from across the pond a lot of fun..often 
during the winter I actually get decent audio to the central Gulf of Mexico.

 

Cecil

K5DL



Sent from Windows Mail


From: n8...@yahoo.com
Sent: ‎September‎ ‎17‎, ‎2013 ‎6‎:‎52‎ ‎PM
To: Bill Aycock; topband@contesting.com; Mark Connelly
Subject: Re: Topband: WLW


Bill

I may be in the minority , but , I don't mind such derailments...

Dan N8DCJ 



Sent from my HTC smartphone on the Now Network from Sprint!

- Reply message -
From: Bill Aycock billayc...@centurytel.net
To: topband@contesting.com, Mark Connelly markwa1...@aol.com
Subject: Topband: WLW
Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 12:51 pm


I HATE it when Topbanders get bored; thing like this WCKYWLW etc flood 
out.
Bill--W4BSG



Topband Reflector
_
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Re: Topband: Effect of trees- tree appreciation

[chacuff]

I haven’t used the RBN.  Guess I need to figure out how so as to quantify the 
performance of what I have up.

 

Is there a tutorial on the site?



Cecil Acuff
Gulfport MS
K5DL


From: Bill Tippett
Sent: ‎August‎ ‎10‎, ‎2013 ‎12‎:‎19‎ ‎PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Effect of trees- tree appreciation


W8JI wrote:

   My gut feeling is
the one that looks the best and takes the most work will make you feel like
you have the best signal you ever had, but no one else will notice the
change except you unless you tell them about all the work or they like a
particular antenna you are using.


K2XT replied:

  This is a a very significant statement when you think about it.
Ask anyone you talk to on the air how he likes his antenna.
Most will say they like it, it's doing great.
Ask them how they know.
If they understand your question you will get silence in response.
Because almost no one KNOWS, or even knows how it compares
to their previous antenna.  But how they FEEL about it determines their
satisfaction !

With the advent of ReverseBeacon.net, it's very easy to compare 
antennas with other stations.  I've been doing this after each major 
contest and have learned other things such as QSB cycle depth and periodicity.

I also test multiple antennas at home by time-stamping my 
transmissions and then reviewing the RBN data.  This is so simple to 
do I don't know why anyone wouldn't use it to get comparative measurements.

73,  Bill  W4ZV 

_
Topband Reflector
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Condo Owners 160m poem.

[chacuff]

Hope you don’t mind my use of artistic license



Cecil Acuff
Gulfport MS
K5DL


From: Jim F.
Sent: ‎August‎ ‎9‎, ‎2013 ‎6‎:‎06‎ ‎PM
To: top Band
Subject: Topband: Condo Owners 160m poem.


(1 slight change made with apologies to Joyce Kilmer)

Jim / W1FMR

Joyce Kilmer. 1886–1918 
  
119. Trees 
  
I THINK that I shall never see   
A tower lovely as a tree.   
   
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest   
Againstmy antenna flowing west;   
   
A tree that looks at God all day,  5 
And liftsmy signal far away ;   
   
A tree that may in summer wear   
An inverted L within her hair;   
   
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;   
Who intimately lives with  my RF gain .   10 
   
Poems are made by fools like me,   
But only God can make a tree.
.
_
Topband Reflector
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Remote SDR Receive only setup

[chacuff]

I can understand the practical application for casual DXing but are there 
not issues with using such remote RX sites and counting the contacts for 
DXCC and for Contesting?


Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: donov...@starpower.net

To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: Mack McCormick w4ax.m...@gmail.com; Frank Davis fda...@nfld.net
Sent: Tuesday, November 27, 2012 10:49 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Remote SDR Receive only setup



Frank,

ZL3IX has the most sophisticated 160 meter remote receive site I'm aware 
of.  Its at a very quiet rural ocean front farm.


73
Frank
W3LPL

 Original message 

Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2012 07:34:22 -0500
From: Mack McCormick w4ax.m...@gmail.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Remote SDR Receive only setup
To: Frank Davis fda...@nfld.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com topband@contesting.com

Frank,

I do a great deal of remote work including exposing  160M, 80M, and 40M,
and 20M receivers to dozens of users simultaneously that they can
tune independently. Take a look at http://w4ax.com and if this is 
something

you're interested in pursuing then drop me a note. You must have Java
loaded to use this site.

73,

Mack
W4AX


On Sun, Nov 25, 2012 at 9:31 PM, Frank Davis fda...@nfld.net wrote:


I would be interested in talking to anyone who has successfully
implemented remote receive only capability for 160m ?I have been
thinking of an available seaside  location that offers some relief from
noise but deciding on the most effective approach is challenging.   Is 
an
SDR/PC/remote server a good way to do it or is the PC-less approach 
using

remote hardware more effective?

If there is someone willing to share ideas with me I would appreciate 
it.


Frank VO1HP

Sent from an iPad2
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com





--
73,

Mack de W4AX
http://w4ax.com
___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com 


___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Re: Topband: HI-Z BACK IN BUSINESS

[chacuff]

I truely hope they are licensed and continue to sell their own design. 
Because of all of this I have personally made it a point not to do business 
with PDS Electronics.  The owner has a history of this type of action.

Just a personal thing...

Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: N1SR stefan.rodow...@verizon.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, May 31, 2012 4:18 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: HI-Z BACK IN BUSINESS


 You may have missed their notice that they now have a licencing
 agreement with PDS Electronics.

 Be interesting to see how the new design and pricing compare with the
 old and DX-Engineering's version.

 73
 Steve - N1SR

 On 5/31/2012 11:05, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
 They have not removed the Legal Troubles banner from their web page 
 yet.

 73, Guy

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

 According to the latest Newsletter dated May30 2012 Hi-Z is back in
 business
 for good and taking orders!   FB Guys..  Good luck in your venture!

 73
 Larry K1UO

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

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



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

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

Re: Topband: Inverted L Question - Reply

[chacuff]

- Original Message - 
From: Lloyd Korb k8...@roadrunner.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Sunday, April 29, 2012 7:51 AM
Subject: Topband: Inverted L Question - Reply


 What is interesting to me is the fact that at times the L seems to have a
 different polarity than the 6BTV.  I can switch back and forth between the
 two antennas, on bands other than 160 meters, and see quite a difference 
 in
 signal strength.

cut

I have no way at this point to model antennas but I would guess on bands 
other than 160 you are seeing lobes in the radiation patern of the L/tower 
due to it being closer to and over a wavelength depending on what frequency 
it is being used at.  The 6BTV being more omni.  Both should still be 
vertical...  It's always nice to have more than one antenna option in a 
given situation.

Cecil
K5DL 

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

Re: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.

[chacuff]

Well the thought behind the Power Company encouraging conservation of energy 
use was to delay or eliminate the need for additional base load generation 
construction.  That is the most costly thing for a utillity to have to build 
is new generation.

Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: Herb Schoenbohm he...@vitelcom.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2012 4:16 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.


I just don't understand physics it seemsas how can there be that
 much energy savings if so much heat is produced and must be dissipated?
 Here in the VI when the power company increased the rates to over $40
 per KWH everyone bought the cheap CFL bulbs after the energy office made
 a big promotion on radio and TV about how much money would be saved in
 the process.  Well there was less consumption and people bills were
 slightly lower with this and other energy saving moves like turning of
 the electric water heater, going to gas stoves, and unplugging the
 freezer part of the day.  OK fine but when the power company noticed a
 reduction on accounts receivables, and found it difficult to make bond
 payment on debt service...guess what?  They just increased the per KWH
 charge to about 50 cents per KWH!

 So whats the point in saving a few watts anyway if these LED beasties
 cause RFI?  in fact i like the old incandescent bulbs that haven't
 changed much since Thomas Edison and others in UK and Russia invented
 them.  plus i like the fact that when I key my rig on TB the outside
 lights at night go off and on.  (Just kidding of course)


 Herb, KV4FZ

 Wayne.. Good info...Thanks

 Hmmm..  the heatsink base of this 40 watt bulb also gets too hot to touch
 and feels like more than 40 watts also.



 --- On Thu, 4/5/12, Wayne Millsn...@bresnan.net  wrote:


 From: Wayne Millsn...@bresnan.net
 Subject: RE: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.
 To: 'Jim F.'j_fit...@yahoo.com, 'top Band'topband@contesting.com
 Date: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 12:32 PM


 FWIW: for the last six weeks, I've been experimenting with three LED
 lamps,
 40, 60 and 75 watts, Sylvania and UtilitechPro from Lowes and so far
 haven't
 noticed anything on Topband. I even disconnected the shield on the RX
 input
 this morning and still don't hear anything.

 Wayne, N7NG

 p.s. That 75 watt equivalent lamp seems to put out MORE than 60 watts of
 heat. It really gets hot.

 -Original Message-
 From: topband-boun...@contesting.com
 [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
 On Behalf Of Jim F.
 Sent: Thursday, April 05, 2012 9:22 AM
 To: top Band
 Subject: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.







 I bought two  LED  40 watt equivalent 110V. light bulbs from Home Depot
 that
 use
 only 9 watts of power, for $9.99 ea.

 They seemed like a good deal but cause noise interference on 160m and the
 FM
 radio band.
 (I did not try other bands.)

 I like the bulbs but best use them away from your radio station and have
 someone turn them off and on while monitoring your favorite
 frequencies/bands.

 73,

 jim / W1FMR
 ___
 ___
 UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK


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


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

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

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

Re: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.

[chacuff]

I've never know of a utillity to give away power...usually when the power 
flows to another utillity on the grid it is billed at a wholesale rate...I'm 
not sure stock holders would allow a give away.(of course this may be 
government owned generation)  Certainly any excess capacity should be sold, 
especially at a rate that would be in excess of the fuel and operating costs 
required to generate and transmit it.  Usually it's at a premium and quite 
profitable for the utillity with the excess capacity.

Demand billing usually has options in it as well that allow you to opt out 
but at a higher rate per KWH than if you opt in and use energy during the 
off peak hours.


- Original Message - 
From: Eddy Swynar deswy...@xplornet.ca
To: he...@vitelcom.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Friday, April 27, 2012 10:20 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: Home Depot LED bulb interference.


 Hi Herb,

 Don't feel bad...I think I can top that.

 Here in the much-vaunted LAND OF NO---i.e. the province of Ontario---our 
 powers-that-be recently brought-in universal smart power meters, 
 followed almost immediately by ...pay per time of use variable prices 
 for kilowatt hours, i.e. if you do your laundry at 3:00 in the morning, 
 you'll pay less than if you were to do the wash at 3:00 in the 
 afternoon...

 But wait! There's more...!

 Our provincial politicos have jumped on the green eco wagon: now they 
 want to force wind turbines down the collective throats of residents in 
 otherwise serene rural and lakeshore landscapes...and the cost per 
 kilowatt hour for the electricity generated by those things...? A whopping 
 $0.80!

 But wait! There's more...!

 We all have to conserve, CONSERVE, C-O-N-S-E-R-V-E!!! Or so we're 
 lectured. Well, we are conserving in Ontario, alright---to the tune that 
 at times our province has excess capacity. So what do our politicos do to 
 remedy the situation...?

 They give the surplus electricity away to our neighbours in Quebec, New 
 York, and Michigan just so that they'll take it off our hands---AND WE PAY 
 THEM (LITERALLY) MILLION$ OF DOLLAR$ to relieve us of it!

 There you go: Stupid is, as stupid does. So all you guys running 
 kilowatts in VE2- / W8- / W2-land can thank us hapless VE3 taxpayers for 
 helping to subsidize your QRO addiction, Hi Hi (If this wasn't for real, 
 you'd swear it was all fabricated---but you just can NOT make-up stuff 
 like this.)

 ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ



 On 2012-04-05, at 5:16 PM, Herb Schoenbohm wrote:

 I just don't understand physics it seemsas how can there be that
 much energy savings if so much heat is produced and must be dissipated?
 Here in the VI when the power company increased the rates to over $40
 per KWH everyone bought the cheap CFL bulbs after the energy office made
 a big promotion on radio and TV about how much money would be saved in
 the process.  Well there was less consumption and people bills were
 slightly lower with this and other energy saving moves like turning of
 the electric water heater, going to gas stoves, and unplugging the
 freezer part of the day.  OK fine but when the power company noticed a
 reduction on accounts receivables, and found it difficult to make bond
 payment on debt service...guess what?  They just increased the per KWH
 charge to about 50 cents per KWH!

 So whats the point in saving a few watts anyway if these LED beasties
 cause RFI?  in fact i like the old incandescent bulbs that haven't
 changed much since Thomas Edison and others in UK and Russia invented
 them.  plus i like the fact that when I key my rig on TB the outside
 lights at night go off and on.  (Just kidding of course)


 Herb, KV4FZ


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

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

Re: Topband: It is not so much propagation

[chacuff]

QRPers generally do not need Beverages as much as other stations
do.

Think about that one for awhile.

-

Y'all don't work each other...something seems wrong with that...:-)

Cecil
K5DL


jim / W1FMR




--- On Mon, 3/19/12, Milt -- N5IA n...@zia-connection.com wrote:

 From: Milt -- N5IA n...@zia-connection.com
 Subject: Re: Topband: It is not so much propagation
 To:
 Cc: Topband@contesting.com
 Date: Monday, March 19, 2012, 2:23 PM
 Beverages do NOT make lightning
 caused static crashes go away. They can
 significantly reduce the received level of the crashes from
 the directions
 different from the listening direction.

 However, in the listening direction Beverages will actually
 clear up the
 crashes being heard from that direction. In other
 words, those crashes will
 become the predominant ones you hear with the exception of
 those caused by
 local storms.

 The crashes from the listening direction will not be as
 strong as they will
 be when listening on the TX antenna.

 The points I am trying to make are:

 1. Beverages work VERY well.

 2. Beverages will NOT eliminate all static crashes.

 3. There is no silver bullet, but Beverages are about
 as close to the
 perfect solution as you can get.

 4. There is NO substitute for acreage. I
 sincerely wish everyone had the
 capability of installing Beverages. But that wish is
 no different than my
 wish that we all had our TX antennas at the edge of a salty
 ocean beach.
 So, we live with what we have.

 Mis dos centavos,

 de Milt, N5IA

 ---

 From: Guy Olinger K2AV
 Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 8:19 AM

 Only if they have space for them.

 ---

 On Mon, Mar 19, 2012 at 10:59 AM, K4OWR k2...@comcast.net
 wrote:

  When I switch to my beverage antenna the noise pretty
 much goes to
 almost nothing.
 Don't most serious operators have oneor more???
 BILL K4OWR

 --

 On 3/19/2012 10:22 AM, N7DF wrote:

 During the summer the storm static is the main obstacle to
 top band
 operation here 40 over nine crashes every
 30 seconds kind of drown out
 everything, QRP or QRO


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

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

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

Re: Topband: TB season

[chacuff]

Is that QRP QRO (100 watts +-) or real QRP...as in 5 watts or less...:-)

Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: Jim F. j_fit...@yahoo.com
To: DAVID CUTHBERT telegraph...@gmail.com; j...@audiosystemsgroup.com; 
GeorgeWallner aa...@atlanticbb.net
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Friday, March 16, 2012 4:00 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: TB season


And QRPers will be carried around on peoples shoulders
instead of being shunned and scorned :-))

Long live the Stew !!!

We will all be in it.

jim / W1FMR



--- On Fri, 3/16/12, GeorgeWallner aa...@atlanticbb.net wrote:


From: GeorgeWallner aa...@atlanticbb.net
Subject: Re: Topband: TB season
To: DAVID CUTHBERT telegraph...@gmail.com, j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Date: Friday, March 16, 2012, 4:07 PM





On Fri, 16 Mar 2012 09:09:21 -0600
DAVID CUTHBERT telegraph...@gmail.com wrote:
 I think we need a July contest.

Yes!

A July Stew Perry. Unlike the other DX oriented contests,
the SP'S scoring is finely grained, so the scarecity of
DX will not result in too much of an advantage to the few
summer-DX-capable east/west-coasters.

73,

George, AA7JV
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK 

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

Re: Topband: Gotham vertical humor

[chacuff]

I had a Gotham Quad once.  What a beast...made with aluminum wire that you 
couldn't solder to of course...

Hurrican took it in 1979.   Nothing left but the spreadersall pointed 
the same direction...west if I remember correctly...HA!

Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: Bruce k...@myfairpoint.net
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 9:12 PM
Subject: Topband: Gotham vertical humor


 Was this the one that used the sewer pipes under your city as a massive
 radial system ?

 Are we thinking outside of the shipping box !


 Yes it was the Gotham vertical and like the Maxcom dipole (2-30Mhz with
 1:1 VSWR) along with KP4KE\W4 (QRP)  all originate(d) out of Miami and
 all probably attended the P.T. Barnum school of Electronic Technology!

 http://www.w8ji.com/gotham.htm




 Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ

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

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

Topband: Propagation last evening

[chacuff]

Anyone care to comment on last evenings propagation for the CQ SSB contest?

From the deep south there just was no DX going on.  Spots were very slim as 
well...

I'd be curious what others experienced...

Cecil
K5DL 

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

Re: Topband: Proper Decorum On The Gentleman's Band...

[chacuff]

 So, in these times of I want it all at no effort, let's raise the bar.
 Create new thresholds, filters etc. at which only serious new ops will get 
 through.


Or move to the new Topband500Khz

Cecil
K5DL 

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

Re: Topband: CABLE AND CONNECTORS

[chacuff]

Times LMR-400 is an RG-213 equivilent.  PL-259's can be put on both and will 
need to be properly done.  (no folding back the braid and screwing them 
on..not wild about the new fangled crimping device either)  Silver plated 
connecters are much easier to install when it comes to soldering the braid 
properly.

Times also makes a direct burial version of the LMR-400 ending with a DB 
designation.  It has a flooded braid that will inhibit moisture intrusion 
should the jacket be nicked.  Not really much harder to put connectors on 
either.  Clean the stripped braided end with some good electronic cleaner or 
alcohol and it should be good to go.

Cecil
K5DL
- Original Message - 
From: Bill and Liz McHugh ma...@isp.ca
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2012 10:06 AM
Subject: Topband: CABLE AND CONNECTORS


 It goes without saying that if one chooses to use cheap imported cable 
 which has not been scoped then all bets are off.  My earlier comments 
 regarding RG-213 and RG-6 were based on the assumption that one would 
 choose a reputable brand of cable (for which one pays a premium).

 Bill VE3NH
 ___
 UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK 

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