WKDK-1240khz test was copied well in Central Alabama using an SDR-IQ, two active whip antennas, and the new DX Engineering MCE Phaser. As usual, sweep tones cut through the noise much better than any other type of modulation available. Also copied the ID in Morse Code, but very weak. Wasn't sure that I had a full ID recorded until this morning when I could review them in details. Sweeps on the other hand were easily heard on the speaker by my non-DX'er XYL across the room. The "telephone busy signal" likewise cut through the noise well.
IMO, reception of the sweep tones at the appointed time is sufficient for a positive ID. Unlike the 1khz tones that many stations have used this season, the sweep tones are IMPOSSIBLE to be mistaken for any other modulation source. They are distinctive, completely unique, and virtually 100% to be only the station testing. I say, "count it", but others may disagree. To my way of the thinking the 1khz steady tone is the absolute worse possible modulation for a test. Het's, EBS tones, and many other sources can sound like a 1khz steady tone...nothing sounds like sweeps. Thanks to Powell for the test. Not a new logging here, but always great fun to hear a test! 73, Les Rayburn, N1LF Les Rayburn, director High Noon Film 100 Centerview Drive Suite 111 Birmingham, AL 35216-3748 205.824.8930 205.824.8960 fax 205.253.4867 cell -------------------------------------------------- From: "Craig Healy" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Monday, February 11, 2008 7:06 AM To: "Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America" <irca@hard-core-dx.com> Subject: Re: [IRCA] WKDK-1240 DX TEST >> The sweep tones come through really great, better than the CW. > > I wonder if the code could be modified so a sweep tone going up equalled a > "dit", while a descending sweep tone is a "dash". The first time I > remember > sweep tones being used was a test in Vermont in the late 70's, probably > the > 1380 station. One DXer complained that the tones were "ruining the > channel" > while listening for that test. He didn't seem to realize that the sweep > tones *were* from the test! They do poke through. > > I've also recommended use of morse code using 5KHz tones to center them in > the middle of the least-busy parts of the channel. People with > communications receivers with a CW filter could look +/-5KHz from the test > to get the CW. Anyone willing to try either of these? > > And yes, it did trigger a discussion as to whether hearing 5KHz CW was > really the same as hearing a station under more normal circumstances. The > discussion was hearing something on xxx5KHz vs. xxx0KHz. But, that > content > is coming from that station, so... > > Craig Healy > Providence, RI > > > _______________________________________________ > IRCA mailing list > IRCA@hard-core-dx.com > http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca > > Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the > original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the > IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers > > For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org > > To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com > > _______________________________________________ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
