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** U S A. Hi Jerry, How about an update on how WH2XDE is going? I haven`t seen
any reports of it for almost a month now. Are you still carrying out regular
tests? Any digital modes yet?
Also it was never clear to me how the other ops using the same callsign fit
into the picture. Are they operating independently, or collaborating, on some
kind of schedule? But also on different frequencies than 1750?
If you have carried World of Radio any further times please let me know too.
73, (Glenn to Jerry Whitney, Dec 4, via DX LISTENING DIGEST)
Hi Glenn, All of the analog tests have concluded. The antenna and transmitter
are operating properly so the next step is to finish construction of the
digital exciter. Two more weeks and this should be done and ready for tests. I
will advise as to the mode/freq/time of these tests. Most of the feedback I
received from listeners prefer a weekend evening so I will stick to the
Saturday night timeslot (0000-0400 UT Sunday morning).
I have been currently operating low power (25 Watts) in a few digital formats
along with the other stations on the license to make software/hardware
adjustments. So far I've been happy with the results. Static and fading on this
frequency is a challenge but some of the digital formats work quite well as
long as the signal is fairly strong (S/N +10 or better). The total lack of
static and noise when listening is very easy on the ears!
The primary station is WH2XDE-1; this is my development station location. The
other stations have asked to join in with the tests but their resources and
time are limited. I am grateful for their participation along with the SWL
reports I receive. A few additional people have asked to join the group but
this would involve modifying the license. I would consider additional stations
if the license is renewed.
I plan to stay on 1750 kHz for all tests of WH2XDE-1. The other participants
may operate on other frequencies but likely at low power.
To be done:
Concluded that a vertical antenna is the most practical option at this
frequency. Vertical ant. to be installed next summer. Currently using
horizontal loop.
WH2XDE-1 will operate digital formats at 5 kW PEP and test at lower power
levels to examine optimum power levels for coverage areas.
Except for narrow band formats, Receiving stations should use SDR type
receivers. Analog receivers have too much distortion in the filter sections.
Use "open" source digital codec to avoid licensing requirements. This would
rule out DRM long term.
Develop a "dongle" type receiver for use with a laptop or raspberry PI with
integrated software for demodulation.
Settle on a single format that is open source, that is robust for MW
frequencies with single channel 7.5 kHz fidelity (approx.).
Use of "polar" transmitters instead of linear amplifiers to obtain
sufficient power and efficiency. Develop exciter for this (close to completion).
I would expect high power DRM tests to start around January. I'll keep you
posted on progress.
I run "World of Radio" at 0200 UT (Saturday night, UT Sunday) on 1750 kHz (1 kW
AM) --- very glad to do it! 73 (Jerry Whitney, WH2XDE, Dec 4, DX LISTENING
DIGEST)
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