Re: Topband: tennis ball launcher for antennas

[Mike - W5JR]

+1 on the Ryobi hand held inflator. Much better than carrying a small air tank 
or heavy/bulky jump start kit. Makes easy and quick work of pressurizing the 
spud gun. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA


> On Nov 28, 2018, at 7:00 PM, Grant Saviers  wrote:
> 
> I'll second the success with the CSV19 tennis ball launcher.  You won't need 
> the top model for 60' trees but I do recommend the fishing archery spool 
> option for paying out the line - very smooth and snag free.  The PE braid is 
> so light that one problem is how far the wind drift will take it. Shoot with 
> the wind if you can. Beats every other method I've seen other than a tree 
> climber.  If you buy the kit carefully RTFM.  The tennis ball is weighted 
> with about a dozen pennies so comes down thru firs easily.
> 
> Be careful, the weighted ball energy is dangerous. Handle with firearm rules. 
>  Also the recoil requires aiming & flinch control like a larger bore handgun.
> 
> A really nifty accessory is the Ryobi 18v battery powered hand held inflater, 
> especially if you have Ryobi tools.  It makes quick work of pressurizing in 
> the field.  $19 last I saw at HD.
> 
> Grant KZ1W
> 
>> On 11/28/2018 15:34 PM, Wayne Kline wrote:
>> Terry.
>> I never used one of those pneumatic air launchers….. following your link  
>> looks  like a great option.
>> In the past I have used a bow and arrow wit the bow having a Zebco spin cat 
>> real  attached. But was limited because  I have a 1000 ft road frontage tree 
>> line and arrows  descending can be a problem.
>> I  ran across a wrist rocket which uses a tennis ball … I  got a few hand 
>> balls  seemed to work better falling through the tree branches and have been 
>> using  it in that configuration for a while.
>> My trees are not in the 100ft range but more in the 50/60 ft
>> YMMV
>> Wayne W3EA
>> Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10
>> 
>> From: Topband  on behalf of terry burge 
>> 
>> Sent: Wednesday, November 28, 2018 6:04:10 PM
>> To: topband@contesting.com; terry burge
>> Subject: Topband: tennis ball launcher for antennas
>> Sometime back I bought one of those cheaper launchers that shot a 1-1.5 oz. 
>> fishing weight with fishing line attached. It was scary because if that 
>> fishing weight hit something other that the ground or the fish line broke 
>> you never knew where that thing was going to land.
>> I now have a CSV19 Pneumatic Antenna Launching System like you can see at 
>> www.antennalaunchers.com/csv19/index.html<http://www.antennalaunchers.com/csv19/index.html>.
>>  I have used it with a lot of success and have seen it send a tennis ball 
>> over a 105' fir tree about half again as high. I think with the max 80# of 
>> pressure (think that is what the max is labeled)  can get a woven fish line 
>> over a tree at least 160' tall. 100+ feet for sure. The big thing is to have 
>> a lot of fish line on the fishing real and don't forget to open the bail. If 
>> you start breaking lines and try splicing them together that can be a 
>> problem catching on the reel spool. The new woven fish lines are even 
>> smaller and I think lighter than monofilament. Can't remember how many times 
>> I've had to search for the tennis ball because the 30-40# fishing line 
>> broke. Even have one on my third guy line up on my tower.
>> Wind can sometimes be a problem of course. Was really a problem with the 
>> first launcher using that in Keizer (in town). Hitting right above the top 
>> of a tall fir tree as a target you would be surprised just how far off one 
>> can go.
>> Terry
>> KI7M
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Re: Topband: NEW CALL for WA8WZG

[Mike - W5JR]

Congrats, Tom. Yes, Milt will be watching. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA


> On Jul 10, 2018, at 2:17 PM, wa8...@wa8wzg.net wrote:
> 
> To All,,,
> I have been in a quite a few lotteries for a Vanity call since I moved to 
> Arizona,,
> I was trying for a 1x2 call with no avail..
> Finally I get an email from the FCC this morning , I won a lottery!!
> my NEW CALL is   N7GP..
> I guess I got to ramp up my 160 station!! now!!
> 
> So if  you think you here a ghost,, its not,,, its me,,
> Tom N7GP
> former WA8WZG
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Re: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc

[Mike - W5JR]

Yep. Cyclic there and not there. Then solid for a bit, then intermittent again. 
Definitely got something “loose” going on there. 

Omni R/T antenna. 10 to 20 over. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA (near Atlanta)

sent via my HP95LX 


> On Jan 10, 2018, at 6:06 PM, Lloyd - N9LB <lloydb...@charter.net> wrote:
> 
> Yes, hearing them at my QTH on my SE Beverage, carrier running 15 to 25 dB
> above my noise floor.
> 
> Lloyd - N9LB  near Madison, WI grid EN52HV
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill
> Stewart
> Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2018 5:00 PM
> To: topband <topband@contesting.com>
> Subject: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc
> 
> Is anyone copying a AMBC stn around 1810kc. They are 30db over S9 here. The
> sig was cutting in and out but for last few mins. has been on full time. Did
> hear them mention '1490' and Frankfort KY. Web info comes back to WKYW.
> Heard them yesterday as well. 
> Tnx de Bill K4JYS
> Near Smithfield, NC
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Re: Topband: 160 4 SQUARE

[Mike - W5JR]

And I had a great time in the winter TBDXC a couple of years ago QRP using the 
antennas at Mike's 160 farm. The TX array works very good. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Aug 28, 2017, at 5:17 PM, Mike Greenway <k...@bellsouth.net> wrote:
> 
> Greg, N4CC,, I have been using something similar to what you are describing 
> for about 10 years.  I have 140 ft of Rohn 25 with all Phillystrand guys.  
> The 4 verticals are supported by nylon cords running from the top of the 
> tower.  The height of the tower allows me to have 90 ft verticals plus around 
> 45 ft top hats at the proper spacing between verticals.  I am using a Comtek 
> phasing box. At present around 40  135 ft radials on each vertical.  I never 
> detuned the tower as the F/B and F/S have always been excellent so I did not 
> see the need.  I did look into it but decided to leave as it was. It has been 
> a very competitive transmit system. If you need any further details contact 
> me.  73 Mike K4PI
> _
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Re: Topband: Made it! 80 Years a Ham

[Mike - W5JR]

What a story, Paul. You may remember my Mom and Dad (WB5DMR and K5JR) visiting 
Dad's sister Jody from time to time there in Hobbs years ago. 

Dad is 93 and we have one more year to go to reach 50 years of hamming 
together. Don't think we'll make 80!


tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Jan 19, 2017, at 11:30 AM, Howard K2HK <ho...@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> 
> Paul,
> The years may have slowed your fingers but they have added to your knowledge 
> and experience which you have so generously shared with others in the hobby. 
> Congratulations to you and I wish you many more enjoyable years.
> Howard K2HK
> Sent from my iPad
> 
>> On Jan 19, 2017, at 10:42 AM, DXer <hfdxmoni...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> Paul,
>> 
>> Thank YOU for this wonderful message.
>> 
>> Please accept my heartfelt congratulations!
>> 
>> 73 de Vince, VA3VF
>> 
>>> On Thu, Jan 19, 2017 at 10:34 AM, PAUL M ELLIOTT <p...@valornet.com> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Made it! 19 January 2017, is the 80th anniversary of my first ham license,
>>> Class C operating privileges with W5GGV as my call. Was 14 years old at the
>>> time. A little over a year later I upgraded to Class A.  Many years later
>>> the Extra Class (with no added privileges) came along. Upgraded. Some years
>>> later the FCC announced that hams with an Extra Class license who had been
>>> licensed 25 years could apply for a two -letter call, no place on the
>>> application to request of a specific call.  Was assigned W5DM.
>>> 
>>> First rig made from junked Atwater Kent radio parts. First antenna was a
>>> wire going out a hole in the window screen to a tree.  First DX was VK2SS
>>> on
>>> 40 m CW, September 1937. (An aside. There were no phone privileges on 40 m
>>> for USA hams). The VK2SS QSL card is hung on my wall. My card to him was
>>> written on a postcard (Great Depression=no money to buy QSL cards).
>>> 
>>> Been fairly active over the years, except, of course, for WW II.  If
>>> interested in WW II, you can do a web search on DD 792 for a small part of
>>> my history.
>>> 
>>> The first 20 or 30 years I built my transmitters (all low powered) and
>>> receivers. Operated CW only until SSB came along. Then I built a low
>>> powered
>>> phasing rig. A BC-348H receiver was made dual conversion using 85 kcs  (kcs
>>> then= kHz now) IF transformers from a BC 453 receiver.   Had a blast
>>> working
>>> the world with a homebuilt "cubical quad" on 20 meters.  Since then mostly
>>> CW.
>>> 
>>> I may have made one small contribution to ham radio.  In the April 1958
>>> issue of QST, in Technical Correspondence there was a letter from me that,
>>> I
>>> think, was the first mention in a ham publication that the formula for
>>> determining the length of a "cubical quad" antenna was not correct.  Since
>>> my measurements were made using a BC 348, a grid dip oscillator, and a 100
>>> kcs crystal oscillator. I don't know whether I was just lucky to get as
>>> close as I did or did a fairly good job with what I had.
>>> 
>>> In the early 1990s started out to get 160 m WAS from a 120 x 120 foot
>>> electrically noisy city lot (SE NM) with a long ( ~3/8 wavelength)  but low
>>> semi-inverted L antenna.  Ground radials of varying length in one 90 degree
>>> segment. Made 160 m WAS.   Then started chasing DX.  Now have 189 countries
>>> confirmed on 160 m, 324 on all bands.
>>> 
>>> Age, not surprisingly, has taken its toll.  CW now down to 20-25 wpm-at one
>>> time it was 35-40 wpm.  Finger dexterity way down-has taken me over 3 hours
>>> to type this email. Physical realities remain physical realities--I am now
>>> a
>>> disabled, crippled old man. But---
>>> 
>>> No complaints-many people are worse off than I am.
>>> 
>>> Thanks to all who have had the knowledge and the kindness to help me over
>>> the years.
>>> 
>>> 73 Paul W5DM
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> _
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>>> 
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Re: Topband: Clean Sweeps in ARRL 160

[Mike - W5JR]

Double Extra Like as they say in other social media. I sure miss my friend. 
Will be on the lookout for NA7TB. Will Guthrie Peak endure or be dismantled?

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Dec 5, 2016, at 10:33 AM, W0MU Mike Fatchett <w...@w0mu.com> wrote:
> 
> Grats!  You guys were loud! That would mean more if I was in Europe and not 
> Colorado HI!  Great job!
> 
> 
>> On 12/5/2016 3:05 AM, KY7M wrote:
>> The inaugural use of the NA7TB callsign for the 8-Circle 160m antenna built 
>> by N5IA (sk) resulted in a clean sweep.  We ran as a multi-single with 
>> operators KY7M and AA7A (still jet lagged from CQWW CW at PZ5V).  Going into 
>> Saturday night, we needed only NT and NL after a station in NNY called us.  
>> I had checked spots for VY1AAA, but could not hear him until he parked a few 
>> Hertz above my run QRG.  I gladly worked him and QSY'ed.  Similarly, with 
>> VO1HP, I kept checking spots and found him "hidden" under a loud Midwest 
>> station. I was able to get his attention and a report for the sweep.  It was 
>> very satisfying to say the least and certainly more challenging than on the 
>> HF bands in SS.
>> 
>> It has taken many trips from Phoenix to Safford, AZ (4 hours each way) to 
>> get Milt's dream 160m station ready for the season, but this weekend's 
>> results would have made him proud.  We will be using the NA7-Top-Band 
>> callsign in Stew Perry and CQ 160 for the Milt Jensen Memorial Station.  
>> Thanks for all your Qs.
>> 
>> Lee, KY7M
>> 
>>> On Dec 5, 2016, at 12:22 AM, topband-requ...@contesting.com wrote:
>>> 
>>> Send Topband mailing list submissions to
>>>topband@contesting.com
>>> 
>>> To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
>>>http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
>>> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
>>>topband-requ...@contesting.com
>>> 
>>> You can reach the person managing the list at
>>>topband-ow...@contesting.com
>>> 
>>> When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific
>>> than "Re: Contents of Topband digest..."
>>> 
>>> 
>>> Today's Topics:
>>> 
>>>   1. coax soldering (Larry)
>>>   2. Re: coax soldering (Renee K6FSB)
>>>   3. Re: coax soldering (DXer)
>>>   4. Re: coax soldering (MICHAEL ST ANGELO)
>>>   5. Clean Sweeps in ARRL 160 (Ward Silver)
>>>   6. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 168, Issue 3 (David Olean)
>>>   7. Re: coax soldering (Mike Waters)
>>>   8. Fwd:  Stew Perry TopBand DX Challenge #21 (Lew Sayre)
>>>   9. Re: Clean Sweeps in ARRL 160 (Mark K3MSB)
>>>  10. Re: Clean Sweeps in ARRL 160 (Ward Silver)
>>>  11. ARRL 160 (Lee STRAHAN)
>>>  12. Re: ARRL 160 (Lee STRAHAN)
>>>  13. Re: Clean Sweeps in ARRL 160 (Stan Stockton)
>>>  14. ARRL 160m (Ilmo Anttila)
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Message: 1
>>> Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2016 14:50:55 -0500
>>> From: Larry <pace...@aol.com>
>>> To: topband@contesting.com
>>> Subject: Topband: coax soldering
>>> Message-ID: <158cb63a7fa-2fd9-5...@webprd-m107.mail.aol.com>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
>>> 
>>> hi guys,
>>> 
>>> 
>>> planning on installing some more beverages. i have a roll of CATV 75 ohm 
>>> cable. it is the kind with a double shield. aluminum wrap over tinned 
>>> copper shield. there is some kind of sticky on the shield and i dont think 
>>> that i can solder efficiently to it.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> what is the best way to clean the "sticky" off the shield so that i can 
>>> solder to it for PL259's?
>>> 
>>> 
>>> thanks,
>>> larry
>>> n7dd
>>> 
>>> 
>>> --
>>> 
>>> Message: 2
>>> Date: Sun, 4 Dec 2016 12:03:56 -0800
>>> From: Renee K6FSB <k6fs...@gmail.com>
>>> To: Larry <pace...@aol.com>, topband@contesting.com
>>> Subject: Re: Topband: coax soldering
>>> Message-ID: <65995ff7-376f-b0ef-f911-2bc258de9...@gmail.com>
>>> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=windows-1252; format=flowed
>>> 
>>> I think the best method is F connector, snap and seal, if you must have
>>> a 259 use an adapter.
>>> 
>>> Ren?e, K6FSB
>>> 
&g

Re: Topband: Strange 160m intruder

[Mike - W5JR]

Maybe an LG washer?

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On May 2, 2016, at 12:10 PM, Dave Blaschke, w5un <w...@wt.net> wrote:
> 
> WOW! I'll be sure to avoid a LDG washer.
> 
> Dave, W5UN
> 
>> 
>> The strange intruder that John W1FV reports follows what I have seen in PCM 
>> DC direct drive motors. Specifically I've seen and heard this pattern from a 
>> LDG washer, the type that can't wash the salt off a saltine cracker. It also 
>> could be a well pump.
>> 
>> Bob, W7RH
> 
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Re: Topband: A35T

[Mike - W5JR]

Congrats Milt. Still waiting to hear them over here. Going down to the wire. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Feb 24, 2016, at 10:34 PM, Milt <miltn...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I was fortunate to work them this AM on 160 M.  However, the problem was 
> hearing their signal.  It was weak, as it was the previous morning when I 
> listened only to a few dits.  IMHO their signal is at least 20 DB below where 
> it should be when compared with other South Pacific DXped Top Band signals.
> 
> As said, their signal was weak while sporadically getting answers from both 
> NA and JA.  I waited for a signal peak where I was sure I could hear the 
> reply.  I got a come back with a single call to them.
> 
> I also worked them on 80 M this AM, with 100 Watts.  Lots of callers.
> 
> They QRTed on 40 M right at the time I was making the all important 160 M 
> contact.  Otherwise I might have made the trifecta in a short period of time. 
>  I only have a single 160 M vertical (full WL on 40 M) for use on 40 M but 
> the K3 tuner tunes it very well.  Will see if they are on 40 in the manana.
> 
> 73, and GL to everyone, de Milt, N5IA
> 
> CU all in the CQ 160 SSB this weekend.  I will operate N7GP from AZ -- DM52.
> 
> ==
> 
> -Original Message- From: Jim Brown
> Sent: Wednesday, February 24, 2016 10:56 AM
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: A35T
> 
>> On Wed,2/24/2016 9:00 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:
>> I don't understand what is going
>> on here.  A pacific island should be a chip
>> shot from the left coast.
> 
> Nor do I.  Perhaps a poor TX antenna -- vertical with no radials? Maybe
> low power?  Something caused them to not be on the band at their sunset.
> They did a self spot around 0515Z saying they would be on in an hour,
> but no spots at all until about 1000Z or later. I went into the shack to
> listen, nothing, no trace, no signal, no callers. They had QSYed to a
> higher band. I QSYed back to bed. Nature called around 1330Z, I looked
> to see spots, and headed for the shack. I heard occasional callers and
> saw spots about LOUD, bu it was more than 45 minutes before I saw a
> faint trace, another 10 minutes to be able to hear CW, then ten minutes
> later, enough to copy. One call and they came back.
> 
> One thing they clearly don't get about 160, and to a lesser extent, 80,
> is the spotlight nature of propagation, and that they need to be there
> from before sunset to after sunrise to catch everyone who wants to work
> them. It seems that when things slowed down, they QSYed to a higher band.
> 
> And yes, that guy who didn't know how to use the radio, QSYing up and
> down the band for every caller, was on 160 the night before, as
> indicated by spots from JA. Luckily, the op who was on this morning did
> know how to use the radio. :)
> 
> 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: A35T QRG change

[Mike - W5JR]

Yes. Thanks. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Feb 23, 2016, at 7:40 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist <rich...@karlquist.com> 
> wrote:
> 
> Thanks for avoiding 1820.0  That frequency always has
> QRM on it.
> 
> Rick N6RK
> 
>> On 2/23/2016 4:38 PM, Anthony DeBiasi wrote:
>> Tonight listen for them on 1821.5, they will be listening up.
>> 
>> 73, Tony K2SG
>> A35T Pilot
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
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Re: Topband: NA from HS propagation spotlights

[Mike - W5JR]

Bob, thanks for the Q and mult!!!

tnx
Mike / W5JR
On Maui - KH6RS @ NH6Y

> On Jan 31, 2016, at 9:05 PM, Bob Kupps via Topband <topband@contesting.com> 
> wrote:
> 
> Hi the first-ever topband NA QSO from here with K7CA went in to the log at 
> 1237. Sigs were quite strong at times with long QSB and arriving from NE. The 
> only 2 KH6s heard were also NE then logged at 1243 and 1256. Then beginning 
> 1305 N7DD K5KC N7AT and N5UL went into the log during a 15 minute window when 
> sigs all came in strong from S/SE. NX6T was then heard weak direct SP NE but 
> faded out. Finally K7CA was accidentally worked again at 1344, still going 
> strong on the direct path over an hour later! Other than that I heard no 
> other NA during the random times I was able to operate, even in the clear 
> bottom 10kHz that ironically only HS hams seem to have anywhere around here...
> The HiZ 8 circle seems to be performing very well. We will be QRT for a while 
> but looking forward to getting on topband from here this coming fall season.
> 73 Bob HS0ZIA
> _
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Re: Topband: The Stew Perry is Coming. Are You Ready?

[Mike - W5JR]

I plan to also be QRP from the K4PI 160 farm. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Dec 23, 2015, at 12:21 PM, Jim Brown <j...@audiosystemsgroup.com> wrote:
> 
>> .snip,
> 
> I'll be running 5W for the Stew, so everyone who works me gets the 4X bonus. 

.snip.
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Re: Topband: WAS 160

[Mike - W5JR]

WQ5L has a very loud signal into GA from MS and he was on overnight during 
night 1 of the ARRL 160. For me, sigs from EU were not as strong as usual last 
night. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Dec 5, 2015, at 8:29 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) <co...@frcuba.co.cu> wrote:
> 
> I heard N4OGW from MS last night...
> 
> 73Douglas, CO8DM
> 
> "No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna 
> de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, 
> de dormir, de todo." - Nikola Tesla
> - Original Message - From: "Peter Sundberg" <sm2...@telia.com>
> To: <topband@contesting.com>
> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2015 5:05 AM
> Subject: Topband: WAS 160
> 
> 
>> This morning, for the first time in a couple of years, I could hear/work a 
>> number of NA stations again with good signals.
>> 
>> This leads me to believe that I can finally complete WAS 160m this season by 
>> working someone in MS. Been stuck at 49 states for 4 years now...
>> 
>> Any suggestions as to who is active from MS on 160m with a good station? I 
>> am located at Lat 65.4N so geomagnetic disturbances are a big issue. The 
>> bigger the station is at the other end, the better.
>> 
>> 73
>> Peter SM2CEW
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> _
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Re: Topband: WAS 160

[Mike - W5JR]

For me, EU was/is best before their sunrise. The Pacific before/at my sunrise. 
South America in the spring or fall. There are many countries to be had in the 
CQ160 next Jan. Getting to 100 turned out to be pretty easy. Getting to 150 and 
beyond is taking much more focus. 

I did 115 with just an Inv L over 16 radials. 1kw. No receiving antennas. Was 
at around 95 for a couple of years until several DXpeditions pushed me over the 
magic number. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

> On Dec 5, 2015, at 11:01 AM, K4OWR <k2...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
>  I'm new to this group, but have been a very active ham for all 58 years 
> licensed. I've become very interested in 160 especially since the other bands 
> cndx are so terrible.
> I have lots of land to play antennas with (15 flat acres) and currently have 
> a full size dipole at 90', an inverted L with vertical leg almost 100', and 
> two 850' beverages; plus a 100' tower. I'm also running full power.
> 
> I have had great success contesting on this band (avg 1000qs) but not really 
> much DX. My country total is about 15. I'm reading here about some people 
> working DX and wondering about when I need to get on to hear this stuff. I 
> see the word "overnight" but wondering around what time is best. I'm in east 
> TN.
> Bill K4OWR
> 
>> On 12/5/2015 10:49 AM, Mike - W5JR wrote:
>> WQ5L has a very loud signal into GA from MS and he was on overnight during 
>> night 1 of the ARRL 160. For me, sigs from EU were not as strong as usual 
>> last night.
>> 
>> tnx
>> Mike / W5JR
>> Alpharetta GA
>> 
>>> On Dec 5, 2015, at 8:29 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) <co...@frcuba.co.cu> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I heard N4OGW from MS last night...
>>> 
>>> 73Douglas, CO8DM
>>> 
>>> "No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver 
>>> alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de 
>>> comer, de dormir, de todo." - Nikola Tesla
>>> - Original Message - From: "Peter Sundberg" <sm2...@telia.com>
>>> To: <topband@contesting.com>
>>> Sent: Saturday, December 05, 2015 5:05 AM
>>> Subject: Topband: WAS 160
>>> 
>>> 
>>>> This morning, for the first time in a couple of years, I could hear/work a 
>>>> number of NA stations again with good signals.
>>>> 
>>>> This leads me to believe that I can finally complete WAS 160m this season 
>>>> by working someone in MS. Been stuck at 49 states for 4 years now...
>>>> 
>>>> Any suggestions as to who is active from MS on 160m with a good station? I 
>>>> am located at Lat 65.4N so geomagnetic disturbances are a big issue. The 
>>>> bigger the station is at the other end, the better.
>>>> 
>>>> 73
>>>> Peter SM2CEW
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
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> 
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Re: Topband: Fwd: BCB Interference

[Mike - W5JR]

The non-linear test will help you immediately determine if the issue is inside 
or outside of the radio(s). If inside, dB steps make a difference quickly and 
"not linearly", meaning a 1 or 3 dB step makes a larger impact. 

If it's linear, 10 dB steps make 10 dB improvements, and it's outside of the 
radio. This could still be in shack wiring or other components, or on premiss, 
the other side of town, or the state, as the one Tom tracked down.  

tnx
Mike

> On Nov 3, 2015, at 3:51 PM, Tom W8JI  wrote:
> 
> The first thing I would do is find out if it really is AM BCB stuff, or SW 
> BC, or what it actually is.
> 
> BCB filters won't help if it is a 3 MHz SWBC, or something just above 80 
> meters. Filters also will not help if it is rectification in the antenna 
> system, or a real signal from mixing or a parasitic somewhere else.
> 
> I've  had broad spectrum noise like that from AM transmitter issues, some 
> from Georgia and some from other states, and some SWBC station WWCR.
> 
> I had one AM station in Georgia licensed to run just a few watts at night 
> that was running a kilowatt, and the transmitter also had a wide parasitic 
> that went from 1600 kHz up past 3 MHz. I had to drive halfway to Savannah to 
> locate it.
> 
> One thing happening now is AM stations share antennas, and SWBC stations nest 
> antennas close together.
> 
> Generally what I do is listen to the distorted QRM audio on one ear,  and 
> start at the low end of the AM BC and work my way up through shortwave 
> looking for a signal match. Almost all of the time I find the match, and some 
> of the time it isn't even stuff from the AM band.
> 
> Usually, but not always, mixing is on spot frequencies. Usually, but not 
> always, real wide stuff is arcing or parasitics at the BC station.
> 
> Almost always a 10-30 dB filter cleans up a receiver. If the transmitter were 
> right next door, you might need 50-60 dB. If you are sharing a feedline with 
> them, then you need in the 100 dB range of filter. One port mixers with 
> signals all through the same port are not linear with padding. If you can't 
> hear a significant change with 10-20dB attenuation, the mixing is probably 
> not receiver side of the attenuation.
> 
> Before throwing too many bypasses or filters at things, I'd try to get some 
> idea what it is.
> 
> 73 Tom 
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Re: Topband: W1AW/0 on 160

[Mike / W5JR]

Thanks for the contact, Dave. You were quite strong into GA last night with 
your setup into my TX antenna for receive. That was the last of my 160 
contacts. 

Yes, I was doing the 160 chores for W1AW/4-GA last week. With a TX 4 square and 
1500w, I know I was heard by those that I couldn't pull out of the noise 
regardless of which RX antenna I chose. I worked several locals that I goaded 
into trying whatever they had, and many were just plain W E A K on their 40m 
antennas. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR / 160-W1AW/4-GA

 On Dec 30, 2014, at 1:56 PM, David Raymond daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote:
 
 I have been operating 160 CW as W1AW/0.  I know I was missing some callers 
 last night due to unusual high ambient noise (it's normally very quiet here). 
  It appeared to be atmospheric.  Whatever it was, the NB was of no help.  
 Sorry if I missed your call. . . I was certainly doing my best.  It's really 
 hard to have time to try the all various antenna options and directions when 
 guys that are pee weak running QRP to the gutter only call once. . .hi.  
 Also, I have not been QRO due to an antenna relay problem in the amp.  With 
 last night's conditions impacting my receive capability, it was just as well 
 I was running only 100w.  Thanks to all of you that did hang in there. . . I 
 was trying.
 
 My best to all for a Happy New Year. . . Dave, W0FLS, W1AW/0
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Topband: 3 nights later

[Mike / W5JR]

So why couldn't the Stew be tonight. Zero QRN here (now). S2 noise level versus 
Saturday's S8 with almost constant 20 over QRN until about 4am local.

tnx
Mike
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Re: Topband: Possible abuse of call

[Mike / W5JR]

W0UO was on. 

tnx
Mike

 On Dec 29, 2014, at 11:23 PM, Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com wrote:
 
 On Mon,12/29/2014 3:00 PM, Larry - K1UO wrote:
 So if K1UO managed to work you it was not from here in FN54
 
 As I recall, K0OU was active.
 
 73, Jim K9YC
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Re: Topband: Fsj4 series heliax around a rotor

[Mike/W5JR]

One option is to do what remote ENG trucks do and make at least a 540 deg or 
720 deg (1.5 or 2.0 or more) loops rather than a 180 or 360. This will reduce 
some of the flexing action as it is more like changing the coil size instead of 
a lot of bending back and forth.

You do need to be careful in prepping the ends for connectors. It is very easy 
to score the thin copper shield and it will fracture easily if scored. I 
recommend using some of the heat shrink with the glue inside on the back of the 
connector shell and down the cable three or four inches to act as a strain 
relief. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

 On Jun 8, 2014, at 1:17 PM, Carl k...@jeremy.mv.com wrote:
 
 What is this antenna, tower, rotator, and cable configuration?
 
 Im also using 5 cables and around a Tailtwister rotator.
 
 Carl
 KM1H
 
 
 - Original Message - From: Peter Voelpel dj...@t-online.de
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Sent: Sunday, June 08, 2014 10:45 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: Fsj4 series heliax around a rotor
 
 
 I turn 1/2 Cellflex cable which is similar to FSJ4 for more then 30 years
 and never had a problem.
 On one tower I turn a bunch of 5 cables at once.
 
 And yes, never damage by critters since using that kind of cable on all
 bands, also as feed lines for beverages.
 
 73
 Peter
 
 -Original Message-
 From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Carl
 Sent: Sonntag, 8. Juni 2014 15:33
 To: j...@audiosystemsgroup.com; topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Re: Topband: Fsj4 series heliax around a rotor
 
 More of a topic for a VHF/UHF forum where the question comes up often..
 
 I use that coax on the mast and to power dividers and out to individual
 yagis but it certainly is not meant to survive long around a rotator. There
 I use LMR400UF and into a 50-75 Ohm coax line transformer into .75 to 1 75
 Ohm CATV hardline for 144 MHz and higher.
 
 Another line transformer converts back to 50 Ohms in the house to keep the
 several Bird 43 line sections and elements happy.
 
 Carl
 KM1H
 
 
 - Original Message - From: Jim Brown j...@audiosystemsgroup.com
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Sent: Saturday, June 07, 2014 11:09 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: Fsj4 series heliax around a rotor
 
 
 This would be a natural topic for Tower Talk.  Access via contesting.com
 
 73, Jim K9YC
 
 On 6/7/2014 7:03 PM, Bill Wichers wrote:
 I'm thinking about replacing the lmr400 with fsj4-50b heliax since I have
 
 several thousand feet of that on a reel. I'm also thinking that the
 corrugated copper shield will resist critter damage better than the braid
 
 in the lmr400 cable.
 
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Re: Topband: W1AW/7 in Arizona operating schedule

[Mike/W5JR]

Thanks, Milt. I missed the ID 160 CW due to unknown schedule. Seemed most 
operation was mornings well after our sunrise here in GA. I caught the 160 SSB 
op last night but he was not amenable to switching over to CW since another op 
was designated for CW.  

I know I can work you on flea power, hi hi. See you tonight. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA


 On Mar 11, 2014, at 10:54 AM, Milt -- N5IA n...@zia-connection.com wrote:
 
 To better provide an opportunity for the interested masses who are intent on 
 working the W1AW call sign in all 50 States, the operating schedule for all 
 bands from Arizona locations can be found at the following URL.
 
 http://www.n7cw.com/Schedule.html
 
 The operation starts at Z Wednesday, 12 March, which is 5 PM local in 
 Arizona.  You will note that both time lines are listed in the schedule.  
 Don’t be confused if you are NOT in AZ.  Just use the Zulu time line.
 
 Good luck, and CU all in the pile ups starting this evening.
 
 73 de Milt, N5IA, who will be operating from N7GP in AZ, exclusively on 160 
 Meters
 
 
 -
 No virus found in this message.
 Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
 Version: 2014.0.4335 / Virus Database: 3722/7177 - Release Date: 03/10/14
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Re: Topband: How to detune a wire Inverted L? How to 'detune'electrical fence

[Mike - W5JR]

FYI, I see on the Max Gain site (and local to me) that he is out of the 
RJ1A series of relays.


tnx
Mike / W5JR
Alpharetta GA

On 8/15/2013 1:39 PM, JC N4IS wrote:

Tim

The issue with the relay at the antenna is the time to close the contacts
and avoid RF hot switch.  I'm using a Jennings RJ1A-26S for years, just 4-6
milliseconds to close. Or you can use a sequencer, or a winkey2 with cw lead
time and  PTT2 for the amplifier.

http://www.mgs4u.com/RF-Microwave/vacuum-relays-SPDT.htm


Regards
Carlos
N4IS


_
Topband Reflector


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Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: DX window

[Mike / W5JR]

I worked several EU near my noise floor (S 0-1) with my radio set to 150 Hz 
(Icom 756 ProII) and an omni antenna sandwiched I between stateside Ops that 
were S9 or stronger. Yes, the really close in ones, less than about 400 Hz, add 
to the challenge, but anyone more than 500 Hz away is a non-issue. I have two 
stations (at a KW+) about two miles from me in opposite directions and we 
easily operate within a KHz or each other routinely with no issues. We do see 
each other on the spectrum scopes, but nothing degrading operation. Maybe we 
are lucky. 

tnx
Mike / W5JR / GA

On Dec 6, 2012, at 6:12 PM, N4IS n...@comcast.net wrote:

 Art
 A DL wondered how many DX can coexist in 5kHz. Not many. 
 
 
 I think 5 KHz can hold a lot of DX , CW and 100 Hz BW can do miracles,
 however just one local CQ  machine gun calling CQ stopping only  2.5 sec can
 kill the same 5 KHz in the whole state.
 
 Regards
 JC
 N4IS
 
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