Re: Topband: Fwd: WSPR and topband

[Bill Cromwell]

The Reverse Beacon Network (RBN) is always available.

73,

Bill  KU8H

Bark less - wag more

> On Apr 26, 2023, at 2:45 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote:
> 
> 
>> Perhaps someone can define exactly what that means in the case of a
>> WSPR signal (or even FT8).
> 
> Attended means:
> 
> Present in the shack or a reasonable distance from the control point
> and able to prevent/terminate transmission if necessary.
> 
> Count me as one who is opposed to beacons in general and unattended
> beacons in particular on any frequency below *UHF*.
> 
> 73,
> 
>   ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> 
>> On 4/26/2023 12:22 PM, TreeN6TR wrote:
>> So - it has been brought to my attention that unattended beacons below 10
>> meter are not allowed (although I guess that would not apply to VLF?).
>> More specifically:
>> A beacon
>> 
>> may
>> be automatically controlled while it is transmitting on the 28.20-28.30
>> MHz, 50.06-50.08 MHz, 144.275-144.300 MHz, 222.05-222.06 MHz or
>> 432.300-432.400 MHz segments, or on the 33 cm and shorter wavelength bands.
>> Therefore - this beacon will only be operated when it is "attended".
>> Perhaps someone can define exactly what that means in the case of a WSPR
>> signal (or even FT8).
>> Tree
>>> On Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 8:30 AM TreeN6TR  wrote:
>>> Hi All -
>>> 
>>> I have recently purchased a WSPR transmitter that I will be putting on 160
>>> meters soon.  It will be running 200 mw (at least for now) and be connected
>>> to my TX antenna most of the time.
>>> 
>>> I know many of you are more experienced at using this "mode" than I am -
>>> but wanted to help raise awareness of the benefits of having WSPR beacons
>>> out there (hope that isn't a non-PC word to associate with them).
>>> 
>>> There is a database of reception reports that can be accessed to see what
>>> openings are created.
>>> 
>>> I know a lot of people rely on FT8 for this purpose, but this unattended
>>> method of monitoring conditions has value as well.
>>> 
>>> Look for K7RAT coming soon to 1836.6 kHz on the even minutes.
>>> 
>>> 73 Tree N6TR
> 
> 
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Re: Topband: Lack of DX CW Activity

[Bill Cromwell]


A note from the peanut gallery.

This is topb...@contest.com

I am on a postage stamp lot and the house & garage occupy approximately the 
middle one third. The frontage is not usable for antenna systems due to the 
underground utilities and overhead power lines. I am limited to compromise 
antennas for this band and those must be further compromised from published 
designs to fit into the space. I can be heard in Canada and the eastern United 
States. Most of the daily signals are for dx only. In some contests I can work 
a few stations on the north American continent. I can hear a lot of them but 
they don't hear me. I don't have an antenna for 160 at the moment and not a lot 
of motivation to put one up. Other bands seem more productive given these 
conditions. I would be satisfied with QSOs in the continental range but most 
are DX hounds and can't waste their time on more local rag chews. I am ready to 
just sign off from this list and get out of your way. Am I missing something?

Happy New Year to all and...

73,

Bill  KU8H

> On Jan 5, 2024, at 7:04 PM, VE6WZ_Steve  wrote:
> George,
> 
> Yes. I fully agree that many ops don’t understand that RBN is NOT to be 
> relied on.
> 
> I operate 3 RBN skimmers, each on a different RX antenna, and auto switched 
> for the RX antennas to follow the darkness DX path.
> 2 of these are Broadside phased Beverage pairs. My QTH is a quiet rural 
> location.
> 
> However, the skimmer will only detect a very SMALL FRACTION of what I can 
> hear with my ears.
> If I look at my CW skimmer, often I can “see” the EU DX CQing, but the 
> skimmer will not always decode it.
> Many times I can work lots of EU, but never get a RBN skimmer decode from EU.
> BUT, the opposite is also true.  If I am getting EU RBN decodes, then the 
> band is probably in very good shape.
> 
> Either way, as George said, do NOT rely on RBN to determine if the band is 
> open or not.
> Just keep calling CQ.
> 
> BTW…FT-8 will decode “deep into the noise” however, with the common very fast 
> QSB on 160m, a big reason FT-8 seems to work better is the PC sends EVERY 15 
> seconds, for as long as the op lets the PC go.
> Sometimes on CW, the QSB can be so fast, the QSO needs to be completed within 
> 30 seconds, or the DX has faded into oblivion under the noise.
> (That’s why we usually don’t have time on 160m CW for exchanging more than a 
> signal report…..quickly!!)
> That’s also why on CW we need to keep CQing into what seems like a dead band. 
>  The difference on FT-8, is the PC does the CQing for you.  Yeah…that IS 
> easier!
> 
> 
> Steve, ve6wz
> 
> 
>> Noise is up.
>> 80 is becoming the new 160!
>> 
>> Also, it is noise that is driving a lot of ops onto FT8.
>> 
>> Another contributor is RBN! While RBN is great tool, most RBN RX antennas 
>> are poor on 160. Those that rely on a quick scan of RBN for 160 meter 
>> activity will incorrectly assume that the band is dead.
>> 
>> In the past 10 years noise has gone up by something like 10 dB in many 
>> areas. What worked 10 years ago, no longer works today. We need to learn to 
>> live with it. Invest in better RX antennas and other noise reduction 
>> techniques. (Petition the FCC to increase the power limit by 10 dB :-)
>> 
>> And keep calling CQ!
>> 
>> 73,
>> 
>> George,
>> 
>> AA7JV
> 
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Re: Topband: FT-8 vs CW

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Rick,

I don't have a memory keyer. I do intend to set up a computer or 
something to make the calls (CQ) while I do other things near the 
radios. When somebody replies it will be back to sending by hand for me.


I do prefer CW. I am not even sure where a working mic is hidden - I 
think I have two or three. But hams who want to work ft-8 or other 
digital stuff are fine with me. I have noticed they are NOT in my way. I 
am not in their way:)


I even tune to their signals to see who I can hear just to get a 'real 
time' idea about propagation. That is far from useless. But making QSOs 
that way is more boring for me than watching paint dry. Contest "QSOs" 
too. But never say never:) I have been know to add a few "contacts" in 
contests.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 4/24/19 1:12 PM, rick darwicki via Topband wrote:

So how many of us still send the whole QSO with a key?Buttons on my Pro III do 
most of the work (like mouse clicks with FT-8), I only send the other station's 
call (like typing it in with FT-8)
I have a friend here in Yorba Linda running 100W to a short vertical that never worked 
east of the Mississippi on CW.He now has about 25 DXCC using FT-8. There are times when 
you cannot even hear an audio tone and you still make a "QSO"
DX on 160 is like a DX-pedition   5NN, RR ur 5NN 73 dit dit.
I can count on one hand the QSO's where someone sent OP HR Roger running 1KW to 
phased verticals and 500 foot beverage NE/SW
Countless people have told me they never get on 160 because there is never 
anyone on, except during ARRL and CQ contests.More and more are getting on 
because there always seems to be guys on FT-8.
My DXCC on 160 is all CW and I may have worked a few SSB stations during 
contests, only locals on SSB otherwise.
If there is a country I need, I'll work it ANY mode.
The problem is FT-8 is supposed to be a low power mode and naturally some are 
running 1 KW and swamping the little guys
No matter who is in the White House, it hasn't changed how I live or how often 
I go out to eat. FT-8 isn't going to change my enjoyment of ham radio.
SSB, PSK, EME, AM, Slow Scan TV etc have all fought their battles.
If FT-8 was at 1895 or prohibited during contest weekends, we probably wouldn't 
even know it was on the band.

Rick N6PE

==


Dying is easy, the hard part is living






  


 On Tuesday, April 23, 2019, 11:21:48 PM PDT, 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

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     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. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22 (Andree DL8LAS)
   2. Re: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22 (daraym...@iowatelecom.net)
   3. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Victor Goncharsky)
   4. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
   5. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (VE6WZ_Steve)
   6. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (GEORGE WALLNER)
   7. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Mike Waters)
   8. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (W7RH)
   9. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Mike Waters)
   10. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
   11. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)


--

Message: 1
Date: Tue, 23 Apr 2019 16:50:57 + (UTC)
From: Andree DL8LAS 
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 196, Issue 22
Message-ID: <1521797704.3392014.1556038257...@mail.yahoo.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8


Hey topbanders,
I am also every morning 2:30 UTC? on 160m CW, check at first W1AW beacon? 
1802,5 Mhz. Signal is mostly clear RST 559.
Than i call CQ and check RBN, the NA skimmer received me from 10-24dB. But no 
answer from NA stations. Conditions are not bad, so please listen more for DX 
from EU.
vy 73? Andy DL8LAS

www.dl8las.de

www.dl8las.com
On Dienstag, 23 April, 2019 topband-request  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. Lack of NA Activity on CW (Roger Kennedy)
? 2. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (lennart.michaels...@telia.com)
? 3. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (Peter Sundberg)
? 4. Re: Lack of NA Activity on CW (uy0zg)
? 5

Re: Topband: Transmit High Pass Filters for BCB Interference

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

Some radios do not have a separate receive antenna connector. The 
'friend' wants an out of the box solution. Without a sparate RX antenna 
connector it would be required to handle the transmitter power.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 7/29/19 1:24 PM, Tree wrote:

Normally - you would only put BCB filters in the receive line - so you
don't need something that handles lots of power.  I don't understand why
anyone would be looking at transmit filters for this problem.


---snip-

Tree N6TR




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Re: Topband: Which RX antenna is better?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I am on a small lot now and have barely been able to get signal out on 160 
meters. A full size antenna for 80 meters won't really fit without some 
"crunching". I am ever going to be a world beater on either of those bands but 
I do get to play. On a couple of other mail reflectors we all agree that *any* 
antenna is better than a radio sitting on the shelf collecting dust.

73,

Bill KU8H

Bark less - wag more

> On Jul 30, 2019, at 11:00 PM, w...@w5zn.org wrote:
> 
> I always enjoy reading the experience that folks have with their receiving 
> antennas. The RDF and comparison charts that are published these days are 
> pretty accurate so you can get a very good feel for how the antennas stand up 
> against each other.
> 
> When it comes to the question of "Which RX Antenna is Better" that's a whole 
> different ballgame with many, many variables! Obviously the amount of area 
> you have to erect an RX antenna will factor in a good bit on your success. 
> I'm fortunate to have a lot of land that I can play on with several different 
> RX antenna types. Even so, an RX antenna that works great at my QTH may not 
> work worth a flip at yours. I've always strayed away from comparing antennas 
> between two different geographical areas, even those that are relatively 
> close to me (within 250 miles or so). One key factor that isn't mentioned 
> much when comparing RX antennas is the impact of propagation on 160 meters. I 
> always like to compare what is being heard at Dave W0FLS up north of me by 
> around 400 miles or so and at K5RK down the opposite direction by about the 
> same distance. Heck, even close by with K5UR 25 miles south of me and WD5R 
> the same distance north we hear different results some times! Go figure, or 
> ask K9LA ab
 out 160 meter prop!
> 
> Low band RX antennas have improved considerably over the past 10 to 15 years 
> simply because more is being published about them and we are sharing our 
> experiences with them. That definitely needs to continue.
> 
> So, here's the bottom line from the "ZN Perspective". Put up the best system 
> you can based on your available space. Learn how that antenna performs on the 
> air at your QTH and then share your experience with us but just remember, 
> your objective is to improve your receive noise floor and get that as low as 
> possible for your area. You will NOT magically begin to hear DX if the 
> propagation isn't there and if you live out here in fly over country like me 
> most of the time you won't hear some of that juicy DX that the boys sitting 
> right on the east coast salt water will hear but when the prop gods smile on 
> you that low noise RX antenna will give you the edge.
> 
> GL with the projects and I very much look forward to the upcoming low band DX 
> season!
> 
> 73 Joel W5ZN
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Re: Topband: BOG height

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Wes,

That's what I thought too. But what di I know. I also wonder who is 
buried in Grant's tomb.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 8/1/19 2:01 PM, Wes wrote:
Doesn't "BOG" mean, Beverage On Ground?  If so, isn't the answer, "on 
the ground"?


Wes  N7WS

On 8/1/2019 10:08 AM, Paul Mclaren wrote:

Just a ‘simple’ question hopefully - How close to the ground should a BOG
be for best/good performance?

I am looking for any additional info that I can get to supplement what I
have found online already so good on the balun, wire type and termination
resistor.

My single unterminated beverage I have at the moment was transformational
compared to a Wellbrooke loop but the location it is in will soon be 
80 new

homes so time to look elsewhere.  Current plan is a small number (maybe
three) BOG antennas switched by a remote relay but distance is limited to
200ft maximum in any direction.

Plan is to use the BOGs for 160 but also 80,40 and maybe 30m.

Regards

Paul MM0ZBH
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Re: Topband: BOG height

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I don't have room for a 160 meter BOG here.I have been thinking of 
experimenting some wire on the ground at least for 80, 40, maybe 30 
meters. I can only get by deploying at night and rolling them up when I 
QRT. Anything above toe and ankle height but lower than head height 
would endanger lives here - even at night.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 8/1/19 2:18 PM, Mike Waters wrote:

Hi Wes,

Yes, that's what it means. :-) But at my QTH, a BOG would have to lie on
the pasture grass, a couple of inches from the soil.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Thu, Aug 1, 2019, 1:01 PM Wes  wrote:


Doesn't "BOG" mean, Beverage On Ground?  If so, isn't the answer, "on the
ground"?

Wes  N7WS



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Re: Topband: Computer noise

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

One solution is to use batteries. Charge the batteries while you are 
*NOT* using the radios and noisy power supplies won't interfere (unplug 
those rascals). I am using a combination of batteries and old fashioned 
'iron' chargers. There is no power line crud conducted into my radios 
and no switcher RFI. I began the "all battery" practice when I started 
NDB hunting and 630 meter listening. Lower powered transmitters can last 
a while on battery operation too.


For high output transmitters - well you are on your own. Batteries do 
not seem practical for 1500 watt amplifiers plus the exciter. For 
receive use they are helpful.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 11/26/19 12:50 PM, Michael Walker wrote:

I have now tossed all my Amateur switching supplies (almost). The older
they got, the noisier they got.

The last one to go was the Alinco DM-330V.   I really liked this as a bench
supply, but its time has come.

It was bad on 160M and even bad on 6M.  I replaced it with an old iron
Astron RS70 that I had lying around and that cleared that up.  Birdies all
gone.

However, I did get a 30A SolidState Powerwerx from the office to test and I
have to admit is is pretty quiet on HF.

If you really want to be sure, limit you switching supplies and/or have a
good listen to them.

Mike va3mw







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Re: Topband: Anyone with experience using CAT6 as feed line.

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

What if you come all four twisted pairs into a single pair?

I can't try this on my postage stamp lot because no reasonable beverage 
will fit.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 5/17/20 4:19 PM, Mikek wrote:

  Did a first test on a BOG, I noted it didn't have a f/b ratio.
  Then I noted I connected the wrong pair to the radio.
  That means the twisted pair is picking up signal.
I terminated it hoping that would quiet it, It didn't.
  I corrected the wiring error, But the feed line pickup
makes the BOG useless.

On a previous BOG I used #18 twisted speaker wire and it
picked up very little RF when connected the the radio.


   Do I need to do anything with the unused pairs,
that would help?

  Any thoughts on how to prevent RF pickup by the feed line?

    Mikek KF4ITA
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Re: Topband: May i ask you a favor?

[Bill Cromwell]

I read my copy and then thought it for most of two seconds before 
deleting it :)


73,

Bill  KU8H

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On 6/1/20 5:51 PM, fmoeves wrote:

I got one of these to. I'll just delete.. Fred KB4QZH

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Re: Topband: For sale?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

Tree already posted that ads are not allowed on this list. The OP 
apologized and promised to not do it again. Some lists do allow relevant 
ads. Etiquette requires us to ask first.


/relurk

73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more
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Re: Topband: maybe off subject but ...

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I have a couple of DOD programs I run in DOSBox. I have the linux 
version and those programs are tsr. I run them both at the same time in 
a DOSBox window.


Good luck with your project.

73,

Bill  KU8H


bark less - wag more

On 8/25/20 5:01 PM, Terry Burge wrote:

Hi topbander,

Once upon a time I got fairly good designing quad antennas on Necwire2. I
still have many of those designs on various 3 1/2" floppies with the
programs. Am I dating myself? Anyway that was about the only antenna design
program I managed. It requires a DOS based computer like Windows XP/etc.
I'm not sure if Windows 7 is still capable of running DOS. On Craig's List
can be found various computer that have Win7 but I need to know if they are
DOS capable so I can manage some antenna design work. Like I say I just
have not have any luck with newer stuff I know is available and have even
tried without success.

Any answers?

Terry
KI7m
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Re: Topband: CW Activity

[Bill Cromwell]

Thanks Rob,

I got the 'gray line' feature enabled and the whole thing captured to my 
"operations" bookmark folder.


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 9/7/20 6:43 AM, Rob Atkinson wrote:

If you want to find out about QRN somewhere you don't have to ask on
an email list.  You can just go to windy.com or www.lightningmaps.org
and see for yourself.  Also lightningmaps has a gray line plot so you
can see where dawn and dusk are.

Rob
K5UJ
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Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Joe,

Have you tried to do anything about the dryer? Filters? I was concerned 
my clothes dryer and washing machine might do that but they apparently 
don't. My poor dear wife cannot grasp operating the touch controls for 
the microcontrollers in those machines. They are not LG. They are 
Maytag. Maybe I am just looking  in the wrong places for the hash:) I 
mostly use 80, 40, and 30 meters with some 160 and 17 meters in the mix.


I have had occasion to tame some switch mode power supplies in computers 
here. It can be done.


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 10:39 AM, Joe Galicic wrote:

Steve,

I have a LG DLE-7300WE clothes dryer that makes RFI when it's running. I have 
not checked on every band but I know it makes noise on 40 meters.  My noise 
level rises an S unit or so with RF hash when it's running.

Joe
N3HEE



On 11/20/2020 5:12 PM Steve Lawrence via Topband  wrote:

  
Please excuse the OT. Anyone using an LG DLG7301 Clothes Dryer? Any RFI detected 160-6m?


Please reply off list only.

TU & 73 - Steve WB6RSE
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Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI

[Bill Cromwell]

I have a large selection of tools and many decades of experience 
wielding them. Some of my habits and attitudes I learned in the Navy and 
I assure that *nothing* is sailor-proof:)


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 1:39 PM, Hugh Valentine wrote:

Beware!  A non Ham, Ham Widow, invented the electronics on the dryers.

There are designed to aggravate the low bands….specifically.

Only two things can be done to cure the issue:

 1. Beg for forgiveness and take the YL or XYL to the Jewelery ( this is
only a Temporary cure).
 2. Operate the machine yourself (it can sense) and commit to do all the
Laundry in your house for 5 years or until you get out of Ham
Radio.  There is a sensor that is infallible and can tell when the
Ham Licensed operator is at least 3 weeks ahead of the QRN/RFI curve.

Proceed accordingly….

The patented algorithm crosses all makes and models and there is no 
bypass….There is no escape.


Val

N4RJ

Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for 
Windows 10


*From: *Bill Cromwell <mailto:wrcromw...@gmail.com>
*Sent: *Saturday, November 21, 2020 11:19 AM
*To: *topband@contesting.com <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
*Subject: *Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI

Hi Joe,

Have you tried to do anything about the dryer? Filters? I was concerned
my clothes dryer and washing machine might do that but they apparently
don't. My poor dear wife cannot grasp operating the touch controls for
the microcontrollers in those machines. They are not LG. They are
Maytag. Maybe I am just looking  in the wrong places for the hash:) I
mostly use 80, 40, and 30 meters with some 160 and 17 meters in the mix.

I have had occasion to tame some switch mode power supplies in computers
here. It can be done.

73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 10:39 AM, Joe Galicic wrote:
 > Steve,
 >
 > I have a LG DLE-7300WE clothes dryer that makes RFI when it's 
running. I have not checked on every band but I know it makes noise on 
40 meters.  My noise level rises an S unit or so with RF hash when it's 
running.

 >
 > Joe
 > N3HEE
 >
 >
 >> On 11/20/2020 5:12 PM Steve Lawrence via Topband 
 wrote:

 >>
 >>
 >> Please excuse the OT. Anyone using an LG DLG7301 Clothes Dryer? Any 
RFI detected 160-6m?

 >>
 >> Please reply off list only.
 >>
 >> TU & 73 - Steve WB6RSE
 >> _
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Reflector

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Reflector

 >
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Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I operate the washer and dryer and yes I do remove the fuzz from the 
lint trap:)


I also do most of the other "house work". The XYL is sliding ever slowly 
deeper into Alzheimer's. I have her do as much as she can and when she 
can. Lots of good days left.


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 2:24 PM, Mark - N5OT wrote:
Bill, you might check with your wife.  I bet she is cleaning the dryer's 
filter every time she uses it which might explain why you can't find the 
hash.


73 - Mark N5OT


On 11/21/2020 10:18 AM, Bill Cromwell wrote:

Hi Joe,

Have you tried to do anything about the dryer? Filters? I was 
concerned my clothes dryer and washing machine might do that but they 
apparently don't. My poor dear wife cannot grasp operating the touch 
controls for the microcontrollers in those machines. They are not LG. 
They are Maytag. Maybe I am just looking  in the wrong places for the 
hash:) I mostly use 80, 40, and 30 meters with some 160 and 17 meters 
in the mix.


I have had occasion to tame some switch mode power supplies in 
computers here. It can be done.


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 10:39 AM, Joe Galicic wrote:

Steve,

I have a LG DLE-7300WE clothes dryer that makes RFI when it's 
running. I have not checked on every band but I know it makes noise 
on 40 meters.  My noise level rises an S unit or so with RF hash when 
it's running.


Joe
N3HEE


On 11/20/2020 5:12 PM Steve Lawrence via Topband 
 wrote:


  Please excuse the OT. Anyone using an LG DLG7301 Clothes Dryer? 
Any RFI detected 160-6m?


Please reply off list only.

TU & 73 - Steve WB6RSE
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector

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Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Bob,

Well I'm getting old so laundry is already a daytime chore. With just 
the two of us here and the covid out there laundry is less demanding. I 
just have to keep us in clean pajamas.


I was prepared to go into the new machines to install any needed 
partsvbut mine are behaving without that effort. Big signs on them say 
Made in the USA so maybe they already have the parts installed. I 
suppose I did pay a little more for them.


There are microcontrollers in just about everything these days - even 
toasters and coffee pots. We have to learn how to live with them whether 
we want to or not.


73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 4:21 PM, Robert Urban wrote:

Just discovered today, our new LG dryer wipes out the 160m band.
Washing clothes will have to be a daytime activity here.
Bob W9EWZ

On Sat, Nov 21, 2020 at 1:42 PM Bill Cromwell <mailto:wrcromw...@gmail.com>> wrote:


I have a large selection of tools and many decades of experience
wielding them. Some of my habits and attitudes I learned in the Navy
and
I assure that *nothing* is sailor-proof:)

73,

Bill  KU8H

bark less - wag more

On 11/21/20 1:39 PM, Hugh Valentine wrote:
 > Beware!  A non Ham, Ham Widow, invented the electronics on the
dryers.
 >
 > There are designed to aggravate the low bands….specifically.
 >
 > Only two things can be done to cure the issue:
 >
 >  1. Beg for forgiveness and take the YL or XYL to the Jewelery (
this is
 >     only a Temporary cure).
 >  2. Operate the machine yourself (it can sense) and commit to do
all the
 >     Laundry in your house for 5 years or until you get out of Ham
 >     Radio.  There is a sensor that is infallible and can tell
when the
 >     Ham Licensed operator is at least 3 weeks ahead of the
QRN/RFI curve.
 >
 > Proceed accordingly….
 >
 > The patented algorithm crosses all makes and models and there is no
 > bypass….There is no escape.
 >
 > Val
 >
 > N4RJ
 >
 > Sent from Mail <https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for
 > Windows 10
 >
 > *From: *Bill Cromwell <mailto:wrcromw...@gmail.com
<mailto:wrcromw...@gmail.com>>
 > *Sent: *Saturday, November 21, 2020 11:19 AM
 > *To: *topband@contesting.com <mailto:topband@contesting.com>
<mailto:topband@contesting.com <mailto:topband@contesting.com>>
 > *Subject: *Re: Topband: OT - LG Dryer RFI
 >
 > Hi Joe,
 >
 > Have you tried to do anything about the dryer? Filters? I was
concerned
 > my clothes dryer and washing machine might do that but they
apparently
 > don't. My poor dear wife cannot grasp operating the touch
controls for
 > the microcontrollers in those machines. They are not LG. They are
 > Maytag. Maybe I am just looking  in the wrong places for the hash:) I
 > mostly use 80, 40, and 30 meters with some 160 and 17 meters in
the mix.
 >
 > I have had occasion to tame some switch mode power supplies in
computers
 > here. It can be done.
 >
 > 73,
 >
 > Bill  KU8H
 >
 > bark less - wag more
 >
 > On 11/21/20 10:39 AM, Joe Galicic wrote:
 >  > Steve,
 >  >
 >  > I have a LG DLE-7300WE clothes dryer that makes RFI when it's
 > running. I have not checked on every band but I know it makes
noise on
 > 40 meters.  My noise level rises an S unit or so with RF hash
when it's
 > running.
 >  >
 >  > Joe
 >  > N3HEE
 >  >
 >  >
 >  >> On 11/20/2020 5:12 PM Steve Lawrence via Topband
 > mailto:topband@contesting.com>> wrote:
 >  >>
 >  >>
 >  >> Please excuse the OT. Anyone using an LG DLG7301 Clothes
Dryer? Any
 > RFI detected 160-6m?
 >  >>
 >  >> Please reply off list only.
 >  >>
 >  >> TU & 73 - Steve WB6RSE
 >  >> _
 >  >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband -
Topband
 > Reflector
 >  > _
 >  > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
 > Reflector
 >  >
 > _
 > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
Reflector
 >
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Topband: ready for the Stew

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I've been getting ready for the Stew here and I have noticed the
propagation fairies at play on our top band. Let's hope they stay and
play *tomorrow*.

73,

Bill  KU8H

___
Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge coming on December 29th.

Re: Topband: Fw: Short Bogs

[Bill Cromwell]

On Sun, 2012-12-30 at 20:53 -0500, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
> The characteristics of #12 THHN and such vary all over the map.  It is not
> being made for use at RF.  The insulation not only changes the velocity
> factor, but it also adds loss.  This too varies all over the map.
> 
> Wireman has various wires with UV resistant black PE insulation.  That
> stuff seems to be predictable and stable.  I personally don't know of any
> THHN with PE insulation.  YMMV, of course.  Neither of the guys at Home
> Depot and Lowes have any idea what I'm talking about if I mention PE
> insulation.  Apparently plastic is plastic  :>).
> 
> 73, Guy


I got my THHN at the depot and the guys in there told me I can't have
grey wire. Grey wire is not on the agenda for wiring appliances. I hope
they don't come here to investigate THHN abuse! I um... didn't use in an
appliance.

Now lets see about this wireman guy. I'll try Google first.

73,

Bill  KU8H

___
Stew Perry Topband Distance Challenge coming on December 29th.

Re: Topband: solarwind and 160 prop

[Bill Cromwell]

On Wed, 2013-01-23 at 09:39 -0500, Bill Tippett wrote:

---snip---
>  There are many other factors affecting 160, and probably many
> we do not fully understand.  
---snip---
> 
> 73,  Bill  W4ZV


Hi Bill,

We probably know just enough to be dangerous. I often refer to "the
propagation fairies" - like the tooth fairy, etc. It's partly mystery.
That's why all of us have QSOs that should be impossible ( a gift from
the propagation fairies) or fail to make QSOs that should be easy
(tricks played by those same fairies). One attraction of ham radio is
the bundle of surprises we get when we turn on the radios. As Tim The
Toolman says - "OY!?"

73,

Bill  KU8H

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 500 kHz

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I'm hoping a new 600 meter allocation will give some nice "regional" rag
chew QSOs. My receiver is already working and now looking at designs and
schemes for transmitting a signal when the time comes. I have been
receiving low powered signals from some of the experimental stations at
about 1000 miles distant sometimes. NDBs at 25 watts are good day or
night out to 1200 miles. I won't be disappointed if we cannot work other
hams globally. There are other bands that are good for that.

73,

Bill  KU8H

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: FO8AJ - TX5K

[Bill Cromwell]

On Fri, 2013-03-08 at 23:15 -0700, James Rodenkirch wrote:
> Mike: re TX5K   I "saw" much of that behavior on 40 as well.  In fact,
>  40 was the only HF band that I operate on that I did NOT work them on
>  and felt like the number(s) of stations and the utterly rude behavior
>  contributed to that "non band happening"!  I put out a decent signal
>  on 40 so was surprised.
> 
> Totally disgusting is the only way to describe the behavior of some of
>  those 40 meter operators!
> 
> Oh well, it's a hobby so you get what you get, I guess - or sumpin'
>  like that.
> 
> The Top Band crowd was, as usual, totally on the other of the spectrum
>  - congenial, allowing the operator to run the show...no keying down on
>  top of themsigh..wish all bands were like that.
> 
> 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV


Hi Jim,

I was astonished when I heard them on 160 meters. My antenna is NOT the
very best. I have occasionally heard some DX stations on 160. I have
suspected that one reason I don't hear a lot of DX on the lower bands is
the QRM from their piles. To be honest I did hear some stations
transmitting on the DX's frequency. A quick "up 3" and they actually
moved! That allowed even *me* to hear the DX.

The ice and snow is beginning to yield and soon enough I'll be out there
putting up some metal tubing (grin). Along with some better tools to
help sort them at the receiver and I should be "in".

73,

Bill  KU8H

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: gentlemen's band

[Bill Cromwell]

On Sun, 2013-03-10 at 11:19 -0700, Mike Armstrong wrote:
> Guys, I think the explanation for why 160 (and the dx crowd on 80,
>  too... not necessarily the 75 meter "throw a wire in the air rag chew
>  crowd) are more gentlemanly (and ladies, of course) is very simple. 
>  It is REALLY simple to explain:
--snipped - see original post for all of the text---
> Take care and great DXing,
> Mike AB7ZU (who ALWAYS aspires to be a gentleman on any band) 


Hi Mike,

I took a couple sips of coffee and opened the pressure relief valve for
a few minutes - playing with unsavory adjectives in my head (evil grin).

Maybe your doctoral thesis is a bit of an oversimplification but is
probably a good, partial diagnosis (grin). I've been a ham only a little
over 30 years and I have noticed that Lids have always existed. No band
or mode is really an exception. We are not allowed to toss them into a
dungeon, burn them at the stake, or anything so we just have to work our
way around them the best we can. The only thing that will have any
effect and only on a few of them is shunning. That's not very effective
among religious sects and probably is futile in ham radio too. Just we
don't have to associate with those Lids.

Mostly when I encounter those hams I feel more sympathy than rage (yes
some irritation, too). They truly have no clue about life itself and
being a ham Lid is the least of their problems. It may help your stomach
erosion the next time you encounter those *!*#'s to take a breath and
say aloud to yourself "there but for the grace of God go I." See you on
the bands.

73,

Bill  KU8H

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Spam on the Reflector!

[Bill Cromwell]

On 06/19/2013 03:38 PM, Keith Jillings (G3OIT) wrote:

---snip--

Yahoo's mail server was hacked a couple of weeks ago - I've had spam 
or virus e-mails from most people I know who have a Yahoo e-mail 
address. I don't know if Yahoo are acknowledging the problem yet.


I spent some of last week clearing out the computers of a couple of 
ladies in our congregation, and setting them up with decent AV (Avast, 
needless to say).   The friends whose accounts were used to infect 
them were not to blame in any way - their address books were copied by 
the hackers and used to send the nasties.


It's all part of the fun!

Keith
G3OIT


Hi Keith,

The thing with Yahoo is way older than 2 weeks. Once upon a time 
somebody pointed out that Yahoo hackers were getting access to the 
"address books" there. Those do NOT live on your computer. You have 
entrusted Yahoo with them. I immediately emptied out my address books on 
Yahoo and just for good measure on Gmail, too. I am just at the point of 
completely abandoning Yahoo and all my friends there.


I do look at some emails that have raised suspicions but I have probably 
skipped over some that had "flaky" subject fields, *NO* subject, and 
certainly I look to see where a link is going to take me. So far that 
has been the unfailing belwether of obnoxious messages. It only takes a 
second to look. All of them are so obvious.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Desktop Power Supply Brand/Noise Question

[Bill Cromwell]

On 07/20/2013 11:55 AM, Gary Smith wrote:

As nothing remains on the market long before it's replaced, my PS
from two years ago has been superseded. Mine is a PC Power & Cooling
Silencer 760W. Were I to get one today I would choose their 950 watt
version
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817703028
The reason I like this PS is it is dead quiet RF-wise & acoustic-wise
I can't hear it over the fan on the processor. It's a very reliable
unit and frankly, most any of the ones that get lots of eggs  from
reviews on Newegg will meet your needs. Amazing that people are still
selling RF generators as PS. I got burned 4-5 years back and never
bought a cheap one again.

73,

Gary
KA1J




Hi,

I live in a "backwater" area and when I needed a power supply for my 
computer they had cheap ones *only*. In this area it was all they could 
sell. I learned more about computer supplies than I ever wanted to know. 
I mail ordered a better power supply and used the el cheapo to learn how 
to quiet the danged things down. It's a better neighbor to the radios 
now. If my time is worth anything the higher priced supply is a better 
bargain than the cheap junk one and then fixing it up. With the modest 
price difference I made about 2 cents per hour doing all of that!


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Desktop Power Supply Brand/Noise Question

[Bill Cromwell]

On 07/21/2013 08:37 PM, Jim Brown wrote:


But you're re-engineering someone else's design, without knowledge of 
all the issues.That's a questionable practice unless you're a circuit 
designer -- it's easy to open a can of worms. Few hams are qualified 
to do that, and I would be the last to recommend it.


73, Jim K9YC
_


Hi,

Unless I missed something we are talking "tampering" with our own gear - 
our own possessions. I would be reluctant to ever so much as touch 
somebody else's consumer equipment. However I have bought brand new 
radio gear and after running a day or two turned it off, opened it up, 
and customized it. None of that stuff failed to run as expected. Other 
gear I just opened up, tearing the "Do not open - no user serviceable 
parts inside" nonsense tag. I satisfied my questions about how it works 
and how it was built. How awful that some of us actually build 
electrical equipment from scratch!


YMMV.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 07/23/2013 10:03 PM, Mike Waters wrote:

I appreciate the replies and insight. Let me add some details I should have
included in my original question.

What I really wanted to know was, When do you think that QRN might let up a
little, to the point when we might expect to have a relatively quiet night
here and there? So far, we have gone many weeks with not one single evening
of quiet, making DX --and most good stations on the east and west coast--
all but impossible to hear over the lightning crashes. Beverages _at both
ends of the path_ helps, but that's not often the situation lately.

I haven't listened on 160 every night, but ever since sometime in May (I
forget exactly) I have been daily checking the Intellicast real-time
lightning map at www.intellicast.com/Storm/Severe/Lightning.aspx . And
there has not been a single evening on 160 since then when there was not a
lot of lightning over the continental USA.

I did manage to have some SSB ragchews late last night with some very
strong stations in the Midwest, but the QRN never dropped below S9 even
though the lightning was some distance away.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com


Hi Mike,

I haven't heard a lot on 160 meters mostly due to lack of activity. I 
listen more in the early morning hours just before and through morning 
twilight and sunrise. A few times the band has been astonishing quiet - 
checked to be sure I was on the antenna and not on the dummy load. At 
night I am on 80 and 40 meters (and sometimes 20) but when I try 160 
there is a more QRN than in the mornings. I mostly hear the SSB ragchew 
nets and little CW. When the ARRL gets on they are always in here quite 
loud but still no other CW stations. I should be able to easily hear 
lower powered stations if any were on.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Symbol Rates (was [ARRL-LOTW] BoD votes LoTW initiatives)

[Bill Cromwell]

On 07/24/2013 08:09 AM, Brian Machesney wrote:

Joe,

I don't understand your objection to removal of the symbol rate language.
Under the existing band plan, CW is expected to co-exist with other
"digital" modes of all kinds.

Now, I don't like to hear even narrow-bandwidth PSK or RTTY signals when
I'm operating in the "traditionally CW" portions of the bands, but I don't
believe this is even primarily a question of symbol rate. When CW contest
activity extends into, through and beyond the "traditionally digital"
portions of the bands, I find it very difficult to pick a CW signal out of
a densely-packed cluster of PSK carriers or RTTY stations. In my
experience, it is not the symbol rates of the PSK and RTTY stations that
cause the interference, but the ability of my brain to discriminate against
the natures of modulation of those signals.

I agree with you that we need to review the band plans. But to me that
doesn't mean that we should allow the persistence of language which may
hold back technical progress.

73 -- Brian/K1LI



Hi,

I have started using DSP with computer sound card software and also with 
dedicated hardware. Those have made it possible for me to dig weaker 
signals out of the noise and pick out CW signals from between those 
"densely packed" digital signals. It also gets rid of the neighbors' 
QRMing appliances stacked right next to the desired signal. I can slice 
the junk right off. Even with my *old* receivers - including a couple of 
regens. The waterfall and spectrum (panadapter) displays in the 
soundcard software helps identify where those signals are before I can 
hear them in all the din. I am finding those things to be effective 
tools to use against modern "rotten QRM". I frequently use a bandwidth 
narrower than 100 Hz yet can see where there are CW signals and dial 
them in. If you are not using any of those you should give then a try. 
The one that has been most useful for me is "Spectran". It's not to hard 
to figure out how to use and it works very well. Not a lot of bells and 
whistles to get in the way. Being *free* is a good feature, too.


I do NOT use the computer to actually decode CW for me. Computers are 
just not good enough to do that with CW out in "the wild". YMMV.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 160 meter condx.

[Bill Cromwell]

On 07/27/2013 12:26 PM, Bruce wrote:

Found QRN was much lower, in mid-coast Maine, Saturday morning about 0330 UTC.
One very weak signal on my East Beverage turned out to be a very strong 
stateside station on the West Beverage.

Did hear Luis IV3PRK at 0333 UTC. with a good signal. Was able to work him at 
0344 UTC after getting the old linear
switched and tuned for the band. Better days are coming for QRN sensitive ears.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
_
Topband Reflector


Hi,

I think the lower end of 160 is more or less abandoned when there could 
be some QSOs there. I am not having much trouble hearing SSB stations up 
above 1900 anda some a little below that. With a narrower bandwidth CW 
should be easier. Some of the SSB stations I can hear are reporting 
their power output at 100 watts or even less. I do not have a world 
beater station here on 160 and i won't have unless I move back out of 
town onto acreage again. But I can work stations in the great lakes area 
and most of the time in the eastern US and Canada. Sometimes I can hear 
the DX stations. I tried some antenna stuff on 160 a day or two ago and 
tried some on air tests. Apparently the RBN stations abandon 160 for the 
"off season", too. They didn't hear anybody in North America and never 
mind about just my own modest station. The tricks did work for me on 80 
where there is also a lot of QRN. I got through okay there for an hour 
long chat with a fellow only as far away as Ohio (abt 400 miles) with 
about 30 watts output. So what if Ohio isn't DX?


Most of the trouble in summer on 160 is lack of use. I'll keep trying 
when I can get near the radios and call CQ for a while around about 1825 
(give or take a few).


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: tree losses

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

For me the effect the trees have is purely academic. I live in the 
northern Michigan forests. I am surrounded and even protected by the 
trees. My antennas are *in* the trees. I'm sure the trees have some 
effect. There is nothing I can do but operate anyway. If the tree 
studies find that radio is impossible in the presence of trees I suppose 
I'll have to find a different hobby. Meanwhile I'll keep on keeping on.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/13/2013 02:56 PM, James Rodenkirch wrote:

  Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB 
near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me 
with 30 watts.  Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the 
summer!!
  
Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?!  Jim R. K9JWV





Hi Jim,

So... I'll keep trying. I listen around and sometimes make the call. 
Shame on me! If I don't find a station calling then I should make the 
call *every* time. W1AW is *always* copyable here (when they are on the 
air).  I run the dial up toward the other end of the band and can find 
SSB stations there. The band ain't closed. I don't have SSB available on 
160. If I want to chew the rag on 160 maybe I'll have to just fix that. 
I don't mind QSOs with other North American stations.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/13/2013 04:05 PM, ZR wrote:
You can always fire up on AM on 1945 Tuesdays at 830PM East Coast 
time. Get a chance to see how effective all those antennas weve been 
discussing recently really play.

http://greyhairnet.org/

Carl
KM1H


Hi Carl,

With my "postage stamp" lot my lil wire is no world beater but I will 
see what I can do about that. Somewhere around here I have a mic already 
wired for the TX that will do phone (AM) on 160. Even with a lesser 
antenna we are assured that nothing is going to happen if we never 
transmit. Any antenna is better than no antenna.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I continue to find evidence that 160 meters is NOT closed for the 
season. Most of the evidence is to be found way up in the phone band. I 
wondered if those guys were running California kilowatts or something 
but in some of the QSOs they mentioned their power output in the 100 
watt area. I have occasionally heard some CW calls for DX but those are 
scarce. Apparently the CW hams are just plain absent..doing soemthing 
else for the 'closed' season.


This morning I set up a receiver to slowly scan (troll) from 1800 to 
1830 kc...continuously. While I am working around here in and out of the 
shack I will hopefully hear anybody in range if there is activity.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/25/2013 09:15 AM, Shoppa, Tim wrote:

YW5X (IOTA activation in Venezuela) has been active on 160M CW past couple of 
nights with a fair number of callers.

Tim N3QE



Hi Tim,

Maybe I should be listening more at night instead of mornings...

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..

[Bill Cromwell]

Several of you have said that you were on this morning and there was a 
lot of activity. I better start looking for a serious problem here. What 
time this morning are we talking about. I was up at morning twilight 
walking the dog and on the radios well before the sun was up. I'm on the 
western edge of the eastern time zone...probably I started listening 
sometime around 10:00 Z. I don't have an exact time as I had not 
stations to log.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Closed for the season or maybe just redecorating..

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/25/2013 12:35 PM, Bruce wrote:


Working some Europeans  in August 2013 about my bedtime.
All on CW

G3JMJ  very active many mornings 0346-0352 UTC  1.825 MHZ
IV3PRK often active  worked  0358 UTC  1.831 MHZ
SV3RF 0353 1.818 MHZ G4EIM 0414   active many mornings 1.830 MHZ
I2ZFD  0400 1.830 MHZ

Hope these times & frequencies result in more CW contacts.

73
Bruce-K1FZ
www.qsl.net/k1fz/

Thanks Bruce,

It's four hours earlier here and I'm often in the sack before local 
midnight. From what others are saying I am very suspicious of having a 
problem here. With my 30 watt transmitter I can't always work whatever I 
can hear but I have been able to hear quite a bit in the past.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Anyone have a boat load of J-310s?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/25/2013 06:31 PM, Andy Ikin wrote:

Charlie,

When I was poor man 40 years ago, I always wanted  Tektronix 545B 
Scope, which I couldn't afford. So I built a "Chinese Copy" with 
discarded parts from the Calibration department of the computer 
company I worked for. The scope use many 6DJ8s. I did get it working 
after about a year; not bad for some one with no formal electronics 
training Tektronix were very helpful in supplying some critical 
parts. Looking back I must have been mad, but it was one hell of away 
to learn how these things work.


Bye the way I manufacture a special Head Amplifier for the KAZ and 
other Flags. This has 1100 Ohm input matching/isolation transformer, 
about 20dB gain and a less than 1dB NF and uses 8 x J309s plus a 
string of 1N4148 limiting diodes. Wellbrook FLG100LN. There are about 
70 units in service mainly in the US with MW Dxers.



73

Andrew G8LUG

Hi Andrew,

When we build our own gear we do learn a lot. The first gear I built was 
a V-O-M in a cigar box. I was around about 13 and somebody gave me meter 
movement. Cigar boxes were free and so were junk televisions and radios. 
The ARRL handbook was over at the library. I didn't have a mode switch 
or a range switch but plugged resistors into an octal socket to make up 
each mode/range. I used it for almost two years before I got a *real* 
V-O-M. The real one was a little more accurate and a lot more convenient 
to use. But to this day I am familiar with how voltmeters work! That was 
about 50 years ago... I'm 66 now.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 160 meter activity

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/25/2013 07:44 PM, Bob Kupps wrote:

Well I applaud your making the effort at giving an "honest" report. It seems to me that 
599 is reported far too casually these days and I certainly attempt to give "honest" 
reports even in a (non contest) pile up. Although R reports are fairly easy - I give 3 if I'm 
struggling, 4 if I have to pay attention and 5 if it's easy. But S reports, especially on the low 
bands where we are often using preamps, attenuators or both make an objective report a bit tougher.

The other night I was chatting with my pal W6YA on 20. My 100 watts to a 5/5 
stack always gets a better report on his K3 than his 1500W to a 4 el gets on my 
K3 until he finally said that he always uses his preamp on the high bands 
because the K3 S meter is factory calibrated with the preamp on, and he like I 
strive to give meaningful reports.

Anyway, I would be interested in how other ops (who care) try to give 
meaningful reports - objective vs subjective. Also my compliments to N4ZR and 
the RBN guys who are providing a great service to the ham DX community in this 
regard.

73 Bob HS0ZIA

Hi There is idea that S9 is 50 microvolts at the antenna terminal - is 
that 50 ohms or? - and that is truly objective. However, I don't give 
the S-meters a lot of credence in that regard. And I have operated 
(still operate) teceivers that don't have an S-meter. There are winky 
blinky lights or anything. If I have an S-meter it gets a vote but my 
ears have the bigger say. With no S-meter my ears have ALL of the say.


I have actually heard on the air reports of S-0 (that's a zero). Huh? 
What! I thought tha guy was doing a good job copying a signal that 
didn't exist! We can give in to the canned QSO contest style and always 
give out 599 or we can just do our best with an *estimation* of signal 
strength. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 160 meter activity

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

Tonight 11 PM eastern time - 3 AM Z - I have been scanning 1800 to 1835 
kc. The way that works I should 'sweeping' and not scanning. Of course 
sometimes I am away from the radio but I did a station calling CQ DX. I 
looked at RBN and I noticed there weren't very many station heard by 
them. There was a British ham heard by European RBN receivers but not by 
any North Americans. There were several North American stations that 
were heard North American monitors but not by an European stations. The 
only one that was logged by RBN while I was near the radio is the 
station that I heard loud and clear. So my radio ain't broke.


One station was calling at 1845 kc so I extended the upper end of my 
sweep to 1846 kc. I see a lot  more activity on 80 and 40 meters.


The next thing for me to do is call CQ and see who answers or posts to RBN.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: 160 meter activity

[Bill Cromwell]

On 08/26/2013 12:26 AM, Mike Waters wrote:

Bill,

The stations on the RBN are automatic, and work even when unattended. 
They are not like the DX clusters which require a manual post. Call CQ 
and see. :-)


73, Mike
www.w0btu.com 

Hi Mike,

Thanks. Yes..I thought everybody who knows what RBN is also knows that 
the stations *automatically* post the information on the RBN server. I 
thought I made an efficient use of words. I did make the call and was 
not heard. I did see some activity on the RBN and I was able to hear the 
North American stations that were posted there AND I heard one or two 
that were NOT posted there. Do they call the receive stations 
"skimmers"? I'm sure the skimmers are 'plagued' with the same noise 
problems all of us face. And there is the matter of 'lobes' in the 
antenna patterns - intentional or not. There are a lot of reasons why 
skimmers might miss some signals. One of them is low power and another 
could involve the antenna. It may not radiate well and it may not 
radiate well in the direction of skimmers that could otherwise hear. Not 
all of the skimmers are on 160 meters.


I hope to be be doing some more serious antenna work before snow. I do 
sometimes get heard and pretty much always - on the other bands with 
that antenna. Meanwhile I will keep trying. Puzzle pieces keep falling 
into place. I discovered a 'bad' patch cord in the station. It was 
obvious instantly when I put it in the antenna circuit. As Tim the 
ToolMan Allen says - Oy?


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Stacked verticals

[Bill Cromwell]

On 09/06/2013 04:13 PM, Edwin Karl wrote:

There are several interesting articles if you Google "Franklin Antenna"
they are mechanically BIG and require feeding ingenuity (hams are known
for this feature ...) but are stacked verticals, note- phase the top 
element

to avoid cancellation.

If memory serves me right WTIC in Hartford phased two of these puppies,
but it's been a long time ...


73!

ed k0kl
_
Topband Reflector


Hi Ed,

I looked them up and I see their Hartford is the one in CT. I sent them 
an email asking about their antenna. When/if they reply we might have 
more details and I'll post anything of interest I get from them.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: More anecdotal "stories" to cause one to stop and....

[Bill Cromwell]

On 09/09/2013 10:33 AM, James Rodenkirch wrote:

...think that there's "more to understanding" horizontal and vertical antennas 
on Top Band.
Listening to a fella on 80 SSB this morning about his experiences with a 
vertical 1/4 wave and a horizontal loop on Top Band.
He said he had both up and used them over a 20+ year period and noticed that 
one would work better than the other for DX.  For five years or so the loop 
would outperform, for a couple of years the two would be equal and then for 
about five years the vertical would do better.
One can easily point to the 12 year period as aligned with the Solar Cyclef BUT -- when I 
look at the radiation patterns for both I see the loop as a hugely efficient NVIS antenna 
with little low angle radiation.  So, I think there are some magnetic anomalies at 
play here but -- if the radiation angles don't change, how does one work "mo 
betta" than the other?
I do have the ON4UN book and will start diving in to it more to see if John can shed some 
light on this topic AND I don't wanna start a cuss and discuss session here (I know many of 
you already understand what influences the above "observations" so I don't want to 
rekindle any previous "debates) but.if someone can direct me to specific sections of 
John's book or lother papers/websites, I would appreciate it!!
I consider myself a "newbie" re Top Band" propagation and "other 'influencers'" on 
antenna performance (I do understand gray line, the various ionized layers and all of that) but anxious to learn 
more - thank you, in advance, for any "direction" you can point to so I can learn.  Replies off line are 
probably mo betta - don't need to get any pissin' contests agoin'!  Hi Hi
72, Jim Rodenkirch  
_

Please reply on the list. I'm interested, too. My own suspicion is there 
are parts of propagation that are not very well understood if at all and 
those bits are pointed out by what happens with real antennas as opposed 
to theoretical antennas. That does not dismiss the theories.


I'm taking baby steps here and I am permanently limited by my postage 
stamp lot but we have all read testimony about success from small lots 
(and with low power). I'm cornering the parts to build a 'meter' that 
will give me information about the antennas I already have so that I 
might make them perform "mo bettah" - if I know whether to turn left or 
right when I get some 'numbers'.  Just like Jim, I am not interested in 
stirring up any pots. It's pretty easy with a 40 meter dipole antenna to 
just go outside and cut off all the parts that don't work. 160 meters 
(or 600 meters) doesn't lend itself to that simplicity - if nothing else 
because of size.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Stacked verticals - followup

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Ed,

The engineer at WTIC responded. That station does not have a Franklin 
antenna but has "series fed halfwave" during the day and switches in a 
second one at night, phased to change the radiation pattern. He also 
told me that their 'sister station', KDKA in Pittsburgh, does use a 
Franklin antenna. Some members near Pittsburgh may want to roll by for a 
peek at it.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 09/06/2013 04:13 PM, Edwin Karl wrote:

There are several interesting articles if you Google "Franklin Antenna"
they are mechanically BIG and require feeding ingenuity (hams are known
for this feature ...) but are stacked verticals, note- phase the top 
element

to avoid cancellation.

If memory serves me right WTIC in Hartford phased two of these puppies,
but it's been a long time ...


73!

ed k0kl
_
Topband Reflector



_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: The Quest to save AM radio

[Bill Cromwell]

On 09/10/2013 02:57 PM, Mike Armstrong wrote:

Brad,

*I* say GOOD, let them kill AM broadcast and give the band to US. we 
will put it to good use he he he he.  Plus, since so many people have AM 
broadcast receivers, it will be like automatic advertising for Amateur 
Radio.. and that rumors of ham radio's demise, as a hobby, were a bit 
premature.  LOL LOL.

Mike A  AB7ZU (as opposed to the Mike you were referring to below... Mike L)  
:) :)

Kuhi no ka lima, hele no ka maka

On Sep 10, 2013, at 9:47, Brad Rehm  wrote:



So...

Topband would extend from about 500 kc to 2 mc.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: location

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I'm dealing with life on a small lot, too. I have a wire up (quarter 
wave on 160) that somewhat wants to work. I can load it through a 
matching network (aka tuner) on 80, 40, etc but it does NOT want to load 
on 160 meters. I can hear quite a bit but TX is woefully inadequate. I 
plan to raise it higher off the ground AND redo the counterpoise. I 
expect I'll have to make some sort of transformer to get it to load 
well, too. There are enough pieces that I am not planning to do anything 
until after I build the impedance measurement bridge and get some idea 
of just where to go. Meanwhile I might whiz up some transformers and 
take a shot in the dark but without knowing where I am I can't really 
know how to get somewhere else. Maybe I'll get lucky. Those counterpoise 
wires - like the antenna wire - cannot run in straight lines because 
there is not enough room (maybe one or two can).


That same antenna used down below 500 kc has pulled in NDB stations from 
as far away as 1225 miles! When I try to pump about 35 watts into it I'm 
lucky if even ONE RBN receiver hears it and the signal is dismal. I only 
get that much when I remove the 'tuner' and feed the antenna direct from 
the Ranger's Pi network. 80 and 40 are good to go with that wire at less 
than 5 watts.


If I get it to work I'll be back with more info. I am getting my own 
ideas of what to try from some of the same articles online that you guys 
have referenced. Trying to adapt to what I have here.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 09/21/2013 09:31 AM, James Rodenkirch wrote:
  



During the summer of 2011 I came across a website hosted by
Simone Mannini, IW5EDI, of Firenze, Italy, that featured a “160 meter antenna
for a small lot.”  The information and
picture, supplied by Troy Martin, K5CBL, of Madill, Oklahoma, intrigued me. For 
details on the IW5EDI antenna,
visit his website at .
  Thinking,
“Why not?,” I assembled the “small lot” antenna, found five 75’ foot wires to
use as counterpoises/radials, erected the antenna temporarily outside my shack
and ran the five counterpoise wires along the back patio deck and out on the
front yard.


I connected
the antenna to my venerable ICOM 735, keyed it up and found the SWR, without a
tuner, was 1.3:1! It was Miller Time! Cranking
the power down as low as it could go – and inserting a quickly-assembled 2db
in-line attenuator – I entered the 2010 CQ WW 160 Meter Contest in the QRP
category. At the end of the contest, I had garnered 182 QSOs, 37 multipliers
and 3 (count ’em, THREE) DXCC multipliers.
There ya go - quick, easy way top get on 160 and have some fun!
  
72, Jim Rodenkirch, K9JWV




_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: AutoEZ

[Bill Cromwell]

Thanks,

...for saving me the trouble of ever downloading AutoEZ.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On 09/21/2013 11:47 AM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:




AutoEZ only supports exactly Microsoft Excel with the latest
service pack.  Period.  As described on the AutoEZ site.

Rick N6RK
_
Topband Reflector



_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: location

[Bill Cromwell]

On 09/21/2013 04:11 PM, DALE LONG wrote:

Bill:

Expect the unexpected.  If you are using insulated wire, it can be broken 
inside the insulation...Easy to check the wire for continuity.. Be absolutely 
sure all connections are really clean..

If you have a 1/4 vertical that is not touching another metal object, it should 
tune up.

Try bypassing the tuner completely (not just putting the tuner in bypass mode) 
and check with antenna analyzer where it is resonant.  That should give you 
some ideas.  Perhaps your antenna is too short or too long.  If you have a 1/4 
vertical, you should not need a tuner unless you want to ragchew above 1900 
KHz...You really need to find the resonant frequency of what you have.

An ineffective antenna is one thing, but sounds like your antenna is not even resonant on 
160m.  (from your description of "not loading on 160"). Antenna analyzers are a 
wonderful tool.

Best 73

Dale - N3BNA



Hi Dale,

Thanks for your comments. I do have a couple of Grid dip 
oscillators...one grid dip and one gate dip. I need to figure out where 
the dial calibration on both them actually is and get the resonance 
info. That will still not tell me what impedance I'm looking at.


After I posted I dug an old power supply board out and found a two and 
half inch ferrite donut with heavy wire windings on it (two of them 
actually). I fooled around and ended up with the rig and 'tuner' getting 
happy on 160. I have 18 turns on the antenna side and 5 turns on the 
radio side. I'll give it a try tonight when there are some people on and 
the RBN skimmers are back on the band. Obviously that changed the 
settings for 80 and 40 but 80 and 40 still load up okay. The real test 
is successful QSOs! I have to wait for dark when those other people come 
out to play.


73,

Bill  KU8H

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Homebrew capacitors

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Jim,

When I used it I connected the center conductor at one end and the braid 
at the other end. The bit that I used for the small coupling capacitance 
was not very long. Even the short length I used kept the output of one 
circuit further away from the input of the other circuit.


Some antenna circuits use them by connecting one leg of the antenna to 
the center conductor and the shield at the same end to the next leg of 
the antenna. I believe I am thinking of a trap that was tuned this way. 
The coax was the resonating capacitance for the trap and the open end 
could be trimmed to resonance, sealed against the weather and then - 
rolled up conveniently. I did not build that circuit but have kept it in 
mind as a possibility. It probably depends more on what is convenient.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 09/29/2013 07:42 PM, Jim GM wrote:

Could have saved more money with a Piece of RF-9913 or RG8 coax cable about
25pF per foot plenty voltage rating.


Only thing can some one please help me on this, do I connect the center
conductor on one end of the cable and use the shield on the other end? Or
just use the  center conductor and shield on one end, while the other end
are floating not used and not tied together?
Diagram below 0= connection point.

  0

  0

OR

  0
   _0


Jim K9TF



_
Topband Reflector

Topband: The Stew Perry Warmup

[Bill Cromwell]

The station is setup on 160 meters and waiting for the Stew at 11 AM 
Eastern Daylight Time. My NVIS antenna is not going to be a world beater 
but I'll work a few..assuming we don't have an Emergency Room trip yet 
again today. Late last night a couple of the RBN machines heard me on 
160 but none this morning. I don't know if, when, they listen nor what 
part of the band nor how much QRN they have from their neighbors. The 
real deal is QSOs with other ops. There should be a few in the Stew. 
Maybe will have to wait until sunset. See you in the Stew.


And now it sounds like some other hams are waking up .

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: The Stew Perry Warmup

[Bill Cromwell]

On 10/19/2013 08:18 AM, James Rodenkirch wrote:
Bill:  I'll be in it as a QRP entry and just can't wait for later this 
afternoon to roll around. With a simplistic single band rig, designed 
by Steve Weber, KD1JV, I won't have the needed filtering to keep the 
"big boys" from overloading my rcvr front end so, occasionally, I'll 
need to QSY up the band to find a quiet spot to call CQwith QRP 
power, I may not "hold the frequency" but at least, as evidenced in 
previous Stew events, I do get some calls.


Was experimenting with 3 watts out the other morning --- worked a K4 
in AR  what a hoot to reach that far with 3 watts on Top 
Band...may be an indicator of fair to middlin band conditions.


Hope to hear and work lots of youz during this fun Pre-Stew event.

72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV


Hi Jim,

With the antenna I have I'm virtually QRP with the Ranger. The ranger 
puts about 35 watts (maximum) into a 50 ohm load. My antenna is not 
quite 50 ohms resistive. I can load it and be heard with the L matcher 
reconfigured with L and C in series. I cannot work all the stations I 
can hear - some of them DX. When I get the DX-100 reworked I'll probably 
use that unless/until I get something better for an antenna - or maybe 
get the present antenna up further off the ground. The old Heathkit TX 
should give me just enough of a boost to get "over the hump".


CU in the Stew.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: FW: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

[Bill Cromwell]

I'm in north central Michigan at Houghton Lake - EN74oh. I have no 
directional antennas and only modestly helpful data. The band seems 
quiet this morning and I have a barely audible signal (1300Z). Daylight. 
Last night (0300-0400Z) it was bringing my S-meter up over S5 (whatever 
that means) and the R-599 is really oversensitive. I would normally have 
some attenuation cranked in on 80 meters. Just one more point of confusion.


This reminds of a guy we called "the dittler" on one of the shorter 
bands. He had moved something up against the dit side of his paddles and 
set his transmitter in action. Two or three days later the locals DFed 
him down to his front door and the embarrassed guy turned it off.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: FW: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/03/2013 08:29 AM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

Well, if it's a ham, he/she must have pretty rugged finals in that rig!!!

Charlie, K4OTV




Hi Charlie,

The dittler was on air two or three days (IIRC). He turned it off...it 
didn't flame out. Some hams tune for maximum smoke and some are much 
more conservative.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: FW: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/03/2013 08:49 AM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

Hi, Bill

Well, if it is a ham, he must have a pretty decent antenna - being heard
rather well all round NA and SA!

73,
Charlie, K4OTV



Oh yes!

Better than mine. Nobody gets any bragging rights for having a better 
antenna than mine. Mine used be be bigger and higher. Now I'm older and 
with a small lot. My throwing arm ain't what it once was and my feet do 
NOT belong higher than the ground!


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Local noise source identification

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/09/2013 05:15 PM, Rick ve3mm wrote:

I am looking for suggestions to help identify a local noise that I am
experiencing on topband.

It's characteristics are;
- bandwidth approximately 15 kHz
- amplitude relatively constant
- centre frequency seems to vary in small steps over time, no real pattern.
- right now the centre frequency is 1819 kHz, it moves up and down up to 7
or 8 kHz.
- does not seem to be present during the day. At least not this afternoon.

I shut down all of the circuits in my house other than my shack and it did
not disappear.

Has anyone experienced something similar?

73

Rick ve3mm
_
Topband Reflector


Hi,

I live in a four season "resort and recreation area". Many of the 
'neighbors' live far, far away and come here for short weekennds, long 
weekends, holidays , and vacations. When the population goes way up, 
mostly on the weekends, the intruding noises are almost sure to 
increase. Sometimes they wipe out parts of several bands and may last 
the entire "vacataion'. Often, all or some of the interfering junk 
quiets when the visitors go to bed. I have been seeting up to operate on 
battery power during power outages. It's amazing how quiet the bands get 
when *THAT* happens .


Short answer - yes - I have a signal just like that here. Probably a few 
others too. Ain't it wondeful?


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Wanted - Hardline connectors

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/11/2013 08:36 PM, Bruce wrote:



Also, critters *CAN* chew through the stuff! It'll take them longer, 
but those @#%!~ little critters can chew through just about anything!


You need a good outdoor cat !

73
Bruce-K1FZ
www.qsl.net/k1fz/beveragenotes.html

'round here outdoor cats is coyote chow.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Coax rodent protection

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/13/2013 05:43 AM, W2RU - Bud Hippisley wrote:

On Nov 12, 2013, at 10:23 31PM, "Dave Harmon"  wrote:


Steel pipe works great.

I tried that, too, but I wasn't able to swing the pipe around fast enough 
before the squirrels ran away

Bud, W2RU
_
Topband Reflector


Duh...

I thought everybody knew you're supposed to throw the pipe.



73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Easy-to-learn 160 contest logging program?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/04/2013 01:12 PM, Mike Waters wrote:

Thanks for all the recommendations for N1MM, but I am just unable to
install it on my shack's Linux computer. Under WINE, I get a database
run-time error after I do the latest update. And there's something wrong
with my Virtualbox Windows XP installation on that machine that I don't
have time to fix.

How about Trlog for DOS? There is NO price or purchase info at
http://www.trlog.com, nor does it say what contests the free version
supports.

I'll look at the others soon.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com



N1MM doesn't run in WINE on my Linux computers, either. I'm using paper 
at the moment. It always works the way you want and you don't have to 
reboot it . As for serious contesters...I ain't ever going to 
win one because I don't care enough. I get into some of them for a 
little while, give up some QSOs (being generous with that Q signal) and 
then go find something else to do. Paper works fine for me. Professional 
contesters will have to continue the hunt for logging programs that work 
other than in Windows if thats what they want.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Easy-to-learn 160 contest logging program?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/04/2013 02:22 PM, DL4UNY - Andre wrote:

Mike,

there are several linux contest loggers.
TRlog has a linux version ( http://www.kkn.net/trlinux/ ).
Drawbacks:
* supercheckpartial doesn't work 'on the fly', you need a key shortcut
* you need a X running

tlf ( https://github.com/Tlf/tlf ) is a nice and easy-to-understand 
logging software. Configuration is a bit tricky but since you're used 
to Linux it shouldn't be a problem to you. Everything (rig control, 
keying) works without problems!


YFKtest ( http://fkurz.net/ham/yfktest.html ) is nice logging program 
as well, easy to understand. The author (DJ1YFK) helps immediately if 
there are any problems / questions.


JL ( http://www.qsl.net/w1jq/ ) is a nice contest logbook. Easy to use 
and easy to understand with all the important features.

Drawbacks:
* based on Java
* you need a X running

QLE ( http://home.kpn.nl/w.knol18/qle/qle.html ) never tested, since 
it is pretty new. But it seems to be a simple contest logger.



hth

73
DL4UNY - Andre


Thanks Andre,

Even though I'm not a *real* contester I'll try those. Maybe a little 
less work prepping an electronic log submission. That part would be nice.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Easy-to-learn 160 contest logging program?

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/04/2013 07:15 PM, w7...@juno.com wrote:

logging program? same one i started with in 1955. paper and pencil. i
went to a ball point pen for several years and found it did not help in
upping my rate.

this year i am going back to the rig i used to get VK flying doctors ball
cap. i found out that any limbing the steep "better equipment ladder" has
not increased my fun, enjoyment, or primitive animal excitement of making
each contact one bit.

yep, not one bit

mike w7dra

when was the last time i was in a contest, got up from the rig and raced
up the hill to the house and shouted "I WORKED HAWAII!!"??
to my sleeping bride


Heh Mike,

I have been logging on paper and afterward I type the stuff into a 
computer so the contest managers can have a pretty log that they can 
suck into their computers. Some of those contesters work hundreds or 
thousands of contacts ya know so that computer is kinda handy for the 
hams who have to sort it all out. I have been thinking about throwing 
all this stuff in the dumpster but maybe I'm making moves on simpler. I 
might not do all the same things as you ('specially not waking up my 
sleeping bride!) but it probably doesn't include typing on a computer 
while I'm twisting dials and knobs.


I found out the graphite in a pencil is a better lubricant than the ink 
on the ball bearing in a pen. It seems like it should be just the other 
way around. But I nearly started a fire in the shack using a ball point 
pen on paper (it's flammable ya know).


I have three transmitters with 160 meters on the bandswitch and not a 
darn one is usable at the moment. Can you spell o-l-d? I might get one 
up by the weekend but I stand a better chance of getting back on 160 by 
the time we have the Stew. Maybe it's just time to make a new 
transmitter and one without a derned bandswitch.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: DX-100 adventure

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I have written a few notes about my Johnson Ranger adventures. The 
Ranger is now laid up for some serious repair work. Meanwhile I'm 
looking some 160 meter events coming up and I have no transmitter for 
160 that actually works. So now I have the DX-100 belly up on the bench. 
The VFO sounds pretty darn good but the high voltage for the 6146 plates 
needs caps real bad. I'm pretty sure the switches will benefit from some 
attention, too.


I have used a long handled, "artist's" paint brush to sweep out many 
years of accumulated dust and dirt. I pulled the tubes and cleaned some 
'scum' off all of those. Those ceramic sockets sure are pretty. I looked 
carefully at all the ceramic parts and there are no fractures, cracks, 
or nicks in any of them. A very good omen. I do not see any charred 
parts, either - another good omen. I'm ready to start testing tubes, 
resistors and capacitors. I have replacement caps for the power supply 
filters so I am not interested in trying to salvage those. I'm wondering 
just how old those are.


I have only ever used it for CW and I see some missing parts. I got the 
manuals with the TX when it followed me home from a ham fest and there 
are some notes in there. One of the transformers for the modulator is 
not in the TX (I think I have it in a parts bin ) and even the 
audio section tube sockets have been removed. A previous owner's sins. 
Eventually I may restore it to include AM but for now I want a 
transmitter live on 160 meters. Also having that thing on 80 through 10 
meters will be good.


I doubt I can finish it before the contest this weekend but running in 
the upcoming Stew Perry party is my real goal and looks doable. More 
later. Time for a sandwich and cold 807, then to check the tubes for any 
gross defects.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/06/2013 10:22 AM, ZR wrote:


The last DX-100 I rebuilt for a customer (I use various Johnsons and 
other makes) had the fairly common 5R4 sockets arcing from whatever 
contanimation they are afflicted with. NOS replacements still wrapped 
up in boxes worked fine; Ive heard of Chinese sockets having a lead 
content, never tried them. Dont even think of going SS.
Change the LV to choke input, there is too much voltage on the tubes 
for reliability, especially the 6146/1625 screens. Increase the filter 
cap to 47uF and also the HV output cap to reduce ripple. Replace all 
electrolytics, dont waste time even thinking about it.


I have a long list that I can get to you and not take up space 
here...if this even gets thru censorship.
The fixed padders in the VFO go up in value and tracking cant be 
achieved. New silver micas matced to 1-2% of the schematic worked 
fine. I also used a 6AH6 VFO and zenered the plate and screens at 
100V. With all good tubes drive was more than sufficient even on 10M 
and drift was reduced. Keep the 6146 drive down to about 3-4 ma total, 
more does nothing but cook them and AM is still well modulated with 
some basic audio circuit changes.


Carl
KM1H



Hi Carl,

Thanks for your comments. Those caps are definitely on my agenda. I have 
used the solid state swap for the rectifiers in other power supplies 
with no detrimental effects but that always included making sure the 
higher voltages wouldn't meet any under-rated parts. I did find the 5R4s 
bad - one with a dead short. I just happened to have two more that were 
good in the spares bin. No solid state repacements - this time. The 
DX-100 is old and has been hacked several times in the past. Some of the 
past workers (and maybe me too) left some "elephant tracks" under the 
chassis. I'm cleaning up some sloppy connections as I go along, too. 
Fortunately I have a hard copy of the manual with prints and all. When I 
get it so it's safe to run I'll make the voltage checks to help find 
resistors out of spec, etc.


I have several replies in private email and all of the comments say 
similar things. So far nobody has mentioned that original power cord 
with the fuses in the plug. I will make that go away, too.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/06/2013 12:36 PM, Carl wrote:



Ive been using 3 wire cords, the proper line bypasses, and a fuse 
holder added in an available hole near the 5V4. The original cord and 
fuse holders get big prices on Fleabay.


Toggle switches, key, and PTT mike jacks are also higher than expected 
failure items.


Carl
KM1H



Hi,

I'll be looking at the ratings on those power line filter parts. I 
already knew about those from some other lists. The toggle switches on 
mine are on their last legs so those are up for replacement too. I don't 
have the negative bias and it might be the transformer. The wiring in 
that area is a genuine rat's nest. I've misplaced the certification 
documents so you'll have to just take my word on that. I'm hoping to 
remove much of that rat's nest, clean it up, and get the bias voltage back.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Contest and DX-100 project

[Bill Cromwell]

I finally got enough stuff straightened around in the old DX-100 to get 
it cranking out RF power on 160, 80, and 40 meters. There is more to do 
but I hear lots of stations on top band and thought maybe I would just 
slip it back into the cabinet and get on the air - do the rest *later*. 
I turned the power off and decided to feel some of the power supply 
parts for *HEAT*. I near burned my fingers on the filter cap for the 
"low" voltage supply!


I have all the caps. Maybe I can get those in and on the air before 
everybody goes to bed. I think there will be contest and sprint activity 
through tomorrow some time. I do have to assemble terminal strips etc to 
get it all done but there is hope now.


160 sure is a "target rich environment" right now.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Contest and DX-100 project

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/07/2013 07:50 PM, Tom W8JI wrote:


160 sure is a "target rich environment" right now.



Running a DX100 in a contest is like car pooling after eating beans 
and eggs.



Heh,

At least everybody knows yer there! .

73,

Bill  KU8H

P.S.  Just taking mu time now. Getting in a big hurry could be the end 
of the DX-100 - or me.

_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Well, Duh... (Apology re: ARRL160)

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/13/2013 08:03 PM, chetmoore wrote:

Hi Guy,

I do not know if I was in the window.  I was not looking as I too thought
there was no
Longer a DX window any more.

73

Chet moore  N4FX


Hi,

There have been several discussions about "windows" (not software) right 
here on the list. I'm pretty new to top band and the info about windows 
is conflicted and vague. Some might be outdated or whatever. For my own 
operation I will avoid getting in the way if I hear a DX pileup or 
DXpedition. Unless of course I am trying to work the pileup. Even if I 
can't hear the DX I'll know where he is because of the one or two 
transmitting on his frequency. I'm usually more interested in ragchews 
and making mutual QRM for a DX hunt in progress won't make any of us happy.


As far as what the contest calls for as a DX window - well I can never 
keep them sorted out so I read through the rules each time. Otherwise I 
would always be doing something that doesn't fit. Every time I read the 
rules for a contest or sprint I have already been in I get surprised by 
details I had forgotten. I'm hardly even on the air right now anyway as 
I have to rebuild most of my ancient gear.


Just a couple of thoughts that might help.

73,

Bill  KU8H

Sent by smoke signals from a firepit in my back yard and keyed with a 
mylar "Space Blanket"

_
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Re: Topband: getting ready for the STEW

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/15/2013 02:14 PM, w7...@juno.com wrote:

---snip--

mike w7dra

What? You never heard of a Pullen mixer?

Live contest youtube video forthcoming where the above station  is shown
working actual 160 meter amateur operators.



Hi Mike,

We know you are not pullen our leg.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: DX-100 adventure - progress

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

Recently I posted about my DX-100 and an effort to get it usable in time 
for the Stew Perry. I have made progress and it looks like I'll have it 
ready to use in time and never mind about the holidays, the holiday mail 
overload, etc.


I successfully recapped and tested the "low voltage" supply and changed 
the circuit to choke input. I like doing that and some other hams 
suggested doing it, too. So I did. The VFO and RF stages - excluding the 
finals - sound very good on 160 through 40 meters. No chirp shows up at 
all until I get to 20 meters and there is barely enough chirp to notice 
if I pay attention. 15 meters and, finally, 10 meters there is 
noticeable chirp and some drift. I didn't really let it warm up well 
before I tried those higher bands. I was more interested in the 160 
meter operation since that is the immediate goal.


I had to order new caps for the high voltage final amp plate supply. I 
thought I had suitable caps but mine would have given me only 50 uF with 
a pair in series. That is NOT enough. I am afraid the new caps will not 
arrive with enough bench time left to make it for the Stew. So I doubled 
down on the caps I already have. I built two banks of caps with two caps 
each. Each set is a series pair of course and the two sets of caps are 
in parallel to give the needed 100 uF at 900 volt rating. The center 
connections of the two banks are also connected in parallel so that the 
bleeder sees them as *ONE* pair of caps in series. The thing is built on 
a pair of terminal strips with reinforced connection points to 
accommodate the bleeder and switch wiring that was already in the 
transmitter. I have it completely fabricated AND mounted in the DX-100. 
This weekend I'll get to wire it and test it. Hopefully it will be ready 
to operate. I'll be cleaning up some other messy wiring that previous 
owners left in there and then put all the screws back in place. A little 
DeOxit on a few more controls and then the smoke test.


And then... CQ de KU8H.

If the caps don't work out for some reason I can hope the new ones 
arrive in time. I started taking pictures so maybe I'll finally do some 
on-line show n tell when I'm done.


73,

Bill  KU8H  aka  Santa Claus
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure - progress

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/20/2013 11:00 PM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

BTW, Biii - tip/suggestion  - for those series-connected electrolytics you
probably should put a pair of equal value resistors - one across each series
capacitor, as the leakage currents will not be equal in each capacitor in
each series string and the DC voltage won't divide equally across each
capacitor unless you put individual "bleeder" or "swamping" resistors across
each cap in the series pair to equalize the DC across each capacitor in the
series!  I'll be interested to see how it turns out! I never had a DX-100
"Benton Harbor Kilowatt"!  I did  have a DX-40 for a while, but no 160 on
that one, though! I do have an EF Johnson Navigator in pretty good condition
that needs to  have all of its electrolytics replaced because of their age.
I does have 160 (and 11 meters also!).

Good luck and Merry Christmas!

73,
Charlie, K4OTV



Hi Charlie,

In the DX-100 there is already a big honking pair of bleeder resistors 
so that the bleeder is divided with one half across each half of the 
series pair. I think that's what you meant. The DX-100 originally had 
two caps rated at 450 volts in series and the bleeder set up that way.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Boring Report

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/24/2013 09:52 AM, Tree wrote:

After about two years of no QSOs with Europe - the band started showing
signs of life a few nights ago.  Over the past three days - I have made six
QSOs with Europe. Last night - some of the signals were pretty
encouraging.  9A5CW was getting copied by my K3's CW decoder occasionally.
S51V showed up with an amazing signal around 0600Z which I initially
thought had to be from North America.

Hopefully - this is a sign that conditions will be good for the Stew Perry
contest coming up this Saturday.

Here is that link for the rules again - www.kkn.net/stew

73 Tree N6TR/7
Boring, OR



Hi,

I sure hope so. When I set out to recap the power supplies in my DX-100 
I waded into a huge *mess*. The power supplies are good now but other 
portions of the ancient rig are not so good. I have a reasonable signal 
at QRP levels (around 8 watts) from a pair of 2E26s where the 6146s used 
to live. The plate supply has been rerouted to the low voltage power 
supply and the negative bias for the 6146s NOT reduced for the 2E26s. I 
have full break-in QSK now (a silver lining in a very dark cloud). If 
the propagation faeries are playing on top band that will help me a lot!


I might have a different transmitter working on top band in two or three 
weeks and then I'm pretty much stripping the DX-100 down for cleanup and 
a rebuild with a big sack of new parts and wire. Band-aids and cold 
patch just ain't doing any good any more.


73,

Bill  KU8H

See you in the Stew (even if you don't see me)
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Perry Streaming Audio

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/28/2013 10:32 AM, Steven Raas wrote:

I know I for one, have never personally RX'd on TB from my city location,
or from any another location on 'efficient' antennas. ( always a compromise
set up as described on my QRZ page ) I'm actually quite excited to see what
it is like. It may spark my interest in a long time idea of mine, and that
is to do a pseudo 'winter field day' just for the SPTBC some day. Knowing
some farmers in the area, setting up 1000+ ' bev's in multiple directions ,
and a fairly decent vertical for TX is not out of the realm of
possibilities. Getting around in the snow, compounded by my very limited
mobility & keeping warm would be all part of the challenge. I suppose it
would be my personal version of a 'extreme expedition' . I digress, good
luck to every one, have fun and stay positive regardless of condx!

-Steve Raas
N2JDQ


Hi Steve,

I there is some merit to your idea. I am wondering how extreme 
expeditions like the one you suggest might be carried out. I'll put that 
in my pipe and keep it there for a while. Sorry I won't be smoking it - 
that's not good for us.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Perry Streaming Audio

[Bill Cromwell]

On 12/28/2013 01:17 PM, w7...@juno.com wrote:

  i am planning to do something not useful to anyone, let alone
me.i plan to make a youtube video and post it on W7DRA. i
have paralleled my earphones and cut down the sound with three
attenuators (2 RF, 1 audio), so that i can use a hifi amp to make "a room
loud radio".

even though i worked about an hour in the RAC i worked no one, even when
i went up to 200 watts with my 211 amp. and there were stations within 5
kcs of my rock calling CQ but to no avail.

i hope stew perry will be different,  i am not looking to make this
effort a Single Digit Contest Club entry

mike w7dra



Hi,

I was hoping to hear the band suddenly become *open* at 1500Z but so far 
there is only light duty "air noise". I don't know if my radio is 
working or the band has not yet "opened". It occurred to me to maybe 
look at the RBN but I am going in as "single op" so that is out. 
Meanwhile I'm playing with my accordion and working on a power supply 
for another ham.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: on the webcam issue

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/02/2014 02:55 AM, w7...@juno.com wrote:

I have been reading with great interest the different forms of
person/computer assistance one can expect to get while operating a CW
contest. Not wanting to be left out of this fray and realizing freedom of
  speech issues are at the core of this discussion, I set up a web cam
(Sony DCSC-P41) at the station 160 meter operating position, and feel it
is my responsibility to let anyone look at it if they wish. There  has
been no editing, the signals heard are real, and individual calls and
station operating practices are laid out for all to experience.

http://youtu.be/sXhhHo5BKnE

I wish to offend no one.

mike w7dra



That's cool Mike,

You must have a tremendous antenna and amplifier there. You were working 
7's so easily! .


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: on the webcam issue

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/02/2014 08:40 PM, w7...@juno.com wrote:

I have gone to about 800 with a J38 doing a SOSB40 as ZK1DRA, it is not
the sending but just getting tired in general that gets me.

this STEW was awful, i was using a home made key out of a board and a
piece of plexiglass and you really had to work at tyi to send CW..but
i decided to go home brew all the way..

mike w7dra


I have noticed that some hams use keys that are are virtual heavy duty 
pump handles! No wonder they get a glass arm. At Field Day once a fellow 
came along where I was operating CW on 80 meters and commented on the 
straight key I was using (the same one I still use). He said he hadn't 
used one in several years. I got up and invited him to use it. He 
immediately flipped it over upside down with just one go - Tiddly-Wink 
style. My key has a light touch and a short stroke. I have never been 
fatigued using it. That guy had been accustomed to sledge hammer blows 
to operate a straight key . No wonder he went to SSB!


Yes. This Stew was awful. I called a lot of stations and got skunked! I 
was able to work at least *some* stations before I *improved* my antenna 
. Maybe I zigged when I should have zagged.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: DX-100 adventure contiunued

[Bill Cromwell]

So..

Here is where I am with the DX-100. I have been operating it with a pair 
of 2E26s where the 6146s live and feeding those from the low voltage 
supply. When I completed the recapping of the high voltage power supply 
the finals immediately started giving me trouble. So I disabled the high 
voltage and installed the changes to run lower power (much lower power) 
from the 2E26s while I sort out the trouble.


When I turned on the high voltage I got a nice upscale reading on the 
plate voltage meter (front panel of DX-100). No smoke. No sizzle. "Is 
that meter right - over 900 volts"? The metering resistors getting old. 
I let it run for a while when I was nearby and nothing bad happened. 
Then I installed the 6146s and it was downhill from there. Finally I 
took some voltage reading and the plate voltage is over 975 volts! That 
exceeds the rating of the caps and the rating of the 6146s. I did not 
solid state the plate supply rectifiers (nor any of them).


I had used four caps rated at 450 volts/100 uF. They were in two pairs 
series parallel for 100 uF/900 volts. Some hams cautioned me against 
using so much capacitance. So I removed one pair of the caps and ended 
with 50 uF at 900 volts. The plate supply remained over 950 Volts until 
I keyed the transmitter when it dropped below 900 volts as might be 
expected.


6146s might tolerate higher voltages and the caps might too, at least 
for a while. Maybe some other parts in the circuit won't. I *AM* having 
erratic behavior from the finals (6146) that I did NOT have before. I 
measured my line voltage at 129 volts. For my next trick I am going to 
start applying bucking transformers. I've noticed my Kenwood T-599 has 
been making some subdued power supply noises and have thought to recap 
it as well. Where that plate supply used to read 825 volts it is now is 
making 900 volts. Yes..bucking transformers all around. I have used that 
approach before to reduce the voltage when a transformer I had on hand 
came out a little to hot for the intended application. Now I'll use it 
to tame the wild utilities in my ham shack but with bigger transformers. 
I should get a discount from the electric utility for having to do their 
work for them.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure contiunued

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/08/2014 01:36 PM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

Hi, Bill

I was also going to ask if you have a choke input filter -or if you could
change the PS filter configuration to choke input to help a bit with the HV.


Also, check your line voltage - especially at night when the load on the
electric grid drops. I've seen my 240 VAC  here get up well past 265 volts
at night! Use a trusted, well calibrated volt meter and take some voltage
readings at different  times of day to get a feel for what the line
regulation looks like!  Note that a 10 % increase in line voltage would
increase that HV from 825  VDC to over 900 VDC.  10 % high line is not
really unusual.  Finally, you can check with your local PUC - there are
regulatory limits to how much the AC line is permitted to vary - but I'd
start with the power provider first. Maybe they need to drop your
distribution feeder down a tap at the substation. Excessive voltage is hard
on lots of things around your house besides DX-100s! The utility can cme out
and put a recording voltmeter on your line for a while to see what's going
on, if you complain about excessive line voltage.

GL!
73,
Charlie, K4OTV


Hi Charlie,

The DX-100 High voltage is choke input by design. I changed the low 
voltage supply to choke input as well and the rf stages are behaving 
very nicely with that. I already think my line is "high" and I'll take 
readings various times as you have suggested. Light bulbs don't seem to 
last very long here, either.


Tom asked about bleeder current. I didn't try to measure it but I 
watched the high voltage decay to zero in a very few seconds when I 
switched it off with no 6146s in the sockets.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure contiunued

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/08/2014 05:19 PM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

Well, here in Raleigh, I've seen it go a good bit more than 5% high at
night. Still, I wonder if Bill could just put some higher voltage
electrolytics in there, tune for "maximum smoke" and "let 'er rip" - and
count on the key-down sag to keep the 6146s safe? ( Maybe I spent too many
years around electric  utilities) I  think that +/- 5% guideline is honored
more in the breach  than in the observance.  In the  meter business "480
high-line" was 530 VAC!

73,
Charlie.K4OTV



Hi,

So far I haven't found the line voltage lower than 125 Volts and in 
early afternoon it was at 130 volts. The transmitter was working and no 
problem with the finals at all before I did the recap. I did the power 
supply recap in all three power supplies because the low voltage supply 
was getting really hot. I'm not sure what the high voltage was before 
the recap so it may not be all that much higher now. The DX-100 worked 
before. Somebody suggested using a Fluke DMM. Maybe that was inspired by 
my comment about the front panel plate voltage meter. I don't have a 
Fluke and I am not worried a bout a few millivolts. I did use a VTVM 
when I wanted to know. The panel meter turns out to be close enough.


Two or three hams have mentioned the neutralizing circuit for the 
finals. I would have suspected that too. But - the DX-100 doesn't have a 
neutralizing circuit! I reread the entire assembly and operating manual 
(I have the original). Nope. Not a word about neutralizing. No 
neutralizing cap. No funny little wire to bend. Nothing. When I was 
working on the wiring and removing/replacing caps I moved wire harnesses 
out of the way. I thought that I put them back where they were. Probably 
some of what I am seeing is because a wire or two is "sticking out" too 
far. I did see a warning to dress the leads as shown *everywhere*. I 
told you I reread the entire manual . I will configure the 
high voltage filter cap(s) for the higher voltage and make sure the 
wiring in the chassis looks exactly like the wiring in the pictures. 
Nice to have all those big diagrams and pictures.


A few hams have suggested that the DX-100 is just a piece of junk 
anyway. If it doesn't yield pretty soon I will probably make some 
changes that update it to more modern circuitry (NOT SOLID STATE - 
MRF454s, ETC). This one had the modulation iron and even the modulator 
tube sockets removed by a previous owner. Some more modification won't 
hurt much. Meanwhile I do have other radios to get me on the air. Just 
not on Top Band.


Thanks for the comments and hints.

73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure contiunued

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/08/2014 05:33 PM, Keith Jillings (G3OIT) wrote:


In my (very distant) youth I came by a DX-100 that had been built from 
kit by a local, who could never get it to work.  I spent a few 
interesting weekends studying the circuit and the construction, and 
then set to with a hot soldering iron and got it working.  I used it 
as my one and only TX for a fair few years, modifying it to do this 
and that as I went along.


Mine was fed from 230 volt mains, and as I recall the HV was in the 
region of 900 volts off-load, sagging quite a bit on-load.  I never 
worried about it, and the PA valves remained happy throughout.  The 
electrolytics didn't go bang either, but they were very much younger 
in those days.


I eventually sold it to a local dealer and put my pocket money to it 
to buy an FT101E which I still have and use with my VHF and UHF 
transverters.



73

Keith
G3OIT

Hi Keith,

This one has been modified (mostly gutted of AM). Somebody else asked if 
it was a kit. The first name is Heath and the last name is Kit. They are 
all kits as far as I know. It has a lot of miles, years, and previous 
owners. If they were available already assembled I have no real way to 
know. My Johnson Ranger was one of the kits, too but was available 
assembled by the factory. They used rivets. We used screws and nuts.


If I have to make changes to get it going I'll install a screened cage 
around the finals and *real* neutralization. Full QSK break-in, 
heterodyne VFO, etc. First I'll try to make the CW part of the rig that 
remains work.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: DX-100 adventure contiunued

[Bill Cromwell]

Somewhere around here I have info about adding those 'funny wires' and 
neutralizing the rig. It was already on my table to do that. I don't 
plan to use the DX-100 shorter than the 80 meter CW band but want to get 
to the point I can just switch it on, warm it up, and go. I'm looking at 
other modifications to improve reliability and what I guess is civility. 
Make it as 'clean' as it can get.


73,

Bill  KU8H
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: One of those times

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/24/2014 02:14 PM, Merv Schweigert wrote:

Conditions have been very poor to say the least from KH6 land
especially to EU.  What few contacts I have made have been
from a very skewed western direction.

Today was no different, path over the pole at sunrise was not open,
I was sitting on 1823 working on email,  sunrise is 1708Z and
suddenly I could hear a signal starting to come out of the noise.
???BM   8???BM  then clear as a bell 8Q7BM calling cq.  One
call and I had a new one in the log at 1710Z,   he then faded
back down into the noise,  I could hear traces of him for another
20 mins after sunrise,  not enough to copy but knew he was
there.

Just one of those top band times when being at the right place at
the right time when the band sounds dead.
Makes up for all the ones I have missed this season.
73 Merv K9FD/KH6


Hi,

Some people sneer at me when I mention the propagation faeries playing 
but this is just more evidence to support my theories 


73,

Bill  KU8H
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Re: Topband: Short receiving verticals question

[Bill Cromwell]

On 01/30/2014 02:42 PM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:


> A possible answer might be here:
>
> http://www.legupenterprises.com/

Doesn't faze the deer around here.  They come right up to the house and
the fenced kennels and munch on whatever they like.  That stuff may do
something with the small animals but the Eagle, Great Horned Owl, Red
Tail Hawk and other birds of prey generally keep the rodents and small
mammals in check.

73,

   ... Joe, W4TV


Hi,

Coyotes and foxes keep the small critters in check here AND they leave 
free samples of predator urine, too.


73,

Bill  KU8H
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Re: Topband: Low band noise

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Bruce,

I assume your noise is on top band (just a wild guess). I will lay on 
plans this weekend to drive a ways south with the R-599 on 160 meters 
AND an AM broadcast band receiver that allows some directive sniffing to 
see if the windmill farm down that way is um... 'polluting'. I haven't 
looked that far ahead on the weather forecasts. If it's icy or there is 
a blizzard this old goat ain't going there. In the process I suppose 
I'll find out if my car is 'clean'. I've been lucky so far.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 02/11/2014 03:58 PM, Bruce wrote:

Getting noise from my NW direction. Does not seem to be local. Started 
wondering what, at distance,  could be causing it. At times it seems to have a 
rhythm like a motor.

There are a lot of power generating wind mills showing up.  Checking through 
Google, they generate DC and convert to  3 phase AC it with an inverter. The 
frequency and phase of the inverter is controlled with a sample from the power 
grid.

Could their inverters have enough sine wave distortion to have harmonic energy?

So my question is: Does anyone have first hand knowledge of interference on the 
low bands from  power generator wind mills?

Bruce-K1FZ
www.qsl.net/k1fz/beveragenotes.html
www.qsl.net/k1fz/pennantnotes.html
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Re: Topband: Yikes! Heavy snow, freezing fog and 23 degrees F in Raleigh, NC

[Bill Cromwell]

On 02/12/2014 02:37 PM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

Yikes, HEAVY snow, freezing fog and 23 degrees F in Raleigh!  It's really
coming down and accumulating FAST here! Next we're supposed to get   hit
with sleet, freezing rain and ice - up to 1/2 inch!  Hope my power stays on!
I'm too crippled up and there's too much snow already to try to get out to
the garage and fire  up the generator and ru n a cable into the house! I
guess my gas logs can keep me from freezing!

Wish; me Luck!

73,
Charlie, K4OTV

P.S. How are things down Atlanta and GA way?


I'm Sorry to hear people in the south are getting whacked again! I 
prefer to not have that kind of weather here but we are accustomed to 
it, equipped for it, and we know what to do. In some areas the buildings 
and homes are not built to tolerate that kind of weather and often 
sustain damage. Kind of like hams who build gear with no fuses..not 
built to tolerate. Best of luck to all of our friends. Hunker down and 
hang on.


73,

Bill  KU8H
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Re: Topband: Question - optimum number of radials

[Bill Cromwell]

On 02/14/2014 09:15 AM, Charlie Cunningham wrote:

That's a lot of good information, Richard! Thanks for sharing!

73,
Charlie, K4OTV


The whole topic of radials as it applies to me on my small lot is "put 
in as many as you can". The same probably applies to others on small 
lots. On top band I do not have room in *any* direction for a quarter 
wavelength radial..not even one. In some directions a quarter wavelength 
radial wire might be bent to fit but that begins the many compromises. 
Obviously that setup would have the antenna in one corner of the lot so 
there would be no radials at all in one or two directions. So.. no 
quarter wave radials at all. I have been buying small spools of wire and 
will be adding them to whatever puny little radial field I DO have.


As soon as the ice and snow is gone (maybe in June?) I will be elevating 
my wire antenna the rest of the way to the treetops and adding in the 
radial wires. In the process of elevating the antenna I will learn to be 
ace with a rod n reel . The whole point of that exercise is to 
*miss* the tree and go over the top. So far I've only ever tried to 
*hit* a spot out on the water. It's not hard to hit the water . I 
didn't do too badly finding a particular spot on the water with the 
bait. But the tree top is not "over" there. It's "up" there.


73,

Bill  KU8H
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Re: Topband: 1810.8 carrier found.

[Bill Cromwell]

Once upon a time they called that 'coherent' cw. I started looking into 
it and saw the dreadful results. I wrote it off as quite impractical 
away back then. It was not only terribly slow but relied on somebody 
else's transmitter, not even the other ham, to make the whole thing 
work. Like the gps 'disciplined' timebases used for that nonsense today. 
Sure it gets some kind of results. But none that are actually useful - 
beyond amusing some radio experimenters. They have been experimenting 
for quite a while now and it hasn't improved any. I'm hoping they'll get 
it to the point of useable but it isn't looking good. They really do 
have to transmit all night and all they get across is their ID and maybe 
their location.


When I want to order a pizza I would like to have it today.

73,

Bill  kU8H


On 03/31/2014 12:35 PM, Mike Waters wrote:

That's interesting, and brings to mind a question I've been wondering about
for low-data-rate weak signal modes such as JT65, JT9 (which take 60
seconds to send a CQ), and QRSS (24 hours?!).

In the real world on 160, what would any of these modes really gain for an
operator already skilled in CW?

>From reading posts about JT9 and JT65 on 160, the distance gain over
ordinary CW is really nothing to write home about. Does anyone have any
real-word experiences that say otherwise?

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Mon, Mar 31, 2014 at 10:52 AM, Lee K7TJR  wrote:


   ... the carrier on 1810.8 KHz has been found. ...  a ham running QRSS
where it takes 24 hours to send a CQ.  HuH?


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Re: Topband: QRSS mode

[Bill Cromwell]

On 04/01/2014 09:06 PM, Radio KH6O wrote:

I know that the 600 Meter Research Group is utilizing QRSS for their
experiments; that was the first I'd ever heard of the mode.

Note that the 600 meter band was the former MF maritime CW band, with
500 kHz being the international CW calling and distress freq'y for
about 80 years. 500 would be jammed at night when the band opened up
after sunset. With the elimination of maritime CW, the 600 MRG
obtained an experimental license from the FCC. You can view their
research at:

w5jgv.com/600_mrg.htmand500kc.com

73, Jeff KH6O / 6



Hi,

The experimenters there are using plain CW, QRSS in various flavors, 
WSPR, and some other digi modes. One of the goals is exploring 
"propagation". We are hoping for an amateur allocation there and that 
information would be useful. The new allocation would likely be only 7 
kc wide! There probably won't be any YaeComWood radios on the band any 
time soon so there won't be a mass influx. It looks like voice modes are 
right *out*. But it seems like the 'neighbors' there are easy enough to 
live with. I have tried to contribute to their studies with my reports 
but I have only been able to report a few of the CW transmissions on 
that band. My radios are puny and not stable enough for the weaker 
modes. Most of the time the resources that are shared on that band are 
in use elsewhere - antenna, computer, operator. I'm assembling a crystal 
controlled (temp compensated) SDR receiver to help with that. And a loop 
antenna. I have no plans to spank my oscillators with gps so one or two 
modes might be off the table here. Operator time is still going to be a 
problem. I'll be seeing some of you on the new band.


73,

Bill  KU8H
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Re: Topband: Rig Comparisons

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Bill,

Well your choice of SDR is a later iteration. I am playing with the 
older iteration that functions similar to a direct conversion receiver 
with the 4X local oscillator and a quadrature detector ahead of the SDR 
software on the computer. If we are not to call that SDR as it has been 
then please supply a new label.


The new version doesn't even 'down convert anything to an IF but 
digitize everything on the antenna terminal. I suppose that is the only 
*real* SDR. I'm playing with little toy SDR rigs . Maybe that 
is a suitable new label.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 08/03/2014 09:18 PM, Bill Wichers wrote:

I think it depends on how much of the "r" in "sdr" is "sd".  The k3 does all 
the baseband modulation/demodulation in DSP, but has a pretty conventional IF path. Some people consider the 
K3 an SDR because it doesn't have a conventional analog modulation/demodulation stage and uses the DSP for 
more than just simple filtering functions in the audio stages.

Personally, for me, it's not an SDR unless it just digitizes everything that it 
down converts and has final selectivity in the IF implemented entirely in DSP 
(ie no crystal filters and the like) Basically, there needs to be an ADC 
running in the mega sample per second range digitizing a wide swath of spectrum 
for me to consider something an SDR, but others seem to be more lenient with 
their definitions ;-)

-Bill

Sent from my iPad




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Re: Topband: Outdoor rope suggestions

[Bill Cromwell]

One place to look is marine supply stores. Sailors don't like hardware 
that gnaws on the lines.


73,

Bill  KU8H


On 09/02/2014 03:14 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:


Can anyone recommend some first grade pulleys?  I am looking for
something bigger than what they have at hardware stores, 3 or 4
inch.

Rick N6RK
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Re: Topband: 160M loading coil mounting/orientation

[Bill Cromwell]

The ones I have seen in mobile installations have the (rather large) 
coil mounted at the bottom of the vertical element with the vertical 
element rising up through the coil. So it's a coaxial arrangement with 
the coil outside and the vertical element inside. It sure seemed to work 
in that location.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 09/08/2014 09:06 AM, shristov wrote:

rich kennedy via Topband  wrote:


When base-mounting a loading coil (inductor) on a shortened
monopole vertical, is there a preferred method for the physical
placement of the coil?  Is it better to orient the coil in
the vertical axis, horizontal axis; very close to the radiator
element or a number of feet away; positioned close to ground
level or elevated (such as on a mounting post ~ 3 feet above ground)?
Assume freq = 1.83 mHz; H = 70 feet aluminum; soil = average to
good; small capacitive hat (spokes, 5’ diameter).

Orientation doesn't matter.

Place it as you would place any other inductor,
i.e. 1-2 coil diameters away from other metallic objects, and from soil.

Protect it from elements, and that's it.

73,

Sinisa  YT1NT, VE3EA
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Re: Topband: The Stew

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

My 160 meter transmitters are down for TLC. I am the primary caregiver 
for my ailing XYL and time for tearing into those is scarce. I have been 
playing with some mag loops and I took unfair advantage of the Stew to 
help evaluate the four foot mag loop (the 18 inch one starts sagging 
badly at 40 meters). I heard both N6RK and a K7 station (I wasn't paying 
enough attention and the K7 only sent his call once S&P style). The mag 
loop is magnificent at reducing the industrial type noise in my area. I 
can easily copy signals several decibels lower than zero on my S-meter. 
The usually S-4 or S-5 (meter) noise levels are lower still. Many 
signals were below that S-4 level but easily copied loud and clear. I'll 
use the step attenuator to try and determine those levels..


I am impressed enough to start making plans for a K9AY here. I am sure I 
can fit one onto my postage stamp lot. Can't work 'em if you can't hear 
'em. And that DX100 is about 3/4 redone :)


73,

Bill  kU8H


On 10/19/2014 01:10 PM, Tim Shoppa wrote:

Rick - you were very loud here. Also out on the left coast was K7RAT coming
in very clearly too. I think you two were the only "coasters" I found. I
had a fair number of 7 pointers not on the coast.

If you want a simple easy to maintain directional loop, I strongly
recommend a K9AY.

Last night I would sometimes stop and listen to NO3M running the far west.
Very very rarely could I hear the guys he was working!!

Tim N3QE




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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I wonder if you could cover the whole band or just the part that 
interest *you*. I have a radio now that uses an xtal filter with about a 
7 kHz bandwidth on the 20 meter band. Probably those filters can be made 
wider with perhaps less filtering action - tradeoffs ya know. The idea 
isn't new and it works!


Merry Christmas and...

73,

Bill  KU8H

On 12/22/2016 05:56 PM, K1FZ-Bruce wrote:

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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Re: Topband: greyline prop forecast

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Carl,

It would be nice to have some hard numbers but they are subject 
sometimes to misinterpretation. I would have liked to see some hard data 
about this too and not just for 160 meters. It seems like that grey line 
involves some sort of magic but just when we think we have it figured 
out we get fooled - again. The most reliable 'forecast' isn't really a 
forecast at all. As you have said - just turn the radio on and see 
what's available. I am afraid too many of us look at the forecasts and 
decide there is nothing to hear and so the radio sits cold and dark. How 
many opportunities are missed that way is anybody's guess. There are no 
hard numbers for that either.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 02/16/2017 11:15 AM, Carl Luetzelschwab wrote:

Kris N5KM asked about greyline propagation predictions. Since his question
was posted to the topband reflector, I assume he's only asking in relation
to 160-Meters.

We do not have any reliable propagation predictions for greyline on 160m.
In fact, we really don't have any reliable propagation predictions for any
time on 160m. In other words, we do not know in advance what night is going
to be good and what night is not going to be good.

The best thing to do is know the common darkness times between you and your
target, and know sunrise and sunset times at both ends of the path. Make
sure you're on when it's dark and make sure you're on around the
appropriate sunrise/sunset times.

I agree that it would be nice to know when 160m is good, but we're simply
not there yet. My guess is we will not even see this in our lifetimes as
there is no continual data being taken in the lower ionosphere to gives us
clues as to what's going on.

So get on and enjoy the magic of topband when it happens.

Carl K9LA
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--
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Re: Topband: greyline prop forecast

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I sometimes look at the forecasts and space weather info but that is 
more often "after action" done in the chair. If we look at that first it 
gives a place to start. But I agree the final result comes from the 
chair time.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 02/17/2017 10:44 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote:

Hi Kris,


There's no substitute for butt in chair time if you want to work grey
line long path DX on 80 meters. 160 meters is also possible, but
much more difficult.




--
bark less - wag more

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Re: Topband: 160 in daylight

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Peter,

The 'why not' only applies to the hams who don't want to chat with their 
'neighbors' or anybody on the same continent. propagation does play into 
it and if you are a "DX only" ham 160 is much better at the greyline or 
at night. There is nothing wrong with being a DX only ham. But for the 
rest of us 160 is available all the time. The old saw about time and 
place gets "and band" added to it. It's just a matter of your intent.


73,

Bill  KU8H

PS..my best antennas for 160 and 80 will never be better than a poor 
compromise. That is still much better than no antenna or radio at all.


On 05/13/2017 10:54 AM, Peter Voelpel wrote:

Sure it does, why not?

73
Peter

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bob via
Topband

I live in Northeastern Pennsylvania, have only been on 160 a month.
  
I hooked up with station in Lacona, NY which is about 200 miles from my

QTH.  We decided that the next day at 2pm we would meet on 1.965 MHz.
Surprisingly we were able to have a QSO. SIGNALS VARIED FROM S1 TO S 5.
  
iI guess this proves that 160 does WORK in the daytime hours.


73'

Bob  Reynolds
WB3DYE
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Topband: glass power line insulators for beverage antennas?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

I went to an auction today and had an opportunity to buy a box of glass 
powerline insulators - cheap. I only bought them thinking about hams who 
use them for beverages and most of them I know about would be on top 
band. So here I am. Does anybody need these?


73,

Bill  KU8H

--
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Re: Topband: glass power line insulators for beverage antennas?

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

So I have a few dollars worth of target practice. Thanks for your response.

73,

Bill  KU8H

On 08/26/2017 11:05 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist wrote:

Electric fence components are perfect for building beverages.
No need for anything as exotic as glass insulators.

Rick N6RK

On 8/26/2017 7:27 PM, Bill Cromwell wrote:

Hi,

I went to an auction today and had an opportunity to buy a box of
glass powerline insulators - cheap. I only bought them thinking about
hams who use them for beverages and most of them I know about would be
on top band. So here I am. Does anybody need these?

73,

Bill  KU8H





--
bark less - wag more
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Re: Topband: old telephone line insulators

[Bill Cromwell]

I witnessed the collectors at the auction. There were three other boxes 
of those scattered through the auction site. The collectors bid them up 
to astronomical prices. These were overlooked and the collectors were 
napping when they came up :) They are at the tops of electric utility 
poles on the crossarms carrying the power lines - well out of reach.


They are spoken for.

73,

Bill  KU8H

On 08/27/2017 06:15 PM, lstosk...@cox.net wrote:

Sure they work.  Some years ago there was a craze on collecting these and they 
wouldn't have lasted long in the field at a height that could be reached!  N0UU
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--
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Re: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

[Bill Cromwell]

Heh,

I have found myself thinking more and more in recent years of just 
dropping ham radio. Those psychologists may have oversimplified things a 
little but there is plenty of meat on those bones. The radio hook was 
set for me when my father and I were cruising the bands on one of those 
big old radios that stood on the floor (1950s). A Zenith model radio 
that was also parlor furniture. We had a pair of window screens 
connected as the antenna and we intercepted radio traffic from a 
mountain climbing expedition on the Matterhorn!! We are/were in central 
michigan. Three days later that was on the "news" and I recall the 
feeling of "that's old news". The smell of the hot dust on those old 
vacuum tubes. The feel of the controls in my hand. Hearing those voices 
so vary far away. The glow of the dial lights (the tubes were hidden 
inside the 'furniture').


All of those senses get involved with um... real radio. If we take away 
one or more of them the hobby is diminished. I have fldigi here for 
*looking* at the digi modes. So far fldigi does not produce any sound 
for my ears. I have rarely used it because of that. More recently I have 
simultaneously run a DSP program just so I can hear what is happening.


One of my other hobbies (involves all of the senses) is making music. I 
have acoustic (no electronics) instruments and perform with other 
musicians who use acoustic instruments. It always sounds better than the 
electronic junk music and the interaction with other musicians is the 
same a the human interaction between hams (as opposed to interaction 
between computers). Certainly that 'other' music is valid as music. 
Those other modes on the bands are valid as ham radio. But some of us 
have other preferences and we will always have them. I have noticed that 
some of the 'new' hams are taking up our modes so there will be others 
to work on the air - hopefully.


Recently some of us were playing to an audience at a community center 
when the lights went out for a couple of minutes and a couple of times. 
We never missed a beat :) Sometimes the personal skills developed in ham 
radio can generate similar stories. So lets all maintain our ham 
licenses and continue using our favorites modes.


Now..how do I get that FT8 running?

73,

Bill  KU8H

On 10/25/2017 06:37 AM, Arthur Delibert wrote:

I’m sure there will be people who say FT8 is just “progress.”  But some 
psychologists divide people according to whether their preferred mode of 
experience is auditory, visual or kinesthetic (touch).  I think most of us who 
are addicted to radio are primarily auditory – on one level, that’s why we’re 
in this hobby.  So, no surprise that we find radio without the auditory 
component to be unfulfilling.

Art Delibert, KB3FJO

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

From: Steve Ireland
Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 4:26 AM
To: Topband reflector
Subject: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

G’day

As a committed (yeah, that’s probably the right word - complete with white 
jacket that laces up at the back) topbander since 1970, I’ve never been so 
intrigued and disturbed by anything on the band as the emergence of the 
Franke-Taylor FT-8 digital mode.

For me, radio has always been all about what I audibly hear. I love all the 
sounds that radio signals make - and even miss the comforting sound of Loran 
that I grew up with around 1930kHz as a teenager in south-east England. Yeah, I 
am one sick puppy.

With the emergence of high resolution bandscopes through SDR technology over 
the last decade, I embraced that as it meant that I could find what DX stations 
I wanted to hear and contact quicker and more easily (and, in particular, 
before those stations who didn’t have the same technology).

It was really exciting and enhanced the sensual experience of radio by being 
able to see what I could hear (and no dinosaur me, I was an SDR fan boy!).

During this period, there has also been an extraordinary development in digital 
radio modes, in particular by Joe Taylor K1JT.

As a topbander I could see that these modes in which you ‘saw’ signals through 
the medium of computer screen or window as being a remarkable technical 
achievement, but had relatively little to do what I and the vast majority of 
active radio amateurs practiced as radio on 160m, as it had nothing to do with 
the audible.

The good thing was that I could see that good old CW and Silly Slop Bucket (you 
can see where my prejudices lie) that I like to use were still the modes of 
choice for weak signal DX topband radio contact as these fancy digital modes 
were either very slow or, if they weren’t, were not good at dealing with 
signals that faded up and down or were covered in varying amounts of noise.

While some amateurs seemed to have lost the pleasure of actually hearing 
signals in favour of viewing them on their comp

Re: Topband: 160m Vertical matching Help

[Bill Cromwell]

On 11/02/2017 11:25 PM, Wes Stewart wrote:

Well, yes, the transmitter is looking into the transmission line and
then the antenna load, so they are different.  To be fair you need to
place the analyzer at the input (TX) end of the line.  Now the TX and
the analyzer see the same thing.  But this isn't a good way to match the
antenna to the line, which I believe is the object of this exercise.

Wes  N7WS


On 11/2/2017 5:14 PM, VK3HJ wrote:

I also concur with JC's recommendation.

Antenna analysers are useful, but you change the circuit when you
remove the feed line and connect the analyser. What your analyser sees
is different to what your transmitter sees.

Luke VK3HJ


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Re: Topband: FT8 qrm

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi,

Well...we could look at who was on first from the CW op's point of view 
just as easily. It just depends on who's ox is being gored. As for not 
listening longer than a few seconds after QRL that is just reasonable. 
Some of us (me for example) listen around for five or ten minutes 
*before* sending QRL. Filters open. Waterfall on (if we have them). 
Nobody in ham radio has been assigned a frequency that 'belongs to them'.


That said, there are "gentlemen's agreements". Those only apply *if* 
there are gentlemen. The band offers 200 kc of spectrum - at least for 
U.S. hams. That seems like a great plenty. It's the "Gentlemen's Band" 
so lets get back to being gentlemen and accommodate all of the other 
gentlemen (and ladies too). Maybe we can infect some of the other bands 
with more civility while we are at it.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 11/29/2017 07:59 AM, Michael Walker wrote:

Tim is correct.

Also, when you do operate most digital modes today (FT8, RTTY, JT65, etc),
it is 50/50 if you even have the volume turned up as you are focusing on
the waterfall.  Heck, even when I do RTTY, I usually just watch the cross
hairs on the simulated scope since that is the way I grew with RTTY.

The point is that hams own the spectrum and they get to do with it what
they choose within the limits of their license.  Worldwide.

No one makes you use any mode you don't want to.  Spin the dial.  Move on.
Life is too short.

Mike va3mw
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Re: Topband: FT8 qrm

[Bill Cromwell]

Hi Ed,

Being a gentleman isn't not about putting one's own interests ahead of 
everybody else, either.


73,

Bill  KU8H

On 11/29/2017 11:47 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:

I'm sorry but I don't buy the argument that the way to be a "gentleman" is
to accept everyone else's interests above your own.  A "gentleman" is
respectful of others and treats others as he/she wants to be treated.



No one owns a frequency channel at least in the US - read your license.



If I come on a frequency, hear nothing, ask QRL using a legal and accepted
mode for the frequency and hear nothing, I am using the frequency.  By the
way - even the ARRL admits there is no longer a "DX Window" on 160M.



If FT8 is such a fragile mode to QRM that it needs a 2khz undisturbed
window, then it is a flawed mode that will not stand the test of time in my
opinion.  I am already starting to hear DX side people saying it's a
complete waste of time and abandoning it.  I hear 3Y is going to try it -
that should be hilarious.



I think that most of the FT8 crowd is horribly misinformed with dribble they
read on the internet and think that some "net authority" has granted
exclusive access to said frequency band and that they have had such right
since June.



Look for me on 1840 in the ARRL 160 this weekend after listening, asking
QRL, and seeing if I am disturbing anyone in my 400hz receiving window.



73



Ed  N1UR

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