Re: [AMRadio] another thought
I have been working the low end of 80, 3650 to 3725, for some time and find that I can get more nibbles to a CQ there than I can on 40 ssb, plus almost no qrm Bernie W8RPW - Original Message - From: "Todd, KA1KAQ" To: ; "Discussion of AM Radio in the Amateur Service" Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 3:45 PM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought > On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM, VJB wrote: > >> What I was thinking, however, is the nice sound of a bunch of AM QSOs >> during events like the AM Bandwarming Party and Heavy Metal Rally. And, >> those times on 75m and 10m when conditions were SO good that they deserve >> a second listen. >> >> We were arrayed politely every 10Kc or so, no complaints from >> incompatible modes, drawing pleasant attention and participation from >> others wishing to take part. >> >> THAT's a classy way to maintain and further AM's presence on any band, >> anywhere. > > This is the only way to go IMO. Trying to 'claim' any frequency or > otherwise reserve its use for a specific group not only makes us > guilty of the very thing we complain about the trouble makers doing, > it paints a target on our backs and invites problems. You can say 'but > they're not allowed to legally do that' all day long, it won't change > a thing. It's good to have some idea where to look, even better not to > limit yourself. > > I credit the bandwarming party with really sparking much of the AM > activity we now see down on 80m. Go there almost any afternoon and > find 3-5 ongoing AM QSOs spread from 3733 well down below 3700. The > biggest issue there, as well as on 40 or anywhere else, is getting > folks offline and on the air to operate. It seems like most folks want > someone else to start the party so that they can join in at their > leisure and enjoy it. > > Remember the first couple months on 80 after the bands opened up, > there was a lot of activity. But once the novelty wore off, many > drifted back to the old ways. Thanks to those who use any open > frequency and avoid the catfights above, 80 has a decent AM contingent > below 3750. Hopefully 40 will see the same rebirth of activity with > the ensuing excitement. A good example of what to expect is the number > of new stations trying AM for the first time, and resulting converts > from those nights we took the time to help them set up their new > ricebox radio for decent AM. > > ~ Todd, KA1KAQ/4 > __ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net > To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
On Fri, Mar 13, 2009 at 3:00 PM, VJB wrote: > What I was thinking, however, is the nice sound of a bunch of AM QSOs during > events like the AM Bandwarming Party and Heavy Metal Rally. And, those times > on 75m and 10m when conditions were SO good that they deserve a second listen. > > We were arrayed politely every 10Kc or so, no complaints from incompatible > modes, drawing pleasant attention and participation from others wishing to > take part. > > THAT's a classy way to maintain and further AM's presence on any band, > anywhere. This is the only way to go IMO. Trying to 'claim' any frequency or otherwise reserve its use for a specific group not only makes us guilty of the very thing we complain about the trouble makers doing, it paints a target on our backs and invites problems. You can say 'but they're not allowed to legally do that' all day long, it won't change a thing. It's good to have some idea where to look, even better not to limit yourself. I credit the bandwarming party with really sparking much of the AM activity we now see down on 80m. Go there almost any afternoon and find 3-5 ongoing AM QSOs spread from 3733 well down below 3700. The biggest issue there, as well as on 40 or anywhere else, is getting folks offline and on the air to operate. It seems like most folks want someone else to start the party so that they can join in at their leisure and enjoy it. Remember the first couple months on 80 after the bands opened up, there was a lot of activity. But once the novelty wore off, many drifted back to the old ways. Thanks to those who use any open frequency and avoid the catfights above, 80 has a decent AM contingent below 3750. Hopefully 40 will see the same rebirth of activity with the ensuing excitement. A good example of what to expect is the number of new stations trying AM for the first time, and resulting converts from those nights we took the time to help them set up their new ricebox radio for decent AM. ~ Todd, KA1KAQ/4 __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
What I had in mind was long winded rag chewers. MeI the strong silent type. I can carry my end of a conversation, but there are guys out there who can take a hot sports opinion and chew on it for hours. Bill - Original Message From: D. Chester To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 2:21:54 PM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought > Not to be preaching to the choir, and not that I'm disagreeing, but this > is a?very very?fine line to tread in that it borders on broadcasting. > During the Riley Hollingsworth days there were FCC actions against hams > who were hogging THEIR (in their opinion) frequency by doing the same > thing. I'm sure you all know the person or persons at fault. They were > being curmudgeonly just to be a-holes. > Bill AD5OL To make that work, you would need two stations, each running in timed sequence so that one transmitter would come on frequency just as soon as the other one went off. But you would have to make sure your Radio Shack timers all worked properly :-) I use an automated CQ caller, made from a Sony minidisc player set to repeat mode. I use a tone on the left channel and the voice is recorded on the right channel. There is zero cross-talk with the minidisc; the minidisc seems to have perfect channel separation. The tone activates the T/R relay, kind of the way vox works on SSB. I can let it run over and over again for hours if I want. It will call CQ for about 90 seconds, then go to standby for 30 seconds, and keep on repeating until I take manual control of the station. I just put it on, then go to the bench and work on a project. I listen during standby periods for any calls and take manual control if I can hear someone come back. The CQ recording specifies that I have my receiver set to AM mode. Don k4kyv __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
I can dig it! Bill - Original Message From: VJB To: amradio@mailman.qth.net; BILL GUYGER Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 2:00:34 PM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought You're right, of course Bill, and what practical value would such transmissions provide that could not already be shared via audio files over the internet ? And using "best of" recordings to occupy a frequency is in the same category as mustering AM on a given frequency, to claim ownership, maintain a presence, etc. What I was thinking, however, is the nice sound of a bunch of AM QSOs during events like the AM Bandwarming Party and Heavy Metal Rally. And, those times on 75m and 10m when conditions were SO good that they deserve a second listen. We were arrayed politely every 10Kc or so, no complaints from incompatible modes, drawing pleasant attention and participation from others wishing to take part. THAT's a classy way to maintain and further AM's presence on any band, anywhere. But yes, you're right, it needs to happen real time, and if you miss it, you miss it. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
> Not to be preaching to the choir, and not that I'm disagreeing, but this > is a?very very?fine line to tread in that it borders on broadcasting. > During the Riley Hollingsworth days there were FCC actions against hams > who were hogging THEIR (in their opinion) frequency by doing the same > thing. I'm sure you all know the person or persons at fault. They were > being curmudgeonly just to be a-holes. > Bill AD5OL To make that work, you would need two stations, each running in timed sequence so that one transmitter would come on frequency just as soon as the other one went off. But you would have to make sure your Radio Shack timers all worked properly :-) I use an automated CQ caller, made from a Sony minidisc player set to repeat mode. I use a tone on the left channel and the voice is recorded on the right channel. There is zero cross-talk with the minidisc; the minidisc seems to have perfect channel separation. The tone activates the T/R relay, kind of the way vox works on SSB. I can let it run over and over again for hours if I want. It will call CQ for about 90 seconds, then go to standby for 30 seconds, and keep on repeating until I take manual control of the station. I just put it on, then go to the bench and work on a project. I listen during standby periods for any calls and take manual control if I can hear someone come back. The CQ recording specifies that I have my receiver set to AM mode. Don k4kyv __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
How about AM during the PHONE CONTESTS? In the last contests I have monitored all the SSB activity seemed to be clustered in a small area. Most of the band seemed free. I am talking about 40M and 20M. Right now I never hear much of anything on 75M because of the propagation. The AM people could find their own hole on the bands during the PHONE contests and operate there. And the frequency could be made public right here on these reflectors. Bob Macklin K5MYJ Kent (Seattle), Wa, "Real Radios Glow in the Dark" - Original Message - From: "VJB" To: ; "BILL GUYGER" Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:00 AM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought > > You're right, of course Bill, and what practical value would such transmissions provide that could not already be shared via audio files over the internet ? > > And using "best of" recordings to occupy a frequency is in the same category as mustering AM on a given frequency, to claim ownership, maintain a presence, etc. > > What I was thinking, however, is the nice sound of a bunch of AM QSOs during events like the AM Bandwarming Party and Heavy Metal Rally. And, those times on 75m and 10m when conditions were SO good that they deserve a second listen. > > We were arrayed politely every 10Kc or so, no complaints from incompatible modes, drawing pleasant attention and participation from others wishing to take part. > > THAT's a classy way to maintain and further AM's presence on any band, anywhere. > > But yes, you're right, it needs to happen real time, and if you miss it, you miss it. > > Paul/VJB > > > > > > __ > Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net > AMRadio mailing list > Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ > List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html > List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio > Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net > To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with > the word unsubscribe in the message body. > > This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net > Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html > __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
You're right, of course Bill, and what practical value would such transmissions provide that could not already be shared via audio files over the internet ? And using "best of" recordings to occupy a frequency is in the same category as mustering AM on a given frequency, to claim ownership, maintain a presence, etc. What I was thinking, however, is the nice sound of a bunch of AM QSOs during events like the AM Bandwarming Party and Heavy Metal Rally. And, those times on 75m and 10m when conditions were SO good that they deserve a second listen. We were arrayed politely every 10Kc or so, no complaints from incompatible modes, drawing pleasant attention and participation from others wishing to take part. THAT's a classy way to maintain and further AM's presence on any band, anywhere. But yes, you're right, it needs to happen real time, and if you miss it, you miss it. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
On March 29, in addition to many AM stations having regular QSOs, I would like to see a frequency in the General section (7.175 - 7.200 kHz) and one in the Advanced/Extra (7.125 - 7.175 kHz) that had continuous QSO activity on it analogous to the what happens on the monthly directed net "First Wednesday CCA AM Nights" on 75 meters where more than a hundred stations may take part across the country as net control stations hand off to each other as propagation changes. Dale KW1I - Original Message - From: "BILL GUYGER" To: ; Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 11:32 AM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought Not to be preaching to the choir, and not that I'm disagreeing, but this is a very very fine line to tread in that it borders on broadcasting. During the Riley Hollingsworth days there were FCC actions against hams who were hogging THEIR (in their opinion) frequency by doing the same thing. I'm sure you all know the person or persons at fault. They were being curmudgeonly just to be a-holes. I'm just saying, if we have some guys who are good at filibustering and can take turns on freq. vs. broadcasting even ham related info, we'd be better off than opening the AM crowd to FCC actions that the SSB crowd can use against us. I'm OK with the SSBS'ers throwing 5.56 at us, but if we give them 7.62 or 50cal. to use on us because we handed them the ammo can we've got no one to blame but ourselves. Bill AD5OL From: VJB To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 9:05:54 AM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought Charlie W4MEC that's an interesting thought, but we will probably run up against the amount of time available to get on and try to keep up a wall of carriers. Sure, my converted broadcast transmitter will run 24/7 on whatever 40m frequency you want, but I may have to resort to recorded programming, like the "Best of 75m AM" alternating with the "Best of 10m AM" another time. I just found a 90 minute tape full of the propagation benefits of Solar Cycle 23, with VK2BA and myself in one outstanding QSO, with a sprinkling of others. Wow. Anyway, I'm game, say where. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
Not to be preaching to the choir, and not that I'm disagreeing, but this is a very very fine line to tread in that it borders on broadcasting. During the Riley Hollingsworth days there were FCC actions against hams who were hogging THEIR (in their opinion) frequency by doing the same thing. I'm sure you all know the person or persons at fault. They were being curmudgeonly just to be a-holes. I'm just saying, if we have some guys who are good at filibustering and can take turns on freq. vs. broadcasting even ham related info, we'd be better off than opening the AM crowd to FCC actions that the SSB crowd can use against us. I'm OK with the SSBS'ers throwing 5.56 at us, but if we give them 7.62 or 50cal. to use on us because we handed them the ammo can we've got no one to blame but ourselves. Bill AD5OL From: VJB To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Sent: Friday, March 13, 2009 9:05:54 AM Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought Charlie W4MEC that's an interesting thought, but we will probably run up against the amount of time available to get on and try to keep up a wall of carriers. Sure, my converted broadcast transmitter will run 24/7 on whatever 40m frequency you want, but I may have to resort to recorded programming, like the "Best of 75m AM" alternating with the "Best of 10m AM" another time. I just found a 90 minute tape full of the propagation benefits of Solar Cycle 23, with VK2BA and myself in one outstanding QSO, with a sprinkling of others. Wow. Anyway, I'm game, say where. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
We have been encouraging AM activity on 7.160 for several months. "When CW is no longer required, it will be a necessity." de K5SEE -Original Message- From: VJB To: amradio@mailman.qth.net Sent: Fri, 13 Mar 2009 9:05 am Subject: Re: [AMRadio] another thought Charlie W4MEC that's an interesting thought, but we will probably run up against the amount of time available to get on and try to keep up a wall of carriers. Sure, my converted broadcast transmitter will run 24/7 on whatever 40m frequency you want, but I may have to resort to recorded programming, like the "Best of 75m AM" alternating with the "Best of 10m AM" another time. I just found a 90 minute tape full of the propagation benefits of Solar Cycle 23, with VK2BA and myself in one outstanding QSO, with a sprinkling of others. Wow. Anyway, I'm game, say where. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
Re: [AMRadio] another thought
Charlie W4MEC that's an interesting thought, but we will probably run up against the amount of time available to get on and try to keep up a wall of carriers. Sure, my converted broadcast transmitter will run 24/7 on whatever 40m frequency you want, but I may have to resort to recorded programming, like the "Best of 75m AM" alternating with the "Best of 10m AM" another time. I just found a 90 minute tape full of the propagation benefits of Solar Cycle 23, with VK2BA and myself in one outstanding QSO, with a sprinkling of others. Wow. Anyway, I'm game, say where. Paul/VJB __ Our Main Website: http://www.amfone.net AMRadio mailing list Searchable Archives: http://www.mail-archive.com/amradio@mailman.qth.net/ List Rules (must read!): http://w5ami.net/amradiofaq.html List Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/amradio Post: AMRadio@mailman.qth.net To unsubscribe, send an email to amradio-requ...@mailman.qth.net with the word unsubscribe in the message body. This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html