Re: [IRCA] Just Too Darn Cold
Yikes! Sounds like a January cold snap here. Winter storm warning out for this weekend too :( Single digits +/- with wind chills here possible wind chills in the same range your experiencing over the weekend. *Finally* got the time to get the new antenna finished but getting it in the air with arthritis in the hands in this weather isn't going to happen so I'm also DXing vicariously through the list. Probably have time to finish the homebrew receiver before it warms up enough to get on the roof again. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/9/2016 10:57 AM, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: .. it's been so cold to go outside and DX, it'd be unsafe here. Temps have been consistently around -25 to -30 below for 2 weeks when the sun is down with wind chills near -40 below and maybe about -22 to -26 when the sun is up. Fort Yukon, alaska, just above the arctic circle had -48 below zero yesterday with a -65 windcill. Barrow on the other hand, has -8 this morning. We here in Galena might deep into the teens below zero today tomorrow and sunday with the possibility for single digits below zero monday with some temps slightly above zero tuesday and wednesday! Paul Walker Galena, Alaska ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] broken radio
Bert, If your in the US I could fix it for you. I give collectors/hobbyists who are going to use the radio a very low labor rate and cost+10% on parts. Shipping is handled by a return label/postage sent with the radio. I make 0 on shipping. I'm a Tech, not a shipper. I specialize in the Radio Shack DX series but I have the experience and equipment to repair anything I can find a schematic for. I've got 35+ Years as a Tech. I've only worked on one 2010 before but they're no worse to work on than the Sangean 803/RS DX-440 that I've repaired a dozen or more of. I'm sure I have the service manual/schematic on my hard drive somewhere or can get it online. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 5/19/2016 11:41 AM, Ira Elbert New III wrote: Sorry to hear that. I hate when radios go bad. I need a 2010 fixed, but I don't know who to trust it to. Bert Sent from my iPhone On May 19, 2016, at 12:38 PM, "coffee_canuck" <coffeecan...@gmail.com> wrote: I have surgical skills --happy to treat it for you. How's your mouth today? Colin Newell - CoffeeCrew.com - VA7WWV - Victoria - BC On May 19, 2016, at 9:16 AM, Eric Floden <eric.f99...@gmail.com> wrote: greetings my Sony ICF-SW7600GR is my constant companion when traveling (of late usually to Ottawa - Golden Lake - Peterborouogh) but then this week it fell from a height of about 3 feet. I am back home now, and find FM works fine but AM (all bands) is woeful. Locals on 690 and 650 used to be great, now sound like Seattle area stations (710, 1000) used to. Even 1130, formerly very good is almost unreadable. No reception at all for other locals (980, 1200). So my guess is, the internal antenna has come adrift somehow. And I am thinking I will open it up and have a look. Any cautions? I ask as I am quite the butterfingers in matters of repair, and can often find innovative ways to make a bad situation worse. Thanks Eric "how'd I get butter on my fingers?" Floden Vancouver BC ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Be sure to register now for the Joint DX Convention Kansas City, September 9 to 11. Hotel space is filling up. Registration info: http://www.nrcdxas.org Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Be sure to register now for the Joint DX Convention Kansas City, September 9 to 11. Hotel space is filling up. Registration info: http://www.nrcdxas.org Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Be sure to register now for the Joint DX Convention Kansas City, September 9 to 11. Hotel space is filling up. Registration info: http://www.nrcdxas.org Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Be sure to register now for the Joint DX Convention Kansas City, September 9 to 11. Hotel space is filling up. Registration info: http://www.nrcdxas.org Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Broadband Cable Internet
Patric: The box in the yard isn't likely to cause any interference, you could probably run the cable directly to your radio and not get any noticeable noise. The line amps and filters on the cable systems (usually) have a pretty sharp cutoff below ~50MHz. Watch out for possible DC voltage if you try this at home ;) Once it's installed it will probably be grounded to the electrical ground. I switched the grounding block from electrical to Earth even though it wasn't causing a problem just to prevent future mystery noises. The majority of the noise I found with cable internet was coming from the switching type wall-wart. I found the same for the router and hubs. Some of our local thrift stores have boxes of old wall-warts and I managed to round up enough with the same voltage ratings and equal or higher current that are transformer based. Look for the big, heavy ones. If it wouldn't hurt to get whacked in the head with it isn't transformer based unless it's very small. You can also check them with an Ohmmeter. If the meter reads 100 Ohms and stays steady it's transformer based, if it shows open or increases over time then it's a switching supply. If your not going wireless make sure you have good quality CAT5e or CAT6 cables, you'll have better network speed if you have more than a 10' or so run anyway. My wireless router is dead silent from 100KHz to 30MHz and I'd avoid using the USB network interface if it has one. If your going from dialup to high-speed I think you'll be happy with the $ and effort as well spent. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/23/2013 3:20, Patrick Martin wrote: I thought before Charter gets here this week to install the Broadband, I would try one more experiment. So I ran a wire across the yard to my neighbors broadband box in the yard. A couple wraps around the box and then run it through the mtching transformer to the R8. I disconnected the SW EWE briefly and used that coax. Again, no noise noted that I could tell. I ran across the MW band and I could not find anything, so I am still hoping no issues, but at this point it doesn't sound like any. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Broadband Cable Internet
Mike: I wouldn't know about cable TV boxes. We have cable internet but not cable TV. Not paying $60/month for 200 channels of crap I don't watch anyway :P I also don't have the cable company supplied modem. Well worth the $125 I paid to get a Motorola DOCSYS 3 modem from Best Buy rather than pay the $5/month for their POS made in Panda Armpit, China modem. When I still lived in an apartment I tracked down some nasty QRN coming from the downstairs neighbor's cheapo modem. Besides, if 30 Mbps gets too slow I'm ready to go for the 100 Mbps Service ;) Still had to change the wall-wart on it since it sits about 3' from my radios. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/23/2013 16:51, Mike Hawkins wrote: I would also recommend that before you allow the installer to leave the premises, you run through all the frequencies you intend to listen to and make sure you don't have any noise issues anywhere. When Comcast installed my internet and TV boxes, I had serious noise issues on my radio. Their expert said it couldn't be because of their box because everything was working. Their expert had never heard of a bad solder joint. Everything had the conductivity it was supposed to, so it worked fine for his purposes. It also radiated RF garbage in a 6-foot radius. He replaced the box. I tested it. It worked. Don't let him leave without testing! Mike Hawkins ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Hi DO NOT CLICK THE LINK!
Known Trojan site according to my antivirus. On 4/15/2013 15:43, Don Moman VE6JY wrote: Hi, Please take a moment to view this document i uploaded via google docs. View HERELink removed and log on to view the document, it is very important. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Don Kaskey - SK
Thank you for forwarding this Kevin. I didn't know Don personally but his name is familiar from postings and a couple of emails about antennas. A great loss for the hobby and to many personally. My condolences to his family. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 2/19/2013 14:14, kevin redding wrote: It is with great regret and sadness that I got a phone call from Don Kaskey's wife telling me he has passed away recently on his birthday due to a heart attack. I know many of us loved Don as a brother in our hobby and that he was a very good man and great friend to me. I will miss him terribly. Don will be having a memorial service at Broadmoor Presbyterian Church in Daly City, California March 2nd at 4 PM. 73 Don, you were one of the fathers of the DX hobby. We will all miss you. Kevin Redding Crump, TN ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] RF Conversion
Craig, I looked for something similar a while back and unless you have some very deep pockets you might want to try a different solution unless you want to home-brew something. I use the twin coax that's used for satellite dishes. A balun on each end and the center conductors fed as a balanced line or a balanced preamp at the feed end with the power injector/DC block at the receiver end. Oddly enough it seems to work best with the grounding block about mid-point in the feed line. A 4:1 Balun wound with thin Litz on an Amidon 43 material core seems to work best for the 50 Ohm input on the receivers from ~60KHz to (over?) 30 MHz. I haven't tested the setup above the 10m band. I have 3 MW stations putting fat signals into my back yard and the line runs right past the breaker box and I get very little noise pickup. Just my $0.02 Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 2/16/2013 13:44, Craig Healy wrote: I am beginning to see if there are any adequate RF to fiber optic conversions, and conversion back to the same RF. My goal is to use fiber optic cable rather than coax or twisted pairs for antenna connection. Fiber optic cable doesn't pick up noise and has lower loss than cable. I began with Google search of: RF analog to fiber optic conversion That seemed to indicate that there is equipment to do that, and not hugely expensive. FWIW, maybe other people can find something as well. Craig Healy Providence, RI ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Passport to Worldband Radio?
Been busy so I don't have much to report as far as reception. New antenna and receiver are nearing completion after several Engineering Changes but so far basement bench testing is showing promise. I was asked if Passport to Worldband Radio is still being published and where it could be had. I wasn't sure but I'm sure someone on this list knows. Thanks Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Would this wire be good for antenna projects?
Dave, Other than tuned loops it should work fine and even with a resonant loop it will work but with reduced Q over Litz wire. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 1/24/2013 17:16, Dave Hascall wrote: Before looking at this ebay auction, I completely understand that it might be like buying a pig in a poke, since we don't know what Gauge it is but, would this wire be a suitable candidate for BOGs, Flags, air core loops and such? http://www.ebay.com/itm/HO-400-feet-of-Black-Single-Conductor-Stranded-Accessory-Wire-MDP-00-5201-/290760950409?pt=Model_RR_Trainshash=item43b2b40289 Item # 290760950409 73 and Thanks, Dave in Indy ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1610 TIS help requested
Sounds like the Mt. Rushmore/Keystone info station. Nice catch from IL. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 1/9/2013 12:35, neilkaz wrote: At night with CHHA phased down I am now getting bits of several TIS's on 1610. One has 515 area code and I could copy a 577 exchange but not the rest of the number. I presume this is Ames IA from the phone number and FCC list. Can any one tell for sure? I'm also getting a female voice sometimes but can't copy much. Also a country accented male and some talk about park and ice and slow down and enjoy your stay I think I've heard a South Dakota ment or two. Based on the antenna used all of these are almost certainly somewhere west of me. Last night on 1610 there was some oldies for a few minutes. This wasn't CHHA which was in SS. I presume this must be some part 15 and after a google search I sent off an email to the part 15 in Reynolds (near Quad Cities) IL. On 1680 IA TIS's mix with KNTS usually o/KRJO. And on 1670 Des Moines TIS can background Madison. Do these on 1610 sound like anyone's locals? 73 KAZ Barrington IL ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Apollo 13
OK, now I feel old. I remember Gemini launches and spacewalks not to mention staying up late to watch Armstrong step off the ladder and blow his line. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/3/2012 22:14, Rick Dau wrote: Hate to make you feel older than you are, Ira, but I know you were older than six. The last mission in the Apollo program was Apollo 18, which docked with Soyuz in the summer of 1975. I mention that because it's the ONLY Apollo mission that I remember watching on TV back when it was happening. :) 73, Rick Dau (not quite older than dirt yet) South Omaha, Nebraska From: Ira Elbert New III i...@hotmail.com To: HardCore DX irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Saturday, November 3, 2012 10:53 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] [NRC-AM] Apollo 13 Thanks. I was only six when the Apollo Program came to a close. I didn't know about the material being broadcast, but I do have fun reading over the transcripts from time-to-time. I don't know if the scenes were added for dramatic purposes or not, but it has always puzzled me whenever I see it. I meant to ask a long time ago and seeing it tonight on BRAVO made me think about asking. I'll ask Ron Howard the next time I see him. :) Ira Elbert New, IIIWatkinsville, GeorgiaProudly Serving You Since 1964. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Recent DXpedition to Grayland, WA Florence, OR
Thanks for the reports on that Bill. Have to keep Grayland in mind when/if we get out that way again. Has anyone done a DXpedition near the North American Pole of Inaccessibility http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pole_of_inaccessibility#North_America? Since I've had to cancel both DX trips for later this year I have been thinking about an overnight near there in Late December/early January IF I have the time. It would actually be about 45 Miles north of the pole since it's on Reservation land and might be difficult to get permission but I know a Rancher near Quinn who would probably let me string wires or set an active loop on top of the van away from any AC lines. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/7/2012 10:15, Bill Whitacre wrote: From July 31 - August 2 I visited Grayland, WA and Florence, OR. At each location I set up a Perseus and a an 'extended DKAZ' antenna pointing at 235 deg -- towards Hawaii and the south Pacific [Aus/NZ]. The best day, of course, was the last day and I have put sound samples from 1300 utc up through 1280 kHz from both Grayland and Florence on a webpage for comparison: http://realmonitor.com/am_logs_grayland6.php Trimmed ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] July 2012 Oregon Cliff DXpedition Report
Gary, some of those rough conditions like an AC power or street lighting probably made a major contribution to your success. One reason I haven't built an FSL is the increased sensitivity would be offset by local noise anyway. Anything over a 2' loop is pointless here. Thanks to my neighbor being the proud owner of a new 60+ inch plasma TV I have to move my remote active loop yet again. Wonder how the neighbors are going to react to a 40' pole in my yard ;) We had planned on a trip up the west coast in late fall but work for both of us has killed that idea along with the mini DXpedition in October. Thanks for posting your results, at least I can get in some good DXing vicariously. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/1/2012 21:43, d1028g...@aol.com wrote: (trimmed) DXing conditions were rough (no AC power, running water, street lighting or weather protection) but the triple advantage of salt water propagation, ocean cliff altitude and high-gain FSL antenna resulted in South Pacific DX of exceptional strength. 2.5 kW and 5 kW signals from New Zealand AM stations like 765-Radio Kahungunu and 684-NZ Rhema were actually pegging the PL-380's S/N readout at 25 (the maximum), while several other DU's like 828-Radio Trackside (2 kW) and 603-Radio Waatea were coming in like locals. The unique combination of rough DXing conditions and awesome South Pacific DX was unforgettable, and every effort was made to record MP3's of the amazing DX for the DXpedition report, which is posted at http://www.mediafire.com/view/?nk9tlf95t0b2m14 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] KCEG vs. WBBM
According to Radio Locator http://www.radio-locator.com/ 720W night power directional mostly north/south. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 7/22/2012 11:06, Timothy Kridel wrote: Here in Columbia, MO, KCEG was holding its own against WBBM around midnight. They were pretty good about IDing every 10 minutes or so. Anybody know what power they're running at night? 73, Tim Kridel KC0KEK ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] CFWH 570 Whilehorse, Yukon
Always sad to see a station go dark even one I don't have a snowball's chance of hearing with WNAX pegging my S-Meter here. On 7/10/2012 1:16, Patrick Martin wrote: I just got an e mail from Dan Sys of BC that CFWH 570 has their FM now turned on and 570 is going dark August 31st, 2012. I am sorry to hear this as CFWH has been a beacon for years when DX conditions were good to the North in the Winter. Logged here several times. I have a very nice folding QSL card from CFWH too. There are no other easy (relative term) Yukon stations to hear. CKRW 610 1 KW is much tougher and the only other Yukon station with any power is Dawson City on 560, with 400 watts. 73, Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Antenna Options
Stock up on Factory Smoke before you try it ;) Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 5/19/2012 11:12, Ira Elbert New III wrote: Thanks. Sorry for the confusion, but I'm looking for something to transmit with for Amateur Radio and something to listen with for MW and SW. I guess it might be interesting to see what 100 watts would do to a Wellbrook... KI4SYC Ira Elbert New, IIIWatkinsville, GeorgiaProudly Serving You Since 1964. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] latest solar cycle prediction
Possibly a Maunder Minimum, possibly nothing. When I can get an accurate weather forcast for the weekend on a Tuesday I'll pay more attention to long range climate predictions. On 5/3/2012 13:48, Nick Hall-Patch wrote: NASA's latest solar maximum prediction: http://solarscience.msfc.nasa.gov/predict.shtml Not surprisingly, it's now predicted to be very low, given the rather low sunspot numbers up until now. As one wag pointed out, at what point does a prediction become an observation? The above site does give some interesting background as to how the predictions are made. best wishes, Nick ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] FW: 1000th station heard on ULR
Congrats Richard! On 4/28/2012 1:30, richa...@perryisp.net wrote: After four years and one month, I was able to log station #1000 on my barefoot Sony SRF-T615. 4/27/12 1100 UTC 880 kHz XEPNK, Los Mochis, Sinaloa, México (2 kW @ 1611 km / 1001 mi). Heard at 1100 with woman announcing ochenta ocho A M, the national anthem of México at 1100-1102, and the recently adopted anthem of Sinaloa at 1102-1104. A brief, mostly unintelligible announcement by a woman at 1104, followed by a romantic song performed by a woman at 1105. The signal strength was poor with moderate QRM from Grupo Fórmula station XEV. There was also slight QRM from KRVN. It is México #181 and Sinaloa #13. From rural northern Oklahoma I've been able to hear stations in 19 countries on four continents using an Ultralight. I've yet to hear any signals from Oceania or South America. My furthermost reception is HLAZ, 1566 kHz, Jeju, Republic of Korea, at 11004 km / 6838 miles. Using a barefoot receiver it is JOGB, 873 kHz, Kumamoto, Japan, at 10820 km / 6723 miles. My original intent was never to see how many stations I could log with an Ultralight Radio. It simply evolved in that direction as I continued to listen. Originally it was the challenge of hearing signals from Asia and Europe on a pocket size receiver. It occurred a few months later when I heard JOUB, Akita, Japan, on 747 kHz. Hearing faint Japanese talk here in Oklahoma on a tiny SRF-T615 receiver that first time remains the most exciting moment in this adventure. I think the only thing that could beat it would be to hear Australia. Best wishes and good DX. Richard Richard Allen 36°22'51N / 97°26'35W (near Perry OK USA) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Mini DXpedition
Not sure where Mark lives but we could meet in Sioux Falls and take my car or van up depending on how many people are interested. This is where we stayed. Black's Pheasant Fields http://blackspheasantfields.com/index.html and a Satellite Map http://mapq.st/IMSjWk. The tentative opening date for Pheasant Season this year is Oct. 20th depending on the Spring bird census and since we had such a mild winter it may get moved back to the 13th this year. Between now and then the place is pretty much empty but forget it once pheasant season starts. The cabins all have refrigerators, stovetops and microwaves and the commercial kitchen is available for use as long as you clean up after yourself. I really should have taken the DX-302 since we had 40+MPH winds and near freezing temps so running a wire out a window was out of the question. Wound up with ~20' of wire hanging from the light fixtures and no ground. My DX-440 barefoot would have been better but the primary purpose of the trip was relaxation and I did get a good idea of the RF environment there. I discovered that the R71-A is excellent from 160M and up, if my code was better I'd have been logging Hams on 80 and 40 as fast as I could write. From 500KHz down to WWVB it also does quite well though the preamp doesn't function below 1800KHz, Caught Fargo-AA and Orange City, IA-ORC and Marshall, MN-GB as well as the familiar FS. For MW with a minimal antenna it sucks. Stock radio/antenna in my '97 Lincoln did better with the ignition off. The only station of note was WOI just before they switched to night pattern, S5, at 8PM Saturday. KBRK and KJAM were at S8, KJJQ at S7, WNAX at S5 and KSOO at S6. I'm going to spare the group any detailed logs since nothing Earthshaking is in them other than general reception conditions. Lightning crashes most of the weekend didn't help matters any. I think the R71-A must have a crippled MW band like many communications receivers that I didn't notice here because of the high RF environment. I'll have to get the schematic and maybe do some surgery. The Wide filter is still too narrow for MW listening but not for picking up IDs and such. The homebrew receiver and loops will probably get their first field test there later this spring/early summer. (Hermit weekend) Overall it's a VERY quiet RF environment. Other than the lightning crashes the only noticeable noise was from the high efficiency furnace, even most of the light bulbs are still incandescent. The owner is a full time Farmer and there was an hour or so when he had to do some welding to get his equipment going again to get his crops in when it was pretty noisy (S2). I can drive a ground rod as long as it's left and close enough to a building that the mower won't hit it and temporary poles for longwires are OK as long as they don't tear up the turf. A Beverage or BOG aimed at Mexico, SA or Oz would be simple from the southern cabins or aiming for AK and Russia from the northern ones would be fairly easy. Beverage to W,NW,SW would be easy from any of the cabins but with our weather I'd suggest bringing a loop/active. That area has been known to have ice storms in late September and sunny with highs in the 80s in mid October. I'll make it tentative for the weekend of Oct. 6th since my Lady's job duties are going to prevent our fall West Coast trip this year. :( For anyone looking for a real TA/TP challenge there's a Lodge near Martin, SD that's only 8 Miles from the North American Pole of Inaccessibility. ;-) The Pole itself is on Tribal land and considered sacred by some (Heart of the World) so a DXpedition there would be difficult if not impossible to get permission for. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD R71-A unmodified except for a PIEXX memory module (as far as I know) DX-302 front end and IF mods DX-440 front end mod 2 DX-160s, one with radical mods one unmodded DX-399 no Mods. Homebrew DC-30MHz under final testing 1997 Lincoln stock radio/antenna Frankentenna, bundled active Ferrite MW/LW remote tuned and rotating antenna ~10' above ground 30 dual spiral active 85' longwire with 16:1 to 1:1 variable BALUN. Homebrew active LW-SW antenna. Homebrew preselector/phasor under construction And a bunch of junk I'm putting on Craigslist. On 4/27/2012 23:39, Rick Dau wrote: Tim, I assume by early fall, you're looking at late September/early October? I would be all for that, as well. :) 73, Rick Dau reporting from on the road in Eagle River, Wisconsin (headed to Hancock, Michigan tomorrow with Frank Merrill) From: Mark Durenbergerma...@durenberger.com To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of Americairca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:14 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] Mini DXpedition Tim: Count on me if your dates work! Regards, Mark Durenberger -- From: Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net Sent
Re: [IRCA] Gone With the Wind...
Ira: Got an 18' ladder if you want to come pick it up ;) I had most of a 400' longwire vanish into thin air about 25 years ago. Direct lightning hit on 7/22 Copperweld and the biggest chunk I found was about 8. Fortunately it was grounded at the house end so the only damage other than the antenna could be fixed with a bit of paint. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/26/2012 20:29, Ira Elbert New III wrote: ...with a little help from a riding mower. My 135' Long Wire Antenna is no more. It was down and I didn't see it in time. The mower sucked it up, wrapped it around the blades a couple of times, and then it was no more. It was ripped in two and even ripped from the balun at the feed point. I know I haven't been burning up the dials lately, but I was thinking this year might be different once summer rolled around. Now I need to figure something else out. Anyone have a really tall ladder I can borrow? KI4SYC Ira Elbert New, IIIWatkinsville, GeorgiaProudly Serving You Since 1964. ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Mini DXpedition
This weekend I'll be treating my Lady to a long weekend in a rather isolated lodge and taking my newly acquired and repaired (unmodified) R71A. It was a very rough tax season for both of us and we both need to be away from people for a while. KBRK and KJJQ are the nearest MW stations and neither should be overpowering at that site. Antenna will be a simple longwire, length and direction to be determined once we get there. None of my loops or actives so I can get a baseline idea of reception compared to other reports for the same time period. I'll do day/night lsr/lss band scans as time and the XYL permit. (Don't bet on any lsr reports) The location is about halfway between Volga and Estelline, SD. Not taking the laptop so the report will have to wait until I get back early next week. We'll have the place to ourselves but I'm told the 4 cabins and lodge can accommodate up to 30 people so I'm scouting it for a possible early fall group DXpedition and for $250/night the whole place can be had off hunting season or $60/night for a 4 person cabin. T Good DXing this weekend. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] KIWA loop
It went for $432.79 plus shipping. Tim On 4/6/2012 8:44, Rick Robinson wrote: The last one on ebay went for over $700. Wait until an hour or 2 before the end of the auction and the bidding frenzy will begin. Rick ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 720-KOTZ DX Test tomorrow - do I have a chance? + suggestion
Stephen: The recent Solar event may have been a bit disappointing but the ionosphere could still be bouncing around a bit tomorrow without as much AU noise. Most of my best DX catches were a matter of dumb luck rather than planning so one never knows what will be heard when they crank the knob. I'll be using a DX-302 and my Frankentenna. First DX test I'll be able to participate in for a while. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 3/9/2012 4:42, Stephen Airy wrote: Hi all, I've read about 670-WSCR, 720-WGN and 780-WBBM being off the air, and a few stations on their frequencies doing some DX tests. So far I'm aware of 670-KBOI doing 1 minute of 50kW ND morse code a couple times (I forget what times, though). I've heard them previously before they re-directionalized their night pattern away from Southern California, but I think I might be able to get them on their ND pattern. KIRN Simi Valley, CA (receivable but weak in the daytime) and maybe KMZQ Las Vegas, NV (I've also heard KLTT Commerce City, CO) might be a bit tough to get past, though ... but nowhere near as tough as 720-KDWN will be to get past hem to bag KOTZ in Alaska. For example: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaLPsevaRGk BTW I'm near 32°45'40N 116°56'50W. Do I have a chance of catching KOTZ breaking through that pest? KDWN is about 410 km / 255 mi from me at a bearing of about 26° - their augmented IDF @ 1 km toward me (bearing ~205°) is about 3436 mV/m, giving them about 111 kW ERP toward me. KOTZ, being 10 kW ND, is about 4804 km / 2985 mi distant at a bearing of about 336° / reverse 119°. Even if KDWN is relatively tame, I'm wondering if 760-KFMB could also influence my ability (or lack thereof) to get KOTZ? KFMB is about 11.75 km / 7.3 mi from me at a bearing of about 321°, with an ERP toward me (bearing ~140°) of about 35.5 kW (theoretical IDF ~1814 mV/m @ 1 km, TPO 50 kW). As you can probably tell from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICaOz_Nvxeo - KFMB can have a fairly strong signal here, especially after their pattern change to their 50kW night pattern. :) So, do I still have any chance at KOTZ? I will probably be using a Tecsun PL-606 and Select-A-Tenna, and possibly also the utility ground wire featured in the two videos (hidden behind the wooden strip on the pole.) *trimmed* ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] KMBZ Kansas City Adds Coast to Coast AM
Maybe it would be easier to list the stations that don't carry AM C2C overnight... Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 2/28/2012 12:16, Tim Kridel wrote: www.bottomlinecom.com/kmbz-lands-coast-to-coast-am Began yesterday and runs midnight to 4 a.m. ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] PL-360?
Thanks to Richard and Stephen for the comments. The PL-606 is probably what I'll go with since the 360 is too small to beat around in my briefcase. My 2 month old cell already looks like it spent 2 tours in Afghanistan :/ On the other end of the scale, I picked up a DX-302 cheap. I've wanted one since the first time I saw one on display at Radio Shack. I haven't had much time to play with it yet but using the same antenna it smokes my (mostly unmodified) DX-440 up to about 5 MHz for sensitivity and adjacent chan rejection. A peek inside tells me someone replaced the front end FET with an ECG222 and there might be a different wide filter in it. The sound on wide on local MW stations is way beyond the 440. An alignment is all it seems to need to be a good MWDX unit. I like the features of modern receivers but I still have a fondness for the early solid state and later tube units. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] PL-360?
I'm looking for something small and lightweight to do a bit of DX-ing in my travels. I've seen posts about the 360 but are there any other small receivers, maybe a bit bigger that people here would suggest? Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Still around
650+ unread messages in the IRCA folder and it looks like I've missed out on some good DX openings. Haven't posted lately or been able to do any DXing. About all I can report is that WNAX comes in strong everywhere in eastern SD and the electrical noise generated by a Kia Sedona while running makes dashboard DXing impossible but with a better antenna the '97 Continental I picked up cheap has good possibilities, KELO (day) fades to noise after 30 miles in the Kia but is still readable at just over 100 miles and FM reception is outstanding with the Lincoln OEM radio. The XYL confiscated the Lincoln so most of the time I'm stuck with the van :( The Continental gets better highway mileage BTW. My job takes all my time from Dec 1st until after April 15th but the bright side of that is I can get some new toys with the overtime and be ready for the fall DX openings. :D 73 Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Reminder - WKVQ DX test tonight
I'll give it a shot too but with KXEL with 5 times the power at 1/4 the distance only 17* apart I guess I'll find out if this loop really works. At least I can record it if I fall asleep. Thanks to all involved. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/30/2011 20:39, Dennis Vroom wrote: Will give the WKVQ test tonight a try at 11:00 P.M. PST. One Spanish station from Seattle area KXPA and they are heard at times, but most of the time the channel is vacant. With the Palstar tuner set on 1540 KFBK 1530 is S-9+60 db leaving IBOC hash on 1540. Have four outdoor antennas to use and a Quantum Phaser if needed. Good luck on hearing WKVQtest and thanks to WKVQ Saul Chernos for arranging the test. Best regards, Dennis, Kalama, WA ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] WKVQ DX test
Nada here from WKVQ so far. KXEL dominating with mix of groundwave and skywave. I'll check the recording when I get time. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 570 KVI Seattle
Patrick: In flyover country that's not so true. Just my locals KXRB 1000 is CW, KZOY 1520 is 80's, KQAD 800 is oldies, KNWC 1270 is Christian Contemporary. A daytime band scan is about half music, half newstalk/sports with the most common music format being CW with farm/ranch news thrown in at TOH/BOH. We have areas where only one or two FM stations can be easily received and the territory of my new job :D only one station can be heard throughout eastern SD, WNAX on 570 during the day with their newstalk.farm format. Weather permitting I'll get in some dashboard DXing in the evenings but until May not much else. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 18:00, Patrick Martin wrote: That is too bad. Music on AM seems hard to keep. Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 570 KVI Seattle
Could be Paul Though the AM is daytime only and they do carry different programming, or did last time I checked. (Been a while) But there's still the other stations in this area that have no FM translator. One lung turd kickers as an old friend once described them. Still about a 50/50 mix of music and other formats on MW in this area. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 19:09, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: Tim, KZOY only exsists on AM as a method to feed the translator at 92.1 FM. I'm betting 80+ percent of KZOY's audience is on the FM signal. Paul On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:07 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Patrick: In flyover country that's not so true. Just my locals KXRB 1000 is CW, KZOY 1520 is 80's, KQAD 800 is oldies, KNWC 1270 is Christian Contemporary. A daytime band scan is about half music, half newstalk/sports with the most common music format being CW with farm/ranch news thrown in at TOH/BOH. We have areas where only one or two FM stations can be easily received and the territory of my new job :D only one station can be heard throughout eastern SD, WNAX on 570 during the day with their newstalk.farm format. Weather permitting I'll get in some dashboard DXing in the evenings but until May not much else. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 18:00, Patrick Martin wrote: That is too bad. Music on AM seems hard to keep. Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 570 KVI Seattle
OK, my bad. Like I said it's been a while since I've checked but right now 92.1 has Come dancin (the pally) playing and the 1520 transmitter, practically in my back yard, is silent. I know KZOY uses it's own ID and the FM transmitter is on the opposite side of Sioux Falls. Both are very local. One station does not negate the general pattern of AM formats in this area of the country. On 12/28/2011 19:26, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: THe AM and FM are required to run the same programming, the Translator can only simulcast the AM. On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:18 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Could be Paul Though the AM is daytime only and they do carry different programming, or did last time I checked. (Been a while) But there's still the other stations in this area that have no FM translator. One lung turd kickers as an old friend once described them. Still about a 50/50 mix of music and other formats on MW in this area. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 19:09, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: Tim, KZOY only exsists on AM as a method to feed the translator at 92.1 FM. I'm betting 80+ percent of KZOY's audience is on the FM signal. Paul On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:07 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Patrick: In flyover country that's not so true. Just my locals KXRB 1000 is CW, KZOY 1520 is 80's, KQAD 800 is oldies, KNWC 1270 is Christian Contemporary. A daytime band scan is about half music, half newstalk/sports with the most common music format being CW with farm/ranch news thrown in at TOH/BOH. We have areas where only one or two FM stations can be easily received and the territory of my new job :D only one station can be heard throughout eastern SD, WNAX on 570 during the day with their newstalk.farm format. Weather permitting I'll get in some dashboard DXing in the evenings but until May not much else. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 18:00, Patrick Martin wrote: That is too bad. Music on AM seems hard to keep. Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/irca http:/**/montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 570 KVI Seattle
Some rules have changed since the last time I was involved with such things the mid 1980s. That and the only time I listen to FM is when the XYL had the car until I can hit the AM button. We both prefer KELO, just on different bands ;) The 1520 allocation has had a long and stormy history here. KJIA (King Jesus Is Alive) in the late 1970s, rather unique programming with Christian Rock and Fire-n-Brimstone from local Preachers, 4 or 14W at night if I recall, to the first sports oriented format in this market in the 1980s, various owners and formats interspersed with silence at times. That's just what I remember and from 1992 to 2002 I was living elsewhere. On 12/28/2011 19:40, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: The FM translators on AM Daytimers can stay on even when the AM signs off. :) Paul On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:38 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: OK, my bad. Like I said it's been a while since I've checked but right now 92.1 has Come dancin (the pally) playing and the 1520 transmitter, practically in my back yard, is silent. I know KZOY uses it's own ID and the FM transmitter is on the opposite side of Sioux Falls. Both are very local. One station does not negate the general pattern of AM formats in this area of the country. On 12/28/2011 19:26, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: THe AM and FM are required to run the same programming, the Translator can only simulcast the AM. On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:18 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Could be Paul Though the AM is daytime only and they do carry different programming, or did last time I checked. (Been a while) But there's still the other stations in this area that have no FM translator. One lung turd kickers as an old friend once described them. Still about a 50/50 mix of music and other formats on MW in this area. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 19:09, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: Tim, KZOY only exsists on AM as a method to feed the translator at 92.1 FM. I'm betting 80+ percent of KZOY's audience is on the FM signal. Paul On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 7:07 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Patrick: In flyover country that's not so true. Just my locals KXRB 1000 is CW, KZOY 1520 is 80's, KQAD 800 is oldies, KNWC 1270 is Christian Contemporary. A daytime band scan is about half music, half newstalk/sports with the most common music format being CW with farm/ranch news thrown in at TOH/BOH. We have areas where only one or two FM stations can be easily received and the territory of my new job :D only one station can be heard throughout eastern SD, WNAX on 570 during the day with their newstalk.farm format. Weather permitting I'll get in some dashboard DXing in the evenings but until May not much else. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/28/2011 18:00, Patrick Martin wrote: That is too bad. Music on AM seems hard to keep. Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca http**://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/irca http:/**/montreal.kotalampi.**com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/irca ht**tp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/irca http:/**/montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/irca http:/**/montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Mystery station while WHO off the air
Steve: CKST usually dominates with WHO in the null here to the northwest of you. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/23/2011 20:52, Todd wrote: I would bet good money that you had Vancouver, BC. They are very common at night here in the Twin Cities. Todd in Woodbury, Mn Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone Hawkinsn...@mchsi.com wrote: IRCA, This morning, while cruising in the dark, just below light speed, across Iowas frozen tundra, cradled in the warm womb of the MotherShip, my mammoth Buick Century, WHO 1040, for inexplicable reasons, went off the air. No audio, no carrier, no nothing,nada. This was about 0530 CST. In it's customary place was a sports radio station with a short report about the death of an Indy 500 driver. Before they could give their call letters, WHO came back on, their overwhelming, tsunami like carrier bringing dead silence to the frequency until the local host started talking. This was the first time in a very long time, that WHO has been off, so I have absolutely no idea who this was. Any ideas? Thanks, Steve Boone, Iowa -- Stephen Hawkins NG0G n...@mchsi.com 73 49 111 01001001 ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1210 WDGR
Here too with SW bearing. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/23/2011 21:22, Todd wrote: Still noted 400hz tone @0321 UTC quite strong using 2010. Todd in Woodbury, MN Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1210 WDGR
Doh! That should be SE. On 12/23/2011 21:41, Tim Hills wrote: Here too with SW bearing. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1600-1610khz pulsing noise
Tom: I was going to try and pick it up from here and get a bearing last night but wound up hitting the sack early and didn't get up early enough to catch it. I see from other lists that China has also been jamming. The Communist Governments may be nervous about Kim Jong Il's death. Nearest Spanish language station to Cuba on 1600 that I have listed is WLAA. During the Cold War when the Communist countries fired up their jammers either something big just came out in the news or was about to. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/19/2011 23:01, amd...@core.com wrote: Recorded on 1605khz all night. The pulsing noise reported earlier between 1600 and 1610khz abruptly ended at 05 02 CST (12 02 UT). If this is a jammer from Cuba who are they trying to jam? Tom Jasinski Joliet, IL ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] In case anyone wants one in time for Christmas.
Kiwa loop, still $400. http://www.ebay.com/itm/250953805049?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] In case anyone wants one in time for Christmas. (Kiwa Loop)
Wasn't mine and I don't know the seller. Just thought I'd pass the info along. Last one I saw on Ebay went for something like $890. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/20/2011 17:57, Ira Elbert New III wrote: It went for six-hundred. From: stever...@wildblue.net To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Date: Tue, 20 Dec 2011 14:06:52 -0800 Subject: Re: [IRCA] In case anyone wants one in time for Christmas. (Kiwa Loop) It can't sell for $400, but it could sell for (gasp) $750 if you wanted it bad enough. I suspect he'll still have it come the New Year. Steve - Original Message - From: Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net To:IRCA@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Tuesday, December 20, 2011 12:09 PM Subject: [IRCA] In case anyone wants one in time for Christmas. Kiwa loop, still $400. http://www.ebay.com/itm/250953805049?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] In case anyone wants one in time for Christmas. (Kiwa Loop)
Craig: The balanced preamp I'm using has MOSFETs that weren't available when the original Kiwa loops were produced. On a bundled ferrite it works great in a noisy environment. All wood version similar to the Kiwa is on the drawing board and starting to gather parts/materials for it. Probably won't have time to mess with it until May or June though. :( Parts cost alone would be about $300 if I used everything new rather than scrounged/scrapped so I don't expect to be marketing, just a one-off out of curiosity. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/20/2011 19:54, Craig Healy wrote: Last one I saw on Ebay went for something like $890. If those antennas continually sell for big bucks, it may be worthwhile for Kiwa (or someone else) to make them again. Craig Healy Providence, RI ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Rapid pulsing noise on 1600khz
Tom: No pulse noise here at 5:15CST, quick check just has the usual night time suspects. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/19/2011 1:24, amd...@core.com wrote: At 01:15CST am hearing a rapid pulsing noise on 1600khz looping SE/NW. This is the same sounding noise I reported hearing on 11/25 with same loop bearing. It sounds like 20 to 30 pulses per second and is heard from 1590 usb to 1610 lsb. Anyone else hearing this? Tom Jasinski Joliet, IL ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 910 question
Neil, KJJQ The Ranch in Volga, SD runs 500W directional with one lobe in your direction and is farm/CW format. I've caught WGTO at their sunrise power up from here before KJJQ buries them. A note for the early birds in the CME to the west and not too far east of here. KZOY Always in the 80s 1520 has been pushing sunrise by about an hour. Morning Jock seems to like Chicago, Toto and Kansas lately. 400W/ND but you never know. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/16/2011 7:51, Niel Wolfish wrote: Had somebody playing Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young's Carry On (from 1970) at 7:12 a.m. this morning on 910. Surfaced for most (but not all) of the song. Around local sunrise 910 here in Toronto it is usually WFDF (Radio Disney) and WAVL (Liberty 910). And WDOR Sturgeon Bay WI was heard a bit later at 8:00 a.m. There was also some CW in there, which I assume was probably KCJB-Minot ND, as I heard them around the same time two days ago. Anybody care to guess who might have been playing the CSNY? Perhaps WGTO Cassopolis MI? Niel Wolfish Toronto, Ontario ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Possible PL-606 LW reception on barbed wire fence?
Stephen: I'll give those MP3s a listen later, busy day and I haven't had enough coffee yet. I would think the barbed wire fence would be a very poor antenna since it's grounded every few feet through the fence posts. I have experimented with electric fences (make sure they're off!) with mixed results. I think the poorer than expected reception on a 1200' run of electric fence was because it ran along a barbed wire fence that was sucking the RF out of it. There were no weeds since it had been on shortly before I used it. I removed the end on the fencer and hooked a DX-160 to the fence and ground rod and unhooked the far end at a gate. Got about the same results as a 50' wire in the air. Little or no directionality. It was a quieter antenna than one in the air but no real advantage. A Balun and/or end termination may have helped. We wound up running a longwire between his barn/shack and an old windmill tower that worked much better. Besides, my friend was worried his dairy cows would figure out the fence was off. High RF levels and rusty/corroded wire/fences can do odd things. Last winter when it was about -10F I could hear Neil Boortz ranting about something on my chain link fence in the back yard. KSOO 1140 and KELO 1320 both pump 5KW directional with KXRB 1000 running 100W directional all straight at me at night. Strong signals on 570, 800, 1050, 1230 and 1270 all get in the mix too. Barefoot the DX-440 and DX-399 are both pretty useless on LW because of the intermods but both seem to do fairly well on MW. When you figure out what a barbed wire fence would be classified as for an antenna let me know. I haven't sent reception reports for the chain link receiver or hearing AM C2C (1320) on an antique Sunbeam Toaster. The toaster is quiet after I cleaned the crumbs out :( Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD DX-400, DX-399 Remote active loop Chain link fence Sunbeam toaster... On 12/3/2011 5:13, Stephen Airy wrote: Hi LW ULR DXers on the list ... I was checking the LW band a couple mornings ago (around 2am local) with my PL-606, and thought I heard traces of audio on some channels. I've uploaded the audio clips here: http://www.mediafire.com/?kmm6adkwz0yyk - they range from about 30 seconds to about a minute and a half. From what I can tell, 162 kHz was the most likely to have some trace of something on it, but even that was very faint at best - HEADPHONES REQUIRED (!) along with a quiet listening environment. The others I thought I could hear something on them as well, but it's hard to tell, and I wouldn't be able to ID any station that was there. I had my radio sitting on a barbed wire fence, without which I would not have heard the signals at all. Here's a photo of the radio on the fence (taken early this year): https://picasaweb.google.com/118228966367965758611/TecsunPL606#5575071497405231394 and a barefoot vs. on-fence comparison of 404-MOG with the radio on the fence: http://www.mediafire.com/?xv0719a0vyri6xc - recorded around the same time. (I checked for MOG the other morning, and even on the fence it was only about as good as my barefoot reception in the linked recording. Interesting thing is that fence is the only place I've found around the house that enhances LW signals noticeably. The chain-link fences around other parts of the yard don't work, and using utility ground only desenses the radio from the mediumwave signals. (I am able to get 302 kHz GPS from Pt. Loma near San Diego about 16-18 miles west of me with the utility ground wire, though, as well as at about 15/22 or so barefoot.) One thing I was thinking ... is it possible that the audio I think I have on the LW channels could really be intermods from my local mediumwave stations? The fence is not a tuned antenna (and wasn't even designed to BE an antenna), and there are a few suspect strong MW signals. (Following MW readings are while on the fence, program is what was on at the time.) 760 KFMB was 88/25 running Doug McIntyre (brief check of TP frequency 774 revealed 49/00 and no audio), 910 KECR was 86/25 running Family Radio Bible Reading Fellowship, 1130 KSDO was 86/25 with Radio Nueva Vida, as well as several other stations over 70 dBu (including 1170 KCBQ at 81/25 but I don't know who was on at the time). So is there a chance I had traces of legitimate audio on some LW channels, or was I hearing MW intermods? Also for ultralight longwave DXing / awards / etc, what category would using the fence count as? It wasn't originally intended to function as an antenna, is not tunable, and would be nearly impossible to reorient to favor other directions (this one's north/south), so would that go in the basic category? ;) 73 and good DX, Stephen ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original
Re: [IRCA] Possible PL-606 LW reception on barbed wire fence?
Stephen: There was a clear difference in the 404, cleaned some of the wax out of my ears when the level came up. Odd resonances can happen in almost anything, groundwave from MOG could be lining up just right to focus it there. Be interesting to go back when the soil is dryer or wetter to see if you get the same results in the same spot. It was just the fence resonating, no other equipment. It's only happened once and I've checked again several times. Could be Iron and Zinc oxides at the point(s) of contact acting as a rectifier/detector. Very cold, no wind and very quiet that night. Just the right place at the right time I guess. The toaster I inherited from my mother. When I was a 5 or 6 a Ham down the street used to come through quite loud on it. I thought Donald Duck was trapped in there at first :P An FSL is on my to-do list but there's a few projects I need to tend to first. 73 Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 12/3/2011 14:56, Stephen Airy wrote: Hi Tim, Well if you'll listen to the 404-MOG comparison, that'll give you an idea of the performance of this fence antenna. That recording is the NDB received barefoot, then with the radio on the fence. To my ear, there's quite a difference. Also I've noticed that not the entire fence works - just a specific section at a specific level. I just happened to discover it accidentally. :) So when you heard Neil on your fence, what radio were you using? Or was the fence itself demodulating the AM signal and acting as a speaker of sorts? :o ;) I've heard AM signals on other devices as well, too. When I was at my grandpa's memorial service a year ago in his back yard, I could hear two Asian-language stations in the speakers for the audio system. (The 50kW station on 1430 is 1/3 mile to the northwest, along with a 23kW diplexing with them on 1300.) Recently I was near 50kW 1170 KCBQ's transmitter site attempting to record a few things with some radios, and noticed that if I held my audio cable right, I could clearly and loudly hear KCBQ's audio on my Zoom H2n recorder (with no trace of 5kW 910 KECR which uses the same antenna farm). If I touched one end of my audio cable to the metal sheath (on this one - most are wood) encasing the grounding wire on the utility pole, it just about blew my eardrums out. 73, Stephen One of these days I should see about building a small FSL. I could probably only afford to spend $20-$40 for one for now, though, so Gary DeBock's affordable FSL is still way out of reach for me. Even something inexpensive and small should be a huge improvement over the stock antenna in my PL-606, I'd think (even more so than the fence I've been using). ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Rapid Pulse noise on 1610khz
No pulse noise here at 05:30 CST on 1610. OM in SS at ~85* (CHHA?) and OM in EE at ~75* (CJWI?) both null on the right bearing but no ID on the SS and heavy fading on the EE station. Of course and much Spanish as I know he may have ID'd 5 times... Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/25/2011 2:22, amd...@core.com wrote: There is a rapid pulsing type noise on 1610khz with a SE/NW loop bearing. Suspect Cuba as the source. First noticed this at 01:00 CST. Are they trying to jam CHHA? Tom Jasinski Joliet, IL ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Antenna success, mostly...
I've been working on a remote controlled ferrite antenna that has at least some unidirectional characteristics. My latest attempt is in the attic over the garage and is working better than I expected so far. I had to rush it a bit since I start a job that will require a lot of travel and hours on 12/01 and probably won't have time to play with it again until late April. The rod is a composite, 1 8 rod of about 400 permeability and a 5 rod of ~125 permeability in line with a 1 gap between them surrounded by 6 6 rods ~125 Perm. All rods are 3/8 diameter and overall length is 14. 28t CT 100/44 Litz for the tuned winding and a 12t 40/44 pickup winding. Rotator (and 2 of the 6 rods) were salvaged from a dead Ray-Jefferson ADF. Varactor tuning and a preamp using low noise/high IMD immunity dual gate MOSFETS. Balanced RF to the receiver is fed through dual RG-6 that was hooked to the sat. dish with dual grounding block attached to a Copper drain pipe that runs under most of the basement. Balun on the receiver side matches it to the unbalanced 75Ohm input of the DX-440. Cheap IR surveillance camera mounted to the roof joist is my directional indicator. The end with the 8 rod has a much deeper null than the the other. WNAX (5KW@54 miles) gets completely nulled on one side but still shows 5 bars on the 440 on the other. Locals at 1140 and 1320 still come through very strong even with power to the antenna shut off, the 440 has lousy shielding but the 6' between grounding block and balun is probably enough to pick them up. No noticeable intermod even with the strong locals and adjacent chan rejection is excellent, still some slop around 1140 and 1320 but that could be partly the poor shielding on the receiver but I can tune out IBOC on the lower part of the band.. I left the regen/Q multiplier out for now and it doesn't have the ability to tilt. Both would improve the performance of the antenna but for now I'm just going to put an EM shield on it and call it good. Busy winter/spring and slack summer/fall for work so by the next fall DX opening I should be pretty well set up. I'll see if I can find my vidcap card and post a demo to youtube showing the directional capability of this antenna. It's come a long way from the earlier version Rick got to play with. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 1710 The Q
On 11/25/2011 19:13, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: If it's Part 15 how is it ill-legal? Paul It's outside the MWBC band allocation. Tim ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Missing websites? A bit off topic.
Can anyone Stateside clarify what has happened to missing geomagnetic info sites www.swpc.noaa.gov and www.swpc.noaa.gov which are coming up Sorry, the website cannot be found. Any help appreciated. This is an occasional problem here also Barry. I check the site fairly regularly, but often get this message the first time round. A refresh of the browser usually brings it back (but not always). Using Firefox 4.0.1 here, I should check with other browsers maybe. I have run into this in the past, and it's almost always an issue with the Domain Name Server (DNS) and not the browser itself. In Windows the DNS can be added or changed quite simply. I use a common one with an IP address of 4.2.2.1 which usually corrects something you know exists but the browser can't find. Contact me off list if you need help adding it. Craig Healy Providence, RI I've been using Open DNS http://www.opendns.com/ for a while and never had a problem with it. They have servers in London, Frankfurt, Singapore and Amsterdam for those across the pond. Addresses are resolved about as quickly as my local provider with the unable to resolve DNS error almost unknown. It's free for home users and I've never gotten any Spam from them. I like it because there are children who visit and I can block adult content, phishing, botnet and malware sites at the router. It also has simple to understand instructions of how to set it up. I do not have any financial interest in Open DNS, just passing this on because I think it's a good product. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Approx 420 Hz het on 1210?
I thought this one had been ID'd as WDGR out of northern GA by people more local to them. The bearing I get in Sioux Falls, SD on my homebrew 12 active/regenerative ferrite for the signal would back that up. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/9/2011 21:29, George Sherman wrote: Here in MN, it's roughly NW/SE, so if N-S from you, probably southeastern US, unless foreign. Roughly on 1210.4. KGYN WPHT reading S-9+30 dB on R75 w/8 Quantum loop. 73, George S., MN From: Fred Schroyeribfredi...@gmail.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 6:38 PM Subject: [IRCA] Approx 420 Hz het on 1210? On my commute home between 5-6 pm EST, in SW PA, I'm hearing a STRONG het on 1210, approx. a G# (415 Hz). Now, at 7:30 pm at home, I'm also hearing it on my Tecsun. Peaks roughly N-S. Any ideas? Thanks- Fred Schroyer Violonista Canhoto Freelance Writer/Editor/Book Developer Waynesburg, PA 15370 ibfredi...@gmail.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Approx 420 Hz het on 1210?
LOL Paul, Since my XYL and I aren't legally married yet I can still be right now and then. Though she does think I need some cerebral laxative. At 1210KHz the null on that loop is about +/-5*, KOKK moves around a bit from day to day on that loop, I think the regen windings or amp might be a bit imbalanced or maybe where the cat is sitting makes a difference. Got the rotator and remote controls set up, it's going on the roof this weekend (I hope) maybe getting it away from the chicken-wire reenforced plaster walls will help a bit. I've gotten pretty much the same result with 1 other ferrite and a spiral air wound for the mystery signal. I can't rule out Cuba, the Bahamas, States in between or Florida assuming it's not CFYM or hopping over the pole. The one ferrite does have a bias in one peak and it was stronger to the SE than the NW. Don't I pay taxes so agencies like the FCC can investigate and correct this kind of thing? Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/10/2011 8:41, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: And I DIDN'T THINK this was WDGR, as someone I know lives close enough and can hear traces of WDGR.. and didn't think it was them but I could be very wrong (And I have been before) Powell.. calling Powell Way? Paul On Thu, Nov 10, 2011 at 8:26 AM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: I thought this one had been ID'd as WDGR out of northern GA by people more local to them. The bearing I get in Sioux Falls, SD on my homebrew 12 active/regenerative ferrite for the signal would back that up. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/9/2011 21:29, George Sherman wrote: Here in MN, it's roughly NW/SE, so if N-S from you, probably southeastern US, unless foreign. Roughly on 1210.4. KGYN WPHT reading S-9+30 dB on R75 w/8 Quantum loop. 73, George S., MN From: Fred Schroyeribfredi...@gmail.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Wednesday, November 9, 2011 6:38 PM Subject: [IRCA] Approx 420 Hz het on 1210? On my commute home between 5-6 pm EST, in SW PA, I'm hearing a STRONG het on 1210, approx. a G# (415 Hz). Now, at 7:30 pm at home, I'm also hearing it on my Tecsun. Peaks roughly N-S. Any ideas? Thanks- Fred Schroyer Violonista Canhoto Freelance Writer/Editor/Book Developer Waynesburg, PA 15370 ibfredi...@gmail.com __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com __**_ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/**mailman/listinfo/ircahttp://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Missing websites?
They're both working fine for me, try flushing you browser and DNS cache. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/8/2011 11:07, BARRY DAVIES wrote: Can anyone Stateside clarify what has happened to missing geomagnetic info sites www.swpc.noaa.gov and www.swpc.noaa.gov which are coming up Sorry, the website cannot be found. Any help appreciated. Best wishes Barry : -)(Carlisle UK, PERSEUS) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Local Radio Is Getting Tuned Out.
I suppose Sioux Falls is probably the biggest market not affected by this. We have no Clear Channel stations and I think KMNS and KWSL in Sioux City are the closest on AM. Both carry sports so I wonder if one or the other will go dark or be sold in the near future. The 5 Sioux Falls stations, plus one Brandon, SD station with it's tower in Sioux Falls, all do an exemplary job of public service, as do the TV and most FM stations during blizzards and other emergencies. I just wish I didn't live so close to their towers sometimes... Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 11/2/2011 19:47, Rick Dau wrote: A close friend of mine who was the production director for KFAB-1110 was one of 5 people that Clear Channel canned here. So this means...what?...that Clear Channel is trending towards having ALL of its stations carry nationally syndicated programming 24/7? No local programming (and therefore, no DJs to pay) to be allowed whatsoever? That hurts. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Local Radio Is Getting Tuned Out.
Paul, That would be KMXC-97.3. Many years ago (Under a different call) they barely squeezed in the TOH and mandatory PSAs with the occasional commercial. Now it seems whenever I scan the FM band there's a commercail for somethingoranother on 97.3. I said most FM stations. I rarely listen to FM anymore anyway, pretty much ignore the band. Tim On 11/2/2011 22:46, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: I know someone who used to work for one of the Cumulus Media (dba Results Radio) stations in Sioux Falls..he used to brag how they ran 25 minutes of commercials every hour. Wow... to brag you can fit in maybe 8 songs an hour? LOL. Paul On Wed, Nov 2, 2011 at 10:39 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: I suppose Sioux Falls is probably the biggest market not affected by this. We have no Clear Channel stations and I think KMNS and KWSL in Sioux City are the closest on AM. Both carry sports so I wonder if one or the other will go dark or be sold in the near future. The 5 Sioux Falls stations, plus one Brandon, SD station with it's tower in Sioux Falls, all do an exemplary job of public service, as do the TV and most FM stations during blizzards and other emergencies. I just wish I didn't live so close to their towers sometimes... Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Yee-Haw
Sounds like you got a good solid ground in the deal too. Amazing what a bit of beer can do when applied properly. Congrats. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/28/2011 13:36, Jim Renfrew wrote: Jim Renfrew, Holley NY The construction crew ran a water pipe under my road today so I can hook up to county water. Since the main water main was on the other side of the road they used a air-pressured torpedo to push through a horizontal hole for the copper tube to go through, about six feet down. All it took was a case of beer and they kindly tied a coax to the tube, so now I have the ability to run a longwire on the other side of the road where there is endless farm acreage. They even hid it just at the edge of the tree line so the actual farm owner won't see it or be vulnerable to town lawn mowing. I think this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I was glad to be home today to make this happen. ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WGBW?
Mexican Polka here, same general bearing as WGBW from here. WNTS maybe? Logged some classic rock and a jingle ID but couldn't make it out in the noise. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/23/2011 0:15, Jim Renfrew wrote: Jim Renfrew, Holley NY A real mess on 1590, with WASB causing havoc at 1589.9, and WAKR the other station. At 0111 EDT I heard polka accordion music, which doesn't fit WASB or WAKR. Anyone else hear the accordion? ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WGBW test + WWKB 1520 NBuffalo NY off
I was getting accordion/polka music fading in and out throughout the hour, no tones heard. I was dismissing the accordion music as Spanish... Did get the WTVB ID/jingle at 5:40, probably the oldies I was logging was from them.. Oh well, WTVB is a new logging for me anyway :D Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/23/2011 1:00, Chernos Saul wrote: WGBW 1590 huge with all sorts of weird music including accordion. No tones noted in the few minutes I made my recording. Solid IDs. WWKB 1520 NY Buffalo seems entirely off, huge K-Love Rossford OH plus sprts station - and country 107 ID - the same unID I see George Santulli in VA reporting. Quick web check and look at NRC log yields no info on this. Saul @ Burnt River ON ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] wgbw heard in Winnipeg/MB
Their day pattern has a pretty deep null in our direction. 1590 was a jumbled mess tonight with KWBG coming in strong enough to pick up with a loose filling. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/23/2011 0:29, Rick Dau wrote: I've been listening for the past 20 minutes, and I'm not hearing a dang thing. At 10 kw, and at this short distance, they should be blowing my doors off. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska Kenwood R-5000 + Quantum QX Pro Loop ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Reminder - DX test tonight - WGBW 1590 WI - 0000-0100 Central DT
I'm at 261* from the transmitter, right in the day pattern shadow according to radio-locator.com but I'll give it a try anyway ;) Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/22/2011 19:47, Chernos Saul wrote: 1590 WGBW WI Denmark. Test set for this morning, from -0100 Central Daylight Time. 10 kw power on daytime pattern. Programming will include tones, IDs and unique music. Station contact is: Mark Heller WGBW AM-1590 P.O. Box 100 Denmark, WI USA 54208-0100 w...@lsol.net Saul Chernos on behalf of the IRCA-NRC DX Test Committee ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WGBW Test (10-11p PDT): Should I try? Which radio 2 use?
Offhand I'd say your best bet would be the PL-606 with the Select-a-tenna. The DSP might filter out the IBOC crud. Good chance, probably not, some chance, always. I'm using a DX-440 and homebrew variable geometry active ferrite. (Don't know how else to describe it) The 440 is not known fro it's MW performance and I'm still not quite satisfied with the antenna but I'm working on it. A lot of fading in and out on 1590 tonight so if they're running CW I might catch it even though I'm in the daytime null Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/22/2011 23:25, Stephen Airy wrote: Hi all, regarding the WGBW test... I'm about 2834.46 km from them at a bearing of 253.47°. According to their daytime pattern data, they have a standard field of 76.96 mV/m @ 1 km. (Their IDF for 10kW is 1098.7 mV/m; calculations indicate they radiate approximately 49 watts in my direction.) My main nighttime pest is 1580 KMIK Tempe, AZ, whose IBOC-spewing jammer blasts me from 482.23 km at a bearing toward me of 262.18°. Their field toward me is approximately 2875 mV/m @ 1 km. (IDF is 2026.04 mV/m; calculations indicating their ERP toward me is about 100 kW.) On many occasions at night, KMIK has been about as strong as 600 KOGO @ 8 miles on its 5kW pattern, 910 KECR @ 9 miles on its 5kW day pattern, 1170 KCBQ @ 9 miles on its 2.9kW night pattern and 1360 KLSD @ 8 miles on its 1kW night operations. I'm also wondering which radio should I use? Should I use the Tecsun PL-606 with its narrow DSP filtering? Or, should I use the GE Superradio III with its longer ferrite bar? In either case, I do have a Select-A-Tenna available, which I expect to use as well. Do I have any reasonable chance of hearing them here? ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] DX test - WGBW 1590 WI - OCT 23
Thanks Chernos. I'll be listening. 1590 has no strong station at this QTH. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/17/2011 7:45, Chernos Saul wrote: DX Test confirmation - please circulate: 1590 WGBW WI Denmark. Test set for this coming Sunday morning, October 23, from -0100 Central Daylight Time. I have confirmed it is indeed Sunday morning (aka late Saturday night). 10 kw power on daytime pattern. Programming will include tones, IDs and unique music. Station contact is: Mark Heller WGBW AM-1590 Denmark, WI USA w...@lsol.net I realize this isn't much notice. I suspect (but am not certain) there is work going on at the station. I have not yet confirmed if the station still uses the following postal address, or if there is a new one in Denmark: 1414 16TH STREET Two Rivers, WI 54241 Thanks to those who have posted initial notices from Mark. I've been away, and just found out. Saul Chernoson behalf of IRCA-NRC DX Test Committee ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] (Maybe OT?) Chasing NDBs Part 15 AM - transmitter site locations?
I use http://www.dxinfocentre.com/ndb.htm for NDBs and http://dxinfocentre.com/dgps.htm for dgps. Not sure if either is complete but so far I haven't had any problems with them. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/16/2011 3:59, Stephen Airy wrote: Does anyone know what site(s) are ACCURATE for giving the transmitter locations of various NDB and DGPS beacons in the 153 to 513 khz range? I'm checking out a couple sites (including one that Gary DeBock mentioned some time ago on the ultralightdx yahoo group) and am getting conflicting information on a couple specific signals I'm trying to pinpoint. I'd like to determine the exact distance and heading from them to my location or vice versa. A couple specific targets I'm interested in are the 302 kHz DGPS station near Point Loma, San Diego, CA (unless I'm reading it wrong, http://www.classaxe.com/dx/ndb/rna/ seems to list them as being in Jamul which is basically the opposite direction from me compared to where Point Loma is), and 397 SB in San Bernardino, CA. (I'll be near that area Monday and if possible I'd like to hear them as a strong (~90/25 or higher on my barefoot PL-606) signal.) Also the last few times I've been in the area, near the San Bernardino Greyhound bus station I've heard what sounds like Spanish-language religious programming on 1630 that's different than what XEUT plays (and is MUCH too strong there to be XEUT in the daytime). As I go a few miles south closer to I-10, the signal gets very weak but is still kind-of readable. At the campus of Loma Linda University, there's something still there, but barely detectable (and at that point it could be XEUT, or XEUT mixing with the other signal). Is there some way I could find out where that station is located? I won't have much time while I'm there to go around direction-finding, unfortunately, so if someone knows where that 1630 signal and the 397 beacon are transmitting from, or a quick way to find out, I'd appreciate it. :) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Build Your Own (Reasonably Priced) FSL Antenna
Good article Gary, thanks. Definitely on my list of things to experiment with :D Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/15/2011 11:17, d1028g...@aol.com wrote: Hello All, As most of you know, there has been quite a lot of interest in the new Ferrite Sleeve Loop antennas among many in the AM-DXing community, but there are very few resources to help DXers actually try out the antenna, or even know how to get started in building one. In an effort to change this situation a detailed 7 FSL construction article was written, with a deliberate attempt to include Heathkit-like user-friendly instructions and many Photoshop-enhanced assembly pictures. For those who are curious about the new antenna's construction, operation and DXing capabilities, this new 10-page article will answer all your questions. Designed to be built with a component cost of around $150, this 7 FSL takes up only about one cubic foot of space-- but has been tested extensively against a full-sized 4' PVC box loop here, with superior weak-signal reception results. All four 7 FSL test models here have demonstrated this weak-signal superiority over the 4' air core loop (the antenna which provided reception of 30 DU stations on Ultralight radios during the August 2010 DXpedition to Lincoln City, OR). Unlike similar -sized compact antennas this 7 FSL will provide a very serious gain boost to any portable radio with a loopstick-- even full-sized models like the Sony ICF-S5W and the Panasonic RF-2200 (without the need for any radio modification). With extensive advice on tracking down construction parts and obtaining the best DXing results from your compact FSL, this article will hopefully motivate both experienced builders and beginners to accept the challenge of construction, and personally experience the astonishing performance of this new antenna design. http://www.mediafire.com/?dshnqlbydf6qu25 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] 1700KHz results from 10-14
I've been tweaking one of my active ferrite designs and so far it works quite well at the upper end of the MWBC band, esp. the X-band. After some investigation I realized that I slipped a decimal place and the preamp is optimized for 1.5 to 18 MHz rather than the planned 150 to 1800KHz. Blame it on my gray hair I guess KVNS 4:01 GMT Green Eyed Lady playing and ID at 4:02, Classic Hits KVNS with a reference to 105.5 FM then into Everlasting Love. Very readable with some fading and interference from KKLF KBGG 4:05 GMT ID at 4:06 The Champ and Iowa Sports Connection program Coming in almost like a local. UNID 4:09 GMT OM in Spanish, futball mentioned several times. My Spanish is very poor but the antenna bearing, language and sports format all point to XEPE. Heavy fading but would have been readable if I knew Spanish. KKLF 4:50 GMT AM Coast to Coast with ID at 4:56. Station ID was KLIF Talk 570 which is what KKLF simulcasts. Credit card debt commercial then into Nx. Some fading and interference from KVNS but good signal strength. From my QTH KVNS and KKLF are only 3* apart yet I was able to peak one or the other with KBGG in the fringe of the null. The reception pattern on this antenna is almost like a mufti-element beam without the reflector with a strong peak on one end and a weaker one( -3 to 6 dB) at 180*. The nulls are very wide, from about 45* to 135* off the main peak on each side with a fairly steep falloff after about 10* from the peak. Without a preamp the output of the antenna is very low and part of it's directional characteristics are in the preamp circuit so it does require a receiver with an external antenna input. Low noise MOSFETS developed for the cellphone industry make my life much easier :D The antenna was indoors about 6'AG and the receiver was a DX-440. Got the soldering iron heating up to correct my bout of cerebral flatulence. I hope to see what I can do with 540 tonight. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] TP for 10 Oct 2011 from Victoria: Yuk!
Reception has been poor here too. This morning some of the NDBs that are regulars were MIA and a lot of atmospherics though HF. Thunderstorms in the area didn't help either. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/10/2011 9:28, Walter Salmaniw wrote: What a huge difference between yesterday's very good reception and this morning's disappointment. Very anemic all around and no signs of DU reception at all. I only heard a few of the first tier JJ stations, and even then they were very spotty. SF 121 A 12 K(12:00) 1. No space weather for the past 24, nor predicted for the next 24 hours. I listened between 13:06 and 14:25 UTC. Here's the meager haul: LW: 189 (6), 279: 6.5 594: 7 level JJ at 13:52 747: 8 level JJ at 13:52 774: Best of the morning with 9 level JJ at 14:05 and again at 14:19 (I thought it was the Australian at first, but realized it was just an English news broadcast until 14:19, and then back to JJ). 828: 8 level JJ at 13:54 972: 7.5 level KK at 13:46 1287 1566: 8 level HLAZ at 13:26 That's it! Let's hope for better conditions tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends! ..73s, Walt Salmaniw, Victoria, BC ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] TP for 10 Oct 2011 from Victoria: Yuk!
Walt, I've noticed that weather conditions have as much effect as solar/geomagnetic for overall reception and it varies with location. What killed reception this morning, and is still fairly bad, is a cold front moving in when the humidity is already low. After the winds die down there still seems to be quite a charge in the upper atmosphere, I'm guessing stratosphere or maybe the D layer picks up an induced charge. Dunno for sure. The noise level goes way up and more distant signals either aren't reflected or are absorbed. Since right now my receiver and antennas are going through almost daily changes I checked with my DX-440 and longwire just to make sure I hadn't forgotten to solder or fried something. The noise peak moves down in frequency as it clears. at 20:00 local WWV at 5MHz is still noisier than usual but 10MHz is in the clear, better than usual and 2.5 is buried in the mud. MW is still trashed and I haven't bothered to check LW. The only place I've noticed this pattern is in eastern SD and south western MN. Maybe Rick down in Omaha has noticed the same thing or someone in the prairie Provinces. Spring and fall are the most common times for this to happen. By morning at least the X-band should be clear On 10/10/2011 17:25, Walter Salmaniw wrote: Right, Tim. What a difference a day makes, and what NOAA says about propagation is of little value, it seems. A real crap shoot every morninggoing from one of my best mornings on Sunday, to one of the worst on Monday. Go figure! Walt On Mon, Oct 10, 2011 at 9:51 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 550
My logs are gone but I recall a 550 day only station caught in Albuquerque and Portales, NM. I'm pretty sure it's the same daytimer I used to get the weather forecasts from when I was working for the Tribe in Chinle`, AZ. 1800W daytime only near 4 corners, pretty sparse population. I seem to recall their modulation wasn't what it should have been but that was 15 years ago. Be a nice catch from here though. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 10/5/2011 9:30, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: Im curious, has anyone ever logged KLLV 550 Breen, CO? I have been on these lists for years and don't recall seeing anyone having logged it in the last few years. Paul ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Cuban time signal on 1020.
First night trying out the new receiver and antenna, thought I screwed something up until I did a quick websearch. 1020 Radio Reloj. 2:54UT first noticed a time tick and beep. Morse RR about 5 seconds after each TOM beep with higher pitched beep at TOH. Several stations competing on 1020 but I did get it clear enough at 5:02UT to make out an OM in Spanish? make some sort of announcement or ID. I'm still fine tuning the system but it looks like a good MWDX season ahead :D Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] CBE 1550 Windsor ON
I did catch 1550 ESPN radio as I was passing by so it was probably KESJ. It wouldn't have been a new station anyway. Domestic circumstances kept me away from the radio most of the evening so nothing new to report. On 9/30/2011 21:45, Tim Tromp wrote: 1550 KYAL SAPULPA, OK. coming in here tonight with CBE nulled airing high school football - Southmoore @ Sapulpa homecoming game. Good signal most of the time for a new log tonight. Tim Tromp West Michigan On Fri, Sep 30, 2011 at 10:05 PM, Rick Daudrummer1965...@yahoo.com wrote: Bill, stay with the football for a while...if you hear a mention of one of the teams as Maryville, that would be St. Joseph, MOthey're over/under Lake Geneva here tonight. But not a trace of CBE. :( 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska From: dxe...@aol.comdxe...@aol.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Friday, September 30, 2011 8:52 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] CBE 1550 Windsor ON It can't be WHIT. They have never carried HSFB, and they never intentionally stay on past sunset. Besides, I have been paying attention to 1550 tonight and they are not there. I am not hearing HSFB on 1550 tonight either. 73Bill DvorakMadison WI In a message dated 9/30/2011 7:38:00 P.M. Central Daylight Time, thi...@sio.midco.net writes: I think it's WHIT that's still on with high school football. Didn't listen long enough for an ID but it's in the same general direction as Windsor. With CBE running 10KW once the game is over I should have a good shot at catching it. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/30/2011 7:12, dxe...@aol.com wrote: I am reminded by multiple sources (including the new NRC AM Log) that CBE is scheduled to go off the air today, Friday 9/30. Does anybody know if this is still the case, and if so is there any special programming planned for CBE's sign-off? 73Bill Dvorak Madison WI ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] (A little OT) 33 MHz - what is being said?
Accent? What accent? ;) That could be my neighbor talking. North Central US.. Sounds like an emergency medical dispatch, probably from a US military base. I'll give it another listen after more coffee and try to transcribe it. I dated a Lady from Scotland years back. SHE had an accent ;) Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD USA On 10/1/2011 4:52, paul crankshaw wrote: This was recorded on by a listener in the south of England on 33.820 MHz. Can any US listener make sense of what is being said, or can you narrow down the location of the accent? www.ukdx.org.uk/tv/audio/33820_300911.mp3 Paul Troon, Scotland ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] CBE 1550 Windsor ON
I think it's WHIT that's still on with high school football. Didn't listen long enough for an ID but it's in the same general direction as Windsor. With CBE running 10KW once the game is over I should have a good shot at catching it. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/30/2011 7:12, dxe...@aol.com wrote: I am reminded by multiple sources (including the new NRC AM Log) that CBE is scheduled to go off the air today, Friday 9/30. Does anybody know if this is still the case, and if so is there any special programming planned for CBE's sign-off? 73 Bill Dvorak Madison WI ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 585-2WEB Verification Letter (and goodies)
Nice catch Gary, congrats :D Nice teamwork from the group too. I lived on Harstien Island for 2 years but I was into SW at the time, now I wonder what I could have caught. I would think that catching a MW DU here would be about as common as a mermaid riding a unicorn My Lady and I are looking at a trip to the West Coast sometime late next year or some time in early 2013 to visit family in San Diego then take the coastal highway all the way to Westport, WA. Of course my DX-440 and portable version of the active rod are coming along for the trip ;) I'll be interested to see how TP and DU activity holds up over this winter. 73 Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/27/2011 9:58, d1028g...@aol.com wrote: Hello All, Received from Production Director (and Breakfast Announcer) David Sharp was a very welcome verification letter (and two bumper stickers) from 585-2WEB, a 10 kw station in Bourke, Australia. This DU station was received on August 15th at the Rockwork ocean viewpoint cliff at Cape Falcon on the NW Oregon coast, with a PL-380 Ultralight radio and new 8 diameter FSL antenna. David mentioned that mine was the first report that he has received from the USA during the 12 years that he's worked there, and that the only other report that 2WEB has received from North America during that time was one from Alberta (maybe Nigel?). Unlike many other stations 2WEB and David (an avid DXer who once lived in Florida) seem very motivated to promptly answer reception reports, so those who have heard their music programs (classic rock, soft rock, country, etc.) shouldn't hesitate to report reception. David also keeps close records of each song played, so it was easy for him to confirm my reception both last month, and in July of last year (at Seaside, OR). Thanks again to Chuck and Bruce, who listened to MP3's of both of these receptions, and suggested the identity of the station (which was right on, even back in July of last year). 73 and Good DX, Gary DeBock (in Puyallup, WA, USA) ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Insomnia logs
Couldn't sleep so I got up and spun the knobs for a bit. 530, UNID, YL in SS announcer, light Jazz music at 05:03 UT. N/S null 530, UNID, OM in FF under the SS station. OM was talking and singing psudo-oprea. Either heavy distortion or the guy needs voice lessons.. 540, (CBK?) OM interviewing OM from the Toronto museum, mention of Canada Public Radio at 5:12 UT 550, KFYR, AM Coast to Coast with BOH ID at 5:29 UT 550, UNID, OM in SS with ethnic music at 5:38 UT 550, UNID, OM, call in talk show phone # given as 866-439-(5277?) at 5:24 UT 560, (KWTO?) AM C2C, NW/SE null.Only station that matche bearing and programming. 570, WNAX. Country usic heard in the null. 580, YL in SS with OM in EE underneath at 5:45UT That was enough to put me to sleep. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] unID on 1470 with classic county, slogan SOLVED
Checked 1470 and got a pileup of 3 or 4 stations, one was Country music but on an ESE/WNW bearing, not anywhere near Kansas... Got the electrical/electronic part of the active rod where I want them but the mechanical bits are still the temporary PVC pipe and Duck Tape so I had to patch it together before I checked. KFIZ, News Talk 1450, Fond du Lac, WI. 1KW ND They carry Brewers games ;) Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/26/2011 21:43, Rick Dau wrote: And so it is! Thanks, George! And now I'm sitting on 1450, trying to find out who this is that I've heard several times with Milwaukee Brewers BB. One week to go in the season, and I don't want to let this one (or the Cincinnati Reds station I heard on 1340!) get away. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska From: George Shermangeorge...@yahoo.com To: Rick Daudrummer1965...@yahoo.com; Mailing list for the International Radio Club of Americairca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 9:38 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] unID on 1470 with classic county, slogan Classic Country Plus is the slogan for KAIR according to www.topazdesigns.com/ambc/ 73, George S., MN From: Rick Daudrummer1965...@yahoo.com To: a...@yahoogroups.coma...@yahoogroups.com; a...@nrcdxas.orga...@nrcdxas.org; Mailing list for the International Radio Club of Americairca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Monday, September 26, 2011 8:41 PM Subject: [IRCA] unID on 1470 with classic county, slogan Got someone here at 1948 CLT with ending of Highwayman by the Highwaymen, then ID that sounded like Classic Country Plus AM 1470. Heard again around 2014 with When She Cries by Restless Heart. Hard to get a fix on it, because it seemed to be coming in well no matter which way the loop was turned. WBKV and KWAY, two likely suspects, do not stream their audio, so checking with them is out of the question. Ideas? 73, Stumped Again in South Omaha ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Bloomberg on 1160 unID
Nice catch from ON Saul :D On 9/22/2011 12:34, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: WCFO East Point, GA with 50KW/4 towers easterly pattern by day and 138Watts Non Directional nights. On Thu, Sep 22, 2011 at 1:26 PM, Powell E. Way IIIw4...@yahoo.com wrote: Atlanta area station ! Powell POP email is powell at backroads DOT net --- On Wed, 9/21/11, Chernos Saulsau...@sympatico.ca wrote: From: Chernos Saulsau...@sympatico.ca Subject: [IRCA] Bloomberg on 1160 unID To: a...@nrcdxas.org, a...@wtfda.info, irca@hard-core-dx.com, amfmt...@mailman.qth.net Date: Wednesday, September 21, 2011, 11:34 PM Any ideas on this one?Heard Bloomberg programming on 1160 on Mon Sept 12 on SSS at Burnt River ONI'm doubting the Texas...Saul ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] WIST on day power/pattern?
Got 2 new ones for my logs with the rebuilt active rod before the neighbor turned on his plasma TV. 690 WIST New Orleans, LA. ID @ 1:03 UT, WIST 690 Fox Sports Radio promo for local talk show. They must be having some leakage on the backside of their night pattern or on day power/pattern. The lobes cover along the coast and out into the Gulf. with the null aimed my direction. I seem to recall hearing them when I lived in Portales, NM but never north of the Mason-Dixon line before. 650 WMNT Nashwauk, MN. TOH ID @ 0:59 UT, ABC news. 1KW directional, not in my direction. With WSM nulled came in very readable, some fading. Both heard with a DX-440 and homebrew 12 active ferrite antenna. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 990 Code Challenge
Paul, I said Morse-like A short series of short and long tones that might sound like Morse to someone who didn't know code. SDPR used to use something like that to cue TOH IDs, EBS tests, etc. We were linked through microwave relays rather than satellite with the NPR feed in Vermillion then fed through the microwave relays. I don't recall the name of the system and since I worked on the TV side I didn't deal with it anyway. If I recall correctly it was sent in the SCA but since MW has no SCA channel it may be bleeding through a faulty controller. On the State TV network we sent the control signals in the vertical interval of the video but I got out of broadcasting many Moons before HDTV. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/20/2011 17:39, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: No automation system in radio I know of uses morse code to tell an automation what to do. Rather, in the old days, 25/35hz tones were sent to fire off commercials. Now, spots are hard timed or triggered by the satelitte.. however.. Ive heard stations where the triggers to fire off something local were audible even though they weren't supposed to be. That being said, an inaudible satelitte cute that mistakenly becomes audible is usually a very deep sounding thud/thump, is one quick tone or sounds like touchtones form a phone.. not morse code. Paul On Tue, Sep 20, 2011 at 6:32 PM, Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net wrote: Was KRMO carrying syndicated programming at the time? Some of the robot controllers use a Morse-like code to tell the controller things like Place commercial here and time synching. They're supposed to mute the codes but maybe the controller was down or malfunctioning. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/20/2011 8:54, amd...@core.com wrote: ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 990 Code Challenge
Was KRMO carrying syndicated programming at the time? Some of the robot controllers use a Morse-like code to tell the controller things like Place commercial here and time synching. They're supposed to mute the codes but maybe the controller was down or malfunctioning. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/20/2011 8:54, amd...@core.com wrote: Here is a code challenge on 990khz. While listening to KRMO 990 on 9/16 I noted five occurances of code at top of hour and the half hour. I hesitate to use the word Morse Code beause the code character is not a known alpha/numeric or punctuation mark or other character that I am aware of. The code heard is .._.. (dit dit dah dit dit) sent at very high speed. You need to slow it down to hear the individual dits and the dah. Does anyone know the source or the purpose? At the same time the code was heard CKGM was strong, CBW was there but nulled, KRMO was in/out and WGSO was also heard. The character heard is not the same as the familiar Cuban RR. I can send anyone interested in hearing this a short audio clip. Tom Jasinski Joliet, IL ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Nearest locals
Ouch Dennis, I have a few pests myself that make DXing a bit of a challenge at times. KXRB 1000 10KW /100Wt, both directional, 5 miles KSOO 1140 10KW ND/5KW Dir. 4 miles KELO 1320 5KW ND/Dir. 3 miles The directional patterns of those 3 converge in my living room. Last winter I heard Niel Boortz ranting about something or another on the chain link fence (KSOO) and country music coming from the toaster (KXRB). Maybe I should have sent reception reports ;) There's also 2 low power stations KWSN 440W ND day/night at 6 miles KZOY 500W ND day only, listed as 6 miles but more like 1 1/2 miles. I can see their 400' tower from my kitchen window when the trees are bare. We also have a 1W transmitter on 1620 on the other side of town but I have yet to log it at this location. On the upper SW bands I've had problems from the KELO TV 2000' tower about 7 miles away., 2 full power TV stations and a low power translator, 3 (4?) FM and the NOAA station plus State repeaters and who knows what else. Finally got the last parts in for my receiver project. Hoping to be doing some serious DXing this weekend. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/13/2011 19:34, Dennis Vroom wrote: Near AM stations to my location are listed below. KOHI 1600 S-9 +50 db8.8 miles KLOG 1490 S-9 +45 db 10 miles KEDO 1400 S-9 +55 db 15 miles KBAM 1270 S-9 +50 db 16 miles Antenna used is the non directional High Performance Loop. Receiver JRC NRD 545 Best regards, Dennis, Kalama, WA ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Nearest locals
Good catch for KELO, your on a side lobe of their array. Greg Belfrage does the QSLs there by email. the contact us link on keloam.com goes to his inbox. I've eliminated most of the computer/network generated noise here by setting a laptop up for internet sharing through the wireless card, no router just a cablemodem that seems to behave itself for RF emissions. My worst problems now are a plasma TV on one side and an old Heath/Zenith motion detecting light on the other of me. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 9/14/2011 9:43, John Sampson wrote: Closest local here in Grand Rapids is KOZY (1320); their tx is about 7½ miles from me. Not much of a problem at night (I've been able to null them to hear KELO and WILS in the past). Next closest is WNMT (650) Nashwauk, about 30 miles. Worst problems now are digital hash leaking from the DSL and in-house electrical noise thanks to new solid state stuff. A sidelight; when we lived in Winston-Salem, we could see one of the WSJS (600) towers (3 - 4 miles from us) from our upstairs bedroom. Fortunately, I was in one of their nulls and they presented no problem. The red light on their tower also proved quite useful on Christmas Eve; I told our children that it might be Rudolph and that provided a good incentive for them to hurry to bed. - John ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] New logbook started and new antennas tested
On 9/3/2011 11:52, Rick Kunath wrote: I'd be interested in seeing a photo of that loop, and a schematic as to your connections. Here's some pics at the Yahoo loop antenna group. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/loopantennas/photos/album/1355715670/pic/list?mode=tnorder=ordinalstart=1dir=asc ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] KQQZ 1190 Verification
A QSL from the Queen Herself. Congrats ;) On 9/2/2011 23:01, amd...@core.com wrote: QSL (prepared post card) in the mail today from KQQZ 1190. The veri signer is Katrina Sanders and the title she wrote down is Queen of the Golden Oldies. Tom Jasinski Joliet, IL ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] New logbook started and new antennas tested
After losing all my old logs and equipment in a fire I gave the hobby up for a while but I'm starting over. I have been working on 2 different approaches for antennas to handle the RF zoo I live in. One is a dual spiral, 10 turns total and 30 diameter in 2 layers 1 apart with varactor tuning and a single turn pickup loop. The other is an 11 ferrite rod made from 2 5 1/2 rods from same model Panasonic thrift store radios also with varactor tuning and a low noise preamp. 102 turns of wire center tapped for the resonant winding and a 12 turn pickup coil. Several trial winding schemes were tried with #30 solid before I made the final with the Litz. Both are wound with 40/44 Litz. Both have their advantages. The dual spiral is very sensitive for it's size but more prone to off channel splatter and local QRM and it seems to do better below 650KHz than the rod. Because there's 2 spirals working together the null is along the axis of the windings and sharper than the traditional coil or spiral. The active rod's only real disadvantage is the touchy tuning but it covers from 500KHz to 1900KHz, 2MHz if I push the voltage over spec on the varactors. Neither antenna has shown any sign of intermod or overload but I do have to reduce the gain on stronger signals with the active rod. I'm also working on a LW version of the active rod using the 7 1/2 rod salvaged from an S350DL. That POS is more useful in my junkbox than on the bench. The last 4 entries made in the wee hours show that my efforts have been worth it. KXRB is 100W Directional aimed right at this location and just over 4 miles from here. Receiver, DX-440 slightly tweaked. Added shielding. Antenna used for these was the active rod. All times are UTC. 990 CBW, Winnipeg, MB. CBC news with ID at 10:13 and Weekend Morning Show following. This one came in clear with a few lightning crashes but no interference from KXRB. CBW runs 46K at night but I'm on the back of the pattern 1000 KXRB Sioux Falls, SD, Local CW station with ID at 10:18 1000 UNID OM with Southern/Texas accent talking. Not clear enough to get any ID but nulling KXRB enough to get anything was a surprise to me. 1010 KCPW Salt Lake City, UT YL with British accent discussing Female mutilation with guest. BBC World Service 24/7. 11:30 ID Imagine my surprise at hearing a YL with a Brit accent when I tuned to 1010. Radiolocator still lists 1010 as a religious station but according to the article at Radio Netherlands Worldwide http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/bbc-world-service-to-be-available-247-on-am-in-salt-lake-city KCPW is only running 194W at night and it's over 800 miles away! Maybe after a nap I'll have to do some inverse square calculations... There was some splatter from KXRB but tuning the radio to 1011 and tweaking the tuning on the rod eliminated most of it. Tonight I'll see how it does with the 5KW directionals aimed at my back yard ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] New logbook started and new antennas tested
I'll get some pics of it tonight, the rod is encased in PVC fittings and I'll grab some shots next time I open it The spirals are mounted parallel to each other about 1 apart and grounded at the center tap. Symmetry is maintained since one coil turns inwards to the center where the ground/common is and the second winds outwards in the same direction. I've tapped the resonant loop directly both single sided and balanced for some time now. The twin spiral was built more out of curiosity and the original configuration was balanced with no secondary loop with J310s in the amplifier. The varactors are connected back to back with anodes connected to each side of the loop and bias is fed through a 100K resistor. The upper and lower limits are set through pots connected to a precision voltage source and buffered through op amps. A 10 turn pot is used to set the tuning voltage and fed to the bias resistor through another op amp for buffering. A quad op amp handles upper and lower limit buffering, precision voltage from a TC Zener source and output buffering/filtering The loops plug in through stereo jacks so I can swap them out easily. Another difference between the 2 is the rod uses a single pair of closely matched varactors while the twin spiral uses 8 random varactors out of the bag which is probably why the Q is lower than expected. The rod having such sharp null probably has to do with it being 11 inches long and the way it's wound. One problem I'm having at the moment is waiting on a new head for my Weller soldering station, on order but not here yet. I'm NOT going to try working with the SMT FETs with a 40W Radio Shack ungrounded slobbering iron... Any amplifier adds noise though atmospherics overwhelm the noise from a well laid out MOSFET input. The preamp on the ferrite is actually the front end of my homebrew receiver, also waiting for parts, that is balanced and uses 2 BF904WR MOSFETs on the inputs though I've grounded one side for now. Once I get some other things taken care of the rod will have a balanced amp in the head. I think the main advantage of the rod is the XYL irritation factor is lower. The best reception in the house is in the living room and she's not fond of the idea of a butt ugly gizmo in her living room. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD I'd be interested in seeing a photo of that loop, and a schematic as to your connections. I've built a lot of loops over the years and have some ideas that you might find interesting. I built a lot of spiral and solenoidal loops, as well as ferrite loops. The air-core loops always outperformed the ferrite loops. One of the things that I found important as far as loop pattern and null depth is symmetry, something yo cannot get right with a spiral loop because the windings are different diameters. Traditional split-stator air dielectric tuning capacitors always gave me a higher Q than varactors did. And this is important as you referred to off-channel rejection. With the frame of the split-stator capacitor connected to the loop center-tap I was able to get some good pattern symmetry and good null depth. I either used a center-tapped secondary winding, or later on did away with the secondary winding entirely and used a high-impedance FET preamp across the primary that did the preamplification and conversion to unbalanced low-impedance output. Rick Kunath ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] How to ID an unmodulated LW carrier?
For your loop frame the gray PVC electrical conduit is UV resistant but not as rigid as Sced. 40 but I had an active SW antenna housed in Sced. 40 that was exposed to -35F to over 100F in direct sunlight for 6 or 7 years with no noticeable deterioration. I use back to back varactors for tuning my loops. The MVAM109 and MV209 varactors can be found on Ebay fairly cheap. using 20 of the MVAM109s gives a capacitance range from 200 to over 4000pF. Some of the surplus varactors are noisy so a bit of testing is required, about 1 in 20 or so fail but make good broadband noise generators so not all is lost. Some people don't like the varactors but my 30 MW loop has a very sharp null and high enough Q that even with a 10 turn pot tuning can be bit touchy. Driving more than about 10 of them requires an op-amp to correct for increased current. I use a dual bifet op-amp for tuning and gain buffers. One of these days I'll have to post some schematics. Have to find a proggie to do it with first since my hand drawn stuff may as well be in hieroglyphics to anyone else. Anyone got any suggestions? Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/20/2011 20:10, Stephen Airy wrote: Oh ok, that sounds quite likely. I plugged their coordinates into the FCC's distance finder and I'm about 18.5 miles away at a heading of 69°, which seems to match the direction I was aiming for the strongest signal. It wasn't demodulating at all on my AM PL-606 - it sounded just like a broadcast signal does when it has just an unmodulated carrier with no program content, just a lot narrower when I tuned off frequency (if it makes any difference with non-modulation). Anyway I looked up the coordinates on Google Maps, and it appears to be in the area where the Point Loma lighthouse is. And yes, I'm wanting to build a loop (or a few) sometime. I'm just not sure what type of frame I want to use, yet. I know a crate loop is out of the question due to needing to keep it a reasonable size and make it collapsible. I've been considering a PVC frame loop like in Gary DeBock's articles, but when I was mentioning the idea to my dad, he thought the PVC wouldn't hold up as well in our weather here, where it can exceed 100°F with low humidity in summer. Also I'd need to figure out what type of capacitor to use. (It would definitely be one of the larger types like what Gary uses in his projects, not the little cheapies that come with analog-tuned AM and FM radios.) I'm just wondering if there's a way to get a better shape factor (flatter top, steeper sides, greater total off-frequency attenuation) by using a double or triple-gang capacitor in the design and 2 or 3 coils accordingly? ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] OT: Visiting San Francisco
The Fairmont in San Fran or the one in Berkeley? Used to live about 3 blocks from the one in Berkeley. It's a nice city to visit but the Bay Area is very expensive, or it was in the early 1990s, and commuting was always a pain. Never did any DXing while I was there but I'd bet places like Tilden Park would make an excellent site for it. Finishing up a few things before the DX season here. Have fun and safe journey. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/20/2011 22:33, Colin Newell wrote: Great city... and after 30 years of listening to KGO, nothing like I expected. Everything is walkable -- lots of very interesting and friendly people. This was quite the place in the 60's obviously -- and where my wife and I are staying (Fairmont...) lots of history. So. Off topic perhaps...but sending warm wishes to everyone on the list -- and looking forward to the September DX season. And of course, extra warm wishes to the boys in Victoria; Nick, Walt, Brian, Steve, Tom, et al. 73's ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] cfac heard in south wyo
You'll be hearing more from me this winter ;) All my old logs, QSLs and equipment were lost in a fire a while back so I'm starting over once the winter DX season starts with a new log and a new receiver that I'm putting the finishing touches on. If anyone has a used 40MHz scope they want to part with relatively cheap let me know, would make my life much easier... Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/16/2011 22:41, Rick Dau wrote: Robbie, whereabouts in south Wyoming are you? There are DXers in Green River and Evanston. Seems like there are a few more active listeners there than in North Dakota or South Dakota, which we rarely hear from anymore. Years ago, I could only get CFAC after KMA in Shenandoah, Iowa signed off at Midnight local time. Now it seems like CFAC is in most evenings at a decent strength under KMA. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska From: Robbie j.challenger82...@yahoo.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.comirca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2011 11:52 AM Subject: [IRCA] cfac heard in south wyo hey All, Heard cfac 960 out of Alberta on 08/15/11 and around 4:oo am local(about 09:59 utc) with a good sig. down here into south Wyoming! I`ve already logged this one.(some time ago) But nice to hear them anyway! Good dx to all, Robbie in Wyoming ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Fwd: Re: [AMFMTVDX] 1590 WGBW WI to power up (10kw)
Do you know if they're running directional at night? Should be an easy catch from here at night if non directional or aimed at my QTH. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 8/14/2011 11:44, Todd wrote: Sent from my Verizon Wireless Phone Original message Subject: Re: [AMFMTVDX] 1590 WGBW WI to power up (10kw) From: John J. Riegerjohnjrie...@webtv.net To: discuss...@mailman.qth.net,o...@mailman.qth.net, a...@mailman.qth.net,f...@mailman.qth.net, and TV DXamfmt...@mailman.qth.net CC: Latest info as of 8:46am EDT: 1590 WGBW Denmark,WI powers up! Mark Heller writes on SUN 8-14: thanks. we made power...the full 10kw today. I'm overwhelmed, delighted, and blessed! we'll be operating out of Two Rivers on Monday, until the STL link is establishedthen...look out! mh John J. Rieger, South Milwaukee,WI http://DX-midAMerica.com - updated daily! 24/7 Non-stop dx! ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WWV Solar Report
Why does it always do this when I'm trying to test an antenna? Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 7/31/2011 11:15, NOAA WWV wrote: :Product: Geophysical Alert Message wwv.txt :Issued: 2011 Jul 31 1805 UTC # Prepared by the US Dept. of Commerce, NOAA, Space Weather Prediction Center # # Geophysical Alert Message # Solar-terrestrial indices for 30 July follow. Solar flux 113 and mid-latitude A-index 11. The mid-latitude K-index at 1800 UTC on 31 July was 3 (20 nT). No space weather storms were observed for the past 24 hours. No space weather storms are predicted for the next 24 hours. -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Trends -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Date 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 31 31 31 31 31 31 31 UTC 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 2100 0300 0600 0900 1200 1500 1800 SFlx 112 112 112 112 112 112 113 113 113 113 113 113 113 113 A-in 44444411 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 K-in 11122443333223 Current Solar information available at http://www.am-dx.com/wwv.htm ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] No more KBSU
KUSD AM, 690 if I recall, in Vermilion, SD went off the air for good some time back after SDPB finished the network of translators covering the whole State. It was still in operation in 1991 and they were talking about closing it down or upgrading to a new transmitter at that time. About 3 months after visiting the transmitter site I was laid off from SDPB and moved out of State so I don't know when they went off air. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 7/18/2011 21:11, Rick Dau wrote: The former calls for Roswell, New Mexico on 1020, IIRC. Very saddened to see a university-owned station give up the ghost like this. Hope it doesn't start a trend, because I personally enjoy having stations like WILL-580, WBAA-920, and WKAR-870 around, especially when they're airing NPR programs. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, Nebraska From: n7...@aol.comn7...@aol.com To: irca@hard-core-dx.com; irca-ow...@hard-core-dx.com; irca-requ...@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Mon, July 18, 2011 8:25:50 PM Subject: [IRCA] (no subject) KBSU 730 has been sold In Impact radio, right now they are repeating Michael Jackson's THRILLER per Bll Hale new call is KINF ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Demise of KUSD-690 (was No more KBSU)
Thanks to Paul for the link. I figured the Board just shut it down rather than make upgrades. I'll see if I can find the email for one of the Engineers I used to work with and see what unpublished dirt comes up ;) SDPB is an oddity compared to mosr PB systems/stations. Assuming nothing has changed in it's structure since 1991. The ITV (Instructional Television) Board as part of the Board of Regents and SD Dept of Education owns all the studio and broadcast facilities and leases space to SDPB for their offices. The ITV pays the salaries of the Production, Engineering and support staff. There is (or was) a somewhat complicated billing and payment structure between the 2 entities for locally produced programming, SDPB pays a small fee to the ITV to air evening programming paid for by SDPTV. SDPR has a similar arrangement with funding for various locally produced programming, Dept. of ED pays for instructional programming, Dept. of Health for some of the overnight rural clinic support broadcasts, State Legislature for covering their sessions, etc. It all seemed like an accounting nightmare but as long as my paychecks didn't bounce I never worried about it. When the video lottery was voted down the first time is when I got laid off and I suspect it had something to do with KUSD-AM not being rebuilt since once the video lottery was reinstated SDPB got a much smaller share. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 7/19/2011 12:53, Rick Dau wrote: I thought I'd once heard a story that the Chevy Suburban crashing into the tower was not an accident, but, rather, an act of vandalism. Any truth to that? I had an aircheck of a legal ID from KUSD recorded on a visit to Hawarden, Iowa in Sept. 1989, but that's long since disappeared. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, NE From: Paul B. Walker, Jr.walkerbroadcast...@gmail.com To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Tue, July 19, 2011 8:15:37 AM Subject: Re: [IRCA] No more KBSU Mid 1994 for KUSD.. http://www.nebraskaradio.com/lost_radio_stations.htm ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] noise issue update
Those buttons have diodes in them but they tended to short across the junction making them useless other than as a spacer. On 6/29/2011 16:40, Patrick Martin wrote: They also used to make a button shaped item you could put into the socket to cut the volage down getting to the bulb. I don't know if those as available nowdays or not. Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] noise issue update
Old trick on that one, making filaments last longer that is. A diode in series with the center conductor drops the wattage of a 100W bulb to about 82W and they last many times longer. Tungsten increases in resistance as it gets hotter so even though the RMS voltage is 1/2, the current is higher making up the other 32% of power. Learned that trick when I worked for 3M on overhead projectors and copiers (ahem) a few years back. 2A 400V diodes are fine for up to 100W, increase the current rating for larger bulbs. Center conductor on an Edison base bulb because the outer screw-ring is (supposed to be) neutral with the center being hot. Safety first... A 0.1 uF 400V ceramic cap across the diode should kill any RFI. 0.01uF/1KV caps across the ballast of fourescents also kills the noise nicely but only on the transformer based ballasts. On 6/28/2011 14:18, Patrick Martin wrote: I heard the old bulbs will not be sold past 2018 here, except the odd sizes. But the 40-60-75-100w units will be history. But I still have 6 or 7 years to stock up more. Home Depot has good prices on them, plus the Dollar stores, 4 bulbs for a dollar there. I have tryed the expensive bulbs and the inexpensive and they all seem to last about the same. What helps I have heard if to limit to voltage/urrent, they last longer. Patrick Patrick Martin Seaside OR KGED QSL Manager ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] KSDN 930 Aberdeen, SD
Thanks for that tip Paul. Even at 150 miles it's a rare hit here on the backside of their pattern. Aberdeen being on the Missouri Basin might be heard at night as far as Omaha to the SSW if they go ND with 250W. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD DX-440, S350DL (both modified) Active antenna under development On 5/22/2011 21:14, Paul B. Walker, Jr. wrote: News Talk formatted KSDN 930 in Aberdeen, SD with 5KW Day/3 towers and a large signal to the NW and 1KW Night/3 towers with a NE pattern has applied to the FCC to operate with 1.25KW Non Directional Day and 250W Non Directional nights for at least 30 to 60 days after a lightning hit damaged one of their towers and their transmitter. Just a heads up, some of you who hear this well might not get it at all now and give you a chance to get something new. THose who don't hear it well might hear it better now. Paul Walker www.onairdj.com www.facebook.com/onairdj ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WNAX's daytime signal
The WNAX transmitter/tower sits very close to the Missouri River. Next time I'm down that way I'll try to remember to get pics of it. The night time pattern happens to line up with the river and I'm sure the ground conductivity has a lot to do with the range considering it's only 5KW. On 4/19/2011 19:27, Kenneth Nawalkowski wrote: Here at my location 105 miles north of the MB/ North Dakota border in western Manitoba, WNAX comes in quite decent on a car radio with CKSW underneath. On a Superadio II with a Sanserino loop it comes in great. Since WNAX is located almost straight south and CKSW is straight west, I can null either one and listen to the other. Reception is the same here day and night. These 2 have only been available here since KY58 Winnipeg moved to FM. Before then they were both buried in KY58's AM stereo lower sideband. Kenneth Nawalkowski Sandy Lake MB - Original Message - From: David Faulkner drdsfaulk...@yahoo.com To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Monday, April 18, 2011 8:02 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] WNAX's daytime signal ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WNAX's daytime signal
WNAX runs 5KW all the time. Directional at night and single tower during the day. A projected coverage map can be found at WNAX http://www.radio-locator.com/cgi-bin/pat?call=WNAXservice=AMstatus=Lhours=D . On 4/18/2011 17:19, Rick Dau wrote: I'm kinda curious as to how much ground WNAX can cover in the daytime. From roadtrips I've done in recent years, I've been able to note the following -- Iowa City, IA8/28/2002 Good signal, 3 on a scale of 1 (faint) to 5 (local) Custer, SD10/3/2002 Poor signal, rate it a 2 Otter Tail Lake, MN 8/2/2008 Very good signal, rate it a 3 1/2 Grand Forks, ND 8/3/2008 Good signal, rate it a 3 Salina, KS 5/31/2010 Fair signal, rate it a 2 1/2 (through lots of WIBW splash) Washington, MO4/16/2011 Not there at all Jefferson City, MO 4/17/2011 Still not there, until... Boonville, MO4/17/2011 Faint, rate it a 1 So that should give you some idea of what their daytime coverage looks like. Not quite as big as CBK or KFYR, but still pretty impressive. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, NE From: Tim Hillsthi...@sio.midco.net To: Mailing list for the International Radio Club of America irca@hard-core-dx.com Sent: Sun, April 17, 2011 10:55:27 PM Subject: Re: [IRCA] Last-day-of-vacation loggings WNAX is directional at night with the main lobe aiming NW. Comes booming in here at night. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/17/2011 22:43, Rick Dau wrote: ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Dissecting the Grundig S350DL (Tecsun 3000)
With the QA issues I can't guarantee results. Next one could have a substandard IC. An S450 costs the same new at Rat Shack and I'm seriously considering parting with $100 worth of beer money and void the warranty on one, after a few weeks of constant on usage of course ;) If you have an old DX-160 though. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/18/2011 19:28, Ira Elbert New III wrote: If I buy one and it to you along with a six-pack, will you make it work good?!?!? Bert New Watkinsville, Georgia Proudly Serving You Since 1964! ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
[IRCA] Dissecting the Grundig S350DL (Tecsun 3000)
I got this radio at a pawn shop for $35 a while back and while it's not the ideal DX box for SWL, my primary interest, it does do a very nice job on MW after an alignment and a bit of tweaking. I've had it apart and back together 4 times now, lacking a service manual or even a schematic I'm proceeding cautiously. I've seen some claims that this isn't a rebadged Tecsun but all the boards have Tecsun PL-3000 screened on them, you decide. I try to keep in mind that it is a sub $100 receiver after all. I have semi locals during the day on 570 and 1490 that I used to align it. The main problem on MW and the strongest plus is the dual coil internal ferrite rod. The tuning on the rod would not line up with the L.O. I haven't investigated if it's a padding cap out of spec, material defect in the rod itself or just poor engineering. My guess is on the crowded RF board it would have cost too much to add a couple of components :( The dual coil is a balanced design similar to what I've been using for about 25 years and the problem with my unit was that it was not very balanced. One side was about 80KHz higher than the tuned Freq. at 1520. The problem was solved with a 20pF trimmer cap tack-soldered onto the back of the RF board and sliding the right hand coil inwards.. Since the coil is not more adjustable without adding or removing windings I had to peak the L.O. to the antenna coil. An S-meter was added through a pot from the AGC pin on the display unit. Varying the inductor of the MW L.O. and retuning to 570, noting the S-meter readings gave me the low end, doing the same at 1520 with the L.O. variable cap then repeating the process until there's no improvement to be made for alignment then setting the added trim cap for highest signal on 1490 made a huge improvement in sensitivity and selectivity across the entire band. MW tuning now ranges from 505 to 1723 KHz rather than 519 to 1740 when I got it. 1320 and 1140 used to pop up all over the place but now even those ghosts have been exorcised :D I put AAs in it and went to a quiet hill north of town earlier. Had paper but forget to bring a pen or pencil but it was snowing and cold out anyway our Kia van has some weird noise generator even with the key off so I had to go out and away from it :( I did a quick spin through the band and was getting something on nearly every 10Khz with quite a few multiples. Nulling is excellent! I was on a side lobe of 1320 (5KW) and while I couldn't completely null it. I was able to get a weak carrier on 1310. I've heard very good and very bad things about the S350DL/Tecsun 3000 and I think there are good ones and bad ones. I suspect that substandard or out of spec parts were put into a lot of them and factory QA is not the best I have made some other modifications mostly to improve SW reception. The S-meter, adding an F connector with a 4:1 un-un for external antenna input that bypasses the rod antenna and LP filter entirely and using the LP switch to switch from external to built in rod for SW and an alignment. There are other problems that I could fix given time, incentive and beer. The wide filter seems to be centered about 2KHz above the narrow and some that are inherent to the design, images and birdies from the display mostly. At this point I consider any further attempts at improving it on SW as putting lipstick on a pig All I can say about the FM reception is that it works since I rarely use FM and wouldn't miss it if it wasn't there. I was going to scrap it and harvest the ferrite rod, display and ICs but for now at least it's the best MW portable I've ever owned and since I'm still waiting on parts for upgrading my homebrew it's my primary receiver for the time being. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] Last-day-of-vacation loggings
WNAX is directional at night with the main lobe aiming NW. Comes booming in here at night. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/17/2011 22:43, Rick Dau wrote: All times ELT... 570 WNAX SD Yankton - 4/17 1404 Weak, but in there, with Minnesota Twins BB. Somehow, I I would've expected this to be coming in better at this location in northern Missouri. (RD-MO) Snip ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] 30 years of skywave DXing
Been watching this thread but with the rush at the end of Tax season this is the first chance I've had to sit down at home longer than it takes to inhale my breakfast. At 51 there aren't too many online groups that make me feel like a young pup The DX bug bit me when I was about 9. My father had gotten me a Zenith portable for my birthday, he was a Zenith factory rep at the time. I used it to listen to the local top 40 station mostly but one night I was turning the dial I heard a weak signal and listened to it for a while. I was quite surprised that the station was in far off and exotic Omaha. The very same WOW if I recall. Ford dealership commercial/jingle is all I remember clearly. My bedroom was in the basement but when I took the radio into the back yard I found stations in San Francisco and Denver the same night. I was hooked. The CE of one of the local TV/radio stations was a neighbor at the time and when I told him about it he told me it was probably E layer skip and that shortwave stations could be heard from around the world and loaned me a Transoceanic that opened up a new world for me. Not only could I hear Moscow, London and Cuba easily but the MW reception brought in more stations than I knew existed. Never occurred to me to keep a log. My main focus for DX over the next 42 years has been HF with MW mixed in and I'm getting back into it seriously again. I've used everything from crude crystal rigs to to Lab-grade WJ and Racal receivers in places as varied as dense urban to out in the Sonoran desert 30 miles from the nearest power-line or other humans. I'll never forget the first DX with that Pepto-Bismol pink radio with the Zenith badge. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/13/2011 7:24, Rick Dau wrote: April 13, 1981. 4:30 a.m. In my 2nd-story bedroom in my parents' farmhouse in the middle of Pottawattamie County, Iowa, I'm already up, as usual, listening to the conclusion of WOW-590's nightly broadcast of the Larry King Show. And, as usual, WOW heads right into its mix of Top 40 and AdCon music immediately afterwards. The first song is one that I don't particularly care for, so I tune up the dial until I find a station that is playing a song that I really like at the time, Roseanne Cash's Seven Year Ache. At the end of the song, the DJ (whom, I would find out years later, was the legendary Bill Mack) comes on and mentions during his chatter that I'm listening to WBAP. I give no second thought to this, although I'm curious as to where this station is, since I've never heard it before and it sounds like it's coming from Omaha. Then I hear an advertisement that mentions...FORT WORTH. I'm floored by this, as I had no idea my GE clock radio could pick up anything that distant. Over the course of the next few mornings, I hear places like Los Angeles, Nashville, New York City, Chicago, Cincinnati, Toronto, Detroit, Louisville, Denver, New Orleans, Winnipeg, Dallas, Little Rock, Richmond, San Antonio, and others. And at the age of 16, I'm hooked. And THAT is how it all began. :) And Seven Year Ache still has a special place in my heart. 73, Rick Dau Suth Omaha, Nebraska ___ ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
Re: [IRCA] WSM's nighttime coverage
WSM 650 is a regular here too so add another 100 Miles to that radius. Tim Hills Sioux Falls, SD On 4/15/2011 21:00, Rick Dau wrote: Now I forget which listserver I saw this thread on, so I'll just post it to all three that I belong to... WSM covering 38 states at night might be a stretch, but I can get them on a nightly basis in Omaha. And if you take a compass, stretch it from Nashville to Omaha and make the circle, that circle will cover all or part of 28 states, missing New England and everything west of the Mountain-Central Time Zone line. That's still a pretty big chunk of the lower 48. 73, Rick Dau South Omaha, NE (reporting on the road in Washington, MO) . ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com ___ IRCA mailing list IRCA@hard-core-dx.com http://montreal.kotalampi.com/mailman/listinfo/irca Opinions expressed in messages on this mailing list are those of the original contributors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the IRCA, its editors, publishing staff, or officers For more information: http://www.ircaonline.org To Post a message: irca@hard-core-dx.com
