Topband: foundEZNEC
Finally, not exactly sure of what the problem was,but finally got to it, It was either Comcast DNS server blockage or my routerwas blocking it.anyway I found and loaded the updates for the version I have,,,Thanks to all who let me know it was on my end and not eznec's W0HG, Bud. ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
This is one of the best F connector tools:
http://www.dxengineering.com/Parts.asp?ID=4882&PLID=246&SecID=129&DeptID={7C
0A8FE1-F72C-4346-916E-8AA93CD2A66B}&PartNo=DXE%2DCIT%2D1
Helps to tighten - but not over tighten.
73!
Tim K3LR
-Original Message-
From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]
On Behalf Of Roger D Johnson
Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 6:05 PM
To: TOPBAND@CONTESTING.COM
Subject: Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
25 to 30 in/lbs from the instructions I downloaded.
73, Roger
On 12/13/2011 6:32 PM, Ron Kolarik wrote:
> With all this talk of proper RG-6 connectors I've seen
> nothing about the proper torque spec. You do know there's
> a torque spec I hope. I've put on thousands, yes thousands,
> of RG-6 and RG-59 connectors and if they aren't torqued
> properly you're asking for trouble down the road especially
> if they are outside. Thermal cycling wil loosen them over time.
> Each connector manufacturer should have this listed for
> their fittings and click type wrenches are available but not
> cheap. Do not buy a used wrench, probably not even close to the
> proper spec.
>
>
--
Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5)
http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/
http://www.gtr5.com/
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
Guys - this QRP thread needs to die. Thanks. Tree On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 2:44 PM, Mike & Coreen Smith wrote: > A very very few times, I have used /QRP,. but 99.9% of the time I don't- > it's not me... > > I worked VK0IR on 20m SSB in the middle of the night using a couple watts. > The op stopped, worked me, and we chatted for probably a good minute or two. > He was quite surprised. No idea who the op was, but I am sure he'd remember, > even to this day. I had already worked them days earlier, as plain jane > "VE9AA", so I didn't want to appear in their log as a dupe. This was a > super rare thing to hear my part of the work in the middle of the night on > 20m with 59 signalsthe rest of 20m was stone cold dead(Es link to F2 > I think) so he made a point to find out what was up. He had been only > working a very few EU's @ the time. > > If I thought my signal was super weak and the station was asking me for > repeats, I am smart enough to drop the /QRP like a hot potato and move > forward with my basic callsign. It goes both ways. A little intuitiveness > goes a long way. (AKA common sense) > > HOWEVER, I don't get all worked up about others signing it to me. It's > perfectly fine. Sometimes, if things are slow, I'll say "NICE SIG /QRP OM" > or whatever, if it truly is a nice signal. Maybe that QRP guy wants to know > how well he's being heard. In SSB contests (only if things are slow...) I > might ask the guy what he's running for an antennahe's not working > strings of UA0's, so he'll likely stop and tell you. Relax people. Let > them sign what they want to sign. > > I do a lot of HF mobile and I have to sign /M...that's what we are told > to do here. (nobody thinks I am in the UK, that's just plain silly) > > 73 de Mike VE9AA/M > > Mike, Coreen & Corey Smith > 699 Rte 616 Keswick Ridge > NB > Canada > E6L 1T1 > - Original Message - > From: Jan Erik Holm > To: topband@contesting.com > Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 4:52 PM > Subject: Re: Topband: QRP Question > > > Yes really. FCC does not rule the world and in this case > FCC is wrong. > > Country designator is put before the callsign. This changed > way back in the 1970´ties > > Not to confuse things if I go to England and work mobile > I could sign G3/SM2EKM/m or M3/SM2EKM/m, plain and simple > and not confusing. > > Not to waist any more BW I will now QSY to a different QRG. > > /Jim SM2EKM > > On 2011-12-13 06:32, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > > Really? > > > > FCC rules: > > > > (c) One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each > > indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or > > by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is > > self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and > > after, the call sign.*No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any > > other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned > > to another country.* > > > > *M England (M3xxx and M6xxx - Foundation Class Licence, > > All others - Full Licence Grade) > 14 27* > > > > > > > > As I said nobody enforces this. Your licensing may be different. > > > > Mike W0MU > > > > W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net > > > > > > On 12/12/2011 10:21 PM, Jan Erik Holm wrote: > >> This is so wrong. Please please stop spreading this wrong stuff. > >> > >> It is a mobile designator and NO nothing else. > >> > >> /Jim SM2EKM > >> - > >> On 2011-12-12 18:21, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > >>> Legally signing /M is only legal if you are in England or one of the > >>> countries that uses the M prefix. It is readily accepted as Mobile > but > >>> is not a legal designator. I am not sure that most of the ones you > >>> listed are legal IARU or ITU call designators. This could vary from > >>> country to country. > >>> > >>> > >>> > >>> Mike W0MU > >> ___ > >> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > > ___ > > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > > > > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > > > -- > > > > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG - www.avg.com > Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4077 - Release Date: 12/12/11 > 19:55:00 > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
25 to 30 in/lbs from the instructions I downloaded. 73, Roger On 12/13/2011 6:32 PM, Ron Kolarik wrote: > With all this talk of proper RG-6 connectors I've seen > nothing about the proper torque spec. You do know there's > a torque spec I hope. I've put on thousands, yes thousands, > of RG-6 and RG-59 connectors and if they aren't torqued > properly you're asking for trouble down the road especially > if they are outside. Thermal cycling wil loosen them over time. > Each connector manufacturer should have this listed for > their fittings and click type wrenches are available but not > cheap. Do not buy a used wrench, probably not even close to the > proper spec. > > -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
With all this talk of proper RG-6 connectors I've seen nothing about the proper torque spec. You do know there's a torque spec I hope. I've put on thousands, yes thousands, of RG-6 and RG-59 connectors and if they aren't torqued properly you're asking for trouble down the road especially if they are outside. Thermal cycling wil loosen them over time. Each connector manufacturer should have this listed for their fittings and click type wrenches are available but not cheap. Do not buy a used wrench, probably not even close to the proper spec. Flooded cable comes with some unique problems, the flooding will flow into connectors and generally make a mess if your connectors aren't put on properly. Also try not to have a connector at the bottom of a vertical run, small radius below the connector and mount horizontal. DO NOT USE ANY TAPE or other covering on the connectors, if you put them on right they are waterproof.horizontal or the backend of the connector pointing down. Quad shield is nice if you get it cheap but the only place I've ever used it was in a head-end..rf and computer generated noise, lots of it and engineering required it. The single braid and foil shield will do nicely and for amateur use is more than adequate. The last cable I used was Commscope with either PPC or Digicon connectors. Standard 1/4" center conductor and 1/4" shield/braid exposed. In practical use once the end is prepped the braid is simply fanned away from the foil a bit and the fitting pushed on until the di-electric is flush inside the connector, check for stray braid and crimp Ron K0IDT Message: 4 Date: Tue, 13 Dec 2011 09:00:36 -0500 From: "Gary Smith" Subject: Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors To: TOPBAND@CONTESTING.COM Message-ID: <4ee75a84.13163.1258f...@gary.ka1j.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Thanks so much to all who replied, I didn't know to get a different model of connector, the twist on kind from Radio Shack I had used with this cable seemed to fit just fine so I thought one size fit all. Gary KA1J ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: BCI
From personal experience, WTVN-AM has had third harmonic issues going back as far as 35 years. Remove your receive protector and check other antennas to be sure the "harmonic" is still there. Also turn on the attenuator in your rig and notice if the decrease in the "harmonic" is the same at the amount of attenuator or if the drop is much more than the attenuator. If all the tests (alternative antenna, attenuator) show it is a harmonic, call the station and ask to speak to the Chief Engineer. If the station gives you the run-around, call and/or write the FCC. They have a history of issues ... 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/13/2011 5:36 PM, Scott Long wrote: > A strange happening already this season, I am hearing WTVN-AM 610 khz > (Columbus OH) plain as day on 1830 khz. This is the only frequency that I > hear it on. I am at least 35 miles from this station, and it is west of me. > The antenna is a 350 ft long East-West bi-directional beverage. I just > moved this antenna away from transmit antenna to the south and added a > frontend protector on my FT-920. That's the only thing that has been > changed to this antenna. I don't hear either of our local stations WHTH-AM > 790 khz or WCLT-AM 1430 khz. WCLT is less than one air mile from me. What > do guys use to smash the BCI? > > > > Thanks for reading. > > > > Scott, K8SM > > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: BCI
Hello Scott: Lots of things can cause your receiver to hear the third harmonic of an AM broadcast station. One of many reasons - could be the broadcast station - but is the most unlikely source of this issue. You commented you moved your Beverage antenna, you also added a protector and now you are hearing the 3rd harmonic of WTVN. Do you also hear it on your TX antenna? Do other nearby hams hear it as well? Many front end protectors use back to back diodes to limit the RF level delivered to the recover. These back to back diode protectors are notorious for being saturated and could be the cause of your harmonic problem in the 160 meter band. Try a test listening without your protector and see what happens. 73, Tim K3LR -Original Message- From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Scott Long Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 4:36 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: BCI A strange happening already this season, I am hearing WTVN-AM 610 khz (Columbus OH) plain as day on 1830 khz. This is the only frequency that I hear it on. I am at least 35 miles from this station, and it is west of me. The antenna is a 350 ft long East-West bi-directional beverage. I just moved this antenna away from transmit antenna to the south and added a frontend protector on my FT-920. That's the only thing that has been changed to this antenna. I don't hear either of our local stations WHTH-AM 790 khz or WCLT-AM 1430 khz. WCLT is less than one air mile from me. What do guys use to smash the BCI? Thanks for reading. Scott, K8SM ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: BCI
On 12/13/2011 05:36 PM, Scott Long wrote: > A strange happening already this season, I am hearing WTVN-AM 610 khz > (Columbus OH) plain as day on 1830 khz. This is the only frequency that I > hear it on. I am at least 35 miles from this station, and it is west of me. Wouldn't be the first time an MW station puts out a signal on a harmonic frequency. This happens all the time. If you tune around between 2 and 3 MHz, you will often find a handful of broadcast harmonics. Some come and go, others are more permanent (like 2730 kHz). The way to get them fixed is to notify the station and get them to fix the problem. If they don't, notify the FCC... -- All rights reversed. ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
A very very few times, I have used /QRP,. but 99.9% of the time I don't- it's not me... I worked VK0IR on 20m SSB in the middle of the night using a couple watts. The op stopped, worked me, and we chatted for probably a good minute or two. He was quite surprised. No idea who the op was, but I am sure he'd remember, even to this day. I had already worked them days earlier, as plain jane "VE9AA", so I didn't want to appear in their log as a dupe. This was a super rare thing to hear my part of the work in the middle of the night on 20m with 59 signalsthe rest of 20m was stone cold dead(Es link to F2 I think) so he made a point to find out what was up. He had been only working a very few EU's @ the time. If I thought my signal was super weak and the station was asking me for repeats, I am smart enough to drop the /QRP like a hot potato and move forward with my basic callsign. It goes both ways. A little intuitiveness goes a long way. (AKA common sense) HOWEVER, I don't get all worked up about others signing it to me. It's perfectly fine. Sometimes, if things are slow, I'll say "NICE SIG /QRP OM" or whatever, if it truly is a nice signal. Maybe that QRP guy wants to know how well he's being heard. In SSB contests (only if things are slow...) I might ask the guy what he's running for an antennahe's not working strings of UA0's, so he'll likely stop and tell you. Relax people. Let them sign what they want to sign. I do a lot of HF mobile and I have to sign /M...that's what we are told to do here. (nobody thinks I am in the UK, that's just plain silly) 73 de Mike VE9AA/M Mike, Coreen & Corey Smith 699 Rte 616 Keswick Ridge NB Canada E6L 1T1 - Original Message - From: Jan Erik Holm To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 4:52 PM Subject: Re: Topband: QRP Question Yes really. FCC does not rule the world and in this case FCC is wrong. Country designator is put before the callsign. This changed way back in the 1970´ties Not to confuse things if I go to England and work mobile I could sign G3/SM2EKM/m or M3/SM2EKM/m, plain and simple and not confusing. Not to waist any more BW I will now QSY to a different QRG. /Jim SM2EKM On 2011-12-13 06:32, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > Really? > > FCC rules: > > (c) One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each > indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or > by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is > self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and > after, the call sign.*No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any > other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned > to another country.* > > *M England (M3xxx and M6xxx - Foundation Class Licence, > All others - Full Licence Grade) 14 27* > > > > As I said nobody enforces this. Your licensing may be different. > > Mike W0MU > > W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net > > > On 12/12/2011 10:21 PM, Jan Erik Holm wrote: >> This is so wrong. Please please stop spreading this wrong stuff. >> >> It is a mobile designator and NO nothing else. >> >> /Jim SM2EKM >> - >> On 2011-12-12 18:21, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: >>> Legally signing /M is only legal if you are in England or one of the >>> countries that uses the M prefix. It is readily accepted as Mobile but >>> is not a legal designator. I am not sure that most of the ones you >>> listed are legal IARU or ITU call designators. This could vary from >>> country to country. >>> >>> >>> >>> Mike W0MU >> ___ >> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4077 - Release Date: 12/12/11 19:55:00 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: BCI
A strange happening already this season, I am hearing WTVN-AM 610 khz (Columbus OH) plain as day on 1830 khz. This is the only frequency that I hear it on. I am at least 35 miles from this station, and it is west of me. The antenna is a 350 ft long East-West bi-directional beverage. I just moved this antenna away from transmit antenna to the south and added a frontend protector on my FT-920. That's the only thing that has been changed to this antenna. I don't hear either of our local stations WHTH-AM 790 khz or WCLT-AM 1430 khz. WCLT is less than one air mile from me. What do guys use to smash the BCI? Thanks for reading. Scott, K8SM ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: ARRL 160 meter Contest Redux
GE Herb, As much as I *DO* sympathize with your situation, I must tell you, that you are not alone. For some contests I am in "MAR" and some contests I am in "NB" (I would prefer to always be in NB, as that's where I amI am not really in some ficticous area the ARRL has deemed as "MAR" )(NB, NS & PEI and sometimes NF/LB!!) Then, there are other contests, that yes, I am indeed in "NB" (like ARRL-10m) yet all the results and records are grouped into MAR..look it up if there are any doubting Thomas' among us. That's like saying that AA3B won for PA, but all the results get lumped into all areas of W3 and we'll call it "Dubya 3" and only NY3A gets listed as a winner, but nobody from DE, MD, etc. gets listed. Totally unacceptable. There are no other US States, that I can think of, off the top of my head, that get lumped into other States, and made an "area"sometimes there are very very few hams on in any contest (insert your favorite contest here) from certain States, (where was Delaware this weekend in the ARRL-10?) but you'll always find a handful of VE1's, VE9's, VY2's and VO1's.I am sure you all recognize VE1OP, VE1DX, VE1YX, VE1RGB, VE9DX, VE9AA, VE9HF, VE9ML, VY2SS, VY2TT, VY2ZM, VO1TA, VO1MP, VO1HP, VO1KVT..to name but a few.heck, excluding VO1's, we have 45 members+ in the Maritime Contest Club alone, and this does not even consider the guys that contest, but are not members of the club. I think I have made my point. It's not fair, but it falls on deaf ears. Mike VE9AA.this weekend I am in a MAIDENHEAD gridsquare ! Yeeha ! Suddenly , a level playing field. Thank you Stew ! - Original Message - From: Herb Schoenbohm To: Topband Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 1:26 PM Subject: Topband: ARRL 160 meter Contest Redux Tree, I don't mean to toss another grenade in the room but..I have sent e mails to every CAC member about the problems many have with the structure of 160 meter DX Contest. Only one member of the CAC gave me the courtesy of a reply which basically said that the CAC no longer calls the shots but that a new group called the PSC is in charge to provide a layer of protection from any uncontrolled reaction by the CAC contrary to the wishes of HQ. So what used to be a contest structure from the ground up has been reversed by executive fiat to come from the top down. Here is what I found out The PSC is supposed to "task" the CAC to look into certain things. It appears the CAC can not act by their own motion unless directed to do so. The PSC is not made up of contestors or DX-ers but rather ARRL Division Directors and Staff. So why should I expect them to have any sensitivity to 160 meter operations and trying to have a fair and equitable contest their. My specific problem with the structure of the ARRL 160 contest is that US Territories are relegated to a second class status where we are not considered DX at all. (For this contest KP2 is the same as location KP1 and KP4 is the same location as KP5) Neither KP1 nor KP5 have an ARRL SCM or in fact neither have any population. To argue they are not DX for this only this contest alone for some unexplained reason is twisted logic. What is really strange is that the ARRL 10 meter Contest a week later ( a very popular event) counts US Territories, KH6 and KL7 as DX, as they should be. What reasoning can support this inconsistency, i.e. the ARRL has deemed these DX entities as non-DX for the 160 meter DX contest and the opposite for the 10 meter contest. Why? The fact that nobody, I repeat nobody, in this organization (which I am a member of) can come up with an answer, or put it on the CAC agenda to fix is troubling. This augers to being an indefensible mistake or at least a arbitrary and capricious rule made by someone who was oblivious to the consequences. I have never been able to find out who exactly at HQ 20 years ago came up with this rule. All they need to do is allow the U.S. Territories, KH6 and KL7 DX status. You know when you work them on 160 you have worked DX .The fact that the ARRL staff and PSC appear totally detached to low band DXing and Contesting and would even discuss the issue with you after a decade of begging for correction really make me wonder. Please help you fellow offshore topbanders and contact your favorite ARRL nabob as ask him about this. Thanks! 73, Herb Schoenbohm ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK -- No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 8.5.454 / Virus Database: 271.1.1/4077 - Release Date: 12/12/11 19:55:00 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: K9AY reloaded
Topbanders, i set up my K9AY again and i think i did better than last season. Maybe moving further away from the house did the trick. I layed out 16 radials slightly longer than the loops. They are bonded to an aluminum ground pin abt. 80cm long. Will a more dense radial net improve its performance? What else can I do? -- 73, Martin DM4iM ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
Another useless and endless discussion in the topband reflector .. - Original Message - From: Doug Renwick To: k...@swva.net ; 'Roger D Johnson' Cc: topband@contesting.com Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 4:42 PM Subject: Topband: QSL or CFM or R? I prefer QSL or CFM over R or Roger. In cw if a letter is missed, the missing letter can be 'filled in'. With R, if parts are missed, the missed parts cannot be filled in. The same with SSB, but not to the same extent. When I hear QSL or CFM it gives me a much higher level of confidence than R or Roger. Doug >-Original Message- > > I agree with Roger. Both "QSL" and "CFM" are inefficient ways for >indicating solid copy on CW. A simple "R" is all that's needed. > >73, Joe >K2XX > >On 12/13/2011 10:19 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote: >> My pet peeve is the use of QSL. It's supposed to indicate the receipt of a >> message. A simple "roger" will suffice for the receipt of a signal report. >> >> 73, Roger (no ten impunded) >> >> On 12/12/2011 4:06 PM, Carl Clawson wrote: Another constant irking remarks extant is the use of "Roger" in place of "over" or "go ahead". To which I always remark..."my name is Herb, not Roger... Roger? ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
On 12/13/2011 11:25 AM, ZR wrote: > Folks might want to stop at the next Comcast or whatever is in your > area service van and watch how they do the connectors. Anyone getting > caught using vise grips would be delivering pizzas the next day. But that's only true if the specific connector type exactly matches the physical construction of the cable, and if the right tool is used. The match between cable and connector is the key part of the problem. Someone who is buying tens of millions of feet of cable and millions of connectors for a CATV company has the luxury of free samples of both from the manufacturers to make sure they are getting that match exactly right, or the recommendation from a mfr's rep, and in some cases, even getting connectors made to match the cable.. The rest of us are doing our best to match the descriptions in one catalog with the descriptions in another. 73, Jim K9YC ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
It shouldn't take so much force that you need pliers to slide the connector body onto the cable. That sounds to me like the foil is jamming up inside the cable/connector. What I've always done with the quad-shield (and tri-shield) cable is to remove the outer foil and then fold both braids back over the jacket with the plastic snap-ring between the jacket and the braid (similar to how the inner metal ring works in an N connector). If the inner foil isn't bonded to the dielectric then I usually remove that too but you need to be careful since the foil needs to go *inside* the tube-like inner part of the metal connector body. It's very important that neither the foil nor the braid get stuffed back down into the jacket when installing an SNS-type F connector. If the foil gets stuffed down into the cable the connector will be a real pain to slide in place. If the braid gets stuffed down into the cable the connector won't be able to properly grip the cable once installed due to the too-small effective diameter of the cable with the displaced braid. I also don't think the newer-style connectors that have an integral snap-in plastic piece are as a good as the older style where the snap-in piece was completely removable from the metal connector body. I've always found the "two piece" type SNS connectors to hold better after installation. -Bill > Over the years, with considerable experimentation (and a fair number of > wasted connectors), I've learned that, even with the "right" connector, > I must twist the connector onto the cable with considerable force using > vice-grip pliers, then crimp it. I am currently using Paladin > connectors and a $20 Paladin crimper that I bought at Fry's a year or so > ago. I bought two jars, one color coded black and the other violet. They > seem to work equally well with the RG6 that I have, and I can't pull > them off once they are on. > > 73, Jim K9YC > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
Yes really. FCC does not rule the world and in this case FCC is wrong. Country designator is put before the callsign. This changed way back in the 1970´ties Not to confuse things if I go to England and work mobile I could sign G3/SM2EKM/m or M3/SM2EKM/m, plain and simple and not confusing. Not to waist any more BW I will now QSY to a different QRG. /Jim SM2EKM On 2011-12-13 06:32, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > Really? > > FCC rules: > > (c) One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each > indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or > by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is > self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and > after, the call sign.*No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any > other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned > to another country.* > > *M England (M3xxx and M6xxx - Foundation Class Licence, > All others - Full Licence Grade) > 14 27* > > > > As I said nobody enforces this. Your licensing may be different. > > Mike W0MU > > W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net > > > On 12/12/2011 10:21 PM, Jan Erik Holm wrote: >> This is so wrong. Please please stop spreading this wrong stuff. >> >> It is a mobile designator and NO nothing else. >> >> /Jim SM2EKM >> - >> On 2011-12-12 18:21, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: >>> Legally signing /M is only legal if you are in England or one of the >>> countries that uses the M prefix. It is readily accepted as Mobile but >>> is not a legal designator. I am not sure that most of the ones you >>> listed are legal IARU or ITU call designators. This could vary from >>> country to country. >>> >>> >>> >>> Mike W0MU >> ___ >> UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
I personally use 'R', 'RR' or 'RRR' if sigs are low. I also use TU If sigs are VRY GOOD, depends on condx, when in S&P. If im running a QRG I use 'TU' when sigs are good and R, RR or RRR when sigs are not so good then my exchange. ( When I hear some one send R or RR or RRR to me after i send them information weather its my call or my exchange and not 'TU', that is a * CLEAR* indication to me, as an operator, that they dont hear me well.. so I may willfully repeat info to assist them if the time is applicable , so they may not have to ask for a repeat, saving time / adding efficency) - If I need a info again I *DO NOT* send my exchange until im 95% clear on theirs. - When I hear ANY other 3 letter variant when in a qso.. my brain thinks that possibly their trying to send me just their suffix.. and if there is QSB or low sigs.. its VERY FRUSTRATING. - When asking for a fill PSE PSE ( pet peeve of mine ) Dont send ur requested info such as your call like this - '*N2JDQ N2JDQ JDQ JDQ*' or *'N2JDQ N2JDQ ( slow speed down alot ) N2JDQ N2JDQ*' .. when the brain is trying to compensate for QSB, static, qrm, ect .. you MUST keep EVERYTHING as consistent as possible.. once you begin calling someone.. unless asked to QRS,,,I think the majority would prefer that you keep the same speed . Adding variables is pointless, a waste of time, and un efficient. I see this habit a lot. If others don't agree with this that's very FB.. I'll never mention it again..but I don't think any one can argue the common sense of it. -For instance if I get a partial call.. and I Think I heard 'W0' .. and I send 'W0 W0 W0?' Sending your 2 or 3 letter suffix is FB i get that...Ive had this happen before on many ocasions. However Ive also had this happen.. Ill use the W0 as an example.. I send 'W0 W0 W0?' And I get 'AAA AAA AAA'..good deal right? So I send RRR W0AAA TU or just "exchange" And then they send N2JDQ *K*0AAA K0AAA K0AAA TU 'Exchange'.. and im left going whaaa? So I send 'CALL CALL K0AAA?' or some variant..and their either gone or discouraged or I get them seinding their prefix now K0 K0 K0 K0. I think most of us have had this or similar happen. Its not efficient. #1 Issue with this.. it IS possible I heard a W0 and now a K0 is peaking up.. answering a call for SOMEONE else. #2 Its VERY possible I copied wrong, If i Send W0 W0 W0? go into RX and wait 6 or so seconds.. and hear absolulty nothing.. in a CONTEST situation.. the next thing i send is QRZ QRZ DE N2JDQ.. so whoever WAS calling me knows im off of my W0 mindset. Why dont I send the 'cq test'... because I want to know who was calling Initially, and I respect their time in trying to work me, and dont want a 'new'..possibly louder station to answer my CQ @ that time. -If for instance I send 'K0AAA TU (EXCHANGE) K' and I hear ' AT AT AT ' in reply my initial thought is that oops his/her call is K0AAT..but here is where you can get bit its happened to me.. in actuality their call is K0AT, in this instance where a letter has been added to your call.. sending the last two will mess things up.. because the recieving station thinks he is in qso with a 1x3 call , OBVIOUSLY by the call he replied with.. what I do, when this happens to me is either A) send full call again multiple times.. or 2) Just the suffix again multiple times..in this case AT is his full suffix.. I would recommend a multiple, full call repeat with NO CODE speed variation ..think about it,, if u send K0AT K0AT @ 22 wpm then slow down to 15wpm and send K0AT K0AT in the same transsmition @ that lower speed.. the receiving station is going to think he is missing a letter due to the time difference. At the end of the day your mileage may vary...just some 'hopefully' useful bits of information from a nobody. -Steve Raas N2JDQ On Tue, Dec 13, 2011 at 1:24 PM, bob finger wrote: > Bill you nailed it. You must get a confirmation of some type. I > personally prefer to send GL on cw or "good luck" on the rare times I'm > on ssb. 73 works too. CFM seems popular in EU. If I call you and you > don't confirm my exchange then you won't be in my log and it will cost > you points. I can hit delete just as fast as I can hit "enter". If > more of us do this, the habit of guys not confirming will gradually > diminish, assuming they care. 73 bob de w9ge > > cqtestk...@aol.com wrote: > > > > >...and that's how you get a NIL. > > > > > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
On CW after the exchange TU works... -Original Message- From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of bob finger Sent: Tuesday, December 13, 2011 1:25 PM To: cqtestk...@aol.com Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R? Bill you nailed it. You must get a confirmation of some type. I personally prefer to send GL on cw or "good luck" on the rare times I'm on ssb. 73 works too. CFM seems popular in EU. If I call you and you don't confirm my exchange then you won't be in my log and it will cost you points. I can hit delete just as fast as I can hit "enter". If more of us do this, the habit of guys not confirming will gradually diminish, assuming they care. 73 bob de w9ge cqtestk...@aol.com wrote: > >...and that's how you get a NIL. > > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RG-6 CONNECTORS installation instructions
http://www-public.tnb.com/shared/inst/ta03533-tb2.pdf Note instructions for quad shield cable!! Here is another PDF that has cable to connector compatibility chart at the end. http://www.beldenbroadband.com/pdf/LRCHB-DROP.pdf This does not display properly on my computer. Illustrations are blocky but text is OK 73, Roger On 12/13/2011 4:53 AM, Bill and Liz McHugh wrote: >> With all the different types of "RG-6" cable out there you sure need to do >> your homework before buying connectors! >> >> Bill VE3NH >> -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
On 12/12/2011 9:34 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > After stripping off the jacket you need to fold back the braid over the > jacket and then slide the connector on. It should not be terribly > difficult but they do not slide on without resistance. About eight years ago, I bought a fairly expensive T&B tool, a nice stripper, and moderate quantities of six different connectors to fit different coax types, and attempted to use them with some quad shielded Commscope RG6 to rewire my home in Chicago for FM and TV antenna distribution. Not one of them went onto the cable without effort, and not one of them stayed on the cable with even the slightest pull. I had similar results with other RG6 cables after I moved to CA a few years later. Over the years, with considerable experimentation (and a fair number of wasted connectors), I've learned that, even with the "right" connector, I must twist the connector onto the cable with considerable force using vice-grip pliers, then crimp it. I am currently using Paladin connectors and a $20 Paladin crimper that I bought at Fry's a year or so ago. I bought two jars, one color coded black and the other violet. They seem to work equally well with the RG6 that I have, and I can't pull them off once they are on. 73, Jim K9YC ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
Bill you nailed it. You must get a confirmation of some type. I personally prefer to send GL on cw or "good luck" on the rare times I'm on ssb. 73 works too. CFM seems popular in EU. If I call you and you don't confirm my exchange then you won't be in my log and it will cost you points. I can hit delete just as fast as I can hit "enter". If more of us do this, the habit of guys not confirming will gradually diminish, assuming they care. 73 bob de w9ge cqtestk...@aol.com wrote: > >...and that's how you get a NIL. > > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6 CONNECTORS
On 12/13/2011 4:53 AM, Bill and Liz McHugh wrote: > With all the different types of "RG-6" cable out there you sure need to do > your homework before buying connectors! > > Bill VE3NH > ___ Ain't THAT the truth? This thread has reminded me of all the times I have sat out in the rain and/or dark fixing "RG6" coax lines, only to have the connector fall off in my hand because the "RG6" and connector did not agree as to diameter. Garry, NI6T > ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: ARRL 160 meter Contest Redux
Tree, I don't mean to toss another grenade in the room but..I have sent e mails to every CAC member about the problems many have with the structure of 160 meter DX Contest. Only one member of the CAC gave me the courtesy of a reply which basically said that the CAC no longer calls the shots but that a new group called the PSC is in charge to provide a layer of protection from any uncontrolled reaction by the CAC contrary to the wishes of HQ. So what used to be a contest structure from the ground up has been reversed by executive fiat to come from the top down. Here is what I found out The PSC is supposed to "task" the CAC to look into certain things. It appears the CAC can not act by their own motion unless directed to do so. The PSC is not made up of contestors or DX-ers but rather ARRL Division Directors and Staff. So why should I expect them to have any sensitivity to 160 meter operations and trying to have a fair and equitable contest their. My specific problem with the structure of the ARRL 160 contest is that US Territories are relegated to a second class status where we are not considered DX at all. (For this contest KP2 is the same as location KP1 and KP4 is the same location as KP5) Neither KP1 nor KP5 have an ARRL SCM or in fact neither have any population. To argue they are not DX for this only this contest alone for some unexplained reason is twisted logic. What is really strange is that the ARRL 10 meter Contest a week later ( a very popular event) counts US Territories, KH6 and KL7 as DX, as they should be. What reasoning can support this inconsistency, i.e. the ARRL has deemed these DX entities as non-DX for the 160 meter DX contest and the opposite for the 10 meter contest. Why? The fact that nobody, I repeat nobody, in this organization (which I am a member of) can come up with an answer, or put it on the CAC agenda to fix is troubling. This augers to being an indefensible mistake or at least a arbitrary and capricious rule made by someone who was oblivious to the consequences. I have never been able to find out who exactly at HQ 20 years ago came up with this rule. All they need to do is allow the U.S. Territories, KH6 and KL7 DX status. You know when you work them on 160 you have worked DX .The fact that the ARRL staff and PSC appear totally detached to low band DXing and Contesting and would even discuss the issue with you after a decade of begging for correction really make me wonder. Please help you fellow offshore topbanders and contact your favorite ARRL nabob as ask him about this. Thanks! 73, Herb Schoenbohm ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
Fine. But in marginal conditions a single R can easily get lost to a static burst or signal flutter/rapid QSB. I still contend that RRR is the same length as QSL or CFM and more likely to be understood if part of it happens to be missed. Paul On 12/13/2011 11:13 AM, Doug Renwick wrote: > Hold on just a minute. I am talking about a single QSL or single CFM not a > long string of these. I don't need a long string of s. > Besides the string or Rs wastes too much time. And also I am talking about > marginal copying conditions. If the station is 60 over 9, then nothing > needs to be said to confirm. > > Doug ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
...and that's how you get a NIL. Always confirm whether it's a R, CFM or QSL. Some guys will NOT put you in the log unless they hear the confirmation. Bill KH7XS/K4XS In a message dated 12/13/2011 4:13:16 P.M. Greenwich Standard Time, ve...@sasktel.net writes: If the station is 60 over 9, then nothing needs to be said to confirm. ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
My $0.02 worth: A single R is sufficient if signals are strong and QRM is not a major factor. In weak signal conditions RRR is more efficient than QSL or CFM. There is a reason a long sequence of RR was chosen for EME many years ago rather than a long string of QSLQSLQSL or CFMCFMCFM. The less complex the message, the greater the chances it will be received and understood. If a DX station on topband is obviously struggling to copy me and asks if he has my call right I will respond with RR as it has proven to be more effective than anything else in conveying that indeed he does have it correct. 73, Paul On 12/13/2011 10:42 AM, Doug Renwick wrote: > I prefer QSL or CFM over R or Roger. In cw if a letter is missed, the > missing letter can be 'filled in'. With R, if parts are missed, the missed > parts cannot be filled in. The same with SSB, but not to the same extent. > When I hear QSL or CFM it gives me a much higher level of confidence than R > or Roger. > > Doug > >> -Original Message- >> >> I agree with Roger. Both "QSL" and "CFM" are inefficient ways for >> indicating solid copy on CW. A simple "R" is all that's needed. ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
Hold on just a minute. I am talking about a single QSL or single CFM not a long string of these. I don't need a long string of s. Besides the string or Rs wastes too much time. And also I am talking about marginal copying conditions. If the station is 60 over 9, then nothing needs to be said to confirm. Doug >-Original Message- > >My $0.02 worth: > >A single R is sufficient if signals are strong and QRM is not a >major factor. In weak signal conditions RRR is more efficient than >QSL or CFM. There is a reason a long sequence of RR was >chosen for EME many years ago rather than a long string of QSLQSLQSL >or CFMCFMCFM. The less complex the message, the greater the chances >it will be received and understood. If a DX station on topband is >obviously struggling to copy me and asks if he has my call right I >will respond with RR as it has proven to be more effective than >anything else in conveying that indeed he does have it correct. > >73, >Paul ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
On Dec 13, 2011, at 10:19 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote: > My pet peeve is the use of QSL. It's supposed to indicate the receipt of a > message. A simple "roger" will suffice for the receipt of a signal report. "Roger" is proper for phone use, it's the old phonetic for R. Just a plain "R" is proper for CW or keyboard use. Ken WA8JXM ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
R or a string of 's has shown to work better for me. Mike W0MU W0MU-1 CC Cluster w0mu.net On 12/13/2011 9:02 AM, N1BUG wrote: > My $0.02 worth: > > A single R is sufficient if signals are strong and QRM is not a > major factor. In weak signal conditions RRR is more efficient than > QSL or CFM. There is a reason a long sequence of RR was > chosen for EME many years ago rather than a long string of QSLQSLQSL > or CFMCFMCFM. The less complex the message, the greater the chances > it will be received and understood. If a DX station on topband is > obviously struggling to copy me and asks if he has my call right I > will respond with RR as it has proven to be more effective than > anything else in conveying that indeed he does have it correct. > > 73, > Paul > > > > On 12/13/2011 10:42 AM, Doug Renwick wrote: >> I prefer QSL or CFM over R or Roger. In cw if a letter is missed, the >> missing letter can be 'filled in'. With R, if parts are missed, the missed >> parts cannot be filled in. The same with SSB, but not to the same extent. >> When I hear QSL or CFM it gives me a much higher level of confidence than R >> or Roger. >> >> Doug >> >>> -Original Message- >>> >>>I agree with Roger. Both "QSL" and "CFM" are inefficient ways for >>> indicating solid copy on CW. A simple "R" is all that's needed. > ___ > UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: QSL or CFM or R?
I prefer QSL or CFM over R or Roger. In cw if a letter is missed, the missing letter can be 'filled in'. With R, if parts are missed, the missed parts cannot be filled in. The same with SSB, but not to the same extent. When I hear QSL or CFM it gives me a much higher level of confidence than R or Roger. Doug >-Original Message- > > I agree with Roger. Both "QSL" and "CFM" are inefficient ways for >indicating solid copy on CW. A simple "R" is all that's needed. > >73, Joe >K2XX > >On 12/13/2011 10:19 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote: >> My pet peeve is the use of QSL. It's supposed to indicate the receipt of a >> message. A simple "roger" will suffice for the receipt of a signal report. >> >> 73, Roger (no ten impunded) >> >> On 12/12/2011 4:06 PM, Carl Clawson wrote: Another constant irking remarks extant is the use of "Roger" in place of "over" or "go ahead". To which I always remark..."my name is Herb, not Roger... Roger? ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
I agree with Roger. Both "QSL" and "CFM" are inefficient ways for indicating solid copy on CW. A simple "R" is all that's needed. 73, Joe K2XX On 12/13/2011 10:19 AM, Roger D Johnson wrote: > My pet peeve is the use of QSL. It's supposed to indicate the receipt of a > message. A simple "roger" will suffice for the receipt of a signal report. > > 73, Roger (no ten impunded) > > On 12/12/2011 4:06 PM, Carl Clawson wrote: >>> Another constant irking remarks extant is the use of "Roger" >>> in place of >>> "over" or "go ahead". To which I always remark..."my name is >>> Herb, not >>> Roger... Roger? >> ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
My pet peeve is the use of QSL. It's supposed to indicate the receipt of a message. A simple "roger" will suffice for the receipt of a signal report. 73, Roger (no ten impunded) On 12/12/2011 4:06 PM, Carl Clawson wrote: >> Another constant irking remarks extant is the use of "Roger" >> in place of >> "over" or "go ahead". To which I always remark..."my name is >> Herb, not >> Roger... Roger? > > -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RG-6 CONNECTORS
I have 47 RG-6 connectors out of a 50 pack-Paladin #9646-which I purchased in error...I found out that I did not have the correct crimp tool. If anyone is interested in these please contact me off list. With all the different types of "RG-6" cable out there you sure need to do your homework before buying connectors! Bill VE3NH ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
Give it a rest, guys...! If someone elects to sign "/QRP", what of it...? Who cares about legalities, when every day on the band one hears stations working DX, & not giving the DX station's callsign at any time in the exchange...? And how about those endless "CQ DX/TEST" calls emanating ceaselessly from the "machines" that habituate 160-meters...? Yes, there are things to gripe about, alright---but there are far more to enjoy & to celebrate on Topband. I guess that's why we're all addicted to it! 'Nuff said...happy Topbanding, one & all... ~73~ de Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors
Hello Gary, Lots of great info from the group. From my calculations, you only need probably ten connectors for your triangle array. Match them up and go for it my friend. You spent thousands on the radio and amplifier. The RX antenna is the most important part of your TB system. Bite the bullet and get the good connectors. GL and 73, Bob K3UL ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: QRP Question
On 13/12/2011 05:32, W0MU Mike Fatchett wrote: > Really? > > FCC rules: > > (c) One or more indicators may be included with the call sign. Each > indicator must be separated from the call sign by the slant mark (/) or > by any suitable word that denotes the slant mark. If an indicator is > self-assigned, it must be included before, after, or both before and > after, the call sign.*No self-assigned indicator may conflict with any > other indicator specified by the FCC Rules or with any prefix assigned > to another country.* > > *M England (M3xxx and M6xxx - Foundation Class Licence, > All others - Full Licence Grade) > 14 27* If I understood right, the "I'm in another country" bit goes in front over here, so a US amateur visiting the UK would be M/W1BB and if operating mobile, would be M/W1BB/M. When I drive in Germany, I'm DL/G3OIT/M. I recall that when I operated in the USA, I was told to use G3OIT/W8 so maybe the US puts the visitor flag in a different place. Certainly, if I heard W1BB/M I would think he was in his car in the USA, not in the UK. I agree, though, that it's pointless to sign /QRP. I suppose the next step would be for those with a good linear to sign /QRO_BUT_LOUSY_ANTENNA We used to have /A (alternative location) but that was dropped and we're told to use /P (even if the kit isn't portable). There is also /AM but the authorities here aren't keen to issue permits for that - I tried once: the requirements were impossible to meet. We do still have /M and /MM with various restrictions applying. 73 and Good Yule, Keith G3OIT ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
