Re: Topband: Vertical vs inverted L question/opinions
On 11/08/2013 23:15, Herb Schoenbohm wrote: Why is an inverted L apparently so popular on 160 when it wastes so much RF as a cloud warmer? It is so easy converting an inverted L into a Marconi T. It's popular because relatively few operators have the space or facility for two tall strong end supports. The L has always worked very well indeed for me and my DXCC score says so :-) _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair
On 8/12/2013 2:10 PM, JC N4IS wrote: 50/75 BALUN Thanks for the detailed post, Carlos. BUT -- please let's use the right words to describe things so that people understand what you're describing and how it works. I strongly suspect that at least some of those things you are calling a balun are really a simple transformer -- that is, a primary and a secondary with magnetic coupling between them, and probably on a ferrite or powdered iron core. If it's a transformer, let's call it a transformer. Likewise, if we have a common mode choke formed by winding a coil of the transmission line, it is a common mode choke, not a balun. Using the word balun confuses things, because that word is used to describe at least a dozen very different things that I know of. When we use the word balun, it's a magic box that few hams really understand. When we use the right word, most hams have a chance of understanding what it does in a circuit. :) Yes, there are arrays of common mode chokes that can be used to transform impedance, and there are transmission line transformers of various sorts that can do that as well. BTW -- your discussion of phasing between elements of an RX array causes me to add an important post script to my advice that a perfect match is not required. When ANY passive network is used to produce phase shift, the source and termination impedances DO matter. The tricky part, though, is knowing what the input Z of the RX is, and if you're doing something like a phased array using phasing lines that end at the RX input, it might be a good idea to actually measure input Z and the antenna Zs with a VNA. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Antw: Re: Lightning QRN season?
Hi Mike, You're right of course, but some of us small-backyard-suckers suffer from summer season gremlins:) - Neighbors (and/or YL/XYL) sitting in their garden 17/7 object to your visual TX antenna (even a wire) - All 35 backyard-radials are coiled up and hidden from may 1st till oct. 1st - Strange looking piece of turning loop removed from sun-patio, tripping cables cut, by (X)YL - BOG and other RX antennas removed from adjacent public territory to avoid playing kids, city mowers etc. 73 Mark, PA5MW (waiting for that winter to arrive again) Op 08/13/13, Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com schreef: All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair
A transformer that is connected such that it is UNbalanced on one side and BALanced on the other, and connected that way on purpose, is not a balun? Tim N3QE - Original Message - From: Jim Brown [mailto:j...@audiosystemsgroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 03:16 AM To: topband@contesting.com topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair On 8/12/2013 2:10 PM, JC N4IS wrote: 50/75 BALUN Thanks for the detailed post, Carlos. BUT -- please let's use the right words to describe things so that people understand what you're describing and how it works. I strongly suspect that at least some of those things you are calling a balun are really a simple transformer -- that is, a primary and a secondary with magnetic coupling between them, and probably on a ferrite or powdered iron core. If it's a transformer, let's call it a transformer. Likewise, if we have a common mode choke formed by winding a coil of the transmission line, it is a common mode choke, not a balun. Using the word balun confuses things, because that word is used to describe at least a dozen very different things that I know of. When we use the word balun, it's a magic box that few hams really understand. When we use the right word, most hams have a chance of understanding what it does in a circuit. :) Yes, there are arrays of common mode chokes that can be used to transform impedance, and there are transmission line transformers of various sorts that can do that as well. BTW -- your discussion of phasing between elements of an RX array causes me to add an important post script to my advice that a perfect match is not required. When ANY passive network is used to produce phase shift, the source and termination impedances DO matter. The tricky part, though, is knowing what the input Z of the RX is, and if you're doing something like a phased array using phasing lines that end at the RX input, it might be a good idea to actually measure input Z and the antenna Zs with a VNA. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
On 08/12/2013 11:29 PM, Mike Waters wrote: Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. I love a good brain-vs-noise challenge too. That's what attracted me to VHF/UHF EME back in the day when it was done with CW. That's probably why I DX on 160 and 6 meters today. Everything in between is just too easy! All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) I'm disappointed. I had planned to remain active all summer on 160 this year. I thought I had a light summer on tap. Instead, what was to be minor work on my home turned into an all summer battle with both exterior walls of the ham shack being torn out and rebuilt, among other things. I've been completely off the air for some three months now. 73, Paul N1BUG _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair
Yes, that's a complicated matter. The name and the function can get very confused if you don't know what you are doing. Any transformer can change the voltage from the primary to the secondary and the impedance follow the square of turn ratio. How you connect the transformer is an application. How you build the transformer is an art! For broadband RX antennas you want the transformer to be broadband. For isolation from the primary to the secondary you want low capacitance. An autotransformer could be used as BALUN, balances input and unbalanced output, it could be broadband, but has no isolation. One example, you take a FT140-77 core and build a primary 12 turns in one side and 4 turns on the other side, you have a voltage transformer but it will perform very bad as a BALUN, or a BALBAL or UNUN depending your application. However if you build 3 times 4 turns for the primary and add 4 turns on secondary in between the primary, you can get the same voltage transformer but It will work as a broadband impedance transformer from 1 MHz to 10 MHz with no adding reactance if the load is a pure resistor or low inductance resistor. I did try to explain it with text, I used pictures, I posted diagrams but people come back to me saying the antenna is not working. When I check what the guy did, he was using the wrong transformer. Jim I'm with you again, very few hams really understand it. Regards JCarlos N4IS -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Shoppa, Tim Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 8:08 AM To: 'j...@audiosystemsgroup.com'; 'topband@contesting.com' Subject: Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair A transformer that is connected such that it is UNbalanced on one side and BALanced on the other, and connected that way on purpose, is not a balun? Tim N3QE - Original Message - From: Jim Brown [mailto:j...@audiosystemsgroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 03:16 AM To: topband@contesting.com topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair On 8/12/2013 2:10 PM, JC N4IS wrote: 50/75 BALUN Thanks for the detailed post, Carlos. BUT -- please let's use the right words to describe things so that people understand what you're describing and how it works. I strongly suspect that at least some of those things you are calling a balun are really a simple transformer -- that is, a primary and a secondary with magnetic coupling between them, and probably on a ferrite or powdered iron core. If it's a transformer, let's call it a transformer. Likewise, if we have a common mode choke formed by winding a coil of the transmission line, it is a common mode choke, not a balun. Using the word balun confuses things, because that word is used to describe at least a dozen very different things that I know of. When we use the word balun, it's a magic box that few hams really understand. When we use the right word, most hams have a chance of understanding what it does in a circuit. :) Yes, there are arrays of common mode chokes that can be used to transform impedance, and there are transmission line transformers of various sorts that can do that as well. BTW -- your discussion of phasing between elements of an RX array causes me to add an important post script to my advice that a perfect match is not required. When ANY passive network is used to produce phase shift, the source and termination impedances DO matter. The tricky part, though, is knowing what the input Z of the RX is, and if you're doing something like a phased array using phasing lines that end at the RX input, it might be a good idea to actually measure input Z and the antenna Zs with a VNA. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair
On 8/13/2013 5:07 AM, Shoppa, Tim wrote: A transformer that is connected such that it is UNbalanced on one side and BALanced on the other, and connected that way on purpose, is not a balun? A transformer is a transformer is a transformer. For more than a century, we have used plain, ordinary transformers in exactly this manner in audio circuits, in the input and output stages of radios, in power supplies, and in the power distribution system, and we have called them transformers. Indeed, they are transformers. In power circuits, audio circuits, they are wound on some sort of magnetic core. In RF circuits, they may be wound on a magnetic core, or an air core, depending on circuit impedances and operating frequencies. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Baluns?
No apology at all from here for piling on prior postings. This really needs to drubbed into hamdom's collective consciousness. Folks want things to be simple: no long paragraphs, no big words, no long versions allowed, executive summaries only, no details. Some things actually are simple that way for useful results, if you don't cut it too fine. Other things are complex, full of traps, riddled with opportunities for bad results. The devil is in the details, and without the details you can't tell what you've got. Transformers, chokes, auto-transformers and (true) baluns are complicated with lots of opportunities to mess them up. If you have a simple mental concept for those, you are probably going to be had. When you are working on those, it's a mental tiger on your workbench, not a pussycat. The word balun has been so misused it's almost worthless for a clear discussion. These days just about any blob with a coax connector on either end is called a balun. And some manufacturers take full advantage of this ignorance to put some real junk out there. Other manufacturers put out tested designs with windings and core very carefully designed and tested to a specific purpose. Caveat Emptor !! Put a bifilar winding on a toroid. Depending on how you connect the winding wires, it can be a transformer with isolated windings, a common mode choke, an auto-transformer, or a 4:1 Ruthroff balun. They all behave differently in one aspect or another. The specifics of the winding and the core material and size used will have enormous effect on the operational range and behavior of the product. Some combinations of winding and core are completely useless at a given frequency. Other combinations of wire and core will have excessive loss for QRP use and will crack or burn at QRO. There is no way to simplify that discussion and reach factual conclusions. We just have to deal with it. 73, Guy. On Tue, Aug 13, 2013 at 9:43 AM, JC N4IS n...@comcast.net wrote: Yes, that's a complicated matter. The name and the function can get very confused if you don't know what you are doing. Any transformer can change the voltage from the primary to the secondary and the impedance follow the square of turn ratio. How you connect the transformer is an application. How you build the transformer is an art! For broadband RX antennas you want the transformer to be broadband. For isolation from the primary to the secondary you want low capacitance. An autotransformer could be used as BALUN, balances input and unbalanced output, it could be broadband, but has no isolation. One example, you take a FT140-77 core and build a primary 12 turns in one side and 4 turns on the other side, you have a voltage transformer but it will perform very bad as a BALUN, or a BALBAL or UNUN depending your application. However if you build 3 times 4 turns for the primary and add 4 turns on secondary in between the primary, you can get the same voltage transformer but It will work as a broadband impedance transformer from 1 MHz to 10 MHz with no adding reactance if the load is a pure resistor or low inductance resistor. I did try to explain it with text, I used pictures, I posted diagrams but people come back to me saying the antenna is not working. When I check what the guy did, he was using the wrong transformer. Jim I'm with you again, very few hams really understand it. Regards JCarlos N4IS -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Shoppa, Tim Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 8:08 AM To: 'j...@audiosystemsgroup.com'; 'topband@contesting.com' Subject: Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair A transformer that is connected such that it is UNbalanced on one side and BALanced on the other, and connected that way on purpose, is not a balun? Tim N3QE - Original Message - From: Jim Brown [mailto:j...@audiosystemsgroup.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 03:16 AM To: topband@contesting.com topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Zo of an individual CAT5 twisted pair On 8/12/2013 2:10 PM, JC N4IS wrote: 50/75 BALUN Thanks for the detailed post, Carlos. BUT -- please let's use the right words to describe things so that people understand what you're describing and how it works. I strongly suspect that at least some of those things you are calling a balun are really a simple transformer -- that is, a primary and a secondary with magnetic coupling between them, and probably on a ferrite or powdered iron core. If it's a transformer, let's call it a transformer. Likewise, if we have a common mode choke formed by winding a coil of the transmission line, it is a common mode choke, not a balun. Using the word balun confuses things, because that word is used to describe at least a dozen very different things that I know of. When we use the word balun, it's a magic box that few hams really understand. When we use the right word,
Topband: Use of CAT 5 cable to feed a Beverage
I have just been given a 1000' roll of shielded CAT 5 cable of seemingly high grade. I would like to feed a far away start point to a 900 foot Beverage but not exactly sure on how this will work. Do I tie all cross pairs together? I understand there will be a need to have a small toroid to match the Beverage itself and see the advisability of floating the shield there. But do I ground the shield at the station end to try and create a Faraday shield to reduce common mode pick up or does this only work at AC and not at RF? Just curious Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ On 8/13/2013 3:16 AM, Jim Brown wrote: On 8/12/2013 2:10 PM, JC N4IS wrote: 50/75 BALUN Thanks for the detailed post, Carlos. BUT -- please let's use the right words to describe things so that people understand what you're describing and how it works. I strongly suspect that at least some of those things you are calling a balun are really a simple transformer -- that is, a primary and a secondary with magnetic coupling between them, and probably on a ferrite or powdered iron core. If it's a transformer, let's call it a transformer. Likewise, if we have a common mode choke formed by winding a coil of the transmission line, it is a common mode choke, not a balun. Using the word balun confuses things, because that word is used to describe at least a dozen very different things that I know of. When we use the word balun, it's a magic box that few hams really understand. When we use the right word, most hams have a chance of understanding what it does in a circuit. :) Yes, there are arrays of common mode chokes that can be used to transform impedance, and there are transmission line transformers of various sorts that can do that as well. BTW -- your discussion of phasing between elements of an RX array causes me to add an important post script to my advice that a perfect match is not required. When ANY passive network is used to produce phase shift, the source and termination impedances DO matter. The tricky part, though, is knowing what the input Z of the RX is, and if you're doing something like a phased array using phasing lines that end at the RX input, it might be a good idea to actually measure input Z and the antenna Zs with a VNA. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
Unfortunatly that's right, but not for all. Before going on Internet, I always check 1802.5 to see if W1AW is coming through...and if I hear it, I move up and give some CQ's, otherwise I go back in the sack. For sure I can confirm that this season has been the worst one in over 20 years of Topband summer DXing. Not even any activity with Africa or South America ! 73 Luis IV3PRK I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me with 30 watts. Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the summer!! Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?! Jim R. K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mstang...@comcast.net; mikew...@gmail.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:07:10 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season?
Keep that up, Jim, and you may hear some KH6 or other Pacific islands in the morning. Years ago, I worked VK3 one summer morning, when I didn't have time to tune up the amp and didn't want to alert other locals who were just down the band. Stick with it! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2:57 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; mstang...@comcast.net; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me with 30 watts. Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the summer!! Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?! Jim R. K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mstang...@comcast.net; mikew...@gmail.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:07:10 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season?
Worked the VK3 with 100w from the FT-757GX I had at that time. Antenna - Inverted L. -Original Message- From: Charlie Cunningham [mailto:charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 3:10 PM To: 'James Rodenkirch'; 'mstang...@comcast.net'; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: RE: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Keep that up, Jim, and you may hear some KH6 or other Pacific islands in the morning. Years ago, I worked VK3 one summer morning, when I didn't have time to tune up the amp and didn't want to alert other locals who were just down the band. Stick with it! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2:57 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; mstang...@comcast.net; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me with 30 watts. Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the summer!! Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?! Jim R. K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mstang...@comcast.net; mikew...@gmail.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:07:10 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season?
Well, it's winter down under - good quiet time for them to hear us! :-) -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of John Harden, D.M.D. Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 4:26 PM To: James Rodenkirch Cc: Charlie Cunningham; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? We have wrked into VK often this summer. 73, John, W4NU Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.com wrote: My intention, this summer, Charlie, is to hear and work one if those VKs.Have worked many KH6s and JAs but in the winter months so, yes, one or two of them in the log over the summer months would be a HUGE plus as well! 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:13:49 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? Worked the VK3 with 100w from the FT-757GX I had at that time. Antenna - Inverted L. -Original Message- From: Charlie Cunningham [mailto:charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 3:10 PM To: 'James Rodenkirch'; 'mstang...@comcast.net'; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: RE: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Keep that up, Jim, and you may hear some KH6 or other Pacific islands in the morning. Years ago, I worked VK3 one summer morning, when I didn't have time to tune up the amp and didn't want to alert other locals who were just down the band. Stick with it! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2:57 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; mstang...@comcast.net; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me with 30 watts. Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the summer!! Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?! Jim R. K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mstang...@comcast.net; mikew...@gmail.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:07:10 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try and copy weak signals buried in the noise. To me, that's what's the most fun about this hobby. That's why I loved working 144.2 MHz, the challenge. And I managed to work 30 states there from a section of Toledo, Ohio that had prolific power line noise. All I can think of is, what a bunch of wimps. Sorry if that offended anyone, but what else can we say? :-) 73, Mike www.w0btu.com _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Topband: Cat 5
So if I use Cat 5 cable to feed a tree against loaded radials, should I trim the branches into an Inverted-L shape or a T-shape? Just kidding :) 73 Steve K0SR _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season?
Well, because it's winter in VK, Jim, I expect that they have a better shot at hearing YOU!! Charlie -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 6:08 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; 'John Harden, D.M.D.' Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? Well, I work JAs with QRP power, Charlie, but that's during our fall/winter season so I expect every drop of power I can muster out of my little HF Packer Amp will be needed for KH6, or JA OR VK during this time of year - Hi Hi From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com; jh...@bellsouth.net Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 18:04:45 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? I think not, Jim! Check out John's profile on QRZ.com! Still, If I could work VK3 from NC with 100w, I expect that you have a shot from UT with 30w. Mine was NOT an easy QSO, and yours may not be either, but if you have been working JA with 30W, you certainly have a shot at VK/ZL, Good luck! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 5:52 PM To: John Harden, D.M.D. Cc: Charlie Cunningham; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? With power between 30 and 100 watts, John?? Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 16:26:07 -0400 From: jh...@bellsouth.net To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com CC: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com; topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? We have wrked into VK often this summer. 73, John, W4NU Sent from my Verizon Wireless 4G LTE DROID James Rodenkirch rodenkirch_...@msn.com wrote: My intention, this summer, Charlie, is to hear and work one if those VKs.Have worked many KH6s and JAs but in the winter months so, yes, one or two of them in the log over the summer months would be a HUGE plus as well! 72, Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: rodenkirch_...@msn.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 15:13:49 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: FW: Lightning QRN season? Worked the VK3 with 100w from the FT-757GX I had at that time. Antenna - Inverted L. -Original Message- From: Charlie Cunningham [mailto:charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com] Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 3:10 PM To: 'James Rodenkirch'; 'mstang...@comcast.net'; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: RE: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Keep that up, Jim, and you may hear some KH6 or other Pacific islands in the morning. Years ago, I worked VK3 one summer morning, when I didn't have time to tune up the amp and didn't want to alert other locals who were just down the band. Stick with it! 73, Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of James Rodenkirch Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 2:57 PM To: Charlie Cunningham; mstang...@comcast.net; 'Mike Waters' Cc: 'topband' Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Heck, got on 160 yesterday morning and called CQ -- had a nice chat with W7CB near San Luis Obispo, CAwonderful copy on both ends, he with a KW and me with 30 watts. Go figure - two guys on Top Band at the same time IN the summer!! Albeit not DX, will wonders never cease?!?!?! Jim R. K9JWV From: charlie-cunning...@nc.rr.com To: mstang...@comcast.net; mikew...@gmail.com Date: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 14:07:10 -0400 CC: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Sad, but true. Folks don't seem to listen much anymore. Seem to prefer being spoon-fed DX from Internet packet clusters. Charlie. K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Tuesday, August 13, 2013 1:42 PM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? Mike, I find the problem is that most operators today spend most of their time surfing the Web or chatting on varios social groups (like Yahoo Groups!). They gripe about lousy conditions or the lack of stations instead of just getting on the air and listening or giving a call. Like it or not, the Internet has changed our methods of communicating. Mike N2MS - Original Message - From: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tue, 13 Aug 2013 03:29:30 - (UTC) Subject: Re: Topband: Lightning QRN season? snip Frankly, I think many hams are just too lazy (maybe disinclined is a better word) to try
