Topband: Cndx ARRL 160 frm Europe

[Dr. Wolf Ostwald]

hello there reflectees !
the contest was fun , even under cndx lower than desired. Solar activity 
fired an AU-Index at 5 with a pretty strong solar wind.
Expexting not much i had set my operating time to 3 hrs before sunrise 
for each day.
The second nite yielded about twice as much dx as the first one did. But 
it never opended beyond the midwest. Or past Texas.
Although there seems to be a strong belief that this contest is a more 
or less domestic affair, i strongly disagree at this point.
For all serious topband afficionados in EU it is a party-time, a large 
number of transatlantic stations available on this prestigious band .
This contest is a powerful tool to observe propagation, maximize ones 
own technical abilities and have the most fun that any of the HF bands 
can get you.
As only W/VE counts for Europe, the dx content is not diluted at all. 
Like a straight shot. What could be better ?
I wanna thank all transatlantic stations that gave me a contact and 
apologize to the others that i might not have heard.

Looking fwd to ARRL160CW   2015  !

wolf df2py

Last word to be said  : "You can`t beat physics"
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Cndx ARRL 160 frm Europe

[Mike Waters]

Yes, but we're especially looking forward to the Stew Perry Topband
Distance Challenge at the end of this month!  IMHO, it is the best 160m
contest.
http://www.kkn.net/stew/
http://www.kkn.net/stew/stew.rules.txt

I just woke up. I slept through the chance to work Europe. :-(

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Sun, Dec 7, 2014 at 4:38 AM, Dr. Wolf Ostwald  wrote:

> ...
> Looking fwd to ARRL160CW   2015  !
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Quality of RBN data

[thorvaldur S T E F A N S S O N]

Hi JC,

as a proponent of remote technology, which I consider to be of immense
benefit to the Amateur Service, I think we should stick to facts and not
let our emotions concerning new technology cloud our thinking.

Although we will no doubt see cheaters employing remote technology one day,
I think your conclusions about cheating based on RBN data are wrong.

As someone who actually had a RBN receiver at my location for a few years,
I became intimately familiar with the reports from the system.

I had my cluster connection set to show the RBN report for my own
transmissions and the results were sometimes "unbelievable" indeed.

I found that often the RBN would give a fantastic report, yet I knew for a
fact that I might be just above the nose level in that area.

What happens is that the RBN receivers grab the call sign of the DX but a
split second later measure the signal level of the stations calling the DX.


If one of those stations is a local, you see those fantastically strong
signal reports, I think I saw a 70dB report once from the US on 160!

My transmit antenna - the Arctic King - may be powerful, but it´s not  that
powerful ;-)

In a contest environment with many strong local stations this problem
reaches monumental proportions rendering the RBN reports in many cases
meaningless.

I think we should take those RBN reports with a grain of salt and not
submit unsubstantiated accusations.


73 Thor, TF4M


--
Reference:






*Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2014 15:51:16 -0500From: "JC" >To: >,
>Subject: Re: Topband:
ARRL160 Test conditions*


*Hi guys*




*We have a new class of station this year, few but some European
stationsrunning contest from remote station in US using European call sign,
notW4/ or W7/xxx not even xxx/W4.*











*Today with the RBN it is easy to confirm where the station is
transmitting,you just need to search the call sign r down load the report
with allreports and filter it using Excel.First of all , it is illegal to
operate in US without a US license notmention the ethic that does not exist
and the Ham radio contest aspect ofthe event. Forget about DCXX program the
issue is real treat for all of usthat love what we do in 160m.Check that
small report from RBN from EA7PP yesterday night, you can verifyreports up
to 52db signal in Virginia RBN station and several over 40 db inUS at the
same time 5-15 db in Europe and sometimes up to 24 db in Europe.*
http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0









*&c=ea7pp&t=dxjust unbelievable!!73'sN4ISJC*


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

Re: Topband: topband report from 4V1JR

[Tom W8JI]

The purpose for my earlier Email (which I now wish I had not sent)  was to 
ask if our friends in EU if they heard us and how was our signal. That is 
all I wanted to know.


And I apologize for busting our callsign, and other mistakes that I may 
have made.  I am still recovering from an extremely difficult and very 
stressful trip. My apologies to all.


Vy 73

Dale - N3BNA


Dale,

I appreciate the difficulties you went through. I'm sure the unspoken masses 
understand what anyone goes though to set up a temporary station, and 
appreciate your effort.


I'd like to apologize for the tone and insensitivity of some public 
responses to your efforts. They do not represent reality.


73 Tom 


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

Re: Topband: ARRL160 Test conditions

[Tim Shoppa]

I thought EU was coming in fine both nights. I didn't work many strings of
5-pointers but then again I didn't stay up through EU sunrise.

Sometimes the pileups on the CQ'ing EU stations were extremely rude
severely hampering their rates, while other EU on the band were CQ'ing
lonely. Maybe the EU's that had the best rates were S&P! NA CQ'ing stations
were as close as 300Hz apart so by setting my filters wide I could hear the
EU working their way up the band on the way to me.

Conditions to 7-land seemed really excellent Friday night. There were some
6's but many many more 7's. Wow, there were a lot of Arizonas and
Washington states.

Tim N3QE

On Sat, Dec 6, 2014 at 2:06 PM, Gary Smith  wrote:

> I'm running QRP in the contest and found
> for some reason I can't hear much DX as
> other years. Lots of stateside & VE
> contacts but just not much else from my
> QTH. I've only been able to make three 5
> point Qs and sure QRP is big in that but I
> can't hear them this year using my same
> equipment as always, K3 & HI-Z Triangular
> & right on the ocean.
>
> I find it interesting how fast some
> stations fire off their CQ tests, often so
> fast I find replying even with my short
> call, they are starting a new CQ when I'm
> done replying. Guess they are listening
> for a strong signal and if its not heard
> instantly, they kick the machine to keep
> the flywheel going. Must work for them but
> they have to be losing on DX stations.
>
> I've made a fair amount of Q's so I'm
> getting my signal out but it's a personal
> challenge to not be able to work everyone
> I hear. Maybe tonight will be some
> different. I'm definitely having fun.
>
> Good luck to all,
>
> Gary
> KA1J
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> protection is active.
> http://www.avast.com
>
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>
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Re: Topband: Quality of RBN data

[JC]

Hi Thor

 

Thanks for the heads up I did now that the RBN is so unreliable, and I am very 
disappointed with RHR marketing proposal.  

 

EA7PP signal was s7 when most of Europeans just above noise. But you right I 
should not accuse people at the first place. 

 

I apologies for my impulse behavior  I already apologized to Jose EA7KV.

 

Regards

JC

N4IS 

 

From: thorvaldur S T E F A N S S O N [mailto:otrada...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2014 7:25 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: n...@comcast.net
Subject: Quality of RBN data

 

Hi JC,

 

as a proponent of remote technology, which I consider to be of immense benefit 
to the Amateur Service, I think we should stick to facts and not let our 
emotions concerning new technology cloud our thinking.

 

Although we will no doubt see cheaters employing remote technology one day, I 
think your conclusions about cheating based on RBN data are wrong.

 

As someone who actually had a RBN receiver at my location for a few years, I 
became intimately familiar with the reports from the system.  

 

I had my cluster connection set to show the RBN report for my own transmissions 
and the results were sometimes "unbelievable" indeed.

 

I found that often the RBN would give a fantastic report, yet I knew for a fact 
that I might be just above the nose level in that area.   

 

What happens is that the RBN receivers grab the call sign of the DX but a split 
second later measure the signal level of the stations calling the DX.   

 

If one of those stations is a local, you see those fantastically strong signal 
reports, I think I saw a 70dB report once from the US on 160!   

 

My transmit antenna - the Arctic King - may be powerful, but it´s not  that 
powerful ;-)

 

In a contest environment with many strong local stations this problem reaches 
monumental proportions rendering the RBN reports in many cases meaningless. 

 

I think we should take those RBN reports with a grain of salt and not submit 
unsubstantiated accusations.

 

 

73 Thor, TF4M

 

 

--

Reference: 

 

Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2014 15:51:16 -0500
From: "JC" <  n...@comcast.net>
To: <  g...@ka1j.com>,< 
 topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL160 Test conditions

Hi guys

We have a new class of station this year, few but some European stations
running contest from remote station in US using European call sign, not
W4/ or W7/xxx not even xxx/W4.

Today with the RBN it is easy to confirm where the station is transmitting,
you just need to search the call sign r down load the report with all
reports and filter it using Excel.

First of all , it is illegal to operate in US without a US license not
mention the ethic that does not exist and the Ham radio contest aspect of
the event. Forget about DCXX program the issue is real treat for all of us
that love what we do in 160m.

Check that small report from RBN from EA7PP yesterday night, you can verify
reports up to 52db signal in Virginia RBN station and several over 40 db in
US at the same time 5-15 db in Europe and sometimes up to 24 db in Europe.

  
http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0
<  
http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0&c=ea7pp&t=dx>
&c=ea7pp&t=dx

just unbelievable!!

73's

N4IS

JC

 



_
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Re: Topband: EA7PP - Remote

[Henk PA5KT]

I did hear EA7PP. He was for sure in EU, not in the US.

73 Henk PA5KT

Jose Ramon schreef op 12/6/2014 11:28 PM:

Hi all,

I have just subscribed to this reflector- A friend of mine told me there
was something about EA7PP's operation during this w/e 160m contest.

Someone suggested EA7PP uses a remote in the US as his signal was on the
RBN outstanding. More than being an offending remark it's a compliment.

We spent yesterday the whole evening at EA7PP's contest station setting a
modest EWE pointing to US and built in site a receiver protecting device.

Set up is very simple, an inverted L up to 18 metres on a fiber glass ple
and then about 21 metres horizontal to the tower (23m) . Only 2 tuned
elevated radials circling the plot as it is very small. Soil is very
conductive and it has been raining a lot during the last couple of weeks.

This is a rural area, almost no cellphone network coverage. Internet
connection is poor, a 4 miles 2.3 GHz link to a home in town, as the good 5
GHz was damaged during a storm.

The contest started last night and I was still soldering wires to the
protection boxes while listening to some good East Coast signal.

I wrote a message to Pepe to his WhastApp. When he wakes up from his siesta
first thing he will ask me is "what the hell is a remote?"

Zé Carlos, muito grato pelos elogios, our tiny contest farm works! it's
encouraging.

73
Jose, EA7KW
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Re: Topband: ARRL 160m contest and DX Window?

[Mike Waters]

Very enlightening, gentlemen. Thanks.

My last question, about whether JAs ever CQ in their 1907-1912.5 segment
and listen elsewhere (no they don't anymore; mostly just SSB roundtables
there) was answered this morning on the lowband chat.

This all seems to imply that it's all but impossible to work JAs in a
contest --at least from most areas of the country-- by just S&P'ing, no
matter how good an op you are and how well you can hear.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
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Re: Topband: ARRL 160m contest and DX Window?

[Richard (Rick) Karlquist]

On 12/7/2014 6:44 AM, Mike Waters wrote:


This all seems to imply that it's all but impossible to work JAs in a
contest --at least from most areas of the country-- by just S&P'ing, no
matter how good an op you are and how well you can hear.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com


JA3YBK and other beacon stations often call CQ around 1400-1600Z in
this contest and SP.  JA3YBK seems to like 1811.  However,
I didn't hear those or any other JA's CQ'ing today.  I
have also had JA3YBK call me as early as 0800Z.
There was a terrific opening to JA this morning.
Running low power, I worked about 15 of them.
Some were just booming in.  It would have been
interesting to see where JA3YBK would be on the S meter
this morning.  The 1810-1825 window didn't seem to be
as crowded as usual, so I think the stronger ones could
have called CQ.  I used my transmit vertical for
receiving today because the noise seemed to be low.

Rick N6RK

_
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Re: Topband: Cndx ARRL 160 frm Europe

[Kenneth Grimm]

Hi Wolf,

Interesting observations from your side of the pond.  As you said, the
condx weren't so good the first night and transatlantic sigs were down
quite a bit.  However, the second night was quite different.  Some very
loud sigs were heard from Europe and yours were among the loud ones!  While
some Euopean stations tried to run, they typically were covered by very
loud stations on this side who were running and obviously not listening for
Europe.  I was very pleased to have so many Europeans call me while I was
running.  It seems, to me at least, that Search and Pounce is the best
tactic for Europeans.  Thank you for the points!

73,

Ken - K4XL

On Sun, Dec 7, 2014 at 5:38 AM, Dr. Wolf Ostwald  wrote:

> hello there reflectees !
> the contest was fun , even under cndx lower than desired. Solar activity
> fired an AU-Index at 5 with a pretty strong solar wind.
> Expexting not much i had set my operating time to 3 hrs before sunrise for
> each day.
> The second nite yielded about twice as much dx as the first one did. But
> it never opended beyond the midwest. Or past Texas.
> Although there seems to be a strong belief that this contest is a more or
> less domestic affair, i strongly disagree at this point.
> For all serious topband afficionados in EU it is a party-time, a large
> number of transatlantic stations available on this prestigious band .
> This contest is a powerful tool to observe propagation, maximize ones own
> technical abilities and have the most fun that any of the HF bands can get
> you.
> As only W/VE counts for Europe, the dx content is not diluted at all. Like
> a straight shot. What could be better ?
> I wanna thank all transatlantic stations that gave me a contact and
> apologize to the others that i might not have heard.
> Looking fwd to ARRL160CW   2015  !
>
> wolf df2py
>
> Last word to be said  : "You can`t beat physics"
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>



-- 
Ken - K4XL
BoatAnchor Manual Archive
BAMA - http://bama.edebris.com

"Show me a politician who is poor, and I'll show you a poor
politician." - Carlos
Hank González
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Re: Topband: Quality of RBN data

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

Just to add a bit to understanding of how CQ Skimmer and Skimmer Server 
work to measure SNR. The SNR for a given spot is measured over a 50 Hz 
bandwidth in the moment when Skimmer decides that the spot should be 
posted to Telnet. It is true that this value could, conceivably, reflect 
a strong signal arriving exactly on frequency within a few milliseconds 
after the station finished CQing. But it is also true that some Skimmers 
are using low-noise, directional receiving antennas, and since we're 
talking SNR, not raw strength, results will vary.


A far more common source of problems, particularly on the low bands, is 
that callers can be mistaken for CQers, if they call near enough to zero 
beat, send at approximately the same speed as the CQing station, and 
send their callsigns at least twice.  In that case, it's their own 
callsigns that are spotted on the same frequency as the real CQer.


With the current Skimmer architecture, there does not seem to be any way 
around this, but the CT1BOH filters implemented in ARCluster V6 can help 
a lot.  See 
 for 
details.


73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network at
http://reversebeacon.net,
blog at reversebeacon.blogspot.com.
For spots, please go to your favorite
ARC V6 or VE7CC DX cluster node.

On 12/7/2014 8:49 AM, JC wrote:

Hi Thor

  


Thanks for the heads up I did now that the RBN is so unreliable, and I am very 
disappointed with RHR marketing proposal.

  


EA7PP signal was s7 when most of Europeans just above noise. But you right I 
should not accuse people at the first place.

  


I apologies for my impulse behavior  I already apologized to Jose EA7KV.

  


Regards

JC

N4IS

  


From: thorvaldur S T E F A N S S O N [mailto:otrada...@gmail.com]
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2014 7:25 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: n...@comcast.net
Subject: Quality of RBN data

  


Hi JC,

  


as a proponent of remote technology, which I consider to be of immense benefit 
to the Amateur Service, I think we should stick to facts and not let our 
emotions concerning new technology cloud our thinking.

  


Although we will no doubt see cheaters employing remote technology one day, I 
think your conclusions about cheating based on RBN data are wrong.

  


As someone who actually had a RBN receiver at my location for a few years, I 
became intimately familiar with the reports from the system.

  


I had my cluster connection set to show the RBN report for my own transmissions and the 
results were sometimes "unbelievable" indeed.

  


I found that often the RBN would give a fantastic report, yet I knew for a fact 
that I might be just above the nose level in that area.

  


What happens is that the RBN receivers grab the call sign of the DX but a split 
second later measure the signal level of the stations calling the DX.

  


If one of those stations is a local, you see those fantastically strong signal 
reports, I think I saw a 70dB report once from the US on 160!

  


My transmit antenna - the Arctic King - may be powerful, but it´s not  that 
powerful ;-)

  


In a contest environment with many strong local stations this problem reaches 
monumental proportions rendering the RBN reports in many cases meaningless.

  


I think we should take those RBN reports with a grain of salt and not submit 
unsubstantiated accusations.

  

  


73 Thor, TF4M

  

  


--

Reference:

  


Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2014 15:51:16 -0500
From: "JC" <  n...@comcast.net>
To: <  g...@ka1j.com>,<  
topband@contesting.com>
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL160 Test conditions

Hi guys

We have a new class of station this year, few but some European stations
running contest from remote station in US using European call sign, not
W4/ or W7/xxx not even xxx/W4.

Today with the RBN it is easy to confirm where the station is transmitting,
you just need to search the call sign r down load the report with all
reports and filter it using Excel.

First of all , it is illegal to operate in US without a US license not
mention the ethic that does not exist and the Ham radio contest aspect of
the event. Forget about DCXX program the issue is real treat for all of us
that love what we do in 160m.

Check that small report from RBN from EA7PP yesterday night, you can verify
reports up to 52db signal in Virginia RBN station and several over 40 db in
US at the same time 5-15 db in Europe and sometimes up to 24 db in Europe.

   
http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0
<  
http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0&c=ea7pp&t=dx>
&c=ea7pp&t=dx

just unbelievable!!

73's

N4IS

JC

  

Topband: FTDX5000 vs K3

[Brad Denison]

I have read many reviews on these rigs and am wondering if anyone has first
hand experience with both.  If so, would appreciate any comments or
thoughts on each to w1nt(at)yahoo.com.

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

Re: Topband: topband report from 4V1JR

[DALE LONG]

Tom:

All is OK.  I have written Jim privately, and thanked him for his kind offer.  
I also explained the incredible difficulties and poor timing that occurred.  
You may know that I led several dxpeditions and was one of the founders of V26B 
station.  You need a large team for a successful effort. I am hopeful we can 
get a team to put Haiti on the air.  There certainly is a lot of interest.

The purpose of my original message was to ask our EU friends how was our 
topband signal, nothing more.  The response was that "you need an RX antenna" . 
 Believe me, I already knew that.  I am not upset with anybody and all is fine. 
 Lets get back to DXing on topband.

But I still would like to know how was our signal in EU.  That question has 
gone unanswered.

Thanks Tom, for all your thoughtful input over the years.

Dale - N3BNA



 From: Tom W8JI 
To: DALE LONG ; topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2014 8:07 AM
Subject: Re: Topband: topband report from 4V1JR
 

> The purpose for my earlier Email (which I now wish I had not sent)  was to 
> ask if our friends in EU if they heard us and how was our signal. That is 
> all I wanted to know.
>
> And I apologize for busting our callsign, and other mistakes that I may 
> have made.  I am still recovering from an extremely difficult and very 
> stressful trip. My apologies to all.
>
> Vy 73
>
> Dale - N3BNA

Dale,

I appreciate the difficulties you went through. I'm sure the unspoken masses 
understand what anyone goes though to set up a temporary station, and 
appreciate your effort.

I'd like to apologize for the tone and insensitivity of some public 
responses to your efforts. They do not represent reality.

73 Tom 

_
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_
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Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Donald Chester]

 Kind of a pulsating buzzing sound, centred around 1915, but audible down to
 slightly below 1900 and up to approximately 1925. At its centre  frequency 
last night (Saturday), it was just as strong as any CW contest signal.

It was particularly loud (S9 + 30) in the Northeast and ops with 
beverage antennas are reporting that it appears to be coming over the horizon
 in a south easterly direction, while others say it is possibly coming from 
Europe or 
Polar Russia. Whether this is a harmonic, a spur or something coming from an 
intentional radiator, it has made regular QSO operation between 1900 and 1930 
almost unbearable for the past three nights now.  

All the more reason to hope that the FCC goes ahead and adopts their 
proposed reallocation of 1900-2000 to delete sharing  with radiolocation and to 
restore amateurs to primary status. Although many 160m 
ops seemed to blow off this NPRM while the comment period was still open as if 
it were much ado about nothing, a  few of us maintained that it was of utmost 
importance for the amateur community to flood the Commission with comments 
supporting their 
proposal. 

Although GPS has pretty much killed 160m radiolocation for the
 moment, we never know when some new service might attempt to start up in this 
part of the spectrum under the guise of Radiolocation.  That could be what's 
happening right now. For those only interested in DX and contesting in the 
bottom end of the band and who sometimes appear not to even consider 1900-2000 
as part of the band, still must remember that if some new service were to 
displace amateurs 
from the top half, congestion in the 1800-1900 kHz segment (including the DX 
window) would likely become unbearable.

The FCC proposal, if adopted, would protect 
amateur status in the entire 160m band once and for all, and let's hope it is 
not already too late.
  
_
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Jim Garland]

Intruders are becoming endemic on all the hf bands, not just top band. Every
morning I hear SSB stations on the low end of 80m and 40m, and the worst of
all are 10m-12m, which have become a nightmare of swishing signals,
carriers, buzzing sounds and illegal CBers. I hadn't realized how bad the
situation had become till I could see the spectrum on my Flex transceiver.
Most ot the problem seems to be coming from the North in the afternoon, when
those bands are open into Asia. I can't imagine how bad all this crap must
sound to our JA friends.
73,
Jim W8ZR

> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Donald
Chester
> Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2014 1:55 PM
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz
> 
> 
>  Kind of a pulsating buzzing sound, centred around 1915, but audible down
to
>  slightly below 1900 and up to approximately 1925. At its centre
frequency last night
> (Saturday), it was just as strong as any CW contest signal.
> 
> It was particularly loud (S9 + 30) in the Northeast and ops with
> beverage antennas are reporting that it appears to be coming over the
horizon
>  in a south easterly direction, while others say it is possibly coming
from Europe or
> Polar Russia. Whether this is a harmonic, a spur or something coming from
an intentional
> radiator, it has made regular QSO operation between 1900 and 1930 almost
unbearable for
> the past three nights now.
> 
> All the more reason to hope that the FCC goes ahead and adopts their
> proposed reallocation of 1900-2000 to delete sharing  with radiolocation
and to restore
> amateurs to primary status. Although many 160m
> ops seemed to blow off this NPRM while the comment period was still open
as if it were
> much ado about nothing, a  few of us maintained that it was of utmost
> importance for the amateur community to flood the Commission with comments
supporting
> their
> proposal.
> 
> Although GPS has pretty much killed 160m radiolocation for the
>  moment, we never know when some new service might attempt to start up in
this part of
> the spectrum under the guise of Radiolocation.  That could be what's
happening right now.
> For those only interested in DX and contesting in the bottom end of the
band and who
> sometimes appear not to even consider 1900-2000 as part of the band, still
must remember
> that if some new service were to displace amateurs
> from the top half, congestion in the 1800-1900 kHz segment (including the
DX window)
> would likely become unbearable.
> 
> The FCC proposal, if adopted, would protect
> amateur status in the entire 160m band once and for all, and let's hope it
is not already too
> late.
> 
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[NC3Z]

Very strong in the mid-Atlantic region also. Sawtooth sweep of a signal.

Gary Mitchelson
NC3Z Davidsonville, MD FM18
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15
http://www.mitchelson.org/

On 12/7/2014 3:55 PM, Donald Chester wrote:

  Kind of a pulsating buzzing sound, centred around 1915, but audible down to
  slightly below 1900 and up to approximately 1925. At its centre  frequency 
last night (Saturday), it was just as strong as any CW contest signal.

It was particularly loud (S9 + 30) in the Northeast and ops with
beverage antennas are reporting that it appears to be coming over the horizon
  in a south easterly direction, while others say it is possibly coming from 
Europe or
Polar Russia. Whether this is a harmonic, a spur or something coming from an 
intentional radiator, it has made regular QSO operation between 1900 and 1930 
almost unbearable for the past three nights now.

All the more reason to hope that the FCC goes ahead and adopts their
proposed reallocation of 1900-2000 to delete sharing  with radiolocation and to 
restore amateurs to primary status. Although many 160m
ops seemed to blow off this NPRM while the comment period was still open as if 
it were much ado about nothing, a  few of us maintained that it was of utmost
importance for the amateur community to flood the Commission with comments 
supporting their
proposal.

Although GPS has pretty much killed 160m radiolocation for the
  moment, we never know when some new service might attempt to start up in this 
part of the spectrum under the guise of Radiolocation.  That could be what's 
happening right now. For those only interested in DX and contesting in the 
bottom end of the band and who sometimes appear not to even consider 1900-2000 
as part of the band, still must remember that if some new service were to 
displace amateurs
from the top half, congestion in the 1800-1900 kHz segment (including the DX 
window) would likely become unbearable.

The FCC proposal, if adopted, would protect
amateur status in the entire 160m band once and for all, and let's hope it is 
not already too late.

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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[donovanf]

20 dB over S9 from the northeast direction from Maryland 

This definitely is not a low power transmitter! 

73 
Frank 
W3LPL 

- Original Message -

From: "NC3Z"  
To: topband@contesting.com 
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2014 9:38:34 PM 
Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz 

Very strong in the mid-Atlantic region also. Sawtooth sweep of a signal. 

Gary Mitchelson 
NC3Z Davidsonville, MD FM18 
NC3Z/4 Pamlico County, NC FM15 
http://www.mitchelson.org/ 

On 12/7/2014 3:55 PM, Donald Chester wrote: 
> Kind of a pulsating buzzing sound, centred around 1915, but audible down to 
> slightly below 1900 and up to approximately 1925. At its centre frequency 
> last night (Saturday), it was just as strong as any CW contest signal. 
> 
> It was particularly loud (S9 + 30) in the Northeast and ops with 
> beverage antennas are reporting that it appears to be coming over the horizon 
> in a south easterly direction, while others say it is possibly coming from 
> Europe or 
> Polar Russia. Whether this is a harmonic, a spur or something coming from an 
> intentional radiator, it has made regular QSO operation between 1900 and 1930 
> almost unbearable for the past three nights now. 
> 
> All the more reason to hope that the FCC goes ahead and adopts their 
> proposed reallocation of 1900-2000 to delete sharing with radiolocation and 
> to restore amateurs to primary status. Although many 160m 
> ops seemed to blow off this NPRM while the comment period was still open as 
> if it were much ado about nothing, a few of us maintained that it was of 
> utmost 
> importance for the amateur community to flood the Commission with comments 
> supporting their 
> proposal. 
> 
> Although GPS has pretty much killed 160m radiolocation for the 
> moment, we never know when some new service might attempt to start up in this 
> part of the spectrum under the guise of Radiolocation. That could be what's 
> happening right now. For those only interested in DX and contesting in the 
> bottom end of the band and who sometimes appear not to even consider 
> 1900-2000 as part of the band, still must remember that if some new service 
> were to displace amateurs 
> from the top half, congestion in the 1800-1900 kHz segment (including the DX 
> window) would likely become unbearable. 
> 
> The FCC proposal, if adopted, would protect 
> amateur status in the entire 160m band once and for all, and let's hope it is 
> not already too late. 
> 
> _ 
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband 
> 

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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Gary Smith]

North to North East in Groton, CT. Using a 
HI-Z triangular for that info. Could be on 
a path along coastline towards Maine. 
Interesting appearance with the P3.

Somebody for sure isn't interested in 
their electric bills.

73,

Gary
KA1J


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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Don Kirk]

Quick estimate puts the signal at a heading of approximately 75 degrees
from Fishers Indiana which is just NE of Indianapolis

Don wd8dsb

On Sunday, December 7, 2014, Gary Smith  wrote:

> North to North East in Groton, CT. Using a
> HI-Z triangular for that info. Could be on
> a path along coastline towards Maine.
> Interesting appearance with the P3.
>
> Somebody for sure isn't interested in
> their electric bills.
>
> 73,
>
> Gary
> KA1J
>
>
> ---
> This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> protection is active.
> http://www.avast.com
>
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>
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Arthur Delibert]

Is anyone in Europe hearing this, who could get a bearing on it from a very 
different position?

Art Delibert
KB3FJO

> Date: Sun, 7 Dec 2014 19:06:16 -0500
> From: wd8...@gmail.com
> To: g...@ka1j.com
> CC: Topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz
> 
> Quick estimate puts the signal at a heading of approximately 75 degrees
> from Fishers Indiana which is just NE of Indianapolis
> 
> Don wd8dsb
> 
> On Sunday, December 7, 2014, Gary Smith  wrote:
> 
> > North to North East in Groton, CT. Using a
> > HI-Z triangular for that info. Could be on
> > a path along coastline towards Maine.
> > Interesting appearance with the P3.
> >
> > Somebody for sure isn't interested in
> > their electric bills.
> >
> > 73,
> >
> > Gary
> > KA1J
> >
> >
> > ---
> > This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus
> > protection is active.
> > http://www.avast.com
> >
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> >
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Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[k1fz]

For some reason not seeing a large front to back, but 15 db 
stronger to the North and East of Belfast Maine

 73
 Bruce-K1FZ

 On Sun, 7 Dec 2014 19:13:04 -0500, Arthur Delibert  wrote:
Is anyone in Europe hearing this, who could get a bearing on it from a 
very different position?


Art Delibert
KB3FJO




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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[David Harmon]

Nothing heard near Tulsa, OK


73

David Harmon
K6XYZ
Sperry, OK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
k...@myfairpoint.net
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2014 6:29 PM
To: Topband
Subject: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

 For some reason not seeing a large front to back, but 15 db stronger to
the North and East of Belfast Maine
  73
  Bruce-K1FZ

  On Sun, 7 Dec 2014 19:13:04 -0500, Arthur Delibert 
wrote:
Is anyone in Europe hearing this, who could get a bearing on it from a very
different position?
>
> Art Delibert
> KB3FJO
>


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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[John Kaufmann]

It peaks at a heading of about 75 degrees from eastern MA, as best as I can
determine on a Hi-Z 8 circle array.  I made a video of its spectrum as
captured on my Elecraft P3 and posted it on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwe0zp2XiuY.

73, John W1FV
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Topband: Fwd: 19th Stew Perry Top Band DX Challange

[Lew Sayre]

Greetings to All 160M Denizens present and future,
The Boring Amateur Radio Club reminds all Top Band and
potential Top Band inhabitants of the upcoming Stew Perry Top Band
Distance Challenge happening Dec. 27 and 28 of this year. This is a
unique radio contest with unique rules. Please browse on over to the noted
website below and inhale the rules.
http://www.kkn.net/stew/
 This contest requests that far thinking contesters develop the
categories
for which the participants strive toward.  These stalwarts advance $60-63
for a plaque that they feel will spur on the competitive  work by Top Band
contesters. You can join this cutting edge group by notifying me of what
category you'd like to sponsor.
 This list will grow as your imagination and contributions proliferate.

DonorCategory
KL7RA  Top # of QSOs
North Pole Contest We are cogitating
TF4M Top Score 160M mobile (must actually be able to
move)
N0TT  Top Score < 21 years old > 200 QSOs
TF4M  Longest Distance QSO- 2 plaques
AA6VB   Top Score,base loaded Vert <60' tall
AA6VB   Top Score big city >50K, little pistol <100W
KH6LCVK-ZL Challenge: Top Score VK-ZL
N5IA   Most Grids worked
N5IA  Highest score daylight operation only
K7FL Top Score 100% Search/Pounce
NA0YTop Score USA
K6NDK6SE Memorial-Top Score World
K1EPTop Score by First time Entrant
K2POTop Score,S/O,Low Power, Zone 3
TF3KX   Aurora Borealis Award- Top Score N of 60 deg N
geomagnetic latitude
VK6VZ  VK6HD Memorial- Top Score by N hemisphere
station working S hemisphere stations. Winner
gets Flying Doctors of VK baseball cap.
Dr. Beldaur-L1AR   Top score utilizing temporary antenna. (All parts
   of temporary antenna including radials must be installed after
   Dec. 14, 2014. This antenna must be the only antenna for
   TopBand at the station, and may be left up, because as we
   all know, "temporary" means "until I die".)

 For newly minted radio people this contest is a serious but low key
contest utilizing Morse code only on the 160M band. It uses grid squares
as multipliers rather than a host of many other silly things. Start now with
bargaining time during the Holidays with your loved ones for a stretch of
time
you can devote on the evening of Dec. 27 to exchange RF greetings on
one of the best bands available.
 All categories have been approved by the Plaqueing Committee of The
Boring Amateur Radio Club. Some of the donors wish to remain
semi-anonymous. This is fine with us as the categories are not prurient and
the plaque fees have been received. Let me know if you'd like to sponsor a
plaque, anonymous or not.
 Further Stew Perry TopBand Extravaganza notices will be promulgated
as the starting bell gets closer. Plan on participating in one of the best
contests
ever designed, that among other things utilizes layers of our atmosphere
on Dec. 27-28.
 73 and I remain,
Leww7ew
The Boring Amateur Radio Club Exhortation Committee
w...@arrl.net
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Re: Topband: Fwd: 19th Stew Perry Top Band DX Challange

[Richard Karlquist]

On 2014-12-07 17:59, Lew Sayre wrote:

 For newly minted radio people this contest is a serious but low 
key
contest utilizing Morse code only on the 160M band. It uses grid 
squares
as multipliers rather than a host of many other silly things. Start now 
with


Although the exchange is grid square, the scoring does not use
grid squares as multipliers (as VHF contests do).  In fact,
it doesn't have multipliers at all, in the conventional sense.
Just QSO points based on distance and power.

Rick N6RK

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Re: Topband: Fwd: 19th Stew Perry Top Band DX Challange

[Lew Sayre]

Ah yes, a man who has read and understands the rules!
We appreciate you making this excellent point after
a severe over simplification.
   Thanks again,
   73 and I remain,
   Lew   w7ew

On Sun, Dec 7, 2014 at 6:10 PM, Richard Karlquist 
wrote:

> On 2014-12-07 17:59, Lew Sayre wrote:
>
>   For newly minted radio people this contest is a serious but low key
>> contest utilizing Morse code only on the 160M band. It uses grid squares
>> as multipliers rather than a host of many other silly things. Start now
>> with
>>
>
> Although the exchange is grid square, the scoring does not use
> grid squares as multipliers (as VHF contests do).  In fact,
> it doesn't have multipliers at all, in the conventional sense.
> Just QSO points based on distance and power.
>
> Rick N6RK
>
>
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Don Kirk]

John W1FV,
You and I are in very close agreement on heading because you are 73 degrees
from me and we are both saying approximately 75 degrees.
I can hear it on numerous web SDR receivers that are located in Europe
(England, etc.). Will be interesting to see what time of day we can no
longer hear it in the US versus when it is no longer heard in Europe.
Would be great to get a heading from someone in Europe.

Don wd8dsb

On Sunday, December 7, 2014, John Kaufmann  wrote:

> It peaks at a heading of about 75 degrees from eastern MA, as best as I can
> determine on a Hi-Z 8 circle array.  I made a video of its spectrum as
> captured on my Elecraft P3 and posted it on YouTube:
> Mystery signal on 1900-1925 kHz
> .
>
> 73, John W1FV
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Tony K1AMF]

S9+ right now at 03:07UTC near NYC.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Don Kirk
Sent: Sunday, December 7, 2014 9:29 PM
To: John Kaufmann
Cc: Topband
Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

John W1FV,
You and I are in very close agreement on heading because you are 73 degrees
from me and we are both saying approximately 75 degrees.
I can hear it on numerous web SDR receivers that are located in Europe
(England, etc.). Will be interesting to see what time of day we can no
longer hear it in the US versus when it is no longer heard in Europe.
Would be great to get a heading from someone in Europe.

Don wd8dsb

On Sunday, December 7, 2014, John Kaufmann  wrote:

> It peaks at a heading of about 75 degrees from eastern MA, as best as 
> I can determine on a Hi-Z 8 circle array.  I made a video of its 
> spectrum as captured on my Elecraft P3 and posted it on YouTube:
> Mystery signal on 1900-1925 kHz
> .
>
> 73, John W1FV
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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[K2RS]

It's peaking at 15 over 9 here in SW Connecticut right now.

I first heard this noise last Thursday evening (12/4) around 0300Z. 
Signal strength was between 20 and 30 over 9 at that time. My friend 
Fred, K2DFC, in NJ heard it then too, with a signal strength of 20 over 
9. Since then, he's heard it a few times during the day, but the signal 
strength is weaker during daylight hours.



Jack   K2RS


On 12/7/2014 3:55 PM, Donald Chester wrote:

  Kind of a pulsating buzzing sound, centred around 1915, but audible down to
  slightly below 1900 and up to approximately 1925. At its centre  frequency 
last night (Saturday), it was just as strong as any CW contest signal.



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Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz

[Lloyd Berg - N9LB]

FYI  5-9 plus in southern Wisconsin

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com]On Behalf Of John
Kaufmann
Sent: Sunday, December 07, 2014 6:50 PM
To: 'Topband'
Subject: Re: Topband: Unknown Pulse Signal Wiping out 1900-1925 kHz


It peaks at a heading of about 75 degrees from eastern MA, as best as I can
determine on a Hi-Z 8 circle array.  I made a video of its spectrum as
captured on my Elecraft P3 and posted it on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwe0zp2XiuY.

73, John W1FV
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