Re: Topband: TBDC

[Mike Waters]

Thanks, sounds logical.  :-)

Hurry up, March 12!!!

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

FYI:
>
> The contest calendar was scoured for the 4th Stew and there were either
> conflicts with major contests or other 160 contests through January and
> February.
>
> The March 12/13 date was the earliest after the first of the year that
> could reasonably accommodate it.
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Good reason for multiple Stews

[Steve Ireland]

G’day

As a long-time supporter of the Stew Perry TBDC and donor of Royal Flying 
Doctor Service caps, it has been great fun reading the various responses to the 
Boring Amateur Radio Club’s innovation of the Spring Stew. Owing to the 
organisers’ sense of fun, even the criticism was funny and fun to read!  

One of the great things about the Stew Perry (or any contest for that matter) 
is that it gives us a chance to operate for a whole night-plus and experience 
conditions over this period – and learn.  

This year was no exception – I’ve never experienced an all-night pipeline into 
the Baltic in 20 years of 160m operation from Western Australia and to be able 
to observe how the strength of the pipeline ebbed and flowed was fascinating.

A Spring (northern hemisphere) Stew is going to be very interesting experience 
and I look forward to it.

Rick N6RK (I think) made a good point about southern hemisphere conditions.  In 
VK6, the period between spring and summer equinoxes is the best time by far for 
working into Europe and North America, but it is the noisiest half of the year 
by far.  We have many thunderstorms and the general atmospheric noise level is 
high.  Please run QRO in the Stew so we can hear you all ‘down under’/’down 
south’ – that will help to maintain/increase participation.

Vy 73

Steve, VK6VZ   



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Markus Hansen]

I totally agree with Mike.  VE7CA

Sent from my iPhone

> On Dec 31, 2015, at 3:08 PM, Mike Waters  wrote:
> 
> Four Stew Perry events is *not* going too far.
> 
> Here's why I say that.
> 
> The Stew Perry Topband Challenge --compared to other 160 CW contests-- is
> by far the fairest of all 160m CW contests. It was simply a stroke of
> genius, the way it is set up. Period.
> 
> It is also shorter! If it were as long as the others, four events might be
> a different story. But it's only 24 hours long.
> 
> In the Northern hemisphere, the two Stews in the warmer months are --for
> most of us-- almost always guaranteed to be marred by very strong lightning
> QRN. On top of all that racket in our ears, some of us will simply be
> unable to operate without risking a damaging lightning strike.
> *However*, those two Stews are more optimal for our Topband friends in the
> Southern hemisphere. Eliminating those two would simply be discriminating
> against them. There's just no other way to say it. (And now that I think
> about it, perhaps adding this new winter event now evens things out a
> little for the entire world to at least some extent. :-)
> 
> During the Stew last week, conditions in North America were terrible.
> (That's happened before, and it'll absolutely happen again.) This new
> wintertime date gives us a second chance to experience the magic and
> challenge of the Top Band; and I for one, embrace it wholeheartedly! It
> gave me a new enthusiasm for operating 160 CW.
> 
> The only thing I might change is to move the March 12/13 event to an
> earlier date. If (for example) it was in February, the chances of QRN would
> be less. But since I don't know what the QRN season is in the Southern
> hemisphere, perhaps that's not the case.
> 
> What the exact dates should be, and whether a separate category for the sum
> of all four Stews in a year should be created, others can vote on. But
> leave it at four! Please. :-)
> 
> 73, Mike
> http://www.w0btu.com/160_meters.html
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Mort]

*Flogging a dead horse* (alternatively *beating a dead horse*, or 
*beating a dead dog* in some parts of the Anglophone 
 world) is an 
idiom  that means a particular 
request or line of conversation is already foreclosed or otherwise 
resolved, and any attempt to continue it is futile; or that to continue 
in any endeavour (physical, mental, etc.) is a waste of time as the 
outcome is already decided.


Yes !

That sums up Top Band for me,  in a nutshell;  On the air 61 years,  and though 
I have 200 countries on 8 bands,  I'll never live to get 100 on 1.8 with a low 
"stealth" antenna & immense noise-levels.  I even need VK / ZL for WAC.  But 
then,  every time I call CQ I get told this is MY frequency.  Nevertheless,  I 
have PY and several Ws,  who must have liquid-helium cooled beverages.  But I 
prefer English unpasteurised warmish beer...

73  -  Mort,  G2JL
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Bill Cromwell]

As per usual...

It all depends on whose ox is being gored.

73,

Bill  KU8H


On 12/31/2015 03:48 PM, Joe Wilkowski wrote:

Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that
too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
too far.
- Joe K8FC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef


Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.

Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this
event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
chaos that it causes.

- Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM
To: Steve; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.
Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the
midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many.

April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions.

73/jeff/ac0c
www.ac0c.com
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie

-Original Message-
From: Steve
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing.

Steve



WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook":  http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl

VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves":
http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/

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

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

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

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



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

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Mike Waters]

Four Stew Perry events is *not* going too far.

Here's why I say that.

The Stew Perry Topband Challenge --compared to other 160 CW contests-- is
by far the fairest of all 160m CW contests. It was simply a stroke of
genius, the way it is set up. Period.

It is also shorter! If it were as long as the others, four events might be
a different story. But it's only 24 hours long.

In the Northern hemisphere, the two Stews in the warmer months are --for
most of us-- almost always guaranteed to be marred by very strong lightning
QRN. On top of all that racket in our ears, some of us will simply be
unable to operate without risking a damaging lightning strike.
*However*, those two Stews are more optimal for our Topband friends in the
Southern hemisphere. Eliminating those two would simply be discriminating
against them. There's just no other way to say it. (And now that I think
about it, perhaps adding this new winter event now evens things out a
little for the entire world to at least some extent. :-)

During the Stew last week, conditions in North America were terrible.
(That's happened before, and it'll absolutely happen again.) This new
wintertime date gives us a second chance to experience the magic and
challenge of the Top Band; and I for one, embrace it wholeheartedly! It
gave me a new enthusiasm for operating 160 CW.

The only thing I might change is to move the March 12/13 event to an
earlier date. If (for example) it was in February, the chances of QRN would
be less. But since I don't know what the QRN season is in the Southern
hemisphere, perhaps that's not the case.

What the exact dates should be, and whether a separate category for the sum
of all four Stews in a year should be created, others can vote on. But
leave it at four! Please. :-)

73, Mike
http://www.w0btu.com/160_meters.html
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Tim Shoppa]

I mostly agree with Mike VE9AA here. Like CQ WW CW which is often the
weekend after Thanksgiving, my family's holiday schedule, my work schedule,
and especially my kids' activities allows more "sleep buildup time" and
"sleep recovery time" for more hours of participation in the weekend after
Christmas.

That doesn't mean I'll be able to do it full time every year, just that it
works in favor of more hours in the contest.

Tim N3QE

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 3:38 PM, Mike Smith VE9AA  wrote:

> Gary K9MMS says (in part)
>
> “…I think that the timing of the December Stew is very poor.  Having it
> right
>
> near Christmas when many people are busy with family get togethers makes it
>
> difficult or impossible…”
>
>
>
>   I’ll have to respectfully disagree with my friend Gary/MMS there.
>
>
>
> It’s specifically BECAUSE it’s just after Xmas that I can find some time to
> operate the Stew as I have a couple days off by then !
>
> Some years it’s back to back with the RAC Winter contest (which is a big
> deal up here in the Great White North, eh) and that makes it really really
> tough to keep going doing 2 contests back to back like that, but this year
> was superb timing indeed.
>
>
>
> If I hadn’t been so lazy, I would’ve played the entire 14hrs.
>
>
>
> I was too tired from antenna repairs, snowblowing etc and only have myself
> to blame for the reduced score, however contest timing was awesome…..not to
> mention avg or slightly above avg condx to EU from here with my hastily
> installed wimpy wire on Xmas day.
>
>
>
> So, yes, Xmas season is hectic, however I still found time late at night
> once everyone went to bed, to put in 9½hrs.(max is 14 hrs)
>
>
>
> Keep it as is and stay away from RAC Winter dates please !
>
>
>
> Mike VE9AA
>
> p.s.-if you plan to be a contender for a plaque or want to place in the top
> 5, then yes, Xmas and Family will certainly hamper a total iron pants-BIC
> ‘super SERIOUS’ effort. (if that’s what Gary means, then I guess I’ll
> agree,
> however judging from the 3830 results, very few played the entire 14hrs.
>
>
>
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
>
> Keswick Ridge, NB
>
>
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Commercial 160 antennas?

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

I have to agree with Jim on this. At one time, I had both a 80M and a 160M 
inverted vee at the top of a 100ft tower. The location was on the top of a 
ridge and much better than average.
While the 80M inverted vee was a very good DX antenna (could work JA's LP from 
SE PA at sunset), the 160M was a mediocre DX performer at best. I was running 
1200W on both bands. A 90ft vertical at the same location on 160 was MUCH 
better.
FWIW...
73, Stew K3ND
 

  From: Jim Brown 
 To: topband@contesting.com 
 Sent: Thursday, December 31, 2015 12:57 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: Commercial 160 antennas?
   
On Thu,12/31/2015 4:43 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:
> My suggestion for a simple job, is to have someone climb the tower and put a
> pulley and rope at the top.

Very good idea.

>  An inverted vee with a peak at 90 ft and the
> end of the antenna legs at least 50 ft off the ground will do a reasonable
> job for you.

Only if what you want is a cloud-warmer that works short to medium 
distance.

> Alternatively, an inverted L, with 4 elevated radials – at least 10 ft off
> the ground – 15 ft is better – will do pretty well with the kink of the L at
> 90 feet.

This is a FAR, FAR better idea. Better yet, load the tower, add the radials.

73, Jim K9YC

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

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

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[K4OWR]

*Flogging a dead horse* (alternatively *beating a dead horse*, or 
*beating a dead dog* in some parts of the Anglophone 
 world) is an 
idiom  that means a particular 
request or line of conversation is already foreclosed or otherwise 
resolved, and any attempt to continue it is futile; or that to continue 
in any endeavour (physical, mental, etc.) is a waste of time as the 
outcome is already decided.

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

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Tree]

"It’s specifically BECAUSE it’s just after Xmas that I can find some time to
operate the Stew as I have a couple days off by then !"

This is a good example of why it is impossible to please all of the people
- ever.  :-)

Please note that the next Stew is on December 17th - so the opposite group
of people will be unhappy with the schedule next year.

Tree N6TR

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 12:38 PM, Mike Smith VE9AA 
wrote:

> Gary K9MMS says (in part)
>
> “…I think that the timing of the December Stew is very poor.  Having it
> right
>
> near Christmas when many people are busy with family get togethers makes it
>
> difficult or impossible…”
>
>
>
>   I’ll have to respectfully disagree with my friend Gary/MMS there.
>
>
>
> It’s specifically BECAUSE it’s just after Xmas that I can find some time to
> operate the Stew as I have a couple days off by then !
>
> Some years it’s back to back with the RAC Winter contest (which is a big
> deal up here in the Great White North, eh) and that makes it really really
> tough to keep going doing 2 contests back to back like that, but this year
> was superb timing indeed.
>
>
>
> If I hadn’t been so lazy, I would’ve played the entire 14hrs.
>
>
>
> I was too tired from antenna repairs, snowblowing etc and only have myself
> to blame for the reduced score, however contest timing was awesome…..not to
> mention avg or slightly above avg condx to EU from here with my hastily
> installed wimpy wire on Xmas day.
>
>
>
> So, yes, Xmas season is hectic, however I still found time late at night
> once everyone went to bed, to put in 9½hrs.(max is 14 hrs)
>
>
>
> Keep it as is and stay away from RAC Winter dates please !
>
>
>
> Mike VE9AA
>
> p.s.-if you plan to be a contender for a plaque or want to place in the top
> 5, then yes, Xmas and Family will certainly hamper a total iron pants-BIC
> ‘super SERIOUS’ effort. (if that’s what Gary means, then I guess I’ll
> agree,
> however judging from the 3830 results, very few played the entire 14hrs.
>
>
>
> Mike, Coreen & Corey
>
> Keswick Ridge, NB
>
>
>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Stew Beef

[Joe Wilkowski]

Well, since it is a public forum I have to side with Larry on this.  I am a
contester and enjoy mostly top band operating but I would have to agree that
too much of a good thing gets old quick.  It used to be that you looked
forward to the SP, but warm-ups, pre-warmups etc. seem to carry the theme
too far.
- Joe K8FC

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Larry
Burke
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 6:38 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

> Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough.

Ah, but that's exactly my point. Those with a limited or no interest in this
event DO have to "participate" in it by virtue of the additional weekend of
chaos that it causes. 

- Larry K5RK

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff AC0C
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:31 PM
To: Steve; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

Fortunately participation is not mandatory for those who have had enough. 
Given the winter stew was a thunderstorm extravaganza for most of the
midwest, another shot at it prior to spring would be attractive for many.

April may be a bit late to have good low noise conditions.

73/jeff/ac0c
www.ac0c.com
alpha-charlie-zero-charlie

-Original Message-
From: Steve
Sent: Wednesday, December 30, 2015 5:05 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Stew Beef

I tend to agree Larry - even more Stew is not necessarily a good thing.

Steve



WEB - "The VE7SL Radio Notebook":  http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl

VE7SL BLOG - "Homebrewing and Operating Adventures From 2200m to Nanowaves":
http://ve7sl.blogspot.ca/

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

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

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

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

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Mike Smith VE9AA]

Gary K9MMS says (in part)

“…I think that the timing of the December Stew is very poor.  Having it
right 

near Christmas when many people are busy with family get togethers makes it 

difficult or impossible…”

 

  I’ll have to respectfully disagree with my friend Gary/MMS there.

 

It’s specifically BECAUSE it’s just after Xmas that I can find some time to
operate the Stew as I have a couple days off by then !

Some years it’s back to back with the RAC Winter contest (which is a big
deal up here in the Great White North, eh) and that makes it really really
tough to keep going doing 2 contests back to back like that, but this year
was superb timing indeed.

 

If I hadn’t been so lazy, I would’ve played the entire 14hrs.

 

I was too tired from antenna repairs, snowblowing etc and only have myself
to blame for the reduced score, however contest timing was awesome…..not to
mention avg or slightly above avg condx to EU from here with my hastily
installed wimpy wire on Xmas day.

 

So, yes, Xmas season is hectic, however I still found time late at night
once everyone went to bed, to put in 9½hrs.(max is 14 hrs)

 

Keep it as is and stay away from RAC Winter dates please !

 

Mike VE9AA

p.s.-if you plan to be a contender for a plaque or want to place in the top
5, then yes, Xmas and Family will certainly hamper a total iron pants-BIC
‘super SERIOUS’ effort. (if that’s what Gary means, then I guess I’ll agree,
however judging from the 3830 results, very few played the entire 14hrs.

 

Mike, Coreen & Corey

Keswick Ridge, NB

 

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

Re: Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Jim Murray via Topband]

"  I think that the timing of the December Stew is very poor.  Having it right 
near Christmas when many people are busy with family get togethers makes it 
difficult or impossible for some SP160 interested persons to participate."

I'm Surprised that this hasn't come up before but possibly I missed it.  I have 
this problem every year it seems with family visitors staying have not been 
able to participate other than turn on the radio once in a while to see how 
things are going.  This year while checking in one evening signals were all 
over the place stateside and EU, so missed a good one, at least from my 
qth.Happy New Years to All,
jim/k2hn
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: SPTBDC Scheduling

[Gary]

I agree that more SP160 events would be great.  As mentioned, this would be 
more advantageous for those in the Southern Hemisphere, allow other 
opportunities if bad conditions occur for an annual event, etc.

I think that the timing of the December Stew is very poor.  Having it right 
near Christmas when many people are busy with family get togethers makes it 
difficult or impossible for some SP160 interested persons to participate.  I 
have missed a few December "Stews" because of this.  After all, family time is 
much more important than ham radio.

A few years ago, I exchanged email with Tree N6TR about this.  I think once it 
was earlier in December, but that was some years ago.  I think having the 
Winter "Stew" the third weekend in December would be better -- after the ARRL 
160 and 10 meter contests, but before the Christmas weekend.  This should work 
well much of the time, even though Christmas Day obviously varies with respect 
to the day of the week.

. . . Just my my opinion for $0.02 worth.  :)

Merry Christmas and a great 2016 to everyone.
73,
  Gary . K9MMS



Sent from my iPad
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: 160M EWE Problems Part 2

[Don Kirk]

Hi Mark,

I modeled your antenna last night, and have some comments.

There is almost as much reactance as resistance at the feedpoint of your
EWE based on your dimensions and termination resistor, but sounds like
that's typical (per the ON4UN low band DXing book).  The back null is also
not as deep compared with Pennants and Flags that I work with.
Nevertheless the RDF value of your design is not much different than the
Pennants and Flags I work with.

I use 3 very small pennants on 160 meters, and their signal to noise ratio
is never worse than my 68 foot base loaded TX vertical (so you have a
reference point regarding what I would expect from your EWE, as Pennants
are considered to be part of the EWE family and they have similar RDF
values).  During every QSO I make on 160 meters (as well as casual
listening) I compare signal to noise performance between my TX vertical and
my pennants, and the pennants have never lost (your situation might be
slightly different due to the horizontal section of your Inv-L, but more
times than not when working DX I would be surprised if a properly working
EWE type RX antenna was not equal or slightly better than your Inv-L).

I wonder why you went with a classical EWE versus a Flag or Pennant  The
Flag and Pennant are ground independent (no connection to ground), which is
a very nice feature and makes them very easy to construct as well as easy
to rotate in the direction you desire.  The Pennant is nice because you can
drop the feedline directly to ground from the feedpoint.  Something else I
like about Pennants or Flags is the fact that their feedpoint impedance is
almost pure resistive when using a termination resistor that provides a
nice pattern (deep null off the back) with peak RDF performance.

I am not suggesting you abandon your classical EWE design, but I did want
to share some off the cuff comments which may or may not help you down the
road.

Here is a test I would recommend (typically I would do this during the
middle of the day when there is no skywave).  Connect a 50 ohm dummy load
to your preamp in place of your EWE and its feedline, and tell us what your
S meter reading is, and then connect your EWE with its feedline to the
preamp and tell us what your S meter reading is.  Hopefully the S meter
reading is much higher with the EWE versus the dummy load.  If you can
repeat this same test but with the dummy load out at the EWE feedpoint
(disconnect the EWE from the end of the feedline and connect the 50 ohm
dummy load in its place), as this might also shed some light regarding your
situation.

I should also mention that I would not expect a Hugh improvement in Signal
to Noise ratio when using a EWE to work DX compared with a Vertical if the
Noise is arriving equally from all directions (versus a point source
noise).  Based on my experience I only achieve 1 or 2 dB of improvement in
Signal to Noise for stations 4000 miles or more away as an example (but
this can often be the difference between a solid QSO and no QSO at all on
160 meters).

I do have Toroid Chokes installed on my pennant feedline (per the K9YC
design) to help with common mode noise, and in my installation I have never
observed common mode noise issues (I have run tests with my HF rig and
pre-amp right at the feedpoint of my pennants and operated them with a
battery to see if the noise level was much less than in the shack, and
thankfully it is not).

As others have said you may be experiencing pattern distortion which I have
not addressed above.  For starters I would float your inverted L at it's
feedpoint to see what happens to your noise level, and I would also connect
it direct to ground at it's feedpoint to see what happens to your noise
level and I would do all of this while also listening to AM radio stations
as high up in the AM broadcast band as possible during the middle of the
day.  I would do this listening to AM radio stations that are at various
headings from your location to see if you can detect pattern distortion on
any of them depending on the configuration of your inverted L (grounded
versus floating).  If the AM radio station signals change when listening on
the EWE when changing the configuration of your inverted L (grounded versus
floating), then this might provide a clue regarding the need to detune the
inverted L when receiving on the EWE, etc.

Just some long winded thoughts from my end.

73, and Happy New Year.
Don (wd8dsb)

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:32 AM, Mark K3MSB  wrote:

> Good Morning!
>
>
> Last night was the second night in a row with nice conditions between the
> east coast and Europe on 160M.I took the time to get a cup of coffee
> and spend a few hours comparing the Inverted-L and EWE, and recording my
> observations.
>
>
> All Inverted-L data was recorded with the Icom on-board preamps OFF.
>
>
> All EWE data was recorded with the 20 dB external preamp ON.
>
>
> The external preamp is an Advanced Research Receiver P1-30/20VD
>
>
> The EWE is pointed r

Re: Topband: Commercial 160 antennas?

[Jim Brown]

On Thu,12/31/2015 4:43 AM, Ed Sawyer wrote:

My suggestion for a simple job, is to have someone climb the tower and put a
pulley and rope at the top.


Very good idea.


  An inverted vee with a peak at 90 ft and the
end of the antenna legs at least 50 ft off the ground will do a reasonable
job for you.


Only if what you want is a cloud-warmer that works short to medium 
distance.



Alternatively, an inverted L, with 4 elevated radials – at least 10 ft off
the ground – 15 ft is better – will do pretty well with the kink of the L at
90 feet.


This is a FAR, FAR better idea. Better yet, load the tower, add the radials.

73, Jim K9YC

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

Re: Topband: Huge NA-EU opening last night

[Tim Shoppa]

I could hear that conditions were improving on 160M at 0400Z when CWT ended
- my EU rate was great from 0400Z through 0700Z, and the super strong DL
signals were in the 0500Z-0600Z window.

I was very surprised so many Europeans were even awake. There were many
fewer NA'ers CQ'ing, although a good number of NA'ers were doing S&P.

Tim N3QE

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 11:19 AM, K4OWR  wrote:

>  What time was this opening to EU on 160???
> BILL
>
>
> On 12/31/2015 10:21 AM, Mark K3MSB wrote:
>
>> Hello Tim
>>
>> I am a  "Johnny Novice" on Top Band;  my best was 25 EU DX contacts the
>> night before last night.   That was the first time I was able to call CQ
>> and have EU stations answer me!   Last night I worked a few EU, but was
>> playing with my EWE antenna.
>>
>> TB is indeed fun, and very challenging (at least for me!)
>>
>> 73 Mark K3MSB
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:11 AM, Tim Shoppa  wrote:
>>
>> There was a huge NA-EU 160M opening last night and I was surprised to work
>>> 50 Europeans on one night, outside a contest. I'm sure that 160M veterans
>>> can tell me of working 1000 on a good night, but this was great for me.
>>> I'm
>>> surprised there were that many Europeans awake before their dawn!
>>> Including
>>> Russians and Ukranians too.
>>>
>>> It was a little different than the "Belgium-specific" opening I found a
>>> few
>>> months ago, this one seems to have been all across Europe. There was a
>>> good
>>> hour when the DL's, ON's, OK's were loud like regional stations on 80M
>>> and
>>> there were a couple loud Ukranians too.
>>>
>>> Reversebeacon screenshot:
>>> http://www.trailing-edge.com/DEC31-opening.png
>>>
>>> Tim N3QE
>>> _
>>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>>
>>> _
>> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>>
>>
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Huge NA-EU opening last night

[K4OWR]

 What time was this opening to EU on 160???
BILL

On 12/31/2015 10:21 AM, Mark K3MSB wrote:

Hello Tim

I am a  "Johnny Novice" on Top Band;  my best was 25 EU DX contacts the
night before last night.   That was the first time I was able to call CQ
and have EU stations answer me!   Last night I worked a few EU, but was
playing with my EWE antenna.

TB is indeed fun, and very challenging (at least for me!)

73 Mark K3MSB

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:11 AM, Tim Shoppa  wrote:


There was a huge NA-EU 160M opening last night and I was surprised to work
50 Europeans on one night, outside a contest. I'm sure that 160M veterans
can tell me of working 1000 on a good night, but this was great for me. I'm
surprised there were that many Europeans awake before their dawn! Including
Russians and Ukranians too.

It was a little different than the "Belgium-specific" opening I found a few
months ago, this one seems to have been all across Europe. There was a good
hour when the DL's, ON's, OK's were loud like regional stations on 80M and
there were a couple loud Ukranians too.

Reversebeacon screenshot:  http://www.trailing-edge.com/DEC31-opening.png

Tim N3QE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband


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



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

Re: Topband: 160M EWE Problems Part 2

[Art Snapper]

Hi Mark,

I would be curious if you are getting a significant S-Meter reading using
the external preamp and testing with the antenna disconnected from the
cable?

If so, my guess would be that the Ewe pattern is terribly distorted by its
surroundings, noise is coupling in from other sources - or the noise figure
on the external preamp is too high.

73
Art NK8X
ᐧ

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:32 AM, Mark K3MSB  wrote:

> Good Morning!
>
>
> Last night was the second night in a row with nice conditions between the
> east coast and Europe on 160M.I took the time to get a cup of coffee
> and spend a few hours comparing the Inverted-L and EWE, and recording my
> observations.
>
>
> All Inverted-L data was recorded with the Icom on-board preamps OFF.
>
>
> All EWE data was recorded with the 20 dB external preamp ON.
>
>
> The external preamp is an Advanced Research Receiver P1-30/20VD
>
>
> The EWE is pointed roughly 40 degrees, and the grounds are not connected
> via wire.  That means the transformer end is towards Europe, and the
> resistor end is towards California -- some of you asked for clarification.
>
>
> General Noise Floor:
>
> INV-L: S2-S3 spikes above S5
>
> EWE:   S4 steady, no spikes   (Higher than the INV-L !)
>
>
>
> Forward reception:
>
> In the following table,  (S1, S2) means S1 on the INV-L,  S2 on the EWE.
>
> SP5GRM   (S7, S7)
>
> OK2RJC   (S9 , S6)
>
> RA2FV(S6, S4)
>
> RN3CT(S7,  S4)
>
> EU3AR(S5, Below noise level)
>
> UT7NY(S5,  S4)
>
> EI4KF(S5,  S4)
>
> YO9HP(S5,  S5)
>
> UY0ZG(S5,  S4)
>
>
> Those stations that were S4 on the EWE were pretty much riding the noise
> level and I could hear them, but they were much stronger (and easily
> copied) on the INV-L!
>
>
> Conclusions (perhaps incorrect…..)
>
> A) The noise floor of the EWE can be higher than that of the INV-L.
>
> B) The EWE is NOT suitable for weak signal reception
>
>
> If A and B above are correct, what’s the point of using an EWE?
>
>
> I state my conclusions based upon my observations, knowing full well a lot
> of you successfully use the EWE antenna,  so I still need to learn more, do
> more tweaking, etc.
>
>
>
> Back Rejection:   I recorded some stations that should have been off the
> back of the EWE (or thereabouts…..  I didn’t check them on QRZ.com,  but
> just
> assumed 8,9 and 7 land stations were behind me…..)
>
> N8 (S9+10 ,  S7)
>
> N7: (S7,  S4)
>
> N8  (S9+10,  S9+10)
>
> N9  (S9,  S7)
>
> N8 (S9+10,   S8)
>
> N8  (S9+20,   S9)
>
>
> So, I am seeing rejection off the back of the EWE.   It doesn’t happen all
> the time, but as I said I didn’t do a search to see where each station was
> actually located.
>
>
> Some of you asked how I know my cable and transformer are good.  I attached
> the feedline to the transformer,  then used a resistance substitution box
> to put a load on the other end of the transformer.   A 470 ohms resistance
> provided an SWR of 1.1.  As I moved the resistance above and below 470,
> the SWR moved as expected.   Since the transformer is 9:1,  I felt this
> showed the coax and transformer were OKI.
>
>
> Comments welcome.
>
>
> 73 Mark K3MSB
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: 160M EWE Problems Part 2

[Mark K3MSB]

Good Morning!


Last night was the second night in a row with nice conditions between the
east coast and Europe on 160M.I took the time to get a cup of coffee
and spend a few hours comparing the Inverted-L and EWE, and recording my
observations.


All Inverted-L data was recorded with the Icom on-board preamps OFF.


All EWE data was recorded with the 20 dB external preamp ON.


The external preamp is an Advanced Research Receiver P1-30/20VD


The EWE is pointed roughly 40 degrees, and the grounds are not connected
via wire.  That means the transformer end is towards Europe, and the
resistor end is towards California -- some of you asked for clarification.


General Noise Floor:

INV-L: S2-S3 spikes above S5

EWE:   S4 steady, no spikes   (Higher than the INV-L !)



Forward reception:

In the following table,  (S1, S2) means S1 on the INV-L,  S2 on the EWE.

SP5GRM   (S7, S7)

OK2RJC   (S9 , S6)

RA2FV(S6, S4)

RN3CT(S7,  S4)

EU3AR(S5, Below noise level)

UT7NY(S5,  S4)

EI4KF(S5,  S4)

YO9HP(S5,  S5)

UY0ZG(S5,  S4)


Those stations that were S4 on the EWE were pretty much riding the noise
level and I could hear them, but they were much stronger (and easily
copied) on the INV-L!


Conclusions (perhaps incorrect…..)

A) The noise floor of the EWE can be higher than that of the INV-L.

B) The EWE is NOT suitable for weak signal reception


If A and B above are correct, what’s the point of using an EWE?


I state my conclusions based upon my observations, knowing full well a lot
of you successfully use the EWE antenna,  so I still need to learn more, do
more tweaking, etc.



Back Rejection:   I recorded some stations that should have been off the
back of the EWE (or thereabouts…..  I didn’t check them on QRZ.com,  but just
assumed 8,9 and 7 land stations were behind me…..)

N8 (S9+10 ,  S7)

N7: (S7,  S4)

N8  (S9+10,  S9+10)

N9  (S9,  S7)

N8 (S9+10,   S8)

N8  (S9+20,   S9)


So, I am seeing rejection off the back of the EWE.   It doesn’t happen all
the time, but as I said I didn’t do a search to see where each station was
actually located.


Some of you asked how I know my cable and transformer are good.  I attached
the feedline to the transformer,  then used a resistance substitution box
to put a load on the other end of the transformer.   A 470 ohms resistance
provided an SWR of 1.1.  As I moved the resistance above and below 470,
the SWR moved as expected.   Since the transformer is 9:1,  I felt this
showed the coax and transformer were OKI.


Comments welcome.


73 Mark K3MSB
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Huge NA-EU opening last night

[Mark K3MSB]

Hello Tim

I am a  "Johnny Novice" on Top Band;  my best was 25 EU DX contacts the
night before last night.   That was the first time I was able to call CQ
and have EU stations answer me!   Last night I worked a few EU, but was
playing with my EWE antenna.

TB is indeed fun, and very challenging (at least for me!)

73 Mark K3MSB

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:11 AM, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

> There was a huge NA-EU 160M opening last night and I was surprised to work
> 50 Europeans on one night, outside a contest. I'm sure that 160M veterans
> can tell me of working 1000 on a good night, but this was great for me. I'm
> surprised there were that many Europeans awake before their dawn! Including
> Russians and Ukranians too.
>
> It was a little different than the "Belgium-specific" opening I found a few
> months ago, this one seems to have been all across Europe. There was a good
> hour when the DL's, ON's, OK's were loud like regional stations on 80M and
> there were a couple loud Ukranians too.
>
> Reversebeacon screenshot:  http://www.trailing-edge.com/DEC31-opening.png
>
> Tim N3QE
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Huge NA-EU opening last night

[Art Snapper]

It was nice. There was a bit of flutter on the more northerly stations.
Perhaps it is related to the recent solar storm.

73
Art NK8X
ᐧ

On Thu, Dec 31, 2015 at 10:11 AM, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

> There was a huge NA-EU 160M opening last night and I was surprised to work
> 50 Europeans on one night, outside a contest. I'm sure that 160M veterans
> can tell me of working 1000 on a good night, but this was great for me. I'm
> surprised there were that many Europeans awake before their dawn! Including
> Russians and Ukranians too.
>
> It was a little different than the "Belgium-specific" opening I found a few
> months ago, this one seems to have been all across Europe. There was a good
> hour when the DL's, ON's, OK's were loud like regional stations on 80M and
> there were a couple loud Ukranians too.
>
> Reversebeacon screenshot:  http://www.trailing-edge.com/DEC31-opening.png
>
> Tim N3QE
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
>
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Topband: Huge NA-EU opening last night

[Tim Shoppa]

There was a huge NA-EU 160M opening last night and I was surprised to work
50 Europeans on one night, outside a contest. I'm sure that 160M veterans
can tell me of working 1000 on a good night, but this was great for me. I'm
surprised there were that many Europeans awake before their dawn! Including
Russians and Ukranians too.

It was a little different than the "Belgium-specific" opening I found a few
months ago, this one seems to have been all across Europe. There was a good
hour when the DL's, ON's, OK's were loud like regional stations on 80M and
there were a couple loud Ukranians too.

Reversebeacon screenshot:  http://www.trailing-edge.com/DEC31-opening.png

Tim N3QE
_
Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband

Re: Topband: Commercial 160 antennas?

[Ed Sawyer]

Bill, Given the info that you have provided, it sounds like you don’t have
“lots of room for almost anything” if the room needed is radial field in
certain directions from the tower.  And re guying the tower is out as well.

 

My suggestion for a simple job, is to have someone climb the tower and put a
pulley and rope at the top.  An inverted vee with a peak at 90 ft and the
end of the antenna legs at least 50 ft off the ground will do a reasonable
job for you.

 

Alternatively, an inverted L, with 4 elevated radials – at least 10 ft off
the ground – 15 ft is better – will do pretty well with the kink of the L at
90 feet.  

 

I would align the elevated radials so that only one is needed in the
difficult overbrush.  Then I would measure out 125 ft of 16 AWG insulated
wire, and launch the radial out of the “pricker brush” with a slingshot.

 

Ed  N1UR

 

I have 2 T top verticals with tops at 80 ft and 45 ¼ wave radials under each
end fire into EU and switched OMNI for everybody else.  Takes up a lot of
real estate but works FB.

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