Re: Topband: VP6D

[Dave Hollander]

The not staying on until west coast sunrise has been happening a lot 
with the Pacific DXpeditions on 160 the past few weeks. They have been 
changing bands 30-45 minutes before sunrise in Arizona and also 
eliminating California and the rest of the west coast :-(


Dave N7RK
--
Dave Hollander N7RK
Arizona Tube Supply
http://arizonatubesupply.com

Ham Radio Page
http://n7rk.com
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Re: Topband: VP6D

[Wes Stewart]

Pity they didn't stay on until our SR in AZ.  But that's not atypical.

Wes  N7WS

On 10/22/2018 10:55 AM, David Olean wrote:
I am not an expert on DX peditions, coming late to HF and 160 meters in my 
life, but I could not get over the operator at VP6D this morning on 1.826.  
Whoever it was, he was flying and getting the call correct the first time 
every time.  I was amazed at how well they were doing racking up the Qs.  
There was plenty of QSB here in Maine with the signal going from S 0.2 to 
about S6  on the S meter. At minimum, they were barely copyable.  At best, 
they were loud. I used my Europe beverage and found that it was a tad better 
than my SW beverage. I am not sure what was going on there. The Europe wires 
is a pair of 1150 ft bevs, and the SW wire is shorter at about 800 ft. After 
making a contact, I experimented with diversity on the K3 and had the SW wire 
in my right ear and the 45 degree wire in my left ear.  Copy was better with 
diversity, but I think I need to check my beverage terminations!! Maybe it was 
an arrival angle situation that favored the longer wire's pattern.  I learn 
something every day.


Dave K1WHS


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Re: Topband: elevated radials

[Grant Saviers]

Agree, an array is an entirely different ball game.  Thanks.

Grant KZ1w

On 10/22/2018 8:47 AM, John Kaufmann wrote:

When you are using just a single vertical, some pattern skew is probably 
acceptable.  However, at KC1XX we are using several verticals in an array and 
nonideal radiation from the individual verticals degrades the directive pattern 
that we are trying to achieve.

73, John W1FV

-Original Message-
From: Grant Saviers [mailto:gran...@pacbell.net]
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2018 11:38 AM
To: jkaufm...@alum.mit.edu; Topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: elevated radials

I have a 160m T with 8 elevated 125' radials and the currents are worst
case 3:1 unequal for various reasons (nearby steel building & towers).
I've modeled this with EZNEC Pro4 by placing the actual radial currents
as sources in each radial.  Obviously the sum of those currents must
equal the vertical current and those measurements agree.

I'm wondering what is your "radials generate unwanted radiation".  The
modeling shows the pattern is less than 1 db "out of round" with my
unbalanced currents.

I know there are many comments that radial currents must be equalized.
My own DXpedition experience with single radial SteppIR CrankIRs and
modeling them shows only a 2 or 3 of db "out of round".Some other
modeling I did showed small pattern skew even with 3 or 4 radials removed.

So what am I missing?

Grant KZ1W

On 10/21/2018 15:22 PM, John Kaufmann wrote:

We just went through the exercise of tuning up the elevated radials on the
KC1XX 160m vertical array in advance of the upcoming CQWW DX Contests.

The first thing is to make each of the radials look as electrically
identical as possible.  We assume the length of the vertical element is
fixed and not adjustable.  We start by connecting one radial at a time to
the feedpoint of the vertical and measuring the impedance at the vertical
feedpoint.  In general the impedances will not be exactly the same.  With
unequal impedances, the currents flowing in each of the radials will
generally be unequal, which is undesirable because then the radials generate
unwanted radiation.   Suppressing that radiation depends on making the
radial currents as close to equal as possible so that in the far field, the
radiation from each radial is cancelled by the out-of-phase radiation from
an opposing radial.  The lengths of each of the radials then need to be
adjusted to equalize the feedpoint impedances of the vertical with one
radial at a time.

We trimmed the radial lengths to make the feedpoint reactance X=0 at the
desired resonant frequency of the vertical.  (Note that if there are other
vertical elements present in an array, they have to be detuned to insure
they do not corrupt the measurement.)  However when we did this, we found
that the resistance (R) at the feedpoint was different with each individual
radial and it was not possible to equalize the resistances and reactances
simultaneously.   Apparently this is because of the non-homogeneous
environment (ground and surrounding trees) around each radial.  So, we do
the best we can in equalizing the impedances and accept some degree of
imperfection.  The more radials present around the vertical, the more
forgiving the system is of imperfections in radial symmetry.

As a final check we then connect all of the radials to the vertical element
and check the impedance again.  The resonance (where the reactance X=0)
should be close to the resonance that was obtained in the radial trimming
exercise for the vertical with one radial at a time.

73, John W1FV

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Re: Topband: VE1ZZ SK

[F8BPN]

RIP Jack! A lot of QSO with you! Thank's for all!

73/88 de Mau, F8BPN
http://ph-martin.pagesperso-orange.fr/f8bpn/index.htm

Le 22/10/2018 à 15:33, W2PM via Topband a écrit :

RIP OM VE1ZZ

Sent from my iPad


On Oct 20, 2018, at 11:13, Yuri Blanarovich  wrote:

Sorry to hear about Jack's QSY to radio heaven.

I had privilege to visit him few times and tried to shake few low band records, 
one is still there as VA1A on 80m CQ WPX CW for NA. It was like driving into Eu 
160 radio tunnel. Getting smacked by hearing piles of Europeans starting around 
3 pm, waiting for them to respond for 2 hours.


Jack was the icon/beacon on Top band, from days when the band was muddy, very 
few bothered to mess with that noisy band, needing big stuff antennas. He found 
his hill QTH by the ocean, on the edge of NS, next door to Eu, made Head of 
Jeddore known to the radio world.


Jack scrounged, scavenged parts, towers, cables, ropes (yes, even coke bottles) to populate the 
hill with antennas that had all terrain tires (base/insulators). Modest rig in the shack and the 
home brewed "vertical" PA. His life was 160, up during the nights for openings, handing 
out points and multiplier in contests. He enjoyed being "first" and happy to nail the new 
one for his DXCC.


He was my first NA when I was OK3BU, thrilled to get him with 10W and piece of wire. I 
never dreamed that one day I would visit him, operate from his station, or be 
"home" for my VE1BY call. I enjoyed every moment being with Jack, there is a 
special bond between the serious topbanders, it is like finding the long lost brother, 
sometime no words are needed. Jack had understanding and support from his wife Opel.


Oh well, we are getting old, inevitable is around the corner. Looking back, we lived during the 
exciting period of radio, gave us fun, expanded horizons, foundation for carriers, knowing some 
special people. I thought when I retire, I would do some writing, do photo/video and play with 
radios. Wanted to write about record chasing operations from VE1ZZ, W8LRL. TF4M and others, but 
life keeps us busy with family and business "stuff".  Now that contesting and hamming is 
"advanced" to the stage, when you do not need station (rentastations), you do not need 
operator (Internet will serve you), or you don't even need to hear the station (FT8), I can retire 
from old fashion contesting and do the neglected. Go through the boxes of photo/video material and 
sketch some good old days of radio contesting.


RIP Jack!  Say Hello to W1BB!


Yuri, K3BU.us, VE1VY, VE3BMV



Good idea, to rename preStew to "Jack"









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Re: Topband: VP6D

[Grant Saviers]

I know at least CW operator N7QT will operate diversity reception, not 
sure it was yet in operation.


Grant KZ1W

On 10/22/2018 10:57 AM, Tree wrote:

Sometimes - near your sunrise - angles go high and that diminishes
directivity quickly.

Congrats on the QSO!!

Tree N6TR

On Mon, Oct 22, 2018 at 10:56 AM David Olean  wrote:


I am not an expert on DX peditions, coming late to HF and 160 meters in
my life, but I could not get over the operator at VP6D this morning on
1.826.  Whoever it was, he was flying and getting the call correct the
first time every time.  I was amazed at how well they were doing racking
up the Qs.  There was plenty of QSB here in Maine with the signal going
from S 0.2 to about S6  on the S meter. At minimum, they were barely
copyable.  At best, they were loud. I used my Europe beverage and found
that it was a tad better than my SW beverage. I am not sure what was
going on there. The Europe wires is a pair of 1150 ft bevs, and the SW
wire is shorter at about 800 ft. After making a contact, I experimented
with diversity on the K3 and had the SW wire in my right ear and the 45
degree wire in my left ear.  Copy was better with diversity, but I think
I need to check my beverage terminations!! Maybe it was an arrival angle
situation that favored the longer wire's pattern.  I learn something
every day.

Dave K1WHS


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Re: Topband: VP6D

[Tree]

Sometimes - near your sunrise - angles go high and that diminishes
directivity quickly.

Congrats on the QSO!!

Tree N6TR

On Mon, Oct 22, 2018 at 10:56 AM David Olean  wrote:

> I am not an expert on DX peditions, coming late to HF and 160 meters in
> my life, but I could not get over the operator at VP6D this morning on
> 1.826.  Whoever it was, he was flying and getting the call correct the
> first time every time.  I was amazed at how well they were doing racking
> up the Qs.  There was plenty of QSB here in Maine with the signal going
> from S 0.2 to about S6  on the S meter. At minimum, they were barely
> copyable.  At best, they were loud. I used my Europe beverage and found
> that it was a tad better than my SW beverage. I am not sure what was
> going on there. The Europe wires is a pair of 1150 ft bevs, and the SW
> wire is shorter at about 800 ft. After making a contact, I experimented
> with diversity on the K3 and had the SW wire in my right ear and the 45
> degree wire in my left ear.  Copy was better with diversity, but I think
> I need to check my beverage terminations!! Maybe it was an arrival angle
> situation that favored the longer wire's pattern.  I learn something
> every day.
>
> Dave K1WHS
>
>
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> Reflector
>
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Re: Topband: VP6D

[David Olean]

I am not an expert on DX peditions, coming late to HF and 160 meters in 
my life, but I could not get over the operator at VP6D this morning on 
1.826.  Whoever it was, he was flying and getting the call correct the 
first time every time.  I was amazed at how well they were doing racking 
up the Qs.  There was plenty of QSB here in Maine with the signal going 
from S 0.2 to about S6  on the S meter. At minimum, they were barely 
copyable.  At best, they were loud. I used my Europe beverage and found 
that it was a tad better than my SW beverage. I am not sure what was 
going on there. The Europe wires is a pair of 1150 ft bevs, and the SW 
wire is shorter at about 800 ft. After making a contact, I experimented 
with diversity on the K3 and had the SW wire in my right ear and the 45 
degree wire in my left ear.  Copy was better with diversity, but I think 
I need to check my beverage terminations!! Maybe it was an arrival angle 
situation that favored the longer wire's pattern.  I learn something 
every day.


Dave K1WHS


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Re: Topband: elevated radials

[John Kaufmann]

When you are using just a single vertical, some pattern skew is probably 
acceptable.  However, at KC1XX we are using several verticals in an array and 
nonideal radiation from the individual verticals degrades the directive pattern 
that we are trying to achieve.

73, John W1FV

-Original Message-
From: Grant Saviers [mailto:gran...@pacbell.net] 
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2018 11:38 AM
To: jkaufm...@alum.mit.edu; Topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: elevated radials

I have a 160m T with 8 elevated 125' radials and the currents are worst 
case 3:1 unequal for various reasons (nearby steel building & towers).  
I've modeled this with EZNEC Pro4 by placing the actual radial currents 
as sources in each radial.  Obviously the sum of those currents must 
equal the vertical current and those measurements agree.

I'm wondering what is your "radials generate unwanted radiation".  The 
modeling shows the pattern is less than 1 db "out of round" with my 
unbalanced currents.

I know there are many comments that radial currents must be equalized.  
My own DXpedition experience with single radial SteppIR CrankIRs and 
modeling them shows only a 2 or 3 of db "out of round".Some other 
modeling I did showed small pattern skew even with 3 or 4 radials removed.

So what am I missing?

Grant KZ1W

On 10/21/2018 15:22 PM, John Kaufmann wrote:
> We just went through the exercise of tuning up the elevated radials on the
> KC1XX 160m vertical array in advance of the upcoming CQWW DX Contests.
>
> The first thing is to make each of the radials look as electrically
> identical as possible.  We assume the length of the vertical element is
> fixed and not adjustable.  We start by connecting one radial at a time to
> the feedpoint of the vertical and measuring the impedance at the vertical
> feedpoint.  In general the impedances will not be exactly the same.  With
> unequal impedances, the currents flowing in each of the radials will
> generally be unequal, which is undesirable because then the radials generate
> unwanted radiation.   Suppressing that radiation depends on making the
> radial currents as close to equal as possible so that in the far field, the
> radiation from each radial is cancelled by the out-of-phase radiation from
> an opposing radial.  The lengths of each of the radials then need to be
> adjusted to equalize the feedpoint impedances of the vertical with one
> radial at a time.
>
> We trimmed the radial lengths to make the feedpoint reactance X=0 at the
> desired resonant frequency of the vertical.  (Note that if there are other
> vertical elements present in an array, they have to be detuned to insure
> they do not corrupt the measurement.)  However when we did this, we found
> that the resistance (R) at the feedpoint was different with each individual
> radial and it was not possible to equalize the resistances and reactances
> simultaneously.   Apparently this is because of the non-homogeneous
> environment (ground and surrounding trees) around each radial.  So, we do
> the best we can in equalizing the impedances and accept some degree of
> imperfection.  The more radials present around the vertical, the more
> forgiving the system is of imperfections in radial symmetry.
>
> As a final check we then connect all of the radials to the vertical element
> and check the impedance again.  The resonance (where the reactance X=0)
> should be close to the resonance that was obtained in the radial trimming
> exercise for the vertical with one radial at a time.
>
> 73, John W1FV
>
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>

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Re: Topband: elevated radials

[Grant Saviers]

I have a 160m T with 8 elevated 125' radials and the currents are worst 
case 3:1 unequal for various reasons (nearby steel building & towers).  
I've modeled this with EZNEC Pro4 by placing the actual radial currents 
as sources in each radial.  Obviously the sum of those currents must 
equal the vertical current and those measurements agree.


I'm wondering what is your "radials generate unwanted radiation".  The 
modeling shows the pattern is less than 1 db "out of round" with my 
unbalanced currents.


I know there are many comments that radial currents must be equalized.  
My own DXpedition experience with single radial SteppIR CrankIRs and 
modeling them shows only a 2 or 3 of db "out of round".    Some other 
modeling I did showed small pattern skew even with 3 or 4 radials removed.


So what am I missing?

Grant KZ1W

On 10/21/2018 15:22 PM, John Kaufmann wrote:

We just went through the exercise of tuning up the elevated radials on the
KC1XX 160m vertical array in advance of the upcoming CQWW DX Contests.

The first thing is to make each of the radials look as electrically
identical as possible.  We assume the length of the vertical element is
fixed and not adjustable.  We start by connecting one radial at a time to
the feedpoint of the vertical and measuring the impedance at the vertical
feedpoint.  In general the impedances will not be exactly the same.  With
unequal impedances, the currents flowing in each of the radials will
generally be unequal, which is undesirable because then the radials generate
unwanted radiation.   Suppressing that radiation depends on making the
radial currents as close to equal as possible so that in the far field, the
radiation from each radial is cancelled by the out-of-phase radiation from
an opposing radial.  The lengths of each of the radials then need to be
adjusted to equalize the feedpoint impedances of the vertical with one
radial at a time.

We trimmed the radial lengths to make the feedpoint reactance X=0 at the
desired resonant frequency of the vertical.  (Note that if there are other
vertical elements present in an array, they have to be detuned to insure
they do not corrupt the measurement.)  However when we did this, we found
that the resistance (R) at the feedpoint was different with each individual
radial and it was not possible to equalize the resistances and reactances
simultaneously.   Apparently this is because of the non-homogeneous
environment (ground and surrounding trees) around each radial.  So, we do
the best we can in equalizing the impedances and accept some degree of
imperfection.  The more radials present around the vertical, the more
forgiving the system is of imperfections in radial symmetry.

As a final check we then connect all of the radials to the vertical element
and check the impedance again.  The resonance (where the reactance X=0)
should be close to the resonance that was obtained in the radial trimming
exercise for the vertical with one radial at a time.

73, John W1FV

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Re: Topband: VE1ZZ SK

[W2PM via Topband]

RIP OM VE1ZZ

Sent from my iPad

> On Oct 20, 2018, at 11:13, Yuri Blanarovich  wrote:
> 
> Sorry to hear about Jack's QSY to radio heaven. 
> 
> I had privilege to visit him few times and tried to shake few low band 
> records, one is still there as VA1A on 80m CQ WPX CW for NA. It was like 
> driving into Eu 160 radio tunnel. Getting smacked by hearing piles of 
> Europeans starting around 3 pm, waiting for them to respond for 2 hours. 
> 
> 
> Jack was the icon/beacon on Top band, from days when the band was muddy, very 
> few bothered to mess with that noisy band, needing big stuff antennas. He 
> found his hill QTH by the ocean, on the edge of NS, next door to Eu, made 
> Head of Jeddore known to the radio world. 
> 
> 
> Jack scrounged, scavenged parts, towers, cables, ropes (yes, even coke 
> bottles) to populate the hill with antennas that had all terrain tires 
> (base/insulators). Modest rig in the shack and the home brewed "vertical" PA. 
> His life was 160, up during the nights for openings, handing out points and 
> multiplier in contests. He enjoyed being "first" and happy to nail the new 
> one for his DXCC. 
> 
> 
> He was my first NA when I was OK3BU, thrilled to get him with 10W and piece 
> of wire. I never dreamed that one day I would visit him, operate from his 
> station, or be "home" for my VE1BY call. I enjoyed every moment being with 
> Jack, there is a special bond between the serious topbanders, it is like 
> finding the long lost brother, sometime no words are needed. Jack had 
> understanding and support from his wife Opel.
> 
> 
> Oh well, we are getting old, inevitable is around the corner. Looking back, 
> we lived during the exciting period of radio, gave us fun, expanded horizons, 
> foundation for carriers, knowing some special people. I thought when I 
> retire, I would do some writing, do photo/video and play with radios. Wanted 
> to write about record chasing operations from VE1ZZ, W8LRL. TF4M and others, 
> but life keeps us busy with family and business "stuff".  Now that contesting 
> and hamming is "advanced" to the stage, when you do not need station 
> (rentastations), you do not need operator (Internet will serve you), or you 
> don't even need to hear the station (FT8), I can retire from old fashion 
> contesting and do the neglected. Go through the boxes of photo/video material 
> and sketch some good old days of radio contesting.
> 
> 
> RIP Jack!  Say Hello to W1BB!
> 
> 
> Yuri, K3BU.us, VE1VY, VE3BMV
> 
> 
> 
> Good idea, to rename preStew to "Jack"
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
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Re: Topband: FW: Isolated F81 F Barrel Connector

[Paul Christensen]

Although I've decided to create a Hi-Z interface panel with Perspex, I did 
discover an insulated F81 barrel from L-Com.  See the link below if there's an 
interest in saving the information for future reference.  

Notice that the F81 uses a pair of Nylon shoulder washers to achieve panel 
isolation.   Mechanically and electrically, I don’t know how well it would work 
and hold up over time, but it may be an option in other applications where 
panel isolation is required.

http://www.l-com.com/coaxial-coaxial-bulkhead-adapter-f-female-female75-ohm-5-d-hole

Paul, W9AC

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of Paul Christensen
Sent: Sunday, October 21, 2018 5:02 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: FW: Isolated F81 F Barrel Connector

Thanks for all the replies.  I failed to mention that the plate is being 
designed in Front Panel Express (FPE) software.  I didn’t think FPE offered 
non-metallic panels.  However, I just took another look at the design menu and 
I was surprised to find they offer panels in an acrylic material called 
“Perspex.”  It’s less expensive to CNC machine and engrave than aluminum, so 
this may be the best option. 

 

Paul, W9AC. 

 

Sent from Outlook   for iOS





On Sun, Oct 21, 2018 at 3:46 PM -0400, "Steve Maki" mailto:li...@oakcom.org> > wrote:

Can't you just use a non-metallic plate?
 
-Steve K8LX
 
On 10/21/18 15:08 PM, Paul Christensen wrote:
> Google isn't my friend today...
> 
> I am looking for an isolated "F" barrel connector, commonly known as 
> the F81.  I am designing an aluminum interface plate for use with a 
> Hi-Z 8-circle receive array.  The panel will contain multiple F81 
> barrel connectors that attach to the side of a large PVC tool box with 
> gasket weather seal.  An isolated F81 is probably a very odd item 
> since it's a connector that's not normally used for baseband signal 
> distribution like video and data.
> 
> Each of the RG-6 lines run into a Hi-Z switched phasing box where each 
> line is connected to a toroid transformer.  As such, measuring 
> resistance from the ground of one antenna port to another shows about 
> 30 ohms resistance, necessitating isolation at my connection plate.  
> The Hi-Z phasing box is made of PVC material and each antenna input is 
> isolated by virtue of the plastic box.
> 
> In the alternative, I could use isolated BNC or TNC connectors with F
> between-series adapters.   Insulating each F81 with its own insolation strip
> is definitely not an option in this application.  The last option is 
> to run all lines directly into the large box and make a direct 
> connection to the Hi-Z phasing unit.  However, I would really like the 
> option to disconnect on the *outside* of the box so that it can be 
> quickly wheeled in for maintenance.
> 
> Thoughts?
> 
> Paul, W9AC
> 
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Topband: VE1ZZ Local Obituary

[k1zm--- via Topband]

Hi Gang
 
One more item to add about Jack
 
A local friend VY2GF sent me his obituary link this morning.  Here it is if 
anyone wants to take a look.
 
73 JEFF   VY2ZM
 

https://www.arbormemorial.ca/atlantic-dartmouth/obituaries/john-william-leahy/25367/?fbclid=IwAR3eZdjoXxSYGLZV-NTm2KhPupRTNSWqwOEz0pThjWIM5YOk4cNJ8iV8wFk

 
 
 
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