Re: Topband: CY9C topband CW

[Bob Garrett via Topband]

Hello Mike,

Wow, that was quite the read from K7BV.  Let's hope it sheds some light on
just how difficult it is to operate from CY9 and the necessity to adjust
according to environmental and atmospheric conditions.  

In my opinion, the CY9C team is doing a great job.  Other than for 12
meters, I've been able to work them on all the bands.  Thanks for sharing
Mike.  73, Bob K3UL

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On
Behalf Of Mike Smith VE9AA
Sent: Sunday, September 1, 2024 5:12 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: CY9C topband CW

I know virtually nothing about the current CY9C operation, but I was there
in 1997 with K7BV and VE1PZ.

I have no doubt at all judging by who is on the team, they are trying their
best !

It's pretty rocky, but there is a 360* view and very close to salt water no
matter where you are on the tiny north Island (rock)

We had a pretty good signal (I think) on most bands from there "back in the
day".
If you are wanting to see some ~27yr old pix and a writeup I did what seems
like a lifetime ago, wheel your browser over to:

https://www.uksmg.org/content/cy9.htm



Mike VE9AA ex-CY9AA ('97)



Mike - Keswick Ridge, NB, Canada 



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Re: Topband: Radials on ground

[Bob Garrett]

The size of the wire doesn’t matter one bit. Use what you have and enjoy. Just 
remember, the more radios the better and if you only have a choice of several 
long radios over multiple short ones go with the short ones

Sent from my iPhone 

> On Jan 7, 2022, at 9:14 AM, Pete Smith N4ZR  wrote:
> 
> For the moment at least, I'm using on-the-ground radials for my 160M 
> inverted L. Discussion on the reflector triggered a thought - is the size of 
> wire used for on-the-ground radials - or elevated radials for that matter - 
> significant?  I ask this because I have a huge spool of military-surplus, 
> silver-plated (!) 18-gauge insulated copper wire.  Currently using 16, +/- 
> 1/8 wave on-the-ground radials made with the stuff.   Feedpoint resistance 
> seems to be by the book, at least as compared to feeding the antenna against 
> a single ground rod.
> 
> -- 
> 73, Pete N4ZR
> Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network
> web server at.
> For spots, please use your favorite
> "retail" DX cluster.
> _
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Re: Topband: ZL and W6KIP?? back in the 60's?

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Yes, Bob Tanner ZL2BT, my first ZL on Topband.  73, Bob K3UL

_
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Topband: Relay Part Numbers

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Peter and Rob,

 

Very interesting solutions to the disconnecting the TX antenna during RX.
What are the part numbers for the relays you are suing or the sources will
work just as well.  73, Bob K3UL

_
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Topband: Interview With Jeff, K1ZM

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Eric 4Z1UG has a weekly Podcast called QSO Today.  It is always informative
and just a great listen.

 

This week, our Topband friend and big time contester Jeff K1ZM/VY2ZM is
interviewed by Eric.  I'd encourage you to give it a listen.  Previous shows
are also available and are equally great listens.  

 

Just a pass along.  73, Bob K3UL

_
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Topband: Thanks

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Thanks to everyone who sent me their thoughts and suggestions on my shunt
fed tower and the inverted vees.  I'm going to ground the feedlines and
install brute force baluns on the vees.  I'll report back to the reflector
on my results.

 

73, Bob K3UL

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

Topband: My Shunt Fed Tower

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings Listers,

 

I'm looking to this group for some input on my shunt fed tower loaded down
with antennas HI.

 

I have 85 feet of Rohn 25G with three sets of broken up guy wires that was
installed in 1999.  Probably 200 to 300 short radials that have been put in
since 1988 for the previous tower and added to over the years, all bonded to
the base of the tower.

 

On top, from bottom up I have - Optibeam 9-5 9 EL yagi, 5 EL M2 6 meter yagi
and at 100 feet, an Optibeam 30 - 40 rotary dipole.  All cables run inside
the tower and are grounded at the base.  I use an omega match made up of two
vacuum variables.

 

Now, this season, I wanted to have a few more options for contesting.  I
installed a 3 foot metal support from KF7P and put up a 80 meter inverted
VEE at 70 feet and a 60 meter inverted vee at 60 feet using the same
arrangement.  I did have to adjust the omega match after adding the two
additional antennas.

 

Regarding the shunt, I use a piece of RG8X with the attachment point at
about 48 feet and a spacing of 24 inches, a 1KPF variable in series and a
probably 400PF cap for the omega match.  No problem getting a perfect match.

 

Over the years, this arrangement prior to adding the two inverted vee
antennas this year performed very well.  Now I know about TB conditions so,
I am not making sweeping statements but, seems like I just don't get through
those pileups as quickly as before.  

 

My questions - Is there any fact to the statement that an 80 meter antenna
on a 160 meter shunt fed tower will degrade the performance?  Is it just one
happy amount of loading?  Anything else I should be considering?  The
problem is I live on a small lot and only have so many options to cover all
bands.  Any input appreciated.  73, Bob K3UL

_
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Re: Topband: low band propagation at solar min

[Bob Garrett]

Hello John et al,

 

The 1987 cycle was truly amazing with similar conditions here in PA.  JA
opening most mornings and EU nights like the 20 meter band.  Unlike W1FV, I
only heard 9M2AX a few times and worked him once on January 1, 1989.  That
night, he was louder than the EU stations he was working.  Great fun for
sure.

 

Like Dave said, the 2008 and 2009 years were very good too.  

 

I believe we still have so much to learn on this subject.  That is why
nothing beats listening no matter what the numbers say.  73 and gud DX.  Bob
K3UL  

_
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Topband: New Noise

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Approximately ten days ago, I experienced increased noise primarily on 160
meters.  After troubleshooting my HI-Z 4 square, I found that the noise was
coming from the NW and is being introduced in to the 4 el array making it
useless to hear weak signals.  I also have a 100 meter DXE bi-directional
beverage.  The noise level on that antenna is up too but still functioning.
My RBOG antennas remain quiet.  One more interesting observation before I
pose a few questions to the collective wisdom of this group.  On 80 meters,
the 4 square and beverage are still working FB.  Since I haven't spent as
much time on 80, I'm not sure if there has been an increase in the noise
floor on that band however, they certainly don't have the increased noise
I'm seeing on Topband.  

 

Yes, I have checked every component of the 4 square array and everything
checks out FB.  

 

So, my thought is someone in the neighborhood got a new electronic gismo for
Christmas.  When I listen on the 400 KHZ band, I hear some huge signals
anytime day or night.  Comparing sounds from the ARRL site, I'm thinking a
light dimmer, phone charger or a dirty wall wort.  

 

My friend Scott, K2CUB will be here in approximately a week and he has some
good noise sniffing equipment.  Now, for the questions:

 

1.If I find a noisy wall wort, will clip on torrids help suppress
the hash or does it need to be changed out with a new one? 

2.   Regarding light dimmers, what is the resolution for those devices.


3.   How about plasma TV?

Any other input appreciated.  I never knew just how quiet my QTH was until
now HI.  73 and HNY Bob K3UL

4.   something new  

_
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Topband: A Bit Off Topic

[Bob Garrett]

Hi Listers,

 

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread.  I've learned a lot and
still have some reading to do.  I'd say for now, no more posts needed.  Back
to Topband topics.

 

73 and thanks again, Bob K3UL

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

Topband: A Bit Off Topic

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

 

Any suggestions appreciated on an effective electrical panel lightning
protection device for my panel breaker box.  Thanks and 73, Bob K3UL  

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

Re: Topband: Additional Comments on Impact of Remote RX Systems

[Bob Garrett]

Hello John et al,

Nice summary.

As someone who is certainly new to contesting but not to chasing DX on 160
meters, here are my thoughts regarding remote receivers.

Yes, Topband is hard!  If it was easy, everyone would do it and those of us
who have achieved numbers over 300 countries worked would be plentiful.
I've always said, it takes hours of listening, constantly looking to
improving RX antennas and taking the time to do your best to figure out when
propagation will be best for your area and the DX.  If remote receivers are
permitted, like John stated, they should be severely restricted to close
proximity to the transmit antenna.  Perhaps another category should also be
considered but, I'll leave that up to the true contest guys.  I don't feel
qualified to comment on that issue.

In closing I repeat, Topband is hard!  That is part of the challenge and
attraction to the band that keeps us TB enthusiasts coming back year after
year trying to work "another one" loosing many hours of sleep and being
totally dedicated to this fascinating band.  I would truly hate to see a
change in the rules that would take away the TB challenges and attraction.


73, Bob K3UL

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

Re: Topband: EP6T and outside world

[Bob Garrett]

Ken and others, at least last evening, there was very few times when somebody 
called on the frequency and unlike the other bands, there was no great pile up 
or piling on.I believe at least for now the gentleman's band is still alive and 
wellBob, K3 UL

Robert  B. Garrett, President/C.E.O.  
North Central Sight Services, Inc.
2121 Reach Road
Williamsport, PA 17701
P: 570-323-9401 Ext.126

Sent from my iPhone 

> On Jan 23, 2015, at 10:09 AM, Kenneth Grimm  wrote:
> 
> Eddy VE3CUI - VE3XZ lamented:
> 
> 160 stopped becoming the "Gentleman's Band" ever since mainstream
> manufacturers started incoroporating a spot marked "160" on the front of
> their rigs & linears...
> 
> 
> 
> I think you are right, Eddy.  However, I can remember as recently as the
> 70's and maybe into the 80's being in a "gentleman's pileup" for a DX
> station on 160 and finding it completely different.  First of all, no one
> called zero beat with the DX.  With signal levels on top band, it is the
> height of stupidity and simply bad manners to do that!  Secondly, believe
> it or not, if there were three or four stations calling...they generally
> took their turn, giving the other guys in the "pile-up" a clear shot.
> Calls tended to be quite short and you didn't call unless you heard the
> DX.  Those types of behavior seem to be long gone from top band.
> 
> I used to refer to the "gentlemen's band" at the breakfast table when I was
> telling my XYL about interesting DX and QSOs that I had had on top band the
> night before.  I don't remember exactly when, but at some point I started
> calling it "Marconi's band."  She asked about Marconi and I explained his
> role in the development of "DXing."  She then wanted to know why I had
> changed from working on the "gentlemen's band" and moved to "Marconi's
> band."  My answer was that " it was the same place, but things have
> changed."
> 
> 73,
> 
> -- 
> Ken - K4XL
> BoatAnchor Manual Archive
> BAMA - http://bama.edebris.com
> _
> Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
_
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Topband: WD-1A

[Bob Garrett]

Morning,

 

Does anyone have 500 to 1,000 feet of WD-1A for sale?  Please contact me off
list at rgarre...@comcast.net.

 

73 and have a great Holiday.  Bob K3UL

_
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Topband: VK3ZL SK today

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

When I heard from my dear friend Sid K3SX about Bob's passing, I looked back
at my log to determine when I first worked VK3ZL.  The date was September 1,
1999.  Over the next 14 years, Bob and I worked each other many many times.
Like others have said, he was a fixture on Topband along with Mike VK6HD,
SK.  I was not aware that Bob was only using a short vertical.  Man, what a
consistent signal.

He will be certainly missed.  Bob, you are 599 and solid copy in our hearts.
RIP my friend.

Bob K3UL


_
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Re: Topband: Rig Question

[Bob Garrett]

Gentlemen,

How did this conversation morf from aarigs to the pros and cons of specific
contests?  More importantly, how does this relate to the Topband reflector?
73, Bob K3UL

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

Re: Topband: Rig Question

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,

I've owned the FTDX1200, the TS590 and the K3.  IKMHO, the 1200 has a better
sounding and more versatile receiver than the 590.  The DSP and DNR is
definitely superior and the roofing filters provide a few more options when
trying to dig out a weak station adjacent to a strong signal.

Regarding the K3, Look at what Rob Sherwood has to say.  It is far superior
to both the 590 and 1200 but it should be for the price.  73, Bob K3UL

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

Topband: Detuning/Grounding Xmit Antenna while on RX

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings Topbanders,

 

I have an 85 foot shunt fed tower that I use on TB.  I have a HI-Z 4 Square
and some short beverages.  The performance of the RX antennas definitely
improves (less noise and better directivity) when the TB vertical is shorted
to ground.  What is the easiest mothod to short the vertical to ground?  Do
I need to put a relay at the base of the verticaland activate a relay?  I'm
using a Microham Digikeyer for myinterface and the rig is the FTDX-5000.
Perhaps a set of contacts on one of those units could do the trick.  Any
assistance appreciated.

 

73, Bob K3ULeither 

 

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Steady Carrier on 80 CW

[Bob Garrett]

Delete!

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Idiom Press

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Larry et al,

It is certainly not the same company since W9KNI reduced his involvement.  I
believe his son is at the helm.  Just my opinion. 73, Bob K3UL

_
Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Outing The Scofflaws...

[Bob Garrett]

Finally, a voice of reason!  All this talk of "amps with handles", W3LPL
spotting, public humiliation and avoiding this subject is BS.  Like it or
not, this behavior has been around for a long time.  Personally, I sit back
and wait till the tuning and jamming begins.  While the cops are ranting on
the QRG, I give my call up the band and often when the smoke clears, I
squeak out a QSO.

Last night, PT0S was on for hours and worked many many stations with very
little QRM.  Just relax guys and enjoy the chase.  
73, Bob K3UL  

___
Topband reflector - topband@contesting.com

Re: Topband: W4OWJ - Jack Matthews- SK

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings Topbanders,

Like Jeff, I had the pleasure of participating in the 160 Meter Call List.
Jack W4OWJ was always one of the first to give you a call along with Jim
K1MEM (SK), Bill K1MM, Wal W8LRL, Dave KJ9I and many others.  

As recent as last year, a phone call, not a spot made it possible for me to
put BU2AQ in my log for my last Topband zone.  Jon, AA1K gave me a ring to
give me the heads up.  So, even with all the reverse beacons, spotting etc,
don't discount a person listening and reaching out to you via the phone to
give you an opportunity for a new one! 
RIP Jack, your gentle demeanor and great operating skills will always be
remembered.  73, Bob K3UL

___
Remember the PreStew coming on October 20th.  http://www.kkn.net/stew for more 
info.

Topband: Thanks

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Listers,

 

A big thanks to everyone who replied to me with your information on my KZ5
QSL search.  I'm pleased to report that Fred KZ5FR has his logs from 1979 so
looks like I'm good to go.  Have to love e-mail and the internet.  73, Bob
K3UL

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: OT - KZ5 Help

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings,
 Please respond off list as I do not want to cause any unnecessary BW.  

I'm finally sorting out almost 50 years of confirmations and I am missing a
QSL from KZ5.  Does anyone know how to obtain a card from any of the
following stations that were QRV from The Canal Zone:  KZ5GV, KZ5FR, KZ5OJ,
KZ5GN or KZ5VV.  Thanks in advance for the help with my last confirmation.
73, Bob K3UL  
 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: Another good LP day on Top

[Bob Garrett]

Congrats Jon on DU.  Still hopeful for Bu2AQ.  Exciting.  Man, was Peter
loud yesterday and very readable today too.  73 and HNY my friend.  Bob K3UL

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Some Success

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Topbanders,

 

Thanks to everyone who responded to my query for help regarding my shunt fed
tower.  I did configure an Omega match.  I do notice that the BW is much
narrower using the Omega match compared to the single series capacitor.
Once I get all the to antenna work completed, I will probably look for the
"sweet spot" again and use only the series cap.  Until then, the Omega match
certainly seems to work.  I'm also considering changing out the piece of
RG8X that I use for the shunt arm and replacing it with a 3 or 4 wire cage.
Any suggestions on spacers to use for configuring the cage?

 

Have a great Holiday and once again, thanks for the collective wisdom.

 

73, Bob K3UL  

 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Re: Topband: RG-6/U & Snap n Seal connectors

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Gary,

Lots of great info from the group.  From my calculations, you only need
probably ten connectors for your triangle array.  Match them up and go for
it my friend. 

You spent thousands on the radio and amplifier.  The RX antenna is the most
important part of your TB system.  Bite the bullet and get the good
connectors.

GL and 73, Bob K3UL  

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: Changes To My Shunt Fed Tower

[Bob Garrett]

Hello Topbanders,

It is getting cold in the Northeast and as I get older, I dislike the cold
even more.

In April of this year, I replaced my Cush craft D40 40 meter rotable dipole
with an OptiBeam OB-4030 dipole for 30 and 40 meters right at the top of the
mast.  The overall length of the antenna is about ten feet longer and I am
assuming that it has added some additional capacitance to my 100 foot shunt
fed tower with a Cush craft X7, A3WS, 5 EL M2 6 meter yagi and the new
OptiBeam dipole.  

My match on the tower went from 1.0 x 1. To 1.9 x 1 after I installed the
new antenna.  In terms of loss, this isn't a huge change but my amplifier
doesn't like the change.  Before I spend a lot of time running back and
forth to the tower making random changes, any thoughts as to what I can do
to improve the match.  I'm currently using one series capacitor 1000PF for
the matching network.  I have attempted to adjust this capacitor but it
looks like the 1.9 x 1 is the low point.  Perhaps some thoughts - increase
or decrease the spacing of the shunt wire?  Move the connection up or down
on the tower?  

Before I get to crazy, just wanted to look to the base of knowledge on this
reflector for your input.

73 and tnx in advance.

Bob K3UL


___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK

Topband: W2JB SK

[Bob Garrett]

Greetings Fellow Topbanders,

I read in the Daily DX today with sadness the passing of John W2JB.  John 
and I got the Topband fever about the same time in the early 80S.  He always 
had a loud signal from NJ and was very willing to share any DX tips with his 
fellow TB  friends.  RIP my friend.  Bob K3UL 

___
UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK