Re: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

I have to agree with Steve's assessment. I guess that having been licensed for 
54 years makes me a "geezer" of sorts and we aren't supposed to like anything 
"new".
I think that the new technology is great to a point. I'm on the internet all 
the time and the radios are all tied to the computers for logging, spotting, 
etc. I enjoy that and would not want to go totally back to the "old days".
When it comes to actually making a QSOs, I really don't know what you get out 
of the process where two computers communicate with each other using signals 
that are not audible. I remember my first JA QSO on 160 (CW) during the morning 
gray line from my QTH in SE PA. Just before my sunrise, I could hear others 
calling a JA station that was still mostly in the noise. A few minutes later, 
his signal started to increase and just at my SR was nearly S9 on my receiver. 
I made the contact easily and as I continues to listen, his signal began to 
fall and was then quickly gone. The total elapse time was maybe 2 - 3 minutes. 
I still remember the thrill of that (and many other) QSOs on 80 & 160.
I'm not knocking the guys using the digital modes. It's obviously a new and 
interesting technology and they are having fun, which is the reason we do this, 
right? I just have ZERO interest in it all and still get my fun actually 
hearing and working another station.
73, Stew K3ND

  From: Steve Ireland 
 To: Topband reflector  
 Sent: Wednesday, October 25, 2017 4:50 AM
 Subject: Topband: FT8 - the end of 160m old school DXing? (long)
   
G’day

As a committed (yeah, that’s probably the right word - complete with white 
jacket that laces up at the back) topbander since 1970, I’ve never been so 
intrigued and disturbed by anything on the band as the emergence of the 
Franke-Taylor FT-8 digital mode.

For me, radio has always been all about what I audibly hear. I love all the 
sounds that radio signals make - and even miss the comforting sound of Loran 
that I grew up with around 1930kHz as a teenager in south-east England. Yeah, I 
am one sick puppy.

With the emergence of high resolution bandscopes through SDR technology over 
the last decade, I embraced that as it meant that I could find what DX stations 
I wanted to hear and contact quicker and more easily (and, in particular, 
before those stations who didn’t have the same technology). 

It was really exciting and enhanced the sensual experience of radio by being 
able to see what I could hear (and no dinosaur me, I was an SDR fan boy!).

During this period, there has also been an extraordinary development in digital 
radio modes, in particular by Joe Taylor K1JT. 

As a topbander I could see that these modes in which you ‘saw’ signals through 
the medium of computer screen or window as being a remarkable technical 
achievement, but had relatively little to do what I and the vast majority of 
active radio amateurs practiced as radio on 160m, as it had nothing to do with 
the audible.

The good thing was that I could see that good old CW and Silly Slop Bucket (you 
can see where my prejudices lie) that I like to use were still the modes of 
choice for weak signal DX topband radio contact as these fancy digital modes 
were either very slow or, if they weren’t, were not good at dealing with 
signals that faded up and down or were covered in varying amounts of noise.  

While some amateurs seemed to have lost the pleasure of actually hearing 
signals in favour of viewing them on their computer screens, I felt secure that 
these digital modes were just a minor annoyance and any serious DXer or 
DXpedition was never going to seriously going to use them, particularly on my 
first and all-time love topband, for other than experimentation.

Then, out of the blue, along comes FT-8. Joe and Steve Franke K9AN have quietly 
created the holy grail of digital operation with a mode that can have QSOs 
almost as fast as CW and SSB and over the last eight weeks 160m DXing has 
changed, perhaps for ever. 

Where once there were a few weak CW and SSB signals (I am in VK6, which is a 
looong way from anywhere with a population so we only ever hear a few), I can 
see that the busiest part of the band is 1840 kHz – FT-8 central.  On some 
nights I can see FT-8 signals on the band but no CW or SSB.

There are countries I’ve dreamed for 20 years of hearing on 160m SSB/CW (for 
example, KG4) regularly appearing on DX clusters and I can see the heap of FT-8 
activity on my band scope. 

Frustration sets in and I even downloaded the FT-8 software but, when it comes 
down to it,  I just can’t use it. My heart isn’t in it.  

My computer will be talking to someone else’s computer and there will be no 
sense of either a particular person’s way of sending CW or the tone of their 
voice (even the way some my SSB mates overdrive their transceivers is actually 
creating nostalgia in me). The human in radio has somehow been lost.

I think back to my best-ever 160m SSB contact with Pedro NP4A and I can sti

Re: Topband: DXing on the Edge - Ordering Information for International Amateurs

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

DXE wants $20.18 for the book and $12.95 additional for shipping. Seemed really 
excessive and I told them so. The reply was that I can order another $79.82 
worth of stuff and will then get free shipping on all! Nope...

I got a signed copy direct from K1ZM for $25.
73, Stew K3ND



  From: DXer 
 To: topband@contesting.com 
 Sent: Wednesday, January 4, 2017 1:33 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: DXing on the Edge - Ordering Information for 
International Amateurs
   
Amazon Canada lists it for CD$27.03, but you need $35 minimum order for
free shipping now. Oh, and it says 'Usually ships within 1 to 3 months'.

73 de Vince, VA3VF

On Wed, Jan 4, 2017 at 1:28 PM, W0MU Mike Fatchett  wrote:

> Has anyone managed to snag the book at Target.com for 13.49?
>
> Amazon is currently out of stock until the 9th.  I would use DX
> Engineering but I have Prime with Amazon and free shipping.
>
> W0MU
>
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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Years ago at the W3GM M/M station, Gerry had several crystal filters (50 ohm Z 
input & output) in the 40M RX path. As I recall, these were about 20-30 khz 
wide (each) and were of slightly different center frequencies so that most of 
the 40M CW band could be covered.
I DO remember that they worked very well. I never saw one for 160.
73, Stew K3ND

  From: K1FZ-Bruce 
 To: Topband  
 Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2016 3:41 PM
 Subject: Topband: "Thinking out loud"
   

 
We know that limiting the noise pick up from more directions of an antenna we 
can usually hear better. We also know  if we limit the noise from a receiver IF 
we can hear less noise, and better yet, if we
have a roofing filter earlier in the receiver we can eliminate even more noise  
in relationship to the wanted  signals. 
 
What if we take it a step further, could we limit the band-with of the antenna 
signal with a crystal lattice for 160 meters before the receiver. 
Years ago I played  around with a single crystal at the input of an old tube 
type receiver. It was remarkable what I could hear on 40 meters, on what seemed 
to be one frequency. 
 
73
Bruce-k1fz
http://www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html
 
 
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Re: Topband: 1809.2 kHz constant dashes

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Yes, and it sent a correct Morse letter/number every so often!
73, Stew K3ND

  From: ersmar 
 To: Don Kirk ; topband  
 Sent: Tuesday, December 6, 2016 1:54 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: 1809.2 kHz constant dashes
   
It's a Coke bottle on a Morse key and flapping window blind in San Francisco.  
(For you youg'uns, check out On the Beach on Netflix.)

73 de
Gene Smar AD3F

 Original message 
From: Don Kirk  
Date: 12/06/2016  1:17 AM  (GMT-05:00) 
To: topband  
Subject: Topband: 1809.2 kHz constant dashes 
 
I'm hearing what sounds like a stuck Key sending dashes (rate approximately
20 dashes sent in 10 seconds).  Does not appear to be a local signal and
heading approximately 90 degrees from Fishers Indiana (which is
near Indianapolis).

Hard to get super accurate heading right now due to Thunder Storms in
Southern US, but definitely close to 90 degrees from me.

Anyone else hearing and please provide heading from your location.

At 0600 UTC it is peaking about S7.

Don (WD8DSB)
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Re: Topband: 80m rotatable dipole load coil questions

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Hmm, the link didn't take! The info is on QRZ.com/VE6WZ
73, Stew K3ND

  From: GALE STEWARD via Topband 
 To: "topband@contesting.com"  
 Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:59 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: 80m rotatable dipole load coil questions
   
Here's a link to a 80M yagi designed and built by VE6WZ.
Some good loading coil info.
73, Stew K3ND

80m 2-el Yagi

  
|  
|  |  
80m 2-el Yagi
  |  |

  |

 


      From: Grant Saviers 
 To: Ray Benny ; "topband@contesting.com" 
 
 Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:35 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: 80m rotatable dipole load coil questions
  
 From a coil loaded 80m 2L yagi (bought JKantennas) and 80m rotatable 
dipole I built and reading here are some thoughts.

My rotatable 80m Tornado loaded 86' dipole at 100' doesn't have much of 
a pattern,  height is everything and at about 130' or so they really 
start to play.  The beam is at 157'.

Element gap isn't too important - wide enough to stand the voltage, 
strong, and UV durable. 2" is ok.  A fiberglass solid rod with paint 
would work, or a UV resistant plastic sleeve over the FG.  No steel or 
SS near the coil if possible.

IMO, there is very little loss difference with 1/4" tubing Cu vs Al.  
Good electrical joints are probably more important.  Coil L/D ratio 
about 1 and turns spaced tubing diameter seems to be about optimal for 
highest Q.  Any form will reduce Q, so best to avoid them and make the 
coil self supporting.  I use 
http://hamwaves.com/antennas/inductance.html for a coil calculator, it 
gives you every value you might want.

Many other issues - truss connections,  3 way truss per Lesson's 
designs, wind load calcs, etc.  My dipole truss is 2 phillystrans up to 
a 5' wide crossbar 5' up the mast.  So far no problems, but in a treed 
area with modest wind loads.  YagiMech predicts 85 mph survival w/o truss.

I'll send a coil picture offline.

Grant KZ1W


  
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Re: Topband: 80m rotatable dipole load coil questions

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Here's a link to a 80M yagi designed and built by VE6WZ.
Some good loading coil info.
73, Stew K3ND

80m 2-el Yagi

  
|  
|   |  
80m 2-el Yagi
   |  |

  |

 


  From: Grant Saviers 
 To: Ray Benny ; "topband@contesting.com" 
 
 Sent: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 11:35 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: 80m rotatable dipole load coil questions
   
 From a coil loaded 80m 2L yagi (bought JKantennas) and 80m rotatable 
dipole I built and reading here are some thoughts.

My rotatable 80m Tornado loaded 86' dipole at 100' doesn't have much of 
a pattern,  height is everything and at about 130' or so they really 
start to play.  The beam is at 157'.

Element gap isn't too important - wide enough to stand the voltage, 
strong, and UV durable. 2" is ok.  A fiberglass solid rod with paint 
would work, or a UV resistant plastic sleeve over the FG.  No steel or 
SS near the coil if possible.

IMO, there is very little loss difference with 1/4" tubing Cu vs Al.  
Good electrical joints are probably more important.  Coil L/D ratio 
about 1 and turns spaced tubing diameter seems to be about optimal for 
highest Q.  Any form will reduce Q, so best to avoid them and make the 
coil self supporting.  I use 
http://hamwaves.com/antennas/inductance.html for a coil calculator, it 
gives you every value you might want.

Many other issues - truss connections,  3 way truss per Lesson's 
designs, wind load calcs, etc.  My dipole truss is 2 phillystrans up to 
a 5' wide crossbar 5' up the mast.  So far no problems, but in a treed 
area with modest wind loads.  YagiMech predicts 85 mph survival w/o truss.

I'll send a coil picture offline.

Grant KZ1W


   
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Topband: BOG Question

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

I'm thinking of trying a BOG as I could run it across the corner of my 
neighbor's field (after he's finished mowing for the season.)
My questions are:
Can a BOG be used un-terminated and is it then bi-directional, as is a 
conventional beverage?
In a terminated BOG, is the maximum received signal direction into the 
terminated end or into the feed transformer end?
The reason for these questions is that I could easily position the BOG to the 
EU direction but the feed point end needs to be at the NE end (toward EU). It's 
not possible to run a feed line across the end of the field to the "far" end of 
the BOG.
I didn't see these issues addressed in anything that I could find online.
Any info appreciated...
73, Stew K3ND
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Re: Topband: Working Europe

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Well, not exactly EU but I worked HZ some years ago in 160 in July.
73, Stew K3ND

  From: Guy Olinger K2AV 
 To: Tim Shoppa  
Cc: Topband ; Bruce 
 Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2016 3:13 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: Working Europe
   
There is the issue of when people are actually listening on 160. *Sounds*
dead because no one is there.

Then there is the issue of when the band is actually open.

Summer QRN in the northern hemisphere is a bummer, but RBN keeps showing
that the path is open in a summer fashion that we don't have dialed in yet.

Antenna here was necessarily on the ground for tree work during summer Stew
:>(  But did note in the results how many worked CW5W. 4 Stews a year is a
good idea and may pick up activity in the off times as we continue to
disprove ancient myths.

Looking forward to the solar minimum.

73, Guy



On Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:47 PM, Tim Shoppa  wrote:

> I thought conditions on 160M to EU were very nice in the Summer Stew.
> Helped that there was zero local thunderstorm noise and I'm guessing was
> good weather in EU too.
>
> Tim N3QE
>
> On Thu, Jun 30, 2016 at 12:26 PM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:
>
> >
> > Good opening to Europe after 11 PM eastern time yesterday.  One station
> > not having any luck was just giving his call once. Another station was
> > calling off frequency.  RIT on ?
> >
> >
> > 73
> > Bruce
> > _
> > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
> _
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>
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Re: Topband: ma160v

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Totally agree. It would have to A LOT higher to obtain anything but a cloud 
warming radiation pattern.
Stew K3ND

  From: Hardy Landskov 
 To: w5...@towerfarm.net; topband@contesting.com 
 Sent: Tuesday, May 24, 2016 11:58 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: ma160v
   
Don't waste your time & $$. It's a cloud warmer which is good SS contests &
local QSO parties.
73 N7RT

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
w5...@towerfarm.net
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2016 9:40 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: ma160v

Hi all.I currently have 1 cushcraft ma160v,as you all know this is a
cushcraft 160 vertical.I just recently aqquired a second.Now,has anyonetried
a rotatable dipole using 2 of these.The idea intrigues me.I could mount this
on a 55 ft tower.The only other antennas are a m2 6 mtr
2 klm's 2 mtr and a 432 m2.So there should not be any interaction.What does
the group think? any ideas? a waste of time? your thoughts..73 john w5jmw

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Re: Topband: VOA Antennas

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

WOW! That is wild! Not sure that I'd want to be standing that close...

Stew K3ND


  From: Chuck Hutton 
 To: "topband@contesting.com"  
 Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 3:21 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: VOA Antennas
   
And for those that like to be closer to a lot of power while producing arcs:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bNawh4faZM8

Chuck


From: Topband  on behalf of Mike Waters 

Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2016 7:00 PM
To: dick.bingham
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: VOA Antennas

The Sterba curtain at the old Bethany, Ohio VOA had 20 dB of gain. I saw it
up close during a ham club trip years ago.

Hams that worked there would sometimes drive out next to it at night, and
connect their mobile transceivers to it for a night of DX fun.

The RF field in front of that antenna was so intense that one could
sometimes hear the program audio emanate from tiny arcs in a low, rusty
barbed wire fence along the road in front of that huge Sterba.

That enormous antenna, fed with huge Collins and Crosley transmitters
re-defined the word "awesome". :-)

Across the road from that fence were a number of newer houses, BTW. Helps
prove that shortwave never hurt anyone, doesn't it?

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Sat, Apr 9, 2016 at 12:40 PM, dick.bingham 
wrote:

> What was the gain/beamwidth of these arrays ? The ERP must have been
> incredible given the high power transmitters used plus the antenna gain .
> Migratory Geese could have warmed themselves as they flew thru the region.
>
> 73 Dick/w7wkr CN97uj
>
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Re: Topband: K1FZ ground rod difficulty

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

That link got screwed up. try this...
www.harger.com






  From: GALE STEWARD via Topband 
 To: topband  
 Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 7:28 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: K1FZ ground rod difficulty
   
Harger Lightning and Grounding shows a copper plate as an alternative to ground 
rods. This is an interesting website...
Copper Ground Plates


  
|  
|  
|  
|  |    |

  |

  |
|  
|  |  
Copper Ground Plates
  |  |

  |

  |

 
73, Stew K3ND

      From: "donov...@starpower.net" 
 To: topband  
 Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 5:34 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: K1FZ ground rod difficulty
  
Hi Mike, 


Yes, I meant use of XELEDOP to measure the patterns of arrays 
of Beverage antennas. The results of XELEDOP measurements 
of the patterns of a large electrically steerable array of 220 foot 
Beverages used from about 7-30 MHz were never published. 


I'm sorry I wasn't clearer by failing to clarify that the XELODOP 
reference was for pattern measurements of a log periodic antenna. 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 






  
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Re: Topband: K1FZ ground rod difficulty

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Harger Lightning and Grounding shows a copper plate as an alternative to ground 
rods. This is an interesting website...
Copper Ground Plates


  
|  
|   
|   
|   ||

   |

  |
|  
|   |  
Copper Ground Plates
   |   |

  |

  |

 
73, Stew K3ND

  From: "donov...@starpower.net" 
 To: topband  
 Sent: Wednesday, April 6, 2016 5:34 PM
 Subject: Re: Topband: K1FZ ground rod difficulty
   
Hi Mike, 


Yes, I meant use of XELEDOP to measure the patterns of arrays 
of Beverage antennas. The results of XELEDOP measurements 
of the patterns of a large electrically steerable array of 220 foot 
Beverages used from about 7-30 MHz were never published. 


I'm sorry I wasn't clearer by failing to clarify that the XELODOP 
reference was for pattern measurements of a log periodic antenna. 


73 
Frank 
W3LPL 






   
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Re: Topband: NORD antenna for top band.....

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

FYI,
The original NORD was designed for shipboard use. It's described in N6PL's 
book, "The Amateur Radio Vertical Antenna Handbook".

73, Stew K3ND
 

  From: James Rodenkirch 
 To: Top Band Contesting  
 Sent: Tuesday, February 2, 2016 11:12 AM
 Subject: Topband: NORD antenna for top band.
   
.anyone experimented with a NORD-configured vertical antenna?


I have the Navy antenna publication - 
http://www.hamuniverse.com/US%20NAVY%20Antennas%20and%20Wave%20Propagation.pdf 
- but, other than a brief description, not much to go byany assistance, 
e.g., steerage to a web site or empirical data/analysis results appreciated.

Antennas and Wave Propagation - HAM 
RADIO
www.hamuniverse.com
NONRESIDENT TRAINING COURSE . Antennas and Wave Propagation. DISTRIBUTION 
STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.




72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV
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Re: Topband: K5P good job !

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

They had a great signal on 160 this AM. Worked at 1145Z here in SE PA.
There was a nice SR peak here on 80M also. Worked at 1228Z.
Stew K3ND
 

 
   
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Re: Topband: RHR

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

I'm with Ron one this. I don't care in the slightest what someone else uses to 
work a station. If it's legal, go for it. I worked my 146 on Topband from my 
own QTH. My station is always going forward with improvements and continues to 
gradually get better.
And this argument that "this will be the end of ham radio as we know it", I've 
been hearing that tired phrase since the late 60's. Memory keyers, incentive 
licensing, computers & packet radio, skimmers, etc. have all been touted as 
going to "ruin" ham radio. I'm on the air every day and still having fun, after 
53 years. I don't think it been ruined at all. It has changed, just like 
everything else. I think that a lot of the new technology is great.

My DXCC is not diminished in the slightest (in my mind) by whatever equipment 
setup someone else used to work a new one. More power to them.
My 2 cents...
73, Stew K3ND
 

  From: Ron Spencer 
 To: "Topband@Contesting. Com"  
 Sent: Friday, January 15, 2016 1:07 PM
 Subject: Topband: RHR
   
I don't get it. WHY do you care? How does what the operators that use
them do  affect you? How does it affect your ability to work a
station? What possible difference does it make in how you use this
hobby? If the operators beat you in a contest so what? YOU know what
you did and how you did it and should take pride in YOUR success.

For me, this is a HOBBY. It should be fun! I find enjoyment in my
operating successes. If someone with a better station, like W8JI or
W4ZV, work DX I can't hear I don't get upset with them. I wonder how I
can improve MY station to be better.

Ron
N4XD
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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

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Re: Topband: K1N 5,399 q's on 160 M

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Exactly the point, Steve! A bunch of the guys around here worked them on 160 at 
0800Z (that's 3AM here). My 160 QSO was around 1030Z.
I'm really dating myself but "back in the day" the only way to snag some new 
ones on 80/160 was to be checking the bands in the middle of the night. No 
internet cluster, etc. It's actually a lot easier these days (my opinion).

When my daughter was an infant this was easier as I was usually up in the 
middle of the night at least once!
73, Stew K3ND

  From: Steve Flood 
 To: topband@contesting.com 
 Sent: Thursday, February 19, 2015 6:25 AM
 Subject: Re: Topband: K1N 5,399 q's on 160 M
   
Great points Chet.

Under the "Be there" category, consider getting up in the middle of the
night to work them on the low bands.  Even in the first days of their
operation, I got up at 2 a.m. and worked them easily on 160-80-40 with 100
watts and no pileups.

Steve KK7UV






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

Re: Topband: K1N what time are they QRV on top?

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

They were very loud at 0100Z here today (last night). They were on 1817.5, QSX 
up.

GL to all...
73, Stew K3ND


   
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Re: Topband: Outdoor rope suggestions

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

I've dealt with this outfit in the past.



http://www.jamestowndistributors.com



They carry Harkin blocks, rope, marine hardware, etc. Lots of good "outside" 
stuff.



73, Stew K3ND



 
 

I am not using multi-hundred pound counterweights, but only 15 or so
pounds. I have been very satisfied with the big-wheel laundry line pulleys
from home depot:


http://www.homedepot.com/p/Everbilt-4-in-Clothesline-Pulley-14107/202305420

The local mariners tell me the real place to get Pulleys is the marine
supply stores.

Tim N3QE



On Tue, Sep 2, 2014 at 3:14 PM, Richard (Rick) Karlquist <
rich...@karlquist.com> wrote:

> On 9/2/2014 10:06 AM, Jim Brown wrote:
>
>>
>> I'm supporting high dipoles fed by RG11 up 120 ft with the 5/16-in stuff
>> that DX Eng sells. They are run though top-grade pulleys, tied down at
>> the base of one tree, 100# of dry sand at the base of the other tree.
>> The major issue with the rope is wear -- the pulleys must be first grade
>> to avoid abrasion, which WILL eventually break the rope.
>>
>>
> Can anyone recommend some first grade pulleys?  I am looking for
> something bigger than what they have at hardware stores, 3 or 4
> inch.
>
> Rick N6RK
>
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Re: Topband: FD in the 60's

[GALE STEWARD via Topband]

Interesting thread!

My first FD was in 1963 as a newly minted General. The group had all wire 
antennas set up top of Huntington Mt (PA). Most of the other guys were pretty 
much fone ops so I got a crack at 20 & 40 CW with a Collins S-line. Thought I 
was in radio heaven! The S-line was about 1000% better than what I had at home. 
No keyers, just a straight key and Vibroplex bug.

I remember that 6M conditions were good. One of the ops had installed a 6M halo 
(remember those?) up in a tree on this mountain. I remember them working into 
KP4 with about 10W.

Good memories! 


73, Stew K3ND (ex K3ZOL)





 From: "wa8...@wa8wzg.net" 
To: TopBand  
Sent: Thursday, June 26, 2014 11:27 AM
Subject: Topband: FD in the 60's
 

Hot Springs, Ar, circa 1967,, Heathkit  SB-301 and SB-401 combo, dipoles all 5 
bands,, Army surplus gen, 10kw diesel ,, on top of Red Mountain,, ,call was 
club call at the time , WA5BRF,, Big Red Flower,,, 15 years old and got my 
first taste of contesting and been hooked ever since,, !!  Thanks to all for 
bringing back some good memories!!
Sent on the Sprint® Now Network from my BlackBerry®
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