Re: Topband: RHR
Well, if I work 100 countries using a low antenna and QRP, I'm proud of hanging that DXCC certificate on my wall, and telling any guest in my shack how I got it. How about if ARRL just issues a DXCC certificate to every ham who has a license? How would that make you feel if your guest says "oh yeah, I got one of those DXCC thingys in the mail along with my first QST magazine." I don't have a problem with the big guys running gigantic antennas and KW stations - I say well done. But to live (for example) on the west coast and use a remote station in Maine, and then get your DXCC certificate based on those contacts ALONG WITH those made from the west coast - it just lowers the "quality" of the award. If you live in an "antenna restricted" or prohibited QTH, well life is tough. I am in one of those areas and still manage to get stealth / invisible antennas put up. Do I have a 150 foot tower, five mile long Beverages, 2 KW amp? No. Can I work DX with my wire antennas? Sure. I won't ever be on the Honor Roll, and I'm OK with that - there are a lot of other ways to enjoy this hobby, and I mean A LOT. My feeling is that this award should be governed by a rule similar to Worked All States - all contacts must be worked from a station or stations no more than 50 miles from each other. Anyway, I've heard these arguments about RHR for months and am pretty sick of it all. Yes, I can hit the delete key and set up an email rule for deleting the messages, but it does get tiring, as the subject line morphs now and then. I also subscribe to the Elecraft reflector and I can tell you that threads like this would have been ended long ago by the moderators. It should be a place to exchange information related to equipment, propagation, antennas, etc. - not a continual gripe session about perceived cheating or not cheating. Good grief - give it a rest! Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA > I don't get it. WHY do you care? _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: QRP
Hmmm…. Junk, yes. Cheap, no. Five years ago we purchased a $2,900 Samsung P.O.C. plasma TV, at the time not knowing what plasma sets (some) do to the HF bands. Not only does it clobber HF, but the picture quality has degraded seriously in the areas of white scenes. Not cheap. But certainly junk. We have an old Sony plasma and a new Panasonic plasma, neither of which cause any interference on HF. These days, when you buy any major appliance, get in writing that the store will take it back if you are not 100% satisfied. Jim / W6JHB > On Tuesday, Dec 15, 2015, at Tuesday, 8:09 AM, Rob Atkinson > wrote: > >> What has happened to the topband conditions the last couple of decades? > > Two words: > > Noise and antennas. > > Noise--yes, millions of cheap junk appliances have destroyed > reception. Ever lived next door to a plasma TV? > > Antennas--Old hams unable to climb or plow in radials and HOAs = > crappy antennas. > > 73 > > Rob > K5UJ > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: fixing beverage
Jorge, I also have a 4170 and it does do TDR without any additional software or hardware. The user manual has several pages on how to use the 4170 as a TDR. Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA > On Nov 23, 2015, at 5:03 PM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: > > Hi Jorge, > > > The AIM4170 has TDR capabilities. I don't own an AIM470, but > surely someone on the Topband reflector can help you use it > as a TDR. > > > 73 > Frank > W3LPL > > - Original Message - > > From: "Jorge Diez - CX6VM" > To: donov...@starpower.net > Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 11:56:32 PM > Subject: RE: Topband: fixing beverage > > Hi Frank > > I google and the first option was Campbellsci.es > > In 5 minutes the CX representative emailed me and told me that is a very very > expensive toy for my use :-) > > I have the AIM4170, will do this job? I use the software AIM_852.exe I need > another software or this is OK? > > Thanks, > Jorge > > > -Mensaje original- > De: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de > donov...@starpower.net > Enviado el: lunes, 23 de noviembre de 2015 06:51 p.m. > Para: topband@contesting.com > CC: dl8yhrfr...@aol.com > Asunto: Re: Topband: fixing beverage > > > Hi Frank, > > > My TDR is nearly fifty years old, but still it works great. > > > Array Solutions sells more modern multi-functions devices that are perform > very well as a TDR. Here's an example display from Array Solutions' web site: > > > https://www.arraysolutions.com/images/AIMuhf-TDR-fig1.png > > > The display for a Beverage looks very similar, you can see every component > from the shack to the termination resistor. > > > 73 > Frank > W3LPL > > > - Original Message - > > From: dl8yhrfr...@aol.com > To: donov...@starpower.net > Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 9:20:55 PM > Subject: Re: Topband: fixing beverage > > where can i get such toy? > > > > > > > -Urspr ngliche Mitteilung- > Von: donovanf > An: TopBand List > Cc: Jorge Diez - CX6VM > Verschickt: Mo, 23 Nov 2015 9:39 pm > Betreff: Re: Topband: fixing beverage > > > > > > A Time Domain Reflectometer is one of the best tools to verify > the proper performance and isolate faults of a Beverage and many > other types of antennas. > > > In the case of a Beverage, the TDR allows you to see every > component of the antenna system from the ham shack all the way > to the termination resistor. If anything fails you can almost > always walk directly to it with the needed replacement parts and > tools in hand. > > > 73 > Frank > W3LPL > > - Original Message - > > From: "Jorge Diez - CX6VM" < cx6vm.jo...@gmail.com > > To: "TopBand List" < topband@contesting.com > > Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 8:29:15 PM > Subject: Re: Topband: fixing beverage > > Thanks all you guys for the help > > Will do this tests and see what is wrong > > 73, > Jorge > CX6VM/CW5W > > -Mensaje original- > De: Tom W8JI [ mailto:w...@w8ji.com ] > Enviado el: lunes, 23 de noviembre de 2015 02:35 p.m. > Para: Jorge Diez - CX6VM; 'TopBand List' > Asunto: Re: Topband: fixing beverage > >> >> I notice that my USA beverage is lower in 3-4 S units that some weeks ago. > > 5-20 dB. Depending on receiver and where it is at on the S meter. > > That has to be a poor connection, open, or short between the receiver and the > Beverage transformer end of the Beverage. It cannot be at the termination > end. > > >> At simple view all seems to be OK. I think the coax is not the >> problem, because if I have a problem in the coax, will be completely deaf, > right? > > No. Coax can do this. It happens all the time. Especially at connectors. > >> >> So this can be the cause of a problem in the end resistor or maybe in >> the transformer? I use in this beverage a WX0B beverage boxes > > It can not be at the end resistor termination. > > The problem is if you disturb something it will often start working. You need > to > carefully check one thing at a time. Many times, if not most times, this is > corrosion or tarnish on the center pin of the coax. Sometimes it is a broken > wire, or a bad part from lightning or water. > > The best way to test it is with an SWR meter and do a frequency sweep from > the > house, before you touch the antenna or any outside connections. The frequency > of > either adjacent major dips in SWR or impedance will allow you to calculate > exactly where the problem is. The MFJ analyzer will do this within a few > feet, > even on a 1000 foot cable, by using distance to fault. > > 73 Tom > > > --- > El software de antivirus Avast ha analizado este correo electr nico en busca > de > virus. > https://www.avast.com/antivirus > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > >
Re: Topband: Folded CounterPoise ???
Douglas, My 160 meter antenna is also located in a corner. I put my FCP up along the two intersecting fences, such that there is a 90 degree bend, right at the center of the FCP. It works just fine in this configuration. So, if you are able to use a 90 degree installation of the FCP, give it a try - it ought to work for you as mine did for me. 73, Jim Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA > On Aug 29, 2015, at 9:06 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) wrote: > > Hi, > > Originally, the FCP is connected in the center (33ft each side for > 160m)...Did somebody try connect it at one END ???. > > Probably i will install my vertical in a corner of my property and some > neighbours houses do not allow connect the FCP in the middle. > > any idea? > > Thanks, > > 73Douglas, CO8DM > > "No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna > de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, > de dormir, de todo." - Nikola Tesla > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: The Remote question
Well folks, I have just about had it with this thread and the group. I had joined the group to possibly help my knowledge of operating and building equipment and antennas for 80 and 160 meters, not to be bombarded with a ton of messages of how the entire ham community feels about what is becoming common practice for some. My delete key is nearly worn out. It appears that the moderator of the list is off on vacation somewhere or simply does not care about this non-stop remote / DXCC drivel. To those who've helped me in the past - thank you. The rest of you guys can have at - I'm un subscribing ASAP. Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA > On Jul 12, 2015, at 3:56 PM, W0MU wrote: > > So what is the difference if I build a station for $100,000 or I rent one for > whatever it costs? Nothing. I guess the guy that can't climb towers who has > to pay someone else to climb it and fix his stuff should be shoved into > another category too? > > I must have missed what is the big prize for #1 Honor roll? A plaque? I > hope that you feel good about yourself because of other things not because > you managed to work them all. As I said before #1 has been at it longer, has > better stuff and plays radio more and probably is located in a better > location. > > CQ has a competition every year and I get that. It starts over every year > and it is a rush to work as many as you can. Once again the winners will > have great stations and tons of time. Congrats to the winners. I think > Honor Roll #1 means much more to you that have decided to make this a strange > competition that really doesn't have a start date or and end, then it does > the majority of active hams. > > Bitch all you like about Remote Radio it is here to stay just like packet and > the ARRL is certainly not going to exclude anyone. > > I could care less who is or is not using Remote radio. I hope more people do > as we could use more activity on the bands. I would love to see old timers > and most of the ham population are old timers now be able to operate from > nursing homes, condo's, rv's etc. I guess you would rather them be shoved to > the streets and ignored. > > What you are asking for is less competition in your competition which is a > bit hypocritical isn't it? Removing players from the DXCC field waters down > your victory doesn't it? > > Why would the rules change now after remotes being allowed for 50 years? > Paying for a service is not even relevant to the conversation so lets not > make it one.How I get on the air is really none of your business. > > > > >> On 7/12/2015 2:47 PM, Cecil wrote: >> It's obvious the DXCC award system is not important to you by your own >> admission, which doesn't put you in the best of positions to be so vocal >> about paid/shared remote station access and its impact on the award systems. >> >> Call it what you will it's very competitive...in an individualized sort of >> way but competitive it is. >> >> It is a badge of honor for those passionate about such things. Yes the guy >> with the $100,000 station most days has an advantage over the guy with 100 >> Watts and a wire...but some days the propagation Gods shine on the guy with >> 100 Watts and he beats the big bucks station out..also operator skill levels >> that playing field as well...you learn those things when that's all you have >> for a station. >> >> Yes we have always faced those kind of challenges and no rule or class >> changes were really needed. It was incentive to make your station the best >> it could be within your means and to improve your operating skills. >> >> For contesters things were a bit better as the differences in station >> capability was recognized and different competitive classes were >> formedso the guy with 100 Watts and a wire could feel a sense of >> accomplishment by competing with guys generally equipped like him. >> >> In today's world where one could finally move into that swanky neighborhood >> that the wife has always wanted to live but couldn't because hubby needed >> space and acceptance to put up all those ugly wires, towers, antennas and >> suchno worries! (That's my wife...and we still don't live there) >> >> We can pick up a radio front panel for a song and a smokin internet >> connection and just dial up whatever superstation has propagation to where >> the DX is today and bag em. Just think about being able to get in on that E >> skip action anytime it happens just by dialing up a station that is in the >> skip zone today...and 160 DXCC...just dial around until you find a station >> that can hear that rare DX station that's on tonight. The wall paper is >> piling up... >> >> What's a traditional station OP to do...he's been working hard for years, >> building new antennas, buying commercial products and improving his station >> whenever he can, staying up late nights or getting up early mornings. An >> expected no
Re: Topband: Inverted-L with coil on the top of the vertical section
Ady - you might consider using a Folded CounterPoise, designed by K2AV, for your "radial" system. I have one on each of my Inverted L antennas; 160 & 80 meters. They work quite well if you do not have the real estate for a lot of radial wires. My 160 Inverted L only goes up 35-40 feet bit with the FCP it performs very well. > On Feb 10, 2015, at 2:09 PM, Adrian Fabry wrote: > > Hello all, > > > > I'd like to build an Inverted-L antenna. Unfortunately the vertical section > will be only 8m (26 ft) high and the radial system not great (maybe 5 to 10 > wires laying on the ground) > > The simulation (with MMANA software) indicate 3.5 +j0 Ohm impedance. This is > very low so I think most of the power will be lost in the ground. > > In order to raise the impedance, I would insert a coil (about 75 uH) on the > top of the vertical section and restore the resonance with 48.7 pF series > capacitor on the feed point. > > This will raise the impedance to 34 ohm. > > > > Is this solution OK? Should I better place the coil at the feed point ? > > > > I know it would be much better to increase the height of the vertical > section and to install more radials or a ground screen, but this is not > possible for the moment, so I have to find the best compromise. > > > > > > Thanks for reading. > > > > 73 Ady YO2NAA > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: K1N On Line Log
Yeah, me too. I worked them on 80 meters the other night and it's showing no contacts with me. Been busting my hump on several bands to get through. Thought that 80 meter QSOS was a good one. Dang it. Jim Bennett / W6JHB Folsom, CA > On Feb 5, 2015, at 8:10 PM, Doug Renwick wrote: > > Tonight the K1N on line log came back on. For me I lost a bunch of Qs that > were there before, and some Qs I had made previously still didn't show. So > I decided to work them again on 80 and 160 just to make sure. I am not sure > what the problem is but a lot of folks are unhappy. In time it will be > sorted out but in the meantime it does not cast a good light on an excellent > operation. > > Doug > > "There are some ideas so absurd that only an intellectual or lawyer could > believe them." - George Orwell, 1984 > > > > --- > This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software. > http://www.avast.com > > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: Inverted L question
Art, from what I’ve read, I understand that the non-vertical part of the Inverted L does not have to be completely horizontal - it can slope with little detriment to it’s radiation pattern. I have two - one for 80 and one for 160. Both of ‘em slope away from the top support. Jim / W6JHB > On Tuesday, Feb 3, 2015, at Tuesday, 1:55 PM, Art Snapper > wrote: > > I have been looking at locations on my property to install an Inverted L > for 160. > > How important is it for the top part to be led away at a right angle? > > I was considering running it vertically 80ft, then about 25 feet at a 45 > degree up angle and 25 feet at a 45 degree down angle, over the top of the > supporting tree. > > de Art NK8X > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: 160 Worked All States
Yep, I’m planning on it. I also participated in the recent ARRL 160 contest, but never heard anyone from those five states. I had needed NC and got that on, confirmed shortly after the contest. Usually, if I can hear ‘em, I can work ‘em. But if they aren’t on, I’m hosed! Tnx, Jim > On Friday, Jan 9, 2015, at Friday, 9:52 AM, Tim Shoppa > wrote: > > Get on for NAQP this weekend (saturday night) and I'm sure you can work most > of those states. Exchange is simple, just name and state. > > Tim N3QE > > On Fri, Jan 9, 2015 at 12:50 PM, James Bennett <mailto:w6...@me.com>> wrote: > Hi folks - I’m trying to complete my WAS on 160 and need a confirmed QSO with > anyone in the following five states: LA, MS, SC, WV, VT. > > I run an Elecraft K3/KPA500 into an Inverted L with a K2AV-designed FCP under > it. Got a limited amount of real estate so I can’t lay out much in the line > of radials of receiving antennas, but… I have been able to easily work into > the Canadian Maritime provinces (plus the remainder of the New England > states), so I know I can hit those states. Problem is that I’ve never heard > anyone from there on Top Band! > > So - if you can get on some evening while we have relatively good > propagation, I’d love to arrange a schedule. If we connect I can QSL via LoTW > or direct with my card and an SASE. > > Thanks, > > Jim / W6JHB > Folsom, CA > _ > Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband > <http://www.contesting.com/_topband> _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: 160 Worked All States
Hi folks - I’m trying to complete my WAS on 160 and need a confirmed QSO with anyone in the following five states: LA, MS, SC, WV, VT. I run an Elecraft K3/KPA500 into an Inverted L with a K2AV-designed FCP under it. Got a limited amount of real estate so I can’t lay out much in the line of radials of receiving antennas, but… I have been able to easily work into the Canadian Maritime provinces (plus the remainder of the New England states), so I know I can hit those states. Problem is that I’ve never heard anyone from there on Top Band! So - if you can get on some evening while we have relatively good propagation, I’d love to arrange a schedule. If we connect I can QSL via LoTW or direct with my card and an SASE. Thanks, Jim / W6JHB Folsom, CA _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
