Re: Topband: J28MD, conditions

[Lloyd - N9LB]

You guys don't know what you are talking about.

The WSJT Modes, including FT8 and FT4, require a live operator ( not someone 
sleeping ) to initiate each contact.
( There is also a time-out timer that limits the number of times it 
calls/replies before going back to standby )
and
The ARRL requires at live operator ( not someone sleeping ) to initiate each 
contact before they will consider the contact legitimate.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of Hans Hjelmström
Sent: Saturday, November 05, 2022 1:49 PM
To: k...@kq2m.com
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: J28MD, conditions

Hi Bob

And I can tell youI feel samePLUS it has also destroyed the fun on
50 mc.   NO CW or SSB to be heard ( except TZ4AM and TT8SN  still on CW/SSB).
Both 5V7RU/ ty5RU and J28MD ONLY FT 8 unheard mode. NOT even a try on CW,even 
that conditions are perfect.
This is VERY SAD and will impact of activity in future for many of us.

Take care and stay safe

Hans SM6CVX  / NO Ft 8 ever
> 5 nov 2022 kl. 19:39 skrev k...@kq2m.com:
> 
> 
> On Tuesday I heard but could not work VK6IR, but I did work VK6GX on Thursday 
> for my first zone 29 qso on 160 since VK6HD about 3 decades ago.
> My antenna is a modest 160 Inv L with elevated radials.  When the band 
> has very good cndx I can work almost anything that I can hear.  But on 
> the marginal days there is quite a bit of long-haul DX that eludes me.  
> ;-)  (I'm still missing zones 22, 23, 24, 26, and 27)
> 
> What is maddening to me is that it used to be that FT4 / FT8 was used by some 
> DXpeditions AFTER they had already worked 160 CW.  Now, to my great 
> disappointment, more and more DXpeditions are routinely using FT4 and/or FT8 
> IN PLACE of 160 cw, even though they are perfectly capable of operating 160 
> CW. Sadly, this trend seems to be getting more and more pervasive.
> 
> Recently, 5V7RU has ONLY been on FT4 / FT8 on 80 and 160, with NO cw at all 
> on those bands.
> This follows the previous country they were in where they operated 80 cw but 
> no 160 cw.
> 
> J28MD has operated 160 cw very briefly and typically avoids it, instead 
> preferring FT8.
> 
> I get it  It is far easier to work stations on FT4 or FT8 than on 
> cw.  And using those unattended modes allow qsos to be made while the 
> Dxpedition operators sleep.  But that does not make me feel better about it.
> 
> I am not interested in the digital modes, preferring the traditional 
> modes of CW and SSB.  I understand that others feel differently, which is 
> fine.  But it bothers me that DXpeditions are now avoiding CW on 80/160 
> because they just don't want to bother.
> 
> 73
> 
> Bob, KQ2M

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Re: Topband: PSK31 etc

[Lloyd - N9LB]

For FT8, 1840 USB has lots of activity every night, domestic and DX.
DXpeditions sometimes operate on 1836 USB or other frequencies to avoid QRM

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Michael Rutkaus
Sent: Monday, February 21, 2022 2:46 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: PSK31 etc

What are recommended frequencies for PSK31 and FT8 (and others if
applicable) on 160m? I am just getting into this! Mike K4QET

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Re: Topband: Adding 80 m to 160 m quarterwave vertical

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Why not remove the 80m wire and simply run the entire 30m tall mast (with 
additional top hat) on 80m as a half-wave vertical?
A "legal Limit" antenna tuner should handle it, or build your own 80m antenna 
matching unit.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of List Mail
Sent: Monday, April 05, 2021 10:11 PM
To: Topband 
Subject: Topband: Adding 80 m to 160 m quarterwave vertical

I have up and operational a vertical for 160 m. It’s about 30 m of 250 mm 
triangular mast (Deeco) topped by about 5 m of 50 mm aluminium mast with a 
small top hat to resonate around 1840 kHz. Fed directly above the base 
insulator, it presents a reasonable match across the band, with about 32 ohms 
at resonance.
I also want to operate 80 m DX. So far, I’ve been experimenting with a wire, 
offset by 1 metre, about 20.2 m long, parallel to the mast. I’ve tried 
grounding the 160 m mast and feeding the wire separately, floating the mast and 
feeding separately, various L-matches, and now feeding in parallel with the 
main mast with no matching. The latter gives me a reasonable match on the CW 
end of the band, and it doesn’t affect the 160 m operation.
The complicating factor is the approximately halfwave antenna on 80 m in close 
proximity to the wire.
Previously, I had a mast about 22 m high, fed through a series capacitor for 80 
m, with an offset wire going up to a top hat at the top of the mast for 160 m. 
That seemed to work ok. Now I have the reverse situation.
I made a couple of QSO on the 80 m DX window last week, with the offset wire 
about 19 m long, and it seemed to work ok. But my interest is not SSB DX. 
Adding lumped constants to try and match that wire on the CW end of the band 
didn’t work as expected, i.e., some base loading to bring down the resonant 
frequency, presumably due to the effect of the tower, grounded or floating. I 
lengthened the wire to resonate on the lower end of 80 m and made a few CW QSO, 
but either it’s performance or the propagation was disappointing.
After all that, I’m getting a bit lost. What arrangements have been 
successfully used by others? Again, I have a near-enough to quarter wave 
base-insulated 160 m vertical, and want to operate also on 80 m CW, with a 
secondary priority of SSB DX Window.
73, Luke VK3HJ.

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

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Re: Topband: CQ Zones

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Will someone please start an "I Hate FT8" group and move all this unproductive 
chatter off of the Top Band reflector. 



-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of ok1tn 
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2021 10:05 AM
To: Chortek, Robert L. 
Cc: topband@contesting.com; Joe Subich, W4TV 
Subject: Re: Topband: CQ Zones

FT4 FT8 is just a computer game. It's not a ham radio OK1TN
--
73 Slavek Zeler


-- Původní e-mail --
Od: Chortek, Robert L. 
Komu: Joe Subich, W4TV 
Datum: 9. 3. 2021 16:31:21
Předmět: Re: Topband: CQ Zones 
"THANK YOU JOE! That pretty much captures the debate. 

73, 

Bob/AA6VB 
Robert L. Chortek 

> On Mar 9, 2021, at 7:27 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV  wrote: 
> 
> [External Email] 
> 
> Oh PLEASE! You sound just like AM phone operators when SSB came 
> along. And spark operators when CW started to replace it. 
> 
> The first DX was nothing more than single letters ... 
> 
> 73, 
> 
> ... Joe, W4TV 
> 
> 
>> On 2021-03-09 10:10 AM, Karel Matousek wrote: 
>> I agree wit Martin OK1RR. 
>> 
>> I cannot endorse FT4, FT8 for the ARRL DXCC Program. 
>> 
>> IMHO, this should NEVER be allowed unless qualified in a separate rules 
>> category! 
>> 
>> Karel OK1CF 
>> __ 
>>> Od: "Martin Kratoska"  
>>> Komu: topband@contesting.com 
>>> Datum: 09.03.2021 15:37 
>>> Předmět: Re: Topband: CQ Zones 
>>> 
>> Oh, FT8 should be proclaimed as illegal for DXCC (WAZ, WAS etc.) in 
>> mixed categories. 
>> This "mode" should be counted completely separated from traditional 
>> modes like CW or SSB. 
>> 
>> 73, 
>> Martin, OK1RR 
>> 
>> 
>> Dne 09. 03. 21 v 15:16 Ian Fugler napsal(a): 
>> > Hi, Dave 
>> > 
>> > Zone 23 - JT5DX will be your man. He is active in contests and puts 
>> out a good signal. 
>> > 
>> > Zone 24 - will be more of a challenge. I have worked XX9D and a 
>> couple of BY stations. But you may need to use FT8 for the BY stations, 
>> since they seem strongly to prefer that mode. 
>> > 
>> > 73 and GL! 
>> > 
>> > Ian G4iiY 
>> > 
> 
> 
> _ 
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
Reflector 
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Re: Topband: RG6 recommendations

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Did you re-calibrate your analyzer for 75 ohms? ( rather than 50  ohms ) If no 
re-cal, then what you see is normal.
73
Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of Charles Stackhouse via Topband
Sent: Sunday, January 24, 2021 7:33 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: RG6 recommendations

After a period of inactivity, I set out to get my station going again. The 
Beverages were not working with very low signal levels and I replaced 600 foot 
RG6 feedline from shack to Beverage switch in the woods with new RG6 which 
still had the plastic wrap around the spool.
I was surprised when things were no better. The "new" coax is not right. The 
TDR sweeps show a straight line increase in impedance from 78 ohms to 95 ohms. 
There are no impedance "bumps" seen. The 400 feet left on the spool do the same 
thing as does 800 feet of the same stuff bought at the same time.
This stuff was bought on Ebay and is gel-flooded RG6 labelled "Commscope Inc. 
GA390709 and GA3907022." I bought it in Sept 2014 and it has been stored ever 
since in a dry heated basement.
Using an oscilloscope as a TDR I see that the impedance line is not level as 
with good coax but slopes  upward at an angle.  I also checked by placing a 330 
ohm resistor at the end of the cable and ran an SWR trace from 1-8 MHz with the 
SWR only 2-2.5. 
Why is this cable so lossy? Was it bad to begin with or did it deteriorate in 7 
years?
What recommendations for good RG6 can anyone make. There has been lots of 
critter chewing upon cables in the past so I guess gel-flooded cable would be 
preferable. Should I spend $230 for DXEngineerings good stuff or can I get by 
cheaper? 
p.s. I went out and checked each Beverage at the switchbox today and 4 out of 6 
were great. Only 3" of snow and temp was about 25 deg F. I was able to keep the 
snow and dielectric grease off of my laptop.
73, Charlie W2GN
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Re: Topband: K9AY Loop Question

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Pete,

Gary - K9AY is a "local".  I've spoken with him in person about this same issue 
that I experienced at my QTH.  The loop geometry is not real critical but a 
good ground is extremely important.  I have poor soil conductivity here.  

Gary recommended putting a radial wire directly under each of the loops 
extending several feet beyond the edge of each loop.  Also be sure to use 
common mode chokes on the RF and control lines.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Thursday, January 14, 2021 8:24 PM
To: topband reflector 
Subject: Topband: K9AY Loop Question

I'm in the process of putting up a K9AY loop, using the Array Solutions/Wolf RF 
control boxes.  I had the antenna up last year but it didn't seem to work very 
well, and I'm looking for suggestions.  A couple of areas for which I've found 
no answers:

How important is the geometry of the loops?  Illustrations I've seen seem to 
imply that the lower legs should slope upward somewhat to the corners, but 
without dimensions other than the total length of the loops.

The ground around the antenna slopes slightly toward one side - should I 
attempt to get the corners in the same plane, or the same distance above ground?

The relay box is mounted on the central fiberglass pole is approximately
2 feet above ground.  Is this dimension important?  The relay box is grounded 
to a ground rod very close by.  Last year I experimented with also laying a 
couple of radials on the ground under the loops.  I read that suggested 
somewhere, but don't know if it's a good or bad idea.


--
73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the new Reverse Beacon Network web server at 
<http://beta.reversebeacon.net>.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: Topband: Are BOGS Worth It ?

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Bob,

I've had 130', 180', 200' and 300' BOGs.  ( I recently lost access to
adjacent land for the longer BOG lengths. )

In my environment, the 300 footer was the best performer, however any of the
shorter lengths produced RX signals that were always better than my vertical
and sometimes better than my Hi-Z.

In all cases, a pre-amp was necessary on 160m.  No pre-amp was needed on 80m
or 40m.  Also remember to use a common mode isolation choke on your RX
feedline.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of w3...@roadrunner.com
Sent: Sunday, January 03, 2021 2:01 PM
To: 'topband@contesting.com' 
Subject: Re: Topband: Topband Digest, Vol 217, Issue 5

anyone with experience using a 300' BOG? Suggestions based on your
experience?

ie are they worth it? 

I tried one before but without a preamp and found it worthless. ( almost no
signals heard) suggestions on best preamps? With all in good working order,
what benefits do they provide? Comparable to a longer Beverage?

Tnx

Bob 

-From:
topband-requ...@contesting.com
To: topband@contesting.com
Cc: 
Sent: Sunday January 3 2021 11:59:27AM
Subject: Topband Digest, Vol 217, Issue 5

 Send Topband mailing list submissions to  topband@contesting.com

 To subscribe or unsubscribe via the World Wide Web, visit
http://lists.contesting.com/mailman/listinfo/topband
 /> or, via email, send a message with subject or body 'help' to
topband-requ...@contesting.com

 You can reach the person managing the list at  topband-ow...@contesting.com

 When replying, please edit your Subject line so it is more specific  than
"Re: Contents of Topband digest..."

 Today's Topics:

 1. Influence of ground water level on vertical performance.
 (Henk Remijn PA5KT)
 2. Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees (Randy)  3. Re:
(2wire) Beverage transformers (HA3LN)  4. Re: (2wire) Beverage transformers
(HA3LN)  5. Re: (2wire) Beverage transformers (HA3LN)  6. Re: (2wire)
Beverage transformers (HA3LN)  7. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From
Falling Trees  (Glenn kd0q)  8. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From
Falling Trees  (MU 4CX250B)  9. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From
Falling Trees
 (VE6WZ_Steve)
 10. Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees  (Roger Parsons)
11. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees  (Mark
Robinson)  12. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees
(Mark - N5OT)  13. Re: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees
(CUTTER DAVID)

 --

 Message: 1
 Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2021 11:03:14 +0100
 From: Henk Remijn PA5KT
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Topband: Influence of ground water level on vertical  performance.
 Message-ID: 
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

 Hi,

 I am searching for info about influence of ground water level on  vertical
performance.

 Any info or references to articles is welcome.

 73 Henk PA5KT

 --

 Message: 2
 Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2021 11:54:30 + (UTC)
 From: Randy
 To: topband@contesting.com
 Subject: Topband: Need Ideas For "Fusing" Beverages From Falling Trees
 Message-ID: 
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 I have several 600 foot beverages made of WD-1A mil wire that run through
heavy woods.? They can handle the random falling branch but when a large
tree falls over them they break.? The wire is held in place with electric
fence plastic insulators that are nailed to trees every 100 feet.?I would
like to add a smaller diameter wire to each insulator to act as a "fuse"
when a tree falls across them.? I am looking for ideas as to the best way to
do this.? Maybe a number 26 wire?? The wire size has to be heavy enough to
support the wire in normal use but weak enough to break when hit by a
tree.?Suggestions??73?Randy W9ZR

 --

 Message: 3
 Date: Sun, 3 Jan 2021 14:52:11 +0100
 From: HA3LN
 To: Don Kirk , Lee STRAHAN
 Cc: Mike Waters , topband
 Subject: Re: Topband: (2wire) Beverage transformers
 Message-ID: 
 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8; format=flowed

 Hi All,

 Yes, I refer to this 2-wire design:
 http://ha3ln.hu/2wire.jpg
 />
 73!
 Csaba

 On 2021-01-02 22:53, Don Kirk wrote:
 > Hi Lee,
 >
 > Csaba also refers to this transformer as T2 and based on what he has said
> so far I suspect he is constructing something similar to the two direction
> beverage shown in figure 7-115 in the 5th edition of Low-Band DXing. And
> T2 is indeed a two winding transformer with center tap. This transformer
> transforms the impedance of the open wire transmission line (745 ohms in
> Csab

Re: Topband: Need Opinion on DXE RPS-1 or RPS-2 Preamp

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I have three of the KD9SV pre-amps running here.  ( from DX Engineering )
The input side tuned circuit helps a lot with AM broadcast interference.
73
Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Edward via Topband
Sent: Thursday, December 03, 2020 3:38 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Need Opinion on DXE RPS-1 or RPS-2 Preamp

Any good?  If not this one, which preamp would you recommend for a BOG
antenna?
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Re: Topband: OT - Bonding Radials at Intersections

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I use the "Lead-Free" plumbing solder to connect my radials & ground straps.
"Oatley Safe-Flo Lead Free Solder" is sold in most Home Improvement stores
in the plumbing department.

Do NOT use Lead-Tin "Radio Solder" - as that will leach into the soil fairly
rapidly.

73
Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Rob Atkinson
Sent: Friday, November 06, 2020 4:55 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: OT - Bonding Radials at Intersections

Scroll down to drawing 5 and 6 to see the proper way of handing intersecting
radials.

http://www.hatdaw.com/papers/groundsystem.pdf

73
Rob
K5UJ
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Re: Topband: Shunt Fed Tower SWR Troubles

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Dale,

I had this same problem.  
In my case I discovered that it was the "Doorknob" capacitors heating up and
changing value.
I had installed some fixed value doorknobs to "pad" the variable cap in the
matching circuit.
Changed to Vacuum Caps, no more problems.

73

Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Dale Drake
Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2020 12:06 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Shunt Fed Tower SWR Troubles

Here's my problem. I'm experiencing SWR problems
with 160M shunt feed on my tower.  Using a gamma
match with HV air variable caps I am able adjust
the tap point to get a very nice SWR curve using
my AA-35 Zoom analyzer.  The problem I having is
that when transmitting the SWR goes up with power
and if I key-down for very long the SWR rises
rapidly and takes off.

My set up is 70ft Rohn 25 with about 22 feet of
mast above the top of the tower.  At the top of
the mast is a Diamond 2M/440 vertical.  At 15 feet
above the tower top is an XM-240 and 2 feet above
the tower top is a 4el SteppIR.  The elements of
the SteppIR are fully retracted.  All of the coax
and control lines are run from ground level inside
the tower up to the service loop. On the mast
above the tower the coax is tywrapped to the mast.
There are 60 ground radials with an average length
of 90ft.  The reflector of the XM-240 is insulated
from the boom and the driven element is fed
through a Comtek 1:1 balun. All of the coax
shields are grounded at the tower base.

I have an 80M gamma matched shunt on this tower
that plays FB with no weird SWR stuff going on.

I suspect that what is causing my 160M trouble is
that RF is coupling through the 40M coax, through
the balun and into the driven element. Somehow the
coupling changes with power, which I don't
understand.  I suspect that when I key-down and
the SWR takes off, the core in the balun is
getting hot and the magnetic properties are
shifting until it cools off and returns to normal.

My plan to try to correct this problem is to
connect the center of the XM-240 reflector to the
boom and to mount a box at the XM-240 feed point
with 2 vacuum relays that I will use to connect
the driven element to the boom when I'm on160.
This will be a considerable effort and expense so
I'm looking for the group's input as to the
soundness of my plan or if there may be other
approaches that would be less difficult to try
first.

Thanks,

Dale, AA1QD

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Re: Topband: Windows 10 Update heads up

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I absolutely hate the new Windows-10 User Interface.  

To get your Classic Windows User Interface back, check out "Classic Shell".

http://www.classicshell.net/

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Brad Rehm
Sent: Friday, August 14, 2020 3:26 PM
To: Phil Duff 
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Windows 10 Update heads up

Phil,

I've turned off updates for the maximum allowed 35 days on Pat's and my
computers but not on my new laptop.  I use it occasionally to access my
Flex, so it will be my "canary in the coal mine" for future updates.  For
now, if it survives the next couple weeks, I'll allow the other updates to
download and install on the others.  If it doesn't, I'll only have to work
on one computer, not all of them.

It will be interesting to see if the laptop survives and the others don't.
Your comments, Phil, suggest that you think this could happen  If it does,
the problem gets even more complicated.  Does anyone out there have any
thoughts about why this might happen and how we might "scientifically"
separate the good updates from the bad?  If it does happen on any of our
computers, will this mean that we'll never be able to update Windows again
without having to do a lot of otherwise unnecessary work?

N.b., when a friend's computer was automatically updated a few days ago, he
lost access to many of his favorite programs and his desktop changed from
W7-style to W10, with tiles.

BTW, I've confirmed that if I turn off Windows updates, this will not stop
updates to the Windows security software.  Those have to be turned off
separately, but I haven't seen or heard of any problems with them.

73,
Brad  KV5V

On Fri, Aug 14, 2020 at 2:53 PM Phil Duff  wr

ote:

> I've 2 Dell Windows 10 Home systems in shack.  1 connected to my K3 
> and dedicated to ham radio tasks.  The other for general purpose use.
>
> No driver, USB prefs, connection, or any other problems with either of 
> them and I keep both updated.  I'm no W10 or MS fanboy but my W10 
> systems have been trouble-free whereas my old recently retired iMac 
> required reboot at least daily for system freezes.
>
> While W10 Home updates can't be turned off the update frequency can be 
> managed by delaying updates up to 35 days.
>
> YMMV.
>
> Phil NA4M
>
>
>
>
>
> On 2020-08-14 2:13 PM, W7RH wrote:
> > Regarding Windows 10 updates, who has not experienced the wrath of 
> > changed driver, relocated USB preferences and lost connections to 
> > devices. Unless you have the purchased professional  product you can 
> > not turn of the updates all the way around.
> --
> -. .- - --
> Phil Duff
> na4m[at]suddenlink[dot]net
> Wall Art Photography <http://philip-duff.pixels.com/> Stock Video 
> Clips <https://www.pond5.com/artist/pcdmedia#1/2063/>
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> Reflector
>
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Re: Topband: Slightly OT - amplifier noise

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Possibly static, nearby lightning, or high levels of TX RF may have damaged one 
or more of the semiconductors in your MFJ-1025.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On 
Behalf Of Steve London
Sent: Monday, March 16, 2020 1:33 PM
To: Guy Olinger K2AV 
Cc: Topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: Slightly OT - amplifier noise

I did that - terminated in 50 ohms.

73,
Steve, N2IC

On 03/16/2020 12:27 PM, Guy Olinger K2AV wrote:
> Depending on the exact circuit and device, to measure noise from the 
> device itself, don’t you have to terminate the inputs to put the 
> normal impedance on them? The circuits are often designed with the coax Z 
> zero in mind.
> 
> 73, Guy K2AV
> 
> On Mon, Mar 16, 2020 at 12:47 PM Steve London  > wrote:
> 
> This has been a very interesting thread - Thanks for all the input.
> 
> Perhaps I have set my expectations too high.
> 
> A typical application is on 15 meters, late in the opening, working JA's 
> from
> here in SW New Mexico. Absent any local QRN, the band is very quiet. Any 
> local
> noise covers the bottom layer of 5 watt JA's calling me.
> 
> I did some more testing with the MFJ-1025. With no antennas connected, 
> the box
> raises the noise floor about 10 dB, irrespective of the Aux Antenna Gain 
> or the
> Main Antenna Gain. I haven't yet tried powering from a battery, to make 
> sure
> the
> power supply isn't the source. Assuming the J310's are quiet, that leaves 
> the
> 2N5109 emitter follower, or the back-to-back protection diodes. Might 
> also try
> disconnecting the RF sense circuit.
> 
> 73,
> Steve, N2IC
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
> Reflector
> 
> --
> Sent via Gmail Mobile on my iPhone
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Re: Topband: Hi Z amplifiers for 160m

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Lee,
Can you recommend an improved device to replace/upgrade the Analog Devices #
AD8055AN chip?  
Any chance it would be a "drop-in replacement" ( pin-for-pin ) ?
I've got nine of the YCCC that I'd like to upgrade.
Or maybe I should just wait for Chris to complete his whole new design.
73
Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Lee STRAHAN
Sent: Wednesday, March 11, 2020 12:17 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Hi Z amplifiers for 160m

Greetings all,
   George has some very pertinent points here and only on one point I will
disagree. What a Hi-Z amplifier needs to do is dependent on your aspirations
of the size and quantity of elements you decide to use. The combiner losses
will dictate what you must do at the element end of an array for an
amplifier. Let me clear one thing up. The YCCC amplifier is not a unity gain
amplifier. It has a 6 dB loss due to its output impedance of around 75 ohms.
Thus the evolution of what I called the +6 amps 6 or 7 years ago that indeed
have unity gain and still have a 75 ohm output impedance. A significant
reduction in the noise figure of an array with a lossy combiner.
   If ones aspirations are only to use a simple array like the YCCC then the
operational amplifier versions seem to fill the bill, but don't expect then
to apply the same amplifiers as you build arrays for higher and higher RDF.
And, there are much better amplifiers available to replace the 8055 if I
remember the YCCC part number correctly. The 8055 has like 4nV/root Hz noise
while some of the new ones get down to 1 nV/root Hz noise a very significant
improvement.
   I could bore you all to distraction with other fine points that Hi-Z amps
need as specifications. It may not meet the eye but that is why performance
comes at a price.

Lee   K7TJR
Hi-Z Antennas

Chris,
Assuming a trans-impedance amplifier, "unity gain" is enough (with
reasonable size elements). Noise and IP3 are far more important. Lightning
and surge immunity are also important. Also, isolate the amp from common
mode noise travelling on the feed-line. Filter the power supply well. Use an
F connector (a high quality one that can be torqued.) GL and 73, George,
AA7JV/C6AGU

On Wed, 11 Mar 2020 11:33:34 +
  Chris Moulding  wrote:
> As well as being a radio amateur (G4HYG) I also run a small business
designing and making radio equipment (Cross Country Wireless).
>
> Recently I've been asked by a radio contest group to see if I can redesign
the YCCC Hi Z amplifier using modern components and using similar mounting
arrangements to our Loop Antenna Amplifier.
>
> The first prototype using surface mount components is working well.
>
> So far I've not build an array of antennas but that will come later when
the production boards arrive.
>
> The prototype uses a unity voltage gain amplifier and a BNC connector.
>
> I've a couple of questions for others on the list with experience of
running vertical receive arrays:
>
> Is a unity voltage gain amplifier OK or do you think it needs more gain
for long coax runs?
>
> At present I'm using a BNC male connector for the output. Would an F type
connector be more compatible with existing antenna arrays.
>
> 73, Chris G4HYG
>
> _
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> Reflector

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Re: Topband: Connecting Rx antenna to FTDX101

[Lloyd - N9LB]

That is too much RF power for a receiver input. 
"Front End Protectors" are available for this exact problem:

Array Solutions:
https://www.arraysolutions.com/as-rxfep

DX Engineering:
https://www.dxengineering.com/parts/dxe-rg5000hd

73

Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-bounces+lloydberg=tds@contesting.com] On
Behalf Of Miroslaw Paczocha
Sent: Friday, January 17, 2020 8:47 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Connecting Rx antenna to FTDX101

Hi,

I intend to connect a K9AY antenna to socket 3 of an FTDX101D, this socket
being menu configured as Rx input. The problem is I measured about 1,5 V on
the K9AY coax loaded with 50 ohms with 100W forwarded to the Tx antenna and
I wonder if it is safe for the Rx part of the radio. With full power it
would be several times more! I did not find requested information in the
manual nor any of known Yaesu dealers has been able to answer my question.
Going T/R in this configuration I can hear relay noise in the rig so may I
assume all will be correct however a mistake would be very expensive.
Can someone give me a reliable information about the safety of the radio?

73, Mirek
SP5ENA

PS. I realize perfectly that is not a good sign having so much power induced
in the Rx antenna.

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Re: Topband: K9ay loop not performing

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Pete, I had the very same problem here.

I have very poor soil, mostly a painted on layer of top soil, several inches of 
clay, a couple of feet of sand, and then bedrock.

Gary - K9AY told me that for poor soil conditions I needed to put a ground 
radial directly under each loop and attach them to the center ground rod.  
Length of the radials should extend a few feet past the edge of each loop.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Saturday, December 07, 2019 3:14 PM
To: topband reflector 
Subject: Topband: K9ay loop not performing

I just put up a K9AY loop, using the Array Solutions control boxes, and am 
pretty disappointed.  There is no audible or visible difference in the noise 
level, while the received signal strength is down whenever I A/B it with my 
inverted L.  There does seem to be a little directivity, but not much, and 
subjectively I find that weak signals are all heard better on the transmit 
antenna. Judging by results in the current contest, I've got an alligator on my 
hands!

The preamp amplifies by a couple of S units, and I can hear the relays out at 
the antenna switching when I change directions or termination resistances, 
although gain and directivity do not change noticeably. 
 From this I assume there's nothing wrong with the electronics

I tried to do my installation "by the book."  Ground is provided at the base of 
the antenna by a 6-foot ground rod.  There are two common-mode chokes on the 
feedline, one at each end of approximately 100 feet of RG-6.  About the only 
deviation from the published design is that the top of the crossed loops is at 
28 feet, not 25, and the loops have their bases more or less horizontal, where 
the published designs show them tilting upward approximately 15-20 degrees from 
the center in each direction.  I can make that happen with some more rigging, 
but before I do that, I'm looking for suggestions of other places to look for 
the problem.

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: Topband: Hardening the 8 Circle Receiving Array

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Mark!

I have the YCCC Hi-Z spaced at the compromised 60 ft. parameters to improve
80 & 40m operation - that was a mistake!  
Go with the recommended 160m spacing.  I plan to modify my Hi-Z for optimum
160m operation ASAP.

Since the Hi-Z sits on the ground, putting it out in the fall and bringing
it back in every spring is not a big deal.  It only takes a couple of hours.
Lightning protection is not usually an issue in the colder months, although
we do get "Thunder-Snow" occasionally, but so far no damage from that.

For static build-up protection, which is a real problem in the winter
months, I installed 100K 1w carbon resistors bridging the inputs to ground.

This will be the 4th or 5th year for my Hi-Z array.  I also have BOGs and
two types of RX loop antennas.  

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Lee.
KX4TT via Topband
Sent: Friday, October 18, 2019 8:16 AM
To: 'Mark Robinson' ; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Hardening the 8 Circle Receiving Array

GM Mark,
The easiest way to think of this is Diodes = Detectors; with high-powered RF
around, that becomes a Bad Idea. A possible alternative MAY be high-value
resistors to ground across the front end of the preamps. A representative
value would be 10 MΩ or greater, and I would match the resistances to ±1%.
However, Tim's warning still applies in that this mod may damage the
performance of the array. I only mention it because I've used it with kite
and balloon antennas to drain off static discharge, and it may prove useful
here. 

73 de Lee KX4TT


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Tim Duffy


Hello Mark:

Installing diodes can cause severe problems with nearby broadcast stations.

During the summer months and lightning months I remove my preamps from the
antenna elements to protect them. 
I am now just getting them installed tomorrow morning to prepare for the
Fall Stew contest on Saturday.

Be careful making modifications that may hurt your array performance

73
Tim K3LR

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mark
Robinson

I  have the DX Engineering 8 circle receiving array sized for 80/160m . 
It has been a fantastic performer but I have suffered damage to the active
antenna amplifiers on two separate occasions due to nearby lightning
strikes.

I am looking at a way to protect these amplifiers.  I was wondering if I can
add a pair or  dual series pair (4 diodes in total) of back to back diodes -
say 1N3600,  across the input to ground terminals on each amplifier.  Will
this affect the performance of the array in any way ?

73 Mark N1UK

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Re: Topband: spark gap construction ideas for 160m tower

[Lloyd - N9LB]

See:  
https://www.qrz.com/DB/w9gl
( scroll down to 3rd picture )

Copper float balls available at any hardware, home improvement or plumbing 
supply store.



-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff Blaine
Sent: Sunday, October 06, 2019 1:28 PM
To: topband 
Subject: Topband: spark gap construction ideas for 160m tower

I need to add a spark gap of some sort onto my full-size 160m insulated-base 
tower.  Looking for ideas.

Making the spark gap is simple.  What has me asking for ideas is the weather 
element - we have a lot of snow, ice, rain here and a spark gap needs to keep 
that stuff off.  But put a little cover over it, right? Well, yes but if the 
cover is not fully enclosed, then you have wasps and spiders making nests 
there.  If it's enclosed, then you have condensation and ants.

I like the idea of W8JI's two balls close to each other - the surface area is 
large so accumulated pitting won't change the spacing and thus the BDV much.  
And the water will drain off away from the contact points.  But what does a guy 
make that out of if he does not have a set of brass balls in his junkbox.

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


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Re: Topband: BOG questions

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Mark!

I did a similar thing a couple of years ago in order to run a BOG across the
abandoned farm behind my property.  Never doing that again!

The following season I set the mower deck to maximum height on my lawn and
garden tractor and drove thru the same field of six foot high weeds and
thorns ( and assorted ticks ).  That worked a lot better ( and much safer
too ).

What I learned was that the BOG works well when laying directly on the
ground, but was worthless when draped over weeds.

GL es 73

Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mark
Lunday
Sent: Sunday, August 25, 2019 2:48 PM
To: Mikek ; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG questions

OK, my wife now is convinced that I have a screw loose in the brain
somewhere (she had plenty of evidence before but decided to give me the
benefit of the doubt until today)I just spent an hour in the hot North
Carolina sun, wearing jeans and a heavy winter jacket so that I could wade
through 300 feet of neck-high thorns and nettles and tamp those down so I
could re-lay the insulated BOG wire.

I do this for three reasons:

1. I want to confirm the theory that growing grass/weeds around the original
installation 11 moths ago have compromised performance

2. A nearby lightning strike Friday night wiped out something in my HiZ
4-square receiving array, and I refuse to use the 160 meter inverted L for
receive, even though this is a quiet QTH.

3. Even at my age of 55, I find sudden surges of energy when involved with
such projects.

I shall share my observations as the nights progress, while I
investigate/diagnose/repair/replace the damaged parts on the HiZ array.

Mark Lunday, WD4ELG
Greensboro, NC  FM06be
wd4...@arrl.net
http://wd4elg.blogspot.com
SKCC #16439  FISTS #17972  QRP ARCI #16497 _ Searchable
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Re: Topband: Wire for 2 wire BOG

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I've used "Low Voltage Landscape Lighting Wire" - available at Home
Improvement stores and on the Internet.

It is UV rated wire, the lightest gauge should be fine.  Works fine for me
with the KD9SV R-BOG system and much easier to work with than the army
surplus telephone wire.

73

Lloyd - N9LB


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Re: Topband: 160

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Alan, respectfully, it doesn’t sound like you ever looked at Joe Taylor's WSJT 
program and you do not understand the facts of FT8.

Operators can NOT "walk away and not participate in making QSOs" as the program 
is written.  Yes, a very small number of people have hacked W1JT's program to 
run continuously, but 99.99% of the FT8 users are human and actively involved 
in making the QSO.

WSJT/FT8 is very similar to the popular MMTTY RTTY program - click on a decoded 
call displayed on the screen to enter that call into the program and click on a 
button to start calling.

To use WSJT/FT8 you must:
Select mode of operation
Set up eight menu screens, 
Type of decode,
Select initial RX and TX frequencies ( simplex or split, and what split )
Deal with QRM / interference / use your skill to QSY around the band segment as 
conditions
And that does not include all the usual stuff: selecting the band, select the 
antenna, aim the antenna, set power, etc.
 
Here is link to "WSJT-X - FT8 and Beyond", the Keynote Speech of Joe Taylor, 
K1JT, 21 June 2019 at the Friedrichshafen Hamvention. 
http://dokufunk.org/amateur_radio/contributions/?CID=9458#A28986

Shall we also disqualify CW ops who use memory keyers and CW decoders?  Nope

Shall we also disqualify phone ops who use voice recorders or synthesized 
voices or voice recognition programs?  Nope

It is all just new technology - get used to change!   Change is inevitable. 

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Alan Swinger
Sent: Friday, August 02, 2019 4:22 PM
To: rich_k...@gphilltop.com; Harald Rester 
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: 160

Below is Letter for QST on this subject that may (or not) be published FYI. 
Glad to hear AA1K back calling CQ on CW in the AM. I am there too looking for 
CW DX. - 73, Alan K9MBQ

 If Hams who use WSJT/FT modes enjoy using them, by all means do so.
However, I strongly disagree with and object to the fact that QSOs made in 
these modes count for DXCC Digital awards in the same way as RTTY, PSK, etc do. 
Since FT8 operators can walk away and not participate in QSOs, and come back 
after some other activity and see how many new countries and QSOs that the 
computer made, this is unlike Digital modes where operators must remain engaged 
to make QSOs. Therefore, seems to me that such Computer-generated contacts 
should have a separate category in the current award systems since the 
operators are not directly involved in making the QSOs . . . call it 
Computer-Aided Digital or something more clever. No argument that skill is 
required to set up a station to make FT-8 contacts, but a different set than 
what those of us who work DXCC, Challenge, etc use on CW, RTTY, and SSB, 
including those towers, expensive equipment, skills, and years of hard work to 
get the new ones when there was NO FT-8 or similar modes!
So, I do not be begrudge the new low signal computer-aided modes, nor do I cast 
aspersions on the Ops who enjoy using them . . . even though I am unlikely to 
join their ranks, but the Ham community should not penalize those of us who 
used non-FT modes to get our hard earned awards by giving an unfair advantage 
to a new technology. We (Ham Radio) need the New Technology, but these modes 
are sufficiently different in many ways from the older modes that justifies a 
separate category in the award spectrum.  Therefore, I urge the ARRL and the CQ 
Magazine leadership to establish a Digital award category that is separate and 
different from the current DXCC et al Digital criteria.
Alan Swinger K9MBQ
Charlottesville, VA



-Original Message-
>From: rich_k...@gphilltop.com
>Sent: Aug 2, 2019 4:22 PM
>To: Harald Rester 
>Cc: topband@contesting.com
>Subject: Re: Topband: 160
>
>As ham radio changes there will remain at least a niche for CW, SSB, 
>and RTTY and it's competitions. FT8 will supplement the bands , not 
>supplant it, IMO. Do you think FT8, FT4 and whatever digital modes come 
>along are the future or will something else take its place? Who 
>knows... time and technology moves on. Maybe it might attract some of 
>the Millennials to fill in the void by us Baby Boomers who will all too soon 
>be making.
>Let's set a good example for them to follow.
>
>Rich K7ZV
>
>
>On 2019-08-02 12:42 pm, Harald Rester wrote:
>> Think about the time *we all *could have been on the air, while 
>> staring at our screens, typing and reading. I make QSY to the shack - Hpe CU!
>> 
>> Harry, DH1NBE
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> Am 02.08.2019 um 21:26 schrieb uy0zg:
>>> 
>>> 
>>> I do not propose stopping the FT8.
>>> 
>>> just compete with each other.
>>> 
>>> But keep in mind - Arnold will be the first  -)):
>>> 
>>> https://www.alamy

Re: Topband: Found my K9AY by WX0B AX-AYl-4 unit

[Lloyd - N9LB]

K9AY is a local here in southern Wisconsin.

I put up a K9AY and was disappointed in the lack of directionality at my
QTH.  I spoke to Gary about it at the local Madison DX Club meeting, and he
told me that because I had very poor soil conductivity at my QTH, I should
put ground radials under the K9AY antenna to supplement the single ground
rod.  Length of the supplemental radials to be at least as wide as the loops
and at maximum no longer than double the width of the loops.  Radial
placement should be in the ground directly below the loops.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of terry
burge
Sent: Tuesday, January 29, 2019 12:26 AM
To: topband@contesting.com; terry burge 
Subject: Topband: Found my K9AY by WX0B AX-AYl-4 unit

Hi folk,

Been looking for this for I don't know how long. Had it up out in Keizer but
wasn't that impressed but I'll now try it out here. But going to need to get
it near some trees and possibly power company transformer on power pole.
Maybe some fencing too. Listening to K4IQJ's DX University talk about K9AY
style antennas last night on YouTube it sounds like the trees won't be an
issue. Unfortunately all I can do is try to get a half wavelength our so on
80 and 40 from transmit antennas. Just no way to do better on my 1.5 acre
lot. 

If anyone has any helpful experience using K9AY's for a RX antenna you might
send alone some helpful suggestions. One of the things I always wondered
about is it seems like these might be made to rotate at least a bit or maybe
adjust the loops to favor both NE and E? K4IQJ's talk indicated it could be
interesting to try 2 or more in an array. 2 might not be too tough here but
first I want to see one work to know I can get some help on 80 and 160 meter
bands. As usual my problem on both those bands is hearing the weak ones.
Wanting to do better this year in the 160 CQ SSB contest in late
February.(always)

Also wondered if these can be mounted on the roof of a metal building like
my large garage? Think they need to be just above ground though.

Terry

KI7M

 
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Re: Topband: Might be a good EU DX night

[Lloyd - N9LB]

QRN Lightning Static received here in Wisconsin is raising my noise floor by
10-20 dB.
Radar shows the storms are in Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas.
Really unusual for this time of year!
73
Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
w...@w5zn.org
Sent: Wednesday, December 26, 2018 4:09 PM
To: 'topband' 
Subject: Re: Topband: Might be a good EU DX night

Just a few minutes after sending my post about 80 meters sigs, I am now 
hearing a few EU stations now on 160, one hour before my SS here in 
Arkansas.

Hope this holds up!!

73 Joel W5ZN


On 2018-12-26 13:29, Tim Duffy wrote:
> The K3LR 160 Skimmer just heard HA0NAR at 2014Z. That is one hour and 
> 45
> minutes before sunset at K3LR.
> 
>  Yes, only 3 dB above the noise floor - but still - this very early in 
> the
> day to hear anything from EU.
> 
> 
> 
> Using a HIZ 8 circle in phase (500 ft separation) with a HIZ 4 square -
> broadside to Europe. RX is a Perseus SDR.
> 
> 
> 
> You can see the K3LR Skimmer output here:
> 
> 
> 
> http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0
> <http://www.reversebeacon.net/dxsd1/dxsd1.php?f=0&c=k3lr&t=de> 
> &c=k3lr&t=de
> 
> 
> 
> K3LR 40 meters is off line for maintenance - but will return this 
> evening
> 
> 
> 
> Happy New Year
> 
> Tim K3LR
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 
> _
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Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters - Station Location and Boundary

[Lloyd - N9LB]

A shared Receive Only site can be used by many operators simultaneously.  
However a shared RX-TX site (remote station) would be impossible.
( Think Bouvet on 20m CW, listening up 1-10 )

Also a club sponsored shared RX could be set up far from any noise sources, run 
on solar cells & batteries, with an 802.11A Wi-FI link back to the nearest 
wired Internet.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Dan Edward 
Dba East edwards
Sent: Friday, November 23, 2018 11:45 AM
To: topband@contesting.com; Bill Cromwell 
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters - Station Location and Boundary

 gotta chip in my $0.02 on this, for what little it may be worth..
i have access to some remote rural property, here in texas, and in 
oklahoma..but k5rk and w7rh pointed out 'its not legal for dxcc if an Rx only 
site'but RHR is ok ( ? ) the league's requirement that my transmit 
antenna be there also greatly increases the cost / time / complexity commitment 
compared to an Rx only site; i COULD continue to Tx from my home qth, and 
listen from someplace quieter, with more favorable local terrain..IF it was 
'legal' for DXCC..
how about 'same call area' or adjacent states / provinces instead of 500m ?
presently, still struggling with man made noise in Hunter's Creek, longview, 
texas...a very long ways from any salt water...VERY lucky to land zone 17 
recently, #38, on demon-cheater mode ( FT-8 )... atter 10 years on 160m, when i 
started from scratch.
happy holidays, y'all, and good luck!
73, W5XZ, dan
On Thursday, November 22, 2018, 8:05:50 AM CST, Bill Cromwell 
 wrote:  
 
 Hi Joe,

I would have never assumed that you have acreage whether 5 acres or something 
the size of the King Ranch. All of those electrical belches are difficult to 
escape. Moving your receiver out into the swamp, forest, desert, craggy 
mountaintop or anywhere besides your desktop can help. Using DSP can help and 
maybe even more than physical isolation. 
Remote receivers can have both. Have you tried DSP?

The software packages come with spectrum displays - much like panadapters - and 
I have been able to pick out Morse signals between the points of some digital 
crap resembling the Burger King's crown. Without the DSP there was no way to 
even hear that CW signal or know it existed. 
It's not 1956 any more. We have to do whatever we have to do to pull those 
signals out. Where I live my worst handicap is my 100 foot lot followed by the 
automotive body shop and it's welders about 250 feet from my back door. DSP is 
able to pull some signals out even when the welder is in use! In spite of my 
undersize antennas. 160 DXCC? It ain't going to happen here. I shouldn't even 
be on 160 meters, But I keep trying.

73,

Bill  KU8H

On 11/22/18 7:38 AM, Joe Subich, W4TV wrote:
> 
> On 2018-11-22 2:08 AM, kol...@rcn.com wrote:
>> And this is easy to say when you have 5 acres in a semi-rural area, 
>> hi hi.
> 
> With no antennas.  I have not been seriously active on low bands in 
> the
> 20 years I've been here precisely because of the increasing prevalence 
> of the multiple remote receiver/remote station operations.  However, 
> even semi-rural areas have significant problems with noise from poorly 
> maintained power lines, neighbor's plasma TVs, etc.
> 
> Multiple remote receiver/"pick your remote station" is the scourge of 
> DXCC in general as it completely removes both station building and 
> operating skills from the equation and replaces them with the check 
> book.  One might as well replace amateur radio with "hamsphere" or 
> IRL.
> 
> 73,
> 
> ... Joe, W4TV
> 
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband 
> Reflector
> 

--
bark less - wag more
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Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters - Station Location and Boundary

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I'd like to see the ARRL change part mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jim
Thomson
Sent: Wednesday, November 21, 2018 10:57 AM
To: TopBand List 
Subject: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

Date: Wed, 21 Nov 2018 09:32:20 -0600
From: "Mike Cizek W0VTT" 
To: "'Jean-Paul Albert'" , 
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters


<9.  Station Location and Boundary:

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Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters & Daytime 40-meter DX

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Just FYI...

I'm hearing the following DX on 40m between 1 and 2 PM CST, November 20th.  

Dipole antenna at 60' running E-W, obviously hearing well over the North Pole.

EA5XC, HA1RB, CO2VK, EA4GJP, ON1AEY, EA1IMP, DF8KI, PD2HAB, EA4GJP, I0WBX, 
DJ0FX, CU8FN, EB1BVP, EA4AQQ, SP6IXF, PC5W, TF1A, OK1ZVP, IK1BQD, R6JY, JH1AJT, 
F4EMG, ON3AD, SP6IXF, DL2VPO, A45XR, F5ADE,   SV2AEL,   JH1AJT, IK1BQD, I0OSI, 
UR5RGS, VK7BBB, YO9HP, SP5EAF, 5T2AI, and all of Canada.

73

Lloyd - N9LB in snowy and cold Wisconsin.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Wes Stewart
Sent: Tuesday, November 20, 2018 1:56 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: ARRL DXCC - 160 Meters

One of our SADXA members just wrote a paper about the possibility of daytime 
40-meter DX during mid-December.

But on this subject I would like to know who made the ONE 160-meter SSB QSO 
with VP6D.

Wes  N7WS

On 11/20/2018 11:57 AM, Clive GM3POI wrote:
> JC I think you have to be careful about saying this daytime or that 
> qso could not have happened. "It entirely depends where the station is 
> located."
> An example, I have a QSL with three QSOS between me and a JD1 station 
> all within about 15 mins of each other, on different dates and centred 
> on midday here on 40m.  Stations in Northerly location will have a 
> high degree of probability for midwinter daytime DX contacts. They 
> will at other parts of the cycle, have a similar type of opening to 
> the Pacific either side of mid night on the higher HF bands.
> I agree the OK stuff stinks and considering the previous qsl printing 
> that went on, you cannot believe any of the data for certain.
> 73 Clive GM3POI
> 

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Re: Topband: Bizzare EMI Story

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Jay!

Sounds like every conductive element in your home is acting like an antenna.

I'm thinking that you need to look at your station grounding.  

Is your antenna well "earthed" at the feed point and the feedline choked?
Are all your water pipes, gas pipe, duct work, and electrical common/utility 
ground point, bonded together?
Do you have a Perimeter ground around your house?
Take a look at "Grounding and Bonding for the Radio Amateur".
https://www.arrl.org/shop/Grounding-and-Bonding-for-the-Radio-Amateur

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
jayb1...@optonline.net
Sent: Wednesday, November 07, 2018 9:32 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Bizzare EMI Story

I’m sure there are LOTS of bizarre 160m RFI stories and I am going to add a few 
of mine: A few months ago, I added an ALS-600 600w HF amp to the 100w station 
on 160 and then the fun began. My XYL informed me that the timer alarm on the 
kitchen stove would trigger with each dot or dash I sent. I agreed to stay off 
160 until it was fixed. Ordered and installed 6 ferrite cores on the AC power 
line to the stove and added .05 capacitors across each AC phase in the breaker 
box to cure that issue. Once back on the air, the XYL now informed me that the 
LED light bulbs in the living room would flicker with 160m CW. Changed the 
bulbs back to standard incandescent to fix that problem. Back on the air when 
the XYL informed me that the exercise treadmill in the den would start up and 
run when I was transmitting FT-8 on
160 even though the ac switch was OFF. At this point I am ready to go back to 
2m FM but tried unplugging the treadmill which fixed that problem. I am now 
pumping the audio on her CD player in the kitchen so have to go research
that73 all best DX on Top Band !!!
  Jay NY2NY
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Re: Topband: Which compromise receiving antenna

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I have 3x KD9SV Reversible-BOGs ranging from 175 feet to 300 feet long, they 
all receive much better than using my TX vertical.  Make sure that you have 
good grounding at each end!  I also have a partial YCCC "Hi-Z" array with 3 
elements at 60 foot spacing that also RX better than the TX vertical.

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N4ZR
Sent: Tuesday, November 06, 2018 9:40 AM
To: topband reflector 
Subject: Topband: Which compromise receiving antenna

I've just spent a very educational hour with Google Earth looking at my 
Beverage options for 160M.  On a 45/225 azimuth I can only get about 215 feet.  
Is that even worth doing with a conventional Beverage? What about a BOG?  
Because of my lot layout I will need to use a reversible 2-wire Beverage with 
the NE end right outside my shack.  Don't know if the KD9SV reversing 
transformers will work for a BOG.

My other reasonable receiving option is a K9AY loop or similar. 
Transmitting antenna will be an inverted L, with vertical section probably no 
more than 60 feet. I'd like to finish my 160M DXCC this winter if possible

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
Check out the Reverse Beacon Network
at <http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.

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Re: Topband: making a bev seem longer

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Let me chime in here too,

I have a partial YCCC vertical array and two R-BOGs.  Both of these RX
systems work well at my QTH.  For the YCCC vertical array I used the 60 foot
from the center spacing ( 120 feet total distance ) works very well
160m-30m.  

The R-BOGs ( Reversible BOGs ) are around 200 and 300 feet long (that's all
the room I have).  The BOGs are great on 160 and 80m, not so much on 40m and
30m..  

Sometimes the YCCC is better and sometimes the BOGs are better for 80m or
160m.   

DX Engineering sells YCCC Short Vertical Array kits and systems ( you can
choose 3, 5, 7, or 9 element systems - just buy what you need ).  
DX Engineering also sells KD9SV BOG and RBOG components.

BTW - I worked KH1/KH7Z Baker Island in July on 160m, 80m, 40m and 30m with
these antennas, but not even a hint of a signal on 160m or 80m when RXing on
the TX vertical.

73

Lloyd - N9LB ( QTH es Wisconsin )

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Joe
Subich, W4TV
Sent: Monday, August 06, 2018 4:25 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: making a bev seem longer

On 2018-08-06 4:16 PM, n...@n4is.com wrote:
>>>
> 
> Vertical arrays are mono band. You need one for 160 , another for 80, 
> and if you want 40 and 30 two more. Also they needs a lot of phasing 
> cables and a large real state area far from constructions.
> 

Far from it ... the YCCC "9 circle" is a phased array receiving antenna that
covers 160-40 meters in a 120' diameter circle (45 degree increments).  The
5 element square (90 degree increments) fits in an 85 foot square.

RDF of the YCCC array is comparable to that of a .625 x 1.25 wavelength BSEF
array on 160 meters in about 1/8 the area.  The 80 meter RDF of the YCCC
array is comparable to a 1.5 wavelength (1000') Beverage.

See Sept/Oct and Nov/Dec 2011 issues of NCJ.

73,

... Joe, W4TV
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Re: Topband: Beverage Antenna Tuning

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Ash!

For a broadband RX antenna, that match looks good.  Exactly what I see with
my AIM analyzer when looking at my BOGs.  Don't mess with it.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Ashraf
Chaabane
Sent: Wednesday, July 04, 2018 9:13 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Beverage Antenna Tuning

Hi All

I measured the SWR in my beverage antenna; the SWR fluctuates between 1.5
and 3 in a range of 1.8 to 7 MHz. (See:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/0B9AtNpPfAOUMRDNsaXROMG1VUTg?usp=shar
ing
)
I know SWR should not vary too much. However, some people are suggesting
adjusting the termination resistor. Others suggest checking the transformer
number of windings for a good match. What shall I do?

73 Ash 3V8SS/KF5EYY
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Re: Topband: Soil conductivity maps

[Lloyd - N9LB]

https://www.fcc.gov/media/radio/m3-ground-conductivity-map#block-menu-block-
4

The link on the page to the download version has reasonable detail...

Having performed many field strength surveys for broadcasting ( using a
Nems-Clarke and later an Potomac FIM ), I can tell you that the real world
varies a significant amount.  The urbanized areas are much poorer, and of
course the transitions between conductivity areas will vary.

Your state Agriculture Department might have more detailed soil maps that
could be used as a starting point for estimated local soil conductivity.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Jeff
Kinzli N6GQ
Sent: Sunday, April 01, 2018 9:46 AM
To: top Band 
Subject: Topband: Soil conductivity maps

So I'm looking to purchase a new QTH. I'm not particular about location, but
would like to optimize for soil conductivity and any other parameters that
would increase near and far field propagation and minimize ground losses.
I've seen the US Gov M3 maps, but they are very coarse. They also only
define conductivity, and I'm wondering what other quantities would be useful
to look at.

I know that a salt water takeoff or marsh is awesome, but that's not gonna
happen in this iteration - looking very much central USA (W5, TX), inland.

So, any more fine-grained maps available? Or other quantities that would be
worth looking at? Books that discuss this sort of thing?
Mostly for either pinpointing optimal areas, or making sure that a good
looking property is at least half-way decent...

Thanks for any guidance,

de N6GQ
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Re: Topband: 3C0W signal on Topband

[Lloyd - N9LB]

What time was the 3C0W enhancement? 


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Lee.
KX4TT via Topband
Sent: Friday, March 23, 2018 10:22 AM
To: 'TopBand List' 
Subject: Re: Topband: 3C0W signal on Topband

My observations match Herb's very well - of course, we're not that far
apart, as I am in Tampa, FL. 3C0W is easy QSA5 copy on the Windom; TY7C and
TN5R were closer to QSA4, and TJ2TT was very tough copy (QSA1-2) on 160 (but
QSA5 on 80; go figure). I had worked 3C0L, so I didn't work 3C0W on this
go-around. 

73 de Lee, KX4TT

-Original Message-

I have no explanation for this but it is clearly the best signal every heard
from this part of the world on 160 from 3C0W was so strong i had to record
it.  Jon, AA1K has put it up on his website  http://www.aa1k.us/dx for you
to hear it. RX antenna here was a 600 foot S/E Beverage although the path is
supposed to be East or 90 degrees.  Just amazing DX signal from a
DX-pedition.

Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
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Re: Topband: cheating

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Read:  http://www.arrl.org/dxcc-rules  Section I. Basic Rules, #9 ...

9.  Station Location and Boundary:
 
a) All stations used to make contacts for a specific DXCC award must be located 
within the same DXCC entity.
b) All transmitters and receivers comprising a station used for a specific 
contact must be located within a 500-meter diameter circle.
c) QSOs made with legally licensed, remotely controlled stations are allowed to 
be used for DXCC credit.

The "500-meter diameter circle" rule seems odd because I can hop on a plane and 
work Bouvet from Florida for DXCC credit, or remote into a station in San Diego 
to work Ducie Island for DXCC credit, but can’t separate my Wisconsin 
transmitter and receiver by more than 500 meters.

I think "b)" needs to be deleted, especially in light of the wide scope of "a)" 
and "c)".  The noise floor in most cities has increased so much that hearing DX 
is becoming impossible for the city/suburban dweller.  A shared rural SDR 
Receiver located with-in the same state, or alternately within 100 KM, would 
seems to be a reasonable and practical solution to the RX RFI noise problem.  
It would also make a great local club project if legalized by ARRL.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Steve Daniel
Sent: Monday, January 15, 2018 1:32 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: cheating

John, is the use of a remote receiver not allowed for DXCC? I don’t believe it 
is prohibited. I ask because your use of the word “cheating” suggests that it 
is. Is that what you are saying? Steve Daniel NN4T

Sent from my iPhone

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Re: Topband: My beverage only hears static?

[Lloyd - N9LB]

A couple of thoughts...

5 clip-on ferrites is extremely insufficient at 160m, get some small
diameter coax and large toroid core for decoupling.
http://audiosystemsgroup.com/RFI-Ham.pdf
http://www.karinya.net/g3txq/chokes/

Set up your beverages as reversible.  The ability to switch between forward
and reverse will tell you a great deal about your environment and is a good
day-to-day indicator of the correct or incorrect functioning of the
beverage. 

73

Lloyd - N9LB

On Fri, Jan 12, 2018 at 2:44 PM, terry burge  wrote:

> I put up my first beverage recently. It's about 550-600 feet of 17 
> gauge electric fence wire running to the north about 6-7 feet high. 
> Not terminated right now but using a beverage transformer I purchased 
> on qth.com and have not put on the termination yet. Using a 5' 
> galvanized ground rod at the transformer and 75 ohm RG-6 surplus I got 
> about 35 feet to my K-3 Elecraft thru an Array Solutions frontend 
> protector to the RX antenna connection.
>
> All I get is S-5 static on the beverage. Even the strong stations 
> barely make a ripple of noise. Is this right?
>
> I added some clamp on ferrites to see if the Common Mode Noise would 
> be cut down but after putting 5 on the RG-6 coax there is no 
> difference. Just that S-5 static level on any band 80/40/20/etc. Right 
> now I'm listening to P49MR on 14.250.0 Mhz and his 57 signal does not 
> even come thru on the beverage when I switch to RX antenna?
>
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Re: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Lets light up those phones... 

WKYW-AM 1490 kHz
Frankfort, Kentucky
"Passport Radio 1490" 
Station Format: Oldies
Phone: 502-875-1130



-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike
Waters
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2018 5:16 PM
To: topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc

Somebody needs to give them a phone call.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com
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Re: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Yes, hearing them at my QTH on my SE Beverage, carrier running 15 to 25 dB
above my noise floor.

Lloyd - N9LB  near Madison, WI grid EN52HV

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Bill
Stewart
Sent: Wednesday, January 10, 2018 5:00 PM
To: topband 
Subject: Topband: WKYW on 1810kc

Is anyone copying a AMBC stn around 1810kc. They are 30db over S9 here. The
sig was cutting in and out but for last few mins. has been on full time. Did
hear them mention '1490' and Frankfort KY. Web info comes back to WKYW.
Heard them yesterday as well. 
Tnx de Bill K4JYS
Near Smithfield, NC
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Re: Topband: Hygain 18HT feed question

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Frank!

Congrats on the Hygain 18HT HyTower.

I have three suggestions:
1. top-load it with wires or a yagi or a pipe to extend it's electrical length 
if you will be using it on 160 or 80 meters.
2. Unless you have a tube type rig, suggest you use 50 ohm coax, that way you 
only need to match at one end of the coax.
3. Put radials under it to reduce ground losses.

Yes, a tuner at the feed point is preferable to one in the house.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
kg9hfr...@gmail.com
Sent: Tuesday, January 09, 2018 4:06 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: Hygain 18HT feed question

I cross posted this in he QRP but then it dawned on me you folks may have a 
better insight to this question.

I finally snagged my dream antenna, a Hygain 18HT!
Yes after almost 50 years…

So here is the question….

Should I feed the base with:
-75-ohm coaxial cable (I can get some of that easily to bury about 100’ from 
the house?
-use an auto-tuner at the base or feed it like they say and feed it with 50-ohm 
also 100’ from the house.

Go….

De KG9H
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Re: Topband: Rotator creating spur on 1820

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Do you have a heavy gauge flexible strap jumpering the mast pipe to the top
of the tower?

The mast pipe must be at the same electrical potential as the tower.  The
thrust bearing and rotor motor probably is not a low impedance path.

I use the commonly available 1 inch wide woven braid / ground strap material
to connect my mast pipe to the top of the tower.  It runs parallel to my
coax rotor loop at tower top ( about 24 inches long ).

73

Lloyd - N9LB
 
> - Original Message -
>
> From: "K4SAV" 
> To: topband@contesting.com
> Sent: Thursday, November 2, 2017 2:40:49 PM
> Subject: Topband: Rotator creating spur on 1820
>
> I have a problem for which someone on this forum has the solution. I 
> know that because I have seen that message sometime in the past.
>
> The problem is that my rotator is rectifying a couple of AM station 
> signals and creating a spur on 1820. It's normally pretty weak on my 
> receiving antennas but sometimes it's a problem. I found that if I 
> listen on my XM-240 near that rotator it can be very loud. As soon as 
> I move the rotator it causes the spur to go away, or become weak. A 
> few minutes later it is back again. It pops in and out.
>
> So who had the problem and how did you fix it?
>
> Note that my XM-240 actually shows a low SWR on 160. That's because 
> the
> XM-240 balun doesn't work well on 160 and the common mode currents on 
> the feedline couple to the tower and the tower becomes the real 
> antenna on 160. So in this case the tower is the antenna and it has 
> that rotator cable against it picking up max signal from that cable 
> (also radiating it to my other antennas). No, the XM-240 is not used 
> on 160 (except to find the source of this problem).
>
> The rotator is a Yaesu G-2800DXA.
>
> Jerry, K4SAV
> _
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Re: Topband: underground cables question

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I have PVC conduits under my yard because the cables to the towers travel
under landscaping and I am not able to dig things up to change or add
cables.  I have placed a length of half inch hose in each conduit with one
end at the lowest point in each conduit.  The other end of each hose comes
up to the surface along with the coax lines and control cables at the base
of each tower.   I use a "Wet/Dry" rated shop vacuum to pull the collected
water from the conduits via the hoses a couple times a year - and always
each fall before the ground freezes.  This technique has been working well
for me for 19 years.

73

Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of John
Sent: Thursday, October 05, 2017 3:11 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: underground cables question

Hi all, some  years ago I buried a 4 inch conduit about a foot deep in my
field , inside I run a control wire and a coax line RG213 to a 160 m
vertical the feeder was a total of 5/4 wavelength long about half of it in
the conduit, it was used as one line for a pair of verticals spaced 5/8 wave
apart. When first installed it worked very good but after a while I noticed
it dropped off and I suspected water ingress. An insulation test with 1000v
from my electricians test equipment showed indeed a fall in insulation
resistance.

So my question is I have a couple of large reels of commscope F1160 BEF
flooded 75 ohm do you think I could put it in the same conduit which has
allowed some water in or would you make alternative arrangements . I realise
it a direct bury coax but appreciate advice.

I wish to get the two verticals going again will use 1 X 3/4 line above
ground 1x5/4 line part in conduit and a 1/2 wave to switch in and out above
ground.

regards


John Beaumont
G4EIM


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Re: Topband: St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks video from Band TV.

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I would like to show this video at our DX Club meeting, but it says: "Sorry
this video can only be watched by viewers in Brazil" 

Is there some way I can get a copy of  this video?

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of DXer
Sent: Saturday, November 19, 2016 9:07 AM
To: cq-cont...@contesting.com; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: St. Peter and St. Paul Rocks video from Band TV.

Sending again, as it appears to have been lost along the way.

==
Hi Group,

Band TV broadcasted a 2 part mini documentary about St. Peter and St. 
Paul Rocks. It's in portuguese only, sorry, but the video is nice.

73 de Vince, VA3VF



http://noticias.band.uol.com.br/jornaldaband/videos/ultimos-videos/16060801/
conheca-as-ilhas-brasileiras-de-sao-pedro-e-sao-paulo.html

http://noticias.band.uol.com.br/jornaldaband/videos/ultimos-videos/16063304/
ilhas-de-sao-pedro-e-sao-paulo-sao-como-o-centro-da-terra.html
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Re: Topband: RF interference from 160m to GE Electric stove

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Jay!

Have you tried putting a string of "RF Suppression Snap-On Ferrites" on the 
power cord?

Are the dimensions of the cord such that it is possible to use "RF Suppression 
Snap-On Ferrites"?  The largest I could find are .75" inside diameter.  
https://www.dxengineering.com/search/part-type/rf-suppression-snap-on-ferrite-beads

If the power cord for the electric stove is too large, perhaps the Snap-On 
Ferrites could be added to the Romex  cable feeding the stove outlet if the 
wiring is accessible, such as in an unfinished basement.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of 
jayb1...@optonline.net
Sent: Sunday, November 06, 2016 9:34 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: RF interference from 160m to GE Electric stove

Hi guys – I have recently added a 160m amp to my station and have created an 
RFI problem I can’t solve.
When I transmit on 160 with any more than 150 watts, the GE electric stove in 
the kitchen ALARMS and must be reset. I guess the 160 signal from the vertical 
is getting into the AC power lines (just a few feet away from the AC feed off 
the pole) and then into the electronics into the stove. Reducing the output 
power to 125 watts or so does not cause the problem. Not a permanent condition; 
hitting the stop button on the stove controls stops the stove alarm but starts 
again when I transmit. My XYL HATES alarms—she is a retired ICU RN and I think 
she got conditioned to panic when ANY alarm goes off !
Anyhow I wondered if anybody has any similar experience with problems like this 
on 160 and how to solve them. I am tempted to just have an electrician come in 
and install a BIG RF filter on the AC line – either just on the Stove line or 
to the main feed but I fear this is a lot of $$$. I am hesitant to do this one 
on my own for insurance reasons if nothing else.
   Any ideas ?
  Thanx – Jay NY2NY 


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Re: Topband: BOG - Selecting the Optimum Length

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Just to be clear, my original 200 foot BOG was a success – much quieter on RX 
than the vertical !

 

In my particular environment, based on my particular soil conditions, I was not 
seeing a significant directional characteristic on 160m, but the 200 foot BOG 
still outperformed the vertical and allowed me to work Heard Island, South 
Sandwich and South Georgia last season!

 

If you only have 200 feet or even a bit less than 200 feet, I still think the 
BOG is definitely the way to go.

 

I apologize if anyone was misled.

 

73

 

Lloyd – N9LB

 

From: Mark K3MSB [mailto:mark.k3...@gmail.com] 
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2016 10:35 AM
To: Lloyd - N9LB 
Cc: topBand List 
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG - Selecting the Optimum Length

 

Based upon N9LB’s comments,  I just emailed Bruce and told him to hold my order 
for a KB-1.

I have just enough room for 200 ft for a BOG.   Extending it to 250, 290 feet 
etc is NOT an option for me.

From my reading,  I understood that 200 feet was not exact,  but I didn’t 
expect it to be 250 to 290 feet.   If I had known that I would not have even 
considered a BOG.

With the cable, KB-1 etc (my BOG will be unidirectional to EU only,  not 
bidirectional),  I really don’t want to invest close to $200 on an antenna that 
will not do any better on RX than my Inverted-L.Saving it for a Hi-Z 3 may 
be the better option.

So, with only 200 feet to play with,  is it worth it?

I've no doubt BOGs work,  I may not have the room for them.  

73 Mark K3MSB

 

On Oct 17, 2016 9:35 AM, "Lloyd - N9LB" mailto:lloydb...@charter.net> > wrote:

I have been asked how I arrived at the 290 foot BOG length.

My original 200 foot BOG had a good F/B on 80m but showed almost no
directivity on 160m, so this indicated to me that the BOG needed to be
longer to improve the 160m performance with my particular soil conditions
and environment.

A search on the Internet produced recommendations for 160m BOG lengths of
247 to 290 feet.  Knowing that I could always shorten the wire, I went with
the longer number as a starting point.  That produced a greatly improved 15
to 20 dB Front-to-Back ratio.

The 290 foot length was not chosen for a good match, but that length just
happened to result in a good match.

Unfortunately, I did not measure the match on my 200 ft BOG before it was
dismantled.

The optimum 160m BOG length in your environment might be much different from
what I found at my QTH.

- - - I think the group would benefit from hearing what others have found to
be their optimum BOG lengths - - -


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com 
<mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com> ] On Behalf Of Lloyd -
N9LB
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 11:06 PM
To: 'Topband' mailto:topband@contesting.com> >
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

My Reversible Bog uses the KD9SV transformer set.  It was originally 200
feet long, just increased to 290 feet and that made a very significant
improvement on 160m front-to-back ratio, but hurt 80m performance.

Conditions here are:
Wire run across a weedy field, as close to ground as possible (weeds
trampled down to allow the wire to be close to ground - mostly 2-4 inches
above the actual ground).  Soil is a few inches of decent dirt, about one to
two feet of clay, about one to two feet of sand, and then bedrock.  Tops of
the five foot ground rods can't be driven completely below the ground's
surface.

WX - a wetter than normal Summer and Fall here in Southern Wisconsin.

My Antenna Analyzer shows a 1.45 : 1 match at 1825 KHz ( 75 ohm system ).

I can send the analyzer plots to anyone that is interested.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com 
<mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com> ] On Behalf Of Charles
Moizeau
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 10:20 PM
To: Lloyd - N9LB mailto:lloydb...@charter.net> >; 
Topband mailto:topband@contesting.com> >
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Thanks Lloyd,

But pls tell us your wire height and approximate description of gnd condx
for your otherwise well-described bog.

73,

Charles W2SH
____
From: Topband mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com> > on behalf of Lloyd - N9LB
mailto:lloydb...@charter.net> >
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com <mailto:topband@contesting.com> 
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Hello Tony!

Ground conditions and wire height above ground make a huge difference in
best length.

I found the optimum for my BOG, using WD-1A wire and operating at 1825 KHz,
at my QTH is 290 feet.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com 
<mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com> ] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 5:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com <mailto:topband@contesting.com> 
Subject: Topband: BOG

Stretched out 200&#x

Re: Topband: BOG - Selecting the Optimum Length

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I have been asked how I arrived at the 290 foot BOG length.

My original 200 foot BOG had a good F/B on 80m but showed almost no
directivity on 160m, so this indicated to me that the BOG needed to be
longer to improve the 160m performance with my particular soil conditions
and environment.

A search on the Internet produced recommendations for 160m BOG lengths of
247 to 290 feet.  Knowing that I could always shorten the wire, I went with
the longer number as a starting point.  That produced a greatly improved 15
to 20 dB Front-to-Back ratio.

The 290 foot length was not chosen for a good match, but that length just
happened to result in a good match.  

Unfortunately, I did not measure the match on my 200 ft BOG before it was
dismantled.

The optimum 160m BOG length in your environment might be much different from
what I found at my QTH.  

- - - I think the group would benefit from hearing what others have found to
be their optimum BOG lengths - - -


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Lloyd -
N9LB
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 11:06 PM
To: 'Topband' 
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

My Reversible Bog uses the KD9SV transformer set.  It was originally 200
feet long, just increased to 290 feet and that made a very significant
improvement on 160m front-to-back ratio, but hurt 80m performance.  

Conditions here are:
Wire run across a weedy field, as close to ground as possible (weeds
trampled down to allow the wire to be close to ground - mostly 2-4 inches
above the actual ground).  Soil is a few inches of decent dirt, about one to
two feet of clay, about one to two feet of sand, and then bedrock.  Tops of
the five foot ground rods can't be driven completely below the ground's
surface.

WX - a wetter than normal Summer and Fall here in Southern Wisconsin.

My Antenna Analyzer shows a 1.45 : 1 match at 1825 KHz ( 75 ohm system ).

I can send the analyzer plots to anyone that is interested.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Charles
Moizeau
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 10:20 PM
To: Lloyd - N9LB ; Topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Thanks Lloyd,

But pls tell us your wire height and approximate description of gnd condx
for your otherwise well-described bog.

73,

Charles W2SH

From: Topband  on behalf of Lloyd - N9LB

Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Hello Tony!

Ground conditions and wire height above ground make a huge difference in
best length.

I found the optimum for my BOG, using WD-1A wire and operating at 1825 KHz,
at my QTH is 290 feet.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 5:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: BOG

Stretched out 200' of WD-1A along a stone wall. Kept it about 2" above the
ground and right up against the stones. Fed it with a 300 ohm secondary
transformer and left the far end unterminated.

Used the MFJ-259 to sweep the bands starting at 1.67 MHZ.  Saw on K1FZ notes
that to find the best single wire length for 160M is to sweep the bands and
check where the SWR goes to a low value and stays there.

I couldn't find that frequency. I get dips at

2.58 MHZ 4.3:1
3.36 MHZ 1.5:1
4.39 MHZ 1.4:1
6.033 MHZ 1.3:1
9.807 MHZ 1.2:1

I didn't check any higher in freq. I only care about listening on 160M with
it.
I twisted both wires together at the feedpoint.
Want to check it out first as a single ended BOG to see how it works before
I go to the trouble of making it a two direction BOG.
At one point the BOG is only 35' from my tower.
Is it too high and does it need to be against the ground?

Any feedback appreciated.

N2TK, Tony
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Re: Topband: BOG

[Lloyd - N9LB]

My Reversible Bog uses the KD9SV transformer set.  It was originally 200
feet long, just increased to 290 feet and that made a very significant
improvement on 160m front-to-back ratio, but hurt 80m performance.  

Conditions here are:
Wire run across a weedy field, as close to ground as possible (weeds
trampled down to allow the wire to be close to ground - mostly 2-4 inches
above the actual ground).  Soil is a few inches of decent dirt, about one to
two feet of clay, about one to two feet of sand, and then bedrock.  Tops of
the five foot ground rods can't be driven completely below the ground's
surface.

WX - a wetter than normal Summer and Fall here in Southern Wisconsin.

My Antenna Analyzer shows a 1.45 : 1 match at 1825 KHz ( 75 ohm system ).

I can send the analyzer plots to anyone that is interested.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Charles
Moizeau
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 10:20 PM
To: Lloyd - N9LB ; Topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Thanks Lloyd,

But pls tell us your wire height and approximate description of gnd condx
for your otherwise well-described bog.

73,

Charles W2SH

From: Topband  on behalf of Lloyd - N9LB

Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 7:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: BOG

Hello Tony!

Ground conditions and wire height above ground make a huge difference in
best length.

I found the optimum for my BOG, using WD-1A wire and operating at 1825 KHz,
at my QTH is 290 feet.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 5:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: BOG

Stretched out 200' of WD-1A along a stone wall. Kept it about 2" above the
ground and right up against the stones. Fed it with a 300 ohm secondary
transformer and left the far end unterminated.

Used the MFJ-259 to sweep the bands starting at 1.67 MHZ.  Saw on K1FZ notes
that to find the best single wire length for 160M is to sweep the bands and
check where the SWR goes to a low value and stays there.

I couldn't find that frequency. I get dips at

2.58 MHZ 4.3:1
3.36 MHZ 1.5:1
4.39 MHZ 1.4:1
6.033 MHZ 1.3:1
9.807 MHZ 1.2:1

I didn't check any higher in freq. I only care about listening on 160M with
it.
I twisted both wires together at the feedpoint.
Want to check it out first as a single ended BOG to see how it works before
I go to the trouble of making it a two direction BOG.
At one point the BOG is only 35' from my tower.
Is it too high and does it need to be against the ground?

Any feedback appreciated.

N2TK, Tony
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Re: Topband: BOG

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hello Tony!

Ground conditions and wire height above ground make a huge difference in
best length.

I found the optimum for my BOG, using WD-1A wire and operating at 1825 KHz,
at my QTH is 290 feet.

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: Sunday, October 16, 2016 5:15 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: BOG

Stretched out 200' of WD-1A along a stone wall. Kept it about 2" above the
ground and right up against the stones. Fed it with a 300 ohm secondary
transformer and left the far end unterminated.

Used the MFJ-259 to sweep the bands starting at 1.67 MHZ.  Saw on K1FZ notes
that to find the best single wire length for 160M is to sweep the bands and
check where the SWR goes to a low value and stays there.

I couldn't find that frequency. I get dips at

2.58 MHZ 4.3:1
3.36 MHZ 1.5:1
4.39 MHZ 1.4:1
6.033 MHZ 1.3:1
9.807 MHZ 1.2:1
 
I didn't check any higher in freq. I only care about listening on 160M with
it.
I twisted both wires together at the feedpoint. 
Want to check it out first as a single ended BOG to see how it works before
I go to the trouble of making it a two direction BOG.
At one point the BOG is only 35' from my tower.
Is it too high and does it need to be against the ground?

Any feedback appreciated.

N2TK, Tony
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Re: Topband: BOGs in alley under powerlines

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Assuming the utilities are all in the back yards, I'd suggest you look at
running a BOG wire along the edge of the sidewalk in the front yards.

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of HankP
Sent: Thursday, October 13, 2016 2:51 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Topband: BOGs in alley under powerlines

Is there any point in trying a 160 foot or so BOG down an alley if there are
powerlines and phone lines and cable TV 15 to 30 feet above ??? (Along with
Centurylink VDSL2 carriers across band 2 to 3 dB above my -100 dBm invvee
noise. - at least they are not -75 dBm anymore after two days and two people
and 75 days of hassle ) 

Probably not but maybe I am missing something - alley runs east - west . 

Anybody ever tried this ? 

Hank K7HP 
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Re: Topband: VOA Antennas

[Lloyd - N9LB]

I am a retired broadcast engineer.  When we'd give tours at the transmitter
site in the evening, I'd hand out fluorescent light tubs to all attendees,
then we'd all walk out near the tower bases ( but definitely NOT touching
anything ).  When we get to within a few feet of the towers, people would
freak out when the fluorescent tubes they were holding magically lit up in
their hands.  Once lighted, you could walk quite a ways away from the tower
before they would extinguish.  There was no sensation of heat or burning.
Of course the light would flicker a bit with modulation.  Looked kind of
like the light-sabers from star wars.

BTW - I see the second comment on the u-tube video says: "hope you had kids
!! -- and insurance has leukemia coverage --".  Experience and time have
shown that this is an unfounded fear for MW and HF.   I've been around both
for close to 50 years and no cancer, and yes I have kids too.   Our local
ham clubs have members who have been making RF since they were kids are now
well past the median life expectancy age.  Obviously they have not been
adversely affected by RF.

I really like RF!

73

Lloyd - N9LB


-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Chuck
Hutton
Sent: Saturday, April 09, 2016 2:21 PM
To: topband@contesting.com
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: Spotlights

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Regarding working DX on 160m...

"Luck Is What Happens When Preparation Meets Opportunity"
Seneca


-Original Message-
"Chance favors those who are prepared." Louis Pasteur.
73 - Steve WB6RSE

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Re: Topband: rohn insulators

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Nice web site, Stan!

One of the pix says you paint your antennas with "icephobic paint".  Are you
kidding or is there paint that is less likely to build up ice?  Can you give
us details about that?

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Stan
Stockton
Sent: Friday, December 18, 2015 4:59 AM
To: Merv Schweigert 
Cc: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: rohn insulators

Those look identical to the ones I made for my 8m 4 Square Towers.
Use G10, not just any fiberglass.  The G10 rod is more like $20.00 per foot
retail, unless you do a little searching.  The one thing I would do
differently is add a washer over the machined ends of the fiberglass
insulators to put a flat against the unturned portion of the insulator
instead of the sharp edges from the ends of the tower legs.  Those sharp
edges can splinter the fiberglass.  Also if you span the joint with flat G10
material (maybe 4 inches wide by 18 inches long by 3/8 inches thick) it will
at least reduce if not eliminate the lateral movement.

I have Fiberglas rod guying them now but for many years had four 70 foot
towers unguyed with this setup at the base.

It is interesting that a lot of hams are let's say "thrifty" but when it
comes to having something made or making it themselves to save hundreds or
even thousands of dollars, many will pay whatever it takes to buy the end
product.

http://k5go.com/40-meters/

73...Stan, K5GO





> On Dec 17, 2015, at 10:43 PM, Merv Schweigert  wrote:
>
> 20 mins work with a 5.00 fibre glass rod spun in a lathe, sort of 
> grossly overpriced exaggeration of a Rohn insulator.
>
>> I believe there is a slight misrepresentation here. I've never seen 
>> these in any Rohn catalog. Rather than calling them Rohn 25 tower
insulators, I think they are better described as insulators for Rohn 25
tower.
>>
>> 73, Roger
>>
>>
>>> On 12/17/2015 7:49 PM, w5...@towerfarm.net wrote:
>>> ok,the station wanting the insulators for a rohn 25.there is a set 
>>> available from ab5k.he is listing them on e-bay set of 3.look for 
>>> dxer49 on e-bay.I believe they are new..73 john _ 
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>> _
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Re: Topband: Bandpass filters for receive antennas

[Lloyd - N9LB]

Hi Mike!

I use filters made by Jack Smith at
http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/current_products.htm

Great filters ( and expertly pre-tuned ) at a reasonable price - especially
so if you purchase just the bare filter board ( w/o enclosure ).  

73

Lloyd - N9LB

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Mike
Waters
Sent: Sunday, October 11, 2015 7:35 PM
To: topband 
Subject: Re: Topband: Bandpass filters for receive antennas

Where can I find a schematic for a good high pass filter that rolls off at
1700 kHz?

Yesterday,  I installed a preamp --that I made over 20 years ago-- right at
one of my 2-wire Beverage antennas. Even in the reverse direction (NW) where
losses are the greatest, it easily overloads from out-of-band signals.
Today, I even noticed it oscillating.

It uses an MRF5812 NPN bipolar. I built it over 20 years ago, before I knew
some things I've learned since then (such as being more careful about
separating the input and output).

I just took it out of line and brought it back to the house. It's the one on
the right near the bottom of www.w0btu.com/W0BTU-broadband-preamps.html on
the Radio Shack proto board.
Not shown in the photo is an RF choke between the input and output that
passes the 12 VDC through the coax, so it can power the relay that switches
from SE to NW. Also, the back-to-back diodes and the input circuit are
slightly different.

There are some other things I want to do to it, but I think a HP filter
should be near the top of the agenda. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com


On Mon, Aug 31, 2015 at 1:43 PM, Tom W8JI  wrote:

> Bandpass filters do nothing for in-band signals -- their only function 
> is
>> to reject OUT OF BAND signals. The primary reason for using bandpass 
>> filters IS for RX. A good 160M bandpass filter would be effective at 
>> reducing overload from AM broadcast stations. So would a high pass
filter.
>> There is a survey of bandpass filters for contesting at this link.
>> http://k9yc.com/BandpassFilterSurvey.pdf
>>
>
> I use a high pass filter for rejection of the AM BCB band. Between 70 
> and 80% of the net power (or voltage) into my RX system comes from 
> distant AM BCB signals.
>
> Without a small 5-pole highpass that starts to roll off at 1700 kHz, I 
> can connect a  miniature 12V 50 mA incandescent lamp (like the MFJ 
> 1025 uses as a fuse) and it illuminates a dull red.
>
> This is with no attempt at matching power to the filament cold resistance.
>
> My system can be bothered by the sum of all those thousands of 
> signals, I add a BCB high pass, and then I can run 1500 watts and not 
> bother my own RX when transmitting on 80 or 40 while receiving on 160. 
> Of course I have
> 500-2000 ft separation on antennas, but this still shows how a bunch 
> of small signals can add up to disaster if they hit something 
> non-linear before being filtered.
>
> Always remember there are two problems. One is the absolute limit of 
> in-band signal a receiver system can take. The other is the absolute 
> limit of the sum of all the signals entering an overload sensitive 
> point in the system.
>
> Less than one volt peak line voltage is not enough headroom to prevent 
> IM products in a reasonably good system. Back-to-back parallel diodes 
> are fine for Sky Buddy receivers and FT101's. A single diode opposing 
> another diode in parallel will clamp at about 6 dBm if your receiver looks
like 75 ohms.
> Almost all receivers will conservatively take 15-20 dBm, or 2-4 volts 
> peak, at the antenna port in band.
>
> If you have a good system, you'll want something other than 
> back-to-back diodes.
>
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