Re: Topband: Antennas and saltwater

[Mark Schoonover via Topband]

I did the same thing unfortunately all the sacrificial zincs disappeared in
a few months.

On Mon, Dec 19, 2022, 16:18 W7TMT - Patrick  wrote:

> I run an 80' high vertical on 160M from my sailboat in the saltwater of
> Puget Sound/Salish Sea near Seattle. After experimenting with a number of
> different saltwater connections I've simplified it to a single piece of
> 1/2" dia. copper pipe 10' long and tapped in the middle. I hang it
> horizontally over the side just below the water surface. Works great.
>
> I recently ran across a post by SE0X running  an 160/80M vertical on a
> floating dock who uses two lengths of suspended pipe. His RBN testing
> suggested that adding a second one made a difference. Details here:
> http://blog.se0x.info/?p=3442#more-3442
>
> 73
> Patrick, W7TMT
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband  On
> Behalf Of GEORGE WALLNER
> Sent: Monday, December 19, 2022 14:19
> To: Radio KH6O ; topband@contesting.com
> Subject: Re: Topband: Antennas and saltwater
>
> If the antenna stands in the salt-water or if you have a short, low
> impedance connection to the water, you don't need radials.
> During the VK9WWI DXpedition to Willis Islets, we installed a vertical on
> a sand spit that was covered by water most of the time. We had 12 radials
> of various lengths a couple of feet above the water. The antenna was fed
> via an antenna coupler (tuner) mounted on its base. Every night during high
> tide the waves knocked down and washed the radials into a tangled mess. For
> the first three days we restored the radials every morning. But we never
> noticed any difference between when the radials were up or when they were
> in a heap at the base of the antenna. After three days we got rid of the
> radials. The antenna had a heavy metal base which was always in contact
> with the water.
> Ever since then, on various DXpeditions (TX3A, VK9GMW, PT0S, etc.), we
> always put the antennas into the water (or the very edge of it where we
> drive into the sand a grounding stake) and never bothered with radials.
>
> Years ago I had a vertical at C6AGU standing in the water. During one
> night a storm knocked it down. I reinstalled it up the beach about 75 feet
> from the high tide line. I added 16 radials about 3 feet above the sand, I
> was told that my 160 m signal was down 10 dB. I put the antenna back in the
> water and had a good signal again. Whether the difference was really 10 dB,
> I don't know. But it was substantial. (That was before RBN.) 73, George,
> AA7JV/C6AGU
>
> On Mon, 19 Dec 2022 09:23:54 -0800 Radio KH6O  wrote:
> >> Ideal is if you can run some RG58 out to the beach and plunk it next
> >> to thewater.  Also use 4 radials there.Enjoy.Ed  N1UR
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: BCB Filter Recommendation?

[Mark Schoonover]

What RX loop to do have?

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net

On Thu, Apr 16, 2020, 11:34 Edward via Topband 
wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I am getting clobbered by a local BCB transmitter, making 160M unusable,
> even with a dedicated RX antenna.
>
> As for filters, I have narrowed it down to the ICE and the Kiwa. Kiwa
> seems to be the more serious filter, as they publish their specs in great
> detail. ICE does not.
>
> Any other filter I should consider besides these two?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Ed 7Z1ES
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: BCB Filter Recommendation?

[Mark Schoonover]

Yeah a few of my earlier videos are used to cure insomnia. I'm still trying
to figure out my niche.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net

On Thu, Apr 16, 2020, 14:49 Mike Waters  wrote:

> Oh sure! I was just trying to say that some of your videos appear to be
> worth my time to watch. :-)
>
> 73 Mike
> W0BTU
>
> On Thu, Apr 16, 2020, 4:46 PM Mark Schoonover  wrote:
>
>> I understand but text only would make it impossible to view the
>> improvements.
>>
>> 73! Mark KA6WKE
>>
>> Latest Video: https://ka6wke.net/gmail
>> Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
>>
>>
>>
>> On Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 12:26 PM Mike Waters  wrote:
>>
>>> This looks interesting, even though I would rather read text than watch
>>> a video. I just bookmarked it, and will watch some later. Thanks!
>>>
>>> 73, Mike
>>> W0BTU
>>>
>>> On Thu, Apr 16, 2020, 2:08 PM Mark Schoonover  wrote:
>>>
>>>>
>>>> Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
>>>>
>>>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: BCB Filter Recommendation?

[Mark Schoonover]

I understand but text only would make it impossible to view the
improvements.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Latest Video: https://ka6wke.net/gmail
Website: https://www.ka6wke.net



On Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 12:26 PM Mike Waters  wrote:

> This looks interesting, even though I would rather read text than watch a
> video. I just bookmarked it, and will watch some later. Thanks!
>
> 73, Mike
> W0BTU
>
> On Thu, Apr 16, 2020, 2:08 PM Mark Schoonover  wrote:
>
>>
>> Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
>>
>
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: BCB Filter Recommendation?

[Mark Schoonover]

I had the same problem - 0.8 miles away from 50KW station on 760KHz. I
don't use a high pass filter on my main antenna but what I did do was wrap
as many turns as possible through a mix 76 toroid and that really knocked
down my problems. My problem was common mode on the outside of the coax.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Latest Video: https://ka6wke.net/gmail
Website: https://www.ka6wke.net



On Thu, Apr 16, 2020 at 11:34 AM Edward via Topband 
wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> I am getting clobbered by a local BCB transmitter, making 160M unusable,
> even with a dedicated RX antenna.
>
> As for filters, I have narrowed it down to the ICE and the Kiwa. Kiwa
> seems to be the more serious filter, as they publish their specs in great
> detail. ICE does not.
>
> Any other filter I should consider besides these two?
>
>
> Thanks,
> Ed 7Z1ES
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: .TX Mica Caps

[Mark Schoonover]

Hey I'm in 6 land the fruits & nuts are in the legislature too! Don't cheat
CA! :)

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net

On Sat, Feb 8, 2020, 05:34 Wes  wrote:

> They provide a link to this nonsense:
>
> https://www.allelectronics.com/cms/ca_warning/ca-warning/1.html
>
> All you need to know is that it's from the California legislature, which
> is just
> like granola.  (Take out the fruits and nuts and you're left with the
> flakes.)
>
> Wes  N7WS
>
>
> On 2/7/2020 8:34 PM, Roy Morgan wrote:
> > I looked at the picture and description.  Can anyone guess how that
> thing "could cause cancer or reproductive harm" ??
> >
> > Roy Morgan
> > K1LKY Western Mass
> >
> >> On Feb 7, 2020, at 9:16 PM, HP  wrote:
> >>
> >> FWIW -- I was looking at All Electronics website last night
> >>
> >> Reduced Price
> >> 0.0004 UF, 5000 VOLTS MICA CAPACITOR
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
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Re: Topband: PreStew coming next weekend

[Mark Schoonover]

I heard you in DM12 but I don't think you could hear me. Called a few times.


73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
YouTube Live!: https://ka6wke.net/live 
Author: 4NEC2 The Definitive Guide


On Mon, Oct 21, 2019 at 1:16 PM David Olean  wrote:

> I had a bad time with the Pre Stew. My station was all ripped apart and
> the rig stored in boxes! It took me until about 0200 UT to get things
> working and my receive seemed poor. I ran QRP just to see if I could be
> heard. (Not too many heard me)  I did not work Europe or the West Coast.
> I could tell that my Europe beverage wire was NG.
>
> The next day , I walked along the wires in the woods and it was a huge
> mess with trees all down across the wires and insulators pulled out of
> trees that did not fall down!!  I spent the better part of a day fixing
> and testing things. i finished up on Monday and now have the Europe
> beverage working as it should.  I will try out my receiving wires over
> the next few days. I hope they are working OK with DX signals!
>
> 73
>
> Dave K1WHS
>
> On 10/21/2019 6:32 PM, uy0zg wrote:
> > Hi
> >
> > In southern Ukraine it was very weak with North America.
> >
> > None of the NA answered my CQ TEST.
> >
> > All QSOs are the result of my search.
> >
> > Many quickly disassembled my signal.
> >
> > Super RX - K1KI, NO3M.
> >
> > Doesn't hear anyone K3CCR.
> >
> > CX6VM I listened only to the vertical!
> >
> > After sunrise, the XE2X heard me.
> >
> > _
> >
> > I am very pleased - good Contest.
> >
> > ---
> > Nick, UY0ZG
> > http://www.topband.in.ua
> >
> > Tree писал 2019-10-13 19:12:
> >> The popular PreStew event is coming on Oct 19/20th next weekend
> >> starting at
> >> 1500Z and running for 24 hours.
> >>
> >> The band has been improving with good signals from Europe into West
> >> coats
> >> of North America and daily openings from VK to North America and Europe.
> >>
> >> Full rules and previous results available at http://www.kkn.net/stew
> >>
> >> Tree N6TR
> >> _
> >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> >> Reflector
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> > Reflector
> _
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> Reflector
>
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Topband: RFI & What to do about it

[Mark Schoonover]

Following up from the heater RFI thread earlier this week, my RFI video is
posted:

https://ka6wke.net/videos/rfi-and-what-to-do-about-it/

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
YouTube Live!: https://bit.ly/bench-therapy-live
Author: 4NEC2 The Definitive Guide EMail List:: 4nec2defgu...@groups.io
_
Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector

Re: Topband: Transmit High Pass Filters for BCB Interference

[Mark Schoonover]

Mark,

I had the same problem - I live a mile from 760 AM at 50KW 24/7. I used a
homebrew highpass filter and that helped but didn't quite reduce it enough.
What I figured out was the signal was also on the coax braid! I put two mix
71 toroids, wound 6 turns of coax through them as close to the rig as
possible. Made a huge difference in interference. The signal went from 60
over 9 down to a manageable S8 on the fundamental. Harmonics don't fall
into ham bands so not worried about them. Mostly I suffered from severe
overload and distortion across the low bands.

HTH

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
Live Stream: https://www.ka6wke.net/live-stream
YouTube Live!: https://bit.ly/bench-therapy-live
Author: 4NEC2 The Definitive Guide EMail List:: 4nec2defgu...@groups.io


On Mon, Jul 29, 2019 at 9:29 AM Mark K3MSB  wrote:

> A friend of mine in our local radio club sent me the following email
>
> "I'm 6/10's of a mile from an AM 910 KHz. transmitter. They operate with 5k
> daytime and 2k at night.
>
> They're S9+45db on 160 meters with clear audio and S9+35db on 80 meters.
> have an inverted "V" resonant at 3.715 MHz. orientated east-west, towards
> their reflector tower."
>
> The station is willing to pay for a filter for my friends station,  and he
> has looked at notch and band pass filters but has concerns.
>
> I recommended he look at transmit high pass filters to knock out signals
> below 1.8 Mhz and provided him with various links:
>
> https://www.dunestar.com/store/160-Meter-Highpass-Filter-pid-8.html
>
> http://www.kf7p.com/KF7P/Morgan_Filters.html
>
>
> https://www.dxengineering.com/search/part-type/transmit-high-pass-filters/product-line/dlw-associates-am-broadcast-band-brick-wall-high-pass-filters?autoview=SKU=Default=Default
>
> I have no practical experience with any of these filters and was wondering
> what the TB Gang thought.
>
> He would prefer one that handled 1.5 KW but I told him he may have to
> settle for 200W.
>
> He prefers an "out of the box" solution.
>
> Thanks
>
> Mark K3MSB
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: AM interference on 1840

[Mark Schoonover]

Yeah sorry got frequencies flipped. Notch on 1860. See what happens. I live
a mile away from 760KHz running 50KW 24/7. I use a W6LVP RX loop with one
of his BCB filters in it plus another BCB filter right at the rig input.
This reduces the signal from 60+ over to about S9.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
Live Stream: https://www.ka6wke.net/live-stream
YouTube Live!: https://bit.ly/bench-therapy-live
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On Mon, May 20, 2019 at 9:42 AM K9FD  wrote:

> Explain how a notch filter on 930 can help a second harmonic on 1860?
>
> You can filter the broadcast band to zero and the second harmonic is
> still there.
>
>
> > Mark, I use a receiving array and have put a high pass filter on the
> > receiving array to cut the broadcast band down. I have an AM station
> > near here that was doing the same thing.  If you can run a separate RX
> > only antenna it helps.  If not then a notch filter for 930 may work
> > that you can transmit through.
> >
> > Tim, K9CQ
> >
> > -Original Message- From: Mpridesti via Topband
> > Sent: Monday, May 20, 2019 11:24 AM
> > To: Jorge Diez - CX6VM
> > Cc: TopBand List ; Herbert Schoenbohm ; wsjtgr...@yahoogroups.com
> > Subject: Re: Topband: AM interference on 1840
> >
> > I have a local AM station here (about 3 km away) that operates on 930
> > kHz. Their second harmonic is 1860.  Seems they are operating within
> > specification and abide by FCC regulations. But still the second
> > harmonic wipes out any DX on or near that frequency. Signal strength
> > is around S7.
> >
> > Regards,
> >
> > Mark, K1RX
> >
> >
> >> On May 20, 2019, at 11:54 AM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM
> >>  wrote:
> >>
> >> I think HK authorities must do something with this.  Local radio
> >> Clubs must
> >> act
> >>
> >> https://www.lavozdelpueblo920am.com/programacion
> >>
> https://www.facebook.com/mauriciovargaslavozdelpueblo/photos/a.1922152811350449/2377754772456915/?type=1
> >>
> >> https://twitter.com/mauriciov920
> >> https://raddio.net/134431-colmundo-radio-ibague/
> >>
> >> 73,
> >> Jorge
> >> CX6VM/CW5W
> >>
> >> <
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
>
> >>
> >> Libre
> >> de virus. www.avast.com
> >> <
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail>
>
> >>
> >> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >>
> >> El lun., 20 may. 2019 a las 12:47, Herbert Schoenbohm (<
> >> herbert.schoenb...@gmail.com>) escribió:
> >>
> >>> Interference from them makes 1840 useless for me.  Since they don't
> >>> respond to my emails maybe WSJT-X could assign 1844 or 1848 to 160
> >>> in their
> >>> next release.
> >>>
> >>> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
> >>>
> >>> On Mon, May 20, 2019 at 11:21 AM Jorge Diez - CX6VM
> >>> 
> >>> wrote:
> >>>
>  Hello
> 
>  do you notice a second harmonic on 1840?  It´s very strong
> 
>  I determined that is from LA VOZ DEL PUEBLO 920 AM, in Colombia
> 
>  https://www.lavozdelpueblo920am.com/
> 
>  I sent them an email with no answer yet.
> 
>  Maybe if they receive many emails will take care about that and ask
>  the
>  technic to solve it, what do you think?
> 
>  --
>  73,
>  Jorge
>  CX6VM/CW5W
> 
>  <
> 
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> 
> >
>  Libre
>  de virus. www.avast.com
>  <
> 
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> 
> >
>  <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
>  _
>  Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
>  Reflector
> 
> >>>
> >>
> >> --
> >> 73,
> >> Jorge
> >> CX6VM/CW5W
> >> _
> >> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> >> Reflector
> >
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> > Reflector
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> > Reflector
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
_
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Re: Topband: AM interference on 1840

[Mark Schoonover]

Mark,

How about a notch filter centered on 930? Search on AM BCB Filter to get
some ideas.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
Live Stream: https://www.ka6wke.net/live-stream
YouTube Live!: https://bit.ly/bench-therapy-live
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On Mon, May 20, 2019 at 9:24 AM Mpridesti via Topband <
topband@contesting.com> wrote:

> I have a local AM station here (about 3 km away) that operates on 930 kHz.
> Their second harmonic is 1860.  Seems they are operating within
> specification and abide by FCC regulations. But still the second harmonic
> wipes out any DX on or near that frequency. Signal strength is around S7.
>
> Regards,
>
> Mark, K1RX
>
>
> > On May 20, 2019, at 11:54 AM, Jorge Diez - CX6VM 
> wrote:
> >
> > I think HK authorities must do something with this.  Local radio Clubs
> must
> > act
> >
> > https://www.lavozdelpueblo920am.com/programacion
> >
> https://www.facebook.com/mauriciovargaslavozdelpueblo/photos/a.1922152811350449/2377754772456915/?type=1
> > https://twitter.com/mauriciov920
> > https://raddio.net/134431-colmundo-radio-ibague/
> >
> > 73,
> > Jorge
> > CX6VM/CW5W
> >
> > <
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> >
> > Libre
> > de virus. www.avast.com
> > <
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> >
> > <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >
> > El lun., 20 may. 2019 a las 12:47, Herbert Schoenbohm (<
> > herbert.schoenb...@gmail.com>) escribió:
> >
> >> Interference from them makes 1840 useless for me.  Since they don't
> >> respond to my emails maybe WSJT-X could assign 1844 or 1848 to 160 in
> their
> >> next release.
> >>
> >> Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ
> >>
> >> On Mon, May 20, 2019 at 11:21 AM Jorge Diez - CX6VM <
> cx6vm.jo...@gmail.com>
> >> wrote:
> >>
> >>> Hello
> >>>
> >>> do you notice a second harmonic on 1840?  It´s very strong
> >>>
> >>> I determined that is from LA VOZ DEL PUEBLO 920 AM, in Colombia
> >>>
> >>> https://www.lavozdelpueblo920am.com/
> >>>
> >>> I sent them an email with no answer yet.
> >>>
> >>> Maybe if they receive many emails will take care about that and ask the
> >>> technic to solve it, what do you think?
> >>>
> >>> --
> >>> 73,
> >>> Jorge
> >>> CX6VM/CW5W
> >>>
> >>> <
> >>>
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> 
> >>> Libre
> >>> de virus. www.avast.com
> >>> <
> >>>
> https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail
> 
> >>> <#DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2>
> >>> _
> >>> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> >>> Reflector
> >>>
> >>
> >
> > --
> > 73,
> > Jorge
> > CX6VM/CW5W
> > _
> > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband
> Reflector
>
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Re: Topband: CQ160 Conditions

[Mark Schoonover]

I did about 10 hours of the contest from DM12. Ended up with ~4000
points better than last year. A few 6s, a single 8, but no KH/KL or EU
stations. Worked pretty much all of VEs but one special was VO2AC,
best DX PJ2T, with a CO2 not too far behind. Was hoping to find D4C
but no luck. TX antenna is a 36' wire vertical with a 1024 sqft
caphat. RX antenna W6LVP receive only loop, IC-7600 barefoot putting
it all together.

73! Mark KA6WKE

Website: https://www.ka6wke.net
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On Mon, Jan 28, 2019 at 5:52 PM Kenneth Grimm  wrote:
>
> I agree that conditions were a long way from being  ideal.  Friday was less
> ideal than Saturday.  However, from here in Virginia I managed to work 20
> sixes, 33 sevens and 60 fives and that with a very good beverage pointed at
> Europe.  If I heard a weak signal answering my CQ and I was having
> difficulty getting the call, I would quickly switch directions on the
> beverage and it was frequently someone from "beyond the midwest." It was
> embarrassing to ask for repeats from stations that were then quite strong.
> Europeans were tough on Friday and a little easier on Saturday.  There were
> a few that I could hear that were alligators.  I worked 41 in zone 14, 45
> in zone 15.  This is about half of what I did in last year's contest. So,
> no, it wasn't the greatest ever for me eitheron the other hand, I had
> the pleasure of exchanging reports with K6RK, W0FLS, W5ZN and VE9AA amongst
> the others.  Thanks for those Qs and I hope to see you all again in future
> 160 tests!
> 73,
> Ken - K4XL
> _
> Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
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Re: Topband: Bounced log submission

[Mark Schoonover]

My first one got kicked back because my call wasn't in the subject. Didn't
see that in the instructions. Anyway SP was a blast! My second 160M
contest.

On Jan 1, 2018 12:12 PM, "Tree"  wrote:

> To which address are you sending it to Art?
>
> As of this minute - 646 logs have been received - so perhaps this is due to
> a miscopy on the email address.
>
> t...@contesting.com  or t...@kkn.net
>
> If you have the right address - let me know your callsign and perhaps I can
> look at what is happening to your log.
>
> Tree N6TR
>
> On Mon, Jan 1, 2018 at 11:56 AM, Art Heft  wrote:
>
> > Anyone else had their SP log submission bounced as undeliverable?
> > _
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> >
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Re: Topband: WD1-A wire

[Mark Schoonover]

Don't forget the axel crank assembly!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axel-Crank-Assembly-RL-27-D-Lay-Recover-WD-1-RL-159-U-Military-Phone-Wire-/232381481738

73! Mark KA6WKE

4NEC2 The Definitive Guide  
Website: http://www.ka6wke.net


On Thu, Jul 27, 2017 at 8:49 AM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:

>
> Many Thanks to everyone for the help. Have some WD1-A   wire coming.
>
> God that was fast !
>
> 73
> Bruce-K1FZ
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Thu, 27 Jul 2017 11:33:50 -0400, "kd9sv"  wrote:
>
> Craig from Radioware may still have some remaining...gary
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of
> K1FZ-Bruce
> Sent: Thursday, July 27, 2017 11:11 AM
> To: Topband
> Subject: Topband: WD1-A wire
>
>
> Anyone know of a dealer that sells WD1-A military field telephone  wire ?
> My Beverage antenna hidden in dense trees has failed,  thanks to someone
> who
> decided to
> trim up the border line  with a chain saw.
>
> 73
> Bruce-K1FZ
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> This email has been checked for viruses by AVG.
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Topband: JT65 Test Fri 0200z

[Mark Schoonover]

I've been monitoring JT65 on 160 these past few nights with only two
decodings. Now that I have my BCB interference taken care of, I'm going to
be on 1838 starting at 0200z this Friday from DM12. The antenna is a 36'
vertical with a 40M loop caphat. I will QSL via eQSL, LoTW, and dead tree.

Hope to decode you!

73! Mark KA6WKE

4NEC2 The Definitive Guide  
Website: http://www.ka6wke.net
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Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"

[Mark Schoonover]

I've spent some time using the MFJ-1026 noise canceler. It took some effort
to get it to work, I had to come up with a much better noise antenna. I
bought one of those 8' crappie poles from local big chain and spiral
wrapped about 50' of wire on it. I mounted it in the clear as close to my
neighbors houses. It takes some practice to null noise out but it's really
worth the effort. I'm on the west coast outside of San Diego and during
2015 WPX CW contest, I worked D4C on 160. Granted that station is in the
elite status but  my IC-7410 with 100 watts into a 36' vertical and a 40M
loop as a caphat, I was able to log the contact. I'm on a small lot with
the longest dimension about 80'. I've been able to put down 2 ~200' radials
that go around the perimeter of my property. Definitely though, SNR is
king. I keep the AF gain at max and ride the RF gain. The sensitivity of
modern rigs is rather amazing but that also means more noise is also
received.

73! Mark KA6WKE

4NEC2 The Definitive Guide  
Website: http://www.ka6wke.net


On Fri, Dec 23, 2016 at 1:12 AM, vk3io  wrote:

> Hi all. Very interesting "thinking out loud" topic.
>
> With regards to the 403 crystal front end unit system (it seems not yet
> available), it will obviously be quiet expensive, even much more than the
> Yaesu uTune system.
>
> With 15 or 30, 1 Khz bandwidth segments or 15 or 30, 3Khz bandwidth
> segments and it seems with relatively low insertion loss, I can see it's
> performance would be much better than the uTune units, in some
> circumstances.
>
> Firstly I presume you would want two units, one for cw and one for ssb?
>
> Secondly, being CAT controlled, I presume they will handle split frequency
> operation?
>
> Thirdly, these units seem to mostly only desirable by contest operations.
> Probably essential when running multi-multi mode. These multi-multi contest
> operations are most likely big radio clubs and so would be happy to pay for
> such a device, regardless of the expense, as they do for their antenna
> farms.
>
> When chasing a rare dx stations who are working wide splits, it would be
> my luck I did'nt have the 1Khz or 3Khz segment I need.
>
> As for me, I have never experienced my FTdx3000 being overloaded by strong
> in-band signals at my QTH in Australia, (not even with my previous FT950)
> and I don't have any nearby broadcast stations, so is it reasonable to say,
> I would not benefit from such a device or the Yaesu uTune system?
>
> 73's, from Ron. vk3io.
>
>
>
> On 23/12/2016 6:16 PM, Mirosław Paczocha wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> In my opinion, a high selectivity device at the front end will help
>> regarding noise and QRM only in case of  relatively poor IM3 receiver.
>>
>> 73, Mirek
>> SP5ENA
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Matt
>> Murphy
>> Sent: Thursday, December 22, 2016 11:19 PM
>> To: k...@myfairpoint.net
>> Cc: Topband 
>> Subject: Re: Topband: "Thinking out loud"
>>
>> This appears to be the 4O3A unit.  I hadn't realized these existed, so I'm
>> glad you posted the question:
>>
>> http://www.4o3a.com/index.php/products/ham-radio-gear/crysta
>> l-front-end-unit
>> /
>>
>> On Thu, Dec 22, 2016 at 3:47 PM, K1FZ-Bruce  wrote:
>>
>> Thanks Mirko,
>>>
>>>
>>> Very Good information.   What is needed is to reduce noise more (lower)
>>> than signals.
>>> 73
>>> Bruce-k1fz
>>>
>>>
>>> On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 22:36:30 +0100, S57AD  wrote:
>>>
>>>As far as I recall, Inrad sells front-end xtal filters. Some 25
>>> years ago when I lived in Belgrade, at YU1EXY we had two six-pole
>>> filters for SSB part of 40M band but I can't recall and difference
>>> with or without those filters. Beside those two xtal filters we used 8
>>> pole Cohn LC filter with 4-gang variable capacitor and with very step
>>> curve (I think it was 600 or
>>> 800 Hz at -6 dB), which drastically reduced noise and QRM. We could
>>> hear 3rd or even 4th layer of callers in 40m pile-ups.
>>>
>>> As for xtal front end filters, I think 4O3A produces such a filters to
>>> be used at in-band stations, but didn't have chance to try & use them...
>>>
>>> 73, Mirko, S57AD
>>>
>>> 2016-12-22 21:57 GMT+01:00 K1FZ-Bruce :
>>>
>>> Tim,

 My single crystal was in the 1950's.
 A crystal lattice could take in much of the 160 meter band and be
 pratical.
 Thanks for your input.
 73
 Bruce

 On Thu, 22 Dec 2016 15:49:12 -0500, Tim Shoppa wrote:

 Bruce - It has long been rumored that the big EU multi-multis have a
 crystal filter at their run frequency receivers. e.g. if they are

>>> running
>>>
 on 7003.4, they have a crystal filter in front of their receiver for
 7003.4. have never observed that in my visits but maybe in decades
 past, when receivers had less damage range, it would've made sense.
 Also a good reason to put 

Re: Topband: ma160v

[Mark Schoonover]

Experimenting is never a waste of time I say go for it.

4NEC2 The Definitive Guide: https://leanpub.com/4nec2definitiveguide
Website: http://www.ka6wke.net
Resume: http://cv.ka6wke.net

On Mon, May 23, 2016 at 6:40 PM,  wrote:

> Hi all.I currently have 1 cushcraft ma160v,as you all know this is a
> cushcraft 160 vertical.I just recently aqquired a second.Now,has
> anyonetried a rotatable dipole using 2 of these.The idea intrigues me.I
> could mount this on a 55 ft tower.The only other antennas are a m2 6 mtr 2
> klm's 2 mtr and a 432 m2.So there should not be any interaction.What does
> the group think? any ideas? a waste of time? your thoughts..73 john w5jmw
>
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Re: Topband: 160m & 80m RFI issues requesting ideas for ANC4 sense antenna to cancell out local noise

[Mark Schoonover]

I did a lot of experimenting with this vary problem. I have S9+ noise
leverl on 160-30m. I used the MFJ version because I like the ability to
control the gain on both sense and main antennas. I tried a 102" whip with
the same results as you. I then tried a 25' horizontal antenna and that was
less effective than the whip. What I ended up doing was taking a 10' crappy
fishing pole and helically winding about 50' of wire starting at the top
all the way to about 5" from the bottom of the pole. From there, a single
wire goes through the antenna patch panel to the back of the MFJ. I live in
a typical suburban area with neighbors about 20' away. I also have a 60KV
power transfer station about 100 yards from my home.

It took me awhile to get things nulled out. My main antenna for 160/80 is a
ladder-line fed 40m loop where I short the feedline together and run it
against a bunch of ground radials. Once I got things all worked out, I've
run several contests and from the San Diego area, I've been able to work
D4C on 160 & 80. I could hear Navassa on 80m but couldn't work them because
I didn't know my feedline had broke at 25' long! I've been totally amazed
with this noise reduction setup. I can usually get the noise level down to
S2 on 160/80/40 and can work everyone that I can hear.

My tuning process is to set the sense antenna gain at about S4, then make a
note of the setting. I then use the main antenna gain to bring the noise up
to S4. I return the sense antenna gain to the written down setting and
start using the null until I hear a distinct decrease in noise. I then keep
edging up both gains until the noise from the main antenna starts to
overcome the sense antenna. I back things down a tad and that's it. Once
the MFJ is set, I can move about the band pretty good. Might have to touch
up main antenna gain slightly.

Anyway, hope this helps! 73


4NEC2 The Definitive Guide: https://leanpub.com/4nec2definitiveguide
Website: http://www.ka6wke.net
Resume: http://cv.ka6wke.net

On Sun, Nov 1, 2015 at 4:01 AM, Goldtr8 (KD8NNU) 
wrote:

> HI Guys,
>
> I have an intermittent RFI issue that comes from a subdivision about a 1/4
> mile away.   To combat the noise I have been trying to use my ANC4 and I
> built a sense antenna out of an 80m hamstick that I put 20 feet in the air
> yesterday for a trial to cancel the noise on 80m (cheap and easy
> experiment).   The location of the sense antenna is at the corner of my lot
> as close to the subdivision that I can get.  The design is the hamstick as
> a vertical element and two 102 inch whips as elevated radials.
>
> The noise is s9 on my 1/4 wave 80m vertical and 160m inverted L.  This is
> a multi band vertical with wires for 40m, 80m & 160m.   I also have other
> antennas such as a 160m 2wl long loop and a trapped dipole.  What is
> interesting is that the noise is significantly less on the loop and the
> dipole.   I attribute this to the noise being vertically polarized based on
> my research on the internet.  Also this sense antenna is roughly 150ft away
> from the vertical antenna.
>
> The issue is the level of the sense antenna noise is significantly less
> than the vertical and I am not able to find a null point that makes a
> difference.   I can however use the loop antenna and I have enough signal
> with the hamstick experiment to get a null as the received level of noise
> on the loop is significantly less.  So I believe I need more receive gain
> on the sense antenna.
>
> So with the above in mind, is there a low cost pre-amp that I could use on
> the sense antenna to boost the signal?   Or what other ideas are there for
> a sense antenna.   I don’t want to put up another 1/4 wave antenna for
> sensing.   I have read where folks suggest putting 50 ft leg dipole at 5 ft
> above the ground for 80m & 40m but I think the noise is vertically
> polarized and this wont do much but I could be wrong and have been wrong
> before.
>
> I have room to try stuff on the property for antenna ideas so that’s not
> an issue.  However, I need the sense signal level close to the interference
> level or I have no chance to get a cancellation of the noise.
>
> Again any and all ideas is greatly appreciated.
>
> ~73
> Don
> KD8NNU
> 2014 3905CC Top Gun :-)
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