Re: Topband: CY9C critism
Guys, What I've noticed here and on the packetclusters is the folks who tend to be the most judgmental are those that (generally speaking) have not ever operated on a remote Island before.(and put in the blood, sweat, tears and greenbacks to get there) I can tell you from experience, it's never as easy as it seems and sometimes, you just have to roll with the punches and do the best you can. (and I think they are doing just that and more) Relax and please give them a break. You can do it better when you go. Mike VE9AA _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: E51D and OHQP
Contrary to popular belief, sometimes a low dipole CAN be useful on TB. I worked 9M6 (from here in VE9) one morning(greyline) with a low full wave dipole up around 30-35' or so while other locals in VE1 and VE9 were hearing virtually nothing. Not every day that happens of course,(the inverted L usually outshines the DP 40:1 or so) and my local buddies thought I was joking when I announced on the packetcluster I had done it. Run what ya brung seems to be the important thing. I have similar stories where 6m DX has been worked with the most raggedy cross polarized low-ish pos antenna while high stacks heard almost nothing, so never say never when it comes to antennas or prop. 73, Mike VE9AA _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: Impossible QSO's
We made lots of Q's with great antennas, power and RF lcoation from CY0AA and CY9AA a lifetime ago. (late 1990's) Still, we got QSL cards I had to toss for having "impossible times" on them. "2130z from W6 to GM0 would qualify" It's barely greyline in Northern Maine. Full sun over 90% of the USA I'm sorry, but you've been taken in. Either it's a 100% lie or he was using a remote somewhere if the Q did happen. Mike VE9AA _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: ARRL 160
Lee et al, Which just goes to further prove my point. The RBN (& skimmers) are truly wonderful tech, but they are not perfect even if your CW is (or nearly so). Please do not be surprised by the occasional bust or dupe if you are doing something "weird" with your callsign by adding 1/2 spaces, slowing letters down and whatnot. Human brains may (or maynot) be able to deal with that somewhat better (up for debate - I personally dislike it done to most callsigns), but computers don't 'know' what the intent is with that type of sending. VE9AA == I get spotted as KX4M and KK4TT all the time. It does not matter if I send by hand or through N1MM / Winkeyer. 73 de Lee KX4TT On Wednesday, December 7, 2022, 08:48:47 AM EST, wrote: Hi Ron, The wrong call sign spotting and "run of dupes" happens a few times a year to me. Bob, KQ2M _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: What antenna would you build?
I like 4-squares Dino. I have them on 15, 20, 40, 80 and a small 2-el on 160... I'm still looking for an ACB-10 (10 meters) (or equivalent) to complete the whole set. If it were me, I'd build whatever it is VY2ZM is using. (vy2zm.com) or 2nd choice, K3LR GL Mike VE9AA If you may and you are willing to indulge me; if you were about to buy 5-acres with no neighbors or restrictions and wanted to erect a serious 160M antenna system, what would you build and why? We can pass on the Radio Arcala discussion; nobody's that cool. A loaded 4-square? 1/4 wave stick (or longer)? Phased dipoles? (fill in the blank)? I've seen a 200' tower with three phased dipoles tilted on end. The end of one side of the dipole was anchored and insulated at the top of the tower and came down like guy cables. About half way down was the feedpoint, were an isolated anchor cable continued down the same path to ground (like a guy cable). However, the second half of the dipole was pulled back to the base of the tower, from the center feedpoint insulator. It looked like an arrowboard chevron or a regular dipole that was turned 90 degrees on its side. The coax was horizontal back to the tower. There were three of these spaced 120 degrees apart and fed with a phasing network to steer it. I understand it works great. So what would you build? Dino - KX6D _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
