Re: Topband: Lack of DX CW Activity

[Renee K6FSB]

80 is now next useless in the city of American canyon, california...20 
to 30 over noise.I gave up.
still ok in the foothills on 5 acresnow need time to get the 
antennas back up, other things more pressing.


73
Renée
K6FSB

On 1/5/24 3:37 PM, GEORGE WALLNER wrote:

Noise is up.
80 is becoming the new 160!

Also, it is noise that is driving a lot of ops onto FT8.
Another contributor is RBN! While RBN is great tool, most RBN RX 
antennas are poor on 160. Those that rely on a quick scan of RBN for 
160 meter activity will incorrectly assume that the band is dead.
In the past 10 years noise has gone up by something like 10 dB in many 
areas. What worked 10 years ago, no longer works today. We need to 
learn to live with it. Invest in better RX antennas and other noise 
reduction techniques. (Petition the FCC to increase the power limit by 
10 dB :-)

And keep calling CQ!
73,
George,
AA7JV




On Fri, 5 Jan 2024 19:06:33 - "Roger Kennedy"  wrote:

Hi Steve

Yes, I appreciate the path to you from Britain is very different (and 
seems

poor at present).

I'm not on as regularly at OK1CF . . . but sometimes we are both on
together, calling CQ DX endlessly, and getting no replies (despite 
decent

RBN reports)

I tend to pop on the band a few times during the night and put out a few
calls (rather than stay on for hours) . . . and if no replies, just 
go back

to bed each time.

As a result, I rarely wake up again at our Sunrise . . . but even if 
I do,
there seems to be even less NA activity then (like people aren't 
staying up
that late) - even though I notice more other Gs coming on at that 
time. I

suspect it would be a better time to actually work YOU?

As I said before, I am amazed at all the effort some people put into 
their
160m antenna systems . . . yet rarely come on the band. (I actually 
went on 80m SSB last night, and joined Hannes DK1NO working some
NA stations . . . he used to be on 160m regularly, but seems to have 
given

up, again due to lack of activity)

Anyway . . . 73 and Happy New Year to all Topbanders !

Roger G3YRO

_  Roger,  I agree fully that unless someone is calling CQ, we 
will all

conclude the band is dead.
As Dave said, with the usual very rapid QSB on 160m this is very true.

However, regarding conditions.
Here at VE6WZ I am almost always watching the band for an opening.  Like
virtually every night.
Thank goodness for OK1CF and LY7M and a few others making the effort 
to call

CQ.

When I say "always watching the band" I mean that I am ALWAYS 
watching the

band.
Even when watching TV with the XYL, I have a remote session on my iPhone
watching the waterfall on the Flex radio.
If any of the EU CQs start to bubble up and make a traceI will 
see it

and be at the radio.
If the band is open to EU I will know it!!
That has not happened much this season.  Since September I have only 
had 56

QSOs with Europe.

Secondly, every night I am recording the entire MW (AM BCB) band.
I can very quickly review what's happening and see if any trans-polar 
EU BCB

stations are making it.
The usual big guns are Moldova Vesti on 1413 kHz, Lithuania Baltic 
1386 kHz

and sometimes the UK on 1053, and occasionally the Ukraine and Romania.
At times they can be quite strong here.  At those times, I reckon 
160m has a

good shot.

As Dave said, without making noise there will be limited activity.
This season (and last), PART of the reason has been rather poor 
conditions

for us guys out west on the trans-polar path.
Your path to the East Coast is a completely different story.

Steve, ve6wz
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Re: Topband: History of directional MF antennas

[Renee K6FSB]

available here no membership required.

https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Technology/Directional-Antenna-Patterns-Smith-2nd-1958.pdf

https://worldradiohistory.com/BOOKSHELF-ARH/Technology/Directional-Antenna-Patterns-Smith-2nd-1958.pdf

Renée,K6FSB

On 3/30/22 10:25 AM, Grant Saviers wrote:

Thanks for an interesting article.

I did a little reverse engineering from the KYW 1934 "4 square" 
picture and commentary.  A figure 8 pattern was the objective.


It seems to have used 8 radials elevated 10ft per tower.  The text 
says "55,000 feet of wire" in radial "cages".  A little tough to tell 
but I can resolve 3 or 4 wire cages.  For a frequency of 1020Khz and 
32 radials/4 wire cages that is roughly 1/8wl.  Or maybe ~3/8wl if 
they are 3 wire cages.  A 200ft tall vertical. Whatever it was, they 
could put 50Kw into it.


The reference book of patterns for 2 and 3 element verticals is
Directional Antennas, by Carl E. Smith, E.E., Cleveland Institute of 
Radio Electronics, 1946

and is available in pdf from scribd.com

It has hundreds of fascinating patterns created by Carl Smith's analog 
computer.  Antenna patterns for every possible need, if you have the 
space and expertise to work out the feed.


One comment in article had me wondering.  "The towers were fed by 
individual transmission lines from a phasing circuit that separately 
controlled the current and phase of each tower."


The 4 square was replaced with two 450ft towers for "increased 
radiation efficiency" in 1949 per 
https://www.broadcastpioneers.com/kywstory.html


Some pretty clever engineering by pioneers 88 years ago.

Grant KZ1W

On 3/29/2022 09:31, Radio KH6O wrote:

This article describes the history of the development of directional MF
antennas on our neighbor, the AM broadcast band.

73,
Jeff KH6O

https://www.radioworld.com/columns-and-views/roots-of-radio/the-development-of-the-directional-am-broadcast-antenna?utm_source=SmartBrief_medium=email_campaign=0028F35E-226C-4B60-AC88-AB2831C8A639_content=8E01A4B9-193C-4BAE-B25D-23D973D5E345_term=5e35c2b9-3044-4235-9961-04d879406e09 


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Re: Topband: 8Q7WM Z-22 in VE6

[Renee K6FSB]

Jim-
clarification-
moved to little town of Rail road Flat...95248...actually it was Moms 
place for 30 yrs and I was able to operate up here a lot...nice and 
quiet S1 noise...I still have the place in the BayArea...way too noisy 
as you know and it keeps getting worsecouple of years ago place here 
95248 smelled like skunk heaven that appearse been corrected ( oh I am 
allergic to the stuff too)..I have neighbors that are growing indoors 
during the winter...outdoors in summer and more than just a few 
plants.just cannot get rid of the RFI, seems to follow me like a bad 
penny

sorry all, off topic...I will say no more
Renée, K6FSB

On 3/1/22 12:27 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

On 3/1/2022 10:39 AM, Renee K6FSB wrote:
just as I was starting to get it together, I had my 160 antennas come 
down a few years ago due to trees dying, then after beginning to put 
things back then snow takes things down...(ok falling branches 
brought things down, did not even get a chance to use them)


Yes, that is an ongoing problem with receive antennas and elevated 
radials. I moved here from Chicago when I was a year or two younger 
than you.


...now this pot grow

light stuff is wreaking havoc here in rural CA.


Something here does not compute. qrz.com shows your QTH next to a 
freeway in the SF Bay Area.


I live in the mountains about 80 miles south of you, where the 
overwhelming RFI sources are switch-mode power supplies that come with 
everything that plugs into the wall, variable-speed motor controllers, 
and solar systems. And, of course, arcing from defective components on 
power lines.


..I almost ready to go to
wari know I will looseso you are not the only one having ( in 
my opinion- illicit) drug growing RFI related issues .


Pot is legal in California, and is mostly grown outdoors.

73, Jim K9YC

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Re: Topband: 8Q7WM Z-22 in VE6

[Renee K6FSB]

Dave-
just as I was starting to get it together, I had my 160 antennas come 
down a few years ago due to trees dying, then after beginning to put 
things back then snow takes things down...(ok falling branches brought 
things down, did not even get a chance to use them)...now this pot grow 
light stuff is wreaking havoc here in rural CA...I almost ready to go to 
wari know I will looseso you are not the only one having ( in my 
opinion- illicit) drug growing RFI related issues . RFI from the 
unintended consequences from making sure the population is drugged and 
unable to functionI will stop here.
I too am at a crossroad where I just retired (66) and now have the 5 
acre property/place for topband. kinda disheartened due things beyond my 
control.

Renée, K6FSB



On 3/1/22 9:47 AM, David Olean wrote:
Wow! That is quite an impressive contact and you managed to copy it 
all in some audio files. How often does that happen?  Those audio 
files are great!


Congratulations, Steve.  I am always amazed at how well you do in the 
over-the -pole mode.  I just do not seem to be able to do that from my 
spot here in Maine. Maybe 8Q7 wasn't over the pole, but it is a huge 
event in any case.


I have become enamored with 160 meters and had all sorts of plans to 
keep improving my station, but many things beyond my control have 
recently surfaced. I have laid out the area for an 8 circle array to 
go along with my array of beverages, and I have re furbished 120 ft of 
Rohn 25 tower sections for a second phased TX antenna. Those plans 
have now been put on hold as the area around my house has become an RF 
battleground and I am being overcome by marijuana grow lights.  Maine 
is a rural state that is largely conservative with the exception of 
the City of Portland and Bangor. In 2018, the legislature legalized 
personal use of marijuana. That change has turned things upside down 
here. I live in a border town, and now many people are coming here to 
buy drugs from retail pot stores. The state highway that runs thru 
Lebanon, now is bristling with marijuana stores.  There are many grow 
houses now being used to supply these stores. In addition, individuals 
are allowed to grow the plants, and many of them are growing huge 
illegal amounts of the drug with no prospect of any repercussions.  I 
have been fighting to get one "home" grower to cease using his grow 
lights that wipe out my 160 meter reception. He lives 3/4 mile away 
but has 6000 watts worth of the lights and the RFI is tremendous. I 
have had some success with an NCC-1 phasing unit to cancel much of the 
noise, but this past weekend, two new sources came on line in 
different directions, and there is nothing that I can do to cancel the 
noise.  I did locate the new sources, but my past history with asking 
for FCC help tells me that I am in for a long duration event and much 
of my time will be spent playing Whack-a Mole as new sources come on 
line. In the meantime, my 160 meter activity has been ruined. If the 
grow lights are running, I am off the air!  I have decided to stop 
using 160 meters in any serious fashion as I just turned 77 yrs old 
and my life is too short to be fighting with pot growers for many 
years. I wish it were not so. I am initiating a complaint, but am not 
expecting any neat solution.


73

Dave K1WHS

On 2/28/2022 3:14 PM, VE6WZ_Steve wrote:

Well, today a miracle happened.
I worked 8Q7WM on 160m CW for a new DXCC and Z-22.
His signal peaked at about 1415 z or so.  My SR at 1430z.

First of all, I owe thanks to Bob W7RH for spotting 8Q7WM this 
morning on 160m.
For the last few months, I have been lazy and sleeping in.  This 
morning I got up about 25 min before my sunrise and checked the band.
I saw Bob's spot for the 8Q7 on 1821, and thought, “well, I will 
never hear him, but I my as well check”


I was so shocked when I heard his CQ that I almost fell out of my chair.
His signal was arriving at the usual skew path that most of SE Asia 
arrives, somewhere between Japan path at 320 deg. and direct west at 
270 deg.
The direct path to 8Q7 from VE6 is virtually straight north polar at 
352 deg.


Here are a few recordings I made of his signal.
If you decide to listen to these, don't even bother without 
headphones, he is weak. Really weak.
These recordings are in stereo diversity, in the Left ear is the 
phased Beverage pair, in the Right ear is the 9 circle .
Both RX are set direct west, although he was also copyable on the JA 
rx too.


While the amp was warming up I recorded this CQ:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1fHNBaTs-JDKPTLHDuhRtRAxWrEpMYvzj/view?usp=sharing 
 



Next Kevin VK6LW called, and I recorded his 2-way QSO:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EaHEhGU3UQk9YwGpmawdFBjC1b23aPKn/view?usp=sharing 
 



After Kevin finished, the amp 

Re: Topband: final from me

[Renee K6FSB]

Hans et all-
I kinda mirror Hans, myself having been licensed since 1967 and having 
to learn/do things the old/hard way which makes things sweeter when they 
happenthe pc to pc is not my thing and never willkinda takes the 
fun and skill out of the hobby...I even refuse to even have a computer 
in the radio room,  that belongs in the office IMHO.
I had started the move down to 630M until all the pc stuffso I have 
been on less and less which is most likely a mistake and I should be on 
CW more to compensate for the pc folks
I am not going to berate the pc folks nor will I promote pc stuff. 
regarding remotes well I will say nothing since I can say nothing nice. 
I am too old school.
As a rule there should be room for all of us to find our place of 
enjoyment without infringing on others and I will try to live by such.

Renée, K6FSB

On 3/10/21 12:39 PM, Hans Hjelmström wrote:

Hi folks

Been reading all sayings about FT8/FT4-business
.
MYSELF  I will NEVER ever use FT4 or FT 8. Been active Ham-operator since
1961. I am now 75 years old,and still active,and dx-expeditioner.

I say, this PC to PC business kills the challenge of our hobby.
I agree 100% with OK1RR and OK1TN  and SP2XF writing.AND others.

Of course, IF you like FT 4/FT 8 ,its up to you to use it.
If I do NOT like it, it must be acceptable for me to tell other Hams ,
I feel I do NOT like it. And I will NEVER use it.

In Sweden ,I know ,,,a LOT of Hams ( old-timers mainly ,but also new Hams) ,
that has stopped Ham-radio and sold all their equipment because of this PC to 
PC play game.

WHY.  Well, they have always been chasing dx, by looking for hours ,
and with their own ears finally heard the weak dx, and they called the dx
on CW/SSB/RY using their challenge and equipment built during many many
years. And when not looking for expeditions, they have made nice chat on 
CW/SSB/RY with other Hams world-wide, talking and making social 
connection.Never mind if they have a big or smaller station.

How can we say its Ham-radio, when a dx-operator is using FT8/FT 4
and making so called QSO:s on two or even more  ( up to 3 bands ) at
the same time. YES, its technically super, BUT is this what we want ???

I think ARRL/dxcc should make a separate class for this FT 8/FT 4
business. NOT accept it for BAND/DXCC. It is NOT fair to let it compete
with CW/SSB/RY for BAND/DXCC.

Finally ,last thing,why I do NOT like it. Before a dx-expedition were on 6 or 
160  meters during ALL expedition.NOW they share it with FT8/FT 4 and
we have less time to do a real QSO. AND for no expedition, I prefer to
make a QSO and exchange information,and try to learn about the other person I 
work. Not just to click on a yellow line.
I will NEVER send a DONATION for a FT8 -expedition.

Last outside this FT 8-business. I also must say, that this remote-story
is under NO control. YES, of course ,you can build a station less
than
150 kilometers or so from your home.PERFECT.  BUT build a station in
Haiti and sit and operate it from NYC, THATS really killing the pleasure
to work a new one.

Thanks for letting me give my feelings. I will NOT react on any replies.

 From MAY until AUGUST I will be around 50098 CW ( ONLY ) looking
for dx I can hear in my ears. Last season I worked 7 stations in California
( info for K9YC ).So IF there had been no FT8-business, I am sure I had
worked at least 20.One day there was a 4 hours opening to all over USA ,east to 
west, and I worked 25 stations in 4 hours. IF it had been before all of
these Hams were on FT8 ,I had worked 100……...

Kind regards

SM6CVX   ( Since 1961 )   Hans
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Re: Topband: DXE NCC-1 for Sale

[Renee K6FSB]

well in this case it appeared to be targeted and rightly so IMO to those 
of us on topband. you have a delete button yes then.
I have said too much.and this will drag on for ever if we all make 
comments.

Renée, K6FSB

On 7/6/20 12:30 PM, daraym...@iowatelecom.net wrote:
Why do people insist on listing items for sale on this reflector?  Is 
it that damn difficult to sell your stuff on QTH.com, eBay, etc.?


73. . . Dave, W0FLS

-Original Message- From: ws6x@gmail.com
Sent: Monday, July 06, 2020 10:06 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: DXE NCC-1 for Sale

The NCC-1 is sold.
(Sorry, Tree. Won't happen again!)
Jim - WS6X

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Re: Topband: 160

[Renee K6FSB]

I agree. It is disconcerting to reference something we cannot all access.
If possible at least place said info where those that wish to access may 
do so.

if possible paraphrase-
The "how to article" in question from QST 1972 where an operator makes a 
completely operator free station to make contacts.bottom line 
"somehow it (ham radio) just doesn't seem to be as much fun as it used 
to be.. "

tnx e 73
Renée, K6FSB


On 2019-08-03 11:49 a.m., Martin Kratoska wrote:

Gentlemen,

stop this annoying practice, please! Not all are ARRL members!

Thanks for understanding,

73
Martin, OK1RR


Dne 03. 08. 19 v 20:20 donov...@starpower.net napsal(a):


Hi Bob

The "how to" article is right here:


http://p1k.arrl.org/pubs_archive/63144


73
Frank
W3LPL

- Original Message -

From: "Robert Brennan via Topband" 
To: "Cecil" 
Cc: "rich k7zv" , "Harald Rester" 
, "Alan Swinger" , 
topband@contesting.com

Sent: Friday, August 2, 2019 10:00:03 PM
Subject: Re: Topband: 160

Gentleman,
I have been using ft8 now for a little over a year now and have been 
relatively successful with it.

I also use CW and SSB.
If I can set up my station on ft8 and have it run automatically and 
collect new entities.

I would really like to know how to do that.
Perhaps one of you can write an article for QST.

73 Bob ad6hf

Sent from my iPhone


On Aug 2, 2019, at 2:45 PM, Cecil  wrote:



Sent from my iPad

On Aug 2, 2019, at 4:22 PM, Alan Swinger  
wrote:


. 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.com/arnold-schwarzenegger-terminator-2-judgment-day-1991-image66516208.html 





---
Nick, UY0ZG
http://www.topband.in.ua

W0MU Mike Fatchett писал 2019-08-02 21:52:

Ah so all FT8 users are cheaters. Does that mean that all Russian
hams use way more power than they should and their scores 
should not

count either?

The real issue here is change. Ham radio has been in constant 
motion

and change since it started and I hope in continues that way well
after we are dead.

So we better stop FT8 and protect VE1ZZ?

Sorry no.

Good day.


On 8/2/2019 12:45 PM, uy0zg wrote:

Hello, Mike

This is how the world works so that humanity always has moral
values.

They must be protected.
Example:
in a few years, 334 VE1ZZ countries will lose their value. His
achievements will be eaten by computer programs and robots 

It is right ?
Will there be many talents at 160 meters like Jack?

Will not be !

On the contrary - more and 

Re: Topband: Unsubscribe

[Renee K6FSB]

nawthey got bit
I too have a delete.works great!
Renée

On 2019-07-17 8:24 a.m., Wes wrote:

Too funny!!!

Wes

On 7/17/2019 8:17 AM, Mark K3MSB wrote:

They get "ticked" off  

Mark  K3MSB



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Re: Topband: FT-8 My Recent Experience

[Renee K6FSB]

amen to another computer free shack.
I too waste much time on 'puters as it is.
however to each their own. I did enjoy the story.
Renée, k6fsb

On 2019-05-29 5:57 a.m., Rob Atkinson wrote:

I can't get into any computer mode, mainly because I've been a software
engineer for almost 40 year and dealing with computers at home is a
non-starter with me.I like ARC-5s, BC-348s,  and Navy RBB's
myself..

Same here.  Computer science major; 30 years in front of monitors and
keyboards all day; database management, writing codeand I know
hams who spend days and days fiddling with PCs and logging
softwareWhy?   What a waste of valuable radio time in my opinion.
Not only do I reject computer "modes," but I run a computer free
shack.   Great FT8 story by the way.

73
Rob
K5UJ
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Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259 soldering/reliability problems)

[Renee K6FSB]

re the pl259/so239: The impedance bumps are generally irrelevant where 
the cable connects to the antenna or equipment due to the way most 
wiring is done at those points. notice I said generally.
The only time it may be an impedance bump issue is in switching where 50 
ohm is not maintained or connecting two cables together with a barrel 
connector. note this a "may be" condition.
what loss it introduces is very minimal below 250mhz, above 500mhz that 
is another issue. note there is a nebulous region and ,most cases works 
just fine there. Note the pl259/so329 can be used to a gig with care.
as for shield integrity is not the best, however it may be good enough 
for most applications
now all of the above must have proper assembly in all aspects as do all 
cable connections.
in my opinion it is a good connector. Is my favorite- no, it has its' 
applications and it has its limitations as do all connectors and being 
aware of those limitations can sometimes be mitigated, if not look to a 
different connector.
in the case of general amateur use, water intrusion ( for outdoor 
application) and  keeping the shell from getting loose (causing shield 
continuity issues) must be addressed.

Renée, K6FSB



On 2018-12-06 8:05 a.m., Paul Christensen wrote:

I think the primary flaw of the PL-259/UHF connector is that shield
connectivity is strictly a function of thread tightness.  There's no inner
sleeve to maintain good electrical contact of the shield with any loosening
of the connector plug.  Otherwise, I have no issues with either connector up
through UHF.

When people speak of "impedance bumps" when discussing the PL-259/SO-239,
they're almost always parroting hearsay.  When asked how it matters, why it
matters, and where exactly on the line it matters, few people can answer the
question.

Paul, W9AC



-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of Clive GM3POI
Sent: Thursday, December 6, 2018 10:43 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

For anyone that doubts the loss of a good 259. Google K2RIW on the subject
who knows a thing or two about UHF and did some numbers on the subject.
I have used for a good long time the Silver plated Teflon with a gold pin
from the RF connection. I usually end up buying 50 at a time.
73 Clive GM3POI

-Original Message-
From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of N2TK,
Tony
Sent: 06 December 2018 15:31
To: 'GEORGE WALLNER'; topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

I have been using PL-259 connectors forever. I have switched to crimp
connectors when I need to make up a new cable. No sense replacing the
soldered connectors if they are working fine. ThePL-259 is a low loss, easy
to assemble connector for up to at least 6M (nothing higher in frequency
here) that makes good contact and are easy to seal with rescue tape followed
by Scotch 33+. Some of my PL-259's have been in use outside for 40 years and
still look good and work well. I hope manufacturer's don't change.
73,
N2TK, Tony

-Original Message-
From: Topband  On Behalf Of GEORGE WALLNER
Sent: Thursday, December 06, 2018 9:13 AM
To: topband@contesting.com
Subject: Re: Topband: Rather use N-type (was Re: The answer to PL-259
soldering/reliability problems)

Greg,
I completely agree. For all my outdoors applications I use N connectors.
Unfortunately, amateur radio gear (even seriously expensive gear) is still
built with SO-239 connectors which perpetuate the use PL-259 male
connectors. As a result, my station and my DXpedition gear contain both,
necessitating the use of adaptors. How do we convince manufacturers to
change?
73,
George
AA7JV/C6AGU



On Thu, 06 Dec 2018 17:00:53 +1300
   Greg-zl3ix  wrote:


I continue to be mystified by the fact that the amateur radio
community insists on using PL259 connectors. N-type are much more
reliable (used by professional communicators), low cost, can be
crimped easily and quickly and have a well-defined impedance right up
into GHz frequencies.

Back in 2005 I started having contact problems with the connector on
my SteppIR 3-element. There was a thin layer of oxide that built up
around the centre pin of the PL259. I had had similar problems with
other connectors around my shack. I decided to change my entire
station, including the SteppIR, to N-type, and have never looked back.


73, Greg, ZL3IX

On 06.12.2018 13:29, Steve Ireland wrote:
G'day

About five years I discovered this fool-proof and brilliant

way to solder PL-259s invented by Bill Maxon N4AR who taught this to
Tim K3LR. Tim uses this method throughout his contest station and did
a great job of documenting it - see
http://www.k3lr.com/engineering/pl259/
[1] and it has totally changed my angry and worried attitude towards
soldering PL-259s.

The key component is Amphenol 83-1SP connectors.

The connector 

Re: Topband: FT-8 vs CW

[Renee K6FSB]

hi all-
i hear a lot of moaning that there is not any cw...well quit moaning 
and call CQ for a while. do it often. not just listen . someone has to 
transmit and someone has to listen then answer,. it takes 2 for a QSO. I 
mean a real QSO more than sig report.like what we did when we were 
novices and later...the bands may just open to a new level of 
activity.

73
Renée, K6FSB

ps- I am still working on fixing broken antennas/supports, last time did 
not even get a chance to use em before mother nature destroyed my skyhooks.


pss Doug more than one of us echo part of the nursing home scenario...oh 
have another small glass for me.


On 2017-10-25 01:26 PM, Doug Turnbull wrote:

Dear OMs and YLs,
   --//--

  Not so many years in the future I may be confined to a nursing home
(groan - better dead) then remote operation on two meters into a remote
station may be my main enjoyment in life other than reading and hopefully my
spouse.   WSPR fascinates me still but not for DXCC purposes.DXCC is not
of any real merit these days anyway.Still imagine you were limited to a
city lot in Dublin; I might sing a different song.

 Peace to all and thank you almighty for having given me a fine hobby for
all these many years.

 73 Doug EI2CN

PS Written under the duress of two glasses of Chianti.



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Re: Topband: Top Band and JT65

[Renee K6FSB]

I second this as I was learning about some other modes...now whether I 
(to )use them or not is another story and a personal one (for each to 
decide).

Tnx
Renée, K6FSB

On 2017-05-21 03:40 PM, Mike Waters wrote:

There are two separate threads in this thread.

1. One is the effectiveness of the JT modes. Let's keep that going, by all
means!

2. The other is an issue of emotion. How about if we just drop that part?
Please?:-)

73, Mike
www.w0btu.com

On Sun, May 21, 2017 at 5:01 PM, Cecil Acuff  wrote:


This discussion is going nowhere...and will continue to go nowhere with
the exception of the ill will it spreads...on of all places...a group to
discuss things related to "The Gentlemans Band"

None of the modes of operations discussed are violations of anyone's
licenses so there is no real point...it's all an issue of emotion.


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Re: Topband: Made it! 80 Years a Ham

[Renee K6FSB]

Paul -
Congratulations!
I marvel to think of the changes you have seen in all those 
years.may you have many more!

Renée, K6FSB

On 2017-01-19 07:34 AM, PAUL M ELLIOTT wrote:

Made it! 19 January 2017, is the 80th anniversary of my first ham license,
Class C operating privileges with W5GGV as my call. Was 14 years old at the
time. A little over a year later I upgraded to Class A.  Many years later
the Extra Class (with no added privileges) came along. Upgraded. Some years
later the FCC announced that hams with an Extra Class license who had been
licensed 25 years could apply for a two -letter call, no place on the
application to request of a specific call.  Was assigned W5DM.

First rig made from junked Atwater Kent radio parts. First antenna was a
wire going out a hole in the window screen to a tree.  First DX was VK2SS on
40 m CW, September 1937. (An aside. There were no phone privileges on 40 m
for USA hams). The VK2SS QSL card is hung on my wall. My card to him was
written on a postcard (Great Depression=no money to buy QSL cards).

Been fairly active over the years, except, of course, for WW II.  If
interested in WW II, you can do a web search on DD 792 for a small part of
my history.

The first 20 or 30 years I built my transmitters (all low powered) and
receivers. Operated CW only until SSB came along. Then I built a low powered
phasing rig. A BC-348H receiver was made dual conversion using 85 kcs  (kcs
then= kHz now) IF transformers from a BC 453 receiver.   Had a blast working
the world with a homebuilt "cubical quad" on 20 meters.  Since then mostly
CW.

I may have made one small contribution to ham radio.  In the April 1958
issue of QST, in Technical Correspondence there was a letter from me that, I
think, was the first mention in a ham publication that the formula for
determining the length of a "cubical quad" antenna was not correct.  Since
my measurements were made using a BC 348, a grid dip oscillator, and a 100
kcs crystal oscillator. I don't know whether I was just lucky to get as
close as I did or did a fairly good job with what I had.

In the early 1990s started out to get 160 m WAS from a 120 x 120 foot
electrically noisy city lot (SE NM) with a long ( ~3/8 wavelength)  but low
semi-inverted L antenna.  Ground radials of varying length in one 90 degree
segment. Made 160 m WAS.   Then started chasing DX.  Now have 189 countries
confirmed on 160 m, 324 on all bands.

Age, not surprisingly, has taken its toll.  CW now down to 20-25 wpm-at one
time it was 35-40 wpm.  Finger dexterity way down-has taken me over 3 hours
to type this email. Physical realities remain physical realities--I am now a
disabled, crippled old man. But---

No complaints-many people are worse off than I am.

Thanks to all who have had the knowledge and the kindness to help me over
the years.

73 Paul W5DM

  

  

  

  


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Re: Topband: coax soldering

[Renee K6FSB]

I think the best method is F connector, snap and seal, if you must have 
a 259 use an adapter.


Renée, K6FSB


On 2016-12-04 11:50 AM, Larry via Topband wrote:

hi guys,


planning on installing some more beverages. i have a roll of CATV 75 ohm cable. 
it is the kind with a double shield. aluminum wrap over tinned copper shield. 
there is some kind of sticky on the shield and i dont think that i can solder 
efficiently to it.


what is the best way to clean the "sticky" off the shield so that i can solder 
to it for PL259's?


thanks,
larry
n7dd
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Re: Topband: Preampm for 160 meter receive loop

[Renee K6FSB]

I too have bought this (actually two of em) and works great. (I use one 
modified for LW use  470khz)

73
Renée, k6fsb

Goldtr8 (KD8NNU) wrote:

James,

Here is a link to a low cost preamp on ebay.  I have purchased one and 
it works as advertised.   Maybe this will do what you desire to 
accomplish.


http://www.ebay.com/itm/J310-push-pull-HF-pre-amp-KIT-BUILT-TESTED-/151745349257 




~73
Don
KD8NNU
2014 3905CC Top Gun :-)
-.- -.. ---.. -. -. ..-
-Original Message- From: James Rodenkirch
Sent: Sunday, April 03, 2016 11:46 AM
To: topband
Subject: Topband: Preampm for 160 meter receive loop

OK - did a little listening yesterday evening and this A.M. on 160 
with my loop and found band noise way down, relative to my 
transmitting antenna (an Inverted U).


So, I'd like to add a pre-amp at the base of the loop BUT when I 
google 160 meter preamp for sale (or 160 meter preamp kit) the only 
items I find are a DXE product and an ARR 1 module.


Either is/are more than I care to spend (not 'cuz I am "cheap," but 
'cuz it's a loop, not a Beveridge or a K9AY loop, and I don't expect 
this loop to be that competitive with more sophisticated receive 
antennas).


Any ideas or places to vector me to? I am disabled and can't operate 
any kind of tool BUT do have a friend who'll build a kit for me so a 
kit wud work. I saw the ICE pre-amps and wish they were still around - 
looks like that would be an excel "first start" kind pre-amp to purchase.


Off-line replies are totally ok - don't need any "nah, this unit is 
better than what 'he' just said" sort of replies - just some 
ideas...thank you, in advance, for you replies.


71.5/72 de Jim Rodenkirch K9JWV
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Re: Topband: test?

[Renee K6FSB]

affirmative. just quiet
k6fsb

william radice wrote:

is this thing on?
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Re: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors

[Renee K6FSB]

Hi Larry-
two possible kinds F Connectors, maybe more 1. O ring inside the 
fitting  look for ( PCT International) PCT-TRS-6LMG
or 2. on the exterior like a rubber nose (Belden) PPC EX6WS note this 
connector is a bit larger in diametre on the "nut", there is also a XL 
version.
most likely #2, the Direct TV guy installed #1 type on a recent install 
and claimed to have zero issues.

if you do an epay search you will find the connectors
hope this helps.
73, Merry Christmas
Renée, K6FSB



mstang...@comcast.net wrote:

Larry,

My cable company recently replaced the coax to my house.

The Compression type F connector they used had an additional rubber gasket on 
the front so that it would make a watertight seal to the lightning arrestor 
bulkhead.

Mike N2MS

- Original Message -
From: Larry K4AB 
To: topband@contesting.com
Sent: Wed, 16 Dec 2015 02:43:56 - (UTC)
Subject: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors

I'm in the process of installing a receive 4 square for 160
using F type connectors and high quality flooded RG-6.

Do these things need additional weatherproofing?

As I recall all the many cable TV installations I have had
over the decades, done by major cable and satellite companies,
none have been weatherproofed.

If its good enough for those guys, at those frequencies,
shouldn't it be good for us at 1.8 MHz?


73,
Larry K4AB
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Re: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors

[Renee K6FSB]

since we are talking installation-
I need to get a tool for connector installation, any preferences on tool 
for installing the connectors? or at least any that should be avoided as 
they do not last?
I noted two on epay - the red handled ones ( has stripper and just RG 6 
&59 plus some connectors!) and blue handled ones (no stripper but will 
handle rg 11 , 6 & 59)

Renée

Tim Shoppa wrote:

Thank you Frank! I use other nickel-plated brass hardware outdoors and have
been quite satisfied with its durability in my weather. McMaster Carr has
the F connector nuts in nickel plated brass, 10 for $2, their part number
91862A521, I think I can afford to do W8JI's suggestion that way.

Tim N3QE

On Wed, Dec 16, 2015 at 10:51 AM,  wrote:

  

Much more affordable 3/8-32 nickel plated brass nuts are widely available
on eBay

73
Frank
W3LPL

--
*From: *"Tim Shoppa" 
*Cc: *"topBand List" 
*Sent: *Wednesday, December 16, 2015 8:48:08 AM
*Subject: *Re: Topband: Weatherproofing F-type connectors


Wow, stainless 3/8-32 panel nut from Grainger, part number 1JLU9, $15 for
2. Maybe I can find something cheaper :-)

Tim N3QE

On Wed, Dec 16, 2015 at 2:36 AM, Tom W8JI  wrote:



My one concern, is the F-connector chassis-mount jacks. The jacks
  

themselves seem rather impervious to moisture when a good F-plug with
O-ring is kept plugged in. But the nuts for the jacks seem to rust


really


fast, really surprisingly fast, I end up replacing the jack and nut


every


year or two wherever they are exposed to weather.



Use stainless steel nuts. Throw the steel nuts that come with the
connectors away.

  

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Re: Topband: New TX antenna for 80 and 160?

[Renee K6FSB]

Hi Rick-
In regards to copperweld near the ocean,  here in California wire near 
the coast,  my copperweld has not held up too well as the steel rusts 
then fails due to intrusion through any damage to the copper surface. 
solid copper will last much better.
BTW I understand the utilities use solid copper wire instead of 
copperweld or aluminum for same corrosion reasons.  Someone else may be 
able to verify this info.


I'd feed the dipoles with open wire and use a good matching unit.. 
possibly a remote unit and real open wire feed is also less noticeable. 
( old Johnson Matchbox works for me everywhere except 160, I'm building 
one for 160.  the 2 small holes coming into the shack easy to insulate 
and easy to fix laterit does take some ingenuity to route though)
another possibility is a loop corner fed w/open wire, open at opposing 
corner for 160. makes a low visibility antenna, try modeling and see, my 
235m square loop at 10m high does ok for a stealth antenna on 
75/80/30/40. sometimes all you can do is try some things and see what 
works for u at a particular location.

73, Renée K6FSB

Rick Kiessig wrote:

Until recently, I was planning to put up an inverted-L as a TX antenna for
80 and 160. However, things have changed, and it no longer looks like I'll
be able to run the radials I would need to have an effective vertical. Now
I'm leaning toward a low dipole.

My site is highly constrained: it's near the top of a ridge, on a slope,
facing the ocean (100m above sea level, 300m from the water). The highest
spot above sea level is the top of my tower: it's only 8.5m above immediate
ground level (next to the house), although the ground 10m away is 7m lower.
I can't run more than a wire or two and a coax feed on (not above) the
ground - an FCP, for example, would be much too large. Due to limitations
imposed by the city, I can't go higher than 10.5m above ground level.

If I run a wire around three sides of my property in a U shape, hung from
the tower near (but not at) the feedpoint, I can just hit 80m total length,
with a 46m long center section and two 17m long end sections. The wire would
attach to 10m high fiberglass poles near each of the four corners of the
property.

I recently built a dipole for 40/20/15 using 300 ohm twinlead, which worked
out very well, so I'm thinking of using a similar approach for this antenna,
using the full length for 160, and trimming one wire to be resonant on 80.
I'd like to do whatever I can to maximize bandwidth. If I could cover both
80 and 75, for example, that would be great.

Questions:

-- Is a low dipole for 80 and 160 on a sloping site like mine worth the
effort? I'm interested in DX, not NVIS.
-- Given my constraints, are there other types of TX antennas I should
consider?
-- What's the best wire to use to minimize stretching and to maximize
bandwidth and efficiency, and that can handle full legal power? I will need
at least two (maybe three?) wires to cover both bands. Copperweld is strong,
but I've heard it can be lossy, too. Twinlead has two wires, but it's
stranded and doesn't feel very strong.
-- I'm thinking about using Spiderbeam black fiberglass telescopic poles at
the corners. However, I'm concerned about durability in high winds and
having enough strength to be able to tension the wires so they don't droop
terribly. Is there a better choice?
-- I'm planning to put a common mode choke at the feedpoint and run coax
from there, as I've done with the other dipole. Any reason to do it
differently?

73, Rick ZL2HAM


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Re: Topband: full wave horiz loop

[Renee K6FSB]

have a 70 foot per side, elevation  aprox 25 ft, corner supports only, 
12 Ga solid copper, fed at the corner with open wire all the way to 
johnson match box here in shack for 80mtrs...works GREAT on 75/80, 40, 
30,( on 20 and up- too many little lobes begin ..)it really is on 
the edge of my lot/ corners in rear set back in front.
no way to really know till ya try it and see...my guess it should 
work..proof is in actual use...
Renée, K6FSB

W2XJ wrote:
 EZNEC is your friend.

 On 6/16/12 9:35 PM, Tom W2MN wrote:
   
 A couple of us in the radio club were discussing the possibility of
 installing a full wave horizontal loop antenna (for Rx and Tx) on top of a
 building we have access to. The loop would be about 20ft above the building
 roof, making it about 100ft above ground. The loop could be a rectangle
 approx. 180ft x 110ft (adjusted for a full wavelength on 160m). We were
 thinking of using it on 160m as well as 80m. We would use steel / copper
 clad wire and there in NO possibility of support except at the corners; so
 it will sag under its own weight.



 Would appreciate any comments concerning its usefulness. Is it going to be
 worth the effort??



 Tom

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