Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Hi Fred, When I moved to upstate NY 25 years ago I put up 3 beverages ranging in length from 300-350'. That was the max length I could fit on my property. They had directivity and some F/B. I should add I am using these receive antennas for 160M. My 80M wire 4-sq always seemed to outperform my receive antennas, I put up a Ewe. It's performance seemed to depend on the weather (how wet the soil). So I put an insulated wire on the ground tying the feed point and terminating point together and lifting the ground connections. Kind of an off center Flag. That seemed to help. Then I put up a couple Pennants. Made them switchable in direction. I never had a case with our soil where the beverages were better than the Pennants so after a season I took down the beverages. Next installed a 3-el short, non-radial W1FV vertical E/W. That has been working quite well. Then I put up a 220' BOG, N/S. There are occasions when any of the antennas - BOG, W1FV or Pennant may be the best. Pennants are NE/SW and SE/NW. On the other side of the property I plan on putting up a E/W BOG to see how it compares to the W1FV array. I also installed the ground rods and ground anchors for another 3-el W1FV array, NE/SW when I get time. I don't have room to put up a low impedance receive array that requires radials. I have my receive antennas for the most part at right angles from my tower to minimize shooting through the tower. I do miss my 625' beverages I had in southern New Joisey. 73, N2TK Tony -Original Message- From: Topband On Behalf Of fmoeves Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 4:29 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Tony, I put up a short 300' Beverage pointing to EU. It works great here in KY. It's abt 8' high. My point is give it a try might surprise you. Also kave a K9AY loop and at times it's better. Fred KB4QZH Original message From: "tony.kaz--- via Topband" Date: 11/22/19 10:12 AM (GMT-05:00) To: 'Paul Mcl' , 'William Hill' Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison toother receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long at aright angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would bedifficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system lookslike I can put the feed point near the center and get selection of eitherdirection. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the feedline and forthe BOG.By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and sometimesthe Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage.N2TK, Tony -Original Message-From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul MclSent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AMTo: Willi am Hill Cc: topband@contesting.comSubject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna SystemHere:https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex-4x.pdfRegardsPaul MM0ZBHOn Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote:> Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be > configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag orpennant?>> Sent from my iPhone> _> 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 _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Short beverages can do absolute wonders! I’ve got one 300’ long and 3’ high running N/S and have worked dozens of station I could not hear on any other antenna! 73, Bob AA6VB Robert L. Chortek > On Nov 22, 2019, at 1:37 PM, fmoeves wrote: > _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Tony, I put up a short 300' Beverage pointing to EU. It works great here in KY. It's abt 8' high. My point is give it a try might surprise you. Also kave a K9AY loop and at times it's better. Fred KB4QZH Original message From: "tony.kaz--- via Topband" Date: 11/22/19 10:12 AM (GMT-05:00) To: 'Paul Mcl' , 'William Hill' Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison toother receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long at aright angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would bedifficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system lookslike I can put the feed point near the center and get selection of eitherdirection. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the feedline and forthe BOG.By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and sometimesthe Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage.N2TK, Tony -Original Message-From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul MclSent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AMTo: William Hill Cc: topband@contesting.comSubject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna SystemHere:https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex-4x.pdfRegardsPaul MM0ZBHOn Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote:> Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be > configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag orpennant?>> Sent from my iPhone> _> 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
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Tnx for all the feedback. Yes, I agree pretty easy to make the boxes and transformers. Probably have most if not all the material. But time is not on my side. Here is upstate NY I am now fighting the weather cause I waited too long to do this project. So, feedback says the kit works fine so I will buy a kit. Sounds like I need to water proof the boxes. That's what plastic outside storage boxes are for. Hopefully the ground won't freeze for a while so I can pound in the ground rods and staple the BOG RG6 to the grass. 73 N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Jamie WW3S Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 12:31 PM To: Charlie Young ; tony@verizon.net; 'Paul Mcl' ; 'William Hill' Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re[2]: Topband: Rx Antenna System NOTE: there is a slight difference between the current version at DXE, and the original.,the orginal has different connections points on the external box that installs to the antenna, the DXE version has one connection, and uses internal jumpers to select which type of antenna you are using. -- Original Message -- From: "Charlie Young" To: "tony@verizon.net" ; "'Paul Mcl'" ; "'William Hill'" Cc: "topband@contesting.com" Sent: 11/22/2019 11:56:13 AM Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System >I have one of the Bevflex systems deployed as a short beverage. I have also >used it configured as a BOG. Mine is the version that was marketed by JK >Antennas. > >It works as advertised. Good f/b ratio. There does not seem to be a >reduction in output on the reverse direction. > >The main advantage of it is placement of the feedpoint anywhere on the >antenna, making it convenient to feed. You can also change the transformer >taps and configure it multiple ways, such as BOG, beverage, EWE etc. I have >not tried it configured as anything but a BOG and beverage. > >I also have 7 other BOG antennas, using the KD9SV transformer, plus a HiZ >triangle array. The Bevflex holds its own with these antennas. The triangle >has the highest output, but at times is more susceptible to noise (power >line). Sometimes the triangle is best, at other times the BOG/Bevflex are the >best, depending on condx. > >I can’t keep beverages up in my woods and have given up. The next time the >Bevflex comes down, it will be reconfigured as a BOG again. > >I have my rx antennas configured so that most of them can be combined (phased) >through a DX Engineering NCC-1 box. This works very well, and many times the >performance is enhanced when BOG pairs are phased. > >73 Charlie N8RR > > > >Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for >Windows 10 > >From: tony.kaz--- via Topband<mailto:topband@contesting.com> >Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 10:12 AM >To: 'Paul Mcl'<mailto:paul@gmail.com>; 'William >Hill'<mailto:w...@comcast.net> >Cc: topband@contesting.com<mailto:topband@contesting.com> >Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System > >Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison >to other receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long >at a right angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would >be difficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system >looks like I can put the feed point near the center and get selection >of either direction. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the >feedline and for the BOG. > >By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and >sometimes the Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage. >N2TK, Tony > >-Original Message- >From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul Mcl >Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AM >To: William Hill >Cc: topband@contesting.com >Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System > >Here: > >https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-be >vflex >-4x.pdf > >Regards > >Paul MM0ZBH > > > >On Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote: > >> Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be >> configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or >> flag or >pennant? >> >> Sent from my iPhone >> _ >> 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 _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Tony I have used one of these they do work . I had an opportunity to compare it with a more typical end fed bog of the same length in the same direction. They are identical in performance . In my situation both BOG's were installed over very poor ( essentially well drained dry sand). Pro's 1) easy to install 2) Works as good any "standard BOG" would at your location , when installed in a similar manor as you would any other BOG ( no better, no worse, no magic) 3) Easy bidirectional switching 4) Built in receiver protection against high RF levels ( back to back diodes) 5) Built in� lightening protection 6) Fused protection to keep you from frying the unit if you transmit into it 7) Allows you to experiment with other receiving antennas� such as Flags, Pennants and standard beverages as well as bogs all from the same box ( depending on the configuration you must open the end reflection boxes and move jumpers) As shipped comes default for BOGS and Beverages 8) The feed point can indeed be inserted at ANY point along the antenna without affecting the performance Cons 1) Very expensive for what it is, sells for at least 2X what the bill of material suggests it should ($75-$150 is more realistic price,� IMO) 2) While it comes with stainless hardware, some of it is cheap Chinese cr#$, Some pieces on mine began showing rust after less than 60 days in Florida's monsoon climate, Plan of having to replace that at some point 3) IMO the boxes will not remain water tight with repeated closing and opening to move jumpers etc, based on similar experience with this style box that I have purchased for other DIY projects. Once you are through playing, plan on taking more diligent sealing steps once a permanent installation is decided on 4) The fuse noted in #6 above is an odd package� ( to me anyway) low current 50ma job in a solder in package. I think I would choose a more typical cylindrical clip in holder, there is certainly room in the box. 5) The 2way box in the shack is too light ( needs a couple of pounds to hold it down) Interesting Info, Hints & Kinks 1) No BOG will work as well� when placed too close to a wire ( chain link) fence. allow at least 5' set back 2) The basic center fed RG-6 design is right out of Misek, W1WCR's Beverage Antenna Handbook , 2nd Edition, Page 68 3) Mostly easy to reverse engineer once you have a set in your hands, not surprisingly they will not supply schematics. 4) The "magic" is in the end "Reflection " Boxes which have selectable (via the jumper settings)� impedance ratios depending on the antenna type (BOG, Beverage, Flag, etc) to be used with. 5) Yes I have reverse engineered the the thing ( I pad $$$ for the ability to do so) and NO I will not share the results directly with you . I will point out that If you don't need the flexibility of using the same set of boxes for many different types of receiving antennas then build a set with reflection boxes for that specific geometry and you don't need the more complex� jumper selectable box. Again I refer you to Misek's book for starters. 6) My set is currently on loan to a friend who is trying it out at his location . IF he decides not to buy it from me it will be available at a discount from the new price. Dont email me I will let you know if I sell other than to my friend. Cu you all in the pile up Dave NR1DX On 11/22/2019 10:12 AM, tony.kaz--- via Topband wrote: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex -4x.pdf -- Dave manu...@artekmanuals.com www.ArtekManuals.com _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
NOTE: there is a slight difference between the current version at DXE, and the original.,the orginal has different connections points on the external box that installs to the antenna, the DXE version has one connection, and uses internal jumpers to select which type of antenna you are using. -- Original Message -- From: "Charlie Young" To: "tony@verizon.net" ; "'Paul Mcl'" ; "'William Hill'" Cc: "topband@contesting.com" Sent: 11/22/2019 11:56:13 AM Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System I have one of the Bevflex systems deployed as a short beverage. I have also used it configured as a BOG. Mine is the version that was marketed by JK Antennas. It works as advertised. Good f/b ratio. There does not seem to be a reduction in output on the reverse direction. The main advantage of it is placement of the feedpoint anywhere on the antenna, making it convenient to feed. You can also change the transformer taps and configure it multiple ways, such as BOG, beverage, EWE etc. I have not tried it configured as anything but a BOG and beverage. I also have 7 other BOG antennas, using the KD9SV transformer, plus a HiZ triangle array. The Bevflex holds its own with these antennas. The triangle has the highest output, but at times is more susceptible to noise (power line). Sometimes the triangle is best, at other times the BOG/Bevflex are the best, depending on condx. I can’t keep beverages up in my woods and have given up. The next time the Bevflex comes down, it will be reconfigured as a BOG again. I have my rx antennas configured so that most of them can be combined (phased) through a DX Engineering NCC-1 box. This works very well, and many times the performance is enhanced when BOG pairs are phased. 73 Charlie N8RR Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10 From: tony.kaz--- via Topband<mailto:topband@contesting.com> Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 10:12 AM To: 'Paul Mcl'<mailto:paul@gmail.com>; 'William Hill'<mailto:w...@comcast.net> Cc: topband@contesting.com<mailto:topband@contesting.com> Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison to other receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long at a right angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would be difficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system looks like I can put the feed point near the center and get selection of either direction. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the feedline and for the BOG. By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and sometimes the Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul Mcl Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AM To: William Hill Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Here: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex -4x.pdf Regards Paul MM0ZBH On Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote: Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag or pennant? Sent from my iPhone _ 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 _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
I have one of the Bevflex systems deployed as a short beverage. I have also used it configured as a BOG. Mine is the version that was marketed by JK Antennas. It works as advertised. Good f/b ratio. There does not seem to be a reduction in output on the reverse direction. The main advantage of it is placement of the feedpoint anywhere on the antenna, making it convenient to feed. You can also change the transformer taps and configure it multiple ways, such as BOG, beverage, EWE etc. I have not tried it configured as anything but a BOG and beverage. I also have 7 other BOG antennas, using the KD9SV transformer, plus a HiZ triangle array. The Bevflex holds its own with these antennas. The triangle has the highest output, but at times is more susceptible to noise (power line). Sometimes the triangle is best, at other times the BOG/Bevflex are the best, depending on condx. I can’t keep beverages up in my woods and have given up. The next time the Bevflex comes down, it will be reconfigured as a BOG again. I have my rx antennas configured so that most of them can be combined (phased) through a DX Engineering NCC-1 box. This works very well, and many times the performance is enhanced when BOG pairs are phased. 73 Charlie N8RR Sent from Mail<https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=550986> for Windows 10 From: tony.kaz--- via Topband<mailto:topband@contesting.com> Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 10:12 AM To: 'Paul Mcl'<mailto:paul@gmail.com>; 'William Hill'<mailto:w...@comcast.net> Cc: topband@contesting.com<mailto:topband@contesting.com> Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison to other receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long at a right angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would be difficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system looks like I can put the feed point near the center and get selection of either direction. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the feedline and for the BOG. By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and sometimes the Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul Mcl Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AM To: William Hill Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Here: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex -4x.pdf Regards Paul MM0ZBH On Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote: > Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be > configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag or pennant? > > Sent from my iPhone > _ > 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
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Has anyone had experience with this system and have done a comparison to other receive antennas? I have room to put up a BOG about 200' long at a right angle and about 100' away from my present BOG. But it would be difficult to get the feedline to either end of the wire. This system looks like I can put the feed point near the center and get selection of either direction. I can run RG6 stapled to the grass both for the feedline and for the BOG. By the way my present BOG is sometimes better than my Pennants and sometimes the Pennants are better. Wish I had the room for a beverage. N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Topband On Behalf Of Paul Mcl Sent: Friday, November 22, 2019 9:47 AM To: William Hill Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System Here: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex -4x.pdf Regards Paul MM0ZBH On Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote: > Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be > configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag or pennant? > > Sent from my iPhone > _ > 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
Re: Topband: Rx Antenna System
Here: https://static.dxengineering.com/global/images/technicalarticles/ums-bevflex-4x.pdf Regards Paul MM0ZBH On Fri, 22 Nov 2019 at 14:26, William Hill wrote: > Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be configured > in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag or pennant? > > Sent from my iPhone > _ > Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband > Reflector > _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: Rx Antenna System
Does anyone recall the vendor that sells the system that can be configured in several different ways such as a beverage or BOG or flag or pennant? Sent from my iPhone _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Topband: RX Antenna suggestion
Grant, Have a look at the following: https://www.unifiedmicro.com/bevflex4x.html This allows you to configure and experiment with various designs using the same kit. I have been involved with this product for the past 10 years and use it extensively. We used the VE3DO variant last year at PJ6A for the CW contest. Ned WC4X Ned Mountain ned.mount...@mindspring.com 770 823 4205 (M) _ Searchable Archives: http://www.contesting.com/_topband - Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - unused ports
Brad, I have a 12x1 commercial Panasonic video switcher which is passive and terminates in 75 ohms all unused ports. I used 1/2 wave feed lines which conceivable repeats the 75 ohm termination at the Beverage matching transformer. I also use several 1:1 (DXE) isolation boxes about 30 feet from several Beverages to reduces feedline pickup coupling back into the Beverage matching transformer. On 6/8/2017 8:06 AM, Maciej Wieczorek wrote: Hi Brad, what I can say from my perspective - in the last 10 years I have tried both grounding and terminating through 75ohm resistor. With the terminating I see absolutely no pattern distortion on my Beverage's, which was not so obvious when direct grounding was used. My Bev's often are crossed 45 deg, height is 1,8-2,0m. I use only isolated transformers / separate windings. 73's Mac SP2XF / SN2M - Original Message - From: "Brad Denison" <brad.deni...@gmail.com> To: <topband@contesting.com> Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2017 1:54 PM Subject: Topband: RX antenna switching - unused ports All, I am working a homebrew RX antenna switch box for my beverages, flags and shared apex loop array and am looking for design advice. Can someone educate me on the proper way to handle unused ports: 1) Leave all unused ports open 2) Ground all unused ports 3) Terminate unused ports to 75 ohm I have seen various commercially available switch boxes with all of these configurations but it is not clear to me if any of these variations are best, i.e does it matter? Thanks, Brad, W1NT _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - unused ports
Hi Brad, what I can say from my perspective - in the last 10 years I have tried both grounding and terminating through 75ohm resistor. With the terminating I see absolutely no pattern distortion on my Beverage's, which was not so obvious when direct grounding was used. My Bev's often are crossed 45 deg, height is 1,8-2,0m. I use only isolated transformers / separate windings. 73's Mac SP2XF / SN2M - Original Message - From: "Brad Denison" <brad.deni...@gmail.com> To: <topband@contesting.com> Sent: Thursday, June 08, 2017 1:54 PM Subject: Topband: RX antenna switching - unused ports All, I am working a homebrew RX antenna switch box for my beverages, flags and shared apex loop array and am looking for design advice. Can someone educate me on the proper way to handle unused ports: 1) Leave all unused ports open 2) Ground all unused ports 3) Terminate unused ports to 75 ohm I have seen various commercially available switch boxes with all of these configurations but it is not clear to me if any of these variations are best, i.e does it matter? Thanks, Brad, W1NT _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: RX antenna switching - unused ports
All, I am working a homebrew RX antenna switch box for my beverages, flags and shared apex loop array and am looking for design advice. Can someone educate me on the proper way to handle unused ports: 1) Leave all unused ports open 2) Ground all unused ports 3) Terminate unused ports to 75 ohm I have seen various commercially available switch boxes with all of these configurations but it is not clear to me if any of these variations are best, i.e does it matter? Thanks, Brad, W1NT _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
Hi everybody !!!, Thank you very much for all the information and special THANKS to one friend that will help with Transformer and Terminator Resistor. I need some information about Preamplifiers for flag anntenna now...i read about W7IUV preamp but i visited Larry´s website and i can not access to the preamp...any idea??? Thanks !!!, 73, Doug, CO8DM - Mensaje original - De: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com Para: Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu CC: topband topband@contesting.com Enviado: Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:42:02 -0400 (CDT) Asunto: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html#Terminating_Resistors 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Thu, Aug 27, 2015 at 11:37 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: About the resistor: what kind of material???...carbon, right? and what power will disipate the resistor ? _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
Doug, Go to http://w7iuv.com/ and click on W7IUV preamp in the left column. That is a link to a PDF file, presently http://w7iuv.com/preamp60/preamp_r60.pdf . 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Fri, Aug 28, 2015 at 10:05 AM, Douglas M. Ruz Sobrado co...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: ...i read about W7IUV preamp but i visited Larry´s website and i can not access to the preamp...any idea??? _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
Don’t know if this Rev 5 is the latest as Larry made some value changes over time. www.mtmscientific.com/preamp.pdf Steve WB6RSE On Aug 28, 2015, at 10:12 AM, Jeff Kincaid w...@sbcglobal.net wrote: Now that we've all retested the broken link, does anyone have a copy of the pdf? 'JK _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
kitsandparts.com sells a kit of an amp of similar design as the W7IUV design. I have not used it personally. There are probably others around. 73, Larry W6NWS -Original Message- From: Douglas M. Ruz Sobrado Sent: Friday, August 28, 2015 11:05 AM To: Mike Waters Cc: topband Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? Hi everybody !!!, Thank you very much for all the information and special THANKS to one friend that will help with Transformer and Terminator Resistor. I need some information about Preamplifiers for flag anntenna now...i read about W7IUV preamp but i visited Larry´s website and i can not access to the preamp...any idea??? Thanks !!!, 73, Doug, CO8DM - Mensaje original - De: Mike Waters mikew...@gmail.com Para: Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu CC: topband topband@contesting.com Enviado: Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:42:02 -0400 (CDT) Asunto: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html#Terminating_Resistors 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Thu, Aug 27, 2015 at 11:37 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: About the resistor: what kind of material???...carbon, right? and what power will disipate the resistor ? _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
On Fri,8/28/2015 9:53 AM, Mike Waters wrote: Go tohttp://w7iuv.com/ and click on W7IUV preamp in the left column. That is a link to a PDF file, presently http://w7iuv.com/preamp60/preamp_r60.pdf Both the pdf link and the W7IUV preamp link on his main page get me to an Error 404 Page Not Found from qth.com 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
For everyone who's looking for the W7IUV circuit and info . . . Go to the following website for a company sells a W7IUV pre-amp kit (which I have no experience with) and click on the highlighted Published Plans link in the text to download the full .pdf file that used to be on W7IUV's website. http://www.mtmscientific.com/preamp.html HTH. Jack K2RS On 8/28/2015 1:12 PM, Jeff Kincaid wrote: Now that we've all retested the broken link, does anyone have a copy of the pdf? 'JK _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
Getting back to CO8DM's original question about a preamp to use with a flag. If the receiver noise level pops up and then drops when a receive antenna is connected and then disconnected, then it’s likely that a preamp may not be needed at all. When I first played with a coaxial loop, a preamp was necessary. Since going to a full size flag, I find that I seldom even bother turning on a external preamp. I do have a relatively short coax run of about 75 ft from the flag to the receiver. I’d try the flag first without building/buying a preamp and see how it plays. Steve WB6RSE _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
I totally agree with you Steve...i will try the flag first without preamp and see how it play. Actually, i will have a short coax run...about 30 or 40 ft... 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla - Original Message - From: wb6r...@mac.com To: Top Band List List topband@contesting.com Sent: Friday, August 28, 2015 8:03 PM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? Getting back to CO8DM's original question about a preamp to use with a flag. If the receiver noise level pops up and then drops when a receive antenna is connected and then disconnected, then it’s likely that a preamp may not be needed at all. When I first played with a coaxial loop, a preamp was necessary. Since going to a full size flag, I find that I seldom even bother turning on a external preamp. I do have a relatively short coax run of about 75 ft from the flag to the receiver. I’d try the flag first without building/buying a preamp and see how it plays. Steve WB6RSE _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
Thanks Tony, I am using an old Yaesu, FT747...it is only one antenna connector on that radio, so, i have to do a circuit for switching RX and TX antennas and also a preamplifier for the flag antenna...right??? 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla - Original Message - From: N2TK, Tony tony@verizon.net To: 'Douglas Ruz (CO8DM)' co...@frcuba.co.cu Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:27 AM Subject: RE: Topband: RX antenna ??? Hi Douglas, I use Flag and Pennant antennas. The most room OI have for a beverage is 300'. The Flag and Pennants were always better. Tried Ewe's, but they are ground dependent. 1000 ohm should be close enough. If the receive antenna is close to the transmit antenna you may need to have a signal limiter on the receive input. Or maybe a fast acting relay to ground the receive antenna when transmitting. GL N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:14 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: RX antenna ??? Hi, I will install a vertical antenna for TX on 160, 80 and 40m. I want build a Receiving antenna for those Low Bands. I live in a city lot, so, i can not install beverages...i have been reading in the Low Band Dxing about Receiving Loops and i like the Rectangular loop developed by EA3VY and K6SE. Anyway, i would like hear your ideas. The Termination Resistor is 950 ohms in the design but i have 1000 carbon resistor...any idea?? Thanks, 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
I have 2 more questions: About the resistor: what kind of material???...carbon, right? and what power will disipate the resistor ? The 2nd questions is about the transformer: i have some binocular and toroids but small ones, BN-43-202 and FT50-43...maybe adding few FT50-43 can BUILD some kind of larger binocular...any idea? Thanks, 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla - Original Message - From: Tim Shoppa To: Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:46 AM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? Any sort of loop you can put in, will be a superior receiving antenna to using your transmitting antenna. Most of the simple loops have a terminating resistor that is 400 to 1200 ohms depending on details. I use a K9AY loop. Different loops have different mounting and termination needs. Difference between 1000 ohms and 950 ohms for terminating resistor, is pretty inconsequential. Tim N3QE On Thu, Aug 27, 2015 at 10:13 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: Hi, I will install a vertical antenna for TX on 160, 80 and 40m. I want build a Receiving antenna for those Low Bands. I live in a city lot, so, i can not install beverages...i have been reading in the Low Band Dxing about Receiving Loops and i like the Rectangular loop developed by EA3VY and K6SE. Anyway, i would like hear your ideas. The Termination Resistor is 950 ohms in the design but i have 1000 carbon resistor...any idea?? Thanks, 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
You are correct. Tony -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:32 AM To: N2TK, Tony tony@verizon.net Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna ??? Thanks Tony, I am using an old Yaesu, FT747...it is only one antenna connector on that radio, so, i have to do a circuit for switching RX and TX antennas and also a preamplifier for the flag antenna...right??? 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla - Original Message - From: N2TK, Tony tony@verizon.net To: 'Douglas Ruz (CO8DM)' co...@frcuba.co.cu Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:27 AM Subject: RE: Topband: RX antenna ??? Hi Douglas, I use Flag and Pennant antennas. The most room OI have for a beverage is 300'. The Flag and Pennants were always better. Tried Ewe's, but they are ground dependent. 1000 ohm should be close enough. If the receive antenna is close to the transmit antenna you may need to have a signal limiter on the receive input. Or maybe a fast acting relay to ground the receive antenna when transmitting. GL N2TK, Tony -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) Sent: Thursday, August 27, 2015 10:14 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: RX antenna ??? Hi, I will install a vertical antenna for TX on 160, 80 and 40m. I want build a Receiving antenna for those Low Bands. I live in a city lot, so, i can not install beverages...i have been reading in the Low Band Dxing about Receiving Loops and i like the Rectangular loop developed by EA3VY and K6SE. Anyway, i would like hear your ideas. The Termination Resistor is 950 ohms in the design but i have 1000 carbon resistor...any idea?? Thanks, 73Douglas, CO8DM No creo que haya alguna emoción más intensa para un inventor que ver alguna de sus creaciones funcionando. Esa emoción hace que uno se olvide de comer, de dormir, de todo. - Nikola Tesla _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna ???
www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html#Terminating_Resistors 73, Mike www.w0btu.com On Thu, Aug 27, 2015 at 11:37 AM, Douglas Ruz (CO8DM) co...@frcuba.co.cu wrote: About the resistor: what kind of material???...carbon, right? and what power will disipate the resistor ? _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: RX antenna pattern
BOG antennas are difficult to model. Programs do not like wires on/under ground.. It is possible to find actual BOG, and Beverage patterns at ground level. Feed a few watts of RF signal into the BOG/Beverage antenna. Use a portable SW receiver with S meter to walk around the antenna to take measurements and plot. Hope you have friendly neighbors ! 73 Bruce-K1FZ www.qsl.net/k1fz/bogantennanotes/index.html www.qsl.net/k1fz/beverage_antenna.html _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna
For my system here, I have a multicoupler board already laid out that can be used for any number of antenna systems into four receivers. Because these are proto boards, they are a little pricey. They are a low quantity board. Each antenna channel has about 6 dB loss from in to out for any receiver, so you would have to consider that. The advantages are it is passive magic T's, so it generates no measureable IMD. You can bridge all four receivers to one antenna, or to any antenna, independently. You never notice another receiver coming on line with existing receivers. It can also be built out to bridge more than 4 receivers to any number of antennas. In my system I amplify and equalize levels on all antennas, so I have TX antenna attenuated plus any number of RX antennas available. I have seven RX antenna ports in right now plus TX antenna. The three large Europe RX antennas are on dedicated ports, and the other four systems switch directions with a small control box. It picks any of these antennas: http://www.w8ji.com/images/W8JI%20site/w8jiantennas1S.jpg 73 Tom - Original Message - From: Jeff AC0C keepwalking...@ac0c.com To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com; Art Snapper a...@nk8x.net Cc: 160 topband@contesting.com Sent: Monday, April 20, 2015 11:58 PM Subject: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna Art,s question has got me thinking about how the big multi-multi handle a bunch of receiving antennas routed to a bunch of stations? Here I'm looking at up to 8 rx antennas fed to 4 stations. But the more you dig into this, the more complicated it can get. A crossbar-sort of switching arrangement would do the signal routing - but it would not provide any rig to rig isolation and would not maintain a constant Z (important if the rx amp is a norton type). 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2014.0.4800 / Virus Database: 4311/9585 - Release Date: 04/20/15 _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna
Art,s question has got me thinking about how the big multi-multi handle a bunch of receiving antennas routed to a bunch of stations? Here I'm looking at up to 8 rx antennas fed to 4 stations. But the more you dig into this, the more complicated it can get. A crossbar-sort of switching arrangement would do the signal routing - but it would not provide any rig to rig isolation and would not maintain a constant Z (important if the rx amp is a norton type). 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna
Thank you Frank. 1000' - wow. What is the topology of the fanout (single antenna to 6 op positions); do you hang a MC splitter or similar off the back of the K8ZOA preamps? I have looked at the K9AY So2r switch (forget what it's called - it has 2 keypads) but wonder what is inside the box. That had 8x2. Is that what you are using there (6 sets of the 8x2 switch?) - or did he cook you up something custom? 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie -Original Message- From: donov...@starpower.net Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 12:13 AM To: 160 Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna Hi Jeff, Here's how we handle receive antenna switching at W3LPL: Six monoband receiving arrays are located 1000 feet southeast of the transmit antennas. Each monoband receive array feeds a W3LPL bandpass filter and a Clifton Labs Norton Preamplifier in the shack except for 10 meters which uses a Clifton Labs Norton preamp at the center of the 10 meter 4-square array. 160M 8-circle using W8JI 25 foot umbrella verticals 80M 8-circle using W8JI 25 foot umbrella verticals 40M 8-circle using W8JI 14 foot umbrella verticals 20M 4-square using 16 foot verticals 15M 4-square using 11 foot verticals 10M 4-square using 8 foot verticals Three 580 foot Beverages (NE, S, W) are located 1000 feet from the transmit antennas. Each Beverage feeds 160, 80 and 40 meter W3LPL bandpass filters which then feeds three ARR preamps in the shack. Two transceivers are used on each band, mostly Elecraft K-3s and Yaesu FTdx5000s. K9AY receive antenna switches are used with the 160, 80 and 40 meter transceivers to allow all six operators to select one or more receive antennas completely independent of all other operators. The transmit antennas also feed the inputs to the K9AY switches. The only restriction is that the monoband vertical receiving arrays can point in only a single direction on each band, but the Beverages provide the capability for the two operators on each band to receive in different directions. 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: Jeff AC0C keepwalking...@ac0c.com To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com, Art Snapper a...@nk8x.net Cc: 160 topband@contesting.com Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 3:58:45 AM Subject: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna Art,s question has got me thinking about how the big multi-multi handle a bunch of receiving antennas routed to a bunch of stations? Here I'm looking at up to 8 rx antennas fed to 4 stations. But the more you dig into this, the more complicated it can get. A crossbar-sort of switching arrangement would do the signal routing - but it would not provide any rig to rig isolation and would not maintain a constant Z (important if the rx amp is a norton type). 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna
Hi Jeff, Here's how we handle receive antenna switching at W3LPL: Six monoband receiving arrays are located 1000 feet southeast of the transmit antennas. Each monoband receive array feeds a W3LPL bandpass filter and a Clifton Labs Norton Preamplifier in the shack except for 10 meters which uses a Clifton Labs Norton preamp at the center of the 10 meter 4-square array. 160M 8-circle using W8JI 25 foot umbrella verticals 80M 8-circle using W8JI 25 foot umbrella verticals 40M 8-circle using W8JI 14 foot umbrella verticals 20M 4-square using 16 foot verticals 15M 4-square using 11 foot verticals 10M 4-square using 8 foot verticals Three 580 foot Beverages (NE, S, W) are located 1000 feet from the transmit antennas. Each Beverage feeds 160, 80 and 40 meter W3LPL bandpass filters which then feeds three ARR preamps in the shack. Two transceivers are used on each band, mostly Elecraft K-3s and Yaesu FTdx5000s. K9AY receive antenna switches are used with the 160, 80 and 40 meter transceivers to allow all six operators to select one or more receive antennas completely independent of all other operators. The transmit antennas also feed the inputs to the K9AY switches. The only restriction is that the monoband vertical receiving arrays can point in only a single direction on each band, but the Beverages provide the capability for the two operators on each band to receive in different directions. 73 Frank W3LPL - Original Message - From: Jeff AC0C keepwalking...@ac0c.com To: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com, Art Snapper a...@nk8x.net Cc: 160 topband@contesting.com Sent: Tuesday, April 21, 2015 3:58:45 AM Subject: Topband: RX antenna switching - multi-rig, multi antenna Art,s question has got me thinking about how the big multi-multi handle a bunch of receiving antennas routed to a bunch of stations? Here I'm looking at up to 8 rx antennas fed to 4 stations. But the more you dig into this, the more complicated it can get. A crossbar-sort of switching arrangement would do the signal routing - but it would not provide any rig to rig isolation and would not maintain a constant Z (important if the rx amp is a norton type). 73/jeff/ac0c www.ac0c.com alpha-charlie-zero-charlie _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Topband: RX Antenna Switch
I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX Antenna Switch
I would not care if it was a business advertising. No need to apologize. If I didn't want to read it, I would use my Delete key. Doug I wasn't born in Saskatchewan, but I got here as soon as I could. -Original Message- I recently delivered several RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switch units to customers and made some extras -- I have three units boxed and ready to ship. Two with UHF connectors, the other with F connectors. E-mail me at: gary(at)aytechnologies(dot)com And I am getting ready to make more of my past products and a few new ones. I've been making a few all along by request, but not advertising. Not ready with everything right now, but keep an eye on my web site www.aytechnologies.com I know this is a commercial message, but my 'manufacturing' isn't much of a business -- it's tiny, specialized, and I do it mostly for fun! 73, Gary K9AY --- This email is free from viruses and malware because avast! Antivirus protection is active. http://www.avast.com _ Topband Reflector Archives - http://www.contesting.com/_topband
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding
I have used plastic coffee stirrers from the fast food joints; they start out smaller and they cost the same... ;-) 73, geo - n4ua On Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 11:48 AM, n0...@juno.com wrote: From recent postings: I started using Teflon sleeves in windings because I ran out of small Teflon wire wrap wire I was using. Without Teflon on the wires, and with normal mag wire, the enamel was easily scratched. Not only that, lightning would punch through from enamel to core, or from wire to wire. ** Telon is easily nicked, the type of wire used in modern vehicles is very robust but with the sleeves plain ole magnet wire works well and allows even smaller winding bundles. RE: binocular cores and sleeving I didn't have the right size of Teflon sleeves in my junque drawer, so I cut appropriate lengths of used soda straws from McD's, slit them lengthwise, then cut off the excess (lengthwise). Then I curled the cut straw sections and pushed them through the cores. The result is a near perfect fit with a slight overlap at the lengthwise cuts. The overlaps can be oriented toward the outside of the core so the wire won't have a tendancy to open up the overlap. 73, Charlie, N0TT _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding
I've been using Radio Shack 30 AWG insulated wire (wire wrap wire) to wind my binocular cores for RX antennas. It comes in 50 foot spools, and you can buy it in Blue, Red, or White. This insulated wire has made winding of my binocular cores a real pleasure. No more worries about scratching the enamel coating on the magnet wire that used to drive me nuts, and no more messing around removing the enamel coating on the ends (I just use normal cheap wire strippers to remove the insulation on the ends of the wires for connection purposes). Have never had problems using this wire without the use of plastic/teflon sleeves (but I was also not attempting to keep the primary and secondary turns separate (using sleeves) for purposes of reduced capacitance between the windings in my applications) Here are the Radio Shack part numbers for the wire I use : Red : 278-501 White : 278-502 Blue : 278-503 Cost is $5.49 per spool. 73, Don On Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 12:46 PM, George Dubovsky n4ua...@gmail.com wrote: I have used plastic coffee stirrers from the fast food joints; they start out smaller and they cost the same... ;-) 73, geo - n4ua On Wed, Aug 21, 2013 at 11:48 AM, n0...@juno.com wrote: From recent postings: I started using Teflon sleeves in windings because I ran out of small Teflon wire wrap wire I was using. Without Teflon on the wires, and with normal mag wire, the enamel was easily scratched. Not only that, lightning would punch through from enamel to core, or from wire to wire. ** Telon is easily nicked, the type of wire used in modern vehicles is very robust but with the sleeves plain ole magnet wire works well and allows even smaller winding bundles. RE: binocular cores and sleeving I didn't have the right size of Teflon sleeves in my junque drawer, so I cut appropriate lengths of used soda straws from McD's, slit them lengthwise, then cut off the excess (lengthwise). Then I curled the cut straw sections and pushed them through the cores. The result is a near perfect fit with a slight overlap at the lengthwise cuts. The overlaps can be oriented toward the outside of the core so the wire won't have a tendancy to open up the overlap. 73, Charlie, N0TT _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding
I've also had very good results using wire-wrap wire for winding small RF transformers. Pretty easy to work with - and it's rugged. Charlie, K4OTV -Original Message- From: Topband [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of mstang...@comcast.net Sent: Wednesday, August 21, 2013 2:01 PM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding I use wire wrap wire when winding small cores. The Kynar insulation is tough and resists nicking. http://www.jameco.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/StoreCatalogDrillDownView?l angId=-1storeId=10001catalogId=10001search_type=jamecoallfreeText=wire+w rap+wire OT: Wire wrapping was very popular in the 60's and the 70's before the advent of multilayer printed circuit boards. It was very reliable. The backplane of the Apollo Guidance Compluter was connected via wire wrap. You can see an example at the Infor Age Museum in Wall, NJ. http://w2dtc.com/2011-0522-infoage/2011-0522-0061.jpg Mike N2MS _ Topband Reflector _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistance transformation issues)
I had additional offline conversations with Rick (N6RK), and Carl (KM1H), and below is my official response to my original post about RX antenna transformer windings and complex impedance measured on the primary side of the transformer depending on how they are wound. Rick N6RK said The way out of this dilemma is to use a smaller toroid core than the 1.14 inch diameter core you currently have. But I saw the complex impedance phenomena even with smaller diameter cores (using different grade of material), and here is my actual FT 50-43 data as an example. FT50-43 measured data as follows (windings on opposite side of the core from each other) : Pri = 5 T, Sec = 20 T, 1K load resistor R= 42, X = 25, 1.8 Mhz, Capacitance = 5 pf R= 51, X = 24, 3.5 Mhz R= 57, X = 32, 7 Mhz When I used two FT50-43 cores configured to make a binocular core, I obtained the following results : Pri = 3 T, Sec = 12 T, 1K load resistor R= 38, X = 21, 1.8 Mhz R= 50, X = 1, 3.5 Mhz R= 52, X = 0, 7 Mhz Rick also said : the small amount of leakage inductance you are seeing even with the large core with separated windings is nothing to worry about. I agree with this unless you are trying to phase RX antennas, and then the complex impedance becomes a critical factor to deal with, and that's why I feel it's important to understand (know) that this phenomena exists. Rick also said : I would rather tolerate that and get the benefit of the reduced capacitance from winding to winding. Appears everyone agrees that a very low capacitance between windings (between primary and secondary winding) is near (if not at the very the top) of the list of desired properties of the RX antenna transformer. This is also supported by statements in the ON4UN Low-Band DXing book. Carl (KM1H) goes to great lengths to reduce the capacitance between windings on the binocular cores that he uses on his RX antennas per his following statement : Teflon tubes for each winding and that brought the C way down by compressing each winding in the smallest tube that I could get the wires thru and then forcing a toothpick thru to force the most separation. Thanks to Rick and Carl for the technical discussions we had. 73, Don Kirk (wd8dsb) _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistancetransformation issues)
Unless you have a system with pretty high common mode impedances, winding spacing means nothing. ** Contrary to what you have stated elsewhere Where? Please quote it in enough context to see the meaning. I'll certainly clairfy it or correct it if possible, because I don't want to mislead anyone. _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistance transformation issues)
On 8/20/2013 1:00 PM, Tom W8JI wrote: By squeezing or spreading turns to change mutual coupling between turns, a T157-2 core can have almost 2:1 impedance shift! That tells us it has considerable flux leakage. So-called self-shielding and it's inverse, leakage flux, also depend on permeability, which in turn depends on the material and the frequency of interest. Fair-Rite data sheets for their materials clearly show the variation of permeability with frequency. And when we squeeze or spread turns we are also changing stray C of the winding. 73, Jim K9YC _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistancetransformation issues)
- Original Message - From: Tom W8JI w...@w8ji.com To: topband topband@contesting.com Sent: Tuesday, August 20, 2013 4:00 PM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistancetransformation issues) SNIP Unless you have a system with pretty high common mode impedances, winding spacing means nothing. ** Contrary to what you have stated elsewhere The primary reason I (and DXE) isolate windings with Teflon tubes is to reduce lighting damage, and to greatly reduce assembly damage. If the system has pretty high common mode impedances there might be some small advantage in pushing windings apart, but the primary-secondary capacitance is never going to be important in Beverages or other low or modest common mode impedance antennas. Balancing a small loop might be an issue. ** Common mode is an overworked response for perceived ailments. I took your low capacitance suggestions a step further after carefully measuring C and frequency response for maintaining high directivity and F/B. Many Topband operators use their Beverages above 2 MHz. I started using Teflon sleeves in windings because I ran out of small Teflon wire wrap wire I was using. Without Teflon on the wires, and with normal mag wire, the enamel was easily scratched. Not only that, lightning would punch through from enamel to core, or from wire to wire. ** Telon is easily nicked, the type of wire used in modern vehicles is very robust but with the sleeves plain ole magnet wire works well and allows even smaller winding bundles. Since I was more interested in performance rather than production problems I took the time to evaluate a large number of variations. Carl KM1H _ Topband Reflector
Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistance transformation issues)
Digging back through the archives I found lots of discussion about the best transformer to use with flags, pennants and beverages. The discussions included material type, and style (toroid vs. binocular), but I found no mention about problems regarding the use of conventional toroid cores in which a pure resistive load on the secondary appears to be a complex impedance (resistance and inductance) on the primary side of the transformer when having the primary turns on one side of the core and the secondary turns on the opposite side of the core (which appears to be the recommended method of winding if using toroid cores for this purpose). I then noticed that the only recommended transformer configuration I measured that would provide a pure resistance on the primary when having a pure resistive load on the secondary was the transformer constructed with a binocular core as recommended by W8JI and others, and creating a binocular core using two side by side toroid cores also worked fine in my testing. I then decided to try spreading my secondary winding (20 turns) on the toroid core over approximately 330 degrees of the toroid core (FT 114-77), and then overlay my primary winding (5 turns) on top of the secondary and again spread it over the 330 degrees of the toroid core. Doing this fixed my transformation problem (now my primary was just resistive when the secondary had a pure resistive load. Here is some data to help explain the issue (the R and X values is the impedance measured on the primary side of the transformer with the 1 K resistance connected to the secondary of the transformer). FT114-77, Pri = 5 T, Sec = 20 T, primary and secondary separated (opposite sides of the core), 1K resistive load on secondary. R = 57 ohms, X = 18 ohms, Freq = 1.8 Mhz R = 58 ohms, X = 34 ohms, Freq = 3.5 Mhz FT114-77, Pri = 5 T, Sec = 20 T, primary and secondary over lay (using 330 degrees of the core), 1K resistive load on secondary. R = 56 ohms, X = 0 ohms, Freq = 1.8 Mhz, insertion loss = -0.54 dB R = 53 ohms, X = 0 ohms, Freq = 3.5 Mhz Note : measured capacitance primary to secondary = 5 pf, capacitance not measured at RF BN-73-202, Pri = 3 T, Sec = 12 T, 1K resistive load on secondary. R = 59 ohms, X = 0 ohms, Freq = 1.8 Mhz, insertion loss = -0.30 dB R = 57 ohms, X = 0 ohms, Freq = 3.5 Mhz Note : measured capacitance primary to secondary = 9 pf, capacitance not measured at RF Has anyone else stumbled upon the above phenomena, and am curious why there has been no mention of it before (or if there has been it's very hard to find)? I'm very happy with the performance of my binocular core transformers, but I'm technically inquisitive. 73, Don Kirk (wd8dsb) _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX antenna transformer winding (pure resistance transformation issues)
On 8/16/2013 8:06 AM, Don Kirk wrote: discussions included material type, and style (toroid vs. binocular), but I found no mention about problems regarding the use of conventional toroid cores in which a pure resistive load on the secondary appears to be a complex impedance (resistance and inductance) on the primary side of the The way out of this dilemma is to use a smaller toroid core than the 1.14 inch diameter core you currently have. This is a RECEIVING antenna after all. What you are seeing is leakage inductance. The leakage inductance should scale linearly with core diameter. The capacitance should also scale. Having said that, the small amount of leakage inductance you are seeing even with the large core with separated windings is nothing to worry about. I would rather tolerate that and get the benefit of the reduced capacitance from winding to winding. Rick N6RK _ Topband Reflector
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
Hi everyone, Well it looks like Jesus EC1KR was right, the conditions were very strange and I couldnt hear the pile up calling me but I could hear USA just fine. Anyhow, good thing that the antennas are still working good. 73's and cu everyone in ARRL DX SSB as CR6K CT1ILT Filipe Lopes Citando Jesus EC1KR jesusec...@terra.es: Hi all. Filipe we had the same problem during last CQ 160M SSB in our Team ED1R located in central Spain, when many EU stations calling us and we not listen clear his signals. A friend out of the Contest in EA4 informed us that he listen on Internet from a SDR in HB9 who many stations calling us and from each 3 or 4 stations that calling us we only copy 1, and with many problems, and always saying few times Again, Again, Again :-( We used a Vertical T Inv. with 100 radials and RX Beverages Antenas EU, NA, OC and SA from 180m aprox. Each one. Is very strange because we copy very clear many NA stations and they not copy us, we calling big times to many stations in NA and we worked only 30 or 35 stations aprox. They was working NA-NA only and not listen EU callings. For other part in EU beverages the noisy was very strong, constant and a big problem to listen LP/QRP stations in EU. We have very near a electric tower in EU beverage direction probably was the problem, but in other contest we havent this problem, and we think also that our problem is that our beverages are very short (only 180m aprox.) and we need to have 300m aprox. Or the 3º option is that we had very poor conditions in EA1-EA4/CT during last CQ 160M SSB. 73 to all and see you During next contest. 73 de Jesus EC1KR (ED1R) Blog. www.ec1kr.com -Mensaje original- De: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de ct1...@sapo.pt Enviado el: lunes, 27 de febrero de 2012 15:41 Para: topband@contesting.com Asunto: Topband: RX Antenna advice Hi everyone, This past weekend I made a few CQs on 160m in the CQ 160 Contest and while talking to my friend Braco E77DX he told me that I was not hearing well, I had huge pile up coming from Europe but I could not hear a single soul calling. I tried all the antennas available (110m beverage to 10º, 130m beverage to 45º/225º not terminated) and even with the TX antennas (T Vertical and Dipole) I could not hear anyone, the maximum signal I got was with the W6 Beverage (170m). I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? West Beverage work very well but the terrain is either sloping to USA or flat. My question is weather should I give a try on another type of RX antenna just for Europe / ASIA? G3XGC Coaxial Loop ? pennant? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Filipe Lopes CT1ILT aka CR6K ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
Beverage antenna running up the mountain to intended direction does not inspire confidence for some number of reasons. What kind of soil is underneath it? Pennant, K9AY, or an array of same, something that rejects back and side, and hears high angle well would seem better suited. Maybe Waller Flag? 73, Guy. On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 9:41 AM, ct1...@sapo.pt wrote: Hi everyone, This past weekend I made a few CQs on 160m in the CQ 160 Contest and while talking to my friend Braco E77DX he told me that I was not hearing well, I had huge pile up coming from Europe but I could not hear a single soul calling. I tried all the antennas available (110m beverage to 10º, 130m beverage to 45º/225º not terminated) and even with the TX antennas (T Vertical and Dipole) I could not hear anyone, the maximum signal I got was with the W6 Beverage (170m). I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? West Beverage work very well but the terrain is either sloping to USA or flat. My question is weather should I give a try on another type of RX antenna just for Europe / ASIA? G3XGC Coaxial Loop ? pennant? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Filipe Lopes CT1ILT aka CR6K ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
Hi Guy, thanks for answer, the soil is pretty bad. Very dry, rocky soil. Filipe Citando Guy Olinger K2AV olin...@bellsouth.net: Beverage antenna running up the mountain to intended direction does not inspire confidence for some number of reasons. What kind of soil is underneath it? Pennant, K9AY, or an array of same, something that rejects back and side, and hears high angle well would seem better suited. Maybe Waller Flag? 73, Guy. On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 9:41 AM, ct1...@sapo.pt wrote: Hi everyone, This past weekend I made a few CQs on 160m in the CQ 160 Contest and while talking to my friend Braco E77DX he told me that I was not hearing well, I had huge pile up coming from Europe but I could not hear a single soul calling. I tried all the antennas available (110m beverage to 10º, 130m beverage to 45º/225º not terminated) and even with the TX antennas (T Vertical and Dipole) I could not hear anyone, the maximum signal I got was with the W6 Beverage (170m). I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? West Beverage work very well but the terrain is either sloping to USA or flat. My question is weather should I give a try on another type of RX antenna just for Europe / ASIA? G3XGC Coaxial Loop ? pennant? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Filipe Lopes CT1ILT aka CR6K ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
Is this a new Beverage antenna, and can you tell us more about it? How are you feeding and grounding it? How steep is the mountain? I've heard of some Beverages running up and/or down some pretty steep slopes that still work fine. 73, Mike www.w0btu.com/Beverage_antennas.html On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 8:41 AM, ct1...@sapo.pt wrote: I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
Hi all. Filipe we had the same problem during last CQ 160M SSB in our Team ED1R located in central Spain, when many EU stations calling us and we not listen clear his signals. A friend out of the Contest in EA4 informed us that he listen on Internet from a SDR in HB9 who many stations calling us and from each 3 or 4 stations that calling us we only copy 1, and with many problems, and always saying few times Again, Again, Again :-( We used a Vertical T Inv. with 100 radials and RX Beverages Antenas EU, NA, OC and SA from 180m aprox. Each one. Is very strange because we copy very clear many NA stations and they not copy us, we calling big times to many stations in NA and we worked only 30 or 35 stations aprox. They was working NA-NA only and not listen EU callings. For other part in EU beverages the noisy was very strong, constant and a big problem to listen LP/QRP stations in EU. We have very near a electric tower in EU beverage direction probably was the problem, but in other contest we havent this problem, and we think also that our problem is that our beverages are very short (only 180m aprox.) and we need to have 300m aprox. Or the 3º option is that we had very poor conditions in EA1-EA4/CT during last CQ 160M SSB. 73 to all and see you During next contest. 73 de Jesus EC1KR (ED1R) Blog. www.ec1kr.com -Mensaje original- De: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] En nombre de ct1...@sapo.pt Enviado el: lunes, 27 de febrero de 2012 15:41 Para: topband@contesting.com Asunto: Topband: RX Antenna advice Hi everyone, This past weekend I made a few CQs on 160m in the CQ 160 Contest and while talking to my friend Braco E77DX he told me that I was not hearing well, I had huge pile up coming from Europe but I could not hear a single soul calling. I tried all the antennas available (110m beverage to 10º, 130m beverage to 45º/225º not terminated) and even with the TX antennas (T Vertical and Dipole) I could not hear anyone, the maximum signal I got was with the W6 Beverage (170m). I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? West Beverage work very well but the terrain is either sloping to USA or flat. My question is weather should I give a try on another type of RX antenna just for Europe / ASIA? G3XGC Coaxial Loop ? pennant? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Filipe Lopes CT1ILT aka CR6K ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice
I use a 450 ft terminated beverage that follows the terrain and slopes downhill by about 50 ft. Seems to work well, but I have nothing to compare it too. 73 Gregg W6IZT -Original Message- From: topband-boun...@contesting.com [mailto:topband-boun...@contesting.com] On Behalf Of Guy Olinger K2AV Sent: Monday, February 27, 2012 11:35 AM To: ct1...@sapo.pt Cc: topband@contesting.com Subject: Re: Topband: RX Antenna advice Beverage antenna running up the mountain to intended direction does not inspire confidence for some number of reasons. What kind of soil is underneath it? Pennant, K9AY, or an array of same, something that rejects back and side, and hears high angle well would seem better suited. Maybe Waller Flag? 73, Guy. On Mon, Feb 27, 2012 at 9:41 AM, ct1...@sapo.pt wrote: Hi everyone, This past weekend I made a few CQs on 160m in the CQ 160 Contest and while talking to my friend Braco E77DX he told me that I was not hearing well, I had huge pile up coming from Europe but I could not hear a single soul calling. I tried all the antennas available (110m beverage to 10º, 130m beverage to 45º/225º not terminated) and even with the TX antennas (T Vertical and Dipole) I could not hear anyone, the maximum signal I got was with the W6 Beverage (170m). I conclude that somehow my RX antennas are not working properly towards Europe, could it be that the beverages to europe doesnt work well running up the mountain? West Beverage work very well but the terrain is either sloping to USA or flat. My question is weather should I give a try on another type of RX antenna just for Europe / ASIA? G3XGC Coaxial Loop ? pennant? Any advice would be welcome. Thanks Filipe Lopes CT1ILT aka CR6K ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Ive found that it is sometimes beneficial to be able select more than one Beverage at a time especially in a contest or during fluctuating skewed path conditions. Carl KM1H - Original Message - From: Joe Subich, W4TV li...@subich.com To: Dave G4GED radiodave.g4...@tiscali.co.uk; [Topband] topband@contesting.com Sent: Friday, December 30, 2011 4:00 PM Subject: Re: Topband: RX antenna switch Interlocked switches should not be necessary for receive applications. If by interlocked you're looking for a way to deselect one antenna when selecting the next, check K1TTT's web site. Dave had a push button controller that would release previously selected antennas when making a new selection. I haven't looked for it recently so you may need to do some digging. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/30/2011 3:27 PM, Dave G4GED wrote: - Original Message - From: Brian Moranbria...@yahoo.com Here's one that works for TX Rx. http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With lockout, etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. I have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. - Brian N9ADG Thanks Brian for the submission which I'm sure admirably suits selection of TX/RX antennas perhaps for selection of different bands etc. If I've read it correctly, the antennas are selected by rotary switches. The primary need for selection of RX antennas on TopBand is to be able to switch from any one to any other instantly without the tedium and confusion of having to spin a rotary switch back and forth whilst trying to find best copy out of an extreemly weak signal down in the noise. A matrix of quiet interlocked push button switches would be ideal, which require just one push to instantly change from any one antenna to any other. Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by these days which is why I'm thinking of a relay based solution. There's undoubtably software solutions available to do this but I'm afraid that's out of my league, unless someone here can pull a design out ready made for DIY! Cheers Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 10.0.1416 / Virus Database: 2109/4113 - Release Date: 12/30/11 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
On Fri, 2011-12-30 at 15:15 +, Dave G4GED wrote: - Original Message - Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not available. Dave Anderson, K4SV -- That's a pity, I was just about to order one! I haven't a clue of the methods of interlock switching the RAS8x2 uses but as it looks like we're going to have to make our own and my need to keep to simple click-clunk technology. I believe that using relays with a spare contact in such a cicuit that disables any other relay once operated, would do the job? Before I set about reinventing the wheel, does anyone have the knowledge or a basic circuit diagram for this sort of relay interlocking please? Tnx Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK Please reply with directions to Dave's query on the list or.. include me if the reply is off-list. I am facing some of the same issues. Maybe I could sort it out for myself but why reinvent the wheel? 73, Bill KU8H ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Topbanders, Re: the recent discussion of antenna switches and the AY Technologies RAS-8x2 -- yes, production has been suspended while I work on my real job which now involves starting a new company (www.rfti.com for those who might be interested). I have only today started a conversation with a ham supplier who might continue the RAS-8x2 and perhaps other products I haven't made for a while. Even if that works out, there will be startup time -- hopefully, I can set aside time in February to work on a final batch of RAS units. No promises, but I'll try... Final note -- I have been providing repair services for the AYL-4 K9AY Loop systems made prior to Array Solutions taking over its manufacture. I will do the same for RAS-8x2 units already in the field. 73 and Happy New Year to all! Gary K9AY ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Interlocked switches should not be necessary for receive applications. If by interlocked you're looking for a way to deselect one antenna when selecting the next, check K1TTT's web site. Dave had a push button controller that would release previously selected antennas when making a new selection. I haven't looked for it recently so you may need to do some digging. 73, ... Joe, W4TV On 12/30/2011 3:27 PM, Dave G4GED wrote: - Original Message - From: Brian Moranbria...@yahoo.com Here's one that works for TX Rx. http://www.qsl.net/k5lxp/projects/CoaxSwitch/CoaxSwitch.html With lockout, etc. A homebrew version of the '6 pack' kind of box from array solutions. I have the Array Solutions one, and it works great. - Brian N9ADG Thanks Brian for the submission which I'm sure admirably suits selection of TX/RX antennas perhaps for selection of different bands etc. If I've read it correctly, the antennas are selected by rotary switches. The primary need for selection of RX antennas on TopBand is to be able to switch from any one to any other instantly without the tedium and confusion of having to spin a rotary switch back and forth whilst trying to find best copy out of an extreemly weak signal down in the noise. A matrix of quiet interlocked push button switches would be ideal, which require just one push to instantly change from any one antenna to any other. Unfortunately, they're not easy to come by these days which is why I'm thinking of a relay based solution. There's undoubtably software solutions available to do this but I'm afraid that's out of my league, unless someone here can pull a design out ready made for DIY! Cheers Dave ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
System similar to what you mentioned regarding the gain compensation/distribution, HPF/BPFs, RX overload, PTT, and additional signal path sources and output routing (incl. looping back): http://no3m.net/index.php?page=signal-processor Has an on-board embedded MPU, but a header can be used w/ switches for manual control. 73/HNY - Eric NO3M If it were the 'ideal' thing, there'd be a box with a matrix of switches (A x B), gain blocks that could be put in/out of the circuit, BPFs that could be put in and out, 'muting' of any RX output that is connected to a transmitter that is transmitting, RX overload protection, and some general purpose inputs to select the 'configuration'. Probably a PIC to run it, with a nice GUI app to configure it. - Brian N9ADG ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
Many have suggested the K9AY switch. Unfortunately, I need more than two outputs. I have the two inputs to the K3, one to an auxiliary rx and one to a low freq converter...that's a minimum of 4. To cover possible expansion I'd like to have a 6x6, 8x6 or 8x8 matrix. I don't need any filters or preamps. 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Ditto what Frank said. I have one and give it an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. ZN On Wed, Dec 28, 2011 at 9:08 AM, donov...@starpower.net wrote: Roger, The K9AY Model RAS-8x2 Receive Antenna Switching System selects up to 8 antennas to 2 receivers. Each receiver can select one to eight antennas simultaneously. I have three of these systems in my station and they work great! http://www.aytechnologies.com 73 Frank W3LPL Original message Date: Wed, 28 Dec 2011 09:35:04 -0500 From: Roger D Johnson n...@roadrunner.com Subject: Topband: RX antenna switch To: topband@contesting.com I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK -- 73 Joel W5ZN www.w5zn.org ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
A new computer controlled RX or TX Antenna switch will be on the market in about a month. It will control up to 10 antennas or any other contact closure selection device with the click of a mouse. Users will be able to assign GUI designators to each port. Example for beverage selection the user may want to designate: NE, North East, EU, 45 or any other designator of choice... I have a prototype at my QTH and am doing field trial now. Details will be announced on Top Band and other venues. 73, Jack ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
The RAS 8x2 is the perfect solution. I have used mine for several years. I have 8 Beverage antenna directions going to two receivers in my K3, any combination of single/combined Beverage + Diversity. Just a very happy user. http://www.aytechnologies.com/Products/RAS8x2data.htm 73 Thor, TF4M On 28 December 2011 14:35, Roger D Johnson n...@roadrunner.com wrote: I'm sure that I'm like a lot of Top Banders in that I have a bunch of receiving antennas (5 at present) that I would like to switch to several different receiver type inputs. At present, I have a patch panel but am looking for something quicker and more convenient. It occurred to me that some sort of matrix switch would be ideal. A web search didn't turn up anything suitable. Any ideas out there? 73, Roger -- Remember the Liberty (AGTR-5) http://www.usslibertyveterans.org/ http://www.gtr5.com/ ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
Here I use a basic 8 port antenna selector designed to my specifications by a ham friend of mine. The circuit boards are professionally etched and are equipped with chassis mount F female connectors. The single, 8 port boards can be daisy chained for 16, 24, etc. antennas selections. At this QTH the Beverage antennas are remotely controlled via the Green Heron 2 GHz system at a distance of nearly 1/2 mile. Currently the system is comprised of 19 separate antennas, each RF split 3 ways, with each split antenna selection fed to one of three separate groups of three of the above described boards. Results are at three operating positions each op has independent, totally separate control and visual readout of the direction and labeling of any of the 19 antennas. The visual is provided by a programmable compass rose on the computer display screen. Selection is by either clicking with the mouse which provides instant, opposite direction selection for an example, or via a USB rotary switch for normal step by step selection of the antennas. I have no connection with Green Heron other than I am in love with the upgrade of control capability their system has provided for my remote Beverage farm. It is so nice to have retired the old DTMF and basic CPU type controllers and control lines. 73, and good luck de Milt, N5IA -Original Message- From: W0UCE Sent: Wednesday, December 28, 2011 8:29 AM To: topband@contesting.com Subject: Topband: RX antenna switch A new computer controlled RX or TX Antenna switch will be on the market in about a month. It will control up to 10 antennas or any other contact closure selection device with the click of a mouse. Users will be able to assign GUI designators to each port. Example for beverage selection the user may want to designate: NE, North East, EU, 45 or any other designator of choice... I have a prototype at my QTH and am doing field trial now. Details will be announced on Top Band and other venues. 73, Jack ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK - No virus found in this message. Checked by AVG - www.avg.com Version: 2012.0.1901 / Virus Database: 2109/4707 - Release Date: 12/27/11 ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX antenna switch
The K9AY RAS 8x2 is very nicebut I wish it had an on screen GUI control. There is an interesting multiple RX antenna switch marketed at 4O3A.com that does allow for an on screen control and a multitude of RX antenna choices. This make it usable for remote operations which are growing in popularity for contests. Herb Schoenbohm, KV4FZ Thorvaldur Stefansson wrote: The RAS 8x2 is the perfect solution. I have used mine for several years. I have 8 Beverage antenna directions going to two receivers in my K3, any combination of single/combined Beverage + Diversity. Just a very happy user. http://www.aytechnologies.com/Products/RAS8x2data.htm 73 Thor, TF4M ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Topband: RX antenna switch
Hi Guys, Got a note from Gary K9AY, he says no time to make the RAS8x2 switches, real work is too busy. So I suspect until Gary can make more they are not available. Dave Anderson, K4SV Tryon, NC 828 777-5088 www.K4SV.com ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: Rx antenna suggestions
Hi Gary I need to do something with my Rx antennae First thing to do is detune or neutralize your TX antenna during RX, a vacuum relay disconnecting the center of the coax maybe enough,. NX4D figured out that it was not enough for his insulated tower, it was necessary a second relay and a detuning wire coming from 18ft as W8JI suggest n his site to detune a tower. The TX antenna is resonant and it dominates any RX antenna reradiation signal and noise. The iteration is severe and you see no improvement on signal noise between the Inverted L and any RX antenna around. Regards Jose Carlos N4IS ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna
I'm right in the middle of the search for a receive antenna. I tried an MFJ-1025 noise canceler and it works quite well to null out the one dominant local noise source that comes on from time to time. But it does nothing for the other noise sources. I then tried a short loaded dipole with a good 1:1 current balun to see if the noise was vertically polarized. No improvement. I then (last week) built a 5 x 8 ft rotating terminated loop with a 9:1 balun. A Radio Shack rotator turns it. Not enough signal and so today I ordered a DX Engineering preamp. So far I'm into this receive antenna adventure to the tune of $800 and I'm determined to get something that does the job. Dave WX7G ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna
Jack: Before I had to remove them to make room for my tower in the backyard, I had three bi-directional EWE's and switching relays powered over the coax. They worked extremely well in separating sigs on Topband and even 80M. I was amazed at how well they worked. If you decide to go with relays for switching, make sure you buy sealed units. Mine were cheap ones from the Shack that worked the first year but corrosion set in and they were not that great the second year. That's when I built my tower and had to remove them to make room. However, they were very easy to install and get working. 73 de Gene Smar Ad3F - Original Message - From: W0UCE w0...@nc.rr.com To: topband@contesting.com Sent: Monday, February 21, 2011 5:56 PM Subject: Topband: RX Antenna I would appreciate hearing from folks using Pennants, Flags or EWEs for RX antennas on 160 and 80m with regard to your success with them and any recommendations you care to offer. I have no room for beverages here but plenty of natural supports for simple wire RX antennas. Thanks, Jack W0UCE ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna
I'm in the same situation: A small suburban lot, with no room for a beverage, but some trees to support pennants, flags, etc. At the moment, I'm using a pennant to separate Saudi Arabia on 1521 AM from WWKB in Buffalo on 1520. No other antenna I've tried really comes close. Noise in the house (which I can't entirely control) makes it impossible to use a small, amplified indoor loop antenna, although some MW DXers have used those successfully. The pennant feeds a DX Engineering amp, followed by a line isolator to make sure the outer braid on the co-ax isn't part of the antenna. I tried it without the line isolator, and I tried it with the DX Engineering amp in the house. Either of those arrangements degraded performance. The pennant is the standard dimensions described in the original articles. This antenna often helps on higher frequencies as well, since there's a fair amount of noise in this area. At a prior QTH, I tried the horizontal square described in QST for September 1995 (Beezley, A Receiving Antenna the Rejects Local Noise). Results were great, but my current layout doesn't lend itself to that antenna, which needs four supports and should be perfectly horizontal. --Art Delibert, KB3FJO From: w0...@nc.rr.com To: topband@contesting.com Date: Mon, 21 Feb 2011 17:56:26 -0500 Subject: Topband: RX Antenna I would appreciate hearing from folks using Pennants, Flags or EWEs for RX antennas on 160 and 80m with regard to your success with them and any recommendations you care to offer. I have no room for beverages here but plenty of natural supports for simple wire RX antennas. Thanks, Jack W0UCE ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
Re: Topband: RX Antenna
You might look at the K9AY receiving loops from Array Solutions or the 4 sq receive antennas from Dx Engineering. I have used the DXE 4 sq rcv antennas and they work very well. Mike W0MU On 2/21/2011 3:56 PM, W0UCE wrote: I would appreciate hearing from folks using Pennants, Flags or EWEs for RX antennas on 160 and 80m with regard to your success with them and any recommendations you care to offer. I have no room for beverages here but plenty of natural supports for simple wire RX antennas. Thanks, Jack W0UCE ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK ___ UR RST IS ... ... ..9 QSB QSB - hw? BK
