LF QSO's
Posted by Roger Magnuson on January 01, 2001 at 00:30:46
Thanks Lyle and Bruce,
We had nice LF QSO's with Lyle (LEK) and Bruce (BK) tonight. What a nice way to end the year on LF, and participate in straight key night. Of course the LF season is'nt over.
Looking hard for other lowfer sigs tonight.
Gud DX, es 73's Roger (RM) 189.8
PS thanks for nice QSL card Dex
Straight key night, LowFER style
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 01, 2001 at 09:25:51
Last night Roger (RM), Bruce (BK) and I exchanged New Year's greetings on CW. First LowFER QSOs of the season for me. We also chatted on 160m SSB and were joined earlier in the evening by Bryce (BRO) and Dex (NC). The old LowFER net frequency of 1983 kHz has become almost unusable in recent years because of splatter from AM operations at about 1985 kHz. Moving down to 1980 or 1981 helped quite a bit, and I would suggest that we meet there in the future. Happy New Year to all!
New Beacon TLTX
Posted by Tony Levstik on January 01, 2001 at 13:33:58
I am posting this to announce my Beacon I just put on the Air. Frequency 184.283khz xtal.
ID TLTX Mode CW 1 watt Location Sherman Texas Operator Tony Levstik
WA Strong in NH
Posted by Mike Murphy, WB2UID on January 01, 2001 at 16:36:27
First time out with homebrew rx in several years. I took my neon for a spin with my homebrew rx and active whip mag mount and logged WA this afternoon Jan 1st at 4:15 PM EST operating on 185.3 kHz. WA is using QRSS apparently. Easy S-5 (armrest)copy into speaker. My QTH is Hooksett NH. MM
Re: New Beacon TLTX
Posted by Tony Levstik on January 01, 2001 at 17:00:48
Les
Thanks for the reply.
Here is the information. I believe the Grid location is correct I had to use an online program to find it.
Location Sherman Texas Grid location EM13 Lat = 33.671 Lon = 96.604 freq. 184.283khz mode CW operation 24/7
Fwd: 13-14 January/EU->NA ?
Posted by John Davis on January 01, 2001 at 17:24:33
Subj: 13-14 January/EU->NA ?
Date: 1/1/01 2:57:28 PM Eastern Standard Time From: akestelo@bellatlantic.net (Andre' Kesteloot)
To: rsgb_lf_group@blacksheep.org (RSGB-LF), john.currie@ns.sympatico.ca (Currie VE1ZJ, John), kayser@sympatico.ca (Kayser VA3LK, Larry), PowellM@claven.fanshawec.on.ca (Powell VE3OT, Mitch), lf@amrad.org (lf, AMRAD), joe@keytothekeys.com (Novak , Joe), beacon@prodigy.net (Novak K4OVK, Joe)
CC: sford@arrl.org (Ford WB8IMY, Steve), W3KD@aol.com (Imlay W3KD, Chris), wilder@abs.net (Wilder K3DI, Dick), warmspgs@aol.com (Davis, John), Johnston.John1@worldnet.att.net (Johnston W3BE, John), bod@amrad.org (bod)
Hello Friends,
The week-end of 13-15 January 2001 is a holiday week-end in the USA and, once again this year, adventurous members of the AMRAD LF fraternity will proceed to Nags Head (North Carolina) to set up various receiving gear and listen for:
* European Amateur LF transmissions, (135-137)
* Canadian Amateur LF Transmissions, (135-137)
* LowFer US transmissions, (160-190)
* European LF Broadcasters, (150-240 kHz) and
* Aero navigation beacons Equipment, to include professional/ex-military communications receivers, laptops loaded with Spectran, large loops and e-field probes, will be set up both at Frank Gentges K0BRA's beach cottage and, weather permitting, on the beach proper (which last year yielded a slightly better noise level, and also piqued the interest of the local Constabulary).
We will try this year Franks' newly built e-field probe that appears to exhibit a fairly remarkable (+32dBm) compression point, and may thus go a long way to avoid the Loran signal interferences we experienced last year.
We have established in the past that 1800h-2400h local time (2300-0500 Zulu) is about the best time period for us to receive European Long-wave broadcast (such as France-Inter).
Hence we will be listening Saturday 13 January at 2300Z until Sunday 14 at 0500Z and again from Sunday 14 at 2300Z until Monday 15 January 0500Z.
Please let us know who will be transmitting what (QRSS ?) and on what frequencies.
Last year, the British amateurs who agreed to transmit that week end managed to coordinate their transmitting frequencies so that these would all be clustered and may be observed on only _one_ Spectran screen. Spacing of 10Hz between stations is fine. Also silent periods of 30 seconds between ID transmissions will allow us to better identify for sure whether we are seeing a real weak amateur signal, or simply hallucinating because we have been staring at those screens for too long :-)
We will have Internet access at Nags Head, and like last year, will be able to call you over the telephone if successful.
73 Andre' N4ICK
Medfer NC copied
Posted by Brian Helms-KD4RLD on January 01, 2001 at 17:34:06
I tuned in on Dex's beacon this evening and I am looking forward to seeing the ground wave coverage as well as skywave DX reports that he gets. Glad to see a local Medfer as well. Beacon was not quite as strong as his lowfer but still fairly strong.
BRO now QRSS and 12 WPM
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on January 01, 2001 at 18:29:43
Lyle was kind enough to send me the basic source code for the program he uses to add long dashes or program QRSS code into the eeproms for the VE2IQ keyer. I modified it a little and programed 2 repetitions of BRO at .4 WPM followed by 15 repetitions of BRO at 12 WPM. BRO takes 2 minutes at 0.4 WPM; this means I have 4 minutes of QRSS followed by 1 minute of normal CW. If you can see my call come across your screen twice try to listen for the next 60 seconds for 12 WPM. If you are not looking for QRSS you will need to listen for 5 minutes on my frequency to be sure to catch the normal CW. I can still do BPSK but will only put it in that mode I someone requests it.
Roger had mentioned that he and I heard TX in the middle of the day, I have a new screen trace and I also made a .wav file using crunch. I will try to get them on my website in the next day or so.
Re: Medfer NC copied
Posted by Dex W4DEX on January 01, 2001 at 19:02:45
Thanks for Medfer NC's first reception report Brian. That's earned you QSL serial number 1! Thanks also for the LF 2 way QSO. I still owe you a QSL for that one.
Dex
Dave Curry - Curry Communications
Posted by Keith Ballinger VA3QF on January 02, 2001 at 16:28:33
I am looking for Dave Curry's e-mail address. The last messages sent to him at PacBell were bounced. Can anyone - or Dave himself - help?
JDH QRSS and 12WPM CW
Posted by John Hoopes on January 02, 2001 at 17:16:59
Hi All:
Starting tonight,JDH will be sent at 12wpm for 30 iterations and .4wpm for 4 iterations. Hopefully this will provide something for everyone. This format will remain in effect until the season is over.
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
510.500 KHz Medfer "NC" Schedule
Posted by Dex W4DEX on January 02, 2001 at 17:41:32
Several LF ops have asked if I could put NC Medfer in QRSS mode for a while. Starting tonight it will be running the same schedule as Lowfer NC. QRSS from sunset to sunrise, about 5 wpm during daylight hours. I'm still running the HP L/C oscillator for the exciter and it does drift about +/- 50 hz so keep that in mind if you listen for it. I hope to get a oven based exciter running soon. Only report so far has been from RLD, a little over 6 miles away.
Dex
WGU-20 (Need Help/Info)
Posted by mrwal on January 02, 2001 at 22:49:28
Hi,
I found this site on recommendation. I was hoping that someone may help me find any audio recordings of the old U.S. Civil Defense Preparedness station WGU-20 that used to broadcast around 179khz from Maryland back in the 1970s.
If you have any info on any sound recordings (or any info in general) for WGU-20, I would appreciate hearing from you.
The station used to continuously broadcast the current time and weather information and was ready to broadcast information to the public in case of emergency.
I'm hoping someone may have or know where to find some audio tape from WGU-20.
Please post all replies hear to this forum and I'd appreciate hearing from you by email as well. My address is mrwal @ hotmail. com
Thanks!
JDH Heard in MA!
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on January 03, 2001 at 09:03:28
I logged JDH today in Holden, MA several times in an overnight screen capture blitz with Spectran. The best shot was at 6:35 AM (EST), despite a lot of local electrical noise.
The frequency appears to be 184.514 kHz. Distance is about 935 miles. The best copy was about 40 minutes before local sunrise.
I've made a bunch of earlier tries on JDH, but this was the first success.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Standard CW on LF
Posted by Petr J. Ourednik, OK1RP on January 03, 2001 at 11:39:52
Standard CW on 136kHz...is it possible? Yes of course, lets try to lisning and find me (OK1RP) and Low Frequency Club (LFC)members on the band carefuly. We made a few QSOs on 136kHz using standard CW speed aprox. 60 Paris...readable by head. Try to assembling so sensitive RXs with as high as possible filters and good performance antennas. Good luck from Czech Republic. 73, Petr OK1RP
Re: JDH Heard in MA!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 03, 2001 at 15:59:01
Congrats to both John's on this on! That is fantastic DX! I hope that you'll also try for XMGR on 184.885khz.
Wow!
510.500 KHz MedFER "NC" update
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 03, 2001 at 16:15:26
Medfer NC is now running a synthesized exciter with oven controlled reference oscillator. Nighttime QRSS operation will begin about half an hour before sunset and continue to half an hour after sunrise at EM95tg. This will allow distant receiving stations to take full advantage of gray line propagation. Lowfer NC on 177.777 KHz will operate the same schedule.
Dex, W4DEX LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz MF Beacon "NC" 510.500 KHz EM95tg
Re: JDH Heard in MA!
Posted by John Andrews on January 03, 2001 at 16:51:36
Les,
I have run a couple of overnight sessions on XM(GR)without luck. But I similarly had no luck with JDH until this morning. YES, I will be trying, probably starting tonight. In terms of distance, you are the next likely target. And I don't have to put my boots on, go out in the snow, and turn the loop!
John
Re: West coast LF
Posted by Mike KB6WFC on January 03, 2001 at 17:17:01
I concur. I can see/hear many beacons between 250 to 400+ kHz, but nothing between 160 to 190 kHz. My furthest distance PBT NDB in Red Bluff, CA from Daly City, CA using a modified K9AY loop & IC735 xcvr (no tuner in line). Some gents are starting to experiment with slowfeld on 160m (& others). If there are beacon ops that are not on continuosly, perhaps they could post their activity on a site like http://dxworld.com/ddx.html Hope to see you soon! :)
Re: WGU-20 (Need Help/Info)
Posted by Brock Whaley WH6SZ on January 03, 2001 at 20:28:04
I'm sorry but I have no audio of WGU-20. As I recall, the stations "voice" heard every minute was the same voice over talent who voiced the WWV time signals at the time. He was from Atlanta, and was used by several local pnone companies to record their time announcments. If I remember, WGU-20 ran about 48 KW on 179 Khz. It had a "short" vertical for its frequency. All solid state XMTR. Still, it was heard during the day in Florida just over the noise. A killer signal in Florida at night. I was always amazed that they carried from Maryland to Florida on daytime groundwave. There was an issue of the "Lowdown" that had a excellent story on the station just before it closed. Brock WH6SZ/4
Re: XM QRSS received in North Carolina
Posted by Lloyd on January 04, 2001 at 08:27:19
Dex,I've just started using some of these qrss programs and was wondering what were your settings in control panel for that copy..I haven't got that kinda copy yetHi!
In fact I seem to get much better copy from Spectrogram than from Spectran..
Thanks de Lloyd W3NF
Re: XM QRSS received in North Carolina
Posted by Dex on January 04, 2001 at 09:18:29
Lloyd, So far I have just used the default settings of Spectran except for the frequency. I use 2000 Hz because the receiver I use produces a tone at that frequency when it is exactly on the desired receiving frequency. Les, N1LF and Lyle, K0LR have dont a lot of expirmenting with Spectran and have posted the settings they have found to work well. I will foward to you their suggested settings.
73,
Dex
Look for QRP LF...
Posted by Pavel, OK1FPW on January 04, 2001 at 11:19:36
After my 1st QRP testing now I am ready to try to make a QSO with others. Please looking for my 1W output and LW on 136kHz. Thanks and best 73 from Pavel, OK1FPW LFC nr.006
JDH QRSS and 8WPM CW
Posted by John Hoopes on January 04, 2001 at 16:03:51
OK, OK...I know I said I was going to leave it alone but after listening to my beacon clanging away at 12WPM I decided that it was way to fast so I slowed the CW portion back down to 8WPM. Now it sounds more respectable:-) QRSS is still 3sec dots and 9sec dashes.
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
Re: Look for QRP LF...
Posted by John Hoopes on January 04, 2001 at 16:06:11
I bet Lyle will hear ya!
John
Re: Look for QRP LF...
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 04, 2001 at 18:49:44
Don't I wish! Maybe if somebody comes up here and pulls the plug on the Loran transmitter at Baudette, MN...
JDH Crunched
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on January 04, 2001 at 19:40:55
Roger(RM) and I(BRO) have noticed the signals from the south showing up here as it is getting dark. Tonight I let the computer Crunch away on JDH for about 15 to 20 minutes and then picked the best sounding portion and added it to my website. It is on the (http://cp.duluth.mn.us/~ki0le/pages/sounds.htm) page.
Just click on the JDH link. Nice signal John. Sounds even better than it looks.
73, Bryce
Re: JDH Crunched
Posted by John Hoopes on January 04, 2001 at 20:13:15
Hi Bryce:
I figured it out now. Forces of darkness have nothing to do with the great reception you and Lyle are experiencing. The temperature up there is so close to '0' Kelvin the atoms are to darn cold to make any noise! Keep up the good work Bryce and congrats on all your receptions.
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
QRP LF
Posted by Pavel, OK1FPW on January 05, 2001 at 06:49:14
Thanks guys for reply - sorry for that, but please try to use sharp 8-pole xtal bandpass filter for our 3kHz LF band. Impressive results here in Czech...73, GL DX on LF. Pavel, OK1FPW
TEXAS captured by NC
Posted by Dex W4DEX on January 05, 2001 at 10:38:14
I got up about an hour before sunrise to do some LF monitoring. A check of all know QRSS occupied frequencies showed zilch. Iceland on 189 was booming in as usual. Just before the sun came over the horizon I checked for TX on 189.090 once again. Iceland's signal was much weaker and TX was visible! A screen shot can be seen at:
http://dmcintyre.home.att.net/TX010501.jpg
My selective level meter receiver produces a 2001 hz tone when exactly on frequency. In this shot the receiver was set for 189.000 and shows the Iceland carrier close to 2001 hz. TX is 10 hz away, actually up the band not down as the shot shows. Notice how Spectran separates TX from the carrier only 1 hz away! I'm impressed!
Dex LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz QRSS MF Beacon "NC" 510.500 KHz QRSS from EM95tg
eot
Transatlantic tests on 12th Jan
Posted by Petr Maly OK1FIG on January 05, 2001 at 10:39:29
Hi all I will be trying to make a 2-way Visual-CW QSO with VE1ZZ/VE1ZJ on 12th Jan from about 2001 UTC. I already had a cross-band QSO with him, so my signal on 136 kHz was seen over the Atlantic.
Any SKED suggestions are welcome.
73 Petr OK1FIG
TEXAS copied in Kansas on 189.090 QRSS
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 06, 2001 at 00:14:45
My second Lowfer ever copied and the first copied with a computer. (Spectran software). Do you guys QSL and is there an HF Lowfer net on the air I can listen to?
XM(GR) Received in Mississippi
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 06, 2001 at 02:21:27
Got word today that XM(GR) was received in QRSS mode today in Smithville, MS about 104 air miles away. This represents a new grid square and a new state for us!
Copy of the message is reprinted below:
Your XM beacon was good copy here in Smithville, Mississippi this afternoon using my 120 foot end fed HF wire, an old version of K0LR's universal preamp I rebuilt this morning, and an IC-706 with 250 Hertz filtering.
Software was Spectran 3. My best results were using 5512.5 samples, average set to 1, 0.084 bandwidth, contrast at 110 and log on, but 8000 samples and 0.12 worked about the same. Argo showed some bursts of signal, but no real copy over several trials of the two programs. First reception was at 2014Z and the signal was solid copy about 60% of the time for at least an hour, and was still the same when I stopped monitoring.
NDB GLS daytime S/N at 206 is about 16 dB better on this receiving setup than with the active antenna I was using for the last week or two.
I don't have a map close by, but I'd guess we're about 100 miles apart. My location is 34 03.65' 88 24.300' if you want to keep track of distances.
Roger Thompson AD5T
A special thanks to Roger for all his hard work on making this reception. He'll be going after other lowfers too!
Still copying TEXAS in Kansas in the daytime!
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 06, 2001 at 12:40:21
I'm new to LF but this is incredable to be copying a 1 watt signal day and night from two states away. Is it conditions or is this normal?
Re: TEXAS copied in Kansas on 189.090 QRSS
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 06, 2001 at 18:29:30
Eric, I think you will find that most LF beacon operators will QSL and I'm sure you will get one from Bill. LF ops use to congerate on 1983 KHz primarily on Sunday evenings but activity has been slack lately. I monitor 1983 most evenings moving down to 1981 if there is AM activity just above 1983. So far this season I have heard AB4MS, K0LR, K0MVJ, AD5T, KD4RLD and maybe a few more. So give a call around these freqs whenever you get a chance.
73,
Dex
Reply to Dex
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 06, 2001 at 20:24:30
Dex, Thanks for the information and nice comments. I only have a 40/20 dipole up right now for transmitting but can still listen to 160 and will be doing so. Thanks again.
73,
Eric
Re: Still copying TEXAS in Kansas in the daytime!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 06, 2001 at 21:08:25
Eric, If your are in grid EM17hu and TX is in EM12hw as the QRZ data shows, the program I use for range and bearing, BD, puts the path at 339 miles. The TX system is about as optimum as a Lowfer beacon can get I am sure. But I think a daylight path of this distance during mid day is unuaual. TX has recently been copied in MN during the day also. My guess is that we are seeing very good LF propagation this season. The BD program also shows that you are due north of TX as is MN. Perhaps this is a factor we can get some comments on.
Have you tried loading your 20/40 meter antenna as a single wire on 160?
73,
Dex
160 Meter beacon
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 06, 2001 at 22:51:39
To: (John Reed)
CC: (Lowfer posting)Longwave Message Board)
So far the only complaint about my 1-watt beacon is that it's not enough of a challenge. I can understand that; 1 watt can go a long way on 160 at this time of year. Perhaps later this week I will run the power down to 25 or 30 milliwatts for a couple of nights to give everybody's DSP software (or ears) more of a workout.
Notes on the operation: I try to keep the beacon on the air whenever I'm in the shack, and it will usually be transmitting between 2300 and 0500 UTC. It's also on quite a bit during the daytime, but on an erratic schedule. The frequency is hanging very close to 1800.700 kHz. At present I'm using a computer for keying, and the K0LR identifier is repeated three times at 0.4 WPM followed by once at 15 WPM. Transmitter power output is about 1 watt, minus a bit for coax losses, and the efficiency of the Hy-Tower vertical antenna might be around 50 per cent.
Thanks to everyone who has submitted a reception report!
-- Lyle, K0LR
http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle John Reed wrote:
> > I was able to hear Lyle's 160 meter beacon clearly. The problem is
> there is no challenge - didn't have to use noise blankers, QRSS
> software, tapes special filters or spectrum displays. I could read the
> 15 WPM ID, no problems. Best on MW ferrite balanced loop and preamp,
> Racal RA6772E receiver (absolutly no emissions), 1 kHz IF filter. How
> about cutting the power to 100 mw or maybe 10 mw and putting a little
> power line noise in it to make me feel more at home (just kidding).
Re: 160 Meter beacon
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 06, 2001 at 23:22:50
I hate to be a party pooper but so far I haven't been able to copy Lyle's 160 beacon here in NC.
What I do hear at 20 db /S9 on this frequency is "95W153", a dirft net beacon I assume.
Dex
TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on January 07, 2001 at 07:10:19
Good morning all: At 0600 EST(1100Z) got nice pictures of TX on 189.090. Several shots at temporary Web site http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/
Signal even better one hour later at 0700.
73 Mitch VE3OT
Re: 160 Meter beacon
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 07, 2001 at 10:12:41
Duh, I had turned off the beacon to do some listening early yesterday evening and didn't realize it was still off until almost bedtime, when I turned it off for the night. Kinda cuts down on the reception opportunities. Same thing often happens with my LF beacon. Apologies to anyone who listened in vain!
What commercial/mil radio good on LF?
Posted by Dick Wilder on January 07, 2001 at 15:42:25
I am in need of the momenclature and sensitivity specifications for any off the shelf radio intended for commercial, military, or Ham use that covers both the proposed 136 kHz and 160-190 kHz bands.
(Specs with an outboard preamp are not suitable.)
The application of this info is a report to the ARRL with specifications that can be referenced to some literature. Hope to see better than -100 dBm. -K3DI
Re: What commercial/mil radio good on LF?
Posted by John Hoopes on January 07, 2001 at 16:19:45
Dick:
I own a sixties vintage military VLF/LF receiver known as the R-1401A/G manufactured by CEI. I don't have any data on the receiver but I was able to measure the sensitivity at 480kHz using a HP8640 sig gen. I could audibly detect a carrier at -138dBm with 150hZ wide IF filter. If I was able to key the carrier off and on possibly detection at -139 to -140dBm would have been possible. Hope this helps.
John/AB4MS/JDH
Computer interference
Posted by Rye Gewalt K9LCJ on January 07, 2001 at 16:37:59
I'm new to LW and wonder how you fellows deal with interference from your PCs when using Spectran etc. off the air.
I find that my PC (Tyan Motherboard with K6-3/400) puts out a big signal at about 185KHz and a smaller one around 179KHz. The frequencies seem rock solid so I know (?) it's not the switching power supply. Has anybody had any success messing around with the MB clocking jumpers or the bios adjustments to move these out of the band? I suspect that buttoning the computer up real good (who ever puts all those darned screws back) and removing all of the unnecessary I/O cables might help, but it's a big enough signal that I suspect it won't go away that easily.
Otherwise my 4 foot 18 turn tuned loop seems to be working --- but has amazingly narrow bandwidth (~2.5KHz). Now I know why you guys put tuning diodes in your preamps! That's next.
Regards Rye K9LCJ Springfield, VA
Re: What commercial/mil radio good on LF?
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on January 07, 2001 at 17:01:00
Dick,
Measurements on my ICOM R75 show an mds of -139 dBm in a 500 Hz bandwidth at 180 kHz. This is with the internal 20 dB preamp engaged.
My normal use of this receiver is with an external preamp that gives me an mds of -142 dBm in that bandwidth, with the internal preamp switched out.
I have not made measurements in the 136 kHz range, but by its performance, I would expect the same results.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: What commercial/mil radio good on LF?
Posted by Larry Putman on January 07, 2001 at 19:13:39
Dick,
Take a look at this link for the info that you need.
http://www.tentec.com/rx340.htm
73
Larry WB3ANQ
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by Bob Gaye on January 07, 2001 at 20:01:06
Tell us about your set up Mitch.
Re: 160 Meter beacon
Posted by Bob Gaye on January 07, 2001 at 21:26:52
QRSS good enough to ID in FN02 at 0205Z 1/9. Using odd bit of wire to TS-870 with Gram.
Re: 160 Meter beacon
Posted by Bob Gaye on January 07, 2001 at 21:29:15
Make that 0205Z 1/7, not 1/9!
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on January 08, 2001 at 13:23:28
Hi Bob: Using Drake R8, followed by homebrew SCAF filter. Antenna is 12 foot octoloop , homebrew preamp, about 20 feet high with rotor. Typical city lot so get lots of utility noise - trying some noise gate circuits now. Software is Spectrogram (radio version) as can't use newer Spectran ( using old (?) 486/100 PC - hi ! Pictures of site on : http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/tele354 Loop information on:
http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/tele410.
'Gram pictures on:
http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/elec101
Good luck. Hope this helps.
73 Mitch
Re: Computer interference
Posted by Brian Helms-KD4RLD on January 08, 2001 at 14:58:04
The noise coming out of your power supply is probably being radiated off of a monitor cable, sound card cable, or something like that. It could be a card in the computer making the noise. Most cards in your pc have oscillators on them so a card can cause the noise. I use to have a radio card in my pc and it made horrible noise in just about every spectrum. Also, other things such as printers can be responsible. Try putting chokes on some of the cords or coiling them up maybe. As far as changing clock speeds go, I have played with AMD processors such as the one that you have and they can be over and under clocked so maybe you can slow it down to the next setting or speed it up to the next setting. I have overclocked them with success w/t no problems but do at your own risk. Hope this helps but probably not.
Re: 160 Meter beacon
Posted by Larry Putman on January 08, 2001 at 20:30:51
Last night around 10:30 PM using Argo Beta1build 113 I was able to capture a nice clean view of Lyle's 1 watt signal on 1800.700 Khz. over a path of 1010 miles.
Just prior to this capture there was a lot of flutter but then the band settled down. I was able to see his signal until 0030 EST when Lyle shutdown for the night. I have posted the screen capture on mmy web site
www.cprinc.com/~larryp
Larry WB3ANQ
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by Bob Gaye on January 08, 2001 at 20:57:35
Mitch - Thanks for your helpful comments and the very useful info on your web site. I had looked at your Gram shots a few weeks ago and was very impressed. Do you have the original Burhans schematic? There seems to be some difference from your circuit and that described by Burhans in his comments. Especially relating to the input filtering.
Do you have any LF overload problems with the loop? Such as from local NDB or LORAN? I'm located north of Buffalo and have a DGPS about 25 miles north of me that is quite loud. Also LORAN, but not sure where it's located. They are my biggest LF signals. MF AM broadcast is also a problem. I'm new to LF and still in the middle of sorting out these issues. At least I hope I'm to the middle! At the moment I'm using an e-probe antenna and haven't heard a lowfer yet, just NDB's, IMD etc.
I recently built up the KA5QEP blanker with 4 pulse circuits. It helps, but I need to do more work on my gate circuit.
Bob
K0LR on QRSS
Posted by Tim Brannon on January 08, 2001 at 22:17:34
If you've been waiting to try Spectran, you'll like my story. I've been dragging my feet on trying it, doubting that my old 90 MHz Pentium was up to the task. But after hearing about Mitch Powell copying the TEXAS beacon I decided to go for it last night. Just for grins, about 9:30 PM I tuned up on 1800.700 kHz listening on a 40-10 meter vertical while running the Version 4 setup. As soon as I started Spectran the elements of "K O L R" scrolled across the screen very clearly. Just with the default settings--a really nice "out of box experience"! I could hear when the normal speed CW ID was running but it was much too weak to copy.
There was some fading in some of the dash elements on subsequent runs of the ID, but I was able to improve copy some by adjusting the level and contrast controls. Then tuned down to 189.090 kHz and "TX" was solid copy even under an S-9 noise level!
It will be nice to have the 160 beacon while I'm learning to use the software--fairly easy copy but challenging enough to be a good test.
Tim Brannon KF5CQ Dallas
Re: What commercial/mil radio good on LF?
Posted by Kevin, N4MGB on January 09, 2001 at 07:41:06
Or you could buy ten Sony ICF-2010's ...
and have money left to buy
rolls and rolls of antenna wire!
www.grove-ent.com/hmpgbbb.html
Transatlantic tests - more details
Posted by Petr Maly OK1FIG on January 09, 2001 at 07:58:38
Hi all Here are some more details about my tranmission over the Atlantic:
I will transmit each 15th and 45th minute each hour,
for 15 minutes, thru all the nite (or to a moment when QSO with John comes), using 150 meters high T-antenna.
I will call my callsign in QRSS, dot length will be set to 3.5 sec. Used freq is 135.955 kHz.
Transmission begins at about 2001 utc on Friday, January 12th.
Eu stations are asked not to accupy 136.5 kHz to avoid possible QRM to John's tranmission.
Will anybody listen in US/Canada?
73 Petr OK1FIG
Re: LW Loop Antenna
Posted by Bob on January 10, 2001 at 10:13:30
Tim, a quick follow up to your answer you wrote about a "simpler boost". First off, the Sangean does have an internal loop stick. Second, you say to wrap the 50 or so feet of wire 2 or 3 turns around the receiver. Wouldn't those be rather big wraps of wire, or do you mean wrap all the wire around the receiver? Just wondering. Hope to give it a try soon.
Thanks for the info.
Bob Klinger,
New Cumberland, PA.
QRSS beacon on 160 -- QSY to 1999.9
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 10, 2001 at 13:39:07
My 160m QRSS beacon is now running on 1999.900 +/- ?? Hz. I haven't had time to determine the long term stability, although it should be within 2 or 3 hz; more than adequate for the various spectrogram programs. The beacon will be on most evenings from about 2300 to 0500 UTC, and sometimes during the day as well. Tomorrow night (January 11th) is an exception, the beacon will be off the air that evening.
Re: Dave Curry - Curry Communications
Posted by Randy Seden on January 10, 2001 at 15:36:17
Dave has pulled the plug on his connection with the internet for awhile so you'll have to contact him at his work. He can be reached at (213)485-2141 from 6am to 3pm LA time. Good Luck!
Randy Seden "ELU"
Re: Dave Curry - Curry Communications
Posted by Keith Ballinger VA3QF on January 10, 2001 at 19:43:40
Thanks for the tip, Randy - I will give Dave a call on the land-line
Keith
Re: Transatlantic tests - more details
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on January 11, 2001 at 12:43:58
I will certainly listen. I can hear VE1ZZ very well. Although I doubt that I will hear you, I will try.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: Transatlantic tests - more details
Posted by Petr Maly OK1FIG on January 11, 2001 at 15:01:26
Hi John I already had a cross-band QSO with John VE1ZJ, so that my signal on 136 kHz was heard (or rather seen) accross.
good luck es 73 Petr OK1FIG
Rycom model 3182 receiver
Posted by Dennis L. Hoffman on January 11, 2001 at 18:44:08
I recently obtained a Rycom Instruments model 3182 demodulator. It also has a military tag...Department of Defense R-1655/URR receiver, radio. This radio seems to need repair and/or alignment. Frequency coverage is in two bands... 1-15kHz and
10-150kHz. Is anyone familiar with this radio? I need a schematic/alignment/tech manual for this radio. Can anyone help?
Re: Rycom model 3182 receiver
Posted by John Hoopes on January 11, 2001 at 20:34:29
Dennis,
You might try contacting RYCOM. I had an old RYCOM LF receiver and I was able to purchase a manual direct from the factory. I was told by one of their representatives that they archive their manuals. Might be worth a try.
John
JDH copied in Kansas
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 11, 2001 at 22:24:28
An interesting evening on LF. Radio Iceland was booming in on 189KHz and JDH was very printable (Spectran) for a short period of time. Nice and quiet conditions here tonight.
Eric
Re: JDH copied in Kansas
Posted by John Hoopes on January 12, 2001 at 08:34:39
Eric,
Thanks for your reception report. Just as a reminder, JDH transmits both 8WPM CW (30X) and QRSS at .4WPM(4X). In this world of automation, some people still like to copy by ear so I transmit both modes. A card is on the way.
John
Re: JDH copied in Kansas
Posted by Chip Brown on January 12, 2001 at 12:48:11
So do you think you will hear the Check OK4???
Chip
Re: Reply to Chip
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 12, 2001 at 20:07:20
I'll give it a try but there's much more noise here in the midwest this evening.
Eric
Russian ELF Transmitter
Posted by Buddy White on January 12, 2001 at 21:25:44
I found this link to an interesting article about a Russian ELF transmitter.
www.vlf.it/zevs/zevs.htm
TEXAS permanently QSYing to 189.090 kHz
Posted by Bill Cantrell on January 14, 2001 at 19:03:28
Subj: TEXAS permanently QSYing to 189.090 kHz Date: 1/14/01 5:46:30 PM Eastern Standard Time From: Bill.Cantrell@motorola.com To: LWCA News, LowFER Reflector
Hello All,
Having spent an entire afternoon preparing QSL cards (a good thing!), it is evident that I should keep lowfer beacon "TX" on 189.090 kHz. This happens to be smack-dab in-between the 3,151st and the 3,152nd harmonics of the 60 Hz power grid. Judging from some of the QRSS spectrum plots, this is rather important. This leaves my old frequency of 189.700 kHz up for sale to the highest bidder (just kidding!) I will continue to run slow cw QRSS 24/7.
Regards,
Bill
"TEXAS" & WD5CVG
QRSS software
Posted by Alberto di Bene on January 16, 2001 at 06:28:43
Just discovered this message board.
Reading past messages, I saw that a few complained about the lack of screen capture in Spectran. If you don't need the audio filters implemented in Spectran, and are willing to renounce to some other functionalities, there is a new program, designed with LF QRSS in mind, that implements timed screen capture. Its name is Argo,
and you can find it at http://www.weaksignals.com
Usage reports are welcome
73 Alberto I2PHD
LEK copied in Kansas
Posted by Eric Goedde , N0KUT on January 16, 2001 at 20:26:58
With the snow falling outside it just seemed like a good night for DX from the north. I spent about an hour around sunset looking for RM, BRO, and LEK. I finally started seeing something on 186.7 Khz. Soon the signal came up and I got a reasonably good print on Spectran. The LF band was nice and quiet here this evening. Thanks Lyle for the great signal from the north land, almost as good as WCCO.
Eric
Re: Greenland NDBs
Posted by Sheldon on January 16, 2001 at 21:09:28
Around 10 years ago when I was digging deep for NDBs, I managed to hear 3 Greenlanders from CA and HI: GN-306, HB-328, and UP-399. The latter was most often heard. All three were A1 (ident achieved by keying the carrier), i.e., the exact observed ident frequencies were the same as the nominal carrier: 306.0, 328.0, and 399.0...very different from Canadian or US NDBs, but identical to French Pacific islands. All three had a very long DAID of 60 or 30 seconds, with slow Morse keying. They achieved strengths many dB above the floor at times here in HI...but then I also hear NWT and YT NDBs like RB-350 with relative ease.
What I'd like to know is the exact ident (not carrier) frequencies of some of the bigger European NDBs, and to see such data listed in DX Downstairs. Been trying to get this for over a decade now! -----KH6SR
Re: QRSS software
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 16, 2001 at 23:04:57
Alberto,
I'm glad you found the Longwave message board so that you can see how successful us Lowfers have been this season with your software. We need all the help we can get because of our very limited power and antenna restrictions. Thanks for your time and efforts to provide us with a new tool to enhance our weak signal receiving capabilities.
73,
Dex, W4DEX Spectran4 and Argo user
VE1ZZ LF sigs across Atlantic
Posted by Petr J. Ourednik, OK1RP on January 17, 2001 at 08:58:45
Hi Jack,
Thanks for Your LF spotting. I am trying to catch You on 136.5 every nite when You are QRV...hope to lst and than work You soon.
Re: QRSS software
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on January 17, 2001 at 08:59:04
Alberto,
I would also like to thank you very much for your work with this software. Spectran has been responsible for some very interesting loggings at my noisy QTH.
Just a comment that I and others have made this winter: While Argo does provide the built-in screen capture, we find that the variety of settings available in Spectran permit a cleaner display, making it easier to see the signals. For that reason, I would still prefer to have a built-in screen capture for Spectran. I presently use an external utility program, which works fine.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: LEK copied in Kansas
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 17, 2001 at 12:23:31
Thanks for the report from Kansas, Eric. Gee, if I'm almost as good as WCCO I should start airing commercials. Wonder what you can charge per minute for QRSS ads??
160 Meter beacons
Posted by Bob Gaye, K2LGJ on January 17, 2001 at 20:37:43
Reading VE3OT on 1999.917 and K0LR on 1999.900.
Lyle seems weaker at the top end of the band...
Anyone else notice this?
XMGR in London, Ontario
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on January 18, 2001 at 06:38:53
Nice copy of XMGR in London this morning at 6 AM ( 1100Z ). Spectrograms pictures at http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/elec101.
Worth all the effort - congratulations Les.
73 Mitch VE3OT
Re: 160 Meter beacons
Posted by Lyle Koehler on January 18, 2001 at 09:20:01
I reduced power to 100 milliwatts at the beginning of the week, which may account for the weaker signal. Next week I'll probably take it down another 6 to 10 dB, which will make it even more of a challenge to detect. Thanks again to all for their reports.
Re: 160 Meter beacons
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on January 18, 2001 at 15:34:07
Hi:
Thanks for report - and to add to Lyle's comments: I am using a 6AQ5 ( that's a toob !) final running about 5 watts dc input... so probably about 3 watts output. I have been keeping posistioned about 15 Hz above Lyle.
73 Mitch VE3OT
Canadian Reception
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 18, 2001 at 15:43:02
Really excited that Mitch Powell, VE3OT was able to dig XMGR out of the noise this morning. Only 98 more countries to go in order to earn that 1750 Meter endorsement for DXCC! (ha, ha). Hats off to Mitch for his hard work.
You can see his beautiful trace recorded using Spectogram on my web site at:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr/canada.htm
I am also going to be concentrating on trying to hear a few more lowfers before the season ends. LEK is my prime target, but I'll also be trying for OK, BRO, RED, WA, and others. If you need XMGR to be left on at a specific time (as Mitch did) please let me know.
This has been a wonderful first season back. A little disappointed that I haven't been able to hand out a new grid square and a new state to more of you, but I'll be working on improving that this summer. Thanks to all!
Good LF Season
Posted by Roger Magnuson on January 18, 2001 at 23:32:21
Hi All,
I agree with Les on the good LF season. It has been good for us up here in northern Minnesota especially with QRSS. Congrats on Mitch copying XMGR. I hope we can have some more nice condx this year but tonight is real bad, lots of heavy QRN from down south! Am working on a goniometer type of noise cancelling method with pretty good results so far. Bryce, (BRO) is doing something similar.. His noise problem is worse than mine and seeing what he has done is just amazing! Phasing 2antennas can really null a noise source and keep the desired signal.
Here's Looking for you, Roger (RM) 189.8
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by William Hepburn on January 18, 2001 at 23:58:49
Bob..
Your LORAN station is the 800 kW beast in Seneca, NY.
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by William Hepburn on January 19, 2001 at 00:00:58
Just to clarify..the Seneca LORAN is in Seneca Falls, NY (Seneca County)..not the Buffalo suburb West Seneca.
Lowfer beacon "T"
Posted by Bob Roehrig on January 19, 2001 at 17:23:58
Last few nites for Beacon T to be on the air folks. It is on 182.5 kHz with 5 second long dash followed by 5 second long space.
Reports welcome.
"Nostalgia is a thing of the past"
73 de Bob, K9EUI
Beacon LP Off
Posted by Larry Putman on January 20, 2001 at 13:08:57
Beacon LP is off the air for the rest of this season.
I had 3 receptions out to about 60 miles! The inverted L antenna seemed to radiate predominately to the west on Groundwave. As a temporary antenna it did better then expected. This coming summer I plan to erect a permanent antenna with the lesson learned from this one.
The main lesson learned is it takes a LOT of engineering and hard work to construct a beacon that can consistently be copied at long distances! I salute those dedicated individuals that have accomplished this!
I want to devote the rest of my time this season listening/looking for those distant signals that keep eluding me! To assist me in this challenge is my new Ten Tec RX340 receiver and a WA3USG "Monster Loop"
73 Larry Putman WB3ANQ
Loop antenna wire size
Posted by Michael Brown on January 20, 2001 at 13:26:11
I have conducted some interesting tests here with loops made on a 5 foot pvc frame. With 15 turns of #27 JDH and NC both were solid copy here in asheville,nc. I thought #16 would increase performance but the added interturn capacitance only decreased tuning range. The turns are spaced .2 inches and the loop is directly connected to an MPF-102 fet preamp with a 33K input impeadance. Receiver used for tests is a Mackay Marine 3031A (the preselector on the mackay helps match the preamp nicely...too bad more rxs dont have this feature).
Any thoughts on this? How can such tiny wire work so well?
PS.lowfers copied here to date on the longwire: DCH, JDH and NC. JDH and NC can be copied by watching the S-Meter swing 3 to 6 db over the noise. Great stations!
Re: Loop antenna wire size
Posted by John Davis on January 20, 2001 at 13:33:15
Michael asks: "Any thoughts on this? How can such tiny wire work so well?"
Remember that the efficiency of a receiving loop, especially one working into a relatively high impedance load, is not going to be significantly affected by a little difference in wire resistance. It would be a completely difference matter for a transmitting loop, of course, where all impedances would be kept extremely low to ensure maximum current in the conductor.
73,
John
Re: Loop antenna wire size
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on January 20, 2001 at 15:57:37
Or the wire diameter would matter in a receiving loop that was being SERIES tuned, rather than parallel. In that case, the loop in series with the tuning cap would be fed into a low impedance load (50 ohms or less), and the series resistance of the loop would figure directly into the loss.
John A.
YD now CW/QRSS
Posted by Bernie Pridgeon on January 21, 2001 at 00:55:14
Hello all,
Beacon YD is now sending 50 reps of CW at 12 wpm, followed by 4 reps of QRSS at .4 wpm. I am using Lyle Koehler's dual speed beacon program running on an old 386 laptop. Antenna is a 40 foot vertical with a 10 foot, 4 radial top hat. For now the schedule will be 24/7.
Grid square EL79 White City, FL
Thanks for listening.
73,
Bernie
Re: QRSS software
Posted by Alberto di Bene on January 21, 2001 at 16:14:59
Thanks for your words.
Spectran, in its next incarnation, will receive the screen capture routine now in Argo.
About Argo, I have today uploaded a new version, build 117, that adds three new QRSS modes (60, 90 and 120 sec/dot), useful for the tests ongoing just in these days between Canada and Europe with verrrrry slow CW (90 seconds for a dash...)
Enjoy
Alberto I2PHD
Re: TX copied in Ontario 1100 miles
Posted by Bob Gaye K2LGJ on January 21, 2001 at 17:49:59
Thanks for the info and clarification. It's still too close:-) The local AM BC stations are more of a problem however.
Bob
Too much haste...
Posted by Alberto di Bene on January 21, 2001 at 18:31:38
I had too much haste in uploading build 117 of Argo.
It contains a couple of errors : the first shows when you set the 30s dots mode, and the 120s dots mode scale is displayed instead. The second error causes the 90s dots mode display to be shifted and scaled wrongly.
I have upoaded an amended package with the first error corrected, and the 90s dots choice disabled, pending a solution. I found the cause of the error, but need a bit more time to choose the right solution.
If have downloaded the package before 23:00 UTC of Sunday night, please download it again.
73 Alberto I2PHD
QRSS reports needed!
Posted by Dexter McIntyre on January 21, 2001 at 19:00:46
I have been watching VA3LK's QRSS signal for the past several days. He has been transmitting 7/24 on a frequency of 137.790 KHz with a dot space of 90 seconds. Yes 90 seconds! His signal has been Q5 visually and audibly every time I have checked it even during the middle of the day here in North Carolina.
He would very much appreciate reports from other parts of the country. So this evening Lowfers tune down to 137.790 and monitor for a while.
Alberto, I2PHD, has updated Argo to accommodate this slower speed but of course you can identify Larry's signal with any spectrum analyzer software you presently use. The latest build of Argo can be found at:
http://www.weaksignals.com/
Post your results for us all to see.
73,
Dex
VA3LK on 137.790khz
Posted by Les Rayburn on January 22, 2001 at 12:29:47
Larry's signal is a solid Q5 here in Alabama tonight. The long dot length makes it tough to assemble a complete ID, but I used Photoshop to splice some screen captures together.
I'd like to know some information about Larry's current operations (I know he's trying to have a transatlantic QSO) How much power is he running, etc.
Looking for YD now on 187.500khz...
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 184.900khz
1LF 187.300khz
Re: YD now CW/QRSS
Posted by Les Rayburn on January 22, 2001 at 16:22:01
Received traces of YD here in Alabama last night. Got a solid "D" on two occassions and some broken "Y's".
The main problem is that 50 reps of standard CW is too much. Could you reduce the number to about 10 reps followed by 5 reps of QRSS?
The standard CW shows up, but just serves to blur the larger picture.
VA3LK Needs reports from the West!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 22, 2001 at 16:25:07
VA3LK is currently transmitting in QRSS mode at very slow speeds! Dot length is up to 90 seconds. Big signal here.
Larry is of course, attempting to have the first trans-Atlantic QSO on LF. He is in desperate need of signal reports from 6, & 7 land. If you live in these callsign areas to the West, please look for Larry on 137.790khz. using Argo, Spectran, or other QRSS viewers.
'V' on 419 kHz
Posted by Dave Larrabee on January 23, 2001 at 12:16:52
Anyone know where 'v' is on 419 kHz. think its down south.
/Dave
WANT TO BUY LF ENGINEERING TM-1 OR TM-2 EXCITER
Posted by Les Rayburn on January 23, 2001 at 21:02:51
Would like to purchase a working example of the LF Engineering TM-1 or TM-2 exciter for 1750 Meters that was made in the 1980's. Trying to assemble a "museum" of all commercial products ever made for the Lowfer band and is missing an example of this one.
Top dollar paid. Please contact:
Les Rayburn, N1LF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 les@highnoonfilm.com
(205) 620-3473
YD Copies JDH and XMGR
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 24, 2001 at 07:29:45
Our newest "convert" to QRSS is YD in White City, Florida. He's up and running in QRSS mode and has already used ARGO to receive both XMGR and JDH in White City, Florida.
This is a distance of 254 miles from here. He reports signals are Q5 there.
We have also had a near miss on the YD beacon here, and are hoping for a successful reception here soon.
Congratulations to Bernie and welcome to the "Slow Lane"!
Les Rayburn, N1LF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 184.900khz
1LF 187.300khz
Link BOARD
Posted by Renato ROMERO, IK1QFK on January 24, 2001 at 08:02:54
Howdy to all,
RADIO WAVES below 22 kHz ( http://www.vlf.it ), start with a new service: an open lab link space, dedicated to VLF link collection divided for topics (NATURAL RADIO SIGNALS, EARTHQUAKE PRECURSOR, ELF SUBMARINE EMISSION, SCHUMANN RESONANCES, VLF RECEIVER, VLF ANTENNAE, SOFTWARE ANALISYS, VLF GENERAL and VLF RTTY). You can choose to visit them or put your suggested link directly on. Thanks in advance for the collaboration (this service is Powered by Bravenet.com).
R. Romero.
VA3LK QRSS received in Dallas
Posted by Tim Brannon on January 24, 2001 at 23:40:45
Tonight I finally copied a complete callsign for VA3LK, on 137.791 kHz here in Dallas. Receiver is the ICOM 738 with a 4 MHz upconverter. Antenna is a 50 foot wire thru a tuner--no preamp! Software is Spectran 4 at the 31 milliHz resolution, and speed set for 60 1-minute ticks across the display. The local noise level is about S-5. I've actually had a good copy for the last 2 nights, but without screen captures I couldn't get back into the radio room regularly enough to see the complete call.
I'm sure Larry will complete a T-A QSO soon.
line-synchronous noise blanker
Posted by Dennis L. Hoffman on January 25, 2001 at 01:49:39
Has anyone built the line-syncronous noise blanker designed by Clint Turner, KA7OEI? If so. how effective is it? Dennis L. Hoffman KCØFZM
line-synchronous noise blanker
Posted by Dennis L. Hoffman on January 25, 2001 at 01:49:55
Has anyone built the line-syncronous noise blanker designed by Clint Turner, KA7OEI? If so. how effective is it? Dennis L. Hoffman KCØFZM
line-syncronous noise blanker...Drake R8B digital noise
Posted by Dennis L. Hoffman on January 25, 2001 at 02:08:31
A couple of unrelated questions. Has anyone built the line-syncronous noise blanker designed by Clint Turner, KA7OEI? If so, how effective do you feel it is? I have a Drake R8B. I recently discovered that it generates digital noise, probably from the display. Has anyone with a similar or older R8 series receiver feel that this noise is effecting VLF reception? Dennis L. Hoffman KCØFZM
Re: line-syncronous noise blanker...Drake R8B digital noise
Posted by Bob Gaye, K2LGJ on January 25, 2001 at 19:54:42
Dennis,
I recently built the KA5QEP blanker and find it quite useful, but no cure-all. It works much like the unit you mentioned. I have 4 gate channels. As to your R8B noise, you might find an isolation transformer in the antenna feedline some help.
Bob Gaye - K2LGJ
VA3LK receive attempt from 7 land...
Posted by Clint Turner on January 25, 2001 at 22:49:41
I have put some QRSS stuff on the web - as well as my recent "listening" attempts (showing the "stitched-together" waterfall display.)
They may be seen at:
http://www.ussc.com/~turner/qrss1.html
I just threw this page together so I'd be interested in comments, questions, etc.
I'm not sure that what I'm seeing is, in fact, VA3LK, as I can't make sense out of what I'm looking at. Let me know what *YOU* think.
What *would* help is if VA3LK ran FSK. Instead of unkeying the transmitter, shift the frequency 10-20 Hz or so. I don't know if this is practical or if his operating permit allows this. This would allow the "spaces" between dits and dahs to be received instead of trying to figure out if the "dead air" is a QSB or really an "unkeying."
I'm continuing to do these "receptions" but so far, this is the best of the lot.
73,
Clint
NDB owned by Liquor Store?
Posted by Jonathan W2MXW on January 25, 2001 at 23:33:16
Folks, check this NDB listing out, or more specifically, the ownership info
(from www.airnav.com site):
AIV ALICEVILLE NDB ALICEVILLE, AL Location
Lat/Long: 33-06-50.447N / 088-11-08.105W (33.1140131/-88.1855847)
Elevation: Variation: (1965)
Operational Characteristics
Type: NDB Class: MHW Z marker: no Frequency: 254 TACAN channel: Hours of operation: 24 Voice: no Voice ID: yes Morse ID: .- .. ...- NOTAM facility: ANB FSS: FSS hours of operation: 24 Technical Characteristics
Power: 50 watts Accuracy: 1 second or better Monitoring: Internal monitoring plus status indicator
at control point Owner: RICO LIQUORS, INC. Operator: RICO LIQUORS, INC. Common system usage: no For public use: yes
Now, if a liquor store can get a license to operate an NDB, I think I could too! Where do I apply???? (I'm serious!)
73 de W2MXW
Remove "spammenot" to reply
Re: line-syncronous noise blanker...Drake R8B digital noise
Posted by Rye Gewalt K9LCJ on January 26, 2001 at 05:14:18
I also recently built Clints blanker. I think that the A and Rd pins are reversed on the schematic. Or maybe the HCT123 has a different pin out. Anyway, check the book pinouts against the schematic if you build one. It works as advertised.
Rye
Medfer NC 510.500 KHz update
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 26, 2001 at 17:02:48
Medfer NC received it's new permanent loading coil today. Keying is QRSS with about 3 second dots, 9 second dashes. I believe I have more time invested in this antenna system than I have put into the Lowfer antenna! This is where the real challenge is boys and girls! Who will be the first DX station to copy it? A special QSL is waiting.
LF beacon NC will be off the air for a few days as I am using the synthesized generator for another project. I will advise when it returns.
73,
Dex, W4DEX LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz MF Beacon "NC" 510.500 KHz
Found Litz wire cheap!
Posted by Jonathan W2MXW on January 26, 2001 at 19:21:43
Hi folks,
Thought I'd let you all know that American Science and Surplus (www.sciplus.com) has 53/33 Litz, for, hold onto your hats...$2.00 for 100 ft. Item # is 27590.
Now there is no excuse for an inefficient loading coil!
73 de W2MXW
remove "nospamme" in email to reply
Re: line-syncronous noise blanker...Drake R8B digital noise
Posted by Michael Brown on January 26, 2001 at 21:09:04
I have an R8A. The digital noise is most problematic above the the top of the broadcast band.I have noticed the hi-z input is much quieter than the 50 ohm input.Have you compared the two?In my case, my antenna easily buries any noise and the hash has minimal effect on my s/n ratio here.
UNID
Posted by chris on January 26, 2001 at 23:08:20
I have a UNID on 233 khz or so, sent UTS(no breaks) Iam located in Andrews, SC and use a DX-390 with an antron 99 for my receive. I cannot find anything for that ID. I thought it may be BES on 230 but hada good enough copy to hear both stations with UTS being strongest.. Any ideas???Thanks in advance...Chris...member NDBLIST...
Re: line-syncronous noise blanker...Drake R8B digital noise
Posted by Clint Turner, KA7OEI on January 26, 2001 at 23:32:38
I fixed the schematic so that the pins on the 74HC123 are correct and did some minor revisions on the page itself.
I appreciate any feedback on this device - especially that which improves operation.
Rye, thanks for pointing out the error.
73,
Clint KA7OEI
Re: UNID
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 26, 2001 at 23:38:43
Hi Chris,
SUT 233 KHz YAUPON NDB SOUTHPORT, NC
Info from:
http://www.airnav.com/navaids/
Dex
Re: UNID
Posted by chris on January 27, 2001 at 09:06:05
Thanks Dex, I didn't think to change the letters around since it was a constant signal...Thanks a bunch..Chris
AND THE Medfer NC 510.500 KHz WINNER IS.........Mitch Powell, VE3OT!!!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 27, 2001 at 20:34:47
Now this made all the work worth while! Thanks Mitch!
Now who will get QSL serial number 2?
Hi Dex:
Following is copy at 12:30 this evening (morning) on 510.5.
As soon as I saw you notice ( around midnight) I switched on and there you were. I wish I had tried earlier - will do so this morning and tomorrow evening.
The third ID - is the clearest - showing the N and the last dot on the C is questionable.
However - I thought I would let you know ASAP.
That must be some coil!
Congratulations - another 535 miles !
Mitch VE3OT
YD Copied in Alabama and Georgia
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 28, 2001 at 12:05:53
Since YD's switch to QRSS he has been copied both by JDH in Bonaire, GA at a distance of 206 Miles, and by XMGR in Helena, Alabama-a distance of 253 miles.
Congrats to Bernie! We are all three working hard to also get RED on in QRSS mode.
In addition, YD is copying both JDH and XMGR. With Mississippi coming "on-line" soon we're starting to have an active group down here in the Southeast!
Lowfer "WV"...and new Links Page
Posted by Michael Tyler...WA8YWO on January 28, 2001 at 12:09:38
LowFer "WV" is ready to go on as soon as the weather breaks so we can install the antenna ....looks like we are going to miss out this winter....To keep the project going inspite of the weather , I have started a web page for LowFer "WV". On page 3 I am making a listing of other LowFer and MedFer Beacons and would like to list as many as possible. If you have one that is not already on my list, please email me you URL and I will put it on the list....Thanks and keep up the good work...mike..WA8YWO....LowFer "WV"?????
http://access.mountain.net/~mtyler/LFbeacon.html
KK7B R2 rx on LF
Posted by Paul Stroud on January 28, 2001 at 13:43:55
I would appreciate hearing from anyone who is using Rick Campbell's R2 receiver on LF/VLF. I would also be interested in finding out if anyone has modified the DVFO-II's PIC code to allow quadrature DDS output rather than the standard 180 degree output.
Many Thanks, Paul AA4XX
Re: AND THE Medfer NC 510.500 KHz WINNER IS.........Mitch Powell, VE3OT!!!
Posted by Bart Prater on January 28, 2001 at 15:35:04
Congratulations to both Dex and Mitch!!! Some of us had pretty much put low-medfer DX in the "can't be done" category.
You guys have broken some ground here!
VA3LK heard in EN36US/noise canceling success
Posted by Bryce Ofstie (KI0LE) on January 28, 2001 at 17:17:21
I've been out of town for a few weeks so I haven't had much of a chance to do much but last night Roger(RM) and I both had good luck copying VA3LK on 137.79 kHz here in Duluth, MN. I was using just my receive loop and it was not even tuned right so the signal was real strong here.
I've also been playing with a noise canceling system that uses my TX antenna as a receive antenna and the loop as a sense antenna. I've posted the results along with a screen grab of VA3LK on my web site. Go to
http://cp.duluth.mn.us/~ki0le/pages/sounds.htm I'm sure you will be impressed with what a good noise canceling system can do.
Re: Lowfer "WV"...and new Links Page
Posted by John Davis on January 28, 2001 at 21:07:54
Thanks for the news of your beacon.
However, I am sorry to say that some of the stations in your MF list clearly ARE pirates despite any claims to the contrary.
73,
John
Re: Found Litz wire cheap!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on January 29, 2001 at 08:38:36
Jonathan,
Thanks for the tip. I have placed an order already. Looks like this place has a lot of interesting items for the experimenter.
73,
Dex
Re: Lowfer "WV"...and new Links Page
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on January 29, 2001 at 14:37:42
Michael,
Welcome to the ranks! I visited your web site and looked at your transmitter, very nice looking device there. Can't wait till you get that antenna up and working. Most of us are transmitting in QRSS (Slow Speed Mode) now, which might involve modifying your keyer to send slower.
Most of us send at 0.4WPM. Complete details on QRSS can be found on my web site:
The Noise Floor http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr
You'll also find that we've added a link to your web site (look under "links"). I also maintain the lowfer and medfer list for the LWCA web site as well as my own. You're welcome to duplicate that content on your site, but it shouldn't be necessary.
I'd also suggest that you subscribe to the "Lowfer E-Mail Reflector" (again, look under links) as that is how most of us send reception reports, band openings, technical discussions, etc.)
Let me know when WV is on the air, so that I can add it to the listing. We need the following information:
1. ID
2. Grid Square
3. Location
4. Mode(s) such as CW, QRSS, BPSK, etc.
5. Also any notes on your operating schedule.
Best of luck and please keep us up to date!
TLTX SLOW CW
Posted by Tony Levstik on January 29, 2001 at 18:33:49
I have switched TLTX "184.283 khz" to Slow CW apx 5sec for dash. Also operating from 5:00pm to 6:00am m-f 24 hr on sat.
Re: Lowfer "WV"...and new Links Page
Posted by michael tyler.....wa8ywo on January 29, 2001 at 20:06:56
Ok...john....thanks for the warning....tell which ones they are and I will remove them....thanks..mike...wa8ywo.... http://access.mountain.net/~mtyler/LFbeacon.html
VA3LK reception verified in "7" land
Posted by Clint Turner KA7OEI on January 29, 2001 at 20:54:28
Larry, VA3LK has verified that it was, in fact, the VA3LK transmitter that I copied on 137.79 kHz, on 24 January.
Attempts on subsequent nights resulted in little other that possible occasional "dits" now and then.
This would peg the distance at approximately 1600 miles (2700 km) - but that's just a guess, not knowing exactly where the transmitter is located.
For reception, I used Spectran at an equivalent bandwidth of about 0.03 Hz, avg=4. The night's loggins (7+ hours worth) were "compressed" by playing a monophonic file originally recorded at 6kHz back in stereo at 48 KHz, resulting in a 16-fold increase in time/frequency.
I'll update the web page ( http://www.ussc.com/~turner/qrss1.html ) with more info when I get the chance.
Clint KA7OEI
Both TX and JDH on screen
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on January 30, 2001 at 06:56:35
Very nice and audible signals from both JDH and TX at same time early (0600EST) this morning. Yawn.
http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/elec101
73 Mitch VE3OT
Feb. Newsletter
Posted by Chris Waldup on January 30, 2001 at 13:09:36
When did the February newsletter go out- I have not received mine yet. Thanks
radio dj
Posted by chris steele on January 30, 2001 at 19:00:15
Hello can anyone tell if i have to be a licened amateur to operate on 1610 khz with Radio DJ, i am thinking about purchasing one to send a slow beacon CAS from South Carolina and I am not quite an anateur yet(this weekend a good possibility) taking the tech license test..Any help would be appreciated...Chris, NDB list member
Re: Feb. Newsletter
Posted by John Davis on January 30, 2001 at 19:31:39
The LOWDOWN is on schedule this month, as mentioned in the members' page.
The normal publication schedule calls for it to be mailed on the Monday following the last Saturday of the month. In this case, that means it would have gone to the Post Office yesterday (Monday the 28th) and should be in most US members' hands by the end of the week.
73,
John
Re: radio dj
Posted by John Davis on January 30, 2001 at 19:39:17
No license is required to operate the Radio DJ per its original instructions or in any other way that complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Click on the LowFER/MedFER icon of the lwca.org home page, and go to the What Is Part 15 link for details.
Good luck on your amateur exam.
John
FDK Beacon Project....
Posted by Steve Olney VK2ZTO on January 30, 2001 at 20:04:15
I have uploaded details and specifications concerning the FDK Beacon Project I am working on. I feel this mode is suited to LowFer operation. Your comments and suggestions would be appreciated.
http://www.qsl.net/vk2zto
Look for Experimental Modes an click on the "FDK Beacon Project" link.
Thanks Steve Olney VK2ZTO
www.lwca.org
potrzebie