REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11
Hi All,
A friendly reminder of the upcoming SAQ Special Transmission
for North American Listeners on 17.2KHz at 0000UTC Monday Night /
Tuesday morning. This will be at 7PM EST Monday for the USA. I
suppose they will be doing some tune-ups before the start so be sure
to listen a few minutes early!
I am sure there will be many European listeners joining in the fun also!
73 - Todd WD4NGG
_____________________________________________________________________
EXTRA
GRIMETON RADIO/SAQ TRANSMISSION
There will be an extra transmission with the Alexanderson alternator on
17,2 kHz for, in particulary, listeners in North America, at:
* 16:00 PST (Pacific Standard Time) in USA.
Monday, January 3rd, 2011
* 19:00 EST (Eastern Standard Time) in USA.
Monday, January 3rd, 2011
* 00:00 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time) Western Europe. Tuesday,
January 4th, 2011
* 01:00 CET (Central European Time) and local time in Sweden.
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
QSL-reports are kindly received:
- E-mail to: _info@alexander.n.se_ (mailto:info@alexander.n.se)
- or fax to: +46-340-674195
- or via: SM bureau
- or direct by mail to: Alexander - Grimeton Veteranradios Vaenner,
Radiostationen, Grimeton 72
S-430 16 ROLFSTORP
S W E D E N
Also read our web site: _www.alexander.n.se_ (http://www.alexander.n.se)
Yours
Lars Kalland Remote Online SAQ Receiver in France Monday for the 0000UTC broadcast
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on January 03, 2011 at 13:58:54.
Hi All,
A note to mention there will be a remote online receiver in France
tuned to SAQ for their special transmission Monday evening at
0000UTC. Here is the address for the online receiver :
http://spectrumlab.loudet.org/
Good luck to all who are listening for SAQ!
73 - Todd WD4NGG
Re: REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11
Posted by Paul on January 03, 2011 at 17:59:53.
In reply to REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11 posted by Todd WD4NGG on January 02, 2011
I tuned in, but didn't have enough signal to copy a thing this time. It was actually difficult to tell if there was a signal at all. At times, I thought I heard CW, but it was on faith.
Re: REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 03, 2011 at 18:54:15.
In reply to Re: REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11 posted by Paul on January 03, 2011
Hi Paul. Nothing here in SE Louisiana either. Just the usual power line and digital harmonics and buzzes. Tried new antenna location, and DC supply for L400B antenna, but no real change from attempt a week ago. Hope their antenna improvements pay off in the future. Ed WSlidell,LA EM50cg
PBO in listening mode
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on January 03, 2011 at 21:33:10.
Shutting down beacon to do a little listening .Will fire it back up in a few days .
73
Rick
KA2PBO Re: REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11
Posted by Dave K8TRF on January 04, 2011 at 07:48:50.
In reply to REMINDER SAQ BROADCAST MONDAY EVENING 01/03/11 posted by Todd WD4NGG on January 02, 2011
Nothing heard at McMath-Hulbert Solar Observatory in Lake Angelus, Michigan, USA.
ULF Rod Free, Just Pay Shipping
Posted by Krystallo on January 04, 2011 at 12:59:12.
Hey All,
I have a Stormwise ULF ferrite rod that has never been used. I was going to use it in a ULF project but I never got around to it.I'm cleaning shop and it's gotta go.
I have no paperwork on this rod and Stormwise hasn't carried it for a long time(years).Maybe you can get some info from the Stormwise guy.
The mix was for really ultra low frqs. either "D.C." or 3 Hz up to only around 300 Hz.It's an "earthquake" type rod.
This puppy is BIG :1 1/4" X 25" and is fully sealed in heavy plastic pipe w/ end caps.
This was an EXPENSIVE rod ($100+?) but I fool around with so many different things I just never got around to using it. Rather that try to sell it, I rather give it away to a good home where it will be deployed in a project.
I put this is on the honor system, if you are going to USE it, please respond.If you want it just because it's (nearly) free and /or are going to try and resell it,please don't respond.I'd like to see this used in a project hopefully with an update or two on how well it works.
Any takers?
de N1NQC
Re: ULF Rod Free, Just Pay Shipping
Posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 05, 2011 at 18:21:17.
In reply to ULF Rod Free, Just Pay Shipping posted by Krystallo on January 04, 2011
If you'd like to donate it to our school, I would love to hook up an ELF receiver that we had donated a few years ago and see what we can see! I can even get you a donour letter from our Advancement Office and you can use it for a tax deduction.
If that sounds good, please email me at rochte@gmail.com and we can work out the details.
73, Antarctic region NDBs
Robert
KC8UCH
Posted by Darwin Long on January 05, 2011 at 22:30:35.
Just got back from Antarctica Monday, and had a blast. 8 species of penguin, loads of marine mammals... and a few NDB's along the voyage encountered among the many icebergs. No nightfall at that latitude, so no real skywave DX to be had, but great saltwater propagation of NDBs and MW was notable, nonetheless.
Probably the furthest southward-located 24-hr NDB in the world, IRJ 360kHz from the Chilean Antarctic Base located on King George Island, was copyable during the perpetual summer daylight as far north as the Falkland Islands and Ushuaia, Argentina. We came within 1 mile of that transmitter - a 75' vertical tophat antenna fed by a power listed at 1kW. A 1020Hz double-sidetone was used for the ident.
A couple other NDBs were listed for Antarctica, but those were not heard and were probably on-demand beacons that are activated via remote-control (similar to many in Arctic regions).
Also, on East Falkland Island, SA 305 from Stanley and MP 380 from Mount Pleasant (both 400 Hz double-sidetone) were on-air and audible out beyond South Georgia Island and on the Argentina mainland. NAS 270 (1020 Hz double sidetone) from Punto Arenas, Chile was audible out to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia Island.
-Darwin Long EMP heard by K3SIW in Elgin, IL
EMP 185.585
Empire, LA
Posted by Darwin Long on January 05, 2011 at 22:53:21.
While away in Antarctica over the holidays, I left EMP 185.585 operating as normal. Garry Hess K3SIW in Elgin, IL successfully copied, recorded and spec-scanned EMP over a 1637km (1023mi) path on 12/28/2010 at 1205 UTC. This is the furthest reception report thus far for beacon EMP.
Great job, Garry!
-Darwin Long Re: ULF Rod Free, Just Pay Shipping
EMP 185.585kHz
Empire, LA
Posted by Krystallo on January 06, 2011 at 00:04:54.
In reply to Re: ULF Rod Free, Just Pay Shipping posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 05, 2011
Hey Robert,
Excellent!I will consider it yours Email to follow.
de N1NQC
Re: Antarctic region NDBs
Posted by Paul on January 06, 2011 at 08:04:04.
In reply to Antarctic region NDBs posted by Darwin Long on January 05, 2011
SUPER cool! Thanks for the report.
SJ sked change
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on January 06, 2011 at 09:40:32.
SJ sked 24/7 is now changed to 21:00 to 05:00 UTC, my local 4pm to midnight.So I'm on a timer for now since I do my grabbing in the morning and 3 to 4 ish in the afternoon. This way I won't leave the beacon off for days sometimes after I do a bit of grabbing and forget to turn it back on. Or if anyone wants a sked other than that time contact me. Disc recorder/player for NDB's
later....Sal,K1RGO
Posted by Al Rugel on January 06, 2011 at 10:01:58.
I am an OT long interested in NDB reception and would like to get a disc recorder/player setup for use with my Palstar R30A. Could anyone give me a suggestion on a nice unit to purchase? Thanks! Al W6JHO
Re: Disc recorder/player for NDB's
Posted by John on January 07, 2011 at 13:33:23.
In reply to Disc recorder/player for NDB's posted by Al Rugel on January 06, 2011
Hi Al,
May I suggest a digital voice recorder. I have an Olympus WS-500 Digital Voice Recorder that I use and it is a handy device for recording audio. It will record audio via the built in microphone or you can use an audio cable connected directly to from your radio to the unit. Some of the features are:
-545 Hrs of Recording
-Store and listen to up to 500 songs
-Internal battery charged by computer or charger
One of the best features has to be the built in USB port.You plug it directly into your computer's USB port and download all your audio files fast and easy. It also charges the built in rechargeable battery while it's plugged in to your computer.
You can find them on Amazon for around $100.00. Well worth the money IMO.
John
HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 07, 2011 at 17:19:52.
Heard some stronger than usual HiFers today. First, during a final listen around midnight CST(0600UT), I was surprised to heard K6FRC on 13565 KHz, coming through with little QSB but some distant atmospheric noise, and running in the 5-4/5-9 range over a long period of time, prior to shutting down for the night. Not sure what kind of propagation that was--sporadic E?. No other stations heard at the time. Later in the day, around 2200UT, SZX on 13563 KHz, was heard with signals in the 4-4-9 range, with little QSB, but some atmospheric noise. No other HiFers heards at that time. Ed WSlidell,LA EM50cg
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now
Posted by Lee on January 07, 2011 at 17:29:49.
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now until Monday 1/10 at 1200. 5 wpm and QRSS30. Good DX everone.
73 XKO Captured in MN
Lee
Posted by Bill Marvin on January 07, 2011 at 18:06:41.
Hi Group Didn't expect any logging with such poor Sunspot activity however an hour after local sunset (2330 UTC) Beacon " XKO" was good copy for about an hour. No other LOWFER's seen in So. MN.
I put the capture on the forum site.
Best DX
Bill KB9IV
SJ capture
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on January 07, 2011 at 19:54:34.
Sal;
I posted a screenshot and a link to another one over in the community forum.
73 Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011
Rick
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 08, 2011 at 08:28:54.
In reply to HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011 posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 07, 2011
I chanced to look at the 'Spaceweather' site, and noticed that early on 7 January 2011, the earth encountered a solar wind sufficient to cause very bright auroras. This may have been responsible for the midnight propagation between LA and CA, and for the unusual "XKO" beacon reception by Bill Marvin, despite low sunspot numbers. Ed WSlidell, LA EM50cg
Stoddart Field Strength Meter - NM40A
Posted by Paul Nell on January 08, 2011 at 15:56:12.
Looking for a service manual and schematics for the Stoddart NM-40A Field Intensiity Meter. Also interested in locating any of the antenna accessories for the same. Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011
Thank you,
Paul
Posted by John Davis on January 08, 2011 at 16:35:16.
In reply to Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011 posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 08, 2011
The solar wind stream may account for it, Ed, although it is also possible that the MUF was still just high enough anyway over the path in question for the HiFERs to make it through.
Sunspot numbers may be low, but the flux is still significantly higher than it was this time last year. If you've used the Grayline and MUF map that is linked through our LWCA Solar Activity Page, you'll sometimes see the 13 MHz contour lingering over the southern Rockies until quite late into the evening.
John
Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 08, 2011 at 17:28:26.
In reply to Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011 posted by John Davis on January 08, 2011
Hello John, and thanks for the info on the Grayline/MUF possibilities. I have read that during periods of high solar activity the MUF can remain high enough for 20 m and 19 m bands to be open through the entire nightime period. None of the other HiFers were heard, so it may simply the path from LA to CA up through the Northern Latitudes that was usable. As it was Midnight local time, I was probably too far away from the terminator for Grayline propagation. Again, thanks for the info on the LWCA Solar page. Ed WSlidell,LA EM50cg
Beacon 'MTI' Update
Posted by Thom Hogan on January 08, 2011 at 20:07:12.
FREQ: 13557.54
BEACON: MTI
LOCATION: Ellicott City, MD
GRID: FM19og
Mode: 5wpm CW
Pw: 3.2mW pk'
Ant: Modified 1/5 turnstile
NOTES: This will be running at random times until I have finalized the Tx/Ant location, then we will be back to 24/7 ops. I will update this post when that has happen.
Please also make note of the new callsign 'AB3MM' for any snail mail.
Mahalo & 73, Re: Beacon 'MTI' Update
Thom - AB3MM
Posted by Paul on January 09, 2011 at 09:00:12.
In reply to Beacon 'MTI' Update posted by Thom Hogan on January 08, 2011
Nice work OM!
Re: HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011
Posted by Paul on January 09, 2011 at 09:00:59.
In reply to HiFers Heard 7 January, 2011 posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 07, 2011
Very nice work, OM! Will gladly QSL if you like.
73,
SZX and GNK heard in Alabama 01-10-11 at 0555 utc
Posted by Bill WB8ELK on January 10, 2011 at 15:48:33.
Nice copy for a couple of hours of the SZX and GNK signals from IL and WI in the Huntsville, AL area. I also heard the GNK and SZX beacons on 10 meters.
Re: SZX and GNK heard in Alabama 01-10-11 at 0555 utc
Posted by Dom on January 10, 2011 at 19:59:49.
In reply to SZX and GNK heard in Alabama 01-10-11 at 0555 utc posted by Bill WB8ELK on January 10, 2011
FS: L-202B VLF Pre-Amp
Thank you Bill, QSL card's from both beacons will go soon to you 73,Domenic KC9GNK GNK
Posted by Bill Marvin on January 11, 2011 at 09:42:18.
Hi Group I have a LF Engineering L-202B VLF Pre-Amp for Sale.
It has served me well but is no longer needed for my SDR-IQ on Order.
Specs are: 10-520 Khz
Gain 28dB Max Adjustable
Lowpass Filter BCB > 40dB or greater
Includes Booklet............ $55 Mailed CONUS
Best DX Bill KB9IV
Re: SJ capture
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on January 11, 2011 at 12:56:46.
In reply to SJ capture posted by Rick KA2PBO on January 07, 2011
Nice capture, Iv'e been trying to grab PBO but the noise is a problem ...I do get some relief at time wid 10dB less of the crud, I;ll keep looking, at least this set up is stable. Re: FS: L-202B VLF Pre-Amp
later.........sal
Posted by Lee on January 11, 2011 at 16:22:48.
In reply to FS: L-202B VLF Pre-Amp posted by Bill Marvin on January 11, 2011
Sold. I'll take it if not spoken for. Send me your address at the above e-mail and I will fire off a check. Thanks
Lee
Re: FS: L-202B VLF Pre-Amp
Posted by Lee on January 11, 2011 at 16:26:27.
In reply to Re: FS: L-202B VLF Pre-Amp posted by Lee on January 11, 2011
fccpart15 at earthlink.net
EMP copied in Texas
Posted by Scott on January 11, 2011 at 21:48:42.
12 Jan. 2011 0546z
I'm copying EMP near Dallas TX, EM13sg. It has taken over a half hour trying to copy it between the static crashes but have finally managed to piece together the ID.
Regards, Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Scott - AA5AM
Blue Ridge TX - EM13sg
Posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 13, 2011 at 14:53:13.
Should my wire dipole be horizontal or vertical for best results at 22 metres?
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Domenic on January 13, 2011 at 16:23:38.
In reply to Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 13, 2011
If you are going to use it as a beacon antenna, and have the room a vertical will be more omni. If you are going to use it to find beacons, horizontal antennas pick up less QRN (noise) but again are not as omni. I use a horizontal dipole as a beacon antenna due to attic room. The dipole has a Slight lift in the center but would not call it a Inverted-V K6FRC HiFer Beacon Heard
Domenic
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 13, 2011 at 20:58:53.
Again hearing the K6FRC HiFer beacon on 13565KHz around 2300 CST(0500UT)--fairly late at night. Steady signals, with little QSB. No one else heard except the WalMart(?) signals on 13560 KHz and the omnipresent sweeping signal the thru entire HiFer band. Ed WSlidell,LA EM50cg
Re: K6FRC HiFer Beacon Heard
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 14, 2011 at 06:08:01.
In reply to K6FRC HiFer Beacon Heard posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 13, 2011
Still hearing the K6FRC beacon this AM on 13565 KHz, although weaker in the 3/4-3-9 range, but still steady with little QSB at all. Also the AJO beacon on 13558 KHz is coming through about 3-2/3-9. Beacons EH, WV and NHVT no longer heard these days. Ed WSlidell,LA EM50cg
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now
Posted by Lee on January 14, 2011 at 17:26:43.
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now until Monday 1/17 1200. 5wpm and QRSS30. Most excellent DX to everyone.
73 Lee Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 15, 2011 at 18:07:51.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Domenic on January 13, 2011
I should have been more specific and said, "Hifer beacon" - but thanks for the comments on both sending and receiving. :)
Right now I have a simple wire dipole stretched down a second-floor hallway. I haven't received a single reception report, so I'm thinking that my antenna is probably far from optimal.
Is cross-polarization something to be concerned about or does this not really matter with HF? Also, does the north-south/east-west orientation of my horizontal dipole matter?
Thanks for any additional knowledge anyone cares to share!
73, Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Robert
Posted by John Davis on January 15, 2011 at 20:23:45.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 15, 2011
Polarization is not a significant issue at HF, as skywave propagation just about inevitably results in an elliptically polarized signal at the receive end, regardless of what it was at the sending end.
Orientation of a dipole in terms of azimuth does matter. If the bulk of the potential listeners happen to be off the ends of the dipole, they will receive a lower signal strength than if they were broadside to the antenna... vastly lower, if the dipole were in the clear and thus more truly bidirectional. (The difference between main pattern and ends will actually be less if a dipole is indoors, due to re-radiation, but that pattern distortion results in less signal overall anyway.)
Another drawback of an indoor dipole--especially on the second or third floor--is that it may well be close to a quarter wavelength above the ground, which suppresses low angle radiation and increases it at higher angles. A low takeoff angle is the very thing one wants for best distance.
I wouldn't be too discouraged about not having received reports yet, however. Many in the hobby regard HiFER activity as something mainly to be done in the warmer months. A lot of members are currently concentrating on the better conditions for LF monitoring that winter provides. Hang in there!
John
HRB Systems HW1390A Receiver
Posted by John from MS on January 15, 2011 at 20:30:35.
Looking for a manual or any information on a HRB Systems HW1390A 5Khz-2Mhz receiver typically the service manual.
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Domenic on January 15, 2011 at 20:40:46.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 15, 2011
Cross-polarization is not a factor once a signal hits the Ionosphere, as it will change polarization many times. If you are sending a signal to a local location, Polarization is a big factor. If you have a horizontal Dipole stretched north/south, you will have more of the signal going east/west. The pattern itself will depend on how far off the ground the antenna itself is. if you can not get a horizontal dipole at least 3/8 to 1/2 wave from the ground, much of the signal will radiate at a high angle being more useful only for short propagation. If you have to mount the antenna closer to the ground, a vertical would be better. Beacon antennas are best mounted vertical so to have that omni pattern. A Inverted-V is another option, This takes a dipole antenna with the center feed point raised above.
http://www.k7mem.150m.com/Electronic_Notebook/antennas/inverted_vee.html
73, Domenic
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Domenic on January 15, 2011 at 20:51:43.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Domenic on January 15, 2011
sorry John I think we doubled hi hi. I think you said it better. :)
Domenic
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Paul on January 16, 2011 at 08:11:14.
In reply to Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Robert KC8UCH on January 13, 2011
All good info here.
I'll point out that the FRC HiFer is using a "Hamsick" mobile antenna mounted about 8 feet AGL on top of a metal storage container type building (which is used as the ground plane). Despite the lower than average transmitter output power, and being mounted close to ground level, it gets many reports.
The Hamstick is only about 1/8 of a wavelength long. It is a highly loaded vertical. It's the equivelent of a "rubber duckie" antenna for HF! Not even close to ideal, but very omnidirectional, and apparently very effective. Being on top of a hill helps too.
Since that site where the HiFer is located sees extremely high winds, a horizontal dipole was out of the question. However, even if one was used, unless it could be mounted way above ground level, it would be less efficient that what I am using now.
Re: K6FRC HiFer Beacon Heard
Posted by Paul on January 16, 2011 at 08:12:18.
In reply to Re: K6FRC HiFer Beacon Heard posted by EdWSlidell,LA on January 14, 2011
Thank you for the report, Ed!
Will gladly QSL if you like.
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by John Davis on January 16, 2011 at 09:15:36.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by Paul on January 16, 2011
Good observations, Paul. A shorter-than-ideal vertical can still be a very efficient radiator, and the ground plane is the key to that.
When I finally put up my HiFER next summer, I was hoping to try for a full 1/4 wave vertical above a "droopy" ground plane formed by part of the guy wires, with the feed point 1/2 wavelength above the earth. However, that amounts to a structure 54 feet tall with an insulator two-thirds of the way up it. Given the fun (not!) that we had this weekend, merely getting 40 feet of mast up in the air for my upcoming LowFER, I don't believe I'm going to get nearly that adventurous for a HiFER after all.
Instead, after posting last night, I began thinking about your installation. The little tool shed I had been thinking of putting at the corner of my plot wouldn't be so great for that purpose, but those container units are supposedly available around here and would certainly make a better storage facility anyway.
Another alternative for me would be to mount the vertical almost at ground level, employing an elevated radial system to minimize power loss in the earth, which is significant at HF. The radiator itself could be anything from a 102" CB whip antenna to a couple of 10 foot poles, all of which could be tuned to resonance conveniently enough. The problem would be making sure the return current in the radials didn't couple magnetically with the soil to create losses. At AM broadcast frequencies, one might need to be 15 feet or more off the ground to meet that criterion, but just scaling according to wavelength, it would seem less than two feet should do the trick at 22 meters. That shouldn't be hard to achieve, but it could make mowing a bit awkward. :)
John
Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer?
Posted by Paul on January 16, 2011 at 17:09:33.
In reply to Re: Vertical or Horizontal for Hifer? posted by John Davis on January 16, 2011
Good points, John.
The shipping container would indeed make a better HiFer ground plane, and better storage! In the interest of experimentation, you could even use magnet mounts and open a new realm of possibilities. My installation was designed to be quick, easy, and hold up to the elements on the hilltop for many years without maintenance. Although far from ideal, it has proven to be ultra reliable and worry free.
If you like, I will gladly email some photos of the installation for you. Just a super-heavy duty mirror mount (half of it) bolted to the metal roof and about 25 feet of LMR-240 coax cable. The coax was painted over shortly after installation when the whole building was repainted, which should add even better resistance to sun damage over the years.
I mistakenly bought 500 QSL cards instead of 100 for the HiFer, so I figured I had better design it to be up for a really long time to unload them all! So far, have only mailed out about 30 cards. Just 470 to go. At this rate, will be rid of them when I'm about 160 years old.
73, LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away
Posted by Krystallo on January 16, 2011 at 20:04:31.
Hey All,
I'm downsizing my shack, so extra stuff is going out. Up (essentially ) for grabs are the following LF Engineering Units : L-202 preamp,L-111 Up Converter and L-700 w/ probe antenna.All totaled these units cost some fairly respectable coin.
I BELIEVE all these are in good working order, but I am letting them go AS IS, with no returns or regrets. ALL THREE for only $25 ,I pay shipping! You are essentially getting ALL of these for around $15 or $ 20 !!
For the most part this is really just a give away to someone who might want to use this stuff.I'd just like to cover the shipping and maybe buy a really cheap lunch too!
Any Takers?
K
Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away
Posted by Paul on January 16, 2011 at 23:24:55.
In reply to LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away posted by Krystallo on January 16, 2011
Yes!! Please!
Tell me where to send money, and I will gladly do so with great haste. I have been wanting to try LF with something better than the junk I threw together, and this would do the trick!
Thank you, Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away
Paul
K6FRC
Posted by Krystallo on January 17, 2011 at 16:26:12.
In reply to Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away posted by Paul on January 16, 2011
Hey Paul,
The items are yours.I'll send you a note at your P.O.B.
K
Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away
Posted by Paul on January 17, 2011 at 18:11:02.
In reply to Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away posted by Krystallo on January 17, 2011
Excellent. Thank you, OM!
Please feel free to send via electronic mail. Send to my first name at computermail.net and I will send $$ right away!
73,
Paul
SJ off, antenna down
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on January 18, 2011 at 14:09:40.
Lowfer SJ will be off until I can get to the antenna. Big time ice loading might have done a job on it , it 's not tuning and looks funky. maybe when the ice melts I can try it out. PBO LOADING UP THE ICY LOOP !
later......Sal....wx is miserable, non stop here
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on January 18, 2011 at 19:25:54.
Ill be loading up my ICY loop for a few days. Having ice storms here in the Poconos. It looks pretty but not fun to drive in! I don’t know what condx are like on LF byt VLF has been nice from early AM to almost dinner time here even with the storm activity.Imm keeping my grabber pard on VLF so I can monitor the noise around here. Its been quiet during the day but I think I have an issue with my neighbors Television or something from dinner time till bedtime every few days or so.
73
Rick KA2PBO Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now
Posted by Lee on January 21, 2011 at 18:41:55.
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now until Monday 1/24 1200. 5wpm and QRSS30. Super Happy Fun Time DX Joy to everyone.
Lee
hifers heard
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on January 22, 2011 at 08:41:23.
Today I copied SZX and GNK 539 wid QSB local time 10:52 hrs even with lots of hash on the upper end of the band. Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas
later.......Sal,K1RGO
Posted by John Davis on January 22, 2011 at 17:11:31.
In reply to hifers heard posted by Sal,K1RGO on January 22, 2011
Good work, Sal.
Heard a few HiFERs myself this afternoon, including EH around 13557.1 kHz at 4:55 PM Central! There was some fading, but no QRM or QRN, so when the signal was there at all, it was clear and intelligible.
Just to astonish me a little further, minutes later the ionosphere brought in AJO at about 13558.7. For the first few cycles, I had trouble making out the J and confirming that what followed the call was indeed an uniterrupted long dash. Seemed as if the QSB insisted on dipping the signal right at those points. Because I didn't have a copy of the beacon list with me, I was totally clueless at first about who it might be. Finally got a good solid copy on the J, though, and then it all clicked.
Also caught someone or something sending "I" at approximately 13556.9 kHz. Once in a rare while, I thought I heard some other keying, but could never be sure anything but the "I" was really there.
This listening was done from my farm, using the new 40' vertical antenna put up last weekend for the eventual SEK LowFER. Wish I could measure frequency a little closer, but the Kenwood R-5000 is a bit ambiguous...tunes in 10 Hz steps, and it's hard to tell when the signal peaks within the passband of the 250 Hz filter. No way to power my laptop out there for very long, and it has a bad sound card anyway, so I can't currently obtain more precision with a waterfall display.
But it was a great inauguration for the antenna! (And, my first opportunity in ages to escape the noise of the downtown power substation.) First thing I tuned in was WWVB, which came through just dandy, even with no buffer amp or antenna tuner. I spent about an hour swimming through (and logging) a seemingly endless sea of NDBs up around 400 kHz, then went up to HF for a while. Finally worked my way down to the 40 m ham band, which was clear as a bell from both New England and the Deep South, then 75 and 80 m, and finally 160, where I didn't seem to have as much signal strength but very steady QSB-free reception of the stations that were coming in.
The AM broadcast band was fantastic too, but I was more interested in trying for LWBC. No luck with those today, though. Going to need some better matching for that relatively little antenna, I imagine. Got what I think is a reasonable measurement of its capacitance today, and I hope next month's budget will allow for an economical network analyzer (recommendations welcome).
John
NDB HiFer copied (I think)
Posted by Paul on January 23, 2011 at 19:10:19.
Hearing peeps on 13.562 MHz. Only confirmed the character "N" and probably "D". QSB is really fast and erratic. Have heard "N" clearly plenty of times, but not the whole ID in CA.
LW 207 KHz Last Night
Posted by Bill KB9IV on January 24, 2011 at 08:17:17.
Hi Group Last night while putting my new receiver (G313e) through its paces between 6PM-12AM CST I heard the following despite deep fades.
During that period parked on 207 KHz I was hearing 3 stations. One French language another Arabic and one unknown?
The unknown had Japanese with a US Religious Program mixed with Asian Music and it abruply went off 5:59 UTC /11:52PM CST What was this station????
Yes! The WR G313e is a killer.
Best DX
Bill KB9IV
Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on January 24, 2011 at 08:30:30.
In reply to Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas posted by John Davis on January 22, 2011
Hi John Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas
Looks like the antenna is working ok for you. Maybe the HF band will pick up a bit and if the hash QRM leaves,I may be able to copy alot more hifers.
Later, Sal
Posted by John Davis on January 24, 2011 at 11:37:42.
In reply to Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas posted by Sal, K1RGO on January 24, 2011
The QRM here is kind of odd. Listening at SSB and AM bandwidths, one source is mostly pink noise, mainly concentrated between 13560 and 13561 kHz but also somewhat on either side. The other one on Saturday sounded like a demented WEFAX spread out over hundreds of kHz. (Might be some sort of backscatter radar that uses continuous sweeps rather than pulses. Would love to have had a spectrum analyzer with me, but Santa Claus totally ignored my test equipment wish list this time.)
Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas
Posted by Ward K7PO on January 25, 2011 at 12:09:25.
In reply to Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas posted by John Davis on January 22, 2011
John,
Glad you heard AJO, from SW Arizona. Being a 'newbie' beacon op, it's a thrill every time it get's reported.
Ward K7PO
Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away
Posted by Krystallo on January 25, 2011 at 12:38:00.
In reply to Re: LF Engineering Units, Near Give Away posted by Paul on January 17, 2011
Hey Paul,
LF items shipped today.
K Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas
Posted by John Davis on January 25, 2011 at 15:04:19.
In reply to Re: hifers heard - EH and AJO in SE Kansas posted by Ward K7PO on January 25, 2011
Glad I was able to tune in at the right time, Ward. It was a thrill to hear one station from so far to the northeast and one from so far to the southwest at nearly the same time.
The past two days haven't been nearly as productive for HiFER listening. I heard part of someone's signal today, but not enough to ID. And it's becoming clear I'll never hear (or see) ANYONE above 13561 kHz on a weekday with all the excess splatter from the broadaster on 13570. Even if they meet the FCC emission mask--which I rather doubt--the carrier is so strong here that whatever suppression they do actually achieve is not enough to keep the burps and braps of distorted audio out of my narrowest CW filter.
John
More HiFERs
Posted by John Davis on January 26, 2011 at 16:53:46.
I've continued taking the Kenwood out to the field with me when I make my daily measurements of the new LowFER antenna's capacitance, and today HF propagation was distinctly better than the past three days.
EH came in loud and clear again, especially around 4:22 PM CST.
A couple hundred Hz above was an odd signal that consisted of nothing but a moderately long dash rising in frequency, repeating every couple of seconds, and sounding something like a badly depressed whooping crane. Around 13562.15 was a string of dits. The fact that I was able to hear anthing there surprised me. Apparently, the SWBC had signed off for the day, so I tuned on up further to see what I could hear.
To my delight, at 13564.9 or thereabouts, there were pieces of what just about had to be K6FRC. It only came up from the noise long enough to get one or two characters at a time: a C, then an RC, then a K, then K6, then RC. Never could honestly say I copied an F, though.
I'm just as delighted as can be, in any case, to find a toploaded 40' vertical doing so well at 22 meters, where it is over half a wavelength tall physically (and who knows what the effective height is with the top hat). The impedance has got to be a lot higher than the 50 ohms of my coax and receiver input!
I'm not using any tuning or matching at this time, either. Sure is tempting to see what it can do next summer when the LowFER won't be on at all, or else will be only part time. I might not need to mess with a separate antenna for HiFER beaconing. Re: More HiFERs
Posted by Paul on January 28, 2011 at 08:15:08.
In reply to More HiFERs posted by John Davis on January 26, 2011
Sweet!!! I'd call that a victory!
Would you like a customized K6FRC HiFer QSL card? No SWL or beacon enthusiast should be caught without one. It's the "challenge coin" of QSLs.
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now
Posted by Lee on January 28, 2011 at 17:05:58.
Beacon "JAM" 187 khz is up now until Monday 1/31/11 at 1200. 5wpm and QRSS30. Re: More HiFERs
Good sniffing to all.
73zzzz
Lee
Posted by John Davis on January 28, 2011 at 20:58:04.
In reply to Re: More HiFERs posted by Paul on January 28, 2011
>>> No SWL or beacon enthusiast should be caught without one.
That sounds great to me, Paul. Do you perchance subscribe to our publication, and thereby have my mailing address?
FWIW, I haven't been able to get my car (the source of power for my Kenwood) out near enough to the antenna to listen on Thursday or Friday, and probably won't have a chance Saturday, either. We had our late-January thaw this week, so I decided to do a bit more digging and get the remaining ground radials in the earth. The actual burial of wire takes place this coming afternoon, and then I will need to shore up the soil under and around the base insulator as best I can.
As of tonight, the forecasters suddenly decided we're going to get more snow and ice on Monday and Tuesday than they were saying previously, followed by bitter cold and high winds on Wednesday. Ice and wind--a combination you don't want when you have a brand new antenna you'd like to keep vertical for the remainder of the season!
John
Re: More HiFERs
Posted by Paul on January 29, 2011 at 08:33:13.
In reply to Re: More HiFERs posted by John Davis on January 28, 2011
I used to subscribe years ago, but haven't in quite a while. Sorry, OM.
Sorry to hear the NWS isn't taking your antenna needs into consideration. I know all about keeping antennas up in bad weather, I work in broadcasting.
Also, FB on the radials! I have dozens of radials several hundred feet long at the base of my main rx antenna support tower, also used as the counterpoise for the BCB inverted L. What a difference!
VY 73.
500khz tonite
Posted by lloyd chastant on January 29, 2011 at 17:37:37.
Just thought I'd take a listen around 8:30PM local and looks like a whole bunch were on tonite..copy here FM19
Lloyd W3NF
513.85 OS Re: 500khz tonite
511.9 EH
509.61 WD2XSH/37
508.74 WD2XSH/31
508.91 WD2XSH/7
all with nice signals
Posted by Paul on January 29, 2011 at 19:05:10.
In reply to 500khz tonite posted by lloyd chastant on January 29, 2011
Also copying a bunch of beacons in 500 kc. area in CA. STRONG copy on WD2XSH/7!!
73,
Re: 500khz tonite
Posted by Paul on January 29, 2011 at 19:26:01.
In reply to Re: 500khz tonite posted by Paul on January 29, 2011
Just looked at the 500 kc. experimenters' web page and saw all the garbage they practically demand from you before you can QSL them. How rude!!
They should provide an address and call it good, not force you to fill out some webpage full of questions.
The commercial morse station I work with will gladly QSL reports of them on 500 kc. and are not rude or demanding about the info at all.
Re: 500khz tonite
Posted by John Davis on January 29, 2011 at 19:55:40.
In reply to Re: 500khz tonite posted by Paul on January 29, 2011
I expect rude may be a relative term. It does seem like quite a bit of info to me too, but do keep in mind, WD2XSH is an Experimental Service licensee which (unlike some of the individual-owned stations) actually has a program of research that they are carrying out toward justification of an eventual 600 meter ham band. The data is important to them in that regard.
John
Re: 500khz tonite
Posted by Paul on January 30, 2011 at 08:25:42.
In reply to Re: 500khz tonite posted by John Davis on January 29, 2011
Yes, I understand. However, I still don't understand why the concept a simple mailing address for QSL exchange is so elusive.
I am still of the opinion that hams needs to steer clear of the "Holy Grail" 500 kilocycle areas. Elitist hams populating the areas around 500 kc with 24 hour beacons only solidify that opinion.
Further, it is the opinion of this ham that if you put a beacon on the air, it is your obligation to make QSLing it simple and pleasant. In this day and age, I very well be a rare minority carrying that opinion.
2011 edition of the ENDBH & NANDBH handbooks and CDs
Posted by Michael on January 30, 2011 at 08:47:31.
Hi all,
The 2011 edition of the ENDBH & NANDBH handbooks and CDs is now
available.
The new ENDBH 2011 contains the data of more than 6700 NDBs on 160+
spiral-bound pages in A4 format and the NANDBH 2011 shows the data of
more than 5800 NDBs on 130+ pages.
The CD contains a Google Earth compatible NDB waypoint file that has
been updated with the latest NDB coordinates so that you can "visit" NDB
locations around the globe. The multimedia contents of the CD version
have been expanded to a total of more than 210 NDB pictures and more
than 230 NDB sound clips from around the world.
In case you're interested in ordering a handbook or CD for other parts
of the world please don't hesitate to ask, I'm able to produce
customized versions for your special needs.
Delivery of the CDs will be via download. If you want a physical copy of
the CD please indicate this when ordering.
Prices have been adjusted to reflect the latest changes in postage rates
and foreign currency exchange rates. When using PayPal for payment
please add the indicated amount to cover PayPal fees. Please find all
relevant details at the following URL:
http://www.ndblist.info/beacons/NDBpublications2011.pdf
Once again I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all DXers who have
sent me comments and updates, suggested improvements, pointed out
errors, or provided NDB pictures and sound clips etc. Your continued
support is very much appreciated :-)
--
vy 73 + gd DX,
Michael
ENDBH & NANDBH editor
http://ndbchangeblog.blogspot.com Re: 500khz tonite
Posted by Fritz Raab W1FR on January 30, 2011 at 10:06:18.
In reply to Re: 500khz tonite posted by Paul on January 30, 2011
We encourage reporting of receptions via the 500-kHz website. This gives us a data base that we can use to see communication range, plot maps, etc. The information requested is not much more than you would send in an ordinary QSL request. And if you can supply grid locator, etc., it saves us from having to look it up. Most of the guys will indeed QSL if requested.
The current WRC recommendations by the FCC and CITEL call for an amateur band from 461 to 478 kHz. Their recommendations also call for the marine band from 495 to 505 kHz to be reserved for a new maritime data system.
73, Fritz, W1FR Re: 500khz tonite
Coordinator, ARRL 500-kHz experiment.
Posted by Paul on January 30, 2011 at 22:52:47.
In reply to Re: 500khz tonite posted by Fritz Raab W1FR on January 30, 2011
Thank you for chiming in, Fritz.
Questions- Why use a confusing web based system to get reception report info? If a simple address were provided for QSLing, or individial addresses for each beacon, ops could simply look at the info on reception reports or QSL cards to build a portfolio or locations, signal strength, etc. Just like it used to be. Simple!
I'll bet your project's participants would get a LOT more reports if it was made simpler, and more traditional. I, for one, have no desire to report using your web forms. Provide an address, and you'd have some QSL cards.
Also, I have read much of the online banter regarding the 600m proposals, and it appears that hams would love to get their hands on the entire allotment. That is where I made my assumptions.
VY 73.
Stoddart Equipment
Posted by Paul on January 31, 2011 at 16:55:37.
Seeking Stoddart intensity meters NM-25T, NM26T, and associated antenna accessories. Also any antenna accessories for the Stoddart NM-40 receiver. Re: Stoddart Equipment
Posted by Paul on January 31, 2011 at 22:33:00.
In reply to Stoddart Equipment posted by Paul on January 31, 2011
Be advised- This was posted by a different Paul, not me, K6FRC.
potrzebie