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Subj: 220 TST
Date: 00-02-29 06:40:12 EST
From: reynoldf rlafmil (Frank Reynolds)
The location of the new 220 'TST' NDB is 43 17' 6", 76 18" 35".
It is approximately 10 miles NW of the Syracuse NY airport. It appears
to be all brand new equipment, no relocated antennas, etc, visible. It
is in a nice fiberglass type equipment shelter and about 1/4 mile off
the road in a farmers field.
First one I've seen that wasn't in a rather rusty building. (Hi!)
Frank Reynolds
KC2FDW
Subj: Radio Waves below 22 kHz
Date: 00-02-29 18:29:06 EST
From: reromero tinit (Renato Romero)
The web site "RADIO WAVES below 22 kHz",
on VLF- ELF reception has moved to:
http://www.vlf.it.
With the OPEN LAB project the site is now opened to external
collaborations. We will accept and publish studies on the argument of VLF/ELF
monitoring. A message board to exchange infos on those arguments has been opened.
Any contribution is welcome, expecially to signal particular listening
conditions, news, geomagnetic phenomena, and so on.
73, IK1QFK Renato ROMERO
Subj: My first mistake...
From: k5yef airmail (Art Harding)
Hello,
I am new to LF activity and I have joined the Longwave Club. Earlier this month I started listening with a hastily built loop and heard the letters FL. I looked him up in the LOWDOWN and sent him an Email, in part:
"I am hearing FL in CW about 178.22 kHz at 2304 Z on 5 Feb. The sun is just setting, it is dusk here."
He replied by return Email:
"I moved from my Silver Spring location about 2 years ago into a high density, small lot, urban area in Bethesda, MD, adjacent to Washington, DC. As a result, I was forced to discontinue my LF work. You should report what you heard to the author of the Lowdown LF column and ask if anyone can identify the origin of that beacon.
I am hoping to one day set up another beacon but I doubt that I will be able to do it at this location.
Good DX and have fun!
Fred
N3FL
OK, well it occured to me that this is a simple case of a LF duct that goes out in space for two light years. Yeah, right.
I obviously made an error. Perhaps an image? Or is there an FL station in 1750 meters?
73
Art Harding
http://www.qsl.net/k5yef
Reply 1: I find no record of another FL in the band, so it could perhaps be an image response from some station in the areo band, or elsewhere. On the other hand, there have apparently been some new beacons put on the air this year whose operators never spread word about them. Does anyone have a clue about this one? If so, please let Art and this message board know. Thanks! -JHD
Subj: For Sale--Palomar VLF-S upconverter
Date: 00-02-25 20:42:30 EST
From: kf5oj prodigy (Clifton Turner)
I have a Palomar VLF-S converter for sale (Don't use it anymore since I
modded my Tentec RX-320). Output from 4.010 to 4.500 MHz, input from 10
kHz to 500 kHz. Looks and works as new. Asking $60 which includes
Priority mail in US.
Clifton Turner
KF5OJ
Subj: R.W Burhans Articles
Date: 00-02-25 20:39:06 EST
From: kf5oj prodigy (Clifton Turner)
I have been looking for reprints of the R.W. Burhans series of articles in
February through June 1983, Radio Electronics about VLF-HF active
antennas. I've found all but Feb and May issues.
Can anyone help with those? I'll gladly pay copying and mail costs of course.
Clifton Turner KF5OJ
Subj: Yet another synchronous noise blanker...
Date: 00-02-25 03:17:08 EST
From: turner vsatussc (Clint Turner)
I have built (yet) an(other) synchronous noise blanker. This unit is
described at:
www.ussc.com/~turner/syn_blank.html
This unit is designed such that it introduces minimal IMD and can be
used to blank light dimmer on receivers well below 10 KHz (i.e. it's
blanking generator doesn't cause QRM to the receiver) due to carefully
controlled risetimes on the blanking generator, and a reasonably
"linear" PIN-diode attenuator.
Let me know what you think.
Clint
KA7OEI
P.S.: LowFER beacons "ZTM" (in Layton, Utah formerly "Z" on 183.5)
and "FAW" (in South Jordan, UT) on approximately 184.4 are still
operational. ZTM's antenna work (see below) provided a 6+ db
improvement in ERP.
Subj: Antenna Suggestions
Date: 00-02-23 18:47:46 EST
From: das1220 webtv (dave and sophia lopez jr)
I am a new member to the LWCA and the lowfer scene. I would like to get
info. on different antennas that others have and plans if possible. I
have looked at the obvious sources on this site and others, but I would
like to hear more. I really dont have much antenna building experience,
but I do know that my DX-Ultra doesnt do the job for the lowfer band.
Any and all help is appreciated.
Subj: New Antenna at ZTM
Date: 00-02-23 16:05:10 EST
From: psmith xmission (Pete Smith)
Hello
We have a new antenna up and we are transmitting on 183.500 khz .. full
time.. only turned off for malfunction or tune up .. cw signal about six
words a minute .. signing a few dits and ztm several times then
Layton,Utah .. msg repeated all the time ... the dits are intended to
attract attention and a form of tuning aid ... we have had a lot of good
help from the club membership just recently Bill Bowers at OK .. thanks
guys.
regards
pete smith
Subj: New member of the LWCA
Date: 00-02-23 03:41:11 EST
From: d-lester execpc (dan)
Would like to say hello to everyone and introduce myself. Name is Dan,
KE9SE. QTH is near Seymour WI. Present receiver is a Drake R8b. Antenna
is a 1200 foot ground mounted beverage 270 degrees, terminated with a
560 ohm resistor and fed directly with coax. the antenna was originally
used for MW DXing and trying it on long wave was merely an experiment,
however the results have been positive. The last week of January lowFER
'BK' was copied with an impressive signal to noise ratio, the next day
'LEK' was noted. Most of February has yielded good results with very low
noise levels, lowFER beacons 'YB' and 'RB' were added to the list. WAV
files of these receptions were archived. A debt of gratitude goes to
Lyle Koehler and Bruce Koehler for their help in instilling an interest
in long wave DXing. Have spoken with Lyle and Bruce on 75 meters and
also Roger from Duluth MN, am still trying to log Roger's beacon 'RM'.
An outdoor loop antenna will no doubt be tried, hopefully before the
noise levels become too high.
73,
Dan
Subj: Lowfer reception report from MD
Date: 2/11/00 8:39:08 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: jmsch tqci (Jon M Schumacher)
I read Lyle's notes concerning his reception of LF beacons and took another "listen" last night. In addition to the "TH" and "DCH" regulars, I heard "NC" on 177.77 Khz for the first time. I am using my TenTec Paragon with 250 cycle bp IF plus the notch and audio filters activated. The upconverter is a Palomar "clone" I built a few years ago. My 80 meter dipole acts as a loaded vertical feeding a Pi-section low-pass RF filter to ensure against BC birdies.
No other beacons have been heard to date, but I don't usually stay up late enough to take advantage of propagation from the west. Also, the status of some of the beacons on the present list is questionable because I should be hearing more than I do.
Jon Schumacher, K1NV
Hollywood, MD (grid FM-18)
Subj: Fw: [Lf] Synchronous Noise Blankers
Date: 2/11/00 11:50:24 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: riese-k3djc juno (Bob RIESE)
Note (below) from WA3USG says it all. Another project fer me to do...need to get Dick to join the LWCA
(Fwd:) Gentlemen,
Get out your soldering irons. Finally a project that met every
expectation I had and then some! I had looked at the Synchronous Noise
Blanker by John Reed, KA5QEP on the Longwave Home Page. It looked kind
of interesting.... I also spoke to Andre. He sent me a letter and drawing
showing some modifications that he made to this device. To make a long
story short, I built this thing. I've been having severe problems with
line noise. Quartz Halogen "Torchette" lamps were a big problem... but the
killer was something that would come on for several hours every evening.
It was super strong.... about half to 3/4 meter deflection on my RX320. It
totally wasted the entire LF spectrum from 60 KHz up above 300 KHz. Just
a huge raspy buzz. Usually starts up about 5 PM and sometime goes until
after midnight. I tried locating it with an AM broadcasr radio but it
seems to come from every electricial outlet and all wiring in the house.
I shut off every circuit breaker but it was still there! I think it's
coming from a transformer located about 100 feet from the house (but I'm
not absolutely sure).
This noise blanker almost COMPLETELY gets rid of it ... it's amazing.
I went from total overlaod to being able to copy the AMRAD beacon
perfectly (with Spectran). You can barely tell the interference is there....
after a while I switch the filter off to see if the interference has gone away
(but with the filter out it's as bad as ever). It seems to raise the
noise floor just a little bit but I'm still able to do serious weak signal
work with the filter running.... BEST WORKING PROJECT THAT I'VE EVER
BUILT!
Thanks John Reed, KA5QEP and also to Andre, N4ICK !!
I EAT TORCHETTE LAMPS FOR BREAKFAST NOW !!!!!!!
73
Dick, WA3USG
Uses condensed milk on his torchette lamps and at times too much sugar :-)
Bob K3DJC
Subj: New NDB
Date: 2/11/00 8:41:21 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: reynoldf rlafmil (Frank Reynolds)
Last weekend (Feb. 5) I heard a new NDB. 220 TST. It appears to be
associated with the Syracuse, NY airport. This has also been reported
by others.
Frank Reynolds
KC2FDW
Subj: LowFER reception report
Date: 2/9/00 3:52:18 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: lyle mlecmn (Lyle Koehler)
There have been a few nights with good LF propagation lately, although
that usually means increased QRN levels as well. I heard DCH for the
first time in four or five years at 1100 UTC on January 30th. This
morning (Feb 9th) at 1135 UTC I could hear TH, DCH, RM, YB, BK, BRO, NC
and TEXAS through the static crashes. OK was also in there on BPSK;
about 80 per cent copy with no frame grabber. Tod, K0TO has left
"IDF" in Idaho Falls running in continuous BPSK mode at MS100,
ET1 on 189.600 kHz. So far I have been unsuccessful in copying IDF since
it was turned on at the end of January.
Dan Lester, KE9SE from Seymour, WI, reported hearing BK
for the first time on the afternoon of January 21st. The next afternoon
he also heard LEK. The estimated distances are roughly 190 miles
and 290 miles.
On Monday morning, Feb 7th, I was talking to Dan on 75 meters, and he
was hearing RB, BK, LEK and a new beacon with the identifier "AS" at
about 189.8 kHz. It was definitely "AS"; not a piece of the TEXAS AGGIES
CW identifier. So far I haven't been able to hear the "mystery" signal
in Central Minnesota. Can anyone identify this one?
--
Lyle, K0LR
Subj: U. S. Ham License Requirements Simplified
Date: 2/6/00 8:44:39 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: bicking mwci (Robert Bicking)
To: LWCANews
Around Jan.1, the FCC issued their restructuring of the ham license
requirements. In a nutshell, only 5 wpm code is required for the General and
Extra Class licenses and no code for the Technician license. This should
provide a shot-in-the-arm for ham radio and maybe reduce the average age of
hams somewhat. Details may be found at the ARRL website, www.arrl.org.
73,
Robert Bicking, W9RB
Subj: A soon to be member of LWCA
Date: 00-02-06 11:28:43 EST
From: tlccastle voyager
I am an amatuer radio astronomer member of SARA and hobbyist researcher
of Natural Radio and atmospheric and geomagnetic phenomenon. I'm also a
MUFON Field Investigator. I would very much like to hear from folks
with like interests. please e-mail John W. Castle at
cess_a01 yahoo.com
Thanks, 73, John KYG8632/KMI8LR
Subj: Fwd: Re: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-06 06:07:34 EST
From: mike dennisondemoncouk (Mike Dennison)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
De G3KAU
G3XDV was working slow CW a little earlier but must have gone "horizontal"
just before 7S6SAJ started listening on 136KHz
In fact I was just about to go to bed when I heard a very strong QRSS
signal, which turned out to be 7S6SAJ at S9+10dB. Exchanged 'O'/'O' with
him before "going horizontal". He was 10db stronger than Lech!
--
Mike, G3XDV
IO91VT
http://www.dennison.demon.co.uk/activity.htm
Subj: LF: 7S6SAJ - Special Report
Date: 00-02-06 01:59:13 EST
From: vaiski dlcfi (Väinö Lehtoranta)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
7S6SAJ Special - 5 February 2000 (All times: UTC)
--------------------------------------------------
1959 136.3 7S6SAJ calls CQ +5 -102
2008 OH3LYG works 7S6 +5 -102
2012 SM4DHN works 7S6 -18
2018 OH1TN works 7S6 -3 -110
2032 DK9DX works 7S6 (<-23) (<-130)
2041 OM2DX works 7S6 (<-23) (<-130)
2145 136.9 7S6SAJ calls CQ +16 -91
2146 OH1LSQ works 7S6 -23 -130
After this 7S6SAJ seems to be working cross-band
--------------------------------------------------
Time Station dB(uV) dBmW
--------------------------------------------------
2015 OH1BS calls 7S6 -13 -120
2118 DJ9IE calls CQ -23 -130
2128 G3KEV working ? -24 -131
--------------------------------------------------
7S6SAJ (JO78FL) d=636km, azimuth=253degrees
(the strongest ham station I have heard on LF,
with max obs strength (2140) +16 -91 )
--------------------------------------------------
Reference stations measured (20-22 UTC):
SXV Marathon 135.8 -4..+2 -111..-105
DCF49 Mainfl. 128.93 +26 -81 (ave)
DBF39 Burg 138.83 (weak) +19 -89 (ave)
---------------------------------------------------
For approximate Fs (dB(uV/m) add +20 dB to dB(uV)
---------------------------------------------------
(R&S ESH2/---- 10m coax---/1:10/---15m wire-----):
Noise level with antenna: with 200Hz IF BandWidth:
-24..-22 dB(uV), -131..-129dBmW (varies w qrm etc)
---------------------------------------------------
End of message of 06 Feb 2000, 0850 UTC, from OH2LX
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-06 00:30:06 EST
From: DK8KW compuserve ('Geri' Kinzel, DK8KW)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
Hello friends,
I worked 7S6SAJ yesterday afternoon. Currenty he is 40 dBmicroVolt/m here
in Slow-CW, which is the strongest ham-signal I have ever heard! 7S6SAJ is
"only" 45 dB weaker than DCF39 here, but he is much further away (700
something km vs. 120 km)! So well worth to give it a try over there at the
other side of the big pond!
Vy 73
Geri, DK8KW (W1KW)
http://www.qru.de
Subj: LF Beacon NC returns after winter storm
Date: 00-02-05 20:07:28 EST
From: dmcintyre att (Dexter McIntyre W4DEX)
Beacon NC has been off line for several weeks due to ice, snow, ice,
wind and more ice. The snow on the building roof, where the coil is
located, just today had melted enough to allow antenna repair. About
two weeks ago we had about 1/4 inch of ice cover when the wet blowing
snow came. Over 12 inches of snow on top of the ice along with winds
took down the beacon antenna. The storm also broke many trees which fell
on power lines. During the night the skies were lighting up with
flashes which looked like a thunderstorm. That was the power gird
failing. About 75% of our county was without power the next day. My
power was off only one day but many in the area were without power for
up to 10 days. We had to shelter relatives for 6 days. The woods around
my house look worse than it did after hurricane Hugo came though in
1989.
I got the beacon back on less than an hour ago so someone let me
know if it is working.
73, Dex
LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz, Stanfield, NC EM95tg
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-05 14:15:15 EST
From: g3kev netscapeonlinecouk (g3kev)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org (rsgb)
The strongest signal that I have ever heard on 136 khz. 7S6SAJ was S9
plus plus with his 210 metre high antenna. The only other signal on the
band nearly as strong is MM0ALM. Who says large antennas are not
necessary and have little advantage over loops or low slung long wires
!!!! When EI0CF was using his work QTH antennas he was also an extremely
strong signal. These stations are only using modest output rf power.
Chris might be using higher power but the antenna launching the signals
is the prime factor.
I heard numerous UK and other EU stations calling but did not succeed in
making a qso. With an antenna like that also on receive one wonders why
they were not heard. In the light of this experience the chances of a
transatlantic qso are nil except those interested make an effort to
improve the antenna height. Increasing the rf power, although helpful is
not the ANSWER.
73 de MAL/G3KEV
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-05 12:37:59 EST
From: k_ravenhill radiometrixcouk (Kevin Ravenhill)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org (RSGB LF Group)
Colossal signals this afternoon from 7S6SAJ, here in SW England using my
regenerative Rx and piece of wet string.... 59+9 and by far the strongest
signal I have ever heard on the band apart from G3OLB who is <20km away from
me.
QRM from the Greek RTTY on the other sideband was easily clobbered by the
signals from Sweden, as was my local mains QRM which normally makes
reception impossible from dusk onwards.
73, Kevin G1HDQ
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-05 12:18:04 EST
From: tonib phonakcomch (Toni Bärtschi)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
-From HB2ASB, JN36PT
Strong signal, same level as the Greek station on 135.75
73 de Toni
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ
Date: 00-02-05 10:22:20 EST
From: ivan iriszhu (Ivan Artner)
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
Geeees what a signal!!!!
Go for it state side!!!
Congratulations!
73 de Ivan HA5TS
Note: Operation is anticipated Saturday into Sunday, with a slow CW test Saturday evening, North American time.
Subj: Fwd: LF: 7S6SAJ: ufb sigs
Date: 00-02-05 11:24:59 EST
From: MarkusVester aol
To: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
Hi Christer, hi all,
beautiful kilowatt signal here in Bavaria (JN59NK) today at 1410:
7S6SAJ 33 dBuV/m, G3KEV and G3YXM both about 4 dBuV/m.
73 de Markus, DF6NM
Subj: Trans Atlantic Tests
Date: 00-02-04 15:15:06 EST
From: riese-k3djc juno (Bob RIESE)
What an interesting time. I have been seeing what I have interpreted as
DFC 39 on 138.830. The signal is on the correct frequency and its time of
arrival was correct. It usually starts to show up around local dusk and
when viewed on Spectran really shows the effects of propagation with lots
of deep fades and strong peaks. I was able to make a JPG file of the
signal showing the data ticks and sent this to Marco IK1ODO who verified
the likelihood that this is the actual signal. Richard Goodman also
copied this and made a wave file and sent it to Geri DK8KW. Geri did
further analysis on the wave file and confirmed the signal is DFC 39.
We also copy the
AMRAD beacon on 136.750 and LF beacon DCH.
Bob K3DJC
Subj: Re: Help for a newbie?
Date: 00-02-04 22:05:49 EST
From: tbrannon att (Tim Brannon)
To: cboand edge.net CC: LWCANews
Cliff,
Many amateur transceivers with "general coverage" receive capability have an attenuator that kicks in automatically below 1800 kHz to limit intermod from strong AM broadcasters, and most keep the attenuator in line even below 540 kHz thru the LF band. About 20-26 dB was the norm when I studied this last, and that much attenuation will certainly dampen your LF listening experience! Your operators manual should tell you if this is the case.
The G5RV will not work well on LF because of the balun. A balun designed for HF may look like a dead short at LF. Try a random wire of at least 50 feet or so. A simple LF tuner will be a big help too, the subject of an upcoming LOWDOWN article.
The TS-440 will make an excellent rig for use with an LF converter. Take a look at http://www.lwca.org/library/articles/kf5cq/lfconvtr.htm
Does anyone know if LF Engineering still sells converters?
Tim
Subj: Beacons heard
Date: 2/3/00 10:37:20 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: jmsch tqci (Jon M Schumacher)
I'm copying "TH" in NJ and "DCH" in MD at Hollywood, MD (FM-18). DCH is very strong at all times. TH is copiable during the day but better at night. Also have logged WA2XTG xmtr in Vienna, MD on 136.75 Khz. I will be listening for the Swedish test Sat. evening.
Jon M. Schumacher, K1NV
Subj: Transatlantic?
Date: 2/3/00 6:42:11 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: sm6lkmjbeab swipnetse (Johan Bodin)
Dear LF enthusiasts
From SM6LKM Johan & SM6PXJ Christer
This weekend, we are going to make a new attempt to transmit
from the old LF transmitting site in Karlsborg, Sweden.
We've got a special callsign and permission to radiate 1 kW EMRP.
The antenna is a big T, about 350m wide and 210m tall. TX power
is 1kW, maybe we'll get 500W radiated.
Details:
Date: Sunday February 6 (Sat. PM in N. America)
Time: 00.00-01.00 UTC
Freq: 137.710 kHz
Mode: Slow CW, 3 seconds/dot
Callsign: 7S6SAJ
73
Johan, SM6LKM
Subj: Help for a Newbie?
Date: 2/3/00 6:04:23 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: cboand edge (Clifford Boand)
I'm just getting interested in LW, and am wondering if the receiver
section of my TS-440S is worth tuning around with? I don't have a LW
antenna up yet, just a G5RV (yes, I'm a ham..WA0JTW). Also, I've
noticed that my MW sensitivity is 'way down from either below or above
the BCB...is this normal with this radio? I can barely hear WSM...and
I'm only 50 miles away from it!
Thanks for any help, and please forgive the ramblings of the newly
interested!
Cliff Boand
Subj: RE: Unidentified new NDB- GRN
Date: 2/3/00 4:14:23 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: tomaskod smtplinkeadanlgov (David Tomasko)
Hi Darwin,
My data shows GRN as 383 khz from Guerrero Negro, Mexico.
Wish I could catch that one up here in Chicago.
Dave Tomasko
Subj: New, Need Help (II)
Date: 2/2/00 8:28:46 PM Eastern Standard Time
From: FCeagle hotmail (Fabian C)
Hello Again,
I'm searching for a kit or pre-built 1750m tranciver that has CW and/or SSB. Can any one point me in the direction? It has to be under $250.
Thanks & 73's,
Fabian C.
KFC78415
Reply 1: I'm not aware of a kit like that on the market at this time, but Dave Curry, who used to sell such kits, has made some of the plans for his kits available on the Web. Check his link in our More Longwave Resources Online page. -JHD
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