Re: Another Longwave Station
Medi 1 (Radio Mediteranee International, Nador Morocco) also being heard nightly on 171 kHz here in Las Vegas, NV. Best around 0400UT with Arabic music and announcer. Weak but readable using Icom R-75 and vertical antenna.
Les Layton
FERRITE ROD ANTENNA QUESTION?
Posted by dave sampson on February 02, 2009 at 10:30:48.
does anyone know of a good website that details the plans for an lf (ferrite rod)receiving loop? Beacon " XR " off the air until ???
thanks
Posted by Andy - XR on February 02, 2009 at 13:47:56.
A heavy, wet snow storm that rushed thru East TN. Early today, did a number on my LOWfer ant. The snow was so heavy and packed, that it broke my tophat loose from the Vertical section of the antenna. I was afraid it would happen, with that type of snow. My HF ant's. are still up, but drooping very low to the ground, and could give way any minute too. I don't know when I will be able to get around to fixing the beacon ant., but I will post when I get it back up. Thanks to everyone who has looked for " XR " , I hope to have it back on soon; 73 - All !!!
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. " XR " ant. & XMTR fixes
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Andy - XR on February 03, 2009 at 13:23:56.
Hey everyone: It feels strange looking at the LOWfer output meter
and never seeing it move, and then remember, it's off the air !!
During the Snow & Ice melee', evidently the SWR went skyhigh and
blew out one of my transistors. I replaced it, but when I turn it
on, ( even into a dummy load ), the PA current quickly starts to
rise. So I'm thinking that 1 or more of the diodes have shorted.
If all goes well, I hope to get the XMTR repaired, and the ant.
back up by this week end. Looking for high temps in the 60's on
Sat. and Sun. Still cold for now, and the HF ant's, are drooping,
but the ice is beginning to melt. At least they stayed up !!
73; and good LOWfer-ing::
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Lowfer SJ changes
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 03, 2009 at 16:09:43.
For the remainder of the season SJ will be QRSS20 and time on, 2300 to 0600 UTC. The frequency remains the same at 186.850 kHz...It's been a noisey season here for night reception from an external source that can't be nulled out that well. FERRITE LOOP QUESTION?
later, Sal, K1RGO
Posted by dave sampson on February 04, 2009 at 05:38:13.
ive heard about the use of a shield on a ferrite rod style antenna.
if so, how much of the outside-diameter of the rod do you want to shield?
would it be benneficial to simply use a peice of metal tubing (larger than the ferrite rod diameter) and make a cut down the long axis.this cut would be say 1/16 to 1/8" -just enough so the ends dont touch.
or is it necessary to have more of the diameter of the rod exposed?
also read that the shield needs to be longer than the rod, how do you determine how much longer?
thanks very much Re: LWBC
dave
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on February 04, 2009 at 09:33:36.
In reply to Re: LWBC posted by Glenn on January 30, 2009
Glad to hear others are hearing the LWBC so well the past few days! I live along the S.E. Coast and over the weekend Jan 31-Feb 01 the LWBC was some of the best I have ever heard. Almost all channels heard - 153, 162, 171, 177, 183, 189, 198, 207, 216, 225, 234, 252 and 270. I made some good recordings of 153, 162, 171, 183, 189, 198, 216. 234 and 252. I could hear 153 and 252 even had 2 stations at once on the same channel that were interfering with each other.
I use an Icom R75 + Ratzlaff active whip up about 40 feet for receiving that range.
Hope conditions will stick around for a while longer!
73, Todd WD4NGG
Re: Lowfer SJ changes
Posted by Brian on February 04, 2009 at 16:18:52.
In reply to Lowfer SJ changes posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 03, 2009
Sal ...
Wanted to let you know that I copied your beacon on 2.2.2009.
73 de rian, KG8CO
Re: Lowfer SJ changes
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 04, 2009 at 18:57:27.
In reply to Re: Lowfer SJ changes posted by Brian on February 04, 2009
Hi Brian SAQ 17.2KHz Received Well 02-05-09
Happy to hear SJ got through. How was the copy? Are you using Spectran / ARGO? I use both but I've been having noise issues this season.
later...Sal
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on February 05, 2009 at 02:39:45.
Hi All, professional VLF-preamplfier
Received special SAQ transmission well here on Hilton Head Island,SC
this morning on 02/05/09.
The CW transmission ran from about 0950-1010 UTC. RST 329 using Icom R75
with 2x250Hz filters, AMRAD VLF converter clone
and Ratzlaff active whip up 40ft. Conditions were fairly good on VLF
with reasonably low static levels.
Wonder if anyone else was listening for SAQ?
73 Todd WD4NGG
Posted by Andy on February 05, 2009 at 14:46:36.
I have received several professional VLF-preamplifier boards. I have these for sale for a reasonable price, as I do not see to find the time to experimnt with these during the next years. If you are interested, feel free to ask for pictures and further details via e-mail at hf_mobile@hotmail.com
73 de Andy DH5AK
Re: FERRITE LOOP QUESTION?
Posted by Andy on February 05, 2009 at 14:56:30.
In reply to FERRITE LOOP QUESTION? posted by dave sampson on February 04, 2009
make the shield shorter than the ferrite rod. Krauss recommends to make the coil on the rod just 1/3 as long as the ferrite rod length. The shield should be longer than the coil but a good portion shorter than the rod. This prevents the magetic field, which flows out of the abutment face of the rod to cause a current in the shield, which causes loss...
SJ Beacon
Posted by Brian on February 05, 2009 at 15:00:55.
Hello Sal .... The copy of your beacon was pretty good. If you could forward your e-mail address, I will send you the screen shots. 73 de Brian, KG8CO
Re: SJ Beacon
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 05, 2009 at 15:43:01.
In reply to SJ Beacon posted by Brian on February 05, 2009
Address above.
I have been looking in the watering hole 185.3kHz and other posted 1750 meter freqs in the morning and afternoon without any success I think I caught a partial copy of XR at night a month ago, but a new noise source has ruined my night reception. Re: SAQ File Available for Direct Download
Are you running a beacon?
later, Sal
Posted by Eric R. Mildebrath on February 05, 2009 at 20:10:04.
In reply to SAQ File Available for Direct Download posted by Webmaster on January 01, 2009
Thanks for recording an historic CW transmission from station SAQ using their Alexanderson alternator. 73, W0OBF, St. Cloud, MN
E-mail Cautionary Note
Posted by Webmaster on February 05, 2009 at 23:59:31.
In reply to Re: SJ Beacon posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 05, 2009
I edited the plain-text version of Sal's e-mail address out of the above post. As noted in the Message Board FAQ, it is a virtual certainty that any e-mail address in a public HTML document on the Web will be harvested by spammers in a very short time.
On the rare occasion when someone actually needs to include an e-mail address, it is slightly less risky to put it in the "E-Mail" field when writing their message. It does not reside on our server in plain text that way, and is only written into the message as the user's browser interprets the document while reading.
We recommend not including e-mail addresses at all if you can avoid it, because even the technique I mentioned doesn't fool all robot harvesters; but if you must, the E-Mail box is the preferable place, rather than the body of the message.
John
"MPK" Beacon
Posted by Don Moth on February 06, 2009 at 12:45:06.
My lowfer beacon "MPK 177.9 khz is off the air at present. Under 2 feet of snow and 0 degree weather. Will notify when repaired and back on. Re: FERRITE LOOP QUESTION?
Don
Posted by dave sampson on February 06, 2009 at 21:01:46.
In reply to Re: FERRITE LOOP QUESTION? posted by Andy on February 05, 2009
Beacon " XR " back on now.
thanks andy!
have some more questions...
how much shorter should the shield be than the rod?
how close should the shield be positioned to the coil/rod?
does it make a difference if the shield is u or v shapped or if it is round and allmost surrounds the od of the rod?
thanks
dave
Posted by Andy - XR on February 07, 2009 at 15:32:51.
Hey Everyone:
I put the tophat back up today, and while it was down, I added
4 more wires in the Semi-perimeter to hopefully get a little
more topside capacitance. If Uncle Murphy dosen't decide to pay
an unexpected visit, as of the moment everything seems to be
A-OK !!, It's been beaconing since 6pm EST, so give it a try if
you like. Reception reports will be appreciated.
73 !!
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Re: Beacon " XR " back on now.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 08, 2009 at 06:55:56.
In reply to Beacon " XR " back on now. posted by Andy - XR on February 07, 2009
I left Argo running overnight and it didn't see anything in the captures. Did a bit of tuning around this morning, and when I went back to your frequency was able to catch you at about 6:30 am local time for around a half hour (1130z thru 1200z). Lots of QSB. Occasional faint traces in Argo that are probably you since.
73, Re: Beacon " XR " back on now.
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Andy - XR on February 08, 2009 at 16:00:52.
In reply to Re: Beacon " XR " back on now. posted by Jim W4JBM on February 08, 2009
Hey Jim; Thanks for looking. You should get a good signal from " XR " now that the tophat is improved and put back up.
Here's to trying; 73 and good LOWfer-ing ::
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Re: Beacon " XR " back on now.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 09, 2009 at 03:35:39.
In reply to Beacon " XR " back on now. posted by Andy - XR on February 07, 2009
Left Argo going last night and defiantly had a better signal. Still seeing it with some fading this morning, but strong clear copy of complete ID a couple of times around 10 PM local time last night (0300z).
Got to run to a meeting this morning, but I'll try to zip and send you the Argo captures this evening.
73, VO1NA
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Brian KG8CO on February 09, 2009 at 19:07:09.
VO1NA is currently transmitting on 184.5093,in QRSS 75
73 de Brian KG8CO
Medi 1
Posted by Glenn on February 10, 2009 at 19:33:07.
Medi 1 ( 171KC ) from Morocco is coming in very good amongst the static crashes in Minnesota this evening. Several other carriers are heard across the band also.
Glenn Boche Why and How 185.3 kHz?
South St.Paul, MN
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009 at 03:17:10.
I can understand the concept and value of a "watering hole", but is there an easy way to get there? I'm trying to put together a LowFER beacon and currently an at just under 173 kHz using 11.0592kHz crystals and a divide-by-64.
Does 185.3 kHz come from easily available crystal with a normal divider, or has everyone moved to frequency synthesizers and I'm just left doing thing the old fashioned way? :-)
I will probably try to grind down an old FT-243 crystal at some point to get there if there's not an easier way, but since my beacon transmitter will be located outdoors I'm a bit worried about the reliability and stability of a 243 as the temperature shifts around--especially one that's been hand ground to get to a specific frequency.
73, Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz?
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Andy - XR on February 13, 2009 at 06:38:43.
In reply to Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009
Hi Jim. Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz?
The Watering hole as you've probably figured out already is a matter of convienience for signal hunters, with not having to move all around the band looking for signals, especially with many operators letting their computers do overnight captures. If you want to be in the Watering hole; pick the frequency you want, ie: 185298.50 then x by 10;
185298.50 x 10 = 1.852.985 MHz ( 160 meter ). The most recommended way is to use an oscillator module, they are usually very stable, and can be ordered easily. Or; if you like the XTAL OSC. idea, have one cut with precise tolerance figures. Then use a divide by 10 decade counter to get the OSC. into the 1750 meter band.
73 and have a great day: Andy - KU4XR - Beacon " XR "
Posted by J.B. Weazle McCreath on February 14, 2009 at 05:38:34.
In reply to Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009
Hi Jim,
One way of dealing with your concerns over stability
of the signal is to make your lowfer transmitter in
two parts. The "exciter" can be in the shack where
temperature variations are minimal, and the "final"
is placed at the antenna feedpoint. Both RF and DC
for the "final" can be fed on the coax. I use good
quality RG-6 satellite TV cable for my feeder which
is well over 100 feet long.
73 and good luck, TS-480 for MW and LW dx
J.B., VE3EAR
Posted by john on February 15, 2009 at 10:44:35.
is anyone out there using the kenwood ts-480 for MW and LW dx? i have heard its pretty good - i am a ham also so it would be nice to have one radio do it all - any comments appreciated.
sincerely, john
Re: TS-480 for MW and LW dx
Posted by jim W4JBM on February 15, 2009 at 14:36:31.
In reply to TS-480 for MW and LW dx posted by john on February 15, 2009
I've got a Kenwood TS-570D and a Yeasu FT-857D, both of which perform pretty decent at LF with an active antenna (modified PA0RDT mini-whip). I am beginning to think that an LF preselector might be worthwhile. I don't have the count off hand, but I've probably logged close to 200 NDBs, NAVTEX, and DGPS stations in the six months or so that I've been tinkering with LF.
73, Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions...
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 15, 2009 at 17:14:02.
In reply to Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by J.B. Weazle McCreath on February 14, 2009
So is it reasonable to install the transmitter (oscillator and all) outdoors? I would like to locate the transmitter about 750 feet from the house on the top of a rise that is cleared. Plan B was about 500 feet from the house near the barn (using the metal roof as a ground plane).
I hadn't really thought about a Plan C that would put it within coax reach of the shack because I had hoped to put some distance between it and my receiving antennas.
Is that realistic, or is it likely that temperature changes are going to give me frequency stability problems? Actually setting it near the shack has some advantages, but I'd probably be off the air more than I was on it.
Is it considered "good etiquette" to just run a beacon a few days a month so long as you keep the current status & schedule posted?
The keyer and oscillator are complete and in cases. The LPF is in the works with the coils wound. The transmitter shouldn't take too long but I spent about two hours today fighting oscilloscope problems. Was going to use the scope to characterize the LPF, but I think I'll use an RF probe instead.
73, Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions...
Jim W4JBM
Posted by John Davis on February 15, 2009 at 20:41:05.
In reply to Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions... posted by Jim W4JBM on February 15, 2009
"So is it reasonable to install the transmitter (oscillator and all) outdoors? {snip} or is it likely that temperature changes are going to give me frequency stability problems?"
It is quite likely that frequency drift will be a problem unless you were to use an ovenized oscillator. There are other temperature compensation techniques which are often adequate for normal-speed CW when the oscillator is outdoors, but slow CW and other digital modes are not very tolerant of frequency drift.
Another factor to consider: Only a few other LowFERs are able to locate their transmitter and receiver as far apart as you mention; but even of those who can, many still find it preferable to shut down their beacons when trying to copy DX, to avoid key clicks and/or de-sensing. Physical separation alone may not be sufficient anyway. I would recommend simply locating the transmitter wherever it will have the clearest location for your antenna, get a frequency reference signal to it in a manner of your choosing, and then deal with any receive issues as necessary.
"Is it considered 'good etiquette' to just run a beacon a few days a month so long as you keep the current status & schedule posted?"
Sure. A regular schedule is the key, IMO. If you post a new schedule every week, say, then only the people who happen to monitor that particular forum or reflector will be able to keep track of you. And if you don't post far enough ahead, they may not have a chance to schedule their listening times for you.
Best to have a consistent schedule that doesn't change too often, so that people who look you up in print media or in our own online list will have a shot at finding you, too.
Re: TS-480 for MW and LW dx
Posted by Matti WA6YKU on February 17, 2009 at 08:12:00.
In reply to TS-480 for MW and LW dx posted by john on February 15, 2009
I use the Kenwood TS-2000
Great radio for the VLF portion also.
It probably has the same reciever that the TS-480 has.
I got excellent results until I lost a supporting tree for my 'wierdo' three loop antenna.
Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz?
Matti WA6YKU
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on February 17, 2009 at 10:03:55.
In reply to Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009
Jim,
It looks like nobody has answered one of your questions: "Why 185.300 kHz?" There's nothing magic about the frequency. If memory serves, Bill Ashlock, who was at the time operating his WA beacon, wound up there based on some divided-down crystal frequency from his junk collection. There was some sense in the Northeast about staying between the big LWBC stations on 183 and 189 kHz, and that's where Bill landed.
This was around the time that Spectran (and later Argo) appeared, and a number of beacons on widely separated frequencies had good luck with 3 second/dot slow speed CW. As slower speeds were tried, reports began coming in from farther away. The suggestion was made that with the 30 second/dot rate that became common, you could fit a lot of stations into a 6 Hz wide Argo window. It didn't take long before others who had frequency agility began to show up near Bill's 185.3 kHz frequency. The winter of 2002-3 saw the peak of the activity. Here's a screen shot by Lloyd, W3NF, on a typically busy night:
http://www.w1tag.com/files/185.3_12-11.jpg
The thrill eventually wore off, and while there were some impressive groupings of licensed experimental stations near 137.78 kHz a few years later, that level of congestion has not been duplicated since. But Steve, W3EEE, still maintains a "grabber" on 185.300 kHz, and some of the fun could be re-created.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: TS-480 for MW and LW dx
Posted by J.B. Weazle McCreath on February 17, 2009 at 14:01:14.
In reply to Re: TS-480 for MW and LW dx posted by jim W4JBM on February 15, 2009
Hi,
I can't speak on the TS-480 as I don't have one, but I
concur with Jim on using a preselector with the PA0RDT
Miniwhip antenna. I just completed building one over
the weekend and it's made quite an improvement for me
when using my IC-735 to hunt NDBs.
73, J.B., VE3EAR Re: Why 185.3 kHz?
Posted by Andy - XR on February 17, 2009 at 15:19:52.
In reply to Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on February 17, 2009
Hey Everyone: John goes back much farther in knowledge and experience on 1750 meters than myself, only being active for a little over a year now, so his post is a very good
" historical " explanation of WHY 185.300 KHz ? I did not know that. However; on another note: I recently sent out 8 LOWfer parts kits that I had put together ( sorry no more left ), I have made a couple of posts trying to encourage the guys I sent them to, to put them on the air, and get em going. If all those kits were put on the air along with my signal, there would be 9 stations spread from 184.315 up to 184.322 KHz. A nice little 7 KHz window. That was my hopes then, and still is now. I have a time or two, thought about moving up into the waterhole, But would rather say: come on guys and join me here, it's a good clean freq. just waiting for your signal to drop in. AND !!! I can't help but drop this in for added measure; as others fire up in the watering hole, and others join me at 184.3?? KHz, a rig setup in USB at 2.4 KHz could receive both sets of signals using a program such as Spetrum Lab. Lots of great possibilities, and fun for the days ahead. 73, everyone !!
Andy - KU4XR - Beacon " XR " Friendsville, TN. EM75xr
Re: FERRITE ROD ANTENNA QUESTION?
Posted by Peter B on February 17, 2009 at 16:56:32.
In reply to FERRITE ROD ANTENNA QUESTION? posted by dave sampson on February 02, 2009
Dave, Re: FERRITE LOOP QUESTION?
Joe Carr (deceased) had several publications on unusual circuits including a ferrite LF antenna application. I haven't looked but some Web site may have further leads on Carr's works.
Posted by Peter B on February 17, 2009 at 17:11:53.
In reply to Re: FERRITE LOOP QUESTION? posted by dave sampson on February 06, 2009
I can add a bit. The shield is not that critical in size and proximity from what I recall in LF How-To journals. The shield for any coil can be a tube over the coil or a trough, U-shaped with the coil within. A reasonable clearance is advised to forgo contact. The key to a shield is to think of an application for a 1-turn loop as antenna. Then the shielding should follow the circumference BUT having a gap at the top. The gap at top is maintaining balance of the loop. The shield would be electrically grounded to the input circuitry from its center point, half way from the gap. This "grounding" is circuit ground and not necessary earth ground, although that can be determined by try 'n see methods. Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions...
Posted by Peter B on February 17, 2009 at 17:28:35.
In reply to Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions... posted by John Davis on February 15, 2009
John's advice is sound. However let me add PUT IT ON! Given your locale, I'd place it at the antenna base. Once on the air, the LF community can deal/help with the expected day-night drift affecting the oscilator. As a hint, heat the xtal with a higher than ambient heat source, say a 1/2W res run at 12V DC. Add to that a small styrofoam case for the xtal as insulation. That should help on drift. But how much? Gotta try it.
Further, will you be erecting a vertical monopole antenna or a vertical loop? There are merits for each.
Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions...
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 17, 2009 at 17:48:19.
In reply to Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions... posted by Peter B on February 17, 2009
Planning on a vertical monopole with a "spiral" loading coil just above the middle and a top hat. Something along the lines of:
http://www.alan.melia.btinternet.co.uk/spiraltop.htm
Been busy with work and haven't had time to work on things this week, but would like to get on the air before the winter months are gone. Not sure I'm going to make it though... :-(
73,
Jim W4JBM
Re: Why 185.3 kHz?
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 18, 2009 at 03:14:37.
In reply to Re: Why 185.3 kHz? posted by Andy - XR on February 17, 2009
Hey Andy,
I noticed that I can get 1.8432 kHz crystals from Jameco for $1.19 each.
With the current oscillator, I'm using 11.0592 MHz crystals (a pair in parallel--they came out of an old cordless phone and basestation if I remember right) and dividing by 64. Using a pair of crystals in parallel is "trick" used in a some homebrew QRP rigs that give you more stability and "swing" when you operate them as a VXO. But my approach has been very modular, so swapping out my oscillator to move closer to 184.3 wouldn't take much down the road.
On the topic of "kits" and getting more people on the air, I've got a PIC programmer and would be happy to program PICBeacon chips "at cost" for anyone who's serious about getting on the air. With mine, I can use DIP switches to select regular CW (at 5 wpm), QRSS-3, QRSS-10, QRSS-30, or QRSS-60 ID speeds.
73, Re: Getting on the air
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Andy - XR on February 18, 2009 at 07:49:28.
In reply to Re: Crystal vs. Temperature & other questions... posted by Jim W4JBM on February 17, 2009
Hey Jim: The main thing as Peter said; You just gotta try it. You'll change your mind, you'll change your design and setup. That's all part of the fun. But by all means; " get it on the air and radiating " As close as we are to one another, I'll be excited to help you with signal reports, and comparisons thru the summer, so you'll be ready for next season. NOTE #2::: 750 feet away is quite a distance. I personally wouldn't try to put the keyer, and Osc. at the ant. I would keep it in the shack. I hope you've got a LOTTT!! of wire on hand to make that run. Let me know how things are progressing, and when you may want to try a transmission. If you haven't done so; go to Beacon " XR " My Space page, then go to my pics, and you can look over my ant. setup, and beacon station pictures. 73 for now:
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. schedule change
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by mike koscak on February 18, 2009 at 11:21:14.
WMT 185 kc is now on stby.I will activate with a request from You! pse email Re: choice of receiver
or call 4135621950 to set up a sked. (one way,or 2 way)day or nite,up to 22h
Posted by mike koscak on February 18, 2009 at 11:34:34.
In reply to choice of receiver posted by Philip Evans on September 24, 2008
fyi, I use a trusty BC-779, has faraday sheilding and a balanced isolated ant input. Also surprisingly good is a hallicrafters s-20R. Important to tune your antenna, a common 2-4mh rf choke and varible cap as a L network does wonders. I've copied stuff in 100-400kc with a xtal set only Re: schedule change
when tuning a antenna.(long wire,even used the aluminum flashing around the roof edge as an ant. too.)
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 18, 2009 at 18:20:27.
In reply to schedule change posted by mike koscak on February 18, 2009
Hi Mike, Latest captures of " XR " - logged a new one
If possible I can give a listen and setup argo mornings from 10 AM to 11 AM local (1500 to 1600 UTC)at my QTH in East Haven, CT. Are you running QRSS?....I can run SJ at QRSS20 in that time also. Now SJ is on 2300 to 0600 UTC all week. I work evenings here, and my night reception is very noisy lately. I get the best results moving my(temporary setup) receive antenna away from the house and use my noise nuller, (day time, practcally noise free),I'm going to have to try it at night some time.
later, Sal
Posted by Andy - XR on February 18, 2009 at 19:54:29.
Hello all:
I recently received a great capture from Jay of " XR ", and
also a good capture from Brian -KG8CO in Clinton, MI. Brian
is a new station for me bringing my total reception reports
for my first season to 16 now. I'll be getting Brian a card
from " XR " in the mail soon. Congradulations Brian on logging
" XR " from 437 miles away. I put both captures on My Space
in the reception reports folder.The only thing that could
make it any better would be for Steve out ther in Oregon to
catch " XR " HHmmmm; that's really wishful thinking ain't it ?
Unfortunately the season is rapidly deteriorating here in the
south. static levels are rising quickly, Get em while you can !
73 Gentlemen and good LOWfer-ing
Re: 1.8432 MHz XTAL
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Andy - XR on February 19, 2009 at 07:04:01.
In reply to Re: Why 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 18, 2009
Hi Jim: That would be great; with a XTAL OSC. you could pull enough that you and I were a cycle or 2 apart. I can't do that with the Epson Osc. chip. It is locked on freq. I've tried changing the voltage, series, and parallel caps, all to no avail. But it is extremely stable, and that's needed for QRSS operation. That's a great offer you make to program a PIC chip for others, 73 for now, and I hope to get to look for a signal from you in the near future.
Andy - KU4XR - Beacon " XR " Friendsville, TN. - EM75xr
Close with DIR
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 21, 2009 at 15:12:45.
Well, my LowFER beacon DIR seemed to work okay on the bench this afternoon. Tried to get a quick and dirty load into my Butternut vertical, but that was a bust. Have a feeling the antenna is going to be the tough part. But I'm also getting a distorted waveform out of the low pass filter. It wasn't doing that earlier and I need to figure out what has changed.
LF noise bridge is moving to the top of the list of "to do" projects...
73, Southern California Net
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Dave Curry on February 22, 2009 at 14:59:34.
Hey Guys, Just to let you know there is a Southern California net starting up on Saturday's at 9AM, CW. Please try to make it if your in the area. Frequencies from 180Kc to 185Kc are preferred. Anyone running part 5 has a good chance of working the net even outside the southern cal area. WD2XFJ will beacon any additional information as necessary. Please feel free to email me. 73s-Dave Curry Double Dang...
WD2XFJ ex.PLI, WD4PLI.
Posted by Jim W4JBM on February 22, 2009 at 16:42:06.
In reply to Close with DIR posted by Jim W4JBM on February 21, 2009
Well, I had hoped I'd have it on the air this weekend, but it wasn't meant to be. I tried several pairs of transistors from the junkbox but none seemed to match well enough to get anything symmetric into or out of the low-pass filter.
Thought I'd at least work on the antenna, but I've been fighting a nasty chest cold and cough all day and haven't felt like getting outdoors to do anything.
At this point, the final and antenna are all that's left. I'm going to string my first pass at an antenna out over the dog run beside the house. I can use the wire fence as a ground plane and should have room for a top-loaded T antenna. Several trees that are at least 40 feet high on each side of the area where we keep the dogs.
I may just bite the bullet and order some transistors. If I do that I'll probably also order the 1.843 MHz crystals and divide by ten chip so I can move into the neighborhood with XR.
I guess if it was easy, everyone would be doing it. :-)
73, Re: EXP-1750a Longwave Transceiver
Jim W4JBM
Posted by Paul Jorgenson KE7HR on February 23, 2009 at 12:38:40.
In reply to Re: EXP-1750a Longwave Transceiver posted by Brian, KG8CO on December 25, 2008
Search for the April 1994 QST for one of Dave's projects that is for a LF cw transceiver. I think this is also the project that appeared in the ARRL Handbook for several years.
Paul KE7HR
Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz?
Posted by Paul Daulton on February 24, 2009 at 22:44:54.
In reply to Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009
From bill Ashlock I undrstand he used a 5.185 microprocessor
xtal divided by 28 to get to 185.3. While it is not an even
division a fet osc with a cerammic trimmer can be adjusted to freq easily. I use 5.185 microprocessor xtals in some of
my qrp rigs. cost is $0.40 each. another way is to beat a
5.185 xtal against a 5.0 osc. Products are 185 khz and 10.185. Again one or other of the osc can be trimmed to freq.
Personally I chose a 6.0 mhz xtal divided down to 187.5 khz.
Actually I wound up with 187.492 +/- . I have fixed caps in
mine, some time this summer I plan to trim it up to an even 187.5 khz.
If you are going to operate in the watering hole absolute
freq control is a must. An oven with a vco and very fine
tunning is required with the close proximity. N3zi makes and
sells a dds generator, one version is programmed by computer
that one sells for about $39 for $59 you can get display and
rotary controll with the dds. You are welcome to join me on
187.5, we can start a new watering hole.
Paul Daulton K5wms Re: Why and How 185.3 kHz?
beacon wms 187492 hz qrss 60 24/7
Posted by Bill Ashlock on February 25, 2009 at 12:12:45.
In reply to Why and How 185.3 kHz? posted by Jim W4JBM on February 13, 2009
Here's the story on how 185.300 really began:
I had been looking for a clear area of the band back in the early 2000s where I could both listen and transmit on my experimental TX loop antennas. At the time I had been receiving on a modified ARC-5 which had a wide 1KHz bandwidth and the clearest area I could find was around 185K(+).(Must have been an NDB at 185.000) I had been experiencing fairly good success in surface wave transmitting but, so far, no sky wave reports.
Because of the uniqueness of a transmitting loop Lyle Kohler had been trying to copy my WA QRSS signal and I asked him if 185.1 to 185.5 looked fairly clear at his end, and he said it did. Based on the available microprossesor Xtals and even-numbered divisions I determined that a 5.188 Xtal, divided by 28, and a little series capacitor trimming would hit 185.300 on the nose. Within a week or so(actually Thanksgiving morning) I received an Email from Lyle sporting a nice ARGO picture of my "WA"s. This was a thrill to say the least. Shortly after that quite a few other Lowfers began looking for my signal - probably because no one had ever had any degree of success with a loop - and it was resting on the top of trees, which shouldn't have worked. The reports started coming in - sometimes two new receiving sites per night.
Because of all this looking at 185.300 others trying out TX loops (TAG and VD for example) as well as old standbys like NC using std verticals picked up on the idea that they could also be seen by loads of receiving guys in the 7Hz QRSS30 window. At times the entanglement of signals with all sorts of graphic character got really humorous, particularly on a Friday night when the inputs to the Lowfer Reflector, reporting on what they saw, almost would get out of hand.
So that's the story as I remember it. Perhaps others have untold items to add...........
Bill
1750m WMT/SJ QSO
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 26, 2009 at 14:05:27.
A sked made with WMT, on 185kz was successful today. We contacted each other between 10AM and 11AM local, (1500-1600utc) and had a decent QSO. SJ on 186.85 was 359, WMT was 559. We both had QRM but still all went ok. I had some noise late in the QSO, which could have been prevented if I put my receive active antenna,L-400B away from the house, of course I always have to use my noise nuller. Estimated 50 miles distance. Now to inspire a few more lowfers for skeds and cw QSO's and have a blast like back in the 1980's. Re: 1750m WMT/SJ QSO
later....Sal, K1RGO
Posted by John Davis on February 26, 2009 at 18:26:13.
In reply to 1750m WMT/SJ QSO posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 26, 2009
"Now to inspire a few more lowfers for skeds and cw QSO's and have a blast like back in the 1980's."
Congratulations, guys! That's bound to be inspirational to others.
Beacon SNA captures
Posted by Andy - XR on February 26, 2009 at 20:23:44.
I ran across a mystery signal tonite. A QRSS-60 signal sending - SNA on 187.486 KHz. Anyone knoe anything about the signal ?? you can see the captures I got at:
http://webpages.charter.net/ku4xr/ SNA 1, 2, & 3.
73:
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Re: Beacon SNA captures
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by Garry on February 27, 2009 at 07:37:24.
In reply to Beacon SNA captures posted by Andy - XR on February 26, 2009
Hi Andy, if the thunder crashes abate I might be able to see something tonight. I'll tune for 187.486 kHz and point toward XR since you hear SNA so strong.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: 1750m WMT/SJ QSO
Posted by Paul Daulton on February 27, 2009 at 21:09:37.
In reply to 1750m WMT/SJ QSO posted by Sal, K1RGO on February 26, 2009
My goal when I got interested in lowfer transmission back in
the late '90s was for local communication. I had no knowledge of the advantages of qrss, I thought a county wide
net of experimenters was possible. Still do.
Trying to qso without a partner is like trying to clap with
one hand. Wish I had someone close enought to try it out.
Until I found W3EEE site and other information, I thought long distance on lowfer was either a myth or very rare.
We could have qrm free and reliable cw,psk,and even ssb communication with modest powers day and night on 137,185 and 500khz. I made my first two meter contact in NOV 1959.
Only one other ham in the state had two meter equipment, it
was another three years before technicians gained two meter
privileges and the band began to be populated. Look at what
two meters has become.
Congratulations on your contact. Hope more will join you.
Paul Daulton Part 15 Field strength measurements
Beacon wms 187492 hz qrss 60 24/7
Posted by Matt Burns kc8com on February 28, 2009 at 00:38:07.
Hi all,
I'm building a single frequency hifer ssb walkie talkie and while I don't think the design is going to be a huge challenge, I'm a little confused about calculating the approximate field strength to stay within the law.
The antenna I have in mind is a center loaded vertical, 2 meters in length with a very small ground plane, on mmana it shows a "gain" of about -0.7 dbi at 2 meters above the ground.
I seem to remember a figure of 4.75 mW into an isotropic source yielding the 15,848 uV/m at 30 meters allowed in fcc part 15. I don't know who arrived at this figure or how but it seems to be a decent round about figure. Is there a formula for this?
I also see that part 15 specifies an "average detector" (but no averaging period). Does this mean that the average power is what's taken into account when measuring field strength? If so would it be safe to say that an ssb transmitter having a 20% duty cycle would be allowed 4.75*5=23.75 mW pep into an isotropic source?
Any thoughts?
Thanks,
Matt Burns Re: Part 15 Field strength measurements
kc8com
Posted by John Davis on February 28, 2009 at 15:28:24.
In reply to Part 15 Field strength measurements posted by Matt Burns kc8com on February 28, 2009
"Any thoughts?"
Yes. I think it'd be a lot easier to calculate if you chose frequency modulation instead. :-)
Two reasons:
(1) It will be tricky to determine the true peak to average factor of your modulation, and that would be the relevant correction to use rather than duty cycle. And the biggie...
(2) Section 15.225, which governs this sort of operation, does not specify an averaging detector! Unless a particular section of alternative provisions actually specifies an averaging detector, the FCC's rule of thumb for radiated signal limits below 1000 MHz is measurement by an instrument employing a CISPR quasi-peak detector (Sec. 15.209, et al). So, you'd best figure on using the PEP value for your limit.
As for the power-to-field-strength conversion, those computations were done so long ago that I don't have them right at hand. At least two experimenters described methods for calculating them in the past, and as I recall, both came up with the figure of 4.75 mW into a dipole.*
There are engineering formulae that can be plugged into directly to determine free-space field strength from a dipole for a given input power and measurement distance. You can also start from fundamental physical constants and ascertain the power density resulting from a given field strength in space, then integrate that over the volume of a sphere having a radius of the specified measuring distance, which directly gives you the power into an isotropic radiator.
The conversion between dBi and dBd is then relatively straightforward, and when using modeling tools, you'll most often be referencing to dBi. One thing to be aware of, though, is that an electrically small ground plane can't decouple the antenna from its support as well as a resonant one; and thus may not model correctly unless the software also takes into account the conductivity of the support and capacitive coupling between the device and the support. If your body provides the 2 meter elevation above ground, it is also likely to represent a significant part of the antenna itself.
(*There has been a significantly different power limit published for a vertical with ground plane, which was based on the pattern gain of a monopole over isotropic. However, away from the near field, the radiation pattern of an elevated ground plane is not confined to a single hemisphere of space as is a monopole's, so the gain in dBi is not appreciably different from that of a dipole. This will not be a problem for your modeling software, though, as it already apparently takes elevation above ground into account.)
Re: Part 15 Field strength measurements
Posted by Matt kc8com on February 28, 2009 at 21:14:36.
In reply to Re: Part 15 Field strength measurements posted by John Davis on February 28, 2009
Thanks John,
I think I needed a sanity check on that one.
I'm still going to give the ssb transceiver a shot, but maybe as a portable unit to be used with a larger external antenna....
73's,
Matt
potrzebie
