ESA Hifer Beacon with new Antenna
Posted by Jim V. M. on March 01, 2003 at 21:46:09
I have a 1/2 wave vertical antenna that I would like to check out. The Beacon is on 13.5658 MHz and the ID is ESA ESA ESA with 4 second dash, speed about 8 WPM.
I will try to keep beacon for 2 days. Anyone hear it?
Posted March 1, 2003.
73 Jim V. M.
Re: "TH" is giving me "RF burns"; still looking for "JJX" and "HS".
Posted by John Bogath on March 01, 2003 at 23:25:13
Thanks Alan for your comments. Actually, the loop works very well when compared to everything else, except my LowFER transmitting antenna. It is tuned and has a "peaked" bandpass of about 10 KHz. It has a 2-transistor pre-amp on it (JFET first stage) and exhibits very good directivity. The loop itself is made from a piece of 7/8" heliax cable. The TX-antenna is 100 feet from the nearest power-line of any kind, and that helps (the loop is inside the house).
VLF transmitters
Posted by Gary on March 02, 2003 at 00:37:42
I am looking on the INternet for some practical transmitter circuits and antenna system designs for the 1750-meter band and have been unable to find much of anything at all.
Where would I look to find such information???
Re: LF transmitters
Posted by John Andrews on March 02, 2003 at 09:07:48
Gary,
The 1750 meter band is firmly in LF (30-300 kHz) territory, so you'll have better luck in web searches if you specify that, instead of VLF.
There is quite a bit of information on the LWCA site:
http://lwca.org Just click around, and you should find some things of interest.
Lyle Kohler's site is a great starting place:
http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle/
If you could provide some information about what you would like to do on 1750 meters, we could be of more help.
John Andrews
Re: ESA Hifer Beacon with new Antenna
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 02, 2003 at 11:32:54
Had a reasonable copy on ESA at about 1430z but as I was trying to improve things he just faded out and I failed to get a capture and then about 1530z I got a weak capture of ESA and sent that to Jim--but signals seemed to be rapidly fading in and out..Will continue to check his hifer frequency(which I read as ~13.5654).But I figure that was about 2410 miles de Lloyd W3NF FM19MH
Re: "TH" is giving me "RF burns"; still looking for "JJX" and "HS".
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 02, 2003 at 17:51:45
Hi agn John, I presume from that your loop is a single turn. It should be possible to get at least as good a sensitivity with a multiturn loop as with your TX antenna. G3LDO in the UK uses a 2m side multiturn loop....from memory I thing 8 turns of thick Litz, which does not need a preamp. There was also an article in Electronics World (used to me known as Wireless World) last year by two Italian amateurs who achieved similar with a 70cm multiturn loop. They also confirmed the finding of many 136kHz stations in Europe that it did not seem to be possible to get the same (usable) sensitivity out of a ferrite loaded aerial.
Good Luck and 73 de Alan G3NYK
Re: "TH" is giving me "RF burns"; still looking for "JJX" and "HS".
Posted by John Bogath on March 02, 2003 at 23:13:05
Now you have done it ! I am just going to have to build me an unshielded, multi-turn loop, soon. As if I don't have enough "pans in the fire" (HA). Thanks very much for the information Alan; this should be fun.
Re: ESA Hifer Beacon with new Antenna
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 03, 2003 at 15:48:34
Had a good capture of Jim's Hifer ESA last nite from San Jose, Calif to Maryland(2410 miles)
www.geocities.com/lacwman/hiferESA.jpg
de Lloyd W#NF
Collins VFO
Posted by Frank J. Lotito K3DZ on March 07, 2003 at 11:14:57
Needed schematic, or at least the pin out for the Collins 70H-13 (not 70H-13H) VFO module. Please advise, 73's
Poland on 136kHz
Posted by Keith on March 07, 2003 at 11:50:23
Polish amateurs now have access to the 136kHz band. This info from the Radio Society of Great Britain webpage
GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Gaétan Gauthier VE2HGG on March 07, 2003 at 12:15:27
Hi.
A new Canadian Hifer is up and running at 13555.35 Mhz or about 100hz under GA.
This one is wind powered with a good battery backup 24/7 and it is located 50 miles NW from Montreal. (FN25)
Gaetan VE2HGG will be happy to read your reception report that can be send at ve2hgg@supernet.ca
73
Gilles Auger VE2DRW
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 07, 2003 at 16:14:41
Had a real nice copy this afternoon on both GG and GA.While copying GG with Argo I noted that a female voice came on in USB at 13555 saying over and over and over-W2MI..Not sure what that was all about???
de Lloyd W3NF
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Gilles Auger VE2DRW on March 07, 2003 at 22:04:34
Hi Lloyd
I am please to see you again.
To my knowledge this is the first reception report for GG. I know that it is up and running from a few days but i am to close to catch it (50 miles).
Do you have a GG screen capture, if yes can you send it at Gaétan VE2HGG to be shure that he will be happy to see it.
Can you tell me how close it is from GA. The last time that i see it on my bench it was at someting like 105 hz below GA. Thanks alot for this reception report Lloyd.
73
Gilles Auger VE2DRW
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 08, 2003 at 07:02:45
Hi Gilles-I did send a capture to Gaetan but for all to see check
www.geocities.com/lacwman/mar7hifer.jpg and I think GG was about 44-45Hz from GA De Lloyd W3NF
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Warren Ziegler on March 08, 2003 at 16:07:43
Strong copy here 40 km Southwest of Boston, Mass. Appears to be in QRSS 3 mode, I have the freq as 13.55528. I'm using a log periodic antenna that is meant for 24-500MHz and GG is quite readable to the ear, even with the 3.2 kHz ssb filter!
73 Warren K2ORS
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on March 09, 2003 at 12:41:11
Hi Gilles:
Nice to see you again. UR RST 579 HR in London.
GA signal very strong now - FB.
Signal from Gaetan RST 559 - Captures are at:
www3.sympatico.ca/m_powell/GA13MHZ.jpg
www3.sympatico.ca/m_powell/1233pm.jpg
73 Mitch VE3OT
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Gilles Auger on March 09, 2003 at 23:36:47
Hi Mitch
Long time no see. It is a pleasure to read you again.
GG is located in a not well heated chalet, this is probably why the frequency change from time to time. On your screen capture we can measure 57 hz between GA and GG and 44 hz on the Lloyd one.
Two weeks ago on my bench it was 105 hz at 20 C.
Like me Gaétan VE2HGG is very please with your reception report, i can tell you thanks for her.
73
Gilles Auger VE2DRW
Poland on 137 kHz
Posted by Sylwester Jarkiewicz on March 11, 2003 at 00:47:37
LONGWAVE IN POLAND Polish telecommunications authority (URTiP) has approved use of the 2200 Meter band (135.7-137.8 kHz) for amateur use on a secondary basis with 1W E.I.R.P. on CW.
Sylwester Jarkiewicz, sp2fap Editor & Publisher MK QTC
Re: GG a new Canadian Hifer.
Posted by Nick Broline on March 12, 2003 at 19:28:50
Canadian beacons are indeed alive and well in central Texas! Both GA and GG were visible in Austin Texas on Sunday (3/9/03) and Monday evening until well after 10:30 P.M. CST. GA is always stronger than GG, although SNRs have peaked above 30 dB in ~1/3 Hz. bandwidth during signal peaks. Conditions were better at 10:30 P.M. than during the day. This says that, once in a row, a vertical ground plane antenna beat out a horizontal dipole. Thanks to both operators for time, energy, and $$$ to make it happen in the snow and ice. (Here in Austin we are facing the challenges of surviving the 70F daytime temperatures!)
73,
Nick W5FUA
Re: HiFER RAD copy in TEXAS
Posted by Tim Pauly on March 13, 2003 at 19:49:31
Thanks for the reception report. As soon as the weather gets really nice, I'm going to be making some changes to the beacon. Right now it's just sitting on my workbench, being held together with clip leads, as I haven't made anything permanent since I put the transmitter and ATU together.
UNID beacons
Posted by Shawn Axelrod on March 16, 2003 at 14:43:38
Have heard two UNId beacons in the last two days. Any ideas???
430 WG
515 PA
Any and all help much appreciated
73 Shawn
Re: UNID beacons
Posted by Mitch VE3OT on March 16, 2003 at 15:40:24
Only item on 515 could be PN, Ponca City, Oklahoma.
Could be faulty keying ? That might help, if it's near your location.
73 Mitch
Re: UNID beacons
Posted by Shawn on March 16, 2003 at 16:10:15
Could be faulty ears here too.....Winnipeg MB
HiFer RAD down temporarily
Posted by Tim Pauly on March 17, 2003 at 10:28:55
HiFer RAD (13.5608 mHz.) will be down until I move my antenna. We switched a few things around in the workshop, so I had to take it down. Look for it to be back on the air within two weeks, with a new antenna, and possibly a new power source.
Tim
UWL copied in Duluth, MN
Posted by Roger Magnuson on March 21, 2003 at 08:21:31
I copied beacon UWL (185.3 Khz, QRSS-30) this morning a little after 5am local. UWL is easily identified even though WEOH is so dogbone strong nearby. Good work Eric on getting your beacon running! I know you have put a lot of time and effort in it. Nice to see you on.
Roger
185overnite mar21
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 22, 2003 at 08:40:03
Here are a few of the overnite captures from 185 and not sure who is who-take a look and see what you see...
www.geocities.com/lacwman/wa2
de W3NF FM19MH
Re: "TH" is giving me "RF burns"; still looking for "JJX" and "H
Posted by Ray Soifer on March 22, 2003 at 16:19:04
I took a listen around 2100 UTC today, with the following results:
TH 579 NWNJ 339 JJX 339 HS I think I hear something in there, but am unable to copy it.
I'm using a Wellbrook LFL-1010 active loop antenna, two 250 Hz IF filters and a 50 Hz active audio filter.
73,
Ray, W2RS FN20ww
Ireland 252
Posted by Mike terry on March 23, 2003 at 05:41:11
The old Atlantic 252 Longwave transmitter in County Meath has been heard testing on a regular basis in the run up to a station launch but so far no indication of a start date has been given.
An RTE spokesperson told The Radio Magazine that things were still being finalised and that it had not been agreed as to whether the pop service Radio2FM, the music and chat service Radio 1, or a new 'best of RTE' service was going to be relayed.
Re: Poland on 137 kHz
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 23, 2003 at 16:09:26
Hi Sylwester, can I recommend that you e-mail Dave picj G3YXM who writes the LF column in the RSGB RadCom, and also runs a news facility on his web site. Dave's address....
g3yxm@wireless.org.uk Also suggest that any SPs active or nearing that state subscribe to the RSGB's LF_Group refector which acts as a coordination point for a lot of trans-Eu contacts. There are many G ops who will be interested to work Poland. Does your licence only allow A1, or are other narrowband modes available. For those starting out the web site of Rik Strobbe is a fine collection or tutorial and practical projects on LF at http://www.qsl.net/ony7yd Dave and I can run uploads to our web sites of waterfall DSP dispalys of band activity....usually on demand .
73 de Alan G3NYK alan.melia@btinternet.com http://www.alan.melia.btinternet.co.uk
Re: Poland on 137 kHz ...whoops
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 23, 2003 at 16:12:00
Sorry typo on Daves surname it should read Dave Pick G3YXM
73 de Alan
Re: 185overnite mar21
Posted by Bill Ashlock on March 23, 2003 at 18:53:42
Lloyd,
Thought I'd mention that UWL (Eric) is visible at 185.30025 on all but the first of your captures above WA's two loop signals at 185.3000 and 185.2995. VD (Jay) is strong at 185.3010 on your first capture but could have switched over to the viewing mode after that. I don't think the signal just below 185.301 on later captures is Jay.
Bill
Staying On Topic
Posted by Webmaster on March 24, 2003 at 22:44:44
In unsettling times such as these, it is natural for people to experience strong emotional responses that they want to talk about. They may feel the urge to express support of or opposition to what's going on, curiosity about the technology, or a variety of other feelings. However, I remind everyone that this is not the appropriate place for such discussions.
This board is about the many manifestations of LF and VLF radio-- aerobeacons, LW broadcasters, maritime communications, time signals, natural radio, amateur radio activity, propagation studies, etc.-- with additional coverage of license-free low power hobby transmissions on other bands in countries where such operation is permitted by regulatory authorities.
Just as radio is not limited by national borders, neither is this message board. We are therefore committed to the same gentlemanly principles of conduct that guide the Amateur Radio Service in communications between people living in different lands, having different cultural backgrounds, and subject to different political systems. We do not dwell on our differences here, nor pursue topics likely to cause distress to other readers.
In this board, we are a safe haven, a community united by the interest we all hold in common...the fascination of longwave radio. Your cooperation in maintaining this spirit of community will be appreciated by all.
John H. Davis webmaster@lwca.org
Long wave radio model
Posted by Dennis on March 25, 2003 at 02:50:02
Can anyone recommend a specifically built and dedicated long wave radio receiver thay I can purchase.
I live in Holland and listen mostly to BBC radio 4 LW.
I am not a radio techie!
Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Re: Long wave radio model
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 25, 2003 at 17:51:07
Hi Dennis, I think I am probably nearer to you than most of the guys that read this board (about 5km in from the east coast of England about 8 km N of Felixstowe.
The Radio 4 signal is very strong here. The problem in general is not with the receiver, but more with having an adequate aerial. Aerials are only "efficient" when close in length to a quarter of the wavelength, but few can manage to get a 350m run of wire in to listen to the Radio4 !! There are few radios built that are specifically for longwave, most are for a wider band coverage. However even a £1000 specialised communications receiver will not perform well unless it has an adequate aerial. There are several possibilities you should try first with your present set. First I assume it has some facility for attaching an "external" aerial. You do not outline your accomodation and it may be that you cannot run out a wire on your premises. If you can try a wire as high and as long as you can make it. The type of wire is not important, it can be quite thin provided it will support itself.
If you are in a flat of an appartment, then you may need to consider a loop aerial. These are just a modern version of what used to be called a frame aerial. There are several firms that sell ready made items for LF listening.However you might have to be prepared to pay as much as the price of a radio for a ready-made one. You could probably benefit from the help of a local radio "guru". Unfortunately they come in many "flavours" and not all are particularly knowlegable. With the right help there are things that can be made simply and cheaply, which will increase the signal your listen to considerably.
I hope that help a little please don't hesitate to contact me directly if I can help further, at alan.melia@btinternet.com
Regards Alan G3NYK
HS and JJX
Posted by Ray, W2RS on March 26, 2003 at 08:27:46
While looking at a map yesterday, it dawned on me that HS, which I have been unable to hear, was actually in the null of my loop. So, I went outside this morning (1300 UTC) and turned the loop in his direction. There he is, very weak (if I didn't know what I was listening for, and where to listen, I probably wouldn't have heard the signal), but definitely in there on ground wave. I don't have the precise location of this station, but the map says that Monroe, CT, is approximately 53 miles from my QTH.
When I turned the loop to favor HS, JJX (at 30 miles distance) faded out since he was now in the null. TH (40 miles) is not in the null at either direction and is still a very solid 579 on ground wave. No results yet from NWNJ since he was QRT at the time.
73,
Ray, W2RS FN20ww
Re: Long wave radio model
Posted by Dennis on March 27, 2003 at 04:43:23
Dear Alan,
Many thanks for your full explanation and I shall have to opt for a loop aerial as I live in an apartment.
Some years ago there was a radio on the market specifically designed to receive LW only (was it Lowe?) and I have never seen it again since.
Thanks again Alan and happy Dx-ing.
Regards,
Dennis.
55.5KHZ STATION
Posted by AL K2SSE on March 28, 2003 at 21:36:25
A FRIEND TELLS ME THAT A COMMERCIAL 100KW TX IS NOW ON 55.5KHZ RUNNING NARROW SHIFT PSK ENCRYPTED AND USING A QUARTER WAVE VERTICAL. HE'LL BE TXING 24/7 THROUGH APRIL 5TH OR SO AND WOULD LIKE TO GET SIGNAL REPORTS FROM ANYONE HEARING HIM. NO CALL SIGN WAS GIVEN.
HE'S LOCATED SOMEWHERE IN ENGLAND AND REPORTS WILL GO TO bob.ra.harrison@bt.com
AL K2SSE CENTRAL FL
Re: 55.5KHZ STATION
Posted by John Davis on March 29, 2003 at 00:06:39
Al writes:
"A FRIEND TELLS ME THAT A COMMERCIAL 100KW TX IS NOW ON 55.5KHZ RUNNING NARROW SHIFT PSK ENCRYPTED AND USING A QUARTER WAVE VERTICAL."
The power and mode are plausible, but...a quarter wave? That would be over 4400 feet tall.
Can your friend provide more details about the location and who is operating the site?
John
Re: 55.5KHZ STATION
Posted by lloyd chastant on March 29, 2003 at 09:09:18
Heard a station on that frequency this morning about 1200z but nothing at 1400z-whether off or propagation--
de Lloyd W3NF
Keyer Circuit
Posted by Dale Hagert on March 29, 2003 at 12:03:47
Does anyone have the keyer circuit that goes on the Curry CW893L transceiver?
Thanks Dale
WTD Suggestions for HIFER experiment
Posted by Stan AK0B on March 30, 2003 at 11:55:46
I am looking for information on what might have worked or not worked for others on 13.5 MHz. I want to installed a HiFer beacon at a location about 40 miles from my QTH. So it must be stand alone operation. I would like for it to be controlled by a simple microprocessor.
Looking for suggestions on modulation mode, QRSS, WOLF, HELL, CW, etc.
What has worked for you? What would you try? What do you think might be the results?
Thanks, Stan ak0b@swbell.net
Re: WTD Suggestions for HIFER experiment
Posted by John Davis on March 30, 2003 at 17:11:34
Hi Stan,
Good to see you getting back into the swing of things.
When it comes to modulation methods for this band, my recommendation would be "the simpler, the better." Plain CW works on a good day, but the best and most consistent results have been with QRSS.
Not many people are listening for WOLF on a regular basis. And while Hellschreiber can be displayed readily on spectrum analyzer screens used for slow CW, the ionospheric spreading of HF signals limits its usefulness here, while complicating the transmitter somewhat.
I hope other readers will contribute some suggestions for you too. Let us know the details when you get your station going.
John
Re: 55.5KHZ STATION
Posted by Udo Maier on March 30, 2003 at 17:47:57
He should contact the Guinness Book! His aerial mast would be the tallest building of the world!
Re: WTD Suggestions for HIFER experiment
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on March 31, 2003 at 14:26:30
Stan,
The most effective mode has been QRSS, usually with 3 second dots. Anything much longer risks being caught in the frequent fading.
As John Davis remarked, CW is perfectly viable when conditions are decent. PSK31 would be a good choice for a text-based mode. Doppler shifting creates a penalty with WOLF and slow BPSK. HELL should be OK if transmitted at a rate that looks good on a 3 second ARGO screen, which most of the viewers would be using.
I have mostly used QRSS3 and DFCW with 3 or 10 second elements. DFCW requires a little more interpretation at the receiving end, but the message can be sent in a shorter time.
John Andrews, W1TAG (seasonal Hifer beacon RY)
www.lwca.org
potrzebie