WEB
Best ever copy of WEB last night. Signal consistently strong throughout the night until fadeout just after 1100Z. Conditions must be superb.
http://www.w1vd.com/WEB030207A.jpg
http://www.w1vd.com/WEB030207B.jpg
Jay W1VD / WD2XNS
60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on March 03, 2007 at 07:48:07.
The 60KHz UK time signal MSF will be moving from their current transmitting site in Rugby to a new site in Anthorn. The changeover is scheduled to be completed by the end of March, 2007. More information on the move and their testing schedule can be found at this address.
http://g8szx.mwcircle.org/
73 Todd WD4NGG Re: 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March
Posted by ROB on March 04, 2007 at 07:07:58.
In reply to 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March posted by Todd WD4NGG on March 03, 2007
Does this mean the remaining masts at Rugby will be demolished once this is complete? Re: 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March
Posted by Mike Terry on March 04, 2007 at 10:09:57.
In reply to Re: 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March posted by ROB (UK) on March 04, 2007
Moderator: Much information on MSF, its past and future, is available at http://www.npl.co.uk/time/msf/. Emergency use of longwave in North America
(Post edited to avoid long quote of copyrighted material.)
Posted by miketerry73@btinternet.com on March 04, 2007 at 10:20:24.
I believe that in North America during the 1970s the longwave frequencies 167, 179 and 191 KHz were used for a short lived network of Civil defence emergency broadcasting stations with stations at Ault, Colorado and Cambridge, Kansas.
(Wikipedia).
Why did this stop as it seems a good band to use for reliable reception?
I would be interested to know.
Thanks
Mike Re: Emergency use of longwave in North America
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 04, 2007 at 14:09:03.
In reply to Emergency use of longwave in North America posted by miketerry73@btinternet.com on March 04, 2007
Hi Mike,
There has never been broadcasting for civil defense purposes on longwave in the US. There was a military system called GWEN (Ground Wave Emergency Network) that sent packet data in the 150-175 kHz region, but it is off the air and has been replaced by satellite based systems.
73 Warren Re: Emergency use of longwave in North America
Posted by John Davis on March 04, 2007 at 19:11:30.
In reply to Re: Emergency use of longwave in North America posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 04, 2007
> There has never been broadcasting for civil defense purposes on longwave in the US.
Actually, there was such a critter on a trial basis. I have forgotten the project name, but their "mascot" was a cute little cartoon puppy dog. Just one operational transmitter, if I recall, and it was solid state...a pretty good trick for that power level in the early 70s.
Perhaps those will be enough clues to jog someone's memory, and maybe they can point us to more information.
John
Re: 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March
Posted by Webmaster on March 04, 2007 at 19:48:35.
In reply to Re: 60 KHz MSF Moving From Rugby To Anthorn in March posted by Mike Terry on March 04, 2007
We carried a summary of this story on the lwca.org homepage in May of last year, and did a little feature on it in the "LF Notebook" column in The LOWDOWN for June, 2006. Here's a color version of the map we printed, illustrating the relative locations of the two sites:
The column also includes a brief description of the new cesium fountain clocks at both NPL and NIST, how compiling an ephemeris of long-term GPS phase coding data enables precise comparison of terrestrial atomic clocks, and news of a chip-scale atomic clock currently under development.
In addition, there was a message in this board last fall from Clive Carver about the new MSF aerial. You can read that message here.
John
Re: Emergency use of longwave in North America
Posted by John Andrews on March 05, 2007 at 08:10:49.
In reply to Re: Emergency use of longwave in North America posted by John Davis on March 04, 2007
John,
The station was WGU-20, and operated on 179 kHz from Maryland (Chevy Chase, if I recall correctly). It was the prototype station for the Decision Information Distribution System (DIDS). That network was proposed to distribute civilian defense information directly to the public using voice transmissions. WGU-20 was on the air for several years back in the 1970's, I think. They ran automated ID and time announcements...an example may be heard at: http://www.geocities.com/radiojunkie3/WGU20A.mp3.
None of the rest of the network stations were ever built. Since longwave radios are uncommon in the U.S., the public would have been required to purchase radios, or they would have been incorporated into TV's as a way to override other programming during a civil defense emergency. I suspect that the concept fell apart due to cost, complexity, and its Nixonian origins.
There was a later Air Force project (GWEN) involving data transmission at LF, but it was unrelated to the DIDS network. The remains of that GWEN network have become DGPS transmitting sites.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: WEB
Posted by PAUL DAULTON on March 05, 2007 at 21:25:08.
In reply to WEB posted by Jay Rusgrove on March 03, 2007
JAY
I COULDN'T CALL UP THE WEB CAPTURES WILL YOU FOWARD ME
THE ADDRESS AGAIN,PLEASE
THANKS Re: WEB
PAUL DAULTON
Posted by Peter Barick on March 06, 2007 at 12:52:01.
In reply to WEB posted by Jay Rusgrove on March 03, 2007
Ditto on WEB in TX (QRSS30, 189.950). Clean Monday Argo display near midnight. QRN has been down recently
Earlier, about 8:30P saw only W-space-Ws from MA on 185.3. They were more prominent Sunday evening. New Detica VLF Receivers for British Navy
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on March 08, 2007 at 10:07:55.
Some brief excerpts about the new VLF receivers : Re: New Detica VLF Receivers for British Navy
Using leading-edge signal processing technology, the new digital receivers enable the submarines to remain underwater while receiving messages, even when thousands of miles from home. They offer vastly improved reception capabilities for secure communications, and are delivered by units that are smaller and lighter than their predecessors.
The new digital receivers have improved the Royal Navy's capacity to receive a signal even against background clutter and internal interference. They are smaller and lighter than their predecessors, so take up less space in an already crowded submarine environment.
The receivers have proven to provide such vastly improved reception capabilities that, as a result, Detica has recently supplied thirteen radio receivers to the Swedish Navy.
I Sure would like to know what DSP techniques they are using to process out the static noise on VLF? More details can be read here :
http://www.detica.com/indexed/CaseStudy_newcommsforroyalnavy.htm
73 Todd WD4NGG
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 08, 2007 at 16:20:39.
In reply to New Detica VLF Receivers for British Navy posted by Todd WD4NGG on March 08, 2007
Hi Todd I just attended a symposium at the NPL in London, where they were talking about the final stages of the move of MSF 60kHz to Anthorn, from Rugby. The big switch is pulled at Rugby on the 1st April !!
I noticed that all the control gear for the VT Communication transmitter is badged Detica, so they are either part of the consortium or owned by VT (the old Vosper Thornecroft)
My guess is that a lot could be achieved with what we do in terms of narrow band reception, but it may be possible to phase out the "noise" generated by the sub itself. My guess is they wont tell you !! They could be receiving the crashes on the side of the wanted frequency and then subtracting them ?? One beauty of DSP is that they dont get "smeared out" like in analogue filters. Interesting thought !
Cheers de Alan G3NYK
You can reprogram the R71's OEM memory board
Posted by Ross N0GSZ on March 13, 2007 at 18:59:01.
In reply to Q About Icom R71A Memory/Frequency Extender Board. posted by Richard P. on November 12, 2006
If you go to N2CBU's website (www.geocities.com/n2cbu/), download his software and build a programming cable, you can reprogram the R71's memory board with extended RX parameters (e.g., 9.3 kHz-35 MHz) but sensitivity falls off above 31 MHz. Be sure you use a computer that has a parallel printer port in the "bidirectional" mode (not ECP, EPP, or any other mode than "bidirectional"). And, yes, it really does work.
Of course, alternatively you could buy an aftermarket board from http://www.willcoele.com/ or http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=26 Musicmann IOM project "formulating a revised strategy "
The Willco board is more expensive but claims extended RX, while I don't see mention of extended RX on the Piexx website.
Posted by Mike Terry on March 15, 2007 at 14:36:36.
This now on the website:
"Announcement
The board of the Isle of Man International Broadcasting Plc (IMIB) is currently actively engaged in formulating a revised strategy to secure the future of this radio station.
All future announcements will be posted on this site at the appropriate time."
http://www.iomib.com/
This after some directors resigned.
RTE Ireland testing DRM on Long Wave
Posted by Mike Terry on March 16, 2007 at 12:37:44.
http://www.rte.ie/radio/worldwide.html
"LW252 TRANSMITTER OUTAGE
Due to a major upgrade the long wave transmitter LW 252 will be off the air between 26 to 30 March 2007.
We regret the inconvenience. Listeners in Britain may be able to get acceptable reception from MW 567 Khz."
Media Network reports that a new DRM-compatible transmitter is being installed at the Summerhill transmitter site. When the new transmitter is installed, some DRM tests will take place at night, probably at 0100-0400 UTC.
(http://blogs.rnw.nl/medianetwork/)
RTE's discussion of DRM (Digital Radio Mondiale) prospects: Lowfer Beacon DPC
http://www.rte.ie/radio/dab.html
Posted by Denis Cote W1WV on March 18, 2007 at 08:04:01.
Greeting,
1503 UTC; Lowfer beacon 'DPC' is back on the air transmitting DFCW-40, QRSS-30 & 12 WPM CW ID on 173.500 KHz. Reception reports greatly appreciated and 100% QSL.
73, Re: Lowfer Beacon DPC
Denis P Cote
W1WV
Delanson, NY
FN22
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on March 18, 2007 at 10:09:14.
In reply to Lowfer Beacon DPC posted by Denis Cote W1WV on March 18, 2007
Denis,
You're visible here at 1700 UTC. Small screen shot:
http://www.w1tag.com/files/DPC0318.jpg
Welcome back!
John Andrews, W1TAG VLF Antennas?
Posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007 at 01:42:27.
Hi,
I have been wanting to get into VLF listening for awhile now but lack of funds have gotten in the way.
I have been wanting to build an E-probe antenna but cant get a hold of the two transistors(J310,2N5109)and choke(470uH) needed to build it due to the reason stated above.
So what I am looking for is an easy,junk box available VLF antenna that I can build that wont be a disappointment.
I'm also wondering if its at all possible to build a VLF Beam Antenna?
Any help with this would be greatly Appreciated
Thank You
Clayton
Re: VLF Antennas?
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007 at 06:35:54.
In reply to VLF Antennas? posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007
Clayton,
How far down the vlf range do you want to cover? How much space do you have for an antenna? Wire is relatively cheap, you could string out several hundred feet near the ground (or on the ground) if you can fit it.
Beams don't work at LF or VLF, all VLF signals are vertically polarized and the dimensions would be measured in miles if you could build one.
A tuned loop antenna might be a good alternative. You could scrounge the tuning cap from an old AM radio and use that to resonate the loop. Have a look at Steve VE7SL's page:
http://www.imagenisp.ca/jsm/Loop.html
You could make your loop smaller (but try to make it at least 4 foot across). Lots of good links at the bottom of that page too.
Good Luck!
Warren K2ORS
WD2XGJ 137 kHz
WD2XSH/23 505 kHz
long wave rcvr wanted
Posted by tim o'hare on March 21, 2007 at 14:05:33.
Re: VLF Antennas?
looking to buy a solid state digital readout
(or very accurate analog ) dial radio.a frequency -sensitive volt meter is basically what i want. would prefer digital readout.
NO tube gear. want to be able to take it to
the field, so needs to be solid state.
not looking for a converter or anything like that.want a GOOD rcvr which will not overload
& be full of birdies from strong local bcb
xmtrs.anybody got anything they wanna unload??!?!?!?!?
tim o'hare
spokane,wash.
Posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007 at 14:59:18.
In reply to Re: VLF Antennas? posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007
Hi Warren,
Well,I am hoping to cover from 15 to 600 kHz
I'm not worried about space as I live in a rural area and have plenty of room to do what I want.
When you say that I could"string out several hundred feet near the ground (or on the ground)" is there a particular length and gauge that would be best?
Can it be buried?
I like the idea of a tuned loop and I happen to have several old tuning caps(although I'm not sure of their capacitance range,but I'm pretty sure they are from old radio equipment).
If I were to say make it exactly 4 foot across would the number of turns still be the same as Steves or would I need to add/reduce turns(I assume the gauge of wire stays the same?)?
This may be a stupid question but if this were to be mounted on a tower or out away from the house how would one take advantage of tuning and orienting the loop when it is so far away?
I'll look over that link you gave me and the others some more. I just really want to get started listening and see what I can hear.
I'm betting that my best choice right now is to just lay down some wire and have a go at it.
I'm hoping that I can build a E-probe in the future but for now I just have to make do.
Sorry for all the simple questions Warren Re: VLF Antennas?
I Appreciate your help
Regards,
Clayton
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007 at 16:28:59.
In reply to Re: VLF Antennas? posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007
Clayton,
For wire antennas on or near the ground gauge and length are not all that critical, it might help to use a series coil to resonate the wire on your received frequency, but 1st try just the wire. Being in a rural area is a good thing, electrical noise should be low.
For the loop, a good design aid is the program RJELOOP3, which is a free download at:
http://www.wireless.org.uk/g4fgq/page3.html
The program will prompt you for the number of turns and tell you what capacitance you need. If you have a capacitor of unknown value, don't worry too much - build the loop and hook the capacitor across it - then tune your receiver and the capacitor until you get a sharp increase in the background noise. Your lowest frequency for the loop will be with the capacitor plates fully meshed. If you want to go lower, then you will need to add more turns to the loop or use a bigger capacitor.
Let me know if you have any questions about this.
73 Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23
Re: VLF Antennas?
Posted by John Davis on March 21, 2007 at 16:34:56.
In reply to Re: VLF Antennas? posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007
> When you say that I could "string out several hundred feet near the ground (or on the ground)" is there a particular length and gauge that would be best?
No magic numbers on longwires...or more correctly, random wires. The longer the better, absolutely, for the VLF frequencies (30 kHz or less), plenty still desired at LF (30-300 kHz), and most anything is still OK at MF (300 kHz - 3 MHz). Gauge is not critical for RF performance, only for mechanical strength.
The impedance of such an antenna varies widely over that broad a frequency range, which makes it difficult to couple significant amounts of signal into a receiver at low frequencies. A passive tuner could help, or a low-gain or unity-gain preamplifier would also provide a better match to a receiver input.
> Can it be buried?
I wouldn't. If buried shallow enough, it would not be a huge problem at the extreme low end of your frequencies of interest; but burial would attenuate higher LF and all MF signals.
> If I were to say make it exactly 4 foot across would the number of turns still be the same as Steve's or would I need to add/reduce turns (I assume the gauge of wire stays the same?)?
You would need more turns if you intend to resonate the loop with the same value of variable capacitors and cover the same frequency range. The cross-sectional area relates to the inductance of the coil, which impacts the frequency range over which you can resonate the loop.
Note that the tuning range of the loop will be highly limited, compared to your range of interest! A really good variable capacitor and a coil with minimal internal capacitance will be able to tune over roughly a 3:1 range; that is, for example, 150-400kHz. In practical terms, it's usually a little less. You'd need quite a few loops to cover the whole range you're interested in.
A long random wire with a tuner or preamp, or else an active whip, would be significantly better choices for full frequency coverage. A loop is much better where you need the ability to reject interference, for instance, but only need to cover a 2:1 or 3:1 frequency span of interest.
John Re: VLF Antennas?
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007 at 16:38:54.
In reply to Re: VLF Antennas? posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007
Clayton,
I should add that the loop inductance (and also the sensitivity) go up with the square of the radius and the square of the number of turns. So for example, if you make a loop 1/2 the diameter of Steve's you will need to double the number of turns, 1/3 the diameter 3x the turns etc.
Warren
Re: VLF Antennas?
Posted by Clayton on March 23, 2007 at 01:15:41.
In reply to Re: VLF Antennas? posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on March 21, 2007
Hi Warren and John,
I'll try and layout about a hundred feet of wire,as that's all I have on hand,and see what I can get with that.
Warren,you mention"it might help to use a series coil to resonate the wire on your received frequency"...what's that? I bet you guys can tell I have absolutely no knowledge when it comes to this :)
Basically what I'm wanting is something to tide me over until I can afford to get the transistors(I might be able to wind the chokes myself)for the E-Probe I want to build,as I think in the end that will be the best setup?
I'll check out the RJELOOP3 program but for some reason I just cant grasp loop antennas(ok,you got me...any antennas)and understand what will suit my needs and the receiver.
I wont bury the longwire antenna but will just lay it on the ground.My only reasoning for wanting to bury it was so that it wouldn't get hung up on something or someone.
I do have a antenna tuner that I wonder if it would work. I use it on my Ham Radio.
Are there any good books on VLF antennas and VLF in general that you guys would recommend?
I really Appreciate both your help Re: long wave rcvr wanted
I'll keep reading up on all of this and hope to gain some understanding of it all.
Thank You
Clayton
Posted by John Andrews on March 23, 2007 at 08:01:58.
In reply to long wave rcvr wanted posted by tim o'hare on March 21, 2007
Tim,
You'd probably do best looking for gear on the auction sites like eBay. Selective level meters are quite common, and some of them are OK for portable operation. I have a Rycom 6041 that I purchased on-line for use in a field strength measuring setup. The battery required replacement, but that's typical. The meter works fine for my purposes or for casual listening. It is NOT stable enough for slow-speed data work such as QRSS.
If accurate level measurement is not an issue, you might consider a communications receiver like the Icom R75. While it doesn't come with a battery arrangement, there is a lot of space in the bottom of the case. I have put a NiMH 12 volt rechargeable battery in mine, and it's been very handy. The receiver's frequency is very stable and accurate, and its dynamic range should be sufficient for LF use. These receivers have sold for decent prices on the auction sites.
John Andrews, W1TAG ARRL 500 kHz Experiment Logs Thousands of Activity Hours
Posted by Mike Terry on March 25, 2007 at 07:11:13.
ARRL 500 kHz Experiment Coordinator Fritz Raab, W1FR, reports that a total of 16 participating stations have been active on the air since the experiment got under way in late 2006. The FCC Office of Engineering and Technology granted the WD2XSH experimental license to the ARRL last September. Raab says the low-frequency investigation has demonstrated ground-wave communication at distances of 100 miles in New England, in the Gulf Coast states and in Colorado.
ARRL
"This might not sound very dramatic, but it is very important, as no current amateur band has the capability for beyond-line-of-sight communication that does not depend upon the whims of the ionosphere," Raab told ARRL Headquarters. In his second quarterly Project Status Report, Raab noted that during the past three months, WD2XSH participants have racked up another 2250 hours of operation, bringing the total to 4629. As of the end of February, the project had recorded 75 two-way contacts and more than 3100 reception reports. Stations do not have to be members of the experimental team to post reception reports...
See long article at http://www.arrl.org/news/stories/2007/03/22/100/?nc=1 Re: VLF Antennas?
Posted by PAUL DAULTON on March 25, 2007 at 21:11:22.
In reply to VLF Antennas? posted by Clayton on March 21, 2007
CLAYTON
YOU MIGHT WANT TO TAKE A LOOK AT THE "EWE" ANTENNA.
JUST SEARCH FOR "EWE ANTENNA" ITS AN INVERTED U SHAPED ANTENNA.
A COUPLE OF FRIENDS AND I ARE CONSIDERING THIS FOR A SUMMER PROJECT. MSF Anthorn Signal
73 PAUL
Posted by Clive S Carver on March 27, 2007 at 15:17:21.
Today was the last day of testing for the MSF 60KHz transmission prior to Anthorn going live on 1st April. (MSF currently transmitted by BT at Rugby.)
Listening to the signal today using a Lowe HF-225 with very short aerial, I notice that when Anthorn's test transmission began at 1400 BST the signal strength dropped and increased again at 1500BST when transmission resumed from Rugby.
I live in Hawarden, north Wales approximately 160 miles due south of Anthorn. The aerial I was in fact using was a VHF discone fed via about 7 metres of URM67. From its mount it has a clear aspect to the North (towards Anthorn) but is shielded by the house towards Rugby, which is about 120 miles away.
The Anthorn signal I would estimate to be 6 maybe 10dB lower than from Rugby, which in view of my comments above suggests that the transmission ERP is lower than Rugby.
Has anyone else noticed differing signal strengths? GWEN ATU's
Posted by John Maguire on March 28, 2007 at 17:17:45.
From time to time I am involved in the conversion of a GWEN site to NDGPS. In every case, the 160 Khz tuner components are surplus and I need to destroy and dump them. In Essex, CA., I posted to a couple of groups, pleading for a LOWFER to come and get the stuff and had no replies! I am not a LOWFER, but if I was, I'd travel to the ends of the earth for one of these tuners. While I have no immediate projects lined up, I'd sure like to have some names and phone numbers for the next time I need to dispose of a tuner. It is awful to destroy such equipment. If anyone wants me to contact them in the future about carting away a tuner, please contact me off list. LWCA Lowdown Loggings editor change once again
John Maguire
Seattle
425-894-4884
Posted by Steve Ratzlaff on March 28, 2007 at 22:17:22.
I am taking over the new Lowdown magazine Loggings editor position, effective immediately, with Eric Smith stepping down from the job. Due to this, I understand there will be no upcoming April issue Loggings column. I expect to have one ready for the following May issue; I am brand new at this and hope you'll excuse my learning errors for probably the next several issues. Please send submissions from April to be included in the May issue to me. Email highly preferred; snail mail accepted.
Steve Ratzlaff 72187 Darr Road Elgin, OR 97827-8201
steveratz@eoni.com
Thanks! Re: LWCA Lowdown Loggings editor change once again
Steve
Posted by Peter Barick on March 29, 2007 at 08:43:59.
In reply to LWCA Lowdown Loggings editor change once again posted by Steve Ratzlaff on March 28, 2007
Steve, et al,
Wow, another change within the LF community. Allow me to thank Eric Smith for his time with the Lowdown loggings post. I did read them for NDB activity each issue. I hope Eric can continue on with the LF gang, especially re-establishing his past beaconing.
With that I'll thank Steve for assuming the post. Gee, Steve, were daya find the time for it all :-? If I may, along with the postings I think additional background info about the NDB loggers would be interesting to include. Possibly featuring one now and than.
Cheers and best regards on the hand-off - Peter looking for a LF rpt. or QSO
Posted by mike wa1mtz on March 30, 2007 at 10:07:25.
PSE contact me if you would like to xmit(&see if i can copy you/or if you can copy me. AM/CW/MCW 185kc. I'm in w. mass. and hv bn hrd in e. ct. to s. VT. I can copy very well the euopean b'casters on 160-200kc certain times at +30 over. Re: MSF Anthorn Signal
using my BC-779 with antenna tuner. hpe to hr from other experimenters.can qso on 160, 75, 40,metres AM and 6m am/fm.
Posted by Alan G3NYK on March 30, 2007 at 15:03:31.
In reply to MSF Anthorn Signal posted by Clive S Carver on March 27, 2007
Hi Clive, That sounds quite feasible. There were a few grumbles at the NPL meeting at the begining of the month, and indications that in the Thames valley/Home Counties region the signal was about 12dB below Rugby. I cant remember the details now but the tx is capable of 50kW but runs about 20kW into an 80% efficient aerial. So the ERP is about 16kW. Rugby has a 50kW capability as well and the aerial is a bit higher, but I cant remember the estimated ERP. You may find it on the NPL web site. I think they (VT Comms) are working to an NPL spec of generating 100uV/m anywhere in the UK (including the Scillies and Channel Is). I expect the Lake Dist. is not expected to be significant at that wavelength. The check is whether or not the radio-clocks lock up at least once a day after tomorrow. ZM2E LF DX and operational summary
Cheers de Alan G3NYK
Posted by Bob Vernall on March 30, 2007 at 22:55:15.
To all interested parties,
ZM2E will be operating from Quartz Hill (west of Wellington, New Zealand) from 31 March to 2 April. Transmission will be 0.2 Hz frequency shift (137776/137776.2) and with dot length to suit conditions.
A beacon strategy has been agreed between participating stations: ZM2E will beacon with Z at FSK120 starting at 15 and 45 minutes past an hour, and other participants (all on unique frequency slots) will also beacon with FSK120 from the hour and half hour (see table for beacon ID short call sign). If beaconing shows a path opens, then a QSO attempt will commence, in which case the beacon sequence lapses. Dot length during QSO mode will be selected by each station, for what they think suits conditions, so there can be no advance
notice of how third parties can best sticky beak on a QSO attempt.
At ZM2E we will have several PCs and run a range of Argo dot length displays, so we can handle anything that comes our way.
If ZM2E is not in QSO mode within an hour or so of Quartz Hill sunrise, then to facilitate possible reception reports from EU we will go to continuous beacon mode, sending ZZZ. at FSK120, and with timing of each Z starting on the hour and ten minute rests thereafter.
There is a bed and mattress firm in Wellington with a slogan: "You get more
Zeds at Wellington Beds." How that compares with ZM2E can be checked out from any listener reports. We would hope that you get more Zeds from Quartz Hill, but the last laugh may be on us with the threat of watching eyelids during the third night.
There is no email at remote located Quartz Hill, but we will likely travel to town during the day to check email.
73, Bob ZL2CA (other ZM2E operators are Mike ZL4OL, David ZL4DP and possibly Con ZL2AFP)
Summary table of ZM2E LF DX aspirations for 31 March to 2 April 2007
| Station | Short call sign | DFCW frequencies | Grid square | Sunset | Sunrise | Path length to ZM2E |
| VO1NA | V | 137776.9/137777 | GN37OR | 2155z | 0915z | 16246 km |
| VY1JA | J | 137778.1/137778.25 | CP20KW | 0345z | 1424z | 12227 km |
| ZM2E | Z | 137776/137776.2 | RE78IR | 0610z | 1841z | - |
| UA0AET | U | 137775.4/137775.6 | NO65KX | 1140z | 2330z | 13236 km |
| RX9BS | X | 137776.4/137776.6 | MO05UI | 1420z | 0130z | 15024 km |
| UA4WPF | W | 137777.0/137777.2 | LO66PU |
|
| 15559 km |
| RA3YO | Y | 137777.6/137777.8 | KO73DG | 1615z | 0325z | 16789 km |
| R6L | L | 137778/137778.2 | KN97LN | 1548z |
| 16480 km |
The current amateur world record distance for a 136 kHz two-way contact is 10311 km, between ZM2E and UA0LE on 20 March 2004.
Re: MSF Anthorn Signal
Posted by Clive S Carver on March 31, 2007 at 16:34:26.
In reply to Re: MSF Anthorn Signal posted by Alan G3NYK on March 30, 2007
Hi Alan
Yes, I too have been attending those meetings and signal strength has certainly been a hot topic at this month's meeting as well as last September's.
I have just listened to the last 60KHz transmission from Rugby as the service went to Anthorn. Again the level dropped in comparison to Rugby.
Certainly the end of an era.
From NPL's website, the field strength exceeds 100 µV/m throughout the UK.
I think too, that this was the figure quoted by VT at the meeting.
However a previous T&F Club Meeting on 15th April 2005 a presentation was given by BT http://www.npl.co.uk/time/club/meeting3/brian.martin.pdf
where to quote from page 12:- "Signal levels monitored across the UK using calibrated equipment.
•Portpatrick 13 mv/m
•Cullercoats 12.6 mv/m
•Carlisle 4.5 mv/m
•Niton IOW 8.5 mv/m
•St Austell 13.8 mv/m"
Those levels considerably exceed 100uV/m
It will be interesting to hear in due course what the measured levels of the MSF signal from Anthorn are.
Most radio controlled clocks will keep going on their own reference for some time. It will be interesting to see what happens in October when the UK reverts to GMT.
Perhaps, seeing as last weeks advance to BST was during the months testing period, it may have been prudent to have used the Anthorn transmitter for the changeover period?
Cheers
Clive
GW4EYO
potrzebie
