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Interesting article on natural radio and music
Posted by Mike Thompson (KG4JYA) on July 01, 2002 at 07:59:25
http://www.cnn.com/2002/TECH/space/06/30/space.music.ap/index.html
musicmann 279
Posted by paul strickland on July 01, 2002 at 09:07:44
Hi,
Having just looked at the Musicmann 279 website (www.longwaveradio.com) I notice they are starting construction of the offshore platform with CFA and on-board generator early 2003 and hope to be on air late 2003 with 500kw daytime and 100kw nightime.
They are planning to use both AM and DRM (digital radio modulation) which apparently gives FM like sound quality on long wave and text info on the receiver. The DRM website is www.drm.com.
I wonder how nightime propagation and co-channel interference would affect digital modulation?
WA and VD 185.3 kHz in July
Posted by Mitch - VE3OT on July 01, 2002 at 10:40:36
Good morning Bill/Jay:
Tried new LF converter, and captured nice images on a quiet band this July 1st. Slight drifting is my fault,
can't seem to get that 4 MHz crystal to sit still for any extended length. Nice to see >400 miles for July. Looking forward to August pictures ! ! !
http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/tele354
73 Mitch VE3OT
Past Messages & Posting Reminder
Posted by Webmaster on July 01, 2002 at 12:00:00
All messages for June have now been added to the Message Board Archives for your convenience.
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You can find additional hints for effective use of the message board in the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Thanks.
John
SAQ
Posted by Sandy Sanders on July 01, 2002 at 21:59:32
Did anyone in the US copy SAQ?
Sandy WB5MMB
Undenified NDB on 337 kHz
Posted by Adam Ebel on July 01, 2002 at 22:09:29
Hello, I have found this beacon on 337 kHz last Sunday
It is called BDB. My location is in VIrginia Beach Va. I used a longwire antenna and a DX 398 with a loop to receive it. Does anyone know where it is? Let me know Thanks. Adam Ebel Virginia Beach VA.
Re: musicmann 279 (DRM)
Posted by John Davis on July 01, 2002 at 23:33:12
:: I wonder how nightime propagation and co-channel interference would affect digital modulation? ::
Actually, the correct URL for Digital Radio Mondiale is www.drm.org (the .com version is--gasp!--a law firm).
DRM's approach to digital audio is a bit different from the iBiquity in-band on-channel digital system being proposed in the US, and which the Musicmann site also mentions. One big difference is the availability of multiple bandwidths and data rates in the DRM standards. Within the confines of longwave broadcast bandwidths, the quality won't be all that close to FM. However, it should be noted that DRM is considered fairly robust in the face of the kind of fading and interference found in the HF broadcast bands...a claim iBiquity cannot make for the US system.
73,
John
Re: Undenified NDB on 337 kHz
Posted by Mike KB6WFC on July 02, 2002 at 11:45:25
Hi Adam,
It's BDB ACCOMACK NDB MELFA, VA Location
Lat/Long: 37-34-13.570N / 075-47-54.020W (37.5704361/-75.7983389)
Elevation: 24 ft.
Variation: 11W (2000)
Operational Characteristics
Type: NDB Class: MHW Frequency: 336 TACAN channel: Hours of operation: 24 Voice: yes Morse ID: -... -.. -... NOTAM facility: DCA FSS: FSS hours of operation: 24
Technical Characteristics
Accuracy: unknown Monitoring: Internal monitoring plus status indicator
at control point Owner: STATE OF VA. Operator: STATE OF VA Common system usage: yes For public use: yes
The above info pasted from http://www.airnav.com/navaids/
It is an MH Class beacon meaning that it is less than 50W output.
73 de Mike KB6WFC k ..
Folded Marconi antenna parts available
Posted by J. Jason Wentworth on July 04, 2002 at 05:12:20
Hello All,
Jade Products, Inc. makes Folded Marconi antennas that can be used for Long Wave reception. These antennas use a unique elbow clamp that relieves stress on the 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm twin-lead where it bends from vertical to horizontal in the "Inverted-L" configuration. They use 450 ohm ladder line for their antennas, but they told me that the mounting hardware will also work fine with 300 ohm twin-lead.
Jade just went out of business, *but* they have unsold inventory that they're selling cheaply (see below for their address). Their Folded Marconi antenna components are:
Support Elbow (PL-00001): $0.99 Clamp (PL-00018): $1.20 Cord Protector (MC-00005): $1.20 Dog Bone Insulator (MC-00003): $0.70
Shipping is $4.00 ($7.50 for very large orders). A complete Folded Marconi antenna uses 1 support elbow, 1 clamp, 2 cord protectors, 1 "Dog Bone" insulator, and the appropriate length of 450 ohm ladder line or 300 ohm twin-lead. The owner, Jane Blanchard ^janevblanchard@yahoo.com^, can give you more detailed information on quantities vs. shipping charges. Checks should be made payable to:
Jane V. Blanchard 143 East Rd Hampstead, NH 03841
I hope this information will be helpful. -- Jason
Surplus Crystal Wanted (320 - 350 KHz) for beacon-TX
Posted by John Bogath on July 04, 2002 at 12:28:20
I am looking for a crystal to use in my LowFER beacon-transmitter. Since it has a divide-by-2 oscillator, I need something in the 320 -350 KHz range for an output in the lower-half of 1750 meters. Years ago, such crystals were very common surplus items in the large FT-241-A holders. Anyone have any that they'd be willing to part with ? Thanks.
Hifer NC ,MP and GA copied in Aas near Oslo, Norway
Posted by Steinar Aanesland on July 05, 2002 at 12:54:59
Hello All
I live in Norway, near the capital Oslo. Early in the morning on the 4 July, 2002 05:17 Norwegian time (GMT+1h), I captured some very interesting signals with my ICOM IC-R75.
On the frequency 13.555.50 a big sawtooth signal NC and GA and MP in Morse was appearing on my screen (see the screen shots, linked below).
This is one of the greatest experiences I have ever had as a radio listener!
Best regards
Steinar Aanesland
(Fwd) Hifer reception this week
Posted by Jim Moritz on July 05, 2002 at 15:18:30
Dear Lowfers,
Noisy conditions on 13.555MHz last night - I was able to see NC, MP, and GM (GA?-Ed.) again, but nothing from RY this time.
The previous 5 nights have yielded signals on every occasion, although conditions don't appear to have been particularly good. The best reception seems to occur between about 0000 and 0500 utc, when there is usually something visible, and the man-made noise seems to be at a minimum. The signals often become audible for short periods - there has always been rapid fading over about 10 - 20dB over a timescale of a few seconds, giving rise to a broken-up appearance on the waterfall trace, and the signal also fades in and out more slowly over periods lasting from minutes to 10s of minutes, so having a QRSS contact might not be easy at this distance.
The effects of propagation are much more apparent than at LF, as you would expect. The waterfall traces are often blurred, and at one point last night, the signal from GA split into 2 distinct traces running parallel a couple of Hz apart.
SM6LKM's 14.1011MHz beacon has been harder to copy here - it is usually visible in the mornings, but generally much weaker than the trans-atlantic signals. Perhaps this is due to our antennas not being favourably aligned, or just that propagation at 14MHz works better over several 1000s of km than it does at 1000km
Cheers, Jim Moritz
73 de M0BMU
RY Moves
Posted by John Andrews on July 05, 2002 at 15:47:00
RY is now on 13555.41 kHz or thereabouts. It's fairly temperature sensitive, so some wandering can be expected.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Screen shot of TAG in graphical format
Posted by John Andrews on July 05, 2002 at 15:49:40
See: http://webpages.charter.net/w1tag/TAG.jpg
Shot taken from 130 miles through a lot of t-storm static. VD can be seen in QRSS30 just below.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Clustering
Posted by Charles Vest on July 07, 2002 at 11:03:16
After being out of the loop for quite a while due to two major surgeries and a stay in Intensive Care, I am ready to start on my new beacon for this fall season.Has there been any progress or attempt to organize clustering or any geographic designators suggested ?
I would like to know before I order a crystal since I am rock bound.
Thanks,
...Charlie...KC0EH...COV...
HiFer YK back on air
Posted by Chris Lantaff on July 08, 2002 at 00:12:59
HiFer YK is back on the air. Freq ~13.55784 CW id followed with 10 second carrier. Antenna is dipole running N-S sloping to the S.
Chris, KE9YK www.qsl.net/ke9yk/lowfer/
WWVB receivers/antennas
Posted by Qi Feng Liang on July 11, 2002 at 11:25:51
I'm can't seem to find any WWVB receivers or antennas...My clock can't pick up a signal inside my building. Does anyone know of any solutions for me to get a stronger signal?
W5JGV'v 166.5 beacon
Posted by Alan Melia G3NYK on July 12, 2002 at 17:38:46
Hi all does W5JGV subscribe or does anyone have an E-mail address there is nothing on the 600m group site. I would like to share some aerial experience with him......400W to a 60 ft vertical should be hearable at 2000 kms, and is verging on the strength to be audible on a good night in Europe. The problem is that we do have very strong BC interference. I also need to know the 'exact' frequency ....well to within 1Hz if possible so that we can try very narrow filter on him. That may be the only way to pull the signal through the BC sideband mush.
There are LF aerial measurements and some data on a simple (single ended ) PA design in the 100s of watts for LF on my Web Site.
Cheers de Alan G3NYK alan.melia@btinternet.com http://www.alan.melia.btinternet.co.uk
Re: W5JGV'v 166.5 beacon
Posted by John Davis on July 12, 2002 at 22:13:53
Hi Alan,
Ralph's e-mail is: ralph.hartwell@worldnet.att.net
We have indirect word that some of the plastic insulators on his antenna burned Tuesday night of this week, and he is currently off the air. He might appreciate some advice gleaned from practical experience.
John
Hifer Foursome
Posted by lloyd chastant on July 15, 2002 at 07:46:10
Well looked at 13555 yesterday and had very nice copy on the foursome-NC,MP,GA, and RY..with NC sending a new square wave type mode.
Haven't been monitoring heavily but have seen GA and RY from time to time ..but this morning all 4 were there.
de Lloyd W3NF FM19MH
Re: Hifer Foursome
Posted by DAVID....WD4KPD on July 15, 2002 at 09:54:43
basicaly same here in North Carolina...ry/ga/mp/nc. nc is very distinctive of course.
david
Re: Hifer Foursome
Posted by lloyd chastant on July 16, 2002 at 07:47:52
That square wave type signal I noted was actually NC sending Jason..Have gotten fairly nice captures of his Hifer Jason ..de Lloyd W3NF
1st copy of NC HiFER in JASON mode made by Nick Broline, W5FUA, Austin Texas
Posted by Dexter McIntyre W4DEX on July 16, 2002 at 12:01:03
The first report was received from Nick Broline, W5FUA, in Austin, Texas. His capture made on Sunday evening shows a very readable copy if you piece together the repeated text on the .jpg he sent me. Lloyd, W3NF, Maryland captured fair copy on Monday morning and Jay, W1VD identified the mode with partial copy on Tuesday. Several stations saw the signal last week but didn't identify it as JASON due to it's very narrow frequency shift.
Thanks for the reports,
Dexter
I need some help to build a Norwegian Hifer beacon
Posted by Steinar Aanesland on July 16, 2002 at 17:07:41
Hi all
I would like to build an Hifer beacon in Norway on 22 meter band.
I have been in contact with the guys in The Norwegian Post and Telecommunications. They told me that it is no problem for me to transmit in the 13.553 - 13.567 MHz band, but the maximum field value have to be 42 dBuA/m at a distance of 10 meters.
Because this is intended for "Inductive applications" in Norway (look at Section 19 in:
http://www.npt.no/eng/regulations/regulations/alle/2000/E20001399/E20001399.html ) and I am in the "near field" of a transmitter, I don't know how to design an antenna and calculate the maximum power output.
I would be greatful if any one could help me with the design and calculation.
Steinar Aanesland Oslo, Norway
Re: I need some help to build a Norwegian Hifer beacon
Posted by John Davis on July 16, 2002 at 17:22:39
Hello Steinar,
If I have read the problem accurately and "crunched the numbers" correctly, a magnetic field intensity of 42dBµA/m works out to 47,500µV/m, or 47.5mV/m.
Reverse-engineering that number to correspond with the 30m distance in the U.S. rules, it appears Norwegian experimenters would be allowed 15.833mV/m where we are only allowed 10mV/m at 30 meters.
Knowing from calculations performed by others that our regulations are equivalent to 1.8mW input to a quarter wave vertical antenna, that should mean you are allowed up to 4.5mW into a quarter wave antenna in Norway.
Now, I should caution that conversion of field strength numbers for the two measurement distances by the inverse proportional principle may not be entirely applicable in this estimate, as a 10m measurement distance is not strictly in the near field at the 22 meter band, nor is it far enough to ensure that far-field assumptions would apply either (depending on the type of antenna). For a quarter-wave antenna, though, I think this results in a fairly accurate approximation.
By the way, if the translation of the rules at the URL you posted is an accurate representation of the Norwegian language originals, I must compliment the writers of your regulations. They seem to draft them with a remarkably clear, direct and comprehensible style.
Regards,
John Davis
Re: Surplus Crystal Wanted (320 - 350 KHz) for beacon-TX
Posted by Peter on July 16, 2002 at 17:38:13
Surplus Sales Of Nebraska has some in that range, though not in that holder, but in a HC-6 can. Pricey.
http://www.surplussales.com/CrystalsList.html
HOMEBREW LF RECEIVER
Posted by bryan KG4ENB on July 16, 2002 at 20:05:14
HELLO MY NAME IS BRYAN AND I HAVE BEEN INTRESTED IN THE LF BAND FOR YEARS SINCE I GOT MY HAM TICKET. I WOULD LIKE TO BUILD A HOME BREW RECEIVER THAT COVERS 20KC-500KC.
IF ANY ONE COULD HELP ME IN FINDING A DIAGRAM THAT IS BUILDABLE FROM AN INTERMIDATE POINT OF VIEW PLEASE HELP
THANKS FOR THE LONGWAVE MESSAGE BOARD
BRYAN KG4ENB
Re: I need some help to build a Norwegian Hifer beacon
Posted by Steinar Aanesland on July 17, 2002 at 09:01:24
Thank you for the good news! I was afraid it was impossible to make a functional 22 meter transmitting system within the Norwegian regulations.
I will immediately construct and put up a 22 meter beacon as shown on Lyle Koehler's web site http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle/proto/LFproto.htm#HiFER, to make use of the good present conditions.
Steinar
Re: Surplus Crystal Wanted (320 - 350 KHz) for beacon-TX
Posted by Peter on July 17, 2002 at 10:42:28
Also found old style xtals on "Ken's" web page for 327 and 340kHz.
http://www.kenselectronics.com/lists/cbxtal.htm
Re: Surplus Crystal Wanted (320 - 350 KHz) for beacon-TX
Posted by John Bogath on July 17, 2002 at 10:53:04
Thanks Peter for your help. I am going to check out those two sources you've mentioned.
Re: A nice picture and some interesting facts about longwave broadcasting
Posted by david on July 18, 2002 at 06:50:16
Nice site. Do you have a picture of the Konstantynow tower?
Photo of Rugby transmitter site
Posted by Rand on July 18, 2002 at 21:18:55
I saw the Rugby radio site for the first time on Saturday, 13 July 2002. I am quite in awe!
Do you know an internet address where I can see good pictures of the location?
Rand
NC and GA in Norway this morning
Posted by Steinar Aanesland on July 19, 2002 at 22:07:24
Hi all
I captured a weak signal on 13.555500 MHz this morning. It seems to be NC in QRSS3, but I am not 100% sure. GA was clear and readable on 13.555450. No sign of MP on 13.555473
Steinar
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Re: NC and GA in Norway this morning
Posted by John Davis on July 19, 2002 at 22:35:55
Hi Steinar,
Very nice reception on a day plagued with rather mediocre propagation. I wish we had room on the server for more of your screenshots.
If you look closely at the signal from NC, I think you will notice that it tends to be dispersed in frequency, sometimes appearing as two traces separated by varying amounts.
Dexter has been running in JASON mode for a while now. There is a message from him in the message board, dated on the 16th of this month, talking about the first reception of NC since his switch to JASON mode.
Regards,
John
Re: W5JGV'v 166.5 beacon
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 19, 2002 at 22:59:33
Here is what I found on the 600m reflector on Thursday 18 July.
---------------------------------------------------------
Hello, folks!!
WC2XSR/13 is still on the air running 400 watts on 166.50 KC.
ERP looks like about 3.5 watts, omnidirectional.
This evening, at about 19:40 CDT, the ID loop was changed from QRSS3 to a loop running QRSS30.
The loop says "XSR" one time in QRSS30, and then runs a legally required
10 WPM CW ID. The loop then repeats. Total loop time for the XSR and CW ID is 17 minutes, 24 seconds.
73,
Ralph W5JGV / WC2XSR / 13
http://home.att.net/~shmrg
http://home.att.net/~ralph.hartwell
NC HiFER now transmitting PSK31
Posted by Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX on July 20, 2002 at 12:55:03
NC HiFER is now transmitting PSK31 on 13,555.500 KHz.
Dex
Re: NC and GA in Norway this morning
Posted by Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX on July 20, 2002 at 13:02:34
NC HiFer was in JASON mode until about 1600Z today. It is now transmitting PSK31. Nick Broline, W5FUA, Austin TX was the first to send me a capture of his JASON reception.
Dexter
Re: NC HiFER now transmitting PSK31
Posted by lloyd chastant on July 20, 2002 at 13:40:58
Have copy on Hifer NC in PSK31 modee this afternoon.Condiotions are very erractic but am getting his PSK message during many deep fades on band.
de Lloyd W3NF
Re: NC HiFER now transmitting PSK31
Posted by John Andrews on July 20, 2002 at 20:53:15
Got partial copy of NC around 3 PM in Raymond, Maine, this afternoon. T-storm static pretty much did everything in by late afternoon, though. Will try again on Sunday.
John Andrews
LowFER Beacon "NWNJ" now on 189.650 KHZ:
Posted by John Bogath on July 21, 2002 at 21:03:02
Because of an intermittant crystal, LowFER beacon "NWNJ" will run on 189.650 KHz (spare crystal), beginning on Saturday, July 27, 2002 at 4:00 PM-ET. This frequency change will be permanent for at least the near-future. Transmissons are CW at about 10 wpm.
MF Monitors Needed for KPH
Posted by Richard Dillman on July 22, 2002 at 00:44:03
The Maritime Radio Historical Society has restored ex-RCA coast station KPH to operational status. This includes the MF transmitter which operates on 500 and 426kc with a power output of about 4kW. The antenna is a Marconi T.
When we activate the station we receive plenty of signal reports for our HF channels but few for our MF channels. It appears that few in the general population of radio listeners are equipped or inclined to monitor the MF band.
I'm writing to ask if perhaps some LWCA members might be willing to make a special effort to listen for KPH on MF when the station is next activated. We might even arrange a special MF-only activation if there is enough interest. Signal reports from experienced MF listeners would be very welcome and would help us evaluate out transmission efficiency in this band.
If you would be willing to participate please contact me at:
ddillman@igc.org
Details of our KPH restoration may be found at:
http://www.radiomarine.org
Thanks and 73,
Richard Dillman/W6AWO San Francisco
Jason V0.94
Posted by Alberto di Bene, I2PHD on July 22, 2002 at 13:08:13
I have just uploaded Jason V0.94 to the weaksignals site :
http://www.weaksignals.com
The main differences from V0.93 are :
- Selectable decoder : the native one, or a new decoder written by
Stewart Nelson KK7KA (the author of WOLF) which performs much better under marginal conditions. The signaling format is
unchanged from V0.93
- Selectable serial output format : the bare, native one, or a format suitable to drive the LF exciter of Murray Greenman ZL1BPU,
based on the AVR Atmel microcontroller.
- A few minor bug fixes.
Please test the new decoder under marginal conditions and report your findings. Thanks.
73 Alberto I2PHD
Re: NC HiFER now transmitting PSK31
Posted by Nick Broline on July 22, 2002 at 20:39:11
Spectran disclosed the "wideband" modulation on the signal Sunday, but was well below uasable SNR for such a wideband mode.
Friday I read the JASON signal for several hours w/20+ dB SNR without decoding a single character correctly. Observing WWV @ 15 MHz. showed instantaneous doppler shifts of 1-2 Hz. p-p. Conclusion was that the band was VERY unsettled.
Re: Jason V0.94
Posted by Alberto di Bene, I2PHD on July 23, 2002 at 09:56:27
Alberto di Bene wrote:
> I have just uploaded Jason V0.94 to the weaksignals site :
> http://www.weaksignals.com
>
> The main differences from V0.93 are :
> [...]
Well, it turns out that in the haste of writing my yesterday's announcement I left out another improvement to V 0.94, also done by Stewart.
Now you can select between doing a realtime reception using the sound card,
or reading a WAV file at a much higher speed. The WAV file must have been digitized at (or converted to) 11025 samples per second, mono, 8 or 16 bits audio resolution. A subsequent version of Jason will also allow to record such a file from the realtime audio input. At the moment you can use the Sound Recorder of Windows, or Cool Edit or many other sound utilities.
This feature makes possible to compare the two decoders, or to try again to receive a signal with a different fine tuning, or, last but not least, to show to others how the program works without the need of radio (and of a signal...).
Enjoy
73 Alberto I2PHD
Re: NC HiFER now transmitting PSK31
Posted by Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX on July 23, 2002 at 12:49:20
Nick, I will probably switch back to JASON mode soon so you can try the new V0.92 decoder.
Dex
NC HiFER back to JASON mode
Posted by Dexter McIntyre, W4DEX on July 24, 2002 at 00:00:40
Mode switch was done just before midnight EDT. Frequency is 13,555.500 KHz. Try the latest release, Jason V0.94, available at:
http://www.weaksignals.com
Dexter
Re: NC HiFER back to JASON mode
Posted by lloyd chastant on July 24, 2002 at 19:26:27
I've been monitoring NC frequency and only had some fairly weak signal late this afternoon.I decided to just do a Wav file capture with Cooledit.Collected 20 minutes (32Mbytes).I played back this wav file with both the Native and KK7KA decoder and it appears that the KK7KA decoder indeed does a better job..The conditions were indeed very poor on the signal level--barely decernible on Argo.So maybe conditions will be better in next few days for some better checks.
de Lloyd W3NF
Re: NC HiFER back to JASON mode
Posted by lloyd chastant on July 26, 2002 at 14:06:44
NC seemed to be coming in with fair signal around late morning so copy hr in Maryland was a long series of NC NC NC....I tried running both Native and KK7KA decoder and not much difference with maybe the Native being a bit better this time...Signals faded out completely after hour or so so will continue tests..
de Lloyd W3NF FM19MH
Beacon "WE" on the air finally...
Posted by Mike reid on July 26, 2002 at 23:50:08
Have a look for "WE" on 185.303kc. The actual freq is .3hz lower than that. I am sending in QRSS-30 and also a 15wpm CW message. Everything takes 10 minutes to send and then repeats. The maximum signal will be at a heading of NNW and SSE from Minneapolis Minnesota. It is running the usual 1w.
73's,
Mike
Re: Beacon "WE" on the air finally...
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 27, 2002 at 09:48:45
Reception report #1.
A few minutes ago Lyle (K0LR) heard by the ear, part of my CW message. He said there was static crashes otherwise. Now I know that that Ashlock Loop works like a champ, and it was so easy to put up and just required one little tweek of the turns ratio on the transformer.
73's,
Mike
WE
Posted by Roger Magnuson on July 27, 2002 at 11:46:04
WE is coming through just fine in Duluth this morning. As soon as I saw your message about WE on the air I set up Argo and there you were. It's quite noisy on the band from static crashes but you are nice and clear on QRSS. Congrats Mike, nice to see you.
Roger (RM 189.8)
Re: WE
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 27, 2002 at 14:08:38
My beacon appears to have a decent groundwave. I think the skywave will be decent as well. Thanks to Lyle and Roger for letting me know it is working around Minnesota. I posted their captures on my web site http://www.we0h.us/captures. I'll add my email address on the "LF" page so anyone can contact me if needed.
73's,
Mike
Re: LowFER Beacon "NWNJ" now on 189.650 KHZ:
Posted by Jon M. Schumacher, K1NV on July 27, 2002 at 19:01:35
Listened for NWNJ around 1600-1630 EDT today (7/27/02) but too much QRN due to T-storms. Will keep listening over the next few days. I normally hear the Colts Neck, NJ beacon day and night, so I hope to copy this one.
My QTH is Hollywood in southern Maryland.
Anyone listening on 185.3kc tonight???
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 27, 2002 at 23:20:22
The reflector and board seem dead tonight. I was wondering if anyone is doing captures tonight on the Looper gang on 185.3 to 185.303kc tonight. LEK jumped in there with his upright antenna.
73's,
Mike
Re: Anyone listening on 185.3kc tonight???
Posted by Roger Magnuson on July 28, 2002 at 10:55:52
WE and LEK are in good this morning. Turned things off yesterday when storms were in the area. In fact we took a hit on the power pole out front and it blew the fuse on the transformer. It was loud!! Power was out for an hour or so.
Roger, (RM 189.8)
Long Wave radio and the recent mining accident?
Posted by J. Jason Wentworth on July 28, 2002 at 11:17:17
Hello All,
I was very relieved to hear that the nine trapped miners were rescued from the flooded mine this morning.
The rescuers mentioned that the drill noise made audio contact with the miners impossible (to hear their tapping), and this incident got me wondering if Long Wave radio might be able to help in such situations.
If Long Wave signals will penetrate *through* the Earth well, perhaps miners could carry small LF transceivers with roll-up wire antennas. In the event of an accident, they could make contact with a much more powerful LF transceiver on the surface, which would have a much bigger and more efficient antenna. This would enable rescuers to pinpoint their positions, and the miners could report on their situation. What do you think? -- Jason
Re: Anyone listening on 185.3kc tonight???
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on July 28, 2002 at 11:35:56
I set up for the night and have captures of Mike and Lyle. I'm about six miles south of Roger so it's no suprise. I had to listen with the transmit antenna. Lightning took its toll here as well. I lost the preamp on the loop and this morning the beacon won't start. Looks like I'll be at the workbench today. I'll send you the best capture for the night later Mike. Nice work getting a signal on the air. Nice to have another 'local' to look for year round.
Re: Anyone listening on 185.3kc tonight???
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 28, 2002 at 12:35:18
I lucked out on the lightning. We did get about 4" of rain though. I pulled the plug on the beacon when the lightning came near as I don't want to fry the little thing.
Mike.
Re: Long Wave radio and the recent mining accident?
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 28, 2002 at 12:37:33
I would think this would work fine. It might take VLF signals to penetrate the rock, but it should work. Were the miners alive???
Mike.
Re: Long Wave radio and the recent mining accident?
Posted by John Bogath on July 28, 2002 at 15:28:37
All of the miners were fine ! In fact, no serious injuries were reported, as far as I have heard. Some are even going home today or tomorrow. GOOD NEWS !! I agree that vlf would be the way to go with sub-surface communications.
Re: LowFER Beacon "NWNJ" now on 189.650 KHZ:
Posted by John Bogath on July 28, 2002 at 15:47:17
Thanks Jon for your response. I would expect that "TH" in Colts Neck, NJ, will have a much better signal than "NWNJ" at this point in time. I stopped working on the ground-system when plant-life came back in the Spring along with the LYME disease ticks. Much work is yet to be done here in the woods, where my beacon is located. I currently have 15 radials (100' to 300' long each) installed. Tree absorption of RF has got to be at a peak right now, too. I am a bit further north from you than is Colts Neck (approx. 60 or so miles), also. I appreciate your efforts in listening for "NWNJ" (North West New Jersey).
Re: Long Wave radio and the recent mining accident?
Posted by John Davis on July 28, 2002 at 17:44:24
We can indeed be thankful for the safe recovery of the miners.
Having heard what the miners said in a number of interviews today, it seems to me that some form of communication would have provided a real boost to morale, especially during the hours when drilling stopped due to the first drill bit breaking.
In this case, it might have even been possible to simply lower a small waterproof telephone handset and LED lamp once the airshaft had been drilled but before the pumping began, had such been available and in readiness.
It would be more universally applicable, of course, to have radio gear in place. Using an easily rigged ground current "antenna" in the mine, and another one on the surface, with modulation of carriers in the LF range, would work. This IS done on a regular basis, in fact, by caving enthusiasts (spelunkers).
The Cave Radio & Electronics Group (CREG) of the British Cave Research Association is one group who have been particularly active in this effort. Their recently introduced Heyphone is an 87kHz upper-sideband voice transceiver with about a 4-watt output, for instance, and was used in an actual cave rescue not too long ago.
Here at home, the National Speleological Society has a Communications & Electronics Section, whose membership somewhat overlapped that of the LWCA. Unfortunately, the NSS C&E group languished for a few years following the death of their guiding light, Frank Reid. But some of the remaining members are still holding on with the hope of reviving the section.
John
The ELF – transmitter under the airport Berlin - Tempelhof mentioned on http
Posted by Harald on July 28, 2002 at 18:06:48
The ELF – transmitter under the airport Berlin – Tempelhof mentioned on http://www.fosar-bludorf.com/Tempelhof/ can exist under technical and econimal points of view!
(If it would make sense is an other question!)
I come to this under the following points of view: between Luebeck (Germany) and Arrie – Kruseborg (Sweden) is a 450 kV monopolar DC power line with the name “Baltic – Cable” (http://www.balticcable.com/pdf/cable.pdf ).
This powerline consists of a 12 km long overhead wire section in Sweden and a 250 km long submarine and underground cable with a cross section of 1600qmm copper.
If we assume that we use the same type of cable for a possible ring line around the airport Berlin – Tempelhof with an estimated ring length of 15 km we get a ring line with a resistance of 0.1674 Ohm. (specifical resistance of copper 0.01786 Ohm * (qmm/m)).
If we assume that the constructors of the ring aerial around the airport Berlin – Tempelhof would invest as much money as the constructors of “Baltic – Cable” in their cable, they could lay 16 such cables in paralell. Then the 15 km loop would have an Ohm’s resistance of 0.01Ohm!
The radiation resistance of this loop would be approximately 30 nanoohm for a frequency of 80 Hertz. This means the effiency of the aerial would be 0.0003 %. This value seems to be very little, but the effiency of the aerial of the ELF transmitter of the US Navy is in the same order!
A copper cable with a cross section of 1600 qmm can be used for a current of 1300 A until 1500 A. This means when there are 16 cables in parallel and all can be used with 1300 A there could be a total current of 20800 A in the loop. The power consumption would be then 4.3264 MW and the ERP 13 Watts. (I suppose the most interesting device would be the feeding transformer).
Natural Radio Active Antenna in the Lowdown???
Posted by Mike Reid WE0H on July 28, 2002 at 22:44:51
Has anyone else built this design??? I finished mine tonight and have listened to a bit of crackles which I presume is from the lightning. What is a good antenna length for this design??? I put a BNC chassis jack on the box and am just using a 2' long copper wire for a whip so far. I have never listened to any natural radio sounds before so I am a total rookie at this. Any suggestions would be welcome for sure.
Thanks,
Mike
Re: Natural Radio Active Antenna in the Lowdown???
Posted by Dave Laida on July 29, 2002 at 11:58:32
Typical vertical whip antennas for listening/recording natural radio emissions with high impedance front ends range from 3 to 8 feet. Antennas that are excessively long invite overload or distortion and are not convenient for portable operation to escape power line hum. Electric field antenna efficiency will be improved by locating 100 ft or more from buildings and trees and by elevating the antenna tip at least 6 to 8 ft above ground level. Direct connect the antenna to the amplifier unit because the use of any type of transmission line adds capacitance which will reduce sensitivity. A connection to an earth ground rod of 12 to 18 inches long may prevent a free-floating ground loop between the active antenna and the follow-on audio amplifiers or recording devices.
Re: Long Wave radio and the recent mining accident?
Posted by J. Jason Wentworth on July 29, 2002 at 18:03:30
I thank you all very much for your replies. The Heyphone VLF transceiver or something like it would indeed be useful in mine rescue operations. -- Jason
136 kHz Ham Band, Comments to the FCC
Posted by Robert Bicking, W9RB and LowFER RB on July 30, 2002 at 19:49:30
The official date for filing comments ended yesterday and most of the comments were from power companies which were against it due to concerns about interference with their PLC systems. Holger Kinzel (DK8KW and W1KW) had some good comments based on European experience with the band. I especially liked his comment that his LF radio operated cat door which was only a few feet from his LF transmitter was NOT affected by his LF xmtr. He also pointed out that based on experience in Germany, only one of every 2000 hams are interested in LF, although I'm sure that the availability of off-the-shelf equipment and antennas would raise this number.
Next is the period where comments to the comments will be allowed.
At this point, I'm not too optomistic.
Hifer NC copied in Texas
Posted by Tony Levstik on July 30, 2002 at 20:50:04
NC was heard and copied in Sherman Texas.
24:16 UTC 7:16 pm ct.
The signal was VERY Strong.
The Argo screen capture can be seen at
http://home.att.net/~levstik1/hifer.jpg
Tony Levstik levstik1@worldnet.att.net
[HIFER] GA, NC and MP in Norway
Posted by Steinar Aanesland on July 31, 2002 at 19:31:34
Hi All
Last morning (July 31, 2002) I received a very strong signal from GA. I captured also some nice pictures of NC and MP.
I have made a quick and dirty web : http://www.aanesland.com where the pictures can be found.
Steinar
Hifer NC Sawtooth copied in TEXAS
Posted by Tony Levstik on July 31, 2002 at 20:04:19
Hifer beacon NC sawtooth copied in Sherman Texas.
23:50 utc 6:55pm ct 07/31/02
Signal was Very strong same as on 07/30/02 except that the "SAWTOOTH" was Much Larger.
Was the "SAWTOOTH" shut off on 07/30/02 ??
Tony Levstik levstik1@worldnet.att.net
Re: 136 kHz Ham Band, Comments to the FCC
Posted by R. Bicking on July 31, 2002 at 22:13:56
The ARRL comments are now on the site and are very encouraging and address the issues. I'm now more confident about getting a ham band on 136 kHz. The power companies, although unaminous in their opposition, offered no daa.
www.lwca.org
potrzebie
