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For fans of longwave broadcasting
Posted by Brock Whaley (brockradio aol.com) on September 02, 2000 at 17:10:07:
I found this site in the shortwave newsgroup. The text is in French, but it has fantastic pictures of the Europe Number 1 and France-Inter longwave transmitters and towers. There also seems to be a good history of both sites and their frequency and power shifts through the years. Pictures of France 162Khz confirm it is in fact running a two tower directional array. The url is: http://home.worldnet.fr/~tvignaud/ Enjoy! Brock
Ten Tec RX-340
Posted by Larry Putman (larryp cprinc.com) on September 03, 2000 at 11:06:51:
Hi Guys, Now that the RX-340 is shipping I have been curious and anxious to hear about it's LF performance! Does anyone have one yet or know anyone that has tested one of these receivers? The specs indicate that it should be an outstanding receiver on LF and VLF freqs. I figure that if I sell my house I might be able to purchase one of these $4000 rigs but I would sure want to know a lot more about it before I do that:) 73 Larry WB3ANQ
Re: Early season propagation...
Posted by chris steele (rm3squid aol.com) on September 03, 2000 at 20:01:57: In Reply to: Early season propagation... (118.html) posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on August 23, 2000 at 12:49:50:
hi les where in the south east are you located? i am located in andrews, sc and am interested in finding people in my area that are into listening to beacons. chris steele
New Antenna for Beacon BRO
Posted by Bryce Ofstie, KI0LE (ki0le arrl.net) on September 04, 2000 at 03:35:14:
I am in the process of constructing a new antenna for beacon BRO. I have it up and on the air without a top hat. Even so RM is seeing increase for me over this time last year on the old antenna. I will be leaving it in CW mode 24/7 until I get a chance to build one of Lyle's all-in-one transmitters. I have parts on order so it shouldn't be too long. I plan to add the top hat before the snow flys. I've added some pictures of it to my web site if anyone cares to see it at http://www.cpinternet.com/~ki0le
QRV from OK again...
Posted by Petr J. Ourednik, OK1RP (ok1rp qsl.net) on September 04, 2000 at 07:03:54:
Hallo to all LF hams! Sorry for longer break because of health troubles last few months. I will be QRV soon again on 137 kHz with 500W (preparing 1KW for winter) and inverted L antenna where 55m vertical and 900m horizontal parts and radials system designed at 1280m over sea on the hill in southern Bohemia... Hope to meet lots LF hams there. 73, Petr OK1RP
Icom R75 Receiver
Posted by Frank Carson (frcarson idt.net) on September 04, 2000 at 21:09:14:
I'm thinking about getting an Icom R75 receiver. There is a special going on with it, and I like the fact that it goes down to 30kHz - it's also in my price range. Anyone use it, or have positive or negative comments? I beacon hunt as well as SWL, and also do natural radio. Any help would be appreciated! Thanks! Frank Carson N3OCW
Re: Icom R75 Receiver
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG (jandrews ma.ultranet.com) on September 05, 2000 at 11:59:30: In Reply to: Icom R75 Receiver (129.html) posted by Frank Carson on September 04, 2000 at 21:09:14:
Frank: I picked up an R-75 a couple of weeks ago, and am very happy with it. Performance is very satisfactory down through the Lowfer range. I only have the stock IF filters in it right now, but will be adding a 500 Hz filter this week as a start. You can get the DSP board for free if you buy the R-75 before the end of this month. If you have more questions, feel free to email me directly. John Andrews, W1TAG
XMGR off the air (Temp)
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF (les highnoonfilm.com) on September 05, 2000 at 13:50:16:
Lowfer beacon XMGR will be off the air for the next week to ten days. We are remodeling the downstairs basement, and building a custom ham shack. This involves rerouting all cables, ground leads, etc. Rather than try to manage around the mess, I disconnected everything. I can easily put the signal up for tests if needed.
McGreevy's site ?
Posted by Matt (mbw725 hotmail.com) on September 11, 2000 at 01:39:06:
Anyone know what's going on with triax.com/~vlfradio, Steve McGreevy's VLF site? seems to be completely gone. Luckily, Google has most of the pages cached. just curious.... -matt
Re: McGreevy's site ?
Posted by Mark Karney (naturalradio norwest.net) on September 26, 2000 at 00:53:56: In Reply to: McGreevy's site ? (132.html) posted by Matt on September 11, 2000 at 01:39:06:
Try this address: http://www.triax.com/vlfradio/ 73, Mark
need help for tube xtal vlf tx
Posted by mark hiles (mktuberxtx hotmail.com ) on September 11, 2000 at 12:04:11:
i would some help . a schmatic using a 6AQ5 FOR 10 watts output
Re: need help for tube xtal vlf tx
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG (jandrews ma.ultranet.com) on September 12, 2000 at 17:05:13: In Reply to: need help for tube xtal vlf tx (133.html) posted by mark hiles on September 11, 2000 at 12:04:11:
Mark, What's your application? Would the unit be feeding an antenna? If so, what sort of antenna? Would the crystal be directly on the operating frequency?
Possible Geomagnetic Storm on Sept. 14
Posted by Mark Karney (naturalradio norwest.net) on September 13, 2000 at 10:06:00:
The following bulletin was received today: On Tuesday, Sept. 12, less than 24 hours after the sunspot number plunged to its lowest value of the year, the Sun unleashed a surprising full-halo coronal mass ejection (CME). The leading edge of the CME could reach Earth on Thursday, Sept 14. Forecasters estimate a 30% chance of severe geomagnetic disturbances (possibly including aurora) at middle latitudes when the shock front arrives. For more information and images, please visit http://spaceweather.com Maybe things will still be hopping for the coordinated monitoring this weekend! 73, Mark
WTB: LF Engineering Exciter
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF (les highnoonfilm.com) on September 13, 2000 at 17:46:12:
I'm looking to complete my collection of any and all commercial products that have been offered for the 1750 Meter band. To that end, I'm trying to track down one of LF Engineering's exciters from the late 1980's. Sal did a wonderful design on this highly stable CW transmitter. In fact, I used one for years on the original XMGR beacon. If you have one, I'd be willing to pay a very fair price for it. I'd like to include a nice history of the hobby, including the few commercial items for the upcoming documentary. Thanks!
Re: WTB: LF Engineering Exciter
Posted by Les Rayburn on September 21, 2000 at 13:20:40: In Reply to: WTB: LF Engineering Exciter (136.html) posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on September 13, 2000 at 17:46:12:
Sal wrote in to say that there were two units made by LF Engineering over a ten year period, the TM1 and TM2 Transmitters. Sal has photos but no working models left. Apparently, they were difficult to make and not very profitable. We'd still love to obtain a working model from anyone who may have purchased them. Willing to pay top dollar!
Beacon BRO moves to 182.200 kHz
Posted by Bryce Ofstie, KI0LE (ki0le cp.duluth.mn.us) on September 17, 2000 at 21:42:06:
I just completed one of Lyle's "All-In-One" transmitters and got it on the air with the new antenna. As a result I had to move frequency from 182.25 down to 182.20 kHz. I am transmitting 'BRO ' in BPSK (MS100, ET1) for the first half hour and CW the second half hour. If no one has problems hearing me on this frequency I may leave it there. I have had reports from RM, LEK and BK that the new antenna is an improvement over last year. Once I get the top hat on I should be getting out as well as RM. I updated my website with new pictures of the transmitter and antenna. ~http://cp.duluth.mn.us/~ki0le/ (http://cp.duluth.mn.us/ki0le/)
Aurora/Geo Storm?
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG (jandrews ma.ultranet.com) on September 18, 2000 at 09:27:20:
Keep your eyes and ears open for geomagnetic storm effects on the evenings of Monday (9/18) and Tuesday (9/19). There have been several recent CME's, and aurora was clearly visible here in central Massachusetts on the evening of the 17th, local time. John Andrews, W1TAG
WTB: Lowdown's from 1995 back to 1985
Posted by Les Rayburn (les highnoonfilm.com) on September 19, 2000 at 12:28:41:
Thanks to Bill at HQ and Rich Brunner, I now have back issues of the Lowdown from the current issue back to January of 1996 (all that are available from HQ) and also early issues from 1985 back to the very first issue. That leaves a "hole" from December of 1995 until January of 1985. I'd love to purchase any or all issues (or copies of these issues) from anyone who may have them. Please e-mail details! Also interested in back issues of the Western Update and The Lowfer Letter!
Beacon MV moving to better location
Posted by Tim Pauly (tpauly twcny.rr.com) on September 22, 2000 at 07:44:23:
Beacon MV will be moved about 7 miles north of its present (bad) location in the city of Little Falls. We just purchased some acreage with a small house out in the country, and are making the big move this week. The new location is near Salisbury NY. About 1/3 acre is swampland - perfect for a VLF antenna. I am hoping to have the beacon back on the air, with a new antenna and ground system located in the swamp by mid-November. I might just string up a temporary antenna to get it on the air before then, depending on how busy things are. I'll let you all know when it's actually on the air. As always, the frequency will be 187.600 kHz. - Tim
info/help, please!
Posted by Klaus (WB9YBM JUNO.COM) on September 22, 2000 at 20:54:18:
Several years ago, I bought a lowfer handbook (by Ken Cornell). I loaned it out, but never got it back, so I'm trying to find one, or a relatively recent one that I could get a copy of. I can be reached at WB9YBM JUNO.COM, if you have info....
100 W ERP Station QRV from OK tonight (September 23, 2000)
Posted by Geri, DK8KW (W1KW) (dk8kw qru.de) on September 23, 2000 at 15:37:49:
Hello LF-enthusiasts on the other side of the pond, Petr, OK1FIG is QRV with a 150m high antenna from JO70ND. From his current field strength I estimate his effective radiated power to be around 100 W. After the first LF-step across the atlantic has been performed some days ago, Petr also will try to reach VE1ZJ tonight (September 23, 2000). He will start to transmit 2130 and 0300 UTC in Slow CW (QRSS) on 135.755 kHz. In case you spot him, give him a call either on 14043 or 10106 kHz. GL es best 73
XMGR back on the air
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF (les highnoonfilm.com) on September 25, 2000 at 20:15:08:
XMGR is back on the air now transmitting 24 hours/7 Days. Format is CW for the 1st half of each hour, BPSK for the 2nd half of each hour. Now that the mowing season is over, we'll be adding an additional 16 elevated radials (for a total of 32) to the counterpoise in the next couple of days. Currently, I am running with only 4 elevated radials and the signal really comes up when I get near 16 radials. XMGR transmits on 189.500Khz and the ID cycle is linked to a WWVB receiver so that the "switch over" occurs exactly on the half hour. Hope everyone will listen for this signal in the coming season! Best of DX to everyone! Les Rayburn, N1lF 4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080
Newbie Question!
Posted by Bob Klinger (rklinger97 aol.com) on September 26, 2000 at 13:36:43:
Hello all! I am new to long wave radio so please bear with me. I just purchased a Sangean 505 MW/SW/LW radio. I am very interested in short-wave and medium wave but like I said new to long wave. The other night I heard my first two long wave stations. The first station was on 203 kHz. and if I copied it correctly the code was "MD"( - - / - . . ). The second was on 260 kHz. with a code of "XXB" (- . . -/ - . . -/ - . . . ). Both had fair signals and here heard at night. Between 9 and 9:30pm.I was using no external antenna. My question is, where can I go to find out where these stations are coming from. I would appreciate any help. Thanks, Bob Klinger, Harrisburg, PA.
Re: Newbie Question!
Posted by Lyle Koehler (k0lr arrl.net) on September 26, 2000 at 17:34:20: In Reply to: Newbie Question! (147.html)posted by Bob Klinger on September 26, 2000 at 13:36:43:
MD is shown as Middletown, PA airport on 204 kHz in one of my old beacon listings. There isn't any XXB, but my listing is very old. The Utilities page on the LWCA web site is at http://www.lwca.org/sitepage/lfutil/lfutil.htm and has links to sites where you can search for US and Canadian navigational aids. The Navaids database site at http://www.airnav.com was not responding this afternoon, but keep trying. Good listening! Lyle, K0LR
copied "TH" 189.36 colt's neck NJ beacon
Posted by Robert Michael Evans (revans sarnoff.com) on September 26, 2000 at 14:30:09:
From Cranbury NJ FN20RH at 2000SEP24SUN22EDT53 using a 160meter quarterwave inverted L with multi-spaced ground rod radials. tapped inductor matching ft1000mp a wav recording was made as the matching network was adjusted. CU DE N2LO~)
Re: copied "TH" 189.36 colt's neck NJ beacon
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF (les highnoonfilm.com) on September 28, 2000 at 23:36:09: In Reply to: copied "TH" 189.36 colt's neck NJ beacon (148.html) posted by Robert Michael Evans on September 26, 2000 at 14:30:09:
Great catch! Hearing the first one is always the toughest, and the most fun.
Once the QRN dies down in a month or so, you should be able to bag several more without too much trouble. Also, be sure to QSL to Carl directly, as I don't think he checks this message board too often. Great job!
Radio Beacons
Posted by Peter Millette (ka4vvc1 juno.com) on September 27, 2000 at 05:48:36:
Recently, I was able to match up my ham radio antenna (large horizontal loop) to an old ICOM general coverage receiver. With no trouble, I was able to copy about 13 low frequency radio beacons at noontime. A couple of them were 350+ miles away, which I consider a great distance at these frequencies during daylight hours. I was able to identify 11 of them via navigation charts and airnav.com. However, a couple of them remain a mystery. Is there a published list of all low frequency beacons that I can use? Thanks,Pete, KA4VVC, Panama City, FL
Re: Radio Beacons
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG (jandrews ma.ultranet.com) on September 27, 2000 at 17:12:05: In Reply to: Radio Beacons (150.html) posted by Peter Millette on September 27, 2000 at 05:48:36:
Pete, There's quite a bit of information on navigational beacons on the LWCA web site. Start with: http://www.lwca.org/sitepage/lfutil/lfutil.htm
Application form to join LWCA
Posted by Peter Millette (ka4vvc1 juno.com) on September 28, 2000 at 11:21:41:
Hi LWCA: Where can I get an application form to join LWCA ? John Andrews, W1TAG informs me that I can learn plenty by being a member ! Thanks, Pete, KA4VVC
Re: Application form to join LWCA
Posted by Mike (Carmelink aol.com ) on September 29, 2000 at 09:02:00: In Reply to: Application form to join LWCA (152.html) posted by Peter Millette on September 28, 2000 at 11:21:41:
Hi,Pete - Waaay down near the bottom of the main page, "About LWCA" can link you to info. Welcome, and good hunting on LF this winter! Mike AJ1J
Need National RBL-5 VLF Receiver Parts
Posted by Greg Gifford (Cleophus hiwaay.net) on September 30, 2000 at 13:14:11:
I am in dire need of the Hi and Low Pass filters for the National RBL-5 VLF Receiver. I will buy a parts set if necessary. If anyone out there can help me out, or knows of someone who may have these parts, please contact me at Cleophus hiwway.net. Thanks, Greg
New Ingoy Longwave transmitter
Posted by Harald Jota (harald.jota swipnet.se) on September 30, 2000 at 15:07:16:
There is a new Norwegian longwave transmitter, not far from Cape North, on 153 kHz, 100 kW. A special programme in English and Norwegian has been scheduled to take place on Friday 6th of October 2000 between 1900 and 2300 UTC. Go to: http://www.dxlc.com/longwave/ingoy.html
Harald.
Re: Lowfer TV Documentary Update
Posted by Christopher Greiner (vkmgpf aol.com) on September 28, 2000 at 18:23:12: In Reply to: Lowfer TV Documentary Update (122.html) posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on August 25, 2000 at 19:13:25:
I am new to the low frequency underworld, at least that is what I call it. I have experience in Tesla coil design and building for the past 15 years and am very interested in low frequency receiving and transmitting devices. I would like to know how to join the lowfer group and when and what channel will be broadcasting the documentary. Thanks and hope to hear from you soon. Chris
Beacon BRO has a top hat.
Posted by Bryce Ofstie, KI0LE (ki0le cp.duluth.mn.us) on September 30, 2000 at 21:42:58:
I just completed the top hat for the new antenna and with the help of Roger (RM) I got it in the air. The amount of loading coil needed dropped to 2.8 mH from 3.3 mH. I see a 4 dB increase in signal strength here and RM sees the same from his location (6 miles away). I posted a couple of pictures on my website (http://cp.duluth.mn.us/~ki0le/). Conditions are improving, my noise floor for listening is at -85 dB and I hear LEK at -59dB, BK at -71dB, RM at -43dB. If anyone has time and good listening conditions I'm in BPSK for the first half of the hour, CW for the second. I should be getting out pretty good with the new antenna. 73 and good signals.
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