OM-320 off the air in Omaha
Noted NDB from Omaha, Nebraska, OM-320, silent twice two weeks ago (8/17 and 8/20) while driving by its transmitter site north of Omaha. It may be gone for good. The other two beacons that support Eppley Airfield, EN-426 and PP-513 will be monitored to see if they go silent, as well. Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
73,
Rick Dau
Omaha, Nebraska
Posted by KCØW on September 04, 2009 at 10:59:31.
Hello all,
I'm looking for a simple HiFER schematic to construct & place on the air near Minneapolis. After searching the Internet for (literally) hours, I have yet to find anything. Could someone point me in the right direction for a no frills 13.555 MHz transmitter?
Thanks,
Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
Tom KCØW
Posted by John Davis on September 04, 2009 at 13:32:45.
In reply to Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by KCØW on September 04, 2009
Hi Tom. There are several simple HiFER plans on the Web, but one of the most widely used is by KØLR. It employs an Epson programmable crystal oscillator and an ID keyer module from K1EL.
We have this article in our library on this site, in fact. It's rather long, as it is actually about protoboard construction, and includes a HiFER transmitter as one of the examples. It can (and ideally should) be constructed in a more permanent form, of course.
Try it here: Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
KØLR Protoboard Transmitters
Posted by KCØW on September 05, 2009 at 17:24:52.
In reply to Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by KCØW on September 04, 2009
Thanks for the link, John. I will probably construct one from the plans in the next few weeks.
Tom KCØW Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
Posted by Mark Garrett on September 05, 2009 at 19:56:31.
In reply to Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by John Davis on September 04, 2009
I was curious to see how close this diagram is to mine and the only thing I do not have is the 51 ohm resistor on the RF output of the Epson. Was that done to match or provide a 50 Ohm load? No mention of why it was in the schematic.
Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
Posted by Peter B on September 06, 2009 at 06:05:00.
In reply to Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by KCØW on September 04, 2009
Tom,
You may be thinking of a traditional x-tal osc. in contrast to the Epson unit mentioned here. I have a simple osc. for such, uses a 13MHz x-tal (can mail it). At times, places like Surplus Sales of Nebraska have them. Another approack is to use a simple IC divide circuit with a CH13 CB x-tal. kenscrystals (CB)has them.
There once was such a divide circuit on the Web but not found of late. Also not found was a copy I made! Need to dig some more. Possibly others have that source. I believe mine came from a link at Les Rayburn's site. Last I recall it was a dead link.
Hope this helps - Peter
Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
Posted by Paul on September 06, 2009 at 12:10:40.
In reply to Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by KCØW on September 04, 2009
Hi Tom.
I'll do better than that. If you like, you pay shipping and I will mail you a working Hifer transmitter board. You provide keyer and 12 volt power supply. It has a crystal for 13.555 in it right now. You can change the crystal for whatever freq. you want.
How's that?
Paul Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
K6FRC
Posted by KCØW on September 06, 2009 at 15:39:56.
In reply to Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by Paul on September 06, 2009
Fantastic, Paul!!!
I'll take you up on the offer. I assume your good on QRZ. I will send you payment this week after the holiday. I think $10 should cover postage along with buying yourself a cup of coffee. My shipping address is good on QRZ.
I had a HiFER up about 10 years ago but had to take it down after only 6 months because of being transferred overseas. I'm excited again about getting another HiFER on the air again.
I'm also VERY interested in experimenting operating WSPR mode on 13.555 MHz. Your transmitter will get me started in the meantime.......Talk about "plug & play", thanks very much for the kind offer Paul!!!!
Moo!!
Tom KCØW
Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons
Posted by KCØW on September 07, 2009 at 07:37:29.
Is anyone experimenting with WSPR on Part 15 beacons? I would think this would be a match made in heaven due to the excellent RX characteristics of K1JT's WSPR program............Amateurs have been conducting some absolutely phenomenal DX records at the mW levels using WSPR on the HF amateur bands.
WSPR link: http://wsprnet.org/drupal/
Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic
Tom KCØW
Posted by Paul on September 07, 2009 at 09:02:11.
In reply to Re: Looking For Simple HiFER Schematic posted by KCØW on September 06, 2009
Glad to do it, Tom.
Honestly, 5 bucks will be more than enough. Save your money for a killer antenna setup.
Yes, good on QRZ.
73, PS
Re: Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons
Posted by Paul on September 07, 2009 at 09:04:38.
In reply to Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons posted by KCØW on September 07, 2009
That would be a good question for the HF Beacon Society.
http://www.hfunderground.com/board/index.php
Re: Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on September 07, 2009 at 11:38:09.
In reply to Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons posted by KCØW on September 07, 2009
Tom,
It would be a very good mode for a Hifer beacon, as results on 30 meters have shown. For a Lowfer beacon, it would also be good, but don't expect miracles. I have run it at higher power at 137 kHz, and both WOLF and QRSS30 would beat it. But it would have an edge over QRSS3, PSK31, and so forth. The coding scheme has a lot in common with WOLF, but doesn't allow for a slow buildup of copy on the nice phase-stable paths we get at LF. One of WSPR's advantages at 500 kHz is its ability to catch signal peaks on the order of a minute or two, and that's where most of my copy of M0BMU and SM6BHZ has come from. Fading at 185 kHz is generally slower, and other modes can have an advantage.
Well worth a try, though.
John, W1TAG
Re: Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons
Posted by KCØW on September 07, 2009 at 13:37:17.
In reply to Re: Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on September 07, 2009
Thanks for your comments, John.
I've been reading your posts for many years. Thanks for all of the good reading.
I definitely plan on giving WSPR a go on 13.555xx MHz after I get everything setup. From the fantastic results I've been having with WSPR on 30 meters & above, I really expect no less of it on HiFER. As previously stated, I'm surprised of WSPR's lack of acceptance (thus far) by HiFER operators. I can see how technically WOLF & QRSS would definitely have the advantage over WSPR on 137kHz & other basement bands.
OK guys, thanks for bearing with me as I get back into the beacon scene. I've been on a worldwide DXpedition for the past 20 months now & just returned back to the USA 3 months ago.........I tried on St. Helena island as ZD7X & also in Cambodia as XU7XXX activating Low/Mid/Hifer beacon's but was meet with resistance by certain people in both places.
Whole 'nuther story in itself.
Tom KCØW
Re: OM-320 off the air in Omaha
Posted by Barry on September 07, 2009 at 19:33:01.
In reply to OM-320 off the air in Omaha posted by Rick Dau on September 02, 2009
Rick,
NDB PP 513 kHz is still on the air. NDBs OM 320 kHz and EN 426 kHz are off the air until 11 Nov. 2009. They are doing runway work at Eppley Air Field.
This info from internet NOTAMS.
-Barry
Looking for a schematic for a Rycom 3121 Voltmeter
Posted by John Hoopes on September 09, 2009 at 13:49:17.
If anyone has one and would like to make a copy, please email me so we can can work something out.
Thanks Must have done something right
John
Posted by Andy - XR on September 09, 2009 at 17:19:16.
Hello All:
I am happy to post that I did some work on the " XR " ant.
and this time it paid off. I undid some goof ups, and redid
some needed too's, and the results weren't " WOW ! it went
up a needle width " When I retuned after unwinding some
turns from the variometer; it pegged the FS meter. I had to
put a pot. in the driver line to decrease the PA drive, and
bring it down to 1 watt. It shot up to 1.8 watts input after
the ant. work. So now I'm running about 10 mA less PA current
and have a higher FS reading than before. I was pleasantly
surprised with the results. I won't say that there are no
more improvements that could be made to the ant, but with the
way it's radiating right now; I'm going to leave well enough
alone for the time.
At the moment; I think worthwhile improvements will come from
concentrating on improving my variometer setup in hopes of
reducing losses there. I'm using an orange paint bucket, and
a red plastic folgers coffee can. I have had some comments
that the pigments in the colors in the plastic could cause
losses, plus I used a mixture of solid and stranded wire on
the vari-coil which I need to redo.
I have read about others drilling holes in their paint bucket
where the coil was to be wound to make it more like an open
air coil, which supposedly will help reduce dielectric losses.
Has anyone here tried that and actually saw an improvement ??
Well that's it for this post; I hope everyone is well.
73 for now :::
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Re: Must have done something right
Posted by Lee on September 10, 2009 at 16:52:09.
In reply to Must have done something right posted by Andy - XR on September 09, 2009
Regarding your bucket hole question. All the research I have done suggests that coil form losses from using a plastic bucket at these freqs is negligible and not worth your trouble. The one easy thing to do to improve bucket coil form losses is to remove the bottom of the plastic bucket. Leave the top ring part because it will keep the form fairly stiff.
Long haul
Posted by Laurence on September 12, 2009 at 00:34:48.
Conditions (less QRN!) to Eu definately improving on both 137 and 500 - another good decode from SM6BHZ last night on WSPR. 73 Laurence KL1 X in BY3A China.
Wolf 500khz
Posted by lloyd chastant on September 12, 2009 at 06:28:12.
Had nice copy on WE2XGR/2 wolf10..508.5khz
de Lloyd W3NF
2009-09-12 01:07:07 >WOLF10 -r 7999.440 -f 800 -t 1.0 -d 31 -w 0.0000 lowFER Beacon " XR " adding CW ID
Wolf copy by W3NF ...508.5Khz
t: 24 f:-0.776 a:-0.5 dp: 93.8 ci:15 cj:459 CLJWO2UHDX7XDOA ?
t: 48 f:-0.773 a:-0.7 dp: 93.7 ci: 6 cj:438 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 96 f:-0.770 a:-1.1 dp: 90.9 ci: 6 cj:438 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 192 f:-0.771 pm:316.6 jm: 84 q: 6.6 6.9 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 288 f:-0.771 pm: 1197 jm: 84 q: 11.4 11.4 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 384 f:-0.771 pm: 2155 jm: 84 q: 13.0 13.0 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 480 f:-0.771 pm: 2403 jm: 84 q: 13.7 13.7 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 576 f:-0.771 pm: 2573 jm: 84 q: 14.0 14.0 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 672 f:-0.771 pm: 3020 jm: 84 q: 14.6 14.6 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 768 f:-0.771 pm: 3845 jm: 84 q: 15.3 15.2 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 864 f:-0.771 pm: 4262 jm: 84 q: 15.8 15.7 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t: 960 f:-0.771 pm: 4769 jm: 84 q: 16.1 16.1 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1056 f:-0.771 pm: 4920 jm: 84 q: 16.5 16.5 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1152 f:-0.771 pm: 5589 jm: 84 q: 16.9 16.9 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1248 f:-0.771 pm: 6030 jm: 84 q: 17.1 17.1 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1344 f:-0.771 pm: 6235 jm: 84 q: 17.3 17.3 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1440 f:-0.771 pm: 6644 jm: 84 q: 17.5 17.5 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1536 f:-0.771 pm: 6859 jm: 84 q: 17.6 17.6 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1632 f:-0.771 pm: 6958 jm: 84 q: 17.7 17.7 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1728 f:-0.771 pm: 7155 jm: 84 q: 17.8 17.8 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1824 f:-0.771 pm: 7216 jm: 84 q: 17.8 17.8 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
t:1920 f:-0.771 pm: 7429 jm: 84 q: 17.8 17.9 WE2XGR/2 FN31IS -
Posted by Andy - Beacon - XR on September 13, 2009 at 17:47:30.
Hello all:
I reprogrammed my keyer to add a 15wpm CW ID sequence at the
beginning of each transmission, followed by the usual QRSS-60
ID.
73, and happy listening :::
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Re: Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
Posted by John AE5X on September 14, 2009 at 13:23:30.
In reply to Question Regarding Using Digi Mode WSPR on Beacons posted by KCØW on September 07, 2009
Not only milliwatts but low freq too. Take a look at this guy's experiments:
http://g3xbm-qrp.blogspot.com/
John AE5X K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ
http://www.ae5x.com/blog
Posted by Jeff on September 14, 2009 at 17:46:52.
Nice copy on the K6FRC HiFer on 13.565 MHz with RST 519 at 2230Z.
73,
Jeff K8NDB
HiFer SZX?
Posted by Paul on September 15, 2009 at 07:21:37.
Got an email from Jeff saying he moved HiFer NDB, so had the R-390A tuned to Jeff's frequency this morning.
Heard a signal coming in just above Jeff's freq., so tuned up about 1/2 kc. and copied "SZX" repeater over and over at about 5 WPM.
I am aware of an aero beacon in China with that call, but not a HiFer. Anybody know who this belongs to? And (most important), do they QSL?
Thanks!
VY 73 DE K6FRC AR
Paul Re: HiFer SZX?
SK
Posted by John Andrews on September 15, 2009 at 09:53:54.
In reply to HiFer SZX? posted by Paul on September 15, 2009
Paul,
Look down the Message Board list for a message entitled "New HiFer Beacon in Illinois" from August 2, 2009.
John A.
Re: HiFer SZX?
Posted by Paul on September 15, 2009 at 23:20:26.
In reply to Re: HiFer SZX? posted by John Andrews on September 15, 2009
Ahha!! Thank you for the tip! Somehow, I completely spaced on that. I'll post over in Mark's thread.
Re: New HiFer On The Ai
Posted by Paul on September 15, 2009 at 23:21:54.
In reply to New HiFer On The Ai posted by Mark Garrett on August 05, 2009
Hi Mark.
I copied your HiFer!!! Please see post- http://lwca.org/mb/msg/857.htm
Do you QSL?
73 de Paul
Re: HiFer SZX?
Posted by Mark Garrett on September 16, 2009 at 08:13:59.
In reply to Re: HiFer SZX? posted by Paul on September 15, 2009
Paul:
You are the 1st person who has copied the HiFer SZX on 13.563 Mhz. It may be awhile before I have an actual QSL since the transmitter is still on the experimenter board. Antenna currently is a Delta loop about 30 feet off the ground and is my general amateur radio antenna. I hope to get this unit all packaged up and moved to the roof of a building but that may not be till spring. I will see what I can do to get you a more confirmed note.
Suggestions for PC keyer software
Posted by Lee - Beacon - JAM on September 18, 2009 at 16:58:55.
So I have an old 1999 vintage PC, WINDOWS 98 op system that I have been saving for Ham Radio uses. Any suggestion for what keyer software I should buy or download. Easy is always good so I have no problem buying from HRO or someone
who is marketing a software product. Thanks
Grid square DM04UF. LA County. Testing with CW now and code later when I buy a memory keyer. Any reception reports welcome. For records/loging purposes you can call this lowfer "JAM". 188 KHZ. This beacon will be on the air most weekends if I'm not working and intermit weekdays.
Thanks
Lee
My new beacon frequency
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on September 19, 2009 at 14:53:00.
Hi all,
I have changed my beacon frequency and transmitter. I was using a class E rig into an Ashlock loop on 167.173 .It was up since last March and only received 1 or 2 reports . I now am using anAshlock final into an Ashlock loop . The new frequency is 187.2 . I am running QRSS with 20 second dots.The ID is "PBO"
Any reports wil be appreciated.
Thanks
Rick KA2PBO
"PBO" 187.2 KHZ
new e-mail
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on September 19, 2009 at 14:57:56.
I also forgot to mention ; my new e-mail address is : theumpire@verizon.net
Thanks
Rick KA2PBO
"PBO" 187.2 KHZ
Loading coil changes "JAM" 188khz
Posted by Lee - Beacon - JAM on September 20, 2009 at 19:57:45.
It appears that changes I made to drive the loading coil about 3 weeks ago were a bad move. I have read that it is very easy to underestimate the coil value needed to resonate a lowFER antenna. I didn't do that. It looks like I overestimated the coil size. Or the coil calculation software I used needs some help. At any rate adding some taps to use fewer windings and lower the coil value have worked. Tonight I note a substantialy hotter field strength.
Grid square DM04UF. LA County. Testing with CW now and code later when I buy a memory keyer. Any reception reports welcome. For records/loging purposes you can call this lowFER "JAM". 188 KHZ. This beacon will be on the air most weekends if I'm not working and intermit weekdays.
Thanks
Lee
More on the loading coil changes
Posted by Lee - Beacon - JAM - 188khz on September 26, 2009 at 19:15:51.
Here is a tip I have for everyone. Don't trust the freq counter on your voltmeter. I used a real freq counter and found I was off by about 1100hz. Now per the real counter the freq is between 187.9khz and 188khz. Also I was able to prove max power into the coil/antenna system. YEA. Now the MFJ 451 keyer is in the mail. Hopefully I will have the keyer hooked up before November.
Grid square DM04UF. LA County. Testing with CW now and code later when I buy a memory keyer. Any reception reports welcome. For records/loging purposes you can call this lowFER "JAM". 188 KHZ. This beacon will be on the air most weekends if I'm not working and intermit weekdays. ESA HiFer Beacon active from new QTH
Thanks
Lee
Posted by Jim Vander Maaten on September 27, 2009 at 16:19:17.
ESA HiFer Beacon on 13.5658 MHz active from Olivehurst, California, about 50
miles north of Sacramento. Using 1/2 wave dipole on fence, 6 feet high.
CW ID is 'ESA ESA ESA' followed by 5 second dash, repeating.
Catch it now while battery is charged!
73 jim Re: ESA HiFer Beacon active from new QTH
Posted by Paul on September 28, 2009 at 22:15:01.
In reply to ESA HiFer Beacon active from new QTH posted by Jim Vander Maaten on September 27, 2009
No copy hear at Hogan Lake. Will try again!
Re: Loading coil changes "JAM" 188khz
Posted by Peter B on September 30, 2009 at 04:55:01.
In reply to Loading coil changes "JAM" 188khz posted by Lee - Beacon - JAM on September 20, 2009
Lee, Hifer SZX
Good that you found the resolve for that LF coil. On Keyers, do checkout those of K1EL, esp. his dedicated, programmed chip keyer. Many used by LowFERs.
-- Cheers - Peter
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on September 30, 2009 at 08:19:37.
On 9/28/09 hearing SZX, 549 on 13.563 MHz. I listened from 14:40 to 15:00 UTC had some QSB. Using a home brewed converter and my Yeasu FT 101 on 80m for IF, antenna used : 22 meter dipole and H-900 active. Re: ESA HiFer Beacon active from new QTH
later...Sal
Posted by Jim Vander Maaten on September 30, 2009 at 09:31:36.
In reply to Re: ESA HiFer Beacon active from new QTH posted by Paul on September 28, 2009
Thanks for trying Paul. I suspect the low to ground antenna
not helping much.
73 jim
potrzebie