File Attachment 1: 630Pllan.gif
Re: EXP-1750 assembly manual
I wish that there was a EXP-1750 to purchase. I see that the Lowfering hobby has dwindled since the days when I subscribed to the Western Update that was published by Jim Ericson back in the 1980s. Times do change
PLM & Unid Stn Heard in NC
Posted by Bill Stewart K4JYS on September 02, 2017 at 21:20:25.
Good Afternoon. I am a new LWCA member and just got my first Lowdown today. Have seen the reports on PLM on the list and in the Top End column. I was just tuning around this afternoon on 22 meters and ran across PLM with a RST 449 to 559 on QSB peaks. First heard at 1834Z and around 1836Z, stopped transmitting....whew, just snagged him.
A bit later, at 1840Z, I was tuning about 5kc below PLM and heard a signal with intermittent hand keying. No cw characters were detected, just some random keying. Sigs were pretty good, peaking RST 569. Went QRT at about 1903Z.
Unfortunately I was on the R-388/URR rcvr which was not calibrated, so cannot give exact frequencies but PLM was near 13557 and the unid sig about 5kc below.
Hope to get lucky again and log some of the other Hifer stations....maybe with the better calibrated receiver.....73 de Bill K4JYS
Re: Net on weekend
Posted by Robert KB6QXM on September 03, 2017 at 18:53:41.
In reply to Re: Net on weekend posted by Jerry Parker on August 31, 2017
Temporarily off the air for the next month or so, but I would like to know how often these Nets occur. Very interested. 0800 PDT for 80 meters, not so much. 2000 hours PDT, is much better.
73
Re: Net on weekend
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 03, 2017 at 20:56:25.
In reply to Re: Net on weekend posted by Jerry Parker on August 31, 2017
Hi everyone.
It was a noisy Sunday morning on 3927Khz at 0800.
Ed, W6IZJ checked in with QSB and hung in there.
Dave WD4PLI says he will join us next Saturday the 10th of September.
Its a beginning. Please join us with your thoughts and observations.
Exciting times below the broadcast band with 137Khz and 500Khz lighting up shortly.
I was toying with putting my active whip on my SDR and feeding it into the web so anyone could see what I see here at my remote Creston, California location. However, it looks like with WSPR its already been done.
Currently I am working on getting my active whip up and located in a
low noise environment.
Please share your activities with us and join us on the Sunday net.
73,
Jerry 'OWR'
Introduction
Posted by Robert KB6QXM on September 03, 2017 at 22:56:59.
Hello LWCA site members.
I wanted to introduce myself to everyone on the board. My name is Robert and I have had a lifelong fascination with radio. All aspects of radio from DC-light. I bought my first radio at the age of 11 and due to the hobby of radio, I have been working professionally in the Silicon Valley(Where I grew up) all of my career. I have had an interest in all forms of RF from Longwave to Satellite. SWL, Amateur Radio and even a little CB back in the 70s, BCB-DX, FM-DX, TV-DX (A bit difficult in the digital era), TVRO, FTA. SDR AM for amateur radio.
I even worked in the RF field from Satellite ground terminals to the GOES spacecraft to a low frequency transmitter design for Atari. One of my favorite radios was a longwave receiver using peanut tubes. It was about 6" wide and 18" long.(military, I would assume, maybe early cold war era). I personally knew Jim Ericson of the Western Update back in the 80s. I am an advanced class amateur radio operator, but spend little time/no time on the air. I would like to get a Lowfer transmitter on the air, but it is a time issue. I am presently off the air on amateur radio, but hope to get back on the air before winter is upon us.
73
Re: EXP-1750 assembly manual
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 04, 2017 at 14:54:5.
In reply to Re: EXP-1750 assembly manual posted by Robert KB6QXM on September 02
Robert,
Good to have you here. You are absolutely right that things have changed in the Lowfer hobby. It's not all bad, but we are certainly a smaller group these days.
1. Noise levels have increased dramatically due to efficiency improvements in things like power supplies and lighting in the consumer environment. If all of those fast switching waveforms were properly filtered on power lines, we'd be OK. But they aren't, and the genie is out of the bottle. You can gain some ground with the choice and location of receiving antennas, and methods of getting their signals back to the shack. But the end result is still much worse than back in the 1970's.
2. As this was all happening, weak signal techniques such as very slow speed CW and various digital modes were developed, and that drew away a number of Lowfers who had been running plain CW. Things like 1500 mile receptions became possible, and a lot of us simply ran gear overnight, then got up in the morning to see the results. Very few 2-way contacts as a result.
3. The possibility of a ham band down there seemed to be very real in 1999, only to be left dangling before the FCC killed the idea around 2004. Enthusiasm was lost in the process, and much activity moved over to higher-power operation under Experimental licenses from the FCC. As hams in other countries got access to 137 kHz, focus moved away from 160-190 kHz. Now it looks like we'll get ham allocations at 137 and 475 kHz, once the interminable regulatory process finishes. Quite a few hams are just sitting on their hands waiting for that to happen.
I'm sure John Davis can chime in with more thoughts, but you're definitely right that times have changed.
John, W1TAG
Please Read-Lowdown information submission
Posted by Chris Waldrup on September 05, 2017 at 03:15:57.
I am helping John Davis out the next few months by being the guest columnist for the Lowfer List/Hifer List and the Beacon Bits and Mailbag section of the Lowdown newsletter.
If you have something you'd like me to include in upcoming issues, please let me know.
Submissions can be sent to my email address which is my ham call at gmail.com.
Please put Lowdown in the subject so I'll be sure to see it. Thanks!
Chris Waldrup Re: PLM & Unid Stn Heard in NC
KD4PBJ
Posted by ed holland on September 05, 2017 at 18:50:10.
In reply to PLM & Unid Stn Heard in NC posted by Bill Stewart K4JYS on September 02, 2017
Welcome Bill.
I too have heard signals that sound like they should be CW, but make no sense.
This weekend provided some activity around the 13,555.xxx zone. NC and I think USC were atop each other on Saturday afternoon (circa 0:00 UTC Sunday). I think also EH made an appearance.
None of the closer CW beacons were audible or detectable during Saturday or Monday afternoon listening sessions.
Best regards,
Ed
Re: Introduction
Posted by Dave Childs on September 07, 2017 at 05:06:17.
In reply to Introduction posted by Robert KB6QXM on September 03, 2017
Howdy Robert, welcome to our club!
2200 and 630 meter legislative process
Posted by Frank Lotito on September 07, 2017 at 13:31:38.
A few days ago Jim, AB3CV, posted an inquiry on the 600 MRG Message Board asking about the legislative progress for amateur operation on the 2200 and 630 meter bands. I would have thought there would be replies from the few of our fraternity (licensed and non-licensed longwave enthusiasts) who haven inside G2 on this legislative activity. Anybody out there that can give us a factual update? Or was this update posted elsewhere and I missed it?
73 Frank Lotito K3DZ / WH2XHA
WH2XVN
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 09, 2017 at 20:29:47.
Put up my active whip today feeding the FT 747.
Receiving Dave Curry's Beacon on 183 kc at 1300 pdt today.
Would like a list of the active lowfers and part 5 stations out
West here.
Sunday morning on 3927Khz at 0800.
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 10, 2017 at 01:56:18.
I will be on the weekend net in the morning.
3927Khz at 0800.
Join us,,,
Jerry Parker
MF and LF Digital Modes
Posted by Tom N8TL on September 10, 2017 at 21:11:02.
Last week, I had a conversation with Joe Taylor K1JT. We discussed digital modes for mentioned bands. Joe recommended that for those using JT65 mode....they might consider mode JT9 as a viable communications mode when FCC finally opens mentioned 630 and 2200 meter bands for amateur use. I would think that the part 5 guys currently using these bands would give JT9 mode a trial. Tom N8TL
Re: MF and LF Digital Modes
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 11, 2017 at 01:38:16.
In reply to MF and LF Digital Modes posted by Tom N8TL on September 10, 2017
Tom,
The Part 5 Experimental guys have been using JT9 regularly, with good success on 630 meters. The blog on njdtechnologies.net gives day by day results of various activities there.
John, W1TAG
Re: MF and LF Digital Modes
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on September 11, 2017 at 14:04:38.
In reply to Re: MF and LF Digital Modes posted by John, W1TAG on September 11, 2017
What dial frequency is being used for JT9 on 630M?
73, JB, VE3EAR
Re: MF and LF Digital Modes
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 12, 2017 at 02:16:12.
In reply to Re: MF and LF Digital Modes posted by John Bruce McCreath on September 11, 2017
J.B.,
They have been using 474.200 (same as WSPR), with audio between 1000 and 1300 Hz.
John, W1TAG
U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on September 15, 2017 at 18:00:18.
The two related actions that we have been waiting for to gain Amateur access to the 2200m and 630m bands have happened.
First, the Office of Management and Budget has published its approval of the FCC Report and Order in the Federal Register:
https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2017-09-15/pdf/2017-19578.pdf
Second, the Utilities Technology Council has added a notification form to its web site, allowing U.S. Amateurs to submit their information:
https://utc.org/plc-database-amateur-notification-process/
The OMB approval sets the effective date of the regulations as September 15, 2017. Otherwise, it is just interesting reading. The really important thing is to go to that UTC website page and submit your information. That starts a 30 day clock for you. If you do not receive a rejection from them in that time frame, then you are free to begin using these bands at the end of the 30 day period.
More details are likely to surface in the coming weeks, so stay tuned to this page or the various email reflectors.
John, W1TAG
Western 3937Khz NET
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 16, 2017 at 15:07:12.
I will be on the weekend net in the morning.
3927Khz at 0800.
Join us,,,
Jerry Parker
Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by Bill Young WD5HOH on September 16, 2017 at 16:09:08.
In reply to U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on September 15, 2017
What happens now to the experimental stations authorized by FCC?
Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 16, 2017 at 19:11:14.
In reply to Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures posted by Bill Young WD5HOH on September 16, 2017
Bill,
There's been nothing official, but it's assumed that their licenses will continue. There will probably be some pressure from the Amateur community to have them move out of the 135.7-137.8 and 472-479 kHz bands. For example, they could set up long term beacons adjacent to those bands. One thing is for sure: Experimental and Amateur stations cannot talk to each other.
There has also been speculation that the FCC might ask an Amateur renewing a Part 5 license some probing questions about why they wanted to continue. Personally, I don't plan to renew my WD2XES license. After 13 years of waiting for some critical mass of stations to actually have QSO's with, I think my beaconing operation will be infrequent.
John, W1TAG
Re: Western 3937Khz NET
Posted by Ed Larsen on September 16, 2017 at 23:13:17.
In reply to Western 3937Khz NET posted by Jerry Parker on September 16, 2017
I'll try to be on 3927 tomorrow morning, Sunday, 9/17/17.
Re: Western 3937Khz NET
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 18, 2017 at 02:08:42.
In reply to Re: Western 3937Khz NET posted by Ed Larsen on September 16, 2017
Nice talking with you on the net Ed.
Mike, N8OOU was following our Net from back east on WEBSDR.
We will be moving the NET to Saturday next weekend. 0800 California time on 3927 Khz.
Look for everyone next weekend
Jerry Parker 'OWR'
Re: Western 3937Khz NET
Posted by Mike N8OOU on September 18, 2017 at 04:32:37.
In reply to Re: Western 3937Khz NET posted by Jerry Parker on September 18, 2017
Today and last week I could not hear or raise the net control from my station on 80m. I accessed the website ==> websdr.org then selected the KFS WebSDR HF receiver a few entries down from the top. That receiver had a solid copy on the Net, and I have had no problems accessing it. I have tried several of the sdr receivers listed and have been impressed with their capability. Several have VLF to MF receive capabilities.
73 Mike N8OOU
Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on September 20, 2017 at 22:30:47.
In reply to Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures posted by John, W1TAG on September 16, 2017
Well finally. I filed notice today with UTC.org for both my home and rural properties using the online forms. I'm generally expectant of bureaucratic ineptitude, so I wasn't surprised when I didn't even get confirmation emails for the two filings. That's OK, I took screenshots of each. Neither site is anywhere near being within the 1000 meter 'protection zone' of a high-voltage distribution line - the closest two to my residence are 3.9 and 8.2Km away; and there are no high-voltage distribution lines within 3Km of our hunting/recreational property, so I should be good to go.
So now the big question is, where/how are we developing voluntary band plans for these new allocations. I had expected to see some discussion here, but unless I've missed it, nothing so far.
Ideally I'll set up LP [~25w out of the PA] beacons on one or both bands to operate from the recreational property, and do two-way operating from here at the house. [The recreational property is about 45 air-miles WNW of me, so not convenient as a primary QTH, but the separation makes it ideal for a beacon site]
I've seen alleged 'Band Plans' for 630M and 2200M - but I don't know who put them together, and they don't make any reference to beacons at all, although both specify "USB Voice" recommendations... which seems particularly ridiculous at 136Khz.
Since I don't want to step on any toes with the beacon(s), I'm looking for thoughts/guidance on frequencies from those with a bit more background on the topic.
Thanks
Chuck
Lowfering this season
Posted by Lee on September 21, 2017 at 00:51:59.
With all the excitement over the two new bands, any interest leftover for the 1 watt no license band. Lee KE6PCT
Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by John Davis on September 21, 2017 at 17:22:39.
In reply to Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures posted by Chuck, N1KGY on September 20, 2017
Attached is the 630 m band plan that was puvlished as part of the WD2XSH report in The LOWDOWN a couple of months back. It has also appeared in the ARRL Letter.
John
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 630Pllan.gif
Re: Lowfering this season
With all of technical challenges of the two new bands, how many hams other than the Lowfer community will actually take up the challenge of putting a signal on the bands?
I would like to hear opinions from this community if anyone believes that other than Longwave enthusiasts with the technical skill will actually take the time to build equipment and antennas for these two new bands.
Re: Lowfering this season
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on September 21, 2017 at 20:05:00.
In reply to Re: Lowfering this season posted by Robert KB6QXM on September 21, 2017
I do not expect a lot of active stations in the new LW/MW bands this season. I'll bet we won't hear even a hundred Part-97 stations between now and when the spring QRM kicks in. I expect that utilization of the allocations will ramp up over a period of several years, not months.
Even if/when commercial rigs become available for LF/MF, the antenna requirements are going to substantially limit the number of stations active on these bands, IMHO. After all, this isn't like 60M, where you can clip a diode in any modern commercial rig, hang up a simple dipole, and get on the air.
I expect that, for the foreseeable future, LF/MF will remain much as the uWave community has been for decades now - a small, highly technical community with a focused interest in a particular portion of the radio spectrum. Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on September 21, 2017 at 20:09:36.
In reply to Re: U.S. 2200m and 630m Access Procedures posted by John Davis on September 21, 2017
Thanks John - this is exactly what I was hoping to see.
Have you guys worked up something similar for 136Khz yet?
Warmest 73, Chuck
LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 a.m. pdt
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 23, 2017 at 01:50:13.
Hi everyone.
Going to try 0800 a.m. Saturday (in the morning) this time.
Please join us.
Jerry Parker
VLF NET 3927 Khz this morning
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 23, 2017 at 16:06:51.
Hi Everyone,
band was fair..
Ed KI6R mobile in Morro Bay was S9+ here in
Creston.
Ward K7PO joined us from Arizona and Ed, W6IZJ
was very nice copy.
Discussion was about individual stations and Wards
Part 5 Beacon on 475.66 Khz.
Ed, KI6R's Beacon is on 187.7 ID 6R
Look for more of you to join us next Saturday at 0800 California time
on 3927 Khz or there abouts.
Jerry WA6OWR
How low can you go?
Posted by Ward K7PO on September 23, 2017 at 16:54:18.
Hi all,
I'm testing on 8.275 khz until sunset here in Tonopah, AZ. Not much (any) chance of being heard as I'm only at 100 ma antenna current right now, but maybe someone in Phoenix? Will be using QRSS10 for today's test.
If nothing else, it might make a good coyote deterrent.
Ward K7PO/WH2XXP 630 meters
Tonopah, AZ DM33nn
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on September 24, 2017 at 18:47:40.
Well I submitted the info required by the UTC. I should be ok since I am > 2 miles away from high tension lines. I will only operate on 630 m which is more practical than 2200. 2200M Overnight
I will use my FtDx1200 in the split mode cw @ 5 watts, 3972 kHz to 3979 kHz into a home brewed transverter converted to the 472 to 479 kHz band transmit and the general coverage receiver mode in the Yaesu. The PA is class E @ 60 watts into my 160 meter antenna to ground. The tuning circuit is completed and I loose couple an active "stubby" broadly resonant antenna near it for receiving. I will operate cw and give QRSS10 a try.
later...........
Sal, K!RGO
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on September 25, 2017 at 13:26:28.
Overnight 24/25 Sept. 2017
0136 -27 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0140 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0144 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0148 -28 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0212 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0216 -28 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0220 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0224 -25 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0228 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0232 -24 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0236 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0240 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0248 -27 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0300 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0312 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0316 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0320 -23 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0324 -25 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0332 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0336 -26 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0340 -22 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0344 -23 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0348 -23 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0356 -30 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0400 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0404 -23 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0408 -22 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0412 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0416 -25 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0420 -23 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0424 -22 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0428 -22 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0432 -29 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0436 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0520 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0524 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0528 -26 -0.7 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0532 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0536 -27 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0612 -29 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0616 -26 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0620 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0624 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0628 -27 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0640 -26 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0644 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0648 -19 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0652 -22 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0656 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0700 -22 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0704 -22 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0708 -23 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0712 -21 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0716 -22 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0720 -21 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0724 -24 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0728 -27 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0732 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0736 -24 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0740 -28 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0744 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0752 -27 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0800 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0804 -27 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0808 -28 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0812 -26 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0820 -31 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0824 -28 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0828 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0832 -24 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0836 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0840 -25 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0844 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0848 -28 -0.9 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0852 -30 -1.0 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
0904 -28 -0.8 0.137528 0 WH2XND DM33 43
73, J.B., VE3EAR
Re: 630 meters
Posted by joe vo1na on September 25, 2017 at 22:37:05.
In reply to 630 meters posted by Sal,K1RGO on September 24, 2017
Hi Sal, LW group.
Hope you all get on 630 soon. Class E is a good choice. Good luck.
I have been running a cw beacon since the announcement, but getting very few reports from this side of the pond. It is on 477.7 kHz tonight.
73 to all Re: 630 meters
Joe VO1NA
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 26, 2017 at 01:17:05.
In reply to Re: 630 meters posted by joe vo1na on September 25, 2017
Joe,
You were running about 569 here in Maine tonight. Distance is around 880 miles, if memory serves. Nice signal!
John, W1TAG/1
Re: 630 meters
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on September 26, 2017 at 15:50:58.
In reply to Re: 630 meters posted by joe vo1na on September 25, 2017
Hi Joe Re: How low can you go?
I will give a listen on 477.7 kHz. Hopefully I can hear you.
Later...
Sal,K1RGO
Posted by RONNY KG7A on September 27, 2017 at 11:55:55.
In reply to How low can you go? posted by Ward K7PO on September 23, 2017
Thank you Ward for posting info on your beacon on 475.66 KHz. This morning I hear it in Mesa, AZ. RST 579. Soft tone, not piercing with ID readable. Please advise.
Thanks, Ronny KG7A
630 meters
Posted by David Frantz on September 27, 2017 at 21:42:09.
WA4SZE on the air 630 meters!!!!! antenna 190 foot high vertical transmitter 100 watts home brew WSPR reports are showing great coverage I plan on many experiments using two primary goniometer feeding phased verticals see my video at www.wa4sze.com for one experiment that is planed for 630 meters
Re: 630 meters
Posted by John, W1TAG on September 27, 2017 at 23:28:51.
In reply to 630 meters posted by David Frantz on September 27, 2017
David,
That makes you the first to receive clearance from the Utilities Telecom people. Just curious how they contacted you, so the rest of us don't have to wait the 30 days.
John, W1TAG
Re: 630 meters/477.7
Posted by joe vo1na on September 27, 2017 at 23:44:29.
In reply to Re: 630 meters posted by John, W1TAG on September 26, 2017
Good to hear from you again, John. Thank-you for the report.
73 Re: 630 meters
Joe VO1NA
Posted by Eric on September 27, 2017 at 23:55:20.
In reply to 630 meters posted by David Frantz on September 27, 2017
You do realize that you will have to adjust your power output to stay within the EIRP limit regardless of what transmit antenna you use. Gauging by your use of 100W TPO and a 190 ft monopole, you must have a terrible ground system. Work on that if your goal is to reduce transmitter power.
When it comes down to it, using an elaborate antenna system with gain over a monopole with an EIRP limit in place is stupid unless you are really trying to conserve power or have the money, time and energy to waste...
LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 a.m. pdt
Posted by Jerry Parker on September 29, 2017 at 14:56:50.
Reminder. LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 pdt on 3927 Khz
C U there
Jerry Re: 630 meters
'OWR'
Posted by David Frantz on September 29, 2017 at 17:45:45.
In reply to 630 meters posted by David Frantz on September 27, 2017
Hi John w1tag I sent them a letter and follow up tel call two months ago I did all the leg work by contacting my local utility Plus the TVA none of them use PLC so what could the UTC say????? no objections with my operation!
They were very nice but not to happy about us ham radio squatters using 630 meters! some people say that you have to wait till october 16 but the rule became effective Sept 17
since I notified them by letter did I notify them??? yes so I complied with the rule
could be a grey area but they were notified.
called the FCC WTB and spoke with a staff member one month ago she said if I notified them then I am good to go after the final rule is published..... on Sept 17
Re: 630 meters
Posted by David Frantz on September 30, 2017 at 11:16:14.
In reply to Re: 630 meters posted by Eric on September 27, 2017
greetings! I measured my antenna at the base using my GR-916 bridge using 400 kc transformer. It was an eye opener at the results. once I noted the results and knew the base impeadeance I installed an rf amp meter in series with the antenna lead the rf current was very low even at 100 watts way below the 5 watt eirp limit ????? I think the RF loss is in the loading inductor or some .how something is skewed the class E power amp is VERY touchy with change in output power any thing over /under 50 ohms results in a drastic change in RF power .... so on the bench I get 100 watts into a pure resistor but in the field with various other reactance's who knows. I will check things out better in next few days.
found the problem with antenna
Posted by David Frantz on September 30, 2017 at 12:57:33.
W1TAG & Eric thank you for your input on TPO
I went out this morning again with my GR916 impeadance bridge and remeasured the antenna.
The results were the same as last time I measured the antenna ??? something is /was amiss the readings matched nothing on various web sites of expected values??
So I dug up the grounding ring around the base of the antenna and found 2/3 of the ground radials broke off must have caught them with the bush hog when mowing my acreage some time ago.
I reconnected the ground radials and the GR916 readings came right in NOW I know what the antenna is doing And have turned my transmitter TPO way down to meet the 5 watt rule.
As an aside the antenna was installed 10 years ago for my NDB beacon LYQ 529 khz just for the hell of it I measured the antenna before the repair of the radials with the GR-916 and the readings showed the antenna to be in good working order reading the expected value!!!
WOW 50 khz makes a BIG difference in antenna performance you would not think so but it does! missing those ground radials made no difference at 529 khz but a whopping difference at 475 khz.....
Thank you again.
potrzebie