Mods done on " XR " Beacon, Update 10-1-08
In hopes of increasing my coverage area somewhat, I was off work today and had the opportunity to lay 4 more radials in the ground. In limited fashion, I am covering SSW to NE. I will be trying to get more down as time permits, and I am going to experiment with a perimeter tie point where I'll tie all the radials together at their ends. Sort of a big loop around the radials. This should help with where I don't have a specific radial in a particular direction. Thanks to everyone who has tried to copy the beacon. Static levels are still high, but bound to get better. HiFer "OH"
73 all, Andy " XR "
Posted by Tom Lau N8TL on October 01, 2008 at 19:20:17.
Hi Fer "OH" now functioning with new End Fed Half wave Vertical antenna. Re: HiFer "OH"
Frequency 13.55668 MHz. Mode is QRSS 3.
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 02, 2008 at 13:37:06.
In reply to HiFer "OH" posted by Tom Lau N8TL on October 01, 2008
Hi Tom [Fwd:] Extra SAQ transmission on Oct 24th 2008
I'll be looking for OH and fill you in if I'm hearing it. OH is right next to me, EH on 13.557 Mhz. I am running now 24/7,also EH on 511.96 khz medfer, SJ 186.85 khz lowfer will be 24/7 in December.
later, Sal, K1RGO
Posted by Johan Bodin on October 10, 2008 at 17:46:47.
*_EXTRA_*
*_ GRIMETON RADIO/SAQ TRANSMISSION_*
There will be a transmission with the Alexanderson alternator on 17,2
kHz on “*United Nations Day*” October 24 2008 at 09:30 UTC. Start up and
tuning from about 09:00 UTC.
This time we do not require any QSL-reports and will not verify.
Regards.
SM6NM/Lars
P.S.We intend to continue with our annual transmission on Christmas Eve A Tophat Question
(morning), Dec 24, at 08:00 UTC with tuning up from 07:30 UTC. D.S.
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 12, 2008 at 22:37:13.
Greetings all:
I am currently using a straight 40 foot " T " style tophat for my LOWfer beacon.I would like to try another style, but it needs to be as short as possible, and as lightweight as possible, so I can lift it into the air
by myself, so PVC pipe will be the material. I have calculated the lengths of different formations, and the one that will fit on a 10 foot stick of PVC is the " BOWTIE " style such as the Butternut, Butterfly beam.
By taking the 20 foot leg ( each side ), and shaping it into an " M " pattern with each section 5 feet long, it will take up about 7 feet of
pipe. That will leave 3 feet to use as a mounting pipe. My thoughts were to make 2 bowties on the same pipe in an " X " pattern. This will be like turning the bowtie on its end ( 2 triangles standing tip to tip ). After saying all of this, my question now is; does the same rule apply for a physically shortened tophat in reference to its overall capacitance, as to the overall efficiency of a physically shortened antenna ?? I also keep reading statements that say the tophat dosen't actually radiate any RF, it just electrically pulls the RF current to the top of the antenna, so would the tophats heigth above ground affect antenna radiation ??
By the way; not to get into a debate with anyone, but I'm not so sure as to the electrical accuracy of the " dosen't radiate any " RF " statement in regards to the tophat. Suffice it to say however, that at such low frequencies, and short lengths; It May Not ! just something that raises my eyebrow when I read it. Thanks for any comments;
73, Andy " XR " NDB changes #13/2008
Posted by Michael Oexner on October 13, 2008 at 01:49:04.
Hi all,
Some NDB changes in Europe, Africa, and the Near & Middle East. As
always I'd appreciate your feedback whether you can confirm the
changes "on the air".
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long Comments
BM 330.0 Bamako/Senou MLI N12 29 31 W008 00 52 ex BM-301
BN 286.5 Bamako/Senou MLI N12 34 30 W007 53 09 listed again
WB 225.0 Walvis Bay Intl./Rooikop NMB S22 58 33 E014 38 04 listed again
A 688.0 Marculesti MDA N47 51 16 E028 10 46
C 688.0 Marculesti MDA N47 52 11 E028 14 34
CA 335.0 Marculesti MDA N47 52 58 E028 18 02
C 250.0 Vladikavkaz/Beslan RUS N43 12 36 E044 34 36 ex C-1050
C 480.0 Cheboksary RUS N56 05 48 E047 23 00 ex C-1035
KO 370.0 Yekaterinburg/Koltsovo RUS N56 44 42 E060 43 12 ex KQ-370
L 480.0 Cheboksary RUS N56 05 00 E047 18 42 ex L-1035
O 749.0 Yekaterinburg/Koltsovo RUS N56 44 42 E060 45 54 ex Q-749
WN 525.0 Poliarny RUS N66 21 12 E112 04 00 ex WN-565
ZJ 707.0 Khanty-Mansiysk RUS N61 02 30 E069 11 12 ex ZY-707
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station ITU Comments
BFT 519.0 New Tempe AFS
KK 267.0 Kapteinskop AFS eff 28 Aug 2008
LS 485.0 Louis Trichardt/Makhado AFB/Mpumalanga AFS
MP 297.0 Mariepskop AFS
NY 465.0 Nylstroom AFS
WL 315.0 Waterkloof AFS eff 28 Aug 2008
CL 358.0 Luanda/4 de Fevereiro AGL
GBL 323.0 Gaborone/Sir Seretse Khama BOT
AO 295.5 Caió GNB
BQ 391.0 Bubaque GNB
AK 317.0 Ambatondrazaka MDG
MJ 329.0 Mananjary MDG
MR 350.0 Mananara North/Avaratra MDG
KT 395.0 Keetmanshoop NMB
WH 280.0 Windhoek/Hosea Kutako NMB
A 965.0 Kazan RUS
AM 475.0 Kazan RUS
B 965.0 Kazan RUS
BA 1230.0 Balakhton RUS
BK 705.0 Perm/Bolshoye Savino RUS
BL 475.0 Kazan RUS
EQ 542.0 Krasnoturansk RUS
HL 780.0 Ust-Tsilma RUS
K 910.0 Tver/Migalovo RUS
KU 449.0 Tver/Migalovo RUS
M 910.0 Tver/Migalovo RUS
MW 449.0 Tver/Migalovo RUS
NB 465.0 Berdsk RUS
PM 330.0 Pechora RUS
PS 490.0 Kyzyl RUS
Q 1040.0 Yelizovo/Petropavlovsk-Kamchatskiy RUS
R 880.0 Raduzhny RUS
RN 433.0 Raduzhny/Vareghan West RUS
UY 490.0 Kyzyl RUS
WK 339.0 Velikiye Luki RUS
WW 1020.0 Vaganovo RUS
ZA 375.0 Batagay RUS
WS 365.0 Söderhamn S eff 23 Sep 08
SZR 334.0 Ziguinchor SEN
MUR 312.0 Muri for Bern/Belp SUI
SHU 356.5 Schüpberg for Bern/Belp SUI
--
vy 73 + gd DX,
Michael
NDB changes #14/2008
Editor of "The European NDB Handbook" & "The North American NDB Handbook"
cf. http://www.beaconworld.org.uk/files/NDBpublications2008.pdf
and http://tinyurl.com/27j5ku
Posted by Michael Oexner on October 13, 2008 at 01:51:24.
Hi all,
Some NDB changes in North, Central & South America. As always I'd
appreciate your feedback whether you can confirm the changes "on the
air".
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long
BFR 200.0 Cabo Frio B S22 55 24 W042 04 17
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station S/P ITU Comments
HIJ 220.0 San Isidro DOM
LAS 200.0 Guerra DOM
4H 368.0 Points North Landing SK CAN
CRV 230.0 Comodoro Rivadavia ARG
ESC 255.0 Escuela de Aviacion Militar ARG
RCE 265.0 Mercedes ARG
SGR 290.0 Sierra Grande ARG
USU 400.0 Ushuaia ARG
LNS 400.0 Lins B
MO 325.0 El Tepual/Trapen CHL
TEN 234.0 Chaiten CHL
UE 220.0 Santiago/Lo Castro CHL
ADA 323.0 Aguada Grande VEN
AGV 225.0 Acarigua VEN
BNS 220.0 Barinas VEN
CDO 341.0 Caicara del Orinoco VEN
ELO 325.0 El Dorado VEN
GNA 317.0 Guayana VEN
LDP 245.0 La Divina Pastora VEN
LEA 286.0 Luepa VEN
MUN 230.0 Maturin VEN
OMO 360.0 Ocamo VEN
SBB 336.0 Santa Barbara de Barinas VEN
VRA 278.0 Valera VEN
--
vy 73 + gd DX,
Michael
NDB changes #15/2008
Editor of "The European NDB Handbook" & "The North American NDB Handbook"
cf. http://www.beaconworld.org.uk/files/NDBpublications2008.pdf
and http://tinyurl.com/27j5ku
Posted by Michael Oexner on October 13, 2008 at 01:52:47.
Hi all,
Some NDB changes in Asia, the Pacific region, and Oceania. As always
I'd appreciate your feedback whether you can confirm the changes "on
the air".
[1] New NDBs or changes of frequency or callsign
Call kHz Station ITU Lat Long Comments
D 216.0 Changchun/Longjia CHN N43 59 54 E125 41 18
G 528.0 Nanning/Wuxu CHN N22 37 00 E108 11 00
GZ 256.0 Nanning/Wuxu CHN N22 37 00 E108 11 00
P 198.0 Changchun/Longjia CHN N43 59 54 E125 41 18
U 528.0 Nanning/Wuxu CHN N22 37 00 E108 11 00
UV 460.0 Urdzhar KAZ N47 05 29 E081 39 27
DZ 430.0 Dalanzadgad MNG N43 36 32 E104 26 33 ex UG-430
[2] Deletions
Call kHz Station ITU
CH 347.0 Chitose J
DF 401.0 Yokota J
DF 401.0 Zama J
MP 267.0 Mokpo KOR
HW 280.0 Hualien TWN
--
vy 73 + gd DX,
Michael
XES into Utah
Editor of "The European NDB Handbook" & "The North American NDB Handbook"
cf. http://www.beaconworld.org.uk/files/NDBpublications2008.pdf
and http://tinyurl.com/27j5ku
Posted by Mark on October 13, 2008 at 05:28:24.
Left the gear running overnite and found XES was in and out here for about 3 hours last night starting around 0400 utc. First siganl this season.
73, Mark, Ku7z Re: A Tophat Question
DN41af
Ogden, Northern UT (NUT)
Posted by John Davis on October 13, 2008 at 19:20:38.
In reply to A Tophat Question posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 12, 2008
> "After saying all of this, my question now is; does the same rule apply for a physically shortened tophat in reference to its overall capacitance, as to the overall efficiency of a physically shortened antenna ??"
Not sure I quite understand your question. There are a couple of ways of interpreting the words that might change how the answer needs to be framed.
The general principals, however, are these: (1) as much capacitance to ground as possible, (2) from as high on the radiating element as possible.
Remember that electromagnetic radiation is the result of some amount of charge being accelerated in a given length of conductor. While the analysis of full-size antennas has to take more complex current distributions into account, the behavior of electrically very short antennas can be summarized very easily: the more units of charge (current) you can accelerate in more unit lengths of conductor, the more power is radiated.
Thus, the first principle I listed boils down to this: A substantial tophat capacitance results in a lower overall reactance, which makes it easier to get current to flow.
The reason for the second principal is the other half of maximizing radiation. That improved current needs to flow in as much of the radiator as possible in order to get the greatest power transfer. If you shunt off current to ground before it reaches the top of the radiator, you might as well not have that much vertical height to begin with.
*****
Now, the side topic... a tophat that is laid out symmetrically pretty much CANNOT radiate. You don't have to go to Mini-NEC or Maxwell's equations, Poynting vectors, or other higher math to show this. It can be done with ordinary vectors and plane geometry.
Sketch out a simple top load--say, a T with equal length elements running east and west. Arbitrarily pick measuring points in the vertical element and at similarly spaced lengths in each branch of the T. At those points, sketch vectors whose direction is that of the current flow at an arbitrarily selected moment in the RF cycle, and whose magnitude is the current that would be measured by an ammeter at that point at a given power level.
These vectors will pretty much correspond to the actual electrical field strength, polarization, and phase relationship emanating from each unit length of conductor at those points in the physical antenna. So now, mentally step back from the sketch and visually sum up those vectors.
The fields corresponding to the vectors in the vertical conductor are all pointing in the same direction (the vertical plane) and add together. But those in the legs of the top load add up to zero, because you have equal currents, but flowing in OPPOSITE directions. The fields cancel at all points outside the near-field zone of the antenna.
It ought to be easy to see that a symmetrical tophat, therefore, cannot be a significant radiator. Even if you make it a more complex shape than a T, as long as there is symmetry, there will be currents of equal magnitude but opposing phase in any direction you choose to consider.
Now, what if you have an asymmetrical top load, such as an L antenna? Yes, the tophat seems like it ought to radiate in the horizontal plane, if you look at it in isolation from the ground. But at LF, where antenna size is such a tiny fraction of the wavelength, there is almost no phase delay involved in the distance between the tophat element and the currents flowing in the ground; yet the currents themselves are headed in opposite directions.
The polarity of the current in the ground (or if you prefer to think of it as a mirror reflection, the polarity of that reflection) is 180 degrees opposite that of the current flowing in the tophat. So, even with an L, if you have X amperes of current flowing (say) west in the horizontal wire, there's also a mirror image of that X amperes, except flowing EAST, almost immediately below it. Seen outside of the near-field zone, those two horizontally polarized waves cancel each other almost perfectly. So, even with an asymmetrical top load, you'll get negligible radiation from it, thanks to the earth itself... particularly at LF.
73 Clarify my Question
John
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 13, 2008 at 20:03:47.
In reply to Re: A Tophat Question posted by John Davis on October 13, 2008
Thanks for replying John: Will bending the straight wire into the shape of an " M " change its capacitance ?? If I calculate right, this will PHYSICALLY shorten the 20 foot wire to a length of 7 foot measured from end to end. I want to do 2 " M's " to form a bowtie on a 10foot PVC pipe,plus have 2 bowties on the pipe, one east/west, and one north/south, turned on its side, which will put the cap-hat 7 feet higher than my current 2 wire horizontal " T ". The cap-hat will be electrtically connected to the feedline/antenna, But I'm not sure about terminating the far ( high ) end of the cap-hat. So the question now is, will the bent wire be as effective as a straight one ??
HI freq change
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 13, 2008 at 20:06:49.
Deja Vu Re: Clarify my Question
Made another visit to Ronnies shack, and he acquired more surplus xtals at a flea market and now is on 510.10 khz. He told me to tell everyone on the msg board, since he has no computer or landline and is hard of hearing as well. He also may shut down his hifer beacon (not yet confirmed). He says he hasn't got a report all year. Well on my 2nd tour of the time warp, I noticed 2 more antiques, an old Maytag ringer washing machine, and a wooden upright console radio. I'm hearing him quite well on the new freq.
later, Sal
Posted by Peter B on October 14, 2008 at 05:56:04.
In reply to Clarify my Question posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 13, 2008
Andy,
It is not clear if your "M's" are also THE bowtie or a form of them, however have you considered other? Starting with the usual, simple approach to a vertical top hat, that of a X-shaped cross of wire or light pipe mounted horizontally at the top of the radiator. Given that, the X could be enhanced to any number of "spokes" to enhance it's capacity to the image plane. From there some top LowFERs have added perimeter wires connecting the ends of those spokes. The idea being to minimize top hat capacity to the radiator and max. to the ground plane. For this reason one should not extend a top hat to near the vacinity of other conductive objects: tres in bloom, towers and metal buildings.
This looks simple on paper but constructing one to withstand wind loading is The challenge. I'll say that that of WEB (when in OK) was a high example of one with many perimeter wires meeting this challange.
--Peter
The answer to my Question
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 14, 2008 at 08:47:11.
In reply to Re: Clarify my Question posted by Peter B on October 14, 2008
""" Buy it, and try it !!! """ ,If it dosen't increase the capacitance of the Cap-hat, and the overall antenna efficiency, I can always use the PVC pipe for a loop project in the future.
Andy - KU4XR
Calculating reception distance accurately
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 15, 2008 at 20:15:12.
I'm hoping that many operators will find this information useful. I have found that trying to use even 6 digit grid square locaters, that the airmiles can be off considerably. The ARRL website shows the typical 4 digit grid square to cover from 70 to 100 miles, and the locaters measure from center to center of the Grid Square. I have found internet based services that can pinpoint ANY !! geographical location. They are very simple to Re: Calculating reception distance accurately
use. #1: go to:
http://mapper.acme.com/
On this site you can type in any physical address, and it will pull it up on a map, and give the Lat. / Long. down to the millisecond. After you have this information in hand; then #2; go to:
http://www.waypoint.org/gps1-calc.html
On this site, just type in your QTH coordinates in one field, and the other QTH
coordinates in the other field. Click " Compute " and it will give you the GPS distance in Nautical miles, as well as bearing headings. I have used the Maidenhead Grid Square calculator, using 6 digits on each side, and when compared to the system I use now, I have saw it to be in error by 20 to 30 miles easily. Give it a try, and see how it works. Look me up on QRZ; - KU4XR, get my address, use the mapper to find my coordinates, do the same for your QTH, and then go to the Waypoint calculator, type in the info and see the results. Then try the Grid Square method; I'm in - EM75xr - , then you can see how close they match.
73 for now, and I hope you find this information of use. Andy - KU4XR
Posted by Gregg on October 16, 2008 at 16:09:49.
In reply to Calculating reception distance accurately posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 15, 2008
Thank you! Just what I was looking for :-)
Cheers!
New 1750 meter signals
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 17, 2008 at 13:50:37.
Hello everyone, it's getting that time of year for lowfer activity. I'm not having any luck in the watering hole (185.3 khz), but I came across a 186.8 khz high speed cw signal >30wpm breifly sending a dash and what appears to be T E I S H sent 3 times followed by a long dash. Anyone know what this is all about? Also, on 151 khz I'm hearing a continuous strong carrier. I have been listening in the day and the noise level is very low lately but no lowfers yet heard, just alot of undulating line carriers. New 1750 meter signals
later.......... Sal, K1RGO
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on October 18, 2008 at 05:45:46.
In reply to New 1750 meter signals posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 17, 2008
Sal,
There isn't much activity at 185.3 right now. The only signal I am sure of is MP from London, Ontario, which is on 185.3015 with QRSS30.
TAG is active from Raymond, Maine with WOLF on 185.800 kHz. It's copyable here in central Mass. 24/7, though it might only be workable at your QTH at night.
I don't hear or see anything on 186.8, so it may be local to you. Nothing at 151 kHz, either.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: New 1750 meter signals
Posted by John Davis on October 18, 2008 at 12:37:04.
In reply to New 1750 meter signals posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on October 18, 2008
> "I don't hear or see anything on 186.8, so it may be local to you."
I concur. Anytime I see mention of a four or five character group, consisting mainly of dits with a prolonged dash after, I have to think of a beacon suffering from negative keying. Could be a spurious signal from some NDB in the area that has undergone a meltdown of some sort.
A good LOWfer antenna article for newcomers
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 19, 2008 at 10:05:33.
Hello Everyone:
As I not too long back put my beacon " XR " on the air, I immediately began looking for ways to inprove the efficiency of the entire system, the antenna is probably the most crucial. And if you've tried, you know that you can spend weeks reading websites, and sometimes be more confused after doing so than before. I found a very good ( to me anyway ) article on setting up the best antenna system " for your situation " on W5JGV's site.
http://w5jgv.com/citytenna/citytenna.htm ::: This article is detailed, but short, extremely informative, but not confusing. It addresses the in's and out's of the different antennas, wire sizes, spacing issues, and so on.
If you're thinking about putting up your first LOWfer antenna; I recommend that you take about 15 minutes and read Ralph's conclusions. It will be a great starting point.
Thanks Ralph for the info, I personally found it most useful. 73 !!
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. Re: A good LOWfer antenna article for newcomers
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz
Posted by John Davis on October 19, 2008 at 10:34:01.
In reply to A good LOWfer antenna article for newcomers posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 19, 2008
Bear in mind that Ralph's antenna was designed for the Part 5 Experimental Service. It does not comply with the 15 meter total antenna length requirement of Part 15 for unlicensed use. The compromises made in that design will have to be revised considerably to achieve similar effectiveness in a shorter form. Beacon " XR " back on with improved ant.
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 19, 2008 at 16:06:43.
Greetings All:
I took my LOWfer ant. down today, and changed it from a basic " T " style tophat to a perimeter tophat. If the indications I'm seeing on my end are to be believed; I have made a noticable improvement in the system performance. Not just " needle widths " on my FS indicator, but S-Units on my receiver. The xmtr is absolutely happy, no heating whatsoever. The variometer went from 3.38uH to resonate down to 2.77uH. The System Capacitance went from 1.7uF with the " T " tophat, up to 34uF with the perimeter tophat. A couple more miles maybe ?? I hope. 73 everyone !!
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN. EAR copied in Duluth
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz
Posted by Roger on October 20, 2008 at 05:53:17.
Beacon EAR was copied here in Duluth, MN EN36uu. Best signal was from 8:30pm until 11:30pm. In and out after that. Nice to see EAR again this year. Next will look for XR and any others that are known to be on the air. My beacon RM is still off. Don't know if we will get it back on this fall or not.
Roger, K0MVJ, lowfer RM
Re: EAR copied in Duluth
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 20, 2008 at 11:06:35.
In reply to EAR copied in Duluth posted by Roger on October 20, 2008
Hey Roger: I will keep " XR " tweaked tonight, I have a few minutes of work to do to finish the antenna job from Sun. One tophat radial to be pulled up into the air ( ran out of masons twine ), once I finish that and re-tweak the variometer, we'll see where it goes. Thanks for looking for the signal, 73, and good hunting !! Re: EAR copied in Duluth
Andy - KU4XR - Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz
Posted by J.B. Weazle McCreath on October 20, 2008 at 12:17:32.
In reply to EAR copied in Duluth posted by Roger on October 20, 2008
Hello Roger,
Thanks for posting your reception of EAR beacon.
Last week I gave the variometer a tweak, as most
of the vegetation in the immediate area of the
final/matching unit has dried up.
I've been watching my FSM on the bedroom window
sill and every day I see it going higher as the
grass and the other "greens" wither up. I had
intended to lay some addition radials over the
summer, but never got round tuit.
Thanks again & 73, Re: New 1750 meter signals
J.B. VE3EAR/VE3WZL
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 20, 2008 at 17:58:49.
In reply to New 1750 meter signals posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on October 18, 2008
Hi John, Re: New 1750 meter signals
I should say the 186.8kHz signal is more like a digital code, I finally got a recording on my old tape recorder. I received it at 11:00 to 11:30 EST on weekends and weekdays. It is brief and gone. I will try SJ on QRSS10 at night this week if anyone wants to tune in. I made a new antenna coil that seems to be better than my last ferrite tuned one.
later
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 20, 2008 at 18:02:08.
In reply to Re: New 1750 meter signals posted by John Davis on October 18, 2008
Hi John, Re: EAR copied in Duluth
This signal has a consistant pattern to it and I guess we all can try to tune in. It only appears periodically and briefly.
later
Posted by Roger on October 21, 2008 at 06:21:21.
In reply to EAR copied in Duluth posted by Roger on October 20, 2008
No joy overnight Andy. Very faint signal on your freq but not enough to id anything. Will try again.
Roger
500-kHz reception reports
Posted by Fritz Raab W1FR on October 21, 2008 at 17:35:00.
We are seeing excellent propagation conditions at 500 kHz lately. We would very much appreciate reception reports for our WD2XSH experimental stations. Please file reports at www.500kc.com, which also has frequencies and other information on the experiments. Thanks and 73. Fritz, W1FR, Experiment Coordinator.
Re: 500-kHz reception reports
Posted by Gregg on October 23, 2008 at 05:12:19.
In reply to 500-kHz reception reports posted by Fritz Raab W1FR on October 21, 2008
Will do!
Man, what a cool site :-)
Tree antenna? How unique! I wonder if they are also practical for LowFER. No shortage of cedar and spruce trees in this neck of the woods (bad pun, yuk, yuk!)
Cheers!
Re: 500-kHz reception reports
Posted by John Davis on October 23, 2008 at 11:05:08.
In reply to Re: 500-kHz reception reports posted by Gregg on October 23, 2008
Yes, tall trees can be used as LF receiving antennas. It's not always necessary to do or build anything special... if the receiver has an internal loopstick antenna, simply place it next to the tree.
Trees make terrible transmit antennas, though, especially within the limitations for Part 15 LowFER activity. 1750 meter signal update
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on October 23, 2008 at 13:13:43.
The latest info on the 186.8 kHz digital coded signal: it transmits a short code 4 times followed by a long dash at 11:04 EDST (16:04UTC). this has been consistly all week signal level about S6 in my location FN31nh. Maybe we can solve this mystery. SAQ Heard Weakly 10-24-08 @ 0930 UTC
Sal
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on October 24, 2008 at 03:57:03.
Hi All,
SAQ 17.2 KHz was heard this morning at their announced transmission time of 0930 UTC but signal was weak and condx not very good at this time at Southeast Coast, USA. Transmission seemed to start around 0920 UTC with tuneups and strings of Vs and VVV de SAQ SAQ SAQ - ended about 0935UTC.
I was able to get a screen capture from the WWLLN Sheffield, UK remote receiver.
Condx very noisy along East Coast USA. Static levels running about 20-40 over S-9. I could tell SAQ was in there and make out a few letters here and there but that was it.
Equipment here Ratzlaff active whip up 40 feet, 500KHz lowpass filter, 17KHz bandpass filter, AMRAD VLF converter clone, Icom R75 + 2 x 250Hz cw filters.
Wonder if anyone else was up and listening Friday morning?
73 - Todd WD4NGG
Re: SAQ Heard Weakly 10-24-08 @ 0930 UTC
Posted by Paul Gantner on October 24, 2008 at 08:52:17.
In reply to SAQ Heard Weakly 10-24-08 @ 0930 UTC posted by Todd WD4NGG on October 24, 2008
@ Todd: Congrats for this DX!
[quote]When starting the transmitter we got a flashover in one of the tuning coils in the antenna. The damage could be bypassed quickly, but we could not tune the antenna to a normal level of antenna current. The weather was rainy. However, we could get acceptable power to the antenna and perform the transmission as planned.[/quote]
See also:
http://www.alexander.n.se/transmissions.htm
VLF Audio Stream
Posted by Renato Romero on October 24, 2008 at 14:39:06.
LIVE data session on www.vlf.it has been updated. The VLF audio signals coming from a big Marconi antenna is available on mp3 live streaming.
73, Renato
WLO and SVO
Posted by Paul Stroud on October 25, 2008 at 07:00:39.
I'd appreciate any info on LW beacons WLO and SVO around 423/424 khz. My main interest is their location. I'm assumming WLO is in Mobile, AL. Thanks de AA4XX
Re: EAR copied in Duluth
Posted by PAUL DAULTON on October 25, 2008 at 11:07:19.
In reply to EAR copied in Duluth posted by Roger on October 20, 2008
I hope you put rm back on the air this winter.
You are one of the ones I often lokk for.
Paul k5wms WMS beacon
Jacksonville, ar
Posted by Paul Daulton on October 25, 2008 at 11:13:10.
WMS is on the air 24/7 freq 187492hz qrss 30.
I received email from Charlie(COV) in S coffeyville,OK
I was audible night before last. Distance 254 miles.
WEB coming in nicely every night for last month.
I will put bulliten on LWCA and QTH when I shut down
for listening.
Thanks
Paul Daulton k5wms Special Night Time Transmission of SAQ
Jacksonville, AR
em34wu
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on October 26, 2008 at 06:13:40.
Hi All,
I recently wrote to Lars SM6NM at SAQ to inquire if they might consider a special night time transmission to favor North American listeners. Here is a copy of my letter :
Hi Lars,
Just a note to confirm I was able to hear SAQ between 0920-0935 UTC 10/24/08 but weakly with lots of QRN static and low signal levels.
I was wondering if someday the operators at SAQ might consider a special night-time transmission of SAQ to favor North American and other listeners?
After years of monitoring VLF I have come to the conclusion that your regular transmit time of 0900UTC is the absolute worst time of day for North American listeners. A mid-evening winter transmit time of 0100UTC would be the best time for North American listeners and probably Europe also. A one-time event at this time of night would probably give you scores of new listeners here in the USA and around the world.
All VLF signals from Europe are greatly enhanced at that time of evening and static is usually low around 0100 UTC.
By 0900UTC VLF signal strength is usually at its lowest from Europe and static levels are at the worst time of night, making it very difficult to hear SAQ.
Thank you for giving this some consideration!
73 - Yours Truly, Todd Roberts WD4NGG
Here is the reply by Lars :
Hello Todd,
Thank you for your consideration of a better reception in the US. The matter is to be taken up at the next Board Meeting.
The reason why we mostly transmitt during fore-noon is, that it is the best time for our station Public and the Crew. 01:00 UTC will be about mid-night and no one will come and visit the transmission. But why not. For once a year or so it would be possible.
I will let you know further on.
I am glad you could hear the last transmission, even if it was weak.
Best 73.
Lars/SM6NM
So looks like there is a possibility that SAQ may consider a once a year mid evening transmission to North American listeners! Will keep everyone informed of any updates. WMS into Duluth
73 Todd WD4NGG
Posted by Roger on October 26, 2008 at 06:29:51.
LF beacon WMS on 187.492 Khz copied in Duluth, MN EN36uu. The signal strength was good but only for a short time. 1 to 2 AM central. The W was obscured but M S very clear on ARGO. Will save screen captures when we have positive copy. Nice to start seeing LOFERS again and will be watching for more.
Roger, K0MVJ
WEB into Duluth
Posted by Roger on October 27, 2008 at 05:08:48.
Solid QRSS copy on WEB this morning. Unable to copy his CW though.
Roger, K0MVJ
An exciting weekend at Beacon " XR "
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 27, 2008 at 18:14:46.
This past weekend was an exciting time for me, at beacon " XR ". My first venture into LF transmitting has been extremely rewarding.The reception reports were coming in as fast as I could respond to them.Thanks to everyone who has offered advice, and encouragement. Thanks to Dick - WA3USG for his
persistence, and some good captures, Mitch Powell - VE3OT for the longest distance captures, and to Dex - W4DEX for a couple of crystal clear captures. Jay - W1VD was getting some traces of the signal in Conn. as was Ralph - W5JGV in LA. Doug - KB4OER has been a great help when I needed signal reports. He is in Watauga, TN. about 95 miles away, a good distance for checks. And I have to thank Paul - K5WMS for the recommendation on the duct tape!! ( hi hi )
I have various captures uploaded to my web storage in case anyone wants to take a peek at them, click on the link, and open the Reception reports folder:
http://webpages.charter.net/ku4xr
73 everyone, and have a great week coming up.
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz
Re: WMS into Duluth
Posted by Paul Daulton on October 27, 2008 at 21:21:56.
In reply to WMS into Duluth posted by Roger on October 26, 2008
Thanks Roger
I checked the distance on Bali
Duluth to Jacksonville, AR is 822 miles
Duluth to Rosenberg TX is 1205 miles!!!
Great job of reception. Best distance for me yet.
WEB comes in here regularly. Wonder what you are
using for receiving ant and equip?
73 Paul k5wms Re: WMS into Duluth
Jacksonville, Ar
Posted by Roger on October 28, 2008 at 05:14:41.
In reply to Re: WMS into Duluth posted by Paul Daulton on October 27, 2008
Hi Paul and LOWFERS. My receiving setup is an R-75 with an ADA (active differential antenna) as described on Radio Waves below 22 khz website. With a homebrew 125 to 220 Khz bandpass filter. I built up this antenna after my wooden 8 foot tuned loop disintegrated after many years of service.
Happy lowfering, Roger, K0MVJ
Re: WMS into Duluth
Posted by Peter B on October 29, 2008 at 07:37:53.
In reply to Re: WMS into Duluth posted by Roger on October 28, 2008
Hi Roger,
I checked out that VLF.IT Web site, nice. Just a few Qs on your active ant. Did you make a 2M dipole as described or other? Where is it mounted? Amp at the ant. or some feedline toindoor amp?
Did you use TL084 OpAmp or the newer TL086? What's with those 27K 1% resistors, necessary?
How do you like it, anything in comparison? Re: WMS into Duluth
Thanks, Peter
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on October 29, 2008 at 08:41:27.
In reply to Re: WMS into Duluth posted by Peter B on October 29, 2008
Peter,
Those resistors should be closely matched, at least within 1%. The symmetry of the circuit is needed for rejection of common-mode signals, i.e., so that the amplifier only responds to the difference between the signals from the two antennas. Any signal that is the same (in amplitude and phase) on both antennas should be rejected. A standard 1% metal-film resistor value of 27.4k would be fine.
I don't believe that the TL086 is a current part, but the 084's are easily available. Actually, if I were designing such a circuit, I'd probably replace the whole front end with an instrumentation amplifier chip characterized for low noise and high input impedance. That way, the critical resistors would be inside the chip, and possibly laser trimmed for accuracy. This would cost more, but I'd bet that the common-mode rejection would be at least 20 dB better.
John Andrews, W1TAG
HIFER
Posted by Lee Bahr on October 29, 2008 at 12:17:55.
I will be putting a HIFER beacon on the air shortly. Call sign "VT". ID will be in QRSS3. Grid Square EM20kp. (Coldspring, Texas, 77331)
Unit is a K1EL keyer chip, Epson Oscillator, 7 element low pass filter, inverted V up 45 feet broadside East and West. Entire transmitter, keyer, and voltage regulator are mounted in an insulated 4 x 4 x 2 inch outside waterproof grey electrical box mounted on my tower. I etched a PC circuit board to hold all parts. The board is 1 3/4 inches wide and 2 1/2 inches long. (Box contains a 220 ohm 2 watt resistor for temperature stability). 12 volts feeds the assy up a 4 wire telephone cable. A wall cube DC power supply feeds the circuit. Transmitter is located at the apex of the inverted V antenna.
Unit is built. Need to test it, measure frequency near 13.555, and install it on the tower. Will advise when on the air but suspect it will be sometime in November, 2008. Anyone wanting to see pictures, email me.
Lee Bahr, w0vt
Re: WMS into Duluth
Posted by Roger on October 29, 2008 at 15:42:32.
In reply to Re: WMS into Duluth posted by Peter B on October 29, 2008
Peter and John, The antenna is made with 1 1/2" PVC. The amp is inside the PVC and located in between the dipole halves. The feedline is centered with styrofoam spacers. I really do not have a good comparison with other antennas. I did try a mini-whip antenna which had a lot of interest in the past and the ADA is far better than that. My feeling is it is not as good as my old 8' tuned loop but never had the two up at the same time. I try to use parts I already have but bought the 1% and 100meg resistors. The 100meg ones were eventually replaced with 10 meg ones. Dipoles are just made of heavy duty kitchen foil wrapped around the PVC, taped and painted. The OP-amp used is a TL-074 cause I have some of them. If I were to make another from scratch I would use an instrumentation amp as John suggested. The antenna is mounted 75 feet away from the house and power is fed up the feedline. I hope this helps describe the ADA antenna.
Roger, K0MVJ
Still looking
Posted by Roger on October 30, 2008 at 15:47:21.
Capturing on 184.322 starting before dark until daylight. Hoping to see XR tonight. Last night was no copy. Did see a very faint signal but not able to ID. We will see you yet Andy.
Roger
Re: Still looking
Posted by Andy - KU4XR on October 30, 2008 at 18:29:05.
In reply to Still looking posted by Roger on October 30, 2008
Thanks for continuing to look Roger. I keep it running all the time. The last few evenings I have been running a solid carrier at times because I'm putting together a filter that will let me hear on 137 KHz while my beacon is running at 184 KHz. Got it to where the beacon isn't killing my receive, only de-sensing it about 6dB. Hope you can pull me out some night.73, and good listening:
Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer beacon " XR " @ 184.322 KHz
potrzebie