LowFER "EAR" freq.
Hi John, Lowfers, Based on the numerous reception reports that I have received from the gang, it appears that my frequency has stabilized at 188.8305 kHz., so you can adjust the "LowFER List" accordingly. Thanks, J.B. Sunday Night CW QSO's on 137.78
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG/WD2XES on November 05, 2006 at 18:59:30.
Jay Rusgrove (WD2XNS) and I just completed our seventh CW (15-20 wpm) QSO since the end of September on 137.78 kHz. Warren Ziegler (WD2XGJ) has joined us on a couple of those nights. The normal time is 2100 EST (0200 UTC) on Sunday nights (Monday, UTC date). WD2XES is usually on 137.779 kHz, and WD2XNS on 137.781 kHz. Both stations are running close to 1 watt ERP. The XES-XNS path is about 70 miles.
Reports are always welcome.
John Andrews, W1TAG/WD2XES LW Orgn Idea
www.w1tag.com
Posted by Peter Barick on November 06, 2006 at 06:19:16.
All and esp, Board Admin,
Here's an idea that may boost pride and hold forth historical events among the LF community. Create on this Board a comprehensive List of Firsts for the LF enthusiasts. Such as, First coast-to-coast dx report, first use of beacon keying, beginning of dsp for rx and for tx. Might even have "man-of-the-year" award holders, I believe some were awarded. Well. that's the thought from here, others?
Peter Poldhu 160m beacon experiment
Posted by Alan G3NYK on November 07, 2006 at 04:04:44.
Hi All its not LF I know but it's fairly close to MedFer territory so it might well interest some listeners.
The experimental beacon on 1960kHz is now operational. It has been running on schedule for 7 days now and is being heard in Newfoundland. The beacon frequency is GPS derived and timed. It uses the same sequences that we have used for automatic logging on our NVIS 5MHz beacon experiment. The beacon transmits just for one minute every 15 minutes, and automatic logging is posible using the program written by G3PLX for the 5MHz experiment, which operated via a PC sound-card, like ARGO. This just requires accurate initial receiver setting (to about 1Hz) and a reasonably accurate initial PC clock setting (NIST ?) and after that it will track the receiver drift and time drift every time it does receive the signal. It will then log the strength and noise level to a log file, providing a running plot of the signal in the window (which may be saved). If the program is stopped the log file will be added to with the next data recorded when the program is started again.
Full details of the system and download of the monitoring program are available from the RSGB 5MHz web pages. Log files should be sent to Keith at gb3sss@yawhoo.co.uk. Any transatlantic logs would be very much appreciated, because the expiment is about trying to understand the conditions under which GM heard the famous S. This is probably the last winter at the bottom of the Solar Cycle for 11 years, so an ideal time to gather propagation data.
The logging software and details of the experiment can be found on the Poldhu club site http://www.gb2gm.org, which has links to the RSGB site for downnloading the logging program from the 5MHz experiment pages. This is easier than trying to find it direct on the RSGB 5MHz pages.
The station does send a call at the beginning of the period in morse so audible logging is also possible. The station runs 100W so should be readily heard after dark at least on the Eastern Seaboard.
Thanks and please join in.
Alan Melia G3NYK
RSGB Propagation Studies Committee
Re: LW Orgn Idea
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on November 07, 2006 at 07:00:44.
In reply to LW Orgn Idea posted by Peter Barick on November 06, 2006
Peter,
Interesting idea. Some of the dates and people would already be lost in the mists to time. But we could probably re-create a number of worthwhile events from the Message Board archives and emails for the last 6-7 years or so.
The trouble with "firsts" is that after the research is published, people will inevitably pop up to claim prior events. Then we wind up with a referee situation to evaluate their demands. This inevitably results in a torqued-off person or two, and some people take this stuff VERY personally. But if this sort of record-keeping would stimulate new activities, it might be worth it.
Regarding the "man of the year" sort of award, the LWCA did this for a number of years. I suspect the job was easier when the majority was focused on Part 15 activity in the 160-190 kHz range in the U.S. and Canada. Interests now seem to be more diverse, and it might be harder to make fair decisions.
John Davis should probably chime in at this point, as he has a lot more experience along both of these lines.
John Andrews
deaf yeasu 757 gxII
Posted by bryan kg4enb on November 08, 2006 at 13:29:56.
is there any way to improve receiption of lf on this deaf radio. I am not to smart on theory but I am good at parts R and R Re: deaf yeasu 757 gxII
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on November 09, 2006 at 06:29:30.
In reply to deaf yeasu 757 gxII posted by bryan kg4enb on November 08, 2006
Bryan,
It might be smarter to leave the radio alone and stick a preamplifier ahead of it. Two questions:
1. What are you using for an antenna?
2. Do you have very strong AM broadcast signals at your QTH, particularly at the low end of the AM band?
John Andrews, W1TAG Re: deaf yeasu 757 gxII
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on November 09, 2006 at 08:56:06.
In reply to deaf yeasu 757 gxII posted by bryan kg4enb on November 08, 2006
Hi Bryan,
Its very common for amateur transceivers to be deaf on longwave. You might try a combination pre-amp with low pass filter. If you don't want to build one you can buy one from LF Engineering:
http://www.lfengineering.com/
73 Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 Re: LW Orgn Idea
Posted by Peter Barick on November 11, 2006 at 06:19:38.
In reply to Re: LW Orgn Idea posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on November 07, 2006
John,
Ah yes, there are those contentious issues, as JA states.
Well, thought I'd run the idea up the community flag pole, but only one response? Well, however, when does being hyperPC trump accomplishment recognition, attempting new directions, yes, change? It should not. The squeaky minority, if one exists, should not thwart advancement, but should expect to be accomodated by it.
I would rather have heard "great idea but no time/resources to do it," which also likely comes to bear. Just my musings and only a reflection to the last reply. SAQ on 24 December
Cheers, Peter
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on November 11, 2006 at 09:35:11.
From the SAQ website:
The next operation of SAQ with the Alexanderson Alternator will be on Sunday, 24 December 2006 at 0800 UTC on 17.2 kHz. The mode will (of course) be CW.
For the UTC-challenged, that's 0300 EST, 0200 CST, 0100 MST, and 0000 PST.
Information on sending reports can be found at the SAQ website.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: LW Orgn Idea
Posted by John Davis on November 11, 2006 at 11:29:38.
In reply to Re: LW Orgn Idea posted by Peter Barick on November 11, 2006
Overall, I like the idea myself. And, I don't think JA was in any way offering reasons why it wouldn't work, just pointing out things that would need to be addressed in order to make it work smoothly.
The reason it took me so long to respond is that my understanding of the idea is still a little vague at the moment, and I wanted to consider if I'd overlooked something you were saying. I'd be interested in some discussion of just what form the page/thread/separate board or whatever would take, and what sort of criteria should be applied to determine what constitutes a worthy achievement...especially if it is to be considered a first.
Feedback, Peter or anyone?
On a philosophical tangent: It doesn't really strike me as "PC" to be concerned about people's feelings in a situation like this. If somebody puts forth a sincere effort to accomplish something, but somebody else receives recognition for it instead, it's only natural to feel slighted. Happens to all of us at times, and it doesn't feel good; in the long run, it can discourage constructive effort. That's why I think it behooves the person making the choice to have some pre-agreed criteria to work from whenever possible.
It's sometimes true that choices have to be made and/or disputes resolved in favor of one person over another. In those cases, it's reasonable to be able to say why this choice amounts to progress and that one doesn't.
Other times the choice is totally arbitrary, or else depends solely on subjective use of language, and no meaningful discourse is really possible. Example: "Who invented radio?"
Scientifically speaking, no one at all. It was always there. J C Maxwell was the first to understand what it was in the physical world, but would hardly have called his work invention. In the commonly understood sense of "invented," an incredible number of people came up with apparatus that contributed to the development of radio. Still, no one apart from Heinrich Hertz truly developed an entire system from scratch based on little more than an insightful understanding of Maxwell's concepts of electromagnetism. Many of the rest were basically tinkerers with no fundamental understanding of the physics at all (such as Marconi); while others, such as Fessenden and Armstrong, advanced the state of the art very fundamentally and methodically, but would not have claimed to have originated the overall concept of radio. Thus, Hertz might legitimately, by default, be called the inventor. But others would argue with equal validity that his system was a laboratory demonstration and not "radio" in the practical sense, so you get back into endless semantics again.
Hence the need for some clarity in what the criteria will be for declaring a "first," or sometimes for deciding when the term is even meaningful or applicable.
Just some observations, awaiting clarification.
John Winrad v1.21
Posted by Alberto di Bene on November 12, 2006 at 08:39:20.
I have just uploaded to my Web site http://www.weaksignals.com and to the mirror http://www.winrad.org the version 1.21 of Winrad. This release is just a minor revision of V1.2
From the change log :
---------------------------------------------------
Version 1.21 - Released on November 12th, 2006
* Optional delay of one sample insertable either on the left or on the right channel
* Looping option added to WAV file playback
---------------------------------------------------
73 Alberto I2PHD
JJY 40KHz Time Signal Heard on East Coast US
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on November 12, 2006 at 09:09:51.
A followup to my posting last summer, I am now hearing Japan JJY 40KHz time signal daily on the East Coast US since around the end of October. Reception time for me is early morning just before local sunrise between 1100-1145UTC when there is still a path of darkness between Eastern US and Japan. The signal is a pulsing carrier similar to WWVB and they include a CW ID at both 15 and 45 minutes after the hour at the 40 second mark of each of those minutes. It is interesting that the signal fades rapidly at around 1145UTC and is usually gone in a minute or two. Should be a good challenge to other listeners in the Eastern US. 73 Todd WD4NGG Re: LW Orgn Idea
Posted by Peter B on November 12, 2006 at 09:31:49.
In reply to Re: LW Orgn Idea posted by John Davis on November 11, 2006
Hi, JD
Good to see some comment on this topic. I wasn’t sure if it was entirely new to LWCA, but I recall seeing such for other endeavors. My take is that a First List is a means to anchor an ongoing activity in a time frame that others can instantly find perspective within. A simple caveat explaining the shortcomings of such could cover one’s butt for the rare curmudgeon out there, if that’s a concern. Further, your exception to “PC” as I used it … Can we agree that the term has been stretched beyond its 80’s origins? Gads, it’s practically an acronym in the media. I intended that acceptance, not a literal one. But your exception is accepted. Still, where does being “concerned about people’s feelings” end and doing some endeavor begin? As I said before, an appropriate caveat can cover that item as well as it appeals to yet more testimony on some posted item, i.e., “who did what when.”
Moving on, JD’s example was “Who invented radio?”. Guess it depends who one asks, i.e., “who has a dog in the fight?” may color the answer. But I contend it’s generally accepted that radio (as society accepts and uses that term and a.k.a. wireless) was “invented” by Marconi in 1912. He wasn’t given this honor of discoverer for theoretical musings as was, say, Maxwell or Hertz, but for the practically of Doing It! He made it happed, as did Columbus “discover America.” That’s the idea the casual man needs to take hold of for understanding, and I believe it applies here at this hobby level.
Other examples abound from the last century: Ford, Edison, and Gates. None were the true “originators,” but the practical innovators. (Hmm, did I leave out Tesla? Yes, purposely. :-} )
So it is here, Practical Achievement by men or a man first to the plate. But should there become known a contention on some point, a footnote could assuage those concerns. If more is needed it should stimulate proofs by the partisans at hand.
Further…Yes, criteria are essential from the beginning, as others had done, I’m sure. If the idea of “a first” is tricky, how about Significant Mile Markers? (Oh c’mon, that has nothing to do with pavement! )
The more this gets discussed, the better I like the idea. However, it will need broader support from our amateur base to manifest interest. All: Let’s give up some thought, or better yet, suggestions.
Peter
Q About Icom R71A Memory/Frequency Extender Board.
Posted by Richard P. on November 12, 2006 at 12:43:38.
Two things, does anyone know if the memory and frequency extender board for the Icom R71A general coverage receiver is still being made and do they really work. I'm interested in the extended LF frequency band (claims to go down to 10 kHz).
Re: LW Orgn Idea
Posted by John Davis on November 12, 2006 at 13:03:44.
In reply to Re: LW Orgn Idea posted by Peter B on November 12, 2006
Interesting thoughts, Peter. I second your call for participants to suggest how your concept should work and see if we can get it underway. More on that in a moment.
On the philosophical side first, I make a distinction between an event such as Columbus "discovering" America and Marconi "inventing" radio. In point of fact, a discoverer is someone who recognizes that he has found something new and merges that knowledge into the wider world view. Columbus did that, whereas the Vikings did not, so I have no problem calling Columbus the discoverer of America.
But the very name America highlights the huge difference between doers and promoters. Amerigo Vespucci's only claim to fame is that he thought his name would look better on maps he drew of the New World than Columbus' name, and if promoting his "contribution" that way blurred the distinction in people's minds to where some of them thought he had any part at all in the discovery, well, all the better for him.
I place Marconi in the promoter category, for a ton of reasons. That's not a bad thing by itself, and is often crucial in spreading the benefits of progress. Marconi was rewarded handsomely and rightfully for his promotional talents, but he neither needs nor deserves the additional distiction of being called "inventor." He was simply not in the same class as Edison, who was himself part promoter, but also an originator and researcher and endless tinkerer/developer--all part of the job description of an inventor.
I like the idea of honoring actual doers myself. So, let's see if we can tell what would be the best way to do that at this site for the whole LF community.
If this were a more elaborate message board with separate forums for different subtopics, we could create a forum specifically with that theme. Since it is not, and there's never been quite enough usage to justify splitting up the board content further, we're presently left with maybe two or three choices forum-wise:
* create a thread for significant milestones and hope folks continue to notice it after the message list grows and it finds itself farther down on the page; or,
* create a separate version of the message board for just such posts, and link to it from here, hoping there would be enough use to justify it; or,
* continue to use the existing board as is, with the legacy messages still in place to remind us of past milestones that were posted here, and simply add new threads from time to time as we become aware of milestones that should be remembered.
Another alternative that comes to mind would be a stand-alone page at this site, on which a moderator could periodically update the timeline and discuss information sent to him by readers, in a somewhat blog-like fashion. Would that work, I wonder?
Awaiting further dicussion,
John
Re: Poldhu 160m beacon experiment
Posted by Todd WD4NGG on November 12, 2006 at 16:29:11.
In reply to Poldhu 160m beacon experiment posted by Alan G3NYK on November 07, 2006
Hi Alan, beacon GB3SSS on 1960KHz heard here in South Carolina along US East Coast first time at 0015UTC 11/13/06. RST was a bit weak at 329 but cw ID heard clearly. Receiver used was Icom R75 with 250Hz CW filter and a 160 meter dipole up 40ft. Will be listening for it again throughout this evening and from time to time evenings here. 73 Todd WD4NGG Re: Q About Icom R71A Memory/Frequency Extender Board.
Posted by Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23 on November 12, 2006 at 20:22:53.
In reply to Q About Icom R71A Memory/Frequency Extender Board. posted by Richard P. on November 12, 2006
Hi Richard,
I doubt that you can still get the extender board for thr R-71A. What do you want to use the R-71A for? The stability and frequency readout of the R71A are not adequate for QRSS work, but it may be ok for NDBs or longwave broadcast stations. You can still get a non-volatile RAM memory upgrade from Piexx:
http://www.piexx.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=26
73 Warren K2ORS/WD2XGJ/WD2XSH/23
Re: JJY 40KHz Time Signal Heard on East Coast US
Posted by lloyd chastant on November 13, 2006 at 13:52:47.
In reply to JJY 40KHz Time Signal Heard on East Coast US posted by Todd WD4NGG on November 12, 2006
Todd, took a listen this morning and seemed to be hearing the 40khz signal until about 1200z weak but there.. Re: Poldhu 160m beacon experiment
Lloyd W3NF
Posted by Alan G3NYK on November 13, 2006 at 14:50:01.
In reply to Re: Poldhu 160m beacon experiment posted by Todd WD4NGG on November 12, 2006
Hi Todd thanks for that I will forward that on to Keith. Do you have your locator?? mainly for working out distances.
Again a chance to remind all that there is soundcard software that will log the signal to a text file automatically which can be downloaded from the RSGB web site. It is capable of tracking the signal at below audible levels Re: Poldhu 160m beacon experiment
Thank again Todd all or any reports will be appreciated.
Cheers de Alan G3NYK
Posted by Alan G3NYK on November 13, 2006 at 15:04:11.
In reply to Re: Poldhu 160m beacon experiment posted by Alan G3NYK on November 13, 2006
Hi again I forgot to say that the email address for reports in my original message needs editing ....there should be no "W" in the ISP name of course. This needed to be inserted to circumvent John's (more likely the ISPs) spam trap !! which I neatly tripped with my first post to the new system.
Either narative reports as Todd's or text files from the program can be posted to the gb3sss address.
Thanks all
Cheers de Alan G3NYK
IOMIB now anticipates early 2007 launch
Posted by Mike Terry on November 17, 2006 at 23:38:42.
The launch of the new longwave station on 279 kHz by Isle of Man
International Broadcasting has been delayed. The station's website
now says that test transmissions are scheduled for early 2007.
The website gives an outline timetable for construction of the radio Re: ANY SUGGESTIONS? (Was: LW Orgn Idea)
station's facilities:http://www.iomib.com/timetable.html
Posted by John Davis on November 20, 2006 at 22:51:41.
In reply to Re: LW Orgn Idea posted by John Davis on November 12, 2006
The question is still on the table as to how to implement Peter's idea...what form should this take?
Even if it's just a series of posts on the subject of firsts and bests that we're aware of ourselves, someone's got to step up and offer their list. Otherwise, like many other good ideas, this one will die for lack of volunteers.
John
Re: ANY SUGGESTIONS? (Was: LW Orgn Idea)
Posted by Peter on November 21, 2006 at 06:48:06.
In reply to Re: ANY SUGGESTIONS? (Was: LW Orgn Idea) posted by John Davis on November 20, 2006
John, others,
Subject: Recognized LF Milestones on 1750 Meters
I too have been watching for others to chime in. Well, seems John and I are a 'quorum' of two. Well, it's a start. One, I like John's support/interest. Two, I feel this would fill a gap in defining our LF community and achievements, and given this List it is doable as, say, a page to that alone. Three, not doing so puts at risk the loss of our historical past, truly a shame.
Enough of my philosophy. John posited (*s) these ideas for thought/discussion. Mine follow each as a # sign.
* create a thread for significant milestones and hope folks continue to notice it after the message list grows and it finds itself farther down on the page; or,
# I don't see the practically here. If such were to happen the info would be spread out, randomly titled, not continuous and impractical to access quickly. The info needs to be in its own folder.
* create a separate version of the message board for just such posts, and link to it from here, hoping there would be enough use to justify it; or,
# I don't think it needs to be that exclusive, at least to begin with. Getting started is as important as gathering the information for display.
* continue to use the existing board as is, with the legacy messages still in place to remind us of past milestones that were posted here, and simply add new threads from time to time as we become aware of milestones that should be remembered.
# Sorry, John, this is the least palatable and sounds like "let's change nothing." Again, if the info were posted, over time it and a variety of titles it may become lost/unusable from those who have an immediate interest.
(*)Another alternative that comes to mind would be a stand-alone page at this site, on which a moderator could periodically update the timeline and discuss information sent to him by readers, in a somewhat blog-like fashion. Would that work, I wonder?
# Bravo! I support this as a worthy goal, though not to take form until sufficient milestones have been collected, say 100 -- Kidding! How about 10? And I would be willing to be such a 'collector,' even researcher, given the need. (Boy, what am I saying?!)
Here's two names, by way of innuendo: Vince Pinto (of NJ), a Mr. West (of CA)...oops, one more Mr. Burhans (OH?). I have only heard of these by word of mouth and incidental posts I've read on two LF Lists over a ten-year period. But I also know of a few contemporaries who are still worthy of notice for achievements.
Ah, one more, Alberto di Bene, as Mr. 'Argo.'
Other’s thoughts?
Peter
Latest developments on LF in Canada
Posted by Mike Terry on November 27, 2006 at 22:36:15.
(Radio Amateurs of Canada http://www.rac.ca/news/canada.htm)
Steve VE7SL writes:
VY1JA Heard In Germany! The first confirmed reception between western Canada
and Germany took place on the night of November 21st, 2006 at 0700UTC. Low
frequency experimenter, Hartmut Wolff, located in Schoenewoerde, Germany,
reported reception of the VY1JA 2200m beacon, run by Jay Allen in
Whitehorse, Yukon Territories, Canada. The mostly overland path covers a
distance of 7026km or 4370 miles.
The VY1JA beacon, transmitting on 137.7786KHz at QRSS30, was running 140W
output to a 100' top-loaded wire vertical antenna while Hartmut's reception
was on a double K9AY loop.
The VY1JA beacon had just been turned on for the evening when the
downward-drifting signal appeared in the pre-sunrise hours in Germany.
Coincidently, Scott Tilley, VE7TIL in Vancouver, was also capturing Jay's
beacon signal on his 2200m 'screen grabber', thus allowing comparison of the
two screen grabs to confirm the long-distance reception. These can be viewed
on Hartmut's web site at: http://www.h-wolff.de/
potrzebie