Past LW Messages - November 2009


Addresses and URLs contained herein may gradually become outdated.

 

Re: HiFer NDB Changes
Posted by Paul on November 02, 2009 at 07:22:22.
In reply to HiFer NDB Changes posted by Jeff K8NDB on October 25, 2009

Sounds like you have a real professional setup there, Jeff!!

I am QRV.

 

BOOK
Posted by Don Moth on November 02, 2009 at 13:24:02.

Where can I purchase a copy of Kyle Drakes "The Low Power Broadcasters Handbook" and how much $$ ???
Don

 

Re: BOOK
Posted by Shawn Axelrod on November 02, 2009 at 16:36:02.
In reply to BOOK posted by Don Moth on November 02, 2009

http://www.scribd.com/doc/13909053/The-Low-Power-AM-Broadcasters-Handbook

Try that URL.

Shawn

 

Fast CW on 462 kHz
Posted by Larry Lanberg on November 06, 2009 at 09:11:43.

Hello folks, I'm not yet a member of LWCA but my hobby is monitoring VLF, LF & lower-MF. Last night I noted something unusual. I got good reception of a fast CW on 462.3 kHz. I don't believe this was an aeronuatical NDB. The pattern was not exactly repetitive and the series of characters was long. (I log CW beacons with pencil & paper; I have no automated 'reader'; the CW I'm noting here was too fast for me keep up with -- but was definitely in Morse). I usually do not receive beacons on this frequency at my QTH. I noted the message from 0315 UTC to about 0320 UTC, where it either ended or faded out sharply.

My coordinates are 37'33" N 77'26" W. I am in grid square FM17.


Larry Lanberg

Richmond VA


 

LOWFER TRANSMITTER PURCHASE
Posted by POB/K8LEN on November 06, 2009 at 11:46:00.

Does anyone sale one of these transmitters or build them for sale..would like to purchase one for operation with cwid...just add power supply and antenna , I am not a builder anymore.
Thanks

POB/k8len

 

SZX HiFer
Posted by Mark Garrett on November 06, 2009 at 12:13:23.

I have added a commercial low pass filter to the HiFer beacon. I was receiving some self interference as the HiFer antenna I am using is less than 10 feet away from the TV antenna (which has an amp). I am a little concerned that the insertion level is such that it may have reduced my overall RF output of the beacon. So if the band is co operating, give a listen to 13.563 Mhz. HiFer is running CW around 4 wpm. Thanks

Mark

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 06, 2009 at 15:39:54.
In reply to SZX HiFer posted by Mark Garrett on November 06, 2009

Hi Mark,
I listen quite a bit late morning to early afternoon and I can copy SZX > 50% of the time, I'll check out ur signal wid the filter..How is your delta loop mounted? parallel or perpendicular to the ground. Its doing a fine job. I may just try one. I have a dipole up 16' in my attic for now for "EH"....gess ur not copying it there yet.
later ...Sal

 

Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 06, 2009 at 16:21:28.

No keyer yet. It will be on till Tuesday morning 11/10/09 weather permiting. It will be up and down intermit Saturday or Sunday daytime for ground radial work. Grid square DM04uf La Crescenta, LA County. 188khz. Now with confirmed large antenna current!

73 Lee

 

Re: LOWFER TRANSMITTER PURCHASE
Posted by Lee on November 06, 2009 at 16:32:42.
In reply to LOWFER TRANSMITTER PURCHASE posted by POB/K8LEN on November 06, 2009

I only know of kit dealers. I have only heard of one PC card plug in type xmiter and it is discontinued / unobtainium.

 

135.30 Khz
Posted by Don Moth on November 06, 2009 at 18:02:59.

Does anyone know who is testing on 135.30 Khz with a carrier on for 10 seconds and off for one second. K2JDD and I have been copying it for a week here in Syracuse, NY area. Its on every evening.

 

Re: LOWFER TRANSMITTER PURCHASE
Posted by John Davis on November 06, 2009 at 21:56:42.
In reply to Re: LOWFER TRANSMITTER PURCHASE posted by Lee on November 06, 2009

One kit is offered by North Country Radio. It includes an ID keyer that can send BPSK or various speeds of CW. I have no experience with it myself, however, and merely refer you to their Web site for information:

http://www.northcountryradio.com/Kitpages/lfxmtr.htm

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Mark in NUT on November 07, 2009 at 14:47:32.
In reply to SZX HiFer posted by Mark Garrett on November 06, 2009

Mark, wanted to let you know that I copied your beacon yesterday Nov 6 between 1745 and 1800 utc here in DN41af Northern UT (NUT).

73, Mark

 

SJ on 186.85 kHz
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 07, 2009 at 18:39:00.

Well the lowfer season is here so I'm gearing up. I'm testing SJ now on CW at ~5 wpm and I will welcome QSO's... Email me for a sked (see above)...mornings 11 AM local are best for low noise here. I will announce 24/7 QRSS20 operation for December...SJ on 186.850 kHz ... meanwhile, EH hifer, 13.557MHz and EH medfer, 511.930kHz are now up and running...
later...Sal, K1RGO

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Paul on November 07, 2009 at 20:07:14.
In reply to SZX HiFer posted by Mark Garrett on November 06, 2009

Hi Mark.

I use a ICE bandpass filter tuned for 13.565 on my HiFer beacon. There is no measureable loss through the filter at the beacon frequency, but drastic loss as you tune above and below the beacon frequency. Highly recommended.

I doubt a lowpass filter will hurt.

 

Wolf copy
Posted by lloyd chastant on November 08, 2009 at 16:09:51.

been looking but here is my first copy in long time..185.8Khz
de Lloyd W3NF

t: 192 f: 0.459 pm:4.825 jm: 66 q:-14.3 -8.4 ATEYBI3Z84./3.8 ?
t: 288 f: 0.029 pm:7.075 jm:221 q:-10.0 -6.4 6.RCCOWERU6L9V/ -
t: 384 f:-0.557 pm:27.36 jm:797 q:-11.6 -9.5 EKIE/Z4X9AN9QES ?
t: 480 f:-0.557 pm:27.86 jm:797 q:-11.0 -8.7 /77/NI4GB WFFGM ?
t: 576 f:-0.557 pm:28.54 jm:797 q: -9.8 -7.9 6FE1S60 175YCYW ?
t: 672 f:-0.557 pm:28.68 jm:797 q: -9.1 -9.7 08UI6QP6FYODYO/ ?
t: 768 f:-0.557 pm:29.69 jm:797 q: -8.9 -7.4 WSBR7J5LY5B3 O ?
t: 864 f: 0.029 pm:30.47 jm:221 q: -6.6 -7.9 WMFG81EUCHCSJX3 ?
t: 960 f: 0.029 pm:35.06 jm:221 q: -6.0 -8.0 39H3 ZEKAHN545J ?
t:1056 f: 0.029 pm:36.88 jm:221 q: -5.4 -7.7 FN3G81EUCHCSSSL ?
t:1152 f: 0.029 pm:37.01 jm:221 q: -5.2 -7.8 DCPZ39EUCHCSRFH ?
t:1248 f: 0.029 pm:38.25 jm:221 q: -5.0 -8.2 IMYG6AI*9R5876M ?
t:1344 f: 0.029 pm:38.96 jm:221 q: -4.9 -8.0 DCPZ39EUCHCSRFH ?
t:1440 f: 0.029 pm:40.42 jm:221 q: -5.0 -7.8 K2FG81EUCHCSRFH ?
t:1536 f: 0.029 pm:43.83 jm:221 q: -4.4 -8.5 L5T6JJ/8/D1HDA5 ?
t:1632 f: 0.029 pm:44.82 jm:221 q: -4.0 -8.0 MAVE5Z/8/D1HDA5 ?
t:1728 f: 0.029 pm:46.16 jm:221 q: -3.7 -7.5 R3F*4/6P7*FCYH8 ?
t:1824 f: 0.029 pm:47.08 jm:221 q: -3.4 -7.5 QRLYQ 0*RA.KYH8 ?
t:1920 f: 0.029 pm:48.04 jm:221 q: -3.1 -7.0 E59JB7DMVD1HDA5 ?
t:2016 f: 0.029 pm:50.60 jm:221 q: -2.8 -6.8 AAYK/OUIGW9O??? ?
t:2112 f: 0.029 pm:50.86 jm:221 q: -3.0 -8.6 XWUT9Z*AAQ7X0QJ ?
t:2208 f: 0.029 pm:52.29 jm:221 q: -2.9 -8.3 DBLEF8C4/DFP3MC ?
t:2304 f: 0.029 pm:53.18 jm:221 q: -2.7 -8.4 DBLEF8C4/DFP3MC ?
t:2400 f: 0.029 pm:55.11 jm:221 q: -2.4 -7.8 QWFC1R0UIKUSYOB ?
t:2496 f: 0.029 pm:57.12 jm:221 q: -2.1 -7.2 TYO3ETPZCDA5B.N ?
t:2592 f: 0.029 pm:58.51 jm:221 q: -2.0 -7.5 DDN3 0VRAQ9K5AZ ?
t:2688 f: 0.029 pm:60.14 jm:221 q: -1.9 -5.5 TAG RAYMOND ME -
t:2784 f: 0.029 pm:63.64 jm:221 q: -1.5 -5.2 TAG RAYMOND ME -
t:2880 f: 0.029 pm:64.39 jm:221 q: -1.4 -4.9 TAG RAYMOND ME -
t:2976 f: 0.029 pm:69.49 jm:221 q: -1.0 -4.4 TAG RAYMOND ME -
t:3072 f: 0.029 pm:75.35 jm:221 q: -0.7 -3.9 TAG RAYMOND ME -

 

HI tonite
Posted by lloyd chastant on November 08, 2009 at 18:30:21.

Nice copy on HI (cw) 510.1khz tonite hr in Maryland..
de Lloyd W3NF

 

Re: Wolf copy
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on November 08, 2009 at 18:54:52.
In reply to Wolf copy posted by lloyd chastant on November 08, 2009

Lloyd,

Thanks for the report! Here's the story behind the story:

We closed up the summer place in Maine on October 25. The next night I looked for the TAG WOLF signal while at home, and couldn't find it. Then it dawned on me that I turned off the circuit breaker labeled "refrigerator" before leaving. I seemed to recall that the outlet on the workbench downstairs was on the same circuit. Whoops. So I emailed my daughter, who lives about an hour from the camp, and asked if she would stop by there sometime in the next few weeks. She and her fiance went up there today, and turned the breaker on. Voila! The signal is back tonight.

So, thanks for the check!

John, W1TAG

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Mark Garrett on November 10, 2009 at 10:08:11.
In reply to Re: SZX HiFer posted by Mark in NUT on November 07, 2009

Hi Mark:

Cool it is still working. I was concerned that insertion loss from the low pass filter would have a impact on operation. Seems to be still good. I was able to detect a drop in radiated RF.

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Mark Garrett on November 10, 2009 at 10:15:09.
In reply to Re: SZX HiFer posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 06, 2009

The Delta loop is not tuned for the HiFer but is resonate around 2.3 MHZ. It is parallel to the ground. Average elevation is around 23 feet and roughly 200 feet in length. I am using a Vanco SWR meter-coupler that was made for the CB band and tune for maximum reading on a Radio Shack DX 440. Low pass filter is between the HiFer and the Vanco.

Once this thing is all boxed up I plan on switching to a 20 meter mobile antenna and may relocate to a building where it should have a good view of the horizon.

 

Defective Sangean ATS-803A - need advice
Posted by Andy - XR on November 10, 2009 at 10:43:50.

Hi all:

OK, I have to admit that I did the damage, but not totally
positive what I did to it. In an effort to perk up th LF
sensitivity; I was using a clip lead and probing parts
near the loop antenna looking for something that would
increase the reception level. Well I found it !! and I
held the clip lead on a small resistor for about 5 seconds.
When I removed it; now all I hear is a horrible motorboat
sound, or fluttering, as I can best describe it. It's
now wide open, every frequency on LW & MW has the signal
meter pegged. I managed to find a schematic online, and the
first transistor past the antenna input is listed as a
2SK151-2, the transistor itself has the inscription K291
which googles to be a 2SK291. This is a Low Frequency,
Low Noise Amplifier. From all that I have been able to read
on the net, If the J-FET blows, reception goes south, so
I'm not sure what I've done to mine.
Does anyone have any knowledge on the matter ??
All info. greatly appreciated. *** I was trying to set
this one up to use as a remote receiver.

Tnx. & 73 :::


Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29866 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"

 

Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A - need advice
Posted by Mark Garrett on November 10, 2009 at 13:02:53.
In reply to Defective Sangean ATS-803A - need advice posted by Andy - XR on November 10, 2009

The only thing I can offer is to pull the batteries out of it and the clock as well. This seems to be the major problems with this radio is that it gets hung up on a glitch.
Where did you find the schematic. I have one of these radios and would like to get a copy as well.

 

WE2XGR/6 Copied
Posted by Shawn Axelrod on November 10, 2009 at 15:52:23.

I copied WE2XGR/6 in Penn Yan NY from Winnipeg MB last night around 0200 UTC. This is my first experimental station logging in the 500 kHz range.

Shawn Axelrod
VE4DX1SMA

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Paul on November 10, 2009 at 16:47:41.
In reply to Re: SZX HiFer posted by Mark Garrett on November 10, 2009

FB. My HiFer is using a 20m Hamstick mobile antenna mounted on top of a metal building on top of a big mountain. It screams! T.P.O. is only 2 mW, but I can copy it 70 miles away. Not real strong, of course, but copyable.

 

Re: SZX HiFer
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 10, 2009 at 17:13:11.
In reply to Re: SZX HiFer posted by Mark Garrett on November 10, 2009

Hi Mark , tnx for the info, the loop is doing a FB job here, when the noise is down,I can copy SZX most of the time....later, Sal

 

Repaired my Sangean ATS-803A
Posted by Andy - XR on November 10, 2009 at 22:48:44.
In reply to Defective Sangean ATS-803A - need advice posted by Andy - XR on November 10, 2009

After replacing transistors, and checking diodes, all to no avail,I continued probing around on the circuit board and found the problem. An extremely small torroid transformer wound with finite wire had broken loose from the board. It was non-repairable, but I was able to piece together some fixed inductors and kept it out of the dump. To my surprise, I was copying a Canadian NDB with the receiver setting near my lowfer loading coil. " SB " on 362 KHz.
I've tried to perk it up a little to use it as a remote receiver on LF. Seems to be working decently for what it is.

73 all ::

Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29866 KHz ( QRSS-60 )

 

Re: WE2XGR/6 Copied
Posted by Andy - XR on November 10, 2009 at 22:52:18.
In reply to WE2XGR/6 Copied posted by Shawn Axelrod on November 10, 2009

Congradulations Shawn; There are many more out there just waiting to be heard. Even in Alaska. Keep scanning the band, you never know what you may hear.

73 :::

Andy - KU4XR

 

Two Canadian stations on 500kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on November 11, 2009 at 15:59:08.


RSGB News

On 30 October, Canada issued two licences in the Developmental Service in the range 504 to 509kHz. VE1ZZ has been assigned VX9PSO and is reported to be on 504.6kHz. VO1NA has been assigned VX9MRC and is reported to be on 507.77 and 508.5 kHz. Two more stations, VE3OHH and VE7BDQ, are expected to become active soon.

http://www.rsgb.org/news/newsitem.php?id=1



 

Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115
Posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 12, 2009 at 20:53:01.

I see that there is some DX440 info floating out here. I to have deafened my DX440. I assume that close proximity to my beacon during tune up fataly overloaded the front end. It is deaf on LW and SW. The AM brcst band seems ok as well as the FM band. I replaced the well know Q115 but no change. I have access to a service manual and my guess is I may have zapped a switching transitor that handeles front end switching duties. Any advise or experience with these symptoms. Thanks in advance

 

Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115
Posted by Andy - XR on November 13, 2009 at 14:49:01.
In reply to Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115 posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 12, 2009

Lee: First; confirm for yourself that the A.M. band is truly working. try to tune in distant A.M. stations, or listen on quite frequencies to make sure you're hearing a little static. If you haven't done so yet; leave the power to the radio " ON " and remove all batteries. With the power ON, when you remove the batteries it will drain the circuits. Leave them out overnight, and try it again the next day. When you fire the radio back up, the power source may have to be disconnected, and re-connected a few times to get the CPU to reset. If this dosen't help; at least check, or replace Q110, radio on its face, Q110 located in the upper left hand corner of the PCB next to the Loop-Stick antenna wires where the connect to the board. This is the RF input circuit for the LW, MW, SW bands.
BTW::: I wouldn't mind having a copy of the service manual for the radio. Can you scan and store it on the net where it
could be downloaded ?? Hope you fix your problem;
73 :::: Andy - KU4XR

 

Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 13, 2009 at 17:56:47.

No keyer yet. It will be on till Tuesday morning 11/17/09 weather permiting. Grid square DM04uf La Crescenta, LA County. 188khz. Now with confirmed copious amounts of antenna current!
73 Lee


 

Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115
Posted by Lee on November 13, 2009 at 18:18:53.
In reply to Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115 posted by Andy - XR on November 13, 2009

Thanks for the tips Andy. The service manual I have is for the DX440 and it's an Adobe file. I would love to share it but I am kind of a boy scout on this subject and don't know the legal ramifications. Perhaps the moderator could comment on the sharing of this file.

 

Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115
Posted by Andy - XR on November 13, 2009 at 19:31:32.
In reply to Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115 posted by Lee on November 13, 2009

Lee:

The " Legal Ramifications " are this; The service manual for the ATS-803A / DX440 IS !! a copyrighted material.
If you paid Tandy Corp. for the copy you have; then your copy is " Legal ". I'm sure you're familiar with the copyright laws, so the rest is self explanatory.

73, and good luck with your beacon project.

Andy - KU4XR

 

Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115
Posted by Lee on November 13, 2009 at 20:53:57.
In reply to Re: Defective Sangean ATS-803A / DX440 Deafness not Q115 posted by Andy - XR on November 13, 2009

Thanks. Good info. I tend to be the kind of guy who needs a hardcopy rather than a file. I think I will buy a copy from this guy. WB2JKJ at

http://www.hamradiomanuals.com/

73 Lee

 

Re: Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Mark on November 14, 2009 at 04:39:50.
In reply to Beacon "JAM" on air posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 13, 2009

Lee, copied SMV again this morning. I have a carrier on ~188.097

73, Mark, Ku7z
DN41af

 

SMV Beacon Contact Information?
Posted by Mark in NUT on November 14, 2009 at 08:37:45.


Was able to copy beacon SMV on 186.585 again this morning. I looked for contact info for the station but none is listed here on LWCA. Does anyone have the operator info?

Thanks, Mark
Ogden, Northern UT (NUT)

 

Re: SMV Beacon Contact Information?
Posted by John Davis on November 14, 2009 at 11:14:28.
In reply to SMV Beacon Contact Information? posted by Mark in NUT on November 14, 2009

We published that in The LOWDOWN a few months back. I'll have to look and see if I can find it.

 

Re: Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee on November 14, 2009 at 11:45:21.
In reply to Re: Beacon "JAM" on air posted by Mark on November 14, 2009

Hey mark. That is fantastic news. My counter does not have that kind of resolution but I am puting out only a carrier at this point at 188khz using a AM88. Dude .....looks like you have copied JAM. I really need to order that keyer now. Thanks.

73s Lee

 

Re: SMV Beacon Contact Information?
Posted by Lee on November 14, 2009 at 11:50:29.
In reply to SMV Beacon Contact Information? posted by Mark in NUT on November 14, 2009

I did a little research a few weeks ago. SMV stands for Simi Vally. And I believe the operators name is Darwin Long. His station activities have been published in few places. Don't have an e-mail address though.

73 Lee

 

K6FRC HiFer
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 14, 2009 at 12:29:13.

I have not copied the K6FRC HiFer for sometime now. It was nice to hear it again today, several times, with some QSB and RST peaking 529.

Jeff K8NDB
NDB Hifer 13.562020 MHz

 

HiFer NDB Changes
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 14, 2009 at 12:40:11.

I have reset the NDB HiFer back to CW only. The QRSS experiment was sucessful with both a CW signal report and QRSS capture from Mark, KU7Z, in Ogden, UT. The distance between Yuma, AZ and Ogden, UT is 768 miles, not to shabby for a 4 mw HiFer signal.

Jeff K8NDB

NDB HiFer 13.562020 MHz 10WPM

 

Re: HiFer NDB Changes
Posted by John Davis on November 14, 2009 at 20:45:02.
In reply to HiFer NDB Changes posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 14, 2009

Why not leave it in QRSS so more would have a chance to snag it?

 

un-id station on 22m
Posted by Jim Swaters WB0IXI on November 15, 2009 at 14:52:08.

Nov. 14 I received a square wave signal, about 4 hz change, visible on Argo, with the lower frequency of 13555.575 kHz. Reception was in/out from about 9 a.m. CST to noon. This morning, Nov. 15, it was visible again at 11 a.m. and about 5 hertz lower. Who's station might this be? QTH here Liberty, MO., EM29sf.

 

LW Antenna Question
Posted by Shawn Axelrod on November 15, 2009 at 18:23:31.

Does anyone have any comments/experience with either the:
PK Loop antenna HD series loop antenna from Australia
or
The Wellbrook LA5030-2 Indoor North Amer. ver. with PSU from Britian

Any comments appreciated as I am looking into an indoor antenna to use on LW.
Thanks
Shawn

 

Re: un-id station on 22m
Posted by John Davis on November 15, 2009 at 22:45:46.
In reply to un-id station on 22m posted by Jim Swaters WB0IXI on November 15, 2009

What was the repetition rate of the frequency shift?

 

Re: un-id station on 22m
Posted by John Andrews on November 16, 2009 at 03:54:14.
In reply to un-id station on 22m posted by Jim Swaters WB0IXI on November 15, 2009

Jim,

That's NC in Stanfield, NC, run by Dex McIntyre, W4DEX. Further info may be found at http://www.w4dex.com/part15%20index.htm .

John, W1TAG

 

Re: HiFer NDB Changes
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 16, 2009 at 04:40:54.
In reply to Re: HiFer NDB Changes posted by John Davis on November 14, 2009

John,

OK! NDB is now transmitting QRSS3 "AZ" and 10 WPM CW "NDB". Thank you for the suggestion.

73,

Jeff K8NDB

13.562020 MHZ

 

HiFer NDB now Transmitting QRSS-3
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 16, 2009 at 04:47:48.

NDB is now transmitting QRSS-3 and 10 WPM CW. Your signal reports/captures are always appreciated.

73,

Jeff K8NDB
FREQ 13.562020 MHz
PWR 4.0 mW
ANT 1/4 Wave Vertical/Metal Roof Ground Plane
ID NDB 10 WPM CW, AZ QRSS-3

 

LEONIDS and propagation
Posted by Andy - XR on November 16, 2009 at 09:42:03.

******* Quoting from SPACE.com *******


Circle Nov. 17 on your calendar, for early that morning a moderate to possibly very strong showing of annual Leonid meteor shower is likely.

The very strong display will favor those living across most of central and eastern Asia. In this region, meteor rates might briefly rise to a few hundred per hour (the time frame for the most intense activity is anticipated sometime around 21:40 GMT).

A far more modest, but still potentially enjoyable display of a few dozen Leonid meteors per hour is expected to favor North America. In the United States and Canada, eastern observers will be particularly well-positioned for maximum activity, expected sometime between 3:30 and 5:30 a.m. EST, when the radiant of the Leonid shower will be well up in the dark southeastern sky.

Hello all:

Probable " D " and " E " layer ionization during meteor shower peak.
interesting propagation could take place at MF anf LF. The effectes will be seen into the VLF regions for those who monitor utility stations.
This would be a good opportunity for GRABBERS to be online if possible, and for WSPR stations to transmit, the WSPR spot database will show the results of any out of the ordinary propagational enhancements, as well as the GRABBERS.
QRSS signals will show the effects of the ionization trails in various
regions as they show up on various grabbers, or by direct captures of
a signal.
WSPR and WOLF modes will possibly show any changes in signals thru
the received data at the monitoring station.
Sporadic enhancement and reception of NDB's may be noticable.

Good luck to all those who will be trying the PING mode, may you have
lots of QSO's.

73 all ::::

Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29866 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr

 

Hi-fers SZX and EH
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 16, 2009 at 19:52:19.

16 November, 2009, 2050-2110UT. Finally heard SZX on 13,563.3 KHz. Fairly good signals 3/4-3/4-9, with some QSB occurring. Slow, repeating SZX ID. Also heard the shortened dots of EH, on 13567 KHz or so. EH about 2-2/3-9, and sometimes fading below audibility. No other heard during this time. EdWSWlidell,LA EM50bk

 

Re: un-id station on 22m
Posted by Jim Swaters on November 17, 2009 at 05:02:54.
In reply to Re: un-id station on 22m posted by John Davis on November 15, 2009

From my screen captures, it looks like there are four cycles per minute. That would be 15 seconds / cycle, or 7.5 seconds on each frequency.

 

Re: HiFer NDB now Transmitting QRSS-3
Posted by Paul on November 17, 2009 at 21:58:05.
In reply to HiFer NDB now Transmitting QRSS-3 posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 16, 2009

BAM! QSL in N. California!!! RST 519.

 

185.3 this morning
Posted by lloyd chastant on November 18, 2009 at 03:49:31.

QRSS 30 this morning (1100z) copied:
MP at 185.301
XR at 185.299
and had a 7-8 minute dash at about 1138z
de Lloyd W3NF FM19

 

Re: 185.3 this morning
Posted by Andy - XR on November 18, 2009 at 06:56:22.
In reply to 185.3 this morning posted by lloyd chastant on November 18, 2009

Lloyd:
Thanks for posting a report. Distance calculator shows us to be about 465 miles apart. It was raining here last night, and my output was weakened a little by the increased ground resistance. It's great to get a report under those circumstances. You mentioned the 7 - 8 minute dash at 1138z, was that on my frequency ?? I was having some voltage problems last night in my oscillator stage, but it was causing " XR " to jump around all over the place. I've come to the place where I don't consider anything to be unusual on LF, it's possible my keyer might have glitched on me. Thanks again for the report, and 73 :::

Andy - KU4XR

 

Re: Hi-fers SZX and EH
Posted by Mark Garrett on November 19, 2009 at 12:13:24.
In reply to Hi-fers SZX and EH posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 16, 2009

Thanks Ed for your post. That makes 4 reports /states so far. Need to put together an electronic QSL for this Hifer.

Mark SZX

 

UNID station
Posted by Shawn Axelrod on November 21, 2009 at 04:53:17.

I got an UNID Morse Code station on 514.6 or so with what was eith M or TT as the code ID. Any ideas?

 

Re: Hi-fers SZX and EH
Posted by Paul on November 21, 2009 at 08:38:45.
In reply to Re: Hi-fers SZX and EH posted by Mark Garrett on November 19, 2009

That would be cool! A nice printed QSL has really been the way to tell a QSLer 'Thanks!'. Although, I know the world is moving toward the paperless method of doing things. Too bad. But still, an e-QSL is better than no QSL.

 

GND radial progress at " XR "
Posted by Andy - Beacon XR on November 21, 2009 at 14:28:53.

Hi all:

Beautiful WX today, so I spent the day outside cutting to length,
stripping, and laying 12 new #14 insulated soild copper radials.
Each are 33'- 4" in length. They're just stretched out on top of
the ground and tacked down only at the ends. Hopefully the dogs
won't get into them overnight and rip them loose. I really still
have quite a bit of work left to finish the job, but can only do
so much at a time. I still have to get a torch and solder the
radials to the GND rod, connect, and solder the bare copper
perimeter wire around the ends of the radial system. And thinking
strongly about driving in a couple more GND rods at the far ends
of the radials, and connecting them also.

Inside results; immediately noticed 5 more mAmps of RF on the
meter at peak, ( now 180 mA ), a generous reduction in the
vari-coil inductance. Was 2.36 Milli-Henries, now it's 2.20 mH,
I also use the signal meter on my TS450S as a general reference
and it is 1 S-unit higher ( no antenna attached ).

Overall, more RF output, less inductance for resonance, and a
stronger " Near - Field " signal. A decent accomplishment for
a few hours of nice outdoors work.

I'll now un-wind some turns on the vari-coil until I have to
turn it almost to the Max position. This will reduce the coil
resistance a little, which will also be another improvement in
itself.

I'm excited to see how it shows up now in the " Ether test ".
Any reports ( and captures !!! ) will be greatly appreciated.

73 everyone, and enjoy the rest of the weekend.


Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29866 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr

 

Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 21, 2009 at 16:03:58.

No keyer yet. But it has been ordered. It will be on till Monday morning 11/23/09 weather permiting. Grid square DM04uf La Crescenta, LA County. 188khz. About 1700 ft above sea level. Now with confirmed copious amounts of antenna current!
73 Lee

 

K6FRC Hi-fer Heard
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 22, 2009 at 05:30:22.

Listened just before sunrise, 22 Nov., 2009, about 1200UT, and heard K6FRC. A quickly repeating ID, I guess to be about 8 wpm. First heard about 1145, and started to fade out around 1215UT. signal were 459 at best, with
QSB down to 229 at the bottom of the cycle. First time heard.
EdWSlidell,LA

 

Re: K6FRC Hi-fer Heard--Frequency K6FRC
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 22, 2009 at 06:03:00.
In reply to K6FRC Hi-fer Heard posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 22, 2009

Hi. Forgot to mention the K6FRC frequency...display on the TS-850 as gone out, but with R-5000 it was about 13565 KHz. EdWSlidell,LA

 

SZX Beacon strong today into EM50bk
Posted by EdWSlidell.LA on November 22, 2009 at 09:42:40.

Beacon SZX almost booming into EM50bk. Time between 1445 and 1500 UT, 22 Nov., 2009. Freq. about 13563 KHz, and signals an honest 569 when strongest. Some QSB down to 229, almost unreadable then. Rapidly faded out after this time. EdWSlidell,LA

 

K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 22, 2009 at 11:18:34.

Nice copy on the K6FRC HiFer at 1800Z on 13.565 MHz, RST 539. No other HiFers cpoied.

Jeff K8NDB
NDB HiFer 13.262020 MHz
NDB 10 WPM
AZ QRSS-3

 

Re: K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ
Posted by Paul on November 22, 2009 at 15:20:18.
In reply to K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 22, 2009

Thank you for the report!!

Is your HiFer REALLY on 13.262020? I thought it was 13.562??

 

Re: K6FRC Hi-fer Heard
Posted by Paul on November 22, 2009 at 15:22:33.
In reply to K6FRC Hi-fer Heard posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 22, 2009

Thank you for the report!

Actually, ID is at 5 WPM. I'm not a big fan of QRSS and such. I like beacons that actually sound like BEACONS!

VY 73!

 

Re: Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by John Davis on November 22, 2009 at 21:28:27.
In reply to Beacon "JAM" on air posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 21, 2009

For clarification, does "no keyer" mean unmodulated steady carrier?

 

Re: K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ
Posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 23, 2009 at 12:41:13.
In reply to Re: K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ posted by Paul on November 22, 2009

Hi Paul,

That was a test and you passed. I did not catch the error when I proofread the message. 15.562020 MHz is the correct frequency and I thank you for pointing it out to me. Maybe someone reading this will give a listen for the NDB beacon and report it here.

73,

Jeff

 

HiFer "OH"
Posted by Tom N8TL on November 23, 2009 at 12:52:33.

With Sunspot activity increasing, HiFer "OH" is now active on the 22 meter band, mode QRSS3. The frequency is 13.556672 Mhz. Tom N8TL

 

Re: Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee on November 23, 2009 at 17:32:55.
In reply to Re: Beacon "JAM" on air posted by John Davis on November 22, 2009

Yes. unmodulated steady carrier.

 

Re: K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ
Posted by Paul on November 24, 2009 at 06:30:09.
In reply to Re: K6FRC HiFer Copied In AZ posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 23, 2009

YAAAYYYY!!! I passed!

I was just thinking I could SWEAR that your beacon was on .562, but needed to be sure.

Your beacon has been a little scarce around these parts lately. I think I heard it more often when the sun was blank than now. I hope things improve.

And, to those beacon ops who go QRT when the band is 'dead', SHAME ON YOU! Keeping your beacon on all the time is a service to the community. Being a 'fair weather' beacon op is whimpy.

The above opinions are mine alone, I am aware that most don't agree with me.

 

Re: HiFer NDB now Transmitting QRSS-3
Posted by John Davis on November 24, 2009 at 12:31:14.
In reply to HiFer NDB now Transmitting QRSS-3 posted by Jeff K8NDB on November 16, 2009

For clarification, does your signature line mean the ident is "AZ" when in QRSS3 mode?

 

Re: un-id station on 22m
Posted by Jim Swaters on November 24, 2009 at 20:02:51.
In reply to Re: un-id station on 22m posted by Jim Swaters on November 17, 2009


Screen captures are at home.earthlink.net/~jcswaters/sc.htm I will leave them on line through December.

 

HiFER "MTI"
Posted by Thom on November 25, 2009 at 07:18:19.

FREQ: 13557.54
BEACON: MTI
LOCATION: Lawrenceville, GA
GRID: EM73xw
NOTES: 5wpm CW 24/7

 

Antenna work at " XR " today
Posted by Andy - Beacon XR on November 26, 2009 at 14:17:02.

Hi all:

After a delicious dinner with the family today, I did a little
more work on the ground radial system. It's been over 12 years
since I did any soldering on heavy wire to ground rods, but I
managed to get the radials soldered to the ground rod. It's
about the ugliest solder joint I've ever seen, but it's
stronger than the wires themselves. I also ran a bare copper
wire around the perimeter of the radial system, connected to
the far end of each radial. The changes noted are small.
The needed Inductance for peak output ( Max - RF Current ),
went up very slightly. Last measured at 2.20 Milli-Henries,
Measured today at 2.22 Milli-Hemries. The ground is still
pretty wet from the last rain, and dosen't dry quite as fast
as during the summer of course.
On to the RF Current; before todays work; the transmitter
would peak out at 180 Milli-Amps for 1 Watt input, after the
soldering, and perimeter wire, now the transmitter peaks at
185 Milli-amps of RF Current with 1 Watt input.

I hope everyone has a great day; 73 from " XR " Friendsville, TN.


Andy - KU4XR - EM75xr - Friendsville, TN.
LOWfer Beacon " XR " @ 185.29866 KHz ( QRSS-60 )
Coordinates: N: 35* 43' 54" - W: 84* 3' 16"
http://www.myspace.com/beaconxr
http://webpages.charter.net/ku4xr/

 

WV -- HiFer--13556 KHz
Posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 26, 2009 at 16:18:09.

Heard 'WV' Hi-Fer, on ~13556 KHz, around 2035 UT, 26 Nov., 2009. Very weak, 239 or less, with QSB a real problem. Required many ID's to piece together the ID. Another signal in the background, possibly a QRSS3 signal, but the QSB and weakness made determining the ID impossible. A CW ID every so often would be helpful. EdWSlidell,LA EM50bk

 

Beacon "JAM" on air
Posted by Lee - JAM - 188khz on November 26, 2009 at 18:12:20.

No keyer yet. But it has been ordered. I am transmiting unmodulated steady carrier until the keyer arrives. CW. It will be on till Monday morning 11/30/09 weather permiting. Grid square DM04uf La Crescenta, LA County. 188khz. About 1700 ft above sea level. Now with confirmed copious amounts of antenna current! My freq counter has no resolution this low but I have reports that I might me residing in the 188.097khz neighborhood. AM88 hardware. Thanks to all who give it a listen.

73 Lee

 

Re: WV -- HiFer--13556 KHz
Posted by michael tyler- wa8ywo on November 30, 2009 at 08:14:11.
In reply to WV -- HiFer--13556 KHz posted by EdWSlidell,LA on November 26, 2009

Thanks for the report . The ground mounted 12ft vertical is not the best for a 4 mw transmitter at 13mhz.Still , that is good report.. Thanks for the report.

 

185.3
Posted by Roger on November 30, 2009 at 08:44:55.

Watering hole overnight.
Copied MP, CV, and traces of XR but not enough for positive ID.

Roger, beacon RM


potrzebie