Re: U3S shipped today
No problem Chuck, my pleasure! Hope it arrives soon and wish you all the best on 630m. Get ready for some serious toroid-winding :-) Arizona Hifers and more
73 Hans G0UPL
http://qrp-labs.com
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 01, 2017 at 21:02:15.
From 2027 utc - 2041 utc I copied K6FRC, GNK, AZ, NDB
Boy AZ popped in with about 20 ids in a row so then I dialed up to NDB and there it was also...
Always fun when there is a cool opening. All done in real time with the wet processor.
Re: U3S shipped today
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 01, 2017 at 23:25:59.
In reply to Re: U3S shipped today posted by Hans G0UPL on November 01, 2017
Hans and all,
Already figured and built my LPF for 630M. Used an on-line tool I've liked for years now
http://www-users.cs.york.ac.uk/~fisher/cgi-bin/lcfilter
I built a 7-pole Chebychev with some T106-1 toroids I had in the junkbox - 3 in the filter, and then another 2 in the [experimental] matching section.
If the charts at are correct, and I did a good job with coil efficiency - which I think I have - then I might get as high as 15% efficiency (all losses after the PA stage lumped together), meaning I'd only need 33~34 watts to hit the ERP limit. I built the amp to give me 90 watts out for 1 watt input, and it does very close to that, so 250~350mW of drive is all I should need; which the U3S can easily do.
At least that's the plan... we'll see when I strap it all together.
Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 02, 2017 at 19:26:31.
Listened to MTI from 1856Z until 1915Z. Sigs were running from 539 up to 549. Easy to miss with the 1 min. keying. Also was hearing GNK for several hours between 1700Z-1915Z. Good signal as well. Both still Q5 at 3:15 PM EDT.
RX: R-388/URR and 160m off-ctr fed Hertz.
Bill K4JYS
What am I Hearing?
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 02, 2017 at 22:28:02.
What am I hearing right now at roughly 472.48~~472.78Khz?
Signal is a solid Q5 here in Eastern NC, with noticeable QSB. I'd best describe it as a 'warbly' but continuous carrier.
...and then, as I typed this, it swung down to a Fcenter of about 472.38xxxKhz. Still warbling about by as much as +/-150Hz
Time 2223Z/02NOV2017
Thanks Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC
Chuck
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 02, 2017 at 22:51:46.
In reply to Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 02, 2017
I wish MTI would send CW at 10 wpm but I doubt that is never going to happen...I bet I would hear it often with a wet processor... you know just the brain...these real slow Ids must be received by lots of dx listeners that use software to copy the little beacons and that is pretty cool.
Each beacon operator to their own choice of modes is what I say...which truly is fine with me...I'm just an old CW man.
Re: What am I Hearing?
Posted by Lloyd on November 03, 2017 at 12:58:15.
In reply to What am I Hearing? posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 02, 2017
I am copying W3LPL WSPR2 Net reminder....3927 Khz 0800 Sat California time
1254 14 -0.1 0.475691 0 W3LPL FM19 37
1256 14 -0.1 0.475691 0 W3LPL FM19 37
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 03, 2017 at 14:14:28.
Please join us in the morning.
Foreign broadcast drops out right at 8 a.m.
73's
JERRY PARKER Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC
WA6OWR
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 03, 2017 at 14:37:33.
In reply to Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC posted by Bill Hensel on November 02, 2017
Bill, I guess our ole noodle is sometimes better at copying weak CW sigs than a computer....hi. I would think a shorter time between IDs would be better. I have probably missed MTI while tuning. But each to his own. I will start tuning slower. No digital or computer copying here, just CW via the noodle. I was a little surprised to be copying MTI as well as I did, since it is fairly close plus GNK was coming in quite good. Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC
Fun....Bill K4JYS
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 03, 2017 at 16:37:03.
In reply to Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 03, 2017
Totally agree...
Oddly enough I have actually been able to copy MTI while out hiking around with a KA 1103 portable...
Strange stuff....but it takes some effort to copy that very slow cw...
Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC
Posted by ed holland on November 03, 2017 at 16:49:04.
In reply to Re: Good Sig from MTI/GNK in NC posted by Bill Hensel on November 03, 2017
When I hunt beacons, I like to listen as well as use the software approach. Final detection between the ears, concentrating carefully for a tone is good old-fashioned radio.
I wonder now about building a direct conversion receiver for beacons. But then I'm always starting new projects before finishing the old ones...
WH2XVN
Posted by Mark, Ku7z on November 04, 2017 at 10:28:00.
Hearing WH2XVN on ~183.500 this morning at 1020 utc. Very nice signal with some QSB.
73, Mark, Ku7z nOV 4 lowFER net rEPORT
Northern UT, (NUT)
DN41af
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 04, 2017 at 17:48:24.
Hi everyone.
we are growing.
Today Robert, KB6QXM joined us.
Robert goes back to the 80's with Jim Erickson publisher of the Western Update and 'EK' beacon operator.
Robert says he has the equipment to put a beacon on the air and might consider doing so if his busy schedule permits.
Rich, W6NIR joined us from San Carlos. Rich was running a loop and had a great signal into Creston...He has done allot of design work and experimenting in the vlf area and experimentation with another friend during the eclipse.
Rich uses 3 different e field antennas and records his receptions on a 96 Khz sample A-D Converter and compares his recordings with others to eliminate local generated noise and signals.
As it turns out both are members of the same ham club, small world.
Good net this morning.
Hopefully more will join us next weekend.
73's
JERRY PARKER Saturday Hifers in Pine,Colorado
WA6OWR
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 04, 2017 at 19:32:36.
From 1709 utc - 1715 utc K6FRC pounding in, GNK weak , MTI
From 1919 utc - 1930 utc NDB , K6FRC and GNK
I really hoped I would hear AZ but no joy .
QRS3 on 630, SJ
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on November 05, 2017 at 01:21:20.
Well the lowfer season is back and I am getting active. I am going to run K1RGO/B on 478.550 kHz QRSS4 at times around 21:00 to 23:00 local est if anyone wants to tune in. I think its most practical to sked SJ QRSS20 185.304 kHz preferably after 21:00 local est over night to after sunrise. I check out 630 m in the day (not much happening) and get on cw anytime between 19:00 to 22:00 hrs local. Re: QRS4 on 478.55
later.
Sal, K1RGO
Posted by Lloyd W3NF on November 05, 2017 at 22:29:49.
In reply to QRS3 on 630, SJ posted by Sal,K1RGO on November 05, 2017
Sal I was copying with QRSS3 with some fading.Can send you some copies of copy from about4:30 to5:30
Re: QRS4 on 478.55
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 05, 2017 at 23:59:53.
In reply to Re: QRS4 on 478.55 posted by Lloyd W3NF on November 05, 2017
Hi Lloyd, PVC and GNK at unusual times
I will be curious how my 630 m signal is doing. I have to evaluate my ground losses. I have an estimated Rr of .5 ohm , I may make 1 watt eirp or more depending on my ground, I will run the bridge and see . frozen ground gives me lower loss.
later.
Sal, K1RGO
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2017 at 14:35:51.
From 1421 - 1430 utc copied Gnk and Pvc
Beginning at 1427 PVC was super strong as strong as any beacon I have heard over the past year
Gnk was very strong at 1421 and the band was totally quiet again an unusual event with a totally quite band.
AZ beacons TSN and AZ
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2017 at 17:47:28.
at 1745 utc TSN very strong, AZ weak but good copy...
Re: PVC and GNK at unusual times
Posted by John Davis on November 06, 2017 at 18:11:25.
In reply to PVC and GNK at unusual times posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2017
The sudden enhancements are pretty remarkable, Bill. We are due for a solar sector boundary crossing today, which could produce a G1 storm, but the Space Weather Prediction Center graphs haven't shown that happening yet.
Re: PVC and GNK at unusual times
Posted by ed holland on November 06, 2017 at 18:16:44.
In reply to PVC and GNK at unusual times posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2017
Thank for the reports, Bill.
I heard, yes heard USC and "visualised" it and neighbors yesterday at unusual times, around 10:00Z so I can confirm there was a lift, which was also notable in the atmospheric noise level. It's fortunate you were listening when I was not, since I have to suspend PVC to receive.
Oddly, no sign of AZ or PCO, though GNK made a brief appearance. It was not possible to listen around the late afternoon lift hour, though some monitoring was done later, by which time all was quiet again.
Lowfer SIW QRV
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 06, 2017 at 22:07:04.
With the help of Bob, NK9M, returned lowfer SIW to service this afternoon. It will be running a QRSS30/QRSS60 repeating sequence 24/7 until the QRP-Labs 185.185 kHz gear is repaired. Turns out a 3.3 Vdc regulator failed and put +12Vdc on a 27 MHz external clock oscillator. That has been replaced, but the original oscillator failed such that 12Vdc was also passed along to an Si5351A synthesizer. Not good. Will report back when a synthesizer replacement is installed and running. LowFER implementation
--
Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Posted by ed holland on November 06, 2017 at 23:56:08.
Hi Folks,
It's not often I post down here on the upper part of the board, being mostly concerned with HF matters. However it is high time I considered some LF activity again. This was prompted by recent reading on LowFER antennas for 160-190 kHz, and on the "Ashlock" loop mentioned in a recent issue of The Lowdown.
Given my shameful unlicenced condition, any active operations would of course be restricted to Part 15 rules. Although there is nowhere to set up a suitable vertical antenna and ground system, it is probably possible (with a little thought) to site 50 ft of wire as a loop and feed an attached transmitter with power. However, the numbers really don't look very good for a 15 foot/side square loop. Small (relative to wavelength) tuned loops for HF can tell a different story on RX and TX for certain implementations, so perhaps there is an opportunity here?
...And with that, I wish to seek opinions on the merit of the idea, and technical advice from the experienced folks here. One thought would be to set up something and test on receive to begin with, before delving into electronics.
Thanks
Ed
6R, 186.7 kHz, CM98 is off-the-air
Posted by Ed, KI6R on November 08, 2017 at 00:22:06.
I'm taking the 6R beacon off-the-air until further notice. I will be modifying the DDS VFO to supply LO for a 630m transmit mixer and then building up a transmit chain for the new band. I may put 6R back on at some later date if I can come up with a band-switching antenna matching network.
WA1ZMS 630m Beacon Heard
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 08, 2017 at 13:36:13.
I was tuning the NDB band this morning and heard WA1ZMS beacon around 471.85kc from 1045Z until around 1107Z. Sigs were weak, around 229 to 339 with QSB. I copied him again at 1155Z and sigs were up to 449....good copy. The band was fairly quiet, just occasional static. Re: WA1ZMS 630m Beacon Heard
Bill, K4JYS
Smithfield, NC
RX: Ten-Tec RX-340
with 160m Inv. L w/4-wire CP
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 08, 2017 at 15:29:21.
In reply to WA1ZMS 630m Beacon Heard posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 08, 2017
I also copied him 439 with QSB/QRN last night. I sent him an email. I also had a QSO with N3FL on ~473kHz. my first wspr report 630 meters
later.............
Posted by jim vm on November 08, 2017 at 19:55:08.
1942 -2 -0.3 0.475700 0 N6GN CM88 27 137
1944 -9 -0.0 0.475658 -1 KR6LA CN90 37 169
1946 -2 -0.1 0.475700 0 N6GN CM88 27 137
November 8, 2017, copied in Olivehurst, CA, CM99fb
jim vm Re: WA1ZMS 630m Beacon Heard
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 10, 2017 at 03:33:46.
In reply to Re: WA1ZMS 630m Beacon Heard posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 08, 2017
I heard WA1ZMS as well, around 0600Z, sigs 329 to 549 with lots QSB + usual S2~3 QRN here... was wondering if I had a calibration issue with the R30A, hearing him as low in freq. as I was. Any interest in using Olivia on 630M?
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 10, 2017 at 15:46:40.
I had good results with Olivia on 80 & 40 meters a few years ago when I gave it a try; wondering if anyone is (considering) using it on 630M? Seems like it would be a natural for QSOs beyond what the JT* modes are typically used for.
Thanks, Chuck
LOWFER NET 3937 Khz Saturday 0900 a.m. cALIFORNIA TOME
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 10, 2017 at 17:51:01.
Please note the time change.
Just a reminder
LOWFER NET 3927 kHZ Saturday morning 0900 California time
The time change is to get around the foreign broadcast
now with daylight savings time.
Question of the week: How do you deal with noise and
interferance?
Please join us, look forward to hearing you there.
73's
Jerry Parker
Any interest in using Olivia on 630M?
Posted by John on November 10, 2017 at 19:20:56.
In reply to Any interest in using Olivia on 630M? posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 10, 2017
Chuck,
Great question. W1VD and I did a lot of head-scratching on this subject years ago. In evaluating various keyboard modes, we came up with four criteria:
1. Bandwidth: 630M and 2200M are narrow bands compared to those at HF. 500 Hz or wider bandwidths are kind of "piggish." Meaning no offense to our porcine friends, of course. A reasonable compromise would be around 250 Hz.
2. Forward Error Correction (FEC): The deep fading on both bands (faster on 630M), noise and electronic crud all conspire against straight-through modes like PSK31, etc. The penalty with FEC is lower throughput, slowing things down. For many home-brew typists, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
3. Lower case: A goal of using these sorts of modes would be to handle traffic in emergency situations. It would be nice to have both upper and lower case characters. Also, many of the keyboard modes offer faster transmission in lower case.
4. Linear Amplifiers: Modes that use frequency-shift keying generally can be run without linear amplification. Phase-shift keying requires linearity to avoid excessive bandwidth. The simplicity and popularity of Class D and Class E amplifiers (non-linear) argues for the FSK approach.
Your suggestion of Olivia is fine, but I would suggest the 4-250 version at these frequencies. Other possibilities that balance the above issues with reasonable typing speeds are MFSK11, Domino EX11 (FEC on), Domino EX5 (FEC on) and THOR 5. ZL2AFP's CMSK31 has worked OK for some.
Anyway, getting some 630M activity with these modes would be a good thing, even for some beaconing.
John, W1TAG
Re: Any interest in using Olivia on 630M?
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 12, 2017 at 04:49:37.
In reply to Any interest in using Olivia on 630M? posted by John on November 10, 2017
John,
Given a binary choice, would you choose FSQ or Olivia 4/250, specifically for MF?
Thanks WA1ZMS 2200m Beacon Heard
Chuck
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 12, 2017 at 13:26:14.
I heard Brian's beacon this morning around 136.28kc from 1210-1220Z. Sigs were marginal, running from RST 229 to 339 with QSB. He is located at Forest, VA. First time I have heard sigs on this band. Rcvr here was a Ten-tec RX-340 and the 160m Inv. L. Also logged him on 630m, so seems he is busy on the new bands. Re: Any interest in using Olivia on 630M?
73 de Bill K4JYS
Near Smithfield, NC
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 12, 2017 at 14:59:09.
In reply to Re: Any interest in using Olivia on 630M? posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 12, 2017
Chuck,
I remember testing WSQ2, a slower predecessor to FSQ. Those results were disappointing, not all that different from PSK31 in the presence of 630M fading and noise. I can't find any record of having tested FSQ myself, though.
My guess that Olivia 4/250 would be a better choice. I have some reservations about the amount of re-sync time required after a loss of signal, though. But it certainly wouldn't be a waste of time to play with it.
John, W1TAG
Re: Any interest in using Olivia on 630M?
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 12, 2017 at 19:41:06.
In reply to Re: Any interest in using Olivia on 630M? posted by John, W1TAG on November 12, 2017
Thanks John,
"My guess that Olivia 4/250 would be a better choice. "
John,
That was my take after doing a good amount of reading (2~3 years ago) - Olivia came out on top of the pile when examined for my particular preferences in the [throughput | error-tolerance | fade&multipath handling] slot machine.
However, 1) several years have passed since I 'did my homework', and 2) I'm not nearly an expert on either DSP software or the LF/MF environment; nor was my evaluation exclusively for MF, but included consideration for operations up to 10Mhz/30M.
Also, since software has been advancing so quickly in the ham community for the last decade -- something which I do not follow particularly closely -- it's always safe for me to assume that I'm missing at least one piece of the puzzle, and do some reasonable enquiry at the head-end of a project to close the knowledge gap before I invest time/money.
Thanks again,
Chuck
Seen but not heard
Posted by Ed Holland on November 13, 2017 at 03:05:17.
... rather like well behaved children,
nothing audible today, but some interesting traces caught in spectrogram. IDs read for NC and USC, but FL, possibly claimed by frequency coincidence and clear suggestion of a coded signal.
Possible also for PBJ at 13,557.5 MHz but very brief.
Ed
QRPLabs U3S kit Update
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 13, 2017 at 21:27:39.
Received this past Wed. my kits from QRPKits (Ultimate-3S plus GPS module), so shipping time to US/East Coast was 8 days for me. Interestingly, the kit arrived from Japan, not the UK as I had expected.
I started building on Saturday evening, and finished last night... late (hi). Assembly was quick and straight forward, and the documentation provided by QRPLabs is excellent. I followed the guidance on the website to use a larger value of [C5] for increased output on LF/MF; I also chose to add several turns on the 4:1 bifilliar output transformer to optimize output in this frequency range.
I'd say total time invested for assembly, including the optional GPS receiver, was about 5 hours; I took my time, as I was reading a lot of documentation on mods & etc along the way.
The on board PA is a BS170 running Class-E (there is space on the board to add up to 2 more BS170s in parallel, if desired), so its output can be used to directly drive a Class-E amplifier stage (take the output via the 4-pin LPFin header), or the LPF can be used where a sinewave is required as the input to an external PA.
OF NOTE: The U3S has a built-in ability to operate at FoX2 for PAs which require drive at twice the output frequency. This is controlled by a simple software setting, no hardware modification is necessary. It is also possible to obtain 180deg (inverted) output directly from the CLK0 and CLK1 outputs [available via a pin on the main board output header] to drive P-P amplifiers which require separate 0deg and 180deg inputs. Again, this is selected in software, no hardware mods required.
One LFP is included with the U3S kit, selected at time of order. Additional LPFs can be ordered separately for ~$5 each (or you can wind your own). They are easy to install/swap, as they plug in via a pair of 4-pin headers on the main circuit board.
I'm going to do some testing tomorrow night (or Wed. evening, I never know what the XYL has planned) and get a good, working config built up for the modes I want to test on-air -- Initial Setup and Configuration can be a bit complex, as you can create up to 16 separate profiles, each with Mode/Band/Frequency/PwrOutput/Aux(relay)/Message(SubMsg) settings.
When placed into operation, the U3S will cycle through the enabled profiles, transmitting on each mode/frequency as configured, and repeating on the schedule defined by the 'frame'(length) and 'frame time'(start) settings; i.e. you can beacon in WSPR, SlowHell, and FSK-CW in sequence, each on it's own frequency - within one band, or across several - according to a schedule disciplined by the RealTimeClock in the U3S controller.
The U3S kit is quite an accomplishment - for a very small and completely self-contained exciter (no PC or laptop req'd), it can beacon in all of the following modes:
WSPR/extendedWSPR/WSPR-15, QRSS (includes configuring 'frames'), slow FSK-CW, DFCW, JT65, JT9(5 speeds), Hellschriber/DX-Hell/Slow-Hell, CW(normal speeds), FSK (including custom FSK steps/symbols), and ISCAT-A/B.
All of the slow modes allow you to program the dit/symbol length over a wide range.
It also operates as a hand-keyed CW/FSK exciter. There is not a built-in keyer... at least not in this version of the firmware.
Whenever a GPS receiver's 1PPS signal is available to the U3S, the U3S'es DDS maintains self-calibration for frequency accuracy. FREQ.CAL occurs upon power-up, and in non-transmit periods only, so there must be a non-transmitting period in the 'frame' configuration if you desire a scheduled FREQ.CAL to occur.
With a full serial connection to the GPS, the U3S can read full TIME, DATE, LAT/LON/ALT sentences, as well as how many satellites are received, how many were used for the fix, and signal strengths. These values can be viewed on the display of the U3S if desired.
When TIME/DATE data is available from the GPS, the U3S will automatically synchronize its internal RealTimeClock to the GPS standard - making highly accurate schedules of 'frame time'[start] and 'frame'[length] schedules easy to keep sync'ed.
When LAT/LON are available from the GPS, the U3S will automatically populate your current location's 6-character Maidenhead grid ID for use in WSPR and other modes.
OF VERY INTERESTING NOTE: when not transmitting, the DDS chip can be programmed to generate a signal on the CLK1 output (separate from CLK0 which is used to drive the TX) which is called "Park Mode". The "Park" frequency can be programmed as an absolute frequency, or a frequency determined as Fclk0 + X (in 1Mhz~150Mhz range). These two possibilities give the U3S support for a large variety of receiving arrangements, using the U3S as a highly stable LO for receiver converters -
I.E. with a fixed "Park" frequency of 4.000Mhz, then an HF receiver can tune 4135~4138Khz and 4472~4479Khz to receive the LF/MF bands via a simple RX up-converter. Similarly a 10.00Mhz "Park" frequency could be used if you prefer to up-mix to 10.135/10.475Mhz.
Or, if you have a fixed IF-strip, I.E. at 9Mhz or 4.915Khz, then you can configure the "Park" output to be the (Clk0)Fo of the U3S transmitter plus your IF-strip's [upper/lower] edge frequency, giving you perfect RX-tracking of your TX frequency.
I haven't finished reading all the docs thoroughly, so I'm sure I've skipped over some of the possible modes/functions it can perform.
---
I have a small 630M amplifier built already, and a bench supply to run it all from, so assuming my antenna loading/matching coil is what it should be, I'll be on 630M "from the bench" this weekend.
I'll run WSPR first, then try for a CW QSO (or several), and maybe take my first shot at FSK-CW and/or SlowHell.
(has anyone done S-Hell on 630M yet?)
From that point I need to build a dedicated PA and some other bits, and integrate the :: U3S + PA + Antenna Current/VSWR Sensing unit + Solar Charger + Remote Monitoring/Control unit :: into a good WXproof case so I can deploy it "out to the farm". There's no electric utility on our AG property, so getting the power budget right will be a big portion of the challenge in deploying a beacon there for long-term operation.
I'll be posting more about the U3S once I get it properly exciting an antenna - I'll even get some photos of the kit and other assorted bits (and the output waveforms, if my 'scope is willing).
73, Chuck
PVC possible interruption
Posted by ed holland on November 13, 2017 at 23:45:38.
Hi Folks,
Just received word of a power outage in the general area, so it is possible that PVC dropped out.
Interestingly, among a whole bunch of stuff from a recent clear-out there appeared a small 12V UPS... I might press this into service with PVC.
Regards,
Ed
Re: Seen but not heard
Posted by Dave on November 13, 2017 at 23:59:56.
In reply to Seen but not heard posted by Ed Holland on November 13, 2017
Ed, if you indeed copied FL, then you are the first to copy it.
I have now two FL beacons running as of November 12: One transmits in fskcw4, the other is transmitting very slow CW. Both ID as FL and are a few Hz apart. Both antennae are in my attic up about 15 feet and oriented in different directions.
Thank you for your post....it's encouraging to know some are still hopeful for 22 m propagation and look/listen for 22 m hifers at his horrid trough in the solar cycle.
Dave Re: QRPLabs U3S kit Update
Posted by Ed, KI6R on November 14, 2017 at 01:21:24.
In reply to QRPLabs U3S kit Update posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 13, 2017
Thanks for the nice technical description Chuck. It sounds like a good way to get on the VLF bands.
Re: PVC possible interruption
Posted by ed holland on November 14, 2017 at 04:20:33.
In reply to PVC possible interruption posted by ed holland on November 13, 2017
Indeed, PVC was off since the keyer is not configured to restart in beacon mode. Back on air now.
Re: Seen but not heard
Posted by ed holland on November 14, 2017 at 04:26:48.
In reply to Re: Seen but not heard posted by Dave on November 13, 2017
Dave,
I will keep a watch on the frequency when there is a chance to listen. I know well the wait for reports that follows the excitement of setting up. So far, PVC has reached precisely 2 other listeners, even that was not expected.
Despite this, we carry on!
73s Re: QRPLabs U3S kit Update
Ed
Posted by Hans Summers on November 14, 2017 at 08:45:03.
In reply to QRPLabs U3S kit Update posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 13, 2017
Hi Chuck
A nice write-up, just a couple of minor comments I have... just For Your Information...
Well first, you said "QRPkits" in the first sentence! It should be QRP Labs. QRP kits are someone else ;-) The Ultimate3S kit is at http://qrp-labs.com/ultimate3/u3s and the U3S starts at $33, then up as you add any particular options you want.
There are even more features than you mentioned, but Ok you still have lots of documentation to get through! The kit has been around for a few years now so many user requests were incorporated to give it loads of flexibility.
The PA is not Class-E though... it is Class-C or if it is lucky, Class-D!
Also the synthesiser is a Digital PLL-based synthesiser, the Si5351A chip - which is different to DDS (Direct Digital Synthesis).
Vy 73 de Hans G0UPL SJ sked, QRSS4 on 630m
http://qrp-labs.com
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on November 14, 2017 at 16:02:21.
I am going to run SJ on 185.304 kHz, QRSS20 after 22:00 local through 10:00 overnight, Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
for a while for reports. On 630m, I am going by the band plan and will run K1RGO/B QRSS4 on 475.880 kHz. My cw freq. is around 473 kHz. Latest QSO was with w4py in NC.
I was copied briefly in Texas at KB5NJD. Also experimenting with a tuned radial, which lowers my ground resistance a bit as per the bridge.
later....Sal, K1RGO
Posted by Jack Roblin on November 15, 2017 at 07:29:59.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by John, W1TAG on October 07, 2017
IDEA: How about using one of these readily available crystals in a VXO (Variable Xtal Oscillator) circuit? Or would long term stability be a problem?
/ Jack, listening for HiFers in Southern California.
Look for my Youtube HiFer Reception Videos (Channel: Electronics USA)
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Finman on November 15, 2017 at 17:18:43.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Jack Roblin on November 15, 2017
I have a beacon running in the 13mhz Hifer band right now. I started with one of these E-bay xtals but the problem with using a 13.56 xtal is that's the same xtal all the industrial devices are using causing mucho QRM on that freq. I tried to shift the freq using VXO technique (caps, inductor, etc as you mentioned) but it became unstable.
Found an old CB xtal that's working, now on 13.564.2.
I'll be switching to a QRP labs U3S exciter kit as soon as it arrives and I build it. Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
For $33 it's hard to beat.
Posted by ed holland on November 15, 2017 at 19:02:18.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Finman on November 15, 2017
I might switch to the exciter also. PVC is set to 13,558.4 since this was the best shift I could get with the 13.56 crystal obtained. Transmitter is an attenuated and modified Vectronics 20 m QRP kit and has decent stability. It isn't on an ideal frequency, although it seems quiet enough here.
Cheers
Ed Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017 at 06:55:43.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by ed holland on November 15, 2017
I haven't tried the U3S on HF yet... but if it gives the same results I'm seeing on MF then it's a winner. Reasonably easy to build and configure. Power budget is very low.
And it's -designed- for beacon service. I'm learning the value of that as I go along...
Also, the ~200mW from the U3S is way more than a HiFer needs, so using an attenuator is a given - which makes the transmitter output that much more isolated from variations in the antenna and environment... always a good thing.
I've about got my coil wound... 90 turns of 12ga. (so far) on a ~20" section of 4.5"OD PVC pipe, tapped every 5 turns from the 60th to 90th. I'd forgotten how much the wire fights you, winding such a coil!
Hopefully tomorrow evening I'll get to put the last 10 turns on it (tapped each turn) and add the input coil. That will finish it.
U3S plus amplifier is giving about 28 watts into the DL tonight (burn-in testing), so my EIRP will be somewhere between 1.5 and 2.5 watts if I've done all my math correctly ;P WX permitting, I'll be able to try for 'first light' with it here at the house on Saturday.
Trying to make plans work so I can do the antenna party 'out at the farm' on
Thanksgiving Saturday... maybe even camp over, so I can make some contacts on MF Sat. night, too.
Re: QRPLabs U3S kit Update
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017 at 07:14:00.
In reply to Re: QRPLabs U3S kit Update posted by Hans Summers on November 14, 2017
Apologies, Hans - I added "QRPKits" to my spell-checker a few years ago, and it caught me on a fat-finger ;P FWIW, "QRP-Labs" and "QRPLabs" are now added as well, so it won't happen again.
Yes, I'm still learning all that the U3S will do.
I will say this - using the GPS option makes setting up a self-contained WSPR beacon incredibly easy. Not only for transmission timing and automatic configuration of the Maidenhead GridID, but particularly because you've built auto-calibration of the TX frequency against the GPS signal into the system.
Without getting a regular time-fix, and long-term frequency stability, in a small and well-integrated package such as the U3S, it would be all but impossible for me to do a remote MF/LF beacon on my agricultural property due to power-budget... so thank you for designing and selling the U3S kit!
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by ed holland on November 16, 2017 at 17:26:24.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017
That's interesting Chuck.
I'm wondering about building a LowFER, but don't have much opportunity for antenna siting. First steps might be to build something for receive. I have been considering loops, and exploring what could be done with the regulation 50 ft of wire, just for fun.
Coil winding can be a challenge, especially thick wire. At the other end of the scale, I have been restoring a 1934 Philco Console set. Not one, but two of its audio transformers measured open circuit. Nothing for it but to figure out how to rewind them, and copy the layered arrangement of the windings. I built a winder using Erektor set parts mounted to a board. Lots of learning to find out what works... and what does not. One transformer is complete, one about halfway now - something I never thought I would be doing, or would be possible to do.
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
/Ed
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017 at 23:25:11.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by ed holland on November 16, 2017
Hi Ed,
Yes, solid wire of #20 and heavier becomes increasingly difficult to wind. When you get to #12, it's a wrestling match between you and a rather firm spring ;P
Of course, I -could- have bought stranded THHN wire for the purpose and saved myself a lot of challenge in winding the coil - but I had a 275 foot bundle of the Romex 12/3 just sitting in my garage begging to be used, so that's my excuse.
But that's for an (MF) transmit antenna -- An RX antenna for MF is much easier, and you have a -lot- more options. Presently I have a 500 foot " Loop-on-Ground " antenna that I've been testing for about 6 months now. It's simply 500 feet of 12ga. stranded THHN laying directly on the ground in a roughly 150' X 100' rectangle, coupled to a 50-ohm feedline with a 4:1 Guanella current balun. It works rather well as a passive (no preamp needed) aperiodic RX antenna, with best performance observed from 400Khz to 4Mhz. It's quite omni-directional, and it receives MF signals arriving at moderate angles of arrival (15~50 degrees above horizon) very well. The Loop-on-Ground actually still hears quite well down at 137Khz & 185Khz, just not as well as other antennas I have.
Over the years, I've also used a lot of simple "Inverted-L" antennas of various lengths (and heights) for MF/LF receiving, with a matching coil on the windowsill where the bottom of the L presents itself. The wires have typically been between 65 and 180 feet long, with modest top-heights of 20' to 50' in various locations at various times. While not ideal MF/LF antennas, these wires have given me a decent opportunity to receive when more involved solutions were not expedient/permissible. Several have been "stealth antennas" of thin (18~24ga) wire which served both as HF TX antennas and MF/LF receive antennas.
I also did a number of experiments with "Mag-Loop" designs for receiving MF and the lower HF spectrum, and found that a loop with a minimum circumference of 16 feet (dia. ~5 feet) does respectably well for NDBs and AMBC - proper attention to overall construction, and proper selection of the toroidal matching transformer, as well as the fixed portion of the tuning capacitance, are rather important with very small loops, even for receive. The loops I built were of either thin copper flex-pipe (a.k.a. "ice-maker piping"), or scraps of ~1/2" "hardline" coax. What I found was that the matching transformer should be of Mix #77 material for best performance 100Khz~2Mhz - the best I found was an FB-77-1024. With 6 or 7 turns on the secondary (and the loop passing through as a 1-turn primary - use heatshrink to insulate bare copper tubing where it passes through the transformer!) I could receive well down at least to 100Khz, with appropriate capacitance to resonate the loop. I used dipped-mica capacitors for the fixed portion of the tuning capacitance - they were the most stable and least lossy of the various types I experimented with. And you'll need a good air-variable capacitor of 500pf (or larger if you can get it) - I did not have good results with the tiny "polyvaricon" capacitors for tuning my loops.
I found these loops to be particularly useful for nulling noise - they have deep nulls perpendicular to the plane of the loop, while their primary lobe is a broad peak centered on the plane of the loop. Also, they hear signals arriving at almost any arrival-angle, from groundwave to NVIS.
These loops also served well (without most of the fixed capacitance, of course) as TX antennas for 160/80 meters, and even 40 meters -- at modest power levels of 2 to 25 watts or so. Loops are not "the best" antennas for LF/MF, but they are very useful for their compactness/portability, their ability to null noise, and their sharp, tunable selectivity in the LF/MF spectrum.
While none of the above are 'star performers' compared to their larger brethren, the above simple antennas allowed me to log a lot of NDBs and do some AMBC DXing, as well as do a good amount of QSOing on 40 and 80 meters, while living under HOA restrictions. Now that I live 'out in the country' the challenges are different - big antennas pose a set of requirements all their own, and I'm still learning to play "in the big leagues".
As for building a transmitting antenna for 136Khz and/or LowFer, I've yet to undertake the task, so for me that's still an adventure-in-waiting ;P
Cheers, MLS
Chuck
Posted by Mark -- WA9ETW on November 17, 2017 at 01:40:07.
Does anyone know if MLS is QRV this season?
Tnx es 73,
Mark -- WA9ETW
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Finman on November 17, 2017 at 12:09:33.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017
If I'm not mistaken, the U3S has adjustable power... in one of the menus.. Reminder: LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 CA time 3927 Khz
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 17, 2017 at 15:54:06.
Hi everyone,
hope to see you on the net in the morning at 0800 California time, 3927 Khz
73,
Jerry
Re: MLS
Posted by mark on November 17, 2017 at 18:57:46.
In reply to MLS posted by Mark -- WA9ETW on November 17, 2017
Just turned it back on. Sorry about the delay. lots of iron's in the fire getting my 630 meter station on the air on cw at 473.1 Making contacts already. I was worried about my beacon causing possible interference but so far no problem. The beacon is on 186.204 but it will take awhile to stabilize. Let me know if you receive it. Thanks.... Mark AC8Cl
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by ed holland on November 17, 2017 at 20:42:18.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 16, 2017
Chuck,
Thanks for your notes - great info!
I've tinkered with a small loop for HiFER reception, and want to make something experimental for the "PVC" beacon. This is why I was interested in loops for LF work.
I have played with multi turn tuned loops for NDB listening, but Part 15 limits to 50 ft of wire, hence my interest in testing with this restriction, listening first, then perhaps a beacon. 12.5 ft square ought to be possible without too much difficulty. Your notes on tuning capacitors are well taken.
Cheers again for a good discussion.
Ed
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 17, 2017 at 23:52:20.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Finman on November 17, 2017
Not exactly. That "Power" setting is to -declare- your PO for WSPR transmissions - it doesn't actually control the output of the PA in software.
In other modes, the "Power" parameter is actually the Sub-Message_selection for the beacon, and has nothing to do with PO at all.
Of course, the actual PO can be controlled in software by the AUX (relay) configuration -- either by varying the voltage of the final, and/or switching an attenuator in the output.
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 17, 2017 at 23:52:20.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Finman on November 17, 2017
Not exactly. That "Power" setting is to -declare- your PO for WSPR transmissions - it doesn't actually control the output of the PA in software.
In other modes, the "Power" parameter is actually the Sub-Message_selection for the beacon, and has nothing to do with PO at all.
Of course, the actual PO can be controlled in software by the AUX (relay) configuration -- either by varying the voltage of the final, and/or switching an attenuator in the output.
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 18, 2017 at 00:07:51.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by ed holland on November 17, 2017
Well a 50' circ. loop at 186Khz is going to require a -lot- of capacitance to resonate it. Probably on the order of 0.022uF to 0.047uF just off the top of my head.
Figure qty. 7 to 9 of 4700pF caps to put you in the general range, plus qty. 4 of 1000Pf and qty. 9 of 100 pf caps to build up the total (switchable) value. All large dipped mica 'kidney beans' rated at 500V or better. That plus a 150pF or 250pF **differential** air-variable cap will give you the tuning values you need to achieve resonance. Re: MLS
These components aren't easy to come by any more, unfortunately.
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 18, 2017 at 00:39:24.
In reply to Re: MLS posted by mark on November 17, 2017
On a similar note, anyone heard TH or SJ yet this season? Re: Reminder: LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 CA time 3927 Khz
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 18, 2017 at 20:53:12.
In reply to Reminder: LOWFER NET Saturday 0800 CA time 3927 Khz posted by Jerry Parker on November 17, 2017
Nice Net this morning with Clint, KA7OEI joining us this morning.
Clint has been busy listening to the new bands below the broadcast band and
working on getting his station up on the air by the end of the year.
Dave Curry is working on his home antenna system this weekend so he was not
able to join us.
I am looking forward to putting up two of Daves active whips with a phase noise
eliminator.
A little more rain would be appreciated so I can get the trench in place for the
pvc feed lines for the active whips up on the Mesa and also the feed/control lines
for the Beacon/etc I am going to put in place.
Enjoyable morning on the net.
Please join us next week if you can.
73,
Jerry WA6OWR
Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay
Posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2017 at 21:57:09.
In reply to Re: 13.56 mhz Xtals on eBay posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 18, 2017
Those figures look about right, based on some calculators I have used. Such a lot of capacitance demands good components if the already compromised Q factor is to be preserved... If we stretch the rules, and add a loading coil, perhaps the situation could be improved.
Just ideas floating around upstairs. I already have enough projects with winding transformers for the Philco, and working on a nice Icom IC-R72 I found which drains it's backup batteries too quickly.
Heard this morning
Posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2017 at 22:00:43.
Hi Folks
Quite a good listening session this morning, around 10:30 PST / 18:30 UTC. Heard directly were AZ and TSN. Tracking suing Spectrum Lab in QRSS3 mode, I unearthed USC and NC as just visible traces, and WM as solid visual copy. Perhaps more later if time allows.
Cheers
Ed
Re: Heard this morning
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 19, 2017 at 05:15:08.
In reply to Heard this morning posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2017
Ed,
Thanks for the WM report. I continue checking the meter readings to make sure it's still on the air, but the best test is to get a live report that it is still working. Thanks for listening.
Mike 73
Strange "Beacon" on 630M
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 19, 2017 at 22:38:40.
I'm hearing what sounds exactly like an NDB while listening in the WSPR portion of 630M. It's at about 475.900, just at the noise level, and fading in and out, sending "N A " with slow regularity...
Hearing it now, 2235Z-19NOV17, have been for last half hour or so. It's faint, not always audible, but it's in there.
Anyone else seeing/hearing "NA"?
Chuck
Unkown Hifer?
Posted by Ed Holland on November 20, 2017 at 03:18:28.
More listening today. Audible with the receiver tuned to 13,562.00 (USB) was a few instances of Morse. Before it faded I was sure the ID was RU, repeating regularly. The note was a little rough, not a pure tone.
Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 20, 2017 at 12:11:30.
In reply to Strange "Beacon" on 630M posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 19, 2017
Hearing "NA" again for last 15 minutes or so: 1148Z-20NOV17 through 1153Z (as I write this). It is pure CW, not MCW as an NDB would be - didn't mean to imply that in my original post, sry - but the speed and period of the repeating CW is exactly what you would expect of an NDB.
My original call on the frequency was low - it's between 476.00~476.02. Again, just at the noise level, but copyable by ear with a little persistence.
RX is my IC746-Pro. Receiving it with both the 500' Loop-on-Ground ant., and 190' wire with 400uH loading coil.
Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 20, 2017 at 14:01:10.
In reply to Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 20, 2017
Chuck,
It's WA4SZE. He runs an MCW beacon, so there's a carrier and opposite sidebands. Google the call and you'll get an idea of his history.
John, W1TAG
Looking for LF beacons
Posted by Any New England, NY NJ beacons on? on November 20, 2017 at 14:30:58.
Hello All,
Been years since I was on longwave looking for beacons. A friend got me interested again so I am looking for any LOWFERS in the New England, NY, NJ area for daytime testing. Have logged almost 200 NDB in the last month and would like to for some daytime DX if anyone is using QRSS. Location here is Harwinton Connecticut at these coords 41°46'24.6"N 73°03'51.8"W
Thank you
PauLC Re: MLS
W1VLF
Posted by What mode and 24 hours? on November 20, 2017 at 15:35:48.
In reply to Re: MLS posted by mark on November 17, 2017
Hi Mark .. what mode and are you on 24/7?
Thank You
PauLC Re: Unkown Hifer?
W1VLF
Posted by Finman on November 20, 2017 at 17:32:45.
In reply to Unkown Hifer? posted by Ed Holland on November 20, 2017
I would say that could be mine ("RF") but it's actually on 13.564.2
Rough note?? I hope that's not mine! (grin) RF making it into Colorado
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 20, 2017 at 21:58:43.
Nov. 20 time started hearing RF 2149 utc...Freq. 13564.220 khz
Many Ids copied in a row...nice work hope you keep it on the air.
Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M
Posted by Eric on November 20, 2017 at 22:11:17.
In reply to Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M posted by John, W1TAG on November 20, 2017
The transmitter is obviously poorly adjusted. Carrier at 475.0 with 60Hz modulation, CW at 476.0, 477.0, AND 474.0 (opposite sideband!). That just reflects on the operator's inability to handle the rig. I've had simple breadboard tube transmitters function better on the air.
Maybe a nearby no-code Tech can show the OT how it's done, we all needed an knowledgeable elmer. Re: RF making it into Colorado
Posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2017 at 22:24:32.
In reply to RF making it into Colorado posted by Bill Hensel on November 20, 2017
Hearing RF here also at 2220 UTC in Tucson. Weak but multiple IDs at a time. Freq shows 13564.27 kHz. What is the QTH??
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by ed holland on November 20, 2017 at 22:35:13.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by Finman on November 20, 2017
Finnman,
It could easily have been RF, misheard as RU by losing that final dot on the F. The note was high, and I was tuning around to get the clearest audio, so it seems quite possible.
Cheers
Ed
Re: MLS
Posted by mark on November 20, 2017 at 22:58:08.
In reply to Re: MLS posted by What mode and 24 hours? on November 20, 2017
The mode is QRSS30 and it is on 24/7. The frequency is 186.204 within a cycle or two after it stabilizes. **** Mark
Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 20, 2017 at 23:48:30.
In reply to Re: Strange "Beacon" on 630M posted by John, W1TAG on November 20, 2017
Got it. Thanks John, that explains a lot. Re: MLS
Eccentricity: it's not just an orbital parameter.
Posted by Will look for MLS on November 21, 2017 at 01:47:30.
In reply to Re: MLS posted by mark on November 20, 2017
Thanks Mark I will look for it
PaulC Re: MLS
W1VLF
Posted by Will look for MLS on November 21, 2017 at 01:49:54.
In reply to Re: MLS posted by mark on November 20, 2017
Thanks Mark I will look for it
PaulC Re: RF making it into Colorado
W1VLF
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 12:28:14.
In reply to Re: RF making it into Colorado posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2017
Hi Frank, Glad you're hearing RF!.. QTH is EM96. Re: RF making it into Colorado
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 12:29:49.
In reply to Re: RF making it into Colorado posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2017
Hi Frank, Glad you're hearing RF!.. QTH is EM96
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 12:49:45.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by ed holland on November 20, 2017
Hi Ed, I guess it wasn't strong to zero beat? Glad you heard it although I'm concerned about the rough note you reported. I haven't had a chance to listen off site yet. There may be some grounding or RF leakage issues. I will investigate further as soon as I get a chance.
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 12:51:43.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by Finman on November 21, 2017
(EDIT) ....Strong enough to zero beat... (sorry) Re: RF making it into Colorado
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 12:54:42.
In reply to Re: RF making it into Colorado posted by Finman on November 21, 2017
Sorry.... posted in the wrong section...
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by ed holland on November 21, 2017 at 16:17:39.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by Finman on November 21, 2017
Normally I set the receiver to a round number, then use Spectrum Lab to identify the frequency. In this case I did not have time to get dialed in. I am not completely sure of the "rough" note either, just that it seemed to have a slight modulation. Then again it was high in the receiver passband, and I was having fun tuning for best audibility before it faded out.
Great job getting on the air - It is nice to hear a new signal. If you don't mind, what is your QTH please? - not much reaches here strong enough to be audible.
Cheers,
Ed
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by Finman on November 21, 2017 at 16:38:18.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by ed holland on November 21, 2017
Hi Ed;
QTH is EM96, North Central North Carolina. Very glad you are able to copy!
Re: RF making it into Colorado
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 21, 2017 at 17:33:36.
In reply to RF making it into Colorado posted by Bill Hensel on November 20, 2017
Nov. 21 1725 utc RF solid copy not super strong I can also hear GNK and FRC at the same time...
TSN
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 21, 2017 at 17:35:48.
Nov 21 1735 utc TSN strong reception
Re: Unkown Hifer?
Posted by Ed Holland on November 21, 2017 at 19:00:55.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by Finman on November 21, 2017
Wow! Great signal. Very happy to catch it.
Thanks,
Ed
Re: Looking for LF beacons
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 21, 2017 at 20:32:28.
In reply to Looking for LF beacons posted by Any New England, NY NJ beacons on? on November 20, 2017
Paul, Re: Looking for LF beacons
I, too, have listened to NDBs over the years, but no logging, etc.
I ran across the NDB List which has a lot of members and is an
organized method of keeping up with your logging's. They also
sponsor a CLE...Coordinated Listening Event, where all listeners
concentrate on a small section of the NDB band. There is one coming
up this week end I believe. If interested I can send you some more
info. It is really fun to listen for these beacons and to have an
organized way to keep up with loggings and read about other listeners
and what they are hearing.
73 de Bill K4JYS - NC
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 21, 2017 at 22:21:53.
In reply to Looking for LF beacons posted by Any New England, NY NJ beacons on? on November 20, 2017
If you want, Paul, I can run SJ in the day on CW or QRSS20. You should copy the cw with no problem. I did not get hardly any reports the last couple of years, so I running by request. If you listen to 630 meters I am active on cw and with QRSS4 on 475.85 and at times 478.5kHz. Legal Loop Memories
later..............
Sal, K1RGO
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 22, 2017 at 00:03:56.
There were some messages in the Hifer section of this Message Board about using a 15 meter perimeter loop antenna for transmitting in the 160-190 kHz band. Thought I would resurrect the thread on the Lowfer side of things.
In January, 2002, I ran Lowfer beacon "TAG" into a rectangular loop suspended from trees. It was hung in a diamond-shape, with the top 23 feet above ground, and the bottom 6 feet above ground. Ropes ran horizontally from the corners, 14.5 feed above ground, to nearby trees for support. The transmitter and tuning network were mounted on the tree at the bottom of the loop. The loop conductors were four #8 stranded wires, connected in parallel at the feedpoint ends. I used PVC "cross" fittings to form the wires into a cage all around the loop. All of that was done to minimize the loss due to skin-effect. A photo of the Legal Loop shows the setup. If you squint at the white PVC spreaders, you can see the Legal Loop around the tree.
An RF impedance bridge was used to measure the feedpoint impedance, which was 0.2 +j18.2 ohms. Assuming a transmitter PA efficiency of 90%, that would mean 2.1A of antenna current. At 185.3 kHz, the loop would series-tune with 47.2nF, some of which would have to be variable. I used (4) .01uF + (1) .0052uF + .0015uF + a 3-gang broadcast variable to tune it. A picture of the tuning unit shows the transmitter (at the bottom), the tuning components, and detail of one of the spreaders. A 2T:32T transformer wound on an FT-240-77 core provided a 50 ohm match to the transmitter.
So, how did it work? Lousy. A QRSS30 or QRSS60 signal was easily copied in Massachusetts and Connecticut, but not beyond, as I recall. I finally managed to get an identifiable signal into North Carolina by using QRSS240. At that point, (after about a month) I gave up and went to a larger loop. Debate about the propriety of bigger loops in that band involve lengthly discussions about angels and heads of pins, and I won't take that up here!
If I were to try this again, I would be tempted to use a LOT more copper, something like 3 1/8" copper tubing. Heavy, and an attraction to copper thieves. Not sure if the improvement would be worth it. A piece of 3" "Heliax" would also be interesting.
John, W1TAG
Renewing 47CFR5 Grants
Posted by Frank Lotito on November 22, 2017 at 00:39:57.
Many readers of this message board have a 47CFR5 experimental license grant. Some of our grants, mine included, permit operation on a range of frequencies outside of the 630 and 2200 meters amateur band frequencies published in 47CFR97. Any suggestions / recommendations on renewing our 47CFR5 grants, even possibly adding one or more new frequency bands that are of interest to the more knowledgeable "lowfer" experimenter? 73 Frank Lotito K3DZ / WH2XHA
Re: Renewing 47CFR5 Grants
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 22, 2017 at 08:33:02.
In reply to Renewing 47CFR5 Grants posted by Frank Lotito on November 22, 2017
Frank, 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
I don't know about anyone else, but I'd be very interested to do some experimentation down in the 60~90Khz range, such as the Brits were doing (~70Khz) about a decade ago (they may still be, but I haven't seen anything new published on the topic in several years).
73, Chuck
Posted by Lee on November 23, 2017 at 00:21:29.
Well I submitted 9/25/17. Got an approval e-mail today 11/22/17 for both 600 and 2200 meters. See yall on 2200 meters. Going lower seems like what I need to do. KE6PCT
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by John Davis on November 23, 2017 at 02:04:46.
In reply to 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Lee on November 23, 2017
Congratulations, Lee. Are you planning to do anything with JAM this year?
Re: Looking for LF beacons (SJ)
Posted by John Davis on November 23, 2017 at 02:32:33.
In reply to Re: Looking for LF beacons posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 21, 2017
Sal, does this mean you have given up the 12 hours/day schedule and are ONLY by request now?
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by Lee on November 23, 2017 at 04:44:31.
In reply to Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by John Davis on November 23, 2017
Hi John. Honestly now that I have the approval hard copy, I think it's time to mothball the beacon JAM. It was a lot of fun. I can drag it out for special events. I have a Lowfer antenna in the air already. All I need for 2200 meters is a new air core coil and an xmiter. The JUMA TX136 might be my choice. Thanks to all the folks who looked for JAM in the past.
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by Finman on November 23, 2017 at 13:31:06.
In reply to 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Lee on November 23, 2017
Hi lee. Forgive my ignorance but i was under the impression that if you didn't hear back after 30 days you were good to go. We're talking 600 meter amateur band operation correct?
Re: Looking for LF beacons (SJ)
Posted by Sal,K1RGO on November 24, 2017 at 01:47:22.
In reply to Re: Looking for LF beacons (SJ) posted by John Davis on November 23, 2017
Hi John Re: Unkown Hifer?
I have not seem many reports on SJ in the last couple of years, it seems like interest is down thus a 12 hour run by request. However if activity picks up, I can do 12 hrs daily. I have run QRSS but have not copied any QRSS on 630 m lately but I am having 630 m CW QSOs.
later......
Sal
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 24, 2017 at 04:11:31.
In reply to Re: Unkown Hifer? posted by Finman on November 21, 2017
You're about 120 miles due West of me - will keep an ear out for your sig.
K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Jack Roblin on November 24, 2017 at 07:29:56.
Has anyone built, and now running, the simple to build K0LR HiFer transmitter?
lwca.org/library/articles/k0lr/protoboardXmttr
Any tips, tricks, and advice on it?
I may just have to get an order together for Digikey soon!
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Finman on November 24, 2017 at 17:32:39.
In reply to K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by Jack Roblin on November 24, 2017
Hi Jack;
I first looked at that circuit before building my current transmitter. I don't remember what the total cost was but if I'm remembering correctly, the Epson oscillator wasn't cheap and you had to have it programmed for your frequency. Then you need to buy the keyer board and assemble that, the toroids and caps for the filter..... Have you looked at the U3S exciter from QRP Labs?. It's a kit but for only $33 you get a stable fully functional transmitter with a filter for the band of your choice. It's a great deal and it does a lot!.
Reminder: LOWfer NET Saturday 3927 Khz 0800 California time
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 24, 2017 at 17:07:21.
Hi Everyone,
Reminder: LOWfer NET Saturday 3927 Khz 0800 California time
Hope to see you there.
Jerry WA6OWR
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by Finman on November 24, 2017 at 17:53:29.
In reply to 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Lee on November 23, 2017
Lee, once you've applied to the UTC, if you don't hear back from them in 30 days you can then operate. I've never heard of someone receiving an "approval" Please clarify.
Thank you. Threads 'strange beacon' and 'goodbye' Removed
Posted by Webmaster on November 24, 2017 at 20:07:50.
I'd already removed one post that crossed the line yesterday, but these two threads spiraled entirely out of control over the past 24 hours and cannot be salvaged in threaded form. It's not even clear whether individual posts can --or should-- be saved for the board archive.
This site certainly does not condone dirty signals or those that occupy bandwidth beyond established band plans for extended periods of time, operation of services inconsistent with amateur rules, etc.
Conversely, neither do we allow personal abuse to be heaped on other users, allegations of serious misconduct hidden behind vaguely threatening wording or non-specific generalizations, irrelevant political diatribes, or other substantially off-topic content.
If there's to be any further discussion of this issue, it needs to be done in a considerably toned down and more collegial manner, as we are supposed to be colleagues working toward improvement of the radio art as well as increasing opportunities for our fellow operators.
John
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by John Davis on November 24, 2017 at 22:49:58.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by Finman on November 24, 2017
[quote] if I'm remembering correctly, the Epson oscillator wasn't cheap and you had to have it programmed for your frequency[/quote]
Actually. I think $4.10 is not too bad, and Digikey will program it for free if you specify the frequency when you order. One should be aware that there are versions of the SG-8002 for 3.3 V supplies nowadays, so be sure to order one for 5 V. Also, there is now a version with tighter frequency tolerance, the SGR-8002DB-STB, at the same price.
You don't really have to build up the keyer board. The K-ID2 chip doesn't need it to work in the KØLR circuit. And, the capacitors and inductors are all standard values, so no coils need be wound unless one just enjoys doing that.
Even with the quality and versatility of the U3S, a simple rig like this one can still be useful for beginner or intermediate operators.
John
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Dave on November 25, 2017 at 00:48:04.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by John Davis on November 24, 2017
I have built both the K0LR circuit and the Ultimate U3S. And they are both transmitting now the ID "FL".
The K0LR circuit is on a protoboard now and transmits "FL" in slow speed CW and is connected to a dipole cut for 22 meters in the attic. I have the K1EL chip programmed for the CW ID. The circuit I built is very close to the K0LR schematic with only minor changes, but just as simple.
The Ultimate U3S is much more time consuming to build but has many more options. It is feeding a another dipole, also in my attic, sending "FL" in FSKCW4.
The transmitted signals are about 0.5 Hz apart.
Dave
Re: Legal Loop Memories
Posted by Ed Holland on November 25, 2017 at 02:31:30.
In reply to Legal Loop Memories posted by John, W1TAG on November 22, 2017
Thank you John,
This has addressed my question very well. It also agrees with my suspicions!
I need some practice on LF receive and general experience in technical methods before going into beaconwering on this band.
Regards,
Ed
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by Lee on November 25, 2017 at 05:27:33.
In reply to Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Finman on November 23, 2017
Yes. That is what I heard/read myself. But in my case I got an actual e-mail response about approved 600 and 2200 meter use very close to 2 months later. KE6PCT .
Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
Posted by Finman on November 25, 2017 at 13:11:03.
In reply to Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Lee on November 25, 2017
Very interesting. Thanks Lee. Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Finman on November 25, 2017 at 13:19:35.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by John Davis on November 24, 2017
Hi John,
Thanks for the info. I didn't mean to discourage the poster, in fact my xmtr is cobbled from several W1FB circuits. Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval
My U3S should be arriving any day now.. Can't wait to get it on the air.
Posted by Finman on November 25, 2017 at 13:23:40.
In reply to Re: 600 meter 2200 meter Approval posted by Lee on November 25, 2017
Ok... thanks Lee. I put my request in back about the same time... wonder if I'll get a reply... we'll see.
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 26, 2017 at 05:15:33.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by Dave on November 25, 2017
Dave,
I'm curious - how long did your U3S build take, and did that iclude a QLG1 GPS module?
I only ask because I've never really discussed with other hams/experimenters their skills or experiences with building various kits.
I found the U3S build to be very straight forward and easy. For me, "quick" is a relative term, as my eyesight - once 20/20 - is now a hinderance when doing fine work. But given that, it was also a pretty quick build - which is to say, I finished the U3S itself and one BPF module in one sitting. I completed the other (20M) BPF and the QLG1 gps module in a second, shorter session at the bench.
Compared to kits I have previously built, such as the NORCAL/Sierra, Webber Dual-Bander, and Pi-TNC, etc., I found the U3S to be a low parts-count and easy project to complete. I'm just wondering how that lines up with other folks experience...
Thanks, Chuck
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Dave on November 26, 2017 at 11:47:30.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 26, 2017
My recollection is that I spread the U3S kit construction over a 2 or 3 day period --no GPS included.
My K0LR circuit uses homebrew wirewound toroids in the filter section, which differs from his schematic.
The first hifer I built used an NE555 to generate a very slow sawtooth waveform which was copied in Kansas a few years ago when we had a better (but declining) solar flux index.
Dave
630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 26, 2017 at 12:21:20.
I was tuning around this AM and heard NA around 475.5kc with a very good signal at 1135Z...RST 569. Just wondering if he is close to me....near Smithfield, NC.
RX: Ten-Tec RX340, 160m Inv. L
73 de Bill K4JYS
Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter
Posted by Finman on November 26, 2017 at 13:12:42.
In reply to Re: K0LR HiFer Transmitter posted by Chuck, N1KGY on November 26, 2017
Hi Chuck.
Mine arrived yesterday and I'm building it right now so I'll let you know how it goes. So far it's an easy build. The instructions are very good. (no gps on mine)
Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
Posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 26, 2017 at 13:19:13.
In reply to 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 26, 2017
Never mind....found some previous posts. Now I remember. Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
Bill
Posted by John Davis on November 26, 2017 at 18:04:22.
In reply to Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 26, 2017
One thing I don't understand about the signal is why people are able to copy it as "NA" if it is supposed to be a re-creation or demonstration of a four course radio range from the "good old days" of aviation. As a youngster, I heard the real thing from a few different airports at the listening post in our garage, and the signal was always "A" against a background whine, or always "N", or the two so close in amplitude as to yield a steady tone between transmissions of the beacon's identifier. The real deal could never produce "NA".
LowFER MLS
Posted by Garry K3SIW on November 26, 2017 at 18:43:44.
Lowfer MLS was coming through quite well here this morning until about 1342Z. After that the solid Morse characters disappeared and seem to have been replaced with a weak trace drifting down then up in frequency vs time. EAR is strong and stable so the e-probe receiver seems to be working correctly.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin
Re: LowFER MLS
Posted by Mark on November 26, 2017 at 20:48:37.
In reply to LowFER MLS posted by Garry K3SIW (fwd) on November 26, 2017
My house lost power at sometime early this morning. That caused the controller on the beacon to reset to a standby mode. It's back on the air on QRSS30. Thanks . Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
.. Mark
Posted by Eric on November 26, 2017 at 22:51:55.
In reply to Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC posted by John Davis on November 26, 2017
I pointed this out the other day in the 2000-630m ON4KST chat. This is just another falsehood being propagated by the station operator.
Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
Posted by avid Frantz on November 27, 2017 at 13:45:53.
In reply to 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC posted by Bill, K4JYS on November 26, 2017
Bill, that portion of my beacon is Controled by a photo cell. I haven't had time to adjust the sensitivity I will adjust it to require more light to make the switch from WSPR mode to beacon mode.
Thank you for your input with my experiment. As an aside the beacon has no modulator as it uses space modulation. I am able to make very accurate phase measurements using space modulation.
I view the 630 meter band as an experimental band and am having a blast using it. I am going to change the power supply as another op notes some 60 hz on the carrier.
The antenna is 190 feet vertical using a extensive grounding system. You can view the antenna system by going to www.wwrb.org click on photo gallery and view LYQ beacon.
Again thank you for your input.
best 73's
Dave.
Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC
Posted by Joseph Puppa on November 27, 2017 at 15:32:36.
In reply to Re: 630m NA Beacon Heard in NC posted by avid Frantz on November 27, 2017
The WSPR signal being transmitted last night tore an 80 Hz chunk out of the band with filthy sidebands. After continuous warnings about trashing the band, I have sent screenshots and associated audio to FCC and OET. I am over 1500 km from the offender and am receiving multiple decodes. There is no way this is a 5W EIRP signal - but I'll let higher powers decide.
[Sentence redacted and thread locked 11/27. - Webmaster]
Joseph Puppa
630 beacon
Posted by david frantz on November 27, 2017 at 17:22:24.
wspr beacon 80 hz wide??? I am using ultimate 3 as the exciter.... the 80 hz could be the power supply??? telling the fcc? they could care less about our play time as it is not important as cable tv and the internet.
Look just admit it that you don't like my activities! so be it....My next door neighbor does not like the fact that I operate a small aircraft right next door!...... I get it
it is what it is
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by Finman on November 27, 2017 at 17:41:34.
In reply to 630 beacon posted by david frantz on November 27, 2017
David; What is the amateur callsign of your 630m beacon?.
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by david frantz on November 28, 2017 at 00:04:25.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by Finman on November 27, 2017
It is WA4SZE/B it id 's every 8 Minutes or so. I could let it open carrier but for fun I let it send NA. My aircraft students use it for Radio Range tracking using their ears for guidance. The FCC says...other related activities so I introduce my students to ham radio. Re: 630 beacon
using the radio range besides it's historical.
Posted by Eric on November 28, 2017 at 01:00:48.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by david frantz on November 28, 2017
If this is a historically accurate Adcock range (AN) and being used in actual avionics navigation, why aren't the "A" and "N" characters interleaved so as to create a continuous tone when "on the beam"?
As it sounds now, it's just a simple AM beacon modulated with 1000Hz CW using standard timing and one sideband suppressed (though it's not adequately suppressed).
60 hz noise
Posted by 630 meter beacon strange on November 28, 2017 at 01:12:05.
Greetings to all :
I checked to beacon in WSPR mode it seems ok?? did not detect any 60 hz riding on it??? but when I get the chance I will change the power supply.
My antenna is a 190 foot high REAL NDB antenna not some ham job wound on a 5 gallon bucket! The loading coil is a 1.0 Inch copper ribbon coil and the grounding system is professionally installed with 120 each # 4 copper radials
It is no wonder that it smokes and gets out real well ...the vertical run (190 feet) is 1/2 inch ASCR utility cable the top is 1/2 top loaded.
To see the antenna visit www.wwrb.org and view the photo gallery you will see LYQ beacon that is the antenna.
The tpo is just under 6 watts so you that accuse me of running excessive power can see that with that type of antenna we BLAST
it cost about 4000 dollars 10 years ago to install that antenna: like I said it's not some ham job wound on a 5 gallon bucket.
Re: 60 hz noise
Posted by Eric on November 28, 2017 at 01:52:25.
In reply to 60 hz noise posted by 630 meter beacon strange on November 28, 2017
0142 20 0.2 0.475652 0 WA4SZE EM65 23 565
0142 -17 0.2 0.475592 0 WA4SZE EM65 23 565
0142 -15 0.1 0.475712 0 WA4SZE EM65 23 565
0142 -24 0.2 0.475772 0 WA4SZE EM65 23 565
Just check the wsprnet.org spots page. Not hard to see there's a problem.
===
"It is no wonder that it smokes and gets out real well"... that doesn't make any sense if you understand the concept of EIRP. Absolutely NONE.
Someone with a shorter vertical, less top loading, lossier loading coil (yeah, that includes 5 gal buckets), and a less extensive radial field (thus higher ground loss) with the **correct** TPO to reach 5W EIRP will get out just as well. Study up. You're really coming off as not too impressive with your knowledge.
Sorry, this isn't the 30M group OM...
Re: 60 hz noise
Posted by David Frantz on November 28, 2017 at 02:08:26.
In reply to Re: 60 hz noise posted by Eric on November 28, 2017
What would cause that??? I am some what new to WSPR I am using ultimate 3 with gps
Re: 60 hz noise
Posted by david frantz on November 28, 2017 at 02:14:46.
In reply to Re: 60 hz noise posted by David Frantz on November 28, 2017
I went to page but only see one report in last 10 minutes am I looking in the wrong stats? Re: 60 hz noise
could the 60 hz noise cause this? or is my signal so strong its oveloading???
Posted by Eric on November 28, 2017 at 02:36:54.
In reply to Re: 60 hz noise posted by david frantz on November 28, 2017
http://wsprnet.org/drupal/wsprnet/spotquery
Enter your call in "Call" field. Set "Count" to 500. Everything else either blank or default. Click "Update". Should see spots from all stations. Re: 630 beacon
Posted by John Davis on November 28, 2017 at 06:20:36.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by Eric on November 28, 2017
This afternoon was one of the rare opportunities I'll have this entire winter to go to the farm and listen here in Kansas, so I did. I have to agree that the "NA" identifier is nothing like a four course range, and since all of us in all directions hear it the same, there's no evidence of the current configuration having any navigational demonstration value. (The actual ham call is sent at intervals of slightly less than 10 minutes.)
No matter how one chooses to label the method by which the sideband is generated, the result is still an unnecessarily wide MCW signal for all practical purposes. And the sideband gives a rather low modulation index when referenced to the needlessly powerful carrier...the latter producing a reading of S4 (except when seemingly being reverse-modulated during keying), which is greater than the signal of WG2XIQ was when it operated at 20 W EIRP over a shorter, higher conductivity path.
Now we're being told "The tpo is just under 6 watts...." but I think people can be forgiven their presumption of higher power when an earlier post very clearly stated a 100 W transmitter was being used with the 190 foot antenna. It's hard to figure out what's going on when the information offered is so vague and/or subject to such wide swings.
Re: 60 hz noise
Posted by John Davis on November 28, 2017 at 06:41:34.
In reply to Re: 60 hz noise posted by Eric on November 28, 2017
"could the 60 hz noise cause this?"
It certainly can. Sidebands produced in the PA stage by modulation from a hum-infested power supply will track the carrier frequency shifts of WSPR at offset intervals of 60 and/or 120 (sometimes even 180) Hz. The result is exactly the sort of multiple decodes shown in the database.
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by Finman on November 28, 2017 at 13:59:22.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by david frantz on November 28, 2017
David, I'm sure you realize when you're sending "NA" on 630meters as a callsign you are operating illegally. Plain and simple.
PVC back on
Posted by ed holland on November 28, 2017 at 19:33:23.
Hi Folks,
Unfortunately, PVC's novice operator failed to return it to the air following a listening session, meaning no operation since Tuesday last week. It was returned to sending last evening (11/27/17).
Cheers
Ed
Re: PVC back on
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 28, 2017 at 20:00:46.
In reply to PVC back on posted by ed holland on November 28, 2017
Check HFU: I posted that I heard it at 1609 utc today...
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by David Frantz on November 29, 2017 at 02:24:38.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by Finman on November 28, 2017
If you listen to the Beacon it id's as WA4SZE every 8 minutes or so. Now I could switch the beacon to on off keying But you know what there would be still complaining. When we operated beacon LYQ on 529 khz we got hundreds of letters from broadcast band dx'ers
COMPLAINING that LYQ messed up some cuban station..... the FAA had assigned that chanel and we had no say. When we built WGTG shortwave in Georgia you guess it COMPLAINERS about property value I was shot at 5 times with a GUN over complainers SAME when we built WWRB.... SAME thing when I operated a small aircraft
on property..... COMPLAINERS my property value! MY PROPERTY in georga waas HELD UP for 15 YEARS in court because of COMLAINERS! I STILL had to pay all the upkeep and taxes on it for 15 years!
I AM SICK AND TIRED OF PEOPLE period!!!!!! People can go and ##### themselves as far as I am concerned with thier COMPLAINING ..... PERIOD
IF I am doing some thing wrong.....then the FCC will deal with it For now, I will change the poweer supply and adjust the photo cell for the switch WHEN I GET A CHANCE.
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by Webmaster on November 29, 2017 at 20:18:28.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by David Frantz on November 29, 2017
To those whose posts were deleted today: I hoped I had made it clear before that we will not tolerate personal abuse of any individuals, or non-specific allegations of wrongdoing hidden behind the anonymity of a made-up screen name, regardless of the frustration level that has built up over the years from this same type of activity in other amateur bands. If this type of posting continues, I will not only close this thread but will also ask moderators to immediately delete any and all new threads concerning this beacon, or experiment, or whatever it's supposed to be.
And David, we've gone out of our way to try to make this board a safe place for you to explain what you're doing, and to maybe receive some technical help. However, you seem to regard questions as criticism, just as much as you do actual complaints. When you say you have no regard for other people because they're complainers, don't you see that this is a classic chicken-or-the-egg conundrum? It could just as easily be stated as "people are complainers because I have no regard for others." Which comes first? Lather, rinse, repeat endlessly is no different from rinse, lather, repeat endlessly...the irritation increases over time either way.
We are supposed to be able to discuss things here and even criticize when necessary, but only if it's done in a civilized manner. Some people these days like to portray civility as political correctness or a manifestation of the "nanny state," but it's a truly important human value and it's the way we try to do things here.
John
Re: 630 beacon
Posted by David Frantz on November 30, 2017 at 02:14:22.
In reply to Re: 630 beacon posted by Webmaster on November 29, 2017
I am very sorry this turned out this way I love experimenting with various modulation forms and antennas. I am VERY happy that our FCC allows us spectrum at no charge ( regulatory fee's) I am happy that they allow for us experimenters to experiment. I view right or wrong 630 meters as an Experimental band with lots of FUN to be had...... As a result of this I am dropping WSPR for the time being and dropping the space modulation experiment and converting my beacon to on /off keying (CW) 24/7 using 476 khz as allowed in the FCC rules pure beacon. or I might make it FSK for ID pure beacon as I need the carrier to be on for my other experiments 24/7.
I built a four course radio range from scratch, made a video thinking that other hams would find it unique and interesting PLUS inviting my aircraft students to see how neet ham radio is but no more!! as my students are under 20 years old wanting to be Airline pilots but in no way will i introduce them to ham radio and all of the TOXIC people.
I let LQY beacon's license expire due to all of the anger received with it operation
causing QRM to some cuban station that is operating in the NDB beacon band It cost us $ 75.00 per month in electric but i left it on so others could enjoy..... but no nothing but anger so it's QRT.
in closing wa4sze/b is nothing more than a propagation beacon now parked on 476 khz as allowed by the FCC regulations.
Thank you.
potrzebie
