File Attachment 1: 30octa6.jpg
Re: Fall propagation 630 m
Ray, Agreed things are looking up.
I just started monitoring 630 m WSPR again in the last few weeks and was rewarded with a lot of reports last night, including a couple of VE stations at distances >1000 km. A previous session ~7 Days hence, netted only one station from Southern California.
I'll share the list when I get back home.
/Ed
Re: Fall propagation 630 m
Posted by swlem3 on November 01, 2021 at 20:12:14.
In reply to Re: Fall propagation 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 01, 2021
Very good Ed. I was decoding 2200m last night, so I missed the action. Yep, we're moving into another promising mf-lf dx season. Ok on the list, I'll look for it.
Ray
Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado
Posted by Ed Holland on November 01, 2021 at 23:13:18.
In reply to hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by Bill Hensel on October 30, 2021
FJB Came in just audible while monitoring the top half of the band yesterday (Sun 31st) during the afternoon. No problem at all identifying from traces in Spectrum Lab.
Ed
HiFERs Saturday
Posted by John Davis on November 02, 2021 at 06:38:50.
Saw RY for the first time this season when I went to the field about 6 PM on 30 October.
Did a band scan for the next half hour while the receiver stabilizied.
WV was nicely audible with its six dots, six dashes, "WV WV WV /B" ident; but now seems to hover a lot closer to 13554.0 than 554.1 these days. TON was faintly visible at 13558.500.
In the upper half of the band, YSO continued audible and within a few Hz of 13563.500, as it has been doing reliably every day I've listened in October. Unfortunately ABBY has remained inaudible over that same span, but shows faint visible traces sometimes at 13564.730.
RF was visible but barely audible with its tilted dash after seven IDs, near 564.900; FRC was faintly visible but not yet audible; KAH was visible and sometimes audible; and WAS was faintly visible. No ODX, though.
The attachment shows the watering hole a few minutes after sunset. Half an hour before, MTI had been bright, and 15 minutes before, RY was audible for a time. But by the time the receiver (Kenwood #3, 'Old Drifty') had settled down, the band had begun a gradual decline. LCSC and USC were still strong, as were NC and EH with some fading episodes.
7P was not as strong as earlier, and its frequency was visually squirming, apparently from the reference oscillator using a switched-capacitance temperature compensation, rather than linear. VA3ROM made a brief, ghostly appearance during its telemetry block. And at the other extreme of signal strength, well, F the mystery beacon.
Frequencies are correct within better than ±1 Hz on this capture.
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 30octa6.jpg
Sunday HiFERs - Part 1
At long last--PBJ again!
Most recent time seen here was back in May. What a treat!
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 31octb5.jpg
EDJ short skip to K5MO HIFER Grabber
Unusual short skip of my EDJ into John's HiFER grabber this morning.
Thanks John!
Bob Re: Hifers heard
EDJ
Posted by John Davis on November 03, 2021 at 20:01:14.
In reply to Hifers heard posted by F. Cathell on October 31, 2021
Frank, does RR-dash repeat about 9.5 times a minute? As I will be reporting in another message, I think I heard it late Sunday afternoon, but couldn't be sure of the ID because of so much West Coast codar at the same time.
Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado
Posted by John Davis on November 03, 2021 at 20:37:53.
In reply to hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by Bill Hensel on October 30, 2021
Bill, you haven't hidden FJB behind a shield on the east, have you? :)
I've always had trouble pulling in signals from Pine, which seems to be on the edge of my first skip zone. I'm aware a guy in central Missouri copies you, but he has the advantage of a hundred-plus miles more spacing.
Now that YSO is on the air right at 13563.50 and is regularly audible here in EM27kc, my odds of a positive ID look even dimmer if it turns out you are indeed very close to the nominal frequency. On Sunday, I got all excited when I began hearing a signal that sometimes appeared to have a "J" during breaks in the YSO ID. It started out 15 Hz below YSO, then briefly QSYed to a few Hz above, then drifted back down after a minute or so (something I've never known your beacons to do). Eventually, it was in the clear long enough for me to hear it was actually "2" and not "J," and soon after I could tell that the number was preceded by "AN."
Today at 1815 UTC, however, I was copying YSO by ear while watching the keying sideband pattern on Argo, when I noticed another set of keying sidebands only 4 Hz above YSO. I first assumed it was AN2 and paid no attention; it wasn't strong enough yet to be audible anyway. The Who's lyric, "we won't be fooled again," immediately sprang to mind.
But it turns out I had jumped to a conclusion, because I tuned to the next audible signal, some 415 Hz higher in frequency, and THAT one turned out to be AN2 today!
The one 4 Hz higher than YSO never became audible, so I have no idea whether that was you or not, but it motivates me to keep trying. A little more solar flux might eventually make the difference.
ČRo Radiožurnál - 270 kHz - closing 31 December
Posted by Mike Terry on November 04, 2021 at 09:48:31.
This Czech station is closing down at the end of this year.
Chaîne 3 - 252 kHz
Posted by Mike Terry on November 04, 2021 at 09:50:19.
This Algerian station has been inactive for long periods.
13555300 signal
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 04, 2021 at 17:26:15.
I have had WM Hifer off air for the past two days while I have been grabbing on the qrss portion of the Hifer band. I have been curious about the impact of the higher solar activity.
I have set up QRSSPIG to grab from 13555250 thru 13555700 using an sdr receiver. With WM QRT, I am seeing a carrier, which may be keyed, come and go that is directly on 13555300.
Have I been transmitting on top of another beacon? Has anyone else seen this? I can put screen captures of the past couple days on the web if anyone is interested. I will likely leave WM off for a couple more days for more captures.
Mike 73
Re: 13555300 signal
Posted by John Davis on November 04, 2021 at 18:09:45.
In reply to 13555300 signal posted by Mike N8OOU on November 04, 2021
No sign of anyone on 13555.300 here--or anybody below .375, for that matter, not even VA3ROM for the past few days. Would certainly be interested in seeing your captures, Mike.
Re: 13555300 signal
Posted by John K5MO on November 04, 2021 at 22:54:21.
In reply to Re: 13555300 signal posted by John Davis on November 04, 2021
Hi Mike
I saw you clearly those days you wee testing,but I did not see anyone around that you might have been interfering with. I think you were/are in the clear.
Band has been terrible today though with only brief openings showing up.
no wspr2 hifers
Posted by swlem3 on November 04, 2021 at 23:09:44.
Generally, one submits reports of stations heard or decoded. Today, I'm submitting a report of no stations heard/decoded all day (that is wspr2 hifers). Maybe it was the flare. Better luck tomorrow, hopefully.
Ray ... N. Central Texas
Re: 13555300 signal
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 05, 2021 at 00:42:46.
In reply to Re: 13555300 signal posted by John Davis on November 04, 2021
JD, and JK5,
Thanks for your feedback. This is the first time I have seen anything on that frequency.
I have put 3 new links on my qsl.net/n8oou page. 2 links are screen grabs from this morning showing the carrier. I believe one page shows a good id of 7P. The 3rd link shows the most current page of the live grabber. It is updated every 10 minutes.
Over the past 24 hours, I have seen most of the current Hifers. I am working on a slide show type presentation as a file to download from that site.
Mike 73
Re: 13555300 signal
Posted by John Davis on November 05, 2021 at 08:26:27.
In reply to Re: 13555300 signal posted by Mike N8OOU on November 05, 2021
Interesting, Mike. From the randomness of the timing of the mystery signal, I would tentatively conclude it to be random spur from parts unknown. That one shot featuring 7P is certainly nice and clear.
FJB Copied!
Posted by John Davis on November 05, 2021 at 08:44:09.
In reply to Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by John Davis on November 03, 2021
At last, FJB made it into SE Kansas on Wednesday evening. It was unclear at first who was present with AN2 and all the codar, but in the 30 seconds after 0000 UTC/7:00 PM CDT/6:00 MDT, it gradually reached audibility.
And then the ionosphere apparently blew a fuse, because the bright trace was the last one seen that evening.
The sound file contains the final three visible traces. The first one is too indistinct; the second at about 9 seconds into the clip has a reasonably audible J; and the final one has the full ID audible starting at 14 seconds in. After that one, you may be able to just discern the keying of AN2, slightly higher in pitch.
As I often like to say, DX is where and when you find it. That's why I like to use Argo QRSS3 mode even when I'm listening aurally for CW signals. It often gives me a clue that it may be worthwhile to listen further for a signal that may not yet be audible--and in this case, may not remain audible for long.
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: fjb1.mp3
File Attachment 2: 3nov-FJB.jpg
Re: 13555300 signal
John,
After another day of watching 22m, it does seem to be just a carrier with QSB that imitates some "intelligence". I have updated the QSL.NET/N8OOU page to include a link which points to my first attempt at a full 24 hours, of 10 minute grabs, of 22m.
I reduced the resolution of the images to conserve bandwidth, and page load times. Also I need to further fine tune the color scale of the grabs, I am new to the QRSSPIG software. This is a shakedown of a lot of new things here. Any feedback is welcome.
Mike 73
Re: FJB Copied!
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 05, 2021 at 14:33:29.
In reply to FJB Copied! posted by John Davis on November 05, 2021
John Congrats: You live right at the edge of the skip zone I would guess. Re: no wspr2 hifers
Would you like a QSL card? I would be pleased to send you one.
Posted by Ed Holland on November 05, 2021 at 17:40:45.
In reply to no wspr2 hifers posted by swlem3 on November 04, 2021
In science, no data or response can be just as important as the result one hoped to see ;-)
Ed
Re: no wspr2 hifers
Posted by swlem3 on November 05, 2021 at 19:37:00.
In reply to Re: no wspr2 hifers posted by Ed Holland on November 05, 2021
You're right Ed! Btw, I'm logging a few hifer wspr2's today. Guess prop is picking back up again. Seeing SIW and SZX.
Ray
Re: 136.450 kHz beacon 2200 meters update
Posted by Lee on November 05, 2021 at 22:38:08.
In reply to 136.450 kHz beacon 2200 meters update posted by Lee on September 03, 2021
Well it looks like the roof solar project is taking forever. In light of that we will be off air till 2022. Will keep everyone appraised of the situation.
LSF
Posted by mike hayden on November 06, 2021 at 13:19:24.
Just an update... LSF continues to operate CW from FM19js 24/7. 13.557.227 MHz.
Mike
TSN into KFS sdr
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2021 at 16:10:54.
Never before have I ever seen/heard a Hifer at s6 on the KFS sd omni antenna
time was 1602utc and as I type this it is s4-s5...
FJB is only s3
Re: TSN into KFS sdr
Posted by John K5MO on November 06, 2021 at 17:00:05.
In reply to TSN into KFS sdr posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2021
You really need to make sure FJB is heard far and wide, Bill!
Re: TSN into KFS sdr
Posted by Edward Holland on November 06, 2021 at 18:12:16.
In reply to TSN into KFS sdr posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2021
Beat me to it Mr Hensel :-)
TSN was loud and clear here at PVC headquarters this morning ~10:45 PDT (1745 UTC). Not heard for some time, but easy copy for this elementary level Morse student.
Ed
Re: Sunday HiFERs - Part 2
Posted by John Davis on November 07, 2021 at 01:26:16.
In reply to Sunday HiFERs - Part 1 posted by John Davis on November 02, 2021
Going to go ahead and claim reception of RR (dash) on Halloween. With the beacon op apparently unwilling to reply to me, and no one else yet confirming the ID repetition rate I noticed of 9.5 per minute, either, it's only about a 99% certainty. I can't claim to have heard an entire "RR" but there were many individual R's plus bits and pieces consistent with another R, but certainly never any longer characters.
Codar ruined the audio recordings I made, and is visible in most of the Argo captures, which I made at various times between 6 PM and 7:20 PM CDT that evening. One of those, attached, shows the dash to have an upward drift of nearly 10 Hz. The log file with my frequency calibration notes did not survive the transfer process, but the signal was higher than listed...somewhere above 13562.5 kHz.
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: oct31a44.jpg
Re: Sunday HiFERs - Part 3
One of my projects last Sunday was to measure frequencies accurately for the next update of the beacon list. It's not something I do that often when using R-5000 #3, Old Drifty, because it is so sensitive to temperature variations. Most of the time when I'm using it, the readings I give are approximately within ±2.5 Hz, but for brief intervals like the attached watering hole capture, from roughly 3:15 to 3:20 PM, the accuracy was as good as 5X10-8 (1/2 part in 10 million).
In the process of gathering these watering hole measurements, I observed two situations that make copy of other stations more difficult than it ought to be. In that interval, these were the measured values relative to 13555 kHz (parentheses indicate observed fluctuations over longest available extended observations):
lcsc .576 (few Hz) nc .526 (+/- 100 Hz season to season) eh .492 (+/- 50 Hz season to season) 7p .463 (~2 Hz jumps in stepped TCXO; until recently at .472) usc .402 (+3/-0 Hz thus far; overlaps K3SIW WSPR at times) ry .390/.395 == edj .383/.389 (+/- 1 Hz or less in this mode thus far; sometimes as little as 1 Hz apart from RY) tmi .375 ==The double equal signs indicate TMI and RY are in agreement with WWV to greater precision than I can discern via skywave.
Other signals last Sunday, in the hour before those readings, included WV at 13554.015 (has ranged from under .030 to higher than .105 in past two weeks); PBJ on 13.480; TON at 13558.500; AN2 ranging from 13563.480 to .590; YSO on 13563.503; ABBY faintly visible at 13564.735 (not audible for a few weeks now); RF visible, sometimes audible at 13564.890; KAH fair to good at 13566.052; WAS visible 13566.215; ODX visible, vy faintly audible 13566.457.
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: oct31a11.jpg
TSN into Kansas
Thanks for the heads-up, guys, and for the great signal, Frank. I didn't start listening today until after 6 PM CDT, and when I first checked on the watering hole there were only RY and 7P...but 7P was still promising enough that I figured it couldn't hurt to try for TSN.
Got one capture and a mediocre recording of TSN a few minutes after sunset, and was pretty happy with that as it was my first reception of TSN ever.
Then I tuned around the band to see who, if anyone, might be present. Nobody else was, except for K6FRC and lots of codar.
Finally, after 30 minutes, I went back to 13555.9 and watched as TSN built up to audibility again--and kept right on building, up to the time when the day/night terminator was halfway between here and Tucson. The attached Argo shot and MP3 clip are very nearly the peak of the strongest, cleanest portion of the signal. Really a joy to copy.
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 6novb6.jpg
File Attachment 2: tsn2.mp3
TSN beacon
Thanks for the report on TSN. I finally got it out and running last week. I need to find the original schematic but the output comes directly from a chip running on a 5V rail. There is a small pi-network before the antenna connection. The measured output into a 50 ohm load using a scope was about 3.8 mW. I thought there was no way this was going to do much, so what a surprise! Still hearing K6FRC, RR, and FJB here in Tucson.
Frank
WM Hifer back on air
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 08, 2021 at 14:23:50.
I have collected enough info on my hifer receiving effort, so I stopped the grabber and removed all links to it. I have restarted the WM Hifer Beacon in it's normal configuration, but at reduced output power.
One big point that I discovered from this effort is that using a SDR/Computer type receiver introduces a lot more "risk of failure" compared to a traditional radio. In the future, I will use an old school radio for this purpose.
Mike 73
Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado
Posted by Jim Bailey on November 08, 2021 at 15:54:55.
In reply to Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by John Davis on November 03, 2021
Bill,
I just ran across your post. I never dreamed that 4.6 mw could make QRM but there you go. If you like, I would be happy to take YSO off the air for a few days so you can listen for FJB. It would give me some time to do some listing too. Drop me a line at the email address above as I don't check these postings on a daily basis.
73, Jim AJ8S
TSN and grey line DX
Posted by Bill Hensel - AA0RQ on November 08, 2021 at 17:23:26.
I have been operating QRP in the ham bands since I was a Novice back in 1976.
Today TSN was S5 into the KFS SDR so I decided to wait until the grey line hit the Hawaiian Islands and listened on a SDR over in Hawaii. Sure enough when the Grey Line hit the Islands at 1640utc TSN came in loud and clear. That was the first Time I ever heard a Hifer 3.5 MW beacon that far away.
I just thought HIFER beacon operators would get a big smile on their faces when they heard the "good news" . 73 and good DX Bill in Pine , Colorado. Re: WM Hifer back on air
Posted by John K5MO on November 08, 2021 at 17:30:34.
In reply to WM Hifer back on air posted by Mike N8OOU on November 08, 2021
Will look forward to seeing WM tonight at gray line, Mike. You were scorching the pixels here before.
John
YSO Grows a Pair...
Posted by John Davis on November 08, 2021 at 20:45:03.
In reply to Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by Jim Bailey on November 08, 2021
...of Sidebands that is.
But it's not causing QRM here so far as I can tell. FJB is such a rarity at this location, in any case, that the absence of YSO would merely deprive me of one more station to look for on a daily basis. I observe that nobody who has reported FJB on a more or less regular basis has yet mentioned YSO interfering even once! I can't blame a beacon operator for shutting down briefly for listening, Jim, but I would encourage you not to do so for multiple days at a stretch. If you do shut down, of course, please post here ahead of time so we'll know why the signal is absent.
As for the sidebands I mentioned, those seem to be something new. I'll have to describe them verbally for now, since I'm temporarily unable to transfer image files to the thumb drive. One set is roughly 10 Hz above the main signal, and another set (still fainter) ranges from 8 to 5 Hz below it. I'm puzzled about their origin, however, and even somewhat reluctant to call them sidebands, because they each have different anomalous behaviors!
When I first saw the upper set this morning, I was initially inclined to think AN2 had drifted down again. But it soon became clear that the timing of the keying was identical MOST of the time, and the QSB was identical between main and upper signals ALL of the time. (By "most" I mean that there are a few instances where signal is present in the upper sideband vicinity when it was not on the main frequency; but never the other way around. My working hypothesis is that I was accidentally right the first time about AN2 also being on the upper frequency, and I was seeing a combo of AN2 with YSO-prime.)
The lower pseudo-sideband is a really strange duck. It's weaker than the upper one, and I didn't notice it for several seconds. When I realized it was there and was being keyed in perfect sync with the main YSO, only seeming to suffer a little more deeply from the same QSB, I thought I had a handle on it. There have been other HiFER transmitters (such as KAH) that have outputted a similar trio of close-spaced signals from time to time. But then, it threw me a curve! I noticed it was drifting upward slowly! It went from being nearly 10 Hz under the main signal to only 5 or 6 Hz below over a span of about five minutes.
No idea what to make of that.
Re: TSN and grey line DX
Posted by John Davis on November 08, 2021 at 21:02:08.
In reply to TSN and grey line DX posted by Bill Hensel - AA0RQ on November 08, 2021
Congrats, Bill, and an interesting observation. My Halloween reception of FJB was slightly post-gray-line, as was TSN a couple of nights ago. Perhaps the tilt of the ionosphere at the daylight terminator favors E-W and W-E paths at slightly different times.
OOK but not Morse?
Posted by KB7AQD on November 08, 2021 at 21:16:17.
Are there current data modes that use on/off keying that are not Morse? 73 de kb7aqd
Re: OOK but not Morse?
Posted by John Davis on November 08, 2021 at 21:23:47.
In reply to OOK but not Morse? posted by KB7AQD on November 08, 2021
There are. Opera is one such, but I'm not aware of anyone using that with a HiFER. Another QRSS based mode with OOK is Dual Frequency CW (DFCW), where one frequency represents a Morse dot and a higher one represents a dash. RY currently uses this mode.
There are also various Part 18 ISM devices in the 22 m band that turn carriers on and off with varying timings that somewhat simulate on-off keying, but contain no intelligence.
Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 08, 2021 at 22:43:43.
In reply to Re: hifers heard today in Pine Colorado posted by Jim Bailey on November 08, 2021
Jim, Re: OOK but not Morse?
No need to shut YSO down...doesn't bother me in the least, after all life is short just have fun...
Posted by KB7AQD on November 09, 2021 at 17:49:59.
In reply to Re: OOK but not Morse? posted by John Davis on November 08, 2021
TNX! 73
Re: ČRo Radiožurnál - 270 kHz - closing 31 December
Posted by Mike Terry on November 10, 2021 at 11:12:57.
In reply to CRo Radiožurnál - 270 kHz - closing 31 December posted by Mike Terry on November 04, 2021
Czech public radio ‘Český Rozhlas‘ is stepping up its information campaign for listeners receiving mediumwave (and longwave) programmes, ahead of the planned switch-off of transmitters by the end of 2021. Re: BBC 198 kHz
https://blog.radioreporter.org/
Posted by Mike Terry on November 10, 2021 at 11:15:37.
In reply to Re: BBC 198 kHz posted by Ed Holland on October 26, 2021
Yes, apparently new valves can be manufactured for the transmitter.
There had been concern that there were only a few left.
All very old fashioned, but apparently true.
Mike
Re: OOK but not Morse?
Posted by Robert, VA3ROM on November 10, 2021 at 20:16:54.
In reply to OOK but not Morse? posted by KB7AQD on November 08, 2021
Hellschreiber is an Amateur Radio OOK mode, too. Re: OOK but not Morse?
Posted by John Davis on November 10, 2021 at 21:39:21.
In reply to Re: OOK but not Morse? posted by Robert, VA3ROM on November 10, 2021
Good point, Robert. These days it's possible to do certain graphics on screen with continuously variable frequency, but it's worth remembering ol' Dr. Hell performed his wonders with discrete frequency steps keyed on and off. If you can reproduce German alphabet characters with OOK, you've really got something. :)
Re: OOK but not Morse?
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 11, 2021 at 01:11:44.
In reply to Re: OOK but not Morse? posted by John Davis on November 10, 2021
John,
Good point about the graphics. SIW sends a Hifer ID as a slant code. "Hot Air Balloons" frequently cross ham band grabbers. Other critters have been seen crossing part 15 and part 97 grabber screens.
I saw this thread a couple days ago and the light bulb didn't come on. The entire WM Lowfer ID (FSK and WM segments) is a data file of pen strokes. The transmitter keying and frequency changes are specified by that file.
Mike 73
RY and WM
Posted by John on November 11, 2021 at 13:30:31.
I've been logging RY here in the AM for an hour or two right after sunrise. It appears directly under the battling SIW and LCX who battle it out much of the rest of the day on almost the same frequency.
Re: RY and WM
WM made some strong appearances right after dawn as well. Glad to catch it once again!
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 12, 2021 at 02:13:00.
In reply to RY and WM posted by John on November 11, 2021
John,
Thanks for the WM Hifer report. I am happy to learn it can still be received after lowering the output power. When I restarted the beacon I reduced the input power to half of it's previous value.
Today I took time to closely measure what is going up the coax to the antenna. My DIY RF Probe using an old time germanium diode measured 0.288 Vrms. My scope puts the output at 1.02 Vpp. The scope value computes to .0025W into a 50 Ohm load. Both measurements indicate the WM Hifer should be well below the FCC Requirements. When you see a strong appearance thank the Propagation Director.
Thanks for listening. Re: RY and WM
Mike 73
Posted by john on November 12, 2021 at 16:44:13.
In reply to Re: RY and WM posted by Mike N8OOU on November 12, 2021
3db down and still doing great Mike! You're drifting in and out of the grabber this morning with QSB changes.
SHO HiFer on the air
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 12, 2021 at 19:34:19.
I have HiFer beacon SHO on the air now. 13555620. It's on a 1/4 wave vertical with 4 elevated radials. Still have some adjusting to do, my radials are too short as this was used for a 20M vertical before. Have to lengthen them, but I'm not going to work in the rain right now! My QRP wattmeter and oscilloscope agree with 4.5mW.
Beacon is using a QRP Labs Ultimate 3S. Transmitting on a 10 minute cycle of 2 minute WSPR (KG7BZ) and 3 repetitions of SHO (Sweet Home Oregon)in QRSSFSK3. Attached is a capture of the transmission.
I'm located just outside Sweet Home, Oregon on a 1400 foot ridge.
August KG7BZ
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: SHO.jpg
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
We'll keep an eye out for SHO August. Probably iffy here in EM83du ( N GA. ) but the more western guys will probably catch you.
Good to have another sig to look for!
Bob Re: SHO HiFer on the air
WA1EDJ
EDJ
EM83du
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 12, 2021 at 21:29:00.
In reply to Re: SHO HiFer on the air posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 12, 2021
I'm sure it isn't radiating anywhere near as well as it could but I wanted to get it going. I'll be working on it in the next couple weeks.
August KG7BZ
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
Posted by Ed. Holland on November 12, 2021 at 22:53:10.
In reply to SHO HiFer on the air posted by August KG7BZ on November 12, 2021
Nice to learn of another station on the air - I will listen out for SHO in future monitoring sessions,
Good luck,
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
Ed
Posted by Zeak on November 13, 2021 at 00:09:54.
In reply to Re: SHO HiFer on the air posted by Ed. Holland on November 12, 2021
KG7BZ,
You are on the WA5DJJ Grabber (2340 - 0000Z, very fain, but you are there.
Zeak
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021 at 01:15:48.
In reply to Re: SHO HiFer on the air posted by Zeak on November 13, 2021
I see it there! Even in the 0040-0100z grab. Nice to see it's getting out somewhat. I should be able to improve it in the coming weeks.
August KG7BZ
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021 at 02:34:39.
In reply to Re: SHO HiFer on the air posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021
Looking back at his past grabs, I see a clear copy of SHO at 2216-2217z. Also shows up pretty clear on several other grabs this late afternoon. I feel good about this. It's working. Now to make some fine tuning on the antenna.
August KG7BZ
Re: SHO HiFer on the air
Posted by Zeak on November 13, 2021 at 03:33:57.
In reply to Re: SHO HiFer on the air posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021
KG7BZ,
Looks like I have/had you on Es here too, just the once this evening. Not a big signal but I'll keep watching.
UTC,dBm,dT,Freq,Call,Grid,Km,Pwr
0040 -26 0.1 13.555622 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
Zeak,
Receiver KiwiSDR
Ant: 80m dipole at 15m
location: DM12
SHO frequency change
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021 at 18:28:43.
I'm going to move SHO down to 13555445 so it's within the 200Hz window for WSPR. The move will happen later today.
August KG7BZ
SHO copy EM83du
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2021 at 00:41:18.
QRSS recption of SHO at 1845 local EM83du. Positive ID.
Very brief but positive.
WSPR decode of KG7BZ at 2330 UTC, 3552 KM.
Good job August!.
Bob Re: SHO copy EM83du
EDJ
EM83du
Monroe, GA.
Posted by August KG7BZ on November 14, 2021 at 02:10:08.
In reply to SHO copy EM83du posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2021
That's great! I'm happy it's working! Here's what the system looks like. The battery will run it for almost two weeks without a charge, but I'm going to add Solar charging soon.
August KG7BZ
SHO
CN84pk
Sweet Home, OR
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 20211113_114838-002.jpg
File Attachment 2: 20211113_120034-002.jpg
Re: SHO copy EM83du
The Ultimate 3S runs on 5V so I'm using a tiny DC-DC converter (0.5" x 0.75") rated at over an amp to reduce the 12V to 5V. Ends up drawing 34mA at 12V when not transmitting and 38mA when transmitting. I'm planning on adding a 15 watt solar panel with a small regulator to keep the battery charged. The 3S PA bias is turned way down to set the output to 4.5mW, confirmed with both my QRP wattmeter and Oscilloscope.
It transmits for 2 minutes WSPR and just under 6 minutes for QRSSFSK3. Then it spends 2 minutes doing GPS frequency calibration. The GPS receiver is attached to the inside top of the box. The battery is going to give a large thermal mass inside the box so there aren't quick temperature changes that cant be compensated for quickly by the 3S. I'm interested to see how well this holds the frequency during the winter.
August KG7BZ Re: SHO copy EM83du
SHO
Posted by John Davis on November 14, 2021 at 05:11:28.
In reply to Re: SHO copy EM83du posted by August KG7BZ on November 14, 2021
Really beautiful setup, August, and evidently highly effective.
Re: SHO copy EM83du
Posted by John K5MO on November 14, 2021 at 20:45:27.
In reply to Re: SHO copy EM83du posted by John Davis on November 14, 2021
I see you faintly in some of the last few grabs this past hour or two!
Good job!
Re: SHO copy EM83du
Posted by Zeak on November 15, 2021 at 01:56:54.
In reply to Re: SHO copy EM83du posted by John K5MO on November 14, 2021
KG7BX WSPR Report 14/15November 2021(Z)
From DM12lw
2120 -20 0.1 13.555447 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2130 -24 0.2 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2150 -24 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2200 -25 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2210 -22 0.2 13.555449 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2230 -24 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2240 -22 0.1 13.555449 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2250 -21 0.2 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2300 -20 0.2 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2310 -26 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2330 -10 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
2350 -27 0.2 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
0010 -24 0.1 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
0030 -27 0.0 13.555448 0 KG7BZ CN84 1384 7 (5.0 mW)
Also From AI6VN/KH6 KIWI RCVR,
http://mauisdr.wsprdaemon.org:8074/
Maui, Hi Grid BL10rx
0120 -14 0.1 13.555446 0 KG7BZ CN84 4035 7 (5.0 mW)
0130 -19 0.1 13.555446 0 KG7BZ CN84 4035 7 (5.0 mW)
0140 -16 0.1 13.555446 0 KG7BZ CN84 4035 7 (5.0 mW
FST4W Hifer
Receiver KiwiSDR
Ant: 80m dipole at 15m
location: DM12
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021 at 13:07:32.
I've temporarily disconnected my slash code hifer and replaced it with an FST4W 120 second transmitter. The frequency is now slightly lower (13.555430 MHz). The WSPR-2 transmitter continues to run as usual at 13.555404 MHz. Both signals use OCXOs for their freuqency references so should not wander, although the QRP-Labs Ultimate3S unit for WSPR-2 for some reason insists on trying to calibrate the frequency even though it's programmed not to do that. The power levels are matched and summed to a quarter-wave antenna.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 15, 2021 at 15:09:48.
In reply to FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
Garry,
I've never tried FST4W 120 mode. Is there a FST4W decoder in newer versions of WSJT-X?
I do use WSJT for WSPR decoding. But older versions.
TNX!
Bob Re: FST4W Hifer
EDJ
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021 at 15:23:57.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 15, 2021
Hi Bob,
The latest release of WSJT-X code is v2.5.2 at https://physics.princeton.edu/pulsar/k1jt/wsjtx.html. It works for many different transmission modes, including wspr-2 and the suite of fst4w modes. To be able to choose such modes you need to make sure the "Enable VHF and submode features" box is checked under Settings -> General. Choose "FST4W" on the Mode pulldown of the basic window display and set the T/R to 120s. There are a number of setting possibilities here, the longest being 1800s. That works great for serious DX on 136 kHz and is more sensitive than opera32.
Good luck, Garry, K3SIW
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 15, 2021 at 16:17:04.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
The slow data modes can be affected by Doppler Shift an other propagation anomalies at HF. Don’t expect miracles.
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 15, 2021 at 17:32:30.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
Ok, TNX Garry. I'll give it a try.
As a general question on WSPR, How much of a WSPR transmit cycle does the decoder need to see to get a full decode? I've never seen anyone mention this.
It seems on a long xmit cycle if there was not a lot of redundant data, a small dropout would kill it.
Just wondering.....
Bob Re: FST4W Hifer
EDJ
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021 at 17:46:48.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by John, W1TAG on November 15, 2021
John,
120s isn't slow for HF use; it's the same as wspr-2. fst4w isn't a miracle but it should be a bit more sensitive than wspr-2. I only mentioned the 1800s mode because it's very useful on 136 kHz, provided one has a lot of patience.
Garry, K3SIW
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021 at 18:03:28.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 15, 2021
Bob,
I'm sure both the original wspr and the new fst4w modes are well coded, meaning loss of bits here and there don't matter thanks to error correction. Anecdotally I'm sure I've even seen instances where a wspr signal dropped out continuously for a fraction of the 2 minute cycle (for example, due to bumping the tuning) but decoded successfully anyway. I've used both opera and op32rx software to decode VO1NA on 137.477 kHz. Decodes can be successful even when the fade indication is 30%. I expect the wsjt-x software to be at least that forgiving.
Garry, K3SIw
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 15, 2021 at 20:19:36.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
Thanks for clearing that up. I was wondering how that worked.
Bob Re: FST4W Hifer
EDJ
Posted by John Davis on November 15, 2021 at 21:24:12.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
Garry, I hate to dredge up this subject again because (a) it's not really applicable to HF, and (b) even merely ASKING about it on the WJST .io forum got me excommunicated by the high priests who protect the Almighty Code Developers in FST Valhalla from any interaction with pesky real-world users, but:
How do guys using 1800 second modes meet the 10 minute ID rule in the US ham bands?
Or do they even bother to try?
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021 at 23:04:18.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by John Davis on November 15, 2021
John,
10 minute ID isn't an issue on license-free spectrum but is for regular ham bands. The problem you raise applies to fst4w, 900 seconds too, not that hardly anyone uses the 15 minute mode. Certainly it's not a problem that should get one exorcised from a ham forum. The ease and anonymity of the Internet have sure done a job on civility.
Older wspr codes like v2.0 provide a choice for CW ID through setup -> advanced. The latest wsjt-x offering, v2.5.2, has a General entry for "Periodic CW ID Interval" set to a default value of 0. It might be possible to transmit at 100% duty cycle but I don't see how as the choices in the Main display window offer at most a 50% duty cycle. So that allows one to transmit exactly the 1800 (900)seconds needed by fst4w followed by a CW ID, once per hour (half-hour). I don't know what would happen on these longer modes if you enter the legal 10 minute value for the CW ID interval. Perhaps it just disallows any interval shorter than the digital transmission length. If it inserts "holes" in the digital transmission the strong coding would probably often let it decode anyway but some loss in sensitivity would accrue.
I'm currently monitoring my hifers running wsjt-x v2.5.2 for fst4w and wspr2.0 for wspr-2. I know how to launch multiple instances of the wsjt-x code but when I did that I found it wouldn't accept 13.5554 MHz for the frequency when the mode was set to wspr. Instead, it insisted on using the standard 20 mtr frequency. I'm purposely not uploading receptions to either the wspr spot database or psk reporter. I recall someone in the past mentioned some users were upset to see part 15 entries (pathetic). Opera software forces one to claim operation on 136 kHz for the 32 minute version regardless of what frequency you're really using. I send that mode on my lowfer M,W,F at 185.185 kHz. Thanks to the high falsing rate of opera I occasionally get 136 kHz qsl requests from far away. I've found Op32Rx software much less prone to falsing and more sensitive to boot.
On receive I get a red OOB (out-of-band) warning but that's okay because I'm not transmitting. To transmit I'm running wsjt-x v2.5.2 on another PC with the frequency set to 3.553900 MHz and the TX offset at 1500 Hz. The actual USB radio being used has its dial set to 3.55393 MHz so it outputs the digital signal centered at 3.55543 MHz. That's then mixed with a 10 MHz OCXO LO to 13.55543 MHz, high pass filtered to remove the LSB, amplified to match the wspr source at ~13.55540 MHz, summed with it, and sent to a quarter-wave vertical antenna.
I'll probably return to sending slash code in a few days but found it an interesting task to send fst4w. Perhaps one of these days it will be a standard offering by QRP-Labs and then life will be much simpler.
73, Garry, K3SIW
Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Ed Holland on November 15, 2021 at 23:26:56.
More later, when I have access to the details, but a WSPR monitor left on 630 m last night spotted many instances from a busy band, with signals received at >1000, >2000 and > 3000 km in a few cases.
Equipment used was WSJT-x at the software-end, PC connected to the receiver via a USB sound adapter. The antenna was an 80 Ft wire, approximately N-S oriented, at 20 ft elevation, transformer coupled to 75 Ohm coax at the feed. Receiver was my venerable Lowe HF-225.
Ed
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on November 16, 2021 at 15:21:37.
In reply to Busy Night on 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 15, 2021
Hi Ed, you've inspired me to have a crack at it myself. The setup that I normally use for Navtex DXing on 518 kHz. hasn't produced anything spectacular for over a week now, so it's time to try something else!
73, J.B., VE3EAR Algeria 252
Posted by Mike Terry on November 16, 2021 at 16:02:58.
Has been absent for months.
So RTE Ireland on 252 in clear channel.
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by swlem3 on November 16, 2021 at 16:19:13.
In reply to FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 15, 2021
Garry, I've copied the FST4W hifer and spots are being uploading to wsprnet.
Ray ... N. Central Texas
Re: SHO frequency change
Posted by Ed Holland on November 16, 2021 at 19:56:04.
In reply to SHO frequency change posted by August KG7BZ on November 13, 2021
I believe Spectrum Lab copied good traces of SHO on 14th Nov, in the window 1500 to 1600 PST. Nice work, and thanks for sharing pictures of the station.
Other notable reception was TSN making very good audible copy for long stretches during the same time frame. Alas, it was out of the monitoring window, but it is really nice to hear the signals rolling in.
/Ed
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 16, 2021 at 20:22:21.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by swlem3 on November 16, 2021
Thanks very much Ray. Propagation is poor today (could yesterday's snow have helped rather hurt?) but I do see decodes for both k3siw (wpsr2) and k3siw/1 (fst4w). As expected the latter seems to be a bit more sensitive. I'll leave things run and hope to see more decodes to better pin down the performance.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by swlem3 on November 16, 2021 at 21:08:08.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 16, 2021
Ok Garry. I had some wi-fi issues here, so there's more FST4W decodes than show on wsprnet at present. You have seven with a best of -26.
Ray
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021 at 13:24:12.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by swlem3 on November 16, 2021
Ray, the detect rate comparison was unfair as fst4w was sending at 50% duty cycle but wspr2 was sending just once per 10 minutes. I've changed the fst4w rate to 1/5 so now they should both send together once per 10 minutes.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: YSO Grows a Pair...
Posted by Jim Bailey, AJ8S on November 17, 2021 at 15:49:53.
In reply to YSO Grows a Pair... posted by John Davis on November 08, 2021
For what it's worth, listening on my Elad FDM-DUO I cannot detect any signals which have the appearance of sidebands.
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021 at 20:15:43.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021
Ok on changing the duty cycle Garry. One problem I'm having is that with the six digit locator, some of your decodes aren't printing out the callsign, so that particular decode will not show up in wsprnet logs. I get the dreaded . Today, I have 2 that didn't 1750 (-26db) and 1950 (-30db) UTC. Wierd, sometimes they decode, some times they don't.
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021 at 20:36:33.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021
Good point. I've been using /1 on the fst42 source to distinguish it from the wspr2 source. But that's not a type 1 message so the decode varies between sending the call only and sending the call plus 6 digit grid. Not sure why you don't alwayys get the call but so be it. I've changed the settings so both sources sign k3siw as the call and the modes are distinguishable by frequency. Hope that helps.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
AZ hifers today
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 17, 2021 at 20:52:05.
Both TON and TSN were coming into Pine Colorado at 1837 Utc. Re: FST4W Hifer
73 Bill AA0RQ
Posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021 at 20:53:49.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021
Hope it does help Garry. Btw, you can add timeslot 2030 UTC @ -26db to the "lost" list... .
Ray
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021 at 21:49:00.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021
Ray,
I noticed that the power level was wrong for the fst4w setting and changed it to +7 dBm.
I see fst4w decodes recently but nothing for wspr. Wonder if using the same call sign at the same time is causing the wspr spot data base to reject one of them?
I could make both send type 2 messages by using k3siw/1 and k3siw/2 for the callsigns, but then it would take 20 minutes to get full messages unless I eliminated QRSS6. A better solution might be to set the fst4w callsign to "k3siwA" (meaning alternate). As I understand the 6 callsign entry positions the last one much be a letter or blank (https://dxplorer.net/wspr/msgtypes.html).
Whoops, scratch that. I just saw decodes for both sources at 21:10.
It's interesting that your snr for wspr2 is actually better than for fst4w. My local monitoring shows snr for fst4w much better than for wspr2, yet they're both putting the same power into the common antenna. wsjt-x v2.5.2 is used for fst4w and wspr v2.0 and wspr-x v0.8 are used for wspr2 (they produce identical snrs).
Determining noise floor is not easy. Spectrum Laboratory does it as follows:
An array of amplitudes (usually dB values) from the last FFT calculation is sorted into order of increasing amplitude.
The amplitude of the lower quartile value (for example bin number 256 in a sorted set of 1024 points) PLUS 3dB is then returned as an estimate of the mean noise level.
This technique automatically throws away very high values (strong signals) that would otherwise affect the result.
I haven't been able to find details on how wspr and wsjt-x codes establish noise floor. But locally I see plenty of mixer products that aren't necessary counted the same for each of my sources.
73, Garry
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021 at 21:57:09.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 17, 2021
Garry, I also noticed the better snr's from wspr2 over the FST4W mode. I'm using the same wsjt-x version for both transmissions. I'll probably leave this run until roughly 6pm local. I'll then set up for hifer decoding in the mid-morning tomorrow. That's been my "routine" lately.
Ray
7P qrss3 question
Posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021 at 23:25:32.
Noticed this on 7P's qrss3 Argo screenshot. Is what appears to be a small frequency shift in the graphic on the TX end or something to do with propagation? Not an expert at these things, just wondering.
www.dropbox.com/s/1vy9kumvjrs2242/7P_.jpg?dl=0
Ray ... Texas ... Elad FDM-S2 sdr w/ random wire vertical
Re: 7P qrss3 question
Posted by John Davis on November 18, 2021 at 08:18:20.
In reply to 7P qrss3 question posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021
This is something I mentioned in a post last week. The 7P shift appears to be the result of the type of TCXO being used for the reference frequency.
A traditional analog TCXO varies voltage across a varicap diode smoothly in response to a moderately complex network involving multiple thermistors and such. There are now also digital compensators that sense temperature with a single thermistor or diode junction, then use a lookup table to switch in appropriate amounts of capacitance in discrete steps. Unfortunately, this results in the output frequency also shifting in discrete steps...especially noticeable if it happens multiple times in a row because ambient temperature is hovering right around one of the threshold points.
136 kHz. FSt4W activity?
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on November 18, 2021 at 15:18:38.
Anyone doing transmissions of FST4W mode on 136 from either side of the pond? If so, what interval are you using?Hopefully I’ll be able to see something, but only if I’m looking with the right settings!
73, J.B., VE3EAR
Re: 7P qrss3 question
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2021 at 16:10:07.
In reply to Re: 7P qrss3 question posted by John Davis on November 18, 2021
Thanks John, understood on the digital vs. analog method of doing the job of compensation. My bad for not reading all the current posts before asking. Sometimes I just check out the posts that I have an immediate interest in and don't look at the rest.
Ray
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2021 at 16:32:25.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by John Bruce McCreath on November 16, 2021
Well Heck, I tried to post my WSPR records yesterday, thought it had worked, but I was having problems, and now I don't see anything. Will try again later...
Ed
Re: 136 kHz. FSt4W activity?
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2021 at 17:16:49.
In reply to 136 kHz. FSt4W activity? posted by John Bruce McCreath on November 18, 2021
J.B. , I've seen a couple guys towards the East coast using FST4 (120), below the wspr band in the evenings on 2200m. They've made some 2-way contacts between each other the past week. Might want to be on the lookout for that activity.
Ray ... N. Central Texas
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021 at 01:45:34.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2021
Failed again with the full listing. Lets try attatching as a text file:
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: WSPR_15_Nov.txt
Re: 136 kHz. FSt4W activity?
Thanks for the tip, Ray. I'll give it a look.
73, J.B., VE3EAR Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by John Davis on November 19, 2021 at 16:54:54.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021
Good thinking re: the file attachment, Ed. Apparently, the list exceeded the size limit for the message body. ( www.lwca.net/mb/faq.htm#size )
I didn't realize, when you mentioned difficulties previously, that you were having trouble uploading to this board. I just figured you meant WSPRnet. Glad you tried again. Those are interesting results.
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021 at 17:56:10.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by John Davis on November 19, 2021
Thanks John,
I can't upload to WSPRnet, as far as I'm aware. No ham call, which is something I ought to put right one day.
More 630 m monitoring is planed for the weekend, along with daytime 22m work, as that band is getting interesting again.
73s
Ed
Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927 kHz Saturday morning 0800 California time
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 19, 2021 at 19:25:46.
Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time
Or listen online at kfs:
http://69.27.184.62:8901/?tune=3927lsb
or
KPH Point Reyes:
http://198.40.45.23:8073/
or
Utah Web sdr:
http://www.sdrutah.org/websdr1.html
If you cannot get into the net on 80 meters you can listen on KFS and participate by sending net control your thoughts to wa6owr@gmail.com
73
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Jerry
Posted by John Davis on November 19, 2021 at 20:33:48.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021
I can't upload to WSPRnet, as far as I'm aware. No ham call...
It'd be great to have you as a ham, Ed, but it's not vital for WSPRnet reporting. Ray uses his screen name "SWLEM3" in lieu of a licensed call sign, and it seems to work just fine. I've noticed other listeners doing something similar from time to time, sometimes incorporating their radio district into the "call."
Basically, anything should be OK that [a] isn't too long to suit the database (we know six are OK, but I have no idea if seven would work), and [b] avoids ITU letter combinations used by any country for a valid ham prefix, so you wouldn't end up being mistaken for an actual licensed ham station somewhere in the world.
( www.on4sh.be/ham/prefix.htm )
You could, for instance, be SWL6ED; or maybe even PVC6ED...but preferably not ED6PVC or ED6SWL, etc., because the ED prefix is one assigned to Spain for ham use. SWL is OK as a prefix, on the other hand, as is anything beginning with the letter Q or the numeral 0, because those are not assigned as ham prefixes anywhere in the world.
Maybe Ray will chime in whether he experienced any difficulty getting his screen name recognized by WSPRnet.
SZX and SIW
Posted by John K5MO on November 19, 2021 at 21:10:28.
Don't know who moved ( maybe it's both) but over the past couple weeks SZX and SIW have merged into what is almost a single trace now. The WSPR collisions must be making confirmation difficult as well as the CW traces becoming one line.
RY lurks steadily just below and in the clear.
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2021 at 21:51:25.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by John Davis on November 19, 2021
No problem at all with an swl prefix. I think someone mentioned on the wsprnet forum that there are approximately 60 swl's contributing. EM3, as you have guessed, is my locator... minus the one zero in the suffix (EM03) to make the call shorter. Takes up less "real estate" on the wsprnet maps ... hi.
Ed, you could use part of your name, but I'd suggest using the locator in the suffix.
Ray
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021 at 23:07:22.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2021
Ray,
Really appreciate the advice on this - thank you! I would be happy to add to the data reporting side of WSPR, instead of just being a spectator.
73s
Ed
Re: Radio Medi 1 171 kHz
Posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021 at 23:21:56.
In reply to Radio Medi 1 171 kHz posted by Mike Terry on October 12, 2021
Hi Mike,
Years ago Morocco 171 Medi-1 was easliy heard some evenings in Inyo County, Calif. when the K-index was 1 or 0 and skip was good (I caught them strongly from western Arizona in April 2009, too).
Sometime over the past decade, they are hard/became hard to hear (now), and has their radiation-pattern undergone a change?
I have seen their three masts via Google Earth and have speculated on the two possible and likely patterns (latter thought has NA nulled and France/Algeria favored). Do you or anyone know the present radiation pattern of 171? Thanks,
Steve McGreevy - N6NKS - just rejoined LWCA yay!.
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021 at 23:32:01.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2021
I never obtained an SWL call, but I would assume those w/SWL calls are as accomplished DXer-receiving types as any licensed part97/amateur globally person can be, also...
I don't have FSK/Whisper capabilities, either transmitting or receiving, but I have been running a n A1A/CW beacon on 474.72 kHz some evenings or mornings per week (60-w input to MosFet p.a. but maybe 20 mw max EiRP heard well SDRs in UT/NV/ID and Mike in NM copies it at dawn... on his 900 ft. Bev to NW...
Lately it is off-air, as I'm trying to DX my "RR_dash" lowfer beacon CW mode on 186.19 kHz from the KPH Pt. Reyes LF-MF unit (KiwiSDR).
No luck yet but faint reception likely barely copied while ~202.02 IP-AZ USB ident frequency and Dave Curry's 185.305 mongo LowFER beacon come in Q4-5... SO I hope when those peak my weakly RR-dash 186.19 will make it for some copy... a HOPE like scoring Mongolia 164 on my barbed wire super Bev. antenna is (like I did 209) near Keeler CA here. I can't believe all of the faint to strong PLCs seen on the KPH LF-unit - they fade in and out also. What a great thing if they just had idents...
73 - Steve N6NKS.
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021 at 23:37:40.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021
Whoops: the N6NKS 474.72 beacon Keeler, CA (DM16bl) (to be resumed in a week or so after my LowFER beacon DX attempts are completed on 186.19 kHz - RR-dash).
I typo'ed: the EiRP of my 474.72 beacon (not 20 mW) is approx. 100 to 200 mW judging by comparisons with other kinds of signals on MF and LF with known powers and antenna types. Just a guess - it can't be over 1/2 watt due to all of the lossy factors surrounding the 6m vertical with umbrella wires, though the grounding is excellent (with alkaline soil to boot!!).
73 SpM - N6NKS 474.72 some nights...
My OTA LowFER "RR-dash" on 186.19
Posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021 at 23:43:43.
I rejuvenated a nice lowfer beacon xmtr. (A1A) recently and re. crystaled it for divide by 16 on 186.19 kHz, so there it is from Keeler, CA running intermittently but for the time beaing at night for DX tests by myself by vehicle or via Richard Dillman's great KPH LF-MF unit at Point Reyes, CA - mr former DXing stomping grounds of the 80s...
186.19 kHz "RR-dash" is A1A/CW mode from DM16bl. 4060 to IRF-540N idling away... fainly heard as skywave (dawn) at KPH...
good be be back on 1750m for sure1 The heydey of that band is at:
www.auroralchorus.com/lowfers.htm
tnx!! Steve
Re: Busy Night on 630 m
Posted by swlem3 on November 20, 2021 at 01:47:03.
In reply to Re: Busy Night on 630 m posted by Ed Holland on November 19, 2021
Very good Ed, we'll be looking for you in the hifer wsprnet logs, as well as 630m. :-)
Ray
Re: SZX and SIW
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2021 at 02:21:08.
In reply to SZX and SIW posted by John K5MO on November 19, 2021
John, thanks for the note. My hifers run on OCXOs so the frequencies are quite stable and they've been running for quite a few years now. Fortunately Ray in TX has been able to copy my test signals of wspr2 and fst4w, 120s pretty well despite the conflict.
73, Garry, K3SIW
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2021 at 02:30:35.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by swlem3 on November 17, 2021
Ray, thanks for decoding both wspr2 and fst4w, 120s. I'm putting together a spreadsheet of how the 2 modes compare in terms of SNR. Fst4w, 120s is theoretically 1.4 dB more sensitive than wspr2, but of course that's based on white Gaussian noise. The hifer band today is hardly that, hi. I'm not sure how SNR is determined for each mode but fst4w regularly gives lower numbers, not higher numbers, than wspr2. However, fst4w yields successful decodes at much lower values, typically -31 vs -27 dB. Thus your data show a 2-day advantage of about 1 dB for fst4w, 120s over wspr2. Not earth shaking but significant nonetheless.
I'll return to slash code now but at least I now know how to generate fst4w if wanted.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: FST4W Hifer
Posted by swlem3 on November 20, 2021 at 03:05:05.
In reply to Re: FST4W Hifer posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2021
Garry, in my casual observations, it seemed like most of the time wspr2 gave better snr's but then I had seen a number of spots of FST4W where wspr2 didn't decode.
Always nice for you to gain another "tool" in your toolbox... FST4W mode.
Glad to be of assistance to help you out with this experiment. :-)
Since I seem to copy your station fairly well here, feel free to ask if you want me to participate in your future tests.
73, Lowfers TAG and KE
Ray
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2021 at 12:50:41.
Lowfer monitoring last night at the watering hole started well with all 3 characters sent by TAG coming through quite early (0200Z). However, things then fell back to the usual bits and pieces so tuning was switched for KE. It came through well for several call sequences. Tuned back to the watering hole as local sunrise approached and G was pretty good at 1110Z, but only bits of T and A. Screen captures are at https://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/lowfer/2021-November/date.html.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
EAR outage repaired
Posted by John Bruce McCreath on November 20, 2021 at 16:12:28.
My beacon EAR was discovered to be off the air on Friday morning. A bit of detective work revealed that the RG-6 feed line from the shack to the helix house had been gnawed upon! Whatever the critter was, it had chewed away the entire outer jacket, braid and foil shielding, and the centre conductor insulation over a 12 inch span! Repairs have been made, and a report from Andy, KU4XR, has confirmed that EAR is once again returned to the airwaves.
73, J.B., VE3EAR Hifers heard
Posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2021 at 23:30:28.
Routinely hearing VAN, FJB, and K6FRC into Tucson, AZ, for the past week. I caught TON on the Half Moon Bay OmniB SDR today. Too close for direct copy.
Re: Hifers heard
Posted by jimvm on November 20, 2021 at 23:35:26.
In reply to Hifers heard posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2021
Thanks for the report Frank. Your report is most welcome as I have not received any other
reports lately.
I did hear my signal on the Hawaii Kiwi.
That's quite a DX record for me.
73 jim vm Re: AZ hifers today
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 21, 2021 at 17:26:37.
In reply to AZ hifers today posted by Bill Hensel on November 17, 2021
At 1710 utc TSN was blasting into Pine and TON was a lot weaker. I decided to compare TON and TSN up on KFS OMNI and TSN was s3-4 and TON was nil copy. Still good to hear that both of the AZ cowboys are riding the range.
[Duplicate post removed by moderator 11/21/2021.]
NDB2 into Colorado
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 21, 2021 at 20:25:38.
NDB2 copied at 1936 UTC with the wet processor you know the one between my ears. Re: Hifers heard
Bill Pine, Colorado
Posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 22, 2021 at 08:19:22.
In reply to Hifers heard posted by Frank Cathell on November 20, 2021
Hi frank! I understand you've been trying to contact me on 7248 @ 1100PT on teh CARS net... I will attempt to be on that net Monday or Tuesday...
My RR-dash Hifer on ~13562.3 AiA mode is temporarily off air as the memory keyer (one of two I made in '88) is keying my 186.19 LOwFER faintly audible on the KPH/Richard DIllman KiwiSDR. Nothing like Dave CUrry's 183.5 signal there, hi! I occasionally head out to a place 15 mi. east of Keeler, CA to listen for it and roll out a short 500 ft. wire to various directions. I have not yet hrd. your TSN hifer yet but will keep trying - F2 skip is too long or intermittent, and no more Es at this time period to bring it in to Inyo Co. 73 Steve McG - N6NKS
MN Down
Posted by KMONAS on November 22, 2021 at 17:22:54.
I hadn't heard any reports lately of my beacon MN. I threw the antenna analyzer on the coax and it was pretty obvious something was wrong. I will try to get up to the antenna and see if something gave out and will report back when it is back up and running. (Hopefully before we get snow.)
Re: AZ hifers today
Posted by Ed Holland on November 22, 2021 at 20:41:45.
In reply to Re: AZ hifers today posted by Bill Hensel on November 21, 2021
TSN was received here at PVC with good copy yesterday. In fact, it was audible above the noise for long periods, very consistent with little fading.
7 P also made strong appearences but not with the same long term consistency. Typically a few minutes, and then fading completely.
NC made a mid afternoon appearance, along with a possible LCSC.
Re: MN Down
Posted by John Davis on November 22, 2021 at 20:59:08.
In reply to MN Down posted by KMONAS on November 22, 2021
Good luck, Kirk. I had wondered why I was not hearing MN earlier in the fall on days when other first-skip-zone stations like SZX, SIW, WM and even PBJ were booming in...but no MN. Usually, those are indicators that I stand a chance of hearing you.
Right now my receive site is also incapacitated, but when it's back in service I'll certainly look for MN again.
Re: TUK Nantucket
Posted by Ken on November 22, 2021 at 22:34:45.
In reply to TUK Nantucket posted by Edga Heinen on April 12, 2021
Re: My OTA LowFER "RR-dash" on 186.19
"Way back" I worked in marine electronics here in RI. We clearly heard TUK anytime!
Decades later I worked for a guy who had been a commercial airline pilot. He said at a couple of thousand feet over England TUK was plainly audible. They'd home in on it across the ocean.
Posted by John on November 22, 2021 at 23:33:05.
In reply to My OTA LowFER "RR-dash" on 186.19 posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 19, 2021
[Duplicate Post removed by Moderator 23/11/2021.]
Listening from your old listening post stomping grounds on a Kiwi invented by one of your old MW/LowFer listening partners :-)
MCKS and VAN
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 24, 2021 at 00:14:29.
MCKS was pretty strong at 2032 utc. It was the first time I have heard that beacon.
VAN was Q5 copy at 2346 utc...VAN was sent three times and then followed by a long dash.
It was my first catch for VAN also.
Frank has been hearing VAN pretty often and he mentioned to me on the Land Line the operator was active during the Lofer days.
Special Thanks goes out to the operators of these beacons.
73 Bill in Pine, Colorado
Morning grabs
Posted by John K5MO on November 24, 2021 at 16:52:32.
It's nice to catch EH at the top of my grabber window, as well as seeing SIW(s) and SZX earlier this morning. RY opened the band early and has been in and out of the grabs too.
Re: Morning grabs
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 24, 2021 at 17:21:25.
In reply to Morning grabs posted by John K5MO on November 24, 2021
Your grabber is doing well John. A nice addition to the group. I see WM from time to time too. EDJ is QRT for a few days. I'm doing some listening and testing a new, very cheap USB dongle sound adapter. Seems to be doing the job.
Bob TAG ...first copy of the season
EDJ
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on November 25, 2021 at 16:36:25.
Well the temps finally dropped below freezing around here forcing the trees to draw back their signal robbing sap back into their trunks. This allowed for my first copy of TAG this season. The better copy was around dinner time here..6:30 pm local time in PA. There was no copy after 12:30 AM .
https://www.dropbox.com/s/irb7pd9a8y2oa67/TAG%202021-11-24%206%2017%20PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/dx4hd87do34gw9j/TAG%202021-11-24%20630PM.jpg?dl=0
https://www.dropbox.com/s/mr24abec1d54wq9/TAG%202021-11-25%201230AM.jpg?dl=0
Rick KA2PBO
Re: TAG ...first copy of the season
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 25, 2021 at 23:59:23.
In reply to TAG ...first copy of the season posted by Rick KA2PBO on November 25, 2021
Rick,
Definitely TAG -- good work, Rick. Should get easier through December until the early part of the new year.
John, W1TAG
Re: Hifers heard
Posted by Frank Cathell on November 26, 2021 at 00:58:57.
In reply to Re: Hifers heard posted by Stephen McGreevy on November 22, 2021
Steve - good hearing from you. I seem to miss you on 7248 all the time. Like "musical telephones" of the past. My Email is still fcathell@gmail.com. Not sure if you have the same Email address, so sent me a note when you get a chance. TSN is still running. I managed to get the output up to about 4.5 mW. Bill Hensel heard it during gray line on a Hawaiian SDR a week ago so it is getting out. It uses an Epson SG-8002 oscillator chip and an end-fed wire with an MFJ L-network tuner.
Regards,
Frank Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927 kHz Saturday morning 0800 California time
Posted by Jerry Parker on November 26, 2021 at 15:54:49.
Reminder: Lowfer net +/- 3927Khz Saturday morning 0800 California time
Or listen online at kfs:
http://69.27.184.62:8901/?tune=3927lsb
or
KPH Point Reyes:
http://198.40.45.23:8073/
or
Utah Web sdr:
http://www.sdrutah.org/websdr1.html
If you cannot get into the net on 80 meters you can listen on KFS and participate by sending net control your thoughts to wa6owr@gmail.com
73
HiFer ID please
Jerry
Posted by John K5MO on November 26, 2021 at 15:56:34.
https://imgur.com/a/MFsfXub
Can someone ID the signal at the top of the grab above? It's been quite strong this morning.
Re: HiFer ID please
Posted by John Davis on November 26, 2021 at 19:29:59.
In reply to HiFer ID please posted by John K5MO on November 26, 2021
That's apparently the Space frequency of an FSK signal. Replacing the gaps with a mark to represent what's off-screen above, you get a more complete picture:
_ _ _ _ _ ___ ___ _ _ _ ____which is EH.
Re: HiFer ID please
Ah, thanks John. It makes more sense (and I need to nudge the VFO a hair it would seem!)
Lots of good signals today, including some mid-day WM which was fun to see. SIW is the "channel master" and is in here almost all day long to some degree or another.
KE in PA
Posted by Rick KA2PBO on November 27, 2021 at 11:09:17.
I copied KE for the first time last night. I didnt have any luck last season.I had copy until around 1 am local time here in PA.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/56bnlen2fcdiymh/KE%202021-11-27.jpg?dl=0
Rick KA2PBO Nice HiFer prop this morning
Posted by John K5MO on November 28, 2021 at 16:58:22.
From WM anchoring the low of the frame to EH burning up pixels at the top, 22M is good this morning!
https://imgur.com/a/F1wD0NE
MCKS Hifer heard
Posted by Frank Cathell on November 28, 2021 at 20:55:37.
Hearing MCKS in Tucson, AZ on 11/28/21 at approximately 2020 UTC. Weak signal but able to copy several full idents at a time. Can hear high pitched K6FRC in background. Also hearing FJB.
Frank Re: TSN into KFS sdr
W7YAZ
Hifer TSN
Posted by Gregg on November 28, 2021 at 21:59:11.
In reply to TSN into KFS sdr posted by Bill Hensel on November 06, 2021
This is my first HiFER as well! Hearing it on KPH :-D
Re: MCKS Hifer heard
Posted by Bill Hensel on November 29, 2021 at 00:17:22.
In reply to MCKS Hifer heard posted by Frank Cathell on November 28, 2021
I caught MCKS at 1954utc today also.
SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR
Posted by August Johnson KG7BZ on November 29, 2021 at 20:45:27.
I finally lengthened the radials on my antenna to the proper length for the 22M band and retuned the vertical so the antenna is resonant on 13.555445 MHz. Nice 50 ohm resistive on my analyzer.
Also heard PVC earlier this morning and now hearing 7P. I use the 2 minute quiet period on my beacon to do my listening.
August KG7BZ
Re: SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR
Posted by Ed Holland on November 29, 2021 at 21:07:55.
In reply to SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR posted by August Johnson KG7BZ on November 29, 2021
Hi August,
Thanks for the report of PVC. I believe this is the furthest North the beacon has been copied. I'd be happy to send a card if you wish.
73s
Ed
Re: Lowfer JH
Posted by John Hamer on November 29, 2021 at 23:16:24.
I have a 12'x12' square loop setup. I am transmitting my usual mode of qrss60 and a graphic on 181.818KHz. I just got it going tonight and still have some work to do, but if you are looking for a challenge, give it a shot!
Re: Lowfer JH
Posted by John Hamer on November 29, 2021 at 23:18:57.
In reply to Re: Lowfer JH posted by John Hamer on November 29, 2021
It is oriented North South
Re: SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 29, 2021 at 23:41:30.
In reply to SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR posted by August Johnson KG7BZ on November 29, 2021
August,
Can you describe your 22M vert with radials? Dimentions of vert section and length of radials? I built one out of long extentable paint pole and while it works fairly well,
I had problems with the radials. It is really a ground plane style antenna about 10 ft off ground with 4 draping radials.
TNX!
Bob Re: SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR
EDJ
Posted by August Johnson KG7BZ on November 30, 2021 at 21:35:20.
In reply to Re: SHO Antenna and HiFer 7P & PVC in OR posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 29, 2021
Hi Bob,
The antenna is just the basic vertical with 4 slightly drooping radials. It was given to me as a supposed 20M vertical. I found that it had a tapped inductor in the base for matching. It gave me weird results when I tried it at 13.5 MHz. I replaced that by winding an inductor that had enough impedance (~400 ohms) to DC ground (for static protection) the vertical while not affecting things too much at my operating frequency. The coax connector now connects directly to the vertical element.
My radials are 17 feet 3 inches long. Hight above ground is about 5 feet at the base of the antenna and about 4 feet at the end of the radials. I'd started with the vertical part set to about 17 feet 6 inches, I then shortened until resonance was at 13.555 MHz. It's probably about the same length as the radials. Has a 1:1 swr at 50 ohms. I also have the system connected to an 8 foot ground rod.
August KG7BZ, SHO
potrzebie