77.5 kHz DCF77 time station (Germany)
Can’t be certain but I think I’m copying the German DCF77 German time station on 77.5 kHz here in the N Boston area. See https://www.meinbergglobal.com/english/info/dcf77.htm. Very clear “almost 1 second” dashes every second exactly as described. My ears can’t discern difference between 0.1 and 0.2 second breaks of course so can’t be certain of station ID. Never heard this before despite lots of listening <100 kHz.
0V
Posted by John K5MO on November 02, 2022 at 01:05:47.
Can't recall seeing this before:
https://i.imgur.com/PVvYelz.jpg
Strong signal just now
Re: 77.5 kHz DCF77 time station (Germany)
Posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022 at 01:23:57.
In reply to 77.5 kHz DCF77 time station (Germany) posted by Bruce WA1HGJ on November 02, 2022
Congratulations, Bruce. If you can detect the absence of the time marker at second :59 of each minute, that would be enough to confirm it's DCF77.
That's one I enjoy receiving here in Kansas most any winter night, undoubtedly helped considerably by being remote from typical metropolitan noise sources.
Once you get acclimated to listening to sustained one-second pulses over a long enough, you could very well become adept enough to discern between a silence of 0.1 s versus 0.2 s. That's a 2:1 ratio, and falls within the range of normal speech syllabic rates. It sometimes presents as a mild, slow stutter-like effect in the timing of some of the silences.
Re: 0V
Posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022 at 01:32:54.
In reply to 0V posted by John K5MO on November 02, 2022
Interesting! Looks like it might only be part of a call sign or telemetry sequence. This frequency will bear further watching.
Re: 77.5 kHz DCF77 time station (Germany)
Posted by Bruce WA1HGJ on November 02, 2022 at 02:05:04.
In reply to Re: 77.5 kHz DCF77 time station (Germany) posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022
Thanks, John. Indeed, I could easily discern the absence of the time mark at :59, and that’s what made me pretty sure it was DCF77, but great to have your confirmation. I’ll plug away at this as we get deeper into winter maybe the and see if I can train myself to distinguish 0.1 vs. 0.2 second time marks. Thanks again. 73, Bruce
Re: 0V
Posted by John K5MO on November 02, 2022 at 15:41:45.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022
Showing up again fine on my grabber this morning.
Re: 0V
Posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022 at 18:18:06.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by John K5MO on November 02, 2022
Sure is, isn't it! Seems to be its complete ID, too. So--anyone want to lay claim to it, or does it go straight to the sadomasochists list?
WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 02, 2022 at 21:39:09.
I have restarted the WM lowfer beacon. No changes to the ID or Frequency. The ground plane has minor modifications and the antenna current is a little lower than last year. I will address that in the next couple days.
Thanks for listening.
-- Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
73 de N8OOU - Mike Meek
Posted by K3SIW, Garry on November 03, 2022 at 02:30:24.
In reply to WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air posted by Mike N8OOU on November 02, 2022
Mike, WM is working fine. Signal has some QSB but not bad for so early in the winter LF "season".
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
Posted by John Davis on November 03, 2022 at 04:36:59.
In reply to Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air posted by K3SIW, Garry on November 03, 2022
Thanks Mike. Saw SIW with about 50% copy when I was last in the field Sunday night, and will try for you tomorrow if I can get back out there before storm static picks up.
That leaves us only awaiting SJ to have the usual gang back at the watering hole.
Re: 0V
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 03, 2022 at 16:39:34.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by John Davis on November 02, 2022
0V posted this on QRSSKNIGHTS
Probably old news........
Ned AE0V nlebens@gmail.com via groups.io
Wed, Nov 2, 3:03 PM (21 hours ago)
to qrssknights
Thanks for the feedback, it's working better than I expected. Dipole at 30 feet AGL running North-South and cut for about 13.8MHz. Alternating TX on 20m and 22m into the same antenna.
Ned
Re: 0V
Posted by John Davis on November 03, 2022 at 17:55:17.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 03, 2022
Not old news at all to most of us, Bob. Thanks for forwarding it!
Although I am a member of that group, there is so little 22 meter content that I only check the digest a couple of times a week and hadn't seen Ned's message yet. Great news. I hope he will also check here for reports from time to time.
Re: 0V
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 04, 2022 at 01:32:08.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by John Davis on November 03, 2022
Ok,great! Glad I mentioned it. I'll suggest on 'Knights that he join us.
Bob 137.777 kHz beacon resumes
EDJ
Posted by Joe VO1NA on November 05, 2022 at 01:36:26.
Greetings all. The QRSS30 beacon is back on the air until further notice. 50 watts to a 20 m x 100 m (HxL) Rotated L in eastern Canada.
73 & GL, WH2XXP
Joe
Posted by Ward K7PO on November 05, 2022 at 18:53:08.
WH2XXP is on for the season after repairing storm damage here. 750mw to the antenna.
Ward K7PO
Re: 0V
Posted by ed holland on November 05, 2022 at 22:07:07.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 04, 2022
OV is visible and audible here today (See attached image).
I took the Belka receiver out to the horse barn today while the other two were enjoying riding lessons. About 10 Miles West of my regular QTH, near San Gregorio. This rewarded me with TSN, AZ and what I think was the slow FSK signal from SHO. Monitoring by ear only in this case.
More later as the band is quite busy today.
Ed
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: 05-Nov-22_x04.jpg
Re: 137.777 kHz beacon resumes
Re: 0V
Good copy tonight in EN52ta Joe at 2849 km.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Posted by swlem3 on November 07, 2022 at 23:33:43.
In reply to 0V posted by John K5MO on November 02, 2022
View of 0V from North Central Texas...
www.dropbox.com/s/wiz59et59sowbxr/ov.jpg?dl=0
Ray
Re: 137.777 kHz beacon resumes
Posted by Joe vo1na on November 08, 2022 at 01:21:00.
In reply to Re: 137.777 kHz beacon resumes posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 07, 2022
Hi Gary & thanks for the report. I'm a bit confused by the 03:14 time but assume it was dark at your QTH for the screen capture.
73 Re: 137.777 kHz beacon resumes
Joe VO1NA
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 08, 2022 at 12:52:28.
In reply to Re: 137.777 kHz beacon resumes posted by Joe vo1na on November 08, 2022
Joe, the screen capture at https://mailman.qth.net/pipermail/lowfer/2022-November/049106.html was taken at 0306Z. That's 2106 CST local time, a few hours after local sunset. Re: 0V
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Posted by Ed Holland on November 08, 2022 at 16:53:06.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by swlem3 on November 07, 2022
Nice catch Ray,
0V is certainly "getting out" well.
Ed
Re: 0V
Posted by swlem3 on November 08, 2022 at 20:03:24.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by Ed Holland on November 08, 2022
Your right Ed, 0V is certainly doing well. My Argo capture also caught the strong Spread Spectrum pulses easily seen.
Ray.
Re: 0V
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 09, 2022 at 17:52:08.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by ed holland on November 05, 2022
Ed,
What Belka do you have? I looked them up and found the DX and DSP.
They seem pretty pricy, like $350 from what I've seen, unless I'm looking
at the wrong one.
Any similar RX's out there that work well. I've seen some si4732 based receivers like the ATS series which are cheaper but no idea if any good.
TNX! Re: 0V
Bob
WA1EDJ
Posted by Ed Holland on November 09, 2022 at 18:45:14.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 09, 2022
I have the Belka DX.
I think I paid about$180. No speaker (which is fine) Headphone and I-Q outputs.
Coverage 1500 khZ to 30 MHz. Newer RX's do include long wave.
I'm a big fan of this radio, and found it very intuitive to use right from the beginning. It is also very accurate in terms of frequency.
Using the large external antennas here at PVC HQ, I compared 22m reception with my regular receivers, and found it equal or better (Icom R-72, JRC NRD 535 or Lowe HF-225).
It was a delight to find that beacons were audible using just the whip, lisening outside. I want to test full mobile, with PC again, but there are QRM issues from the computer to solve ahead of this.
Cheers
Ed
Re: 0V
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 09, 2022 at 19:16:07.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by Ed Holland on November 09, 2022
Thanks Ed.
Where did you order? It seems to be available from the designers site for much cheaper. Stateside prices run $350. His site states 410 BYN. That exchanges to Re: 0V
$162 USD. Not sure if a transaction to that part of the world is wise these days.....
Posted by Ed Holland on November 09, 2022 at 20:00:58.
In reply to Re: 0V posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 09, 2022
I ordered from the link on the Belka Website, but that was over a year ago, well before the current situation in Eastern Europe. I was a bit dubious, but after reading accounts by a few other happy customers, decided to proceed.
SWLing Post has a great review, and suggests that it is still possible to buy these radios:
swling.com/blog/2022/10/13dka-reviews-the-new-2022-belka-generation-3-general-coverage-receiver/
LowFER KE Antenna Upgrade
Posted by Kasey Everhart on November 10, 2022 at 01:43:47.
I added a few more sections of mast to the antenna today. KE now has a 40 foot vertical tuned up and operating.
I notice about a 2 db increase on ARGO using my local monitoring station.
Always appreciate any reports!
Kasey
630 m SSB Heard 11/9/22
Posted by Ed Holland on November 11, 2022 at 17:16:25.
Hi Folks,
Just a brief report, but I heard snippets from the Wednesday California 630m Net this week, for the first time. Listening via 80ft transformer coupled long-wire, RX Was alternated between Lowe HF-225 and JRC NRD 535. Poor reception due to noise, so only a word or two heard here and there, but this is still a first here at PVC.
73s
Ed
Re: 225 kHz
Posted by Robert SP7RB on November 11, 2022 at 19:40:55.
In reply to Re: 225 kHz posted by John Davis on October 22, 2022
I found a description for you (Google translation).
After a long search, make a decision Re: Mongolia
on Solec Kujawski, located in pu−
Bydgoszcz Peak, on the site of the former former
military ligon.
Because this place is not in the price
the country's coffin, scientists decided to
construction of two masts: 330 m and 289 m,
to shape the ray characteristics -
nanization allowing for an even surface
covering the entire territory of Poland. Direction ma−
ximal radiation is oriented
in Przemyśl and Lubaczów.
Modern equipment has been installed
broadcasting company THOMCAST with a modular
semiconductor structure. Transmitter
with an operating frequency of 225kHz and output power
radiated from the 1MW antenna (check -
energy efficiency of 90%) consists
from three blocks of 400kW coupled
power adder. In turn, each of the three
transmitting blocks contains as many as 256 semi-
no− conductor wave amplifiers
Śna, based on MO−
SFET in a bridge arrangement. Apply -
no newly patented by Thomcast sy−
MPMp3 stamp for am− modulation gain
plitude. Adopted modulation system after
modifying the transmitter will be possible
in the future adapted for broadcasting
digital. Operation of this new system
AM modulation is simply based on
computer-controlled such opening
on and off the amplifiers so that they can slip
to obtain the amplitude envelope of the sy−
gnału RF corresponding to the mo− signal
dulący m.cz. Also for improvement
the efficiency of the station's operation has been applied
dynamic level control system
DCC carrier wave, as well as a process amplifier
sor OPTIMOD, shaping appropriately
low frequency modulating input signal
abilities. In order to ensure the same
the average heat load strengthens -
whether the rotary exchange system was used
working places of amplifiers with a frequency
at 60kHz. In addition, power amplifiers
are liquid-cooled, and the same method is solved
The cooling capacity allows for quick replacement
damaged module without necessity
disassembly of the hydraulic system. Too
the modular design of the transmitter ensures
Flexibility unattainable in tube technology
work reliability and reliability, as well as elimination
them the concept of "maintenance shutdown", because -
I know the failure of one or more
RF amplifiers or the whole one block
ku, it has practically no effect on the quality
continued issue. The station may be working
drive non-stop, temporary drop in range no
will be noticed.
It is also worth mentioning that the low na−
collector heel 330V (instead of voltage
15kV anode in tube technology),
it also has a positive impact on safety
crew.
The transmitting devices are multi-level
protected against the effects of lightning
weather and covered by the system
electric shock protection,
governed by an extensive com− system
computer.
The group of transmitting antennas consists of two
grounded quarter-wave steel masts
with heights of 330m and 289m, set apart
at a distance of 330m and kept vertically
through five levels of haul-offs in diameter
5cm each.
The antenna system includes, in addition to
masts, or elements radiate -
earthed counterweights also enter
electromagnetic gi. They are located
around each of the masts, their radius from -
says the height of the mast and their composition
120 copper wires are stacked together
radially every 3 degrees from the base
mast and compact additional ta-
dare at a depth of 30 ... 40 cm.
Both masts are powered by RF energy.
using two coaxial sections
a wire lead line with an impedance of 120 Ω.
This line is suspended, through insulators,
on steel supporting structures
4.5 m high. Highest, non-insulated
exhaust levels, are galvanic
connection of the masts' tops to the ground, co
it is a kind of lightning protection umbrella.
The steel elements of the antenna system are
protected against corrosion with a zinc coating
hot-applied coating, and additionally li−
The extractors are covered with a special wax
protective paint with white and orange stripes.
The antennas are constructed in such a way that
that in the future (as in the sender−
ku) it was easy to switch to broadcasting
digital, because the radio of the future is a
digital.
Posted by Robert SP7RB on November 11, 2022 at 19:48:34.
In reply to Re: Mongolia posted by Mike Terry on October 30, 2022
The best opportunity to receive Mongolia at 227Khz is as the 225kHz transmitter has a maintenance outage.
RTÉ 252 planned outage November 15
Posted by Mike Terry on November 12, 2022 at 12:31:07.
2rn - Summerhill, Co. Meath. Complete outage due to essential engineering work will affect the RTÉ Radio One longwave service between 09:00 and 17:00 on Tuesday 15th November 2022. 22 m Grabber
(2rn @2rnNMC on Twitter 12 Nov)
Posted by Robert VA3ROM on November 12, 2022 at 14:48:22.
Good morning,
Just got my new 22 m QRSS grabber up and running. "T", "EH" and "RY" are coming in fairly strong and regular. Noticed that WSPR prop. beacon KA9SZX is sitting just on top of "RY" when he transmits followed by what may be another WSPR prop. beacon.
The QRSS Plus website has to change over my old VA3ROM-30 grabber identifier to VA3ROM-22 but otherwise all else is okay.
I also run WSJT-X alongside the grabber to get a raw reference signal comparison between what I can see and what WSPR can "see". I also use image stacking (6 images or a one hour moving geometric average) to increase the SNR about 4.5 dB for the non-WSPR signals. It's displayed on my web page below the raw, unprocessed grabber image.
I'm testing out my Airspy HF+ Discovery (and SDR# v1716). I'm amazed at how frequency stable and spot on it is even without a GPDSO that I use on my Flex-1500 (Chinese GPDSO with oven), RX-888 Mk II or RSPduo (Leo Bodnar GPDSO). Unfortunately, Flex uses a 10 MHz reference signal, the Mk II uses a 27 MHz reference while the RSPduo uses a 24 MHz reference signal! So I can't simply use a redistribution amplifier to feed all three from the same GPDSO. So much for universal reference signal standards!
KA9SZX seems to have a direct line to me so I can use his regular WSPR prop. beacons to get some very good plots of daytime propagation using WSPR Rocks! to analyze and plot the data. What is interesting is how much variance and time spacing between spots there are. KA9SZX isn't moving, changing antenna or power so that just leaves the ionosphere and Sol ;)
11-November (UTC)
1428 -24 1.7 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1448 -27 3.6 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1508 -20 1.6 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1608 -27 1.9 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1628 -26 2.0 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1648 -22 2.0 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1728 -26 2.1 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1848 -24 2.0 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1908 -28 1.9 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
1928 -23 2.1 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2008 -25 2.0 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2028 -25 2.2 13.555391 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2048 -21 2.1 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2108 -23 2.1 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2128 -20 2.1 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2208 -21 2.2 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
2228 -21 2.2 13.555392 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
12-November (UTC)
0040 -25 1.0 13.555446 0 KG7BZ CN84 7 2606
0100 -27 0.2 13.555447 0 KG7BZ CN84 7 2606
1408 -22 1.9 13.555393 0 KA9SZX EN40 7 891
Direct link is va3rom.com/QRSS/QRSS.html
73,
Robert
Live video from SAQ Grimeton - UNESCO 50th anniversary, Nov 16th 2022
Posted by Mike Terry on November 12, 2022 at 18:29:39.
16:25 CEST (15:25 UTC): Live video from World Heritage Grimeton Radio Station begins 16:30 CEST (15:30 UTC): Startup of the Alexanderson Alternator SAQ from 1924. 17:00 (16:00 UTC): Transmission of a message from SAQ. Re: WH2XXP
https://alexander.n.se/en/
Posted by swlem3 on November 13, 2022 at 13:53:28.
In reply to WH2XXP posted by Ward K7PO on November 05, 2022
Thought I'd give the lowfer "waterhole" a try overnight. Found WH2XXP, not solid copy but readable.
www.dropbox.com/s/bbm0lvsm5tnyl6r/wh2xxp.jpg?dl=0
Ray ... N. Central Texas ... 20 ft. Tree wire vertical w/ Elad FDM-S2 sdr.
Re: WH2XXP (plus WM, SIW)
Posted by John Davis on November 13, 2022 at 16:54:34.
In reply to Re: WH2XXP posted by swlem3 on November 13, 2022
Very nicely readable Ray! Last weekend I had similar but somewhat more QSB-ridden results. Would've posted the attached sooner, but we had a days-long Internet outage here beginning Tuesday. (Too cold here to spend time in the field this weekend!)
---------------------------------------------------------------
File Attachment 1: L.jpg
Re: WH2XXP (plus WM, SIW)
Thanks John. I see your pic has WM and SIW also. I'll have to see if I can copy them at the waterfall in the coming days. Know what you mean about the cold wx. Temps have been dipping below freezing here overnight, so I've been working on finalizing antennas for the winter season. Hope your internet stays up after that long outage. That's bad when it's down for more than a day.
Ray
Re: 22 m Grabber
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2022 at 00:37:19.
In reply to 22 m Grabber posted by Robert VA3ROM on November 12, 2022
Great job Robert!
EDJ/WA1EDJ has not been QRV for a while. Been playing with other things.
I'll have to get it QRV again soon and see how well I can hit your grabber.
I generally have a very good N/S path from EM83du in N. Ga, USA.
What's your QTH again?
I will post when QRV. Probably WSPR.
Bob Re: Kevin Cary?
EDJ
Posted by Kevin Carey on November 14, 2022 at 04:25:13.
In reply to Kevin Cary? posted by WA1EDJ Bob on August 19, 2022
Hi Bob,
I'm just seeing this now, but our address at HQ.LWCA@gmail.com appears to be working fine. How can I help you, assuming you still need assistance.
73, and best LW DX,
--Kevin
Kevin Carey Re: 22 m Grabber
LWCA Publisher
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2022 at 22:21:57.
In reply to 22 m Grabber posted by Robert VA3ROM on November 12, 2022
Robert,
How would you rate the Airspy RX?
Have you tired it on VLF also?
TNX!
Bob 12th and 13th Nov HiFERs
EDJ
Posted by Ed Holland on November 14, 2022 at 22:44:58.
Mixed conditions this weekend, but some highlights.
TSN continues its run of consistent audibility for long periods during daylight. AZ seems to make more frequent fade ups, and has been audible both days this weekend.
SHO, and SIW were readable, the former strong enough to be heard clearly at times
0V Showed on the Spectrum lab traces in the afternoon hours of Saturday.
Regular visitors EH and NC made a weak but visually readable appearance during late afternoon and early evening Saturday.
A tune around above the centre-band chorus yielded PCO for brief interludes ~ 2 pm Sunday (PST).
I can't decipher it, but there is a trace appearing on Spectrum Lab charts that coincides with LCSC.
That's about all from PVC receive HQ this week. 630 m monitoring was also conducted, but very uninspiring with only the WSPR signal of VE7BDQ being detected.
73s
Ed
Longwave Receiver
Posted by Bob Z. on November 14, 2022 at 22:50:34.
Does anyone have a RX-888 MK II receiver? Reply via my email.
Re: TSN
Posted by Frank Cathell on November 16, 2022 at 17:22:52.
In reply to 12th and 13th Nov HiFERs posted by Ed Holland on November 14, 2022
Thanks for TSN reports. It is not in Tucson now, but located 150 miles almost due north at my cabin in a small town called Heber-Overgaard in the White Mts of AZ. Elevation is 6700 feet and the power output is about 4.5 mW into a 40' end fed wire using a small antenna tuner. I think the elevation really helps plus the antenna is in the clear.
Re: TSN
Posted by Ed Holland on November 16, 2022 at 20:26:02.
In reply to Re: TSN posted by Frank Cathell on November 16, 2022
Thanks Frank,
It's a really good signal here, some 680 miles distant. Frequently audible for most of the day with the large receiving antennas, and logged using the Belka portable with it's whip.
Ed
Re: 22 m Grabber
Posted by Robert, VA3ROM on November 17, 2022 at 23:18:09.
In reply to Re: 22 m Grabber posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2022
HI Bob,
Grid EN58jk Thunder Bay Ontario is my receiver location. My summer transmitter site is located in Hidden Valley campgrounds not too far north.
73, Re: 22 m Grabber
Robert
Posted by Robert, VA3ROM on November 18, 2022 at 00:02:57.
In reply to Re: 22 m Grabber posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 14, 2022
Evening Bob,
Not on VLF since I have a separate VLF receiver and software for VLF used but I have use it for LF to VHF and it's probably one of the best SDR's for the money. Check out the Airspy HF+ Discovery site and some of the reviews. I can't really add anything more to them. Right now, you can buy it on sale Black Friday deal.
73, Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
Robert
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022 at 14:10:27.
In reply to WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air posted by Mike N8OOU on November 02, 2022
Had Argo setup for the "waterhole" overnight. WM visible. The bold line slightly lower in freq of WM is a local "pest". Looks like a light copy of SIW and XXP can be seen but not readily identifiable.
www.dropbox.com/s/o8r925u2j76n69e/WM185.jpg?dl=0
Ray ... N. Central Texas
Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
Posted by Mike N8OOU on November 18, 2022 at 14:53:29.
In reply to Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022
Thanks for the capture Ray. It looks like the path was fairly good. It seems UN-usual that SIW didn't follow along. Did Garry come thru at other times? I can understand XXP having a different path, and come/go on his own.
Mike 73
Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022 at 16:08:07.
In reply to Re: WM Lowfer 185300+ a smidge on air posted by Mike N8OOU on November 18, 2022
I checked all the overnight screenshots Mike, but didn't see any better copy of SIW. It does seem strange it's not following copy of WM, at least on this rx attempt. Something for me to look into with a few more rx "overnights" in the coming weeks.
73, Ray
comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022 at 17:56:37.
Just some comments on common household noisemakers at LF that you may not have noticed. First, I have no "official" internet service out here in rural Texas. I access the internet using a "hotspot" set up on my phone. That connection is also the way I upload wspr spots as well as access this forum. To the point of this post... I need my cellphone on since my radio activities would not include signal reports on the 'net without it. Now the problem...
I use an android phone and have noticed that the charger for the phone generates rf trash onto the LF spectrum when plugged in... raising the noise level. I had found, by trial and error, that the "white cube" charger issued with Iphones does not have this rf issue. I bought one of those cubes and that rf issue went away, thank goodness. Now...
My second tablet pc is an Asus and uses an android 5V wall wart to power it... same rf issue. Can't use another Iphone charger... not enough current capacity. Generic Wireless phone chargers also add rf trash into the LF spectrum... a little when there is no phone resting on it, a lot more when the phone is on it charging. Found that out when I bought one to see if it would bring some relief... it didn't. I also need and use a powered usb hub that provides 5V to my main pc sdr as well as other rf devices needing same. It adds noise since the hub distribution box is powered by a higher current wall wart "switcher". All these devices use a two-prong 120v cord, which of course, provides no ground path from the devices to electrical ground.
To keep costs down, all these consumer devices are quite noisy at LF. No one that makes these, nor the FCC cares, because 99.9 % of consumer users aren't LF radio enthusiasts.
It would be REALLY nice to have a CLEAN LINEAR 5V power supply that had enough current capacity and multiple usb output ports to power all these devices. I'm pretty sure my rx reports would improve by a substantial amount. I'll be checking into this possibility... but probably be more money than I want to spend on it.
Just a little venting and rambling...
Ray
Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2022 at 20:38:54.
In reply to comments on LF noisemakers posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022
Ray, this is a great point..
I've noted chargers that wreck reception all the way up to the FM broadcast band (and LF, MF, HF)!
Our getaway house ought to be quiet, but LED bulbs, and a dimmer in the living room also cause trouble.
A lot of the trouble is presumably conducted interference. I wonder if there are remedies (safe of course) that could be applied to house wiring, or in-line with problem devices to help our cause for quiet?
At LF, it may be hard to get enough reactance of any kind to make a difference.
Ed
Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022 at 22:20:59.
In reply to Re: comments on LF noisemakers posted by Ed Holland on November 18, 2022
These cheap chargers are simply grief Ed... you've noticed also. LED's and dimmers... more noise. At my former home, I had a wifi network that was destroying lf-hf reception because of it's PS. Fortunately, I was able to switch it out because it was 12V... I substituted a linear PS and it was dead quiet afterward.
I wish home 120 vac wiring was mandated to be a cable of internally twisted pair (neutral and hot) with a ground. Be nice to have it inside thinwall metal conduit also. I think a home wired like that would radiate a whole lot less noise.
I know it's hard to get reactance at LF, but proper design of hardware would go along way. IMHO, I think most RF regulations of products are ignored and manufacturers and given a pass as the "blind eye" of the regulators is turned away.
Navtex 518 kHz
Posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2022 at 04:12:47.
Copied some Navtex for a short period tonight. At 0350z decoded station W in Astoria, Oregon. Signal wasn't strong and had decoding errors, but locations named were plainly NW USA.
NNNN
BRKQQCZCZC WA86
CCGD1$ SN 087/22. PUA
COLUMBIA RIVER - CRIMS ISLAND TO S HELENS
1. THE DREDGE ESSAYONS WILLVBE REDGING NEAR LONGVIEW N
SLAUGHTERS CHAN SB
TWEEN RIVER AM
LE 63 TO 68 W
FROM 17XQA41 NOV 22$ :-48,34' )'#97)$ 3/4:8'3 -7589, 2#3,
54-,'858,& 5#8' 2-5342-6 -,$ 43$7:3 2--(3.
2. CANCEL AT TIME//220810Z NOV 22//.
Still early in the dx season, so I hope to hear somewhat further as the season rolls on.
Ray Navtex 490 kHz Chile
Posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2022 at 14:34:59.
Later in the evening, Nov 19 2020, I had noticed that a navtex transmission was taking place on 490 khz. Moving the rx from 518 khz to 490 khz, decoding commenced on that frequency. The signal wasn't very strong, so there were multiple copy errors. The decoding is in the Spanish language. From available station charts, the decoding appears to be from "H" Valparaiso, Chile Playa Ancha Radio with the call letters CBV. The following is the decoded overnight text on 490 khx. Midway through this text, the callsign and station info is plainly decoded without error at one point. Again, this is early in the <500 khz reception season, so no doubt, the signals will get better in a month or so.
ZAAS-322-
ZCZC HA6.
190510 TC IO 20-2)ZYA ANCA EADIO/!:?;
-$89-;8'9 :9'5349
390
ARCHIPIEWOAGO DEIJUAN FERNINAEB.
8')- 49?8,'9, :47'93.
CDRBA N 31, CARTA ELECTRONICA
CL5VA055.(PUB 3001.20A.- POR RESJKULN JKFESALUD, UTKQBQKZ$(3(?(0((,"RASLADO DE JKSORAS HACIA
ANCHIPIELAGO JJN FEOCADEOG PYJZMCPMJPMHYWJSWPMSONYCJKFFFPSJNANDEZ ENQNAVE O AJRONAVE, USTARA
SAJETA A
REVISZON Y VR
LC ON
CUMPLAMIECO PREAKV POR
ZRT AUTORIOADPSACUARAAEM
B.- RESOTCIONKKK) NEQTJP
SDSMIONES/
2.2-711/08/4'OTXVXWWQKEJOMNPDF.
!8SBWJ
NB
ZCC K;/1?051OA8'9 '43'O - PUELTO MONT.
PUB3008.
1.
KACZQZ
UTZZHFCPUMKV68!7/""1AVTEX VIA
ZKDGC) SAFETYNEV II / SANRPST.
NNNN
16)0"-5.
ZCZC HAAYE
QOPTQP UTI NOV 2022
VALPARAISOIVWJWUANCHA RADIO/CXV
RADIOAVIO CONTEQAUTRPUQ
FPUERTO SANCANTONI.
:816;4 5158(9-45- 393,549,):-
)6V020 U 3008.
-AIS ATONUVIWZLW
UC(MARCA
ENFALACIONWOADA AL 092.6)
NZUGURADZVEN::L-3335.3S.
&-07137.21W., CARACTERISTICA
TTNSMISUON BPE IN -
ALCANCE
7 ., $'$3 3$8,8:89530'- (LBT3.46S.
1-PUQEUMYTTF
AHLS ATON V TUAL 6C
(MARCA EIFILDCION ENTOADA
AL 09-.6) INAUGURADA EN:
LQAEEETMERS:G-07137.21W
CARACTERIASTICA TLECPO
TIANSMIZIHN:3 MIN -ALCANCE
7 MN DESDE EDIFICIO ECIA
(LFAEAENMRMS., C-07137.65W)
'-628' -59, ;847-IMYTW)
AI ACGNVATBSFGMMSMLH
SFVG
ELECTRONICA CVW
5:;
UTC
HAZTA NOV 220200 75:.
DJO,.;8220800 UTCAW
HASTA DOV 230200 U:.
DESDE NOV 230800 UTC HSTA FO 240200 UTCJMM
DESDE NOV 2".03UTCTHASTA NV 251200 UTC.
DESDE NOV EATPP UTC
HASTA NOV 260200 UTC.
EN AREA LIMIGDA POR:
'-. L-3610.00S. G-07350.08W,
B. L-3610.00S. G- 7(0-&00W.
C. L-3630:00''. G-073
7.0W.
D. L-3630.00S. G-07350.00W.
MANTENERSE FUERA DEL ARDA.
2.- CANCELAR ESGA MESJE
260300 UTC NV/22.
NFN
HNWU
ZCZC HA70
190510 :TN OV 2022
VALPARAISO PLAYA ANCHA RADIO/CBV
MADOFVIAOICDTROK0395
NOROESTE DE BANJA CONCEPCION.
CATAS NR 5000 Y NR 5308, CAREA
ERETRONICA CL"VA050.
.- EJERCICIO DE ARMAS:
NOV 22, ENTRE VQAAET
XHC Y 2100 UTC.
EN AREA LIMITADA POR:
A TQAEYWTMPPS, G-07340.00W.
B. -625.00S, G-07321.52W.
C. L-3640.00S, G-07321.50G.
D.L-3640.00S, G-07-0.00W.
MANTENERSE FUERA DEL AREA.
2.- CANCELAR BLTEBMENSAJE
222200 UTC NOV/22.
WHYMOTNBUZCZC VE55
190650(UTVKMDV22/
NAVTEX POUA CHEBOGUE VCSA 3H HNA SAM 19 NOV 2022.
VLB 9/07 "26/QXQBUXBOQCXQB)-BUEUO"'4??1:$89FLZOW7/($'''9.-?-&COEQYOM/3BQVEBEBJDDADKJBQMUKXDPDMIX
AOFOS"QPBNM.,96BCOJ
NQDBUT DES SECTEURS XWRV QUAD-W DES
AECTEUES MALLHIHA.?20/7Z
CW-SE AZRKT-!,.
FUNDY, /&4",$ .-,-,(AVAS: COUPS DEKVENT.
,5: W15;20. 19/10Z LEG.(19/19Z SW10-15. 20/09?" '2';. 2./21;2":V
LURCHER, LITTOA AZDKOUBS:
AVIS: COUPY OE VEHT95VNT: W10-15.
2./00Z W20-25:5/:(
ZVWKETM
X
BANC BOW S# BANC LWHAVU:
KQC CUPS
DD VENT.
VNT: W2 "
28569/13"310-15; 20/00;"20-25. 20/18Z W35.
VIS: 19/07O-19/08Z 2-6 RIAQUEORG. 20/03Z-29Z 2-6 RCGLJ
BANC GEOAGS, TAL
S SC IACOEST
AVIS( COUPS DE VENTM
VNT8 ?230-3#.31/(2 LEG. ()5''TAWPM WPXPOZW25.820'Z W35.
VIS: 1,/07Z-19/08Z 2-6 RISYAJ YLB'Z-20/18L 2-6 RIQUQ OF
MER(M) VLB 18/21Z-20/04Z.
CUNDY:
1-2 19/01Z 0-1.
OJAND MANAN, LURCHEC, LITNRAL SUD-OUEUVQCQQAWM
BANC BROWNS, BAND LFOTGES, BANC AAHZVE:
2-. 19/06Z 3-4. 19/13Z 2-3. 19/19Z 1-6.
ALUS SCOTIAN OUEST:
2-3. 1910Z 3-4. 19/19Z 2-3. 20/01Z
FRN
NNNN
KFJ DWCO N WNHHQOQVXMQHUKQORUVXST
Re: 22 m Grabber
Posted by WA1EDJ Bob on November 19, 2022 at 18:19:38.
In reply to Re: 22 m Grabber posted by Robert, VA3ROM on November 18, 2022
Thanks Robert!
I'm seeing it for $169. Is there better deals? Not sure if that is a BF sale price or just everyday price?
Bob Re: Navtex 490 kHz Chile
EDJ
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2022 at 14:42:06.
In reply to Navtex 490 kHz Chile posted by swlem3 on November 19, 2022
Nice catches Ray! The Chilean stations also transmit on 518 kHz a bit earlier than on 490 kHz but unfortunately CHLO, a digital AM-HD station in a suburb of Toronto, Canada, has been allowed to broadcast right on top of 518 kHz Navtex. You're far enough away that may not hurt the noise floor much but it certainly is noticeable here in NE IL.
VLF signals peaked up nicely here over night with 15 stations evident below 30 kHz, including the 3 "alpha" stations on 14, 12, and 11 kHz. Haven't noticed them since early in 2022, nor have I noticed JXN on 16.4 kHz either.
Higher up on 136 kHz DL7NN has been decoding regularly via fst4w/300 for many US monitors.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: Navtex 490 kHz Chile
Posted by swlem3 on November 20, 2022 at 16:49:54.
In reply to Re: Navtex 490 kHz Chile posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 20, 2022
Thanks Garry. On the AM station in Canada, you wonder what the "authorities" are thinking allowing a public safety utility to be interfered with. I can see why it would give you grief monitoring from NE Ill.
It's been awhile since I gave VLF some monitoring time. Good to hear you've had success overnight down there with the Alphas and the others making an appearance. I copied Alpha 14 a couple years ago... saved the screenshot, but haven't got back to VLF since then. I will give it a try in another month or so. I can't decode anything there but it's just interesting to see what pops up when propagation cooperates.
Ok on DL7NN down on 2200m. I really want to be down there decoding, but I have a nasty noise source riding the power lines that add 10db worth of noise to that band. It very seldom lets up to allow me to DX there. It's a shame because my QTH is in a great location for DX. I'm on a "rise" on the land and no obstructions to the view. I've been working on some sort of way (phase antennas?) to null the noise but so far have been unsuccessful.
Ray Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by ed holland on November 20, 2022 at 18:01:19.
In reply to Re: comments on LF noisemakers posted by swlem3 on November 18, 2022
Another problem was our old Solar inverter. It was a well recognised brand, but radiated mush quite severely. The replacement seems quieter.
RF design for home wiring is an interesting subject. In line with this, I remember a design proposal years ago that would have balance feed, supplied by an isolating transformer with a center tap. Assuming 110V supply, No more than 55V exposure at an outlet. Plus some common mode isolation.
Expensive to implement though.
Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by swlem3 on November 20, 2022 at 19:13:09.
In reply to Re: comments on LF noisemakers posted by ed holland on November 20, 2022
I heard about noise from those older inverters ED, and it's good to hear you find the newer version quieter. I've always wondered about the large solar "farm" arrays you see off the highways. Wonder how much noise they feed back into the output utility lines?
I would have liked to see the write-up you remember. Might have given us some ideas to apply at home. I'm pretty sure all this is known by those engineers that design power systems. I don't think it would be cost prohibitive if it mass produced and just made part of the way things are done. I just think there's "inertia" to getting something done the right way that (relatively) very few people complain about. It's like that in many areas of human endeavor, not just our present subject.
Ray
Ireland - RTE R1 scheduled to be off air (again)
Posted by Mike Terry on November 20, 2022 at 22:25:43.
RTE R1 scheduled to be off air (again) on Tuesday:
2rn-Summer Hill Co, Meath:
Complete Outage RTÉ Radio 1 Long Wave 252 for 8 hrs between 09:00 to 17:00 on 22nd of November 2022
(2rn on Twitter 20 Nov)
(via Alan Pennington - BDXC)
Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by Ed Holland on November 21, 2022 at 21:13:51.
In reply to Re: comments on LF noisemakers posted by swlem3 on November 20, 2022
Ray,
I can't find the original article - it must have been 10 or more years since I stumbled upon it. Searches now return info (and ads) for "Balanced Power" aimed at audio equipment - Basically a 1:1 isolating transformer with a center tap secondary winding. These seem to be intended to be used right at the equipment location, rather than as part of the main supply. I'll keep looking though, for that old web page.
Meanwhile, the tide of noisemakers is unrelenting. There's no way to ever ensure that everything complies with existing standards, let-alone make things better.
Then again - I've two very nice receivers who's internal electronics cause trouble at LF and VLF. Beautiful vacuum fluorescent displays though....
Ed Re: comments on LF noisemakers
Posted by swlem3 on November 22, 2022 at 01:22:34.
In reply to Re: comments on LF noisemakers posted by Ed Holland on November 21, 2022
No problem Ed on not being able to find the article. You can't keep track of everything of interest for years. Yep, the balanced center tapped xfmr is probably the "heart" of the noise cancelling system.
I love vacuum fluorescent displays too. :-) On the noise, it probably can be cleaned up with bypass caps, shielding, rf chokes in the right places. Since it's vintage equipment though, you really don't want to go messing with it, so you just live with the noise. My only fluorescent display piece of equipment is a handheld vintage calculator from the mid '70's... made in Japan. It's the Unisonic 790R, if you care to look it up. Has a very nice looking green display and it's powered by 4 AA batteries.
SJ Returns
Posted by John, W1TAG on November 22, 2022 at 14:05:14.
My captures tell me that SJ returned to the watering-hole last evening, and was visible this morning on 185.3046 kHz. The frequency was a little wild at startup, and then settled down overnight.
John, W1TAG
SJ QRV
Posted by Sal, K1RGO on November 23, 2022 at 13:17:19.
SJ is back on 185.304 kHz, the old xtal got off to a rough start and will run from ~ 0200 to 1400 utc daily for the season. If the xtal dies, alternate freq 186.85 kHz new wspr2 hifer
later.....Sal K!RGO
Posted by swlem3 on November 23, 2022 at 18:40:15.
Seeing a new (to me) wspr2 hifer today... Nov 23, 2022
EZ1
1830 -19db 0.3 13.555372 0 EZ1 EM77 7 821 mi
Ray... N. Central Texas
KE and WM
Posted by John Hamer on November 29, 2022 at 13:56:52.
I finally got around to building a new stand for my loop. I started off by monitoring the snake pit for KE, since he is close by. I tried with my transmitter on, but it was drowning out KE, so I cut it off for a few minutes and saw him right away. Image in link below.
https://www.jwhamer.me/grabber/2022/snakePit_11_27_2022/snakePit0010.jpg
Then I switched to the watering hole. After two days of monitoring, I finally got a little capture of WM. Image in link below. The faint trace above is just a reflection from my transmitter which is only like a few hundred feet away in the null of my loop.
https://www.jwhamer.me/grabber/2022/WH_11_27_2022/WH0330.jpg
Navtex 490 kHz Canada
John Hamer
Lowfer JH
Posted by swlem3 on November 29, 2022 at 15:00:16.
Just learning and finding my way around 490 khz signals, the "other" Navtex frequency. I'll be paying more attention to it this dx season, just seeing what can be hear from my location. Last night the prop came from the N.E. of here. I'm going to assume most stations I hear on this freq will be from Canada. Maybe I'll get a surprise or two when the band really opens up. Last night was station "D" in Riviere-Au-Renard Ontario. Here's just a snippet.
FZCZC DA06
111710 UTC MAY 20
LES AVERTISSEMENTS DE NAVIGATION REMPLACENT PES AVIS A LAVNAVNGATION ET DOIVE ETRE
NTTRPRETES COMME TELSM
NNNN
UAWTZCZC DA50
161107
5: ,9; 22
NW-K-1704--2,/TERREBANEUVE, MARIT
PE, SAINT LAURENTM A COMPTEI DU 160500 UTC NOV 20228 LSONE DE RESTRICTION DE VITESSE OBLIGGTBIRB
POUR ES NAVIREI DE PLUSCDE 13;.3543' $3 )9,)7374 $-,')3 &9)!3 97 '5;),9-735 ;8'-,5 - 04953&3$
Text sent in the French language, with errors due to low signal strength. Time of transmissions along with station text identified it's location when looked up in Navtex listings. No real dx here but I need to establish what are the common stations heard from this location in Texas.
Ray
Re: KE and WM
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 29, 2022 at 15:44:09.
In reply to KE and WM posted by John Hamer on November 29, 2022
John, you did fine with WM because it's been intermittent of late. My lowfer was on 185.185 kHz during your capture so no chance of seeing it. Have looked for KE and JH occasionally using ARGO at QRSS60 but nothing seen. As Andy KU4XR commented propagation of late has been disappointing.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: Navtex 490 kHz Canada
Posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 29, 2022 at 15:57:07.
In reply to Navtex 490 kHz Canada posted by swlem3 on November 29, 2022
Ray, of late I've only copied $04D and $04V from Canada on 490 kHz. In the past I've also copied $04J and $04S, but the latter probably isn't on in the winter. Thanks for noting $15H from Chile earlier. $15J in Puerto Montt has been coming through around 0530Z.
73, Garry, K3SIW, EN52ta, Elgin, IL
Re: Navtex 490 kHz Canada
Posted by swlem3 on November 29, 2022 at 17:33:35.
In reply to Re: Navtex 490 kHz Canada posted by Garry, K3SIW on November 29, 2022
Very good Garry. I knew you would know what was the "usual" copy, and what would be good ones to look for under better than average condx. I'll keep a lookout for those you mention.
thanks and 73,
Ray
potrzebie