- Subj: TEXAS Hears "OK"
Date: 97-11-29 18:08:54 EST
From: cantrell_bill (Cantrell Bill)
To: okbill@brightok.net (Bill Bowers OK ), LWCANews, lowfer@qth.net
Hi Bill Bowers, and fyi all,
I heard "OK" for the first time Thursday night 11/27/97 at 10:14pm on 189.950
kHz thru heavy lightning QRN. Signal was RST 349. Bill, your new tower and
top-hat must really be doing a good job there! (My receiver set-up is still
quite primitive and I plan to upgrade this summer.) I was running a 3 foot
Burhans active whip antenna on my van to a 40 dB gain AD826 dual op-amp to a
Rycom 3137 FSV (IF BW = 50Hz) to a 36 dB gain loudspeaker amp. This is the
first lowfer that I have copied other than TEXAS. Looking forward to many
more.
Regards,
Bill Cantrell - "TEXAS" and WD5CVG
("TEXAS" will go bpsk / cw by the end of the year using a de Carle/Koehler
keyer circuit.)
- Subj: VLF@15-30kHz
Date: 97-11-28 17:59:27 EST
From: (John Hermance)
Has anyone compiled a list of stations w/locations operating in the 15 to
30 kilohertz band?
John F. Hermance
Environmental Geophysics/Hydrology
Department of Geological Sciences
324 Brook Street
Brown University, Providence, RI 02912-1846
Tel: 1-401-863-3830 - Fax: 1-401-863-2058
- Subj: NC beacon
Date: 97-11-27 11:42:47 EST
From: k0lr (Lyle Koehler)
Thanks to a message from Dexter, W4DEX, I knew that beacon "NC" was up
and running on ZIA's old frequency of 189.050 kHz. Lots of competition
there, with fairly strong carriers at 189.080 and 189.105, plus the
Iceland power house at 189.000. This morning at 0500 CST the Iceland
carrier was 25 dB over S9 with the loop oriented for maximum signal, and
down to only 10 dB over S9 off the sides. By 0520 the Iceland signal had
dropped about 20 dB, and NC was easily readable with the help of a
modified DSP-59+ audio filter. JDH was in there again this morning, as
well as ARK, SAM, BK and IMG. Nothing heard from either OK or TEXAS,
which is unusual.
QRM from the Iceland station makes reception of NC difficult, but it's
obviously getting out very well and there is a window of opportunity to
hear NC during the hours just before sunrise.
73
Lyle, K0LR
- Subj: New OK(?) and JDH
Date: 97-11-26 12:08:39 EST
From: k0lr (Lyle Koehler)
It sounds like the new antenna at OK is up and running. Pretty good
signal on 189.95 this morning at about 0615 CDT. The ID was a little
hard to decipher, however. Sounded like "XIT" or "XU". For a while I
thought it might be the OK identifier with the keying inverted, but
after playing back the recorded wave file it doesn't look like that's
the case.
Just before that, while tuning for TEXAS I ran across JDH (184.5 kHz,
last listed as Bonaire, GA). If the QTH is still the same, that's almost
1100 miles. Not bad for a CW LowFER beacon! TEXAS and ARK were readable
but not especially strong this morning. Also heard were BK (now back on
the air on 187.46 kHz from Shell Lake, WI), IMG and SAM.
At 0630 CST I started a TRACE file on BPSK beacon IDF. It apparently
peaked between 0700 and 0720 CST, with 5 hits using no frame grabber and
140 hits with the GRAB depth set to 17.
73
Lyle, K0LR
- Reply 1: Excellent reception. JDH is still in Bonaire. John Hoopes indicates he will be running BPSK days and CW at night. - JHD
- Subject: Re: VPMO will be on the air in November
From: GARY.G.HERBST
Date: 24 Nov 1997 09:01:31 -0600
Here is a fragment for my original post to the group containing
specifics about the format. There's been a change in the format until
mid-december. As well as an upgrade to the power system.
TX : Curry Communications CW Unit (Excellent Kit and Service)
FREQ:186.890Khz
ID : VPMO
MODE: BPSK/CCW alternating (ms100, ET)
FORMAT:
A. 60 Seconds of the VPMO in BPSK/ET.
B. TEMP/WIND/BAROMETRIC Data in BPSK/ET for 10 consecutive transmits.
Format: -- TEMP XX -- WIND XX XX -- BAR XX --
Example: -- TEMP 58 -- WIND SW 10 -- BAR 31 --
Readings will be held static for the 10 consecutive transmits so as
not to fluctuate the data and cause problems picking out the data
against the noise floor.
C. 60 seconds of VPMO in CCW
D. Repeat Step A
The beacon will run from an existing 12V/18A solar array and 660Ahr
battery storage 24 hours 365 days/yr. This power configuration is part
of a Radio Room which houses SWL, WxFAX, DSP, Decoders, etc. And
supplies 1500W AC as needed per power outages to the basement and
family room.
The antenna configuration is not optimal but is sufficient to get a
signal out. The Antenna is below the horizon due to being situated in
a valley. However, once the November Holiday is over I will refine the
antenna system.
Location of the beacon is Valley Park Missouri, just 16 miles West of
downtown St. Louis and 14 Miles south of Lampert Intl. Airport.
QSL Address: Gary G. Herbst
133 Wynstay Ave.
Valley Park, MO 63088
- Subject: "KC" 185 kHz
From: "Carey, Kevin"
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 1997
Just a quick note to say that CW beacon "KC" (185 kHz) is up and running
from Bloomfield, NY (about 20 miles south of Rochester--FN12). Although
the antenna system is far from ideal right now, it might be worth a try
for listeners in the Northeast.
Initially, the beacon is being run 24 hours a day, but I'll eventually
establish a regular schedule.
Best LW DX,
- Kevin
- Subj: RE: WWVB receiver design
Date: 97-11-24 16:12:32 EST
From: k0lr (Lyle Koehler)
Hi Mike,
Don't know if you got an answer to your 15 November request for WWVB
receiver design ideas, but I ran across a Web site this morning that
might help. Check out: http://www.lakeWeb.com/dbLabs/wwvb/
Looks like it might also provide a precise local 1-MHz frequency
reference.
Regards,
Lyle, K0LR
- Subj: Beacon TH S-3 in NC
Date: 97-11-23 21:54:27 EST
From: dmcintyre (D. McIntyre)
The first LF beacon heard this season from this QTH, 27 miles east of
Charlotte, NC, was Carl Lundgren's TH from Colts Neck, NJ. Signals
peaked S-5 with QSB into the noise at times between 1930 and 2000 EST.
QRN was moderate and the Iceland broadcast signal was below the level
received here the last few evenings. Also I had a nice QSO with Todd
Roberts, WD4NGG, Hilton Head, SC on 1983 KC. He is the operator of LF
and MEDFER "ABC".
73, Dexter, W4DEX, LF Beacon "NC" 189.050 KHz.
- Subj: LowFER Beacon
Date: 97-11-23 02:01:11 EST
From: (Robert W.P. Patterson)
Anyone have a Lowfer Beacon for sale? Might be interested if so..Pse
drop me an e-mail.
Bob K5DZE
- MedFER Conditions
Date: Tue, 18 Nov 1997 09:46:39 -0700
From: jtreed (John Reed)
Hello all,
The medfer band is starting to open up. On 17 Nov I heard STLMO and MIN
clearly. This morning (18th) I also heard both, but not as well as
yesterday. STLMO was on 1690.8 and
MIN was on 1648.35.
Reception was with 100' noise reduced wire on two receivers, Harris RF590
and Eddystone 958/3. Best reception was on Eddystone 150 Hz filter. The
Harris also has a 150 Hz filter, but has more ringing due to steeper filter
edges.
Reception was by the old fashioned method (ears). My receivers and computer
don't get along too well. Too much RFI. I need to work on that problem.
73, John Reed, KA5QEP
- Subj: 194 KHz carrier
Date: 97-11-17 09:25:36 EST
From: mmommsen (Pierre Thomson)
Darwin wrote:
Has anyone noticed an unmodulated carrier at 194 kHz in the central
or western states? When in Texas, I was picking up a strong
unmodulated carrier at 194 kHz day and night, and I can also
pick up such a carrier here in southern California at night
(the same one?).
You might be hearing the carrier of TUK on Nantucket. This dominates
the 194 slot all over the East Coast, as it is a 4000 watt beacon with
a huge antenna system, intended for inbound ship and air traffic. The
salt-water location helps too, I'm sure!
There is AM modulation on the TUK beacon, including voice weather
for eastern airports and a faint Morse ID, but the modulation is
kept low, presumably for more accurate DF.
Good luck with DJL; I also suffer in rain, but it's probably more
due to detuning of the base loading coil from water collecting on
the overturned plastic pail that covers it. I'm thinking of putting
the coil in a large metal drum, or a large polyethylene barrel.
73,
Pierre Thomson RI / KA2QPG
- Subject: Miami Commercial BC
From: daveaa1a
Gudday,
RGQ at 0200Z on 1645.036
Real noisy on 1690 with that Miami station on 1700 really banging
the mod. meter.. Doubt if I will hear STLMO..
73s dave
- Subject: 'Tis the season
Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997
From: Lyle Koehler
LowFERs KRY (Chardon, OH, 175.388 kHz) and ARK (Leslie, AR, 189.300 kHz)
are back on the air. Both were identifiable here in central Minnesota
through heavy QRN at 0600 CST today. Also heard were TEXAS (184.480),
SAM (189.190) and IMG (188.780). IMG and SAM are both operated by Sam
Eastey, W0IMG in Crystal, MN.
The COHERENT trace file showed that BPSK beacon IDF from Idaho Falls
peaked between 0700 and 0710 CST.
We seem to be getting some good LF propagation. Now if the QRN would
just give us a break --
...(Next morning:)
Date: Mon, 17 Nov 1997 10:33:47 -0600
LowFER BA (Lancaster, IL, 186.375 kHz) was putting in a good signal this
morning just after 0600 CST. BOB (Mahomet, IL, 186.986 kHz) came up out
of the noise and QRM a few minutes later. Also heard: TEXAS, ARK, IMG
and SAM. No sign of KRY; perhaps the propagation window had already
closed by the time I tuned to his frequency.
73
Lyle, K0LR
- Subj: VA- Medfer New Frequency
Date: Sat, 97-11-15
From: n4zv (n4zv)
Well, it would appear that I have been "expanded upon" once again! First
WJDM...and now, the new Spanish broadcaster on 1700. Look for VA (the
medfer) on its new frequency...1673.6khz.
Todd tells me the new station on 1700 has made it impossible to copy VA
on its old frequency. We have heard the station is located in
Miami....dunno! SUPER STRONG here in VA....must be a mighty potent
kilowatt! Stronger than WJDM.
Best wishes to the entire gang for a great DX/Holiday season!
Bart Prater
VA/N4ZV
- Subject: WWVB receiver design
From: Mike Bilow
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 97
I have been thinking about trying to build a very cheap receiver that
would perform acceptably for the 60 kHz WWVB signal. The idea would
be to feed this into a simple microprocessor for interpreting the
time code. I would like to keep this as simple as possible, with a
cost of about $10-20 in parts at most. Do you know of any articles
or plans that have been published which would give me some good tips?
-- Mike, N1BEE
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
Bilow Computer Science | +1 401 944 3937 (voice) | Michael S. Bilow
Forty Plantations | +1 401 944 7966 (fax) | President
Cranston, RI 02920-5554 | +1 401 944 8498
PGP Public Key fingerprint = 4B 06 23 FB 3E 24 A5 24 14 B5 A2 14 96 73 B4 B2
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
- Subject: winter schedule for DJL
Date: Sat, 15 Nov 1997
From:
I just wanted to keep you and the membership posted as to my winter operating
schedule for "DJL". I have improved my antenna system to include
double-insulated tophat supports with a wax-coated plastic disk in between
them to prevent shorting when wet. Here in southern California, we had no
rain for almost eight months, and a coat of dust and dirt built up on the
insulators by the end of October. When the fog or dew at night set in, the
antenna began shorting to the support masts as the wet residues on the
insulators became conductive. The new setup should resist this effect, and
has already proven to work very well in heavy rain.
With this new setup, I can now operate the beacon rain or shine, so my
operating schedule has now changed to simply "24hrs, 7 days"
The frequency and transmission mode remain the same. (188.920 kHz, CCW)
Had to go on a business trip to Tandy Center in Ft. Worth, TX. in mid-October. Along with me I brought my collapsable 4-foot loop and LF receiver. Compared to southern California, the NDB band there is "jam-packed", over 70% of the frequency slots occupied by some sort of NDB carrier between 200 and 429 kHz. At night, it is even more of a challenge there to DX distant NDB's with all of the local signals.
Bill Cantrell, your TEXAS beacon was (obviously) LOUD and CLEAR there in Ft. Worth. Bill Bowers, your OK was also very audible, day and night.
Has anyone noticed an unmodulated carrier at 194 kHz in the central or western states? When in Texas, I was picking up a strong unmodulated carrier at 194 kHz
day and night, and I can also pick up such a carrier here in southern California at night (the same one?).
Also, does anyone reading this who is living in or around southern California know where that noisy carrier at 213 kHz (and full of harmonics) is eminating from. I can hear it up and down the coast, and the nulls don't seem to point to a specific location. I have heard this carrier propagate ionospherically to the north at night, too.
Thanks,
Darwin Long
- Subject: 1A QRV, QRU
From: daveaa1a
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997
Gudday John,
Well there sure seems to be plenty of MedFer activity..!!..
Have been out in the fields and workbench and had some successful
CW and BPSK one ways..
Sails are rigged
Watch is set
Am QRV, QRU for simplex/duplex CW/BPSK on 1644 khz..
Running at full blast (100mw) into 10' antenna..
ERP must be all of 1 or 2 milliwatts but copy to over
500 mi. so far says Its gonna be a good season..
Noticed I can hear other stations 2 to 3 khz away while in beacon mode..
Loop is nulled on 1A..1644.. intermittent beacon..
MPK, RGQ sounding good CW sigs here in FN42pb..
SOLAR and MIN captured on BPSK..
RGQ now on 1645..
73s from Dave - AA1A
PS--Sigs at 0030Z were:1645.044 CW 'RGQ'
1685.080 CW 'MER E'
1684.921 Carrier
1690.591 Splatter from 1700kc. Commercial Stn. in Fla.
1691.000 CW 'A321'
At 0110Z heard VVV de USC USC on 1645.. RGQ was off air..
Anybody know USC?? Some carrier on 1640, else quiet area of band and seems to
be filling..
- Subj: Re: Medfer/Lowfer activity
Date: 97-11-11
From: Fcathell
By the way, some more updates:
Medfer D near Denver is off permanently.
Medfer A near Quartzite is also off.
- Frank
- Subject: Correction to Change of address
From: "Jacques d'Avignon"
Date: Wed, 12 Nov 1997
Good evening:
It was brought to my attention that my change of address message of
October 13 contained a mistake in the street address.
You will find below the corrected and correct change of address.Jacques d'Avignon
248 Towerhill Road
Peterborough, ON
K9H 7N1
CANADA
Voice: +1 705 750 1636
Fax: +1 705 750 1637
E-mail: monitor@rac.ca
Sorry about the inconvenience.
- Subj: IDF beacon
Date: 97-11-11 16:48:22 EST
From: k0lr (Lyle Koehler)
LowFER BPSK beacon IDF from Idaho Falls is still alive and well. The
best time for reception here in Minnesota seems to be about half an hour
before sunrise. Currently, IDF is on 189.600 kHz, 24H 7D schedule,
continuous BPSK at MS100, ET1. The identifier IDF(space) has a run
length of 4.
The beacon operator is Tod Olson, KØTO, who
uses the Idaho Falls location as a sort of vacation home. His mailing
address is still 292 Heather Lane, Long Lake, MN 55356. Tod is back in
Minnesota and probably won't return to Idaho until after the holidays.
In the meantime, only Mother Nature or Murphy will cause IDF to shut
down.
73
Lyle
- Subj: Medfer/Lowfer activity
Date: 97-11-10
From: Fcathell
Just a brief report here. No Lowfer beacons being heard from Tucson. "M" is off the air, PLI is no longer regular and new powerline carriers are everywhere. WM is the only Medfer being heard on 1696.2 kHz.
My own TSN beacon is being regularly heard in the San Diego, L.A. and Lone Pine, Calif. areas.
Frank Cathell
- Subj: WTB: R389
Date: 97-11-08
From: (Joe Perge)
Looking for the classic R389 VLF receiver.Need not work but should be
complete. Email perge@ibm.net
Thanks,
Joe,WB8HWF
- Subj: Results of LF-test-transmissions (DA0LF, Germany)
Date: 97-11-06 16:29:44 EST
From: , DJ8WL
Hello Lowfers everywhere,
from Oct. 27th - 30th, 1997 DJ8WL has been using the callsign DA0LF
running tests on 137.1 kHz in CW. About 50 reports were received
indicating hearing/not hearing DA0LF. The greatest distance covered
was about 200 km/125 miles. ERP was approx. 40 ... 50 milliwatts.
Antenna used: inverted L for 160m (!) tuned to resonance with a loading
coil of 3.6 mH.
Conditions seemed to be rather poor during the week
since previous tests made in August this year brought reports from
stations about 360 km/215 miles with the same equipment/power used.
Further testing will be done before the end of 1997 to provide as
much info as possible to hams in Germany and EU since the German PTT
most likely will make 135.7 - 137.8 kHz available to hams shortly.
Inquiries or info available from
.
Greetings, Peter/DJ8WL
- Subj: Lots of reports already!
Date: 97-11-05 22:59:49 EST
From: dav3yay (dave holland)
Have gotten lots of reports in so far, with my two different antenna
tests. Either there's good condition, or a lot of early listeners. A
number of reports I have received, were from folks just getting into the LF
and Medfer hobby. That's good, we need some new blood.
Dave (Beacon PX)
- Reply 1: Amen! Glad to hear the beacon is getting out, and that new folks are becoming interested! Don't forget to steer them in this direction. :-) -JHD)
- Subject: Idaho LowFER on BPSK
Date: Mon, 03 Nov 1997
From: Lyle Koehler
Tod, KØTO will be testing LowFER beacon IDF(space) from Idaho Falls,
Idaho tonight. The present frequency is 180.600 kHz; this may change in
the future depending on antenna tuning experiments. Tonight the beacon
will be running continuous BPSK; MS100 ET1. Because of the way I
programmed the EEPROM for Tod to allow alternate BPSK/CW operation,
there is an extra space in the identifier about once every two minutes.
This limits the maximum GRAB depth to something around 17, although the
SYNC parameter in COHERENT can be arbitrarily long. I'll be listening
tonight with COHERENT 7.3b using MS100; ET1; SYNC60; GRAB 4:9. My CW
beacon LEK will be turned off during the attempt to receive IDF.
Regards
Lyle, K0LR
- Subject: TEXAS Beacon Update
Date: 3 Nov 1997 11:29:49 -0600
From: "Cantrell Bill"
Howdy,
On Saturday I rolled out the chicken-wire ground-plane on the TEXAS Beacon for
the winter DX season. This should result in a 6 dB improvement in signal
strength.
Prior to this, Lyle has already received "TEXAS" in Minnesota at 950 miles, so
things are shaping up to be a very good season.
Color QSL cards will be sent out to everyone who receives "TEXAS". It is
still CW only at 184.480 kHz. I hope to be dual-mode CW / bpsk by Jan `98.
Regards,
Bill Cantrell
"TEXAS" and WD5CVG