480 kHz experimental RW Beacon heard in Minnesota
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 01, 2000 at 12:01:17
To: W0rw aol.com, Longwave Message Board, LowFER reflector
I was having a restless night and came into the shack this morning at about 0230 local time (after unplugging the VCR and satellite dish that totally wipe out everything near 480 kHz). For the first time, I could detect the "RW" identifier. An hour later the signal had improved slightly. It was fairly easy to copy the identifier, although I would have had to listen through many passes to sort out the QSL information.
According to the callbook CD-ROM, the distance involved is 771 miles.
-- Lyle, K0LR http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle
A3O PA Q5 copy in NC
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 02, 2000 at 00:21:09
I started not the make the midnight run to the LF shack this evening due to the static crashes on 160 meters. But I did anyway and I'm glad I did. Mike Lamanna's beacon A3O, Monroeville, PA, 182.900 KHz, was heard without even spotting the frequency! Signal peaks were about the same as the static peaks but I had no problem identifying the call and copying the info. Hearing A3O again was like hearing from an old friend!
Dex
Ken Cornell's Low Frequency Scrapbooks
Posted by Dave Joseph on December 02, 2000 at 02:24:38
Hi to all...
I would like to replace my collection of Low Frequency Scrapbooks. I've apparently made a grave error in lending it to someone who never returned it and has moved out of the area. To me, a great loss.
Is there anyone who can let me know how I might obtain Ken's scrapbooks. I know he's gone now...but, would dearly like to get his work again.
I don't recall exactly which years I had except two of them were dated in the late '70's and/or early '80's. The first one had tube rigs and the second and third had mostly solid state designs.
Your help will be most appreciated.
Thanks in advance...Dave - W7AMX
Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Shane Passmore on December 02, 2000 at 11:15:20
Anyone have any opinions about the VLF-A upconverter? Just curious, as I am thinking about purchasing one. Thanks.
Re: Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 02, 2000 at 12:56:27
I have one that I'm not too impressed with, but then again I don;t have decent equipment to get the desired effect I'm looking for. If you get one you might want to place a preamp coming from the antenna on it.
The one that I have has less sensitivity then my old tube boat anchore Sierra 125A frequency selective voltmeter.
I'mnot crazy about the upconverters but they sure are right for the money. It beat shelling out 700 + dollars for an Icom R75 :)
Re: Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 02, 2000 at 15:00:57
Speaking of the R75, Burghardt Amateur Center (and perhaps others) is advertising them for $550 through December. Details at www.burghardt-amateur.com
Re: NC/DCH daytime copy
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 02, 2000 at 20:53:36
Bill, I'm not sure of VA's exact location but Bart's grid, FM07ec is about 134 miles from my EM95tg grid.
Re: NC/DCH daytime copy
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 02, 2000 at 21:04:03
And VA to DCH is approximately 257 miles. A good haul for daylight lowfer signals. Bart does hear very well though so I'm not surprised.
Re: Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Larry Putman on December 02, 2000 at 21:55:10
I have one and I have never been satisfied with it. Besides poor sensitivity the frequency drifts.
IMHO it is only good for very causal listening.
Bigger IS better
Posted by John Andrews on December 03, 2000 at 13:16:50
I've been slow to come around to this, but after having put together a moderately large receiving loop, and playing with it for a day, I'm beginning to find what I've been missing. The loop is square, 6.5 feet on a side, and has 14 turns. It's more or less modeled after the antenna described in September, 2000 QST, just smaller.
Anyway, I can now copy RI at 120 miles, and DCH at 325 miles, both in the daytime. In the case of DCH, Spectran is necessary, but RI is audible in headphones.
The loop is series tuned into a 1:1 transformer, with coax running inside to a 30 dB preamp ahead of an ICOM R75 receiver.
John Andrews, W1TAG
last frequency change for RLD
Posted by Brian Helms KD4RLD on December 03, 2000 at 17:03:46
After some more work this Saturday on my grounding system for my antenna, I decided to go ahead and change frequencies also. This seems to have given me about 4db additional output according to field stregnth measurements. The new frequency is 176.33. This is the last frequency change unless there is a problem w/t noise or something on the frequency.
QRSS
Posted by Roger Magnuson on December 03, 2000 at 18:26:10
I am now setup to look for QRSS signals. Spectran is now installed on my computer and thanks to Lyle for putting his beacon in QRSS mode this afternoon, I was able to get the settings correct and could copy LEK just fine with his signal faded as far as I could by nulling the loop. If anyone has their beacon on QRSS or a schedule to do so at certain times, please let us know.
Thanks, Roger ( RM ) Duluth, Minnesota
TenTec DX320
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 04, 2000 at 14:16:04
Hello,
Just wanted to see what everyone thought of the TenTec Dx320. I read the review in QST and did a little web research on this PC based receiver.
At first glance I was really skeptical of its performance if any. (I am reflecting on my experiences with the Icom PCR-100) It seems that everyone gives this receiver the greenlight as for its performance. I also understand that there is an Xformer mod for this unit that allows it to tune down to 10Khz.
Has anyone had any experiecnes with this receiver? Has anyone performed the Mod successfully? Is this a good receiver for the $295.00 that it costs?
I'm not exactly in the financial position to run out an get an Icom R75 yet.
Anyone have anything to say on this radio?
New PC Based 1750 Meter Transmitter
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 04, 2000 at 14:34:22
For those of you who have been looking for an inexpensive 1750 Meter transmitter may be interested in a new product called the "LW-MAX" designed by PCS Electronics. Photos of the board and more information can be found at:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/Products/hams.shtml
The transmitter is based on their PC-MAX FM transmitter concept, it that it uses an IBM PC and a PSA slotted card as the transmitter. Software totally controls the operation of the card, making it easy to upgrade and add modes, features, etc.
I've been working with the circuit designer to test both hardware and software, having put a working prototype board on the air already. The software drivers is already available for download and evaluation from their main index page:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/
The file is very large at over 7 Megabytes, and is undergoing revisions as we speak, so you may want to delay trying it out. It will function without the card installed for those who want to look at the operation of the unit.
The transmitter currently supports CW operation at speeds of up to 12wpm and also QRSS operation in three modes, including one that allows the user to select the "dash" length and then the software will automatically adjust dot length, character spacing, etc.
Another nice feature is the ability to use the software to "power step" your beacon. For instance, you can transmit for 1 minute at full power, then 1 minute at half power (500mw), 1 minute at one quarter power (250mw), etc. This allows listeners to evaluate band conditions. Very nice!
The unit comes fully assembled, with software included. You need to connect the transmitter to your lowfer antenna using a coaxial cable. While the unit will operate this way, to be legal you'd need to construct a final amp to mount at the base of the antenna. (such as Lyle's simple push pull amp).
Using the LW-MAX you still have to build the loading coil, antenna, and ground system...so it's hardly plug and play, but it will get you on the air quick. Selling price is $120 plus shipping.
I am expecting arrival of the final hardware within a few days, and will post a review of the unit then. The prototype performed well, with some problems noted in the output filters. Marko assures me that these have since been corrected.
Future software revisions may support BPSK operation...and PCS Electronics has promised to make the source code of the driver freely available so that those like Bill de Carle can modify it as they wish.
While this product is based on my original idea, I am not financially or legally involved in the project. I am working with PCS Electronics to test both hardware and software, and have contributed to the writing of the manual.
Les Rayburn, N1LF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500k
LEK in QRSS mode
Posted by lyle koehler on December 04, 2000 at 19:34:58
LowFER beacon LEK from central Minnesota will be operating in QRSS mode at 0.4 WPM on 186.700 kHz for the next couple of days.
JDH in QRSS mode
Posted by John Hoopes on December 04, 2000 at 20:11:50
JDH is also running in the QRSS mode at 0.4WPM at 184.509KHz. I'll stay in that mode until further notice.
73,
John/AB4MS/JDH
Re: Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Jonathan Jesse on December 04, 2000 at 21:28:22
I have an old Palomar converter that I use every day. It's the model built into the red aluminum "Bud" case. I am using it in front of a Yaesu FT-100. I've been happy with it. It blows the doors off just the stock FT-100. However, it is off about 250hz, not a big deal as long as I remember where I am.
While we're on the subject, has anyone ever "reworked" the Palomars to make them play better?
Re: TenTec DX320
Posted by Larry Putman on December 05, 2000 at 09:46:43
Mike,
I have the Ten Tec RX 320 and for the money it is an execellant receiver! With the LF mod is works very well on lf and vlf freqs and when using with Spectran it is capable of 1hz. resolution! Also has grwat filters down to 300Hz. great for Lowfer searching! Check out the AMRAD Web page for the mod and review. www.amrad.org
Re: TenTec DX320
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 05, 2000 at 10:00:24
Larry,
Thanx for the prompt response. Everything I've read on this unit has been very good. I just wanted a first hand account. It does sound like a good performer.
I have been to the AMRAD site to check out the Mod as well as the ARRL site that has an identicle article on this mod without the helpful pictures.
I think I might put one of these under the tree this year for myself;)
Thanks again Mike
Looking for more of Ken Cornell's Scrapbooks...
Posted by Dave Joseph on December 05, 2000 at 11:51:41
Some luck here on 90's issues of Ken Cornell's Low Frequency Scrapbooks...but would still like to obtain issues from the 70s and 80s.
If you have, or know of, any of these, I would be interested in them.
Thanks for reading...73, Dave - W7AMX
www.vlf.it update
Posted by Renato Romero, IK1QFK on December 05, 2000 at 17:47:34
Howdy to all,
the web site RADIO WAVES below 22 kHz has been updated with 2 new articles:
an exclusive reportage of Trond Jacobsen on the russian VLF time signal stations BETA,
and an easy VLF loop project without transformers using only one IC.
Take a look.
Bye, Renato.
Re: New PC Based 1750 Meter Transmitter
Posted by John Davis on December 05, 2000 at 19:35:31
In discussing this product with Les, we've come to believe that the biggest objection most people are going to have is the big Jolly Roger flying at the top of a Web page ostensibly directed at hams. Although perhaps 85% of the company's sales are to legitimate users, they seem obsessed with the pirate radio stuff.
For LowFER purposes, I believe the main concern should be that _we_ use the product correctly. As has been pointed out elsewhere, marketing of a 1750 meter transmitter requires formal certification. However, as Les correctly notes, the correct way to deal with the transmission line problem under Part 15 is to drive an amplifier located directly at the base of the antenna. In that case, the LW-MAX card is an exciter, not the whole transmitter. It then becomes the end user's responsibility to verify correct operation of the composite transmitter and self-certify as provided in Part 15.
Using the card with a separate, legal final removes some of the functionality (such as the power steps). And it has the built-in limitation of the smallest tuning step being 100Hz. However, it might still prove helpful to those who have a spare computer with an ISA slot and don't want to design an entire multimode frequency-synthesized LF exciter from scratch.
John
JDH copied QRSS
Posted by Brian Helms KD4RLD on December 05, 2000 at 22:22:30
JDH seems to have magically appeared on my monitor while I was testing an old spectrum analyzer program that I had. I tried to audibly hear the signal but I had a carrier about 100 hz away and that kept me from hearing him but no problem seeing his signal. This was about 9:30 EST
Re: JDH copied QRSS
Posted by John Davis on December 05, 2000 at 23:25:32
Congratulations, Brian. These digitally aided modes are pretty amazing, aren't they?
QRSS Tips
Posted by Les Rayburn on December 06, 2000 at 01:14:53
Many of us have been comparing notes to try to see what works best for us in trying to receive QRSS signals. Here are some tips that might be useful to everyone:
1. Spectran seems to be the software of choice for everyone at the moment.
2. Best results seem to be obtained by turning the "log" function off. Linear mode seems to give better contrast on weak signals. Lyle likes to use the AGC function,
while I do not.
3. You can adjust the display to scroll down (waterfall mode) or sideways. Most lowfers seem to prefer a horizontal display (easier to read Morse characters this way) but I favor the waterfall display with the 800hz marker centered in the screen.
My BFO is adjusted to provide an 800hz output for the RF input frequency. This setting is for BPSK reception but I never touch it as it is hard to adjust if moved.
I use this to my advantage on Spectran. If I'm looking for a weak signal, I look right at the center of the screen. Sometimes the signal will be a few hertz off
(often the case with JDH and his aging crystal) but for someone like LEK, if I see characters at 800hz, there is little doubt that it's the desired signal.
4. Most of us set our resolution to 0.24hz, with input slider adjusted to keep the signal just out of the "red" and into the green.
5. Spectran can help out with "ghosts" as well. I call weak signals that I think might be CW but are often just ringing in the filters, "ghosts". Using my ear alone it is sometimes hard to tell if a normal speed CW signal is "real" or not.
A quick glance at Spectran will tell the tale. While you cannot copy normal 5-12 WPM CW on the screen, you can easily tell when you are receiving a legitimate signal and not just a ghost. A real time saver for me so far this season.
6. As I mentioned, if you want to add a "screen capture" timer feature to Spectran,
the best one going is "Snagit" available at:
http://www.techsmith.com/
If you have tips that may help all of us in learning this mode, please pass them on!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Add "Screen Capture" feature to Spectran (QRSS)
Posted by Les Rayburn on December 06, 2000 at 01:16:03
To: lowfer qth.net Subject: Screen captures using Spectran (QRSS)
I've tried most of the spectrum analyzer programs out there for QRSS (Slow Speed CW)
reception, and really prefer Spectran. The problem is that it lacks the "screen capture"
timer options of EZ-Gram that we need to use for overnight logging of signals.
A great solution is a piece of shareware called "Snagit", which is a tailor made screen capture solution. You can now run "Spectran" and set "Snagit" to capture your images for you overnight. It's available for download at:
http://www.techsmith.com/
Again, I want to encourage everyone to at least try QRSS mode. It's easy on both the transmit and receive side, and really works. According to some tests that Lyle has done, it can pick up signals that are -27db below the noise!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Re: JDH copied QRSS
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 06, 2000 at 01:18:22
Congratulations on your reception. John really has a great signal coming out of JDH. I can see his beacon very clearly here near Birmingham at over 200 miles away 24/7. Even when the noise is very high.
QRSS is really amazing, as is BPSK.
Cheap Medfer transmitters for sale at Wal-Mart!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 06, 2000 at 02:39:01
Your local Wal-Mart is selling an inexpensive Medfer transmitter! For only $20 you can purchase a "Radio DJ" toy made by a company called "Wild Planet". According to the box, it allows you to transmit to any AM radio on 1610khz up to 30 feet away.
After disassembling the unit, here is what I found. The unit is crystal controlled! It runs off 6vdc and features a microphone, cheap cassette player, some sound effects, and even an input for your CD-
player.
There is a ground lead and also an antenna lead, so it should be a snap to hook the unit up to a loading coil and ground system. I haven't yet been able to measure the output power, but it is likely to be well below the legal 100mw.
No schematic is included, so it's hard to tell what kind of modifications are possible, but certainly changing the crystal would allow you to move the frequency up or down.
There are some pitfalls to taking this unit apart:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Remove all screws from the bottom of the unit.
2. Expose the rubber feet to the unit. There are also screws hidden underneath here.
3. Remove cassette player drawer. There are two screws inside the tape deck that secure it to the base.
4. Using a pair of wire snips, break off the plastic "slider" volume control. It is glued to the pot underneath, and if you try to force it, you'll only break the pot. (I did!)
5. Remove the back of the unit. You can now begin to remove all the components that you'll want to keep. (Throw away the cassette player, it is so cheap as to be worthless)
Be sure to retain the volume control, the CD-Player input, and the microphone. Most of us will want to run this unit in CW mode only, but you never know.
My next step is going to be to mount this inside a "thrift store" metal enclosure and then begin testing. It will be a breeze to attach the ground and antenna wire to a BNC connector, attach a bench power supply, etc.
Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of time for further modifications right now, but if some of you convert this to a CW transmitter, please pass along info to the group. I've still got to try to fix that loop pre-amp for Bill Bowers 10 foot monster!!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Re: TenTec DX320
Posted by Frank Reynolds, KC2FDW on December 06, 2000 at 07:02:12
I'got one and really like it. I use a Palomar Upverter with it as it is not really buillt for LW work.
There are some freeware/shareware programs that have more features than the Ten Tec program: 1 Hz tuning, bandpass, more filters,etc.
I'm nervous about doing the coil mode but am quite happy using the upverter w/wo a Kawi low pass filter. It compares quite well with my Drake R8A.
My son saw me using it w/ Spectogram, loved it, placed his order the next day!
Drawbacks: Not really very portable unless you're set up for PC travel'in. My sound card doesen't like too many programs trying to use it at 1 time.
Go for it.
Frank
Re: Palomar VLF-A comments anyone?
Posted by Frank Reynolds, KC2FDW on December 06, 2000 at 07:15:15
I've got a VLF-S, easier to keep trck of the frequency. Primary use was NDB chasing away from home with a RS DX398. Works just fine.
I'm now using it with a Drake R8A (sometimes) and a TenTec RX320. Works just fine especially with the TT as I can offset the tuning w/ software.
I don't sit on a frequency long enough to notice any drifting.
Frank
Re: TenTec DX320
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 06, 2000 at 14:00:37
Thanks everyone for the prompt responses. My new toy is in the mail;)
And although I'm not particularly pleased with my experiences with my Polamar VLF converter. I think I'll hook it up to the DX320, as a primary alternative to blindly installing a coil with the dexterity of having ten thumbs. ;)
Medfer frequency question
Posted by Charlie on December 06, 2000 at 15:59:34
Ok so I am hooked on VLF and would like to make my next project a medfer beacon.Any suggestions on the frequency I should use ?
THANKS,
...Charlie...KC0EH...
COV...187.5 khz.
Re: Medfer frequency question
Posted by John Davis on December 06, 2000 at 19:48:03
Antennas are more efficient on the high end of the band, so that would be your best bet. Also, despite the opening of the Expanded Band segment to AM broadcasters, 1600-1705 kHz is still the least crowded part of the AM band. Listen day and night before deciding on a frequency, as even the authorized 1kW nighttime power for stations in this band can still disrupt MedFER communications over a vast distance.
Fwd: LEK's QRSS-CW signal copied in Canada using CRUNCH
Posted by John Davis on December 06, 2000 at 19:55:05
Subj: LF: LEK's QRSS-CW signal copied in Canada using CRUNCH Date: 12/6/00 4:32:11 PM Eastern Standard Time From: bill1 cgocable.ca (Bill de Carle)
Reply-to: rsgb_lf_group blacksheep.org
If you go to my web page at:
http://cafe.rapidus.net/bill1/bbs.htm
down at the bottom of the page you'll find a link you can use to download a file called QRSS-LEK.ZIP - it has a few seconds of WAV file snipped from last night's overnight CRUNCH run trying to hear lowfer LEK.
Although I've copied Lyle before using BPSK, I believe this is the first time I copied him on CW; the signal came through in the wee hours of the morning, Wednesday Dec. 6th, 2000. I have Lyle's co-ordinates in Aitkin MN as 46.53013N, 93.71042W and my QTH in St-Adolphe d'Howard, PQ Canada is at 45.9351N, 74.2993W. Just re-calculated the distance using Clarke's ellipsoid: it works out to 1495 Km or 929 miles.
Antenna was a 30 x 20 foot rectangular tuned loop. Rx was a Kenwood TS850S with external freq standard. Computer was a Compaq laptop with a 100 Mhz Pentium processor running CRUNCH V3.0. An S16 PCMCIA soundcard was used for 16-bit audio input. CRUNCH settings were:
40:1 time compression, 800-Hz CW tone out, 300-Hz bandpass filter on the output. If you have CoolEdit handy you can do a frequency analysis of this file (select the entire snippet and press the SCAN button) -
it shows Lyle's signal on 800-Hz jutting up just a little over the smoothed background noise envelope.
If you listen carefully you can just hear Lyle's CW ident in there - starting about halfway through the audio snippet, you'll hear "LEK" very distinctly. The signal is weak so you may have to play it over a few times in LOOP mode before you get it, but it's definitely there.
This is a good example of a signal that seems to come up out of the noise when you listen to it over and over. It's the equivalent of the "GRAB" process but done in your head. Pretty neat!
VE2IQ
XMGR Copies A30!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 07, 2000 at 01:05:10
Using Spectran tonight at 10:24 CST, I tuned across my "hot list" of widely heard lowfers looking for a trace of a signal. When I tuned to 182.900khz, there was a clearly visible trace right on the 800hz mark (where my BFO is locked). I quickly grabbed the headphones and began to listen.
The signal was CW all right, but it quickly faded out. I did some soldering while keeping one eye on Spectran. At around 10:37 the signal came back, even more clearly. Grabbing the headphones again, I was able to clearly make out the ID cycle. It was A30!!!!
I started the tape recorder and took a screen capture of the Spectran display. A30 is in Monroeville, PA, in Grid FN00, 629 miles from my location. This is my best logging to date.
Antenna used was a homebrew tuned active whip, feeding the Icom 746. Had A30 been running QRSS mode, it would have been an easy logging.
Does anyone have contact information for this beacon? I also saw a trace on RED's frequency around the same time, but could not pull out the ID. It's a little noisy tonight though propagation seems to be good. Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Re: XMGR Copies A30!
Posted by John Davis on December 07, 2000 at 07:27:43
A3O is operated by Mike Lamanna, WA3O. His e-mail address is listed in the LWCA online Operator Contact List (through the Part 15 page), and full information in the print version (July issue and upcoming December issue of The LOWDOWN). Callbook information is current also.
John
PopComm January 2001
Posted by Lee Reynolds on December 07, 2000 at 10:37:54
Don't know about you guys, but I want one of those "Three-Coot square fiat loops with spaced lungs" that Perry Crabill writes about on page 59!
Boy, that's gotta be a loop designed by an old hippy....
Lee
Greenland NDBs
Posted by Dave Carlson AA9D on December 07, 2000 at 12:47:42
Hope someone can help with information about Greenland NDBs.
Do they follow the same format as the Canadian NDBs? I use a TS-850 and a 160-meter dipole, and usually copy the Canadian NDBs using a 250Hz CW filter. Hearing Alberta, NWT, NS and NF pretty well. But, I've never been able to copy anything from Greenland. Any suggestions?
73,
Dave AA9D EN52
QRSS and slow BPSK with the VE2IQ keyer
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 07, 2000 at 18:52:18
A number of LowFERs are using Bill de Carle's multimode keyer circuit in one form or another to provide BPSK and/or CW keying for their transmitters. Bill's keyer is the basis for the "Synthesized LowFER Transmitter With Built-In Keyer", also known as the "all-in-one" transmitter" on my web page. The all-in-one transmitter is normally set up for MS100 (10 baud) BPSK and either 6 or 12 WPM CW. It is fairly easy to modify the clock circuit so that the transmitter will send either or both modes at a much slower rate, by inserting a single IC as a divider circuit between the 5 or 10 Hz clock reference points and the "CW CLK" or "BPSK CLK" inputs. Inserting a divide by 10 chip such as the CD4017 between the 10 Hz reference and the BPSK CLK input will cause the transmitter to send BPSK at MS1000 (which means that it better be set *exactly* on frequency). Dividing the 10 Hz clock by 16 with a circuit using a CD4024 or CD4040 and feeding the output to the CW CLK input will result in slow CW at 0.375 WPM.
There is another way to change to slow BPSK or CW that can be even easier. Normally an EEPROM for the all-in-one transmitter would be programmed directly, using Bill de Carle's MATIC software. Some time ago I wrote a simple BASIC program that accepts the hex file written by MATIC and allows insertion of a long dash option in the CW message as the EEPROM is programmed. It was an easy matter to modify the BASIC program so that it will write the same byte to N consecutive locations. This has the effect of slowing down *everything* that the EEPROM sends by a factor of N. Since only half of the EEPROM is programmed at a time, and one half is normally used only for CW while the other half is used only for BPSK, it is possible to write an EEPROM that puts out CW and BPSK at different rates. No changes to the existing wiring of the all in one transmitter are needed. For example, if the transmitter is wired for 6 WPM CW and MS100 BPSK, programming the EEPROM with N = 15 in the CW half will produce 0.4 WPM CW. If N = 10 in the BPSK half of the EEPROM, the transmitter will be keyed at MS1000.
Those who have taken me up on my offer to program their EEPROMs can specify if they want slowed-down versions. For people who have built the RAM version of Bill de Carle's keyer (that's what I'm using to program EEPROMs), I'll be happy to provide the slow-down software in either BASIC format or as a stand-alone EXE file.
Re: Greenland NDBs
Posted by Larry Putman on December 07, 2000 at 21:34:52
Dave,
Try this link http://www.fallingrain.com/air/cache/geo/GL/nav.html
Larry
DOS Drivers available for new LW-MAX transmitter
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 07, 2000 at 23:26:23
Heard from Marko tonight at PCS Electronics. He has promised to author DOS drivers for the LW-MAX exciter as soon as he can. That should allow a few folks to place these inside some older dedicated computers.
The unit sells for $120 plus shipping and is available now. I have received the new hardware and begun testing it. Look for a review to be posted in a day or so.
The unit has performed very well so far.
To order visit their site at:
http://www.pcselectronics.com
Click on "LW-MAX" driver. I don't think you'll be disappointed!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Re: DOS Drivers available for new LW-MAX transmitter
Posted by Mick Reed on December 08, 2000 at 14:43:50
Don't forget the hyphen in the link:
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/ is the main page.
http://www.pcs-electronics.com/Products/hams.shtml will take you right to the LW-Max.
VLF reception - converter, preamp - or both??
Posted by Shane Passmore on December 09, 2000 at 02:02:10
I just purchased the Palomar VLF-A converter out of curiousity. It seems to work OK, but I noticed the schematic appears VERY similar to an upconverter that appeared in the Jan. 1983 Ham Radio magazine by S.J. DeFrancesco. Since it appears so similar, I am most likely going to return the VLF-A and build the upconverter. A couple of questions before I do that. I am wondering if it would be better to build a preamp (the one by Lyle Koehler - not the balanced loop one) and use it in front of my IC-706MkII (or my Radio Shack DX394), just go with the upconverter, or go with both? I would appreciate any opinions on this. Also, does anyone have an IC706MkII service manual or schematic? I am wondering if anyone has attempted to do any mods to the 706 to increase on VLF (I had a Kenwood TS-690S and did the mods to increase the AM sensitivity , but later sold the rig). If so, I would appreciate any guidance with this.
I am SLOWLY getting around to building a LOWFER station, and hope to be on the air from Los Alamos, New Mexico at an elevation of 7300' in the next several months. Thanks for all responses, and Happy Holidays to all.
Cheap Medfer Transmitter on Sale, On-Line.
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 09, 2000 at 02:26:48
A few days ago, I posted a message about an inexpensive Medfer transmitter that I had discovered at Wal-Mart. The unit is called the "Radio DJ" and it's made by a company called Wild Planet.
Their web site is now active again, after being down for a few days.
If you can't find one near you and want to order, you can do so by visiting this URL:
http://www.wildplanet.com/flash.php3?toyid=0
There is also more info on the product here. Including a copy of the instructions, a TV commercial, and "hints" for young broadcasters.
According to the web site, you can also find this toy at "Toys R Us, Shopko, and other chains."
As you will recall, it is crystal controlled and in my tests seems to be very stable. Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
LowFER "RB" back on the air
Posted by Robert Bicking, W9RB on December 09, 2000 at 15:05:11
We got the antenna back up over Thanksgiving but I didn't have time to tune it with our upcoming Aruba trip on 11/25. I added two more skirt wires (for a total of 5) to the antenna described in the Oct.'99 Lowdown. This caused an antenna current increase of 40 %. Interestingly, I had to rotate the variometer coil so that it was bucking the main coil's inductance to get it to resonate. Had I been willing to work for several hours in 20 deg F cold, I could have removed some turns and presumably, increased the current further. That will have to wait for the January Thaw. After reducing the excitation voltage to get back to 1 watt input, I still had a current increase of 16 % which should give me a radiated power increase of ~ 33 %. RB should be a bit more readable now. Will be on 24/7 186.92 kHz except when in pursuit of DX on the ham bands. 73, Rob, W9RB.
P. S., Did listen for LowFERs while in Aruba but didn't hear any. Did hear a couple dozen NDB beacons tho. Fairly high QRN and inverted V limited hearing.
New Beacon
Posted by Chris Lantaff, KE9YK on December 09, 2000 at 20:23:38
I have a new beacon on the air at 185.97+- CW id E V V Grid: EM67fx 24/7 except for making improvements which are still badly needed, but I should always have it running after sunset.
As soon as I have a chance the id will be changed to YK.
The location is Evansville Indiana.
Chris Lantaff, KE9YK
Re: Greenland NDBs
Posted by William Hepburn on December 10, 2000 at 00:44:58
I've picked up 3 Greenland NDBs from Southern Ontario..KU 298, GN 306 & UP 399. I've also listened to Greenland NDBs while working in the Canadian High Arctic. The Greenland NDBs do not have a DAID. One thing that stands out though is the long space between idents. Both GN & UP only have 1 ident per 30 seconds. Its easy to miss them. This varies..with many beacons having more frequent idents..however some, such as OZN & HB that only have 1 ident per 60 seconds!
MPK Off
Posted by Don Moth on December 10, 2000 at 13:00:18
My beacon "MPK" on 177.9 khz located in Chittenango, NY in grid square FN-23bb is temporarily off the air as I became ill while my antenna is down upgrading it. Will inform when back on.
Don W2MPK "MPK"
Two-speed CW beacon software
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 10, 2000 at 13:07:35
To: LowFER reflector, Longwave Message Board
I've added a two-speed version of the PC beacon message generator software to my web page at
http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle The user can specify two keying speeds, such as 10 WPM and 0.4 WPM, and then insert special speed control characters < and > in the message to send certain portions at a slow rate and then speed back up again. This allows you to alternate between normal CW and QRSS mode, or to satisfy people who think your present ID speed is too fast or too slow :-) -- Lyle, K0LR
RB, BOB, YHO and DCH heard
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 10, 2000 at 13:11:58
To: LowFER reflector, Longwave Message Board
This morning at a little before 0600 CST I heard RB for the first time this season. Tuning carefully, I also detected keying on BOB's frequency but couldn't pick out the identifier. Then I realized that BOB is sending his special holiday message. Same problem on DCH's frequency until I recalled that DCH sends his QSL address, which I was able to copy partially off the air and partially from memory :-)
YHO was also in there this morning. Of course BRO, BK and RM were booming in as usual. Didn't fire up the computer and try for any QRSS or BPSK signals because the shack was cold and my bed was warm.
Typically conditions peak during the last two weeks of December; I hope this is a preview of things to come.
-- Lyle, K0LR http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle
Re: New Beacon
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 10, 2000 at 19:16:07
Congratulations on getting on the air! Beware though, you may get hooked!
Would you like for me to add the beacon to the listings now, or wait until later?
Review of LW-MAX Exciter
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 11, 2000 at 01:03:47
REVIEW OF LW-MAX PC BASED EXCITER
Unit: LW-MAX Exciter Company: PCS Electronics http://www.pcs-electronics.com Price: $120 ASSEMBLED.
History and Background:
We began working on the idea of a PC based longwave transmitter early last summer. Our concept was originally to construct a transmitter that would offer an affordable beacon transmitter offering all of the dominant modes of operation on 1750 Meters. It was to offer CW, QRSS, and BPSK. A small electronics firm, PCS Electronics in Slovenia would be designing and producing the exciter.
After a few months of development, it became apparent that we would not complete the BPSK software in time for a release of the product during the Winter DX season. Working with the folks at PCS Electronics, we concentrated on CW and QRSS modes. With BPSK to come later in a software revision. This is really the beauty of this transmitter, the ability to update it simply by installing new software.
The original prototype arrived in September. It performed well but had both software and hardware bugs. The circuits PLL tuning had a lot of problems with frequency drift, and the output filter circuit was improperly designed, causing operation above about 175khz to be impossible. Undaunted, Marko Seruga, the chief designer at PCS Electronics returned to the drawing board.
His efforts were hampered not having access to an LF antenna site to test the unit and having to rely on dummy loads. In short order, Marko tracked down the problems and early last week, I received a new board for testing and review.
REVIEW AND ON-AIR OPERATION
The unit was installed in my "ham shack" computer. It's a 233mhz Pentium II, with
64 Megs of RAM. The computer is running Windows 98, Second Edition, and has proven to be a stable platform.
The LW-MAX installed easily into the ISA slot. The default setting was used, and there was no conflict. I installed the latest drivers and an update to the .EXE file that Marko had just e-mailed me.
We first tested into a dummy load, and I recommend that anyone purchasing the unit do the same. The LW-MAX is equipped with a BNC output jack and after launching the program, it immediately started pumping out RF into my QRP wattmeter/dummy load.
While this unit is not calibrated for LF, previous tests with XMGR find it to be pretty accurate. According to the wattmeter, the LW-MAX was putting out
.98 watt at my transmit frequency of 189.50khz.
Output was then checked across the band:
160khz-.89 watt
165khz-.90 watt
170Khz-.90 watt
175khz-.90 watt
180khz-.90 watt
185khz-.90 watt
190khz-.92 watt
As you can see the circuit is fairly linear across the band, with some performance in improvement above 165khz. When the unit was later checked transmitting into a tuned antenna, it was virtually linear across the entire band at .92 watt output.
We then checked the unit for frequency stability. Again, the unit performed very well.
After allowing for an hour of normal CW transmission into the dummy load for warm up,
we testing the unit on a number of key frequencies. Readings were taken 1 hour apart,
on each frequency. The unit was found to be within .5hz across the band, during the four hour test for each frequency. This means that the PLL should be stable enough for BPSK operation, at least at MS100 when the software upgrade is released.
The unit produced 230ma of antenna current into the XMGR antenna. Slightly below my normal 240ma, but this was because of slightly reduced drive into the final amp.
Reception at the 14 mile site was very strong, as usual, and the signal sounded very clean.
SOFTWARE TESTS
The PLL can be tuned to 100hz steps from 160-190khz. While these are large steps, they are the most common design for any PLL based transmitter.
The software displays the frequency and can be changed on the fly with a mouse click. Messages are typed into a command box and then sent using the "SEND"
button. A "Loop" check box is also screen selectable, during that message into a beacon transmission.
The program will identify characters that are not available in Morse, and prompt the user to correct them before sending. A status bar at the bottom of the screen tells the user what character is currently being transmitted. This is VERY useful in QRSS mode, as you can tell where in the message you are.
If you want to send a special "Christmas" message then just type it in.
Change it a few days later for New Years. Just type and send. This is really a lot of fun for those of us who have used EEPROM limited transmissions or hard to program electronic keyers.
The CW sounded a little "crisp" to us, when the station was monitored at 14 miles out.
A check of the waveform on a borrowed O-Scope did reveal a very sharp rise time on the transmitter, but nothing bad enough to worry about.
The software performed without problem. The install is well written in Visual Basic,
and includes an Un-install that worked well in the test. Only two files were
"orphaned" during a test un-install. Not bad for a piece of software that works on Windows 3.1, 95, 98, NT and Windows 2000.
It features three different QRSS modes. One mode allows for the Euro standard of about 0.4 WPM. QRSS mode 2, has the same dash and dot length, but shortens the word spacing to allow longer messages to be sent in less time.
QRSS mode 3 is user selectable. Allowing the "DASH" length to be user selected from 3 seconds in length up to 90 seconds in length. Dot length is automatically adjusted for, as is character and word spacing. This allows for slower code speeds for bad band conditions, or DX tests. Very useful feature.
The transmitter also features a "Power Stepper" mode to allow the beacon to send a sequence of transmissions at full power and then reduce the power in
"steps" with each new cycle. This would allow remote listeners to judge conditions,
evaluate receiver performance, etc.
This is a useful feature, but one that would not work correct when the unit is connected to the user built final amplifier at the base of the antenna. Note that this final is not required for proper operation, but it would not be legal to just feed an antenna with coax using the LW-MAX. Unless the coax was very short.
Final amps are not linear, and thus the power steps would affect each amp a little differently. Still, a useful feature and a real bonus on a product at this price range.
PROBLEMS AND SUGGESTIONS
A test of the "high power" feature using the units auxiliary power jack proved to be troublesome. I had been testing the unit in QRSS mode for several hours and decided to measure the "high power" output in the dummy load. I connected a standard Radio Shack 12VDC, 3 amp supply into the power jack.
When I powered the unit back up, it was putting a solid 2.2 watts into the QRP wattmeter/dummy load. I ran the unit in key down to take some readings and the power suddenly dropped.
A quick check revealed that the final RFC had been damaged by the power. After contacting Marko, he did some more tests running the unit in continuous duty for several hours. He determined that the RFC he had selected would not handle this kind of work at the high power setting and has replaced it in the production models.
The only other complaint I had was the lack of a "sidetone" from the computer. In order to hear the transmissions, I had to use the station monitor (A old Radio Shack DX-440 that I keep tuned to 189khz). This seemed like an unnecessary step, but Marko said that generating the sidetone with the PC speaker and software had proven difficult. It will continue to work on that.
When running QRSS mode, the unit will run hot. This problem is being addressed and will no doubt be improved in production models. I would suggest that users purchase one of the 12vdc computer fans, available for $15-$17 dollars at Radio Shack and other stores. Mount this fan near the heat sink for the finals to help keep things nice and cool.
COMMENTS
Marko Seruga has proven to be very responsive to all suggestions regarding this product. We have already modified the software at least six times, and the hardware went through three re-designs as Marko tackled the problem of phase noise from the PLL. In a product at this price range, I cannot think of a better commercial exciter that has ever been offered to the 1750 Meter community.
Members of the mailing list have already requested a DOS driver for the LW-MAX which Marko has promised to provide. He will also be making the source code for the software freely available on their web site soon. This opens the door for anyone to write new "skins" for the unit, add features, or perhaps whip up a LINUX version.
I can already think of some features that I would welcome in future software updates:
1. BPSK mode MS100 ET1, MS100 ET2, and MS1000 ET1 selectable.
2. A "timer" feature that would automatically start and stop the beacon at user selected times. (shut it off during the day, and on again at night, etc.)
Also, the same timer could be used to switch from QRSS mode to normal CW at user specified times.
3. Faster CW speeds. Currently, the unit will only transmit at up to 12 WPM. Speeds of 20 WPM or so would make QSO's easier.
4. The ability to "poll" other programs for input data, such as the serial port for a temperature probe. This input data could then be entered into the message string...allowing the beacon to transmit useful data to remote listeners.
All of these things can be possible, given that this turns out to be a profitable venture for PCS Electronics. According to Marko, they need to sell about a dozen units to recoup their investment and begin to show some small profit. At $120 dollars for an assembled exciter, it's hard to go wrong.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I am happy to answer any questions about the LW-MAX unit that I can. I am not the expert on it's technical design, those questions should be forwarded to PCS Electronics. I will be happy to answer any operational questions that anyone may have.
Also, XMGR will not profit from this venture at all. I have posted a copy of the LW-MAX manual in Microsoft Word format on my web site. It is available now for download:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr
All feedback on this unit, good and bad is welcome by both Marko and myself.
It is not a perfect product, but I feel a very, very good one at this price point. Units are available now for shipment.
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
XMGR to QSY to 184.9khz (TEMP)
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 11, 2000 at 08:02:32
In an effort to provide Bill in Nebraska with a clear frequency, I will be moving the XMGR beacon to 184.9khz today. The beacon will remain on this frequency and in CW only (no BPSK) mode for at least the next few days.
This may be an opportunity for others to hear the beacon too. I know that the broadcast station on 189khz makes it difficult to hear the beacon for lots of you.
Beacon ID is "XMGR XMGR XMGR followed by a five second long dash" at 12 WPM.
New (TEMP) frequency will be 184.9khz.
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 189.500Khz
Something to do over the weekend
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 11, 2000 at 08:56:02
Hello,
Well this weekend, my TenTec DX320 arrived in the mail. Couldn't wait to get this one inside and play with it. I live in an apt on the second floor, in a particularly noisy area. With this in mind I didn't even entertain the thought of using the attached active whip. Enter my four foot diameter phone cord loop and capacitor decade box.
After installing the software on my laptop and running some audio cable over to my PC with the sound card installed running spectran 3(spectran 4 likes to complain when there is a switchable recording channel for some reason). I relized that I couldn't tune the DX320 below 550Khz with that blasted factory Xformer in it. I need to order the proper toroid, but I want LF listening NOW. Being part of the "Me, ME I want it NOW generation" I casted a sly look over to the top of my signal generator, where my Polomar VLF converter, sits batteryless.
Knowing that this was my only hope of trying out the 500Hz filter on the DX320 on LF, I snagged a 9 volt from a failed attempt to build Lyles transformerless preamp.
So here was the setup. A 4 foot loop attached to shielded twisted pair wire going into a capacitor decade box into the Polomar VLF converter, The converter was then attached to the input of the DX320.
Tuning around to find Loran at 100Khz(This is always a very strong signal in my area). I found nothing. Using the sweep feature on the DX320, I only find powerline noise.
I KNOW that Loran is always going strong so I attached the loop and the decade box to my Sierra 125A selective voltmeter. I set the voltmeters impedance to 135 ohms. I switch up the decade box for the best reception. Now the signal should boom in over the coverter. Still no dice. I'm still unclear as to why this doesn't work. Anyway I disconnect this setup. Its an ugly loop to say the least. And being late on a saturday nite with a sinus headach, I was very quickly becomeing convinced that the loops lack of aestetic qualities is the reason for its poor performance. Yeah right! I've built uglier things then this that work great. TO the work bench to build ugly things that work!!!
Seeing as my luck with coils and tuned circuits has alway been nothing to write home about. I looked again at Lyles preamp circuit. Hmm he uses some MPF102's. High impedance input, hooked up to a tuned circuit. Ok I'm not going to push my luck, I'll stay away from selectivly tuned circuits for a night. I did a little more diging around and found a nice little circuit for an active antenna, on the SW bands. I stripped this circuit down, by this I mean I only kept the resistors, and experiemented with the values of coils and capacitors. Again I referred to one of Lyle's circuits. I seen that he has a 63uH coil in a lowpass filter on the final of his simple lowfer transmitter. So I popped a 60uH coil coming off the power supply going to the drain of the MPF102. I experimented with some values for Capacitors and came up with .047 it was on hand, and the impedance is nice around 100Khz. Topped it all off with a 6 foot whip antenna.
I hung this guy out my window away from all the computer noise and fired it up on my selective voltmeter. Loran came in nice and strong. Not as well as the ugly tuned loop, but the impedance of the capacitor is much closer to 50 ohms.
I tried this circuit on the DX320, loran was coming in strong as ever on the dx 320, apparently that was all that was coming in. Still I was getting intolerable powerline noise. I beleive this was coming from a sodium dischage street lamp about 200 feet away though.
I still don't understand why my loop and decade box work so well on my selective voltmeter of 135 ohms and I get NO response out of my DX320 with VLF converter. I get about the same response with the little active whip I threw together on both rigs.
I'm starting to think that the up most important factor in weak signal listening is the area one chooses to listen in. I've come to find out the hard way that a coil that has 50 ohms impedance at 184Khz sees almost a dead short at 60Hz. Lucky for me MPF102's are a cheap;)
All in all this is a bunch of ramblings of some stuff I did over the weekend. Maybe someone has a comment, or a suggestion to improve performance.
The fact that you read this far proves at least a kindling of interest.
:)
Re: Cheap Medfer Transmitter on Sale, On-Line.
Posted by Chris Steele on December 11, 2000 at 20:14:42
Hey Les,
Using that radio dj, do you have to use morse code or can I just transmit contact info using voice. i am thinking about buying one..Chris steele in Andrews, SC
Re: Something to do over the weekend
Posted by Frank Reynolds on December 12, 2000 at 10:40:52
I've had pretty good luck using the VLF-S with my 320.
I'm using it for NDB's. Some luck with the (local) LowFers.
I'm using a 125 ft long wire ~45ft up. Loran IS a problem here too.
I've also used the 320 bare with only a Kwai Low Pass filter. It works for NDBs.
I haven't been able to get Spectran to do anything for me yet (except mess up the whole computer/sound card system.
I'm in Rome NY & get the 800 kw Loran form Senaca Lake. Where are you?
Frank
Re: Something to do over the weekend
Posted by Mike Thompson on December 12, 2000 at 15:06:57
Heheh yeah well like I said I was using an active whip that I built in a couple hours. I'm still learning the ropes of building things that work "well" ;)
Nothing I have built to date has been able to parrellel my tuned loop with the sierra boat anchor I use. Copying ndb's all over the state is a breeze with that.
I'm going to have to try using the converter with a long wire and see if the results are similar. I never thought to try that.
As for spectran, what version are you using. I have had nothing but trouble with release 4. 3 is the way to go for me:)
I'm down here in Winter Park Florida near Orlando. I did a quick lookup of Loran stations in my state. There are two stations down here. I get a peak signal when ever my loop is pointing NW - SE. Heheh as it turns out one transmitter is in Malone Florida at 800Watts which is NW of my position and the other is in Jupiter Fl at 350Watts which is SE of my position. Jupiter is the closer of the two I beleive but seeing as it has less wattage I could very well be receiveing either of them. I kind of like the fact that I can receiver it so easily. I use it as a test signal to adjust circuit/ tuners or what have you.
The signal is loud enough to punch a hole through the low pass of my VLF receiver. :)
Weak signal techniques for LowFER beacons
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 12, 2000 at 15:25:31
To: (LowFER reflector), (Longwave Message Board)
My web site at http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle now contains results of experiments to determine the relative merits of various modulation techniques for LowFER beacons. Tested modes include PSK31; Coherent BPSK at MS25, MS100 and MS1000; CW; and QRSS.
Unfortunately the experiments were simulations rather than on-the-air tests, so the reader can draw his/her own conclusions...
-- Lyle, K0LR
Parts Sources
Posted by Charlie Vest on December 12, 2000 at 15:59:46
I started looking to buy some ne-602's and the only source that shows them in an online search of their site is BG Micro.I want to order several other parts they do not carry so I was wondering what major supplier has these.
THANKS,
...Charlie...KC0EH...
Re: RB, BOB, YHO and DCH heard
Posted by Robert Bicking on December 12, 2000 at 16:36:50
Thanks for the report on RB, Lyle. Haven't done much listening for LowFERs so far this year but now that our Aruba trip is done, should have some time.
Re: Parts Sources
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 12, 2000 at 17:40:55
RadioShack.com shows the equivalent SA602AN (part number 900-7085) and SA612AN (part number 900-7090) in their catalog, although their web site says they are no longer available on line. Supposedly they are available through 1-800-the-shack. I called to check on availability and was told that both parts were out of stock, but that they hadn't been discontinued. Hmmmm. Dan's Small Parts, at http://www.fix.net/dans.html still has the SA612AN, which is apparently the same as the NE602 but is a cheaper part with slightly reduced specifications. It should be usable as a direct pin-for-pin replacement for the NE602 in most experimenter applications.
Try also DC Electronics at http://www.dckits.com/rf1.htm They still show the NE602 in their parts list.
Copy XMGR win a prize!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 13, 2000 at 12:21:23
In an effort to encourage more folks to listen for my puny signal, I'm going to try a bribe. Heres the offer:
Successfully copy XMGR during the month of December and you'll receive a free copy of my book, "The Have Gun-Will Travel Companion".
This is a 300 page book all about the old TV Western, "Have Gun-
Will Travel" starring Richard Boone as Paladin.
If you'd like more info on the book, visit my other web site at:
http://www.havegunwilltravel.net
The book was just published and retails for $30, but you can have one free just by sending me a reception report! (Of course, we'll need some verification, such as a tape recording, .wave file, screen capture from Spectran, BPSK, etc.)
Along with your QSL card, I'll include a copy of the book. No strings,
no kidding. Just some encouragement for you to stay up later and listen harder!
XMGR is currently on 184.9khz running CW only at 12 WPM. In a day or two, I am going to switch the beacon over to QRSS and BPSK operation.
Remember this offer is only good for the month of December!
Beacon monitor receiver schematic needed
Posted by Jeff King on December 13, 2000 at 14:27:29
Greetings all,
Ive just aquired a Philips Beacon Monitor receiver, model RM435. Can anyone please tell me where I could get a copy of a service manual or schematic for it, as it needs some repairs before I can use it.
Thanks and regards,
JEFF
Heathkit Q meter give-away
Posted by Tim Brannon KF5CQ on December 14, 2000 at 13:08:35
I have 2 Heathkit QM-1 "Q" meters which I no longer have room for. One is working, the other is for parts only. These are very old vacuum tube instruments designed to measure "Q" up to 500, inductance 1 microHenry to 10 mH, and capacitance 40 to 425 pF in the range of 150 kHz to 18 MHz. Also have a reproduction manual from Heath. This is a nice instrument for checking out your Lowfer antenna base loading coil (if your coil's Q is >500, you're done anyway!). They should stay together as a set since the parts are now unobtainable. They're "as-is" only with no warranty of any kind.
I'll send these to the first interested person for the cost of shipping only.
Tim Brannon KF5CQ Dallas timbmd swbell.net
AM Band Oscillator Schematic Help!!!
Posted by arnel on December 14, 2000 at 19:12:18
Good day to everyone. Does anyone here has a schematic diagram of an LC oscillator that operates on AM Broadcast Band?
I need to have one.
Thank you.
Re: AM Band LC Oscillator Schematic Help!!!
Posted by arnel c. de castro on December 14, 2000 at 19:14:46
Please email me if u have an LC oscillator that operates on AM Broadcast band.
Thank you very much in advance.
Re: Heathkit Q meter give-away
Posted by Tim Brannon on December 14, 2000 at 21:58:13
I already have a taker tonight...
Thanks,
Tim Brannon
POU-403 ID defective
Posted by Mike on December 15, 2000 at 01:18:45
POU 403 Poughkeepsie NDB, Roseton, NY is a sick puppy at the moment (Friday, 0615z); ID'ing as PO, EIO, LW, TEU, ERS, ENS, etc.
Re: POU-403 ID defective
Posted by John Hoopes on December 15, 2000 at 10:36:09
If only it could talk it would be saying..."I'm so confused!" :)
John
Identity crisis: solved?
Posted by Mike on December 15, 2000 at 13:29:42
The question is, was POU confused, or me? After posting the above, I listened a little closer and decided it wasn't the pore li'l puppy after all, but the sum of POU (403.51) and a booming signal from YSL (404). Listening on the low side, POU was just fine. Life's Little Lesson: If I make great technical discoveries at oh-dark-30, I shouldn't post it on a message board! -mt
Fwd: TEXAS in QRSS Mode
Posted by John Davis on December 15, 2000 at 19:43:20
Hello All,
I am now running the TEXAS Beacon in the continuous QRSS mode (TX TX TX ...) thanks to a EEPROM from Lyle. The time base is well buffered from the transmitter, so there will be no load pull to the carrier frequency with keying. I am on 189.700 kHz +/- 0.3 parts per billion. Les has asked me to change frequencies to avoid interference, and I will try to do that in a few days. I will let you know. So give TX a shot in QRSS mode on 189.700. My antenna current is doing okay now that all of the ice has melted.
Regards,
Bill EM12
"TEXAS" & WD5CVG
Beacon LP gets LW-Max Transmitter/Exciter
Posted by Larry Putman on December 15, 2000 at 21:53:41
I will be testing this weekend with a new exciter.
This week I received a new LW-Max PC card exciter!
After some extensive bench testing I am very pleased with the quality and the performance! The software control makes mode and or frequency changing quick and easy. The finals run cool even after 24 hours of QRSS into a dummy load. I am still going to put an extra fan in the computer as Les suggested.
The plan is to use the LW-Max to drive the old "OK" transmitter which will be roof mounted in a weatherproof box at the downleadof the antenna.
I am going on the air in the QRSS mode Sunday afternoon!
KUDOS to PCS Electronics for a quality product at a reasonable price!
73
Larry WB3ANQ
XMGR on 189.400khz/Web Site Updates
Posted by Les Rayburn on December 16, 2000 at 00:19:40
To: Lowfer List Subject: XMGR 184.900khz/Web Site Update
After receiving lots of e-mail about the new frequency for XMGR, I have decided to QSY there for good. Our new frequency will be 184.900khz. Currently we are running CCW at 12 WPM 24 hours a day; The reason for this is to give Bill in Nebraska the best chance for that long beverage of his to pick up the beacon. We plan to stay in this mode for at least a few more days.
After Bill successfully receives the beacon (We hope!) XMGR will switch to a QRSS / BPSK schedule for the rest of the DX season. Lyle has provided us with the new EEPROMS and we hope to add a few more reception reports by switching to this mode.
The web site has also been updated to reflect all those lowfers who are currently testing in QRSS mode.
In case you missed Lyle's recent test results, it looks like slow speed CW might have a 3db edge over BPSK MS100 ET1! So again, I URGE ALL LOWFERS TO TRANSMIT QRSS! This mode is super easy on both the transmit and receive side and allows signals to be copied that are way below the noise levels.
We have also removed the Javascript "Mode" watch from the web site, as it was too difficult to keep updated with all the changes. We make every effort to keep the beacon list info current, including tests, mode changes, etc. Please check your listing:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr
We also continue to offer a free copy of the "Have Gun-Will Travel Companion" book for anyone who can copy XMGR during the month of December. This is a $30 value and comes packaged along with our QSL card. So, please "Wire Paladin" when you've been able to pull us out of the noise!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
4919 Cox Cove Helena, AL 35080 XMGR 184.900khz
1LF 187.300khz
LP QSK to 188.300Khz.
Posted by Larry Putman on December 16, 2000 at 06:05:33
Since I am frequency agile now I am going to QSY down to 188.300Khz. will be testing on this frequency this weekend.
Larry WB3ANQ
JDH copied in EN36us
Posted by Bryce Ofstie (KI0LE) on December 16, 2000 at 13:15:38
Hi,
Just a short note to say that I copied JDH using EasyGram Friday morning(12/15) between1:00 and 1:30 local time. A new best for me at 1100 miles. I also saw the signal again Friday evening between 5:00 and 10:00 but the static crashes were making it so I could see it but not read it. I'll try to put the best reception screen capture on my website (http://cp.duluth.mn.us/~ki0le/) this weekend. I'll put it in the lowfer section for signals I've heard (and now seen) and add a few more details about how I was set up.
I hear RM, LEK and BK any time, any conditions and have seen TX come up in BPSK a few time this season. I'm still trying for XMGR (maybe in QRSS). Since QRSS seems to be working so well I'll try and burn a new EEPROM for the BRO beacon this weekend and get it running in that mode.
Happy Holidays,
Bryce (KI0LE-BRO)
Re: JDH copied in EN36us
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 16, 2000 at 18:08:39
Amazing! Propagation seemed pretty good last night, but the band was very noisy because of all the storm activity. Just a little before 10 PM CST, TEXAS was putting in a strong signal as evidenced by the lines on the Spectran screen; however the clutter from Iceland and the static crashes was overwhelming and prevented solid "copy". Congratulations to Bryce and John!
BRO now sending QRSS
Posted by Bryce Ofstie (KI0LE) on December 16, 2000 at 20:19:51
I took Lyle's tip from a few messages back and tacked another 4040 chip on the All-In-One transmitter board to divide the CW clock by 16 so that beacon BRO is now sending QRSS full time at 0.375 WPM. I'm going to leave it that way 24/7 for a while. Now that that is done, I'm going to work on the web page, so look there for the screen grab of JDH later this evening.
Re: AM Band LC Oscillator Schematic Help!!!
Posted by Nigel on December 17, 2000 at 12:42:46
Have you tried the Mediumwave Alliance sight they have diagrams for just about everything you could want for building Medium wave Tx's they are located http://members.nbci.com/mediumwave/mwa.html
Any problems with the address Email me. Alternatively the Free Radio Network also has a link to this site as well as a couple of mw rigs!!
73's from Blighty Nigel Birmingham England
XMGR now sending QRSS
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 17, 2000 at 16:27:58
XMGR is now in QRSS mode on 184.900khz. Thanks to Lyle for sending along a newly programmed EEPROM update for his "All In One" transmitter. ID is XMGR sent at about
0.4WPM. Please give a "look" or a listen tonight.
New Beacon
Posted by michael tyler on December 18, 2000 at 17:16:06
Hi. Just an update to my message posted last March. I now have the Transmitter completed and I am now working on the Antenna. I programmed WV into the id and hope to have West Virginia on the air this Winter. I will be posting pictures on my 10 meter beacon page as soon as we come on the air. Thanks . http://access.mountain.net/~mtyler/beacon.html
OK, TX, RB heard at Shell Lake WI.
Posted by Bruce Koehler on December 18, 2000 at 18:50:22
I copied OK in CW mode and TX in BPSK mode with no grab between 03:00 and 03:45 CST on Dec 9. On the following night, I copied RB in CW mode at around 4:00 CST. I tried for BOB and BA since I was hearing RB, and thought I could tell there was some keying on BOB but couldn't detect anything on BA. I was surprised to hear any LF DX because my noise level that I believe is from a newly installed TV cable, has been so bad. But after hearing OK, TX and RB, maybe there's hope for decent LF DX this season after all. I can hear LEK, RM and BRO anytime, with BRO being the strongest signal I hear at Shell Lake, WI. Bryce has really improved his BRO beacon this year! BK is back on its old frequency of 187.46KHz instead of the 184.70 that's been listed in The Lowdown. I have heard that others have stumbled across it even though the listed frequency is wrong. I have also heard LEK, BK and BRO in Maplewood, MN where my noise levels are really high. This is the first season I have heard BRO from Maplewood.
73, Bruce W0BK/BK
Just Receieved These!
Posted by Mike W2MDM on December 18, 2000 at 22:42:57
I monitored a few new beacons tonight. I have never heard anything other then the local NDB's untill tonight! I monitored YMW, Quebec on 366, YPP, Quebec on 304, and CLB Wilmington, NC on 216. This is exciting. I am located in NY
Re: Just Receieved These!
Posted by John Davis on December 19, 2000 at 00:38:54
Congratulations, Mike. With a little practice and some more good winter conditions like we're having this year, you'll be surprised at what all you can hear! Do keep us posted.
Reception of XMGR in EN36us
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on December 19, 2000 at 10:44:27
I took a listen around the LF band last night and at 22:30 local was able to see JDH on the screen so I tuned to 184.9 and was able to copy XMGR.
I saw nothing before 22:00. I posted the screen grab to my web site. Congratulations to Les on a great signal.
73 and Happy Holidays,
Bryce (KI0LE,BRO)
Reception report
Posted by Roger Magnuson on December 19, 2000 at 11:48:21
JDH received in Duluth,MN. A little before midnight and again after midnight on the 17th and 18th of Dec. JDH was nice and clear on my screen captures using EasyGram. Nice to see your signal John!
Roger (RM)
XMGR hears TEXAS at 608 miles (189.100kHz)
Posted by Bill Cantrell on December 19, 2000 at 12:20:01
Date: 12/19/00 11:58:40 AM Eastern Standard Time To: les highnoonfilm.com CC: lowfer qth.net, lwcanews aol.com
Hi Les,
Congratulations on hearing TX in QRSS mode last night! You bet, I'll send out a QSL card to you. Actually, it was quite easy to QSY down to 189.100 kHz yesterday -- took about 2 minutes to retweak everything. I'll stay on 189.100 kHz for a week or so...
Regards,
Bill C
"TEXAS" & WD5CVG
-----Original Message-----
From: les highnoonfilm.com [mailto:les highnoonfilm.com]
Sent: Tuesday, December 19, 2000 9:57 AM To: Cantrell Bill-QA0057 Cc: lowfer qth.net Subject: HOORAY FOR TEXAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Bill,
Copied TEXAS (TX) last night on 189.100khz! Watched the screen for almost an hour as it printed out a string of characters...but it kept fading in and out, making a true ID impossible. I kept tweaking the filters, and adjusting the active whip, trying to pull it out. Finally around 11:50, the characters became much clearer, until I could clearly read your ID!!!
I started snapping screen captures and yelling for my wife to come downstairs and look! This morning when I was reviewing the captures, my heart sank...the frequency was too low...but I could clearly read your ID??? I wondered if you could have possibly been off frequency but with that Cesium time standard, it seemed very unlikely.
I started checking my own settings, and realized that in my haste to pull out your signal,
I had bumped the setting on the Icom 746 "RIT" control!! Mystery solved!
Now, I really would like that QSL card, please sir!! Great signal, great job! My noise levels are through the roof here, and I didn't think I'd bag another lowfer until I could get the air loop working, so this is really exciting. QSY'ing to 189.100khz really did the trick. I have some massive carriers near the top of the band, but it's much better down a bit.
Your beacon is 608 miles from me, making you my best DX so far. You are also the third lowfer that I have logged here in Alabama.
Screen capture is on my web site at:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr
Scroll down to "QRSS Resources".
Les Rayburn
Transmitting in the LW band in the USA
Posted by Jason on December 19, 2000 at 18:48:29
Pardon my ignorance on the subject but, is it legal to transmit on LW within the USA without a FCC license? What are the rules for doing so? Can one transmit audio on LW?
Thanks.
Re: Reception of XMGR in EN36us
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 19, 2000 at 18:56:12
Actually the credit should go to Bryce, Roger, Lyle, Bob, and others who have worked so hard to copy my signals this season!
Bryce and Roger are currently tied for my best DX catch...which one of you guys is further away? (ha, ha) According to my web site (see the "How Far is it") link on my website, Duluth is 971 miles from Helena.
Still hoping to break that 1,000 mile mark and be copied my my neighbor, JDH at 196 miles!
Les
Re: Transmitting in the LW band in the USA
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 19, 2000 at 18:59:32
Jason, You will find the info you need at:
http://www.lwca.org/sitepage/part15/index.htm
QRSS Testing
Posted by Roger Magnuson on December 19, 2000 at 22:04:48
Hi all,
My beacon (RM) on 189.8 Khz is now testing QRSS mode. I am using ON7YD's QRS ver 2.05 to put my beacon in QRSS very easily. Its running with 25 (RM's) at 6WPM, followed by 5 (RM's) at .4WPM. By watching my own signal with EasyGram I soon learned that I had a slight frequency shift at the beginning of each character, sort of a chirp you might say, but not really noticable on normal cw. Also the normal cw seems not quite as good as my usual cw id'er. Will be working on improvements soon but for now (RM) will be alternating 6WPM CW and QRSS. Roger
NC, 177.777 KHz, in QRSS Mode
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 19, 2000 at 22:11:01
The old MFJ keyer has been modified for QRSS. LF beacon "NC", 177.777 KHz, will be transmitting QRSS by 0400Z. Present plan is to transmit QRSS at night and about 5 WPM CW during daylight hours.
Dex
Re: QRSS Testing
Posted by John Hoopes on December 19, 2000 at 22:18:21
Hi Roger,
We'll be listening for you, and thanks for the reception report earlier. I haven't been reading the mail much at the message center with all the other e-mail traffic I've been receiving. It does get to be overwhelming at times.
Good Luck John/AB4MS/JDH
Re: NC, 177.777 KHz, in QRSS Mode
Posted by John Hoopes on December 19, 2000 at 22:25:55
Hi Dex,
Welcome to the fast paced world of QRSS:) We'll be listening (looking?)for you. I'm glad you are leaving the beacon on during the day because the QRM is very low and I can usually copy you. It's interesting how your signal fades in and out during daylight hours.
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
LWBC station off the air
Posted by Brock Whaley on December 20, 2000 at 11:52:00
With credit to Glenn Hauser, the Russian Far East longwave station on 153 KHz is off the air. Outstanding power bill ! This was a west coast regular along with 180, 189 and 279.
Brock Whaley with thanks to Hauser's DXLD and BBCMS
North Country Radio's AM88?
Posted by John AE5X on December 20, 2000 at 15:51:39
Hello,
I'm new at Lowfer experimenting (so new that I don't have a transmitter yet) and was wondering what the group consensus is on the North Country Radio's AM88?http://www.northcountryradio.com/am88.htm
I'd sure appreciate hearing from anyone who's using one. Also, is there a web site where I can find Lowfer beacons in my area (NJ/NY/PA border)?
Thanks for any help and happy holidays,
John Harper AE5X Outdoor QRP: http://www.qsl.net/ae5x
Thanks much! (n/m)
Posted by Jason on December 20, 2000 at 19:42:30
N/M
Re: NC, 177.777 KHz, in QRSS Mode
Posted by Mitch Powell VE3OT on December 20, 2000 at 22:12:09
Great copy of NC this evening (Wed) beginning at 7:30 EST. GIFs on site at http://technology.fanshawec.on.ca/elec101/
Congratulations Dex.
73 Mitch
Copied NC on QRSS
Posted by John Hoopes on December 20, 2000 at 23:02:50
Hi All,
Just a note to let Dex know I copied him using Spectran last night from about 9:30 to 10:30 EST.
He was solid print and captured him using screen shot. I'll be sending him the zip file tomorrow. And so Les won't feel left out, I was able to copy some of his letters solid but I never got the complete call. I'm getting use to program so it might take a while before I capture him. I will start looking for the other beacons running QRSS as well. As you all know, things don't happen fast at those speeds. You can spend several hours waiting for a signal to print so it can be identified.
BTW,which one of you Yankee boys left the barn door open?
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
NC copied in Duluth
Posted by Roger Magnuson on December 21, 2000 at 08:45:28
NC came through real nice around 11:30 last night. I will send Dex a couple of screen captures when I get a chance. EasyGram saves them as bitmaps and are kind of large files. I will convert to JPEGs, that makes them a lot smaller. This has been a real fun LF season so far. Here's hoping there is much more to come.
Regards, Roger (RM) (K0MVJ)
NC, TX and LEK received in EN36us
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on December 21, 2000 at 11:07:15
Just a short note to say that I put screen grabs on my website of NC, TX and LEK. The TX one is interesting because it is visible even with a loud carrier within 1 Hz of it. I should and will get a better view of NC, I just didn't want to leave the BRO beacon off too long in case someone was looking for it.
Happy Holidays Bryce (KI0LE, BRO)
VA QRSS 187.8 khz
Posted by Bart Prater on December 21, 2000 at 12:46:25
Might as well join the QRSS crowd. VA is on at .27 wpm.
Merry Christmas all,
Bart
I did it again
Posted by John Hoopes on December 21, 2000 at 13:43:22
I would like to apologize for a comment I made “What Yankee left the barn door open?” on my last post. This was an attempt to crack a funny about our weather down here because the temperature dropped below zero with the wind chill factor. I meant to say “Who left the freezer door open?” This ill phrased comment is the result of staring at a computer monitor all day and then going home to relax, just to stare at it some more. I was pretty tired when I posted that. I’m a good natured person with a sense of humor, unfortunately, I sometimes have problems expressing myself. Sorry if I offended anyone.
Happy Holidays John
Re: VA QRSS 187.8 khz
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 21, 2000 at 16:39:01
Yes! This is really welcome news as I often hear traces of VA and can see your signal trace on Spectran but can't seem to overcome the noise enough to ID the beacon. Hopefully,
QRSS will allow me to overcome this problem.
Re: I did it again
Posted by John Andrews on December 21, 2000 at 16:46:42
Ayuh. Up he-uh in New England, we Yankees always remember to close the dooah.
Our offspring, unfortunately seem to take about 30 years before they figure it out.
John A.
Fwd: LF: AFRICAM V2.1
Posted by John Davis on December 21, 2000 at 17:50:59
Subj: LF: AFRICAM V2.1 Date: 12/21/00 2:46:41 PM Eastern Standard Time From: bill1 cgocable.ca (Bill de Carle)
To: rsgb_lf_group
Greetings to everyone.
Just uploaded latest AFRICAM (V2.1) to my web page at:
http://cafe.rapidus.net/bill1/bbs.htm
AFRICAM 2.1 has some improvements, some bug fixes and some additions.
Under poor SNR conditions it is difficult to accurately measure the phase (frequency) of a received signal. The older versions used to measure frequency by measuring the phase in the middle of each bit time relative to a reference frequency (fcar) - then by noting how much the phase drifts upwards or downwards over time, the offset relative to that reference frequency was obtained. That technique works fine when the actual frequency being received is very close to the entered fcar value (nominally 800.0 Hz) - but it becomes increasingly difficult to get a good reading in noise as the received frequency moves away from its nominal value. That's because the energy response is way down the skirt of the Integrate & Dump filter except right at the nominal frequency. The latest version takes this into account by measuring the incoming frequency at a reference frequency equal to the best guess we have obtained so far. As the reference freq gets closer to the actual received frequency the measure-
ment improves.
This means you will likely have more success using the AUTOFREQ system than before. If you can hear the signal at all, I recommend you try it.
If there is no audio trace of the signal you'll probably still be better off to set the rig right on frequency as best you can and keep your fingers crossed, hi!
The SLOG command line parameter wasn't working properly. It works now.
In case you don't know what that did, it writes the measured phase value at the center of each received bit to disk - format is an integer, which represents the measured angle in 1/10 degrees 0..3599. That data can subsequently be plotted using PLOTPHAS.COM - you can see how noisy the phase determinations are, which gives a good idea of what bit error rate to expect.
The SHOWPH command (shows reference phase (modulo 180) on screen - now averages over each frame - tends to be less jittery. Probably more useful for the laser ranging folks.
Added support for ET3 - that's a mode similar to the other ET modes but more robust in noise - it uses a 32-bit frame. Each symbol differs from all others in the set in at least 13 ways.
Added support for non-differential encoding for all the ET modes.
This is still experimental - you shouldn't use it unless you know the transmitter is sending non-differentially encoded BPSK. The advantage is it's more robust in QRM - disadvantage is there is a 2-way ambiguity in the reference phase value which at this point has to be resolved by trying both possibilities (the FLIP button does that).
At present the only way to generate non-differential ET is with a keyer.
I've upgraded MATIC to MATIC V4.6 - it's in the KEYER.ZIP file on my web page if anyone wants to try it. It now supports the new ET3 codeset with both both differential and non-differential encoding options available.
I am currently transmitting a short test message on 6776.8 Khz. That's a license-free band available in Canada. It's just below the 40-Metre ham band, so propagation ought to be similar. The parameters are: ET3, diff,
MS10, run-length 31. ERP is less than 5 milliwatts! If you want to try copying the message, invoke V2.1 of AFRICAM with "SB ET3 MS10". If you can hear the signal, set TC=10, TCF=5 and set AUTOFREQ ON. If you can't hear the signal, use the default settings.
Would appreciate signal reports,
Bill VE2IQ
Re: North Country Radio's AM88?
Posted by John Davis on December 21, 2000 at 17:56:39
>and was wondering what the group consensus is on the North Country Radio's
>AM88? http://www.northcountryradio.com/am88.htm
I doubt that there is a group consensus as such; it's not that widely used.
I'm experimenting with one right now as an exciter for MedFER use, but it's limited in several ways that affect its usefulness at both LF and MF. Its frequency steps are 1 kHz, which is simply not good enough for LowFERing. You don't have very many options for moving out of the way of power line controllers or other interfering signals.
It's not entirely what I'm looking for at MF, either, but I can "pull" the crystal enough to let me do what I'm trying there. For LF I've considered inserting a decade divider into the RF chain, which would enable 100 Hz steps. Not perfect, but distinctly better.
They made no attempt to maximize efficiency of the final amplifier stage, and keying or applying advanced forms of modulation is no easy task. For these reasons, plus Part 15 Rules that limit combined length of antenna plus ground connection and transmission line, it's best to simply use the AM88 as an exciter, and put your final out at the antenna and key the final separately.
>Also, is there a
>web site where I can find Lowfer beacons in my area (NJ/NY/PA border)?
You bet. There's not one that lists them geographically, but given the relatively small number of LowFERs, it's not that difficult to sort through lists by frequency. Try:
http://lwca.org/sitepage/part15/lflist.htm You would do well to become familiar with the lwca.org site, as well as the LWCA's journal, The LOWDOWN. The LWCA web site has a lot of information of its own, and also lists numerous members' home pages, such as Lyle Koehler's and Les Rayburn's, which are full of information ranging from construction projects (see especially Lyle's if you're interested in building a transmitter) to links for useful software.
73,
John
Re: I did it again
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 21, 2000 at 18:54:50
I wasn't offended. I just wondered why you crackers were sending all that QRN this way while we're freezing our tails off :-)
SIERRA ELECTRONICS
Posted by AL on December 21, 2000 at 18:55:11
HI THANK YOU
I HAVE A SIERRA 303A VLF RECEIVER THAT I'D LIKE TO GET WORKING. DOES ANYONE KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS RECEIVER? IS THE CO WHO MADE IT STILL IN BUSINESS?
DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY INFO ON GETTING A MANUAL OR A COPY OF ONE? I WOULD BE VERY GRATEFUL FOR ANY HELP.
AL K2SSE MONTVERDE,FL
Re: I did it again
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 21, 2000 at 19:00:09
I forgot to explain that it wasn't me who left the barn door open. Fact is, it has been so cold up here we've had to cut off the cat's tail so we can get the barn door closed faster.
Re: I did it again
Posted by Charlie Vest on December 21, 2000 at 22:26:08
Well I am Okie born and bred and still live there but am on a trip where I am on the Iowa/Minnesota border and would love to see any temp that was even close to freezing.Right now there is a whiteout and the chill factor is 50 degrees below zero so I think they must have just left the door cracked a bit and not all the way open !! I am looking forward to returning home Saturday to the warm 28 degree temps there !! lol
Lowfer reception from WI
Posted by Dan Lester on December 22, 2000 at 08:50:27
Greetings everyone,
Winter has settled into Wisconsin with nighttime temperatures frequently hovering around zero degrees Fahrenheit. With the cold temps and snow cover comes the relative absence of atmospheric noise. Still using the same antenna as last year, eleven hundred feet of #14 insulated wire leaving the QTH 270 degrees and laying on the frozen ground under the snow. It is terminated with a 560 ohm resistor and fed With a ground isolating 1:1 toroidal transformer. This antenna was originally used for MW and was fed with a 4:1 transformer. The terminating resistor is no longer needed as the antenna resembles close to a quarter wavelength laying on the ground. It is now 07:15 Dec. 22, 2000 and three LowFER Beacons can be heard, LEK on 186.7 using slow CW, RB on 186.92, and BK on 187.45 all three beacons are clearly audible using the R8B with its 500 Hz CW filter. No audio filter was necessary. BK has the strongest signal, followed by RB and then LEK.
Would like to wish all LWCA members and their families a very Happy Holiday season. A special thanks goes to Bruce Koehler and also a request to him that he gets in touch with me via e-mail. 73 from Seymour WI
VA QRSS received at NC and I am convinced!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 22, 2000 at 16:32:44
This afternoon I saw good QRSS display on Bart's VA, 187.800 KHz beacon. Signals were very stable so I took the oportunity to attenuate the signal down to where I could just make it out. Never having seen a QRSS signal on the computer that I couldn't also hear with my narrowest IF and audio filtering bandwidth I thought this would be a good test. I could not detect VA audiably nor could I see the signal on a percision LED bar graph display. Switching back to Spectran, VA was still displaying good marks. So this skeptic is now convinced! This method of monitoring works and works well! My crude measurments lead me to guesstimate I can see a signal 10 db below where I can hear it with my set up. The best thing is how easy it is to find a signal with Spectran. The way I have been seting up to listen for a weak beacon was to inject a signal on the desired beacon's frequency and then optimize all filters to the signal using a commercial audio oscilloscope display. If the signal was over 10 Hz off frequency I would probably miss it. With Spectran all I have to do is put the receiver within 1 KHz of the beacon and let it run. I can even display JDH and be looking for XMGR at the same time! Now all I need is to keep the computer noise from radiating and QRMing my receiver.
73,
Dex LF Beacon "NC", 177.777 KHz, Presently QRSS nights, 5 WPM days
Re: VA QRSS received at NC and I am convinced!
Posted by Bart - VA on December 22, 2000 at 17:32:25
Thanks Dex! A little less than 1 watt, surrounded by 80 foot tall oak trees, needs all the help it can get. By the way, I'm using an old Coco 3 with a program John Davis published in the pre-Lowdown Northern Observer days as a keyer. Glad I didn't throw it away when I cleaned out the shack last summer.
73, Merry Christmas to all,
Bart
Re: SIERRA ELECTRONICS
Posted by Mike, AJ1J on December 23, 2000 at 08:48:02
Sierra transmission test sets were made for aligning early analog carrier systems in the telephone industry. I'm using a 322A N-carrier generator as crystal frequency source for a lowfer beacon project, and love it. Sierra was bought up long ago by Philco Ford, which continued to sell them under its own name. Don't know where you might find a manual now, but if I find any info I'll post it here. Good luck! mt
VA QRSS copied by the "King"...
Posted by Bart Prater VA/N4ZV on December 23, 2000 at 10:53:02
I just a reception report from Lyle, "the King of All Lowfers" (my term, but I think you'd all agree). This is kinda' like the Christmas 39 years ago when my HX-11 and AR3 finally allowed me to snag an ON4 on 15 meters. The thrill is the same. Good hobby, good people. Lyle was kind enough to also give me an accurate frequency measurement. Look for VA on 187.803 khz. Merry Christmas to all,
Bart
P.S. Lyle, Sure wish you'd close that barn-door.
My septic tank just froze over.
VA QRSS 187.8 khz
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 23, 2000 at 15:26:03
Date: 12/23/00 4:23:52 AM Eastern Standard Time To: (LowFER reflector), (Longwave Message Board)
After eluding me on "normal" CW all these years, VA finally showed up on the Spectran screen at a little before 0300 CST today (12/23). Distance from my location to Moneta, VA is about 950 miles. Congratulations and merry Christmas, Bart!
-- Lyle, K0LR
http://www.computerpro.com/~lyle
JDH
Posted by John Hoopes on December 23, 2000 at 20:33:19
Greetings:
JDH will be sending a holiday message at 10wpm until after Christmas. This is kind of a tradition with me and others. If I sent it at .4wpm you would probably fall asleep before the message finished. Have a safe and happy holiday.
73 John
Re: Something to do over the weekend
Posted by Frank Reynolds on December 23, 2000 at 21:27:20
I'm in Alamogordo NM for Xmas w/ the grandkids. I didn't bring too much listening stuff as I almost got in trouble here last year. I'd set up at Holloman Lake between Holloman AFB & White Sands Missle Range. A helicopter came & looked at me and 10 minutes later 2 very large uniformed men got out of a SUV to find out what I was doing. Fortunately I had my ham license & AF ID card to show. Seems there was to be a 5 missile test the next day and they were "just checking me out". Anyhow, I prefer to avoid trouble.
Happy holidays.
NC QRSS RCV in MA
Posted by John Andrews on December 24, 2000 at 09:56:32
A little patience, a little cold weather...
Early last night, I could see a signal with Spectran on 177.777, but couldn't ID it. It came up again a couple of times while I was watching, but no luck. Then around 10:25 PM EST, I went downstairs, and there was the ID, as clearly as I could hope for. Caught it again around 1:00 AM this morning. This QRSS stuff is great!
Distance is 672 miles. No record by a long shot, but this is very encouraging for my noisy home QTH.
Thanks, Dex!
John Andrews, W1TAG
Re: NC QRSS RCV in MA
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 24, 2000 at 12:13:06
Thanks for the reprot John. That's a new state for NC. I'll send you a NC QRSS QSL.
73,
Dex
Christmas Eclipse Experiment Opportunity
Posted by John Davis on December 24, 2000 at 17:11:34
Sorry that I didn't have information on this sooner, but there is an interesting opportunity to do some propagation experiments on Christmas morning on the West Coast, and at mid-day in the East. I invite you to visit the Longwave Home Page at http://lwca.org/ for sources of eclipse information, and see whether you might be able to devise an LF or VLF monitoring effort suitable for your QTH.
73,
John
LP Antenna Repaired
Posted by Larry Putman on December 25, 2000 at 00:43:07
I repaired some of the damage caused by last weekends storm today. I am using an inverted L configuration for the time being. Also sending in QRSS mode. Freq is now 188.295 Khz.
Merry Christmas To Everyone!
de Larry Putman WB3ANQ Beacon LP 188.295 Khz. QRSS
unid CFM
HI AL K2SSE CENTRAL FL BEVERAGE AND LOOPS
Posted by al k2sse on December 25, 2000 at 08:14:04
I'M HEARING A BEACON NEAR 329 KHZ IDING CFM.
DOES ANYONE KNOW THIS ONE? I DIDN'T FIND IT ON THE NAV LIST.
New version of EasyGram
Posted by Petr on December 25, 2000 at 11:01:12
Hi all I just uploaded a new version of EasyGram with some enhancements. Main advantage is the timed saving of the screen shots, now EasyGram can also turn off your computer, etc. You don't have to stare at the CRT all the nite!
73, Petr, OK1FIG
http://www.mujweb.cz/www/OK1FIG/136k.htm
Re: Christmas Eclipse Experiment Opportunity
Posted by Bill Hohnstein on December 25, 2000 at 12:02:19
WWVB's 60 kHz signal DIPPED with the eclipse to this relatively closer location (near Lincoln, Nebraska). I'm currently plotting TUK 194 Nantucket, MA signal change with time.
Re: Christmas Eclipse Experiment Opportunity
Posted by Bill Hohnstein K0HA on December 25, 2000 at 13:54:36
For an eclipse test I wondered if I could copy the TUK NDB signal from Nantucket, Massachusetts 1,393 miles away at 80º azimuth on 194 kHz during the day. At 1604z I first listened--I heard a weak carrier on 194 but couldn't identify it. By 1625 I could copy TUK on their LSB frequency of 193.6 kHz (TUK transmits both USB & LSB with
400 Hz audio). Most of the rest of my signal comparisons were made on this LSB frequency since it was the clearest and I was best able to detect small changes. TUK had an early peak in copy around 1630z (around 10 minutes after the eclipse started affecting Nantucket). After that it got weaker. Around 1725 their signal started getting stronger again (almost the eclipse exact mid-point between our locations). The signal peaked at 1737z (1137 local) with solid copy then. By 1800 it was down to marginal copy, and at 1810 & after I could just barely recognize anything on the sideband frequency...
The equipment used for this test was a TS-870 and one of my 881' LF "short wires." I had made my 4,320' Beverage E/W bidirectional yesterday, but the 881' antenna (with higher angle reception) was better for this path. I didn't find time to compare it to my 1150' "short wire" for this test.
73, Bill K0HA
BA heard in MN
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 25, 2000 at 14:59:38
To: (LowFER reflector), Longwave Message Board)
At 0915 UTC, Brice's BA beacon from Lancaster, IL is readable here in normal CW mode. First time this season for BA, although he was a regular here in previous years. Also hearing JDH, but not quite well enough to copy the special Christmas message. Iceland was playing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" in English, which came through very clearly despite the static crashes. Signals were much poorer during the next musical selection because of QSB. In the background, BK over in Wisconsin is reporting -23 degrees F, same as the digital thermometer just outside my shack. It ain't fair. Why should there be so much QRN when it's this bloody cold?
LEK will remain in QRSS mode at 186.700 kHz except when I'm listening. Since I'll be gone the next day and a half, that means at least 36 hours of continuous operation.
Lyle, K0LR
VA copied in Ontario
Posted by Mitch Powell on December 26, 2000 at 00:32:40
Bart: Noise level finally dropped below S7 :-) and have nice Spectrogram of your VA beacon just after midnight of Christmas Day.
Congratulations. and 73 Mitch VE3OT
JDH QRSS
Posted by John Hoopes on December 26, 2000 at 10:18:43
Hi All,
JDH will resume QRSS tonight, 26 Dec. Frequency is 184,509 KHZ. Thanks for listening.
73,
John
VA back on regular CW
Posted by Bart Prater on December 26, 2000 at 11:26:53
My holiday vacation is over, so I've switched VA back to regular cw for easier mobile monitoring during my travels around the state. I'll be glad to switch to QRSS on request.
73 - stay warm!
Bart VA/N4ZV
Re: unid CFM
Posted by Dave Tomasko on December 26, 2000 at 13:02:13
Suspect that you are hearing 330:CZM Cozumel, Mexico.
Dave in Chicago
Beacon LP receives first reception report!!
Posted by Larry Putman on December 26, 2000 at 14:55:31
My first confirmed reception report was from Lloyd W3NF who is about 27 miles WNW of me! Nothing record breaking but still a real thrill for me to see my call on somone else's Spectrogram!
Thanks for the report Lloyd!
73
Larry Putman Beacon LP 188.295 QRSS
Re: Beacon LP receives first reception report!!
Posted by Bart Prater on December 26, 2000 at 16:29:29
WAY TO GO LARRY!! It took me three years before I finally got a report. There's nothing like having all your toil, sweat, and tinkering pay off....and discovering for yourself that this stuff really does work after all!
73,
Bart
XMGR on 183.31khz (QRSS TESTS!)
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 26, 2000 at 17:06:48
For the next couple of nights, I will be testing the new Curry Communications Transceiver in QRSS mode. ID will be shortened to "XM" at 0.4WPM. The frequency will be 183.31khz.
The unit is crystal controlled, with only about a 1.5-2khz "swing" possible using the varactor. I added some turns to my loading coil to allow me to get down this far. I may also test the unit in SSB on occasion, though those tests will likely be limited to daytime hours.
Spend the entire day laying down another 1,500 feet of elevated radials, but the effort paid off. Antenna current is now 264ma!! The highest ever recorded at XMGR.
Please watch for the beacon tonight in QRSS mode.
Please note frequency for the next couple of days is 183.31khz.
Les Rayburn, N1lF
LF Conditions are good now.
Posted by Shaun P. Merrigan on December 26, 2000 at 23:00:38
LF conditions here have been quite good for the last two nights. I have heard several new (for me) NDBs; best so far is "FT" (Fort Worth, TX).
Shaun
(Edmonton, Alberta)
DCH pounding into NC!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 27, 2000 at 00:50:49
While looking for QRSS signals on the CRT with the volume turned low I heard a strong CW signal. I turned the volume up and tuned up the band a little and there was DCH pounding in Q5 about S3. Actually moving the S meter!
Re: DCH pounding into NC!
Posted by John Andrews, W1TAG on December 27, 2000 at 09:09:57
And I've now got him 24 hours a day in Central Massachusetts. Can copy by ear some of the time. Spectran helps, but QRSS would really be the solution.
John A.
LowFER beacon BRO heard in Seymour WI
Posted by Dan Lester on December 27, 2000 at 15:38:52
Date December 27, 2000 Time 14:10 LowFER beacon BRO on 182.2 (Brian Ofstie, ki0le, Duluth MN) heard transmitting slow CW. Difficult copy due to unknown carrier(s) close to this frequency. Atmospheric noise undetectable today but had to use DSP 59+ to copy the signal as it was close to the noise floor. Using Drake R8B, CW mode, 500 Hz filter, AGC=off, preamp=on. 1100 feet of #14 wire on ground, leaving shack at 270 degrees. receiver offset -400 Hz (181.8)
73, Dan ke9se
XM(GR) copied in central Georgia
Posted by John Hoopes on December 27, 2000 at 16:37:49
Greetings Everyone:
After two months of trying to copy XMGR, I finally achieved success. One of the reasons I've been having such a difficult time of copying Les is because I've been nulling his signal due to line interference. This morning at about 11:00AM, the line noise was gone and I was able to orient my loop due west. After I did that, Les' signal was clearly visible on the screen. I listened closely for an audible signal but couldn't hear a one. This DSP software is truly amazing!
73 John/AB4MS/JDH
West coast LF
Posted by Jim Hutchinson on December 27, 2000 at 18:29:50
I have not seen any posting from anyone farther west than Texas...Is there another site to get reports on West coast activity? I have only heard one LF becon between 160 and 190 KHz...it was PLI in Burbank Ca., only 20 miles away from here in Simi Valley Ca.
XM(GR) copied in Oklahoma!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 27, 2000 at 18:36:58
Just received this message from John Reed in OK:
This morning I taped about three minutes on 183.31 at 1200 UTC. Later on I processed it with some programs I've written to do signal processing. Using the crunch method, I'm able to get several clear XMs from this tape. I haven't looked with a spectrum display but I'm pretty certain I won't be able to read this signal. It's very weak. Nothing but noise was heard during reception.
Here's some info on reception:
Antenna: 100' wire on 100'X200' city lot with utility lines hung on the back side. The antenna is in the lowest noise location possible, but noise is still large. This time of year Christmas lights are a problem and the ever-present 120 Hz buzz is there. Clearly a noise challenged envoirnment.
Antenna tuner: Bill Bowers' custom designed variometer Receiver: Harris RF-590 with quiet display mod, homebrew high dynamic range noise blanker (a necessity) using 300 Hz IF filter. BFO at 400Hz. Audio was taped and later converted to a wave file. If I turn on the computer and especially the monitor, forget it.
Processing sequence The spectrum shows a clear line at 400 Hz. If I don't see this I won't go any further.
Prefilter Mix with 380 Hz Low pass 50-100 Hz with segmented FFT.
Resample 20:1 This puts the signal at 400Hz, clearly heard on the resulting wave file.
Long wave DXers in noise challenged locations - don't give up there are ways to deal with this problem.
John
Re: West coast LF
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 27, 2000 at 18:47:15
Jim,
This is THE site for lowfer reports on both coasts. For whatever reason, the West Coast is not as active in chasing DX right now as they have been in times past.
PLI is Dave Curry's fine beacon in Burbank. You can also listen for the SSB net that several California lowfers have there on Saturday mornings. That might allow you to log a couple of more lowfers. Please send Dave a QSL card, and let him know about your interest...sometimes you just need someone to breath more life into the scene.
73,
Les
NC copied in Oklahoma!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 28, 2000 at 08:54:47
From John Reed, the master "cruncher":
Hi Dex, good news. This morning I taped about three minutes at your frequency. Nothing heard while taping but later I processed the data with some crunch routines (like XM) and your signal sounds good here in north central Oklahoma.
I've attached a wave file of the processed data.
73, John
John's recording can be heard at:
http://dmcintyre.home.att.net/NCinOKbyJohnReed.WAV
LEK copied in North Carolina!
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 28, 2000 at 09:22:53
After many years of listening for LEK I was rewarded this morning with good Spectran copy. When LEK peaked I also had audible copy! At 4 a.m. EST I could see Lyle's signal but could not get verifiable copy. As I scanned the band for other Lowfer signals I would return to LEK every ten minuets or so and each time the copy was getting better. LEK peaked at about 7 a.m. EST, about the middle of my gray line as I suppose could be predicted. While watching LEK print I could hear DCH banging away.
My best jpg of LEK is posted at:
http://dmcintyre.home.att.net/lek-b-122800.jpg
The combination of good propagation and QRSS is making this my most successful LF season.
73,
Dex LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz, QRSS nights, 5 WPM days
Re: LEK copied in North Carolina!
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 28, 2000 at 11:49:06
Wow! This calls for a celebration. First time ever that LEK has been received at over 1000 miles. Thanks and congratulations, Dex.
LW Loop Antenna
Posted by Bob on December 28, 2000 at 15:19:34
I have a Sangean ATS505 AM/FM/SW/LW receiver. I am somewhat new to long wave and would like to enjoy that part of the radio spectrum. My main interest is Medium wave& Short-wave. I have just started listening to long wave and I have heard about 8 local aero beacons. But greedy me :), I would like to hear more. Is there a loop type antenna that I could buy, or a simple one that I can build? I have never built one before! Enough said! Any help would be grateful.
Bob Klinger Harrisburg, PA.
Re: LowFER beacon BRO heard in Seymour WI
Posted by Bryce Ofstie on December 28, 2000 at 17:19:31
Congratulations on being able to hear my signal Dan. I will send out a QSL card this week. I'm working on making the beacon send a string of normal CW characters between the QRSS ones. This should make it easier for those that are listening for my signal to copy it by ear. Those that set up and see it with the PC should then be able to know when to turn up the audio and listen as well.
SOLAR Medfer Beacon Profile
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 28, 2000 at 17:53:03
Bill de Carle's "SOLAR" Medfer beacon is profiled with photos and text descriptions. Wait until you see what Bill has to go through just to do maintenance on his beacon!
Visit "The Noise Floor" web site for details:
http://www.highnoonfilm.com/xmgr
Re: LW Loop Antenna
Posted by Tim Brannon on December 28, 2000 at 23:48:09
A basic LW loop can be made using 1x2 lumber as the cross frame. I have made some 4 foot diameter loops like this with about 15 turns of wire spaced 1/4" apart tuned with a large variable capacitor. I've saved the tuning caps from many old broadcast radios, and by combining the 365 pF section and the LO section in parallel you can get about 500 pF. The exact number of turns can be adjusted for your target range. Assuming the Sangean uses an internal loopstick, you can couple it into the loop by merely supporting it in the middle of the loop.
A simpler "boost" would be to use a random wire antenna of 50 feet or more. Again assuming the Sangean has an internal loopstick, just wrap 2-3 turns of wire around the outside of the radio for coupling, with 1 end to the antenna and another to an RF ground, or the radio's ground at the earphone jack or battery negative post. Ugly, but it works!
BA heard in NW Wisconsin!
Posted by Bruce Koehler on December 29, 2000 at 13:11:36
After several seasons of trying for BA, I finally copied him very well last night 12/28 between about 2330 and midnight local time. I should have made a recording since he was coming in so well, but my recorder has been acting strange so I didn't even try. I tried for RB and BOB since I was hearing BA, but couldn't make any positive ID. At around 3AM local time on 12/27, I copied RB again for the second time this season. So far this season I've copied the "locals" LEK, BRO and RM; plus RB, OK, TX and now BA. It seems so many are sending QRSS these days, I should try receiving with the computer again. I still prefer listening with just the radio for good old CW signals. BK is running CW at about 12WPM on around 187.46 KHz.
Congrats to Brice, I finally heard his BA beacon very well, all previous receptions were barely detectable.
73, Bruce BK, W0BK
XM(GR) Received in Nebraska in CW mode!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 30, 2000 at 03:02:55
Just got a message from Bill Hohnsteing, K0HA. He managed to copy the XM(GR) beacon at his home in Seward, Nebraska using that wonderful beverage of his! This is a distance of 771 miles, made even more impressive has Bill was able to copy the signal sent at about .75-.80WPM by EAR!! (Not QRSS).
Bill, like Lyle, may be in league with the forces of darkness, as he seems to pull weak signals out of thin air. Thanks to Bill for making my holiday!
Forwarded message follows:
======================
From: "Bill Hohnstein" (by way of gunfighter highnoonfilm.com) Subject: Re: [Lowfer] XM(GR) On Tonight X-Loop-Detect: 1
I think that I finally got a solid ID from XM, Les! At 0415z (2215 CST) the signal faded up and I copied a string of XM's on what I read as 183.34 kHz. I'm not used to copying and identifying cw speeds of 1 wpm & under but it sounded faster than I was expecting. It didn't last long--maybe 90 seconds maximum. Looks like the extra radials did the trick! Bill
Les Rayburn, N1lF
Re: BA heard in NW Wisconsin!
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 30, 2000 at 04:39:05
Congrats to both Bryce and BA for this accomplishment. I've heard traces of CW on BA's frequency here, but nothing I could ID for sure.
Bryce, if you'd like, I'll be happy to schedule some nights of straight CW for you to try for...just let me know when a day or so in advance.
Despite the success of QRSS, keep in mind that the all time distance record for a lowfer beacon is still held by straight CW!
Lowfers should be heard...not seen.
Posted by Bart Prater VA/N4ZV on December 30, 2000 at 09:29:52
The new modes are incredible, and I'll continue to experiment with them...but I'll always have a soft spot in my ear for the original digital. So, for now, VA continues whizzing along at 7 w.p.m. Congratulations to the entire gang on what has to be a record breaking season!
73,
Bart
TH in MN
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 30, 2000 at 11:06:47
TH used to be a regular here a few seasons ago, but has been a more difficult catch recently. The Iceland longwave broadcast station no doubt has something to do with it. Anyway, TH was readable for the first time this season with about a 339 signal last night. Nice to hear that familiar identifier again!
Re: Lowfers should be heard...not seen.
Posted by John Hoopes on December 30, 2000 at 11:28:35
Amen Bart. I still enjoy putting on a set of "cans" and listening for the elusive lowfer. There is nothing that can quite compare with a CW signal popping out of the mud! My wife just read this and said “get a life”:-)
Re: need help for tube xtal vlf tx
Posted by mark hiles on December 30, 2000 at 13:18:10
have several xtals(162,178 182) from my dad. i would like to use a 6aq5 tubecircuit from 57 pop. elec. mag. but now i have found that lf freq. is for gen. cls only i have a rycom am usb lsb rec.will be in touch when i get email address mark hiles 207 s. animas trinidad co 81082
Re: need help for tube xtal vlf tx
Posted by mark hiles on December 30, 2000 at 13:26:04
to john andrews w1tag got email library will ck sat.
Re: TH in MN
Posted by Dex on December 30, 2000 at 13:31:58
In the past years I could copy TH just about every evening just after sun down. This year I have not heard TH. I haven't heard Carl on 1983 KHz as usual and the email address I have for him is no good. Has anyone had contact with him lately?
Re: TH in MN
Posted by John Andrews on December 30, 2000 at 14:16:23
Dex,
I have been hearing TH nightly here in Central MA, 2-3 hours after sunset for the last couple of weeks. When last I looked, the frequency was 189.38 kHz, though it had been higher for a while.
DCH seems to have "gone missing" up here in the last couple of days, though. Was a 24 hour proposition before that.
And thanks for the NC QSL - very nice.
John Andrews, W1TAG
Spectran 4
Posted by Chris Lantaff, KE9YK on December 30, 2000 at 14:31:22
Can anyone tell me how to reverse the chances made by spectran 4 when it is installed. I have tried to go back to an earlier version but it now will not work. It had worked ok before.
I have already tried reinstalling the sound card and drivers, but still get the same results. Sound recorder will not work now either. If I turn the audio up high, I can hear some mic audio very distorted. Sounds like it is bleeding over from somewhere. Have changes been made to the sound card and how could they be reset?
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
Chris Lantaff, KE9YK Evansville, IN YK 185.97 khz
BRO copied in Ontario
Posted by Mitch on December 30, 2000 at 15:10:52
Have nice pictures of BRO copied this afternoon ( Saturday) at 2:30 EST. Light dimmer, etc noises suddenly cleared and there was BRO. Distance 299 miles. Congratulations on nice signal. Have forwarded GIFs
73 Mitch VE3OT
Re: Spectran 4
Posted by Lyle Koehler on December 30, 2000 at 18:39:31
You have probably already tried this, but the first thing to do is to check your Windows mixer settings. In Window 95, if the speaker icon is not displayed on the taskbar, the volume control mixer settings can be brought up by going into Windows 95 Help and bringing up the topic for "Volume control, starting". Besides the playback settings, which are normally the only ones displayed, the record settings may have been altered. From within the volume control window, go to the menu item "options" and click on properties. Then select "recording controls", make sure the line and microphone input boxes are checked, and click on "OK" to bring up the controls. Make sure the desired inputs are selected and that the volume sliders aren't all the way down. Jumping back to the playback controls, make sure that the desired inputs aren't muted. Again, my apologies if you have already tried all this stuff, but I have found that sometimes my sound card settings get screwed up and I have to go through this procedure.
XM(GR) Special Holiday Transmission
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 31, 2000 at 03:06:23
Have completed testing the Curry Communications transceiver and am shipping it to Kevin Carey for his review. I liked it so much that I've already placed an order with Dave Curry to buy one of the first production models. The stability issue will be addressed by then.
Now, XM(GR) has returned to it's old frequency of 184.900khz, and I am currently sending a special holiday greeting for Lyle and others who wax nostalgic. But this one is in QRSS mode! It will run the rest of tonight and also tomorrow night. This may be the first ever holiday greeting sent in QRSS...so see if you can copy it. Hint, it's eight characters long, including my ID.
Hey, you try to figure out a short holiday greeting! Thanks to all for a great 2000, hoping for even better reception in 2001!
Les Rayburn, N1lF
'TX' at noon
Posted by Roger Magnuson on December 31, 2000 at 15:15:42
While chatting on 2 meters, Bryce (BRO), and I both were watching TX scrolling across our screens with very nice copy. Not bad - Texas to Minnesota at noon!! And with good copy too. Let's hope we have good conditions tonight.
Roger (RM) 189.8
XM(GR) on 184.885khz
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 31, 2000 at 18:24:21
In an attempt to help out Jim and others who have carriers on "even" frequencies. XM(GR) will be transmitting on 184.885khz. Sending "XM" at .25WPM (15 second long dashes) QRSS.
Re: XM(GR) Special Holiday Transmission
Posted by Les Rayburn, N1LF on December 31, 2000 at 18:25:50
Lyle (LEK) was able to succesfully copy my special holiday message at a distance of 961 Miles! The message was:
HP Y2K1 XM
Lyle sent a nice photo, that I will be posting to my web site...it may have been his best copy of my beacon for the whole season to date!
Medfer Beacon "NC" on 510.500 KHz
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 31, 2000 at 18:32:45
Last year on new year's eve the project of the day was stringing a resonant loop on 17 KHz to receive SAQ. This year's project was getting a medfer beacon on line. (Les' enthusiasm is contagious!) After over 30 trips to the building roof in 30 degree temps with the wind blowing (would you Yankees please close the door!) I finally got the antenna to tune at 510.500 KHz. The antenna is a 3 meter 2 1/2 inch aluminum pipe with a 4 foot top hat. The top hat is an old UHF TV antenna reflector covered with window screen. The temporary coil in wound with 18 gauge teflon stranded wire on a 6 inch form. The signal source is presently a HP L/C generator which is temporary unless it proved to be very stable. Keying is presently CW at about 5 WPM. Sine on time was 6 p.m. EST.
Happy New Year!
Dex
LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz MF Beacon "NC" 510.500 KHz EM95tg
XM QRSS received in North Carolina
Posted by Dex, W4DEX on December 31, 2000 at 23:52:28
After close to an hour of watching a faint trace on 184.885 XM came out of the noise for a brief period. The Spectran screen copy can be seen at:
http://dmcintyre.home.att.net/XM123100.jpg
Notice how the signal faded back into the noise. After about five minuets it did reappear at about the same level and duration.
Thanks Les for your efforts to build a first class Lowfer beacon. And it looks as good as it works!
Well this is my last radio accomplishment of the 20th century! I can live with that! This has been a great LF year. I have received more reports and have copied more Lowfers than ever before. I would like to thank the elmers who answer our questions and have spent many hours making info readily available on their web pages. Thanks also to the software developers who share their hours of hard work with us. We may be sending and receiving data at a snail's pace but we are communicating, learning, helping others and having fun as we go. That's more than enough reason to do what we do isn't it?
Happy New Year Dex, W4DEX
LF Beacon "NC" 177.777 KHz MF Beacon "NC" 510.500 KHz EM95tg
.
www.lwca.org
potrzebie