I read KT6V's comments on the FT1000MP with interest. I have had one
here for two months, and used it in CQWW SSB. I thoroughly agree with
Tom's comments, and have found the MP a significant improvement (in
every respect except output power) over the FT1000D here. In
particular, the receiver is a significant improvement.
The only issue where I have a problem is with the interface to the CAT
drive from CT. It works fine unless you turn on the RIT. Then the read
frequency on the computer goes mad - it seems to shift about 100kHz for
each 1KHz RIT offset. Is there a problem - or do I have a rogue FT1000MP ?
73 - and Season's Greetings to everyone
Don - G3OZF (g3ozf@mayerin.demon.co.uk)
>From sawyers" <sawyers@cacd.rockwell.com Fri Dec 15 16:33:53 1995
From: sawyers" <sawyers@cacd.rockwell.com (sawyers)
Subject: traffic on CQ-Contest
Message-ID: <9511158190.AA819045275@ccmgw1.cacd.rockwell.com>
I definitely appreciate seeing the Summaries of contests as floydjr has
been posting them, and do not want to see them moved.
Some days, I have time to read the individual contest reports, and other
days I don't. I people do a good job of labeling them in the subject, I
just do a group select and delete, so I don't mind having them here. At
least they are more enlightening than some of the discussions have been.
Fortunately, even the less enlightening discussions have also been well
labeled so I just do the group select and delete.
I don't mind having a multitude of classes and threads running
simultaeously, as long as everyone keeps the subject lines straight. That
way I get to separate the wheat from the chaff, and my criteria changes
from day to day.
de n0yvy steve
My company and I agree on at least one thing: My opinions are my own.
>From lvn@fox.cen.com (Larry Novak) Fri Dec 15 17:22:34 1995
From: lvn@fox.cen.com (Larry Novak) (Larry Novak)
Subject: Radial Wire
Message-ID: <9512151722.AA07904@cen.com>
> Gary Schwartz <garyk9gs@solaria.sol.net> writes:
> While we're on the subject of antenna wire, does anyone know of a
> source for cheap BARE wire, 20-22 ga for radials? The problem with
> enamel wire is removing the insulation outside in an efficient
> manner, especially if it is cold.
Why do you want to remove the insulation? Insulated wire works fine
for radials (in fact, for a base station, it also lasts a lot longer
than bare wire, so is preferable.)
--
+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
| Larry Novak \-\-\ email: lnovak@cen.com |
| Century Computing, Inc. | Tel: (301) 953-3330 |
| 8101 Sandy Spring Road | Tel (@NRL): (202) 404-7682 |
| Suite 200 | Fax: (301) 953-2368 |
| Laurel, MD 20707 | Amateur Radio: K3TLX, C6AHE |
| http://www.cen.com/ | |
+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=---=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
+ INSULATOR COLLECTOR'S: http://www.resilience.com/insulators/ +
+=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=---=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-+
>From George McCrary <geo@nando.net> Fri Dec 15 17:53:04 1995
From: George McCrary <geo@nando.net> (George McCrary)
Subject: Radial Wire
Message-ID: <9512151753.AA27927@merlin.nando.net>
Be careful of your aluminum wire coming into contact with concrete.
I found several of my radials eaten through after they rested on some 2
month old quickcrete. I don't know if copper would have this problem or not.
73 DE KQ4QM (George)
Why are you looking down here?
>From k8mr@barf80.nshore.org (Jim Stahl) Fri Dec 15 17:59:21 1995
From: k8mr@barf80.nshore.org (Jim Stahl) (Jim Stahl)
Subject: Signal Reports
Message-ID: <m6w6FD1w165w@barf80.nshore.org>
>>Did you find yourself screaming "59 New Mexico (insert ur QTH
>>here), give me your call again PLEASE" over and over last
>>weekend during the 10 meter contest? Is "59" totally useless?
>>Probably. Throw in something like your station setup (see
>>above).
>I truely believe all contests should completely and utterly do
>away with all signal report exchanges. Replace them with a
>sequential serial number or a power level. The 59 or 5NN is
>completely redundant.
Absolutely, positively redundant. One other nice thing about VHF
contests, never having to tell some puny weak guy he's "59".
(True for Sprints, NAQP, SS, Field Day as well).
However no contest rules say you have to send 59/599. All they
say is a signal report. In fact, if you read the CQWW rules they
use the examples of 5705/57905.
What's so bad about sending 57 or 579? Or any other report? On
average 57(9) is a more accurate report than 59(9). Put a little
entropy into the world, and give the hotshots something
nonredundant to copy and log.
Until contest sponsors eliminate the signal report, if you're not
part of the solution you're part of the problem.
Jim K8MR k8mr@barf80.nshore.org
Cheering for the San Francisco 49ers, so I can again send guess
what as a Super Bowl special event signal report in the CQ 160
contest :)
----------------------------
Jim Stahl
InterNet: k8mr@barf80.nshore.org
Basic Amateur Radio Frequency, BARF-80 +1 216/237-8208
"Totally devoted to Amateur Radio" - 24 Hrs a day 8/N/1 14.4k-300 baud
>From Pete Smith <n4zr@ix.netcom.com> Fri Dec 15 19:30:30 1995
From: Pete Smith <n4zr@ix.netcom.com> (Pete Smith)
Subject: Signal Reports
Message-ID: <199512151930.LAA14893@ix13.ix.netcom.com>
At 12:59 PM 12/15/95 EST, Jim Stahl wrote:
>
>>>Did you find yourself screaming "59 New Mexico (insert ur QTH
>>>here), give me your call again PLEASE" over and over last
>>>weekend during the 10 meter contest? Is "59" totally useless?
>>>Probably. Throw in something like your station setup (see
>>>above).
>
>>I truely believe all contests should completely and utterly do
>>away with all signal report exchanges. Replace them with a
>>sequential serial number or a power level. The 59 or 5NN is
>>completely redundant.
>
>
>
>Absolutely, positively redundant. One other nice thing about VHF
>contests, never having to tell some puny weak guy he's "59".
>(True for Sprints, NAQP, SS, Field Day as well).
>
>However no contest rules say you have to send 59/599. All they
>say is a signal report. In fact, if you read the CQWW rules they
>use the examples of 5705/57905.
>
>What's so bad about sending 57 or 579? Or any other report? On
>average 57(9) is a more accurate report than 59(9). Put a little
>entropy into the world, and give the hotshots something
>nonredundant to copy and log.
>
>Until contest sponsors eliminate the signal report, if you're not
>part of the solution you're part of the problem.
>
>
>Jim K8MR k8mr@barf80.nshore.org
Actually, whatever you think about these phoney signal reports, they do
serve a useful purpose. By marking the beginning of the exchange, they
significantly increase the chance that you'll copy the variable part of the
exchange correctly. Now, we could just get into the habit of saying "begin"
or "mark" or something (g).
73,
Pete N4ZR (n4zr@ix.netcom.com)
>From Pete Smith <n4zr@ix.netcom.com> Fri Dec 15 19:38:14 1995
From: Pete Smith <n4zr@ix.netcom.com> (Pete Smith)
Subject: Ice
Message-ID: <199512151938.LAA15795@ix13.ix.netcom.com>
Here's a piece of potentially useful info for protection against ice on
antennas that last appeared on the reflector close to 2 years ago. Data
courtesy of W9LT, who notes that address/phone number and prices below
changed earlier this year.
A firm called Vellox makes a "hydrophobic" paint, which when properly
applied to antennas (or anything, really) makes them shed water and water
ice. The stuff was designed for Arctic radomes and similar surfaces, but I
understand it works just fine on antennas, towers, etc. It really involves
a primer and a top coat, both of which are a little tricky to apply and
pretty expensive.
The firm is Vellox
PO Box 7329
Lake Worth, FL 33466
Tel: 407/967-3011
Fax: 967-5036
Prices as of April 1, 1995, were:
S-76 primer $92/gal (covers 300-400 sq. ft.)
S-76 topcoat $92/gal (covers 90-100 sq. ft.)
The top coat is designed to be sprayed or brushed, and apparently takes
several coats to form a good water-shedding finish, hence the lower coverage
spec. I can't confidently relate the square-footage to typical ham
antennas, except to observe that a gallon of top coat will obviously do
several of them. They have offered in the past various "consumer kits,"
costing in the $55-$100 area, involving cans of primer and spray cans of top
coat, but that doesn't seem too attractive given the high waste inherent in
spraying round elements.
73,
Pete N4ZR (n4zr@ix.netcom.com)
>From jreid@aloha.net (Jim Reid) Fri Dec 15 20:07:31 1995
From: jreid@aloha.net (Jim Reid) (Jim Reid)
Subject: 950SDX, UPS, and Kenwood
Message-ID: <199512152007.KAA25314@hookomo.aloha.net>
Aloha Tim and the many, many others on the reflector who have
requested to know the end of the subject matter,
>From the UPS office in Honolulu came (in the mail yesterday)
a check for $726, the cost of the shipping damage repair as
submitted by Kenwood a few weeks, or so, ago. I
have been very releaved since learning that the damage
had not been major, was repairable, and now with the rig
back and working FB (answered XU6WV's cq yesterday
afternoon -7 AM his time- from"beautiful downtown Phnom
Phen" to quote Mike) and having the 950 operating just fine
for about a week now, I am VERY happy that this incident is
in the past.
Incidently, I took our mainland bound Christmas package
shippments to the UPS terminal in Lihue last Tuesday. My
wife had used an old Gateway Computer box for one of the
packages. The young man at the terminal instantly demanded
to what sort of computer electronic equipiment was inside that
box! And what sort of electronics were in the other boxes! I
believe this was a different fellow from the man who had
accepted the 950 back in late October ( who had done a
little repacking of that box before selling me the "declared
value insurance.") I have the specific impression that this
terminal point, at least, has gptten instructions from UPS
managment to be very cautious about accepting what might
appear to be inadequately packed electronic items, and
probably that they should NOT voluntarily repack anything!
Both UPS and I were more than a little alarmed at the prospect
of having to replace a several thousand dollar radio loaded
with every available filter and optional accessory offored by
Kenwood for the SDX model!
Anyway Tim, thankyou for your help in resolving this matter,
and good DX'n and Contesting!
Aloha and 73, Jim, AH6NB
>From Steven Affens <k3sa@access.digex.net> Fri Dec 15 20:29:25 1995
From: Steven Affens <k3sa@access.digex.net> (Steven Affens)
Subject: traffic on CQ-Contest
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.951215152842.8638B-100000@access5.digex.net>
I totally agree with the thread that wants the scores right here.
have a nice weekend.
73
Steve
Steven C. Affens
K3SA@ACCESS.DIGEX.NET
On Fri, 15 Dec 1995, sawyers wrote:
> I definitely appreciate seeing the Summaries of contests as floydjr has
> been posting them, and do not want to see them moved.
>
> Some days, I have time to read the individual contest reports, and other
> days I don't. I people do a good job of labeling them in the subject, I
> just do a group select and delete, so I don't mind having them here. At
> least they are more enlightening than some of the discussions have been.
> Fortunately, even the less enlightening discussions have also been well
> labeled so I just do the group select and delete.
>
> I don't mind having a multitude of classes and threads running
> simultaeously, as long as everyone keeps the subject lines straight. That
> way I get to separate the wheat from the chaff, and my criteria changes
> from day to day.
>
> de n0yvy steve
>
> My company and I agree on at least one thing: My opinions are my own.
>
>
>From Jan & Del Seay <seay@alaska.net> Fri Dec 15 20:49:55 1995
From: Jan & Del Seay <seay@alaska.net> (Jan & Del Seay)
Subject: Signal Reports
Message-ID: <9512152049.AA20022@alaska.net>
At 11:30 AM 12/15/95 -0800, you wrote:
>
>Actually, whatever you think about these phoney signal reports, they do
>serve a useful purpose. By marking the beginning of the exchange, they
>significantly increase the chance that you'll copy the variable part of the
>exchange correctly. Now, we could just get into the habit of saying "begin"
>or "mark" or something (g).
>
>
>73,
>
>Pete N4ZR (n4zr@ix.netcom.com)
>
>
Best idea yet. Proper cw requires you to write what you copy, not
interpret. With the habit of putting 599 down, when you copied 5NN,
these are actually invalid 'Q's. And, as a user of CT and TR, I hate
it when someone sends 569, etc. Really screws me up!
-KL7HF-
>From Ronald R. Sigismonti" <sig@locke.ccil.org Fri Dec 15 22:34:36 1995
From: Ronald R. Sigismonti" <sig@locke.ccil.org (Ronald R. Sigismonti)
Subject: Radial Wire
Message-ID: <Pine.3.89.9512151736.A12816-0100000@locke.ccil.org>
On Fri, 15 Dec 1995, George McCrary wrote:
> Be careful of your aluminum wire coming into contact with concrete.
> I found several of my radials eaten through after they rested on some 2
> month old quickcrete. I don't know if copper would have this problem or not.
>
>
The reason is that aluminum can be dissolved by strong bases. The lime
in concrete, while not really a STRONG base, will corrode the aluminum.
To demonstrate how badly aluminum reacts with a strong base, pour some
lye (sodium hydroxide) into an aluminum pan containing some water. The
aluminum quickly dissolves. Copper is totally unaffected by bases and
reacts very slowly only with rather strong acids. That's why copper
lasts so long.
de Sig, N3RS
Sig@Locke.CCIL.org
>From Igor Sokolov" <igor@sokol.pssr.e-burg.su Fri Dec 15 04:51:12 1995
From: Igor Sokolov" <igor@sokol.pssr.e-burg.su (Igor Sokolov)
Subject: traffic on CQ-CONTEST
Message-ID: <AB0xFqmW57@sokol.pssr.e-burg.su>
>I totally agree with the thread that wants the scores right here.
>have a nice weekend.
>73
>Steve
--
Best regards,
Igor Sokolov, UA9CDC , (N3TOD)
E-mail: igor@sokol.pssr.e-burg.su
Phone/Fax: 3432 229621
>From kp4xs@ix.netcom.com (Kenneth Ramirez ) Fri Dec 15 23:50:59 1995
From: kp4xs@ix.netcom.com (Kenneth Ramirez ) (Kenneth Ramirez )
Subject: Using a Butternut HF2V Vertical.
Message-ID: <199512152350.PAA11748@ix.ix.netcom.com>
Anyone out there using a Butternut HF2V vertical? I just put one up
that I picked up at a hamfest for 20 bucks. I am not able to use 40 and
75m without having to drop the tap on the 40m coil for use on 75.
I replaced the contraption Butternut supplies to tap the coil with
with a Roach clip er um I mean an alligator clip. I can easily get
1.2:1 to 1.5:1 on Cw Or ssb on 40m But cannot get a usable swr on 75
like the manual says is possible. If I remove the tap completely Then I
get about 1.5:1 at about 3830. Short of adding a tophat,anyone have any
ideas? Anyone have any success on both bands w/o having to change the
tap? How does your B-nut perform? Are you using radials or just
grounded per the manual? Thanks in advance.73 Ken
kp4xs@ix.netcom.com
>From floydjr@nr.infi.net (jim floyd) Fri Dec 15 23:09:54 1995
From: floydjr@nr.infi.net (jim floyd) (jim floyd)
Subject: MY NAME!!
Message-ID: <199512160010.TAA11218@moe.infi.net>
This is for information only to everyone on the reflector.
My name is Jim Floyd not Floyd JR. I am not a Jr, my initials are J.R.
I know my email address is confusing about this so I thought I would clear
it up. I do appreciate all the kind comments I receive about the scores. I
cannot reply to everyone and I am sure you understand why. I do read them
all. Thank you very much for your patience with me doing them. I will
continue to do my best.
73's Jim
Amateur Call: WA4ZXA
Emai: floydjr@nr.infi.net
Packet Node: N4ZC
>From Ronald E. Vincent" <rev@efn.org Sat Dec 16 00:47:27 1995
From: Ronald E. Vincent" <rev@efn.org (Ronald E. Vincent)
Subject: Oregon CONTEST Stn takes a lickin'...
Message-ID: <199512160047.QAA12010@caritas.efn.org>
At 12:08 PM 12/13/95 -0800, John D. Nicholson wrote:
>
>
>...but still keeps tickin' ! Watching the ol' quad jerk around in
>100 mph was entertaining yesterday. I took the day off from
>work to monitor 2 meters and be of help around the neighborhood
>as carports and roofs blew off, not too mention numerous doug
>firs laying across roads, cars and houses up and down the
>coast...
John: Wasn't that storm something?? I work at Lane Community College in
Computer Services, and we shut down at 3pm, but by then the worst was over.
I went home about 1pm for "lunch," to sweat bullets and look at my 58' Rohn
25 (guyed with 1/4" phillystrand) and KT34XA whipping around pretty good.
However, we only got 48mph gusts here, and I listened to 162MHz WX station,
and I couldn't believe Newport hat 70mph SUSTAINED and 107 top gusts!!
>...power at this QTH won't be back for at least 3 days
>according the the latest reports...
We had the Florence Network link go down about noon, so we knew they got hit
bad . . . it later came up that night. I also got a call from Lane Co.
Sheriff's Ham team (I'm on that one) and we activated the EOC/Ham station
for some traffic. Hope all it's getting better on the coast where you are .
. . lot's of trees down and damage (even here).
Take care, my friend.
>73s...John K7FD
>Seal Rock, Oregon
>
73s too!
de Ron WJ7R/ZF2RV
rev@efn.org (in Eugene)
>From kf3p@cais.cais.com (Tyler Stewart) Sat Dec 16 01:33:25 1995
From: kf3p@cais.cais.com (Tyler Stewart) (Tyler Stewart)
Subject: FT1000MP at V31UA
Message-ID: <199512160133.UAA25623@cais.cais.com>
>In closing, the FT1000MP is an impressive rig, very versatile; those of you
>who want a first class station at home plus another rig for hopping around
>for dxing and contesting will find this to be a great "one stop" choice for
>high value. Anybody want to buy my 735? Since coming home, I have
>interfaced the rig with CT 9.27 and LogicW 4. They both work well with the
>transceiver.
>
>Thanks for reading, I hope you find this informative. 73 Tom KT6V.
Thanks for the review, Tom.
However, I think I should warn everyone considering buying an MP to make sure
you actually look at a real one before you buy (not a picture). I and several
others have ended up sending MP's back to the dealer because we couldnt stand
looking at the backlit color LCD display (someone correct me if I'm wrong,
but that's what it looks like to me). Light "bleeds-through" the supposedly
unlit segments of the display which we found terribly annoying. In my case,
so annoying I couldnt justify spending $3600 or so for one.
When I fired mine up on the kitchen table, my wife instantly commented "What's
wrong with the display?!?", so it wasnt just me. When I returned it to the
dealer he said he didnt see any problem with it and kept it as a demo.
One factor may be key to our disapproval: I dont know about the other local
guys that bought them, but I am partially colorblind (the typical red/green
blindness commonly found in males). This doesnt mean I dont see red and green,
it just means they arent as vivid and for instance, a light pink would look
gray.
At any rate, I suggest to everyone - try before you buy!
I ended up buying another used FT1000D for radio #2...
73, Tyler KF3P
>From Robert G Miles <bob.miles@zetnet.co.uk> Fri Dec 15 23:25:56 1995
From: Robert G Miles <bob.miles@zetnet.co.uk> (Robert G Miles)
Subject: Internet reverse beacon
Message-ID: <199512160157.BAA08731@trondra.zetnet.co.uk>
In message <199512142343.SAA04811@cnct.com>
n2ba@cnct.com (Brooke Allen) writes:
> Here is another one of my wacky ideas:
> Have you ever seen one of these internet peepholes where you can instruct
> someone's video camera to take a picture and return it to you over
> the internet?
> Has anyone thought of hooking up their computer controlled radio to
> the internet so you could: connect and give the radio a frequency,
> have the radio tune to that frequency, and record and deliver the audio
> file of what it heard? What a great way of judging how your signal
> sounds from the other side.
> Any thoughts?
> 73,
> Brooke Allen, N2BA
Why not just use a tape recorder!!!
Bob
GM4CAQ
>From rhodesj@pionet.net (Jim Rhodes) Sat Dec 16 02:43:06 1995
From: rhodesj@pionet.net (Jim Rhodes) (Jim Rhodes)
Subject: traffic on CQ-Contest
Message-ID: <9512160251.AA20606@ELWOOD.pionet.net>
>In order to cut down the traffic on the CQ-Contest@TGV.COM mailing
>list, I would like to propose the creation of a 3830@someplace.foo
>mailing list that would act as a place to post contest scores. In
>other words, after the contest you could report your score on 3830 as
>well as the 3830 mailing list.
I usually, but not alway delete scores without reading them. This is no
problem to me as I don't pay for my messages. I can just do a bulk download
and read what I am interested in and delete what I am not interested in.
However, I am sure there are some people in the group that still pay per
message. Maybe some of them would care to comment?
Jim Rhodes KC0XU
rhodesj@pionet.net
>From De Syam <syam@Glue.umd.edu> Sat Dec 16 02:53:07 1995
From: De Syam <syam@Glue.umd.edu> (De Syam)
Subject: ENFORCEMENT-contests and otherwise
Message-ID: <Pine.SUN.3.91.951215213504.20592C-100000@mocha.eng.umd.edu>
A little late for another comment on this, perhaps, but I have been tied
up with trips, etc.
On Sat, 9 Dec 1995 jfeustle@UOFT02.UTOLEDO.EDU wrote:
On, and on as the lawyers for the accused and those for the
> sponsors consume every penny available to them. End of fun for the abusers
> and, quite unfortunately, for the rest of us.
>
> As appealing as enforcement may seem, it's not really practical. Ditto,
> "black lists." Perhaps in another time, but not in the USA in 1995/96.
I'm afraid I have to agree with Joe on this one. Contest sponsors simply
cannot enforce DX windows because:
1) They only have power to adjudicate what is in the logs, and the
operating frequency does not appear in the log.
2) Leaving enforcement to the people who most resent the abuse of the
windows leads to vigilantism, a cure worse than the disease.
3) The utilization of random reports from complaining contestants as
grounds for disqualification invites contestants to falsely accuse their
enemies, their principal competitors, etc.
In my observations, the fact that the window was narrowed to a more
reasonable size this year made observance pretty damn good, in my
opinion, and I listened there a lot and worked most of my DX there. It
was about as good to perfect as you can get. And as for people nudging
up to the edges, I use no CW filters in my TS-830-S, and I wasn't
bothered by those using the edges at all.
As it is in the case of DX pile-ups, the policemen caused more of a
problem than the offending stations themselves. The best policy is to
leave the violator alone and work around him, not to add to the QRM by
engaging in a dialogue with him.
Very 73,
Fred Laun, K3ZO
>From barry@w2up.wells.com (Barry Kutner) Sat Dec 16 02:27:55 1995
From: barry@w2up.wells.com (Barry Kutner) (Barry Kutner)
Subject: CMOS Super Keyer 3 follow-up note
Message-ID: <9ok7FD1w165w@w2up.wells.com>
Hi all - Since I got several requests for comments once I finished the
keyer, I'm posting this to the group (SSB ops may hit the DEL key now!)
In a word, the keyer is AMAZING. Even though it's just a keyer, you gotta
read the manual. It's divided into two parts - a tutorial and operating
manual. When I started going thru the tutorial, I kept thinking to myself
"these guys thought of everything" (except abiltiy to turn off iambic
keying - sri Ed). I built the keyer into a cast aluminum box measuring
2.75 W x 2.25 D x 1.625 H (7 x 6 x 4 cm) picked up at a hamfest this past
summer.
The questions I got via e-mail motivated me to finish this thing, which
has been sitting on the work bench for about 3 months... BTW, for more
info, see August 1995 QST for the article. Disclaimer - I have no
financial interest in the keyer, the kits being sold, and do not know the
writers of the QST article. 73 Barry
--
Barry N. Kutner, W2UP Internet: barry@w2up.wells.com
Newtown, PA Packet Radio: W2UP @ WB3JOE.#EPA.PA.USA.NA
Packet Cluster: W2UP >WB2R (FRC)
.......................................................................
>From n3rr@cais.cais.com (Bill Hider) Sat Dec 16 04:33:06 1995
From: n3rr@cais.cais.com (Bill Hider) (Bill Hider)
Subject: Voice memory keyers
Message-ID: <199512160433.XAA16613@cais.cais.com>
I see that the K1EA DVP is back on sale from another distributor for $199.
It's advertised in Jan 96 CQ Mag.
Bill, N3RR
At 10:10 AM 12/14/95 PST, Paul Erickson wrote:
>I am planning to build a voice memory keyer. So far the W9xt contest card
>looks like the best bet. Any other suggestions? I am also looking to build
>an outboard one for portable purposes (ie. field day). Any ideas other
>than the k5fog chiptalker?
>
>cheers, Paul
>VE7CQK
>email: paul1@wizard.ucs.sfu.ca
>
>
>From Gary Schwartz <garyk9gs@solaria.sol.net> Sat Dec 16 05:39:54 1995
From: Gary Schwartz <garyk9gs@solaria.sol.net> (Gary Schwartz)
Subject: Radial wire
Message-ID: <Pine.3.02.9512152336.D29229-c100000@solaria.sol.net>
I've had quite a lot of responses to my original thread, but perhaps I
should back up a bit.
Before going on my recent trip to FP, I went hunting in search of
inexpensive and light weight wire to be used as radials. I did look at
AL/Galvanized steel electric fence wire. The problen that I saw with this
type of wire was twofold:
1) Our goal was to lay down approximately 100 1/4W radials for 160M. This
comes out to 13,500 feet of wire or approximately 2.5 miles of wire. Most
of the electric fence wire that I saw at Farm and Fleet and similar stores
was sold in 1/4 or 1/2 mile spools and was around 16 or 17 ga. This would
have meant 5 or 10 spools. The problem is that it just takes up too much
room, and in the case of the galvanized steel, it weighs too much!
2) I ended up using enameled wire in 27 ga size. I was really concerned
about the strength and breaking radials. This really was NOT a problem as
long as someone didn't trip over them in the middle of the night. The big
problem with enameled wire though is removing the insulation. The
prefered method is to heat it with a propane torch and while the enamel is
soft, wipe it quickly with a piece of fine sandpaper. This unfortunately
doesn't work too well with 30+ mph winds kneeling down at the base of the
vertical on wet/slippery rocks.
What would be ideal, from a weight/size/strength standpoint would be 20-22
ga bare copper wire. So far, the only bare solid wire I have been able to
find in this size is what's called "tinned-buss" wire which is copper with
a tin plating. Unfortunately, it's pretty expensive especially when we
were planning on cutting it up into 135 foot lengths and throwing it away
when we were gone in a week.
So I am still in search of a source of 20-22 ga BARE copper wire. One
thing I plan on doing is contacting a few of the local magnet wire
manufacturers ( I think there are a few in Chicago ) to see if I can buy
some wire prior to the enamel coating being added. I will post any
information that I get.
The best way to terminate the bare wire would be to twist 4-6 strands
together and simply crimp a ring terminal on the end. Fast, simple and no
open flames needed!
73,
Gary K9GS (You have to STOP the Q-Tip when there's resistance !)
________________________________________________________________
| |
| Gary Schwartz K9GS E-Mail: garyk9gs@solaria.sol.net |
| Society of Midwest Contesters Packet:K9GS@WA9KEC.WI.USA.NOAM |
| Greater Milwaukee DX Association Secretary/Treasurer |
|________________________________________________________________|
>From Bill Turner <wrt@eskimo.com> Sat Dec 16 12:51:11 1995
From: Bill Turner <wrt@eskimo.com> (Bill Turner)
Subject: Signal Reports
Message-ID: <199512161251.EAA26219@mail.eskimo.com>
At 12:59 PM 12/15/95 EST, Jim Stahl wrote:
-snip-
>>I truely believe all contests should completely and utterly do
>>away with all signal report exchanges. Replace them with a
>>sequential serial number or a power level. The 59 or 5NN is
>>completely redundant.
>
-----------------------------------------
How about requiring REAL signal report exchanges? In other words,
disqualify any entry which has all 599s in either the TX or RX report? I
know I'd learn a lot about my signal strength compared to others that way.
Contests are already the best way there is to evaluate your station's
performance, and real, valid signal reports would make it even better.
73, Bill W7LZP
wrt@eskimo.com
>From Steve Steltzer <steve.steltzer@paonline.com> Sat Dec 16 13:41:19 1995
From: Steve Steltzer <steve.steltzer@paonline.com> (Steve Steltzer)
Subject: 3830 Net Reflector
Message-ID: <01BACBBC.64FE7D80@slip75.paonline.com>
I too, enjoy reading everyone's comments etc in their score postings, but I
think some of us missed the point. Trey is running this reflector at the
good will of his EMPLOYER, tying up THEIR resources. Considering this, I
don't see why anyone should object to creation of another reflector to
reduce the amount of traffic (and imposition on TGV) here. It just means
you subscribe to another list. You'll still get the same data. And, an
advantage for those who pay by the byte is they will still get to see the
summaries here without all the individual reports and comments.
73, Steve
WF3T
>From Steve Steltzer <steve.steltzer@paonline.com> Sat Dec 16 13:32:56 1995
From: Steve Steltzer <steve.steltzer@paonline.com> (Steve Steltzer)
Subject: WF3T 10 mtr Score
Message-ID: <01BACBBC.619736A0@slip75.paonline.com>
Had fun giving out points and spotting for the cluster. 5.7 scattered hours.
Amazingly strong opening to ZS on Sat.
ARRL 10 METER CONTEST -- 1995
Call: WF3T Country: United States
Category: Multi Op - WF3T + packet
MODE QSO QSO PTS STATES COUNTRIES
CW 108 432 25 7
SSB 30 60 11 4
-----------------------------------------
Totals 138 492 36 11 = 23,124
All reports sent were 59(9), unless otherwise noted.
Equipment Description: IC775DSP, Commander, KT34XA's @90 and 45
Club Affiliation: FRANKFORD RADIO CLUB
This is to certify that in this contest I have operated
my transmitter within the limitations of my license and have
observed fully the rules and regulations of the contest.
Signature _________________________________
MAILING ADDRESS:
Steve Steltzer WF3T
944 Cedars Road
Lewisberry,, Pa. 17339
|