[Skimmertalk] RBN - Reminders for Eclipse Monday!

[Pete Smith N4ZR]

RBN Ops, in particular, please take note:

1.  If you haven't already, write to me for the ini file changes that 
you will need to make your Skimmer or Skimserv re-spot stations without 
waiting 10 minutes as the current version does.

2.  Be sure that your Skimmer or Skimserv is set up to spot everything, 
not just CQs.  This is a new point of emphasis, intended to make sure 
that we get as much data in the spots.txt file as possible.  In CW 
Skimmer and Skimserv, there is an option checkbox on the Telnet tab that 
will enable you to spot everything, simply by unchecking it.  In RTTY 
Skimserv you will need to change the relevant .ini file line.  CQOnly=1 
needs to be changed to CQOnly=0.

3.  We suggest that if you are making the two changes above, that you 
*not* connect to the RBN during the Eclipse period, 1400-2200Z. 
Otherwise, the volume of traffic could overload our servers; we hope 
there will be that level of activity, both on the part of the RBN and 
also operators in the SE QSO Party.

4.  Be sure that you give emphasis to the low bands in setting up your 
RBN node's band coverage.  During the eclipse proper, we've been told to 
expect paths that run through the eclipse zone (or rather are reflected 
from the ionosphere in that zone) to open as if night had suddenly 
fallen.  For those who switch ini files for daytime, remember to enable 
your nighttime ini files.  And for operators in the QSO Party, be aware 
as the period of maximum for your locality approaches, and check bands 
that are lower than those you would normally operate on.

5. Please try to record the raw digitized RF data from your RBN node if 
you are able, as this will allow HamSCI to analyze signal phenomena not 
seen in the RBN spots following the contest. Guides to do this are 
posted at 
<http://hamsci.org/article/reverse-beacon-network-and-iq-recording-guides-updated> 
for common receivers. In addition, just about any receiver which uses CW 
Skimmer (not Server) can record using the I/Q Recorder function built in 
to CW Skimmer.

-- 

73, Pete N4ZR
Download the new N1MM Logger+ at
<http://N1MM.hamdocs.com>. Check
out the Reverse Beacon Network at
<http://reversebeacon.net>, now
spotting RTTY activity worldwide.
For spots, please use your favorite
"retail" DX cluster.