Date: Fri, 1 Apr 94 16:29:12 PST From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup Errors-To: Info-Hams-Errors@UCSD.Edu Reply-To: Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu Precedence: Bulk Subject: Info-Hams Digest V94 #362 To: Info-Hams Info-Hams Digest Fri, 1 Apr 94 Volume 94 : Issue 362 Today's Topics: * SpaceNews 04-Apr-94 * 6 meter band activity? Callsign CD-ROM recommendations, please DSP filters Hamming in Hong Kong Hams, FCC, Delays, BS walks NEED EXTRA CASH? READ THIS! (2 msgs) RADIO HOBBY OVERVIEW - A proposal US License Examination Opportunities Scheduled 3/31/94 to 6/27/94 Which HF rigs have Transverter Jacks? (2 msgs) Send Replies or notes for publication to: Send subscription requests to: Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu. Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available (by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams". We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 1 Apr 94 14:58:13 GMT From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu Subject: * SpaceNews 04-Apr-94 * To: info-hams@ucsd.edu SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC0404 * SpaceNews 04-Apr-94 * BID: $SPC0404 ========= SpaceNews ========= MONDAY APRIL 4, 1994 SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA. It is published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution. * LUNAR EXPLORATION CONFERENCE SCHEDULED * ========================================== International Space Enterprises (ISE), a U.S. corporation planning a series of privately-financed missions to the Moon, has been selected to co-host an International Lunar Exploration Conference and Apollo commemorative event in San Diego. The conference is tentatively scheduled for 13-16 November 1994, which coincides with the 25th anniversary of America's second piloted mission to the Moon, Apollo 12. In addition to bringing together lunar scientists from all over the world, the event will kick off a nationwide educational initiative, whose ultimate goal is to fly a student experiment to the Moon by December 1997, the 25th anniversary of Apollo 17, the final Apollo mission to the Moon. The November event will be co-sponsored by the National Space Society and the Spaceweek International Association, non-profit organizations dedicated to the expansion of human activities in space. The San Diego chapter of the National Space Society will work with ISE to develop the technical program for the conference, which will feature presentations and workshops on a variety of topics relating to exploration and utilization of the Moon. Spaceweek will manage the Apollo 12 commemorative event, planned as a gala fund-raising banquet on the evening of 15 November. Proceeds from the conference and banquet will be used for development and flight of the student experiment, which will be selected through a nationwide competition held during the 1995-96 academic year. The specific site for the November conference will be selected within the next few weeks, and a preliminary conference program will be released in June. Details of the nationwide student experiment contest - which will be designed to involve students at all academic levels in the 1997 lunar mission - will be announced as they become available and a draft contest guidelines document will be presented at the November event. For additional information please contact Tom Kessler of ISE at (619) 637-5772. [Info via Franklin Antonio] * UFO ON 2-METERS * =================== G3IOR reported an unidentified satellite sending telemetry on 145.592 MHz. It was first heard by G3JQI in England at 18:50 UTC "dopplering" down until a 18:55 UTC LOS on 16-Mar-94. Keep an ear out for this spacecraft, and send reception reports to SpaceNews. * OSCAR-11 NEWS * ================= G3RWL reports that UoSAT-OSCAR-11 is about to re-commence its regular news bulletin transmissions. The news bulletins are transmitted in ASCII on a frequency of 145.826 MHz FM AFSK at 1200 bps. * SpaceNews AVAILABILITY * ========================== SpaceNews archives are now available via anonymous FTP at pilot.njin.net! Files may be found under the /pub/SpaceNews directory. All issues from 1993 have been zipped together in one file, while 1994 issues are available separately in ASCII form. The IP address for pilot.njin.net is 128.6.7.38, and answers to frequently asked questions, satellite software, and space related GIF images will be added in the not-too-distant future. The latest issue of SpaceNews has been available to those with Internet access for some time by using the Unix "finger" command as follows: finger magliaco@pilot.njin.net Those without "finger" capabilities can receive SpaceNews via e-mail by sending a blank message to jfesler@netcom.com with a subject of #finger magliaco@pilot.njin.net. SpaceNews is also available on Usenet under the newsgroups of rec.radio.amateur.space and sci.space.news, thanks to the folks at the University of California at San Diego. It is also available on the Amateur Packet Radio Network, and several of the "Pacsat" satellites, thanks to Pacsat ground stations who upload the issues to the birds each week. SpaceNews has also been known to appear on the packet radio personal message system operated by the Cosmonauts on the Russian space station Mir. :-) * SpaceNews BBS * ================= A "SpaceNews" packet radio BBS has been established by Mario, KD6ILO in Tacoma, Washington. Mario reports the BBS carries SpaceNews, AMSAT, and NASA information, and serves the Puget Sound area on a frequency of 144.910 MHz. The BBS is also linked to the UoSAT-OSCAR-22 satellite through the N7RSN SatGate also located in Tacoma, WA. * FO-20 SCHEDULE * ================== The FO-20 command station announced that FO-20 will be placed in Mode JA (Analog transponder mode) during Field Day 1994 (25-Jun-94 18:00 UTC through 26-Jun-94 18:00 UTC). The current operating schedule is as follows: Analog mode: 06-Apr-94 06:45 -to- 13-Apr-94 07:10 UTC 20-Apr-94 07:35 -to- 27-Apr-94 07:55 UTC 11-May-94 06:54 -to- 18-May-94 07:20 UTC Digital mode: Unless otherwise noted above. [Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK] * THANKS! * =========== Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation to SpaceNews, especially: GM1SXX KA1CNK ON1EN KD6EFQ KD6ILO N8QPO and First Lt. Walter Witt, N8DKI, of the USAF Auxillary Civil Air Patrol who uses SpaceNews in teaching aerospace science to cadets between the ages of 13 and 21. * FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED * =========================== Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any of the following paths: FAX : 1-908-747-7107 PACKET : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA INTERNET : kd2bd@ka2qhd.ocpt.ccur.com -or- kd2bd@amsat.org MAIL : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD Department of Engineering and Technology Advanced Technology Center Brookdale Community College Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 U.S.A. <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>> /EX -- John A. Magliacane, KD2BD * /\/\ * Voice : 1-908-224-2948 Advanced Technology Center |/\/\/\| Packet : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA Brookdale Community College |\/\/\/| Internet: kd2bd@ka2qhd.ocpt.ccur.com Lincroft, NJ 07738 * \/\/ * Morse : -.- -.. ..--- -... -.. ------------------------------ Date: 1 Apr 94 21:23:57 GMT From: dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!violet.berkeley.edu!mtrail@ucbvax.berkeley.edu Subject: 6 meter band activity? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Hi, all! After reading last month's QST article on the 6 meter band, I'm curious as to people's experiences with the band, particularly here in the Bay area. I've listened to a few FM repeater outputs, but haven't found a lot of activity. How do people like/find the band? Also, how possible is sporadic-e propagation on 6 meter FM? Thanks, Matt Trail KN6CR ------------------------------ Date: 1 Apr 94 21:11:12 GMT From: dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!news.Brown.EDU!noc.near.net!news.delphi.com!usenet@ucbvax.berkeley.edu Subject: Callsign CD-ROM recommendations, please To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Hello everyone and thanks for reading. I recently bought a new 486DX computer and I'm planning to add a CD-ROM drive in the next two or three months. My question, however, concerns the callsign databases available on CD-ROM. I am aware of the existence of the Buckmaster disc and the QRZ disc. The features I want are the ability to look up domestic and foreign calls, search by name, callsign, zip, city, etc., and filter on certain fields for certain information. I have telnetted to pc.usl.edu 2000 and I like the features I see there, but I have to pay (indirectly through my Delphi account) when I access it. Please let me know if there are other callsign CD-ROMs out there, and please give me your recommendations (based on my needs stated above). If you have company/publisher contact info, I would appreciate it also. I live in Dayton and want to purchase a CD-ROM or two up at the Hamvention seeing that many vendors make the trip and offer discounts. If you want to give me any advice on CD-ROM drives, that would also be appreciated. I'm looking for at least a double-speed, but preferably a triple-speed. It must be MPC2 compliant, CD-DA capable, multi-session PhotoCD capable, and other good stuff. Thanks and 73's. Ned, N8OIF P.S. Please e-mail me direct (Delphi, preferably), even if you post. THX. *************************************************************** Edward S. Raybould Defense Electronics Supply Center Dayton, OH 45444 Internet: eee3768@descg2.desc.dla.mil Delphi: eraybould@delphi.com AX.25: n8oif@n8acv.#day.#swoh.oh.usa.na TCP/IP: 44.70.12.65 (n8oif.ampr.org) *************************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: 31 Mar 1994 23:03:45 GMT From: ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!roundup.crhc.uiuc.edu!uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu!gene@network.ucsd.edu Subject: DSP filters To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I also built the W9GR kit which I use most of the time. However, like the post above, I am distracted by the unusual ringing-like sounds in the so-called "optimum noise-reducing mode...program # 3 on mine". It also seems to me that the high-frequency response is compromised. HOWEVER, I still like it very much used in program #1, which still reduces the white-noise enough to be quite helpful. Also if you get an occasional bothersome heterodyne, flipping the toggle-switch to the opposite side quickly takes it out. I leave my agc in the FAST mode all of the time.. (Icom-751) which seems to contol the audio level nicely to marginally fill the DSP window with large differences in signal-strength. Although I haven't used the other features much, they certainly do a beautiful job of meeting their specifications. -- UUCP: {att,iuvax,uunet}!uiucuxc!uicsl!gene Internet, BITNET: gene@uicsl.csl.uiuc.edu ------------------------------ Date: 31 Mar 1994 23:23:00 GMT From: library.ucla.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!eff!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!zip.eecs.umich.edu!newsxfer.@ihnp4.ucsd.edu Subject: Hamming in Hong Kong To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Has anyone with a U.S. ham license had success getting a permit to operate in Hong Kong? I'm going there this summer and want to operate a ham station. Any help or info would be greatly appreciated. Chip Owens, NW0O, Boulder, Colorado ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 1 Apr 1994 00:13:11 GMT From: ihnp4.ucsd.edu!dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!csus.edu!netcom.com!dparker@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Hams, FCC, Delays, BS walks To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Ed Bathgate (ed@fore.com) wrote: : I am surprised as to how few STRONG electronic techs & engineers there : are anymore. Yes the trade schools are turning grads out in droves, but : I bet that my wife could do more to trouble shoot a digital dashboard : in a GM car than could the majority of Graduated Electronic techs! : And she has only learned from watching me. Fine with me....as the demand goes up so does my salary. :) ******************************************************** * Dave Parker: e-mail: dparker@netcom.com * * Tracy, California USA * ******************************************************** ------------------------------ Date: 31 Mar 94 19:45:50 GMT From: ihnp4.ucsd.edu!sdd.hp.com!news.cs.indiana.edu!bsu-cs!bsu-ucs.uucp!01jabush@network.ucsd.edu Subject: NEED EXTRA CASH? READ THIS! To: info-hams@ucsd.edu If you're like most people I know, you could use some extra cash. I am providing to you the unique opportunity to do so at little cost and effort. By working 1-2 hours per week you can earn an unlimited income. E-mail me now for more detailed information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You get out of life, what you put into it! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 23:37:53 GMT From: ihnp4.ucsd.edu!library.ucla.edu!csulb.edu!nic-nac.CSU.net!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!csn!col.hp.com!fc.hp.com!mic@network.ucsd.edu Subject: NEED EXTRA CASH? READ THIS! To: info-hams@ucsd.edu 01jabush@leo.bsuvc.bsu.edu wrote: : If you're like most people I know, you could use some extra cash. I am : providing to you the unique opportunity to do so at little cost and effort. : By working 1-2 hours per week you can earn an unlimited income. E-mail me now : for more detailed information on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You get : out of life, what you put into it! Oh no, not another one of these. Get this clown off the Internet. -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Marc Illsley Clarke, mic@hpfimic.fc.hp.com, Member of the Technical Staff Post G-3, Mail Stop 72, Building 2-Upper Integrated Circuit Business Division, Hewlett-Packard Company 3404 East Harmony Road, Fort Collins, Colorado 80525-9599 USA HP-TELNET: 1-229-3376 AT&T: (303)-229-3376 FAX: (303)-229-6580 ------------------------------ Date: 31 Mar 1994 18:25:24 -0500 From: athos.cc.bellcore.com!blitzen.cc.bellcore.com!not-for-mail@uunet.uu.net Subject: RADIO HOBBY OVERVIEW - A proposal To: info-hams@ucsd.edu This posting deals with an idea which I think is long overdue. I certainly don't need to mention to readers of this group how incredibly diverse the radio hobby is. This hobby has something for everyone! I just thought that we need some sort of a navigation map to take someone by the hand and show what is / can be done by a radio hobbyist. Such a thing would serve a newcomer in selecting some specific interest, but will also allow the seasoned radio hobbyist to move on to some new niche. Before diving into such a project, I need to find out if anyone else has done something similar. I know of the intro articles posted here regularly, but I'm looking for something in a higher level of abstraction and all- inclusive. I started to build something. Here is a sample: *********** Begin sample **************** GUIDE TO RADIO HOBBY ACTIVITIES This article attempts to provide a map of activities available to radio hobbyists based on the frequency spectrum. The intend for it is to serve as a navigation tool to anyone looking to enter the radio hobby, or anyone who wants to explore new horizons. The map contains a fair amount of detail, including some rather esoteric niche interests, but it does not pretend to be exhaustive. Special codes point to netnews groups where more info can be found. They are: (SH)= rec.radio.shortwave; (SC)= rec.radio.scanner; (HAM)= rec.radio.amateur.misc; (BC)= rec.radio.broadcasting; Any additions/changes/corrections should be forwarded to George, N2OWO, at karayan@cc.bellcore.com . FREQUENCY | HOBBY ACTIVITIES | EQUIPMENT REQUIRED RANGE (MHz)| | ===========|==============================================|==================== 0-0.03 | Hunting for whistlers (natural radio) [SH] | Special receiver | | or converter + | Listening to LORAN stations [SH] | a longwave receiver -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- 0.15-0.45 | Hunting for distant marine and aero beacons | Receiver with | [SH] | longwave band -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- .18-.19 | Low power transmitting (propagation studies, | Homebuilt xmitter | comms) LOWFERs: no license required [SH,HAM] | -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- .45-.5 | Hunting for marine CW stations and emergency | Receiver with | comms [SH] | longwave band -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- .5-1.7 | Casual broadcast listening [BC] | AM radio | Hunting for distant AM stations [BC,SH] | Better AM radio | Low power xmitting - no license [SH,HAM] | Homebuilt xmitter -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- 108-138 | Listening to airliner and airport comms [SC] | Scanner -----------|----------------------------------------------|-------------------- ******* End of sample ************ As you can see, it provides the reader with an overview of what is done in radio hobbyism and it's as inclusive as possible. All info is arranged by frequency, so that someone with a radio can figure out what a given set of freqs can do for them. There are also references (the [..] flags) to netnews groups where one can go and find out more. Don't worry about the specifics listed in the sample above. Just let me know what you think about the idea. I can create the whole thing and then post it to various rec.radio.* groups for comment/corrections/etc. Then, the (ever-evolving, no doubt) article can be posted periodically in the rec.radio groups. Any comments/suggestions/pointers/flames? ___________________________________________________________________ George Karayannopoulos N2OWO karayan@cc.bellcore.com Bellcore, Red Bank, NJ Disclaimer: The opinions expressed here are mine and not my employer's. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 31 Mar 1994 07:50:58 MST From: ihnp4.ucsd.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!ve6mgs!usenet@network.ucsd.edu Subject: US License Examination Opportunities Scheduled 3/31/94 to 6/27/94 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu AMATEUR RADIO EXAMINATION OPPORTUNITIES ***************************************************************** Special Note: Amateur Radio licenses usually arrive between 8 and 10 weeks after the test session. The FCC considers their processing time to be 90 days--from the date they receive the application. The FCC usually receives the application one to two weeks after the test session (once the VE Team and the coordinating VEC have completed their processing). Note: Codeless Technician to Technician w/HF upgraders (who pass a Morse code test) will not receive a new license from the FCC. The existing Technician license plus the CSCE conveying the Morse code test credit is the only documentation issued for use of the additional HF privileges. ***************************************************************** The following test session information is provided by the ARRL/VEC for the upcoming six to eight week period. For further information, please contact the test session CONTACT PERSON at the telephone number provided. If necessary, you may contact the ARRL/VEC at 203-666-1541 x282 for additional information. Electronic mail may be forwarded to the ARRL/VEC via USENET at "bjahnke@arrl.org" or via MCI Mail to MCI ID: 653-2312 or 215-5052. Although the test session information presented here does not indicate whether walk-ins are accepted or not, most test sessions do allow walk-ins. We encourage you, however, to always contact the CONTACT PERSON at the telephone number provided so that the VE Team is aware that you be attending the test session. STILL NEED TO PREPARE FOR YOUR EXAM? If you would like information on how to become licensed; or how to locate Amateur Radio clubs, instructors, licensing classes and/or Novice examiners in your area; please contact the ARRL Educational Activities Department (EAD) at 203-666- 1541 x219. The EAD can also provide information on recommended study materials. Electronic mail may be forwarded to the ARRL EAD via USENET at "rwhite@arrl.org" or via MCI Mail to MCI ID: 215-5052. EXAM LISTINGS - DEFINITION OF FIELDS STATE Test Date,VEC,City,,Contact Phone,Contact Person The SECOND field in the following listing specifies the VEC which is coordinating this examination. This single-character designator denotes the VEC as defined below. An "A" (for example) indicates that this examination is coordinated by the ARRL/VEC. For further information on any examinations listed, or if you do not find any examinations listed for your area, you may contact any of the coordinating VECs below. A = ARRL/VEC, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; (d) 203-666-1541 The 1994 test fee is $5.75. X = Anchorage ARC, 2628 Turnagain Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99517; (d) 907-786-8121, (n) 907-243-2221 (or) 907-276-5121 (or) 907-274-5546 C = Central Alabama VEC, 1215 Dale Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801; 205-536-3904 N = Charlotte VEC, 227 Bennett Ln, Charlotte, NC 28213; 704-596-2168 D = Great Lakes ARC VEC Inc., PO Box 273, Glenview, IL 60025; 708-486-8019 E = Golden Empire ARS, PO Box 508, Chico, CA 95927; No phone. G = Greater Los Angeles ARG, 9737 Noble Ave, Sepulveda, CA 91343; 818-892-2068, 805-822-1473. J = Jefferson ARC, PO Box 24368, New Orleans, LA 70184-4368; 504-737-2315. Test fee for 1994 is $5.00. K = Koolau ARC, 45-529 Nakuluai St, Kaneohe, HI 96744; 808-235-4132 L = Laurel ARC Inc., PO Box 3039, Laurel, MD 20709-0039; (d) 301-572-5124, 301-317-7819, (n) 301-588-3924 M = The Milwaukee RAC Inc., 1737 N 116th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226; 414-774-6999. Test fee for 1994 is $5.00. H = Mountain ARC, PO Box 10, Burlington, WV 26710; 304-289-3576, 301-724-0674 P = PHD ARA Inc., PO Box 11, Liberty, MO 64068; 816-781-7313 R = Sandarc-VEC, PO Box 2446, La Mesa, CA 91943-2446; 619-465-3926 S = Sunnyvale VEC ARC, PO Box 60307, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-0307; 408-255-9000 T = Triad Emergency ARC, 3504 Stonehurst Pl, High Point, NC 27265; 919-841-7576 W = Western Carolinas ARS VEC, 5833 Clinton Hwy - Suite 203, Knoxville, TN 37912-2500; 615-688-7771. The 1994 test fee is $5.75. 5 = W5YI-VEC, PO Box 565101, Dallas, TX 75356-5101; 817-461-6443 The 1994 test fee is $5.75. EXAMINATION OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: 05/14/94,A,American Samoa,,684-699-2420,Michael Homsany 05/07/94,A,Athens Greece,,301-807-0813,Gary L Memory 04/03/94,A,Leeds England,,144-423-870,Mike Parker N6SVL 06/19/94,A,Adelup Guam,,627-646-7611,Harry Y Taguchi 04/17/94,A,Saipan,,670-234-6323,David Hardt PUERTO RICO 04/30/94,A,San Juan,,809-789-4998,Victor Madero 05/28/94,A,San Juan,,809-789-4998,Victor Madero 06/25/94,A,San Juan,,809-789-4998,Victor Madero US VIRGIN ISLANDS 04/09/94,A,St Croix,,809-778-3156,Frank Jaeger 05/14/94,A,ST Thomas,,809-774-4740,Ronald A Hall Sr *EOF ------------------------------ Date: 1 Apr 94 18:00:10 GMT From: agate!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!tivoli.tivoli.com!wichita!kilgore@ucbvax.berkeley.edu Subject: Which HF rigs have Transverter Jacks? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu The Kenwood TS-850 has transverter connections. I don't have my manual with me here at work, but I will be glad to give you any specific information if you need it. Jeff, KC1MK ------------------------------ Date: 1 Apr 94 00:21:44 GMT From: yuma!galen@purdue.edu Subject: Which HF rigs have Transverter Jacks? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Subject line says most of it. I know the Kenwood TS-820 has 'em and I've heard the TS-430 has 'em, but I'm not sure. I'm mostly interested in synthesized rigs, but any info is greatly appreciated!!! Galen, KF0YJ ------------------------------ End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #362 ******************************