Subject: Start From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Sat May 21 12:06:55 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b8/IDA-1.5 for qrp@think.com); Sat, 21 May 1994 12:06:39 -0400 Date: Sat, 21 May 1994 12:06:38 -0400 (EDT) From: "Todd W. Carter" Subject: To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk help From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Sat May 21 17:28:36 1994 Return-Path: Date: Fri, 20 May 94 22:58:51 GMT From: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk (George Dobbs G3RJV) Reply-To: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk Message-Id: <1349@gqrp.demon.co.uk> To: GGANDERSON@augustana.edu, janderson@polycom.com, qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: UK (was Seeking Foreign Ham Pubs) X-Mailer: PCElm 1.09 Lines: 16 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk In message <1230@gqrp.demon.co.uk> George Dobbs G3RJV writes: > In message <6A618000A70@augustana.edu> Kevin Anderson writes: > > > Date sent: Fri, 13 May 94 14:20:46 PST > > > From: janderson@polycom.com > > > To: qrp@Think.COM > > > Subject: Seeking Foreign Ham Pubs > > BUT..... DOES RUN A QRO COLUMN BY DICK, G0BPS, ONE > OF OUR FELLOW TRAVELLERS IN THIS GROUP. OOOOOOOOOOphs - FOR QRO READ QRP Freudian Slip - or is the P key next to the O key ! ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Dobbs G3RJV "It is vain to do with more, G-QRP Club what can be done with less." -------------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350) From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 08:38:11 1994 Return-Path: Mon, 23 May 94 08:38:06 EDT id 5740; Mon, 23 May 1994 08:38:10 EDT with TCP; Mon, 23 May 94 08:38:10 EDT id AA31924; Mon, 23 May 1994 08:38:02 -0400 Message-Id: <9405231238.AA31924@kariat.watson.ibm.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: TenTec DC receiver kit -- which band to build? Reply-To: "Vinod Narayanan" Date: Mon, 23 May 94 08:38:02 -0500 From: "Vinod Narayanan" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I am getting a TenTec DC receiver kit. I intend to use this to listen to the code practice session from W1AW. I live about 40 to 50 miles from Newington, and will listen mostly at night (either the 7pm EDT or the 10pm EDT sessions). Given this, should I build the 40m version or the 80m version? Thanks in advance for your advice. --vinod email: vinod@watson.ibm.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 10:09:23 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405231409.AA17514@Early-Bird.Think.COM> with BSMTP id 6355; Mon, 23 May 94 10:08:44 EDT Date: Mon, 23 May 94 10:05:13 EDT From: Greg Buhyoff Subject: Large gel cell? To: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I need a larger sizedc gel cell -- 50 - 100 AH -- and am looking for a supplier on the east coast, or preferably close to Virginia (given the shipping costs of something like that). I bought some cells from a place in Marietta, Georgia. It had a name like Voltronics or something like that. I sure would appreciate it if anyone could help me with the name of the place in Georgia or a another source for high quality, new gel cells. 73, Greg From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 10:33:41 1994 Return-Path: id AA26556; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:33:06 -0400 id AA01549; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:24:53 -0400 id AA03563; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:24:52 -0400 From: Warren E. Lewis Message-Id: <199405231424.AA03563@cardamom.unx.sas.com> Subject: First Sunday QSO Parties? To: qrp@Think.COM Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 10:24:51 -0400 (EDT) X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23] Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Length: 368 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Are the QRP ARCI First Sunday QSO parties going to occur this year? - Warren -- Warren E. Lewis saswel@unx.sas.com Technical Support Division (919) 677-8001 x6542 SAS Institute Inc. PP-ASEL Cary, NC KD4YRN DOD#0021 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 11:06:48 1994 Return-Path: id AA15858; Mon, 23 May 1994 11:06:22 -0400 id AA09798; Mon, 23 May 94 11:06:54 EDT id AA16501; Mon, 23 May 94 11:06:52 EDT Message-Id: <9405231506.AA16501@kaos.ksr.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Success with NN1G Date: Mon, 23 May 94 11:06:51 -0400 From: "John F. Woods" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk At long last, I got on the air with my NN1G rig last weekend, and made exactly one contact (this was just before I had to leave to go to a party, so it's not so bad); W0MHS/4 in Georgia (apparently), who was apparently working some contest or other, but he gave me a 579 report, which looks more genuine than the typical contest report, so my 3W seems to really work. Hurray! (And as soon as the landscapers finish rebuilding the garden, I'll be able to put the antenna back up and be ready to work everyone here in the next contest :-) (Which reminds me, how much power is everyone else getting with NN1G rigs? I thought it was supposed to be about 1.5W, and with two power meters claiming that I can get about 5W into a dummy load, I'm concerned that there's something screwy going on with my rig.) 73, John, WB7EEL/1 On the air at last after over a decade. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 11:55:10 1994 Return-Path: Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 9:54:14 -0600 (MDT) From: B61395@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov To: qrp@Think.COM Cc: B61395@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov Message-Id: <940523095414.20c00804@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov> Subject: Beautiful Pix, Ugly Rig (160m) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Beautiful Pix, Ugly Rig (160m) Hello, everyone. Several weeks ago I mentioned my HB 160m TX here on the net, and had perhaps eight or ten requests for my write-up plus a copy of the schematic, which I sent out via E-mail and USPS. I also sent some photographs to Steve in Michigan, and he has very kindly digitized them and agreed to keep them at his ftp site for a while. If you are interested, you can retrieve the pictures in both gif and jpeg format from ftp.erim.org, where they are located in subdirectory hideg.qrp.kr8l. Picture A shows the complete rig (minus the cover enclosure, which was cut from a K-Mart cookie sheet); Picture B shows a close-up of the VFO, and Picture C shows a view of the buffer, driver, PA, and Pi network. The rig is constructed ugly-style on single-sided board that has been divided into 3/8" squares with a Dremel-tool grinder, and the whole thing is mounted on a 1"x6"x9" piece of pine board. There is nothing original about the circuit, as it is all taken from "Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur." I hope these pictures prove that I can build ugly-rigs, as well as pretty kit-rigs, hi hi. :-) ;-) 73, Bill, KR8L/7 (DN43), M-98, NWQ-127, NorCal-??, AMSAT-8735 (wparmley@anl.gov)  From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 11:59:14 1994 Return-Path: <01HCOCR9MVG09GVCRW@tntech.edu>; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:59:05 CDT Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 10:59:05 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: Idiom Press Keyer To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCOCR9NODU9GVCRW@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Does anyone know the Motorola chip # that is used in the Idiom Press Super Keyer II kits. I got parts messed up and was thinking about updating a chip.. but need to make sure it is actually one of theirs. thanks 73 Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 12:16:58 1994 Return-Path: <01HCOD9MMKWG9GVCRW@tntech.edu>; Mon, 23 May 1994 11:17:16 CDT Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 11:17:16 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: MXM transceiver To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCOD9MQLKI9GVCRW@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I have the new MXM transceiver nicely mounted in a K5FO special aluminum case (plenty of room for keyer). I had this working well and somehow got to messing with it to the point I "messed" it up. The TX is till working fine, the TX/REC working, the receiver was tuned and can hear a signal from nearby generator or when injected into the antenna. The problem is when you hook it up on the air.. no signal getting thru..I about 99.99% sure nothing wrong with the TX, and rec sections.. might be one of the molded chokes nearby the antenna, or something messed up in TX/REC (transistor). I had purchased a new meter that was suppose to be able to measure small value inductors.. doesn't though. I really don't feel like messing with it anymore.. have a number of other projects to finish. Think I would be willing to let it go fairly cheap ($60+shipping). 73 Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 12:57:29 1994 Return-Path: <01HCP5X2HH809I4JC5@NTUVAX.NTU.AC.SG>; Tue, 24 May 1994 00:58:49 SST Date: 24 May 1994 00:58:49 +0700 (SST) From: ASIRENE@v9001.ntu.ac.sg Subject: NN1G To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCP5X2HH829I4JC5@NTUVAX.NTU.AC.SG> X-Vms-To: IN%"qrp@think.com" Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi, I figured out my problem with the NN1G, 2 of the shunt diodes were shorted so no signal was getting through. Now that I've fixed it, its better. I can't say much about the sensitivity of the receiver as only the stronger signals rise above the noise floor. In fact I'd say it was a very noisy receiver and even my Radiokit QRP-20 has better sensitivity, although it has lots of birdies. The NN1G is quite clean where birdies are concerned though. I wonder if this lack of sensitivity is due to my construction or due to inherent design shortcomings? Like I said,the internal noise is higher than atmospheric noise as I can't hear any increase in noise when I plug on the antenna. Wished it was more sensitive. The transmit side works fine and the QSK is great. It seems that my NN1G is putting out some 7-8 watts, is this normal? I didn't think this was possible but there it is on the meter. Any advise on increasing sensitivity or improving receiver performance or signal/noise ratio will be greatly appreciated. 73, Daniel From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 13:59:20 1994 Return-Path: id AA04159; Mon, 23 May 94 10:31:01 PDT id AA18091; Mon, 23 May 1994 10:29:59 -0700 id AA21799; Mon, 23 May 94 10:29:56 PDT Message-Id: Date: Mon, 23 May 94 10:25:12 PDT Reply-To: GroverC@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com (Grover Cleveland) From: GroverC@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com (Grover Cleveland) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Please someone mail #103 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Could someone please mail to me the #103 issue of the Digest. I only got the first page for some weird reason. thanks and .073 \ ___________________ \ \ ___>--__________________/_#######_|_#######_\__________________--<___ = = }(_________________________HENNESS_PASS_RWY____________________________) / / ||O| ___ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ____ ___ |O|| / || | |___| |____| |____| |____| |____| |____| |____| |___| | || ||_|______________________________M 1______________________________|_|| ||_|_______/=====\___________________________________/=====\_______|_|| /|__| ()=() |_______| |_______| ()=() |__|\ =============================================================================== ]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]**[]** ******************************************************************************* Grover Cleveland - President, The Henness Pass Rwy. & Telegraph Co. (HOn3) Internet: groverc@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com Radio: WT6P@KE6LW.#NOCAL.ca.us.na Voice: (916) 478-3153 DoD:7388 Fax: (916) 478-3831 ******************************************************************************* From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 14:00:06 1994 Return-Path: id AA26466 for ; Mon, 23 May 94 13:46:00 -0400 id AA02843; Mon, 23 May 94 13:01:50 EDT id AA10578; Mon, 23 May 94 13:01:49 EDT Date: Mon, 23 May 94 13:01:49 EDT From: jdc@sunsrvr2.cci.com (James D. Cronin) Message-Id: <9405231701.AA10578@sunsrvr2.cci.com> To: BUHYOFF@VTVM1.CC.VT.EDU Subject: Re: Large gel cell? Cc: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Greg, Are you going to tip the battery over? If not, you could try a ordinary car battery or marine trolling battery. Marine trolling batteries are said to be better in terms of withstanding deep discharges. 73...Jim N2VNO From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 15:54:24 1994 Return-Path: Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 13:53:25 -0600 (MDT) From: B61395@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov To: jdavey@atlanta.pamd.cig.mot.com Cc: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <940523135325.20c008fb@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov> Subject: IP Address for 160m Rig Pix Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk The IP address for the 160m Rig and Dayton '94 pictures is: 155.102.132.32 73 de KR8L/7 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 16:59:33 1994 Return-Path: id AA20482; Fri, 20 May 94 16:18:33 PDT id AA769475944 Fri, 20 May 94 16:19:04 PST Date: Fri, 20 May 94 16:19:04 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 471 Text Message-Id: <9404207694.AA769475944@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Looking for RF transistors & Rechargable Batteries Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Does anyone know of good sources from which to buy the following items? o RF Power transistors suitable for QRP (such as those from Motorola's line, etc.). o Rechargable Batteries (Gel Cell type...) - Field Day is on its way! Thanks. Jeff Anderson, WA6AHL janderson@polycom.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 17:39:10 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b8/IDA-1.5 for qrp@think.com); Mon, 23 May 1994 17:39:00 -0400 Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 17:39:00 -0400 (EDT) From: "Todd W. Carter" Subject: Questions about mw QRP'ing To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi. I just joined this list and I have some questions. I have a technician license and I am getting motivated (again) to go for my general. What I've always wanted to do is CW with less than a watt. What can I expect? I live in Arlington, VA. How far can I transmit? Can I use my shortwave receiver (Realistic DX-440) as a CW receiver, and then buy a kit for the transmitter? What should I plan on spending? Thanks! Todd N8ODP From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 18:44:27 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b8/IDA-1.5 for qrp@think.com); Mon, 23 May 1994 18:44:08 -0400 Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 18:44:08 -0400 (EDT) From: "Todd W. Carter" Subject: Re: Questions about mw QRP'ing (fwd) To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk On Mon, 23 May 1994, Randall Rhea wrote: > Your best band bet is probably 30 meters. A dipole for this band should > be about 46 feet long, and up at least 25 feet. There are power limitations > on 30m and no contests, so this band is great for QRP. The 7.0-7.1 > portion of 40 meters is also good. (above 7.1 you get stepped on > by broadcast stations) 10 meters is the easiest band for QRP, but with > the low period in the sunspot cycle for the next few years, this band is > pretty dead. Oops. I forgot to say that I live in an apartment, so I don't have a lot of room for long antennas. Any thoughts? I sure do appreciate the info. Todd N8ODP From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 18:50:01 1994 Return-Path: for <@sgi.sgi.com,@FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com> id PAA08175; Mon, 23 May 1994 15:49:31 -0700 for @sgi.sgi.com,@FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com id AA04926; Mon, 23 May 94 17:49:27 -0500 for @FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com id AA02682; Mon, 23 May 94 17:49:26 -0500 Date: Mon, 23 May 94 17:49:26 -0500 From: adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com (Chuck Adams) Message-Id: <9405232249.AA02682@chuck.dallas.sgi.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: KI6DS/0 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang, Got phone call from Doug late last night (really early this morning). He was on way to KS due to illness in the family. He asked that I relay to the net the fact that he will be out of touch til the first of next week. So, if you miss him or have sent mail to him and not gotten reply --- he is not ignoring you, he's in the middle US. He has a 1W SSB QRP rig with him for 80M. Be on the lookout for him. dit dit Chuck Adams K5FO CP-60 adams@sgi.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 19:28:11 1994 Return-Path: id AA17437; Mon, 23 May 94 13:20:53 HST id AA06430; Mon, 23 May 94 13:27:47 HST Date: Mon, 23 May 94 13:27:47 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: janderson@polycom.com Cc: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Re: Looking for RF transistors & Rechargable Batteries In-Reply-To: Your message of Fri, 20 May 94 16:19:04 PST Message-Id: Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Jeff and the Gang: I've heard that Motorola will give you free samples of their RF devices (small quantities) - anyone know how to go about asking? Jeff NH6IL (ex WA6QIJ) From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 19:36:23 1994 Return-Path: id AA17983; Mon, 23 May 94 13:29:12 HST id AA06999; Mon, 23 May 94 13:36:06 HST Date: Mon, 23 May 94 13:36:06 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: "Todd W. Carter" Cc: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Re: Questions about mw QRP'ing In-Reply-To: Your message of Mon, 23 May 1994 17:39:00 -0400 (EDT) Message-Id: Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Todd and the Gang: You can go around the world with one watt! The key is putting up the best antenna possible. Others will no doubt have lots to say about this. I've used an old DX-160 as a ham receiver; I'm currently using a DX-400 as my station receiver. You don't need any elaborate transmitter - there are 3-transistor xmtr circuits around you can build in one afternoon, and be on the air that evening! Plan on spending as little as possible if you want to build your own xmtr; parts can come from old TV sets and junked radios (learn the fine art of dumpster-diving). The kit-builders on the net will surely fill you in on what are the best for the money. .73, Jeff NH6IL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 20:03:27 1994 Return-Path: id AA22988; Mon, 23 May 94 16:53:52 PDT id AA769737280 Mon, 23 May 94 16:54:40 PST Date: Mon, 23 May 94 16:54:40 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 1028 Text Message-Id: <9404237697.AA769737280@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: How do I "get" files? (GRC109) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Majordomo has a command called "get" (syntax: get ) that lets you get a file related to . I just did "index qrp" to get a list of files, and under "reviews" I saw the heading: GRC109. I've had a GRC109 transmitter for years, and I'm just now thinking about putting it on the air, so I'd love to read the contents under this heading. But how do I access it? I tried "get qrp grc109" and "get qrp reviews\grp109" but nothing works. What am I doing wrong. I only have an email connection to Internet. Is this the problem? By the way, I'd also be interested in other's experiences with this transmitter/receiver (I only have the transmitter and am thinking about getting the receiver too...). Thanks. Jeff Anderson, WA6AHL janderson@polycom.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 20:33:48 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b8/IDA-1.5 for qrp@Think.COM); Mon, 23 May 1994 20:33:18 -0400 Date: Mon, 23 May 1994 20:33:17 -0400 (EDT) From: "Todd W. Carter" Subject: QRP definition To: qrp@Think.COM In-Reply-To: Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk What is the highest power level that is still considered QRP? And what are the frequencies I can find QRP transmissions on? Thanks. Todd N8ODP From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 23:24:48 1994 Return-Path: id XAA25563; Mon, 23 May 1994 23:23:14 -0400 (from sct@pop.cwru.edu) Message-Id: <199405240323.XAA25563@thor.INS.CWRU.Edu> From: Stephen Trier Date: 24 May 1994 03:23:06 GMT To: janderson@polycom.com Cc: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: Looking for RF transistors & Rechargable Batteries In-Reply-To: janderson@polycom.com Fri, 20 May 94 16:19:04 PST Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Jeff Anderson, WA6AHL, asked for sources for: > o RF Power transistors suitable for QRP (such > as those from Motorola's line, etc.). I was surprised to find a number of RF power transistors in the MCM catalog, in their Motorola section. They are heavy on the varieties one finds in portable phones, cellular phones and CB radios. That sounds about right for QRP. :-) The prices were surprisingly low. I bought a pair each of MRF476s, 2N3866s and 2N5179s and bought a handful of 8-cent 2N4401s for the junk box. RF Parts has a wide range of power transistors. They advertise in QST perhaps every other month with an ad full of tube and transistor part numbers. The list is impressively long. MCM is 1-800-543-4330. I'm a satisfied customer, except for one thing: I can't get them to ship Parcel Post. (Grrr...) RF Parts is 1-800-RF-PARTS (1-800-737-2787). I have no experience with their sales or service. Stephen -- Stephen Trier Whenever the literary German dives into a sentence, that is sct@po.cwru.edu the last you are going to see of him until he emerges on the KG8IH other side of his Atlantic with his verb in his mouth. -- Mark Twain, "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Mon May 23 23:46:25 1994 Return-Path: (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA16764; Mon, 23 May 1994 23:46:18 -0400 From: JimN0OCT@aol.com X-Mailer: America Online Mailer Message-Id: <9405232346.tn416723@aol.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Date: Mon, 23 May 94 23:46:16 EDT Subject: favorite circuits Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I just completed an "OXO" transmitter from an old SPRAT article reprinted in the St. Louis QRP Society newsletter. Question I have is: what are favorite simple circuits amongst the readers of the QRP mailing list?? It would be fun to reproduce some of the spirit for which the OXO was intended--minimal parts count with good performance. Please post your favorites--I'm sure I'm not the only one who would be interested, what with FD coming soon!! 72 (+/- 1), Jim N0OCT jimn0oct@aol.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 00:14:07 1994 Return-Path: id AAA27821; Tue, 24 May 1994 00:13:38 -0400 (from sct@pop.cwru.edu) Message-Id: <199405240413.AAA27821@thor.INS.CWRU.Edu> From: Stephen Trier Date: 24 May 1994 04:13:28 GMT To: tcarter@access.digex.net Cc: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: Questions about mw QRP'ing In-Reply-To: tcarter@access.digex.net Mon, 23 May 1994 17:39:00 -0400 (EDT) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > What can I expect? I live in Arlington, VA. How far can I transmit? You can go anywhere in the world on 1W. You won't be able to do it quite as often as the kW guys can, esp. during the down part of the sunspot cycle, but you can do it. > Can I use my shortwave receiver (Realistic DX-440) as a CW receiver, and > then buy a kit for the transmitter? If the receiver has a BFO for receiving SSB and CW, sure. Transmitters are easy to homebrew, and there are lots of kits out there. > What should I plan on spending? You can spend anywhere from nothing to $300, depending on what you decide to build or buy. Although some people on the list praise the virtues of zero-budget building, I don't have the patience, the tools, or the skill for that. I budgeted $100 to build a transmitter and receiver and get on the air. I can't decide whether I underspent or overspent! In raw parts, the rigs are about $20 each, but my overall cost was around $200. That includes tools, books, crystals, and other expenses that will be amortized over future radio projects. A kit transmitter could definitely have been cheaper. Stephen -- Stephen Trier Whenever the literary German dives into a sentence, that is sct@po.cwru.edu the last you are going to see of him until he emerges on the KG8IH other side of his Atlantic with his verb in his mouth. -- Mark Twain, "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 09:00:20 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for qrp@think.com); Tue, 24 May 1994 09:01:44 -0400 Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 09:01:44 -0400 Message-Id: <199405241301.AA26687@yfn.ysu.edu> From: ak238@yfn.ysu.edu (Keith M. Hamilton) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Key help Reply-To: ak238@yfn.ysu.edu Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Well I have my NorCal40 and MFJ 9040 in a nice briefcase with a gel cell battery. My only problem now is WEIGHT! Most of the excess weight is my Bencher paddle with it's very heavey base. Does anyone know of a lighter key? I thought of placing my bencher parts on a lighter base and using suction cups to hold it in place on the desk. Anyone have other ideas?????????????????? -- Keith M. Hamilton 73 de NO8Z ak238@yfn.ysu.edu Youngstown, Ohio From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 09:25:07 1994 Return-Path: id AA13824; Tue, 24 May 94 08:23:17 -0500 via Charon-4.0A-VROOM with IPX id 100.940524082354.320; 24 May 94 08:20:13 +0500 Message-Id: From: "Evert Halbach" Organization: Nicholls State University To: qrp@Think.COM Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 08:23:44 CST Subject: "Cut short" Priority: normal X-Mailer: PMail v3.0 (R1a) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Only got the first 5 of the 20 or so messages from the QRP Digest this morning. Can someone tell me what happened???? Could it be that my mailbox was full and just stopped at that point or could there be a problem on the other end???????? Thanks Evert p.s. This has happened before a couple of times. Evert R. Halbach WA5OJI Internet - cs-erh@nich-nsunet.nich.edu Phone - (504) 448-4999 Snail - P.O. Box 2168 Thibodaux, La. 70310 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 10:44:58 1994 Return-Path: (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Tue, 24 May 1994 22:44:30 +0800 id aa02282; Tue, 24 May 94 14:38:28 GMT (Smail3.1.28.1 #7) id m0q5wjr-000QAyC; Tue, 24 May 94 21:41 SST (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0q5wfI-000GuuC; Tue, 24 May 94 21:37 SST Tue, 24 May 1994 09:36:45 SST Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 09:36:44 SST From: "W. Daniel" Message-Id: <2de15a2d.pandora@pandora.uucp> Reply-To: "W. Daniel" To: pandora!qrp@Think.COM Subject: NN1G mods Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi Gang, Sometime ago there a a bunch of discussions on the NN1G on this list, I was wondering if there is someway I could get hold of all the mods for this little kit? Would really appreciate it. With reference to a message a little while back concerning NN1G troubles, I recall the writer saying that his NN1G was putting out a hair over 5 watts, well I've come to the conclusion that this should not be the case although it happens. I got my watt meter reading almost 10 watts output from the NN1G until I put the thing under a scope to look at the waveform. Anything over 4 watts is suspicious and you probably have a distorted waveform with lots of spurs and harmonics. I could not lower the output so I put a 20 pF NPO ceramic capacitor with a ferrite bead on one of the legs from the collector of the second 2N2222 driver to ground. This cut output to about 2-3 watts and the signal cleaned up. Not only that, my original intention was to correct a SWR mismatch as I could not match the rig to the antenna which I know is resonant because all my other rigs give a flat SWR with it. Lowering the power output solved the SWR problem, as expected, since the output impedance is related to output power. Please correct me or advise me better regarding above if anyone else has a better way of doing it. I am also keen to put RIT on the NN1G and will probably start with a audio filter and amplifier to drive a small speaker. I also would like to put an amplifier at the output to give me switchable 10-15 watts output, if I can figure out how to do it. If anyone knows how I can implement RIT, I'd be most glad. I also welcome suggestions as to how I might increase the tuning range of the NN1G, right now it covers about 13999 kHz to 14046 kHz (47 kHz), but I would like to be able to tune upto 14060 kHz. BTW, regarding my previous complaint about the NN1G's lack of sensitivity, well (blush), it turned out that the first transformer fused out, probably as a result of a short circuit somewhere. Fortunately for me, the break was near the legs and I could resolder it. Now its plenty sensitive. And clear too. Will also check the crystals once I've built a suitable crystal oscillator. As I said before, the good thing is that there are almost no birdies with this rig. 72, Daniel -- +-------------+-------------------------------------+ | Daniel Wee | daniel%pandora@csah.com | ** Man needs more | UUCP1.12b | daniel.wee@f516.n600.z6.fidonet.org | than a new start, he | SNEWS 1.91 | csah.com!pandora!daniel | needs a new heart! ** +-------------+-------------------------------------+ From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 10:51:55 1994 Return-Path: id AA23558; Tue, 24 May 94 07:42:20 PDT id AA769790589 Tue, 24 May 94 07:43:09 PST Date: Tue, 24 May 94 07:43:09 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 1008 Text Message-Id: <9404247697.AA769790589@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: qrp@Think.COM, KANAMAA%AMGATE%MATRXA@randb.abbott.com Subject: Re: Spy radio info Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > A readily available 'spy' radio is the little Special Forces radio > offered by Fair Radio. Basic black, power low enuf for QRP, and a neat > little key mounted on the top. Price $25 Is this the T-784/GRC-109 Transmitter (A.K.A. RT-3)? I picked up one of these at a flea market out here 15 years ago - there were none of the usual DOD markings on it (contract number, etc.), but it did have a sticker on its side with the words "You never know who's listening" under a stylized drawing of an ear. That sticker, the build-in key, the lack of markings, and the very waterproof case immediately made me think "spy". But I never knew for sure. What is the history of these radios? When did Special Forces use them? And who sells a WORKING receiver? Fair Radio only has "used- reparable" receivers! Thanks, Jeff Anderson, WA6AHL janderson@polycom.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 11:07:23 1994 Return-Path: id AA28039; Tue, 24 May 94 08:01:38 -0700 id AA04064; Tue, 24 May 94 11:04:01 -0400 From: pthayer@est.enet.dec.com Message-Id: <9405241504.AA04064@us4rmc.pko.dec.com> Date: Tue, 24 May 94 11:04:54 EDT To: qrp@Think.COM Cc: pthayer@est.enet.dec.com Apparently-To: qrp@think.com Subject: test - please disregard this mail Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Someone was having problems sending to this address and I am trying to duplicate the error. Please disregard this mail. Thankyou. Paul From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 11:21:01 1994 Return-Path: id AA18875 for qrp@think.com; Tue, 24 May 94 11:20:52 -0400 (Smail3.1.28.1 #6) id m0q5xAX-000B9kC; Tue, 24 May 94 10:09 EDT id AA37811 ; Tue, 24 May 94 11:08:05 GMT Date: Tue, 24 May 94 11:10:02 GMT Message-Id: <21495@jek> From: jkearman@arrl.org (Jim Kearman) To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Spy Sets Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I think someone here posted a request for information about spy radios while I was unplugged and on vacation. Please email me. Thanks. Jim From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 11:55:51 1994 Return-Path: (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for ); Tue, 24 May 1994 10:52:08 -0500 id <01HCPQXTSTA8CRHXZE@RANDB.ABBOTT.COM>; Tue, 24 May 1994 10:55:01 CST Date: 24 May 1994 10:55:01 -0600 (CST) From: KANAMAA%AMGATE%MATRXA@randb.abbott.com Subject: RT3/RR3 GRC109 To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCPQXTSTAACRHXZE@RANDB.ABBOTT.COM> X-Envelope-To: qrp@think.com X-Vms-To: QRP GROUP Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk From: Kana, Michael (D9CY) Date: Tue, May 24, 1994 10:58 AM Subject: RT3/RR3 GRC109 To: QRP Group Howdy All A very nice writeup on the GRC109 appeared a couple of months ago in Electric Radio. This has more history and technical info on the set than I have ever seen before (which was not much). The receiver is a simple superhet that uses the old 1.5v/90v tubes common in portable radios of the 40/50's. Kind of nice but wide as a barn door as far as selectivity goes. When you listen to 40m, you listen to all of it! ;-) There is a crystal socket on the receiver that will net to one frequency - the tuning dial then acts as a preselector - sort of. I think Toronto Surplus was selling the complete set for $300 NIB. I picked my first set up from Fair then bought a second set at a Chicago surplus dealer - it was a newer model with the facility to hook up a high speed keyer. All in all, really neat radios. I would suggest looking up the article in Electric Radio for the rest of the story. 7.3E-3 de AA9IL Mike Kana From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 12:32:02 1994 Return-Path: id AA07978; Tue, 24 May 94 12:31:22 EDT id AA01713; Tue, 24 May 94 12:31:21 EDT Message-Id: <9405241631.AA01713@gvlf9> id AA09501; Tue, 24 May 94 12:31:19 EDT Date: Tue, 24 May 94 12:31:19 EDT From: rossi@VFL.Paramax.COM To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Looking for 30 meter transmitter (or transceiver) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I am looking to buy a 30 meter QRP transmitter [kit]. I would prefer something with VFO control. NO CRYSTALS!! VXO, maybe. At least 4-5 watts. Adjustable power would be nice. Built in T/R switching would also be nice. Anyone make a kit like this? I had an OHR Spirit for 20 meters which I liked very much and the 30 meter version would be very nice but I don't *really* need a transceiver. Any suggestions for a 30 meter transmitter similar to what I would get with the OHR Spirit? I am not that familiar with 30 meters. Is the whole band used for CW. I seem to hear stuff only in about a 10 KHz window. This would imply that a VXO might give sufficient coverage. True? 30 meters has me confused. There are some evenings when it appears to be wide open (10 MHz WWV is banging in 40 over 9) but I hear very little or no ham activity ??? I thought it was a popular band. ================================================================= Pete Rossi - WA3NNA rossi@vfl.paramax.COM Unisys Corporation - Government Systems Group Valley Forge Engineering Center - Paoli, Pennsylvania ================================================================= From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 12:56:06 1994 Return-Path: id AA08084; Tue, 24 May 94 12:55:57 EDT id AA01777; Tue, 24 May 94 12:55:55 EDT Message-Id: <9405241655.AA01777@gvlf9> id AA09577; Tue, 24 May 94 12:55:54 EDT Date: Tue, 24 May 94 12:55:54 EDT From: rossi@VFL.Paramax.COM To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Can I increase sensitivity of Heathkit wattmeter? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Is there any way to easily increase the sensitivity of my Heathkit HF wattmeter. I forget the model number. It is the one for that had 200 watt and 2 KW scales and covered 3-30 MHz. Based on schematics for QRP wattmeters I have seen, it would seem to me that adding a turn (or two) to the toroid pickup transformer would do it. Getting it re-calibrated might be another story though. I am not too concerned about 100% perfectly accurate power readings. I am more interested in something that is sensitive enough to give a decent indication at low power levels that can be used for tuning and SWR measurement. My 5 watt 40 meter rig barely tickles the meter on my old Heathkit SWR bridge that I use now. I was considering using the carcass of this old Heathkit wattmeter (currently not working properly, yet repairable) and use the box, meter, etc to build up a new QRP wattmeter. Just wondering how much of the original circuit I might be able to salvage or work with. Also, is it true that the lowest power Bird wattmeter slug for HF is 50 watts? Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated. ================================================================= Pete Rossi - WA3NNA rossi@vfl.paramax.COM Unisys Corporation - Government Systems Group Valley Forge Engineering Center - Paoli, Pennsylvania ================================================================= From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 13:10:27 1994 Return-Path: id AA08160; Tue, 24 May 94 13:10:05 EDT id AA01818; Tue, 24 May 94 13:10:03 EDT Message-Id: <9405241710.AA01818@gvlf9> id AA09639; Tue, 24 May 94 13:10:02 EDT Date: Tue, 24 May 94 13:10:02 EDT From: rossi@VFL.Paramax.COM To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Help! Anyone built (or building) an OHR Classic? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Anyone out there with an OHR Classic 20/40? I just finished mine and the receiver seems to work great but the transmitter has a really nasty chirp. Seems to be related to the 9 MHz TX osc. Also the signal seems a bit broad, especially on 40 meters. I have been in contact with OHR but no solutions - yet - other then to send it back. Anyone else have any problem getting their's going? The Classic has the potential of being a *really* nice radio once I get this chirp fixed. ================================================================= Pete Rossi - WA3NNA rossi@vfl.paramax.COM Unisys Corporation - Government Systems Group Valley Forge Engineering Center - Paoli, Pennsylvania ================================================================= From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 13:12:37 1994 Return-Path: id AA23986; Tue, 24 May 94 10:03:02 PDT id AA769799031 Tue, 24 May 94 10:03:51 PST Date: Tue, 24 May 94 10:03:51 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 841 Text Message-Id: <9404247697.AA769799031@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: qrp@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu Subject: Rejuvenating Gel Cell Batteries Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk While cleaning out my garage over the weekend I found a 12v 7 Ahour gel cell that had been sitting on a shelf for about 8 years with no load. It was almost completely discharged (its voltage was 0.5 v). What is the proper way to charge a battery that's been almost completely discharged? I've had it on a current limited power supply for the past day or two (V = 13.8, A = 100 mA max). The current started off very small (about 10 mA), but now it's at a healthier 90 mA with the battery voltage now at a bit more than 11 Volts (when the charger is removed). Is my method OK? Should I do something else? Thanks! Jeff, WA6AHL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 13:40:39 1994 Return-Path: id AA27904; Tue, 24 May 1994 13:39:53 -0400 id AA15708; Tue, 24 May 94 13:40:22 EDT id AA23373; Tue, 24 May 94 13:40:21 EDT Date: Tue, 24 May 94 13:40:21 EDT From: jfw@ksr.com (John F. Woods) Message-Id: <9405241740.AA23373@kaos.ksr.com> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Cheap oscilloscope-like displays? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I want to build a "Poor Man's Spectrum Analyzer",[1] and I would like to find some reasonably small and cheap way to display its output. Usually, one uses a low-bandwidth oscilloscope in X-Y mode, but I'd like to make this thing self-contained, if I can.** The most obvious idea would be a handheld digital oscilloscope, but that fails the "cheap" requirement in a really big way. Next would be to build my own "digital oscilloscope" using a $69 dot-addressed display being advertised in the current All-Electronics flyer, but that requires doing a microprocessor board with A/D interfaces, and while I certainly *could*, I anticipate it being a royal pain (to say nothing of the gradually mounting cost that would entail); it also has the disadvantages of placing a strong signal source next to a highly sensitive spectrum analyzer, and also of having poor resolution. The last possibility that occurs to me is to find an ancient oscilloscope tube with maybe a 3" face, and building a low-bandwidth oscilloscope around it (hey, I've got an old Handbook, it should be relatively easy). So, does anyone have any experience with either of these alternatives that they could share? Thanks. 73, John, WB7EEL/1 [1] In fact, I've been planning this for about 4 years, ever since I got the parts for it... [3] EDN magazine has a historical retrospective column, and recently printed a review they did 50 years ago of some piece of test equipment, which included the line "There's nothing like a substantial oak case to give a feeling of quality to a test instrument." Because of that, I intend to build my spectrum analyzer in a small oak case (well, oak-faced plywood), and want to have the display inside the case as well. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 13:48:43 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405241742.AA29534@easynet.crl.dec.com> Date: Tue, 24 May 94 13:42:48 EDT From: N1OOQ Tom R. @ MRO1 To: qrp@Think.COM Apparently-To: qrp@think.com Subject: Re: Looking for RF transistors Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Mouser (1 800 34MOUSE) has most of the small-signal transistors used in the common QRP circuits, pretty cheap. For RF power transistors RF parts is probably the place to shop. By pretty cheap I mean in the $.10-$1.00 range. Another source of cheap parts is Circuit Specialists. I dunno if this number is current, but: 719 542 4525. Ckt specialists also has some toroids cheaper than Amidon, but for a full selection Amidon is it. -Tom R. N1OOQ randolph@est.enet.dec.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 14:46:53 1994 Return-Path: id AA19389; Tue, 24 May 94 11:40:18 PDT id AA769804893 Tue, 24 May 94 11:41:33 PST Date: Tue, 24 May 94 11:41:33 PST From: lhalliday@creo.bc.ca Message-Id: <9404247698.AA769804893@mail.creo.bc.ca> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Laura builds an R1 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I got all energetic over the weekend and started building an R1. This is the most complicated device I've ever built from scratch, and I'm taking my time to get it right. Lacking a PC board layout I'm building it dead-bug, being careful about how I lay things out with that much gain floating around. My junkbox supplied all but a handful of the parts - I had to buy an LM387, as well as the TIP29 and TIP30 output transistors. Junk transistor radios and things don't use many large inductors, so I bought most of them. Finally, I had to buy some of the very largest capacitors, finding nothing bigger than 1 uF in my junkbox (except electrolytics). I still had to fudge those a bit - where KK7B says to use a 5.6 and 1.8 uF in parallel, I ended up with a 4.7 (biggest I could find) and a 2.2 in parallel. The local electronics place didn't have any 1.0 ohm resistors, so I paralleled 1.2 and 4.7, resulting in 0.96 ohms. If that doesn't work I found all the difficult parts in my Digi-Key catalogue. To make sure that I can test things as I go I'm building from the audio output back, so I can test each stage as I go. I'll let folks know how it works when it's ready to go...Turning it into an R2 is an eventual plan, though I'm undecided on whether to use KK7B's active phase-shift network, or a polyphase network. The mixer is an SBL-1 for now, which will do fine for HF. A confession: I had to look up the multiplier band colours for the 1.0 and 4.7 ohm resistors, having never needed anything smaller than 10 ohms in the past. 73 from Burnaby, laura VE7LDH From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 16:05:44 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405242000.AA08062@ig1.att.att.com> From: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Date: 24 May 94 19:59:00 GMT Cc: mvaeh@mvgsd.att.com (Arthur E Haley), bwhite@dsd.camb.inmet.com, dh@deneb.csustan.edu, ed@auratek.com, ehare@arrl.org, esj@harvee.billerica.ma.us, evans@dkas.enet.dec.com, fmilos@east.sun.com, halbert@world.std.com, mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton), jkearman@arrl.org, kelsey@csn.org, kmg@kepler.unh.edu, kranz@hp-and.an.hp.com, lau@arrl.org, mvmed1@mvgpk.att.com (Michael E Dawson), randy7388@aol.com, rrand@pica.army.mil, smith@vicki.enet.dec.com, swart@curry.shr.dec.com, mvwkm@mvgpk.att.com (William K Mcnally), wayne@interval.com Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) To: QRP@Think.COM Original-Cc: mvgsd!mvaeh (Arthur E Haley), bwhite@dsd.camb.inmet.com, dh@deneb.csustan.edu, ed@auratek.com, ehare@arrl.org, esj@harvee.billerica.ma.us, evans@dkas.enet.dec.com, fmilos@east.sun.com, halbert@world.std.com, mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton), jkearman@arrl.org, kelsey@csn.org, kmg@kepler.unh.edu, kranz@hp-and.an.hp.com, lau@arrl.org, mvgpk!mvmed1 (Michael E Dawson), randy7388@aol.com, rrand@pica.army.mil, smith@vicki.enet.dec.com, swart@curry.shr.dec.com, mvgpk!mvwkm (William K Mcnally), wayne@interval.com Subject: AA2U & NN1G Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk If you are going to be in the Boston area on October 1, plan on attending the ARRL convention at Boxboro MA. Forum Speakers will be: Famous QRP Contester and DXer; Randy Rand, AA2U Randy will show you how to easily work DX using QRP, and how his modest DX station has evolved into a super QRP DX and Contest station. Famous QRP designer Dave Benson, NN1G Dave will show how he designed the simple, high performance series of 40-40 transceiver kits for QRP-NE. Dave will provide hot tips for the QRP Home Brew set. 72 W1FMR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 16:17:45 1994 Return-Path: Date: Tue, 24 May 94 16:10:30 EDT From: Clark Fishman (FSAC-FCD) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Oscillators Message-Id: <9405241610.aa05774@FSAC3.PICA.ARMY.MIL> Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk For those who are homebrewing some radios you might want to try this: I you are building a VFO use a hunk of coax cable... I use RG144 because it is small and easy to roll up ... as the inductor of the oscillator...I built a test oscillator from an article in Aug 1980 QST ..it is a Clapp operating at about 45 MHz....it is very stable..I rolled the coax on an empty plastic wire spool(pretty clever uh) and held it in place with plastic tape and a tie wrap. Measure the output frequency with my counter almost no shift was measured when I put a large pair of pliers on the spool...the coax is a quarter wave transmission line and is self shielding..... I checked the output spectrum on my spectrum analyser and it is as good or better then the analyser. I will bring it in to work and put it on a $70000 HP analyser. Use of a high freq oscillator with a digital divider to generate all the hf bands is easy and cheap.. I am now building a transmission line oscillator fro 146MHz. Anybody out there play with these guys ????? Keep the solder flowing From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 19:42:30 1994 Return-Path: id TAA23644; Tue, 24 May 1994 19:42:14 -0400 (from sct@pop.cwru.edu for ) Message-Id: <199405242342.TAA23644@thor.INS.CWRU.Edu> From: Stephen Trier Date: 24 May 1994 23:42:07 GMT To: qrp@Think.COM (John F. Woods) Subject: Re: Cheap oscilloscope-like displays? In-Reply-To: jfw@ksr.com (John F. Woods) Tue, 24 May 94 13:40:21 EDT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk If you aren't too worried about resolution, how about using an LM3914 or LM3915 for vertical and a 4017 for horizontal sweep? That could quickly make a little 10 by 10 oscilloscope. Use some of those neat matrix LEDs All Electronics sells for the output. Resolution gets expensive fast this way because matrix LEDs aren't cheap. I guess this approach would be effective in a couple of cases: (1) You're looking for small size and ruggedness above all else; (2) you want a simple display for light duty and are willing to hook up an oscilloscope for serious work; or (3) you are building something that doesn't require much precision, such as a rough indicator to find the activity on a band. The LM3915 would be useful by removing the need for a log amp. Cascade three and get 90 dB of dynamic range. Come to think of it, you could make this thing do X-Y plots by using LM3914s for the sweep instead of 4017s. Stephen -- Stephen Trier Whenever the literary German dives into a sentence, that is sct@po.cwru.edu the last you are going to see of him until he emerges on the KG8IH other side of his Atlantic with his verb in his mouth. -- Mark Twain, "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 20:56:49 1994 Return-Path: id AA07047; Tue, 24 May 94 14:49:10 HST id AA09606; Tue, 24 May 94 14:56:29 HST Date: Tue, 24 May 94 14:56:28 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: RF Chokes Message-Id: Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang: I'm building an xmtr that calls for two RF chokes: 10uH and 15uH. I've spent that last hour winding wire around the barrel of an ink pen and calculating inductance vs # of turns vs length of coil - I've almost gone cross-eyed. My junk box contains a bunch of 75uH chokes. Q: How critical are choke values? I've heard some folks say ``just use a resistor'' while others say ``run a ferret bead over a wire'' or ``wind some wire around the body of a resistor''. Oh, these chokes are on the output side of the PA stage; in fact, if you've got a copy of QRP NOTEBOOK this xmtr is on page 30. Comments? I'm all choked up, Jeff NH6IL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Tue May 24 21:34:11 1994 Return-Path: id AA11229; Tue, 24 May 94 21:37:43 -0400 Reply-To: bmitchel@CBA.Kodak.COM (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for ); Tue, 24 May 1994 21:33:31 -0400 Date: Tue, 24 May 1994 21:33:31 -0400 From: Brad Mitchell Message-Id: <199405250133.AA01067@hobby1.cba.kodak.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Grover and spy radios.. Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Sorry about posting this to the world, but Grover was interested in Spy rad radios, and I needed to get him the address for the antique wireless association which on one or more occasions has had an article on these. The AWA Joyce Peckham Box E, Breesport, NY 14816. Yearly dues $12.00 The normal diclaimer doesn't belong here. I am a member, and I do encourage membership in this group. Antique radios is the hobby on the back burener. burner that is.,.. 73 all Brad WB8YGG. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 00:31:36 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for qrp@Think.com); Wed, 25 May 1994 14:27:00 +1000 id AA00768; Wed, 25 May 94 14:26:17 EST Date: Wed, 25 May 94 14:26:17 EST From: richard@dnd.icp.nec.com.au (Richard Urmonas) Message-Id: <9405250426.AA00768@durian.dnd.icp.nec.com.au> In-Reply-To: Jeffrey Herman "RF Chokes" (May 24, 2:56pm) X-Mailer: Mail User's Shell (7.2.3 5/22/91) To: Jeffrey Herman , qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: RF Chokes Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I am not familiar with the circuit, but the inductors on the output of a PA stage should be close to the intended values. Changing the values can result in poorer efficiency or worse instability within the amplifier. Best suggestion, keep counting those turns! 73 Richard Urmonas VK3DRU. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 01:59:14 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for qrp@Think.COM); Wed, 25 May 1994 15:55:57 +1000 id AA00415; Wed, 25 May 94 15:55:17 EST Date: Wed, 25 May 94 15:55:17 EST From: richard@dnd.icp.nec.com.au (Richard Urmonas) Message-Id: <9405250555.AA00415@durian.dnd.icp.nec.com.au> X-Mailer: Mail User's Shell (7.2.3 5/22/91) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Oscillators Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > Clark Fishman wrote: >For those who are homebrewing some radios you might want to try >this: I you are building a VFO use a hunk of coax cable... >I use RG144 because it is small and easy to roll up ... >as the inductor of the oscillator...I built a test oscillator >from an article in Aug 1980 QST ..it is a Clapp operating >at about 45 MHz....it is very stable..I rolled the coax >on an empty plastic wire spool(pretty clever uh) and held >it in place with plastic tape and a tie wrap. Measure >the output frequency with my counter almost no shift was measured >when I put a large pair of pliers on the spool...the coax is a >quarter wave transmission line and is self shielding..... >I checked the output spectrum on my spectrum analyser >and it is as good or better then the analyser. I will >bring it in to work and put it on a $70000 HP analyser. > (stuff deleted) >Anybody out there play with these guys ????? Actually the oscillator you describe is using the coax as a parallel resonsnt circuit. The shorted end is transformed to on open circuit by the quarter wave line. For frequencies slightly off that which is quarter wavelength the apparent impedence will be either capacitive or inductive (depending if the frequency is above or below "resonance"). So the coax behaves as a parallel resonant circuit. (This is most easily seen on a Smith Chart). The resonant point can be shifted by paralleling capacitance (consult your Smith Chart!) which results in the misconception that the coax is an inductor. Transmission line oscillators are commonly used in commercial equipment (e.g. cellular phones). In such applications typically the transmission line is a "ceramic resonator". This is a coax line made from a high dielectric ceramic, so the propogation constant is extreme and the line becomes very short. Another advantage is that the ceramic is mechanically very rigid hence microphonic effects in the oscillator are minimal. As well as the shorted quarter wave there are two other configurations I have come across. One involves the quarter wave line having a capacitor at the end. This is transformed to an inductance by the quarter wave line. Hence the inductance is simmulated by a more mechanically stable capacitor. The third type uses a half wave section in the feedback loop. This is used with an inverting amplifier satisfying the requirements for oscillation. This is obviously less popular due to the requirement for a half wave line. 73 Richard Urmonas VK3DRU From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 03:30:57 1994 Return-Path: id AAA01663; Wed, 25 May 1994 00:30:37 -0700 Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 00:30:36 -0700 (PDT) From: Alan Kaul Subject: Re: RF Chokes To: Jeffrey Herman Cc: QRP@Think.COM In-Reply-To: Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hiya, Jeffrey: Here's a possible solution. Radio Shack catalogs list a 10uh choke. Obviously, you can use that one where specified. But buy a second one, and count the turns! Now wind half as many turns in a similar size wire around the body of the choke -- soldering the new wire to one end of the axial lead, and making certain you wind the new wire in the same direction as the old winding (you want to wires to ADD, not to subtract). Remember, the axial lead where you soldered the new wire CAN NOT BE THE END OF THE CHOKE THAT IS SOLDERED TO THE CIRCUIT -- you'll have to solder to the end of the wire that you added. The core has some magnetic properties, so it is not easy to calculate the size of the coil. If there is doubt, then solder TWO 10uh chokes together (get the windings in the same direction for phase) and make due with 20uh instead of 15, under the theory tis better to have more than less. Once upon a time, I built a QST 1976 rcvr project called ''THE HERRING AID FIVE'' which was a 5-transistor, 40-M, varactor-(sort of)-tuned, DC rcvr which used Radio Shack 10uh choke and added several turns to it for the frequency determining coil. It worked (I still have it--it <> still works, only not very loud and takes a big signal to be heard!!). GL, and 72, 73 de alan [] kaul@netcom.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 05:50:24 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405250948.AA14938@interval.interval.com> Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 02:49:16 -0800 To: dh@altair.csustan.edu From: burdick@interval.com (Wayne Burdick) Subject: Italy QRP Cc: qrp@Think.COM, wayne@interval.com, mvjf@mvubr.att.com, adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com, ciavarin@mother.millipore.com Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Doug, here's a blurb for the next QRPp if you've got space: A Visit to Italy -- Wayne, N6KR ------------------------------- Just got back from a vacation in Italy, and I chanced to meet with some hams there. Through an elaborate series of phone calls (starting with a call to Bob, W6CYX who has many Italian contacts), I hooked up with Mauro, I1JQJ, and his wife Valeria, also licensed. Fortunately for me, there just happened to be a yearly special operating event that day, from a huge basillica on a hill overlooking Torino (Turin), so they picked me up in route. I operated their 500-watt station for awhile on 15m CW, then talked them into reducing the power to 5 watts. At that level, running on 40 meters, I worked Germany and Croatia. I had been real curious about what signals would sound like from europe, and guess what? Here were all these exotic callsigns that sounded just like locals, as would be expected. It was fun. Here are some breif notes on what I learned about Italian ham radio, QRP in particular: In Italy, they have only one code test, at 8WPM, that gives the licensee access to all bands. Mauro felt that this was too slow, and that this combined with a too-simple theory examination made for a glut of disinterested operators and CB converts (yes, CB is a problem there, too). He also felt that there were too few hams who had any kind of technical proficiency. When we got to the station, these problems were not evident, but this was probably an exceptional crew. The station was well-equipped and operated, and they even had a homebrew contest with some interesting entries. I talked to the builder of one item, a 40-meter SSB transceiver that was a mix of circuits from QRP Notebook and other sources, and I'll hopefully have a photo of it for the next NorCal meeting (June). Several of those attending were interested in QRP and I promised some QRPp copies, etc., while they gave me a copy of their local and national ham publications. There are at least two kinds of QRPers in Italy: those who think that QRP means 100 watts, and those who susbscribe to the 5-watt definition. This isn't too surprising given that a debate centering on these power levels went on for a decade or more here in the U.S. [Doug: insert reference to my previous article in QRPP in which I talk about W7ZOI's feelings on the topic.] The reasons for the two levels are also similar. The "100-watters" are primarily interested in reducing QRM, while the "5-watters" are more likely to be avid low-power experimenters and homebrewers. Things go a bit deeper than this, though; many of the hams I talked to feel that QRPers in Italy get no respect. Here's why: Italian ops are for the most part occupied with DXing (I watched some great ops in action on both CW and SSB), and it is generally felt that QRP's disadvantage in DXing outweighs its advantage in QRM reduction. A more subtle problem is that when DX stations ask for "QRP stations, please," they get a lot of stations that just turn off their amps and call again! So the feeling goes, "Since these ops don't play by the rules, why struggle with QRP?" I'm not a real DX hound, so I can't say whether this occurs with U.S. stations too, but my guess would be that it does. Perhaps someone can enlighten me on this. I suggested that the Italian QRP-ers get involved with G-QRP or some other European organization, if they aren't already, so that they can participate in QRP-only events. A few more subscribers to Sprat and maybe they'd spur homebrew and really low power experimentation. (By the way, in Italy, the 1- to 2-watt power level is called VLP for Very Low Power.) I only had a few hours to soak up all of this info, and didn't meet with any really serious QRP ops there, so I'm not sure that all of this is complete or accurate. Italian hams: correct me where necessary and send your own writeups to QRPp! Overall, it was a great experience that could result in some cross-Atlantic cross-pollination. --Ciao From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 06:06:28 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405251004.AA18373@interval.interval.com> Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 03:05:08 -0800 To: qrp@Think.COM, wesh@piranha.TQS.COM, dh@altair.csustan.edu, adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com From: burdick@interval.com (Wayne Burdick) Subject: Gain due to mountaintop QTH? Cc: wesh@piranha.TQS.COM, dh@altair.csustan.edu, adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com, ciavarin@mother.millipore.com, mvjf@mvubr.att.com Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Say, gang, here's a question that's bothered me off and on for years. We all know how much fun it is to operate outdoors, but is there any good data available on just how much of an advantage, in dB, one typically gets by being X feet above surrounding terrain? My experience suggests a 1 or 2 S-unit (6 to 12 dB) advantage from a 6000-foot peak compared to a typical 100-foot elevation suburban QTH, all other things being equal. But wouldn't it be nice to have some more useful rules of thumb? Particularly on Field Day, it would be helpful to know just how much oomph per foot of altitude you're likely to get. This is especially important if you're lugging a car battery and a case of your favorite brew. I know that the situation is complicated by several factors: elevation, ground conductivity, atmospheric density, whether there's a slope behind you, etc. But is there a John Muir of mountain-top propogation out there who can quantify things for us? In talking to Vic Black (NorCal) I found out that he knew much more than I did about it, but even he didn't seem real sure. Thanks, Wayne, N6KR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 08:48:32 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405251248.AA16797@ig1.att.att.com> From: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Date: 25 May 94 12:47:00 GMT Cc: mvaeh@mvgsd.att.com (Arthur E Haley), bwhite@dsd.camb.inmet.com, dh@deneb.csustan.edu, ed@auratek.com, ehare@arrl.org, esj@harvee.billerica.ma.us, evans@dkas.enet.dec.com, fmilos@east.sun.com, halbert@world.std.com, mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton), mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton), jkearman@arrl.org, kelsey@csn.org, kmg@kepler.unh.edu, kranz@hp-and.an.hp.com, lau@arrl.org, mvmed1@mvgpk.att.com (Michael E Dawson), randy7388@aol.com, rrand@pica.army.mil, smith@vicki.enet.dec.com, swart@curry.shr.dec.com, mvwkm@mvgpk.att.com (William K Mcnally), wayne@interval.com Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) To: QRP@Think.COM Original-Cc: mvgsd!mvaeh (Arthur E Haley), bwhite@dsd.camb.inmet.com, dh@deneb.csustan.edu, ed@auratek.com, ehare@arrl.org, esj@harvee.billerica.ma.us, evans@dkas.enet.dec.com, fmilos@east.sun.com, halbert@world.std.com, mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton), mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton), jkearman@arrl.org, kelsey@csn.org, kmg@kepler.unh.edu, kranz@hp-and.an.hp.com, lau@arrl.org, mvgpk!mvmed1 (Michael E Dawson), randy7388@aol.com, rrand@pica.army.mil, smith@vicki.enet.dec.com, swart@curry.shr.dec.com, mvgpk!mvwkm (William K Mcnally), wayne@interval.com Subject: 40-40 kits Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang, QRP-NE has sold one hundred 40-40 and 30-40, 30 and 40 meter transceiver kits. The QRP-NE Kit Squad did a fine job but now are tired, and are disbanding. However, another Kit Squad may be formed at a later date, to do more kits. But, because the 40-40 kits are extremely popular, Dave NN1G will start selling them on a personal basis. Thanks - To the QRP-NE Kit Squad ! ------ QRP-NE is now solvent enough to attempt some other small projects. However..... Kits are still available !! ----- To order a 40-40 kit, state 30 or 40m, send ($40 + $1.95), make check out to : Dave Benson, NN1G 80 E. Robbins Ave. Newington, CT 06111 72 W1FMR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 08:48:58 1994 Return-Path: Wed, 25 May 94 08:48:33 EDT id 8439; Wed, 25 May 1994 08:48:32 EDT with TCP; Wed, 25 May 94 08:48:32 EDT id AA24041; Wed, 25 May 1994 08:48:31 -0400 Message-Id: <9405251248.AA24041@kariat.watson.ibm.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: TenTec DC receiver kit -- which band to build? Reply-To: "Vinod Narayanan" Date: Wed, 25 May 94 08:48:30 -0500 From: "Vinod Narayanan" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Thanks to everyone who replied by email to this query. The almost unanimous vote was for 80m. Many people also cautioned about interference from broadcast stations on 40m. Based on all the advice I received, I have decided to build it for 80m; now I just have to wait till it gets here.. (maybe today..) --vinod email: vinod@watson.ibm.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 09:59:31 1994 Return-Path: id AA06400; Wed, 25 May 1994 09:58:49 -0400 id AA22334; Wed, 25 May 94 09:59:25 EDT id AA17035; Wed, 25 May 94 09:59:24 EDT Message-Id: <9405251359.AA17035@kaos.ksr.com> To: Alan Kaul Cc: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Re: RF Chokes In-Reply-To: Your message of "Wed, 25 May 94 00:30:36 PDT." Date: Wed, 25 May 94 09:59:23 -0400 From: "John F. Woods" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > Hiya, Jeffrey: Here's a possible solution. Radio Shack catalogs list a > 10uh choke. > The core has some > magnetic properties, so it is not easy to calculate the size of the > coil. If the core is some kind of ferrite, then it's possible that it won't have good Q at the operating frequency; for a "choke" (a high-impedance inductor used to keep RF out of where it doesn't belong) that's OK, but if it's being used as an inductor (like a tank circuit or oscillator coil) then it won't be so good. > Once upon a time, I built a QST 1976 rcvr project called ''THE HERRING > AID FIVE'' which was a 5-transistor, 40-M, varactor-(sort of)-tuned, DC > rcvr which used Radio Shack 10uh choke and added several turns to it for > the frequency determining coil. I remember building that. I don't think mine ever worked, though. I also build the corresponding "Tuna Tin II" transmitter, but the only contact I made with it was a local ham who spotted my S9 second harmonic first... 73, John, WB7EEL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 10:09:57 1994 Return-Path: <01HCR1BQDVLS9GVYUU@tntech.edu>; Wed, 25 May 1994 09:10:11 CDT Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 09:10:11 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: For Sale To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCR1BQGAEQ9GVYUU@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi, trying to make some room in the shack: 1) 624 Kits Gary Breed 40 meter transceiver. Superhet.. puts out about 7 watts, but can be turned down.. excellent receiver. In case with speaker.. has S meter and fine tune.. plenty of audio.. works well.. The front of the case has a couple of scratches and the S meter rectangle isn't perfect (for those who must have perfect cases.. this isn't..but looks ok to decent).. all controls and jacks labeled with labeling gun (not silked screened.. but looks good).... $80+ shipping. 2) Hows ATU30 antenna interface unit... super case and parts.. very heavy duty. has antenna tuner that will go from qrp to 30 watts.. will go from 1.8 to 54 MHz. SWR/power meter, built in sidetone that will operate with any type keyer or keying system.. produces a 800 Hz tone. Kit was $146.95 (plus nice building on this one). will sell for $75+shipping or trade for something interesting like LCR meter that will measure small L. Probably be cleaning some more stuff out. I also have an original MXM superhet receiver/crystal TX in a very small case with built in tiny speaker.. trade or sell maybe. PS.. got my QRPp.. increcible job Doug.. came nicely wrapped in plastic.,. started reading it at breakfast. Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 10:15:48 1994 Return-Path: id AA22754; Wed, 25 May 94 07:10:56 PDT Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 07:05:44 -0700 (PDT) From: "H. Ward Silver" Subject: Re: Gain due to mountaintop QTH? To: Wayne Burdick Cc: qrp@Think.COM, wesh@piranha.TQS.COM, dh@altair.csustan.edu, adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com, wesh@piranha.TQS.COM, dh@altair.csustan.edu, adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com, ciavarin@mother.millipore.com, mvjf@mvubr.att.com In-Reply-To: <9405251004.AA18373@interval.interval.com> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk In my experience, getting close to salt water far outdistances vertical elevation. Fresh water is also good. Mountaintops offer great views, but usually very poor ground conditions, high winds, trouble with storms and weather, and sore legs. On HF, unless you're blocked by a bluff or cliff, salt water is the way to go. I realize this doesn't help the gang in the Midwest much...they have to worry about mosquitos and June bugs flying into the muffin fan blowing on the operators...ick! 73, Ward N0AX BYW - the Western Wash DX Club is operating W7FR from a New-Options Middle School site in Seattle this year. K7TTZ is teaching a class in Ham Radio there and we're going to work with the kids to see how they like Field Day. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 10:42:26 1994 Return-Path: (5.61/UUNET-internet-primary) id AA21273; Wed, 25 May 94 10:42:08 -0400 ; Wed, 25 May 1994 10:42:08 -0400 id AA23050; Wed, 25 May 94 09:29:53 EST From: jpo@acd4.acd.com ( Jim Osburn ) Message-Id: <9405251429.AA23050@IEDV5.acd.com> Subject: Picture Captions To: qrp@Think.COM (QRP Mailing List) Date: Wed, 25 May 94 9:29:52 EST X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.3 PL11] Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I've been looking at the pictures that are available FTP. Good pictures, good work. Do it some more. I have an idea to make them better. When you scan the picture, write a caption card and scan it with the picture. That way when the picture pops up on the screen, it's easy to tell who or what it is. I'm thinking about taking my color notebook to the next local club meeting and letting the pictures run as a slide show. 73, Jim, WD9EYB From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 10:45:55 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405251444.AA07598@ig2.att.att.com> From: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Date: 25 May 94 14:40:00 GMT To: "H. Ward Silver" , Wayne Burdick Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Original-To: "H. Ward Silver" , Wayne Burdick Cc: adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com, ciavarin@mother.millipore.com, dh@altair.csustan.edu, qrp@Think.COM, wesh@piranha.TQS.COM Subject: Re: Gain due to mountaintop QTH? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Wayne, Signal enhancers found in order of effectiveness ; 1. Over salt water (directional) 2. Hill Side - Near top of hill (directional) 3. Level ground, high elevation (non-directional) 4. Level ground, High support (non-directional) 5. Near salt water ( directional, evening best) 6. Hill Top (can be very noisy) 7. Level ground, Low support (non-directional) Low antenna at Flagstaff Ariz (elev 6000 ft.) was excellent. QRP FD on top of hill, in shadow of yet higher hill, equivalent to being high on a hill side, is excellent. Low antenna over salt water was excellent to EU. N4BP operates a vertical while parked at salt water cove in FL, and does extremely well. QRP FD on level ground at low altitude was a disaster. Operating on a dry sandy beach near ocean was not too good. However, moving down to wet sand was much much better. 72 Jim, W1FMR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 10:48:14 1994 Return-Path: <01HCR4PTEU9Y9S3RBK@fair1.fairfield.edu>; Wed, 25 May 1994 10:46:00 EST Date: 25 May 1994 10:46:00 -0500 (EST) From: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" Subject: Re: Rejuvenating Gel Cell Batteries To: janderson@polycom.com Cc: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCR4PTEUA09S3RBK@fair1.fairfield.edu> X-Vms-To: IN%"janderson@polycom.com" X-Vms-Cc: IN%"qrp@think.com" Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Just keep the charger on 'er for about a week. The next important thing to do will be to run the battery down by taking out of it no more than, say, half an ampere until you observe that the battery has been *radically discharged*. If you could charge the battery at a current of somewhere near 700 mills with a heftier current-regulated charger, the length of time required for fully charging the battery would be about fourteen hours. For smaller chargers, you will have to charge for a correspondingly longer period. 72.9098838 Don Coleman, W1VOQ From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 11:11:58 1994 Return-Path: id IAA15552; Wed, 25 May 1994 08:11:30 -0700 for @sgi.sgi.com,@FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com id AA21430; Wed, 25 May 94 10:11:24 -0500 for @FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:mvjf@mvubr.att.com id AA05544; Wed, 25 May 94 10:11:22 -0500 Date: Wed, 25 May 94 10:11:22 -0500 From: adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com (Chuck Adams) Message-Id: <9405251511.AA05544@chuck.dallas.sgi.com> To: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Subject: Re: 40-40 kits Cc: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang, Jim Fitton, W1FMR, just posted a note on the NE-QRP kit. What timing!! I just got mine in the mail yesterday. It WILL be built by Friday. All other projects went on hold. :-) Looks very good. Report to follow. dit dit Chuck Adams K5FO CP-60 adams@sgi.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 12:29:39 1994 Return-Path: (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for ); Wed, 25 May 1994 09:29:05 -0700 Message-Id: <199405251629.AA29095@halcyon.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 09:29:53 -0700 To: Jeffrey Herman From: xenolith@halcyon.com (Kevin Purcell) Subject: Re: RF Chokes Cc: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk >Gang: I'm building an xmtr that calls for two RF chokes: 10uH and 15uH. >I've spent that last hour winding wire around the barrel of an ink pen >and calculating inductance vs # of turns vs length of coil - I've almost >gone cross-eyed. > >My junk box contains a bunch of 75uH chokes. > >Q: How critical are choke values? They're not. You just want a high reactance at that frequency (to "choke" the RF current) but a low resitance to allow DC current to flow. The next thought is normally "so I have to make it a high reactance at the lowest frequency -- well I'll just put 10mH chokes everywhere". This won't work because all inductors have some self-capacitance and therefor are resonant at some frequency. Above this frequency they will just present a capacitive reactance. They won't "choke" the RF at all! A good rules of thumb is use a value of a minimum of 4 times the reactance of other paths. >I've heard some folks say ``just use >a resistor'' while others say ``run a ferret bead over a wire'' or >``wind some wire around the body of a resistor''. It all depends on the resitances and reactances (and thus the frequencies) involved. If the resistance is high enough (compared to other RF paths) then a resitor will work OK. This is not the case in a PA. The ferrite bead approach can be just considered as a single turn on a small toroid. The resitance is low but so is the inductance. Works well at VHF and above (very little self-capacitance). Winding some wire around the body of the resistor is for when you need both resitance for DC and reactance for RF or you have a lot of large resitors an no coil formers :-) If the value of the resitor is "large" then the resitor is just a convinient former. > >Oh, these chokes are on the output side of the PA stage; in fact, if you've >got a copy of QRP NOTEBOOK this xmtr is on page 30. Wire gauge is important here -- calculate the peak current flowing and choose a wire gauge so that the dc power wasted in the resitance is minimal. You can find these numbers in the ARRL Handbok (amongst others). > >Comments? > >I'm all choked up, >Jeff NH6IL I will be at Apple WWDC in San Jose next week. So don't expect a reply before I get back on May 24th. 73 Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP xenolith@halcyon.com (206) 649-6489 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 12:30:40 1994 Return-Path: id AA15007; Wed, 25 May 94 12:29:51 EDT id AA03470; Wed, 25 May 94 12:29:49 EDT Message-Id: <9405251629.AA03470@gvlf9> id AA11201; Wed, 25 May 94 12:29:48 EDT Date: Wed, 25 May 94 12:29:48 EDT From: rossi@VFL.Paramax.COM To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: Gain due to mountaintop QTH? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk ->In my experience, getting close to salt water far outdistances vertical ->elevation. Fresh water is also good. Mountaintops offer great views, but ->usually very poor ground conditions, high winds, trouble with storms and ->weather, and sore legs. On HF, unless you're blocked by a bluff or cliff, ->salt water is the way to go. I realize this doesn't help the gang in the ->Midwest much...they have to worry about mosquitos and June bugs flying ->into the muffin fan blowing on the operators...ick! ->73, Ward N0AX -> ->BYW - the Western Wash DX Club is operating W7FR from a New-Options Middle ->School site in Seattle this year. K7TTZ is teaching a class in Ham Radio ->there and we're going to work with the kids to see how they like Field Day. -> Well, the closest thing to a "mountain" around here is 500-600 ft... and in southern NJ you are lucky to be above sea-level :-) Last year I tried operating Field Day from the beach in Ocean City NJ (SNJ) I used a kite to support a 1/2 wave wire vertical RIGHT ON THE BEACH - NOT 50 FEET FROM THE OCEAN! Ran 5 watts with an OHR 20 meter Spirit. Don't know if it was conditions, the antenna, the location, or what, but it worked * GREAT * For HF, I will take an ocean over a mountain any day. But for VHF I might go with the mountain top. I plan to do the same thing again for FD this year except I will be on 20 and 40 meters with my new OHR Classic. Look for WA3NNA/2 1B SNJ. Re: My previous post about OHR Classic problems. I got it working. Found 2 electrolytic caps that somehow got installed backwards (!) Works great now. ----- Pete Rossi - WA3NNA rossi@vfl.paramax.com Unisys Corporation - Government Systems Group Valley Forge Engineering Center - Paoli, Pennsylvania From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 13:32:56 1994 Return-Path: id AA26810; Wed, 25 May 94 10:10:09 PDT id AA23256; Wed, 25 May 1994 10:09:11 -0700 id AA26674; Wed, 25 May 94 10:09:09 PDT Message-Id: Date: Wed, 25 May 94 10:01:35 PDT Reply-To: GroverC@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com (Grover Cleveland) From: GroverC@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com (Grover Cleveland) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Aaargh! Need a repost - spy Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I can't believe it; my mailer ate the last issue of the Digest. In that issue someone gave me information about some "spy" radios from Fair Radio Sales for $25. Could that person please e-mail me directly with the information. On another note: Someone else posted about missing several pages from the Digest on occasion. It has happened to me too from time to time. Once someone remailed a copy of the Digest and the copy was also "short" some pages. So there are at least two of us experiencing the same truncating. ******************************************************************************* Grover Cleveland Instructional Designer, The Grass Valley Group, Inc. Internet: groverc@gvgadg.gvg.tek.com Radio: WT6P@KE6LW.#NOCAL.ca.us.na Voice: (916) 478-3153 DoD:7388 Fax: (916) 478-3831 ******************************************************************************* From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 15:00:45 1994 Return-Path: id AA19313; Wed, 25 May 94 13:00:17 MDT Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 12:33:27 -0600 (MDT) From: "Michael Bendio (unix dev)" Subject: Coherent CW To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk The February '94 issue of QEX has an interesting article titled 'A DSP Version of Coherent CW', by Bill de Carle, VE2IQ. I'll include the first two paragraphs and summarize the rest. "Coherent CW (CCW) is an old technique for digging weak CW signals out of the noise. The system synchronizes the receiver to the sender's keying. Thereafter, due to the rules of Morse code (each "dah" equals exactly three "dit-times" and spaces between marking elements are always an integral multiple of one dit time) the receiver knows precisely when the carrier is allowed to turn on or off. This is useful information that would otherwise have to be transmitted--at the expense of additional power and/or bandwidth. Of course, the sender must have an absolutely rock-steady rhythm for the scheme to work. For this reason, CCW stations employ special keyers or keyboards which can generate perfectly timed code. Traditionally, CCW uses a keying rate of 12 WPM (100 milliseconds per dit) and a received audio tone of 800 Hz. "The receiver divides its time into 100-ms windows, or frames. Once synchronized, there is complete certainty that the incoming tone is either present or absent for the entire 100-ms window--the rules of Morse code prevent it from switching somewhere in the middle. This knowledge makes it possible to use a matched filter (sometimes called an integrate-and-dump filter) to reduce the receive bandwidth down to about 9 Hz (main lobe), eliminating most of the noise while letting the CW tone pass through unscathed. All coherent 800-Hz energy received during the window is integrated (accumulated), and only at the very end of each window does the receiver make its decision--and the question is: 'during the previous 100 milliseconds, was the key at the transmitter up or down?'" Bill then goes on to describe how a hardware interface (the same one he described in "A Receiver Spectral Display using DSP," in Jan 1992 QST) used with a PC and a program he's written can implement this integrate-and-dump filter to give a 20 dB advantage in S/N over regular CW as 12 WPM. His hardware/program can track slight drift in the radio and a slight deviation from 12 WPM. His 'Coherent CW' software package can be ordered for $20 from: Bill de Carle 29 Sommet Vert St. Adolphe d'Howard, QC J0T 2B0 Canada The bare circuit board for his interface is $24, and an assembled and tested version is $95. Prices are in US dollars. Add $5 for airmail shipment. He includes an address for further info on CCW: CCW Interest Group Peter LUmb, G3IRM 2 Briarwood Ave Bury St Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3QF England I have no financial interest in any of the above (and indeed, I don't even know the author). Michael Bendio WT7J mb@titan.wordperfect.com 801 222-5367 Opinions are my own and aren't necessarily shared by Wordperfect Corporation From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 15:19:13 1994 Return-Path: (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Thu, 26 May 1994 03:18:25 +0800 id aa10748; Wed, 25 May 94 18:49:45 GMT (Smail3.1.28.1 #7) id m0q6MNr-000QAfC; Thu, 26 May 94 01:04 SST (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0q6MYF-000GuuC; Thu, 26 May 94 01:15 SST Wed, 25 May 1994 13:14:54 SST Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 13:14:53 SST From: "W. Daniel" Message-Id: <2de2dece.pandora@pandora.uucp> Reply-To: "W. Daniel" To: pandora!qrp@Think.COM Subject: NN1G still troubled Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi Gang, Here's my second attempt at an appeal for help with my NN1G. Like I said in my previous message, my rig was putting out close to 9 watts of power (now I've managed about 11 watts). The waveform I see under a scope of the output, is not a pure sine-wave, it is distorted. Here's what I need to know. 1. Am I right to assume that since the half-wave filter was designed with a lower power output in mind, I will now be unable to match the output of the filter to my antenna, taking the input impedance to the filter to be Vcc^2 * 2 * Po (where Po is the output power and Vcc is the supply rail voltage). 2. What is the best way to reduce power to the nominal power output level? 3. If everything is working properly, what should I see under the scope at the output? How much power should the watt-meter read typically? 4. What steps can I take to eliminate parasitics and other spurs? Tks for any help. 73, Daniel -- +-------------+-------------------------------------+ | Daniel Wee | daniel%pandora@csah.com | ** Man needs more | UUCP1.12b | daniel.wee@f516.n600.z6.fidonet.org | than a new start, he | SNEWS 1.91 | csah.com!pandora!daniel | needs a new heart! ** +-------------+-------------------------------------+ From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 16:16:57 1994 Return-Path: id AA11201; Wed, 25 May 1994 16:16:07 -0400 id AA25353; Wed, 25 May 94 16:16:43 EDT id AA03090; Wed, 25 May 94 16:16:34 EDT Message-Id: <9405252016.AA03090@kaos.ksr.com> To: "W. Daniel" Cc: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: NN1G still troubled In-Reply-To: Your message of "Wed, 25 May 94 13:14:53 +0700." <2de2dece.pandora@pandora.uucp> Date: Wed, 25 May 94 16:16:32 -0400 From: "John F. Woods" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Last night, I was reading through the 1992 and 1993 collections of QRP Quarterly, and came across a mention of this same problem for another rig (I forget which one, I'll look it up). Distorted waveforms cause false readings on typical peak-reading power meters; in fact, the power output in the case I read was quite obviously higher than was physically possible (implied a resistance less than the emitter resistor in the final...). Check the waveform at the base of the final transistor; if it's really distorted there, fussing with the final isn't likely to help. As a wild guess (which I'll investigate on my own rig, which was happy to put out "too much" power as well), try changing the coupling capacitor for the VFO-to-transmitter path to 1pF instead of 5pF (or even put a 1K resistor in series. The NE602A is intended to amplify and mix millivolts, not volts, and the last time I saw it used as a transmit mixer it was WAY above the 3d-order intercept point. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 18:05:08 1994 Return-Path: id AA26766; Wed, 25 May 94 14:54:54 PDT id AA769902946 Wed, 25 May 94 14:55:46 PST Date: Wed, 25 May 94 14:55:46 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 1728 Text Message-Id: <9404257699.AA769902946@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: "W. Daniel" , qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: NN1G still troubled (and so is my HW-8!) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Let me know what you find out. I've had the same problem with my HW-8 ever since I built it, but only on 15 meters. I've just recently begun investigating it again, with no results so far (I made a similar effort just after building the radio many years ago, and finally abandoned it in frustration). However, one thing I have noticed is that it behaves differently depending on the type of antenna load it sees. I have alot of suspects, but no conclusions. Such as: o Perhaps the RF choke from the final's base to ground has a self-resonance that's affecting operation. o Perhaps the output filter is really resonanting at a different frequency than 21 MHz. Maybe it's completely bunged up. o Perhaps RF is feeding back to the mixer, and giving products at other frequencies (the signal at the driver to the final looks screwy when transmitting, but maybe it's just my scope probe picking up RF). Mixer output looks fine when not transmitting. I don't know what it is, but I've been going in circles chasing it. Maybe, when you find your problem, it will also point to the root cause of mine. I'll probably post something here after the weekend, when I plan to spend some more time looking into it. Let me know how it goes, and good luck! Jeff Anderson, WA6AHL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 19:32:07 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b/IDA-1.5/CE-1.2 for ); Thu, 26 May 1994 09:31:43 +1000 id JAA19982; Thu, 26 May 1994 09:33:02 +1000 Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 09:33:01 +1000 (EST) From: Dave Horsfall Subject: Re: Rejuvenating Gel Cell Batteries To: janderson@polycom.com Cc: qrp@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu In-Reply-To: <9404247697.AA769799031@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk A trick I was told was to connect a power source of about 10v/cell or so in series with a 40W lamp. When the lamp starts to glow, the battery is ready for charging. -- Dave Horsfall (VK2KFU) VK2KFU @ VK2AAB.NSW.AUS.OC PGP 2.3 dave@esi.COM.AU ...munnari!esi.COM.AU!dave available From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Wed May 25 22:05:22 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b8/IDA-1.5 for QRP@Think.COM); Wed, 25 May 1994 22:04:51 -0400 Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 22:04:51 -0400 (EDT) From: "Todd W. Carter" Subject: Good beginners book? To: QRP@Think.COM In-Reply-To: <9405250734.AA19577@mail.think.com> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk What is a good beginner's book on QRP? I'm more interested in what to expect, technique, equipment overview, etc., then I am in construction. That will, hopefully, come later. Thanks! Todd N8ODP From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 02:30:09 1994 Return-Path: id AA17547; Wed, 25 May 94 20:21:58 HST id AA03838; Wed, 25 May 94 20:29:53 HST Date: Wed, 25 May 94 20:29:53 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: ["J. D. Delancy" : ALERT - Internet Virus] Message-Id: Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang - Pulled this off of boatanchors. Jeff NH6IL ************************************************************* --------------- id ; Wed, 25 May 94 23:41:36 -0400 id ; Wed, 25 May 94 23:07:27 -0400 Date: Wed, 25 May 1994 16:55:32 -1000 From: "J. D. Delancy" Subject: ALERT - Internet Virus To: laugh , drken , williams_ken@smtpmac.bah.com, walt , mike@booz.bah.com, boatanchors , gottovi@booz.bah.com, info-mac@ucsd.edu, Ted Starr , "A. Steven Anderson" , Richard Sedlak , haapala , acd Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII I cannot attest to the authenticity of this report; dont shoot the messenger. jd From: FRANK H POTTER@G6HQTRS@MCAS CHERRY PT Subject: INTERNET VIRUS ALERT! Date: Wednesday, May 25, 1994 7:31:08 EDT ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- A Virus has been discovered on Internet that is disguised as CD-ROM shareware. Unknown hackers have illegally put the Chinon name on a destructive shareware file and released it on the Internet. This catastrophic virus is named "CD-IT". -- DO NOT DOWNLOAD. IT WILL CORRUPT YOUR HARD DRIVE. The program, allegedly a shareware PC utility that will convert an ordinary CD-ROM drive into a CD-Recordable (CD-R) device, which is technically impossible, instead destroys critical system files o on a user's hard drive. The program also immediately crashes the CPU, forces the user to reboot and stays in memory. Widest dissemination is requested. Frank Potter CSSO Internet users beware.... From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 07:02:23 1994 Return-Path: with BSMTP id 0855; Thu, 26 May 94 06:56:26 EXT Message-Id: 19940526.065625.ATXR@CENVMC Date: 26 May 94 06:56:25 EXT From: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA To: qrp for sending messages Subject: transportable antennas? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk From: Ted Rosen, Architectural Technology Department I am thinking about the alternatives for lightweight, compact, portable antennas to match my OHR Classic 20m/40m dual band qrp transceiver. My guess is that the "best" choice is a simple dipole. Should I be considering other antenna designs? 1. Simply cutting each of the two strands of parallel conductor wire (one for each band) with a common center feed seems easiest. What would be the parallel conductor wire of choice? zip cord? tv antenna wire (75ohm,300ohm)? other? 2. What would be the better choice of feed line? RG58-U coax? same wire as the dipole? other? I am assuming about 20-30 ft of feed line would be needed. Any comments or suggestions (reference to published articles in ham magazines) would be greatly appreciated. 73 Ted, VA3TAR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 07:17:41 1994 Return-Path: (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Thu, 26 May 1994 19:17:12 +0800 id aa01163; Thu, 26 May 94 10:45:27 GMT (Smail3.1.28.1 #7) id m0q6cVB-000QAyC; Thu, 26 May 94 18:17 SST (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0q6caK-000GuuC; Thu, 26 May 94 18:22 SST Thu, 26 May 1994 06:21:48 SST Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 06:21:47 SST From: "W. Daniel" Message-Id: <2de3cf7c.pandora@pandora.uucp> Reply-To: "W. Daniel" To: pandora!qrp@Think.COM Subject: NN1G trouble Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi Gang, Here's a little update on what's been going on with the NN1G problems I've been having. It appears that the NN1G final PA and driver is a very unstable section. Actually, not so much the PA but the driver. Often, when aligning the TX section, you might find your output going from 5 watts to 12 watts even, on the watt meter. This is a sign of trouble. If you are getting more than 3-4 watts, be suspicious. Then, turn the audio volume all the way down and key to see if you can hear sharp clicks. If you hear a rounded keying click, then you're probably okay. But if what you hear sounds like a dirty contact click, or a distinct clicking, or hissing, or high pitched whistles or oscillations, then you have instability and probably oscillation in the driver stages. You should try this across the band as the instability may occur only in some sections and in some cases, it may not break into oscillation on every key, only on some random key downs. DON'T do this with a dummy load as the dummy load usually gives no problems. Alternatively, if you key into an open circuit and hear a loud "psssssh" hiss instead of your sidetone, you have instability. When I put the signal under the scope, I saw all kinds of horrible waveforms. So after much testing and checking, the signal is a clean sine wave now. Even when I key into an open circuit, I still hear a clean sidetone. If anyone is interested in what I did to fix it, lemme know and I'll see if I can post my fixes/mods. Meanwhile, can anyone tell me where I can order some of those 10.7 MHz IF transformers used in the NN1G? I think I want to make a run of about 10 NN1G kits for my club. How much are these? Tks for any info. 72, Daniel -- +-------------+-------------------------------------+ | Daniel Wee | daniel%pandora@csah.com | ** Man needs more | UUCP1.12b | daniel.wee@f516.n600.z6.fidonet.org | than a new start, he | SNEWS 1.91 | csah.com!pandora!daniel | needs a new heart! ** +-------------+-------------------------------------+ From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 08:22:22 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405261221.AA23976@ig1.att.att.com> From: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Date: 26 May 94 12:21:00 GMT Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: 40m ant bridge Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Careful with Radio Shack power resistors..... I built a few Tuning (~SWR) bridges using the circuit from page 48, of Doug DeMaw's ARRL QRP notebook #1 (blue cover). The resistors came from Radio Shack, and are metal oxide type, 100 ohm, one watt, Cat # 271-152. Two 100 ohm resistors were wired in parallel to provide 50 ohms, at 2 watts, and were substituted for the 47 and 51 ohm values called for in the circuit. The bridges work great up to 24 mHz, where resistor inductance seems to prevent the bridge from completely nulling (reading zero) with a 50 ohm dummy load connected to the "ANT". I crushed one resistor and found 1 or 2 turns of a high resistance wire as the resistance element. This of course has inductance. No matter, as the tuning bridge is used with the NorCal-40, only on 40 meters, and with the "40 Meter Transmatch" circuit shown on page 167 of Solid State Design (ARRL). This bridge replaces the one shown because of the easy availability and low cost of RS power resistors. 72 W1FMR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 09:20:47 1994 Return-Path: <01HCSDY75BEE9GW5T8@tntech.edu>; Thu, 26 May 1994 08:20:38 CDT Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 08:20:38 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: transistor replacement To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCSDY75BEG9GW5T8@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I need to either buy a new MRF476 or replace with another transistor. this is for a 40 meter qrp transmitter.. designed for about 3.5 watts output. I noticed while crossreferencing it in the ECG book that the 2sc1969 has almost the same specs, but collector to base volts on the 1969 is 70 as opposed to 65, max collector current is 8 pulse as opposed to 3 pulse, will dissipate more watts, and the current gain is 20 as opposed to 40 on the MRF476. The 1969 is rated at 13 watts (puts out about 25 on the Ten Tec Century 21s). What would the effect of putting in the 1969 be on the ciruit..guesses anyone? will the lower current gain actually cause a lower output, will the circuit actually work the same but put less of a demand on the final because it was designed for more power? The inquiring mind wants to know. thanks 73 Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 09:50:09 1994 Return-Path: id AA17189; Thu, 26 May 1994 09:49:45 -0400 id AA28460; Thu, 26 May 94 09:50:23 EDT id AA16613; Thu, 26 May 94 09:50:22 EDT Message-Id: <9405261350.AA16613@kaos.ksr.com> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Re: NN1G still troubled (and so is my HW-8!) In-Reply-To: Your message of "Wed, 25 May 94 14:55:46 PST." <9404257699.AA769902946@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> Date: Thu, 26 May 94 09:50:20 -0400 From: "John F. Woods" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I checked my pile of QQ reprints and found the article I mentioned last night; it was about the Two-Fer, and revealed that the original pi-network in the two-fer design wasn't enough to filter the harmonics. The NN1G uses a half-wave filter, which ought to do much better. I also looked at the NN1G schematic; it already has a 10K resistor between the VFO and the NE602A, so the chance of overdrive is somewhat less (and the 1K resistor I suggested won't change the drive level noticably, though changing the 5pF cap to 1pF would). Since the output level changes radically with differing loads, it might be that some of the components in the output network are off (since my rig has "too much" output into a pure 50-ohm load). Also, the final seems to be prone to wild oscillations when looking into particularly bad mismatches, so perhaps it's *always* oscillating somewhere (it just doesn't show up in the sidetone unless it gets near the carrier). I guess I'll finally have to drag the scope out and look. 73, John, WB7EEL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 11:03:05 1994 Return-Path: id AA19163; Thu, 26 May 94 09:02:53 MDT Date: Thu, 26 May 94 09:02:53 MDT From: kub@upl.com (Steve Kubisch) Message-Id: <9405261502.AA19163@uplherc.upl.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: What's a Johnson Matchbox Worth? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi, There is a Johnson Matchbox available to me but the owner will only entertain offers. I don't have any idea what this is worth. What does the group think would be a fair price. I haven't seen it, so can't comment on condition, but it is supposedly OK. The owner states that it is for balanced and unbalanced lines and will handle 265 watts. The matchbox I would like is the one for balanced lines that doesn't use a balun like the one Doug Demaw recommends in "W1FB Antenna Notebook". Is this the same unit?? Having never seen one I'm not sure. Did johnson make other kinds of matchboxes?? tnx es 73 Steve-WW7Y From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 11:25:10 1994 Return-Path: Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 9:21:21 -0600 (MDT) From: B61395@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <940526092121.20c00ffa@awtims.fe.anlw.anl.gov> Subject: Regarding: Cut Short Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi to all. This is an apology to the net for causing a problem, and also a discussion of a lesson learned, with the hope that others will not repeat my error -- I prepared a posting off line the other day, using a text editor that automatically puts an End-of-File marker at the end of the document. ( (Didn't realize it at the time.) When I uploaded the file, the EoF marker went with it. So, if you get the qrp digest, and read it by downloading and then running it through a text editor or viewer, most likely your editor/ viewer will see the EoF marker and cut off the file at that point. This should not cause a problem if you are receiving the list one item at a time, but as I learned, it can make a mess of the digest! Fortunately, I have not normally used that method of preparing a posting, so I don't think it has happened more than once or twice. Well, live and learn... Again, sorry for any inconvenience. 73, Bill, KR8L, M-98, NWQ-127, NCal-454, AMSAT-8735 (wparmley@anl.gov) From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 12:02:38 1994 Return-Path: <01HCSJR6RCY89GWADA@tntech.edu>; Thu, 26 May 1994 11:02:42 CDT Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 11:02:42 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: 40-40 To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCSJR6T8GY9GWADA@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I can't find my posting on the 40-40.. does anyone have the original info? I am about ready to order one (just what I need, another kit). thanks Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 12:23:53 1994 Return-Path: (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 27 May 1994 00:23:15 +0800 id aa02638; Thu, 26 May 94 15:45:23 GMT (Smail3.1.28.1 #7) id m0q6h03-000QB0C; Thu, 26 May 94 23:05 SST (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0q6hEY-000GuvC; Thu, 26 May 94 23:20 SST Thu, 26 May 1994 11:19:22 SST Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 11:19:21 SST From: "W. Daniel" Message-Id: <2de4153a.pandora@pandora.uucp> Reply-To: "W. Daniel" To: pandora!qrp@Think.COM Subject: NN1G fixes Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Hi Gang, Okay, here are the mods I did to fix the TX section for the NN1G. There are 2 primary requirements, properly tuning the 2 IF transformers on the TX board is critical. You will need:- a) 36 pF capacitor b) Some ferrite beads, small ones. c) SWR and watt meter d) >20 MHz scope if you have but probably optional. First of all determine if you have the problem as mentioned in previous mail. If you do, read on. Connect your antenna, not a dummy load, to a working rig. Tune the antenna to resonate at 20m if its a multi-bander. Use an ATU if you have one. Once you know your antenna is resonant AND matched at 20m, connect your NN1G to it and note your SWR. Do not retune the ATU since it is already resonant. If you see an SWR exceeding 2:1, then you are like to to be having the same problems as I. Take the ceramic 36 pF and cut one leg to about 3 mm and tin it. Look at the second driver transistor (2N2222), the one closest to the PA transistor. Tin the top of the transistor after cleaning it. Solder the shortened lead of the 36 pF capacitor to the top of the transistor. Now, slip a couple of ferrite beads over the other lead. I noticed that I needed a few to cut down the spurs to a reasonable level. Tin one of the corners of the IF transformers and solder the longer lead of the capacitor to it, effectively grounding it. Now, you should see a much lower power output. In my case, I cut some tracks at the bottom of the board and put ferrite beads on the base connections of the driver transistors' bases but I think this is unecessary. Retune the IF transformers for a minimum SWR reading. This should take some time. Then turn audio volume all the way down. There should be no more sharp clicking when keyed. Instead, there should be a "gentle" click with no hiss. Try this out through out the band to see if instability occurs. If it does, retune the IF transformer for more stability. If you have a scope, put it to the output at the antenna. Remember, until now, NO dummy loads. Be sure to have a flat SWR if possible, as in my case, or at least the lowest possible. Key down and adjust the transformers for the most sinusoidal waveform. Do not get greedy for amplitude. Go through the band to see if the waveform is stable. You should be using a scope of more than 20 MHz for this purpose. Finally, when all is set, remove scope. Remove antenna and leave the antenna disconnected. Key down, you should hear a clean sidetone, no hissing noise. There you have it. Lemme know if anyone else got a different fix. I know the problem is NOT with the finals PA, directly, but more with the drivers. Keep leads as short as possible at all times. Now, if anyone could so kindly tell me how to put RIT onto the NN1G, I'd be most grateful for not having to reinvent the wheel. If this has not been done before, I will try to do it. So help me. I also want to put a more final FINAL PA with about 8 watts output to the NN1G but still keep the same QSK, I wonder if this is possible. Could I, for example, use another transistor for the PA and get more power output? 73, Daniel -- +-------------+-------------------------------------+ | Daniel Wee | daniel%pandora@csah.com | ** Man needs more | UUCP1.12b | daniel.wee@f516.n600.z6.fidonet.org | than a new start, he | SNEWS 1.91 | csah.com!pandora!daniel | needs a new heart! ** +-------------+-------------------------------------+ From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 12:54:00 1994 Return-Path: id AA28377; Thu, 26 May 94 09:44:17 PDT id AA769970709 Thu, 26 May 94 09:45:09 PST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 09:45:09 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 129 Text Message-Id: <9404267699.AA769970709@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Where are the scanned photos? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Where can I find the scanned photos? Thanks! Jeff - WA6AHL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 13:25:40 1994 Return-Path: (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for qrp for sending messages ); Thu, 26 May 1994 12:23:59 -0500 Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 12:19:35 -0500 (CDT) From: Andrew Arnett Subject: Re: transportable antennas? To: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA Cc: qrp for sending messages In-Reply-To: 19940526.065625.ATXR@CENVMC Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I just looked up the losses for TV twinlead in Belden's catalog. All types listed except for the one with a foil shield were listed at or less than 1.4 dB / 100 ft @ 100 MHz. 3 types were listed at or less than 1.1 dB / 100 ft @ 100 MHz. I guess tv twinlead would only have portability as an advantage over the open wire 450 ohm ladderline. A disadvantage may be power handling (if you're QRO.) I hope to try out some twinlead feedline in the next month or two. 73 Drew kb9fko From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 13:32:19 1994 Return-Path: id AA26034; Thu, 26 May 94 10:31:32 PDT id AA27922; Thu, 26 May 1994 10:27:01 +0800 id AA11209; Thu, 26 May 1994 10:26:56 +0800 Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 10:26:56 +0800 From: Raymond.Anderson@EBay.Sun.COM (Ray Anderson) Message-Id: <9405261726.AA11209@uranium.EBay.Sun.COM> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: NN1G fixes Cc: Raymond.Anderson@EBay.Sun.COM X-Sun-Charset: US-ASCII Content-Length: 997 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Daniel writes: ... stuff deleted .... > Take the ceramic 36 pF and cut one leg to about 3 mm and tin it. >Look at the second driver transistor (2N2222), the one closest to the PA >transistor. Tin the top of the transistor after cleaning it. Solder the >shortened lead of the 36 pF capacitor to the top of the transistor. Now, >slip a couple of ferrite beads over the other lead. I noticed that I needed >a few to cut down the spurs to a reasonable level. Tin one of the corners of ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ >the IF transformers and solder the longer lead of the capacitor to it, >effectively grounding it. .... more stuff deleted ....... Daniel, Does this mean something is still oscillating but you've managed to attenuate the level of the oscillations reaching the output? Were you able to identify the frequency of the oscillations? Ray Anderson WB6TPU raymonda@uranium.ebay.sun.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 13:42:35 1994 Return-Path: id KAA19428; Thu, 26 May 1994 10:41:37 -0700 for @sgi.sgi.com,@FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com id AA28437; Thu, 26 May 94 12:41:32 -0500 for @FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:JMG@tntech.edu id AA07597; Thu, 26 May 94 12:41:31 -0500 Date: Thu, 26 May 94 12:41:31 -0500 From: adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com (Chuck Adams) Message-Id: <9405261741.AA07597@chuck.dallas.sgi.com> To: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: Re: 40-40 Cc: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk >I can't find my posting on the 40-40.. does anyone have the >original info? I am about ready to order one (just what I need, >another kit). > >thanks > >Jeff, AC4HF > The 40-40 may now be order direct from NN1G for $40 + $1.95 for postage and handling. Jim posted the info the other day. I got mine in the mail earlier this week. I'll have it going tonite and report on saturday. Anyone wanna work me on 40 this weekend, let me know. Friday nite is out :-) but saturday nite is open. :-( dit dit Chuck Adams K5FO CP-60 adams@sgi.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 15:12:44 1994 Return-Path: id AA19953; Thu, 26 May 94 09:08:08 HST id AA15542; Thu, 26 May 94 09:11:02 HST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 9:11:01 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA Cc: QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu Subject: Re: transportable antennas? In-Reply-To: Your message of 26 May 94 06:56:25 EXT Message-Id: Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Ted mentioned using zip cord - an older (60's) ham project book mentioned using zip cord ( AC power cord ) as temporary antenna lead-in. Anyone know the impedance of the stuff? Jeff NH6IL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 15:51:01 1994 Return-Path: id AA21906; Thu, 26 May 94 13:50:43 MDT Date: Thu, 26 May 94 13:50:43 MDT From: kub@upl.com (Steve Kubisch) Message-Id: <9405261950.AA21906@uplherc.upl.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: What is Johnson Matchbox worth? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk hi, I have found a Johnson Matchbox but the owner will only accept offers. What is one in supposedly good shape worth? It is supposed to be for balanced and unbalnced lines and will handle 265 watts. Is this the same unit recommended by Doug Demaw in his W1FB antenna notebook? I want the one that doesn't use a balun for balanced lines to minimize my losses at QRP levels. The owner is on Inet so I can't see the unit. tnx & 73 Steve-WW7Y p.s. I sent this message to the reflector earlier but it didn't seem to get thru???? From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 16:13:10 1994 Return-Path: id AA12043; Thu, 26 May 94 11:13:37 -0700 id AA28089; Thu, 26 May 94 14:08:59 -0400 Message-Id: <9405261808.AA28089@us2rmc.bb.dec.com> Date: Thu, 26 May 94 14:09:00 EDT From: Andrew Comas To: qrp@Think.COM Apparently-To: qrp@think.com Subject: Dot Anticipator? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Does anyone know what a 'Dot Anticipator circuit' is in an iambic keyer? Andrew KF2JH comas@nyo.dec.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 16:57:06 1994 Return-Path: id AA28746; Thu, 26 May 94 13:47:10 PDT id AA769985282 Thu, 26 May 94 13:48:02 PST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 13:48:02 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 667 Text Message-Id: <9404267699.AA769985282@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA, Jeffrey Herman Cc: QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu Subject: Re: Re: transportable antennas? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Jeff: Interestingly enough, Doug Demaw mentioned having good luck with zip cord in one of his "notebooks" (either QRP, Antenna, or Design - I always forget which, but I think it was the QRP). However, I recently ran across another reference to zip cord as feed line in, I think, the ARRL's Antenna Handbook, which DID NOT recommend using it - much too lossy (again, I'm relying on my unreliable memory). You might want to thumb through a copy and check it out. If the lead-in is short, it's probably OK, but I'd be worried if operating QRP... Let me know if you find anything else out. - Jeff, WA6AHL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 17:21:02 1994 Return-Path: id AA28762; Thu, 26 May 94 14:11:08 PDT id AA769986721 Thu, 26 May 94 14:12:01 PST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 14:12:01 PST From: janderson@polycom.com Encoding: 176 Text Message-Id: <9404267699.AA769986721@ccsmtpgw.polycom.com> To: qrp@Think.COM, "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: Re: transistor replacement Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Where can I get the "ECG" book for cross-referencing 2SC... transistors that Jeff Gold mentions? Thanks & 73, Jeff, WA6AHL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 18:00:08 1994 Return-Path: Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 17:59:44 -0400 (EDT) From: Craig LaBarge Subject: QRP in Digest Form? To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I'm fairly new to this list. Is it possible to get this stuff in Digest form via Email? Any info would be appreciated. 72 Craig WB3GCK From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 18:47:03 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405262246.AA13201@Early-Bird.Think.COM> (1.37.109.4/16.2) id AA09589; Thu, 26 May 94 16:46:34 -0600 Date: Thu, 26 May 94 16:46:34 -0600 From: Mark J Schreiner To: ATXR@cenvmc.cencol.on.ca, qrp-bounce@Think.COM Subject: Re: transportable antennas? Cc: QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk The impedance of the zip chord depends on the physical dimensions. You could measure these dimensions (dia of conductors and spacing between condx) and plug & chug them into the formulas in the handbooks to determine this. If you don't have a suitable handbook, here is a formula you could try: Zo = 276/(sqrt(er)) * log (D/a) where Zo is the impedance D is the distance between center of the conductors a is the radius of the conductors er is the relative permittivity (1 for air, 0.95 for some "foam" dielectrics, and probably about 3 to 4 for rubber, plastic, polyvinyl or whatever the stuff your zipchord is made of) sqrt is the square root Let me know what zipchord you use and how the math works out if you compare with test data. Good luck, de Mark, NK8Q From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 18:55:08 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405262254.AA14190@Early-Bird.Think.COM> (1.37.109.4/16.2) id AA09753; Thu, 26 May 94 16:54:46 -0600 Date: Thu, 26 May 94 16:54:46 -0600 From: Mark J Schreiner To: qrp-bounce@Think.COM, qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: Dot Anticipator? Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Sounds like it could read your mind and insert the dot as required while all you have to do is hold down the dash paddle. If you are sending very slow code and you are half way through a dash, you could very quickly insert the dot while the dash is still sending. If you release the dot paddle before the dash is completed, the dot must be stored in memory, anticipating the completion of the dash prior to its execution. All this would be done while you are holding down the dash paddle. That is my guess as to what it is, as I didn't invent the term. For instance, the letter Q is dah-dah-di-dah. You would hold down the dash paddle for all three dah's, insert the dot very quickly (press and release the dot paddle) after the execution of the second dah but prior to its completion. If this answer is not correct, let me know. de Mark, NK8Q/2 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 20:20:53 1994 Return-Path: Date: Tue, 24 May 94 23:07:13 GMT From: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk (George Dobbs G3RJV) Reply-To: g3rjv@gqrp.demon.co.uk Message-Id: <1410@gqrp.demon.co.uk> To: JimN0OCT@aol.com, qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: favorite circuits X-Mailer: PCElm 1.09 Lines: 24 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk In message <9405232346.tn416723@aol.com> JimN0OCT@aol.com writes: > I just completed an "OXO" transmitter from an old SPRAT article reprinted in > the St. Louis QRP Society newsletter. Question I have is: what are favorite > simple circuits amongst the readers of the QRP mailing list?? It would be > fun to reproduce some of the spirit for which the OXO was intended--minimal > parts count with good performance. Please post your favorites--I'm sure I'm > not the only one who would be interested, what with FD coming soon!! > > > 72 (+/- 1), Jim N0OCT > > jimn0oct@aol.com The real Classic Fun Transmitter is the ONER, also by George Burt, GM3OXX. An easy to build TX on a one inch square PCB. Kanga US - N8ET - do a kit for it. Can be used any band from 160-20m - my version gives me about 3.5w out on 80m and about 1w out on 20m. To change band : use appropriate xtal and appropriate low pass filter. 72/3 -- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- George Dobbs G3RJV "It is vain to do with more, G-QRP Club what can be done with less." -------------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350) From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 21:12:59 1994 Return-Path: (Smail3.1.26.7 #4) id m0q6qTe-0006r5a; Thu, 26 May 94 18:12 PDT (Smail3.1.28.1 #2) id m0q6qEL-0000CCa; Thu, 26 May 94 17:56 PDT (Smail3.1.28.1 #2) id m0q6m6k-0000CLa; Thu, 26 May 94 13:32 PDT (Smail3.1.26.7 #4) id m0q6m1t-0006r6a; Thu, 26 May 94 13:27 PDT id AA19953; Thu, 26 May 94 09:08:08 HST id AA15542; Thu, 26 May 94 09:11:02 HST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 9:11:01 HST From: Jeffrey Herman To: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA Cc: QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu Subject: Re: transportable antennas? In-Reply-To: Your message of 26 May 94 06:56:25 EXT Message-Id: Content-Type: text Content-Length: 189 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Ted mentioned using zip cord - an older (60's) ham project book mentioned using zip cord ( AC power cord ) as temporary antenna lead-in. Anyone know the impedance of the stuff? Jeff NH6IL From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 22:04:44 1994 Return-Path: (5.67a8/IDA-1.4.4 for qrp@Think.COM); Thu, 26 May 1994 22:02:46 -0400 Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 21:55:19 -500 (EDT) From: James Lyons Subject: Re: favorite circuits To: George Dobbs G3RJV Cc: JimN0OCT@aol.com, qrp@Think.COM In-Reply-To: <1410@gqrp.demon.co.uk> Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk On Tue, 24 May 1994, George Dobbs G3RJV wrote: > In message <9405232346.tn416723@aol.com> JimN0OCT@aol.com writes: > > I just completed an "OXO" transmitter from an old SPRAT article reprinted in > > the St. Louis QRP Society newsletter. Question I have is: what are favorite > > simple circuits amongst the readers of the QRP mailing list?? It would be > > fun to reproduce some of the spirit for which the OXO was intended--minimal > > parts count with good performance. Please post your favorites--I'm sure I'm > > not the only one who would be interested, what with FD coming soon!! > > > > > > 72 (+/- 1), Jim N0OCT > > > > jimn0oct@aol.com > > The real Classic Fun Transmitter is the ONER, also by George Burt, GM3OXX. > An easy to build TX on a one inch square PCB. Kanga US - N8ET - do a kit > for it. Can be used any band from 160-20m - my version gives me about 3.5w > out on 80m and about 1w out on 20m. To change band : use appropriate xtal > and appropriate low pass filter. > 72/3 > -- > ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- > George Dobbs G3RJV "It is vain to do with more, > G-QRP Club what can be done with less." > -------------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350) I agree wi,th George. I spent my most entetaining 18 months in 43 years of Hamming woeking ll states running 1 watt from the ONER. In addition I worked JA (in a contest) LONG PATH, from montreal and also worked VK. A really fine little rig. I used an old Drake 2B as RX withe the Q-multiplier. Alos ran it on 15 and 10 meters getting about 530 mW and 100 mW respectively and got across to G several times during a Winter Sports. All of the above was back a few years when conditions were really good and I have a Cushcraft ATB-34 at 50 feet. BTW George, if you are reading this, I don't sem to be able to EMAIL to the address on your messages. Any ideas how I should address messages to you? Jim, VE2KN, G-QRP 1715 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 22:51:10 1994 Return-Path: id WAA22289; Thu, 26 May 1994 22:33:08 -0400 (from sct@pop.cwru.edu for ) Message-Id: <199405270233.WAA22289@thor.INS.CWRU.Edu> From: Stephen Trier Date: 27 May 1994 02:33:00 GMT To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Request for assistance Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Argh. Although my receiver project got off to a good start with a working VFO, it didn't last long. :-) It's time to find some experience out here that can point me to what's wrong. My tools are limited to a multimeter and an oscilloscope. The circuit I'm trying is on page 111 of _W1FB's Design Notebook_. Problem 1: There is a 0.001 uF capacitor coupling the VFO output to the mixer. On the VFO side of the capacitor, I see a clean 2V pk-pk sine wave. On the mixer side, I see a very dirty waveform with microvolts of amplitude and only a hint of the VFO frequency. I take this to mean the coupling capacitor is shot. Does that sound right? Problem 2: the VFO is running way low of where it should be. I can get it up to a bit above 6.5 MHz by disconnecting the tuning capacitor entirely, but I need 7 MHz if this thing is ever going to be useful. The number of turns on the inductor is right and the capacitor is the right size. Is this the oscilloscope probe skewing the results? Is it a result of problem 1? Problem 3: I haven't gotten far enough along in my understanding to be able to predict whether the AF amp is going to be able to drive an earphone. Given that this would mean 80 dB or more gain in one transistor, it seems unlikely. What kind of power/voltages should I be seeing from the AF output, anyway? Do you have any suggestions on how much gain is needed from an external audio amp? The goal here isn't to make a top-notch receiver. I'm after learning. I guess I'm getting it, starting with a tutorial in what can go wrong. :-) Thanks for any help! Stephen -- Stephen Trier Whenever the literary German dives into a sentence, that is sct@po.cwru.edu the last you are going to see of him until he emerges on the KG8IH other side of his Atlantic with his verb in his mouth. -- Mark Twain, "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court" From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Thu May 26 23:02:30 1994 Return-Path: Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 22:55:21 -0400 (EDT) From: "J. D. Delancy" Subject: Re: transportable antennas? To: Jeffrey Herman Cc: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA, QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu In-Reply-To: Message-Id: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk On Thu, 26 May 1994, Jeffrey Herman wrote: > Ted mentioned using zip cord - an older (60's) ham project book mentioned > using zip cord ( AC power cord ) as temporary antenna lead-in. Anyone know > the impedance of the stuff? > > Jeff NH6IL Well, no I dont, but a friend of mine, K5DCP, while stationed in Japan and living on onbase at Misawa, make a two element quad out of zip cord, fed it with RG58. He had DXCC plus when he left (but didnt apply for it) wth less than a hundred watts. I guess one could assume that a fifty ohm match is possible. jd From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 01:05:03 1994 Return-Path: id AA02550; Fri, 27 May 94 00:13:24 EDT by mimsy.cs.UMD.EDU (8.6.9/UMIACS-0.9/04-05-88) id AAA23927; Fri, 27 May 1994 00:12:52 -0400 (5.61/UUNET-internet-primary) id AAwrqd07560; Thu, 26 May 94 21:49:30 -0400 (Smail3.1.28.1 #5) id m0q6r3w-0001a2C; Thu, 26 May 94 21:50 EDT id m0q6qiu-0008XkC; Thu, 26 May 94 21:28 EDT From: rutgers!wb3ffv.ampr.org!Mike.Czuhajewski%hambbs@Think.COM (Mike Czuhajewski) To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: April QRP Quarterly Does Exist Date: Thu, 26 May 94 21:28:32 EST5EDT Message-Id: <1994May26.212832.29105@wb3ffv.ampr.org> X-Mailer: UniBoard 1.21f S/N 329931 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Forgive me if this info is already on the system; the host computer has some sort of bug tonight and tells me there is nothing in my mailbox, and also tells me I have something in my mailbox, depending on which menu I look at, but I can't see anything (#@#$...). Anyhow, I received my advance, first class issues of the APRIL Quarterly today (those of us on the Board get first class mail instead of the bulk rate), so it DOES exist. I was starting to wonder if the old printer had dumped the entire press run in the dumpster out of spite for us terminating them, but I guess not. And unimpeachable sources (several) tell me that we HAVE terminated the old printer, that the April issue IS the last to be done by the FORMER printer, that the July issue WILL be done by someone else and probably be on time. 73... -- Mike Czuhajewski, user of the UniBoard System @ wb3ffv.ampr.org E-Mail: Mike.Czuhajewski%hambbs@wb3ffv.ampr.org The WB3FFV Amateur Radio BBS - Located in Baltimore, Maryland USA Supporting the Amateur Radio Hobby, and TCP/IP InterNetworking From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 02:01:47 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405270601.AA25180@Early-Bird.Think.COM> with BSMTP id 4208; Thu, 26 May 94 23:01:21 PST Date: Thu, 26 May 94 23:01 PDT To: qrp@Think.COM From: Michael Stein Subject: Request for assistance (p 111) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > The circuit I'm trying is on page 111 of _W1FB's Design Notebook_. Comments? Sure, assistance perhaps.. (I've read lots, tried building some things -- don't have a working DC receiver...) > Argh. Although my receiver project got off to a good start with > a working VFO, it didn't last long. :-) I've always had good luck with that style FET oscillator.. > Problem 1: There is a 0.001 uF capacitor coupling the VFO > output to the mixer. On the VFO side of the capacitor, I see a > clean 2V pk-pk sine wave. On the mixer side, I see a very > dirty waveform with microvolts of amplitude and only a hint of > the VFO frequency. I take this to mean the coupling capacitor > is shot. Does that sound right? Looking at the schematic I see that the .001 uF is in series with a .01 uF to ground. So 1/10 of the voltage should be at the junction (mixer), assuming the diodes can be ignored. I'm not sure they can be. Did you test the diodes before installing them? Is the .01 uF cap RF rated? Is the RFC good? I would expect the diodes to clamp the junction to .5 to .7 pk-pk assuming something else didn't limit the voltage first (like available source power/impedance). Anyway, the osc output is being "matched?" to a low impedance, first the osc inductor is 32T and the output comes from a 6T link (5.3 ratio voltage, 28 times impedance), this then feeds the .001 & .01 uF caps to ground. I also note that the voltage at the hot end of the osc tank should be around 10.6 V pk-pk assuming a 5.3 step up from the 2V you measured. (You probably can't measure this without affecting it though). Does this 10V sound right for an osc running on 12V? Rambling on, the osc L is 4.8uH, Xl is then 211 ohms at 7 Mhz. So with 10Vpk-pk (3.5V rms) on 211 ohms implies about 16 mA rms of current here. Is that a useful number? If the Q was about 100 then the input current would be only 160uA or so -- I wonder how much current your VFO/FET is drawing. Oh, the Q with the load is probably lower so the current is higher? > Problem 2: the VFO is running way low of where it should be. I > can get it up to a bit above 6.5 MHz by disconnecting the tuning > capacitor entirely, but I need 7 MHz if this thing is ever going > to be useful. The number of turns on the inductor is right and > the capacitor is the right size. Is this the oscilloscope probe > skewing the results? Is it a result of problem 1? How are you measuring the frequency? I'd guess that the scope moves the frequency somewhat. LC for 7 Mhz is 517e-18, so for L=4.8uH, then C=108pF. Adding 10pF would shift the frequency down to about 6.7 Mhz. Or the L could be a bit high. It sounds like a 10% variation would easily result in this problem. > Problem 3: I haven't gotten far enough along in my understanding > to be able to predict whether the AF amp is going to be able to > drive an earphone. Given that this would mean 80 dB or more gain > in one transistor, it seems unlikely. What kind of > power/voltages should I be seeing from the AF output, anyway? Do > you have any suggestions on how much gain is needed from an > external audio amp? The text says "two more identical stages of amplification are necessary in order to ensure adequate weak-signal reception". The 2N3904 base is biased at 1.8V (12V * 10K/(56K+10K)). With the 470 ohm emitter resistor the current would be about 2.6 mA. So Re is about 10 ohms (someone made this easy to calc?). Rc is 2.7K so the voltage gain (no load?) is about 270 times. So thats about 24dB per stage. Three stages should be 72 dB -- does that sound better? (Did I get any of this right?) From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 02:06:20 1994 Return-Path: (5.65/1.35 for ); Fri, 27 May 94 02:05:40 -0400 X-Mailer: WinNET Mail, v2.11 Message-Id: <278@ted.win.net> Reply-To: mjsilva@ted.win.net (Michael Silva) To: sct@po.cwru.edu, qrp@Think.COM Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 22:06:54 Subject: Re: Request for assistance From: mjsilva@ted.win.net (Michael Silva) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk > >Argh. Although my receiver project got off to a good start with a working >VFO, it didn't last long. :-) It's time to find some experience out here >that can point me to what's wrong. My tools are limited to a multimeter and >an oscilloscope. > >The circuit I'm trying is on page 111 of _W1FB's Design Notebook_. > >Problem 1: There is a 0.001 uF capacitor coupling the VFO output to the >mixer. On the VFO side of the capacitor, I see a clean 2V pk-pk sine wave. >On the mixer side, I see a very dirty waveform with microvolts of amplitude >and only a hint of the VFO frequency. I take this to mean the coupling >capacitor is shot. Does that sound right? Two volts on the VFO side sounds good. Looking at the other side of the capacitor, the circuit doesn't seem right. It's that 0.01 capacitor that goes right to ground that bothers me. It's part of the low-pass filter that passes the audio and strips the RF, but it also acts as a 10-1 divider on the VFO voltage, which makes no sense (to me, at least!). Try clipping out that 0.01 capacitor and see what happens. If still no difference, it's either a shorted diode or open cap. (Actually, a shorted diode should pull down the signal on the other side of the cap as well. Most likely the cap.) You should see a clipped sine wave of a little better than 1/2 volt at the diodes. I'd still leave out the 0.01 cap, or put in a 100-200pf. >Problem 2: the VFO is running way low of where it should be. I can get it >up to a bit above 6.5 MHz by disconnecting the tuning capacitor entirely, >but I need 7 MHz if this thing is ever going to be useful. The number of >turns on the inductor is right and the capacitor is the right size. Is this >the oscilloscope probe skewing the results? Is it a result of problem 1? Pulling shouldn't be a problem if you're checking signal at the secondary of the transformer. Are you sure you have the right size core and the right core material? There are both 40-turn and 32-turn coils in the circuit. Did you swap them? Did you try calculating the inductance based on the number of turns, and the resonant frequency? Typos know no band limits! >Problem 3: I haven't gotten far enough along in my understanding to be able >to predict whether the AF amp is going to be able to drive an earphone. >Given that this would mean 80 dB or more gain in one transistor, it seems >unlikely. What kind of power/voltages should I be seeing from the AF output, >anyway? Do you have any suggestions on how much gain is needed from an >external audio amp? I doubt you'll get more than a millivolt or so at the output. Just about right for driving the ever-popular LM386 amplifier. That should put something in your earphones. > >The goal here isn't to make a top-notch receiver. I'm after learning. I >guess I'm getting it, starting with a tutorial in what can go wrong. :-) >Thanks for any help! > Best of luck and have fun! 73, Mike, KK6GM From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 03:20:02 1994 Return-Path: (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4); Thu, 26 May 1994 23:35:41 -0700 by tr2 (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #20) Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk id m0q6uMo-0005lUC; Thu, 26 May 94 22:21 PDT Message-Id: From: jerry@tr2.com (Jerome Kaidor) Subject: Re: transportable antennas? To: jherman@uhunix.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Jeffrey Herman) Date: Thu, 26 May 1994 22:21:57 -0700 (PDT) Cc: ATXR@CENVMC.CENCOL.ON.CA, QRP@Think.COM, boatanchors@gnu.ai.mit.edu In-Reply-To: from "Jeffrey Herman" at May 26, 94 09:11:01 am X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23] Content-Type: text Content-Length: 636 Jeffrey Herman wrote: > > Ted mentioned using zip cord - an older (60's) ham project book mentioned > using zip cord ( AC power cord ) as temporary antenna lead-in. Anyone know > the impedance of the stuff? **** I believe its in the neighborhood of 75 ohms. Just right for a dipole. In fact, I used to make complete dipoles out of the stuff. Just zip apart a dipole's worth and make a knot to keep it from unzipping more. Of course, the insulation Q is no great shakes. I understand that it works well up through 40M, fairly well on 20, and quite badly on 15 and up. - Jerry Kaidor From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 08:15:54 1994 Return-Path: X400-Received: by mta NT.COM in /PRMD=NORTEL/ADMD= /C=US/; Relayed; Fri, 27 May 1994 12:14:33 +0000 X400-Received: by /PRMD=NT/ADMD=MCI/C=US/; Relayed; Fri, 27 May 1994 12:15:22 +0000 X400-Received: by /PRMD=NT/ADMD=MCI/C=US/; Relayed; Fri, 27 May 1994 12:16:00 +0000 Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 12:16:00 +0000 X400-Originator: william.redfearn.cmwdr01@nt.com X400-Recipients: non-disclosure:; X400-Mts-Identifier: [/PRMD=NT/ADMD=MCI/C=US/;mcigate.nt.750:27.04.94.12.15.22] X400-Content-Type: P2-1984 (2) Content-Identifier: Gel-Cel charger From: william.redfearn.cmwdr01@nt.com Message-Id: <"20751 Fri May 27 07:15:25 1994"@nt.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Gel-Cel charger Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk In the July 94 Electronics Now magazine, the All Electronics Corp. ad features a Gel Cell battery charger. Brief description: Kintek "Intellicharger". Charges 12 volt gel cell lead-acid batteries of 1.6 amps/hour or greater. Charger circuit regulates current, ramping down current as battery approaches full capacity. Batteries can be left on charger indefinately. Originally designed for a phone battery, you'll have to change the connector for your application. Cat# CK-128 $7.50 ea. All Electronics Corp. 1-800-826-5432. I have no connection with All Electronics Corp., I just ordered two of the chargers to see how well they work. ==================================================================== Dave Redfearn, SR PC LAN Analyst Northern Telecom RTP, NC. ph.(919) 992-3925 email: cmwdr01@nt.com qrl? de N4ELM/qrp All opinions are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of my employer, co-workers or any other person, real or imaginary. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 09:25:52 1994 Return-Path: id <2DE5FF8C@ccsgtwy.daytonoh.ncr.com>; Fri, 27 May 94 09:11:24 EST From: "Doyle,Ron" To: QRP Subject: Source for TDA7000 Receiver IC Date: Fri, 27 May 94 09:15:00 EST Message-Id: <2DE5FF8C@ccsgtwy.daytonoh.ncr.com> Encoding: 15 TEXT X-Mailer: Microsoft Mail V3.0 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Someone asked about sources for the TDA7000 chip. I lost the message after carefully trying to save it. Seems like the only messages I want to save I delete. In the August 92 issue of 73 the supplier is listed as: DC Electronics P.O. Box 3203 Scottsdale AZ 85271. Phone: (800) 423-0070 or (602) 945-7736. The price was $5.95 72 de Ron, N8VAR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 10:25:46 1994 Return-Path: Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 8:27:41 -0600 (MDT) From: LVE@mica.inel.gov To: QRP@Think.COM Message-Id: <940527082741.20200b60@mica.inel.gov> Subject: Ramsey Kits Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Anyone have any comments (good or bad) about Ramsey kits? Thanks and 73E-2, Larry. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 11:50:03 1994 Return-Path: Message-Id: <9405271549.AA12537@ig1.att.att.com> From: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Date: 27 May 94 15:48:00 GMT Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: 40-40 & FD Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Just got a call from Dave, NN1G and he has a few 40-40 (30m & 40m) kits ready for immediate delivery. FD..... Does anyone want to join QRP-NE for Field Day ? The Zuni Loopers are importing a ringer (80 WPM) K5FO to help them with Field Day. That is a dirty trick...... and unfair !!!! But, this just means that the New England QRP club FD team will have to (fairly & squarely) look for more ways to become even more efficient and skilled than they were last year. And, any advice, recommendations, and help would be welcomed. 72 W1FMR From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 14:28:06 1994 Return-Path: id <01HCU2F9NSE891Z0HO@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU>; Fri, 27 May 1994 13:27:35 CDT Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 13:27:35 -0500 (CDT) From: Doug Heacock Subject: Friend seeking rig To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCU2F9TMF691Z0HO@KUHUB.CC.UKANS.EDU> X-Vms-To: IN%"qrp@think.com" X-Vms-Cc: HEACOCK Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk QRP folks: A friend from the local radio club called today to ask for some help in finding an inexpensive QRP rig so he can get back into HF (he's been inactive there since '84). CW is okay, but SSB would be nice. Primary bands of interest include 40, 30 and 15. He can't use an outside antenna, so he'll probably be using a random-wire of some type, and some means of matching the rig to the wire would be helpful (simple matchbox or random wire tuner or something). His name is James Canaday, N6YR, and since he is a grad student here at the University, cost is an important factor. He is also blind (I can't recall the politically correct term), but I doubt that will hinder him from using just about any kind of equipment. You can contact him directly at (913) 841-1903 if you have something you think he might be interested in, or you can e-mail me, and I'll pass the information along. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. 73 de aa0ms -- ================================================================= Doug Heacock, KANREN User Services | heacock@ukanaix.cc.ukans.edu Academic Computing Services | heacock@kuhub.cc.ukans.edu The University of Kansas | heacock@ukanvax.bitnet Lawrence, Kansas 66045 | Amateur radio: AA0MS ================================================================= From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 14:45:46 1994 Return-Path: for qrp@think.com id AA18008; Fri, 27 May 94 11:45:31 -0700 for @sgi.sgi.com,@FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:qrp@think.com id AA05789; Fri, 27 May 94 13:45:14 -0500 for @FORWARDHOST.BAR.FOO.COM:mvjf@mvubr.att.com id AA09769; Fri, 27 May 94 13:45:12 -0500 Date: Fri, 27 May 94 13:45:12 -0500 From: adams@chuck.dallas.sgi.com (Chuck Adams) Message-Id: <9405271845.AA09769@chuck.dallas.sgi.com> To: mvjf@mvubr.att.com (James M Fitton +1 508 960 2577) Subject: Re: 40-40 & FD Cc: qrp@Think.COM Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk 1. I got the 40-40 from Dave, NN1G. It's a good looking kit and the manual is just great. I'll have mine on the air Saturday nite at 0600CDT (2300Z) looking for AC4HF and anyone else that wants to try. Sorry ---- can't make tonight. :-) 2. Jim notes that I have plans to work with the Zuni group. My company has me planned for an offsite meeting in Colorado Springs CO the same weekend, even though I had already scheduled the CA trip. The jury is still out on this one, so NE-QRP es W1FMR may still have a chance. :-) 3. Watch for posting next on Sundays SPRINT. Be there an be square. VE5VA, you awake? Pete had better have the antennas thawed out. :-) :-) I'll take on all challengers for this one. 1W or less. How about a NN1G vs NorCal test on this one guys. Just informal. I'll keep the stats. After the test, send me your stats, rig, etc. Pray for good condx. Posts to follow on the mail list. dit dit Chuck Adams K5FO CP-60 adams@sgi.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 15:25:37 1994 Return-Path: id AA15267; Fri, 27 May 94 14:26:31 -0500 27 May 94 19:23 GMT Date: Fri, 27 May 94 14:13 EST From: Bob Smith <0005512847@mcimail.com> To: QRP Subject: ZIp Chord as antenna/feedline Message-Id: <81940527191318/0005512847NA1EM@mcimail.com> Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I remember seeing a very indepth article in QST on this subject. Said ,if I recall, that the impednce of the brand tested was variable over a large range and should not be used as feedline. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 15:26:47 1994 Return-Path: id AA15302; Fri, 27 May 94 14:27:38 -0500 27 May 94 19:24 GMT Date: Fri, 27 May 94 14:13 EST From: Bob Smith <0005512847@mcimail.com> To: QRP Subject: OAK Hills Classic Size!! Message-Id: <74940527191347/0005512847NA1EM@mcimail.com> Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Just got the Oak hills catalogue today. The classic is huge from what I expeced. I expected something about half the height. Any other options for a superhet that is smaller. Sort of defeats the purpose I think. Or am I on another planet. From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 15:47:09 1994 Return-Path: id PAA05322; Fri, 27 May 1994 15:46:35 -0400 Date: 27 May 94 15:43:59 EDT From: Bob Gobrick WA6ERB <70466.1405@CompuServe.COM> To: Subject: K5FO's QRP NEWSLETTER Message-Id: <940527194359_70466.1405_FHC93-1@CompuServe.COM> Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk TO: >INTERNET:qrp@think.com K5FO's QRP NEWSLETTER - Volume 1 Number 1 - May 1994 Low Power Review by Bob Gobrick VO1DRB/WA6ERB I just had the opportunity this past weekend to pick up my mail and lo and behold there was the inaugural issue of K5FO's QRP Newsletter. 20 pages wrapped in an orange coloured cover with an outline of the State of Texas, complete with key and microphone, sorta hints of the flavour of this magazine. And yes, this publication does come from the big state of Texas - noted on the second page where Chuck (Mr. K5FO) says he uses a Texas Instrument PostScript printer and TEX public domain software. Chuck's QRP newsletter is unique - well maybe unique is too mild a word. Besides the well done editorial on QRP topics and reviews of new rigs on the market there are some new topic headings that I've NEVER seen before in a publication of this type - like "University - Part 1 of N" with a reading assignment and test questions to be answered before the next issue arrives, "Line of Sight", for measuring QRP distance records, "CW Operation", Phillips-Adams Code (CW abbreviations) and more. This is truly a unique QRP publication. Complaints - well let's just say first issue misses. Chuck forgot to list the address and dues for the publication (maybe he's concerned about the Feds finding out about his non-profit business). Looking back through the QRP Digest, you can send letters to the editor via Twilight Publishing Co., 1301 West Highway 407, Suite 353; Lewisville TX 75067. Also Chuck suggests a US reproduction of Abe Lincoln (bank note that is) to help cover mailing costs for the publication. And finally, one mystery uncovered in Chuck's QRP Newsletter. Is there a link between Chucks's discussion in his article on "Principle of Reciprocity for QRP" and at the same time a similar discussion in the June 1994 issue of Worldradio magazine by the famous mystery Aerials author Kurt N. Sterba? Could Chuck be... or maybe Kurt N. Sterba is really..... Naaaa - Sounds like too much of a Texas Tall Tale. Congratulations to Chuck on his first issue of "K5FO's QRP NEWSLETTER" - I'll be looking forward to the future issues even if I don't have my QRP University homework completed..... From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 15:47:51 1994 Return-Path: id PAA05756; Fri, 27 May 1994 15:47:18 -0400 Date: 27 May 94 15:44:20 EDT From: Bob Gobrick WA6ERB <70466.1405@CompuServe.COM> To: Subject: QRP Leader defined Message-Id: <940527194420_70466.1405_FHC93-3@CompuServe.COM> Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk TO: >INTERNET:qrp@think.com What's this nonsense from our fearless QRP list administrator Bruce WT1M saying that "he is not a leader, just a follower" after he courageously sold off all of his QRO gear and devoting himself exclusively to QRP. Wooow - that sounds like a Leader to me. I still have withdrawals when I even think of selling off my QRO gear. What if we get sucked into an astronomical black hole and the only way to communicate is with a kilowatt. On my scout's honour I am going to be prepared, just in case a kilowatt becomes the next QRP standard. By the way - thanks Bruce for inspiring us followers with your QRO Purge and of course you administration of the QRP list ;-) Bob VO1DRB/WA6ERB From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 16:03:14 1994 Return-Path: <01HCU6FOLGCW9GWIPI@tntech.edu>; Fri, 27 May 1994 15:03:38 CDT Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 15:03:38 -0500 (CDT) From: "JEFF M. GOLD" Subject: for sale To: qrp@Think.COM Message-Id: <01HCU6FOMIXU9GWIPI@tntech.edu> X-Vms-To: QRP X-Vms-Cc: JMG Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; CHARSET=US-ASCII Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7BIT Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk I have an original MXM superhet receiver, and transmitter on 40 meters, I think the TX was about 1.5 watts. Has a VFO receiver and a crystal TX.. with manual switch. It is in a very small case with a speaker built in. $40+shipping I also still have the Howe antenna station..down to $60+shipping or trade. 73 Jeff, AC4HF From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 16:15:12 1994 Return-Path: id AA23597; Fri, 27 May 94 13:14:54 PDT id AA10919; Fri, 27 May 1994 13:14:53 +0800 id AA13496; Fri, 27 May 1994 13:14:49 +0800 Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 13:14:49 +0800 From: Raymond.Anderson@EBay.Sun.COM (Ray Anderson) Message-Id: <9405272014.AA13496@uranium.EBay.Sun.COM> To: qrp@Think.COM Subject: Re: zip cord as feedline X-Sun-Charset: US-ASCII Content-Length: 2602 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk KA3LFG writes in rec.radio.amateur.antennas : -------- included file --------- Jeff Herman asked about Zip cord as an antenna or transmission line. The 1988 edition of the ARRL antenna book presented an analysis of zip cord. I'll quote the most interesting parts. 15-2 to 15-3 as an antenna: "This information by Jerry hall, K1TD...QST for March, 1979" "insulation left on the wire may have some loading effect so a bit of length trimming may be needed fro exace resonance" "use an electrician's knot that will keep the system from unqipping itself under the tension of dipole suspension" "But just how efficient is a zip-cord antenna system?...zip cord looks about like 72-ohm balanced feed line. Does it work as well? as a transmission line: "100 foot roll was subjected to tests in the ARRl lab with an RF impedance bridge" "18 gauge, brown, plastic insulated type SPT-1". "Characteristic impedance...107 ohms at 10 mhz, dropping in value to 105 ohms at 15 mhz and to a slightly lower value at 29 mhz. The nominal value is 105 ohms at HF. The velocity factor of the line was determined to be 69.5%." "Who needs 105 ohm line, especially to feed a dipole? A dipole in free space exhibits a feed-point impedance of 73 ohms, and at heights above ground of less than 1/4 wavelength the resistance can be even lower...80 meter dipole at 35 feet over average soil...35 ohms. Thus, for a resonant antenna, the SWR in the zip-cord transmission line can be 105/35 or 3:1, and maybe even higher in some installations." "But the really bad news is still to come-line loss!" Fig. 3...attenuation in db per hundred feed of line versus frequency. values based on assumption that line is perfectly matched (sees a 105 ohm load as its terminating impedance" some values from the figure: Frequency Attenuation, db per 100 ft. 3.5 0.75 7 1.75 10 2.5 14 3.9 21 5.6 28 7.2 Continuing: "Additional losses over those charted in fig. 3 will occur when standing waves are present. The trouble is, you can't use a 50 or 75 ohm SWR instrument to measure the SWR in zip-cord accurately." "In short, communications can certainly be established with a sip=-cord antenna in a pinch on 160, 80, 40 30 and perhaps 20 meters. For higher frequencies...long line lengths...the efficiency of the system is so low that its value becomes questionable." 73 Mark KA3LFG ------------------------ end of included file------------------- Ray WB6TPU raymonda@uranium.ebay.sun.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 16:25:20 1994 Return-Path: id AA12377; Fri, 27 May 94 13:24:42 PDT id AA15535; Fri, 27 May 94 13:24:41 PDT Date: Fri, 27 May 94 13:24:41 PDT From: Roger Traylor Message-Id: <9405272024.AA15535@t.SSD.intel.com> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: address for "The Wireman" Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gang, Does anybody have the address for "The Wireman". I am about to buy some twinlead for my killer 40m loop antenna. Thanks, Roger Traylor WB4TPW rlt@ssd.intel.com From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 16:44:51 1994 Return-Path: (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA07788; Fri, 27 May 1994 16:44:13 -0400 From: W0HEP@aol.com X-Mailer: America Online Mailer Message-Id: <9405271644.tn557960@aol.com> To: qrp@Think.COM Date: Fri, 27 May 94 16:44:12 EDT Subject: Field Day QRP SSB Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk According to Billy Lunt at ARRL HQ, FD QRP SSB may not exceed 5 watts PEP output. If you are operating QRP SSB this FD, how are you measuring your PEP output? It seems as though this rule should be changed to a straight 5 w. output that can be easily measured with commonly used wattmeters. Your comments appreciated. I'll be out of town from June 2-24. Home just in time for FD. The Colorado QRP Club will be picking a call for FD very soon. Location is set. 72, Rich From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 16:58:28 1994 Return-Path: id AA14111; Fri, 27 May 94 13:57:26 PDT id AA16334; Fri, 27 May 94 13:57:25 PDT Date: Fri, 27 May 94 13:57:25 PDT From: Roger Traylor Message-Id: <9405272057.AA16334@t.SSD.intel.com> To: QRP@Think.COM Subject: Re: address for "The Wireman" In-Reply-To: Mail from 'Gary M Diana ' dated: Fri, 27 May 94 16:52:31 -0400 Cc: gmd@adm01.rfc.comm.harris.com Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk Gary and Gang, Maybe somebody can help me out here. I remember several people mentioning "The Wireman" here or on rec.radio.amateur.antenna. I seem to recall that he/they were in South Carolina. Someone also said they advertise in QST but I haven't seen them in there for two months. If he/they are in NY, I'll take you up on your offer Gary. Thanks mucho Roger Traylor WB4TPW rlt@ssd.intel.com ------------------- included message ----------------------------- > From gmd@adm01.rfc.comm.harris.com Fri May 27 13:47:26 1994 > From: Gary M Diana > Subject: Re: address for "The Wireman" > > Roger - > > Is this the wireman from Rome, NY? If so, I can probably look > up his address for you. Another alternative would be cable > experts, they advertise in the back of qst. > > 73. > -gary n2jgu From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 23:44:04 1994 Return-Path: id UAA24907; Fri, 27 May 1994 20:35:59 -0700 Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 20:35:59 -0700 Message-Id: <199405280335.UAA24907@holonet.net> To: qrp@Think.COM From: rohrwerk@holonet.net Subject: Laura builds an R1 Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk On 05-24-94 lhalliday@creo.bc.ca wrote to QRP@Think.COM: > I got all energetic over the weekend and started building an R1. Hooray. Keep on going. I've built the R2 from Rick's own circuit board patterns, and it's worth it. > The mixer is an SBL-1 for now, which will do fine for HF. And up to 500 MHz. I happened to have SRA-1's, which are slightly better in specs and slightly bigger. But they both do fine up to 500 MHz. * John Seboldt...Mpls, MN...As a ham, K0JD...as a human...well,... * | rohrwerk@holonet.net | * J.S. Bach of Borg: "Your style will be assimilated." * -> Alice4Mac 2.3 E QWK Eval:05Mar94 From qrp-bounce@Think.COM Fri May 27 23:44:40 1994 Return-Path: id UAA24908; Fri, 27 May 1994 20:36:01 -0700 Date: Fri, 27 May 1994 20:36:01 -0700 Message-Id: <199405280336.UAA24908@holonet.net> To: qrp@Think.COM From: rohrwerk@holonet.net Subject: Re: Gain due to mountaint Sender: qrp-bounce@Think.COM Precedence: bulk On 05-25-94 hwardsil@seattleu.edu wrote to burdick@interval.com: > In my experience, getting close to salt water far outdistances > vertical elevation. Fresh water is also good. Mountaintops offer > great views, but usually very poor ground conditions, high winds, > trouble with storms and weather, and sore legs. On HF, unless you're > blocked by a bluff or cliff, salt water is the way to go. I realize > this doesn't help the gang in the Midwest much...they have to worry > about mosquitos and June bugs flying into the muffin fan blowing on > the operators...ick! 73, Ward N0AX > Unless you're talking about Lake Superior! The Minnesota North Shore has intrigued me as a possibility for antennas. What about a sloping wire (half wave at 160 meters) from a cliff down to the water's edge? Haven't followed up on this, but have seen some neat cliffs that climbers were using and wondered... * John Seboldt...Mpls, MN...As a ham, K0JD...as a human...well,... * | rohrwerk@holonet.net | * J.S. Bach of Borg: "Your style will be assimilated." * -> Alice4Mac 2.3 E QWK Eval:05Mar94