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Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
=================================================================
| Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest - For up to date HAM/PACKET info |
|===============================================================|
| Established March, 1989 |
| |
| Published by : Brian Murrey KB9BVN at Indpls, IN |
| SouthSide BBS (317)535-9097 |
|===============================================================|
| Send all article submissions to Brian Murrey at 1:231/30 |
| Or via GEnie address MURREY |
|===============================================================|
| SouthSide BBS |
| c/o Brian Murrey |
| Mail articles to: 1010 Ashland Ave |
| New Whiteland IN 46184 |
=================================================================
Fidonet is a registered trademark of Tom Jennings, Box 77731
San Francisco, California 94107
===========================================================================
T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S
1. EDITORIALS
Letter from the Editor - KB9BVN #12V2 ......................... 1
2. BULLETINS
IC-W2A Announcement ............................................... 2
FCC May Ban Police/Fire/Medical Scanning .......................... 4
W5YI Excerpt - ATTN US HAMS!!! .................................... 6
3. ARTICLES
RAMSEY FM-10 STEREO TRANSMITTER KIT REVIEW ........................ 12
10-10 INTERNATIONAL NET Officials ................................. 18
10-10 INFORMATION AND AWARDS ...................................... 20
10-10 INTERNATIONAL AREA MANAGERS ................................. 22
4. RESPONSE
Reader Questionare - Please Return ............................. 24
5. GOODIES
Software Distribution Notice ................................... 25
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page i
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
===========================================================================
E D I T O R I A L S
===========================================================================
Greetings all!
Hi folks, this is the long awaited issue 12 of the second volume. I
have not been getting much in the way of usable articles of late so
I apologize for the delay but we have moved and things have been a bit
hectic. I hope you enjoy this, the last of volume #2.
Here is some good info on the 10-10 club this month, this was culled
from the Fidonet HAM echomail area. I have also been selected as the
moderator for the Fidonet HAM echomail area since the last issue.
The Fidonet Ham/Packet Digest is now available via land carried mail,
all you need to do is send in a blank formatted 720K or 360K diskette
with a postage paid mailer. I'll keep them on file and send you the
new issue as it becomes available. For those of you that are not in
the US and Canada, just include two IRC's to cover return postage.
When you get your issue in the mail, send in another diskette and I'll
put the next issue out to you as soon as it's ready. Sound simple? It
is!
This newsletter is and has been distributed via the Fidonet SDS, it is
also available for downloading from GEnie, and the SouthSide BBS. File
requests are not honored between the hours of 3am to 5am EST. 300 baud
is not supported by this system.
As always, your feedback is valued and important to me, thanks go to
those that have taken 2 minutes and filled out the attached survey
form.
73 de KB9BVN
SouthSide BBS - 317-535-9097 - 12/24/9600 HST (no 300 baud)
(Node 1:231/30)
I hope you enjoy this issue!
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 1
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
===========================================================================
B U L L E T I N S
===========================================================================
IC-W2A Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ICOM INTRODUCES THE IC-W2A DUAL BAND FM TRANSCEIVER
MARCH 21, 1991
Icom continues to lead the way in dual band handhelds with the
introduction of the IC-W2A dual band handheld. Operating on
2-meters and 440MHz has never been so much fun! Exceptional
product design and innovation gives you the advantage of choosing
the new IC-W2A or the IC-24AT dual bander. Replacing the IC-32AT,
the new IC-W2A has a tough act to follow but with all the
additional features it will be the talk on all the air waves.
*COMPACT AND LIGHTWEIGHT
The IC-W2A measures only 2.1(W) x 5.3(H) x 1.4(D)inches and
weighs less than 16 ounces. For a perfect grip the new IC-W2A is
just 6.7 inches around and features side panel ridges.
*SIMULTANEOUS RECEIVE
The new IC-W2A has the capability to receive two band signals
simultaneously. Receive on one band while transmitting on
another. Conversation is unrestricted! Furthermore, wait for
scheduled QSO's on one band while operating on the other.
*DUAL BAND CONVENIENCE
Dual band operation has never been so easy. The new IC-W2A has
completely independent volume, squelch, frequency displays and
speaker jacks.
*60 MEMORY CHANNELS
Each band is equipped with 30 memory channels and 1 call channel.
These channels offer space to store the operating frequency,
offset direction, offset frequency and subaudible tone frequency
for simple repeater accessing.
*BUILT-IN PAGER AND CODE SQUELCH FUNCTION
Enjoy selective calling and quiet, personalized communications
without installing an optional unit. It's all built-in!
*FIVE WATTS
The IC-W2A puts out a full five watts output by connecting a
13.5 volt DC power supply.
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 2
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
*AUTO DIALING
With four DTMF code memory channels, swift access to an autopatch
station or repeater control is possible.
The rugged, splash resistant IC-W2A has a mulitude of additional
features such as a 24 hour clock, a variety of scanning
functions, and a full line of options to make your dual band
operation simple and fun!
The IC-W2A will be available at the end of March, 1991.
Suggested retail price is $629.00. For a brochure on the new
IC-W2A please call the Icom Brochure Request Hotline at
1-800-999-9877.
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 3
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
FCC May Ban Police/Fire/Medical Scanning
* Forwarded from "WNY_SCAN"
* Originally from Phillip Dampier
* Originally dated 28 Mar 91 14:58:00
Note this little outrage I just received off the wires:
In a surprise move, the Federal Communications Commission has opened a
formal inquiry into the feasibility of banning scanner manufacturers
from selling scanners that can receive police, medical emergency, and
fire frequencies. Citing interference in official public safety
operations by scanner wielding members of the public, all five FCC
commissioners have unanimously approved proposals that would make it
illegal to monitor any frequencies which contain public safety
transmissions.
In the notice of proposed rulemaking, the FCC has required scanner
manufacturers to show due cause why they could not manufacture
receivers that would eliminate all public safety frequency
allocations. Many scanner manufacturers are expected to state that
the costs of modifying existing radio designs would be prohibitively
expensive to the consumer.
The FCC noted that state and local laws which already ban mobile
scanner monitoring are just the first step aimed at protecting the
health, safety, and general welfare of citizens as well as public
safety officials.
The Bush Administration has indicated it would support the
introduction of new laws making it a federal offense for any citizen
to monitor public safety frequencies unless they hold a special
license certifying their need to monitor such frequencies. The new
law could be a part of the Bush Administration anti-crime legislative
package to be introduced during this session of Congress.
Analysts say the move has been brought about in part because of high
publicity cases of illicit drug operations employing fulltime staffs
to monitor law enforcement frequencies to give them advance warning of
impending police action.
Any legislation is likely to be introduced and supported primarily by
the Republican party. Senator Howard Metzenbaum (D-OH) and Albert
Gore, Jr. (D-TN) have asked the FCC for clarification of its proposed
rulemaking. Both are concerned about possible first amendment
violations of citizens prevented from monitoring publicly funded
transmissions.
Gore added that such restrictive laws are counter productive, noting
that many Neighborhood Watch programs based in his home state of
Tennessee utilize inexpensive scanner radios to monitor neighborhood
police activity.
Manufacturers are required to respond by June 7th. The FCC is
expected to make a quick decision on the matter in time to work with
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 4
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
Congress to introduce the necessary legislation during the summer.
===============================================
Any comments from the Commission on this foolishness? Are ham
operators going to be exempt? Has the Commission lost its collective
mind? How are they going to enforce listening laws like this, with
hundreds of thousands of scanners already in the hands of the general
public, when they can't adequately enforce the existing laws regarding
licensed transmitters? Who is going to pay for this farce?
I also note that this supposed release has no NPRM or NOI number. Is
there one, or is the FCC going to violate the Administrative
Procedures Act and its own policies (again) and just do what it thinks
it can get away with?
--- FD 1.99c
* Origin: NF2G Online - Greece, NY (1:260/218)
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 5
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
W5YI Excerpt - ATTN US HAMS!!!
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
:: ::
:: T H E W 5 Y I R E P O R T ::
:: ::
:: D i t s & B i t s ::
:: ::
:: Vol 13 # 5 --- 03/01/91 ::
:: ::
:: HamNet Electronic Edition ::
:: CompuServe's Ham/SWL Forum ::
:: ::
:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Up to the minute news from the worlds of amateur radio, personal
computing and emerging electronics. While no guarantee is made,
information is from sources we believe to be reliable. May be
reproduced providing credit is given to The W5YI Report.
This HamNet Electronic Edition is a limited excerpt from the full
published edition of The W5YI Report. Selected and prepared by Scott,
W3VS.
Commercial redistribution of this copy is prohibited.
IMPORTANT Note: Some of the material included in The W5YI Report -
Electronic Edition may not be suitable for transmission via Amateur
Radio.
In this issue:
- FCC Looks into Mandatory Ham Radio, Scanner Mods
HamNet thanks Fred Maia, W5YI, for permission to excerpt this
Electronic Edition of his W5YI Report. The full ten-page biweekly
newsletter is available by mail for $24.50 per year from Fred at Dept.
C, PO Box 565101, Dallas, TX 75356-5101.
Telephone: 817-461-6443. Samples available for a 2 stamp large SASE.
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
Do you have Amateur Radio news to contribute to The W5YI Report? If
so, please call (817) 461-6443 and leave a message on Fred's recorder!
: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :
o FCC Looks into Mandatory Ham Radio, Scanner Mods!
------------------------------------------------
The FCC's investigation of state and local "scanner laws" has taken an
unusual - even disturbing - turn. The agency is studying whether to
preempt such laws, which in some states forbit hams from having
amateur radios that can pick up public-safety bands in a vehicle.
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 6
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
This is a continuation of a proceeding in which ARRL asked the FCC to
make such a pre-emption, for licensed hams only. The Personal Radio
Steering Group asked for a similar pre-emption for General Mobile
Radio Service (GMRS) licensees, and the Association of North American
Radio Clubs (representing the unlicensed short-wave listener) asked
for a federal pre-emption for licensees and non-licensees alike.
The ARRL asked more than a year ago for the same type of federal
action as PRB-1 to exempt hams from burdensome state laws that forbit
citizens from having radios in cars that can pick up police, fire or
other government transmissions.
The PRB-1 pre-emption has prevented many cities from ordering hams off
the air or towers to be reduced or removed. It basically says that
local and state regulation must not preclude and must reasonably
accommodate amateur service communications "...and must constitute the
minimum practicable regulation to accomplish the state or local
authority's legitimate purpose."
New Jersey requires police-issued shortwave radio permits...while
Kentucky law authorizes officials to immediately sieze and destroy
radio equipment capable of receiving police signals. A Michigan
statute exempts some licensed amateurs - but strangely not the Novice
or Technician class! The objective of these state laws is to make it
difficult for criminals to become aware of their detection by police.
The ARRL pointed out that most two meter transceivers receive between
139-174 MHz which includes many public safety frequencies. The League
believes that regulation and use of radio apparatus is solely a
federal function -- not to be left to the states -- and that neither
the Communications Act or the Electronic Communications Privacy Act
(ECPA) prohibit reception by the public of unscrambled police, fire or
other governmental radio systems.
The FCC has already received comments that describe harassment by law
enforcement officers of amateurs who have such equipment. On February
13, the FCC adopted a new Notice of Inquiry (NOI) to seek further
information prior to adopting a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The
FCC also could conclude from the public comments that no action is
needed and consider the proceeding no further.
Three of the five Commissioners have already said they don't want to
pre-empt the laws, however. Instead, they want to know how existing
ham transceivers and scanners could be modified to remove any
capability to receive public-safety radio frequencies. Under this
proposal, new scanners and ham-gear would have to be designed to skip
public-safety bands.
Unprecedented Concept!
The idea that owners of existing equipment would be required by the
FCC to delete frequencies -- and that receivers could no longer be
manufactured with the ability to pick up police, fire and medical
communications -- is unprecedented.
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 7
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
The FCC news release said, "It would be helpful to have additional
information on the technical and financial feasibility of modifying
existing transceivers to remove the capability to receive police or
other public safety channels, and on the current and future
marketplace availability of mobile equipment meeting the restrictions
of the subject laws."
Limited to Hams or not?
The release claimed that the laws and issues addressed in the NOI
would concern only the reception capability of amateur transceivers,
transmission by an amateur operator on unauthorized frequencies
clearly being prohibited.
Apparently, however, the NOI will examine scanner availability and
also will ask if an exemption is warranted for GMRS equipment. The
460 MHz General Mobile Radio Service is one of the Part 95 Personal
Radio Services, and some public-safety agencies are licensed in GMRS.
Many hams, families and volunteer groups use GMRS. This provides a
conundrum for the FCC as it considers a ban on personal ownership of
equipment that can receive public-safety communications.
Possibly to bypass such issues, the ARRL had suggested that the pre-
emption be limited only to licensed hams and should presumably not
concern the ability of other licensees or the general public to own
public-safety receivers.
Excerpts of FCC discussion
(FCC Attorney Eric Malinen:) "Good morning, Mr. Chairman and
Commissioners. The item before you is a Notice of Inquiry to examine
the need to pre-empt certain state and local laws that may effectively
prohibit amateur operator possession of mobile amateur radio
transceivers.
"The laws at issue, often called scanner laws, prohibit the mere
possession of radio receivers in vehicles, when the receivers are
capable of receiving polic or other public-safety channels. Penalties
under these laws may include fines and confiscation of equipment.
"Part 97 of the Commission's rules, however, generally permits the
amateur operator to use amateur radio transceivers in locations of
their own choosing, including use in vehicles. This then, is a
potential conflict that might warrant pre-emptive action by the
Commission.
"This item is the result of a petition for declaratory ruling filed by
the American Radio Relay League. The League cites instances where
amateur operators have had their equipment confiscated while simply
traveling out of their home state or county which has no scanner law,
to another jurisdiction that has such a law.
"The League also states that amateurs have long been active in
governmental response activities, Civil Air Patrol, search and rescue
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 8
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
undertakings, and that these activities which are legitimately open to
amateurs require out-of-band receiver capability.
"Modern technology and the worldwide market for amateur equipment have
combined to provide amateur operators with low-cost manufactured
mobile transceivers that do move beyond the amateur frequencies to
receive multiple adjacent channels including police and other public-
safety frequencies here at issue. Moreover, currently there are over
one-half million amateur licensees in the United States. Over half of
these are estimated to conduct mobile operations.
"Thus, potentially hundreds of thousands of mobile transceivers used
for authorized amateur communication may be found illegal for mobile
possession under current state or local laws either in the amateur's
home state or when he or she travels to another jurisdiction that
enforces scanner laws.
"This inquiry seeks to obtain information such as the technical
feasibility of modifying existing equipment to remove the capability
to receive police or other public-safety channels, and the marketplace
availability, currently, of equipment that does not receive these
channels. ...For these reasons, we recommend that this Notice of
Inquiry be adopted."
(Commissioner James Quello:) "I think the inquiry will allow us to
make a fair assessment of whether or not preemption of state and local
laws is warranted. Good item."
(Commissioner Sherrie Marshall:) "I would urge manufacturers to
participate very actively in this proceeding, to give us hard data on
the cost of manufacturing scanners that are incapable of received
public safety channels. I am generally reluctant to pre-empt state
laws, particularly those dealing with public safety. So those who
would have us pre-empt anti-scanner laws will have to demonstrate that
it would be prohibitively expensive to design and manufacture scanners
that comply with those laws."
(Commissioner Ervin Duggan:) "Mr. Chairman, I support this item, it's
a good inquiry to make. I just want to point out that the Associated
Public Safety Communications Officers, APCO, has suggested that the
real answer here lies in encryption technology that would make it
possible to protect public safety messages without scanner laws. I
would hope that the record that we build will make a thorough
investigation of the possibility of using encryption technology, which
would make it unnecessary for us to come to the question of
pre-empting state laws that might have a legitimate public safety
purpose."
(Chairman Alfred Sikes:) "I would like to add my voice to the others.
I am very reluctant to pre-empt state laws in this area, where they
are attempting to protect their law enforcement capabilities. But if
there is a substantial showing of a real problem, then I certainly
would not hesitate to consider it if that seems to be the only way we
can go, but that would carry a very great burden as well. If there
are no other questions, we will vote the item."
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 9
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
[The Notice of Inquiry is adopted, 5-0.]
[Private Radio Bureau Chief Ralph Haller/N4RH, at a press conference
following the FCC meeting:]
"In this item there is a concern, brought to our attention by the
American Radio Relay League, in which amateur radio equipment that is
being manufactured almost all of it offshore, being built for a
worldwide market, and because technology now allows reception beyond
the amateur bands, they go ahead and build it into the equipment.
"We think primarily due to a desire on the part of local communities
to limit the use of scanners, not amateur radio equipment but
scanners, in a vehicle for reception of police calls, that amateurs in
fact have a legitimate right to use their equipment in a vehicle if
they're license, and have a legitimate need to monitor frequencies
outside the amateur band as they assist police agencies and the
federal government in emergencies and such, that they inadvertently
have been included in some of these scanner laws.
"So we are asking several questions in the inquiry, and will make a
decision. Two of the Commissioners indicated that we have a very high
standard before we actually pre-empt, so I would encourage those who
are interested in this to make sure that the record is very complete
not only in terms of what the amateur community is interested in but
also in terms of what state and local governments are interested in
...whether there is really a need for the amateur service to monitor
those frequencies, whether it's helpful, or whether in fact the
scanner laws are exactly what they were meant to be.
"The primary focus of the inquiry is amateur, but a question is asked
specifically about the GMRS because of comments to that effect when
the ARRL petition was adopted."
Reaction from Experts
The full text of the NOI was not available at presstime. But we asked
for some initial reactions from two prominent 'radio activists'.
"It's incumbent upon us to make clear that this [modification] is not
only a formidable technical redirection, but it would be impossible to
implement from an enforcement standpoint," said Bob Grove/WA4PYQ of
Brasstown, NC - publisher of Monitoring Times magazine. "The number
of receivers and transceivers presently in use would number in the
tens of millions. Obviously, a recall is not even worth considering."
"We always have to be wary of hidden agendas at the FCC," according to
Robert Horvitz, radio consultant to the Internews Network and former
lobbyist for the Association of North American Radio Clubs.
"Since the FCC decided to consider warning labels for scanners but not
for cellular phones, and they liberalized Part 15 without setting
susceptibility standards for consumer electronics, one has to wonder
whether they're really motivated by public interest or business
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 10
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
interests. If there is a conflict between state and federal
regulations, the better solution is for the states to drop their
restrictions on mobile scanning," he said.
Interestingly, monitoring of non-scrambled public-safety
communications is expressly allowed by the Electronic Communications
Privacy Act of 1986. But that permission may gradually become moot if
receivers that cover public-safety bands become impossible to buy.
[End this issue]
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 11
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
===========================================================================
A R T I C L E S
===========================================================================
RAMSEY FM-10 STEREO TRANSMITTER KIT REVIEW
WB8EOH Gizmo Report
(Very Long)
The Ramsey FM-10 is a low power FM stereo transmitter kit that is easy
to build and has many practical applications around the home and
ham/swl shack. After living with one for several weeks, I could never
go back to life before I acquired this little "freedom machine". The
audio quality and stability of the signal give the unit many HI FI
type applications, and indeed I am already planning to buy another
unit to patch into the Audio/Video system.
Egad, you mean you have to BUILD this thing?
When my XYL saw that this package I had spent fifty bucks on consisted
of a couple of polyethylene bags full of plastic bugs and little
metalic button like pieces, she shook her head in dismay. Though I
tinker with computer and radio gizmos all day long, I will admit that
the past 20 years have seen me become an "appliance operator" more
content to sit back and PLAY than get in there and tear into the
circuitry, much less build something from scratch. Well, the folks at
Ramsey have honed the art of kitbuilding, and even a klutz like me CAN
have the satisfaction (like in the old Heath ads) to say "I built it
myself".
Constructing the FM-10 was in part a happy trip down memory lane. In
my distant youth, one of my happiest memories was the construction and
operation of an Allied Radio Knight Kit #83Y706 three tube AM Phono
Oscillator. This wonderful little gadget paved the way not only for
my interest in Ham radio, but also got me interested in broadcasting,
a field which put bread on the table for many years. Well in the more
than 30 years between the two kits, things sure have changed.
First right off, don't even think about dragging out the old Weller
soldering gun and the old roll of Kester solder. First thing I had to
do was borrow a low wattage iron, and get some super thin solder. The
Lifetime Supply of solder I bought in 1968 (five pounds) was fine for
antenna work, and gobbing up audio connectors, but the old stuff is
actually WIDER than many of the separate connections on the FM-10 PC
board. EGAD these components are TINY.
Kudos to Ramsey for their whole concept. The manual is very well
written. My only problem was I did not get the companion booklet on
how to build a kit (the generic HOW TO SOLDER book). Well I hoped
that the instructions that came with my 1957 Knight Kit still applied,
because I remember them. Heat the component, don't glob it all over
the place, and try not to melt the PC board. I was on my own to
develop a technique. Ramsey even takes this into account by having
you mount some of the larger "landmark" components first, namely three
RCA jacks (left and right audio and the antenna jack).
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 12
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
Now I wanted this thing to work. I would not be able to face Elaine
if it became necessary to send the completed unworking mess back to
Ramsey for their $18 an hour bail-you-out plan. So I took absolutely
extrordinary steps. With a (borrowed) digital meter, I measured every
resistor, even though Ramsey gives the color code for each one in the
manual as you install it.
One of the nicest touches is the GIANT print of the PC board, upon
which you place all the components in the same place they will go in
the final kit. I did this with most of the components, except for the
multitude of .01 capacitors, which I left neatly together (Ramsey uses
a masking tape type type medium for keeping similar value components
together).
The scariest moment for me was soldering in the 18 pin DIP socket that
houses the heart of the kit, a ROHM stereo transmitter on a chip. We
are talking TEENY TINY little pins separated by seeming microns.
EGAD. After each dot of solder, I held the PC board a quarter inch
from my eyeballs to make sure there were no solder bridges. And I
measured all the components with the Digital meter a second time
before installing each one. You probably won't take these
extrordinary steps, which make the simple kit an all night project.
But it was a FUN night. The scent of melting tin/led/rosin... The
occaisional absolutely PERFECT joint... Kitbuilding is not only an
art, it is positively a cosmic experience. It is relaxing, creative,
and there is the anticipation of all the wonderful things you will do
with your kit upon completion.
3:25AM
Ah. The moment of truth.
Connect the nine volt battery, push the power switch, and TUNE around
on the FM radio to find the carrier.
And I found.......
NOTHING.
It did not work.
Now this is where we separate the men from the boys. How well you
manage not to throw the thing through the window.
So I went back through the whole manual. checked EVERY joint.
Eyeballed EACH component. I could find NOTHING wrong.
Elaine came into the shack as I was holding the PC board. I hated to
admit defeat. But I told her it did not work.... yet.
She held the board and looked at it with wonder. She could not
believe that I had placed each of the little parts in their places.
She told me I would figure out what was wrong with it.
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 13
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
The next day, I went through the manual again. I took voltage
measurements, and found all the proper voltages on the chip and RF
amplifier. I was stymied.
Then I looked very closely at the OTHER side of the board. I stared
at the ROHM chip, which Elaine had called a "train trestle". Hmmm. I
wonder if I pushed on the chip if it would go in any farther.
Push. Click. It snapped into place.
I pushed the power switch, turned on the FM radio, and found a nice
clean carrier at 102.3, with the stereo light blazing away in pure
clear silence.
Hot DAWG it WORKS!
First thing I did was to move the frequency. Since it was
transmitting on top of one of the local stations, this seemed in
order. Ramsey's manual stresses the importance of selecting a clear
channel so as not to bring the wrath of neighbors and the FCC. Up
here in the boonies, there is a tremendous clear swath from about 98
Mhz to 102 mhz. (I plan to pouplate it).
The next thing required is adjustment of the subcarrier frequency and
stereo balance. Surprisingly mine was already right on for the
subcarrier adjustment, and I found out that this adjustment is
actually pretty critical. There is a test point if you have a freq
counter to get it exactly on 19khz, but it can be done by just turning
the little variable capacitor until the stereo light goes on.
The "stereo balance" control takes a bit of explaining. This is not a
simple LEFT-RIGHT adjustment, but actually adjustment of the level of
left MINUS right. It is more of a separation adjustment, and also
seems to have a real effect on tonal quality. It took quite a bit of
diddling to get it right, and there seems to be some interaction
between the two controls, as the stereo light will go out just when
you think you have the sound right... The end result is a surprising
quality signal with amazing separation. However, one thing to make
note of... The FM-10 is designed with NO audio level controls. This
is a bit of an oversight, because when using it with components that
have fixed level output, the unit is prone to overmodulation. You
MUST be able to lower the audio level of whatever it is you are
feeding to the tranmitter, as it is too sensitive with EVERY component
I tried connecting direct. Once you get the level under control,
though, it actually sounds better than many local FM stations because
the signal is not run through all sorts of "Enhancers" that
broadcasters use to be the loudest thing on the band. I did find
though that adding an audio limiter (an old DBX 119) really helped
tame the overmodulation problem.
I finished the project by mounting it in the $12.95 Ramsey Kit
cabinet. OK, this is where the Ramsey guys make a few bucks. It does
give the kit a finished look, but I would have to say that this is a
bit dear for a simple plastic case. I think the next one will be
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 14
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
built into a VIDEOTAPE plastic case or other cheapo cabinet.
One oversight is that there is no hole in the cabinet for the whip
antenna which mounts to the circuit board. Ramsey suggests
constructing a dipole or groundplane antenna, which I did initially in
the final installation in my hamshack. I have since stopped using
this antenna however (more on why later)
OK NOW WHAT CAN I DO WITH THIS LITTLE GADGET
Ramsey gives many practical applications in the manual. I found the
unit handy for listening to MDS stereo TV on a little sony walkman in
the wee hours without having to run headphone cords. Remote listening
of ANYTHING on your main stereo system in any room in your home by
just tuning the radio is just ONE thing the kit can be used for.
My own application is a bit unique. I have the FM-10 in my ham/swl
shack, and it is connected to a stereo mixer, to which I have several
receivers patched in. I am a communications junkie and often in the
shack I listen to several things at once. The only problem is that
one can not stay in ones hamshack all day long. Well with the FM-10
and a pocket stereo receiver, you can monitor whatever you wish in
your home or yard. Now since the Ramsey Kit is a STEREO transmitter,
you can do what I do (if you are insane enough) I have a 2 meter rig
on the LEFT channel, scanner on the RIGHT channel, and the HF rig
panned dead center. The ears and the brain manage to sort it all out.
I feel sorry for any of the neighbors who happen to tune in when in
this configuration (when I am in my active monitoring mode).
No Code, No License, No Kidding It's LEGAL
Now speaking of neighbors, lets focus for a moment on the LEGALITY of
using this kit under part 15 of the FCC rules. In 1989, the FCC
revised part 15, changing the way the measurements are taken to
determine if a device is legal. The new standard is: 250 microvolts
per meter. A calibrated Field Strength Meter is needed to make sure
the signal complies with this regulation (FCC rule 15.239). Beyond
this, part 15 requires that the unit produce no interference to
licensed stations. Basically those are the rules. What you put on
the device is YOUR business. It comes under the same type of
regulation as cordless phones, baby monitors, and walkie talkies. the
only difference is that this unit operates in a BROADCAST band rather
than a semi-hidden part of the spectrum like the others.
The Ramsey manual has a chart that shows that even if one complies
FULLY with this measurement, the transmitter has a surprising range.
Doing the math of the inverse square law, we find that there is still
.41 microvolts at 5000 feet from the transmitter, nearly a mile.
Since the Ramsey kit has a FINAL AMPLIFIER, it is much more powerful
than a similar kit sold by another manufacturer which uses the chip
output only (that one can be heard well within only 20 feet). I found
that the kit with a dipole antenna cut to the operating frequency has
TOO MUCH range for my own use. Those who wish to "Play DJ" might be
interested in running the recommended dipole antenna (making CERTAIN
they make the Field Strength Measurement) to get the maximum range out
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 15
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
of the unit. I found that just a small piece of wire gives me all the
coverage in my home that I need.
For someone interested in providing a broadcast type service, to a
college dorm, appartment complex or local neighborhood (Legally the
signal can be quite loud over a quarter mile away) It can be legally
done under part 15 of the present FCC rules (as ammended in June of
1989) by simply adding a mixer, microphone, and sound sources to the
Ramsey Kit.
An application I am considering is connecting the audio output of my
new satellite system and tuning it to the BBC audio feed and just
leave it run that way when I am not using the dish for other purposes.
This way I can enjoy BBC in FM quality and so can my immediate
neighbors. Now before the flames begin, please remember that
copyrights, etc, do not apply to part 15 transmissions. You can put
on ANYTHING you want. Just as if you were listening on closed circuit
speakers. The only difference is that your immediate neighbors CAN
also enjoy the transmissions as well.
FCC RULE 15.215(a) Says: "Unless otherwise stated, there are no
restrictions as to the types of operations permitted under these
sections." This general provision *APPEARS* to leave you free to use
the fm transmitter for just about ANY type of operation you desire,
including becoming a "legal low power broadcaster".
Now the nitty Gritty:
RAMSEY FM-10 FM STEREO TRANSMITTER KIT
Price: Circuit Board and Components -- $29.95
Cabinet (black plastic) -- $12.95
Shipping add 6%.
Ramsey Electronics
793 Canning Parkway
Victor, NY 14564
(716) 924-4560 (Voice)
(716) 924-4555 (FAX)
o Operates from internal 9 volt battery
o Choice of onboard whip or external antenna
o Stable output, from 88 to 108 MHz
o Left and Right channel RCA line audio input jacks
o Use with Mixers, cassette or CD decks etc.
o Clear, step-by-step assembly instructions
o Helpful information on FCC rules included
TYPICAL USES:
o Extension of home stereo system without wires
o Student-operated school radio station
o Home or neighborhood radio station
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 16
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
o College dorm favorite music broadcast service
o Listening aid for auditoriums, churches
NOTE1: I am in NO WAY affiliated with Ramsey Electronics other than
being one of their very satisfied customers.
NOTE2: If you plan to use the kit as a "broadcasting" service, I would
STRONGLY SUGGEST you have the output level CERTIFIED by an
engineer assertaining for SURE it is no more than 250
microvolts per meter. This kit has an almost amazing range,
and I imagine it could very easilly exceed LEGAL SPECIFICATIONS
if you are not careful.
== WB8EOH = The Eccentric Old Hippie = WB8EOH ==
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 17
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
10-10 INTERNATIONAL NET Officials
President Norm Lefcourt W6IRT
Vice President Hugh Sullivan WA4QZU
Secretary Marge Smothers WA6ZPX
Treasurer Gerry Gross WA6POZ
Directors: Peggy Pinell G3MAE
Elaine Nickoloff N8CBE
Linda Barnes KJ4FM
Don Weaver K0JPW
Gary Ward KD7UZ
Jack Miller W9WYN
Pete Matson KC1CP
Tom Henderson K4CIH
Dave Prichard KA5OVO
Marv Hagan WB2SJQ
-=-=-=-=-=-
Chapter Coordinator, Hugh Sullivan WA4QZU
Chairman Contest Rules Harry Syring WB1FTQ
Editor, 10-10 News, Bob Arnold N2JEU Int'l Net
Int'l Net Manager Sherm Sherman K6PTF
K6PTF Records Manager Lee Pasewalk WB6MGM
Roster Manager Dee Gilbert KA6HQJ Supply Manager,
Supply Manager Dave Prichard KA5OVO
PR & Publicity, Chuck Imsande W6YLJ Convention
Convention Manager Roy Moyer WD8JKV
Scholarship Manager, Morrie Goldman W6EHM
Historian, Jim Michaels W6PGM
============================================
NET CONTROL STATIONS
10-10 International Nets are all at 1800Z
Monday Dusty K6MPN 28.380
Monday Lovergne KD6JC 28.800
Tuesday Al W6RNX 28.800
Wednesday Louise N6ELK 28.800
Thursday Bill WB6OMH 28.800
Firday Sherm K6PTF 28.800
Saturday Nat 8P6SA 28.800
==================================
10-10 International News -
The 10-10 International News is published four times annually by the
10-10 International Net, Inc. Each full member receives a copy. This
is an independent publication. Permission to reprint is granted,
providing suitable credit is shown.
News items and PHOTOS are to be sent to the Editor: Bob Arnold N2JEU
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 18
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
RR # 5 BOX 32 CANASTOTA, N. Y. 13032. Voice Ph. # 315-697-7478 7
to 11 PM Est/edt Eastern BBS Ph. # 315-697-7365 24 hrs 300/1200/2400
Bps
Deadline for each quarterly issue is the 15th of the month preceeding
publication. Publication dates are approximately MID, January, April,
July and October.
Technical articles and information on all 10 meter activities or news
are welcome and solicited. All copy submitted should be typed, using
8 1/2 X 11 plain white paper. Photographs, when submitted, should be
black and white (color is acceptable but not as good). Include
complete information on subject matter, call signs, names, 10-10
number chapter names, etc. Be sure to reference the information to a
specific picture. Do not write on BACK of photo. Please include your
Phone Number should more information be necessary.
All 10-10 chapter activities and reports should be sent to the Chapter
Coordinator, Hugh Sullivan, WA4QZU, 4630 Towne Square Ct. #12,
Owensboro, KY 42301
AWARDS MANAGERS
100-900 Bars Glen Harding K7OMK
1000 Bar UP Ed Neal N5EBA
VP Awards Hiram E. Wolf W4NWP
Continents Awd Chuck Imsande W6YLJ
All States Award Susan Brackeen KA1CAD
Countries Award Alan Sherman K1AS
Lucky 13 Award Glen Harding K7OMK
Counties Award Alice Jenkins NR4R
----------
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 19
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
10-10 INFORMATION AND AWARDS
MEMBERSHIP
Work 10 members. LOG each 10-10 number, call sign, operator's name
and location. Send list to your numeric call sign or DX area manager,
with $5.00 U.S new member registration fee. $6.00 (foreign). Life
and family memberships are available as well as annual. You will be
issued a certificate of membership as well as a permanent 10-10
number. You will receive the 10-10 International Net news publication
mailed regularly to all full members.
AWARDS
To apply for ANY of the 10-10 awards listed below, proof of paid-up
membership is MANDATORY. A copy of your membership card or the
address label from your copy of the 10-10 News must be sent with the
award application.
BARS AND PLAQUES
Work 10-10 members with on the air 2 way communication, exchange
numbers etc. Only 200 numbers per list may be submitted.
1. List numbers in numerical order, call sign of station worked,
operator's name and location (QTH).
2. Submit only one list at a time.
3. Include YOUR name, CALL, 10-10 number and state which 100 bar
you are requesting.
4. Enclose with your list a 4X9" envelope self addressed and stamped
(SASE) with enough U.S. postage to return to you.
5. A 500 bar certificate costs $1. Plaques for working 1,000, 2,500,
etc. cost $5.00 U.S. currency postpaid.
INTERNATIONAL 500 OF THE WORLD
With the 500 BAR comes an Honorary VP number, membership in the
International 500 of the world, and eligibility to go after the
following two awards:
1. V.P. Certificate: For VP's who work 100, 200, etc. other V.P.
members. Contacts must be made above 28.9 MHz or below 28.55 MHz.
Each contact must last at least 5 minutes or more. For complete rules
and cost send a 4" X 9" SASE to: Hiram E. Wolf, W4NWP, 126 W. 37th
St.,Riviera Beach, Fl 33404.
2. Lucky 13 Certificate: Work 13 different V.P. members. Each
contact MUST be in a different 100 kHz segment between 28.5 and 29.7
MHz. Forms and rules are available from Glen Harding, K7OMK, PO BOX
133, Garden City, SD 57236
WORKED ALL STATES (WAS)
Work and get QSL confirmation from one 10-10 member in each of the 50
states. For complete rules, application form and cost send a 4" X 9"
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 20
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
SASE to: Susan Brackeen, KA1CAD, Rte 6 Box 151, Booneville, MS 38829.
COUNTRIES AWARD
QSL confirmation of QSOs with 25 or more 10-10 member countries. For
complete rules, application form and cost send a 4" X 9" SASE to: Alan
Sherman, K1AS, RR # 4, Box 422, Danielson, CT 06239.
WORKED ALL CONTINENTS
QSL confirmation of QSOs with a 10-10 member in each of the six
continental areas. For detailed rules, application form and cost send
a 4" X 9" SASE to: Chuck Imsande, W6YLJ, 18130 Bromley St. Tarzana,
CA 91356.
COUNTIES: 10-10 COUNTIES Award Manager For complete rules, costs and
Application form send SASE to -------
Alice Jenkins, NR4R
1 Mitchel Lane
Rossville, GA 30741
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 21
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
10-10 INTERNATIONAL AREA MANAGERS
U.S.A. 1st. Call area Al Kaiser N1API
194 Glen Hills Rd.
Meriden, CT 06450
2nd. " " Larry Berger WA2SUH
9 Nancy Blvd.
Merrick, NY 11566
3rd. " " Chester Gardner N3GZE
9028 Overhill Dr.
Ellicott City, MD 21043
4. FL, PR, Dave Buschow WD4MPG
2319 Contest Lane
Haymarket, VA 22069
4. VA, NC, SC Tom Henderson K4CIH
4901 15th Place E.
Tuscaloosa AL 35404
4. KY, TN Rick Roberts N4KCC
7106 Ridgestone Dr.
Ooltewah TN 37363
4. GA, AL Jim Beswick W4YHF
112 Owl Town Farm
Ellijay, GA 30540
5th. Call area Grace Dunlap K5MRU (Oct to June)
BOX 445
LaFeria, TX 78559
5th. " " Grace Dunlap K5MRU (June to OCT)
BOX 13
Rand, CO 80473
6th. " " Dick Rauscher W6ANK
4371 Cambria Street
Fremont, CA 94538
7th " " Willie Madison WB7VZI
10512 W. Butler Dr.
Peoria, AZ 85345
8th " " John Hugentober N8FU
4441 Andreas Ave.
Cincinatti, OH 45211
9th " " Berniece Tielmann N9CDO
11301 NA Darmstadt Rd
Lenzburg, IL 62255
10th CO,KS,MO,NE Judy Long WD0DHH
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 22
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
2681 Aster Street
Pueblo, CO 81005
10th IA,MN,ND,SD Debbie Peterson N0KQC
RR #1 BOX 35
Duncombe, IA 50532
ALL COUNTRIES EXCEPT VK, ZL and USA
Carol Hugentober K8DHK
4441 Andreas Ave.
Cincinatti, OH 45211 U.S.A.
VK Australia Les Olsen VK2JLO
3 Noumea St.
Shalvey 2770, NSW, Australia
ZL New Zealand T.J. (Mac) McKenzie ZL3RK
73 Cygnet St.
Christchurch 9, NZ
10-10 International Database - Send SASE to following address for more
information.
Gerry Gross WA6POZ
643 N. 98th. #142
Omaha, NE 68114
10-10 International News Editor - Bob Arnold N2JEU RR 5 Box 32
Canastota, NY 13032
BBS available at (315) 697-7365 - 300/1200/2400 bps Fidonet 1:260/304
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 23
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
===========================================================================
R E S P O N S E
===========================================================================
FidoNet Ham/Packet Digest Questionare
=====================================
Name: ____________________________________
Address: _________________________________
City: ____________________________________
State/Province/Other: ____________________
Country: _________________________________
Are you an Amateur Radio Operator? __________________________
If so, what is your call sign? __________________________
How long have you been licensed? __________________________
Where did you get this issue? __________________________
In a few brief comments, could you tell me what you like, or
dislike about the Fidonet Ham/Packet Digest? Your feedback is
appreciated!
---------------------------------------------------------------
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Please mail this back to : Brian J. Murrey - KB9BVN
1010 Ashland Ave.
New Whiteland, IN 46184
United States of America
Thank You !
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 24
Volume 2, Number 12 March 31, 1991
===========================================================================
G O O D I E S
===========================================================================
Software Distribution Notice
The Ham Packet Digest is complied in Indianapolis by Brian Murrey
(KB9BVN), and distributed from Fidonet node 231/30. Since we are a
regular BBS here, we have file areas available to our users to
download from.
At this time, anyone can access the SouthSide BBS by calling
317-535-9097 and logging in as Ham Radio. Use YAGI for the password.
This will allow you do download on your first call, your access is
limited to the Ham Radio files area though.
The BBS supports 1200/2400/9600HST speeds and will not accept a 300
baud call. The hours of operation are 5am to 3am, in other words the
BBS is closed to human callers from 3am to 5am in order to process
incoming and outgoing mail.
If you are a Fiodnet node, you may request FILES for a complete
listing of the files that we have available for file request.
You may also request by US Mail a list of Ham files that are
available, there is no charge for this or any service provided by the
BBS. The files list will be made available on floppy disk, no print
outs will be sent out.
To obtain list by mail simply mail a blank formatted 3.5 (720K) or
5.25 (360) diskette to the address printed in the user survey (why not
fill out the survey while you're at it) along with a postage paid
return mailer. Once you recieve the list, you can send whatever
floppies it takes to have us copy the programs for you and mail your
disks back. You MUST include return postage. Nothing will be sent
back to you unless you have included return postage.
We are also interested in trading files with other systems, if you
would be interested in this then contact Brian Murrey at 231/30 via
netmail.
The software that we have to offer is a mixture of public domain, and
shareware software. We charge nothing for the software but do require
return postage. If you use shareware software, please, send in the
registration fees or discontinue your use. Shareware is NOT free
software whereas public domain software is free.
Brian Murrey - KB9BVN
Fidonet HAM/PACKET Digest Page 25