Tech Arsenal 1/Tech Arsenal (Arsenal Computer).ISO/tek-20/ih91053.zip/IH91053.TXT

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Info-Hams Digest            Fri, 11 Jan 91       Volume 91 : Issue  53

Today's Topics:
                     Code vs. No-Code Compromise?
                             Cushcraft R5
                            Exam Procedure
                             homebrewing
           Novice loses privilege - ARRL response (2 msgs)
                       Other's view of codefree
                     PACKET PATH FROM INTER-NET??
                     Passive Reflectors (2 msgs)
                       R7000 Remote Control Mod
                     Radio Shack bashing (4 msgs)
                             Ramsey kits
                              this area?
                  What rig is best for VHF/UHF Work?

Send Replies or notes for publication to: <[e-mail]>
Send subscription requests to: <[e-mail]>
Problems you can't solve otherwise to [e-mail].

Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available
(by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams".

We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text
herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official
policies or positions of any party.  Your mileage may vary.  So there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 17:17:52 GMT
From: chiton![e-mail]  (Richard Currier)
Subject: Code vs. No-Code Compromise?
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Brandon S. Allbery KB8JRR) writes:

>I should also take the chance to apologize for some of the comments I've made
>to you on here; going from reading NK8H on my packet rig to reading a bunch of
>derisive comments about no-code in a row (primarily due to catching up on a
>week or so --- at least --- of unread news) tripped my safeties.  You,
>unfortunately, posted the last 2 I'd read... I gotta do something about my
>temper, it gets away from me sometimes.

Thats ok Brandon, no offense taken. This is the best place for an open discuss-
ion. The code/no-code issue is an important one and should be aired in public.

Sometimes long time CW OPs can get a little overbearing. One reason for this is
,and I admit this with some reluctance, simple fear. The fear that CW operation
IS dying and that if there is no exposure to it at the entry level new hams
will never take it up. At the same time, I agree that forcing people to learn
CW will not make them take up the mode. They will continue to use it only if
they find it useful as I do to get around antenna restrictions and mandatory
barefoot operation.

So even though I try to talk up the virtues of CW, I still support the new
no-code licence and will welcome any new hams with open arms.

    AA6PN


>++Brandon
>--
>Me: Brandon S. Allbery                VHF/UHF: KB8JRR on 220, 2m, 440
>Internet: [e-mail]            Packet: KB8JRR @ WA8BXN
>America OnLine: KB8JRR                AMPR: KB8JRR.AmPR.ORG [44.70.4.88]
>uunet!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!ncoast!allbery    Delphi: ALLBERY


--
    richard currier        marine physical lab    u.c. san diego
    [e-mail]
    619-534-1730

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 15:06:15 GMT
From: news.miami.edu!rcf.rsmas.miami.edu![e-mail]
Subject: Cushcraft R5
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Perry Scott) writes:
>
> The advantage of the HF6VX is that it offers multiple quarter wave
> operation on 10/15/20 (slightly more gain).  There are no traps - the
> whole antenna radiates on all bands.  The disadvantage is that it
> requires radials to perform well.

> If you intend to move the antenna
> a lot, you probably want an R5, and use a horizontal wire loop and
> Transmatch for 40/80/160.
>

For those of us that are less well informed, what sort of wire loop do you
recommend?

--
C. Mark Eakin
Internet: Eakin@[e-mail]
Amateur Radio: N4SYK      Packet Radio: [e-mail]
USnail: Univ. of Miami, RSMAS-BLR, 4600 Rickenbacker Cswy. Miami, FL 33149-1098

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 16:00:03 GMT
From: midway!midway.uchicago.edu![e-mail]  (Peter B. Hayward)
Subject: Exam Procedure
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Steve
Mosier) writes:
> I know that the VE organization doesn't presently (before no-code) give
Novice
> exams.  But I would assume that if a non-ham goes into a walk-in exam
site for
> his Technician, that he would be given the Novice and Tech written as
well as
> the 5 wpm code.  Is this correct?  A friend of mine wants to get his Tech
> license before no-code starts, and there is a local walk-in exam on the
first
> Saturday in February.

I don't know where you got this information. All VE organizations give
Novice exams.  Novice exams can also be given by two Generals. However,
only VE organizations can give Tech and up.


---------------------------
Peter B. Hayward                                              WX9T
University of Chicago Computing Organizations

------------------------------

Date: 10 Jan 91 04:20:10 GMT
From: pilchuck!ssc![e-mail]  (Mark Zenier)
Subject: homebrewing
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Michael A. Covington) writes:
> I wonder if a super-simple homebrew 2-meter transmitter might be feasible.
>
> Motivation: Many new hams already have a receiver (a scanner) but no
> transmitter, and would like to talk on the local repeater.
>
> Approach: Get a scanner crystal that is designed for 10.7 MHz above ...

What about a phase locked loop.  With something like a MC145152, and
a prescaler you should be able to get any frequency in 2 meters with
3 to 5 ICS and a transistor or three.

The problem I see, in this electronic age, is getting the test equipment
necessary to insure you aren't jamming police calls or the like.

What would be the best set of instruments to use when homebrewing in
6 meters and up?  Would one of those TV tuner derived spectrum monitors
be more than a waste of money?

[e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 17:50:08 GMT
From: [e-mail]  (Kok Chen)
Subject: Novice loses privilege - ARRL response
To: [e-mail]

A little while back, there was some discusssion on whether a
Novice would have to retake the code test after upgrading to
Technician in order to retain his or her HF privileges.

I just received a letter from Larry Price dated January 7 that
seems to indicate that the ARRL's interpretation of the rules
is that a "Novice who passes the new Tech will lose his [sic]
HF privileges until he [sic] retakes the 5 wpm exam once again".

This was one of the reasons he gave for the ARRL's unwillingness
to endorse 90-55.

He indicated that the ARRL will ask the FCC to change the
wording (re novice having to retake code test) and also

 "including if neccessary, a Petition for Reconsideration"

Anyway, there is still time (Board of Director's meeting is
on the 18th of January) to write your Directors asking them not
to petition the FCC for any reduction of the new Technician
privileges.

By the way, whether you agree with the philosophy of the League
or not, I have found from this one experience that the League
is very *responsive* to it's common member.  I received a
response within the week from my Section Manager [through e-mail]
and Division Director [QSL card :-)].  And, within 3 weeks from
Larry Price [letter, US mail].

73,

Kok Chen, AA6TY                [e-mail]
Apple Computer, Inc.

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 18:34:56 GMT
From: [e-mail]  (Lew Jansen)
Subject: Novice loses privilege - ARRL response
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Kok Chen) writes:
>I just received a letter from Larry Price dated January 7 that
>seems to indicate that the ARRL's interpretation of the rules
>is that a "Novice who passes the new Tech will lose his [sic]
>HF privileges until he [sic] retakes the 5 wpm exam once again".

>Kok Chen, AA6TY                [e-mail]


  This is odd.  When I took (and passed) my Novice & Tech exams at a
VE session here on 5 March 1990, I received a CSCE for all the
elements I'd passed.  When one shows ones Novice license to a VE when
taking the Tech exam, cannot one obtain a CSCE for the 5 wpm code??


    -- Lewis R. Jansen, N2KNV        [e-mail]
    LASSP/LNS Systems Manager             [phone]

        "You can't fight in here, this is the War Room!"

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 18:01:01 GMT
From: w8grt![e-mail]  (Jim Grubs)
Subject: Other's view of codefree
To: [e-mail]

 > From: [e-mail] (John Stanley)
 > Date: 11 Jan 91 01:00:10 GMT
 > Organization: Not BIFF At All (NBAA)
 > Message-ID: <[e-mail]>
 > Newsgroups: rec.ham-radio
 >
 >
 > [e-mail] (Jim Grubs) writes:
 >
 > >  >     So, since the Fido document doesn't show that anyone is attracted,
 > >  > then it does not demonstrate that any fears are unfounded. It may still
 > >  > be that only radical outlaw CB'ers will be attracted. The Fido post
 > >  > didn't
 > >  > say any Fido people were.
 > >
 > > "Attracted" = "Their curiosity is aroused".
 > >
 > > Sheesh!
 >
 >    Nothing in that document showed that anyone (including the author)
 > was attracted to ham radio. Or, in terms you want, nothing said that
 > anyone had their curiosity aroused.

The mere fact someone was interested enough to write the article and the editor
was interested enough to publish it demonstrate my point.

Sorry I brought it up. I forgot that the purpose of Usenet newsgroups is to
generate opportunities for little people to demonstrate their intellectual
prowess by picking to pieces even the most innocuous comments.

--
Jim Grubs - via the friendly folks at UUNET
UUCP: ...!uunet!w8grt!jim.grubs
INTERNET: [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 15:06:27 GMT
From: abvax!iccgcc![e-mail]
Subject: PACKET PATH FROM INTER-NET??
To: [e-mail]

I see many addresses containing packet network addresses such as WA8BXN
on this newsgroup.  How do I address an E-MAIL to get it to someone
out there.          73 de WA8ZHN / Jim

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 11 Jan 1991 09:13:49 PST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Passive Reflectors
To: [e-mail]

The comments from KD9OF about the use of 17" inverted antennas in buildings is
very accurate.  These antennas are really PASSIVE REPEATERS for use with
handheld radios.  Ground plane antennas have been used for years by hams to
gain outside access from basements and from inside buildings.  I suspect that a
ham was part of the installation team for the hospital that was described.

For those familiar with the tunnels on the Harbor Freeway transitioning to the
Pasadena Freeway (Los Angeles), you may have observed wires on the ceiling
running the full length of the tunnel (wires have been in place there for over
50 years).  These wires are passive repeaters for improving signal reception
from AM broadcast to 512mhz.

73

Hugh Wells
W6WTU

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 16:53:35 GMT
From: mojo![e-mail]  (Chuck Harris - WA3UQV)
Subject: Passive Reflectors
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Larry Svec) writes:
>I recently spent a half-day in a hospital emergency room and saw they
>had an inverted 17" antenna hanging from the ceiling which appeared
>to have a co-ax running to the outside of the hospital hooked to
>another similar antenna.  I did not trace the coax to see if there
>were any modules of any sort along the way but it was my thought that
>this was to help RF get in/out of the ER when paramedics come in with
>their HTs... any comments from anyone who knows for sure are welcome???

I was told by one of the nurses at the cardiac center at George Washington
Hospital that these antenna units were used to receive the heart monitor
telemetry from the portable heart monitors that their patients wear when
walking around the halls, or are on crash carts heading for help.


    Chuck Harris - WA3UQV
    [e-mail]

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 15:35:16 GMT
From: swrinde!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!know!tegra![e-mail]  (Johnathan Vail)
Subject: R7000 Remote Control Mod
To: [e-mail]

Here are the details of a mod I sent to MT a few years ago:

This will change the function of the MS key on the remote control to
select SELECTED MEMORY SCAN instead of MODE scan.  Why they didn't
provide this as a function in the first place seems rather odd.

On the remote control option board inside the R7000, remove the
cathode of D40 from the board and bend the diode up slightly.  Attach
a small wire, like #30 wire-wrap or something, to the lifted cathode
and tack solder it to the cathode of D32.

You could do this with cuts on the board but the tack solder method
allows the mod to be backed out easily if needed.

An alternative method is to run the wire from D40 through the hole
where it used to be, and solder to the gray wire (pin 8) of P1.


I figured this out with a scope and the schematic.  The switches are
all polled by the CPU through a diode matrix.  Lots of combinations
are possible but I didn't fool around too much.

73s, jv


"Cheerio-Magnetics: The tendency of the last few cheerios in a bowl of milk
to cling together for survival."
 _____
|     | Johnathan Vail | [e-mail]
|Tegra| [phone] | N1DXG@448.625-(WorldNet)
 -----  [e-mail] {...sun!sunne ..uunet}!tegra!vail

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 16:39:00 GMT
From: [e-mail]  (paul masters)
Subject: Radio Shack bashing
To: [e-mail]

>
>I really hate it when RS people jump on you like a cat on a mouse everytime
>I go into their stores.  So one time I **HAD** to have my fun...
>

I had a ball with one here in Newark, DE. First of all, I have nothing but
*good* things to say about the manager of this store, along with one of
the sales-men who seems to be quite an Elmer. But, they have some other clown
with all the tact of a brick.

I was getting my car fixed at Pep-Boy's, next door. They said repairs would be a
while, so I decided to look around RS for a while, and he was right on me:

Clown: Can I help you with something?

Me: I'm getting my car fixed, so I am just looking around.

Clown: They have some really good guys over there.

Me: I don't know. The one, I talked to wanted to, PLAY SALES-MAN with
    my repair order.

He didn't have much to say after that.

                    Paul
--
I will not waste chalk..I will not skateboard down the halls..I will not
burp in class..I will not instigate revolution..I will not draw naked ladies
.....I will not program brahms.udel.edu to murder itself....
      Paul Masters N3IRU (The ham license arived 12/04/90)

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 16:20:26 GMT
From: [e-mail]  (David Albert)
Subject: Radio Shack bashing
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] (BACS Data Communications Group) writes:
>>(unconfirmed):  If you tell them you don't have a phone, they won't
>>pester you further.

No telephone, nothing!  When *I* pay cash, I just tell
them I don't have a *name*!  That usually stops the
conversation pretty quickly.
----------------------------------------------__------------------------------
David Albert                  |  /  )                  /
UUCP: ...!harvard!albert          | /  /  __.  , ___o   __/
INTERNET: [e-mail]          |/__/__(_/|__\/  <___(_/_

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 17:50:59 GMT
From: media-lab!garp![e-mail]  (Henry Mensch)
Subject: Radio Shack bashing
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] (Mike Yetsko) writes:
|> It's easy to say shop somewhere else, but in my hometown, the Shack was the
|> ONLY store to get certain parts on the spur of the moment.  The next nearest
|> store non-shack wise, was over 60 miles away.  The next nearest shack was
|> about 40 miles.

not my problem.  let's see how you could solve this problem:

you could plan your purchases better ... or (if you're incapable of planning
your purchases) you could live in an area which offers a wider range of
merchandise.

|> People in places like Cambridge really are spoiled when they spout
|> "I'll just go elsewhere".  Fine if you can without a major hassle.  But
|> your corner of the world is not everyone elses corner of the world.

you chose your residence; adapt to it.  take your bitching elsewhere.

--
# Henry Mensch    /   <[e-mail]>   /   E40-379 MIT,  Cambridge, MA
# <[e-mail]-relay> / <[e-mail]> / <[e-mail]>
#     via X.400: S=mensch; OU=informatik; P=tu-muenchen; A=dbp; C=de

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 11 Jan 91 14:32 EST
From: Steve Mosier <[e-mail]>
Subject: Radio Shack Bashing
To: [e-mail]

I just hate making this comment, because this discussion is getting SO OLD!
But I just say, "It's unlisted." when asked for my phone number.  The store
people recognize me now and don't even ask.  (My phone is listed, but I feel
like the rest of you about giving it out to RS).

73 de W3GRG steve

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 19:23:01 GMT
From: usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!cica!bronze!silver![e-mail]  (|mehcana| (undersampled))
Subject: Ramsey kits
To: [e-mail]

In article <"11-Jan-91..9:50:54.CST".*[e-mail]> [e-mail] writes:
>
>Walter
>
>Although I haven't finished the Ramsey 40M QRP rig I have read through the
>instruction book and I would say that Ramsey appears to be trying to emulate
>the Heathkit approach to kit building.....
>

so....Where can one obtain these Ramsey kits?

------------------------------

Date: 11 Jan 91 00:37:02 GMT
From: usc!zaphod.mps.ohio-state.edu!lavaca.uh.edu!menudo.uh.edu!lobster!urchin!f8324.n106.z1.fidonet.org![e-mail]  (Christopher Boone)
Subject: this area?
To: [e-mail]

is this area dead or is it just this end of the system?? Sure has been quiet!
WB5ITT

------------------------------

Date: Fri, 11 Jan 91 12:59:34 EDT
From: Michael Owen W9IP/2 <[e-mail]>
Subject: What rig is best for VHF/UHF Work?
To: Hams <[e-mail]>

In a recent posting, Jeff Zell NK3O asked for
opinions on VHF/UHF rigs.

I have has a FT-736R ever since they first came out
(almost 4 years, I guess).  It would be a very fine rig if
Yaesu didn't try to cram everyting possible into it.
Basically, the '736 appears to have been designed with
the following sequence of users in mind:
   1. Satellite Ops
   2. FM/repeater ops
   3. Casual VHF/UHF weak-signal (SSB/CW)
   4. Serious weak signal (contests, EME).
If your interests are near the top, the '736 is a great
rig.  It can do lots of tricks for satellites, such as automatic
VFO tracking, full duplex w/out desense, etc.
It has a zillion (= 1.0EZ) memories and changing them is not terribly
tricky.  However, memories are NOT tunable.
For those of us at
the bottom of the list, all the knobs, memories, and buttons just
get in the way.

I have found that the rig is operationally fine - nice and stable,
decent (but not outstanding) overload-handling on RX, and good-sounding
TX.  I have installed the 220 and 50 MHz modules, and they work just
great.  I do a lot of VHF contesting, and it's nice to have four bands
in a single box.  However, by the time I get preamps and power amps and
relays and footswitches hooked up, there are STILL a lot of cables
draped across the back of the desk.

Major drawbacks, from my point of view:
   1. Adding relay-switched outboard preamps is a #1 MAJOR pain;
      invest in NEC/GasFETS.
   2. Band switching is awkward - to get from 2m to 6m you have
      to go through 220 and 432
   3. You can't copy SSB while in the CW mode, even w/o the CW filter
   4. There is no provision for out-of-band RX.
   5. I have been told that it's hard to connect to a TNC, but
      ask someone who has tried.
   6. Incredibly, there is no provision for A=B with the VFOs.

There you go.

------------------------------

End of Info-Hams Digest
******************************