QRZ! Ham Radio 3/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 3.iso/digests/infoham/931302.txt

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Date: Tue,  2 Nov 93 04:30:08 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <[e-mail]>
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Reply-To: [e-mail]
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V93 #1302
To: Info-Hams


Info-Hams Digest            Tue,  2 Nov 93       Volume 93 : Issue 1302

Today's Topics:
                       Best way to learn code?
                 Bird watt-meters can't be exported?
                      EMI/RFI from Hidden Fence
                      FT530/TH78A info requested
                   How to calibrate a DVM (2 msgs)
                Mobile Transceiver Installation Guide?
                      Repeater Trivia Question.
                  setting up a work bench. (2 msgs)
                              STS-58 QSL
                      Studying in San Francisco
                    Tom McMullen, W1SL, Silent Key
         Who is the guy broadcasting from the Belgrade Lakes?

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: Mon, 1 Nov 93 20:15:53 GMT
From: dog.ee.lbl.gov!overload.lbl.gov!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!a3bee2.radnet.com!cyphyn![e-mail]
Subject: Best way to learn code?
To: [e-mail]

post testing
            sorry for borrowing your topic, but it's the only one thats
still alive here.

We apparently have a lid who got into the posting system and its being
desnarled.

--
Randy KA1UNW              If you get a shock while
                         servicing  your  equipment,         "Works for me!"
randy@192.153.4.200             DON'T  JUMP!                     -Peter Keyes
                     You might break an expensive tube!

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

Date: 2 Nov 93 03:03:14 GMT
From: ogicse!uwm.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cs.utexas.edu!geraldo.cc.utexas.edu!slip-3-15.ots.utexas.edu![e-mail]
Subject: Bird watt-meters can't be exported?
To: [e-mail]

 > : >>>>So, what's with the "Not available for export" notation across the
 > : >>>>photo of the Bird meter in the Barry ads?  Too delicate?  Upsets
 > : >>>>someone's monopoly?  Munitions?  Classified equipment?
 > : >>>
 > : >>>The meter would have to be recalibrated to read foreign watts.
 > : >>>
 > : >>>                                                     Greg
 >
>
> : >>Don't be silly.  There is no such thing as foreign watts.
>
> : >>For export, you need to recalibrate the Bird wattmeters to read
> : >>in voltage watts, not current watts.
>
>
> : no, boys and girls. the problem is that the coriolis effect would have the
> : meter rotating backwards in the southern hemisphere.
>
>    Does that mean that it won't work when you're exactly over the equator?

Not only that, but it will not work at the exact center of the Earth.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
  _     Miles Abernathy, N5KOB        =
 | |__  [e-mail]  =
_|    | POB 7580, Austin TX 78713     =
\  * /  University of Texas @ Austin  =
  \/    tel. [phone]  U.S.A.   =
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =

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

Date: 1 Nov 93 15:41:24 EST
From: psinntp![e-mail]
Subject: EMI/RFI from Hidden Fence
To: [e-mail]

Info on Interference From "Hidden Fence"

Several members have reported interference from a new product called the
"Hidden Fence." This product uses a VLF transmitter, a large perimeter
loop, a receiver on a dog collar and a shock device to help teach a dog
to remain within your property lines. (No flames, please -- I just
report 'em. I don't even have a dog! I like cats! Uh, oh -- another
flame war!)

Earlier versions of this were marketed without FCC approval and may
generate interference to much of the HF band. The interference is
characterized by a pulsing harmonic (like CW dits) every 35 kHz or so. I
contacted the Hidden Fence Company and was told that a "suppresser kit"
is available free of charge. When you call, it is a good idea to ask
for "Cheri" because others may not know about the suppresser kit.

The ARRL RFI desk (that's me!) is looking for any report from someone
who can verify that this suppresser kit is effective. Contact me here at
HQ by phone, letter or email ([e-mail]).

Hidden Fence Pet Containment, Co.
1725 NW 33rd St
Pompano Beach, FL  33064
[phone]
[phone]
[phone]

If anyone has any difficulty obtaining the suppresser kit, ask to speak
with Bruce Pagano.

73 from ARRL HQ, Ed

-----
Ed Hare, KA1CV                  [e-mail]
American Radio Relay League
225 Main St.
Newington, CT  06111            If you tie a strip of colored cloths to
[phone] - voice          part of your body, the tribe acts
ARRL Laboratory Supervisor      differently!
RFI, xmtr and rcvr testing
-----

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

Date: 1 Nov 93 20:00:35 GMT
From: rtech!ingres![e-mail]
Subject: FT530/TH78A info requested
To: [e-mail]

I would appreciate feedback on the FT530, TH78A, and any other 2m/440
HTs.  I would especially like to hear about squawks, dislikes, etc.
Thanks in advance.

[e-mail]

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

Date: 1 Nov 1993 19:39:15 GMT
From: dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!spool.mu.edu!nigel.msen.com!ilium!gdls.com![e-mail]
Subject: How to calibrate a DVM
To: [e-mail]

I have three digital voltmeters in my shack, none of which agree with the others.

The problem I have is how to calibrate the voltage.  I have heard that mercury cells
like those used in cameras are quite stable and consistent in voltage and that they                                   can be used to calibrate a meter.

Has anyone had experience with this?  Will it work?  Is there a better way?

Thanks

Bill

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

Date: 1 Nov 93 20:10:04 GMT
From: utcsri!utnut!torn!news2.uunet.ca!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!casbah.acns.nwu.edu![e-mail]
Subject: How to calibrate a DVM
To: [e-mail]

In article <2b3ol3$[e-mail]>, Bill Turini <[e-mail]> wrote:
>I have three digital voltmeters in my shack, none of which agree with
>the others. The problem I have is how to calibrate the voltage.  I
>have heard that mercury cells like those used in cameras are quite
>stable and consistent in voltage and that they can be used to calibrate
>a meter.Has anyone had experience with this?  Will it work?
>Is there a better way?

Many companies make precision voltage reference zeners.  For example
National has LM336 5v unit with +-1% initial tolerance.  This is available
from Digikey for a nominal amount.  (less than $2?) They also have other
more exotic, ovenized sources with tighter tolerances.  I suspect that
they cost more.

The circuit is simple:

                     +2.5v  -
                     |      |
+5v-------/\/\/\/\--*--|<--*----/// ground
            2.5K      LM336

BTW, the LM336 is a three lead device, commonly packaged in the TO92 style.
The third lead is used for temperature compensation and can be ignored
for your purposes.

Rajiv
aa9ch
[e-mail]

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

Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 21:04:50 GMT
From: fluke![e-mail]
Subject: Mobile Transceiver Installation Guide?
To: [e-mail]

I just purchased a 1994 Ford Ranger pickup and I want to transfer my
2-meter mobile rig to it.  Does anyone know if Ford has any literature
available recommending how to install two-way radio equipment?  This is
a fuel-injected vehicle, so I want to take whatever steps are necessary
to avoid upsetting the vehicle control electronics.  I know I've seen
postings in the past about such literature, but I think it was for
General Motors vehicles.

I looked at the ARRL "auto-list" and called the number listed for
Ford.  They didn't know of any such literature.  I wouldn't be
surprised to find that such documentation exists and the answerline
folks just aren't aware of it.

So, anyone out there got a secret literature number you would like to
share with us?  Thanks in advance.

Paul Lutt
KE7XT
--
 Paul Lutt
Domain: [e-mail]
 Voice: [phone]
  UUCP: uunet!fluke!pwl
 Snail: Fluke Corporation / P.O. Box 9090 / Everett, WA 98206-9090

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

Date: 1 Nov 1993 20:56:04 GMT
From: orca.es.com!olin![e-mail]
Subject: Repeater Trivia Question.
To: [e-mail]

In article <2b3b7g$[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Bill Turini) writes:
>Who put the first amateur repeater on the air?  When? Where? and what band?
>
>No prize to the winner, only everlasting gratitude :-)
>
>73's
>
>Bill

The first amateur radio repeater that I am aware of was put on the air
about 1957 or 1958 or so on the 2 meter band. It was AM, not FM, and
was located in the Hollywood Hills overlooking the San Fernando Valley
and the Los Angeles basin. In those days, 2 meters was still a Novice
phone band, but oddly enough, Technicians were not permitted to use
2 meters. There were quite a few hams, incidentally, who got both
their Novice and Technician licenses at the same time, but their Novice
station call had an N in it (preceding the numeral), and their Technician
station call did not. The Novice license was only good for one year and
was not renewable. All of the other licenses at that time were good for
5 years and were renewable. The callsign of the repeater was K6MYK, and
the repeater itself was quite a contraption - housed in a 6 foot rack -
all homebrew. The input frequency was 145.18 and the output frequency was
up around 147.8 or thereabouts. There was lots of 2 meter activity in
the LA area at the time, and the repeater became very popular. A little
later, K6TRU also put an AM repeater on the air. He was very intolerant
of the antics of some of the users and would often shut down his repeater
when things got out of hand. K6MYK may have built one of the first
repeaters in the U.S., but I am not certain.

--
Alan Brubaker, K6XO      |~~|_  "Pumps have handles, Hams have names;
<IYF disclaimer>         | *  |mine's Lee, what's yours?" - Lee Wical,
Internet: [e-mail]|____|KH6BZF, the Bloomin' Zipper Flipper.

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

Date: 1 Nov 93 16:07:35 CST
From: timbuk.cray.com!hemlock.cray.com!cherry10![e-mail]
Subject: setting up a work bench.
To: [e-mail]

I think I need to build a workbench down stairs as one of my first projects.
Any suggestions as far as what to think ahead about design wise?  I intend
to buy some cheap lumber at Knox or Menards etc.  They have a workbench
kit based on 2x4's.  Also shelve frames etc.

(I probably ought to have something to clip an anti static wrist strap
to for one.)

I think I want to place some rugged shelves above the workbench to
place (possibly heavy) test equipment, parts, reference books, etc.
(The scope I just got is heavy, and I don't want to move it around much.
I would like to be able to set it on the shelf and just use it there
most of the time.  I suppose there will be plenty of times when the piece
of work is bigger and heavier than the scope.  Hmm, maybe I sould put
wheels on the workbench?  This would let me move it around downstairs,
but I would still need to remove it if I want to take it out to the
garage etc.)

The basement has tile floor on cement.  I don't think that would be
too conducive to static.  Is there anything else I ought to think of
this way?

I wonder if I should try to have some strong ground material there.
I can't really drive a copper pole into the ground there, but I could
have some iron pipes to hang things on and I could attach test equipment
to these with bradded metal strips, and attach these to the main water pipe
or sewer pipe?   I don't know if this is useful.  If I get HF equipment installed
there and an antenna connection anywhere near it might prevent some lightening
damage if the lightening strike is not to close.

Any other suggestions about where to place things?
                                                ______
Sourdough and Ham  KG0IO/AE         |   |  |
                                               |   |  |  obten comida,
--David C. Adams    [e-mail]            |   |  |  y sal de aqui!
  Statistician                                  \____/
  Cray Research Inc.                            (____)
                                                .:. .
                                                . .  :.

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

Date: Tue, 2 Nov 1993 01:54:54 GMT
From: olivea!sgigate.sgi.com!odin!chuck.dallas.sgi.com![e-mail]
Subject: setting up a work bench.
To: [e-mail]

In article <2b440p$[e-mail]>, [e-mail] writes:
|> David,
|>
|>  I made a heavy duty bench out of a solid core door and saw horses, the door
|>  had a deep nick on one side so I got it for 1/2 price ($20). A new 36"wide
|>  door should be under $40 at most discount houses.
|>
|> Stan
|> kb6rqz
|>
|>

I agree with Stan.  Use a solid core door.  I have mine in the corner.
Build a ledge for the door to ride on against the wall.  I use an unfinished
4 drawer small dresser for the corner, thus the ledge is at the same height
as the chest.  Use L-brackets to hold door to the ledge.

So from the front it looks like:  (to the best of my ASCII drawing ability)



    __________________________________________     ______________________
    |    SOLID CORE DOOR FROM THE SIDE       |     |    FROM THE END    |
    ------------------------------------------     ----------------------
    |         |                             ||     ||          |        |
    |         |                             --     --          |        |
    |         |                                                |        |
    |         |                               ^-----^Ledge     |        |
    |  CHEST  | about 36" high                                 |        |
    |    OF   |                                                |        |
    | DRAWERS |                                                |        |
    |         |                                                |        |
    |         |                                                |        |
    -----------                                                ----------

Not drawn to any scale known to man.  :-)

The right side and back of door is held up on the wall by a ledge
made from 1x4 boards nailed to wall studs and attached to door by
L-brackets. Florescent light above the workbench for good lighting.
Stain door and chest of drawers to suit.  Cheap set of drawers, but
let your budget be your guide.  Use bar stool to work at the bench.
Mine has been up six years and no warp to door that I can tell.  Use
it for laying out model airplane wings too.  :-)

Works for me.  73

--
SIG
------cut here----------
Chuck Adams, K5FO - CP60
[e-mail]
QRP ARCI Awards Chairman

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

Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 17:28:51 GMT
From: mdisea!mothost!lmpsbbs![e-mail]
Subject: STS-58 QSL
To: [e-mail]

In article [e-mail], [e-mail] (Thomas Leber) }At any rate, my question is:
}Can I get a shuttle QSL for a reception-only report?

YES!

}Where do I send the report? Should I include a SASE or stamps?

Send the card to the ARRL. Inicate SWL on the bottom right of the envelope.
Include an SASE. Above the address put STS58 QSL Card, so it gets
properly routed.

Bruce, WB4YUC, el YUCCO. . .

}Thanks in advance,
}
}Tom Leber
}N3QKV

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

Date: 2 Nov 93 04:19:01 GMT
From: ogicse!uwm.edu!spool.mu.edu!umn.edu!csus.edu!netcom.com![e-mail]
Subject: Studying in San Francisco
To: [e-mail]

Gary Coffman ([e-mail]) wrote:
: [e-mail] (Michael Sattler) writes:
: >
: >Thanks for the reply.  If what you say is true, then why do so many
: >people (including the military) mount huge whip antennae with shiny
: >loading coils on their bumpers?

: Because if they mounted those huge whips on the top they'd hit every
: highway overpass in the country. As I said, *when mechanically feasible*,
: the best place to mount an antenna is in the center of the roof.

I guess I'm not understanding the most basic part of this issue.
How much of an advantage does a huge whip offer over, say, a Diamond
roof-top (3 db gain on 2 meters, 5 db gain on 70 cm) antenna?
--

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Michael S. Sattler         [e-mail]        [phone]
Digital Jungle Software    Encrypt now; ask me how.   (finger for PGP key)

               All that is required for evil to triumph is
                for {wo}men of good will to do nothing.

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

Date: Mon, 1 Nov 1993 17:42:05 GMT
From: mdisea!mothost!lmpsbbs![e-mail]
Subject: Tom McMullen, W1SL, Silent Key
To: [e-mail]

In article [e-mail], [e-mail] (Jim Kearman) writes:

 While at Motorola, Tom helped provide
}a 2-meter handheld for use by Shuttle astronaut Owen Garriott,
}W5LFL.

I worked with Tom on that project, then named AMRAD. He wrote the article that appeared
in QST for our club. He also worked on the board layout for the radio interface box.

I'll never forget the sparkle in his voice the day we headed up to see the launch
of STS-9.

The child-like enthusiasm and the excitement of being a part of something so large
and important to ham radio. . . Indeed we have lost someone to be looked up to and
emulated in all aspects of life.

Respectfully,
Bruce Burke, WB4YUC
AMRAD/SAREX Team Member


}People like Tom are too few. Not just amateur radio,
}but the world at large, has lost a good man.
}
}73,
}Jim, KR1S
}
}--
}[e-mail]

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

Date: 1 Nov 1993 21:15:01 GMT
From: orca.es.com!olin![e-mail]
Subject: Who is the guy broadcasting from the Belgrade Lakes?
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (David Kirkpatrick) writes:
>
>comming from the Belgrade Lakes area of Maine.  I believe
>the guys name was Glen ... and he seemed to be broadcasting
>a political agenda.  Does anyone know how this person can
>broadcast in such a manner and also what is his goal?

Glen Baxter, K1MAN, has been transmitting bulletins for several
years now. I think that he has been trying to put together an
alternative amateur radio organization, and I think that he may
have a small following. His IARN (International Amateur Radio
Network) has been on the air on 10, 20 and 75 meters, and perhaps
some other bands as well. As far as I know, these are one-way
transmissions, and I have never heard him field questions from
his listeners. I do not listen to him very often, but now and then
I run across his bulletins and I listen for a while if it is
something interesting.

--
Alan Brubaker, K6XO      |~~|_  "Pumps have handles, Hams have names;
<IYF disclaimer>         | *  |mine's Lee, what's yours?" - Lee Wical,
Internet: [e-mail]|____|KH6BZF, the Bloomin' Zipper Flipper.

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

End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1302
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