QRZ! Ham Radio 3/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 3.iso/digests/infoham/940164.txt

Internet Message Format | 1994-06-04 | 25.8 KB

Date: Thu, 17 Feb 94 01:12:36 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <[e-mail]>
Errors-To: [e-mail]
Reply-To: [e-mail]
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V94 #164
To: Info-Hams


Info-Hams Digest            Thu, 17 Feb 94       Volume 94 : Issue  164

Today's Topics:
                       call book typo... sorry
               Copying High-Speed CW: Print or Script?
                             DSPs are hot
                      Guide to the Personal Rad
                   HAMBLASTER INCORRECT STATEMENTS
                          Hamblaster update
                          Help: QSL Printer
                    Keyboards at testing sessions
         MAJOR NEW HF RADIO PROPAGATION SOFTWARE ANNOUNCEMENT
                      Nashvill --> Knoxville 2m?
                       Nude amateur radio clubs

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: 16 Feb 1994 04:14:59 GMT
From: ucsnews!newshub.sdsu.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!odin![e-mail]
Subject: call book typo... sorry
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]>,
Morrison Charles F <[e-mail]> wrote:
>>cs.buffalo.edu 2000         or  128.205.32.2
>>
>>again, the word 'callsign' was not needed here.  sorry for the trouble.

If they recommend using the word "callsign", I'd use it.  There is no
guarantee cs.buffalo.edu and callsign.cs.buffalo.edu will be the same
computer in the future.  Likewise, there is no guarantee it will retain
the IP address you list above.

In general, when there is a special alias created for a service, it's
wise not to defeat the purpose of the alias by using an alternate name.

          Stephen

--
Stephen Trier  KB8PWA       Dave: [H]as anyone ever met a Zamboni driver?
Other: [e-mail]   Mike: The next version of OS/2 will include a
Home: [e-mail]             Zamboni driver. Let's see Microsoft top that!
                                  ([e-mail] & [e-mail])

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

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 1994 00:25:58 -0800
From: ucsnews!newshub.sdsu.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!swrinde!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!mcws![e-mail]
Subject: Copying High-Speed CW: Print or Script?
To: [e-mail]

Hey, it says here that you are a saxophone student.  Tell me more!  I
play jazz...

Just to stay on topic, I discovered the problem with rf feedback in my
hf setup; the TNC was picking it up and sending distorted audio to
the rig.  That didn't happen before the earthquake, so I'm trying to
figure it out.  73 DE K6DDX

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

Date: 16 Feb 1994 04:08:44 GMT
From: ucsnews!newshub.sdsu.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!odin![e-mail]
Subject: DSPs are hot
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]>,
Cecil Moore <[e-mail]> wrote:
>Because none of the programming is hardwired in, DSP-based products
>are infinitely upgradable. ...  Just download a new version of the code
>to the DSP from a BBS or a floppy disk.

Sometimes I wonder just how PC Magazine manages to survive.  This is an
over-simplification.  _Some_ DSP-based products keep their software in
RAM or EEPROM.  Many use EPROM, and some use mask-programmed ROM.

       Stephen

--
Stephen Trier  KB8PWA       Dave: [H]as anyone ever met a Zamboni driver?
Other: [e-mail]   Mike: The next version of OS/2 will include a
Home: [e-mail]             Zamboni driver. Let's see Microsoft top that!
                                  ([e-mail] & [e-mail])

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

Date: Thu, 17 Feb 1994 03:15:00 GMT
From: ax!sec21![e-mail]
Subject: Guide to the Personal Rad
To: [e-mail]

   Dear Sirs,

   Archive-name: radio/ham-radio/archives

   I'm interested in the following files listed below:

   How can I get them?

antenna_refs        - references for articles about antenna designs
arrl_fo_jobs        - descriptions of some ARRL Field Organization jobs
carpet.loop.2       - Antenna for apartments and small spaces
comb6.zip           - HF Propagation Predication program
dxcc-k2di           - ARRL DXCC country list
dx_w2iol.dat        - data for all country prefix, position, etc
dx_w2iol.doc        - documentation for the above database
florida_antenna     - Florida State antenna law info
hams_on_usenet      - list of ham operators and e-mail addresses on the ne
hf_rigs             - QST reviews of available HF rigs
mail_order          - a database of electronic mail order shops
manufacturers       - names and addresses of ham gear manufacturers
newcomers           - tips and hints for those new to amateur radio
pio_handbook        - ARRL Public Information Officer's Handbook
qsl_bureau1         - information about the ARRL QSL bureau
qsl_bureau2         - "what should I do if" list for the QSL bureau
qst_prodrev         - index of ARRL product reviews in QST

      Thank you for any help!

73, Gerson Rissin - PY1APS & PY7APS

     ############################ Super Tag #############################
     #                                                                  #
     #         [] Gerson Rissin - Rio de Janeiro, RJ. - BRASIL          #
     #

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

Date: 14 Feb 94 14:43:21 GMT
From: psinntp!psinntp!laidbak!tellab5![e-mail]
Subject: HAMBLASTER INCORRECT STATEMENTS
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Bob McGwier) writes:
>

I had some errors in my last post

I didn,t want to get into a "Point/Counterpoint" rebutal
but I was convinced by others to do so.



JWA= Jack Albert
RWM= Robert W. McGwier
--------------------------
RWM

Howdy:

In a recent spate of messages, we have been told of the capabilities
of the hamblaster.  It sounds rudimentary so far but I am sure that
over time the capabilities (new software development) will proceed
and its capabilities will be enhanced and it will make a very
interesting tool for amateur radio communications, experimentation,
and learning DSP.  There will be alternatives as you will now be told.

JWA

For future expansion,  the Hamblaster has an expansion connector.
Several add-ons will include, a better A/D-D/A,  Packet switch,
real time tuning scope display driver and a microprocessor.

RWM

In other messages, John Alberts has told us of the lack of capabilities
of the Sound Blaster 16 with ASP.  He is WRONG.

JWA

Not really,  because I own one, I was refering to the
Soundblaster Pro.   Any referances to the ASP version
was based on information from the "Ultimate Soundblaster
Book" that I purchased from a local book store.  I was
unaware and the book didn't mention it's programming
capabilities.   I believe my actual words where
"Im not shure but" .

RWM

I received my Sound Blaster developers kit via UPS yesterday at
last.  It is easy to see how John could have made the mistake
he made.  The manuals received in the kit describe two distinct
pieces of processing hardware.  One is called the DSP and the
other is the ASP.


The DSP has all the limitations mentioned by John in his statements
concerning the capabilities of the Sound Blaster card (or lack thereof).
It is a proprietary gate array surrounding masks from other chip
developers to do stuff like DMA blocks of samples in and out, to convert PCM
to u-LAW, 2 or 4 bit ADPCM, CVSD, etc.  It directs the flow of
MIDI commands, etc.  It is a pretty neat thing in and of itself
but it is NOT what we want.  We want a full blown DSP chip, with
a modified Harvard architecture and at least 16 by 16 bit -> 32 multiply,
accumulate, read new coefficient and data in one instruction time.
THE ASP is a real DSP chip and has all this.  It is 512 words of off
chip program memory, 512 words of off chip data ram, 192 words of X RAM
on chip,128 words of Y ram on chip.

JWA

The Hamblaster  comes with 32K of program/data memory.
It will be expandable to 32k of program and 32k of data
memory with a total os 64k words.  More than you'll ever need!

Our packet modem software is 3K.  It just won't fit in the
Soundblaster ASP 16.

RWM

X ram is program and sample data, Y RAM would be used for
filter coefficients.  THIS IS A FULL BLOWN DSP CHIP.  It
does NOT have the limitations John has told us the hamblaster
overcomes.

Indeed, on the A/D, D/A front, it is quite clear that the under
$300 SB16-ASP is quite a bit MORE CAPABLE than hamblaster.

JWA

New information places the Hamblaster at about $275.00

RWM

It has two channels (16 bits each), D/A, and A/D.
The sample rate is completely controllable by uploading a divisor to
the control register.  The lowest available rate is 5 Khz and the
highest is 44.1 Khz.  The processor runs at 12 MIPS so filters would
execute at around 25 MIPS. This is because it has the typical DSP
feature of multiply two numbers, read the next two, and accumulate the
last result while shifting the pointers in two instruction times.

JWA

That's great for HiFi work but for Ham use you only need an
8kHz sample rate and an 8 bit D/A-A/D.  If you consider pipe-
lining the C25 also about runs 25 MIPS.

RWM

That is plenty fast.  I will be able to do dual channel modems for this
card.  Since the thing does not also have a UART, or SIO, we will have
to the HDLC and UART functions on the chip when required.  Other DSP
developers have done this all on chip (Finland DSP development group
on the Motorola DSP56001).  We will be able to do a lot.

John should be more careful when he makes flat statements about
commercially available products.  If he were a `real competitor'
of Creative Labs, he could get into a bit of a hassle.

JWA

There's no way that a product made for Ham Radio will compete
with a product that will sell in the millions.  In the Ham market
there just aren't enough sales to generate a reasonable profit!
You'll never get rich selling to Hams.

RWM

I told John in a reply to his mail that I doubted the accuracy
of his statements on the Sound Blaster16 with ASP.  I was correct.

JWA

Not really.  Because of the proprietary nature,
I can't disclose the full picture.  When it's
released, A complete package update will be available.

RWM

The Sound Blaster 16 with ASP is available from many
places for under $300.  The developers kit is $99, available only
from Creative Labs.

JWA

I think the Hamblaster's price will be competative!
They will offer help to third party programmers.

RWM

I will be writing programs for the ASP and giving them away on your
favorite ftp sites and through the ARRL download request service.
These programs will be the basis of articles for QEX describing the
algorithms and the operation of the sound blaster card in amateur
radio applications.  Phil Karn has devised a new link layer for
packet, with FEC, etc. and I will be providing modems that use the
ASP. I believe I can provide what the latest hamblaster announcements
state and more in short order after I get the assembler for the
ASP.  I will do this as quickly as possible.  I am a bit miffed that I
stopped developing the Windows and DOS front ends and display stuff for
the SB16 ASP after John's note because I thought the SB16 was too
limited.  Now it is full steam ahead.

JWA

Good Luck!

Programs for the Hamblaster will also be available on public
domain disk or BBS's.




---
   Jack Albert  WA9FVP          Fellow Radio Hacker
         Tele [phone]
   Tellabs Operations, Inc.     FAX  [phone]
   1000 Remington Blvd.         [e-mail]
   Bolingbrook, IL  60440

                          "I'm a half breed"
              "I can only breed through on side of my nose!"

    Eddie Kantor

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

Date: Tue, 15 Feb 1994 21:37:52 GMT
From: catfish!cscsun![e-mail]
Subject: Hamblaster update
To: [e-mail]

John W. Albert ([e-mail]) wrote:
:  The Hamblaster Update

: Over the past several months I posted updates about a
: DSP "The Hamblaster" that Will Torgrim (N9PEA) and myself
: are developing.
:
: Several weeks ago I mentioned that the projected cost for
: the board would be about $350.00.   It was just a
: "guessestmate".  It looks like it will be more in the $275.00
: range and could be as low as $250.00.  This may still sound
: high compared to the Soundblaster or other sound cards, but
: you have to remember that it's made exclusivly for Ham Radio
: and it won't have the volume (sales) of other sound cards.


Is it just me, or is anyone else wondering why we're being continually
bombarded with a blatantly commercial posting?  I'm glad they've taken
the initiative to make a new piece of hardware for hams, but I don't think
this is the proper forum for their continous ads disguised as status
reports.
--
David Tiller  | Network Administrator | Voice: [phone]       |
[e-mail]  | Randolph-Macon College| Fax:   [phone]       |
[e-mail] | P.O. Box 5005  | ICBM:  37d 42' 43.75" N     |
+++Arch-Conservative+++ | Ashland, Va 23005 |        77d 31' 32.19" W     |

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

Date: 17 Feb 1994 07:06:03 GMT
From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!wupost!crcnis1.unl.edu!unlinfo.unl.edu![e-mail]
Subject: Help: QSL Printer
To: [e-mail]

This may seem like a strange request, but here goes...

Several years ago, I stumbled onto a specific QSL design that I liked
very much. It was a card I received from someone else. The card had no
markings from the printer, so I called the sender and asked for the
information. Luckily, he still had it. It's now 13 years later, I've
reordered from them once, moved once, and yes, lost the address.

I would like to describe the card and see if anyone recognizes the
design. It is a thick card stock, flat-not shiney, is yellow at the
top, gradually fading/transforming to redish-orange on the bottom. The
printer was in PA (I think), and possibly had a name resembling RAU.

If anyone can supply me with the printer's name/address/phone, I would
really appreciate it. I'd like to order some new cards from him as
soon as possible.

Thank you for any help you might be able to provide.

73, Gary

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

Date: 16 Feb 94 17:04:14 GMT
From: nprdc!ihnp4.ucsd.edu!sdd.hp.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!csn!server!stortek.com![e-mail]
Subject: Keyboards at testing sessions
To: [e-mail]

When practicing for my code test I use the Morse Academy software on my
computer. I'm finding my keyboard code speed is now 14wpm but my paper code
speed is still at about 10 to 11wpm.

Would the VEC's kick me out if I brought a laptop to a code test session or
should I wait until my paper speed catches up to my keyboard speed?

Opinions requested.

73's
Patrick Tatro  N0WCG

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

Date: Mon, 14 Feb 1994 14:22:32 MST
From: sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!ve6mgs![e-mail]
Subject: MAJOR NEW HF RADIO PROPAGATION SOFTWARE ANNOUNCEMENT
To: [e-mail]

bid: $STBL4045A
NEW HF PROPAGATION SOFTWARE
PACKET RADIO REPORT
SOLAR TERRESTRIAL DISPATCH
(PACKET: VE6MGS@VE6MC.#EDM.AB.CAN.NOAM)
(INTERNET: [e-mail])

                        The Solar Terrestrial Dispatch
                          Ionospheric Support Branch

                               Proudly Releases


                     S K Y C O M   V e r s i o n   1 . 0

                  High Frequency Ionospheric Signal Analyst


                              A New Standard in
                        Radio Communications Software


     This significant software package is designed for high frequency (HF)
and very high frequency (VHF) radio communicators and/or listeners.  This is
the ONLY major ionospheric software package we are aware of for personal
computers to thoroughly examine (in accurate detail) practically every
ionospheric parameter relavent to radio communications.  It is a "MUST-HAVE"
for anyone involved in HF or refractive-VHF radio communications and will
almost certainly improve the productivity of all broadcasters.

   Essentially, this software can be used as an ionospheric laboratory for
determining the effects of radio signals under a wide variety of solar and
geophysical conditions.  It is very useful as a teaching tool, as well as an
analytical and predictive tool.

     A complex dynamic model of the ionosphere is used to generate
exceptionally useful and accurate information regarding global ionospheric
conditions.  Based on a corrected version of the most recent International
Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model - which produces realistic ionospheric
electron density profiles, SKYCOM dynamically alters the ionospheric profile
characteristics to more closely resemble profiles observed under actual
conditions.

     This software has been a long time coming.  We're pleased to announce a
few of the more significant features below:

     * RAY TRACE SIGNALS THROUGH THE IONOSPHERE BET
         ON THE EARTH.
     * Learn the behavior of radio signals and see where and how signals are
         refracted in the ionosphere.
     * Visually study the effects of sporadic-E on radio signals.  Observe
         how signals are refracted by sporadic-E.
     * Simultaneously observe changes in the electron density as the signals
         are traced and refracted from one point to another.
     * Examine the effects of signal convergence and divergence caused by
         ionospheric refraction.
     * Study the behavior of signals as they penetrate into the various
         ionospheric layers (D, E, sporadic-E, F1, and F2 layers are all
         supported as well as TOP-SIDE ionospheric profiles up to 1000 km).
     * Estimate effects of solar flares (minor or major) on the ionosphere
         and signals traversing the daylit sides of the ionosphere.
     * Estimate the quality of any signal transmitted between any two points,
         under almost any set of circumstances.  Quality figures are derived
         through the use of models that estimate the effects of: Geomagnetic
         Activity, SWFs, Sporadic-E, the Equatorial Anomaly, Regular
         Non-Deviative Absorption, the Winter Anomaly, Polar Cap Absorption,
         Deviative Auroral Absorption, etc.
     * Determine circumstances which may result in very good, good, fair,
         poor, very poor, or even radio blackout conditions for any given
         path and for any given geophysical event.
     * Determine accurate, rigorously ray-traced Maximum Usable Frequencies
         for practically any path.
     * PRODUCE EXCEPTIONALLY DET
         Determine exactly where your transmissions can be received on the
         Earth and the relative strength or quality of the received signals.
     * PRODUCE IN-DEPTH COMPLEX GLOBAL MAPS OF IONOSPHERIC CHARACTERISTICS
         These maps are similar to weather maps used by meteorologists and
         provide a wealth of information regarding the state of the
         ionosphere at any given date or time.
     * Compute global maps of maximum usable frequencies for any time of day.
     * Display global maps of ionospheric M-factors for 3000 km distances.
     * Generate global maps of critical E or F2 layer frequencies.
     * Display maps of solar zenith angles (elevation of the Sun).
     * Generate global maps showing the maximum height of the F2 layer
         electron density.
     * Produce unique transverse CROSS-SECTIONS of the ionosphere for any
         given path.
     * Generate maps showing the geomagnetic DIP or inclination angles
         throughout the world.
     * Display maps of the Total Field Intensity of the geomagnetic field.
     * Also produce maps of Magnetic Latitude or Modified DIP angles.
     * MIX AND MAT

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:

     - IBM or compatible computer system (386 or better recommended).
     - Math Coprocessor recommended, although not required.
     - MSDOS 3.3 or higher.
     - VGA graphics capabilities required.  All graphics are VGA quality.
     - 512 to 640 K of free memory.


FOR PRICING INFORMATION, CALL THE RECORDED MESSAGE (APPROXIMATELY 2 MINUTES)
BY DIALING: 403 756-2386.  A SPECIAL LIMITED TIME INT
AVAILABLE *ONLY* THROUGH 31 MARCH 1994.


**  END OF PACKET BULLETIN  **

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

Date: Sat, 12 Feb 1994 23:04:33 GMT
From: hearst.acc.Virginia.EDU!murdoch!faraday.clas.Virginia.EDU![e-mail]
Subject: Nashvill --> Knoxville 2m?
To: [e-mail]

Howdy. Here's a question for anyone who lives in central or east
Tennessee. Are there any 2m repeater links between Nashville and
Knoxville, TN? Or any strategically replaced repeaters (with good reach)
between them that would allow a conversation?

How much power would be required for the second of the above two
possibilities?

Will Phillips
KE4ALY
[e-mail]
--


                   ** *
               *** *   *       Wm. L. Phillips

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

Date: 14 Feb 94 13:42:33 GMT
From: psinntp!psinntp!laidbak!tellab5![e-mail]
Subject: Nude amateur radio clubs
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> Allen Wallace <[e-mail]> writes:
>In article <gdavis.760825204@griffin> Gary Davis, [e-mail]
>writes:
>> I heard a strange story on the CBC last evening. The report was on
>>the increasing interest in nudism in the Winter months. To promote
>>this festive and relaxing activity additional interests where specified.
>>
>>There is, according to the CBC, a nudist amateur radio club.
>>
>>I am wondering where, how many members? Anybody know anything about this?
>

I wonder if nudest Hams use "rubber ducks"?

---
   Jack Albert  WA9FVP          Fellow Radio Hacker
         Tele [phone]
   Tellabs Operations, Inc.     FAX  [phone]
   1000 Remington Blvd.         [e-mail]
   Bolingbrook, IL  60440

                          "I'm a half breed"
              "I can only breed through on side of my nose!"

    Eddie Kantor

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

Date: 16 Feb 94 17:38:21 GMT
From: news.tek.com!cascade.ens.tek.com![e-mail]
To: [e-mail]

References <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>, <2jrovm$[e-mail]>texas.e
Subject : Re: Nude QSL cards

>
>him a non-nude QSL.  If you're doing serious DX and you don't have time
>to inform anyone of this, you ought to either slow down and do some
>ragchewing or send a non-nude one out by default.  Sheesh.  This is a
>non-issue that isn't worth debating here.
>--scott

 Do you suppose this might be away of increasing percentage of QSL
returns? I suppose if all else fails, you might try it!
(smiley)

Terry, KI7M

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

Date: Wed, 16 Feb 1994 06:50:19 GMT
From: agate!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!crash!beacons![e-mail]
To: [e-mail]

References <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>
Subject : Re: 40 meter QRP (cw or ssb)

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Gary Coffman) writes:
>
>OK, Alan, I understand what you're saying. My mental "FIFO", however,
>is 3 characters or less deep. And that doesn't matter whether the
>characters are input via aural Morse, visual flash cards, or spoken
>phonetics. Once the depth exceeds 3, the oldest character is gone off
>the stack. Attention span deficit, poor short term pattern memory,
>or something.

The depth of my "mental FIFO" seems to be related more to time than
to the number of state changes.  That is, the faster the CW, the
further behind I can recollect, or "play back", in my head.  I can
notice improvements in this ability after merely finding some 35 wpm
folks on 40 meters and listening to them while I do other things.  It
is your subconscious mind which must keep the FIFO full, while your
conscious mind pieces the words together.

Boy I hope the folks in sci.cognitive or whatever don't read this
thread!  ObDisclaimer: This is my own personal observation about
what my own brain seems to do.

>...my natural text reading speed has been around 1000 WPM since first
>grade. Slow is just no go for me, my mind races so far ahead considering
>contextual pathways that I lose the thread of meaning if the input is
>less than about 120 WPM.

Well Gary, it sounds like SHSM is the answer for you ;-)



(Super High Speed Morse for those who didn't guess it)

                                  _____________
                                 |     ___     |
    Kevin Sanders, KN6FQ         | o o \_/ o o |      Try Boatanchors
    [e-mail]        | o o  @  o o |      For A Real Lift
                                 |_____________|

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

End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #164
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