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DIGEST OF ARTICLES -- QST, August, 1993
Following are digests of articles printed in the August, 1993 issue
of QST. Such digests are being prepared for each issue of QST, and
posted periodically. Subsequent issues will be posted one per week
until they "catch up" to the current date in mid-1994, thereafter
monthly.
It is hoped that other hams will volunteer to post similar digests of
the other ham technical publications such as QEX, CQ, 73, COMMUNICATIONS
QUARTERLY, RTTY JOURNAL, et al. Especially desirable would be digests
of publications in other countries, such as the RSGB RADIO COMMUNICA-
TIONS and ham magazines in Europe, Japan, Australia, and other countries
around the world. We English speakers would especially enjoy them if
they were translated into our language, but they would also be valuable
additions to the world's knowledge if they were posted in the language
of origin. Who knows? Some bi-lingual ham somewhere might translate
them into English and re-post them.
Worldwide communications are getting better and better. The time has
come to make the world's ham press available to all hams throughout the
world!
The major value of digests is to give readers sufficient information to
decide whether to obtain a copy of the full text. If any U.S. reader
wants a copy of an article in QST, please inquire of other hams in your
own neighborhood. Many have collections of back issues. Anyone who is
unsuccessful in finding a fellow ham with a collection should try every
library in the area, especially those at universities and technical
colleges. If all else fails, a copy can be obtained from the ARRL
Technical Department, 225 Main St., Newington, CT 06111-1494 USA for a
fee of $3.00 per copy. Remember, it is both cheaper and quicker to
obtain one locally.
Readers in most other countries can obtain copies from their own
national ham organizations, sometimes translated into their own
languages.
-------------------------------CUT HERE---------------------------------
COPYRIGHT NOTICE: Copyright to all the following material from QST
Magazine is held by the American Radio Relay League (ARRL), effective on
the date of issue. Permission is granted for redistribution of the
following in its entirety, or in part, provided that this copyright
notice is not removed or altered and that proper attribution is made to
ARRL as publisher of QST, to the authors of the original articles, and
to W. E. "Van" Van Horne, W8UOF, author of this compilation.
_________
TABLE OF CONTENTS
(line number in parentheses - counting from CUT HERE line)
TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA)
TA1:The Effect of Continuous, Conductive Guy Wires on Antenna (77)
Performance
TA2:A Dual-Range AC Voltage, Current and Frequency Moniotr (132)
TA3:A High-Directivity Receiving Antenna for 3.8 MHz (176)
PRODUCT REVIEW (PR)
PR1:The ICOM IC-737 MF/HF Transceiver (244)
PR2:The Lowe HF-150 LF/MF/HF Communications Receiver (291)
HINTS AND KINKS (HK)
HK1:How to Work the MIR Space Station on Packet (322)
HK2:Lemon Power Revisited (336)
HK3:Yaesu FT-901 Band information Selects Antenna (353)
HK4:Solving RFI In the RCA Model F271888T Television (368)
HK5:Tubing Helps Identify Hand-Held Controls By Touch (375)
TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
TC1:Antennas: Fundamentals of Radiation, Near-Fields, and More (393)
LAB NOTES (LN)
LN1:Kits Galore! (418)
FEEDBACK (FB)
FB1:"Expanded Range DC and AC Voltmeters" - QST May 93 (434)
THE WORLD ABOVE 50 MHz (WA)
WA1:Coax Cables for VHF and UHF (449)
NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
NHC1:Just the FAX (506)
NHC2:A Standard 12-Volt Connector (518)
NHC3:The Doctor is IN (533)
NHC4:Getting Started with RS-10 (546)
NHC5:Long-Delayed Echoes (557)
RADIO TIPS (RT)
RT1:Courtesy Beeps (575)
RT2:VHF/UHF Propagation Beacons (594)
RT3:Secrecy and You (612)
GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
GI1:Persistence Gets the Derelict (632)
GI2:Bringing Back the Good Old Days (657)
GI3:Hola Enrique! (670)
GI4:Salute the Centibel (685)
GI5:Full Circle (700)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA)
Title>TA1:The Effect of Continuous, Conductive Guy Wires on Antenna
Performance
Author>Gordon, Lew - K4VX
Source>QST Aug 93, pp. 22-24
Abstract>A report on a computer study of the author's beam antenna which
is mounted on a 109-foot (33 m.) tower guyed with continuous metal guys.
Contrary to ham "conventional wisdom", the presence of the guys has a
negligible effect on the antenna performance.
Digest>"Conventional wisdom" in ham circles dictates that metal guy
wires in antenna installations must be broken up with insulators into
nonresonant segments. The author addresses the question of what happens
if he does not do so. Using a computer with NEC antenna software, he
modeled his own tower and complex of antennas and analyzed the
difference between using continuous guy wires, not broken up, versus the
more conventional insulated segments.
His tower is 109 feet (33 m.) high constructed of Trylon AB-105
sections, guyed at 53 feet (16 m.) and 103 feet (31 m.) above ground.
The three guys are anchored 70 feet (21 m.) from the base. The antennas
it supports are two stacked 5-element yagis at 54 feet (16.5 m.) and 109
feet (33 m.) heights.
The article illustrates both azimuth and elevation plots of signal
strength over the full range of angles. The results show that the
difference between the two types of guy wires causes no discernable
effect on the major, front lobe of radiation. There are some barely
noticeable effects on minor lobes, especially on the back side.
Next he modeled the most extreme case, that of no guy wires at all.
Again he found no significant change in the major lobe and only
insignificant ones in the minor and rear lobes.
Then he modeled a half-wave 75-meter sloper dipole anchored at near the
top of the tower and descending at a 60 degree angle to a point near the
ground. The wire antenna is located half-way between two of the guys.
In this special case, he found that the guys actually increase the
sloper's gain in the desired direction by more than 2 db.
Finally, he modeled guy wires attached to the tower directly below the
boom of the top beam antenna. He found that this does interfere
significantly with the performance because the yagi's feed point
impedance is changed considerably. By testing several cases, he
concluded that guy wires in the immediate proximity of the antenna boom
affect yagis having low feedpoint impedances, in the order of 10 to 15
ohms, much more than those with 20 to 35 ohm impedances. Overall, he
concluded that guys should not be attached closer than 3 to 5 feet (1 to
1.5 m.) from the boom.
His final conclusions are that, at least for antenna installations
similar to his own, the presence of continuously conductive guy wires
has a negligible effect on antenna performance.
_________
Title>TA2:A Dual-Range AC Voltage, Current and Frequency Monitor
Author>Oscarson, Ed - WA1TWX
Source>QST Aug 93, pp. 25-30
Abstract>A construction article describing an instrument that monitors
voltage, current, frequency, and amount of A.C. power. In addition,
annunciator alarms are provided to signal variations outside of preset
limits.
Digest>The author describes a microprocessor-controlled monitor that
measures and displays the output voltage, load current, and frequency
from a.c. power sources. Its primary use is in adjusting and operating
engine-driven generators to provide a.c. power within the allowable
voltage range. It can also be used to measure household appliance power
consumption.
In addition to the measurements, the monitor has five alarm outputs.
Two of these warn of under\over-voltage, two of under\over-current, and
one is for frequency deviation from standard. The alarm outputs are
capable of driving TTL level power FETs or transistors, hence can be
used to actuate an alarm or disconnect the power from the load.
Frequency alarm limits are set to 55-65 Hz. for 60 Hz. standard and a
jumper allows selection of an alternate 45-55 Hz. for 50 Hz. standard
systems. The voltage limits are set 95-130 volts and one can be reset
to 200-250 volts for 220 volt systems.
The article includes complete wiring diagrams and parts lists, along
with construction, testing and calibration instructions. A footnote
indicates that the microcontroller used must be programmed before it is
installed in the circuit, and that source code is not being made
available.
The chip can be purchased pre-programmed, from Single Chip Solutions,
P.O. Box 680, New Hartford, CT 06057-0680. The pc board, a complete kit
of parts except for transformers, or an assembled and tested pc board
with display, can also be purchased from the same source.
A pc board template package and detailed parts list are available free
from the ARRL. Address a request for the "Oscarson Generator Monitor
Template" to Technical Department Secretary, ARRL, 225 Main St.,
Newington, CT 06111, enclosing a business-size SASE.
_________
Title>TA3:A High-Directivity Receiving Antenna for 3.8 MHz
Author>Koontz, Floyd - WA2WVL
Source>QST Aug 1992, pp. 31-34
Abstract>Construction and performance of a fixed-beam receiving antenna
for 3.8 MHz. It is comprised of three phased loops mounted vertically,
on the ground, and in-line, at 40-foot (12 meter) intervals. It gives
excellent directivity over an extremely narrow bandwidth; it is usable,
but non-directional, over a broad band of frequencies.
Digest>This article describes a high-performance receiving antenna for
3.8 MHz. The author, located in western New York, uses it especially in
dx contacts with Europe in the "DX Window" frequency band from 3790 to
3800 KHz. It can be used over most of the 75/80-meter band, but its
front-to-back ratio drops off rapidly at frequencies farther than 10
KHz. from the center frequency where it is tuned.
The antenna is a phased array of three small loops arranged in
an "end-fire binomial array". The three loops are mounted vertically in
the same plane in line with the desired direction and separated at 40
foot intervals. Each is tuned to resonance by a 2-24 pf. variable
capacitor connected in parallel with a 180 pf. fixed capacitor.
At the feed point of each antenna is a step-up toroidal transformer that
matches the very low impedance of the loop to 50-ohms. At the two end
loops, a 6 dB. resistive pad is connected between the transformer and
the coax connector so that the signals from the end loops are half the
amplitude of that from the center loop, as is required for maximum
front-to-back ratio. Unequal lengths of feed line carry the signals to
a feed box. The proportioned lengths provide phasing of 0 degrees at
the center loop, plus 135 degrees at the rear loop and minus 135 degrees
at the front loop.
At the feed box is a relay and a quarter-wavelength section of 50-ohm
coax that acts as a delay line. The relay switches it into the line
from one to the other of the end loops, thereby reversing direction.
Finally, the signals from the three loops are combined in a toroidal
transformer with 2:1 turns ratio to match the 50-ohm line to the shack.
Each loop is a 5-foot (1.5-meter) square with the bottom side parallel
to the ground and two feet above it. It is made of number 14 copper
wire inside one-inch PVC pipe. The tuning capacitors are in the center
of the top side. The transformer and resistor networks are at the
center of the bottom side.
In performance, the small loop antennas are inherently inefficient and
so a low-noise, high-dynamic-range preamplifier is required. However,
on 75 meters the signal-to-noise ratio is such that it is QRN that
determines system performance, not receiver noise, so the low signal
level is not a detriment.
Computer-derived plots of directivity of the loop array are presented
and compared with those of a 400-foot (121-meter) Beverage antenna. The
loop array is shown to be far superior to the Beverage although the
latter has long been considered to be the optimum receiving antenna for
low frequencies. The loop array shows no side- or back-lobes greater
than minus 50 db. whereas the Beverage has several with amplitude no
more than 20 db. below the main lobe. In addition, the loop array
occupies only 80 feet (24 meters) of space as opposed to the 400 foot
(121-meter) length of the Beverage.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT REVIEW
conductor: James W. Healy, NJ2L
Sr. Asst. Technical Editor
_________
Title>PR1:The ICOM IC-737 MF/HF Transceiver
Author>Healy, Rus - NJ2L
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 59-62
Abstract>Specification and performance review of the new ICOM IC-737
transceiver, which replaces the older IC-751A. The reviewer found the
performance, generally, to be excellent, although the unit lacks certain
features of importance to some amateurs.
Digest>This new Icom transceiver is a replacement for the IC-751A. It
contains most of the features common to modern solid-state transceivers,
but not all. The most unexpected omission is that the front panel meter
does not display SWR nor transmitter ALC and processor variables. An
extra feature not common in competitive models is a built-in antenna
switch to select one of two antennas. Antenna selection can be keyed to
band selection for automatic operation on band changing.
Menu-driven software allows the user to configure tuning-step size, RIT
and XIT, scan-speed, and a number of other functions. However, the 101
programmable memories do not store any functions other than frequency
and mode.
Optional features include an automatic tuner, c.w. filters, power
supplies, desk mikes, and other items. No SSB or AM i.f. filters are
available.
Tests made by the ARRL laboratory verify that the manufacturer's
specifications are met in almost all particulars. The reviewer's
opinion is that the IC-737 receiver performance is generally
outstanding. He further states that the unit is a joy to use on c.w. in
most respects. However, he criticizes the rather noisy keying relay and
the inability to set the c.w. side-tone. Instead the side-tone and
offset are fixed at 750 Hz., which is very annoying to many c.w.
operators.
On SSB, he feels that the operation is good, but suffers from the lack
of an optional narrow SSB filter. Passband-tuning helps, and even the
notch filter can aid in sharpening the passband to eliminate
interference from adjacent signals.
The reviewer's summary is: "All things considered, I find the IC-737 an
excellent mid-level transceiver that is well suited to almost every
facet of MF/HF operation. Its lack of complexity makes it a good
starter rig, and its collection of features makes it a smart upward move
for those upgrading from a more basic platform."
_________
Title>PR2:The Lowe HF-150 LF/MF/HF Communications Receiver
Author>Newkirk, David - WJ1Z
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 62-63
Abstract>A performance review of a small, simple, and portable receiver
designed for short-wave listening. Its performance is good in most
respects but it is subject to severe distortion from strong signals near
the operating frequency.
Digest>This product is an unusually small and very simple receiver
designed for short-wave listening, not amateur radio. Its front panel
contains two knobs, three buttons, one switch, and an LCD display that
indicates the frequency to the nearest KHz. and the tuning mode, either
normal or memory.
The frequency coverage is continuous from 30 KHz. to 30 MHz. and
receiving modes are CW, LSB, USB, AM, and Synchronous AM (no FM). An
optional feature is an accessory key-pad for direct digital entry of
frequency and for memory entries.
The reviewer found that the input filtering is woefully inadequate which
makes the receiver susceptible to severe intermodulation distortion and
also criticizes the feel of the tuning, calling it "frustratingly vague
and gooey". His final summary calls the HF-150 "pricey" but worth
careful consideration by anyone who wants a portable receiver with
better-than-portable performance."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HINTS AND KINKS
_________
Title>HK1:How to Work the MIR Space Station on Packet
Author>Mann, G. Miles - WF1F
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 64-65
Abstract>How to make contact with the Russian space station "Mir".
Digest>The Russian space station "Mir" is in orbit 200 miles (320 km.)
above the earth in an orbit that brings it within radio range of most of
the USA for about 10 minutes at a time, 8 to 10 times per day. Hams
aboard are active on 2-meter packet and many hams, world-wide, have
worked them. This "Hint" explains the steps that are necessary to make
contact with them.
_________
Title>HK2:Lemon Power Revisited
Author>Sayre, Arnold W. - W8WVM
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 66-67
Abstract>Improvements to the "Lemon Power" battery.
Digest>Mr. Sayre follows up on an article from the March, 1992 issue of
QST, written by W7ZOI and N7FKI. They described a transmitter they
built that was powered by a battery made of electrodes immersed in lemon
juice. It operated for only a very short time before the electrodes
polarized and current stopped flowing.
In this letter, the author describes his improved "Lemon Power"
battery that uses a complete lemon plus a small amount of manganese
dioxide to prevent polarization.
_________
Title>HK3:Yaesu FT-901 Band Information Selects Antennas
Author>Swancara, John W. - WA6LOD
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 67
Abstract>Instructions for modifying a Yaesu FT-901 transceiver to
provide automatic antenna switching.
Digest>The Yaesu transceiver contains a rear-panel jack labeled
"Remote". D.C. voltage appearing on one of several pins indicates on which
band the rig is operating. Mr. Swancara built a relay-operated band
switch that takes its control voltage from the jack, automatically
switching the antenna with the rig. The letter contains a wiring
diagram and details.
_________
Title>HK4:Solving RFI in the RCA Model F271888T Television
Author>Leming, Vernon - AA6UU
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 67
Abstract>Solving RFI by adding ferrite beads over the speaker wires.
_________
Title>HK5:Tubing Helps Identify Hand-Held Controls By Touch
Author>Murphy, Bob - WB6JJL
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 67
Abstract>Attaching different lengths of tubing to tuning knobs allows
identification by feel.
Digest:Mr. Murphy, in trying to use his HT while driving a car, found
it difficult to differentiate one control from the other, from feel
alone. He discovered that, by pushing different length pieces of tubing
over the Squelch and Volume control knobs, he made it much easier.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE
conductor: Paul Pagel, N1FB
Associate Technical Editor
_________
Title>TC1:Fundamentals of Radiation, Near-Fields, and More
Author>Belrose, John - VE2CV
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 68-69
Abstract>Basic physics of antennas, including results of computer
analysis of a dipole.
Digest>This is a letter commenting on an article: "Why an Antenna
Radiates" that was published in QST, November, 1992 issue, pp. 59-63.
The original article was written by Ken Macleish, W7TX. This letter
discusses the fundamental theory of antenna and wave propagation at the
level of basic physics.
Mr. Belrose reports the results of a computer analysis of a dipole
antenna resonant at 14.1 MHz., the most striking result of which is that
the radiated power per unit length near the ends of the wire is
substantially greater than had previously been thought. His conclusion
is that more attention should be paid to the ends of dipole antennas and
they should not be allowed to approach the ground too closely (as in
inverted vees).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAB NOTES (LN)
conductor: Steve Ford, WB8IMY
_________
Title>LN1:Kits Galore!
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 70-71
Abstract>A list of amateur radio kit suppliers.
Digest>When Heathkit stopped offering amateur radio kits, many people
got the impression that electronic kits were no longer available. But
that is not true, and Mr. Ford has listed 23 suppliers in the USA,
Canada, Europe, and Australia who offer kits at levels from beginners to
advanced builders. The complete address and phone numbers are included,
along with a brief description of the kits offered.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
FEEDBACK (FB)
Title>FB1:"Expanded Range DC and AC Voltmeters", QST May 93
Author>Grebenkemper, John - KI6WX and Lau, Zack - KH6CP
Source>QST Aug 93, p. 69
Abstract>If a 7805 is substituted for D2, a 0.47-microfarad capacitor
must be connected between the "In" and "Gnd" terminals, else the power
supply will be shorted. Also, the 7805 will be destroyed if the power
leads are reversed. The LM336 is much preferred over the 7805. Care
must be taken in soldering the potentiometers to the foil of the PC
board.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE WORLD ABOVE 50 MHz. (WA50)
Conductor: Emil Pocock, W3EP
_________
Title>WA50:Coax Cables for VHF and UHF
Author>Pocock, Emil - W3EP
Source>QST Aug 1993
Abstract>Specifications and performance of various coax cables.
Digest>This month, this feature contains information about 50-ohm coax
cables and their utility at VHF and UFH. Data are presented on four
general types of cable, as follows:
RG-8 Types. The designation RG-8 is applied to many different kinds of
cables and means only that they are all .405 inches (10.3 mm.) in
diameter. They may have either braided or solid shields, solid or foam
polyethylene or air dielectric, and either solid or stranded center
conductors. The loss per 100 feet at 432 MHz. ranges from 2.7 for the
air dielectric types to 4.8 for solid polyethylene. The air dielectric
ones are superior in performance, but are sensitive to contamination
from water vapor penetration because of improperly sealed connectors,
which drastically increases losses.
Hardline Copper Cables. This category is made with corrugated solid
copper shields and foam dielectric. They are made in sizes from a
half-inch to several inches (13 mm. to several cm.) in diameter. They
are generally much more expensive than other types and cannot be bent
around tight corners. However, their losses are low. The half inch
size is listed as having 1.5 db. loss per 100 feet and larger diameters
have much lower losses.
Aluminum Cables. Cables similar to the Hardline copper types are made
with solid aluminum outer conductors and copper-clad aluminum inner
conductors, but they are hard to find. The loss per 100 feet for the
half-inch aluminum is identical to that of hardline copper but the price
is much lower, when it can be found.
New Japanese Cable. A fourth category of cables is now being
manufactured by the Kansai Tsushin Densen Company of Japan. It is being
distributed actively in Britain but is apparently not yet available in
the USA. Their type 8D-FB cable has about the same loss characteristic
as the best air-dielectric RG-8 type (2.7 db/100 ft.) but seems more
flexible and less susceptable to water invasion. The 10D-FB type is
slightly larger than a half-inch diameter but shows only 2.2 db/100 feet
loss and it has much greater flexibility and costs far less than
hardline copper.
Another major item of cost in VHF/UHF cables is the connectors. For
RG-8 cables they are less than $5.00 each and of the order of only $1.00
or less for the new Japanese cables. But for hardline copper and
aluminum cables, connector costs are listed from $26.00 to $66.00 each.
It is noted that some amateurs build their own connectors to save the
high costs involved.
________________________________________________________________________
NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
This is a regular section of QST devoted to subjects of primary
interest to newcomers to ham radio.
_________
Title>NHC1:Just the FAX
Author>Battles, Brian - WS1O
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 48-49, 51
Abstract>A discussion of amateur facsimile reception and transmission.
Digest>Amateur use of facsimile (FAX) to send and/or receive high-
resolution pictures is described. Many hams use surplus Western
Union gear for two-way contacts with other hams, or just for receiving
weather satellite photos.
_________
Title>NHC2:A Standard 12-Volt Connector
Author>Ardai, Michael L. - N1IST
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 50-51
Abstract>Proposal for a standard plug/socket for amateur 12-volt d.c.
power supplies.
Digest>A great deal of ham radio gear is manufactured for operation on
12-volts d.c., using separate power supplies. Unfortunately, there is no
single plug/socket connector set that is universally used. The author
describes a common set of connectors that are being adopted as standards
by many radio clubs to facilitate operation during emergency or public
service events.
_________
Title>NHC3:The Doctor is IN
Author>Various
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 52
Abstract>Questions and answers for newcomers.
Digest:This is a regular column that gives answers to many question
frequently asked by newcomers to ham radio. Questions answered this
month include: ways to mount a 2-meter amplifier in a car; "Information
Servers" on the packet radio network; microwave dishes; and chimney
mounts for 2-meter beam antennas.
_________
Title>NHC4:Getting Started With RS-10
Author>Daniel, Walter - AE3HP
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 53-56
Abstract>Making contacts through the RS-10 (Russian) satellite.
Digest>RS-10 is an amateur radio satellite that was launched by Russia.
It is one of the easiest for hams with simple equipment to use. The
author tells how!
_________
Title>NHC5:Long-Delayed Echoes - A Ham Mystery!
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 57-58
Abstract>
Digest:Since the earliest days of radio, hams have reported hearing
echoes of their own transmissions delayed by many seconds. In spite of
a great many investigations and several theories, the causes of these
echoes have never been found. The author tells the story.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIO TIPS (RT)
These are short items, scattered among the articles in the NEW HAM
COMPANION section.
_________
Title>RT1:Courtesy Beeps
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 51
Abstract>"Courtesy Beeps" by some repeaters remind users to listen for
break-ins.
Digest>In repeater operating, only one station can transmit at a time.
If someone else wants to make an announcement, they must wait for a
break. It is common courtesy to hesitate a second or two before
transmitting each time. This gives the opportunity for another station
to break in. Perhaps it is only to say "Hello", but it may be a serious
emergency!
Many repeaters force the procedure with "Courtesy Beeps". Users must
wait to hear a "Beep" (or other sound) before transmitting. Otherwise,
the repeater cuts them off prematurely.
_________
Title>RT2:VHF/UHF Propagation Beacons
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 56
Abstract>Beacons indicate band conditions.
Digest>Beacons are automated stations that transmit 24-hours per day on
specified frequencies. Propagation on VHF and UHF bands fluctuates
unexpectedly. If one is interested in operating DX, one can determine
which bands are open, and in what direction the opening is occurring, by
listening for beacons.
Beacons appear on subbands at 50.060 to 50.080, 144.275 to 144.300,
222.050 to 222.060, and 432.300 to 432.400 MHz. There are others on
many UHF bands. For a complete list, see the ARRL Repeater Directory or
the ARRL Operating Manual.
_________
Title>RT3:Secrecy and You
Author>from:ARRL Operating Manual, 4th Ed.
Source>QST Aug 1993, p. 56
Abstract>U.S. law regarding secrecy of private communications.
Digest>For U.S. amateurs, this is a clarification of the laws governing
the monitoring of all radio frequencies. The law does not forbid
monitoring of any signals that are transmitted over the ether, even if
they are of a private nature. But it does forbid anyone from divulging
to others the contents of any private communications, or from profiting
by information so received. Further details can be found in QST,
December, 1986, p. 51, or the FCC Rule Book, published by ARRL.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
_________
Title>GI1:Persistence Gets the Derelict
Author>Williams, Warren - N0PBY
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 35-38
Abstract>Story of a 1000-mile chase of an errant balloon.
Digest>A non-profit company in the Denver, Colorado area has
successfully launched a number of high-altitude balloons carrying a
variety of instruments and radio equipment. Their sixth, and largest,
was launched May 30, 1992. It was designed to rise well into the
stratosphere, perhaps as high as 100,000 feet. After certain data were
gathered, it was planned that the payload would be separated from the
baloon and would fall to the ground by parachute.
The launch was very successful and the balloon reached 75,000 feet
before leveling off. However, when all planned functions were completed
and the command to separate was sent, the payload failed to separate and
the balloon continued to drift eastward. The "chase teams" followed it
until 3:30 a.m. the following morning, when the indications were that it
had returned to the ground. After daylight, they located it and
successfully retrieved both the payload and also the deflated balloon.
The balloon had flown over 200 miles, and the chase cars logged over
1000 miles each before they returned home.
_________
Title>GI2:Bringing Back the Good Old Days
Author>Seginski, John - N7NV
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 39-40
Abstract>Reproducing radio gear of 60 years ago.
Digest>Mr. Seginski, who has been licensed for more than 40 years,
recently built a QRP transmitter, and also a regenerative receiver, from
old vacuum tubes he had in his junk box. He recounts the fun he had
building them and operating them on the air. Several photographs show
the details of his handiwork.
_________
Title>GI3:Hola Enrique!
Author>Hopkins, Ken - WA9WCP and Paniagua, Enrique - EA4JO
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 41-42
Abstract>Family friendships through amateur radio.
Digest>This is the story of a friendship that has grown between two
families, one American and one Spanish, through ham radio. They both
have teenage children and, as each reaches age 17 or 18, he or she is
sent for a few weeks' visit to the other family. This has happened
three times, so far, and the next candidate is now age 15. It has been
a broadening experience for all concerned, especially the youngsters, in
addition to being a great deal of fun.
_________
Title>GI4:Salute the Centibel!
Author>Gibilisco, Stan - W1GV
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 43-44
Abstract>Small improvements of performance can add up.
Digest>The author teaches a lesson in the form of fiction. The lesson
is that, when antennas are concerned, a lot of small effects, each of
which is too small to be noticed, can add up to a very appreciable
improvement. Thus, adding a bit more height, getting the lowest
possible SWR, making sure the feedline good quality and in good
condition, and that the solder joints are sound, can add as much as 3
db. to the transmitted signal.
_________
Title>GI5:Full Circle
Author>Slaughter, Guy - K9AZG
Source>QST Aug 1993, pp. 45-46
Abstract>Ironic fiction.
Digest>This is pure fiction, meant to be ironic. It is in the form of
an exchange of letters between a ham who has just been given a new
transceiver, and the manufacturer of the equipment. Over the course of
the correspondence the ham discovers, one point at a time, that the rig
does not interface with his computer, that he has to operate switches to
turn the power on, he must twist a knob to tune it, it has no automatic
features of any kind, and that it can transmit only in the CW mode. In
the final paragraph he expresses joy over the personal nature of the
series of scheduled QSOs he and the manufacturer's representative have
had, and thanks him for the unique QSL card that was actually filled out
by hand.
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