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DIGEST OF ARTICLES -- QST, September, 1993
Following are digests of articles printed in the September, 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:A Long-Haul Battery System (61)
TA2:A Simple Broadband Dipole for Eighty Meters (108)
TA3:The Contest Card (150)
TA4:The 1/3 Wavelength Multi-Band Dipole (188)
TA5:Under the Hood (276)
PRODUCT REVIEWS (PR)
PR1:Kenwood TS-50S MF/HF Transceiver (276)
PR2:M-Squared Enterprises EB-144 Eggbeater Antenna (314)
HINTS AND KINKS (HK)
HK1:Steel-Wool Baluns? (359)
TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
TC1:The REAL Si8901 Story (394)
TC2:High-Dynamic-Range Receiver Elicits Comment (408)
TC3:Don't Forget ICP2! (444)
NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
NHC1:You CAN Copy 30 Words Per Minute! (473)
NHC2:How Much Will It Cost? (481)
NHC3:The Joy of Building (495)
NHC4:The Doctor is IN (503)
NHC5:Annie Get Your Gunn-plexer! (516)
RADIO TIPS (RT)
RT1:Are You Overdeviating? (558)
GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES
GI1:Pactor Phone Home: Mobile from the Australian Outback (558)
GI2:PSE QSL for 5BWAS! (611)
GI3:Reflected Waves (626)
GI4:First Contact and the Unpaid Debt (641)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
TECHNICAL ARTICLES
_________
Title>TA1:A Long-Haul H-T Battery System
Author>Smithey, Thurman - N6QX
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 23-26
Abstract>Construction of a relatively heavy-duty battery power supply,
including recharger, for use with hand-held transceivers.
Digest>The author observes that VHF and UHF hand-held transceivers are
commonly used for many different purposes but, sometimes, their utility
is limited by their short-duration batteries. To overcome that
limitation he developed a portable, heavy-duty H-T power source that can
be carried comfortably in a relatively small bag slung from a shoulder
strap.
The system is designed to meet the following requirements:
1. It must be chargeable from any 10- to 15-volt d.c. source.
2. It must shut off automatically when the battery is completely
charged, and must indicate when charging is complete.
3. It must provide an accurate means of indicating the discharge
level of the battery as it is being used.
4. The battery output voltage must be regulated to suit the
requirements of any H-T.
For reliability, he chose two 6-volt sealed, paste-electrolyte,
lead-acid batteries. They are charged in parallel and connected in
series to provide the necessary 12 volts.
The article contains wiring diagrams, parts lists including suggested
sources, and full construction information. A footnote indicates that a
pc board and parts overlay are available from FAR Circuits, 18N640 Field
Court, Dundee, IL 60118. The board template and parts overlay are
available free of charge from the ARRL Technical Department Secretary
for a No. 10 SASE with a request for the "Smithey Long-Haul H-T Battery
System PC Board Template Package".
A side-bar with the article discusses reconditioning used small
lead-acid batteries which are stated to be frequently available for low
cost at surplus outlets and hamfests. The author reports success at
reconditioning batteries that were seemingly dead to a state of
usability, although he has never been successful in restoring above 60
percent of the battery's original capacity.
_________
Title>TA2:A Simple Broadband Dipole for Eighty Meters
Author>Witt, Frank - AI1H pp. 27-30
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 27-30
Abstract>Describes a dipole with two matching-sections of coax in the
feed line that provides low SWR over most of the 75/80 meter band.
The author observes that a conventional center-fed half-wave dipole
cannot provide a low standing wave ratio over the entire 80-meter band.
Those who want to use both the low end c.w. band and the high end phone
band must use an antenna tuner or some other means of obtaining low SWR
if they want to use solid state rigs.
Mr. Witt shows a broad-banding system which obtains a low SWR over
almost the entire band. Measurements were made on a test antenna and a
curve of SWR vs. frequency plotted. It shows two minima at about 3.6
and 3.9 MHz. respectively, rising to 1.8 at mid-band (3.75 MHz.), about
2.25 at the low end (3.5 MHz.) and 2.0 at the high end (4.0 MHz.)
He obtains these results through a simple modification of the
conventional coax feed line. At the feedpoint (center) of the antenna a
one-wavelength piece of RG-213 (50-ohm) cable is connected; the
requisite number of ferrite beads are slipped over the first few inches
to form a 1:1 balun. At the lower end of the RG-213 a
quarter-wavelength piece of RG-11 (75-ohm) cable is attached. At the
other end of that cable, 50-ohm cable is connected to run the rest of
the way to the transmitter.
In a sidebar with this article, the author explains the operation his
feed system. Assuming a 50-ohm transmitter output impedance, the
quarter-wave piece of 75-ohm cable operates as a "Q-Section" that
transforms the 50 ohms to 112.5 ohms. The half-wavelength of 50-ohm
coax that connects to the antenna feedpoint acts as a "lossy resonator".
He states that the technical details of the "lossy resonator" were
covered by the same author in an article titled "Optimum Lossy
Broad-band Matching Networks for Resonant Antennas" in R. F. DESIGN,
April, 1990, pp. 44-51 and July, 1990, p. 10.
Finally, he discusses other variations of the same antenna drive system
for use in lower power applications as well as in multi-band antennas.
_________
Title>TA3:The Contest Card
Author>Sutcliffe, Gary C. - W9XT
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 31-32
Abstract>Describes a computer plug-in card for use by operators in phone
contests. It provides up to 4 recorded messages, totaling 16 seconds.
Digest>This article is a description of a plug-in card for PC
compatible computers that the author has designed in the form of a kit
for assembly by the buyer. His stated design goal is to put all of the
accessories needed by serious contest operators inside the computer.
Hence, it contains a voice recorder and c.w. interface, it is software
compatible with the most popular logging programs, and can be built for
less than the cost of most stand-alone voice recorders.
The circuit utilizes the Information Storage Devices ISD-1016A and
stores up to 16 seconds of audio. It supports up to four messages such
as: CQ, contest report, QRZ?, and call sign.
Recording is done using the same station microphone that is used in the
rest of the QSO to avoid confusion caused if the voice should change
between the CQ and the body of the QSO. On c.w. the card uses a relay
to key the transmitter to allow operation with either positive or
negative keyed rigs.
Detailed construction information, including schematics and software
listings are available from the ARRL Technical Department Secretary.
Ask for the "September, 1993 QST Sutcliffe Information Package" and
include a large SASE with your request. Source code listings of the
software are available from the ARRL telephone BBS under the file name
W9XT.ZIP.
A complete kit of all parts except for interface cable but including
software is available from Unified Microsystems, P.O. Box 133, Slinger,
WI 53086. Interface cables for most popular transceivers can be
obtained from LTA Industries, P.O. Box 77, New Bedford, PA 16140.
_________
Title>TA4:The 1/3 Wavelength Multi-Band Dipole
Author>Griffith, Andrew S. - W4ULD
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 33-35
Abstract>Construction information for a multi-band dipole with a
custom-built matching section that shows fairly low SWR on up to 7
different bands.
Digest>This article describes a multi-band dipole that is said to show a
standing wave ratio of less than 2.3:1 at its feed point near the center
of the 7, 14, 18, 21, 24, and 28 MHz. bands. On 80 meters, at the low
band edge the SWR is more nearly 5:1 and a tuner is required. Any rig
that uses a vacuum tube output stage can probably operate the largest
parts of all seven bands without a tuner, but a tuner may be required on
some if a solid-state rig is in use.
The antenna is a conventional wire dipole, 92' 0" long, fed in the
center with an unususal kind of ladder line of 350 to 380 ohm
characteristic impedance. Its length is 39' 8-1/2" long from the center
of the antenna to a DPDT knife switch which is used to insert or remove
a quarter-wavelength impedance transformer for 15 meters. This is
simply a 10' 10-3/4" length of 450-ohm ladder line. Below the knife
switch is a 1:1 bead balun and 50-ohm coax to the shack.
Mr. Griffith explains how to make the 350- to 380- ohm line from a
length of 450-ohm line by bending the plastic between the "windows" so
as to move the two wires closer together. He describes a forming jig
made from a wooden plank a few feet long. He sets his saw-blade at a
75-degree angle from the horizontal and cuts two longitudinal grooves
1/4" deep so that they are 1/2" apart at the bottoms of the grooves,
less at the tops.
To shape the plastic, he bends the plastic webbing into an inverted "U"
shape and inserts one wire into each of the grooves, pushing it down
until it bottoms at the base of the groove. This holds the plastic in
place while he uses a propane torch to heat it. When the plastic gets
soft, it releases the stresses that were caused by the deformation.
After it cools, it maintains the bent shape holding the wires closer
together and forming the lower impedance line.
Graphs are shown plotting the measured SWR on each band from 10 to 40
meters:
BAND Freq. SWR
40 7.0 1.5
7.3 1.8
20 14.0 2.0
14.25 1.1
14.35 1.5
17 whole 1.6 to 1.8
15 21.0 2.0
21.2 1.2
21.45 2.4
12 whole 1.4 to 1.5
10 28.0 3.0
28.8 1.2
29.2 2.8
The author further stated that, if the builder would prefer 30 meters
over 15, the quarter-wave matching section could be cut for that band,
instead.
_________
Title>TA5:Under the Hood
Author>Newkirk, David - WJ1Z
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 36-38
Abstract>Encourages amateurs to look inside their commercially-built
rigs, and describes what they will see.
The author has written an article to encourage amateurs to open the
cabinets of any commercially-built gear that they may have, and inspect
the construction. This assumes that it is meant to be opened by users.
Apparently many HTs are sealed, not to be opened except by the
manufacturer's trained repair workers. Mr. Newkirk gives certain
guidelines to help the user to identify what he is seeing.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRODUCT REVIEWS (PR)
_________
Title>PR1:Kenwood TS-50S MF/HF Transceiver
Author>Healy, Rus - NJ2L
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 71-74
Abstract>Specifications and performance review of Kenwood's newest and
smallest HF transceiver.
The Kenwood TS-50S is a new 100-watt transceiver designed for the mobile
market and is the smallest such unit produced today. It is only 10.6
inches (27 cms.) wide, 7.1 inches (18 cms.) deep, and 2.7 inches (6.9
cms.) high; it weighs 6.4 pounds (2.9 kgs.)
It contains many, if not most, of the features common to its "big
brothers", such as general coverage reception, dual VFO and split
frequency operation, AM, CW, FM, and SSB capability, band-stacking
registers, QSK and semi-break-in CW, IF shift, multiple scanning modes,
100 memories, 20 db. attenuator, and "advanced intercept point", a
technique first used in the TS-950S.
The TS-50S also supports multiple menu control features such as CW
normal and reverse (that is, CW reception on your choice of upper or
lower sideband, CW offset from 400 hz. to 1 khz. in 50 hz. steps,
various tuning step sizes, display backlight intensity, and selectable
RIT range (1.1 or 2.2 khz.). Options include a 500 hz. CW filter, two
external antenna tuners, temperature compensated reference oscillator,
computer interface, quick-release mounting bracket, and various desk
mikes, speakers, and power supplies.
The ARRL laboratory made many tests to verify the manufacturer's claimed
specifications and found most of them to be met in all respects. The
reviewer found that the performance in use on the ham bands is very good
in most respects and reasonably good in the rest. In his final summary
he states that "the TS-50S packs an almost incredible amount of features
and good performance in a package that fits inside a brief case. With
few and minor exceptions it executes its functions well and gives no
hint to your contacts that it is such a diminutive radio."
_________
Title>PR2:M-Squared Enterprises EB-144 Eggbeater Antenna
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 75-76
Abstract>Description and performance review of a 2-meter, crossed-loop
antenna. It provides excellent performance in satellite operations.
The Eggbeater antenna is a 2-meter, crossed-loop omnidirectional
antenna. It is made of two stainless steel wire loops about 34 inches
in diameter, mounted orthogonally on a vertical fiberglass reinforced
plastic (FRP) rod which is in turn mounted on a Delrin base. It
produces an omnidirectional pattern that is horizontally polarized at
the horizon, but above the horizon the pattern becomes right-hand
circularly polarized (just what is needed for satellite operations).
The manufacturer's instructions state that if the Eggbeater is mounted
ten to twelve inches above a metal ground plane, the circularly
polarized lobe will be significantly increased; raising it to 40 inches
above the ground plane will make a similar improvement in the
horizontally polarized lobe.
In operation, the reviewer found that the Eggbeater made "a world of
difference" in contrast to the vertical ground plane used previously.
During a pass over by satellite RS-10, as it reached 10 degrees above
the horizon, he was able to access it and hold its signal continuously
until the end of the pass. Using his previous antenna he had always
suffered deep signal fades at several points in a typical pass,
especially when the satellite was directly overhead. During a VHF QSO
party, he again found the performance to be drastically better.
In his summary, he recommended the Eggbeater as "an attractive
alternative to a steerable beam antenna for 2 meters for anyone who does
not have the room or the budget for the beam; in addition, it is the
ideal antenna for a satellite beginner."
M-Squared Enterprises also makes Eggbeater antennas for other bands,
including 70 centimeters. The company is located at 7560 North Delmar,
Fresno, CA 93711.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
HINTS and KINKS (HK)
Conducted by: David Newkirk - WJ1Z
Senior Assistant Technical Editor
_________
Title>HK1:Steel-Wool Baluns?
Author>Maxwell, Walt - W2DU
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 77-78
Abstract>Baluns made of steel wool, as per QST Nov 92, do not work as
reported.
Digest>The Hints and Kinks column in QST, November, 1992, reported on
construction of 1:1 baluns made of nothing more than steel wool packed
around a length of coax cable in a manner similar to the way ferrite
beads are strung. In this article, Mr. Maxwell reports on tests he made
comparing steel wool with ferrite beads. Appended to the article is a
description of a jig used to test the effectiveness of beads of unknown
material, written by David Newkirk, WJ1Z, conductor of the Hints and
Kinks column.
Mr. Maxwell found that the author of the original design report had made
measurement errors and that the steel wool has no measurable effect at
all in blocking antenna current from flowing on the outer shield of the
coax. In other words, steel wool is no replacement for ferrite beads.
This finding does not negate the effectiveness of the steel-wool-on-
unjacketed-coax device described in the ARRL Handbook as used in
reducing r.f. radiation from coax lines due to conducted chassis
radiation. In that case the steel wool is simply absorbing and
dissipating the r.f., and there is no attempt to use it to isolate
electrically the outside of the transmission line from the load being
driven.
________________________________________________________________________
TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
conductor: Paul Pagel, N1FB
Associate Technical Editor
_________
Title>TC1:The REAL Si8901 Story
Author>Zavrel, Bob - W7SX
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 79
Abstract>Identifies the true designer of the Si8901 mixer IC.
Digest:The writer comments about the article: "A High-Dynamic Range
Receiver Front End", by Jacob Makhinson, N6NWP in QST, February, 1993.
In it, it was stated that the Siliconix Si8901 mixer IC was designed by
Ed Oxner, KB6QJ. Mr. Zavrel corrects this by stating that he was the
designer. Mr. Oxner performed most of the applications engineering on
the chip, however.
_________
Title>TC2:High-Dynamic-Range Receiver Elicits Comment
Author>Crawford, Mal - K1MC
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 79-80
Abstract>Tests of the Makhinson High-Dynamic-Range Receiver described in
QST Feb 93 find it to give the highest performance of any radio ever
tested by the author. Also describes an improved test criterion for
evaluating receiver performance, the "Receiver Factor".
Digest>In this letter, Mr. Crawford reports his findings about the
performance of the receiver front end designed by Mr. Makhinson,
referred to above. He finds that its performance is higher than that of
ANY receiver he has ever tested.
To emphasize and explain his findings, he describes a new criterion of
receiver performance that has been devised. It is called "receiver
factor" (RF). It is calculated by subtractiing the noise figure from
the input third-order intercept (TOI). This criterion overcomes the
limitations of using TOI alone, which are severe, as he points out.
Using this new factor, he compares Mr. Makhinson's front end with the
best commercial receiver yet tested, a modified Ten-Tec Argosy. The
Argosy's RF was measured at +7.5 dB. whereas the Makhinson unit
measures +26.4 dB!
The author goes on to say that the Makhinson design should be modified
to add some protection for the crystal filter to protect it from damage
to excessive input-signal power delivered by the post-mixer amplifier.
He describes suitable protection and specifies at what point in the
circuit it should be inserted.
In his last paragraph, the author states flatly: "The performance of
Makhinson's receiver front end is unmatched by any commercially
available Amateur Radio receiver or transceiver."
_________
Title>TC3:Don't Forget ICP2!
Author>Wraight, Denzil
Source>QST
Abstract>Comments regarding the Makhinson High-Dynamic-Range receiver
front end described in QST Feb 92. Shows that it requires careful
balancing of the push-pull amplifiers.
Digest>This letter, like the previous ones, also comments about the
Makhinson receiver article. The author refers to the fact that Mr.
Makhinson used push-pull amplifiers, but did not make clear why they are
balanced. Mr. Wraight points out that the push-pull configuration
reduces second-order intermodulation distortion (IMD2) by up to 40 dB.,
but only if the transistors are carefully balanced.
With low IMD2, the second-order intercept point (ICP2) can be expected
to reach as high as 120 dBm. With signal strengths high enough to
justify striving to get the very high third-order intercept that
Makhinson achieved, careful balance in the amplifiers is essential.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
This is a regular section of QST, devoted to articles of
primary interest to newcomers to amateur radio.
_________
Title>NHC1:You CAN Copy 30 Words Per Minute
Author>Aurick, Lee - W1SE
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 60
Abstract>Amateurs can increase their code speed by: (1) Get on the air!
and (2) Practice, practice, practice.
_________
Title>NHC2:How Much Will It Cost?
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 61-63
Abstract>The cost of equipment required to become active in any of the
common specialties of amateur radio.
Digest>"Ham radio" is a catch-all description of many different hobbies,
including HF CW/SSB, 2-Meter FM, Packet Radio, Satellite Operations, and
others. The author answers the frequently-asked question: "How much
will it cost?" to set up an average operating station for each of the
specialties of ham radio, using all new gear.
_________
Title>NHC3:The Joy of Building
Author>Gold, Jeff - AC4HF
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 64-66
Abstract>The author's experiences, and pleasure, in building and
operating several types of gear using kits.
_________
Title>NHC4:The Doctor is IN
Author>Various
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 67
Abstract>Questions and answers of interest to newcomers to ham radio.
Digest>This is a regular monthly feature that answers questions
frequently asked by newcomers. This month's column answers questions
about packet bulletin boards; a problem of "jitter" in the image on a
computer monitor; and whether music heard in the background while a ham
is speaking into his microphone is a violation of the law.
_________
Title>NHC5:Annie Get Your Gunn-plexer!
Author>Lau, Zack - KH6CP
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 68-70
Abstract>Activities on the 10-GHz. (microwave) band.
Digest>This is a description of ham operations on the 10-GHz.
(microwave) band which allows reliable communications over line-of-sight
paths with relatively low cost, low power stations. The author
describes a number of uses that hams are making of this band, including
very high-speed data transmission, integrating separate repeaters over a
wide area into one system, remote control of HF stations, and other
activities.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
RADIO TIPS (RT)
These are short items, scattered among the articles in the NEW HAM
COMPANION section.
_________
Title>Are You Overdeviating?
Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 63
Abstract>FM operators must be careful to avoid overdeviating when
transmitting.
When operating FM, the loudness of the audio modulation is represented
by the bandwidth of the r.f. signal. Receivers are all designed to
capture bandwidths up to 5.0 KHz., and reject frequencies outside that
band. So if a rig is transmitting a signal wider than that, the peaks
of the audio will be cut off, resulting in severe distortion. In this
tip, all FM operators are cautioned to be careful not to overdeviate, or
else they may find it impossible to work through certain repeaters, and
be told in direct QSOs that their audio is garbled.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
_________
Title>GI1:Pactor Phone Home: Mobile from the Australian Outback
Author>Mehaffey, Joe - K4IHP
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 20-22
Abstract>A travelling ham reports his success in maintaining radio
contact with home, using Pactor with a portable/mobile rig, while
visiting Pacific islands and Australia.
Digest>This article reports the author's success in maintaining daily
communications with his home station in Atlanta, Georgia, during the
several week trip he and his wife took to two Pacific islands and
Australia.
His home station is equipped with a 100-watt transceiver, TNC, computer,
and a Yagi antenna on a 70-foot tower. With him on his trip, he carried
a 100-watt transceiver, power supply, TNC, a rolled-up, multi-band trap
antenna, a disassembled mobile antenna in sections, a VOM, and a set of
hand tools, all packed in one side of a 27-inch suitcase!
Each member of his family left back in Atlanta has an amateur radio
license. They, and some of his friends, were able to access the
author's station equipment by a telephone link from their own home
through a computer and modem. The station transceiver was programmed to
switch automatically to 15 or 20 meters on a scheduled basis to coincide
with forecast propagation changes. The antenna was left pointing toward
Fiji Island during the entire duration of the trip.
The Mehaffeys stopped for several days at both Fiji and Raratonga
Islands, where he operated as 3D2ME and ZK1IHP, respectively. Then they
flew to Australia where they obtained a Holden station wagon and drove
2500 miles through the eastern part of the continent, including parts of
the Outback. His call in Australia was VK2GRJ.
He was able to maintain reliable communications for up to eight hours
per day almost every day from the islands and from the hotel where they
first stayed in Australia, using the wire antenna which was put up in
tall palm trees by nimble young hotel employees. More surprisingly, he
found he could obtain nearly equal results while driving across the
country using his mobile antenna.
Mr. Mehaffey credits his use of Pactor as his primary communications
mode for much of the success of his links due to its ability to maintain
reliable contact in the face of weak signals. His attempts at SSB
contacts were not nearly as successful.
Clearly, K4IHP demonstrated that remarkably reliable communications were
possible with only 100 watts at both ends and a good antenna at only one
end, under the propagation conditions that prevailed at the time. The
article does not state the dates of his trip, but presumably it was
sometime in 1992 when HF propagation was still very good for long
periods between the USA and Oceania/Australia.
_________
Title>GI2:PSE QSL for 5BWAS!
Author>Kay, Leonard - p. 39
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 39
Abstract>How to achieve 5-band WAS.
The author specializes in contest operations and going for awards in his
ham activities. The most elusive award given by the ARRL (measured by
the relatively small number of hams who have earned it) is the 5-Band
Worked All States award. Mr. Kay tells of his problems in earning it.
He found that working nearby states on the higher bands is more
difficult than getting the most distant states on the low bands.
Sporadic-E propagation finally provided the solution.
_________
Title>GI3:Reflected Waves
Author>Hanson, John - W9NBI
Source>QST Sep 93, pp. 42-43
Abstract>Ham radio in the immediate aftermath of World War II.
The writer was a GI in WW2 and ended the war in Saipan. He remained on
duty there long enough to experience the return of U.S. amateurs to the
air and used surplus equipment to open contact with stateside hams.
When the time came for him to be returned for discharge, he found that
he would travel on a merchant vessel. He was able to obtain permission
to carry a ham rig aboard, and operate maritime mobile during the ocean
crossing. This article recounts his experiences.
_________
Title>GI4:First Contact and the Unpaid Debt
Author>Elliott, Jock - KB2GOM
Source>QST Sep 93, p. 44
Abstract>Helping newcomers get started with QSOs.
Digest>The author recounts his trepidation over his first contacts
after receiving his license. He feels that he owes a debt to the kind
consideration he received from the hams who were patient in "working"
him and overlooking his clumsiness. Now he repays that debt by treating
newcomers that he meets in the same manner.
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73, Van - W8UOF
wvanho@infinet.com