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- DIGEST OF ARTICLES -- QST, October, 1993
-
- Following are digests of articles printed in the October, 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 SunSwitch (70)
- TA2:Inside the Grounded-Grid Linear Amplifier (105)
- TA3:TAPR's Digital Deviation Meter (132)
- TA4:Schematics at Your Fingertips (195)
- TA5:The Earth Detunes My Antenna (224)
-
- PRODUCT REVIEW (PR)
-
- PR1:AEA PK-900 Multimode Communications Processor (287)
- PR2:Ramsey Electronics FX-146 2-Meter Transceiver Kit (341)
-
- HINTS AND KINKS (HK)
-
- HK1:More on Coax-Cable Connector Installation (383)
- HK2:Curing VU-Meter Pinning in the MFJ-624D Hybrid Phone Patch (430)
- HK3:The Multi-Tuner (451)
-
- TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
-
- TC1:Sense the Right Way to Go With the HANDI-Finder (476)
-
- LAB NOTES (LN)
-
- LN1:Printed-Circuit Board Circus (509)
-
- NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
-
- NHC1:Mountain-Top VHF Operating: A New Adventure! (542)
- NHC2:Nobody Talks to Me! (572)
- NHC3:Stalking the Fox (594)
- NHC4:The First Contest (609)
- NHC5:LOWfing on 1750 Meters (621)
- NHC6:The Doctor is IN (640)
-
- RADIO TIPS (RT)
-
- RT1:The Right Polarization for the Job (661)
- RT2:Using an Autopatch to Report an Accident (669)
- RT3:SWR (687)
-
- GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
-
- GI1:VP2MFA "Do-able" DXpedition (696)
- GI2:Yagi: The Man and His Antenna (730)
- GI3:The Radio Clubs of Romania (777)
- GI4:How to Be a DXer (802)
- GI5:Hams Test Antennas Aboard Space Shuttle COLUMBIA (815)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- TECHNICAL ARTICLES (TA)
-
- Title>TA1:The SunSwitch
- Author>Bryce, Michael - WB8VGE
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 24-27
- Abstract>Construction article for a controller to regulate the charge
- current from a bank of solar cells into a battery.
-
- Digest>Mr. Bryce presents a design and construction article for building
- a charge controller to control the current flow from a bank of solar
- cells into a battery. It is a smaller and less expensive version of the
- "FET Charge Controller" that he described in QST, January, 1992.
-
- In operation, the unit measures the state of charge in the battery (by
- measuring the voltage across its terminals). It turns the current "on"
- if the charge is low, and keeps it that way until the battery is fully
- charged. If the solar array is not putting out a high enough voltage,
- the controller switches it off.
-
- There are three LED indicators on the front panel which show if the
- battery is charged, charging, or off-line. The unit is designed to
- handle charging current up to 6 amps, which is enough to handle two
- 48-watt photovoltaic panels. The current is switched on and off by two
- power MOSFETs, each rated at 3 amps. If the intended load will not
- exceed the 3 amp level, one of these can be omitted. Alternatively, the
- current capacity can be increased up to a total of 14 amps by modifying
- the circuit board as the author describes in detail in the article.
-
- A complete wiring diagram and parts list is included. A kit of parts,
- including everything except the enclosure, is available from SunLight
- Energy Systems, 2225 Mayflower NW, Massilon, OH 44646 for $42.50,
- including domestic shipping. A p.c. board and parts overlay template
- are available, for an SASE, from the ARRL Technical Department
- Secretary, 225 Main Street, Newington, CT 0611.
- _________
-
-
- Title>TA2:Inside the Grounded-Grid Linear Amplifier
- Author>Bruene, Warren - W5OLY
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 28-30
- Abstract>The most popular kind of linear amplifier for use on HF bands is
- the grounded-grid type. This article gives a thorough analysis of
- vacuum tube operation in this type of circuit.
-
- Digest>The operation of a triode in grounded-grid service can be
- described by a set of "Anode Current Characteristic Curves". These
- curves are determined by laboratory measurements of the voltages on the
- plate and filament, and anode current, under d.c. conditions. They are
- published by the tube manufacturers.
-
- The article includes a graph of this type for an idealized triode
- roughly similar to the Eimac 3-500Z. The author shows how this graph
- can be used to calculate essentially all of the operating
- characteristics of the amplifier.
-
- His final summary states: "The operating conditions of a grounded-grid
- linear amplifier are determined by the anode load resistance and
- drive-voltage amplitude. The anode load resistance determines the slope
- of the load line. There is practically no relationship between the
- correct tube load resistance and the effective internal resistance...of
- the amplifier."
- _________
-
-
- Title>TA3:TAPR's Digital Deviation Meter
- Author>Johnson, Lyle - WA7GXD
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 31-38
- Abstract>An article describing the characteristics of FM signals,
- including the number and amplitude of sidebands, plus a description of
- the digital deviation meter developed by the Tucson Amateur Packet Radio
- club (TAPR).
-
- Digest>Any FM signal, including FSK, contains a carrier and multiple
- sidebands. If the audio modulation is a single tone, as is the case in
- a 2200 Hz. AFSK signal, the r.f. will be made up of a carrier plus
- sidebands, both above and below the carrier frequency, at intervals of
- 2200 Hz. The total number of sidebands, and their amplitudes, are
- determined by the amplitude of the modulation.
-
- At the other end of the link, the received signal is filtered by the
- i.f. bandwidth. If the number of sidebands (the "deviation of the
- signal") make the signal too wide, the higher-numbered sidebands are cut
- off. This results in distortion of the received signal. Alternatively,
- if the deviation is too low, the detected audio may be too weak to
- override the noise level. Hence, controlling the deviation of an FM
- transmitter is important, but most hams do not have the equipment
- necessary to measure it.
-
- Tucson Amateur Packet Radio (TAPR), a non-profit corporation, has
- developed an inexpensive deviation meter and is making it available in
- kit form to the ham community. This article is a thorough description
- of the design and construction of the kit.
-
- The article explains the principle of operation by pointing out that any
- FM receiver's detector output is a direct measure of deviation. In
- principle, all one needs to do to measure the deviation is to measure
- the output voltage. But the rub comes in calibrating the detected
- voltage in terms of frequency deviation; the calibration may drift over
- time. TAPR's design solves the problem by building a self-calibrator
- into the system.
-
- The unit contains an analog FM signal-processing system, an
- analog-to-digital converter, and a microprocessor. Five times per
- second, the analog circuit samples the highest and lowest detector
- voltages, they are digitized, and the difference between them is
- compared with a table of values stored in the microprocessor's memory.
- It translates the measured voltage difference into a deviation reading
- in KHz., accurate to 0.1 KHz.
-
- How does the microprocessor get its table of values? It obtains it
- automatically, by itself! Every time the power switch is turned on, a
- calibration oscillator running near the i.f. frequency comes on. It
- starts at 10 KHz. below the i.f. center frequency and steps at intervals
- of 1 KHz. to 10 KHz. above the center frequency. At each step, the
- analog detector voltage is sampled, digitized, and its value held in
- memory. This assures accuracy of measurement over a reasonable
- operating time.
-
- The article contains complete wiring diagrams, parts lists, construction
- hints, and a description of how to hook it into any FM transmitter. A
- complete kit of parts including a construction and operating manual and
- software, but not including a case, is available from TAPR, P.O. Box
- 12925, Tucson, AZ 85732-2925 for under $100. Printed circuit board
- template is not available from the ARRL.
- _________
-
-
- Title>TA4:Schematics at Your Fingertips
- Author>Schofield, Ken - W1RIL
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 39-40
- Abstract>Using WINDOWS PAINTBRUSH to draw electronic schematics on
- DOS-based computers.
-
- Digest>Many hams now have, or are buying, IBM-compatible computers that
- use an operating environment called WINDOWS. It comes equipped with a
- sub-program called PAINTBRUSH. Using PAINTBRUSH, one can draw lines,
- circles, or any other shape, in full color, on the computer screen.
-
- Mr. Schofield, using WINDOWS PAINTBRUSH, prepared a complete set of
- electronic circuit symbols, and has them stored in his computer. Using
- the symbols plus the line-drawing ability of PAINTBRUSH, he can draw
- electronic circuit diagrams of almost any complexity on his screen. Once
- it is on the screen, with a dot-matrix- or laser-printer, he can print
- it on paper. In the article, he explains how he made the symbols and
- how he uses them to draw diagrams.
-
- The author has made his file of predrawn symbols available for the
- asking. Anyone with a computer plus modem can call the ARRL telephone
- Bulletin Board System (BBS) at (203) 666-0578 and download the file into
- their own computer. Alternatively, send a blank floppy disk (either a
- 5-1/4" 1.2 MB. disk, or a 3-1/2" disk of either 720 KB. or 1.44 MB.
- size) in a suitable disk mailer, and enclose return postage, and the
- file will be mailed.
- _________
-
-
- Title>TA5:The Earth Detunes My Antenna
- Author>Hall, Jerry - K1TD
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 41-44
- Abstract>Report of a study of the effects of various types of ground on
- the resonant frequency of dipoles.
-
- Digest>Most hams realize that the earth has a major influence on the
- radiation pattern of an antenna, but we tend to forget that its presence
- also affects the resonant frequency, as well. Mr. Hall has studied the
- effects of the ground on a half-wave dipole antenna using NEC2, a
- method-of-moments computer program. This article contains some of his
- findings.
-
- Antenna reference books, such as the ARRL Antenna Book, tell us that the
- end effects in a wire dipole cause a "half-wave" antenna to be
- physically about 5 percent shorter than a free-space half-wavelength.
- Thus the common formula usually given for calculating the length of wire
- is to divide 468 by the frequency in MHz. to get the answer in feet.
- The author finds that, when modeling a 3.75 MHz. dipole in free space
- with a length calculated by the formula, the impedance at the center
- would be 67.5-j41.8 ohms. But this is not resonant since, by
- definition, at resonance the impedance will be a pure resistance. For
- resonance, the antenna must be lengthened by about 2.5 percent so the
- formula becomes 479.6 divided by the frequency in MHz. The center
- resistance of the antenna at resonance is 72.2 ohms.
-
- The author now brings the earth back into the calculation and models the
- dipole at 50-feet (15-meters) height over "perfect ground", meaning the
- approximate equivalent of seawater or an infinite copper plate. The
- antenna must be shortened so that the proper factor is 469.5 divided by
- frequency. Shortening the antenna lowers the radiation resistance,
- which is now 59.6 ohms.
-
- "Real ground", meaning dry land, varies substantially in its
- characteristics as measured by dielectric constant and conductivity.
- What is defined, for radio purposes, as "very good land" is the rich
- soil typical of the area from Dallas, TX to Lincoln, NE; very poor to
- extremely poor is in the middle of cities, with heavy industrial areas
- or high buildings.
-
- Analysis of the antenna at 50-feet (15-meters) over soil at the two
- extremes indicates that for very good ground the factor in the formula
- should be 470.8, and for poor earth it should be 473.9. For the
- 80-meter antenna with a total length of about 125 feet (38 meters), the
- range of differences is only about 10-inches (25 cm.), but that
- represents the same difference in length as would be caused by a change
- of frequency of about 25 KHz.
-
- The author goes on to explore the effects at different heights and also
- studies the effect of ground conditions on the radiation patterns in the
- elevation plane. In his summary, he acknowledges that his work has
- simply verified what all hams have known from the beginning, that is
- that the only way to obtain a resonant antenna is to prune it on-site.
- But his work does give the reader a better idea of what specific effects
- are at work.
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- PRODUCT REVIEW (PR)
- conductor: James W. Healy, NJ2L
- Sr. Asst. Technical Editor
- _________
-
-
- Title>PR1:AEA PK-900 Multimode Communications Processor
- Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 71-73
- Abstract>Specifications and operational review of AEA's PK-900
- Communications Processor. Performance on VHF Packet is little changed
- from that of earlier models; but on HF modes, performance is distinctly
- better.
-
- Digest>AEA, the manufacturer of the Model PK-232, one of the most
- widely-used multimode communications processors (MCPs), has recently
- begun to broaden its line with more sophisticated (and expensive)
- models. Their "high-end" models DSP-2232 and DSP-1232 feature digital
- signal-processing and a number of other advanced features. The model
- PK-900 is intermediate with performance features broader than the
- PK-232, but not up to the high-end models. Its most substantial
- addition over the PK-232 is the availability of two independent radio
- ports. One is designed specifically for packet operation while the
- other supports all the HF digital modes as well as 1200-bit/s VHF
- packet.
-
- Another major difference is that the PK-900 does not use LED indicators
- on the front panel. Instead, it has a large, amber liquid-crystal
- display that reports operating conditions in plain-English words. The
- lower part of the rectangular display is a 20-bar tuning indicator which
- can be changed by software commands to several different modes of
- display. As an optional feature, a 9600-bit/s modem can be added. This
- allows communications with certain satellites that operate at that data
- rate.
-
- The author used the PK-900 in all of its different modes and reports
- that in VHF packet, it is comparable to that of all other modern MCPs
- that he has used. But on HF digital modes, including packet, AMTOR,
- PACTOR, RTTY, and CW, its performance is distinctly superior to older
- models. He gives a number of illustrations of this that he determined
- by rapidly changing from the PK-900 to his other (unidentified) MCP when
- operating on HF digital modes under difficult operating conditions of
- QRM, weak signals, and QRN. In each case, he found the information
- throughput using the PK-900 to be distinctly faster than with the older
- model. He attributes some of this improved performance to the 8-pole
- Chebyshev band-pass filter in the PK-900.
-
- Like the other AEA MCPs, the PK-900 includes the Signal Identification
- and Acquisition mode (SIAM). Operating in that mode, the unit will
- automatically identify a signal, if it corresponds to any of the types
- that have been included in the unit's software. When it does, it will
- switch its mode to correspond to that of the received signal.
-
- The author reports in his final summary that, for the advanced
- digital-mode enthusiast, the PK-900's extensive standard-feature set and
- optional support of 9600-bit/s operation raise its value, but it is
- overkill for more pedestrian applications.
- _________
-
-
- Title>PR2:Ramsey Electronics FX-146 2-Meter Transceiver Kit
- Author>Bloom, Jon - KE3Z
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 73-74
- Abstract>Description of the Ramsey FX-146 2-Meter Transceiver built from
- a kit. Its performance is sufficient to let the builder "get on the
- air", but not up to the standards of commercially-built equipment.
-
- Digest>Among the electronic kits that Ramsey offers are test equipment
- and general hobby-electronic items, plus several amateur products. One
- is the FX-146 2-meter FM transceiver. It covers 140-180 MHz. in 12
- discrete channels, selected by a 12-position switch. The local
- oscillator is synthesized and the 12 channels are selected and
- hard-wired during assembly.
-
- The front panel has only two knobs, Volume and Squelch, the 12-position
- switch, an LED indicator that signals when the unit is transmitting, and
- two jacks for microphone and speaker. The jacks are spaced so that they
- will accept an ICOM-compatible speaker/microphone accessory plug.
-
- The reviewer built a unit following directions in the manual. They
- instruct the builder to proceed one sub-section at a time and not to
- continue until each is operating properly. His opinion is that the
- manual and instructions are "pretty good" but inexperienced builders may
- want some help from more experienced hams.
-
- The completed transceiver performs with acceptable sensitivity but with
- limited dynamic range. Its front-end filtering has a broad band-width
- which allows it to be used for receiving information and commercial
- frequencies but leaves it open to interference caused by intermodulation
- distortion and also by images.
-
- The reviewer's final summary was: "Inexpensive and relatively easy to
- build, the FX-146 will get you on the air, but with less than
- factory-built performance."
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- HINTS AND KINKS (HK)
- conductor: David Newkirk, WJ1Z
- Sr. Asst. Technical Editor
- _________
-
-
- Title>HK1:More on Coax-Cable Connector Installation
- Author>Collins, Lewis D. - W1GXT
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 75
- Abstract>One ham's opinion of the best way to attach PL-259 plugs onto
- coax cable.
-
- Digest>The writer offers some hints about the best and most reliable
- way of soldering PL-259 plugs on the ends of coax cable. His approach
- is similar to the instructions that are printed in common amateur
- literature with two exceptions:
-
- First, he strongly advises the use of a 100-watt soldering iron such as
- the American Beauty Model 3138. The editor interjects a note that such
- irons are routinely used by stained-glass artists. Anyone who has
- difficulty finding one for sale in electrical/electronic outlets should
- check the Yellow Pages under "Craft Supplies" and "Glass-Stained and
- Leaded".
-
- Second, he suggests the plastic outer sheath as well the dielectric be
- cut with a dull knife so that it will be less likely to nick the braid
- or conductor underneath it.
-
- He advises the following steps:
-
- 1. Remove 3/4" of outer sheath without nicking the braid.
-
- 2. Using the soldering iron, quickly tin the braid for at least
- 3/8" starting at the end of the outer sheath.
-
- 3. File the solder on the braid to a uniform thickness.
-
- 4. Using the dull knife, (better yet, a tubing cutter), cut
- through the tinned braid and part way through the dielectric,
- 5/16" from the end of the jacket. Be careful not to nick the
- center conductor.
-
- 5. Grasp the small piece of dielectric that is not completely
- cut off and twist it with pliers back and forth to break it
- loose along the cut.
-
- 6. Put the connector on the end, solder to the braid through the
- four holes around the connector, and solder the center
- conductor in the center pin. Snip off any excess length of
- center conductor that protrudes through the pin.
- _________
-
-
- Title>HK2:Curing VU-Meter Pinning in the MFJ-624D Hybrid Phone Patch
- Author>Stauffer, Bill - W5ICV
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 75-76
- Abstract>Overcoming a deficiency in the MFJ-624D phone patch that caused
- the meter to indicate full-scale whenever the phone line was connected.
-
- Digest:The writer describes a problem with his MFJ-624D phone patch.
- When he installed it according to instructions in the MFJ manual, the
- patch operated properly except that its VU-meter pegged when the phone
- line was connected. He investigated and discovered what the problem
- was. He fixed it by installing a 600-ohm isolation transformer obtained
- from Mouser Electronics.
-
- With the letter, he includes a wiring diagram and a dimensioned drawing
- of a small piece of perf-board, indicating where the invidual components
- should be mounted for installation inside the cabinet of the MFJ unit.
- He invites anyone with further questions to contact him at Rio Rancho,
- NM, (505) 891-8746.
- _________
-
-
- Title>HK3:The Multi-Tuner
- Author>Wilson, Curtis - W0KKQ
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 76
- Abstract>Combining three antenna tuners into one assembly, used with
- three antennas.
-
- Digest:The writer uses several antennas for receiving and transmitting
- on a single band, and finds it helpful to be able to switch rapidly from
- one to another. A simple selector switch is not enough because each of
- his antennas must be tuned, using an antenna tuner. His solution is to
- have three antenna tuners, one for each antenna so that each is always
- tuned and can be instantly switched.
-
- He strapped MFJ Model 948 Deluxe Versa Tuner II antenna tuners together
- with aluminum straps, and interconnected them with short coax jumpers.
- He shows a block diagram indicating the electrical interconnections amd
- a pictorial diagram showing the three tuners mounted one atop the next.
- ----------------------------------------------------------------
-
- TECHNICAL CORRESPONDENCE (TC)
- conductor: Paul Pagel, N1FB
- Associate Technical Editor
- _________
-
-
- Title>TC1:Sense the Right Way to Go With the HANDI-Finder
- Author>Moell, Joe - K0OV
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 77-78
- Abstract>Adding a delay line to the HANDI-Finder to convert the "figure
- 8" to a cardioid (i.e. heart-shaped) pattern.
-
- Digest:The writer offers a modification to the "HANDI-Finder" described
- by B. Leskovec: "Build the HANDI-Finder!" in QST, May, 1993, pp. 35-38.
- The writer has found the HANDI-Finder to be an admirable unit for
- "Fox-Hunting" except for the fact that its null is bi-directional. Mr.
- Moell offers a simple modification that converts the original "Figure 8"
- to a "cardioid" pattern with a single null.
-
- The modification requires inserting a carefully trimmed piece of
- miniature coax as a delay line in the lead to one of the two antennas.
- His letter gives detailed instruction as to how the delay line should be
- dimensioned and trimmed, where in the circuit it is to be inserted, and
- how it is to be physically mounted on the circuit board of the HANDI-
- Finder. He also shows photographs of both sides of the circuit board
- with the jumper installed.
-
- He reports that the operation is very effective in giving an unambiguous
- reading of direction in "Fox-Hunting". Its only drawback is that the
- unit is no longer usable over many bands; the delay line must be cut for
- an individual band and will only perform on that band.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- LAB NOTES (LN)
- conductor: Steve Ford, WB8IMY
- Asst. Technical Editor
- _________
-
-
- Title>LN1:Printed-Circuit Board Circus
- Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 79-80
- Abstract>Preparing PC-boards at home.
-
- Digest>Mr. Ford presents a simulated question-and-answer series that
- explains how printed circuits can be obtained for people interested in
- building electronic projects. He mentions that many projects written up
- in hobby electronics and amateur radio publications contain printed
- circuit patterns and, often, indicate sources where etched and drilled
- boards can be obtained. He then goes on to explain how people who are
- unable or unwilling to buy etched boards can design an etch their own.
-
- He explains how to prepare boards for etching by applying wiring
- patterns through direct drawing by special resist-pens, by pressure-
- sensitive tape, or by dry transfer of patterns. He also explains the
- photo process by which printed circuit patterns can be applied via a
- photo-sensitive coating and photographic printing techniques onto the
- copper. Finally, he explains the etching process using a corrosive
- chemical, usually ferric chloride.
-
- Finally, he gives the names and addresses of several sources where
- appropriate supplies can be obtained, including Radio Shack as well as
- more specialized suppliers.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- NEW HAM COMPANION (NHC)
-
- This Section is a standard monthly feature of QST. It contains
- articles of primary interest to newcomers to amateur radio.
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC1:Mountain-Top VHF Operating: A New Adventure!
- Author>Putman, Pete - KT2B
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 60-62
- Abstract>Operating in the VHF QSO Party from a peak in the Kittatiny
- Mountains using gear for 3 bands back-packed to the top.
-
- Digest:The author relates his experiences during the June, 1993 VHF QSO
- Party when he carried three transceivers and three antennas to the top
- of a peak in the Kittatiny Mountains of northwestern New Jersey at an
- elevation of 1500-feet above sea level. He had to carry the equipment
- on his back for about 2-miles up a part of the Appalachian Trail from a
- parking area. The site is the base of a state fire tower and it gave
- him access to the densely populated East Coast concentration of UHF/VHF
- activity.
-
- His transceivers covered 6-meters, 2-meters, and 70-centimeters, each
- running 3-watts output. He also carried an electronic keyer which he
- had modified by mounting two push-button switches in the top cover. He
- uses them in lieu of a paddle while sending CW. His antennas were a
- 5-element Yagi on 6-meters and two 9-element Yagis on the other two
- bands.
-
- He operated for 4-hours and made 85 contacts in more than 36
- grid-squares. Of the total, 26 contacts were made on 6-meters in 12
- grid-squares; on 2-meters there were 39 contacts in 13 squares; and on
- 70-centimeters, 20 contacts in 11 squares. Almost all contacts were
- using SSB and CW.
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC2:Nobody Talks to Me!
- Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 63
- Abstract>How a beginner can "break the ice" and have QSOs on VHF/UHF
- bands.
-
- Digest>Mr. Ford addresses the problem facing newcomers to the VHF/UHF
- bands who find it difficult to open a QSO with another ham. On
- repeaters, it is not the custom to call "CQ". Instead, custom dictates
- that one announces their presence by giving their call sign followed
- with the word "Listening!" Often, other hams who are monitoring the
- repeater do not take that as a request for a QSO, hence do not reply.
-
- The author gives a number of suggestions of how to open conversations,
- meet people, and form a circle of friends. He points out that many hams
- who spend time on VHF are basically shy and feel slightly uncomfortable
- talking with strangers. But they usually will welcome requests for
- information and advice from newcomers, so that offers the possibility of
- opening initial contacts.
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC3:Stalking the Fox
- Author>Kearman, Jim - KR1S
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 64-65
- Abstract>Describing amateur "Fox Hunts", i.e. using radio direction-
- finding gear to locate hidden transmitters as a competitive activity.
-
- Digest>Mr. Kearman describes the sport of "Fox Hunting" or "T-Hunting".
- It is the game of hide-and-seek conducted on radio! A hidden
- transmitter, usually on the 2-meter band, is hidden somewhere and hams
- with various kinds of direction-finding equipment try to find it. The
- article discusses kinds of equipment suitable for use and ways of
- organizing hunts.
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC4:The First Contest
- Author>Cotterman, Charlie - KA8OQF
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 66
- Abstract>Getting started in ham radio contests.
-
- Digest:The author tells his personal experiences during his first ham
- radio contest. He made many mistakes and got only a very low score, but
- he realized that: "Everyone's got to start somewhere." He did, and
- presumably is, by now, an experienced contester.
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC5:LOWfing on 1750 Meters
- Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 67-68
- Abstract>Operating in the 160-190 KHz. band.
-
- Digest>There is a radio band at frequencies between 160 and 190 KHz.
- that is open to everyone with no license required. It is not a very
- popular band because there are severe restrictions on the kind of
- equipment that may be used. First, the power input to the final
- amplifier must not exceed 1-watt. Second, the antenna, including
- transmission line, must not exceed 15 meters in length (about 50 feet).
- Nevertheless, there are some amateurs who are experimenting and making
- contacts over respectable distances.
-
- More information can be obtained from: The Longwave Club of America, 45
- Wildflower Rd., Levittown, PA 19057
- _________
-
-
- Title>NHC6:The Doctor is IN
- Author>Various
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 69-70
- Abstract>A regular monthly feature in this section, it is devoted to
- questions and answers of interest to newcomers.
-
- Digest>This month the questions discussed had to do with: electronic
- keyers; calling CQ on the 80- or 160-meter bands; a problem with the
- volume control on an HT transceiver; the legality of using two-letter
- abbreviations of call-signs during DX-net operations; accidental
- activation of the autopatch on a repeater; RFI on a transceiver caused
- by a computer; and plugging accessory boards into expansion slots in
- computers.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- RADIO TIPS (RT)
-
- These are short items, scattered among the articles in the NEW HAM
- COMPANION section.
- _________
-
- Title>RT1:The Right Polarization for the Job
- Author>Ford, Steve - WB8IMY
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 62
- Abstract>In VHF and UHF operation, antenna polarization is usually
- horizontal in SSB and CW work, vertical in FM.
- _________
-
-
- Title>RT2:Using an Autopatch to Report an Accident
- Author>Regent, Richard - K9GDF
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 65
- Abstract>Instructions for reporting accidents via mobile radio by using
- the telephone 911 through an autopatch.
-
- Digest>If one comes upon an accident, report it via radio in this
- manner. Get on the air, give yor call sign, and announce "Emergency
- patch". That gives you priority.
-
- Dial the access code, followed by "911". Tell the dispatcher who
- answers that you are a radio amateur reporting an accident; then give
- the exact location, extent of injuries, if any, whether there is a fire,
- or a spill of fuel or liquids, and whether traffic is blocked. Then
- sign off but continue to monitor the frequency.
- _________
-
-
- Title>RT3:SWR
- Author>Schetgen, Robert - KU7G
- Source>QST Oct 93, p. 70
- Abstract>A primer on SWR: what it is, its effects, and how it can be
- monitored and/or reduced.
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
- GENERAL INTEREST ARTICLES (GI)
-
- Title>GI1:VP2MFA "Do-able" DXpedition
- Author>Stephens, Stu - K8SJ/VP2MFA
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 21-23
- Abstract>Recounting a "DXpedition" in the luxurious surroundings of a
- resort hotel on the Caribbean island of Montserrat.
-
- Digest>Mr. Stephens describes a holiday that he and his family took to
- the Caribbean island of Montserrat. He selected that island after
- reading the Sierra Club Guide to the Caribbean. From the ARRL he
- received the Reciprocal Licensing/VP2M Packet and learned that visiting
- hams are welcomed to the island. He had no difficulty obtaining a
- license to operate as VP2MFA.
-
- He carried with him on the trip his HF transceiver, which has a built-in
- power supply and keyer, and his antenna tuner. In addition, he took a
- 30-foot mast that he made from a collapsible TV-antenna tripod and
- sections of TV-mast tubing and smaller diameter conduit which would
- telescope with the mast tubing. He also carried antenna wire, twin-
- lead, and coax to cover whatever contingencies might arise in getting an
- antenna up in the air. The antenna parts fit into a ski-bag, which he
- characterized as "a familiar sight to Customs and Air Line clerks...."
-
- When he arrived, he found that the apartment that they had rented opened
- onto a court where he erected his mast and put up a 100-foot long
- inverted vee that he could use on all bands.
-
- He enjoyed acting as a highly desirable DX station that created "instant
- pileups" when he came on the air. Operating 3- or 4-hours per day,
- during the two weeks' vacation he logged 3,073 QSOs. His biggest
- surprise was 80-meter European DX that came on after midnight, local
- time. He reported that they provided "the few truly monster pileups".
- _________
-
-
- Title>GI2:Yagi: The Man and His Antenna
- Author>Welsh, Robert H.
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 45-47
- Abstract>The story of the invention and development of the "Yagi" (more
- properly the "Yagi-Uda", or perhaps just the "Uda") antenna.
-
- Digest>All hams today know what a Yagi antenna is, but many may not
- know how it got its name. Mr. Welsh tells the story of Hidetsugu Yagi
- and Shintaro Uda, the two Japanese engineering professors who were
- responsible for the development of the antenna.
-
- In the west, and especially in the United States, we are very careful to
- credit a discovery or invention to the person who actually conceived the
- idea and/or did the work. In some other countries, notably in Japan,
- the teacher or mentor of a researcher is often given the major credit
- for what his pupil discovers. Professor Yagi was a senior professor at
- Tohoku University in Japan, and Assistant Professor Uda was a younger
- man working under Yagi's supervision.
-
- Uda conceived the idea of placing parasitic elements near a dipole
- radiator and discovered that making them slightly longer caused them to
- act as reflectors; slightly shorter, as directors. Working in the
- University laboratory, he made careful measurements with numbers of
- elements. From that, he obtained the complete engineering data
- regarding the design of antennas with one reflector and any number of
- directors, exactly as they are built today. Professor Yagi, in his
- subsequent publications and speeches always credited his young assistant
- with having made the actual discovery.
-
- The first published article describing Uda's work appeared under his own
- name in the Proceedings of the Imperial Academy of Japan in February,
- 1926. The first publication in the United States was written by Uda in
- the Proceedings of the IRE in March, 1927. But Yagi applied for the
- Japanese patent December 28, 1925, and for a U.S. patent in September,
- 1926. Yagi's American patent was issued in May, 1932 as U.S. Patent
- Number 1,860,213. Now it is Yagi's name that is most commonly used to
- identify the antenna.
-
- The author points out the surprising fact that hams paid little
- attention to the antenna until near the end of the 1930's. By then, the
- popularity of the W8JK wire beam had wakened the interest of hams to
- beam antennas, in general. But it was the advent of television
- immediately before, and especially after, World War 2 that made Yagi-Uda
- antennas the most popular of all antenna types.
- _________
-
-
- Title>GI3:The Radio Clubs of Romania
- Author>Pataki, George - WB2AQC, ex-YO2BO
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 48-50
- Abstract>Amateur radio in Romania has emerged from the former tight
- government control and is burgeoning. The radio clubs that formerly
- were used by the government to exert control now are free and are
- encouraging more young people to join in the fun.
-
- Digest>The author, who was born in Romania, visited his native country
- in 1993 and reports the current status of ham-radio there. Prior to the
- 1989 overthrow of the former Communist dictatorship, all amateur radio
- activities were closely controlled by the government. But they did
- actively encourage and sponsor a great number of radio clubs, completely
- paid for by the government. Now, most of these clubs still exist and
- are owned by county governments, manufacturing companies, schools, and
- other organizations. There are not many amateur stations in private
- homes.
-
- The author feels that ham radio, like the whole country, is going
- through a period of transition. A great many enthusiastic hams are
- there, and purely private ham activities will inevitably grow as the
- economic condition of the country develops.
- _________
-
-
- Title>GI4:How to Be a DXer
- Author>Mastroianni, Joe - AA6YD
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 51-52
- Abstract>Humorous recounting of a bad case of DXing "disease".
-
- Digest>This is a tongue-in-cheek article that explains that DXing is a
- disease that is nearly incurable. He relates how he allowed himself to
- be drawn into pileups, what an effect it has had on his family life, and
- how he has been driven to seek counsel from a "shrink".
-
- _________
-
-
- Title>GI4:Hams Test Antennas Aboard Space Shuttle COLUMBIA
- Author>Siwiak, Kai - KE4PT
- Source>QST Oct 93, pp. 53-55
- Abstract>Amateur radio aboard the space shuttle COLUMBIA.
-
- Digest>In April, 1993, the space shuttle COLUMBIA went into space on
- mission STS-55. It carried two complete amateur radio stations, one in
- the orbiter itself and the other in the German Space Lab, which was
- carried in the shuttle's cargo bay. The one in the shuttle was called
- SAREX (for Shuttle Amateur Radio EXperiment) and the one in the Lab
- SAFEX.
-
- Before the mission, arrangements were made by the ARRL, NASA, the
- Motorola Amateur Radio Club in Plantation, Florida, the IBM Radio Club
- in Boca Raton, Florida, and a number of indidual hams, to perform a
- controlled experiment. The goal was to make accurate measurements of
- the signal levels on the 2-meter band received from both transmitters
- through the duration of two passes over Florida.
-
- The SAREX antenna was mounted on the window of the shuttle, whereas the
- German Space Lab carried an external antenna. The author does not
- describe either antenna, but the reader must assume that the antenna
- attached to the window was some kind of a dipole and the SAFEX external
- antenna some kind of a beam.
-
- In contrast to the lack of any specifications for the antennas in orbit,
- the antennas on the ground are described in great detail. The IBM and
- Motorola clubs built elaborate receiving antennas and signal-reception
- data were carefully recorded with both vertical and horizontal
- polarization.
-
- Signal levels have been calculated from the accumulated data and the
- article includes plots showing received signal strength of both
- polarities second-by-second for the entire duration of two successive
- orbital passes. From the data, the directive gain of both transmitting
- antennas were calculated and also plotted.
-
- The indicated gain of both antennas changed substantially over the
- duration of the pass due to changes in ground reflectivity from
- different elevation angles of the shuttle seen from the ground. The
- calculation shows that the SAFEX antenna outperformed the SAREX antenna
- by about 11 dB. The peak absolute gain shown by the SAFEX antenna is
- about 6 dBi. and that of the SAREX approximately minus 7 dBi., both
- within an estimated accuracy of plus or minus 5 dB.
- ----------------------------------END-----------------------------------
-
- 73, Van - W8UOF
-
- wvanho@infinet.com
-
-