QRZ! Ham Radio 5/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 5.iso/digests/infoham/940115.txt

Internet Message Format | 1994-11-13 | 21.4 KB

Date: Sat,  5 Feb 94 04:30:08 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <[e-mail]>
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V94 #115
To: Info-Hams


Info-Hams Digest            Sat,  5 Feb 94       Volume 94 : Issue  115

Today's Topics:
                      BEGINNER: Radio Questions
                            Coaxial cable
                    Dayton Parking: Hell on Earth!
                    FCC: Whats taking so long????
                          Hambladter Up date
                          Hamblaster Update
                         htx-202 or dj-162 ?
                          PK-232 vs 1278 ??
      Tech No-Code computer test - is there a Macintosh version?
                       The DSP nobody mentioned
                          TS850 & PK-232MBX

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Problems you can't solve otherwise to [e-mail].

Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available
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We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text
herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official
policies or positions of any party.  Your mileage may vary.  So there.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Date: Wed, 02 Feb 94 15:19:29 -0600
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!wlnntp.psi.com![e-mail]
Subject: BEGINNER: Radio Questions
To: [e-mail]

Hi all:

I have decided to dip my toe into the HAM radio hobby.  I have a
general idea of what I want but I want to make sure it is possible and
that I purchase the correct equipment.  I thought I would put the
features I am looking for in a message and solicit any feedback.

FEATURES:

    o Portable

    o 2 Meter and 440 (I have no idea what this means but I
          have been told by several operators that this is the way to go)

    o Scanning Functions
        -    Civilian and Military Air (Air Shows)
        -    Police and Fire
        -    Weather
        -    Cellular (for fun on Saturday nights)

I have looked at a couple of magazines and there are some really nice
looking things out there like the Kenwoods and Icoms.  I guess the dual
band means 2 Meter and 440 but how do I figure out what channels they
can scan and how good they are at scanning them.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Clayton

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

Date: 3 Feb 1994 18:26:20 GMT
From: koriel!newscast.West.Sun.COM!abyss.West.Sun.COM!pongo![e-mail]
Subject: Coaxial cable
To: [e-mail]

In article <2im9t8$[e-mail]> [e-mail] (John Derry) writes:
>
>]>  I'd like to have some good quality coaxial cable. Can you give
>]>  me any suggestions if you know?
>]>  Now, I am using a 50 ohm cable, RG-58 A/U!
>]>
>]>  Frankie Choy
>
>Howdy, Frankie:
>
>Get some Belden 9913 or equivalent.  But remember it's not as flexible as
>RG-58.  I only use RG-58 for short junmpers arounbd the shack.  And I'm
>even replacing those cables with RG-223.

9913 isn't the answer to all problems.  An 80m run of 9913 at 1.6GHz
will have 10-12dB of loss.  7/8" Hardline will have more like 5-7dB
of loss.  In comparison, RG-58 has maybe 50dB of loss in the same
length.

However, 9913 is a reasonable choice, especially when combined with
a mast-mounted pre-amp with just enough gain to overcome feedline loss.
Since this is a receive-only application, this is likely the best way
to go.

--
 * Dana H. Myers KK6JQ, DoD 466    | Views expressed here are    *
 * [phone]         | mine and do not necessarily    *
 * [e-mail]    | reflect those of my employer    *
 * This Extra supports the abolition of the 13 and 20 WPM tests *

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

Date: 3 Feb 1994 19:56:54 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!math.ohio-state.edu!mane.cgrg.ohio-state.edu!aus1.robins.af.mil!wrdis02.robins.af.mil![e-mail]
Subject: Dayton Parking: Hell on Earth!
To: [e-mail]

William=E.=[e-mail] wrote:

: Dayton may have had the "natural" for a large convention and has certainly
: worked to get this spot as the "big one", but maybe it's ripe for plucking
: given the constraints forced upon them by the area.

: bill wb9ivr

Where are you going to find a facility that has that much display
space along with 3000+ flea market spaces?  And, we need parking for
say 20,000 vehicles (not everyone drives to Dayton)..  I don't know
the total statistics but, during my 20 years in Ohio, I have always
been told that no better facility exists..

Now, if I only had a 100 acres between Dayton and Cincinnati (or
Dayton and Columbus).....

73,

Larry, KQ4BY

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

Date: Wed, 2 Feb 1994 12:56:30 GMT
From: noc.near.net!gateway-gw!newshost![e-mail]
Subject: FCC: Whats taking so long????
To: [e-mail]

The Pyrotechnic <[e-mail]> wrote:
>My god, ive been paitently waiting for my call sign to come in... it's been
>well over 9 weeks now, and it still hasn't arrived.

I'd start with your VE.  Ask them when they sent the paperwork to the
VEC, and have them ask the VEC when they sent the paperwork to the
FCC.  The majority of the time it takes to process a ticket is spent
getting to the FCC...  [Yes, the FCC is getting behind lately, but I
waited 12 weeks for my ticket, and 8-10 of those it sat on a desk at
the ARRL...].  Besides, by the time you get a response from your VEC,
you'll have the ticket!  :+)
--
Willie Smith    [e-mail]        [e-mail]
Some people you don't have to satirize, you just quote em - Tom Paxton

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

Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 18:28:22 GMT
From: pacbell.com!sgiblab!twg.com!eco.twg.com!psinntp!laidbak!tellab5![e-mail]
Subject: Hambladter Up date
To: [e-mail]

    The Hamblaster Update

Over the past several months I posted updates about a
DSP "The Hamblaster" that Will Torgrim (N9PEA) and myself
are developing.

We are focusing our efforts on a packet modem that allows
the user to improve H.F. reception by interfacing the Ham-
blaster (a PC compatable DSP sound board) to a transceiver
and a packet or all mode TNC.  Modems/filters for RTTY,
Packtor, Amtor are also under developement and are compatable
with the same control panal software.

Here are the latest developements
1-31-94

1)  The Hamblaster can play ".wav" files
    at sample rates less than 15 kHz.

2)  Adaptive (LMS) filter

    There's ongoing developement in this area.
    We are planing (I don't think this has been
    done before) to add controls to the LMS algorithm.
    You can, for example, change adaption time and
    filter taps.

3)  Fast autotune
    We have a fast autotune routine that locks a packet
    modem to the received signal in few milliseconds.
    Tuning is a big problem on H.F. packet.   Some stations
    are off frequency so bad, the tnc can't receive the packets.
    The auto tone (or AFC) locks the DSP modem by changing
    the filter coefficients.

1-3-94

3) We now have FFT analysis software built into the o-scope control
   panel.  When you click on the "Freq" button the audio spectrum is
   displayed.  You can move the mouse cursor over the display and
   where ever it is positioned, the frequency is displayed in the
   status window.  When you click the mouse the modem filters jump
   to the frequency.  This feature provides a simple tuning aid.

   Another button allows you to convert all 4 traces (mentioned in
   paragraph 3) to spectral displays.  You can, for example, analyze
   the frequency at the input signal, the modem prefilter and the
   mark filter output.   Based on the FFT, a second button allows
   you to modify the filter tune limits by clicking on min-max
   limits that you select.


I have to admit, After I debugged the FFT software and got the
control panel working to my satifaction,  I got hooked on the
operation of the Hamblaster system.  I spent hours tuning the 40
and 20 meter bands, displaying the FFT and copying CW/RTTY signals
through the Hamblaster filters.  The FFT really simplifies the
tuning process.



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

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

Date: Wed, 2 Feb 1994 18:43:04 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!laidbak!tellab5![e-mail]
Subject: Hamblaster Update
To: [e-mail]

    The Hamblaster Update

Over the past several months I posted updates about a
DSP "The Hamblaster" that Will Torgrim (N9PEA) and myself
are developing.

We are focusing our efforts on a packet modem that allows
the user to improve H.F. reception by interfacing the Ham-
blaster (a PC compatable DSP sound board) to a transceiver
and a packet or all mode TNC.  Modems/filters for RTTY,
Packtor, Amtor are also under developement and are compatable
with the same control panal software.

Here are the latest developements
1-31-94

1)  The Hamblaster can play ".wav" files
    at sample rates less than 15 kHz.

2)  Adaptive (LMS) filter

    There's ongoing developement in this area.  We are
    planing (I don't think this has been done before)
    to add controls to the LMS algorithm.

3)  Fast autotune

    We have a fast autotune routine that locks a packet
    modem to the received signal in few milliseconds.
    Tuning is a big problem on H.F. packet.   Some stations
    are so far off frequency, the tnc can't receive the packets.
    The auto tune (or AFC) locks the DSP modem to the FSK
    center frequency.

4)  More autotune info.

    The Hamblaster can interface to a PK232 via the
    the 232's External Modem connector and the Hamblaster
    digital port.  The PK-232/Hamblaster connection emulates
    a PK-2232 allowing the user to take advantage of the DSP
    capabilities by accessing a library of modems or filters.

5)  Using the auto tune demodulator with the PK232:

    When the auto tune feature is enabled, the modem locks
    onto the FSK signal and, hopefully, the PK232 will
    fewer packets.  Even though the Pk232 filters are by-
    passed, I connect the Hamblaster's audio output to the
    PK232's  "Radio 1 input".  It allows me to use
    the PK232's tuning indicator to roughly tune the fsk
    center frequency within 100 Hz.

    At least for now, the Hamblaster doesn't decode the data,
    It just a filter.  We are working on a KISS mode emulation
    software.  If we're successful, The hamblaster will interface
    directly to the KA9Q software.




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

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

Date: 3 Feb 1994 14:28:02 -0800
From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!nic-nac.CSU.net!ctp.org![e-mail]
Subject: htx-202 or dj-162 ?
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] writes:

> reasonable items to add to a HT.  I mean, come on, what's the point of
> all the toys when you can't use any of them whenever you come in the
> range of a paging tower?  Meanwhile, those of us with the inexpensive,
> less glamourous rigs will still be happily chatting or packeting
> away without a care in the world.  :-)

And we won't be heard on the air complaining about the intermod our HTs have!

If a manufacture would produce an HT with the 202's receiver but in a much
smaller package, that would be my ticket....

Gary Lau, N6MMM
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

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

Date: 3 Feb 1994 14:21:58 -0800
From: library.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!usc!nic-nac.CSU.net!ctp.org![e-mail]
Subject: PK-232 vs 1278 ??
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] (robert penneys) writes:

> It is my impression that to go to TCP/IP with the 232 may be a bit of a
> problem due to the proprietary nature of how it works (??) I am led to believe
> that a TAPR clone, such as the 1270, may be a better choice, and that the 1278
> would do equally well, if I also want the other modes.

No, there should not be a problem running NOS (tcp/ip) using a PK-232.
Unless I'm doing something no one else is doing (or the other way
around), I haven't had a problem running it on my 232.

Gary Lau, N6MMM
[e-mail]
[e-mail]

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

Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 19:10:45 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com![e-mail]
Subject: Tech No-Code computer test - is there a Macintosh version?
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] wrote:
:    Is there a Macintosh version of the Novice/Tech No-Code question pool
: available via FTP?

I don't know about it being available via FTP, but there are a couple of
sources.  One is a commercial product, which I believe is called "MAC
HAM".  If I remember correctly, it had a list price of around $39.00

Secondly, there is the following information which I have downloaded from
the packet radio network:

=============================================================
      Date:  2 Feb 94 01:23
      From: WD1V@KB4N
        To: EXAMS@ALLUS
   Subject: FREE Mac Tests + CW + More!
-------------------------------------------------------------

                 FREE - NEW Macintosh HAM TEST SIMULATORS

Studying for a ham test and have access to an Mac? Upgrade Fast - Simulate
and get STIMULATED!

Send WD1V a *FORMATTED* Mac diskette and you'll get back 5
(1 per license class) HyperCard stacks that simulate the tests.
Scores of 90% or greater even get applause! Novice and Tech tests are
from latest test pools <June/93>.

NEW! Also included are STUDY TECHNIQUES: Notes From The Video Seminar
Where Theres A Will Theres An A By Dr. Claude Olney.

Also included is a  MORSE program, complete with practice QSO files
for drill + a special collection of ideas of how to learn CW that has been
gathered from all over via packet.

Include a Self Addressed and Stamped Disk mailer and send it to:

           John/WD1V, 144 Pepperidge Drive, Manchester, NH 03103

These HyperCard stacks were designed and written by Diana, KC1SP and have
proven useful to hundreds of hams on the upgrade path. Each stack is public
domain, free of any charges, and make a great gift of encouragement.

               **************************************
               * 73! de John/WD1V in Manchester, NH *
               *        WD1V @ KB4N.NH.USA.NA       *
               *      Internet: [e-mail]      *
               * Source:  Macnet Roster version 582 *
               **************************************

HOPE THAT HELPS.
73 DE SANDY  WA6BXH/7J1ABV

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

Date: Mon, 31 Jan 1994 13:31:58 GMT
From: pacbell.com!sgiblab!twg.com!eco.twg.com!psinntp!laidbak!tellab5![e-mail]
Subject: The DSP nobody mentioned
To: [e-mail]

In article <[e-mail]> [e-mail] (Steve Milewski) writes:

>Everyone was impressed, to say the least. Especially when they found that
>the cost was only in the $330 range. Apparently these things sold out at
>Dayton last year and the backlog on orders was phenomenal.
>
>A friend of mine, Steve, AI7W, bought one recently and here's a short
>description from him:
>
>  My DSP's model is the DSP-120, it's made by Digital Interactive
>Signal Corp.. It has 8 programable filter memories and connects to
>the parallel interface of a P.C. (386 with VGA or better). It provides
>a real time audio spectrum display and a digital recording feature
>as well as providing a number of ways to custom design filters. Sets
>of 8 filter designs can be stored as files on the P.C. making it
>possible to have an almost unlimited number of filters.

I have one and I'm not that impressed.  It's like anyother DSP
it's just a filter.  I would like to have a DSP that's more flexible
and provide other features  like FFT's, modems, adaptive filters and
signal recognition.

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

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

                Eddie Kantor



>

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

Date: 3 Feb 94 17:36:01 GMT
From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!aries![e-mail]
Subject: TS850 & PK-232MBX
To: [e-mail]

[e-mail] writes:
>Well I've tried just about everything I can think of...I'm attempting to
>use the PK-232 with my TS-850.....problem is an awfull lot of rf getting
>back into the Kenwood.  I've tried shielded cable, additional grounding
>straps between both units, shorter lengths of cable - no luck.  Anyone
>have a clue as to how to eliminate the unwanted rf?  Seems I might of saw
>a posting here addressing this very problem but not sure.  Thanks in
>advance for any replies, 73...Roger/N5IFH

I use the FT240-77 ferrite toroid from Amidon to remedy rf getting into
things thru hookup cables. The 240 size is big enough to get even line cord
plugs thru it. Try to thread about 10 or so turns through the toroid with the
toroid ending up right next to the 850 (or whatever device you're trying to
keep the rf out of...works great with tv line cords!).
There is a mod to reduce the 850's audio data input sensitivity (that's the
input at the rear din connector), but I have found the choke to work well
instead. Bundle all the leads together, no need to have a separate toroid
for each cable. Amidon Assoc. ph# 310-763-5770.

Chuck Hawley
KE9UW

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

Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 12:30:44 GMT
From: mulvey![e-mail]
To: [e-mail]

References <2icphn$[e-mail]>, <[e-mail]>, <2ip76p$[e-mail]>
Subject : Re: htx-202 or dj-162 ?

James Biehn ([e-mail]) wrote:
: [e-mail] wrote:
: : James Biehn ([e-mail]) wrote:
: : : Jerry Sy ([e-mail]) wrote:
: : : : I have pretty much narrowed down my choice to these two 2m ht's.

: : : : I'd like to get comments and opinions from people in the net who
: : : : have actually used both.

: : : : currently, I am leaning towards the dj-162 because of its wide
: : : : receive.

: : : : please email responses if possible.
: : : : thanks in advance.

: : : : jerry
: : : Jerry, I myself have used both and found the DJ-162 all around better in
: : : its operations as well as its structure. The HTX-202 has no Mod info and
: : : is virtually an unknown radio internally. Maybe time will change that, but
: : : meantime technology moves on.

: :    So you're saying that you *LIKE* intermod?

: :    :-)

: Rich, the problem is that todays HAM is a buyer not a builder. Thae
: closest thing to this now days is a loose radio and a reliable set of
: mods. Is this truly HAM radio, that is the true question.

   Well, personally, I don't considering building to be a necessary
part of  amateur radio, even though I enjoy it a great deal.  Heck,
whatever it takes to enjoy the hobby, even  if it's just walking
into a store and pointing to a rig, is just fine.  However, I'm just
astounded at the way that people will purchase low-performance
equipment at a high price, just because they think that a clock, 99
memories, and the ability to listen to the local airport are
reasonable items to add to a HT.  I mean, come on, what's the point of
all the toys when you can't use any of them whenever you come in the
range of a paging tower?  Meanwhile, those of us with the inexpensive,
less glamourous rigs will still be happily chatting or packeting
away without a care in the world.  :-)

- RIch
--
Rich Mulvey                 Amateur Radio: N2VDS              Rochester, NY
[e-mail]           "Full power on half a watt."

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

End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #115
******************************