QRZ! Ham Radio 5/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 5.iso/digests/infoham/941205.txt

Internet Message Format | 1994-11-13 | 26.1 KB

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 94 17:08:37 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <[e-mail]>
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V94 #1205
To: Info-Hams


Info-Hams Digest            Thu, 10 Nov 94       Volume 94 : Issue 1205

Today's Topics:
                     AM Broadcast Tower Question
                              Cavities?
 Commercial Radio Exam Opportunity * Sat November 12th * Cambridge MA
                             Favorite Key
                    GB2RS News 13th November 1994
                       License Processing Time
                         Morse Code and Age?
                       Morse exclamation point?
                              QST Search
                      QST Weather Radio article
     Recommendations for logging program for IBM PC compatibles?
                                 test
                  What's your favorite key? (3 msgs)

Send Replies or notes for publication to: <[e-mail]>
Send subscription requests to: <[e-mail]>
Problems you can't solve otherwise to [e-mail].

Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available
(by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams".

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

Date: 9 Nov 1994 15:23:01 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Mike Johnson)
Subject: AM Broadcast Tower Question

Mike Johnson ([e-mail]) wrote:
> A commercial station is moving an AM radio tower 1.5 miles from my bother's
> house.  The station is broadcasting with 50,000 watts.  A public hearing is
> being held next week on the application.

I would like to thank everyone that responded directly to me.  We have lots
of info for the hearing.

It looks like there will not be much of a problem at the distance my brother
is living from the proposed site.

Several people said that if there is a problem that the station likely would
be willing to help with filters for any cheap radios that pick up the station
incorrectly.  As the station is moving  the tower due to public pressure I
would guess that they would want to make their new neighbors happy.

Again thank you for your responses.

--
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
                     [e-mail]
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 Mentor Graphics |  8005 SW Boeckman Rd         |      Software Support
 Corporation     |  Wilsonville, OR 97070-7777  | Framework Products Division
_____________________________________________________________________________

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

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 12:38:54 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Bruce Burke, WB4YUC)
Subject: Cavities?

In article [e-mail], [e-mail] (Clay Irving) writes:
}No, not in your teeth...
}
}I was in Central Park on Sat, 05 Nov 1994 to help set-up net control for the
}New York City Marathon and I kept my eyes and ears open to learn something. In
}one of the communication trailors there were a half dozen or so 440
}transceivers. When they tested transmission, there was severe intermod. So, one
}of the volunteers trots out to his car and returns with several 'cavities' and
}a piece of test equipment. I was watching from the door of the trailor and it
}seems like what he did was tune the cavity to filter out the frequency from
}the adjacent radio. He then installed the cavity between the antenna feed
}and the transceiver. He did the same on the other transceiver. When they tested
}transmission again, it was clear as could be.
}
}Can someone give me a more detailed explanation of what they did?...

Clay,

They did just what you described. Cavities come in various assorments.
Bandpass and Notch. The most popular is bandpass. Basically they used the cavities
to narrow the front end selectivity of the radio. What they were getting for
QRM was a result of overload of the front end. By reducing the radio's bandwidth
with the cavity, overload is reduced.

There is a secondary effect on transmit too. The broadband transmitter
noise is reduced also, further helping the situation.

73,

    Bruce, WB4YUC, el YUCCO. . .

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

Date: 10 Nov 1994 14:27:16 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Steven L. Finberg)
Subject: Commercial Radio Exam Opportunity * Sat November 12th * Cambridge MA

    Commercial Radio Exams at MIT

**  MROP, GROL, GMDSS, Radar and Telegraph exams in Cambridge MA  **

**  Sat. November 12th 1994   **

The MIT Radio Exam Team will hold exams for all classes
of commercial radio license at  10 AM  on Saturday November 12th
in Cambridge MA at 77 Mass Ave in MIT's  Room 1-150.

We will conduct exams for the General Radiotelephone Operators
License, the Marine Radio Operators Permit, the Global Marine
Distress and Safety Systems Maintainer and Operator Licenses, the
Radar Endorsement and the Radiotelegraph operators Certificate.

Our next commercial exam session will be held at   10 AM   on
Saturday January 14th in Cambridge MA at 77 Mass Ave in
MIT's  Room 1-150.

A regular schedule of exams is planned for Cambridge MA on the
second Saturday of odd numbered months.  For more information call
Nick at 617 253 3776  (9-5).

There is a $35 examination fee.  Bring the ** original ** and a
copy of any commercial license or proof of passing certificates
you want to claim credit for.    Also bring 2 forms of picture
ID, a black pen and a pencil. For all licenses except the GROL
there is an additional $35 regulatory fee, you must attach a check
made to the FCC to your successful application.  For the
Telegraph exams bring 2 passport style photos in an envelope to
attach to your application

*  The FCC has delayed the imposition of a regulatory fee on GROL
applications pending congressional instruction on how to treat lifetime
licenses.  !!!

Copies of the question pools are available from the
Government Printing office or from W5YI at 1 800 669 9594.
This is probably the best study guide available for the
GMDSS, Radar and Telegraph exams.

*   A comprehensive text book by Fred Maia and Gordon West
covering the MROP and GROL exam material is now available at
Radio Shack.

The General Radio Telephone Operators License is required to
service transmitters in the aviation, maritime and international
radio services.  A Maritime Radio Operators Permit is required to
operate radiotelephone stations aboard ships carrying passengers
for hire and certain aviation and coast stations.  Large ocean
going ships will be required to carry two Global Maritime Distress
and Safety Systems - operator licenses.  A GMDSS Maintainer License
is required to service GMDSS equipment.  A Radiotelegraph
Operators Certificate is required to be a radio officer aboard
certain large ocean going ships.

Amateur Extra Class operators may be particularly interested in
obtaining a commercial telegraph license as they will receive
credit for the required class code exam. Bring your original
amateur license and a copy to claim this credit.

The MIT Radio Exam Team operates under the auspices of the
National Radio Examiners COLEM, part of the W5YI group.

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

Date: 10 Nov 1994 19:33:35 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Steve Milewski)
Subject: Favorite Key

I had been using a Vibroplex Bug alongside a straight key up until this summer.

Now, in addition to the straight key, I've started using a Jones keyer.

I tried several others before I sprung for the Jones keyer and am glad I
did. First of all, the Jones keyer is heavy. I place it in one spot at the
operating position AND it STAYS there. The feeling is solid, much more so
than any of the other keyers I tried.

As with any keyer, there are a few adjustments that you'll want to make as
you use it to more fully customize the unit to your style. For the most
part, the Jones keyer is easy to adjust although a bit more cumbersome in
this aspect than the Bencher.

However, overall the Jones Keyer is the best keyer I've ever played with.

Steve/AA7FL

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

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 19:13:10 +0000
From: [e-mail] (David Hough)
Subject: GB2RS News 13th November 1994

Good morning. It's Sunday the 13th of November and here is the GB2RS
news broadcast, prepared by the RSGB and intended for all radio amateurs
and short-wave listeners.

Now this week's headlines:-

Twenty people have won prizes in recent competitions

The RSGB apologises for a backlog in processing book orders

And the RA will shortly announce which organisation will be issuing
amateur licences from next Spring.

We start this week with some prize winners:

The winner of the RSGB draw at the Leicester show is by Mr M C Eddyvean,
G7SQF. He wins a Christmas hamper worth 100.

The winner of the RSGB 'Introduce a Friend' membership promotion draw is
Mr T B Saggerson, G4WSE. He wins a scanner.

Major prize winners at the LIVE '94 Amateur Radio Village are: Mr J R
Groves, G7SNZ who wins a TH-22E 2m handheld; Mr A Rowe, G6AVP, who wins
a KPC3 packet controller; Mr J Irlam, G3JBT, who wins an HF-150
short-wave receiver; Mr M B Chapman, G4ZKE, who wins an Alinco VHF/UHF
hand held; Mr S M Gambles, G4GI, who wins an FT-416 2m hand held; and Mr
P J Holt, G8YQJ, who wins an IC-281H 2m mobile. Twelve runners up
received RSGB or Practical Wireless subscriptions. All winners have been
notified by post.

RSGB Headquarters apologises for the delay in despatching book orders
recently. This has been due to the enormous demand for two new
publications which has stretched resources somewhat. Every effort is
being made to clear the backlog as soon as possible. Customers are asked
to be patient as calls regarding late delivery just add to the workload.

The Radiocommunications Agency has stated that it will shortly be able
to announce who will be dealing with amateur radio licensing when the
existing contract runs out next Spring. Licensees will be written to
individually by the RA with details of the new arrangements.

RSGB members are reminded that the ballot papers for Council nominations
must be received at RSGB Headquarters by 12 noon on Tuesday the 29th of
November. The ballot paper and proxy voting form are part of the
Society's Annual Report and Accounts which was posted to all members on
the 17th of October. Any member who has not received this document
should contact Fay Huxley at RSGB Headquarters as soon as possible.

Now some items of HF DX news from the weekly RSGB DX News Sheet which is
edited by Brendan McCartney, G4DYO.

 From Ascension Island, N6TJ will sign ZD8Z from now until Thursday the
1st of December.

 From St Christopher-Nevis, WB8GEX and WZ8D will sign V47NF and V47WZ
respectively from Saturday the 19th until Sunday the 27th of November on
all bands from 160 to 6 metres, on SSB and CW.

And from Cayman Islands, W5SJ will be active as ZF2SY from Saturday the
19th until Wednesday the 23rd of November. Activity will be mainly CW on
the WARC bands also 40 and 80 metres.

Now the rallies we know of for today, Sunday the 13th of November:

The Barnsley & District Amateur Radio Club Amateur Radio Rally is being
held at the Metrodome Complex which is in Barnsley Town Centre, next to
the bus and railway interchange. Follow the 'Metrodome' and rally signs
from junction 37 of the M1. The event features amateur radio and
computer trade stands, clubs and groups, plus a bring and buy stall.
There are ample parking facilities and a separate car park for disabled
visitors.

The Donegal / Tir Conaill Radio Club Annual Mobile Rally is being held
at Jackson's Hotel, Ballybofey, County Donegal. Doors open at 12 noon.
The event features the stands and a junk sale. Refreshments will be
available throughout the day.

The Midland Amateur Radio Society - Stockland Radio Computer Rally is
being held at the Stockland Green Leisure Centre, Slade Road, Erdington,
Birmingham. Doors open at 10am. The rally features the usual traders,
local clubs and a bring and sell tables. Refreshment are available.

Next the two events we know of for next weekend, Saturday the 19th and
Sunday the 20th:

Next Saturday, the 19th, the Carrickfergus Amateur Radio Group Rally is
to be held at the Downshire Secondary School, Downshire Road,
Carrickfergus, County Antrim. Doors open at 12 noon. The event features
the usual trade stands and a bring and buy stall. Further details from
Hugh, GI0JOF, on 01960 351807.

Next Sunday, the 20th, the Bishop Auckland Amateur Radio Club Radio
Rally is to be held at the Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre, Beveridge
Arcade, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham. From the A1M take the A167 to
Aycliffe town and follow the rally signs. Doors open at 11am, or from
10.30 for disabled visitors. The event features trade stands covering
radio, electronic and computer interests, an RSGB Book and Information
stand and a bring and buy stall. Refreshments will be available and
talk-in will be on 2 metres, channel S22. Details from Mike, G0PRQ, on
01388 766264.

Now news of a Rally cancellation:

The Leeds and District Amateur Radio Society announces that, due to
circumstances beyond its control, the Christmas Rally, scheduled for the
4th of December has had to be cancelled. Details from G0IBU whose
address is correct in the RSGB Call Book.

HF contest news next:

The WAE RTTY Contest finishes today, Sunday the 13th, at 2359 UTC. See
the November RadCom, page 19 for further details.

The RSGB 2nd 1.8MHz CW Contest will be held next Saturday, the 19th from
2100 until 0100 UTC. See the October edition of RadCom, page 81, for
details on frequency, exchange data and category of entry.

Next some VHF contest news:

The next RSGB 1.3GHz and 2.3GHz Cumulative Contest takes place on
Thursday the 17th of November from 2030 to 2300 UTC.

The fourth RSGB 432MHz Cumulative Contest will take place on Monday the
28th of November from 2030 to 2300 UTC. For further details of both of
these Cumulative Contests see July RadCom page 82.

And now the solar factual data:

The period from the 31st of October to the 6th of November saw some very
small solar flares, particularly at the start. Solar flux and
geomagnetic levels have declined. At the time of preparing this bulletin
geomagnetic levels were still very unsettled.

The sunspot indices have generally declined over the period, from 89 on
the 31st, down to 39 by the 4th November, giving a mean of 64. Solar
flux levels also declined every day from 97 units on the 31st of
October, to 81 units by the 6th of November. The period averaged 88
units. The 90 day solar flux average on the 6th November was 81 units.

The geomagnetic field declined from 'sub-storm' levels with an Ap of 38
on the 31st, down to unsettled conditions by the 6th November. There was
only one relatively quiet day - the 3rd, with an Ap index of 10; the
period averaged an Ap of 21 units. The state has been 'mag alert' for
most of the period. Not all of the x-ray flux data is to hand but levels
were declining, and were at A8.5 on the 1st of November. The aa indices,
as reported by the British Geological Survey for the period from the
25th to the 31st of October, started at quiet levels. The daily index
was down to only 8.0 nanoTeslas on the 27th but by the morning of the
29th, levels increased considerably with the magnetic storm, reaching
194 nanoTeslas (about K7) by mid-day,. Storm levels were maintained to
the end of the period which averaged 35.4 nanoTeslas, about K4.

The monthly sunspot number for October was RI 43.8, with a maximum of 60
on the 14th and a minimum of 16 on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd. The smoothed
sunspot number for April 1994 was 33.8 +/-5.

I'll repeat the figures. Spots - 64; Flux - 88; Ap index - 21; X-ray
flux about A8.5. October spots RI 43.8

Now the ionospheric data for Central France:

The F2 daytime critical frequencies at Poitiers, as reported by Meudon
for the period 31st of October to the 4th of November, are still
declining and averaged 8.2MHz. The darkness hour lows varied little from
day to day and averaged 2.5MHz. The daily highs are now around noon, and
the lows between 05.00 and 06.00 hours.

And lastly the solar forecast:

This week the active side of the sun should be rotating away. There is a
small chance of flare activity in the first half of the week. Solar flux
levels are expected to decline to the 80s. The geomagnetic field is
expected to be at quiet levels up to the 18th, then the passage of a
coronal hole with possible proton enhancement could give storm
conditions. Ionospheric MUFs during daylight up to the 18th in the south
are expected to reach 30MHz and in the north about 25MHz; then much will
depend on the geomagnetic levels. Darkness hour levels are expected to
reach about 10MHz. The lower bands are expected to be best for east/west
paths.

And that's the end of the solar information.

Finally in the main news, SSL has informed the Society that as of last
Wednesday morning, the latest callsigns allocated were in the G 0 Victor
Kilo and G 7 Tango Victor series, and Novice calls in the 2 0 Alpha
Juliet and 2 1 Delta November series.

--

GB2RS is prepared by the Radio Society of Great Britain
and is broadcast in the 80m, 40m, 6m and 2m bands.
Tel [phone]  Fax [phone]

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

Date: Wed, 9 Nov 1994 13:20:07 GMT
From: [e-mail] (T.J. Alessi)
Subject: License Processing Time

David Drumheller ([e-mail]) wrote:

->    I believe the FCC does a single `mass mailing' once a week.  If memory
-> serves me correctly, I read this in the FCC Rule Book published by the
-> ARRL.

The FCC processes HAM licenses on Tuesday and mails on Wednesday afternoon
or Thursday morning.
--
    Regards,
    Tom -WB1L-
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 T.J. Alessi & Associates *  Box 16781 * Stamford, CT 06905 *  203.969.1880
 E-Mail: [e-mail] *  WWW URL=ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/tja/home.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
 "Women. You can live with them... Pass the beer nuts!"   - Norm Peterson

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

Date: Wed, 9 Nov 94 22:24:29 -0500
From: [e-mail]
Subject: Morse Code and Age?

Just like younger children can grasp foregin languages much
easier than adults or teens....

73
[e-mail]
Bill
N3OGH

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

Date: 9 Nov 1994 21:22:29 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Andrew C Robertson)
Subject: Morse exclamation point?

Is there an exclamation point in the morse character set?  It's not on any
list I've seen.  If not, why not?

- Andrew, aa1hx

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

Date: 10 Nov 94 13:18:16 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Evert Halbach)
Subject: QST Search

Trying to complete a set of QSTs.
Looking for QSTs listed below without having to purchase whole years
worth:

        Feb 63
        Oct 78
        Jul 79
        Feb 84
        May 84
        Oct 84

Thanks 73 de WA5OJI Evert



        Evert R. Halbach   WA5OJI
Internet - [e-mail]
Phone    - [phone]
Snail    - P.O. Box 2168   Thibodaux, La. 70310

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

Date: 9 Nov 94 16:52:36 EST
From: [e-mail]
Subject: QST Weather Radio article

Can anyone point me to a back-issue of QST which told how to make a
2-meter receiver out of a Radio Shack weather radio?  Several people
have told me about this article, but didn't know exactly which issue.

Thanks,
Ed Lieser

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

Date: 10 Nov 1994 01:47:23 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Bernard D. Tremblay (Ben))
Subject: Recommendations for logging program for IBM PC compatibles?

In article <39o70l$[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (David Jenkins) says:
>
>Can anyone point me to review of free or fee logging programs for Intel
>based PCs?
>
>TIA and 73
>
>David F. Jenkins
>Decision and Information Sciences
>University of Houston
>KC5JRR
>
Hello from the far east of northamerica (I dunno, is QTH clear in my
header? anyway, Halifax NS; computer lab L218B at St.Mary's U)

years in the saddle have given me this combo:
LOG-EQF for just-plain logging
CT for contest

hard working software

any additions? suggestions? quarrels? free beer nuts? (oops, sorry, slipped
into my FD chatter)
c'ya
Ben   VE1CBV (21 years ago it was VO1LQ - quarter century here I come!)

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

Date: 10 Nov 1994 13:18:04 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Geoff Guild  G7RRV)
Subject: test

does this work



GM Guild
                  G7 RRV

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

Date: 10 Nov 94 11:58:24 GMT
From: [e-mail] (Steven L Goldstein)
Subject: What's your favorite key?

I use the basic Vibroplex iambic paddles (black finger pieces with gray
base and chromed mechanical parts). Unless you're heavily into chrome, I
think this is the nicest looking configuration. The all chrome model w/
red finger pieces gets a lot of finger prints, while the matte gray base
on mine doesn't show these smudges. Besides, black/gray/chrome is a nice
combination.

My configuration DOES NOT have the jeweled movement. I've compared mine
side-by-side to one with the jeweled movement, and couldn't feel a
difference. I wouldn't spend the extra money unless you really like the
look of a chrome base.

I thought the Bencher design felt about as nice as the Vibroplex, but I
think the spring looks kind of cheesy. In my opinion, Vibroplex makes the
nicest looking paddles.

73 de KB2PWM

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

Date: Thu, 10 Nov 1994 15:02:55 -0800
From: [e-mail].3 (Scott Darragh)
Subject: What's your favorite key?

In article <[e-mail]>, [e-mail] wrote:

> Hello, all:
>
>    Since XMas is coming up (:-) I'm looking for recommendations on keys -
> both paddles and bugs.  Any suggestions on what your preferred key is,
> for around $100.00?  I'm currently using a set of cheapie MFJ paddles,
> but have been looking at the Vibroplex offerings, as well as those by
> Jones, etc.
>
> Thanks!
>    - Rich

I just recently bought a rather simple CW only radio.  Didn't want to spend
a ton of money to get into the hobby.  BUt I soon realized working from
afew freinds house I really enjoy it.

    So then I did the only thing I knew how to do.  BUY SOMETHING THAT WILL
LAST YOU THE REST OF YOUR LIFE.  I also wanted something very pretty
ditting on the desk and I bought the Bencher gold and black Iambic Paddle.
I just passed my upgrade a few weeks ago and let me tell you I can key
about 25+ wpm on that thing.  I can only copy at 5-8 or so!  But I have a
few freinds that nopw that and are quite tolerant I send to them at 20 like
they are accustom to hearing and they send back at a nice rate for myself.

Scott

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

Date: Wed, 9 Nov 94 22:30:50 -0500
From: [e-mail]
Subject: What's your favorite key?

I'm using a Bencher Paddle with the MFJ keyer that sits on top.
 I like it because it saves desk space (which is at a premium
in my shack) and is simple.  The only problem I had with it was
the way I grasp the key.  When I held it, I completed the a
connection between the two posts and the key would stay down
(in other words, the elec. keyer would key the rig constantly).
 Grounding the key to the rig fixed this problem.

73
[e-mail]
N3OGH
Bill

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

Date: Wed, 09 Nov 1994 09:16:20 -0600
From: [e-mail] (Kenneth Kalan)

References<39m6nh$[e-mail]> <39o700$[e-mail]>, <39ofnm$[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: R.S. 2 Meter Amplifier???

In article <39ofnm$[e-mail]>, [e-mail] (Joe B. Simpson) wrote:

> In article <39o700$[e-mail]> [e-mail]
(Mark D. Conner) writes:
> >>>...  Well, RS fails to sell a VHF/UHF
> >>>SWR meter, and there are no local "Ham" shops.
> >>
> >>Radio Shack most certainly DOES sell a VHF/UHF SWR meter.  Check again.
> >
> >If you're certain they're selling one, can you post a catalog number?
> >My latest catalog doesn't show a VHF/UHF meter, and several local hams
> >and an RS salesman have told me they stopped selling them about a year
> >ago.
>
> Well, egg on MY face.  You're right, it's been discontinued.  You might call
> around to other RS stores, though - I saw one of these on the shelf of a local
> Rat Shack a couple of months ago.  There might be a few still stocked here and
> there.
>
A friend purchased one for me as a gift a couple of months ago.  I believe
they had them for less than $20.  It lookes like it's made by Comet, they
have one in their catalog that looks identical to the RS unit.  Used it a
couple of times and appears to work just fine.  They maybe harder to find
now, but they may still carry the discounted price if you find one.

Regards

Ken

BTW Sorry if this is a duplicate post.  I accidentlly sent one off before
I finished and tried to cancel it, but it may have slipped out anyway.

-------------------------------------------------------- _--
Kenneth Kalan     PP ASEL                    ===_      /  |
Northwestern University               | ___/[__ ] \___/__ |
Prosthetics Research Laboratory       |\__ _|___|_____===/
Rehabilitation Engineering Program      |    \/
[e-mail]       N9YIR                 o     O
------------------------------------------------------------

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

End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #1205
******************************