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