QRZ! Ham Radio 5/QRZ Ham Radio Callsign Database - Volume 5.iso/files/qrp/archives/94_06_25.txt

Text File | 1994-11-27 | 225.4 KB | 6,047 lines

Subject: Start
From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 08:56:05 1994
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Date: Sat, 18 Jun 1994 08:55:01 -0400
From: "Justin Rains" <[e-mail]>
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Subject: ARRL Member for WAS??
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    Hello everyone, I was just making sure you have to be an ARRL member to
get a WAS certificate. Is this correct?
73 de Justin, AA9KM
*******************


From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 09:54:44 1994
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    for [e-mail] id AA11178; Sat, 18 Jun 94 09:52:55 -0400
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 94 09:52:55 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Bruce Robertson)
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Subject: audio filtering & muting
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I'm almost ready to assemble my 30m vxo/rx with only a few outstanding issues.
Firstly, I have to decide whether or not to include the 5 watt power amp.
This is complicated by the fact that I can't measure the power out of the
2N3866 before the power amp with any accuracy. If it's putting out 1 - 1.25
watts, do you think that's enough for a first time qrp rig on this band?
This reminds me, I rewound a transformer and found that this increased current
into the rig, but didn't make my wattmeter/dummy load jump nearly at all.
I suspect the wattmeter is very non-linear, however. Question: is any increase
in current (& warming up of the 2N3866) likely to signify an increase in
rf power out?
Secondly, while the Sudden receiver (an NE602 and LM386 special) is working
fine, I'm a bit worried about the wide audio freq. response. (Practically
DC to dog-whistle.) A filter built around a '741 seems easy enough, but
given that the rx tuning is separate from the tx, can I get by without it?
Finally, in testing the tx & rx near each other, I found that the rx
naturally produces a whopping sig. when I xmit. Is there a simple audio
muting circuit I could apply to the LM386 or the possible 741 audio
filter before it?
Thanks & 72, VE3UWL
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bruce G. Robertson     internet: [e-mail]
Dept of Classics       Satius est enim otiosum esse quam nihil agere.
University of Toronto  It's more fun to relax than it is to do nothing
               at all.                    Pliny _Ep_ 1.9.8
-----------------------------------------------------------------------


From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 12:44:24 1994
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    (1.38.193.5/15.6) id AA16741; Sat, 18 Jun 1994 18:41:56 +0200
From: thomas beierlein <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Increased sensitivity of SWR meter
To: sehneg%austin.ibm.com [e-mail]    (Sehne)
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 1994 18:41:55 +0100 (MESZ)
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]> from "Sehne" at Jun 17, 94 06:03:41 pm
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>
>
>  I recently rebuilt the SWR meter portion of an MFJ matchbox which I intend
>  to use primarily with my QRP rigs. Unfortunately the sensitivity is very
>  poor at powers of <5W. The input transformer is a toroid with the primary
>  being a screw through the center of the toroid & the center tapped
>  secondary several turns of #30? wire. Can I increase the sensitivity by
>  just adding more windings to the secondary, or is there a better approach.
>  I'm really hurting for a good way to match my antennas to various QRP bands
>  without it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, de N2KTY/qrp (Gary)
>

That migth be the wrong way.
If it is a current transformer you will get more sensitivity by removing
some windings of the secondary. Try it.

Thomas  DL1JBE

From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 15:22:44 1994
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     id AA27649; Sat, 18 Jun 94 15:15:37 -0400
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Date: Sat, 18 Jun 94 15:20:57 -0400
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SLUG                 SHOW    WRITER        MODIFIED kaul              TIMING  LC
ATTACHED                     kaul          Sat Jun 18 15:14 1994 READY  0:39  22





     Hallo from HH2!   ((  Port Au Prince, Haiti  ))



     There's a few Hams here in from US TV news trying for licenses.
     Look for N4MU/HH2 or HH2MU when the printed license comes thru
     later in the week.  KA6CMX and I (I'm W6RCL) are also trying
     but who knows how fast (or slow) things can happen.  We're all using
     100 W xcvrs on SSB (in our haste to get here, none of us brought
     keys or keyers).  N4MU/HH2 has already had Q's on 20 and 40 using
     a duo-dipole.  KA6CMX and I have an Isoloop (look for
     us on 20-17-15-12-10, and we're trying to kluge together an antenna
     for the low bands.



     72, 73 de alan W6RCL  (reply internet:  [e-mail])

From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 17:49:09 1994
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  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <think![e-mail]>); Sat, 18 Jun 1994 14:48:43 -0700
    id AA20145; Sat, 18 Jun 94 16:48:33 -0500
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    id m0qF88o-0008X7C; Sat, 18 Jun 94 17:41 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Mike Czuhajewski)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: CW Crystals
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 94 17:41:30 EST5EDT
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From a recent e-mail-- "Is CW Crystals still in business???  I tried
to track them down a year or so ago using an address I had from a
previous order, and also tried Directory Assistance to get a phone
number.  No luck via either  route -- mail was returned, and the fone
company had no record of them. Do you have a current address or
number for them?"

In a recent message I said something about them having an ad in QST
every month.  Looks like they've scaled back the advertising budget
quite a bit--I checked the April, May and June 1994 issues, and each
had just a couple lines referring you to their bigger ad on page 218
of the January issue.  In that issue it's the second classified ad on
the page and gives some prices--and they aren't too bad, especially
if you order in quantity.

It only gives the address as W0LPS, C-W Crystals, Marshfield, MO
65706.  I checked my 1993 callbook--it's Robert Woods, 570 N. Buffalo
Street, which sounds familiar (I ordered from him several years ago).

The ad also says to send 4 stamps or a dollar (hint--the latter is
the better deal) for "listings-circuit package"--a brochure, in other
words. Give this address a try if interested.  73 de WA8MCQ
--
Mike Czuhajewski, user of the UniBoard System @ wb3ffv.ampr.org
E-Mail: [e-mail]
The WB3FFV Amateur Radio BBS - Located in Baltimore, Maryland USA
Supporting the Amateur Radio Hobby, and TCP/IP InterNetworking

From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 18 20:09:06 1994
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Date: Sat, 18 Jun 1994 18:08:02 -0600 (MDT)
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Someone recently mentioned CW Crystals on the net (Sorry -- don't recall
who it was now).  Anyway, I had tried to order some xtals from them over a
year ago, using the same address I had used previously, but all correspondence
was returned by USPS.  Also no luck with Directory Assistance.  Anyway, I
sent the gentleman a note asking for the current address of CW Crystals,
and today I received, via USPS, a price sheet and order form direct from
CWC.  Either that is a very weird coincidence, or someone out there was
very thoughtful...and considering the prompt reply, it probably cost them
a telephone call too!  Thanks!  Thanks!  What a great group!  (Just wish I
could remember who it was...)  73, Bill, KR8L/7  ([e-mail])

From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 00:59:26 1994
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    id AA08517; Sat, 18 Jun 94 21:59:11 PDT
    id AA11056; Sat, 18 Jun 94 21:59:10 PDT
    id AA23682; Sat, 18 Jun 94 22:01:12 PDT
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 1994 21:56:16 -0700 (PDT)
From: stark <[e-mail]>
Subject: NorCal40 Partial
To: QRP Net <[e-mail]>
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Hi all,

Got back from Utah and there was the NorCal40 partial kit.
Sure looks nice. This will be the first kit since I built
a EICO AM/FM Stero kit back in 58.

And no, the radio tuner would not do stero. Back then they
would send one channel on AM and the other on on FM.

Opps, there I go again, letting my age show.......

Now all I have to do is scrounge all the parts.

73's & cul, Ron


........................KU7Y........................
.................Monte "Ron" Stark..................
.................Sun Valley, Nevada.................



From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 02:01:08 1994
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    id AA11284; Sat, 18 Jun 94 22:58:55 PDT
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 94 22:58:55 PDT
From: [e-mail] (Doug Hendricks)
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To: [e-mail]
Subject: Need TDA2030H Chip
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Does anyone know of a source of a TDA2030H IC?  It is a 5 pin audio amp and
goes in a SSB kit that I am building.  Fried it tonight when I reversed the
leads to the power jack.  Yeah, dumb move on my part, but definitely a
learning experience.  Now I know the true meaning of a "smoke test".  The kit
is from England, so it may not be available in the states.  How about the
members on here from England?  Can you assist me?  72, Doug, KI6DS

From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 08:18:49 1994
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  (5.67a8/IDA-1.4.4 for [e-mail]); Sun, 19 Jun 1994 08:18:28 -0400
Date: Sun, 19 Jun 1994 08:13:56 -500 (EDT)
From: James Lyons <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Need TDA2030H Chip
To: Doug Hendricks <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
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On Sat, 18 Jun 1994, Doug Hendricks wrote:

> Does anyone know of a source of a TDA2030H IC?  It is a 5 pin audio amp and
> goes in a SSB kit that I am building.  Fried it tonight when I reversed the
> leads to the power jack.  Yeah, dumb move on my part, but definitely a
> learning experience.  Now I know the true meaning of a "smoke test".  The kit
> is from England, so it may not be available in the states.  How about the
> members on here from England?  Can you assist me?  72, Doug, KI6DS

In the ECG catalog there is a TDA2030 and a TDA 2030BV, both have the ECG
equivalent 1380 listed as an IC-AF PO, 14  w, Vcc=14V RL=4ohm.
Sorry I don't have one.

Jim, VE2KN




From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 08:41:43 1994
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Date: Sun, 19 Jun 1994 08:35:05 -500 (EDT)
From: James Lyons <[e-mail]>
Subject: XTALS
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I used to get very good service from a firm in the UK ...MxKnight Fardahl
Ltd., Hardley Ind Estates, Hythe, Southampton SO4 6ZY, England.

They offered a 5 day service for 5.75 pounds per crystal with a minimum
order of 10 pounds.  They also offered a same day service wat 14 pounds
per crystal, no minimum.

I used to get crystals from them MUCH faster than from JAN and excellent
quality.

Their last advert was in the August 1993 issue of RadCom so I don't know
if they still offer the same service, perhaps George, G3RJV, can tell us
if he reads this.  I want to order some for myself.

73,

Jim, VE2KN




From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 12:31:43 1994
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  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Mon, 20 Jun 1994 00:31:03 +0800
    id aa12910; Sun, 19 Jun 94 16:12:57 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qFWgN-000Q79C; Sun, 19 Jun 94 23:53
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           Sun, 19 Jun 1994 23:47:16 +0800
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Date:      Sun, 19 Jun 1994 23:47:15 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   MOSFET RF Amp
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Hi Gang,

        Can anyone advise me on my earlier post regarding MOSFET push-pull
RF amps? I would really like to hear some comments on the circuit before I
commit it to PCB. My layout is done, I am going to etch the board in the
next few days, awaiting some comments. Please advise.

        BTW, just for the record, which is a better performer? IRF511/510 or
the MTP3055E? Can I just plug an IRF511/510 in place of an MTP3055E? What
are other good FETs for RF amplifier use up to 25 MHz or so? Especially
those which I can use to replace MTP3055Es? Japanese parts are ok for me as
they can be obtained in abundance around these parts.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 14:45:04 1994
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    (1.37.109.9/16.2) id AA0703337826; Sun, 19 Jun 1994 11:51:46 -0700
Date: Sun, 19 Jun 1994 11:51:46 -0700 (PDT)
From: Tom Kerns <[e-mail]>
Subject: Simple, small paddles?
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Folx -

    I've mounted a straight key on the side of my MFJ 9020, in the
interests of having everything in one package.  But I don't really like
straight keys, and would prefer a paddle mounted right on the case of my
9020, maybe on the side somehow.

    Does anyone know of any simple paddles, either pre-made, in kit
form, or just made from scratch, that I could use for that purpose?  It
wouldn't need to have the keyer in it, since I can get that from MFJ and
plug it in the back.  I really like the idea of having the paddle
attached right on the box, because they the box itself could provide the
stability for the paddle, and I wouldn't need a paddle with a heavy base
(I'm trying to conserve weight as well as space).

    Has anyone tried such a thing?  You'd want the paddles to be
small, and maybe even easily dissembled, so you could pack the paddle
parts separately, to avoid them being damaged in transport.
    Ideas?

- Tom    AA7ZG


Dr Tom Kerns, Professor of Philosophy
North Seattle Community College
9600 College Way North
Seattle, WA 98103
email: [e-mail]
voice/voicemail: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
Amateur radio callsign: AA7ZG
Packet: AA7ZG @N7DUO.WA.USA.NA

   Fly Fishing is The Answer.


From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 19:26:02 1994
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Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 00:20:31 GMT
From: [e-mail] (George Dobbs G3RJV)
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In message <[e-mail]> James Lyons writes:
> I used to get very good service from a firm in the UK ...MxKnight Fardahl
> Ltd., Hardley Ind Estates, Hythe, Southampton SO4 6ZY, England.
>
> They offered a 5 day service for 5.75 pounds per crystal with a minimum
> order of 10 pounds.  They also offered a same day service wat 14 pounds
> per crystal, no minimum.
>
> I used to get crystals from them MUCH faster than from JAN and excellent
> quality.
>
> Their last advert was in the August 1993 issue of RadCom so I don't know
> if they still offer the same service, perhaps George, G3RJV, can tell us
> if he reads this.  I want to order some for myself.
>
DE G3RJV
Not only read RadCom but write the QRP Colum for it.  I do know McKnight,
but not sure of their current prices.
If anyone is interested I can check it out when I return from Germany at
the beginning of July.
72

--
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Dobbs G3RJV                  "It is vain to do with more,
G-QRP Club                           what can be done with less."
---------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350)

From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 21:04:56 1994
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  (5.67a8/IDA-1.4.4 for [e-mail]); Sun, 19 Jun 1994 21:04:12 -0400
Date: Sun, 19 Jun 1994 21:01:18 -500 (EDT)
From: James Lyons <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: XTALS
To: George Dobbs G3RJV <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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On Mon, 20 Jun 1994, George Dobbs G3RJV wrote:

> In message <[e-mail]> James Lyons writes:
> > I used to get very good service from a firm in the UK ...MxKnight Fardahl
> > Ltd., Hardley Ind Estates, Hythe, Southampton SO4 6ZY, England.
> >
> > They offered a 5 day service for 5.75 pounds per crystal with a minimum
> > order of 10 pounds.  They also offered a same day service wat 14 pounds
> > per crystal, no minimum.
> >
> > I used to get crystals from them MUCH faster than from JAN and excellent
> > quality.
> >
> > Their last advert was in the August 1993 issue of RadCom so I don't know
> > if they still offer the same service, perhaps George, G3RJV, can tell us
> > if he reads this.  I want to order some for myself.
> >
> DE G3RJV
> Not only read RadCom but write the QRP Colum for it.  I do know McKnight,
> but not sure of their current prices.
> If anyone is interested I can check it out when I return from Germany at
> the beginning of July.
> 72
>
> --
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
> George Dobbs G3RJV                  "It is vain to do with more,
> G-QRP Club                           what can be done with less."
> ---------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350)

Of course we know you read RadCom and write in it .... I meant if your
read my message and now we know you did!  I'm going to send them an order
and get their latest price list ... they'll probably have filled the order
by the time you get back.

Enloyed the QSO the other night,  BTW congratulations on the proposed trip
out east.

73,

Jim, VE2KN




From [e-mail]  Sun Jun 19 23:02:04 1994
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 id <[e-mail]>; Sun, 19 Jun 1994 22:55:06 EDT
Date: Sun, 19 Jun 1994 22:55:06 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail]
Subject: R1/R2/T2 Update
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
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I had a bit of a setback this weekend - Came home Friday evening in a
thunderstorm, and found that a nearby bolt of lightning had taken out
everything on one outlet stip in the shack - The list included two
computers, a couple of two meter radios and two power supplies. So instaed
of working on the kits, I spent the weekend assessing damage. Some of the
stuff got replaced at a hamfest on Sunday, but I have now found I need still
more replacement parts to get the work computer going again. The insurance
co. will get a call at 9AM Monday, and hopefully they will tell me to go
ahead and replace everything....
    On the bright side - I did get the parts ordered so I can build up the
R2 and T2. Rick told me he shipped some PC boards, so I should have boards
for the T2, R2, and miniR2 this week. There will be no R1 boards for about 6
weeks.
    Assuming the insurance co lets me replace tmrw, I will have some
pricing and a "pre-stock" order announcement out late this week. I will also
get descriptions out in the next day or so for those of you who are
wondering what the R1/R2/T2/miniR2 is all about....
    So far - about 50 responses from the note on the list last Sunday.

72/73 - Bill - N8ET

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 09:43:39 1994
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    id AA20397; Mon, 20 Jun 94 08:44:52 -0500
          20 Jun 94 13:41 GMT
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 08:37 EST
From: Bob Smith <[e-mail]>
To: qrp <[e-mail]>
Subject: Field Paddles???
Message-Id: <92940620133729/[e-mail]>
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Tom writes
Tom, AA7ZG was asking about field paddles for qrp systems.  What I
did was disassemble my vibroplex paddles and reassemble them on a piece
of 1/4 inch plywood.  From there, I rubberband them to my Yeause (SP)
12v 1.5ah battery (2x4x1/2)  makes a great base and double-duties some
of that weight!

Bob, N3FTU

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 10:02:34 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA01419; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 10:01:51 -0400
    id AA09558; Mon, 20 Jun 94 10:03:22 EDT
    id AA29138; Mon, 20 Jun 94 10:03:20 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] (Doug Hendricks)
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Need TDA2030H Chip
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Sat, 18 Jun 94 22:58:55 PDT."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 10:03:19 -0400
From: "John F. Woods" <[e-mail]>
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As an extrememly quick guess, you might try MCM Electronics; they are a
service shop supplier, and this is the kind of chip they stock (unfortunately,
the catalog is at home so I can't verify this one).  1-800-543-4330.


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 10:28:03 1994
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 <[e-mail]>; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 10:25:44 EST
Date: 20 Jun 1994 10:25:44 -0500 (EST)
From: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: When did ground become blase'?
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
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People became "blase" about ground when dipoles came into more extensive use, asyou've already suggested; also the counterpoises--people's own and MFJ, etc.--
came to be used more often because of the difficulty of obtaining good grounds
in appartments, condo's, etc.  But you need a ground lug for a counterpoise
too.  I'm not blase about grounds; I still believe in them.

72.909443

Don Coleman, W1VOQ

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 10:30:22 1994
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Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 10:23:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Never get out of the boat, man" <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Comments sought on TT Argonaut 509 rig
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Friends
I'm looking for info on the TenTec 509, such as performance, problems,
value of a 1976 rig, etc. I have the opportunity to pick one up.
73 de N1QVE
Harry

+---- --- -- -                              - -- --- ----+
Harry White    [e-mail]    [e-mail]
N1QVE        Central Connecticut State University, New Britain, CT 06050
                          - -- -+- -- -
 "The real meaning of the word _educate_ is _to lead the way out_." -Anais Nin
+---- --- -- -                           - -- --- ----+


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 10:30:21 1994
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    id QAA20005; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 16:33:49 +0200
    id AA07777; Mon, 20 Jun 94 16:27:00 +0200
    id AA09373; Mon, 20 Jun 94 16:30:38 +0200
From: "Behrens J\vrg" <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
    id AA02830; Mon, 20 Jun 94 16:30:38 +0200
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 16:30:38 +0200
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Subject: ham-expo friedrichshafen
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Is anybody else on this list planning to go to the Friedrichshafen
(D) ham-expo? Would be nice to meet some of you experienced guy's.
I'll probably take off friday in order to avoid the crowds.

73, Joerg (OHR-Spirit problem fixed some time ago - just a bad solder
joint! Recalling the question whether or not PhD's in physics could
solder: there seems to be at least one who needs to improve... ;-)

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 10:49:37 1994
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    (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA19457; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 10:49:14 -0400
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Subject: St. Louis QRP Society
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Anyone for the St. Louis QRP Society on this list?  Used to be a member and
would like to join again.

Duffy de WB8NUT


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 12:03:47 1994
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Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 09:05:06 -0700
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From: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Subject: Big Gel Cells at Sears
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I noticed in the Sear battery ad in the Seattle Times that they are now
carrying a large capacity gel cell. Its marked as a wheelchair battery, U-1
size (anyone know what that means). Priced in around $65 (with trade-in?).

How does this compare to the normal price for a larger gel cell? Seems like
almost anyone in the US could get one locally.

73

Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding cats"
[phone]



From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 12:17:36 1994
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    by harbor.ecn.purdue.edu (8.6.8/3.4davy)
    id LAA21604; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:16:59 -0500
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:16:59 -0500
From: Duane P Mantick <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re:  ARRL Member for WAS??
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Justin asked if you had to be an ARRL member to get the WAS.

To get *their* WAS, maybe.  Other organizations offer a WAS of one sort
or another, so the ARRL one isn't the ONLY game in town.

The way I see it, if you've WAS'ed, you've WAS'ed - if you can turn cards
in and have them verified it doesn't matter WHAT the ARRL thinks.....

I'm two states short of my 10-10 WAS, need Illinois and Michigan.  Once
I get them, and get my certificate from 10-10, I will have completed
WAS with a rather small subset of all hams, and done it ALL on ONE
band and done it ALL with less than 25 watts.  And I might add, done
it all on the novice/tech segment of 10 meters, too.

I am REALLY hoping that I can get them to print the certificate up with
this info. on it......

Why bother diluting it with a certificate that is *easier* to get?

And you can BET that the certificate number will go on the QSL cards
as well......

I'd bet that if you look around, you'll find other WAS awards - check in
CQ and 73 magazines.

Duane


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 12:46:51 1994
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        id AA17368; Mon, 20 Jun 94 12:46:21 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Harry Bloomberg)
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Subject: Big Gel Cells at Sears (fwd)
To: [e-mail]
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 12:46:20 EDT
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> I noticed in the Sear battery ad in the Seattle Times that they are now
> carrying a large capacity gel cell. Its marked as a wheelchair battery, U-1
> size (anyone know what that means). Priced in around $65 (with trade-in?).
>
   Do you happen to know the capacity of this cell?

   Another good value at Sears is their largest marine battery.  This
beast weighs over 70 pounds and is rated at 140 AH!  With 30 watts of
solar panels attached to it we ran all of last year's Field Day at
50-100 watts of CW.  When our club purchased one a few years ago, the price
was around $70.

   After using the marine battery and solar panels at the last three
Field Days, I have decided that I will never go back to using gas
generators.  Batteries are silent and don't emit noxious odors, two
characteristics that are important if your FD is in a public place.

Harry Bloomberg WA3TBL
[e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 12:52:33 1994
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    by harbor.ecn.purdue.edu (8.6.8/3.4davy)
    id LAA22993; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:52:06 -0500
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: Duane P Mantick <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Big Gel Cells at Sears
To: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:52:04 -0500 (EST)
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]> from "Kevin Purcell" at Jun 20, 94 09:05:06 am
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>
> I noticed in the Sear battery ad in the Seattle Times that they are now
> carrying a large capacity gel cell. Its marked as a wheelchair battery, U-1
> size (anyone know what that means). Priced in around $65 (with trade-in?).
> How does this compare to the normal price for a larger gel cell? Seems like
> almost anyone in the US could get one locally.
>

    To give some generic idea, in 1989 I bought a 12volt, 6.5 amphour
Panasonic GelCell from DigiKey.  I don't recall what I paid for it then,
but it is about $32 right now.  They also have a 12V, 38 aH that runs
$138.  I didn't see an aH rating in your post, so it's kind of hard
to say.  The listing I have for Panasonic jumps from 6.5 aH to 17 aH,
which costs about $77.

    BTW, I have been VERY pleased with this cell.  It charges
quickly, holds up nicely, I sure can't complain.  I have run my HR2510
off of it fro several hours at a time, plus having used it for quite
a number of other things.  If *all* of the Panasonic gelcells are this
good, I'd give a personal okiedokie......

    Keeping in mind, of course, that I am NOT affiliated with either
Panasonic or DigiKey as anything other than a paying customer.  :-)

Duane


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 13:37:56 1994
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          id AA04633; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 13:28:03 -0400
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 13:28:03 -0400
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Subject : re:  Compact loop antenna


I built the loop antenna mentioned by Scott WO1G last week. Mine tuned from about
8 to 28 MHz and the receiving sensitivity is great. Although tuning is not as
easy as my trap dipole in the attic, the loop antenna appears to work better
than the latter, with a similar sensitivity the high Q nature of the loop helps
to reduce the noise level in the background significantly. By looking at the spec
I believe the AEA ISO-LOOP has a similar design.


It is interesting to note that we have long been using this type of antenna in
our MRI/MRS (Magnetic resonance Imaging and spectroscopy) research. We use
smaller resonant loops (1 to 15 centimeter) which we called surface coils to
obtain images and/or spectra from in vivo samples (i.e. head, liver, leg,
etc.). These loops are tuned to the so called magnetic resonance frequency of
certain nuclei (hydrogen, phosphor, sodium etc.) which range from few mega to
couple of hundred mega Hertz. In fact a MR scanner is just a sophiscated piece
of "transceiver". Rf pulses were transmitted through the loop to the samples
and after the pulses, signals emitted from the sample were picked up by the same
coil. Antenna switching is normally done by a T/R switch (1/4 lambda cable plus
PIN diodes) just like in a regular transceiver. Although it is the magnetic
field not theelectric field is involved in these processes, the surface coil is
rather similar to the loop antenna.

Since we do not use large loops (sample too small), for low frequency use we
sometimes increase the inductance by winding several turns. It works for our
purpose, however I am just wondering whether this will work for regular
transceivers. It would be nice if we can make the loop antenna more compact
(say 5 cm diameter?) for qrp/portable use. Any suggestions?

I also found that it is easier to build the loop antenna if you have acess to
certain equipments (such as a spectrum analyzer or a sweeper/X-Y scope combo).
I used the latter setup in our lab which made the job whole lot easier. My
experience in building the surface coil indicates that the size and orientation
of the coupling loop is rather critical, i.e. although the main loop can be
"tuned" to the desired frequencies, it would still give you lousy SWR reading if
it is not "matched" to the tranceiver input/output impedance (50 OHM). Matching
is achieved solely by the adjusting the coupling between the main and the
coupling loops.

72 DE D.J.




********************************************************************************
* Metabolic Magnetic Resonance       Internet: [e-mail] *
* Research & Computing Center              RF: N2YKP/AA                        *
* University of Pennsylvania     Twisted Pair: [phone]                   *
* Radiology Department                                                         *
* Philadelphia, PA 19104-6021                                                  *
********************************************************************************

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 14:29:35 1994
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 id <[e-mail]>; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 14:28:25 -0400 (EDT)
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 14:28:25 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail]
Subject: MXM xcvr problems
To: [e-mail]
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I have been working on a MXM transceiver and have encountered some strange
happenings.  I was wondering if others on this net that are familiar with this
xcvr or those who are familiar with NE602-based xcvrs could tell me if
they have had similar problems and, if so, what they did to correct them.

For those not familiar with the MXM, the following work of art is a block
diagram of the transmitter and receiver front end.

                                                              ---------
                                                    14-Mhz    | 4-MHz |
                                                      IF      | XTAL  |
                       -------------    ----------   xfmr     | OSC.  |
                       |   FINAL   |    | 2-STAGE|   )||(     | ----- |
    ----------     ----| TRANSISTOR|<---| DRIVER |<--)||(-----| NE602 |
    | 2-SECT.|     |   -------------    ----------   )||(     | MIXER |
ANT-|   PI   |<--->|                                          ---------
    | FILTER |     |                                             |
    ----------  --------                                  --------------
                | T/R  |    14-MHz                        | 10-MHz VFO |
                |SWITCH|      IF                          --------------
                --------     xfmr                                |
                   |         )||(                            ---------
                   ----------)||(--------------------------->| NE602 |--> to IF
                             )||(                            | MIXER |   (4MHZ)
                                                             ---------

This xcvr, as it presently exists, has two basic problems:

1.  The transmitter tends to be unstable in frequency.  The problem
seemed to be caused by rf output somehow being coupled back into the low-level
transmitter circuits, in particular the xtal oscillator. Adding substantial
wires between ground traces in the center of the printed circuit board where
the low-level circuits are located and the ground area around the perimeter of
the board improved the stability greatly.  Before doing this, the sidetone,
which is generated by receiving a portion of the transmitted signal, varied
from a rough hiss to a tone with severe chirp.  Improving the connection
between the grounded areas resulted in a reasonably stable, keyed sidetone.
However, when I use an antenna tuner, changing the settings on the tuner
affects the pitch of the sidetone, suggesting that there is still some coupling
between the rf output and internal oscillators.  Has anyone observed anything
like this?  (related question:  is the internal oscillator in the '602
affected by overload signals applied to the mixer input terminals?  Stong
signals from a signal generator seem to do strange things to the receiver
when the signal level is too high.)

2.  The receiver receives image signals at 6 MHz stronger than the signals at
14 MHz when the xcvr was connected to a 40-meter dipole for receiver testing.
I'm sure the 40-meter dipole would present strong 6MHz signals to the receiver
and the image rejection would be degraded from that obtained when using the
proper antenna, but I expected that the tuned circuits in the receiver front
end to be sufficient to reject image signals that are 8 MHz away from the
desired signal at 14 MHz.  Adding the antenna tuner to improve the match
between the antenna and xcvr at 14 MHz and to act as a preselector improved the
image rejection, but images could still be heard (broadcast stations in the CW
portion of 20 meters are easy to pick out).  I changed out the 14 MHz xfmr at
the receiver front end and checked it in the circuit with a grid dip meter to
confirm that it was resonant at 14 Mhz (it was -- however, during the receiver
alignment, the transformer didn't seem to peak as sharply as I thought it ought
to). I temporarily bypassed the PI filter on the front end to see if it was
somehow selecting the image frequency instead of the desired 14-MHz signals and
didn't notice any significant difference.  Ideas anyone?

if convenient, please copy "[e-mail]" on any comments (so I don't
have to wait to read them the next day in the digest).  I'll post a summary of
any comments not sent to [e-mail].

Thanks,
   joe white                WA4GIR               [e-mail]
   Research Triangle Institute, RTP, NC

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 14:49:44 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA17758; Mon, 20 Jun 94 11:39:26 PDT
    id AA09703; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:39:29 +0800
    id AA10305; Mon, 20 Jun 94 11:39:25 PDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Thanks!
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Sat, 18 Jun 94 18:08:02 MDT."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 11:39:24 PDT
From: Grover Cleveland <[e-mail]>
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Bill,

Could you please send me the address of CWC?

thanks,

Grover

WT6P


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 15:01:24 1994
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    id AA21139; Mon, 20 Jun 94 11:59:05 PDT
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 11:55:11 -0700 (PDT)
From: "H. Ward Silver" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Simple, small paddles?
To: Tom Kerns <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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For a FB homebrew paddle, use a chunk of hacksaw blade.  Depending on the
way you want it mounted...side mount sounds interesting...use small blocks
of wood glued together as the body and #6 or #4 round-head wood screws as the
contacts.  A piece of sponge, slotted and wedged over the hacksaw blade,
serves as a damper to keep it from vibrating too much.  This all costs
about 99.5% less than a regular paddle that desperately wants to be
mounted on a horizontal surface.

GL, Ward N0AX



From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 15:41:22 1994
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    id PAA28535; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:40:41 -0400
    id AA16977; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:40:39 -0400
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To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: MXM xcvr problems
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Mon, 20 Jun 1994 14:28:25 EDT."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:40:38 -0400
From: Daniel C Halbert <[e-mail]>
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Regarding unstable VFO's: W7EL suggests making sure that the VFO
inductor and capacitor are grounded at the same point. This avoids
circulating currents which can get into the VFO tank. For instance,
don't just rely on the metal chassis to connect the variable cap frame
to the grounded end of the inductor.

This hint helped me greatly in getting chirp out of an Ugly Weekender.
It sounds like you may have already achieved something close to this
with your adding of extra wire.

Dan Halbert, KB1RT

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 15:58:43 1994
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    id PAA29550; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:53:31 -0400
    id AA23077; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:53:29 -0400
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Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: MXM xcvr problems
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Mon, 20 Jun 1994 14:28:25 EDT."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 15:53:28 -0400
From: Daniel C Halbert <[e-mail]>
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Re image breakthrough: It looks like there's just a single-tuned
filter for 14 MHz (the IF transformer). The pi filter is low-pass, so
it's not going to block out 6 MHz.

I have several times found that a singly-tuned front end for a superhet just
doesn't cut it, despite lots of older projects presenting such a design.
I've had to replace them with doubly-tuned front-ends (using the filters
in the back of Solid-State Deisgn for the Radio Amateur), and have had great
improvement.

Another note about QSK T/R circuits: if the T/R "switch" is made out
of a pair of back-to-back diodes, one reversed (as in the Optimized
QRP Transceiver), try using two diodes in series each way.  Otherwise
you can get IMD if the signal levels are really high. I had a 40m
superhet which sounded much better after I made this fix.

Regards,
Dan, KB1RT


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 18:11:35 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA04615; Mon, 20 Jun 94 12:10:43 HST
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 12:10:43 -1000 (HST)
From: Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Simple, small paddles?
To: "H. Ward Silver" <[e-mail]>
Cc: Tom Kerns <[e-mail]>, [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <Pine.3.07.9406201109.A20399-9100000@bach>
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Tom talks about using a hacksaw blade for a keyer paddle. Now, before
you connect this wonderfully simple paddle to your electronic keyer try
using it as-is for awhile - this is called a sideswiper - very popular
back in the 30's, and faster than a straight key. How do you send code
with it? No one side is pushed twice! The dahs and dits alternate from
side to side; for example, a `B' = -... would take 4 side-to-side
strokes: riiiight left right left right. It'll take a while to get
used to.

.73,
Jeff NH6IL
[e-mail] (new!)


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 19:21:06 1994
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          id AA12767; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 19:11:12 -0400
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 19:11:12 -0400
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Subject: WV6U
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Sorry to waste the bandwidth. My e-mail to Steve Hawkins (WV6U) was bounced.
Steve, if you are interested in the principle of MRI, I would recommend an old
article in Scientific American. I was trying to explain how it works in the mail but it couldn't get through (seem to have problem with e-mail address ended with .com). I can either find out the issue and publishing date of the article or
xerox and fax it to you.   72 de D.J.

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 19:45:27 1994
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    id TAA25501; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 19:45:14 -0400
Date: 20 Jun 94 19:43:24 EDT
From: Craig LaBarge <[e-mail]>
To: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Simple, small paddles?
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
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>        I've mounted a straight key on the side of my MFJ 9020, in the
> interests of having everything in one package.

I'd be interested in hearing how this works out.  I considered mounting a
straight key on my MFJ9030, but the way I pound brass, I was afraid I'd be
knocking the VFO all over the place.

>        Does anyone know of any simple paddles, either pre-made, in kit
> form, or just made from scratch, that I could use for that purpose?
> [Stuff deleted]
>        Ideas?

I've been thinking about experimenting with some small snap-action
microswitches that I have laying around.  I've had a couple of people tell me
that they work pretty well as paddles, especially the ones with the long levers
which extend beyond the body of the switch.  There was a "Hints and Kinks"
article in QST within the past year which described portable paddles fashioned
from microswitches.  Also, a past QST article on motorcycle mobiling mentioned
using microswitches attached to the handlebars as paddles.

I was toying with the idea of mounting two microswitches on a small piece of
perfboard and mounting the assembly to the rig with double-side foam tape or
something.  Might be worth a try.  Certainly would be cheap enough!!

Good luck,

Craig

===================================================================
|  Craig LaBarge WB3GCK/QRP                |                      |
|  Email:  [e-mail]       |  Just say no to QRO! |
|  Packet: WB3GCK@WB3FYL.#SEPA.PA.USA.NA   |                      |
===================================================================


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 21:32:01 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 94 09:04:16 GMT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (Stephen John Farthing)
Organization: Myorganisation
Reply-To: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Subject: qrp-digest V1 #13 Supplier of TDA2030
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Doug,
In the latest edition of the Cirkit catalogue the TDA 2030 is listed as part no 61-02030
price Sterling Pounds 1.65. I am not sure what the significance of the H suffix is on the
Chip Number you quote.

Cirkits address is :-

Park Lane,
Broxbourne,
Herts,
UK
EN10 7NQ

Phone 0992 - 448899

24 Hour Order line 0992 440779

They quote postage and packing of Sterling Pounds 6.0 for air mail which seems somewhat
expensive. I intend to order some stuff from them in the next couple of weeks so if you can
wait I'll get you one and send it on to you. E Mail me if you wish me to do this.



Steve Farthing | [e-mail] |
Melksham       "I'm pink therefore I'm Spam"
Wiltshire UK


From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 22:00:47 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id TAA21027; Mon, 20 Jun 1994 19:00:22 -0700
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 19:00:22 -0700
From: [e-mail] (Bruce Toback)
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To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re:  WV6U
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Also, with the same caveat about bandwidth, check out A.K. Dewdney's
_The Turing Omnibus_ for information about MRI.
-- Bruce
KN6MN

From [e-mail]  Mon Jun 20 22:06:54 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Mon, 20 Jun 1994 21:05:34 -0500 (CDT)
From: James Speer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Simple, small paddles?
Cc: [e-mail]
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WB3GCK writes:

>I was toying with the idea of mounting two microswitches on a small piece of
>perfboard and mounting the assembly to the rig with double-side foam tape or
>something.  Might be worth a try.  Certainly would be cheap enough!!
>
>Good luck,
>
>Craig

I've heard a two-button mouse works pretty well, too.

Jim
K5YUT

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 05:30:20 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 05:31:04 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Andrew M. Cohn" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Field Paddles
To: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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Yes indeed, a mouse will make an excellent paddle for an electronic
keyer. I have been using one for several months with my MFJ rig. It's a
2-button mouse which I found at a hamfest for 5 dollars. The index finger
keys the left button for dits, and the middle finger keys the right
button for dahs.  Keep in mind that all mouses are not created equal.
Each has its own distinctive feel, based partially on the ergometrics
(sp) and also on the travelling distance of the micro switches. It's best
to shop around and play with different mouses till you find one that has
the best feel when pretending to send cw with the buttons.  Personally, I
found that leaving the mouse ball intact gives the device the extra
weight it needs; but for best stability I placed 4 of those little rubber
feet on the bottom--the self-adhesive kind you can find at radio shack.
A mouse does take a bit of getting used to.  I find that some
concentration is required; if I start daydreaming or reading while
sending cw, my fist gets a bit sloppy. I do best when I am actually
watching my fingers key the mouse. But maybe that's because I'm more of a
cooked goose than a spring chicken.

73,  Drew - K4ADL


From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 06:12:23 1994
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    id AA06288; Tue, 21 Jun 94 03:09:44 -0700
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To: [e-mail]
Subject: re: Compact loop antenna
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 03:09:43 -0700
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A previous posting by Scott (WO1G) discussed some useful hints
for building the compact loop antenna discussed in the May 1994
QST.  Reference was made to two Communication Quarterly articles
the provided more theoretical background, which I don't have
access to.  Perhaps someone with these articles could
contact Communications Quarterly publisher about providing
reprints or allowing the articles to be distributed on this
list?

Now, that being said, I'd like to ask the following question:

Are the main and coupling loop diameters linear with frequency?

The May 94 QST article indicates the following loop dimensions
for the 20-10 m loop:

    loop        circumference        diameter
            C            D = C/PI    (2*D)

    main        8.25'  (2.51 m)        .800 m        (1.60 m)
    coupling    20"    (.508 m)        .162 m     (.324 m)

However, when the article gives dimensions for the 40-20 m loop,
the main loop diameter is specified as 1.7 m and the coupling loop
as .34 m.  These dimensions are somewhat bigger (5-6%) than what
a linear increase in dimensions would predict (1.58 m and .324 m,
respectively).  This eventually adds up to a main 40-20m loop
that is a foot longer than I expected.

Perhaps this is why Scott had problems tuning the 40-20 m loop
on 30 & 20 m?

Can someone with access to the Communication Quarterly articles
comment, with the appropriate math, if possible? (That way we can build a
working 160-80 m version. ;-) )

/eric rehm
N7FJK

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 07:42:27 1994
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Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 06:38:31 EDT
From: C=[e-mail]
Subject: RESULTS; KEYER EMULATIONS
To: [e-mail]
Cc:
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Thanks to the following who responded with their preferences.

Chuck, K5FO  -  Uses V6, Curtis with dot/dash emulation.
Jim, KA0IQT  -  Uses V6, Curtis with dot/dash emulation.
Mark, NK8Q/3 -  Uses MFJ, Iambic.

I switched from SuperKeyer with dot/dash memory to try Curtis with same
memory.  It is not an easy switch.  I did discover that the letters 'L' and
'Y' are easier to send "squeeze style" using this emulation.

Note for Jeff; If you put the keyer in "Handkey mode" I can try the
"sideswiper" style, using my paddles!

72 de Cameron, KT3A.  (People using paddles need to use both sides of their
brains!)


From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 09:08:36 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    for <@sgi.sgi.com:[e-mail]> id GAA23614; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 06:08:05 -0700
    for @sgi.sgi.com:[e-mail] id AA17527; Tue, 21 Jun 94 08:08:02 -0500
    for @sgidal.dallas.sgi.com:[e-mail] id AA17703; Tue, 21 Jun 94 08:08:02 -0500
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 08:08:02 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Chuck Adams)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
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I think that I'll still stand by my previous ordering
of clubs based on ACTIVE memberships.  I know that
some of the clubs that Doug mentioned have a larger
base but their current active membership is way down
from the maximum.  I could be wrong, but I have info
from a person that I think is a very reliable source.

I think the people who are really in the know aren't
going to tell us everything.  :-)

dit dit
Chuck Adams  K5FO  CP-60
[e-mail]



From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 09:13:53 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA29821; Tue, 21 Jun 94 08:13:44 CDT
To: [e-mail]
From: [e-mail] (Brian Cieslak )
Subject: Solar Panels
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 08:20:15
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
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I recently read a message of some one who was unig solar panels and a marine
baterry for FD...but I erased it to quickly.....

Where Can I find reasonably priced solar panels...What configuration would I
need to drive say an argonaut or HW-8 for FD,

73,
Brian - AE9k

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 09:57:35 1994
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  (5.65c+/IDA-1.4.4); Tue, 21 Jun 1994 09:57:15 -0400
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 09:57:15 -0400 (EDT)
From: prvalko <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: QRP Club rankings
To: Chuck Adams <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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On Tue, 21 Jun 1994, Chuck Adams wrote:

>
> I think the people who are really in the know aren't
> going to tell us everything.  :-)
>
Well, the Michigam QRP club has almost one million active members.

Impossible?  ...and yet it's true.

73 =paul= wb8zjl  M-QRP# 899,000

or was that 000899 ?


From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 10:48:29 1994
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    (1.36.108.7/15.5+IOS 3.13) id AA25761; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 07:48:14 -0700
    (1.37.109.4/15.5+IOS 3.20+cup+OMrelay) id AA24113; Tue, 21 Jun 94 07:48:14 -0700
From: Gene Marshall <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Simple, small paddles?
To: [e-mail]
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 7:48:14 PDT
Mailer: Elm [revision: 70.85]
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Craig writes:
> I've been thinking about experimenting with some small snap-action
> microswitches that I have laying around.  I've had a couple of people tell me
> that they work pretty well as paddles, especially the ones with the long levers
> which extend beyond the body of the switch.

After reading the QST article, I built a set of these paddles (with long
levers) into a plastic Kodak film can (the small ~2" long can). I carved
out a small piece of packing foam to keep the u-switches (glued
back-to-back) centered in the can. To operate, I just uncap the can and
pull them out about half way to expose the leavers.

It sure is small and light for backpacking, but operating is 'different'
than the Bencher - that's for sure!

You'll have to get used to the different feel, mainly pulling your
fingers further away than you would on a key.  It's great for a QSO here
and there, but don't hurry to make one of these for field day!

73,
Gene

--
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+
|Gene Marshall                       \-\-\           email: [e-mail] |
|Hewlett Packard Co., MS 42UN          |                   Tel: [phone] |
|Software Svcs & Tech. Division (SST)  | ___o              Fax: [phone] |
|11000 Wolfe Road                      L^\<._        [e-mail] |
|Cupertino, CA 95014                  (_)/ (_)         CompuServe: 75060,260 |
+----------------------------------------------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 11:42:46 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 11:41:16 -0400 (EDT)
From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: GEL CEL QUERY
Sender: [e-mail]
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A few years ago, I obtained an APS 4-6 "sealed recombination battery" (which
I take to be a gel cell).  I have two 6v 4ah @ c20 (don't know what @ C20
means) cells in series for 12v.  The batteries are marked cycle charging
2.4-2.45 vpc and float charging 2.25-2.30 vpc.

I recently ordered and received the ALL ELECTRONICS gel cell charger and
charged these up.  They quickly charged to about 12.7 volts but then
under the tremendous strain of my NORCAL-40 quickly dropppped to approximately
10v or less on transmit (the NORCAL is rated at 200 ma on transmit).  I left
them under low load overnight (NORCAL receive is 13.8 ma on my unit) and by
morning they were down to  9.4 v under no load.

Previously, I had been under the impression (mistaken?) that gel cells could be
'floated' across a standard regulated DC supply (13.8v)... and had done so
for some time.

Are my cells injured?  Do they need to be rejuvinated in some way or just
tossed?  Right now, they seem incapapble of holding a charge.  They have
never been used under heavy load.

Geoff WA1U
[e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 12:33:17 1994
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    id AA05089; Tue, 21 Jun 94 12:36:16 -0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <[e-mail]>); Tue, 21 Jun 1994 12:31:09 -0400
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 12:31:09 -0400
From: Brad Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: QRP Club rankings
Sender: [e-mail]
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>
> I think that I'll still stand by my previous ordering
> of clubs based on ACTIVE memberships.  I know that
> some of the clubs that Doug mentioned have a larger
> base but their current active membership is way down
> from the maximum.  I could be wrong, but I have info
> from a person that I think is a very reliable source.
>
> I think the people who are really in the know aren't
> going to tell us everything.  :-)
>
> dit dit
> Chuck Adams  K5FO  CP-60
> [e-mail]
>
>
>
Common Chuck, clubs come and clubs go, previous clubs have gotten us where we
are today.  While you were worrying about clubs I desiged a 27 band all mode
qrp rig with an automatic antenna tuner for under $50 :-)

By the way what does active mean relative to clubs? builds kits?,
sells kits? Hates kits,
operates on the AIR? or talks on internet? Am I more or less active if I
wind torroids?  Do Active members glow?

oops gotta run, going to the qrp convention in Sao Paul..:-)  73
Brad, WB8YGG

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 13:00:42 1994
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    id NAA20628; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 13:00:25 -0400 (from ee115)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 13:00:25 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Michael T. Flanagan)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Field Day Operations
Reply-To: [e-mail] (Michael T. Flanagan)
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Has anyone had any experience with lead-acid (camcorder type) batteries
for remote qrp operating?  I know I can't expect much xmiting time as
the battery I have is rated 2.2 amphrs at 12v.

I will be starting a one week vacation on Ocean Isle N.C. north of
Myrtle Beach on Saturday 6/25/94.  I'll be operating late Saturday
and early Sunday for field day from the beach, on or near 7110 Mhz,
with my OHR QRP40.  Hope to catch some of you then, or maybe later
that week...

.073

--
+==========================================================================+
| Michael  email: [e-mail]                   amateur call: kb8nkx |
|             or: [e-mail]                    bbs/mud/irc: Charon  |
+==========================================================================+

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 13:43:01 1994
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    for <@sgi.sgi.com:[e-mail]> id KAA22082; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 10:42:33 -0700
    for @sgi.sgi.com:[e-mail] id AA19318; Tue, 21 Jun 94 12:42:27 -0500
    for @sgidal.dallas.sgi.com:[e-mail] id AA18227; Tue, 21 Jun 94 12:42:26 -0500
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 12:42:26 -0500
From: [e-mail] (Chuck Adams)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Active Defined
Sender: [e-mail]
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By active members, I mean the number of members
of a club who have a current paid up membership.
True, there are some people active in QRP who
are not currently paid up members.  My whole
point on this disscussion is twofold:  1 -
members come and go, but we need to nail down
what it takes for a large club to remain large
and 2 - there are a number of clubs with falling
membership numbers at a time when the number of
QRPers is climbing at a good rate.

End of Thread

dit dit
Chuck Adams  K5FO  CP-60
[e-mail]



From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 14:31:54 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA08464; Tue, 21 Jun 94 14:32:21 -0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4); Tue, 21 Jun 1994 14:27:28 -0400
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 14:27:28 -0400
From: Brad Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Active Defined
Sender: [e-mail]
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>
>
> By active members, I mean the number of members
> of a club who have a current paid up membership.
> True, there are some people active in QRP who
> are not currently paid up members.  My whole
> point on this disscussion is twofold:  1 -
> members come and go, but we need to nail down
> what it takes for a large club to remain large
> and 2 - there are a number of clubs with falling
> membership numbers at a time when the number of
> QRPers is climbing at a good rate.
>
> End of Thread
NOT!

Very good,
Here's what I think it takes.

Openness, to all club members, honesty, to all club members,
integrity of majority of club members, and most of all
Modesty of the major players.
And with all that the club gains respect.
These are key factors in any club, be it 4-h or whatever.
Just an opinion.
73.... yes just 73 call me old fashioned, but don't call me an o.f.
Brad WB8YGG

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 15:24:28 1994
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        id AB20923 for [e-mail]; Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:24:25 -0400
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    id <[e-mail]>; Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:25:42 EDT
From: "Kearman, Jim" <[e-mail]>
To: QRP <[e-mail]>
Subject: Straight keys
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:24:00 EDT
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QRPers seem to use straight keys more often than the average ham. I have a
couple of extra straight keys:

1. Brown Brothers, black wrinkle base, red Navy knob.

2. Unknow mfr, black navy knob, sloping black wrinkle base. The base is
hollow, containing a leaf switch, so there are no exposed terminals. You
could probably sandwich a small transmitter in here.

$25 each + shipping

Jim Kearman, KR1S
[e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 17:01:12 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 14:01:36 -0800
To: [e-mail]
From: [e-mail] (Wayne Burdick)
Subject: CQ DE N6KR K
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I have threatened to call CQ on the Internet before, and now I've finally
done it.  Respond as you see fit.

This may seem frivolous, but it's actually an experiment.  I'm interested
in the similarities between on-the-air and on-the-net operation.  The
latter seems to occupy more ham bandwidth for some of us these days.

The net has advantages:  no propogation problems, stored messages that
allow delayed response, easy interface with the shack computer :)  etc.

Of course, ham radio is fun precisely because of the vagaries of
propogation.  But I wouldn't mind kicking off a discussion of Wired Ham
Radio (WHR) and where it fits in a continuum that might include:

        wireless ham radio
        repeaters
        packet radio
        E-mail
        [e-mail]

73,
Wayne


From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 17:01:39 1994
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        id AA22497 for [e-mail]; Tue, 21 Jun 94 17:01:35 -0400
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #6) id m0qGB81-000B9hC; Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:05 EDT
    id <[e-mail]>; Tue, 21 Jun 94 17:02:47 EDT
From: "Kearman, Jim" <[e-mail]>
To: boatanchors <[e-mail]>, QRP <[e-mail]>
Subject: Nye "Black Master" Key
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 17:01:00 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Encoding: 10 TEXT
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Thanks to Kevin, KB9IUA, for helping to ID the second key I posted as a
Nye-Viking Black Master. It's still available for $25, but the Brown Bros
key is sold.

73

Jim, KR1S
[e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 17:51:39 1994
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    (16.6/15.5+MGC-TD 2.20) id AA23116; Tue, 21 Jun 94 14:51:03 -0700
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    id OAA28646; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 14:50:58 -0700
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: 18 Jun 1994 00:52:45 -0800
From: "PDXML1" <[e-mail]>
Subject: READDRESS AND RESEND
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Mail*Link(r) SMTP               qrp-digest V1 #12
    (15.11.1.6/15.5+MGC-TD 2.08) id AA02645; Sat, 18 Jun 94 00:47:10 -0700
    (16.6/15.5+MGC-TD 2.20) id AA05189; Sat, 18 Jun 94 00:47:07 -0700
Date: Sat, 18 Jun 94 03:30:11 -0400
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qrp-digest                 Saturday, 18 June 1994       Volume 01 : Number
012


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

From: [e-mail] (Chuck Adams)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 14:36:22 -0500
Subject: Congratulations NorCal

Gang,

Congratulations are in order for the rapidly
growing club, Northern California QRP Club,
founded June 1993.  In just one short year
they have grown to the third largest club
in the world, behind QRP-ARCI in second
place, and G-QRP which is in number 1 place.
This based on active membership.

Again, this is a remarkable achievement.

If I had to guess at why it's working, and
I knew you were gonna ask, I'd put down in
writing from the top of my pointed head the
following:

1.  The leadership of the club makes it fun.

2.  They are out doing things.

3.  Club projects like the NorCal 40 and the
    Sierra help a great deal to raise the
    interest level.

4.  A dynamic newsletter and editor thereof.

5.  Regular meetings, although informal,
    keep people in touch with one another.
    You don't feel left out of fun.

6.  They have avoided petty politics and don't
    seem to have any single member with an
    unmanagable ego.

7.  They've got something for all ages.
    No Old Foggie syndrome as I call it.

8.  Informal contests.  Lots of work on
    mods for the club projects.

I think we all can learn from this.  Take notes
and JUST DO IT.  If your section of the country
within a 150 mile radius doesn't have a local
QRP, then you get off your butt and get one
started.  If you need help, just ask Doug Hendricks
or any of the others on this mailing group.
Both Doug and I (I'm volunteering Doug here without
prior notice  :-) ) will give you free publicity in
the QRPp and K5FO newsletters.  Also, announce it
on the QRP think.com mailer.  Inquiring minds
just gotta know.

NorTex just hit 250 members in 30 days!!!  Announce
it, they will come.

dit dit
Chuck Adams  K5FO  CP-60
[e-mail]




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

From: "John F. Woods" <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 16:12:02 -0400
Subject: Re: Resistive attenuators

ARRL Handbook, "Test Equipment and Measurement".

Since I have it handy, a 6 dB T pad would be

            R1                    R1
    ----/\/\/\/\/--------/\/\/\/\/----
            |
            >
            < R2
            >
            |
              -----
               ---
            -

R1 = 16.6 ohms, R2 = 66.9 ohms.  I would suspect 2W (metal oxide)
resistors
should suffice for all, but this should be analyzed more carefully.



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

From: [e-mail] (Ted Albert)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 16:41:31 EDT
Subject: Re: construction methods

> I would question very much the use of wire wrap in marine gear. The
marine
> environment is not very friendly to electronics and a mechanical rather
> than a soldered connection might be prone to salt and moisture finding
> their way between the terminal and the wire. At least that's my opinion.
> Hmmmm, maybe the manufacturers do this on purpose in order to do
periodic
> `costly' repairs...

I questioned it as well, but his response was that done properly,
wire-wrap
was superior to soldered connections and withstood the corrosive effects
of
being out on the high-seas. We were talking about commercial maritime
HF gear, not the stuff you get for pleasure boating.

>
> I use point-to-point on wooden blocks for my xmtrs; screws driven into
> the wood act as terminal points. Talk about ugly construction....
> I'm always amazed that these things actually transmit.
>

Well I managed to get the components mounted on the pins last night, fired
it up and smiled when it did work. I had so much fun tinkering with it
that
I lost track of time last night. Now I am paying the price at the office
this
afternoon.

I followed the rules about not getting obsessed with exact part values, so
I
used what I had on hand in the circuit, a speech amp, sounded great on the
test
bench. Tonight the balanced modulator goes on the card with point-to-point

wiring. If I am lucky, I will be able to inject some drive from my old WRL
755
VFO this evening to test the balanced modulator.


73 de Ted, KF8EE


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

From: [e-mail] (James M Fitton [phone])
Date: 17 Jun 94 20:52:00 GMT
Subject: k3ta

Cameron, your adr bounced.  Is it correct ?    W1FMR

From: C=[e-mail]





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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 15:14:16 -0600 (MDT)
Subject: Attenuators

I think you will find design info for resistive attenuators in
the ARRL Electronics Data Book.

diddleydahdidah (c) 1977 WB8RXN, Reproduced with permission.

73 de KR8L  ([e-mail])

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

From: [e-mail] (Doug Hendricks)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 14:20:50 PDT
Subject: QRP CLUBS

Gang,
First of all, NorCal is not the third largest QRP club, that honor belongs
to
the Michigan club, which has about 13 or 14 hundred members I think, maybe
Paul can correct me, but at least that many.  But who is counting?  It
does
not matter how big the club gets, just that you have an active club.  This
is a fun hobby, and too many times people forget that.  I would be more
than
happy to help anyone form a club, but I am not sure that I am the one to
ask.  Jim Fitton is my personal club guru, and he is the resident expert
along with George Dobbs in England.
        Here is a simple formula for a QRP Club.  You need at least 3 key
people, the Coordinator, a newsletter Editor, and a Technical Advisor.
Those
positions are filled in NorCal by:
        Coordinator: Jim Cates, WA6GER
        Newsletter Editor: Doug Hendricks, KI6DS
        Technical Advisor: Wayne Burdick, N6KR
[Note that this is not original, but from Jim Fitton, W1FMR, who told it
to
all of us at Dayton in 1993.]

Jim's job is to make sure that everything gets done.  He is very organized

and thorough, as those of you who have delt with him by now know.  He is
the
contact for correspondance, orders of kits, new members, etc.  Jim is
very,
very patient and a kind human being who loves to help people.

My job is to edit and publish QRPp.  I go after information and articles
aggressively.  The purpose of QRPp is to publish and share pertinent QRP
information that has not been widely distributed previously.  Some of my
sources are internet, personal contacts (many made at Dayton, Livermore,
and
the Foothill hamfests), club meetings, other club newsletters, and things
that show up in the mail.  I think that it is neat to get someone to
publish
who has something new to offer.  It accomplishes two things, one it
preserves
it for history, and it makes others aware of the idea, so that they can
use
it for their particular applications.  One of the things that I insist on
is
that permission be obtained for publication of all articles.  That is only
fair and good manners.  Some of the things that I think a good club
journal
has are:
        1. On Time!!  (ARCI horror stories abound!!)  Fix a time for
mailing
        and stick to it.  If you want to bulk mail, contact me and I will
        tell you some "hints from experience".

        2. Use the same font through out the journal.  Don't hand copy
        schematics, don't just photocopy material, retype it in.

        3. Decide upon a format and don't change.  QRPp is the size it is
        because that is the easiest size to keep and store.  (I stole the
        idea from George Dobbs).

        4. Print articles of wide interest.  Also, try to have various
types
        of articles so that you will have something of value to all
members.

        5. Print legible schematics  [QRPp needs to work on this, and I
am].
        Do not use hand drawn schematics.  There is a great program called
        KeyCad that costs $19.95 and draws wonderful schematics.  If you
        can't afford that, you can't afford to put out a club newsletter!
        Take pride in the appearance of your work.

        6. Be prepared to take criticism.  Some of it is helpful, some of
it
        is cruel, but if you are trying to do the best job that you can,
you
        will sleep at night.  Take the useful hints and apply them, throw
the
        cruel stuff out of your mind and consider the source.

        7. Search out articles.  Make it easy to submit.  Offer to take it
        in any format, you can clean it up and make it useful.  Ask others
        to write for you.  Suggest articles to qualified people.  It works
        wonders, just look at QRPp.

        8. Don't be concerned with size.  If you have 8 pages of quality
        info, so be it.  Go for quality.

        9. Be prepared to spend your own money on the newsletter.  I do it
        because I enjoy it and I get satisfaction out of it.  Every
        newsletter editor that I know spends his own money on his journal.

        10. Be active.  Go to meetings, hamfests, swapmeets, ham stores.
Get
        on the air.  Be visible.  It is fun, and you never know when or
        where the next story is coming from.

        11. Have FUN.  This is a hobby.  Don't worry about small things,
just
        the things that you can control.

The technical advisor for NorCal is Wayne Burdick.  He not only designs
the
club projects, even more importantly, he helps those with problems get
their
rigs on the air.  I know of many first time builders that Wayne has spent
hours of his time helping.  Every club needs someone to help those who are
stumped with a problem.  WE WANT TO ENCOURAGE BUILDING!!  NorCal does it
by
providing kits at a low price, technical help, and by providing a monthly
place for members to show off what they have built.  You know there are
2 ways to show off your gear in ham radio.  One is to do it on the air,
and
the other is to take it to a meeting and let everyone eyeball it.  Wayne
also
helps me with advice on QRPp technical matters.

QRP Clubs need to have a philosophy or a purpose in being, or it will die.
Jim Cates said it well when he stated that a club must provide something
for
every member, or there will be no members.  We use a strange approach, in
that NorCal has no officers, agenda, or official business meetings.  Every
member is equal.  If some one has an idea he does it.  Say that some
member
wanted to start a 75 meter NorCal net at 3.980 on Sunday evenings at 9:00
local time, he would announce it and do it.  That is how it works.  Jim
and I both believe that we don't have time to feed egos, either our own or
anyone elses.  NorCal's philosophy or purpose is to have fun.  That is it.
We accomplish this with yearly club projects, monthly meetings, and small
get togethers.  QRPp is published to help the members of the club
communicate
and to give them something physical that they can have.

Club projects are done to bring the members together.  It is far more fun
to
build something that a friend has built than to go it alone.  First of all
you have a source of help, and secondly, it is neat to get ideas on how to
do projects.  So far, I would say that at least half of our members have
built or purchased a NorCal 40 or Sierra kit.  Many have also built the
digital display.  This was all made possible by the club.  Club projects
do
not have to be original designs either.  You can take a design from any of
the published ones and put together kits of parts.  Order the parts in
quantity, and you will all save.  For example, let's say that you wanted
to
do a parts kit for the Neophyte receiver.  All that you have to do is make
a
list of the needed parts, order them and then distribute them.  Far
circuits
makes the boards, and it is easy to do.

Basically that is what I know about clubs.  If you have specific
questions,
send me email and I will try to answer them.  72, Doug, KI6DS

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

From: [e-mail] (Ray Anderson)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 14:32:40 +0800
Subject: Re: Resistive Attenuators

<[e-mail]> writes:

>Hi,

>        Can anyone tell me how I can design a resistive attenuator for 50
>ohms. I want to drop 4-5 watts to about 1-2 watts into 50 ohms so I can
>drive a MOSFET amplifier. I don't want to overdrive it with 4-5 watts. Is
>there an easy way to do this?

            ... paragraph deleted ...

>Daniel


    Daniel,
        First figure out how many dB of attenuation you need.


        dB=10*logP1/P2


        so: dB=10* log (2Watts/5Watts)

            dB= 10* log (.4)

            dB= 3.97 dB  (Call it 4 dB)


        Now calculate your resistor values:

        1. Either calculate the #'s from equations
        2. Look up in a table
        3. Let your computer crunch the numbers.

    Real engineers choose option #3 these days :)


    For a 50 ohm 4 dB pi attenuator:

          ---------- R2-----------     R1=220 ohms
                 |          |          R2=24  ohms
       IN        R1         R3  OUT    R3=220 ohms
                 |          |
          ------------------------

    Since you are driving it with 5 watts (+37 dBm) the computer tells
    us that the resistors will be dissapating the following powers:

    R1: 30.5 dBm   (1.12 watts)
    R2: 31.6 dBm   (1.4 watts)
    R3: 26.5 dBm   (446 mw)

    So figure on at least 2 watt resistors for R1 and R2 and at
        least 1W for R3 .


    73's de WB6TPU
    Ray  ([e-mail])

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

From: [e-mail] (Ray Anderson)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 14:57:05 +0800
Subject: Re: construction methods

>> I would question very much the use of wire wrap in marine gear. The
marine
>> environment is not very friendly to electronics and a mechanical rather
>> than a soldered connection might be prone to salt and moisture finding
>> their way between the terminal and the wire. At least that's my
opinion.
>> Hmmmm, maybe the manufacturers do this on purpose in order to do
periodic
>> `costly' repairs...

>I questioned it as well, but his response was that done properly,
wire-wrap
>was superior to soldered connections and withstood the corrosive effects
of
>being out on the high-seas. We were talking about commercial maritime
>HF gear, not the stuff you get for pleasure boating.


    Supposedly, when wire-wrap is done properly, the sharp corners of the
wire-wrap post bite into the wire creating a gas tight metal to metal
contact. Since there is no air or moisture between the wire and the post
it can't corrode. Industry experience over time with millions of wire-wrap
connections seems to bear this out. (I've never seen a wire wrapped
commercial
radio though.)

    73's de WB6TPU
    Ray  ([e-mail])



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

From: [e-mail] (George Dobbs G3RJV)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 23:40:02 GMT
Subject: G3RJV Away

To QRP emailers......
I will be away at the Hamvention in Freidrichshafen [largest in Europe]
from June 20 - July 2, so please save mailings until after that date.

Another interesting item  ........... at least to me!
I have been invited to speak at the South East Asian QRP Convention at
Kuching in Sarawak at the end of November .... and they are paying!
I did not say no!
I believe that W1FB is joining me.
Hope to take the QRP PLUS at get 9M8 active on QRP
......please no offers to carry my bags...I have had better offers than
that.
72
- --
-
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
George Dobbs G3RJV                  "It is vain to do with more,
G-QRP Club                           what can be done with less."
- ---------------------------------------------- William of Occam (1290-1350)

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

From: [e-mail] (Sehne)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 18:03:41 -0600
Subject: Increased sensitivity of SWR meter

 I recently rebuilt the SWR meter portion of an MFJ matchbox which I
intend
 to use primarily with my QRP rigs. Unfortunately the sensitivity is very
 poor at powers of <5W. The input transformer is a toroid with the primary
 being a screw through the center of the toroid & the center tapped
 secondary several turns of #30? wire. Can I increase the sensitivity by
 just adding more windings to the secondary, or is there a better
approach.
 I'm really hurting for a good way to match my antennas to various QRP
bands
 without it. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thanks, de N2KTY/qrp
(Gary)

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

From: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 1994 16:24:12 -0700
Subject: Re: Resistive attenuators

I took the liberty of modifying this diagram:

>
>                R1                    R3
>   IN   ----/\/\/\/\/--------/\/\/\/\/----  OUT to load
>                        |
>                        >
>                        < R2
>                        >
>                        |
>                      -----
>                       ---
>                        -
>
>R1 = R3 = 16.6 ohms, R2 = 66.9 ohms.  I would suspect 2W (metal oxide)
>resistors
>should suffice for all, but this should be analyzed more carefully.

Just use Ohms law (you know the input voltage derived from the output
power
of the TX) and the impedence of the load (50 ohms) which is connected to
the output to ground.

You will get the following paragraph if you redraw the T as a voltage
divider (for that is all it is -- though the values have been carefully
choosen):

o IN
|
>
< R1
>
|
o--------o
|        |
|        >
|        < R3
|        >
>        |
< R2     |
>        >
|        < LOAD (50ohms)
|        >
|        |
|        |
o--------o------- GND

So you have ((R3 + 50) || R2) + R1 is the resistance seen by the input.

Calculate voltages around the network using ohms law.

Calculate powers disapated around the network.

Spec the resistors (most of the power will be dropped in R2, less in the
R1
and much less in R3).

So you see those attenuator tables aren't magic, just high-school physics!
The derivation of the pi network is an excercise for the student (go on DO
IT!)

73


Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding
cats"
[phone]



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

From: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 17 Jun 94 21:43:55 EDT
Subject: 30-40 troubleshoot

>The manual says secondary is to be "closly wound" . Does this >mean
>to spread out the primary windings over the whole coil , but >group
>the secondary tightly together ?
>Also the kit came with a piece of (single )ribbon cable but I >dont
>see where it is supposed to be used.

Yes- wind the primary around the entire winding.  The secondary is
close-wound over the primary at one end of the winding., i.e., tightly
grouped together. No need to be obsessive about "close", though.

Last paragraph on manual p. 10:  the secondary of T1 is wound using the
length of single ribbon cable.  Hope this helps- 72/73

Dave-  NN1G


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

End of qrp-digest V1 #12
************************





From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 19:06:36 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA03922; Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:58:37 PDT
    id AA18696; Tue, 21 Jun 1994 15:58:39 +0800
    id AA12997; Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:58:36 PDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] (Wayne Burdick)
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re: CQ DE N6KR K
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Tue, 21 Jun 94 14:01:36 -0800."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 94 15:58:35 PDT
From: Grover Cleveland <[e-mail]>
Content-Length: 56
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

N6KR DE WT6P    UR 599 HR IN PENN VALLEY  NAME GROVER K

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 20:36:16 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id RAA16868(archimedes.inoc.sj.nec.com ); Tue, 21 Jun 1994 17:34:25 -0700
    id RAA01600(netkeeper.sj.nec.com ); Tue, 21 Jun 1994 17:34:45 -0700
    id AA04949(elmailer.asic.mtv.nec.com); Tue, 21 Jun 94 17:41:36 PDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 JUN 94 17:34:32
From: Charles Furnweger <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Away on a trip
X-Vms-To: NRC%"[e-mail]"
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk



Hi!

This is just a test of the auto-forward feature of the
EMAIL system.  Please ignore this message.

Bye.....  :-)
        Charles



From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 21:56:34 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 19:54:54 -0600 (MDT)
From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Errata: KR8L 160m TX
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

This may be of interest to those who requested copies of the writeup and
schematic for my HB 160m TX --

Thanks to Dave, WA4NID, for helping me notice an error in the schematic.
Both RF chokes should have their values listed in MICROHENRIES, not
millihenries!  I can't take the whole blame for this: I based my design on
one from Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur, and the schematic there
shows millihenries.  I must have realized the mistake when I built the rig,
because I used microhenry values, but then copied the error when I redrew
the schematic.

As a construction hint, the "200 mh" choke in my version is actually 220
microh, and the "50 mh" choke is actually two 100 microh, 275 ma units in
parallel to be able to handle the necessary collector current in the final.
Both were obtained from Oak Hills Research, and are the little minature
chokes with color code bands that look like resistors.

Thanks, Dave!

73 to all, de Bill, KR8L/7  ([e-mail])

From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 23:01:22 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date:     Tue, 21 Jun 94 22:52:21 EDT
From: "Henry T. Rand Jr." (FSAC-AAD) <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject:  2m E skip QRP
Message-Id:  <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

I came home from work today and hooked up the 2m packet station.

There hasn't been much exciting DX recently so I didn't expect to see

anything of interest. I left the screen and when I returned a few hours

later there were two hours of 2m sporadic E callouts! One small

problem though, I had taken down my 7 and 15 element 2 meter beams

to make room for the 40m yagi. What to do? I still had a multiband

trapped vertical for 6/2/440 on the top of the tower. I just use it for

local FM QSO's. Would I even hear 2m E skip with it? I figured that

would be enough. I tuned the band and heard three 5 district stations.

Most were on SSB but there were a few on CW. I called on SSB to

no avail. I quickly found a key to hook up to the 2m rig and called on

CW. No luck. I found a station, WA5WXD. He was peaking fairly strong.

Quickly, I called him and he came right back! Some LID called on top

of me when I replied with my grid and he didn't copy it and then he

faded. I kept calling and a few minutes later he peaked again and

received my grid square and the QSO was complete.

    So, I made my first 2m E skip QSO using 5 watts CW and a

multiband trapped vertical up about 65 feet. He was located in LA

and I am in NJ. Pretty good haul for 2m. Who says you need a beam

for E skip. It sure would have helped though. Great opening and the

thrill of the month on the bands for me.



            Randy Rand  AA2U

            [e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Tue Jun 21 23:13:02 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 22:11:50 -0500 (CDT)
From: James Speer <[e-mail]>
Subject: wired radio
To: [e-mail]
X-Vms-To: SMTP%"[e-mail]"
X-Vms-Cc: F_SPEERJR
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N6KR wrote:

>I have threatened to call CQ on the Internet before, and now I've finally
>done it.  Respond as you see fit.

Good idea!

>The net has advantages:  no propogation problems, stored messages that
>allow delayed response, easy interface with the shack computer :)  etc.

DX is not much of a challenge, though.

>Of course, ham radio is fun precisely because of the vagaries of
>propogation.  But I wouldn't mind kicking off a discussion of Wired Ham
>Radio (WHR) and where it fits in a continuum that might include:
>
>        wireless ham radio
>        repeaters
>        packet radio
>        E-mail
>        [e-mail]

For me, the availability of the net means that packet radio is not very
interesting. Instead, as a ham, I'm attracted to the simplest and least
high-tech modes of communication. Home-brewed qrp cw. I do use repeaters, but
only as utilities, to meet others who share my interests in qrp, and as a cheap
alternative to cellular phones. But what makes ham radio distinctive is
practicing that hard-won skill, cw, and vying with myself to do as much as
possible with as little as possible.

Wonder if this thread might turn out to be useful to the long-range planners
written up in the current issue of _QST_?

72!
Jim
K5YUT



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 01:31:48 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
     id AA13472; Wed, 22 Jun 94 01:24:34 -0400
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 01:29:12 -0400
From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Subject: w6rcl/hh2 Haiti
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


SLUG                 SHOW    WRITER        MODIFIED kaul              TIMING  LC
                             kaul          Wed Jun 22 01:27 1994 READY  0:29  12


     W6RCL/HH2, Port Au Prince, is on the air on SSB only with
     longwire which loads from 160-to-10.  QRO=100w, but QRP
     on request.  Noise levels on 160-80 pretty high and foreign
     broadcast bad on 40.  From 0200 GMT to 0300 GMT on 6/22
     two doz stations worked around the USA, Mexico, E. Europe.
     Will keep looking for low power stations who need Haiti.
     QSL to home call.  I will QSL to all via the bureau after I
     return and get cards printed.  I'm trying to find and buy a
     manual key --- am hearing lots of CW at 7040 and 14060.

     72, 73 de alan w6rcl,    Internet:      [e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 02:43:10 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA01427; Tue, 21 Jun 94 20:42:44 HST
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 20:42:43 -1000 (HST)
From: Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
To: James Speer <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <Pine.3.89.9406212013.D1417-0100000@kahuna>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Ah, `homebrew qrp cw' - it warms my heart to hear that phrase. Sometimes
I think we know a secret that the rest of the amateur community doesn't.
It saddens me to read all the anti-CW articles on r.r.a.policy - I try
to defend CW on there, and also speak of homebrew qrp on r.r.a.misc
but my words fall on deaf ears (or rather closed eyes since it's on
UseNet).
We are lucky indeed to have inet qrp for our fireside chats and to
continually fuel our love for this wonderful aspect of ham radio.

This just put me in the mood to build something!

Keep the soldering iron hot and the fingers cool, Gang.

.73,
Jeff NH6IL (ex WA6QIJ)

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 04:45:25 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id EAA12606; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 04:45:00 -0400 (from seastar!jjw for [e-mail])
    id m0qGNhI-0000lnC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 04:30 EDT
    id m0qGHJ4-0004pTC; Tue, 21 Jun 94 20:40 CDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (John Welch)
Subject: Band openings
To: [e-mail] (qrp mailing list)
Date: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 20:40:49 -0500 (CDT)
Organization: Welch Research Laboratories
X-Location: McHenry, ILLinois  60050-1461
Operating-System: Linux 1.00 (Posix/386)
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  While I realize most of the gang are rabid HF-ers :-) in case
anybody cares both 6 and 2 meters have been hotter than a firecracker
recently.  I've worked gridsquares DN72 and EM90 on 8 watts peak SSB,
from EN52 with a 4.5MHz Dipole on a tuner on 6, and I heard Florida
(EM90s) on 2 *without an antenna connected*.
  Tune around on 6 in the evenings, and if this holds up it'll be a
*great* field day!
--
John Welch, N9JZW

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 06:55:50 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA22149; Wed, 22 Jun 94 03:51:57 -0700
    id AA03559; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 06:51:53 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 06:51:53 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Mark Swartwout)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: List of QRP list Field Day Stations?
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Has anyone compiled a list from the many postings of who will be
operating Field Day?  If I don't hear anything (private email please) by
the end of today, I will go through the last couple weeks postings and
make a list.  I was thinking about something like:

Club            Call Used    Location    QRP List Participants
==================    =============    ============    ============
QRP New England        W1FMR        Princeton MA    NX1K, W1FMR

which would make a handy reference to have on the weekend.  With many of
us using club calls, this might make it easier to find each other.

deet deet  <- modified to get ready for Mosquitos on FD weekend.
Mark, NX1K

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 07:11:19 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA09844; Wed, 22 Jun 94 07:14:48 -0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:10:29 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:10:29 -0400
From: Brad Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail], [e-mail]
Subject: Re: CQ DE N6KR K
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


n6kr de wb8ygg wb8ygg /qrp k

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 07:20:24 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA10023; Wed, 22 Jun 94 07:24:13 -0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <[e-mail]>); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:19:56 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:19:56 -0400
From: Brad Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: wired radio
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Well, I was on packet, and a fellow showed me a node that he checks into for chatting.
It seemed rather common till he told me all sorts of guys were checking in
from internet..
How do we get there? , and could this go interactive here?  Wow, we could
really get some ideas going that way.  Only problem is, it might get in
the way of doing real work.  I can see it now.. please qrx boss,,,, oops..

73 Brad WB8YGG

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 07:35:38 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA29158; Wed, 22 Jun 94 04:34:09 -0700
    id AA03701; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:34:05 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 07:34:05 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Mark Swartwout)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Further on List of QRP Field Day Stations
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

I just went through the last couple weeks mailings and there were fewer
posts than I had remembered.  So please send your information to me,
(private email please) in this format, and I will post a list the end of
Thursday.

Club/Group/Individual    Call Used    Location    QRP List Participants
==================    =============    ============    ============
QRP New England        W1FMR        Princeton MA    NX1K, W1FMR

deet deet  <- modified to get ready for Mosquitos on FD weekend.
Mark, NX1K

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 09:14:48 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA03754; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:15:32 EDT
    id AA18088; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:18:04 EDT
    id AA01424; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:18:02 EDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:18:02 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Ted Albert)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Band openings
In-Reply-To: Mail from '[e-mail] (John Welch)'
      dated: Tue, 21 Jun 1994 20:40:49 -0500 (CDT)
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

>   While I realize most of the gang are rabid HF-ers :-) in case
> anybody cares both 6 and 2 meters have been hotter than a firecracker
> recently.  I've worked gridsquares DN72 and EM90 on 8 watts peak SSB,
> from EN52 with a 4.5MHz Dipole on a tuner on 6, and I heard Florida
> (EM90s) on 2 *without an antenna connected*.
>   Tune around on 6 in the evenings, and if this holds up it'll be a
> *great* field day!

Last night was another great one for both 10 and 6, but where was everyone on
10 meter CW? I called and called, finally gave up and listened to the fun
the gang was having on 6 meters. Once I finish my 160 meter project, I think
a 6 meter xmitter will be in the works.

73 de Ted, KF8EE


From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 09:19:38 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA03886; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:20:30 EDT
    id AA18326; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:23:06 EDT
    id AA01447; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:23:03 EDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:23:03 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Ted Albert)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Balanced Modulator Transformer Problems
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

My 160 meter transmitter project is now at the balanced modulator stage. I built
a two diode balance modulator, using a 12 turn, #26 gauge, trifilar wound
transformer. Most of the circuits I looked at used an FT37-61 core for the lower
bands. Not having one of those puppies in the junk box, I plucked out a core
that was about the same size and used it to see if it would work. I really
have no idea what type of material is in the core or anything else about it
except its physical size.

I wired the circuit on the prototype board, injected a signal from the vfo,
and could barely hear audio in the test bench receiver. I double checked the
speech amp to make sure things were working there. Then I added a class A
buffer amp using a 2N2222. Now I could hear the audio, but it was awful. A local
ham suggested dumping the diodes and using an MC1496. I decided to stick with
the diodes for a while longer. Last night I checked the output on other bands.
At 10 meters, I had plenty of output before the buffer amp and loads of audio.
Full carrier insertion results in a great sounding AM signal.
(what no plate modulation .... shudder ... don't tell the S.P.A.M. crowd on
40 meters )

A quick check of the material on broadband transformers in the Solid State
Design book did not shed much light on what is happening with this circuit.
Seems to me the only frequency determining components in the balanced modulator
are the toroid and possibly the number of windings. Can someone shed some light
on how the core material might affect a broadband transformer's frequency
response. My quick read of the book dealt mostly with impedance matching.

73 de Ted, KF8EE



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 09:56:49 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id JAA03136; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 09:55:18 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 09:55:18 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Johns)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Posted-From: The MITRE Corporation, Bedford, MA
To: [e-mail]
Subject: A QRPer's Library (Long)
Cc: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


I thought some of you mught be interested in a list of some of the
books found in one QRPer's library with some comments as to the
relative value of the books to me in my day to day QRP activities.
The comments expressed are mine and not those of my employer or
anyone else.  Comments from others who have used any of the
references would be appreciated.  While not a complete index of the
books in my library, I find that I keep going back to these books
for design and construction information.  If anyone would like a
copy of the Postscript version of this list, with my comments
in italics and formatted for easier reading, just drop me an Email.
One warning though, the Postscript file is very very large.  Anyone
have any other books to add to the list?


A QRPer's Library
Compiled by James R. Johns  KA0IQT

ARRL Electronics Data Book, Doug DeMaw W1FB, ARRL 1976, 128 pages
Soft Cover.
Handy electronics data in a package smaller than the "Handbook."

The Complete DX'er 2nd ed., Bob Locher  W9KNI, Idiom Press 1989, 204
pages Soft Cover.
Not dedicated to QRP but an excellent book on DXing and techniques.

Ferromagnetic Core Design & Application Handbook, M. F. Doug DeMaw,
Prentice Hall 1981, 256 pages Hard Cover.
Core and inductor data, information and applications.

History of QRP in the U.S. 1924-1960, Adrian Weiss W0RSP, Milliwatt
Books 1987, 199 pages Soft Cover.
One man's view of the history of QRP.

Introduction to Radio Frequency Design, Wes Hayward, Prentice-Hall 1982,
383 pages Hard Cover.
Good technical text but with only a few practical circuits.

The Joy of QRP: Strategy for Success, Adrian Weiss, Milliwatt Books 1984,
151 pages Soft Cover.
Chatty overview of QRP, oriented more to operation than technical, but does
include several projects.

Practical RF Design Manual, Doug DeMaw, Prentice Hall 1982, 246 pages
Hard Cover.
Good technical text with practical applications.

QRP Classics, Bob Schetgen KU7G editor, ARRL 1990, 274 pages Soft
Cover.
Reprints of QRP articles from QST.  Good compendium.  Missing some
"classic" designs (The original W7EL design for one)

QRP Notebook, Doug DeMaw W1FB, ARRL 1986, 77 pages Soft Cover.
QRP oriented with RX, TX and a few Xcvrs.  Good but not great.

W1FB's QRP Notebook, Doug DeMaw W1FB, ARRL 1991, 179 pages Soft
Cover.
Replacement for the 1986 QRP Notebook.  Much improved with project PC
boards available from FAR circuits.

Solid State Basics for the Radio Amateur, Doug DeMaw W1FB and Jay
Rusgrove W1VD editors, ARRL 1978, 159 pages Soft Cover.
Beginner's theory course with good practical applications.  This text is useful
but quite dated.

Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur, Wes Hayward W7ZOI and Doug
DeMaw W1FB, ARRL 1977, 256 pages Soft Cover.
The bible for QRP equipment builders!  Excellent book but becoming dated.

W1FB's Design Notebook, Doug DeMaw W1FB, ARRL 1990, 198 pages Soft
Cover.
While not a replacement for Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur, this
is the best reference to come along for a long time.  Covers everything from
basic solid state theory through practical applications with PC board patterns.

The HW-8 Handbook 1st edition, compiled and edited by Michael Bryce
WB8VGE, 1991, 56 pages Soft Cover.
Contains tips and mods for the Heathkit HW-7, HW-8 and HW-9 QRP
transceivers.  Reprinted several times, this classic is still in great demand.

RF Circuit Design, Chris Bowick, Howard Sams & Co. 1982, 176 pages Soft
Cover.
This book, once out of print, offers insight into RF design including the
use of Smith Charts.  Not for the beginner it offers valuable information
for the intermediate to advanced designer.

Rechargeable Batteries: Applications Handbook, Staff of Gates Energy
Products, Gates Technical Marketing 1992, 280 pages Hard Cover.
Detailed information on the chemistry and application of primary, lead acid
and ni-cad batteries including suggested charging circuits.  More battery
information than most will want but a good technical reference.

G-QRP Club Circuit Handbook, Compiled by Rev George Dobbs G3RJV 1983
from the G-QRP club journal SPRAT 1974-1982, 96 pages Soft Cover.
Good reference material from the early issues of SPRAT.  A must to fill
in your SPRAT library.

G-QRP Club Antenna Handbook 1st edition April 1992, Compiled and edited
by P. Linsley G3PDL & T. Nicholson KA9WRI/GW0LNQ, 155 pages Soft
Cover.
A good antenna reference comparable to the ARRL's Antenna Handbook.

Communications Receivers Principles & Design, Ulrich L. Rohde, T. T. N
Bucher, McGraw-Hill Book Company 1988, 583 pages Hard Cover.
Data on all aspects of high performance receivers.

Radio Frequency Transistors; Principles and Practical Applications, Norm Dye
and Helge Granberg, EDN Series for Design Engineers, Butterworth-
Heinemann 1993, 231 pages Hard Cover.
Not a beginner's book.  Appropriate for intermediate to advanced RF designers.
Covers RF power and small signal applications.

Standard Radio Communications Manual: With Instrumentation and Testing
Techniques, R. Harold Kinley, 1985, 420 pages Hard Cover.
Covers techniques and evaluations of AM, SSB and FM transmitter and
receiver testing.

Solid State Radio Engineering, Herbert L. Krauss, Charles W. Bostian,
Frederick H. Raab, John Wiley & Sons 1980, 534 pages Hard Copy.
Good theory and technical information on amps, mixers, oscillators, receivers
and transmitters.

Single-Sideband Systems & Circuits, Edited by William E. Sabin & Edgar O.
Schoenike, Collins Division, Rockwell International Corp, McGraw-Hill Book
Company, 594 pages Hard Cover.
Covers the generation, transmission and reception of SSB.

Newnes Practical RF Handbook, Ian Hickman, Newnes-Butterworth-
Heinemann Ltd. 1993, 271 pages Soft Cover.
Good RF overview with a British slant.

RCA RF Power Transistor Manual - Technical Series RFM-430, RCA 1971,
Soft Cover.
Great source of information and design techniques for RF power design.


SPICE & Computer Simulation Texts

SPICE - A guide to Circuit Simulation & Analysis Using PSpice 2nd edition,
Paul W. Tuinenga, Prentice Hall 1992.
Good introduction to PSpice.  Includes examples.  Comes packaged with
student version of PSpice or contains an order form for the disks.

PSpice A Tutorial, L. H. Fenical, Prentice Hall 1992 ($32).
Good device modeling information using PSpice to plot semiconductor I/V
plots.

Computer-Aided Circuit Analysis Using PSpice 2nd edition, Walter Banzhaf,
Regents/Prentice Hall 1992 ($34).

SPICE for Circuits and Electronics using PSpice, Muhammed H. Rashid,
Prentice Hall 1990 ($28).

Inside SPICE: Overcoming the Obstacles of Circuit Simulation, Ron
Kielkowski, McGraw-Hill 1994.
A great discussion of the internals of SPICE and recommended solutions for
SPICE simulation problems.  Includes R-SPICE software.  Not a beginners
book but great for intermediate +.

Macromodeling with SPICE, J. Alvin Connelly & Pyung Choi, Prentice Hall
1992 ($35).
Macromodels for phase locked loops and mixed analog/digital simulation
including Z transforms.  With disks.

The Student Edition of MICRO-CAP III, Addison-Wesley-
Benjamin/Cummings, Addison-Wesley 1991.
A neat package.  Includes the software and a users manual.  The software
allows for schematic entry and generates netlists automatically
for analysis.

Semiconductor Device Modeling with SPICE 2nd edition, Giuseppe Massobrio
& Paolo Antognetti, McGraw-Hill 1993 ($55).
This book delves very deeply into the semiconductor physics and the modeling
techniques used to represent those devices.  Not for the beginner!

A SPICE Cookbook, Karl Heinzmuller, Intusoft 1991 ($50).
Includes disk.

SPICE Applications Handbook 2nd edition, Charles E. Hymowitz & Lawrence
G. Meares, Intusoft 1994 ($50).
With disk.

Simulating with SPICE, Meares/Hymowitz, Intusoft 1988 ($65).

Oscillator Design & Computer Simulation, Randall W. Rhea, PTR Prentice Hall
1990 ($60).
Includes disk.  Good design information for oscillator design but the ultimate
goal of the book is to sell a very expensive software package.

SPICE for Power Electronics and Electric Power, Muhammad H. Rashid,
Prentice Hall 1993.
Includes order form for the student version of PSpice ($10).  This book is
oriented toward large power applications and equipment.








73   Jim Johns  KA0IQT
     [e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 10:12:30 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
 <[e-mail]>; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 09:13:13 CDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 09:13:12 -0500 (CDT)
From: "JEFF M. GOLD" <[e-mail]>
Subject: QRP Field Day Stations
To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
X-Vms-To: QRP
X-Vms-Cc: JMG
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WA4UCE, the Tennessee Technological University club station will
most likely have a QRP station on the air from the park on campus
in Cookeville, TN.. operating Gel Cel and most likely my Yaesu
301S with a modifed G5RV (ZS6????). Planning on both CW and SSB.

If that doesn't work, I will most likely work QRP from nearby
under AC4HF

73,72

Jeff

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 10:27:18 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
 <[e-mail]>; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 10:25:04 EST
Date: 22 Jun 1994 10:25:04 -0500 (EST)
From: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Straight keys
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
X-Vms-To: IN%"[e-mail]"
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Guess idol hands make work for the devil.

I think qrpers use straight keys more often than your average ham because, more
often than not, slow sending, the specialty of straight keys for most of us, is more reliable for effectual transfer of information.  I believe there's a
theorem in physical information theory applicable to this, but I'm not a
physicist.

72.909335

Don Coleman, W1VOQ

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 10:41:42 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA00933; Wed, 22 Jun 94 10:41:18 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
    (1.38.193.4/16.2) id AA11669; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 10:42:01 -0400
From: Tom_Jennings <[e-mail]>
Subject: Another QRP Field Day Station
To: [e-mail] (qrp mailling list)
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 10:42:01 EDT
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Mailer: Elm [revision: 70.85]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi qrp'ers

I'm planning to be on the air for a while during Field Day most
likely late Saturday night and early Sunday.  Will be qrp but
from home station.  Due to daughter graduation and out of town
relatives coming can't be out in the field... sigh

73.

TJ, kv2x

PS  My daughter, Jen, will be going to collage in the fall and
I'm trying to convince her to get her tech license so we can
talk using 2 m repeaters.  It would be nice if she got some
encouragement from the group via e-mail.  But don't say I'm
behind it!!!  Her e-mail address is

    [e-mail]


Thanks.


--
-------------------------------------------------------------
                               |
Thomas J. Jennings             | Tel: [phone]
Development Engineer           | Fax: [phone]
                               |
ABB Process Automation         |
Post Office Box 22685          |
Rochester, New York 14692-2685 |
                               |
-------------------------------------------------------------
Internet: [e-mail]
-------------------------------------------------------------

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 11:04:28 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
        id AA01870 for [e-mail]; Wed, 22 Jun 94 11:04:21 -0400
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #6) id m0qGS1u-000B9aC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:07 EDT
    id <[e-mail]>; Wed, 22 Jun 94 11:05:36 EDT
From: "Kearman, Jim" <[e-mail]>
To: boatanchors <[e-mail]>, QRP <[e-mail]>
Subject: Ham Key Straight Key
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 11:04:00 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Encoding: 12 TEXT
X-Mailer: Microsoft Mail V3.0
Sender: [e-mail]
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Well, it looks a little like a Brown Bros, but it isn't. It's a Ham Key
straight key, black wrinkle base, red Navy knob, red and black terminals.

$30 shipped UPS in the US.

73

Jim, KR1S

[e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 11:14:30 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    with WordPerfect_Office; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 11:14:01 -0400
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
X-Mailer: WordPerfect Office 4.0
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 10:10:58 -0400
From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Subject:  CQ
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

N6KR DE N3PFF
YOU HAVE A FINE 59 INTO CENTRAL PA WITH NO QRM/QRN.
GOOD SIGNAL, OM.
THE NAME HERE IS JOHN. I'M 42 AND HAVE BEEN LICENSED FOR JUST OVER A
YEAR. ENJOYED RADIO AND ELECTRONICS FOR YEARS.
I WORK AS PC COMPUTER AND NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTER AT BLOOMSBURG
UNIVERSITY.
WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING?
WE ARE RUNNING AN UNISYS 386 WITH EGA VIDEO DRIVING A 10-BASE T 10
MPS ETHERNET NETWORK INTO A 1/2 T1 SWITCHED DEDICATED LINE.
WHAT ARE YOU RUNNING AT YOUR END?
OVER TO YOU, OM. KN


From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 11:24:39 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
 <[e-mail]>; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 11:21:54 EST
Date: 22 Jun 1994 11:21:54 -0500 (EST)
From: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
X-Vms-To: IN%"[e-mail]"
X-Vms-Cc: IN%"[e-mail]"
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GM, OM'S, OG'S, etc.

I think it would be a wonderful idea to institute some means of calling *cq* on
the Internet.  But how could it be done?

There are, I suggest, countless legitimate (by which I mean occasions of
giving help to many people at once) for calling *cq* here.  For instance,
I'm looking for a Microsoft BASIC manual and can't find one anywhere.

72.4994188

Don Coleman, W1VOQ

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 11:53:02 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.65c/IDA-1.5 for [e-mail]); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 08:43:20 -0700
    id AA01435; Wed, 22 Jun 94 08:35:04 MDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 08:35:04 MDT
From: [e-mail] (Dana Lemoine)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: wired radio
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


K5YUT wrote:
>
> For me, the availability of the net means that packet radio is not very
> interesting.

So true, so true.  With the net so accessible, and with the proliferation of
land line BBS's over the years, it has been hard for me to get excited about
packet as well.

But then came the SAREX missions.  I stand on the roof and listen for an
astronaut's voice and all I hear is data, data, data.  If you want a QSL
card from space, you almost gotta have packet.  I don't currently have
packet capability, but I sure would like to tell my kids that I talked
to an astronaut. :>


> Instead, as a ham, I'm attracted to the simplest and least
> high-tech modes of communication. Home-brewed qrp cw.

Yes, it is a logical extension of the tin cans and string from when we
were kids, and those old hokey RS walkie talkies.

72!
Dana
KB7WSW/AE

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 12:38:00 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 00:37:29 +0800
    id aa03373; Wed, 22 Jun 94 16:22:13 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qGcAg-000Q6zC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:57
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qGUey-000GvKC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:56 SST
           Wed, 22 Jun 1994 23:56:34 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Wed, 22 Jun 1994 23:56:33 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Internet CQ propagation
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi Gang,

        I just thought about it, while you guys are at it you may want to
come up with a propagation report, HI HI. Eg.

        Calls have been bouncing, not due to low sunspots of course, but
maybe faults reflectors etc etc... might be an interesting idea.

        BTW, you can't sign /QRP here cos it don't make no sense. Unless you
can arrive at a new definition of QRP for internet QSOs.

73,
Daniel

p.s.    I have laid out the Curtiss 8044ABM keyer all on a 1"x1.5" board.
        Anyone interested?
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 13:05:29 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA19647; Wed, 22 Jun 94 13:08:23 -0400
Reply-To: [e-mail]
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <[e-mail]>); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 13:04:01 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 13:04:01 -0400
From: Brad Mitchell <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: CQ DE N6KR
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


n6kr n6kr n6kr de wb8ygg wb8ygg wb8ygg / qrp k k

;guess he called cq, then left the room.. bummer, no 6 land confirmation
on internet.
; oh well only a few more before inet was.
;

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 14:27:34 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a+/IDA-1.5); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 14:27:07 -0400
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 14:27:07 -0400
From: prvalko <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: (fwd) Dummy load as antenna?  Yup!
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Organization: Oakland University, Rochester, Michigan, U.S.A.
Sender: [e-mail]
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Path: news1.oakland.edu!newsxfer.itd.umich.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.umbc.edu!haven.umd.edu!cville-srv.wam.umd.edu!ham
From: [e-mail] (Scott Richard Rosenfeld)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: Dummy load as antenna?  Yup!
Date: 22 Jun 1994 15:44:44 GMT
Organization: University of Maryland College Park
Lines: 26
Distribution: usa, na, dc, md, va
Message-ID: <2u9m9c$[e-mail]>
NNTP-Posting-Host: rac3.wam.umd.edu
Keywords: dummy, dummy, dummy

Ever wonder just how much RF a dummy load radiates?

I was trying out a Yaesu FT-707/FC-707 setup with a dummy load
for my parents-in-law, seeing what the alignment was like, and
seeing what kind of power I could put out.  Of course, I was
transmitting into the FC-707's built-in dummy load.

I went tuning around, and here's somebody at S9 + 20!  On the
dummy load!  So I waited for him to finish with his QSO, and
xmitted into the dummy load at about 25 watts, and not surpris-
ingly, he answered, and we had a nice qso.

Turns out has was N3CAU, a ham living about 800 feet from my
house.  Even when he throttled down to 25 watts, he was still
a strong S9.  We exchanged cards by hand a couple of days later.

We've vowed to try it again at 1 watt or so, and this time I
want to try it into the Heathkit Cantenna...

Scott NF3I

--
73,                            _________   _________  The
                            \ /  Long   Original
Scott Rosenfeld  Amateur Radio NF3I  Burtonsville, MD     |   Live    $5.00
  WAC-CW/SSB  WAS  DXCC - 125 QSLed on dipoles __________| Dipoles! Antenna!

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 14:45:46 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA26889; Wed, 22 Jun 1994 14:44:45 -0400
    id AA22415; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:46:19 EDT
    id AA17720; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:46:15 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Internet CQ propagation
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:56:33 +0700."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:46:14 -0400
From: "John F. Woods" <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

>         BTW, you can't sign /QRP here cos it don't make no sense. Unless you
> can arrive at a new definition of QRP for internet QSOs.

A PDP-11 with a 300 baud SLIP line.

> p.s.    I have laid out the Curtiss 8044ABM keyer all on a 1"x1.5" board.
>         Anyone interested?

Yes.

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 15:00:52 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA10315; Wed, 22 Jun 94 11:58:47 PDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 11:53:42 -0700 (PDT)
From: "H. Ward Silver" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Straight keys
To: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <Pine.3.07.9406221131.B9135-b100000@bach>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk


> Guess idol hands make work for the devil.
>
> I think qrpers use straight keys more often than your average ham because, more
> often than not, slow sending, the specialty of straight keys for most of us, is more reliable for effectual transfer of information.  I believe there's a
> theorem in physical information theory applicable to this, but I'm not a
> physicist.
>
> Don Coleman, W1VOQ

I would attribute the many straight key users to the simplicity of manual
CW.  The QRP crowd appreciates minimalist radio and there's something
about hanging a microprocessor and 64k of static RAM on a 100mW xmtr that
just "don't seem right".

Regarding QRS at QRP, I find that if you send at or above 20wpm, even when
very weak, the receive rate is better because more "symbols" get through
during each period of good reception.  Then, with a couple of repeats, and the
power of the 25watt, glucose-powered computer between the ears, one can
fill in the blanks pretty effectively.  Slowing down to 5wpm or less
doesn't seem to work as well for me.

73, Ward N0AX



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 15:07:35 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
        id AB06815 for [e-mail]; Wed, 22 Jun 94 15:07:16 -0400
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #6) id m0qGVot-000B9aC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 13:10 EDT
    id <[e-mail]>; Wed, 22 Jun 94 15:08:24 EDT
From: "Kearman, Jim" <[e-mail]>
To: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>,
        "H. Ward Silver" <[e-mail]>
Cc: qrp <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Straight keys
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 15:07:00 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Encoding: 9 TEXT
X-Mailer: Microsoft Mail V3.0
Sender: [e-mail]
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> Guess idol hands make work for the devil.

There is a hidden message here, but I'm not getting it....

73

Jim

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 15:41:07 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #1) id m0qGYA3-0003HiC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 12:40 PDT
        id AA02687; Wed, 22 Jun 94 12:02:03 PDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
           Wed, 22 Jun 1994 12:00:04 pdt
From: [e-mail]
Organization:  Rodgers Instrument Corp.
To: [e-mail]
Date:          Wed, 22 Jun 1994 11:51:39 PDT
Subject:       Re: CQ DE N6KR
Priority: normal
X-Mailer:     Pegasus Mail v3.1 (R1a)
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

In keeping with the spirit of QRP I think that only those running dumb
terminals or 8 bit machines ... maybe even 1200 or 2400 baud modems should
answer this call.


Lowell Brunson [phone]
Rosenet: [e-mail]
Internet:  [e-mail] (preferred)
           [e-mail]
Packet Radio: [e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 15:43:56 1994
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Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 12:37:39
Subject: Re: wired radio
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>
>Yes, it is a logical extension of the tin cans and string from when we
>were kids, and those old hokey RS walkie talkies.
>
My first w-t's were from Sears, then I saved up $40 and got a
2-channel, 100mW jewel from Lafayette. They actually worked.  Has
anybody else noticed that none of the cheap 49MHz stuff works these
days?  I'm sure walkie-talkies are what turned me towards small, simple
(no, make that elegantly concise) radios.

73,
Mike, KK6GM



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 16:27:28 1994
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>From [e-mail] Wed Jun 22 13:23:05 1994
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>
>>
>>Yes, it is a logical extension of the tin cans and string from when we
>>were kids, and those old hokey RS walkie talkies.
>>
>My first w-t's were from Sears, then I saved up $40 and got a
>2-channel, 100mW jewel from Lafayette. They actually worked.  Has

My Lafayette HA-73 was my prized posession for a long time in the 60's (I
was about 9 or 10 at the time, in Sacramento, CA - pre-ham days).
It's case was all metal (aluminum, I suspect) - no plastic - and it was
*very well built*. It was two channels, and might have been the same
model you are describing!

73 Dave WB0GAZ [e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 16:42:14 1994
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Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 13:40:47 -0700 (PDT)
From: "Lyle D. Melton" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
To: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail]
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How about using the list for initial contact and then email directly
between individuals....Lyle

***************************************
Lyle D. Melton KC7GT
School of Health Sciences
Seattle Pacific Univ
Seattle Washington
[e-mail]
***************************************

On 22 Jun 1994, DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850) wrote:

> GM, OM'S, OG'S, etc.
>
> I think it would be a wonderful idea to institute some means of calling *cq* on
> the Internet.  But how could it be done?
>
> There are, I suggest, countless legitimate (by which I mean occasions of
> giving help to many people at once) for calling *cq* here.  For instance,
> I'm looking for a Microsoft BASIC manual and can't find one anywhere.
>
> 72.4994188
>
> Don Coleman, W1VOQ
>

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 16:48:26 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA25687; Wed, 22 Jun 94 13:39:09 -0700
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Compact loop antenna
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Wed, 22 Jun 94 11:08:16 PDT."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 13:39:07 -0700
From: [e-mail]
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> This is exaplianed very nicely (with all the formaulae) in the current ARRL
> Antenna handbook.
>
> >
> >Since I don't have the current ARRL Antenna handbook, can you at least
> >give me a hint?  Is the QST article in error or not with respect to the
> >40-20 loop values, i.e., are the loop diameters linear or non-linear with
> >respect to wavelength?
>
> From what I remember its not linear (why would you expect it to be so?)

Well, I guess since the length of a dipole is linear wrt wavelength (468/f).

> buts thats not much help. In fact it doesn't matter to much if you are off
> because you are going to tune it with a variable capacitor. If the loop is
> too big you will have a larger amount of distributed capcitance which
> limits the unsable high frequency end.
>
> Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
>
>

I'm gonna buy the book and snarf the Comm. Quarterly articles somehow,
and figure out if the QST article is in error for the 40-20m loop dimensions.
Again, as you say, a 40-20 m loop that's too large might have trouble
tuning on 30 and 20 m.  This is exactly the problem reported by someone
else (Scott) on the QRP list.

Thanks for your comments,

/eric

From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 16:54:53 1994
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Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 13:56:10 -0700
To: "John F. Woods" <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Subject: Re: Internet CQ propagation
Cc: [e-mail]
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>>         BTW, you can't sign /QRP here cos it don't make no sense. Unless you
>> can arrive at a new definition of QRP for internet QSOs.
>
>A PDP-11 with a 300 baud SLIP line.
>
>> p.s.    I have laid out the Curtiss 8044ABM keyer all on a 1"x1.5" board.
>>         Anyone interested?
>
>Yes.

And of course the SLIP driver (and the rest of the OS) would have to be
hand toggled into core, not of that paper-tape nonsense.

I dunno nobody builds their own computers these days .......

:-)

Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding cats"
[phone]



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 17:19:10 1994
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    id AA00149; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:18:43 PDT
    id AA08428; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:18:42 PDT
    id AA17668; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:20:45 PDT
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 14:10:55 -0700 (PDT)
From: stark <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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On Wed, 22 Jun 1994, it was written:

> >
> >Yes, it is a logical extension of the tin cans and string from when we
> >were kids, and those old hokey RS walkie talkies.
> >
> My first w-t's were from Sears, then I saved up $40 and got a
> 2-channel, 100mW jewel from Lafayette. They actually worked.  Has
> anybody else noticed that none of the cheap 49MHz stuff works these
> days?  I'm sure walkie-talkies are what turned me towards small, simple
> (no, make that elegantly concise) radios.
>
> 73,
> Mike, KK6GM
>
>

Boy, you can sure tell the new kids on the block! I remember
how nice the old Benton Harbor (sp) Lunch Boxs were. Course I
was in school and couldn't afford one. And one of them was way
up on 2 meters. Who in their right mind would play around that
far up anyway?

Local chatting and nets were all done at night on 10 meters.

My first store bought rig was an ARC 5 that I had to convert to
12vdc and build a power supply for......

Ah, that's the lure of qrp. Still able to drift off into a semi
dream world and play like I was a kid again. When I ran 2 watts
INPUT on AM on 10meters, all the locals used to hear me working
dx and say that the only reason I could do that was because I
didn't know any better!

(Gee, do you think that living up on the top of a hill had anything
to do with that?)

Gota run and earn my beans....

73's  Ron


........................KU7Y........................
.................Monte "Ron" Stark..................
.................Sun Valley, Nevada.................



From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 19:25:24 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 16:26:02 -0800
To: [e-mail]
From: [e-mail] (Wayne Burdick)
Subject: CQ Internet: Results
Cc: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Thanks to all who answered my CQ Internet call.  Many imaginitive
descriptions of equipment, and some good ideas.

Sure enough, the experiment felt a little like ham radio and a little like
e-mail.  The jury's still out on whether this is a unique new operating
mode.

Anyway, here's the Log/Soapbox.   10 contacts, maybe 7 states, 2
countries...not bad for one call!

=========================================================================

N6KR de WB0GAZ

Right now my job is **dull** and at least for
now I have time to play Virtual Ham Radio <tm>  :-)

What about contesting???

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

FB OM UR RST 599. TNX FER QSO ES CUL. 73 DE KF9KI SK

(kinda like a water clock emulator for a Cray !)

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

N6KR de TF3KX

Hi, Wayne. UR 599 hr in QTH REYKJAVIK(work). Home is HAFNARFJORDUR, 10 mi
south. Name is KRISTINN or KRIS (or even KIDDI - the Icelandic nickname).
Age: 35, two boys - 5 and 0+ yrs old, one wife, blue Toyota '84, etc...

How copy?? (as I should have to ask...) N6KR de TF3KX K

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

N6KR DE WT6P UR 599 HR IN PENN VALLEY NAME GROVER K

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

PLEASE QSY !!!!!!!! The frequency is OCCUPIED !!!  DE  AB5EU G3WQO

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

RST 599 -- NM HR KEVIN IN SEATTLE WA -- RIG IS EUDORA ANT IS A MAC IICI

FB SIGS... HW CPY?  DE N7WIM

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

Wayne, please QSL my Number 1 Ham Radio QSO via computer???

72, Doug (KI6DS)

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

>The net has advantages: no propogation problems...etc.

DX is not much of a challenge, though.

For me, the availability of the net means that packet radio is not very
interesting. Instead, as a ham, I'm attracted to the simplest and least
high-tech modes of communication. Home-brewed qrp cw....

Wonder if this thread might turn out to be useful to the long-range
planners written up in the current issue of _QST_?

72!  K5YUT

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

n6kr de wb8ygg wb8ygg /qrp k

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

Hi, Wayne. Name hr is Gene. QTH is Lexington, SC. UR 599 no QRM. rig is
486DX/66. ant is belden 9907 E34972IC20 Shielded. However, I am in the
process of building a 10 meter transciever....

73 DE KC4SA

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


From [e-mail]  Wed Jun 22 20:40:01 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA04800; Wed, 22 Jun 94 14:39:24 HST
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 1994 14:39:24 -1000 (HST)
From: Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Miller Coil Forms; Hep x-sistors.
To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <Pine.3.89.9406221401.B4711-0100000@kahuna>
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Gang: I've got a circuit diagram for a 25 Mc output VFO that uses
three HEP 2 transistors. I'm going to build three of them
and use them as QRP xmtrs on 15, 12, and  10M. The book
which contains this circuit is from '68 and I'm wondering
what the availability of these HEP transistors are.

Also, it calls for three J.W. Miller coil forms, type 4500. Anyone
know the particulars of this type 4500 form (actually only need
the diameter)?

L1: 11T #30 wire close wound
L2: 12T
L3: 15T

This is for 25 Mc output. If only he would have given the actual
inductances. Phooey.

Jeff NH6IL


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 00:09:43 1994
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  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <think![e-mail]>); Wed, 22 Jun 1994 21:09:24 -0700
    id AA06636; Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:09:19 -0500
    (rama) id QQwvme15840; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 00:09:10 -0400
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #5) id m0qGg71-0001aMC; Thu, 23 Jun 94 00:10 EDT
    id m0qGfrr-0008WmC; Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:54 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Mike Czuhajewski)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re:   Internet CQ propagation
Cc: [e-mail]
Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 23:54:23 EST5EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>; from ""W. Daniel"" at      Wed, 22 Jun 1994 23:56:33 +0800
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DE WA8MCQ   QRP HR OM, RUNNING A '286 AT 12 MHZ BUT IT GETS OUT GOOD
SINCE I HAVE A 14.4K MODEM WITH LOW SWR   73...
--
Mike Czuhajewski, user of the UniBoard System @ wb3ffv.ampr.org
E-Mail: [e-mail]
The WB3FFV Amateur Radio BBS - Located in Baltimore, Maryland USA
Supporting the Amateur Radio Hobby, and TCP/IP InterNetworking

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 00:32:24 1994
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  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 12:31:48 +0800
    id aa00356; Thu, 23 Jun 94 4:14:04 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qGmGF-000Q73C; Thu, 23 Jun 94 10:43
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           Thu, 23 Jun 1994 10:46:32 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Thu, 23 Jun 1994 10:46:31 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Mini Iambic keyer PCB
Sender: [e-mail]
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Hi Gang,

        Lets see if anyone is interested if I made these little boards which
use the 8044AMB (actually if could be smaller if I had used the 8044AB
instead), and sold it for US$2.00 mail pre-drilled with a componenet layout
diagram? Jumper under the IC selects mode A/B.

        Also, is there somewhere where I can post the mask for this board
for those who are interested? I am using Protel software so I will probably
post it in their PCB and SCHEMATIC format. Maybe if there are enough people
who want it is .RTL (HP dump) format I can do that too.

73,
Daniel

p.s.    Working on a PCB for frequency counter based on the 1994 ARRL
        Handbook project on a 3"x1"
oard.

        Have done but not tested a MOSFET amplifier (12-13.8V supply) for
        20M, input 1-3 watts, output up to 35 watts. Size 1.6"x3.9"

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 06:45:23 1994
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    id AA00425; Thu, 23 Jun 94 06:44:24 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: Core Parameters
To: [e-mail]
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 06:44:24 -0400 (EDT)
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
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Ted--

>From: [e-mail] (Ted Albert)
>Date: Wed, 22 Jun 94 09:23:03 EDT
>Subject: Balanced Modulator Transformer Problems

> My 160 meter transmitter project is now at the balanced
> modulator stage. I built
> a two diode balance modulator, using a 12 turn, #26 gauge, trifilar wound
> transformer. Most of the circuits I looked at used an FT37-61 core
> for the lower
> bands. Not having one of those puppies in the junk box, I plucked out a core
> that was about the same size and used it to see if it would work. I really
> have no idea what type of material is in the core or anything else about it
> except its physical size.

... [describes problems]....

I'm not an expert on torroids, but...let me pass on a couple of observations
derived from experimenting with several types of HF baluns.

Frequency range of operation is determined by core material, number of
turns, spacing of turns, isolation of input leads from output leads and
turns-per-inch (tightness) of the trifiliar wire itself.

The setup was to build a 4:1 impedance transformer for HF...I used a noise
bridge to determine the frequency of operation by measuring how close
the output was to 50 ohms resistive, given a 200 ohm input resistor.

Core material determines frequency band of operation...one of your unknowns.

Tightness of trifiliar twist had a significant effect, especially, at
the 160 M end.

Number of turns and their spread, of course, is very important.

The characteristic signaling edge-of-range of operation, was the
noticable straying of output from 50 ohms resistive...i.e., reactive
component appeared and pure transformation ratio was lost.

Your application *requires* (IMHO) the same performance as a broadband
balun transformer.....

I strongly urge you to use a noise bridge to objectively plot the
performance of your torroidal transformer...if the winding fails to meet
required specs, it will never work.

Making a balun that works on 80-40-20-15-10 is easy, but one that works
on 160-80-40-20-15 is not so easy, because the 160 M part is harder
to achieve.

I hope my thoughts help end the frustration.
--
73/Steve/AB4EL  [e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 08:11:59 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 07:10:51 -0500 (CDT)
From: James Speer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
Cc: [e-mail]
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KC7Y wrote:

>Boy, you can sure tell the new kids on the block! I remember
>how nice the old Benton Harbor (sp) Lunch Boxs were. Course I
>was in school and couldn't afford one. And one of them was way
>up on 2 meters. Who in their right mind would play around that
>far up anyway?
>
>Local chatting and nets were all done at night on 10 meters.
>
>My first store bought rig was an ARC 5 that I had to convert to
>12vdc and build a power supply for......
>
>Ah, that's the lure of qrp. Still able to drift off into a semi
>dream world and play like I was a kid again. When I ran 2 watts
>INPUT on AM on 10meters, all the locals used to hear me working
>dx and say that the only reason I could do that was because I
>didn't know any better!
>
>(Gee, do you think that living up on the top of a hill had anything
>to do with that?)
>
>Gota run and earn my beans....
>
>73's  Ron
Don't mean to play the "I'm older and lived a more deprived childhood than you"
game, but I was married and had small kids when I first couldn't afford a
Benton Harbor Lunch Box :-)

My first transmitter was illegal as all &*^&. A ten-year-old friend and I made
spark gaps with Model T spark coils, pencil leads, and a piece of bell wire run
out the window for an antenna. Keys were made with tin cans, a wooden block,
and wood screws. Receivers tuned 550 to 1600 khz, and it didn't matter where
you set them! We had to limit operation to late-night hours; the FCC was no
problem, but parents wanting to listen to the radio sure were.

My first legal gear was also ARC5, and there were several years there when I
didn't know there WAS any band besides 40 meters. As you say, we had to build
the power supplies for that gear, and I was always proud of my economical
supply for the receiver filaments: Turns out a 60-watt light bulb in series
with those filaments is just the right dropping resistor, and you had a
combination receiver and table lamp. It even had a lamp shade. AC on amplifier
filaments is not your high-tech prescription for low-noise operation, but with
a few bypass caps, it worked pretty well.

72!
Jim
K5YUT


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 08:42:39 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA16276; Thu, 23 Jun 94 07:41:42 -0500
          via Charon-4.0A-VROOM with IPX id 100.940623074053.352;
          23 Jun 94 07:40:08 +0500
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: "Evert Halbach" <[e-mail]>
Organization:  Nicholls State University
To: [e-mail]
Date:          Thu, 23 Jun 1994 07:40:43 CST
Subject:       QRP Wattmeter
Priority: normal
X-Mailer:     PMail v3.0 (R1a)
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What do you guys use for QRP Wattmeters?????

I tried a Radio Shack SWR/Wattmeter and doesn't seem to be too
accurate.  I also tried E2/R and am getting tired using the pencil.

Do they make a 5-Watt HF element for the Bird Wattmeter???  I think
this would be the best route.

Without looking in the QRP books I have has anyone built one or know
where I can get info for one???

            Thanks es 73 de WA5OJI Evert



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

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 09:17:35 1994
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  (5.67a+/IDA-1.5); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:17:00 -0400
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:16:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: prvalko <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
To: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>
Cc: [e-mail], [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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        ***  P R O P O S A L   ***

With all the the talk about wired "wired radio" why don't we all just
agree to go to a specific channel on the IRC???

Call it QRP or CQ or whatever...

I personally would rarely get on it because our local club supports that
internet world-wide conversation bridge on our packet BBS... and after
you use it once or twice, it's really kinda boring.

73 =paul= wb8zjl


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 09:23:59 1994
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  (5.67a+/IDA-1.5); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:23:32 -0400
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:23:32 -0400 (EDT)
From: prvalko <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: CQ DE N6KR
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
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On Wed, 22 Jun 1994 [e-mail] wrote:

> In keeping with the spirit of QRP I think that only those running dumb
> terminals or 8 bit machines ... maybe even 1200 or 2400 baud modems should
> answer this call.
>
Good... then send me a QSL card :-)

PC       IBM PC/XT w/ 20MB drive
Software Crosstalk Mk. 4
Modem    Hayes Smartmodem 2400 w/ 2400 Baud dial up link.

73 =paul= wb8zjl


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 10:19:32 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA01806; Thu, 23 Jun 94 10:19:46 EDT
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 94 10:19:46 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Scott Sminkey - Sustaining Eng Group)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: Compact loop antenna
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
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Regarding the discussion on the size of the QST 40/30/20m compact loop,
I haven't had time yet to play around with mine to get it going on 30
and 20. (It does work on 40 ok.) I don't think that the size is critical,
given that the electrical length is adjusted using the variable capacitor.
I also ran the QST dimensions through the BASIC program from the Comm
Quarterly article and it should work ok with the dimensions as published
in QST. The most important aspect in the dimension of the main loop is
to keep it no larger than 1/3 wavelength on any band it is intended for.
If it gets larger than that, it will not work as a "magnetic" loop, but
instead as an "electrical" loop and then the entire design and implementation
is not valid. The QST design seems to have the loop between 1/8 and 1/4
wavelength for the stated bands.

This weekend, I am bringing my 40/30/20 loop to Field Day and I'll probably
spent the morning experimenting with it to try to get a good match on 30
and 20. I am optimistic that by adjusting the shape, placement, and maybe
even size of the coupling loop, I will get it working on 30. I am not so
optimistic about 20, though, because I suspect that the variable cap I am
using has too large a minimum/residual capacitance to get it to resonate
on 20. I'll report back early next week on how things went at Field Day.

By the way, I think that the importance of "ohmic losses" on these loops
may be a bit overstated. I have been using conventional soldering with
braid and large connections on the main loop. For the coupling loop, I've
soldered to spade/ring type lugs and screwed things together and it seems
to work ok.

Oh yeah, on Field Day, listen for W1TKZ (EMA section) on 21.060 +/- QRP with
a KH6CP QRP Three Bander powered by solar panels.

.00731415926535897932384590,
Scott WO1G
=============
Scott Sminkey                email: [e-mail]
Software Sustaining Engineering        voice: 508 952-4792
Xyplex, Inc.                fax: [phone]
295 Foster St.                (Opinions, comments, etc. are mine,
Littleton, MA 01460                    not Xyplex's...)

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 11:31:21 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA03156; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:30:39 -0400
    id AA09268; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:29:36 -0400
    id AA10761; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:29:35 -0400
From: Warren E. Lewis <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: It Works!! NORCAL40 building story
To: [e-mail]
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:29:34 -0400 (EDT)
Cc: [e-mail] (Joe White)
X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23]
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Well Folks...I've actually completed the NORCAL40 and it works!!
It took me about 2 weeks total time to complete. I worked on it a couple
of hours every other day. This was first project that I have ever
built (Unless you can count the Radio Shack spring loaded AM/SW receiver
kit). The first couple of hours were spent learning how to solder
properly. It is actually very funny to look at the really poor soldering
job that I did on the first 20 or so components. The most frustrating
part of building was counting and recounting the turns on the VFO toroid.
Counting 62 tiny wire turns is pretty tedious.

When I hit the power switch the first time I was waiting for smoke and
flames...but, alas nothing...not even a warm component. I had the
multi-meter in series with the power supply and I was only getting .1 ma,
not the required 15 ma. I got the magnifying glass out to see if I had any
solder bridges or splashes. Everything looked good. Humm...maybe I should
re-heat all the joints and see if maybe I had a cold solder joint. Before I
did that I started tracing the voltages in the circuit. And sure enough I
found the culprit a bad joint right after the voltage regulator. Re-soldered
that joint and hit the power thinking to myself, "Now here comes the smoke!!"
But again, no smoke. I put the headphones on and to my surprise I hear that
old familiar atmospheric static. The rest of the receiver and transmitter
alignment was a walk in the park.

I attribute my success to the great instructions, great board layout, and
to the fact that I was very meticulous and took extra time making sure
each component was in its proper place and orientation before I soldered
it on. Also only working on it a couple hours at a time kept me from getting
fatigued and making any silly mistakes.

It sure is a thrill to see something that you put together work properly.
Now I need to get an antenna up that will tune up on 40 meters with my
antenna tuner, so I can do what I really want to do...make that first
contact with a rig that I have built!!!

Thanks NORCAL QRP Club(especially Wayne and Doug) and everybody on the QRP
list for your words of wisdom and encouragement!!

                  - Warren


Now I want to build one of Jeff Herman's QRP projects...finding some of the
replacement parts should be interesting. Has anybody tried building the 80 Meter
transmitter with VFO?

--
Warren E. Lewis                                 [e-mail]
Technical Support Division                    [phone] x6542
SAS Institute Inc.                                         PP-ASEL
Cary, NC                                      KD4YRN      DOD#0021

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 12:07:43 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <[e-mail]>); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:07:11 -0700
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 09:09:03 -0700
To: [e-mail]
From: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Subject: Re: CQ DE N6KR
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

On a slightly different tack it should be possible to work "DXCC" with
email these days and it shouldn't be trivial.

Any takers?

Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding cats"
[phone]



From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 12:12:30 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
          Thu, 23 Jun 1994 10:11:43 CDT
          94 11:11:51 CDT
From: "Kevin Anderson" <[e-mail]>
Organization:  Augustana College - Rock Island IL
To: [e-mail]
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:11:36 CST
Subject: Re: talk/ytalk (was wired radio)
Priority: normal
X-Mailer:     PMail v3.0 (R1a)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

>         ***  P R O P O S A L   ***
>
> With all the the talk about wired "wired radio" why don't we all just
> agree to go to a specific channel on the IRC???
>
> Call it QRP or CQ or whatever...
>
> I personally would rarely get on it because our local club supports that
> internet world-wide conversation bridge on our packet BBS... and after
> you use it once or twice, it's really kinda boring.
>
> 73 =paul= wb8zjl

For those of us on Unix boxes, we could always try using
talk or ytalk (some sites, such as mine, have added ytalk, a
more-than-two version of talk).  Finger the person first
to see if they are logged in, then try talk their-address.
I'm not always logged in my unix computer, but if I am, I'm
[e-mail] for any who care.  To use ytalk,
just ytalk address address address....

IRC I understand is a bandwidth waster of inet.  Some of my
students have used it, but I haven't yet, and we basically
discourage it for users of our unix box.

73 de kevin, kb9iua

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 14:33:04 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.65c/IDA-1.4.4 for <[e-mail]>); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:32:02 -0700
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 11:33:54 -0700
To: James Speer <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (Kevin Purcell)
Subject: Re: CQ DE N6KR
Cc: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

This is not a problem, for example if everyone used PGP, authentication
would be simple.

For those of you interested in odities like zero-knowledge proofs,
authentication and mental poker should get a copy of "Applied
Cryptography": this is to cryptographic technique as "Solid State Design"
is to QRP. Also see the latest copy of Byte for a good descrition of PGP.

ObQRP!

For those of you that don't read the "back pages" of QST get your June copy
and read the satelite column. It contains a page long essay describing what
Zack Lau does on his vacations to Hawaii -- he works via AO-13 (a HEO sat)
satelitte with QRP uplink! 7 watts CW at 70cm and listening to the mode S
downlink with his homebuilt microwave gear. A good read for those of you
who think were running out of things to do!

>>On a slightly different tack it should be possible to work "DXCC" with
>>email these days and it shouldn't be trivial.
>>
>>Any takers?
>>
>>Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
>>[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding cats"
>>[phone]
>
>And the equivalent of QSL cards? The possibilities for faking electronic logs
>boggle the mind!
>
>Enjoy!
>
>Jim
>K5YUT

Kevin Purcell, N7WIM / G8UDP
[e-mail]           "Organising programmers is like herding cats"
[phone]



From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 14:35:03 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 02:34:19 +0800
    id aa05329; Thu, 23 Jun 94 18:13:24 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qH0WJ-000Q73C; Fri, 24 Jun 94 01:57
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qGsv9-000GuwC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 01:50 SST
           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 01:51:05 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 01:51:05 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   OHR QRP SWR/Watt meter
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi gang,

        Can anyone tell me anything about this OHR QRP SWR/Wattmeter. I've
heard many praises for it but haven't heard why? Is this simply a reflecto
meter or a direct reading SWR meter? Cross needle type? What special
features make it good? Better than the little ones from MFJ?

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 14:35:03 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 02:34:12 +0800
    id aa05259; Thu, 23 Jun 94 17:48:24 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qH07s-000Q7CC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 01:32
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qGsqJ-000GuwC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 01:45 SST
           Thu, 23 Jun 1994 23:56:36 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Thu, 23 Jun 1994 23:56:35 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Keyer PCB format
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi Gang,

        Sorry, I can't put the PCB out in postscript format.

        In any case, while you are deciding on which format, I have decided
to do a run of about 6 boards and to get some of the "size sensitive"
components, such as a mini present that will go into the holes for the
board. The speed adjustment is off the board. The iambic board has a 78L05
on it and so runs off about 7-15 volts. How does that sound. If I am going
to include the mini preset, I may have to add some 30 cents to the overall
cost, bringing the board and preset, and maybe some caps to about US$2.30,
mailed in an air-mail envelope. Though I am wondering if it might be a bit
troublesome to send the coins. Hope this isn't too expensive.

        How does that sound to you people? 6 boards should be ready soon and
I will try to print out a decent component overlay. I have had a number of
requests but you have to make it formal so I will count the requests, on a
first come first served basis from this posting on.

        Note, this is a transistored keying, NOT suitable for valved rigs,
unless a relay is added. I can still make the layout available if I can find
a suitable ftp site to place it on, also the format thing has to be settled
first.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 15:14:10 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #6) id m0qGu9L-0002f1C; Thu, 23 Jun 94 14:09 CDT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #8) id m0qGu9K-000pdAC; Thu, 23 Jun 94 14:09 CDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 94 13:26:34 CDT
From: Brad=Staff%PC=SW%PCPD=[e-mail]
Subject: recommendations sought
To: [e-mail]
Cc:
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

I am looking for recommendations on transceivers, keyers, and keys.  I would
like to keep the station small, rugged, and light enough so I can take it
along on hikes, but most operation will be from home.

Also, what are the "best" daytime and nighttime bands for QRP operation in
these low-sunspot days?

72,

Brad
[e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 17:01:17 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 05:00:24 +0800
    id aa06160; Thu, 23 Jun 94 20:22:19 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qH2BW-000Q72C; Fri, 24 Jun 94 03:44
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qGuYL-000Gv7C; Fri, 24 Jun 94 03:35 SST
           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 03:35:24 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 03:35:24 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Mini Iambic PCB
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi Gang,

        Okay, I've done it, not the PCBs but the postscript output for the
scale 1.000 mask and the scale 2.000 overlay and component list. I decided
this was more in keeping with the homebrew spirit. Not to mention the fact
that mass producing these PCB's aren't exactly a fun thing to do alone.

        However, for the sake of those who do not know how to make PCB's or
do not have the facilities to do so, I will still consider making the PCB
for you if you are interested. Please e-mail me formally requesting the PCB
in that case and I will know you want it. Include mailing address too. I
think the cost will be about US$2.00 for the PCB alone.

        In the event that the mini-preset on the board, for the weight
adjustment, is not available, you can either wire it with a fixed resistor
to your favorite weighting (which you seldom adjust anyway) or I could
obtain the part for you guys.

        Now, if someone can kindly offer an ftp site for me to upload the
.ps files, I will do so ASAP. How does this sound to you guys? The 2 files
are sitting in my directory, waiting for somewhere to go.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 17:43:37 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67b/IDA-1.5 for [e-mail]); Thu, 23 Jun 1994 16:42:05 -0500
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 16:42:05 -0500 (CDT)
From: william r finch <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: wired radio
To: prvalko <[e-mail]>
Cc: "DONALD A. COLEMAN (EXT. 2850)" <[e-mail]>,
        [e-mail], [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Sender: [e-mail]
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If anybody wants to try this, telnet to 44.102.48.2 3600 and log in. My
daughter (a ham) uses this to chat with some of her friends around the
country.


On Thu, 23 Jun 1994,
prvalko wrote:

>
>         ***  P R O P O S A L   ***
>
> With all the the talk about wired "wired radio" why don't we all just
> agree to go to a specific channel on the IRC???
>
> Call it QRP or CQ or whatever...
>
> I personally would rarely get on it because our local club supports that
> internet world-wide conversation bridge on our packet BBS... and after
> you use it once or twice, it's really kinda boring.
>
> 73 =paul= wb8zjl
>
>

Bill Finch                          ~ | ~
KF9KI                              ~~ | ~~
Champaign, Il                       ~ | ~
[e-mail]                 /|\


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 17:56:47 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA08354; Thu, 23 Jun 94 14:51:08 -0700
    id AA06242; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 17:51:01 -0400
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 17:51:01 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Mark Swartwout, NX1K)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: List of QRP Field Day Operations
Reply-To: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Here's what I have as of 2100 UT on Thursday 23 June.  Sorry if
anything got munged in transcription.

I'll send an update late Friday if I get any new or changes.

Club/Group/Individual   Call Used  Location           QRP List Participants
==================      =========  ============       ============
QRP New England         W1FMR      Princeton MA       Mark/NX1K Jim/W1FMR
                                   Wind Farm          Bruce/WT1M

WB8YGG/N2JGU            WB8YGG/2   Dansville NY       Brad/WB8YGG Gary/N2JGU

W7EL and Friends        W7EL       Mountain Lakes OR  Roy/W7EL

W1HUE                   W1HUE/7    Idaho Falls, ID    Larry/W1HUE

KB8NKX                  KB8NKX     Ocean Isle NC      Michael/KB8NKX

Ski Country ARC         KI0G       Glenwood Spgs.,CO  KI0G,K9MWM,K0RPX,et al

Durham Region QRP Club  VE3QDR     Tyrone, Ontario    Brien/VE3VAW

Individual (1B)         WA3NNA     from the beach     Pete/WA3NNA
                                   near 23rd St.
                                   Ocean City NJ

Individual              W1VOQ      back yard in       Don/W1VOQ
                                   Bridgeport, Ct

Society for the         wb8ruq                        Ron/WB8RUQ, N8HSC
Preservation of
Low Energy,
Electromagnetically-based
Exchanges of Small Bits
of Information during
Limited Time Periods

W/K ARC                 N9AW            Milwaukee, WI.  Brian/AE9K, N9AW,
                                                        WA9TZE, NK9G, N9JAK

Individual              KV2X            ??              Thomas/KV2X

Tennessee Technological WA4UCE          Cookeville TN   Jeff/AC4HF
University

Colorado QRP Club       N0BF            Golden Gate      Paul/KB0LUR
                    State Park,
                    20-30 miles
                    West of Denver


From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 19:28:21 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id TAA11834; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 19:27:10 -0400
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 19:27:10 -0400
From: [e-mail] (WYNN C C)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: ark 4 Fix
Apparently-To: [e-mail]
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

~r dick.txt

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 19:42:24 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id TAA12660; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 19:42:05 -0400
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 19:41:59 -0400 (EDT)
From: WYNN C C <[e-mail]>
Subject: ARK 4 FIX
To: [e-mail]
Cc: WYNN C C <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Mime-Version: 1.0
Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Notice to all ARK 4 Airmen  (air persons??)

S&S Engineering has released an engineering bulletin and retrofit kit on
the ARK 4.

After I reported here and to Dick about the sidetone tail I was hearing
immediately after key up, he recognized it as residual RF from the transmit
side still running after the keyed voltage had released the receiver mute.
This was particularly noticable during assembly when pad A1 is shorted to
A2 (ie. the audio filter is not switched in) and with the volume up.
Apparently this was caused by a timing problem between the keyed 12 volts
(12K) and the relay switched 12 volts (12SW).

Two weeks ago, I didn't think much about it when Dick said "we'll have to
fix that".  Today a retrofit arrived in the mail.  Following the enclosed
instructions, it only took about 15 minutes to complete the fix.  The
sidetone tail went away.  You can't beat that for service after the sale.

73
C. C. (Clay) Wynn N4AOX
[e-mail]




From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 22:45:29 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id WAA21620; Thu, 23 Jun 1994 22:45:13 -0400 (from nshore!seastar!jjw for [e-mail])
    id m0qH0NB-0002ieC; Thu, 23 Jun 94 21:48 EDT
    id m0qH0Ov-0004ozC; Thu, 23 Jun 94 20:49 CDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (John Welch)
Subject: Interesting short all-band antenna
To: [e-mail] (qrp mailing list)
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 20:49:52 -0500 (CDT)
Organization: Welch Research Laboratories
X-Location: McHenry, ILLinois  60050-1461
Operating-System: Linux 1.09 (Posix/386)
Lines: 13
X-Mailer: ELM [version 2.4 PL23]
Content-Type: text
Content-Length: 669
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

   As a lark, Vikki & I decided to see just what we could do with an
all-band (HF through UHF) short verticle antenna.  This is not exactly
a QRP story, so don't yell...
  We contacted from Chicago IL to central PA on 20M's Maritime Mobile
net, with an S-4 report.  Untill chased off by t-storms, she was on
40M's 3905 Century Club, talking with Alabama and Ohio, getting 3x3
reports.  She ran 70 watts peak SSB, into an 8 inch clip lead draped
from the hot end of a Cantenna resistor at 15 feet.
  That's 70 watts into a dummy load, working several hundred miles.
So, let's hear again how good the Isoloops must be to work 230
countries, eh? ;-)
--
John Welch, N9JZW

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 23:29:36 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 11:29:05 +0800
    id aa08635; Fri, 24 Jun 94 2:48:48 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qH7nl-000Q79C; Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:44
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qH0X4-000GvCC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:58 SST
           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 09:58:16 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 09:58:15 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   RE: Ark 4 fix
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Just thought I'd add my $0.02 about  S & S. When I was building my ARK 20, I
over tightened the standoff and broke it. I also destroyed the rear panel
screw threading. That really made me sad as the rig was simply beautiful.
I gave Dick Szakonyi a call and guess what, he sent me all those parts,
air-mailed to Singapore, for no charge at all. Now THAT has to be the best
after sales service I've yet seen from any kit supplier.

The I wanted to modify my crystal filter for narrower bandwidth. An e-mail
to Dick at [e-mail] soon got a reply for new capacitor values which
worked fine. Dick AND Kathleen know their product well and are really nice
people.

I remember when I called Ramsey, long distance (US$15.00 for 3 minutes
block), and the woman who answered the phone was rude and impatient,
uncooperative, actually put me on hold at the above rates!!! She did know
the product though.

If I wanted to get something and S & S had it, I'd get it from them, even if
it was a little more expensive. I havent seen as good quality boards,
manuals, component, design and service from anywhere else. Yep, that's
right, and nope, I am not affliated to them in anyway other than being a
very impressed customer.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Thu Jun 23 23:29:36 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 11:29:09 +0800
    id aa08662; Fri, 24 Jun 94 2:48:57 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qH8Ml-000Q73C; Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:20
    (Linux Smail3.1.28.1 #4) id m0qH0wt-000GvEC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:24 SST
           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:25:05 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:25:04 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Mini Iambic PCB
Sender: [e-mail]
Precedence: bulk

Hi Gang,

        For those interested, here's the component list for the keyer.

        U1              78L05
        U2              Curtis 8044ABM
        D1,D2           IN4148
        D3,D4           IN4007

        R1              56k, 5% 1/4 watt carbon film
        VR2             Mini preset 470k or 500k
        R3              220
        R4,R7           1M
        R5              10M
        R6,R10          470
        R8              47k
        R9              4.7k
        R11             91k
        VR12            500k potentiometer

        C1,C5           0.22, mini profile multilayer
        C2              not used
        C3              0.1
        C4,C6,C8        0.01
        C7              0.15

        All of this goes onto a 1" x 1.5" board with space for 3 mounting
holes. Should I pre-drill the mounting holes or should I leave it up to you
to drill which holes suit you guys most? Suggestions? There are 2 jumpers
positions on board to select Mode A or Mode B keying but you install only
ONE jumper. Other than that, all on board connections are routed without
jumpers. Its pretty dense but not crammed. Off board connections are:-

        +Vcc            7-18V power supply, on board regulated 5V
        Manual Key      optional but for those who want both, like me.
        Dot paddle
        Dash paddle
        VR12 Speed      high side
        VR12 Speed      low side
        Gnd

        The profile of this board is limited by the vertically mounted 1/4
watt resistors. Hope this gives you a pretty good idea of what you're in
for. I can't say the board quality is the best as I am doing this myself. I
am using a computer to lay out the board so you won't see ugly tracks, and
photo-exposure to get the mask on. This results in very good definition
tracks. However, I cannot tin the tracks or solder mask it. Instead I leave
the photo resist on, which looks like green enamel and protects the board,
and you can solder through the resist or if you like, remove it with alcohol
or some mild solvent. I thought this is a good alternative to solder
masking. Soldering through the resist is easy, no effort at all. The only
thing may be my cutting of the board. The board is fibre-glass material and
VERY difficult to cut, I will file the sides of the board for a smooth finish
and I hope it will look good enough for most of you. Ok, that's it.

        FYI I am in Singapore, that's half-way round the world from most of
you. So I'd like to keep the partial kit as partial as possible. This will
easy my mailing them out. As such I will probably supply only components
which you can't get or are too expensive to get there.

        For those who have inquired, my address is:-

        Daniel Wee
        7 Mount Sophia Road
        Singapore 0922
        _SINGAPORE_

        BUT do not send anything yet, I will announce when I am ready to
send, then you can send the money, and please, no checks. $US checks are a
nightmare to handle around here.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 04:06:09 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA09663; Thu, 23 Jun 94 22:05:46 HST
Date: Thu, 23 Jun 1994 22:05:46 -1000 (HST)
From: Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Subject: variable inductors
To: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <Pine.3.89.9406232115.A9642-0100000@kahuna>
Mime-Version: 1.0
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Gang: Here's a cute idea for the experimenters among us. As variable
caps become more difficult to obtain some might want to consider
varying L rather than C to change F. Wind your inductor on a plastic
straw and find a iron nail that will snugly slide in and out of the
straw. I'll leave the rest to your imagination...

.73,
Jeff NH6IL


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 08:32:26 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: [e-mail] (James M Fitton [phone])
Date: 24 Jun 94 12:30:00 GMT
Original-From: mvubr!mvjf (James M Fitton [phone])
To: [e-mail]
Subject: 72   FD
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Dont forget to listen for each other immediately after FD
on the QRP frequencies....
  (Maybe we should do that during the last whole hour of FD ?)

K1LGQ put the QRP-NE newsletter "72" in the mail yesterday, 23 pages.
   Dennis did an excellent job, but we could sure use more authors
   and articles, esp. technical.....

The 40 meter crystals arrived that were ordered for the second batch
of 40-40 kits. Jack, NG1G will stay home from FD to get them in the
mail....

Looking forward to FD !!!!

Also there are excellent authors on the Inet.    Thank you all !!!


  73/72   Jim Fitton, W1FMR   QRP-NE   [e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 09:06:28 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA21346; Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:07:24 EDT
    id AA29158; Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:06:11 EDT
    id AA04266; Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:06:08 EDT
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 09:06:08 EDT
From: [e-mail] (Ted Albert)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Balanced Modulator Woes Resolved
Sender: [e-mail]
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I managed to get my balanced modulator circuit to work at 160 meters last
night. I switched the unknown core for a T37-2 and used 15 turns of
#30 trifilar wound. Now it works great for 160-10 meters. I used the
wire sold by Radio Shack for wire wrapping to make the transformer. I had
spools of the stuff in 3 different colors, which made the job of identifying
leads much easier.

Tonight I will be adding the final amp and low pass filter. Already have
the local crowd primed and waiting to give me on the air checks once the
solder cools.

I like this hobby....


73 de Ted, KF8EE


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 10:15:13 1994
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    with WordPerfect_Office; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:14:37 -0400
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Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:10:46 -0400
From: [e-mail]
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Subject:  FD QRP
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We'll be on the air for FD as:

West Branch ARA    W3AVK  Williamsport, PA

72 and Thanks,
John N3PFF


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 10:23:59 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
   Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:23:35 EDT
          id 3849; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:23:35 EDT
   with TCP; Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:23:34 EDT
      id AA2288; Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:23:14 -0400
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:15:34 EST
From: "Robert E. Easton"                          <[e-mail]>
Reply-To: "Robert E. Easton"                            <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: OHR QRP SWR/Watt meter
X-External-Networks: yes
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The OHR meter is a directional wattmeter with 3 scales measuring 1-10W,
0-1W, and 0-100mw.  I don't have the reference handy, but it is almost
identical to one featured in a QST article several years ago, and reprinted
in one of W1FB's QRP books.  It is a classic Breune circuit.  No, it is not
a direct reading SWR meter, nor is it a twin needle affair.  There's a
FWD/REV switch, and you can easily plug the readings into the standard SWR
formula (mine's programmed into a HP calculator.)  Calibration is via an
accurate digital voltmeter estting pots for each scale; simple.

The "many praises" are probably about OHR's first rate kits.  The PC boards
are double-sided, plated thru, parts screened, and solder masked.  The
cabinets are weel built and nicely screened, but a little "too roomy" for
some folks.

73 --  Bob, N2IPY


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 10:27:47 1994
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  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 22:27:08 +0800
    id aa11837; Fri, 24 Jun 94 13:46:15 GMT
    (Smail3.1.28.1 #52) id m0qHHvr-000Q6zC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 20:33
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           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 18:42:42 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 18:42:41 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Gary Breed 20M rx
Sender: [e-mail]
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Hi Gang,

        One of my 6 projects underway is the Gary Breed rx in the ARRL
handbook. My problem is finding the VFO and frontend filter coils. Does
anyone know where I might find these inductors or if there are any
alternative solutions? BTW I can get the MC3362 for about US$1.55 each.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 10:41:10 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 8:39:48 -0600 (MDT)
From: [e-mail]
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
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Subject: Field Day -- QRP
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The Eagle Rock Amateur Radio Club will operate QRP on Field Day from
Pine Creek Pass (6500 ft. MSL) east of Idaho Falls, Idaho.  The call will
(probably) be WC7F.  (If not, then WT7B.)

diddleydahdidah (c) 1977 WB8RXN, Reproduced with Permission

73 de KR8L/7, M-98, NWQ-127, NorCal-454, AMSAT-8735

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 11:00:51 1994
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  (5.67a/IDA-1.5 for think.com!qrp); Fri, 24 Jun 1994 23:00:00 +0800
    id aa12617; Fri, 24 Jun 94 14:35:10 GMT
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           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 22:21:31 +0800
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date:      Fri, 24 Jun 1994 22:21:30 +0800
From: "W. Daniel" <pandora![e-mail]>
Reply-To: "W. Daniel" <[e-mail]>
To: pandora![e-mail]
Subject:   Notification of Error in Handbook
Sender: [e-mail]
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Hi Gang,

        I thought it would be helpful if I pointed out some of the track
errors in the Gary Breed mask provided in the ARRL Handbook. So far I have
only checked the RX board and there are a number of errors. There are errors
on the TX board mask too but I haven't determined where exactly.

        In the 1994 edition, most of the errors on the RX board had been
corrected except for pin 11 of the LM243 (U2) which should be grounded, the
ground track was mis-routed to pin 12 instead. You should change the track
which runs between the IC from ground to 11 instead of 12.

        In the 1993 edition, there were evev more errors. A track going from
the 4.7 uF electrolytic was misrouted to pin 6 instead of pin 7. Likewise
for U4, the LM386, the track leading to pin 7 was mis-routed to pin 6
instead. As a result pin 7 on both U3 and U4.

        The capacitor at pin 1 of U2 should be 0.1 uF which is correct in
the 1994 edition but in the 1993 edition is stated as 0.01 uF. The
capacitors, the two 300 pF at pins 3 and 4 of the MC3362 (U1) should be
changed to silver mica 220 pF instead.

        Hope this helps some of you who have given up. Now is the time to
revive that project.

73,
Daniel
--
+-------------+-------------------------------------+
| Daniel Wee  | [e-mail]             | ** Man needs more
| UUCP1.12b   | [e-mail] |  than a new start, he
| SNEWS 1.91  | csah.com!pandora!daniel             |  needs a new heart! **
+-------------+-------------------------------------+

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 11:25:47 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Date: 24 Jun 1994 11:19:41 U
From: "Bob Scott" <[e-mail]>
Subject: Contest QSLs
To: "QRP" <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
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                      Contest QSLs
Is it considered bad taste to QSL contest contacts?  Has QSLing
gone out of style.  During the last big QRP contest, I only made
around 20 contacts.  I dutifully QSL'd them all and received only
4-5 back.  I was kind of surprised at the low return rate,
especially from the two folks I worked that were in the states
of Washington and Oregon; which I was quite proud of due to the
power levels and the awful band conditions.  Anyone, could
someone explain the current rules/guidelines/practices?
Thanks.  Bob AC4QO



From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 12:35:41 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    by harbor.ecn.purdue.edu (8.6.8/3.5davy)
    id LAA09387; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 11:35:16 -0500
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
From: Duane P Mantick <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Contest QSLs
To: [e-mail] (Bob Scott)
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 11:35:16 -0500 (EST)
Cc: [e-mail]
In-Reply-To: <[e-mail]> from "Bob Scott" at Jun 24, 94 11:19:41 am
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>
>                       Contest QSLs
> Is it considered bad taste to QSL contest contacts?  Has QSLing

    Not in *my* book, although I usually limit this to sending:

a) responses to cards I get

b) QSL's for DX stations or a station from someplace I need a QSL
    for for some reason.

> gone out of style.  During the last big QRP contest, I only made

    Only with people who aren't REAL hams....   :-)

> around 20 contacts.  I dutifully QSL'd them all and received only
> 4-5 back.  I was kind of surprised at the low return rate,

    Make sure you have gotten all the info. on them that another
station might need or want.  The biggest thing I've heard gripes about
are hams that don't put the contact time in UTC.  MAKE CERTAIN YOUR QSL
SPECIFIES THE TIME IN UTC!!!!!

    Some hams these days aren't interested in QSLing if you don't
send them an SASE.  Personally, I don't do this unless there is a
specific reason or if I need a card bad enough.

    DX folks often get inundated with QSLs, and unless they have access
to cash nearly equal to their entire nations Gross National Product,
can't pay for the postage to answer them all.  The IRC (International
Reply Coupon), available from the Post Office, is helpful to them.
They can generally redeem each IRC for 1 unit of air mail postage.
I believe the front of the International Call Book has a chart that
tells you approximately how many IRC's to send for a given country.

(it should be noted that in spite of how much we whine and bitch here
in the US about postal rates, we have one of the cheapest postal services
in the world....)

    The inclusion of a self addressed envelope to the DX station
can also be helpful.

> especially from the two folks I worked that were in the states
> of Washington and Oregon; which I was quite proud of due to the
> power levels and the awful band conditions.  Anyone, could

    Yeah, I know the feeling.

> someone explain the current rules/guidelines/practices?

    The above is what works for me.  I'd say I am batting between
60 and 80 percent for US/Canada QSL's and about 90 percent for DX cards
and NONE of that went through a bureau (I am NOT an ARRL member;
most of my snail-mail to any bureau asking about their service goes
utterly unanswered).  I have also had good luck in cases where a DX
station has a US representative who isn't neccessarily a bureau but
just has agreed to handle cards for that DX station.

    But I gotta say it - keep in mind that there are a lot of
US hams these days who don't bother to QSL because they don't care,
and if you send them one it probably will go in the s***can because
they haven't even bothered to have a card printed (in spite of the fact
that now with computers being so commonplace, you can make them
SOOOOO cheaply....).  These alleged hams :-) don't strike me as REAL hams
at all.

Duane
wb9omc


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 14:41:41 1994
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    (Smail3.1.28.1 #1) id m0qHGB7-0003HhC; Fri, 24 Jun 94 11:40 PDT
        id AA05494; Fri, 24 Jun 94 10:46:36 PDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:45:04 pdt
From: [e-mail]
Organization:  Rodgers Instrument Corp.
To: Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Date:          Fri, 24 Jun 1994 10:35:37 PDT
Subject:       Re: variable inductors
Cc: [e-mail]
Priority: normal
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Jeffrey Herman proposed:

| Gang: Here's a cute idea for the experimenters among us. As variable
| caps become more difficult to obtain some might want to consider
| varying L rather than C to change F. Wind your inductor on a plastic
| straw and find a iron nail that will snugly slide in and out of the
| straw. I'll leave the rest to your imagination...

I have been playing with similar ideas (but for short antennas not a VFO
yet).  In fact, I use a "slug tuned" inductor on a portable helically
wound tapered pitch 40 meter vertical.... A version was published in 73
magazine and a discription was posted to the QRP mailing list about a
year and a half ago.

My modifications included  winding the vertical with a tapered pitch...
close winding at the top with 1 turn per 10 inches at the base around a
piece of 1 inch PVC.  I made a capacitive hat from a hose clamp and two
pieces of welding rod bent in a Z fassion in the middle so the hose clamp
would hold them.  Of course, the Q of the antenna was pretty high, so I
couldn't work accross the whole band without an antenna tuner.  So, (now
the variable inductor part) I tuned the antenna by taking another piece of
PVC that would slide over the outside of the antenna and wound about 12
turns (doesn't matter very much how many) of wire around it and shorted
the ends.  I tied a string to it and looped the string through a PVC T I
put on the top (I could have used a plastic ring attached to the hose
clamp or something). Now I just raise and lower the shorted turns like a
flag.  The more it encloses the close pitch winding at the top, the lower
the inductance and the resonate frequency of the antenna rises.

I have thought about variations of this like:

  Winding a dipole and having two sets of shorted turns that ran out
  towards the ends and hooked them up like a curtain rod.

  Once I used a piece of copper tubing inside the PVC element.  It worked
  too but didn't change the frequency as much as the multiple turns.

  Maybe winding the bottom half of the antenna with coax and using the
  shield of the coax as the conductor (instead of the wire that was used
  in the original rendering.  This would reduce the copper losses of the
  antenna and help to improve its effeciency.

  Motorize the movement of the shorted turns.

Other variable inductor might be a shorted "swinging loop". Or shorting
one side of a goniometer (Is that the right name/spelling?  It was a coil
wound in the shape of a sphere with another coil inside it wound in the
same manner i.e. the ends of the coil had a smaller diameter than the
center of the coil. The inside coil was able to rotate on its axis to
make the two coils planar or perpindicular, thus adjusting the amount of
coupling between them.  Sorry, I just can't draw that in ASCII, ask
Daniel to.)

The advantage of the above variable inductors is that they do not have a
feromagnetic core which might saturate with high power levels.  Of course,
there will probably be some IIR losses due to the shorted turns, but it
seems to me that most tuneable mobile whips short the unused turns on the
inductor.  I think it is a better solution than using a mechanical
connection to short the coil (like a roller inductor) because I just don't
trust mechanical connections over time.

OK, you RF engineers out there, what are the bad side affects of this?



Lowell Brunson [phone]
Rosenet: [e-mail]
Internet:  [e-mail] (preferred)
           [e-mail]
Packet Radio: [e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 15:26:27 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA22116; Fri, 24 Jun 94 12:13:37 PDT
    id AA772485743 Fri, 24 Jun 94 12:22:23 PST
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 12:22:23 PST
From: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail], Jeffrey Herman <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: variable inductors
Sender: [e-mail]
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Hi Jeff,

>Gang: Here's a cute idea for the experimenters among us. As variable
>caps become more difficult to obtain some might want to consider
>varying L rather than C to change F...

Funny you should mention variable inductors; I measured a
permeability tuning unit last night that I found in a box of
miscellaneous solid-state junk. The unit has three cores that
move in and out of their coils, with a smooth worm drive (about 6
turns) to run them back and forth.

The inductances look reasonable - the coils all measured the
same, .1 to ,15 uH. I used the time-honoured way of shunting them
with a known value capacitor and measuring the resonant
frequency. If anybody wants to work it out, the resonant
frequencies were 11.8 and 14.2 MHz, with a 1200 pF silver mica
capacitor. The cores look like ferrite and the resonance was
quite sharp, suggesting useful Q. I think the thing was part of
an FM tuner...

73 from Burnaby,
laura VE7LDH who actually used a slide rule for the
aforementioned LC resonance calculations

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 15:34:51 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    (1.38.193.5/16.2) id AA00651; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:34:33 -0400
From: [e-mail]
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Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 15:34:32 EDT
Subject: Field Day
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St. Louis QRP Society will operate 1A or 2A battery with the call N0ZZ.  Net
members (I know of) that will be there are Jim N0OCT, Jeff N0MII, Matt N0XEU
and Dave NF0R among others.  Look for us 80-40-20 and 30 just for fun!!

72 and GL!!  Jim N0OCT and SLQS


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 15:44:38 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA21299; Fri, 24 Jun 94 15:43:55 EDT
From: [e-mail]
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
Subject: knobs
To: [e-mail]
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:43:54 -0400 (EDT)
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I was in one of the local (smaller) hardware stores today, and noticed
a box of "appliance knobs"...a nice assortment of what otherwise
would be homebrewer knobs, each with a nice brass fitting and screw.

73/Steve/AB4EL   [e-mail]

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 15:51:08 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA21434; Fri, 24 Jun 94 12:49:58 PDT
    id AA00344; Fri, 24 Jun 94 15:49:56 EDT
    id AA20493; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:49:55 +0500
    id AA06667; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:46:22 +0500
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:46:22 +0500
From: [e-mail] (Frank Milos - Sun USOPS CSU Manufacturing Engineering)
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Subject: 40 Meters & the Cloud Warmer
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Well, little league, cub scouts and boy scouts have wound down for the year.
Vacation is looming in front of me and I thought I would check out the
OHR HP-QRP xcvr for 40M. I built it a while ago but never had a chance to
get it on the air.

Tuesday night, 9:30PM...Wiped off the 12v, 6Ah battery and hooked it up to
the rig. Dusted off the Vibroplex bug, attached the 80 M horizontal loop and
fired it up on the low end of 40 M... band must be dead by now. Got to remember
to listen on the low side of the zero beat for a DC rcvr. Well, I won't work
anything, I got the cloud warmer antenna. Wait, OM3THR is calling CQ.
Gave him a call. Got him on the 2nd try.

Wednesday night, 9:40PM...what's cooking on 40. X5EBL calling CQ and no one
going back to him. Toss out my call. Got him, first try. Better quit while
I'm ahead.

Thursday night, 9:45 PM...hmmm, seems like this guy is getting a run on
contacts. US9QA...four tries, got him.

Measured the power and found out the rig was putting out 1.3W. Great feeling
to make contacts using QRP and knowing you were up against QRO stations.
Now to got to send out the QSL card and get these QSO's confirmed.

Frank - NO1E


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 16:01:23 1994
Return-Path: <[e-mail]>
    id AA19444; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 16:00:53 -0400
    id AA02758; Fri, 24 Jun 94 16:02:30 EDT
    id AA25621; Fri, 24 Jun 94 16:02:28 EDT
Message-Id: <[e-mail]>
To: [e-mail]
Cc: [e-mail]
Subject: Re: variable inductors
In-Reply-To: Your message of "Fri, 24 Jun 94 12:22:23 PST."
             <[e-mail]>
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 16:02:28 -0400
From: "John F. Woods" <[e-mail]>
Sender: [e-mail]
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> laura VE7LDH who actually used a slide rule for the
> aforementioned LC resonance calculations

Now *that*'s a QRP computer.

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 16:18:52 1994
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From: "Evert Halbach" <[e-mail]>
Organization:  Nicholls State University
To: [e-mail]
Date:          Fri, 24 Jun 1994 15:16:48 CST
Subject:       Kenwood TS-930S
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Can anyone tell me the lowest power I can run out of a 930s???  A
friend of mine has a 940 and tells me that the lowest he can go is
about 10-12 watts.  I would like to run the 930 on QRP and be able to
use the added features....

                73 de WA5OJI Evert



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

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 17:28:13 1994
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    id AA00415; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 14:23:56 +0800
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 14:23:56 +0800
From: [e-mail] (Ray Anderson)
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Subject: Re: variable inductors
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>> laura VE7LDH who actually used a slide rule for the
>> aforementioned LC resonance calculations

>Now *that*'s a QRP computer.

But is it connected to internet??


Ray WB6TPU
[e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 18:09:33 1994
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From: [e-mail] (Mike Czuhajewski)
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Subject: Variable coils
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 18:07:59 EST5EDT
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Argh.....I would NOT recommend using an iron nail as the core for a
variable coil unless you are working at DC or audio!  If you are
working with RF, use only core materials appropriate to the frequency.
I have not done any experiments (yet--but I might!) with iron nails as
cores, but I very seriously doubt they would work "properly" and give
give anywhere near optimum results.  (Consult your favorite electrical
engineer--ask him/her if iron is suitable for RF cores, but put on some
a flak vest before you ask!)  73 de WA8MCQ.......and yes, I *WILL* do
the experiments, since I'm going to do some coil experiments this
weekend anyhow....
--
Mike Czuhajewski, user of the UniBoard System @ wb3ffv.ampr.org
E-Mail: [e-mail]
The WB3FFV Amateur Radio BBS - Located in Baltimore, Maryland USA
Supporting the Amateur Radio Hobby, and TCP/IP InterNetworking

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 18:13:39 1994
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    id AA07664; Fri, 24 Jun 1994 17:57:56 -0400
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 17:57:56 -0400
From: [e-mail] (Mark Swartwout)
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Subject: Final list of QRP FD stations
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Here's what I have as of 2146 UTC on Friday 24 June.  Just a couple
changes from yesterday.  Sorry if anything got munged in transcription.

Thanks to all who submitted, and good luck.

Club/Group/Individual   Call Used  Location           QRP List Participants
==================      =========  ============       ============
QRP New England         W1FMR      Princeton MA       Bruce/WT1M, Jim/W1FMR
                                   Wind Farm          Mark/NX1K

W1HUE                   W1HUE/7    Idaho Falls, ID    Larry/W1HUE

The Jimi Hendrix        N1QDQ      Epsom, NH          Harry/N1QVE
 Experience

Individual              W1TKZ      EMA section        Scott/WO1G

Individual              W1VOQ      back yard in       Don/W1VOQ
                                   Bridgeport, Ct

Individual              KV2X            ??            Thomas/KV2X

Individual (1B)         WA3NNA     from the beach     Pete/WA3NNA
                                   near 23rd St.
                                   Ocean City NJ

Tennessee Technological WA4UCE     Cookeville TN      Jeff/AC4HF
 University

Zunilooper FD group     K6MDJ      Table Mountain     Wayne/N6KR, Fred/K6MDJ
                                   Campground         Doug/KI6DS, Chuck/K5FO
                                   near LA            Richard/KI6SN

W7EL and Friends        W7EL       Mountain Lakes OR  Roy/W7EL

Individual              WB7EEL/1   back yard in       John/WB7EEL
                                   Boxborough MA

Society for the         WB8RUQ                        Ron/WB8RUQ, N8HSC
 Preservation of
 Low Energy,
 Electromagnetically-based
 Exchanges of Small Bits
 of Information during
 Limited Time Periods

WB8YGG/N2JGU            WB8YGG/2   Dansville NY       Brad/WB8YGG Gary/N2JGU

Individual              KB8NKX     Ocean Isle NC      Michael/KB8NKX

W/K ARC                 N9AW       Milwaukee, WI.     Brian/AE9K, N9AW,
                                                      WA9TZE, NK9G, N9JAK

Ski Country ARC         KI0G       Glenwood Spgs.,CO  KI0G,K9MWM,K0RPX,et al

Colorado QRP Club       N0BF       Golden Gate        Paul/KB0LUR
                                   State Park,
                                   20-30 miles
                                   West of Denver
St. Louis QRP Society   N0ZZ       St Louis           Jim/N0OCT

Durham Region QRP Club  VE3QDR     Tyrone, Ontario    Brien/VE3VAW

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 19:19:36 1994
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Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 19:19:18 -0400 (EDT)
From: "Todd W. Carter" <[e-mail]>
Subject: QRP digest table of contents?
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Does anyone know what happended to the table of contents that once was on
the top of every digest message?  It sure is handy for quickly seeing
what messages I'd like to read.

Thanks,

Todd
N8ODP

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 21:40:56 1994
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           Fri, 24 Jun 1994 16:40:03 pdt
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Date:          Fri, 24 Jun 1994 16:33:36 PDT
Subject:       Re: Variable coils
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Mike Czuhajewski comments:
| Argh.....I would NOT recommend using an iron nail as the core for a
| variable coil unless you are working at DC or audio!  If you are
| working with RF, use only core materials appropriate to the frequency.


I agree.  I seem to remember that brass slugs instead of feromagnetic
material can also help to change the inductance of an inductor.  Of
course, the inductance decreases instead of increasing with the insertion
of the slug.  It does make a variable inductor, however.

Lowell Brunson [phone]
Rosenet: [e-mail]
Internet:  [e-mail] (preferred)
           [e-mail]
Packet Radio: [e-mail]


From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 22:48:54 1994
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From: [e-mail] (Mike Czuhajewski)
To: [e-mail]
Subject: Re nail-cored coils
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 94 22:17:53 EST5EDT
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I'm baaaaack...I tried the nail-cored-coil-on-a-straw trick as
promised, and, as expected, results were hideous.  The fine print--

     Coil form:  generic plastic drinking straw, about 1/4" dia
     Winding:  30 or 31 turns #22 enamelled wire
     Test equipment:  Boonton 260A Q meter
     Test frequency:  7.9 MHz
     Test cores:  8-penny finishing nails; #10 wood screw; mongrel
powdered iron core from output area of old CB radio

I wound the wire tightly on the straw, then let it spring back where
it wanted; I did not try to compress it fully, but did not disturb it
during the test, either.

Initial measurement with no core showed an inductance of 1.33 uH and
Q of 104.  I inserted one 8 penny nail fully; interestingly enough
the inductance dropped, instead of increasing as I expected.
However, the Q did just what I anticipated--it plummeted.  The new
inductance was 1.26 uH and Q = 11.  I added a second nail beside the
first, and had to guess where the peak on the meter was--it appeared
that the inductance moved down slightly to 1.24 uH but it was hard to
see the meter movement at resonance.  Even on the low Q range I could
barely see the needle move, and estimated the Q at 2 or 3 (!).

Next, I tried the #10 wood screw, fully inserted.  It gave a
substantially lower inductance of 0.94, and Q of 5.  I used a magnet
to verify that the screw and nails were actually steel.

Finally, to regain my sanity I inserted the slug from the CB coil,
type unknown but probably powdered iron of fairly low permeability,
since it came from the output area of the radio.  It was perhaps
3/16" diameter, and about 5/16" long.  I tried it in a couple
different positions within the coil and got readings of 1.69 uH and
Q=114, and 1.80 uH/Q=97.

I'm not an engineer, but I suspect one of them would shudder if you
used a nail at audio, much less RF of any sort.  The bottom line,
which was always intuitively obvious to me but now proven to be true
as well, is that plain iron/steel makes a lousy core material for RF.
As always, for any coils that you wind, use a core material
appropriate for the frequency.

73 and Queue Our Pea DE WA8MCQ
--
Mike Czuhajewski, user of the UniBoard System @ wb3ffv.ampr.org
E-Mail: [e-mail]
The WB3FFV Amateur Radio BBS - Located in Baltimore, Maryland USA
Supporting the Amateur Radio Hobby, and TCP/IP InterNetworking

From [e-mail]  Fri Jun 24 23:42:32 1994
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Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 22:41:32 -0500 (CDT)
From: James Speer <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Variable coils
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>
>Argh.....I would NOT recommend using an iron nail as the core for a
>variable coil unless you are working at DC or audio!  If you are
>working with RF, use only core materials appropriate to the frequency.
>I have not done any experiments (yet--but I might!) with iron nails as
>cores, but I very seriously doubt they would work "properly" and give
>give anywhere near optimum results.  (Consult your favorite electrical
>engineer--ask him/her if iron is suitable for RF cores, but put on some
>a flak vest before you ask!)  73 de WA8MCQ.......and yes, I *WILL* do
>the experiments, since I'm going to do some coil experiments this
>weekend anyhow....
>--

So...get the appropriate slug-tuned form, glue the slug to the shaft of a cheap
"student" micrometer caliper, and _instant precision tuning_!

Jim
K5YUT

From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 25 00:36:18 1994
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    id AA06265; Fri, 24 Jun 94 21:38:02 PDT
Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 21:22:56 -0700 (PDT)
From: stark <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Contest QSLs
To: Bob Scott <[e-mail]>
Cc: QRP <[e-mail]>
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On 24 Jun 1994, Bob Scott wrote:

>                       Contest QSLs
> Is it considered bad taste to QSL contest contacts?  Has QSLing
> gone out of style.  During the last big QRP contest, I only made
> around 20 contacts.  I dutifully QSL'd them all and received only
> 4-5 back.  I was kind of surprised at the low return rate,
> especially from the two folks I worked that were in the states
> of Washington and Oregon; which I was quite proud of due to the
> power levels and the awful band conditions.  Anyone, could
> someone explain the current rules/guidelines/practices?
> Thanks.  Bob AC4QO
>
>
Hi Bob,

Just a quick observation from things I've seen.

Up in Idaho I had some good antennas and would run a long string
of JA's in the AM on 40m during most contests. After a good WPX
test with some good condtions it was not unusual to get 150 JA
cards alone.

Being in Idaho and having a "good" prefex was worth a few Db I think!

Add another 50 to 100 cards from other places and the costs begin to
mount. I would answer all cards via the buro unless they had an
sase.

Whenever I want a card from a station, I ALWAYS include an sase.

With the setup I now have and no more than I get on, QSLing is
no longer a chore. Nor is it expensive.

If you ask for a card during a ragchew and the other station
agrees to send one, then you should be able to count on it
getting to you. If they ask for an sase and you want the card,
send them one.

And always remember that if someone asks you for a card and
you really don't want to be bothered sending one, just say
so. Don't be one of those who says ok and then you never hear
from them!

Just realize that after a contest a station may get lots of
cards and a sase is good.

All this is just my opinion. Worth at least 2 cents to me.....

73's and have fun, Ron


........................KU7Y........................
.................Monte "Ron" Stark..................
.................Sun Valley, Nevada.................



From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 25 00:39:42 1994
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Date: Fri, 24 Jun 1994 21:39:35 -0700 (PDT)
From: stark <[e-mail]>
Subject: Re: Variable coils
To: James Speer <[e-mail]>
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Well now, what would happen if you mounted a space (air) would
coil so that you could compress or stretch the turns?????

73's, Ron

........................KU7Y........................
.................Monte "Ron" Stark..................
.................Sun Valley, Nevada.................



From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 25 03:04:47 1994
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From: [e-mail] (Jeffrey Herman)
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Ron suggests varying the inductance by stretching or compressing: how
about using a Slinky (tm)? An all purpose variable inductor for
audio to daylight...

Okay, since I'm the one who started this topic here's where I got
the idea from: While in a RS store yesterday I paged through one
of their `Engineer's Mini-Notebook' covering simple homebrew
rcvrs and  xmtrs. One of the projects was an MCW xmtr for the
AM bcst band; all their inductors in that book are wound on plastic
drinking straws. They suggested one could change the xmt freq by
inserting a nail into the straw inductor. So there you go.

All the projects in that book call for a 555 IC; those go for about
$1.50 I think at RS.

Jeff NH6IL

From [e-mail]  Sat Jun 25 03:30:45 1994
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>Well now, what would happen if you mounted a space (air) would
>coil so that you could compress or stretch the turns?????
>
Another old technique (an awful lot of this stuff was known by the '20s)
is to use two coils in series (or parallel), one fixed and one
rotatable. The rotatable one can either be inside or next to and in
line with the fixed one, and as it's rotated the coupling goes from
maximum (coils aligned) to minimum (coils at 90 degrees), corresponding
to maximum and minimum inductance.  Mechanically this is much more
stable and repeatable than turn scrunching.  I don't know how the
inductance will vary as the coil is rotated, but I suspect it starts
dropping gradually and falls off quickly at the end.  For our purposes,
we might want to limit the rotation to a few degrees or tens of
degrees.  The advantage of this method over a tuning slug is that the
required movement is a rotation (easy) rather than a linear
displacement.

BTW, if you rotated the coil a full 180 degrees the coils would fully
oppose, giving an even lower inductance.  Same principle as a
non-inductive wirewound resistor.

73,
Mike, KK6GM