tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51825200867763092092024-03-14T15:04:15.332+01:00PA5MWAbout Hamradio; contesting, antenna's, home brewing and stuff.Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.comBlogger70125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-64135911577577983832014-05-26T13:26:00.001+02:002014-05-26T17:07:59.935+02:00Summertime Memories: 2013<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>HAMRADIO 2013 Friedrichshafen</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our summer holidays usually start at visiting European largest HAMRADIO fair at Friedrichshafen (DL). In 2013 things were no different; we hired 3 rooms for two nights </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">in a nearby small village and enjoyed 2.5 days visiting the HAM-fair, eating &enjoying the view at lake Constance and as a highlight, visiting the saturday-night<b> B</b>avarian <b>C</b>ontest <b>C</b>lub dinner. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">As this was our umpteenth visit at the fair, only few items were bought. One tends to get overloaded with stuff back at home, so our priorities have shifted. Meeting many old but also new friends, has become a major fun part.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMEFIbjO_8glOn07zK4zjEWu4i2N13C-x89XJTkXF-0mHZjJelUMtOuMcIPfRlyMdONry26UcJdqzQNlpbvN9mNALjsHQLzAzpTEg2j-XnpRKVWzCVZvSV4jx43sNY2a2vnGTalrLY1a3/s1600/9170789689_7bbc63d9bb_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmMEFIbjO_8glOn07zK4zjEWu4i2N13C-x89XJTkXF-0mHZjJelUMtOuMcIPfRlyMdONry26UcJdqzQNlpbvN9mNALjsHQLzAzpTEg2j-XnpRKVWzCVZvSV4jx43sNY2a2vnGTalrLY1a3/s1600/9170789689_7bbc63d9bb_o.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A first meeting was planned for some time with Romeo S59M(ex-S52RU) who was organizing the successful IG9Y MM operation for CQWW-SSB. From left to right: Romeo(S59M), Aurelio(PC5A), Me (PA5MW), Rens(PA3FGA) and his YL Claudia (PD5AX). Note the carton box behind them, which contains our new Flexa field-day 144MHz antenna. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Our car already carried some HF equipment and transverters for 6m and 2m, we just needed an antenna to go with that.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT2gS8aoYpLCzB0hjjrAUV9nJ7e7UIiIe7KiCaoAWKKyrFWTbo12nxnedhX8GaMu9jxadN-sDk7f8UanHcrNCMmDjjtWNbekOU4fqeeEFHfdsxzVnjbCOC1qFwTv8zYA-BehvQsaWjp1t/s1600/9170785657_182f78775a_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNT2gS8aoYpLCzB0hjjrAUV9nJ7e7UIiIe7KiCaoAWKKyrFWTbo12nxnedhX8GaMu9jxadN-sDk7f8UanHcrNCMmDjjtWNbekOU4fqeeEFHfdsxzVnjbCOC1qFwTv8zYA-BehvQsaWjp1t/s1600/9170785657_182f78775a_o.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Special aluminium polish on the radiator and 1st director add some valubale extra dB's...</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">On sunday afternoon we left for Malbun/Liechtenstein. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><u><b>Antenna setup near cabin in Malbun (HB0)</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">There was no ham-radio activity planned that year. None <i>at all</i> as below picture verifies.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">But just for dealing with known RF addiction, we did put up a multi-band 10-15-20m cats-whisker dipole @8m and a HB9CV for 6m at the top at 10m AGL/ 1670m ASL.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcbtYyLv8o4pq0k1uUYFRudUxC6mYHWLisSEWAY4L-hU3Y5-ZnGar0m0MinIg_HNGfy0NEvkkC-f6IItdhP6PieSMoqi0JYALoEXgAh5Mm9XrN9PefPe4PXo1XB7a3hTwqiZqfeMtdoUH/s1600/Picture+238_klein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlcbtYyLv8o4pq0k1uUYFRudUxC6mYHWLisSEWAY4L-hU3Y5-ZnGar0m0MinIg_HNGfy0NEvkkC-f6IItdhP6PieSMoqi0JYALoEXgAh5Mm9XrN9PefPe4PXo1XB7a3hTwqiZqfeMtdoUH/s1600/Picture+238_klein.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The dipole of a 10m yagi also carried the wires for 15 and 20m. Some ex-mil fiberglass poles on the right held the 2m/70cm vertical, used for local chat and to track our SOTA trips via APRS. At 2m height it carried the new bling Flexa Yagi.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Traditionally at the
first evening, the main diner table in our cabin was transformed into a
shack for 3 operators. Both my Elecraft XV50 and XV144 transverters were installed
and connected to a K2. The power supply was my Diamond DMV330,
but the one <i>without</i> Earth wiring. So after switching on and playing with
some coax pigtails, the preamp of the 6m transverter was defect. And
the K2 cabinet felt tingling. What a rookie-error, quickly established some proper earth connections</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleq8VKd5e2mfbz4YW65dMscTGTqx1BDzpzrIV88XHzrTO_JDwtir2XEmufaWNKlUE7IzUBzriY06QFE3B9EMgmt10xibf6WbRBblaiZfoB2cPRA_DxqTdl5hhxP5cXF0LD6wPagWhJ_SA/s1600/Picture+245_klein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjleq8VKd5e2mfbz4YW65dMscTGTqx1BDzpzrIV88XHzrTO_JDwtir2XEmufaWNKlUE7IzUBzriY06QFE3B9EMgmt10xibf6WbRBblaiZfoB2cPRA_DxqTdl5hhxP5cXF0LD6wPagWhJ_SA/s1600/Picture+245_klein.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">During the evening I had a CW contact with a G4 on 144Mhz! But he disappeared in the noise. As this was <i>not</i> some kind of <i>guess-calculate-noise-intervals-mode</i> but a 'pure humanoid operation', there was no completed QSO this time;). Nonetheless it did offer pure excitement. But Murphy decided to play along; after another half an hour the transverter started showing a life on its own. It would start to clatter indefinitely after any >10sec transmit period. Whatever we tried, it would not go away. Surely this never occurred at home. Next to that, all units had been intensively tested before departure. No TX on 2m anymore and no 6m at all. Time to go..</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>Into the mountains</b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On a Saturday we visited the not-so-easy-to arrive top of the "Gorfion" to activate a SOTA FIRST (OE/VB-241). After the available Geocache was also found we went down along the trail of the Augstenberg. There we spotted a nice possible location to setup our new bling 144 yagi. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Next morning we returned to that spot, setting up the 7el/144 and connected a TR751 to a pack of LiFePo4 power-batteries (2x2500mA=330g). The Kenwood was also taken from the Hamradio flea market and in mint & 'working' condition.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6GHJSDmGEzrN8Tn8gWoWiCToA7KcVjR7xKRH8Be1l2ZlH8F_32MplHHFXubSIZa-UY_YN3TiU1W3d-IygoPPbKZ9mk88F6X9q1s5esAbZU5S0E5Hxd1143GpFf02sd5gwTx4vIROox5/s1600/Picture+262_klein.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEG6GHJSDmGEzrN8Tn8gWoWiCToA7KcVjR7xKRH8Be1l2ZlH8F_32MplHHFXubSIZa-UY_YN3TiU1W3d-IygoPPbKZ9mk88F6X9q1s5esAbZU5S0E5Hxd1143GpFf02sd5gwTx4vIROox5/s1600/Picture+262_klein.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Setup-crew arranging deep-fringe HD antenna. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Armstrong rotor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><u><b>IARU VHF July contest</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The almost flat terrain at 2300m ASL, was already nicely warmed up by the afternoon sun. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What a crowded 2m band, not a single free spot to find!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I started CQ'ing around noon on 144.198 and quickly enjoyed a nice pileup</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">After some 30 minutes, </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">during a DL QSO,</span></span> I noticed someone was calling me in CW from The Netherlands ! How cool is that? Quickly I gave PA3CWN an RST report and consecutive QSO number. Now that's a nice troposcatter QSO. And copiable by ear ;)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">My band openings, besides QRO stations within 200km, were relatively short and produced serious QSB from my side, so I was told. Turning the antenna into other directions delivered new ones from those areas every time.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNpojwsCiPceR9pc6T6-M0bIxktrPLr8TCP3JYlwpX8bkKwe9yGr24-n_nLH138BptTC9fm8Tx8SPsIQh9A3UF6EF69V22ZndooakUllXbGcHxc4Rztv7CaM19FcJkiMdLqVTbNe-zabk/s1600/w3e3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNpojwsCiPceR9pc6T6-M0bIxktrPLr8TCP3JYlwpX8bkKwe9yGr24-n_nLH138BptTC9fm8Tx8SPsIQh9A3UF6EF69V22ZndooakUllXbGcHxc4Rztv7CaM19FcJkiMdLqVTbNe-zabk/s1600/w3e3.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">But a rainstorm was slowly arriving, restricting our mountain visit to few hours only. My voice welcomed the departure as I had to talk loud and articulate heavily in order to get a few lousy Watts out of this Vintage Kenwood :)</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In the end I made 44 QSO's to HB0/HB9/F/DL/PA/I/OE/OK/OL, not bad at all!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Into Holland I also worked PA0PVW, PA3PCV, PA1AT and PA2CHR (ODX <b>764km</b>).</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Many thanks to my crew for carrying some of my stuff and 'setting up the VHF site'.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What a superb way to enjoy a few hours in a VHF contest !</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">p.s. I just got reminded I was served a fresh cappuccino during the contest. Probably being to focused on the contest itself, I really cannot remember that at all....? Anyway thanks for that!</span></span><br />
<br />Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-3715960347214870012013-02-07T13:21:00.000+01:002013-02-07T13:21:39.678+01:00WSA 160m (1)<h2>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>WSA160m,
choosing a headphone</b></span></span></div>
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</span></span><h1 class="western">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Weak Signal
Audio 160m, a new project</span></span></h1>
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</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">When <span style="font-size: x-small;">searching</span> for progression,
sometimes there is a need to look at matters from a totally different
perspective.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">In our
efforts to dig deeper in the band-noise, opening up another layer,
making new CW QSO’s possible, we decided to do a different
investigation and perform some tests. This project does <i>not</i> touch on
antennas or any <i>RF/IF</i> hardware. <span style="font-size: x-small;">Instead</span>, those steps from the detector
to the 'decoding by human brain'. From your AF stage, via any
transducer, passing ear-wax to that final conversion into gray matter
signals.</span></span></div>
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</span></span><h1 class="western">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Why discuss
the use of headphones?</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There<span style="font-size: x-small;">'s several</span> potential topics to be discussed along this extended
audio path. At some point we need to look at headphones, and perhaps
pick one or more relevant types who might serve during future tests.
Questions arise; are there relevant differences in headphones when it
comes to making that extra QSO? What other parameters <span style="font-size: x-small;">exist</span> next
to the obvious ‘wearing comfort’? Is there a single winning
model or do you individually need to test-find a match for the
operator?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">List of
headphones under test</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No
effort was made to add any specific commercial popular model or
brand. We just grabbed as many HAM-Radio, Hi-Fi, DJ, Advanced Gaming
and/or your typical MP3 headphones as we could get. All <i>full<span style="font-size: x-small;">-</span>range
stereo</i> models. Some equipped with in-line volume control(s).</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Medium
sized “on-ear” models: </b>Philips,
Sony</span></span></div>
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</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Large
sized, fully ear-surrounding models: </b>Heil,
MFJ, Beyerdynamic, David Clark, Philips</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Small
sized “in-ear” models: </b>Koss,
Sony, Philips</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We
started with more than 20 models, slowly narrowing it down to about <span style="font-size: x-small;">a handfull</span> which offered small advantages in sudden areas.</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT723ibsJSrE36JiGqYnt36SvXq2Gm14vVTPjKu1YxZXNGoH1tfm-fY1ldzPOQ0tcc6lER-TSjZvhfXYYxa_z9-cAZYhuYmFGHUHVNBN5csdiw1UCUym0P5eUJ2R53fTzLoQUygcmwagA_/s1600/Picture+265_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT723ibsJSrE36JiGqYnt36SvXq2Gm14vVTPjKu1YxZXNGoH1tfm-fY1ldzPOQ0tcc6lER-TSjZvhfXYYxa_z9-cAZYhuYmFGHUHVNBN5csdiw1UCUym0P5eUJ2R53fTzLoQUygcmwagA_/s320/Picture+265_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just a small bunch of the tested headphone<span style="font-size: x-small;">s</span></span></i> </span></span></div>
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<h1 class="western">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Comparison test
conditions</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The
sound source was 160m recordings from CQWW-CW- 2012, using the
Microtelecom Perseus. Filter taps were set to 32, as this enhances
weak signal detection and avoids typical digital harshness which is common on <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.nl/2009/12/upgrade-current-vhf-station-iv-mds.html">some DSP's</a> . During
the first weeks the internal sound card of the laptop was tried, evolving <span style="font-size: x-small;">to</span>
external DAC units, different external (Hi-Fi) amplifiers, finally
settling for the premium quality Objective 2 Headphone amplifier.
The O2 is an open source amplifier designed by <a href="http://nwavguy.blogspot.nl/">NwAvGuy</a>, with emphasis
on benchmark performance and low cost. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=o2full"><span lang="en-US">http://www.jdslabs.com/item.php?fetchitem=o2full</span></a></u></span>
Later we also added the O2 USB DAC combo version. </span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You can write a
separate document on the required amplifier performance and correct
matching to any type of headphone. Read more at:
<span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://nwavguy.blogspot.nl/2011/07/o2-headphone-amp.html" target="_blank">http://nwavguy.blogspot.nl/2011/07/o2-headphone-amp.html</a> </u></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwRSI3kk0M8XodV3uOQkhvVKoSbCkqQH72q_mtTaeo43-pEG92db6HEPHDKYd-g4ISftVrYRoEOpUbOYheDc5GtY_3mSNYE0wa9zqDFTp-ryh3IFXoYwtd1yhASc3SILVt17YvOoU76Ov/s1600/Img_0124_small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYwRSI3kk0M8XodV3uOQkhvVKoSbCkqQH72q_mtTaeo43-pEG92db6HEPHDKYd-g4ISftVrYRoEOpUbOYheDc5GtY_3mSNYE0wa9zqDFTp-ryh3IFXoYwtd1yhASc3SILVt17YvOoU76Ov/s320/Img_0124_small.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The Objective 2 headphone Amplifier</span></span></i><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><h1 class="western">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The listening
test</span></span></h1>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">From
Early December till mid-January we spent two evenings per week
listening to many different, but carefully selected time segments of
the contest recordings, offering:</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Weak
signal alone in the band noise</b></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Extreme
weak signals in/out of the band noise being extremely difficult to
read, let alone decode for a valid QSO. Sometimes under lots of QRN
and/or slow QSB. Listening for a longer duration to any CQ’ing
station being called by far-<span style="font-size: x-small;">far-away-dx</span>. Sometimes <span style="font-size: x-small;">we would eaves-drop on</span> a CQ-íng big-gun<span style="font-size: x-small;">, switching</span> his 4SQ 180 deg. back and forth. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><ol start="2">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Weak
signal close to a loud signal</b></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This
is also a dynamic range test; how does it (and your hearing) deal
with weak signals in an environment of the complexity of loud sounds
and quick volume changes.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Our
main goal was to distinguish between:</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">How
easy/difficult is it to pick <i>and</i>
decode a weak CW signal?</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Which is offering you <span style="font-size: x-small;">a better</span> <i>reading resolution</i> while
tuning the band?</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">What
other audible effects, good or bad are noticed?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">It was
<i>not</i> about the offered sound quality as such. This was about
making an extra QSO Y/N, next to being able to listen over prolonged
periods of time, either comfortably scanning the band or monitoring
QSO after QSO of some running Big-Gun.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Surely
we were subject to the typical learning/recognition process when
repeating sound clips, listening level differences and the inevitable
‘sound memory effect’ when doing endless A/B/X comparisons. But
along the way several headphone models started to show their merits
in one or more areas. <span style="font-size: x-small;">This</span> was not about doing a headphone shootout,
but achieving our goal by learning from all aspects.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><h2 class="western" lang="en-US">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Noise
cancellation headphones</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A
few years ago we did several tests, using different
in-/on-/around-ear active&passive NC models, both at home and our
club station PI4TUE. During 48hrs contests with many operators
available, we received a lot of feedback. At best the NC models
would offer some cancellation of the high environmental noise at low
frequencies. Rumble and fan-noise from > 20 network servers in the
contest room was attenuated to some extent and did offer some relief.
But the active models <span style="font-size: x-small;">showed</span> other nasty side effects like
additional internal amp noise, sound distortion and dynamic range
issues. The passive versions, with ear surrounding gel-pads on the
other hand, performed outstanding. Today, 3 operators still use these
at home and in contests. Only the passive noise cancellation gel-pad
version headphones have been used in this test.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><h2 class="western" lang="en-US">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Test
results</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>High
sensitivity HP reveals internal AF amplifier noise &hum</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Every
hum, noise, pitched distortions (audio birdies) of the AF amplifier
are being heard. And this effect becomes <i>much</i>
worse going to premium and high-end range models. The more expensive
the headphone the higher sensitivity they usually offer. You need a fairly
loud <i>source input volume</i> to overcome this amplifier QRN. </span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>AF
amp internal noise/hum level must be very low</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">That
is why we quickly went to search for the best available headphone
amplification ham operator budget can afford. You can build your own
low-noise headphone (distribution) amp, but don’t take it too far;
read the chapter at<a href="http://nwavguy.blogspot.nl/2011/07/o2-design-process.html"> ‘Designer Components’</a>
From my past years at service and design of consumer audio Hi-Fi
equipment, I recognize <span style="font-size: x-small;">these</span> statements all too well. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">At
future test we will show AF spectrum outputs of various HF
transceivers.</span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Presence
of AF background noise affects the ability to distinguish weak
signals</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">We
are subject to back ground noise in daily life and have become used
to it. The fixed level of AF amplifier noise in the background
creates an unconscious distraction. This became very apparent when
using the in-line volume controls; making them less sensitive
effectively pushed the AF noise level below the hearing threshold.<i>
You only recognize this benefit when you free yourself from the
distracting noise.</i> However, now offering much higher impedance to
your amps output might affect its performance in other areas. Again
a reason to switch to a quiet amplifier, also capable of handling a
wide impedance range.</span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Lower
range of audio spectrum HP allows for disturbance, like rumble or
typical key click thumbs</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Again,
premium headphones reveal them pretty loud. Today, many on- and
in-ear models are ‘tuned for extra bass’. Next to your CW
passband filter settings, additional high pass filtering is a
possible solution. But not used during this test.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Upper
range of audio spectrum HP does not contribute to readability</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Obvious
and confirmed while using some experimental settings of filtering,
sound equalization etc. A dedicated lowpass filter is under design,
but never used in this test.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Open
system on HP allow for distraction of environmental noise, decreasing
focus over time</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">No
problem if your shack is a remote, dead quiet man’s cave. Whatever
your preference, you need at least some closed ear-protection, so you
can concentrate on the job. We find open systems only usable for what
they are intended for; playing music.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Premium
High Fidelity HP offer an aggressive time envelope on
noise/impulses/key-clicks or any radio communication sound. This is
much fatiguing.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Whatever
the great detailed sound and high dynamics offered by the premium to
high-end quality headphones, they have a serious downside. They
closely follow every quick rising signal and reproduce a ‘truth’
which becomes quickly annoying. Interesting during the first minute,
but soon becoming unpleasant for your hearing. It’s like listening
with AGC O<span style="font-size: x-small;">FF</span>, times 100. Even clear band noise slowly becomes
fatiguing for your hearing. Let alone any nearby key-clicks, pops
etc. For those using any antenna pre-amplification, be warned; it’s
like sticking a needle in your ear every time the neighbor flicks a
light switch. The overall result is a r<span style="font-size: x-small;">ough, </span>harsh sound experience.
Despite the much more detailed sound, there was never an advantage
while trying to detect/decode CW weak signals.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Communication
drivers/cheaper HP models seem to have a limited rise-time, thus
masking the aggressive time envelope noise/impulse effect</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For
recognizing and decoding weak CW signals, the low-end or cheaper
models performed equally well, less the harsh and quickly fatiguing
sound experience. A cheap hamradio boom-mic headset was preferred
over its premium competitor. I recall that exact same experience
when I bought the high-end model after having used the former for
several years. But the larger, much more comfortable ear pads and
sturdy mic-boom did make a valid difference. I only use it when making a
phone QSO on 50MHz.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Mind you</span>;
the time envelope of CW signals is relatively slow. And their sound
environment (band noise, off-pitched CW signals)is such different,
that we do not need any additional sound resolution to distinguish
them better. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> Premium
headphone models just offer too much; less seems better.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Communication
drivers/cheaper HP models seem to have a mechanical threshold. This
can offer less detail at very low listening volume, perhaps also
masking weak signals by amplifier noise</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although
we were splitting hairs, a few low end models showed this effect. It
bec<span style="font-size: x-small;">ame</span> more apparent wh<span style="font-size: x-small;">ile</span> using noisy amplifiers and/or connected to <span style="font-size: x-small;">some of our</span> HF
rigs. Turning up the volume cleared the effect.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Louder
is NOT better</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Turning
up the volume for completing that difficult QSO is not enhancing your
hearing ability. </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On
the contrary: your hearing ‘Auditory Filter’, which allows for
max distinction of isolated signals, is negatively affected:
<span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_band" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_band</a></u></span>
Read more about your hearing at:
<span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://projekter.aau.dk/projekter/files/9897666/Auditory_filters_at_low_frequencies_07gr1062.pdf" target="_blank">http://projekter.aau.dk/projekter/files/9897666/Auditory_filters_at_low_frequencies_07gr1062.pdf</a> </u></span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7MPCe7Xsc-1OXieaB6OvlVKqCLEFCXVzL5o96TferNy387rLPhaC9dRX-qDYouKadVwaMM1UI_p8AECIwFwTMheGMRZfeF9P7WIam00RVOKzIsXVLjuF-OqcNsIQDIKD28qrw_EO1dE/s1600/541px-Asymmetry3.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguq7MPCe7Xsc-1OXieaB6OvlVKqCLEFCXVzL5o96TferNy387rLPhaC9dRX-qDYouKadVwaMM1UI_p8AECIwFwTMheGMRZfeF9P7WIam00RVOKzIsXVLjuF-OqcNsIQDIKD28qrw_EO1dE/s320/541px-Asymmetry3.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span lang="zxx"><u><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Interesting
remark: “another important effect of loudness perception is that
not every sound that is above your threshold of hearing can be heard.
If a sound is given, while a near louder one is also present (within
the auditory filter) then it is possible you do not perceive the
lower one. This process seems intuitive, but on the psychoacoustic
and cognitive levels it becomes very complex. The term for this
process is masking.” In short: your hearing ability has a minimal
bandwidth and a varying curve.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">MP3
encoding uses this masking effect of human hearing to lower the data
rate, without affecting the overall ‘sound quality perception’.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be
cautious about treating your hair cells. You want your personal
auditory filter curve sharp and symmetrical. Preserve your hearing!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2fWy8vesuEVzPAkSioM9br39nQ3k5NVhdmH_sbg-2Ov5IUu7buahRpf_pcvLmruuT-7Ww-K3QJp-QMJD4u9XpnhSUrHmFF67oYrJaheb32PeyAnGXhr5drQVFgsu0-Ja78R4zT7zM5bz/s1600/263px-Normal2.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH2fWy8vesuEVzPAkSioM9br39nQ3k5NVhdmH_sbg-2Ov5IUu7buahRpf_pcvLmruuT-7Ww-K3QJp-QMJD4u9XpnhSUrHmFF67oYrJaheb32PeyAnGXhr5drQVFgsu0-Ja78R4zT7zM5bz/s1600/263px-Normal2.svg.png" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The above shows a typical hearing of a young, healthy person. Now see what has happen<span style="font-size: x-small;">ed to those suffering from hearing impa<span style="font-size: x-small;">irment:</span></span></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6Sq6V8ISAzFU2hSA2XOXYRwy_JceIIJ9HFAjsMcmOmuAHnR4Q5VguXulg7hw4hu4QHCJe6msUaZKCiPxqjatQTcy5I21tfiZyMv-FSUOygP-VmDRdfqqGuwO_6k1fAry5wH3GsCLOKzc/s1600/263px-Impaired2.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm6Sq6V8ISAzFU2hSA2XOXYRwy_JceIIJ9HFAjsMcmOmuAHnR4Q5VguXulg7hw4hu4QHCJe6msUaZKCiPxqjatQTcy5I21tfiZyMv-FSUOygP-VmDRdfqqGuwO_6k1fAry5wH3GsCLOKzc/s1600/263px-Impaired2.svg.png" /> </a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Critical_band"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The auditory filter of an impaired ear is flatter and broader compared to a normal ear. This is because the frequency selectivity and the tuning of the basilar membrane is reduced as the outer hair cells are damaged.</span></span></a></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Guess <i><b>how</b></i> you are going to <i>compensate</i> for that lack of hearing ability<span style="font-size: x-small;">? </span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Right; you <span style="font-size: x-small;">will turn up the volume even more....</span></span></span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span> </span></span></div>
<div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And
exposure to loud listening volume slowly might activate your
‘Acoustic Reflex’, the attenuation reflex in your middle ear. And again you compens<span style="font-size: x-small;">ate<span style="font-size: x-small;"> by reaching to<span style="font-size: x-small;"> that volume knob.</span></span></span></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Although
turning up your listening volume seems effective sometimes, it
certainly has more to do with your <b><i>current focus</i></b> and perhaps
the continuous <b><i>distraction from environmental noise</i>.</b> </span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>Closed
HP systems with passive noise cancellation allow for high focus at an
average lower listening volume. Separation of weak signals is easier
at lower audio levels here.</b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The
ear surrounding gel pads model from the professional aviation
headsets offer clear, isolated reception of weak signals in noisy
environments. They avoid listening fatigue in lengthy contests. The
gel pad aviation model was friendly for the ears, even after many
hours of contest use. But one of our clubstation operators perceived the ‘ear
sealing effect’ as uncomfortable. Another instead, uses a generic
hearing protector around his in-ear headphone, like drummers do in
their studio.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><h2 class="western" lang="en-US">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And
some final remarks</span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"></span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">'<span style="font-size: x-small;">C</span>lean' TX signals, with less sidebands/key-clicks, resulting at <span style="font-size: x-small;">AF level</span> in more approaching a true sinus character,
are easier to decode as a weak signal</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Sound
timbre and tonal coloring are a matter of <i>personal
choice</i>, as is wearing
comfort</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Passive/active
sound moderation like limiting and/or low-pass filtering may have a
pronounced effect, but are to be proven as <span style="font-size: x-small;">we</span> have not <span style="font-size: x-small;">used the<span style="font-size: x-small;">se</span></span> in
this test.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Rens,
PA3FGA</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div lang="en-US" style="line-height: 115%; margin-bottom: 0.14in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Mark,
PA5MW</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-20687353841499744702012-02-29T12:09:00.008+01:002012-02-29T13:02:16.516+01:00Beverage On Ground (BOG)<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Lowbanders cannot operate without the availability of a dedicated receiving antenna. One that does suppress local noise, suppress sky noise from certain directions and suppress QRM from certain directions. In fact, all it does is <i>deleting</i> signals and/or band noise you do <i>not</i> want. What <i>remains</i> is the dx, coming from that single direction that was left unattended. That is really it. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
The ability, to delete all directions but one, is put in two figures of merit; MDF and RDF(refer ON4UN’s book). In short, a kind of horsepower if you will, to distinguish the good from the better receiving antennas. And just because humanoids simply <i>must</i> quantify <i>everything</i>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
I refuse to go in detail about RDF and MDF, because they represent computer models from antenna modeling programs, which by principle, cannot handle close to ground antennas, or more specifically, cannot handle real ground at all. Until someone takes a helicopter and runs zillions of circles at different heights around a lowband receiving antenna, measuring its pattern, I rather use my ears instead. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">And then again; what elevation angle is required at which moment? Too many parameters. Better have a few antennas more at your hand! </span></span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEVXU9sNPyW0MD8MtD_4FKMFEmDhNLe137dG1nxsIJ5fq2Ajc9Ftbaovyf_Gm2zZkuT-W01tl2GXe6IgMOW9ihyO44eLuKQXujsnQ8R7z8X0dF4ZNx7qe4kXj7QOsqfUjQ1MS-ALkgEeY/s1600/IMG_2659_Cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEVXU9sNPyW0MD8MtD_4FKMFEmDhNLe137dG1nxsIJ5fq2Ajc9Ftbaovyf_Gm2zZkuT-W01tl2GXe6IgMOW9ihyO44eLuKQXujsnQ8R7z8X0dF4ZNx7qe4kXj7QOsqfUjQ1MS-ALkgEeY/s320/IMG_2659_Cropped.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Setting up station @PI4TUE</td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> The lowband receiving antenna is a whole lot different from multi-element VHF yagis, where forward gain is simply the most important figure of merit. <br />
But, there is also a common factor between them; the “better” the antenna, the smaller the forward lobe in degrees azimuth/elevation. Where “better” has a total different interpretation; the VHF yagi needs the small lobe to collect all tiny weak signal particles from the dx and to a lesser extent, avoid signals from the side and rear. Lowband receiving antennas mainly concentrate on deleting signals from all unwanted directions and to a lesser extent collect the weak signal from that direction which remains.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Antenna computer models? </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">I shit on virtual, calculated dB’s.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
In the end it all boils down to achieve a S/N ratio where you can make the QSO yes or no.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">There’s no free lunch.</b></span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">A decent lowband receiving antenna (like multi phase staggered beverages) requires real estate and/or extensive hardware and trimming (6-9 Circle). A physical shortcut like Flag/Pennants/K9AY/EWE, or even the BOG is a choice mainly based on the will to put up<i> any</i> RX antenna to receive at least <i>something</i>. Some work better than others, depending on the environment. And then there is man made noise for which vertical polarized antennas seem more sensitive. Or is it not?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">You need to experiment and find what works best for you.</span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">On a site note; even a <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2008/02/backyard-160m-reference-vertical.html">short vertical</a>, suppresses high angle signals thanks to its theoretical doughnut shaped pattern And being less susceptible to local noise because of its short length, this IS a valid dx receiving antenna. The total opposite is a <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2008/02/nvisbackyard-final-version_17.html">short backyard NVIS</a> covering high angles only. Here you have it; two RX antennas which fit even the smallest gardens!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;" /><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Need proof? Find my result in <a href="http://pileup.ru/top_cat.php?cat=Single%20Op%20LP&contest=cq160_cw&year=2012&country=DX&c=">2012 CQ160 CW Low Power</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>ARRL DX CW contest 2012 @ PI4TUE club station</b></span><br />
During last week’s ARRL DX CW contest weekend at our PI4TUE club-station, we (again) were in desperate need of a working RX antenna and had little time to install it in the usual public space.<br />
The PI4TUE station is located in a building at the Eindhoven University of Technology.<br />
It’s nice to have antennas at 70m above street level, but the local noise level is very high. Let me emphasize that again; for the lowbands extremely high!<br />
Both on the roof and on ground level (up to a distance of 150m from the buildings), we have experimented for some 10 years with the following receiving antennas: K9AY, KAZ Delta RX(only on roof), magnetic loop (s), short tuned verticals ... etc. All including extensive common mode filtering. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Nothing ever offered any S/N advantage compared to the available TX antennas; full size 40m dipole and vertical @65m, full wave 80m loop @73m and two full size 160m 0.25 slopers @63m.<br />
Because of limited available real estate, beverages have not been tried thus far. Also, there are some large rusted fences along the property perimeters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
But Topbanders never give up. So this year it was time to try a BOG.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxpYBK5Eg1IZZdt4nXMqpsqVAzkOLifMKH87B1yU2QclyuSjtmhyphenhyphende7pwlYuLRtI6L-4PfdpciOfVc4kNpC4fNttJMXqr3eRvUnnH9gFroHRXfFLkr7grAWtrZ9irB7f0c4vT5xgbQnhy/s1600/IMG_2645.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
<img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZxpYBK5Eg1IZZdt4nXMqpsqVAzkOLifMKH87B1yU2QclyuSjtmhyphenhyphende7pwlYuLRtI6L-4PfdpciOfVc4kNpC4fNttJMXqr3eRvUnnH9gFroHRXfFLkr7grAWtrZ9irB7f0c4vT5xgbQnhy/s320/IMG_2645.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"></span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Do or do not, there is no try!</b></span><br />
On a piece of lawn, facing the USA, 8 plastic fence posts were put in the grass. A 70mtr (max available space) long 0.5mm dia insulated stranded copper wire was linked on the bottom of the posts. At both sides a copper pipe was hammered 1 m deep into the ground, hoping NOT to meet any local wiring. KFC! From our shack at the 13th floor, 150m 75Ohm SAT coax + another 50m RG58, across several roofs, cross-overs between buildings (which required informing security, asking them NOT to shoot us from the roof) was used to connect to our BOG through a 1:4 transformer on a BN73-202 binocular. There were no 50/75 transformers installed. This was never tried before, not permanent and we had about 3 hours available.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
On average, the antenna wire was at a height of 3 to 12 cm across the lawn.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Why not directly on the ground? Well, according to <i>theory</i>, directly on the ground should have an electrical "lengthening" effect (which is wanted). But on higher bands (40m) such can introduce a direction reversing effect (not wanted). Also, flat on the ground the signal is supposed to drop several dozen of dB’s. Well, theory is one thing, and often ensures that we hopelessly remain staring at computer models. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Instead of debating, better start building the darn thing!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
Since we really needed *any working* receiving antenna on 160/80/40 and there was no time for experimenting anyhow, the wire was deliberately hung 2 inches directly above the ground.<br />
Termination at start was 390 ohms, and later changed to 195 until the analyzer measured a flat SWR curve up to 10 MHz.<br />
<br />
At the TRX end a HD version common mode filter was connected: 17 turns of RG174 on a #77 ring core, followed by a galvanic separation using 2x2 turns on two BN73-202 binoculars, with the secondary separately routed in Teflon tubes. Over the top? Yes, maybe, but since all our previous effort only offered noise and I use this kind of filter successfully at home. <br />
<br />
On Friday afternoon, around 17UTC a quick check at BCB frequencies well known to us (1584, 4015, 6995 etc) all clearly showed F/B and F/S performance, which was promising!</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"You sure you don't hit anything ??"</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blue wire near ground IS our BOG</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>It works!</b></span><br />
Those of you who participated, know this was a weekend with some of the worst lowband condx for years. Even more reason to have any decent RX antenna available. <br />
In the contest, our antenna was a success!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">None of the 20 worked USA mults on 160m, delivered by the BOG, could be heard on the full size TX sloper antenna. On 80m this was the best receiving antenna ever. From a quiet S1 background noise, stations appeared out of nowhere with S1 - S5. Again, most of them were no QSO or just not there on the TX full wave 80m horizontal loop @73mtr AGL. On 40m about 30% was better than the quarter wave TX vertical at 65m height. In most cases the S/N was better not only because of the lack of constant cracking noise from the TX vertical.<br />
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Why did we succeed this time? Because the BOG is only active in the horizontal plane, the local man made noise is perhaps largely ignored? That is supposed to be a myth. So I rather stick to the remaining fact that on a specific lawn on which several other types of RX antennas have been tried, this one did work FB.<br />
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We do have experience with different kinds of 200-300m phase staggered Beverage antennas on (large) outdoor terrain for many years. Any kind of BOG is a poor performer in comparison.<br />
But this thing sure has potential at (small) residential areas.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br />
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No hallelujah yet. We will soon make some additional attempts out on the free field, before moving it along the property of our neighbors.<br />
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The internet offers very little data on the BOG.</span></div><div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Please, can any of you share their experience on balancing BOG parameters like height, termination, length, etc.?<br />
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73 Mark, PA5MW (PI4TUE)<br />
</span></div>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-1914612220047736742011-03-11T15:54:00.008+01:002011-03-11T19:58:13.383+01:00ANY antenna beats NO antenna<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stop modeling and get on the air; NOW.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />After having moved, a couple of years ago, I wanted to launch my 160m activities at this new QTH. But the list of opportunities was quickly overtaken by the local challenges. The few attempts were marred either by public exposure (neighbors included), safety issues (<a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2009/11/mpv-project-ii.html">see nov 1 2009</a>)and lack of real estate. Next, work and other activities shifted priorities such that I kept stuck at the stage of computer aided antenna modeling.<br />I had to lower my ambitions as advancing plans to the next season again and again, did not get me anywhere and certainly not the pleasure of <span style="font-style: italic;">simply making QSO's on Topband.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The stealth Topband Antenna<br /></span>An unobtrusive wire up in the air as high as possible, plus a few radials on the ground resembling some sort of basic Groundplane Antenna are my major goals.<br />I already tried getting different wires up a large tree, but the launching velocity power of my <span style="font-style: italic;">legal</span> sling shot wasn't sufficient.<br />A friend offered help by supplying a special tinned copper wire having teflon isolation. At only 0.2mm diameter this stuff is both unobtrusive and extremely light.<br />With help of the slingshot it is quickly launched in a large tree using a 40g weight at the end.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUilYY8r4HmzJziXNu5-Cu1lqBUCYw8DDx05r1oF5DEoVk10u5GmI6rOLsSunZ3RInuf1QtE_6Qr-inywor4bme4-O9GJmmEMdr2FJmfXgL7re1TovpLdC_uJSUVPDHoPN4ZGoZzIG4klg/s1600/019_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUilYY8r4HmzJziXNu5-Cu1lqBUCYw8DDx05r1oF5DEoVk10u5GmI6rOLsSunZ3RInuf1QtE_6Qr-inywor4bme4-O9GJmmEMdr2FJmfXgL7re1TovpLdC_uJSUVPDHoPN4ZGoZzIG4klg/s200/019_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582856392959915890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">It's the white wire, routed along branches of a small dead tree in the back garden. The horizontal wire is a <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2008/02/nvisbackyard-final-version_17.html">short wideband horizontal antenna</a>.<br />From here it goes upwards to a large tree some 15m away, ending at a height of >22m and then some length horizontal tangled up in the branches. In total I guess, about 26mtrs. Unimportant really, since there are plenty of opportunities to match it on 160m.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGzEDZtqk2BA_3PxCWym6UoHbmQSYaGecqDNw7k9KgJk97rM7aj4ZT2XrtZkH4oLctXg37mj94BodMu9Wg_ZCawvMe7d9WCskhPbJN1vgwrRumN9Uq0bawzdRNtdA1bwIZtbeairK80L4/s1600/018_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYGzEDZtqk2BA_3PxCWym6UoHbmQSYaGecqDNw7k9KgJk97rM7aj4ZT2XrtZkH4oLctXg37mj94BodMu9Wg_ZCawvMe7d9WCskhPbJN1vgwrRumN9Uq0bawzdRNtdA1bwIZtbeairK80L4/s200/018_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582860684050483906" border="0" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7vh2XwVx5Ogcz0U6DSSpnKhRfSEWzhe3sEiPJSTZ0q04U-BEuW0WNZ5TrhiqHeYR8T4PKM1Q2nAeohHWHdIY3289M5Fjd7l3XB_Rb5BdN7oy2kPoL39Ceuh5wkqzha_m0xEQXAnIoXKs/s1600/023_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM7vh2XwVx5Ogcz0U6DSSpnKhRfSEWzhe3sEiPJSTZ0q04U-BEuW0WNZ5TrhiqHeYR8T4PKM1Q2nAeohHWHdIY3289M5Fjd7l3XB_Rb5BdN7oy2kPoL39Ceuh5wkqzha_m0xEQXAnIoXKs/s200/023_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582860992817713794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />A copper ground rod and some 6 attached radials varying from 6 to 9mtr (20-30ft) in length are covering the west-to-northwest quadrant. Minor detail; since the vertical wire rises up in the southeast direction, <span style="font-style: italic;">none of these few radials cover the area under this sloped GP.</span><span><br />The white box is a True Balance type </span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span>remote controlled ATU, which was not used for 7 years already</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span>. Together with some common mode supressor #31 FT240 ferrite core and already available coax from earlier experiments, I'm connected.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG2vW3lFfdF0L2sap9vw06eA_dF0zXOFWuWNV7jd6XcOxiYFzpEkfdOXRuOxYHQzgH8I9d-9DpJcUiWNLUwxpGbJTZRZBQ36TboBGOT4Vq9U2lYX7SPHhJ6j1Ia3XE1K2U1FqPYaPseKs/s1600/022_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGG2vW3lFfdF0L2sap9vw06eA_dF0zXOFWuWNV7jd6XcOxiYFzpEkfdOXRuOxYHQzgH8I9d-9DpJcUiWNLUwxpGbJTZRZBQ36TboBGOT4Vq9U2lYX7SPHhJ6j1Ia3XE1K2U1FqPYaPseKs/s200/022_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5582864398617742738" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span><br />The final picture already shows the current situation where I have added another 10 radials in this small quadrant. The Yagi is my next priority for the summers Es season on 6m. And yes, that door in the upper right does need some maintenance attention.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So how does it play, QSO-wise?</span><br />Let's summarize this: a lossy 0.2mm dia wire, an even less-than-poor man's RF ground, a quick&dirty matching unit and 100W <span style="font-style: italic;">input power</span> for that 'Sloped 160m GP'. Good points: it's at least 1/8 wave up and free in the air.<br />Within the hour I work stations on Topband within a 2000 km range including an UA2, but some later an Asian UA9.<br />The next morning at 05:54 UTC I work Dave, W5UN. Wow! Was that perhaps a special moment of extraordinary propagation? Later that evening I meet and work another well known Magic Band operator UK9AA. Two more US stations from PA and TX are worked in the next few days. It's no magic, using only 100W this antenna exceeds my expectations.<br />In between I have added some 10 more radials in by tiny 8x7m backyard. It requires a different setting on the remote ATU.<br />Using my <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2008/02/backyard-160m-reference-vertical.html">short RX vertical </a> I can hear many of the active dx'ers and dx-peditions on 160m. Most have large pile ups and are gone before I can make the contact. That is fully acceptable; this must not be too easy right?<br />New continents are entered in my log soon; JA7NI and today FM5CD. Both take some time before they are able to dig out my puny Little Pistol signal. Slow speed and perseverance while<span style="font-style: italic;"> riding the QSB waves</span> proves successfully.<br />Now how cool is this ???<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's next?</span><br />In the next weeks I will try to arrange:<br /></span></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Replace the ATU for a Low loss matching unit using a Heavy Duty Coil </span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Detune the TX antenna to lower (induced noise) coupling to my RX antennas</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Add a PTT controlled RX antenna sequencing</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Make more QSO's, have fun operating Topband<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /></span></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-19796387992138765862010-09-19T12:26:00.035+02:002010-09-19T17:47:02.682+02:00Back to Analog Basics<span style="font-family:verdana;"><strong>Recognize this? </strong></span><br /><div><div><div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Your current digital product, appliance or service is offering you daily problems. You're fighting your way through settings via zillions of sub-sub-menus, hoping to get that<em> one simple task</em> done. In fact your 'life-style experience' thingy is a product of guaranteed instant stress.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Now there are always some geeks nearby, offering 'help' by friendly telling: you are doing it all wrong. Your settings are incorrect and additionally need to be tweaked(by principal), upgrades installed and special geek-tricks added to the equation before such a device <em>can work at all</em>... This takes time. Yes a lot of precious time (hours), during which you're told how you are living your life utterly wrong, explained at the same geek tech level, which slows down your present perception of (lost) time even more.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">And then it shows; the offered intervention did not help.<br /><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">S</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">urprisingly this does not change the mood of your geek-friend. Quite the opposite; you receive an even longer explanation about <em>why it did not</em> work. In many details that is, until you finally surrender by nodding that you understand him completely...</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Why these creatures are willing to spoil so many consecutive hours of <em>what could have been a fine day</em> is beyond my comprehension (I already exploded mentally twice). I know the world needs them for propelling our technical development. And basically, I am a technician as well. Professionally I'm creating bridges between Planet Geek and Earth, thereby understanding both entities. But in my free time I find myself more often in the base camp of the average John Doe nowadays. Effectively I'm pulling myself away from the interventions and want to call it a day. However my friend is more focused than ever and does not let go.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">More geek tricks are pulled in and, since the challenge level is rising, others step in soon, turning this into a geek frenzy. After much longer it is finally your product bursting up in flames at which the whole pack is joy-ably agreeing it is you who choose the wrong Operating System in the first place.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Well I'm sorry, but back on earth I find it an insult if one imposes such a discussion to a consumer in the year 2010. I know</span><span style="font-family:Verdana;"> consumers are indeed slowly mentally degrading, but geeks lack common sense. </span><span style="font-family:Verdana;">The product is just crap, period.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"><strong>Daily Digital Crap Products</strong></span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Getting to my current affairs; I have been trying some 5 different types/brands Digital Cordless Telephone sets these last couple of years and concluded it's crap.</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Battery charging issues, never correct battery indicator, non-responsive number buttons, blinking lights, alarm messages on the display etc...</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">My favorite annoyance is the "missed call" message on the display. It took 18 (!) button pushes to clear that message from the display, every-time. Why is it that manufacturers aside from implementing a hundred ridiculous options, cannot create a selectable basic simple operating mode, offering nothing but <em>making a call</em>?</span></div><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">I have installed one complete set with 4 handsets at my parents house. Their world is different and they do not recognize any of the display messages at all. And the one in their bedroom is blinking red from day one. Every time a unit does not work or responds differently, they conclude it's probably their operating error and accept that. Hmmmm...... maybe a small learning opportunity for the control freak?</span></div><br /><br /><div><strong><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Back to Analog Basics</span></strong></div><span style="font-family:Verdana;">Out goes the digital crap phone stuff, in comes the <a href="http://beocentral.com/beocom2000">Beocom 2000 </a>from Bang & Olufsen. I bought this telephone sometime during 1990-1995. It has an astonishing design. It's greatest asset was and still is its superb <a href="http://www.beoworld.org/prod_details.asp?pid=424">audio quality</a>. I used this great device for over 12 years without a flaw ever...</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPW7fjbXESmhZwEPIwTOJ9hfU7KcnFoFbI6KJMX7FBMCDE3tH_Sl1VJT_xq4l06u-964PRlsiHbiJvRoiQOGmaw4Yn3z3yq2F0etK2v0mkwl-BFgTZUthHjFeZbrysb4xLglpBT5e3edj/s1600/Img_0004klein.jpg"><img style="width: 200px; height: 150px;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518625169797444914" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkPW7fjbXESmhZwEPIwTOJ9hfU7KcnFoFbI6KJMX7FBMCDE3tH_Sl1VJT_xq4l06u-964PRlsiHbiJvRoiQOGmaw4Yn3z3yq2F0etK2v0mkwl-BFgTZUthHjFeZbrysb4xLglpBT5e3edj/s200/Img_0004klein.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-family:Verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family:verdana;">The brown leather pouf is over 35 years old and needed a 2 hour leather creme polish as it was totally dried out. Both are milestones from the past. Guess what? They both still function well.<br />This model has just a few basic functions like 20 memories, a red emergency number button, an LCD showing the dialed number (no call ID recognition) and 3 selectable true analog ring-tones.<br />Installation process takes 1 single non-dramatic step: connecting your RJ11 cable. No batteries to install and charge 24hrs, no firmware upgrade, no operating system settings, no help desk and no on-line manual.<br /><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs7JilSr1VYjTa-4l_yDaXbv_8GZtWe4XpV7Xf3XRzY2Z41_QDzTlA-O3KJktJ5gLlD02VR4Fum0DkJfYB7FCyaRJcRbadSw8Qe3ixo-PjvEn03Vm-tJbEKx7G2dkFsFBophkpZ7mT2iy/s1600/Img_0009klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJs7JilSr1VYjTa-4l_yDaXbv_8GZtWe4XpV7Xf3XRzY2Z41_QDzTlA-O3KJktJ5gLlD02VR4Fum0DkJfYB7FCyaRJcRbadSw8Qe3ixo-PjvEn03Vm-tJbEKx7G2dkFsFBophkpZ7mT2iy/s200/Img_0009klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518631818129050498" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">That long greyish thing on the left is your handset(wired connection!). As soon as you pick it up from the hook-switch you hear the analog line buzz. Not that digital created artificial sound image from the past, just the<span style="font-style: italic;"> real thing</span>.<br />No answering machine, mailbox, Call ID and/or hide call ID. Just the basics needed for a phone conversation between earthlings.<br /></span><br /></div></div></div>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-19108482076586843042010-02-24T16:44:00.016+01:002010-02-24T22:05:55.384+01:00Doing it right....<b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">ARRL DX CW Contest 20-21 feb 2010 </span></b><?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p><?xml:namespace prefix = u4 /><u4:p style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana"></u4:p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><u4:p></u4:p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Last weekend I participated at our club station PI4TUE.<u4:p></u4:p></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This is the University of Technology Eindhoven's contest call.<u4:p></u4:p><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><u4:p></u4:p><u4:p></u4:p><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Call: PI4TUE<u4:p></u4:p></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Class: M/S HP<u4:p></u4:p></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Operators: ON9CC, PC5A, PE2HD, PA5MW</span></p><u4:p style="FONT-FAMILY: verdana"></u4:p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Summary:<br />Band QSOs Mults<br />-------------------<br />160: 83 29<br />80: 261 42<br />40: 866 55<br />20: 999 59<br />15: 933 58<br />10:<br />-------------------<br />Total: 3142 243 Total Score = 2,290,518<br /><br /><br />Club affiliation: Bavarian Contest Club<br /><br /><b>Antennas: 160m</b> sloper@220ft (RX: 5ft vertical@200ft), <b>80m</b> full size horizontal<br />loop@220ft, <b>40m</b> 1/4 GP @200ft, <b>20-10m</b> 3el SteppIR<br /><b>Rig:</b> Ten-Tec ORION<br /><b>Power:</b> 400w from Acom 1000<br /><br />Wow! This was big fun. Some of us love this contest even more than CQWW.<br />Finally we made some substantial progress compared to our past entries; at 1000 QSO's extra this year we have moved from the back end to the middle(ish). Watch out for us next year !</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">What went very well?</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Preparation<o:p></o:p></b><br /></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">This time I'm well prepared by taking a few days off before and after the contest. Being well rested and refraining from doing the *last minute job* I am fully motivated.</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFe_w7yRsa4Vdbbf7UWvQ9YFkgvD2mb9XAYEIfR1i9-bDqPcRb84gaVa5p-gt455svI8t0OKJsclBNx6GjRCg2mRj6CbkoBvU8d8EuDII4vrWlgUHf01826q0LlMMR8fWuZy2UwVfETDu/s1600-h/IMG_1415.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441907145657162578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicFe_w7yRsa4Vdbbf7UWvQ9YFkgvD2mb9XAYEIfR1i9-bDqPcRb84gaVa5p-gt455svI8t0OKJsclBNx6GjRCg2mRj6CbkoBvU8d8EuDII4vrWlgUHf01826q0LlMMR8fWuZy2UwVfETDu/s200/IMG_1415.JPG" /></span></a></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Looking fresh during the final hours...... :)))<br /><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Antennas</span></b><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><br />The new 3el SteppIR is a big improvement over the 15yrs old 3el compromise trapped(read: noisy) yagi. Next the 80m dipole at 220ft was replaced by a full size 80m horizontal loop at 200ft along the roof perimeter of the building (thanks to PA3DSC, PA0IB, PE2HD and PA3FGA).<br />But there is room for improvement for the RX antennas on 40-160m.</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span></p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OIaF2TRJuaf0FNo-gcLQMaX2m_39c4VnGA19YqbwMMRL_M0_ueZoAcvsraPIktX75dfkb0lt-foaYpne5iF1U6RKO5PcY1E4F4VTiNLtOuDcA7QbBnZ7l3ZI8dDijt2E5qRpcCzJJ0r2/s1600-h/IMG_1420.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441904643355705426" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OIaF2TRJuaf0FNo-gcLQMaX2m_39c4VnGA19YqbwMMRL_M0_ueZoAcvsraPIktX75dfkb0lt-foaYpne5iF1U6RKO5PcY1E4F4VTiNLtOuDcA7QbBnZ7l3ZI8dDijt2E5qRpcCzJJ0r2/s200/IMG_1420.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"> </span><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The HF2V mainly used for 40m</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48gY9MN7W9Uuga9NcT5wUsCXtFNpTRM-Me-H_QUazNvK3zKK3fXgjCgTSzpDa9kP8mWsa_-B7DmeDnTrNU-tdOgOR63ad46c1HQMKPYWDUqkhP1dc1MbRJRHxOUpWwsDLJz7H6a4NNGwt/s1600-h/IMG_1424.JPG"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441904978568663714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg48gY9MN7W9Uuga9NcT5wUsCXtFNpTRM-Me-H_QUazNvK3zKK3fXgjCgTSzpDa9kP8mWsa_-B7DmeDnTrNU-tdOgOR63ad46c1HQMKPYWDUqkhP1dc1MbRJRHxOUpWwsDLJz7H6a4NNGwt/s200/IMG_1424.JPG" /></span></a></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">80m horizontal loop along the top perimeter. SteppIR 3el yagi. 160m sloper at the right end-corner<br /></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Rig</b><br />The ORION's user ergonomics offered its merits to all operators. Especially the setup for audio (main=both ears, sub RX =right only) and the volume knobs (toggle for audio on/off) was much appreciated for operating RUN/S&P between main and sub receiver with help of N1MM contesting software; Single Band SO2R in one box so to speak.</span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The station has no true SO2R capabilities. Another challenge for the future.</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W1AOoLVg1BHnbbM6HvRoXkQwcpzY-A2FHg8DnGD4fkx_9th-jbPrkA1es6S_15DXewTgRt2PxdddVAmQMEfGPPrJP0xwfx5qt3q62Nnnq0N9LKo4hK2ybjd5VXz_y_K_rYzzF1V4-bUV/s1600-h/Picture+081_klein.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441895002278320514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2W1AOoLVg1BHnbbM6HvRoXkQwcpzY-A2FHg8DnGD4fkx_9th-jbPrkA1es6S_15DXewTgRt2PxdddVAmQMEfGPPrJP0xwfx5qt3q62Nnnq0N9LKo4hK2ybjd5VXz_y_K_rYzzF1V4-bUV/s200/Picture+081_klein.jpg" /></span></a></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Second operator position....... not really.</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Being focused</b><br />All operators were sharp from start till end. We strained for the best (band) strategy and our senior contest op successfully taught us additional tricks on the fly.</span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0ptfont-family:verdana;" class="MsoNormal" ><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFrgg61VUcG_9YBUah8QetoTEi7oavuiT2P1Q6cBKm0Ur-OaZBKaTKNNJOIhRPSWrApnR9HrU6vxn6uTVtuZHMciUzb32R5yIEVv_v9wtbXqrky1KuBvp3EprNzo1JI6ChyphenhyphenX5FXnxFiQw/s1600-h/Picture+082_klein.jpg"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5441894335912359362" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheFrgg61VUcG_9YBUah8QetoTEi7oavuiT2P1Q6cBKm0Ur-OaZBKaTKNNJOIhRPSWrApnR9HrU6vxn6uTVtuZHMciUzb32R5yIEVv_v9wtbXqrky1KuBvp3EprNzo1JI6ChyphenhyphenX5FXnxFiQw/s200/Picture+082_klein.jpg" /></span></a></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" class="MsoNormal" face="verdana"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">Operator Aurelio, PC5A looking sharp during sunday afternoon</span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" class="MsoNormal" face="verdana"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b>Food, coffee, sleep, etc.</b><br />There was plenty of it all and the couches in the 'lounge' were comfortable for a quick nap.<br /><br /><br />What went not so well?<br /><br /><b>Pin 1 issues</b><br />We use some 5 pc's, various audio routing, external equipment and zillion connections for different set-ups in the shack. During the contest our headphones showed all kinds of strange varying noises, rattles and hum. The room houses another 30-40 pcs, several HF/VHF/UHF transceivers and other equipment. Definitely a challenge for the future.<br /><br /><b>Lockup/crashes</b><br />Very likely related to the above; WinKey locked up the N1MM program.</span></span></p><p style="LINE-HEIGHT: normal; FONT-FAMILY: verdana; MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0pt" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;">The ORION needed 4 power cycles (3 for no RX and 1 for no TX).<br /><br /><span style="FONT-WEIGHT: bold">But</span><br />All in all a very memorable contest.<br />Thanks to Martin PA3DSC and Steef PA0IB for maintaining a great club station.<br /><br />See you in the phone contest.<br />73 Mark, PA5MW</span></p>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-28080686097758114832010-02-20T11:02:00.009+01:002010-02-24T21:24:14.267+01:0050 MHz Bandpass Filter from Cross Country Wireless (UK)<strong>Why a bandpass filter for 6m?</strong><br />I recently ordered this from <a href="http://crosscountrywireless.co.uk/filter.htm">Cross Country Wireless</a> and received this the other day.<br /><br />There is a couple of reasons in no particular order:<br /><br /><ul><li>Release any front-end(pre-amp) from strong out of band signals, thereby avoiding possible IM from local FM broadcast etc.</li><li>Avoid total blocking of 144Mhz while transmitting on 50Mhz</li></ul>Both my transceiver, transverter and/or seperate pre-amp have internal bandpass filtering. The pre-amp even has a carefully tuned sharp helical filter. But in all cases the filtering is either <em>very</em> wideband or only after the LNA. A seperate, dedicated 6m bandpass filter might clear things up, in theory that is.<br /><br />The Cross Country Wireless offers bandpass filters for 50, 70 and 144 Mhz. They handle 100W RF power and contain a built-in lightning surge arrestor as well. High voltage spike protection too; nice !<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukQ0g1fph-xIhsc0HSe6F-b8kHvpD6b2x5L7fEsbvXjW3ugjFUOB0VlMJ71xGEo6MNoPOI2qJXYnhfX9evil-qq846W9j-_1vFxfcUBdxalh4jNsvm-RSYrBdHD3r1JhYZA91Oxp1Fncg/s1600-h/Picture+063.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440327409711458722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhukQ0g1fph-xIhsc0HSe6F-b8kHvpD6b2x5L7fEsbvXjW3ugjFUOB0VlMJ71xGEo6MNoPOI2qJXYnhfX9evil-qq846W9j-_1vFxfcUBdxalh4jNsvm-RSYrBdHD3r1JhYZA91Oxp1Fncg/s200/Picture+063.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKhHVnMogcj_riqCli0xlndPJ9-6izWIzRihewYp0OIk3hpRe4U3D_m2UbozW7J4a_d7fZp2Aa0td6Yg7jFr8ezvhLdgBok3xDfR2Yc3NbJyZZuHm9sRy4B3qvE7ZEuULGQDf9l5xRV_j/s1600-h/Picture+066.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 200px; FLOAT: right; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440328180895116690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizKhHVnMogcj_riqCli0xlndPJ9-6izWIzRihewYp0OIk3hpRe4U3D_m2UbozW7J4a_d7fZp2Aa0td6Yg7jFr8ezvhLdgBok3xDfR2Yc3NbJyZZuHm9sRy4B3qvE7ZEuULGQDf9l5xRV_j/s200/Picture+066.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p></p><p>The bandpass filter comes with a filter test certificate, detailing RF and VSWR performance.</p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DZTgHgkp0PFLDYk8TcCiDb_AjI0TAlHUFxgDxPJwaJa9TysEjQjZg9fyvGEG98u_7CrYMhBnS2NZew4joVTrju8jQaEWbVibPtwhRzNzDdXZC3GVxeZWVw2iRZ0Whkd2PtNRZQVBAsHd/s1600-h/Picture+069.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440329014679324530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3DZTgHgkp0PFLDYk8TcCiDb_AjI0TAlHUFxgDxPJwaJa9TysEjQjZg9fyvGEG98u_7CrYMhBnS2NZew4joVTrju8jQaEWbVibPtwhRzNzDdXZC3GVxeZWVw2iRZ0Whkd2PtNRZQVBAsHd/s200/Picture+069.jpg" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BQOOsLsxPQI2wTHQ7JJ_Xf8KAu0i4xgiBRWqxDBGyyEsfNgVS32Gh8cPxjkHbsl07O7pSUF3zNVhFYtb46ivRF1hIDBwVenG0Ncc86I-98u7ArzXAlbZ4-cHzrVSO_UWjto_YJgIW9zf/s1600-h/Picture+074.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 200px; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5440329399369992722" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-BQOOsLsxPQI2wTHQ7JJ_Xf8KAu0i4xgiBRWqxDBGyyEsfNgVS32Gh8cPxjkHbsl07O7pSUF3zNVhFYtb46ivRF1hIDBwVenG0Ncc86I-98u7ArzXAlbZ4-cHzrVSO_UWjto_YJgIW9zf/s200/Picture+074.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Final question: <em>"will it result in more QSO's yes/no?" </em><br /><br />Let's evaluate that in a few months.<br /><br />For now I have to catch my next shift in the ARRL DX CW contest at our clubstation PI4TUE.<br />Have fun guys!Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-75098570940836959012010-02-10T18:08:00.003+01:002010-02-10T18:15:28.165+01:00Cleaned up the measuring table/solder corner<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Cleaned out the soldering table<br /><br />Installed two wooden shelves<br /><br />Lined up the equipment at one side<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjzNHyr8GLCqcQ77TQBK6uuLY8lJS4VOO8i7ePm1iJTDHJ_PF9wCNkTjuJvnmJy7s92Ufrz05jCN3NuNjh4ueveq1YAlzS52qKuvbJG0gCs5YYt5Gr8yban7rrijtms8kw0tGMsPmdzz/s1600-h/Picture+201klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBwjzNHyr8GLCqcQ77TQBK6uuLY8lJS4VOO8i7ePm1iJTDHJ_PF9wCNkTjuJvnmJy7s92Ufrz05jCN3NuNjh4ueveq1YAlzS52qKuvbJG0gCs5YYt5Gr8yban7rrijtms8kw0tGMsPmdzz/s200/Picture+201klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5436664326065817618" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Notice the army CW key?<br /><br /><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-29157609976581425552010-02-02T22:46:00.000+01:002010-02-02T22:55:06.803+01:00Doing it wrong..<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">CQWW 160m CW</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />My favourite contest.<br />These last few years I have hardly had time to participate seriously from anywhere.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Excuses, excuses<br /></span>There's never been any time to prepare myself correctly (<span style="font-style: italic;">make that: I never took the opportunity..etc)</span>. Haven't built any decent station after my move to this new QTH. Not even the smallest 160m TX antenna. Not even a low dipole.<br />I do argue with others about which rig to buy or how to optimize for best performance on 160m, but have not made a single 160 QSO from this city lot yet. Go figure.<br />Last year there was this great QST article on the <a href="http://k6mm.com/pages/ant-v160.html">160m No excuses homebrew vertical</a> from John Miller, K6MM. I tried to build <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2009/11/mpv-project-ii.html">my version</a> of a backyard vertical, but the neighbours strongly opposed to its physical exposure. And so it ended.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Even worse preparation for 2010</span><br />Now work goes before hobby and you better plan things ahead. Taking some days off is a good start. Arriving home at 01:15 AM after ploughing 150km through heavy snowfall, an earlier delayed flight, on a thursday morning and then try to catch-up the 'normal work' on the two left days of the week, <span style="font-style: italic;">is not a good start.<br /></span>On saturday morning I awake early and monitor the progress of our club station PI4TUE in the CQWW 160m CW contest. They have a great TX antenna, using <a href="http://sharon.esrac.ele.tue.nl/%7Epc5a/ESRAC_Slopers_Jan08/original/IMG_1036.html">full size slopers</a> from some 70mtrs(220ft) AGL. But they totally lack any RX antenna. Local environmental noise is such high that all past field experiments failed. It is frustrating to hear them miss all dx I can easily hear on my backyard small <a href="http://pa5mw.blogspot.com/2008/02/backyard-160m-reference-vertical.html">160m RX reference vertical</a><br />I arrive at PI4TUE in the afternoon and take my shift from 15:00 till 18:00 UTC. After that I'm completely exhausted, cannot even stay to support the others and head home for a 12 hour sleep.<br />Sunday isn't any better so I go out for a 3 hour walk to catch some energy again.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3830 archives</span><br />Dink, N7WA offers a great service via the <a href="http://lists.contesting.com/pipermail/3830/2010-February/date.html">3830 list</a> and it's great fun to read the sopabox comments.<br />I'm flabbergasted by some of the low power/long wire entries; one European OM making 512 QSO's, 8 states and 52 countries using 5W and a 42mtr longwire ....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Lesson learned<br /></span>Waiting & debating for the <span style="font-style: italic;">new & better</span> station set-up can be an endless frustration.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Next time I will throw out some wire in a nearby tree, connect a tuner and use 100W, </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">just for the weekend. And operate from my own shack, just having fun.<br />And have my own decent <a href="http://www.koffiecentrale.nl/nl/shop/Diemme/Blue_Smart_ESE_Serving.htm">cappuccino</a><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Ugh!<br /></span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-1360575723936198402009-12-30T17:41:00.037+01:002010-01-01T09:54:38.630+01:00Upgrade the current VHF station IV; MDS measurement EXPLANATION<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">General remarks</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />All rigs have been tested at 14 and 28.4Mhz and other adjacent frequencies to rule out bandfilter anomalies.<br />Pre-amps,RF gain, AGC and other possible settings which would affect the results have been optimised every time. During each measurement a verification was done with the reference K2 to rule out potential errors as much as possible. Many measurements, especially the hearing tests, were done by two persons.<br />The found ENB (Effective Noise Bandwidth, column H) allows for comparing apples to apples when talking filter bandwidth.<br />The filter curves were taken from the audio output using Spectrogram. The Elecraft Wide Band Noise Generator module was used to create a constant signal of about S2-S4.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK0yqVPQOSN_ZSc8AUlcG3pSDb-d9W8q7zLRRS75bKdf-Ln7ShzW5p7b6uBYWj6aTxeA1DafFRKPOGSsmrMs2Ac7iMcdnLW13Wq6B1ROE70vVokZ8BXEm9Qd1T4VjoPPwo0bQvtlIKRwh/s1600-h/MDS_02.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmK0yqVPQOSN_ZSc8AUlcG3pSDb-d9W8q7zLRRS75bKdf-Ln7ShzW5p7b6uBYWj6aTxeA1DafFRKPOGSsmrMs2Ac7iMcdnLW13Wq6B1ROE70vVokZ8BXEm9Qd1T4VjoPPwo0bQvtlIKRwh/s200/MDS_02.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421424683864586482" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Performance evaluation</span><br />Both column N and R are key in the evaluation of the <span style="font-style: italic;">measured</span> results and <span style="font-style: italic;">hearing</span> results on 144MHz.<br />Note:the measurement in column Q is totally different from the rest, where both the RF generator and transverter are using in- and outdoor-antennas:<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEhEBTItc8alpqXCQqorlKrXnTqs-Mg40X2VIQiuDP5W4WVR5a1VoNgtH-JofFaIcItmDoBQTy3gt3xKmekwlfcky55ZtvjSKvgvYkT84EhWn9MA217c7u0EN8CGlPHKntOnBUFqpS0Eo/s1600-h/DUT3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 84px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrEhEBTItc8alpqXCQqorlKrXnTqs-Mg40X2VIQiuDP5W4WVR5a1VoNgtH-JofFaIcItmDoBQTy3gt3xKmekwlfcky55ZtvjSKvgvYkT84EhWn9MA217c7u0EN8CGlPHKntOnBUFqpS0Eo/s200/DUT3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421422340794371442" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As such there is a true radio spectrum in between as media. A real life performance test so to speak. Column Q represents the set RF output of the generator at which the MDS recognition threshold by human ear was found.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">As mentioned before; I'm testing 28Mhz weak signal performance on a quiet band using a transverter, that is totally different from lowband and/or contest use</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;" ><span style="font-size:85%;">What really matters is about making that extra QSO yes/no.<br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />Kenwood TS570SG</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Frankly this rig was only tested during the preliminary test 'Method 1'; it is currently in use as an NCDXF HF beacon tracking receiver. The 570SG has the Inrad 400Hz CW filter and a temperature stabiliser for the LO crystal. Its internal DSP is an early 16 bit version; OK at 200Hz and above, but heavy ringing below.</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">28Mhz sensitivity is, next to the icom 7400, tops. </span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">However, for serious weak signal reception connected to a VHF transverter, this rig (and another 570DG) showed its weaknesses; the sound is rough, noisy and it just does not bring out the real weak ones. Is this due to its published high phase noise? Can't tell cause I have nothing to prove that. The<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ICOM 746</span><br />This rig also has a 400Hz CW filter from Inrad. It's owner installed Individual Inrad filters for both IF stages, but previous experiences showed there is too much attenuation caused by bad internal gain distribution. Only the 400Hz in the 2nd IF was used as well as the original 2400Hz in the 3rd 455KHz IF stage. The additional AF CW peaking filters do work very well, but so does the free extra AF background noise. On 144 MHz its own internal VHF front end was used. In total it lacked some 5 dB in performance. When owning such a rig I would use an external preamp and bypass the internal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">ICOM 7400</span><br />The '746 Pro version' showed the best sensitivity on 28Mhz. Using its internal VHF front end, it does hold its own listening to carriers down in the noise (test method 1). But when trying to copy real CW signals the DSP offers a very rough sound and is ringing already from 200Hz and lower. I tried getting a better S/N result by adjusting its internal IF gain setting (input to the DSP unit), but apart from the gain difference in AF volume it did not offer any better result in the measurements, nor during the hearing results.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbFXLvaVnt4faAuZb1jFT5P7tHkZmBYnMmh9YVHlIfqI7wnuvbRnBFUmpL696aX5SwuxD9O-IqjVHP4tffwI_UKwXkjaVAveF8D3T7lefhTaNu-244t7KwBZAV1GwMEiq5rttiuavNrMF/s1600-h/7400_300HZ_DSP.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbFXLvaVnt4faAuZb1jFT5P7tHkZmBYnMmh9YVHlIfqI7wnuvbRnBFUmpL696aX5SwuxD9O-IqjVHP4tffwI_UKwXkjaVAveF8D3T7lefhTaNu-244t7KwBZAV1GwMEiq5rttiuavNrMF/s200/7400_300HZ_DSP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421081253565866082" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN6Xdr5q1fK1VkEObgkDQxAWGPsJc5qO1sNgqco6TVEJkkThuNWF1EDuWAEd_qgVNANATE6gCgmPVxukcX6QWahabQbLEO-3NK3vuLa4fib3Bvl6fy_YnGKA1Kvw2grenRW8NgM4ceC5-/s1600-h/7400_200HZ_DSP.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVN6Xdr5q1fK1VkEObgkDQxAWGPsJc5qO1sNgqco6TVEJkkThuNWF1EDuWAEd_qgVNANATE6gCgmPVxukcX6QWahabQbLEO-3NK3vuLa4fib3Bvl6fy_YnGKA1Kvw2grenRW8NgM4ceC5-/s200/7400_200HZ_DSP.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421081348820948930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">DSP filter curves at 300Hz and 200Hz settings<br />Please notice there 'brickstone' sharp shapes.<br />I have had another 7400 several years ago and used it intensively on 144MHz SSB and CW. The sound was very harsh and annoying over time. Then came the first K2 and a DEM 144/28 transverter; what a sonic relief!<br />Next, from the <a href="http://http//www.ab4oj.com/icom/ic746pro/746p_bpf.html">AB4OJ's Icom website </a>I tried the following trick: choose a filter setting >500Hz and then reduce the bandwidth by offsetting the twin PBT controls. The final result is a 50Hz filter with a very bad shape factor, totally failing in selectivity but the sound is next to noisy much more mellow.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KeOQCJc5dL_mJaot98MEYfcGUjl4fIeITLZcL1oHoUEMAYfLg21dLyRHXios0CRCWwguMZJlQfzahVMFbWwS8c3BdHm3w652440G7P3dMrQWXndfjx-O2yowYTmai0z1g0IN9H-vpbH0/s1600-h/7400_50Hz_PBT.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8KeOQCJc5dL_mJaot98MEYfcGUjl4fIeITLZcL1oHoUEMAYfLg21dLyRHXios0CRCWwguMZJlQfzahVMFbWwS8c3BdHm3w652440G7P3dMrQWXndfjx-O2yowYTmai0z1g0IN9H-vpbH0/s200/7400_50Hz_PBT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421099321221685026" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >In practise this 50Hz 'low quality filter'</span> <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">offered the best results for the IC7400. Only feasible on a very quiet band. Maybe this will help me on my 50MHz set-up next season.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Microtelecom Perseus</span><br />This is not your typical rig where you turn the VFO knob and quickly use some dials & knobs to make a QSO. It is more a tool to monitor single frequencies or a whole frequency band and make that <span style="font-style: italic;">visual</span>. But it does this <span style="font-style: italic;">very well</span>. This high potential receiver has many capabilities (visual and audio) and has phase noise at such a low level(-140dBc @ 2KHz, -150dBc@10KHz), only seen at scientific equipment.<br />It offered the lowest measured result at 28MHz sensitivity. Due to its internal latency, a true S/N measurement using the Marconi analyser was not possible.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Interesting fact is that despite lacking 6dB at the bench test(column P), it does perform well during a real life hearing test, using an outdoor antenna (column Q). Might this be related to its </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">extremely low phase noise?</span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX-dPLW5035EB38T848laTlDqLYILIBlvBAlWs3ZS9Kp2W0VD5oWuhdl8g72_4vKAvi6K1BLqBYPN93m8nRqxxvtPI_YqVx8stgxAx-iyS7vhmWu2cknA6cMQTdzNTPMnLO3RgG8SoPnL/s1600-h/Perseus_416Hz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIX-dPLW5035EB38T848laTlDqLYILIBlvBAlWs3ZS9Kp2W0VD5oWuhdl8g72_4vKAvi6K1BLqBYPN93m8nRqxxvtPI_YqVx8stgxAx-iyS7vhmWu2cknA6cMQTdzNTPMnLO3RgG8SoPnL/s200/Perseus_416Hz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421103842839547810" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd51cFy06KbFE1f6-hvEP11gQrMizq8Z_icTqLmUv_JGuS0_Xf-q_I_zDMRLNl3EOMfpsXXC61oMu8O_zh1ZNNPdCspAXi21ZLNiuAlr11TyDSYHwk_gK0WAjSXl1L5GLoRqJQajagenNb/s1600-h/Perseus_202Hz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd51cFy06KbFE1f6-hvEP11gQrMizq8Z_icTqLmUv_JGuS0_Xf-q_I_zDMRLNl3EOMfpsXXC61oMu8O_zh1ZNNPdCspAXi21ZLNiuAlr11TyDSYHwk_gK0WAjSXl1L5GLoRqJQajagenNb/s200/Perseus_202Hz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421103960091623890" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Perseus at 416Hz and 202Hz settings<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPTey-tcqkPnMLPCzHIaO1b_HJClkkTI_vODwM4JLKbjU1pjjphmKlVPSxUuhHpOjyhMXoVIscLvVc08X6hrhCuGOhaCImCUuKrGKTJPM8Eyx8bBZmEGYx8ujDduNZ0eESNKgxzfLEDN5/s1600-h/Perseus_141Hz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrPTey-tcqkPnMLPCzHIaO1b_HJClkkTI_vODwM4JLKbjU1pjjphmKlVPSxUuhHpOjyhMXoVIscLvVc08X6hrhCuGOhaCImCUuKrGKTJPM8Eyx8bBZmEGYx8ujDduNZ0eESNKgxzfLEDN5/s200/Perseus_141Hz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421104248792492658" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />From this 141Hz setting and lower the ringing becomes worse; I mean ok for monitor carriers but incapable of decoding weak signal CW transmissions.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elecraft K3 serial:173</span><br />We're in the upper class of this test now and the left differences are only minor. The K3 <span style="font-style: italic;">is third best</span> at the bench test in column N. The final column R shows no result as the K3 was not available at that time. An 8-pole 400Hz roofing filter was installed. Interestingly, using the 250Hz roofer and tightening the DSP filter down from 250 to 50Hz the K3 showed a reverse result (worse S/N ratio) on the Marconi. Several actions have been tried: internal IF gain setting, AGC and finally switching from FIR to IIR at 100Hz and 50HZ. The final one was the only setting to show another single dB improvement, but the ringing is awful and makes a weak signal QSO impossible. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The K3 starts with slight ringing from 150Hz and down. From there it becomes worse whatever the settings.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEqChhKLY47SpD27OiC-YMGIT19Ma7A0_5KyyHLmnOvh1mMlTFxQQ0d20shozNGaHSgy5UrjiIRp2cOuEpVVm4yfevi7ajtej73UlFSTTMoDD8sQIXitlL0yK93c1zX9Cbf0DzFuWSRj3/s1600-h/K3_400Hz_FIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTEqChhKLY47SpD27OiC-YMGIT19Ma7A0_5KyyHLmnOvh1mMlTFxQQ0d20shozNGaHSgy5UrjiIRp2cOuEpVVm4yfevi7ajtej73UlFSTTMoDD8sQIXitlL0yK93c1zX9Cbf0DzFuWSRj3/s200/K3_400Hz_FIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421309167219644498" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkkGhd0HKBC0kyRADAZ04PlgNIYVSgC-R8wFyTNW-7jyODO96Re2zAX5-g6FAjlY6LS98L9nP8Reanvezhrr_EJBi0tfZgTd2PGRBw7GmtEcsbUDwqUXbTrqoPRJlQulxv36DJxHZGldb/s1600-h/K3_200Hz_FIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNkkGhd0HKBC0kyRADAZ04PlgNIYVSgC-R8wFyTNW-7jyODO96Re2zAX5-g6FAjlY6LS98L9nP8Reanvezhrr_EJBi0tfZgTd2PGRBw7GmtEcsbUDwqUXbTrqoPRJlQulxv36DJxHZGldb/s200/K3_200Hz_FIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421308696857187842" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">K3 400Hz and 200Hz FIR filters<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSkBJIh6-OXkhEpwcPLU9qY2ZrymOGnZXaSCCS8zfQTR4-FaqXP_lPyyAU7xYfaKob8u4taucPEqvlx7kCJAIfx5wv94QbHZxP8y-1CjPzBCqo_vxw18J9k3LYSnoWZUjAoBPQjRz2GF/s1600-h/K3_100Hz_FIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTeSkBJIh6-OXkhEpwcPLU9qY2ZrymOGnZXaSCCS8zfQTR4-FaqXP_lPyyAU7xYfaKob8u4taucPEqvlx7kCJAIfx5wv94QbHZxP8y-1CjPzBCqo_vxw18J9k3LYSnoWZUjAoBPQjRz2GF/s200/K3_100Hz_FIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421308805371138258" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4nFvfkrCrMLJJIVAAK1ZNWlLxPLxN4X4dyYD6q1UcF-NMpik3-2LXUci4hmQkU1wsbL3FcLmyUNHLf_x5EBF_jkOuy1iTCOZ-lNyDP2T08nh5QqJaEJA_EzGhkv4ue-UicI5w0NxvHg8/s1600-h/K3_100Hz_IIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4nFvfkrCrMLJJIVAAK1ZNWlLxPLxN4X4dyYD6q1UcF-NMpik3-2LXUci4hmQkU1wsbL3FcLmyUNHLf_x5EBF_jkOuy1iTCOZ-lNyDP2T08nh5QqJaEJA_EzGhkv4ue-UicI5w0NxvHg8/s200/K3_100Hz_IIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421309480164344066" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">K3 100Hz FIR and 100Hz IIR, please note that the IIR filter actually is wider.<br />This was also noted at the chapter <a href="http://www.cliftonlaboratories.com/elecraft_k3_noise_blanker_and_crystal_dsp_filtering.htm#FIR_versus_IIR_Filters">FIR versus IIR filters</a> at Clifton Laboratories.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISBkQEl_Qoz5ioN3Z3QTn_LcMJ-5WeCAQD5_I_LrqerkKh6BdPwFNpzkxdznvBmrLUBG2iHLgI32kpdeXEuV1QhCkSnUCGY_WlZOkwjfv_sfyTow688aD4IjSEJIMYryS_OC5DbTPxu52/s1600-h/K3_50Hz_FIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjISBkQEl_Qoz5ioN3Z3QTn_LcMJ-5WeCAQD5_I_LrqerkKh6BdPwFNpzkxdznvBmrLUBG2iHLgI32kpdeXEuV1QhCkSnUCGY_WlZOkwjfv_sfyTow688aD4IjSEJIMYryS_OC5DbTPxu52/s200/K3_50Hz_FIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421310654965980898" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IgKmyxBgcu0k_jwLRcdifSEokjw5_r1Efv8CJK2NMh3muFwMfDRLiubeeFGozCx7zrs2KzOEh9v7DHM-UvkXBLqcqSe5QU3NKn_WrFuA1vmjt1WOHODf1bFO9CE1rvsTqT3j63lhfM3h/s1600-h/K3_50Hz_IIR.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2IgKmyxBgcu0k_jwLRcdifSEokjw5_r1Efv8CJK2NMh3muFwMfDRLiubeeFGozCx7zrs2KzOEh9v7DHM-UvkXBLqcqSe5QU3NKn_WrFuA1vmjt1WOHODf1bFO9CE1rvsTqT3j63lhfM3h/s200/K3_50Hz_IIR.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421310728555540002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />50Hz FIR and 50Hz IIR; being a better 'peaking filter' the latter one did show minor improved measurement results.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Officially, any result difference within 3 dB should be considered "measurement deviations". But the differences are clearly there every day and remain when doing the test at a different QTH. When switching from the Marconi analyser to the hearing test, these last few dB's are still very apparent. Even more the perceived sound quality. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This is where the K3 differs from the last 3 below; it sounds to harsh for weak signal. I have put out some questions on mailing lists and contacted different K3 owners; no special setting(s) for weak signal listening on VHF and up were found. Both the original K3 owner and another 6M enthusiast reported the same perceived 'harshness' compared to what they are used to at analogue rigs.<br />I'm not satisfied yet and convinced that we were not able, to let the K3 show its full merits here. Based on its published specs and current results at major HF contest stations, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I trust the K3 will be a killer during 6m/VHF contests</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">. Elecraft is continuously offering substantial firmware upgrades and the K3 shows increasing potential. I still fancy one..<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elecraft K2 serial:3323 original</span><br />This is a B version. It is a K2 in original shape and aligned according the written procedure. The internal crystal filters have been set-up for 1000, 700, 400 and 200Hz bandwidth.<br />It also has the additional KAF2 audio peaking filter (270Hz and 100Hz). This reduces the out of band noise:<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMQnY7sy8yaHm7qSSnDdoixsa2hwjnFcI5hdRrPx3Agcipq2ZK3OYK2hu4Wa5HpW9bxytL8chdbza39JeXLRkZ4X3BuYqZR6dLqSuBgb8HBvvysA_IlNe3hLt2ZVS4PSrgP3LBDAW0FmU/s1600-h/K2_200Hz_WB.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfMQnY7sy8yaHm7qSSnDdoixsa2hwjnFcI5hdRrPx3Agcipq2ZK3OYK2hu4Wa5HpW9bxytL8chdbza39JeXLRkZ4X3BuYqZR6dLqSuBgb8HBvvysA_IlNe3hLt2ZVS4PSrgP3LBDAW0FmU/s200/K2_200Hz_WB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421367717879572450" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy_mBZvYwAJhL7_HGbUAbIeWHgfD993fIVlB4R4BAa1JTQe1rC-5UB6JU7S4G59yXJWurQyUIswGtjp937N-CxZu9QVjLpGmbCRvt1XYV5IhYARpZhiSqRFzDIcoiwk6oaa-EB3T_KMjo/s1600-h/K2_200Hz_AF2_WB.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqy_mBZvYwAJhL7_HGbUAbIeWHgfD993fIVlB4R4BAa1JTQe1rC-5UB6JU7S4G59yXJWurQyUIswGtjp937N-CxZu9QVjLpGmbCRvt1XYV5IhYARpZhiSqRFzDIcoiwk6oaa-EB3T_KMjo/s200/K2_200Hz_AF2_WB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421367774879355938" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The second picture shows the wideband performance curve using both the 200Hz crystal filter as well as the AF2 100Hz audio filter switched in. Unfortunately this AF2 100Hz filter introduces slight audible ringing.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The measured reduced sensitivity at 28MHz compared to 14Mhz is a normal behaviour.<br />The K2 does have a relatively low phase noise but at 7Mhz. But like most contenders, not particular that good at higher frequencies like 28Mhz. Nevertheless its performance is superb; hey we're in analogue heaven now! The noise-free AF section of the K2 makes the volume control even act like an additional RF gain. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The sound is sweet and offers plenty of details in the quiet background.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Ten-Tec ORION</span><br />I have often used this rig for performance comparisons during the last 4 years and it has always been a close draw with the finalist below. The ORION had been modified by exchanging the 1000Hz crystal (roofing)filter for an Inrad 4-pole 600Hz. This special filter #762 was initiated on request of <a href="http://users.vnet.net/btippett/inrad_.htm">Bill Tippet, W4ZV </a></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">as the original 500 and 300Hz filter upgrades created a worse IMD spec due to a distributed gain issue. This was solved in the later ORION II model.<br />During the sensitivity measurements it became very apparent that any RF gain setting above 92 was creating extra noise and upsetting the S/N measurement. I believe this is the reason why so many new users confirm so called noisy receiver behaviour. Setting the RF gain to an appropriate level is outside the general consumer perception. The manual <span style="font-style: italic;">does</span> explain proper use of the RF gain, but for weak signal you are used to "dialing it up to the max". Thus I got results which are several dB's better than published elsewhere. But the verdict is in the hearing tests and the perceived audio performance. The ORION does very well in this area, being the best DSP rig in the test.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmXXkWRIJrAIhFbDv7swYFG_CPlYFRTVJhZF-a358SkI1qgEgN4vc3_Iy71bECsusbGYwgs_jB13t6b7ePA4VSQGfy1Rl-yHd688E-mEcJuTlv4Zf4zTG1VSuTRqowv5ahyDOSNEVJsK3/s1600-h/Orion_200Hz.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmXXkWRIJrAIhFbDv7swYFG_CPlYFRTVJhZF-a358SkI1qgEgN4vc3_Iy71bECsusbGYwgs_jB13t6b7ePA4VSQGfy1Rl-yHd688E-mEcJuTlv4Zf4zTG1VSuTRqowv5ahyDOSNEVJsK3/s200/Orion_200Hz.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421426707078109090" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEymqGZyYGVtZ3odBgjCBLaIzaXIdiBSsJTdrMsfDUR2y4LVvy2FQzZCbWUt22W5TtRmIy_P9MSOV-r_6nIqPevNGxLSJSA62Bob0Z3LPXVgyh_E7n_3jVFethtUXYC-PvvvgRbAsp-8kI/s1600-h/Orion_100Hz_01.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEymqGZyYGVtZ3odBgjCBLaIzaXIdiBSsJTdrMsfDUR2y4LVvy2FQzZCbWUt22W5TtRmIy_P9MSOV-r_6nIqPevNGxLSJSA62Bob0Z3LPXVgyh_E7n_3jVFethtUXYC-PvvvgRbAsp-8kI/s200/Orion_100Hz_01.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421426800519411202" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The above 200Hz and 100Hz DSP filter settings are 227Hz and 155Hz in reality.<br />Both filter curves represent a more analogue shape. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Not the slightest ringing noted. Even the 100Hz DSP filter sounds as clean as possible.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> Perhaps this is due to different chosen DSP filter algorithms by Ten-Tec designers. It does offer the most <span style="font-style: italic;">analogue sound</span> and shows great receiving performance; signals could still be detected deep down in its calm noise floor. What a relief for your ears.<br />Do not forget the PLL design offers an extremely low close-in phase noise, not matched by any other but the Perseus.<br />So far the ORION has offered me the best overall results in 22 years of Hamradio.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elecraft K2 serial:2036 modified</span><br />In terms of options it is similar to the other K2. Several small upgrades have been done for boosting <a href="http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/mod.html">general performance</a>. However the following modifications have been done over the years for optimisation on 28Mhz transverter use:<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">1. Pre-amp and AGC</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The original preamp is a compromise in terms of system noise figure vs IMD performance. Changing its gain boosts its total system noise figure. More preamp gain involves a lower intercept point however.<br />See the <a href="http://www.elecraft.com/Apps/RX_Gain_application_note.htm">Elecraft application note</a></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">2. 28MHz Band Filter</span><br />This is now peaked at 28.2 MHz</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">3. AF filter</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The AF2 filter is <a href="http://home.pacbell.net/johngreb/kaf2_filter_modifications.pdf">changed</a> from 100 to 140Hz. This small change reduces ringing completely.<br />The audio gain was slightly <a href="http://www.qslnet.de/member/la3za/K2/modAny.html#KAF2">optimised</a> by changing R9 to 12K.<br />Spectran was used to do the adjustment on the KAF2 board, which now peaked a few dB higher.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60cecbMLNWp4vvShvcQ6OeRVvo5VVx4UrFEcP37M10n4zdXaqStndfHwU21oLxLtXEI2dB4AMdZRfzev9bqthyphenhyphenVZ1DcmKEeSnWUnFrV3lMqtac7gdLMRK9O3Z6KjQVG3cg3LASVqAZETy/s1600-h/K2_400Hz_AF1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi60cecbMLNWp4vvShvcQ6OeRVvo5VVx4UrFEcP37M10n4zdXaqStndfHwU21oLxLtXEI2dB4AMdZRfzev9bqthyphenhyphenVZ1DcmKEeSnWUnFrV3lMqtac7gdLMRK9O3Z6KjQVG3cg3LASVqAZETy/s200/K2_400Hz_AF1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421691039716125714" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3dhXgCCI_P3zdyvVxMDqejN3PDCdtGCG1AIM17TdMArk6P4JCsyaufcRodAIYWF72xXq3giFlS90SW_DdW0GQ3CuEo_LSycI4lqzg1v8Nj6NjNKt7Tu5w0NLIvNFE8YjgB7wlmm12SX_/s1600-h/K2_200Hz_AF2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM3dhXgCCI_P3zdyvVxMDqejN3PDCdtGCG1AIM17TdMArk6P4JCsyaufcRodAIYWF72xXq3giFlS90SW_DdW0GQ3CuEo_LSycI4lqzg1v8Nj6NjNKt7Tu5w0NLIvNFE8YjgB7wlmm12SX_/s200/K2_200Hz_AF2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421691122758285314" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">400Hz crystal +270 Hz audio filter. And 200Hz crystal +140Hz audio filter.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This modified K2 has proven its superiority during these tests. It also functioned as the reference rig during the tests. Switching back from any set-up to this little analogue wonder always immediately showed its advantage. </span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >The verdict<br /></span><span style="font-family:verdana;">Best reception: modified K2<br />Best overall performer: ORION<br />Best alternative 'second receiver': Perseus (visual performance)<br />Great future potential: K3<br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Analogue beats digital, but only just.<br />Razor sharp DSP filters offer bad audio for VHF weak signal CW message detection.<br />K2 and ORION offer sonic details like you are diving into the abyss of the RF noise floor.<br />What is the true 'supporting performance' of low phase noise?<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Mission completed?</span><br />I wanted to measure the noise figure of my K2 and, in the process decided to do some more testing..<br />Got a bit carried away.... But then again, I never got to measure known VHF performers like the TS850, FT1000MP etc.. And then there's that superb Javornik transverter. And Down East Microwave is (re-)designing a new transverter.<br />Oh well... lot's of promises for the future ;)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Wish you all a Happy New Year !!!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">73 Mark, PA5MW</span><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-91014663629064286202009-12-24T22:37:00.013+01:002009-12-25T12:29:03.085+01:00Upgrade the current VHF station III; MDS measurement<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This follows the previous blogs on optimizing my Elecraft XV144 144/28MHz transverter + 28MHz IF transceiver</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />Purpose of MDS measurement</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Find factual differences in 28MHz sensitivity of HF transceivers, using measuring equipment as well as ones own ears.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Create repeatable and, as much as possible, reliable results.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Final decision criterion: <span style="font-style: italic;">Can I make that extra QSO Y/N ?</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" >Prerequisites</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">Since my goal is to evaluate my local possible transverter+HF combo's, the actual measurements must reflect real life situations.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">There is plenty of good data available from ARRL, Sherwood, G3SJX etc.. But I need factual data on 28MHz.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Every rig will be set-up for transverter use. If that is via other antenna entries, using extra relay routing, different internal circuitry etc... so be it.</span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Every rig will be fine tuned for best performance on weak signal detection; being able to copy and read CW transmissions. That rules out filter settings which create ringing.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;" ><br /><br />Getting a feel for measuring MDS</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;">I have limited experience in doing this, I follow a different protocol and my equipment calibrations are outdated (2003). </span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">Below data is not scientific proof whatsoever. Nevertheless I have done my best to do make sure to deliver repeatable results. </span> <span style="font-family:verdana;">I tried a few different methods of determining MDS, just to get a feel and, more important, see how it relates to reality.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Test set-up<br /><br /></span></span></span> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx80Yv-hJ3VBl729Fn95XvMHfo1uV7eyb9DInK9mZfbg0CWRKHRuQIy0SaWkpHjEQ8WX3n9ruSqm0NEsazyL5fY4Ah6xhNvZLLG_IxkOPO218uKET12oc0A3rNeRWRL8dGxtmtrXBCFcy/s1600-h/10SDCsmall.gif"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 170px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdx80Yv-hJ3VBl729Fn95XvMHfo1uV7eyb9DInK9mZfbg0CWRKHRuQIy0SaWkpHjEQ8WX3n9ruSqm0NEsazyL5fY4Ah6xhNvZLLG_IxkOPO218uKET12oc0A3rNeRWRL8dGxtmtrXBCFcy/s200/10SDCsmall.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418923456948571170" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocbwtQ0ka9gd7wrA4eLnoG6uOzWG9vLGw8nzd3EVf3KHh0sgXfyocJlKF8Wa8ZHfC7LAToeiuNQUfFUNdbP0X9C1N0aI7QaHPD8BR7DY31TfGF1r6r6YrJiQECAHnz6y08lqk0TKp0WRQ/s1600-h/Picture+123_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgocbwtQ0ka9gd7wrA4eLnoG6uOzWG9vLGw8nzd3EVf3KHh0sgXfyocJlKF8Wa8ZHfC7LAToeiuNQUfFUNdbP0X9C1N0aI7QaHPD8BR7DY31TfGF1r6r6YrJiQECAHnz6y08lqk0TKp0WRQ/s200/Picture+123_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419101302832113106" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Headphones: David Clark Model 10/DC Stereo, with passive noise cancelling.<br />Picture shows a temporally test setup at a friends place.<br />The 'wires in the garden' is a K9AY low band receiving antenna.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Determining the MDS threshold reference level; method 1</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />This was determined by human ear recognition only:<br />Output RF generator: continuous carrier signal fixed set at -100dBm on 28.4 MHz and 144.4 MHz. It is capable of reducing its output down to -140dBm, but to rule out internal deviations and external possible load differences I used the step attenuator. A second identical step attenuator from a different brand was used from time to time for comparison and verification.<br />Generator connected via step attenuator to the 'Device Under Test', or to the Elecraft XV144 transverter, which in turn was connected to the DUT.<br />Output receiver: connected to headphones<br />Using the 10dB and 1dB switches of the step attenuator, a minimum threshold was found at which the RF signal can just be recognized <span style="font-style: italic;">and</span> while turning the VFO the varying beat note can still be heard. This method delivers a more accurate and detectable threshold vs just a faint phantom signal xx dB buried in the noise.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0ClW8AL9jzKgOsw8IfIjSQVr7T6Qyl5JXeY4_AJVrKbGpw_aPm2oBpTQXnNZMmNtZBbbYdpVJafChoyqxp4nt3RhY34FtDpVuvBnQcGo7YdtROL1s9Z6OPafnY0V1vQveuib_I3r2JOS/s1600-h/MDS+test+1.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 98px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje0ClW8AL9jzKgOsw8IfIjSQVr7T6Qyl5JXeY4_AJVrKbGpw_aPm2oBpTQXnNZMmNtZBbbYdpVJafChoyqxp4nt3RhY34FtDpVuvBnQcGo7YdtROL1s9Z6OPafnY0V1vQveuib_I3r2JOS/s200/MDS+test+1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418931029105082610" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The penultimate column shows the single receiver performance at 28.4MHz, the final column refers to the transverter combo result. Found 28MHz MDS values showed an average <span style="font-style: italic;">delta</span> of 8dB compared to official published data which is 'promising'.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Determining the MDS threshold reference level; method </span></span><span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">2</span><br />Taking it one step further I started doing the S/N measurement function on the Marconi communication analyser.<br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yGDDuWpEGrdCPm6Ng9CuOYWsBqmkVAw2Al1rBDMU8Ptzp0Z9EwBqZR-1QzgM6ME7uPvlkkHqJt-rNnaqI7M7Pp_nx6uGnjGrFOY5EUIXt5ULSblNcndhJXXjhiYO4GGOU5gX-UflCTvw/s1600-h/DUT.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 70px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yGDDuWpEGrdCPm6Ng9CuOYWsBqmkVAw2Al1rBDMU8Ptzp0Z9EwBqZR-1QzgM6ME7uPvlkkHqJt-rNnaqI7M7Pp_nx6uGnjGrFOY5EUIXt5ULSblNcndhJXXjhiYO4GGOU5gX-UflCTvw/s200/DUT.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418921000871419938" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcU1baQatmplKVLLDIXgrkZf_OO77duA6rajnvQ43gVVY_oWRB0cTXXdWyv5s8NFyahwXA8BcnZHVHiLfC_hhWhUhyphenhyphen4rZflh1DH8hRr42vl8St5ClxgrkVZtE6Ae0fR5vygcMwsZEsm5Z/s1600-h/DUT2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcU1baQatmplKVLLDIXgrkZf_OO77duA6rajnvQ43gVVY_oWRB0cTXXdWyv5s8NFyahwXA8BcnZHVHiLfC_hhWhUhyphenhyphen4rZflh1DH8hRr42vl8St5ClxgrkVZtE6Ae0fR5vygcMwsZEsm5Z/s200/DUT2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419117169498747154" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The second drawing shows the set-up with the 144/28 transverter 'combo'.<br />In both set-ups the audio is routed back to the analyser which determines the S/N figure.<br />At first I have done all tests using a 20dB S/N level as measuring reference, but since that is not resembling a true weak signal I cut it back to 10dB S/N. At that level all signals are already very near the noise level.<br />This test method quickly showed reliable results. I have repeated all measurements a minimum of 5 times at different days. To be sure I got the same repeatable results, </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">each time the modded K2 was used as measuring reference</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">. I spent 3 weeks doing this almost every evening. There was one occasion where <span style="font-style: italic;">all</span> test results shifted 1dB on a single day only. But apart from that everything stayed rock solid. I got enthusiastic and started dragging in other rigs as well.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eVcgLGAaLiEds4QvX2l2YKUyebIY1qBvgrHVHNNmEQNN_d26J6Nr7d9r1H8UlXI4bwaVJ3ZLP6BlpePaNK3mxQ-M_RF7u5AYqQRnoOq1_0dLiWaZieXRfUdv3bQq0yTOinjrpVMAh1LI/s1600-h/MDS+test+2.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 86px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_eVcgLGAaLiEds4QvX2l2YKUyebIY1qBvgrHVHNNmEQNN_d26J6Nr7d9r1H8UlXI4bwaVJ3ZLP6BlpePaNK3mxQ-M_RF7u5AYqQRnoOq1_0dLiWaZieXRfUdv3bQq0yTOinjrpVMAh1LI/s200/MDS+test+2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5419109164048534850" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">So what do we have here?<br />Column D: extras which do not come standard with the product<br />Column E: selected crystal filter in the 1st IF being the standard or an optional filter<br />Column F: set DSP filter. IIR and PBT refer to receiver custom settings<br />Column G: set audio 'peaking' filter, only applicable for K2 and the IC746<br />Column H: measured Effective Noise Bandwidth using info from Owen at: http://vk1od.net/measurement/enb/MeasureIfBw.htm<br />Column I: calculated using the metric converter at http://vk1od.net/calc/RxSensitivityCalc.htm<br />Column J: published MDS results from ARRL at 14 MHz (for comparison only)<br />Column K: measured S/N using the Marconi generator/analyser at the 10dB S/N level reference<br />Column L: same<br />Column M: same but now using the 144/28 transverter combo<br />Column N: calculated delta on results found in column M<br />Column O: same as K but using human ear for MDS recognition<br />Column P: same as O but using the 144/28 transverter combo<br />Column Q: same as column P but now the RF generator is connected to a small antenna loop and the transverter is connected to the outdoors 144 MHz yagi. The results shows the delta to the found "best in class" receiver.<br />Column R: remarks will be discussed in detail in the next blog.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"I'm not happy with your results....."</span><br />What does this all mean? Why is X doing this and Y doing that? My Z-rig at home does better than your measured yours etc.......<br />Please note the whole measurement concentrates on reading the signal at 28MHz under weak signal circumstances.<br />That is a zillion light years away from performance during a contest, let alone on low bands.<br />The hearing measurements were done with two persons and done as serious as possible. It even turned out my friend was able to dig another dB or two in the noise but he created an extremely small <span style="font-style: italic;">brain filter</span> which was already pre-synced on the signal :). Fun but not the agreed threshold level where we could both detect and read the CW transmission.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So ????????</span><br />Benchmark results are nice for comparison and I'm pleased with the found noise figure results.<br />This will allow me to do careful calculations using the mentioned VK3UM application, see my earlier blog.<br /><br />I appreciate the MDS test results 'by human ear' the most.<br />In the end the QSO is made using that exact instrument, so by upgrading my whole 144Mhz set-up I want to use that 'measurement tool' as much as possible. I'm very reluctant it turned out to be a reliable tool.<br />The S/N test function on the Marconi generator produces a modulated signal which sounds like separated dots (e-e-e-e-e) at some 15WPM. That is the close enough to reality and certainly much better than any stable continuous carrier.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /></span><br />During the tests there were large differences in sound quality perceived. DSP filters sometimes sounded harsh and extremely small filters introduced ringing. Ringing does not need to be a problem if there is plenty of signal, or you need to filter out the adjacent station during contest etc. However at the weak signal level on a quiet band ringing is <span style="font-style: italic;">not</span> making that extra QSO.<br /></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span><br />The modded K2 sounded best and proved the winner for decoding weak signals, followed closely by the Orion and K3. The Perseus not only shows a great picture but offers good readability too.<br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's next?</span><br />In the next blog I will comment on all tested receivers individually and explain in detail how they were set up and modified for best results. Their measured filter responses will be shown as well.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-75451237036009553842009-12-02T13:25:00.012+01:002009-12-02T23:14:24.978+01:00Upgrade current VHF station II; the plan<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">What is my goal?</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Pure and simple: have more fun in hearing (seeing?) weak signals, participate in a few contests and/or work new dx, on 144MHz.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Throw in some new hardware !!??</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Now there's a lot you can do to upgrade your VHF station boosting the performance <span style="font-style: italic;">in theory, </span>like:</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br />- adding a pre-amp<br />- additional (band-)filtering<br />- mount the transverter near the antenna<br />- install extreme low-loss coax<br />- raising the antenna height<br />- buy new high performance equipment with DSP, add SDR receiver etc.<br />- low noise power supply<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />However, none of these will offer gain by principle.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">All the above need to be seriously evaluated before implementation.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hardware performance simulation</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I do like VK3UM's EME system performance calculator a lot.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">This great application allows you to evaluate your set-up and simulate any future upgrades.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">See free software at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/EME%20calculator">http://www.vk3bez.org/vk3um_software.htm</a></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">A typical view shot looks like this:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ROKBLRuuZf-ceYfOIIiGBHkaByHNoZTOJNyHnRNyHnqUarCgRno_F5SR8i0ptyXj8XR3fzIOTLerCdWG70aIP777EaAfAJzmwW8EaznOl1o9Uxh9UKP-i2_90OgPSO3WALEawjLq3vJ6/s1600-h/Image3.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 142px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ROKBLRuuZf-ceYfOIIiGBHkaByHNoZTOJNyHnRNyHnqUarCgRno_F5SR8i0ptyXj8XR3fzIOTLerCdWG70aIP777EaAfAJzmwW8EaznOl1o9Uxh9UKP-i2_90OgPSO3WALEawjLq3vJ6/s200/Image3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410630782017074994" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Mind you</span>: there is RX Noise Figure which is determined by hardware only. And there is System Noise Temp and Noise Figure, which show the real life situation when terrestrial or sky noise is added to the equasion.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The hardware setup is clearly cut into pieces:<br />Antenna<br />Coax to the 1st RF stage (LNA)<br />Coax the the second RF stage (receiver)<br />Settings for coax type, connector and relay contact losses.<br /><br />The program calculates both a total receiver noise figure based on pure hardware only, and a total system noise figure/noise temp, based on the environmental terrestrial sky noise (not EME).<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Toggling the LNA on/off switch the total system noise figure gains 3dB at receiver performance.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The plan<br /></span>Let's start evaluating the current total receiving performance.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>There's only 2 building blocks in VK3UM's performance calculator. So I need to cut my 144MHz receiver chain in separate parts and evaluate the individual blocks first, before starting to calculate the total system performance.<br /><br />my current blocks:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1. Antenna </span> (Tonna 17el @12m AGL)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2. Coax into shack</span> (2 pieces of EcoFlex-10 and -15 +5 connectors)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3. 144/28MHz transverter</span> (Elecraft XV144)<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">4. 28MHz IF transceiver </span> (Elecraft K2, modified for bettter 28MHz performance)<br /><br /><br />First step: evaluate transverter +IF receiver performance<br /><br />I will need to do a MDS test on the K2 IF receiver</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-12042461335123710422009-11-11T16:21:00.009+01:002009-11-11T17:30:15.238+01:00Upgrade current VHF station<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Planned changes</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />There's a few reasons why I'm planning some upgrades on my current VHF station. First there's the annual wear and tear; the 17el 6.67m 144MHz Tonna yagi has a bended boom, due to a storm last spring. The coax is some 5 years old and has a few connectors too many along the path. I want to raise that antenna to the max level officially allowed, which will involve another 1mtr above street level. There's an older 4el vertical yagi for long distance 145 FM repeaters for which I have a replacement 5 el version ready. The 70cm vertical omni and yagi combo is still awaiting going into service. And them some more minor things.<br />Then there's plenty of equipment in the shack which needs to be sorted out, optimised for performance and operation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Check current beacons</span><br />Just for fun let's check two popular beacons.<br />Now this surely is very subjective since there are so many criteria involved which change from day to day. The weather today is cold, cloudy and moist. The FM repeater at 100km distance is a few dB down and shows some more noise on its signal than what is normal.<br />Waiting for the right up-swing in the very slow fading (several minutes to be exactly) I copy:<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">DB0FAI (A1A) on 144.490 from JN58IC</span><br />This German beacon uses a 16 el yagi mounted to a cows barn and puts out 100W pointed into my direction. Distance is 545km.<br />You can find more info on <a href="http://www.blogger.com/DB0FAI">http://www.qsl.net/db0fai/ </a><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS_fUnUnQUUHmdTeniVBVm0OBP3yMVpdoc6JFPzblmKoQ1YAC-olMZk2r-1JUPz2qsEUw2hlDd7CfWHxowZv37Pi_wZ7cMgde7oiWLBciqGtJUKq9_xFOFI9JOAVcwXJ21ScRCFW8RLdC/s1600-h/DB0FAI.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLS_fUnUnQUUHmdTeniVBVm0OBP3yMVpdoc6JFPzblmKoQ1YAC-olMZk2r-1JUPz2qsEUw2hlDd7CfWHxowZv37Pi_wZ7cMgde7oiWLBciqGtJUKq9_xFOFI9JOAVcwXJ21ScRCFW8RLdC/s200/DB0FAI.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402876760503296546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">The displayed frequency shows the 28MHz IF ouput of the transverter plus its LO offset.<br />The beacon is at times pretty loud; some 34dB above the average noise level.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HB9HB (F1A) on 144.448 from JN37QF</span><br />This Swiss beacon puts out 10W into a 2el yagi also into my direction. Distance is 507km.<br />The location is on a mountain at 1395m ASL.<br />Details can be found at: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/HB9HB">http://www.hb9hb.ch</a><br />The F1A transmission effectively shows 2 signals after detection in CW mode with a 1 KHz difference. The signal on 448 sounds inverted, the one on 449 is normal. This makes finding HB9HB, which is always very weak at my place, both challenging and a good performance test for the receiving equipment.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJabSQdZbzV5jNCeLQoq4EK_TfiYQvQ1AT3qg-fWawoylcopiBZwXmvNoxCN4-KGjV691YCdsqRXoz4LzBUBKTeMEnlBtDLm-ZhVRJjAAvYsrtCK-nJVJn5pbaCcPu3pc6XmjGe2i4SSa/s1600-h/HB9HB.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 120px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIJabSQdZbzV5jNCeLQoq4EK_TfiYQvQ1AT3qg-fWawoylcopiBZwXmvNoxCN4-KGjV691YCdsqRXoz4LzBUBKTeMEnlBtDLm-ZhVRJjAAvYsrtCK-nJVJn5pbaCcPu3pc6XmjGe2i4SSa/s200/HB9HB.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5402879516842784514" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Used equipment:</span><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">- Bended 17 el Tonna Yagi @ 12m ASL</span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">- 25m Ecoflex 15 + 9m Ecoflex 10 coaxial cables<br />- Elecraft XV144 transverter (28Mhz output)<br />- home made 3dB splitter<br />- Modified Elecraft K2, optimised for 28Mhz<br />- Perseus SDR receiver<br /><br />I'm using both the Perseus SDR as well as the Elecraft K2 for listening. The Perseus offers valuable virtual data, the K2 is the slightly better receiver. The 3dB splitter has no negative effect as there is plenty of signal from the transverter output.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-76060115255936719562009-11-01T17:04:00.011+01:002009-11-01T18:01:06.454+01:00The MPV project II<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The MPV rises to 16mtrs !</span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />I have found a top section of an old 12m spiderpole. This came from a damaged Heavy Duty version and has served as an 160m vertical during a HB0 dx-pedition. However, despite wall thickness up to 2mm it didn't last long in high winds.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOKaNLyhP6F7m98gTftGLPRLQNHYczoT0nw7ikZPvacVtfhC16Ta4te17xUX6Fsfe4_IvesSZEQLJtWZFB8usIXfverOrICoXo3ZN1u5tC-mpUDFrUyBsACTYpXoinmU2gCbsBSphpMnj/s1600-h/160mvert_HB0.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPOKaNLyhP6F7m98gTftGLPRLQNHYczoT0nw7ikZPvacVtfhC16Ta4te17xUX6Fsfe4_IvesSZEQLJtWZFB8usIXfverOrICoXo3ZN1u5tC-mpUDFrUyBsACTYpXoinmU2gCbsBSphpMnj/s200/160mvert_HB0.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399168527367007474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />The 12m fibreglass pole can be spotted on top of a 20m alum mast which serves domestic logistics.<br /><br />I allocated the top sections in the back of my shed and found them in good shape. A total length of 6.40m is available and it fits tight on the top section (22mm dia/2.5mm wall) of the earlier installed 10m DJ6NI mast. For the experiment I added a couple of hundred windings using 0.85mm lacquered copper clad steel wire from <a href="http://www.dxwire.de/">www.dxwire.de </a><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xnZ-1Y8AxPpPWeTznBDmWIJoVn2vpx6iarJdWyPrq-06QKT-vBSpUK85wFIK51mvL4OssLBHAszVshDirUDiILZZGYqS3De7eX2vP-hWICRNpgFZ2_Pr8_orEn1DRNmamxzwDw9Bsft0/s1600-h/Picture+059_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8xnZ-1Y8AxPpPWeTznBDmWIJoVn2vpx6iarJdWyPrq-06QKT-vBSpUK85wFIK51mvL4OssLBHAszVshDirUDiILZZGYqS3De7eX2vP-hWICRNpgFZ2_Pr8_orEn1DRNmamxzwDw9Bsft0/s200/Picture+059_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399170565550963666" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Nice job done, but a quick check with my antenna analyser using some ground radials and a 3m ground rod, shows resonance at 1570KHz. And I haven't even hoisted up the bottom 10m sections. A few too many windings I say!<br />With the 40cm overlap and true snug fit the <span style="font-style: italic;">Most Pitiful Vertical</span> is now at 16m.<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP97OSGtQ4hhXey5Psw85rqcl9RrtT1K0X6vzuktbZjWzWS65fJGUfTScfCsBiYLVGDhwuaa2bHhumXQZrnZgioOiz8dzsTUo9GEqy1G63M4lAyHwYq5vgkEonMWNrsbEMLYCPvbTZAfX/s1600-h/Picture+065.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXP97OSGtQ4hhXey5Psw85rqcl9RrtT1K0X6vzuktbZjWzWS65fJGUfTScfCsBiYLVGDhwuaa2bHhumXQZrnZgioOiz8dzsTUo9GEqy1G63M4lAyHwYq5vgkEonMWNrsbEMLYCPvbTZAfX/s200/Picture+065.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399172508259409186" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">But..............</span><br />I run upstairs in order to make a nice 'total view picture' from the 1st floor.<br />Looking outside I quickly recognize the downside of this kind of structures; wind.<br />Even the slightest afternoon breeze bends it like this:<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYzm1h8jmMjnz9Rab-LQesui513ZpfBAa_3AMw-GDc7CQtGkOT6amgDQL5W41L3I_Ep_jp0xAk8aMSehMsSEuHinPcQikEoMxJrx-JxqbwPIEt-CZ3Dp9E3-gmBMEndS5UyCEp5I0McJ/s1600-h/Picture+066_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrBYzm1h8jmMjnz9Rab-LQesui513ZpfBAa_3AMw-GDc7CQtGkOT6amgDQL5W41L3I_Ep_jp0xAk8aMSehMsSEuHinPcQikEoMxJrx-JxqbwPIEt-CZ3Dp9E3-gmBMEndS5UyCEp5I0McJ/s200/Picture+066_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5399175000369309554" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Another guying point at the 10m point, just below the black top section, is not feasible. My guying locations are way too close and there's no room for attachment points farther away. Let alone the risk of tangled up guying wire during the daily job of sliding the whole structure in and out. BUMMER.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">OK, where are we now?</span><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">This current 16m version is not an option.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Guess that a max of 12m vertical is possible, provided I use a thin wall fishing pole and no extra windings on the top section to minimize the load.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Explore option of a T-version, where the top-hat functions as guying. Max 12-14m height?</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Better install an electrical 30m Bigh Bertha, which needs no guying and is 3m high (and the same amount buried in the ground with several tons of concrete, right?).<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What went well?</span><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Back yard has been cleaned up</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Found that chicken mesh-wire functioning as ground screen is a realistic option<br /></span></span></li></ul><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Only few weeks till CQ-WW CW<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-58694235815305231252009-10-21T13:09:00.006+02:002009-10-21T16:44:13.108+02:00The MPV project<span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:100%;">"Most Pitiful Vertical"</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br />It's time to become active on Top Band again!<br />Since the move to my new QTH there have been several options investigated on how to implement a vertical antenna for 160m. Discussions, software antenna models, wild ideas etc.. all with no result yet.<br />A recent article in QST described a "No excuses" home brew vertical by John K6MM. This helically wound vertical is only 25ft(7.6m) high, see details at his <a href="http://www.k6mm.com/pages/antennas.html">website</a><br />Sure, delivering a puny little signal this is no pileup-killer. But you make qso's and at right times you work some dx as well.<br />So why keep dreaming about that larger, but still compromise antenna in the woods behind the house, which by today remains not feasible and due to practical restrictions will still be a compromise?<br />Then there's this remote farm site available for serious 160m operation, but that's more than an hour drive from here. You want to check Top Band when you pee at nights right?. Maybe I can have fun even with a ridiculous small antenna.<br /><br />On october 14th there was a cool <a href="http://www.k6mm.com/antennas/160-pvrcwebinar.pdf">presentation</a> during a joint webinar from PVRC-NCCC by K6MM.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The MPV idea</span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Let's put up a vertical and see what I can accomplish. I sure can use the experience for future field operations. There is and have been so many reasons in the past to not put up a small vertical for 1.8MHz, both at home and on field locations.<br />As my garden measures only 8x7mtrs (600sq feet) there is another requirement: the vertical must be unobtrusive for the neighbourhood during daylight hours. This means I need to be able to take it down to a max 3m(10ft) level in a matter of minutes.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">First steps</span><br />From <a href="http://www.qth.at/adl708/von%20der%20ley.htm">DJ6NI </a> I have the 10m version fibre-glass mast for more than 10 years now. It has served me on many occasions as mast for antennas like Inverted Vee, Vertical, K9AY etc. This very tough material and can carry a lot of weight. Each section can be locked and has a micro adjustment.<br />Why not install a 12, <a href="http://www.n3ox.net/projects/sixtyvert/">18</a> or even the new <a href="http://www.spiderbeam.com/product_info.php?info=p233_Spiderbeam%2026m%20fiberglass%20pole.html">26m Spiderpole</a> fishing rod? I have seen that big sucker at the Friedrichshafen Ham-Fair, but the 15 segments become quickly too heavy to lift. It's ok for any field day occasion, but not the daily install I have planned in my backyard. Not to mention it costs 549 euro.<br /><br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0zhaSQ-aIFFq-pH0DoW0POrXQ93_LdQ7JkZFAZVZPMpcFRs-q70gRhDBBUgUnO0-f0JIB2GJPJnbDq8vE45seTEB0sY4rkzs_BmyfqwN89fBYtcv2bx3dXXrLgRNLm_iDs5ZFPXSdaV-/s1600-h/Picture+043_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU0zhaSQ-aIFFq-pH0DoW0POrXQ93_LdQ7JkZFAZVZPMpcFRs-q70gRhDBBUgUnO0-f0JIB2GJPJnbDq8vE45seTEB0sY4rkzs_BmyfqwN89fBYtcv2bx3dXXrLgRNLm_iDs5ZFPXSdaV-/s200/Picture+043_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395054098334987794" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BGbfxhAepxhJNBTeNFvEVoWCzgPUffuteuJRNWRUdiYmdD4tSasuXztYRb3P4_OI8nD-N0ephVPDgbB5NF1iIJJZ88KYe05d9auGKEv6q6y4cyCQzEE8puRhfFOIcEUsKVfUXgFmebxB/s1600-h/Picture+044_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9BGbfxhAepxhJNBTeNFvEVoWCzgPUffuteuJRNWRUdiYmdD4tSasuXztYRb3P4_OI8nD-N0ephVPDgbB5NF1iIJJZ88KYe05d9auGKEv6q6y4cyCQzEE8puRhfFOIcEUsKVfUXgFmebxB/s200/Picture+044_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395053734795762290" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Result</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />10m heavy duty mast. Can be set up within 2 minutes at minimal effort.<br />The top section is 22mm dia so there's opportunity for additional length.<br />Guying is done at the 6m level, using 2mm dynema.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvAmuyGsfwOjGidGt3Nv8IMK754_nz2lK52XUQcuFSXAGKrqW-wgXXK1j2rMC7HBMWy3IgYcWulKONJXeYihFZOFurlGmGDhqdcrzugEfS1f6w-xPlDyu-bGEQ1h_NzqJDPfHDaM61jsl/s1600-h/Picture+049klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJvAmuyGsfwOjGidGt3Nv8IMK754_nz2lK52XUQcuFSXAGKrqW-wgXXK1j2rMC7HBMWy3IgYcWulKONJXeYihFZOFurlGmGDhqdcrzugEfS1f6w-xPlDyu-bGEQ1h_NzqJDPfHDaM61jsl/s200/Picture+049klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5395064048802195730" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">No; for several reasons there is no possibility for a vertical in those trees behind.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next</span></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Find an extension like old fishing rod</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Explore option for possible inverted L</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Or helical windings<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Create ground screen</span></span></li><li><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Find the final resonance and add a tuning network at the bottom<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> I need to clean up the garden first.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-5518602389967588452009-10-18T21:32:00.003+02:002009-10-18T21:40:14.681+02:00<p class="P1" style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" class="T5" >Goal for 2009 season</span><span class="T2" style="font-size:85%;"><br />Like every year I do set reasonable goals for the 6m season. Yes; 'season' because outside the Es-propagation window of may-august, there's nothing to do on the 'Magic Band'. We are simply missing sunspots. Next, the targets must meet motivation, hardware and finally time with respect to work&daily social life (</span><span class="T4" style="font-size:85%;">what?</span><span class="T2" style="font-size:85%;">).</span></p><ul style="font-family:verdana;"><li><p class="P3" style="margin-left: 0.748cm;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Do some research and implement changes</span><span class="odfLiEnd" style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p></li><li><p class="P3" style="margin-left: 0.748cm;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Find improvements</span><span class="odfLiEnd" style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p></li><li><p class="P3" style="margin-left: 0.748cm;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Competition; participate in annual marathon contest UKSMG</span><span class="odfLiEnd" style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p></li><li><p class="P3" style="margin-left: 0.748cm;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Work new countries</span><span class="odfLiEnd" style="font-size:85%;"> </span></p></li><li><p class="P2" style="margin-left: 0.748cm;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Fun factor; radio is a </span><span class="T1" style="font-size:85%;">hobby</span><span style="font-size:85%;">. Wikipedia says:"Hobbies are practiced for interest and enjoyment". Playing with radio does serve both for me.</span></p></li></ul><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T5" ><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br />Things which worked well</span><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Do some research, implement changes</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T4" >Hardware; transceiver.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />I have spent (too?)much time getting the most out of my 6m transceiver and/or finding a better rig. See my previous blog.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T4" >Hardware; antenna.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />The main key factor at your station. Get more and bigger antennas up, right? However, measuring environmental noise hat put things into perspective. See my blog of April 12th.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T4" >Software; DxBase 2006 Logbook</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />I run two different logbooks on 6m; one all time logbook for entering any qso which is an all-time new country. Next I have the 2009 logbook which starts from scratch for the annual marathon UKSMG contest.<br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T4" >Software; re-calculating current station design.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />VK3UM's Receiving Performance Calculator shows you the overall impact of changing the antenna, adding a pre-amp and/or installing low-loss coax. The total system noise temperature (or equivalent noise figure) shows how much can be really gained, or not. Set Sky noise at 5500 K, representing the average terrestrial noise in a city environment. Terrific software !<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Find improvements</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />The Elecraft K2 +XV50 6m transverter has shown its merits on sensitivity and pure analogue sound quality. Ergonomically it proved not capable, yet.<br />The Perseus SDR receiver I have for some months now, shows great potential at several disciplines. Best in class performance at band monitoring, doing measurements, finding weak signals, next to being simply a superb DC to 35MHz receiver. </span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T4" >Enjoying 22 years in Hamradio groundbreaking improvements have been: TS850, K2, ORION and the Perseus.</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Reading the latest articles of YU1AW on principles of gain/temperature and 30 years development in yagi design, gives you new insights on terrestrial vs local man-made noise as well as relevant interpretation of the current new antenna designs.<br />I believe there is still room for improvement in my current 50 MHz station set-up.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Competition</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >Many european 6m operators participate in annual marathon contests. I'm publishing my efforts in the annual table of the UK Six Meter Group.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >The goal is trying to work as many countries in a single season. All modes are allowed. That is a lot of fun since you can start from scratch every new season. This creates an exciting alternative</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >during these years of low sunspots and ample cross continent dx possibilities. I even run a seperate logbook for the this annual contest marathon. Having already 53 different DXCC countries in Europe makes this a tough task too. At least some 30 countries rely on short-skip propagation which occurs in very few occasions. It does sharpen your tools for hunting the real dx. On one hand this creates band activity, on the other you need to be careful avoiding 'QRM' since you are calling known & easy dx every year again and again. Example; when LY2xx finally becomes available I refrain from calling him immediately in the pile-up on his QRG. There's lots of stations who have never worked an LY ever, and maybe he just has a short window on a path to some other dx. I prefer to work him on a more quiet moment or when the band is just opening.<br />Achieving serious results requires serious dedication as some countries are available only very occasionally during the season. Sharing your experiences on-air or on the ON4KST webchat is fun.<br />My result for 2009: 78 worked DXCC countries. That puts me right in the top-ten ;-). Last year I managed 57, but then my QTH was home to a lovely YL (a matter of setting priorities so to speak). My annual record is 82 which happened in 2006. Getting to serious results is a matter of being there at the right time. My station has a single 5 el yagi @12mtrs AGL and output 100W (no PA available). I'm very satisfied with the results.</span><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Mind you; although all modes are allowed in this marathon contest, I refuse any 'digital' modes and prefer only contacts which are truly by human only (own ears, voice and Bencher key).<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Work new countries</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Triple efforts are put into working a new country. The Es season showed many openings to the Caribic; on several evenings KP4's where available for many hours and could be worked on a rubber duck. New DXCC for me: Americas: VO, 8R, J3, J7, 9Y, from Africa: D4, 6W, TR, TN, 5N, from Asia: 4J, and from Europe: 3A. That makes 12 all time new ones.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Fun factor</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Being this a hobby, not an obsession, one has to careful balance time&effort.<br />I enjoyed the many fine dx qso's made and also love to listen to fellow hams who made it through and share the excitement on the ON4KST chat. On some occasions it was nice to monitor the efforts of other, larger stations who challenge the 'Magic' properties of the 6m band.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" class="T5" >Things which worked not so well</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" ><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hardware</span></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Super low noise/high gain antennas only show their merits at the right QTH. An experiment using our HB0-dx antenna, seemed crippled due to lack of height and local noise. It was fun </span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >though to set it up, see blog of May 27th.<br />I also tried an experimental 1.5 wavelength inverted vee antenna at 5mtr AGL. This 50 Ohm antenna has 4 main lobes and served as second antenna. It did not offer anything valuable and was merely deaf in any direction.<br />The President Madison CB receiver, see my blog of July 11th, served as an experimental Es monitor/warning system. Monitored Es conditions on 27MHz are very different from 50MHz. More important; there is very little activity on CB except for Italy and France.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >Band tourists, QRM etc..</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Todays bad habit of "I want it all, I want it right now and at no effort" is affecting our ham radio bands for a long time. DX- clusters and Internet has made it worse. There are many hams with bad operating behavior and ditto QRO signals. They drop in upon a cluster spot and act like Monster Trucks, very often not even understanding what is actually going on on frequency and just repeatedly calling with the howling pack. Since the marginal band openings to real dx are such short and fragile, patience and optimal operating practice is most valuable. For everyone.<br />I have had to let go several potential new ones. Some ops do not understand the mechanism of shifting footprints during small openings and ruin opportunities for their neighbors. A pity, but new opportunities will arrive in the future.<br />The dx cluster nowadays has become a chatbox. Some digital 'QSO's even require 6 consecutive lines in the cluster to make it happen. Without any shame about the QRM or the bogus contact. Now try to reason them on a webchat.... If they would just care to enter their 'spots'on 50000.0 then it would be possible for us to filter it out.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:100%;" class="T5" >Plans for 2010 season</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRX Hardware:</span><br />I will implement a second receiver setup; the XV50 transverter into a splitter(see blog march 26th), feeding both the K2 and the Perseus. A second smaller 6m yagi to monitor other directions will rise...somewhere...? This and the main antenna will be connected via a cross-switch antenna relay to both main and second transceiver set-up.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Software:</span><br />DXBase is aging and not being supported anymore. I want to try something new. I must be perfect to support logging for Top Band as well as VHF (6 & 2m) with plenty analysis options and monitoring alarming systems. Anyone have a good proposition, drop me a message please ?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Antenna:</span><br />I will do another local noise measurement, and thentry to raise my antenna a few meters.<br /></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >Perhaps I will try the all new design from </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://http//www.g0ksc.co.uk/"><span class="T2">G0KSC</span></a></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" >.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remote setup:</span><br />We have a farmers house available which is at a very quiet and remote location. Good opportunity for entering a 50 MHz contest.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Competition:</span><br />If time allows it; enter the annual marathon from </span><span style="font-size:85%;"><a style="font-family: verdana;" href="http://http//6m.dy.fi/"><span class="T2">http://6m.dy.fi/</span></a></span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Perhaps participate in a 6m contest.<br /><br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T3" >So................</span><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" class="T2" ><br />Okay that is way enough Magic band talk for now.<br />The 160m season has already started for crying out loud !<br />Time to move on.<br />Thanks and see you next season.<br /><br /></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-54059165354191898092009-09-13T16:35:00.024+02:002009-09-18T16:28:32.781+02:00Getting the most out of your rig; the results after another 6m season<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Are we satisfied yet?</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Another 50Mhz Es-season has just ended and I have (<span style="font-style: italic;">again)</span> tried several transceiver set-ups and performed modifications on my 6m HF rig. From simple upgrades to a total change of the building blocks inside my rig. All just to achieve the maximum fun factor; which is combining the <span style="font-style: italic;">best possible ergonomics with optimal HF performance. </span><span>Again, this is for 6m use only .</span><br />There have been a lot of opportunities to test all different equipment and many DX QSO's have been made on 6m during marginal conditions.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why again am I so critical about the transceiver?</span><br />Working that dx on 50MHz is just a matter of being there at the exact right moment. And depending on your antenna & QTH those openings can be from several minutes down to just a few short peak moments, especially when your QTH suffers from local noise </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">(see my blog from april 12th). Quick operating and an informative user interface are key here.<br />Sure you can make nice dx contacts with any rig on 6m. But from some years of experience, both at home and our summer dx location (HB0), I learned that some really can make a difference. At home I have a 5 element yagi @12m AGL and using 100W I managed to work >75 different countries during this summer Es season. Some were easy, others not. But <span style="font-style: italic;">the fun is in the game of the hunt</span> right ?<br />Well sharpening your tools is too.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">50MHz transceivers I have tested at home </span><br />Where did I end up last year?<br />My TS570SG received several upgrades including <span style="font-style: italic;">both</span> 400 and 2100Hz IF crystal filters from INRAD, a temperature controlled crystal heater for the master LO and an outboard preamp from SSB Electronics.<br />In the end an IC746 on loan was much more fun and proved to be the master of ergonomics.<br /><br /><br />This year I tried some more HF rigs for 6m:<br />(<span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">note: these are my personal experiences. Please do not feel offended by my comments</span></span>)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Kenwood TS570SG stage II upgrade</span><br />The whole internals of the rig have been changed through bypassing lots of circuitry like the bandfilter, attenuator, pre-amp and the complete front end stage, straight up till the 1st mixer input. See my previous blog. It was written some months after that modification was done so there was plenty of time to test and verify the results. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">RX is much better but the aged 16 bit AF DSP shows its limits.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> Filter settings less than 200Hz filtering are useless due to ringing. Ergonomically this rig is OK but it sure is not an IC746.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elecraft K2+XV50 transverter</span><br />The Analogue Reference Combo, period.<br />What a sound, superb RX performance. Best building kit ever in history of Hamradio offering a great deal of satisfaction. And still lots of room for personal tweaking, upgrading etc.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> Ergonomics and quick 6m operation suck big time. Like every transverter the power is only 20W, thus requires an external amplifier.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgLlij-MY5DsGumdZy_3gyaP-8zDOzsH5IxSN1mJzCPU_X1iqgfSWWZCv-XrM_oF9iw-pE1axIq8qiFMJSa9Ltu2nVCzXJOJEC6IAUzcYod8ULuVKk_Nl9laiF879gxTfVJ8bFnlv13Eq/s1600-h/XV50_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 72px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcgLlij-MY5DsGumdZy_3gyaP-8zDOzsH5IxSN1mJzCPU_X1iqgfSWWZCv-XrM_oF9iw-pE1axIq8qiFMJSa9Ltu2nVCzXJOJEC6IAUzcYod8ULuVKk_Nl9laiF879gxTfVJ8bFnlv13Eq/s200/XV50_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382771007380708354" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">K2+XV50 +HamRadio Deluxe</span><br />Been there, tried that using a Griffon USB PowerMate as VFO knob.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> slow tuning, no progressive speed like Icom, no real VFO feel, user interface not optimal.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">K2+XV50 in Master-Slave link to the TS570SG.</span><br />Using the TS570 ergonomics to tune the VFO and link the K2. This set-up even allowed for RX diversity to some extent. Dedicated software written by a friend of a friend, see my blog on april the 9th.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> K2 has drift which needs to be re-set at every start-up. Early sw version has some bugs causing laptop hang-ups and small but evident latency. There sure is room for enhancement but I never gave it a real chance because a new opportunity arrived:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Icom IC7400</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> (=IC746 Pro)</span><br />Suddenly there is a used IC7400 available, in mint condition and at a reasonable price. I <span style="font-style: italic;">already</span> have owned a 7400 some years ago. It is a great second rig for HF, especially during holidays. It carries 144Mhz at 100W output too. However listening to noise and weak signals on 144Mhz from this IF DSP rig was annoying to my ears. I instantly noticed a huge positive difference when I hooked up an Elecraft K2 +DEM 144/28MHz transverter. What a relief. Analogue beat digital. So out went the 7400.<br />In fact, in the past I have often parted from equipment which proved to be good in one area but were annoying in another. But the grass ain't always greener at the other side of the fence. Some years later I would buy such a rig again just because of its <span style="font-style: italic;">positive</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">benefits</span>. Maybe there is a learning point for me here?<br />Now the 7400 is perfect for 6m. Look at that huge monochrome backlit LCD screen; large frequency readout just above a high resolution S-meter. All info visual at glance without being the typical American x-mas tree. Icom designed a true icon when they released the IC746 back in '99 and the 7400 is even better!<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> Instant gratification due to superb user interface & performance. Best in class ergonomics.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fjpyuwz9OiOeQXuRx49cCpyCPdtYcH_dykmtEppXHH97yw-VIcsBcJjyS5SN8t8VxZM4RPmQPyn34rtzvuztv974PSwYuwDFvXreZMTjWBoJgXcQF10eA-EpWKq0SzPCNyHxKHtgxtvx/s1600-h/Picture+012_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8fjpyuwz9OiOeQXuRx49cCpyCPdtYcH_dykmtEppXHH97yw-VIcsBcJjyS5SN8t8VxZM4RPmQPyn34rtzvuztv974PSwYuwDFvXreZMTjWBoJgXcQF10eA-EpWKq0SzPCNyHxKHtgxtvx/s200/Picture+012_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382767422089678546" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Icom IC756ProIII</span><br />A friend offered me to try this model for the weekend. I am familiar with its layout since I owned a ProII in the past (too?)for two years. Will this surpass the 7400 on a direct comparison? At Friday night I am already seduced by it's looks, it sure has the most beautiful analogue S-meter ever. If you can pick only 1 rig for your shack it would surely be this one (plus a 144 transverter). So I am a sucker for color screen LCD rigs after all?<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JrzDDK2WAP4pIQvxbdi9KuRk58HBUr5SHC00_SMqbRB1ET0Qx2f8vrRaEeTkq6jHigPfXkNZ9qqJIMqjCEYlWS5iZzrq8LAwD0kEQf6LjLF5S_50lmOg__fFY9n8aMHwc2XKo02qZjMH/s1600-h/756ProIII_Smeter_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 134px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4JrzDDK2WAP4pIQvxbdi9KuRk58HBUr5SHC00_SMqbRB1ET0Qx2f8vrRaEeTkq6jHigPfXkNZ9qqJIMqjCEYlWS5iZzrq8LAwD0kEQf6LjLF5S_50lmOg__fFY9n8aMHwc2XKo02qZjMH/s200/756ProIII_Smeter_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382721580303928930" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />During the weekend the 6m band has several Es openings, even some cross-Atlantic into the Caribbean area. I also tried this rig for one evening at another friends QTH who has a bigger 6m antenna. But how hard I try, there is no difference when it comes down to plain receiving performance when compared to my 7400.<br />The band scope with its slow refresh rate does not offer anything usable. Try using a real-time band scope like most SDR's offer and you instantly see what I mean. Since the S-meter is at a distance from the frequency readout I tried the optional digital S-meter. But it is a joke compared to the 7400. What a lovely looking rig, but it does not do what the 7400 does for me.<br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Verdict:</span> No receiving advantage. User interface does not communicate to the operator like a 7400/746 does. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Useless, distracting band scope.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFJjdLCzlCvIyuxRZ_ZGjq3m1pgL9CkLHDBe1XQnwLuXkNZirEIDDBvv6WZpLAC3QRTpCtDNm1fM_nA65QCE5hSLSiKed75eg1GSSx4DTvS6ywTFxAfpzvZORyTQ7Lvnr0bbHKyhbXPcr/s1600-h/Picture+004_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAFJjdLCzlCvIyuxRZ_ZGjq3m1pgL9CkLHDBe1XQnwLuXkNZirEIDDBvv6WZpLAC3QRTpCtDNm1fM_nA65QCE5hSLSiKed75eg1GSSx4DTvS6ywTFxAfpzvZORyTQ7Lvnr0bbHKyhbXPcr/s200/Picture+004_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382767945677418418" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">50MHz transceivers I have "tried" elsewhere</span><span><br /><br />This is surely far from objective. But at least in terms of ergonomics it makes sense to me.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Yaesu FT950 & FT2000</span><br />While visiting the Hamradio fair at Friedrichshafen I managed to take a look at these models. At the end of the day there was plenty of time to play with both of them. There is an outdoors antenna connected. The AGC is a disaster and it sounds horrible on spikes or nearby clicks. User interface is classic for the 2000 with a nice large S-meter. But this<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span>classic</span> isn't <span style="font-style: italic;">ergonomical</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Icom IC7600</span><br />Looks like a downsized 7700. Larger but even slower band scope than the ProIII. S-meter is ugly and difficult to read; should have been given a shadow on the needle to make it look semi 3 dimensional at least.<br />German magazine FUNKamateur offered their monthly edition for free during the fair. It had a test on the 7600 where it was revealed this rig suffers from 10-15dB higher phase noise in the 2-10 KHz range, compared to the former ProIII. As the writer states; when using a VHF/UHF transverter, this rig is less interesting for weak signal reception due to its relatively high phase noise. One month later the RSGB review by Peter Hart notices the same issue, but is keen enough to call it <span style="font-style: italic;">measurement was</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">noise limited</span>.<br /><br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T3MEXV3jWpdiAx2zsaDHf-AcSD9JolIxCqK6BYAHZVNSFjy7uef2jIHWszNtWqbWTiqUcAzejqdVj-nmXYKTVxM1KxCcv2sDdv97F3zNzJkTA34OJgfwahms0yQv0y_Sj0q7ZIkEjEI9/s1600-h/phasenoise_7600.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 198px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3T3MEXV3jWpdiAx2zsaDHf-AcSD9JolIxCqK6BYAHZVNSFjy7uef2jIHWszNtWqbWTiqUcAzejqdVj-nmXYKTVxM1KxCcv2sDdv97F3zNzJkTA34OJgfwahms0yQv0y_Sj0q7ZIkEjEI9/s200/phasenoise_7600.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382720054392583746" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Elecraft K3</span><br />Serial #173 is at my friends QTH for more than 1.5 years now. It</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span> is an exciting</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span> rig and has the best HF receiver, on paper. I have made several contacts on 6m with his set-up and large antenna. Filter settings below 150Hz are ringing, whatever the settings we tried. Ergonomically it is a disaster. Despite knowing the rig inside out, its owner isn't too happy either and finds himself using his Perseus SDR more often nowadays. I still would want one to add to my shack....someday.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusions:</span><br />The Icom IC7400 offers me the maximum pleasure for 50MHz operation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What's next?</span></span><br />There are some ideas left. First I need to recapitulate all results and efforts this year.<br /></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6OJvl9bGCeeUv9nb5Y19UNPL2swaCU5ee2QYatyY5pMlTjK5bIxEwbGtZV4YutotwOOwZYp0TGg0-hO9fgwtyhmNorq1bzSxwaJJAXIYHG8sYWsT2BEpdq6Hq8gYKPl9P2KA2QMszCw7/s1600-h/ic9100_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 75px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6OJvl9bGCeeUv9nb5Y19UNPL2swaCU5ee2QYatyY5pMlTjK5bIxEwbGtZV4YutotwOOwZYp0TGg0-hO9fgwtyhmNorq1bzSxwaJJAXIYHG8sYWsT2BEpdq6Hq8gYKPl9P2KA2QMszCw7/s200/ic9100_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5382781751985444962" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span><br />And then there's the newly announced IC9100. It has HF+6+VHF+UHF+optional 23cm.<br />The format is similar to the 7400; that's surely a good point.<br />However, with so many bands in one rig I hope they do not choose the cheap way.<br />And despite its good looks it sure must be better before I switch <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span>.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-85680247070226501792009-08-02T11:08:00.013+02:002009-08-02T15:10:49.333+02:00Getting the most out of your rig; another mod for the TS570SG on 50MHz<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">One is never satisfied</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> ..<br />Quite regularly I'm trying to raise my 'Rig-Fun-Factor'. Finding a 'nicer rig' so to speak. That means that besides an inspiring user interface and great ergonomics, it must offer exceptional RX performance too. In short; it must look nice, be fun to use but also capable of digging deep in the layers of noise to catch that weak dx on 50MHz.<br />I have had the pleasure to use an IC746 for several weeks during a 50Mhz dx-pedition. But that rig had to be returned to its owner. Again I'm not giving up on the 570 <span style="font-style: italic;">yet.<br /><br /></span>My TS570SG does a great job but still can use some help RX-wise.<br />I have made some changes in the past (see my blog on 30 may 2008) being:<br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Added Inrad 400Hz CW filter</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Exchanged std Kenwood SSB filter for Inrad 2100Hz</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Added temperature controlled crystal heater (Kühne Electronics/ DB6NT</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Tried external 50MHz pre-amp SP6 (SSB Electronics)<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Still not being satisfied when comparing it to my 2nd 50Mhz set-up (Elecraft K2+XV50 transverter), I decided to take this one step further.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Modify the input circuitry of the TS-570SG</span><br />Looking at the schematics one recognizes lots of circuitry before the first mixer stage; low pass filtering, attenuator, bandpass filtering, 2 stage pre-amp, more filtering and zillions of pin diodes in the <span style="font-style: italic;">complex</span> RX path(s). Using pin-diodes as RF switch is the cheap and easy way for any manufacturer.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">There's been a lot of hype on the subject and </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I do not want to get into the discussion of how much noise and/or IMD distortion a pin-diode might create. I do not have enough experience in this area nor any equipment to measure the difference.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> But the fact remains that there are some 32 pin-diodes connected <span style="font-style: italic;">in</span> or <span style="font-style: italic;">to</span> the RF signal path at all times.</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Why not get rid of all of the above and try something rudimentary?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Plan:</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">Use external 50MHz pre-amp and inject its output directly into the 1st mixer, bypassing al front-end stages.</span><br /><br />The SSB SP6 is a robust 2-stage pre-amp which already has a sharp helical bandpass filter at its output (See blog of 2 feb 2008). That covers the front-end +bandpass filtering. Next we need to determine where to inject the amplified 50MHz signal.<br /><br /></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBUYnib5cltiP1lwJu87GoCKzh6ju83kvhRUo9fr-2RvQSvxTCuRejgHxQFsxaHpAeS5Sat1w_vbd6ueSKhfNH7EktVg-yCiUQM41ZHAkZuUf_jEqCvCjRxjWIQR3mTNVNVsRaCxitnao/s1600-h/Picture+266_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkBUYnib5cltiP1lwJu87GoCKzh6ju83kvhRUo9fr-2RvQSvxTCuRejgHxQFsxaHpAeS5Sat1w_vbd6ueSKhfNH7EktVg-yCiUQM41ZHAkZuUf_jEqCvCjRxjWIQR3mTNVNVsRaCxitnao/s200/Picture+266_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365312813154154114" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The block schematic shows the RX stages of the receiver input. Let's cut the RX path at the red marked spots.<br />If we forget about the attenuator and first 60Mhz low pas filter stage, we can take a short and simple route by using the 570's internal cable routing.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzmQmwMMVxyn4oekelbiENfuLALVR0AVvZRVQr9ClNwVci9RoBxWCkVN-GVDGPhADe5Tjjp6zYDRQNnl0b7YvlFG1MBM1nW7afzGlwai8AyVNjwI2HtL2zzVpZQj5p8fZ0jjOHSTx0UQq/s1600-h/Picture+263_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPzmQmwMMVxyn4oekelbiENfuLALVR0AVvZRVQr9ClNwVci9RoBxWCkVN-GVDGPhADe5Tjjp6zYDRQNnl0b7YvlFG1MBM1nW7afzGlwai8AyVNjwI2HtL2zzVpZQj5p8fZ0jjOHSTx0UQq/s200/Picture+263_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365315058844261794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Just move the coaxial cable from CN1(RF Unit input) to CN7 (test point 1st mixer).<br />Now there's still some circuitry connected to that 1st mixer input. You need to disconnect that by removing just 2 pin-diodes.<br />See next picture for more details on how and what:<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKFJ-poaRlVexbT-q5ZrwTd5vq9xrHErxq91uuJoYEICxH4Ud1Nw0JA1smrGOsGh3QOr0nIhvu87ueP1u05HjVrmlTlkjvTYyMBxRZyWj7NAdQzn-hFNr-KcM5HrdM1Jp2NoySJNE3YNI/s1600-h/Picture+267.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 78px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKFJ-poaRlVexbT-q5ZrwTd5vq9xrHErxq91uuJoYEICxH4Ud1Nw0JA1smrGOsGh3QOr0nIhvu87ueP1u05HjVrmlTlkjvTYyMBxRZyWj7NAdQzn-hFNr-KcM5HrdM1Jp2NoySJNE3YNI/s200/Picture+267.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365324091753680722" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">What steps to take:</span><br /></span></span><ol><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Remove coax cable from CN1 and insert at CN7</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Remove pin-diode D30</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Remove pin-diode D43</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Bypass R35 (5k6 at CN7 test point input)</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Create proper RX/TX switching for the pre-amp, using the 570 REMOTE connector and a separate PTT foot-switch (the SP6 already has vox operation built-in, but it can't hurt)<br /></span></span></li></ol><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Needless to say that the TS-570SG will not proper operate on any other band but 50MHz.<br />Don't try this at home if you have no experience in electronics. I can not help when Murphy decides to assist in your personal attempt.<br /></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Test and operate the new set-up<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>What do we have now?<br />A 50MHz pre-amp and a TS-570SG with an RX direct 1st mixer input.<br />Switch-on the rig and GO!<br />Interesting to see that it all works without quirks and/or additional smoke..... :)<br /><br />On weak signal comparison the modified 570 seems now on par with the Elecraft K2+XV50 combo. It sure is more sensitive and also sounding <span style="font-style: italic;">different</span>. But that is all subjective, It will take weeks of comparison before I can make a conclusion. But more important let's see how much fun I will have with this new <span style="font-style: italic;">dedicated 6m rig</span>.<br /><br />There's plenty of Es openings on 6m this season, see my 6m twitter blog. So let's enjoy this!<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-66676721936380910262009-07-11T12:55:00.004+02:002009-07-11T13:24:32.710+02:00Es IV, more nostalgia<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">President Madison</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The Bentley of ancient CB radio.<br />I bought this rig via a local auction website. It is fully functional and has the following specs:<br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">120channels, 40 low, normal, 40 high</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">AM/FM/LSB/USB</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">+10KHz switch for the so called Alpha Channels</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Upgraded power supply<br /></span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">All is due to modifications done, as the unit originally only has 40ch and AM/SSB.<br />The mic is neccessary for operation of the speaker. Need to get that fixed sometime, cause I do not use this rig for TX.<br />The sound is lush and shows good selectivity. On opening the hood I found a real SSB IF filter having 6 crystals. Now that's truely amazing !<br /><br />Now take a look at those large meters, they are dying for or what?<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY0GZK1hnOG-Vqw9f6PuXE8bI_Uws8Zxt_jYmzKxmh_izOMhKMPlLk02DgwY-u4nwcn7JViRT_4yh_iIkW5PPFzCUnyWMNs3OuOK-t8VALNwuGcEG4nbG4VJjLNLOF-qLArL72PeUv0k-/s1600-h/Picture+189.jpg_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnY0GZK1hnOG-Vqw9f6PuXE8bI_Uws8Zxt_jYmzKxmh_izOMhKMPlLk02DgwY-u4nwcn7JViRT_4yh_iIkW5PPFzCUnyWMNs3OuOK-t8VALNwuGcEG4nbG4VJjLNLOF-qLArL72PeUv0k-/s200/Picture+189.jpg_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357160578171758114" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Es?</span><br />Ah yes, I'm drifting off again. Sorry about that.<br />The Madison is for 3 days in use now and usually parked on 27.555 (triple-five). Its sensitive receiver shows Es openings already from 09:00 (local) onwards from Italy (what else is new) and later Spain. At 10:30 the band is filled with many loud signals from all southern Europe.<br />And 6m, which was quiet for two days in a row, is starting too. I'm hearing Italy, Greece and some Ukrain stations.<br />The Es openings on 27MHz come in waves too, just like 50MHz. However, there's always life on CB, whereas 6 usually stays total quiet in between.<br /><br />I need to start becoming active on 28MHz again.<br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-41584889882334512372009-05-27T16:09:00.026+02:002009-05-27T18:39:33.311+02:00Es III; Building antenna's just for the fun of it<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Seasonal holidays on Thursday and Friday.<br />Two days free from office stress.<br />Dry sunny weather.<br />Fresh Diemme coffee beans, grinder and Gaggia Espresso machine.<br />YL on a 5-day trip.<br />These are the <span style="font-style: italic;">perfect</span> conditions for a few days out in the wild. Errr... the antenna backyard that is<span style="font-weight: bold;">.<br /><br /><br />Step 1: collect aluminium</span><br /><br />Collected all aluminum of the 7el 50Mhz long yagi which we succesfully used in HB0_2008. Taped it to my bicycle and of I go. What a nice way to start the day :-)<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa-hsYQ90pA6v1bh3jCy6WAQz4bGkFtY1iovKKZ00PIHQUf3vQO3U-AfiP7NSrJWwQ-eRYBYkcHLsOdi0l5qr2vSU1TNsQDAnubHbA2Zv35UkUPQ6fcii21RQ4guwx7jH7C8juWina6Dc/s1600-h/Picture+159_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOa-hsYQ90pA6v1bh3jCy6WAQz4bGkFtY1iovKKZ00PIHQUf3vQO3U-AfiP7NSrJWwQ-eRYBYkcHLsOdi0l5qr2vSU1TNsQDAnubHbA2Zv35UkUPQ6fcii21RQ4guwx7jH7C8juWina6Dc/s200/Picture+159_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340511608820040994" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQJQYb7FF5Ct0p5PjfRDQPGa2WPviAEI1GMaahF2jqYnHZQjUNsMDQa7ro2Jt7-NeSLleWxCmc6wWDAFa4AzTaP_so-uZWZIAIQuvXgINpIhCGa__fp5KalVQOPdwTwmm1utWccgT81bG/s1600-h/Picture+170.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQJQYb7FF5Ct0p5PjfRDQPGa2WPviAEI1GMaahF2jqYnHZQjUNsMDQa7ro2Jt7-NeSLleWxCmc6wWDAFa4AzTaP_so-uZWZIAIQuvXgINpIhCGa__fp5KalVQOPdwTwmm1utWccgT81bG/s200/Picture+170.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340512533910052002" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />However, it turned out I missed the long middle boom-section. So after a nice espresso & cappuccino we collected the other antenna parts, including another 5el version, also home made. Us have plenty of (home made) antennas by now. It has paid off well. Both in the fun of building them, as well as using them.<br /><br />My hybrid sports-bicycle has a pretty short wheelbase. And that is VERY scary with this pile of alu tied to it. As soon as you make a turn the alu is trying to keep going straight ahead and starts shaking its head and tail. The whole bike starts oscillating and that makes each road turn a struggle.<br />The second standard dutch city-bicycle (ages old model) did not suffer from this effect.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2: build antenna</span><br /><br />Empty transport boxes from last summers HB0 dx-pedition. Find baseplate, connection box, coax transformer and several brackets. Locate that carton of <span style="font-style: italic;">very special screws</span>. Drink some more espresso & cappuccino.<br />Start building the element brackets again.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlbckGTxBG5enBTV5AZWgF6KLJpfZ5mTPsVsPFA9R2zJle1MCkt-0n_4KFAjT53HcHuiWPuXn-oIgPEVbr-zII_zYqIrKCyY2QP_TFQ8Uf1-9fSWDLqDjMu-HGu1jxmMijwPVYKl9Og46/s1600-h/IMG_2861_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJlbckGTxBG5enBTV5AZWgF6KLJpfZ5mTPsVsPFA9R2zJle1MCkt-0n_4KFAjT53HcHuiWPuXn-oIgPEVbr-zII_zYqIrKCyY2QP_TFQ8Uf1-9fSWDLqDjMu-HGu1jxmMijwPVYKl9Og46/s200/IMG_2861_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340517609338405314" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH5d_t2NW6__dCp8AWbCskNe5nzmdJdzn4GL-n14maGTu2oWwWZrrNc0xEpQDpS3jRuiR83lMxQ2OZSRjxoPvTCmIFe1hWsQ5Di_1GSVV2-Qtrpeb_V2YH6BV29Y7mqvs9oNOnouK8Tpn/s1600-h/IMG_2862_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheH5d_t2NW6__dCp8AWbCskNe5nzmdJdzn4GL-n14maGTu2oWwWZrrNc0xEpQDpS3jRuiR83lMxQ2OZSRjxoPvTCmIFe1hWsQ5Di_1GSVV2-Qtrpeb_V2YH6BV29Y7mqvs9oNOnouK8Tpn/s200/IMG_2862_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340517663585167282" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TiP: </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">through the process we learn that it (would have been) is very important to proper indicate all parts involved, for future reference (yes, please?).<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRAmYSBk4rds4RWqOvDzBH-yp10HZ9H7Le4gukeFyWoFTRHmYeJ97oHkYcYweCkMarzAO_cZyMttDDBj-FUh293-PdBGlB-ITcxRSVDYygKi70xMiTS2QNegPWJzQDTxOjN2xwe7YQnrZ/s1600-h/IMG_2866_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVRAmYSBk4rds4RWqOvDzBH-yp10HZ9H7Le4gukeFyWoFTRHmYeJ97oHkYcYweCkMarzAO_cZyMttDDBj-FUh293-PdBGlB-ITcxRSVDYygKi70xMiTS2QNegPWJzQDTxOjN2xwe7YQnrZ/s200/IMG_2866_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340518884166719522" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbTh2tNcM-zVkvIes0eUKjMVEmGuk0dfxlS3nag0YQ9zyW7O7ZdVx3cUWgJUSGDRFYyRU4R0WlFfoixM5htYmKkwHM-jqODAdOLOoIxAr78fXgz3XlAlTG6p0ikG61w1th6RHutwYwqYP/s1600-h/Picture+172.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIbTh2tNcM-zVkvIes0eUKjMVEmGuk0dfxlS3nag0YQ9zyW7O7ZdVx3cUWgJUSGDRFYyRU4R0WlFfoixM5htYmKkwHM-jqODAdOLOoIxAr78fXgz3XlAlTG6p0ikG61w1th6RHutwYwqYP/s200/Picture+172.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340519208555216018" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />That ends day one. Time for some espresso & cappuccino.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 3: mount mast construction </span><br />Local rules and neighbourhood control prevent us from building a giant mast. But an antenna is an antenna and certainly beats no antenna. Next, Rens' garden has an almost free view to the west with very low noise. Opposite to my home situation, which makes this a valid remote rx site. Now let's start with some fresh espresso & cappuccino.<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvqat-NSm9C-C0BfuroB_M-aYsfbLMCXOzBX-82SEcULYcJZUACNhyphenhyphen27r_O5149mwJls1Utz_K9sgu8bZRDheitdXs9-XNICDvY5FNc0GbRfZNRypGybx5hSHnc3KZHt_mJnObiGTMLJM/s1600-h/Picture+174_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIvqat-NSm9C-C0BfuroB_M-aYsfbLMCXOzBX-82SEcULYcJZUACNhyphenhyphen27r_O5149mwJls1Utz_K9sgu8bZRDheitdXs9-XNICDvY5FNc0GbRfZNRypGybx5hSHnc3KZHt_mJnObiGTMLJM/s200/Picture+174_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340522043502665714" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f3cf91SvDGKjdJElS4GQF3sNXgs8-f3N0ONmSR_G5pmjZDUWCSbOSKQvKpDWIxvuqw4DaO8NxwW0SWSvEiC27v10amLdqMLLDWAvv6MxNAcbTOvgmjiJpNrucusIc9RVvviJTqeHoRAN/s1600-h/Picture+176_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_f3cf91SvDGKjdJElS4GQF3sNXgs8-f3N0ONmSR_G5pmjZDUWCSbOSKQvKpDWIxvuqw4DaO8NxwW0SWSvEiC27v10amLdqMLLDWAvv6MxNAcbTOvgmjiJpNrucusIc9RVvviJTqeHoRAN/s200/Picture+176_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340522171264522658" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Stones are 10cm thick. A special mounting screw for professional use in machinery is being used.<br />Top bearing and G-1000 Yaesu rotor are added. Time for some lunch and more espresso & cappuccino. Not that you think we started already at "ooh-eight-hundrud". No way, it's holiday time ;)<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Step 4: hoist up the antenna</span><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo5CctOZqqv-81aF1S_byIMlQKHDysF5airo_MnYRtAtv2iUTxFKIs_u9mtXXuI-c5UUcEZerBVNWjT5Lem0P4gqlgcc0GMCRmy8vjikhVO9CHfE-8Lx27Z83cSgBEuKOOUcu2lh4kHiw/s1600-h/Picture+179.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmo5CctOZqqv-81aF1S_byIMlQKHDysF5airo_MnYRtAtv2iUTxFKIs_u9mtXXuI-c5UUcEZerBVNWjT5Lem0P4gqlgcc0GMCRmy8vjikhVO9CHfE-8Lx27Z83cSgBEuKOOUcu2lh4kHiw/s200/Picture+179.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340523712512733122" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoV6y2FR_vQpoWUR4pqf4nCJNfwH0zfBif5jBF-2ka77VSbl3YC6XmHBk5mQtmJSE7QkZd-WY2dSpFl3bWkvUh-ajnIBEH5iQ-jmZ2r0K_X9CtTMVHyZ7fYeR5pb0yOUQFfTwDcNZ1Mb6/s1600-h/Picture+182_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvoV6y2FR_vQpoWUR4pqf4nCJNfwH0zfBif5jBF-2ka77VSbl3YC6XmHBk5mQtmJSE7QkZd-WY2dSpFl3bWkvUh-ajnIBEH5iQ-jmZ2r0K_X9CtTMVHyZ7fYeR5pb0yOUQFfTwDcNZ1Mb6/s200/Picture+182_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340523843157640594" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">At this relatively low height the antenna is easy hoisted up and mounted to the mast.<br />Both seriously sweating here under the direct sunlight. Now the 20m Ecoflex-15 (15mm dia) coaxial cable is attached and connected to an Elecraft K3 +pre-amp.<br />Let's catch some multi-hop-Es dx.<br />Fire up all equipment...... <span style="font-style: italic;">and .....</span><br />Band closed.<br />Time for some more espresso & cappuccino.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zYfQjsvmqfu3f9etaTe-Ko_e9XbX_kZWwBthDKF6jw19SM5Ue3SmkEznsEQIVmAC_NOBs2XusEx1co5xSopFqtdFZIdJWH5KvHHzcpCW0ZVqUOKZb1OppR-DqBGX7apNMZTorpxGjyRf/s1600-h/Picture+186_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5zYfQjsvmqfu3f9etaTe-Ko_e9XbX_kZWwBthDKF6jw19SM5Ue3SmkEznsEQIVmAC_NOBs2XusEx1co5xSopFqtdFZIdJWH5KvHHzcpCW0ZVqUOKZb1OppR-DqBGX7apNMZTorpxGjyRf/s200/Picture+186_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340528373239616818" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2zC_liS1sYoj87JdCKfMLVfaALvyNWdbiJEWeR9TUukUIyI71ASj1P8fvMK68X1MbFbZeOBOlOOSBVbBXVBlyBN0Nhsw_6ugD7M2Meb9Gg34t04AYheXXqMrRdR286E8EdPgp4GKKcCK/s1600-h/Picture+187_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy2zC_liS1sYoj87JdCKfMLVfaALvyNWdbiJEWeR9TUukUIyI71ASj1P8fvMK68X1MbFbZeOBOlOOSBVbBXVBlyBN0Nhsw_6ugD7M2Meb9Gg34t04AYheXXqMrRdR286E8EdPgp4GKKcCK/s200/Picture+187_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340528498558402242" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The 50MHz 7element, PA3FGA design @10mtr AGL, QTF caribic.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Step 5: fresh pork</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Earlier this day we visited an <span style="font-style: italic;">'old fashioned' </span>butcher. One which cuts the meat in their back shop. Not any vague import meat from far-far away. No supermarket pre-sugared-thin-slices-crap.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkyJu9zdXe7XcJgYHhTWCdVk0fSxqtjG5LZarIFG8_ztQd4d1cS40FrtjwRjBjdM2gw6D1kgYpTAIP793SFle2mbz-BRm35wfGNLa39J6zUVJQNUPObBkbaOqcgqTKJrwx2MWvyAuD_vA/s1600-h/Picture+193_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHkyJu9zdXe7XcJgYHhTWCdVk0fSxqtjG5LZarIFG8_ztQd4d1cS40FrtjwRjBjdM2gw6D1kgYpTAIP793SFle2mbz-BRm35wfGNLa39J6zUVJQNUPObBkbaOqcgqTKJrwx2MWvyAuD_vA/s200/Picture+193_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5340535813931490898" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Make fire.<br />Start with some lovely marinated spare ribs.<br />Next the real stuff.<br />Only meat today.<br />Certainly <span style="font-style: italic;">NO </span>vegetables or salad-trash to upset your stomach.<br /></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Now, there's always room for a finishing espresso & cappuccino.<br /><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-88832053420608750692009-05-24T11:25:00.003+02:002009-05-24T12:30:30.083+02:00You get what you.......<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Ok, what's wrong in this picture?<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1rh30BiQukcMmg9O0g0seKlJCQODDToSiL5_COQR-0F3yizZVYiUcs5umNccRZyPPUhUwwPGbwlaCSMLIYMD7qroLtDQSz1vaUeKSy9A6_Wzzi-HuwH1CeLkiKE2WFqu0hmfJlBLt9C3/s1600-h/Picture+161_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn1rh30BiQukcMmg9O0g0seKlJCQODDToSiL5_COQR-0F3yizZVYiUcs5umNccRZyPPUhUwwPGbwlaCSMLIYMD7qroLtDQSz1vaUeKSy9A6_Wzzi-HuwH1CeLkiKE2WFqu0hmfJlBLt9C3/s200/Picture+161_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339319623456320834" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Issue #1</span><br />N-socket nicked, coming loose from its mounting plate.<br />Also some nickel plating chipped off on the right.<br />Result from rough handling? Wrong tools / overtightening the applied N-connector?<br /><br />None of this all.<br />Its the Heavy Duty N-connector and Ecoflex-15 (15mm coax) which did this in just 2.5 weeks during our last fieldday setup in HB0 at 2020mtrs ASL. Despite the coax being taped to the boom, it put too much stress on the socket while being turned. Needs better fixation against self rotating,more slack around the rotating mast etc... next time.<br /><br />However....<br />Looking at this type of socket we need to invest in better quality stuff whenever it matters (<span style="font-style: italic;">doesn't that always?</span>).<br />It became a habit of locating a good deal (<span style="font-style: italic;">read cheap</span>) of connectors & sockets at every hamfest we visited. Nowadays we are more serious on buying large qty's of the good stuff together with other hams from:<br /><a href="http://www.rfparts.com/">www.RFParts.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.ukwberichte.de/">UKW Berichte</a><br /><a href="http://www.kabel-kusch.de/">Kabel-Kusch</a><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />So the nickel-crimped version is exchanged for a machined silver teflon version.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYLbPD4jwmy9Yn03hwy_WZ4cHwb0jTplJrTJqviz5x_YABgzSzg0H0VmCtnimHlfJKSSwLJURWPf2M5feko2UPWYBqMKCeKhSa0HtCbmSHg7MAB5FcSZvgmm02I2KIIjH2uB6hA3EfV9x/s1600-h/Picture+167_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXYLbPD4jwmy9Yn03hwy_WZ4cHwb0jTplJrTJqviz5x_YABgzSzg0H0VmCtnimHlfJKSSwLJURWPf2M5feko2UPWYBqMKCeKhSa0HtCbmSHg7MAB5FcSZvgmm02I2KIIjH2uB6hA3EfV9x/s200/Picture+167_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5339325320553239170" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;">Issue #2</span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Spotted the rust color on the top edge of the socket on the 1st picture?<br />That's not from the socket, since these are made from chrome plated brass. It's the 4 mounting screws.<br />From the local DIY store, type <span style="font-style: italic;">galvanized</span>. Equivalent to: <span style="font-style: italic;">lasts one weekend</span>.<br /><br />Now you might think "buying Stainless Steel ends this, right?".<br />Not really.<br />There are plenty of "SS" versions around and the ones with real durability are difficult to find. Your DIY store probabely only has the (again) <span style="font-style: italic;">cheap version </span>available.....<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">So..?</span><br />I know; not every single screw needs to be 100 micron goldplated, navy-proof and such.<br />But think again when you come across the next auction of cheap stuff.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-51763457523956782062009-05-01T20:55:00.006+02:002009-05-02T07:59:47.414+02:00Es II<span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trick 1a: monitor Es propagation on 27Mhz SSB </span><br />For 2009 I promised myself to pull some extra rabbits out of the hat.<br />Remember the old CB SSB contacts during the evenings in the 80's? We thought that making contact with South-France, Spain, Italy etc.. was the ultimate dx. What did we know about Es propagation back then when I was only 16? With 12W in SSB, 120 channels etc. (non-legal) and a simple half wave vertical on the roof, next to girls&cars life was exciting <span style="font-style: italic;">to the max!<br /><br /></span>So why not monitor some CB SSB frequencies to detect Es openings?<span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />A quick jump in a pile of old gear and I dig out both a legal CB rig (22 channels, 0.5W and FM only) and a typical flea-market-worn-out-120channels SSB <span style="font-style: italic;">true</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">DX-rig.</span><br />Within milliseconds after switching it on I receive colourful memories from the past; it's that analogue S-meter. This type S-meter was used in most CB rigs in those days and although it looks miserable small, it resembles my youth. I have stared for zillion hours at that tiny needle. Those were the happy days. Yes sure they are.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRQvbs8Rj0lL8TagEunDS44b9HHKNbl_3LtF9udf4uCjJcfJwj_Vf2KVZrPqxiC8jsGBG6wH6xMvcSlfLZEmY-9J9hWnSSkjw5wopmwUloeITZlwgPMQXblQc9kCpkbrmqgAxM7Nxu_lx/s1600-h/Picture+161_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRRQvbs8Rj0lL8TagEunDS44b9HHKNbl_3LtF9udf4uCjJcfJwj_Vf2KVZrPqxiC8jsGBG6wH6xMvcSlfLZEmY-9J9hWnSSkjw5wopmwUloeITZlwgPMQXblQc9kCpkbrmqgAxM7Nxu_lx/s200/Picture+161_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330952604430681474" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />La Lafayette seems way off frequency, the SSB section is horribly mis-aligned, no TX, but who cares?<br />Ok, now where do we connect it to?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Trick 1b: a quick home made vertical for 27Mhz</span><br />That shouldn't be too difficult. Grab a short fishing rod and cut some wire.<br />The quarter wave vertical, using 1 radial, is quickly mounted to the side of the chapel roof. Some fiddling with the antenna analyser and we're done, right?<br />At first I get a resonance at 25.2MHz and it seems parked there, no matter what lengths I cut. It turns out to be the the aluminium strip at the roof front edge, which is very nearby and exactly in resonance at...... Anyway, moving the radial just 1m away from it and the resonance goes up more than 3 MHz. Now both lengths are too short! I feel like an idiot.<br />Anyway, half an hour later we have CB antenna capability in the building.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iRP_ZfAecLi5oGzPSvJsIfIiZkJ5o-NSpGB_GFtabtuTabDh5IhsvTwnVCUpowP9H9mEep-ucviXz2Qg-1CoRFOSoMl3FMBg4JXqdlil3vKGvBlrabRzwneJM5URfSlmPW8mYZLsopKG/s1600-h/Picture+157_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0iRP_ZfAecLi5oGzPSvJsIfIiZkJ5o-NSpGB_GFtabtuTabDh5IhsvTwnVCUpowP9H9mEep-ucviXz2Qg-1CoRFOSoMl3FMBg4JXqdlil3vKGvBlrabRzwneJM5URfSlmPW8mYZLsopKG/s200/Picture+157_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330962075778383794" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The Lafayette offers muffled LSB signals from Mediterranean countries, thus proving there <span style="font-style: italic;">is</span> Es going on.<br />Can you remember the 'old calling frequencies'?<br /><br />26.620 South Africa<br />27.450 France<br />27.555 General calling freq. but mainly Italy<br />27.765 Germany, Austria, Switzerland<br />27.805 Holland + Surinam<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I think I better keep it parked at 'triple five'.<br />Let's see what this trick will offer me, besides some nostalgic feelings :)<br /><br /><br />Worked some more countries on 6m during Es: 9H1 and an IT9.<br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-27376625877594608552009-05-01T15:42:00.006+02:002009-05-01T15:57:14.646+02:00Es<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">2009 Sporadic-E Season on 6m has started !</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I witnessed some minor Es openings on two evenings in a row, but that was between Spain, Italy and SV.<br />Never expected it would happen up here in Holland that soon.<br />However, this afternoon we enjoyed a short but strong opening direction South Spain, Marocco and the Canary Islands.<br />I managed to work EA9IB. That is country #4 this year.<br /><br />See ON4KST screenshot below with lots of humor in the text.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XOuuqEGGwTAIk2xIsStKoKuj5dHl8GYPUES9m3gvxggRWeYeWRFbQVKE8-pOTf9KtmdquQESqCH6OgdYgNn-_ZttvRPA8znTh8gqXzx798ZKkm6GUGTCGhtwA0DAZoJzfzSkolOGnag7/s1600-h/on4kst_01may09.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 148px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_XOuuqEGGwTAIk2xIsStKoKuj5dHl8GYPUES9m3gvxggRWeYeWRFbQVKE8-pOTf9KtmdquQESqCH6OgdYgNn-_ZttvRPA8znTh8gqXzx798ZKkm6GUGTCGhtwA0DAZoJzfzSkolOGnag7/s200/on4kst_01may09.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330852824845237986" border="0" /></a>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-52432443404761918322009-04-12T16:26:00.022+02:002009-04-13T00:40:08.771+02:00Location, location, location..........<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Another measurement?</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />I like spending my hobby time spinning that VFO, searching for that new signal, working a new country, give away points in a contest etc.. I'm not the type who sits hours at his workbench doing some serious measurement, endless building/soldering etc..... unless, it can bring me new qso's.<br />Nothing beats being able to hear more, unleash another layer of signals from the mud. </span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">For that reason I like trying new hardware; other antennas, other RF equipment.</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Being able to make that extra QSO yes/no. That is my most important criteria when doing experiments.<br /><br />While there is plenty of well documented information on the web, every now and then you <span style="font-style: italic;">really do need</span> <span style="font-style: italic;">to verify matters</span> before making a decision on what step to take next.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Perseus as a measurement tool</span><br />I have shown earlier that the new Perseus SDR receiver has some pretty good options in its receiver user interface. I did some quick 6m band frequency sweeps in 3 major directions, see my previous blog. Having the Perseus on loan for some more time, the next logical step would be to do noise mapping at my current home for 50 and 144Mhz.<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBObTdIRGlkBKdv77fgwzaqhmvUe6DJcuivDrEx1ZI3f7ORtFSM6yIDPNY_9ZrkVbbvb1zoimgn1VYaMuAnz_Sf35eFJGhZkVRCYv-0FW_5EB4W_g4xCtc8xzi8FU6Zi-pVBlGnz8UMPQ/s1600-h/Picture+025.jpg_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 150px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguBObTdIRGlkBKdv77fgwzaqhmvUe6DJcuivDrEx1ZI3f7ORtFSM6yIDPNY_9ZrkVbbvb1zoimgn1VYaMuAnz_Sf35eFJGhZkVRCYv-0FW_5EB4W_g4xCtc8xzi8FU6Zi-pVBlGnz8UMPQ/s200/Picture+025.jpg_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323897359231892338" border="0" /></a><br /><span style=";font-family:verdana;font-size:85%;" >Current antennas for 2m: 17el and for 6m: 5el</span><span style="font-family:verdana;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">What exactly is being measured?</span></span><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />A band segment of 6.3Khz is carefully monitored for its band noise level. I have chosen 144.461 as the centre. This is right in a clear spot of the beacon section. The found level of background noise is noted and put in a table.<br />This is time consuming since you need the level to settle in on the averaging and you want to monitor the band behavior for some 20 seconds at least. After some practising for a day or two, I was able to make reliable measurements within 0.5 dB.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The antenna is turned in steps of 10 degrees. In total 38 directions are monitored; the two steps overlap are for verifying earlier found values.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">IMPORTANT:</span> the diagrams show the difference from the quietest measurement. It does NOT show absolute noise levels, only the delta.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">144Mhz noise mapping at my QTH</span><br />The receiver set-up consists of the following:<br />17el Tonna yagi @13mtr AGL, aperture angle@-3dB:33 degrees<br />25mtr Ecoflex-15<br />Elecraft XV144 transverter, including the crystal oven option<br />Perseus SDR receiver<br />Settings: span 6.3Khz centered at 144.461MHz, averaging at 80%<br /><br />Time slots: 00:30 UTC, 07:00 UTC, 11:00 UTC, 18:30 UTC<br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNRjWUcNcRtJDZpAzYXpTToTidnGxIo0qWKEqibg2VZivIBg5mLlBr43RfyJHaRM7_hO7jSvaUglf38mfC964ET-naYo-MqJZPcvapHhM62qh7BzZbM7EL6SNcnOHaCIjQu70NXr59kju/s1600-h/144Mhz_radarview.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwNRjWUcNcRtJDZpAzYXpTToTidnGxIo0qWKEqibg2VZivIBg5mLlBr43RfyJHaRM7_hO7jSvaUglf38mfC964ET-naYo-MqJZPcvapHhM62qh7BzZbM7EL6SNcnOHaCIjQu70NXr59kju/s200/144Mhz_radarview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323914079932538674" border="0" /></a> <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69vPz0vZSVfj9EVj0rlvTAKoyf_aqnwGi9V2-k8RyuNyPXf2MR_1Fp-uyPOU834MmkzbW9NQdYKwz-ji6zetQ8sToc4pLUe970k9dLw9pPFQJ3mRTXS_VLiLO8ODBdTCUapstoXoGpSCJ/s1600-h/QTH.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 184px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69vPz0vZSVfj9EVj0rlvTAKoyf_aqnwGi9V2-k8RyuNyPXf2MR_1Fp-uyPOU834MmkzbW9NQdYKwz-ji6zetQ8sToc4pLUe970k9dLw9pPFQJ3mRTXS_VLiLO8ODBdTCUapstoXoGpSCJ/s200/QTH.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323915743708052178" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments on the 144MHz radar view at PA5MW:</span><br />The worst directions offer between 6.5 and 9.5 dB more noise disturbances. Go figure! Even in the middle of the night(00:30 is at 02:30 local) there is a horrible RF noise from 3 major directions.<br />My house is at the east border of the town. I'm lucky that my QTH is at a slightly higher level(+2-3mtrs); at the highest spot in town. I recognize the <span style="font-style: italic;">quiet</span> area from 30 -160 degrees. QTF 290 is pointing at 6 apartment buildings, 10 storeys high, which are at a distance of about 1100mtr. QTF 190 I cannot really explain yet.<br /><br />In order to verify the whole testing procedure, I did a similar quick test at the QTH of PA3FGA. Rens lives in a much smaller town(2240 inhabitants, compared to the 30000 in my town). His set-up has the exact same 17el Tonna yagi antenna and the same Elecraft transverter. He is able to extend his tower to a max height of 24mtrs. Because of wind and time restrictions we decided to do two measurements; one with the antenna at 12mtrs AGL and one at 16mtrs.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlHrVKbsyXDA_2-Z-F1Cv8PSA9u2gN98UhZQAVPr23S7DB4-W1FY44HlWzwFrdf-wW4ducGPbsWeBlScRwm3OZWyAL-KenbLlyHPfHfwLd-QLf4GeTVIYo3FiKzjreOEvtRskua3lvIRR/s1600-h/PA3FGA_144Mhz_radarview.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOlHrVKbsyXDA_2-Z-F1Cv8PSA9u2gN98UhZQAVPr23S7DB4-W1FY44HlWzwFrdf-wW4ducGPbsWeBlScRwm3OZWyAL-KenbLlyHPfHfwLd-QLf4GeTVIYo3FiKzjreOEvtRskua3lvIRR/s200/PA3FGA_144Mhz_radarview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323919950085136386" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Comments on the 144MHz radar view at PA3FGA:</span><br />Although Rens is suffering from much less band noise, he is plagued by disturbances from my city in the direction of 160 degrees. Which is actually the exact QTF for his favourite 2m beacon, HB9HB from Switzerland. The other two lobes point at two other towns. Lowering the antenna involves less band noise, but also less tropo signal from the dx beacon in HB9. We spent another evening finding the optimal height for maxiumum signal/noise level. However, the constant QSB spoiled any possible measurement. From experience we know that 18mtrs is the optimum height for best s/n on tropo signals at his QTH. Due to the wind we were not able to confirm this using the Perseus setup at this point.<br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">50MHz noise mapping at my QTH</span><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">The receiver setup consists of the following:<br />5el M2 yagi @11mtr AGL, aperture angle@-3dB:42 degrees<br />20mtr Ecoflex-10<br />Elecraft XV50 transverter, including the crystal oven option<br />Perseus SDR receiver<br />Settings: span 6.3Khz centered at 50.087MHz, averaging at 80%</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Time slots: 01:00 UTC, 06:30 UTC, 12:00 UTC, 18:30 UTC</span></span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvawYe5wcle7d3gaT_bMlnUbg1MwYbrF9oAcmaPO7_zciIHZNV2i_B7yRwKq91ALIr8T1sk_nw_QUukx-qp0mFuvke11HwK3e3lugdD-OvV-Bz4QXJm5FbCqBC0Wost80HZdPU_eGCTR7/s1600-h/50Mhz_radarview.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 131px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdvawYe5wcle7d3gaT_bMlnUbg1MwYbrF9oAcmaPO7_zciIHZNV2i_B7yRwKq91ALIr8T1sk_nw_QUukx-qp0mFuvke11HwK3e3lugdD-OvV-Bz4QXJm5FbCqBC0Wost80HZdPU_eGCTR7/s200/50Mhz_radarview.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323918839084844322" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-family:verdana;">Comments on the 50</span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">MHz radar view at PA5MW:</span><br />The giant noise lobe which peaks between +8 and +10dB from QTF 280 to 360 is an eye-opener for me. I have spent too much time on worrying about my less than average ability to hear the USA on 6m. I can work them usually easy at first or second call. No wonder! I simply have 'bad ears' towards that direction because the band noise level is much higher than other directions.<br />The other big lobe, which is evident on the 144Mhz view, also exists here.<br />During the night all is relatively more 'quiet' than on 2m.<br />One can also pick the wrong time slot; I started measuring at 17:45 UTC when just before 18UTC the noise suddenly became outrageously high. What had just happened? Well, since the start of television people turn on their TV's for the 8 o'clock news. During the first minutes a tv produces its peak of EMC noise. I waited some 30 minutes and did the measurement again. The evening disturbance sure is a bummer on 6m.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusions:</span><br /></span></span><ul><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Noise levels at my QTH from various directions differ MUCH more than expected; up to 10 dB on both 144 and 50MHz.</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">My direction for dx would be roughly east between QTF 30-160<br /></span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">I cannot concur that with pre-amps, better rig or just another antenna</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Going extremely high and using a stack with a low noise temperature is not feasible for me</span></span></li><li><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Live with it and change operational tactics to make the best out of it</span></span></li></ul><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />Does this mean I cannot work dx, not have any fun anymore? No, of course not. First of all, my current QTH is a lot better than my previous location. That was in the middle of a large city, and although my antennas were at 19mtrs AGL(6m higher than currently) I suffered from even more noise in <span style="font-style: italic;">every</span> direction.<br /><br />One very important matter: no hardware is going to solve that wall of 10dB noise.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Next question is: </span>what is the relevance of those found minimum levels? When is your QTH a quiet loation?<br />In order to do a comparison test we need to design a portable setup and do several measurements at many different locations, both urban and very remote.<br />For now I need to accept the situation and make the best from it.<br />It is what it is.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5182520086776309209.post-60909252258646023662009-04-09T17:50:00.010+02:002009-04-09T19:04:02.322+02:00Linking K2 to TS570SG in a master-slave configuration<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">New goals for 2009 6m season</span></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br />The 6m season will start in a few weeks. There are a few enhancements on my wish list.<br />One of them is to link my Elecraft K2+XV50 transverter to the Kenwood TS570SG.<br /><br />Why would I want that?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make use of the best ergonomics</span><br />On 6m it is usually a matter of seconds to find the dx and make the contact. Better rig ergonomics do help a lot. The Elecraft K2 has a great analogue receiver but ergonomically for me it is very annoying. The TS570SG has superb ergonomics, and a quick& friendly user interface.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Better TX signal from the TS570SG</span><br />It has a much better mic compressor, high-boost equalizer and 100W output on 6m.<br />The K2 +XV50 has none of that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Make use of a second RX</span><br />- For monitoring a different frequency.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">- Because I want to try some semi-diversity (pseudo-stereo) in the audio chain. That requires some more work; like a second switch able antenna and switch able audio routing.<br /></span></span>- <span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">Finally because the RX quality of the K2+XV50 transverter <span style="font-style: italic;">might</span> offer better performance. Well this one has to be proven yet, since I have already modified the TS570SG <span style="font-style: italic;">again</span> to make it a dedicated 6m rig <span style="font-style: italic;">only</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Remote operating</span><br />It will serve any remote operating experiments too.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Conclusion</span><br />I want to <span style="font-style: italic;">operate</span> the TS570SG, but be able to co-use the K2 <span style="font-style: italic;">on the fly</span>.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A programm to master-slave the K2 to the TS570SG</span><br />Since the K2 uses the Kenwood protocol, it is possible to create a program which enables to make the K2 follow the TS570. I'm fortunate that Arnold wrote a small program which just does that. It reads the current VFO-A frequency and writes this to the K2's VFO.<br />After just two evening sessions we have a raw but working program. I can now turn the Kenwood's VFO and the K2 follows quick enough to avoid any latency and such. We still need to work out some minor bugs and make it more operator friendly, but for now it already does what I wanted. Great job done Arnold !<br /><br /><br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn4RFr0ga3tD1ZHYX_4sOuVjAz62oC4LjQqidMP5ivdDxRg_Dzvo_n0oKq-iJvM5qKnzIDnlelvwxkjUA9LhPKQR1kAKArh3eiykgtgFzd3XYIn1Pk2BeYXcl3QW1wcfVZtuaG65nXGHR/s1600-h/Picture+054.jpg_klein.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcn4RFr0ga3tD1ZHYX_4sOuVjAz62oC4LjQqidMP5ivdDxRg_Dzvo_n0oKq-iJvM5qKnzIDnlelvwxkjUA9LhPKQR1kAKArh3eiykgtgFzd3XYIn1Pk2BeYXcl3QW1wcfVZtuaG65nXGHR/s200/Picture+054.jpg_klein.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5322733722164339474" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;">There a some minor frequency difference on the readouts of both rigs, but that is due to the offset of the K2's 6m transverter. It is key to zero-beat both receivers. I have to do a lot of testing to see if both behave well and do not suffer too much from thermal drift and such. A quick <span style="font-style: italic;">user offset</span> setting will probabely be the next added option in the software program.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Buy another rig?</span><br />Now you might ask why don't I buy a new, better rig with dual receivers (or dual watch) and everything else I need? Well there's the financial aspect, and more important, I'm not ready to give up on the 570 yet :)<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /></span></span>Mark, PA5MWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17075619376682529883noreply@blogger.com0