20031121.qrp v03_n111.qrl.20031121 Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:03:13 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3111 QRP-L Digest 3111 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [161635] Curtis EK-430 manual/schematic by "Dick Housden, W0NTA" 2) [161636] S&S engineering TAC radios by "Joseph Trombino Jr" 3) [161637] Re: Strange band condx by Al Scanandoah 4) [161638] Re: Switching P.S. by "Mike Gusky" 5) [161639] nice strange band condx by goemans 6) [161640] Re: Strange band condx by John Sielke 7) [161641] Metal oxide film resistors by Rick McKee 8) [161642] OT: faster downloads via the phone lines (was: Re: a positive sign for BPL) by Brad Thompson 9) [161643] FOX W0IS Final Log by Richard Clem 10) [161644] Aurora by Rick McKee 11) [161645] Re: Metal oxide film resistors by Steven Weber 12) [161646] Re: Strange band condx by "Sam Binkley" 13) [161647] Shipping soon the 2004 QRP Contest Calendar by "Ron Polityka" 14) [161648] Re: Formal Surveys Was: a positive sign for BPL by Alex 15) [161649] Re: S&S engineering TAC radios by Bruce Muscolino 16) [161650] RE: a positive sign for BPL by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 17) [161651] FS: Icom T2H Sport by "Rod N0RC" 18) [161652] Meter Help by "Michael C. Boatright" 19) [161653] Great BPL Talk by "Ron Pfeiffer" 20) [161654] RE: CW issue by "Mike D." 21) [161655] For Sale: Elecraft K1- lower price by Bruce Grubbs 22) [161656] RE: Great BPL Talk by "Mark Rauchfuss" 23) [161657] Re: Changing views on CW Was: a positive sign for BPL by Alex 24) [161658] re: cw issue by "carl seyersdahl" 25) [161659] Educational Materials by "Brian.Buydens@usask.ca" 26) [161660] QRP from the deer blind by "Steve Bauder" 27) [161661] Re: CW issue by Howard Oakley 28) [161662] Monday by "Doug Hendricks" 29) [161663] Re: Strange band condx by "Cal Cotner" 30) [161664] Re: Strange band condx by "Howard Kraus" 31) [161665] Re: QRP from the deer blind by "Joe Martin" 32) [161666] Re: Monday by KD5NWA 33) [161667] Re: Meter Help by Brad Thompson 34) [161668] RE: CW issue by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 35) [161669] Thank you 5X1X by w2bvh 36) [161670] Re: Strange band condx by Garie Halstead K8KFJ ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 17:16:16 -0700 From: "Dick Housden, W0NTA" To: Subject: [161635] Curtis EK-430 manual/schematic Message-ID: <004601c3afc4$aec3e370$0bc40918@yourtarbvp550m> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I recently acquired a beautiful Curtis EK-430 keyer. Beautiful, but it doesn't work properly. I am wondering if anyone has a schematic or manual so that I could get a copy? Thanks. Best regards. Dick, W0NTA Greeley, CO ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 19:18:39 -0500 From: "Joseph Trombino Jr" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [161636] S&S engineering TAC radios Message-ID: <01b001c3afc5$036d03c0$220110ac@gateway.2wire.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Howdy Gang: A few years ago S&S Engineering offered the TAC series of QRP transceivers and believe they were offered either wired or in kit form. I never used one and am wondering how well they performed. Anyone out there with one of these rigs that can give me a report??? 73, Joe W2KJ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 20:07:16 -0500 From: Al Scanandoah To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161637] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <3FBD6544.5040704@rochester.rr.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I got an alert from NOAA that the K index had gone up to 8 this afternoon, but it's now back down to 5. No time to get the 2m transverter hooked up this evening... Al, K2ZN ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 20:35:54 -0600 From: "Mike Gusky" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161638] Re: Switching P.S. Message-ID: <004d01c3afd8$3070a030$c702a8c0@D8819N31> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Used the SS30 for a couple of years with my Icom PRO and never noticed any RF noise. However, I noticed the fan was a little loud and performed the fan mod to slow it down. 73 Mike K5UX ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Prather" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 10:55 AM Subject: Switching P.S. > > All, > > I need more +12vdc power in the shack. I'm considering one of the > Astron SS30's. However, I'm a bit concerned about noise in the shack, > or RF getting into the supply. I'd appreciate any user comments... > > 73, > > Mark > > > ===== > Mark Prather - WB9HFK > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now > http://companion.yahoo.com/ > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 20:50:49 -0600 From: goemans To: QRP-L Subject: [161639] nice strange band condx Message-ID: <002201c3afda$45deda70$64d96880@PAUL> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Hi all, We had good strong aurora propagation here for at least a couple hours this evening on 6 and 2 meters. It petered out here shortly after 0200z. I worked a bunch of stations on 2 meters all the way to the east coast; VE3, NC, OH, Mi. Oh and I worked N8XA/m/QRP in Dayton, OH on 2 mtrs CW! I am in south central WI at 42N 89W degrees. I am running, well, a bit more than QRP on 2 meters. Paul R Goemans WA9PWP Stoughton, WI 53589 EN52jw ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:24:37 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161640] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <3FBD8575.6010009@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Just finished a Q with W2QE in SNJ and got a 442 report. I gave him a > 572 from NNJ on 30 meters. He and I both sounded likewise were keying a > noise generator (or maybe a spark transmitter). > > Funny stuff going on now on the bands: A quick check of 20 meters > resulted in T's between 4 and 2 on stations in 2,3,5 and 0 land. > Stations in 4 land are T9 in NNJ. I wonder how many over-eager Official Observers sent out notices? John w2AGN ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:25:10 -0500 From: Rick McKee To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU, fpqrp-l@fpqrp.com Subject: [161641] Metal oxide film resistors Message-ID: <20031120.222841.10030.3.kc8aon@juno.com> Anyone know if metal oxide film resistors can be used safely in a resistive swr bridge like the one in the Norcal BLT ? I want to build a resitive bridge like the one in the BLT for a friend, and all that Radio Shack carries in 1 watt resistors are the metal oxides, and I'm not familiar with them having never used them before. What I want to know mainly, are they non-inductive ? 72/73 de: Rick McKee, KC8AON <> Willow Wood, Ohio <> Grid: EM88rl SW-20+, SW-30+, SW-40+, Norcal BLT, Norcal Cascade, Yaesu FT-7, QRP-L #2112, FPqrp #33, AR QRP, AmQRP, Ohio Valley Fists, Zombie #718 For info on MQFD, go to: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/mqfd I'll give up CW & QRP when I'm dead ! MAYBE ! didididadidah ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:41:55 -0500 From: Brad Thompson To: w5yr@att.net, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161642] OT: faster downloads via the phone lines (was: Re: a positive sign for BPL) Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20031120223636.01fe11c0@pop3.norton.antivirus> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 10:38 PM 11/19/2003 -0600, George, W5YR wrote: > >I agree with the speed business except for guys like me "out in the country" >where even DSL is unavailable. Options are satellite or wireless link which >I have to a local system. Works up to 1 Mbps sometimes but usually 400-700 >kbps. Hello-- We're in the same situation-- DSL doesn't extend to our QTH, but the local CATV system does and sometime "soon" they'll offer Internet access as part of a TV package. We don't watch much TV and since the two services are a package, we can't use that method either. However, our local ISP is about to introduce a new type of caching software which runs on each users' PC and which also involves a dedicated server system at the ISP's processor farm. This approach is supposed to offer at least a five-fold increase in apparent download speed over the phone lines. I'll post more details when the product gets announced. Perhaps this or another innovation would put paid to BPL. 73-- Brad AA1IP ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 21:38:21 -0600 From: Richard Clem To: Subject: [161643] FOX W0IS Final Log Message-ID: <523HkuDMV0912S16.1069385901@uwdvg016.cms.usa.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I think I've incorporated all of the corrections I've received, so this s= hould be the final log for Tuesday's hunt: 0200 AA5O 599 LA VERN 5W 0201 K5JHP 579 TX BILL 5W 0202 K0EVZ 589 NM DOC 5W 0203 AJ4AY 579 AL JAY 5W 0205 K5DW 559 TX DON 5W 0206 N5IB 559 LA JIM 5W 0208 AK5X 599 TX BILL 5W 0210 KD5UDB 599 LA CHRIS 5W 0212 K5DI 339 NM KARL 5W 0213 N5ZE 559 TX LEW 5W 0214 KT5V 559 TX DAVID 5W 0215 W5YR 559 TX GEORGE 5W 0216 AB9CA 559 AL DAVE 5W 0218 AC7A 339 AZ TOM 5W 0219 K5SR 559 TX DALE 5W 0221 KK5LD 559 TX DAN 5W 0223 AK7Y 559 AZ GREG 5W 0229 W0ANM 559 MN CHRIS 5W 0230 KQ5U 559 TX TERRY 5W 0233 W7ILW 559 AZ WALT 5W 0234 K5ZTY 559 TX BILL 5W 0235 N1TP 559 FL TOM 5W 0254 K2QO 559 NY MARK 5W 0259 K3PH 599 PA BOB 5W 0305 WS4S 559 TN CONARD 5W 0310 K0UU 559 MN JEFF 5W 0317 KB2FEL 559 WV BOB 5W 0339 N4ROA 549 VA DAN 5W 0400 K3ESE xxx MD FOX 5W 0400 W0IS xxx MN FOX 5W Conditions were terrible, especially after about 0235. Possibly someone forgot to pay the ionosphere bill and we were cut off. One hound mentioned that my signal sounded almost like a meteor ping. I = did notice that I occasionally heard calls fairly strong, but they quickly dr= opped down to nothing. Since we were in the middle of a meteor shower, does anyone think that is= possible? Is there any such thing as meteor scatter on 40 meters? TNX & 73, Rick W0IS ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 22:34:54 -0500 From: Rick McKee To: fpqrp-l@fpqrp.com, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [161644] Aurora Message-ID: <20031120.223502.10030.4.kc8aon@juno.com> We had visible aurora again here in Southern Ohio this evening about 7pm local time. It was green splotches scattered around the sky this time as compared to the red glow to the noth only a couple of weeks ago ! Being able to see it here in Ohio is a rare treat, and twice in one year is really special ! In the last days there will be signs in the heavens ! 72/73 de: Rick McKee, KC8AON <> Willow Wood, Ohio <> Grid: EM88rl SW-20+, SW-30+, SW-40+, Norcal BLT, Norcal Cascade, Yaesu FT-7, QRP-L #2112, FPqrp #33, AR QRP, AmQRP, Ohio Valley Fists, Zombie #718 For info on MQFD, go to: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/mqfd I'll give up CW & QRP when I'm dead ! MAYBE ! didididadidah ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 23:43:53 -0500 From: Steven Weber To: kc8aon@juno.com Cc: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161645] Re: Metal oxide film resistors Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20031120234353.007a9bc0@mailhost.ncia.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >Anyone know if metal oxide film resistors can be used safely in a >resistive swr bridge like the one in the Norcal BLT ? I want to build a Yes, metal oxide will work fine -that's what I use. 72, Steve, KD1JV "Melt Solder" White Mountains of New Hampshire http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 20 Nov 2003 23:12:39 -0600 From: "Sam Binkley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161646] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <073501c3afee$15d23200$a67fe344@DHT81T11> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > Funny stuff going on now on the bands: A quick check of 20 meters > > resulted in T's between 4 and 2 on stations in 2,3,5 and 0 land. > > Stations in 4 land are T9 in NNJ. > > > I wonder how many over-eager Official Observers sent out notices? > > John w2AGN > > John, I did hear one QSO where one guy kept telling the other he had RF on his signal. He would change something and try again and the "RF" was still there. Don't know if he ever did figure out what it was. Sam, KL7V/5 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 07:11:13 -0500 From: "Ron Polityka" To: ".QRP-L" Subject: [161647] Shipping soon the 2004 QRP Contest Calendar Message-ID: <004601c3b028$8f3fa840$0200a8c0@WB3AAL> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello, The 2004 QRP Contest Calendar for QRP'ers is now on sale and will be shipping with in one week. I am in the final stages of the printing process. I had a small delay with the death of a family member. This years calendar has a Home Brew Radio theme. For more information and a current sample pictures please click on www.n3epa.org . Thank you, 72 Ron de N3EPA EPA QRP Club El Presidente' n3epa@verizon.net www.n3epa.org ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 08:37:56 -0500 From: Alex To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161648] Re: Formal Surveys Was: a positive sign for BPL Message-ID: <3FBE1534.5CD2375B@amsat.org> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Mike Yetsko wrote: > Has there been a formal survey? Or is it just 'member feedback'? I forgot in which issue it was, but CQ Magazine had a survey on this issue not very long ago. I was rather surprised that so many folks took the time to fill out the card and send it in. I wish they would publish the results on the web though, so everyone could see it. For the few years I was a member of the ARRL, I have never seen a survey in QST, but they do a good bit of online polling and post the results for all to see. I wish they would adopt some of each others methods with respect to gathering information and presenting it to the public. On important issues like this, the ARRL could include a polling reply card in QST, which would reach each member and would give a more structured form to information gathering than a generic request to inform division directors of your opinion. On the other hand it would be nice if CQ Magazine could share the result on the web so that interested parties can use them as additional data points for whatever they're trying to investigate. 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 09:23:48 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: w2kj@bellsouth.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161649] Re: S&S engineering TAC radios Message-ID: <3FBE1FF4.F719AEB0@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hmmm, since I wrote the original review on the 40 meter TAC-1 kit by S&S, I am probably qualified to answer. The review appeared in Worldradio back in 1997. I found the radio to be quite easy to build and align. The instructions were very clear. As to performance, the radio was an excellent performer. I was able to make many contacts to support the article and many more after that. The antenna was nothing special. An end fed wire of about 40 feet fed through a simple MFJ wire tuner. A quarter wave counterpoise was used. Power output was in excess of 7 watts and easily adjusted back to 5 watts. Break-in keying was very good. Physically the rig is small and attractive. The front panel is laid out well. All the controls you need are conveniently placed and easy to use. It was easily powered by a 12 volt 4 amp power supply. The radio I built was one of the first production models. Later Dick offered a couple of mods but I have mo direct experience with those. I should mention that I later swapped the 40 meter TAC-1 for an 80 meter TAC-1. Unfortunately I have never tried the 80 meter unit, and beidea that I traded away my editorial sample! If I can add anything else, please let me know. I cannot immediately try the 80 meter rig for you as I won't back home until January. At that tim I can probably dig up a copy of my review for you if you want it. 73 Bruce W6TOY/3 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:05:47 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161650] RE: a positive sign for BPL Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025120C1@kosh.arrlhq.org> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable At the July board meeting, the Directors decided that they should poll = the membership on the CW issue, as views may have changed since the = present policy was set in the mid 1990s. Each Director is going this = polling in his own way. Generally, the best input comes from those that = take the time to write reasoned and reasonable emails or letters, or who = choose to discuss the matter with their Director in person. That is, = IMHO, much more useful than a head count at a club meeting or a check = box on a postcard. You can contact your ARRL Division Director at the contact info listed = at http://www.arrl.org/divisions. =20 Make your views known. I did, although I also told Tom Frenaye that I = didn't feel all that strongly one way or the other. 73,=20 Ed Hare, W1RFI ARRL Lab 225 Main St Newington, CT 06111 Tel: 860-594-0318 Internet: w1rfi@arrl.org Web: http://www.arrl.org/tis > -----Original Message----- > From: n3drk [mailto:n3drk@triad.rr.com] > Sent: Thursday, November 20, 2003 2:15 PM > To: Hare,Ed, W1RFI; Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: a positive sign for BPL >=20 >=20 >=20 > ----- Original Message -----=20 > From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" > > > > ARRL is NOT the staff in Newington; it is not the ARRL=20 > Board of Directors; > it is not > > members working on their own. It is a process that includes=20 > all of the > above, working > > together, held together and helped by the individual hams=20 > that pony up > their > > 12 cents a day to make it all happen. >=20 >=20 > Ed, you are so right to say that. In all due respect The=20 > Board of Directors > should take this advise when they decide the CW issue and=20 > listen to their > membership surveys and such. > 73's > john >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 08:19:23 -0700 From: "Rod N0RC" To: "qrp-l" , "ncarc-l" Subject: [161651] FS: Icom T2H Sport Message-ID: <00f901c3b042$d8a8ff30$6501a8c0@greyrock> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit $95 Shipped CONUS. Like new condition, 8 AA NiMH batteries, original box and manual included. More info/detail at: http://www.frii.com/~rwc/fs/t2h/ 73, Rod N0RC ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:00:00 -0500 From: "Michael C. Boatright" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161652] Meter Help Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20031121105629.02ef86b0@pop.mindspring.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed I'm trying to find information on a meter I picked up at a recent hamfest. The meter face says it is an Argonne VU meter, scale from -20 to 3+ with 0 dBm where one would expect it to be on a VU meter. It also has the number 99-5043 in small letters in the lower left corner on the face. On the back is stamped (in ink) the numbers 8021 and embossed in the plastic on the back are "Argonne Electronics," "2 Jewels," and "Made in Japan." Anybody ever seen one of these and/or know where I might be able to get specifications for it? Thanks! 72 de Mike, KO4WX Michael C. Boatright ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:07:49 -0500 From: "Ron Pfeiffer" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [161653] Great BPL Talk Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Our local club, Central Mass. Amateur Radio Assoc. (CMARA) was honored to have ARRL representative Ed Hare as our speaker. We were entertained and EDUCATED about BPL. I was not at all knowledgeable about the impact of BPL on our HF bands until last night. I understand now that it will not be an annoyance to our HF bands but it will eliminate our HF bands. I want to also thank Ed for explaining to our group that ARRL has been involved in many areas that would cause radio interference. Two examples are helping hams get local power companies to solve their noise pollution and helping stop noise generation in in-home PC networking. I was unaware of how much the ARRL does to protect our bandwidth. I now feel that my $ is well spent. I have not heard of any other organization of any of out fellow amateurs that have formed to protect us from BPL. If such entities exist I would like to be informed. Again, a great Thank You to Ed for driving up and speaking at our meeting and please if you haven't already, go to the ARRL web page and watch but most importantly LISTEN to the BPL video. Thanks for the bandwidth Form the ARRL website: Video showing results of ARRL testing in MD, VA, PA and NY Internet: http://216.167.96.120/BPL_Trial-web.mpg - for those with broadband access Internet: http://216.167.96.120/BPL_Trial-small.mpg - for those with slower access Author: ARRL technical staff _________________________________________________________________ >From the hottest toys to tips on keeping fit this winter, you ll find a range of helpful holiday info here. http://special.msn.com/network/happyholidays.armx ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:36:53 -0600 From: "Mike D." To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161654] RE: CW issue Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit My director never contacted me about a poll regarding CW and doesn't reply or even acknowledge receipt of contact initiated by me. For that matter, Haynie doesn't respond either. If the League was really interested in members' opinions regarding Morse code, they would contract with READEX or another reputable firm to conduct a legitimate survey. The League recently hired READEX to determine members' impressions of QST, ARRL programs, etc. because that is what is important to the League they want accurate results. Unscientific polls are not accurate but they have their "advantages," when the League already knows what's best for us. 73 de Mike, N9BOR Life Member ARRL > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > Hare,Ed, W1RFI > Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 9:06 AM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: RE: a positive sign for BPL > > > At the July board meeting, the Directors decided that they should > poll the membership on the CW issue, as views may have changed > since the present policy was set in the mid 1990s. Each Director > is going this polling in his own way. Generally, the best input > comes from those that take the time to write reasoned and > reasonable emails or letters, or who choose to discuss the matter > with their Director in person. That is, IMHO, much more useful > than a head count at a club meeting or a check box on a postcard. > > You can contact your ARRL Division Director at the contact info > listed at http://www.arrl.org/divisions. > > Make your views known. I did, although I also told Tom Frenaye > that I didn't feel all that strongly one way or the other. > > 73, > Ed Hare, W1RFI > ARRL Lab > 225 Main St > Newington, CT 06111 > Tel: 860-594-0318 > Internet: w1rfi@arrl.org > Web: http://www.arrl.org/tis ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 10:13:15 -0700 From: Bruce Grubbs To: elecraft@mailman.qth.net, qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161655] For Sale: Elecraft K1- lower price Message-ID: <200311211013.15431.mail@brucegrubbs.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For sale, lower price: Elecraft K1 #510 4 bands, 40, 30, 20, 15, with low temperature trimmer cap mod KAT1 internal automatic antenna tuner KNB1 noise blanker KTS1 wide range tilt stand power cord Manuals Paddlette Backpacker K1 version Custom ultralight foam case See www.elecraft.com for details and a downloadable manual. The K1 and all accessories are in excellent shape mechanically and electrically. This is a complete CW QRP station- all you need is a power supply and antenna. The Paddlette Backpacker mounts on the base of the tilt stand, or on the left rear corner of the K1 ( you can see the magnetic pad in the photos). You can also use the Paddlette leg mount, which is included. I'm asking $495 for the complete station. I'll pay ground shipping and insurance in the 48 states. You can see photos of the K1 and accessories at http://n7cee.brucegrubbs.com/rigs Please email with any questions. 73, Bruce N7CEE -- Bruce Grubbs Flagstaff, Arizona E-mail: mail@brucegrubbs.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 12:44:42 -0500 From: "Mark Rauchfuss" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [161656] RE: Great BPL Talk Message-ID: <000401c3b057$261b6a00$77124b0c@LIFEBOOK> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I just joined the ARRL, because of the BPL issue and the need to support our only organized/legitimate form of representation, which can interface with various governmental and NGO entities. Mark, WD7WEO -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of Ron Pfeiffer Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 11:08 AM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: Great BPL Talk Our local club, Central Mass. Amateur Radio Assoc. (CMARA) was honored to have ARRL representative Ed Hare as our speaker. We were entertained and EDUCATED about BPL. I was not at all knowledgeable about the impact of BPL on our HF bands until last night. I understand now that it will not be an annoyance to our HF bands but it will eliminate our HF bands. I want to also thank Ed for explaining to our group that ARRL has been involved in many areas that would cause radio interference. Two examples are helping hams get local power companies to solve their noise pollution and helping stop noise generation in in-home PC networking. I was unaware of how much the ARRL does to protect our bandwidth. I now feel that my $ is well spent. I have not heard of any other organization of any of out fellow amateurs that have formed to protect us from BPL. If such entities exist I would like to be informed. Again, a great Thank You to Ed for driving up and speaking at our meeting and please if you haven't already, go to the ARRL web page and watch but most importantly LISTEN to the BPL video. Thanks for the bandwidth Form the ARRL website: Video showing results of ARRL testing in MD, VA, PA and NY Internet: http://216.167.96.120/BPL_Trial-web.mpg - for those with broadband access Internet: http://216.167.96.120/BPL_Trial-small.mpg - for those with slower access Author: ARRL technical staff _________________________________________________________________ >From the hottest toys to tips on keeping fit this winter, you ll find a range of helpful holiday info here. http://special.msn.com/network/happyholidays.armx ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 12:49:09 -0500 From: Alex To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161657] Re: Changing views on CW Was: a positive sign for BPL Message-ID: <3FBE5015.47109DB0@amsat.org> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" wrote: > > At the July board meeting, the Directors decided that they should poll the membership on > the CW issue, as views may have changed since the present policy was set in the mid > 1990s. Indeed views may have changed on the CW issue: http://www.arrl.org/announce/reports-0307/AandF.html Especially the first 4 paragraphs under the header "Where Do We Go From Here?" may be of interest. I'm not saying that I agree or disagree. I'm just presenting this as a different way to look at the CW requirement. 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 13:55:42 -0500 From: "carl seyersdahl" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161658] re: cw issue Message-ID: <00f501c3b061$108b8080$073cca44@tampabay.rr.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It doesn't matter to me a whole anymore since cw is almost a lost cause anyway, but I am another ham who never heard the first word about any polls on the subject. And altho I am an arrl member, and a volunteer examiner too, I think what we need more than the code is a much stiffer written exam. It should at least be electronic basics , Ohms law , ac/dc etc. Just my $.02 worth. from a ham since '52 carl / kz5ca ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 12:18:16 -0600 (CST) From: "Brian.Buydens@usask.ca" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161659] Educational Materials Message-ID: MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII This may be of more interest to Canadian Amateurs but I am posting to the entire group to ask a question. I am developing materials to help my daughter (14) pass the Canadian BASIC Qualification. Recently I built a drill program for Q Codes. You can find it at: http://homepage.usask.ca/~bdb368/ham/basic/qcodes/index.html Now the Question: I was thinking a great teaching tool would be to have a simulation of the ionosphere. You could change the transmitting frequency, MUF, antenna and see the effects graphically. One thought is to have something like the old video game "Pong" where you can see your signals bounce. Does anyone know of something in existence like this? Thanks. Brian. Brian Buydens Veterinary Electronic Data Specialist Computing Services, University of Saskatchewan email: Brian.Buydens@usask.ca http://duke.usask.ca/~buydens VE5RDV -------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am a proud citizen of "Soviet Canuckistan" ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 13:31:43 -0600 From: "Steve Bauder" To: Subject: [161660] QRP from the deer blind Message-ID: <000501c3b066$18eec5c0$198a2140@yourrvlnhr6v8d> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm making my annual pilgrimage to Wisconsin's northwoods this afternoon and will be operating from my deer blind daily from 11-22 until 11-29. Most of my operating will take place from 1100-1430Z and 1900-2200Z on or near 7040, 10106, and 14060kHz. This is the 4th year that I've done this. No injury has come to any deer in all those years, but I sure have had a blast QSO'ing with a lot of QRP-L folks! So if you hear a weak CQ from NX9Z in the next week or so, give me a call! I'll be using a 44' doublet up about 30', a DSW40, DSW20, and a Melt Solder 30. Steve Bauder NX9Z ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:54:39 +0000 From: Howard Oakley To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161661] Re: CW issue Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit On 21/11/03 16:36, Mike D. wrote: > My director never contacted me about a poll regarding CW and doesn't reply > or even acknowledge receipt of contact initiated by me. For that matter, > Haynie doesn't respond either. If the League was really interested in > members' opinions regarding Morse code, they would contract with READEX or > another reputable firm to conduct a legitimate survey. > > The League recently hired READEX to determine members' impressions of QST, > ARRL programs, etc. because that is what is important to the League they > want accurate results. Unscientific polls are not accurate but they have > their "advantages," when the League already knows what's best for us. A little game theory: There are 6 people. Alice and Bob have keys to the Executive Suite, as well as free reign over the regular facilities. Charlie and Delia only have access to the regular facilities, because their club membership is limited. Ellie and Frank are wondering whether to join this club at all. Now the club is wondering whether to change the rules about access to the Executive Suite. The club wants more members, as that brings more income, and helps the club grow rather than decline. What do you think the 'scientific poll' result would be if you: A. just asked Alice and Bob B. asked Alice, Bob, Charlie and Delia C. asked Alice, Bob, Charlie, Delia, Ellie, and Frank? Whatever the League does it loses some or all of this game. The crucial decision is how best to win in the long run. If access to the Executive Suite is opened up to other members, will it attract new membership, or just offend the old members who previously enjoyed the privilege exclusively? For what it's worth, now that the UK has abolished the Morse requirement, I don't see a mass exodus of previous Class A licencees from the bands. Neither do I hear the chaos that some predicted. Some of us previously Class B amateurs are enjoying our newly extended hobby - some have turned out to be excellent HF operators. Many have turned to QRP on HF. Forecasts of the imminent demise of Morse seem to have been grossly exaggerated. I fancy the VHF bands are a bit quieter now, but once the Es season gets going next year there'll be plenty back again, I think. Many of us are wondering what the big deal is over making such decisions - in our over-regulated world, why not let people enjoy their hobby as freely as we can? 72, Howard. (Also an ARRL member. Should I therefore be polled?!) Dr Howard Oakley Isle of Wight, UK M1BWR (IO90JO, EU-120) Active from 80 m to 23 cm ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 11:39:08 -0800 From: "Doug Hendricks" To: Subject: [161662] Monday Message-ID: <079b01c3b067$228ea680$4a0b0d0a@dph.dpol.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Guys, be sure to read this list Monday. 72, Doug ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:40:35 -0500 From: "Cal Cotner" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [161663] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <000301c3b06f$b79e5010$fc53fea9@Sharon> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi all, Gee, I remember that a report on a CW signal propagated by Auroral reflection was, by de-facto standard, something like 44A or 57A. What happened to that ? By contrast, the report on a SSB signal was just the regular R and S. Cal K4JSI ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 16:05:23 -0500 From: "Howard Kraus" To: Cc: Subject: [161664] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <000501c3b073$2e3a34c0$9f131443@kntnny.adelphia.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit That is what I found a couple of weeks ago during the major Aurora while operating on 6M CW. Signal report used A in place of tone, like you explain. Perhaps folks were using standard RST reporting on HF CW freqs, and didn't know better? To be honest, October was the first time I've heard that type of reporting, only because it's the only time I ever got on VHF during Auroral conditions. This old dog learned a new trick! 72 Howard Kraus, K2UD ----- Original Message ----- From: "Cal Cotner" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 3:40 PM Subject: Re: Strange band condx > Hi all, > Gee, I remember that a report on a CW signal propagated by Auroral > reflection was, by de-facto standard, something like 44A or 57A. What > happened to that ? By contrast, the report on a SSB signal was just the > regular R and S. > Cal K4JSI > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:06:29 -0600 From: "Joe Martin" To: "QRP" Subject: [161665] Re: QRP from the deer blind Message-ID: <028b01c3b073$55e2a430$938dd3d0@JoesHome1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have a fishing spot like that . I might use the pole but not for little fishies. 73 de KM5CW, Joe ARCI #11368 FP#-697 FISTS#4217 GRID EM13kf FtWorth,Tx 32:49:31N 97:06:13W (http://web.wt.net/~km5cw) ---------| Virus Scanned by Symantec |--------- ----- Original Message ----- From: "Steve Bauder" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 1:31 PM Subject: QRP from the deer blind > I'm making my annual pilgrimage to Wisconsin's northwoods this afternoon and > will be operating from my deer blind daily from 11-22 until 11-29. Most of > my operating will take place from 1100-1430Z and 1900-2200Z on or near 7040, > 10106, and 14060kHz. > > This is the 4th year that I've done this. No injury has come to any deer in > all those years, but I sure have had a blast QSO'ing with a lot of QRP-L > folks! > > So if you hear a weak CQ from NX9Z in the next week or so, give me a call! > I'll be using a 44' doublet up about 30', a DSW40, DSW20, and a Melt Solder > 30. > > Steve Bauder > NX9Z > > > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:44:37 -0600 From: KD5NWA To: "Doug Hendricks" Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161666] Re: Monday Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v606) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Getting a little gun shy? New toys...yipee!! On Nov 21, 2003, at 1:39 PM, Doug Hendricks wrote: > Guys, be sure to read this list Monday. 72, Doug > > KD5NWA Cecil ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 17:05:11 -0500 From: Brad Thompson To: ko4wx@mindspring.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161667] Re: Meter Help Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20031121170307.023fa080@pop3.norton.antivirus> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Hello-- "Argonne" was a trade name for Lafayette Radio's components. If I can find my mid-1970s Lafayette catalog, I'll see whether it's in there. 73-- Brad AA1IP ************* At 11:00 AM 11/21/2003 -0500, Michael C. Boatright wrote: >I'm trying to find information on a meter I picked up at a recent >hamfest. The meter face says it is an Argonne VU meter, scale from -20 to >3+ with 0 dBm where one would expect it to be on a VU meter. It also has >the number 99-5043 in small letters in the lower left corner on the >face. On the back is stamped (in ink) the numbers 8021 and embossed in >the plastic on the back are "Argonne Electronics," "2 Jewels," and "Made >in Japan." > >Anybody ever seen one of these and/or know where I might be able to get >specifications for it? > >Thanks! > >72 de Mike, KO4WX >Michael C. Boatright > ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 17:00:58 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161668] RE: CW issue Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025120DC@kosh.arrlhq.org> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I see things this way: No matter what rules change they make wrt CW = testing, it will not change what I am permitted to do in ham radio. =20 73,=20 Ed Hare, W1RFI ARRL Lab 225 Main St Newington, CT 06111 Tel: 860-594-0318 Internet: w1rfi@arrl.org Web: http://www.arrl.org/tis > -----Original Message----- > From: Howard Oakley [mailto:hoakley@btconnect.com] > Sent: Friday, November 21, 2003 2:55 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: CW issue >=20 >=20 > On 21/11/03 16:36, Mike D. wrote: >=20 > > My director never contacted me about a poll regarding CW=20 > and doesn't reply > > or even acknowledge receipt of contact initiated by me. For=20 > that matter, > > Haynie doesn't respond either. If the League was really=20 > interested in > > members' opinions regarding Morse code, they would contract=20 > with READEX or > > another reputable firm to conduct a legitimate survey. > >=20 > > The League recently hired READEX to determine members'=20 > impressions of QST, > > ARRL programs, etc. because that is what is important to=20 > the League they > > want accurate results. Unscientific polls are not accurate=20 > but they have > > their "advantages," when the League already knows what's=20 > best for us. >=20 > A little game theory: >=20 > There are 6 people. Alice and Bob have keys to the Executive=20 > Suite, as well > as free reign over the regular facilities. Charlie and Delia only have > access to the regular facilities, because their club=20 > membership is limited. > Ellie and Frank are wondering whether to join this club at all. >=20 > Now the club is wondering whether to change the rules about=20 > access to the > Executive Suite. The club wants more members, as that brings=20 > more income, > and helps the club grow rather than decline. >=20 > What do you think the 'scientific poll' result would be if you: > A. just asked Alice and Bob > B. asked Alice, Bob, Charlie and Delia > C. asked Alice, Bob, Charlie, Delia, Ellie, and Frank? >=20 > Whatever the League does it loses some or all of this game.=20 > The crucial > decision is how best to win in the long run. If access to the=20 > Executive > Suite is opened up to other members, will it attract new=20 > membership, or just > offend the old members who previously enjoyed the privilege=20 > exclusively? >=20 > For what it's worth, now that the UK has abolished the Morse=20 > requirement, I > don't see a mass exodus of previous Class A licencees from the bands. > Neither do I hear the chaos that some predicted. Some of us=20 > previously Class > B amateurs are enjoying our newly extended hobby - some have=20 > turned out to > be excellent HF operators. Many have turned to QRP on HF.=20 > Forecasts of the > imminent demise of Morse seem to have been grossly=20 > exaggerated. I fancy the > VHF bands are a bit quieter now, but once the Es season gets=20 > going next year > there'll be plenty back again, I think. Many of us are=20 > wondering what the > big deal is over making such decisions - in our=20 > over-regulated world, why > not let people enjoy their hobby as freely as we can? >=20 > 72, > Howard. > (Also an ARRL member. Should I therefore be polled?!) >=20 > Dr Howard Oakley > Isle of Wight, UK > M1BWR (IO90JO, EU-120) > Active from 80 m to 23 cm >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 17:22:39 -0500 From: w2bvh To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161669] Thank you 5X1X Message-ID: <3FBE902F.50004@comcast.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi I have stayed away from "on frequency" pile ups lately because it's just too hard to crack them; especially with the sunspots on the way down and with 5 watts out of my TX. But this afternoon I heard 5X1X make room for an op signing "/QRP" on his frequency. Inspired by that, I tried the same thing and got a quick QSO in a heavy pile up. Many thanks to 5X1X and his sharp ears and recognition of QRP ops! I have not signed /QRP, but now it looks like a good new strategy with the sunspots on the way down. 73, Lenny W2BVH ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 15:44:31 -0800 (PST) From: Garie Halstead K8KFJ To: cal.jsi@verizon.net, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [161670] Re: Strange band condx Message-ID: <20031121234431.89595.qmail@web60304.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- Cal Cotner wrote: > Hi all, > Gee, I remember that a report on a CW signal propagated by > Auroral > reflection was, by de-facto standard, something like 44A or 57A. > What > happened to that ? By contrast, the report on a SSB signal was just > the > regular R and S. > Cal K4JSI Cal, although I don't have many, I don't think I've ever received a QSL card for an aurora contact that didn't have the letter "A" for the tone. 72, Gary -K8KFJ- __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3111 ************************ --------------------------------