20040108.qrp v03_n159.qrl.20040108 Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 19:03:08 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3159 QRP-L Digest 3159 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [164758] Re: Whiiinnne!!! by "K2PQ" 2) [164759] Re: CW technique, was: Re: ScQRPions paddle spacing by James Stamper 3) [164760] RE: CW technique, was: Re: ScQRPions paddle spacing by "Charles Mabbott" 4) [164761] Looking for a good starter kit for my son by "Kevin Gray" 5) [164762] Re: calender for qrp contests by Anthony Luscre K8ZT 6) [164763] Re: Bad WM-2 Movement? by "Stuart Rohre" 7) [164764] Antenna Selection by "Peter Barnett" 8) [164765] Tenna Dipper Kits by "Gene Sailsbury" 9) [164766] NEQRP CW Net, Thursday, 8 Jan 04, 08:30 PM EST, 3.566 MHz by Chuck Ludinsky 10) [164767] Re: Iowa QRP Club CW net by "sslyon" 11) [164768] Re: Fox:A short study by Tim Groat 12) [164769] FOX W0UFO prelim log by "Merton Nellis" 13) [164770] Schurr Profi FS by "Roy" 14) [164771] 80 Meter Beacon by Chuck Carpenter 15) [164772] A KX1 testimonial by Gary Slagel 16) [164773] 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP by Chuck Carpenter 17) [164774] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by Dale Botkin 18) [164775] QRP from Havre Montana by Tim Hodges <7twh@mtintouch.net> 19) [164776] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP by "sslyon" 20) [164777] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP by "Mike Lyness, AF4LQ" 21) [164778] January Spartan Sprint Results by "John Huffman" 22) [164779] 80 Meter Beacon [500mW] by Chuck Carpenter 23) [164780] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP by Bob KB2FEL 24) [164781] Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by Ron Majewski 25) [164782] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by "Doug Hendricks" 26) [164783] Re: 80 Meter Beacon [500mW] by "Tim, N9PUZ" 27) [164784] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by "George, W5YR" 28) [164785] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull by Thomas Beaudry 29) [164786] Rock Mites both sold by "Doc K0EVZ" 30) [164787] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by "Mike Yetsko" 31) [164788] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP by 32) [164789] BPL Interference by "Francis Callahan" 33) [164790] Early Morning Qs 7116 kHz by Chuck Carpenter 34) [164791] Early Morning Qs 7116 kHz [time] by Chuck Carpenter 35) [164792] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by (CHARLES CURREY) 36) [164793] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by Alex 37) [164794] Re: A KX1 testimonial by "Dennis Payton" 38) [164795] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by Lee Boulineau 39) [164796] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by kwike@gdls.com 40) [164797] Iowa QRP Club CW Net by Mark Milburn 41) [164798] 80 Mtr Beacon Thr Fri Sat Sun pm [3730kHz] by Chuck Carpenter 42) [164799] Re: WAS 2 way QRP in 2004 by "palmer_t" 43) [164800] RE: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by "Sverre Holm" 44) [164801] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by Lee Mairs 45) [164802] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull by Lee Mairs 46) [164803] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by "John J. McDonough" 47) [164804] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull by Lloyd Lachow 48) [164805] RE: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? by w5xe@juno.com 49) [164806] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull by Karl Larsen 50) [164807] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son by "Dale Botkin" 51) [164808] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull by "George, W5YR" 52) [164809] QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by Jim Larsen 53) [164810] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by Bob KB2FEL 54) [164811] Re: how to judge bands? by Mr Mike Caughran 55) [164812] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by John Sielke 56) [164813] FS: DSW-II 20 meter by Mike B 57) [164814] Mt Vernon on the 10th by "Lyle Johnson" 58) [164815] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by "John J. McDonough" 59) [164816] Starter kit-shortwave radio by "Thomas Lewis" 60) [164817] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by "John J. McDonough" 61) [164818] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by Bob KB2FEL 62) [164819] Beacons 3 on 80 by Chuck Carpenter 63) [164820] RE: [ke4ma] broadband bull by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 64) [164821] RE: ARRL Board to Consider CW Requirements--- Your Opinion?? by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 65) [164822] RE: [ke4ma] broadband bull by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 66) [164823] Response to the starter kit for my son by "Kevin Gray" 67) [164824] [CONTEST] N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar Jan 10-31, 2004 by "Ken Newman" 68) [164825] Re: Starter kit-shortwave radio by Peter Burbank 69) [164826] Re: Starter kit-shortwave radio by 70) [164827] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS by Tayloe Dan-P26412 ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 19:08:08 -0500 From: "K2PQ" To: Subject: [164758] Re: Whiiinnne!!! Message-ID: <005401c3d57b$7f5cfcc0$6600a8c0@DOWNSTAIRS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Cheer up John..... maybe I didn't make the log.... .............. may need a log correction. :-) Frank ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 19:37:05 -0500 From: James Stamper To: brickle@pobox.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164759] Re: CW technique, was: Re: ScQRPions paddle spacing Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20040107193402.00b6f900@pop.shentel.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed In the writeups for various keys on Morse Express and other web sites I notice they speak of certain keys as designed for "European style" or "American style" keying. I wonder what the difference is and if there is any comparison with the classical vs. jazz piano techniques mentioned. jim- KG4LDY At 05:49 PM 1/7/2004 -0500, Frank Brickle wrote: >>...About half way through the QSO, my hand got the twitches... > >This is going to sound off-the-wall, but I don't think it is really all >that off-point. > >No matter if it's a straight key, a bug, or paddles: sending CW has much >in common with playing a keyboard instrument. > >Over the last several decades a lot has come to light concerning the hand, >arm, and back problems that keyboard players tend to develop. The long and >short of it is, effective use of your hand and fingers for fine motor >control over long periods of time depends critically on correct posture >and use of the larger muscles of the arm and back. > >A lot of what is traditionally taught is just wrong from that point of >view. The impetus for much of the investigation into this subject was the >odd fact that very, very few jazz piano players have hand problems, and >they can play all day and all night long without fatigue. Not so with >classically-trained pianists. Evidently there's something about classical >technique that brings this on, because jazz players mostly don't have the >problems, but they nevertheless cede nothing to the classical players in >the way of virtuosity. > >The upshot is that most modern piano technique incorporates a lot more >from the great jazz players. In particular, the insistence that fingers be >kept curved, and that they be trained to act like equalized little >pistons, has gone out the window for the most part. Much more emphasis is >placed on using larger muscles, rotation of the forearm and upper arm, and >the weight of the arm. > >You have to suspect that similar things hold concerning CW sending. I >wonder whether anybody has actually done a comprehensive study of how the >real CW whizzes play their instruments. > >In case anybody is interested, there's lots of suggestive information >about this subject on the web. Google on "Abbey Whiteside" or "Dorothy >Taubman" for more. > >73 >Frank >AB2KT ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 19:37:15 -0500 From: "Charles Mabbott" To: brickle@pobox.com, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [164760] RE: CW technique, was: Re: ScQRPions paddle spacing Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed There is a seasoned CW operator here in MI that insists on using the whole arm in sending CW versus the hand/ wrist motions. He spends a lot of time on this technique in his code classes. This might be a good thing to let him know, because he cites exactly most of the reasons you mentioned. 73 Chuck AA8VS "The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease." Voltaire www.aa8vs.org/nren ----Original Message Follows---- From: Frank Brickle Reply-To: brickle@pobox.com To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: CW technique, was: Re: ScQRPions paddle spacing Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 17:49:14 -0500 >...About half way through the QSO, my hand got the twitches... This is going to sound off-the-wall, but I don't think it is really all that off-point. No matter if it's a straight key, a bug, or paddles: sending CW has much in common with playing a keyboard instrument. Over the last several decades a lot has come to light concerning the hand, arm, and back problems that keyboard players tend to develop. The long and short of it is, effective use of your hand and fingers for fine motor control over long periods of time depends critically on correct posture and use of the larger muscles of the arm and back. A lot of what is traditionally taught is just wrong from that point of view. The impetus for much of the investigation into this subject was the odd fact that very, very few jazz piano players have hand problems, and they can play all day and all night long without fatigue. Not so with classically-trained pianists. Evidently there's something about classical technique that brings this on, because jazz players mostly don't have the problems, but they nevertheless cede nothing to the classical players in the way of virtuosity. The upshot is that most modern piano technique incorporates a lot more from the great jazz players. In particular, the insistence that fingers be kept curved, and that they be trained to act like equalized little pistons, has gone out the window for the most part. Much more emphasis is placed on using larger muscles, rotation of the forearm and upper arm, and the weight of the arm. You have to suspect that similar things hold concerning CW sending. I wonder whether anybody has actually done a comprehensive study of how the real CW whizzes play their instruments. In case anybody is interested, there's lots of suggestive information about this subject on the web. Google on "Abbey Whiteside" or "Dorothy Taubman" for more. 73 Frank AB2KT _________________________________________________________________ Get reliable dial-up Internet access now with our limited-time introductory offer. http://join.msn.com/?page=dept/dialup ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 20:34:53 -0500 From: "Kevin Gray" To: Subject: [164761] Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have a son that is 12 years old that is getting interested in ham radio. Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy to build kit that functions. I think this just might be what he needs to get him really hooked. Thanks, Kevin ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 20:36:42 -0500 From: Anthony Luscre K8ZT To: n3drk@triad.rr.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164762] Re: calender for qrp contests Message-ID: <3FFCB42A.2060209@neo.rr.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Here is a list of QRP Get Togethers from my web site: http://www.qsl.net/k8zt/qrp-com.html#get_together n3drk wrote: >Are there any calenders out there for qrp events? >john > > > -- |--------------------------| Anthony A. Luscre K8ZT Stow, Ohio |--------------------------| Visit My Website at http://www.qsl.net/k8zt |--------------------------| ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 20:00:26 -0600 From: "Stuart Rohre" To: "John McClain" , Subject: [164763] Re: Bad WM-2 Movement? Message-ID: <000301c3d58b$2f6e8b10$4e100a0a@rohredt2000> Reading from digest, so this may have been answered, but to de static cling any plastic meter movement that has removable front face, you take the face plate off and wash in dish detergent, swirling it around in a pretty concentrated solution. then drain at one corner and let dry before re-installing. Will keep the static off for years. 72 Stuart Rohre K5KVH ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 18:56:42 -0700 From: "Peter Barnett" To: Subject: [164764] Antenna Selection Message-ID: <200401071856.AA571539794@mail.arczip.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Due to shoulder surgery I was grounded for a week. Nothing to do butfool around with the rig. An entire week and not one HF QSO! At times there was lots of activity but no answer to my CQ and no response when I answered a CQ. My guess is that the antenna is the weak link. My antenna is a multi-band 80-10M vertical ground mounted with lots of radials buried just beneath the surface. It seemed to work ok during the Summer but with Winter the performance has fallen off. I am looking at getting a smaller 3 element 20M beam. At least I will still be on the air in the Winter. Any thoughts or experiences? Pete Barnett W7PKB peter@pkbarnett.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 20:10:58 -0600 From: "Gene Sailsbury" To: "Low Power" Subject: [164765] Tenna Dipper Kits Message-ID: <0a6301c3d58c$a8d3dae0$41c03fd8@n0mq> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The 4SQRP Group still has the Tenna Dipper kit for sale. Several have ask if it was still available. Still only $25.00 shipped to US and $29.00 shipped DX. Thanks http://4sqrp.com/kits/kits.htm Gene N0MQ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 21:11:43 -0500 From: Chuck Ludinsky To: neqrp@jonal.net, qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164766] NEQRP CW Net, Thursday, 8 Jan 04, 08:30 PM EST, 3.566 MHz Message-ID: <3FFCBC5F.4020509@comcast.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The New England QRP Club's 80M CW net, WQ1RP, will meet again on Thursday, 8 January 2004, at 8:30 PM EST (01:30Z, 9 Jan 04) on or near 3.566 MHz. All hams are welcome. Net control operator will be Chuck, K1CL, operating from Chelmsford, MA. Despite some QSB on several of the signals, conditions last week were generally quite good, with low QRN in MA. We had a total of eight participants in the net: W1PID Jim Sanbornton, NH 599 WA8BXN Mike nr Cleveland, OH 579/QSB W2SH Charles Millington, NJ 599 W2BVH Lenny NJ 599 AA1MY Seab Bethel, ME 599/QSB VE3ELA Ken Midland, ON 459/QSB WB1HBE John Chelmsford, MA 599 K1CL Chuck Chelmsford, MA net op Welcome to Ken -- I think was was your first check-in -- and hope to hear you often. Thanks to everyone for your QNI and CU AGN this week. 72 DE K1CL, Chuck ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 21:12:58 -0500 From: "sslyon" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164767] Re: Iowa QRP Club CW net Message-ID: <000b01c3d58c$efa03ea0$13c8e742@megalink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I can hear Mike WA8BXN at 5/4, W5USJ at 5/5 and a few others but Mark is ESP only. 73 seab aa1my Seabury & Sharon Lyon 99 Sparrowhawk Mtn Rd Bethel ME, 04217 U.S.A. 207-836-2576 Virus Protection by Norton and ZoneAlarm ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Milburn" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, January 06, 2004 5:29 PM Subject: Iowa QRP Club CW net > > The Iowa QRP Club CW Net will be held on or around 3.709 Wednesday > night at 8 PM Iowa time, or Thursday morning 0200Z. > > Join us if you can. > > 72 Mark KQ0I > Des Moines, Iowa > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 19:28:35 -0700 From: Tim Groat To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164768] Re: Fox:A short study Message-ID: <5.1.1.6.2.20040107191404.00a2ae90@mail.earthlink.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed That's a good reason for not having an earlier hunt (with appreciation for the East Coast foxes who must stay up late). It's only 1800PST when the hunt starts on the west coast; 1900MST in the mountain west. Let's keep the hunts a coast-to-coast event. 72, --Tim (KR0U) >"Trevor Jacobs" : > >Yep, that's the story today, but by next FOXII season it may be back to >normal. Not to mention, that those of us out West would have a piss poor >chance of working an East Coast FOXII at 02:00 to 04:00 on 80, that is >unless y'all want to start up a couple of hours later ;-) The sun's barely >down when the hunt starts here on the West Coast...Lest we forget those of >us out West...Maybe we could start a West Coast FOXII Hunt and forget those >out East ;-) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 20:34:40 -0600 From: "Merton Nellis" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164769] FOX W0UFO prelim log Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Here is what I have, Hounds. Let me know where I goofed. Thanks for a fun run. FOX 1-6-04 W0UFO 0200 N1FN 559 559 CO ET 5W 01 K5DW 559 559 TX DON 5W 02 K0EVZ 559 589 NM DOC 4W 03 K5JHP 559 559 TX BILL 5W 03 W5YR 559 559 TX GEORGE 5W 04 VE6JAZ 559 559 AB ROB 5W 05 K0LOA 559 559 TX DWAIN 5W 06 KL7V 559 579 OK SAM 5W 07 N4DD 559 559 TN DENNIS 5W 08 N4ROA 559 559 VA DAN 5W 09 N5ZE 559 559 TX LEW 5W 10 AC5JH 559 559 OK TOM 5W 10 AB9CA 559 559 AL DAVE 5W 11 K6XR 559 559 CA REGGIE 5W 12 N0JRN 559 599 MO JERRY 5W 13 KW4JS 559 559 TN JOHN 5W 14 AA5O 559 559 LA VERN 5W 15 K5DI 559 559 NM KARL 5W 15 KT5V 559 559 TX DAVID 5W 17 K6VNX 559 559 CA ARLEN 5W 17 AG0T 559 559 ND TODD 4W 18 K5E0A 559 559 LA WAYNE 5W 19 KK5LD 559 559 TX DAN 5W 21 AJ4AY 559 559 AL JAY 5W 22 AB7MP 559 579 WA MARK 5W 24 W7MFB 559 559 WA BILL 5W 25 K6IA 559 559 CA HOWARD 5W 26 VA6RF 559 559 AB EARL 5W 27 AF4PP 559 559 GA CHUCK 5W 31 K4JPN 559 579 GA STEVE 4W 32 W5USJ 559 559 TX CHUCK 5W 33 N1TP 559 559 FL TOM 5W 34 KN5L 559 559 TX JOHN 5W 35 W5HNS 559 559 TX HENRY 5W 36 N4GE 559 559 TN JERRY 5W 37 W7ILW 559 559 AZ WALT 5W 38 KD5UDB 559 559 LA CHRIS 5W 40 N0EA 559 559 MO WAYNE 5W 41 K9TJL 559 559 IL TJ 5W 44 W4YN 559 599 NC TIM 5W 45 W5TB 559 559 TX DOC 5W 55 NK6A 559 559 CA DON 5W 57 AB5XQ 559 559 AR BILL 5W 58 KG0PP 559 559 CO JIM 5W 59 K4BYF 559 559 FL JACK 5W 0300 N7CQR 559 559 OR DAN 5W 01 K7HBN 559 559 WA GEO 5W 02 AG4PJ 559 559 AL DAVE 5W 04 W7ANM 559 599 OR JERRY 5W 05 KR0U 559 579 CO TIM 5W 06 W0IS 559 599 MN RICK 500MW 11 KI0RB 559 599 CO VINCE 5W 13 N0AR 599 599 MN SCOTT 5W 14 W9XA 559 559 WI DON 5W 15 NK9G 559 559 WI RICK 5W 16 K0UU 559 559 MN JEFF 5W 19 W9XT 559 559 WI GARY 5W 20 K5SR 559 559 TX DALE 5W 22 VE4WI 559 549 MB CRAIG 5W 24 K9IS 559 559 WI STEVE 5W 26 AA5TA 559 559 TX LARRY 5W 31 W0MPR 559 559 CO GREGG 5W 32 VE5RC 559 229 SK BRUCE 5W 34 N9AW 559 579 IL JERRY 5W 35 KI0II 559 559 CO RON 5W 36 K5IC 559 559 NM AUDIE 5W 38 N0TU 559 559 CO STEVE 5W 45 WA9TZE 559 559 WI JIM 500MW 46 KN6N 559 569 CA BERT 5W 46 W0ANM 549 559 MN CHRIS 5W 0400 KD5KXF FOX MIKE 00 W0UFO FOX MERT w0ufo@arrl.net _________________________________________________________________ Tired of slow downloads? Compare online deals from your local high-speed providers now. https://broadband.msn.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 19:48:55 -0700 From: "Roy" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164770] Schurr Profi FS Message-ID: <00f201c3d591$f8ed47a0$a6836d42@roy> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For sale, Schurr Profi paddle. Excellent condition, no scratches or marks of any kind. It sells new for $270 plus a $30 chunk of shipping. Will sell for $230, which includes the chunk of shipping in the CONUS. Thanks, Roy, AB7CE. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 20:51:22 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu, Subject: [164771] 80 Meter Beacon Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040107205122.006a3584@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Going to run a beacon for a couple of hours. It's on 3725 at about 1 W from the FT-817 into a Butternut vertical. Includes Z-Matcher and PK-3 keyer. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 19:03:08 -0800 (PST) From: Gary Slagel To: QRP L Subject: [164772] A KX1 testimonial Message-ID: <20040108030308.57356.qmail@web11603.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Well how do you do! One of my Xmas ham radio hints finally took hold and I found a KX1 in my sock! KX1 #298 is slowly coming to life! I've been in love with the KX1 since it was first announced and now that I'm looking at it I'm more impressed. I just finished up the 2nd alignment/test procedure and got to listen to the great little rcvr and am getting excited. I love the build/test cycle. After the first bit of building, the first alignment/test phase lets you power it up and play with a few of the menu functions. Now the 2nd alignment/test phase let me power it up and listen to the rcvr. VERY reassuring to a builder with 2 left hands and 10 thumbs to get to see things work as he goes along. Great assembly instructions and everything is fitting together great. Congrats to the elecraft guys once again! Can't wait for the spring thaw when I'll be on the trail in a tent talking to the world with this thing! Not to mention being able to work 2 bands in the Spartan Sprint without having to be a 'tubby'. Hope everyone has a great year! 73, Gary ===== Gary Slagel/N0SXX Conifer, CO http://gdslagel.bravepages.com __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 21:07:28 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu, Subject: [164773] 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040107210728.0068fc68@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" QSO on 3725 moved to 3730 Going to run a beacon for a couple of hours. It's on 3725 at about 1 W from the FT-817 into a Butternut vertical. Includes Z-Matcher and PK-3 keyer. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 21:41:01 -0600 (CST) From: Dale Botkin To: QRP list Subject: [164774] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Wed, 7 Jan 2004, Kevin Gray wrote: > I have a son that is 12 years old that is getting interested in ham radio. > Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy to build kit that functions. I > think this just might be what he needs to get him really hooked. Two birds, one kit: my own PicoKeyer kit makes a dandy code practice oscillator, even with a straight key, and a monkey could assemble it and have it work. If you're looking for a radio, check Small Wonder Labs, though those kits may be a tad advanced for a first kit. Ramsey makes some good little beginner kits - LED blinkies, sirens, all kinds of stuff. 73, Dale - N0XAS -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. NEW PicoKeyer version with pot AND paddle control coming! Check http://www.hamgadgets.com for news. ------------------------------ Date: 07 Jan 2004 20:43:32 -0700 From: Tim Hodges <7twh@mtintouch.net> To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164775] QRP from Havre Montana Message-ID: <1073533412.6576.2.camel@daystar> Content-Type: text/plain Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I am listening to 7040 tonight.. sent a couple of CQ's.. pretty quiet... 73 de KD7JZ -- Tim Hodges <7twh@mtintouch.net> ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 22:47:45 -0500 From: "sslyon" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164776] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP Message-ID: <000b01c3d59a$2d900940$13c8e742@megalink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Here in FN44nj I can hear Chuck's beacon in EM22cv at 5/3/9 on peaks w/major QSB. Very impressive with one watt! 73 seab aa1my ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 23:07:25 -0500 From: "Mike Lyness, AF4LQ" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164777] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP Message-ID: <5.1.0.14.1.20040107230321.00aa4470@mail.iglou.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 10:47 PM 1/7/04, sslyon wrote: >Here in FN44nj I can hear Chuck's beacon in EM22cv at 5/3/9 on >peaks w/major QSB. Very impressive with one watt! Sent more detail to Chuck, but similar copy and conditions here in Kentucky......was up to about 559 at one point, but lot of QRN tonight. If the band were quieter like it was Monday evening during the SP I believe he'd be solid copy even with the dips. Interesting. 73, Mike af4lq ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 23:10:32 -0500 From: "John Huffman" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164778] January Spartan Sprint Results Message-ID: <038201c3d59e$0cf7eeb0$829159cf@jhuffmanlt> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Results of the January 2004 Spartan Sprint Twenty meters? We don't need no stinkin' twenty meters! There you have it. Contacts on 20 were almost non-existent. Dean KH6B had almost half of all 20 meter QSOs and even he did better on 40. In some parts of the country it was 80 meters that was most productive. Between the season and the sunspot cycle, don't look for 20 to get better next month and think about firing up the rig on 80 meters. The total number of logs was 74. That's down from 87 last month. Here's the band statistics: Band This Month Last Month 80M - 522 383 QSOs 40M - 1290 1402 QSOs 20M - 15 198 QSOs 15M - 0 0 QSOs 10M - 0 0 QSOs Total 1827 1983 QSOs Skinny Winners Steve N7SR and Doc K0EVZ fought it out for the Skinny honors. With an infinitesimal weight difference, it was Steve's extra 7 QSOs (67 to 60) that won the day. Both used AT Sprints for a weight to performance advantage. Third Skinny was Bob N4BP who also won the Tubby Division. Tubby Division Winners Bob N4BP pounded away on 40 with an impressive 112 contacts. Bob put a good signal across the country and showed that it's possible to win everything from a single band. Tom K3TW edged out Todd N9NE with 91 and 90 points respectively. Both had twenty-some contacts on 80 and sixty-some contacts on 40. It was a very even match for these two top operators. Special Recognition, Outside Operation AA1MY Outside again... prep for FYBO. 22deg.F in my new Ice Fish Shack directly under the antenna. Condx. very "iffy" here at Lat. 44.4 but managed 32 Q's and 17 S/P/C, the most notable of which was KH6B. KL0WN Braved freezing Alaskan temperatures and operated portable from Mill Bay Beach on Kodiak Island. I think I've found my favorite 40m portable antenna: a 2-element array with a full-sized, almost-vertical dipole and parasitic reflector...10+dBi of theoretical gain! Managed to hang it from a couple of tall Spruce trees on a seaside cliff. NE5DL Started out on the back patio (30 degs) but found that my 88 ft doublet was not working so went inside and used the Butternut HF2V. K0IOA\6 FT-817 with R-8 Vertical. Outdoors at my production facility on a picnic bench. COLD! Late Logs Late submissions from December included: Bill K5LN with an impressive 55 contacts, mostly on 40. Alan KO7X with 35 points, all on 40. Frank K6UIZ with 26 QSOs on three bands. John N6JW who had 17 contacts on three bands. RESULTS Each contact received one point. If you didn't tell us the weight of your station, or if your station weighed more than my car, we assigned a weight of 30 pounds. The soapbox is published separately in the January issue of The ARS Sojourner which comes out soon. Don't miss it! www.ARSqrp.com We hope everyone had a good time. See you in February! THE SKINNY DIVISION (results sorted in the order of points per pound) Call 80M 40M 20M 15M 10M Points Weight Points Per Pound N7SR 0 67 0 0 0 67 0.556 120.5 K0EVZ 0 60 0 0 0 60 0.562 106.76 N4BP 0 112 0 0 0 112 1.13 99.12 AA1MY 0 30 2 0 0 32 0.407 78.62 K4PQC 0 24 0 0 0 24 0.33 72.73 K3ESE 0 52 0 0 0 52 0.88 59.09 AA4XX 0 20 0 0 0 20 0.7 28.57 KB9ZUR 0 22 0 0 0 22 0.9 24.44 KW4JS 35 20 0 0 0 55 2.49 22.09 W0ANM 0 38 0 0 0 38 2.05 18.54 NE5DL 0 29 0 0 0 29 1.9 15.26 N3AO 39 0 0 0 0 39 3.1 12.58 WA1ZCB 0 23 0 0 0 23 2.06 11.17 WA7SPY 0 11 0 0 0 11 1 11 N0TK 0 23 0 0 0 23 2.1 10.95 AB7E 0 18 0 0 0 18 2.08 8.65 KB7Q 0 32 0 0 0 32 4 8 AF4PP 6 18 0 0 0 24 4 6 AA8IV 0 5 1 0 0 6 1 6 AE6N 0 11 0 0 0 11 2.3 4.78 WA8REI 14 19 0 0 0 33 7.5 4.4 KG4GVL 0 13 0 0 0 13 3 4.33 KB9LCK 3 7 0 0 0 10 2.4 4.17 NA8M 42 12 0 0 0 54 13 4.15 KH6B 0 10 7 0 0 17 4.2 4.05 KE0G 10 32 0 0 0 42 11 3.82 AF4LQ 29 9 0 0 0 38 10 3.8 W0UFO 1 53 0 0 0 54 15 3.6 AC6NT 0 15 0 0 0 15 4.2 3.57 K3TW 24 67 0 0 0 91 30 3.03 N9NE 28 62 0 0 0 90 30 3 K6III 3 35 0 0 0 38 14.12 2.69 W1PID 1 4 0 0 0 5 2.2 2.27 K4AVX 6 3 0 0 0 9 4 2.25 K6PZB 0 16 1 0 0 17 8 2.12 K8FF 34 23 1 0 0 58 30 1.93 K8DD 33 21 0 0 0 54 30 1.8 WB8RTJ 29 21 0 0 0 50 30 1.67 WB1HGA 0 6 0 0 0 6 4 1.5 KB2FEL 44 0 0 0 0 44 30 1.47 KL0WN 0 4 0 0 0 4 3 1.33 K3NG 0 19 1 0 0 20 15 1.33 K0IOA\6 2 10 0 0 0 12 10 1.2 K4BX 17 17 0 0 0 34 30 1.13 K5JHP 11 19 0 0 0 30 30 1 N0AX 0 30 0 0 0 30 30 1 K6IA 0 12 0 0 0 12 12 1 WA9TZE 14 13 1 0 0 28 30 0.93 VE3WMB 2 2 0 0 0 4 4.5 0.89 WB6HQK 0 2 0 0 0 2 2.4 0.83 NK6A 0 12 0 0 0 12 15 0.8 K8KFJ 13 11 0 0 0 24 30 0.8 KO7X 0 23 0 0 0 23 30 0.77 K2EKM 1 0 0 0 0 1 1.31 0.76 W2NED 0 7 0 0 0 7 9.5 0.74 VE3SMA 19 3 0 0 0 22 30 0.73 KA8LLE 13 6 0 0 0 19 28 0.68 N4VBV 1 2 0 0 0 3 4.5 0.67 KG6HOD 0 2 0 0 0 2 3 0.67 VE3FLB 0 3 0 0 0 3 5 0.6 N8XD 4 1 0 0 0 5 9.5 0.53 W8YMO 9 7 0 0 0 16 30 0.53 N0OCT 11 2 0 0 0 13 30 0.43 K9UT 0 10 0 0 0 10 30 0.33 N3JV 0 10 0 0 0 10 30 0.33 N3FZX 10 0 0 0 0 10 30 0.33 KD3FG 9 1 0 0 0 10 30 0.33 K1CGZ 5 4 0 0 0 9 30 0.3 KO1M 0 3 0 0 0 3 15 0.2 N8WE 0 4 0 0 0 4 30 0.13 WA5GDF 0 4 0 0 0 4 30 0.13 KC5GXL 0 3 0 0 0 3 25 0.12 AL7FS 0 0 1 0 0 1 8 0.12 KN6N 0 1 0 0 0 1 30 0.03 THE TUBBY DIVISION (results sorted in the order of points) Call 80M 40M 20M 15M 10M Points N4BP 0 112 0 0 0 112 K3TW 24 67 0 0 0 91 N9NE 28 62 0 0 0 90 N7SR 0 67 0 0 0 67 K0EVZ 0 60 0 0 0 60 K8FF 34 23 1 0 0 58 KW4JS 35 20 0 0 0 55 K8DD 33 21 0 0 0 54 NA8M 42 12 0 0 0 54 W0UFO 1 53 0 0 0 54 K3ESE 0 52 0 0 0 52 WB8RTJ 29 21 0 0 0 50 KB2FEL 44 0 0 0 0 44 KE0G 10 32 0 0 0 42 N3AO 39 0 0 0 0 39 K6III 3 35 0 0 0 38 AF4LQ 29 9 0 0 0 38 W0ANM 0 38 0 0 0 38 K4BX 17 17 0 0 0 34 WA8REI 14 19 0 0 0 33 KB7Q 0 32 0 0 0 32 AA1MY 0 30 2 0 0 32 K5JHP 11 19 0 0 0 30 N0AX 0 30 0 0 0 30 NE5DL 0 29 0 0 0 29 WA9TZE 14 13 1 0 0 28 K4PQC 0 24 0 0 0 24 AF4PP 6 18 0 0 0 24 K8KFJ 13 11 0 0 0 24 N0TK 0 23 0 0 0 23 WA1ZCB 0 23 0 0 0 23 KO7X 0 23 0 0 0 23 VE3SMA 19 3 0 0 0 22 KB9ZUR 0 22 0 0 0 22 AA4XX 0 20 0 0 0 20 K3NG 0 19 1 0 0 20 KA8LLE 13 6 0 0 0 19 AB7E 0 18 0 0 0 18 KH6B 0 10 7 0 0 17 K6PZB 0 16 1 0 0 17 W8YMO 9 7 0 0 0 16 AC6NT 0 15 0 0 0 15 N0OCT 11 2 0 0 0 13 KG4GVL 0 13 0 0 0 13 K6IA 0 12 0 0 0 12 NK6A 0 12 0 0 0 12 K0IOA\6 2 10 0 0 0 12 AE6N 0 11 0 0 0 11 WA7SPY 0 11 0 0 0 11 K9UT 0 10 0 0 0 10 N3JV 0 10 0 0 0 10 N3FZX 10 0 0 0 0 10 KB9LCK 3 7 0 0 0 10 KD3FG 9 1 0 0 0 10 K1CGZ 5 4 0 0 0 9 K4AVX 6 3 0 0 0 9 W2NED 0 7 0 0 0 7 AA8IV 0 5 1 0 0 6 WB1HGA 0 6 0 0 0 6 N8XD 4 1 0 0 0 5 W1PID 1 4 0 0 0 5 N8WE 0 4 0 0 0 4 VE3WMB 2 2 0 0 0 4 KL0WN 0 4 0 0 0 4 WA5GDF 0 4 0 0 0 4 KC5GXL 0 3 0 0 0 3 N4VBV 1 2 0 0 0 3 KO1M 0 3 0 0 0 3 VE3FLB 0 3 0 0 0 3 KG6HOD 0 2 0 0 0 2 WB6HQK 0 2 0 0 0 2 K2EKM 1 0 0 0 0 1 AL7FS 0 0 1 0 0 1 KN6N 0 1 0 0 0 1 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 07 Jan 2004 22:53:33 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164779] 80 Meter Beacon [500mW] Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040107225333.006a8ddc@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Beacon tonite is actually at 500 mW! Just read the manual... [g] The indicator L1 is .5 W , L11 is 1W -- I have it on L1 (L111 is 2.5W). I'll do it again tomorrow at 1 W and start about 0200. Someone suggested that beacon power should be much less like 100 mW. Seems to me something closer to levels we'd use like 2 to 5 W would be more useful. Any ideas? Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 21:16:12 -0800 (PST) From: Bob KB2FEL To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164780] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP Message-ID: <20040108051612.69968.qmail@web60502.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii > At 10:47 PM 1/7/04, sslyon wrote: > >Here in FN44nj I can hear Chuck's beacon in EM22cv > at 5/3/9 on > >peaks w/major QSB. Very impressive with one watt! Could not make out the beacon it was just below ESP... had a s5 moise level.. so if it was quieter I could have made it out. I did hear on 3.536.3, Wayne talking about how much of a blast he is having building his HW-9..Hi Hi 72 Bob KB2FEL/9 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 21:20:35 -0800 (PST) From: Ron Majewski To: qrp-l Subject: [164781] Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: <20040108052035.11510.qmail@web80210.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi All, I have a question for the K2 owners in the audience, particularly those with the noise blanker. I'm thinking about a K2 as a replacement radio but I suffer with a nasty line noise problem. Do you find that the K2's blanker is effective on line noise? I know this is a tough question to answer. Noise characteristics vary widely with source and location. However, I've tried out a number of radios here and have seen a broad spectrum of performance. Those radios with adjustable blankers did the best, and the K2 offers that feature. I've also run into a small group of radios where the blankers did absolutely nothing and I'd like to avoid that. I'm hard-pressed to think that the K2 is in the "useless" group, but it doesn't hurt to ask. :) I appreciate your thoughts and experiences. Please reply direct to me at Thanks and 72/3, Ron (W8RU). ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 21:23:11 -0800 From: "Doug Hendricks" To: Subject: [164782] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <02f901c3d5a7$82699c80$1fdbd7a8@Dougie> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kevin, send me your son's name and address and I will send him a Norcal Keyer kit. There is a marvelous manual on the amqrp.org web site that will tell him how to build it literally step by step. 72, Doug ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 7 Jan 2004 23:30:07 -0600 From: "Tim, N9PUZ" To: , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164783] Re: 80 Meter Beacon [500mW] Message-ID: <20041723307.301904@arthur> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On Wed, 07 Jan 2004 22:53:33 -0600, Chuck Carpenter wrote: > Beacon tonite is actually at 500 mW! > > I'll do it again tomorrow at 1 W and start about 0200. > > Someone suggested that beacon power should be much less like 100 > mW. Seems to me something closer to levels we'd use like 2 to 5 W > would be more useful. > > Any ideas? Perhaps run it a different power levels during different 1/2 hour slots. I listened at different times and did not hear you here in Central, Illinois. Tim, N9PUZ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 00:06:36 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164784] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: <032201c3d5ad$966c6310$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For the noise I have encountered - chiefly power line noise - the blanker is in the "useless" class. But, as you point out, not all "noise" is "noise." 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ron Majewski" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 11:20 PM Subject: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? > Hi All, > > I have a question for the K2 owners in the audience, > particularly those with the noise blanker. > > I'm thinking about a K2 as a replacement radio but I > suffer with a nasty line noise problem. Do you find > that the K2's blanker is effective on line noise? > > I know this is a tough question to answer. Noise > characteristics vary widely with source and location. > However, I've tried out a number of radios here and > have seen a broad spectrum of performance. Those > radios with adjustable blankers did the best, and the > K2 offers that feature. I've also run into a small > group of radios where the blankers did absolutely > nothing and I'd like to avoid that. I'm hard-pressed > to think that the K2 is in the "useless" group, but it > doesn't hurt to ask. :) > > I appreciate your thoughts and experiences. Please > reply direct to me at > > Thanks and 72/3, > > Ron (W8RU). > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 02:00:24 -0500 From: Thomas Beaudry To: w5yr@att.net Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164785] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <55531642-41A8-11D8-87E4-000393A382FE@arrl.net> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v553) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Perhaps they are using a different technology or system than > the one which interferes with 2 - 80 MHz . . . No. It was pointed out in the article that the company making the statement has one of the test systems that the ARRL has found to cause massive interference. They're just lying. Anything for a buck. -- Thomas M. Beaudry k8la / ys1ztm K2 # 3422 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 1:14:8 -0600 From: "Doc K0EVZ" To: "qrp-l reflector" Cc: "doc k0evz earthlink" Subject: [164786] Rock Mites both sold Message-ID: <4120041487148501@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Gang: The pair of Rock Mites has been spoken for, and should be heading to their new home later this week. Thanks for all the responses. BTW, the DSW-II/20 is still available. 73, --Doc/K0EVZ ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 04:37:53 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164787] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <008801c3d5cb$18089980$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > I have a son that is 12 years old that is getting interested in ham radio. > Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy to build kit that functions. I > think this just might be what he needs to get him really hooked. > > Kevin > Have him start on generic electronics first with real simple kits that are complete in and of themselves, not that require something else to work. Once he builds his soldering and 'technical' skills, then let him move into radio type kits. I'd recommend some of the Ramsey kits. Like the 'tickle stick', a small practical joke 'shocker'. But be prepared for some issues if he has brothers and sisters! I think it's about $8. Or things like the 'light beam communicator'. If I remember, it's about $20. It's simple and makes for a REALLY neat project for kids to show off. You can build it as audio-light-audio to talk over a light beam, or light-audio-light and use it to extend an IR remote control and send the signals over a wire to another room... Mike ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 05:51:29 -0500 From: To: Subject: [164788] Re: 80 Meter Beacon Moved UP Message-ID: <000301c3d5d5$60bdaee0$1026ad80@f1n5n8> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Sorry, Chuck. Began having antenna tuner problem a few days ago...haven't gone out in the cold (16.6 F this am) to try and fix it as yet. Hmmm...maybe this is a hint that it's time to invest in one o' 'em fancy, remote antenna tuners. Would most of 'em survive alright out there on the fencepost? The Heathkit HFT-9B I've been using out there for several years with a big plastic bottle over the top has done well but it really wasn't meant to be mounted outside :0) Good deal for the fellow who's building the HW-9! Built two of 'em in '91...one for my dad and one for me...it was a real treat. They're both still workin' too! 73. Bill, N4QA http://www.n4qa.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 04:00:42 -0700 From: "Francis Callahan" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164789] BPL Interference Message-ID: <003701c3d5d6$bb286450$0eca1341@DJKTLQ31> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit If you drive around till you hear the interference then sit under the lines with 100 wats or an amp if available and watch the neighbors complain to the light company interference works 2 ways 72 Cal KF7ET ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 06:39:49 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: , qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164790] Early Morning Qs 7116 kHz Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040108063949.006a7a5c@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Folks, Any early risers check 7.116 MHz. I'm calling CQ FP but any and all Qs are welcome. I'm calling CQ for about 5 minutes or so then listening for about 5 or so. The frequency is fairly clear in the am. I do hear some SSB stations but no BC stuff on this end anyway. The band changes as the grayline comes across. Some interesting prop in the morning too. I'll do this for most of January except for 15, 16 and 18. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 06:43:01 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: , qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164791] Early Morning Qs 7116 kHz [time] Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040108064301.006a0d14@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ooops -- that would be from 1200 to 1330 UTC for now. Folks, Any early risers check 7.116 MHz. I'm calling CQ FP but any and all Qs are welcome. I'm calling CQ for about 5 minutes or so then listening for about 5 or so. The frequency is fairly clear in the am. I do hear some SSB stations but no BC stuff on this end anyway. The band changes as the grayline comes across. Some interesting prop in the morning too. I'll do this for most of January except for 15, 16 and 18. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 08:29:14 -0500 From: (CHARLES CURREY) To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [164792] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <10092684.1229749985@imcingular.com> The Small Wonder Labs kits tend to have parts packed too closely for a first project. I like the Vectronics kits for first timers. They have a series of receivers for 80 thru 20 meters, I think. I have built the 80M version and it works as advertized. Set the tuning cap for minimum band coverage and the slug tuned coil for the part of the band you want to be in, hook up a wire antenna and a 9V battery and listen in on the fun. I like the cases too. They are sturdy metal with decent fit and predrilled. Instr uctions are excellent and parts are far apart on the board. When I built mine it had great scratchiness when the tuning cap was moved. I call, talked to a tech and had a new cap in two days, problem fixed. The instruction manual can be viewed online and printed for prestudy while the kit arrives. Shipping was very prompt in my case. Just my experience, which might be of use because my level of electronics knowledge is about that of a 12 year old. Chuck Currey, kg4qqh ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 08:36:49 -0500 From: Alex To: bigsky2000@sbcglobal.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164793] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: <3FFD5CF1.59F43433@amsat.org> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Hi Ron, Ron Majewski wrote: > However, I've tried out a number of radios here and > have seen a broad spectrum of performance. Those > radios with adjustable blankers did the best, and the > K2 offers that feature. Can you share with us which of the radios you have tested worked best so far. I do not have a K2 unfortunately, so I can't help you there. The noise blanker in the IC-718 I have is adjustable, but doesn't do anything for the intermittent power line noise I experience at times. However, it does seem to work pretty well against pulsating type noise (like ignition noise). On the other hand, the DSP noise reduction (also adjustable) works reasonably well at times against power line noise. I don't know about the FT-897 yet as I just got it out of the box. 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 08:41:55 -0500 From: "Dennis Payton" To: Subject: [164794] Re: A KX1 testimonial Message-ID: <017501c3d5ed$30a4ad90$812ba3d1@6300us> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Gary, I'm also really excited about the KX1! I've always had an interest in self-contained rigs, and looking back, my first one was Roy Lewallen's Optimized Transceiver built in a lunchbox. I used it almost exclusively for a long time. Then I built a slightly modified 49'er in a little RS box with a Plexiglas "key" on top. It qualified as being self-contained, as long as it was connected to a resonant antenna, and was lots of fun. If I wanted, I could extend my coax into the living room, and sit in front of the TV with my wife, while talking to somebody. Next was a KnightSMiTe in a shoe shine can, along with SWR indicator, HI-Z tuner, key, audio filter, and 9-volt battery. It ended up being more of a novelty than a usable rig though. When the SST circuit was published in QRPp, I immediately built one in the same size small RS box as my 49'er, and like my 49'er, it lacked a tuner & SWR bridge, but it worked FB. I mostly used it in the Spartan Sprints. I'd almost stopped using my lunchbox rig because the circuits were getting outdated, but since it was so fun to operate, I rebuilt it next, using an NC40A transceiver, an improved paddle, better tuner, better SWR indicator, and a memory keyer chip. Then, desiring a self-contained 30-meter rig to take on a trip, I bought an SW-30 kit and built it into a ladies cosmetic case, which worked out pretty well. After that, I built an SST, along with keyer, paddles, and battery into a (4)AA battery box to use in Spartan Sprints. When the AT Sprint came along, I neglected buying one from Steve, but was very fortunate that a generous person had an extra kit and sold it to me. I built & packaged it, and loved it, so was looking forward to repackaging it as a self-contained 3-band rig. It was going to end up requiring a larger enclosure than I desired, though. Then out came the KX-1. It's small size, sturdy construction, ease of use, and misc. bells & whistles are about everything I could ever ask for. If I ever build another self-contained rig, it probably won't be for several years, and this little thing is going to be getting a lot of use! Denny Payton N9JXY Auburn, IN ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 06:10:53 -0800 (PST) From: Lee Boulineau To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164795] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <20040108141053.88003.qmail@web21201.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Howabout one of the Ten-Tec receiver kits?? Lee N4MVL --- Kevin Gray wrote: > I have a son that is 12 years old that is getting > interested in ham radio. > Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy to build > kit that functions. I > think this just might be what he needs to get him > really hooked. > > Thanks, > > > Kevin > > > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 09:33:54 -0500 From: kwike@gdls.com To: bigsky2000@sbcglobal.net Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164796] Re: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Ron, You want to try my K2? I live in Waterford and I think you are not too far away. I can also demo my K2 at my place for you. Ed AB8DF Ron Majewski lobal.net> cc: Sent by: Subject: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? owner-qrp-l@Lehi gh.EDU 01/08/2004 12:20 AM Please respond to bigsky2000 Hi All, I have a question for the K2 owners in the audience, particularly those with the noise blanker. I'm thinking about a K2 as a replacement radio but I suffer with a nasty line noise problem. Do you find that the K2's blanker is effective on line noise? I know this is a tough question to answer. Noise characteristics vary widely with source and location. However, I've tried out a number of radios here and have seen a broad spectrum of performance. Those radios with adjustable blankers did the best, and the K2 offers that feature. I've also run into a small group of radios where the blankers did absolutely nothing and I'd like to avoid that. I'm hard-pressed to think that the K2 is in the "useless" group, but it doesn't hurt to ask. :) I appreciate your thoughts and experiences. Please reply direct to me at Thanks and 72/3, Ron (W8RU). ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 08:43:19 -0600 From: Mark Milburn To: QRP-L Reflector Subject: [164797] Iowa QRP Club CW Net Message-ID: <3FFD6C87.4020102@ispwest.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Back on the track again after the holidays. Last night we logged in: KQ0I Mark Iowa W5USJ Chuck Texas WA8BXN Mike Ohio W0SZ Steve Iowa N9MZP Walt Illinois and after the net I heard from AA1MY Seab Maine who said he heard some of the net members but that as NCS my signal was in the ESP range. Good testament to my undersized, dangerously low antenna. Keep coming, Seab, the band will favor us sooner or later. Thanks to all, and looking forward to next week. 72 Mark KQ0I Des Moines, Iowa ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 09:11:38 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164798] 80 Mtr Beacon Thr Fri Sat Sun pm [3730kHz] Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040108091138.006a9860@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" The freq will be the same 3730 or so. ------------------------------- Thanks for the reports from the Wed pm run. The actual power from the 817 turned out to be 500 mW. Got some good reports from both coasts even so. I plan to run the beacon from 0200 to 0500 UTC or so Fri and Sat. Power will be 2.5 W with the FT-817 keyed with a PK-3 to the Butternut vert. (That's Thr and Fri pm local just in case... [g]) Sun and Mon (UTC) I'll run the beacon all nite from 0200 to 1200 UTC. Power will be 2.5 W from 0200 to 0500 and 1 W from 0500 to 1200. (Don't want to strain the 817 too much... [g]) If you want to send me a report, tell me the date, time and your maidenhead grid locator if you know it. Otherwise your city or some indicator of your specific location. You can find your maidenhead grid locator on QRZ. If the lat/lon used is not your location it may be your post office. But that will be close enough. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 10:51:02 -0500 From: "palmer_t" To: Subject: [164799] Re: WAS 2 way QRP in 2004 Message-ID: content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I have 5BWAS/QRP. (10/15/20/40/80) When I got my WAS/QRP on 10 meters, close-by Alabama was my 50th state, = and the QRP QSO was made after QSY from 15 meters. Near-by states can be tough = on 10 and 15 meters. If you're in QSO with a near-by state on 15 meters and you need = that state on 10 meters, you might request a QSY to 10 meters and vice-versa. If = often happens that if 15 is open,10 may be open, etc. =20 I will upon request be pleased to e-mail my lists of the call sign, = name and state of every ham who has bagged a pelt within the past 5 years. If you need a QRP sked = with a ham in - say -=20 Delaware, the listed Delaware Hound(s) might be good candidate(s) for a = QRP sked. =20 My lists may (?) include AT LEAST one Hound in every state except = Hawaii and Alaska. =20 =09 Tom, N1TP =20 Naples, Florida =20 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 16:57:20 +0100 From: "Sverre Holm" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [164800] RE: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: <000401c3d600$193abdd0$8e00a8c0@Master> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > I'm thinking about a K2 as a replacement radio but I > suffer with a nasty line noise problem. Do you find > that the K2's blanker is effective on line noise? I think line noise can be a lot of things. I have noise from line powered street lights that now in the middle of winter turn on about 4 PM. They create noise in the 80 meter band in particular and also on 40 and up. For this noise, the K2's noise blanker is effective in reducing the level, but it won't remove it. I often use the blanker at the maximum setting, 2, with low threshold (it has 1/2 and high/low). The K2 is my only serious rig, so I cannot comment on how other blankers compare. -- 73, Sverre ------------------ Sverre Holm, LA3ZA www.qsl.net/la3za ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 11:16:22 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: ki6ds@dospalos.org, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164801] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <021d01c3d602$c4eb9d00$0200a8c0@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT I was just going to suggest you get him one of these kits when Doug posted this note. BTW, Doug, is the NorCal special keyer for Pacificon just a regular NorCal keyer that had a piezo speaker wired into it? Just what exactly was the difference. 73 de Lee km4yy/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Doug Hendricks" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 12:23 AM Subject: Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son > Kevin, send me your son's name and address and I will send him a Norcal > Keyer kit. There is a marvelous manual on the amqrp.org web site that will > tell him how to build it literally step by step. 72, Doug > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 11:27:16 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: k8la@arrl.net, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164802] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <027701c3d604$4be49270$0200a8c0@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Well... So far nobody has offered up any evidence of noise in the Gaithersburg. Just reasons whey there isn't interference and suggestions about how to QRM them. If the Montgomery County local hams with HF mobile can't find noise, then it is going to look like the ARRL cried wolf. Isn't there anybody on this list with HF mobile that could report back to us? 73 de Lee KM4YY/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thomas Beaudry" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 2:00 AM Subject: Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull > > Perhaps they are using a different technology or system than > > the one which interferes with 2 - 80 MHz . . . > > No. It was pointed out in the article that the company making the > statement has one of the test systems that the ARRL has found to cause > massive interference. They're just lying. Anything for a buck. > > -- > Thomas M. Beaudry > k8la / ys1ztm > K2 # 3422 > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 11:38:19 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [164803] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <008d01c3d605$d368ff00$080044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit G-QRP has a cute little receiver called the "Sudden Receiver" that isn't a bad starter kit. It was used in the building event at Celticon a couple of years back and my son built one there. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Kevin Gray" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 8:34 PM Subject: Looking for a good starter kit for my son > I have a son that is 12 years old that is getting interested in ham radio. > Wondering if anyone could recommend an easy to build kit that functions. I > think this just might be what he needs to get him really hooked. > > Thanks, > > > Kevin > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 08:55:34 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: lmairs@direcway.com, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164804] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <20040108165534.81879.qmail@web41002.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii I could drive down there with my K1 and hamstick, if there's no-one closer. It's about an hour away. Where, when, how? LL --- Lee Mairs wrote: > Well... So far nobody has offered up any evidence of > noise in the > Gaithersburg. Just reasons whey there isn't > interference and suggestions > about how to QRM them. If the Montgomery County > local hams with HF mobile > can't find noise, then it is going to look like the > ARRL cried wolf. Isn't > there anybody on this list with HF mobile that could > report back to us? > 73 de Lee > KM4YY/8 > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 10:01:09 -0700 From: w5xe@juno.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164805] RE: Question for K2 Owners: Is your noise blanker effective? Message-ID: <20040108.100109.-451451.3.w5xe@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I don't have a K2 but it sounds like the type blanker in the Kenwood TS570. Won't touch line noise at all, (mine runs between 10 and 30 over S9). Bet it won't touch the "woodpecker" type noise that is currently running between 14.050 and 14.060 either. The only effective blankers I have seen work in recent years are the older Yaesu radio models such as the FT707 and 757 for at least a partial reduction in line noise, and the Tempo 2020 that drops it from 30 over S9 to s4. Substantial reduction and the only radio I can use to operate on the bands when the noise is high like that. good luck and I certainly do hope you find the K2 blanker is effective for you. 73 Ray If you know the forest, you will not fear, If you do not know the forest, then you will fear the forest.'Luther Standing Bear' Ray Colbert, W5XE, OOTC#3618, SOWP#1064M NARTE-NCT2R FP-111 QRP-ARCI 5784 El Paso,(FAR WEST)TEXAS ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 11:00:12 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: Lloyd Lachow Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164806] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Thu, 8 Jan 2004, Lloyd Lachow wrote: > > I could drive down there with my K1 and hamstick, if > there's no-one closer. It's about an hour away. Where, > when, how? > > LL > Hi Lloyd, I hope you have several hamsticks for the 80, 40 20 ect. bands. The K-1 should be fine as a receiver. When you get in the area but not right at the site, pull over and get a measure of current noise on the band. Then drive into the BPL area and see if the noise increases. It will not take much time and we are all interested in what you hear. > > --- Lee Mairs wrote: > > Well... So far nobody has offered up any evidence of > > noise in the > > Gaithersburg. Just reasons whey there isn't > > interference and suggestions > > about how to QRM them. If the Montgomery County > > local hams with HF mobile > > can't find noise, then it is going to look like the > > ARRL cried wolf. Isn't > > there anybody on this list with HF mobile that could > > report back to us? > > 73 de Lee > > KM4YY/8 > > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes > http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus > -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 12:05:54 -0600 (CST) From: "Dale Botkin" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164807] Re: Looking for a good starter kit for my son Message-ID: <32743.64.95.47.131.1073585154.squirrel@madmax.botkin.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Actually, I don't know why I didn't thikn of this before... but have you looked at Snap Circuits? I think that's what they're called. Back when I was a kid, I had a Heathkit Junior Experimenter kit. This used a LEGO type base with battery power supply, code key, variable cap, etc. The components were all in plastic blocks with the schematic printed on top on a sticker, and spring clips inside. You'd snap the blocks down on the base to look like the schematic, then conenct them with little bridge clip thingies. Worked great, I learned a lot from it. There was a big old book of stuff to build; receivers, AM transmitter, oscilaltor, siren, all that stuff. Of course Heathkit is long gone. Fast forward 30 years. I have seen ads in QST and other places for these new Snap Circuits, and recommended to a friend of mine he take a look for his kids. Similar idea, but now the components are on plastic pieces with snaos on the connection points, so everything snaps together. He says it's great, he and his kids are building stuff and having all kinds of fun. Anyway, you might want to give that a look and see if it's something that might work for you. 73, Dale - N0XAS -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. PicoKeyer now supports pot AND paddle speed control - check out http://www.hamgadgets.com for news! ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 12:21:54 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: "Thomas Beaudry" Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164808] Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <002101c3d614$4c1720e0$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Not at all surprising . . . 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Thomas Beaudry" To: Cc: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 1:00 AM Subject: Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull > > Perhaps they are using a different technology or system than > > the one which interferes with 2 - 80 MHz . . . > > No. It was pointed out in the article that the company making the > statement has one of the test systems that the ARRL has found to cause > massive interference. They're just lying. Anything for a buck. > > -- > Thomas M. Beaudry > k8la / ys1ztm > K2 # 3422 > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 09:31:23 -0900 From: Jim Larsen To: QRP Canada Cc: "qrp-l@lehigh.edu" Subject: [164809] QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <3FFDA1FB.8080808@alaska.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Have lots of lighting if focus is a problem. Squeeze the trigger slowly to allow the autofocus time to work and to minimize camera shake. It is OK to share large (2.1 Mp) files with friends direct via email but never post a 1MB picture on a website unless the detail is absolutely important. I reduce my 1.3 Mp photos (usually 300-400K) down to less than 100K using MS Photo Editor. I suspect there are other programs that will do it. Website photos need to be less than 100K. There is one ham that take dozens of photos of radio builds and puts them full size on his website . It takes forever to download and frustrates me so much that I give up on the photos...and I have 640K DSL. Keep website photos under 100K and under 50K or 60K is even better. If I crop a full size photo at all, it seems to reduce the size down to 30-60K. If I use a full photo, I usually have to do a reduction to 50-65% of full size to end up with less than 100K. If taking a picture of a circuit board and I get too much light off the flash, I take a single thickness of napkin and hold it over the flash bulb of the camera to soften the flash lighting. Tape it in place if doing a big job, i.e., lots of photos of small stuff. Turn on "fill flash" and "leave it on". There should be a way to have it be the default setting and it will come up with the squiggly arrow for the "flash on" every time. Almost all photos are enhanced by having it on. In the rare case where you are getting too much light, turn it off or use the napkin. Did I say, "have lots of lighting if focus is a problem"? Turn on all the lights and lamps in the room. The extra light provides for a greater "depth of field" in the focus system and enhances focus. If the photo is yellow, research your camera manual as almost all cameras have an auto setting to adjust for types of lighting. Brain dump...end. 73, Jim -- Jim Larsen, AL7FS Anchorage, Alaska http://www.qsl.net/al7fs rattray - Bruce ve5rc/ve5qrp wrote: > I picked up an inexpensive 2.1 megpixels digital camera... > are there basic techniques...? ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 10:59:40 -0800 (PST) From: Bob KB2FEL To: JimLarsen2002@alaska.net, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [164810] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <20040108185940.68261.qmail@web60510.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- Jim Larsen wrote: > Have lots of lighting if focus is a problem. > > Squeeze the trigger slowly to allow the autofocus > time to work and to minimize > camera shake. > > It is OK to share large (2.1 Mp) files with friends > direct via email but never > post a 1MB picture on a website unless the detail is > absolutely important. I > reduce my 1.3 Mp photos (usually 300-400K) down to > less than 100K using MS > Photo Editor. If I can put my two cents in... it is also good to use JPG format as it always smaller then the GIF format. When downloading the pics off the cam... most cam programs will give you a save photo option. If you pick the JPG it will save time in converting later. 72 Bob KB2FEL/8 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 11:04:15 -0800 (PST) From: Mr Mike Caughran To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [164811] Re: how to judge bands? Message-ID: <20040108190415.35832.qmail@web40404.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Bands have been pretty rough since New Years Here is what you can use to determine the current MUF. Use the highest band you can that is below the MUF. A list of digisondes: http://ulcar.uml.edu/locations.htm# http://ulcar.uml.edu/framesn.htm Digisonde in Mass. http://digisonde.haystack.edu/latestFrames.htm The very bottom lines show the MUF and skip distance Digisonde in Alaska http://137.229.36.30/cgi-bin/digisonde/latest.cgi Italy http://dps-roma.ingrm.it/scripts/latest.exe? Also as another poster suggested, Check the NCDXF beacons: http://www.ncdxf.org/Beacon/BeaconSchedule.html __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 14:29:40 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164812] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <3FFDAFA4.7050207@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > If taking a picture of a circuit board and I get too much light off the flash, > I take a single thickness of napkin and hold it over the flash bulb of the > camera to soften the flash lighting. Tape it in place if doing a big job, > i.e., lots of photos of small stuff. This one idea was worth "the price of admission." Simple and effective. Thanks, Jim. John W2AGN ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 20:15:41 +0000 From: Mike B To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164813] FS: DSW-II 20 meter Message-ID: <200401082015.41816.kw1nd@comcast.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Last call: Small Wonder Labs DSW-II 20 meter transceiver. Works great, looks great. No nicks, scratches or dents. On-air reports have all been complimentary. Awesome little rig, but need the cash for other expenses. A small bit of board was very carefully trimmed off along each edge to test fit a different enclosure - idea didn't work out, so I put it back in the factory case. Pix are available at: http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/boardbottom.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/boardtop.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/dswfront.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/dswback.jpg Avoid the wait from the factory - buy mine ;-) $135, including Priority Mail shipping. Please reply off-list. -- 73, Mike Boice, KW1ND Karns, TN Behold the power of the penguin ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 12:29:52 -0800 From: "Lyle Johnson" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" , Subject: [164814] Mt Vernon on the 10th Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello! I just wanted to let everyone know that the roads are clear and easily driven to my house for Saturday's informal gathering. So far, we have in no particular order, the following confirmations: Greg AB7R, Alan KB7MBI, Barry VE7VIE/KD7IGX, Dave K2ZU, Dave VA7DB, Rich AE7RW, Worth W7WG, Bruce N7RR, Margaret KD7CEL, Terry WX7S, Lyle KK7P, Heather N7DZU, Dale (callsign not noted). We also have an un-named ham from Tacoma and an un-named ham from Everett and at least two additional spouse/significant others. So far no kids, so the videos may not be running... Bruce's KX-1 is temporarily unavailable, so hopefully one of you on the list has one (or knows someone from whom you can borrow one) to bring along in its place! See you Saturday! 72, Lyle KK7P (I copied this to a few lists as some of you responded from those lists) ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 15:30:46 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [164815] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <010101c3d626$4c497650$080044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob KB2FEL" Subject: Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS > If I can put my two cents in... it is also good to use > JPG format as it always smaller then the GIF format. WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!! For typical photographs, JPEG is *USUALLY* smaller than GIF. The operative word here is photograph. It needs to be a photograph, and a fairly typical photograph, for this to be true. JPEG assumes a mug shot with a typical outdoor background - some grass, trees, sky. For this sort of image, it's tough to beat. The format is optimized for irregular shapes and gradual color gradients. The format falls apart if the color changes are sharp or when there are a lot of straight lines or large areas of the same color. Many, many times I've seen hams post drawings, schematics, and high contrast photographs as JPEGs. This results in poorer image quality and larger file sizes than are necessary. If an image contains sharp edges, JPEG is a poor choice. If an image contains a lot of straight lines, JPEG is a poor choice, If an image contains few colors, JPEG is a poor choice. Usually, a photograph contains none of these, so JPEG is a good choice. But that is usually, and only applies to photographs. For some kinds of images, JPEG is amazingly bad. For schematics, JPEG is typically 4 to 10 times larger than GIF and poorer quality. If you can't take time to understand the image and what is the best way to deal with it, then JPEG is a good default for photographs, and GIF is a good default for drawings, diagrams, and the like. In general, GIF is very poor for photographs. Your camera can see a lot of colors. How many depends on the particular camera, but values between a billion and 300 trillion are fairly common. All of the common image formats will store 16.7 million colors, so simply saving the file results in some loss. GIF reduces that to 256 colors. For most photographs, that isn't enough. In addition, the GIF conversion requires some judgment that can vary from program to program - it's not obvious how to choose those 256 colors from the millions or billions in the source picture. > When downloading the pics off the cam... most cam > programs will give you a save photo option. If you > pick the JPG it will save time in converting later. Once again, I disagree, and I've seen a lot of sins here, too. If at all possible, save the images from your camera in a lossless format. If your camera won't store a lossless format store a JPEG with minimum compression and convert the image to a lossless format to work on it. Do all your processing and editing of the image in the lossless format at full resolution (on a copy!). This will take a lot of space, and if your PC isn't the fastest, it will be slow. I suppose to some extent this is a bit of a trade off. As Bob suggests, it IS faster to save as a JPEG and work on it in that format. However, I value my images and I can't see throwing away some of the quality before I understand exactly how I'm going to use them. Every time you touch a JPEG, it's quality goes down. It's a lossy format and some of the image is thrown away. Almost as bad, because of the way it works, the now deteriorated image is harder for JPEG to compress, so the file size gets larger. Working in JPEG assures that by the time your images make it to the web, they will be lower quality AND larger than they need to be. However, if you work in a lossless format (like BMP or TGA), then do the conversion to JPEG as a last step, you will be able to apply very aggressive compression without a lot of loss in quality. You can post, or email, small, dial-up friendly, high-quality images. Some cameras provide vendor-specific formats. In general, I dislike these in principle, but they do have an advantage. Frequently your camera takes an image that is 30 or 48 bits deep. However, all the popular image formats are only 24 bits deep. If you apply lightening or contrast enhancement to the image, you loose some color resolution in the process. If you can do that work on a 48 bit image, you may still end up with 24 bits of precision in the final result. If you need to make significant corrections to a 24 bit image, you can often see the result as a degraded image that won't take to JPEG compression very well. Not much of an issue if all you need are tiny corrections, but few of us are Ansel Adams types who always get the lighting and exposure spot on. If you are really geeky about quality, download the JPEG compression software from the Joint Photographic Experts Group. I don't know why it is, but the "official" software produces higher quality, smaller images than any of the commercial software I've tried (and I've used a bunch!) It is kind of a pain to use, but it is free. Oh yes. One other caveat. Don't bother converting between GIF and JPEG in either direction. The result will combine the disadvantages of both. OK, enough ranting. If you don't believe that GIF is frequently smaller than JPEG wander on over to my web site for examples: http://chartermi.net/~wb8rcr/rants.html 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 15:42:27 -0500 From: "Thomas Lewis" To: charlescurrey1@imcingular.com, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [164816] Starter kit-shortwave radio Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed How about a shortwave radio. How many of us built one for our first kit? I think mine was a "Star Roamer". Well I know it was a Knight Kit. When finished it provides enjoyment just by itself. There are a couple of nice ones at TenTec. Handsome looking packages too. Just my 2 cents worth. Great gesture on Doug's part. Might just as well get the ScQRPion's paddle kit to. Did I mention how much I liked mine? Tom K4THL _________________________________________________________________ Make your home warm and cozy this winter with tips from MSN House & Home. http://special.msn.com/home/warmhome.armx ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 15:49:28 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: "Jim Larsen AL7FS" Subject: [164817] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <011f01c3d628$e94c6640$080044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit A few more thing I've learned ... I always put my camera on a tripod, and use a cable release or the autotimer. I set the F stop as small as possible to get the greatest depth of field. If the camera is on a tripod it doesn't matter if the exposure will be 10 seconds - the circuit board isn't going anywhere. Digital pictures are practically free - don't be shy about taking a dozen frames of the same thing with slightly different lighting or exposure. That pet project can patiently sit there - different if it's a live pet! If your autofocus can't focus, either because you don't have enough light or have a low contrast subject, consider using manual focus. The rig will sit there waiting for you to get the focus right, and if you can't quite tell, take a couple dozen. All it costs is the power to recharge the batteries. My current digital camera can focus down to 3/4". Before I got it, I needed to drag out the 35 with the macro lens for small stuff. I eventually learned that, with a little fiddling around, I could take close up pictures through my magnifier if I wanted the image now instead of waiting for processing. I have a little macro light that amounts to nothing more than 8 LEDs arranged in a circle around the lens with some transluscent plastic in the front. Wouldn't be tough to make something like that if you do a lot of pictures of little things. As Jim points out, the digital camera can do the color adjustment, and as long as you have enough light to focus, you don't need a LOT of light. The LEDs have the nice feature of not getting hot, and don't leave the harsh shadows that the flash causes. Plus, you can see the effect through the finder, unlike the flash. Doesn't work well for shiny things, though, the 8 uniformly spaced highlights can look pretty weird! Just a few more ideas. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 12:56:52 -0800 (PST) From: Bob KB2FEL To: "John J. McDonough" , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Cc: kb2fel@yahoo.com Subject: [164818] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <20040108205652.4536.qmail@web60510.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- "John J. McDonough" wrote: > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Bob KB2FEL" > Subject: Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of > ideas from AL7FS > > > > If I can put my two cents in... it is also good to > use > > JPG format as it always smaller then the GIF > format. > > WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG, WRONG!!!! > > For typical photographs, JPEG is *USUALLY* smaller > than GIF. The operative > word here is photograph. It needs to be a > photograph, and a fairly typical > photograph, for this to be true. JPEG assumes a mug > shot with a typical > outdoor background - some grass, trees, sky. For > this sort of image, it's > tough to beat. The format is optimized for > irregular shapes and gradual > color gradients. The format falls apart if the > color changes are sharp or > when there are a lot of straight lines or large > areas of the same color. > Hi John, Well thanks for the info. Yes I can see how the deep compression of the JPG format can effect Sharp Lines and Sharp color changes. I will remember that if I ever post any of my building to my web page.. tnx 72 Bob KB2FEL/8 __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 15:55:07 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [164819] Beacons 3 on 80 Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20040108155507.0082b7c0@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Folks, A better beacon situation might be to have 3 running simultaneously overnight for 2 or 3 days. One on the west coast, me in the middle, and one on the east coast. Same power, similar antennas and close to each other but on slightly different frequencies say 500 Hz separation. Anyone west and east with a vertical that will load OK on 80 like to give it a try? Not sure this would be too scientific but it might be interesting. Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 oo http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:30:14 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164820] RE: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025124C8@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 The systems I visited that are most representative of BPL operating at = the present FCC limits are in Emmaus, PA; Briarcliff Manor, NY and = Whitehall, PA. It is a bit of a drive from MD, but if anyone wants to = do some HF mobiling there, email me and I will provide street names. 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: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU=20 > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > Karl Larsen > Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2004 1:00 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull >=20 >=20 > On Thu, 8 Jan 2004, Lloyd Lachow wrote: >=20 > > =20 > > I could drive down there with my K1 and hamstick, if > > there's no-one closer. It's about an hour away. Where, > > when, how? > >=20 > > LL > >=20 > Hi Lloyd, I hope you have several hamsticks for the 80, 40 20=20 > ect. bands. The K-1 should be fine as a receiver. When you get in the=20 > area but not right at the site, pull over and get a measure=20 > of current=20 > noise on the band. Then drive into the BPL area and see if the noise=20 > increases. >=20 > It will not take much time and we are all interested in=20 > what you=20 > hear. >=20 >=20 > >=20 > > --- Lee Mairs wrote: > > > Well... So far nobody has offered up any evidence of > > > noise in the > > > Gaithersburg. Just reasons whey there isn't > > > interference and suggestions > > > about how to QRM them. If the Montgomery County > > > local hams with HF mobile > > > can't find noise, then it is going to look like the > > > ARRL cried wolf. Isn't > > > there anybody on this list with HF mobile that could > > > report back to us? > > > 73 de Lee > > > KM4YY/8 > > > > >=20 > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes > > http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus > >=20 >=20 > --=20 > =20 > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:33:01 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164821] RE: ARRL Board to Consider CW Requirements--- Your Opinion?? Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025124C9@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 Those that want to make their views known to ARRL should contact their = ARRL Division Director, with a cc to their Vice Director. http://www.arrl.org/divisions 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: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU=20 > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > Bob KB2FEL > Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 4:01 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: FW:ARRL Board to Consider CW Requirements--- Your Opinion?? >=20 >=20 > Hi All, >=20 > Not sure how many of you know about this so I thought > I would pass it on. > If you would like to comment please send them to your > OWN.... ARRL Sections. >=20 > TNX Hal for the info > *********** > Folks, > The ARRL Board of Directors meeting is scheduled for > January 15. Yes, I know that is next week. However, > unbeknownst to me until yesterday, I have been advised > that the Board is going to discuss the licensing > requirements with the code/no code issue at this > meeting. =20 > Some ARRL Directors have requested comments and input > from their members on this controversial issue. > Apparently some have not. I just found about this from > the Section Manager e-mail reflector and now know that > many of the Sections have been e-mailing their > respective Directors with comments on the topic. =20 >=20 > I realize the timeframe is tight if any of you have an > interest, one way or the other. And please don't ask > me what the Board's plans may or may not be relative > to CW requirements or what the timeline is on any > possible future action. I have not been advised. >=20 > I simply want to notify you as an ARRL member that the > Board plans to weigh-in on this issue at the meeting > next week. And so I want to let you know that if you > have an opinion on this issue, again one way or > another, you should consider sending your comments to > our Roanoke Division Director Dennis Bodson, W4PWF. > Dennis can be e-mailed at w4pwf@arrl.org =20 >=20 > I would also ask if you do submit your comments to > Dennis, please copy me on them at kc8fs@arrl.org > I can assure you I will keep your comments/opinions > confidential but will consider a general summary of > the responses. If on the other hand, you wish to make > your comments known publicly, you may post them on the > wvarrl usergroup on Yahoo per the guidelines/rules of > this group. >=20 > Thank you and 73, > Hal, KC8FS >=20 > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Hotjobs: Enter the "Signing Bonus" Sweepstakes > http://hotjobs.sweepstakes.yahoo.com/signingbonus >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:38:07 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164822] RE: [ke4ma] broadband bull Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025124CA@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 The doublespeak of saying that what hams have been hearing is other = licensed users is as far=20 fetched as I can imagine. I don't know of any licensed users that = operate on tens of MHz of=20 spectrum simultaneously only in the immediate area of the BPL couplers = visible on the power=20 lines whose operations are precisely timed with the downloads of the = cooperative people in the trial areas that helped me test the system. And these are the guys that worked with NTIA when NTIA did their tests = in the area, turning=20 the system off and on so NTIA could test the difference. Perhaps = turning the system off caused=20 all these "licensed users" to stop transmitting because they all = marveled at the radio silence -- yeah,=20 that's it; that's the ticket! :-) 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: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU=20 > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > Joe Martin > Sent: Wednesday, January 07, 2004 3:27 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: [ke4ma] broadband bull >=20 >=20 > Mark Andrews (KE4MA) wrote: >=20 > >The world is starting to take notice..... > > > >http://www.infoworld.com/article/04/01/07/HNbroadbanddog_1.html > > > > > >73, > > > >Mark - KE4MA > >------------------------------------------------------------- > ---------------It doesn't make sense for BPL companies like=20 > Current Technologies to move forward with their business=20 > plans and financingif they're causing interference, because=20 > the FCC could immediately shut them down if they did,=20 > Birnbaum added. Any interferencethe ARRL is measuring might=20 > be coming from other licensed radio devices, he said. > > > > Birnbaum accused the ARRL of being overprotective of its turf. "The=20 > > decision-maker here is not the ham radio community -- the=20 > > decision-maker is the FCC," he said. "It's been (ARRL's) policy to=20 > > oppose any new technology that causes emissions, whether they be=20 > > harmful or not." ARRL does maintain a Web page, at=20 > > http://www.arrl.org/news/bandthreat/, listing nine technologies it=20 > > calls "threats to our amateur bands." > > > > Birnbaum accused the ARRL of being overprotective of its turf. "The=20 > > decision-maker here is not the ham radio community -- the=20 > > decision-maker is the FCC," he said. "It's been (ARRL's) policy to=20 > > oppose any new technology that causes emissions, whether they be=20 > > harmful or not." ARRL does maintain a Web page, at=20 > > http://www.arrl.org/news/bandthreat/, listing nine technologies it=20 > > calls "threats to our amateur bands." > > > > > > "*It doesn't make sense for BPL companies like Current=20 > Technologies to=20 > > move forward with their business plans and financing* if they're=20 > > causing interference, because the FCC could immediately=20 > shut them down=20 > > if they did, Birnbaum added. Any interference the ARRL is measuring=20 > > might be coming from other licensed radio devices, he said." > > > It makes dollars and cents to them and they are quite=20 > confident that a=20 > very large majority of average citizens will buy their bull as they=20 > deionize hams as being stingy liars who are paronid about our=20 > frequency=20 > allocation. All the average "joe" wants is faster cheaper internet=20 > connections. >=20 > > > > "*If it turns out I'm trying to make a device or sell a device that=20 > > would cause interference anytime it's used, it kind of belies logic=20 > > that I could raise money to do that,"* Birnbaum said. > > > Their devices have already proven to cause interference but they just=20 > say our abilities and methods are useless and meaningless, which is =20 > typical double speak aimed at the uninformed majority of the public. >=20 > 72 de KM5CW, Joe > FP#-697 QRP-L#2524 ARCI #11368 FISTS#4217=20 > GRID EM13kf FtWorth,Tx > ( http://www.km5cw.org ) > dit dit >=20 >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:38:58 -0500 From: "Kevin Gray" To: Subject: [164823] Response to the starter kit for my son Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks to everyone that responded to the request for a starter kit. The response was unbelievable. Thanks again, Kevin k8su ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:41:19 -0500 From: "Ken Newman" To: "List QRP-Canada" , "K8NI Norm Into" , Subject: [164824] [CONTEST] N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar Jan 10-31, 2004 Message-ID: <05a701c3d638$8cbee820$64ea80d1@kensdell> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ N2CQ QRP CALENDAR JANUARY 10-31, 2004 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 40 METER FOXHUNT - Wednesday 0200z to 0400z (Tue eve USA) Info: http://www.cqc.org Truffle Hunt - 30 min before Fox Hunt Info: http://fpqrp.com/pig_hunt.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UK DX Contest (SSB) ... QRP Category Jan 10, 1200z to Jan 11, 1200z Rules:http://www.srars.org/ukdxcruleseng.pdf ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ North American QSO Party (CW) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted) Jan 10, 1800z to Jan 11, 0600z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 070 Club PSKFEST Contest ... QRP Category Jan 17, 0000z to 2400z Rules: http://www.podxs.com/html/pskfest.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Michigan QRP Club Contest (CW) ... QRP Contest! Jan 17, 1200z to Jan 18, 2359z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/miqrpclub ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ LZ OPEN CONTEST (CW 80M/40M) ...QRP Category Jan 17, 1200z to 2000z Rules: http://www.qsl.net/lz1fw/lzopen/index.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ North American QSO Party (SSB) (100w max. QRP Entries Noted) Jan 17, 1800z to Jan 18, 0600z Rules: http://www.ncjweb.com/naqprules.php ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Run For The Bacon (CW) *** QRP Contest *** Jan 19, 0100z to 0300z Rules: http://fpqrp.com ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CQ WW 160-Meter DX Contest (CW) ... QRP Category Jan 24, 0000z to Jan 25, 2359z Rules: http://www.cq-amateur-radio.com/awards.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UBA DX Contest (Belgian) (SSB) ... QRP Category Jan 31, 1300z to Feb 1, 1300z Rules: http://www.uba.be ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Thanks to SM3CER, WA7BNM, N0AX(ARRL), WB3AAL and others for assistance in compiling this calendar. Please foreward the contest info you sponsor to N2CQ@ARRL.NET and we will post it and give it more publicity. Anyone may use this "N2CQ QRP Contest Calendar" for your website, newsletter, e-mail list or other media as you choose. (Include a credit to the source of this material of course.) 72 de Ken Newman - N2CQ N2CQ@ARRL.NET http://www.amqrp.org/contesting/contesting.html http://www.n3epa.org/Pages/Contest/contest.htm ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 08 Jan 2004 17:54:08 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [164825] Re: Starter kit-shortwave radio Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20040108174812.00a188d0@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed I recently built the Ten Tec 1254 superhet. It is very accurate frequency wise and mechanically precise. The only shortcoming is low sensitivity on the AB broadcast band. 73 Pete NV4V At 03:42 PM 1/8/2004, Thomas Lewis wrote: >How about a shortwave radio. How many of us built one for our first >kit? I think mine was a "Star Roamer". Well I know it was a Knight >Kit. When finished it provides enjoyment just by itself. > >There are a couple of nice ones at TenTec. Handsome looking packages too. > >_____________________________________________ >Make your home warm and cozy this winter with tips from MSN House & Home. >http://special.msn.com/home/warmhome.armx ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 17:01:06 -0600 From: To: Subject: [164826] Re: Starter kit-shortwave radio Message-ID: <20040108230106.MKAN3734.out006.verizon.net@outgoing.verizon.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >How about a shortwave radio. How many of us built one for >our first kit? I think mine was a "Star Roamer". Well I >know it was a Knight Kit. When finished it provides >enjoyment just by itself. >There are a couple of nice ones at TenTec. Handsome looking >packages too. Tom, This is not a supremely technical appraisal of Ten Tec's SW receivers, just one person's experience. I have built the low-end and the high end regen kits as well as their PLL SW receiver and liked all three of them. However, for some reason, I felt compelled to sell the nine-band regen and the PLL SW receiver. It wasn't that they were inferior or not worth the money. It just seemed like I could have used the money for something a little more exciting. Also, as I remember, the PLL receiver generated some display hash noise that required using some copper tape to shield it. Another thing I did not appreciate was the use of a "clarifier" to tune between the detents. The kit was reasonably good, don't get me wrong, but it goes for $200 out the door and I would prefer to put that towards a QRP transciever kit, I guess.. ..but if you want to have a lot of fun, try the low-end regen kit. It's a blast and works super. I use it on the bench to listed to some SW stations while working on other projects. Besides, it has a nice manual that serves as a how-to if you have any kids who would like to understand raidio. 72, Bill, k6whp ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 8 Jan 2004 16:03:47 -0700 From: Tayloe Dan-P26412 To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Cc: JimLarsen2002@alaska.net Subject: [164827] Re: QRP digital photos...a brain dump of ideas from AL7FS Message-ID: <7FD24C15A06DD511BF9E00D0B73E99520D734E58@az33exm05.corp.mot.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" >If taking a picture of a circuit board and I get too >much light off the flash, I take a single thickness >of napkin and hold it over the flash bulb of the >camera to soften the flash lighting. Tape it in place >if doing a big job, i.e., lots of photos of small stuff. I find that using a flash creates to many shiny spots in the picture, especially when taking pictures of electronics or most any shiny object. An alternative I have found that works very well is to use daylight (lots of light) placing the object outside in the shade. The shiny spots are gone, and the brighter light allows a very fast exposure, minimizing motion blur, and improving the picture detail. Of course it is easier for me in Phoenix to take a picture outside this time of year (~65 deg F) than it is for someone in Alaska for example. :) - Dan, N7VE ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3159 ************************ --------------------------------