20040217.qrp v03_n199.qrl.20040217 Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 19:03:07 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3199 QRP-L Digest 3199 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [168178] Re: Pic-el Gen in the pic-el by "Craig Johnson" 2) [168179] Yet another Interesting site by "Don Wines" 3) [168180] Fwd: 15th OQRPC: Rig Statistics by dl6aaf@t-online.de 4) [168181] Re: LogBook of the World by Bruce Muscolino 5) [168182] Re: morse makes the local news by Nick Yokanovich 6) [168183] Bug prices by 7) [168184] RE: This list is getting too big! by "Ron McConnell" 8) [168185] Re: Pic-el Gen in the pic-el by Brad Thompson 9) [168186] Viewing in threads was: Re: This list is getting too big! by Ray Sills 10) [168187] Re: Bug prices by Tom Mc 11) [168188] homebrew encoders by 12) [168189] Re: Bug prices by 13) [168190] Re: Yet another Interesting site by "George, W5YR" 14) [168191] Trac TE-201 memory keyer FS by "Ken Simpson, W8EK" 15) [168192] Crystals for the HW-9 ? by "Mike Hall" 16) [168193] Re: QRP set up at Hamfest? by "Brian Murrey" 17) [168194] Pesky Texan Armadillo Chase - Feb 16 update by "N1LN_TXU" 18) [168195] Re: head copy by Bruce Muscolino 19) [168196] Logbook of the World by "Paul Beringer" 20) [168197] FOX: One of your Foxes - K5TR by George Fremin III 21) [168198] Re: head copy by Tom Mc 22) [168199] RE: LogBook of the World by "NA4FM \(Buck\)" 23) [168200] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports by "Craig Johnson" 24) [168201] RE: Logbook of the World by "NA4FM \(Buck\)" 25) [168202] Re: [qrp-l] Head Copy Tips...Anyone? by Bruce Muscolino 26) [168203] Re: Bug prices by "Cal Cotner" 27) [168204] RE: Z Antenna Systems by "Mark Rauchfuss" 28) [168205] Re: Learn the code by Bruce Muscolino 29) [168206] FT-817 mobile bracket by "Ed, AC5DC" 30) [168207] RE: PIC-EL spotted in Canada by "rattray" 31) [168208] Re: morse makes the local news by Garie Halstead K8KFJ 32) [168209] FOX: W8RU Fox Announcement for 17Feb (EST) by Ron Majewski 33) [168210] Re: TinEar Receiver Kit - reservations online! by "JUNICHI NAKAJIMA" 34) [168211] RE: Logbook of the World by "Bill Rowlett" 35) [168212] Michigan QRP Net by kwike@gdls.com 36) [168213] Re: Wanted: Index Labs QRP+ by "James Reid" 37) [168214] Happy Birthday to Dean KH6B !!! by "Oleg V. Borodin" 38) [168215] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports by Philip L Carter 39) [168216] Preliminary Report for the " RFTB " sprint by "Jerry Ford" 40) [168217] RE: Logbook of the World by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 41) [168218] Elmer 160 by Richard Lim 42) [168219] Re: LogBook of the World by Bruce Muscolino 43) [168220] Re: Elmer 160 by Philip L Carter 44) [168221] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports by "John J. McDonough" 45) [168222] OT: Homebrewer in Chile by "Radio Red" 46) [168223] CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 47) [168224] Looking for QRP Companion for QRP+ by "Ron Pfeiffer" 48) [168225] RE: Logbook of the World by "Bill Rowlett" 49) [168226] Re: [fpqrp] morse makes the local news by Tom Sevart 50) [168227] Re: morse makes the local news by Tom Sevart 51) [168228] For Sale: Ten Tec Century 21 Analog CW Transceiver & Century 21 Digital CW Transceiver by "Freeberg, Scott (STP)" 52) [168229] Re: morse makes the local news by 53) [168230] Re: [fpqrp] morse makes the local news by Michael Neverdosky 54) [168231] Re: Interesting site by Claudia & Reed Park 55) [168232] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 56) [168233] DC Adapter Query Results by "Todd Fonstad" 57) [168234] RE: For Sale: Ten Tec Century 21 Analog CW Transceiver & Century 21 Digital CW Transceiver - Additional Reply Info by "Freeberg, Scott (STP)" 58) [168235] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 59) [168236] Re: LogBook of the World by Alex 60) [168237] FS: Ten-Tec Argonaut II (Model 535) by "Augie Hansen" 61) [168238] Re: CW Learning Curves? by brianb 62) [168239] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 63) [168240] RE: morse makes the local news by "NA4FM \(Buck\)" 64) [168241] Fw: FCC on verge of allowing BPL by "n3drk" 65) [168242] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "Bill Jones" 66) [168243] Re: CW Learning Curves? by Garie Halstead K8KFJ 67) [168244] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 68) [168245] Re: CW Learning Curves? by "AD4MZ Bob C" 69) [168246] New Reactor Puts Hydrogen From Renewable Fuels Within Reach by Ed Tanton ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 17:30:05 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [168178] Re: Pic-el Gen in the pic-el Message-ID: <002401c3f4e4$cfdf3ae0$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Jim, >Well I fired up the Picelgen software 1.3 in Pic el programmer. >As it is it doesn't seem like it will be useful as a VFO with the encode >supplied. At least with the current code. Unless I have a particularly bad >encoder, the frequency jumps quite a bit as I rotate the knob. It's probably not a bad encoder, but simply because of the acceleration mechanism in the PICELgen code and the fact that some pulses appear to be very close together as the mechanical encoder "falls" into the detents. It would be easy to change the code to skip some of the "transitions", but that would result in more "backlash" as you tune your VFO. Removing the detents, as suggested by Cla, KA0GKC, a few days ago may be a better solution. Even better would be to use an optical encoder, since this is what the code is really optimized for. >Anyone located a nice (read "also relatively inexpensive") encoder? Actually, I do have a few 128-position (512 "transition" per revolution) optical encoders available. I was saving them use with my IQ-VFO project (AD9854 DDS) that is going to be released "very soon". However, some people have used these encoders with the PIC-EL board and they work great. If you, or others, are interested, please contact me off-line for details. 72, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 17:42:10 -0800 From: "Don Wines" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168179] Yet another Interesting site Message-ID: <00b401c3f4f7$4262b350$33dd4c42@IBMM42> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Speaking of interesting sites, this one is pretty cool for the more technically minded of the group. Some really nice Java apps for resonant circuits, transmission lines and antennas! http://www.amanogawa.com/ Don Wines K5DW ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 01:07:13 +0100 (CET) From: dl6aaf@t-online.de To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168180] Fwd: 15th OQRPC: Rig Statistics Message-ID: <200402170007.i1H07EY01085@joringel.privnet.de> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit QRP-Contest-Community (qrpcc) 15-Feb-2004 c/o Dr.Hartmut Weber, DJ7ST Schlesierweg 13 D-38228 SALZGITTER Phone: +495341-50113 Dear OQRP friends, here a first partial result of the 15th ORIGINAL-QRP-CONTEST of 27/28th Dec 2003 in the shape of a list of employed equipment: 46x FT-817 18x EleCraft K2 9x EleCraft K1 9x HW-9 9x TS-130V 8x Sierra 5x ELBC-TRX (DJ3KK des., SPRAT 94/95) 5x FT-7 5x QRP14 (DK4SX & DJ6TE design) 4x Argonaut 509 4x NorCal 20 4x QRP+ 4x TenTec 1320 - 1380 4x TS-120V 3x Argonaut 505 3x DSW 40/20 3x IC 703 3x "Mosquita" 40m TRX (DK1HE des.) 3x QRP-99 (KNE) 3x RockMite 40 3x Spatz /Sparrow (DK1HE design) 2x EFIR (russian TRX) 2x HW-8 2x NorCal 40A 2x OHR QRP Spirit 2x Piccolino (SPRAT 42; DJ1ZB) 2x QRP40 2x SEG-15 (Funkwerk Koepenick) 2x TARS Special ( SPRAT 73; G3LHJ) 1x Argonaut 515 ASE1302 CO-PA CO-solo (6V6) (20m. +PA) Digitrex MPX Mini EleCraft KX1 FOXY (SPRAT 91) FT-301S FT-707S Hari TX80-1 HB GM47-DZD; PA BSY34 HB Bodan-KW HB CO-solo (EL508) HB TRX "around NE612" ; PA 2N3553, 800mW HB TRX (RA3AO des.) PA 2xKT922B HB TRX 10 MHz IF, PA 2SC1969, 900mW HB TRX 9MHz-meth., PA 4xSD340 HB TRX IF 4,433 MHz; PA 2SC2078 (TRAMP8-design) HB TRX IF 9 MHz (VFO 5-5.5 MHz + band CO); 3.8 - 4.5 W HB TRX IF 9832 kHz, PA KT904A HB TRX Malta 40 HB TRX PA BD135 HB TRX similar QRP-99; PA 2xSC1969 HB TRX similar SST-20 HB TRX, 5 bds HB TRX, DC-RX; PA KT 906 HB TRX, IF 4.4 MHz; PA SC1678 HB TX (3 tubes) 15W HB TX PA GU-19 HB TX, 8w Input HB VXO-PA (VN88AFD) SPRAT 98/1999 HB-TRX "MAS-design"(DL4IW) HB-TRX (PA 2N3553) HB-TRX (QRP-Report 2/02, p386) PA 2xBD139 HB-TRX IF 9MHz; PA KF507 HB-TRX own design (1983) PA 2N3632 HB-TRX own design, PA 2SC1969 HB-TRX PA BD139, 2W HB-TRX, 11 tbs; PA 5763 (3xTRX!) HB-TRX, PA IRF530, 4W HB-TRX; DDS-VFO, IF 5.2 MHz; PA 2SC2078 HB-TRX; IF 5 MHz; PA 2SC1945 HB-TX (4x2N222 + BD137) HB-TX (PA of GP13C) HB-TX PA 2SC2078 HB-TX, PA BD135 HB-TX; PA IRF510; 12W HBTRX PA KT920B Hegau HM-TRX (PA BD135) IRWELL (Practical Wireless 01/1990) KNE-QRP-Mini M-160 (rebuild) 500 kHz IF, TDA 440, PA 2xBSY34 M80 MAS-TRX 85 parts MAS-TRX; PA 2N3553 MAS-TX (CQ-DL 9/02, p674; DJ1ZB-des.) MFJ-9020 NAXOS 20m (SPRAT 104 p.11) OHR 100 OHR 500 OHR-Classic; PA 2SC2075 OXO Ramsey QRP-40 SPARKWEL Kit SST-20 TRAMP 8 TRX DOB80 VFO(trans)-DB-BF-PA (ECF80-EL83) VFO-BA-FD-PA (EL83) VFO-BU-PA (2N3553) VFO-FD-PA (EF80-EF80-5763) 4W VFO-PA (ECC82-GP17M) VXO-solo VXO-solo (BD135) VXO-solo (RL12P10) VXO/TRPL-PA (EF13-EF14), 400mW Zennor (CQ-DL 5/87, p 295, DF4SQ-des.) - - - - Almost 50 participants, i.e. 18% of the 250+ submitting a log, operated an FT-817, an impressive result! One is tempted to provide a new FT-817-only category.. In contrast this time the QRP+ virtually crashed. The design engineers' field is led again by DJ3KK and his ELBC, together with "Team Ulm" who designed the QRP14. But wait, if one were to add "Miss Mosquita" and "Sparrow", DK1HE mounts the rostrum's centre step. Especially gratifying was again feedback regarding homebrew projects which were completed just in time under the "pressure" of the approaching OQRPC-weekend. The fire under this kettle is still burning: QRP-MAS on Ascension Day! 73/2 Hal, DJ7ST (agn mni tks for translation to Eddi, DK3UZ) ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 19:35:52 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: redmen1969@optonline.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168181] Re: LogBook of the World Message-ID: <403161E8.136116F9@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Tom, My knowledge of LoTW extends only to when it was first introduced. Like you, I suspect, I envisioned the system as one that would either result in some sort of "eQSL" or at least significantly reduced turn around time for bureau QSL returns. I inquired and what I found out was that was nowhere like the intended use. LoTW is an award program. You enter your QSLs and if and when they receive a matching QSO entry you receive one credit toward the award(s) for which it counts. The only question I didn't ask, back then, was were the domestic awards also included. That is could I get WAS through the system? In the end I chose to not sign up for the system. I QSL petty promptly with a printed QSL card, either via direct mail or via the bureau. I figure that if "he" does not respond with a card, what are the chances of gus entering a contact in LoTW. Bruce > > I just entered a few more qso's into the ARRL's logbook system. I was > wondering if anyone has been having any degree of success with it, as far as > "confirmations" go. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 19:57:23 -0500 From: Nick Yokanovich To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168182] Re: morse makes the local news Message-ID: <403166F3.7070801@cablespeed.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Covered that in the interview, because he asked why a special character would be needed at all. It just didn't make it to print. The two quotes from me are all that made it from a 30-minute interview. At least he was close to spelling my name correctly. 73 Nick K3NY Arnold, MD Frank Emens wrote: > Another problem with simply using 'at" forl the "@" in email addresses is the fact > that, in languages other than english, "@" does NOT translate to 'at'. We here in the > States may find it easier, but it opens many possibilities for ambiguity in > international traffic, not to mention the kind of ambiguities you mentioned. ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:07:18 -0500 (EST) From: To: Subject: [168183] Bug prices Message-ID: <2412.192.168.1.117.1076980038.squirrel@gateway> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Hey gang; I followed this auction at ePay from the start. The seller offered pictures and sent them to me in an email. Interestingly he wrote me that his friends told him that it should (or would) only bring $ 20 and wasn't worth putting up to auction. see this item no. for "the rest of the story" . 3077148800 Vy 72; Bob w9ya ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:14:43 -0500 From: "Ron McConnell" To: "QRP-L" Cc: "W2IOL" , Subject: [168184] RE: This list is getting too big! Message-ID: <003b01c3f4f3$6d8b93c0$12a14445@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable It seems like at least some others are having problems coping with big digests like I am. I'm on another very active email list, bgrass-l, which like qrp-l,=20 gets about 100 +/- messages a day. Bgrass-l issues digests about every 20 to 25 messages as they come in. What's left over <20 at the end of the day is sent as one short digest, on rare occasions even one message. I personally find these 3, 4 or 5 smaller chunks much easier to digest as I get chances to check my email during the day than just one massive one after supper. When for lack of time, I just dump a digest invariably there was a new thread of high interest and I end up going back to the DELETED folder to dig it out. How hard would it be to set up options for one digest (like now),=20 or 20-message digests (new) or individual messages (like now)? This would allow tailoring things with a little more granularity to individual reading habits. Digests are the only way for me. I can't imagine getting 100 more individual messages each day, actually 99 more or 96 for smaller digests - or rather I don't want to think about it. Checking things on=20 http://listserv.lehigh.edu/lists/Archives/qrp-l/index.html#end is worth another shot for now. A brief trial some time ago didn't suit me. PRETTY PUHLEEZE FOR PITY'S SAKE,=20 don't anyone suggest splitting off yet more sub-groups. :) I like having (most-but-not-all) qrp stuff in one place. Cheers, 73, Ron McConnell w2iol@arrl.net =20 WGS-84: N 40=BA 46' 57.9" W 74=BA 41' 21.9" Magnetic Variation/Declination =3D 13=BA in early 2004 FN20ps77GV75 per w2iol or FN20ps77GU46 per K2RIW=20 =20 http://home.earthlink.net/~rcmcc ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:44:27 -0500 From: Brad Thompson To: cbjohns@cbjohns.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168185] Re: Pic-el Gen in the pic-el Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20040216204217.01e40ec0@pop3.norton.antivirus> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 05:30 PM 02/16/2004 -0600, Craig Johnson wrote: > >Anyone located a nice (read "also relatively inexpensive") encoder? > >Actually, I do have a few 128-position (512 "transition" per revolution) >optical >encoders available. I was saving them use with my IQ-VFO project (AD9854 >DDS) that is >going to be released "very soon". Hello-- You might investigate using the optical wheels and sensor/interruptor pairs used in computer mice (mouses?) and trackballs. A wheel mouse might offer the best combination of ergonomic "feel" and tuning rate. 73-- Brad AA1IP ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:42:22 -0500 From: Ray Sills To: QRP list Subject: [168186] Viewing in threads was: Re: This list is getting too big! Message-ID: <87CBD368-60EA-11D8-8AC0-000393D49C6C@1stconnect.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v612) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Gang: Apple Computer's Mail application will allow you to sort by thread, also. 73 de Ray K2ULR FN20tl On Feb 16, 2004, at 9:21 AM, Rob Matherly wrote: > Kenneth Cooperstein wrote: > >> In Usenet, my newsreader reports messages in thread order and keeps >> track of which postings I've read. This is a key feature, but does >> not seem to be available here. >> >> Anyone have any suggestions? > > > Mozilla mail has a "view messages in thread form" option that, as it > states, sorts the messages by subject. Pretty good for deleting > entire chunks of mail that you know won't interest you ;-) > > -- > 72/73/oo - Rob, W0JRM - jimrob@jetnetinc.net - ARRL MEMBER > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:06:17 -0500 From: Tom Mc To: w9ya@arrl.net, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168187] Re: Bug prices Message-ID: <002501c3f4fa$a4238b20$b34ab818@x2f6a2.aoldsl.net> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Wow! Looking closely at the bids, it looks like 2 guys were lurking in the shadows. With 10 seconds to go in the auction they both (probably) sniped it up over $3,000. The seller was lucky their were two bidders fighting for it, or else one might have gotten it for quite a bit less. I'm curious if anyone knows why this bug is so valuable. Tom WB2QDG -----Original Message----- From: w9ya@arrl.net To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Monday, February 16, 2004 8:50 PM Subject: Bug prices Hey gang; I followed this auction at ePay from the start. The seller offered pictures and sent them to me in an email. Interestingly he wrote me that his friends told him that it should (or would) only bring $ 20 and wasn't worth putting up to auction. see this item no. for "the rest of the story" . 3077148800 Vy 72; Bob w9ya ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:20:54 -0500 (EST) From: To: Subject: [168188] homebrew encoders Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII This looks like a neat homebrew version of an encoder. Maybe there is a use for those old computer drives after all. http://www.webx.dk/oz2cpu/20m/encoder.htm It uses the homebrew "mother of all tuning knobs" :) 73, Jim n2go ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:23:12 -0500 (EST) From: To: Subject: [168189] Re: Bug prices Message-ID: <2587.192.168.1.117.1076984592.squirrel@gateway> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit > Wow! > Looking closely at the bids, it looks like 2 guys were lurking in the > shadows. With 10 seconds to go in the auction they both (probably) > sniped it up over $3,000. The seller was lucky their were two bidders > fighting for it, or else one might have gotten it for quite a bit less. > > I'm curious if anyone knows why this bug is so valuable. Hey Tom and the gang; Apparently this may be the only speedoplex model no. 1 known to exist. Vy 72; Bob w9ya > > Tom > WB2QDG > > > -----Original Message----- > From: w9ya@arrl.net > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Date: Monday, February 16, 2004 8:50 PM > Subject: Bug prices > > > Hey gang; > > I followed this auction at ePay from the start. The seller offered > pictures and sent them to me in an email. Interestingly he wrote me that > his friends told him that it should (or would) only bring $ 20 and > wasn't worth putting up to auction. > > see this item no. for "the rest of the story" . > > 3077148800 > > > Vy 72; > > Bob > w9ya ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 20:26:57 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168190] Re: Yet another Interesting site Message-ID: <026b01c3f4fd$85991050$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks, Don - very good! 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "Don Wines" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 7:42 PM Subject: Yet another Interesting site > Speaking of interesting sites, this one is pretty cool for the more > technically minded of the group. Some really nice Java apps for resonant > circuits, transmission lines and antennas! > > http://www.amanogawa.com/ > > Don Wines > K5DW > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:42:12 -0500 From: "Ken Simpson, W8EK" To: "QRP List" Subject: [168191] Trac TE-201 memory keyer FS Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For Sale: Trac Electronics TE-201 keyer This keyer is a CMOS memory keyer that runs off of a 9 V battery. It will key either + or - voltages, and has two message memories, as well as a built in side tone. Weighting is internally adjustable. It is in a woodgrain and eggshell colored enclosure. This particular unit works 100%, and looks very nice. $50 plus shipping from Florida. Thanks. 73, Ken, W8EK Ken Simpson E-mail to W8EK@copper.net or W8EK@arrl.net Voice Phone (352) 732-8400 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:45:49 -0500 From: "Mike Hall" To: Subject: [168192] Crystals for the HW-9 ? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm trying to add a few bands to a HW-9, but the first crystals I ordered don't work (right freq, but will not osc in circuit at that freq). Does anyone know the specs on the band crystals? tnx, mike / ke4gbe ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:01:24 -0500 From: "Brian Murrey" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168193] Re: QRP set up at Hamfest? Message-ID: <00c001c3f502$54a931a0$0564030a@bjmw2k> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Alan, I have been doing hamfest QRP forums off and on for the last few years. I use the NJQRP Powerpoint Presentation in part or whole, depending on the time alotted. I make sure as many of the local QRPers know I am going to be there and I always ask for QRPers to bring a show-n-tell rig. QRP ARCI has always donated a prize or two for me to give away during the forum, AND they have always been able to supply me with a few back issues of the QQ to sprinkle among the most interested hams that attend. Usual schedule is like this: 1. Why I like QRP - keep this brief and no more than 5 mins 2. NJ QRP "Why QRP?" presentation - You can fill 30 mins with this or more if you are not careful. It's a great preso. 3. Introduce some of the local QRP gurus, every local hamfest has some. Ask them to tell a LITTLE bit about why they do QRP. 4. Show and Tell and Q&A 5. Draw names for whatever prizes you have. We have done this in forums that lasted 45 mins to 2 hours. If the show-n-tell gets big, like more than a dozen QRPers with stuff to discuss, it can go on all afternoon. Show lots of things in Altoids tins, the crowd seems to be fascinated with this. I have a dummy load, stinger singer, watt meter, Pixie, TT2, and and signal marker generator all in Altoid Tins...it gets a lot of oooohs and aaaaaaahs. Get Bill Kelsey to stop by and talk about Kanga, GQRP, and his love of all things QRP. Get local QRP club members ot help you out when possible. I haven't the chance to ask for help from AmQRP yet, bvut I bet they and ARCI would both be willing to send you some handouts, samples, back issues, or something to promote the best part of the ham radio hobby, QRP. 72 de KB9BVN ----- Original Message ----- From: To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 4:36 PM Subject: OT: QRP set up at Hamfest? > >From those that have set up a QRP booth at swapmeets /hamfests what did you > find most effective? Trying to appeal to : > ---hard core QRPers > ---dabblers in QRP > ---those that ask WHAT IS QRP? > > We are having 3 QRP technical sessions and hopefully a few non-working > displays along with a few portable antennas. Did you provide handouts? Articles? > > Alan KB7MBI in Woodinville, WA > FISTS 5702 / ARS / Proud member of ARRL > ___ ___ . . . . . . ___ ___ DIT DIT > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:15:06 -0600 From: "N1LN_TXU" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [168194] Pesky Texan Armadillo Chase - Feb 16 update Message-ID: <012501c3f504$3e081fe0$6401a8c0@txucom.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The list of all twenty 2004 Armadillos is now posted on the web site ! ! http://www.w5nc.org/ or http://www.w5nc.org/ptac/default.htm 72, Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:13:39 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: jbcraft@adelphia.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168195] Re: head copy Message-ID: <403186E3.81C07068@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Bob, Yours is the first technique I have ever seen to develop head copy skills that looks like it would work quickly. To me there are three things that must be present to learn head copy: 1. Know the various characters, numbers, and other symbols, 2, Have learned the association of code character to the written character or vice versa, 3. And develop the speed. Your technique speeds up the process of learning the code by eliminating the writing. Not that we all don't have the skill to write or print our language, but the stimulus is most often internal, not external. Except for taking notes, we usually write down what our head tells us. Your method eliminates the process of learning the association of recognizing the character and then writing it down. And it also eliminates the process of learning to print or write quickly so your speed can increase. This only leaves speed building which would be easier because of the elimination of the negatives associated with writing or printing. Now, I wonder if it would work to teach head copy to those of us that already know more conventional copy techniques. Perhaps I will take a shot at writing a head copy simulator after I get back home in a couple of months. Bruce > > I can only head copy code. The reason is that I wanted to upgrade, so I used > a PK232MBX, and every night, I got on 80 meter Novice band and after a short > time, found that I was copying the code as I was reading the code. When I > was able to continue copying the code as I go up to go get a cold Diet Coke, > I hurried to the next exam session. They gave me a piece of practice paper, > which I did not use, then after the exam, the picked up the test paper, I > missed one question, but it was all gibberish on the paper that you are > supposed to use as you write down the code. They questioned if I really knew > the code until I explained how I do code... > > I still cannot copy code to paper, but I know what is being said. > > Bob K8YS ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 19:26:41 -0800 From: "Paul Beringer" To: "Qrp-L reflector" Subject: [168196] Logbook of the World Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I've loaded all my Q's, about 11,500 since '98. Of that, 889 are confirmed which is 7.7%. For qsl comparision, I have 152 DXCC entities confirmed by cards and WAS on cards. LoTW shows 33 countries confirmed and 47 states confirmed. Ummmm....think I'll keep sending the cards for now along with uploading to LoTW. I'm guessing that the bulk of the users are contesters and not the casual operators. I'm both a contester and rag chewer (well, at least up until my antennas got yanked). LoTW won't be worth a darn if only contesters use it. The ones to benefit most are the casual ops who dabble in contests to get new states or countries or whatever. So in the long run, its to your benefit if you use LoTW, IMHO. Paul NG7Z --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.588 / Virus Database: 372 - Release Date: 2/13/2004 ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:37:48 -0600 From: George Fremin III To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168197] FOX: One of your Foxes - K5TR Message-ID: <20040217033748.GB14055@kkn.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline Hounds, Sorry for the delayed posting. I will be one of your Foxes for tomorrow nights hunt. Ron, W8RU will be the other fox. I do not know if I will be above or below 7040, I am letting Ron take his choice. I think he took the high side last time. I sure hope conditions are better than they were for my first ever running as a 40 meter Fox because that night is still giving me nightmares it was so painful. CU tomorrow night - work me early and often. -- George Fremin III - K5TR geoiii@kkn.net http://www.kkn.net/~k5tr ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:40:12 -0500 From: Tom Mc To: w6toy@erols.com, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168198] Re: head copy Message-ID: <000801c3f507$c1bbea80$b34ab818@x2f6a2.aoldsl.net> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Bruce, That would be a very interesting project. And I would venture to say that it would be very well received. I agree with you that Bob's method makes a lot of sense. As someone else pointed out, this is like a language and we don't write everything down when someone speaks. Looking forward to the simulator! Tom WB2QDG -----Original Message----- From: Bruce Muscolino To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Date: Monday, February 16, 2004 10:27 PM Subject: Re: head copy Your method eliminates the process of learning the association of recognizing the character and then writing it down. And it also eliminates the process of learning to print or write quickly so your speed can increase. Perhaps I will take a shot at writing a head copy simulator after I get back home in a couple of months. Bruce > > I can only head copy code. The reason is that I wanted to upgrade, so I used > a PK232MBX, and every night, I got on 80 meter Novice band and after a short > time, found that I was copying the code as I was reading the code. When I > was able to continue copying the code as I go up to go get a cold Diet Coke, > I hurried to the next exam session. They gave me a piece of practice paper, > which I did not use, then after the exam, the picked up the test paper, I > missed one question, but it was all gibberish on the paper that you are > supposed to use as you write down the code. They questioned if I really knew > the code until I explained how I do code... > > I still cannot copy code to paper, but I know what is being said. > > Bob K8YS ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:38:33 -0500 From: "NA4FM \(Buck\)" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168199] RE: LogBook of the World Message-ID: <000901c3f507$89242750$6401a8c0@deer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit There is no reason you can't use both. I do. I collect eQSL for their awards, and printed cards for printed cards sake. Buck > -----Original Message----- > From: rattray [mailto:rattray@accesscomm.ca] > Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 2:37 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: RE: LogBook of the World > > > I agree with you John...I'll be continuing to use good > 'old-fashion' QSL cards sent through the mail AND LoTW...I'm > really behind in my QSLing and I'm trying to catch up but in > the meantime I can easily and quickly put my Qs on LoTW and > hopefully help someone else to achieve an award...here in > Saskatchewan we receive QSL cards from our VE5 bureau about > twice each year...it's common for cards to come in from a few > years back...personally this is not a problem for me...I > believe the combination of both makes our hobby even more > fun....72 - Bruce ve5rc/ve5qrp > > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] > On Behalf Of John Harper AE5X > Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 9:29 AM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: LogBook of the World > > 3871 QSOs posted and 128 QSLs = 3%. > > I think it will build over time as well but I still prefer > good old fashioned paper QSLs. > > John Harper AE5X > Outdoor QRP & 80-Meter DXing: http://www.ae5x.com > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:39:10 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [168200] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports Message-ID: <00f801c3f507$9afca290$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Phil, >I have found that a com port created with a usb to rs232 adaptor doesn't >work with the pic-el. It does work with a standard modem program. >Since I can't pass the FPP tests with this setup I will probably have to >use a different computer for programming the pic than I do for running >MPLab. > >Does anyone know of a usb-rs232 adaptor that does work with the picel in >Win XP? I am also looking for a usb version of FPP, since real rs232 >ports probably won't be on any newer computers (espically laptops). My >W98 machine died and I was forced to buy a new one which only has usb >ports. Even setting the computer to leagacy usb doesn't help. Any >ideas you think I should try? I know what you are going through! Believe me! I anticipated this question coming up eventually, and for the for the last several weeks I have been investigating options for running the PIC-EL from a USB port. Unfortunately, I have had many frustrations also. The problem is in the USB timing. I tried 2 different USB-to-Serial converters. The first was a Sewell converter. (See http://www.sewelldev.com/USBtoSerial.asp) With this adapter I am able to "wiggle" the pins of the PIC-EL programmer through the USB-to-Serial converter but I was unable to program the PIC in the PIC-EL. I couldn't Write or Read. Also tried another software package (IC-PROG) that allows usage of DirectIO or the Windows API to drive the USB. Neither method worked. Next I tried a little converter unit from a company called Gigatechnology (see it at www.Gigatechnology.com ) This is just a little "surfboard" with a USB interface, meant to be put on another target board. It mounts into a 24-pin socket (wide spaced - like the PIC 16F877). The "surfboard" is available from MOUSER, for $25 in single quantities. The main reason I was interested in this particular board is because I knew it had an FTDI chip on it. I wanted to see how much extra logic/circuitry/baggage was necessary. I found out. This one didn't drive the PIC-EL properly either. I had the exact results as with the Sewell USB-to-Serial adapter. Finally, I developed one solution that works, although it is not ideal. In this solution I used a USB programmer (K149) from DIY Electronics of Hong Kong (www.kitsrus.com). Unfortunately, the programmer alone costs about $35 and it (supposedly!) needs a 18-volt power supply. I made a jumper that goes from the PIC socket in the K149 programmer to the header (HDR1) of the PIC-EL board. NOW THIS DOES WORK. Since the K149 has its own special PIC on board just to handle the USB interface timing and to generate the programming signals on the output, the USB timing issues are solved. Note that this means we bypass the PIC-EL programmer. However, it does run the PIC on the PIC-EL board so all attached "hardware" works. The lights blink, the switches switch, the encoder works, and the Daughtercard works. PICELgen works fine. The other difference/drawback is that the K149 cannot use FPP to program the PIC. It must be programmed via its own, special software program (supplied). This software package "connects" with the PIC on the K149. It is a nice package and works well, but it adds another layer of mystery because you can't see everything that is going on. This solution works fine with Windows 98, Windows 2000, and Windows XP. I will be publishing more details (and pictures) regarding this solution in the future if there is interest. Let me know if this hits your hot button. In the mean time, if someone comes up with another USB solution, I would sure like to hear about it! 72, Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:41:30 -0500 From: "NA4FM \(Buck\)" To: "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168201] RE: Logbook of the World Message-ID: <000a01c3f507$f222f7e0$6401a8c0@deer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The biggest advantage to LOTW is the DXCC award. I subscribe to DX-QSL list and those folk are quite happy to receive a QSL card within two to three years. LOTW, if used by DX community world wide would save lots of time for some looking for their DXCC and endorsements. Buck ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:36:08 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: dtx@wood.tzo.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168202] Re: [qrp-l] Head Copy Tips...Anyone? Message-ID: <40318C28.3A727715@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Gary, Yes it would have, at the time. Remember, Nick learned the code in a very different time period than now. When Nick and I learned the code we had to learn to write it down at carious speeds from 5 to 20 wpm. It would seem silly to loose the ability to write down what he heard. For years the DCC had a provision in the rules that you had to meet certain requirements before renewing your license. One of those requirements was show activity on one band or be ready to take a retest. The retest would be at your former rating. Besides, can you imaging someone with Nick's technical ability wanting to forger something he had learned? Bruce > > Who cares and why would it make any difference? Or was there an implied > "smiley" at the end ;-) > ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:51:55 -0500 From: "Cal Cotner" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [168203] Re: Bug prices Message-ID: <000301c3f509$634bd210$fc53fea9@Sharon> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit While not a bug, I see that a Marconi side lever spark key, item # 3076228926, just sold for $6100 on eBay. I think the seller knew what he had as it appeared that he'd done some careful restoration to the key. I'm not sure what the function of the side lever was; apparently it controlled a relay, or something. I've bought a few items on eBay and I haven't been stung. But I don't go after big ticket items. 72/73 Cal K4JSI ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 23:00:59 -0500 From: "Mark Rauchfuss" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168204] RE: Z Antenna Systems Message-ID: <002801c3f50a$a7a878e0$d95f480c@LIFEBOOK> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I met this man at Ft. Tuthill about two years ago and was completely unimpressed. I question his credentials and his claims, full-stop. I suspect that this "technology" is a lot of rubbish, and what is "patented" was already discovered and "invented" long, long ago. In case any of you don't know this, the examiners at the USPTO and not entirely fluent in their fields of expertise. 72s, Mark -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of Steve Smith Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 11:54 AM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: Re: Z Antenna Systems Actually, the ad does say: "dBi" which is gain over the theoretical isotropic radiator which I believe translates to "wet noodle" :-) . Anyway, sure looks like a mag. loop to me. 73.......Steve Smith WB6TNL Oxnard, CA USA "Snort Rosin" --I know you believe you understand what you think I said but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant.-- On Sun, 15 Feb 2004 22:29:04 -0600 "Lee Bahr" writes: > Let's see, the > 80 meter antenna has about 24 feet of wire in it and has 1.73 db > gain and a > bandwith of 100 khz with no more then a 2:1 SWR. Is the 1.73 db > gain over > a dummy load or a dipole in free space? Of course the ad does not > say. > Lee Bahr, w0vt > Houston ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 23:18:16 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: redmen1969@optonline.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168205] Re: Learn the code Message-ID: <40319608.DB4FB65A@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > > I Agree with Buck on this one...I can't write that fast...what's the secret > I wonder? When you hear the guys sending at 30 or 40 wpm what is going on > at the receiving end? Are they only jotting down key words and phrases, or > is their something else going on. I do recall having read about certain > ways to form the various characters (which I don't do) that will make the > pencil strokes more efficient, but even with that, I don't think I can wrote > that fast. > When you hear someone sending that fast, even 20 wpm, break in and ask what method they use for a hard copy. I would bet that would say a typewriter, or the equivalent, a computer. While our ARRL is not the last answer to copying code at high speeds, and neither is our FCC, we can agree that they all follow Army practice on copying CW, At speeds above 20 wpm they offer a typewriter. Of course this adds another tool that must be learned before more progress can be made; you must be able to touch type at a speed greater than you want to copy. Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:27:50 -0600 From: "Ed, AC5DC" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168206] FT-817 mobile bracket Message-ID: <403143E6.31513.2E74E0@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-description: Mail message body Greetings, Anyone know if there is a mobile mounting bracket that can be used to mount a FT-817? I was unable to locate one and thought one of the group might have some suggestions. Thanks and 73, Ed, AC5DC Greenwood, AR ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:35:13 -0600 From: "rattray" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168207] RE: PIC-EL spotted in Canada Message-ID: <000001c3f50f$7256edc0$7900a8c0@Bonnie> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I received my PIC-EL a few days ago...hopefully I'll begin construction in a few days...72 Bruce ve5rc/ve5qrp -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of Claudia & Reed Park Sent: Monday, February 16, 2004 4:30 PM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: PIC-EL spotted in Canada Pardon me if I had already posted this, but I didn't see it. PIC-EL's have been spotted in Canada. At least on the east coast where 3 of them are now being constructed. What a great kit they are. I doff my hat to those responsible. 7 3 Reed - VE1NU ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:12:20 -0800 (PST) From: Garie Halstead K8KFJ To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168208] Re: morse makes the local news Message-ID: <20040217051220.23681.qmail@web60310.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- On Mon, 16 Feb 2004, John A. Evans - N0HJ wrote: > One contrived example: big.boat@attbi.com - is that > big.bo@atattbi.com or is it big.boat@attbi.com or is it > big.boatat@tbi.com ?? > Using the actual @sign prosign would eliminate that sort of > confusion. What confusion John? If you use the proper spacing when sending there shouldn't be a problem. Take for example. big dot boat at attbi dot com Where's the confusion? 72, Gary -K8KFJ- __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 21:54:21 -0800 (PST) From: Ron Majewski To: qrp-l Subject: [168209] FOX: W8RU Fox Announcement for 17Feb (EST) Message-ID: <20040217055421.6506.qmail@web80205.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hello Everyone, My name is Ron and I will be one of the Foxes from 0200-0400 utc on Wednesday, 18 February. This is the evening of Tuesday, 17 February in the USofA. I plan to operate above 7040 and will definitely be working split, particularly at the start of the hunt. I try to listen both above and below my transmitting frequency but often other nearby QSOs force me to work only one side. I live in Michigan in the metropolitan Detroit area. I'll be using an FT-1000 running 5 watts and my antenna will be a 2 element yagi at 65ft. I will be rotating the antenna around to give all headings a listen. Let's hope for good conditions. Good hunting and 72/3, Ron (W8RU). ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 17:20:32 +0900 From: "JUNICHI NAKAJIMA" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168210] Re: TinEar Receiver Kit - reservations online! Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Hi George, Paul, Doug and all AmQRP Thank you all effort to start up the confirmation web page. I could post my payment this morning though it is in snailmail. I am interested in frequency stability of the TE-Receiver. When I was in junior school. I made a L-tuned 1-Tr AM receiver kit. It cost me 800yen (7USD). After 25 years, the TE-RX will be a second one. By the way, this is trivial issue. Iin the web http://www.amqrp.org/kits/tin_ear/ lower part of the title shows explanation of other kit. Junichi Nakajima AA3ZT/JL1KRA mail address: "put_my_callsign"@jarl.com _________________________________________________________________ Tired of spam? Get advanced junk mail protection with MSN 8. http://join.msn.com/?page=features/junkmail ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:13:21 +0000 From: "Bill Rowlett" To: na4fm-list@towncorp.net, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168211] RE: Logbook of the World Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed What is the rush? Exchanging QSL cards is a big part of this hobby, and one which I hope does not go away. You do not have to be a member of any organization to exchange cards. With LOTW you do not have to be a member of the ARRL to use it and get the conformations, but, if you want an award, it cost a fee per each confirmation, plus the standard award fee, and membership to the ARRL. I think I will forgo the confirmation fees and stick with the real cards and not an electronic confirmation. 73, Bill kc4atu >From: "NA4FM (Buck)" >Reply-To: na4fm-list@towncorp.net >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" >Subject: RE: Logbook of the World >Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:41:30 -0500 > >The biggest advantage to LOTW is the DXCC award. I subscribe to DX-QSL >list and those folk are quite happy to receive a QSL card within two to >three years. LOTW, if used by DX community world wide would save lots >of time for some looking for their DXCC and endorsements. > >Buck > > _________________________________________________________________ Stay informed on Election 2004 and the race to Super Tuesday. http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 07:16:30 -0500 From: kwike@gdls.com To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168212] Michigan QRP Net Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii We had five check-ins last week with fair conditions. S R WA8BXN 569 599 CLEVELAND OH MIKE W8IQB 589 589 BRISTOL MI LOWELL WS3K 559 589 LEWISTOWN PA DON KA8ONW 589 589 MASON MI MARK AB8FJ 579 579 LOVELAND OH FRED The Michigan QRP Net meets each Tuesday night at 9:00 PM Eastern time on 3.535 MHz. +/- QRM. All Hams are welcome. Ed AB8DF Waterford, MI ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 08:49:03 -0500 From: "James Reid" To: Subject: [168213] Re: Wanted: Index Labs QRP+ Message-ID: <000301c3f55c$cf27e340$5b6ef7a5@net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have a QRP+ in working order, $350. Jim, KD3S ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 16:42:55 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: QRP-L Subject: [168214] Happy Birthday to Dean KH6B !!! Message-ID: <925261702.20040217164255@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Happy Birthday to my friend Dean W. Manley KH6B!!! The warmest wishes to Dean from all RU-QRP Members! Be happy, our freind Dean! Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin & all RU-QRP Members 72! de RV3GM RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 08:40:58 -0500 (EST) From: Philip L Carter To: Craig Johnson Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168215] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Thanks Craig, I will give it a look. I can use my Chipwriter portable to do it, but I would have to add a LIF or ZIF socket to the PIC-EL. Not a big deal, I'm just suprised that noone had mentioned it before. Most newer laptops makers simply don't think that a real serial port is necessary. I was unaware that FPP was simply bit-banging to do the programing. On second thought, looking at the spec sheets, how else could it be done? I thought I might try a parallel to serial converter. I have a parallel port, which is how I run the Chipwriter. FPP says it will use LPT1, but does it; or, does it have to go to a PARPIC type programmer? 18V supplies are not a problem as I have many in stock. I will probably use the Chipwriter as I would like everything to be self contained (it's battery operated). I will let you know if the parallel to serial converter works as soon as I can find mine. Who ever thought that I would need it after 'real serial ports' became available... 72 Phil NRE/COLE Test Center OH-3 pcarter@gcfn.org or wd8qwr@arrl.net Philip L. Carter, WD8QWR wd8qwr@w8cqk.#cmh.oh.usa.na ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 08:39:01 -0600 From: "Jerry Ford" To: "qrp-l" , "FPigs" Subject: [168216] Preliminary Report for the " RFTB " sprint Message-ID: <003001c3f563$c95ba620$7238d90c@mchsi.com> Good Morning everyone. I wanted to get the preliminary log and soapbox out to you from Feb's " RUN FOR THE BACON " sprint. It looks like Todd is going to be the big winner in this months run. With a great score of 3104, he's way out there on the rest of the field. Great job Todd An equally good effort comes from our piggie partner Jim on in the Rockies. Two great ops with outstanding results. Both were awsome signals here in MO. Overall, it looks like everyone got in and did as much as they wanted too. All are expressing having a good time and that is, after all, the reason we're here. If anyone has additional logs to get in, please drop me a note that you have done so and I'll get the final results out to everyone when I get back on Sunday. 72 and OO to you all and thanks a bunch for yet another good run. PARTICIPANTS N9NE, Todd Fonstad, 5W, fpqso=30 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=7 spc=32 total=3104 My first `Run`. Tried to get a pig number Saturday but no luck. Mebbe it will be #800, Diz!! Worked 21 states, including KH6B in HI. Good to hear familiar calls from other QRP activities. Lots of junk on 40 meters. QSO breakdown: 6Qs on 20 meters, 19Qs on 40, and 12Qs on 80. Hope to be worth 5 points next time. THANKS ALL!! N0OR, Jim Broden, 5W, fpqso=25 fpdxqso=1 nonfpqso=0 spc=22 total=1760 Great fun working everyone. Dean, tnx for Hawaii great signal. 7 new states for WAP. 40 was noisy. Ten Tec Jupiter, GAP Titan, Mosely CL33 N0JRN, Jerry, 5W, fpqso=20 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=8 spc=16 total=1088 Well, this was my best attempt yet. I actually made some Q`s on 15 and 20 before dropping to 40. The band wasn`t strong here but it was opened. (thats a switch) I Dropped to 80 for the last 30 minutes. Heard Aron ( NN1F ) and worked LL on 80. Wish I would have heard Dean but guess that will wait. Thanks to everyone for jumping in there. Hope you all had fun. 72 es oo Jerry KW4JS, John Stooksbury, 5, fpqso=15 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=5 spc=14 total=700 Rig: Elecraft K2 Ant: 80 meter loop Thanks to everyone who made this so much fun! K3ESE, Lloyd, 5 whats, fpqso=14 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=4 spc=15 total=690 multiPIG+ and the loop and the EDZ. 20M was never there, 40M was disappointing, 80M was almost good! Six Qs on 40, 12 on 80. I think there were just few ops out on 80, but everyone was strong. Fun. K5JHP, Bill, 5, fpqso=13 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=3 spc=16 total=672 Band was noisy and long....most stations worked on 40 with 2 on 20 and 1 on 80 ( NEW PIGGIE: WELCOME COLIN ) N0YGY, Colin Whitmore, 5W, fpqso=15 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=3 spc=13 total=624 Rig: K2 Ant: Carolina Windom 80 at 25-ft as an Inv-V. Great fun! 20 was good early. 80 wasn`t bad. 40 sucked! See you next time! Cheers, Colin WB8ICN, Mikey, 5, fpqso=14 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=2 spc=14 total=616 Never would have thought 80 cw would haul in all the stations it did tonight...Who was on 80 that had a call sounding like N0OR???...thanks to all who worked me! Ready to do it again...LOL OO`s to all 72`s...Mikey K7TQ, Randy Foltz, 5w, fpqso=12 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=5 spc=13 total=533 Thanks to all who worked me. W2AGN, John, 5W, fpqso=11 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=4 spc=13 total=481 Pretty crappy conditions. 80M ended up being the band of choice. W2LJ, Larry, 5W, fpqso=13 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=1 spc=11 total=440 40 Meters shut down kind of early for me; so I went up to 80 Meters and worked a lot of piggies there - but it seemed noisey! I went up to 160 M and CQ`ed for a bit but no joy. Had a good time, none the less! ( ANOTHER NEW PIGGIE: WELCOME ABOARD GEORGE ) N3GJ, George Gross, 5w, fpqso=10 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=2 spc=11 total=352 Missed the first hour.. got home at 0200z and found 2 Q`s on 40. Moved to 80 at 02:15z and had better luck with 10 Q`s in the last 40 mins. Hope to run the whole 2 hrs next time. Lots of fun. K1EV, Bill, 5W, fpqso=10 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=2 spc=10 total=320 The bands were no better from this side of the country - lots of noise and not many signals; still a fun event. 73 from CT, oo Bill k1ev W7ILW, Howard, 5w, fpqso=8 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=4 spc=10 total=280 Not the best of nights with all the SSB from SOTB! Did get some new states . Rig was MP+ #7 with 160 mtr. dipole @ 65 ft. Looking forward to the next RFTB N7MFB, Bill Todd, 5, fpqso=6 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=6 spc=11 total=264 Face it guys - ANY QRP contest with crummy conditions beats sitting on the couch and watching the tube (lol). I made 2 contacts on 15 meters then that band went dead at 01:15 so I moved to 20 and made 7 more contacts but then 20 went dead at 02:10. 40 was pretty noisy but I made 3 contact there including one new state for my WAS. I heard Dean in HI on 20 early on, but didn`t get a chance to work him. I heard Jerry in MO, Lloyd in MD and N0YGY, but couldn`t be heard by any of those fine fellows. All in all a very fun time folks! W6UR, Lou Roux, 5 W, fpqso=12 fpdxqso=1 nonfpqso=4 spc=5 total=225 Horrible condx !!! WB6BWZ, Matt, 5 watts, fpqso=4 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=1 spc=5 total=65 Operated 0.9 hr. 20m = 1, 40m = 2, 80m = 2. SPC: CO, TX, ID, TN, NJ. S&P. 80 & 40 meters got extremely noisy after 0200z even though it remained S8-S9 at my QTH. Went into monitoring mode thereafter until 0400z. Eqmt: FT-897 at 5 watts into a 5-MHz 28-ga insulated wire stealth antenna up 40 feet in trees in downtown Atlanta, GA. SGC SG-237 autotuner. WriteLog 10.44b (Spartan Sprint module). --Matt, FP-378 NO6E, Andrew Ellis, 5W, fpqso=3 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=4 spc=5 total=65 First FP contest, and score shows it! Still had fun, though! KQ9L, Rich, 5w, fpqso=5 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=3 total=45 Ok lets have some fun oinkers! Stinko conditions again in the RF Black Hole. ( I MISSED YA AGAIN DEAN DANG IT ) ( I'LL BE LISTENING CLOSE NEXT RUN ) KH6B, Dean, 5W, fpqso=3 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=1 spc=4 total=40 This is my first FP event. Fun! 72, oo, Aloha, Dean KH6B, FP127. AE7RW, Rich, 5W, fpqso=4 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=1 spc=3 total=39 Started sprint late on 40 M. Crummy condx here in WA state. It was work to pull stations out of the noise...even though I appeared to be heard OK. After this sprint was over... 40 M quieted down and could receive more stations. Oh Well, there`s next time. 72s es OOs de AE7RW Rich FP577 dit dit WB2QDG, Tom McCulloch, 5 Watts, fpqso=2 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=2 spc=3 total=24 Lot`s of fun, not much bacon! Not much doing on 20 meters W8DIZ, diz, 5, fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 Bummer!!! Just got home from an evening out with the wife and some friends and missed the RUN. Guess my score is -0. KB9BVN, Brian, 0 watts, fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 I was unable to play tonight, but I was there in spirit! KG6RII, Timothy Germann, 3, fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 What is Happening?? KB9BVN, Brian, 0 watts, fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 I was unable to play tonight, but I was there in spirit! AB4PP, , , fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 Plan to get on this weekend and start the auto log too. NN1F, Aron, 4W, fpqso=0 fpdxqso=0 nonfpqso=0 spc=0 total=0 Am planning on this weekend for some quality CW time and to get as many piggies as I can. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:04:30 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168217] RE: Logbook of the World Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A9025129F7@kosh.arrlhq.org> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable > I think I will forgo the confirmation fees and stick with the real = cards and=20 > not an electronic confirmation. I, too, enjoy real QSL cards, but for confirmation from DX stations, = those can be a lot expensive than any electronic-QSL fees. I also would imagine that some stations will choose to QSL only = electronically. There is nothing wrong with a ham deciding that he or she will only collect = paper QSLs, but there is also nothing wrong with a major DXpedition deciding to upload = the logs and br done with QSLing. Those paper QSLs are nice to collect, but a DX = station that=20 makes thousands of contacts a year will have a lot of work to do to send = them. I would imagine that if N Korea becomes active and QSLs only = electronically, most hams would still choose to work the station. :-) 73, Ed Hare, W1RFI > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU=20 > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > Bill Rowlett > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 6:13 AM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: RE: Logbook of the World >=20 >=20 > What is the rush? Exchanging QSL cards is a big part of this=20 > hobby, and one=20 > which I hope does not go away. You do not have to be a member of any=20 > organization to exchange cards. With LOTW you do not have to=20 > be a member of=20 > the ARRL to use it and get the conformations, but, if you=20 > want an award, it=20 > cost a fee per each confirmation, plus the standard award fee, and=20 > membership to the ARRL. >=20 > I think I will forgo the confirmation fees and stick with the=20 > real cards and=20 > not an electronic confirmation. >=20 > 73, Bill kc4atu >=20 >=20 > >From: "NA4FM (Buck)" > >Reply-To: na4fm-list@towncorp.net > >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > >Subject: RE: Logbook of the World > >Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:41:30 -0500 > > > >The biggest advantage to LOTW is the DXCC award. I=20 > subscribe to DX-QSL > >list and those folk are quite happy to receive a QSL card=20 > within two to > >three years. LOTW, if used by DX community world wide would=20 > save lots > >of time for some looking for their DXCC and endorsements. > > > >Buck > > > > >=20 > _________________________________________________________________ > Stay informed on Election 2004 and the race to Super Tuesday.=20 > http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx >=20 >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 09:25:32 -0600 From: Richard Lim To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168218] Elmer 160 Message-ID: <86C1BE01-615D-11D8-8C02-000A95B92C0E@yahoo.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v612) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Are any of the Elmer 160 students out there using a Mac to run the Pic-el and MPLAB? I'm wondering if Virtual PC will work with these apps? Thanks. Rich ____________________________ 72/73 DE KQ9L K1 #1669, K2 #3232 KX1 #21, FIST 10193, FP 548, QRP ARCI 11129 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:40:00 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: kr1st@amsat.org Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168219] Re: LogBook of the World Message-ID: <403235D0.BE2136CE@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Alex, > > Funny thing though, you have to pay 25 cents per confirmation and no > membership is required. However, if you'd like to apply for a DXCC award > and use those paid-for-credits, you also have to pay for membership on > top of the application fee. Except when you're a foreign applicant, then > membership is not required for DXCC. > The reason you are paying is to retain your data. There is a major misconception that time and space on large general purpose computers should be as cheap as our small desktop machines. It isn't, it's much more expensive. Perhaps if everybody was a league member the League might generate enough income to reduce those charges to zero, but not everyone is a member. In fact, you say you are not a member. Wayne Green used to say that he retained his membership just so he could gripe and expect to be heard! Now, about the matter of free DXCC for foreign amateurs. The whole purpose of LoTW is to get awards. The process speeds up the award process immeasurably, as long as a sufficient number of hams are registered AND send in their logs periodically. US hams represent only a few percent of the total of hams that must enter their data for a DXCC award, It also speeds up the confirmation process by eliminating the need for paper QSL cards and also eliminates the theft or loss of very valuable cards. But LoTW is a program primarily for foreign amateurs. If enough foreign hams register seeking awards, the US amateurs will also benefit. too. It seems a bad marketing decision to say send us money to keep all your QSO records, send us money for the award, and send us money for membership. ARRL membership benefits the US ham far more than the foreign ham. It is our licensing conditions they work fur first, Favorable decisions generally don't affect them. Of course you should be a member! Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:42:12 -0500 (EST) From: Philip L Carter To: Richard Lim Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168220] Re: Elmer 160 Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Hi Rich, I had the mac out yesterday but didn't try the FPP program because all I have is usb ports. I haven't had much luck running the pic-el thru the usb port-serial port converter on the winblows laptop, so I didn't try it on the mac. I have not tried the MPLab program, but it should work since it doesn't talk to the ports. Phil On Tue, 17 Feb 2004, Richard Lim wrote: > Are any of the Elmer 160 students out there using a Mac to run the > Pic-el and MPLAB? I'm wondering if Virtual PC will work with these > apps? Thanks. > > Rich > ____________________________ > 72/73 DE KQ9L K1 #1669, K2 #3232 > KX1 #21, FIST 10193, FP 548, > QRP ARCI 11129 NRE/COLE Test Center OH-3 pcarter@gcfn.org or wd8qwr@arrl.net Philip L. Carter, WD8QWR wd8qwr@w8cqk.#cmh.oh.usa.na ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:47:39 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: , Subject: [168221] Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports Message-ID: <004301c3f56d$5fd2d980$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Phil ----- Original Message ----- From: "Philip L Carter" Subject: Re: [Elmer 160] FPP and virtual comm ports > I thought I might try a parallel to serial converter. I have a parallel > port, which is how I run the Chipwriter. FPP says it will use LPT1, but > does it; or, does it have to go to a PARPIC type programmer? I would be really surprised if that worked. The serial transmit data line is used to hold the !MCLR pin high. The actual data goes across DTR. It would be very surprising if a parallel comverter could figure this out. Here's what happens .... The PC raises TD which causes !MCLR to be forced low, resetting the PIC. When you click OK, TD is lowered which brings !MCLR up to Vpp causing the PIC to enter programming mode. The data is sent out over DTR and clocked in over RTS. If the PIC is sent a command to return it's contents, the data is read on CTS. In all cases, there is a single transistor driver, so the lines are inverted. *HOWEVER* - with the help of a MAX232, it would seem to be fairly easy to make up a converter that would work. All that would be needed would be to route the lines that, say, PARPIC uses to the lines that SERPIC uses and adjust the levels. It's just that in order to work with anything "normal", a parallel to serial converter is going to take parallel data bits 0-7 and run them into a UART to go out over TD. This is clearly not going to work. I know Craig fiddled with some simple cables from the parallel port to the PIC-EL, but he never got the lines right. If I recall, he was trying to use an off the shelf cable which cannot work. But many (maybe all) of the PIC-EL inputs can get by with 0-5, so there is a real possibility of making up just a cable. So, my first guess would be ... PC->PIC-EL 2->4 3->7 4->3 10->8 18-25->5 Craig has tried a number of USB converters, and most of them didn't work. I think he ran across one that did. Maybe he can comment. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:06:23 -0500 From: "Radio Red" To: Subject: [168222] OT: Homebrewer in Chile Message-ID: <001401c3f56f$fddb2b80$e84cfea9@Smorley> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Hi, Those of you who received the Jan/Feb, 2003 issue of QEX already know of Manfred Mornhinweg, XQ5FOD, from his construction article, "An = Automatically Tuned 7-30 MHz Mobile Antenna". While reading it, I visited his = website, and discovered that he not only builds "toys" for the astronomers at European Southern Observatory in Chile, but that he has been building = his own QRP rigs since he was 15. Apparently, he is very active in VHF/UHF, especially satellite work. http://www.qsl.net/xq2fod/ He has some interesting projects on this page, as well as primers on transformer construction and thermal design: http://www.qsl.net/xq2fod/Electron/Electron.html Here is his radio page. It will take a while for his impressive photos = to load: http://www.qsl.net/xq2fod/Radiacti/Radiacti.html I hope that my "OT" in the subject line was enough warning to those who don't care to waste time reading posts that aren't 100% QRP related. 73, Steve Morley N1NPZ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:08:30 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: Subject: [168223] CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <003001c3f570$4997e720$090f3a41@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Different types of "head copy" are possible. Would like to hear from any other EX ASA High Speed CW ops (O5H). Reading the thread here about the head copy techniques made me curious if others experienced the same things I went through in terms of learning and re-learning to copy code. Learned CW the poor way back in the 60's by translating the numbers of dits and dahs into a letter and then writing that down on paper. That worked great for me as a Novice and general at speeds up to about 15 wpm but then I hit a wall until I started using the head copy method as was discussed here. That allowed me to increase my speed to about 20- 25wpm but was only making a few notes during a qso such as call, name, qth, etc. Then along came my military service. Was in the U.S. Army Security Agency and was sent off to learn morse code (Army Style). We were taught to respond to sounds that caused a reaction in our fingers on a keyboard (it was called a Mill). In the first week or two of code training I was still using "head copy" and would visualize the letter in my head then try to find the key for that letter on the mill. I was great at it up to about 18 wpm but hit a wall again. Then I started using the method they were trying to teach me and it worked great. I then was copying code by moving my fingers on the keyboard in response to sounds that were no longer dits and dahs or even words. AS time passed I was able to copy almost without error up to about 30- 35 wpm before leaving code school. After working out in the field for a couple of years copying code 6 to 10 hours a day most of us were able to ever carry on a brief conversation with our fellow ops without missing a dit. Using the manual typewriter or mill we had to physically throw the carriage at the end of each line of copy as well as denote date and times. Most of what we copied was encrypted and would make no sense reading what we copied except Q and Z signals. After returning to active amateur radio operations, I thought I was a pretty good cw op but was wrong. I had learned to copy code without ever thinking about the letters or words that I was copying. It was just music to my ears. I tried it on the typewriter and that worked great except at the end of a transmission I was now expected to respond to what I had copied. There were always long pauses between my transmissions during a qso so I could go back and read what I had typed. This was not a good solution so I re-learned the code for the third time. Back to head copy and this time tried to just learn to hear words. Took awhile but it depends on the quality of the sending op and the rhythm they use. I am sticking with this and not changing again. Just curious if others out there in our QRP-L group have had similar experiences with the learning and re-learning the code? 72 Bob ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:19:51 -0500 From: "Ron Pfeiffer" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168224] Looking for QRP Companion for QRP+ Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Looking for a QRP Companion to refurbish. Anyone have one they do not use or they just don't like? Ron _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 16:40:51 +0000 From: "Bill Rowlett" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168225] RE: Logbook of the World Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Yes, Ed, I do agree with what you say. I am a letter manager for the incoming buro, so I have an attachment to the paper cards. Also, I only QSL by stateside manager or by buro. If a station has neither of those, then they just miss the opertunity to have my card in their collection. The specical operations or the real rare countries would make me register for those credits. 73, Bill kc4atu >From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" >Reply-To: w1rfi@arrl.org >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" >Subject: RE: Logbook of the World >Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 10:04:30 -0500 > > > I think I will forgo the confirmation fees and stick with the real >cards and > > not an electronic confirmation. > >I, too, enjoy real QSL cards, but for confirmation from DX stations, those >can be a lot >expensive than any electronic-QSL fees. > >I also would imagine that some stations will choose to QSL only >electronically. There >is nothing wrong with a ham deciding that he or she will only collect paper >QSLs, but >there is also nothing wrong with a major DXpedition deciding to upload the >logs >and br done with QSLing. Those paper QSLs are nice to collect, but a DX >station that >makes thousands of contacts a year will have a lot of work to do to send >them. > >I would imagine that if N Korea becomes active and QSLs only >electronically, most hams >would still choose to work the station. :-) > >73, Ed Hare, W1RFI > > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU > > [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of > > Bill Rowlett > > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 6:13 AM > > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > > Subject: RE: Logbook of the World > > > > > > What is the rush? Exchanging QSL cards is a big part of this > > hobby, and one > > which I hope does not go away. You do not have to be a member of any > > organization to exchange cards. With LOTW you do not have to > > be a member of > > the ARRL to use it and get the conformations, but, if you > > want an award, it > > cost a fee per each confirmation, plus the standard award fee, and > > membership to the ARRL. > > > > I think I will forgo the confirmation fees and stick with the > > real cards and > > not an electronic confirmation. > > > > 73, Bill kc4atu > > > > > > >From: "NA4FM (Buck)" > > >Reply-To: na4fm-list@towncorp.net > > >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > > >Subject: RE: Logbook of the World > > >Date: Mon, 16 Feb 2004 22:41:30 -0500 > > > > > >The biggest advantage to LOTW is the DXCC award. I > > subscribe to DX-QSL > > >list and those folk are quite happy to receive a QSL card > > within two to > > >three years. LOTW, if used by DX community world wide would > > save lots > > >of time for some looking for their DXCC and endorsements. > > > > > >Buck > > > > > > > > > > _________________________________________________________________ > > Stay informed on Election 2004 and the race to Super Tuesday. > > http://special.msn.com/msn/election2004.armx > > > > _________________________________________________________________ Dream of owning a home? Find out how in the First-time Home Buying Guide. http://special.msn.com/home/firsthome.armx ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 08:55:56 -0800 (PST) From: Tom Sevart To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168226] Re: [fpqrp] morse makes the local news Message-ID: <20040217165556.22216.qmail@web9610.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii One mistake though... SOS does not stand for "Save Our Ship." It does not stand for anything. ===== Tom Sevart N2UHC Frontenac, KS http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 09:05:20 -0800 (PST) From: Tom Sevart To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168227] Re: morse makes the local news Message-ID: <20040217170520.72757.qmail@web9606.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- "John A. Evans - N0HJ" wrote: > Hi, > > I don't mean to beat this into the ground, but the > problem I see with > still using AT for the @sign is that you can't truly > tell if it is part of > the username or the actual @ sign. In most cases, it > may not be a problem, > but their may be some cases where there is enough > ambiguity to cause an > issue. That's why it's a good idea to use well-defined spaces between "AT" and the first & last parts of the email address. For example, my 10 meter beacon message includes my email address sent as N2UHC AT YAHOO.COM. I'll probably leave it that way unless the AC symbol becomes popular enough that people will know what it is. ===== Tom Sevart N2UHC Frontenac, KS http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 11:21:12 -0600 From: "Freeberg, Scott (STP)" To: Subject: [168228] For Sale: Ten Tec Century 21 Analog CW Transceiver & Century 21 Digital CW Transceiver Message-ID: <42ECC21B33DFF245BAFAF57274BA5CE5016EC0F8@stpmse04.stp.guidant.com> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable For sale: Ten Tec Century 21 Model 570 cw transceiver with analog = display. 10-80 meters with internal 120 vac power supply. Good = condition, clean, no manual, no modifications that I know of. Last = used 4 years ago. It will be sold as-is but I will check it out prior = to shipping to make sure it receives and puts out power. I think Ten Tec = did an outstanding job with the Model 570 and turned out a well featured = and good performing transceiver for a reasonable price! While I ran = this at the qrp full gallon (5 watts output), I think it went up to 35 = watts output for non qrp contacts. I had a ball with this transceiver = and its alot of fun to use. $140 plus shipping and insurance. Ten Tec Century 21 cw transceiver with DIGITAL display. 10-80 meters = with internal 120 vac power supply. Very good condition, very clean, = and includes manual. No modifications that I know of. Last used 4 = years ago. It will be sold as-is but I will check it out prior to = shipping to make sure it receives and puts out power. I also had alot = of fun using this transceiver on the air. Not too many of the digital = version out there. $200 plus shipping and insurance. Email if interested and can email some photo's and answer questions. I = prefer Paypal, postal money order, or certified check. Insurance a = must. Shipping cost is the actual shipping cost, no handling BS. If I = can't find an adequate shipping box, then I'll have to buy one and I'd = like to pass along the cost. Thanks. 73, Scott WA9WFA http://www.qsl.net/wa9wfa ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 12:53:06 -0500 (EST) From: To: Subject: [168229] Re: morse makes the local news Message-ID: <2303.192.168.1.117.1077040386.squirrel@gateway> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit > > --- "John A. Evans - N0HJ" > wrote: >> Hi, >> >> I don't mean to beat this into the ground, but the >> problem I see with >> still using AT for the @sign is that you can't truly >> tell if it is part of >> the username or the actual @ sign. In most cases, it >> may not be a problem, >> but their may be some cases where there is enough >> ambiguity to cause an >> issue. > > That's why it's a good idea to use well-defined spaces > between "AT" and the first & last parts of the email > address. For example, my 10 meter beacon message > includes my email address sent as N2UHC AT YAHOO.COM. > > I'll probably leave it that way unless the AC symbol > becomes popular enough that people will know what it > is. > Hey Tom, John, and the gang; I seriously doubt it will become popular as it takes longer to send and even longer to then explain. But then, upon reflection, what the heck do I know ? Vy 72; Bob w9ya > > =====; > Tom Sevart N2UHC > Frontenac, KS > http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. > http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:29:20 -0500 From: Michael Neverdosky To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168230] Re: [fpqrp] morse makes the local news Message-ID: <40325D80.C81DD4D7@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It is actually a symbol that stands for; "This is an emergency message and I am in distress." Save Our Ship is a handy pneumonic to use to remember it. Just like 'mayday' on voice, as soon as it is sent you have DECLARED an EMERGENCY. There is no question or argument. This can be helpful because sometimes this is all that gets out. This also wakes up watchstanders to Take Action! If you send, "CQ" or, "Say, could I get a little help here?" People don't know that you have a problem, let alone that it is an EMERGENCY. Last summer I called in a distress call from a boat near Mullet Key (outside Tampa Bay). All I knew was that a boat was flashing their navigation lights in the SOS pattern. It must have stood for 'something'. :-) I will agree that SOS is not an acronym. michael N6CHV Tom Sevart wrote: > > One mistake though... SOS does not stand for "Save Our > Ship." It does not stand for anything. > > ===== > Tom Sevart N2UHC > Frontenac, KS > http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:42:25 -0400 From: Claudia & Reed Park To: johngabbard@usintouch.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168231] Re: Interesting site Message-ID: <40326091.CD5C4592@nbnet.nb.ca> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit john gabbard wrote: > Hi all, while searching with Google,I typed in mercury wetted relay, I want > to replace the relay in my HW8....I got "Herbach and Redeman", Better make that "Herbach & Rademan" if you want to find the site. 7 3 Reed - VE1NU ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:11:15 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: Subject: [168232] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <000401c3f589$d1670460$d4c53841@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Tom, I went through Ft. Deven, Ma from March through August 1970, then went to Bad Aibling, Germany. Didn't know that cw ops still had a job in 89 and 90. You weren't still using the old manual mill were you? Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tom Sevart" To: Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 12:45 PM Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > Hi Bob, > > I was an Air Force 207X1 similar to an 05H and learned > Morse code at Ft. Devens back in 1989-1990. I, too, > learned how to copy just by listening to the > characters and hitting a keyboard key. In fact, > that's how I really learned how to touch type. Did > that for four years and after I got out got on HF as a > ham. It wasn't really hard going from typing the code > to actually listening & understanding what was being > sent, though I did have to write everything down at > first. Later, after I started using a keyer & paddles > instead of straight key, decided I didn't need the > extra step of writing everything down or copying it on > a computer and taught myself to listen to the code & > copy it in my head. I really don't know how I did it, > but it probably had something to do with me not being > able to write faster than 20 WPM so wasn't actually > writing everything down in the first place. > > I've never been able to carry on a conversation while > copying since I have to concentrate on the code, but > back when I was an airman I would often let my mind > wander as I was copying seemingly endless 5-letter > code groups. > > > > > ===== > Tom Sevart N2UHC > Frontenac, KS > http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. > http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:29:12 -0600 From: "Todd Fonstad" To: Subject: [168233] DC Adapter Query Results Message-ID: <000501c3f58c$546d9480$4b7fcfa9@toddfons> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Good afternoon! This is a great reflector. I received eight responses to my query (see below), all within 1 1/2 hours of its posting. My thanks to NN4S, Glen Leinweber, WA8BXN, WB6TNL, W5USJ, WE7X, N4XY, and N6CHV. Most said that I (or the manual) was confusing current draw with available current and to go ahead and use the converter with high-AH batteries. One suggested that I fuse the power line to the adapter from the battery at 5A or so, and another had reservations about a device like this that does not have an output fuse. I decided, therefore, to go ahead last night and run my laptop off the DC converter which I connected to my 17AH SLA battery. The computer's internal charger was fully charged, so little if any current was diverted to that use. I ran one of the NA contest programs, with "CQ Test" keying my K2 in test mode every 5 seconds. The computer was still working perfectly after 7 hours of continuous operation, and I decided to "pull the plug", as the battery output had dropped to 11VDC and it was my bedtime (!). I estimate that the device and the computer were drawing approximately 2.5A. Rod, WE7X, asked the following: "I'm quite curious as to how much RF noise it might generate. Would you be willing to inform us as to just what your observations might be. I've been curious about that product myself, for a similar purpose". First off, I hear virtually no noise or birdies (from the device) on any of the HF CW bands with an antenna connected to the K2, so I have no reservations about using the converter in "real operation". However, with a 6' length of RG-58U from the antenna output of the K2 to a 300W dummy load, I was able to discern a rise in the "noise floor" from almost full quiet to a low-level "white noise" across the bands when I plugged the converter in. The K2's preamplifier was on, and the converter was positioned a foot or so away from the K2. When an actual antenna was selected, atmospheric and urban QRN completely masked this background noise. Birdies are present. With the K2 to the dummy load, they are 3 to 5 KHz wide. Two birdies were observed in the lowest 100 KHz of the 160, 40 and 15 meter bands; one birdy in the 30 and 20 meter bands; and none in the 10 meter band. With an antenna connected to the K2, they are not very noticeable, and I had no trouble copying even weak signals underneath them. I hope this addresses your question, Rod. As I will be using the converter in my mobile, it certainly will not be the prime source of noise! As is often said, YMMV.... Thanks again, folks! 72 Todd N9NE ____________________________________________________________________________ ________ Original posting: I just purchased a Radio Shack "60W Universal Notebook DC Adapter" to power my old Compaq Presario 1020 laptop directly from a battery for logging Qs while mobile as well as in the field. This way I avoid losses that would be incurred by using an inverter followed by the Compaq's power supply .... a real advantage when running a rig and computer off a 12V automotive or deep-cycle battery. The laptop requires 18.6VDC at 2.8A, well within the output rating of the Radio Shack device which can be selected from 12 to 27VDC at a maximum of 3.75A. However, the adapter's INPUT specifications have me puzzled. Input voltage may vary between 11-16 VDC (OK so far), but "Maximum INPUT Power" is rated at 8A (not OK). I want to run this device off my 17 AH SLA battery as well as my 105 AH deep-cycle marine battery. What I don't understand is why there is a stated maximum INPUT of 8A which would preclude using these batteries. What components in the DC Adapter could possibly be endangered if "exposed" to currents greater than 8A? If my laptop were "consuming" a greater current than this, I'd obviously be exceeding the capabilities of the DC adapter. But what does "amperage" that is simply "available" have to do with anything? BTW, the device is protected by a 250Volt, 12A fuse which is contained in the nose of its cigarette lighter plug and seems to also have some sort of automatic shutdown circuit, as is implied in the manual (but otherwise not referred to or described). I know this is somewhat off-topic, but as my ignorance is not bliss, I hope to tap into the brainpool that is the heart of this reflector! 72 Todd N9NE ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:40:59 -0600 From: "Freeberg, Scott (STP)" To: Subject: [168234] RE: For Sale: Ten Tec Century 21 Analog CW Transceiver & Century 21 Digital CW Transceiver - Additional Reply Info Message-ID: <42ECC21B33DFF245BAFAF57274BA5CE5016EC0FF@stpmse04.stp.guidant.com> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable I posted an earlier FS post for my Ten Tec Century 21 Analog and Century = 21 Digital, and I forgot to mention that I get QRP-L in digest form and = so if you are interested in buying either one, please contact me = directly, otherwise I might not see your list reply until tomorrow. = Thank you. 73, Scott WA9WFA ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:43:08 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: , "David Simmons" Subject: [168235] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <001801c3f58e$45b002f0$d4c53841@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dave, It is one thing to copy fast code and another to pay attention to it. I can remember passing a number of hours copying encrypted 5 character groups while really enjoying some day dreams (and we won't go there). Good luck with your practice. 73 Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Simmons" To: Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 2:28 PM Subject: RE: CW Learning Curves? > Hi Bob - > > That's an interesting note. I'm pushing my code speed up these days, and > one technique I'm using is "NuMorse Pro", a CW training program. > > I find that I can get into a "typing" mode when copying code groups at about > 30 wpm where I'm typing but not really comprehending what's going on. My > ear is getting better, but I then get into QSOs and have a hard time going > above 20 wpm. I also find that I can copy a callsign or exchange in a > contest, but I'm not really sure if what I typed in was what was sent or > not. > > I've also made some tapes that I listen to in the car, and that seems to > work on the head copy mode. > > Your story makes a lot of sense and I can see that I'll have to make sure > I'm learing to really understand what I'm hearing rather than just getting > to be a fast typist. > > 73, > > - Dave > KQ6RL > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] > > On Behalf Of AD4MZ Bob C > > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 8:08 AM > > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > > Subject: CW Learning Curves? > > > > Different types of "head copy" are possible. Would like to > > hear from any other EX ASA High Speed CW ops (O5H). Reading > > the thread here about the head copy techniques made me > > curious if others experienced the same things I went through > > in terms of learning and re-learning to copy code. > > > > Learned CW the poor way back in the 60's by translating the > > numbers of dits and dahs into a letter and then writing that > > down on paper. That worked great for me as a Novice and > > general at speeds up to about 15 wpm but then I hit a wall > > until I started using the head copy method as was discussed here. > > That allowed me to increase my speed to about 20- 25wpm but > > was only making a few notes during a qso such as call, name, > > qth, etc. Then along came my military service. > > > > Was in the U.S. Army Security Agency and was sent off to > > learn morse code (Army Style). We were taught to respond to > > sounds that caused a reaction in our fingers on a keyboard > > (it was called a Mill). In the first week or two of code > > training I was still using "head copy" and would visualize > > the letter in my head then try to find the key for that > > letter on the mill. I > > was great at it up to about 18 wpm but hit a wall again. > > Then I started > > using the method they were trying to teach me and it worked > > great. I then was copying code by moving my fingers on the > > keyboard in response to sounds that were no longer dits and > > dahs or even words. AS time passed I was able to copy almost > > without error up to about 30- 35 wpm before leaving code > > school. After working out in the field for a couple of years > > copying code 6 to 10 hours a day most of us were able to ever > > carry on a brief conversation with our fellow ops without > > missing a dit. Using the manual typewriter or mill we had to > > physically throw the carriage at the end of each line of copy > > as well as denote date and times. Most of what we copied was > > encrypted and would make no sense reading what we copied > > except Q and Z signals. > > > > After returning to active amateur radio operations, I thought > > I was a pretty > > good cw op but was wrong. I had learned to copy code > > without ever thinking > > about the letters or words that I was copying. It was just > > music to my ears. I tried it on the typewriter and that > > worked great except at the end of a transmission I was now > > expected to respond to what I had copied. There were always > > long pauses between my transmissions during a qso so I could > > go back and read what I had typed. This was not a good > > solution so I re-learned the code for the third time. Back > > to head copy and this time tried to just learn to hear words. > > Took awhile but it depends on the > > quality of the sending op and the rhythm they use. I am > > sticking with this > > and not changing again. > > > > Just curious if others out there in our QRP-L group have had > > similar experiences with the learning and re-learning the code? > > > > 72 > > > > Bob > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 15:21:06 -0500 From: Alex To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168236] Re: LogBook of the World Message-ID: <403277B2.D3619C58@amsat.org> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Bruce Muscolino wrote: > The reason you are paying is to retain your data. Is that knowledge, or a guess? I believe someone said that about 35 million lines of logs were already received. Say that represents only 17.5 million contacts. According to the posts on here about 4.8% of the QSOs are being confirmed. So let's pick a conservative number of only 3% of the contacts are being confirmed. That's some 525.000 contacts. Let's say that they all qualify for the highest discounts, 15 cents per contact. That's a $78.750 potential on the total number of 35000K contacts. (It would be $131.250 if 25 cents would be paid for each credit....I'd say $100K, is prolly closer to the truth.) This is just a rough estimate of the revenues, not an estimate of what the ARRL actually has received! No one is going to purchase all credits of course. Only those credits needed for an award will probably be purchased. As Bruce said, most folks signing up for lotw are interested in awards. Say that of the 8000 or so that are currently subscribed are interested in DXCC, 4000 will purchase 100 credits at 20 cents per credit. (of course you can come up with many different combinations, including paper cards). That's $80K in potential gross income. Then there's WAS....perhaps other non-ARRL awards will be solicited to make use of lotw....who knows.. Of course it's very easy to punch holes in my math and assumptions, but the potential of generating some interesting revenue is definitely there. Nothing to sneeze at, I'd say. My guess is, Bruce, you're paying for your credits because your contacts generate revenue, definitely not just to retain your data. > Wayne Green used to say that he retained his membership just so he could > gripe and expect to be heard! Was he heard? > Now, about the matter of free DXCC for foreign amateurs. The whole > purpose of LoTW is to get awards. The DXCC-award eligibility requirement for US hams has absolutely noting to do with lotw. The membership requirement existed before lotw saw the light of day. 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:19:14 -0700 From: "Augie Hansen" To: "Qrp-L" Subject: [168237] FS: Ten-Tec Argonaut II (Model 535) Message-ID: <200402172119.i1HLJKc2005408@rain.CC.Lehigh.EDU> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For Sale: Ten-Tec Argonaut II (Model 535) This transceiver is in perfect working condition and looks like new. The package includes the original box, padding, power cable, and manual. I have recently installed a fresh lithium backup battery for the memory/clock system. Asking price is $650 OBO. Purchaser pays actual CONUS shipping cost. - Non-smoking environment - No trades please - Prefer payment by check or money order - Original owner -- purchased new direct from Ten-Tec. 73, Gus Hansen Denver, CO Email: KB0YH@arrl.net ..................... I love aliens -- they taste like chicken! ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 13:24:46 -0800 From: brianb To: ellyncooley@earthlink.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168238] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <4032869E.70204@brianboschma.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit N6IZ - I learned to copy in my head by going mobile CW. By the end of a 9 hour road trip from California to Oregon operating CW my code improved tremedously and I only ran 1 red light over the entire course ! Another thing I really learned to appreciate were operators with quality fists. Brian AD4MZ Bob C wrote: >Different types of "head copy" are possible. Would like to hear from any >other EX ASA High Speed CW ops (O5H). Reading the thread here about the >head copy techniques made me curious if others experienced the same things I >went through in terms of learning and re-learning to copy code. > >Learned CW the poor way back in the 60's by translating the numbers of dits >and dahs into a letter and then writing that down on paper. That worked >great for me as a Novice and general at speeds up to about 15 wpm but then I >hit a wall until I started using the head copy method as was discussed here. >That allowed me to increase my speed to about 20- 25wpm but was only making >a few notes during a qso such as call, name, qth, etc. Then along came my >military service. > >Was in the U.S. Army Security Agency and was sent off to learn morse code >(Army Style). We were taught to respond to sounds that caused a reaction in >our fingers on a keyboard (it was called a Mill). In the first week or two >of code training I was still using "head copy" and would visualize the >letter in my head then try to find the key for that letter on the mill. I >was great at it up to about 18 wpm but hit a wall again. Then I started >using the method they were trying to teach me and it worked great. I then >was copying code by moving my fingers on the keyboard in response to sounds >that were no longer dits and dahs or even words. AS time passed I was able >to copy almost without error up to about 30- 35 wpm before leaving code >school. After working out in the field for a couple of years copying code 6 >to 10 hours a day most of us were able to ever carry on a brief conversation >with our fellow ops without missing a dit. Using the manual typewriter or >mill we had to physically throw the carriage at the end of each line of copy >as well as denote date and times. Most of what we copied was encrypted and >would make no sense reading what we copied except Q and Z signals. > >After returning to active amateur radio operations, I thought I was a pretty >good cw op but was wrong. I had learned to copy code without ever thinking >about the letters or words that I was copying. It was just music to my >ears. I tried it on the typewriter and that worked great except at the end >of a transmission I was now expected to respond to what I had copied. There >were always long pauses between my transmissions during a qso so I could go >back and read what I had typed. This was not a good solution so I >re-learned the code for the third time. Back to head copy and this time >tried to just learn to hear words. Took awhile but it depends on the >quality of the sending op and the rhythm they use. I am sticking with this >and not changing again. > >Just curious if others out there in our QRP-L group have had similar >experiences with the learning and re-learning the code? > >72 > >Bob > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 16:35:25 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: , Subject: [168239] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <000a01c3f59d$f59be0d0$d4c53841@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Mac, That was great hearing about your ASA work as a 766 or 1766. The MOS was zero five eight ( 058 ) then to o5H during my time. We never got to actually send code only copy it. We used RTTY for connections for DF, etc. Maybe we will hear from more of the ASA or other service equilivants out there like Tom who was USAF. Think the Navy rating was CT. Thanks 73 Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: To: Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:23 PM Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > Hi Bob, > > As a real old ASA type, Your note brings back lots of memories. In > the 40's, the High Speed CW Op MOS was 766 and later 1766. I > learned code in high school (also typing). During WWII, schools had > all types of programs for the war effort. I went into army in mid '47 and > went to radio school at Ft. Monmouth to learn the army way of doing > things (I had been in merchant marine for 1 1/2 years). At that time > you needed 25wpm to finish the course which didn't take long. Then > got into actual field work and improved my code skills. Like you, I was > copying mostly 5 character groups onto paper with no way of reading > "words" or making sense of what I was copying. The only trick I can > remember is being able to doze off and become immediately awake > when hearing my station call :>) Moved to ASAPAC and into Korea > when the war broke out. Came out 12/31/52 and got my ham ticket > in 4/53. Finally got to actually send and read intelligible CW again :>) > I was lucky enough to have had previous "clear text" activity prior to the > 5 char encoded stuff so my transition was pretty easy. I now find > as old age is creeping up on me that reading in my head is still pretty > good until first time heard long words pop up which can leave gaps > in 100% copy :>) Only problem now, is keeping my keyer sending up > to the standards that I used to enjoy. I had a Vibroplex bug with me > when we shipped to Korea but (theoretically) bug use was a no-no > (Too easy to ID the operator's style) I was NCOIC of dog fox control > and got to see a lot of the country covering the various sites and also > due to moving back and forth to avoid the bad guys :>) Needless to > say, "Frozen Chosen" wasn't the best place for a tour of duty :>) > 73, Mac, KR0I ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 17:20:35 -0500 From: "NA4FM \(Buck\)" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168240] RE: morse makes the local news Message-ID: <000001c3f5a4$45fa0240$6401a8c0@deer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit When studying for my novice, I didn't learn the "/" (slash) symbol. It didn't take me long in conversations to figure out what it was by the way it was being used. Its length and pattern made it obvious that it was a punctuation and its use made it obvious as to which it was. I believe the "@" will be the same way, especially for those who know code well. It may be confusing for those learning code but those of us running 20 wpm + will recognize its use without much problem. Chances are someone will say the word "email" somewhere before its used or if not recognized the recipient will receive something that looks like "john-doe.com" In time its use will pick up as more and more people will start using it. At first it might be hard to send but the more a ham uses it, the more easily it will be to send and receive. Just my .02 worth, if that. :) Buck > -----Original Message----- > From: w9ya@arrl.net [mailto:w9ya@arrl.net] > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 12:53 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: morse makes the local news > > > > > > --- "John A. Evans - N0HJ" > > wrote: > >> Hi, > >> > >> I don't mean to beat this into the ground, but the > >> problem I see with > >> still using AT for the @sign is that you can't truly > >> tell if it is part of > >> the username or the actual @ sign. In most cases, it > >> may not be a problem, > >> but their may be some cases where there is enough > >> ambiguity to cause an > >> issue. > > > > That's why it's a good idea to use well-defined spaces between "AT" > > and the first & last parts of the email address. For > example, my 10 > > meter beacon message includes my email address sent as N2UHC AT > > YAHOO.COM. > > > > I'll probably leave it that way unless the AC symbol > > becomes popular enough that people will know what it > > is. > > > > Hey Tom, John, and the gang; > > I seriously doubt it will become popular as it takes longer > to send and even longer to then explain. But then, upon > reflection, what the heck do I know ? > > Vy 72; > > Bob > w9ya > > > > > > =====; > > Tom Sevart N2UHC > > Frontenac, KS > > http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc > > > > __________________________________ > > Do you Yahoo!? > > Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. > > http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 17:26:00 -0500 From: "n3drk" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168241] Fw: FCC on verge of allowing BPL Message-ID: <000901c3f5a5$0616c3b0$6400a8c0@n3drk> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > At its open meeting this morning, the Commission adopted a Notice of > Proposed Rule Making ("NPRM") regarding BPL. According to the presentation > by Anh Wride and the OET, the NPRM contains proposals to amend Part 15 to > facilitate the introduction of BPL. Both the OET and the Commissioners > touted BPL as a potential source of broadband competition and rural > service. The OET acknowledged the fears of licensed users about > interference, but stated that it felt that the interference potential could > be dealt with adequately within the context of the Part 15 rules. The OET > has proposed that the current Part 15 emissions limits be retained, with > additional measures to facilitate interference resolution. To that end, > the staff identified four main areas/issues addressed in the NPRM: > > 1 The Part 15 rules will continue to apply to BPL, therefore the Part 15 > requirement that unlicensed devices resolve interference or shutdown if the > interference cannot be mitigated will remain. > 2. The NPRM will propose that BPL systems have "adaptive interference > capabilities," meaning that in the event of an interference complaint, > individual units could be shut down or adjusted, that power levels could be > adjusted remotely, and that particular frequencies could be notched out. > 3. The NPRM would subject BPL providers to notification requirements so > that the providers would submit information to an industry entity detailing > the location of devices, frequency employed, and modulation of the system. > The industry entity would then maintain the information in a database to > facilitate the resolution of interference issues. > 4. Finally, the NPRM contains proposals for guidelines for measuring BPL > in an effort to provide consistent and repeatable results. > > After the OET outlined the NPRM, each of the Commissioners briefly stated > their support for BPL and the NPRM. Of particular interest: Commissioner > Copps thought the NPRM should have at least broached policy issues such as > 911, Universal Service fund, CALEA, pole attachments, etc. and Commissioner > Adelstein voiced his encouragement for the NPRM and stated that the FCC > can't let unsupported claims of interference stand in the way of a > potential important new service. > > This broad summary of the proposed rules is based on the oral presentation > of the NPRM at the FCC's meeting this morning. A copy of the NPRM is not > yet available, and may not be released by the FCC for a couple of days or a > couple of weeks. > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:51:03 -0800 From: "Bill Jones" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168242] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <001301c3f5a8$86288860$92c13542@RadioRoom> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Well, here's another 058 (Helmstedt, Germany 1960-1962). I was also DL5GX and operated for a week out of the Republic of San Marino at M1GX (before the prefix was changed.) I used an old Heathkit VFO driving a 6AG7-6L6 for 3-4 watts output. The receiver has an National NC-98. The fun part of becoming an 058 was telling a grumpy old sergeant at Ft. Devans, Mass. that I already knew the code as I had been licensed since I was 13 years old and worked nothing but CW. He challenged me to a "Let's Make A Deal" thing. If I could copy 20 wpm, five character groups, on a mill after one week of training I could skip the rest of the course and do whatever I wanted. But if I failed, I would stay after every day and clean the classroom. Man, I sure enjoyed my time off. ======================== Bill Jones KD7S <>< http://www.psnw.com/~kd7s Sanger, California ======================== ----- Original Message ----- From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 1:35 PM Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > Hi Mac, > > That was great hearing about your ASA work as a 766 or 1766. The MOS was > zero five eight ( 058 ) then to o5H during my time. We never got to > actually send code only copy it. We used RTTY for connections for DF, etc. > Maybe we will hear from more of the ASA or other service equilivants out > there like Tom who was USAF. Think the Navy rating was CT. > Thanks > 73 > > Bob > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: > To: > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:23 PM > Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > > > > Hi Bob, > > > > As a real old ASA type, Your note brings back lots of memories. In > > the 40's, the High Speed CW Op MOS was 766 and later 1766. I > > learned code in high school (also typing). During WWII, schools had > > all types of programs for the war effort. I went into army in mid '47 and > > went to radio school at Ft. Monmouth to learn the army way of doing > > things (I had been in merchant marine for 1 1/2 years). At that time > > you needed 25wpm to finish the course which didn't take long. Then > > got into actual field work and improved my code skills. Like you, I was > > copying mostly 5 character groups onto paper with no way of reading > > "words" or making sense of what I was copying. The only trick I can > > remember is being able to doze off and become immediately awake > > when hearing my station call :>) Moved to ASAPAC and into Korea > > when the war broke out. Came out 12/31/52 and got my ham ticket > > in 4/53. Finally got to actually send and read intelligible CW again :>) > > I was lucky enough to have had previous "clear text" activity prior to the > > 5 char encoded stuff so my transition was pretty easy. I now find > > as old age is creeping up on me that reading in my head is still pretty > > good until first time heard long words pop up which can leave gaps > > in 100% copy :>) Only problem now, is keeping my keyer sending up > > to the standards that I used to enjoy. I had a Vibroplex bug with me > > when we shipped to Korea but (theoretically) bug use was a no-no > > (Too easy to ID the operator's style) I was NCOIC of dog fox control > > and got to see a lot of the country covering the various sites and also > > due to moving back and forth to avoid the bad guys :>) Needless to > > say, "Frozen Chosen" wasn't the best place for a tour of duty :>) > > 73, Mac, KR0I > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 14:53:18 -0800 (PST) From: Garie Halstead K8KFJ To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168243] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <20040217225319.17723.qmail@web60304.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- AD4MZ Bob C wrote: > Then along came my military service. Was in the U.S. Army Security > Agency and was sent off to learn morse code (Army Style). We were > taught to respond to sounds that caused a reaction in our fingers on > a keyboard (it was called a Mill). Hi Bob. I had the advantage of having a ham ticket prior to going into the Air Force. So, I had already learned how to just take notes during a rag chew (things I wanted to comment on when it became by turn to transmit again). However, the Air Force changed all that. > Just curious if others out there in our QRP-L group have had > similar experiences with the learning and re-learning the code? Like you, I had to unlearn (is that a word?) the ham radio way and re-learn code the Air Force Security Service method. When I got to my first Morse Intercept site in Europe, I learned the AF wanted every dit and every dah on paper. Using a mill, if you missed 3 characters in a 5L group message, they wanted to see three periods where those characters were missed. It was also proper to show them why there was (at times) a loss in copy by using /FADE/ /GARBLED/ etc. Fun stuff but the remote locations was duty you didn't want...trust me. 72, Gary -K8KFJ- West Virginia __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 18:04:06 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: , "Bill Jones" Subject: [168244] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <001001c3f5aa$59079360$d4c53841@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Bill, It took me two weeks and then was given the option of being acting Instructor and working 3 days a week. It was great. Took a part time job in Boston on weekends to earn extra money because I was getting married and didn't think $100/month would be enough to support a family. I was wrong. My call was DA1QC from W. Berlin where I built a Heathkit HW-101. The fun we had. Glad to hear from other /X military ops. Don't think anyone is still learning the code. 73 Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Jones" To: ; "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:51 PM Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > Well, here's another 058 (Helmstedt, Germany 1960-1962). I was also DL5GX > and operated for a week out of the Republic of San Marino at M1GX (before > the prefix was changed.) I used an old Heathkit VFO driving a 6AG7-6L6 for > 3-4 watts output. The receiver has an National NC-98. > > The fun part of becoming an 058 was telling a grumpy old sergeant at Ft. > Devans, Mass. that I already knew the code as I had been licensed since I > was 13 years old and worked nothing but CW. He challenged me to a "Let's > Make A Deal" thing. If I could copy 20 wpm, five character groups, on a > mill after one week of training I could skip the rest of the course and do > whatever I wanted. But if I failed, I would stay after every day and clean > the classroom. Man, I sure enjoyed my time off. > ======================== > Bill Jones KD7S <>< > http://www.psnw.com/~kd7s > Sanger, California > ======================== > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "AD4MZ Bob C" > To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 1:35 PM > Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > > > > Hi Mac, > > > > That was great hearing about your ASA work as a 766 or 1766. The MOS was > > zero five eight ( 058 ) then to o5H during my time. We never got to > > actually send code only copy it. We used RTTY for connections for DF, > etc. > > Maybe we will hear from more of the ASA or other service equilivants out > > there like Tom who was USAF. Think the Navy rating was CT. > > Thanks > > 73 > > > > Bob > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: > > To: > > Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 4:23 PM > > Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > > > > > > > Hi Bob, > > > > > > As a real old ASA type, Your note brings back lots of memories. In > > > the 40's, the High Speed CW Op MOS was 766 and later 1766. I > > > learned code in high school (also typing). During WWII, schools had > > > all types of programs for the war effort. I went into army in mid '47 > and > > > went to radio school at Ft. Monmouth to learn the army way of doing > > > things (I had been in merchant marine for 1 1/2 years). At that time > > > you needed 25wpm to finish the course which didn't take long. Then > > > got into actual field work and improved my code skills. Like you, I was > > > copying mostly 5 character groups onto paper with no way of reading > > > "words" or making sense of what I was copying. The only trick I can > > > remember is being able to doze off and become immediately awake > > > when hearing my station call :>) Moved to ASAPAC and into Korea > > > when the war broke out. Came out 12/31/52 and got my ham ticket > > > in 4/53. Finally got to actually send and read intelligible CW again > :>) > > > I was lucky enough to have had previous "clear text" activity prior to > the > > > 5 char encoded stuff so my transition was pretty easy. I now find > > > as old age is creeping up on me that reading in my head is still pretty > > > good until first time heard long words pop up which can leave gaps > > > in 100% copy :>) Only problem now, is keeping my keyer sending up > > > to the standards that I used to enjoy. I had a Vibroplex bug with me > > > when we shipped to Korea but (theoretically) bug use was a no-no > > > (Too easy to ID the operator's style) I was NCOIC of dog fox control > > > and got to see a lot of the country covering the various sites and also > > > due to moving back and forth to avoid the bad guys :>) Needless to > > > say, "Frozen Chosen" wasn't the best place for a tour of duty :>) > > > 73, Mac, KR0I > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 18:09:11 -0500 From: "AD4MZ Bob C" To: , "Garie Halstead K8KFJ" Subject: [168245] Re: CW Learning Curves? Message-ID: <001501c3f5ab$0eac6e20$d4c53841@system2002> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Gary Your right about them wanting us to use the.....ots dots when we missed characters. Amost forgot about the notes like /FADING or QSA 1 We had to denote if the line was from the net control or an outstation. if an outstaion seems like we labeled it /A or /B etc. Where was your assignment Gary? 73 Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Garie Halstead K8KFJ" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, February 17, 2004 5:53 PM Subject: Re: CW Learning Curves? > --- AD4MZ Bob C wrote: > > > Then along came my military service. Was in the U.S. Army Security > > Agency and was sent off to learn morse code (Army Style). We were > > taught to respond to sounds that caused a reaction in our fingers on > > a keyboard (it was called a Mill). > > Hi Bob. I had the advantage of having a ham ticket prior to going into > the Air Force. So, I had already learned how to just take notes during > a rag chew (things I wanted to comment on when it became by turn to > transmit again). However, the Air Force changed all that. > > > Just curious if others out there in our QRP-L group have had > > similar experiences with the learning and re-learning the code? > > Like you, I had to unlearn (is that a word?) the ham radio way and > re-learn code the Air Force Security Service method. When I got to my > first Morse Intercept site in Europe, I learned the AF wanted every dit > and every dah on paper. Using a mill, if you missed 3 characters in a > 5L group message, they wanted to see three periods where those > characters were missed. It was also proper to show them why there was > (at times) a loss in copy by using /FADE/ /GARBLED/ etc. Fun stuff but > the remote locations was duty you didn't want...trust me. > > 72, Gary -K8KFJ- > West Virginia > > > > > > > > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Finance: Get your refund fast by filing online. > http://taxes.yahoo.com/filing.html ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 17 Feb 2004 18:28:47 -0500 From: Ed Tanton To: QRP-L , noga Subject: [168246] New Reactor Puts Hydrogen From Renewable Fuels Within Reach Message-ID: <6.0.3.0.2.20040217181813.01d3cc28@pop.earthlink.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed I don't know about you all, but my understanding of the biggest obstacle to a hydrogen-based-energy economy has been the difficulty in obtaining hydrogen (not to mention how really explosive the stuff would be in an auto accident.) They may very well have made THE breakthrough. This is part of an article from the Internet science news source: Science Daily. There's much more at the following URL: New Reactor Puts Hydrogen From Renewable Fuels Within Reach MINNEAPOLIS / ST. PAUL (2/12/2004) -- The first reactor capable of producing hydrogen from a renewable fuel source - ethanol - efficiently enough to hold economic potential has been invented by University of Minnesota engineers. When coupled with a hydrogen fuel cell, the unit - small enough to hold in your hand - could generate one kilowatt of power, almost enough to supply an average home, the researchers said. The technology is poised to remove the major stumbling block to the "hydrogen economy": no free hydrogen exists, except what is made at high cost from fossil fuels. The work will be published in the Feb. 13 issue of Science. 72/73 Ed Tanton N4XY Ed Tanton N4XY 189 Pioneer Trail Marietta, GA 30068-3466 website: http://www.n4xy.com All emails & checked by Norton AntiVirus with AutoProtect LM: ARRL QCWA AMSAT & INDEXA; SEDXC NCDXA GACW QRP-ARCI OK-QRP QRP-L #758 K2 (FT) #00057 -------------------------------------------------- "He that gives up a little liberty to gain temporary security will lose both and deserve neither". --Benjamin Franklin "Suppose you were an idiot ... and suppose you were a member of Congress... but I repeat myself." --Mark Twain -------------------------------------------------- ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3199 ************************ --------------------------------