20040222.qrp v03_n205.qrl.20040222 Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 19:03:07 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3205 QRP-L Digest 3205 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [168899] Re: wanted crystals for rockmite by "Lew Paceley" 2) [168900] Yahoo! groups are OTAY! wid me... by "Bill, N4QA" 3) [168901] Re: Yahoo! groups are OTAY! wid me... by "Ron Polityka" 4) [168902] Whew! That was interesting: the Miniature Radio Blitz, part III by Nils R Young 5) [168903] What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" 6) [168904] OT:knobs by "John LeRoy" 7) [168905] Re: QC by "Bill Rowlett" 8) [168906] Richmond Va Hamfest by "Bill Rowlett" 9) [168907] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by "PHILIP DECAIRE" 10) [168908] Welcome message from Jim at QRP-L@qth.net by Jim Lowman 11) [168909] Re: Enough QRM on the list. by Bruce Muscolino 12) [168910] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by Steven Weber 13) [168911] Re: [168814] Re: Quality control in the ham radio industry by Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 14) [168912] QRM on the list. by Dale Botkin 15) [168913] CW Contest... by "bill linn" 16) [168914] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Kevin M., W8VOS" 17) [168915] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Kevin M., W8VOS" 18) [168916] Re: Quality control in the ham radio industry by Bruce Muscolino 19) [168917] OT: WWVB by "W2WU" 20) [168918] Re: OT: WWVB by "Thom R. Lacosta" 21) [168919] Re: CW Contest... by "Brad Hedges" 22) [168920] Re: OT: WWVB by IamSF5@aol.com 23) [168921] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by Reed Park 24) [168922] MFJ gear by Ray Sills 25) [168923] EPA QRP Club is Saved by "Ron Polityka" 26) [168924] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by Brad Thompson 27) [168925] Re: Archives Was: The new QRP-L by Alex 28) [168926] Re: OT: WWVB by "Joe Spencer" 29) [168927] QRP activities or Clubs by Bob KB2FEL 30) [168928] DX by PMdc361@aol.com 31) [168929] K9IUA is back on the air! by Kevin Anderson 32) [168930] Thanks, Jim! I guess K9IUA is moving to qth... by Kevin Anderson 33) [168931] Re: [QRP-L] QRP activities or Clubs by "Jeff" 34) [168932] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" 35) [168933] The Lights by "Lee Bahr" 36) [168934] Re: The Lights by "Lawrence Makoski" 37) [168935] Re: The Lights by Dan Harriman 38) [168936] Re: OT: WWVB by Garey Barrell 39) [168937] DX contest highlights by "John Harper AE5X" 40) [168938] Re: WWVB by "Bill Jones" 41) [168939] SW-80 for CQC Winter QSO Party by Bob KB2FEL 42) [168940] Re: MFJ gear by "Tony Martin W4FOA" 43) [168941] Re: OT: WWVB by Bruce Grubbs 44) [168942] FS Superantennas PW-1 by "Rod N0RC" 45) [168943] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? by Dale Botkin 46) [168944] Amateur-radio quality issues (was: Re: MFJ gear) by Brad Thompson 47) [168945] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Craig Johnson" 48) [168946] More FS Kenwood HS-5 Comm Headphones by "Rod N0RC" 49) [168947] Even MORE FS: American Morse Porta-Paddle by "Rod N0RC" 50) [168948] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Kevin M., W8VOS" 51) [168949] KX-1 DX by W0rw@aol.com 52) [168950] Re: The future of QRP-L by Joe Martin 53) [168951] Re: The Lights by Donald E Sanders 54) [168952] CW's revenge :0) by 55) [168953] FS: Piston trimmer caps by "Howard Kraus" 56) [168954] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Craig Johnson" 57) [168955] Re: [NoGaQRP] Re: [QRP-L] OT:knobs by w5xe@juno.com 58) [168956] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems by "Craig Johnson" 59) [168957] Piston trimmers sold by "Howard Kraus" 60) [168958] Ok, QRP-L is shutting down?...Now where? by Wayne K9DI 61) [168959] Re: DX contest highlights by Garie Halstead K8KFJ 62) [168960] Yet more soldering questions by "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" 63) [168961] Fwd: 15th OQRPC: The OP's Vice by dl6aaf@t-online.de 64) [168962] Re: LogBook of the World by Bill Coleman ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 18:17:24 -0600 From: "Lew Paceley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [168899] Re: wanted crystals for rockmite Message-ID: <00a201c3f8d9$3f32ee80$6501a8c0@swbell.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Brian, How about $9.65 each from Ocean State Electronics? You can probably build a full fledged VFO for less than the cost of one $9.65 crystal. Usual disclaimer - just a satisfied customer. 72/73, *Lew* N5ZE ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 16:41:20 -0800 (PST) From: "Bill, N4QA" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168900] Yahoo! groups are OTAY! wid me... Message-ID: <20040222004120.21132.qmail@web60203.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Been a member of AH-4, IC-703, Rock-Mite, MMTTY and VBHelp groups at Yahoo! for quite a while. They're big assets at my station. Only spam I ever get goes to my Yahoo! email account. No prob... Used to be anti-Yahoo! my own self. Ain't no mo'... Whatever works fer ye :0) 73. Bill, N4QA QRP be! __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 19:52:04 -0500 From: "Ron Polityka" To: ".QRP-L" Subject: [168901] Re: Yahoo! groups are OTAY! wid me... Message-ID: <002401c3f8de$174fcdc0$0200a8c0@WB3AAL> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit FYI on Yahoo! Groups. I have three groups running for over a year now. I have no problems with them. All you have to do is make the group messages in plain text and no attachments. Also you need to remind the members to edit their preferences, place no in everything. Then you do not get any junk mail. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL www.n3epa.org/ ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 20:59:38 -0500 From: Nils R Young To: QRP-L@lehigh.edu Subject: [168902] Whew! That was interesting: the Miniature Radio Blitz, part III Message-ID: <20040220.205958.-495969.1.nilsbull@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Tovarasi! Well, I got as far as discovering that nothing comes out of the 2N3553 to make a signal but that everything up to that point (with the exception of the unboarded sidetone osculator) is working. Very interesting. I have three other boards like this 'n to blow up so I have yet hopes. But for now, it's a new double disc set of Michel Camilo and some Gonzalo Rubalcaba. Time to relax. In the process of finding my stashes of parts (like all them tiny type-2 toroids &c), I came across these half-boarded up ideas, each marked by its own set of solid-statedness: 1 each: TL082 - don't know where that came from . . . LM741 - possibly thought I'd build half a CWF3 or something . . . MV2301- probably some 40-9er scheme . . . LM380N (the 14 pin version) . . . one of the most unstable AF amps I've ever tried to work with . . . no ideas here . . . LM353 - kinda like Towlie here . . . man, I have no idea what's going on . . . and then there's multiples of these: LM317T (I bet this was for a linear power supply so I don't have to hear my switcher when I'm sittin' at the beach). MPF102s in various flavors . . . LM380N (8 pinners) . . . as above . . . 4 (at least that's what I see) NE602/NE612 thingies . . . hmm .. . 7 TDA1072As (you know where that idea was . . . ) 4 LM386s . . . also an easy guess . . . LM1458N dual op amp (eh?) . . . 2N3553s in abundance, also a known evil . . . enough 2N7000s to switch sides . . . some very tiny TEA5551 bugs (might make a neat AM shortwave radio, 'cept I'd have to mix SMD (what them is) and thru-hole (what I can handle) to do it. And one lonely little MC1350. And last but not least, two TEA5710N ICs. Might make an interesting multi-mode rx. AM & FM one chip with lots of extras & control thingies and all that. Problem with this one is that it's obviously a thru-hole model of what was originally a SMD chip. The pins are way too close together. Like four of the '5710s IC pins for every three of the regular ones (more or less). I remember a while back getting on a tear about using some of these "radio-on-a-chip" thingies & Nick Kennedy actually put in some time on it. Him & maybe a couple other folks. Me? I got as far on the TDA1072A project (twice) to think about it a bit. I'll have to find all the parts I got before so I don't have another bag of parts for radio projects that I started and lost. That's "lost." Not "lost interest in." So while Gonzalo goes through "Donna Lee" with a serious jibara tempo, I'll try to find a place to hide all this crap. Don't want to get too distracted, see? 73 Nils . . . or maybe I'll watch the 60s movie "Che" with Omar Sharif as "Che" Guevara and (yeah, I know) Jack Palance as Fidel . . . ---------------------------- Nils R. Bull Young -- W8IJN -- La Estancia de los Guajolotes Sonrientes -- http://w8ijn.tripod.com -- http://members.fortunecity.com/nilsbull -- "If you can see this, thank a trilobite!"" ________________________________________________________________ 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: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 21:35:44 -0500 From: "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168903] What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <002f01c3f8ec$942db6a0$64923144@aoldsl.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I said before that I will try using 1N5711 diodes in the rectifier of my next QROP Meter because these diodes have lower diode drop losses than the 1N34A. Specifically, this part of the circuit involves rectifying the RF voltage across a 50 ohm resistor. This RF voltage can be 0 to 10V 0-peak. Are there any other diodes I should consider that are still available? Which diodes have the lowest diode drop losses than the 1N34A? From the spec list of select diodes in _The ARRL Antenna Book_ (page 24.15), I see that the 1N34A has an average forward voltage of 1.0V and an average rectified forward current of 5.0mA while the 1N5711 has an average forward voltage of .41V (at 1mA) and an average rectified forward current of 1mA. The 5082-2835 diode would be a better choice (.34V of average forward voltage at 1mA) were it not for the fact that the peak inverse voltage is only 8V, compared to 70V for the 1N5711 and 60V for the 1N34A. (It might be a good choice for a QRP-only SWR meter, however.) Jason Hsu, AG4DG personal AAAATTTT jasonhsu.com http://www.jasonhsu.com/ee.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eeham/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/resume_hyperinflation_fighters/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gmu-ece-control ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 21:54:47 -0500 From: "John LeRoy" To: Subject: [168904] OT:knobs Message-ID: <006801c3f8ef$3d2ae780$6501a8c0@amdbox> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Before I lost my hard drive a few days ago, I was searching for knobs for a > Radio Shack DSP filter for a fellow in Canada. Well, I found the knobs, but > can't restore the email trail. > John W4JKL > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 02:58:35 +0000 From: "Bill Rowlett" To: kd1jv@moose.ncia.net, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168905] Re: QC Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed So that is why that stupid little disk is warm sometimes when you remove it. Gee, learn something new ever day. 73, Bill kc4atu >From: Steven Weber >Reply-To: kd1jv@moose.ncia.net >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" >Subject: Re: QC >Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 15:54:39 -0500 > > > I will treat my DVD player with kid gloves Steve. It is the > >cheapest one Walmart sold 2 years ago, but I use it for CD's with my > >If it's lasted that long, you must have gotten a good one. Best bet is to >put a fan over the logic board to keep it cool, or at least give the box >pleanty of ventilation. The high speed logic in DVD players runs hot and I >belive that's what kills them. > >72, >Steve, KD1JV >"Melt Solder" >White Mountains of New Hampshire >http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 03:06:51 +0000 From: "Bill Rowlett" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168906] Richmond Va Hamfest Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed For those of you going, stop by the ARRL QSL Buro table and say Hi. Would be go to meet youall. 73, Bill kc4atu _________________________________________________________________ Watch high-quality video with fast playback at MSN Video. Free! http://click.atdmt.com/AVE/go/onm00200365ave/direct/01/ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 19:40:43 -0800 From: "PHILIP DECAIRE" To: Subject: [168907] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <008601c3f8f5$a71ff030$f2522a43@grape> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Jason - I don't think you'll find anything better than a 1N34 for low level RF detection. In my experiments I didn't see any significant difference between schottky and 1N34s. When you're doing RF detection, its not really that you have a fixed forward voltage drop. Its a dynamic thing and more related to the current you're pushing through the diode. In theory, you can get the same voltage out of a silicon (1N914) as a germanium, but you have to have a much higher load impedance with the silicon, like maybe 1,000,000 megohms (which you can get with some opamps!). For very low level detection, a biased diode gives much more sensitivity. [Yes, this works for crystal radios too!] You run a few microamps thru the diode to get it conducting with no signal. The standard method uses an opamp circuit with temperature compensation (a 2nd fairly well matched diode) -- the NJQRP "Sniffer" circuit is a good example. RF detection at low levels has been a technical problem since the invention of radio. There have been some very clever methods developed. Older era RF test equipment always used AM modulated signals, and rather than measure DC from the detector, only the 400 Hz modulation, which was proportional to the RF signal level, was amplified, filtered, and measured. More recent methods include using an analog multiplier (Gilbert cell mixer like the NE602) to mix a weak signal with an amplified version of itself, giving a DC output that in theory could work down into the microvolt range. Analog Devices has some RF detector ICs (AD8307 is an example) that give a DC output voltage which corresponds to the RF signal level in dB. It works over a range of about 80 dB, or from about 10 microvolts to 1 milliwatt with a scaling factor of something like 15 millivolts per dB. 72's, Phil WB7AEI ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 19:45:51 -0800 From: Jim Lowman To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168908] Welcome message from Jim at QRP-L@qth.net Message-ID: <403825EF.70000@sbcglobal.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings to everyone! Sorry that I didn't introduce myself earlier, but I have been working since Thursday evening to honor subscription requests on my formerly-quiet QRP-L list at QTH.net. At the end of January there were only 149 members on the list, and only one message was posted all month. Now we are at 695 members and the list traffic is reminiscent of this fine list that Jim has provided for us over the years. I have decided to let those who want to make the move do so on their own, as more than 500 have done already, instead of mass-subscribing everyone who is on this list. To subscribe, go to: http://www.qth.net/ and scroll down to the QRP-L link. Click on this link, type in the e-mail address where you want to receive messages from the list, provide a password and type it again, and choose whether you want to receive individual messages from the list or a daily digest. Hit the "Subscribe" button and the process is on its way. I may send a message asking for further information. Once you have provided that information the subscription process is complete, and you will receive a "welcome" message. Please bear with me, as the number of subscription requests has been more than 500 so far, and I understand that QRP-L@lehigh.edu has 2,000-4,500 members. Some questions that have come up so far: Q: Can I post to the list without subscribing? A: Unfortunately, no. However, if you choose to read the archives rather than receiving individual messages or the daily digest, once you subscribe you can choose the NOMAIL option. You will receive no mail from the list, but will be able to post messages as you like. Q: Why am I being asked these confirmation questions? A: This is to keep spammers off the list. Q: Why is there no place to provide this confirmation information when I apply for a subscription? A: There are many ham-oriented lists at QTH.net and this requirement is not universal. I don't have the privileges to modify the subscription script to fit this need. I think you'll find the administration of your membership to be fairly easy with the Mailman software, since it is web-based rather than e-mail-based, as this list is. You can change your password, switch between individual message and digest format, turn your mail on or off, all from the website. Naturally, if you have any problems subscribing, or have any other questions, please send e-mail to: jmlowman@sbcglobal.net Thanks, and welcome to those who want to make the move! 72/73 de Jim - AD6CW ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 22:51:35 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: k5di@zianet.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168909] Re: Enough QRM on the list. Message-ID: <40382747.181B6BCE@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit John, > > Top eight senders to QRP-L starting Sun Nov 9 11:47:25 2003 > > 292 From: Karl Larsen > 205 From: John Sielke > 168 From: Bruce Muscolino > 157 From: George, W5YR > 135 From: Ed Tanton > 132 From: John J. McDonough > 117 From: Lloyd Lachow > 116 From: Chuck Carpenter > I certainly appreciate your ranking me third on your list of the top QRP-L senders since November 9th. I'm sure I don't deserve the honor. I want to thank all those who asked my help. I'd like to thank the Academy... whoops, wrong audience. But, as with all surveys of this strict numerical type, it leave the most important things unsaid. What has been left on the cutting room floor, so to speak, is the content provided by all eight of us. That there are personal rivalries and such present among the top several writers, bit I would expect that in any group of highly educated people. I would think that we produced a great deal of good advice and information to our readers. Unless you have kept content statistics, John, I'm afraid you have only proven the essential worthlessness of statistics. If you do have content statistics by all means publish them. OBTW, I didn't see your name in the list number 9 or 10? Well, the rest of the pack tends to make the race more interesting. Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 00:03:42 -0500 From: Steven Weber To: "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168910] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20040222000342.0079f8b0@mailhost.ncia.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >I said before that I will try using 1N5711 diodes in the rectifier of my >Are there any other diodes I should consider that are still available? I used a SD101C diode in my recent little digial power meter kit. It has a forward drop of .39V @ 1ma, a shade better than the '5711. But I doubt you'd notice the difference. Main reason for using it is that it's much easier to find in quanity than the old 1N34A's. 72, Steve, KD1JV "Melt Solder" White Mountains of New Hampshire http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 01:09:20 -0500 (EST) From: Doug Faunt N6TQS +1-510-655-8604 To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168911] Re: [168814] Re: Quality control in the ham radio industry Message-ID: <200402220609.i1M69KO01811@panix3.panix.com> Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 20:20:50 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen I think your a person who has it in for MFJ. I would never let you open up my tuners. They all four work great! Have you ever seen a MFJ-4125 25 amp 13.8 volt DC switching power supply? I have one on my desk that runs my 100 watt QRO radios and my FT-817 from the low current terminals. The QC may stink but the thing works great all the time. I will never let you QC this either. This is a good place to mention what I found in my MFJ-4125 after getting it repaired twice, and it failed a third time. The negative connection to the PC board on mine was not soldered to the board, but to a solder lug screwed to the top of the board, and the trace with the power is on the bottom, so the screw is carrying all the current, and can easily work loose, especially under really heavy duty use. It's relatively easy to fix, and assemble properly, but it should be done. That being said, the SEC 1223 power supply weighs about the same, and seems to be better assembled. I do have three MFJ switching power supplies, a couple of SEC 1223's, and a couple of Astrons. 73, doug ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 00:37:04 -0600 (CST) From: Dale Botkin To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168912] QRM on the list. Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII How sad that, rather than let this list go out with some degree of dignity and grace, a few have decided it should perish in flames. Certainly the last few days of the list will be an indicator of the character and attitude of those posting. I look forward to the "new" list hopefully being a lot more civil and constructive, especially more so than the trash seen here since the other day. Jim, it's been fun. I appreciate the work you have done to keep this list as much under control as was needed, when needed. Having done more than a bit of list administration and moderation myself, I know what you were up against. I've gotten a lot out of QRP-L, and hopefully was able to contribute in some small way during the short time I've been subscribed (again). And so this post is not completely devoid of QRP content, I'll say I got back on PSK31 this evening with two contacts on 20 meters before shutting down for dinner. I'm still not sure what qualifies as QRP when running PSK31, but I generally don't worry as much about it. The meter bounced between 5 and 10 Watts. For me, QRP operating pretty much means CW - but of course that's just my own opinion, I'm sure others have their own preferences and ideas. Anyway, folks, have a great week. See you on the qth.net list. 73, Dale - N0XAS -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. http://www.hamgadgets.com for news. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 22:51:51 -0800 From: "bill linn" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168913] CW Contest... Message-ID: <007b01c3f910$59dc2b20$d7a1553f@cablerocket.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Any info on the current "Test" appreciated. Was looking for a rag-chew but no space... maybe I'll try a bit of QRP point giving. But, what is the contest? Thanks, Bill - W7WEL ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 01:59:49 -0500 From: "Kevin M., W8VOS" To: "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168914] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <001701c3f911$76a0b630$64dc0a0a@magnus> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Gang, Ok. Here is where I stand now... I have taken my 6' cable from ratshack and cut it in half. Then wired a female DB9 on the end to connect to the computer COM2 (com1 is being used by my graphics tablet). I get the same results as before. The cable is now only 2.5' long. I have set 'prog delay' to 20ms and tics to 40 (just tried that as it is what John had the screen capture of in lesson 11).The PIC EL still will not program, however it does erase the first 'Program Memory' location [0000:]. 0000: 29A0 3FFF 3FFF ... 29A0 is erased when I try to program it with the PIC-EL. 0000: 0000 3FFF 3FFF ... This is what I wind up with. Doing a read and original program with picallw.exe I can program the PIC with my PICALL programmer and PICALLW software, but I have to keep removing the PIC from the PIC-EL and putting it back which is not the best fix. Where do I go from here? 73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 02:13:40 -0500 From: "Kevin M., W8VOS" To: "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168915] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <000001c3f913$662f5a20$64dc0a0a@magnus> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Also, I forgot to mention that the FPP program wont read the PIC either. > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] > On Behalf Of Kevin M., W8VOS > Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 2:00 AM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems > > > Gang, > Ok. Here is where I stand now... > I have taken my 6' cable from ratshack and cut it in half. > Then wired a female DB9 on the end to connect to the computer > COM2 (com1 is being used by my graphics tablet). I get the > same results as before. The cable is now only 2.5' long. I > have set 'prog delay' to 20ms and tics to 40 (just tried that > as it is what John had the screen capture of in lesson > 11).The PIC EL still will not program, however it does erase > the first 'Program Memory' location [0000:]. > > 0000: 29A0 3FFF 3FFF ... 29A0 is erased when I try to > program it with > the PIC-EL. > 0000: 0000 3FFF 3FFF ... This is what I wind up with. Doing a read > and original program with picallw.exe > I can program the PIC with my PICALL programmer and PICALLW > software, but I have to keep removing the PIC from the PIC-EL > and putting it back which is not the best fix. Where do I go > from here? > 73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS > > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 03:13:41 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168916] Re: Quality control in the ham radio industry Message-ID: <403864B5.FBD9A482@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > quality). In my future career in analog electronics hardware engineering, I > will continue to take quality control seriously. (Part of the reason I like > hardware engineering better than systems engineering is having the ability, > authority, and resources to fix the bugs.) Quality is one of the most basic > attributes a product can have. > I thinly you have a slightly confused concept of Quality. It is possible to have Quality at both the systems level and the hardware level. I have had positions at both levels throughout a 40 some year career and have tried to produce a Quality product whether it was paper or components that I was responsible for. This aspect of Quality is more personal and requires a dedication to what you are doing. Then there is the type of Quality of which you speak. Fortunately, most of my career was spent in the days before military specification got replaced by "best available commercial quality" procurement specs. Even the Government recognizes that Quality has a price and they have decided they only want to buy so much. Hopefully they have bought enough. But I digress. I have worked on military electronics for the bulk of my career. I first worked on Satellite Navigation This was when the satellite were in 600 nautical mile polar orbits, and it took moving heaven and earth to get many more than three in orbit at one time. In 1967 Linden Barnes declassified the entire surface ship system and made it available to the world. Eventually the satellite problems were fixed and the system took off in the oil exploration industry. The Navy bought around 300 systems as I remember. The original systems were to channel, one at 400 Mcs and one at 150 Mcs. The 400 Mc system provided the main Navigation data while the 150 Mc signal was used primarily to correct the position fix for the effects of ionospheric refraction. It turned out that there was a very large market out there just waiting for a broad ocean navigation system that would give them position fixed over 500 nautical miles away from shore. We easily did it with a single channel navigator. Over some 1100 systems were sold to the container ship industry. Now these systems were all designed and built by the same people, a highly trained satellite navigation group. Certain people were added to the group for certain needs, but essentially the people sped their career with the systems, and the systems were an outgrowth of a previous tracking receiver program. I joined the group in about 1967, fresh from a position as the US Navy's surface ship Project Engineer for guess what, Satellite Navigation. I specified and purchased all the Navy's surface ship equipment, who was better choice to specify and help sell the commercial equipment. It was an exciting experience. I learned much of my RF hardware technology there. I worked with a very knowledgeable group of people who were willing to share their knowledge. After a several year stint playing graduate student, Ii went back to aerospace. This time as a technical writer at Lear Siegler Asrronics Corporation. Big name for a small (at that time) company that made autopilots for several military and commercial aircraft. It was the home of the first auto land systems for commercial aircraft. There was a military auto land system produced by Bell Aircraft Company which was being tested during the time I worked for the Navy. In fact my best friend from college, and the one who recommended me for my position, was the Project Engineer. Bit there is a difference between how aircraft land on runways and how they land on carrier decks. the commercial guys use a glide slope of 1/2 degree because the have so much runway and don't want to upset the guy in seat 12D. The Navy used a glide slope of around 3 to 4 degrees because they didn't have that much runway and there was rarely anyone in seat 12D; in fact there was seldom a seat 12D! My first assignment was with he Lockheed L-1011 Auto land System. It was to clean up and get installed several significant ::service Bulletins" into the documentation. Mow, the actual systems hardware was split into 3 computers for Lear Siegler and three computers for Collins Radio. These were very high precision Analog computers which were quadruple redundant. In a quadruple redundant system, four computers solve the same problem. Three of them vote on an answer with the fourth computer used as a tie breaker. though the entire system was "fat pack" heaven, digital flight control systems were still five years away. Apparently I impressed someone, probably my boss (WA6IVC-SK) and I was taken to Product Support, where I got a crash course in the company's products. Did you know Lear Siegler produced the auto pilots for Air Force One back when it was a C-135, a military 707. And they made the autopilots for the U2. In fact they enjoyed a good reputation with the Skunk Works, probably up to this day. I parlayed my Product Support position into a larger one on the F-16 fighter. I was responsible for a 3 million dollar program called Reliability Improvement Warranty. This cute little thing in where you and the government make a bet about your product reliability. They give you the money and you pay them back for every failure's repair costs. You also guarantee product redesigns if warranted. Obviously it helps yo know you have a product that meets its design reliability specifications when you go in! Later, as a reward for solving a particularly thorny problem in our proposals I was assigned to live in Amsterdam, Holland, fo r three years to run out F-15 repair center. This was a three year all expenses paid (within reason) assignment living on the economy. To say that my boss set up the assignment so you couldn't fail and that you never wanted for cash is to say the least! I have spoken about four products. At ITT he hardware was originally mil-spec. It was adapted to commercial use by removing the military nameplates. The components came from the same stockrooms. The equipment was built on the same assembly line by the same people. The single channel systems were designed by the same people who designed the military products. It was built on a separate production line un the same room and with personnel who started on the dual channel product. This, un my opinion i, pr was, the best world to find oneself in. You have a military product that meets it's already strict reliability specs that you are selling into a commercial market. At Lear the situation was a little different. Here you had two different products that had manufacturer imposed design performance reliability standards which if your hardware does not meet it can be the cause if product liability lawsuit, or in the case of a government airline, can cause the loss of a contract. Lear made extraordinary investments in revised production facilities, Our incoming inspection department was beefed up to do almost 100% component inspection. In house production drawings were the best. The product was tested at every level, subassembly and assembly. The product was environmentally tested at every level. Now it has been said you cannot test quality in. but unless you do test at every turn you only have a sheet of engineering numbers. You can take them to the bank, but for myself I would rather have real performance numbers. At the end we had our money untouched. We never had a failure inn the first 100,000 fleet flying hours The Air Force spoke in hushed tones when we walked by. And the same technology and many of the same people built the autopilot for the F-15E. Please take all the qualify courses you want. But watch out, you may only be leaning different methods of arriving at the same number. Actually some classes in components would help. Courses in how components are made and what their failure nodes are would probably help more. At work, whatever your assignment is, keep your eyes and ears open. Ask good questions of top people or decision makers. Learn how and of what your company's products are made. Comment only on discussion groups at firs. Beware, no one really likes the bright new young manager. Good luck Bruce ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 05:27:06 -0500 From: "W2WU" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168917] OT: WWVB Message-ID: <000501c3f92e$73b290c0$abf8998d@vaio> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Members: Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 06:06:03 -0500 (EST) From: "Thom R. Lacosta" To: W2WU Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168918] Re: OT: WWVB Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, W2WU wrote: > Members: > Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic > Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU I do...but the reception here as always been marginal...it's so bad that some time ago SAMS Club had hundreds of atomic clocks that they had marked down to 5 buck...I asked the store manager why, and he told me, "They really can't receive the signal. We're getting a huge return rate." So, mine sites here...and now and again I reset it based on the national time server that I access via the Internet. Thom www.zerobeat.net/qrp/ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 07:59:11 -0500 From: "Brad Hedges" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168919] Re: CW Contest... Message-ID: <001d01c3f943$ab165b40$f4c53942@nc.rr.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This weekend is the ARRL Internationsl DX CW contest. Work as many DX stations as you can, 48 hours, you can work the same station on different bands. 3 points per QSO, times multipliers. I'm up to about 240,000 points now, and 200-odd mults. I'm having fun. 73, Brad K0BHC ----- Original Message ----- From: "bill linn" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 1:51 AM Subject: CW Contest... > Any info on the current "Test" appreciated. Was looking for a rag-chew > but no space... maybe I'll try a bit of QRP point giving. But, what is the > contest? > > Thanks, > Bill - W7WEL > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 08:39:51 EST From: IamSF5@aol.com To: lacosta@bcpl.net, qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168920] Re: OT: WWVB Message-ID: <88.412eba7.2d6a0b27@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In a message dated 2/22/2004 6:07:25 AM Eastern Standard Time, lacosta@bcpl.net writes: On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, W2WU wrote: > Members: > Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic > Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU After reading this I yanked the batteries out of mine then set them to close to one hour off. 1 locked up in less then 10 minutes but 3 minutes off then after another 10 minutes it was right on. Have 2 of them and never had any problems. Bob AF2Q ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:50:30 -0400 From: Reed Park To: kd1jv@moose.ncia.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168921] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <4038B3A6.DB1AD866@nbnet.nb.ca> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Steven Weber wrote: > >I said before that I will try using 1N5711 diodes in the rectifier of my > >Are there any other diodes I should consider that are still available? > > I used a SD101C diode in my recent little digial power meter kit. It has a > forward drop of .39V @ 1ma, a shade better than the '5711. But I doubt > you'd notice the difference. Main reason for using it is that it's much > easier to find in quanity than the old 1N34A's. > > 72, > Steve, KD1JV Up here in the great white north (Canada) 1N34A's are easy to get. Radio Shack sells a package of 10. Part number here is 276-1123 I wonder how the part numbers in the U.S. compare ? 7 3 Reed - VE1NU -- Looking for information on Marconi SMR-3 and Northern Electric R8119A receivers of WW 2. ARROW Research (Avro CF-105) Reed Park 252 Gauvin Road Dieppe, New Brunswick Canada E1A1M1 Amateur Radio V E 1 N U WW II, # 19 SET user Paraset replica builder and owner of a real one. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 08:59:19 -0500 From: Ray Sills To: QRP list Subject: [168922] MFJ gear Message-ID: <4F62DF16-653F-11D8-9256-000393D49C6C@1stconnect.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v612) Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Hi Gang: Don't forget... quality issues notwithstanding... that MFJ makes -some- products that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else, unless you build them from scratch yourself. The number of items in the MFJ catalog is huge. 73 de Ray K2ULR FN20tl ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:15:58 -0500 From: "Ron Polityka" To: ".QRP-L" Subject: [168923] EPA QRP Club is Saved Message-ID: <005101c3f94e$64b56280$0200a8c0@WB3AAL> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello, The EPA QRP Club Lives On!! I would just like to say Thank You to the EPA QRP guys that are stepping forward to save the club. Also a big Thank You to all those fellow QRP'ers that sent me e-mails on how they will miss the EPA Club and their web site Now you might not see the web page for a day or two, but it should be back by next weekend. Changing servers. The EPA QRP Members are a GREAT bunch of guys, oh and gal. Thanks for the support and help. I guess I should say that All QRP'ers are a GREAT bunch of guys, oh and gals. 72 Ron de N3EPA (aka WB3AAL) EPA QRP Club El Presidente' n3epa@verizon.net www.n3epa.org ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 21 Feb 2004 23:39:23 -0500 From: Brad Thompson To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168924] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20040221231409.01d88dd0@pop3.norton.antivirus> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Hello-- Jason Hsu asks... "Which diodes have the lowest diode drop losses than the 1N34A? From the spec list of select diodes in _The ARRL Antenna Book_ (page 24.15), I see that the 1N34A has an average forward voltage of 1.0V and an average rectified forward current of 5.0mA while the 1N5711 has an average forward voltage of .41V (at 1mA) and an average rectified forward current of 1mA...." My copy of the ARRL Antenna Book has gone missing for the evening, so I can't view the specs Jason cites. In general, I prefer to use Schottky diodes in place of germanium diodes as RF detectors because the Schottky manufacturing process is more modern and offers more stability and better repeatability than the older point-contact germanium diodes, which are fine for crystal radios and noncritical detector service. In case anyone is looking for matched pairs of Schottkys, I can offer a couple of types. See the HSMS-2805 and HSMS-2815 below. Specs are available from the Web. For small quantities, I can ship these diodes sandwiched in cardboard in a business-size envelope (U.S. only) with extra postage to pay for nonmachine cancellation. Figure on $.37 plus $.12, or $.49 postage on a SASE for orders up to 50 or so pieces of a given type. More info on request. 73-- Brad AA1IP ****************************************** SURFACE-MOUNT DIODES: These devices-- 10 pieces for $1.00 BAS-40-04 dual Schottky diode; 40 V, 120 mA max. 5 pf; series connected (voltage doubler) surface-mount reeled. BAV-99LT1 high-speed dual silicon diode, series connected (voltage doubler) surface-mount reeled. BAT17 UHF Mixer Schottky diode, surface-mount reeled. BAT54A Dual Schottky, common-anode connection, surface-mount. 30 V, 200 mA max. BAT83 low-capacitance, fast-switching Schottky, axial leads, taped and reeled, 60V PIV, 30 mA If max. MMBD7000 dual si. signal diodes, half-bridge conf., 100 V 200 mA, SMD, taped. Use 2 for full bridge. ************************************************************************************ DIODES: These devices-- 6 pieces for $1.00 ITT 566 House-nbr. germanium diodes, Vf = 0.25 V, Vrev= 25 V. max., Rec time 50 nsec. MSD-6100 Dual switching diode, common-cathode conn. TO-92 pkg. PIV 100V, 4 ns, 0.6V at 1 mA. Bulk packed. ************************************************************************************ SURFACE-MOUNT DIODES: These devices-- 6 pieces for $1.00 HSMS-2805 HP Unconnected pair of matched Schottky diodes (70V Vbr.); surface-mount reeled. HSMS-2815 HP Unconnected pair of matched Schottky diodes (20V Vbr.); surface-mount reeled. HSMS-2823 HP Common-anode pair of matched Schottky (20V Vbr.); surface-mount reeled. BAR-43 Schottky diode, surface-mount reeled. ************************************************************************************ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 00:18:56 -0500 From: Alex To: geoiii@kkn.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168925] Re: Archives Was: The new QRP-L Message-ID: <40383BC0.E274247A@amsat.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit George Fremin III wrote: > I will also be keeping the QRP-L web archive up and it will > start archiving the qrp-l@mailman.qth.net list soon. > > I know that the mailman software has an archive but it > is a poor archiver for many reasons and it does not have > a built in search. Thanks for keeping the old archive available and creating a new one, George! I really appreciate that. I often got frustrated when looking for info on a QTH.net list. You always need to know the time frame of when a certain subject was discussed. The Yahoo archives seem to be set up to provide for maximum advertising opportunity and all information is only 46 clicks away there. :) Sometimes you see these messages on here complaining that the subject is a dead horse. But you know, sometimes new information is being added and missed if you only concentrate on the repetitiveness of a thread. One example are the discussions on where to put the balun in a tuner; input or output. I always thought it had been "decided" that the input of the tuner was the best place for a balun. In the archives (forgot which one it was) I later find a message from the person who advocated putting the balun on the input. In that message he rescinded the statement that the input was the best place for it and he provided excellent information on why it would work just fine if you put the balun on the output of a tuner. Without someone willing to maintain archives, I may never have known. Again, thanks George for maintaining the archives. 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 08:38:13 -0600 From: "Joe Spencer" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168926] Re: OT: WWVB Message-ID: <034401c3f951$808bf930$5901a8c0@SZ6X6SEFXO> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit No problem with mine here in Texas. 72 Joe KK5NA ----- Original Message ----- From: To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 7:39 AM Subject: Re: OT: WWVB > In a message dated 2/22/2004 6:07:25 AM Eastern Standard Time, > lacosta@bcpl.net writes: > On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, W2WU wrote: > > > Members: > > Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic > > Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU > After reading this I yanked the batteries out of mine then set them to close > to one hour off. > 1 locked up in less then 10 minutes but 3 minutes off then after another 10 > minutes it was right on. > Have 2 of them and never had any problems. > Bob > AF2Q ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 06:42:41 -0800 (PST) From: Bob KB2FEL To: Low Power Amateur Radio Cc: "QTH.Net" Subject: [168927] QRP activities or Clubs Message-ID: <20040222144241.68555.qmail@web60501.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi All, I am looking for a club or maybe a small group or even another member who may like field ops within a reasonable drive time (an Hour or so) from my QTH in Moorefield WV. Two places that are not far from me are Cumberland, MD and Winchester,VA. Both are about an hours drive. Just wondering? 72 Bob KB2FEL/8 Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. - Sir Winston Churchill __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:45:17 -0500 From: PMdc361@aol.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168928] DX Message-ID: <2D08D30A.30D2B463.0017E976@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit 16 countries 2hours 5 watts and an indoor MP1..... -- 73 ditdit, Dwayne YI9RVT/KE4RVT Al Kut, Iraq N33.29 E45.45 FPQRP #85 QRP-L #2201 (sk) KX1 S/N 0337 Sometimes a little brain damage can help. (George Carlin) ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 14:46:14 GMT From: Kevin Anderson To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168929] K9IUA is back on the air! Message-ID: <20040222.064644.849.1896791@webmail06.lax.untd.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain I am excited (and relived) to say that I finally got an antenna back up and am on the air. Last July I had to move the family into temporary housing in an apartment that just didn't have the room and situation for an antenna. Except for a few mobile attempts I was off the air. At the beginning of the 2004 we moved into a house we purchased, ending what has been a string of temporary housing situations lasting four years while my wife finished seminary. We will now hopefully not move for a few years. Yesterday, with mild weather here in Iowa, and no snow on the roof so I could climb about, I got out and strong the ropes and wires to get an inverted vee up with twinlead into the basement. This antenna, which served me very well in North Dakota three years ago, and so-so in the last two years, will hopefully work again. The little listening I did on 40m last evening to the contest suggest it will do alright. While not stellar - a 55 foot wire, fed with 300-ohm TV twinlead, up only 25 feet or so at its peak, and draped more like next to the house than over and above it - will nonetheless gets me back on the air. I was beginning to have my doubts, thinking it would be easier to just "retire" from radio (with all the BPL and other threats, etc). But I persisted and didn't give up. And what a feeling of relief - almost wholeness - that I now feel. See you Tuesday's for the remaining foxhunts! >From Dubuque, Iowa, "The Gem on the Mississippi" (so our Chamber of Commerce touts)... Cheers/73, Kevin, K9IUA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kevin Anderson, K9IUA, Dubuque IA k9iua (at) juno (dot) com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ________________________________________________________________ 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: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:23:51 GMT From: Kevin Anderson To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168930] Thanks, Jim! I guess K9IUA is moving to qth... Message-ID: <20040222.072400.849.1896968@webmail06.lax.untd.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain Here I stopped reading the QRP-L list for a week due to work and other reasons, and then I get my antenna back on the air ready to go to town, only to find the QRP-L at Lehigh is not going to be. I've (reluctantly) sent in my subscription requrest to QTH for the move and will certainly continue with my QRP-L friends, as I need the information and companionship you folks present. I will definitely miss Lehigh's hosting of QRP-L. Jim E. you have my upmost gratitude and I hope this thanks will be meaningful to you! I was particularly thankful for Jim because he has had from nearly the beginning of hosting at QRP-L a means whereby I could continue to get the digest in <60Kb chunks that even the old Juno e-mail only service could receive. The shack computer still is not one on the Internet yet other than through dialup (another family project is to wire the house to share our cable modem service with other computers), and so it was handy to get QRP-L in pieces that I could read in the shack. Now I will also have to shift my QRP-L subscription to a different account, one that I have to read by webmail, which will not be as handy for me. Oh well. Thanks, Jim!!!! You did yeoman's service (which means, like most yeomans that I am aware of, they didn't get the credit due when it was needed most) ! Cheers/73, Kevin, K9IUA * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Kevin Anderson, K9IUA, Dubuque IA k9iua (at) juno (dot) com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the Internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the Web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:30:14 -0500 From: "Jeff" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio" Cc: "QTH.Net" Subject: [168931] Re: [QRP-L] QRP activities or Clubs Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Although a little further than you would like, the Northern Virginia QRP Club (NOVA QRP) meets on the second Saturday in the odd numbered months for lunch in Fairfax, VA (just outside the Washington DC beltway). It is an ideal club - no officers, no dues and many fine members. If you would like more information feel free to contact me off list. Jeff, KR4YS ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob KB2FEL" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio" Cc: "QTH.Net" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 9:42 AM Subject: [QRP-L] QRP activities or Clubs > Hi All, > > I am looking for a club or maybe a small group or even > another member who may like field ops within a > reasonable drive time (an Hour or so) from my QTH in > Moorefield WV. Two places that are not far from me > are Cumberland, MD and Winchester,VA. Both are about > an hours drive. > > Just wondering? > > 72 > Bob > KB2FEL/8 > > > Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; > courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen. > - Sir Winston Churchill > > __________________________________ > Do you Yahoo!? > Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. > http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools > ______________________________________________________________ > QRP-L mailing list > Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/qrp-l > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/faq.htm > Post: mailto:QRP-L@mailman.qth.net > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:45:55 -0500 From: "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168932] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: <004001c3f95a$f7286b60$64923144@aoldsl.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit < From the spec list of select diodes in _The ARRL Antenna Book_ (page 24.15), I see that the 1N34A has an average forward voltage of 1.0V and an average rectified forward current of 5.0mA while the 1N5711 has an average forward voltage of .41V (at 1mA) and an average rectified forward current of 1mA.> Oops, I meant the Handbook, not the Antenna Book. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:51:27 -0600 From: "Lee Bahr" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168933] The Lights Message-ID: <001501c3f95b$bc9494a0$e343993f@oemcomputer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The last one out of here, please turn off the lights. Lee, w0vt ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 11:07:54 -0500 From: "Lawrence Makoski" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168934] Re: The Lights Message-ID: <009c01c3f95e$084668e0$d8f44b0c@larrysahyqy001> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit And make sure you turn down the heat, too! (More ways than one!) ;) 73 de Larry W2LJ - Vivat Morse! W2LJ@arrl.net http://www.qsl.net/w2lj ARRL Lifemember QRP ARCI #4488 NJQRP #47 FISTS #1469 QRP-L #778 FP #612 QRPp-I #759 ARS #1528 --- K1 #1647 --- AmQRP, CQC #746 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Lee Bahr" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 10:51 AM Subject: The Lights > The last one out of here, please turn off the lights. > Lee, w0vt > > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:16:18 -0600 From: Dan Harriman To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168935] Re: The Lights Message-ID: <6.0.1.1.1.20040222101501.02bc8280@pop.sbcglobal.yahoo.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed As Harry from Harry and the Hendersons said, "OH-KAY" 72 Dan Harriman Orange, Texas At 09:51 02/22/2004, you wrote: >The last one out of here, please turn off the lights. >Lee, w0vt ====================================================================== Proud member of QRP-ARCI # 9126; QRP-L # 431; ARS # 25; FISTS # 1572; QRPp-l # 702; 1010 Int.; FP # 555; SOC # 569; NETXQRP # 45; ARRL; ARRL-VE; AMQRP; RU-QRP # 43; MQFD # 5; grid EM30cc - If at first you don't succeed, maybe you shouldn't try sky-diving! dit dit ====================================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 11:15:57 -0500 From: Garey Barrell To: w2wurjj@verizon.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168936] Re: OT: WWVB Message-ID: <4038D5BD.2060203@mindspring.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Ron - You might want to take a look at There is also a "modified" setting procedure at that seems to work better for me. 73, Garey - K4OAH Atlanta W2WU wrote: > Members: > Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic > Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU > > > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 12:11:44 -0500 From: "John Harper AE5X" To: Subject: [168937] DX contest highlights Message-ID: <000b01c3f966$f2b56360$6401a8c0@JOHN> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "That's alls I can stands and I can't stands no more..."(dits & dahs, that is)! Popeye I was looking forward to this contest as a chance to increase my country count on QRP and on the low bands (with 100w). I didn't get any new countries QRP but did get a few new ones on 40/80m. There were lots of very strong stations, including a Hungarian with a 3 element quad for 80m fixed on the USA. He was 25dB over S9. I turned the Yaesu down to 5 watts and got him - that antenna could hear as well as he could "talk". It was fun using a variety of rigs, especially the SST. For such a simple and tiny rig to zoom across the nighttime Atlantic and allow dits & dahs to be heard in European attics, basements and hamshacks is truly amazing. Would like to have tried it with my RockMite but I gave it to a co-worker's son - that'll teach me to be generous before a contest ;-) The antenna for all contacts was an 80m dipole at 60 feet fed with ladder line. The keyer was a Jackson Harbor Island Keyer II, with 6 memories, only two of which were used (repeatedly!). QRP (2 watts) Elecraft K1 - 24 countries on combination of 15, 20 and 40 meters (mostly 15m) SST/40 - 6 countries DSW/20 - 14 countries FT-840 on 80 meters @ 5 watts - 1 country! (Hungary) QRO (100 watts) FT-840 40 meters - 33 countries, including JY9QJ, a new one on 40 for me 80 meters - 45 countries, 3 new ones on 80 - ZD8Z, ES5Q and TA2ZF John Harper AE5X Outdoor QRP & 80-Meter DXing: http://www.ae5x.com ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:25:32 -0800 From: "Bill Jones" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168938] Re: WWVB Message-ID: <003b01c3f968$e0d4bfe0$5cc13542@RadioRoom> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I am having problems as well. I have a SkyScan clock from Costco that has been a flawless performer for nearly two years. Then, about a month ago it lost lock. I can take it outside and *sometimes* it will regain lock but as soon as I bring it back inside the house it drops out of lock again. I replaced the batteries to no avail. Others have been having problems, most of which started about the same time so I am reasonably confident the problem lies on the transmitter end. What to do? I don't know. ======================== Bill Jones KD7S <>< http://www.psnw.com/~kd7s Sanger, California ======================== ----- Original Message ----- From: "W2WU" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 2:27 AM Subject: OT: WWVB > Members: > Are any members experiencing reception/setting problems with "Atomic > Clocks"? 73 Ron W2WU > > > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:39:46 -0800 (PST) From: Bob KB2FEL To: Low Power Amateur Radio Cc: "QTH.Net" Subject: [168939] SW-80 for CQC Winter QSO Party Message-ID: <20040222173946.12493.qmail@web60501.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi All, I have been saving my recently built SW-80 for use during today's CQC Winter QSO party. I will camp out on 3.562+/- from about 02:00 utc until contest end. Stop by and let me know if my building the little kit worked! If for some reason I do not hear you and its not to much trouble, please let me know off list that I was heard, RST and so on. TNX 72 Bob KB2FEL/8 "Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen." - Sir Winston Churchill __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 12:41:26 -0600 From: "Tony Martin W4FOA" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168940] Re: MFJ gear Message-ID: <008701c3f973$7a637700$6401a8c0@Delldude> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit One item I have found to be extremely helpful and most useful is the Model 616 Speech Intelligibility Enhancer....it has many valuable features, especially if you have a hearing deficiency in a specific frequency range, or if your hearing is weaker in one ear than the other (both are true in my case). Usual disclaimers...just sharing some good news. Tony, W4FOA ----- Original Message ----- From: "Ray Sills" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Sunday, February 22, 2004 7:59 AM Subject: MFJ gear > Hi Gang: > > Don't forget... quality issues notwithstanding... that MFJ makes -some- > products that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else, unless you build > them from scratch yourself. The number of items in the MFJ catalog is > huge. > > 73 de Ray > K2ULR > FN20tl > ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:44:32 -0700 From: Bruce Grubbs To: w2wurjj@verizon.net, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168941] Re: OT: WWVB Message-ID: <200402221044.33257.mail@brucegrubbs.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline I have two, a Sharp and an Oregon Scientific, both cheapies from WallyWorld- they're working fine here in northern AZ. 73, Bruce N7CEE Flagstaff, AZ DM45 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 10:46:54 -0700 From: "Rod N0RC" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [168942] FS Superantennas PW-1 Message-ID: <006d01c3f96b$dcbb86c0$6401a8c0@greyrock> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit With optional tripod stand, very good condition. $100 shipped CONUS. The PW-1 is the predecessor to the current MP-1. It has a slightly longer radiator, and larger diameter loading coil. 73, Rod N0RC ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 11:51:47 -0600 (CST) From: Dale Botkin To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168943] Re: What diodes have a lower diode drop loss than the 1N34A? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Sun, 22 Feb 2004, Reed Park wrote: > Up here in the great white north (Canada) 1N34A's are easy to get. > Radio Shack sells a package of 10. Part number here is 276-1123 > > I wonder how the part numbers in the U.S. compare ? Same PN here, I have a package. It's several years old, though, and that part number doesn't show up as valid on their web site. 73, Dale - N0XAS -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. The NEW Super PicoKeyer offers speed control by pot OR menu! Check http://www.hamgadgets.com for news. ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 13:37:56 -0500 From: Brad Thompson To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168944] Amateur-radio quality issues (was: Re: MFJ gear) Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20040222131541.01c597c0@pop3.norton.antivirus> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 08:59 AM 02/22/2004 -0500, Ray Sills wrote: >Hi Gang: > >Don't forget... quality issues notwithstanding... that MFJ makes -some- >products that you absolutely cannot get anywhere else, unless you build >them from scratch yourself. The number of items in the MFJ catalog is huge. Hello-- Large numbers of products often present quality-assurance problems for small companies. Without any knowledge of MFJ's processes and procedures, I can offer a few general observations. First, when you're building small batches of many varied products, it's difficult to build a manufacturing history or body of skilled workers. When workers frequently switch from product to product, they slide repeatedly down the proverbial "learning curve" and are forced to relearn the techniques needed for assembling each product. Second, the more products you have, the more difficult it is to keep up to date on assembly instructions. Writing instructions takes time, and it's easier to justify writing comprehensive instructions for one product than for dozens. Third, when you're manufacturing only a few problems, you can-- and do-- put dedicated test stations together. If you're making small batches of many products, chances are, you can't afford to dedicate test equipment to each product, and when you mix and match instruments off the shelf to assemble ad hoc test stations, you get inconsistent test results. Fourth, MFJ deserves recognition for its efforts to keep its manufacturing operations within the United States. *** A couple of additional points to ponder: Electronic-product design and manufacturing are, or should be, inseparable. Quality begins with product planning-- and a supportive attitude on the part of a company's management. Manufacturing problems present mandatory learning opportunities for the design-engineering staff. Good tools encourage innovative thinking-- if your oscilloscope's bandwidth rolls off after 10 MHz,chances are you'll never think of looking for that 100-MHz parasitic oscillation that makes the audio buzz once in a while. Bruce Muscolino's long post reflects some of the comments in a message I sent privately to Jason a while ago. He's probably getting tired of hearing old tigers roar, but collectively we've killed a lot of antelopes. 73-- Brad AA1IP ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 13:18:50 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [168945] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <002201c3f978$b44b95b0$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kevin, >Gang, >Ok. Here is where I stand now... (Snipped) >The PIC EL still will not program, however it does erase the >first 'Program Memory' location [0000:]. >0000: 29A0 3FFF 3FFF ... 29A0 is erased when I try to program it with >the PIC-EL. >0000: 0000 3FFF 3FFF ... This is what I wind up with. Doing a read >and original program with picallw.exe >I can program the PIC with my PICALL programmer and PICALLW software, >but I have to keep removing the PIC from the PIC-EL and putting it back >which is not the best fix. >Where do I go from here? >73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS A couple of things to think about. First, if your programming clock pulse is not being generated, it would exhibit this behavior. This is the circuitry associated with Q1, being generated by a RTS signal on the RS232 interface. If the clock signal doesn't pulse, the PIC will not advance to the next memory location. The main thing that I keep thinking about is the idea that maybe the READ is failing, not the WRITE. FPP Writes and then immediately Reads - it doesn't wait until the entire program is written out before reading back to see if the writes are working. It quickly stops if it detects a discrepancy. This may make it stop after writing (but not properly verifying) one byte. Note that this also happens if you try to program the PIC with the PIC-EL's S1 switch in RUN mode. The other thing that is still troubling me is what you have said about the output voltage Vpgm. Please verify that it is going all the way from zero up to +12v when TD is asserted (I.E, TD goes low!). When Q3 and its associated circuitry is working correctly. TD going low (nominally -12v) will make Vpgm rise to the power supply voltage (limited to 12v by the zener, D5). The PIC needs this high voltage to get into PROGRAM mode so it knows it is supposed to start loading the data in. As for the READ operation, if TD is not going low (-12 v nominal but at least some negative number), it will not pull the collector of Q4 down below zero to generate the proper serial port low. Remember that this gets inverted also. When RB7 is +5v, the base of Q4 will be about +4.5, which will cut off Q4 and make the Q4 collector (and thus CTS) to be -4v or so. When RB7 is zero, Q4 will be "on", which means the CTS signal will be about +4.5v. Thinking back, the real "klinker" in this whole analysis is that I think you said it works correctly when connected to a different computer. Please verify this for me. If this is true, it appears the circuitry is working correctly but the signal levels are not proper for the new computer to detect them. This may be why we started thinking about the length of the FPP delays and the lengths of the cables. We will fix it. 72, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 12:26:52 -0700 From: "Rod N0RC" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [168946] More FS Kenwood HS-5 Comm Headphones Message-ID: <004401c3f979$d3f0f990$6401a8c0@greyrock> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Very good condition, $50 shipped CONUS picture at: http://users.frii.com/rwc/fs/hs5.JPG leather and nylon earpads included. Specs: 8 ohm impedance 200mW Max input at 1000 Hz 150 - 4000Hz -6db response 2m fabric cord You haven't lived until you've used REAL communication headphones. The audio quality of CW and SSB signals is remarkable. 73, Rod N0RC ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 13:02:34 -0700 From: "Rod N0RC" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [168947] Even MORE FS: American Morse Porta-Paddle Message-ID: <008a01c3f97e$d0783440$6401a8c0@greyrock> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Excellent condition, with base and cord set. $70 shipped CONUS Picture at: http://users.frii.com/rwc/fs/pp.html 73, Rod N0RC ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:19:40 -0500 From: "Kevin M., W8VOS" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [168948] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <000601c3f981$339f6f50$64dc0a0a@magnus> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Craig, > A couple of things to think about. First, if your > programming clock pulse is not being generated, it would > exhibit this behavior. This is the circuitry associated with > Q1, being generated by a > RTS signal on the RS232 interface. If the clock signal > doesn't pulse, the PIC will not advance to the > next memory location. This is checked with a TTL logic probe: O Q1-C R11 is clocked during read. > The main thing that I keep thinking about is the idea that > maybe the READ is failing, not the > WRITE. FPP Writes and then immediately Reads - it doesn't > wait until the entire program is written out before reading > back to see if the writes are working. It quickly stops if > it detects a discrepancy. This may make it stop after writing > (but not properly verifying) one byte. Note that this also > happens if you try to program the PIC with the PIC-EL's S1 > switch in RUN mode. > > The other thing that is still troubling me is what you have > said about the output voltage Vpgm. > Please verify that it is going all the way from zero up to > +12v when TD is asserted (I.E, TD goes low!). When Q3 and its > associated circuitry is working correctly. TD going low > (nominally -12v) will make > Vpgm rise to the power supply voltage (limited to 12v by the > zener, D5). The PIC needs this high > voltage to get into PROGRAM mode so it knows it is supposed > to start loading the data in. > > As for the READ operation, if TD is not going low (-12 v > nominal but at least some negative number), > it will not pull the collector of Q4 down below zero to > generate the proper serial port low. Remember that this gets > inverted also. When RB7 is +5v, the base of Q4 will be about > +4.5, which will cut > off Q4 and make the Q4 collector (and thus CTS) to be -4v or > so. When RB7 is zero, Q4 will be > "on", which means the CTS signal will be about +4.5v. When I force TD low with a jumper to ground the 11.57V appears on the TP-Vpgm. When I release it it goes to 0.723V. This is checked with a TTL logic probe: O TD does go low for the read cycle. [-10V checked with DVM] O RTS is Clocked during read. O DTR is Clocked during read. O CTS stays low during read and program. This checked at via by R1. -It seems that it is always low. > Thinking back, the real "klinker" in this whole analysis is > that I think you said it works correctly when > connected to a different computer. Please verify this for > me. If this is true, it appears the circuitry is > working correctly but the signal levels are not proper for > the new computer to detect them. This may > be why we started thinking about the length of the FPP delays > and the lengths of the cables. No, that wasn't me. When I use PICALL to program the pic it works. But that is a horse of a different color. It uses a different program (picallw.exe) and the LPT1 port (parallel). > We will fix it. I know we will > 72, > -Craig, AA0ZZ 73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:23:33 EST From: W0rw@aol.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168949] KX-1 DX Message-ID: <1a2.20a50259.2d6a69c5@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Wow! the DX Contest is a great way to check ur antennas and make DX contacts. i worked 27 different countries with my KX1; Russia, Japan, Africa and SA. The only one i missed was a VK4. DXCC would not be very hard to get... i was using a dipole. i took out hiking with the KX1 pedistrian mobile (/pm) with an 8 foot whip but no joy working any DX. Paul w0rw ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 14:23:54 -0600 From: Joe Martin To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Cc: qrp-l-@mailman.qth.net Subject: [168950] Re: The future of QRP-L Message-ID: <40390FDA.6040502@km5cw.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dale Botkin wrote: >On Sat, 21 Feb 2004, Rod N0RC wrote: > > > >>Frankly Dale I find the operating side to be one of the more mundane >>aspects of the hobby: MY NAME IS..., RST IS..., MY RIG IS..., etc. etc. >>etc. Just don't make it for me anymore. >> >> > >Me neither. That's why I don't put up with many contacts like that. I >ragchew, alternating with exploring new modes, new gear, new challenges. >Just picked up an old moth-eaten FT-480R just to explore and see if there >*IS* any fun to be had on 2M around here. If not, back up on eBay it >goes. I've got a PAC-12 just waiting to be tuned so I can try seeing if >that and a Rock-Mite will work while travelling on business and maybe -- >just maybe -- when the wife and I take a trip this year through some part >of Europe and down into Egypt. > PAC-12 and RockMites are a fun combo, expecialy if you tweak the RM so you can move up and down the band a bit. What I want to do this year is build a DSWII on 20 or 15 to go with my RM's I plan to use em all Field Day with my PAC-12.. -- 72 de KM5CW, Joe FP#-697 QRP-L#2524 ARCI #11368 FISTS#4217 GRID EM13kf FtWorth,Tx ( http://www.km5cw.org ) dit dit ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:52:30 -0500 From: Donald E Sanders To: pulsarxp@earthlink.net Cc: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168951] Re: The Lights Message-ID: <20040222.155751.-274815.0.w4bws@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit And don't slam the door. Don W4BWS On Sun, 22 Feb 2004 09:51:27 -0600 "Lee Bahr" writes: > The last one out of here, please turn off the lights. > Lee, w0vt > > > Donald Sanders W4BWS PO Box 459 Fellsmere, Fl 32948 321-426-5023 w4bws@juno.com ________________________________________________________________ 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: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:57:25 -0500 From: To: Subject: [168952] CW's revenge :0) Message-ID: <000f01c3f986$7adf6320$c726ad80@f1n5n8> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit CW...Beautiful CW abounds on 20 today in the ARRL DX CW contest. Just worked 4M4C with the DSW-20, on 14118.15 KHz... 73. Bill, N4QA ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 16:20:04 -0500 From: "Howard Kraus" To: Subject: [168953] FS: Piston trimmer caps Message-ID: <002701c3f989$a3fe65a0$9f131443@kntnny.adelphia.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit These are 1.2-10pf ceramic piston trimmers (7 of them). Building a QRP SWR bridge? These are what you need. They are from Surplus Sales of Nebraska. $10 will make them show up on your doorstep, much less than SSN's price! 72 Howard Kraus, K2UD ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:27:23 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [168954] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <003e01c3f98a$a9a14f30$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kevin, >> First, if your >> programming clock pulse is not being generated, it would >> exhibit this behavior. >This is checked with a TTL logic probe: > O Q1-C R11 is clocked during read. Good. >When I force TD low with a jumper to ground the 11.57V appears on the >TP-Vpgm. >When I release it it goes to 0.723V. OK. A bit high for a "low", but should be OK. (It is OK, based on what you say later. ) >This is checked with a TTL logic probe: > O TD does go low for the read cycle. [-10V checked with DVM] > O RTS is Clocked during read. > O DTR is Clocked during read. > O CTS stays low during read and program. This checked at via by R1. > -It seems that it is always low. I think we have it here. CTS needs to toggle between approximately +4v and -4v. If it is always low, there is a problem. First, what do you read for the "low" level? Is it zero or below zero? Looks very much like Q4 is bad. If it is "open", you would always get a low for CTS. When you ground the base of Q4, does CTS still stay "low"? Of course, maybe the Q4 collector is being held low (grounded) by a short somewhere. That's why the voltage reading of the "low" level is particularly important. > Thinking back, the real "klinker" in this whole analysis is >> that I think you said it works correctly when >> connected to a different computer. >No, that wasn't me. When I use PICALL to program the pic it works. But >that is a horse of a different color. It uses a different program >(picallw.exe) and the LPT1 port (parallel). Yes, that's a completely different animal, since the signal levels for a parallel port are different, and, of course, it's also different hardware attached. I thought you said you ran the PIC-EL from another computer and it worked. Guess not. Glad we clarified that. >73/72 - Kevin, W8VOS 72, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 14:40:08 -0700 From: w5xe@juno.com To: nogaqrp@mailman.qth.net, qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168955] Re: [NoGaQRP] Re: [QRP-L] OT:knobs Message-ID: <20040222.144009.-668799.8.w5xe@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I went back thru my send file and found ve7cla@shaw.ca was looking for DSP 40 knobs. I seem to recall sending him info on finding temp knobs from various tube products like tooth paste, etc and had a note back that he had found suitable items to use. Might still give him a try and see if he still needs them. 73 Ray "Politicians are like nappies. Both should be changed regularly -- and for the same reason" "Scotsman - Scotsman's Diary 12/97" Ray Colbert, W5XE, OOTC#3618, SOWP#1064M SOC#78 fp #111 ARCI-5784 NCT2R El Paso,(FAR WEST) TEXAS ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 15:46:12 -0600 From: "Craig Johnson" To: Subject: [168956] RE: [Elmer 160] PIC El Programming Problems Message-ID: <006001c3f98d$4a9aa6a0$6201a8c0@cbjp2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Kevin, Watch out! Please don't ground the base of Q4 directly, as I suggested in my last QRP-L post! This may destroy Q4 for sure, since there is no emitter resistor. Ground it on the "other side" of R9. That should still do the trick in forcing CTS to turn on. 72, -Craig, AA0ZZ ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 16:53:49 -0500 From: "Howard Kraus" To: Subject: [168957] Piston trimmers sold Message-ID: <001301c3f98e$5a85db60$9f131443@kntnny.adelphia.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit They went fast! TNX all. 72 Howard Kraus, K2UD ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 21:57:01 +0000 From: Wayne K9DI To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [168958] Ok, QRP-L is shutting down?...Now where? Message-ID: <20040222215701.GA7865@a.k9di.org> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Disposition: inline Hi Gang, Wayne K9DI es Leader Dog Patriot here. First Off, I want to echo the thanks to Jim E. that have been being expressed on this list. Secondly, I am wondering where, we, the community members that made up this community are planning on going? Personally, I am hoping the answer is not QTH/QSL.net or the Yahoogroups, but of the two the yahoogroups would be the most palateable (sp?) as I can still post to yahogroup lists. Since the owner of QTH/QSL.net has implemented his spiffy new spam filters I haven't been able to post to any of the many lists I belong to on that domain, including a list that I am the admin of. I have no axe to grind with Alan, but am just pointing out why my preferences are the way they are. See you folks on the other side. 73 de Wayne K9DI k9di at k9di dot org ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 14:27:59 -0800 (PST) From: Garie Halstead K8KFJ To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168959] Re: DX contest highlights Message-ID: <20040222222759.57820.qmail@web60310.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- John Harper AE5X wrote: > For such a simple and tiny rig to zoom across the nighttime > Atlantic and allow dits & dahs to be heard in European attics, > basements and hamshacks is truly amazing. I really liked the way you phrased that John. Another great thing is that it's just as amazing to us the 1000th time we do it as the very first. It is indeed magical. 72, Gary -K8KFJ- __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Yahoo! Mail SpamGuard - Read only the mail you want. http://antispam.yahoo.com/tools ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 22 Feb 2004 17:47:43 -0500 From: "Jason Hsu, AG4DG" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [168960] Yet more soldering questions Message-ID: <004501c3f995$e49acf20$64923144@aoldsl.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I finally bought the Weller WES51 soldering station with the temperature control. Compared to the Radio Shack (aka Radio Shaft, Radio Slack, Radio Schlock, Radio Yugo, etc.) 15W/30W soldering iron it replaces, it performs like a dream. The soldering station heats up to full operating temperature in seconds instead of minutes. The soldering iron tip is easier to clean. The soldering iron and tip are more resistant to buildup of the brown oxidation gunk. (It's amazing how a Radio Shack soldering iron and tip can look old after just minutes of use.) My soldering connections with the new iron are smooth while my soldering connections with the Yugo soldering iron look rough and sloppy. Some more questions: 1. Am I supposed to keep the tip and iron from touching each other when soldering a lead to the PC board? I'm still unable to heat the lead to a high enough temperature to melt the solder. I try to do this, but I end up having to cheat and touch the solder to the soldering iron tip. (Hey, I've got deadlines.) However, the contact point is ON the PC board trace AND the lead so that there's no need to carry the molten solder on the soldering iron. 2. How do I get the solder to fill up the hole when the lead isn't thick enough to? The only way I've been able to do this is by putting the soldering iron tip on the lead AT the hole and then applying solder at that point. 3. Is the soldering iron supposed to fit all the way into the stand? The barrel nut just below the handle is just too big to fit through the opening. Jason Hsu, AG4DG personal AAAATTTT jasonhsu.com http://www.jasonhsu.com/ee.html http://groups.yahoo.com/group/eeham/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/resume_hyperinflation_fighters/ http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gmu-ece-control ------------------------------ Date: Mon, 23 Feb 2004 00:28:34 +0100 (CET) From: dl6aaf@t-online.de To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [168961] Fwd: 15th OQRPC: The OP's Vice Message-ID: <200402222328.i1MNSai00802@joringel.privnet.de> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit QRP-CONTEST-COMMUNITY (qrpcc) 21st Feb 2004 c/o Dr.Hartmut Weber Schlesierweg 13 D-38228 SALZGITTER Tel.: +495341-50113 Dear QRP friends, even after 32 years and despite some "evergreens" the spectrum of comments is still fresh and colourful: - - - - - - - - After those exhausting Christmas holidays relaxation at last in the OQRP contest ;-) (DL2HRF) Just the right thing for losing some "mental fat" after Christmas. Wish my code proficiency would improve, then there'd be a few more QSOs ... (DL2JGT) Had a great time, generally get bored with contests but this was nice and relaxed, even went to the pub during it! (MI0BPB) This contest is fun, not so hectic and not these excessive speeds (DL1BBO) "Moskita", finished just in time, worked like a dream...Everything done in a hurry, the 27th was also the date of arrival in OE (DL1AVD) Perhaps more QSO when retired???... (ON4KAR) A likable contest. Thanks for all ... (F8DLJ) C'est le concours que je prefere! ...only friends on the bands (F5ZV) A nice contest without the endless 599 (DL7DAX) Had fun. Astonishing, the high number of active QRP stations. There were regular pile-ups at times - an unusual experience (but niiice, hi) (DK4LX) 40m very crowded, bad for getting through. 80m comfortably free of interference and lots of room. 40m should be expanded earlier! (DL1EH) The best contest for QRP!!! (IK3TZB) My first OQRP contest ... I now own an FT-817, but the cream topping were the QSOs with VLP stations. I.e. it's time again for home-brewing (DL3JIN) I was very happy to regularly receive letters all the years, but the contest becomes more and more popular, and so it's cheaper by I-Net (LZ1IQ) Now that was a fine contest! Real fun and only a little QRM from my 18 months old daughter. If possible I'd like to continue to receive the results by mail, needful of some nostalgia. (DL4ZBI) Only 1 hour of activity, hope to improve my performance next event (IZ4DYX) Last year I felt like soldering a lot: Ten-Tec 1380 & 1340 plus Elecraft KX-1. Stood the test in the contest, but flaws surfaced, too. Shows the usefulness of an OQRP contest. (DF3OL) The Psion 3C computer runs on 30mA at 3V, so it's a real QRP-computer. No doubt who is the "elefant" here (SM6FPC) Conds were satisfactorily ... Many thanks for the voluminous work of conveying through the OQRP contest (DK1LG) I had difficulties to send the log by e-mail so decided to send the disc ...enjyed the Contest very much (G3CQR) Conds and supply of stations again were very good. Was surprised to work no DLs on 20m. Conds (QTH/dead zone) or my antennas? (DL1RPL) Only 24 QSO this time. Age over 80 years... (DK9EA) ...and did not use DX cluster or... (too old for all that, 73 yrs) (ON5GL) again a nice contest with a good offering of stations (DL5ANS) Thank you for an attractive contest (SP5GBJ) Good result for 3 hours QRV/33 QSO (SP5AGU) ...success at supporting a meaningful shaping of our mutual hobby (DL7UWE) Much better conditions than last year and last summer...I was glad to work a lot of multipliers (G0KRT) Sorry I couldn't put in a full time entry (G4EDG) Condx on 20m poor for this QTH. ..40m was very crowded! (PA0RBO) Conds weren't that good here, heard many stns, but couldn't get through (HB9RE) vy QRM from my little yl Katerina (4 yrs)... cuagn in QRP-MAS = absolute fb test of all! (OK1DLY) Terrible condx, heavy QRM but enjoyed the xmas-atmosphere of OQRPC (OK1ITK) Worst facet of an in-town QTH are the hosts of switch mode PSUs (DL8LRZ) Driver transistor died, after replacement the FT-7 held through (DJ3XK) Again a very pleasant contest...I continue to be surprised by those "fat" QRP signals (DJ3LR) A new experience: Using a crystal controlled TX reqires lots of patience. (DJ2GL) My keying hand gave me considerable trouble (inflammation of tendon- sheath) (DL2WRJ) Lesson learned: DC-Receivers on 40m at night - almost unusable! (M0AVN) "The transmitters I used were built by myself" (this keeps the matter interesting.) For some strange reason I heard no VLP stations (DF4SD) Always fun, even if only participating for a short time (PA7XG) ...again a pleasant experience. A pity I worked only the louder stations due to constant local QRM (OK2BTT) I was pleased to hear so many stations participating (OH7QR) Great cw-qrp activity. Fb contest. Best wishes to the staff ... (ON5AG) Attained new personal record using a new antenna together with time- proven equipment. The 599-disease is spreading again (DL1HTX) Only 4 QSO with my mobile ant at the window of my house. But was pleased to listen to QRP friends (EA5CEC) Only intended to give away some points at leisure...but then the hunting fever took hold again...pain in the back of my hand for a long time after- wards (DK5RY) Thank you for a very attractive contest (EA7AAW) Tnx fer fb test, sri for only few QSOs (EA4OA) Only a small log for short operation on Sunday (OK1CZ) Nice contest, many stations (SP6LV) The later the better it got on 80m, fine participation... (DL1JGA) Still get pile-ups on 80&40! 20m: disappointing. Please, don't make the O-QRP just another "trrrt dabum dabum" disease (PA9RZ) I was at the receiving end and know what it means to receive VLP-sigs (PA1B) The TCVR fits into the ever fascinating Fisherman's tin ... (F/DL4IW) Fb conds this time, was real fun (OE6WTD) Better short and snappy than not participating at all (DK9KR) Not so many participants. As usual also other contests...extra handicap: My squeezer broke down, so was handkeying the whole contest (PA0ATG) House full of visitors, so no time/nerves for VLP-HB. And the FT-817 was in need of an airing again (DL9CE) Fine conditions and high activity, nice to participate (OZ9KC) Conds were mediocre, almost impossible to work VLP with GP (DF3YJ) This time I activated my old, completely home-brew 7Mhz-TX again, together with an old Icom RX (~1980) (OZ7MA) TX is my own design some of which made by "trial & error" particularly the O/P BD135 & associated circuitry (M0AEK) Thank you for preparing and adjudicating the QRP contests (DL5ANS) Staions giving only 599 had the biggest problems copying me. High time to exercise your right to disqualify (DL7VPE) Ham spirit & operating - fb (HB9DEO) The 1st hour on 20m produced fb signals. Later one had to struggle harder with 1w. A pleasure to take part again (DL9QM) Finally completed the 40m TRX... (DL6KWN) For a short time I got to use DL9GEN's fb antennas (DL9GWA) The contest was a pleasure, as always. Unfortunately a few QSOs "starved" because of the crowded QRP frequencies (OE8GBK) New: A ceramic filter SFE 7.020 in the RX input. Wkd fb (DF2SJ) Starting with 1w I had to continue using 8w, because the RX/TX relay wouldn't release otherwise (DL9ZEA) Nice to meet so many homebrewers (PA9M) 40m was unusable-just 2 QSO - 20 mtrs short skip much better. It's always a pleasure to meet old calls keeping QRP/CW alive (I1EFC) Some overbooking at home due to xmas festivities did not allow me to pay full attention to the contest. But finally it was a pleasure... (EA1KC) A pity my HB TRX (PA BD135) works only on 40m. Had plenty of breaks. Missed the "Doctor". Enjoyed both ETM8c and manual key. Have fun checking logs (DF0AWG) After many years again part of it, thanks to the outstanding kit from qrp-project. Made a few QSO despite a visit from daughter, son in law and grandson (DF5WI) Made all contacts running 400mW from a home-built Rock-Mite in a Wick sweets tin. Am troubled by "Deutsche Welle's" strong signal from Muensterland (DF7DJ) This time propagation wasn't that bad...Was real fun again (DJ1KAI) The 2nd time I used UCX-Log. Due to missing QRP contest support used as checklog. Made several errors by mouse, which had to be corrected subsequently (DJ3GE) ...enclosed my log processed by "LM", both STF and LMF file... could take part only for an hour at a time, was a pleasure just the same... it's a special contest after all! (DJ6UB) Enclosed my OQRP contest log. Was handicapped somewhat by visitors and a cold (DJ9CS) Could only spend a little time in the contest. Very busy otherwise at the moment. Old age pensioneers never have time! But was fun again. Will build a K2 starting end of January (DL1GKE) An fb contest, as always. Worked a few new stations (DL1RNN) Will use your little logging s/w next time. Thank you to the adjudicators for the extra work (DL2BQD) ...for the 1st time took part in the QRP class, using a selective rig, an IC-703 with CW filter...much more relaxing than coping with home made direct conversion mixers in the VLP class... (DL4AC) A bit tedious at first - started by repairing the Argonaut...otherwise many log entries, only problems chosing logging software... (DL5YM) After my dissapointment last OQRP contest...I decided to look ahead and enjoy myself on this one. In fact, this time I had a lot of fun (EA4RJ) Unfortunately, I had some other tasks for this weekend, and I couldn't spend as much time as I wanted... Next year I will give the VLP category a try with modified ROCKMITE on 40 and 20m (a VXO designed by NB6M) (F6FTB) A very much enjoyed contest with lots of activiy, condx were fair. But no DX worked. My ant set up for 80/40 not good for QRP (G3LHJ) Just had an hour or so this year, but could not resist making a few QSOs with my new FT817. Battery was weak, so I used 1W VLP (HA5X) Very enjoyable but very little time to operate (IK1RAC/1) Thank you for the fun I had (OE6KYG) Very sorry, but one day before contest I was on a special amateur meeting (ooooh, alcohol is no good thing..) (OK1IF) It was good fun even for a few hours (OZ7BQ) This is my first OQRP contest. Unfortunately the conditions were bad here and I'm pretty sure there is water in my coax. Have to repair that during the spring or summer (PA0CMU) I tried to give 'fair' reports in stead of the standard 599. Thanks for FB contest! (PA0FEI) Worked only 20m band - not enough time (SP9NSV) There are almost no problems, even running only 850mW (VLP)... (DJ3KK) Unfortunately had no usable 40m-RX. Using the RX portion of a JA-TRX together with a CO valve TX simply was no fun (DJ9IE) Holiday season. Family and children visited us. So I could not work full time. Found very good condx on 80m (F6ACD) ...one QSO testing my new MP-1 portable antenna... (DL1HR) By submitting this log I hope some OPs will get a few further points (DL2ABH) Certainly! Many thanks and 73/2 de "Hal", Hartmut, DJ7ST ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 20 Feb 2004 21:37:50 -0500 From: Bill Coleman To: redmen1969@optonline.net Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [168962] Re: LogBook of the World Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v612) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On Feb 15, 2004, at 11:07 PM, Tom Mc wrote: > > Just wondering if anyone else has had any experience so far. I have 6000 Qs or so entered, and more than 1000 QSLs. All of my contacts are for contests, and all of them in the last three years. The logs I've uploaded are the ones in an easily compatable format. I have other logs in older formats, which I haven't yet converted. Eventually, I plan to have every QSO I've ever made up in LOTW. It's going to take some time, though. QSL response is pretty high for recent, domestic contests. For older, random Qs, it will be much lower. The best way to improve the situation is to encourage everyone to upload logs. The more logs, the higher the QSL percentage. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: aa4lr@arrl.net Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3205 ************************ --------------------------------