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Field Day

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ne5dl

Field Day

Now my club is nixing a close community effort I'm going to operate FD as
2E running K3/P3 at 100W. Neighbor AF4B operating across the road from me
with his K3. Vertical antenna on my front lawn and me operating from my
garage. Maybe for 12 hours, if I can make it. Any suggestions for a
good quality AGM battery(s). Limit to $250.

73, Dave Lear NE5DL
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Re: Field Day

Dave,

I’ve been a customer of Northern Arizona Wind & Sun for many years. I have always been partial to the Concorde “Sun Xtender” line. Here is a link:

https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/batteries-battery-storage.html?manufacturer=369&nav_battery_type=443&nav_battery_voltage=386 <https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/batteries-battery-storage.html?manufacturer=369&nav_battery_type=443&nav_battery_voltage=386>

73, Jim / W6JHB

> On May 24, 2020, at 12:14 PM, David Lear <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Now my club is nixing a close community effort I'm going to operate FD as
> 2E running K3/P3 at 100W. Neighbor AF4B operating across the road from me
> with his K3. Vertical antenna on my front lawn and me operating from my
> garage. Maybe for 12 hours, if I can make it. Any suggestions for a
> good quality AGM battery(s). Limit to $250.
>
> 73, Dave Lear NE5DL
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Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by ne5dl

Be careful following this one. His suggestions will leave you in class D. Why? Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power. Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.

Field Day at WVARA station K6EI consists of many QRP stations all running off battery, and all are charged by solar panels. For SSB, my 20/80 meter station will run the entire event from a single Marine battery (bought at Costco for $75). That powers K3S, P3, Computer (15” MacBook Pro) and lighting. It is charged during daylight by a 100 watt solar panel. By the time we break down on Sunday, the battery is fully charged. That solar array is a game-changer, turning this from a multiple battery event into one handled by a single deep-discharge marine battery.

Unfortunately, it appears we won’t be doing FD this year from the great vista overlooking the San Francisco Bay area (really a spectacular view), although we haven’t been told the definitive no just yet.

Be sure to read the full Field Day rules for what is legal and what isn’t. They tend to be rather strict.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On May 24, 2020, at 12:24 PM, Walter Underwood <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> This was a nice blog post with a link to a deep cycle marine battery. Not the same
> as an AGM battery, but maybe a starting point.
>
> https://www.amateurradio.com/how-much-does-emergency-power-cost/ <https://www.amateurradio.com/how-much-does-emergency-power-cost/>
>
> wunder
> K6WRU
> Walter Underwood
> CM87wj
> http://observer.wunderwood.org/ (my blog)
>
>> On May 24, 2020, at 12:14 PM, David Lear <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Now my club is nixing a close community effort I'm going to operate FD as
>> 2E running K3/P3 at 100W. Neighbor AF4B operating across the road from me
>> with his K3. Vertical antenna on my front lawn and me operating from my
>> garage. Maybe for 12 hours, if I can make it. Any suggestions for a
>> good quality AGM battery(s). Limit to $250.
>>
>> 73, Dave Lear NE5DL
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
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>
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Field Day

On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power.

Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement
(not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).

> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.

Right.

73, Jim K9YC
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rich hurd WC3T

Re: Field Day

That was my understanding also. Only the transceiver must be on emergency
power. Didn’t make a lot of sense, but...

On Sun, May 24, 2020 at 16:46 Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:

> On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> > Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for
> logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency
> power.
>
> Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement
> (not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).
>
> > Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly
> into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this
> restriction.
>
> Right.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
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--
72,
Rich Hurd / WC3T / DMR: 3142737
Northampton County RACES, EPA-ARRL Public Information Officer for Scouting
Latitude: 40.761621 Longitude: -75.288988 (40°45.68' N 75°17.33' W) Grid:
*FN20is*
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Nr4c

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim

My club had used this idea for as long as I’ve been doing FD with them. If the computer controls the TX, it must be on emergency power. If it only logs, then commercial power is ok. But if you press F4 to send your call, computer should be on the battery too.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On May 24, 2020, at 4:48 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power.
>
> Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement (not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).
>
>> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.
>
> Right.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

From the FAQ:

"You must operate all transmitting and receiving equipment from emergency power. If you use a computer for digital modes, and/or to control or operate the radio, it also must use emergency power. If the computer is used only for logging and is not keying the transmitter, it does not need to be emergency powered.”

Now this is an answer to a question about the 100 point emergency power bonus, but we have been told it applies to normal operation as well. The key is “controlling the transceiver”. If it even changes bands or causes transmission, then it must be operated on emergency power.

If anyone questions the charging requirements, section 6 “Miscellaneous Rules:” states:

"6.9. Batteries may be charged while in use. Except for Class D stations, the batteries must be charged from a power source other than commercial power mains. To claim the power multiplier of five, the batteries must be charged from something other than a motor driven generator or commercial mains."

Very clear.

73!
Jack, W6FB

> On May 24, 2020, at 1:46 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power.
>
> Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement (not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).
>
>> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.
>
> Right.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
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Stephen Shearer

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

"To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be
made with transmitter(s) and receiver(s) operating independent of
commercial power mains."

IN the past... I DO remember that IF a computer was used for logging it
could be on "mains". Time was ... computers didn't control the rig
while logging. Also digital modes change things.

I looked at the rules and "I" could not find the "loggin with mains
power" anymore... There was a time "alt power solar" had to be 5W,
too... I used "find" in pdf .

73, steve WB3LGC

On 5/24/20 4:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:

> On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for
>> logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency
>> power.
>
> Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement
> (not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).
>
>> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you
>> firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to
>> remove this restriction.
>
> Right.
>
> 73, Jim K9YC

Macy monkeys

Re: Field Day

They should give extra credit for using pencil and paper...

John K7FD

> On May 24, 2020, at 2:31 PM, stephen shearer <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> "To be listed as Class A, all contacts must be
> made with transmitter(s) and receiver(s) operating independent of commercial power mains."
>
> IN the past... I DO remember that IF a computer was used for logging it could be on "mains". Time was ... computers didn't control the rig while logging. Also digital modes change things.
>
> I looked at the rules and "I" could not find the "loggin with mains power" anymore... There was a time "alt power solar" had to be 5W, too... I used "find" in pdf .
>
> 73, steve WB3LGC
>
>> On 5/24/20 4:46 PM, Jim Brown wrote:
>>> On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
>>> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power.
>> Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement (not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).
>>> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.
>> Right.
>> 73, Jim K9YC
> ______________________________________________________________
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donovanf

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

From the ARRL Field Day FAQ:

www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf

Q. What equipment at our Field Day site must be operated off of the emergency power in order to claim the 100-point per transmitter bonus?

A. You must operate all transmitting and receiving equipment from emergency power.
If you use a computer for digital modes , and/or to control or operate the radio, it also must use emergency power.

73
Frank
W3LPL

----- Original Message -----

From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]>
To: [hidden email]
Sent: Sunday, May 24, 2020 8:46:32 PM
Subject: Re: [Elecraft] Field Day

On 5/24/2020 1:16 PM, Jack Brindle via Elecraft wrote:
> Two things - if the computer controls the radio (and it should for logging and sending exchanges), then it must also be run on emergency power.

Are you sure about that, Jack? I've seen exactly the opposite statement
(not directly from ARRL, but by someone quoting ARRL).

> Second, the addition of a wall charger for the batteries puts you firmly into class D. You can charge the batteries off solar panels to remove this restriction.

Right.

73, Jim K9YC
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Field Day

Thanks Frank. IMO, this sort of clarification ought to be in the FD
RULES, not in an FAQ. We've done 1AB QRP for at least 8 years using
N1MM on a laptop running on a generator.

A few of the slower NUCs will run on 12V and are adequate for logging.
Would this ruling mean that its monitor must not run on a generator or
mains power?

What if the transmitter is being keyed by a WinKeyer which is controlled
from a computer running on a generator?

73, Jim K9YC

On 5/24/2020 4:16 PM, [hidden email] wrote:

> From the ARRL Field Day FAQ:
>
> www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf
> <http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf>
>
> Q. What equipment at our Field Day site must be operated off of the
> emergency power in order to claim the 100-point per transmitter bonus?
>
> A. You must operate all transmitting and receiving equipment from
> emergency power.
> If you use a computer for digital modes/, and/or to control or operate
> the radio, /it also must use emergency power.

Nr4c

Re: Field Day

Jim.

The monitor does not control anything, so it can be powered anyway you want. But if you push buttons on the Winkeyer and it’s not connected to the computer then you are ok. But if you let n1mm do the keying ( Winkeyer or not) then the computer must be on battrry or some form of emergency power.

Sent from my iPhone
...nr4c. bill

> On May 24, 2020, at 7:43 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks Frank. IMO, this sort of clarification ought to be in the FD RULES, not in an FAQ. We've done 1AB QRP for at least 8 years using N1MM on a laptop running on a generator.
>
> A few of the slower NUCs will run on 12V and are adequate for logging. Would this ruling mean that its monitor must not run on a generator or mains power?
>
> What if the transmitter is being keyed by a WinKeyer which is controlled from a computer running on a generator?
>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
>> On 5/24/2020 4:16 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> From the ARRL Field Day FAQ:
>> www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf <http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf>
>> Q. What equipment at our Field Day site must be operated off of the emergency power in order to claim the 100-point per transmitter bonus?
>> A. You must operate all transmitting and receiving equipment from emergency power.
>> If you use a computer for digital modes/, and/or to control or operate the radio, /it also must use emergency power.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Jim:

> On May 24, 2020, at 6:41 PM, Jim Brown <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Thanks Frank. IMO, this sort of clarification ought to be in the FD RULES, not in an FAQ. We've done 1AB QRP for at least 8 years using N1MM on a laptop running on a generator.
>
> A few of the slower NUCs will run on 12V and are adequate for logging. Would this ruling mean that its monitor must not run on a generator or mains power?
>
> What if the transmitter is being keyed by a WinKeyer which is controlled from a computer running on a generator?

I’m not a lawyer nor do I play one on television, nor did I stay at a Holiday Inn Express last night…. ;-)

It seems to me that the ’spirit’ of the FD rules is that anything that impacts the transmission/reception/interpretation of RF communications cannot be on a commercial power source if the site is going to claim ‘emergency power’ as the power source.

So if a Local Area Network is installed to pass data between stations at the site for logging purposes or coordination of transmissions, or is involved with digital signal modes, or if there is computer equipment, monitors, or ancillary equipment is used as part of the system to process information as part of the overall operation, then they all must be off commercial power if ‘emergency power’ is to be claimed as the power source. A Flex system that uses the LAN to communicate between Maestro, Antenna Genius, PGXL Amplifier,etc. may only be running CW and SSB without a PC would have to have that LAN on emergency power as the LAN is integral to the setup/operation of their communications equipment. If a laptop is running SSDR and has an external monitor, both devices would need to be off commercial power. If a laptop is logging contacts or being used for digital modes, it and anything else attached to it would also need to be “off the grid” to claim emergency power status.

The bottom line is that those that are involved with the design/installation of a field day site shouldn’t be looking for ‘exceptions’ to the rules but ask themselves whether their site setup meets the ‘intent’ of the rules.

Or, to put it another way, if the site did have a commercial feed available and that feed was lost due to a power outage, would the site be able to continue operating regardless on the existing sources of power that they’ve installed at the site? If the answer is “no” (e.g. they need to rewire/reconfigure to accommodate the loss of commercial power to keep operating as intended), then that site doesn’t qualify as running on emergency power until such time as they can indeed operate from start to finish without interruption.

FWIW,

Barry Baines, WD4ASW
Keller, TX

>
> 73, Jim K9YC
>
> On 5/24/2020 4:16 PM, [hidden email] wrote:
>> From the ARRL Field Day FAQ:
>> www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf <http://www.arrl.org/files/file/Field-Day/2019/2019-FD-FAQ-RevA.pdf>
>> Q. What equipment at our Field Day site must be operated off of the emergency power in order to claim the 100-point per transmitter bonus?
>> A. You must operate all transmitting and receiving equipment from emergency power.
>> If you use a computer for digital modes/, and/or to control or operate the radio, /it also must use emergency power.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Jim Brown-10

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Nr4c

Bill,

I understand the intent of the statement in the FAQ. My point is that
these clarifications should be part of the FD RULES, not an FAQ. To me,
an FAQ is answering questions raised because the Rules are poorly
written or incomplete. If I were running things, I would ban all FAQs
and tell the author(s) of the basic document(s) to finish their job!

When I first did FD in 1957, we logged on paper and kept paper dupe
sheets. One guy operated, a second kept the log and the dupe sheet. The
rules have not changed much since then, and to some extent, those days
are still the mindset of both the League and many club participants.

BTW -- my question about the monitor was rhetorical, and I don't agree
with your logic about it. It's part of the computer's user interface --
we humans can't operate the computer to control a radio without it.

The good thing about requiring true backup power for the computer causes
us as hams to think more seriously about running in emergencies. The bad
thing is that independent of the mains AND not powered by a generator is
that most laptops now need 16-20V at their power socket, it's hard to
find QUIET DC-DC converters, and it probably takes more power to run the
laptop than to run a KX3.

There's the interpretation of another contesting rule that is the basis
of "split site" operation during Sweepstakes. Two operators run one day
from their own QTH, then trade QTHs for the second day. This was
originated by our own big club, NCCC, and has since been adopted by
other clubs. The RULES says that 1) each operation needs to use a
different call (usually a Club call) and 2) a TRANSMITTER may be used
with only one call during a contest. This means four calls and four
transmitters. Starting out in broadcasting a few years after that first
FD, I've always viewed a power amp as part a transmitter, but the Rules
are not interpreted that way -- they apply it only to the transceiver!

73, Jim K9YC

On 5/24/2020 5:09 PM, Nr4c wrote:
> The monitor does not control anything, so it can be powered anyway you want. But if you push buttons on the Winkeyer and it’s not connected to the computer then you are ok. But if you let n1mm do the keying ( Winkeyer or not) then the computer must be on battrry or some form of emergency power.

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ANDY DURBIN

Field Day

In reply to this post by ne5dl

The field day rules need to be reviewed and corrected, not just for allowed power sources.

Take this for example -

"3. Date and Time Period: Field Day 2020 will be held June 27-28. Field Day is ALWAYS the fourth full weekend, beginning at 1800 UTC Saturday and ending at 2059 UTC Sunday.
3.1. Class A and B (see below) stations that do not begin setting up until 1800 UTC on Saturday may operate the entire 27-hour Field Day period.
3.2. Stations who begin setting up before 1800 UTC Saturday may work only 24 consecutive hours, commencing when on-the-air operations begin.
3.3. No class A or B station may begin its set-up earlier than 0000 UTC on the Friday (Thursday afternoon or evening local time) preceding the Field Day period. Cumulative set-up time shall not exceed a total of 24 hours."

This rule set allows a 1E station to operate for almost 27 hours. The contest start and end times are defined in rule 3.0. None of the subordinate rules say that a 1E station that performs all setting up after 1800 UTC Saturday is not allowed to operate for the full contest period.

It takes me less than 1 hour to convert from mains power to running the entire station on a generator. The rules, as published, allow me to connect and start the generator after 1800 UTC Saturday and continue operating until 2059 UTC Sunday.

ARRL representatives have told me that 1E stations may operate only 24 hours but the rules don't say that.

73,
Andy, k3wyc

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Bill Frantz

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10

Back around 1960, when IBM was developing the 360 series, the
people working on the architecture document adopted a policy of
not answering questions. Instead they rewrote the appropriate
section and asked if it now answered the question. The result
was the best architectural description of a computer ever produced.

I basically agree with Jim about emergency planning. For me, FT
modes are out (even if they could pass the necessary traffic)
because they require accurate time. My MacBook Pro doesn't keep
accurate time without a continuous connection to a NTP source.
When I'm at home, that comes via Comcast, which requires mains
power, and will probably fail for other reasons as well. In the
field I use my cell phone, which has the same problems.

Power is also difficult. At field day, I've used an inverter 12V
to 120V to power my laptop power adapter. I don't have to
describe why this solution is bad in so many dimensions to this group.

To solve the laptop power problem, I built a computer using a
single board computer and a 12V monitor from Adafruit. When
running it draws 800 mA, but the computer really isn't fast
enough for the FT modes. Faster single board computers are
available, but they draw more power.

This computer still doesn't solve all the problems, I haven't
found a good linux logging program, and it would be nice to have
a short term internal battery backup to save the computer state
when it gets accidentally unplugged. The backup battery should
be relatively easy. One solution just powers the single board
computer and not the monitor. Then the user knows power has dropped.

Does anyone know of good logging software for linux?

73 Bill AE6JV

On 5/24/20 at 2:02 AM, [hidden email] (Jim Brown) wrote:

>I understand the intent of the statement in the FAQ. My point
>is that these clarifications should be part of the FD RULES,
>not an FAQ. To me, an FAQ is answering questions raised because
>the Rules are poorly written or incomplete. If I were running
>things, I would ban all FAQs and tell the author(s) of the
>basic document(s) to finish their job!

...

>The good thing about requiring true backup power for the computer causes us as hams to think more seriously about running in emergencies. The bad thing is that independent of the mains AND not powered by a generator is that most laptops now need 16-20V at their power socket, it's hard to find QUIET DC-DC converters, and it probably takes more power to run the laptop than to run a KX3.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Frantz | When all else fails: | Periwinkle
(408)348-7900 | Voice and CW. | 150 Rivermead
Rd #235
www.pwpconsult.com | | Peterborough,
NH 03458

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David Herring

Re: Field Day

Take a look at cqrlog, cqrlog.com <http://cqrlog.com/> and see if that would work for you.

73,
David - N5DCH

> On May 25, 2020, at 8:57 AM, Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Back around 1960, when IBM was developing the 360 series, the people working on the architecture document adopted a policy of not answering questions. Instead they rewrote the appropriate section and asked if it now answered the question. The result was the best architectural description of a computer ever produced.
>
> I basically agree with Jim about emergency planning. For me, FT modes are out (even if they could pass the necessary traffic) because they require accurate time. My MacBook Pro doesn't keep accurate time without a continuous connection to a NTP source. When I'm at home, that comes via Comcast, which requires mains power, and will probably fail for other reasons as well. In the field I use my cell phone, which has the same problems.
>
> Power is also difficult. At field day, I've used an inverter 12V to 120V to power my laptop power adapter. I don't have to describe why this solution is bad in so many dimensions to this group.
>
> To solve the laptop power problem, I built a computer using a single board computer and a 12V monitor from Adafruit. When running it draws 800 mA, but the computer really isn't fast enough for the FT modes. Faster single board computers are available, but they draw more power.
>
> This computer still doesn't solve all the problems, I haven't found a good linux logging program, and it would be nice to have a short term internal battery backup to save the computer state when it gets accidentally unplugged. The backup battery should be relatively easy. One solution just powers the single board computer and not the monitor. Then the user knows power has dropped.
>
> Does anyone know of good logging software for linux?
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 5/24/20 at 2:02 AM, [hidden email] (Jim Brown) wrote:
>
>> I understand the intent of the statement in the FAQ. My point is that these clarifications should be part of the FD RULES, not an FAQ. To me, an FAQ is answering questions raised because the Rules are poorly written or incomplete. If I were running things, I would ban all FAQs and tell the author(s) of the basic document(s) to finish their job!
>
> ...
>
>> The good thing about requiring true backup power for the computer causes us as hams to think more seriously about running in emergencies. The bad thing is that independent of the mains AND not powered by a generator is that most laptops now need 16-20V at their power socket, it's hard to find QUIET DC-DC converters, and it probably takes more power to run the laptop than to run a KX3.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | When all else fails: | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 | Voice and CW. | 150 Rivermead Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | | Peterborough, NH 03458
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

rich hurd WC3T

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Bill Frantz

I have a solution for your NTP tick if you should ever want to avail
yourself. It involves a time server and a USB connected GPS receiver.
Works FB until the GPS satellites fall from the sky. :)

https://morsetutor.com/2014/10/jt65jt9-workstation-gps-time-sync/

On Mon, May 25, 2020 at 10:57 Bill Frantz <[hidden email]> wrote:

> Back around 1960, when IBM was developing the 360 series, the
> people working on the architecture document adopted a policy of
> not answering questions. Instead they rewrote the appropriate
> section and asked if it now answered the question. The result
> was the best architectural description of a computer ever produced.
>
> I basically agree with Jim about emergency planning. For me, FT
> modes are out (even if they could pass the necessary traffic)
> because they require accurate time. My MacBook Pro doesn't keep
> accurate time without a continuous connection to a NTP source.
> When I'm at home, that comes via Comcast, which requires mains
> power, and will probably fail for other reasons as well. In the
> field I use my cell phone, which has the same problems.
>
> Power is also difficult. At field day, I've used an inverter 12V
> to 120V to power my laptop power adapter. I don't have to
> describe why this solution is bad in so many dimensions to this group.
>
> To solve the laptop power problem, I built a computer using a
> single board computer and a 12V monitor from Adafruit. When
> running it draws 800 mA, but the computer really isn't fast
> enough for the FT modes. Faster single board computers are
> available, but they draw more power.
>
> This computer still doesn't solve all the problems, I haven't
> found a good linux logging program, and it would be nice to have
> a short term internal battery backup to save the computer state
> when it gets accidentally unplugged. The backup battery should
> be relatively easy. One solution just powers the single board
> computer and not the monitor. Then the user knows power has dropped.
>
> Does anyone know of good logging software for linux?
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
> On 5/24/20 at 2:02 AM, [hidden email] (Jim Brown) wrote:
>
> >I understand the intent of the statement in the FAQ. My point
> >is that these clarifications should be part of the FD RULES,
> >not an FAQ. To me, an FAQ is answering questions raised because
> >the Rules are poorly written or incomplete. If I were running
> >things, I would ban all FAQs and tell the author(s) of the
> >basic document(s) to finish their job!
>
> ...
>
> >The good thing about requiring true backup power for the computer causes
> us as hams to think more seriously about running in emergencies. The bad
> thing is that independent of the mains AND not powered by a generator is
> that most laptops now need 16-20V at their power socket, it's hard to find
> QUIET DC-DC converters, and it probably takes more power to run the laptop
> than to run a KX3.
>
> -----------------------------------------------------------------------
> Bill Frantz | When all else fails: | Periwinkle
> (408)348-7900 | Voice and CW. | 150 Rivermead
> Rd #235
> www.pwpconsult.com | | Peterborough,
> NH 03458
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]
>

JP Douglas

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Elecraft mailing list

Pricey!
I bought an 75 amp/hr AGM deep cycle battery a couple of years ago for $138.00 with free shipping from epay, works fine.
73 de Jose Douglas KB1TCD

Sent from my iPad

> On May 24, 2020, at 3:59 PM, James Bennett via Elecraft <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Dave,
>
> I’ve been a customer of Northern Arizona Wind & Sun for many years. I have always been partial to the Concorde “Sun Xtender” line. Here is a link:
>
> https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/batteries-battery-storage.html?manufacturer=369&nav_battery_type=443&nav_battery_voltage=386 <https://www.solar-electric.com/residential/batteries-battery-storage.html?manufacturer=369&nav_battery_type=443&nav_battery_voltage=386>
>
> 73, Jim / W6JHB
>
>> On May 24, 2020, at 12:14 PM, David Lear <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> Now my club is nixing a close community effort I'm going to operate FD as
>> 2E running K3/P3 at 100W. Neighbor AF4B operating across the road from me
>> with his K3. Vertical antenna on my front lawn and me operating from my
>> garage. Maybe for 12 hours, if I can make it. Any suggestions for a
>> good quality AGM battery(s). Limit to $250.
>>
>> 73, Dave Lear NE5DL
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> Elecraft mailing list
>> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
>> Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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>>
>> This list hosted by: http://www.qsl.net
>> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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>
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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> Post: mailto:[hidden email]
>
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> Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
> Message delivered to [hidden email]

Stephen Shearer

Re: Field Day

In reply to this post by Bill Frantz

Also see XLOG

73, steve WB3LGC

On 5/25/20 10:57 AM, Bill Frantz wrote:
>
> Does anyone know of good logging software for linux?
>
> 73 Bill AE6JV
>
______________________________________________________________
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Help: http://mailman.qth.net/mmfaq.htm
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Please help support this email list: http://www.qsl.net/donate.html
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