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Local Beacon Splatter

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stengrevics

Local Beacon Splatter

I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to splatter
all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
filter setting, with little result.

Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
suggestions for dealing with this.

73,

John
WA1EAZ

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Mark Goldberg

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

Is this a ham radio beacon? Contact the owner and let them know. It does
not sound like it is in compliance. If not a ham radio thing, still contact
the owner, as it may be suddenly broken.

Best of luck.

Mark
W7MLG

On Dec 16, 2017 7:49 AM, "stengrevics" <[hidden email]> wrote:

I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to
splatter
all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
filter setting, with little result.

Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
suggestions for dealing with this.

73,

John
WA1EAZ

--
Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
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Bob McGraw - K4TAX

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by stengrevics

I would contact the owner and work with him to resolve the issue.
Likely something near the beacon antenna, such as a metal to metal joint
that is acting like a diode and generating spurious radiation. Or if
the signal is strong, it could be in your antenna system causing the issue.

73

Bob, K4TAX

On 12/16/2017 8:46 AM, stengrevics wrote:

> I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to splatter
> all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
> helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
> filter setting, with little result.
>
> Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
> suggestions for dealing with this.
>
> 73,
>
> John
> WA1EAZ
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> Elecraft mailing list
> Home: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft
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>
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>

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stengrevics

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

The owner does list his Email address. So, I would have to write a letter with who knows what degree of cooperation. Hoping for a Elecraft technology fix!

John
WA1EAZ

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 9:59 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I would contact the owner and work with him to resolve the issue. Likely something near the beacon antenna, such as a metal to metal joint that is acting like a diode and generating spurious radiation. Or if the signal is strong, it could be in your antenna system causing the issue.
>
> 73
>
> Bob, K4TAX
>
>
> On 12/16/2017 8:46 AM, stengrevics wrote:
>> I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to splatter
>> all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
>> helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
>> filter setting, with little result.
>>
>> Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
>> suggestions for dealing with this.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> John
>> WA1EAZ
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>
>>
>
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Don Wilhelm

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

John,

It has to be fixed at the source. There is not much that can be done
with a situation like that at the receiving end - unless as K4TAX
suggests, it is a strong signal and something in your receiving antenna
system is acting like a diode detector.

73,
Don W3FPR

On 12/16/2017 10:07 AM, John Stengrevics wrote:

> The owner does list his Email address. So, I would have to write a letter with who knows what degree of cooperation. Hoping for a Elecraft technology fix!
>
> John
> WA1EAZ
>
>> On Dec 16, 2017, at 9:59 AM, Bob McGraw K4TAX <[hidden email]> wrote:
>>
>> I would contact the owner and work with him to resolve the issue. Likely something near the beacon antenna, such as a metal to metal joint that is acting like a diode and generating spurious radiation. Or if the signal is strong, it could be in your antenna system causing the issue.
>>
>> 73
>>
>> Bob, K4TAX

Jack Brindle-2

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by stengrevics

I would ask this another way. What has changed recently. It certainly sounds like the transmitter is at fault, but similar situations can arise in conditions local to your station. Have you changed your antennas? Has something changed in your antennas? Something in the feedline or antenna with diode action could cause a similar issue. This could be a discontinuity in a connection (rust, corrosion) or something similar that is causing mixing of two or more signals. Just disconnecting your antennas and listening with a short whip may not be good enough to find this since you are still interacting with the local issue.

You should take a 6m receiver out and listen to the band away from your station, so that you hear the transmitter without interaction of your antenna system. If you still hear the beacon problems, then the owner certainly needs to know they have an issue.

This can be a rough issue to resolve, both on your end and the transmitter side. So many factors may be involved that the issue gets very complex (such as a diode action on his side, caused by an issue in a local commercial transmitter). Good luck resolving it, but be aware that there will be a resolution.

- Jack, W6FB

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 8:46 AM, stengrevics <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to splatter
> all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
> helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
> filter setting, with little result.
>
> Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
> suggestions for dealing with this.
>
> 73,
>
> John
> WA1EAZ
>
>
>
> --
> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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]

David Olean

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by stengrevics

Hi John

I am assuming that you are referring to K1MS/b in FN42. I know that
K1SG,Steve Gilbert, is involved with that beacon as well as K1MS, Ivan.
They contacted me to design and build a rugged small yagi for that
beacon as all the previous commercial ones they used fell apart in the
winter. I am sure those guys would help you with the key clicks. K1SG
has his email listed on QRZ.com.

73

Dave K1WHS

On 12/16/2017 2:46 PM, stengrevics wrote:

stengrevics

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

Many thanks for all the suggestions. Some points:

1. I am literally a couple of miles from the K1MS/B beacon. So, it has always been really loud here.

2. I did change antennas & feedline recently. I now have a 9 element LFA at 50 feet fed with 7/8” hardline to the rotor and Messi & Paoloni Ultraflex 13 to the antenna.

3. I don’t believe that the increased splatter coincided with putting up the new antenna & feedline. I haven’t experienced any other antenna-related or other events. The splatter from the beacon is directional.

4. I will send K1SG an email.

73,

John
WA1EAZ

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 11:13 AM, David Olean <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> Hi John
>
> I am assuming that you are referring to K1MS/b in FN42. I know that K1SG,Steve Gilbert, is involved with that beacon as well as K1MS, Ivan. They contacted me to design and build a rugged small yagi for that beacon as all the previous commercial ones they used fell apart in the winter. I am sure those guys would help you with the key clicks. K1SG has his email listed on QRZ.com <http://qrz.com/>.
>
> 73
>
> Dave K1WHS
>
>
> On 12/16/2017 2:46 PM, stengrevics wrote:
>> I have a beacon a couple of miles from me that has recently begun to splatter
>> all over the 6 meter band. I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
>> helps somewhat. I also tried adjusting the filter width, and shifting the
>> filter setting, with little result.
>>
>> Anyone have any experience dealing wit this issue? Would appreciate any
>> suggestions for dealing with this.
>>
>> 73,
>>
>> John
>> WA1EAZ
>>
>>
>>
>> --
>> Sent from: http://elecraft.365791.n2.nabble.com/
>> ______________________________________________________________
>> 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] <mailto:[hidden email]>

Jim Brown-10

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm

Ham beacons are often built with el cheapo grande gear and keyed by
means that generate clicks. There's nothing in FCC Rules that exempts
them from requirements to transmit a clean signal.

Contact the owner, let him/her know of the problem, and that you expect
it to be fixed.

73, Jim K9YC

On 12/16/2017 7:18 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote:
> It has to be fixed at the source. There is not much that can be done
> with a situation like that at the receiving end - unless as K4TAX
> suggests, it is a strong signal and something in your receiving
> antenna system is acting like a diode detector.

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K9MA

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by stengrevics

On 12/16/2017 08:46, stengrevics wrote:
> I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
> helps somewhat.

Turn the noise blanker off, to make sure the NB isn't causing the
splatter. (Which it can.)

73,

Scott K9MA

--
Scott K9MA

[hidden email]

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stengrevics

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

Hi Scott,

The NB actually helps reduce the splatter.

73,

John
WA1EAZ

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 1:00 PM, K9MA <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> On 12/16/2017 08:46, stengrevics wrote:
>> I've tried adjusting the noise blanker and that
>> helps somewhat.
>
> Turn the noise blanker off, to make sure the NB isn't causing the splatter. (Which it can.)
>
> 73,
>
> Scott K9MA
>
> --
> Scott K9MA
>
> [hidden email]
>
> ______________________________________________________________
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Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT-2

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

In reply to this post by stengrevics

I think I'd at least try. The responsible operator may not know, and
might be happy to find out.

I'd offer to assist.

After all, it's not a complaint, it's an opportunity to fix a problem.

73 -- Lynn

On 12/16/2017 7:07 AM, John Stengrevics wrote:
> The owner does list his Email address. So, I would have to write a letter with who knows what degree of cooperation. Hoping for a Elecraft technology fix!
>
> John
> WA1EAZ
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stengrevics

Re: Local Beacon Splatter

Lynn,

Yes, I sent an email to someone connected with the beacon.

73,

John
WA1EAZ

> On Dec 16, 2017, at 2:46 PM, Lynn W. Taylor, WB6UUT <[hidden email]> wrote:
>
> I think I'd at least try. The responsible operator may not know, and might be happy to find out.
>
> I'd offer to assist.
>
> After all, it's not a complaint, it's an opportunity to fix a problem.
>
> 73 -- Lynn
>
> On 12/16/2017 7:07 AM, John Stengrevics wrote:
>> The owner does list his Email address. So, I would have to write a letter with who knows what degree of cooperation. Hoping for a Elecraft technology fix!
>> John
>> WA1EAZ
> ______________________________________________________________
> 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
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