RTTY FL Settings
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Having become aware, from previous Posts, of the
separate FL filter settings for RTTY (there being separate filters for RTTY), I have a few questions. I want to set up the RTTY FL filter settings for use with PSK31/63. As a good starting point, I assume the RTTY settings should be set to match the SSB settings. Same for the BF settings? No problems experienced using SSB for PSK. Currently, my FL settings are: SSB RTTY FL1 OP1 2.20 FL2 OP1 2.00 FL3 1.80 1.80 FL4 0.75 1.60 I haven't looked into the BF settings as yet. Also, when switching to RTTY, does that imply I'm using the SSBCr setting? I may of course have to tweak the settings as I go along. Any comments/suggestions appreciated. 72 de N8PVZ ---bernie __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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Bernie,
Yes, the RTTY filter settings are handy. I would recommend you set the RTTY filter widths to FL1 = OP1, FL2 = 1.00, FL3 = 0.70 and FL4 = 0.40 Set the FL1 BFOs for RTTY and RTTYr to you LSB and USB FL1 settings. The other filters should be centered on the same audio frequency, usually 1000 Hz (I use 800 Hz as an alternative if the BFO range will not allow the narrow filter to be centered that high (just remember what frequency you used). There should be no need for further 'tweaking'. In operation, you would usually use FL1 and see the full width of the passband in the waterfall display. Move the K2 VFO so your desired signal appears at 1000 Hz in the waterfall display, and then click on that signal's track. If QRM comes on the band and overloads the K2 AGC with a strong signal in the passband, you can tap the XFIL button to narrow the passband and reduce the strength of the offending signal. Hint, also 'lock' your transmit frequency in the software so you don't end up 'walking the band' if your filters cause a few Hz shift in the sudio when changed. Yes, you have an independent SSBCr setting with the RTTY filters - set it for 1-1 for data modes to keep your IMD low. You also have an independent SSBA setting. If you control the level into your mic with your soundcard digital interface or from the computer, you should be able to set SSBAr to 1 and leave it there. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > Having become aware, from previous Posts, of the > separate FL filter settings for RTTY (there being > separate filters for RTTY), I have a few questions. > > I want to set up the RTTY FL filter settings for use > with PSK31/63. As a good starting point, I assume the > RTTY settings should be set to match the SSB settings. > Same for the BF settings? No problems experienced > using SSB for PSK. > > Currently, my FL settings are: > > SSB RTTY > FL1 OP1 2.20 > FL2 OP1 2.00 > FL3 1.80 1.80 > FL4 0.75 1.60 > > I haven't looked into the BF settings as yet. > > Also, when switching to RTTY, does that imply I'm > using the SSBCr setting? > > I may of course have to tweak the settings as I go > along. > > Any comments/suggestions appreciated. > > 72 de N8PVZ > ---bernie > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.432 / Virus Database: 268.15.25/593 - Release Date: 12/19/2006 1:17 PM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Bernard Gaffney, N8PVZ/QRP
On Dec 20, 2006, at 12:08 PM, Bernard Gaffney, N8PVZ/QRP wrote: > I want to set up the RTTY FL filter settings for use > with PSK31/63. As a good starting point, I assume the > RTTY settings should be set to match the SSB settings. You should have the at least one filter set to the OP1 filter. > Same for the BF settings? No problems experienced > using SSB for PSK. There are a couple of benefits to using the RTTY filters instead of the SSB: 1) You can set the variable bandwidth filter centered around RTTY (or PSK) frequencies, settings that wouldn't make sense for copying SSB. 2) the audio compression settings are separate for RTTY and SSB. So, if you set the SSBC value for one mode, you can set it to 1:1 for RTTY. > Currently, my FL settings are: > > SSB RTTY > FL1 OP1 2.20 > FL2 OP1 2.00 > FL3 1.80 1.80 > FL4 0.75 1.60 This doesn't make much sense to me. You're using the variable- bandwidth filter for all three RTTY filter settings. Unfortunately, the VBF has a very asymmetric response at bandwidths greater than about 1.0 kHz. I set up my RTTY filters as follows FL1 OP1 FL2 1.0 FL3 0.5 FL4 0.3 All the variable bandwidth filters are centered on 1500 Hz (1415 Mark, 1585 Space). RTTY REV is set up the same way for use with PSK. I try to pick PSK frequencies near 1500 Hz. The nice thing about this set up is that the FL1 filter is set wide, FL2 is narrow enough to tune RTTY stations, FL3 and FL4 can be put in to really block out adjacent QRM. > Also, when switching to RTTY, does that imply I'm > using the SSBCr setting? Yes. > I may of course have to tweak the settings as I go > along. I wouldn't suggest using the VBF at bandwidths wider than about 1.2 kHz. Once the filter stops being a single peak with smooth slopes, you might as well go to the OP1 filter. Bill Coleman, AA4LR, PP-ASEL Mail: [hidden email] Quote: "Not within a thousand years will man ever fly!" -- Wilbur Wright, 1901 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: RTTY FL Settings
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Bill,
Thanks for the feedback. I'll add it to my filter setting database. I've been meaning to get to setting the filters, but it's been just one maddeningly, mundane thing after another that keeps me from getting to it. This weekend FOR SURE, no matter what (short of Nuclear War). Just as an FYI, I had my K2 built for me, no way did I feel competent enough to do it myself. The builder did a GREAT job, but didn't do anything w/the RTTY filter settings (RTTY wasn't even turned on), which explains the RTTY settings. Thanks again. 72 de N8PVZ ---bernie ____________________________________________________________________________________ TV dinner still cooling? Check out "Tonight's Picks" on Yahoo! TV. http://tv.yahoo.com/ _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Bill Coleman-2
I've recently put up an antenna that I can tune on 160m with my KAT2 and
much to my surprise (having never actually used the 160m module in my K2 other than to test it) I hear lots of strong signals down there. But where's the QRP activity? I only hear people working DX. All the CQs are "CQ DX" and so far no one has answered my CQs. 73, Randy, KS4L K2 #337 _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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I haven't been on 160m tonight (yet) but I have made lots of QSOs with
both CW & SSB running my K2 at 5W or less. The CW QRP calling frequency is 1810 kHz. I've been able to work most states (I think except Alaska) and several DX countries from my QTH and the antenna is a Carolina Windom 160 at about 60' and the QTH is near the top of a hill at about 600' above average terrain which I'm sure helps a bit also. I've been amazed during some of the contests (I did many more 160m contests last year than I did this year, though) that I can work about 90% of the stations I can hear, same as other bands. I've also been amazed that I was able to work some fairly weak stations, which means they had excellent RX antennas since they were likely running QRO at the time. Don't limit yourself to just 1810, though, look around and you'll work stations. BTW, what antenna are you using? Mark, NK8Q Randy Moore wrote: > I've recently put up an antenna that I can tune on 160m with my KAT2 and > much to my surprise (having never actually used the 160m module in my K2 > other than to test it) I hear lots of strong signals down there. But > where's the QRP activity? I only hear people working DX. All the CQs are > "CQ DX" and so far no one has answered my CQs. > > 73, > Randy, KS4L > K2 #337 > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by wrmoore
On Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:48:48 -0600, Randy Moore wrote:
>I only hear people working DX. All the CQs are >"CQ DX" and so far no one has answered my CQs. Sadly, that's very much the nature of 160. Some call it "the gentlemen's band." I think a better name for it is "the DX snobs band." I'm running a KW to a decent antenna, and I call CQ a lot (not CQ DX). I have no problem working across the country (or even across the Pacific) during a contest, but getting someone to answer a CQ for a casual contact can be tough. Another reality, however, is that 160 is a tough place to work QRP. Two reasons. Noise levels are high, and propagation is challenging. My good friend and neighbor, N6WG (in Silicon Valley) plugs away at contesting with his K2, including all the 160 contests. He has great fun with it, but only because he takes his antenna system very seriously. One of the good reasons for running power on 160 is to get over the high noise levels. I've got an S1 noise level most of the time. It's not uncommon for me to read a guy 579, but he can't read me, because his noise level is S8. 73, Jim Brown K9YC Santa Cruz, CA _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mark J. Schreiner
On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 03:37:22 +0000, Mark J. Schreiner wrote:
>The CW QRP calling frequency is 1810 kHz. Any frequency that divides by 10 kHz can be a poor choice on 160 (and on 80 too), especially if you're running QRP, thanks to intermod from broadcast stations. I almost always hear a carrier on 1810, often on 1820, 1830, and 1840. Most of the time they're down around S3, but not always. And the guys around Fresno are struggling with an intermod product that used to be 30 dB over 9, but last I heard, is now down around S6. 73, Jim Brown K9YC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: 160m activity?
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In reply to this post by Mark J. Schreiner
On Saturday 10 February 2007 22:37, Mark J. Schreiner wrote:
> The CW QRP calling frequency > is 1810 kHz. I've been able to work most states Is this an American QRP frequency? In Region 1 it's the edge of the legal frequency on this band. It used to be 1.800 to 2.000, years ago when I earned my G4ICV, but that lower 10 KHz is out of bounds. John Dilks, K2TQN, said that the Second World War started on the 7th of December 1941 in a past issue of QST - how America-centric is that statement? I'll find the exact issue if anyone wants the reference. Ian, G4ICV, AB2GR, K2 #4962, LP-100 #278 -- _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
Hmm, interesting to note about the every 10 kHz. I have no such
problems here and wonder if others have noted the same that Jim has. I'd be happy to conclude that my radio isn't broken if it doesn't pick up those carriers, though, HI HI! I'll check it out again tonight but this morning I did a quick scan and found an annoying S3-4 carriers around 1841.25, and 1854.62 but don't remember hearing them normally. I also heard a fainter carrier around 1830.0, however I don't ever remember these being an issue in the past while operating during the evening hours. Of course, maybe my saturation level of AM Broadcast is not so prevalent here in PA as it could be in CA. I didn't even know that folk still listened to AM Broadcast anymore, HI HI! Just as a side note I've even found FM to become more annoying to listen to and have recently switched to one of the satellite based radios which I thought I would never do, but it is much more pleasant to listen to what I intend to tune into rather than the many commercials that plague the commercial broadcast stations otherwise. I used to constantly switch between various FM stations whenever I heard a commercial, and found that I was doing that more than I was listening to music, but not anymore. It seemed that radio stations were coordinating their commercial times, as it seems that TV stations do as well. Oh, sorry for my digression from the Elecraft topic at hand, though, that of 160m QRP activity. Mark, NK8Q Jim Brown wrote: > On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 03:37:22 +0000, Mark J. Schreiner wrote: > > >> The CW QRP calling frequency is 1810 kHz. >> > > Any frequency that divides by 10 kHz can be a poor choice on 160 > (and on 80 too), especially if you're running QRP, thanks to > intermod from broadcast stations. I almost always hear a carrier on > 1810, often on 1820, 1830, and 1840. Most of the time they're down > around S3, but not always. And the guys around Fresno are struggling > with an intermod product that used to be 30 dB over 9, but last I > heard, is now down around S6. > > 73, > > Jim Brown K9YC > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
OT: radio broadcast commercials
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Interesting that you mention the FM Broadcast band predominance of
commercials. They irritate me too, but I have settled on a local non-commercial FM station here. They broadcast only classical music, but it is listener supported and NO commercials and is available 24 hours a day. BTW, if anyone wants to hear what I am talking about, you too can listen worldwide - they stream on the internet in 5 formats and are available on C-band and Ku-band as well. Any local cable company can retransmit their feed free! If you are interested in some nice commercial free classical music, check out http://www.theclassicalstation.org/ Apologies for the reflector bandwidth to those not interested. 73, Don W3FPR > -----Original Message----- > > I didn't even know that folk still listened to AM Broadcast anymore, HI > HI! Just as a side note I've even found FM to become more annoying to > listen to and have recently switched to one of the satellite based > radios which I thought I would never do, but it is much more pleasant to > listen to what I intend to tune into rather than the many commercials > that plague the commercial broadcast stations otherwise. I used to > constantly switch between various FM stations whenever I heard a > commercial, and found that I was doing that more than I was listening to > music, but not anymore. It seemed that radio stations were coordinating > their commercial times, as it seems that TV stations do as well. Oh, > sorry for my digression from the Elecraft topic at hand, though, that of > 160m QRP activity. > > Mark, NK8Q > > No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.17.33/678 - Release Date: 2/9/2007 4:06 PM _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
Thanks for all the input on 160m operation! FWIW, the antenna I'm trying to
use is an 88 foot dipole in the inverted vee configuration with the apex at about 45 feet. I know it's a pip-squeek of an antenna for the top band, but I thought I'd give it a try. 73, Randy, KS4L _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
Re: OT: radio broadcast commercials
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In reply to this post by Don Wilhelm-3
The two classical stations that I listen to over the Internet are:
1. KWAX (www.kwax.com) from the University of Oregon. The UofO mascot is the duck, so I love the play on words in their choice of callsign. 2. WKAR (www.wkar.org) from Michigan State University. These two feeds are both 128 kbps or better and both sound really great. 73! Dan KB6NU ---------------------------------------------------------- CW Geek and MI Affiliated Club Coordinator Read my ham radio blog at www.kb6nu.com LET'S GET MORE KIDS INTO HAM RADIO! On Feb 11, 2007, at 9:26 AM, Don Wilhelm wrote: > Interesting that you mention the FM Broadcast band predominance of > commercials. They irritate me too, but I have settled on a local > non-commercial FM station here. They broadcast only classical > music, but it > is listener supported and NO commercials and is available 24 hours > a day. > > BTW, if anyone wants to hear what I am talking about, you too can > listen > worldwide - they stream on the internet in 5 formats and are > available on > C-band and Ku-band as well. Any local cable company can retransmit > their > feed free! If you are interested in some nice commercial free > classical > music, check out http://www.theclassicalstation.org/ > > Apologies for the reflector bandwidth to those not interested. > > 73, > Don W3FPR > > >> -----Original Message----- >> >> I didn't even know that folk still listened to AM Broadcast >> anymore, HI >> HI! Just as a side note I've even found FM to become more >> annoying to >> listen to and have recently switched to one of the satellite based >> radios which I thought I would never do, but it is much more >> pleasant to >> listen to what I intend to tune into rather than the many commercials >> that plague the commercial broadcast stations otherwise. I used to >> constantly switch between various FM stations whenever I heard a >> commercial, and found that I was doing that more than I was >> listening to >> music, but not anymore. It seemed that radio stations were >> coordinating >> their commercial times, as it seems that TV stations do as well. Oh, >> sorry for my digression from the Elecraft topic at hand, though, >> that of >> 160m QRP activity. >> >> Mark, NK8Q >> >> > -- > No virus found in this outgoing message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.17.33/678 - Release Date: > 2/9/2007 > 4:06 PM > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mark J. Schreiner
Hey, Mark.
I also hear a very weak carrier around 1830. There is a South American AM station at 1820 that I hear when the band is open to my south. Other than that, no birdies or other stuff. 73, Jim, K4ZMV ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark J. Schreiner" <[hidden email]> To: "Elecraft Reflector" <[hidden email]> Sent: Sunday, February 11, 2007 8:49 AM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 160m activity? > Hmm, interesting to note about the every 10 kHz. I have no such problems > here and wonder if others have noted the same that Jim has. I'd be happy > to conclude that my radio isn't broken if it doesn't pick up those > carriers, though, HI HI! I'll check it out again tonight but this morning > I did a quick scan and found an annoying S3-4 carriers around 1841.25, and > 1854.62 but don't remember hearing them normally. I also heard a fainter > carrier around 1830.0, however I don't ever remember these being an issue > in the past while operating during the evening hours. Of course, maybe my > saturation level of AM Broadcast is not so prevalent here in PA as it > could be in CA. > I didn't even know that folk still listened to AM Broadcast anymore, HI > HI! Just as a side note I've even found FM to become more annoying to > listen to and have recently switched to one of the satellite based radios > which I thought I would never do, but it is much more pleasant to listen > to what I intend to tune into rather than the many commercials that plague > the commercial broadcast stations otherwise. I used to constantly switch > between various FM stations whenever I heard a commercial, and found that > I was doing that more than I was listening to music, but not anymore. It > seemed that radio stations were coordinating their commercial times, as it > seems that TV stations do as well. Oh, sorry for my digression from the > Elecraft topic at hand, though, that of 160m QRP activity. > > Mark, NK8Q > > Jim Brown wrote: >> On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 03:37:22 +0000, Mark J. Schreiner wrote: >> >> >>> The CW QRP calling frequency is 1810 kHz. >> >> Any frequency that divides by 10 kHz can be a poor choice on 160 (and on >> 80 too), especially if you're running QRP, thanks to intermod from >> broadcast stations. I almost always hear a carrier on 1810, often on >> 1820, 1830, and 1840. Most of the time they're down around S3, but not >> always. And the guys around Fresno are struggling with an intermod >> product that used to be 30 dB over 9, but last I heard, is now down >> around S6. >> 73, >> >> Jim Brown K9YC >> >> > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by wrmoore
On Sun, 11 Feb 2007 08:51:02 -0600, Randy Moore wrote:
>FWIW, the antenna I'm trying to use is an 88 foot dipole in >the inverted vee configuration with the apex at about 45 feet. That's part of your problem -- it's a lousy 160 antenna. 160 is a band that sort of forces you to take antennas more seriously. Not that they need to be perfect or textbook, but you can't throw away 10-20 dB and expect to make Q's like you can on the higher bands. I suggest you do something like what I did when I lived on a small lot in Chicago. I managed to work across the country with 100 watts, and worked at least one 160 contest QRP. See details at http://audiosystemsgroup.com/K9YC/k9yc160TopLoad.htm Note that while my "counterpoise" was a big wrought iron fence and some short radials, another ham in Chicago uses the HVAC system in his sprawling suburban house as a counterpoise. :) When I moved from Chicago to the side of a mountain near Santa Cruz last spring, I took down the antenna and re-installed it at my new qth. I started with about 25 radials, adding more as I have time (and find the copper), and I now have 40. No surprise -- the antenna works even better here. :) 73, Jim Brown K9YC _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Mark J. Schreiner
Mark,
If you're not hearing BC TX haronics perhaps you have location noise problem and don't realize what you're missing. Some better RX antennas might be of help. I use a 6' hardline loop with a pre-amp. 73! Ken Kopp - K0PP [hidden email] or [hidden email] _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by wrmoore
Sadly, I must agree with Jim Brown, K9YC.
By the way Jim, it was a pleasure working you the other day. With a two letter call and a big signal like your's I mistakenly had you pegged as another "DX-Snob." Randy, you might keep an ear open for Jim, he's a very nice guy with an excellent station. Randy, I am on 160 quite regularly and it is fairly rare to find a QSO. The only way the rest of us are going to ever get any use out of the band is to use it and generate some CQ's. Otherwise the DX'ers will continue having their way. The other morning I was lucky enough to hook up with K8MP, Delaware OH and KD8BZY, Poda? WA. My friend Joe had a good signal & was solid copy, whereas I never did figure out Randy's QTH for sure. Anyway, both good ragchew stations and close enough to you that either one should be easy copy. Another good guy on 160 fairly often is K6XK, Rolfe IA. There are others, but you have to be persistant. It helps if you have a good antenna, in fact as Jim said, a good antenna is vital to success. Living on a city lot 90' X 60' with all the noise attendant, I've had the most success with a Ground Plane on my roof using a Butternut HF-2V with the 160 meter add-on module. I have the top hat and three radials that go to the edge of the roof, then "wrap-around" the yard, either on the back yard fence or in the front yard just running along the eves. While it certainly is not in a league with what Jim, W9YC, has, I have NO trouble working the East Coast, Hawaii, and Alaska during contests such as the one we had two weeks ago. I am running power though, 300W on a pair of 811A's. Don't expect too much on 5 watts unless your antenna is very much better than mine. As Jim says, the noise will eat your signal. Another nice thing about a vertically polarized signal is the ground wave. You'll find working 100 miles in the daytime at high noon is no trick at all, and you can do that QRP. The secret of course is the very low noise on 160 when there is no skip. Some years ago I use to have a regular sked with W6TYP in San Jose 100+ miles from Santa Rosa on AM. I was running a 6L6 crystal oscillator plate modulated. You know, if you modulate very deeply on negative peaks, the oscillator will start to become unstable, so about the best you can do is 50% modulation. That's real QRP! 12 Watts carrier, 6 Watts peak double side-band, 3 Watts peak each single side-band X 50% modulation! Hi Hi Of course finding anyone to work within 100 miles on daytime ground-wave is a nearly insurmountable challenge. Anyway Randy, good luck & stick with it. Very 73, TR, WB6TMY _____________ Message: 33 Date: Sat, 10 Feb 2007 19:57:44 -0800 From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]> Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 160m activity? On Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:48:48 -0600, Randy Moore wrote: >I only hear people working DX. All the CQs are >"CQ DX" and so far no one has answered my CQs. Sadly, that's very much the nature of 160. Some call it "the gentlemen's band." I think a better name for it is "the DX snobs band." 73, Jim Brown K9YC Santa Cruz, CA _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by Jim Brown-10
Worked W5ESE on 1015 last night on 160! Scott was running 5 watts. If it
hadn't been for the building QRN, I'd have copied him solid. Not to mention DXers who ignored us and QRMed us as well. Until recently 1800-1820 was fairly free from DXing. Some of the newbies are beginning to remind me of the RTTY bunch on the higher bands, especially 40. "Keep outta 'digital' territory, but the whole band is ours during a RTTY contest!" QRP can be very challenging, especially on 160. This makes it fun, but the DXers are beginning to run off the ragchewers, what few of them are left. SSB splits have ruined 40 CW during SSB contests involving DX stations, and with 80 cut down to 100 khz. on CW, I'm afriad the same thing will happen there soon. Hope to meet some of you "just plain QSO" guys on 160 one evening on CW. Ain't many of that kind of operator left. 72/73, Sandy W5TVW K1 s/n 1178 from 160-15 meters ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Brown" <[hidden email]> To: "Elecraft List" <[hidden email]> Sent: Saturday, February 10, 2007 9:57 PM Subject: Re: [Elecraft] 160m activity? > On Sat, 10 Feb 2007 20:48:48 -0600, Randy Moore wrote: > >>I only hear people working DX. All the CQs are >>"CQ DX" and so far no one has answered my CQs. > > Sadly, that's very much the nature of 160. Some call it "the > gentlemen's band." I think a better name for it is "the DX snobs > band." I'm running a KW to a decent antenna, and I call CQ a lot > (not CQ DX). I have no problem working across the country (or even > across the Pacific) during a contest, but getting someone to answer > a CQ for a casual contact can be tough. > > Another reality, however, is that 160 is a tough place to work QRP. > Two reasons. Noise levels are high, and propagation is challenging. > My good friend and neighbor, N6WG (in Silicon Valley) plugs away at > contesting with his K2, including all the 160 contests. He has great > fun with it, but only because he takes his antenna system very > seriously. One of the good reasons for running power on 160 is to > get over the high noise levels. I've got an S1 noise level most of > the time. It's not uncommon for me to read a guy 579, but he can't > read me, because his noise level is S8. > > 73, > > Jim Brown K9YC > Santa Cruz, CA > > > > _______________________________________________ > Elecraft mailing list > Post to: [hidden email] > You must be a subscriber to post to the list. > Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): > http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft > > Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm > Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com > > > > -- > No virus found in this incoming message. > Checked by AVG Free Edition. > Version: 7.5.441 / Virus Database: 268.17.35/680 - Release Date: 2/10/2007 > 9:15 PM > > _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by wrmoore
WB6TMY: >The only way the rest of us are going to ever get any use out of the band is to use it and generate some CQ's. Otherwise the DX'ers will continue having their way. Isn't this true on every band? That's why we have QRP calling frequencies away from the mainstream DX areas. On 160 I often hear many regular ragchews below 1820. If you go above 1820 and answer someone calling "CQ DX", I would not expect to get a very positive response. Contests are another matter, and some of the best-equipped stations (including DX) will listen for the weakest QRP signals. I've worked fellow K2 owner G3XGC while Geoff was running 5W on 160 several different times, and once even running 1 Watt. Here's a webpage with some shots of Geoff's setup including K2, TX and RX antennas: <http://freespace.virgin.net/geoff.cottrell/G3XGC.html>http://freespace.virgin.net/geoff.cottrell/G3XGC.html It's hard to imagine 1 Watt making it across the pond from G3XGC's small city lot (1200 square feet total), but Topband is full of surprises for the deserving! 73, Bill W4ZV _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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In reply to this post by wrmoore
(Resending with corrected URL) WB6TMY: >The only way the rest of us are going to ever get any use out of the band is to use it and generate some CQ's. Otherwise the DX'ers will continue having their way. Isn't this true on every band? That's why we have QRP calling frequencies away from the mainstream DX areas. On 160 I often hear many regular ragchews below 1820. If you go above 1820 and answer someone calling "CQ DX", I would not expect to get a very positive response. Contests are another matter, and some of the best-equipped stations (including DX) will listen for the weakest QRP signals. I've worked fellow K2 owner G3XGC while Geoff was running 5W on 160 several different times, and once even running 1 Watt. Here's a webpage with some shots of Geoff's setup including K2, TX and RX antennas: http://freespace.virgin.net/geoff.cottrell/160m.htm It's hard to imagine 1 Watt making it across the pond from G3XGC's small city lot (1200 square feet total), but Topband is full of surprises for the deserving! 73, Bill W4ZV _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list Post to: [hidden email] You must be a subscriber to post to the list. Subscriber Info (Addr. Change, sub, unsub etc.): http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Help: http://mailman.qth.net/subscribers.htm Elecraft web page: http://www.elecraft.com |
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