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International  Edition 


March  1984  $2,50 
Issue  #282 


TMvl. 


huttle 

pecial! 

23  reports 

o  No-Code  Now 

Page  104 

"he  Blue  Team 

,  age  78 

On  Shore 
"  t  Malpelo 

Page  110 

Vic  Clark: 

"A  Great  Loss" 

Page  6 

Wet  Batteries 

Page  92 

Dayton's 
New  Award 

Page  1 39 

CB  to  Shuttle? 


74470 


65946 


Amateur  Radio's 
Technical  Journal 


E 


A  Wayne  Green  Publication 


i 


Malpelo- 110 

In  Search  of  the  Shuttle: 

Fun,  Frustration,  Fatigue 

From  Maine  to  Hawaii,  our  special  correspondents 
gave  W5LFL  their  best  shots.  Thank  them, 

Burbank,  California  ...  K6DUE 

W5LFL  Contacts . ......... . .  .ARRL 

Saugus,  California WA6ITF 

Westbrook,  Maine .  .  K1 EFZ 


Nashua,  New  Hampshire 

Lansing,  New  York , 

Jacksonville,  Florida 

Stone  Mountain,  Georgia 


WB1 BRE 
K02X 

N4UF 
KA4AKO 


Tucker,  Georgia . . .  K4LDR 


t       i       d       4 


II       *       - 


Dallas,  Texas 
Texas  City,  Texas 
Dayton,  Ohio  . 
Steven  svt  He,  Michigan 
Bfoomfield,  Indiana. . 
St  Charles,  Illinois 
Wheaton,  Mlinois     ... 
Buena  Vista,  Colorado 
Encino,  California     . , 

Portland,  Oregon    

Portland,  Oregon N7AXC 

Anchorage,  Alaska , .  KL7FKO 

H  No,  Hawaii  .  ...KH6B 

Kaneohe,  Hawaii  KH6HHM 

Some  Fm  a]  Thoughts  ,  WAGITF 

Switch  Tricks 

Ever  had  trouble  setting  up  switching? 
No    more     The    Minnetonka    Master 


KD5JO 

WB5A5A 
WB8IF  M 

Kcajx 

W9HD 

...WD9CIC 

,.,,..  K09G 

.WSFK 

KB6WT.  KD6YC 

KZ7T 


10 

11 

12 
14 
16 
20 
22 
27 
28 
28 
30 
31 
34 
36 
37 
38 
40 
42 
45 
49 
50 
52 
52 
53 


\ 


makes  it  easy. KA0O5C     54 


LEDs  You've  Never  Seen 


Take  the  Two-Tone  Challenge 

Does  your  transmitter  put  out  a  clean 
signal?  Build  this  two-tone  audio  gener- 


F 


atorand  find  out W8DCC     84 

Build  the  NASA  Beeper 

Space-wise  communicators  use  this  de- 
vice for  one  good  reason;  clarity. 

KQ4C     88 


\ 


. .  * ,  t 


Sky  Power 

If  you're  a  meteor-shower  expert,  don't  read 
this.  Otherwise,  learn.  . . ,  W64CHZ 


90 


Wet  Battery  Quiz 

And  you  thought  you  knew  it  all. 


VE3AZX    92 


Another  Antenna  Approach 

frjl  This   Timex/Sindatr   program   goes   to 
l*»   great  lengths AD1 B     96 


JT~   What  are  the&e  little  lights?  What  do 
^J  they  do?  This  is  the  book W5LFM     58 


Searching— 40 

Never  Say  Die— 6 
Social  Events— 66 
73  International— -72 
Ham  Help— 95, 106 
Contests— 100 
Review— 102 

FCC— 104,113 
Barter  'NT  Buy— 107 

New  Products— 108 


DX— 110 
Fun!— 112 
RTTY  Loop— 112 
Reader  Service— 114 
Or,  Digital— 115 
Letters— 116 
Awards— 139 
Dealer  Directory— 146 
Propagation— 14© 


The  Best  Just  Got  Better 


IOGC4 
World  Clock 


ICOM  introduces  the  IC-R71A  100KHi  to 
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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     a 


1984 
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in  tns  Ham  o» 
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ui  contnouhons  anouu  ba  &■ 
to  me  73  odHonai  orfice* 
-Ho-  lO  Wrtte  for  77"  yuidafrMii  are 


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?3  Amstmut  Radio's  Technical  Journal 
(ISSN  074&080?0  fa  pia^ished  montttlv 
by  Wayne  Green,  Inc^  80  Rne  Street. 
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73  liagartHi  <tsSN  ooee-ao^  m  pub 
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of  W*yna  Green.  Inc.,  80  Pin*  Street. 
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CCPyrtghte     1984, 
Al  dgfas  reaenred 
No  pari  erf  Ma>  publication  may  be 


ry  motoMOm.  Ann  Arbor  Ml  4810b. 


4     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


And  you  can  see  it — in  color — again  and  again 
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W2NSD/1 

NEVER  SAY  DIE 

editorial  by  Wayne  Green 


VJC  CLARK  W4KFC 

News  that  Vic,  the  president 
of  the  ARRL  had  died  of  a  heart 
attach  reached  me  at  Comdex.  I 
was  very  sorry  to  hear  that,  for 
Vic  was  undoubtedly  the  best 
president  the  League  has  had 
In  many,  many  years,  Indeed, 
I'd  been  working  with  him  on 
the  FCCa  National  Industry 
Advisory  Committee  just  weeks 
ago  and  he  had  given  me  a  lift 
to  the  airport  after  the  meeting, 
giving  us  a  chance  to  talk  in 
private.  I  had  a  lot  of  hopes  that 
73  and  QST  would  be  able  to 
work  more  closely  as  a  result  of 
our  talks  since  it  was  obvious 
that  our  end  goals  were  similar. 
Obviously,  that  wasn't  any- 
thing I  could  write  about  while 


Vic  was  alive,  and  it  becomes  ir- 
relevant now  that  he's  a  silent 
key. 

What  a  relief  it  was  when  the 
ARRL  board  elected  a  presi- 
dent with  some  brains  and  with 
more  of  an  interest  in  helping 
amateur  radio  than  basking  in 
the  glory  of  being  president,  Vic 
didn't  see  the  presidency  as  an 
honor,  but  as  a  challenge. 

He  had  his  hands  full,  keep- 
ing him  from  being  able  to 
make  fast  headway.  On  the  one 
hand,  virtually  alt  of  the  dedi- 
cated League  old-timers  had 
gotten  fad  up  with  Baldwin 
when  he  was  General  Manager 
and  left  HQ+  And  there  were  still 
far  too  many  CW-forever  old- 
timers  on  the  board,  fighting 


ENCODED  CODE 

Congratulations  Lo  Verle  D  Wmningham  K8VW  of  Fenton  Ml,  winner  of  our 
first  'Encoded  Code"  eon  teat  (January,  pages  46-50).  Other  top  finishers  (in 
order)  were  Perry  Oonham  KK2Y  {BamevekJ  NY).  Donald  Bailey  KB5BD  (Nocona 
TX).  David  Rollins  W7ILN  (Las  Vegas  NV),  Ron  Sinclair  KA1KTI  [Epping,  NHh  and 
Paul  Gilt  NtCES  (Brookline  NHL 

The  solution  is  "FIRST  DECODING  MAILED  BURNETT  YIELDS  FIFTY 
DOLLARS."  No,  we're  not  going  lo  tell  you  how  to  get  it.  Yes,  "winning  ham" 
sounds  a  tittle  fishy  to  us.  too. 


QSL  OF  THE  MONTH 

To  enter  your  QSL  put  It  In  an  envelope  along  with  your  choice  of  a  book  from  73  s 
Radio  Bookshop  and  mail  It  to  73,  Pine  Street.  Potorboro ugh  NH  03458,  Attn;  QSL  of  the 
Month,  Entries  not  in  envelopes  or  without  a  book  choice  will  not  be  accepted, 

6     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


change  at  every  turn.  But  de- 
spite these  serious  handicaps, 
Vic  was  making  progress. 

Vic,  like  past  president  Herb 
Hoover,  Jr.,  was  interested  in 
what  he  could  do  for  amateur 
radio.  We've  had  a  serious  loss, 

HELLO,  CQLUMBtA! 

W5LFL  went  up  while  I  was 
off  at  the  Comdex  show  in  Las 
Vegas,  so  I  missed  the  first  few 
orbits.  Comdex  is  a  computer 

show— about  1,400  exhibits  and 
5,850  booths  this  year.  That  al- 
lows about  one  minute  per  ex- 
hibit—20  seconds  per  booth  if 
one  does  not  eat,  rest,  or  go  to 
the  bathroom  during  show 
hours.  It  does  not  allow  time  to 
whip  out  an  HT  and  try  tor 
W5LFL 

Since  a  surprising  percentage 
of  the  successful  computer 
firms  are  run  by  hams,  I  had  a 
steady  stream  of  'em  coming  to 
the  Wayne  Green  booth  to  say 
heHo  all  through  the  show.  Many 
of  these  chaps  got  fired  up  by 
my  editorials  back  in  1975  and 
1976  when  I  pointed  out  that 
hams  had  an  edge  in  computers 
and  that  microcomputers  were 
going  to  turn  out  to  be  a  huge 
business  eventually. 

Once  back  home,  I  checked 
with  the  managing  editor  of  73 
to  find  out  the  Columbia  orbit 
schedule.  Armed  with  that  and 
the  frequencies  to  be  used,  I 
headed  for  my  ham  shack.  Spilt 
frequency  can  be  a  problem,  but 
fortunately  \  had  the  KLM 
OSCAR  rig  handy. 

Ttie  repeater  antenna  should 
do  the  job  okay.  I  hooked  it  to 
the  KLM  and  started  looking 
through  the  pile  of  microphones 
for  the  right  one.  I  tried  one  after 
another  with   the  four   prongs, 

Continued  on  page  130 


EDITOR/PUBLISHER 
Wayne  G'  wi  W2WSQFT 

ASST.  EDfTO  REPUBLISH  Eft 
JsrTD*TrayWBB8TH 

EXECUTIVE  EDITOR 
JohnC  Surneu 


MANAGING  EDITOR 

Susan  PhHbiich 

ASST  MANAGING  EDITOR 
Sieve  Jewmn 

EDITORIAL  ASSISTANTS 

Nancy  Noyd 

Richard  Pfieni* 

ASSOCIATES 

Rotwrl  Baker  WB2GFE 

John  Edwards  KJ2U 

BUI  Gotntv  KE  ? C 

Chod  Man.*  VP2ML 

Avery  L  IlllHlH  WBflJLG 

Dr  Marc  Uivty  WAOAJR 

J.  M  NMfQA 

Slit  Pasternak  WA0TTF 

Pet*  Start  K2QAW 

Robert  SwJrsHy  AF2M 

PRODUCTION  DIRECTOR 

Nancy  Salmon 

ADVERTISING  GRAPHICS 

MANAGER 

ScoltW.  Phfclbrick 

DESIGN  Ol RECTOR 
Chnstina  Deairampes 

COVER  DESIGN 
Dunne  Ritson 

PRODUCTION 

Latin  Bond 

Cindy  Boucher 

Patricia  Bvadiey 

Untie  Dr*** 

MicftaeiFoia 

Marjof w  G'Ute* 

Donna  Hartweti 

Laurie  Jenniton 

Mariana  Mowtvay 

Paula  Ramsay 

Anne  Rocchio 

Lynn*  Simon  son 

Jean  South  (Atorin 

Kenneth  Sulcltfle 

Thareaa  Very II IB 

Robert  M.  Villeneuve 

PHOTOGRAPHY 
Thomas  Vi I lerteuwe 

Sandra  DukeTte 

Laurie  Gardos 
Nathaniel  Keynes 

Sturdy  Thomas 

TYPESETTING 

Sara  Bade!! 

Darlene  Bade* 

Prem  Krishna  Gongjju 

Lynn  Keines 

Cyntnia  LetcHjfnaau 

v  ~na  •]  Trnaan 

DaWe  Nulling 

Undy  Pelmiaano 

Heidi  N  Thomas 

Sue  wane* 


VICE  PRESIDENT/GENERAL  MANAGER 

Dcbro  Wothertnte 

VtCE  PR  ESI  DEN  ^CONTROLLER 

Roger  J.  Murphy 

ASSISTANT 

TO  THE  PRESIDENT 

Matthew  Snulft  KAHEI 

ACCOUNTING  MANAGER 
Knud  Keller  KV4GGJ1 

CIRCULATION  MANAGER 

William  P  Howard 

(603>ft34-947i 

RETAIL  AND  NEWSSTAND 
SALES  MANAGER 

BeariM  BoudoMu 

ADVERTISING 

JifTiGray  wixu.  Mgi 

Nancy  Ciampa.  Aael  Mgr 

RoeaKenyorvKAIGAV 

Nancy  M  Weinholt, 

Ofllge  Coordinator 


I  III 


*  tal*       Ulfe       ^pft 


'I 


S-930S 

DX-traordinary"... 
superior  dynamic  range, 
iuto.  antenna  tuner, 
3SK,  dual  NB,  2  VFO's, 
leneral  coverage  receiver. 


mm,     turn    p^ 


*•  UVTl 


-(A 


»M-      Tt*A*M,. 


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/  V 


yj  • ' Ji  • 


I  superlative,  high-performance, 
ell  solid-state  HF  transceiver, 
hat  covers  all  Amateur  HF 
>ands,  and  incorporates  a  150 
:Hz  to  30  MHz  general  coverage 
ecelver  having  an  excellent 
lynamic  range. 

930S  FEATURES: 

160-10  Meters,  with  150  kHz  M) 
Mil/  general  coverage  receiver 
( 'overs  ail  Amateur  Frequencies. 

plus  WARC  on  SSB;CW,  FSK« 

and  AM,  UP  conversion  digital 

PLL  circuit. 

Excellent  receiver  dynamic 

ra         Typical  two  tone  dynamic 

range,  100  dB  120  meters,  50  kHz 

spacing.  500  Hz  CW  bandwidth). 

All  solid-slate  28  volt  operated 
final  amplifier.  Lowest  CV1  distor- 
tion, Power  input  250  W  on 


SSB  C "W/FSK.  BO  W  on  AM, 
SWR   Power  meter. 

•  Available  with  AT  330  automatic 
antenna  inner  built  in,  or  as  an 
option.  Covers  HO  10  metei 
including  WARC  bands 

•  i  W  full  break-in.  CMOS  logic  IC, 
plus  reed  relay.  Switchable  to 
semi  break- in. 

•  Dual  digital  VTO's.  10-Hz  steps, 
includes  band  in  forma  Hon. 

+  Eight  memory  channels,  stores 
frequency  and  band  data. 
Internal  batten-  memory  back 
up.  est.  1  yr.  life.  (Battery  not 
Kenwood  supplied.) 

•  Dual  mode  riotee  blanker,  NB-K 
with  threshold  control,  for 
"pulse"  noise.  NB-2  for 
"wood  pecker," 


NOTCH 


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MM    9ZSM 

!"-'**> 

» 

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■ 

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1 

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*  SSB  IP"  slope  tuning,  allows 
Independent  adjustment  of  the 

low  and/or  high  frequency 
slopes  of  the  IF  passband. 

*  CW  VBT  and  pitch  control.  VBT 
tunes  out  interfering  signals,  CW 
pitch  control  sin  Its  IF  pass  band 
ami  beat  frequency.  "Narrow 
Wide'  niter  switch 

*  Tuneable,  peak-cvpe  audio 
filter  forCW. 

*  AC  power  supply  built-in 

*  Fluorescent  lube  digital  display 
1100  Hz  resolution,  modifiable  to 
10  HzJ  with  rfiglialized  sub  -      fe, 
In  20-kHz  steps 

*  RF  speech  processor. 

*  One  year  limited  warranty. 


•  SSB  monitor  circuit. 
Optional  Accessories: 

•  AT-930  Auto,  antenna  luner. 

•  SP-930  External  speaker  with 
selectable  audio  (titers. 

•  YG-455C-1  (500  iizl  or 

YG  455CN-1  [250  Hz)  plug-In 
CW  litters  for  455  kHz  LF. 

•  YK-88C-]  (500  Hz]  CW  plug-in 
Biter  for  8.83  MHz  IF. 

•  YK-S8A-1  (6  kHz)  AM  plug-in 
filter  for  8.83  MHz  IE 

•  S<34  commercial  grade  TCXO, 

•  hit '  42S  UP/DOWN  hand  mic, 

•  MC-60A  deluxe  desk  mu 

•  MC-80  desk  lop  UP/DOWN  mic. 

•  MC*85  mulu  function  desk  mic 


TS-430S 

'Digital  DX-terity"... 
general  coverage, 
Superior  dynamic  range, 
2  VFO's,  8  memories, 
Scan,  Notch, COMPACT! 

Combines  compact  styling  with 
state-of-the-art  circuit  design 
ind  performance. 

TS  430S  FEATURES: 

•  bid  10  meters,  with  150  kHz  30 
MHz  general  coverage  receiver. 

(  o\        til  Amateur  frequencies, 
phi*  WARC.  LIP  conversion 
digital  PLL  circuit 

•  USB,  LSB.  CW.  AM.  and 
FM  (optional J  all  mode, 

■  i  ornpacl  lightweight  design 
Onlv  10-5/8  {2701  W  x  3-3/4  196! 
H  \  |(1  ?f8  (275*  D,  inches  (mm): 
only  14.3  lbs.  (65  kg.). 

■  Superior  receiver  dynamic  raniit 
with  Dyna-Mi\  hi^h  sensitivity 

direct  mixing  system. 


*  to-  Hz  *tep  dual  digital  VFO's. 
Operate  independently.  Include 
band  and  mode  information. 
Dial  torque  adjustable.  Step 
switch  for  10  Hz  or  100-Hz.  steps. 
A-B  switch  shi IK  "B~  VFO  ti 

taA~  VFO  frequency  and  mode,  or 
vice  versa.  VFO  LOCK  switch. 
RiT  Tor  VFO  or  memory.  UP 
DOWN  manual  scan  with 
optional  IIP 'DOWN  microphone. 

■  Ei^ht  memories  store  frequency, 
mode,  and  band  data.  8th 
memory  sLores  RX  TX  ire 
quet u-ies  independently. 

*  Lithium  battery  memory  back-up. 
(Est.  5  yr.  Hfej 

*  Memory  Scan. 

*  Programmable  automatic  band 

Man  width* 


•  IK  shift  circuit  for  minimum  QRM. 

•  Tuneable  notch  filter;  built-in, 

•  Narrow- wide  filler  selection  on 

^B  and  CW  Kilter  optional!, 

•  Speech  processor,  built-m. 

■  All  solid  state.  Input  rated  250  W 
reP  on  SSB,  200  W  DC  on  CW, 
120  W  on  FM  (optional),  GO  W  on 
AM  Operates  on  12  VDC  or  on 
120  VAC.  or  220/240  VA<    With 
optional  PS  430  AC  power 
supply. 

•  Fluorescent  lube  digital  display 
Indicates  frequency  to  100  list 
(10  11/  modifiable). 

•  All- mode  squelch  circuit,  built-in. 

•  limit  in  noise  blanker. 

•  HF  attenuator  (20  dB). 

•  VOX  circuit,  plus  semi  break-in 
with  side-tone. 


KENWOOD 

TRIO-KEKWOOD  COMMUNICATIONS 

1111  West  Walnut,  Compton,  California  90220 


Optional  accessories: 

•  P5-43G,  PS-30  or  KPS-21 
AC  power  supplies. 

•  SP-430  external  speaker, 

•  MB -430  mobile  mounting 

bracket. 

•  AT-250  automatic  antenna 
tuner.  160-10  m,  incl,  WARC. 

•  AT  130  compact  antenna  tuner, 
80  10  m.  Ind.  WARC. 

•  FM-430  FM  unit 

•  YK-88C  (500  Uz)  Or  YK-88CN 
(270  Hz)  CW  filters. 

•  YK-88SN  (1.8  kitz)  SSB  Biter. 

•  YK-88A  (6  kHz)  AM  filter. 

•  Ml   42S  OP/DOWN  hand  mit\ 
-  MC  55  18P)  mobile  mic, 

•  MC-60A  deluxe  desk  mic. 

•  MC-80  desk  top  UP/DOWN  mic. 
«  MO-85  multi-function  desk  mic. 


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Both  Super  Heavy  Duty! 

There's  never  been  a  better  time  to  buy  a 
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Deliveries  are  prompt,  with  some  models  in  stock. 
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Touch  Tone  Remote  Control  Func- 
tions 

Various  Tone  &  Timer  Units 
"Emergency  Power  ID" 
Duptexers,  Cabinets,  Antennas,  etc. 
for  a  complete  system 


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All  Equipment  Assembled  &  Tested.  For  10M,  2M,  220  MHz,  &  450  MHz 


■MPLETE  SHIELDED  RCVR.  ASSY. 

VHF  &  UHF  Receiver  Board 
SCR200-VHF    SCR  450  UHF 

Tot  III  f  Ad**nc+d  Desfgrr ' 

ft    Pole    Front    End    F itr      +    wide 

r  anoe  —  reduces    over toad ,    spu  n ou s 

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Sei    «d8  tf    t  6SKH1    i30dB  &   ±30KHz 

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Rcvr.  Eld.  mounted  in  shielded  housing. 

Completely    asmoid    &    lasted,    w/F  T     caps, 

S0239  conn 

As  used  tn  I  he  SCRtOOO  Ready  to  drop  into  your 
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UHF  Rcvr,  Assy.  Now  Available  w/5uper  Sharp 
FW  HeilcaJ  Resonatofs,  Greatly  reduces  1M  & 
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Complete  Shielded  RX  Assy. 

With  19"  Rack  Mount 


SCAP  Autopatch  Board 

i  Provides  all  basic  autopatch  functions 
i  Secure  3  Digit  Access,  i  Au*  On-Otf  I  unction. 
Audio  AGC.  Built  In  timers,  etc  Beautiful  Audio1 
1 0/1  inhibit  bd  also  available 
i  Writer  call  for  details  and  a  data  sheei 

RPCM  Board 

•  Used  w/SCAP  board  to  provide    Reverse  Patch 

and  Land  Line  Control  o*  Repeater 
I  Includes  'and  imp    answering    circuitry 

Lightning  Arrester  For  SCAP 

■  Gas  Discharge  Tube  shunts  phone  Fine 
surges  1o  ground 

•  Handles  up  to  20,000  Amps! 

■  The  Best  device  available  to  protect  Au- 
topatch equipment  from  lightning  dam 
aoe.  $14  00  +  S/H. 


ID250  CW  ID  &  Audio  Mixer  Board 

•  4  Input  AF  Mtiter  &  Local  M*c  amp 

•  PftOM  memory— 250  bitsfctvannei 

•  Up  to  4  diffetertt  ID  channels!  AF  Mule  circuit. 

•  Many  other  features.  Factory  programmed, 

CTC100  Rptr-  COR  Timer/Control  Bd- 

•  Complete    soiid    state   control    for    fptr     CO«,    "Hang 
Timer  "Time>Otir  Timer,  TX  SftutdowrvReset.  etc 

•  includes  Inputs  A  Outputs  for  panel  conirols  &  tamps 

Repeater  tone  &  Control  Bds. 

For  SC  ft  1 000*4000  *  CTClOOrTD2SO  only 

•  THH-1  ,lKf*cnun*er  KUier"  or  "Time  Out  Warning 
Tone"  fid. 

•  TflA-1  "Courtesy  Tone  Beeper* '  Board 

PRM200  Power  Supply  Filter 
Cap/Regulator/MeterlnQ  Board 

•  As    used    In   the    SCR1000   as    main    pan    of 
13.BVDCAA  Pwr,  Spry- 
PS  M-1  Repealer  Power  Supply  Mod  Kit 

•  For  SCRtOOO  or  ACR4DO0.  Replaces  Darlington  Pass  Tr 
lor  improved  reliability. 


10M  ALSO 

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SCT410  XMTR.  ASSY. 


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SCT110  VHF  Xmtr/Exciter  Board 

•  10  Wta  Output    1 00%  Duty  Cycle1 

•  infinite  VSWR  proof 

•  True  FM  to*  e*c  audio  quality 

•  Designed  specilically  for  continuous  rptr  se* 
v*ce  Very  low  in   "while  noise 

•  Spurious   70dB   Harmonics  *0  dB 

•  With  0005%  xtal 

•  BA  10  30  Wt.  Amp  board  ft  Heat  Sink,  3  sec   LP 
Filler   &    ret.  pwr    sensor    BA75  75  Wt  unit  also 
available. 

SCTt  10  Transmitter  Assembly 

•  SGT I  f0  fliovnf an?  in  st*iet&ed  housing 

•  Same  as  used  on  SCRtOOO 

•  Completely  assmbrd  w/F.T.  caps.  S0239  conn 

•  10.  30.  or  Th  Wi  unit. 

SCT  410A  UHF  Transmitter  Bd.  or  Assy. 

•  Similar  to  SCT1 50.  10  Wts.  nom. 

*  mNow  includes  "on  board"  propor- 
tional Xtal  OscJOven  circuitry  for  very 
high  stability! 

•  BA  40  40W.  UHF  AMP,  BD.  &  HEAT  SINK. 


TTC300  TOUCH  TONE  CONTROLLER 

•  Uses  new  high  quality  Xtal  Controlled 
Decoder  IC,  w/high  immunity  to  falsing 

•  Decodes  an  15  digits 

•  3  ON/OFF  Functions  per  Main  Card.  Easily 
expandable  to  any  no.  of  functions  wi  Expan- 
sion Cards. 

•  Field  Programmable  via  plug-in  Coded  Cards 

•  3  Latched  OIMAOFF  Outputs,  or  4  Pulsed  Out* 
puts,  or  a  combination  thereof. 

•  Transistor  Switch  outputs  can  directly  trigger 
solid  state  circuitry  or  relays,  etc.  for  any 
type  of  control  (unction. 

■  Interfaceable  to  Microprocessor  Controllers 

•  Low  Power  Consumption  CMOS  Technology. 
5VDC  Input. 


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In  Search  of  the  Shuttle: 
Fun,  Frustration,  Fatigue 

From  Maine  to  Hawaii,  our  special  correspondents 
gave  W5LFL  their  best  shots.  Thank  them. 


K6DUE 


Roy  Nea/  K60VF 

NBC  News 

3000  West  Abmedi  a  wue 

Burtw*  CA  91  $2} 


Owen  Carriott  was  flying  over 
California  when  1  heard  him. 
It  was  his  first  time  on  the  air  from 
Columbia  and  he  was  full  quieting 
on  a  hand-held  with  a  rubber  duck- 
ie.  He  was  over  California  and  I  was 
in  a  hotel  room  in  Nassau  Bay, 


Roy  Neal  K6DVI 
10     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


Texas,  fifteen  hundred  miles  away 
It  was  a  moment  of  incredible  ela- 
tion. We  had  done  it!  After  more 
than  20  years  of  trying,  WE  HAD 
DONE  IT!  A  ham  was  operating 
from  space  and  a  lot  of  people  had 
made  it  happen,  each  contributing 
according  to  his  expertise. 

In  the  beginning,  when  NASA 
first  flew  its  funny  little  (early) 
satellites,  we  hams  had  a  field  day, 
listening  to  the  signals  from  space 
and  watching  orbiting  Echo  bal- 
loons blinking  like  stars  in  the  twi- 
light as  we  bounced  signals  off 
their  sides.  And  we  amateurs  sug- 
gested to  the  then-new  Space  Ad- 
ministration that  the  Amateur 
Radio  Service  could  form  the  cadre 
of  a  ground-based  tracking  net- 
work for  all  kinds  of  projects.  We 
had  operators  and  equipment  and 
the  will  to  participate, 

But  NASA,  in  that  era,  was  ex- 
tremely bureaucratic.  They  ignored 
us.  Shortly  before  Alan  Shepard 
flew  the  first  manned  mission,  Col- 
onel John  "Shorty"  Powers  spent 
an  evening  at  my  home  while  I 
worked  twenty  meters.  Paths  were 
open  worldwide  that  night  and  he 
talked  with  stations  in  Australia, 
South  Africa,  Europe,  and  South 
America.  Powers  took  notes  that 
night  and  went  back  to  Project 
Mercury  As  its  Public  Affairs  Of- 
ficer, he  had  influence.  He  recom- 
mended formalizing  arrangements 
through  the  ARRL  to  form  an  emer- 
gency or  backup  communications 
network  with  the  Amateur  Service 
and  using  beacons  on  board  the 
spacecraft 

The  NASA  management  of  that 
time  refused  to  listen  to  anyone 
outside  the  agency.  That's  the  same 
management  that  turned  down  an 


offer  of  a  million  dollars  from  the 
television  networks  at  the  outset  of 
the  Gemini  Program  to  be  used  to 
provide  on-board  video.  We  were 
told,  "If  you  want  to  give  a  million 
dollars,  we  can  find  better  ways  to 
spend  the  money/'  Today,  by  com* 
parison,  NASA  provides  very  fine 
television  indeed,  partly  as  a  way 
of  maintaining  public  interest  in  its 
budget 

As  time  went  on,  Doctor  Owen 
Carriott  became  an  astronaut  and 
so  did  Tony  England,  What  set 
them  apart  from  other  members  of 
the  corps  was  that  they  were  li- 
censed amateur-radio  operators, 
W5LFL  and  WGORE.  respectively. 

In  1972,  Carriott  was  named  to 
fly  .in  Sky  lab,  for  two  months  tn 
space.  He  and  a  dedicated  group  of 
hams  at  what  was  then  the  Manned 
Spacecraft  Center  in  Houston  ap- 
plied for  permission  to  carry  ama- 
teur radio  into  orbit  Dick  Fenner 
W5AVI  even  figured  out  how  to  do 
it  technically.  After  all,  W5LFL 
would  be  up  there  for  quite  a  while 
with  enough  free  time  to  enjoy  a  lit- 
tle relaxation  They  were  turned 
down  again.  No  room  for  an  anten- 
na, the  possibility  of  RFl,  and  lack 
of  power  on  Skylah  were  cited  as 
reasons,  but  the  fact  of  the  matter 
was  that  no  one  at  NASA  was  on  a 
high  enough  administration  level 
willing  to  accept  the  responsibility 
of  making  a  decision. 

As  a  network  correspondent  spe- 
cializing in  aerospace  and  a  pro- 
ducer who  managed  the  pool  radio 
and  TV  coverage  for  the  combined 
networks  of  the  world  cm  the  Shep- 
ard flight  and  Apollo  12,  the  second 
flight  to  the  moon,  I  have  known 
most  of  the  principals  at  NASA,  I 
worked  with   them,   covering  the 


space  program  from  the  day  it 
began,  but  my  repeated  requests 
and  suggestions  concerning  the 
possible  service  of  amateur  radio  in 
space  fell  on  deaf  ears.  White  the 
Air  Forte  and  the  European  Space 
Agency  provided  launch  vehicles 
for  piggyback  rides  that  put  ama- 
teur satellites  into  space,  no  one 
was  able  Co  dent  the  consciousness 
of  the  higher  powers  in  NASA  until 
the  space  shuttle. 

With  the  advent  of  the  shuttle, 
the  door  began  to  open.  Space 
should  be  all  things  to  all  people 
and  NASA's  changing  management 
wanted  to  investigate  ways  to 
make  that  happen. 

Among  the  key  men  in  manage- 
ment of  the  new  regime,  in  charge 
of  the  shuttle  program  for  the 
Space  Administration,  was  AF 
LCen  lames  Abraham  son  "Abe," 
as  he  is  known,  is  a  man  of  im- 
mense imagination  with  great  abili- 
ty in  the  engineering  world  to  get 
things  accomplished.  He  also  is  one 
of  those  rare  individuals  a  pub- 
lic figure  who  is  willing  to  expose 
himself  frequently  to  the  media. 

And  so  it  happened  that  I  was  do- 
ing a  rather  routine  interview  with 
the  General  fast  fall,  during  a  mis- 
sion. During  a  quiet  moment,  while 
the  camera  crew  was  changing  lo- 
cations, I  bunched  into  one  of  my 
favorite  themes.  "Abe/'  I  asked. 
"has  anyone  ever  mentioned  ham 
radio  on  a  space  shuttle  to  you'" 

"No/'  came  the  answer,  "but  I'm 
interested.  What  do  you  have  in 
mind?" 

And  so  it  began.  We  went  on 
with  the  interview;  when  it  was 
finished,  we  went  back  to  discuss- 
ing the  Amateur  Radio  Service.  I 
showed  him  my  2-meter  transceiv- 
er. We  talked  for  perhaps  ten  min- 
utes, then  General  Abrahamson 
said  "I  like  it  Roy  Why  don't  you 
get  a  formal  proposal  together  If  it 
makes  sense,  I'll  approve  it" 

I  floated  out  of  the  office  and. 
quite  literally,  ran  across  the  cam- 
pus of  the  Johnson  Space  Center  to 
the  office  of  Chuck  Biggs  KC5RC, 
the  Chief  of  Public  Services.  We 
called  Doug  Ward  WA5SFY,  who  is 
Deputy  Director  of  Public  Affairs 
at  the  center.  These  men  had  been 
major  supporters  of  the  move  to 
get  ham  radio  into  space  over  the 
years,  and  now  it  was  time  to  start 
moving  on  what  could  be  the  most 
exciting  DXpedition  of  all  time. 

We  decided  that  the  protect 
would  require  sponsorship  to  stand 
any  chance  of  approval  a  nice, 
clean,  nonprofit  sponsorship  such  as 
the  American  Radio  Relay  League 
could  provide.  The  League  and  oth- 
er advisors  at  NASA  Headquarters 
soon  added  a  partner,  the  Amateur 
Satellite  Corporation,  AM5AT,  to 
handle  technical  details  in  discus- 
sions with  NASA. 

Vic  Clark,  that  brilliant  man  who 
was  President  of  the  League  for  too 


WSLFL  LOG 
(Preliminary) 

ff  you  attempted  to  reach  W5LFL  and  your  callsign  is  not  in 
the  first  list,  look  for  one  resembling  it  in  the  list  of  Incomplete 
calls.  To  claim  a  contact,  send  as  much  information  about  your 
transmission  as  possible  to  ARRL  Headquarters,  Attn:  W9KDR, 
225  Main  Street,  Newington  CT061T1.^Tnx  W9KDR  and  KB1 N. 


AA6S 

K6ADQ 

KS1S 

VE1BB 

W5PNY 

AB7C 

K5CAY 

KT1U 

VE1CAW 

W5RRR 

AE7Q 

K5IH 

KX0O 

VE1CGY 

W5UN 

AJ6L 

K50KG 

KX6C 

VEIOC 

mm 

AL7W 

KSOXE 

KY4Z 

VE1UT 

W6LEV 

CE3CKE 

K5QHF 

KY7B 

VE3BNA 

W6YBL 

CE3AHD 

K60YD 

NO  COX 

VE3BNO 

WBYX 

DC6SN 

K6GSS 

NO  IS 

VE3KLW 

W7AVD 

DC6AH 

K6LY 

N9LL* 

VE3KRP 

W7BGH 

DC8AM 

K6MYC 

N2EK 

VE400 

W7ID 

DF6UQ 

KfiTDR 

N4GAN 

VH7BOQ 

W7KMF 

DG6NAA 

K7GU 

N4HY 

VE7CYB 

W7RV 

DJ1U 

K7ND 

N4JBK 

VK1BX 

W7SW 

DK6RX 

K7SMV 

N5BLZ 

VK1DF 

W7KYN 

DLODAA 

K7UGA 

N50DT 

VKIORR 

W8AC 

DL1YCA 

KSCS* 

N5E2M 

VK1RR 

W8FQK 

DL9GAK 

K8KMT 

IM6AVR 

VK1ZAH 

W8GUS 

DL9MH 

K9BI 

N6DD 

VK12F 

W8WN 

EA3AWD 

K9HMB 

N6ECL 

VK1ZQR 

W9KDR 

ENJRTS 

KA0PGN 

N6JM 

VK2KPG 

WA0VJF 

EI3FI 

KA0Y 

N6NB 

VK2PMN 

WA1BAR 

F1FVX 

KA2BTD 

N6QP 

VOIBK 

WA1FCK 

F5AD 

KA4WJA 

N6RJ 

V01D1 

WA1JXN 

F6AVG 

KA5FPV 

N7ARE' 

V01FP 

WA1PSI 

G4UYL 

KA60Q2 

N7BHC* 

V01FR 

WA2BSH 

G6DEF 

KA7GHR 

N7DOF 

V01GG 

WA2CHY 

G6EGY 

KB4CHT 

N7WS 

WdPHD* 

WA2SEF 

GMSNXC 

K84WM 

N8DEJ 

W0PN 

WA2VMS 

GW60JK 

KB6AMN 

N9GA 

W1AW 

WA2WVL 

HH2CX 

KB6TN 

NG5P 

W1PSG 

WA4BEV 

I1NRF 

KB6V 

NM5I 

W2EFL 

WA4BZJ 

I5FBP 

KC4P 

NN6E 

W2GDV 

WA4EWA 

JY1 

KC7EM 

NR4P 

W2JNO* 

WA4GU 

KGLIR 

KGBKE 

IMT6G 

W2NQ 

WA4KXY 

KORI 

KD5JH 

0E6WIG 

W2PAU 

WA4LZR 

KdRZ 

KD6LQ 

OE7FRH 

W3CWG 

WA4MMD 

K1IKN 

KD7IY 

OF2XN 

W4AQL 

WA4PLR 

K1  PAD 

KD7RF 

OH3XA 

W4BE 

WA4SBG* 

K1PXE 

i/rcp 

OK1DFG 

W4KYL 

WA4TNVAKL7 

K2IBP 

KE6VK 

OK1DK3 

W4MOP 

WA5AFO 

K20VS 

KE6XJ 

OK1KRA 

W400W 

WA5DBY 

K2RFW 

KF0M 

OK2BDS 

W4R0A 

WA6DXR 

K2TT1 

KF4SX 

OK3CGX 

W4WJ 

WA5N0M 

K3DI 

KF6Z 

GZ1  DPR 

W5FF 

WA6CFM 

K3NV 

KJ7L* 

0Z1 ELF 

W5GEL 

WA6IUM 

K3PGP 

KN9L 

SM2KT 

W5HTK 

WA6KNR 

K3TC 

KN2D 

SM4CLU 

W5HUQ 

WA6PEV 

K4GFG 

KQ5D 

T13DJT 

W5LFG 

WA6RLV 

K4JT 

KQ5W 

VE1AFU 

W5LUU 

WA6SGK 

WA6YBT 

Orbit  71 

WA7BJU 

W5U— Z 

WA7DPM 

WA7        V 

WA7JU0 

WB5— B— 

WA7RGS 

— 5RN 

WA7UIB 

WD5CG— 

WA8KEM 

WA4DN— 

WA8MTT 

Orbit  97 

WA8TXT* 

K5A— 

WBOSWD 

WBflTTW 

Orbit  TTT 

WB20NA 

OE7U— 

WB4EMI 

DL9— 

WB4YJC 

HG6— N 

WB4YUD 

DHI1AA— 

WB6AZI 

Orbit  113 

WB5DSH 

WA4N— 

WB5PDW 

K2U— 

WB5RRR 

Orbit  130 

WB5VZL 

WA6G— 

WB6DEO 

K5— V 

WB6DTR 

WA6— 

WB6GYE 

WA2VW— 

WB6IDK 

WB6N0A 

Orbit  134 

WB8NWY 

KA7— 

WB8PAT 

KR8 — 

WB9MSV 

N8C  — 

L     Ml     #     J 

WDGFOY 

W4 — 

WD4FAB 

Orbit  135 

WD4JYS 

WBSL— J 

WD4KSN 

— 6E 

WD4RJI 

K5D— 

WD4VCS 

— 1IX 

WD5BPB 

Orbit  744 

WD5IFB 

— XC 

WD6KBZ 

WD4— 

WD6AUS 

KA1  — 

XE1AUQ 

— QG 

XE1FV 

—A— A 

XE1TU 

— 1DCR 

XE2RCP 

Orbit  145 

YU7KN 

YU7MAU 

— ZPR 

WB2JS— 

— YW 

•Heard  on  CW 

Orbit  146 

WT— 

VE3J— 

Incomplete  Calls 

Orbit  149 

Orbit  40 

VE3— 

W5V— 

WB9C— 

KA— 

Orbit  150 

— AJW 

WA7— 

Orbit  56 

AD1  — 

WA7RV— 

W7Q— 

short  a  time,  accepted  the  basic 
concept  on  my  first  phone  call  and 
promised  to  do  his  best  to  steer 
it  through  League  channels  We 
talked  about  a  videotaped  docu- 
mentary to  be  made  under  ARRL 
auspices  Our  NASA  friends  sug- 
gested it  would  help  in  getting  the 
agency's  final  approval .  For  the 
Amateur  Radio  Service,  it  would  be 
a  way  of  telling  everyone  in  Owen 
Garriott's  own  words  what  he  was 
trying  to  do.  And,  if  we  also  showed 


what   ham   radio  is    all   about,   it 
might  even  attract  the  public. 

In  November,  1982,  I  sent  a  letter 
to  Vic  which  he  took  to  the  Execu- 
tive Committee,  where  it  cleared  its 
first  hurdle,  then  it  went  on  to  the 
Board  of  Directors  where  "Ama- 
teur Radio's  Newest  Frontier'*  was 
authorized  and  its  financing  ap- 
proved. Dave  Sumner  K1ZZ  ac- 
cepted the  project  as  the  League's 
General  Manager  and  almost  im- 
mediately became  an  enthusiastic 


supporter.  Dave  was  another  of  the 
key  figures  that  guided  the  project 
and  made  it  happen. 

In  California,  a  group  of  ama- 
teurs who  are  also  thorough  tele- 
vision professionals  volunteered 
their  services  Bill  Pasternak 
WA6ITT,  a  master  maintenance 
technician  at  Metromedia  in  Holly- 
wood, became  Technical  Supervis- 
or and  Field  Producer  for  the  docu- 
mentary Alan  Kaui  W6RCL,  NBC's 
Nightly  News  West  Coast  Producer, 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     11 


produced  "Amateur  Radio's  New- 
est Frontier/'  and  Frosty  Oden 
N6ENV,  who  wins  awards  as  a  top 
editor  at  CBS.  turned  our  tapes  into 
a  highly  professional  package. 
Howard  Made  WfcOZC  reproduced 
thern  by  the  thousand  and  Pete 
O'Dell  KB1N  took  care  of  the  distri- 
bution through  the  League's  Board 
of  Directors,  The  tapes  brought  am- 
ateur radio  in  orbit  another  big  step 
forward. 

Hut  all  of  that  was  predicated  on 
NASA  approval,  and  the  politics  of 
the  agency  present  a  fascinating  il- 
lustration of  what  it  takes  to  make 
things  fly  in  government  circles 
these  days. 

Doug  Ward  forwarded  a  memo 
to  Brian  Duff,  NASA's  Director  of 
Public  Affairs  at  that  rime  Duff  as- 
signed Dick  Daniels  W4PUJ.  Dh 
rector  of  Management  Support  at 
Headquarters,  to  study  the  project 
It  was  at  this  point  that  Daniels 
made  the  recommendation  and 
AMSAT  joined  the  project  Bill 
Tynan  W3XO  for  AMSAT  and  Dick 
Fenner  W5AVI  for  the  Johnson 
Space  Center  put  together  a  draft 
proposal  It  was  a  wonderfully  word- 
ed  document  that  stressed  key  fac- 
tors. The  project,  it  said,  would  ap- 
peal to  the  youth  of  the  nation  It 
was  firmly  supported  by  prestigious 
organizations  and  made  technical- 
ly practical  by  advances  in  technol- 
ogy such  as  tiny  transceivers  and 
reliable  battery  packs  that  could  be 
space-flight  qualified. 

Duff  gave  the  draft  proposal  an 
enthusiastic  endorsement  and  for- 
warded it  to  Robert  Alnutt  the  Act- 
ing Associate  Administrator  for  Ex- 
ternal Relations.  Alnutt  endorsed  it 
dependent  on  "the  various  con- 
straints in  operating  the  shuttle/1 
He  referred  the  documents  to  Gen- 
eral Abraham  son  and  to  Geny  Grif- 
fin, the  Johnson  Center  Director, 
And  now  we  had  come  full  cycle. 

Owen  Garriott  W5LFL  was 
scheduled  to  fly  on  ST S-9  in  the  fall 
and  that,  for  a  time,  looked  Itke  a 
roadblock.  The  cargo  was  dedicat- 
ed entirety  to  the  European  Space 
Agency's  Space! ab  and  the  mani- 
fest had  been  closed  for  months. 

Center  Director  Griffin  lent  his 
enthusiastic  support  clearing  the 
hurdles  of  astronaut  assignments 
and  training  and  authorizing  super- 
visors to  permit  Dick  Fenner 
W5AVI  and  the  many  other  hams 
at  the  center  to  go  about  finding, 
designing,  and  testing  equipment 
to  ensure  compatibility. 

When  the  paperwork  reached 
Harry  Kraft,  the  Spacelab  Program 
Manager  at  the  Marshall  Space 
Flight  Center,  he  was  approached 
by  a  number  of  ham  operators  on 
his  staff.  They  convinced  htm  that 
the  project  was  worthwhile. 

From  the  outset  the  experiment 
was  earmarked  Public  Affairs  and 
was  to  be  conducted  at  times  when 
it  would  not  interfere  with  Owen's 
Spacelab  duties. 

Ward,   in   Houston,  was  a   key 


in  guiding  the  project 
through  the  shoals  of  all  these 
politics  and,  more  than  coinciden- 
tal^, keeping  Owen  Garriott  ad- 
vised as  the  logjams  were  cleared. 

And  finally  on  April  16.  1903: 
Vic  Clark  and  I  were  in  Sioux  City. 
Iowa,  at  a  ham  convention  when  he 
got  a  telegram.  H  the  equipment 
could  be  made  to  work  compatibly 
and  if  no  other  complications  were 
discovered,  permission  was  granted 
to  fly  an  amateur  2-meter  trans- 
ceiver on  the  flight  of  5TS-9,  to  be 
operated  by  Dr.  Owen  Garriott  in 
his  off-duty  time.  I  remember  Vic's 
enthusiasm  and  how  quickly  it 
spread  to  the  hams  at  that  conven- 
tion. It  was  an  enthusiasm  we  were 
to  see  repeated  at  many  other 
places  we  traveled  together  that 
year,  telling  audiences  what  to 
expect 

A  month  later,  at  the  instigation 
of  Doug  Ward,  there  was  a  key 
meeting  at  the  Johnson  Space  Cen- 
ter and  that  is  where  the  plan  really 
came  together.  Peter  O'Dell  KB1N. 
the  League's  Public  Relations  Coor- 
dinator, and  Bern  re  Glassmeyer 
W9KDR  had  been  brought  in  to 
handle  the  intricate  details  of  get- 
ting out  information  to  the 
members 

Vic  Claric  was  there,  of  course, 
and  so  was  Vem  Riportella 
WA2LQQ,  President  Elect  of  ArW 
SAT,  Vem  accepted  responsibility 
for  clearing  frequencies.  For  NASA. 
there  was  Dick  Fenner  to  describe 
the  Motorola  transceiver  that  had 
been  chosen  and  the  battery  packs 
that  would  power  it,  Dick  de- 
scribed a  special  antenna  that  had 
been  designed  and  built  by  the 
hams  of  the  Johnson  Center  Radio 
Club,  R.  W.  "Bob"  Harris  was  there, 
representing  the  Flight  Directorate. 
Bob  was  responsible  for  putting  out 
the  orbital  tracking  information 
that  later  permitted  hams  all  over 
the  world  to  know  when  to  listen 
for  Garriott.  Charles  Chassav  repre- 
sented the  Shuttle  Program  Office. 
He  was,  in  the  final  analysis,  the 
man  who  approved  the  on- board 
equipment. 

But  the  most  important  member 
of  that  meeting  was  astronaut 
Owen  Garriott  W5LFL  His  back- 
ground as  an  electrical  engineer 
led  the  discussion  as  if  wove 
through  the  intricacies  of  equip- 
ment planning.  His  communication 
knowledge  paid  off  handsomely  as 
plans  were  made  for  what  would 
eventually  be  the  modus  operandi 
of  his  time  on  the  air  We  discussed 
the  use  of  a  tape  recorder  and  an 
astronaut/ s  lightweight  headset.  . . 
the  transmit  and  receive  cycles  An 
amateur-radio  flight  plan  was  built 
in  Houston  on  that  day  in  May  and 
it  worked  when  W5LFL  finally  went 
on  the  air  in  December. 

There's  a  lot  more  to  the  story  of 
Owen  Garriott/ s  major  step  into  the 
newest  frontier  of  space  and  there 
are  many  more  people  who  played 
key  roles  and  should  be  mentioned, 


but  time  and  space  don't  permit 
much  more 

The  dedication  of  Doug  Ward, 
Dick  Fenner,  and  a  couple  of  dozen 
fellow  hams  in  Houston  and  an- 
other group  of  equally  dedicated 
amateurs  at  the  Kennedy  Space 
Center  who  repaired  the  transceiv- 
er and  nursed  it  through  a  siege  of 
rf  interference  aboard  the  Co/un> 
bia  cleared  the  technical  hurdles 
prior  to  the  mission. 

Pete  O'Dell  KB1N  and  Wayne 
Yoshida  KH6WZ  worked  for 
months  before  the  flight  and  then 
around  the  clock  at  the  Johnson 
Space  Center  to  get  out  the  word  of 
Owen's  feats  as  he  worked  (King 
Hussein  |Y1,  Barry  Coldwater 
K7UGA,  his  mother  through  club 
station  W5HTK  in  Enid,  Oklahoma, 
and  his  sons  at  the  Johnson  Space 
Center  station}  Pete's  work  in  par- 
ticular deserves  a  medal.  He  made 
it  all  work  for  the  League.  The  cen- 
ter club's  President  Dale  Martin 
KG5U  and  its  many  members  were 
on  the  air  around  the  clock,  passing 
the  latest  word  on  orbits  as  fast  as 
they  got  the  in-flight  changes  from 
Bob  Harris  and  Doug  Ward 

The  tenth  day  in  space,  the 
bonus  day,  was  the  best  of  them  all. 
Owen  worked  dozens  of  stations 
and  was  heard  by  thousands  even 
though  orbital  information  was 
sketchy. 

And  it  was  then  to  this  report- 
er that  the  whole  flight  seemed 
to  come  into  focus.  This  really  was 
a  big  deal  the  fraternity  of  ham 
radio  had  seen  one  of  its  members 
do  something  exceptional.  Owen 
Garriott  astronaut  and  W5LFL,  had 
turned  in  another  flawless  per- 
formance in  space.  His  fellow 
hamsf  here  on  Earth,  had  begun  to 
achieve  a  little  maturity  on  that 
final  day  in  the  places  that  needed 
to  grow  up.  Most  of  the  high-pow- 
ered hogs  who  tried  to  ride  rough- 
shod over  their  neighbors  had  final- 
ly realized  that  signals  from  space 
would  come  through  no  matter 
what  they  did  to  interfere  and  that 
their  chances  of  being  heard  were 
only  a  little  better  than  the  little 
guys, 

And  on  that  day,  during  the  sev- 
eral great  passes  over  the  United 
States,  all  of  us  had  good  reason  to 
be  thankful  to  Owen  for  a  great 
flight,  to  General  Abrahamson  and 
to  NASA  for  opening  the  doors  of 
space  to  amateur  radio,  and  to  Vic 
Clark  and  the  ARRL  for  the  backing 
and  support  that  made  it  all 
possible 

Afnateut-tMho  operator  Roy  Neat  began  harry 
mAg  m  I9J4  when  he  was  faf  tkemed  *\ 
WJCIO  m  me  Phdx&phis  suhtwb  ot  Wayne 
Pennsylvania,  from  home-brew  equipment  he 
iiitp M  if  into  turfy  experimental  work,  *Kh*i 
tng  aeronaut*:*!  mobile  transceivers  on  S 
MNflflE 

Immediately   M'owing  World  War  ft   Neat 
hwenf  hack  on  the  mt  x  P4ACA  «  Horfifl,  Cw- 
many.  He  was  Program  Manager  far  the  Amrrt 
can  Tores  Network   m  lurope  and  handled 
phone  patches  by  the  hundred. 


Post  war,  back  m  Phttjdrfphm,  WSC1B  was 
among  the  early  expenmerners  with  tnband 
antennas  and  two-meter  relay  stations  (known 
today  as  repeaters^ 

When  he  went  to  California  wt  T9SZ  tor 
picked  up  ha  present  call  t&DUL  Active  on 
most  amateur  bands  ever  wee  he  cimrently  op- 
erates 220  MHm.  2  meter*,  and  the  J  0-  through 
75-mener  bandy  with  occasional  forays  into 
satellite  tracking  to  spice  a  diet  of  DX  and  mo 
btieQSOs 

He  is  probably  best  known  m  the  Amateur  fra- 
ternity because  of  his  documentaries  for  the 
ARRL  'Moving  Up  To  Amateur  Radio,"  The 
World  of  Amateur  Radio,"  and  "Amateur  Ra- 
dio's Newest  Frontier" 


WA6ITF 


Bdl  Pasternak  WAotJf 
Associate  fefcor 
2BW?  Rohm  Avenue 
Saogus  CA  9t  J5D 

I  have  no  real  story  to  tell.  At 
least  not  this  lime.  I  was  not 
among  those  lucky  enough  to  con- 
tact Dr  Owen  Garriott  W5LFL  as 
he  traveled  around  the  world  on 
the  spacecraft  Columbia.  1  did  hear 
him.  In  fact  I  heard  him  make  his 
very  frrst  QSO  with  Lance  Col  lister 
WA1JXN  in  Frenchtown,  Montana, 
about  the  time  Owen  was  overhead 
on  orbit  35,  flying  down  the  Pact! k 
coastline  I  was  standing  in  the 
courtyard  of  Metromedia  Square  in 
Hollywood  where  I  work,  listening 
to  145.55  MHz  on  an  (com  IC-2AT 
hand-held.  The  self-appointed 
''channel  cops"  were  there,  jump- 
ing on  everyone's  case  tf  they 
"dared'*  to  say  a  word  on  .55.  There 
were  even  a  few  "touchtone  jam- 
mers" playing  their  game,  but  alt 
went  away  as  WSLFL's  booming 
signal  from  200  km  above  us  totally 
captured  the  channel.  I  listened  as 
Owen  first  railed  CQ  and  a  bit  later 
began  acknowledging  the  calls  of 
those  he  was  hearing,  The  output  of 
the  hand-held  was  patched  to  a  cas- 
sette tape  recorder  and  I  to  the  lat- 
ter through  a  pair  of  Senheisser  ear- 
phones. I  just  stood  there  under  one 
of  our  huge  satellite  antennas, 
leaning  against  a  tree,  knowing  that 
Owen  Garriott  WSlFI/s  dream  of 
becoming  the  first  ham  to  operate 
a  station  from  space  had  come 
true,  I  also  knew  that  words  penned 
by  my  friend  Roy  Neal  K6DUE  held 
new  meaning.  Many  of  you  have 
probably  heard  them  in  the  closing 
moments  of  the  video  presentation, 
"Amateur  Radio's  Newest  Fron- 
tier/' "Space  has  a  future  and  ama- 
teur radio  expects  to  be  a  vital  part 
of  it  .  the  flight  of  Owen  Garriott 
is  only  the  beginning/' 

Indeed,  WSLFL's  flight  on  Co- 
lumbia  was  * only  the  beginning."  It 
was  the  start  of  a  whole  new  era  in 
the  evolution  of  the  Amateur  Radio 
Service.  Until  now.  amateurs  had  to 
be  content  with  using  objects  such 
as  the  OSCAR-series  satellites  as 
"repeaters  in  space."  Now,  sudden- 
ly, a  man  had  done  what  many 
thought   would   never   happen.   A 


12    73  Magazine  •  March,  1934 


V 


A  microthin,  synthesized, 
programmable,  sub-audible 
tone  encoder  that  fits  inside 
the  ICOM  IC-2AT. 

Need  we  say  more? 


$2996 


1 


.Ki^^ 


IC-  \  07 


i  ft 


A 


*e,„ 


%.jv 


COMMUNICATIONS 
SPECIALISTS 


•168 


MM 


426  West  Taft  Avenue.  Orange,  CA  92667 
800/854-0547  California:  714/998-3021 


man  had  successfully  contacted 
Others  on  a  one-to-one  basis  from 
Earth  orbit,  without  the  aid  of 
NASA  communications  channels. 
He  did  it  with  the  most  basic  of 
equipment  a  SWatt  hand-held  and 
battery-powered  radio  and  a  simple 
antenna  held  to  the  aft  flight-deck 
window  by  several  strips  of  Vel- 
cro®  Other  than  the  radio  having 
to  meet  NASA  specifications  to  be 
carried  on  board  Columbia,  there 
was  really  nothing  special  about 
Owen  Carriett/s  station  other  than 
its  location.  Its  utter  simplicity 
raised  many  questions,  not  the 
least  of  which  was  "will  it  work, 
and  if  it  does,  can  contacts  be 
made  and  QSOs  held?"  We  all  now 
know  that  the  Motorola  talkie  and 
home-brew  antenna  performed  far 
above  expectation  Owen  proved 
that  low  power  and  a  simple  anten- 
na could  provide  backup  commu- 
nications from  Earth  orbit  Indirect- 
ly, he  even  showed  the  possibility 
of  direct  personal  communications 
from  space  in  future  times  when 
passengers  are  taken  into  orbit. 
What  Dr.  Garriott  did  also  gave 
new  information  about  our  service 
to  the  non-ham  populace  of  the 
world.  Never  before  had  anything 
like  this  been  attempted  and  the 
world's  press  corps  was  glued  to  the 
"happening"  as  it  unfolded  The  re- 
ports in  newspapers,  on  the  radio. 
and  on  television  around  the  world 
showed  hams  as  the  pioneers  of 

Ham  it  up! 

Maine  waits 
for  space  talk 


'(I  ■$ 


4 


v*  All  *yts  wen  on  the  eyes  of 
shuttle  crewman  Hobf rt  Parker 
Wedtic&day>  Page  IS, 

v*  Spacelib'i  iitroruut*  tre- 
ated brilliant  flinlwt  of  blue 
lfCbt-f*if e  & 


By  DIETER  BRADBURY 

Stall  Wri^r 


Uvir  ear*  glued  to 
m  «i  tthtrt  to 


HllfW  vftllHfB 


Ajonxuttt  Q«  la  GtrrwL  A  miMtoo  specialist 
on  board  ihe  SpiceUb  and  in  u&eteur  radio  op- 
entorf  ii  carrying  i  fiv*  wilt,  handheld  tnui- 
ccivf  r  an  board  the  Flight 

During  hi*  off-duty  hour*,  be  will  h*  trying  to 
comtmimcatg  with  tome  of  ih*  Ihouurtds  of 
ham  radio  operators  ■round  ihi-  world.  If  ■  Link 
it  estabhibed  il  would  be  the  first  amateur  radio 
communication  between  the  earth  and  •  manned 
ipacc  vehicle. 

Tha  be*i  time  for  communication  with  the 
Spacelflh  for  turns  in  Lhr  oortheasterri  United 
Sidles  w\\\  be  between  1U.27  arid  10:47  a.m.  this 
morning,  according  to  ihf  American  Radio 
Relay  League,  a  n&tiana]  or^nmution  of  radio 
una  tour  i. 

The  shuttle  will  be  in  lis  49th  orbit,  making  a 
pasi  acroaa  the  country  that  lake«  It  over  parts 
of  the  eastern  seaboard  durtng  that  period,  the 
AflftLiakt 

Dana  Luke  of  Westhmuk,  a  nam  who  edits  a 
etatewide  newsletter  for  radio  rr.lhusiasti.  slid 
he  expect «  many  of  Maine'i  ZAtH  hams  to  be  at 
Lheir  tell  during  the  orbit 

nt'i  the  higtopk  of  di^pHioa  twety  Umeyoj 
lune  in  on  your  set.  Luke  t*Jd-  "Everybody's 
uikuuj  about  IL  fm  print  to  ha*e  my  radio  on, 
and  I've  got  tbe  capability  to  pKk  mm  up." 

Under  a  plan  d#vek>pra  jointly  by  NASA  and 
:*»  ARRL,  Gamon  will  alternately  trauma  rod 
receive,  for  me- minute  periods  of  up  to  m  hoar 

During  an  even-minute  period,  he  will  identi- 
fy the  geographic  area  he  will  I  men  for  and  de- 
scribe crew  activities  or  views  of  the  earth. 
During  the  odd-minute  period,  he  will  scan  his 
receive  frequency.  14S.5S  WHs,  lor  call  signs 
from  the  designated  area. 

In  his  peart  even-muiUtt  mmfcvfcM  DfnDti 
he  will  then  acknowli>df:r  any  call  wgns  h&  has 
received    Unless  Garriott  requests  otherwise, 
hams  wiU  be  Limited  to  transmuting  I  heir  call 
nlgnsoniy 

14    73  Magazine  •  March,  1964 


communication  and  finally  dis- 
pelled the  myth  that  radio  ama- 
teurs were  eccentric  tinkerers  who 
dwelled  in  attics  and  basements 
surrounded  by  sparks  and  wires. 
For  a  moment,  we  were  the  center 
of  attention;  it  was  an  opportunity 
well  used  to  bring  amateur  radio 
out  of  the  proverbial  closet  forever. 
Knowing  that  there  would  be 
many  stories  to  tell  about  the  flight 
of  STS-9  and  attempts  by  ground- 
based  stations  to  gamer  a  fleeting 
QSO  with  W5LFL,  73  commis- 
sioned 21  amateurs  across  the  na- 
tion to  keep  diaries  of  their  day-to- 
day efforts  to  make  a  contact. 
Those  involved  were  as  far  east  as 
New  York  and  New  England,  as  far 
west  as  California,  Oregon,  and 
Hawaii,  as  far  south  as  Florida,  and 
as  far  north  as  Alaska.  Each  ham 
has  his  own  story.  Each  will  have 
something  a  bit  different  to  say  and 
by  reading  their  combined  reports, 
you  will  get  a  graphic  idea  of  what 
most  amateurs  around  the  world 
experienced  during  6  of  the  9  days 
of  the  flight  of  STS-9,  First  we 
travel  to  Maine  to  find  out  how 
K1EFZ  made  out  in  his  quest  to 
contact  Owen  Garriott  W5LFL,  the 
first  amateur  to  operate  from 
space. 


SCHEDULE  FOR   SPACE  SHUfFLb 
LAUNCHED    NOVp^B, l^ET    AT    1 


K1EFZ 


Robe*  S  Harnos  KlEfZ 
56  PwnHJ  Streer 
ivarftflool  M£  04092 

When  this  space-shuttle  proj- 
ect was  first  announced,  I 
had  no  idea  that  I  would  be  in- 
volved to  such  an  extent,  but  after 
the  call  from  Jack  Burnett  on  No- 
vember 27, 1983,  I  suddenly  was  in 
the  middle  of  it 

Having  built  the  turnstile  anten- 
na described  in  the  September 
Q5T,  I  was  already  prepared  to  lis- 
ten and  possibly  make  a  call  or  two 
if  the  occasion  arose 

On    November   .28.    at    HOG,    t 


LOG  OF    CONTACTS   WITH 


W  L 


H3UP      FUN 

1 


GR»17  DAY  HOUR      rtJN 

I 
NOV    .  12 

L13tE*£&  FROri    H$Q   TO    I330.    N0TM1NB   ME  AM) 
CO*' It D    LATEST   AftftL    BULLETINS   ON   RTTV 


ARE* 
CENTRA 


J>  9  9 

NOV   30  2000  2925 

UHAjftLE    TO    LISTEN   AT    THIS    T THE 


• 


- 


47       EASTERN 
DEC  I      !«'-  J  *2 

[MS  miS  TINE.  WSLFL  WAS  BEING  INTERVIEWED  gY  ROY  NEAL 

mi  LIVE  TV.   WQTHINB  HEARD 


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DCE    _  1935 

NOTHING   HEARD   AT    THIS    HUE. 


Q         SO 

reso 


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- 


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9<!i    A 

DEC   *  -45 

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NOTHING   HEAPD   AT     WIS    TIME. 


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DEC  ~      OOOO 

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LOUD  AND  CLEAR  IN  *  NO  C0NF1RHAT 1DN5. 


145  A  LENTFAL 

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kit    A 


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UNABLE    TD    LISTEN    AT    THIS    TIME* 


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HATCHED    THE    LANDING    tiN 


LOGGED   Bv   RUBER T   N   HARNOJ  EFf 

56  RENNELL  ST 
HESTBRO0>    HE   ->4c«r 


f$fe   £J**** 


Robert  N.  Hamois  KUFZ 


watched  the  shuttle  take  off  and 
then  figured  out  the  orbit  times  for 
my  location  that  Jack  had  given 
me  Didn't  do  any  more  until 
Wednesday. 

In  the  meantime,  I  copied  the 
RTTY  bulletins  from  the  ARRL  and 
got  the  latest  info  on  all  the  orbits 
Also  have  been  continuing  receiv- 
ing these  bulletins  every  day. 

The  log  explains  my  participa- 
tion in  monitoring  the  shuttle 

I  was  very  pleased  to  be  asked  to 
participate  in  the  telephone  con- 
ference on  Sunday,  December  4, 
19fl 3.  It  was  very  interesting  and  in- 
formative and  I  wish  I  could  have 
had  more  to  report,  but  it  seems 
that  our  location  did  not  get  the  re- 
sults tfiat  some  of  the  other  areas 
had,  It  was  wonderful  to  be  in  such 
high-class  company.  Thanks  for 
asking  me. 


The  R3  half  wavelength  design  eliminates  the 
ground  radial  system  required  by  other  ver 
Heats.  Optimum  current  distribution  gives 
more  efficiency  and  tow  angle  radiation  for  DX 
communications. 

R3  brings  high  performance  antenna  features 
to  those  living  in  apartments,  condominiums 
or  on  small  city  lots.  Even  If  you  have  plenty  of 
space.  R3's  combination  of  neat  appearance 
and  DX  capability  make  it  ideal  for  your  sta- 
tion. The  R3  includes  an  integral  turner  to  give 
a  perfect  match  across  10,  15,  and  20  meters. 
The  remote  tuning  feature  allows  easy  finger- 
tip control  as  you  operate  your  station. 

R3  Is  a  complete  antenna  system  ready  to  in- 
stall In  virtually  any  location  from  ground  level 
to  roof  top. 

FEATURES 
3  dB  Gain,  ref  ViAwhip 
No  Radtals 
360°  Coverage 
Integral  Tuner  with 

Remote  Control  Console  and  Indicator 
24  Volts  To  Tuner 
110  or  220  Volt  Operation 
75  ft  (22.9m)  Control  Cable  Included 
Only  22ft  (67m)  High 
1  sq  ft  (.09  sq  m)  Space 
Self  Supporting 
Stainless  Steel  Hardware 
Mount:  Sleeve  Type  Fits  Pipe  Up  To 
1 V*  in  (4.5cm)  dia 

Can  Be  Easily  Stored  and  Set  Up  For 
Portable  or  Temporary  Operation 

Add  up  the  features— you'll  find  that  you  can 
have  ALL  OF  THIS  PERFORMANCE  without 
the  need  to  buy  tower,  rotator  and  associated 
hardware.  M  IS  ANOTHER  PRODUCT 
CHEATED  FOR  THE  ENJOYMENT  OF  YOUR 
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«-5ee  L* st  of  Advertisers  on  page  I T4 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984    15 


I  did  not  hear  any  malicious  in- 
terference, only  over-anxious  and 
possibly  misinformed  operation  — 
but  nothing  serious. 

My  station  consists  of  a  KDK 
201 6 A  on  two  meters  with  a  five- 
element  vertical  beam  up  60  feet 
The  turnstile  antenna  was  added 
for  this  project  On  HFr  I  have  a 
Heath  SB-1Q4A  and  a  TRSW  Mod- 
el 4  computer  with  the  ROM-116 
interface  for  RTTY.  Have  been  a 
ham  for  2b  years;  am  a  member  of 
QCWA  I  am  retired  from  the  US 
Postal  Service,  I  work  a  couple 
days  a  week  at  a  direct-mail  ser- 
vice, For  other  hobbies,  I  am  an 
avid  tennis  player,  playing  three 
times  a  week  year  'round,  and  am  a 
percussionist  in  the  Portland  Com* 
munity  Symphony  Orchestra  and 
the  S.  D,  Warren  Band  in  West- 
brook.  Do  my  own  house  repairs 
and  like  to  buitd  furniture.  Of 
course,  this  computer  that  I'm  us- 
ing for  this  report  is  also  one  of  my 
hobbies, 

I  am  69  years  old  Having  lost  my 
first  wife  in  1978r  I  was  remarried  in 
June,  1982T  to  a  very  lovely  lady 
who  was  also  a  widow  She  had 
eight  children  and  I  suddenly  had  a 
lovely  family  with  five  grandchil- 
dren We  have  a  very  happy  life. 
We  usually  go  to  Florida  every  year 
for  a  month  or  so  I  have  one 
daughter  who  is  also  a  ham  oper- 
ator, her  call  is  K1CSF 

Three  clippings  from   the   Port- 


land papers  are  the  only  ones  I 
have  seen  so  far.  Have  not  seen  any 
local  TV  coverage,  but  there  could 
have  been  some  that  I  missed 

The  participation  by  the  ama- 
teurs in  this  area  was  very  en- 
thusiastic and  everyone  is  hoping 
that  they  were  heard  by  WSLFL's  re* 
ceiver.  I  don't  know  of  anyone  who 
was  acknowledged. 


WB1BRE 


Biit  Burden  WBlBRi 
J  f  Bf and  Driv* 
Nashua  NH  03060 

Members  of  the  Nashua  Area 
Radio  Club  prepared  for  the 
flight  of  the  space  shuttle  Colum- 
bia for  several  months.  Bob  Wolf 
N1ABA  and  George  Murphy  K3RQ 
had  been  very  active  in  working 
amateur  satellites  for  several  years, 
and  the  challenge  of  working  ST 5-9 
was  a  natural  for  them.  Media  in- 
terest was  building  up  to  the  mis- 
sion partly  as  a  result  of  the  Gre- 
nada situation  that  occurred  about 
a  month  before  the  launch.  I  had 
not  really  set  up  anything  at  my 
home  for  monitoring  the  shuttle 
since  1  planned  to  go  to  Bob's 
house  during  the  passes  when 
W5LFL  was  on  the  air. 

I  was  at  Bob's  shack  during  the 
first  pass  on  Thursday,  December  1, 


1961  Present  were  reporters  from 
the  local  papers,  the  Nashua  Tele- 
graph  and  the  Manchester  Union 
Leader,  The  shuttle  came  over,  and 
with  George  at  the  azimuth  and 
elevation  controls  and  Bob  at  the 
2m  rig,  the  call  was  sent  out  Unfor- 
tunately, Owen  was  in  a  news  con- 
ference at  the  time  of  the  pass,  so 
all  we  heard  was  several  minutes  of 
noise  punctuated  by  people  mis- 
takenly transmitting  on  the  down- 
link. This  all  was  slightly  discourag- 
ing, but  not  to  worry  — there  were 
many  orbits  to  got 

The  east-coast  pass  on  Friday 
night  (December  2)  was  to  be  a 
good  one,  but  this  was  the  night  of 
the  club  annual  Christmas  party! 
We  toyed  with  the  idea  of  bringing 
a  rig  to  the  party,  but  rejected  thai 
as  a  bit  of  an  overkill  for  a  party. 
George  K3RQ  was  coming  to  the 
party,  but  he  delayed  his  departure 
long  enough  to  make  a  try  at  a  pass. 

Again,  nothing  from  the  space- 
craft, but  George  was  undaunted 
He  proceeded  to  get  ready  for  the 
Christmas  party  and  George  and 
Charlotte  made  a  spectacular 
entrance! 

I  received  a  call  from  Jack  Bur- 
nett at  73  informing  us  that  we  had 
been  selected  as  one  of  a  group 
across  the  country  to  keep  a  diary 
of  our  attempts  to  contact  the  shut- 
tle, We  were  astounded  to  be  in- 
cluded in  a  select  group  like  this.  I 
discussed  this  with  Bob  and  George 


and  we  alt  suddenly  realized  that 
we  were  into  paperwork! 

Sunday  night  (December  4).  Bob 
and  I  joined  in  the  nationwide  tele- 
conference and  really  enjoyed  the 
discussions  from  around  the  coun- 
try. It  was  exciting  to  hear  how  peo- 
ple in  various  states  were  making 
out  wrth  PR  and  the  attempts  to 
contact  Owen, 

I  discussed  the  passes  scheduled 
for  Monday  morning  (December  5) 
with  Bob  and  agreed  to  meet  at  his 
house  to  listen  to  the  next  attempt 
Sunday  night  was  the  first  snow- 
storm of  the  season  and  several 
inches  were  on  the  ground  by  Mon- 
day morning.  Bob  lives  about  2 
miles  from  me  via  the  main  high- 
way in  Nashua.  Monday  morning  it 
would  have  been  easier  to  reach 
the  shuttlet  Traffic  was  tied  up  all 
over  the  city  and  I  realized  that  I 
would  never  make  it  through  the 
citv  I  turned  around  and  pro- 
ceeded to  Bob's  house  via  the 
neighboring  town  of  Hoi  I  is.  But  the 
delay  had  set  me  back  so  far  that 
by  the  time  I  got  through  Mollis,  I 
realized  that  I  would  never  make  it 
to  Bob's  house  in  time  In  despera- 
tion, I  turned  on  the  old  Kenwood 
7400  in  the  car.  hoping  that  I  would 
hear  something  with  the  quarter- 
wave  whip  on  the  rear  deck 

At  the  appointed  time.  I  sudden- 
ly heard  "This  is  W5LFL  in  the 
spacecraft  Columbia  calling  CQ 
North  America  " 


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FREQUENCY 7.0-7,3  MHz 

VSWR: 1.5:1 

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IMP.: , ,  50  ohms 

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^**^_  FEED  IMP.: 50  ohms 

I    ^S*             ELEMENT  LENGTH:  ....  37  ft. 
I  BOOM  LENGTH: 57  ft. 

WINDLOAD:. . .  - 12.8  sq.  ft. 

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VSWR: 1.5:1 

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FEED  MP,: 50  ohms 

ELEMENT  LENGTH: ....  25  ft. 
BOOM  LENGTH: ........  36  ft. 

WINDLOAD: 8.5  sq.  ft. 

GAIN: ....10.5  dBd 


Specifications:  (30M-3) 

BANDW1D1U. . .  10J-I0.150  MHz 

VSWR: ...1.5:1 

F/B ...20  dB 

FEED  LMP.: ...  50  ohms  unbal. 
ELEMENT  LENGTH: . . . .  35f6" 

BOOM  LENGTH: 24*3" 

WINDLOAD:  ,  tf . 7  sq.  ft 

GAIN: 7.0  dB 


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RAND  WIDTH:    .7,2   10-30  MHz 

VSWR: .2:1  typical 

F/B: 10  15 

FEED  LMP.: ....  SO  ohm  unbal. 
ELEMENT  LENGTH:  ....  46  ft 

BOOM  LENGTH 42  ft. 

WINDLOAD: 12  sq.  ft. 

GAIN 3/7  dBd  typical 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     17 


I  damn  near  drove  the  car  off  the 
road!  He  was  full  quieting  with  no 
flutter  am)  no  static.  I  listened  to 
the  whole  pass  and  even  put  in 
some  calls  as  I  continued  to  Bob's 
house.  What  a  thnll!  I  was  struck  by 
the  solid  (ink  between  a  spacecraft 
orbiting  the  Earth  200  miles  up  and 
a  commuter  on  a  back  road  in  a  lit- 
tle town  in  New  Hampshire. 

Wednesday  morning  (December 
7),  I  was  ready  a[  home  with  my 
2-meter  rig  tied  to  my  8-element 
yagi  and  a  tape  recorder  ready  to 
go.  I  pointed  the  antenna  south  to 
try  to  catch  as  much  of  the  pass  as 
possible.  Right  on  schedule,  there 
he  came!  He  was  loud  and  clear 
and  I  copied  three  of  his  transmis- 
sions My  wife  and  I  shared  the 
headset  on  the  tape  deck  as  Owen 
called  CQ 

As  I  tuned  around  the  10  trans- 
mit frequencies  listening  to  the 
local  hams  calling  the  shuttle,  I  was 
struck  with  a  vision  of  the  view 
from  the  spacecraft  if  rf  energy 
were  visible  As  he  passed  over  a 
given  area  and  made  a  call  for  sta- 
tions, a  blanket  of  rf  energy  would 
rise  from  the  surface  of  the  Earth 
and  envelop  the  spacecraft! 

Monday  night  (December  5),  the 
Nashua  Area  Radio  Club  had  its 
regular  monthly  meeting  at  the 
local  library  On  the  agenda  was  a 
short  presentation  by  Bob  and 
George  on  the  shuttle  activities.  By 


Bob  Wolf  N1ABA  (left)  and  George  Murphy  K3RQ  at  Bob's  station.  Bob  b 
operating  the  2-meter  rig  white  George  h  checking  orbit  data  and  running 
the  tracking  antenna. 


the  time  the  meetrng  started,  it  was 
clear  that  a  lot  of  people  were  there 
for  the  info  on  the  shuttle    The 


tapes  of  the  previous  passes  were 
played  and  the  questions  flew  thick 
and  fast!  The  repeaters  were  alive 


with  people  looking  for  orbit  into 
and  frequencies  I  kept  checking 
the  articles  in  the  local  paper  to  see 
what  immortal  statements  Bob  and 
I  were  quoted  as  having  uttered' 

The  interest  m  the  shuttle  activi- 
ty is  extremely  high  I  took  the  tape 
of  the  Wednesday  morning  trans- 
missions into  work  A  small  crowd 
quickly  gathered  to  listen  to  W5LFL 
and  was  astounded  by  the  clarity 
of  the  signal, 

Station  Equipment 

B  Radio:  Kenwood  TR-9130  mul- 
tknode 

•  Amplifier,  TE  Systems  1412C, 
150  Watts  output  with  GaAsFET 
preamplifier 

•  Antenna:  Cushcraft  A144^10T, 
Iftelement  switchable  left-  and 
right-hand  circular  polarization. 
Antenna  is  50  feet  and  is  rotatable 
in  azimuth  and  elevation 

Station  Diary 

August  1903:  Updated  W3IWI 
(Tom  Clark)  Orbital  Prediction  Pro- 
gram to  include  STS-9  preliminary 
data. 

September  12,  1983:  Don  Dillaby 
KA1GOZ  of  the  Nashua  Telegraph 
conducted  interview  with  myself 
and  George  Murphy  K3RQ. 

September  13,  1983:  Front-page 
article,  with  picture,  appeared  in 
the  Nashua  Tele&aph. 

October  21.  1983:  Follow-up 
story  on  STS-9  ham-in-space  mis- 


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10     73  Magazine  ■  March.  1984 


sion     was     run     in     the     Nashua 
Telegraph  . 

October  23,  1933:  Virginia 
Wegener  of  the  Manchester  Union 
Leader  conducted  interview  with 
myself  and  George  Murphy  K3RQ. 

October  30,  1983:  Article,  in- 
cluding picture,  appeared  in  the 
New  Hampshire  Sunday  News 
(Manchester). 

November  26.  1933: 

1400-1 420Z:  Logged  into  the 
AMSAT  bulletin-board  system  and 
obtained  current  list  of  potential 
orbits  for  W5LFL 

November  30,  1983: 

O2OO-013GZ:  Checked  into  the 
AMSAT  net  on  3850  kHz  Received 
the  latest  inputs  on  projected  orbit 
numbers  for  STS-9  as  well  as  ele- 
ment set  #MH-1 1-29-63  Inputs 
from  W5RRR  on  the  net  giving  cal- 
culated equator  crossing  times  and 
longitudes  for  orbits  54 A  and  46 A 
were  also  logged 

G330-0430Z  W3IWI  computer 
program  was  updated  with  the  new 
element  set  and  orbital  predictions 
run  for  the  time  given  by  W5RRR 
Data  correlated  within  10  seconds 
and  a  fraction  of  a  degree  of  equa- 
tor crossing  to  that  of  W5RRR. 

1721-1728Z;  Monitored  145  55, 
145.53,  and  145,57  during  orbit  34 
Nothing  heard  even  though  the 
spacecraft  was  in  range  No  trans- 
missions were  made 

1728-190OZ;  Rechecked  all 
equipment  and  orbital  calcula- 
tions Verified  with  as  many 
sources  as  possible  including  jim 
Pickard  WA1PSI  in  Deny,  New 
Hampshire,  that  no  transmissions 
were  heard  in  the  area  during  orbit 
34,  Prepared  for  orbit  49  which  we 
believe  to  be  our  best  chance  in  this 
area  to  work  W5LFL 

December  7,  1983:  Newspaper  arti- 
cle appeared  in  the  Nashua  Tele- 
graph describing  failure  to  hear 
W5LFL  on  orbit  34  which  had  been 
our  first  opportunity  in  this  area, 

1 536-1 S46Z  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  49  This  was  the  first  sthedr 
uled  east-coast  pass  and  was  one  of 
the  best,  reaching  an  elevation  of 
42  degrees.  In  the  shack  were  Bob 
Wolf  N1ABA,  George  Murphy 
K3RQ.  Bill  Burden  WB1BRE,  Dot 
Burden,  Don  Diflaby  KA1COZ 
from  the  Nashua  Telegraph* 
Virginia  Wegener  of  the  Math 
cheater  Union  Leader,  Gene  Balm- 
ski  WA1UXA.  and  Randy  Ward 
KA9CHT  Nothing  was  heard,  but 
we  were  informed  shortly  alter  the 
pass  that  Owen  Garriott  was  in  a 
press  conference  during  this  time. 

1 546-1 630Z  Short  group  discus- 
sion about  failure  to  hear  anything 
on  orbit  49.  Everyone  was  a  bit  dis- 
appointed, but  there  was  also  a  lot 
of  optimism  among  the  people 
present,  especially  when  we  found 
out  about  the  press  conference 

200O-2030Z:  Calculated  orbital 
information  for  orbit  57,  which  is 
due  to  pass  overhead  just  after  sun- 
set There  is  partial  cloud  cover  at 


this  time,  but  hope  to  get  visual 
sighting  to  confirm  orbital  calcula- 
tions. 

215O-22O0Z;  The  Columbia  ap- 
peared to  the  northwest,  just  as  pre- 
dicted, passed  to  the  north 
reaching  an  elevation  of  about  30 
degrees,  and  went  over  the  horizon 
to  the  southeast  It  was  a  spec- 
tacular sight  appearing  as  a  very 
bright  fast-moving  star,  It  was  ob- 
served for  approximately  five  min- 
utes. This  sighting  confirmed  the 
accuracy  of  the  computer  pro- 
gram. 

December  2.  1983:  Newspaper  arti- 
cle including  picture  appeared  in 
the  Nashua  Telegraph  explaining 
our  attempt  to  work  W5LFL  on  or- 
bit 49  The  article  explained  that 
Owen  was  in  a  press  conference  at 
the  time  of  the  pass  and  for  that 
reason  was  not  available.  News- 
paper article  describing  our  at- 
tempt on  orbit  49  also  appeared  in 
the  Manchester  Union  Leader. 

2230-231 5Z:  Prepared  for  orbit 
70.  Checked  all  equipment  and 
orbit  calculations  Monitored 
WA3NAN  for  shuttle  transmissions 
and  additional  information 

2315-2321Z  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  70  from  the  car  en  route 
between  Nashua  and  Durham. 
Nothing  heard  on  any  of  the  down- 
link frequencies.  Did  not  make  any 
transmissions  K3RQ  attempted  to 
work  orbit  70  from  his  home  in  Mil- 
ford,  New  Hampshire.  Virginia 
Wegener  of  the  Manchester  Union 
Leader  was  also  present.  Nothing 
was  heard  by  George  either. 

December  3,  1983:  No  scheduled 
orbits  for  today  but  monitored 
WA3NAN  on  and  off  for  most  of 
the  day.  Ran  orbital  calculations 
for  orbits  85r  %r  and  97.  Relayed  in- 
formation on  orbits  96  and  97  via 
the  13/73  repeater.  Orbit  85, 
although  not  a  scheduled  orbit  for 
W5LF L,  was  predicted  to  pass  just 
after  sunset  and  since  there  was  no 
cloud  cover,  this  was  an  ideal  can- 
didate for  another  visual  sighting. 
If  you  can't  hear  him,  at  least  you 
can  see  him. 

2130-2140Z:  Columbia  again  ap- 
peared right  on  schedule  from  the 
northwest,  passed  to  the  north  at 
about  45  degrees  elevation,  and 
disappeared  over  the  horizon  to  the 
southeast  It  was  just  as  spectacu- 
lar and  exciting  as  Thursday's  sight- 
ing. Anticipation  of  hearing  W5LFL 
on  the  downlink  tor  the  first  time  ts 
building  again, 

December  4,  1%83: 

i  300-1 335Z  Prepared  for  orbits 
95  and  97  while  monitoring 
WA3NAN. 

1335-1342Z:  tistened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  96,  Heard  and  recorded 
two  transmissions  at  1334  and 
1336Z  while  the  Columbia  was  over 
Florida  Called  on  odd  minutes  on 
145.03  MHz.  Signals  peaked  at 
59+20  dB.  Antenna  polarization 
favored  RHCP  It  was  a  tremendous 
feeling  to  hear  Owen  Garriott  for 


Radio  Hams  Fail 

In  First  Attempt 

To  Contact  Shuttle 


By  VIRGINIA  UI-ititiNKR 

I  nmii  |.i-ad*M"<Virrc*[>nndrril 
VASHUA  Thr  Jim-   W&* 

hu  •  •  •  earth     .mil 

Ep»ee  vt**r>-  ri  ,y  rnoromrj  ,*< 

Hit-  ^p.u  .  luitik  Columbia 
hashed  Ms  way  across  New 
Hampshire  ,skics  while  hun 
dreds  of  ham  radio  operators 
around  Ihn  slate  I  net!  to  tzt*\ 
a  rail  through  But  to  no 
avail 

"NOVEMBER    (INK.    AL 
I'll  A      UKAVO      ALPHA 
'NOVEMBER     UM        AL 
I'llA      I1H  W  u      ALPHA 
Nashua  ham  Boll  Wolf  kept 
repeating     his     call     letters 
over  jnd  over  during  ihe  odd 
numbered  minute*  when  or 
biting    astronaut    Or     <)w**rt 
Garriotl  was  scheduled  to  ho 
listen  i  fm      (G  am  oil     was 
staled  to  repeal  the  call  tet- 
ters »»n  Ihe  even  minutes,  if 
he  w»*  able  to  receive  and 
respond  i 

Wul  f  con  1 1  n  tied  repeating 
Ins  call  letters  in  ihe  hope 
that  Garriott  would  hear 
ihrm.  while  fellow  ham 
tieorge  Murphy  of  Millord. 
manned  ihe  antenna  iraik 
mix:  the  spacer: rail  as  it  raced 
alumf 

Feline  hams  iiiJl  Burden, 
president  l  ■  i  the  Nashua 
Area  Radio  Club.  George 
Boilnski  ami  l>on  Dillahy.  all 
uf  Ihe  Nashua  rhih.  and  [{an 
dy  Want  nj  Kv.insvillr  Incl  . 
WVVQ  till  m  Ihe  Wolf  home  mi 

Hhannee  Drive  in  the  hope  ol 

hem;;    Uiere    when    tliii'mill 

broke  throw;  h 

'There's    only    a    tola  I    of 
oijiht    minutes  dunnc   each 

pass   when  the   shuttle  is   in 

ihe  righl  position  to  send  ami 

rccieve,"     the   various   radio 


the  first  time.  It  was  hard  to  believe 
the  quality  and  strength  of  the 
downlink  signals  Many,  many 
signals  were  also  heard  on  the 
uplink.  It  is  hard  to  imagine  what  it 
must  have  sounded  like  in  the  Co/- 
umbta 

1 342-1 500Z:  Continued  to  monh 
tor  WA3NAN  on  40  meters  and 
compare  notes  with  several  other 
stations  who  had  heard  the  down- 
link signals  on  orbit  96  Talked  with 
WA1PSI  in  Berry  to  exchange 
reports  and  check  data  for  orbit  97 
After  hearing  W5LFL  tor  the  first 
time,  everyone  was  anxious  for  a 
second  shot  at  it  Many  people  on 
the  13/73  repeater  had  not  Heard 
him  or  were  not  listening  on  orbit 
%  but  looked  forward  to  orbit  97 
after  finding  out  he  had  finally 
been  heard  in  the  northeast 

1505-1 51 5Z:  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  97  Heard  and  recorded 
two  transmissions  at  150S  and 
1510Z  while  the  shuttle  was  over 


NASHUA 


efc 


enrhiiMasIs    n***k     t  fieri' 
plat  Mag. 

We  have  10  different  fre- 
quencies we  can  iransmit  to 
him  over  and  he'll  respond 
on  the  even  minutes,  on  one 
of  three  frequeneit 

The     sparcman-ham     will 
only  be  allowed  to  broadcast 

10  earth  during  his  off  times 
and  then  the  most  earth  In 
will  hear  is  CQ  Cg,  this  is 
W5FI-F  calling  .  "  whatever 
call  letters  hi*  has  received 
during  Ihe  sendirs.  time 
from  earth 

"Even  if  he  can't  answer 
us  because  of  his?  NASA  com- 
ill  meats."  another  Nashua 
ham    reported/she'll    try    to 

1 1  cord  our  calls  so  thai  when 
he  gets  back,  we'll  be  noti- 
fied thai  our  calls  were  actu- 
ally received  in  outer 
space." 

Yesterday's  unsuccessful 
attempt  at  communication 
didn't  dampen  the  ham's  en 
thustasm,  though  Tonight 
the  shuttle  sails  over  our 
area  again  and  they'll  all  be 
a!  their  respective  stations 
at  it  If*  pm  tor  another  try 
:ii  reaching  Ihe  shuttle 

Eavesdropping  on  outer 
space  isn't  restricted  In 
those  with  ham  radios,  how 
ever.  Anyone  with  a  pm 
L^ra  mm  a  hie  scanner  ean 
tune  in  to  frequency  (45.55 
Mil/,  while  those  with  short 
wave:  radios  can  listen  on 
XHfjoi  :i  M  MHZ  LSB 

Bul  if  n  G  doesn  t  t  ill 
horn i'  inriuzhL  he  II  htiVe  one 
more  chance  to  tr>  Dee   l(i 


Texas  and  the  Great  Lakes.  Signals 
favored  LHCP  polarization  on  this 
pass  and  peaked  at  59,  K3RQ  moni- 
tored the  pass  from  his  QTH  in 
Milford, 

December  5r  1983:  Newspaper  arti- 
cle appeared  in  the  Nashua  Tele- 
graph describing  the  transmissions 
heard  on  orbit  %  and  our  con- 
tinued attempts  to  be  heard  by 
W5LFL 

1320-1332Z:  Listened  for  VV5LFL 
on  orbit  112.  Heard  and  recorded 

four  transmissions  from  the  Colum- 
bia as  the  spacecraft  traveled  up 
the  east  coast  Transmissions  were 
heard  at  1324,  1326,  1326,  and 
1330Z  peaking  at  59  +  20  dB  Called 
on  odd  minutes  on  several  different 
uplink  frequencies. 

1332-14302:  While  monitoring 
the  13/73  repeater  and  WA3NAN 
for  new  information,  edited  the 
tapes  for  orbits  96,  97,  and  1 1 2  for 
presentation  at  the  Nashua   Area 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     19 


Radio  Club  meeting.  Exchanged 
signal  reports  and  observations 
with  many  of  the  people  who  had 
monitored  orbit  112.  Many  mobiles 
and  several  people  with  handie- 
talkies  had  heard  W5LFL  59  Excite- 
ment was  running  high  and  Colum- 
bia fever  was  epidemic.  Recorded 
element  set  #MH-12-5-B3  for  STS-9 
from  WA3NAN  Updated  comput- 
er program  and  reran  calculations 
for  orbits  117,  128.  129.  132,  and 
133 

2109-21172:  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  117.  Nothing  was  heard. 
Transmitted  on  all  uplink  frequen- 
cies using  both  RHCP  and  LHCP 
during  the  pass. 

December  6,  1983: 

O0OQ-O23OZ:  Nashua  Area  Radio 
Club  meeting  Presented  short  up- 
date of  STS-9  mission  and  ptayed 
the  recordings  of  downlink  trans- 
missions heard  on  orbits  96,  97,  and 
11 2.  At  least  half  of  the 60  members 
present  had  heard  one  or  more  of 
the  transmissions.  Only  a  few  had 
tried  and  failed  to  hear  W5LH. 
Dan  XI XXX,  one  of  the  club  mem- 
bers, was  presented  the  'STS9 
COULD"  award  CCall  On  me 
Uplink  Dummy).  Note:  The  call  has 
been  changed  to  protect  the  inno- 
cent? 

1 31 1  -1 31 9Z:  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  128  Nothing  heard,  but 
transmitted  on  all  uplink  frequen- 
cies during  the  pass 

2056-2104Z:  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  133.  Nothing  heard,  but 
transmitted  on  all  frequencies  dur- 
ing the  pass, 

December  7-  7983: 

1130-1200Z:  WA3NAN  moni- 
tored while  preparing  for  orbit  144 

1 259-1 307Z:  Listened  for  W5LR 
on  orbit  144.  Heard  and  recorded 
five  transmissions  at  1258:30, 130(1. 
1302h  1304,  and  130AZ  AOS  CK> 
curred  at  1358:25  and  LOS  oc- 
curred at  1407:25.  Signals  peaked 
at  59  +  30  dB  during  the  pass  and 
favored  RHCP  at  times  and  LHCP 
at  other  times  AOS  occurred  30 
seconds  earlier  than  predicted, 

2035-2044Z  Prepared  for  orbit 
149.  W5LFL  has  yet  to  appear  on  an 
afternoon  pass,  but  will  keep  trying 
in  hopes  that  the  recorder  is  run- 
ning 

2O44-2052Z  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  149.  Nothing  heard,  but 
transmitted  on  all  uplink  fre- 
quencies 

210O-220OZ:  Ran  computer  cal- 
culations for  orbits  160  and  161 
Presented  calculations  for  orbits 
160  and  161  over  the  13/73  repeat- 
er Also  discussed  signals  heard 
during  orbit  144.  Almost  everybody 
was  able  to  copy  at  least  three  of 
the  five  transmissions. 

Decembers,  1983: 

1 200-1 246Z:  WA3NAN  moni- 
tored while  preparing  for  orbit  160 
Information  received  via  WA3NAN 
indicated  some  problem  with  two 
of  the  computers,  possibly  asso- 
ciated with  the  maneuvering  thrust- 

20     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


ers,  At  1245  the  scheduled  landing 
was  postponed  until  the  problem 
with  the  computers  was  better  un- 
derstood 

1246-1 300Z  Listened  for  W5LFL 
on  orbit  160.  Nothing  was  heard, 
and  due  to  problems  with  the  com- 
puters aboard  the  spacecraft  it 
was  unlikely  the  recorder  was  run- 
ning, so  no  transmissions  were 
made. 

Bill  Burden  *s  a  native  ot  Nashua.  New  Harm* 
ihire  and  has  lived  there  most  &t  hfc  hie  He  rs 
I "  married,  and  has  three  children  Hii  wtfe 
Do*  rs  watting  tot  her  iSiov/ce  itckei  to  atr 
dill  ti  a  Program  Manager  at  Sanders  Asio- 
c  tat es  in  Nashua,  where  he  has  been  employed 
for  23  years  He  received  ha  Novice  license  in 
\9?b,  hli  Technician  in  1977,  and  upgraded  10 
Intta  tn  TSWtjf.  Hrs  primary  activities  include 
low  band  CvV,  2m  fM,  220  f  M.  f  teid  Day.  and 
amateur  radio/personal  computer  interfacing, 
Bill  has  been  a  member  ot  the  Nashua  Area 
Rsdfa  Club  hf  sU  years,  serving  as  Its  pte$h 
dent  for  three  ot  those  years.  He  has  been  ap- 
pointed by  the  ARRL  as  Public  If} forma tion 
Officer  tor  NH  and  AssiaxaWit  Director  for  New 
England  for  J  901,  and  he  b  a  delegate  to  the 
NH  Amateur  Radio  Association  Other  acttvi 
ties  include  work  on  the  NH  March  oi  Dtmm 
and  Nashua  Red  Cross  Execufrv*  ficurrft  and 
participation  tn  Scottish  Societies  in  New 
Hampshire  and  Vermont 


K02X 


Wanda  C  lo^toy  KQ2X 
441  Jerry  Smith  Road 
Laming  NY  14&82 

Interest  in  the  space  shuttle  started 
mounting  early  in  the  spring  when 
it  became  public  knowledge  we 
were  about  to  send  a  ham  into 
Space  I  never  dreamed  I  would  be 
fortunate  enough  to  hear  him,  never 
mind  call  him.  October  28  drew 
closer  and  every  ham  was  spreading 
the  word. 


Our  local  dub,  the  Tompkins 
County  Amateur  Radio  Club,  de- 
cided to  get  permission  to  set  up  a 
station  on  the  Ithaca  Commons,  the 
downtown  Ithaca  pedestrian  malt 
Arrangements  were  completed  for 
the  October  28  lift-oft  When  the 
lift-off  was  postponed  until  Novem- 
ber 2d.  our  plans  had  to  be  dropped. 
The  space  was  not  available  and  we 
lacked  ham  power  due  to  prior  com- 
mitments, holiday  time,  and  the  fact 
that  we  could  not  arrange  for  a 
suitable  location  I  was  ready  to 
forget  the  whole  project 

Monday,  November  2:  A  few  of 
the  local  hams  were  discussing  the 
possibility  of  following  through  with 
our  plans  to  have  a  station  set  up 
We  were  in  the  middle  oi  holding 
our  Monday  night  Novice  class  and  I 
had  very  strong  feelings  about  the 
interest  the  project  would  create 
among  the  students  One  of  our 
newer  younger  members,  Scott 
KA2AFN,  volunteered  to  build  a 
turnstile  antenna.  Needless  to  say,  I 
grabbed  at  the  offer.  Scott  met  with 
all  kinds  of  problems  trying  to  get 
together  the  needed  parts  for  our 
antenna. 

Sunday,  November  27:  I  was  for- 
tunate enough  to  have  been  chosen 
to  work  with  other  hams  in  the  US  in 
conjunction  with  Jack  Burnett,  Ex- 
ecutive Editor  of  73  1  was  included 
in  the  first  telephone  conference 
call  regarding  our  ham  in  space  My 
OM  recorded  the  call  on  his  red  to 
reel  It  was  a  dam  good  idea,  as  1 
would  have  been  at  a  complete  loss 
without  the  information  that  was  re- 
corded. All  I  could  think  of  was  the 
fact  that  lift-off  was  tomorrow  and  I 
still  lacked  a  circularly-polarized 
antenna. 

Monday,  November  28:  The  sun 
rose,  the  Columbia  was  off  on  sched- 
ule, and  I  became  more  frustrated 


Wanda  Love  joy  K2QX 


by  the  hour.  So  the  week  progressed. 
By  Thursday,  December  1,  J  was 
completely  oblivious  of  anything  ex- 
cept the  antenna  I  called  on  2 
meters  and  the  phone  trying  to  get 
everything  in  order  for  this  area's 
first  chance  to  hear  W5LFL 

Friday,  December  2  This  after- 
noon, about  5,10  EST,  Scott  arrived 
at  my  house,  antenna  in  hand.  We 
immediately  went  to  work  setting  it 
up.  At  5:45  pm,  we  were  both  out 
back,  taking  down  the  mast  and  my 
OM's  CB  antenna.  It  was  about  25 
degrees  with  winds  abotrt  15  mph 
and  pitch  black  out  there.  We  had  a 
schedule  to  meet  and  we  were  de- 
termined to  do  it  We  braved  the  el- 
ements and,  finally,  at  5:55  prn,  into 
the  house  we  ran,  ignoring  our  fro- 
zen ears  and  fingers.  We  immedi- 
ately checked  the  swr  with  a  meter 
another  club  member,  Lew  KC2YF, 
had  been  kind  enough  to  drop  off 
at  Scott's  work  QTH.  Lo  and 
behold  1:1  What  a  fantastic  job 
Scott  had  done  Scott  had  another 
commitment  and  was  only  able  to 
stay  around  for  a  few  minutes,  \  felt 
very  badly,  especially  after  all  the 
work  he  had  done  After  Scott  left  I 
sat  with  my  ear  glued  to  my  rig,  an 
Azden  2000  mobile  unit  1  was  sure 
I  had  a  very  faint  copy  on  W5LFL 
but  there  was  barely  any  audio 
Later  that  evening  when  J  was  rag- 
chewing  on  the  club's  repeater,  the 
guys  convinced  me  it  was  other 
hams  calling  on  WSLFL's  frequency. 

Saturday,  December  3;  I  heard 
nothing.  I  went  to  bed  feeling  a  lit- 
tle depressed,  frustrated,  and  very 
disappointed. 

Sunday,  December  4  Bearing  in 
mind  what  my  Elmer  used  to 
preach  to  me— that  a  true  ham 
never  gives  up—!  turned  the  rig  on 
as  I  was  getting  ready  for  church. 
W5LFL  was  calling  "CQ  North 
America."  I  was  so  shocked  I 
couldn't  mover  and  1  didn't  answer 
his  call  That  night,  Jack  Burnett  ar- 
ranged another  conference  call 
with  the  same  group  of  hams  He 
gave  the  group  all  the  latest  and 
most  updated  information  he 
could  gather.  When  I  finished  on 
the  call.  I  felt  like  I  had  been  giv- 
en  a  tremendous  shot  of  confi- 
dence and  encouragement —  go  get 
W5LFL!  I  spent  most  of  the  night 
planning  my  strategy 

Monday,  December  5:  Bright- 
eyed  and  bushy-tailed,  1  went  into 
my  shack,  confident  that  not  only 
was  I  going  to  hear  W5LFL,  but  also 
that  I  was  going  to  work  hrm  I  sat 
by  my  rig,  tension  building,  excite- 
ment mounting,  and  completely 
confident  of  achieving  my  goal 
Suddenly,  "This  is  W5LFL.  CQ 
North  America  "  1  grabbed  the 
mike  {dropped  it),  tried  to  turn  the 
recorder  on  (couldn't  remember 
how)— I  was  in  a  complete  state  of 
shock.  Luckily,  this  mass  state  of 
confusion  lasted  just  seconds,  be- 
cause I  found  myself  calling  him  In 
the  interim,  somehow  I  had  turned 
the  recorder  on    I  know  it  really 


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couldn't  have  been  my  doing  — it 
must  have  been  my  guardian  angel. 
Within  a  few  minutes,  W5LFL  was 
calling  "CQ"  again.  It  seemed  to 
me  that  the  only  ham  he  was  really 
talking  to  was  me.  I  went  back  to 
him  again.  It  was  too  far  into  the 
game  for  me  to  start  acting  as  if  1 
had  any  common  sense  at  all,  be- 
cause I  didn't  The  thought  never 
entered  my  mind(?)  to  wait  for  the 
full  length  of  the  window.  My  OM 
was  still  asleep  and  I  ran  in  the  bed- 
room screaming.  Waking  him  from 
a  sound  sleep,  he  wasn't  sure 
whether  I  had  completely  flipped 
or  I  had  come  close  to  efectrocut- 
ing  myself.  He  calmed  me  down, 
brought  me  back  to  Earth,  and  at- 
tempted to  explain  that  the  astro- 
naut was  really  talking  to  all  hams 
on  the  continent  but  nobody  was 
going  to  burst  my  bubble!  From 
here  on,  my  rig  was  not  turned  off 
as  long  as  Owen  was  on  board  the 
Columbia.  We  set  a  bed  up  in  the 
shack  in  case  any  unannounced 
transmissions  were  made,  Please 
believe  mer  I  concentrated  so  hard 
on  working  Owen  (you've  probably 
noticed  Owen  and  I  are  on  a  first- 
name  basis  now)  that  I  never  got  a 
chance  to  work  W5RRR.  Oh  well, 
they  will  be  at  it  again  many  times, 
but  nobody  will  ever  be  able  to  do  a 
repeat  performance  of  what  Owen 
Carriott  accomplished. 

Tuesday  and  Wednesday  were 
both  fun  days,  as  several  oppor- 
tunities were  available  to  work  the 
Columbia  again,  I  worked  every 
chance  I  got  and  will  never  regret 
one  minute  of  It 

Thursday,  December  8.  The  Co- 
lumbia comes  home  today.  I  still 
am  trying  to  work  Owen  with  the 
same  enthusiasm  and  pleasure  I 
have  felt  all  week.  I  feel  sure  that 
when  I  see  the  Columbia  touch 
down,  tears  will  be  shed  and  I  will 
have  a  feeling  ot  sadness  because 
another  friend  via  ham  radio  with 
whom  we  have  shared  a  good  deal 
of  time  is  back  home  and  getting 
ready  to  get  back  into  his  normal 
routine. 

I  am  sure  well  have  other  hams 
in  space— we  know  there  wiJJ  be 
many  more  space  shuttles.  We  also 
know  that  NASA  will  continue  its 
efforts  giving  us  all  still  another 
reason  to  be  proud  we  are  Ameri- 
cans. But  all  of  this  will  never  be 
able  to  help  us  relive  the  most  excit- 
ing history-making  event  shared  by 
hundreds  of  thousands  of  hams 
worldwide  which  was  made  possi- 
ble by  one  of  our  own,  Owen  Car- 
riott W5LFL  I  have  never  been  as 
proud  of  anything  as  I  am  to  have 
had  the  opportunity  to  play  my 
small  part  in  this  chapter  of  ama- 
teur-radio history, 

Thank  you  and  God  Bless  You, 
Owen  Carriott. 

My  sincere  thanks  to  Jack 
Burnett  and  73  for  giving  me  this 
wonderful  once-in-a-lifetime  op- 
portunity. 


Wanda  Lovejoy  fives  in  Lansing,  New  York,  with 
her  OM,  Gerry,  not  a  ham  but  responsible  for 
her  being  one  He  urged  her  to  try  for  her  Novice 
license  and  then  kept  pushing  her.  She  was  first 
licensed  in  November,  1980,  upgraded  to  Gener- 
al in  March,  7981,  to  Advanced  in  April  and 
finally  to  Extra  in  tune  of  1381.  She  is  56  years 
aid  And  retired  from  the  New  York  Telephone 
Company.  During  the  summer  she  enioys  their 
cottage  on  Cayuga  Lake,  tehing,  swimming,  and 
keeping  the  company  ot  their  four  children  and 
twelve  grandchildren.  She  is  the  organist  at  Our 
Lady  of  the  Lake  Church  in  King  Ferry,  about 
seven  miles  nonh  of  her  home,  fhe  only  real 
hobby  she  has  is  ham  radio.  She  is  currently 
president  of  the  Tompkins  County  Amateur 
Radio  Quh,  which  just  finished  H$  first  Novice 
class  —  "we  have  23  new  Novices  in  the  area 
from  a  dass  of  26. "  Since  the  final  test  on  De- 
cember 5j  after  checking  the  results,  Wanda 
feels  twelve  feet  tall  "fti  such  a  pleasure  to  see 
people  work  so  hard  to  accomplish  their  goal  for 
the  pleasure  and  satisfaction  we  all  get  from  our 
hobby— ham  radio," 


N4UF 


Bitty  f .  Williams  fo  N4Uf 
PO  Box  9&J.3 
Jacksonville  Fi  3226® 

It  started  here  in  Jacksonville,  Flor- 
ida, during  late  September  when 
plans  were  made  to  publicize  the 
5TS-9  amateur-radio  operation. 
Rudy  Hubbard  WA4PLJP  of  Milton 
and  I  began  the  task  with  apprehen- 
sion because  of  the  lack  of  a  prece- 
dent on  which  to  base  decisions. 
Rudy  is  Public  Information  Officer 
and  I  am  Section  Manager  of  the 
Northern  Florida  ARRL  section 
which  includes  44  of  the  state's  67 
counties.  Rudy  has  four  Public  Infor- 
mation Assistants  (PI As)  who  work 
with  him 

We  elected  to  start  out  "bfttz"  on 
October  1  in  preparation  for  the  pro- 
posed October  28  launch  date. 
Packets  of  information  were  sent  to 
the  PI  As  and  media  contacts  which 
Rudy  arranged.  We  were  dealing 
with  several  unknowns.  Would  the 
signals  from  the  STS-9  be  audible? 
Would  most  hams  brush  the  oppor- 


Bitty  r\  Williams,  /r.  N4UF 


22     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


Sb  3Flo  ri5a  (times  -ilninn 


Jacksonville,  Monday,  December  5,  1933 


#  ** 


tunrty  oft  as  too  technical?  What  if 
we  got  the  media  excited  and  then 
found  we  couldn't  deliver?  These 
were  among  the  questions  which 
caused  much  concern 

In  Jacksonville,  interest  in  STS-9 
was  minimal  but  starting  to  develop. 
A  few  local  hams  wen?  designing 
special  antennas  and  a  couple  even 
ordered  special  arrays  from  com- 
mercial sources  The  word  was 
spread  at  our  two  large  ham  clubs 
and  on  the  nets.  Just  as  momentum 
was  gaining,  reports  began  surfacing 
that  predicted  certain  delay  of  the 
launch.  A  couple  of  days  later,  these 
were  confirmed  and  the  earliest  pos- 
sible launch  was  set  for  November 
28.  A  possibility  existed  that  the  mis- 
sion would  not  be  launched  until 
February,  19S4  Interest  seemed  to 
evaporate. 

It  turned  out  that  the  delay  was 
beneficial  and  provided  an  ideal 
follow-up  to  one  of  the  biggest  am- 
ateur-radio events  ever.  On  Oc- 
tober 25,  I  heard  reports  of  amateur 
radio  being  used  by  a  medical  stu- 
dent at  St  Georges  in  Grenada  to 
provide  the  only  information  out  or 
a  potentially  explosive  situation 
Upon  arriving  at  my  job  location. 
a  community  college  with  an 
amateur-radio  station.  1  found 
KA2QRK/J3  on  20  meters  By  noon, 
calls  were  coming  in  from  locat  TV 
and  radio  stations.  At  1;00  pm,  the 
first  camera  crew  arrived  and 
began  taping  Mark's  transmissions 
and  asking  questions  about  ama- 
teur radio.  Grenada  was  instrumen- 
tal in  capturing  attention  and 
focusing  the  media's  interest  on 
amateur  radio.  STS-9  was  to  be  an 
ideal  follow-up  a  month  later  As 
the  reporters  left  with  their  stories 
and  tapes,  I  reminded  them  about 
Dr  Garriotfs  STS-9  operation. 

Around  400  am  on  Thanksgiv- 
ing, November  24,  I  was  tuning 
across  the  AM  radio  dial  when  I 
happened  upon  a  station  carrying 
the  ABC  Talk  radio  Network.  The 
regular  host  of  the  program,  I 
learned.  is  an  amateur-radio 
operator  His  name  is  Ray  Briene 
N6FFT  and  he  was  interviewing  lay 
Holladay  W6EIJ  The  topic  of 
discussion  was  amateur  radio  and 
STS-9.  It  was  very  enlightening. 
Many  telephone  calls  were  aired 
from  hams  around  the  US.  Not  be- 
ing very  familiar  with  satellite  com- 
munications, the  program  helped 
me  immensely  and  my  interest  in 
attempting  contact  with  W5LFL  in- 
creased 

The  next  day  I  was  tuning  my  HF 
antennas  for  the  CQ  Worldwide 
CW  contest  and  also  installing  a 
couple  of  VHF  antennas.  One  was 
a  Ringo  Ranger  at  70  feet  and  the 
other  an  11 -element  Cushcraft 
beam  at  25  feet  It  would  be  odd  to 


Ham  operator 
finds  lucky 
number  is  96 


By  Ford  Rtsley 

Staff  Writer 

John  Moore's  lucky  number  y ester 
day  turned  out  to  be  9fi. 

Moore,  a  ham  radio  operator  from 
Orange  Parkt  talked  with  mission 
speculuil  Owen  Garnott  as  the  space 
shuttle  Columbia  was  on  its  96th  orbit 
around  Earth. 

"it  was  quite  a  thrill  because  so 
many  ham  radio  operators  are  trying 
to  make  contact,"  said  Moore,  a  radio 
ham  for  almost  30  years. 

Moore  said  as  far  as  he  knows,  he 
is  ihe  first  Imm  radio  operator  in  the 
Jacksonville  area  and  one  of  only 
four  in  the  state  to  make  contact  with 
Columbia, 

Garnott,  who  is  an  amateur- radio 
enthusiast,  has  taken  a  five -watt, 
battery-operated  radio  into  space  as 
part  of  tus  personal  effects. 

When  he  has  time  off  from  ms  du- 
ties on  the  Columbia.  Garnott  is  hold- 
ing his  radio  to  a  window  when  the 
shirt  tie  is  pointed  toward  earth. 

Garnott  then  scans  10  radio  fre- 
quencies. When  the  astronaut  picks 
up  signals  from  earth-bound  opera- 
tors* he  repLes  with  his  call  letters  — 

Moore,  whose  call  tetters  are 
MHL'Q.  made  contact  with  Colum- 
bia at  8:34  a,iR  yesterday  —  on  his 
first  try- 

"I  was  very  lucky"  he  saicL 

Besides  good  fortune,  Moore  cred- 
its his  success  to  knowing  precisely 
where  the  Columbia  was  going  in  its 
travels. 

He  said  he  got  a  computer  printout 
with  the  space  shuttle's  exact  orbits 
from  NASA. 

Moore,  44.  said  he  made  contact 
with  Harriott  as  Columbia  was  over 
the  southwest  tip  of  Florida  at  an  al- 
titude of  about  135  miles. 

For  Moore  —  who  has  talked  with 
radio  operators  as  far  away  as  Japan 
and  Russia  —  the  challenge  was  not 
distance,  but  trying  to  get  through 
urule  hundreds  of  other  hams  were 
trying  to  do  the  same. 

Another  problem  is  time. 

The  space  shuttle  is  over  the  Da 
ed  States  for  eight  to  10  minutes  at  a 
time   And  Garnott  will  only  he  re- 
ceiving signals  for  five  or  six  days  of 
ihe  rune-day  mission. 


me  later  to  discover  that  height 
means  very  little  when  communi- 
cating with  a  satellite.  After  com- 
pleting the  work,  I  began  operating 
the  48-hour  OX  contest  Although 
band  conditions  on  HF  were  atro- 
cious, I  did  get  several  new  band- 
countries, 

On  Sunday  morning  during  the 
contest,  I  received  a  call  from  the 
local  NBC  TV  affiliate  seeking  in- 
formation on  STS-9  which  was  to 
be  launched  the  next  day.  The 
reporter  seemed  very  interested 
and  was  slightly  disappointed  to 
iearn  that  no  communication  be- 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     23 


tween  the  shuttle  and  amateur- 
radio  operators  was  scheduled  un- 
til at  least  Wednesday  He  agreed 
to  check  back  with  me  on  Tuesday. 
At  precisely  11  00  am  on  Monday, 
November  28,  STS-9  was  launched. 
At  11:04  am,  CBS  television  men- 
tioned Or,  Camotf  s  ham  radio  and 
added  that  he  said  "73"  and  signed 
his  call  on  the  main  system  nine 
minutes  before  lift-off.  Upon  ar- 
riving home  at  3:00  pm,  i  monitored 
VV5RRR  at  the  Johnson  Space  Cen- 
ter in  Houston.  Much  confusion  ex- 
isted about  the  orbit  times  and 
which  ones  would  be  best  for  ama- 
teur-radio contact  with  WSLFL  For- 
tunately, the  night  before  I  had  got- 
ten the  latest  information  from 
lack  Burnett  Executive  Editor  of  73 
magazine.  The  ARRL  sent  out  a  list 
of  elapsed  rimes  which  I  got  on 
Saturday  and  my  conversation  with 
Jack  gave  me  a  couple  of  new  ones 
which  were  not  on  the  list  On  the 
whole.  I  would  rate  the  quality  of 
information  from  both  sources  as 
very  good. 

I  converted  the  e lapsed-time 
listings  into  local  EST  for  the  12 
most  likely  orbits,  I  had  doubts 
about  the  central  USA  possibilities 
but  listed  them  anyway.  The  next 
step  was  to  install  my  cassette  tape 
recorder  into  the  audio  line  of  my 
2* meter  transceiver  which  is  a  Ken- 
wood TR-78QO  This  was  easily  ac- 
complished I  had  heard  that  the 
KA4CXZ  repeater  in  Clermont  was 
planning  to  rebroadcast  the  shut- 
tle/ground communications,  so  I 
tuned  the  rig  to  145.39  MHz  Since 
Clermont  is  over  100  miles  from 
lacksonville,  I  didn't  expect  to  hear 
much  Surprisingly,  KA4GXZ/R  was 
putting  in  a  strong  signal  and  this 
was  the  case  during  the  whole  oper- 
ation. I  learned  that  KA4CX2  had 
the  machine  linked  to  a  similar  op- 
eration on  the  Merntr  Island  re- 
peater and  that  the  K4DPZ/R 
Gainesville  repeater  was  also  tied 
in.  These  repeater  operators  are  to 
be  commended  for  their  initiative 
in  providing  shuttle- to-ground  au- 
dio Anyone  who  monitored  the 
shuttle  transmissions  cm  KA4GXZ/R 
is  asked  to  send  a  card  or  note  to 
the  Calf  hook  QTH  so  that  owners 
Wayne  Fletcher  and  John  Mullan 
W40QF  can  gauge  interest  for  fu- 
ture launches  Those  hearing  the  re- 
broadcast  on  other  repeaters 
should  drop  notes  to  those  respon- 
sible as  well 

On  November  28,  the  Jackson- 
ville Journal,  an  afternoon  daily, 
carried  a  front-page  article  and 
photo  about  Hank  Fitz  WB4URU 
and  his  preparations  to  work 
WSLFL  Hank  is  an  experimenter 
extraordinaire  and  did  an  excellent 
job  of  getting  the  information 
across  to  the  reporter— a  task  not 
to  be  taken  lightly  The  same  day,  I 
received  a  copy  of  an  article  from  a 
Sanford  newspaper  which  had 
been  carried  a  few  days  eadier 
Wimpy  Wimberly  KB4LB  was  fea- 
tured along  with  a  photo  of  him  at 

24     73  Magazine  ■  March,  1984 


his  station  Wimpy  is  one  of  our 
most  energetic  Public  Information 
Assistants  who  covers  the  Greater 
Orlando  area 

Other  than  listening  to  the  shut- 
tle audio  through  KA4CXZ  R.  there 
was  really  little  else  to  do  except  to 
try  to  gauge  the  interest  while  an- 
swering an  occasional  telephone 
call  from  the  media  The  local  TV 
and  press  gave  the  impression  that 
they  expected  a  mass  contact  oper- 
ation by  WSLFL,  but  I  had  serious 
doubts.  His  signal  would  be  audible 
for  only  eight  minutes  at  a  time 
which  would  give  a  total  of  % 
minutes  of  operating  time  if  all  12 
passes  were  perfect  I  estimated  he 
might  make  500  contacts  at  most 
during  the  eastern  and  central  US 
passes.  It  was  decided  to  start  im- 
pressing this  point  upon  the  media 
On  Tuesday,  I  got  a  call  from  the 
NBC  TV  affiliate  again  and  it  was 
agreed  they  would  send  their  news 
team  to  my  home  for  the  first  of  the 
12  possibilities  which  would  be  or- 
bit 14  I  quoted  the  odds  at  100  to1 
against  a  contact  and  5  to  1  against 
hearing  WSLFL,  This  was  to  be  a 
tow  orbit  and  would  pass  about 
1,000  miles  west  of  Jacksonville,  In 
retrospect,  the  100  to  1  odds  seem 
very  conservative! 

On  Monday  night,  the  local  ABC 
television  affiliate  had  some  shots 
Of  Robbie  Roberts  KH6FMD/W4  pre- 
paring for  the  chase  They  stopped 
by  Robbie's  house  on  the  way  back 
from  Cape  Canaveral 

Throughout  Monday  and  Tues- 
day, I  monitored  area  two-meter  re- 
peaters to  get  some  idea  of  the  ex- 
tent of  local  efforts  to  contact 
STS-9.  The  biggest  problem  was 
confusion  as  to  which  lists  and 
times  were  correct.  Quite  a  few 
hams  were  using  outdated  lists,  and 
while  about  50%  of  those  surveyed 
wanted  to  make  an  effort,  only  a 
handful  had  the  correct  times. 
Jacksonville  Public  Information  As- 
sistant Mike  Reublin  NF4L  and  I 
participated  in  a  discussion  on  the 
146  16/ .76  repeater  in  which  we  dis- 
seminated the  correct  information 
from  the  data  supplied  by  the 
ARRL  and  73 

As  I  tuned  across  two  meters  on 
Tuesday.  I  heard  quite  a  variety 
in  antennas  to  be  used.  Four-bay 
di  poles  md  11 -element  beams 
seemed  to  be  the  most  popular 
choices.  Typical  power  levels  were 
in  the  100-  to  2GQAVatt  range  with 
three  stations  contemplating  the 
legal  limit  My  own  25  Watts 
seemed  small,  but  I  reasoned  that  ft 
was  more  luck  involved  than  sta- 
tion capability.  I  was  to  learn  a 
lesson  in  that  regard,  though 

My  day  for  Wednesday,  Novem- 
ber 30,  was  planned  1  would  go  to 
work  about  8:00  am,  teach  my 
morning  electronics  classes,  and  be 
home  for  lunch  by  11:15  am.  The 
NBC  TV  affiliate  was  to  arrive  at 
11 :30  am  and  we  would  tape  the  or- 
bit 34  pass  from  12:10  to  12:25  pm 
for  broadcast  on  the  evening  news 


Just  as  I  was  leaving  work  for  lunch, 
t  got  a  call  from  another  TV  station. 
The  CBS  affiliate  wanted  to  send  its 
live  remote  truck  to  my  house  I  ex 
plained  the  odds  again  and  in- 
formed them  that  one  station  had 
already  asked  to  be  present  but 
that  any  station  was  welcome  to  at- 
tend. They  said  the  truck  was  on 
the  way 

Arriving  home,  I  heard  the  tele- 
phone ringing.  The  ABC  affiliate 
also  wanted  to  send  out  a  crew. 
After  again  explaining  the  odds  of 
contact  I  invited  them  to  attend  as 
well.  By  11:50  am,  aEl  three  TV  sta- 
tions had  their  equipment  in  place 
and  checked  out  One  station,  the 
CBS  affiliate,  would  be  broadcast- 
ing live  during  the  middle  segment 
of  the  noon  newscast  The  Oth- 
ers would  be  taping  for  6  00  and 
11:00  pm. 

t  figured  that  W5LFL  would  be 
audible  from  about  12:15  to  12:23. 
At  12:05,  I  began  scanning  the  10 
frequencies  and  monitoring  145.55 
MHz.  The  live  report  started  and  I 
made  a  20-second  call  which  was, 
of  course,  unanswered.  I  then  was 
posed  a  couple  of  questions  and 
stated  that  I  hoped  to  be  the  lucky 
one  to  contact  WSLFL  despite  the 
long  odds.  A  similar  stance  was 
taken  with  the  other  reporters  who 
taped  interviews  after  the  live 
report  was  over  I  was  trying  to 
develop  the  angle  of  who  would  be 
the  local  lucky  ham  to  make  it 
through  to  STS-9  There  was  little  to 
show  so  far  Iven  a  litrJe  reception 
of  WSLFL  would  have  been  helpful 
Any  ideas  of  a  DXpedit  ion-type 
operation  were  doused  and  the 
question  was  now  "can  a  local  ham 
make  good?"  Any  local  ham  would 
suffice.  The  worst  thing  would  be 
to  have  no  local  get  through. 

Fortunately,  I  tuned  the  HF  rig  to 
14.280  MHz  where  W5RRR  was  op- 
erational The  reporters  were  still 
listening  and  we  heard  a  loud  pile- 
up  of  stations  calling  to  report  that 
no  one  had  heard  W5LFL  There 
must  have  been  75  or  80  stations 
That  experience  reinforced  the 
angle  of  whether  any  local  ham 
would  be  successful  It  so.  it  should 
be  a  big  news  event  Later,  we 
found  out  that  Dr.  Garriott  was  oc 
cupied  with  other  duties.  Inciden- 
tally, the  idea  of  the  tape  recorder 
aboard  the  spacecraft  was  a  very 
wise  one.  It  took  pressure  off  those 
who  were  involved  with  the  media. 
We  always  could  say  we  were  con- 
fident that  we  would  be  on  the  tape 
but  that  no  one  would  know  until 
the  mission  was  completed  This 
took  the  edge  off  of  the  unsuc- 
cessful attempts  conducted  in  the 
presence  of  the  media  The  end 
result  was  a  failure  being  turned  in- 
to a  selling  point  As  they  left  the 
reporters  gave  me  special  numbers 
to  call  if  any  local  station  got 
through  I  also  promised  to  tape 
any  interesting  events. 

The   second   of   the   12   oppor- 
tunities came  on  orbit  39  which  was 


from  8:05  to  8:15  pm  Wednesday 
evening.  Again,  this  was  to  be  a 
central  US  pass  but  the  orbit  was  to 
be  of  higher  altitude  which  would 
extend  the  communications  cor- 
ridor to  include  us  on  the  fringes, 
Our  weekly  ARES  net  met  at  7:30 
pm  on  2  meters  and  I  read  the 
schedule  as  a  QNC  All  3  local  af- 
filiates carried  the  story  on  the  6:00 
pm  news  along  with  pictures  taken 
at  my  house  that  noon  Few  locals 
had  attempted  on  orbit  34,  but  in- 
terest in  orbit  39  was  much  more  in 
tense,  I  decided  to  do  most  of  my 
calls  on  145.03  MHz.  Some  stations 
were  using  the  "shotgun"  approach 
with  short  calls  spread  over  the  10 
uplink  channels  I  spent  about  30% 
of  the  time  calling  with  the  other 
time  spent  scanning  the  uplinks 
with  my  priority  set  on  145.55  MHz 
I  planned  to  make  a  tape  of  those 
catling  to  be  edited  and  played  at  a 
future  local  ham  club  meeting. 

There  was  no  reception  from 
WSLFL  on  orbit  39,  so  it  would  be 
the  next  morning  [Thursday]  before 
we  would  have  our  third  shot  in 
Jacksonville  Orbit  49  was  sched- 
uled for  10:27-10:47  am  which 
would  be  a  prime  opportunity  since 
it  was  the  first  east-coast  pass  on 
the  list  Fortunately,  I  was  able  to 
get  home  long  enough  between 
classes  to  give  it  a  shot.  However, 
the  astronauts  were  holding  a  live 
press  conference  at  that  exact  time 
so  our  only  hope  was  the  tape  re- 
corder which  might  have  been  run- 
ning. Some  discouragement  was 
being  noted  locally  We  had  been 
foiled  on  our  first  three  attempts. 
Some  had  heard  rumors  of  a  Mon- 
tana station  making  contact  Wed- 
nesday night  and  other  reports  of 
very  strong  reception  on  the  west 
coast  had  been  noted.  But  locally, 
we  were  batting  ,000  being  0  for  3 

Friday  evening  provided  the  next 
opportunity  Orbit  70  was  listed  for 
6:05-6:25  pm  over  the  eastern  USA, 
followed  90  minutes  later  by  orbit 
71  over  central  USA  Despite  some 
frustration,  more  locals  than  ever 
were  planning  to  give  it  a  try.  Both 
orbits  passed  without  success.  One 
local  reported  working  WSLFL  but  I 
was  suspicious  of  the  claim  The 
source  of  information  being  second 
or  third  hand  was  very  unreliable, 
and  although  I  would  have  liked  to 
get  a  story  on  the  airr  the  potential 
for  embarrassment  was  too  much.  I 
was  later  to  find  out  that  contact  at 
the  time  stated  was  impossible.  No 
one  else  locally  had  heard  even  a 
peep  on  either  orbit 

Saturday  was  a  breather  with  no 
scheduled  orbits  of  operation  in 
our  area.  My  finances  were  looking 
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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     25 


— ■ ■ 


much  better  fuck  than  the  local 
ham-radio  operators 

Scattered  blind  calls  were  heard 
throughout  Saturday  evening  I 
even  made  a  couple  myself  hoping 
for  a  break  Maybe  Dr  Carrion 
would  have  a  few  unscheduled 
minutes  and  1  would  luck  out_ 
Maybe  simitar  to  a  DX  contest  sit- 
uation where  thousands  of  stations 
are  embroiled  in  a  pileup  and  one 
ham  moves  up  the  band  and  hears 
an  even  rarer  station  calling  CQ 
with  no  takers.  At  least  I  had  plen- 
ty of  local  hams  on  tape  for  the 
meeting  program  I  had  no  way  of 
knowing  at  the  time,  but  Sunday 
was  fro  be  a  very  big  day  I 

8:00  am  Sunday  arrived  sooner 
than  expected  and  it  was  time  to 
stumble  around  getting  ready  for 
orbit  %.  As  the  Florida  Times-Union 
was  to  say  In  the  next  day's  edition, 
96  would  be  a  ham's  lucky  number 
It  was  tempting  just  to  forget  it  and 
go  back  to  sleep  since  we  had  been 
unsuccessful  in  even  hearing 
VV5LFL,  but  that  idea  didn't  last 
long  After  all,  this  pass  was  to  be 
very  close  and  our  luck  had  to 
change 

At  fi:35  am  I  heard  W5LFL  in  a 
clear  crisp  signal!  'I  am  still  not 
able  to  read  many  of  tfte  Mgnals  in 
my  headphones  here  because  the 
background  noise  is  just  too  high 
We  will  have  it  all  on  tape  and  be 
able  to  sort  it  out  when  we  get  back 
on  the  ground  So  this  is  WSLFL  in 


the  spacecraft  Columbia  now  ap- 
proaching the  — let's  see— we  are 
coming  across  the  Gulf  at  this  time 
approaching  the  coast  of  Florida 
and  then  on  up  the  east  coast 
WSLFL  is  calling  CQ  North  America 
and  I'lJ  be  standing  by  for  the  next 
60  seconds." 

A  tremendous  pileup  ensued!  A 
minute  later  we  heard  "WSLFL  re- 
turning to  Kilowatt  Four  Germany 
Foxtrot  Germany  Your  signals  are 
loud  and  clear.  Also  a  Kilowatt  Vic- 
tor Four  Charlie 

I  looked  up  K4CFC  in  the  Calf- 
book  and  found  he  was  licensed  to 
Davie.  Florida,  near  Miami.  Also 
Dick  Jansson  WD4FAB  of  Orlando 
was  recognized.  And  most  impor- 
tant for  J  ax  area  hams,  John  Moore 
W5HUQ  was  logged  by  W5LFL3  Ac- 
tually, John  had  worked  him  just  as 
he  came  up  over  the  horizon.  We 
had  a  local  ham  in  contact  with 
STS-9!  A  couple  of  minutes  later, 
the  telephone  rang  and  John  asked 

l  heard  it  Indeed  1  had  and  the 
signal  quality  of  WSLFL  was  sensa- 
tional Withm  the  hour,  a  TV  news 
team  from  the  local  ABC  affiliate 
was  en  route  to  John's  Orange  Park 
QTH  T  hey  taped  a  very  nice  report 
which  was  aired  on  the  6.00  pm 
newscast  To  make  it  even  better 
WSLFL  had  also  contacted  King 
Hussein  |Y1  and  of  course  that  was 
big  news  It  was  a  natural  local  tie- 
ini 

Meanwhile,  a  similar  scene  was 


unfolding  in  Orlando  where 
WD4FAB  was  also  featured  and 
gained  much  publicity  for  amateur 
radio  Only  four  Florida  stations 
were  to  be  logged  during  the  regu- 
larly publicized  orbits  and  1  felt 
lucky  to  have  one  of  them  in  the 
Jacksonville  area  and  another  in 
Orlando  which  is  in  the  Northern 
Florida  Section. 

Orbit  %  faded  away  with  97  due 
in  about  85  minutes.  The  next  pass 
was  to  be  over  the  central  US  and  I 
doubted  whether  it  would  be  heard 
in  Jacksonville  But  there  was 
nothing  else  eo  do  but  give  it  a  try 
At  1007  am,  I  was  surprised  to 
hear,  'This  ts  W  5  Lima  Foxtrot 
Lima  in  the  spacecraft  Columbia 
calling  CQ  North  America  He 

went  on  to  say  he  was  over  Texas. 
Signal  quality  was  Still  excellent!  A 
local  ham,  Bernie  Munsey  N4GBY, 
later  reported  hearing  WSLFL  very 
clearly  on  his  mobile  unit  as  he  was 
heading  south  down  Interstate  75 
in  southern  Georgia.  He  was  us- 
ing only  a  5/8^wavelength  whip  an- 
tenna 

At  9:07  pm  that  evening.  I  par- 
ticipated in  a  conference  call  with 
other  hams  who  were  writing  re- 
ports for  this  article  series.  7 J s  Ex- 
ecutive Editor  Jack  Burnett  filled 
us  in  on  the  latest  information  and 
Bill  Pasternak  WA6ITF  gave  us  in- 
sight with  his  observations.  Each 
participant  then  gave  a  capsule 
version  of  activity  in  his  or  her  area 


and  a  tape  of  a  west-coast  pass  was 
played.  It  was  a  pleasure  to  be  able 
to  participate. 

Next  up  was  orbrt  112,  scheduled 
for  8:15-8:23  am  on  Monday  Again 
luck  was  with  us.  Although  not  as 
clear  as  the  day  before,  WSLFL  was 
heard  with  much  the  same  an- 
nouncement The  background  noise 
was  very  high  and  the  tape  would 
tell  the  tale  WSLFL  was  not  heard 
on  orbit  113. 

On  the  way  back  to  classes,  I 
picked  up  the  morning  paper  and 
on  the  front  page  was  a  story  head- 
line: "Ham  operator  finds  lucky 
number  is  96."  Of  course,  the  arti- 
cle featured  John  Moore  W5HUQ 
who  did  an  excellent  job  of  getting 
the  information  over  to  the  report- 
ers. Besides  being  lucky,  John  cred- 
ited his  success  to  knowing  pm  iv 
ly  where  Columbia  was  going  in  its 
travels  He  had  a  computer  print- 
out with  the  exact  orbits  from 
NASA.  John's  station  included  a 
pair  of  7-element  beams  and  a  kilo- 
watt He  has  been  very  active  wtth 
OSCAR  and  VHF,  having  all  states 
worked  on  6  meters  aJong  with  63 
DXCC  countries  on  432  MHz  where 
he  operates  tME  His  rig  is  a  Ken- 
wood TS^OOA 

Dick  Jansson  WD4FAB  is  atso 
very  active  on  VHF,  He  has  served 
two  terms  on  the  ARRL  VHF-UHF 
Advisory  Committee  (being  the  on- 
ly fourth  call  area  member}  It  was 
revealing  to  note  that  the  stations 


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26     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


breaking  through  the  tremendous 
background  noise  were  top-notch 
operations  while  the  simpler  sta- 
tions had  great  success  in  receiving 
W5LFL  t  guess  there  is  a  message  in 
that  somewhere. 

Orbit  129  on  Tuesday  was  the 
next  shot  but  was  not  heard  by  me 
or  John.  No  dice  either  on  133  that 
afternoon.  The  last  orbit  on  the 
regular  schedule  was  134  on  Tues- 
day from  5:25- 5: 33  pm  which  was 
to  be  a  central  US  pass.  I  heard  two 
transmissions  from  W5LFL  while  he 
was  over  the  Mississippi  Valley 
carrying  on  a  QSO  with  a  station 
out  that  way.  John  Moore  W5HUQ 
picked  him  up  for  5  or  6  exchanges 
beginning  with  ST 5-9  crossing  the 
snow  line  John  reported  that 
KB4CRT  in  Tampa  had  contacted 
WSLFL,  making  him  the  fourth  sta- 
tion in  our  state  to  do  so. 

Later  Tuesday  evening,  I  re- 
ceived a  call  from  the  news  director 
of  a  very  popular  FM  radio  station. 
I  played  my  tapes  of  W5LFL  over 
the  phone  to  him  along  with  a 
sampling  of  the  bedlam  of  the 
pileup  These  were  featured  during 
mornrng  drive  time  the  next  day. 
This  was  a  good  ending  to  a  great 
even  I 

The  only  thing  left  to  do  was  to 
try  to  work  STS*9  on  an  un- 
scheduled orbit  during  the  last  two 
days.  Unfortunately,  my  class 
schedule  had  caught  up  with  me 
and  I  didn't  have  as  much  time  as  I 


wanted,  but  scuttlebutt  on  the 
bands  indicated  orbits  150  and  1 51 
on  Wednesday  might  be  a  good 
bet  No  luck  here,  but  it  was  fun 
trying. 

At  this  time,  I  cannot  say  which 
event  was  bigger,  STS-9  or  Gre- 
nada. I  measure  the  significance  of 
events  by  their  long-term  effect. 
One  thing  Is  for  sure:  The  period  of 
October  25-December8, 1983,  gen- 
erated the  most  positive  publicity 
for  amateur  radio  that  I  can  ever  re- 
member? I  have  been  licensed 
since  1964  and  have  files  of  the  3 
major  ham  publications  going  back 
to  1948,  Nothing  can  match  this 
45-day  period  we  just  experienced! 
Another  interesting  point  is  that  I 
never  heard  amateur  radio  referred 
to  as  CB  once  during  all  the  publici- 
ty. At  our  college  library  are  news- 
papers from  many  major  cities  and 
it  is  a  pleasure  to  see  big  articles  on 
amateur-radio  operations  in  most 
of  them. 

The  publicity  generated  by  Gre- 
nada and  STS-9  comes  at  a  crucial 
time.  We  live  in  a  political  environ- 
ment where  the  quiet  get  trampled 
The  FCC  is  insulting  us  with  one 
proposal  after  another.  I  think  they 
would  like  to  drop  amateur- radio  li- 
censing altogether  and  what  we  are 
seeing  are  token  efforts.  We  must 
maintain  high  standards  and  be- 
come  involved  in  promoting  ama- 
teur radio  or  we  may  follow  CB  into 
complete  deregulation,  73  is  to  be 


thanked  for  its  promotion  of  this 
documentary.  I  have  enjoyed  work* 
ing  with  Jack  Burnett  and  the  other 
hams  involved 

Bitty  W Miami  N4UF  a  a  pro  to  jot  of  electronics 
at  ftotida  fonior  College.  Now  an  Extra*  ht*  wait 
first  licensed  m  7964.  He  has  served  as  president 
of  such  organizations  as  the  North  Florida  Ama- 
teur Radio  Society,  the  tacksarivrtte  RANCf  Re- 
peater Anoaatton,  and  the  North  Honda  DX 
A&socuron  He  aJsa  a  Section  Mana^t  o*  the 
Northern  f  ,'orjda  Sea**i  Of  the  ARRL  #nrf  DJt 
Awards  Manager  of  CQ  maf&iine 


KA4AKO 

Robert  G  HoUey  KA4AKO 

POBo*34i 

6104  jf  aw  Ponce  de  Leon  Avenue 

Stone  Mountain  CA  30086 

I  kept  a  diary  from  Monday,  No- 
vember 28,  through  Thursday, 
December  8. 

Monday,  November  28:  This  sta- 
tion called  Columbia  W5LFL  on  2 
orbits  No  reply  was  received  from 
Owen  Carrion  on  either  try. 

Tuesday,  November  29:  Mark 
DurfteJd  KB4BPL,  15rVear-old  soph- 
omore from  Redan  High  School  in 
DeKalb  County,  asked  me  to  pick 
him  up  at  his  school  during  a  study- 
hall  period.  With  permission  from 
his  parents  and  the  school,  I  trans- 
ported him  to  his  home  amateur- 
radio  station  where  he  and  I  both 


made  calls  to  Columbia.  This  was 
done  10.28  through  10  35  am  No 
reply  received. 

Wednesday-Saturday,  November 
30- December  3:  Attempts  were 
made  on  all  eastern  orbits  to  con- 
tact Columbia. 

Sunday,  December  4:  Charles 
Griffin  WB4UVF  (Clarkston,  Geor- 
gia) was  monitoring  14555  and  he 
heard  and  taped  W.SLFL  acknowl- 
edging K4GFG  and  another  K  call 
on  orbit  %A, 

Sunday,  December  4:  At  5:55  pm 
EST,  Jim  Truluck  KB4A  (Griffin, 
Georgia)  reported  to  me  via  2  me- 
ters that  he  had  a  good  visual  sight- 
ing of  spacecraft  Columbia. 

Monday r  December  5:  At  8:28 
am.  this  station  heard  W5LFL  sign 
on  with  This  ts  W5LFL  calling  CQ 
America  I  am  ready  to  receive 
calls."  Signal  report  from  my  mo- 
bile rig.  a  Yaesu  227R,  V*  -wave 
magnetic-mount  Larsen  antenna, 
on  an  rf  signal  meter,  0  to  10,  I 
received  a  4 

Tuesday,  Wednesday,  and  Thurs- 
day, December  6,  7,  8:  No  other 
contacts  received  from  Columbia. 
KA4AKO  continued  to  place  calls 
each  time  the  spacecraft  passed 
over  the  Atlanta-Stone  Mountain 
area  K4LDR.  Atlanta,  was  con- 
tacted on  145.41,  the  club  repeater 
This  group  carried  on  excellent  cov- 
erage on  the  space-shuttle  opera- 
tion, and  I  asked  Pete  to  furnish  me 
with    all    available   data    that    fits 


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73  Magazine  •  March.  1984    27 


group  collected  during  the  period 
that  the  craft  was  in  f tight  He  has 
been  very  helpful  m  burnishing  the 
diary  of  his  and  other  stations. 

This  has  been  a  great  opportuni- 
ty to  work  a  special  event  and  I  ap- 
preciate being  chosen  and  included 
to  participate. 

Robert  C.  Motley  &44AKO  i*  59  re#w  old  He 
served  m  the  US  Navy  during  V\  VV  tl  and  the  Ko- 
rean conflict.  He  was  Post  Office  Clerk  15  years 
and  Postmaster.  Stone  Mountain  CA  30086,  for 
16  years.  He  holds  a  Technician  license  and  has 
been  an  amateur  sine?  May,  1973.  A  member  of 
the  ARRL  Afford  Memorial  Radio  Ctuh,  Atlanta 
Radio  Club,  and  the  West  Central  Georgia 
Repeater  Association,  hi*  ttathn  consists  oi  an 
hom  ISA  transcei\er,  tv*o  faeat  227R  trans- 
cerven.  an  /com  215  2*ffletcf  tr8fi$cet\-er.  and 
mo  Tempo  5-1  2-meter  iWHcerms.  He  has  two 
VVtemQ  JO  scanners  with  two  dtgstal  frequency 
selector*  and  a  Regency  MtW  scanner  Hk 
tned-stMton  antennna  if  a  Rtngo  Ranger  up  40 
feet  *bo\e  pound 


K4LDR 


P.  /,  F  Shut*  K4LDR 
268  Br  Aden  Dr\\e 
Tuckw  CA  30084 

Following  the  launch  of  W5LFL 
aboard  STS-9,  the  Metro  Atlan- 
ta Telephone  Pioneer  Amateur 
Radio  Club  (MAT PARC)  began  re- 
ceiving computer- genera  ted  orbital 
data  from  Clark  N5XX,  Fish 
WA4HXE,  Doug  K4SWJ,  and  Stan 
WA4DYD  Alt  data  was  rebroad- 
cast  via  the  MAT  PARC  VHF  re- 
peater (W4PME/R  144.81/145.41) 
for  the  Atlanta  area  amateurs. 
Broadcasts  were  each  hour,  then 
every  ten  minutes  during  the  one 
hour  prior  to  the  upcoming  orbital 
communications  opportunity. 

Following  each  orbital  opportu- 
nity, Pete  K4LDR  conducted  a 
forum  on  the  repeater  where  each 
participant  shared  his  observa- 
tions, thoughts,  thrills,  and  ex- 
periences, K4LDI  and  WD4KYO 
were  assistant  net-control  stations. 
WD4KYO  copied  ARRL  teletype 
bulletins  and  passed  them  along. 
For  those  who  did  not  receive  sig- 
nals from  W5LFL  on  a  particular 
obital  pass,  recorder  tapes  were 
played  for  their  benefit 

As  the  word  of  our  endeavors 
spread,  the  MATPARC  repeater  sys- 
tem enjoyed  more  than  100  differ- 
ent amateurs  participating,  with  30 
to  50  per  net  sessfon.  Stations  from 
Alabama  [Gadsden— 90  miles  dis- 
tant]. South  Carolina  (Laurens  — 
140  miles),  and  all  over  north  and 
central  Georgia  checked  in,  either 
asking  for  or  providing  informa- 
tion, Also  participating  were  sever- 
al handicapped  amateurs  that  our 
group  was  pleased  to  have  join  us 
It  was  clear  that  our  MATPARC  re- 
peater exceeded  the  coverage  we 
had  calculated 

AK5Q,  mobiling  through  Atlan- 
ta, heard  and  joined  us.  When  he 
reached  his  home  in  Tennessee,  he 
was  unable  to  learn  orbital  infor- 

28     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


Robert  C.  Holley  KA4AKO 


mation  locally  (he  was  a  brand-new 
resident}  He  telephoned  K4LDR  on 
successive  evenings  to  receive  the 
21.00  MATPARC  Bulletin  which 
forecasted  orbitai  data  for  the  fol- 
lowing day.  Also  checking  in  was 
NK4E/aeronautical  mobile  MAT- 
PARC  was  pleased  to  make  so 
many  friends  that  we  didn't  know 
we  had 

For  orbital  passes  during  working 
hours.  W4QO.  YVD4KYO.  W4PME. 
K4LDI,  WB4LFY,  K4LDR,  KA4SBD, 
and  VVB4IRR,  with  non-licensed  in- 
terested guests,  ascended  to  the 
roof  of  the  Southern  Bell  Corporate 
Headquarters  building  (650'  ACL/ 
1650'  AMSL)  in  hopes  of  hearing 
W5LFL  (or  being  heard)  with 
handie-talkies.  Early  morning  trips 
to  the  breezy  roof  found  ice,  i5°  F, 
and  a  windchiJI  of  15°  F, 

At  least  one  non-active  amateur, 


K4LAR,  who  heard  W5LFL  on  a 
scanner,  was  re-enthused  and  hasti- 
ly arranged  for  a  transceiver  so  that 
he  could  receive  better  and  make 
calls  also,  Dick  reported  into  our 
net  absolutely  overjoyed  that  he 
heard  VV5LFL;  he  is  back  into  ham 
radio  Though  handicapped  and  in 
a  wheelchair.  Dick  assembled  a 
Ranger  II  antenna  and  is  ready  to 
put  it  in  the  sky,  with  some 
assistance 

Dr  Garriott  acknowledged  two 
W4-area  callsigns  as  he  traversed 
Atlanta  during  orbit  144:  WA4BEV 
and  WA4EWA.  Ken  W40CW  tele- 
phoned WA4BEV  in  Valdosta, 
Georgia  (230  mites  south),  but  was 
unable  to  reach  WA4EWA  in  Bir- 
mingham, Ken  played  his  off-the- 
air  tape  for  WA4BEV  BEV  was  ab- 
solutely ecstatic  and  thanked  Ken 
six  ways  to  Sunday.  Ken  was  gra- 


cious and  mailed  BEV  a  copy  of  the 
tape  segment 

To  date  (1 2/9/83),  none  of  the  Al- 
lan ta  area  amateurs  knows  rf  he  is 
part  of  WSLFL's  log  {tapesjt  but  we 
all  have  hopes!  Over  seventy  local 
amateurs  participating  in  MAT- 
PARC  net  sessions  received  W5LFL 
transmissions.  Many  had  tape  re- 
cordings; all  were  thrilled  and  excit- 
ed. K4LDR  remarked  that  he  is  re- 
questing an  SWL  card,  for  sure,  and 
that  the  2-cent  confirmation  card 
would  deserve  an  $8-00  frame,  All 
acknowledge  that  "this  is  the  best 
thing  that  has  happened  in  amateur 
radio  since  the  first  functioning 
OSCAR  satellite  obtained  orbit" 

Thanks  to  W5LFL,  NASA,  AM 
SAT,  the  ARRL— and  all  the  be- 
hind-the-scenes people  and  ama- 
teur radio! 


KD5JO 


"Calling  W5LFL,  W5LFL  in  Columbia,  this  h  K4LDR,  K4LDR  on  Earth,  over/' 
(Photo  by  Bob  WD4KYQ) 


Bob  Buchanan  K&SIO 
9612  Vista  Oaks  Drive 
Dallas  U  75243 

I  want  to  start  my  report  by  saying 
it  was  an  exciting  experience  to 
monitor,  listen,  and  transmit  to  as- 
tronaut Owen  Garriott  W5LFL  as 
the  shuttle  Columbia  passed  over 
the  Dallas  area,  The  most  frustrat- 
ing part  of  the  entire  experience 
was  the  amateur-radio  operators 
who  constantly  called  on  the  down- 
link frequency  of  144.550  MHz  and 
made  it  virtually  impossible  to  hear 
any  signals  from  the  spacecraft. 
This  situation  improved  greatly 
with  the  passage  of  time- 
It  was  a  "golden  time"  for  all  of 
amateur  radio  and  we  were  well 
recognized  by  numerous  news 
paper  articles  as  well  as  coverage 
on  TV  and  radio,  I  was  not  con- 
tacted by  anyone  from  the  media; 
the  local  coverage  was  of  a  general 
nature. 

As  soon  as  word  got  around  that 
I  was  doing  a  diary-type  report  for 
71  magazine,  I  had  some  great  sup- 
port from  many  local  ham-radio 
operators.  I  want  to  recognize,  in 
particular,  Al  Brinkerhoff  WB5PMR 
(Dallas),  the  north  Texas  area  coor 
dinator  for  AMSAT.  who  shared 
with  me  a  great  deal  of  data  which 
he  took  off  his  computer  and  made 
it  possible  for  me  to  have  very  ar- 
curate  data  concerning  the  window 
when  the  spacecraft  was  close  to 
the  Dallas  area.  I  also  received  a 
great  deal  of  valuable  information 
from  Fred  Maia  W5Y1,  publisher  of 
the  W5YI  Report  Now  I  would  like 
to  pass  along  to  you  the  notes  I 
made  in  my  diary  during  the  flight 
of  Columbia 

Wednesday,  November  30,  Orbit 
34A:  This  was  the  first  pass  over  the 
central  part  of  the  United  States 
The  Texas  window  was  11 .14-1 1 :21 
am  local  time  The  Columbia 
passed  over  the  El  Paso  area,  and 
no  one  in  the  Dallas  area  reported 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     29 


hearing  Owen  Garriott  Many  ama- 
teurs were  transmitting  on  the 
downlink  of  145  550,  which  made  it 
virtually  impossible  to  hear  any 
calls  that  may  have  come  from  the 
spacecraft.  I  was  operating  a  Yaesu 
227R  transceiver  (10  Watts)  and  us- 
ing a  Ringo  Ranger  antenna  up 
about  20  feeL 

Wednesday,  November  30t  Orbit 
39D:  This  was  rumored  to  be  one  of 
the  best  orbits  over  the  Dallas  area, 
with  the  spacecraft  reported  to  be 
just  100  miles  away  from  us  Win- 
dow time  was  7:04-7:1 2  pm.  No  one 
in  the  Dallas  nietroplex  area  report- 
ed  hearing  the  spacecraft  on  this 
orbit  We  later  heard  that  orbits 
34A  and  39D  were  scrubbed  due  to 
schedule  changes  that  were  neces- 
sary aboard  the  Columbia. 

Thursday,  December  1,  Orbit 
49A:  The  window  time  on  this  pass 
over  was  9:33  to  9:41  am,  and  I  lis- 
tened to  it  in  the  car  using  an  Icom 
2AT  with  a  10-Wart  amplifier.  Did 
not  hear  any  signals  from  the 
spacecraft 

Friday,  December  2t  Orbit  71D: 
This  was  a  great  day  for  KD5JO!  I 
heard  W5LFL  for  the  first  time  at 
6:48  pm.  Owen  was  loud  and  clear, 
and  he  called  CQ  and  said  he 
would  be  listening  for  70  seconds 
He  came  back  and  started  to  re- 
peat some  of  the  calls,  but  QRM 
absolutely  wiped  him  out!  We  did 
hear  him  say  he  would  be  listening 
for  the  next  90  seconds,  and  we 
transmitted  again  as  we  did  during 
the  70-second  period  No  further 
word  came  from  the  spacecraft 
My  wifer  Nancy,  was  in  the  ham 
shack  with  me  during  this  orbit,  and 
she  was  thrilled  to  hear  the  voice  of 
Owen  Garriott. 

Sunday,  December  4t  Orbit  97 A; 
The  window  on  this  orbit  was  9:01 
to  9:09  am  and  it  was  reported  that 
Columbia  was  100  miles  east  of 
Dallas  I  heard  W5LFL  loud  and 
clear  at  9:06  CST,  at  which  time  he 
reported  that  his  headset  was  not 
working  well  but  that  calls  lo  the 
spacecraft  were  being  recorded  on 
tape  and  would  be  delivered  to  the 
ARRl  as  soon  as  Columbia  com- 
pleted the  mission  - 

Monday;  December  5,  Orbit 
113A:  I  listened  for  W5LFL  on  this 
orbit  but  did  not  hear  him  I  learned 
later  that  the  Columbia  crew  was 
engaged  in  a  press  conference  and 
a  discussion  with  President  Reagan 
at  the  time  they  were  to  be  trans- 
mitting to  the  Dallas  area.  This  was 
unfortunate,  since  this  orbit  was 
reported  to  be  going  directly  over 
us  at  about  8:52  am  CST.  I  also  ob- 
served that  not  many  stations  were 
monitoring  this  morning  pass;  per- 
haps the  interest  and  excitement 
level  had  decreased  somewhat 

Tuesday,  December  6.  Orbit 
U9A:  I  heard  W5LFL  at  8  43  am 
CST.  He  said  he  would  be  monitor- 
ing  the  uplink  frequencies  for  90 
seconds  His  signal  was  5-9 ±.  I 
was  in  my  car  at  the  time  using  an 
Icom  2AT  at  10  Watts  and  using  a 

30     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


Bob  Buchanan  KD5JQ 


5/8- wave  antenna  Owen  Garriott 
did  not  report  back  after  his  CQ 
call  The  spacecraft  was  reported 
to  be  100  miles  west  of  Dallas. 

Tuesday,  December  6,  Orbit 
134D:  I  listened  to  this  orbit  in  m\ 
car,  also.  I  heard  W5LFL  at  4  31  pm 
loud  and  clear,  and  he  passed 
about  100  miles  to  the  west  of 
Dallas  He  made  the  comment  that 
he  could  see  the  Texas  area  very 
clearly  and  was  hoping  he  would  be 
able  to  make  contact  with  some- 
one tn  his  hometown.  He  said  he 
would  Nsten  for  1-1/4  minutes  for 
any  calls  from  the  area.  He  did  not 
repeat  any  calls  that  he  might  have 
heard. 

This  concludes  the  entries  in  my 
diary.  I  was  not  able  to  monitor  any 

more  orbits  that  may  have  been 
scheduled  I  want  to  close  by  say- 
ing I  am  very  proud  to  have  been  a 
member  of  the  team  that  was  se- 
lected by  73  magazine  to  be  in- 
volved in  the  f tight  of  Columbia.  I 
think  we  learned  a  great  deal  from 
this  experience,  and  the  informa- 
tion gathered  should  be  valuable  in 
future  amateur-radio  communica- 
tions between  Earth  and  space  A 
special  thanks  to  Owen  Harriott 
who  took  time  from  his  busy  sched- 
ule to  make  a  great  contribution  to 
the  entire  amateur- radio  com- 
munity 

Bob  Buchanan  KDSfO  a  52  year \  old  *  if  h  three 
torn  *x*  iwo  ffanfchiimi.  Ha  wife,  Nancy 
KA&AOA,  hi*  her  sovice  tkkm  which  the 
received  *  hen  the  family  hwd  m  Lacuna  8exh 
Cahtvtma  After  28  years  of  empiovment  with 
Emtman  Kodak.  Bob  took  an  mark  muzment 
from  Sain  and  Marketing  Management  thi%  past 
Apffl  PtewnUy.  he  k  m  management  with  the 
flrimrow  Oil  Company  at  Daltaa  Sob  has  been 
a  ham  im  *J5  yean,  and  hrs  otbw  hobbm  in 
dude  fishing  and  photograpit  | 


WB5ASA 

£  van  der  Smnsen  WBS4SA 
1719  Peachtnm  Court 
Texan  C  $9} 

A  book  could  be  written  about 
the  experiences  of  individual 
hams  flying  to  contact  the  space- 
craft Columbia  and  Owen  Garriott 
W5LFL  Tall  tales  ('How  J  Worked 
W5LFL  on  .  Warts  With  a  Hand- 
held") and  si  mi  liar  stories  will  be 
flying  around  hamfests  until  the 
next  ham-in-space  mission. 

Signals  from  Columbia  were 
strong  and  rode  over  the  QRM  on 
nearby  passes  and  were  even  full 
quieting  on  some  passes  that  were 
over  the  horizon 

WSLFL  was  heard  in  Texas  on 
November  30  at  8:35-8:45  pm  CST 
as  the  Columbia  was  passing  over 
California  on  orbit  40D  The  signals 
were  full  quieting  in  the  Houston- 
Galveston  area  even  though  the 
Columbia  was  1800  miles  away 
over  the  horizon.  E-skip  was  helpful 
in  propagating  several  over-lhe- 
horizon  signals.  Houston-Galv^v 
ton  stations  with  good  beams  were 
able  to  copy  W5LFL  on  orbrt  40 
with  complete  readability  and  sig- 
nal strength  of  S5  to  S9  He  was 
also  copied  full  quieting  on  sev* 
era!  band-heJds  using  rubber-duck- 
ie  antennas, 

Roy  Neal  K6DUE  had  his  hand- 
held on  the  bedside  table  in  his 
room  on  the  eleventh  floor  of  his 
hotel  in  Nassau  Bay  [across  the 
street  from  the  Johnson  Spacecraft 
Center),  and  signals  from  orbit  40 
were  strong  enough  to  wake  him  up 
with  a  full  quieting  signal 

Every  type  of  receiver  capable  of 
receiving    two-meter    FM    signals 


seemed  to  successfully  hear  the 
5-Watt  signal  of  WSLFL —scanners, 
hand-helds,  and,  of  course,  conven- 
tional base  stations  During  the 
flight  of  Columbia  (STS-9),  there 
was  hardly  a  ham  with  two-meter 
FM  capability  in  the  HoustorvGal- 
veston  area  who  did  not  at  least 
listen  for  W5LFL 

If  you  only  heard  Owen  Garriott 

on  any  of  the  orbits,  send  your  re- 
ception report  wtth  an  SASE  to 
ARRL.  STS-9,  225  Main  Street  New- 
ington  CT  06111.  (A  reception  re- 
port should  include  orbit  number, 
time,  your  location,  WSLFL's  com 
ments  heard,  and  a  description  of 
your  station ) 

In  spite  of  Murphy  and  his  laws, 
hundreds  of  hams  received  contact 
confirmation  as  Columbia  passed 
within  range  Thousands  more  at- 
tempted to  make  contact  and  sev- 
eral hundred  will  receive  the 
WADL  award  (Worked  All  Down 
Links)  for  repeater  offset  mode, 
shirting  from  600  +  repeaters  to  the 
Columbia  uplink  frequencies  with- 
out changing  the  offset-placed 
transmitted  signals  on  the  Colum- 
bia downlink  frequencies,  thus  pro- 
ducing much  QRM  on  W5LFL. 
More  hams  were  heard  on  the  up- 
link and  downlink  frequencies  than 
had  ever  been  heard  on  two  meters 
before. 

It  will  be  interesting  to  see  a  pro- 
file of  the  ham  stations  that  were 
actually  heard,  or  recorded,  by 
W5LFL  Were  they  all  EME  stations, 
or  were  some  even  handie-talkies? 
I  understand  the  NASA  club 
(W5RRR)  is  planning  to  develop 
such  a  profile  report 

Hams  tried  to  get  every  bit  of 
performance  possible  from  their 
stations,  but  for  some  this  was  too 
little,  too  late  I  had  circularly-po- 
larized satellite  antennas  on  hand 
but  did  not  get  them  mounted  in 
time,  so  I  had  only  a  drscone  and  a 
turnstile  antenna  to  use  to  try  to 
make  contact 

Rumors  were  wild  about  the 
types  of  stations  used  by  hams.  We 
heard  that  one  ham  in  California 
(where  else?}  went  out  and  bought 
ten  transmitters,  ten  amplifiers, 
and  ten  antennas,  put  one  on  each 
of  the  ten  uplink  frequencies,  and 
used  them  all  simultaneously.  I 
wonder  if  he  ever  made  a  contact 

WA5NOM,  one  of  the  first  sta- 
tions in  the  Houston  area  to  be  ac- 
knowledged by  WSLFL,  was  operat- 
ing an  Icom  271  driving  a  IfiOWatt 
amplifier  feeding  a  Cushcraft  20- 
element  twist  antenna  in  an  az-el 
mount  as  used  for  satellite  work  It 
was  calculated  that  his  effective 
radiated  power  was  more  than 
3.000  Watts 

On  December  5,  one  of  the  Tex- 
as City  hams  (ND5D)  worked 
WSLFL  using  modulated  CW.  with 
10  Watts  to  a  vertical  antenna.  The 
CW  was  believed  to  be  acknowl- 
edged by  W5LFL 

Effective  radiated  power  [erp) 
used    in    the    Houston-Galveston 


area  ranged  from  2Vz  Watts  to  over 
three  kilowatts.  W5LFL  had  esti- 
mated that  40  Watts  erp  from  a 
turnstile  antenna  would  be  ade- 
quate, but  1  believe  he  underesti- 
mated the  QRM  on  each  pass  and 
the  power  needed  to  cut  through. 
Stations  heard  calling  W5LFL  from 
the  Houston-Galveston  area  in- 
cluded many  10- Wat  I  stations  us- 
ing simple  vertical  antennas  similar 
to  the  Ringo  Ranger.  Others  used 
various  types  of  beams:  horizontal- 
ly polarized,  vertically  polarized, 
of  even  circularly  polarized.  Sta- 
tions used  to  work  the  OSCAR  sat- 
ellites seemed  most  effective. 

The  most  successful  antenna  s 
terns  were  circularly-polarized 
(right-  and  left-hand  switchable) 
beam  antennas  on  satellite- track- 
ing mounts  that  could  track  the 
shuttle  in  its  orbit  These  satellite 
beams,  and  also  horizontally-polar- 
ized beams  aimed  at  the  horizon, 
were  able  to  pick  up  STS-9  at  or 
slightly  before (e.g ,  minus  3°  eleva- 
tion) it  came  over  the  horizon. 

For  passes  below  20°  elevation, 
the  vertical-garn  antennas  [eg, 
Rtngo  Ranger,  Isopole,  or  similar), 
with  their  low  angle  of  radiation, 
had  good  reception  and  probably 
good  transmitted  signals  for  most 
of  the  pass  Verticals,  because  of 
their  overhead  cone  of  silence, 
were  not  effective  on  direct  over- 
head passes.    However,  when  the 


pass  was  above  20°  elevation,  the 
turnstile  and  horizontal  dipoles 
seemed  to  have  the  edge.  The  d in- 
tone antenna  and  rubber  duckies 
were  not  very  effective,  but  W5LFL 
was  heard  on  even  these  antennas. 

It  was  amazing  how  many  sta- 
tions were  actually  heard  Two- 
meter  FM  simple*  around  145.00 
MHz,  and  particularly  on  the 
downlink  of  145.55,  appeared  to 
have  much  more  range  than  is  usu- 
ally considered  possible  on  FM 
(Maybe  we  have  been  missing  a 
good  many  DX  possibilities.) 

The  orbital  predictions  and  infor- 
mation put  out  by  the  NASA  club 
(W5RRR]  were  very  helpful  in  fol- 
lowing W5LFL  and  the  Columbia 
for  visual  sightings  as  well  as  radio 
contacts.  Hams  all  over  owe  the 
NASA  club  and  the  others  involved 
with  the  ham-in-space  program 
some  very  sincere  thanks.  Already, 
hams  in  the  Houston-Galveston 
area  are  asking  themselves,  What 
will  I  do  different  next  time?"  Some 
of  the  ideas  that  have  already 
come  up  are: 

•  Make  sure  my  transmitter  is  not 
in  the  repeater  offset  mode.  Moni- 
tor my  transmit  frequency, 

•  Aim  my  beam  at  the  point  on  the 
horizon  where  the  shuttle  (satet lite) 
is  expected  to  arrive,  and  start 
transmitting  before  it  comes  over 
the  horizon,  (This  seems  to  provide 


an  "edge  effect"  that  enhances  the 
signal  at  the  horizon  ) 

•  Have  az-el  antenna  mounts  that 
can  track  the  shuttle  pass, 

•  Set  up  switchable  circularly-po- 
larized antennas  high  enough  to  be 
above  surrounding  buildings  and 
trees, 

•  Run  more  power  (This  is  one 
idea  with  which  I  do  not  agree  I 
believe  we  should  keep  our  power 
down  to  avoid  QRM.  If  all  stations 
had  kept  power  down  to  40-100 
Watts  erp  for  STS-9,  there  would 
have  been  less  QRM  and  more  con- 
tacts with  W5LFL) 

•  Use  vertical-gain  antennas  for 
passes  below  20°  and  turnstile  an- 
tennas for  passes  above  20°,  since  1 
cannot  afford  (financially  or  space- 
wise)  a  satellite  antenna  system. 

•  Try  to  transmit  in  clear  spots 
(time-wise,  or  frequency)  on  the  ap- 
propriate uplinks. 

•  Get  some  practice  working  the 
OSCAR  satellites, 

I  hope  you  were  successful  in 
working  Owen  Garriott  W5LFL  on 
the  Columbia  If  you  did  not  work 
him  this  time  around,  give  some 
consideration  to  the  comments  and 
suggestions  in  this  article  and  pre- 
pare for  better  luck  next  time 


WB8IFM 


C&d  Sch'*!i  WBStFM 
4?41  H#lou  Drive 
IbytOfl  OH  45432 

Preparation  in  Dayton  started 
back  in  September  with  a  short 
presentation  at  the  Dayton  Ama- 
teur Radio  Association  (DARA) 
about  OSCAR  10  and  the  space 
shuttle.  In  one  of  the  following  club 
meetings,  wave  polarization  was 
discussed  and  a  home-brew  turn- 
stile antenna  demonstrated. 

I  mounted  my  turnstile,  backed 
by  a  4*  X  4*  screen  fixed  pointing 
south  and  45*  up.  and  was  able  to 
copy  OSCAR  10  for  many  days 
without  changing  the  position  of 
the  antenna.  A  planned  test  with  an 
aircraft  was  not  necessary  I  have 
since  replaced  this  simple  "cross  di- 
pole  backed  by  a  screen  reflector'' 
with  a  2  X  6-el  crossed  dipole  with 
little  if  any  improvement. 

Sunday,  27  November:  Time  of 
launch  gets  close;  clean  off  operat- 
ing table  to  make  room  for  the 
various  2m  FM  components.  A 
50-W  transistor  amplifier  is  dusted 
off  and  pressed  into  service.  We 
have  now  the  KDK  2015  with  12  W 
driving  the  amplifier  and  the  out- 
put is  45  W.  Good  reports  are  re- 
ceived from  several  local  hams 

Monday,  28  November:  Space 
shuttle  got  off  the  ground;  clock  is 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984    31 


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Sat.  Doc.  3.  1983 


DAYTON  DAILY  NEWS 


23 


Radio  operator 
picks  up  shuttle 


tven  i hougn  it  i  difficult  to  we  the 
ipece  ihuftl«  Challenger  as  It  passes 
the  Dayton  area,  at  least  one  local  ham 
radio  operator  was  able  to  pick  up  ■ 
trinimliilon  from  space  Friday 
evening, 

Frank  Schwab  said  that  at  7:4fi  p.m. 
he  picked  up  a  trammlaslon  from 
iitfonaut  Owen  Garrtott,  an  electron* 
let  a  a  pert  who  has  been  beaming  ham 
radio  broadcasts  back  to  Earth. 

Schwab  said  the  astronaut  repeated 
the  tall  letters  of  several  ham  opera* 
tori,  but  lift  was  unable  to  heir 
whether  his  was  among  them, 

"HE  SAID  HE  waJ  going  to  stand  by 
for  the  next  90  seconds,"  Schwab  said, 
if  he  played  a  tape  recording  of  the 
trinimlialon. 

The  aitroniut  then  said  "CQ+" 
which  meant  he  wit  cilling  for  other 
operator* 

The  entire  transmission  tasted  only 
•bout  three  minutes,  until  the  inutile 
was  out  of  range,  but  Schwab  said  It 
was  i"rei]  thrill " 

A  ham  radio  operator  for  37  year* 
Schwab  sild  be  probably  picked  up 
the  transmission  because  he  lives 
about  seven  ml  lea  north  of  the  city  — 
on  Dog  Leg  Road  —  and  doesn't  have 
buildings  or  other  obstructions, 

Krlday  evening  was  one  of  the  best 
limes  for  local  operators  to  receive 
transmissions  from  Carrion,  who  (a 
broadcasting  primarily  on  the  fre- 
quency 145.55  MHz. 

AND  THE  SHUTTLE  will  also  be  in 
range  In  the  next  few  days,  including 
Sunday  around  ID  ijik,  Monday  and 
Tuesday  between  9:30  and  ID  a.m.  and 
Tuesday  around  5:30  p.m. 

32     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


Eye  contact  with  the  shuttle  Is  i  dif- 
ferent siory,  however,  according  to  a 
local  astronomer. 

Residents  could  get  a  pretty  good 
look  it  the  cfift  when  It  was  visible 
for  about  four  minutes  Thursday. 

However,  cloudiness  Interfered  with 
sighting  Friday  and  likely  will  do  to 
again  Saturday,  said  James  Heist, 
curator  of  astronomy  For  the  Dayton 
Natural  History  Museum.  Sunday 
through  Tuesday*  the  Space  lab's  orbit 
and  distance  may  make  it  difficult  to 
see,  Reist  saJd 

RE  1ST  3  AID  the  the  Space  lab  would 
appear  as  a  moving  light  in  the  sky 

The  Lewis  Research  Center  reported 
the  following  orbits  for  today  through 
Tuesday: 

•Todi>\  6:03  p.m..  moving  north- 
west to  south,  visible  for  4  minutes,  27 
seconds.  Difficult  to  see  except  In  ex- 
treme northern  pert  of  Montgomery 
County  «  39  degrees  above  the  hori- 
zon, 243  miles  above  the  earth, 

*  Sunday,  5:53  p,m.,  moving  west  to 
south,  visible  for  3  minutes,  51  sec- 
onds. Very  difficult  to  see  but  best 
c ha  net  in  extreme  western  part  of  the 
county  —  24  degrees  above  horizon. 
347  miles  above  the  earth. 

*  Monday,  5:43  p.m  ,  moving  west  to 
south,  visible  for  3  minutes,  7  seconds 
Very  difficult  to  see  but  best  chance  In 
extreme  western  part  of  county  —  18 
degrees  above  the  horizon,  464  miles 
above  the  earth. 

*  Tuesday,  5:33  p.m.  West  to  south- 
west, visible  for  1  minute.  41  seconds 
Very  difficult  to  see  but  best  chance  in 
extreme  western  part  of  the  county  — 
1 1  degrees  above  horizon.  588  mi  In 
above  the  earth. 


ticking.  Must  not  forget  to  syn chro- 
nic e  station  clock  (electric  with  sec- 
ond hand  J  to  WWV  Turnstile  an- 
tenna is  "mounted"  almost  on  the 
ground  in  our  front  yard;  hope  for 
no  vandalism  for  the  next  week.  A 
decision  is  made  to  use  a  second 
radio*  an  IC-2  is  connected  and  set 
to  Owen's  main  frequency  Two 
antenna  switches  are  employed, 
one  to  connect  either  one  or  the 
other  receiver  and  one  to  connect 
any  ot  three  antennas;  a  vertical 
dipole  at  70',  the  2  x  fr«l  OSCAR 
antenna  (8'  above  ground),  and  the 
turnstile  directly  on  the  ground. 
Now  all  we  have  to  do  is  worry 
about  the  schedule- 
Tuesday,  29  November:  Listening 
on  the  bands,  local  repeaters,  etc., 
lots  of  numbers  are  exchanged,  but 
no  clear  picture  emerges.  The  AM- 
SAT  Net  at  9:00  pm  on  3850  is  great 
confusion:  lots  of  decimal  points 
and  digits  to  feed  the  hungry  com- 
puters. However,  at  trie  end  there  is 
some  useful  data!  Now  we  see  the 
light,  getting  ready  for  the  Hist  try 
which  will  be  tomorrow  noon- 
time—will be  home  for  lunch  at 
12:00 

Wednesday,  JO  November  Did  I 
mention,  we  have  no  computer,  we 
go  by  orbit  period  and  rotation  of 
the  Earth  We  have  pre-publtshed 
data  and  they  are  very  close;  still, 
we  plan  to  be  on  a  few  minutes  ear- 
ly and  stay  a  few  minutes  late 

Orbit  34D:  No  sign  of  WSLFl.  but 
a  lot  of  local  stations  are  catting 
during  the  odd  minutes.  I  count  at 
least  seven  stations!  Next  I  try  orbit 
38D— although  not  scheduled, 
there  may  be  a  chance.  But  Owen 
does  not  show  up.  Over  WA3NAN 
on  3860  I  overhear  the  shuttle  com- 
munication and  Owen  is  doing  ex- 
periments. 

Orbit  39D:  Another  no  show  of 
Owen.  Lots  of  locals  call,  but  wilh 
the  ten  available  calling  frequen- 
cies, you  can  still  find  a  clear  spot 
(locally,  mind  you),  but  there  is  a 
20tM>mile-diameter  circle  with  lots 
more  signals  calling  the  shuttle 
Some  stations  call  on  145  55, 
Owen's  frequency,  and  are  chased 
off!  Afterwards,  some  comments 
from  the  75m  band:  a  VVO  "did  not 
hear  a  thing."  a  K5  "had  my  four 
boomers  on  him.  heard  nothing" 
Oh  well,  there  is  another  pass 
tomorrow.  Later  in  the  evening,  I 
hear  Owen  had  been  on  over  Cali- 
fornia on  orbit  40  So,  there  :s  life 
up  ther 

Thursday,  1  Decembf  Orbit 
49 A:  Another  dud  By  now  every- 
body just  calls  on  the  odd  minutes 
and  listens  in  between.  I  keep 
switching  my  three  antennas,  al- 
though I  had  calculated  that  even 
with  a  simple  dtpole  he  should  be 
putting  in  a  signal  of  59  and  9+20 
when  overhead.  Nonetheless,  every 
dB  should  help  on  transmit. 

Friday,  2  December  Only  one 
good  pass  for  our  area  at  6:00  pm 
Again  we  have  no  luck,  we  have  a 
club  meeting  tonight  and  a  com- 


puter presentation  is  scheduled 
During  the  day  we  had  our  first  few 
inches  of  snow  and  as  usual  all 
kinds  of  problems  with  the  automo- 
bile traffic  Three  of  us  go  together 
to  the  club  meeting  which  turns  out 
to  be  cancelled  because  of  the 
poor  weather  1  had  prepared  a 
short  presentation  on  the  space 
shuttle  and  also  a  handout  with  or- 
bit information  through  Tuesday. 
We  have  some  lively  discussion 
with  the  few  people  that  showed 
up  The  late  news  on  TV  shows 
some  Kettering  hams  in  a  shopping 
center  parking  lot  with  a  hand-held 
cross  yagl  A  good  picture  with  the 
Snow  and  rain  pouring  down;  of 
course,  they  had  no  luckt  It  be- 
came  known  that  the  astronauts, 
including  Owen,  are  kept  very  busy 
and  that  they  are  requesting  an  ex- 
tra day  in  space. 

Saturday,  3  December.  This  is  a 
resting  day  for  the  US  hams.  The 
shuttle  will  be  over  Europe,  Africa, 
and  Asia.  I  consider  putting  up  a 
brand-new  antenna,  2.X10>eI  cross 
yagi  by  TET,  which  1  picked  up 
Thursday  night  from  Dan  WD8IDZ 
But  because  of  the  cold  weather 
and  the  rain,  I  pass  that  up 

Sunday,  4  December:  Orbit  97 A: 
9:55  am.  This  orbit  starts  like  alt  the 
previous  ones  Everybody  calls,  no 
response  from  the  shuttle  Then  out 
of  the  blue  sky.  at  about  10:08  EST, 
there  was  Owen,  loud  and  clear  on 
the  IG2AT,  S9  at  least  For  a  mo- 
ment I  thought  some  local  John 
was  impersonating  him.  Owen  says 
he  hears  a  lot  of  stations,  and  not 
wanting  to  waste  any  time  with  ac- 
knowledging, he  is  just  going  to 
listen  for  the  next  80  seconds.  He 
aiso  says  he  is  just  now  over  Texas, 
heading  for  the  midwest  This  is  the 
signal  we  have  been  waiting  for, 
and  for  the  next  ten  minutes,  every- 
body in  the  Dayton  area  calls.  We 
do  not  hear  him  again,  and  I  do  not 
have  a  recording  of  his  trans- 
mission. 

During  the  next  orbit,  which  is 
almost  out  of  reach  for  us,  over  in 
the  west,  we  call  again  but  do  not 
get  a  response  Afterwards  I  talk 
with  Leo  WA8ZHE  and  he  surprises 
me  with  a  super  tape  recording  of 
an  earlier  unscheduled  pass  (orbit 
96.  8:34  EST]  where  Owen  actually 
confirms  K4CFC  and  another  K 
call. 

Well,  at  least  we  heard  him  after 
all  these  days  of  frustration.  Some 
success,  and  there  is  a  chance  that 
we  are  on  the  tape, 

Monday,  5  December.  Orbit  113A 
(9:42  to  10:05  EST)  Although  pass- 
ing several  hundred  miles  to  the 
west  of  usr  this  ou^ht  to  be  a  good 
chance.  I  call  a  lot  and  listen  care- 
fully on  the  even  minutes.  But  there 
is  no  response.  Today  there  is  a  lot 
less  activity  locally.  It  is  a  working 
day  and  also  possibly  a  number  of 
hams  have  exhausted  their  pa- 
tience; good  for  the  remaining 
ones.  We  had  another  telephone 
conference   last  night  with  other 


The  Evolution  of  a  Superior 
Terminal  for  RTTY  and  CW 


AIR-l  Past 

As  an  R  &  D  project,  the  AIR-l  went  smooth  as 
silk.  By  using  our  proven  TU  designs  and  software 
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Along  with  great  performance,  the  AIR-l  boasts 
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•  On  screen  tuning  indicators  mean  you  never 
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copy  tuning.  RTTY  "scope"  cross  hatch  and 
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The  optional  on-board  4  mode  AMTOR  in* 
eludes  these  exciting  extras: 

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•  The  unprecedented  ability  to  transmit  BASIC 
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Just  load  your  program  normally  by  hand,  disc 
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tions, and  type  a  special  control  command.  The 
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for  immediate  RUN/ SAVE,  Share  BASIC  pro- 
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without  tedious  "two-step"  re-typing  or  mailing 
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AIR-l  Future 

There's  room  for  expansion  and  adaptability 
with  some  really  "neat  stuff*  planned  for  the 
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Now  you  understand  how  we  live  up  to  the  tide 
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i^51 


CommiHJnrt'  and  VIC  SO  ire  registered  trademark*  oi  Commodore  Electronics.  Ltd, 
Copyright  <£•  1983  MICRO  LOG  CUHPOHATION 


hams  from  all  across  the  US— in- 
cluding Alaska  and  Hawaii— skill- 
full y  conducted  by  jack  Burnett, 
Executive  Editor  of  73  Hams  from 
the  larger  metropolitan  areas  (LA, 
Chicago)  complained  about  tre- 
mendous interference  (intermod) 
and  suggested  it  might  be  best  to 
use  a  small  antenna,  such  as  a  rub- 
ber duckie  on  a  handie-talkie.  No 
such  problems  were  encountered  in 
the  Dayton  area  By  noontime  we 
have  to  leave  Dayton  for  Hunts- 
vilfe,  Alabama,  to  do  some  receiver 
testing  for  the  QRL  This  is  a 
10-hour  drive  and  we  will  have  to 
stop  over  for  the  night  Driving 
south,  we  listen  to  the  radio,  mostly 
news  about  Lebanon,  but  then 
there  is  the  J-way  conversation  be- 
tween President  Reagan,  West  Ger- 
many's Chancellor  Kohl,  and  the 
astronauts.  Leaving  a  dreary  and 
cloudy  Ohio  behind,  we  find  some 
sunshine  in  southern  Kentucky.  We 
finally  pull  in  for  the  night  south  of 
Nashville.  Tennessee,  Here  we  are 
in  the  Central  time  zone  &nd  with 
some  "sharp  thinking.''  the  next  3 
orbits  are  converted  to  local  Cen- 
tral time.  I  brought  my  hand-held 
IC-2AT,  an  HB9CV  portable  anten- 
na, and  a  tape  recorder.  My  chanc- 
es are  rather  slim  to  be  heard  with 
the  low  power  (1  Watt),  but  1  might 
get  a  good  tape  recording  of  Owen. 

Tuesday,  6  December.  Today 
there  will  be  several  good  chances 
to  pick  up  Columbia.  Unfortunate- 
ly, we  will  be  traveling,  setting  up 
equipment  or  in  meetings  with 
other  engineers  a  lot,  but  I  will  try 
to  break  loose  whenever  Owen  is  in 
reach. 

Orbit  1 29A,  6:30  am  CST:  We  are 
at  guardhouse  no.  9  of  the  Red- 
stone Arsenal,  Alabama,  checking 
in  and  waiting  for  an  escort.  I  listen 
on  my  JG2AT  and  hear  nothing,  but 
there  are  some  locals  who,  after  so 
many  days,  still  do  not  have  the  fre- 
quencies straight  They  are  being 
chased  off  Only  a  few  stations 
call,  so  I  try  my  luck  again  on  this 
pass.  Owen  does  not  show  up 

Orbit  1 33D,  2:45  pm  CST  This  or- 
bit passes  over  New  England,  so  the 
local  stations  do  not  even  try  to  call 
the  shuttle  this  time.  However,  I  am 
at  an  excellent  location  this  time 
and  should  try.  I  am  next  to  NASA's 
Marshall  Space  Flight  Center  on  top 
of  one  of  the  old  static  missile  test 
towers,  250  feet  up  in  the  air.  We 
can  see  for  miles  around;  targe 
areas  on  the  ground  are  flooded 
from  the  recent  heavy  rains;  I  regret 
not  having  brought  my  binoculars 
The  Space  Flight  Center,  by  the 
way.  is  a  complete  ground-control 
station  for  the  shuttle,  like  the 
primary  one  in  Houston,  Texas,  and 
could  take  over  operations  im- 
mediately, if  necessary.  They  have 
a  press  center  set  up,  but  there  is  lit- 
tle activity,  since  the  scheduled 
teleconference  with  the  astronauts 
was  cancelled.  The  tape  recorder  is 
plugged  in  and  250  feet  up  in  the 
penthouse  we  listen  on  the  IG2AT 

34     73  Magazine  »  March,  1984 


for  the  space  shuttle.  Unfortunate- 
ly, we  hear  nothing.  Now  there  is 
another  orbit  in  90  minutes;  during 
this  time  we  have  to  look  for  ac- 
commodations  for  the  night  We 
have  no  reservations.  Eventually 
we  find  a  motel,  but  with  the  rush- 
hour  traffic,  we  are  a  few  minutes 
into  the  next  orbit  when  we  check 
in 

Orbit  134D,  4:18  pm  CST;  By  the 
time  I  am  in  my  motel  room,  it  is 
4:30.  Immediately  I  turn  the  2m 
radio  on  and  after  a  short  moment  I 
hear  some  crackling  noise  that 
sounds  like  a  voice  l  grab  the 
handie-talkie  and  rush  outside  to 
be  in  a  better  receiving  position 
There  is  Owen  again  loud  and 
clear;  "OK,  here  is  W5LFL,  over  the 
beautiful  Mississippi,  I  have  to  take 
a  picture  of  that,  but  I  also  have  to 
listen  to  the  radio.  .  ."  He  is  loud 
and  clear  on  the  hand-held  JG2AT 
with  a  rubber  duckie.  Immediately, 
1  make  frantic  efforts  to  hook  up 
the  tape  recorder  for  his  next  ap- 
pearance. We  cannot  take  the  re- 
corder connected  to  an  outlet,  out- 
side the  room,  and  we  do  not  hear 
Owen  again. 

For  the  next  2  days  we  will  be 
very  busy  with  an  assignment  so 
we  conclude  our  space-shuttle 
diary  at  this  point.  In  hindsight,  it 
was  quite  worthwhile.  Although  at 
times  frustrating  and  no  QSO  re- 
sulted, we  did  hear  W5LFL  on  2  oc- 
casions, and  Owen's  voice  from  the 
space  shuttle  Columbia  (on  ST 5-9) 
will  be  impressed  on  my  memory 
for  a  long  time 


KC8JX 


Larry  Knapp  KCSfX 
5288  Ivy  Drtve 
Steven ivM*  Ml  49127 

i/|/C8|X.  this  is  WSLFL"  No,  I 
IV never  heard  that  But  oh, 
what  a  thrill  it  would  have  been  if  E 
had!  Several  in  our  fraternity  heard 
it  including  my  good  friend  Jeff 
W7ID.  It  certainty  wasn't  for  lack 
of  trying—  I  was  there  for  every  or- 


bit that  could  possibly  be  heard 
from  southwestern  Michigan 

Its  amazing  how  such  an  event 
as  this  can  make  inactive  hams  ac- 
tive I  heard  stations  on  2  meters  I 
didn't  even  know  existed.  Was 
there  interference?  Yes,  a  little.  But 
after  the  first  few  days  it  was  negli- 
gible, How  did  you  prepare  for  this 
historic  event?  This  is  what  I  did. 

First,  I  had  to  have  an  antenna  I 
had  a  Ringo  Ranger,  but  I  didn't 
think  that  would  work  very  well,  so 
I  built  a  turnstile  similar  to  those 
described  in  the  Handbook.  This 
was  my  first  attempt  at  home- 
brewing,  and  it  seemed  to  turn  out 
very  well.  It  certainly  whets  my  ap- 
petite tor  more  VHF  antenna  work. 
My  boom  was  an  old  shovel  handle 
and  my  elements,  wire.  The  calcu- 
lations of  element  lengths,  phasing 
lines,  matching  sections,  and  re- 
flector spacing  were  definitely 
more  difficult  than  the  40-  and 
80- meter  di poles  I  butlL  I  mounted 
the  antenna,  such  as  it  was,  on  an 
unused  tether  ball  pole  and  hoped 
for  the  best  This  was  alt  completed 
prior  to  the  shuttle's  launch 

On  November  27,  I  participated 
in  a  teleconference  call  and  re- 
ceived much  valuable  data  which  I 
passed  on  to  local  networks.  This 
information  was  very  helpful  and 
held  true  throughout  the  mission  I 
tried  throughout  the  week  to  get 
updated  information  through  the 
telephone  numbers  which  were 
published,  but  I  finally  gave  up  as 
the  lines  were  always  busy  All  up- 
dated information  was  obtained 
nightly  by  listening  to  the  AMSAT 
net  frequency  of  3850  1  nevei  was 
able  to  hear  W5RRR,  though  I  un* 

derstand  they  were  on  the  aif 

It  was  now  November  28,  and 
the  shuttle  lift-off  was  perfect  Now 
the  adventure  could  really  begin  I 
had  trouble  figuring  out  the  exact 
Of  bit  times  since  they  were  given  to 
me  in  mission  elapsed  time  1  had 
never  done  any  satellite  work 
before,  other  than  listening  for 
OSCAR  on  10  meters,  plus  I  did  not 
have  a  microcomputer  handy  to 
use.  Today  I  also  found  that  the 


Larry  Knapp  KCBjX 


speaker  on  my  Yaesu  FT-206R  was 
inoperative,  so  I  had  one  of  the 
Heath  technicians  fashion  a  phone- 
jack  patch  cord  I  could  then  use  a 
remote  speaker  with  the  patch  cord 
placed  in  the  phone  jack  of  the  FT- 
208R.  Now  at  least  1  could  listen  to 
the  transmissions  through  a  good 
speaker  and,  thus,  any  tape  record- 
ings would  sound  better.  My  turn- 
stile could  not  be  placed  outside, 
as  with  the  first  winter  storm  ap- 
proaching, high  winds  and  snow 
could  ruin  my  mvestmenl 

November  29  was  still  very  cold 
and  windy,  so  I  still  could  not 
mount  the  antenna  outside  It  was 
good  that  no  shuttle  communica- 
tions took  place  that  day  I  pro- 
cured a  VL-2280  from  Dave  Pop- 
lewski  KC8IV  at  Heath  Co.,  so  my 
hand-held  would  have  some 
punch— 12  Warts  As  the  day 
ended,  one  final  item  had  to  be  set 
up  — my  tape  recorder.  These  last  2 
days  had  been  disasters  at  work, 
and  consequently.  I  had  to  spend  3 
to  4  hours  each  night  fixing  prob- 
lems there  I  was,  therefore,  late  in 
getting  everything  set  up  A  real 
bright  point  of  the  day  was  finding 
the  local  repeater,  KD8S  (145  47), 
was  broadcasting  the  shuttle  com- 
munications. This  was  very  conve- 
nient for  us  in  southwestern  Michi- 
gan and  northern  Indiana  be<  - 
of  the  current  information  being 
disseminated  there. 

November  30  arrived,  and  first 
communications  with  the  shuttle 
were  expected  today.  I  was  not 
able  to  be  at  home,  but  instead 
listened  for  the  shuttle  in  the  Heath 
Company  Engineering  Department 
Owen  was  not  active  at  that  time,  I 
then  listened  for  the  next  flyover  a l 
8  pm,  orbit  39D.  Still  I  didn't  copy 
W5LFL  I  am  really  wondering  at 
this  point  whether  my  antenna 
works.  By  this  time,  the  wind  has 
really  died  down  so  I  coufd  put  it  up 
outside.  I  am  also  trying  to  find 
W5RRR  on  20  and  40— no  luck*  At 
H  pm.  everyone  in  SW  Michigan 
was  calling  WSLFL,  many  right  on 
145.55.  Two  meters  finally  sounds 
like  20-meter  DX  even  with  guard- 
ians of  the  frequency.  Tonight  also 
was  the  night  for  my  weekly  sched- 
ule with  W7ID,  After  establishing 
contact  I  found  out  that  WSLFL 
had  made  his  first  contact  with 
WAljXN.7  in  Montana  at  02342. 
December  1st  These  first  reports 
indicated  very  strong  signals  from 
the  shuttle;  there  were  even  some 
who  heard  him  on  hand-helds 
What  a  thrill  it  must  have  been! 
Jeff  W7ID  forgot  to  turn  on  his  tape 
recorder.  Hope  that  won't  happen 
to  me.  Tonight,  I  also  listened  to 
WIAW's  bulletin  and  tuned  in  on 
3850  to  try  to  get  more  information. 

On  December  14  there  were  no 
scheduled  communications  orbits. 
I  spent  the  day  listening  to  the  shut- 
tle on  the  145.47  repeater  and 
tuned  in  to  the  W1AW  bulletins 
and  3850 

Orbit  70O  was  deemed  possible 


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Exp.  Date. 


Signature. 
Name 


Address. 
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Canada  &  Mexico.  $20.97  i  year  only.  US  funds  drawn  on 
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drawn  on  US  bank.  Foreign  Airmail  please  inquire.  Please 
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73:  Amateur  Radio's  Technical  Journal 


Zip. 


343F6 


Box  931  •  Farmingdale,  NY  11737 


i 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     35 


m 


for  December  2,  so  I  was  really 
ready  this  time  Oh,  the  QRM  on 
145  55!  After  this  pass  we  really 
should  gather  on  some  repeater  fre- 
quency and  inform  the  multitudes, 
so  we  did.  I  guess  because  of  Friday 
night,  we  really  had  a  turnout  on 
almost  all  tartfHo-shuttie  frequen- 
cies Found  out  ^600  split  on 
hand-held  from  14555  puts  the 
transmit  frequency  on  144  95  I 
wonder  how  many  of  trs  were  using 
this-  I  am  trying  to  stay  on  145  01  or 
14509.  There  don't  seem  to  be 
many  others  there  No  luck  locally 
hearing  70D  or  71 D  orbits.  I'm  real 
K  vtarttng  to  doubt  my  stations  ca- 
pabilities I  did  hear  a  tape  made  by 
someone  in  California  who  had 
good  copy  of  WSLFL  Maybe  that's 
the  closest  111  ever  come1 

December  3— no  flyovers  sched- 
uled. I  spent  the  day  with  my  fami- 
ly, doing  some  necessary  Christmas 
shopping 

It  is  now  Sunday,  December  4, 
and  I'm  realty  hoping  that  today  on 
orbit  %  or  97  til  be  able  to  hear 
W5LFL  I  have  given  up  most  of  the 
hope  I  had  earlier  of  having  my  call 
answered,  as  it  seems  from  infor- 
mation I  have  received  that  onlv 
those  with  power  and  good  direc- 
tional antennas  will  be  answered 
If  I  could  onlv  hear  htm,  Id  be 
pleased!  Then,  finally,  on  orbit 
97A.  I  heard  him  at  100B  EST*  Holy 
cow,  was  I  thrilled!  I  was  yelling  for 
the  family  to  come  and  listen 
Maybe  111  even  work  him1  (No,  I 
didn't  forget  the  recorder,  in  tact 
I  ve  got  5  minutes  of  my  call  on  the 
recorder  as  I  was  afraid  to  turn  it 

■  lest  I  miss  some  of  Owen's  com 
ments  I  I  did  It!  I  did  what  I  thought 
I  could  probably  do— hear  him  I 
doubt  very  seriously  he'd  ever  hear 
my  12  Watts  to  a  turnstile.  Some  of 
the  Ideal  operators  heard  the 
earlier  eastern  pass,  orbit  9b  I 
didn't,  but  on  the  central  pass,  orbit 
97,  no  one  recorded  any  more  than 
I  did  I  feel  fortunate  I  really  am 
fired  up  for  Monday's  and 
Tuesday's  passes. 

December  5  was  a  disaster* 
Some  of  the  locals  picked  up  the 
eastern  pass,  but  I  didnX  I  stayed 
home  from  work  in  the  morning 
lust  for  these  flyovers.  Now  I'm 
ready  for  113A,  Darn  news  con- 
ference1 He  wasn't  on 

December  6  was  the  last  day  I 
heard  Owen— weak,  but  readable 
I  also  found  out  that  one  ol  the 
local  operators.  ICDSS,  thought  he 
was  confirmed  I  also  stayed  home 
from  work  this  morning  Won  t  be 
able  to  do  this  much  longerl  T  he 
weather  has  turned  worse  as  our 
lirst  snowstorm  appears  I  took 
down  the  antenna.  The  spaceflight 
is  nearly  over  now 

December  7  [  had  to  be  at  work 
early.  I  did  receive  a  call  at  work 
that  W5LFL  was  heard  briefly  on 
both  the  eastern  and  central 
passes 

Well,  I  accomplished  several 
goals  just  as  the  space  shuttle  did  I 

36     73  Magazine  •  March,  1964 


appreciate  much  more  now  VHF 
communications  and  the  relative 
ease  in  constructing  VHF  antennas. 
It  has  certainly  whet  my  appetite 
for  OSCAR  and  VHF  work.  The  en- 
tire experience  has  thrilled  me  just 
as  much,  if  not  more,  than  my  first 
Novice  contact  almost  21  years 
ago,  or  the  first  time  1  heard 
OSCAR  on  10  meters  What  a  thrill 
it  must  have  been  for  Owen  Car- 
riott to  hear  WA1 IXN/7,  I Y1 .  W7ID, 
and  others  Would  I  try  it  again  f 
Would  Owen  W5LFL?  You  bet! 

Td  like  to  thank  73  magazine  for 
its  help  in  providing  timely  infor- 
mation and  my  co-writers  for  their 
support  But  my  special  thanks  go 
to  my  wife,  Carol,  my  son,  Alan, 
and  my  daughter.  Amy,  for  their  pa- 
tience and  their  expert  strong-arm 
motor  control  of  my  antenna.  Their 
enthusiasm  for  this  project  for  Dad 
is  really  appreciated.  My  co- 
workers, who  were  very  interested 
and  supportive,  get  special  thanks 
as  does  Heath  Company  and  rellow 
employees  Dave  Poplewski  KG) IV 
and  Ion  White  WA0TAQ  Without 
all  of  these  people,  I  could  not  have 
been  half-successful. 

Urry  Knapp  kC&!\  fcaj  been  a  ircen^ed  ham 
%mct  *96r  and  holds  on  Advjncrd-tto*  I* 
ifnw  After  graduating  from  iUtmm  Wrttrvan 
Utitveenty  m  1967.  he  «enf  to  work  for  Heath 
Compjt'*  fa  the  Credit  Depart  mwtf  Alter  a 
+*«w  ftdcJi  with  (he  Air  totem  Keetfar  AfB 
Afii*fS$jppj  he  returned  tQ  Heath  ami  n  cur 
tenth  Data  Processing  Manager  He  is  tmtned 
and  ha*  two  children  age*  t2  and  9  and 
anaihet  one  an  the  way,  tie  hai  held  the 
fallowing  eaJh  WFRL  W9WC.  W5VW  Jfflf 
MUtliE.  Hti  main  emayments  other  than  am* 
tew  radio  are  wining  ramping,  vpffavbatt, 
mnd  $olf  He  is  acme  primarily  on  Hi  in  con* 
tents  and  D\.  tmatlv  having  achieved  D\Ci  in 
[9flL3  His  primary  VHF  actfv/t)  nj*  been  2 
meter\  with  j  hnnd-held  purchased  in  F§8  <  fit 
■  |  Hkf  member  at  the  ARRL  and  hm  been  pf&- 
{dent.  activities  chairman.,  and  secretary  of 
the  tocat  Sfossomland  Amateur  fijdm  Aw>- 
ciatiOn  tBARA}  He  writes  articles  far  thv  dub 
buttettn  and  alio  was  the  chairman  lor  the 
duh  %  expedition  m  \9$t  fo  Mackinaw  tehwl 


W9HD 


P  L   Schmidt  W9HD 
PQ  Bot  1Q$ 
Bloomtieid  IS  47424 

What  follows  is  a  log, diary  of 
the  past  tew  days  First,  to 
introduce  myself  very  briefly*  I  am 
a  retired  electronics  engineer  who 
has  had  a  ham  license  for  51  years 
Instead  of  rocking  and  reminiscing, 
1  sail  on  deep-sea  oil  tankers  sever- 
al months  per  year  as  radio  officer 
Saturday.  November  26:  Received 
a  telephone  call  from  Jack  Burnett, 
Executive  Editor  of  73  magazine. 
He  asked  if  I  wished  to  participate 
in  an  effort  to  contact  W5LFL 
aboard  the  space  shuttle  Columbia 
and  write  up  the  results.  It  certainly 
seemed  worth  a  try  I  happily 
agreed  to  do  so,  noting  that  my 
2-meter  station  is  not  much  beyond 
the  ordinary    I  have  an  I  com  25  A 


and  a  vertically-positioned  dipole 
made  from  rod  stock  and  mounted 
halfway  up  my  50-foot  TV  antenna 
mast  It  has  served  me  well  for  ten 
years  I  also  have  a  Tempo  S-15 
handie-talkie  with  rubber  duckie 

Sunday,  November  27r  4$0  pm: 
A  conference  call,  lasting  an  hour, 
with  Jack  Burnett  Randy  Stimson 
KZ7T,  Bob  Hamois  K1EFZ,  Dave 
Mantev  KH6B  (in  Hito.  Hawaii). 
Jon  Callo  KB6WT,  Wanda  Love- 
joy  KOIK  Bill  Pasternak  WA6ITF, 
and  many  others,  including  one  in 
Alaska.  Orbit  times,  frequencies, 
and  procedures  were  given  — all  the 
help  that  could  come  over  the  tele- 
phone was  given  so  that  we  might 
be  successful  in  contacting  Owen 
Carriott  W5LFL  on  the  Columbia, 
With  my  conventional  gear  I  had 
little  hope  of  making  contact,  but  I 
responded  to  the  enthusiastic  spirit 
of  "Co  gettum,  boys."  And  I  looked 
forward  to  a  busy  week  which  in- 
cluded five  evenings  with  a  Civil 
Defense  course  in  Radiation  Moni- 
toring Instruction. 

Note  that  in  subsequent  entries, 
most  times  will  be  in  UTC  Since 
midnight  UTC  comes  at  1900  local 
time,  some  early-hour  UTC  entries 
are  under  the  preceding  day's  date 

Monday,  November  IB  First 
order  of  business:  organizing  notes 
Horn  yesterday's  lengthy  confer- 
ence call.  Then  I  made  up  a  paper 
slide  rule  for  computing  day,  hour, 
and  minute  past  launch  into  local 
time  and  date.  Not  wanting  the 
low-band  station  to  sulfer,  I  spent 
some  time  setting  up  the  newly- 
acquired  T 199-4  A  and  interface 
with  the  I  com  720A.  Made  RTTY 
contact  with  W1AXL  on  20  meters. 
Also  am  committed  to  ringing  the 
bell  for  Salvation  Army  two  after- 
noons. •2300  to  0145  — Attending 
CD  class  with  HT  tuned  to  14555. 
Nothing  heard 

Tuesday,  November  29:  *153Q 
UTC— carrier  heard  on  145.55  (no 
modulation),  -1531 -Called  W5LFL 
on  144.95.  No  answer  *1535  — 
Called  VV5LFL  on  144.95  No  an- 
swer *1608  —  A  tew  squelch  breaks 
on  145.55.  Nothing  Intelligible 
heard .  •  1  &31  —  More  sq  ue  I  c  h 
breaks  on  145  55  »1633-N9tBl 
calling  W5LFL  on  144  95  (so  I 
joined  in  the  calling]  No  reply 
heard.  -1645  to  1S20  — At  Rotary 
Club  meeting  HT  along  Nothing 
heard.  »23O0  to  0130  — Attending 
CD  class  with  HT  Nothing  heard 

Wednesday,  November  30:  •!  500 

—  Now  scanning  with  25A  145,54, 

—  .55,  and  —.56;  also  reply  fre- 
quency of  144.95  No  signals  heard 
•1710-K9UCO  calling  W5LFL  on 
14495,  #171 3 -Catted  W5LFL  on 
144.95  in  the  clear  No  answer 
heard  However,  a  carrier  heard 
(weak).  Does  not  end  at  beginning 
of  odd  minute.  •1750  to  1920  — 
Ringing  the  bell  for  Salvation  Ar- 
my HT  along  No  signals  •2300  to 
0150— At  CD  class.  HT  along  No 
signals 


Thursday,  December  7:  »1220 
—  Left  Btoom  field  for  Indianapolis, 
70  miles  away,  to  pick  up  daughter 
at  airport.  Have  I  com  25  A  with 
V4-wave  mag  mounted  on  car's 
back  deck  'About  1530— Heard 
WA9RDF  in  Q50  on  145  55r  not 
with  W5LFL  When  asked  about  his 
use  of  145.55  simplex,  he  stated 
that  he  had  been  using  that  fre- 
quency regularly  for  several  years 
and  saw  no  reason  for  leaving  it 
now.  •About  1547  — Heard  several 
stations  calling  W5LFL  so  joined 
them  No  answer  heard.  *2300  to 
0139— At  CD  training  with  HT,  No 
signals  heard.  Squelch  broke  due  to 
low  batteries  Interrupted  the  in- 
struction *04 57  — Staying  up  late 
tonight.  Weak  carrier  heard,  but 
not  cutting  off  on  the  odd  minutes. 
Not  W5LFL   And  so  to  bed 

Friday,  December  2:  *1712  to 
1714  — Carrier  but  no  modulation 
on  145.55  •1715-W9LUU  calls 
K90MV  on  145  55.  *1 721  -Station 
heard  on  144.95  calling  W5LFL  I 
joined  in.  except  my  I  com  was  in 
simplex  mode,  and  I  was  so  in- 
formed by  others  No  reply  heard 
from  W5LFL  M9T4— W5LFL  heard 
for  the  first  time  (not  strong,  in  and 
out).  •1915-Calted  W5IA  on 
144  95  No  answer  •>  *00  to  0330— 
Final  CO  session  with  HT  along. 
Was  issued  a  diploma  as  Radiol ogi- 
cat  Monitoring  Instructor 

Saturday.  Decemoer  3  -1400  to 
1430— Busy  on  low  bands,  Satur- 
day morning  skeds.  *1 456— Sev- 
eral stations  calling  W5LFL. 
•1457 -Called  W5LFL  on  145,95. 
No  answer  W5LFL  not  heard  Busy 
most  of  the  day  with  errands, 
putting  up  Christmas  tree  and 
lights.  Numerous  "Honey  do"  jobs 
Also  monitoring  145  55  •(JBS  to 
0250— High-altitude  aeronautical 
mobile  KX0A  heard  and  recorded 
over  Tennessee  at  42,000  feet  He 
called  in  on  145 .55,  but  QSVed  off 
like  a  gentleman 

Sunday,  December  4  'Up  at  7:30 
am,  scanning  the  frequencies  whife 
reading  the  Sunday  paper.  •1334— 
W5LFL  heard  weak  but  readable, 
calling  CQ  MlSS-Called  W5LFL 
(on  144.94  to  avoid  any  possible 
pileupl  *1336^  Believe  I  heard  my 
call,  W9  Hot  Dog'  from  W5LFL 
(Quite  weak,  barely  readable )  Then 
his  signal  came  up  He  stated 
that  he  was  t lying  over  Florida.  I 
felt  reservedly  elated  Unless  others 
heard  his  transmission,  I  would 
have  to  wait  for  mail  confirmation 
•0200  (9:00  pm  local  time)— Anoth- 
er nationwide  conference  call  with 
the  same  list  of  participants  I  was 
happy  to  announce  my  contact 
with  Owen  Carriott  What  really 
made  it  great  was  that  one  of  the 
conferees.  Bob  Hamois  K1EF2,  had 
heard  Owen  over  Florida  make  that 
1336  UTC  transmission,  and 
thought  that  WSLFL  had  called 
W9  Hot  Dog  "  My  suggestion  dur- 
ing the  telephone  conference  was 
to  not  wait  for  the  orbit  times  but  to 


call  when  he  was  heard,  and  to  call 
on  other  than  a  pi  leu  p  frequency  if 
possible. 

Monday,  December  5:  Took  a 
holiday  Monitored  occasionally. 
Heard  a  few  squelch  breaks,  Had  a 
CW  QSO  on  the  HF  bands.  Joined 
my  comrades  on  the  FRUPAC  Net 
at  noon  local  time.  Monitored 
145.55  on  the  Icom  25A,  but  W51FL 
was  not  heard 

Tuesday,  December  6:  *1307  to 
131 5 -Activity  heard  No  W5LFL 
signal  identified.  "1427— Called 
W5LFL  on  144  94  No  reply  heard. 
(Other  stations  were  calling  him  on 
144.95.)  •2030— Local  newspaper 
arrived  )  am  featured  on  front 
page  Wow!  *2230  — Heard  him 
loudest  and  strongest  to  date. 
•2231  -Called  W5LFL  on  144.94 
•2232-W5LFL,  loud  and  strong, 
says  he  is  over  the  Mississippi  Riuer 
Valley  and  it  looks  good  down 
there  No  callsigns  were  mentioned. 
•2233-Called  W5LFL  on  144.94. 
No  reply  heard,  He  is  now  QSA0. 

Wednesday,  December  7:  »1432 
-Heard  "CQ  North  America" 
from  W5LFL  Nice,  strong  signal. 
•1433-Catled  W5LFL  on  144.94 
Nothing  heard.  *1 555— Called 
W5LFL  on  144.94  because  others 
heard  calling  on  144  95  No  answer 
heard  *221B-Heard  W5LFL  talk- 
ing briefly  »2219 -Called  him  on 
144  94.  No  answer  heard. 

Thursday,  December  8  »1423  — 
Called  W5LFL  on  144.94.  No  answer 
heard.  *1£Y10  —  Suddenly  remem- 
bered that  this  is  due  at  73  maga- 
zine immediately  if  not  sooner 

I  am  glad  to  have  had  the  oppor- 
tunity of  participating  in  this  effort 
and  to  have  had  the  good  fortune 
to  at  least  hear  Owen  Carriott 
aboard  the  Columbia. 

Paul  L  Schmidt  W9HD,  60,  a  m^te  oi  the 
ARRL  has  been  continuously  licensed  tor  5 1 
years.  A  shore-based  radioman  in  the  Navy's 
FRUPAC  organization  in  WWII,  he  is  married 
and  has  4  children  and  5  grandchildren,  His 
employment  is  now  on  deep-sea  tankers  and 
supertanker',  as  radio  officer.  fn  1977.  he  spent 
sot  months  on  a  Navy  tanker  in  the  Orient  and 
made  a  trip  around  the  world  in  the  process.,  in 
1978,  he  sailed  on  a  supertanker  around  the 
Horn  tram  New  Orleans  to  Vaidez,  Alaska.  In 
1930,  he  was  on  a  grain  boat  to  Israel  via  Ben 
muda.  and  tn  1982,  hh  tanker  put  in  for  over- 
haul at  KhaikiS;  Greece,  and  the  entire  crew 
was  repatriated  to  the  USA. 

His  hobbies  have  always  included  amateur 
radio  as  well  as  photography,  writing,  and 
traveling.  ("We  will  ride  on  anything  that 
moves,"  he  writes.} 


WD9GIG 

George  R.  (Dick)  tsely  WD9C1C 
73d  fellows  Street 
St.  Charles  IL  60174 

Various  articles  about  the  up- 
coming ST  5-9  mission  with  an 
amateur-radio  operator,  Owen 
Carriott  W5LFL,  aboard  appeared 
in  early  1983  in  several  amateur- 
radio    and    aviation    publications, 


George  Isely  WD9GIG  at  the  mike; 
justed  can  be  seen  outside. 

and  I  began  to  follow  WSLFL's  proj- 
ect with  increasing  interest. 

August  The  ARRL's  videotape  of 
Amateur  Radio's  Newest  Frontier" 
circulated— first  midwest  showing 
at  Fox  River  Radio  League  Ham- 
fest.  Began  to  seriously  think  of  try- 
ing  to  work  W5LFL  My  neighbor, 
Bill  Smith  W9LRC,  and  I  discyss 
the  best  way  to  reach  W5LFL  while 
he  is  in  orbit  We  decide  to  con- 
struct a  two-meter  helical  antenna 
based  on  the  design  work  of  John 
D.  KrauseWBJK. 

Early  September  Bill  W9LRC 
completes  work  on  a  computer  pro- 
gram for  designing  a  helical  anten- 
na, I  adapt  his  program  for  use  on 
my  home  computer  system 

Late  September:  Helical  antenna 
construction  started  Mathemati- 
cal error  results  in  wrong  heJix  con- 
figuration; must  rebuild  helix. 

October  18:  STS-9  mission  de- 
layed helix  reconstruction  un- 
derway. 

November  9-10,  First  helical  an- 
tenna tests  using  a  tapered  feed  line 
match.  .  antenna  works,  but  swr 
too  high. 

November  15:  Matching  pi  net- 
work installed  and  tested  Perfect 
match  of  approximate  140-Ohm 
feed  point  impedance  to  50-Ohm 
coaxial  cable 

November  3(1  Orbit  39D:  First 
communication  attempt  with 
W5LFL  No  signals  heard  from 
space  shuttle  Co iu mhia .  heavy 
QRJvt  on  WSLFL's  downlink  fre- 
quency of  145.55  MHz  by  strong 
local  station, 

December  1,  Orbit  49A:  2nd 
communication  attempt,  no  sig- 
nals heard,  but  the  QRM  level  is  a 
little  lower. 

December  2,  Orbit  70D:  3rd  at- 
tempt stiJJ  no  signals  from  Co- 
lumbia. Live  CBS  television  cover- 
age of  this  orbital  pass  and  fol- 
lowing pass.  Disappointment  for  all 
concerned,  but  the  coverage  on  TV 
was  very  good  {shown  during  6:00 
pm  news). 

December  lt  Orbit  71 D:  4th  at- 
tempt      same  as  previous  passr  no 


the  antenna  which  was  constantly  ad- 


signals  heard  from  Columbia.  No 
signal  reception  reports  by  other 
hams  in  this  area,  either. 

December  4,  Orbit  97A,  8:55  to 
9:23  am  CST:  5th  attempt  finally 
some  success.  W5LFL  is  heard  say- 


ing that  he  is  "not  transmitting  call- 
signs  back.  ,  . "  On  this  as  on  all  or- 
bital passes,  transmissions  are 
made  from  this  station  during  the 
odd  minutes  of  each  scheduled 
pass.  By  this  time  we  are  painfully 
aware  that  our  helical  antenna 
must  be  carefully  tracked  along  the 
predicted  space-shuttle  flight  path 
if  we  are  to  hear  W5LFL  Movement 
of  as  little  as  5  to  8  degrees  shifts  in- 
coming signal  from  5-9  to  down  in 
the  noise  level. 

Decemder  5,  8:30  pm  CST:  Par- 
ticipate in  17-point  conference 
telephone  call  put  together  by  lack 
Burnett  of  73  magazine  to  discuss 
the  W5LFL  operation  and  the  ama- 
teur community's  efforts  and  re- 
sults to  date.  Except  for  Pacific 
Northwest  and  Florida  areas,  no- 
body is  having  much  success.  Sev- 
eral suggestions  are  exchanged 
within  this  group  about  what  tech- 
niques and  antennas  may  or  may 
not  work.  It  is  apparent  that  "new 
ground"  is  being  broken  with  this 
operation.  *tl.M,  8:42  to  9:05  am 
CST— Another  overhead  pass,  as 
were  orbits  70 D  and  97 A.  More  sue- 


Earth  to  Columbia: 
long  distance  calling 


By  Jan  Myer* 
The  Beacon-News 

ST,  CHARLES  —  "Columbia,  this  is 
WDAGIti,"  Dick  lsely  sa*d  ever  and  over 
as  he  shot  his  radio  signal  '50  miles  up  in 
the  air;  trying  to  talfc  to  d&titmaut  0u?m 
Ganrtou  Friday  evening. 

"Hffrj  coming  into  us,  Bill,  it's  noisy  but  I 
can  read  him/'  Isely  shouted  to  his  fellow 
radio  ham.  Bill  Smith,  as  Smith  kept  ad- 
justing the  antenna  in  the  back  yard  of  the 
Isely  home  in  St.  Charles. 

The  pair,  along  with  several  other  mem- 
bers of  the  Fox  River  Radio  League  —  and 
assorted  media  —  were  standing  by  to 
beam  ham  radio  .signals  to  Columbia-Spa- 
ce lab  crew  member  Garriott  as  the  craft's 
orbit  came  within  ISO  miles  over  the  Mid- 
west. 

Every  other  minute,  with  a  formal  sug- 
gested by  NASA,  Isely  would  broadcast  his 
call  signal  heavenward  hoping  that  in  the 
fallowing  minute  Garriott  would  respond. 

Isely  didn't  expect  a  long,  chatty  conver- 
sation with  Harriott  —  it  would  have  been 
enough  if  he'd  just  said  hello. 

But.  that  didn't  happen. 

For  the  2fl-minute  periods  between  3:05 
and  5:25  pm.  and  again  from  8:35  to  6:55 
p.m.  isely  and  Smith  tried  to  communicate 
with  Garnott  without  success. 

Isely  would  repeat  his  call  signal  for  the 
one  minute  period.  Then  everyone  cm  the 
hackporch  of  IseEy's  St.  Charles  home 
would  hold  their  breath  in  anticipation  — 
waiting  foT  the  voice  fTom  on  high. 

There  was  nothing  but  static. 

Then  Isely  or  Smith  would  fiddle  with  the 
dials  on  the  receiver,  make  more  adjust^ 
men  is  on  the  angle  of  the  antenna,  squirm 
under  the  bright  television  lights  and  then 
try  again, 

'That's  the  life  of  a  ham  radio  opera- 
tor," a  club  member  said, 

"We  listen  a  lot  " 

Isely  began  to  gel  impatient.  "Come  onr 
Columbia,  this  is  VVD9GIG,"  he  said  over 
and  over  managing  to  get  in  about  eight 
calls  a  minute. 

"Go  vertical,  Bill.  Tip  it  (the  antenna)  to 
the  northeast  —  swing  it  east,"  Isely 
shouted. 

Then  anniher  long  minute  passes  and 
Isely  is  again  saying  his  call  signal. 

And,  so  it  weni  throughout  the  two  at- 
tempts to  reach  the  astronaut. 
Since  last  Wednesday  and  during  the  up- 


coming week,  ham  operators  throughout 
the  U.S.  will  attempt  to  talk  to  Gamott  as 
he  orbits  in  space. 

Garriott,  one  of  two  mission  speciahsi  on 
the  six- man  Colutnbia-Spacelab  crew,  is  a 
lifi-ioDg  h&ir,  operator  He  is  us*ng  his  own 
time  to  pursue  his  hobby  from  space. 

Chances  of  making  contact  with  Gamott 
are  slim,  Isely  said. 

"  If  the  antenna  that  is  on  a  small  window 
of  the  spaceship  is  facing  downward  we'd 
have  a  better  chance  of  receiving  his  sig- 
nal. But,  the  ship  may  be  upright  and  that 
means  Gamott 's  radio  signals  are  going 
into  outer  space. 

'The  antenna  on  the  spacecraft  Is  only 
five  watts.  He  may  have  answered  us  and 
we  didn't  hear  him,"  Isely  said. 

Other  ham  operators  across  the  nation 
have  heard  Garriott 's  ham  radio  call  signal 
W5LFL  and  he  has  acknowledged  hearing 
some  from  earth. 

One  of  the  first  was  Gamott's  fellow 
club  member  Ken  Schnell.  a  budget  analyst 
at  the  Johnson  Space  Center, 

isely  and  Smith  said  they  have  been  plan- 
ning for  this  week  for  about  six  months. 

"When  we  heard  that  Garriott  would  be 
raking  the  ham  radio  equipment  aboard  the 
Columbia,  we  decided  to  build  a  special  an- 
tenna and  attempt  lo  communicate  with 
him  during  the  space  flight," 

Columbia  was  originally  set  to  lift  off  in 
October,  but  the  flight  was  delayed. 

That  delay  helped  Isely  and  Smith  ready 
i he  antenna  (Ihe  same  type  as  used  by 
NASA)  which  they  designed  and  built, 
using  ordinary  items  purchased  at  local 
hardware  stores. 

With  their  radios,  ihe  pair  estimate  they 
can  produce  about  1,000  watts  of  power  — 
enough  to  bounce  a  signal  off  the  moon. 

Although  Friday's  attempt  to  communi- 
cate with  Garriott  was  unsuccessful,  Isely 
and  Smith  said  they  intend  to  keep  trying. 

J'We  have  an  excellent  chance  of  getting 
through  about  8:55  a.m.  to  9:33  a.m.  Sun- 
day morning  when  the  craft  will  pass  over 
Monterrey,  Mexico,  to  Flint,  Mich.  The 
spacecraft's  track  will  be  over  central  In- 
diana area  about  &:23  a.m.  and  we  may  be 
able  to  make  contact  then."  Isely  said. 

Ham  radio  buffs  will  get  other  chances  to 
beam  their  signals  skyward  between  8:42 
to  9:05  a.m.  Monday,  and  two  chances  On 
Tuesday  ai  8:29  to  8:50  a.m.  and  4:18  to 
4:35  p.m. 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     37 


cess  in  hearing  Owen  Garriott  on 
several  different  antennas.  My 
partner.  W9LRG,  is  sick  with  the  flu 
and  I  am  not  able  to  track  the  helix 
and  operate  at  the  same  time  . 
used  a  14-element  vagi  controlled 
from  my  permanent  shack  in  the 
basement. 

December  6,  Orbit  129A,  8:29  to 
8:50  am  CST;  Overhead  pass  again 
using  the  same  antenna  as  used  In 
orbit  113A  my  partner  still  sick 
in  bed.  Heard  W5LFL  confirm  one 
5th-area  and  two  8th-area  calls  on 
this  pass.  !  begin  to  suspect  that  a 
different  propagation  mode  may 
exist  than  what  has  been  predicted 
Decide  to  work  the  next  (western 
US)  pass  to  try  out  my  idea.  »Orb/f 
130A,  10:10  to  10:20  am  CST-  Us- 
ing yagi  antenna  again,  W5LFL  is  as 
loud  or  louder  than  on  previous 
overhead  pass,  and  I  hear  him  con- 
firm a  6th-area  and  two  9oVarea 
calls  even  though  he  is  over  the  Col- 
orado area.  Perhaps  the  path  is  bei- 
ter  when  the  space  shuttle  is  at  or 
near  the  local  horizon?  mOrblt 
133D,  2:44  to  3:06  pm  CST- No  sig- 
nals heard  on  this  horizon  pass  to 
the  northeast  of  my  QTH.  •  Orbit 
134D,  4:W  to  4:48  pm  CST— Two  lo- 
cal area  hams  (Jim  Emma  KA9HQF 
and  Gary  Senesac  KC9UMJ  take 
time  away  from  their  jobs  to  hetp 
me  operate  the  helical  antenna  tor 
this  orbital  pass.  I  finally  obtain 
some  adjusted  azimuth  and  eleva- 
tion figures,  courtesy  of  VV9TGB,  to 


use  for  this  pass  We  have  spectac- 
ular results.  ,  .we  copy  W5LFL  for 
three  consecutive  transmissions  be- 
tween 4:30  and  4:33  pm  CST  even 
though  Columbia  is  only  10  to  15 
degrees  above  our  horizon  to  the 
southwest.  This  is  my  last  attempt 
to  communicate  with  W5LFL,  and 
it  is  the  best  of  the  lot  if  my  recep- 
tion of  his  signals  can  be  used  as  a 
measurement. 

Observations  and  Comments 

1  Most  of  the  QRM  on  Owen 
Garriott' s  transmit  frequency  is  ac- 
cidental. In  most  cases,  the  opera- 
tor in  error  breaks  off  in  mid-call. 
Some  of  the  worst  local  QRM  is 
from  the  "Kilocycle  Cops"  trying  to 
"keep  the  frequency  clear"  rather 
than  from  the  problems  caused  by 
the  inadvertent  offenders. 

2.  Our  helical  antenna  is  much 
sharper  in  bandwidth  than  first  pre- 
dicted This  is  both  an  advantage 
and  a  problem.  The  helix  is  almost 
completely  immune  to  ground- 
based  QRM,  but  is  very  much  hard- 
er to  lock  onto  the  space  shuttle, 
which  moves  quite  rapidly  across 
the  sky. 

3.  Even  after  the  STS-9  mission 
was  in  orbit  there  was  still  a  con- 
siderable amount  of  confusion 
about  frequencies,  transmission 
protocol,  and  orbital  parameters.  I 
have  no  suggestions  to  make  to  im- 
prove this   situation       some   peo- 


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pie  just  never  get  the  word. 

4.  Lack  of  widely-published  or- 
bital parameters  tend  to  favor  in- 
dividuals with  "connections"  and 
previous  experience  with  tracking 
antenna  arrays  — stacked  beams  in 
EME  configuration,  etc  These  peo- 
ple could  construct  early  into  the 
mission,  using  the  orbital  numbers 
to  track  Columbia  through  the  sky 
reasonably,  while  most  of  the  ama- 
teur community  had  to  rely  on  sec- 
ond-hand (often  inaccurate)  infor- 
mation. The  ARRL  did  finally  put 
out  a  bulletin  on  December  6th  List- 
ing the  STS-9  orbital  parameters, 
Perhaps  this  data  could  be  released 
a  little  sooner? 


5.  There  appears  to  be  some  type 
of  two-meter  propagation  phenom- 
enon for  low  Earth-orbital  commu- 
nications different  than  that  pre- 
dicted I  suspect  that  W5LFL's 
transmission  path  was  somewhat 
different  from  that  of  stations 
transmitting  to  him  in  the  space 
shuttle.  C round-to-space  propaga- 
tion appeared  to  be  best  when  the 
shuttle  was  at  or  near  the  local  hori- 
zon while  space-to-ground  propa- 
gation appeared  to  be  relatively 
constant  regardless  of  Columbia's 
elevation  above  the  horizon.  This 
may  be  a  function  of  Columbia's 
attitude  with  respect  to  the  Earth's 
surface  at  a  given  point  in  time 
when  W5LFL  was  on  the  air.  I  have 
no  way  of  determining  this  from  the 
information  available  to  the  gener- 
al public. 

6.  A  plot  of  tabJe-of -observed- 
propagation  distances  using  these 
factors  discussed  in  paragraph  5 
above  could  prove  to  be  valuable 
for  future  operations  of  this  nature 

7.  It  would  be  a  great  help  to 
have  a  low-power  amateur-radio 
beacon  on  future  space  shuttles 
where  amateur- radio  operation  is 
to  be  attempted.  As  tittle  as  one 
Watt  output  should  be  sufficient 
for  this  purpose  and  would  make  it 
much,  much  easier  to  track  the  ve- 
hicle through  the  sky, 

8.  If  possible,  future  amateur- 
radio  operations  from  space  should 
be  conducted  using  spacecraft 
power  either  directly  or  by  means 
of  rechargeable  battery  packs  so 
that  power  consumption  in  the 
transmit  mode  does  not  become  a 
limiting  factor  I  have  been  led  to 
believe  that  W5LFL  had  this  con- 
straint particularly  when  the  STS-9 
mission  was  extended  by  one  day. 

9*  This  was  my  first  serious  at- 
tempt at  any  form  of  space  com- 
munications and  I  am  quite  pleased 
with  our  results— even  if  we  do  not 
obtain  a  two-way-contact  confir- 
mation. Bill  Smith  and  I  plan  to 
modify  this  helix  to  a  two-band 
configuration  for  OSCAR  use  in  the 
near  future.  We  sincerely  hope  that 
this  will  not  be  the  only  amateur-ra- 
dio-from-space  operation .  ,  we  are 
looking  forward  to  future  opera- 
tions of  this  type. 


George  Richard  (Dick)  tsety  WD9GIG  was 
born  in  19 39  in  fronton,  Missouri.  A  futt  Navy 
scholarship  to  college  graduated  Dick  as  an  of- 
ficer and  also  obligated  him  to  several  years  of 
service,  which  came  after  his  marriage  to  ludy 
Miller  He  became  a  naval  aviator  assigned  to 
active  duty  with  an  anti-submarine  squadron 
Hying  P2Vs  over  the  Atlantic  off  the  coast  of 
Maine.  After  deployments  m  Sicily,  Spain,  and 
Cuba,  Dick,  resigned  his  commission,  in 
August  196b,  and  left  the  navy  tor  civilian 
piloting  with  American  Airlines  For  16  yean 
he  has  had  an  active  career  as  an  American 
Airline  pilot  and  currently  Hies  2nd  seat  i co- 
pilot) on  the  Boeing  727.  Dick  got  into  ham 
radio  literally  by  accident  a  bad  fall  resulted 
in  a  broken  teg.  Frustrated  by  enforced  Inactiv- 
ity he  started  off  with  CB  but  soon  graduated 
to  ham  radio.  He  has  been  Fox  River  Radio 
League  president,  during  which  time  he  was 
active  in  setting  up  "the  World's  Highest  Ham 
Shack "  on  the  observation  deck  oi  the  Sears 
Tower  in  Chicago.  With  permission  to  stay 
overnight  (never  before  allowed  by  Sears)  and 
transmit  and  receive  signals  from  alt  Over  the 
world,  the  FRRL  gained  for  amateur  radio-  a 
healthy  shot  of  good  publicity.  In  Sr  Charles, 
Dick  has  been  prominent  on  the  city's  cable 
TV  advisor y  committee. 


K09G 


Pete  Altman  KQ9C 
1307  E.  Pershing  Avenue 
Whealon  1L  60187 

As  luck  would  have  it,  my  2- 
meter  rig  developed  an  un- 
traceable intermittent  on  top  of 
this  event  even  though  I  was  pre- 
pared with  a  2-meter  turnstile  an- 
tenna on  the  roof  and  good  clean 
coax  connections  in  between. 

With  no  chance  to  borrow  anoth- 
er rigr  I  wound  up  serving  as  a 
"clearinghouse"  for  flight  info,  fre- 
quencies, etc.,  for  fellow  hams  in 
the  neighborhood.  The  current 
data  given  via  our  conference  call 
prior  to  lift-off  was  made  available 
to  a  number  of  amateurs  in  the  area 
via  both  the  local  repeater  and  land 
lines,  It  encouraged  their  attempts 
to  give  real  tries  at  contacting 
W5LFL 

Art  Lang  KR9K  made  several  at- 
tempts using  a  TR-9130  running 
barefoot  into  a  2f>element  twist  an- 
tenna. (Given  the  pressure  of  work, 
Art  has  been  unable  to  furnish  a 
written  report.)  He  reports  hearing 
W5LFL  loud  and  clear  on  3  passes 
(no  confirmed  QSL  though)  and 
was  able  to  tape  Owen's  transmis- 
sions. Art  reports  that  YV5LFL  was 
within  good  hearing  range  for 
roughly  two  minutes  of  each  pass 
over  this  [midwest)  area  and  that 
Owen  was  able  (within  that 
2-minute  opening)  to  confirm  two 
or  three  contacts  directly.  Art  also 
reports  that  KA9PUC,  on  vacation 
at  the  time  in  Florida,  believed  he 
was  able  to  make  a  confirmed  QSO 
with  Owen  using  a  2-meter  handie- 
talkie  and  a  rubber  duck. 

Eugene  "Gene"  McAleer  N9DUW 
submitted  the  following; 

"On  November  30,  while  in  Atlan- 
ta, Georgia,  I  secured  permission  to 
go  up  on  the  roof  of  the  Marriot  Hotel 


38     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


JM 


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iltl    I  HF   1.2  GHz  FM  Regular  SALE 

IC-22U  10w2mFMnondigit3tXcvr„.    299  00  249*- 

EX- 199  Remote  frequency  selector      35  00 
IC-25A  25w.2m(gfnietfstup-dn-TTFmic   35900  319** 
IC-25H  as  above,  but  45  Watts  {Special*)  389  00  339" 

BU  Ih  Itemon  bvcl  up 38  50 


Limited  Offer!  Get  a  FREE  BU 
back-up  with  your  purchase  of 


IH  Memory 
an  IC-25H. 


■■>■■■■ p ■ ■ ■ 


IC-27A  25w  2m  mobife  Xcvr 

IC-45A  lOw  440  FM  Xcvr,  TTP  mic 

AG-1  15  db  440  preamp. 

EX-270  CTCSS encoder.. 

BUI  Memory  back  up .,,. 

RP-3010  lOw  440  MHj  FM  repeater, „„ 

IC-120  1*  1.2  GHz  FM  Xcvr „„... 

RP  1210  10*  L2  GHz  FM  repeater 

Cabinet  for  RP- 12 ID  or  RP-3010 

VHF/UHf  portables 
IC-50S  3/10w  6m  port  SSB/CW  Xcvr 
BP-10  Internal  mead  battery  pack 


>>1Ff1l4iI 


bL   1j    nL  CnSr^&r  HtMtiini 

LA'h^D         r    It  I      UIIIL    i    ■    r    I    ■    ■  *  t   ■  rf-  ■   ■  *  I  ■■  A  ^  ■  +  ■    l#tl 

Lv    L\J     Ltfl  U  It.  I   LdgCi  in  mi  i  +  ii*i--i*»-p-p4  i 

IC-402  432  MHz  portable  SSB  xcvr 
SP-4  Remote  speaker  for  portables 
IC-3PS  Power  supply  for  portables 


TBA 
399  00  35995 
8900    79" 
39  00 
3850 

999  DO  BW 
499.00   44r- 

TBA 
24900 

Regular  SALE 
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79.50 

12,50 

49.50 
34  95 

389  00  299^ 
2495 
95,00    S9;i 


Hand-heid  transceiver 
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IC  02A  for  2  meters  $  319  00  289- 
IC-02AT  */DTMF...„   349  00  314^ 


TBA 
TBA 

Regular  SALE 
239.50  214^ 
269.50  2I995 

IC  3A  for  220  MHz...  269.95  234" 
tC-3AT  with  HP 299,95  239?- 


IC-04A  for  440  MHz 
IC-04AT  w/DTMF 

Standard  models 
IC-2A  for  2  meters... 
IC-2AT  with  TTP 


A    I   +   I    fa 


IC-4A  for  440  MHz..,  269  95  234" 
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Accessories  fof  alt  Hand-heids  Regular 

BC-25U  Eitra  wall  charge-  ........ S  10  00 

BC  30  Drop-Jn  rapid  charger 69  00 

BP-2*  425ma  7  2v  Iw  long  life  battery 39.50 

BP-3  Extra  250ma  8  4v  1  5w  battery .29.50 

BP-4  Alkaline  battery  case.. 12.50 

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CP-1  Cigarette  lighter  plug  charger  (BP-3) 9.50 

DC-1  DC  operation  module*.*....*** **......**  17.50 

LC-2A  Leather  case  without  TTP  cut  out 34.95 

UN2AT  Leather  case  with  TIP  cut-out..... ,  34.95 

HH-9  Speaiter/microphane,*,. 34,50 

HS  10  HS-IOSB  Boom  mic  headset/smtchboi ..  39 00 

CA-2  Telescoping  2m  antenna 10.00 

CA-3  £itra  220  fien hie  antenna 9  12 

CA-4  Extra  440  foeuble  antenna... 912 

CA-5  5/ 8- wave  telescoping  2m  antenna  ..*. 18.95 

Mil  2m  2Jw/10w  amplifier... SALE    79.95 

ML-25  2m  20wamphtier.. SALE  179.95 

JA^TTN  16  button  TTP  front,  2A/3A/4A 39.50 

CommSpec  SS-32M  32-tone  encoder..* 29,95 

M  12  12  ch  marine  hand  held SPECIAL  269.95 


Shortwave  receiver  Regular  SALE 

R-70  100  KHz-30  MHz  digital  receiver  $749  00  599^ 

EX  257  FMumt 38.00 

IC-7Q72  Transceive  interface,  720A   11250 

FL-44/A  SSBhlter  (2nd  IF) 159.00  144" 

FL-63  250  Hz  CW  filter  [1st  IF) 48  50 

SP-3  External  speaker 49  50 

EX- 299  (CK-70)  12m  DC  option 9.95 

MB- 12  Mobile  mount 19.50 


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73  Magazine  •  MareH,  1984    39 


(17  stories  plus)  and  listened  for  STS9 
and  W5LFL  but  to  no  avail  No  one  in 
the  area  heard  a  signal  as  1  under- 
stand and  me  with  such  a  vantage 
point  with  my  HT 

"On  December  6  at  22142,  I  heard 
his  (WSLFL's)  call  only  very  briefly 
and  again  returned  the  call  using  my 
Kenwood  TR-7600  (10  Watts  out)  as  I 
had  done  the  previous  day  My 
antenna  was  a  Hv-Gam  5/8-wave 
ground  plane  approximately  20  feet 
above  the  housetop  (Cene  is  an 
airline  pilot  and  on  12/6  was  back  at 
his  home  QTH.) 

"Of  course  I  recorded  all  this  as 
well  as  a  very  clear  signal  from  oi>e  of 
our  club  members  (whom  I  shall 
leave  nameless)  calling  W5LFL  on  the 
downlink  frequency  —hi. 

"It  was  an  enjoyable  experience  to 
have  the  signal  direct  and  I  was  a 
great  deal  disappointed  in  the  con- 
duct of  (fortunately)  only  a  few  of  our 
fellow  hams. 

"My  thanks  to  Coddard  Space 
Center  Amateur  Radio  Club 
(WA3NAN)  for  their  very  informative 
rebroadcast  of  the  STS9  communi- 
cations 

"My  QSL  is  on  the  way  to  the 
ARRL  and  I  hopefully  await  a  confir- 
mation 

"That's  rt,  Pete,  short  and  direct 

The  general  consensus  was  that 


if  you  knew  the  orbital  times  (we 
did,  thanks  to  Dick  Isley  WD9GIC, 
who  normalized"  them  to  local 
time  on  his  computer),  you  could 
easily  hear  the  signals  on  2  meters 
from  the  shuttle— for  roughly  2 
minutes  out  of  each  pass  over  the 
area— and  readily  with  a  receiver 
of  average  commercial  sensitivity 
and  almost  whatever  antenna  you 
had  on  hand. 

Making  sure  you're  heard  by  an 
orbiting  amateur,  especially  with 
crowded  conditions  in  some  parts 
of  the  country  and  short  access 
times,  apparently  needs  enough 
erp  to  "bust  through'' 

Pete  Attmaft  KQ9G  n  a  copywriter  and  techno 
cat  wrjfw  (and  a  hvsr  front)  who  twit  got  hn 
ticket  m  1954  (KN2MSM)  He  retained  ft*!**! 
5  pen  ago  *  H9AWt  and  earned  k09C  two 
years  ago -  mostly  became  the  U^year-old  ncnt 
door  (KA91AJ}  got  his  I«tr*cJass  tkket  (and 
who  warns  to  live  next  door  to  ttu 

Art  Lang  KK9K  is  an  etw  iriLdl  engineer,  He  is 
one  at  tlw  more  active  people  in  the  area  work- 
ing satellite*  (contributed  several  contact*  vtj 
Russian  birds  to  the  Field  Ddv  \cotej  and  is  now 
even  better  prepared  with  a  new  towtw  installa- 
tion KR$K  a  also  current  pretrial  ot  Wheaton 
Communrfv  Radio  Amateurs. 

Gene  McAfee*  .V9DL/W  s  a  commerces/  a*lm* 
pilot  especially  active  on  the  tow  bands  chaitng 
DX  inn  work  schedule  allow*  mote  time  tor 
10-  and  TS-nnefor  band  openings! 


W8FK 


nil  HMIAlr,  PECEAIBHT  *   l«J    CH4FFKI  COUNT*  TlMES^PAGE  1 


Move  over,  Miss  Piggy! 


BV  men  await  'Hams  in  Space' sequel 


A  lev  - tit\  Agu.  list   Mvpfftf  i  aide 
■  HBIK  Cfcfatf  "Pip  ™   >(*t 

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Ihfrr  HurD4  t«it  Fia.ni  rkdw  upm- 
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bmidciai  rnirn  yjta  <.\i*n-  lnn  N 

diy-  mil  I  he  mm  ire  h(ijirri«  Hint  (heir 

braufauti  iu  ike  »frtLc  nuinta  lujuni 

hn  mi-rr  |mrhrdi  up  by  i  Ttcnrdcr  v»n  ifie 
thullir 


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Art  Erranb,  mbaa*  till  \*Utt\  m 
KiCOVl.  tea  EpH.  WQISO  tht 
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Dun 


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CrJlamMn, 


Terfy  t  HuttonWBfK 

Box  I4t? 

Buena  Vista  CO  31211 

After  all  the  weeks  of  anticipa- 
tion, there  he  was.  I  mean  right 
there  on  the  speaker  of  my  little 
handie-talkie  was  the  first  ham's 
voice  from  outer  space.  I  was  in 
such  a  state  of  disbelief  that  J  al- 
most forgot  to  press  the  push-to- 
talk  switch  of  my  microphone  to  re- 
turn his  call  1  mean,  after  all,  that  is 
the  HT  that  I  talk  to  the  local  hams 
on.  Can  those  really  be  signals  from 
space  coming  on  the  very  same 
radio?  But  wait  I've  got  to  return 
the  call  He  won't  be  in  there  very 
long. 

I  scampered  up  the  ladder  to  the 
loft  in  the  A-frame  where  the  other 
radio  gear  was.  It  was  nothing  fan- 
cy, but  I  was  going  to  at  least  try  to 
get  my  own  signal  back  to  the 
space  shuttle.  "W5U:L,  this  is 
WflFK  calling.  Whiskey  Eight  Fox- 
trot Kilowatt  portable  in  the  central 
Colorado     Rocky     Mountain  I 

don't  believe  this.  I'm  actually  t 
ing  to  talk  to  a  man  in  outer  space  I 
must  be  crazy.  This  is  something 
that  would  be  happening  in  those 
comic  books  I  used  to  read  as  a  kid 
And  here  in  my  own  lifetime  lJm  ac- 
tually attempting  to  communicate 
with  a  spaceship?1 

Hey.  no  time  to  think  about  that 
now  Even  if  I'm  dreaming,  it  won't 
last  very  long.  Better  go  for  it 

i  started  to  hear  his  voice  even 

louder  than  before  on  his  second 
transmission.  'This  is  W5LFL  aboard 
the  space  shuttle  Columbia  passing 
over  the  polar  ice  cap  and  listening 
for  amateur-radio  stations  in  North 
America,  Co  ahead,  over"  Cot  to 
start  calling  again  Lets  see.  Art 
and  Ken  are  on  those  frequencies. 
Oh  yes,  herers  my  channel  The  lo- 
cal hams  were  trying  to  spread  out 
over  10  calling  channels  so  we 
would  have  a  better  chance  ot  one 
of  us  getting  through  to  the  shuttle, 
But  can  this  really  be  happening? 
He's  so  far  out  there  thai  maybe  his 
signal  is  being  received  by  a  station 
in  some  other  solar  system,  Got  to 
quit  thinking  about  that  now  I've 
got  to  start  calling  again  W5LFL, 
this  is  WdFK  in  Colorado." 

I  wonder  if  Tve  got  a  chance  to 
get  through  I  mean  it's  only  10 
Watts  and  a  ground  plane  But  at 
least  it's  worth  trying  I  know  Ken 
W0LSD  is  trying  also.  It's  too  bad 
about  the  cloud  cover  tonight  Skip 
W9GYA  and  I  were  going  to  try  a 
makeshift  tracking  station  He  was 
going  to  fire  up  his  160-Watt  mobile 
installation  and  I  was  going  to  be 
the  human  tracking  station  We  fig- 
ured with  my  11 -element  beam  at 
tached  to  a  broomstick  and  me 
standing  on  a  stepladder  pointing 
the  antenna  at  the  spacecraft  as  it 
went  over,  that  Skips  160  Watts 
would  give  us  a  real  good  erp  and 


we  might  have  a  good  chance  of 
getting  in. 

But  as  luck  would  have  it,  our 
normal  "ban  ana-be  I t-of  -Colorado" 
weather  had  turned  to  solid  over- 
cast this  particular  evening.  (Is  that 
guy's  name  Murphy?  Who  invited 
him  anyway?)  It  looked  like  we 
wouldn't  be  able  to  see  the  shuttle 
tonight  We  had  been  getting  our 
share  of  the  white  stuff  this  winter 
and  the  Colorado  ski  areas  were  in 
their  best  shape  for  early  Decern- 
ber  in  many  years.  But  unfortunate- 
ly, I  wasn't  too  impressed  with  it 
snowing  this  particular  night  (even 
though  I  had  already  been  on  those 
funny  boards  a  dozen  times  and 
loved  every  minute  ot  it]  just  the 
night  before,  we  had  been  outside 
looking  for  the  shuttle  and  hoping 
to  hear  it  as  well  And  sure  enough, 
there  went  the  brightest  looking 
"star"  in  the  sky  overhead  at  a 
great  rate  of  speed  through  a  large 
hole  in  the  clouds.  It  appeared  right 
on  time  from  the  mountainous 
northwest  horizon  and  sped  high 
overhead,  disappearing  on  the 
southeast  horizon  a  mere  few  min- 
utes later  That  in  itself  was  a  real 
adrenaline  rush,  just  watching 
those  guys  in  space  going  over  But 
tonight  we  were  actually  hearing 
them,  and  even  though  the  weather 
had  clouded  our  plans  to  use  the 
high-powered  station  with  a  moder- 
ately-sized tracking  array  {with  that 
I ■' i  olr  tracking  facility— me),  we 
were  all  bound  and  determined  to 
try  communicating  with  the  first 
ham  in  spaceflight  history 

So  anyway,  I  had  to  overcome 
my  rambling  mind  and  concentrate 
on  the  task  at  hand.  As  Owen  start- 
ed to  fade  a  bit  on  his  third  and  f i 
nal  transmission  of  this  orbit,  I 
thought  I  would  tune  the  channels 
that  the  earth  bound  hams  were 
calling  Owen  on  Holy  mackerel  — 
every  frequency  was  loaded  with 
hamsf  Both  Jack  N0CDA  and  Art 
had  done  the  same  thing  We  all 
heard  some  of  the  most  exerting 
QRM  ever  to  hit  our  eardrums, 
There  were  stations  booming 
through  on  every  channel 

Normally  we  don't  hear  much  2- 
meter  activity  up  our  way  We  are 
located  in  the  Upper  Arkansas 
River  Valley  about  1 20  miles  south 
west  of  Denver  and  90  miles  west  of 
Colorado  Springs  There  are  a  few 
hams  between  those  tront-range 
Cities  and  our  8000-foot  high  val- 
ley, but  there  are  many  mountains 
in  between  us  to  block  the  signals 
of  the  city  hams  from  us  And  over 
the  Continental  Divide  and  west  to 
Aspen  are  all  those  14,000-foot 
mou maintops  of  the  Collegiate 
Peaks  range,  so  there  just  doesn't 
seem  to  be  any  way  that  many  sig- 
nals can  reach  us  from  those  popu 
fation  centers  But  tonight  we  are 
hearing  stations  from  all  over  Sev- 
eral of  the  rails  we  located  in  the 
Ca//boofc  and  tracked  down  later 
One  guv.  Rod  W0HOH  actually 
was  in  Aurora,  Colorado  (a  suburb 


40     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


of  Denver),  over  100  miles  away 
through  the  mountain  peaks  using 
only  10  Watts  We  have  troubJe 
hearing  the  repeaters  down  there, 
let  alone  a  little  station.  What  kind 
of  conditions  are  these  that  put  so 
many  strong  signals  into  our  area? 
Are  all  the  city  hams  up  in  the  high 
country  for  the  weekend  to  in- 
crease their  chances  of  contacting 
the  shuttle'  h  the  spacecraft  caus- 
ing an  atmospheric  disturbance' 
Jack  and  Art  compiled  the  follow- 
ing partial  fist  ot  callsigns  heard 
during  those  hectic  moments  of 
shuttle  calling,  with  their  home 
QTHs  and  approximate  distances 
through  the  rugged  Colorado  high 
count r>  from  Buena  Vista  NftAWD, 
Pueblo.  100  miles,  K01L5,  Littleton. 
90  mites,  N0BIB.  Canon  City,  70 
miles,  WA3CVC  and  N0f  RO.  Floris- 
sant, SO  miles;  W05C  Englewood, 
90  miles;  and  KA0PMT,  Westclnr, 
60  miles  What  kind  of  stations 
were  those  guys  using  anyway? 

Well,  it  sounds  like  Owen  has 
faded  from  range,  A  look  at  the 
clock  shows  about  b  minutes  have 
elapsed  since  I  heard  that  first 
break  of  the  squelch  on  the  HT 
down  rn  the  kitchen.  Wow,  seems 
like  6  days  with  alt  that  excitement 
packed  into  that  short  time.  Better 
get  on  the  focal  146.745  machine 
and  see  how  the  others  heard  him. 
Talk  about  a  double!  This  was  a 
"quadruple!"  I  heard  everyone  on 
there  at  one  time,  There  was 
N0CDA.  W9CYA.  KCWL.  and 
VV0LSD  almost  simultaneously  on 
the  local  machine  I  tell  you.  as 
busy  as  we  hams  are  during  the 
week,  it's  seldom  that  all  5  of  us  are 
on  at  one  time,  but  the  space  shut- 
tle made  it  a  special  lime  Everyone 
was  so  excited  about  hearing  the 
signals  Something  like  this  really 
brings  out  the  little  kid  in  you  no 
matter  what  your  age,  and  you 
should  have  heard  the  five  30  to 
60-year-old  little  kids  on  the  repeat- 
er now  The  excitement  level  was 
running  high 

"Yeah,  Barb  and  I  had  to  excuse 
ourselves  from  our  host  and  hostess 
to  go  out  to  the  car  and  listen  to  the 
shuttle/'  said  Ken,  who  had  been 
invited  to  dinner  that  night  Art  and 
XV L  Edith  were  inviting  everyone 
over  for  happy  hour,  they  were  so 
excited  Skip  and  son  Michael  had 
hurried  out  of  the  local  shoe  store 
to  try-  to  make  the  schedule  lack 
and  XYL  Alberta  were  at  thetr  home 
at  the  base  of  Mount  Antero.  and 
my  dog  Ali  and  I  were  near  the  re- 
peater site  at  the  base  of  another 
14400Ofoot  peak,  Mount  Princeton 
ft  sounded  like  a  bunch  of  school 
kids  who  had  had  their  first  taste  of 
ham  radio  all  over  again.  What  a 
fun  ttme!  The  local  frequency 
buzzed  for  quite  a  while  Ken  and 
Barb  had  to  get  back  to  their  host 
and  hostess  before  they  were 
thought  to  be  too  crazy,  having 
rushed  out  into  the  cold  Colorado 
night  for  what?  To  talk  to  a  space- 
ship'   Right!    Edith   finally   under- 

^5e*  Ltst  of  Ativertisers  on  page  tl4 


Terry  Huston,  his  HT,  and  14J97~foot  Mount  Princeton  in  the  background 
along  with  the  Upper  Arkansas  River  Valley. 


stood  why  Art  had  been  acting  so 
weird  earlier.  I  mean  to  say,  the 
man  had  the  window  open  all  day 
for  an tenna-wire-st ringing  and  this 
is  wintertime  in  the  high  country 
And  Skip  is  used  to  talking  and 
listening  to  aircraft  rn  his  job  as  a 
pilot  for  United  Airlines,  but  this 
was  a  little  bit  higher  control-tower- 
irHhe-sky  talking  than  usual  And 
where  were  all  those  stations  com- 
ing from  anyway  that  Jack  and  the 
rest  of  us  heard  on  the  uplink  fre- 
quencies' Was  that  some  strange 
propagation  because  the  space- 
craft was  flying  through  the  outer 
fringes  of  the  Earth's  atmosphere? 
We're  still  not  sure  why  they  were 
so  strong  in  our  area  We'll  have  to 
try  to  work  those  guys  later  for 
comparison 

After  the  initial  shock  wore  off. 
we  set  about  trying  to  talk  to  Owen 
on  more  of  the  passes  Somewhere 
along  the  line.  Skip  and  I  got  the 
bright  idea  that  just  possibly  a  mod- 
ulated F2  CW  signal  might  get 
through  over  the  thousands  of 
voices  calling  It  was  a  real  sight  to 
see  us  holding  a  microphone  in 
front  of  the  code-practice  oscilla- 
tor with  one  hand  while  running  the 
Morse-code  kev  with  the  other 
hand  Who  says  CW  isn't  useful 
anymore? 

Later  in  the  week  I  had  to  ask  a 
patient  of  mine  if  he  would  mind  if 
I  interrupted  our  eye  examination 
to  try  to  talk  to  outer  space.  I  really 
expected  a  very  strange  look,  but  it 
turned  out  that  the  patient  sitting  in 
my  chair  was  an  SWL  named  Jerry. 
He  had  heard  all  the  publicity 
about  the  event  from  the  TV  but 
didn't  know  where  to  set  his  scan- 
ner  to  receive  Owen  So  we  hustled 
into  the  lab  area  of  my  office  and 
grabbed  the  HT  off  the  countertop 
and  sure  enough,  jerry  got  an  earful 


of  the  astronaut  as  he  flew  across 

the  daytime  sky  We  called  again 
with  the  HT  and  telescoping  5/8- 
wave  whip  on  a  hope  and  a  prayer 
that  we  would  be  heard.  Imagine 
the  thrill  for  some  ot  the  guys  down 
on  Earth  as  Owen  repeated  back  a 
few  of  the  callsigns  that  he  could 
sort   out   from   the   thousands   of 


hams  calling  him  A  few  lucky  guys 
were  actually  hearing  their  own 
callsigns  being  acknowledged  from 
outer  space  — right  then  and  there  I 
would  have  had  to  be  sitting  down 
to  take  that  if  I  had  heard  my  own 
call.  SWL  Jerry  was  quite  excited 
just  to  have  heard  the  shuttle  on 
that  tiny  HT 

As  far  as  publicity  for  the  event, 
our  little  group  did  alright  Ken 
took  his  HT  down  to  the  Buena 
Vista  Middle  School  where  Barb  is 
a  teacher  and  let  her  class  hear  the 
shuttle  on  one  of  the  passes  as  he 
tried  to  call  back  to  Owen,  Skip  re- 
corded one  of  the  passes  and  made 
the  feature  news  for  the  rest  of  the 
day  with  the  subsequent  interview 
on  the  local  KVRH  radio  station 
serving  Salida  and  Buena  Vista  He 
also  sent  a  tape  of  one  of  Owen's 
transmissions  along  with  his  wrfe 
Kathy  to  the  elementary  school 
class  she  teaches  in  Salida.  I  wrote 
an  article  for  the  local  newspaper 
and  they  printed  it  in  the  next  issue, 
complete  with  a  photograph  taken 
by  Aifs  )CYL  Edith  Jt  was  even 
"stop  the  presses"  because  I  turned 
the  article  in  as  soon  as  I  could  but 
beyond  the  normal  deadline  for 
printing,  but  they  thought  it  was  im- 
portant enough  and  timely  enough 
to  get  m  the  next  issue 

It  was  truly  a  remarkable  event 
for  our  little  group  of  hams  We're 
still  trying  to  make  schedules  with 
some  of   the   many   stations   that 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     41 


were  heard  on  the  calling  frequen- 
cies to  see  if  there  was  some  special 

propagation  during  those  days  of 
shuttle  flight,  or  if  it  could  be  an 
everyday  occurrence  if  those  an- 
tennas were  pointed  our  way  more 
often.  Or  does  it  have  something  to 
do  with  the  adrenaline  rush  of  hear- 
ing a  spaceship  that  makes  our 
radios  get  a  little  more  excited  and 
put  out  better?  Ill  bet  it  has  to  do 
with  the  same  feeling  as  seeing  olJ 
Saint  Nick  and  his  reindeer  and 
sleigh,  flying  over  the  nighttime 
sky,  delivering  his  pay  load  to  the 
world 

At  any  rate,  what  us  "kids"  ex- 
perienced during  those  attempted 
QSOs  is  a  feeling  that  none  of  us 
will  ever  forget  This  was  truly  a 
pioneering  event  that  wilt  go  down 
in  recorded  history  for  a  long  time 
to  remember— the  very  first  ex^ 
change  of  amateur-radio  signals 
between  human  beings  on  Earth 
and  outer  space.  1  know  for  the  5 
"kids"  of  Chaffee  County,  Col- 
orado, it  will  be  a  lifelong  memory 
and  another  bond  in  the  truly  fasci- 
nating world  of  ham  radio  Ama- 
teur radio  strikes  our  lives  again! 


KB6WT,  KD6YG 

/on  ;  QiJ/o  KB6W 7 
la  Ann  GAlto  KQ6)tC 
m  KiMipiv  Sua* 
Enema  CA  S1JJ6 

It  all  began  when  Bill  Pasternak 
WAfelTFv  publisher  of  Westlink 
and  a  73  correspondent,  tele- 
phoned to  confirm  that  the  flight  of 
ST5-9  is  a  go.  We  discuss  antennas 
and  decide  to  run  comparisons  be- 
tween my  OSCAR  array  15  feet 
above  the  roof  and  an  AEA  Isopole 
at  105  feet  I'll  be  running  75  Watts. 
Bill  asks  whether  my  QTH  would 
be  available  for  some  publicity 
shots  for  the  local  TV  stations  I 
check  with  the  XYL,  KD6YC.  and  re- 
ply that  both  of  us  are  willing  to 
help  This  is  Monday,  November 
21,  8.00  pm 

Tuesday,  November  22,  7:30  am 

The  morning  drive  to  the  office 
through  the  typical  Los  Angeles 
traffic  jam  on  the  San  Diego  Free- 
way. J  sign  on  to  the  local  220-MHz 
repeater  and  am  called  by  Roy 
Neal  K6DUE  of  NBC.  After  discuss- 
ing a  holiday  party  at  my  QTH  that 
Roy  and  his  XYL  will  be  attending, 
he  mentions  that  he  has  talked  to 
WA6JTF  about  the  publicity  shots 
and  either  he  or  Bill  will  be  back  in 
touch 

Saturday,  November  26,  77:00  pm 

KD6YC  and  I  return  from 
Thanksgiving  vacation  and  find 
messages  on  the  answering  ma- 
chine from  both  WA6ITF  and  lack 
Burnett  of  73.  Bill  confirms  that  at 
least  one  local  TV  station  wants  to 
tape  at  our  QTH  on  the  first  day 
WSLFL  will  be  operating    lack  has 

42    73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


left  a  message  asking  me  to  call 
him  at  home  Sunday  morning. 

Sunday,  November  21.  7:57  am 

jack  Burnett  calls  to  see  if  I 
would  keep  a  diary  of  my  ex- 
periences attempting  to  work 
Owen  KD6YG,  who  likes  to  sleep 
late  on  weekends,  turns  over  in  the 
waterbed  and  mutters  something 
about  cancelling  our  subscription 
to  73.  I  go  to  the  shack  at  the  other 
end  of  the  house  and  agree  to  take 
part  in  a  conference  call  at  1  pm 
The  next  step  is  to  load  Wordstar 
into  the  Apple  11+  and  start  this 
diary 

Sunday,  November  27 t  7.00  pm 

Conference  call  with  lack.  Bill, 
and  other  hams  from  Indiana,  Il- 
linois, Alaska,  Michigan,  Hawaii, 
New  York,  Oregon.  Texas,  Ohio, 
and  Georgia.  WA6ITF  goes  over 
Owen's  transmit  and  receive  fre- 
quencies. Two  audio  tapes  are 
played,  one  containing  orbital  in- 
formation almost  too  fast  to  copy 
and  the  other  an  interview  of 
W5LFL  by  Roy  Neal 

Burnett  explains  that  73  wants  a 
completely  honest  diary  of  our  at- 
tempts to  reach  Owen  and  asks 
each  of  us  to  mail  the  diary  to  him 
on  the  evening  of  December  6,  the 
fast  day  in  orbit.  With  Owen  only 
having  time  for  400  or  so  QSOs,  I'll 
have  about  1  chance  in  10,000  of 
getting  through  The  statistics  re^ 
mind  me  of  some  famous  20-meter 
pileups 

The  call  ends  with  a  tribute  by 
Jack  Burnett  to  Peter  O'Dell  of  the 
League  for  his  work  on  the  ham-in- 
space  program  and  the  sad  news 
that  Vic  Clark  W4KFC  has  died  of  a 
heart  attack. 

Monday,  November  28,  7:00  am 

Struggle  out  of  bed  and  scan  the 
two  morning  papers  we  have  deliv- 
ered daily.  Both  contain  stories 
about  Owen  and  both  report  the 
possibility  that  the  flight  will  be  de- 
layed because  of  bad  weather.  I 
brew  a  cup  of  coffee  and  turn  on 
the  KA6DMY  220-MHz  repeater 
and  am  reassured  by  the  familiar 


"hollow"  sound  of  the  countdown 
being  rebroadcast  from  the  Jet  Fro* 
pulsion  Lab  repeater  in  Pasadena. 
The  Apple  II  +  i*  turned  on  and 
loaded  with  Wordstar  to  continue 
the  diary  when  I  realize  the  count- 
down is  at  10  seconds  A  quick  dash 
to  the  family  room  where  I  dis- 
possess my  13-year-old  son  from 
early  morning  cartoons  and  turn  to 
NBC  where  we  watch  the  liftoff 
and  listen  to  the  familiar  voice  of 
Rov  Neal. 

Monday,  November  28,  4  pm 

My  secretary  interrupts  a  meet- 
ing to  advise  that  KCOP.  local 
channel  13,  is  on  the  phone  The 
person  phoning  doesn't  seem  to 
know  much  about  amateur  radio 
We  arrange  to  have  them  stop  by  to 
tapfl  orbit  40D  at  6:31  pm  local 
time  on  Wednesday  They  never 
show  up  or  call  back, 

Monday,  November  28,  7:45  pm 

The  night  news  producer  for 
KTTV,  local  channel  11,  calls.  She 
stresses  she  has  been  reading  the 
ARRL  press  releases  and  under- 
stands amateur  radio  is  far  differ- 
ent from  CB.  We  tentatively  ar- 
range to  have  the  crew  come  at  10 
am  on  Wednesday  for  a  live  shot  of 
orbit  35Ar  the  first  orbit  over  the 
western  US. 

Tuesday,  November  29,  all  day 

The  phone  has  been  ringing  off 
the  hook  all  day  Lenore  jenson 
W6NAZ,  an  expert  in  amateur- 
radio  publicity,  has  given  my  name 
to  a  number  of  TV  stations  KTTV 
calls  to  advise  they  will  be  out  by  9 
am  tomorrow.  CBS  New  York  calls 
to  tentatively  schedule  coverage 
for  orbit  40D  The  local  ABC  af- 
filiate calls  for  an  advance  inter- 
view and  will  be  out  at  8:30  this 
evening. 

I  call  Lenore  to  bnng  her  up  to 
date  on  the  publicity  schedule  and 
Spend  the  next  hour  in  a  round 
robin  of  calls  with  Lenore  and  Bill 
Pasternak  attempting  to  determine 
whether  Owen  will  be  available  for 
orbit  35A  The  final  decision  is  that 
it  is  a  50-50  tossup.  KD6YG  an- 
nounces she  is  getting  out  of  this 


[on  Galfo  KB6WT 


madhouse  for  the  evening  and  goes 

to  a  movie  with  grri  friends 

I  tune  across  two  meters  and  find 
145.550  MHz  congested  with  cat- 
calls and  unidentified  stations  pre- 
tending they  are  the  shuttle  Good 
grief!  Is  this  what  WSLFL  is  going  to 
encounter? 

Tuesday,  November  29,  8:30  pm 

1  check  into  the  AMSAT  net  for 
the  latest  orbital  predictions.  The 
crew  from  the  local  ABC  affiliate 
arrives  early  and  tapes  for  about  1 5 
minutes.  It  is  going  to  be  cut  to 
about  a  45-second  teaser  for  the 
late  evening  news,  The  interview 
ranges  from  the  technical  to  per- 
sonal observations  on  my  excite- 
ment over  the  possibility  of  work- 
ing the  shuttle  The  interviewer 
keeps  asking  what  we  expect  to 
learn  from  operating  the  shuttle 
and  t  express  the  opinion  that  we 
are  going  to  end  up  knowing  more 
about  low -power  Earth-to- space 
communications  than  ever  before 
I  wonder  what  they  are  going  to 
leave  in 

For  a  tew  minutes  I  check  into 
the  Southern  California  DX  Club  re- 
peater and  find  nothing  but  discus- 
sions about  the  shuttle  mixed  with 
an  anonymous  voice  using  a  south- 
ern accent  and  CB  lingo  pretending 
to  talk  to  Owen.  Anxiety  over  inten- 
tional interference  increases. 

Tuesday,  November  29,  11:10  pm 

ABC  airs  about  one  minute  of 
the  interview  stressing  my  personal 
excitement  over  attempting  to 
work  Owen.  A  few  minutes  later 
the  phone  rings  and  the  caller,  in  a 
slow  and  somewhat  "spaced  out" 
voice,  identifies  himself  as  Mike 
and  asks  if  I  was  the  person  in  the 
interview.  When  I  hesitantly  admit 
my  involvement,  he  says  he  is  a 
32-year-old  Vietnam  veteran  and 
father  of  a  5~y ear-old  girl  and  is 
tired  of  all  the  negative  news  re- 
ports on  TV  and  wants  to  thank  me 
for  doing  something  that  brings 
some  good  news  to  TV  In  a  state  of 
semi-shock,  I  tell  him  I  never  ex- 
pected such  a  call  and  appreciate 
the  nice  comment.  We  wish  each 
other  good  night  and  I  go  to  bed  to 
prepare  for  what  is  beginning  to 
look  like  tomorrow's  ordeal  with 
the  media* 

Wednesday,  November  10,  7:00  am 
I  check  into  the  Southern  Cali- 
fornia DX  Club  repeater  and  find 
discussions  of  orbits  mixed  with  OX 
announcements  Two  of  the  locals 
mention  being  contacted  by  C8S 
and  ABC  for  taping  at  their  QTHs. 
Maybe  III  only  have  to  deal  with 
the  two  local  stations  today. 

Wednesday,  November  30,  9:30  am 
The  KTTV  crew  arrives  and  sets 
up  for  live  coverage  of  orbit  35. 
KDuYG  handles  the  calling  and  I'm 
in  charge  of  azimuth  and  elevation 
controls.  We  are  using  14501  as  the 
transmit  frequency  and  75  Watts  to 
the  KLM  144-15M6C  circularly-po- 
larized antenna  145.550  is  a  mack 
house,  with  stations  calling  Owen, 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     43 


policemen  adding  to  the  confusion 
by  telling  them  to  QSYP  and  a  fair 
amount  of  deliberate  interference. 
A  great  deal  of  the  problem  is  at- 
tributable to  the  fact  that  one  of 
the  major  daily  newspapers  in  Los 
Angeles  published  a  detailed  arti- 
cle about  WSLFL  that  reversed  the 
uplink  and  downlink  frequencies? 
Numerous  amateurs  will  be  calling 
on  the  uplmk  for  several  days  as  a 
result  of  this  error.  I  do  not  hear 
WSLFL  but  am  later  informed  on 
one  repeater  that  the  pass  was  suc- 
cessful and  Owen  was  heard  listing 
various  W7s  and  on  another  that  he 
was  involved  in  a  science  experi- 
ment and  never  got  on?  KTTV  tapes 
part  of  the  pass  and  then  conducts 
a  2-minute  live  interview  that  goes 
well  I  pour  myself  a  well-earned 
cup  of  coffee,  put  on  a  tie,  and  go 
to  the  office  tor  a  few  hours. 

Wednesdayr  November  30,  5:30  pm 
The  KABC  crew  arrives  for  a  live 
feed  of  orbit  40  The  operating  plan 
this  time  is  to  use  145.01  at  6:35, 
145,03  at  6:37,  14505  at  6:39 
145.07  at  6:41,  and  back  to  145.01 
at  6:43.  Power  level  will  remain  at 
75  Watts.  I  spend  about  an  hour  on 
145.550  simplex  providing  pass 
times  and  orbital  data  to  stations 
needing  this  information  During 
the  pass  I  was  able  to  hear  W5LFL 
quite  well  during  three  of  the  five 
minutes  he  was  scheduled  to  trans- 
mit during  the  window  There  was 
some  intentional  interference,  but 
less  than  during  orbit  35  However, 
there  was  a  great  deal  of  calling  on 
the  uplink  and  many  policemen  I 
was  unable  to  determine  whether 
we  got  through  1  deliberately  use 
earphones  so  thai  the  audio  is  not 
picked  up  by  the  TV  crew  I  subse- 
quently find  that  other  amateurs 
participating  in  live  coverage  pro- 
vided complete  audio  and  at  least 
one  local  newspaper  runs  a  first- 
page  story  stressing  deliberate  in- 
terference. 

Thursday,  December  f.  7  30  am 

I  check  into  the  early  morning 
AMSAT  net  and  determine  that  or- 
bit 49  will  not  be  workable  from  Los 
Angeles.  I  leave  for  work  without 
trying, 

Thursday,  December  1,  5M  pm 

Driving  home  from  work.  I  moni- 
tor 145,550  MHz  and  listen  to  N6VI 
and  WB7A.JC  acting  as  net-control 
stations  and  giving  out  information 
on  orbit  56  A  pattern  seems  to  be 
forming,  A  good  95%  of  the  ama- 
teurs on  145.550  appreciate  this  in- 
formation. The  remaining  5%  are 
extremely  negative  and  keep  sug- 
gesting, often  obscenely,  that  sta- 
tions providing  this  information 
QSY  I  am  acquainted  with  several 
of  the  amateurs  making  negative 
comments  and  know  them  to  be 
old-timers  in  their  60s  or  above  and 
licensed  for  many  decades 

Thursday,  December  h  6:24  pm 

Signal  acquisition  on  orbit  56  is 
loud  and  clear.  I  am  operating 
alone  this  time  and  am  using  1 45.01 

44     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


to  Ann  Gallo  KD6YG 


MHz  as  the  uplink  WSLFL  is  ac- 
quired during  the  last  ten  seconds 
of  his  6.26  transmission  The  6:28 
transmission  is  S9  with  only  one 
local  policeman  breaking  in  for  a 
quick  comment  to  someone  he 
hears  but  I  don't  and  about  5  sec- 
onds of  interference.  The  6:30 
transmission  starts  out  above  S9 
but  can  be  read  for  only  10  seconds 
when  a  WB6  begins  calling  him  on 
145.550  and  the  rest  of  the  pass  is 
lost  in  the  resulting  exchange  of  in- 
sults and  comments  by  channel 
cops  Comparing  notes  after  the 
pass,  it  appears  that  even  in  QRM- 
free  areas,  loss  of  signal  occurred  in 
tess  than  2  minutes  of  good  quality 
shuttle  audio.  My  reception  seemed 
significantly  better  than  that  ob- 
tained by  many  users  of  local  re- 
peaters and  I  spend  much  of  the 
evening  replaying  the  usable  por- 
tions of  the  tape  for  local  ama- 
teurs, 

Friday,  December  2,  &-Q0  pm 

Driving  home,  I  am  informed 
that  Owen  was  an  S7  on  orbit  71.  I 
try  on  orbit  72  and  WSLFL  appears 
to  be  a  no-show  Intentional  inter- 
ference on  this  orbit  is  worse  than 
last  night  I  am  later  informed  that 
Owen  was  on,  but  the  attitude  of 
the  shuttle  resulted  in  the  antenna 
not  being  property  oriented  for 
good  reception  in  Los  Angeles 

Saturday,  December  3,  1:00  pm 

Roy  Neal  calls  from  Houston  to 
report  that  the  shuttle  mission  is  be- 
ing extended  an  additional  day.  We 
compare  notes  about  forthcoming 
orbits.  Roy  reports  being  able  to  re- 
ceive Owen  5X9  using  a  hand- 
held and  rubber  duckie  in  his  hotel 
room  in  Houston.  We  agree  that 
small  antennas  are  best  for  receiv- 
ing purposes  in  areas  of  high  popu- 
lation density  in  order  to  minimize 
interference  I  subsequently  call 
Jack  Burnett  at  his  home  to  con- 
firm the  extra  day  of  operation. 

Sunday,  December  4,  8&Q  am 

I  check  into  the  Southern  Cali- 
fornia DX  Club  repeater  and  get  or- 
bital data  for  98A  This  time  I  de- 
cide to  listen  to  all  ten  uplink  fre- 


quencies before  deciding  on  my 
transmit  frequency.  Feeling  some- 
what suicidal,  I  decide  to  disassem- 
ble my  Icom  271 A  and  install  a 
newly  purchased  ac  power  supply 
in  order  to  reduce  the  load  on  my 
35-Amp  dc  power  supply  More  as  a 
tribute  to  Icom  than  to  my  mechan- 
ical skills,  the  entire  job  is  accom- 
plished in  minutes  and  works  per- 
fectly 

The  pass  begins  with  AOS  sched- 
uled for  1630  UTC  tn  Los  Angeles  A 
quick  scan  of  the  uplink  frequen- 
cies shows  slightly  less  rf  on  1 45  0  4 
There  is  tess  malicious  interference 
than  ever  before  and  the  number  of 
policmen  is  also  reduced  Unfor- 
tunately, WSLFL  again  appears  to 
be  a  no-show  Comparing  notes 
with  local  amateurs  after  the  pass, 
no  one  heard  Owen  The  consensus 
is  that  the  confusion  is  being  re- 
duced, but  no  one  knows  what  to 
do  about  the  channel  cops 

Roy  Neal  calls  from  Houston  at 
9:45  am  and  plays  the  audio  tape  of 
the  W5LFLIY1  QSO  It  was  a  plea- 
sure to  listen  to  a  QRrVVfree  pa 
As  a  member  of  the  DX  Club  subse- 
quently states,  a  jammer  in  Jordan 
is  likely  to  get  more  than  his  coax 
cut  off! 

Sunday,  December  4,  6:00  pm 

Conference  call  with  7 J  and  the 
participating  amateurs.  We  share 
our  experiences,  frustrations,  and 
hopes.  Parts  of  the  country  have 
had  no  success,  while  others,  such 
as  the  northwest  and  south,  have 
done  very  well.  We  go  into  a  great 
deal  of  detail  on  antennas  and 
press  coverage  and  make  final  ar- 
rangements for  submission  of  our 
diaries. 

Sunday,  December  4r  8ffl  pm 

My  schedule  suggests  that  I'll 
miss  both  orbits  114  and  119  tomor- 
row KD6YC  agrees  to  try  to  contact 
WSLFL  1  check  rnto  the  local  AM- 
SAT  net  to  get  orbital  parameters 
and  we  jointly  go  over  azimuth  and 
elevation  settings  for  each  minute 
of  both  passes  to  make  certain  that 
jo  Ann  is  prepared 


Monday,  December  5,  7.W  am 

1  drive  off  for  my  first  meeting  of 
the  day  and  leave  the  station  (and 
Apple  l«  +  )toKD6YC 

Monday.  December  %  8:19  am 

I  [KD6YC)  finally  get  a  solo 
chance  at  Owen  on  orbrt  114 
KB6WT  goes  to  work  and  our  13- 
year-old  leaves  for  school  Hopmg 
the  doorbell  and  telephone  don't 
start  ringing  (I  turn  on  the  answer* 
ing  machine  so  I'll  have  some  con- 
trol over  the  situation),  1  turn  on  the 
gear  and  double-check  the  sched- 
ule. When  the  clock  ticks  to  the 
right  time,  I  jump  in  While  continu- 
ously repeating  my  callsign,  I  turn 
on  the  tape  recorder,  adjust  the  azi- 
muth and  elevation,  and  watch  the 
clock,  All  goes  well  The  only  sound 
1  hear  is  someone  saying,  "He  is 
talking  to  Houston  "It  would  have 
been  great  to  hear  Owen  1  plan  mv 
schedule  for  the  day  so  III  be  at  the 
radio  to  try  again  on  the  4.08  pm 
pass 

Monday,  December  5,  4:00  pm 

Unfortunately.  I  (KB6WT)  sneak 
out  of  the  office  early  to  be  home 
for  orbit  119  Once  again  W5LFL  is 
a  no-show,  I  heard  very  few  calls  to 
Owen  on  the  uplink,  intentional  in- 
terference probably  amounted  tn 
no  more  than  30  seconds  during  the 
entire  pass  Los  Angeles  seems  to 
be  getting  its  act  together,  [I  find 
myself  wondering  whether  Los  An- 
geles has  an  undeserved  reputation 
for  poor  operating  According  to 
the  1983  Cat f book,  we  account  for 
13%  of  all  the  amateurs  in  the 
country  and  a  quarter  of  them  live 
in  LA.  That's  about  equal  to  the 
amateur  population  of  such  states 
as  Massachusetts,  New  Jersev. 
Michigan,  or  Illinois!) 

Tuesday,  December  6,  8:00  am 

KD6YC  back  at  the  Apple  The 
OM  has  to  be  at  the  office  all  day, 
so  I  get  the  shack  all  to  myself  I 
both  orbits  130  and  135.  I  arrange 
for  someone  else  to  drive  the  car- 
pool  so  I  can  be  at  the  radio  at  fl  06 
to  try  to  reach  Owen.  It's  exciting 
when  I  hear  h\%  voice  acknowledg- 
ing sixes  "too  numerous  to  write 
down  "  He  is  torn  between  the  ham 
rig  and  the  window  — the  view  of 
California  is  fantastic,  he  says. 
Even  listening  to  Owen  Garriott 
call  CQ  from  the  spaceship  Colum- 
bia is  an  incredible  experience  Be- 
ing the  positive  thinker  that  I  am,  I 
hope  to  hear  my  callsign  acknowl- 
edged by  Owen— what  a  thrill  thai 
would  be 

Tuesday,  December  hr  3:55  pm 

My  son,  Don,  is  standing  by  to 
answer  the  telephone  and  the  door 
if  necessary  so  I  won't  be  interrupt- 
ed for  these  few  precious  minutes 
during  orbit  155  This  time  the  plan 
is  to  call  for  approximately  5 
seconds  on  each  uplink  frequen- 
Now  I  find  myself  controlling  azi- 
muth and  elevation,  the  tape  re- 
corder, 10  different  transmit  fre- 
quencies, and  checking  the  clock 
all  at  the  same  time  I  always  said  I 


liked  being  able  to  do  two  things  at 
once,  but  this  is  ridiculous*  When 
Owen  comes  back  after  the  second 
or  third  transmission,  I'm  pretty 
sure  I  hear  Kilo  Delta  Six  Yankee 
something  Did  he  sav  'Yankee 
Gulf"?  Has  he  heard  me?  I  glance 
at  the  tape  recorder  and  realize 
that  in  all  the  confusion  I  had  for- 
gotton  to  turn  ft  on  Now  1  have  no 
way  to  double-check  to  be  sure.  I'm 
so  frustrated!  I  could  scream!  I 
hope  they  hurry  up  with  that  offi- 
cial list  of  callsigns  heard— the  sus- 
pense is  killing  me 

Tuesday.  December  6,  8:QQ  pm 

KB6WT  back  at  the  drary  I 
check  »nto  the  AMSAT  net  and  ob- 
tain data  for  orbits  146  and  151, 
which  are  the  only  two  likely  passes 
over  the  west  coast  on  Wednesday 
If  Owen  is  operating,  the  chances 
of  getting  through  are  likely  the 
best  yet  since  information  on  these 
orbits  has  not  been  given  wide- 
spread publicity  C" becking  into  the 
DX  Club  repeater.  I  find  out  that 
one  local  confirmed  WStFL  using 
160  Watts  and  a  pair  of  KLM  CP 
beams  That's  only  6  dB  more  gain 
than  I  have  available  with  75  Watts 
and  a  single  beam  Playrng  back 
the  tape  of  today's  two  passes,  it 
appears  that  there  was  no  inten- 
tional interference  on  orbit  130  and 
less  than  30  seconds  of  such  in- 
terference on  afternoon  orbit  135. 
Also,  the  callers  on  the  downlink 
and  channel  cops  were  less  nu- 
merous 

Wednesday.  December  7,  7 S3  am 

Owen  shows  up  about  two  min- 
utes later  than  predicted  by  the 
AMSAT  net  and  is  60  dB  over  9 
while  he  announces  he  is  over  San 
Francisco  He  acknowledges  nu- 
merous srxes  and  fades  out  abrupt- 
ly about  two  minutes  in  advance  of 
expected  I  OS  The  rapid  fade  is 
confirmed  by  several  other  ama- 
teurs in  I  os  Angeles, 

Wednesday,  December  7,  3:41  pm 
KD6YG  back  at  the  Apple  Well. 
here  I  am  again,  one  more  time. 
one  final  try  to  communicate  with 
a  fellow  ham  in  space   I've  gotten 
the  system  down  pretty  good    I'm 
very  busy,  but  1  sense  after  my  first 
or  second  transmission  that  he  isn't 
there  and  he  isn't  going  to  be  there. 
You  just  know  he's  gone    J  got  a 
true  feeling  of  how  vast  space  real- 
ly is    Well,  Owen,   it's  been  fun 
We'll  have  to  do  it  again  sometime 
See  you  in  the  newspapers 

Wednesday,  December  7,  6:30  pm 

With  both  the  flight  of  STS-9  and 
this  diary  drawing  to  a  close  some 
final  thoughts  seem  to  be  in  order. 
The  entire  experience  has  been 
perhaps  the  high  point  of  more 
than  two  decades  of  involvement 
in  amateur  radio  If  I  had  to  sum- 
marize it  in  two  words,  they  would 
be  "fun"  and  "fatigue" 

In  retrospect  the  interference 
was  much  less  than  I  expected  and 
decreased  dramatically  with  each 
pass 


Replaying  the  tapes  of  Owen's 
passes  reveals  that  intentional  in- 
terference accounted  for  less  than 
10%  of  the  total  interference  I  en- 
countered Calling  Owen  on  the 
downlink  accounted  for  another 
30%  or  so  More  than  half  the  in- 
terference was  the  result  of  chan- 
nel cops.  Instead  of  a  short  trans- 
mission advising  the  offender  that 
he  was  on  the  downlink,  many  po- 
licemen found  it  necessary  to  be 
both  abusive  and  long-winded 

Attempting  to  work  the  shuttle 
as  it  approaches  both  AOS  and 
LOS  points  is  actually  nothing 
more  than  a  form  of  VHF  weak-sig- 
nal work  When  attempting  to  pull 
a  signal  out  of  the  noise  level  a 
competing  VHF  signal  many  miles 
away  renders  the  attempt  impos- 
sible. If  I  could  offer  a  single  piece 
of  advice  based  on  this  experience, 
it  wouJd  be  to  stay  off  of  the  down- 
link for  at  least  10  minutes  before 
and  after  AOS  and  LOS  at  any  par- 
ticular QTH  The  mere  fact  that  we 
have  lost  the  shuttle  in  Los  Angeles 
does  not  mean  that  we  can  start 
rag-chewing  on  the  downlink  We 
will  probably  be  interfering  with 
another  station  some  distance 
away  at  a  better  location  or  with 
better  antennas 

1  sure  hope  the  ARRL  releases  a 
compfete  list  of  calls  tape-recorded 
by  Owen  in  the  near  future  Th<' 
suspense  is  killing  me! 

Ion  Galto  KB&WT  n  41  and  a  partner  m  a  targe 
Lot  Angeles  taw  twm  where  he  specialties  tn 
est  J  re  ptannmg  and  probate  administration  in 
Ann  Cairo  £06 YC  n  18  and  considering  re~en 
tettng  the  job  market  now  thai  the  children  are 
teen  alters  They  have  been  married  19  years 
and  have  a  son  aged  71  and  a  daughter  aged 
16  Both  hold  Advanccd-daw  license*,  ion 
hat  been  licensed  for  2t  yean  and  Jo  A  nn  for  2 
yean, 

}u  Anns  bobbies  include  photography  and 
needlepoint  font  include  photography,  tab* 
net-making,  and  target^shooting. 

ton  has  been  involved  m  amateut ■tadto-te- 
fared  legal  problems  on  a  voluntary  bain  iot 
several  mam  and  «  currently  the  president  ot  a 
faff*  UHF-onented  radio  dub  m  Los  Angeles 

For  the  low  hand*  the  shack  consist  ot  a 
Signal  One  TOJO  transceiver,  j.W.  Mttter  auto- 
matic antenna  tuner,  and  Henry  2K-4  ampli. 
tier.  Antennas  include  iwo  elements  on  40 
meter s  at  95  feet .  a  KIM  K  T34XA  rr  (bander  at 
00  teett  and  a  coaxial  dipofe  for  75-80  meters 
VHF  interests  extend  from  144  UHi  to  450 
MHz 

For  theST*h9  mutton,  the  gear  confuted  of 
an  Icom  271 A  muith/node  transceiver,  a  ctrcu- 
iarh  polarized  I4*iement  beam  with  azimuth 
and  elevation  controls  at  JO  feet  and  an  A(A 
tiopole  at  TQS  feet  The  CP  beam  consistent 
outperformed  the  tsopole  for  reception  A  M*. 
*age  BIOS  amplifier  with  butft-*n  preamplifier 
was  used  on  aJI  passes 


KZ7T 


said  on  the  air  just  now  (7  00  am,  Ju- 
ly 21, 1983)  that  he  had  heard  there 
was  going  to  be  a  ham  aboard  the 
space  shuttle  Columbia  and  asked 
if  anybody  knew  about  it.  I  was  re- 
luctant to  talk  to  him,  but  my  wife, 
Lorna  Campbell  KA7RFD,  called 
him  and  handed  me  the  telephone. 
One  of  the  reasons  that  I  went 
ahead  was  that  I  had  just  returned 
from  a  ham  fair  in  Spokane,  Wash- 
ington, where  Roy  Neal  from  NBC 
was  the  speaker,  so  I  did  have  some 
knowledge  about  the  operation  of 
the  ham- radio  person  on  the  shut- 
tle During  our  conversation  he 
asked  if  I  would  be  wilting  to  come 
to  the  KEX  station,  hook  up  my 
gear,  and  try  to  contact  Owen  Car- 
riott  live  I  agreed  to  do  so 

August  12:  Realizing  that  I  would 
need  help  technically  and  other- 
wise, I  contacted  Stan  Griffiths 
W7NI,  owner  of  Antronics  of 
Oregon,  Stan  agreed  to  be  the  sec- 
ond member  of  the  team  I  talked 
to  Stan  about  people  who  could 
help  us  technically  with  the  anten- 
nas and  other  related  gear  He  sug- 
gested Lynn  Hurd  WB7UNU,  so  I 
contacted  him  He  agreed  to  help 
out,  and  all  three  of  us  decided  we 
would  set  up  our  gear  at  KEX  Radio 
We  did  a  lot  of  reading  and  re- 
search, looking  up  all  the  informa- 
tion we  could  find  on  the  best  type 
of  antenna,  and  finally  agreed 
upon    the    turnstile-type    antenna 


which  produces  a  circularly-polar- 
ized signal 

August  22  KEX  said  they  had  an 
engineer  who  was  a  ham,  Michael 
Brown  N7AXC  and  Mike  became 
the  fourth  member  of  the  team  He 
was  a  great  asset  to  us  as  not  only 
could  we  now  readily  obtain  access 
to  the  KEX  roof  and  studios,  but  he 
knew  the  correct  media  personnel 
to  contact 

August  25  Telephoned  Peter 
O'Dell  of  the  ARRL  to  request  press 
releases  and  U-Matic  tape 

August  27:  Lynn  WB7UNU  and  I 
built  the  first  antenna.  We  used  1 
X  2s,  chicken  wire,  2  x  2s,  and 
18  brass  brazing  rod,  using  RG-58 
and  RC-59  coax  and  using  the  prop- 
er heights  from  the  ground  plane. 
We  referred  to  the  ARRL  Antenna 
Book.  We  had  a  very  difficult  time 
as  we  couldn't  get  it  tuned  to  where 
we  wanted  it  The  swr  was  running 
at  Vfl-1.9  and  it  didn't  seem  to 
make  any  difference  how  much  we 
changed  the  1/8  rod  We  decided  to 
enlarge  the  size  by  using  1/4"  cop- 
per tubing  over  it  so  we  could  slide 
it  in  and  out  We  got  some  of  the 
swr  readings  down  as  low  as  1 .2-1  3 
and  it  was  a  lot  better  We  tuned 
the  first  antenna 

September  3:  I  built  the  other 
four  antennas  but  did  not  final  tune 
them. 

October  3:  We  realized  we 
would  need  some  press  releases  to 
come  from  KEX  and  would  need 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     45 


someone  to  help  us  write  them.  K 
Lea  T  Ball  AL7W  agreed  to  be  oar 
press-release  person  and  the  fifth 
member  of  our  team  We  met  to- 
gether on  two  occasions  to  draft 
and  finalize  the  press  release,  but 
on  October  24,  just  before  we  sent 
it  out,  we  heard  that  the  shuttle 
flight  for  October  28  was  cancelled 
and  everything  was  put  on  hold. 

November  75:  Received  audio 
tape  from  the  ARRL  and  updated 
press  kits  Realizing  that  alt  of  a 
sudden  it  was  upon  us  again,  1  con- 
tacted Mike  N7AXC  and  we  put  the 
whole  operation  back  into  motion 

November  21:  I  began  to  gather 
up  all  of  the  equipment  necessary 
to  make  this  work  The  equipment 
consisted  of  two  7850  Kenwoods, 
one  7950  Kenwood,  one  I  com 
IC-211,  and  one  Yaesu  FT-726R.  The 
power  supplies  were  one  KPS  12 
Kenwood,  two  Astron  RS  35As,  and 
one  Astron  RS  20A,  We  had  the  two 
Kenwood  7850s  running  at  40  W 
each,  the  Kenwood  7950  had  a  160- 
W  Mirage  B3016  amplifier  on  it,  the 
Icom  IC-211  had  a  160-W  Mirage 
B3016  amplifier,  and  the  Yaesu  FT- 
726R  also  had  a  Mirage  B3016 
160W  amplifier  We  were  running 
three  stations  at  160  W  each  and 
two  stations  at  40-45  W,  whichever 
the  7850  Kenwoods  put  out.  We 
used  the  Yaesu  for  the  primary  re 
cerver  and  also  for  recording  and 
the  Kenwood  7950  as  a  backup 
recorder. 

From  this  point  on,  there  were  a 
lot  of  meetings  discussing  how  we 
would  approach  the  transmission. 
We  decided  that  on  the  first  odd 
minute  we  would  use  the  first  five 
uplink  frequencies,  the  second  odd 
minute  the  second  five  uplink  fre- 
quencies, and  if  time  permitted,  we 
would  revert  to  the  original  five 
uplink  frequencies,  and  so  on  We 
hoped  this  way  we  might  make 
contact  We  originally  thought 
about  all  five  people  using  all  five 
callsigns.  but  decided  agamst  that 
primarily  because  if  W51FI  heard 
one  call,  we  thought  probably  he 
would  then  switch  channels  We 
decided  each  would  use  his  own 
call 

We  sent  press  releases  to  A P  and 
UPlr  all  TV  stations,  and  the  local 
newspaper  (We  did  not  send  to  the 
local  radio  stations  as  we  were  op- 
erating from  a  radio  station.)  We 
had  some  response,  and  TV  sta- 
tions did  ask  for  a  press  conference 
which  we  set  up  for  November  25. 

November  24:  We  set  up  all  our 
gear  in  KEX's  lobby  The  antennas 
were  placed  18'  apart  on  the  roof 
and  were  tuned.  We  marked  every- 
thing with  a  number.  Each  coax, 
antenna,  and  rig  was  marked  with 
the  same  number  so  that  when  we 
re-installed  the  equipment  we 
didn't  have  to  worry  about  the  swr 
[This  was  necessary  as  we  were  un- 
able to  leave  our  gear— apart  from 
the  antennas  on  the  roof  — at  the 
KEX  station.)  We  used  RCH  coax 
cable  for  the  feed  and  had  trouble 

46     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


Shirley  Hancock  of  KOIN-TV  interviews  Randy  KZ7T. 


getting  the  longest  piece,  94', 
below  an  swr  of  1.8  no  matter  what 
we  did,  so  we  decided  we  had  to 
live  with  it  The  shorter  pieces 
came  down  to  a  12  level.  On  the 
25th,  we  put  all  the  equipment 
back  up  and  at  10  am  PST  we  had 
our  first  TV  news  conference  with 
KATU  (ABC)  and  KPTV  (indepen- 
dent), At  this  time,  KOIN-TV  called 
and  said  the v  had  not  gotten  the  in- 
formation  regarding  the  press  con- 
ference and  asked  if  we  could  hold 
another  on  November  27  We  fin- 
ished the  press  conference  and  tore 
all  the  equipment  down  again.  {Up 
it  went  again  on  the  27th  for  the 
CBS  KOIN-TV  conference.) 

November  26.  We  put  up  the 
dish  at  Antronics  of  Oregon  so  that 
we  could  monitor  NASA  we  began 
monitoring  the  next  day  From  that 
point  on,  Pat  Griffiths,  wife  of  Stan 
W7NI,  monitored  it  almost  contin- 
ually for  us  for  any  updates  or 
changes.  Later  she  also  monitored 
W5RRR  and  we  kept  in  constant 
telephone  communication  with  her 

November  28,  We  had  another 
meetmg  to  figure  out  a  better  v\ 
to  make  contact  with  Owen,  but  we 
again  agreed  that  the  idea  of  single 
calls  per  person  and  on  groups  of 
five  channels  at  a  time,  one  chan- 
nel per  station,  transmitting  on  the 
odd  minute,  was  still  the  best  way 
to  operate,  We  also  agreed  to  make 
only  three  attempts  from  KEX  — or- 
bits 39D  and  40D  on  Wednesday, 
November  30,  orbit  71 D  on  Friday, 
December  2,  and  orbit  119D  on 
Monday,  December  5 

November  SO:  Our  first  contact 
The  first  time  we  heard  W5LFL  we 
heard  him  acknowledge  Lance  Col- 
lister  WA1  |'XN  in  Frenchtown,  Mon- 
tana, at  6  34  pm  PST,  orbit  40D  We 
had  at  KEX  Radio  all  four  local  TV 
stations,  KATU  (ABC),  KOIN-TV 
(CBS),  KCW  (NBC),  and  KPTV  [in- 
dependent), The  Oregon ian  (news- 
paper) was  there  and  also  a  reporter 
from  KLCC  who  drove  up  from  Eu- 
gene, Oregon  We  were  told  we 
were  on  national  television  on 
NBC.  Walt  Morey  WA7SDY,  a  good 
friend,  videotaped  all  the  events, 
including  the  coverage  by  the  news 


media  Sherill  Smith  KA7KNG  was 
of  great  help  assembling  and  disas- 
sembling the  gear  on  all  three  occa- 
sions. 

December  J  5taved  home  that 
night  and  heard  Owen  at  6:22  pm 
PST 

December  2:  Mike  N7AXC  was 
unable  to  be  present  due  to  a  prior 
commitment  with  jury  duty,  so 
Sherill  KA7KNG  became  the  fifth 
operator.  Made  our  second  contact 
from  KEX  at 4:40  pm  PST.  We  think 
W5LFL  may  have  heard  W7NI  who, 
on  the  last  mmute  of  our  transmiv 
sionP  decided  to  change  his  method 
and  switch  from  channel  1  to  chan- 
nel 2  after  giving  his  call  a  few 
times.  Owen  said  he  had  heard  W7 
with  two  other  letters,  switching 
from  channel  to  channel,  and 
would  verify  when  he  got  back  to 
NASA. 

December  5;  I  had  a  live  inter- 
view on  KXL-AM  radio  in  Portland 
at  2;15  pm  which  lasted  about  10 
minutes.  We  set  up  our  gear  for  our 
third  and  final  attempt  for  KEX, 
The  pass  was  1 190,  It  was  slated  to 
start  here  at  4:07  pm  PST.  We  start- 
ed on  the  uplink  on  the  same  fre- 
quencies we  had  previously  used 
We  tried  at  4:07,  heard  nothing  at 
4:08,  transmitted  again  at  4:09. 
again  heard  nothing,  so  we  tried 
something  brand  new.  We  had  two 
Morsematics,  one  an  MMl,  and  we 
programmed  aft  six  operators'  calls 
into  memory,  We  included  the  call 
of  Sherill  KA7KNG  as  he  had  been 
our  fifth  operator  on  Friday  night 
and  was  present  again  tonight.  On 
the  odd  minute  of  413  pm,  we 
transmitted  all  calls— Morse  code 
at  25  wpm.  We  did  it  twice.  Six  calls 
at  25  wpm  took  17  seconds,  then 
we  went  back  to  voice  and  we  lis- 
tened for  the  even  minute.  At  4:15, 
we  did  it  again  with  CW,  listened 
for  the  next  minuter  and  then  went 
back  to  straight  voice.  We  figured 
if  anything  could  have  got  through 
the  QRM,  it  would  have  been 
Morse  code.  If  anyone  else  had 
known  about  itt  it  wouldn't  have 
worked  at  all,  so  we  kept  very  quiet 
about  our  plan  This  was  our  kicker 
Unfortunately,  we  don't  even  know 


if  Owen  had  his  rig  on.  We  were 
hoping  that  he  would  respond  that 
he  had  heard  Morse  code  We 
could  have  tried  this  Friday  night 
but  then  we  felt  Monday  would 
have  been  a  disaster  as  everyone 
would  have  been  trying.  But  it  was 
a  good  trick  and  we  used  it  as  our  fi- 
nal, desperate  attempt.  We  had  no 
contact  with  W5LFL.  but  we  did 
have  with  us  two  television  stations 
(KATU  and  KGW).  We  had  excel- 
lent coverage  from  the  news  media 
throughout  We  pulled  up  and  sep- 
arated our  gear,  each  taking  home 
an  antenna  and  a  large  prece  of 
coax  as  well  as  our  own  gear 

Special  acknowledgements  Pa- 
tricia Griffiths  for  her  behind-the- 
scenes  work;  my  wife,  Lorna  Camp- 
bell spent  endless  hours  helping  me 
out  writing  this  report,  taking  tele- 
phone messages,  driving  around 
town  getting  things  done;  Sherill 
Smith,  who  did  all  the  still  photogra- 
phy and  masses  of  the  tegwork.  and, 
of  course,  KEX  Radio  in  Portland 
Wrthout  them,  we  wouldn't  have 
had  this  coverage,  and  the  KEX  staff 
worked  with  us  in  a  magnificent 
fashion 


W7NI  Comments 

I  have  been  asked  for  an  opinion 
as  to  the  overall  result  we  had  here 
and  what  we  might  have  done  bet- 
ter  We  did  our  part  fairly  well  Asa 
matter  of  fact.  I  can't  think  of  any- 
thing I  would  do  differently  with 
the  exception  of  possibly  running 
much  higher  power  since,  as  far  as 
I  know,  the  only  people  who  got 
through  were  running  considerably 
higher  power  to  considerably  bet- 
ter antennas  which  had  the  ability 
to  track  the  shuttle  automatically. 
That  seems  the  way  to  get  through. 

As  it  is  in  virtually  any  other 
highly  competitive  activity,  and 
this  appears  to  be  no  exception,  in- 
deed, good  sportsmanship  doesn't 
reign  Wish  it  did'  Sorry,  but  I  don't 
think  it  does 

It  probably  would  have  been  bet- 
ter if  they  had  put  the  thing  on  a  dif- 
ferent frequency  like  220  Mega- 
hertz instead  of  2  meters  and  a  dif- 
ferent moder  CW  say,  instead  ot 
FMr  something  where  there  is  some 
operator  skifl  involved.  A  means,  in 
a  way,  of  weeding  out  some  of  the 
interference  and  some  of  the  QRM. 
I  really  don't  know  what's  going  to 
happen  next  time  they  put  one  up 
If  they  don't  go  to  an  odd  frequen- 
cy, if  they  remain  on  2  meters.  I 
think  you'll  see  lyou  think  it  was 
chaotic  this  time!)  a  great  deal 
more  chaos  next  time  because 
there  will  be  a  great  deal  more 
power  on,  We've  sort  of  proven  this 
time  that  high  power  gets  through. 
It  appears  the  moon  bouncers  were 
making  it  and  therell  probably  be  a 
huge  upsurge  in  powerful  amplifi- 
ers in  the  next  one  I  think  what  we 
need  is  a  lOOdB  attenuator  on  the 
receiver 


Try  an 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    47 


mm 


AL7W  Comments 

My  feeling  on  this  whole  ex- 
perience with  ST  S3  is  that  those 
who  made  the  decision  to  use  fre- 
quency-modulated voice  need  to 
rethink  the  process  In  a  crowded 
band  condition,  which  is  all  that 
could  realistically  be  expected,  all 
that  discriminator  in  Owen's  re- 
ceiver is  going  to  hear  is  a  lot  of 
noise  with  the  exception  of  people 
who  used  their  EME  rigs  and  anten- 
nas. I  am  really  disappointed  in 
that  decision.  It  would  have  meant 
a  great  deal  more  expense  for  my- 
self to  work  him,  but  it  would  also 
have  increased  my  chances  to  work 
him  if  we  had  used  single  sideband, 
or  whatever  CW,  of  course,  would 
have  been  the  ideal  mode  since 
that  is  not  only  Owen  s  pet  mode, 
but  mine  also  I  rind  the  idea  of 
working  him  was  great  I  just  ques- 
tion the  wisdom  of  using  FM  and  I 
also  question,  to  a  certain  extent 
the  wisdom  of  using  the  2-meter 
band 

WB7UNU  Comments 

I  think  that  the  experiment  was  a 
good  one,  but  I  hope  in  the  future 
they  use  a  frequency  other  than  the 
most  populated  ham  band  so  as  to 
further  the  hobby  by  the  expansion 
of  user  use  on  to  the  less  used 
bands  such  as  220  or  450  People 
who  use  these  frequencies  are 
more  serious  about  long  distance 
We  also  need  better  prior  com- 
munication. It  seemed  anyone  who 
had  a  radio  added  to  the  havoc, 
especially  those  people  who  knew 
nothing  about  it  until  the  last 
minute  and  therefore  transmitted 
on  a  downlink  and  on  the  even 
minute.  All  they  knew  was  that 
there  was  a  pass  going  over,  and 
they  pulled  every  dusty  Tadio  out  of 
the  closet  and  turned  it  on. 

It  would  have  been  nice  also  to 
know  those  who  had  previously 
been  contacted  so  as  to  remove 
them  from  the  list  of  those  attempt- 
ing to  contact  the  shuttle,  such  as 
the  kilowatt  moonbouncer  station 
which  was,  at  least  in  our  opinion, 
desensitizing  the  receiver  to  the 
point  that  low-power  operators 
were  completely  removed  from  the 
input  of  the  radio  Hopefully,  there 
will  be  some  design  changes  on  the 
next  radio,  whenever  that  may  be, 
so  that  he  can  switch  on  attenua- 
tion to  reduce  that  kind  of  effect 

I  would  like  to  see  some  way  in- 
formation couid  be  exchanged  be- 
tween the  voice  link,  between  the 
shuttle  and  NASA,  such  as  we  see 
on  SATCQM  1 R  which  we  are  now 
allowed  to  watch  and  even  re- 
broadcast,  If  there  were  some  sort 
of  key  or  indication  that  he  was  in- 
to that  part  of  the  activity,  then  we 
would  have  a  little  better  mdi ca- 
tion what  was  going  on 

Again  better  communications.  I 
called  Westlink  at  10  pm  PST  on 
Monday,  December  5,  and  listened 
to  a  recording  that  gave  the  orbits 
for  Friday,   Saturday,  and  Sunday 

48     73  Magazine  ■  March,  1984 


Antennas  on  the  KE>. 


which  had  aJI  passed.  The  indica- 
tion on  the  tape  was  that  it  would 
be  changed  on  Monday  afternoon, 
but  apparently  that  never  oc- 
curred 

KZ7T  Comments 

The  hams  got  better  and  better 
as  time  went  by  I  did  one  thing  on 
December  5,  five  minutes  before 
Owen  was  even  thinking  about 
coming  over  Portland  during  orbit 
119  I  got  on  5  550  on  ihe  odd 
minute  and  talked  to  all  hams  with 
160-W  power,  reminding  everyone 
to  "check  your  clock,  check  your 
time,  make  sure  you  transmit  on 
the  odd  minute,  try  not  to  transmit 


on  the  even  minute,  and  re  mem  bo  r 
politeness'  1  also  said  that  two 
television  stations  were  standing 
behind  me  with  their  mikes  stuck 
into  my  speakers,  so  let's  be  a  little 
careful  what  happens  That  night 
was  super,  nothing  but  pohtenr- 
so  we  are  learning  how  to  handle 
this  thing 

There  *s  a  lot  of  comment  about 
forms  other  than  VHF  There  s  talk 
about  smgle  sideband.  220,  440, 
HF,  and  every  time  you  bring  up 
one  of  these,  it's  fine  if  you  have 
the  gear,  but  a  lot  of  people  can't 
afford  single  sideband  or  220  or 
440.  so  I  don't  think  that's  the 
answer 


The  CtiEGO*KAM.  SATU 


5  hams  bone  up  for  space 

Radb  operators  target  astronaut 


Kl<pi|  their  futgcrs  craned  witt  he  a  ktf  ***** 
ts  the  ctraie£>  t,t  Uvt  Ponkact  irr*  analeur  radjo 
eptTtUfi  who  hope  »  chei  with  as  ttfrauud  ib  bws 
WrttanAiy  evening 

Ratujv  A.  Sijtt-ijri.  H  UW  T  Ball.  UtcfltFJ  D„ 
BroWn,  Stahtey  A.  Griffith*  and  Lynn  C  Hura,  he*ises 
relying  on  the  gwri-lut*  ptoy.  fcJK  will  br  ming  Its* 
LiLrii  ?quipmtnl  in  ■  large,  jointly  uprriling  taut 
ctiiiQP  Their  ujn  is  tc  rommunicite  wllh  the  ipat* 
shuttle  CaJiimbii.  scheduled  for  launch  Mondiy, 

Aiininjiut  Owco  Gamott,  i  him  mriln  butt,  will  he 
uiinl  ■  hand -held  walkie-talkie  te  m\k  to  Earth  during 
nil  off  duty  hours.  He  will  nr  itsr  firrt  utrooaut 
lUpwed  to  puraur  his  radta  hobby  from  «p«£*  ihraunh 
boe-NASA  channels. 

Gam*;,  i  muiiM  *pea*Lti.  will  he  walking  Ih- 
ndt  SpteHib.  which  ih*  Colmnbn  will  he  caminj  if 
in.  its  cargo  hay. 

Slimaoc  or  9*90  5  W  tfiffew»4  St .  Bali  at  1*45 
S  E  Cure  St  Browt  of  J?« S W  Co&tS  %t  Griffith* 
<rf  AJcfci,  aad  Hiird  of  4m0  S  w  193th  Cmn  havfttf 
,f  *  gTTMp  unatrtf  radki  apejirjem  it  the  JCEX 
ta  PwrLtai  The  idea  was  hatched  hy  eUOo 
taattf  hmmy  Holimer  ddfiag  em*  of  tut 
iftowt  law  he  anaefcaai  an  a^nl  uMt  apmun  ta 
the  area. 

Irewo  it  i  KIX  eftpteef  wtih  an  ova  aaaeaesr 
raaho  eurjoc  The  aches*  ate  haw  bias  eum«i 

Juak  we  have  at  kaal  aaaf  daaaw  hi  23  erf  being 
heart  h)  Girnoa,"  Brow*  iaad  "We're  hopaj  w* 
hive  aupemr  «juip*nrfli  w  aoaaa  of  the  other  iraa 
latin-  who  wHl  Dry  the  same  Uwnfc 

Sumaofi  efiimaied  that  [here  art  *JQ0&  to  5<W 
bafli  wtlhiti  a  300-nuLe  radiuj  of  Portland,  7,00G  i& 
IM0  kit  fhi  Seanie  area  awl  2.000  id  3.1TC0  In  the 


SF>okaietr«4  Aj  •  rtawlt  ttw  aif  wrat*  Ukcly  anil  It 
bwy  with  alia  10  th*  aairdaulul,  Stimaoai  *o& 

The  heat  nir«  id  talk  to  Gemot  from  the  Norlh- 
<*'«i  will  he  when  he  u  cloaest  Id  werhtad.  Frovjdad 
the  Cdlumhta  li  Uuarhrd  on  acbtduk,  ii  iiuwid  br 
near-  il' hough  179  mile*  up.  heiween  Stad&Mpjn 
Wedneaday,  Fr-ona  i  A0  to  4: 55  p.m.  Dec  1,  from  «:0» 
to  l:20  p.m  Dec  5  end  from  3  45  to  4:0?  pun  Dec  i. 

Anyone  wllh  i  progrimmahle  ridlosuniterihuuld 
be  «hJr  Li  *  ph'k  up  Itte  hrnadcuts  from  ipacii  Girrlon 
It  expected  to  he  irirunaiuing  it  14&56  megBherU 
ustn|call  ktwf*  W3LR 

Peno!n  who  do  r«r»v/  him  and  can  vi*nfy  n  can 
obtain  a  card  with  ill  call  ktttsl  by  wni lug  the 
Amen  ran  ftadio  Hela>  Lanfuo STS-9,  225  Him  S?  . 
Ne*nigion,  Gboji „  Oil  1 1 

Stnmon  mnialad  ihat  in  matug  foe  ta*  card. 
fhc  appUtaOoe.  afasitli  itaie  the  nms,  frtqacK?  add  • 
isrief  out  hue  of  what  ih*  taroiuur  vWL 

Perunt  ieatti  df  the  ^te*i  ntmrnvhou  ae  i  he  f  re- 
qveacy  ow  which  Garrioi  anil  hraaakaji  can  call 

1-4M.SC  AKW» 

Once  tpa«L  penoau  aniatfld  the  worid  can  aae  law 
aft  lafr«  w  ii* 


a  me  Usned  Suiej  cbi  uuhae  Dfcii-A* 
5a»i^£iy4t«Uf*o^4iM2T2tcs«*ril» 
fur  irbeft  ihey  art  i*  uncfe  with 
When  law  ihatUe  i*  mil  of  racfe.  NactaaaJ  Spice 
InatitMr  penaMDei  will  updale  caitcn  on  the  auiua  df 
taw  flight,  the  aen  t ipectud  tommuftitaimr.  time,  end 
eductlioail  ftalura  about  the  trip 

CaJlen  fton  ihe  United  Siam  will  he  t hirged  Vi 
real*  for  thr  fitat  mlnuie  iad  35  eenls  per  additional 
minute. 


Dick  Powers  WB7ADM,  in  Port- 
land.  bad  probably  one  of  the  best 
answers  A  tottery  system  where  all 
the  hams  could  send  in  their  calls  if 
they  would  like  to  contact  the  next 
ham  in  space  and,  if  nothing  else, 
arbitrarily,  or  by  computer,  pull  out 
so  many  calls  for  an  area  and  they 
would  be  called  from  the  space 
shuttle  down  to  Earth.  If  they  were 
listening,  they  could  acknowledge. 
I  m  positive  we  would  get  many 
more  contacts  If  a  ham  tried  to 
jam  on  the  uplink,  he  would  be  no- 
tified he  was  not  being  accepted, 
because  it  was  not  working  Those 
who  acknowledged  their  callsign 
would  get  a  QSL  card 

I  cannot  believe  VV5LFL  just  had 
batteries  and  wasn't  plugged  into  a 
power  supply  with   limitless  pow 
er— that's   hard  for  me  to  under- 
stand. 

I  don  t  feel  any  magazine,  71, 
Q$Tt  or  any  magazine,  had  enough 
articles  prior  to  the  event  to  help 
the  hams  figure  out  what  was  going 
on.  I  would  have  liked  to  know  a  lot 
more  about  the  gear  Owen  was  us- 
ing. Coutd  he  hear  on  55?  How  long 
can  it  last?  What  kind  of  reception 
was  he  getting  We  don't  fee!  he 
was  getting  good  reception  or  that 
his  receiver  was  that  good,  but  we 
don't  know  Could  the  magazines 
send  newsletters  out?  if  ]  belonged 
to  the  ARRJ ..  I  should  receive  a 
newsletter  from  them  If  I  sub- 
scribed to  7X  I  should  have  gotten 
a  newsletter  from  them  Hams  in 
the  area  were  asking  us  questions 
we  knew  nothing  about  and  1  prob- 
ably had  as  much  information  as 
anyone  in  the  area  as  I  called  the 
ARRL  and  goi  fhe  press  releases 
and  the  U-matic  tapes,  and  1  also 
heard  Roy  NeaJ  speak  in  Spokane. 

It  seemed  to  be  a  fee  hie  attempt. 
A  lot  of  guys  spent  thousands  of 
hours,  not  to  mention  money,  tor  a 
Feeble  attempt  and  I  don't  think 
that's  right  I  feel  that  2  meters  is 
probably  as  good  a  mode  as  am 
Some  people  think  CW  is  the  an- 
swer, probably  because  tbev  are 
good  at  CW  hut  there  are  many 
hams  who  don't  use  CW  I  think  this 
mode  was  a  good  one 

When  the  news  media  first  ap- 
proached us  and  we  had  the  first  in- 
terviews, we  stressed  that  our  only 
goals  were  to  hear  Owen  Garriotl 
and  to  further  the  cause  of  ham 
radio,  We  told  them  this  was  the 
first  time  a  civilian  ham  had  been 
able  to  listen  outside  of  NASA  We 
told  them  ham  radio  was  fun,  we 
like  to  see  how  far  we  can  talk  and 
get  a  QSL  card  back  We  tried  dur- 
ing every  interview  to  make  it  seem 
like  fun  We  had  positive  feedback 
from  everyone  because  we  did  bear 
Owen  C.arriott  and  we  did  fulfill 
Our  commitment 

Randy  Stffmon  P  iged  5T    ji  married  ro 

torna  Campbeti  He  h*i  thrvc  cbtldren  from  M 
pr&viom    miiff^pp,     all    married,     with 
gtandekiidten  among  them  Born  jh  Searrlr  He 
has  ipenf  practically  all  h'n  hie  m  the  tin  ki 


dustry  where  he  itarted  durtnx  htgh  school 
bustmf  tires  tor  a  fire  shop.  He  spent  20  >  ears 
se//;njf  «jt/;pmenf  but  msw  also  does  iervtcv 
troubleshooting,  and  PR  *otk  HH  territory 
co\*n  eastern  Oregon.  Washington,  Idaho, 
and  western  Montana.  He  has  been  a  ham  tot 
three  years  and  prefers  the  communtty*i*r*tce 
side  to  the  DXmg  During  the  past  year  he  was 
part  of  the  communications  group  tor  the 
Kidney  Association  at  Oregon  Keg  Roil  the 
Portland  Rose  Festival,  two  Sport  \  Car 
Association  of  America  Rallies,  and  several 
Bike-A-Thom  He  belongs  to  the  ARRL  the 
Oregon  Tualatin  Valley  Amateur  Radio  Club, 
the  Portland  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Intend 
Empire  VHP  Radio  Amateun,  the  American 
Radio  Relay  Croup,  the  fW  Repeater  Croup, 
the  1O10  Club,  and  ARES  Hh  wife,  Lorna  b 
very  active  m  a  non-academic  sorority  group 
vthith  encourages  friendship  among  women 
and  ietvrce  to  those  less  fortunate'  than  them- 
selves They  ttke  to  travel  and  try  to  visit 
Lorna*  homeland  'England}  about  every  three 
yean,  usually  combining  the  trip  wtth  one  to 
another  European  toumty 


N7AXC 


Michael  D  Brown  N7AXC 
3/40  SW  Comu<i  St 
Portland  OR  97219 

The  morning  DJ  at  KEX  Radio, 
Portland,  Oregon  (where  I  am 
employed  as  an  engineer),  men- 
tioned on  July  21st  Owen  Garriott's 
planned  attempts  at  hanvradio 
contacts  with  Earth-bound  hams  on 
the  next  shuttle  flight  Through  the 
D|  (Jim  Hollister}  and  News  Direc- 
tor Jim  Howe,  I  was  forwarded  a 
few  inquiries  from  focal  hams  I 
first  made  land-line  contact  with 
Ronald  W  Magnus  WA7CFE,  Port^ 
land,  and  Ron  and  I  were  in  contact 
several  times  by  phone  and  at  least 
once  In  person. 

It  was  Hoi  lister's  wish  that  we  at- 


tempt to  set  up  a  base  station  in  the 
KEX  studios  so  that  we  might  have 
the  attempt  to  broadcast  the  con- 
tacts, if  not  Jive,  at  least  on  tape 
shortly  after  the  contacts,  tt  was 
also  my  feeling  that  the  KEX 
studios  would  provide  a  good  cen- 
tral location  for  staff  and  in- 
terested listeners,  as  well  as  for  the 
media,  to  witness  the  event  Ron 
was  very  helpful  in  providing  me 
with  preliminary  information,  in- 
cluding orbital  maps,  but  was  of 
the  opinion  that  our  location  hug- 
ging a  hill  to  the  west  would  make 
the  KEX  site  less  than  ideal  for 
many  if  not  most  of  the  orbits 

Then  Randy  Stimson  KZ7T  and  I 
first  made  telephone  contact  We 
had  a  comedy  of  errors  in  missing 
each  other's  phone  calls  up  to  this 
time,  I  learned  that  Randy,  along 
with  Stan  Griffiths  W7NI  and  Lynn 
Hurd  VVB7UNU.  had  already  been 
working  on  the  project,  after  talk- 
ing with  Jimmy  Hollister  Randy 
was  of  the  opinion  that  we  would 
be  able  to  make  adequate  contact 
most  of  the  time  from  the  KEX 
studio  location  and  convinced  me 
of  its  advantageous  location,  for  the 
above  stated  reasons.  Upon  closer 
examination  of  the  orbital  maps  and 
some  rough  calculations  as  to  the  ef- 
fects of  the  hill  on  our  potential- 
contact  windows.  I  agreed  to  work 
with  them  in  putting  on  a  large, 
jointly-operated  base  station  at  the 
KEX  studios. 

My  special  assignment  was  to  in- 
terface with  KEX  and  the  media 
We  needed  a  location  in  the  build- 
ing (which  was  not  easy,  since  all 
the  available  accesses  to  the  roof 
came  to  locations  far  from  any 
room  in  the  building  we  could 
potentially   use).   We   needed   aj> 


I 


NIWS  RELEASE 


FOR  RELEASE  10  AM  11  21-81 


CONTACTS: 


RANDY  STIMSON  fcZ'T   21>4S45  247-1175; 
M.  LEA  T.  BALL  AL7W  777-1032  775-4188: 
MICHAEL  BROWN   N7AKC    22S-1190   245-48S9 


Fof  the  fust  tan*  m  history  private  ftuens  will  have  a.  chance  to  Ulk  dtfKtfy  to  3  man 
in  ipjce  Aftrro&ut  Dr  Oven  GamoH.  cAHfign  W5LFL.  will  hr  talking  to  amateur 
{hamj-radio  operators  throughout  the  world  while  on  board  the  STS-9  fpgce-shuftte 
flijhl  The  shuttle  ts  due  to  blast  oTI  ne*l  Monday.  November  28  Gartkrtt.  a  NASA  m*5r 
4*on  ipec  latat  ml!  use  a  low  power  hand-held  FM  transceiver  to  make  his  con  facts  du* 
png  hit  ofl-dutv  hours  He  will  b«-  tht-  hm  astronaut  allowed  to  communicate  with  f  arth 
through  non-NASA  channels 

The  exact  time  of  our  attempted  contacts  with  Df  Gdrnott  is  not  confirmed  at  th<s 
timi\  but  will  likely  be  between  S  and  8  pm.  Wednesday,  November  JO. 

The  idea  of  setting  up  a  group  amdteljr-fticlio  operation  wdi  conci'ivird  by  KfX  Radio 
morning  personality,  Jimmy  Hollister,  during  one  of  his  ihows  He  broadcast  an  appeal 
to  ham -radio  operators  in  the  area  Five  area  hams,  including  Kt  X  engineer  Michael 
Brown,  have  arranged  for  a  large,  lointlv-operating  base  station  to  be  run  from  the  KtX 
studios  I  All  the  equipment  involved  will  be  set  up  and  operaimu  for  the  November  2S 
News  Conference.) 

Original  proposals  to  place  in  amateur-radio  transceiver  aboard  an  ocbitmg  US 
spacecraft  surfaced  when  NASA  was  about  to  launch  Sky  lab,  in  the  early  70s  The  plan 
was  re i ec ted  because  it  came  too  tale  in  the  development  of  (he  program 

Space-shuttle  flights  presented  another  opportunrt>  The  American  Radio  Re  lav 
League  (ARRL)  and  the  Radio  Amateur  Satellite  Corp  (AMSATj  jomilv  requested  that 
Carnott  be  allowed  to  operate  a  small  transceiver  aboard  (he  shuttle  NASA  accepted, 
on  the  stipulation  that  the  plan  would;  not  interfere  with  mission  activities  and  that 
safety  regulations  were  met  The  radio  wilt  be  operated  from  the  aft  I  light  deck  of  the 
space-shuttle  orbitet.  Columbia,  which  is  carrying  the  Spacelab  m  tts  cargo  bay. 

The  KEX  team  news  release. 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984    49 


provals  from  management,  pro- 
gramming engineering,  and  other 
parties  within  the  station.  I  began 
working  on  these  decisions  and  ap- 
provals, 

Over  the  next  few  weeks,  we 

worked  out  all  the  problems  of 
press  releases,  locations,  and 
equipment,  I  got  clearance  for  and 
made  arrangements  for  us  to  set  up 
in,  a  portion  of  KEX's  large  front 
lobby,  Ac  power  for  our  5  rigs  and 
associated  equipment  was  to  be 
run  off  two  isolated  circuits  of 
20Amp  capacity  each  All  equip- 
ment would  be  set  up  on  neatly 
draped  tables  in  the  lobby  and 
would  be  removed,  for  security  pur- 
poses, between  each  contact  ses- 
sion Five  antennas  built  by  Stim- 
son  and  Lynn  Hurd  WB7UNU 
would  be  placed  on  the  roof  of  the 
building  and  held  down  wrth  bricks 
RG-11  lead-ins  would  have  to  be 
brought  in  through  an  ajar  front 
door  and  rolled  up  and  stored  on 
the  roof  between  contact  sessions 

At  that  time,  we  also  planned  to 
set  up  a  satellite  dish  monitoring 
NASA  video  and  audio  off  SAT- 
COM  1R.  The  dish  was  to  be  on  a 
trailer,  in  the  KEX  parking  lot,  (It 
was  later  set  up  elsewhere  )  I  would 
rewrite  a  final  draft  of  the  news 
release,  write  up  a  news  conference 
notice,  and  mail  ail  materials  to  all 
local  television  and  daily  newspa- 
per outlets.  I  would  also  contact  all 
these  media  by  telephone  to  per- 
sonally invite  them  and  answer  any 
of  their  questions. 

On  November  24,  we  set  up  all 
gear  in  the  KEX  lobby  for  a  dry  run 
and  antenna  tuning  All  equipment 
and  coaxes  were  numbered,  to 
speed  up  future  setups.  Everything 
had  a  place  and  a  number,  The  5 
antennas  were  set  up  on  the  flat 
roof,  We  communicated  from  the 
roof  to  the  lobby  via  2  meters,  as 
we  tuned  up  the  antennas'  active 
elements  for  lowest  vswr.  The  best 
antenna  tuned  up  to  1.2:1,  while 
the  worst  was  about  1.85:1,  That 
antenna  also  had  the  longest  RC-11 
lead-in  —  some  94  feet.  (Please  refer 
to  Randy  Stimson's  diary  for  a  run- 
down of  the  equipment  used.)  In 
addition  to  what  he  mentioned,  we 
wired  a  Sony  TC-92  cassette  record- 
er into  the  Yaesu  FT-726R  for  taping 
all  receptions 

We  set  up  all  equipment  again 
for  the  10  am  news  conference  on 
November  25.  In  attendance  was 
KATU-2  and  KPTV-12  Randy  and  1 
had  rehearsed  and  planned  a  for- 
mal statement  followed  by  a  ques- 
tion and  answer  session.  All  TV  sta- 
tions preferred  to  go  "by  the  seat  of 
their  pants"  with  a  more  informal 
approach  Both  KATU  ami  KPTV 
did  major  stories  on  us  on  their 
evening  newscasts  On  the  27th,  we 
reassembled  all  equipment  lor 
another  arranged  news  conference 
with  KOIN  TV-6  They  ran  an  ex- 
cellent story  on  us  that  evenng 

On  November  30,  we  heard 
Owen  Carriott  with  readability  of 

50     73  Magazine  »  March,  1984 


poor  to  fair  and  signal  strength  of 
fair  Heard  him  for  a  portion  of 
1834  PST,  all  of  1836,  and  part  of 
1638.  KATU,  KGW,  KOIN,  and 
KPTV,  which  constitutes  afl  local 
TV  stations  with  news  depart- 
ments? f  I  were  there  to  cover  the 
event  All  ran  excellent  stories  that 
night  We  were  on  live,  in  one  case, 
and  were  the  lead  story  in  another 
case  (Note:  TV  stations  usually  do 
a  ttve  news  story  only  for  what  they 
consider  to  be  very  major  events.) 
The  Oregon/an  [the  only  major  dai- 
ly in  Portland),  with  statewide 
distribution,  also  covered  the  story. 
as  did  KLCC  radio  in  Eugene  (some 
120  miles  away).  KXL  and  KYXI 
radio  also  had  stories  prior  to  the 
contact  session,  even  though  we 
had  not  mailed  anv  materials  to 
any  other  radio  station  KEX 
played  back  the  tape  of  Carriott  on 
the  evening  talk  show,  "Northwest 
at  Night"  and  ran  several  news 
stories  on  the  contact  that  evening 
and  the  next  morning.  The  KEX 
switchboard  received  numerous 
phone  calls  on  the  subject  mostly 
for  information  We  pushed  the 
1-fiOO SCANNER  number  and  gave 
them  the  downlink  frequency  Jim- 
my Hoi  lister  and  the  other  KEX  OJs 
were  talking  about  the  reception  of 
Garnott  all  day.  December  1,  and 
played  the  tape  of  the  reception 
during  their  shows. 

Stimson  heard  Carriott  when  at 
his  home  at  1822  PSTP  with  good 
readability  and  good  to  very  good 
signal  strength  A  tape  of  the  recep- 
tion was  run  on  KEX  that  evening. 

No  response  was  ever  heard  to 
our  call  letters  from  Carriott  except 
probably  once.  On  December  2, 
Owen  acknowledged  W7  and  "2 
other  designators"  he  was  not  sure 
of.  Stan  Griffiths  (of  our  group)  is 
W7NI  Carriott  said  he  would 
check  his  tape  later  to  try  to  iden- 
tify the  W7  call, 

Michael  3rownf    31,    h$t$  been    involved   in 
broadcast   radto    for   9   yea^-    He  current/ y 
ser  ves  as  ftadta  Engineer  kit  KEX.  Mamed  &ith 
one  stepchild,  he's  ah  Avid  backpacker   sh 
$  terra  Club  membet,  #nd  musician 


Call  to  shuttle  goes  unanswered 


by  way  cam 

Frtitii    1  1.1    p  fit     UM  &m 

•\Vm  tlUiini    Altai  mi) 
erfd.«um<wr*iJ  n      ■•■-    i     i.  ..  Lt*i 
k*t*  and pl**Ai 

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xh#  fi  ni  umet  ftuht  tfcuinf  wAAOl  rem 

lete  tte  ihin^  nti^u  Taodii 
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KL7FKO 


PQ  Bot  1CUJA5 

Anchcvjijp  Ah  995 71 

The  following  is  a  diary  of  my 
experiences    while    attempting 
to  contact  W5LFL  aboard  the  space 

shuttle  Co/umbia\ 

Orbff  56D.  Started  to  call  at 
17:15  Yukon  Standard  Time  An- 
c/i Qrage  Daily  News  photographer 
Paul  Brown  and  reporter  were  pres- 
ent. Transmissions  were  made  at 
17:15fl7n9/21/23/27/29/31    No  con 

(act 

Orbit  720.  Started  to  call  at 
17:10  YST  Channel  2  (KTUU)  pres- 
ent with  reporter  Ceri  de  Hoog  and 
cameraman  Barrv  At  17:14  +  , 
heard  the  call  of  W5LF-  without 
the  L  almost  immediately  following 
my  call.  This  Signal  was  not  strong 
at  all  and  was  in  the  noise,  how- 
ever, I  don't  think  that  this  was  a  re- 
ply The  receive  frequency  was 
145,550  MHz  I  logged  this  as  a  no 
contact— could  be  a  ham  some- 
where far  from  Anchorage  Trans- 
missions made  at  17:11/13/15/17/ 
19/21/23/25  YST   No  contact. 

On  that  same  night,  I  heard  com- 
ments from  Australian  hams  com- 
plaining that  the  windows  were 
wrong.  A  friend  of  mine  heard  the 
same  comments  on  HF  and  report- 
ed that  to  me  the  next  day. 

December  2.  There  are  no  win- 
dows today.  However,  the  receivers 
were  constantly  on  ^nd  the  re- 
corder was  ready.  A  ham  reported 


A  lien  Bianco  KL7FKO  tunes  his  equipment  to  the  shuttle  frequency. 


to  me  that  Kenai  (60  miles  from  An- 
chorage) heard  the  word  "Colum- 
bia." I  think  this  was  just  interfer- 
ence or  some  other  ham  calling 
Called  lack  Burnett  Executive 
Editor  of  73, 

Orbrt  9BA  Started  to  call  at  7  30 
YST  Transmissions  were  made  at 
731/33  35  37  39  I  made  a  mistake 
and  also  transmitted  at  742  (after 
rhe  window).  No  contact. 

Orbrt  TI4A  Started  to  call  at 
715  YST.  Transmissions  were  made 
at  7:1 5/1 7f1 9/21/23/25/27  following 
the  last  transmission  at  7  27, 1  heard 
and  recorded  on  tape  what  ap- 
peared to  be  "KL7F-  Anchorage. 
Alaska/'  and  "AGG /'  The  transmis- 
sion was  cutting  off  and  was  barely 
above  the  squelch  I  got  a  little 
shook  up  and  transmitted  a  few 
times  even  though  the  window  was 
supposedly  closed  I  now  have  my 
doubts  about  the  windows  and  the 
times.  Next  window  is  at  15  07  I 
then  left  the  house  and  had  a  friend 
of  mine  listen  to  the  tape  but  he 
could  not  make  it  out  While  there  I 
received  a  phone  call  from  Jack 
Burnett  at  13:55  YST  advising  me  of 
a  conference  call  at  17:00  YST 

Orbh  17  9D,  Started  to  call  at 
15:07/09/11/13/15/17/19.  No  con- 
tact Conference  call  started  at 
16:57  and  ended  at  approximately 
1 8:25. 

Orbrt  13QA,  Started  to  call  at 
7:11/13/15/17/19  YST  and  continued 
for  3  more  transmissions  even 
though  window  was  closed.  No 
contact 

Orbit  TJ20,  Even  though  that 
part  of  Canada  was  not  supposed 
to  be  on  my  schedule.  I  transmitted 
at  10:01/03/05/07/09  YST  No  con- 
tact 

Orbit  134D.  I  experienced  QRM 
on  145  550  MHz  from  a  local  ham 
and  t  told  him  to  get  off  the  fre- 
quency. Transmitted  at  13:19/21/ 
23/25/27/29/31  /33/35/37/41  /43/4S/46/ 
49  51/55  YST.  No  contact 

Orbit  735D.  No-QRM  transmis- 
sions made  at  14:45/47/49/51/53/55/ 
57/59.  I  stopped.  No  contact 

My  transmitter  was  a  Yaesu  221 R 
with  a  10-element  beam  at  63  feet 
My  receivers  were  an  Icom  IC-290A 
scanning  145.530/550/570  with  a  5/8 
whip  at  41  feet  a  Yaesu  207R  scan- 
ning 145.530/550/570  with  a  rubber 
duckie.  and  a  Tempo  FMP  203  at 
145.550  MHz  with  a  5/8  whip  at  22 
feet 

I  transmitted  and  listened  and 
transmitted  and  listened  and  I  real 


When  two  recent  American  Everest  ex 
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even  at  the  top  of  the  world. 

Extreme  altitude,  sub-zero  tempera- 
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We  design  our  portable  antennas  to 
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Double-soldered  connections  at  maxi- 


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You  can  expect  more  from  our  service 
too.  Our  prompt  delivery,  personal  atten- 
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So  whether  you  're  leading  an  expedi- 
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We'd  be  glad  to  show  you  how  they'll  work 
for  you. 

Write  for  our  free  amateur  catalog. 


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OF  THE  WORLD 


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ly  don't  know  if  he  heard  me  or 
whether  he  acknowledged  But  I 
did  not  give  up  I  was  frustrated  but 
I  never  gave  up  Perhaps  the  next 
time  the  shuttle  goes  up,  I  will  be 
able  to  tell  everybody  in  town  that  I 
in  fact  did  talk  to  it  The  Anchorage 
Daily  News  came  in  and  excitedly 
waited  for  Carriott  to  say  some- 
thing. KTUU  {Channel  2)  did  the 
same  Radio  Station  KFQO  was  on 
the  phone  at  the  close  of  the  win- 
dows People  I  never  knew  called 
me  and  asked  for  the  frequencies.  1 
broadcast  many  a  QST  on  two 
me  ten  and  read  the  windows.  J  bor- 
rowed another  two-meter  rig,  an 
Icom  IC-290A,  so  I  could  further 
monitor,  and  t  didn't  talk  to  Car- 
riott. But  that's  OK  Perhaps  he  was 
asleep  or  busy  or  the  shuttle  ham 
antenna  was  facing  the  stars  when 
it  was  passing  over  or  near  Alaska. 
But  I  witt  not  give  up.  I  will  try 
again 

This  is  Allen  Bianco  KL7FKO,  the 
Alaskan  who  enjoys  life  and  his 
hobby. 

Ortgtndth  an  Israeli  KLTfKO  &  a  52*\eatoid  re- 
fined  Anchorage  policeman  and  the  fawner 
owner  of  *  color  processing  lab  in  addition  to 
ham  radio  Allen  and  hts  wife  Oehbte  XI'QS, 
enjoy  traveling.  Son  M  tchad  a  studying  for  ha 


KH6B 


Dean  Maniey  KH6B 
126i  Komohana  Street 
Hilp  Hi  96720 

Here  is  my  account  of  the  STS- 
9/W5LFL  mission,  as  viewed 
from  Hawaii.  On  November  27,  I 
participated  in  a  teleconference 
call  with  lack  Burnett  of  73.  This 
was  like  an  hour  pep-talk  to  live 
and  breathe  the  STS-9  mission  for 
the  next  few  days.  However,  it 
seemed  that  there  was  little  hope  to 
hear  W5LFL,  let  alone  work  himr 
from  Hawaii.  There  were  no  sched- 
uled active  orbital  passes  over  or 
near  Hawaii. 


In  order  to  get  a  better  overview 
of  the  orbital  ground  tracks  of  Co- 
hmhia,  a  sine- wave  curve  was 
drawn  on  one  of  the  plastic  over- 
lays of  "The  DX  Edge"  With  this 
device  and  the  given  active  passes, 
it  became  clear  that  some  of  the 
daily  passes  would  come  close  to 
Hawaii  even  though  W5LFL  would 
be  busy  at  work  or  would  be  fast 
asleep.  The  following  is  the  log  of 
the  attempts 

November  28:  Columbia  STS- 
9/W5LFL  lift-off  as  scheduled  at 
6:00  am  Hawaii  time  listened  to 
W5RRR,  Johnson  Space  Center, 
and  obtained  info  on  W5LFL  opera- 
tion, 

November  29:  Listened  to  media 
coverage  to  determine  if  W5LFL 
operations  would  begin.  Some  con- 
fusion on  the  part  of  some  radio 
stations  when  converting  UTC  to 
local  times  on  the  mainland,  And 
further  confusion  when  converting 
times  to  local  time  in  Hawaii1 

November  30:  Orbit  35,  8:43 
am  — tried  listening  and  transmit- 
ting with  a  hand-held  (Ten-Tec 
2591),  Results:  negative.  Orbit  36, 
10:05-10:14  am,  Hawaii  time,  again 
same  procedure  as  above  from  a 
downtown  Hilo  parking  lot  Re- 
sults: negative.  Numerous  attempts 
to  call  West  link  to  get  recorded 
message  of  latest  info  drew  a 
blank  — line  was  always  busy-  Di- 
aled the  ARRL  number  and  got 
their  recorded  info  which  was  es- 
sentially the  same  as  info  before 
the  mission  started  Orbit  42. 
7  35-7:46  pm,  close  to  Hawaii,  but 
negative  results  using  fixed  station 
lG290H/lsopo]e  antenna 

December  1:  Orbit  52,  9:S6-10;04 
am,  and  orbit  59,  8:58-9:06  pnr 
Both  negative  results.  Started  con- 
struction of  a  turnstile  antenna  for 
2  meters.  Used  parts  from  2  yagi 
beams  for  2  meters, 

December  2  Orbit  69,  11:14- 
11:20  am,  and  orbit  75,  043-8:52 
pm.  Both  negative  results  in 
Hawaii  Used  both  the  hand-held 
plus  fixed-station  equipment 

December  3;  An  attempt  to  get 


Dean  Maniey  KH6B 


additional  orbital  information  from 
W5RRR  failed  due  to  poor  band 
conditions  and  QRM.  Westlink 
number  was  again  busy  Tele- 
phoned the  ARRL  and  got  the  re- 
cording of  orbital  passes.  Was 
pleased  to  see  additional  passes 
added  to  the  list  of  pre-mission  in- 
fo, Also  learned  that  NASA  had  ex- 
tended the  mission  one  extra  day  It 
started  to  look  somewhat  better! 

Finished  building  turnstile  anten- 
na with  tuned  reflectors.  Swr  of 
1 .06  to  1  with  the  antenna  mounted 
on  the  back-porch  railing  using  a 
clamp  and  a  bracket  method  of 
mounting 

December  4:  Orbit  99,  6:23-6:32 
am  using  IC-290H/turnstile  and  re- 
flectors. Negative  results.  Partici- 
pated in  teleconference  call  num- 
ber 2,  4:00-5:30  pm.  Much  valuable 
info  was  shared  among  all  partici- 
pants, Also  the  fact  that  W5LFL 
should  be  on  the  air  much  of 
Wednesday  and  Thursday  I  was 
hoping  that  this  meant  that  Hawaii 
would  somehow  be  included  in  the 
activity!  Orbit  106.  6:50-7:02  pm 
Negative  results. 

December  5;  Orbit  1 20,  3:41  -3:52 
pm,  negative  results  but  now  keep- 
ing better  records  ^separate  log 
sheets  for  each  orbital  pass  plus 
a  note  as  to  starting  the  magnetic 
recorders.  Yes.  I  wasn't  about  to 
miss  any  possible  activity'  with  iust 
one  recorder!  Orbit  121.  5:09-5:20 
pm  Negative  results.  Orbit  122, 
6:38-6:50  pm  Results  negative 

December  6.  Orbit  1 37,  7:28-7.36 
am.  Negative  results  Orbit  132, 
9:00-9:12  am  I  didn't  take  part  in 
this  one.  This  was  an  active  orbit 
scheduled  for  Canada.  Learned  via 
juan  KH6JJC  that  KH6ENC  club 
station  manned  by  KHfcf  was 
thought  to  have  completed  a  2-way 
with  YV5LFL  This  was  not  con- 
firmed as  reception  of  Columbia 
was  very  marginal  at  best  as  it  was 
practically  on  or  beyond  the  hori- 
zon. Orbit  1 37,  4:58-5:08  pm  Nega- 
tive results.  Orbit  138,  6:27-6:38 
pm.  Also  negative  results  On  these 
two  attempts,  used  7290  kHz  as 
sort  of  an  intercom  (outer-corn?) 
with  Juan  KH6JJC  on  Kauai  and 
Larry  AH6EQ  on  Oahu  to  compare 
and  exchange  notes. 

December  7:  Orbit  147,  7:19-7:28 
am.  Negative  results  Orbit  148, 
8:47-8:55  am.  I  did  not  monitor  the 
orbit  as  it  was  during  working  hours 
for  me.  Also  learned  ahead  ol  time 
that  this  pass  would  not  be  a  good 
one  for  us.  This  info  vta  KH6JJC 
and  apparently  coming  from  the 
NASA  Tracking  Station  at  Kokee, 
Kauai,  Hawaii.  This  was  the  pass 
over  Hawaii  that  W5LFL  was  heard 
calling  KH6HA  several  times.  Ac- 
cording to  the  stations  reporting 
the  incident  it  sounded  tike  a 
scheduled  event.  This  could  have 
been  confirmation  of  perhaps  yet 
another  2-way  in  the  Hawaiian  Is- 
lands! Orbit  153,  4:43-4:52  pm. 
Negative  results  on  perhaps  the  last 
of  the  good  orbital  passes  over  the 


islands.  Orbit  154,  6:17-6:24  pm, 
Last  chance  even  though  the  pass 
was  very  low  to  the  horizon,  I  used 
the  Isopole  antenna  instead  of  the 
turnstile  to  get  the  signal  down  to- 
wards the  horizon  Again,  negative 
results.  Compared  results  and  notes 
with  KH6CC,  KH6S,  and  KH6J  jC  on 
7290  kHz,  It  was  noted  on  several 
occasions  that  there  was  visual 
contact  with  the  Columbia  with  a 
corresponding  negative  radio  QSO! 
The  expenence  was  great,  and  with 
such  experience,  perhaps  the  next 
attempt  will  be  fruitful!  Aloha  from 
the  50th  state,  Hawaii1 

Dean  Maniey  n  a  51 -year-old  frtra-cfcss 
licensee  who  resides  jo  Hito.  Hawaii,  with  his 
•a  tie  and  two  daughters  Hi*  is.  a  machinist-tech- 
nician, international  hpo^aptutal  Union,  wtth 
[fa?  Hawaii  Tribune-Harold  and  also  is  setf-em- 
ployed  as  a  consultant  in  broadcast  radio.  FCC 
applications,  ere  Dean  has  owned  radio  stations 
in  Michigan,  New  Mextco,  and  Hawaii  and  also 
k  a  published  writer  I'h'n  "Putting  the  HWA2  on 
160"  appeared  in  73  rnanv  yvarf  ago} 


KH6HHM 

£m#  D  Bruner  KHbHriM 
45-626  Mahmut  J?d 
Kaneohe  HI  96741 

The  shuttle  flight  *s  over  but  not 
forgotten  We  were  unsuccess- 
ful in  making  contact  with  Owen 
Carriott  as  he  passed  McKinley  High 
School  and  the  island  of  Oahu  in  the 
Pacific,  but  the  excitement  and  an- 
ticipation of  the  possible  QSO  with 
VVSLFL  was  felt  bv  all  the  members 
of  McKinley  High  School's  Amateur 
Radio  Club  (KH6NF)  and  by  other 
students  on  campus.  For  the  stu- 
dents handling  the  equipment  and 
those  responsible  for  tracking  the 
shuttle  using  the  Apple  computer, 
this  was  especially  true,  Everyone 
fett  confident  that  they  were  doing 
their  jobs  correctly  as  several  dry 
runs  had  been  performed  and  it 
looked  A-OK,  As  the  shuttle  passed 
by  the  islands  time  after  trme.  it 
was  a  letdown  for  the  students  not 
to  be  successful  in  making  contact 
after  all  of  their  hard  work  and 
dreams. 

Back  in  September,  at  the  start 
of  the  school  year,  when  die  club 
members  heard  about  the  shuttle 
and  the  possibility  of  having  a  QSO 
with  WSLFL,  everyone  wanted  to 
give  it  a  try  It  would  be  a  new  expe- 
rience for  everyone,  as  no  one 
thought  he  would  ever  have  a 
chance  to  talk  to  an  astronaut 

Everyone  started  gathering  as 
much  information  about  the  shut- 
tle flight  as  they  could  find  and  also 
information  about  the  antenna  sys- 
tem needed  to  reach  the  shuttle. 
We  had  an  Apple  computer  to  use, 
so  part  of  our  research  was  to  find  a 
way  of  using  it  for  tracking  the 
shuttle  and  perhaps  even  control- 
ling our  antenna  as  the  shuttle 
passed  overhead 

Gathering  the  materials  for  the 
antenna  system  wasn't  hard  once 


52     73  Magazine  •  March.  1984 


the  decision  was  made  that  we 
would  try  our  luck  using  a  quad.  In 
fact  just  for  luck,  we  would  build  a 
2-element  quad  and  if  we  needed  a 
little  more  gain,  a  ^element  quad 
woufd  be  built  and  placed  side  by 
side.  Afterwards,  we  could  always 
put  them  to  use,  and  building  the 
antennas,  tuning,  and  comparing 
their  performance  woufd  be  a 
learning  experience  for  everyone. 

We  decided  to  use  our  old 
32-foot  Tn-Ex  crank-up  tower  that  a 
few  years  ago  became  a  16-footer 
during  a  windstorm.  It  was  still  in 
good  shape  after  it  made  a  trip  to 
the  metal  shop  to  get  a  few  spots 
welded  and  a  new  base  plate  made, 
For  antenna  control,  we  had  a va li- 
able two  light-duty  rotors,  one  for 
bearing  and  the  other  mounted  hor- 
izontally for  vertical  control. 

Material  for  the  quads  would  be 
PVC  pipe  and  wooden  dowels  for 
spacers,  with  copper  wire  for  the 
elements.  Building  the  antennas 
went  smoothly  as  we  used  plans 
and  measurements  from  the  ARRL 
Antenna  Book  We  had  some  prob- 
lems getting  the  swr  down  to  1  to  1, 
and  we  had  to  unsoldei  the  ele- 
ments, replace  them,  and  tune 
them  one  by  one  to  keep  the  swr 
low. 

Once  that  problem  was  solved, 
we  looked  at  the  best  method  of 
mounting  them  to  our  boom  This 
gave  us  our  biggest  headache  be- 
cause our  antennas  were  of  differ- 
ent size  and  weight.  We  also 
weren't  sure  if  our  rotor  could  han- 
dle the  weight  for  our  vertical  con- 
trol This  turned  out  to  be  our  prob- 
lem. Because  the  two  antennas 
were  of  different  size  and  weight, 
there  existed  an  unbalance  and  our 
small  light-weight  rotor  couldn't 
handle  the  difference  in  weight. 
We  had  control  for  only  a  few 
degrees  and  couldn't  get  the  anten- 
na to  point  directly  overhead. 


So  it  was  back  to  the  drawing 
board  for  a  new  design  and  equal 
distribution  of  weight  on  the  rotor, 
After  a  few  hours  of  experimenting, 
we  solved  the  weight  problem  by 
making  both  antennas  the  same 
weight  and  mounting  them  as  if 
they  were  both  4-element  quads. 
We  made  the  2-element  quad 
heavier  by  extending  the  PVC  pipe 
behind  the  reflector  and  balancing 
it  with  an  iron  rod  from  the  metal 
shop,  Once  the  antennas  were  bal- 
anced, our  problems  were  solved 
and  they  worked  perfectly. 

While  the  antenna  problems 
were  being  solved,  another  group 
of  students  was  in  the  process  of 
getting  the  Apple  computer  to 
track  the  shuttle.  This  was  com- 
pleted at  about  the  same  time  the 
antenna  was  completed  and 
everyone  felt  they  were  ready,  will- 
ing, and  able  for  their  first  QSO 
with  outer  space.  Our  idea  of  using 
the  Apple  for  control  of  the  anten- 
na had  to  be  postponed  for  a  later 
project  due  to  time  and  availability 
of  components,  but  ifs  just  a  mat- 
ter of  time  and  money. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  next  flight  of 
the  shuttle  will  have  a  beacon  so 
that  at  least  the  students  will  be 
able  to  hear  it  and  know  that  they 
are  doing  something  right  It  is  also 
hoped  that  Hawaii  will  be  on  the 
schedule  of  future  flights  where  it 
will  be  possible  to  have  a  QSO  with 
the  shuttle.  If  s  not  too  encouraging 
to  know  that  perhaps  a  contact  will 
be  possible  rf  there's  any  extra 
operating  time 

The  students  were  disappointed 
that  no  contact  was  made  with  the 
shuttle,  but  all  felt  the  effort  was 
worthwhile  and  all  are  looking  to- 
wards the  next  opportunity  for  the 
Radio  Club  at  McKinley  High 
School  (KH6NF]  to  have  a  QSO 
with  a  being  in  outer  space 


Allan  Chun  WH6AVH  and  Dean  Takamatsu  make  i'mai  adjustments  on  the 
shuttle/satellite  antenna  system  located  on  the  roof  of  the  electronics  and 
club  station, 


n-|| 


■ 


Chun  Kit  (Vincent)  Lui  putting  the  finishing  touches  on  the  tracking  program 
using  an  Apple  tt+  computer 


SOME  FINAL  THOUGHTS. . . 


Each  of  the  foregoing  diaries  is  a 
story  in  itself  On  behalf  of  the 
staff  and  management  of  73, 1  wish 
to  express  to  each  writer  our  appre- 
ciation for  taking  on  the  added  bur- 
den of  documenting  his  own  per- 
sonal story  as  it  unfolded  It's  rare 
that  people  like  this  are  brought 
together  in  such  a  way,  each  is  well 
worthy  of  Special  praise. 

While  in  the  area  of  giving 
thanks,  there  are  a  number  of  oth- 
ers who  must  be  mentioned.  First, 
Owen  Carriott  W5LFL  himself,  the 
man  who  had  the  dream,  worked  at 
making  it  a  reality,  and  then  lived  it 
with  and  for  us. 

Then,  our  good  friend,  NBC 
News  Correspondent  Roy  Neal 
K6DUE,  Someday  the  whole  story 
of  Roy's  involvement  will  be  told, 
but  for  now,  ifs  safe  to  say  that 


were  it  not  for  K6DUEr  the  STSr9 
ham-in- space  operation  might  nev- 
er have  gotten  off  the  ground.  Roy 
did  far  more  than  document  the 
flight  in  "Amateur  Radio's  Newest 
Frontier"  and  file  reports  for  NBC. 
For  over  a  decade  he  lived  Owen's 
dream  with  him  and  helped  W5LFL 
become  the  world's  first  astro-ham 
To  Peter  O'Dell  KB1N  of  the 
ARRL,  there  is  no  way  to  express 
our  gratitude.  Most  of  you  are  not 
aware  that  Peter  regularly  held 
teleconference  meetings  with  ev- 
ery publisher  in  the  amateur-radio 
field  interested  in  reporting  STS-9 
ham-in-space  events  Peter  insisted 
that  everyone  have  the  same  infor- 
mation as  the  ARRL  was  given— 
and  have  it  quickly.  For  the  past 
few  months,  KB1N  was  STS-9  at 
ARRL  headquarters  He  literally 
lived  on  a  telephone  10  to  15  hours 


a  day,  flew  to  meetings  in  Houston, 
and  spent  the  flight  at  Mission  Con- 
trol away  from  his  family.  Peter 
O  Dell  is  a  dedicated  and  warm 
human  being  who  deserves  our  col- 
lective thanks  for  keeping  the 
needed  information  flow  going  at 
all  times  and  keeping  it  as  accurate 
and  up-to-date  as  possible- 

A  word  here  also  about  NASA's 
Administrator,  General  James  Abra- 
hamson.  He's  not  a  ham  not  yet, 
anyway  But  General  Abrahamson 
did  recognize  the  value  of  experi- 
menting with  amateur  radio  from 
the  shuttle  and  was  the  man  who 
signed  the  papers  welcoming  ama- 
teur radio  on  the  orb  iter. 

Finally,  League  President  Victor 
C  Clark  W4KFC.  In  our  book,  Vic 
was  one  of  the  best  things  ever  to 
happen  to  the  ARRL  He  brought 


new  meaning  to  that  organization 
and  was  the  person  responsible  for 
bringing  the  League  into  Owen's 
comer  when  he  most  needed  its  as- 
sistance Vic's  eyes  would  literally 
light  up  with  pride  every  time  he 
talked  about  STS-9,  Owen  Carriott 
YY5I  f  L,  and  the  hanvm-sp<i<  t*  oper- 
ation Sadly,  Vic  suffered  a  massive 
heart  attack  and  died  less  than  2 
days  before  STS-9  blasted  into  orbit 
from  launch  pad  39  at  the  Kennedy 
Space  Center,  He  never  lived  to  see 
or  hear  the  dream  of  Owen  Car- 
riott—the  dream  he  shared  with 
Owen  and  countless  others— be- 
come reality,  Victor  C  Clark 
W4KFC  lived  for  and  loved  ama- 
teur radio.  He  lived  and  worked  to 
better  it  worldwide.  Vic  was  the 
"ham's  ham/r  and  it  is  to  his  loving 
memory  that  we  have  all  dedicated 
this  special  report— WA6  IT  F.B 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     53 


John  A.  Robertsert  KA0OSC 
17273  Hampton  Court 
Minnetonka  MN  55343 


Switch  Tricks 

Ever  had  trouble  setting  up  switching?  No  more. 
The  Minnetonka  Master  makes  it  easy. 


Here    are    two    nonon- 
sense    approaches    to 

switch-circuit  design  that 
anyone  can  use  to  advan- 
tage. With  these  methods, 
you  will  be  able  to  draw  a 
practical  switch-circuit  dia- 
gram for  almost  any  switch- 
based  idea  you  can  dream 
up,  The  first  is  called  the 
"Floating  Circuits"  method 
because  parts  of  the  circuit 
are  disconnected  and  are 
floating  free  when  they  are 
not  in  use.  The  second  is 
called  the  "Common  Bus" 
method  because  in  the  early 
stages  of  the  design  process 
a  bus  (a  set  of  connection 
strips  or  tie-points)  is  used. 

Let's  take  a  practical  ex- 
ample of  a  switching-circuit 
design  problem  and  solve  it 
by  both  methods.  I  recently 
purchased  a  nice  set  of  high* 


*     * 

I     1 

/               V 

►  - 

1     1 

11 

u 
\f 

A 

st euro 

«tO*M*L 


i 

AtvE»5EP 


impedance  headphones  with- 
out cord  or  plug  from  a  man- 
ufacturer's surplus  store.  To 
decide  on  what  sort  of  plug 
and  cord  should  be  wired  in, 
I  looked  over  the  various 
pieces  of  equipment  where 
my  new  bargain  could  be 
put  to  use.  It  was  obvious 
from  the  variety  that  I  really 
needed  several  configura- 
tions of  cord  and  plug,  not 
just  one. 

It  occurred  to  me  then 
that  it  would  be  handy  to  be 
able  to  change  the  wiring  of 
the  phone  cord  from  a 
stereo  to  a  monophonic  con- 
figuration without  having  to 
rewire  or  use  an  adapter. 
Moreover,  it  would  be  even 
handier  to  be  able  to  trans* 
pose  left  and  right  when  in 
the  stereo  mode  and  to 
change    from     parallel     to 


1/          V 

1        4 

'  I         i, 

D 

* 

PARALLEL 


HOMO 
SEIZES 


fig  7.  Sketches  of  all  circuits  desired. 
54     73  Magazine  •  March.  1934 


series  when  in  the  moncK 
phonic  mode.  If  one  could 
just  switch  between  these 
four  functions,  it  would  per- 
mit the  use  of  the  same  pair 
of  phones  in  several  different 
applications.  If  all  this  com- 
plex switching  could  be  done 
with  just  one  switch,  I'd  have 
a  foxy  piece  of  equipment 
How  many  times  have  you 
found  yourself  in  this  sit- 
uation, but  were  stymied  by 
your  inability  to  convert 
your  wiring  concept  into  an 
electronic  circuit? 

This  is  a  typical  switching 
problem  and  one  that  lends 
itself  well  to  solution  by  the 
Floating  Circuits  and  the 
Common  Bus  approaches. 
With  a  little  patience  and 
practice,  you  can  be  design- 
ing fairly  complex  switching 
circuits  simply  by  following 
a  few  easy  steps. 

1 )  Find  a  quiet  spot  where 
you  can  think  with  no  inter- 
ruptions. Arm  yourself  with 
a  few  pencils,  a  pad  of 
paper  and  an  eraser.  (There 
are  old-timers  who  claim 
that  after  the  brain,  the 
eraser  is  the  circuit  designer's 
most  important  tool) 

2)  So  that  you  can  have  a 
convenient  overview  for  ref- 
erence     and     comparison. 


sketch,  on  a  single  page  of 
paper,  the  circuits  of  each  of 
the  functions  to  be  included 
in  the  new  device-  In  our 
headphone  example,  there 
are  (A)  Stereo  Normal,  (B) 
Stereo  Reversed,  (C)  Mono 
Parallel,  and  (D)  Mono  Se- 
ries, Draw  these  circuits  as  if 
they  were  hard-wired  for  a 
single  function,  as  in  Fig.  1. 
Our  goal  will  be  to  inter- 
connect these  four  circuits 
with  a  single  multi-pole, 
multkhrow  switch. 

3)  Take  a  fresh  page  and, 
using  the  whole  page  to  pro- 
vide plenty  of  working 
room,  sketch  in  the  com- 
ponents to  be  worked  with. 
In  this  case,  the  components 
are:  the  right  earphone,  the 
left  earphone,  the  threes  ire 
phone  cord,  and  the  phone 
plug.  Since  the  switching  ob- 
viously is  to  occur  between 
the  ends  of  the  threewire 
cord  as  the  input  terminals 
and  the  four  connections  to 
the  two  earphones  as  the 
output  terminals,  a  fair 
amount  of  blank  space 
should  be  left  between  in- 
put and  output  for  circuit 
development  (See  Fig,  2.) 

4)  Now  two  simple  rules 
for  adding  the  switching  can 
be  applied: 


(a)  Always  connect  each 
input  terminal  and  each  out- 
put terminal  to  the  movable 
arm  (called  the  wiper,  blade, 
or  pole)  of  a  switch  symbol, 
and  give  each  a  number  for 
convenience  of  location. 
(The  example  has  seven 
such  terminals,  numbered 
from  1  through  7.) 

(b)  For  each  switch  arm, 
sketch  in  as  many  contacts 
(throws)  as  there  are  func- 
tions desired,  and  identify 
each  with  the  letter  corre- 
sponding to  the  function  cir- 
cuits you  drew  in  your  Fig.  1. 
Keep  the  same  sequence 
from  left  to  right  in  each 
switch  set  (The  example  has 
four  functions,  so  each 
switch  assembly  will  have 
contacts  A,  B,  C,  and  DJ 

When  you  have  gotten 
this  far,  your  sketch  will 
resemble  Fig.  3  and  you  are 
ready  to  start  drawing  in  the 
function  circuits  of  Fig,  1.  To 
familiarize  you  with  the 
techniques,  these  circuits 
will  be  "wired"  to  the  proper 
switch  contacts  first  by  the 
Floating  Circuits  method 
and  then  by  the  Common 
Bus  method  since  often  it  is 
possible  to  gain  additional 
advantages  by  evaluating 
both  approaches. 

5)  In  the  Floating  Circuit 
method,  a  single  circuit  and 
a  single  set  of  contacts  are 
dealt  with  at  a  time  until  all 
four  circuits  have  been  con- 


nected. Begin  with  the  cir- 
cuit for  function  A  and  each 
switch  assembly's  contact 
A.  Start  with  the  input  con- 
nections. Sketch  in  circuit  A, 
connecting  the  input  con- 
tacts 5A,  6Ar  and  7A  to  the 
appropriate  inputs  of  the  cir- 
cuit and  then  sketch  in  the 
output  connections  to  1A, 
2A,  3A,  and  4A  When  this  is 
done  and  checked,  sketch  in 
circuit  B,  making  the  proper 
connections  to  all  seven 
contact  Bs.  Do  the  same  for 
circuits  C  and  D.  With  all 
four  circuits  drawn  in,  it  will 
resemble  Fig.  4, 

Note  that  when  all  seven 
switch  arms  are  swung  to 
contact  A  simultaneously, 
circuit  A  alone  connects  in- 
put to  output  When  all 
seven  switch  amis  are 
swung  to  contact  B  simul- 
taneously, circuit  B  alone 
connects  input  to  output 
and  so  forth.  Switches 
whose  arms  are  connected 
mechanically  so  that  they 
all  may  be  swung  simulta- 
neously to  a  specific  set  of 
contacts  are  said  to  be 
"ganged"  This  is  usually 
represented  in  a  diagram  by 
a  dotted  line.  In  the  switch- 
ing diagram  you  have  just 
designed,  every  circuit  ex- 
cept the  one  in  use  floats 
completely  free  of  electrical 
connection  to  the  working 
circuit  In  certain  rf  applica- 
tions  [such    as    bandswitch 


4 


CIRCUIT     DEVELOPMENT 


0 


INPUT 


Fig  2.  Sketch  of  components  needed  for  circuits. 


circuits),     this     can     be     a 
desirable  characteristic. 

6)  The  Common  Bus 
method  will  now  be  applied 
to  solve  the  same  problem 
in  hopes  of  obtaining  some 
simplification  advantages. 
Taking  a  fresh  page  of 
paper,  redraw  Fig.  3  leaving 
plenty  of  room  for  circuit 
development  Sketch  in  a 
horizontal  bus  whose  num- 
ber of  parallel  elements  is 
equal  to  the  largest  number 
of  terminals  in  either  the  in- 
put or  output  The  example 
has  a  three-terminal  input 
and  a  four-terminal  output 
so  the  bus  will  have  4  paral- 
lel elements.  These  are  rep- 
resented    schematically     as 


four  parallel  lines  Your 
sketch  should  look  like  Fig.  5. 
7)  Sketch  function  A's  cir- 
cuit between  the  contact  As 
of  all  seven  switch  assem- 
blies. (Such  circuits  are  made 
easy  to  sketch  by  thinking  of 
the  bus  elements  as  a  conve- 
nient set  of  tie  points)  Start- 
ing at  the  end  of  the  circuit 
with  the  least  terminals,  in 
this  example  the  input  con- 
nect each  input  switch  con- 
tact A  (5 A,  6 A,  7 A)  to  a  sep- 
arate element  of  the  bus.  To 
complete  the  circuit  it  is 
necessary  only  to  connect 
the  output  contact  As  each 
to  the  proper  bus  Check  the 
work  against  A  in  Fig.  1  to 
ensure  correctness. 


i/  9       C       0 


ft  v»  - 

m        m         •        » 


\ 


e 
D 


SWITCHES    1-7 
ARE    GANGED 


Fig.  3.  Function  contacts  (throws)  added  to  each  of  the  seven 
terminals. 


SWITCHES    1-1 
ARE    GANGCD 


Fig.  4.  Alt  tour  circuits  of  Fig.  1  drawn  in  [Floating  Circuits 
method). 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    55 


a     c     s 


* j^&        C  *  ,/§        C        D  | 


D   | 

'I 

I 
I 


C        P 


NPUT 


B       G       ft 


» 

J 

I 
i 

f 


SWITCHES     I     P 
4flE     GANGED 


F/g.  5.  6us  bars  added  to  Fig,  3  sketch. 


8)  Now  take  your  eraser 
and  erase  all  seven  switch 
arms  that  connect  to  con- 
tact A,  Redraw  them,  this 
time  connecting  them  with 
contact  B.  This  may  seem 
childish,  and  you  may  be- 
lieve you'll  remember  that 
you're  working  with  Bs  in- 
stead of  As,  but  as  switching 
complexity  builds,  use  every 
design  aid  that  helps  to  keep 
you  from  getting  mixed  up. 

9)  Circuit  B  now  can  be 
sketched  between  the  con- 
tact Bs  of  all  seven  switches. 
Looking  at  the  input  first,  we 
see*  that  all  three  input  Bs 
can  be  connected  to  the  bus 
elements  as  before.  To  com- 
plete circuit  8,  it  again  is 
necessary  only  to  connect 


the  output  terminal  contact 
Bs  to  the  proper  bus,  using  B 
in  Fig.  1  as  a  guide.  Both 
stereo  functions  are  now 
designed  in.  Check  your 
work  carefully 

10)  After  erasing  the 
switch  arms  on  all  seven 
switches  and  redrawing 
them  all  in  the  C  position, 
circuit  C  can  be  sketched 
between  the  contact  Cs,  As 
usual,  we  start  at  the  input 
end  and  connect  the  con- 
tact Cs  to  the  bus.  This  time, 
however,  it  can  be  seen  from 
the  circuit  diagram  that 
while  input  terminals  5  and 
6  connect  to  the  bus  as 
before,  terminal  7  must  con- 
nect with  terminal  6.  This  is 
easily  done  using  the  proper 


SWITCHES 
ARE    GANGED 


swn  "i 

AHF.     QANggB 


Fig  6.  All  four  circuits  of  Fig.  1  are  drawn  in  (Common  Bus 
method). 


Fig.  7.  The  simplified  system. 
56     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


bus  element  as  the  tie  point 

Whenever  possible,  all  cir- 
cuit connections  are  made 
via  the  bus  elements.  To 
complete  circuit  C  one  now 
simply  connects  the  output 
terminal  contact  Cs  to  the 
proper  bus  elements,  accord- 
ing to  C  in  Fig.  1.  Checking 
this  new  addition  requires 
care  since  one  must  be  cer- 
tain that  no  unwanted  path- 
ways are  possible  through 
parts  of  the  circuit  that  are 
not  in  use. 

11)  Putting  the  eraser  to 
good  use  once  more,  the 
switch  arms  are  all  trans- 
ferred to  contact  D.  Circuit  D 
can  be  added  now,  checking 
it  carefully  against  D  in  Fig- 1* 
The  input  terminal  contact 
Ds  are  connected  as  they 
were  for  function  C  To  com- 
plete circuit  D,  the  bus 
elements  are  used  as  tie 
points  for  output  connec- 
tions 1D  and  4D  as  before, 
and  in  addition,  it  is  now 
necessary  to  use  the  fourth 
bus  element  as  a  jumper  be- 
tween contacts  2D  and  3D  to 
com p fete  the  circuit  Your 
switching  circuit  should  now 
look  like  Fig.  6. 

This  completes  the  func- 
tional design  but  it  doesn't 
complete  the  circuit  dia- 
gram. Multi-pole,  multi- 
throw  switches  are  not  the 
cheapest  of  components,  so 
one  wants  to  keep  them  to 
as  few  sections  as  possil 


Moreover,  the  more  poles 
they  have,  the  bigger  they 
must  be.  Additionally,  a 
good  circuit  becomes  a  bet- 
ter circuit  if  it  can  be 
simplified;  There  are  fewer 
connections  to  be  made  and 
therefore  fewer  chances  for 
mistakes;  there  are  fewer 
components  to  fail,  and 
there  is  less  of  a  headache  to 
treat  when  servicing.  For 
these  reasons,  we  must  in- 
clude two  more  steps  in  the 
design  of  our  prototype 
switching  circuit  to  provide 
analysis  and  simplification. 

12)  It's  at  this  point  that 
you  will  appreciate  having 
chosen  an  area  for  work 
where  you  can  be  free  to 
think  without  interruption. 
Look  closely  at  your  version 
of  Fig.  6r  noting  carefully  the 
connections  made  to  each 
switch  assembly,  with  an 
eye  to  simplification.  Ob- 
serve what  has  happened: 
The  contacts  of  switch  4  all 
connect  to  the  same  bus  ele- 
ment as  do  the  contacts  of 
switch  5  and  switch  6  re- 
spectively. If  all  contacts  of 
a  switch  connect  to  the 
same  point  electrically,  it 
provides  no  function  and 
generally  can  be  eliminated 
and  replaced  by  a  single 
connection.  This  allows  the 
elimination  of  switch  assem- 
blies A,  5,  and  6  and  more 
than  two  dozen  connec- 
tions. You'll  appreciate  this 


when  the  time  comes  for 
purchasing  the  switch  and 
wiring  it  in. 

13)  The  last  step  is  a  re- 
finement of  the  previous 
one.  Wherever  the  "artwork" 
in  your  circuit  diagram  can 
be  simplified  or  clarified 
without  sacrifice  of  func- 
tion, do  so.  Replace  redun- 
dant pathways  with  a  single 
one;  remove  nonfunctional 
blind  ends  from  the  bus 
elements  (the  bus  may  dis- 
appear entirely  in  some  de- 
signs); use  short  intercon- 
nections instead  of  long 
ones;  minimize  the  number 
of  crossovers  wherever  you 
can.  When  you  are  done, 
your  prototype  circuit  will 
look  like  Fig,  7  and  any  of 
the  four  functions  can  be  se- 
lected with  a  single  4-pole, 
4-th row  switch.  In  my  proto- 
type headphone  set  there  was 
room  to  mount  a  midget  4- 
pole,  4-throw  rotary  switch 
in  one  of  the  phones,  giving 
a  good  professional  ap- 
pearance. 


A  few  words  of  advice: 
While  the  methods  outlined 
above  are  good  tools  for 
helping  the  beginner  solve 
complex  switching  prob- 
lems, they  are  not  the  only 
ones  and  they  do  not  substi- 
tute for  good  old-fashioned 
common  sense.  There  may 
be  times  when  the  problem 
is  solved  best  by  a  combina- 
tion of  methods  or  by  one  of 
the  many  other  ones  avail- 
able.  Many  complex  com- 
mercial design  problems  in 
switching  are  now  solved  by 
computer,  for  example.  But 
by  whatever  means  you 
derive  a  switching  circuit,  it 
must  be  checked  and  re- 
checked  to  ensure  freedom 
from  unwanted  pathways 
lurking  in  the  wiring,  quite 
unsuspected. 

When  used  with  reason- 
able diligence,  the  methods 
described  here  provide  the 
beginner  with  an  excellent 
starting  point  and  often  the 
complete  solution  for  most 
switching  design  problems.  ■ 


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IB  Magazine  •  March,  1984    57 


LEDs  You've  Never  Seen 

What  are  these  little  lights?  What  do  they  do? 

This  is  the  book. 


Cal\w  R   i  -m:  W5LFM 

207  lorma 

Han  Antonio  IX  78213 

The  light-emitting  diode 
(LED)  is  indeed  an 
amazing  solid-state  light. 
Its  development,  applica- 
tion in  the  electronics  and 
electrical  world,  and  ac- 
ceptance by  the  consumer, 
housewife,  student,  and 
everyday  person  are  as 
amazing  as  those  of  the 
transistor.  In  fact,  the  LED 
is  a  very  close  kin  of  the 
transistor— they  both  are 
solid-state  devices,  have 
junctions  of  P  and  N  materi- 
al use  very  little  power,  and 
generally  operate  for  a  lift- 
time.  In  this  article,  we  will 
detail  the  history,  theory  of 
operation,  types,  and  func- 
tions of  the  LED,  describe 
some  applications,  and 
take  a  look  into  the  future 
of  the  LED 

History 

As  with  many  inventions 
and  innovations  in  science 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


and  technology,  the  origin 
of  the  LED  goes  back  many 
years.  It  was  in  1907  that 
Henry  J.  Round,  an  elec 
trical  engineer,  touched 
two  wires  connected  lo  a 
battery  to  a  piece  of  crystal 
ot  silicon  carbide  that  had 
been  found  near  Niagara 
Falls,  New  York.  Using  a 
potential  of  10  volts  dc,  he 
connected  the  two  wires 
across  the  two  points  on  the 
crystal  and  found  that  the 
crystal  gave  out  a  yellowish 
light.  Again,  as  with  many 
great  discoveries,  he  could 
not  possibly  have  known  of 
the  terrific  impact  his 
"flashes  of  yellow  ligh 
uould  have  on  our  daily 
lives  some  60  years  later. 
For  additional  details  on 
the  LED,  consult  the  book 
Light-Emitting  Diodes  by 
Forrest  M.  Mims  HI  (How- 
ard W.  Sams  and  Co,  In- 
dianapolis, Indiana). 

It  is  interesting  to  note 
that  the  first  light  emitted 
by  an  LED  was  yellow,  as 
this  color  was  to  be  one  of 


those  produced  Liter  in 
i  ominercial  quantities,  red 
being  the  only  color  devel- 
oped cheaply  enough  at 
first    to   be   used    in   great 

c| itities    Keel    LI  Ds  were 

followed  by  green  LEDs  and 
then  the  orange  or  orange- 
red  color  came  along  Blue 
LEDs  are  still  expensive  and 
are  not  readily  available  to 
the  popular  experimenter. 

I  he  LtD  is  a  source  of 
cold  light,  much  like  the  flu- 
orescent lamp  which  is 
gaming  so  much  popularity 
as  a  means  of  conserving 
energy,  as  it  generates  little 
heat  and  is  much  more  effi- 
cient than  an  incandescent 
lamp  If  Mr  Round  had 
kept  his  yellow  flashes  of 
light  burning  continuously 
all  this  time,  there  would 
still  be  about  30  years  to  go 
before  he  would  notice  his 
light  decreasing  slightly  in 
intensity  Because  the  life- 
time of  an  LED  is  so  long— 
100  years  — its  lifetime  is 
measured  by  its  intensity  or 
light  output.  When  it  is  half 


as  bright  as  it  was,  about 
100  years  will  have  gone  by 
Assuming  linearity,  when  it 
is  one-fourth  as  bright.  200 
years   will    have   gone   by! 

I  he  LtD  is  indeed  a  Star 
Trek  timing  device  for  trav- 
eling to  far  galaxies.  When 

I I  is  completely  out,  1000 
years  will  have  gone  by! 
Contrast  that  to  the  75  W, lit 
incandescent  light  bulb 
which  lasts  an  average  of 
750  hours  (41  :  weeks  eon- 
tinuouslv)  before  it  goes 
"poof"  in  a  flash  of  no  light 

Theory  of  Operation 

Let's  take  a  close  look  at 
the  LED  to  see  how  it  pro- 
duces tight  In  Fig.  1,  we  see 
a  PN  junction  which  is  the 
building  block  for  all  solid- 
state  devices  such  as  LEDs, 
diodes,  transistors,  and 
other  current<ontrolled  de- 
vices. Following  electron 
theory  that  like  charges  re- 
pel and  unlike  charges  at- 
tract, the  anode  of  the  PN 
junction  of  the  diode  will 
attract  electrons,  while  the 


BATTERY 


P-TYPE 
MATERIALS 


Ph  jUNCTtfM 


POTENTIAL   BASRJER 
OH   EJEPLETrON    ZONE 


N-TYPE 
MATERIAL 


LIGHT   EMITTED 


Fig.  1,  Forward-biased  PN  junction  emits  light  when  excited 
electrons  return  to  rest  state. 


cathode  {negative)  of  the  di- 
ode will  attract  positive 
holes"  (afl  atom  missing  an 
electron).  This  movement 
of  electrons  and  holes  con- 
stitutes a  current  flow  and 
will  continue  as  long  as  the 
voltage  polarity  is  as  shown 
irr  Fig.  1  The  diode  is  for- 
ward-biased (anode  posi- 
tive) M  this  time  and  causes 
current  (electron)  flow. 
When  the  polarity  is  re- 
versed (anock^  negative),  the 
diode  is  said  to  be  back- 
biased  and  almost  no  cur- 
rent flows  The  electrons 
move  across  the  PN  junc- 
tion to  fill  holes  and  the 
holes  move  across  the  junc- 
tion to  occupy  spaces 
(holes)  vacated  by  the 
electrons. 

Light  is  generated  when 
an  excited  electron  returns 
to  its  normal  state  of  equi- 
librium by  combining  with 
a  hole  in  the  valence  band, 
its  state  of  rest  in  the  atom- 
ic structure.  The  PN  junc- 
tion diode  is  the  device  for 
raising  a  number  of  elec- 
trons into  the  excited  state 
so  that  they  can  fall  back  in- 
to a  state  of  equilibrium 
and  produce  light  while  do- 
ing it  The  N  side  of  an  LED 
junction  absorbs  much  less 
light  than  the  P  side,  so  the 
N  side  is  usually  employed 
as  the   main   light-emitting 


region  of  the  LED.  They  are 
usually  made  so  the  light 
generated  at  the  PN  junc- 
tion has  to  travel  just  a 
short  distance  before  being 
emitted  into  space  when* 
we  see  it  as  light  When  you 
hold  a  lighted  LED  up  close 
to  the  eye,  you  can  see 
the  cat's-whisker-type  wire 
terminal  connection  going 
over  to  the  PN  junction 
from  whence  cometh  the 
light. 

Wavelength  of  Operation 

The  wavelength  of  opera- 
tion for  each  of  the  colored 
LEDs  is  shown  in  Fig,  2. 
Note  that  the  green  LED  is 
at  a  wavelength  of  555 
nanometers  (10^9  meters! 
the  maximum  sensitivity  of 
the  human  eye,  while  the 
red  LED  is  at  h60  nanome- 
ters where  the  eye  "sees" 
only  5%  to  10%  of  the  total 
radiant  energy  from  the  red 
LED  And,  of  course,  the  in- 
frared LED  energy  output  in 
at  the  king  wavelength  of 
900  nanometers  which  we 
can't  see  at  all 

Types  and 
Functions  of  LEDs 

The  pocket  calculator 
and  quartz  crystal  wrist- 
watch  really  introduced 
LEDs  to  the  general  public. 
These  were  in  the  form  of 


600  TOO  MX)  900 

WAVELENGTH  -  NAKOttETERS 


ZOO 


Fig.  2.  Wavelength  plotted  against  radiant  energy  output 
from  green,  yellow,  red,  and  infrared  LEDs. 


& 


ANODE 


LONG 
LEAfl 


di> 


QFLAT   SIDE 
OF  BASE  IS 

CATHODE 


CATHODE 


SHORT 
LEAD 


5H0RT 
LEAD 

CATHODE 


LONG  LEAD 
ANODE 


Fig.    3,    Basic    singte<olor 
LED. 


seven  segment  numerals 
used  for  the  display  where 
each  segment  of  the  num. 
a  I  was  made  up  of  one  or 
more  LED  strips  or  a  matrix 
of  dots  There  is  little  doubt 
that  the  pocket  calculator 
was  made  possible  by  the 
development  of  the  LED 
display,  as  all  other  types  of 
displays  were  too  large  or 
required  large  amounts  of 
electrical  power.  The  liquid 
t  rystal  display  (LCD)  which 
has  become  popular  in 
wristwatches  and  pocket 
calculators  was  not  perfect- 
ed until  a  number  of  years 
had  gone  by.  The  original 
LCDs  were  affected  by 
operating  temperature  and 
bright  sunlight  so  that  the\ 
had  to  be  replaced  by  a 
jeweler  every  several  years. 
In  the  section  below,  we 
will  discuss  the  types  of 
LEDs  which  have  been  de- 
veloped to  date  and  which 
have  specific  functions  We 
will  then  take  a  closer  look 

how  these  types  may  be 
applied  to  specific  and  gen- 
eral applications. 

LED.  The  basic  LED  is  a 
single-color,  on-off  device. 
Fig.  3  shows  the  symbol  for 
the  basic  LED  which  c  an  be 
obtained  in  colors  of 
orange,  green,  yellow,  and 
red,  They  are  always  used  in 
conjunction  with  a  current- 
limiting  resistor.  This  simple 


♦  5VDC 

LONG  LEAD 


ANOOE 


CATHODE 


SHORT  LEAD 


Fig.  4.  LED  with  current-lim- 
iting resistor  in  same  case. 

LED  is  used  as  an  on-off  in- 
dicator, as  a  segment  or  dot 
matrix  for  numeral  displays, 
the  transmitter  for  optical 
couplers,  and  the  like  The 
voltage  drop  across  the 
LED  itself  is  1 .6  V  dc  for  red 
and  a  nominal  2  volts  for 
green. 

LED  with  Current-Limit- 
ing Resistor.  An  LED  must 
always  be  operated  with  a 
current-limiting  resistor  in 
series.  Fig.  4  shows  a  symbol 
for  an  LED  with  a  series  re- 
sistor packaged  within  the 
epoxy  case.  These  units  are 
designed  for  operation  at  5 
V  dc  TTL  logic  level  and  are 
available  for  other  operat- 
ing voltages 

LED  with  Resistor  and 
Diode.  When  an  LED  is  op 
era  ted  off  an  ac  voltage,  it 
must  be  provided  with  re- 
verse-voltage protection  as 
the  reverse-voltage  break- 
down is  a  nominal  3  to  Hi 
volts  This  protection  must 
be  in  the  form  of  a  diode  or 
another  LED  in  reverse  po- 
larity parallel  with  the  LED, 
The  average  signal  diode 
can  withstand  50  to  100 
volts  peak  inverse  voltage 
(piv),  but  the  average  LED  is 
limited  to  a  nominal  3  V  dc 
piv.  Fig.  5  shows  an  LED 
complete  with  series  drop- 
ping resistor  and  a  reverse- 
protection  diode,  all  in  one 
package.  Even  though  there 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     59 


*5V  AC/ DC 


LOHG  LEAU 


djode 


l  cATMoofX 

**oo£ 

i — *  * 


tmacm 

CATHODE 


Fig.  5.  LED  with  combined 
current-limiting  resistor  and 
reverse-protection  diode  m 
one  package. 


: 


SHORT  LEAD 
FOR   GREEN 


LOX6   LEAD 

-FOR  OREEN 
*FO»*  RED 


Fig.  6,  Tri-color  LED  is 
achieved  through  reverse- 
parallel  connection  of  2- 
color  LED  chips. 


ANODE  i      ANODE  2 
(SHORT  LE  ADM  LONG  LEAOt 


*4 
ORANGE -RED 


** 


GREEN 


TT 


% 


CATHODE 


Fig.  7.  The  dual-color  LED 
has  3  pins  and  is  mounted  in 
a  single  epoxy  package. 


+  SVDC 
A 


ANODE 
CATHODE 


LONG  LEAD 


>  3PPS 


IC  Ch 
SHORT  LEAD 


-  * 


Fig.  8.  Proposed  graphic 
symbol  for  Hasher  LED.  The 
IC  chip  is  molded  into  the 
plastic  case. 


+  VTH  -Z.TVDC 
4 


LONG   LEAD 
ANODE 


IC 
CHIP 


CATHODE 
SHORT  LEAD 


Fig,  9.  Proposed  graphic 
symbol  for  a  voltage-sensing 
LED.  The  LtD  turns  on  with- 
in 10  mV  of  the  threshold 
voltage,  Vjh> 

60     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


are  3  electrical  components 
in  the  package,  they  are 
available  for  about  36C  in 
quantities  of  1000.  A  5 -volt 
source  can  be  used  to  drive 
these  type  LEDs  directly; 
they  are  also  available  to  in- 
terface with  a  12-volt 
source,  ac  or  dc 

Tri-Color  LED.  The  tri-col- 
or LED  is  really  a  two-color 
LED  connected  in  reverse 
polarity  paralleled  in  a 
single  package  as  shown  in 
Fig  6*  Two  LED  chips  of  dif- 
ferent colors  (red  and 
green)  are  packaged  in  the 
same  epoxy  case.  The  char- 
acteristics of  the  chips  are 
chosen  so  that  when  the  red 
LED  is  on  it  appears  as 
bright  as  the  green  LED 
when  it  is  on.  The  red  is  at  a 
wavelength  of  697  nano- 
meters while  the  green  is  at 
a  wavelength  of  565  nano- 
meters, close  to  the  maxi- 
mum sensitivity  of  the  hu- 
man eye.  These  LEDs  have 
a  typical  light  output  of 
about  2  millicandelas  [2 
thousandths  of  a  candle 
power)  at  a  current  flow  of 
10  mA.  As  the  LEDs  provide 
reverse-polarity  protection 
to  each  other,  the  unit  can 
be  operated  on  an  ac  volt- 
age (with  suitable  dropping 
resistor],  When  operated  on 
60-Hz  current,  one  LED  will 
be  on  when  the  voltage  is 
positive  and  the  other  LED 
will  be  on  when  the  voltage 
is  negative  To  the  eye,  the 
LEDs  will  appear  to  be  yel- 
low or  yellow-orange  since 
the  eye  will  integrate  the 
discrete  flashes  of  red  and 
green  and  turn  them  into  a 
yellow-orange.  We  will  dis- 

ISS  the  effect  further  under 
Applications  of  the  LED. 

Dual-Color  LED,  Once 
again  we  have  two  LED 
chips  mounted  in  one  pack- 
age to  simplify  circuit  de- 
sign. However,  the  dual-col- 
or LED  has  two  separate  an- 
odes and  a  single  cathode 
connection  as  we  see  in  Fig, 
7.  This  LED  package  has  3 
pins  since  the  two  anodes 
have  separate  pins  while  a 
common  cathode  connec- 
tion is  used.  This  type  of 
LED  is  useful  as  it  replaces 


2  separate  panel  indicators, 
with  the  2  color  leads  simul- 
taneously available.  The 
unit  is  suitable  for  dynamic 
color  multiplexing  and  is 
ideal  for  an  active  visual  in- 
dication of  binary  and  tri- 
nary  electronic  states 
(orange-red  — on  or  offr 
green  — on  or  off,  both  — on 
or  off). 

The  Flasher  LED.  This 
LED  does  not  wear  a  rain- 
coat which  it  "flashes"  3 
times  per  second,  as  its 
name  might  imply.  It  does, 
however,  have  a  built-in  IC 
chip  which  acts  as  a  timer 
so  that  current  pulses 
through  the  LED,  flashing 
its  red  light  3  times  per  sec- 
ond. As  there  is  no  standard 
graphic  symbol  for  the 
flasher  LED,  the  symbol 
shown  in  Fig.  B  is  proposed 
and  has  appeared  in  several 
magazines. 

The  IC  chip  which  is 
molded  in  with  the  LED  in 
an  epoxy  case  is  usually  vis- 
ible through  the  red  plastu 
case  as  a  small  black  square 
dot  about  the  size  of  a  let- 
ter n  of  the  print  in  this  mag- 
azine. Considering  the  size 
of  the  chip,  it  is  amazing  to 
think  that  it  is  able  to  not 
only  time  the  flash  rate  but 
also  control  the  passage  of 
20  mA  at  5  volts  through  the 
LED.  Try  doing  that  with 
discrete  RC  components 
the  size  of  a  pinhead1  The 
red  light  output  is  1  2 
millicandelas  at  5  V  dc.  No 
external  parts  are  required, 
and  it  will  operate  directlv 
off  5  V  dc  TTL  logic  level 
The  typical  flash  rate  is  3 
flashes  per  second  at  5  V  dc 
with  a  peak  emission  in  the 
red  spectrum  at  a  wave 
length  of  650  nanometers 

Voltage-Sensing  LED,  This 
LED  also  makes  use  of  an 
integrated  circuit  to  per- 
form its  function  of  sensing 
the  voltage  level  applied 
across  its  terminals.  When 
the  input  voltage  exceeds 
the  threshold  voltage,  VjM, 
the  LED  turns  on.  In  fact,  it 

snaps  on"  within  10  mV  of 
a  nominal  27  V  dc  and  will 
stay  on  as  the  voltage  con- 
tinues to  increase  up  to  a 


maximum  of  5  V  dc.  This 
LED  can  be  used  as  a  push- 
to-test  battery  voltage 
tester,  VU  meter,  etc  Fig, l) 

shows  the  graphic  symbol 
for  the  voltage-sensing  LED, 
and  again  the  symbol 
shown  is  proposed,  Within 
the  IC  chip  is  a  tempera- 
ture-compensated refer- 
ence voltage  and  a  high- 
gain  comparator  which  pro- 
vides an  unambiguous  indi- 
cation by  the  LED  turnon 
of  the  input  voltage  with  re- 
spect to  the  threshold  volt- 
age. Through  use  of  an  ex- 
ternal resistor,  diode,  or 
zener  in  series  with  the  LED 
chip,  the  threshold  voltage 
may  be  increased  to  any  de- 
sired voltage.  When  a  resis- 
tor is  placed  in  parallel  with 
the  LED  chip,  the  LED  may 
be  used  as  a  current-sensing 
device  Refer  to  the  Appli- 
cations section  for  addi- 
tional details. 

Infrared  LED  In  appear- 
ance the  infrared  LED  looks 
like  any  ordinary  LED, 
u  hether  it  is  housed  in  a  red 
or  clear  epow  case.  The  on 
ly  thing  is  that  the  human 
eye  cannot  see  the  1R 
energy,  so  you  can't  tell 
whether  it  is  on,  off,  good, 
or  bad.  The  IR  LED  is  used 
as  a  transmitter  in  intrusion 
devices,  as  the  send  end  of 
a  communications  fine  (fi- 
ber optic  or  line-of -sight),  as 
an  object  counter  in  con- 
veyer belts  and  for  auto* 
matic  flushing  of  urinals 
Frg.  10  shows  the  graphic 
symbol  for  the  IR  LED.  Note 
that  it  is  identical  to  the  vi 
sua  I  LED  except  that  IR  has 
been  added  to  the  arrow 
light  symbols  In  the  Appli- 
cations section,  we  will  dis- 
cuss how  you  can  easily  tell 
if  the  IR  LED  is  operating 
properly. 

Applications  of  the  LEO 

In  this  section  we  will  dis- 
cuss some  applications  of 
the  various  types  of  LEDs 
Other  applications  will 
come  to  mind  as  you  be- 
come more  familiar  with 
the  capabilities  of  this 
really  marvelous  solid-state 
light. 


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CATHODE 


LONG  LEAD 


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X    IR 


SHORT  LEAD 


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Fig.  tO.  The  IR  LED  looks 
identical  to  the  visible  LED 
except  its  wavelength  is 
longer  and  the  eye  cannot 
see  its  emission. 


V 

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5 

12 

24 

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OHMS 

USE  1/3  WATT  RESISTORS 

Fig.  77.  Circuit  for  red  LED 
drawing  20  mA  at  voltages 
shown. 

Indicators  In  their 
simplest  form,  the  LfcD  is 
used  as  an  indicator  of  the 
presence  of  a  voltage  or 
current  — a  pilot  light.  But  it 
will  never  burn  out  in  your 
lifetime.  Always  use  a 
current-limiting  resistor  to 
limit  the  current  to  5  to  20 
mA  depending  on  the  LED, 
Pig.  11  shows  a  circuit  for 
LED  operation  at  20  mA  for 
3  Vdc5  Vdc,  12  V  dc,  and 
24  V  dc  The  voltage  drop 
across  the  red  LED  is  1.6  V 
dc  and  the  green  LED  is  a 
nominal  2.1  V  dc. 

Displays.  Alphanumeric 
displays  were  the  first  to 
take  advantage  of  the  low 
power  consumption  of  the 
LED,  the  first  of  these  being 
the  7-segment  numeral  so 
widely  used  as  pocket  cal- 
culator displays.  These  nu- 
merals usually  have  a  com- 
mon cathode  or  anode  as 
shown  in  Fig.  12,  The  7  seg- 
ments are  lettered  a  through 
g  for  identification.  A  sepa- 
rate dropping  resistor  is 
used  for  each  segment.  A 
binary-coded- decimal 
(BCD)  decoder  and  driver 
are  used  to  turn  on  the 
various  segments  to  form  a 
numeral  or  digit 

Communications.  When 
used  as  a  source  of  energy 


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Fig.    12.    Seven-segment   numeral   display   with   common 
cathode. 


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Fig.  13.  An  LED  transmitter  modulated  by  a  transistor  radio      FiS-  14-   J^e  LED  cfn  se™e 

as  a  voltage  regulator  for 

low  current  needs. 


earphone  output 


for  light-beam  communica- 
tions systems,  the  LED  is 
modulated  in  some  manner 
by  turning  it  on  and  off 
by  intensity  modulation 
(which  the  eye  cannot  ob- 
serve much  above  about  12 
Hz)  or  pulse  position  modu- 
lation. In  Fig.  13,  we  seethe 
circuit  of  ^n  LED  being 
modulated  by  the  audio 
output  from  a  transistor  ra- 
dio. The  audio  from  this  in- 
tensity-modulated light 
beam  can  be  recovered  by 
connecting  a  silicon  or  sele- 
nium solar  cell  across  the 
audio  input  of  a  phono  am- 
plifier or  any  audio  amplifi- 
er. This  simple  transmitting 
and  receiving  system  will 
demonstrate  the  basics  of 
light-beam  communica- 
tions. For  many  interesting 
details  and  experiments  on 
light-beam  communica- 
tions, including  historical 
details  on  Alexander  Graham 
Bell's  Photo  phone  commu- 
nication system  using  a  sun- 
beam, see  Light-Beam  Com- 
munications by  Forrest  M. 
Mims  111  (Howard  W.  Sams, 
1975). 

Voltage  Regulator.  The 
voltage  drop  across  an  LED 
is  rather  constant,  even 
with  greatly  increasing  cur- 
rent through  the  LED.  In  Fig. 
14,  we  see  a  circuit  which 
uses  an  LED  as  a  voltage 
regulator.  The  accompany- 
ing curve  of  current  through 
the  LED  vs.  the  voltage 
drop  across  the  LED  shows 
how  constant  the  drop  is  at 


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Fig.  15.  The  threshold  turn-on  voltage  can  be  increased  by 
using  an  external  component  with  the  voltage-sensing  LED, 


1,6  volts  for  a  red  LED.  The 
voltage  input  range  can  be 
increased  by  placing  a 
number  of  LEDs  in  series  or 
the  output  current  capacity 
of  the  LED  regulator  can  be 
increased  by  paralleling 
several  LEDs,  The  circuit  is 
especially  handy  where  the 
load  current  is  not  great;  at 
the  same  time,  the  light 
LEDs  will  indicate  circuit 
operation. 

Voltage-Sensing.  The 
nominal  27-V-dc  threshold 
voltage  of  the  voltage-sens- 
ing LED  can  be  increased  in 
several  ways  by  applying  in 
series  with  the  LED  other 
devices  that  have  known 
fixed  voltage  drops.  In  Fig, 
15,  we  see  how  these  vari- 
ous external  components 
such  as  an  LED,  a  diode, 
etc,  are  placed  in  series 
with  the  sensor  to  increase 
the  turn-on  voltage  level. 

Stroboscopic  Light  Source. 
LEDs  can  be  turned  on  and 
off  in  a  matter  of  nanosec- 
onds. Because  of  this  capa- 


bility, they  can  be  used  as  a 
stroboscopic  light  source. 
The  most  common  applica- 
tion of  such  a  light  source  is 
the  home  music  record 
turntable.  They  ordinarily 
use  a  neon  bulb  with  an  or- 
ange glow  to  indicate  when 
the  turntable  is  running  at 
the  desired  speed.  The  neon 
bulb  will  flash  at  the  rate  of 
120  flashes  per  second 
when  operated  off  60-Hz 
power  as  the  neon  gas 
ionizes  on  either  polarity  of 
the  line  voltage.  A  single 
LED,  however,  will  flash  at 
a  60-Hz  rate  when  config- 
ured as  in  Fig.  5.  Two  red  or 
green  LEDs  can  be  made  to 
flash  at  120  flashes  per  sec- 
ond when  connected  in  re- 
verse polarity  parallel  as 
shown  in  Fig.  6. 

Light  Flashers  Light  Source. 
The  light  output  of  LEDs 
has  been  increased  over  the 
years  by  manufacturers  as 
new  materials  and  tech- 
niques have  become  avail- 
able. Today,  the  light  out- 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    61 


put  from  an  LED  can  be  as 
bright  at  5  mA  as  it  used  to 
be  at  50  mA.  Early  LED  light 
intensity  output  was  1  to  5 
millicandelas,  but  now  they 
are  available  with  outputs 
around  100  millicandelas  in 
the  green  spectrum,  One 
bright  green  LED  readily 
available  is  the  Xciton  XC- 
5549<]24  which  puts  out  24 
millicandelas  at  10  mA. 
This  LED  is  bright  enough  to 
cast  a  green  spot  3  feet 
away  and  can  be  ganged 
(paralleled)  to  make  a  solid- 
state  flashlighter  that  can 
be  placed  in  series  with  a 
common  dropping  resistor 
Remember  the  green  LED 
has  a  nominal  operating  volt- 
age of  2.4  to  27  V  dc  de- 
pending on  the  type  of  mate- 
rial used  in  manufacture. 

A  circuit  for  flashing  the 
LED  is  shown  in  Fig  16,  This 
circuit  uses  a  3909  LED 
flasheroscillator  IC  chip 
(National  LM  3909  or  Radio 
Shack  276-1705)  to  pulse 
the  current  through  the 
LED.  With  the  circuit  values 
shown,  the  LED  will  flash 
once  each  second  for  about 
a  year  using  2  C -cells,  The 
unit  can  be  packaged  in  a 
spray-can  top  and  will  serve 
as  an  attention-getter 
placed  in  a  window  to  indi- 
cate to  all  that  can  see  it 
"that  the  intrusion  warning 
device  is  on  and  armed";  it 
also  makes  a  great  conver- 
sation piece  for  your  desk. 
The  3909  IC  chip  is  avail- 
able for  about  $1 .00  at  local 
electronics  stores. 


3*01  FL49MCH  IC  CHIP 


FAST  I1  OUT 
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3VDC 


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Fig.  16,  This  IC  chip  circuit 
will  flash  an  LED  once  per 
second  for  about  a  year  on  2 
C<ells. 

02    73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


The  flasher  LED  which 
operates  at  5  V  dc  and 
flashes  3  times  per  second 
has  an  internal  IC  chip 
which  is  sensitive  to  light, 
This  phenomenon  can  be 
used  to  change  the  flash 
rate  of  the  LED.  Certain 
flasher  LEDs  can  be  used  as 
sensors  to  tell  the  differ- 
ence between  a  cloudless, 
sunlit  sky  and  a  cloud  pass- 
ing in  front  of  the  sun.  Try 
several  flashers  until  you 
find  one  that  shows  this  ef- 
fect best.  In  Fig.  1 7,  we  see  a 
cross-section  of  a  flasher 
LED  by  AEC-Telefunken 
(CQX-21);  in  Fig.  18,  we  see  a 
block  diagram  of  the  elec- 
tronics that  is  inside  the  IC 
chip. 

In  Fig  19(a),  we  see  a 
green  LED  placed  in  series 
with  a  red  flasher  LED,  both 
of  them  across  a  9-volt  bat- 
tery so  that  they  flash  in 
unison.  A  piezo  sounder 
can  also  be  placed  across 
the  green  LED  to  pulse  each 
time  the  green  LED  flashes. 
There  is  no  current  drawn 
from  the  battery  during  the 
off-duty  cycle.  The  piezo 
sounder  is  available  from 
Radio  Shack  as  RS  273-060. 

Fig,  19[b]  shows  2  flashers 
placed  in  series  with  a  green 
LED;  now  we  find  that  the 
LEDs  pulse  in  series  so  that 
they  go  "blink-blink,  blink- 
blink/'  while  the  piezo 
sounder  goes  "beep-beep, 
beep-beep/'  The  flash  rate 
and  current  drawn  from  the 
9-volt  battery  are  also 
shown  in  Fig.  19.  The  circuit 
should    flash    for    several 


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Fig.  17.  Cross-section  of  the 
construction  of  the  AEC- 
Teleiunken  CQX-21  Blink- 
LED, 


years  off  a  type-F  (6-volt) 
battery. 

Linear  Indicator  Display 
Meter.  Because  the  LED  can 
respond  instantaneously  to 
applied  voltage,  use  of  the 
light-bar  voltage  or  signal- 
amplitude  linear  vertical  or 
horizontal  meter  has 
become  popular.  These 
light-bar  meters  are  espe- 
cially popular  in  the  audio 
and  music  entertainment 
field  as  the  moving  display 
is  rather  dynamic  in  opera- 
tion. They  will  be  used 
more  and  more  in  the  fu- 
ture because  the  linear 
scale  can  be  observed  from 
a  distance  considerably  fur- 
ther away  than  can  an  ordi- 
nary meter  with  moving 
needle. 

Visual  AND,  ORt  and 
NOR  Gate  Indicators.  The 
dual-color  LED  can  actually 
display  3  color  conditions 
plus  off  to  indicate  the 
logic  AND  state  (red  and 
green  on),  OR  state  (red  on 
or  green  on),  and  NOR  state 
(neither  red  nor  green  on; 
both  off).  With  the  red  and 
green  on  at  the  same  time, 
the  color  will  appear  yellow 
or  orange  to  the  eye.  The  tri- 


color reverse-parallel-con- 
nected LED  will  indicate 
red,  green,  or  yellow  in  col- 
or. These  will  indicate  the 
logic  states  as  described 
above  but  can  also  be  used 
to  ascertain  a  voltage  polar- 
ity state  such  as  green  for  a 
positive  voltage,  red  for  a 
negative  voltage  (or  current 
reversed  from  the  green  or 
positive  voltage),  or  yellow 
for  an  ac  voltage. 

Light  Detector  or  Sensor 
All  semiconductor  junction 
devices  possess  some 
degree  of  light  sensitivity. 
C  lass -encased  diodes, 
LEDs,  and  transistors  are  all 
light-sensitive.  An  LED  is  in 
effect  a  bi-directional  pho- 
tovoltaic device.  That  ish 
voltage  applied  to  the  LED 
causes  it  to  emit  light  But 
shine  a  light  on  the  LED  and 
it  will  produce  a  small  volt- 
age across  its  terminals.  Fig, 
20  shows  an  LED  being 
driven  by  a  transistor  radio 
output;  a  few  inches  away, 
an  LED  acts  as  a  light  pick- 
up feeding  an  audio  ampli- 
fier. With  this  simple  ar- 
rangement, you  will  be  able 
to  demonstrate  this  light 
fantastic    of    the    LED     In- 


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Fig.  18.  Block  diagram  of  the  electronics  within  the  IC  chip 
of  the  CQX-21  Biink-LED. 


RCO  FLAShEA 


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Flashes 

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2 

40  pair  minute 

5  mA 

Fig.  19,(a)  Red  flasher  LED  connected  in  series  with  a  green 
LED.  (b)  Two  red  flashers  connected  in  series  with  a  green  LED. 


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fig.  20.  The  tf  D  used  as  a  transmitter  and  detector  of  light 
energy.  Transmission  through  space  is  shown  in  (a),  while 
(b)  depicts  the  use  of  the  LED  as  an  optical  coupler. 


f rared  LEDs  have  greater 
sensitivity  to  light  than  do 
visual  LEDs, 

As  a  further  demonstra- 
tion of  the  light  effect  of  a 
diode,  take  a  glass-encased 
diode  and  connect  it  across 
the  input  to  your  audio 
amplifier.  With  the  over- 
head lights  on,  you  should 
be  able  to  hear  a  120-Hz 
hum  with  the  audio  gain 
turned  up.  Cover  up  the 
LED  with  your  hand  and  the 
hum  will  go  away. 

You  can  make  an  LED  op- 
tical coupler  by  using  two 
LEDs  head-to-head  and 
held  together  by  heat- 
shrink  tubing  which  has 
been  shrunk  around  the  two 
LEDs.  Either  end  of  the 
coupler  can  be  the  send  or 
receive  link. 

Intrusion  Detector  tight 
Source.  As  described  earli- 
er, the  IR  LED  can  be  used 
as  a  transmitter  for  an  intru* 
sion  device  which  bounces 
an  invisible  beam  around  a 
room.  Through  the  use  of 
mirrors,  a  room  can  be  criss- 
crossed with  the  invisible 
beam  light  When  the  beam 
is  interrupted  by  anyone,  an 
alarm  is  sounded.  In  the 
next  section  well  discuss 
how  you  can  tell  if  an  IR 
LED  is  "alive  and  well" 
even  though  you  can't  see 
its  radiation. 

Continuity  Tester.  The 
LED  can  be  used  as  an  inex- 
pensive continuity  tester  by 
connecting  it  as  shown  in 
Fig.  21 ,  Use  two  AA  cells  to 
provide  3  V  dc  or  use  a 
9-volt  transistor  battery 
that  has  been  discarded  as 
it  will  provide  many  months 
of  additional  service.  You 
can  build  the  unit  in  a  dis- 
carded plastic  top  from  a 


spray  can  or  a  plastic  medi- 
cine pill  bottle.  The  LED 
will  be  brightest  when  the 
probes  are  shorted  together 
(zero  Ohms)  and  really  dim 
for  a  high  resistance  (10k 
to  20k)+ 

Voltage  Tester.  In  Fig.  22, 
we  see  the  circuit  diagram 
for  a  voltage  tester  using  an 
LED  as  the  indicator  of  volt- 
age level.  With  the  values 
shown,  the  tester  will  oper- 
ate over  a  voltage  range 
from  1  to  about  30  volts  ac 
or  dc.  The  LED  will  be  dim 
at  1  V  and  bright  at  30  V. 
The  voltage  tester  will  oper- 
ate off  ac  or  dc  because  of 
the  reverse-polarity  LEDs. 
In  addition,  because  either 
LED  will  light  up  on  an  ac  or 
dc  voltage,  it  is  not  neces- 
sary to  observe  polarity  of 
the  probes  before  placing 
them  across  the  circuit  to 
be  tested. 

Wheatstone  Bridge.  The 
direction  of  current  flow  is 
indicated  by  2  LE  Ds  that  are 
connected  in  reverse  polari- 
ty paralleled  as  we  have  dis- 
cussed before.  Because  of 
this  indication,  the  LEDs 
can  be  used  to  take  the 
place  of  a  galvanometer  in 
a  Wheatstone  bridge.  The 
circuit  is  shown  in  Fig    22 


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Fig.  27,   The  LED  used  as  a 

continuity  tester  by  adding  a 
battery  and  resistor. 

and  the  two  separate  LEDs 
or  dual-color  single  plastic 
package  can  be  used.  A 
photocell  is  used  to  set  a 
light  level  and  a  poten- 
tiometer is  used  to  null  the 
LEDs  so  they  both  go  out  or 
are  equally  dim.  Then,  as 
the  light  level  is  increased 
or  decreased,  by  changing 
the  light  level  or  moving  to 
or  from  the  source,  one  or 
the  other  LEDs  will  become 
equally  dim  or  almost  out 
In  this  manner,  the  same 
light  level  can  be  set  by  a 
room  dimmer  or  walking  to- 
ward or  away  from  the  light 
source. 

The  LED  in  Motion,  As 
discussed  earlier  the  LED 
will  flash  on  each  time  its 
anode  goes  positive  with  re- 
spect to  its  cathode.  When 
an  ac  or  pulsating  dc  volt- 
age is  applied  to  its  termi- 
nals, the  LED  will  flash  on 
and  off.  If  the  flash  rate  is 
from  about  12  to  16  flashes 
per  second,  the  LED  will  ap- 
pear to  be  on  all  the  time 
because  the  human  eye 
cannot  observe  the  individ- 
ual flashes.  Most  LEDs  are 
stationary  in  use  and  we 
cannot  observe  the  effect 
unless  we  can  move  the 
LED  fast  enough.  In  order 
to  observe  that  a  pocket 
calculator  LED  display  is 
being   turned   on   and   off, 


fi  J  VAC 


MINUS   PKQSE  - 


LED  BEING 
TESTED 


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Fig.  23.  This  short-proof  LED  power  supply  and  tester  will 
work  with  any  color  or  voltage  LED. 


Fig.  22.  A  light-sensitive 
Wheatstone  bridge  which 
uses  two  LEDs  to  indicate 
when  the  bridge  is  balanced. 

that  is,  being  multiplexed, 
move  the  lighted  display 
rapidly  in  an  arc  at  arms 
length,  You  will  observe  in- 
dividual numerals  or  seg- 
ments being  multiplexed,  In 
the  section  that  follows,  a 
means  of  flashing  or  pulsing 
the  LED  is  described,  but 
for  additional  details  on  the 
moving  LED,  see  One-Eve- 
ning Electronic  Projects  by 
the  author  (published  by 
Howard  W.  Sams,  1980), 

An  LED  Power  Supply 
and  Tester 

A  question  to  be  asked 
about  any  LED  that  you  are 
going  to  use  in  a  circuit  con- 
cerns the  condition  of  the 
LED  and  its  connections  if  it 
is  a  numeral  display.  Also, 
how  do  you  tell  if  an  IR  LED 
is  OK  to  use  in  a  circuit  you 
are  building?  Fig.  23  shows 
a  simple  circuit  that  you 
can  use  to  test  any  LED,  di- 
ode, or  transistor.  You  can 
use  it  to  test  any  LED  for 
proper  operation,  identify 
the  anode  and  cathode  in 
case  the  leads  have  been 
cut  off,  and  identify  the  seg- 
ments of  any  of  the  numer- 
al digit  displays.  You'll  be 
able  to  tell  which  LED  is  the 
brightest  you  have  and  sep- 
arate them  out  by  color 
before  you  install  them  in  a 
circuit. 

Looking  at  the  circuit  dia- 
gram you'll  see  that  the 
probes  have  been  labeled  as 
Plus  probe  and  Minus  probe, 
and  that  the  associated  LED 
is  also  labeled  P  and  M.  Use 
a  red  or  bright-colored  lead 
for  plus  and  a  black  or  dark 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     83 


0) 


b) 


GREEN 
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LED 


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DIO0E 


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TH£   LOWER   R,    THE    FASTER  THE   LED 

WILL   FLASH 


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LED 


Fig.  24.  By  adding  the  components  shown  in  the  dotted 
lines,  a  flasher  LED  can  he  tested  with  the  power  supply. 


lead  for  minus.  When  you 
short  the  test  probes  togeth- 
er, both  of  the  tester  LEDs 
will  light  as  current  is  able 
to  blow  through  the  circuit 
in  both  directions  because 
of  the  ac  voltage.  When 
you  place  an  LED  across 
the  test  probes,  one  or  the 
other  tester  LEDs  will  light 
as  well  as  the  LED  being 
tested.  If  the  PLED  is  lit  the 
red  probe  is  connected  to 
the  anode  under  test  (and 
the  black  probe  to  the  cath- 
ode of  the  LED  under  test). 
However,  if  theM  LED  is  lit, 
the  Plus  probe  is  connected 
to  the  cathode  of  the  LED 
being  tested  (and  the  Mi- 
nus probe  to  the  anode). 

An  IR  LED  can  be  tested 
in  the  following  manner, 
which  is  the  same  test  for 
any  LED  or  diode.  Let's  use 
the  diode  for  reference  and 
look  at  the  3  conditions  of 
that  device.  When  a  diode 


is  good  it  will  conduct  in 
one  direction  and  not  the 
other.  So  on  our  LED  power 
supply  and  tester,  one  LED 
will  be  on  and  one  LED  will 
be  oft.  With  a  diode  across 
the  probes,  either  LED  can 
be  lit  as  it  doesn't  make  any 
difference  as  long  as  only 
one  is  lit.  The  condition  for 
a  shorted  diode  is  that  it 
will  conduct  in  both  direc- 
tions, so  both  LEDs  would 
be  onf  just  the  same  as 
when  the  test  probes  are 
shorted  together.  The  re- 
maining test,  or  circuit  con- 
dition, for  a  diode  is  that  it 
is  open.  On  the  LED  tester, 
with  the  probes  connected 
across  an  open  diode,  nei- 
ther of  the  LEDs  would  be 
lit  as  there  is  no  current 
flow  through  the  LEDs  due 
to  the  open  circuit. 

So  now  when  we  place  an 
IR  LED  across  the  tester,  we 
can  tell  whether  it  is  operat- 


Fig.  26.  A  new  Hewlett-Packard  family  of  light-emitting 
diode  light-bar  modules  is  designed  for  use  as  back-lighting 
sources  for  display  panels.  (Photo  courtesy  of  Hewlett- 
Packard] 

64     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


RED 

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I      !     I     I 


LK1HT   OUTPUT 


HLj 


RED 

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I      '     l 

i     l      j-  VOLTAGE   TO  LED  v 

A!/  \ 


A'  A'  A'  A 


RED 

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P         '     I    I 
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Fig,  25.  A  single-color  LED  strokes  out  a  dashed  line  when 
moved  [al  while  a  bi-color  LED  strobes  out  the  two  colors 
of  the  LED  (b). 


ing  properly,  is  shorted  or 
open,  even  though  we  can't 
observe  its  radiation.  There 
is  no  way  it  can  be  operat- 
ing properly  and  not  pro- 
vide the  correct  symptoms 
of  operation.  And  remem- 
ber—you can  test  the  LEDs 
in  this  tester  without  having 
to  use  a  current-limiting 
resistor  or  concerning 
yourself  about  shorting  the 
power  supply  leads  as  the 
supply  is  short-circuit-proof. 

A  flasher  LED  can  be  test- 
ed using  the  LED  power 
supply  by  using  several 
other  components  connect- 
ed as  shown  in  Fig.  24,  The 
diode  will  provide  a  pulsat- 
ing dc  voltage  to  the  flasher 
LED  while  the  resistor 
across  the  tC  chip  will 
cause  the  flash  rate  to  vary. 
The  lower  the  resistance, 
the  faster  the  LED  will  flash. 

Strobing  the  LED 

When  we  connect  an 
LED  to  the  power  supply 
and  move  the  LED  back  and 
forth  in  a  short  arc,  the  LED 
will  be  seen  to  strobe  out  a 
series  of  lines  as  shown  in 
Fig.  25(a).  This  is  due  to  the 
fact  that  the  LED  will  be  on 
only  when  the  anode  is  pos- 
itive with  respect  to  the 
cathode.  However,  when 
we  place  a  tri-color  LED 
(red  and  green)  across  the 
probes  and  hold  it  station- 
ary, it  will  appear  yellow  or 
orange  to  the  eye.  The  eye 
will  sum  the  two  colors  and 
see  a  third  color.  If  we  now 
move  the  LED  back  and 
forth,  we  see  that  the  fixed 
orange  color  changes  to 
dashes  of  red  and  green,  as 
shown  in  Fig.  25(b],  The 
dashes  are  the  on  and  off 
periods  of  each  of  the  col- 
ors. Since  we  are  using 
60-Hz   power,  each  of   the 


dashes  lasts  for  1/120  of  a 
second,  or  1/60  of  a  second 
for  a  complete  red-green 
cycle. 

What  the  Future  Holds 

In  the  game  of  electron- 
ics, it  is  sometimes  difficult 
to  project  where  a  certain 
product  or  process  will  go 
or  how  far  it  will  go  The 
pocket  calculator  would 
not  have  been  possible 
without  the  LED  display 
and  the  calculator  itself 
wouldn't  have  worked  with- 
out the  invention  of  the  IC 
chip.  The  pocket  radio 
would  not  have  been  possi- 
ble without  the  transistor, 
but  without  the  develop- 
ment of  the  small  ferrite 
loopstick  antenna,  the 
whole  pocket  radio  would 
not  have  been  possible.  So 
one  development  depends 
on  another.  The  Dick  Tracy 
wrist  TV  transmitter  will 
one  day  be  here,  but  in  the 
meantime,  more  realistic 
developments  will  arrive  on 
the  scene.  Some  items  on 
the  scene,  or  almost  in 
sight,  are  discussed  below. 

Barlights  and  Odd  Shapes 

In  Fig.  26,  we  see  a 
barlight  available  from 
Hewlett-Packard  in  colors 
of  red,  yellow,  and  green, 
These  barlights  are  about 
%  inch  wide  and  1  inch 
long  and  the  whole  surface 
is  made  to  glow  evenly. 
They  can  be  placed  end-to- 
end  to  form  a  long  column 
or  used  in  any  arrangement 
that  a  designer  might  want 
in  order  to  display  num- 
erals, play  light  music  of 
different  colors  when  op- 
erated off  a  stereo  music 
amplifier,  or  make  a  large, 
cool-light  mosaic  display.  In 
Fig,  27,  we  see  a  number  of 


Fig,  27.  Unusual  LED  shapes 
available  from  A  EC-Tel e- 
funken, 

LEDs  available  from  AEC- 
Telefunken  shaped  as  cir- 
cles, squares,  and  triangles 
which  can  be  arranged  to 
form  other  figures  such  as 
arrows,  rectangles,  dots, 
dashes,  and  colons. 

Flat-Screen  Color  TV.  A 
dream  of  the  TV  industry  is 
to  make  a  flat-screen  TV 
set.  The  CRT  is  also  the 
most  expensive  component 
in  the  TV  set  and  its  lifetime 
is  limited  due  to  filament 
aging.  So  if  the  CRT  would 
be  replaced  with  a  solid- 
state  video  light  source 
such  as  the  LED,  the  TV  set 
could  indeed  be  all  solid 
state  and  would  actually 
last  a  lifetime.  Such  a  devel- 
opment that  could  lead  to  a 
fiat-screen  TV  is  an  an- 
nouncement by  Sanyo  that 


it  has  developed  a  multi- 
colored LED  which  emits 
colors  from  red  through 
green,  including  the  in-be- 
tween hues.  This  LED  is 
made  from  phosphorized 
gallium  and  will  have  a  long 
lifetime.  Sanyo's  goal  is  to 
develop  an  LED  that  is  ca- 
pable of  emitting  the  three 
primary  colors  necessary  in 
a  TV  receiver  — red,  green, 
and  blue. 

Three-color  LED.  Before 
we  get  to  the  three  magic 
colors  of  the  TV  set— red, 
green,  and  blue  — we  must 
be  willing  to  take  what 
technology  has  to  offer  us 
at  the  time.  It  was  an- 
nounced recently  that  Roza 
Luksemburg  Electric  Lamps 
Manufacturing  Works  of 
Warsaw,  Poland,  has  devel- 
oped and  produced  a  three- 
color  LED,  Each  LED  has 
three  structures,  two  CaAsP 
semiconductors  which  emit 
red  and  yellow  light  and  a 
third  structure  of  GaP 
which  emits  green  light. 
These  structures  are  all  con- 
tained in  a  single  plastic 
housing  and  are  connected 
by  a  common  cathode.  Sep- 
arate anode  terminals  exist 
for  each  of  the  3  colors  so 
that  it  is  a  4-terminal  LED.  It 
is  the  common  cathode 
which  acts  as  the  light  color 


Type  LED 

Single  color 

RedT  Yelfow,  Green 


Single  color  with 
resistor 

Single  color  with 
resistor  and  diode 

Tri-color  LED 
DuaKcolor  LED 


Flasher  LED 

Voltage-sensing 
LED 

IR  LED 
Rectangular  LED 


Source 

Hewlett-Packard,  Dialight,  Xciton, 
AEG  Tefefunken,  Industrial  Devices, 
Inc.,  Radio  Shack,  Litronix,  Texas 
Instruments,  others 

H-P  5082-4860  (red) 

HUP  HlMP-3105  (red),  HLMP-3680 
(green) 

Radio  Shack  RS-276-035  (red-green- 
yeflow),  tDI  4301 H1/5  (red-green) 

AEG-Telef  unken  CQ  X95  (orange 
red-green)T  Opcoa  LST-710  (red- 
green) 

Radio  Shack  276-036  (red) 
Litronix  FRL-4403(red) 

H-P  5082  4732  (red) 

Radio  Shack  276-141  (IR) 
Tt  TIL32 

Genera!  Instruments  CM4-65 
H-PHLMP-2300(red) 


radiator.  By  means  of  sym- 
metric spacing  of  the  struc- 
tures in  a  common  deep 
reflector,  uniform  illumina- 
tion of  the  light-emitting 
surface  occurs.  This  type  of 
LED  can  be  used  in  a  radio 
tuner  where  the  3  colors 
could  indicate  high  tuning, 
low  tuning,  and  on  frequen- 
cy They  could  also  be  used 
as  gauges  to  indicate  above 
value,  below  value,  and  set 
on  desired  value. 

Remote  Reading  of  Utili- 
ty Meters.  For  the  past  100 
years  or  so,  electrical,  nat- 
ural gas,  and  water  utility 
meters  were  read  up  close 
visually  or,  where  possible, 
from  a  distance  by  means 
of  a  telescope.  Various  utili- 
ty companies  have  been  in- 
vestigating means  of  doing 
the  reading  of  the  utifity 
meter  by  some  rapid  and 
accurate  method.  Energy 
Optics,  Inc.,  of  Las  Cruces, 
New  Mexico,  has  installed  a 
remote  infrared  meter  ac- 
cess system  to  allow  elec- 
tric utility  personnel  to  read 
meters  from  a  moving  vehi- 
cle using  light-beam  corn- 
Radio  Shack 
H-P 


municafions.  The  present 
installations  can  be  read  at 
ranges  of  up  to  200  feet 
with  a  vehicle  speed  of 
about  15  mph.  Infrared 
light  pulses  are  generated 
by  an  LED  or  low-power 
laser  diode.  Later  installa- 
tions will  be  installed  which 
will  allow  reading  ranges  of 
up  to  1000  feet  using  a  fast- 
moving  van  or  low-flying 
aircraft,  The  diode  laser 
power  is  extremely  low  but 
transmits  the  meter  ac- 
count number,  an  eight- 
digit  meter  reading,  and 
other  test  data. 

LED  Types  and  Sources 

Various  types  of  LEDs 
have  been  described  in  this 
article.  Most  of  them  are 
readily  available  in  small 
quantities  of  interest  to  an 
electronics  experimenter  or 
innovator.  Some  of  the 
sources  for  some  of  the 
types  of  LEDs  are  shown  in 
Tables  1  and  2.  Consult  the 
advertisements  in  this  mag- 
azine for  additional  sources 
of  supply  and  pricing  infor- 
mation. ■ 


Litronix 


Xciton 


IDI 


Dialight 


AEG 


Opcoa 


Gl 


Tl 


Table  1,  LED  types  and  sources. 


Neighborhood  stores 

Hewlett-Packard 
1501  Page  Mill  Road 
Palo  Alto  C A  94304 

Litronix,  Inc. 

19000  Homestead  Road 

Cupertino  CA 

Xciton  Corp. 
Shaker  Park 
5  Hemlock  Street 
Latham  NY  12110 

Industrial  Devices,  Inc. 
Edgewater  NJ  07020 

Dialight  Corp. 
203  Harrison  Place 
Brooklyn  NY  11237 

AEG-Telefunken 
B,  H.  Frank  Co, 
3733  W.  139  St. 
Hawthorne  CA  90250 

Opcoa 

330Talmadge  Road 
Edison  NJ  08817 

General  Instruments  Corp. 
4430  N.  Ravenswood  Ave. 
Chicago  I L  60640 

Texas  instruments,  Ina 
PO  Box  5012 
Dallas  TX  75222 


Table  2.  LED  source  addresses, 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    65 


SOML  EVEHTS 


Listings  in  this  column  are  provided  free  of 
charge  on  a  space-available  basts.  The  fol- 
lowing Information  should  ha  included  in 
every  announcement:  sponsor,  event  date, 
time,  place,  city,  state,  admission  charge  (it 
any),  features,  talk-in  frequencies,  and  the 
name  of  whom  to  contact  for  further  informa- 
tion. Announcements  must  be  received  by  73 
Magazine  by  the  first  of  the  month,  two 
months  prior  to  the  month  in  which  the  event 
takes  place.  Malt  to  Editorial  Offices.  73  Mag- 
azine^ Pine  St.t  Peterborough  NH  03453, 

JENSEN  BEACH  FL 
FEB  25 

The  Wart  in  County  Amateur  Radio  As- 
sociation will  hold  fts  annual  free  outdoor 
hamfest  and  swap  meet  on  Sat  ur  day,  Feb- 
ruary 25t  1984.  from  8:00  am  to  4:00  pm,  at 
Langford  Park,  Route  707,  Jensen  Beach 
FL  Bring  your  own  table;  swap-tab fe  and 
tailgate  space  will  be  available.  There  will 
be  food,  drinks,  and  desserts  available 
throughout  the  day,  and  a  playground  for 
the  kids,  so  bring  the  family.  Talk-in  on 
147.06,  down  &00.  For  further  Information, 
write  MCARA,  PO  Box  1901,  Stuart  FL 
33495, 


be  held  on  February  25-26k  1984,  at  the 
Great  Oaks  Vocational  Campus t  3254  East 
Kemper  Roadt  Sharonviile,  Cincinnati  OH. 
Registration  is  $5.00  and  flea-market  space 
is  $4.00  for  two  days  (nam  and  electronic 
items  only}.  Activities  will  Include  forums, 
meetings,  vendors,  Wouff  Hong,  women's 
programs,  a  banquet,  and  a  hospitality 
suite  on  Friday  and  Saturday  nights.  For 
more  information,  write  Cincinnati  AFtRL 
>84,  POB  11300t  Cincinnati  OH  45211,  or 
telephone  (513^825-8234, 

DAVENPORT  IA 
FEB  26 

The  Davenport  Radio  Amateur  Club, 
Inc.,  will  hold  its  13th  annual  hamfest  on 
Sunday,  February  26J  19S4,  from  8:00  am 
to  4;00  pm,  at  the  Davenport  Masonic 
Temple,  Highway  61  (Brady  Street)  and  7th 
Street,  Davenport  I  A.  Tickets  are  $2.00  in 
advance  and  S3.00  at  the  door.  Table  rent- 
als are  $7.00  each,  with  a  $2.00  charge  for 
an  electrical  hookup.  Talk-in  on  .2B/.88 
(WQBXR  repeater).  For  table  reservations 
and  advance  tickets,  write  Dave  Johannsen 
WBGFBP,  2131  Myrtfe  Street,  Davenport 
I A  52804. 


February  26,  1984,  beginning  at  7:00  am 
(Chicago  time),  at  the  Civic  Auditorium, 
LaPorte  IN  (45  miles  SE  of  Chicago  on 
1-80).  Admission  Is  $2.50  per  person,  There 
will  be  180  8-foot  tables  for  $2.00  each  by 
reservation.  Food  and  drinks  will  be  avail- 
able. Sellers  will  receive  help  unloading. 
Talk-in  on  .52  simplex.  For  tab  I  as,  tickets, 
or  more  Information,  send  an  SASE  to 
LPARCt  PO  Box  30,  LaPorte  IN  46350, 

MORRIS  PLAINS  NJ 
MAR  2 

The  Split  Rock  Amateur  Radio  Assoc! a- 
tton  will  hold  its  annual  auction  on  Friday, 
March  2, 1984,  at  the  VFW  Post,  Mt  Tabor 
Road,  Rt,  53  (between  the  train  station  and 
Warner-Lambert),  Morris  Plains  NJ.  The 
doors  will  open  at  7:00  pm  and  the  auction 
will  begin  at  8:00  pm.  A  cash  bar  will  be 
available.  Talk-In  on  .3B5/.985  and  .52. 

CIRCLEVILLE  OH 
MAR  4 

The  Teays  ARC  will  hold  its  seventh  an- 
nual Kfng  of  the  Pumpkin  Hamfest  on  Sun- 
day, March  4,  1984,  from  8:00  am  to  4:00 
pm,  at  the  new  location,  the  K  of  C  Buftd- 
ing,  2489  N,  Court  Street.  Tickets  are  $2  00 
in  advance  and  S3.O0  at  the  door;  tables 
are  $4,00  in  advance  and  35.00  at  the  door. 
Food  and  plenty  of  parking  will  be  avail- 
able. For  more  Information,  write  Dan 
Grant  W8UCF,  22150  Hulse  Road,  Circle* 
ville  OH  43113,  or  phone  (61 4)-474-3Q26- 


tion  will  hold  its  5th  hamfest  on  Sunday, 
March  1 1 ,  1964,  from  8:00  am  to  5:00  pm>  In 
the  National  Guard  Armory,  Winchester 
IN,  Ticket  donation  Is  $3.00  and  children 
under  12  years  old  will  be  admitted  free. 
Table  space  (by  reservation  only)  is  $5,00 
with  a  tabie  and  $2.50  without.  There  will 
be  a  flea  market,  dealers,  programs,  food, 
and  drink.  Setups  will  be  on  Saturday  from 
6:00  pm  to  8:00  pm  and  on  Sunday  from 
6:00  am  to  8:00  am.  Talk-In  on  147.90/.3O, 
224.90/223.30.  and  146.50.  For  reserva- 
tions and  more  information,  contact 
RAHA,  Box  203,  Winchester  IN  47394,  or 
phone  Jake  Life  W9VJX  at  {3171*5844361. 

INDIANAPOLIS  IN 
MAR  11 

The  Morgan  County  Repeater  Associa- 
tion Club  will  hold  the  Martinsville  Ham- 
fest on  March  11,  1984,  Indoors  at  the  In- 
diana State  Fairgrounds  Pavilion  Build- 
ing, hdianapoHs  IN.  Admission  is  $4.00  at 
the  door.  Premium  tables  are  $30.00  each, 
flea-market  tables  are  $8.00  each,  and 
flea-market  space  without  a  table  is  $1.00. 
All  tables  must  be  reserved  in  advance 
and  setup  will  be  Saturday,  March  10, 
from  1:00  pm  to  9:00  pm.  Space  setup  will 
be  Sunday,  March  1 1 ,  from  6:00  am  to  8:00 
am.  There  will  be  free  paved  parking,  Talk- 
In  on  147.21  and  146.52  simplex.  For  more 
Information  or  table  reservations,  send  an 
SASE  to  Aileen  Scales  KC9YA,  3142  Mar- 
ket Place,  Bloomington  IN  47401  before 
March  1. 


CINCINNATI  OH 
FEB  25*26 

Cincinnati  ARRL  84,  the  fourth  annual 
Ohio  state  convention  and  fiea  market,  will 


LAPORTE  IN 
FEB  26 

The  LaPorte  Amateur  Radio  Club,  Inc., 
will  hold  Its  Winter  Hamfest  on  Sunday, 


Mil: 


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LIVONIA  Ml 
MAR  4 

The  Livonia  Amateur  Radio  Club  will 
hoid  Its  14th  annual  LARC  Swap  "n"  Shop 
on  Sunday,  March  4, 1984k  from  8:00  am  to 
4:00  pm,  at  Churchill  High  School  in  Livo- 
nia Ml.  There  will  be  plenty  of  tables  j  re- 
freshments, and  free  parking.  Talk-in  on 
144.75/5.35  and  ,52.  Reserved  table  space 
with  a  12-foot  minimum  is  available.  For 
further  information,  send  an  SASE  (4  x  9) 
to  Nell  Coffin  WA8GWL,  c/o  The  Livonia 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  PO  Box  21 11,  Livonia 
MI4S151. 

NORTH  AMERICAN 

TELECONFERENCE  RADIO  NET 

MAA8 

The  Honeywell  Amateur  Radio  Ctubs 
wfll  present  the  North  American  Telecon- 
ference Radio  Net  (TRN)  at  7:30  pm  CST 
on  Thursday,  March  8t  1984.  Featured 
speakers  will  be  attorneys  Chris  Imlay 
N3AKD,  Jim  OkConnelf  W9WU,  Joe  Merd- 
ler  N6AHU,  and  Bob  Benson  QC  VE2VW. 
who  will  be  discussing  the  legal  aspects 
of  amateur  radio.  For  a  list  of  stations  pro- 
viding a  gateway  Into  TRN,  check  the 
CompuServe  "Hamnet"  X1Q  Database  or 
send  an  SASE  to  net  manager  WGTN,  4749 
Diane  Drive,  Mlnnetonka  MN  55343, 

EGG  HARBOR  CITY  NJ 
MAR  10 

The  Shore  Points  Amateur  Radio  Club, 
Inc.,  will  hold  the  Springiest  "84  on  Saturday, 
March  10,  1984,  from  9:00  am  to  4:00  pm,  at 
the  Atlantic  County  4-H  Center ,  Egg  Harbor 
City  NJ  (approximately  15  mites  west  of  At- 
lantic City),  Admission  for  buyers  is  $2.50  in 
advance  and  $3,00  at  the  door;  sellers'  space 
Is  $5,00  {bring  your  own  table).  There  will  be 
8,000  square  feet  of  heated  indoor  selling 
space,  and  covered  tai (gating  will  be  avail- 
able, weather  permitting.  For  more  informa- 
tion, write  SPARC,  PO  Box  142,  Abseeon  NJ 
08201. 

WINCHESTER  IN 
MAR  11 

The  Randolph  Amateur  Radio  Associa- 


HUDSON  NH 
MAR  17 

The  annual  Interstate  Repeater  Society 
Flea  Market  will  be  held  on  March  17, 
1984.  at  the  Hudson  Lions  Club,  Uons 
Avenue,  Hudson  NH^  The  doors  will  open 
at  8:00  am  and  the  llea-market  hours  will 
be  9:00  am  to  4:00  pm.  Admission  is  $1 ,00 
and  tables  are  $7.00  each.  Coftee.  donuts, 
hot  dogs,  hamburgers,  and  drinks  will  be 
available  for  safe.  Talk-in  on  146.85  and 
146.52.  For  more  information  phone  Her- 
man Haberman  WA1NYS  at  {603)382-6859, 
or  write  Interstate  Repeater  Society,  PO 
Box  693,  Derry  NH  03038. 

CANTON  OH 
MAR  17 

The  Canton  Amateur  Radio  Club  will 
hold  its  annual  auction  on  March  17, 1984, 
beginning  at  5:00  pm5  at  the  Nlmlshillen 
Grange,  Easton  Street  NE.  General  admis- 
sion is  $2.00  in  advance  and  £3.00  a  I  the 
gate.  An  8-foot  flea-market  table  Is  $1.00 
(supply  is  limited).  Refreshments  will  be 
available.  Talk-In  on  .72M2.  For  advance 
tickets,  send  an  SASE  to  Arthur  E.  Scher- 
merhorn  W8FEC,  505  E.  Mohawk  Drive, 
Malvern  OH  44644t  or  for  more  Informa- 
tion, call  Scott  Duncan  KK8D  evenings  at 
(215)^84^6722. 

MIDLAND  TX 
MAR  17-1$ 

The  Midland  Amateur  Radio  Club  will 
hold  its  annual  St.  Patrick's  Swapfest  on 
Saturday  and  Sunday,  March  17-18,  1984, 
at  the  Midland  County  Exhibit  Building, 
east  of  Midland  TX  on  the  north  side  of 
Highway  80.  The  hours  on  Saturday  are 
from  10:00  am  to  6:00  pm  and  on  Sunday 
from  8:00  am  to  2:30  pm.  Registration  Is 
$5.00  In  advance  and  $6,00  at  the  door;  ta- 
bles are  $600  each.  Refreshments  will  be 
available.  Talk-in  on  .IS/^e  and  ,33^.93, 
For  further  information  and  reservations, 
please  contact  Midland  Amateur  Radio 
Club,  PO  Box  4401,  Midland  TX  79704. 

Continued  on  page  93 


66     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


ANNOUNCING 

the  premiere  of 


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/WR/1GE 


Mirage  Communications 
Introduces  Their 

6  Meter 

Solid-State  Amplifier 

A1015 


10  Watts  In  —  150  Watts  Out 

$279.95 


Built-in  Rx  Preamp 

All  Mode-SSB,  CW,  FM 

Remote  Keying 

DC  Power  13.6  VDC  at  18  Amps 


FCC  Type  Accepted 

5  Year  Limited  Warranty 

Optional  RC-1  Remote  Control  Available 

Made  in  the  U.SA 


Available  at  Mirage  Dealers  Worldwide 


/1/IIR/1GE 

COMMUNICATIONS  EQUIPMENT.INC 


P.O.  Bon  1393,  GUrov,  CA  95020     ■    (40S)  847-1857 


here  is  the  next  generation  Repeater 


MARK  4CR 


In  1978  we  created  the  first  micro- 
processor based  repeater  and  here  is  its 
successor  the  incomparable  MARK  4CR* 
Of  course  it  has  autodial  and  tail  mes- 
sages, after  all,  we  invented  those 
features.  Sure  it  has  autopatch,  reverse 
patch  and  built-in  ID,  But  hold  on  --  it 
also  has  Message  Master™  real  speech 
and  receiver  voting.  Its  all  new  receiver 
puts  7  large  helical  resonators  up  front 
for  extremely  high  dynamic  range.  Yes, 
MARK  4CR  is  the  next  generation! 


Unlimited  vocabulary  speech  messages  in  your  own  voice 

Hundreds  of  tone    access  functions,  many  with  time-of-day  setting 

All  vital  parameters  can  be  set  remotely  by  tone  access 

Two  phone  lines  and  dozens  of  input/ output  control  lines 

4  channel  receiver  voting  plus  full  linkfng  capability 

Bus  structured  design  for  easy  hardware/ software  expansion 

"Overload  proof"  receiver  with  7  large  helical  resonators 

Our  famous  MCS  squelch,  often  called  the  best  in  the  business,  is 
now  even  better  with  automatic  fast/ slow  switching 


MICRO  CONTROL  SPECIALTIES 

23  Elm  Park,  Groveland,  MA  01834      (617)  372-3442 


68    73  Magazine  •  March,  1964 


* 

T  M 

W        I 

^^^1H 

_^m 

^ 


Food  for  thought. 

Our  new  Universal  Tone  Encoder  lends  its  versatility 
to  all  tastes.  The  menu  includes  all  CTCSS,  as  well 
as  Burst  Tones,  Touch  Tones,  and  Test  Tones.  No 
counter  or  test  equipment  required  to  set  frequency - 
just  dial  it  in.  While  traveling,  use  it  on  your  Amateur 
transceiver  to  access  lone  operated  systems,  or  in 
your  service  van  to  check  out  your  customers'  re- 
peaters; also,  as  a  piece  of  test  equipment  to  modulate 
your  Service  Monitor  or  signal  generator.  It  can  even 
operate  off  an  internal  nine  volt  batten,  and  is  available 
for  one  day  delivery,  backed  by  our  one  year  warranty. 


•  All  tones  in  Group  A  and  Group  B  are  included. 

•  Output  level  flat  to  within  L5db  over  entire  range  selected. 

•  Separate  level  adjust  pots  and  output  connections  for  each 
tone  Group. 

•  Immune  to  RF 

•  Powered  by  6-30vde,  unregulated  at  8  ma. 

•  Low  impedance,  low  distortion,  adjustable  sinewave 
output,  5v  peak-to-peak 

•  Instant  start-up. 

•  Off  position  for  no  tone  output. 

•  Reverse  polarity  protection  built-in. 


Group  A 


67,0  XZ 

91.5  ZZ 

I18H2B 

156.7  5A 

7I.9XA 

94.8  ZA 

123,0  3Z 

162.2  5B 

74,4  WA 

97,4  ZB 

127J3A 

167.9  6Z 

77.0  XB 

100,0  12 

131  8  3B 

J73  8  6A 

79.7  SP 

103.5  IA 

136  5  4Z 

179.9  6B 

82  5  YZ 

1072  IB 

141  3  4  A 

r86,27Z 

854  YA 

i  10  9  2Z 

146.2  4B 

192.8  7A 

88  5  YB 

— 

114  8  2  A 

I5I4  5Z 

203  5  Ml 

•  Frequency  accuracy,  ±  .  I  Hz  maximum  -  40°C  to  +  85°C 

•  Frequencies  to  250  Hz  available  on  special  order 

•  Continuous*  tone 

Group  B 


TEST-TONES: 

TOUCH-TONES: 

BURST  TONES: 

600 

697     1209 

1600     1850    2150     2400 

1000 

770     1336 

1650     1900     2200     2450 

1500 

852      1477 

1700     1950     2250     2500 

2175 

941      1633 

1750     2000     2300     2550 

2805 

' 

1800     2100     2350 

•  Frequency  accuracy,  ±  J  Hz  maximum  -  40°C  to  +  85°C 

•  Tone  length  approximately  300  rns.  May  be  lengthened, 
shortened  or  eliminated  by  changing  value  of  resistor 

Model  TE-64  $79.95 


COMMUNICATIONS  SPECIALISTS 

426  West  Tafi  Avenue,  Orange,  California  92667 
(800)  854-0547/  California;  (714)  998-3021 


15 


Blueprint  for  Success 


THE  INTERFACE 


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THE  INTERFACE  K 


Kantronics 


]     TITLE:  THE  INTERFACE  -  INTERFACE  ?OPOSAL 


-^»-"-    ™ 


THE  INTERFACE  is  the  original 
Kantronics  terminal  unit  that 
broke  through  the  barrier  of 
multi-computer  compatibility. 
THE  INTERFACE  is  an  amateur  mo- 
dem for  transceiver- to- computer 
communication.  With  THE  INTER- 
FACE and  Hamsoft  or  Hamtext  for 
your  computer  you  can  send  and 
receive  Morse  Code,  Radiotele- 
type,  and  ascii  the  interface  is 
also  compatible  with  our  new 
software  for  AMTOR  communica- 
tion, AMTORSOFT.  THE  INTERFACE 

is  our  most  popular  unit  combin- 
ing active  filtering,  easy  tuning, 
six-computer  compatibility,  and 
low  price  for  an  unbeatable  pack* 
age. 
Suggested  Retail ...  439.95 


INTERFACE  ]  I  is  the  new  Kantronics 
transceiver -to -computer  interface. 
INTERFACE  U  features  a  new  highly 
sensitive  front  end  with  mark  and 
space  filtering  and  a  unique  new  tun- 
ing system.  Even  the  most  discerning 
operator  will  be  surprised  with  the  IN* 
TERFACE  ]  i*  ability  to  dig  out  signals 
in  poor  band  conditions,  and  our  new 
tuning  system  even  displays  signal 
fading. 

x  Y  scope  outputs  and  dual  inter* 
face  outputs  for  VHF  and  HF  connec- 
tions make  interface  J  [  compatible 
with  almost  any  shack.  All  three  stan* 
dard  shifts  are  selectable  and  INTER- 
FACE 1 1  is  compatible  with  the  indus- 
try standard  Kantronics  programs: 
Hamsoft,  Hamtext,  and  Amtorsoft. 
Step  up  to  state  of  the  art  In 
computer-amateur  communications 

With  INTERFACE  ]  L 

Suggested  Retail $269.95 


For  more  information  see  your  Kantronics  dealer,  or  contact: 
K  Kantronics      1202  E.  23rd  Street      Lawrence,  KS    66044 


-* 


Ii- 


.1 


KANTRONICS  SOFTWARE 

Hamsoft,    Hamtext,    and  Amtorsoft  ™ 


MORSE  00:00:0 

TRANSMIT  SPEED     25 
RECEIVE  SPEED        28 


ENJOY  YOUR  MEAL  AND 
WE'LL  TALK  TO  YOU 
REAL  SOON  .  .  .  73'S  .  .  . 
WA5RGU 


WEATHER  HERE  IS  WARM  TODAY 
WITH  LOTS  OF  SUN.  .  .XYL  SAYS 
TIME  FOR  DINNER  SO  73"S  WOXI 


-*** 


Kantronics  has  led  the  amateur  community  in  software 
and  total  computer  communications  systems  with  our 
original  program,  HAMSOFT.  With  five-computer  compat- 
ibility and  reasonable  prices  HAMSOFT  has  become  the  in- 
dustry standard.  HAMSOFT  includes  split  screen  display, 
type  ahead  buffer  message  ports,  and  complete  key* 
board  control  for  Morse  code,  Radloteletype,  and  ASCII 

communications.  With  THE  INTERFACE  or  INTERFACE  ]  I, 

HAMSOFT  can  make  any  of  five  computers  a  complete 
amateur  communications  terminal.  All  programs  are  on  a 
ROM  board,  except  the  Apple  diskette. 

VIC-20  -  $49.95,  ATARI  -  $49.95,  APPLE  -  $29.95, 
TRS-S0C  -  $59.95,  TI-99/4A  -  $99,95 

I 


HAMTEXT  is  our  advanced  CW/RTTY/ASCll  program 
for  the  VIC-20,  COMMODORE  64,  and  APPLE  computers, 
HAMTEXT  gives  you  the  ability  to  store  incoming  mes- 
sages in  the  computer's  memory,  transmit  files  directly 
from  tape  or  disk,  and  use  your  computer  to  its  fullest 
potential.  Features  like  Diddle,  Time  Transmission,  Text 
Transmission,  Printer  Outputs,  and  Word  Wraparound, 
make  HAMTEXT  the  program  for  the  serious  amateur 
HAMTEXT  was  created  with  input  from  our  users  as 
guidelines,  and  with  total  use  of  the  computer  in  mind. 
Suggested  Retail $99.95 


PROGRAM  OPTIONS 

A.  RETURN  TO  BASIC 

B.  EDIT  MESSAGE  PORTS 

C.  SAVE  MESSAGE  PORTS 

D.  LOAD  MESSAGE  PORTS 

E.  SET  XMIT  BUFF  SIZE 

F.  EDIT  HOLDING  BUFFER 

G.  SAVE  HOLDING  BUFFER 
H.  LOAD  HOLDING  BUFFER 

I.  SET  TIME 


KANTRONICS  AMTORSOFT 
COPYRIGHT  29  JUNE  1983 

CHOOSE 
S  (AMTOR  SLAVE) 
M  (AMTOR  MASTER) 
L  (AMTOR  LISTENER) 
P  (PROGRAM  OPTIONS) 
T  (T/R  OPTIONS) 


On  January  27th,  1983,  AMTOR,  Amateur  RadioTele- 
type  Over  Radio,  became  a  legal  mode  for  the  amateur 
service.  AMTOR  is  an  essentially  error-free  radiotele- 
type  form  of  communication,  AMTORSOFT,  Kantron- 
ics1 newest  software  package,  gives  your  computer  the 
ability  to  Become  an  AMTOR  communications  terminal 
when  used  with  The  interface  or  interface  1 1  AMTOR* 
SOFT  is  currently  available  for  the  Apple,  vie- 20,  and 
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Suggested  Retail  *89.95 


international) 


Each  month,  73  brings  you 
ham  radio  news  from  around  the 
world.  In  this  collection  of  re- 
ports from  our  foreign  corre- 
spondents, we  present  the  lat- 
est news  in  OX,  contest  and 
events,  as  well  as  keep  you 
abreast  of  the  technical 
achievements  of  hams  in  other 
countries. 

If  you  would  like  to  contribute 
to  your  country's  column,  write 
to  your  country's  correspondent 
or  to  73;  Amateur  Radio's 
Technical  Journal,  Pine  Street 
Peterborough  NH  03458,  USA, 
Attn;  Jack  Burnett 


AUSTRALIA 

J.  E  Joyce  VX3YJ 
44  Wren  Street 
Alton*  3018 
Victoria 
Australia 

VKft-WEST  AUSTRALIA 

West  Australia  is  the  home  of  Afflat- 
lea's  Cup— and  with  the  eventual  win 
by  the  West  Australian  syndicate  and 
worldwide  attention  focused  on  this  area 
of  Australia,  St  became  evident  that  not 
many  people  throughout  the  world  have 
much  idee  about  this  vast  state. 

We  have  eight  call  areas  on  the  main 
land,  of  which  VK6,  with  a  land  area  of 
975,101  square  miles  and  a  coastline  of 
7,786  miles,  Is  the  largest  it  Is  Indeed  a 
vast  area,  with  a  very  sparse  population  in 
the  areas  away  1mm  the  major  towns,  with 
a  total  population  for  the  whole  slate  of 
1,300,000,  moat  of  whom  live  In  Perth  and 
the  larger  towns  scattered  around  the 
southern  half  of  the  state,  The  lotat  ama- 
teur-radio population  Is  1,226,  which 
means  one  amateur  to  every  795  square 
miles. 

Albany,  in  the  south  of  the  state,  was  a 
port  in  the  1900s  for  those  hardy  whaling 
ships,  one  of  which  was  (he  same  Cneynea 
if  thai  refueled  there  on  its  way  down  to 
Heard  Island  with  the  Jim  Smith  DXpedi- 
lion,  Between  Albany  and  Perth,  further 
north  up  the  coast,  is  an  area  of  beautiful 
tail  forests  with  perhaps  me  best  area  of 
native  Australian  wild  flowers  in  the  state. 
Perth  liseif  is  a  city  very  isolated  from  the 
eastern  slates  by  a  large  desert  extending 
for  1,000  mites, 

Perth,  where  the  1967  America's  Cup  will 
be  contested,  is  located  a  short  distance 
from  the  deep  blue  Indian  Ocean,  it  has  a 
lot  of  amateur  activity,  and  with  the  ease  of 
reciprocal  licensing  between  Australia  and 
the  States,  it  would  pay  you  to  bring  a  2- 
meter  FM  rig  as  It  fs  easy  to  access  the 
2-meter  repeaters  with  a  hand-held  and 
meet  many  of  these  friendly  West  Austra- 
lian amateurs, 

Perth  also  has  an  amateur  award  called 
The  Slack  Swan— this  bird  being  the  state 
emblem.  AJso,  if  you  are  looking  for  a  OSL 
card  for  VKft-WHIls  Island.  VK6YL  has  all 

72     73  Magazine  ■  March,  1934 


the  logs  for  this  operation;  she  is  the  OSL 
manager  for  ail  the  Willis  Is  tend  operations 
of  fatter  years. 

Kaigoortie  is  the  largest  inland  town,  sit- 
uated 350  miles  east  of  Perth  in  a  very  dry 
desert  ansa;  the  water  for  this  city  is  piped 
in  from  near  Perth.  There  is  an  Interesting 
story  appertaining  to  the  pipeline-  The 
engineer  who  built  it  predicted  that  the 
water,  after  being  turned  on  at  Perth,  would 
arrive  the  next  moming  at  11  am.  The 
townspeople  had  bands  and  festivities 
scheduled  for  this  gala  occasion,  but  the 
water  had  not  arrived  even  by  that  night,  so. 
In  shame,  the  engineer  shot  himself.  It  was 
premature,  for  the  water  started  to  flow  the 
next  morning,  24  hours  later.  And  it  has 
kept  Mowing  ever  since. 

There  are  many  amateurs  scattered 
throughout  the  vast  desert  spaces  of  this 
area.  If  you  go  visiting,  take  a  metal  detec- 
tor, for  the  area  is  rich  In  minerals,  with  gold 
and  nickel  predominating.  Many  people 
have  made  a  years  wages  In  a  week  by  de- 
tecting the  alluvial  gold  ai  this  location.  A 
lot,  also,  have  found  nothing, 

Going  east  from  Perth,  you  pass 
through  a  large  gram-growing  area  near 
the  coast,  and  then  you  enter  sheep  and 
cattle  properties  trying  to  survive  in  a 
harsh  environment  with  temperatures  go- 
ing up  to  and  over  120  degrees  Fahrenheit. 
Some  of  these  propertied  cover  we+1  over 
1,000,000  acres,  and  amateur  radio  is  a 
good  standby  in  this  area,  not  only  for 
emergencies,  where  their  nearest  neigh- 
bor could  be  at  least  a  hundred  mites 
away,  but  also  for  those  infrequent  idle 
hours  to  relieve  the  isolation, 

The  northern  part  of  the  state  (The  Kim- 
barleys,  as  it  is  called)  is  perhaps  the  most 
ruggedly  beautiful  area.  It  has  Large 
deposits  of  Iron  ore  and  towns  fully  air- 
conditioned  by  the  companies  extracting 
the  mineral  for  export  all  over  the  world.  It 
also  is  not  unusual  to  hear  a  typical 
American  voice  using  a  VK6  calisign  oper- 
ating from  this  area,  as  there  is  a  |olnt 
Australian  and  American  communica 
lions  base  at  a  place  called  North  West 
Cape. 

Further  Inland  are  Australia's  largest 
diamond  deposits,  Located  in  a  diamond 
pipe  simitar  to  the  famous  diamond  pipes 
In  South  Africa. 

One  very  active  amateur  from  this 
remote  area  fs  Ian  VKBIH.  who  acts  as  net 


controller  tor  the  Caribbean  DX  Net  On 
14.128  at  1000Z, 

The  northernmost  part  of  I  he  state  was 
first  discovered  in  the  early  fifteenth  cen- 
tury by  Dutch  explorers,  200  years  before 
Captain  Cook  first  landed  on  the  east 
coast  of  Australia  and  claimed  the  (and 
for  England,  This  area  was.  in  the  early 
191b  century,  the  main  pearling  centei  of 
Southeast  Asia,  with  the  main  port  being 
BroomeT  a  seaport  with  tides  that  rise  and 
fall  up  to  35  feet  at  a  time.  There  is  an  ac- 
tive YL  operator  in  this  area,  Triaha  VKfiKl. 
located  in  a  smalt  community  offshore  on 
Kooien  island 

Some  of  the  early  operators  had  to 
travel  up  to  1,000  miles  Just  to  all  for  their 
amateur  license,  with  no  local  radio  club 
to  help  with  their  training,  so  if  you  do 
work  one  of  these  outback  VK6  operators, 
you  know  that  they  have  earned  their  right 
to  be  on  the  amateur  bands  the  hard  way. 

If  you  plan  to  come  to  VKfJ  tor  the  Cup 
Challenge,  the  address  to  write  for  a  recip- 
rocal license  is  The  State  Manager,  Radio 
Frequency  Management,  Operators 
Branch,  PO  Bok  6189,  Perth  6000,  Wesl 
Australia. 

VK2-LORD  HOWE  ISLAND 

First  discovered  in  1788.  Lord  Howe 
Island  is  located  700  km  east  ol  the  coast 
of  New  South  Wales  {VK2>  and  is  part  of 
that  state. 

Being  so  far  off  the  coast  of  Australia,  it 
is  classed  as  a  separate  country  for 
DXCC. 

The  first  successful  settlement  of  this 
island  was  in  the  1830s  by  an  American 
whaler  named  Nathan  Thompson,  who 
brought  with  him  a  princess  whom  he  had 
saved  from  an  arranged  marriage  in  the 
Gilbert  islands.  They  later  married,  and 
(heir  graves  are  on  the  island.  Many  ol  the 
island  people  are  their  direct  descen- 
dants. 

There  are  a  couple  of  amateurs  active 
on  the  Island,  with  many  visiting  oper- 
ators using  portable  Lord  Howe,  There  Is 
usually  one  type  of  expedition  from  this 
island  each  year;  this  year  there  will  be  ap- 
proximately 10  operators  on  ail  bands,  In- 
cluding 1G0  meters,  from  October  23rd  un- 
til November  2nd.  As  you  can  see,  this  Is 
not  one  of  our  rarer  Islands  — not  like  the 
next  piece  of  sand; 

VK9-MELUSHREEF 

This  "country,"  to  use  the  term  loosely 
(I  don't  know  how  anybody  could  class 
MeHlsh  Reef  as  a  country),  is  only  a  coral 
sand  cay  300  meters  long  by  60  meters 
wfde.  located  at  17°  25'  longitude.  TS5°5r 
East  latitude,  and  only  2  meters  above  sea 
level  at  normal  high  tide.  With  the  many 
cyclones  that  go  through  the  area  each 


summer,  however,  if  planning  an  expedi- 
tion 10  this  spot  during  the  cyclone 
season,  one  of  the  main  Items  of  gear  to 
pack  would  be  a  face  mask  and  snorkel. 
This  is  why  1  question  the  status  of  "coun- 
try1 for  places  like  Meilish  Beef, 

W1A  EXTENDS  MEMBERSHIPS 

The  Wireiess  Institute  of  Australia, 
which  is  the  world's  oldest  radio  society, 
has  opened  its  membership  to  those  liv- 
ing outside  Australia, 

Already  a  number  of  radio  amateurs  in 
the  US.  UK.  and  Oceania  have  joined  the 
Wi A— which  celebrates  its  75th  anniver- 
sary In  1965  with  some  special  events 
planned. 

Overseas  members  are  entitled  to  quali- 
fy for  WIA  awards,  including  the  Austra- 
lian DXGC,  and  nave  unlimited  use  of  the 
free  OSL  bureau  run  by  the  WIA  In  VK3, 

All  members  receive  a  copy  of  the  WlA's 
monthly  magazine,  Amateur  Radio.  whiGh 
is  in  its  51st  year  of  publication. 

Annual  membership  during  1&64  is  $35 
(Australian),  which  should  be  sent  to  the 
Secretary,  Wireless  InstiLule  of  Australia, 
Victorian  Division,  412  Brunswick  Street, 
Fltzroy  3065.  Australia. 


White  some  of  the  members  ot  the  party  still  were  at  sea,  one  of  the  tucky  13  was  being 
hoisted  to  shore. 


COLOMBIA 

Abelarto  iLalo)  Santos  V.  HK3EQJ 
PO  Box  88937 
Bogota  S 
Colombia 

ilALPELO  ISLAND.  19*3  DXPEOITFON 

We  both  feel  that  this  was  one  at  the 
best  operations  In  the  history  of  amateur 
radio.  We  have  never  heard  such  excellent 
control,  rapid  operating,  and  fine  CW."— 
Stuart  WA2MOE,  Ben  JA3GM 

"Congratulations  on  the  50th  anniver- 
sary of  the  LCRA  and  the  Malpelo  Expedi- 
tion, I  was  delighted  for  having  realized 
such  a  difficult  and  priceless  QSO.  Your 
OSL  will  be  my  treasure."—  Ben  JA3GM. 

Countless  congratulatory  letters,  mas- 
sages, articles,  and  TV  and  broadcast  pro- 
grams' comments  poured  In  after  the 
Malpelo  island  expedition  took  place. 
Meanwhile,  Beto  Rojas  HK3DDD,  on  an 
almost  round-the-clock  task,  helped  by 
his  XYL  Luis  a  and  two  children,  systemat- 
ically and  tirelessly  keeps  processing  and 
mailing  thousands  and  thousands  of  OSL 
cards  from/to  alt  over  the  amateur  world. 

The  two  voice  and  one  CW  stations 
manned  by  thirteen  operators,  accom- 
panied by  one  TV  man  and  three  Colom- 
bian Navy  sailors  (for  the  expedition's  lo- 
gistic support  |,  managed  to  log  20.535 
voice  and  8,389  CW  QSOs  They  worked  a 
hundred  hours  from  dawn  well  into  the 
night,  until  propagation  conditions  were 
inexorably  closing  the  bands. 

The  three  generators,  two  in  operation 
and  one  on  standby,  worked  perfectly,  as 
did  the  Kenwood  TS-930S  transceivers 
(supplied  free  of  charge  for  the  experii 
lion),  keeping  well  abreast  with  the  over 
demanding  operating  conditions 

The  camp  base  was  installed  at  16C 
meters  above  sea  level  on  the  barren  vol 
came  surface  of  the  Island,  The  site  was 
constantly  swept  by  almost  gate-force 
winds  which  frequently  knocked  down  the 
tents  and  dangerously  twisted  the  anten 
rata.  The  expedition  had  rainy  weal  he 
from  landing  1111  the  minute  it  left. 

As  a  rare  coincidence  wilh  the  previous 
Colombian  islands  DXpedltlons.  the  radk 
ham  In  charge  of  the  health  and  sanrlan 
backup  arrangements,  this  time  OM  O 


The  world  was  listening  io  HKQTU. 


Goodbye,  Maipelo,  see  you  again  ~m  f99Q, 


CampilEo  HK4DUM,  had  a  fall  on  landing, 
was  subsequently  struck  by  a  wave,  and 
sustained  injuries  to  his  right  lag.  For- 
tunately, it  was  nothing  serious,  and  tie 
was  taken  care  of  by  his  colleagues. 

The  help  and  assistance  given  to  the 
DXpedition  by  the  Colombian  Navyf  with 
the  CNSS  Providencia  from  its  QTN  In 
Buenaventura  Fort  to  Ma  I  pel  q  Island  and 
back,  were  continuous  and  flawless. 
Since  there  are  no  docking  facilities  at 
Maipeto,  the  13  operators,  the  TV  camera- 
man, Lujs  Fernando  Cast  rill  on,  the  three 
sailors,  and  all  the  equipment  had  to  be 
lowered  to  the  shore  of  the  island  by 
means  of  a  crane — and  picked  up  the 
same  way.  Since  the  s^a  was  rough  at 
both  times,  certainly  it  was  not  a  very 
easy-to-forget  experience  for  all  of  them. 

Once  the  party  was  back  in  Buenaven- 
tura, a  Colombian  Air  Force  transport 
plane  flew  them  back  to  Bogota,  where 
the  National  Police  Band  received  them 
with  full  honors. 

Tired,  suntanned,  but  deeply  proud  and 
satisfied  with  their  acccmpfishment,  they 
were  warmly  greeted  by  relatives,  col- 
leagues, and  friends  and  started  going 
back  home  full  of  souvenirs  and  unforget- 
table experiences.  They  ieft  in  a  rock  at 
Maipelo  Island  a  commemorative  plaque 
saying:  "Republic  of  Colombia,  Colom- 
bian Radio  Amateur  League,  HKQTU, 
Commemorative  DXpedition  of  the  50th 
anniversary  of  the  League,  with  the  coop- 
eration  of  the  Colombian  Navy,  Maipelo. 
October  12,  1983." 

Mr.  Belisarlo  Betancourt,  the  Colombian 
President,  sent  the  Maipelo  expeditionary 
party  a  congratulatory  message  saying: 
"It  is  very  encouraging  to  see  a  group  of 
Colombian  radio  amateurs  who  are  moved 
only  by  the  wish  of  serving  fellow  men,  re* 


The  DXpedition  party  had  just  tended.  Top  to  bottom:  O.  Campttto  HK4DUM,  G.  Cvartas 
HK4COH.  A.  Afanador  HK3BEB,  B.  Aguifar  HK1AMW,  Beto  Rojas  HK3DDD,  J,  Restrepo 
HK2YO,  E.  Bemaf  HK3BAV,  E.  Londono  HK4BHC,  A.  Camsoza  HK3BAE,  J.  Uribe  HK5LAt 
A.  Gonzalez  HK1DBQ.  H,  Ofarte  HK1QQ,  C.  Alvarez  HK8BYG. 


affirming  through  their  hard  work  and 
devotion  the  Colombian  sovereignty  over 
the  Maipelo  Island  territory,  thanks  to  the 
cooperation  given  by  the  Colombian  Navy 
and  the  Colombian  Radio  Amateur 
League . . .  Th  roug  h  i  n  vest  igat  ion  and 
radio  experimentation  we  wish  to  confirm 
our  desire  to  bring  together  our  nation 
with  itself  and  the  rest  of  the  world. 

"I  wish  they  will  have  plenty  of  OXs  and 
that  on  their  way  back  they  will  bring  us  all 
a  better  knowledge  of  the  Maipelo  Island, 
thanks  to  them  now  closer  to  our  heart." 

When  the  CNSS  Providencia,  bringing 
the  Maipelo  DXpedition  back  to  the  conti- 
nent, was  deep  into  Pacific  Ocean  waters 


and  the  island  was  getting  smaller  and 
more  diffused,  one  of  the  excited  young 
expedltfoners  loudly  said:  "Good-bye, 
Maipelo,  we'll  see  you  again  in  1990." 


CYPRUS 

Arts  Kaponides  5B4JE 
PO  Box  1 723 
Limas&ot 
Cyprus 

NEWS  FROM  CYPRUS 

During    the    last    couple    of    months, 
nothing  extraordinary  has   happened   in 


the  sphere  of  ham  radio  In  Cyprus; 
however,  it  should  be  noted  that  as  far  as  I 
know,  we  had  at  least  one  participant  in 
the  CO  WW  Phone  Contest,  He  was 
5B4LP,  who  made  a  total  of  68  countries, 
31  Zones,  and  521,118  points.  5B4LP  is  a 
promising  young  man  aged  15  years,  and 
he  Is  very  enthusiastic  and  a  regular 
operator  on  the  10m,  I5m+  20m,  40m,  8Qm, 
and  2m  bands.  He  can  be  heard  also  on 
the  10m  FM  mode  chatting  with  Euro- 
peans or  Americans  via  repeaters. 

Also  during  the  last  monthT  elections 
were  held  for  the  regional  committees  of 
the  Cyprus  Amateur  Radio  Society  in  the 
districts  of  Umassol,  Paphos,  and  Lar- 
naca.  The  clubs  in  Nicosia,  Lamaca,  Li- 
nn assol,  and  Paphos  have  been  reacti- 
vated and  operate  one  day  per  week. 

The  ZC4s  are  also  quite  active,  espe- 
cially from  their  club  station  in  Episcopi, 
ZC4EPI,  where  they  are  using  a  couple  of 
V-wfre  beams  329  feet  long  beaming  to- 
wards Europe  and  the  Pacific.  Regular  op- 
erators there  are  Andy  ZC4HA,  Steve 
ZC4SM,  JimZC4JE,  and  Gregg  ZC4GH. 

On  160m,  the  only  operator  at  this  time 
is  5B4JE  who  is  QRV  most  evenings  on 
1,835  MHz  around  2100  LTTC 

The  Cyprus  Amateur  Radio  Society  has 
decided  to  buy  a  UHF  repeater  and  mem- 
bers of  the  society  will  shortly  make  expe- 
ditions to  find  the  most  suitable  location 
up  on  the  mountains. 

VISITORS1  LICENSES 

Holiday  makers  in  Cyprus  who  are 
holding  a  radio  amateur's  license  in  any 
country  of  the  EEC,  any  British  Common- 
wealth country,  or  the  United  States  of 
America  can  be  issued  with  a  temporary 
license  free  of  charge  if  they  send  a  photo- 
copy of  their  license  with  a  letter  of  appli- 
cation to:  Chief  Telecommunications  Of- 
ficer, Ministry  of  Communications  and 
Works.  Nicosia,  Cyprus.  It  is  advisable  to 
apply  at  least  three  months  before  the 


£ 


jt 


/ 


ATM-Ill 
:OLA80RA 


"^*St  ■ 


The  1933  DXpedition  commemorative  plaque. 


Andreas  5B4LP  operating  during  the  CQ  WW  Phone  Contest 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     73 


time  of  arrival.  Visitors  can  use  their  own 
call  sign  with  /5B4  at  the  end.  A  regular 
584  license  can  be  issued  to  foreign  hams 
from  the  above  countries  it  they  are  work- 
ing or  have  their  permanent  residence  in 
Cvpnjs- 


CZECHGSLOVAKIA 

Joachim  Mirosiav  0K1  Wi 

Socni  /.  23 

141  00  Praha  4-Sporifov 

Czechoslovakia 

According  to  the  1963  ftodio  Amateur 
Calf  book  census,  the  number  of  amateur 
radio  stations  in  Czechoslovakia  is  3279. 
As  many  of  the  stations  are  collective 
(club)  stations,  the  number  of  operators 
may  be  estimated  as  being  at  least  1 0.000 

Two  amateur  journals  are  published 
monthly  in  OK-land.  Amaterske  Radio, 
with  about  100,006  copies  monthly,  bring- 
ing technical  and  operational  information 
on  amateur  radio,  general  electronics, 
and  computer  techniques,  and  Radto- 
amalersky  Zpravodaj  {Radio  Amateur.  A 
Messenger),  with  much  lower  circulation, 
bringing  technical  and  operational  Infor- 
mation on  amateur  radio.  For  example, 
the  December,  19S3,  Issue  of  Amaterske 
Radio  tarings  a  description  of  the  newly- 
developed  HF  transceiver  "Labef"  made 
by  Radiotechnjka  in  Hradec  Kralove  (GO 
W,  all  bands,  including  all  WARC  79 
bands}.  On  the  other  hand,  the  October. 
1963.  issue  of  Radioamat*r$ky  Zpravodaj 
brings  a  description  of  the  hand-held,  two- 
meter  transceiver  "MazakT  showing  thai 
even  with  limited  possibilities  of 
homemade  work,  it  is  possible  to  have  a 
two-meter  con  tad  of  good  quality. 

Fox-hunting,  or  amateur  radio  OF.  is 
vary  popular  with  younger  amateurs  in 
OK  land. 

Experienced  radio  amateurs  participate 
In  almost  all  the  big  amateur-radio  com- 
petitions  and  are  always  among  high 
scorers.  Club  stations  participating  In 
world  competitions  often  use  special 
cailsigns,  the  most  esteemed  being 
OK5MIR  (0K5PEACE).  showing  the  hopes 
of  OK  amateurs  and  the  whole  people  of 
Czechoslovakia  for  world  peace. 

Czechoslovak  amateurs  participating 
m  technical -cooperation  missions  often 
bring  their  equipment  to  developing  coun- 
tries. Some  very  rare  prefixes  are  in  this 
way  made  available  to  the  whole  amateur- 
radio  community 

In  daily,  regular  contacts.  OK  amateurs 
Strive  for  friendly  relations  with  all  coun- 
tries. The  month  of  November  was  re- 
served for  the  Soviet -Czechoslovak  com- 
petition during  which  friendly  messages 
were  exchanged  between  OK -I  and  and 
U  A- 1  and  operators. 


FEDERAL  REPUBLIC 

OF  GERMANY 

Raft  Beyer  0J3NW 
Ooterkamp  14 
3300  Braunschweig 
Federal  Republic  of  Germany 

flFI 

Almost    everyone    has    had    his    ex- 
perlences    with   brotdetat/televteion   in- 


terference and  with  Its  reduction  or  com- 
plete elimination  But  I  suggest  also  look- 
ing at  Interference  to  ham  radio  which 
anses  from  leaking  TV  sets,  noisy  com- 
puters, insufficiently -filtered  dimmers, 
and  other  sources.  Recent  experiences  in 
this  field  got  me  interested  in  the  broader 
aspects  of  RFI.  Fortunately,  1  found  that  a 
rather  systematic  approach  to  the  prob- 
lem exists,  at  least  ir%  our  country. 

First,  there  is  the  German  PCX,  and  one 
of  Us  offices  issues  the  so-called  FTZ 
number,  This  number  is  awarded  to  com- 
munications equipment,  domestic  or  Im- 
ported, If  it  meets  certain  specifications 
regarding  noise  immunity  against  exter- 
nal sources,  as  well  as  low  emission  of 
signals  which  might  cause  interference 
with  other  sets.  These  specifications  have 
been  lightened  more  and  more  in  the  past, 
and  without  going  into  their  details.  I  will 
give  you  an  example  of  their  real -life  ef- 
fects- 
Having  my  ham-radio  and  TV  antennas 
mounted  on  the  same  mast  with  a  separa- 
tion of  only  2  meters,  100  Watts  of  trans- 
mitter output  caused  a  complete  toss  of 
the  TV  picture  and  sound  with  a  TV  set 
produced  around  i960  which  had  the  (old) 
FTZ  number  2365C  furthermore,  this  TV 
set  generated  hash  noise  on  20  meters  on 
the  order  of  25  microvolts  at  50  Ohms  (58 
on  the  meter).  This  was  apparently  caused 
by  Its  switching  power  supply  and  oc- 
curred even  when  the  TV  set  was  In  stand- 
by mode,  Newer  TV  sets  can  be  awarded 
the  FT2  number  22/5S5/SE  VT,  for  exam- 
ple, if  Ihey  meet  the  much  lighter  BCI/TVI 
specifications  of  today. 

The  replacement  of  the  old  TV  set  by  a 
new  one  with  a  current  FTZ  number  re- 
sulted m  no  or  negligible  TVI  for  the  same 
arrangement  of  TV  and  ham-radio  anten- 
nas and  in  a  reduction  ot  hash  noise  on  20 
meters  far  below  the  $1  mark.  Because 
radio  and  TV  sets  with  lower -grade  RFI 
specifications  still  can  be  sold,  it  is  worth- 
while to  Inform  your  neighbors  and  others 
about  the  up-to-date  FTZ  numbers  (or 
similar  designations  in  your  country) 
before  they  procure  a  new  set.  In  every 
case,  it  Is  to  their  advantage  because  our 
FCC,  for  example,  does  not  pursue  RFI 
cases  If  equipment  with  outdated  FTZ 
numbers  Is  involved. 

Next,  there  Is  the  RR-fllter  Industry. 
They  are  offering  excellent  antenna  fil- 
ters, line  filters,  and  loudspeaker  filters 
lor  the  consumer  products  experiencing 
Interference,  Plug4n  high- pass  filters  for 
TV  sets  with  a  stop-band  attenuation  of 
more  than  50  dB  and  with  an  Insertion  loss 
of  less  than  1,5  dB  are  very  efficient  and 
popular.  Sometimes,  however,  commorv 
mode  voltage  problems  (i.e..  identical 
phase  of  the  ham  transmitter  signal  on 
the  Shield  and  the  inner  conductor  of  the 
TV  coaxial  cable)  can  render  their  applica- 
tion useless,  Therefore,  common-mode  re- 
jection transformers  also  are  offered 
which  are  installed  ahead  of  the  high-pass 
filter  so  It  can  operate  as  designed. 

One  of  my  neighbors  look  my  advice, 
bought  two  high-quality  commercial  high- 
pass  filters,  installed  them  ahead  of  his 
old  VHRUHF  antenna  amplifier,  and 
cured  Ihe  TVI  problem  completely  for  a 
total  cost  of  35  dollars.  The  FCC,  by  the 
way.  investigated  the  case  hut  did  not  pur- 
sue Li  because  the  antenna  amplifier  had 
no  current  FTZ  number. 

Information  on  RF*  suppression  prod- 
ucts can  be  obtained  from  the  Auth  Com- 
pany (distributor:  Fritz  Hoehne  DJ4FTf 
4630  Bochum-Hiltrop,  Weg  am  Koet- 
terberg  3}  or  from  Karl  £,  Schertler  DJfAV, 
Hoehenklrchener  Weg  5,  6127  itfeldorf, 
Federal  Republic  of  Germany.  The  latter 
supplies  also  the  common-mode  rejection 
transformer. 
Furthermore,    the    national    amateur- 


radio  association  (DARC)  is  providing  a 
special  service  for  its  members.  In  addi- 
tion to  technical  advice,  it  has  procured  at 
least  one  set  of  industrial  RFI  fit- 
ters/trans formers  to  be  stationed  in  each 
state  of  Germany.  Members  of  the  DARC 
can  borrow  this  set  for  a  moderate  fee  in 
order  to  determine  the  most  efficient  way 
to  eliminate  RFI.  This  has  the  additional 
advantage  thai  one  needs  (0  purchase 
afterwards  only  what  is  really  required.  I 
think  this  idea  is  applicable  everywhere  a 
larger  group  of  hams  can  share  a  seldom - 
used  piece  of  tesl  equipment. 

The  next  challenge,  which  Is  already 
with  us,  is  from  noisy  computers  and 
video  games.  Many  of  them  are  not  state- 
of-the-art  regarding  their  RFI  properties. 
But  rather  than  putting  much  effort  in 
quieting  often  a  I  ready  obsolete  compui 
ers,  I  consider  it  more  efficient  to  pur- 
chase new  products  without  RFI  prob- 
lems. The  Commodore  CBM  64  personal 
computer  is  one  example.  Tests  showed 
that  it  did  not  produce  any  RFI  si  ending 
next  to  shortwave  and  2-meter  radio 
equipment  and  that  it  was  immune  to 
transmitter  signals,  too. 

i  am  not  considering  the  shielding  and 
filtering  at  the  ham  transmitter  site  be- 
cause I  feel  thai  stale-oM he-art  ham-radio 
equipment  does  not  produce  stray  emis- 
sions which  ate  significant  in  this  con- 
text. In  most  cases,  it  is  the  (sometimes 
high-power)  fundamental  emission  of  our 
transmitter  which  causes  Interference  In 
consumer  products.  These  are  designed 
at  low  cost  and  therefore  often  lack  appro- 
priate measures  against  RFI.  Therefore,  a 
great  deal  of  our  RFI  reduction  el  fori  must 
be  invested  here. 

In  summary:  in  dealing  with  RFI  prob- 
lems, I  thlrtic  we  are  in  a  fortunate  situa- 
tion, We  have  a  competent  and  respected 
FCC  defining  and  upgrading  RFI  stan- 
dards, an  industry  which  offers  a  broad 
line  of  RFl-suppression  products,  an  ama- 
teur-radio organization  providing  tools  for 
the  investigation  of  RFI  cases,  and  an 
almost  unlimited  choice  of  consumer 
products  like  computers,  radio/TV  sets, 
video  games,  electronic  organs,  etc,  with 
often  similar  performance  but  sometimes 
different  RFI  characteristics.  It  Is  up  to  us 
to  make  the  best  use  of  It.  In  the  long  run, 
It  will  be  most  efficient  to  promote  the  pur- 
chase of  consumer  products  known  to  be 
RFkesistant  and  noise-free  In  the  private 
as  well  as  in  the  business  sphere.  Never- 
theless, the  RFl-fitter  industry  still  wilt 
have  bread  and  butter  for  years  to  come 


GREAT  BRITAIN 

Jeff  Maynard  G4EJA 
10  Church  fields 
Widnes  WAS  9RP 
Cheshire 
England 

THE  UK  SCENE 

The  impending  arrival  of  cable  televi- 
sion In  the  UK  may  not  cause  the  In- 
terference problems  to  radio  amateurs 
that  have  been  the  case  in  the  United 
Stales,  with  leaky  cables  and  poor  feints 
radiating  in  the  2-meter  and  other  bands 

The  guidelines  for  prospective  CATV 
franchise  holders  published  recently  by 
the  Home  Office  specified  a  number  of 
prohibited  frequencies  and  others  with 
strictly  limited  radiation  levels*  The  prohi- 
bitions apply  only  to  military  allocations; 
however,  the  145-MHr  (2-meter)  and 
430-MHz  (70cm)  amateur  bands  are  spool- 


in 


GREECE 

Kfanos  Darkadakt$  SVIfW 
fiat 29001 

Athens  11210 
Greece 

ARDF  IN  GREECE 

ARDF  in  Greece  is  something  unknown 
So  you  might  start  wondering  why !  picked 
this  subject  for  this  month's  column.  Well, 
here  is  why,  and  I  hope  you  will  enjoy  the 
story. 


fled  for  a  maximum  emission  from  CATV 
5  ys  terns  of  -  26  dBmV. 

Systems  conforming  to  this  are  unlikely 
to  cause  too  many  problems  to  amateur 
stations  But  for  once,  the  news  is  better. 
BICC,  the  multinational  cable-making  and 
construction  group  with  extensive  in- 
terests in  the  development  of  cable  televi- 
sion, has  proposed  a  spectrum  plan  that 
recommends  no  signals  of  any  level  be 
propagated  In  either  the  4m,  2mt  or  70-cm 
bands— this  even  though  4m  (70  MHz)  Is 
not  a  restricted  zone. 

The  use  of  Ihe  10-meter  band  for  local  or 
mgbile  FM  Is  to  be  encouraged  If  only  as  a 
means  of  keeping  this  band  occupied 
during  the  period  of  minimum  sun spot  ac- 
tivity and  poor  propagation.  For  some 
lime,  activity  has  concentrated  around 
the  de  facto  simplex  calling  channel 
I  there  are  no  2B  MHz  repeaters  in  the  UK) 
of  29.600  MHz 

However,  the  situation  shows  signs  of 
generating  problems  for  other  longer-es- 
tablished TO-meier  users.  CB  rigs  cov- 
ering 27.5-28  MHz  (and  using  the  UK  mod- 
ulation requirement  of  FM)  are  readily 
available  and  readily  convertible  to  cover 
a  large  portion  of  the  2S-MHz  band  in 
10-kHz  steps  (they  also  provide  a  path  to 
10-meter  FM  that  is  cheaper  by  several 
orders  of  magnitude  than  purchasing  a 
custom  ham  kit). 

The  problem  arises  when  the  rigs  are 
modified  to  cover  29,3-29.7  MHz.,  which  in- 
cludes the  downlink  for  mode- A  satellite 
working.  Not  only  are  signals  from  space 
usually  quite  weak,  but  being  sideband  or 
CW,  they  are  difficult  (usually  impossible) 
to  resolve  on  an  FM  rig.  I  have  ex  pen 
enced  an  FM  signal  preventing  the  com- 
pletion of  a  OSO  via  RS8,  and  with  my 
limited  power,  only  high  overhead  passes 
are  really  workable  i  havn  tried  waiting  tor 
the  satellite  to  pass  and  then  calling  ihe 
FM  station  directly,  but  my  SSB  or  CW 
signal  is  just  regarded  as  interference1 

An  international  I  y-agreed  recommen- 
dation lor  an  FM  suOband  (simplex  and  re- 
peater) needs  to  be  introduced  before  the 
situation  gets  out  of  hand. 

I  have  mentioned  previously  my  Interest 
In  RTTY.  One  aspect  of  RTTY  listening 
that  occupies  a  lot  of  shack  time  is  the 
printing  of  meteorological  bulletins  (It 
really  Is  amazing  just  how  much  informa 
Iron  is  transmitted  around  the  world  day 
and  night).  1  even  have  a  license  to  receive 
such  transmissions,  together  with 
meteorological  facsimile  for  which  J  am 
also  equipped  And  all  for  the  princely 
sum  of  S7j00  tor  Ma! 

I  discovered  only  yesterday  that  the  UK 
Meteorological  Office  transmitting  from 
Bracknell  includes,  amongst  reams  of  sy- 
noptic reports,  some  very  accurate  infor- 
mation relating  to  NOAA  7  and  8  orbits.  I 
am  currently  seeking  details  for  the 
decoding  of  this  info  which,  unfortunate- 
ly, is  not  given  In  the  Meteorological  Of- 
fice "blue  book/4  which  is  the  basic 
decoding  reference. 


74     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     75 


About  one  and  a  half  years  ago.  Athens 
had  only  one  VHF  repeater  (R1J  and  you 
can  imagine  how  Important  it  was  for  us 
The  repeat ef  was  working  fine  until  the 
evening  of  August  15, 1962-  The  15th  and 
13th  of  August  were  holidays,  ao  every* 
body  was  out  and  the  city  was  almost 
empty.  On  that  evening,  a  steady  carrier 
appeared  on  the  repeater's  input  frequen- 
cy and,  of  course,  after  three  minutes  the 
timer  forced  the  transmitter  to  drop  off. 
That  was  It.  Athens'  repeater  was  blocked. 

tt  took  us  quite  a  while  to  understand 
what  was  going  on,  because  on  the  one 
hand,  the  signal  in  the  input  wasn't  that 
strong  really,  and  on  the  other  hand,  such 
a  thing  had  never  happened  before.  With 
the  darkness,  there  was  nothing  we  could 
do. 

Next  morning,  the  repeater  was  still  off, 
and  after  some  phone  calls,  a  group 
gathered  at  the  area  the  signal  was  com- 
ing from— on  the  very  same  mountain  the 
repeater  1$  on.  So  SV1EM,  SV1GK  SV1 JZ, 
SV10E,  and  SV1PH  started  searching  for 
the  intruder.  In  about  one  hour's  time, 
they  found  it.  It  was  a  crystal -con  trolled 
oscillator  on  a  small  PC  board  with  S  C 
batteries,  a  stabilizing  tC  for  the  power 
supply,  and  a  iM-wave  whip  for  the  anten- 
na The  unit  was  very  close  to  the  main 
road  leading  to  the  repeater's  site,  behind 
a  big  stone. 

This  was  the  first  taste  of  A  RDF  for 
Greek  radio  amateurs.  Although  there 
were  many  thoughts  aboul  the  event,  no 
more  attention  was  paid  to  11  until  Sep- 
tember 9,  1982. 

On  that  day,  Rl  was  In  trouble  again. 
This  time  the  smart  boys  were  even 
smarter.  The  carrier  was  on  for  1/2  second 
every  3  seconds,  fit  was  on  all  the  time. 
imagine  how  It  was  to  monitor  the 
repealer  waiting  for  a  call,  listening  1o  the 
darned  thing  making  tike  a  machine  gun. 
After  our  first  surprise,  we  started  turning 
the  beams  to  locate  the  carrier,  but  there 
was  nothing  we  could  hear.  Trie  next  day. 
a  team  consisting  of  SV1DC+  SV10S. 
SVtEX.  SV1GH.  SVVfvv;  ana  SV1KA  were 
on  top  of  the  mountain  again.  If  there  was 
a  place  where  you  could  hear  the  carrier, 
It  was  the  repeater  site  Itself.  A  9-eiement 
beam  was  brought,  and  the  direction  of 
the  carrier  was  marked  on  a  map- 
It  was  obvious  that  the  signal  was  com- 
ing from  outside  Athens,  but  how  far?  We 
decided  to  cover  as  many  areas  as  we 
could  before  dark.  SViAN  and  5V1AS 
were  soon  with  us  for  a  common  effort. 
For  three  or  four  hours  we  were  searching 
every  place  we  could  go,  either  driving  or 
walking  where  driving  was  impossible 

With  a  big  amount  of  luck,  just  a  fttth* 
while  before  dark  we  found  the  area  of  the 
beacon  (within  a  square  mile}  some  10 
miles  outside  Athens,  and  the  next  morn- 
ing SV1AN,  SV1DS,  SV1GH,  and  SV1PA, 
along  with  two  police  officers,  were  in  the 
area  again.  It  took  a  little  while  to  discover 
the  device,  which  was  hidden  In  a  bush. 
This  time  the  transmitter  was  commercial 
(the  transmitting  board  of  a  Kenwood 
2200  G  portable  transceiver)-  There  was 
a* so  a  timer  determining  the  on-andoff 
state  of  the  unit.  For  the  power  supply, 
they  had  a  truck  battery  with  145-Ah  ca- 
pacity! The  whole  thing  except  trio  anten- 
na and  battery  was  In  an  ice  cream  box. 

if  you  think  that  was  all,  you  are  wrong! 
Although  for  some  time  there  were  no 
problems,  suddenly  one  day  we  heard 
again  something  feeding  into  the 
repeater's  Inpui.  8ut,  hmmm!  This  time  It 
was  a  moving  problem! 

From  that  day,  the  signal  was  On  almost 
daily,  one  lime  for  one  hour,  some  other 
limes  for  two  or  three  hours.  Of  course,  Rl 
was  off  after  the  first  three  minutes.  Our 
beams  were  useless  since  in  Athens  (here 


is  nothing  you  can  do  with  all  the  build- 
ings and  the  deflections  on  them.  We  had 
to  find  something  else.  So.  we  decided 
that  every  time  there  was  a  positive  in- 
dication about  a  particular  direction,  a 
team  with  as  many  people  as  possible 
from  nearby  areas  would  search  for  the 
car  with  the  beacon  on.  We  chose  some 
channels  on  the  UHF  band  as  links  be- 
tween the  people  who  would  be  searching 
and  the  officials  of  RAAG,  Just  In  case 
some  direct  ions  had  to  be  given  back  and 
forth.  II  Immediate  action  was  needed, 
then  I  ha  telephone  was  recommended. 

As  the  days  passed  by,  ten  limes  we 
were  close  to  finding  the  car,  but  always 
at  the  leal  minute  the  bird  had  flown.  We 
were  gelling  nowhere,  when  all  of  a  sud- 
den one  evening  I  received  a  phone  call 
tram  Gus  SVtOC:  "Come  quick  to  the 
Glyladas  police  station!"  (The  place  Is 
near  the  airport  of  Athens.)  The  next 
minute  I  was  on  my  way. 

Arriving  at  the  police  station,  I  found 
Gus  walling  for  me,  and  he  explained 
shortly  the  situation.  Earlier  the  same 
evening,  Gus  had  been  near  the  area  for  a 
job  when  he  noticed  the  carrier  at  the 
repeaters  input  So  did  SV1LA,  who  was 
very  close  to  the  area,  and  they  started 
Marching.  Quite  soon  they  located  the 
source  of  the  signal,  which  was  not  on  a 
car  but,  *  .on  a  motorcycle!  At  a  glance  I 
saw  a  SQcc  Honda  in  the  yard  of  the  police 
stai ion.  A  closer  examination  revealed 
some  more  details.  The  antenna  was  a 
smalt  wire,  almost  Invisible,  coming 
through  the  windshield  The  radio,  a  KDK 
2050,  was  In  a  small  box  behind  the 
driver's  seal>  and  a  small  Cable  was 
transferring  the  PPT  very  close  to  the  ac- 
celerator Mow  it  was  clear  why  we 
couidn'i  locale  the  car.  There  wasn't  any 
car  to  locate! 

Now  you  are  probably  convinced  that 
SV  radio  amateurs  have  a  lot  of  ex- 
perience in  ARDF.  Who  knows,  maybe 
(here  wilt  be  another  chance  to  Improve 
our  experience  in  the  future! 


INDIA 

Amateur  Radio  Society  of  India 
10  Box  3005 
New  Delhi  003 
indie 

NEWS  FROM  INDIA 

During  the  three  months  of  January, 
February ,  and  March,  1964.  a  station  with 
the  commemorative  cat  I  sign  A  TO  A  will  be 
operative  from  the  Antarctic  OSL  info  via 
Or.  Ashutosh  Singh  VU2IF.  DXCC.  PO  Box 
4015.  New  Delhi  hi  7,  India.  Presently. 
"AafHT  VU2IF  is  on  board  the  ship  fin 
Polar**  (ca)tsign  OIGW),  operating  as 
VU2IBMM  on  5SB  around  14150  kHz, 

Permission  to  operate  commemorative 
callsign  VU7WCY  during  December,  19&3, 
was  granted  by  our  authorities,  applicable 
to  any  VU  station  Each  station  was  to 
Issue  his  OSL  Info  upon  reaching  the  Lac- 
cad  Ive  Islands.  {Similar  permission  for  the 
Andaman  Islands  operation  has  not  been 
received,  so  far.) 


ITALY 

Qiancario  Martvltl  iQXXR 
Via  Bevfgnarti,  13 
00162  Rome 
Half 

Mario  Ambro&i  12htQP 
Vta  Stradeifa.  13 
20129  Mitano 
trary 

ITALY  S  ERE  RIGS 
Many  of  us  could  believe  that  the  only 


HF200  SPECIFICATIONS 

Frequency  coverage 

5  bands:  3.5-29  MHz  (The  latest  models  have  pro- 

vision for  the  new  WARC  bands.) 

Receiver  sensitivity 

0.3  uVt10  d8  S  +  N/N 

Recover  selectivity 

SSB  2.4  kHz/  -  6  dB,  CW  500  Hz*  -  6  d&  with  CW 

filter 

Image  attenuation 

100  dB 

M  attenuation 

100  dB 

Intercept  point 

4  2  dB  at  max  sensitivity 

Transmftter  input  power 

200  W  input  K,d. 

Carrier  suppression 

SO  dB 

Unwanted  5~band  supp 

50  dB 

T77Q  (ex-Mi  C)  in  his  shack. 


producers  of  equipment  for  amateur  use 
in  the  world  are  Japan  and  the  United 
States.  That's  not  right!  in  Italy,  a  small 
but  very  technically  advanced  firm,  ERE 
lEquipaggiamenTi  Radio  ElettronicO  pro- 
duces state-of-the-art  radio  equipment  for 
commercial  military,  and  amateur  use. 

The  first  ERE  jewel  is  a  rig  called 
HF200,  an  HF  transceiver  for  amateurs 
which  boasts  design  ingenuities  and  on- 
I  he-air  performance  equal  to  many  rigs 
made  in  Japan  or  In  the  US.  This  light- 
weight (6  kg)  and  compact  (288mm  W, 
117mm  H,  290mm  0)  transceiver  la  suit- 
able for  mobile  or  base-station  use.  and 
its  price  ia  really  affordable. 

The  HF200  is  completely  solid  slate  and 
may  be  completed  with  oplions  like  the 
AL-S&OO  external  power  supply  and 
speaker,  the  VFO  200E.  and  a  solid-state 
1000-W  power  amplifier,  LHF-iOOST 

The  most  interesting  feature  of  1  he  re- 
ceiver is  a  revolutionary  tuning  system  de- 
veloped by  ERE:  The  main  tuning  knob 
has  a  limited  turning  range  clockwise  and 
counterclockwise,  and  within  this  range  it 
acts  as  a  spread-band  tuning  knob.  At  the 
right  and  left  end  of  the  ranges  the  knob 
activates  iwo  mlcroswitches  which  start 
an  up  or  down  frequency  scanning,  whose 
speed  is  selected  through  a  slow-fast  on- 
t he-panel  selector  The  tuning  frequency 
is  read  on  a  big  digiiai  display.  The  receiv- 
er is  a  singfecomefsioo  superttet,  and  the 
S-MHz  i-f  is  equipped  with  two  eight -pole 
filters.  The  front  end  boasts  very  good 
overload  resistance  with  the  use  of  a  high- 
col  lector-current  rl  transistor  amplifier 
and  Schottky-diode  balanced  mixer.  The 
receiver  is  equipped  also  with  af  filters  for 
CW  and  SSB  and  has  an  optional  adjust- 
able-level noise  blanker. 

The  transmitter  Is  also  solid  state,  and 
the  power-output  key  down  is  100  W, 

This  dynamic  Italian  firm  produces  also 
a  very  updated  three-band  (144,  432,  and 
1290  MHz)  transceiver,  the  Koniacl,  which 
will  be  described  in  a  future  column,  and  a 
complete  line  of  amateur-band  antennas 
ranging  from  three-  and  four-band  yagis 
and  di poles  to  an  outstanding  seven-ele- 
ment log  periodic  for  10-  to  30-MHz  fre- 
quencies. 

For  more  information,  you  may  w rile  to 
Equipegglamenll  Radio  EJettronlci,  Via 
Garibaldi,  1 15P  27049  Stradella,  Italy 

HAM  RADIO  IN  SAN  MARINO 

The  first  active  ham  from  the  Republic 
of  San  Marino  was  the  late  Ml  A  Prof.  Cor- 
redo  Franc inr,  who  was  followed  by  Mario 
Graziani  Mis  Mario,  in  me  post-WWfl 
days,  was  active  mainly  on  7-MHz  phone. 

Following  inquiries  by  amateurs  in  the 
United  States,  your  columnist,  who  then 
had  more  hairs  on  his  own  head  and  held 
ihe  call  HPLt  together  wiih  his  friend 
Stello  11 HR,  made  the  first  DXpedltion  in  S. 
Marino  and  put  for  the  first  lime  the  M1 
call  on  the  DX  map.  The  expedition  was  a 
great  success  and  made  happy  a  big 
bunch  of  DXers.  The  number  ol  QSOs  was 
not  astonishing,  but  we  were  in  1948  and 
we  ran  60  Walts  input  into  a  randonvwlre 
antenna!  "Never  before  has  so  much  rf 
been  pumped  in  one  direction  on  one  fre- 
quency in  the  14>Mc  band,"  had  to  remade 
OS 7"  in  Its  1948  October  issue,  reporting 
the  great  happening  I 

The  tiny  republic.  38  square  mi  lea, 
about  20,000  inhabitants,  atop  ML  Tiiano 
In  central  Italy,  claims  to  be  the  oldest 
republic  in  Europe,  being  established 
since  1231-  Despite  the  fact  that  every 
stone  and  every  mount  a  into  p  there  recalls 
old  stories  of  savage  wars.  H night s.  and 
lovely  mistresses,  the  Republic  of  S. 
Marino  has  today  an  advanced  economy 
with  industries  and  commercial  traffic, 
due  to  the  initiative  of  its  dynamic 
citizens.  There  Is  also  a  noticeable  tourist 


76     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


TU-470 

•  Full  featured  BTTY  to  300  baud 
plus  CW  terminal  unit, 

*  3  Shifts,  active  filters,  remote 
control,  xtol  AFSK,  FSK,  plus 
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Suggested  retail  price.  .  $4W.95 


TU-170A 

•  Single  shift  RTTY  terminal  unit. 

•  Xtal  AFSK,  FSK,  active-filters  and 
more. 

Kit  $189.95 
wired  $289,95 


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*  Single  shift  RTTY  terminal  unit 
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wired  $299.95 


TRS-80*  RTTY/CW 

ROM-116  Interface  for  model  l#  III, 
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t  riffle  there;  thousands  of  people  come  to 
visit  the  ancient  monuments  and  to  enjoy 
the  wide  vistas  to  the  Adriatic:  Sea 

Amateur  radio  is  also  very  active  on  Mi 
Tl lance  It's  ruled  by  the  Telecommunica- 
tions Department  In  the  person  of  the  De- 
partment Deputy  himseif,  and  by  the  Di- 
rector of  the  Post  Office  Just  recently  a 
proposal  tor  official  rutes  has  been  is- 
sued, which  will  be  ratified  soon. 

Some  years  ago,  the  S.  Marino  hams 
founded  the  ARRSM  {Assoc! azione  Radio- 
a  ma  tori  Repubblica  $.  Marino),  which  be- 
came a  member  of  IARU  January  30, 1981. 
The  ARRSM  president  Is  the  senior  radio- 
amateur  of  the  group,  Mario  Grsziani 
T77B  [formerly  M1BJ,  and  Tony  Ceccoll 
T77C  is  the  dynamic  secretary, 

(The  old  and  unofficial  prefix,  Mi.  be- 
came the  official  T7  in  April,  1983.) 

Actually,  there  are  10  licensed  ama- 
teurs in  S  Marino,  but  there  Is  also  an 
eleventh  station,  the  official  radio  club's 
T71A,  dedicated  to  the  memory  of  Corra- 
do  Francini  Mi  A.  This  station  will  be  ac- 
tive only  once  per  year  for  some  time  and 
eventually,  guest  operators  will  be  admit- 
ted only  on  an  Invitation  basis. 

The  well  known  DX  man  Tony  T77G  (for* 
marly  MIC)  is  the  most  active  HF  operator 
from  there.  He  Is  likely  to  raise  tremen- 
dous plleups  when  his  husky  signal  ap- 
pears on  the  bands.  Tony  has  been  active 
for  10  years,  and  his  log  sports  more  than 
62.000  QSOs,  an  average  of  8«2K  QSOs  per 
yearl  That's  not  bad  for  a  rare  country  like 
S,  Marino! 

Tony  holds  a  5BDXCG.  a  WAZ,  and  a 
WAS  award;  he  needs  only  one  card  to  be 
elected  in  thai  DX  Olympus  called  Honor 


t  fo  ft  T77B{ex*MIBA  T77' /e^Atf //.  T77Y(ex-MTYl  T7/J  ten-MUX  and  777W  fear-W t  Wl 


Roll.  Everybody  who  has  met  him  was  de- 
lighted, finding  a  very  friendly  and  modest 
boy.  He  is  a  real  CW  enthusiast,  and  his  ef- 
fort giving  a  new  country  to  as  many  hams 
as  possible  around  the  world  is  confirmed 
by  the  fantastic  number  of  15,000  QSOs 
made  in  19621 

The  177 C  rig  is  a  T&620S  followed  by  a 
kW  home-brew  amplifier,  and  the  antenna 
is  a  rotary  two-element  delta  loop  for  10, 
15,  arid  20  meters.  He  uses  some  dlpoles 
for  the  LF  bands  and  has  started  to  experi- 
ment with  the  160-meter  band.  Boys,  keep 
your  ears  open  for  a  very  rare  one  on  the 
top  bend1 


Another  very  active  ham  from  S.  Marino 
is  Peter  T77VT  who  started  his  activity  on 
the  HF  bands  three  years  ago.  He  runs  a 
TS-830S  to  a  three-element  tri  bander  vagi 
and  has  also  a  7  MHz  loop  and  a  3,5-MHz 
inverted  vee. 

Two  stations  which  are  active  on  144 
MHz  from  ML  Tlteno  are  T77J  and  T72ZR 
Look  for  them,  as  their  signals  should 
have  a  very  long  span  from  those  heights. 

QSL  cards  for  I  he  5.  Marino  crew 
should  be  sent  to  the  Radio  Dub  S.  Mari- 
no, Post  Box  n,  1,  47031  S.  Marino  Cltta, 
Repubonca  di  S.  Marino. 

The  addresses  of  the  most  active  HF 
stations  are:  Antonio  "Tony"  Ceccoii 
T77C.  V(a  Carraie.  67  Fenmcciola.  47031 
Repubblica  di  S  Marino,  and  Piergiovanni 
"Peter"  Vol  pa  nan  T77V,  Via  G.  Giacomini 
507/54,  47031  RepubbHca  di  S  Marino, 

Should  you  happen  to  travel  in  the 
neighborhood  of  Mt.  Tttano,  please  don't 
miss  meeting  the  T77  boys.  You  will  have 
a  friendly  welcome,  and  atop  there  you 
will  enjoy  ancient  atmospheres,  great 
sights,  and  last  but  not  least,  a  great  white 
wine  together  with  fantastic  Italian  foods 

do  18XXR 

BLUE  TEAM  DXPEDITION 

It  all  started  al  me  end  of  1962  when  the 
group  of  Italian  OXers  that  founded  the  DX 
Blue  Team  under  the  presidency  of  Sergio 
12 JO  decided  to  organize  a  couple  of  ex- 
peditions: one  lor  UHF  and  SHF  and  one 
for  HF  enthusiasts. 

For  the  first  choice,  it  was  very  easy  to 
convince  iflSNV  to  organize  it  In  fact,  he 
went  to  North  Africa  and  managed  to  get 
the  world  record  on  1.2  GHz  and  on  10 


GHz.  On  top  of  it,  he  gave  to  many  Euro- 
peans a  new  one  from  EAS.  and  from  CN 
on  432  and  1  2  GHz. 

More  problems  were  found  where  HF 
was  concerned,  it  was  difficult  to  find  a 
place  not  too  difficult,  from  a  logistical 
point  of  vtew.  and  interesting  enough  lor 
the  DX  community,  We  managed  lo 
choose  three  countries  and  started  to 
work  on  getting  the  authorizations  to  work 
from  there.  The  BV  authorities  replied  lo 
us  granting  permission  for  a  10-day  oper- 
ation from  Taipei  and  offering  us  the  as- 
sistance of  the  CRA. 

BV  represents  a  really  good  target  for 
many  DXers,  and  wa  happily  started  to 
work  on  It.  The  atory  of  the  preparation  of 
the  trip  is  long  and  no!  too  Interesting,  but 
at  the  end  of  it  we  were  on  a  plane  that 
was  landing  In  Taiwan, 

Custom  problems  didn't  allow  us  to 
clear  the  goods  immediately  so  we  left  the 
equipment  in  a  bonded  warehouse  and 
met  for  the  hrst  time  Tim  Chen  BV2ArB  at 
the  Taipei  international  airport.  It  was 
Sunday  afternoon,  September  18,  and 
Tims  warm  welcome  was  a  prelude  to  all 
the  assistance  that  he  was  ready  to  give 
us.  and  he  really  did  it 

At  the  hotel  another  surprise;  a  group  of 
members  ol  the  Cruna  Radio  Association 
was  waiting  for  us,  It  was  our  idea  that 
Tim  was  the  only  ham  In  6V— not  only  the 
Only  active  one,  but  also  the  only  one  in 
terested  in  radiol  That  was  not  true.  We 
had  the  opportunity  to  meet  a  few  old- 
timers  and  a  few  young  fellows  waiting  for 
I  he  local  authorities  to  release  more  H< 
censes. 

On  Monday.  September  20.  after  getting 
all  the  papers  lo  clear  ihe  rigs  and  be  al 
lowed  to  operate,  we  were  able  to  put  up  a 
12AVQ  and  start  operations.  The  prooaga 
non  was  not  too  good  up  to  midnight, 
local  time,  when  Ihe  band  opened  to 
Europe,  and  we  trad  the  opportunity  to 
work  a  few  hundred  stations. 

On  the  21  si,  I  was  in  charge  of  the  oper- 
ations and,  after  putting  up  a  2elemeni 
tri bander,  |  started  lo  work  Japan  on  15.  In 
the  afternoon,  the  band  was  starting  to  be 
very  good  on  20  I  had  a  good  opening  with 
VK  and  ZL  and  later  on  with  South  Ameri- 
ca. It  was  Ilka  being  able  to  see  the  grey 
line  moving  from  the  South  Pacific  to  Ihe 
lowest  part  of  the  American  continent  and 
then  up  to  the  Caribbean  area, 

After  that  the  first  signal  from  the 
United  Slates,  Bill  K1MM  calling  me,  I 
worked  him  and  a  few  others,  but  not  too 
many  Ws  were  on  frequency.  Bill  called 
me  again  and  told  me  that  he  was  passing 
the  message  on  the  local  repeaters,  so  it 
was  just  a  matter  of  a  tew  minutes  to  get  a 

Continued  on  paoe  T3£ 


T77C'$  2^iement  delta  loop  antenna. 

78     73  Magazine  •  March,  1 984 


in  tftv  shack  are  BV2B,  Mateo  I2NYN,  Mario  12MQP.  and  Enzo  I2BVS. 


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utilizes  a  special  ceramic  gas-filled  tube 
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level,  safely  by-passing  surges  to  ground 
Fires  thousands  of  times. 

Transi-Trap  Protectors  are  the  first 
devices  in  the  industry  designed  with 
'isolated  ground'"  — -  keeps  damaging 
arc-energy  off  the  chassis  and  routes  it 
directly  to  ground. 


Don  t  hook  up  your  coax  without  one! 

The  200  W  models  are  most  sensitive,  best 
for  RCVRS  and  XCVRS,  2  kW  models  de- 
signed for  amplifiers.  For  maximum  pro- 
tection use  both,  with  200  W  model 
between  XCVR  and  AMP.  All  models  include 
Are-Ptug  cartridge 

UHF  "T-type"  Connectors: 
MODEL  LT  UHF-type.  200  W 
output  at  SO  ohms  

MODEL  HT,  UHFtype.  2  KW 
output  at  SO  ohms  ,...,.  ^ ..« 

Super  Ruggedized  Super  Low  Loss 
Models  (0.1  dB  at  500  MHz), 
for  use  through  VHF/UHF.  with  UHF 
con  Hectors- 

MODEL  R-T,  200  W  output  at 
50  ohms $29,95 

MODEL  HV.  Z  kW  output  at 


$19.95 


$24,95 


At  your  Alpha  Delta  dealer.  Or  order  direct  in  U.S.:  add  $2  for  postage  and 
handling.  MasterCard  and  VISA  accepted,  Ohio  residents  add  Sales  Tax. 


f^m 


Maiir'Ccd 


^^ 


VISA 


See  Data  Sheet  for  surge  limitations. 


AUHA.DC 

P  O    Box  571,  Centerville,  Ohio  45459  *  (513)  435-4772 


<M> 


**See  List  of  Advertisers  on  page  1 14 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984    70 


300   WATT   ANTENNA   TUNER    HAS    SWR/WATTMETER,    ANTENNA    SWITCH,    BALUN. 
MATCHES  EVERYTHING  FROM  1.8  to  30  MHz. 

MFJ't  fastest  selling  tuner  packs  In  plenty  of  new  features! 

•  New  Styling!  Brushed  aluminum  from.  All  metal  cabinet. 

•  New  SWR/Wattmeter!  More  accurate  Switch  selectable 
300/30  watt  ranges.  Read  lorward/reflected  power. 

•  New  Antenna  Switch!  Front  panel  mounted   Select  2  coax 
lines,  direct  or  through  tuner,  random  wire/balanced  line  or 
tuner  bypass  for  dummy  load. 

■  New  alrwound  inductor!  Larger  more  efficient  T2  position  air- 
wound  inductor  gives  lower  losses  and  more  watts  out.  Run  up 
to  3QO  warts  RF  power  output  Matches  everything  from  1 .8  to 
30  MHz:  dipoles,  inverted  veeb  random  wires,  verticals,  mobile 
whips,  beams,  balanced  and  coax  lines.  Built-in  4:1  balun  for 
balanced  lines,  1000V  capacitor  spacing  Black  11x3x7  inches. 
Works  with  all  solid  state  or  tube  rigs.  Easy  to  use,  anywhere. 


*p*Ja.%JQ 


MFJ-941D 


NEW 

FEATURES 


RTTY/A5CII/CW  COMPUTER 
INTERFACE     mfj-i  224  $99.95 


w  *  *  • 


ft  ™      m-**  M       m   1 


m  —  - 


Send  and  receive  computerized  RTTY/ASCH/ 
CW  with  nearly  any  personal  computer  (VIC  20, 
Apple,  TRS-8QC,  Atari,  T1-99,  Commodore  64, 
etc.).  Use  Kantronfcs  or  most  other  RTTY/CW 
software.  Copies  both  mark  and  space,  any  shift 
(Including  170, 425. 850  Hz)  and  any  speed  (5-100 
WPM  RTTY/CW,  300  baud  ASCII).  Sharp  8  pole 
active  filter  tor  CW  and  170  Hz  shift.  Sends  170, 
850  Hz  shift.  Normal  /Reverse  switch  eliminates 
retunfng.  Automatic  noise  ii miter,  Kantronics 
compatible  socket  plus  exclusive  general  purpose 
socket.  8x1  Vix6  in,  12-15  VDC  or  T10  VAC  with 
adapter.  MfiMStt,  S9.95. 

RX  NOISE 
BRIDGE 

Maximize 

your  antenna 

performance!        $59 ,95  M FJ-202B 

Tells  whether  to  shorten  or  lengthen  antenna  for 
minimum  SWR  Measure  resonant  frequency, 
radiation  resistance  and  reactance. 
New  Featuro:  individually  calibrated  resistance 
scale,  expanded  capacitance  range  (±150  pf)> 
BuiiHn  range  extender  for  measurements  be- 
yond scale  readings.  1-100  MHz.  Comprehensive 
manual.  Use  9  V  battery.  2x4x4  in. 

INDOORTUNED  ACTIVE 
ANTENNA 

•'  World  Grabber'1  rival!  or  exceed!  reception 
of  outilde  long  wire*]  Unique  tuned  Active 
Antenna  minimizes  intermod.  Improves  select* 
ivity,  reduces  noise  outside  tuned  band,  even 
functions  as  preselector  with  externa!  antennas 
Covers  0.3-30  MHz,  Telescoping  antenna. 
Tune,  Band.  Gain, 
On-off  bypass  controls 
6x2x6  in.  Uses  9V 
battery,  9-18  VDC  or  W#  9  m& 

1 10  VAC  with  adapter,     JL  J 

MFJ-1312,  $9-95.  $79,95  MFJ-1020 


•313 


CONVERTER 


iiy.    i.ii  'j-ir 


<SI   *MJM**,£ 


m 


"• 


POLICE/FIRE/WEATHER 

2 M HANDHELD  CONVERTER 

Turn  your  iynf  heilzed  scanning       $39, 95 
2  meter  handheld  into  a  hot  Police/  ■  ■  m  fj 

Fire/Weather  band  scanner! 
144-148  MHz  handhelds 
receive  Police/Fire  on  154- 
158  MHz  with  direct  fre- 
quency readout,  Hear 
M0AA  maritime  coastal 
plus  more  on  160-164  MHz. 
Converter  mounts  between 
handheld  and  rubber  ducky, 
Feedthru  allows  simultaneous 
scanning  of  both  2  meters 
and  Police/Fire  bands.  No 
missed  calls.  Crystal  controlled.  Bypass/Off 
switch  allows  transmitting  (up  to  5  watts).  Use 
AAA  battery.  2%x1Vbx1Vz  in.  BfrfC  connectors. 

MFJ/BENCHERKEYER 
COMBO 

MFJ-422 

$99.95 

The  beit  of 
all  CW  worlds* 
a  deluxe  MFJ  Keyer  in  a  compacfTbnfiguration 
tnat  fits  right  on  the  Bencher  iambic  paddle! 
MFJ  Keyer  -  small  in  size,  big  in  features.  Curtis 
8044  IC,  adjustable  weight  and  tone,  front  panel 
volume  and  speed  controls  (8-50  WPM).  Built- 
in  dot^ash  memories.  Speaker,  sidetone,  and 
push  button  seEection  of  semi-automatic/tune 
or  automatic  modes,  Solid  state  keying.  Bencher 
paddle  is  fully  adjustable;  heavy  steef  base  with 
non-skid  feet.  Uses  9  V  battery  or  110  VAC  with 
optional  adapter,  MFJ-1305,  5$  95. 

VHF  SWR/WATTMETER 

lOWCOft  MFJ-812   $29.95 

VHF  SWR/ 

Wattmeter! 
Read  SWR 
(H  to  170  MHz) 

and  forward/ 

reflected  power 

at  2  meters.  Has  30  and  300  watts  scales.  Also 

read  relative  field  strength,  4x2x3  in. 


fTft 


■ 


<s 


fffj 


t¥X%**t»+ 


1  KW  DUMMY  LOAD 

mfj-250  534. yo 

Tune  up  fast,  extend 

life  of  flntli,  reduce 

QRM!  Rated  iKWCW 

or  2KW  PEP  for  10  min 

utes.  Halt  rating  for  20 

minutes,  continuous  at 

200  W  CW,  400  W  PEP 

VSWR  under  1.2  to  30 

MHz,  1.5  to  300  MHz, 

Oil  contains  no  PCB, 

50  ohm  non*inductive  resistor  Safety  vent. 

Carrying  handle.  7Y?x63/<  In. 

24/12  HOUR  CLOCK/ ID  TIMER 

MFJ- 103 

$34.95 

Switch  io  24 

hour  GMT  or 
12  hour  format! 
Battery  backup 

maintains  time  during  power  outage.  ID  timer 
alerts  every  9  minutes  after  reset.  Switchable 
seconds  readout.  Elapsed  timer.  Just  start  clock 
from  zero  and  note  time  of  event  up  to  24  hours, 
Bright  blue   .6"   digits.   Alarm   with  snooze 
function.  Synchronizable  with  WWV  Lock 
function  prevents  mis-setting.  Power  out,  alarm 
on  indicators  Black  5x2x3  in  110  VAC,  60  Hz. 

DUAL  TUNABLE  SSB/CW 
FILTER  mfj-7S2bS89J5 


3:59- 


oo 


Dual  filters  give  unmatched  performance! 
The  primary  filter  lets  you  peak,  notch,  low 
pass  or  high  pass  with  extra  steep  skirts. 
Auxiliary  filter  gives  70  db  notch,  40  Hz  peak. 
Both  filters  tune  from  300  to  3000  Hz  with 
variable  bandwidth  from  40  Hz  to  nearly  flat. 
Constant  output  as  bandwidth  is  varied;  linear 
frequency  control.  Switchable  noise  limner  for 
impulse  noise  Simulated  stereo  sound  for  CW 
lets  ears  and  mind  reject  QRM.  Inputs  for  2  rigs. 
Plugs  into  phone  jack.  Two  watts  for  speaker. 
Off  bypasses  filter.  9-18  VDC  Of  T10  VAC  with 
optional  adapter,  MFJ-1312,  $9,95, 


ORDER  ANY  PRODUCT  FROM  MFJ  AND  TRY  IT-NO 
OBLIGATION*  IF  NOT  DELIGHTED,  RETURN  WITH- 
IN 30  DATS  FOR  PROMPT  REFUND  (LESS  SHIPPING) 

*  One  year  unconditional  guarantee  •  Made  in  USA. 

*  Add  S*  00  each  shipping/handling  •  Call  or  write 
for  fret  catafeg*  ever  100  products. 


MFJ  ENTERPRISES.  INC. 
Box  494,  Mlttlttippf  State.  MS  39762 


TO  ORDER  Ofl  FOR  YOUR  NEAREST 
DEALER.  CALL  TOLL-FREE 

800  -647-1800.  Can  «n  -32*5869 

in  Miss,  and  outside  continental  USA 
Telex  53-4590  MFJ  ST KV 


80     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


MFJ     RTTY     /     ASCII     /     AMTOR     /     CW 


RTTY/ ACSII/ AMTOR/CW 
INTERFACE 
CARTRIDGE 
FOR 

VIC-20/C-64 

90 

Most  versitlto  RTTY/ 
ASCll/AMTOR/CW  Inter-  .   #Ltfi  c 

fict  cartridge  available  for  *  69 

VIC -20  and  Commodore  W*# 

64.  Gives  you  more  features,  more  performance, 
more  value  for  your  money  than  any  other  interface 
cartridge  available 

Same  Interface  cartridge  works  for  both  ViC-20  and 
Commodore  64,  Plugs  into  users  port. 

Chocti  from  with  variety  of  RTTY/ASGII/CW, 
even  AMTOR  software.  You  are  not  married  to  one 
on -board  software  package.  Use  MFJ,  Kantronics, 
AEA  plus  most  other  software  cartridge,  tape  or  disk. 

850  Hi  and  170  Hz  shifts  on  receive  and  transmit. 

Hat  mart  and  space  outputs  for  scope  tuning. 

Normal/ Revert*  twitch  eliminates  return ng. 

True  dual  channel  mark  and  apace  active  ffltert  and 
automatic  threshold  correction  gives  good  copy  when 
one  tone  fs  obliterated  by  QRM  or  selective  fading. 

Eaiy.  potltlve  tuning  with  twin  LED  indicators. 

Narrow  800  Hi  active  CW  filter.  Automatic  PTT. 

Exsr  2206  sine  generator  for  AFSK  output. 

Shielded  XCVR  AF5K/PTT  interface  able  provide 
ed  Plus  or  minus  CW  keyed  output.  FSK  out. 

Powtrtd  by  computer  (tew  mA|  no  power  adapter 
to  buy  or  extra  wire  to  dangle  or  pfck  up/radiate  RFI. 

Glissepory  PC  B.  Aluminum  enclosure  4yjx4Vfcx1'\ 


MFJ  INTERFACE  plus  MFJ 
SOFTWARE  CARTRIDGE 


for  VIC-20  or  Commodore  M. 
MRM228  PLUS  MFJ4250 
or  MFJ-12S1  for  one  low  price 


$gg95 

Save  $20. 00 


SOFTWARE  CARTRIDGE  FOR 

VI C-20  /  C-64  MRM250/MFJ-1251 

Powerful  MFJ  software  $  A€k  95 

cartridge  for  VIC-20  (MFJ-  ^** 

1250, 149  95)  and  Commodore  64  (MFJ-i251.S49.95). 
Plugs  into  expansion  port.  Developed  by  MFJ, 

Featurei  RTTY/ASCII/CW  send  and  receive,  split 
screen  display,  type  ahead  butter,  message  ports, 
status  display,  automatic  CW  speed  tracking,  parallel 
printer  compatibility  plus  much  more. 

SUPER  RTTY  FILTER 

MFJ-7H         gyj 


$ 


39 


95 


fff7  (m\ 


Super  RTTY 

filter  greatly 
improves  copy  under 
crowded,  fading  and  weak  signal  conditions. Improves 
any  RTTY  receiving  system.  8  pole  bandpass  active 
filter  for  170  Hz  shift  (2135/2295  Hi  mark/space).  200 
or  400  Hz  band  widths.  Automatic  noise  flmlter .  Audio 
in,  speaker  out  jacks.  On/off /bypass  switch.  "ON" 
LEO.  12  VDC  or  110  VAC  with  optional  AC  adapter. 
MFJ-1312,  £9.95.  &4x1  Inch  aluminum  cabinet. 


GENERAL  PURPOSE  RTTY/ ASCII/ 
AMTOR/CW  COMPUTER  INTERFACE 


Lets  you  send  and  receive  computerized  RTTY/  ASCII/  AMTOR/CW,  Copies 
all  shifts  and  all  speeds.  Copies  on  both  mark  and  space.  Sharp  8  pole  active 
filter  for  170  Hz  shift  and  CW.  Plugs  between  your  rig  and  VIC-20,  Apple, 
TRS-80C,  Atari,  TI-99,  Commodore  64  or  most  other  personal  computers. 
Uses  MFJ,  Kantronics  software  and  most  other  RTTY/CW  software. 


fttJ 


•!••?•  s>ef 


MFJ  RTTY   ~M 
COMPUTER  [NTT  B  FACE 


+ 


WQDCl  w*,  -»* 


MFJ  Software  plus  MFJ  Interface  for  VIC-20/C-64 

Software  cartridge  alone.  S49.95.  Order  MFJ-1250/MFJ-1224  4   -  *%*\ 
(or  VIC-20,  MFJ-1251/MFJ-1224  for  Commodore  64.  '1  ^M 

Includes  cable  to  interface  MFJ-1224  to  VIC-20  or  C-64,  *  fcW 


MFJ- 1224 
$ef%if>95 


99 


New  MFJ-1224  RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR/CW  Com- 
puter Interface  lets  you  use  your  personal  computer 
as  a  computerized  full  featured  RTTY/ASCII/ 
AMTOR/CW  station  for  sending  and  receiving.  Plugs 
between  rig  and  VIC-20,  Apple,  TRS-80C,  Atari, 
TI-99,  Commodore  64  and  most  others. 

Ufa  MFJ  (see  MFJ-1250/1251  below)  software  for 
VIC -20,  Commodore  64  and  Kantronics  for  Apple. 
TRS-80C,  Atari,  TI-99  and  most  other  software  for 
RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR/CW. 

Easy,  potlthfi  tuning  with  twin  LED  indicators. 

Copy  iny  shift  {1 70.425,850  Hz  and  alt  otner  shifts) 
and  any  speed  (5-100  WPM  RTTY/CW  and  up  to  300 
baud  ASCII). 

Coplet  on  betti  matt  and  space,  not  mark  only  or 
space  only,  to  improve  copy  under  adverse  conditions. 

Sharp  >  pole  170  Hz  ihlft/CW  active  fitter  gives 
good  copy  under  crowded,  fading  and  weak  signal 
conditions.  Automatic  noise  llmltor  suppress  static 
crashes  for  better  copy. 

Normal/ Reverie  twitch  eliminates  retunlng.  +250 
VDC  loop  output  drives  RTTY  machine.  Speaker  Jack. 


Automatic  .tracking  copies  drifting  signal. 

Exar  2206  tine  generator  gives  phase  continuous 
AFSK  tones.  Standard  2125  Hz  mark  and  2295/2975 
Hz  space.  Microphone  line:  AFSK  out,  AFSK  ground, 
PTT  out  and  PTT  ground. 

FSK  keying  output.  Plus  ar\6  minus  CW  keying. 
CW  transmit  LEO.  External  CW  key  jack. 

Kantronlct  compatible  socket 

Exclusive  general  purpose  socket  allows  interfac- 
ing to  nearly  any  personal  computer  with  most  appro- 
priate software.  Available  TTL  lines:  RTTY  demod 
out ,  CW  dernod  out  C W-l  D  input,  +  5  VOC .  ground- 
All  signal  lines  are  buttered  and  can  be  inverted 
using  an  internal  DIP  switch. 

Use  Gifto  software  with  Apple,  RAK  with  VIC-20, 
Clay  Abrams  with  TRS-60C.  N4EU  with  TR$-fl0  III, 
IV  Some  computers  with  some  software  may  require 
some  external  components. 

Metal  cabinet.  Brushed  alum,  front,  firfttxti  In. 
IMS  VDC  or  110  VAC  with  adapter,  MFJ-1312,S9^ 

|  MFJ-tm,  ».«,  ftfrftt  adapter  far  MFJ-1S4.  [ 


MFJ-1226 


CW  INTERFACE  CARTRIDGE 
jifEW  FOR  VIC-20 /C  64 

$3995 

High  performance  CW 

Interface  cartridge.  Gives 

excellent  performance 

under  weak .  crowded,  noisy 

conditions.  Works  for  both  VIC-20  and  Commodore 
64.  Plugs  into  user's  port, 

4  pole  100  Hz  bandwidth  jetive  After .  800  Hz 
center  frequency,  3  pole  active  lowpass  post  detection 
filter.  Exclusive  automatic  tracking  comparator. 

Plus  and  minus  CW  keying.  Audio  in.  speaker  out 
lacks.  Powered  by  computer. 

Includes  Basic  listing  of  CW  transmit/receive  pro- 
gram. Available  on  cassette  rape,  MFJ-1 252 (VIC-20) 
or  MFJ-1253(C-64).R95and  on  software  cartridge, 
MFJ-1254(VlC-20)  or  MFJ-1255(C-64)t$19-95. 

You  can  also  use  MFJ-1250  (VfC-  0)  or  MFJ-1251 
(C-64).  $49.95  each,  RTTY/ASCII/CW  software  carr 
ridge  Or  use  Kantronics.  AEA  and  others. 

Also  copy  RTTY  with  single  tone  detects 


UNIVERSAL  SWL  RECEIVE 
ONLY  COMPUTER  INTERFACE 
FOR  RTTY/ASCII  /AMTOR/CW 

MFJ*1225 

$CQ95 


69 


•   *m\ 

•    *    •    ■ 


■ 

.  =        *        a.      —  . 
»  *       1         .     * 


MFJ-1225  plus  MFJ-1250 
or  MFJ-1251  $99.95. 


Use  your 
personal  computer 
and  communications 
receiver  to  receive  commercial,  military  and  amateur 
RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR/CW  traffic. 

Plugs  between  receiver  and  VIC-20,  Apple,  TRS* 
S0C,  Atari,  TI-99,  Commodore  64  and  most  other 
personal  computers.  Requires  appropriate  software. 

Use  MFJfsee  this  ad),  Kantronics.  AEA  and  most 
other  RTTY/ASCII/AMTOR/CW  software. 

Copies  all  shifts  and  HI  speeds.  Twin  LED  Indicators 
makes  tuning  easy,  positive-  Normal/Reverse  switch 
eliminates  tuning  for  Inverted  RTTY,  Speaker  out 
jack.  Includes  cable  to  Interface  MFJ-1224  to  VIC-20 
or  Commodore  64. 4V*x1  ttx4V&  inches.  12-15  VDC  or 
110  VAC  with  optional  adapter.  MFJ-1312,  $9.95 


ORDER  ANY  PRODUCT  FROM  MFJ  AMD  TRY  IT- NO 

OBLIGATION.  IF  NOT  DELIGHTED.  RETURN  WITH- 
IN 30  DAYS  FOR  PROMPT  REFUND  (LESS  SHIPPING) 

•  One  year  unconditional  guarantee  *  Made  in  USA. 

•  Add  $4.00  each  shipping/handling    *  Call  or  write 
tar  free  catalog,  ever  100  products. 


MFJ  ENTERPRISES,  INC.    *>« 
Boi  494,  Mississippi  State,  MS  39762 


TO  ORDER  OR  FOR  YOUR  NEAREST 
DEALER.  CALL  TOLL-FREE 

800*6471800.  Call  601-323-5069 
In  Miss,  and  outside  continental  USA 
Telex  53^590  MFJ  STKV 


See  List  of  Advertisers  on  page  114 


73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    81 


COULD 


THE 


KEYS  TO  YOUR  FUTURE 


Unlock  all  the  potential  of  your 
Commodore  64  and  VIC-20*  with 
RUN. 

Explore. .  .Experiment* .  .Enjoy. . . 
Beginner  and  expert  alike  will  be 
taken  beyond  the  manual  to  the  limits 
of  their  abilities.  Enter  your  own  game 
programs.  Construct  a  simple  hardware 
add-on.  Broaden  your  scope  with  unique 
applications, .  .And , .  .get  a  13th  issue 
FREE! 

Enjoy  key  features  like  these: 

*  Games  for  fun  &  strategy. 

*  Programming  tips  help  you  learn  short  cuts, 

*  Candid  reviews  help  you  make  money-saving 
decisions. 

*  Programs  to  add  to  your  library, 

*  Instructions  &  tutorials  to  increase  your  skills. 

*  Hardware  &  software  modifications  help  your 
machine  work  smart. 

*  Unique  applications  broaden  your  scope. 

Here's  a  system-specific  magazine  written  with 
you  in  mind.  Written  by  and  for  the  reader  to  give 
time-saving,  money-saving  hints.  You'll  get  instruc- 
tions and  tutorials  to  increase  your  skills,  and  candid 
reviews  to  help  you  make  the  right  decisions.  Most 
of  all  though,  you'll  have  fun. 


Commodore     64     and     VIC-20 
owners   are    one    of    the    largest 
groups    of    computerists    today. 
Enjoy  the  benefits  of  this  with 
your  own  magazine.  Be  in  con- 
trol like  never  before.  Order 
RUN  today  and  get  a  13th 
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of  only  $17,97,  Send  in  the 
coupon    or    call    toll    free 

1-800-258-5473.     In  N,H.  call 
1-924-9471. 


Send  me  a  subscription  to  RUN  for  only  $1 7. 97  per 
year,  I  understand  that  with  payment  enclosed  or 
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total  of  13  issues  for  $17,97,  Save  $2W  off  the  basic  rate! 

I 

|     □  CHECK MO  D  MC  D  AE  □  VESA  □  BILL  ME 


card*. 


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'Camrnndon  64  and  VtC-20  an  rtgatered  trademarks  of  Cammadarx  Business  Machines,  Jje. 


Canada  A  Mexico  $20.[t7;  Foreign  Surface  I  war  only,  US  fundi  drawn  on  US      56 

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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     83 


Ed  Undeteld  W8DCC 
1135  Durham  Circle 
Massitlon  OH  44646 


Take  the  Two-Tone  Challenge 

Does  your  transmitter  put  out  a  clean  signal? 
Build  this  two-tone  audio  generator  and  find  out 


A  "Two-Tone  Test"  is  gen- 
erally acknowledged  to 
be  the  most  convenient  and 
accurate  method  of  check- 
mg  the  adjustment  and  op- 
eration of  an  amateur  SSB 
transmitter.  Improper  bias, 
nonlinearity,  overload,  and 
spurious  oscillations  are  all 
revealed  by  this  method. 
Two-tone  testing  also  has 
the  advantage  of  testing  the 


whole  system  from  micro- 
phone to  antenna.  If  there  is 

no  frequency  instability,  a 
transmitter  showing  a  good 
two-tone  test  is  almost  cer- 
tain to  radiate  a  high-quality 
signal. 

A  two-tone  test  signal  can 
be  produced  with  a  single 
audio  tone  by  inserting  the 
proper  amount  of  carrier  to 
provide  the  beating  frequen- 


cy. This  arrangement  is 
somewhat  awkward  at  best 
and  many  transmitters  have 
no  convenient  provision  for 
inserting  specific  amounts 
of  carrier  in  the  SSB  mode. 
An  audio  generator  that  will 
produce  two  audio  tones 
and  can  be  plugged  into  the 
microphone  jack  is  an  excel- 
lent method  of  setting  up  for 
this  test.  Such  a  generator  is 


Fig,  1.  A  versatile  two-tone  generator. 
84     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


not  complicated  or  expen- 
sive; it  can  be  constructed  in 
an  evening  or  two,  and  every 
part  and  piece  is  available  at 
your  local  Radio  Shack 
store. 

Circuit  Details 

The  only  active  circuit 
element  in  the  generator  is 
IC1 ,  an  LM324  quad  op  amp. 
One  section  of  the  chip 
(IC1A)  is  connected  as  a 
twin-tee  audio  oscillator 
This  is  a  very  simple  circuit, 
the  basic  oscillator  consist- 
ing of  the  op-amp  section, 
three  capacitors,  and  three 
resistors.  The  50k  potenti- 
ometer, R2,  is  used  to  vary 
the  frequency  of  this  oscil- 
lator over  the  range  of 
440-1750  Hz.  The  1k  resistor 
R3,  places  a  lower  limit  on 
the  effective  resistance  of 
RZ  This  ensures  that  the  os- 
cillator will  run  at  all  set- 
tings of  R2. 

This  rudimentary  method 
of  changing  the  frequen< 
of  the  oscillator  by  varying 
only  one  resistor  results  in 
the  oscillator  output  in- 
creasing in  amplitude  as  the 
frequency  is  increased,  Ad- 


vantage  is  taken  of  this  char- 
acteristic in  the  double-sec- 
tion RC  filter  following  the 
oscillator.  The  filter  cleans 
up  what  distortion  is  present 
at  the  oscillator  output  and 
the  increasing  attenuation 
of  the  filter  at  the  higher  fre- 
quencies compensates  for 
differences  in  oscillator 
level.  The  result  is  a  nice 
sine  wave  of  nearly  constant 
level  at  the  output  of  the 
filter, 

The  second  section  of  the 
chip  (IC1B)  repeats  the  cir- 
cuit of  the  oscillator  just  de- 
scribed but  without  the  vari- 
able frequency  feature  and 
with  circuit  values  selected 
to  give  a  fixed  frequency  of 
1775  Hz.  A  single-section  RC 
filter  is  used  for  this  oscil- 
lator. This  results  in  less  at- 
tenuation, ensuring  that  the 
signal  level  on  the  balance 
potentiometer,  R12,  is  al- 
ways greater  than  that  of  the 
first  oscillator.  R12  is  used  to 
set  the  amplitude  of  the  sec- 
ond oscillator  to  equal  ex- 
actly that  of  the  first 
oscillator. 

The  signal  from  both  os- 
cillators is  now  applied  to 
the  non inverting  input  of  op- 
amp  section  ICID.  This  sec- 
tion is  connected  as  a  volt- 
age follower,  (t  provides  no 
gain  but  has  a  very  high-in- 
put impedance.  The  voltage 
follower  is  followed  by  an 
amplifier  stage  (IOC)  to 
raise  the  level  to  the  output 
connector. 

The  second  oscillator  has 
a  switch,  SW1 ,  ganged  to  the 
balance  control  When  the 
balance  control  is  turned 
fully  to  the  off  position, 
opening  SW1,  the  second  os- 
cillator is  disabled  while  the 
first  oscillator  output  is  still 
available  at  the  output  con- 
nector. It  now  functions  as  a 
normal  audio  generator 
over  its  frequency  range. 
This  additional  feature  is 
quite  useful  as  the  wave- 
form is  good,  with  a  maxi- 
mum output  level  of  400 
mV  peak-to-peak. 

Construction 

The  generator  was  con- 
structed on  a  printed  circuit 


board  available  at  Radio 
Shack  stores.  (They  list  it  as 
a  "Dual  IC  board";  see  Parts 
List.)  Since  this  board  is  very 
slightly  too  long  to  fit  prop- 
erly in  the  housing  specified, 
it  is  suggested  that  about 
1/32"  or  so  be  filed  from 
each  end  of  the  board  be- 
fore construction  is  begun 
and  the  board  fitted  to  the 
housing. 

At  these  frequencies,  lay- 
out is  not  critical.  The  board 
has  provision  for  two  20-pin 
integrated  circuits.  As  we 
are  using  only  one  14-pin 
chip,  there  are  plenty  of  tie 
points  to  which  to  run  com- 
ponent leads.  I  found  it  con- 
venient to  mount  the  socket 
and  position  the  chip  so  that 
pins  1  through  7  were  to- 
ward the  center  of  the 
board.  As  the  two  oscillator 
sections  have  the  greatest 
component  density,  this  po- 
sitioning allowed  the  oscil- 
lator components  to  spill 
over  to  the  otherwise-un- 
used section  of  the  board. 
Thpre  are  enough  pads  and 
holes  to  give  each  .compo- 
nent lead  a  home,  and  with  a 
little  planning  ahead,  a  neat 
layout  can  be  achieved. 

A  few  words  for  the  inex- 
perienced: In  planning  the 
layout,  make  an  effort  to 
have  the  physical  compo- 
nents follow  the  layout  of 
the  schematic;  as  well  as  you 
can.  This  makes  trouble- 
shooting less  confusing.  Al- 
though it  is  nice  to  see  all  re- 
sistors lying  flat  on  the 
board,  do  not  be  afraid  to 
mount  them  vertically  if  it  is 
convenient  or  will  improve 
the  layout.  With  discretion, 
bare-wire  jumpers  may  be 
used  on  the  solder  side  of 
the  board.  For  example,  a 
wire  jumper  from  pin  5  to 
pin  10  on  the  solder  side  of 
the  board  saves  going  all 
around  the  chip.  I  dedicated 
one  of  the  center  traces  as  a 
ground  bus.  Stranded  wire  is 
needed  for  the  runs  to  the 
controls.  The  holes  around 
the  edge  of  the  board  are 
larger  than  the  holes  for 
components.  Try  to  arrange 
to  have  the  stranded  wire  to 


Component  side  of  hoard,  ready  for  assembly. 


the  controls  go  to  these 
larger  holes.  Don't  be 
ashamed  of  a  few  jumpers 
to  get  from  here  to  there. 
When  using  an  all-purpose 
board  like  this,  a  few- 
jumpers  are  hard  to  avoid. 

After  all  the  soldering  is 
done,  there  will  be  a  con- 
siderable accumulation  of 
rosin  on  the  board.  I  scrape 
the  heavier  portions  away 
with  a  small  screwdriver  and 
then  spray  the  board  with 
Rosin  Flux  Remover  from 
Radio  Shack  (RS  64-2324].  I 
use  an  old  toothbrush  to 
scrub  away  the  remaining 
rosin  and  wipe  the  board  dry 
with  a  cloth.  You  will  be  sur- 
prised at  how  much  better 
the  board  looks,  it  is  also 
much  easier  to  spot  solder 
bridges  and  poorly  soldered 
connections  when  you  have 
a  nice  clean  board. 

The  physical  construction 
requires  little  explanation.  I 
used  only  two  of  the  mount- 
ing holes  on  opposite  cor- 
ners of  the  board  to  mount 
it.  I  tapped  the  holes  in  the 
bottom  of  the  housing  and 
mounted  the  board  on 
spacers,  cutting  the  6-32 
screws  to  length  so  that  they 
would  not  protrude  more 
than  a  couple  of  threads 
through  the  bottom.  If  you 
use  the  potentiometers 
specified  from  Radio  Shack, 
note    that    the    mounting 


bushing  is  only  5/16"  instead 
of  our  standard  3/8". 

With  the  connector  I 
used,  there  is  no  automatic 
grounding  of  the  chassis. 
This  allowed  hum  pickup, 
particularly  while  testing, 
when  the  chassis  was  sepa- 
rated. To  alleviate  this,  I  ran 
a  wire  ground  to  a  lug  on  the 
screw  holding  the  battery- 
clamp  to  ground  the  bottom 
section,  and  a  short  bare 
wire  from  the  ground  lug  on 
a  potentiometer,  soldered  to 
the  shell  of  the  potentiom- 
eter, to  ground  the  top,  or 
panel,  portion. 

The  board  specified  is  a 
very  nice  board.  It  solders 
well  and  seems  quite  rug- 
ged. With  reasonable  care,  it 
is  possible  to  remove  and  re- 
position components  sever- 
al times  without  any  ten- 
dency for  the  copper  to  sep- 
arate from  the  board. 

Checkout 

After  the  soldering  has 
been  completed  and  the 
board  has  been  cleaned,  the 
usual  physical  inspection 
for  solder  bridges  and  poor 
connections  can  be  made. 
Before  installing  the  battery, 
an  ohmmeter  check  for  a 
short  on  the  supply  rail  is  a 
wise  precaution.  With  the 
battery  installed,  a  voltage 
check  on  the  IC  socket  will 
confirm  proper  supply  po- 
larity. Note  that  as  the  cir- 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     85 


The  finished  product. 


cuit  is  drawn,  no  power  will 
be  supplied  to  the  board  un- 
less PI  is  in  place. 

The  IC  can  now  be  in- 
stalled With  the  level  con- 
trol full  on  and  the  balance 
control  fully  counterclock- 
wise, a  sine  wave  should  ap- 
pear on  the  output  connec- 
tor. If  no  scope  is  available, 
a  pair  of  headphones  may 
be  used  to  confirm  output 
The  tone  should  sound 
"smooth"  and  relatively 
low-pitched  at  one  extreme 
of  the  frequency  control,  ris- 
ing to  a  much  higher  pitch 
with  the  frequency  control 
at  the  other  extreme. 

Advancing  the  balance 
control  will  cause  the  signal 

to  become  louder  and 
change  in  character  If  a 
scope  is  being  used,  the 
presence  of  both  tones  will 
be  noted,  Advancing  the 
balance  control  to  maxi- 
mum should  cause  the 
scope  pattern  to  more  than 
double  in  height, 

Should  the  generator  fail 
to  work,  some  trouble- 
shooting is  in  order.  The 
LM324  is  a  nice  chip  to  trou- 
bleshoot  since  the  output  of 
each  section  is  on  the  corner 
of  the  chip  A  dovoltage 
measurement  should  show 
the  active  pins  of  each  am- 
plifier section  near  half  the 
supply  voltage  A  pair  of 
high-impedance  headphones 
with  a  capacitor  of  .1  jjF  or 
so  in  series  with  one  of  the 

86     73  Magazine  •  Marcht  1934 


leads  makes  a  fine  poor- 
man's  signal  tracer  There  is 
nothing  fussy  about  the  cir- 


cuit; it  will  work  if  there  are 
no  wiring  errors  or  defective 
components. 

Using  It 

A  two-tone  test  is  quite 
simple  to  set  up,  Use  the 
monitor  scope  or  service 
scope  coupled  to  the  output 
of  the  transmitter.  Adjust 
the  scope  pattern  for  a  con- 
venient height  while  trans- 
mitting full-carrier  Now 
plug  the  generator  into  the 
microphone  jack  and  key  up 
the  transmitter  in  the  SSB 
mode.  With  the  microphone 
gain  at  its  usual  setting,  ad- 
vance the  level  control  on 
the  generator  to  produce  a 
scope  display  somewhat 
less  than  that  obtained  with 
the  full  carrier.  With  the  bal- 
ance control  about  mid- 
position,  adjust  the  scope 


sweep  or  the  generator- 
frequency  control  for  a 
steady  display.   Adjust  the 

balance  control  to  achieve  a 
sharp  crossover  between  the 
individual  cycles  of  the 
wave,  Advancing  the  gener- 
ator-level control  will  in- 
crease the  height  of  the  pat- 
tern until  the  tips  of  the 
waves  just  reach  the  height 
obtained  when  the  carrier 
had  been  sent  Further  in- 
creasing the  level  control 
should  show  flat-topping  of 
the  tips  of  the  waves. 

A  scope  will  not  syn- 
chronize as  sol  idly  on  a  two- 
tone  test  as  it  will  on  less 
complex  waveforms  A 
change  in  level  often  will  re- 
sult in  the  pattern  "running." 
As  the  audio  generator  is 
usually  close  at  hand  while 
the  scope  may  be  several 


Parts  List 

Cl 

.05  jiF,  50  V 

RS  272-134 

2/49$ 

,25 

C2 

.01  jiF,  50  V 

RS  272-131 

2/39* 

,20 

C3 

.01  i*F,  50  V 

RS  272-131 

2/39$ 

,20 

C4 

.02  ^F,  50  V  (two  ,01s  in  parallel) 

RS  272-131 

2/39$ 

.39 

C5 

.01  hF,  50  V 

RS  272-131 

2/390 

.20 

06 

.01  *iF,  50  V 

RS  272-131  ' 

2/39$ 

.20 

G7 

.05  jiF,  50  V 

RS  272-134 

2/49$ 

-25 

C8 

.05  fiF,  50  V 

RS  272-134 

2/49$ 

.25 

C9 

.05  MF,  50  V 

RS  272-134 

2/49$ 

.25 

C10 

.1  fiFt  50  V 

RS  272-135 

2/49$ 

.25 

C11 

.01  f*F,  50  V 

RS  272-131 

2/39$ 

.20 

C12 

l0pF,35V 

RS  272*1025 

.59 

C13 

33  jiFt  16  V 

RS  272-1 426 

.69 

IC1 

LM324  quad  op  amp 

RS  276-1711 

1.49 

P1 

4-pin  connector 

RS  274-1 

1.59 

R1 

22k,  V<  Watt 

RS  271-1339 

5/39$ 

,08 

R2 

50k  linear  taper  potentiometer 

RS  271-1716 

109 

R3 

1k,  V*  Watt 

RS  271-1321 

5/39$ 

.08 

R4 

\K  V*  Watt 

RS  271-1321 

5/39$ 

.08 

R5 

10k,  V*  Watt 

RS  271-1335 

5/39$ 

.08 

R6 

10k,  V4  Watt 

RS  272-1335 

5/39$ 

.08 

R7 

1  k,  %  Watt 

RS  272-1321 

5/39* 

.08 

R8 

33kf  %  Watt 

RS  271-1341 

5/39$ 

.08 

R9 

33k,  Vi  Watt 

RS  271-1341 

5/39$ 

,08 

R10 

15k,  V*  Watt 

RS  271-1337 

5/39$ 

.08 

R11 

15k,  V4  Watt 

RS  271-1337 

5/39$ 

.08 

R12 

50k  linear  taper  potentiometer 

RS  271-1716 

1.09 

R13 

1  meg,  %  Watt 

RS  271-1356 

509* 

.06 

R14 

47k,  V4  Watt 

RS  271-1342 

5tt9$ 

.08 

R15 

220k,  Y«  Watt 

RS  271  1350 

5/39$ 

.08 

R16 

5k  linear  taper  potentiometer 

RS27M714 

1.09 

R17 

100kp  V4  Watt 

RS  721-1347 

5/39$ 

.08 

R18 

100k,  V*  Watt 

RS  271-1347 

5/39$ 

.08 

S01 

4-pin  chassis  socket 

RS  274-2 

.99 

SW1 

Potentiometer  switch 

RS27M740 

,69 

SW2 

Potentiometer  switch 

RS  271-1740 

.69 

B1 

9-volt  battery 

RS  23-583 

1.19 

1 

14-pin  DIP  socket 

RS  276^1999 

2/89$ 

.45 

1 

Battery  connector 

RS  270-325 

5/99$ 

,20 

1 

Dual  IC  board 

RS  276*159 

1,49 

1 

Utility  cabinet 

RS  270-251 

2,99 

3 

Knobs 

RS  274-415 

4/1 .59 

1.20 

$21.36 


feet  away,  it  is  convenient  to 
adjust  the  frequency  control 
on  the  generator  to  stabilize 
the  pattern  Running  the  fre- 
quency control  over  its 
range  will  result  in  a  number 
of  patterns  on  the  scope. 
They  are  all  equally  useful 
except  when  the  two  tones 
are  harmonically  related. 

There  is  sufficient  output 
from  the  generator  to  se- 
verely overload  most  micro- 
phone amplifiers.  It  is  good 
practice  to  leave  the  micro- 
phone gain  control  set  where 
it  is  normally  used  and  to 
use  the  level  control  on  the 
generator  to  set  the  level. 

For  those  not  familiar 
with  two-tone  test  patterns 
and  their  interpretation,  a 
page  of  pictures  and  a  de- 
scription of  the  test  proce- 
dure is  given  in  The  Radio 
Amateurs  Handbook.  You 
should  obtain  a  textbook 
pattern.  Any  departure  from 
the  proper  display  should  be* 
investigated. 

As  mentioned  earlier,  the 
generator  can  be  used  as  a 


sine-wave  audio  source  by 
turning  the  balance  control 
fully  counterclockwise.  This 
feature  can  be  quite  useful 
to  the  ham  who  cannot  justi- 
fy the  cost  of  an  audio  gen- 
erator but  who  finds  occa- 
sional need  for  an  audio 
source  The  frequency  range, 
though  restricted,  does  cover 
the  range  of  frequencies 
most  commonly  used. 

In  Conclusion 

I  am  quite  pleased  with 
the  operation  of  this  gener- 
ator I  had  gotten  tired  of 
rigging  two  audio  oscillators 
to  make  checks  on  my  home- 
brew SSB  rig.  Setting  up  for 
a  test  is  now  a  snap!  I  also 
find  that  the  ability  to 
steady  the  scope  pattern 
with  the  frequency  control 
is  very  handy  since  my  moni- 
tor scope  is  several  feet 
from  the  rig.  Add  to  this  the 
economy  of  only  1  -mA  cur- 
rent drain  and  a  total  parts 
cost  of  under  $25.00,  and 
you  have  a  useful  gadget  at 
a  very  attractive  price. 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  1984    87 


Build  the  NASA  Beeper 

Space-wise  communicators  use  this  device 

for  one  good  reason:  clarity. 


Nicholas  Van  de  Sande  KQ4C 
18  Spring  Valley  Drive 
Arden  NC  28704 


0! 


*  PTT 


•ED 


CAPACtTQRS    AflE   5QVQLT    CEftAMIC 
RESISTORS    AHf    1/4   WATT 


Fjg  7.  Beeper  schematic. 


PTT 


About  three  years  ago,  a 
friend  sent  me  a  circuit 
for  a  beeper  that  was  being 
used  in  the  Netherlands  and 
by  some  of  the  ex-PA  hams 
in  the  western  hemisphere. 
It  is  used  to  insert  a  short 
tone  at  the  end  of  a  phone 
transmission,  much  as  that 
used  in  communications 
with  the  astronauts.  It  was 
called  the  "Apollo  Beep/' 

With  the  QRM  we  have 
on  our  crowded  bands  to- 
day, it  is  sometimes  difficult 
to  know  when  the  other  op 
has  turned  it  over  to  you,  and 
a  beep  can  help.  This  beeper 
modulates  fully,  to  the  same 
level  as  a  CW  dash,  and  it 


BEEP 


Fig.  2.  Circuit  board. 

88     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


Fig.  3.  Parts  placement. 


stands    out    like    the    well- 
known  sore  thumb 

After  constructing  the 
beeper,  I  found  that  it 
worked  quite  well  and  ac- 
complished its  design  pur- 
pose. I  found  this  version 
rather  cumbersome,  how- 
ever. It  used  six  transistors, 
quite  a  few  resistors  and  ca- 
pacitors, plus  a  large  capac- 
itor across  the  transceiver- 
transfer  relay  to  hold  the 
carrier  on  until  the  tone  had 
been  transmitted.  In-  some 
cases,  a  separate  relay  on 
the  beeper  board  was  used 
for  this  purpose,  but  the 
same  objections  still  ap- 
pl  ied. 

In  the  October,  1979, 
issue  of  Ham  Radio,  there 
appeared  a  circuit  for  a  "K 
generator/'  designed  by 
CBKGV  It  inserted  the  letter 
K  at  the  end  of  transmission. 
Shortly  thereafter  I  built  and 
installed  that  circuit,  and  it 
worked  very  well 

After  some  use,  however, 
it  seemed  to  me  that  this  was 
gilding  the  lily.  It  seemed 
overdone  Also,  several  times 
the  other  op  said  to  me,  "I 
think  there  is  a  CW  breaker  in 
there!"  Then  it  dawned  on 
me  that  he  thought  my  K  was 
coming  from  elsewhere! 

Back  to  the  drawing 
board!  After  some  head 
scratching  and  circuit-book 
consultation,  the  circuit 
shown  here  evolved  It  re- 
quires only  one  IC  [74C14), 
one  transistor,  4  diodes,  five 
resistors,  and  five  capacitors. 

Lefs  see  how  the  circuit 


works.  When  the  switch  is 
closed,  positive  voltage  im- 
mediately is  applied  through 
diode  D1  to  U6,  pin  13,  and 
C3-  U6  output  goes  low,  U4 
output  high,  and  Q1  con- 
ducts, turning  on  the  trans- 
mitter via  the  PTT  line.  At 
the  same  time  U1  output 
goes  low,  U2  output  goes 
high,  U3,  a  relaxation  oscil- 
lator, will  not  operate  unless 
both  D2  and  D3  inputs  are 
low,  Therefore,  at  turn-on  no 
tone  will  be  generated. 

When  the  switch  is 
opened  C3  discharges  slow- 
ly through  the  3  3- megohm 
resistor,  R2,  thus  holding  U6 
and  D3  low  for  a  short  time. 
Simultaneously,  U2  output 
goes  low  and  U3  oscillates 
for  approximately  one-half 
second,  at  which  time  C3 
has  discharged  sufficiently 
to  allow  U6  output  to  go 
high  and  U4  output  low,  and 
Q1  shuts  down  and  we  are 
back  in  receive  mode. 

The  use  of  the  74C14,  a 
CMOS  hex-inverting  5c h mitt 
trigger  IC.  allows  the  use  of 


almost  any  supply  voltage 
between  5  and  15  volts. 
Mine  operates  from  a  sepa- 
rate 10-volt  supply  that 
feeds  several  other  auxiliary 
units  such  as  an  audio  filter, 
electronic  keyer,  preamp, 
etc.  The  voltage  can  prob- 
ably be  taken  from  the 
transceiver  R5  may  need  to 
be  changed  to  meet  your  au- 
dio-input level. 

I  feed  the  tone  into  the 
"phone  patch  in"  on  my 
TS-820.  It  can  be  fed  into 
the  normal  mike  input  in 
parallel  with  your  mike. 

The  circuit  board  is  small 
and  can  probably  be  mount- 
ed in  the  transceiver.  Bypass 
the  switch  leads  with  .01 
capacitors  to  prevent  rf 
causing  erratic  operation  — 
although  I  have  had  no  such 
problem. 

This  unit  has  worked  with- 
out fail  since  installation 
and  has  been  a  pleasure  to 
use.  Questions  will  be  an- 
swered if  accompanied  by 
an  SASE.  Ill  be  beeping 
you!B 


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73,   80  Pine  St.,  Peterborough,  NH  03458. 


73 


Amateur  Radio's 
Technical  Journal 


60  Pi  fie  Street  Peterborough,  NH  03458 

800-343-0728 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     89 


George  Brown  WB4CHZ 
786  f  Brooks 
Memphis  TN  38109 


Sky  Power 


//  you're  a  meteor-shower  expert,  don't  read  this, 

Otherwise,  learn. 


It's  mid-August  and  two  in 
the  morning,  With  work 
only  six  hours  away,  the  am- 
ateur radio  operator  creeps 
into  the  radio  shack  and 
begins  flipping  the  switches 
that  turn  night  into  day  in- 
side the  tiny  room,  Slowly 
the  receiver  is  tuned  to  the 
agreed-upon  frequency,  the 
transmitter  is  adjusted,  and 
the  time  is  checked  with 
WWV  Then  the  ham  listens. 
Nothing  is  heard,  so  he 
transmits  during  the  allotted 
time;  then  he  listens.  Again 
nothing  heard  — but  wait 
out  of  the  receiver  comes  a 
quick  burst  of  CW:  de  N4 
.     The    amateur    carefully 


tunes  the  signal  and  again  he 
hears  CW:  de  N4ABY/7 
With  this  rapid  burst  of 
radio  energy,  the  receiving 
amateur  springs  to  life;  all 
thoughts  of  the  time  and  the 
coming  workday  dissolve  as 
he  embarks  on  a  meteor- 
scatter  contact  on  two 
meters. 

This  is  a  typical  scene  at 
the  homes  of  many  VHF 
operators  throughout  the 
world  during  the  annual  Per- 
seid  meteor  shower  I  be- 
lieve, however,  that  this 
scene  should  take  place 
many  more  times  during  the 
year,  As  many  of  you  may 
not  be  aware,  there  are  sev- 


F   LAYER 


STATION  k 


STAT  (ON  & 


Fig.  1.  Meteor-scatter  diagram:  As  a  meteoroid  burns  in  the  at- 
mosphere of  Earth,  it  leaves  an  ionized  patch  in  its  wake,  if 
the  ionization  is  intense  enough,  it  may  he  capable  of  re- 
fleeting  VHF  signals,  as  shown  here. 

90     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


eral  other  opportunities 
each  year  to  bounce  your  50- 
MHz,  144-MHz,  220-MHz. 
and  even  430MHz  signals 
off  the  trails  left  by  meteors 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  it  was 
not  even  the  Perseid  shower 
that  produced  the  very  first 
144-MHz  meteor-scatter  con- 
tact Paul  Wilson  W4HHK 
reports  that  he  made  that 
very  first  two-way  with 
W2UK  30  years  ago,  Wilson 
said,  'In  August  we  had  a  so 
so  contact  but  it  was  not 
counted  Then  in  October, 
on  one  of  the  lesser  showers, 
we  did  make  a  satisfactory 
two-way  contact/' 

In  all  probability,  this 
lesser  shower  that  Wilson 
speaks  of  was  the  Orionid 
meteor  stream, 

Since  meteor  scatter  can 
be  a  very  productive  form  of 
long-distance  VHF  commun- 
ication, you  may  wonder 
why  it  rarely  takes  place  ex- 
cept during  the  Perseids. 
The  answer  to  this  question 
is  quite  simple:  This  shower 
is  considered  the  best  of  the 
year  in  terms  of  the  number 
of  meteors  occurring  each 
hour  and  it  provides  the 
highest   chance   of    a   suc- 


cessful contact.  However, 
there  are  a  number  of  other 
showers  almost  up  to  the 
standards  of  the  Perseids. 

Meteor  showers  occur  at 
a  variety  of  times  through- 
out the  year.  In  fact,  there 
are  some  600  showers  or 
streams  known  to  exist. 
However,  not  all  of  the 
events  are  of  use  to  radio 
amateurs.  To  be  useful,  the 
date  of  the  shower  peak 
should  be  known  and  the 
number  of  meteors  occur- 
ring each  hour  should  be 
rather  high.  After  all,  there  is 
no  point  in  trying  to  work 
meteor  scatter  when  there 
are  no  meteors. 

So  we  find  that  the  Per 
seids  are  just  one  of  many 
showers  taking  place  each 
year.  These  showers  occur 
when  the  Earth  encounters 
chunks  of  nickel-iron  and 
rock  that  are  orbiting  the 
sun.  When  one  of  these 
pieces  of  material  (called  a 
meteoroid  white  Still  in 
space)  strikes  the  atmo- 
sphere of  the  Earth,  friction 
between  the  meteoroid  and 
the  air  causes  the  material 
to  heat  up  and  burn. 


For  the  skywatcher,  it  is 
the  tiny  pieces  of  glowing 
material  that  are  of  interest 
since  they  are  what  produce 
the  "falling  stars"  seen  at 
night  But  to  the  ham,  it  is 
the  aftereffect  of  the  meteor 
that  causes  the  excitement 

As  the  meteoroid  pene- 
trates the  Earth's  atmo- 
sphere, it  leaves  behind  an 
ionized  trail  that  is  some- 
times capable  of  reflecting 
VHF  radio  signals.  By  bounc- 
ing signals  off  these  trails, 
amateurs  succeed  in  mak- 
ing meteor-scatter  contacts. 
When  attempting  these  con- 
tacts, hams  should  remem- 
ber an  important  point:  The 
frequency  of  the  signal  a  trail 
is  capable  of  reflecting  is  di- 
rectly related  to  the  density 
of  the  ionization. 

Unfortunately  for  VHF- 
ers,  it  takes  quite  a  meteor 
to  produce  enough  ioniza- 
tion to  reflect  signals  on  144 
MHz  and  above.  This  is  why 
attempts  at  meteor  contacts 
occur  during  times  when 
large  numbers  of  meteor- 
oids  are  entering  the  Earth's 
atmosphere— in  other  words, 
during  a  meteor  shower  For- 
tunately, though,  there  are 
several  chances  each  year 
to  try  to  make  these  exotic 
contacts. 

Of  the  600  or  so  meteor 
ihowers  that  take  place 
?ach  year,  there  are  seven 
?vents  which  may  be  of 
/alue  to  the  VHF  operator 
Awhile  some  of  these  show- 
ers are  marginal,  alt  should 
>e  capable  of  producing  at 
east  some  contacts,  and  if 
'Ou  only  need  that  "one 
nore  state/'  it  may  be  worth 
'Our  time  to  make  a  sched- 
ile  on  one  of  the  dates  men- 
ioned. 

During  January  of  each 
ear,  the  Quadrantid  shower 
teaks  on  the  4th  day  of  the 
nonth.  This  is  a  very  short- 
ved  shower,  with  the  rise, 
■eak,  and  dropoff  taking 
?ss  than  one  day.  This  very 
uick  peak  means  you  will 
ave  to  be  at  the  right  place 
t  the  right  time  to  take  ad- 
antage  of  these  meteors; 
owever,  of  a  more  positive 


nature  is  the  fact  that  this 
event  produces  about  40 
meteor  trails  each  hour. 

The  months  of  February, 
March,  and  April  are  rela- 
tively dull  so  far  as  meteor 
showers  are  concerned,  but 
May  takes  a  turn  for  the  bet- 
ter. On  the  4th  of  this 
month,  the  Eta  Aquarid 
shower  reaches  its  peak. 
Considered  the  best  shower 
of  spring,  the  peak  varies 
slightly  in  time  and  the  wise 
operator  will  schedule  con- 
tacts for  the  3rd  and  4th.  The 
point  of  origin  of  these  me- 
teors will  be  on  the  horizon 
at  about  2:30  am,  and  there 
should  be  about  20  shower 
trails  appearing  each  hour. 

In  June,  there  is  a  meteor 
shower  that  is  not  of  much 
interest  to  astronomers  but 
is  potentially  of  great  in- 
terest to  amateur  radio  op- 
erators. The  Beta  Taurids, 
which  peak  on  June  29th. 
produce  a  daytime  meteor 
shower.  This  means  that  it  is 
impossible  to  see  the  peak 
of  the  shower,  but  it  is  possi- 
ble to  utilize  the  peak  for 
VHF  communications.  The 
best  chance  for  catching 
these  objects  will  be  be- 
tween 7:00  am  and  12:00  pm 
local  time.  During  these 
hours,  the  radiant  of  the 
shower  will  be  rising  in  the 
east  and  moving  to  a  point 
high  in  the  southern  sky. 

After  the  Beta  Taurids,  it 
is  almost  exactly  one  month 
before  the  next  good  oppor- 
tunity for  meteor-scatter 
contacts  comes  along.  This 
next  chance  is  with  the 
Delta  Aquarid  shower  which 
peaks  on  July  28th  This 
shower  should  be  consid- 
ered seriously  for  meteor 
schedules  since  normally 
about  25  meteors  occur 
each  hour  during  the  height 
of  the  event  In  addition, 
contacts  may  be  made  one 
day  before  or  after  this 
shower's  maximum  since  it 
is  not  sharply  peaked. 

The  granddaddy  of  all 
meteor  showers,  the  Per- 
seids,  takes  place  during 
August  and  all  meteor-scat- 
ter enthusiasts  should  be 
poised  at  their  rigs  ready  to 


Shower 

Date 

Remarks 

Quadrantid 

January  4 

Very  short-lived  shower 

Eta  Aquarid 

May  4 

20  meteors  each  hour 

Beta  Taurid 

June  29 

Daytime  shower 

Delta  Aquarid 

July  28 

Contacts  possible  ±  1  day 

Perseid 

August  11 

Best  shower  of  the  year 

Orionid 

October  20 

Originated  m  Halleys  Comet 

Geminid 

December  14 

Nearly  as  good  as  Perseid 

Table  7.  Shown  here  are  the  names  of  meteor  showers  of  in- 
terest to  amateur  radio  operators,  the  dates  the  showers  peak, 
and  comments  concerning  them. 


make  contacts  The  Perseids 
peak  on  the  11th.  and  be- 
tween 50  and  60  meteors  fall 
each  hour.  Like  the  Delta 
Aquarid  shower  but  on  a 
much  grander  scale,  this  is  a 
rather  long-lived  event,  and 
contacts  should  be  possible 
one  or  two  days  before  and 
after,  maximum. 

After  the  Perseids,  nature 
takes  a  short  break  before 
it  provides  another  really 
good  shower  This  comes  in 
October,  which  offers  a  me* 
teor  stream  that  js  notable 
for  at  least  two  reasons 
First  this  is  the  shower  used 
initially  for  a  two-meter  me- 
teor-scatter contact  and 
second,  the  meteors  seen 
during  this  shower  originate 
in  the  famous  Halley's  Com- 
et On  October  20th,  the 
night  the  Orionid  shower 
peaks,  VHFers  can  expect 
about  30  meteors  each  hour 
as  the  radiant  rises  in  the 
southeastern  sky. 

Finally.  December  will  pro- 
vide the  last  big  meteor 
shower  of  the  year,  but  for- 
tunately the  year  does  go 
out  with  a  flash.  The  Gemi- 
nid meteor  stream  reaches 
maximum  on  December 
14th,  and  it  is  always  quite  a 
spectacle  for  interested  sky- 
watchers,  Since  the  shower 
produces  almost  60  meteors 
each  hour,  it  should  also 
prove  quite  spectacular 
from  a  communications 
viewpoint  So,  while  the  as- 
tronomers cool  their  heels 
watching  for  the  meteors  in 
the  cold  December  weather, 
amateur  radio  operators 
should  be  able  to  make  a 
few  contacts  in  the  warmth 
of  their  finals. 

It  is  apparent  then,  that 
there   are   many   opportuni- 


ties during  the  year  to  make 
a  number  of  meteor-scatter 
contacts,  and  for  the  experi- 
enced operator,  all  that  is 
necessary  is  to  make  sched- 
ules with  other  amateurs, 
But  what  if  you  have  never 
made  a  meteor  contact  or 
don't  even  know  what  one 
sounds  like? 

The  best  approach  is  to 
find  some  ham  who  is  mak- 
ing schedules  and  see  if  you 
can  be  in  on  some  of  the 
contacts.  However,  if  no  one 
in  your  area  is  active  on  me- 
teor scatter,  the  next  best 
bet  is  to  find  someone 
through  one  of  the  VHF- 
oriented  publications  or  col- 
umns and  make  a  schedule 
of  your  own.  If  the  person 
you  contact  is  an  experi- 
enced operator,  you  should 
be  able  to  get  all  the  neces- 
sary  information  regarding 
proper  procedures  and  tech- 
niques, 

It  should  be  apparent  by 
now  that  meteor  scatter  can 
and  should  be  a  year-round 
activity.  Those  who  have 
tried  this  mode  of  long-dis- 
tance communication  have 
found  it  to  be  quite  exciting 
and  very  challenging,  and 
for  these  amateurs,  I  hope 
the  information  provided 
will  allow  them  more  oper- 
ating opportunities  during 
the  year. 

For  the  beginner,  I  hope 
the  knowledge  that  meteor 
scatter  is  not  a  one-time-a- 
year  operation  will  provide 
the  motivation  to  actually 
get  on  the  air  and  make  con- 
tacts. But  remember,  don't 
blame  me  for  sleepless 
nights  and  rough  days  at 
work;  blame  Mother  Nature 
for  providing  all  the  me- 
teors!! 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    Bi 


H.  F.  (Bert)  Viney  VE3AZX 
20  Abingdon  Drive 
Nepean,  Ontario 
Canada  K2H  7M6 


Wet  Battery  Quiz 

And  you  thought  you  knew  it  ali 


There  is  not  much  to  ordi- 
nary wet  batteries,  is 
there?  I  mean,  doesn't  every- 
one know  that  all  you  do  is 
charge  them  and  discharge 
them?  So  you  won't  find  this 
quiz  a  challenge?  Right,  so 
lef  s  see  how  you  do. 

Here  are  ten  statements. 
All  refer  to  automotive-type 
storage  batteries.  Mostly 
they  refer  to  batteries  pow- 
ering light  loads  — such  as 
electronic  equipment.  An- 
swer yes  or  no. 

1.  The  best  way  of  es- 
tablishing stateof-charge  of 
a  battery  is  with  a  hydrome- 
ter. 

2.  An  inactive  battery 
should  be  kept  on  trickle 
charge. 

3.  A  10OAmpere-hour  bat- 
tery can  be  discharged  at  10 
Amperes  for  10  hours. 


4.  You  cannot  tell  the 
stateof-charge  of  a  battery 
by  measuring  its  terminal 
voltage. 

5.  Batteries  stored  on  con- 
crete floors  will  be  damaged. 

6.  Initial  voltage  and 
open-circuit  voltage  are  the 
same  thing. 

7.  If  the  specific  gravity  of 
an  older  battery  is  low,  add 
battery  acid  to  bring  it  up  to 
1.300, 

8.  Only  "marine"  batteries 
should  be  used  on  boats. 

9.  Connecting  two  bat- 
teries in  parallel  will  double 
the  power  available. 

10+  Impregnated  felt  wash- 
ers on  battery  terminals  will 
prevent  battery  corrosion. 

Nothing  to  it,  right?  Want 
to  try  your  answers  against 
mine?  Read  on. 

Batteries    are    interesting, 


VOLT  5 


14 


II 


12 


ii 


10 


CM 

ARGE 

RVE 

""' 

BATTER* 
CHARGED 

l0INT 

CHSCI- 

CURV 

ARGE 
■ 

END  F 

ft        id       a 


- 


^ 


»9 


Fig.  h  Charg&discharge  graph. 

92     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


even  fascinating,  perhaps 
because  so  little  is  known 
about  them— or  maybe  be- 
cause so  much  is  ''known 
Every  writer  has  his  own 
rules  and  opinions.  In  a 
situation  like  this,  it  is  wise 
to  balance  theory  against 
practical  experience  So  that 
is  what  these  answers  are 
based  on— a  synthesis  of 
"book  larnin"  and  practical 
experience. 

1 .  Hydnometers.  Most  books 
have  this  old  chestnut— and 
it  is  true  as  long  as  you  are 
talking  about  new  batteries. 
However,  as  a  battery  ages, 
it  loses  its  ability  to  raise  its 
specific  gravity,  no  matter 
how  long  it  is  charged.  This 
does  not  mean  that  the  bat- 
tery will  no  longer  serve  its 
purpose.  In  addition,  the  hy- 
drometer is  a  hazardous 
nuisance. 

Battery  acid  is  highly  cor- 
rosive and  its  corrosive 
power  lasts  a  long  time  The 
better  way  of  identifying 
level-of-charge  is  by  com 
bining  battery  voltage  and 
current  readings. 

If  either  voltage  or  cur- 
rent can  be  regulated  — that 
is,  kept  constant— then  the 
second  factor  will  indicate 
full  charge  when  it  reaches  a 
constant  value  for  one  hour. 

As   a    practical    example, 


an  ordinary  6-Amp  unregu- 
lated charger  will  have  fully 
charged  the  battery  when 
terminal  voltage  reaches 
about  14Vi  volts. 

Another  indication  of  full 
charge  is  the  amount  of  bub- 
bling (gassing)  you  can  hear 
from  the  battery.  Stop  the 
charge  when  bubbling  be- 
comes obvious. 

2,  Inactive  batteries.  Be- 
fore the  day  of  "dry- 
charged"  batteries,  ready- 
for-sale  batteries  in  stores 
were  kept  under  constant 
trickle  charge  Some  author- 
ities today  are  against  trickle 
charging  on  the  grounds 
that  it  causes  J'sulphation." 
In  other  words,  battery  ca- 
pacity will  decline  due  to 
formation  of  inactive  mate- 
rial on  the  plates. 

My  own  experience  is  that 
as  little  as  Vi  Ampere  will 
cause  the  electrolyte  to  boil 
away  in  a  couple  of  months. 
We  have  to  qualify  this 
theory  with  the  experience 
of  North  American  tele 
phone  companies.  The  tele 
phone  companies  have 
more  batteries  in  service 
than  any  other  user.  Most  o1 
their  batteries  are  on  con 
stant-voltage  trickle  charge 
continuously.  They  use  twc 
main  types  of  batteries,  low 
specific  gravity  and  high: 


•  Low  SG  type:  floated  at 
2.17  +  or  -  .01  volts  per 
cell,  which  would  be  1302 
volts  for  a  1 2-volt  battery. 

•  High  SG  type:  floated  at 
2+25   +  or   —  .01  volts  per 

cell,  which  would  be  13.5 
volts  for  1 2  volts, 

Batteries  used  in  this  way 
will  last  10  to  20  years  when 
properly  maintained.  Unfor- 
tunately, we  cannot  accept 
this  experience  as  absolute 
because  telephone  batteries 
are  commercial  or  industrial 
grade  and  use  different  al- 
loys than  are  used  in  car  bat- 
teries 

3.  Ampere-hour  capacity 
We  can  be  specific  on  this 
one.  A  10OAmpere4iour  bat- 
tery will  seldom,  if  ever,  de- 
liver 10  Amperes  for  10 
hours.  First  of  all,  battery 
output  will  depend  on  rate 
of  discharge. 

A  100- Ampere-hour  bat- 
tery might  provide  1  Am- 
pere for  120  hours  or  25  Am- 
peres for  2  hours.  A  further 
factor  is  battery  ager  and 
how  it  has  been  treated.  If  a 
car  battery  is  discharged 
below  11  volts  even  once,  its 
capacity  will  be  greatly 
reduced.  A  loss  of  10  to  25 
percent  would  not  be  sur- 
prising, 

A  car  battery  is  engi- 
neered for  short,  very  heavy 
discharge  followed  by  im- 
mediate heavy  recharge 
Used  in  this  way,  a  good  bat- 
tery will  last  5  years  or  more. 
In  Iight<irain,  light-recharge 
conditions,  the  battery  will 
show  serious  loss  of  capaci- 
ty in  one  year- 
Most  batteries  these  days 
are  not  rated^n  Ampere- 
hour  capacity.  Instead,  they 
are  rated  in  direct  time  and 
current  For  example,  one 
Gould  battery  was  rated  as 
:ollows: 


Amps 

Hours 

2.5 

41. 

50 

19 

10 

8.5 

15 

5.3 

20 

3.8 

25 

3.0 

4.  Terminal  Voltage  Wheth- 
er this  statement  is  true  or 
lot  depends  on  the  qualifi- 


cations. If  you  mean  open* 
circuit  voltage,  then  the 
value  of  the  voltage  reading 
is  doubtful.  We  can  tell 
quite  a  bit  from  battery  ter- 
minal voltage  if  the  battery 
is  placed  under  either 
charge  or  discharge  condi- 
tions during  measurement. 
(See  graph  of  charge/dis- 
charge; this  is  the  action  of  a 
car  battery  at  about  its  half- 
life  point.) 

On  discharge,  voltage 
quickly  drops  to  about  12 
volts,  then  remains  fairly 
constant  until  it  reaches 
about  11  volts.  Then  it  drops 
off  quite  rapidly.  This  is 
known  as  the  "end  point" 
Assuming  that  the  equip- 
ment connected  to  the  bat- 
tery will  still  function  at  11 
volts,  I  would  recommend 
11  volts  as  the  end  point. 
Some  authorities  recom- 
mend 10.8  volts.  Get  the  bat- 
tery back  on  charge  as  soon 
as  possible  after  reaching 
end-point  voltage.  An  ac- 
curate voltmeter  is  essen- 
tial . 

Now  look  at  the  charge 

curve-  Notice  that  terminal 
voltage  rises  quite  rapidly  at 
first  then  levels  off,  and 
thereafter  it  rises  quite  lin- 
early. When  it  reaches  the 
flat  portion  of  the  curve,  the 
battery  is  charged. 

The  shape  of  the  charge 
curve  will  vary  depending 
on  the  current  and  voltage 
outputs  of  the  charger  as  the 
battery  charge  cond  ition 
changes.  Not  all  battery 
chargers  are  the  same. 

For  instance,  a  few  years 
ago  Heathkit  put  out  two 
battery  chargers.  One  was 
rated  at  15  Amperes  and  had 
an  automatic  shutoff  at  14.5 
volts.  Its  charge  rate  was  15 
Amperes  tapering  to  2  Am- 
peres, 

The  second  charger  was 
rated  at  10  Amperes  and  its 
charge  rate  decline  to  ''the 
leakage  rate  of  the  battery" 
on  output  voltage  of  1 3.2  to 
136  volts.  Note  that  this  pro- 
cedure is  similar  to  tele- 
phone company  practice. 
(See  answer  to  question  2J 

If  you  are  using  an  or- 
dinary charger  such  as  the 


A  marine  battery  encased  in  plastic. 


1 5-Ampere  model  above, 
then  we  can  assume  that  if 
charge  current  is  around  2 
Amperes  and  voltage  is 
about  14.5  and  fairly  con- 
stant, then  the  battery  is 
charged. 

5.  Concrete  floors.  This 
one  is  weird,  and  yet  ap- 
pears in  several  books  and 
magazine  articles.  Ask  the 
question:  How  could  the 
concrete  floor  get  through 
the  acid-impervious  case? 
My  answer— it  can't  Even  if 
concrete  were  a  conductor, 
there  would  have  to  be  a 
leak  from  both  terminals  to 
the  concrete  to  provide  a 
path.  And  if  there  is  battery 
leakage,  why  wouldn't  it 
short  directly  across  the  top 
of  the  battery? 

My  explanation  for  this 
one  is  to  consider  the  occa- 
sion for  which  the  battery  is 
on  the  concrete  floor.  Most 
likely  the  battery  is  out  of 
service.  Therefore  deteriora- 
tion is  due  to  idleness,  not 
the  material  it  rests  on. 

Before  we  leave  this  one, 
answer  this  for  me.  Battery 
acid  is  a  conductor.  An  acid 
path  across  the  top  of  the 
battery  will  cause  current 
leakage.  Agreed?  Then  how 
come  the  acid  inside  the 
case  does  not  cause  current 
leakage? 

6,  Initial  voltage  is  the 
voltage  at  the  battery  ter- 
minals im  mediate  fy  after 
the  load  is  applied.  Open- 
circuit  voltage  — see  answer 
4. 


7.  Adding  battery  acid. 
All  sources  agree  that  add- 
ing battery  acid  will  not  im- 
prove battery  performance. 
Our  experiments  agree  with 
this.  However,  if  you  are 
buying  a  new  battery,  it's  a 
good  idea  to  insist  on  similar 
specific  gravity  in  each  cell. 
Adding  acid  is  sometimes 
done  locally  and  is  subject 
to  error  The  best  advice  re 
battery  acid  is:  Leave  it 
alone. 

8.  Marine  batteries.  I  have 
talked  to  two  different  com- 
panies about  this.  Here  is 
the  answer  I  was  given: 

A  marine  battery  has  the 
same  construction  as  a  car 
battery  with  these  excep- 
tions: 

•  An  automobile  battery 
used  in  a  boat  is  guaranteed 
for  6  months.  In  a  car,  it  may 
be  42  months  A  marine  bat- 
tery is  guaranteed  for  12 
months. 

•  A  marine  battery  has  a 
polypropylene  handle  to  as- 
sist in  lifting  it  out. 

•  A  marine  battery  will 
have  screw-type  terminal 
lugs, 

•  A  marine  battery  will 
have  a  picture  of  a  boat  on 
it 

More  recently,  a  new  type 
of  battery  has  become  avail- 
able These  are  deep  cycle 
(or  Recreational  Vehicle) 
batteries,  designed  for  light- 
discharge,  periodic-recharge 
service.  Their  internal  con- 
struction is  quite  different.  If 
they  are  as  good  as  claimed, 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     93 


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•  HD*  background1  W*  Mom  flodtO    July  OiVJ  fluq*At    I '98  3    onfl  Tl  Magai>A«    S^pCcmtMr  QOd 

October   1983 

•  Support  through  PSfl   TflPfl*  tn  monthly  ^eiusietter  wrvirtg  a  memb*rViip  of  over  S00 
amateur*  uiorldujicJe1 

•  intTodm  tor u  P^ee  1£40   p<u*  &  1 0  S&H   .n  the  US  and  Cortodo  ( Ahjotio  'cedents  a<XJ  %%  EOI  I 

•  Manuo!  avail  no  *  separately  for  ilfl    pkrt  If  S&H    in  fh<  US  one*  tofloda  tmoriKjOi  p*»t# 

■c  r  —  c     r&ottihi  N«r  pun:  hate 

Send  o  depovt  o*  tSS  to  feture  youf  deUve*v  ptHit»an  to  ^'36 

Tucson  ftmctcuf  PocWtt  Radio  {TOftl}        P.O  ftoi  28888  Tucw>nr  flZ  65754 
^^o^  Arofrt  Re4fc<v«;l*i  ond  D«v«lopm«nt  Group1 

Ncrt*  Alio*  moft  rFi#n  JO  dm  lor  rMiwrf  f"K;«  •™j  lp«Cirie«Hmi  fulHKt  totintAO*  «MHou!  tcii.cb 


they  are  well  worth  the  pre- 
mium price. 

ft  Paralleling  batteries.  One 
recommendation  re  paral- 
leling storage  batteries: 
DON'T!  The  weaker  one  in- 
evitably will  discharge  the 
stronger.  If  you  do  want  the 
added  capacity  of  a  second 
battery,  use  a  battery  isola- 
tor. These  are  obtainable 
from  marine  and  trailer  sup- 
ply stores.  Basically,  it  con- 
sists of  two  diodes  arranged 
so  that  both  batteries  are 
charged  from  one  source. 
The  load  is  split  in  two  and 
each  part  is  separately  fed 
from  its  own  battery, 

10.  Battery  terminal  cor- 
rosion. Usually  noticed  as 
green  grass  growing  on  the 
battery  cables.  The  idea  of 
the  oil-impregnated  felt 
washers  is  a  good  one.  Un- 
fortunately, battery  acid  is 
creepy  stuff  Once  it  gets 
out  of  the  battery  case,  it's 
almost  impossible  to  stop  it 
from  reaching  the  battery 
holder  and,  worse  yet,  the 


copper  cables.  The  classic 
cure  is  to  keep  the  top  of  the 
battery  clean,  thus  prevent* 
ing  the  acid  from  doing  any 
harm.  Some  other  steps  you 
can  take  are: 

•  Encase  the  battery  in  a 
plastic  bag,  leaving  the  top 
open.  This  will  contain  the 
acid  if  it  leaks  down  the 
sides. 

•  In  a  car,  it  is  a  good  idea 
to  pull  the  battery  out  about 
once  a  year  and  examine  the 
battery  holder.  Any  white 
deposits  should  be  neu- 
tralized with  diluted  house- 
hold ammonia,  Rinse  well 
with  plain  water  Put  on  a 
coat  of  car  undercoating  to 
help  prevent  recurrence. 
Neutral ize  the  battery  cable 
ends  as  well  Grease  them 
lightly  before  reconnecting. 

So  that  is  it  Batteries;  our 
best  friends  most  of  the 
time;  dangerous  enemies  if 
mistreated  A  few  precau- 
tions and  a  little  tender  lov- 
ing care  and  your  battery  is 
a  friend  for  life.B 


MAGGIORE  ELECTRONIC  LAB. 


Manufacturers  of  Quality  Communications  Equipment 


•  Repeaters 

•  Standard  and 

•  Links 

Computerized 

*  Remote  Base 

Controllers 

•  Low  Band  VHF  UHF 

•  Standard  and 

•  Receivers 

Computerized 

■  Transmitters 

Auto  Patches 

•  Antennas 

•  Duplexers 

MAGGIORE  ELECTRONIC  LAB. 

590  Snyder  Ave.. 

Phone  (215)  436-6051  | 

West  Chester,  PA  19380 

Telex  499  0741  MELCO  | 

WRITE  OR  CALL  FOR  OUR  COMPLETE  CATALOG 


94     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


MM  HELP 


We  are  rtappy  to  prowde  Ham  Help  War- 
'nff5  free,  on  a  space-avatiapie  tossis.  We 
are  not  happy  when  we  have  to  take  time 
from  other  duties  to  decipher  cryptic 
notes  scrawled  illegibly  on  dog-eared 
postcards  and  odd-sized  scraps  of  paper. 
Please  type  or  print  your  request  (mattyfi 
double  spaced,  on  an  B'/t  "x  11"  sheet  of 
paper  am}  use  upper-  and  lowercase  tet- 
ters where  appropriate  At  so.  please  make 
a  "7"  iook  like  a  "T("  not  an  %"  which 
could  be  an  "ei"  or  an  "eye/'  and  so  on. 
Hard  MS  It  may  be  to  beHeve,  we  are  not  fa- 
mtfiar  with  every  piece  of  equipment  man- 
ufactured on  Eartft  for  the  test  50  years? 
Thmntts  tor  your  cooperation. 

Wanted  instruction  sheets/manual  or 
crystalling  instructions  for  an  E.  F.  John- 
son Co.  hi-lo  bantf  scanner,  model  241- 
0390,  30-50  MHz  arid  150-174  MHz. 

Mick  MeDanfel  W6FGE 

90  Temple  St. 

San  Diego  C A  92106 

Can  anytxxJy  help  me  get  a  schematic 
diagram  for  a  Sonar  Radio  Corp,  Model 
BR-2906  mobile  linear  amplifier?  i  will  pay 
for  copying  and  postage, 

Bruce  Brock  way 

257  S.  Royal  Poinciana  BhrcL  106 

Miami  Springs  FL  33166 

1  need  (he  schematic  or  manual  for  a 
Madison  Labs  (01  v.  of  Ha  I  lie  rafters  I  FRR- 
71  receiver. 

G.  K.  Barber 

PO  Box  31654 

Aurora  CO  S0041 

Does  anyone  know  what  improvements 
and  updates  are  made  by  Drake  when  a 
TR?  )s  returned  to  the  factory?  Any  Infor- 
mation concerning  mods  or  changes  to 
the  TR7  or  TR7A  would  be  appreciated. 
Are  there  any  TR7  clubs  or  on  \ he-air  nets? 

Marvin  Moss  W4UXJ 

pun  mmt 

Atlanta  GA  30354 

I  am  looking  for  a  supplier  of  or  a  circuit 
suMaole  for  a  linear  amplifier  of  about  10 
Watts  output  for  the  2300-MHz  band  that 
would  work  for  AS  ATV* 

Henry  ft.  Anderson  VE6LK 

2225-14  Avenue  South 

Lath  bridge.  Alberta 

Canada  T1K1C8 

I  nave  been  running  Into  trouble  with 
spikes  from  the  1 10-V-ac  power  line  and/or 
my  outside  antenna.  I  am  looking  for  Infor- 
mation concern cng  protectors  lor  2m  FM. 

Robert  H.  Saviers  WA3YCA 

2101  Stackhouse  Dr. 

Yardley  PA  19067 

Help!  I  have  a  home-brew  RTTY  and  CW 
ru.  I  have  connected  it  to  my  computer's 
lerial  port  but  have  no  software  to  run  it. 
Having  limited  funds,  I  cannot  afford  com- 
neroa!  software.  Does  anyone  have  an 
kpple-/Frankl in-compatible  program  that 
le  would  be  willing  to  give  me  a  copy  of? 
'd  be  more  than  happy  to  pay  for  it  or  send 
i  disk  and  pay  shipping  costs. 

Alan  Jovanovlctt  KA7DAT 

So.  1165  Grand 

Ml 

Pullman  WA  99163 


I  am  interested  in  obtaining  the  VOX 
relay  thai  plugs  Into  the  back  of  the  Swan 
700  transceiver.  I  would  appreciate  hear 
Ing  from  someone  who  may  have  one  of 
Ihese  lying  around  that  they  don't  have 
any  future  use  for. 

Augustus  B.  Wei  la 

POBoxSO 

Tunica  LA  70762 


I  em  looking  for  a  copy  of  the  Instruc- 
tion booklet  for  the  Knight  KG670  WC 
tester  made  by  Allied  Radio.  I  will  pay  the 
costs  for  copying  and  mailing  or  for  the 
original  manual. 

Lionel  Roach  K05VO 

3033  Teak  wood 

Garland  TX  75042 


Wanted:  Collins  70E-7A  PTO  (perme- 
ability-tuned oscillator)  for  a  Collins  75 At 
receiver.  This  PTO  coven  2-3  MH2  and  is 
used  to  tune  the  receiver, 

Harold  Smith  W2GKE 

26  Linden  St. 

Bayonne  NJ  07002 

(201M36-1405 


I  am  using  the  ViC-20  as  a  RTTY  ter- 
minal with  Kantromcs  interface  and  soft- 
ware. Can  anyone  help  me  with  informa- 
tion on  building  an  adapter  which  would 
let  me  use  Atari  cartridges  on  the  VIC-20? 

Robert  F.  Cann  W4GBB 

1606  Loch  wood  0r4 

Richmond  VA  23233 


I  would  appreciate  receiving  a  copy  of 
the  schema  lie  for  an  NCX-3  SSB/CW 
transceiver  by  National,  I  have  the 
owner's  manual  already,  i  will  gladly  reim- 
burse for  costs. 

Jeffry  M.  Blackmon  W2YI 
2107  Turnbuil  Road 
OH  45*31 


I  need  Ihe  schematic  for  the  Emergency 
Beacon  Corporation  model  EBG-144  Jr. 
two-meter  transceiver;  and  does  anybody 
know  where  the  company  Is  located? 

Bruce  Stevenson  WA60UE 

POBox7 
Tecopa   C A  92389 

t  need  technical  information  on  convert- 
ing a  Midland  13-863  CD  to  ten  meters,  Al- 
so, can  anyone  tail  me  the  frequencies  of 
any  amateur  astronomy  nets  I  could 
check  into? 

Mtchaai  J   O'Neil  KA2F1R 

43  Spring  Garden  St. 

Valley  Stream  NY  115M 

I  need  a  schematic  and/or  parts  layout 
for  a  Bearcat  Model  BC-210.  I  will  copy 

and  return. 

Frana  F.  Pauli  WB6VYV 

3526  North  Cascade,  62 

Colorado  Springs  CO  80907 

I  am  looking  (or  any  information  or 
schematics  for  a  van  a  ale  power  supply 
(O-to-60-volt,  O-to-9-Amp),  model  number 
GH  60-9 ,  serial  number  15807-1,  manufac- 
tured by  NJE  Corporation  of  Ken  1 1  worth, 
Mew  Jersey-  All  efforts  will  be  greatly  ap- 
preciated: copying  costs  will  be  paid  if  re- 
quested. 

Don  Hanson  N1AZH 
RFD  #2,  Box  3678 
Greene  ME  04236 

I  need  schematics  and  alignment  pro- 
cedures for  the  loom  IG-22A.  I  wilt  pay 
mailing/copy i ng  charges. 

Michael  S.  Greene  KC7FN/VE7FSJ 

Code  80412  NUWES 

Keyport  WA  96345 


Help  I  The  Kennehoochie  Amateur  Ra- 
dio Club  la  badly  in  need  of  a  relay  for  a 
KIM  PA  30-150  amplifier  (relay  designa 
tion  KV1).  The  relay  Is  manufactured  by 
GE  (part  number  3SAF1121L  The  coll  is 
equal  to  125  Ohms.  The  relay  Is  no  longer 
available  from  the  equipment  or  parts 
manufacturer. 

Carol  Sruaoer  WUK 

4065  0phie  Drive 
Marietta  GA  30066 

I  need  a  manual  for  a  Swan  400  trans- 
ceiver equipped  with  a  Swan  420  vfo,  I  will 
copy  and  return  your  original  or  reimburse 
your  copying  and  snipping  costs 

Rod  Bobbins  WA7IRY 

22435  Bents  Road 

Aurora  OR  97002 

I  need  a  schematic  for  an  antique  radio. 
It  is  a  Sonora,  using  an  90, 47,  24 -a,  and  35 
tube  set.  I  would  appreciate  any  info  and 
will  pay  any  expenses. 

John  Watzfce  KflOXI 

9910  Shore  Dr. 
Pigeon  Ml  46755 

Anyone  have  technical  specs  on  the  CV 
278rt3R  RTTY  TU—  tube-type,  scope,  me- 
ter, si2fi,  etc? 

H  S.  Rotob  AFf  W 

Box  17 
Bird  Island  MN  55310 

I'm  looking  for  a  schematic  for  a  Lavoie 
oscilloscope,  model  no.  LA265A  I  will  pay 
for  copying  and  marling  costs. 

L,  C.  Hoeull  WE40 
42S7  V.a  Alia  Dr. 
Mobile  AL  36609 


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Introducing  the  MICRO  REPEATER  CONTROLLER,  a 
NEW  CONCEPT  In  low  cost,  easy  to  interface,  micro 
computer  repeater  control.  State  of  the  art  control 
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Optional  USER  MODULE  allows  control  personality  to 
be  easily  changed.  INTERFACE  GUIDE  Included. 
■TWO  CW  ID  MESSAGES      -RECGNFlGURAaLE- 


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Remote  control  for  a  repeater,  linkT  remote  base, 
Controls  4  on/off  fund  tons  or  2  on/off,  2  momentary 
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security  access  code    +■    on/Off  digit.  NO  TUNING 
EASY  TO  INTERFACE  Use  with  TTD-1  A.  Low  power  12 
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CALL  OR  WRITE  FOR  FREE  CATALOG  AND  SPECIF  iC  ATJQNS 


Ust  of  AGverttsers  on  page  1 14 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     95 


Thomas  M.  Hart  AD1 B 
12  Wewwood  Terrace 
Westwotxl  MA  02026 


Another  Antenna  Approach 

This  Timex/Sinclair  program  goes  to  great  lengths. 


In  1983,  Time  magazine  se- 
lected the  personal  com- 
puter as  the  "Man  of  the 
Year/'  This  is  perfectly  un- 
derstandable since  micro- 
computers are  now  priced 
low  enough  to  allow  vir- 
tually anyone  to  become  in- 


volved   in    home-computer 
operations. 

The  least  expensive  com- 
puter on  the  market  (as  I 
write  this)  is  the  Sinclair- 
Timex  1000  which  retails  for 
less  than  $100.  This  is  not  a 
toy;  it  can  be  expanded  to  a 


64K  memory  and  has  many  of 
the  features  of  much  more 

expensive  machines. 

After  purchasing  a  ZX-81, 
the  predecessor  of  the  Tim- 
ex  1000,  I  began  to  look  for 
ham-radio  applications.  The 
computer  is  now  situated  on 


one  end  of  my  operating 
bench  and,  as  time  goes  on, 
I  hope  to  use  it  for  com- 
puterized CW  and  RTTY 
applications. 

The  program  presented  in 
this  article  is  designed  to 
compute  the  dimensions  of 


10  REM    "flNTCOM 
pn 

20  CLS 


£5  PRINT 
38  PRINT 
40  PRINT  "**** 

\^T  ^^v  ^Jtf  ^JhT  lif  "^Jt  \^V  *^^rf  J^  b^u  |^w  ^Lr  -%^yi  'i,^u  <uLf  b^Lr 
^^W  ^^F*  ^V^  ^P  ^^^^^T^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^m1   ^^^  ^w^  ^^^  ^^^  ^^^  ~^^i 

^b  ^csk  4<  ^k  ^k  i^k  ^k  ^t  ^b  ^k  4r  ^' 

50  PRINT  "   | 


if 


60  PRINT  "**** 

70  PRINT 

80  PRINT 

90  PRINT 

100  PRINT   "TO  D 
ETEMINE   THE   SIZE 
OF  fl  DIPOLE" 

110  PRINT  "AND 
UERTICflL  PNTENNfl 
FOR  fiNV" 

120  PRINT  "BAND 

,    ENTER  THE  CENT 


ER  FREQUENCV" 

130  PRINT  "IN  M 

EGflHERTZi" 

140  INPUT  F 
150  PRINT 


160   PRINT 


II 


II   i 


<r  i  ii 

j  r  * 


it 


170  LET  L1=<INT 
<49200/F)V100 

130  LET  L2=<INT 
<15000/F>>/-100 
198  LET  L3=<INT 
< 23490/ F>)/1 00 

200  LET  L4=(INT 
<7130/F))/100 

210  LET  L5=UNT 
a02.5*L3))/100 

£20  LET  L6=CINT 
<10£.5*L4)>/100 

230  LET  L7=<INT 
<L2*50))^100 
240  LET  L8=<INT 
<L1*50)>^100 

£50  FOR  N=l  TO 
70 
£60  NEXT  N 

270  CLS 

£80  PRINT 

290  PRINT   •'**** 


«j  ■ .  ^Lj  t^^j  ^m*.  i*^^  *^^f  ^J^'  ^^t  "*^kt  k^br  *'J^  ~^^i  ■^Lf  ^^#  ^L1  "^k1 

^^f^  "n^^  ^^r*  ,n«p  ^^^  ^^r^  "t^  "^r-  "^t^  "t^  ^T^*  ^^p  ^^^  -j^pi  ^^^  ■^^p- 

^l_v  "A*  ^Lp  ^A"  JL-  ^L1  "hA/  'iMf  ^bj<Hb  <iA#  ^f  1 1 

■#^^fc  *^pi  ^^pi-  -P»V  ^^^  •f^Pm  ^^fr  rWm  ^^W   ^IP'  "^^  "^T^ 

380  PRINT   "        I 

aai=«Kraaw«"  j  f 


■  ii 


ii 


310   PRINT   "**** 

i  J,    ^^U*     l^LB  "^L""  Uj1  B^Lf    ^^r  ■■^■f  "^^^    '^br  "^M*    "^aW9    "J«^    '^LB    ^^"    B^k" 

■f^n  T^  ^P1  *^  T^-  "^P  ^p-^^^  -*^  4™«-  >i^&  -?pt  ^*  ^p  Jy*  -f^- 

hi  ■  %i«  *k  ■  k*L  ■  ijt  ■  *_1  ■  |A<  Ji  ■  -A"  kjL  p  "_k  "  *Jl>   '  1 

T"  'Tr  ^T*  -T'  nr*  T"  T-  ™T^  ^  -«T"  -T^  f^ 

320  PRINT 
340  PRINT 

350  PRINT  "KBH 


>0  FRINT 


370  PRINT  " 

«  ti 
J 


ku 


380  PRTNT  LU" 
,l.L8,,H 


II 


390  PRTNT  L2.t" 
msmtiz^m" ,  L7J  "  | 

iiaiaas" 

395  PRINT 

490  FRINT  " 


Program  listing. 


n 


410  PRINT 

420  PRINT  ' 


in 


430  PRINT  L3;" 

rsLS.;" 


n 


440  PRINT  L4J" 


Ml 


450  PRINT 
460  PPINT 

470  PRINT 

489  PRINT  "ENTE 
R  WBB1M   TO  C0HTI 

NUE  " 

490  INPUT  V* 

500  IF  V*="Y"  T 
HEN  GOTO  29 

520  PRINT  "MEMO 
RV  USED:  ";PEEK 
16396+256*PEEK  1 
6397- 1. £.509 

530  STOP 


96    73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


■  J  i  -  I  -  ■  I  ,  .  J.  ,  1 ,  -1  -  .  I  ■  .3 i  <X-  J/  j£  J>  r±'  i±-  sf  *i(  Jf  ii"  ^A*  il*  rJk  'if  J;  "Af  "A?  'X"  \i-  ■X'  -^  -Xf  -X'  -Jj 
■T"  -T"  T1  "T-  "■!>  "T"  ^  "T"  'Is  "T"  'T*  "T"  "T*  JTJ-  "T"  "T"  T"  -T-  "T-  m4,  "T»  "T"  f«  ^  «r  *T  *^  ~  ■t*  t<  *f*  *T^ 

«igiiaziaf:aaiiiaateiiM5MasaMiftiaa 

'lr  "i"  +X-  -X-  "A>  *A-  sit  TJLf  iJL-  -ir  "jX-  \Lr  -Jr  -A-  -i"  -Xr'A'  "A"  4"  ^lr  iir  ^  ii*  it  *±-  -A-  -_±-  -A-  -X'  *A>  ».!■  *i_- 

'T"  ■  r" J  r"  "T1  "r" + X p    +^  *T*  "T"  F *^  T^  "T^  *t'  "■T"  ^P  ^*iT"  ""T"  ™T"  ■■T'"  *T"  "T"  "T*"T*  *^  ""T1  ^T*  ^w*  "^"  "T"  BT"  T^ 

TO  DETEMINE    THE   SIZE   OF   fl   DIPOLE 
AND  UERTICflL  ANTENNA  FOR  flNV 
BAND,    ENTER  THE   CENTER  FREQUENCY 
IN  MEGAHERTZ! 

14.23  UUUm 


- 1 1  ■  j_»  ^j  ^^  j^  "Jj  -*Ap  "A"  "-J-p  ■■!>  -J"  "A"  "A*  >A'  aJLa  *A"  t- i  ■*  "A-  J_*  i A"  -JL*  "A->  A*-  iL  ■■  *  *  »JL"  ■  ^  ■  ■J_»  ■  I  ■  ■  t  ■  «j_i  lIi 
^*  ^  *p-  «^  *^  "T*  -T+  ~  ■■T"  rTp  -^T*  pT+  T*  *T+  'T^  ■T1  *T"  "T"  ^  -T"  ^T*  ■T*  ^T1,  JT^  "T^  lT*  ■T4  "  T^  T  +r*  nF" 


*^-  -  i  -  h^^  ■*■!*  "Ar  +A"  ■^L'1  "J/  "A*  +A*  ^tf  A*1  -<A,"  "A,™  "^U  i^^  "A*  rA"  ^t  mJm.m  m^  m^^  rA"  ^^  'A  "A"  -^L*  ^t  qJ.* j^^  *.£.*  -^t 
■TT" ■rT" ^r" ■•T*  ■  a  ■  ""T- -^^ 'T-1  ^T- a^^ T" "^^  ^F ■  ^T ■  *^  ^^  JT!i  h^^ *T* ^Tb -T'  *ta ■•  T*  lX^  +X11  ■Tn "^T* T^  pX^ ™^^ ^tb "*t^ 


34.52 


17,  £6 

i@.52  ■Miliar   s,£6  Miaaagi 


16.42 


5  mmaam 


Mssassm 

16.83 

5,12  ■ai-ma-a 


ENTER 


TO  CONTINUE 


Sample  screens. 


a  dipole  and  a  vertical  an- 
tenna for  a  given  frequency. 
The  program  requests  the 
center  frequency  of  the  de- 
sired band  and  presents  the 
data  in  feet  and  meters.  The 
program  is  written  in  Sinclair 
Basic,  but  can  easily  be 
transposed  to  any  other 
machine. 

Before  attempting  to  load 
the    program,    the    program 


notes  should  be  reviewed. 
Further,  the  illustrations 
show  the  computer  monitor 
presentation  of  an  actual 
run.  With  very  little  effort, 
the  program  can  be 
modified  to  provide  either 
more  or  less  data.  For  exam- 
ple, the  metric  dimensions 
can  be  deleted  or  the 
decimal  feet  can  be  ex- 
pressed as  feet  and  inches 


ROYAL 


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UHF 

PL-250  57e  ea. 
UG-175/UORt76AJ.16« 
PL-258  79c 

TYPE  *N' 
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Garnerville,  New  York  10923 


through      simple      program 
changes. 

In  conclusion,  we  all  can 
benefit  from  computerized 
operations  in  ham-radio  ap- 
plications. Computers  are 
not  just  useful  tools  but  are 
critical  elements  of  every- 
day   life.    Everyone    should 


develop  some  degree  of 
computer  literacy  in  order 
to  cope  with  future  de- 
mands. The  Sinclair-Timex  is 
an  excellent  introduction  to 
computer  logic  and  pro- 
gramming. I  hope  to  see  a 
flood  of  ZX-81  applications 
in  the  near  future.  ■ 


■ju  it* -%te ik^Mf  Ov iAi ik  ihf ik^1  iAf  *df  4f  "A? lAc d^    *^Lf "-^■i  *J^ ^L*  Jr luhf  ^b ^J^ tA* ^Jl* «j|* «Ap *1j  mm* %Lj  \t* 
^yi  ^p*  +^k  ^^  /j\  ^»  tj\  vyv^y^  s^m  /^  ^\  j^  jfk  M^-^pt     ^+  ^p  i^  ^[m  y^  ^^  f^  fyi^p  ^%  ^%  ^p  ■fV--^>«fi--rp 

flNTENNRS     FGR   14.25  MHZ 

r^  *f»  ^p  w^+w^-r T¥-T  *¥^^»*  rT¥Tr»  ^^  *^^  •»*  *l    *^     *¥**W^  *T*  *^"  ^^  T^  *T*  *■■  ^r^*^^  T^  ^»*'*F*  *▼*  *^*"T^ 


HflLF-WflUE   DIPOLE 

LENGTH 

34 .52  FEET 

19,58  METERS 


ERCH  RRM 
17,26  FEET 
5 ,26  METERS 


QUflRTER-UflUE    UERTICRL 


UERTICflL 
16.42  FEET 
5  METERS 


RADIAL 
16.83  FEET 
5,12  METERS 


ENTER   V/N  TO  CONTINUE 
MEMORV  USED;    1217 

Sample  output 


PROGRAM  NOTES 

1.    Lines  20-160  set  up  the  screens  provide  directions,  and 

accept  the  center  frequency. 
2    Lines  170-240  compute  the  variables. 

3.  Lines  250-260  are  a  timing  loop-  They  hold  the  display  and 
are  only  for  graphic  effect.  They  can  be  eliminated  if 
desired, 

4.  Lines  280-470  control  the  output, 

5.  Lines  480-500  are  a  decision-making  set.  These  allow  input 
of  additional  frequencies. 

6.  The  antenna  calculations  can  be  found  in  any  ARRL  hand- 
book. They  are: 

Dipole  length  in  feet  =  492/Freq.  in  MHz 
Dipole  length  in  meters  =  150/Freq.  In  MHz 
Vertical  element  in  feet  =  234/Freq.  in  MHz 
Vertical  element  in  meters  -  71.3/Freq.  in  MHz 
Radials  are  2.5%  longer  than  the  vertical  members 

7.  In  order  to  provide  results  that  are  rounded  to  2  signifi- 
cant decimal  piaces,  each  INT  function  utilizes  a  number 
multiplied  by  100.  The  result  is  then  divided  by  100  to  give  2 
decimal  places.  See  lines  170-240. 


^See  List  of  Adversers  on  page  114 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     97 


SOCIAL  EVENTS 


from  page  66 

STERLING  IL 
MAR  18 

The  Sterling-Rock  Falls  Amateur  Radio 
Society  will  hold  its  24th  annual  hamfest 
on  Sunday,  March  18.  1984,  beginning  at 
7.30  am.  at  the  Sterling  High  School  Field- 
house,  1608  4th  Avenue,  Sterling  IL  Tick- 
ets are  $2.00  in  advance  and  $300  at  the 
door.  There  will  be  commercial  distrib- 
utors, dealers,  a  large  flea  market,  a  con- 
cession stand,  and  lots  of  free  parking,  in- 
cluding space  to  accommodate  self-con- 
tained campers  overnight.  Flea-market 
tables  requiring  electricity  and  ell  com- 
mercial tables  are  $5.00;  all  other  tables 
are  $3.00.  Setup  hours  will  be  Saturday 
from  6:00  pm  to  9:00  pm  and  Sunday  morn- 
ing. Talk-in  en  146.25/.85  (W9MEP).  For  ad- 
vance tickets  and  tables,  send  a  check, 
payable  to  Sterling-Rock  Fails  Amateur 
Radio  Society  (SflFARS),  to  Sue  Peters 
KA9GNR,  PO  Box  521 P  Sterling  IL 61081,  or 
call  (6l5)-825-9262. 

MAUMEE  OH 
MAR  16 

The  Toledo  Mobile  Radio  Association, 
Inc.,  will  hold  Its  29th  annual  HanVCorrv 
puter  Fast  and  Auction  on  Sunday,  March 
IB,  1984,  from  8:00  am  to  5:00  pmt  at  the 
Lucas  County  Recreation  Center,  Key 
Street,  Maumee  OH.  Tickets  are  $2.50  in 
advance  and  $3.00  at  the  door.  The  auc- 
tion starts  at  10:00  am.  Other  features  will 
include  commercial  exhibitors,  ladles' 
programs,  ample  free  parking  all  day  and 
overnight,  and  refreshments.  Flea-market 
tables  are  available  and  displays  are  lim- 
ited to  electronic,  ham,  and  computer 
gear  only.  Talk-In  on  .52,  .01/61,  .19A79. 
.34^.94,  .87/27,  975/.37S,  and  447/442.  For 
further  Information,  write  Elmer  Clark 
KR8U,  5520  Edgewater  Drive,  Toledo  OH 
43611. 

MAUMEE  OH 
MARIS 

The  annual  meeting  of  the  American 
Signaling  Society  is  scheduled  for  March 
18,  1984.  The  meeting  will  begin  promptly 
at  01 00  hours  UTC.  Members  and  guests 
will  convene  In  the  Main  Exhibit  Halt  of 
the  Lucas  County  Recreation  Center,  2901 
Key  Street,  Maumee  OH,  Activities  will  In* 
elude  the  election  ol  officers,  the  ever- 
popular  forum  on  Modern  Signaling 
(chaired  by  Mr.  Alan  Pike),  and  a  Century 
Club  confab.  For  additional  information, 
please  send  an  SASE  to  The  American 
Signaling  Society,  4015  Windermere 
Road,  Columbus  OH  43220. 

JEFFERSON  Wl 

MAR  16 

The  Tri-Gounty  Amateur  Radio  Club  will 
hold  Its  annual  hamfest  on  March  18, 
1984,  from  8:00  am  to  3:00  pm,  at  the  Jef- 
ferson  County  Fairgrounds,  Jefferson  WL 
Tickets  are  $2.50  in  advance  and  $3.00  at 
the  door;  tables  are  $3.00  in  advance  and 
$4.00  at  the  door.  There  will  be  plenty  of 
food  and  free  parking.  Doors  will  open  at 
7:00  for  sellers  only.  Talk-In  on  146.52, 
14G.22/.82,  and  144 .89^1 45.49,  For  more  in^ 
formation  or  advance  tickets  and  tables, 
send  an  SASE  to  Bob  Barker  K9RUr  724 
Burdlck,  Mliton  Wl  53563. 


CHELSEA  MA 
MAR  20 

The  19/79  Amateur  Radio  Association 
will  sponsor  classes  for  the  prospective 
Mo  vice  and  TechJGeneral,  beginning 
March  20,  19&4,  from  7:00  pm  to  9:00  pm, 
at  Chelsea  High  School,  Clark  Avenue, 
Chelsea  MA.  The  only  charge  will  be  the 
cost  of  the  material.  For  more  information 
or  to  register,  write  19/79  Amateur  Radio 
Association,  c/o  Frank  Masuccl  K1BPN, 
PO  8ox  171,  Chelsea  MA  02150, 


MARSHALL  Ml 
MAR  24 

The  Southern  Michigan  Amateur  Radio 
Society  and  the  Marshall  High  School 
Photo-Electronics  Ciub  will  sponsor  the 
23rd  annual  Michigan  Crossroads  Ham- 
fest on  Saturday,  March  24,  1984,  from 
8:00  am  to  3:00  pm,  at  the  Marshall  High 
School,  Marshall  Ml,  Setups  for  sellers 
will  be  at  7:00  am  with  plenty  of  free  park- 
Ing  and  carry-in  help.  Tickets  are  $1,50  in 
advance  and  $2.00  at  the  door.  Table 
space  is  SO*  per  foot  (4-foot  minimum}  and 
it  will  be  reserved  until  8:00  am.  There  will 
be  a  snack  bar  and  full  food  service.  Talk- 
in  on  146.52  and  t46.07/.67.  For  reserva- 
tions, send  an  SASE  to  SMARS,  PO  Box 
934,  Battle  Creek  Ml  49016,  or  call  Wes 
Chanay  N8BDM  at  (616^79-3433. 


UPPER  SADDLE  RIVER  NJ 
MAR  24 

The  Chestnut  Ridge  Radio  Ciub  will 
sponsor  the  Ham  Radio  Flea  Market  on 
Saturday,  March  24,  19B4a  at  the  Educa- 
tion Building,  Saddle  fllver  Reformed 
Church,  East  Saddle  River  Road  and 
Weiss  Road,  Upper  Saddle  River  NJ.  There 
is  no  admission  fee.  Tables  are  $10.00  for 
the  first  and  $5.00  for  each  additional  ta- 
ble; tallgatlng  is  $5.00.  Food  and  soda 
will  be  available.  For  more  Informa- 
tion, cali  Jack  Meagher  W2EHD  at  (201)- 
766-8360  or  Roger  Soderman  KW2U  at 
(2011-66^2430. 

MADISON  OH 
MAR  25 
The  Lake  County  Amateur  Radio  Asso- 
ciation will  present  its  fifth  annual  Lake 
County  Hamfest  and  Computer  Fest  on 
Sunday^  March  25,  1964,  from  8:00  am  to 
4:00  pm,  at  Madison  High  School,  Mad- 
ison  OH  (just  40  miles  east  of  Cleveland). 
Admission  is  $3.00  in  advance  and  $3,50 
at  the  door;  table  and  display  space  is 
$500  for  a  6-foot  table  and  $6,50  for  an 
8-foot  table.  All  display  space  is  Indoors 
and  doors  will  open  at  5:30  am  for  exhib- 
itors. Plenty  of  free  parking  will  be  avail- 
able. Talk-In  on  147.81^21.  For  reserva- 
tions or  more  Information,  send  an  SASE 
to  Lake  County  Hamfest  Committee,  PO 
Box  150.  Mentor  OH  44061,  or  phone 
{216)953  9784. 


GRAYSLAKE  IL 
MAR  25 

The  UbertyvHIe  and  Mundelefn  Amateur 
Radio  Society  will  hold  LAMARSFEST  1984 
on  Sunday,  March  25,  1984,  starting  at 
8:00  am,  at  the  Lake  County  Fairgrounds, 
Routes  45  and  120,  Grayslake  IL  Tickets 
are  $2.00  in  advance  and  $3.00  at  the  door. 


There  are  plenty  of  8-foot  swapfest-area 
tables  available  at  $5.00  each.  Commer- 
cial exhibitors  should  contact  LA  MARS 
for  more  information  and  reservations. 
Setups  begin  at  6:00  am.  Food  and  free 
parking  will  be  available.  Talk- in  on 
147.63/.03  and  146.94  simplex,  For  ad- 
vance tickets  and  table  reservations,  send 
an  SASE  to  LAMARS,  PO  Box  751,  Liberty 
ville  IL  60048. 

OMRO  Wl 
MAR  25 

The  Oshkosh  Amateur  Radio  Club  will 
sponsor  the  4th  annual  OARC  Auction  on 
March  25. 1984,  from  11:00  am  to  4:00  pm, 
at  a  new,  larger  location  (no  stairs),  Winro 
Hall,  Omro  Wl.  Auction  items  must  have  a 
Si 5  minimum  value  and  OARC  will  charge 
a  10%  commission  on  all  sales.  Setup 
starts  at  9:00  am.  Tickets  are  $2.00  In  ad- 
vance and  $3,00  at  the  door.  There  will  be 
a  professional  auctioneer  and  food,  drink, 
and  free  parking  will  be  available.  Talk-in 
on  147.945/345.  For  advance  tickets,  send 
an  SASE  and  $2-00  per  ticket  to  Tickets, 
K9VYWW.  1646  Michigan,  Oshkosh  Wl 
54901,  Deadline  is  March  11,  1934,  and 
orders  without  SASEs  will  be  held  at  the 
door  at  the  buyer's  risk, 

GRAND  JUNCTION  CO 
MAR  31 

The  Grand  Mesa  Repeater  Society  will 
hold  the  fifth  annual  Western  Slope  Ham- 
fest on  Saturday,  March  31,  1984T  from 
10:00  am  to  4:00  pm,  at  the  Plumbers  and 
Steamfitters  Union  Hall,  2384  Highway  6  & 
50,  Grand  Junction  GO.  Admission  is  free 
and  swap  tables  are  $5.00  each.  Features 
will  Include  an  indoor  swap! est.  Novice 
exams,  an  auction,  a  talk  by  Lys  Carey 
KQPGM,  Director  of  the  ARRL  Rocky 
Mountain  Division,  and  a  session  on  re- 
peaters and  remote  bases  with  Ted  Wet- 
zel WB0PDU.  There  will  be  refreshments. 
Talk-in  on  146.82  and  449.20.  For  further 
Information  or  to  reserve  a  swap  table, 
send  an  SASE  to  Larry  Brooks  WB0ECV, 
3185  Bunting  Avenue,  Grand  Junction  CO 
81504,  Of  call  (303H34560& 


FRAMINGHAM  MA 
APR1 

The  Framingham  ARA,  Inc.,  will  hold  its 
annual  spring  flea  market  on  Sunday, 
April  1,  19&4,  beginning  at  10:00  am  at  the 
Framingham  Civic  League  Building.  214 
Concord  Street  (flte.  126),  downtown  Fra- 
mlngham. Admission  is  $2,00  and  tables 
are  110.00  (pre-reglstratlon  required). 
Sellers  may  begin  setups  at  8:30  am. 
There  will  be  radio  equipment,  computer 
gear,  and  food  inhouse.  Talk-in  on 
147.75M5  and  52.  For  more  information, 
contact  Jon  Weiner  K1VVC,  52  Overlook 
Drive,  Framingham  MA  01701,  or  phone 
(617)^877  7166. 


TRENTON  NJ 
APR1 

The  Delaware  Valley  Radio  Association 
will  hold  its  12th  annual  flea  market  and 
computer  show  on  Sunday,  April  1,  1984! 
from  3:00  am  to  4:00  pm,  at  the  New  Jersey 
National  Guard  112th  Field  Artillery  Ar- 
mory, Eggerts  Crossing  Road,  Lawrence 
Township,  Trenton  N  J,  There  will  be  an  in- 
door and  outdoor  flea-market  area*  com- 
mercial dealers „  and  refreshments.  Sell- 
ers are  asked  to  bring  their  own  tables. 
Talk-In  on  146.52  and  146.07/.67.  For  ad- 
vance  tickets  and  space  reservations, 
please  send  an  SASE  to  Walter  L  Sharps 
KB2ZY,  140  Susan  Drive,  Trenton  NJ 
08638, 


SAN  ANTONIO  TX 
AP0  7 

The  San  Antonio  Area  Radio  Club  will 
hold  Its  first  annual  Swapfest  and  Bar-B-0 
on  April  7,  1S84,  from  7:00  am  to  5:00  pm, 
at  Comanche  Park.  Talk-in  on  147.36  MHz. 
For  more  details,  write  Melvin  Anderson, 
6932  Saddle  Trail,  San  Antonio  TX  78255. 


ROCHESTER  MN 
APR  7 

The  Rochester  Amateur  Radio  CEub  and 
the  Rochester  Repeater  Society  will  spon- 
sor the  7th  annua)  Rochester  Area  Ham- 
fest on  Saturday,  April  7,  1984,  beginning 
at  8:30  am,  at  John  Adams  Junior  High 
School,  2535  NW  31  Street,  Rochester 
MN-  There  will  be  a  large  Indoor  flea 
market  for  radio  and  electronic  items,  re- 
freshments, and  plenty  of  free  parking. 
Talk  in  on  146.22/.82  MHz.  For  further  In- 
formation, contact  RARC,  c/o  W.  C.  Mc- 
Gurk  WBGYEE,  2253  Nordic  Court  NW, 
Rochester  MN  55901. 


FLEMINGTON  NJ 
APR  7 

The  Gherryvttle  Repeater  Association 
will  sponsor  the  annual  Flemington  NJ 
Hamfest  on  Saturday,  April  7,  1384,  from 
8:00  am  to  3:00  pm,  at  the  Hunterdon 
County  High  School  Field  House  on  Route 
31.  General  admission  is  $3.00.  For  early 
birds,  breakfast  will  be  available  on  site 
from  6:30  am.  Talk  in  on  147.375, 147.015, 
146.52,  224.12,  and  444.65.  For  additional 
Information  or  table  reservations,  write 
Bill  Inkrote  K2NJ,  RD  10,  Box  294,  Quaker- 
row  n-C  rot  on  Road,  Flemington  NJ  Q8S22, 
or  call  (201^788-4080. 


GREENCASTLE  IN 
APR  7 

The  Putnam  County  Amateur  Radio 
Club  will  hold  its  second  Amateur  Radio 
and  Electronics  Auction  on  April  7,  1934, 
at  the  Putnam  County  Fairgrounds,  US 
231,  north  of  Greencastle  IN.  Admission  Is 
$1rQ0,  sales  commission  Is  5%,  and  there 
will  be  a  Si. 00  service  charge  on  buy- 
backs.  Doors  will  open  at  8:00  am  and  the 
auction  will  start  at  10:00  am.  Bring  your 
equipment  to  be  sold  on  consignment.  All 
activities  will  be  Inside  and  food  will  be 
available.  Talk-In  on  147.93/.33.  For  more 
information  or  a  flyer,  contact  John  Un- 
derwood K3IIB,  RFD  1,  Box  10,  Fillmore  IN 
46126. 

KANSAS  CITY  MO 
APR  7-8 

The  PHD  Amateur  Radio  Association, 
Inc..  will  sponsor  the  1984  Missouri  State 
ARRL  Convention  on  Saturday  and  Sun- 
day, April  7-8n  1984,  from  10:00  am  to  5:30 
pm  (both  days),  at  the  Trade  Mart  Building, 
at  the  downtown  Kansas  City  MO  airport, 
For  both  days,  registration  Is  $4.00  and 
swap  tables  are  $  10,00,  which  includes 
one  registration  with  each  table.  Commer- 
cial exhibitors  may  set  up  from  7:00  pm  to 
9:00  pm  on  Friday  or  7:00  am  to  10.00  am 
on  Saturday;  swappers  may  set  up  at  9:00 
on  Saturday.  The  Saturday-night  banquet 
at  the  world-famous  Gold  Buffet  is  $10.50. 
Those  desiring  banquet  tickets  and  swap 
tables  are  urged  to  order  in  advance. 
Other  features  will  be  a  complete  program 
of  forums,  commercial  booths,  a  large 
flea  market,  a  home-brew  contest,  Mis- 
souri-Kansas Amateur-of-t  he-Year  and 
CW  Contest  awards,  and  on  Sunday,  a 
Missouri- Kansas  Repeater  Council  meet- 
ing,  as  well  as  QCWA  and  YL  luncheons. 
Unlimited  free  parking,  including  RV 
space  (no  hookups),   will   be  available. 


98     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


TaJMn  on  14£\34/,94.  For  more  Informa- 
tion and  registrations,  write  PHD  Amateur 
Radio  Association,  inc.,  Liberty  MO  540S&- 
00n.  or  call  (816V78U7313  or  452-9321  All 
pre-regts! rations  will  be  held  at  Ihe  door. 


AM  BOY  IL 
APRS 

The  I9lh  annual  Rock  River  ARC  Ham* 
Test  will  be  held  on  Sunday,  April  8.  1984. 
beginning  at  8  00  am,  at  the  Lee  County 
4-H  Center,  one  rnfle  east  of  tha  junction 
of  52  and  30.  Ticket  donations  are  $2.00 
each  in  advance  and  $3,00  at  the  gate; 
3-foot  tables  are  $5.00  each.  Camping 
space  will  be  available  for  a  nominal 
charge  and  breakfast  and  lunch  will  be 
served.  There  will  be  an  auction  of  ama- 
teur related  gear.  Talk-*n  on  S¥h%7  re- 
peater. For  more  information  or  advance 
tickets  (available  until  April  1,  1984}  and 
tables,  write  to  Shirley  Webb  KA9HG2. 
€18  Orchard  Street,  DlKon  IL  61021,  or 
phone  (B15J-2S4-3811, 

MADISON  Wl 
APR  8 

The  Madison  Area  Repeater  Associa- 
tion, inc.  (MARA),  will  hold  lis  121h  annual 
Madison  Swap  rest  on  Sunday,  April  8, 
1984.  at  the  Dane  County  Exposilkm  Cen- 
ter Forum  Building  in  Madison  Wl.  Admis- 
sion Is  $2,50  per  person  in  advance  and 
S3. 00  at  the  door.  Children  twelve  and 
under  will  be  admitted  free.  Flea -market 
tables  are  $4.00  each  In  advance  and  $5.00 
at  the  door.  Doors  will  open  at  5?Q0  am  tor 
commercial  exhibitors.  8:00  am  for  flea- 
market  sellers,  and  9:00  am  for  the  general 
subtle  Features  will  include  commercial 
exhibitors,  a  Mea  market,  an  ail  you-can- 
sat  pancake  breakfast,  and  a  barbecue 
unch.  Plenty  of  parking  space  and  nearby 
lot  el  accommodations  are  avertable, 
ralk  in  on  146  16/76  (WB9AER/R).  For  re- 
servations [early  ones  are  advised)  Of 
rare  information,  write  to  MARA.  PO  Box 
1403,  Madison  Wl  53704, 

MUSKEGON  Mf 
APR  14 

Trie  Muskegon  Area  Amateur  Radio 
Council  will  hold  the  ARRL  Michigan 
State  Convention  and  Muskegon  Hamfest 
m  April  14,  1984,  at  the  L  C.  Walker  Are- 
a,  4th  at  Western.  Muskegon  Ml  Fea- 
urea  wilt  include  Friday  evening  hospital- 
y  rooms,  programs  covering  areas  of  am- 
teur  radio  interest,  ladies'  activities,  and 
Saturday -evening  convention  dinner 
rogram  Setups  for  manufacturers  and 
eaiers  will  begin  at  2:00  pm  on  April  13th, 
or  more  information,  write  Muskegon  Ar* 
a  Amateur  Radio  Council.  PO  Box  €91. 
luskegon  Ml  49443. 

JACKSON  MS 
APR  14-15 

The  Jackson  Amateur  Radio  Club  win 
rat  the  Capital  City  Hamfest  and  1984 
RRL  Mississippi  State  Convention  on 
aturday  and  Sunday,  April  14-15. 1984,  at 
ie  Communications  Workers  of  America 
Liildlnn,  1220  at  Country  Club  Drive, 
ours  on  Saturday  are  9rtX)  am  to  5:00  pm 
id  on  Sunday,  8:00  am  to  1:30  pm.  Admls- 
on  is  free  and  fiea-market  tables  are 
i.00  each.  Attractions  Include  commer- 
al  dealer  exhibits,  a  large  indoor  flea 
arfeet,  concessions,  forums,  and  free) 
irking  (including  self-contained  RVsl 
>r  special  hamfest  rates,  contact  the 
sMday  Inn  Southwest  directly.  Talk  m  on 
■6.WJ8.  For  further  information,  con* 
el  Carol  Kemp  NA5YP  358 1  Beaumont 
tve,  Pearl  MS  39208,  or  phone 
)1J-9397612. 


RALEIGH  NC 
APR  15 

The  Raletgh  Amateur  Radio  Society  will 
hold  its  12th  annual  hamfest  and  Ilea  mar- 
ket (all  under  cover)  on  Sunday,  April  15, 
1984.  beginning  at  8:00  am,  at  the  Crar> 
tree  Valley  Shopping  Mall,  located  at  the 
intersection  of  US  70  west  and  US  1  and 
64.  Admission  is  $4.00  at  the  gale,  with  no 
extra  charge  for  taiigalers  Tables  will  be 
available  for  rent-  Features  will  include  a 
CW  contest,  a  home-brew  contest  and 
special-Interest  meetings.  Talk-in  will  be  on 
146.04/146.64  (W4DWI  and  146.28^46,88 
(K4ITL).  For  more  information,  contact 
Pete  Thacher  N4HQZ  at  (919f-8764073  or 
Jim  Bradley  WA4AOO  at  (919^51-2437 
from  6:00  pm  to  8:00  pm  weekdays  or  on 
weekends,  or  write  RAftS.  PO  19127,  Ra- 
leigh NC  27619. 


DAYTON  OH 
APR  27-29 

The  Dayton  Amateur  Radio  Associa- 
tion, inc..  will  sponsor  the  Dayton  Ham 
vent i on  on  April  27-29,  1984.  at  the  Hera 
Arena  and  Exhibit  Ion  Center.  Dayton  OH. 
Admission,  valid  for  all  three  days,  is  $7,50 
in  advance  and  $10,00  at  the  door.  The 
Saturday  evening  Grand  Banquet  and  En- 
tertainmeni  Is  $14.00  m  advance  and 
$16-00  at  the  door.  Harry  Dannals  W2HD, 
past  president  of  the  ARRL,  will  be  the 
featured  speaker.  Because  seating  is  lim- 
ited, early  reservations  are  requested. 
There  will  be  a  giant  flea  market  starting 
at  noon  on  Friday  and  continuing  all  day 
Saturday  and  Sunday.  Flea-market  space 
is  $15^00  for  all  three  days  and  will  be  sold 
In  advance  only.  Entrance  lor  setups  will 
be  available  starling  Wednesday  and  the 
special  flea-market  telephone  is  (513J- 
22343921  Other  features  w>M  include  fo- 
rums, awards,  and  exhibits.  For  special 
motel  rates  and  reservalionsT  write  Ham- 
uentton  Housing,  Box  1288,  Dayton  OH 
45402:  no  telephone  reservations  will  be 
accepted-  Address  all  other  inquiries  to 
Box  44,  Dayton  OH  45401 .  or  phone  (51 3f 
433-7720  Please  send  advance  registry 
lion  checks  to  Dayton  Hamvention,  Box 
2205,  Dayton  OH  45401, 


DAYTON  OH 
APR  27 

The  15th  annual  B*A*S'H  will  be  held 
on  Friday  night,  April  27,  1984,  at  the  Day- 
ton Hamvention  at  the  Convention  Center, 
Main  and  Fifth  Streets,  Daylon  OH.  Ad- 
mission is  tree  and  parking  is  available  in 
the  adjacent  city  garage  There  will  be 
sandwiches,  snacks,  and  a  COD  bar.  as 
well  as  live  entertainment.  For  further  in- 
formation* contact  the  Miami  Valley  fU 
Association.  PO  Box  263,  Dayton  OH 
45401. 


DAYTON  OH 
APR  27-29 

The  1984  Dayton  Ham  vent  ion's  Interna 
tlonai  VHFAJHF  Conference  will  be  held 
concurrently  with  the  Hamvention  from 
Friday  through  Sunday,  April  27-29,  1984, 
at  the  Hgra  Arena  and  Exhibition  Center, 
Dayton  OH.  There  will  be  technical  forums 
by  acknowledged  experts;  noise-figure, 
dynamic-range,  and  antenna-range  mea- 
surement contests;  and  a  hospitality  suite 
with  refresh  men  j  5  Technical  papers  and 
presentations  on  VHFrUHF  topics  of  inter- 
est are  being  solicited  for  consideration. 
Pot entral  speakers  should  submit  their  re- 
quests Immediately.  For  further  informa- 
tion, contact  Jim  SHU  WABONO,  VHF/UHF 
Conference  Moderator!  4126  Crest  Manor, 
Hamilton  OH  45011, 


BRAINTREE  MA 
APR  29 

The  South  Shore  Amateur  Radio  Club  of 
Braintree  MA  will  celebrate  its  53rd  year  in 
amateur  radio  by  holding  an  indoor  flea 
market  on  Sunday.  April  29.  1964.  rain  or 
shine,  from  11:00  am  to  4:00  pm.  at  the  Vik- 
ing Club.  410  Guincv  Avenue.  Braintree  MA 
The  entrance  fee  is  $1  00  and  8-foot  tables 
are  410-00  (which  includes  1  tree  admission 
per  table).  Vendors  will  be  admitted  at  9:30 
am  and  plenty  of  parking  will  be  available. 
For  advance  table  reservations,  send  a 
check  payable  to  the  South  Shore  Amateur 
Radio  Club  to  Ed  Doherty  W1  MPT,  236  Wild 
wood  Avenue.  Braintree  MA  02164.  A  confir- 
mation of  check  receipt  will  be  sen  I  and 
there  will  be  no  cancellation  refunds  after 
April  25,  For  more  Information,  call  Ed  at 
(617>64&4431,  evenings 


ST,  DAVID  A2 
MAY  4-4 

The  Cochise  Amateur  Radio  Associa 
tion,  Inc..  will  hold  a  hamfest  (upgraded 
from  a  swapmeeO  on  May  4-6. 1984.  in  St. 
David  AZ  There  wifl  be  a  flea  market  and 
all  tailgaters  are  welcome.  Tours  planned 
to  Tombstone,  the  Bisbee  Lavender  Pit. 
and  other  places  of  Interest.  Talk-in  on 
.16/. 76  and  .52  simplex.  For  more  details, 
contact  CAPA  Attention:  Bob  Clay  K87HB. 
PO  Box  1855,  Sierra  Vista  AZ  65636, 


COLUMBIA  MO 
MAYS-e 

The  Central  Missouri  Radio  Association 
will  hold  Columoia  Hamfest  84  on  May  5-6. 
1964.  at  the  Hilton  Inn,  I  70  and  Stadium 
Boulevard.  Columbia  MO.  Features  will  in- 
clude forums,  a  hospitality  room,  a  Satur- 
day-night banquet,  a  hard-surfaced  flea 
market,  display  tables,  and  shuttle-bus  ser- 
vice to  parking  areas  and  shopping  centers. 
Talk-m  on  J&.76  or  220 42*02-  For  banquet 
tickets,  reservations  for  hotels,  flea-market 
spaces,  or  dealer  tables,  and  more  informa- 
tion, contact  Ben  Smilh  KQJPCK,  Route  1, 
Prairie  Home  MO  65068,  or  phone  (8l€M2r*- 
5319, 


GREENVILLE  SC 
MAY  5-6 

The  Blue  Ridge  Amateur  Radio  Society 
will  sponsor  the  Greenville  SC  Hamfest  on 
Saiurday  and  Sunday,  May  5-6,  1984,  at 
the  American  Legion  Fairgrounds,  White 
Horse  Road.  fi  mile  north  of  MS5,  Green- 
ville SC  Admission  Is  S3-00  in  advance 
and  S4.00  at  the  door.  Talk-m  on  146.01/ 
61  For  advance  tickets,  write  Mrs.  Sue 
Chism    N4ENX,    Rte.   6,   203   Lanewood 


Drive,  Greenville  SC  29807.  For  further  in- 
formation, write  Phil  Mulllns  WD4KTG, 
Hamfest  Chairman,  PO  Box  99,  Simpson- 
villeSC  29681. 

CEDARBURG  Wl 
MAYS 

The  Ozaukee  Radio  Club  will  sponsor 
its  6th  annual  swapfest  on  Saturday.  May 
5, 1964,  from  8/00  am  to  1  00  pm.  at  the  Cir- 
cle B  Recreation  Center,  Highway  60,  Ce- 
darburg  Wl  (located  20  miles  north  of  Mil- 
waukee). Admission  is  $2>00  in  advance 
and  $3.00  at  the  door.  Six-foot  tables  are 
$2.00  and  eight-foot  tables  are  $3.00.  Food 
and  refreshments  will  be  available.  Sell- 
ers will  be  admitted  at  7:00  am  for  table 
setups.  For  tickets,  tables,  maps,  or  more 
Information,  send  a  business-size  SASE 
to  1964  Ozaukee  Radio  Club  Swapfest.  PO 
Box  13.  Port  Washington  Wl  53074 

CENTRAL! A  IL 
HAY  6 

The  Centra  I  ia  Wireless  Association, 
Inc..  will  hold  its  annual  hamfest  on  Sun- 
day, May  6>  1984,  at  the  Kaskaskia  Col  lege 
Gymnasium,  3  miles  northwest  of  Cent  ra- 
ils IL  Admission  to  the  hamfest  is  free 
and  I  here  will  be  no  charge  for  the  flea- 
market  and  exhibit  space  (a  limited  num- 
ber of  tables  will  be  issued  on  a  first- 
come,  first-serve  basis).  Doors  will  Open  at 
7:00  am  for  flea-market  and  exhibit  set- 
ups. Food  and  refreshments  will  oe  avail- 
able, as  well  as  plenty  of  free  parking. 
Talk-In  on  147.2^.67  and  146.52,  For  fur 
ther  information,  contact  Bud  King 
WB9QEG  at  (616 (-532-6606  or  Lou  Hodges 
W9IL  at  {618V533-4724,  or  write  to  CWA. 
Inc..  PO  Box  1166,  Centralia  IL  62B01, 


P  Aft  AM  US  Hi 
MAY  6 

The  Bergen  ARA  will  hold  a  Ham  Swap 
n'  Sell  on  May  6,  1984.  from  8  00  am  to 
4:00  pm,  at  Bergen  Community  College, 
400  Pararnus  Road.  Para m us  NJ.  There 
will  be  tallgatlng  only  and  admission  tor 
sellers  is  £4,00  (bring  your  own  table}. 
Buyers  will  be  admitted  free.  Talk- in  on 
.79/.  19  and  .52.  For  more  Information,  con- 
tact Jim  Greer  KK2U,  444  Berkshire  Road, 
Ridgewood  NJ  07450,  or  phone  (201H45- 
2855. 

DURHAM  NC 
MAY  12 

The  Durham  FM  Association  will  Md 
the  Durham  Hamfest  on  May  12,  1984.  at 
the  South  Square  Mai L  Durham  NC.  Talk- 
in  on  147-225.  For  more  information,  write 
Milan  a  Burger.  President.  DFMA,  5711 
Spruce  Drive,  Durham  NC  27712. 


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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984    99 


CONTESTS 


Robert  Baker  WB2GFE 
15  Windsor  Dr. 
Atco  NJ  08004 

IARS/CHC  INTERNATIONAL 

CONTEST 
CW-0000  GMT  March  10  to 

2400  GMT  March  11 
SSB— 0000  GMT  March  17  to 

2400  GMT  March  18 

This  is  a  semiannual  contest  sponsored 
by  the  International  Amateur  Radio  Soci- 
ety and  Cert  if  leal  e  Hunters  Club.  Work 
station?  once  per  band,  no  repeaters  or 
cross  mods  contacts  allowed.  Look  tor 
stations  calling  "CQ  CHC/r 

EXCHANQS: 

flSfn,  IAR5  anoVor  CHC  number,  and 
stale-  province,  or  country. 

FREQUENCIES; 

CW— 70  kHz  from  the  bottom  ot  Ihe 
band. 

SSB-3960*  7260, 14300. 21360,  28600. 

scow** 

Multiply  QSOs  times  the  number  ot 
countries  worked,  times  the  number  ot 
1AB&GMC  members  workedl  Any  member 
Of  both  divisions  counts  as  two  multipli- 
ers' 

AWARDS: 

Engraved  plaque  to  the  highest  overall 
score.  Certificates  to  the  highest  score 
per  band  and  top  10  runnersHip. 

ENTRIES 

Logs  must  show  date  and  trme  in  GMT 
Station  worked,  exchanges  sent  and  re- 
ceived, QSO  points  claimed,  and  final 
claimed  score.  All  entries  with  100  or  more 
QSOs  must  also  Include  a  check  sheet. 
Entries  must  be  matted  by  June  1st  lo  Ted 
Mellnosky  K1 BV,  525  Foster  Street,  South 
Windsor  CT  06074.  Include  a  large  SASE 
for  a  copy  of  the  results. 

VIRGINIA  QSO  PARTY 

Starts:    1800  GMT  March  10 

Ends:     0200  GMT  March  12 

The  1984  QSO  party  is  again  sponsored 


by  the  Sterling  Park  Amateur  Radio  Club 
Of  Sterling  Park,  Virginia.  The  same  sta- 
tion may  toe  worked  on  each  band,  on  both 
CW  and  SSB  modes.  Virginia  stations  may 
contact  irvsiate  stations  for  QSO  and  mul- 
tiplier credit.  Virginia  mobile  stations  may 
be  worfcad  In  each  new  county  they  oper- 
ate from  for  new  QSO  and  multiplier  credit 
regardless  whether  or  not  previously 
worked  on  the  same  band  and  mode  in  an 
olher  county  Stations  on  county  borders 
count  for  only  one  QSO.  QRP  stations 
must  run  5  Watts  or  less  tor  their  entire  op- 
erating time. 

EXCHANGE; 

QSO  number  starting  with  001  and  QTH 
consisting  of  state,  province,  DX  country, 
or  Virginia  county.  Vi  rig  In  la  stations  note 
that  the  reference  for  valid  counties  IS  the 
CO  magazine  Counties  Award  Record 
Book  which  lists  a  total  of  05  couniles, 

FREQUENCIES: 

Phone— 3530,  7230.  14285,  21375, 
28575,  and  anywhere  on  \ 60-meter  band 
except  in  DX  windows. 

CW— 60  kHz  up  from  the  low  end  of 
each  HF  band  and  anywhere  in  10-  and 
iflO-meter  bands  or  Novice  suboands 

SCORSNG: 

Count  one  point  per  SSB  QSO,  two 
points  per  CW  QSO.  Virginia  stations  multi- 
ply total  QSOs  by  the  sum  of  states.  Cana- 
dian provinces.  DX  countries,  and  Virgin** 
counties  worked.  Others  multiply  QSOs  toy 
the  number  of  Virginia  counties  worked. 

AWARDS 

Engraved  plaques  to  Vne  top-scoring  sla 
lions  In  the  following  categories:  High  Vtr 
ginla  single  operator  (fixed  location);  High 
Virginia  CWnonly  station;  High  Virginia 
mobile;  High  out-of  state  (including  DX)  sta- 
tion; High  Virginia  QflP  station  (If  5  or  more 
QRP  entries  are  received).  Certificates 
awarded  winners  of  Virginia  counties, 
states,  provinces,  and  DX  counlries. 

ENTRIES: 

Follow  ARRL  standard  contest  guide- 
lines for  logs,  indicate  each  new  multiplier 
as  worked  Include  a  summary  sheet  wllh 
your  log  and  an  SAS€  tor  a  copy  ol  the 
results.  Indicate  on  summary  sheet  It  mo- 


CALENDAR 


Mar  3-4 

Mar  10-11 
Mar  10-12 
Mar  11-1 2 
Mar  17-18 

Mir  17-1 B 
Mar  17- IB 
Mar  17-19 
Mar  17-18 
Mar  17-18 
Mar  31  -Apr  2 
Apr  21 -22 
May  5-5 
Jul  13-15 
Aug  11-12 
Aug  24-27 
Sep  15-17 
Sep  22-23 
Dec  26- Jan  1 


ARRL  DX  Contest— Phone 

lARSfCHC  International  Contest— CW 

Virginia  State  QSO  Party 

Wisconsin  QSO  Party 

YL4SSB  Commo  System  QSO  Party— CW 

Bermuda  Contest 

Spring  QRP  CW  Activity  Weekend 

IARS/CHC  International  Contest— SSB 

Kentucky  QSO  Party 

Tennessee  QSO  Party 

Connecticut  QSO  Party 

QRP  Amateur  Radio  Club  April  QSO  Party 

Late  Spring  QRP  SSB  Activity  Weekend 

AS  International  SSTV-DX  Contest 

New  J  art  ay  QSO  Party 

AS  North  American  UHF  FSTV-DX  Contest 

Washington  State  QSO  Party 

Late  Summer  QRP  CW  Activity  Weekend 

QRP  Winter  Sports— CW 


bile  or  QRP.  Entries  are  due  April  151h  and 
should  be  addressed  to:  Virginia  QSO  Par- 
ty, Clo  Ken  Harrigan  KB2LT,  2  Darus  Court. 
Sterling  Parte  VA  22170. 


WISCONSIN  QSO  PARTY 
Starts:    1800  GMT  March  11 

Ends:     0100  GMT  March  12 

Use  both  CW  and  phone,  stations  may 
be  worked  once  per  mode  on  &^cn  band 
Mobiles  may  he  worked  agam  when 
changing  counties.  No  repeater  QSOs! 

EXCHANGE 

RS(T)  and  state,  province,  or  Wisconsin 
county. 

FREQUENCIES: 

Pnone—  3990,  7290.  14290. 
CW— 3560,  7050p  14060 

SCQRfNG: 

Phone  contacts  count  1  QSO  point 
while  CW  contacts  count  2  QSO  points. 
Wisconsin  stations  multiply  QSO  points 
by  total  number  ot  states,  provinces,  and 
Wisconsin  counties.  DX  countries  count 
tor  QSO  points  but  not  mutlipllers.  Non- 
Wisconsin  stations  multiply  OSO  points 
by  number  ot  Wisconsin  counties  (72 
max.l  As  a  bonus,  Wisconsin  mobiles  add 
500  points  for  each  county  contacted  from 
outside  your  home  county  with  a 
minimum  of  15  QSOs  per  county  lo 
qualily. 

AWARDS: 

Awards  will  be  presented  to  the  highest 
scores  in  each  state  and  province,  and  to 
the  highest  aggregate  club  score- 

ENTRIES: 

All  entries  must  contain  a  log  consist- 
ing of:  time  in  GMT,  call,  RSfT),  state.  Wts 
cons  in  county,  mode,  and  a  score  sum- 
mary,  Logs  containing  more  than  100 
QSOs  must  be  accompanied  by  a  dupe 
sheet.  Entries  must  be  postmarked  by 
April  15th  and  sent  to:  Wisconsin  QSO 
Party,  c/o  West  Allis  Radio  Amateur  Club. 
PQ  Box  1072,  Milwaukee  Wl  53201 . 


BERMUDA  AMATEUR 

RADIO  CONTEST 

Starts:  0001  GMT  March  17 

Ends:  2400  GMT  March  18 

The  26th  Bermuda  Amateur  Radio  Con- 
test is  again  sponsored  py  the  Radio  Soci- 
ety ot  Bermuda.  The  contest  *s  open  to  all 
licensed  amateurs  in  Canada,  USA, 
United  Kingdom,  and  the  Federal  Repub- 
lic of  Germany.  Of  the  Wrour  contest  pe- 


riod, your  total  operating  time  cannot  ex- 
ceed 36  hours;  off  periods  must  be  clearly 
logged.  Each  off  period  must  not  be  less 
than  three  consecutive  hours.  All  stations 
must  be  single  operator  only  and  must  op- 
erate from  their  own  private  residence  Ol 
property.  Use  ail  bands.  B0  through  10  me- 
ters. No  crossoand  or  crossmode  con- 
tacts are  permuted  Additionally,  no 
phone  contacts  are  allowed  between  W 
and  G  or  West  Germany  on  40  meters, 

EXCHANGE; 

All  stations  wtit  send  RSCT)  reports  and 
give  the  following:  Canadians  add  prov- 
ince, UK  stations  add  county,  US  stations 
add  state,  West  German  stations  add 
DGK#.  Bermuda  stations  add  parish,  US 
and  Canadian  stations  may  exchange  re- 
ports with  West  German,  UK,  and  Ber- 
muda stations  only,  UK  and  West  German 
stations  may  exchange  reports  wllh  US, 
Canadian,  and  Bermuda  stations  only. 

SCORING: 

Each  completed  contact  on  each  bend 
counts  5  points.  A  phone  and  a  CW  con- 
tact with  the  same  station  on  the  same 
band  will  count  if  they  are  made  at  least  30 
minutes  apart.  For  an  stations  outside 
Bermuda  the  multiplier  is  the  total  num- 
ber of  VP9s  worked  on  each  band.  For  Ber 
rnuda  stations  the  multiplier  is  the  total 
number  of  states,  provinces,  counties, 
and  DOKts  worked  on  each  band 

AWARDS 

Printed  awards  lo  Ihe  top  score  in  each 
state,  province,  county,  and  DOK  area. 
The  top  score  in  Canada,  OS,  UK,  and 
West  Germany  shall  receive  a  trophy  to  be 
awarded  at  the  society's  annual  dinner 
held  in  October  of  each  year.  Round-trip 
air  transportation  plus  accommodation 
will  be  provided  to  overseas  winners  to  en- 
able them  to  receive  iheir  awards.  Top 
winners  for  the  19?9  through  1983  contest 
shall  be  eligible  for  the  area  awards  only, 

ENTRIES: 

Logs  must  show  all  dates  and  times  in 
GMT,  A  separate  sneel  must  be  used  for 
each  band.  All  contestants  lo  compute 
their  own  scores  and  check  for  duplicate 
contacts.  Dupe  sheets  must  be  submitted 
with  logs  to  cover  each  band  where  more 
than  200  contacts  are  logged.  For  every 
duplicate  contact  for  which  points  are 
claimed,  a  penalty  ol  three  contacts  will 
be  deducted  by  the  contest  committee.  An 
excess  ot  claimed  duplicates  may  mean 
disqualification  no  penalty  will  be  ex- 
acted against  duplicates  for  which  no 
poinis  are  claimed.  Each  page  must  be 
ciearty  numbered  and  marked  wrth  con- 
testant's call,  year,  and  band  to  which  It 
refers,  Alt  contestants  must  sign  a  state- 
ment that  they  have  complied  with  the 


NEWSLETTER  OF  THE  MONTH 

The  Rock  ford  Amateur  Radio  Association's  Ham  Rag  really  does  the  ]ob- 
Thelr  December  Issue,  for  example,  featured  President's  LoQ,  MlCrcJOlgltal  Cor- 
ner, Secretary's  Log,  Tech  Topics,  Elmer  Patrol  (Novice  class  news),  New  Prod- 
uct Review,  Potpourri,  and  Ham  Mart.  And  this  Is  all  in  a  slick  little  package 
which  Includes  photos!  Congratulations  to  Editor  Sharon  Harlan  WB9SFT,  Cir- 
culation Manager  Alice  Davidson,  and  the  whole  crew. 

To  enter  your  club's  newsletter  In  73's  Newsletter  of  Ihe  Month  Contest,  send 
it  to  73.  Pine  Streel.  Peterborough  NH  03458.  Attn:  Newsletter  of  the  Month. 


100     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


rules  and  terms  of  their  license.  Alt  logs 
must  be  received  by  the  Contest  Commit 
lee,  Radio  Society  of  Bermuda.  Sox  275, 
Hamilton  5.  Bermuda*  no  later  than  May 
31st.  Overseas  contestants  are  recom 
mended  to  forward  their  logs  via  air  mall. 
Aft  decisions  of  the  contest  committee 
are  final 

Bermuda  parish  abbreviations  ire  as 
follows:  SAN—  Sandys,  PEM— Pembroke, 
SOU— Southampton,  HAM— Hamilton, 
STG— 51  George,  DEV— Devonshire, 
WAR— Warwick.  SMI— Smiths,  PAG— 
Paget 


TENNESSEE  QSO  PARTY 

2100  GMT  March  17  to  0500  GMT 

March  IS  and  1400  to  2200  GMT 

March  18 

This  is  the  14th  annual  QSO  party  spon- 
sored by  (tie  Tennessee  Council  of  Ama- 
teur Radio  Clubs  You  may  work  the  same 
station  on  different  bands,  modes,  or 
counties  Repeater  contacts  are  not  al- 
lowed Mobiles  compete  against  mobiles, 
portables  agamsf  portables.  Single-trans 
m  fter  entries  onfy.  No  county-line  opera- 
tions allowed  for  muftip-le  contacts.  Por- 
table stations  musl  set  up  per  Field  Day 
rules  Wo  1fttH  operations  are  allowed. 
Mo  CW  com  acts  in  phone  bands. 

EXCHANfiF 

Signal  report  and  state,  province,  coun 
Iry,  or  Tennessee  county 

SCORING 

Sco*e  one  point  per  phone  QSO.  1-5 
points  per  CW  OSO  Combine  phone  and 
CW  score  as  one  contest,  unless  you  wish 
to  compete  for  phone-only  or  CW-only 
awards.  Tennessee  stations  multiply  QSO 
points  by  sum  of  number  of  different 
states  (50),  Tennessee  counties  r95),  and 
i/O  and  VEi-7  f7V  DX  stations  count  only 
'or  points,  not  as  multipliers.  Each  por 
:abie  or  mobile  station  workmg  outside 
:heir  home  Tennessee  county  scores  500 
3onus  points  tor  each  county  outside  of 
lome  county  with  a  minimum  of  10  QSOs. 
Ml  others  multiply  QSO  points  by  the 
lumber  of  different  Tennessee  counties 
worked  {95  max.). 

cREQUENCt£&: 
Phone- 1860,  39&0,  7280,  14280,  21380, 


Novice- 3725,  7125,  21125,  2812 
CW— TBI  5  and  approximately  50  kHz  up 

ram  bottom  of  each  band. 
Note,  you  musl  log  a  minimum  operat 

ng  time  of  10  minutes  for  each  change  of 

sand  or  mode. 

WARDS; 

Plaque  lo  highest-scoring  Tennessee 
Deed,  mobile,  and  portable,  plus  out  of 
state.  First-place  certificates  to  highest 
(coring  station  in  each  state.  Canada.  DX 
fcuntry,  Tennessee  Novice/Technician,  out 
if -state  Novkfi.Technician,  Tennessee 
ihone  only,  and  Tennessee  CW  only.  Par- 
Icipatinn  certificates  to  every  station 
ending  in  logs  with  at  least  25  contacts 

'NTRIES 

Logs  must  show  date/time  in  GMT.  sta- 
ion  worked,  band,  mode,  exchange,  and 
core.  Submit  a  cross-check  sheet  similar 
o  ARRL  C077  tor  each  band  and  mode 
nth  100  or  more  contacts.  Logs  must  be 
sgtble  to  avoid  disqualification  toga 
rtust  be  postmarked  by  May  1st  and  sent 
d:  Oak  Ridge  ARC.  Attn:  Mel  Warden 
14PJ.  Oak  Ridpe  TN  37830,  Please  include 
i  business-sized  SASE  with  your  logs  for 
omplete  results,  any  certificates  earned, 
•f  for  return  of  logs  (if  desired). 


KENTUCKY  OSO  PARTY 

2100  March  17  to  0700  March  18 

1400  to  2200  March  18 

This  is  the  second  annual  Kentucky 
OSO  Party  sponsored  by  the  Western  Ken* 
tucky  OX  Association  Stations  may  work 
the  same  station  on  different  bands, 
modes,  or  count +es  Mobiles  compete 
against  mobiles,  portables  against  porta- 
bles, and  fried  against  fixed.  No  county  - 
line  operation  for  the  purpose  of  multiple 
contacts.  Portable  stations  must  set  up 
per  Field  Day  rules.  Single-transmitter  en- 
tries only,  bur  single  or  multi-operators 
OK,  Repeater  contacts  not  allowed.  No 
list  operations  permitted, 

EXCHANGF 

HSfT)  and  state,  province,  country,  or 
Kentucky  county. 

FREQUENCIES 
Phone— 1840,  3865.  7285.  14285,  21385, 


reappear  back  in  its  regular  slot,  the  first 
weekend  in  December. 

EXCHANGE: 

Send  RSfT).  serial  OSO  number,  and 
ARRL  section  or  Connecticut  county. 


scotoma 

Club  station  WtQI  counts  5  points  per 
band/mode  Novice  QSOs  count  2  points, 
OSCAR  QSOs  3  points,  Out-of-state  sta- 
tions multiply  QSO  points  by  the  number 


Novice— 37?5,  7125.  21125,  28125 
CW— 1815  and  approximately  60  kH? 
from  bottom  of  each  band 

Kentucky  stations  must  operate  a  mini- 
mum of  10  minutes  for  each  change  of 
band  or  mode. 

SCORING: 

Count  2  points  for  each  160-meter  QSO. 
phone  or  CW;  2  points  per  CW  QSO  on  all 
other  bands;  1  point  per  phone  QSO  on  BO 
and  40  meters;  1,5  points  per  phone  QSO 
on  10.  15.  and  20  meters.  Combine  phone 
and  CW  score  as  one  contest. 

Kentucky  stations  multiply  QSO  points 
by  the  sum  of  the  number  of  states  (50). 
Kentucky  counties  0201,  plus  VO,  VE1-7, 
and  VYIrVEB  f9)-  OX  stations  count  only  in 
point  totals,  not  as  multipliers.  Non- Ken- 
lucky  stations  multiply  OSO  points  by  the 
total  number  of  Kentucky  counties 
worked  (12Q  ma*  | 

Portable  and  mobile  Kentucky  stations 
add  to  total  score  a  bonus  of  1000  points 
For  each  county  operated  outside  of  home 
county.  A  minimum  of  25  contacts  must 
be  made  in  each  county  to  qualify  for  the 
bonus, 

AWARDS: 

Plaques  to  the  highest-scoring  Ken- 
tucky fixed,  Kentucky  mobile.  Kentucky 
portable,  and  out-of-state  station.  First 
place  certificates  to  highest  score  for 
each  state.  Novice.  Canadian,  OX  station, 
all  phone,  all  CW.  Participation  certifi- 
cates to  all  stations  submitting  logs  with 
at  least  25  contacts. 

ENTRIES: 

Logs  should  show  date/time  in  GMT. 
station  worked,  band,  mode,  exchange, 
and  score.  A  sample  log  sheet  is  available 
if  you  send  an  SASE.  Logs  must  be  legible 
and  neai  to  avoid  disqualification.  Submit 
a  cross-check  sheet  (similar  to  ARRL  form 
CD77)  for  each  band  and  mode  with  over 
50  contacts.  Kaniucky  stations  must 
show  counties  they  worked  from  as  pert 
of  their  Jog  entry.  Logs  must  be  post- 
marked no  later  than  May  5th  to  be  eligible 
for  award  consideration  Send  a  large  (9* 
by  12'*)  SASE  with  S  35  postage  to  ensure 
receiving  complete  contest  results  plus 
any  awards  you  may  win.  No  logs  will  be 
returned. 


CONNECTICUT  QSO  PARTY 

Starts:  2000  GMT  March  31 

Ends;  0200  GMT  April  2 

Sponsored  by  the  Candlewood  Amateur 
Radio  Association  {CAR  A)  There  is  a  rest 
period  from  0500  to  1200  GMT  This  con 
test  Is  normally  run  In  December  and  will 


RESULTS 

1§83  WASHINGTON  STATE  QSO  PARTY 

CERTIFICATE  WINNERS 

Mum- 


Callsign 

OSOs  pliers 

Total 

Utah 

Alaska 

W7LN 

26         11 

759 

NL70 

42 

19 

1.653 

Virginia 

Arizona 

W4KMS 

36         15 

1,560 

W7R1R 

63 

22 

3,256 

West  Virginia 

Arkansas 

WOMEN 

23         10 

460 

WB5RYB 

67 

20 

3,080 

Wisconsin 

California 

WB9PYE 

24          11 

682 

WGNNV 

35 

19 

1,995 

K9GTO 

23        12 

552 

AA6EE 

35 

Colorado 

18 

1,782 

Canada 

Ontario 

WBSZRL 

46 
Connecticut 

13 

2,106 

VE&EOF 

24         14 

Brazil 

952 

W1NG 

79 
Florida 

24 

4.488 

PY1NEZ 

16          6 

Japan 

192 

W4WU 

71 

21 

3.360 

JA9VBA 

35        14 

Lit* 

K4DOB 

66 

T9 

3,078 

(OC 

rs.JA9LNJ.JA9NFO) 

Georgia 

JH3DPB 

32         14 

896 

KE4XW 

112 

29 

6,7136 

KA2KS(KV7JJ             25 

704 

Idaho 

New  Zealand 

KA7PMP 

23 
Illinois 

11 

759 

2M2RY 

3           3 
Washington 

24 

W9QWM 

95 

28 

6£32 

Asotrn  County 

Indiana 

KN7L 

275        SO 

38,750 

WDftQBB 

107 

27 

5,778 

Benton  County 

Iowa 

N7EPN 

239        50 

23.900 

K0HQE 

34 

16 

1,616 

Chelan  County 

Kansas 

K7GAH 

106        34 

10312 

WD0CCW 

39 

IS 

2.070 

Clallam  County 

Kentucky 

W7MPD 

52         28 

4.284 

WA4E&N 

39 

16 

2,106 

Cowlitz  County 

Main* 

IU7N 

64        32 

8,064 

W1DLC 

00 

Maryland 

22 

3.608 

K07W 

83        30 
Ferry  County 

6,990 

W3HQU 

72 

21 

4  536 

KD7H/7 

66        31 

5^963 

W3FG 

67 

20 

3,520 

Grant  County 

Massachusetts 

i 

W7WMO 

443        59 

64,192 

KA1CLV 

60 

20 

3,100 

G 

rays  Harbor  County 

Michigan 

KW7R 

282         50 

34,050 

KA8IIN 

79 

21 

3,948 

Island  County 

KS60 

64 
Minnesota 

19 

3,173 

N7AYF 

1,048       100 
King  County 

209.600 

WAflGlT 

20 

9 

432 

K7NWS 

663         53 

77,592 

Missouri 

(oprs,  AK7S.  KS7F.  KS7Z,  KA7C00) 

KMCA 

25 

14 

924 

KA70JR 

637         55 

70f070 

New  Jersey 

KU7F 

447         69 

61.686 

KC3ME 

29 

11 

759 

N7AOP 

246         53 

27,454 

New  Mexico 

K7UU 

167        40 

15,240 

W7LHO 

37 

15 

1,350 

Kitsap  County 

New  York 

KC7GO 

218         =16 

20,056 

WA2PHA 

63 
North  Carolina 

20 

2,620 

W7HT 

110        34 

Kittitas  County 

11,220 

K4JEX 

59 
North  Dakota 

19 

2,793 

WA7STA 

49        23 
Mason  County 

2*254 

KCftUM 

14 

Ohio 

8 

224 

W7DFO 

109        33 

Qkanagon County 

8,778 

WBSLZR 

14 
Oklahoma 

9 

252 

KD7H 

230         41 
Pacific  County 

25.420 

KD6YR 

39 
Oregon 

12 

936 

K7NPS 

254        44 
Pierce  County 

28,204 

WA7BOS 

154 

36 

11,124 

WA7HWK 

376        52 

39,104 

Pennsylvania 

N7EP0 

181         46 

24,978 

WA3HAE 

113 

26 

7,358 

W7DK 

147         39 

14,820 

Rhode  Island 

ioprs. 

KG7V,  W5PBL  KL7UR, 

WS2N0E 

96 

26 

6,084 

KA7CXU,  K7QLC,  K70RT,  K10PO) 

South  Carolina 

! 

Skagit  County 

KE4VP 

23 

9 

414 

K7EO 

167        43 

19.092 

South  Dakota 

Snohomish  County 

WAfBZD 

1 

1 

2 

W71EU 

217        44 

28.644 

Tennessee 

W7TSQ 

202        46 

18,584 

K4UVH 

38 

14 

1.064 

Whatcom  County 

Texas 

WB7GAO 

201        42 

16,884 

W5PWG 

79 

22 

4,532 

Whitman  County 

W5SOD 

63 

19 

2,812 

W7YH 

4           4 

48 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     101 


of  Connecticut  count  las  worked  (8  max.). 
Connecticut  stations  multiply  QSO  points 
by  the  sum  ot  ARRL  sect  ion  a  worked.  Ad- 
ditional DX  contacts  count  for  QSO  point  a 
but  only  one  OX  multiplier  overall  la  ol- 
io wed, 

FREQUENCIES: 

CW — 40  kHz:  up  front  the  bottom  of 
each  band. 

SSB-3927,  7250,  14285,  21370,  28540. 
Novice— 3725,  7125.  21125,  28125. 

ENTRIES  AND  AWARDS 

Logs  must  snow  category,  date/lima 
(GMT),  stations,  numbers,  sands,  QSO 
points,  and  claimed  scores    Enclose  a 


large  SASE  for  results.  Logs  must  be  post- 
marked by  April  30th  and  sent  to:  CARA, 
cfo  R  Dillon  N2EFA,  Box  954,  Danbufy  CT 

06610, 

QRP  ACTIVITY  WEEKENDS 

The  various  GRP  Activity  Weekends 
throughout  the  year  are  sponsored  by  the 
G-QRP-Club  in  England  They  are  In- 
tended to  promote  QRP  activity  on  (he 
times  and  frequencies  suggested.  Mem- 
bers from  other  QRP  clubs  throughout  trie 
world  and  all  amateurs  interested  in  QRP 
are  Invited  to  join  in.  QRP  clubs  are  re- 
quested lo  publicize  the  activity  periods  in 
their  club  magazines. 


The  following  times  and  frequencies 
will  be  used  tor  the  Spring  QRP  CW  Active 
i¥  Weekend  on  March  17-18,  the  Late 
Summer  QRP  CW  Activity  Weekend  on 
September  22-23,  and  the  QRP  Winter 
Sports  on  GW.  December  26  through  Janu- 
ary 1st 


2100-2200 
22OG-23O0 


14060 


0900-1000  GMT 

14060 

1000-1100 

21060/23060 

1100-1200 

7030 

120<M3Q0 

3560 

1300-1400 

10106 

140XM5QQ 

3560 

1500-^730 

21060/28060 

1730-2000 

14060 

2000-2100 

Toaonoioe 

In  addition  to  the  above  events, 
members  ot  the  G  QRP-Club  nave  weekly 
activity  periods  on  Sundays  between  1 100 
and  1230  and  again  from  1400  to  1530  on 
the  International  QRP  frequencies  (men- 
tioned above)  and  on  Wednesdays  on 
3560  from  2000  local  time  (tor  amateurs  In 
the  UK  and  Western  Europe). 

Full  details  ol  membersfiip  of  G-QRP- 
Ciub  from  the  Membership  Secretary, 
Fred  Garratl  G4HOM,  47  Tllshed  Close, 
Druids  Heath,  Birmingham,  B14  5LT 
England. 


REVIEW 


REVIEW  OF  A  GLUE 

Do  you  sometimes  have  the  need  for  a 
good,  strong,  easy -tc-use  ptasiic  glue— 
something  a  mile  better  than  model -air 
plane  cement  and  more  versatile  than 
"super  glue"?  If  so,  you  should  give 
PiasM-Pair*  a  try. 

"PlasM-PaJf"  Is  a  two-pan  "repair  kit,4' 
mainly  for  plastics,  but  also  excellent  for 
bonding  moat  any  thing  to  anything  else, 

"PlesM*Palr"  is  just  dandy  for  fixing 
up  most  of  the  non-electronic  computer 
things  that  tend  to  break,  crack,  snap, 
and  otherwise  fall  apart.  It  can  be  used  to 
repair  computer  cases,  broken  key  tops, 
cracked  circuit  card  guides,  broken 
switches,  and  Joysticks,  It  you've  ever 
broken  an  Impossibio-to-ropiace  knob  on 
a  television  or  other  piece  of  electronic 
gear,  you  will  certainly  appreciate  this 
glue's  ability  to  repair  knobs  I 

In  addition  to  the  usual  "glue"  applica- 
tion of  slicking  broken  things  back  to- 
gether, "Ftasu  Pair1'  can  be  used  lo  mold 
things, . .  plugs  and  sockets,  for  example. 
(Ever  break  a  weird  computer  or  radio  plug 
and  have  the  metal  parts  still  Intact  but 
the  plastic  all  disintegrated?)  It's  fust  fine 
when  you  need  to  custom- build  a  special 
plug  for  some  project,  too.  With  just  a  lit- 
tle care,  you  can  mold  and  repair  fairly 
large  sections  of  a  broken  cabinet,  This 
works  well,  for  example,  In  filling  a  gaping 
hole  In  the  case  ol  a  $10  used  video 
monitor! 

The  glue  is  easy  to  use.  ft  does,  how- 
ever, require  a  couple  of  exotic  materi- 
als a  mixing  container  and  a  mixing 
suck.  For  most  small  Jobs,  a  baby-food-far 
lid  is  Just  right  for  the  mixing  container.  A 
tongue  depressor  (or  Popslcie  stick  0 
makes  an  excellent  mixing  device. 

One  component  of  "PlwH-Paff"  Js  a 
white  powder*  the  other  is  a  clear  liquid 
To  use  the  material,  merely  dump  a  small 
amount  of  the  while  powder  into  the  mix- 
ing container  and  Odd  a  few  drops  of  the 
clear  liquid.  Stir  until  the  components  are 
well  mixed.  It  the  mixture  toofcs  grainy, 
you  need  a  tittle  more  liquid.  When  you 
have  it  mixed  (without  grafnsi  you're  all 
set . . .  unless,  that  is,  you  want  the  glue  to 
be  thicker,  in  mat  case,  you  just  sit  back 
and  wait  a  few  more  seconds  (maybe  even 
a  minute  or  so)  until  the  mixture  i a  the  de- 
sired consistency.  Then,  apply  It-  Clamp- 
ing la  rarely  needed... And  even  in  the 
cases  when  clamping  is  necessary,  il 
doesn't  have  to  be  done  for  very  long. 

For  some  plastic-to-pJastic  repairs,  the 
liquid  solvent  can  be  used  by  nseH  as  a 


glue  tt  works  at  least  as  well  as  most  reg- 
ular plastic-sot  vent-type  adhesives. 

Lest  you  think  that  this  material  <S  all 
fun  and  games,  however,  we  should  men- 
tion one  liny  drawback  that  could  get  you 
to  nm  out  of  the  house;  "PtasM-Pair 
smells  absolutely  tern  Die'  Imagine  a 
skunk's  odor  combined  with  a  tittle 
alcohol  and  some  acetone  and  you  will 
have  a  rough  idea  of  how  this  material 
smells.  If  you  must  use  it  indoors,  an  open 
window  or  an  exhaust  fan  will  be  extreme- 
ly useful! 

In  addition  to  its  obvious  computer  and 
electronics  applications,  "Plast-i-Pair"  Is 
very  handy  for  repairing  kids'  toys  and 
eyeglass  frames.  My  most  recent  use,  In- 
cidentally, was  in  repairing  a  bird  feeder. 
"Piast-i-Pair"  was  used  to  glue  two 
leather  straps  to  a  piece  of  transparent 
plastic.  And  it  heldl 

The  smallest  size  kit  of  "PlasM-Palr" 
consists  of  90  cc  of  liquid  and  3  ounces  of 
powder.  It's  sold  as  ,4No,  175"  and  costs 
$5.50  plus  shipping. 

While  you1  re  waiting  for  the  nPlast-l- 
Palr"  to  arrive,  start  saving  up  (Or  scroung- 
ing} baby-food-jar  lids  and  Popaicle 
sticks! 

For  more  Information,  contact  the 
Rawn  Company r  lnc.f  PO  Box  9,  Spooner 
Wt  54801.  Reader  Service  number  477> 

Dennis  G  Brewer  K8DIUJ4 
Greenville  NC 

B  &  W  MODEL  AC  1.8-30 

CONTI N  UOUS-COVER  AG  E 

ANTENNA 

Surely  there  are  many  of  us  who  would 
like  to  operate  on  some  band(s)  in  (he 
1,8-to-30-MHz  region  but  who  cannot,  for 
some  reason,  erect  a  full*sized,  high-elll* 
ciency  antenna  for  same.  To  abandon  the 
bandfs)  altogether  is  foolish  and  unneces- 
sary, especially  in  light  of  some  of  the  re- 
cent market  offerings  of  multipurpose 
antenna  systems  which  cover  alt  seven 
popular  HP  bands  without  the  require- 
ment of  external  tuners  or  sprawling  rural 
lots. 


The  Barker  &  Williamson  model  AC 
13-30  It  such  a  multipurpose  antenna 
iyttem.  There  is  no  question  that  the  effi- 
ciency of  such  a  system  is  relatively  tow 
when  compared  with  wetl-efevated  single 
band  resonant  arrays.  I  do  not  believe  the 
AC  1  &-30,  or  any  other  multiband  nonres- 
onant  antenna  system  will  work  as  we-N  as 
individual ty-tuned  half  wave  di poles  in- 
stalled the  requisite  half  wave  above 
ground,  however,  this  is  no  reason  to 
avoid  these  multipurpose  systems,  espe- 
cially if  you  simply  do  not  have  unlimited 
space.  Even  an  antenna  with  -20  dB  gain 
(t.e..  20  dB  loss  compared  with  a  naif -wave 
dipoie}  can  be  used  to  make  many  en- 
joyable contacts.  After  all.  20  dB  below  a 
40/39  signal  is  still  pretty  strong. 

The  B  &  W  model  AC  1.0-30  Is  adver- 
tised as  a  ''continuous-coverage  antenna," 
offering  some  degree  of  efficient  radia- 
tion from  1.8  through  30  MM*  with  a  single 
teed  line  and  no  adjustments.  Both  be- 
cause T  wanted  an  antenna  for  1£0  meters 
and  lo  prove  or  disprove  B  1  W'ft  rather 
fantastic  claims  for  this  product,  l  ordered 
one  from  a  franc hised  distributor  and 
received  It  about  a  week  later. 

In  aped  Ion 

Inspecting  the  AC  1.8-30, 1  found  a  com 
pletely  pre- assembled  antenna  consisting 
of  two  bulky  weal herp roofed  assemblies 
and  110'  of  stranded  capperweld  wire,  a 
coll  of  about  100'  Of  Similar  Stranded  cop 
perweld  wire  to  use  as  an  optional  coun- 
terpoise, and  three  heavy-duty  antenna  In- 
sulators. The  quality  of  all  component 
parts  appears  lo  be  excellent.  The  anten- 
na feed  line,  not  supplied,  connects  to 
what  B  &  W  calls  an  ft  transformer  having 
an  appearance  and  bulk  similar  to  a 
heavy-duty  wideband  balun.  At  the  oppo- 
site end  of  the  antenna  radiating  wire  is 
another  bulky  component  which  B  &  W 
calls  a  balancing  network:  This  is  similar 
In  size  and  weight  to  the  rf  transformer 
and  Is  a  two-lerminai  device  which  con- 
nects between  the  radiating  wire  and 
ground.  The  balancing  network  is  a  potted 
assembly  which  appears  very  weather- 
proof and  strong. 

The  Instruction  sheet  supplied  with  the 
antenna  is  a  simple  two-sided  photocopy 
which  does  not  attempt  to  describe  the 
theory  of  the  antenna  (see  Theory  section 
later  in  this  review).  It  does  state  that  the 
antenna  will  exhibit  a  maximum  swr  of  2:1 
from  1.8  through  30  MHz  (referenced  to  50 
Ohms},  that  the  power  rating  of  the  prod- 
uct l»  1-5  kW  I  CAS  (Intermittent  cummer- 


WHAT  DO  yOU  THINK? 

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you  have,  write  and  I  el  I  us  wh  a  r  yo  u  i  h  i  n  k  a  bout  tt  73  wi  11  publish  your  comments 
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ci at/amateur  service),  and  that  the  anten- 
na should  be  installed  as  an  inverted  "V" 
with  the  center  twenty-five  to  thirty  teet 
higher  than  the  ends,  making  (he  overall 
antenna  length  about  eighty  feel  end  to 
end  at  the  base  The  instructions  also  rec- 
ommend connecting  the  two  ground  ter- 
minals, one  each  on  the  rf  transformer 
and  the  balancing  network,  directly  to 
ground  rods  Assuming  this  meant  that  I 
should  install  the  antenna  with  ihe  two 
ends  nearly  on  the  ground  and  the  center 
elevated  about  thirty  feet  above  the  ends, 
I  proceeded  to  install  the  AC  18-30 
exactly  in  thai  manner 

Installation 

My  property  measures  140*  deep  by  2W 
wide,  slightly  over  three-quarters  of  an 
acre,  and  is  probably  typical  of  a  subur- 
ban lot.  While  my  tot  Is  wide  enough  to  ac- 
commodate a  full-sized  half-wave  dlpole 
for  160  meters,  the  trees  are  not  in  the 
right  places  to  support  a  dlpole  at  a  suffi 
cient  height  to  make  It  work  well.  A  half- 
wave  dlpole  really  should  be  Installed  a 
half  wave  above  ground  to  work  like  an 
ideal  dlpole,  and  at  1.3  MHz  this  Is  over 
200"  high.  If  I  lived  In  a  redwood  forest  with 
400'  trees  all  around,  I  could  probably 
work  this  out,  but  I  don't,  and  I  really 
couldn't  see  installing  two  250'  towers  to 
support  a  $10  dlpole.  So,  I  decided  to  try  a 
compromise  (short,  and  lass  than  200' 
high)  antenna  for  160;  thus,  the  AC  1,8-30. 

To  Install  the  B  &  W  antenna,  I  first  ran  a 
rope  from  a  limb  of  an  oak  tree  In  my  back- 
yard to  the  top  of  a  mast  strapped  to  my 
chimney  on  the  roof  of  my  house.  This 
made  the  rope  about  sixty  feet  long,  with 
each  end  support  about  forty  (eel  above 
ground.  This  rope  was  to  be  used  to  sup 
port  the  center  of  the  B  &  W  AC  1,6-30  at  a 
height  of  about  thirty  feat,  I  figured,  cor 
reel  iy,  that  the  rope  would  stretch  and  sag 
a  bit  with  the  weight  ot  the  antenna  hang 
ing  from  it. 

Next,  with  the  help  of  my  friend  KT2B.  I 
installed  Ihe  antenna  so  that  Ihe  dimen 
ssonaf  center  of  the  antenna  wire  is  sup 
ported  by  the  rope  and  the  two  ends  ot  the 
antenna  wire  come  down  to  the  grounc 
about  eighty  feet  apart,  just  like  Iht 
sketch  tn  the  B  &  W  instruction  sheet.  A 
each  end  of  tne  antenna,  we  drove  a  four 
foot  ground  rod  Into  the  earth,  and  ther 
we  stretched  the  antenna  straignt  ane 
connected  the  ground  wire  supplied  a 
each  end  of  the  antenna  assembly  (this  it 
pre-wired]  to  the  two  ground  rods.  making 
the  ground  wires  quite  short.  This  mean: 
the  rf  transformer  and  the  balancing  net 
work  are  supported  In  midair  by  the  radiat 
ing  antenna  and  ground  wires,  only  abou 
a  foot  above  ground  at  each  end. 

We  were  sure  to  install  the  antenna  ai 
that  it  makes  a  perfect  inverted  V  an< 
the  entire  antenna  is  in  line;  thai  ifl 
viewed  from  directly  above  or  below  tta 
antenna,  II  would  look  like  a  straight  Una 
B  &  W  doesn't  mention  if  this  is  important 


102     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


The  AC  1.8-30  shown  near  its  center,  which  is  hanging  from  a  horizontal  support  rope* 
The  vertical  rope  to  the  right  of  the  antenna  is  used  for  positioning  the  support  rope. 


The  feedpofnf  rf  transformer  against  a  backdrop  of  New  Jersey  chestnut  leaves.  The 
transformer  hangs  between  the  antenna  wire  and  a  ground  stake  fust  above  ground  levei. 


but  I  guessed  ft  might  be,  and  it  wasn't 
any  extra  effort  to  do  It  this  way. 

Measurements  and  Tests 

We  then  connected  a  50-Ohm  feedline 
{at  first,  random  lengths  of  RG-fl/U  and 
RG-11HJ  In  series;  later,  a  single  length  of 
RG-8AC),  ran  the  cable  In  the  house,  and 
started  maKing  measurements,  I  should 
state  that  the  very  first  band  we  tried  out 
was  180  meters  and  I  was  pleasantly  sun 
prised  to  find  that  the  antenna  loaded 
weir,  with  a  measured  vswr  of  1.5:1  across 
the  whole  band.  This  made  me  kind  of 
suspicious.  The  only  thing  I  owned  which 
was  flat  across  any  whole  band  was  a 
dummy  load,  and  I  began  to  suspect  that 
maybe  the  B  &  W  antenna  is  a  big  dummy 
load*  Tuning  across  the  band,  I  found  that 
the  antenna  Is  certainly  no  dummy,  be- 
cause it  was  receiving  loud  signals  all 
across  ISO  meters  at  about  4  o'clock  in 
the  afternoon.  I  immediately  made  a  few 
quick  contacts,  using  my  Kenwood  TS- 
520$  at  about  TOO  Watts  PEP.  to  deter- 
mine that  the  contraption  actually  works! 

Pete  KT2B  and  f  next  proceeded  to 
measure  the  antenna  impedance  using  an 
old  GE  rf  Impedance  bridge  with  an  Inter- 
nal tunable  oscillator;  we  found  the  im- 
pedance to  be  about  70  Ohms  all  across 
160  meters  and  about  the  same  all  across 
40  meters,  but  much  higher  on  the  other 
HF  ham  bands.  On  SO,  20,  15,  and  10  me- 
lers,  the  impedance  measured  between 
100  and  200  Ohms,  which  would  have  pro- 
duced swr  readings  of  2:1  to  4:1.  However, 
the  test  was  premature  because  I  had 
spliced  together  a  quick  feedline  of  RG- 
S/U  in  series  with  RG-11JU  (75-0 hm  cable}, 
random  lengths  of  each,  and  this  probabiy 
had  some  detrimental  effect  on  the  anten- 
na's impedance/frequency  relationship. 

The  next  day  I  disconnected  the  RG-8/U 
to  RGHflJ  system  and  ran  an  RG-8/X 
50-Ohm  "minifoam"  coax  feedline,  about 
sixty  feet  long,  from  the  antenna  rf  trans- 
former to  my  Kenwood.  Using  my  Bird 
model  43  directional  couplerfwattmeter 
and  a  100-Watt  HF  band  element,  I  mea- 
sured vswr  vs.  frequency  over  the  six  ham 
bands  covered  by  my  Kenwoodd  and  this 
Information  is  shown  in  Table  1, 

The  eighteen  readings  of  Table  1  are  all 
that  are  really  required  because  it  is  ob- 
vious that  the  antenna  is  quite  broadband 
and  the  swr  within  any  given  band  doesn't 
change  much.  The  "100"  readings  indi- 
cate immeasurably  low  reflected  power 
using  my  most  sensitive  Bird  element.  The 
swr  is  probably  never  quite  1.00:1,  but 
when  I  cannot  detect  any  reflected  power 
at  all,  I  round  the  swr  value  to  1 .  When  the 
swr  Is  relatively  high,  as  on  20  meters,  the 


impedance  of  the  antenna  is  higher  than 
50  Ohms,  not  lower;  e.g.,  at  14.2  MHz,  the 
complex  Impedance  Is  about  120  Ohms. 

Based  on  my  measurements,  the  B  &  W 
antenna  doesn't  quite  make  the  "less 
than  2:1  swr  across  1,8-30  MHz"  they 
claim,  but  it  comes  impressively  close. 
Note  that  I  did  not  install  the  counterpoise 
wire  which  B  &  W  states  might  improve 
performance  In  some  installations. 

Performance 
Of  course,  what  good  \s  a  low  swr  if  you 


Frequency, 

Vswr, 

MHz 

measured 

1.60 

1,65:1 

1.65 

1.50 

1.90 

1,50 

•J.O'LJ 

1,60 

3.75 

2,00 

4.00 

1.85 

7.00 

1.05 

7.15 

1.00 

7.30 

1.00 

14,00 

2.20 

14.20 

2.40 

14,35 

2.30 

21.00 

1.80 

21,20 

1.70 

21,45 

1.70 

28.00 

2.10 

28,50 

2,20 

29.00 

2.00 

Table  1. 


can't  get  out?  Not  much.  So  I  spent  the  en- 
tire contest  weekend  (November  Sweep- 
stakes) following  my  instaJJation  of  the 
AC  1.8-30  antenna  switching  back  and 
forth  between  the  B  &  W  antenna  and 
some  standards  for  my  station:  On  80 
meters,  I  normally  use  a  ha  If- wave  double- 
bazoo  ha  coaxial  dipole  installed  as  an  in- 
verted "V"  with  the  center  up  sixty  feet;  on 
40  meters,  I  normally  use  a  conventional 
half -wave  dipole  at  forty  feet;  on  20-15-10 
metersn  I  use  either  a  4-elemenl  trap  t ri- 
band yagl  (Cushcraft  ATB-34,  18'  boomp 
8-9  dB  gain/bantf)  or  a  half -wave  vertical 
(Cushcraft  H-3).  The  t riband  yagl  Is  tower- 
mounted  at  about  twenty-five  feet,  and  it 
should  be  noted  that !  have  a  hilltop  loca- 
tion wfth  rocky  (and  probably  not  very  con- 
ductive) soil.  With  a  total  of  five  antennas 
to  switch  from,  and  I  do  have  all  the  feed- 
lines  brought  to  a  coaxial  switch,  I  could 
easily  compare  the  B  &  W  antenna  to  the 
others  listed. 

Basically,  the  B  A  W  continuous-cover- 
age antenna  works  fairly  well.  It  does  not 
compare  with  my  beam  on  14,  21,  or  28 
MHz,  but  I  didn't  expect  that  it  would.  It 
also  does  not  compare  with  the  R-3  half- 
wave  vertical  on  those  three  bands.  But  it 
does  hear  pretty  well,  and  it  does  get  out. 
On  twenty  meters,  I  switched  to  the  B  &  W 
antenna  in  the  middle  of  a  few  contacts 
and  the  contacts  were  completed  with  no 
trouble.  One  of  these  contacts  was  with 
Hawaii,  some  5500  miles  distant.  I  guess 


•«* 


* 


J"*» 


The  balancing  network  hangs  between  the  antenna  wire  and  a  ground  stake  fust  above 
the  lightly  snow-covered  lawn. 


this  proves  that  20  dS  down  from  an  S9 
signal  is  still  easily  readable! 

On  forty  meters,  the  3  A  W  antenna 
really  shines  and  performed  almost  as 
well  as  my  half -wave  monooand  dipole  at 
forty  feet  under  most  conditions.  On  80 
meters,  the  antenna  works,  but  it  is  no 
match  for  my  Inverted  "v*"  double 
bazooka,  typically  producing  signals 
about  three  "S,r  units  down  from  the 
bazooka  standard.  On  160  meters,  I  do  not 
have  a  standard  antenna  with  which  to 
compare  the  B  &  W;  however,  I  can  say 
that  the  AC  1.8 -30  has  produced  many  en- 
joyable 160-meter  QSOs  at  various 
distances  from  a  few  miles  to  a  few  thou- 
sand miles.  I  am  running  only  100  Watts 
PEP  output  on  160  and  have  received 
several  complimentary  reports  from  lots 
of  stations  who  seem  to  "live"  on  that 
band.  Clearly,  the  antenna  works. 

Theory 

Intrigued  by  the  AC  1,8-30, 1  made  some 
measurements  on  both  component  parts 
and  the  compJeted,  Installed  assembly  to 
reason  why  or  how  this  antenna  works. 
The  balancing  network  Is  really  just  a 
600*0 hm  dummy  load  (resistive  termina- 
tion) of  rather  significant  proportions;  I  as- 
sume this  is  probably  rated  at  a  few  hun- 
dred Watts  in  free  air.  The  rf  transformer  Is 
exactly  that  and  has  an  Impedance  ratio 
which  varies  somewhat  with  frequency 
and  power  but  averages  about  12:1  (sec- 
ondary: primary},  I  checked  this  by  remov- 
ing the  transformer  from  the  antenna  cir- 
cuit and  performing  bench  tests  using  a 
Bird  43  wattmeter  installed  in  the  50-Ohm 
primary  side  and  connecting  various  ter- 
minating resistances  across  the  second- 
ary. The  vswr  dropped  to  a  very  low  value 
when  the  transformer  was  terminated 
with  500  to  600  Ohrner  yielding  my 
estimated  design  ratio  of  about  12:1. 

Based  on  the  above  findings  I  surmise 
that  the  AC  1,8-30  Is  a  "traveling- wave" 
antenna  which  need  not  be  resonant  to 
perform  with  reasonable  efficiency.  The 
antenna  system  looks  like  a  terminated 
wire  of  high  impedance  (BOO  Ohms),  and 
the  rf  transformer  is  used  to  match  this 
load  to  its  tow  impedance  unbalanced 
transmission  line  (50-Ohm  coax),  Al- 
though I  didn't  try  it,  I  believe  that  If  the  an- 
tenna radiating  wire  were  replaced  with 
600-Ohm  open-wire  transmission  line 
hung  in  free  space,  the  entire  system 
would  then  become  one  big  6-QCMOhm 
dummy  load  which  would  hardly  radiate  at 
all;  however,  because  in  actual  practice 
the  conductor  from  line  to  load  Is  neither 
shielded  nor  balanced,  It  radiates,  rather 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     103 


than  conducts,  most  of  I  be  power  applied 
toil. 

Conclusion 

I  guess  the  summary  results  of  my  tests 
thus  far  indicate  that  the  AC  i  &-30  is 


ideal  for  anyone  who  only  has  room  for  or 
cart  afford  fust  one  antenna  to  cover  all 
the  popular  HF  bands  t  regret  I  could  not 
try  It  out  on  30  meters,  but  I  don't  nave 
anything  on  this  new  band  (yet)  On  160 
meters.  it   is  one  of  the  few  antennas 


which  actually  works  and  fits  on  a  subur- 
ban lot;  on  the  bands  above  1 60,  the  B4W 
antenna  appears  to  work,  but  not  as  well 
as  single-band  dedicated  dipotes  For  less 
than  Si 50.  It's  not  a  bad  deal;  n I  use  1 1  j ust 
on  160  for  thai  price  and  be  happy  about  it 


For  more  Informal  ion.  contact  Batkw  3 
Williamson,  W  Canal  Street,  Bristol  PA 
19007.  (2t5h788*558t  Reader  Service 
number  476 

Steven  0.  Kate  WB2WIK 
Buck)  Lake  NJ 


47  CFH  Pari  * 7 

[PR  Qecfcet  H<*.  »S-2*  FCC  S3-SS4) 

EtUMWimetit  of  a  Cuts*  of  Amateur 
Operator  License  Not  Requiring  a 
Demonstration  of  Pton&mrtcy  In  the 
tvternafflonaJ  Horse  Coder  Withdrawal 
of  Proposed  Rule 


fl  Federal  Communications 
Conunitfijon 

actio+c:  Withdrawal  of  proposed  rules. 
Report  end  Order. 


This  document  withdraws 
two  alternative  sets  of  proposed  rules 
aet  forth  in  &  Notice  of  Proposed  Rule 
Making.  46  FR  4BS5  (February  3,  1963). 
These  rules  would  havi?  established  an 
amateur  radio  operator  license  class 
which  en  individual  could  have 
obtained  without  first  demo nstrn ting  a 
proficiency  in  the  inlpmutional  Morse 
code  These  rules  are  being  withdrawn 
because:  fl)  The  requirement  for  Morse 
code  proficiency  is  not  a  significant 
burner  for  those  who  want  to  get  an 
a  ma  tear  operator  license;  and  \2\  il  Is  in 
the  public  miesesJ  to  maintain  a  skilled 
poof  of  amateur  open  tors  tor  the  safety 
of  Life  and  property  and  pub  lu~ 
emergencies  and  for  the  national 
defense. 


mo*  contact: 

John  Borkowskt.  Private  Radio  Bureau, 
Washington.  D-C  20S54  {202)  B32-W4 

Report  and  Order 

in  the  mailer  at  eimhlMhrwnt  of  i  dass  of 
amateur  Operator  l»ti«  nc\  fequtnns  a 
denuinsu'tition  nf  probnnncy  In  the 
InkTTWilkjnfll  Mum  CoduT  V\l  Ducket  No.  83- 
?.Q. 

A4op*ed-  December  14.  1963, 
Released:  December  23,  l^ftn 
By  the  Cnmmisiiun 

Inirndtrctkm 

1.  In  the  Notice  of Proposed  Rule 
Making,  40  FR  4S55  (February  3, 19831  m 
this  proceeding,  we  proposed  to 
establish  an  amateur  radio  operator 
license  which  an  individual  could  obtain 
without  first  demon lrralirtg  a 
proficiency  in  the  mtn-national  Morse 
code  The  proposal  was  intended  to 
attract  intelligent,  disciplined  persons  to 
the  Amaieur  Radio  Service  who  could 
make  a  valuable  contribution  to  the 
service  without  such  a  proficiency.  It 
sought  to  remove  any  barrier  the  code 
requirement  might  place  in  the  path  of 
rnmuuter-orienrcd  or  handicapped 
individuals  atherwfsa  qualified  to  be 
amaieur  operators  but  for  the  code 
requirement. 

2.  "Hie  Notice  proposed  establishment 
of  one  of  two  kinds  of  '"codcless" 
operator  license  classes.  One  proposal 
was  to  eliminate  the  five  word- per- 
minute  Morse  code  examination  element 
(Element  1(A))  from  the  existing 
Technician  class  opera  I  or  lit.  rasing 
requirements,  with  all  authorized 
amateur  privileges  above  SO  MHx.  The 
alternative  proposal  Involved  creation  of 
in  entirely  new  license  class  with 
qualifications  akin  to  those  for  the 
Canadian  Digital  Amaieur  Class 
Certificate, 

Background 

S.  The  issue  of  u  code  leas  amateur 
opera  lor  license  has  been  addressed  in 


pust  Commission  proceedings.  In  a 
Notice  of  Pr&pased Rule  Making  In 
Docket  No.  20202,  39  FR  44042 
(December  ZD\  13741,  we  noted  that  the 
Morse  code  requirement  might  be  a 
significant  barrier  to  Amateur  Radio 
Sendee  LARS)  entry  to  a  Notice 
inqairy  m  General  Docket  No,  7&-2SO.  43 
FR  57729  (August  24,  ttJTaj,  we 
considered,  among  other  possible 
improvements  in  administering  Morse 
code  examinations  to  handicapped 
applicants,  creating  a  new  class  of 
amaieur  operator  license  wttboul  a 
Morse  code  proficiency  requirement  and 
with  eligibility  restricted  to  handicapped 
applicants  In  Ihe  Third  Report  tind 
On  tor  in  Docket  No  Z0ZBZ.  44  FR  15460 
(MiircJi  19.  1D79],  we  slated  we  would 
like  to  get  fresh  comments  on  the  issue 
and  would  initiate  a  new  proceeding  to 
do  so.  The  Report  and  Order  terminating 
General  Docket  No.  7fl~25flL47  FR  14197 
(April  2  lSBZi  also  discussed  ihe 
possibility  of  a  class  of  amaieur  radio 
operator  license  without  telegraphy 
requirements 

Comments 

4  Almost  5.000  comments  and  reply 
comments  were  received. '  The 
cummenti  were  overwhe]  nungly 
opposed  to  the  establishment  of  any 
class  of  amateur  operator  license  noi 
requiting  m  denionstraOon  of  prof iciency 
in  the  international  Morse  code.  There 
were  approximately  twenty  comments 
opposed  to  a  code  Less  operator  class  for 
every  comment  in  favor  of  such  a  class,7 

S.  Comments  and  reply  comments  in 
favor  of  some  form  of  amateur  license 
not  requiring  proficiency  in  the 
in  tern  a  bona  I  Morse  code  included  those 
of  ihe  Amateur  Radio  Research  and 
Development  Corporatkin  (AMRADj* 
the  Ane-com  Amateur  Radio  Chib.  the 
Caps tcrf  Hill  Amateur  Radio  Sooriy 
(CHARS},  the  Cetmaba  Wireless 
Association,  the  Emerson  Electr 
Amateur  Radio  Club  (Erne rson).  the 
Garden  Stale  Amateur  Radio 
Assoc  »h  onr  the  Sonhem  tlUnot*  DX 
A\iocuhDiL  the  Okaw  Valley  Amaieur 
Radio  Club,  the  Southern  Michigan 
Amaiesr  Radio  Teas,  the  Sterling  Pars 
Amateur  Rudju  Club,  use  Tennessee 
Council  of  Amateur  Radie  Oubs  and  the 
Wilkmjerte  Valley  DX  Club 

&  Comments  and  reply  comments 
opposed  tu  any  form  of  amateur  license 
not  requiring  proficiency  in  the 
international  Morse  code  included  those 
of  Ihe  Amateur  Radio  As&orhtlbn  of  the 
Tonawandas,  Amateur  Radio  Post  360 
I  American  Legion,  Department  of 
California],  the  Amateur  Radio 
Transmitting  Society  of  Louisville,  the 


1  Tks  ariun  of  ihe  Cspilol  H0t  Aisile**  Radio 
Surety  K^tARS}  to  E^  Hi  l»fe  f.l«*  |  Au«u*l  }r 
1SBJ)  replf  gpnunmu:*  i*  (ran  lad  The  bmUoo  c£  the 
RaAp  ReUy  1  t-mgm,  fac  <  AWL)  hw 
■o  esftmu  svppttBiaitsJ  reply 
CHARS  knitted  rrW>     ■■'     »"  '» 

' Mm^j ?■■■■■  ■■  !■.  «Am  thamQJXfmmUX. 

of  a  ntSp****  W*jiat  Urmtm  claaa.    m-rrr 
slwnwnTs  tsascWMfit  tot  ttv*  type  om  iiKklesi 
\K*am  to  tap  erfppted  ibmLd  *#  dKxfc  to] 

' '  SDaae  eort  of  CHaneafl  exeses 
those  ••  aceunenfi  em  >aa  |iiu|iiiail  ralhsr  Su  *• 
aapafatr  {H*IHieike  for  ntl«  fnaliitig  In  wjpw  at  itaf 
nriutl  r*Bch#d  h**rt>ir  we  wrmlti  ttntrrfnm  tutor 
psotnaali  fnr  alttreaiMif  ■(wcinim  iapa.ni1*  «rvd 
ti[Mff  Irorn  imutruT  radio  frfrqunKMn  Ear  a  rrnvt 
(xmifujlar  ImNiynlf  radio  tffrviCC. 


American  Radio  Relay  Lea  sue,  Inc. 
(ARRLJ,  the  Athens  Amateur  Radio 
Club;  the  Bay  Area  Two-Twenty  Group, 
the  Bell  Amaieur  Radio  Club,  the  Beirut 
Amateur  Radio  Cub,  Inc.  the  Bemidji 
Amaieur  Radio  Club,  the  Black  Diamond 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Brandon 
Amaieur  Radio  Society,  the  Buffalo 
Amaieur  Radio  Repeater  Association, 
the  Bulte  Amateur  Radio  Club,  thi 
Capf^way  Amateur  Radio  Club  of 
Massachusetts,  the  Central  Carolina 
Amateur  Radio  Society,  the  Cleveland 
Wireless  Association,  the  Concord 
Brasspounders  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
East  Bay  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Eastern  Shore  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Elmore  County  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Emporia  Amateur  Radio  Society,  ihe 
Estero  Amateur  Redio  Club,  the 
Everglades  Chapter  of  the  Quarter 
Century  Wireless  Association  [QCWA). 
the  Fairfield  Amateur  Radio 
Association,  the  Falmouth  Amateur 
Radio  Association.  Inc.,  the  Find  Lay 
Radio  Club,  the  Flathead  Valley 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  Ihe  Grande  Ronde 
Radio  Amateurs,  the  Great  Circle 
Shortwave  Society,  Ihe  Greater 
Milwaukee  DX  Association,  the  Greater 
Toledo  Amateur  Radio  Association,  the 
Green  Fox  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Grumman  Amateur  Radio  Club, 
Hancock  Emergency  Amateur  Radio 
Services*  Inc.  the  Hendricks  County 
Ham  Club,  the  Hood  view  Amateur 
Radio  Club,  the  Houston  Echo  Society, 
the  Idaho  Society  of  Radio  Amateurs 
(Magic  Valley  Chapter),  the  inter-Qty 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Irwin  Ares 
Amateur  Radio  Association,  the  ITT 
Cilftllan  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Jackson  Amateur  Radio  Club,  bic^  the 
Jefferson  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Keltic  Moraine  Radio  Amateur  Club,  the 
Lac  Qui  Pari*  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Lebanon  Valley  Society  of  Amateur 
Radio  Dub,  the  Liverpool  Amateur 
Repeater  Club,  the  McHenry  County 
Wireless  Association,  the  MeMinnvillt! 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Madison 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Metropolitan 
Amateur  Radio  Club>  the  Me  tut  hen 
Amaieur  Radio  Club,  the  Mid-Oklahoma 
Repeator.  Inc.  the  Mike  and  Key  Radio 
Club,  the  Milton  Academy  Amateur 
Radio  Club,  the  Milwaukee  Radio 
Amateurs  Club,  Inc.  the  Milwaukee 
School  of  Engineering  Amateur  Radio 
Club,  the  Monongalia  Wireless 
Association,  the  Murray  State 
University  Amateur  Radio  Club,  ihe 
Nashua  Area  Radio  Club.  Inc  rVBS- 
Bxdss.  the  North  Alta  Lama  Repeater 
ClubH  Ibe  North  nip  Radio  Club,  the  Old 
Post  Amateur  Society,  hie.  the  Old 
Pueblo  Radio  Club,  Inc.*  the  Ole  Virginia 
Ham  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Owensboro  Amateur  Radio  Club\  the 
Pen  I  agon  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Penhu-kfT  Radio  Association.  Inc.,  Pike 
Amateur  Radio  Emergency  Services,  Ihe 
Port  City  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Portage  Amaieur  Redio  Club,  Ihe 
Potomac  Valley  Radio  Club.  QCWA.  the 
Radio  Amateur  Teletypists  Society  oF 
Minneapolis,  the  Radio  Chib  of  Tacoma. 
Inc.  the  Rock  River  Radio  Club,  the  Si. 
Barnabas  Amaieur  Radio  Club,  the  St, 
CJoud  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  St 
Lawrence  Valley  Repeater  Association, 
the  San  Antonio  Repeater  Organisation, 
ihe  Santa  Rosa  Amateur  Radio 
Association,  the  Schenectady  Amateur 
Radio  Association.  Inc.  the  Sharon 
Amateur  Radio  Association,  the 
Shiawassee  Amateur  Radio  Association, 
the  Sierra  Nevada  Amateur  Radio 
Society,  Inc.,  the  Sioux  Falls  Amateur 
Radio  Oub,  Inc.,  Sonoma  County  Rad 
Amateurs.  Inc.,  the  South  Georgia 
Amateur  Radiu  Club,  the  South  Texas 
Amateur  Radio  Society.  Inc.,  the  South 


Texas  Amateur  Repeater  Club.  Inc..  the 
South  Towns  Amateur  Radio  Society, 
the  Southeastern  DX  Club,  the  Southern 
California  220  Spectrum  Management 
Association,  the  Southern  California 
Repeater  and  Remote  Base  Association 
jSCRRBA),  the  Southern  Oregon 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Steubenville- 
Weirton  Amateur  Radio  Club!  the  Slory 
County  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Suburban  Amateur  Repeater 
Association*  Inc ..  the  Texas  DX  Society, 
the  Texas  VHF-FM  Society,  the 
Thibodaux  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
Thumb  Amateur  Radio  Club,  the 
University  of  Minnesota  Amateur  Radio 
Club,  the  Valley  Amateur  Radio 
Association,  the  Valley  of  the  Moon 
Amateur  Radio  Club,  the  Viking 
Amateur  Radio  Society,  the  West  Valley 
Amateur  Radio  Association,  the 
Western  Piedmont  Amateur  Radio  Club, 
the  Wood  County  Amateur  Radio  Club. 
the  Worthington  Amateur  Redio  Club 
and  the  York  Radio  Club.1 

Summary  of  Decision 

7,  For  the  reasons  set  forth  in  the 
discussion  below,  we  h«ve  determined 
that  It  would  not  be  in  the  public 
interest,  convenience  or  necessity  for 
the  Commission  to  establish  a  class  of 
amateur  operator  license  not  requiring  a 
demonstration  of  proficiency  in  the 
international  Morse  code,*  We  reach 
this  determination  on  the  basis  that:  (TJ 
A  five  word -per -minute  (wpm)  code 
requirement  does  not  constitute  a 
significant  ARS  entry  barrier:  (2) 
knowledge  of  ihe  Morse  code  continues 
to  be  relevant  to  everyday  ti$age  in  Ihe 
ARS:  and  P|  a  Morse  code  requirement 
for  every  license  class  is  important  to 
maintaining  Ihe  traditional  public 
service  role  of  the  ARS  in  emergencies 
involving  public  safety  and  the  national 
defense. 

Discussion 

L  Morse  code  as  an  entry  barrier. 

A.  The genemi public,  B,  We  received 
many  commentn  from  persons  who 
indicated  that  the  Morse  code  was  a 
barrier  for  them  in  Joining  the  ARS,  For 
instance: 

I  am  not  a  Lic*n&rd  a  ma!  cur  radio  operator 
i  have  s  tedunictani  dpgrec  from  the 
Cleveland  frvsti  rule  of  £j« :  ironies  and  a 
Batchelor  of  Science  degree  in  Electrical 
Engineerinf  from  the  University  of 
Tennessee.  I  know  ifait  1  can  pass  the 
lerhnirail  ham  for  smsf eur  1 1 ceding  At  this 
time  the  Mors*  code  Is  die  major  dbitncJe 
between  me  and  my  emsleor  license. 
Comments  of  John  D  TriptetL 

5ome  comm enters  alleged  personal 
learning  barriers.  Others  indicated  (hat 
they  cannot  find  the  time  to  learn  the 
code. 

Q.  To  the  extent  a  "code  barrier0 
exists,  it  appears  to  be  an  attitudinal 
one.  M.  HoshtkOn  faculty  advisor  and 
trustee  of  the  Southern  Illinois 
University  Amateur  Radio  Club,  said 
thai  very  few  electronics  students  are 
willing  lo  study  the  code  to  become 
bams.  The  unwillingness  to  study  Mama1 
code  may  reflect  a  perception  that  it  is 
an  outmoded  form  of  comm uni cation. 
Edward  Novak  commented  lb  at  most 
individuals  who  will  not  study  the  code 


i  U<in*ld  a  to^akMfcfi  Petition  tot 
fee  *Jt«B*liie  Aawd  m  fatted  aa  an  awiid 
pennon  niKter  {  17TS  off**  Gawmmmvm'*  ftutes 
[tfcu  ts  ran  «  peOnoa  lot  Mpmtan  w  wtectiae  of  • 
k>  iKiff  film*!-  Hmwr.  tins  (Motion  wUl  b* 
treated  M  •  VAlMBm  Is  SppA« t jon  tq  ihe  ijujyumfl 
rate  maUns. 


1  Ai  ■  mnJt  at  utli  dtisnnkojttiaa.  «•  da  not 
retch  (he  question  of  whkh  type  of  "codeiees" 
license  would  be  moti  spproprlste. 


104     73  Magazine  ■  March,  1984 


are  refusing  to  submit  to  what  they 
perceive  at  an  obsolete  "ritual" 
requirement  that  they  feel  will  have  no 
application  for  them  beyond  gaining 
them  their  ham  licenses,  (See 
paragraph*  24-28,  infra.j 

10.  Sometimes,  a  lack  of  willingness  to 
study  Morse  code  appears  to  be  related 
to  (ear  of  its  difficulty.  One  Morse  code 
instructor  its  ted  that  he  has  M.  .  . 
observed  an  Initial  apprehension  of 
tearing  the  international  Morse  code 
which  usually  accompanies  the  thought 
of  learning  something  like  an  aba  tract 
foreign  language/"  Comments  of  Gary  L 
Crown. 

11.  Those  who  do  study  Morse  code 
appear  to  have  few  problems  with  the 
five  wpm  requirement  Instructors  of 
code  and  theory  commenting  in  this 
proceeding  agreed  that  anyone  can.  with 
itudy.  establish  Morse  code  5  wpm 
proficiency.  Several  instructors  told  us 
that  no  successful  electronics  students 
in  their  classes  who  really  wanted  an 
amateur  license  had  failed  to  learn  and 
pass  the  code  lest 

12.  Significantly,  instructors  of  code 
and  theory  also  agreed  that  younger 
students  have  little  or  no  difficulty  in 
mastering  Morse  code.  John  B.  Mo  I  Ian 
stated  that  younger  students  have 
difficulty  with  the  "theory"  rather  than 
the  code  requirements,  John  C, 
Hiillyburton,  Sr  indicated  that  he  has 
experienced  no  difficult),  in  training 
both  Cub  and  Boy  Scouts  in  Morse  code. 
And  Francis  J,  D'Auna  said  that  his 
average  student  learns  ihe  code  with 
fifteen  hours  of  study  and  practice,  and 
some  youngsters  learn  the  code  in  eight 
to  ten  hours,1  Melvin  C.  Vye.  an 
associate  professor  or  electronic 
technology  at  the  University  of  Akron. 
indicated  thai  young  people  with  an 
interest  in  computers — one  of  the  groups 
targeted  as  a  basis  for  the  Notice  in  this 
proceeding — have  the  leasl  problem  of 
any  group  in  mastering  Morse  code. 

33,  Many  com m enters  hastened  to 
point  out  that  a  Morse  code  requirement 
cannot  be  much  of  a  barrier  to  ARS 
entry,  because  ".  .  .  fa )e vera  I  hundred 
thousand  licensed  Amateurs  have 
learned  Morse  code  and  successfully 
passed  code  examinations  in  order  to 
achieve  a  license,"  Comments  of 
Richard  A.  St i em.  Manin  D  Shapiro 
correctly  pointed  out  in  his  comments 
that  over  the  past  50  years  the  number 
of  licensed  amateur  operators  has 
increased  from  30,000  to  in  excess  of 
400,000,  or  roughly  1300%, 

14  In  disputing  the  Notice's  reliance 
upon  a  1971  study  referred  to  in  Docket 
No.  20282.  the  Pentucket  Radio 
Association,  Inc.  stated  that  from  197B  to 
1900  Ihe  number  of  ARS  licensees  grew 
by  35S&.  adding  over  100,000  persons  to 
the  Service.  The  Radio  Operators 
Association  of  New  Bedford  pointed  to 
the  growth  in  numbers  of  Licensed 
Amateurs  between  1973  and  1980  of 
nearly  200%  Novice*  27%  Technician, 
30%  General,  38%  Advanced  and  100% 
Amateur  Extra  Class  licensees  as 
evidence  that  Morse  code  requirements 
are  not  deterring  ARS  expansion. 

15,  The  most  recent  Commission 
statistics  showed  continued  increase  in 
the  number  of  amateur  operators  in 
fisc.il  year  (FY I  1983.  Jo  FY  1983,  the 
total  number  uf  amateur  operators  grew 
10  AU17H7  for  a  net  gain  of  4.339 
operators  (20,940  new  opera  tors 
balanced  against  a  loss  of  10,601 
aperutorsj.  We  conclude  that  the 
Amateur  Radio  Service  is  a  healthy, 
growing  service  which  has  attracted 
;trge  numbers  of  new  licensees  over  the 
last  decade,  its  growth  is  continuing 
the  Morse  code  requirement  does  not 
ippear  lo  have  critically  affected  the 


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Inlar  TO  31-3-11  snlLllnd  Internal iana/  Mors* 
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Hone  cod*  ants  1 3-22  taufi  of  nudy 
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entry  of  new  licensees  into  the  Amateur 
Radio  Sen  ice. 

16.  We  conclude  that  a  five  wpm 
requirement  for  proficiency  in  the 
international  Morse  code  is  not  an 
unreasonable  burden  upon  license 
applicants.  Members  of  (he  general 
public,  particularly  younger  students 
with  developing  interests  in  electronic 
technology,  radio  and  computers,  are 
capable  of  learning  the  international 
Morse  code  at  a  proficiency  of  five  wpm 
without  undue  difficulty.  We  conclude 
I  ha  I  lo  Ihe  extent  a  Morse  code 
requirement  eels  as  a  bar  lo  ARS  entry 
for  some,  it  is  a  necessary  trade-off  fur 
the  present  nature  of  the  Amateur  Radio 
Servke. 

B.  Computer  interests  and  the  ARS. 
17.  Bash  Educational  Services,  Inc 
I  Bash)  expressed  the  view  that  the 
implementation  of  a  codeless 
Technician  Class  license  would  not 
greatly  increase  the  ranks  of  amateur 
radio  operators  but  would  enhance  the 
Service  with  the  input  from  the  more 
technically  oriented  youth  in  the  United 
States.  On  the  other  hand,  the  Emerson 
Electric  Amateur  Radio  Club  (Emerson) 
acknowledged  the  affinity  between 
home  or  personal  [hobby)  computing 
and  amateur  radio,  as  evidenced  by 
packet  radio.  AMTOK,  microprocessor 
RTTY.  keyboard  key  era  >  and  code 
readers-  Bui  Emerson  staled  thai  the 
development  of  a  body  of  pseud o 
communicators  who  are  little  more  than 
'appliance  operators"  would  not  be  a 
sigificanl  step  in  merging  the  two 
interests. 

IS.  Some  commenters4  such  as 
William  M,  Pasternak  (Pasternak), 
executive  producer  of  Westlink  Radio 
News,  felt  that  while  amateur  radio  and 
computer  interests  may  overlap,  most 
young  computer4  users  have  no  interest 
in  amateur  radio.  Instead  they  pursue 
information  retrieval  and  exchange 
through  the  use  of  modems 
Interconnected  with  ihe  public  switched 
telephone  nr-lwork  lo  <u:\-r>\$  cnnnm-rr  ln| 
computer  networking  organisations  such 
as  "The  Source"  and  "Compunet." 

19.  After  review  log  the  comments,  wp 
conclude,  as  Ihe  ARRL  slated,  thai: 

there  ii  no  endVnce  that  younger, 
sr.huulaged  individual!  whose  primary 
inn-reft  is  in  computer  lechrjology  will  l*r 
iiMfjjdi'd  io  nrmiNHir  redid  through  the 

iJjuni  uf  such  h  Ifctmst  .  •  .  .  *m  Jnl«rr«l  in 
. npuitrr  operation  by  no  means  connnlf-s  an 
mtttrest  in  radio  co  mm  urn  canons 

C,  Handicapped  applicants.  20.  The 
vast  majority  of  comments  opposed 
implementation  of  a  codeless  license  on 
the  basis  of  a  need  to  accommodate 
handicapped  applicants.  The  only 
comments  favoring  any  iorl  of  special 
cod  el  ess  license  for  the  handicapped 
were  the  comments  of  some  who,  while 
generally  opposed  to  a  codeless  license, 
acknowledged  that  they  did  no!  want  to 
bar  entry  to  the  ARS  on  the  basis  of  I 
person  s  h.mdicap. 

21,  Comments  from  handicapped 
people  themselves  and  from  people  who 
assist  them  in  learning  code  and  theory 
in  order  to  successfully  complete 
amateur  operator  examinations  strongly 
uppo&ed  a  codeless  license  Tor  the 
handicapped-  The  Peniacket  Radio 
Association  Inc.  pointed  out  that  in 
responding  to  PR  Docket  No,  7&-25a 
handicapped  Amateurs  were  not  asking 
for  a  special  license  or  elimination  of 
requirements  bul  instead  sought 
acknowledgement  of  an  individual's 
handicap  and  permission  lo  use  special 
techniques  so  that  they  may  take  the 
same  examination  as  everyone  else,  Reo 
DePew  expressed  the  view  of  a  majority 
of  handicapped  amateurs  when  he 
staled  (hat  a  "no -code"  license  would  be 
unfair  to  them  and  rob  them  of  some  of 
their  pride  of  accomplishment. 

22.  perhaps  the  moat  telling  and 
persuasive  comments  of  all  onJhis 
subject  are  those  of  the  Courage 
HANDJ-HAM  System,  an  international 
n on  profit  service  organisation  which 
provides  amateur  radio  educational 
services,  equipment  and  fraternity  to 


people  with  physical,  sight  speech  and/ 
or  hearing  handicaps.  They  stated; 

We  mull  strenuously  object  to  the 
uroumenl  ihul  people  with  physiciil 
handicap!  are  prevented  from  being  able  to 
successfully  complete  a  Mane  code 
examination.  Extensive  experience  in  training 
over  SvOOO  severely  handicapped  people 
prove*  othrrvuse  En  only  six  oases  over  the 
past  16  years  have  we  encountered  a 
situation  where  ■  physical  {as  opposed  lo 
men tal|  disability  has  absolutely  prevented 
an  individual  from  learning  the  code  si  the 
prescribed  epeedsT  The  Courage  HANDI- 
1 1  AM  System  has  developed  lea  mini; 
methods  nnd  transcript  Inn  lectin  Iq  lies  which 
bring  me  International  Morse  code  well 
wiikin  til*  abilities  of  severely  band  i  raped 


Of  perhaps  even  greater  stgniikaareg  n  the 
reason  WH*  so  many  seventy  handicapped 
Radio  Amateurs  put  forth  tremendous  efTt>rt 
In  learn  the  code  aT  sp^rd*  which  prrrmt  fast 
and  reliable  on  ihc-air  common icirli cms:  for 
many.  Ihe  Moth?  code  fa  \iw  ONLY  inetina  oi 
Dorurnuiitcstiaiil  available  to  them.  You  mual 
realize  Lhj+i  ihe  very  person  who  ij  so 
severely  handicapped  that  he  kaj  •  past 
deal  of  difficulty  tranacnbiog  the.  code  im- 
precisely the  person  who.  by  reason  at  severe 
ipeech  involvement  w.ih  hit  physical 
handicap.  NEEDS  the  a*!*  to  commumcate. 
Comroeala  of  ifar  Covrsge  HANDl-HAN 
System. 

23,  We  conclude  that  physical 
inability,  in  other  than  extremely  rare 
and  exceptional  circumstances,  does  not 
prevent  handicapped  persons  from 
learning  the  Morse  code  and 
successfully  completing  Morse  code 
examinations  We  have  made  every 
effort  to  accommodate  the  handicapped 
in  commission — administered  amateur 
operator  examinations.  We  have 
promulgated  rules  to  assure  that  the 
handicapped  will  be  Btmftiiriy 
Hccommodflted  under  the  new  amateur 
volunteer  examiner  program.  Set'  *.g.  47 
CFK  97-Wte)  Generally.  Ihe 

jdi  capped  go  to  extraordinary  lengths 
md  are  extremely  resourceful  in 
designing  me  thuds  lo  achieve  code 
proficiency.  Handicapped  applicants  are 
justifiably  proud  when  Ihey  master  the 
Morse  code  They  wish  lo  be  treated  as 
co-equals  in  the  Amateur  Radio  Service; 
not  as  a  special  group  needing  a  special 
license.  Thus,  considerations  for 
handicapped  applicants  do  not  appear 
to  warrant  creation  of  a  codeless 
license. 

II,  Relevance  of  Morse  Code 

24,  Comments  supporting  the 
proposals  In  the  Notice  claimed  that 
knowledge?  of  Ihe  international  Morse 
code  is  irrelevant  in  today's  ARS  In  its 
Reply  Comments.  CHARS  stated  thai  ti 
js  nol  even  necessary  to  have  amy  Morse 
code  skills  to  utilise  the  code  because 
Inexpeaafve  home  computers 
interconnected  with  radio  transmitters 

ii nd  receivers  are  generally  capable  of 
lmn»mitting  and  receiving  Morse  code 
at  speeds  between  1  and  99  words  per 
minute.  Harold  A.  Wilson  commented 
that  with  current  technology  almost  all 
communication  above  50  MHz  on  the 
amateur  bands  is  FM.  David  A.  Miller 
slated  thai  at  the  Technician  level  "99% 
of  UHF  and  VHF  communication  is 
voice  communication." 

25,  The  comments  on  this  subject  are 
conflicting,  with  a  large  preponderance 
of  comments  of  the  opposite  view 
Alfred  G.  Comle,  jr..  stated  that  the 
proposal  for  a  codeless  license  equates 
with  a  proposal  to  do  awiy  with  Ihe 
instruction  of  sriihmeirc  in  elementary 
schools  due  to  the  prevalence  of 
inexpensive  pock  el  calculators  Mirny 
comment ers.  like  Charles  K.  Daum, 

n ted  to  the  survey  conducted  b* 
Florida  Stale  University's  maiitute  for 
Social  Research*  cited  in  the  Notice,  m 
which  63*  of  the  amateur  operators 
responding  said  that  a  Morse  code 
requirement  is  either  essential  or 
important  for  operator  privileges  below 
:ty  MHz,  and  04*.  said  thul  such  a 
requirement  is  cs&entiaJ  or  important  for 
operator  privileges  above  30  MHz. 

26,  Emil  Ptoeock  commit  ted  that 
Morse  code  has  many  applications 
today  above  50  MHz.  He  surd  that  it  t* 
used  for  weak -signal  commisnioi  Hosts, 


which  is  an  important  and  widely 
pursued  art  in  the  VHP  and  UHF  beads 
Edgar  Herbert  CaJlaway4  fr..  further 
explained  thai  such  weak  signal  work 
included: 

the  use  or  low-noise  transistors,  power 
amplifiers,  high  gain  antennas*  ltd  Mb 
baud  receivers,  etc     .   .  The  first 
EME  (BoenbosfftcrJ  contsd  mm 
Morse  code-  Abo  the  first  meleur  Kilter 
contacts  on  1*4, 220,  and  432  MHa.  The 
pioneering  Calilomis-lo-Hssvaij  144  and  220 
MHz  contact*  hy  WflNLZ  and  fCltfllJJC  [2S40 
mJlea,  discovering  truly  long-haul 
triTpoapheric  dueling  in  the  tropicsj1  were 
made  via  Morse  code  Me*!  of  (terse 

contribabons  to  tha  a«n»teur  radio  ssrvice 
sod  the  radio  art  m  genera]  were  made  by 
operators  with  ability,  yza*  stale  of  Lhe-«n 
equipmeni.  yes.  but  they  all  ^vuww/Mwip 
code.  Tha  catilemporary  equipmenl  did  ool 
allow  tor  (be  extra  3-  lo  10-dB  of  sijrna) 
*irengtri  needed  for  another  mode,  There- 
would  have  been  no  break  through*  withoot 
Morse.  Comments  of  Edjgar  Herbert 
Callaway,  \r. 

27.  There  is  also  much  evidence  I  hat 
Morse  rode  is  used  frequently  above  144 
MJfe.  Matthew  V.  Ellsworth  commented 
I  hat  it  is  often  used  in  Ihe  two-meter  and 
440  MHi  bands  for  com  mimical  ions 
with  earth  -orb  i  ting  satellites.  He  also 
staled  that  most  automatic  repeating 
stations  identify  by  using  a  code 
genera  ting  device.  Geoffrey  H,  Kruuss 
said  that  even  recent  VlfF  enn tests 
reflect  substantial  Morse  code  usage. 
Richard  A*  StJern  commented  that  the 
Morse  Code  is  still  used  extensively  by 
the  Armed  Forces  and  Ihe  Merchant 
Marine  because  of  its  reliability  under 
any  circumstances.  Joseph  M.  Rice 
slated  in  his  comment  thai  99%  of  the 
present  OSCAR  satellite  work  is  done 
using  Morse  code. 

2a\  We  conclude  that  Morse  code  at  ill 
occupies  a  significant  place  in  day  to- 
day amateur  operation,  particularly  in 
(he  HF  hands.  The  Morse  code  is  used 
normally  on  VHF  and  UHF  frequencies 
in  conjunction  with  weak  signal 
ctimmuni nations.  The  Murse  code  is 
relied  upon  heavily  for  experimentaMon 
iind  the  development  of  new 
technological  advances.  The  Morse 
code,  rather  than  being  irrelevant  or 
obsolete,  conflnues  to  be  an  integral  port 
of  amateur  radio. 

Ml.  Use  of  Morse  Code  in  Civil 
Emergencies,  and  for  National  Defense 

29.  In  extensive  comments.  Donald 
Cod  ward  gel  forth  the  basic  philosophy 
of  those  commenters  who  believe  that 
Morse  code  is  no  ronger  needed  for 
amateur  responsiveness  in  civil  or 
mifitary  emergencies  He  stated  that  the 
advent  of  all  solid  stale  SSS 
transceivers.  VHF-FM  gear,  and  RTTY 
equipment  has  essentia  If  y  eliminated 
ihe  need  for  CW  in  emergency 
ignitions.  He  said  lhat  modern  SSB/ 
FM/RTTY  equipment  is  so  small  and 
light  lhat  it  is  highly  portable  and  its 
power  requirements  ore  so  compatibre 
with  modem  balteries  and  port  a  hie 
power  generators  lhat  there  is  no  bnger 
any  reai  advantage  lo  CW  in  emergen cy 
operations,  even  in  terms  of  being  able 
lo  "gel  ihrouoh."  The  Mississippi 
Emergency  Mnnflgemeint  Agency  said 
that  modern  digital  techniques  are 
preferable  to  code  for  getting  a  message 
through  CHARS  stated  that  most 
emergency  communications  m  fact 
utilize  voice,  either  sideband  or  FM 

30.  However*  most  individuals  and 
groups  Involved  in  amateur  emergency 
t  nmmunicutions  urged  retention  of  a 
code  requirement  for  all  amateur 
operator  licenses.  Many  amateur 
operators  brought  our  attention  to 
specific  instances  of  emergency 
communications  that  were  possible  only 
with  the  use  of  Morse  code,  such  as  this 
year's  tornado  and  floods  in  Southeast 
Missouri,  life  threatening  emergencies  at 
sea  handled  by  the  Man  time  Mobile 
Service  Net,  (he  rescue  of  the  crew  of 
the/o/tf  MorarL  and  the  rescue  of  the 
crew  of  a  sinking  ship  in  the  Straits  of 
Juan  de  Fuca.  AJ  Uvietta, 

Com muntca lions  Support  Group 
Coordina  tor  for  Ihe  City  of  San  Antonio. 
Office  of  Emergency  Management,  and 


73  Magazine  •  March.  1984     105 


Hancock  Emergency  Amateur  Radio 
Services,  Inc.,  a  group  of  about  twenty- 
five  amoteur  op cf  a  ton  banded  together 
by  the  need  for  emergency 

nmunkiitions  during  tornadoes. 
Hoods  and  other  <!i sailers,  commented 
that  Morse  code  is  more  effective  in 
getting  through  when  communications 
are  affected  by  weather,  poor 
propagation  and  interference,  Mosl 
commenters  still  view  Morse  code  as  the 
com  nuinina  lions  mode  oflast  resort  for 
the  worn!  conditions.  See,  e,y. 
Comment*  of  Ralph  V.  Anderson; 
Comment*  of  |ames  W.  Pariin. 

31.  Many  comment et-*.  including  the 
Southern  California  Repeater  and 
Remote  Base  Association  (5CRRBA), 
were  concerned  that  the  anticipated 
growth  of  the  ARS  If  we  adopt  a 
cndeless  license  would  adversely  impart 
already-crowded  repealer  operation  in 
targe  urban  areas,  with  resullant 
detrimental  effect  upon  emergency 
rom  mum  cat  ions  capability.  The  Story 
County  Amateur  Fad  jo  Club  pointed  out 
that  a  Morse  code  requirement  for  every 
amateur  operator  license  hash  res 
maintenance  of  a  pool  of  skilled 
amateur  operator*  available  to  provide 
communications  for  the  public  in 


32.  Several  years  ago,  the  US.  military 
services  "de -emphasized"'  the  use  of 
Morse  code  as  a  modem 
Communications  tool,  Now  there  is  a 
major  punh  In  Ihe  U.S.  military  services 
to  re- train  their  radio  operators  in  the 
proficient  use  of  Morse  code.  In  the  Air 
Force,  for  example,  alt  ground  radio 
operators  must  be  proficient  at  Eve 
words  per  minute  before  March  l,  1984. 
They  have  two  years  to  reach  ten  words 
per  minute  and  three  years  to  reach  15 
wpm.  See  the  Comments  of  Gen, 
Kremin  Henry  M,  Wymbs,  an  Army 
Signal  School  graduate  and  former 
member  of  the  Second  Signal  Service 
Battalion  in  World  War  U  commented 
that  amateurs  having  a  knowledge  of  the 
international  Morse  code  have  always 
formed  a  trained  cadre  of 
communicators  upon  which  Ihe  military 
has  always  depended, 

33.  A  letter  to  the  ARUL  from  Mr 
Oscar  A  Gold  fern,  acting  Deputy 
Assistant  Secretary  for  Logistics  and 
Communications.  U.S.  Air  Force,  stated 
thai '  [sjhould  the  Commission  adopt  the 
'No -Code"  proposal  we  would  establish 
a  requirement  For  Morse  code 
proficiency  as  a  condition  for  becoming 
an  Air  Force  MARS  member/1  See  the 
Reply  Comments  of  the  American  Radio 
Relay  League.  The  Central  Intelligence 
Agency  (C1AJ,  in  a  full-page 
advertisement  lor  Electronic 
Technicians,  Communicators  and  Radio 
Operators  published  in  the  June  1083 
issue  of  Signal  Magazine  and  appended 
to  the  comments  of  Philip  H  Petersen 
stated  that  "Morse  code  ability  at  12 
gpm  I  wpm  |  is  preferred:  other  applicants 
will  be  tested  for  Morse  apli  lode" 

34.  We  conclude  that  a  proficiency  in 
the  Internationa]  Morse  code  is  si  ill  very 
useful  for  amateur  responsiveness  in 
civil  and  military  emergencies,  in  such 
emergencies,  it  is  the  principal 
communications  mode  of  last  resort  in 
the  face  of  uncertain  propagation 
characteristics  or  severe  interference 
Due  to  international  language  barriers,  it 
is  sometimes  ihe  only  effective 
communications  mode.  It  is  in  the  public 
interest,  convenience  and  necessity  to 
maintain  a  poo]  of  skilled  amateur 
operators  available  to  provide 
emergency  communications  for  the 
public  during  disasters  and  for  the 
national  defense.  Continuance  of  a 
requirement  for  proficiency  in  the 
international  Morse  code  will  contribute 
to  continued  maintenance  of  such  a 
pool.  Clearly,  Morse  code  is  a 
fundamental  communications  skill 
critical  to  the  nature  of  the  ARS," 


as.  Foreign  Codeless  Experience. 
Many  commenters*  including  Edward  C 
Simmons,  stated  that  Canada  hai  very 
few  code  less  class  licensees  because  of 
a  much  more  difficult  examination  than 
we  proposed  for  either  alternative  U.S. 
codeless  class  license,  On  the  other 
hand,  a  large  number  of  co  mm  enters 
attributed  the  substantial  growth  of 
Japan's  amateur  radio  service  (from 
70.000  licensees  in  1965  to  over  1 ,1*10,000 
Licenses  in  1962)  directly  lo  Jupune 
eosy-lo-gel  codeless  class  License,7  Our 
proposals  fell  somewhere  between 
Canada's  and  Japan's  codeless  licenses, 
Neither  country's  experience  appears 
directly  applicable, 

34,  impact  of  a  Code/ess  License  Upon 
ARS  Compliance,  Many  comments 
op p ci sing  the  proposal  feared  that  a 
codeless  amateur  operator  license 
would  really  be  no  more  than  another 
Citizens  Band  Radio  Service,  with  what 
they  perceived  to  be  atl  its  attendant 
problems*  The  Ozaukee  Radio  Club  and 
the  Inter-County  Amateur  Radio  Club 
expressed  concern  that  the  a  ma  1  cur 
radio  spectrum  not  be  abused,  as  in 
Citizens  Band.  Paslerndk  commnnled 
that  investigations  by  him  end  his  news 
service  revest  that  such  a  license  will 
initially  be  looked  upon  as  an  extension 
of  Citizens  Band  Radio,  to  be  mass 
marketed  to  ihe  general  public  in  a  way 
similar  to  the  way  Citizens  Band  Radio 
was  in  the  lffZO's. 

37.  Coupled  with  this  fear  is  a  belief 
held  by  many  comm enters  that  rule 
compliance  and  dedication  to  public 
service  in  the  ARS  is  a  function  of  the 
time  and  effort  a  person  must  e* pen d  in 
obtaining  a  license.  See.  cg^  Comments 
of  H.  T.  Hunt;  Comments  of  the 
American  Radio  Relay  League,  Inc.  The 
Honorable  Lee  li  Hamilton.  U.S.  House 
of  Representatives.  Slated  that  the 
praiseworthy  performance  of  ham 
operators  during  emergencies  and  their 
dedication  lo  radio  demonstrates  a  level 
of  discipline  which  may  be  damaged  by 
any  relaxation  of  standards. 

36.  A  contrary  minority  view, 
expressed  in  the  comments  of  Frederick 
J,  Glenn,  is  that  the  present  written 
examination  requires  a  sufficient 
demonstrated  effort  at  learning.  Corwin 
D  Moore  expressed  sentiment*  similar 
to  those  of  Charles  E  Cohn,  who  slated: 

Code  lovers  ihreaten  ui  wilh  CB-lype 
Cham  and  insanity  if  the  code  requirement  is 
dropped  or  loosened.  The  flaw  in  that 
argument  con  be  readily  ieen  if  you  note  thai 
a  good  many  of  the  harni  that  have  been 
ducipJmed  for  mah nous  interference  have 
beta  Extra  Oass  licensees,  and  thus  have 
dsSBflostrated  code  mattery,  aol  |uil  at  13 
wpm.  but  st  2D  wpm?  Comment*  of  Charles  E. 
Coha. 

39,  Nonetheless.  Ihe  majority  of 
commentary  anticipated  a  large  influx  of 
undisciplined  licensees  as  a  result  of 
either  proposal  in  the  Notice.  The 
Pentagon  Amateur  Radio  Club  and 
others  said  thai  "weak  signal" 
experimenters,  such  as  those  engaged  in 
experimenting  with  extended  range 
lerrestrial  modes  of  VHF/UHF 
communications  and  those  involved  in 
earth -moon-earth  |EM£)  or 

moon  bounce"  modes,  and  amateurs 
using  satellites  as  relay  platforms  are 
just  iff  ably  concerned  that  a  larger  and 
potentially  less  well  disciplined 
population  of  amateurs  may  not  respect 
Ihe  up-to-nuw  voluntarily  imposed 
frequency  management  procedures 
necessary  for  these  experiments  to  be 
conducted, 

40  We  are  not  persuaded  that  there  is 
a  relationship  between  the  time  and 
effort  expended  to  successfully  complete 
Element  1(A)  (the  Morse  code  S  wpm 
examination)  and  the  rule  compliance  or 
dedication  lo  public  service  of  a 
particular  applicant  We  believe  it  is  not 


passible  to  predict  reliably  the  behavior 
of  prospective  code!  ess  Licensees- 
Accordingly,  we  do  not  find  this  issue 
significant  to  our  resolution  of  this 
proceeding. 

Conclusion 

41.  Trie  five  wcrd-per- minute  slow 
speed  Morse  code  requirement  for  the 
present  entry-level  Novice  and 
Technician  class  licenses  in  the  ARS 
does  not  appear  to  constitute  a 
significant  function  barrier  to  potential 

applicants.  The  amateur  ranks  are 
growing  by  thousands  of  licensees  every 
year  with  the  code  requirement  in  effect 
To  Ihe  extent  the  Morse  code 
requirement  poses  a  barrier  for  a  few, 
we  are  willing  to  accept  that  'trade-off' 
in  light  of  the  very  substantial  benefits  it 
produces  both  for  licensees  and  the 
public 

42.  The  five  word-per- minute  Morse 
code  requirement  poses  no  unacceptable 
burden  for  handicapped  npplicania. 
ingentous  devices,  alternative  methods 
of  examination  administration,  und  the 
laudable  dedication  and  perseverance  of 
handicapped  applicants  in  combination 
usually  result  in  success  fully  completion 
of  the  Morse  code  examination, 
Licensees  in  the  ARS  who  are 
handicapped  are  proud  of  their 
achievement  in  mastering  Morse  code, 
and  generally  do  not  seek  special 
treatment. 

43.  There  is  still  substantial  everyday 
use  of  the  Morse  code  in  the  ARS,  The 
International  Morse  code  is  essential  to 
many  aspects  of  technical  advance  and 
experimentation  in  the  ARS  today.  It  is 
a  fundamental  commisu  cat  ions  skill 
critical  to  the  nature  of  the  ARS, 

44.  A  requirement  for  proficiency  in 
the  Ini emotional  Morse  node  ia 
necessary  in  order  to  insure 
maintenance  of  a  trained  pool  or 
amateur  operators  for  emergencies 
involving  the  safety  of  life  or  property  or 
for  the  national  defense.  Dropping  this 
requirement  for  an  entry-level  license 
would  adversely  affect  amateur 
emergency  communications  capabilities, 
which  would  adversely  affect  the  public. 

45.  It  is  unusual  to  receive  the  volume 
of  comments  we  have  received  in  this 
proceeding.  Almost  five  thousand 
people  and  organizations  responded  to 
the  Notice,  They  were  mostly  people 
licensed  in  the  ARS  who  use  their 
privileges  on  a  regular  basis,  They  were 
people  who,  by  a  margin  of  roughly 
twenty  lo  one.  expressed  an 
overwhelming  sentiment  to  maintain  the 
current  nature  and  makevp  of  the 


service.  They  fell  that  Morse  code  ia  aa 
integrant  feature  of  the  ARS.  These 
commenters  are  the  people  who  have 
made  the  ARS  what  it  is  today — a 
service  that  is  a  model  of  public 
responsiveness  in  times  of  emergency 
and  distress,  and  a  service  that  is  a 
model  of  self -enforcement  and 
voluateenam  The  sLrong  sentiment  toes/ 
expressed  in  this  docket  about  the 
nature  of  such  a  service  is  a  critical 
factor  in  weighing  Ihe  proposals. 

40.  For  ail  the  above  reasons,  we  have 
decided  to  reject  each  of  the  proposals 
set  forth  m  Ihe  Nature  and  to  ret  am  the 
present  boeaanasj  nructtrn?  of  the 
Amateur  Radio  Service. 

Procedural  Matter* 

47.  In  the  Notice  of  Proposed  Rule 
Making,  supra,  in  this  proceeding,,  we 
previously  determined  that  Sections  801 
and  604  of  the  Regulatory  Flexibility  Act 
of  1980  (Pub.  L  96-354*  do  not  apply  to 
this  rule  making  proceeding  since  this 
proposal  would  only  have  amended  the 
operator  license  class  structure  of  the 
Amateur  Radio  Service.  There  would 
have  been  no  significant  impact  on 
small  businesses,  small  organizations  or 
small  governmental  jurisdictions.  Of 
course,  since  we  are  terminating  this 
proceeding  without  action,  there  is  no 
impact  at  all. 

48.  It  is  further  ordered  that  the 
Petition  to  Cancel  or.  in  the  alternative. 
Amend  filed  by  Donald  B.  Nowakoski  is 
denied. 

#9.  It  is  further  ordered  that  Ihe 
Motion  for  Leave  to  File  Reply 
Comments  filed  by  the  Capitol  Hill 
Amateur  Radio  Society  is  granted. 

50,  It  u  further  ordered  that  the 
Motion  for  Leave  lo  Submit 
Supplemental  Reply  Comments  filed  by 
the  American  Radio  Relay  League.  Inc.. 
is  granted. 

51.  It  is  further  ordered  thai  this 
proceeding  is  term ina ted 

5i  It  ui  further  ordered  thai  the 
Secretary  aha!!  cause  a  copy  of  this 
Report  ond  Order  to  be  served  upon  the 
Chief  Counsel  for  Advocacy  of  the  Small 
Business  Administration  and  that  the 
Secretary  shall  also  cause  a  copy  of  this 
Report  ond  Order  lo  be  published  in  the 
Federal  Register. 

53-  For  further  mformatitm  on  this 
proceeding,  contact  form  J.  Eorkowski. 
Federal  Communications  Commission, 
Private  Radio  Bureau*  Washington,  D.C. 
20554,  (202)  B32-KW4 

federal  Cornmumcstioni  Commission, 
WlUMm  |  Tricarico, 
Sn  rvlaiy. 


rim  HELP 


haw  graitttd  an 
a-Mswp*'un  pw  rawjcteta^apfi  i  a^wnataftls  (• 
|*n*f  cajjp  nasals  opart  ling  on  l/.S  oaailvtaa 
myagai  wharv  audi  Yinaaii  carry  «n  array  of 
ilmmaliv*  communication!  equipmanl  Including  a 
pale  El  1 1*  ihlp  i»ar1h  ilatlon  Report  and  Order.  VH 
nockfti  No  79-&0  (FCC  B2-7S|.  Pcbruary  ]«.  1*»zi 


i  of  connutitici  tinti  mrm  aat  ■  i  ■  i  laMl. 
'  Emcnon  commented  that  SSJ%  *A  \hm  ]  ■  pmeH 
■mitflur  operator*  hold  Tdrphuny  data  (codakti I 
llcaniH-  Thar  *'■*>  commimtnd  thai  an»-lhird  of 
f'injilond'i  ■timlaur  opera  ton  ind  4fl%  of  Germany > 
amataur  operator!  hold  cndalaaa  Bcanaft* 


I  need  a  schematic  or  any  other  avail- 
able documentation  on  the  JFD  Model  600 
B  and  W  TV  camera.  I'll  pay  any  reason 
able  charges. 

Tom  Workman  KfTW 

m.  9,  Bo*  eea 

Tucson  AZ  85743 

Manual  needed  for  a  Solar  Capacitor 
Analyzer  Model  CE  1-60.  Lacking  a  man- 
ual, it  would  help  to  talk  to  someone  who 
has  operated  one  of  those  testers. 

Homer  Lawrence  WfiDlH 

16  So.  Garden  St 

Norwalk  OH  4485T 

1  noed  the  broadband  coupler*  lor  10 
and  15  meters  for  the  Central  Electronics 
200V  or  information  on  how  lo  fabricate 
them. 

Moj.  Howard  M  Mills 

HHC  440  SIG  BN 

APONY0917S 


I  am  interested  in  books  about 
switcher-type  electronic  power  supplies: 
push  pulL  PWM,  and  regulated,  1  would 
like  to  know  their  titles,  authors,  copyright 
dates,  number  of  pages,  and  prices, 

■  nBcnnun 
837  N.  64  51 

Philadelphia  PA  181S1 

I  would  like  the  schematics,  operation 
manual,  and  any  pertinent  information 
concerning  the  Lafayette  Ptiva<kxn  3C_ 

Calvin  Smith,  Jr. 

PO  Bo*  234 

Wenonah  NJ  0S09-0 

I  am  looking  for  a  service  manual  or 
power -trans  I  ormer  output  voltages  for  a 
Tonne* ec  MPC-1  scanner.  I  would  also  like 
a  service  manual  for  aTennelec  MS-2 

Peter  J.  SI,  Arnaud 

PO  Box  Q066 

Lowell  MA  01653 


106     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


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Advertising  must  pertain  to  amateur  radio  products  or  services  No  special 
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IZ  cannot  verify  advertising  claims  and  cannot  be  held  responsible  for  claims 
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MATERIALS 

Send  to  Advertising  Department,  73,  Elm  Street.  Peterborough  NH  0345S 


ON  MARCH  11,  1984.  the  Morgan  County 
Repeater  Association  Quo  will  sponsor 
the  Martinsville  Ham  test  at  the  Indiana 
Fairgrounds  Pavilion  Building  in  Indianap- 
olis. Dealers,  vendors,  forums,  and  tree 
paved  parking.  Doors  open  to  the  public  at 
8.00  am.  Table  reservations:  Alleen  Scales, 
3142  Market  Place,  Bloomlnoton  IN  47401. 
BNB039 

DEALERS  IN  SURPLUS  TEST  INSTRU- 
MENTS, microwave  equipment,  and  com- 
xments  Wanted:  Late  test  equipment 
H.P.,  Tefc,  G.FL.  Narda,  ate.},  waveguide1 
;oai  components.  Immediate  needs:  HP 
<362A,  R362A.  S3B2C,  432A,  6522A.  415E, 
3.R.  974-  and  900-series  coax  Items,  G.R. 
1633.  1863,  1864,  Bequest  want  list.  Lec- 
ronics.  1423  Ferry  Ave.,  Camden  NJ 
18104;  (609h54t-4200.  BNB050 

WANTED— your  unused  Teletype™  re- 
*alr  parts,  High  prices  pakfl  Send  SASE 
or  list  of  Teletypewriter  parts  and  sup- 
jJJes.  TYPETRONICS,  Box  8873,  Fort  Lau- 
lerdale  FL  33310;  (305^583-1340  after  9:00 
wn.  N4TT.  BNB052 

IOLLINS  325-3,  755-38,  30L-1.  more, 
ilso  Hv-Gain  TH65DXX,  rotator,  tower. 
Jake  olfer,  WA7YVOC.  (602^867-2378, 
veni  ngs.  6NB054 

tPPLE  add-on  keyboard.  Has  various 
jnctions.  Shortens  key i no  and  program- 
ling  time,  "AMKEY  PRO- TOO/'  SASE  for 
pecs,  Rafph  Jannini  KA1FAA,  18  Han- 
om  Road,  Andover  MA  01S10;  {617>457- 
B31.RNB055 

OLLINS  75A-4  with  iwo  mechanical 
iters,  original  manual,  $225,  perl  act  corv 
Hion  Also  looking  for  schematic  of 
aesu  FT127RA,  copy  okay  AA6SC,  248 
an  Gabriel  Court.  Sierra  Mad  re  CA  91 024. 
NB056 

OR  SALE!  Hammarlund  HQ  110A  ra- 
il ver,  $75.00.  Tempo  One  transceiver 
Hh  power  supply/speaker,  $275.  Moto- 
la  H23DEN  VHF  HT,  $50.  John  Slngler 
A5BJC,  4815  Patrick  Place,  Liverpool  NY 
K»B;  (315H51  5204.  BNB057 

5-B30S  with  YK88C/YG455C  filters  and 
=230  speaker,  $600,00,  Heathkit  SB-200, 
W.G0,  Meathkit  SB-634  station  monitor 
insole,  $50.00-  Heathkit  SB314  monitor 
ope,  $75.00.  Yaesu  FT-7.  $275.00.  Robot 
0  with  Sanyo  video  monitor  and  camera. 


$600.00.  Radio  Shack  TRS-80  Mode*  I  with 
Macrotronics  M8Q0  RTTY  pfogram  and 
Flesfwr  TU170T  $400,00,  OenTron  Super 
Tuner,  $50.oa  James  F.  Kraus,  1100  West- 
over  Ln.#  Schaumburg  IL  60 193;  (3f2> 
fl£4-639S,  BNB058 

CLEANUPS  of  your  drawings  or  sche- 
matics. $5,00  minimum  on  all  drawings, 
Call  after  &Q0  pm  for  more  info.  <ei&>- 
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sas  City  MO  64127.  BNB059 

TIN-TEC  ARGOSY  w.ih  power  supply,  fo- 
cluding  500+tz  CW  filter.  AF  finer,  and  cal- 
ibrator $40a  Realistic  0X^302  SWL  f* 
center.  $125,  Joseph  P.  Kononchrk.  29  Vil 
lege  Drive.  Ledyard  CT  05339.  BNB060 

RADIO  BUFFS- 1927  RCA  signal  gen< 
era  tor  In  working  condition,  $50.  WAflPLZ, 
1516  McAfee  St.p  St.  Paul  MN  55106. 
BNB061 

WYOMING-UTAH  RANCH  LAND.  10 
acres.  $60  down.  $60Vmonth.  FREE  infor- 
mation, maps,  photographs.  Trade  equity 
for  ham  gear,  home  computer,  test  equip* 
mem,  etc-  Owner— Mike  Gauthter  KfilCS. 
9550-B— Gal  tat  in  Rd .,  Downey  CA  90240, 
AN  B00 1 

MOBILE  IGNITION  SHIELDING.  Free 
literature,  Estes  Engineering,  930  Marine 
Drive,  Port  Angeles  WA  98362,  BN8006 

COMPUTER  OWNERS*  Supef  new  MFJ 
1224     CW7RTTY/ASCM     terminal     un*ts. 
SenoVrecelve  CVWRTTY7VIC>20  and  Com- 
modore 64  software.  Full-teal ured,  disk  or 
cassette.    Kantronics,    too.    Low   prices, 
speedy  delivery.  Hundreds  sold  interna- 
tlonalty,  SASE  for  details  and  catalog  of 
Commodore.  Atari.  PET,  ZX*8l.  TT,  TRS^O 
software  and  accessories.  Amateur  Ac- 
cessories, 6  Harvest  Court.  RO  7,  Oept 
BB.    Fleminglon    NJ    08822.    Telephone 
(20U-782-1551,  fi;30-l0:30   Eastern   time, 
8N8019 

COLOR  COMPUTER  owners— caJJ  f212j- 
441-2807  for  FREE  color  computer  hard- 
ware and  software  catalog  or  write  to 
Spectrum  Projects.  03-15  86  Drive,  Wood- 
haven  NY  11421.  BN8023 


subcarriers  (e,g.,  Ckmimodity  News  Ser- 
vice), end  HF  radio.  Four  solid-state  syn- 
thesized models,  NSA  surplus,  new-used, 
*50  to  $350.  Call/write  for  brochure  £*ec- 
trcvaiue  Industrial,  Ina,  Box  376-WF.  Mor- 
rls  Plains  NJ  07950;  (20^267-1117. 
BNB032 

ON  MARCH  11,  1&&4,  the  Morgan  County 
Repeater  Association  Club  will  sponsor  the 
Martinsville  Hem  test  at  the  Indiana  FaJr~ 
grounds  Pavilion  BuHding  in  IndlanapoNs. 
Dealers,  vendors,  forums,  and  free  paved 
parking.  Doors  open  to  the  public  at  &-00 
am,  TabJa  reservations:  Aileen  Scales,  3142 
Markei  Place.  B*oomingtorv  IN  47401. 
BNBO40 

PRINTERS:  LA36  Decwriter  ll  wiEh  key- 
ooafdF  van abte- width  paper,  etc..  *325, 
CD!  1030  with  keyboard.  builUn  modem* 
5125.  W9QH,  11209  Hwy.  U,  vVausau  Wl 
54401.  BN8043 

MILITARY  TECHNICAL  MANUALS  for  old 
and  obsolete  equipment.  BQ-page  catalog, 
13.00.  Milllary  Technical  Manual  Service, 
2266  Senaaac  Ave.4  Long  Beach  CA  9081 5 
BNB045 

DX  HIDDEN  ASSET  LOOP  ANTENNA.  Get 
on  the  air,  comply  with  no-vis ible-amenna 
'uies.  from  rnosi  indoor  locations.  Inex- 
pensive, easyio-toulld  antenna  coup^es  di- 
rectty  to  50-Ohm  coax,  no  antenna  match* 
er  required.  Omni  directional  with  vertical, 
bi-direcrJonal  with  horizontal  polarization. 
Vswr  typically  1,2:1  at  resonance;  useful 
bandwidth  3  to  5  percent  of  resonant  fre- 
quency Plang  and  Instructions.  512.50 
postpaid.  K  Stewart  Designs,  PO  Box  643, 
Oregon  City  OR  97045.  BNB04? 

DRESS  UP  YOUR  CLUBF  Jackets,  tee 
shirts,  hats,  sportshirts,  etc.  with  your  lo- 
go or  we'll  custom  design.  Wavelength 
Productions,  20-22  120th  St.  College 
Point  NY  1135€.SNB048 

UHRVHF  Spectrum  Analyzer  Kit,  $64,951 
Send  stamped  envelope  for  details. 
Science  Workshop,  PO  Box  393,  Bethpage 
NY  11714.  BIMB062 

WANTED:  Old  ke/s  for  my  telegraph  and 
radiotelegraph  key  collection,  Need 
pre- * 950  bugs.  Ail  models  of  Vibrople*. 
Martin,  Boulter,  Abernathy,  McElroy.  ei 
Also  need  Spark  Keys,  Boston  keys,  laroe 
of  unusual  radiotelegraph  keys,  side- 
3 wipers,  coolies,  homebrew,  and  foreign 
keys.  Heal  McEwen  K5RW,  112S  Midway, 
Richardson  TX  76081-  BNB063 

BECOME  ALARMINGLY  SUCCESSFUL  Ra- 
dio amateurs  quickly  grasp  the  relatively 
simple  hookups  of  burglar  alarm  sysiems. 
We  can  help  you  get  started  In  (his  ex- 
citing, rewarding  business.  Our  Buyer's 
Guide  lists  over  300  manufacturers  and 
wholesale  suppliers  and  we  have  loads  of 
information  on  how  to  gel  started  in  this 
rapidly  growing  fietd.  Informal  ion,  12.00 
(redeemable}.  Plenty  of  employment- 
business  opportunities.  Security  Elec- 
tronics International,  POB  1456*  Grand 
Rapids  Mi  49501   BNB064 


WE  ENJOY  creating  ham  plaques,  tro- 
phies, awards.  Pse  QSO.  Prices,  ship- 
ping—low. Care— free.  J  &  J  Trophy, 
OfOve  Street,  Peterborough  NH  03456; 
f603J-924-7S04.  9NB065 

WANTED;  Pre-1950  TV  sets  and  old  TV 
QUfDE  magazines  VV3CRH,  Box  20-S,  Ma 
comb  IL  61455;  {3090^033^1 809.  BN8066 


learned  instaitahon  in  businesses  and 
residences  is  easy,  enjoyable  fascinat- 
ing, profitable  worfc.  Information  thai 
could  change,  improve  your  future:  $2.00 
(fedaemaote^  Security  Electronics  Inter' 
national.  PO  Box  1456W.  Grand  Rapids  Mt 
4S501.  BNB067 

AM  IS  ALIVE!  Monthly  newsletter 
chronicles  renewed  amateur  interest. 
Sample,  $1;  subscriptions,  $9/year,  AM 
Press/Exchange,  Route  1  &ok  281,  Wood- 
lawn  TN  3719!.  BNB06B 

HELP!  Cleaning  garage— test  eqpt,  6m 
and  2m  FM  gear,  tuoes,  1000s  of  service 
manuals  for  all  makes  and  models  of  com- 
mercial FM  xceivers  1975  and  older.  Reas- 
onable prices,  Send  SASE  for  list.  Tom 
McLaughlin  WB4NEX,  PO  Box  411,  Mango 
FL  30550,  013>68?-97G9,  BNB069 

ICOM  AT-500,  cover,  S280,  Tempo  S-15T, 
HM-15,  case,  S240.  Fanasonic  RF  2600, 
S14Q.  New  Yaesu  FC-700,  $90.  Interact 
Computer  CW  system,  S40,  FOB  Unny 
Aldfich  K1LEC,  Box  73r  N.  Springfield  VT 
051  SO,  {802^886^121.  BNB070 

WAMTEOt   Military   surplus   radios.    We 
need  Collins  61BT,  ARC-72.  AROS4,  ARC- 
102,  RT712/ARC105,  AAC-114.  AROtiS, 
AflC-116.  RT-823/ARC-131  or  FM622,  ffT- 
857/ARC-134   or   WNcox   807 A,    AROl59T 
FTT1167    or    RT-TieS/ARC-m     RT-1299/ 
ARC^iae.  RT^59/APX-72,  APX-TB,  ARN^2P 
ARN^4,  ARN-89r  ffT-a04/APN-171,  RTh829/ 
APN-171,  MRC  95,  71SF  V2,  HM06,  Coi- 
Itns   antenna    couplera,    490T-1,   490T-2, 
4907^9,      CU-165BA;ARC,      CLM669/GRC, 
490B-1,    CU'1239fARC-105,    490O-1.    Top 
dollar  paid  or  trade  tor  new  amateur  g&aj 
Write  or  phone  Bill  Slep,  (704 h 524-75 19, 
Siep  Eieclronics  Company,  Highway  441, 
Otto  NC  26763.  BNBQ71 

WANTED:  S6-201  with  10  meters,  good 
condition,  mech.  and  eiec.  Steve  Pesany, 
2840  Geffitsen  Ave.,  Brooklyn  NV  11229. 
BN8072 

19&4  WIRE  A  CABLE  prices  cutlif  CalJ  or 
write  for  latest  listings.  Certified  Com- 
munications, "The  CB  to  10  Meter 
People;"  4T38  So.  Ferris,  Fremont  Ml 
49412,  (616^-924^561  BNB073 

RTTY  FOR  THE  Tr99/4»r  Min* memory  re- 
quired. Mark  and  space  tones  are  comput- 
er^generated  in  send  mode.  Til  *s  needed 
for  receiwcnly  Si 745,  Mark  Schmidt. 
4661  Lark  Df..  Beaie  AFB  CA  9S903 
BNB074 

PLASTIC  CARTON  SHIPPING  TAPE,  Four 
standard  185'  rolls,  tan  or  clear:  2*— $6; 
1tt"— S5;  11/2"™$4,  Add  SI  shipping. 
Three  or  more  orders  shipped  free.  TR- 
22^S60,  186E— 525;  HP  4i?A.  20-500 
MHi,  FM  detector— $15;  4  4^W  Motorofa 
audio  chip,  IOJ^MHi  fitters*  mix  w 
match— 355,  tape  switch— StO;  SP*00 
osctllator  and  crystal  deck,  new— S7S0L 
Alt,  plus  shipping,  j,  Lisaius  116  Orton 
Road,  W.  Caldwell  NJ  07006;  (201H226- 
7943  BNB075 


RTTV  FDM  DEMODULATORS.  FDM  RTTY        RETIRINGt  Consider  a  business  of  your 
exists  on  satellites,    FM  SCA  broadcast        own.  Security  alarm  systems  are  easily 


KQ6F   NOVICE    EXAM    KIT.™    FCC    no 
longer  supplies  written  test!  The  Novice 
Exam  Kli  provides  everything  you  need  to 
give  the  Novice  exam  including,  ,  .Smulli- 
pie-choice  written  exams, . ,  6  code  tests 
on  cassette  (3  tests  using  5-wpm  charac- 
ters and  3  tests  using   13. worn  charac- 
ters),    all  FCC  forms  (610  and  f*m035A) 
. .  *plus  "Instructions  and  Helps  for  the  Ex- 
aminer,4 Only  S5.85  (ptus  $1.00  shipping) 
from  Spirit  Publications.  2200  El  Carnlno 
Heal  Suite  107,  Redwood  C*ty  CA  94063. 
Discount  to  clubs?  8NB076 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     107 


iVEIV  PRODUCTS  ~] 


NEW  ANTENNA  ROTATOR 

FOR  BLIND  HAMS 

Tefex/Hy-Gain  nas  introduced  trie  HAM 
5P  rotator  designed  for  visually-impaired 
amateur-radio  operators. 

The  control  unit  functions  are  marked 
in  both  braille  and  conventional  lettering. 
The  unit  also  emits  a  nigh- frequency  tone 
to  indicate  rotator  action  Since  the  brake 
release  as  well  as  delayed  brake  engage- 
ment is  automatic,  operation  of  the  ro- 
tator is  a  si mpfe  one-hand ,  one-touch  op- 
e ration  to  aid  the  blind. 

When  mounted  inside  a  tower,  the  new 
HAMSP  rotator  is  designed  to  operate 
large  antenna  arrays  up  to  15  square  feet 
(1.4m2)  wincMoad  area.  The  HAM-SP  (Cat 
alog  No.  307)  is  available  at  amateur-radio 
dealers. 

For  more  Informal  Ion,  contact  Te/e* 
Communications,  inc.  9600  Attiricft  Ave 
SO,  Minneapolis  MN  55*20.  (&12h8$4- 
4QB1. 


FT-757GX  UNE 

COMPUTER-AIDED 

TRANSCEIVER 

Yaesu  Electronics  Corporation  has  In- 
troduced the  FT-7S7GX  Line,  the  I  a  lest 
generation  of  CAT  (computer-aided  trans- 
ceiver} technology  from  the  engineers  a  I 
Yaesu  Musen  Company,  Ltd. 

Controlled  by  three  &-bit  microproces- 
sors, the  FT-757GX  is  a  full  QSK  synthe- 
sized transceiver  ottering  general  cover- 
age on  receive  and  nanvband  transmit 
capability,  with  expanded  coverage 
available  lor  MARS  operators,  The  trans- 
mitter section  Is  sped \ led  for  up  to  thirty 
minutes  o\  continuous  operation  at  a 
nominal  output  of  100  Waits,  For  maxi- 
mum operating  flexibility,  the  FT-7S7GX 
performance  package  Includes  dual  vfo's, 
eight  memories,  all  mode  squelch,  and  a 
variety  of  scanning  features  A  600-Hz  CW 
filter,  electronic  keyer  module,  af  speech 


HAMSP  antenna  rotator  for  the  visually  handicapped, 


MICROPHONE  EQUALIZER 


The  Yaesu  fT-75mK  CAT 


processor,  and  FM  capability  are  all  rft- 
eluded  in  the  purchase  price. 

Among  the  high-performance  options 
tor  the  FT-757GX  Une  are  the  FC-757AT 
automatic  antenna  tuner  with  band/anten- 
na memory,  the  FP-757GX  compact 
switching  regulator  power  supply,  the  FP- 
757HD  neavy-duty  power  supply  (J  or  con- 
tinuous duty  applications),  the  FP-700 
standard  power  supply,  and  the  FTV-700 
transverter. 

For  further  Information  on  the  FT- 
757GX  Line  or  other  Yaesu  transceivers 
designed  for  computer  interface,  contact 
Yaesu  Electronics  Corporation.  PO  Bo* 
4&t  Paramount  €A  90723  Reader  Service 
number  482 

EQ300  MICROPHONE 
EQUALIZER  FROM  HEIL 

The  new  EQ3G0  from  Hell  Ltd.,  Is  an  im 
proved  version  of  its  EQ200,  The  EQ300 
has  an  output-level  control  on  the  front 
panel  so  that  one  model  can  be  used  to 
drive  either  mike-level  inputs  (Kenwood, 
Yaesu.  etc.)  or  line- level  inputs  used  with 
the  new  loom  series  transceivers. 

The  EQ300  uses  an  intemaf  mike  gam 
tnmpot  for  initial  setting  with  your  mike. 
The  front-panel  Output  control  provides  a 
variable  level  up  to  +2.0  volts  out,  suffi 
cient  to  drive  any  transceiver  microphone 
input.  Including  the  new  loom  series 
Simply  adjust  lo  10  V  out  (It  o'clock}  for 
Kenwood.  Yaesu,  etc  ,  and  15  V  (3  o'clock) 
for  leom. 

Just  two  models  are  offered,  The  EQ3O0-4 
and  the  EQ300-S.  Both  use  iwo  active  fil- 


ters, the  low  centered  at  490  H?  and  the 
high  at  2200  Hz,  with  plus  or  minus  18  dB 
of  boost  and  cut.  The  only  difference  in 
the  two  models  is  the  connectors.  Order 
either  4  o*  a  pins  to  match  your  rig.  A  two- 
tone  generator  used  tor  tuning  linear  am- 
plifiers with  an  oscilloscope  is  also  avail- 
able for  either  mode! 

The  new  EG3G0  has  a  power  adapter  cir- 
cuit built  in  so  U  can  be  operated  from  a 
9- volt  battery  or  from  e  good  12- volt  dc 
supply,  and  excellent  RFI  suppression 
has  been  installed  lor  use  in  heavy  rf  envi 
rofiments. 

The  £0300.  as  all  of  the  1984  Heii  prod- 
ucts, will  be  housed  in  their  new  beige  and 
chocolate  enclosures.  All  Heii  products 
now  feature  the  seme  two-color  control 
knobs  and  switches  used  on  their  famous 
recording  studio  equipment. 

For  more  information,  contact  Heii  Ltd., 
Box  $8.  Martssa  !L  62257,  (618y29S30QQ, 
Reader  Service  number  464. 

NEW  PRODUCTS  FROM  ICOM 

loom  has  introduced  the  IOHS1G  Head- 
set and  IC-HS10SB  PTT  Switch  Box  which 
can  be  used  with  ail  Icom  hand-held  trans- 
ceivers: the  IC*2A  and  2AT;  1C-3A  and  3AT; 
I04A  and  4AT;  IO02A  and  02AT;  and  IC- 
04A  and  04AT.  The  easy  to-use  system 
has  the  following  features: 
tC-HSJO  Head£ 

•  Crystal -clear  reception 

•  Pivoting  microphone 

•  Lightweight 

•  Adjustable  boom 

e  Folds  up  for  safe  and  compact  storage 


EQ3Q0  microphone  equalizer  from  Heii. 

108     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


New  headset  and  switch  box  from  Icom. 


•  Adjustable  for  comfortable  fit 
tCHStOSB  PTT  Switch  Box 

•  Compact  size;  3*  H  x  1.5*  Wx  J5"  0 

•  Belt  clip 

•  Provides     transm  it-receive    switching 

control 

■  Mike  gain  control 

•  Molded  plastic  connector  for  speaker/ 
mike  connection  lo  hand-held 

The  IC-MS10  Headset  and  IG-HS1Q5B 
PTT  Switch  Bo*  may  be  purchased  sep- 
arately. 

For  more  Information,  contact  icom 
America.  Inc.  2112  116th  Awe  N£.  Befte- 
we  WA  98004.  (2G6)-454£t55 

MORSE  CODE  TUTOR 

Tulorcode  is  an  instructional  software 
release  which  can  establish  your  Morse- 
code  proficiency  from  3  to  2&  words  per 
minute  in  an  exciting,  enjoyable  fame- 
type  atmosphere.  Tutorcod*  is  written  In 
machine  language  for  any  TBS-80  1&K  or 
larger  Color  Computer  system.  Extended 
Basic  is  not  required,  Sound  flash  cards 
are  easily  accessible  from  the  menu- 
driven  program,  A  string  of  up  to  255  char- 
acters may  be  Input  from  the  keyboard 
and  the  equivalent  Morse  code  will  be  out- 
put at  any  selected  code  speed  on  com- 
mand 

Tulorcode  is  available  on  cassette  only 
from  Babbitt  Ware,  Inc.*  Rt.  1  Bascomb 
Rosa,  Jackson  TN  38305,  (9Qlk66&B8l6> 
Reader  Service  number  478. 

ICM  ALIGNMENT 
OSCILLATORS 

International  Crystal  Manufacturing 
Company  has  introduced  the  FOT-12  and 
FOT  12  LOW  alignment  oscillaiors.  They 
provide  a  convenient  stationary  or  por 
labia  signal  source  for  alignment  pur- 
poses,  convenient  for  alignment  of  first  i-f 
frequencies  in  pagers  and  other  receivers. 

Six  crystal  positions  permit  the  user  to 
Sttooea  any  one  of  six  frequencies  The 
r0T'i2  LOW  covers  the  frequency  range 
250  kHz  to  4,0  M  Hz  and  the  FOT~t2  covers 
ne  range  4.0  MHz  to  24  0  MHz, 

Front-panel  com  rots  Include  a  six-posi- 
ion  switch  for  selecting  the  frequency,  a 
JNC  type  connector  for  ri  output,  and  a 
wwer  switch  with  an  indicator  lamp  lor 
nte/nai  or  external  power. 

The  internal  battery  permits  operation 
i way  from  the  test  bench.  Jacks  are  pro 
ided  on  the  rear  panel  tor  an  external  dc 
lower  source. 

Following  Is  a  list  of  specifications. 

•  Rf  output  — 1  V  across  470  Ohms 

s  Power  requirements —  9  to  15  V  dc  & 

0  mA  maximum 

»    Frequency  adjustment— trimmer  pto- 

ided  at  each  crystal  socket  tor  adjust 

lent  to  nominal  frequency 

i   Operating  temperature—    -  10°  C  to 

-&0UC 


•  Stability— maximum  change  of  *25 
©pen  (-10**  C  to  +  60*  C,  referenced  to 
25°  G> 

•  Dlmensiona-5*  Wx2%"  HxB"  D  over- 

all 

These  units  are  available  direct  from 
(he  manufacturer.  For  more  information, 
contact  International  Crystal  Manufactur- 
ing Company,  inc.,  PO  Box  2633Q.  Okla- 
homa City  OK  73126,  (405y23fr3741 
Reader  Service  number  480, 


BREAK  CONSOLES 

Break  Communications  Systems  has  in- 
troduced 4\  6-.  and  9  wide  wood/mica 
communications  consoles  The  replace- 
able front  panel  is  bolted  in  with  sleet 
clamps  for  easy  low-cost  station  updates 
over  the  years.  Front-panel  holes  are  pre- 
cisely cut  by  computerized  X-Y  wood-cut- 
ting table,  and  note/equipment  gaps  are 
less  than  1tf2"t 

The  purchase  price  Includes  front 
panel  cut  for  your  station,  hidden  acces- 
sory shetf  foe  power  supplies  {dummy 
loads,  etc.),  pre-assembied  rear  equip- 
ment support  system  trigging),  teak  mica, 
casters,  multiple  tap  station  ground  bus, 
one  set  of  puppets  of  your  equipment,  and 
Vi -scale  front  panel  grids  for  station  lay- 
out and  design  assistance.  Comer  units 
are  available  to  integrate  standard  width 
consoles  into  ikL"  and  "U"  circular  config- 
urations. 

Options  include:  1000  different  micas 
to  match  your  decor,  d  rawer/book  sneif 
combination,  pencil  drawer  in  desk's  front 
edge,  keyboard  cut-out  in  desk  top,  shetf 
under  desk,  desktop  extension  Into  the 
front  panel,  doily  for  floor-standing  ampli- 
fiers, temperature-controlled  fan  cooling 
system,  wire  duct,  labels,  ties,  etc. 
Custom  work  makes  the  basic  console 
just  right  for  your  station. 

For  additional  information,  contact 
Larry  Kushner  WA66K04  at  Break  Com- 
munications Systems,  tnc  r  581?  SW  21st 
Street,  Hollywood  FL  33023,  (305&89- 
237 1  Reader  Service  number  479, 


SOLID*STATE  DIP  METER 
FROM  CAYWOOD 

A  solid-state  dip  meter  for  lasting  radio 
frequencies,  antennas,  oscillators,  rf 
chokes,  and  similar  devices,  formerly 
manufactured  by  Millen,  Is  available  from 
Cay  wood  Electronics,  Inc.  of  Maiden, 
Massachusetts. 

The  Millen  Solid-State  Dipper  is  a  porta- 
ble oscillating  frequency  meter  that  deter- 
mines the  resonant  frequency  ot  de-ener- 
gtzed  resonant  circuits  with  an  accuracy 
of  ±2%-  Covering  a  range  from  1.65  to 
310  MHz  wrth  7  plug-in  coils,  it  also  fea- 
tures an  absorption-type  wavemeter  with 
the  oscillating  circuit  acting  as  a  0  multJ- 


Woodfmica  commumcaUona  consols  from  Break. 


pUer  amplifier  to  enhance  tuning  re- 
sponse and  dip  sensitivity. 

Weighing  only  2Vi  pounds,  the  7%* 
D x  3Vt '  W x  H *  H  Millen  Solid-State  Dip- 
per provides  a  calibrated  205°  drum  diat 
with  7  direct  reading  scales  and  a  univer- 
sal scale.  The  rugged  copper-plated  steel 
unit  and  colls  store  in  a  handy  11%* 
Dx5'4'  Wx4*  H  carrying  case.  An  op- 
tional tube-type  dipper  with  5  additional 
colls  for  frequencies  down  to  165  kHz  is 
also  offered. 

For  more  information,  contact  Wade 
Cay  wood  KAiUP,  Cay  wood  Electronics, 
tnc.  PO  Drawer  U,  Maiden  MA  02148. 
Reader  Service  number  481. 

MFJ1423 

ENHANCER/STABILIZER 

Enhancement  and  stabilization  are  ba- 
sic necessities  tor  even  the  beginning  vid- 
eoph He.  That's  |ust  what  the  MFJ-1423  of- 
fers: all  the  controlled,  detailed  sharpness 


and  picture  clarity  of  an  enhancer  com- 
tHned  with  a  stabilizer  to  remove  picture 
foil  and  override  copy  guard 

The  enhancer  allows  you  to  control  the 
picture  by  defining,  clarifying,  and  sharp- 
ening the  fine  details  of  the  picture  to  the 
desired  degree,  The  enhancer  features  an 
exclusive  new  light-enhancer  mode  that 
enhances  light  areas  only,  which  yields 
reduced  snow  in  (he  dark  areas  of  the  pic- 
ture The  enhancer  has  2  adjustment 
features  that  let  you  control  the  picture: 
|1)  The  Enhancement  control  lets  you  de- 
cide the  degree  of  sharpness  and  clarity 
you  want,  and  (2)  the  Noise  Cancel  control 
helps  eliminate  snow  which  is  sometimes 
brought  on  by  increased  enhancement. 
An  Enhancer  Bypass  switch  also  gives 
you  the  added  convenience  of  being  able 
to  make  a  quick,  clean,  definite  com- 
parison between  the  unenhanced  and  the 
enhanced  picture  just  by  the  touch  of  a 
button. 

The    stabilizer    removes    picture    roll 


► 


■  c- 


4St 


The  FQT-12  alignment  oscitiator  from  ICM 


Cay  wood  s  solid-state  dipper, 

Z3  Magazine  •  March,  1984     109 


caused:  by  copyguard.  tt  features  a 
Stabilizer  Bypass  switch,  including  an 
LED  tor  qn-off  idenllllcation  at  a  glance, 
and  a  stabilizer  conirol  knob  thai  is  non- 
critical  to  adjust.  Just  turn  the  knob  until 
The  picture  locks  in,  man  alt  back  and  en- 
joy Ihe  picture 

The  enhancer/stahiiizer  features  a 
Power  On -Off  Bypass  switch  so  you  won't 
be  bothered  with  reconnecting  at  limes 
whan  the  enhancertatabllizer  is  not  need- 
ed The  Front  panel  has  an  LED  Power  On- 
Qff  mtiicaior  and  is  operated  by  hugh-quai- 
iiurmrtum  knobs  and  switches  to  make 


Tuning  and  adjusting  feel  as  smooth  as 
Silk, 

The  bach -panel  controls  Include  the 
following: 

01  a  Channel  3/4  Selection  Switch  cor- 
responds to  channel  3  or  4  on  the  televi- 
sion, 

(2)  The  RF  Out  consists  of  a  buitt-in  rl 
modulator  which  allows  listening  and 
viewing  on  any  standard  television  II  out- 
puts a  signal  that  connects  directly  to  the 
VHF  of  the  television. 

(3)  An  Audio  In  jack  connects  the  audio 
signal  from  the  source  {VCR,  video  disk. 
Camera,  etc 


(4)  Two  Video  Out  and  one  Video  Out/ 
Bypass  jacks  output  the  enhanced/stabi- 
lized video  signal.  The  Video  Out/Bypass 
allows  you  to  bypass  ihe  MFJ-1423  when 
In  the  Off  position  A  built-in  distribution 
amplifier  allows  three  Copies  to  be  made 
or  viewed  simultaneously 

15)  The  Video  in  is  where  the  video  sig- 
nal from  the  source  *s  connected* 

(6)  The  PWR  jack  la  where  the  ac  adapt- 
er Is  connected.  The  MFJ. 1423  operates 
on  110  V  ac  or  on  112  V  dc  as  a  portable 
(possibly  tor  camera  use}.  All  connections 
on  the  hack  panel  are  RCA  jacks  Three 
cables  for  hook-up  are  included, 


The  unit  is  housed  in  a  rugged  black  alu- 
minum cabinet  with  an  attractive  brushed 
aluminum  front  and  measures  ?'  x  2*  X 
6"  overall. 

MFJ  offers  a  30-day  money-back  trial 
period  on  all  direct  purchases,  If  you  are 
not  satisfied,  return  Ihe  unit  and  get  a  full 
refund  it  ess  shipping)  MFJ  also  offers  a 
one-year  unconditional  guarantee  on  ail 
MFJ  products. 

For  more  Information,  contact  MFJ  En- 
terprises, fncr  PQ  Box  494,  Mississippi 
State  MS  39782,  Reader  Service  number 
4B3. 


DX 


Chad  Harris  VP2ML 

Box  4881 

Santa  Rosa  CA  95402 

INTERNATIONAL  DX 
CONVENTION 

The  1984  international  DX  Convention 
ra  coming  to  Visaha,  California,  April 
13-15.  Will  you  be  there?  This  top-notch 
convention  attracts  DXers  and  DX  opera- 
tors from  around  the  world  and  Includes 
seminars  featuring  many  of  the  DXpedi 
1 1 oners  of  the  past  year. 

Sponsorship  alternates  between  the 
Northern  and  Southern  California  DX 
Clubs.  19S4  ia  a  Southern  Cal  year,  The  con- 
vention location  remains  the  same — the 
Holiday  Inn  In  Vlsalia,  Pre-reg  1st  ration,  in 
eluding  the  banquet  and  Sunday  breakfast. 
costs  $38  $42  after  March  15.  1984)  Send 
your  check  fo  Westcoast  DX  Convention 
1984,  c/o  Treasurer  Nick  Winter  W86DXU 
1426  North  Avon  St .  Burbank  CA  91505, 

4U1VIC-THE  VIENNA 
INTERNATIONAL  AMATEUR- 
RADIO  CLUB 

When  I  a  a  country  not  a  country?  vVhen 
it  la  the  Vienna  international  Amateur  Ra- 
dio Club?  This  station,  the  third  one  to  use 
the  United  Nations  4U1  prefix,  counts  as  a 
separate  country  for  Ihe  DARC -sponsored 
Worked  All  Europe  award,  but  not  for  the 
ARRL-run  DXCC  program. 

The  original  4U1  station  was  set  up  in 
Geneva,  Switzerland,  at  the  headquarters 
Of  the  International  Telecommunications 
Union  ^ITUJ,  Back  In  the  days  when  DXing 


was  a  gentlemanly  activity,  the  amateur- 
radio  club  at  the  ITU  headquarters  asked 
for  and  received  separate-country  status t 
based  on  the  fact  that  the  station  was 
located  on  United  Nations  properly,  and 
not  in  Switzerland  proper.  For  years  4U1 
meant  4UTIT1J,  The  station  has  been  a 
gathering  point  for  numerous  interna- 
tional visitors  and  the  showcase  amateur 
station  for  teleeommuni  cat  tons  officials 
attending  conferences  In  Geneva.  Ama- 
leur  radio  greatly  benefitted  from  the  exis- 
tence of  4U1ITU 

Then,  in  the  1970s,  some  enterprising 
amateurs  in  New  York  City  convinced 
United  Nations  authorities  to  permit  a 
similar  station  in  a  UN  building  [on  UN 
land;  the  US  gave  the  land  to  the  UN  years 
ago)  In  downtown  Manhattan.  K2UN  oper- 
ated quietly  for  a  while,  until  it  dropped  Its 
bombshell:  the  station  applied  for  sepa- 
rate-country status  under  the  then-current 
DXCC  rules.  The  ARRl  s  OX  organization 
was  faced  with  a  nasty  dilemma:  either 
authorize  a  new  *lcountry>T  In  the  middle  Of 
downtown  New  York  City  or  throw  out  the 
well  respected  and  very  useful  4U1ITU. 

Since  Ihe  League  was  facing  the  up 
coming  World  Administrative  Radio  Con 
ference  (WARG),  throwing  out  4U1  ITU  was 
not  even  considered,  and  4U1UN  gained 
status  aa  a  separate  country.  This  obvious 
absurdity,  along  with  the  approval  of  such 
nonsense  "countries"  as  St.  Paul  island 
and  Sable  Island  off  Nova  Scotia  and 
Desecheo  off  Puerto  Rico,  led  to  the 
League's  throwing  out  the  "separate-ad 
ministration"  provision  for  a  new  country. 

Which  brings  us  back  to  40 1  VIC,  In 
1979  all  United  Nations  organizations  in 
the  Vienna.  Austria,  area  were  consols 


4U1VIC 


VIENNA 
INTERNATIONAL 

AMATEUR 

RADIO  CLUB 


r^J 


dated  Info  a  single-building  complex  on 
the  banks  of  the  Danube  River.  As  with  the 
United  Nations  complexes  in  Geneva  and 
New  York.  \tie  adjacent  land  becomes  part 
of  the  UN,  not  Austria,  The  region  is  now 
known  as  Vienna  International  Centre 
(VIC)  or  UNO  City. 

Among  the  many  amateur-radio  opera- 
tors on  the  staff  of  the  various  UN  organi- 
zations in  Vienna  were  Tom  Gabbert 
K3TG/QE1ZGA  and  Horgt  Eisenlohi  0L9OU 
0E3OLW.  They  paved  Ihe  way  for  the  for- 
mation of  Ihe  Vienna  International  A  ma 
teur  Radio  Club  and  convinced  UN  Head- 
quarters to  grant  mem  the  callsign 
4U1VIC  The  station  began  operation  last 
fall. 

The  operators  of  the  station  Include 
hams  from  many  different  countries, 
aince  membership  in  the  V1ARC  Is  re- 
stricted to  staff  and  accredited  diplo- 
matic staff.  The  club  members  loan  equip- 
ment to  the  station  and  feed  a  maamd  ver- 
tical on  the  roof  of  the  350-foot  nigh  UN 
building.  During  contest  operation,  the 
club  members  siring  temporary  di poles 
for  the  lower  bands. 

The  combination  of  antenna  restric- 
tions and  the  time  limitations  of  the  op- 
erators makes  4UIVIC  a  challenge  for  ihe 
DXer  The  best  times  to  watch  for  the  sta- 
tion are  local  lunehUrne,  early  evenings, 
and  weekends,  especially  during  con- 
tests. The  station  was  on  the  air  during 
most  of  the  CQ  WW  SSB  test  last  fall.  Try 
1130-1300  UTC  and  after  1630  UTC, 
around  14030  or  21030  CW  and  14200  or 
21300  SSB 

As  with  other  club  stations,  the  DSL 
Chores  fall  On  the  operator  making  the 
contacts.  Your  best  bet  for  a  confirmation 
Is  to  Include  the  name  of  the  operator  on 
the  card.  The  OSL  address  Is  VlARC,  Box 
200,  A-1000  Vienna,  Austria.  Two  iRCs 
with  your  self-addressed  envelope  will 
bring  a  direct  response  with  UN  stamps. 
Or  you  can  send  the  card  via  the  wetl-run 
Austrian  QSL  bureau,  which  handles  the 
cards  as  a  courtesy  for  the  VlARC- 


Why  <s  4U1VIC  considered  a  country  at 
all,  it  DXCC  rules  don't  permit  separate- 
country  status?  The  DXCC  Is  nol  the  only 
game  In  the  DX  community,  although  it  Is 
the  most  respected  award  program.  The 
German  national  amateur-raoio  organiza- 
tion, the  DARC  also  sponsors  a  presti- 
gious award  lor  working  all  the  countries 
of  Europe,  and  their  country  list  is  slightly 
different  from  the  League's  DXCC  country 
list.  Specifically,  the  Shetland  Islands  off 
the  Scottish  coast  and  the  island  of  Sicily 
(ITS)  are  "separate  countries"  for  the 
DARC  award  program 

This  is  of  interest  to  radio  contest ers. 
because  both  the  DARC- sponsored  Worked 
All  Europe  contest  in  the  fall  and  the  CO 
WW  test  use  ihe  DARC  country  list  for 
multipliers.  This  means  that  the  Shetland 
Islands.  Sicily,  and  now  4U1VIC  count  as 
separate  multipliers  for  these  contests, 
but  not  for  Ihe  ARRL  DX  test  in  the  spring, 
which  uses  the  DXCC  list 


DX  FOLLOW-UP 

Several  members  of  the  international 
DX  Foundation  traveled  to  the  tiny  coun- 
try of  St,  KKts  in  the  Caribbean  last  sum 
mer  to  hand  out  DX  contacts  on  all  bands 
from  160  meters  through  2.  The  four  ama- 
teurs (see  Photo  A)  hauled  a  Yaesu 
FT9Q1ZD.  a  Kenwood  TS-130S,  and  VHF 
gear  to  the  island,  which  is  about  200 
miles  east  of  Puerto  Rico.  Antennas  in- 
cluded a  triband  beam,  a  long  six-meter 
yagi.  di  poles,  and  a  vertical  (flee  Photo  B), 

The  group  made  several  thousand  con- 
tacts in  more  than  100  different  countries 
during  the  stay,  including  10  countries  on 
8  meters!  if  you  worked  any  of  ihe  four  dif- 
ferent callstgns  used  (VP2K8H-KBK), 
send  your  GSL  card  to  Andy  Anderson 
K8EFS,  4300  Souih  Cochran,  Charlotte  Ml 
45813. 

As  promised  (see  this  column,  October. 
1983),  the  Colombian  amateur-radio  or 
gan.'zaJ'on  mounted  an  impressive  expe- 
dition lo  Malpelo  this  past  fall   Thirteen 


0  "     '*         OW 


Trie  Vienna  International  Amateur  Radio  G/uo  operates  from  the  top  of  the  highest  build- 
mg  In  the  United  Nations  complex  on  the  Danube 

110     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


Photo  A.  The  St  Kitta  QKpedition  crew  relaxes  m  front  of  their  operating  position:  (left  to 
right}  Key*  VP2KBifN$AKY>  Don  YP2KBH/WB3BKQ  Donna  VP£KBJ/KA8LDQr  and  Andy 
VPSKBKmSEFS 


#p* 


Photo  C-  The  CW  operating  team  at  HKQTU  in  front  of  the  "Malpeto  Hilton"  From  left: 
HtaOBQ,  HKiQQt  HKIAMW*  and  HK3BAE 


Photo  B,  The  St  Kitts  antenna  farm  included  an  8-etemant  &meter  beam,  tribander,  dt 
poles,  and  a  vertical. 


Colombian  amateurs  formed  the  operat- 
ing team  at  HKOTu,  which  finally  landed 
Dn  Maipelo  on  October  12  for  a  four-day 
stay.  The  group  set  up  four  stations,  3  on 
3SB  and  one  on  CW,  The  CW  team  of 
HK1DB0,  HK1QQ,  HK1AMW,  and 
HK3BAE  (see  Pholo  C)  made  about  7600 
jontacts  of  the  2O.OO0*pJus  total  oft  he  DX- 
sedition.  The  CW  operating  position  (a 
arp  thrown  over  some  poies)  prominently 
lis  played  a  sign  which  read.  "  Ma  ipeio  Hi  I* 
oft,  VIPs  only.  No  phonepatchers  al- 
owed?" 

The  composite  photograph  taken  from 
he  top  of  the  iQOQ'foot  cliff  overlooking 
he  i&ndlng  site  gives  some  Idea  of  the 
ugged  nature  of  the  island.  Lacking  the 
ssi  stance  of  military  helicopters,  the  ope- 
rators were  forced  10  set  up  all  their  sts~ 
ens  on  the  eastern  side  of  the  island,  so 
>e  US  West  Coast  and  Japanese  ama- 
hira  once  again  found  Malpeto  a  difficult 
ontact,  The  Colombian  hams  scouted 
ut  the  rest  of  the  island  during  breaks  in 
lefr  operating  schedule;  they  located  a 
assible  Site  on  the  western  side  of  the 
land  for  a  future  DXpedltion.  which 
nouid  please  W6  hams.  Don't  hold  your 
eath,  however;  the  next  Maipelo  trip  is 
•ntaiiveiy  scheduled  for  1990! 

That's  it  for  now.  Coming  up;  the  worv 
OUSWWV! 

ARGENTINA  INVADES 
ANTARCTICA 

No,  not  another  Falklands/MaJvLnas 
tooting- type  war.  DX  contacts  are  the 
alor  weapon  In  this  battle  of  interna* 
x\$\  diplomacy.  Specifically,  AZ5ZA 
ed  •  Shot  in  favor  of  the  Argentine's 
aim  to  the  polar  regions  by  operating 
ring  the  month  of  January  (middle  of 


summer}  from  the  South  Orkney  Islands 
group,  between  South  America  and  Ant 
arc!  lea. 
With  the  kind  assistance  of  the  Argen- 


tine Navy,  two  amateurs  traveled  to  Laurie 
island  to  activate  AZSZA  (which  is  a  legiti- 
mate Argentine  callsign).  Carlos  Pofio 
LU9EIE  and  Art  Gargarella  LU6ETS  braved 
the  elements  and  the  prospect  of  Christ- 
mas in  one  of  the  worst  climates  in  the 
world  to  put  this  Island  on  the  air. 

While  the  action  might  not  be  quite  as 
exciting  (nor  as  deadly)  as  the  Ill-fated  at- 
tack on  the  Falkiands,  this  DXpedltion  Is 
really  another  skirmish  in  the  long-stand- 
ing disagreement  between  the  United 
Kingdom  and  Argentina  over  the  owner- 
ship of  vast  amounts  of  Antarctic  real  es- 
tate and  (more  importantly)  ocean-fishing 
and  mining  righta. 

At  stake  in  such  apparently  innocent 
DXpeditions  is  the  200-mile  limit  which, 
most  countries  recognize  as  "territorial 
waters  '  A?  gent  I  ft!  has  always  taken  Us 
claim  lo  the  nearby  islands  and  a  slice  of 
the  Antarctic  continent  very  seriously. 
Maps  of  the  country  printed  in  Argentina 


always  show  a  huge  slice  of  Antarctica 
and  the  surrounding  islands  as  part  of  Ar- 
gentina, If  Argentina  can  win  international 
support  for  its  claim  lo  these  disputed  re- 
gions, the  country  stands  to  gain  fishing. 
drilling,  and  undersea  mining  rights  to  an 
enormous  area,  potentially  worth  many 
billions  of  dollars. 

The  Argentines  have  pursued  their 
claims  to  this  region  ih rough  interna- 
tional courts  as  well  as  on  the  battlefield 
and  have  never  acknowledged  the  United 
Kingdom's  claims  to  the  same  territory. 
Since  one  Of  the  bases  for  International 
recognition  of  the  territorial  claims  Is  In- 
habitation and  development,  the  Argen- 
tine Navy  "shows  the  flag  "  in  this  region 
as  often  as  the  nasty  weather  permits. 
This  year  It's  South  Orkney.  Meanwhile  a 
small  community  of  British  subjects  stays 
on  the  next  i stand  to  the  south,  Signy  Is- 
land, also  pari  of  the  South  Orkney  group. 
Listen  for  VPSs  AOOr  AOH,  and  ALD. 


Photo  D.  The  HKQTU  operation  as  seen  from  the  top  of  the  ctttt  high  above  the  stations,  "Fonia"  indicates  a  phone  station,  white  "feJe- 
gratla"  indicates  a  CW  position. 

73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     111 


Fortunately  for  DXers.  the  inl er national 
ramifications  of  these  disputes  do  not 
(yet)  affect  the  DX  status  of  the  "country," 
South  Orkney  Is  a  new  one  for  hams,  re- 
gardless of  whether  the  contact  Is  with  a 


VPS  or  LU  4AZ)  operation.  But  don't  try  to 
confiTm  your  AZ5ZA  contact  through  the 
United  Kingdom!  The  Radio  CluLi  of  Ar 
gentlna,  one  of  the  sponsors  of  the  DXpe 
dition,  advises   that   the  QSL   route  tor 


AZ5ZA  Is  via  LU2A,  Bo*  1<»,  T428  8uenos 
Aires,  Argent  ina. 

While  it  is  unfortunate  that  amateur  ra- 
dio is  being  used  as  a  pawn  in  the  difficult 
game  of  international  law.  a  I  least  the  DX 


community   gams   some   major   DXpedi 
lions  to  otherwise  inaccessible  spots, 
financed  by  the  respective  governments. 
Let's  hope  thai  all  shots  fired  are  in  the 
form  of  "CQ  DX." 


FUN! 


John  Edwards  KI2U 

PO  Box  73 

Middle  Village  NY  11379 

0X1NG  AND  DXPEDITIONS 

l  have  many  wonderful  dreams  and  de- 
sires. Most  of  them  I  can't  describe  in  a 
magazine  that  caters  to  readers  of  all 
ages,  but  one  great  dream  I  can  write 
about  la  my  wish  to  travel  on  a  real,  hcn- 
est-to-goodness,  100-percent -genuine  DX- 
petition, 

During  my  youth,  while  other  kids  were 
drooling  over  pictures  of  Corvettes  and 
ten-speeds.  I  used  to  fantasize  about 
packing  up  my  station  (a  Healhkit  Sixer 
and  a  Trick  Stick)  and  setting  oft  on  a 
Journey  to  the  highest  peaks  of  the  Swiss 
Alps,  there  lo  work  the  world  Oh  50-MHz 
AM.  Okay,  I  know  six  meters  isn't  legal  in 
HB-land.  but  remember,  this  was  a  dream. 

Today,  my  goals  aren't  Quite  so  lofty.  I 
no  longer  dream  of  giving  a  new  country  to 
tens  of  thousands  of  eager  amateurs.  In- 
stead, I  would  happily  settle  for  a  journey 
to  any  reasonably  remote  destination.  Al  1 1 
ask  is  that  this  place  be  warm,  have  rela- 
tively decent  propagation  characteristics, 
and  feature  a  hospitable  populace  (no  gun 
fire,  please) 

Will  I  ever  achieve  this  goat?  Who 
knows ?  So  far.  my  total  OX  operating  ex- 
perience consists  of  an  Icom  IC  2A  that  I 
secretly  slipped  into  4UMand  (4U1- 
block?),  Unbeknownst  to  the  dozens  of 
surrounding  security  guards.  I  actually 
kemhuftked  K2KLN/BPT  from  foreign  ter- 
ritory (Weil,  the  ARRL  says  It's  a  foreign 
country  I  call  it  East  42nd  Street.) 

So  there  you  have  il— a  ham  and  his 
dreams.  Tm  open  to  offers. 

ELEMENT  1 
MULTIPLE  CHOICE 

1 1  On  160  meters,  the  DX  window 
1)  1975-2000  kHz 


2)  1100-1560  kHz 

3)  W5-1900  kHz 

4)  tB25-1830kHz 

2)  Soldiers  of  which  nationality  fired  at 
DXers  during  the  recent  Spratly  Island 
fiasco? 

1)  North  Korean 

2)  Vietnamese 

3)  Cambodian 

4)  Laotian 

3)  Which  ot  the  following  groups  does  not 
sponsor  DXpedi  lions: 

1|  Yasme  Foundation 

2)  Private  indi  vidua  is  and  radio  clubs 

3)  Northern  California  DX  Foundation 

4)  ARRL  Foundation 

4)  Back  in  the  1950s,  FCC  Form  405A  was 
used  for 

1)  Amateur-lice nse  renewals 
2}  TVI  complaints 
3}  Amateur-license  revocations 
4)  CB^cense  applications 

5)  Which  ol  the  following  is  not  a  lime  and 
frequency  station: 

1)  CHU 
3  JJY 
3J  ZUO 
4)  IBE 


ELEMENT  2 
MATCHING 

Match  the  renowned  OX  operators  in  Col 
umn  A  with  their  calls  In  Column  B. 


Column  A 

Column  B 

1)  Father  Michael 

A)XY1W 

Moran 

B)4S7PB 

3  Want i  Lame 

QW6AM 

3)  Tim  Chen 

D)  VP2ML 

4}  Paddy  Gunasekera 

E)BV2A 

5)  IC  Venkataramanan 

F)OH2BH 

"venkar 

G>QN4UN 

S)  Don  Wallace 

H)VU2KV 

7)  Tom  Christian 

IJ9N1MM 

8i  Johan  " John" 

JJVR6TC 

Devoldere 

KJW6KG 

9)  Cnoo  Harns 

iQUJoydCotvin 

ELEMENT  3 
TRUE- FALSE 

True 

1)  A  Hand  station  that 
works  Western  Eu- 
rope with  an  an- 
tenna pointed  east 
■s  working  it&  short 

patn  

2)  Overdriving  your 
transmitter  is  called 
flat-topping, 

3}   The  75-meter  phone 
allocation  tor  USSR 
amateurs  ranges 
from  3.9  lo  4.0  MHz. 

4)  The  ttrst  two-way, 
transatlantic  030 

took  pface  in  1912,       . 

5)  Most  RTTY  DX  is 
found  around  14,090 

to  14,100  MHz.  __ 

6)  The  highest  altitude 
expedition  was  one 
that  took  place  on 
top  of  California  s 
Ml.  Whitney  (14.4S6 

feet),  

7)  The  Worked  All  Con- 
tinents award  is 
sponsored  oy  the 

ARRL  

{ft  The  Africana  Net 

meets  on  10  meters,     

9)    It  a  OX  station  on 
CW  sends  "'US.'  H 
means  'stand  by  for 
five  minutes.*'  

10>  As  ol  !9?B,  OXpedV 
tioners  Uoyd  and 
Iris  CoJvin  had  trav- 
eled to  over  133 
countries  and 
worked  over  half  of 
the  active  amateurs 
In  the  world.  


False 


ELEMENT  4 

FILL  IN  THE  BLANK 

iJTo  _^_  is  to  call  a  OX  station  at  the 
same  time  another  operator  is  signing  off. 

2)  Very  long  distance  DX  is  often  called 
,  operation 

3)  The  hem  who  relays  a  list  of  si  at  ion  calls 
to  the   DX  operate*    is  often  called  the 


J|An 


is  a  document  that  may  be 


convened  into  postage  in  another  country 

5>To is  to  adjust  yom  transmitter 

to  the  same  frequency  as  the  DX  station. 


THE  ANSWERS 

Element  J 

1—4,  2-2,  3—4.  4-1,  5—4 

Etement2. 

1—1.  2— F.  3—  E,  4-B  5— H.  ft— C,  7— J. 

a—  as— 0.10— k. 

Element  3 

1— False        Only    II    using    a    broken 

compass. 
2— True  Of  course,  only  contested 

are    guilty    ot    this— never 

DXers. 
3—  Fai  se        3,6  to  3.65  MHz. 
4— False        No.  1023 
5— True  When  the  CW  guys  aren't 

trying  to  kill  the  signals. 
6— False        l   thhik  WSLFl  broke  that 

record 
7  —  False        Technically,  it's  an  interna 

tional  Amateur  Radio  Union 

certificate. 
8 — False         On  1 5  meters 
9 — False        You  should  go  up  five  kHz. 
10— True        That  adds  up  lo  a  halt-mil 

J  Ion  GSOs, 

£/emenf  4 

1— tai  I  ena 

2— long-haul 

3— master  of  ceremonies  IMC] 

4 — international  reply  coupon  |IRC) 

5— zero  beat 


SCORING 

Element  t 

Five  points  for  each  correct  answer, 

Element  2 

Two  and  one^iatf  points  for  each  correct 

match. 

Element  3: 

Two  and  one-halt  points  for  each  correct 

answer 

Element  4: 

Five  points  for  each  word  correctly  III  lee 

In. 

Are  you  a  ham  of  the  world? 
1-20  points— Repeater  tan 
21-40  points— Armchair  DXpeditioner 
41-60  points— Half- way  thiuuoh  the 

DXCG  ranks 
61  -80  points — Honor  Roll  material 
81-100  points— DXCC  in  countries 
vi  ailed 


RTTY  LOOP 


Marc  I  Leavey,  AID.  WA3AJR 
6  Jenny  Lane 
Pikesvilfe  MD  21 208 

March  blows  in  like  a  Lion,  and  so  did  a 
letter  I  received  this  month  from  John  Gist 
KD6LP/9  m  Hazel  wood.  Missouri,  John's 
letter  takes  the  "telMMike-tt-la"  awards  for 
taking  me  to  task  on  the  selection  of  the 
VIC-20  as  the  computer  end  of  Mtcrologs 
AIFM  RTTY  system 

Without  reprinting  John's  lour-page  let 
fer,  I  will  relate  that  he  is  totally  satisfied 

112    73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


with  his  VIC-AIR  combo  and  feels  that  he 
Is  missing  nothing  with  the  setup.  He 
notes  that  large  tetters  are  not  a  decre- 
ment if  your  vision  is  poor.  As  an  aside, 
the  earlier  Microiog  equipment  featured 
such  laroe  type  for  those  with  poor  acuity 
or  to  allow  the  screen  to  be  read  across 
the  room.  The  price  Is  right,  the  features 
appear  to  be  good,  and  the  users  are  hap- 
py; what  more  can  I  say? 

Now,  the  flip  side  of  it  is  the  wish  that, 
since  the  VIC  uses  the  same  €602  that  sev- 
eral  other  "low-end"  computers  use,  M< 


prolog  would  consider  producing  versions 
for  those  systems  as  well.  Also,  since  the 
stand-alone  Microiog  units  have  always 
used  6800- senes  microprocessors,  wnv 
not  cross  assemble  one  for  ine  CoCo? 
The  t6K  cassette-based  bottom  line  CoCo 
is  quite  a  bargain,  and  when  you  upgrade 
it .  .   but  more  about  that  later 

Thanks  for  ihe  note,  John,  I  think  we 
have  given  this  one  enough  AIR,  don 'I 
you? 

A  close  runner-up  for  the  "'I  i+H"  award 
is  a  card  I  received  from  Eark  Moms  from 
Midland,  Michigan  regarding  the  RCA  of 
fer  10  sell  ASR  33s  for  $300  He  states. 
'These  machines  are  selling  around  here 
for  $50  to  $75.  Why  spend  $300  lor  an  old 
Teletype  when  lor  5400  you  can  buy  a  new 
dot  matrix  printer?  Most  people  who  pur 
chased  33s  for  computer  use  are  now  try 
ing  to  sell   them   since  they  have  pur- 


chased a  real  punter.  Now,  Model  V 
Teletypes  are  a  different  story.  Those  yo 
can't  even  give  away  anymore?  Everyon 
has  been  buying  VtC  20s  "  I  wonder  if  Ear 
has  been  talking  to  John?  On.  well  - 

Hams  on  the  frontier  of  technology  CO* 
ttnue  to  fill  us  all  m  un  the  techniques  an 
nuances  of  some  of  the  newer  RTT 
modes  With  AMTGR,  particularly,  Irwflvli 
ual  observations  tend  lo  provide  a  lot  ol  i 
formation.  For  instance.  Carty  Ellrs  KA2 
writes  of  his  and  his  son's  iKSZO  activi 
on  both  RTTY  and  AMTQH  lor  the  past  ie 
months.  Their  station  includes  a  VtC  « 
with  the  Kanirontca  HAMTEXT  and  Al 
TORSOFT  programs,  and  AEA  CP-1  Int* 
face,  and  a  barefoot  eighty-  through  its 
meter  transceiver 

"Let  me  share  some  observations  \ 
equipment  document  at  ion  assistanc 
and  on-the-atr  experiences   We  ongtna 


wanted  to  try  using  our  Atari  400  com- 
puter orv  the  air.  A  local  amateur  was  kind 
enough  to  loan  us  his  Kantronics  inter- 
face unit  and  the  HAMSOFT  program  for 
the  Atari.  We  were  pleasantly  surprised  at 
how  easy  it  was  to  get  on  RTTY.  One  com- 
ment we  had  heard  on  the  Kantronics  In- 
terface was  somewhal  negative,  (that)  the 
received  signal  had  to  be  89  or  better  for 
reliable  copy.  We  did  find  this  to  be  I  rue  in 
our  case  For  that  reason,  as  well  as  a  de- 
arte  to  be  able  to  hook  up  an  oscilloscope 
to  aid  in  tuning. .  (we  ordered  the  CP-i.  I 
can  do  nothing  but  rave  about  the  CP  1 '  It 
is  very  selective,  tar  easier  to  tune  without 
a  scope.  ■  .and  it  will  copy  signals  thai  I 
can  barely  hear  through  the  speaker  I  can 
really  be  proud  of  thai  selection, 

"As  far  as  the  Kantronics  software— I 
have  to  give  t hern  a  solid  A  on  that.  The 
sniy  rap  on  the  knuckles  for  the  software 
s  two  documentation  problems.  On  both 
**AMT£XT  and  AMTGRSQFT  they  do  not 
2*  p*  am  why  you  need  to  affirm  that  you 
ire  using  their  software  with  their  inter 
ace  or  with  someone  else's.  This,  'game' 
esults  in  your  RTTY  or  AMTOR  signal  be- 
ng  upside-down'  if  you  didn't  make  (he 
ight  choice.  This  is  your  transmitted  sfg- 
iaL  not  I  he  one  you  are  receiving— (I 
laven't  discovered  if  the  situation  Is  an  irv 
■erter  In  the  Kantronics  AFSK  genera  lor 
)f  actual  program  logic;  however,  I  sus 
>ect  the  prior— so  watch  It  on  your  fir  si 


RTTY  and  AMTOR  OSOs  (or  lack  of  QSOsj 
And  for  those  of  you  who  say,  Why  didn't 
he  try  the  reverse  switch  on  the 
interface?'— a)  that  only  affects  the  re- 
ceived signal,  which  is  OK,  and  b)  properly 
written  software  does  not  require  user  ex- 
perimentation for  proper  use. 

■*The  problem  with  AMTORSOFT  is 
more  one  of  Interpretation,  AMTOR  Is  a 
new  mode— procedural  protocol  Is  still 
changing,  some  of  the  techniques  are 
really  exotic  {very  impressive  is  a  better 
phrase)— and  it  all  takes  a  lot  of  learning 
The  technique  of  establishing  a  raw.  on 
scheduled  contact  on  AMTOR  is  not  real 
life — it  would  work,  fust  nobody  does  it 
that  way.  And  there  is  a  feature  of  AMTOR 
which  makes  it  a  bit  like  QSK  CW— you 
can  actually  bFeak  into  the  other  station 
white  he  is  sending  to  you— try  that  on 
RTTY.  And  last  but  hot  least— one  "lid" 
thing  can  happen  to  you— you  can  be  try- 
ing to  find  the  SELCAL  being  used,  and  If 
you  forget  to  tail  the  computer  NOT  to  re- 
spond— you  may  find  yourself  actually 
screwing  up  the  link  between  two  stations 
who  are  In  QSO— thai  really  gets  em  bar 
rassing  for  the  new  ham  doing  it  and  frus- 
trating tor  i he  two  stations  who  are  other- 
wise in  100%  perfect  copy  situations." 

My  sincere  thanks  to  Carty  for  a  meaty 
letter,  which  I  am  sure  many  hams  toying 
with  the  idea  of  getting  on  AMTOR  ap- 
preciate 


Now,  a  short  tale  of  two  computers. 
Many  of  you  have  dropped  me  notes  tell- 
ing me  of  your  use  of  the  VIC,  Atari,  or 
Other  personal  computers  on  RTTY.  t 
noted  In  these  pages  some  months  back 
of  my  acquisition  of  an  Atari  400,  with  the 
hopes  of  putting  it  on  RTTY.  VVeli,  now  you 
may  note  that  I  am  talking  about  a  TR5- 
60C  Color  Computer'*  with  the  same  lines. 
My  computer  history  goes  back  to  the 
6S00  school,  as  faithful  readers  of  this  col- 
umn know,  and  it  is  from  that  school  that 
the  6809  used  m  the  CoCo  comes.  After 
looking  at  several  systems  and  spending 
quite  a  bit  of  money,  not  all  of  it  wisely,  I 
have  come  to  the  conclusion,  at  feast  for 
now,  that  Ihe  6809  is  the  way  to  go.  Points 
in  its  favor  include  ease  of  programming, 
a  wide  range  of  system  software,  and  a 
wide  range  of  hardware  which  retains 
compatibility.  There  are  at  least  three  or 
four  disk  operating  systems,  each  of 
which  fills  a  different  niche,  and  hardware 
systems  which  range  in  complexity  from 
Color  Basic  CoCos,  selling  for  a  little  over 
one  hundred  dollars,  io  GlMIX  QS9  sys 
terns  and  Cheftains  selling  for  thou- 
sands. This  is  no  toy,  the  6809,  bul  that 
does  not  mean  you  can't  play  games.  For 
a  three-year-old  vers  ton  of  CoCo  RTTY, 
look  at  Clay  Abrams'  article  on  page  58  of 
the  September,  1983K  Issue  of  73,  We  will 
present  more  here,  as  it  develops! 

As  I  reread  the  above  paragraph,  I  see  I 
mentioned    one    thing    that,    if    not    ex- 


plained, leaves  unsaid  why  I  feel  the 
is  so  powerful.  Those  ot  you  who  read  any 
of  the  computer  magazines  have  read 
about  the  "big"  system  operating  sys- 
tems, like  Untx  or  Xenix  These  mutli-user 
operating  systems  allow  several  users  to 
share  a  central  CPU  and  disk,  with  only  a 
remote  terminal  Except  for  certain  high- 
use  times,  such  users  are  typically  un- 
aware of  other  users'  existence.  That  Is 
what  OS9  is*  a  multiuser,  multi-tasking 
operating  system  for  the  6809  CPU.  Two 
users  can  run  my  CoCo  with  a  "back- 
ground task,*1  say  printing  out  a  listing,  all 
going  at  the  same  time  Because  of  hard 
ware  design,  there  is  a  bottleneck  with 
simultaneous  input  and  output.  Out  other 
lasHs  can  run  at  the  same  lime.  The  bot- 
tleneck is  caused  by  the  use  of  a  parallel 
port  PIA  as  a  serial  port,  through  use  of  a 
software  UART.  This  was  used  In  early 
6800  systems  and  has  been  used  here  as 
one  way  to  interface  RTTY  with  a  com 
puter.  It  does  tie  down  the  CPU,  though, 
and  when  a  true  serial  port.  ACIA*  is  im- 
plemented, it  will  help  But  In  the  mean- 
time, a  CoCo  funning  OS9  runs  rings 
around  other  systems.  Check  it  out. 

You  are  a  vocal  lot,  RTTYers,  I  enjoy 
reading  your  comments,  views,  and  opin- 
ions, and  so  do  your  cohorts  Let  me  hear 
from  you,  and  til  pass  a  long  what  I  can, 
Miter  some  more,  and  add  what's  needed. 
The  product?  Next  month's  RTTY  Loop. 


r 


< 


iSuanc*  of  Ten  Year  Amateur  Radio 
teens** 

gencv:  Federal  Communication* 

o  mm  i  anon, 

ction:  Is su ci nee  of  license s. 

ummarv:  The  Commissi  on  has 
>mrnenced  issuing  new.  modified  and 
-newd  umuteur  radio  station  and 
aerator  licenses  for  ten  year  terms.  The 
nger-term  licenses  were  authorized  in 
ite  amendments  previously  adopted  in 
is  proceeding.  Issuance  of  ten  year 
:enses  was  delayed  so  that  necessary 
langes  could  be  made  tn  licensing 
ograms*  The  Public  Notice  is 
rcessary  so  thai  licensees  will  know 
at  we  are  now  issum^  ten  year 
senses,  The  effect  of  this  Public  Notice 
Ihe  creation  of  an  informed  public  and 
reduction  in  the  number  of  telephone 
quiriei  concerning  license  terms, 

JORtas;  Federal  Communications 
j mm 1 53 ion,  Washington.  D.C.  20554 

m  *yHTMfin  BHFOfttMTfOM  COWTACT: 

aunce  J  DePonl,  Private  Radio 
ireau.  Special  Services  Division  (202J 

IFPt-EMENTARV  INFORMATION:  The 

sport  and  Order  in  this  matter  was 
bliflhed  on  October  £B.  19A3  at  4fl  FR 

The  Cummission  has  commenced 
luing  new,  modified  and  renewal 
lateur  radio  station  and  operator 
enses  for  ten  veer  terms.  The  Longer- 
m  licenses  were  authorized  in  rule 
lenrfments  adopted  by  the 
m  mission  on  October  6.  1963  Before 
i  rules  were  changed,  tn  amateur 
esse  was  issued  For  a  five  year  period- 
nance  of  len  year  Ikertaw  was 
t.iyed  so  lhat  necessary  changes  could 

made  in  licensing  programs.  [PR  Dki 

-337], 

There  will  be  a  two  year  grace  period 

expired  len  year  station  and  operator 
?nses. 
rhe  Commission  emphasizes  that  the 


len  year  license  term  is  not  a  blanket 
extension  of  existing  si  a  lion  and 
operator  licenses.  An  amateur  license 
that  specifies  less  than  a  ten  year  term 
will  show  n  ten  year  term  on  ihe  face  of 
the  license  when  it  is  eilher  modified  of 
renewed. 
Williiim  J  Tric*rico 
Secretary  FvHmroi  Commwutaiians 


Amendment  of  ttw  Commtmsion't 
Rules  To  Make  Addition*!  Frequencies 
Available  for  Repeater  Operation 

a  gencv:  Federal  Communicaltons 

Commission, 

ACTION:  Withdrawal  of  proposed  rule. 

summary:  This  document  withdraws  an 
earlier  proposal  which  sought  to  make 
additional  frequencies  in  the  It)  meter 
band  available  for  repeater  operation. 
Making  such  frequencies  available  to 
users  would  have  an  adverse  impact  on 
amateur  satellite  commentations  in  lhat 
band.  Further,  it  was  determined  that 
there  is  no  compelling  need  for  repeater 
suhband  expansion  in  the  TO  meter  band 
at  this  time- 

address:  Federal  Communication 
Commission,  Washington,  DC,  20554. 
FOR  FURTHf  R  INFORMATION  CONTACT: 
Maurice  [.  DePont  Privale  Radio 
Bureau,  Washington,  D.C>  30554.  {202} 
632-4964. 

OnJen  Proceeding  Terminated 

Ln  the  Metier  of  Amendment  ai  the 
Amateur  Radio  Service  Rukt.  Part  97.  to 
nuke  additions)  frequent trt  «y«|faUs  for 
repealer  operation,  PR  Deckel  No.  03-405; 

Adopted.  October  31,  IGB3 
Released:  November  2,  1983, 

By  the  Cnitimiasion, 

1.  On  May  1&  1983,  Ihe  Commission 
adopted  a  Notice  of  Prnutwii  Rule 
Making  (48  FR  24954;  June  3.  1903) 


proposing  to  amend  the  Amateur  Radio 
Service  Rules  to  authorize  the 
frequencies  between  29.0  and  29.5  MHl 
for  repe inter  operation-  Current 
frequencies  available  for  repeater 
operation  in  the  10  meter  band  are 
between  29.5  and  29.7  MHz.  Comments 
in  the  proceeding  were  due  July  25, 1963, 
and  reply  comments  were  due  August 
Z4,  1983. 

2.  The  Commission's  proposal 
stemmed  from  a  petition  for  rule  nuking 
(RM-4231  J.  filed  October  IS.  1BBZ  by 
Beryl  Coiney  of  Oak  Harbor, 
Washington.  Mr.  Gosney  requested  that 
frequencies  in  the  10  meter  band  now 
available  for  repealer  operation  be 
expanded  to  Include  frequencies 
between  29  0  and  29.5  MM*.  In  his 
petition,  Mr.  Gosney  said  that  the 
present  number  of  10  meter  band 
frequencies  was  inadequate  and  that 
severe  frequency  congestion  was  taking 
place.  Me  attributed  the  congestion  to 
the  recent  increase  in  FM 

commun i canons  that  has  taken  place  on 
10  meters,  but  offered  no  data  to  support 
his  claim.  In  our  proposal  we  noted  that 
there  might  be  merit  in  Ihe  petitioner's 
request  and  invited  comments  on  the 
need  for  additional  repealer  frequencies. 
We  also  asked  for  communis  on  the 
impact  that  additional  10  meter 
frequencies  would  have  on  present  and 
future  repeater  and  non- repeater 
operation*. 

3.  Co  mm  en  tors  in  favor  of  the 
proposal  said  there  was  a  great  need  for 
the  additional  repeater  frequencies.  For 
example,  the  Southern  California 
Repeater  and  Remote  Base  Association 
[SCRRBA)  said  that  it  wan  unable  to 
coordinate  additional  repeat  era  F  even 
though  there  are  operators  in  that  area 
who  want  to  construct  and  operate  new 
stations  SCRRBA  acknowledged  thai 
there  are  satellite  operations  in  the  29.3- 
29-5  MHs  portion  of  the  10  meter  band, 
but  anticipated  that  sharing 
arrangements  with  Amateur-Satellite 
Service  users  could  be  worked  out 
within  the  amateur  community.  Car3  E, 
Bollinger  staled  that  there  ia  a  great 
need  for  these  additional  frequency 
allocations  on  FM.  According  to  Mr. 
Bollinger,  under  favorable  propagation 
condition*,  ihere  is  extreme  crowding 
and  interference  on  both  the  repeater 
and  simplex  frequencies. 


4.  Commentors  opposed  to  the 
proposal  mentioned  the  disruption  that 
would  OCCIir  to  amateur  satellite 
communications  il"  repeaters  were 
permitted  between  29.3  Mliz  and  29.5 
MHz.  The  Radio  Amateur  Stitdiite 
Corporation  [AMSAT)  said  that  FM 
repeater  operation  Ui  thai  frequency 
segment  would  worsen  an  already 
difficult  situation.  The  American  Radio 
Relay  League,  Inc.  f  ARRIJ  concurred.  In 
addition,  the  ARRL  said  it  had  no 
evidence  of  overcrowding  in  the  existing 
IQ-meler  repeater  suhband  The  ABRL 
noted  that  its  latest  Repeater  Directory 
listed  only  43  repealers  in  the  10  meter 
band  for  Ihe  entire  United  Stales,  and 
only  one  repeater  in  the  Slate  of 
Washington,  where  ihe  petitioner 
resides. 

5.  After  considering  the  comments  on 
both  sides  of  the  issue  of  additional  10 
meter  repeater  frequencies,  we  are 
persuaded,  far  two  reasons,  that  we 
should  terminate  this  proceeding 
without  adopting  the  proposed  rules. 
First  providing  additional  repeater 
frequencies  in  the  10  m  el  ex  band  would 
have  an  adverse  effeo*.  on  amateur 
satellite  communications,  including 
beacon  transmissions,  robot  operations, 
telemetry  signals  and  transponder 
downlinks,  Second,  we  conclude  that 
there  is  no  cam  pelting  need  for  repeater 
siibband  expansion  in  the  10  meter  band 
at  this  lime.  Comments  referring  to 
congestion  on  repeater  frequencies 
appear  to  represent  local  conditions. 
Amateur  satellite  com  mum  cations,  on 
the  other  hand,  transcend  local  areas. 
Hence,  the  adverse  impact  on  amateur 
satellite  communications  that  would 
occur  if  the  subband  were  expanded, 
outweighs  any  frequency  congestion 
that  local  repeaters  may  be 
experiencing, 

8,  In  view  of  the  foregoing,  it  is 
ordered.  That  the  petition  of  Beryl 
Gosney.  RM-4231,  is  denied. 

7.  It  is  further  ordered.  That  this 
proceeding  IS  TERMINATED. 

6.  Information  in  this  matter  may  be 
obtained  by  contacting  Maurice  J. 
DePonl  1 202)  632-1964.  Private  Radio 
Bareaun  Federal  Communications 
Commission,  Washington.  D.C,  20554, 

Federat  CummLinittattong  Commission. 

William  1  Tries/tea, 

Secneiary, 

73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     113 


R.  a  No. 


Page        R.  S.  No. 


1 11  Ad  va  need  Gompu  ter  Coot  rol  s 

Ml 

4      p  ._.-.■.._      ■•■■■■■■>■      B      4  %■   F 

AE  A/Advanced  Electronic 

Applications  . . 21,47 

Alpha  Delta  Communications.  Inc. 

*       Amateur  Communications.  Etc.  135 
Amateur  EJec t  ro n  Sc  S  u  ppi  y  .38 

Amateur- Wholesale  Elect fomes 

<       ■*      ■«..      a.      .      r      .      ■■      r     |      .      <      ■      .      .     -,      |      i      -      r      -      "   J    I 

BUG,  Inc. .....  - 

BMG  Engineering  , 
Barker  &  Will  lam  son,  Inc. 


243 


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11 

476 
305 


.43 
130 
119 
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479 


175 
482 
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461 

111 

13 

14 

15 


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Bin  Asrtby  &Son 83 

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Butternut  Electronics. .« . .     . .  .75 
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UbWj     rrltia       ■■      ■     ■■«■.■■■      i      r      i      ■      Bi      ■»•'«#"• 

CZLabs 97 

CaywooctElectronicsJnc,  ....  .103 
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114     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


DR.  DIGITAL 


Robert  Swfrsky  AF2M 
PO  Box  122 
Cedarhurst  NY  11516 

I  have  a  tendency  to  oet  carried  away. 
Wtten  someone  asks  me  what  Is  though 
to  be  a  simple  question,  that  person  is 
usually  sorry  he  asked;  1  tend  to  give 
lengthy  replies.  This  was  the  case  the  oth- 
er day  when  a.  friend  asked  me  about  a  cer- 
tain programming  technique. 

My  friend  was  working  on  a  net -control 
management  program  and  wanted  to 
know  how  to  have  a  ""hrst-m-first-Guf '  se- 
quence for  the  data  Obviously,  after  the 
check-ins  are  noted,  the  net  control  must 
respond  to  them  In  the  order  that  they 
checked  in.  One  solution  is  to  store  the 
check-Ins  In  an  array,  Thfs.  however,  pre- 
sents a  number  of  problems.  One  musi 
know  the  maximum  number  of  check-ins 
thai  can  "pile  up"  before  the  net  control 
can  get  to  them.  Also,  there  Is  the  problem 
of  how  to  handle  the  situation  where  a 
new  station  checks  In  be  I  ore  all  the  previ- 
ous check -ms  have  been  taken  care  of —if 
the  first  check-in  of  the  initial  group  is  in 
array  element  ft .  the  only  way  would  be  to 
move  a)  i  the  other  elements  up  one  space. 
Clearly  this  is  a  waste  of  time;  on  a  micro- 
computer with  a  slow  Basic,  this  can  take 
a  few  seconds. 

Since  we  were  discussing  program- 
ming languages  last  month.  I'M  use  this 
problem  to  show  how  a  programming 
problem  that  is  hard  to  code  in  Basic  is  al- 
most in  vial  in  a  different  language- 


Programming  Language 

A  number  of  years  ago.  a  committee 
from  IBM  decided  to  Invent  a  new  pro- 
gramming language  (well,  maybe  the  deci- 
sion was  made  and  then  the  committee 
was  termed,  but  let's  not  pick  nits).  Alter  a 
long  period  of  heated  debates,  they  came 
up  with  Put.  This  language  look  the  best 
features  of  FORTRAN,  COBOL  and  AL- 
GOL as  well  as  a  bunch  of  other  stuff  nev- 
er oet  ore  seen  in  a  programming  language 
and  Integrated  them  Into  one  huge  lan- 
guage, fn  its  present  form  (PUI-F),  It  In- 
cludes practically  every  feature  one  can 
imagine:  concurrent  subroutines,  excep- 
tion processing,  modular  programming 
and  the  ability  to  communicate  with  other 
languages,  Them  are  even  forms  of  the 
language  that  will  try  to  correct  syntax  er- 
rors. 

The  problem  with  PUI  was  that  is  was 
too  big.  In  order  to  deal  with  this,  another 
committee  (ANSI)  sat  down  and  removed 
ait  the  redundant  and  seldom-used  fea- 
tures of  the  language  and  produced  PUI 
subset  G.  This  was  done  primarily  to  meet 
the  needs  of  minicomputer  users.  When 
subset  G  was  designed,  memory  pieces 
were  still  high  and  minicomputers  didn't 
have  much  more  memory  than  some  of  to- 
day's microcomputers. 

It  wasn't  long  before  some  other  com- 
mittee decided  to  trim  some  more  fat  off 
PUJ  and  make  it  fit  on  microcomputers. 
This  was  done  by  Digital  Research  (the 
company  that  markets  CPMrf)  in  1980 
Their  product  was  called  PU1-S0  (the  80  re- 
fers to  the  fact  that  it  runs  on  an  8080  or 


Z-80  based  computer).  Because  l  am  a  PUI 
fanatic,  I  obtained  a  copy  of  PUI-SO  as 
soon  as  II  came  out  and  have  had  a 
love/hate  relationship  with  it  ever  since. 

The  "love"  is  because  I  feel  it  is  one 
of  the  best  microcomputer  languages 
around.  The  "hate"  Is  because  of  the  sub- 
tle differences  between  PUI -60  and  "real" 
PUI.  I  have  a  great  deal  of  difficulty  trans- 
ferring  programs  between  PUt-80  and 
DEC  PUI,  even  though  both  are  called 
"subset  G."  St  if  I  „  I  have  no  reservations  rec- 
ommending PUt-80,  It  is  available  for  any 
system  that  can  run  GP/M-80  (even  Apple 
computers  with  a  Z-60  card). 

Queues 

The  way  to  handle  the  "flrst-irvflfsi-out" 
net -control  problem  Is  with  the  data  struc- 
ture know  as  a  "queue,"  A  queue  simply 
means  a  line,  and  this  provides  a  useful 
analogy.  When  one  goes  to  see  a  movie, 
one  generally  waits  in  a  line.  New  people 
can  only  enter  the  line  from  the  rear  (well 
assume  we  live  in  a  perfect  world  and  no- 
body cuts),  and  a  person  can  only  get  off 
the  line  from  the  front  This  is  exactly  the 
type  of  organization  we  need  for  the  net- 
control  program— new  check-ins  gel  on 
the  rear  of  the  ffne  while  the  net  conirol 
handles  the  people  on  the  front  of  the  tine 

Listing  1  shows  the  PUI  program  to 
handle  this,  ft  allocates  blocks  of  mem 
Ofy,  catted  "nodes."  for  each  person  who 
checks  in.  Associated  with  each  node  is  a 
pointer  catted  "next"  which  points  to  the 
next  person  on  Hue,  There  are  also  two 
other  pointers  called  "front"  and  "rear" 
which  point  to  the  front  and  rear  of  the 
queue.  Subroutines  are  provided  to  add  a 
new  node  at  the  rear  of  the  queue,  to 
remove  a  node  from  the  front  of  the  queue, 
and  to  see  If  the  queue  Is  empty.  Follow- 
ing Is  a  Ime-by^ine  description  of  the  pro- 
gram. 

One  1  is  the  standard  way  to  begin  a 
PUI  program.  This  identifies  the  program 


name  as  QUEUE  and  tefls  the  computer 
that  this  is  the  main  program,  as  opposed 
tea  subprogram. 

The  form  of  each  node  is  specified  with 
lines  6  through  9.  The  DCL  stands  for  "de- 
clare" Each  node  is  to  consist  of  an 
8-character  callsign  field  and  a  pointer  to 
the  next  node.  Note  that  this  declaration 
does  not  actually  reserve  any  memory  for 
the  node.  It  simply  serves  as  a  template  to 
indicate  the  structure  of  each  node,  Line  7 
says  "BASED  {Of."  This  specifies  that  the 
variable  O  will  be  used  to  hold  the  memory 
address  of  the  queue's  location. 

Other  variables  that  will  be  used  m  the 
program  are  specified  in  lines  12  through 
16.  Line  12  means  thai  Q  Is  a  "pointer" 
variable;  II  Is  used  lo  hold  a  memory  ad- 
dress. The  declaration  In  line  13  tells  the 
computer  to  reserve  8  memory  locations 
for  character  data  and  reference  this  loca- 
tion by  the  name  INFO."  A  "fixed"  van- 
able  (tine  T4>  can  contain  Integer  data  be- 
tween the  values  of  -  32768  to  +32767. 
Finally,  the  variables  that  will  hold  the  ad- 
dresses for  the  front  and  rear  of  the  queue 
are  specified  in  line  16. 

PUI  programs  are  generally  divided  into 
smaller  units  called  "procedures."  These 
are  similar  to  Basic  subroutines.  The  pro- 
cedures or  subroutines  for  this  program 
start  at  Fine  16.  The  first  one  Is  called  INIT- 
QUEUE  All  this  does  Is  initialize  the 
queue;  the  pointers  to  either  end  of  ihe 
queue  are  set  equal  to  NULL,  which  is  a 
built-in  system  variable  used  to  indicate 
an  invalid  memory  location.  The  queue 
can  be  checked  to  see  if  it  is  empty  by  de- 
termining if  the  pointer  is  equal  to  this  null 
value. 

We  start  to  get  to  the  more  interesting 
part  of  the  program  at  line  23.  This  proce- 
dure, called  ADO-REAR,  is  used  to  add  a 
new  callsign  to  the  end  of  the  Queue  The 
ALLOCATE  statement  (line  26}  reserves 
enough  memory  for  one  node  and  sets  the 
variable  O  equal  to  the  address  of  this 


Listing  J.  This  program  demonstrates  the  use  of  a  Queue  for  a  net  control  management 
orobfofn. 

It  GUEUEtPROC  OPTIONS  CHAIN) ; 

?: 
4: 

cr  ■ 
J   f 

61     DCL 

7: 

b; 
9: 

lo: 

Lit 

L  a.  i 

t3.1 

^: 
,.61 

7\ 

.8  ■ 

91 

:o: 
:i: 
\z\ 
:3: 

5: 
6; 
7: 
s: 
?: 

03 

i: 
2: 

3; 

4! 

%J  * 

at 
7: 


1  NODE  BASED  <Q) , 

2  CALLSIGN  CHAR  <B)f 
2  NEXT  POINTER! 


DCL  q  pointer; 

DCL  INFO  CHAR  CBS  J 

DCL  I  fixed; 

DCL  (FRONT, REAR)  POINTER? 

iNlT^QUEUEiPROC; 

FR0NT=NULL() I 

REAR=NULL( ) \ 
END* 

ADD_REARJPRDC<INFQ>  ? 
DCL  INFO  CHAR  <B)J 

ALLOCATE  NODE  SET  (Q>; 
0->CALLSIGN=INF0  J 
Q->NEXT=NULL< ) J 
IF  REAR=NULL()  THEN 

front=q; 

ELSE 

rear->ne)ct-q; 

REAR=0J 
END  ADO.REARf 

REM0ME_FR0NT  % PRGC  RETURNS  <  CHAR  I B ) 3  \ 
IF  EMPTY <>  THEN  00 | 

PUT  SKIP  LIST  ('QUEUE  ACCESS  ERROR') \ 


39: 

*i: 
<m: 

15  1 

47: 

49: 
50: 
51  + 
521 
531 

Jl  * 

56: 
57: 
so: 
59: 
60 : 

61  • 
6ZJ 
63! 

65: 

66  * 

67; 

68: 
69: 

701 

71! 
72: 
73! 
7*1! 

75: 
76! 
77% 
79! 
79: 


RETURN 

end; 


('-ERROR — 


>; 


DCL  TEMP  POINTER; 
TEHF^FRQNTf 

inf0^temp->callsign \ 
frqnt=tehp->next; 
if  fr0nt  =  nullo  then 

free  temp-  node; 

return  (info); 
end; 


REAR=NULLC ) J 


empty; PR 

RETURN 
END  EMPT 


RETURNS  CBXTtlMl 


CFRONT  =  NULLC  > ) ; 


CALL  INIT_QUEUE? 

MAINLP:D0  WHILE  ('l'B)i 

PUT  SKIP  LIST  ('1*  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 
PUT  SKIP  LIST  (*2*  REMOVE  CALL  FROM 

PUT  skip; 

GET  LIST  <I) J 


)  j 
LIST'); 


IF  I  =  1  THEN  DO; 
PUT  SKIP  LIST  < 'CALL 
GET  LIST  (INFO)? 
CALL  ADD_fcEAR<INF0>J 

end; 


—■ »> '  )  ; 


IF  I  =  Z  THEN  DO; 

IF  EMPTY! )  THEN 

PUT  SKIP  LIST  ('LIST  IS  EMPTY'); 
ELSE  DO? 

INFO  ■  REMDVE^FRONTO  J 
PUT  SKIP  LIST  CINF0>; 

end; 
end; 
end  mainlp; 
end  queue; 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     115 


CJM.LSISN 


T 


C4LLSIGN 


CALLSlG** 


CALLSkGN 


T 


FROMT 
(ITiHS  ARE  OEUTEO 

PHQW  THIS  END  Of 
THE  BUEUE  I 


REAR 
I  ITEMS  ARE   ADOEO 
TO  THIS  END  OF 
A  QUEUE  3 


Ftg.  t.  What  a  queue  fooAs  //*e.  faoft  rectangle  represents  a  node. 


0/ 


*/ 


FRONT  ȣ-AR 


X 

1      I 


FRONT 


REAR 


Fig.  2.  fa)  A  queue  containing  onty  one 
node,  (b)  A  qu&ue  containing  no  nodes 
and  both  front  and  rear  point  to  NULL  rap- 
resented  here  with  an  X 

memory.  It  then  takes  the  call  sign  field  of 
the  node  and  inserts  the  proper  informa- 
tion into  it.  The  node  Is  then  linked  to  the 
real  of  the  chain  of  nodes  by  taking  the 
"next"  field  of  the  existing  rear  node  and 
setting  it  equal  to  the  address  of  the  new 
rear  node,  The  value  of  the  REAR  variable 
is  then  updated  to  reflect  this  change 
(See  Fig,  1  for  a  diagram  of  what  queue 
looks  like.) 

The  other  operation  we  need,  that  of  re- 
moving a  call  sign  from  the  front  of  tha 
queue,  starts  at  line  36.  II  the  queue  is 
empty,  this  subroutine  prints  an  error 
message.  If  not,  it  removes  the  front  ele- 
ment of  the  queue  and  saves  the  call  sign 
information.  The  FRONT  variable  is  then 


updated  to  point  to  the  next  element  on 
the  list  (tine  45),  and  the  old  FHONT  node 
Is  discarded  (line  47).  The  statement  on 
line  47  frees  the  memory  that  was  used  for 
the  node  so  that  It  can  be  used  again.  It 
would  be  helpful  to  think  of  memory  as  be- 
ing a  pool  of  nodes;  ihe  ALLOCATE  state- 
ment takes  a  node  from  the  pool,  and  the 
FREE  statement  dumps  a  node  sack  into 
the  poof. 

In  older  to  see  if  the  queue  is  empty,  the 
procedure  starting  at  line  52  checks  to  see 
If  the  FRONT  pointer  Is  equal  to  the  null 
value.  An  empty  queue  Is  shown  tn  Fig. 
2(b).  Both  the  front  and  rear  pointers  point 
to  the  null  value,  represented  by  en  "X". 
Also,  note  that  a  queue  can  have  one  ele- 
ment—Fig. 2(a).  in  this  case,  the  front  and 
rear  pointers  both  point  to  the  same  ele- 
ment. 

The  main  program  starts  at  line  56,  Af- 
ter the  queue  is  initialized,  it  gives  the 
user  a  choice  of  adding  a  call  to  the  end  of 
the  list  or  removing  a  call  from  the  front  of 
it.  If  option  1  is  selected,  (he  program  asks 
(or  the  catlslgn  and  calls  the  ADO-REAR 
procedure  if  option  2  Is  selected,  the  pro- 
gram calls  the  REMOVE-FRONT  proce- 
dure and  prints  the  can  sign  on  the  dis- 
play. See  Listing  2  for  a  printout  of  a  pro- 
gram run. 

Obviously,  this  is  far  from  being  a  com- 
plete net -management  program.  After  the 
check-ins  are  acknowledged,  it  would  be 
useful  to  put  them  on  another  form  of  a 


listing  Z  Sample  run  of  the  net<ontr®l 
program. 

A>QliEUE 

1 .  ADD  GALL  TO  LIST 

2.  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LIST 


CALL  — "AF2H 

1  *  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2.     REHOVE  CALL  FRUM  LIST 

1 

CALL  — >W&2IBE 

1.  ADD  CALL  TO  LIS! 

2,  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LIST 
1 

CALL  — >KI2U 

1,  ADD  CAll   TO  LIST 

2,  REMOUE  CALL  FROM  LIST 
2 

list,  A  circular  list  might  be  a  useful  struc- 
ture to  use.  This  can  be  created  by  having 
a  queue  where  the  rear  element  points  to 
the  front  element.  With  the  calls  in  a  cir- 
cle, one  can  keep  going  around  the  UsL 
thus  periodically  seeing  If  the  stations  are 
still  there. 

As  you  can  see,  PUi  is  very  different 
from  Basic.  The  block  structure  ot  a  PL/1 
program,  as  well  as  the  ability  fo  declare 
Structures  of  data  and  refer  to  them  by  ad- 
dresses (pointers),  makes  H  easier  to  use 
for  many  programming  projects,  it  does, 
however,  have  Its  disadvantages.  The  pro- 
grams have  to  be  complied  and  linked  be- 
fore they  can  be  executed— a  process 
that  can  sometimes  take  up  to  two  mirv 


AF2H 

1,  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2,  REMOUE  CALL  FROM  LIST 


HBZIBE 

1.  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2.  REMCWE  CALL  FROM  LIST 

1 

CALL  --  W2NSD/1 

1*  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

Z.  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LILT 

2 

KI2U 

1.  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2.  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LIST 
2 

W2NSD/1 

1.  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2.  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LIST 


LIST  IS  EMPTY 

i.  ADD  CALL  TO  LIST 

2«  REMOVE  CALL  FROM  LIST 

utes,  depending  on  Ihe  speed  of  the  disk 
drives  and  the  length  ot  the  program.  If 
there  Is  an  error  in  the  program,  it  has  to 
be  fixed  using  a  text  editor  and  recom- 
piled before  It  can  be  run.  This  can  be  a 
slow  process.  However,  it  does  encourage 
a  programmer  to  get  his  program  logic 
worked  out  before  he  starts  to  write  the 
program;  the  user  ot  an  interpreted  lan- 
guage is  often  tempted  to  work  out  the 
program  logic  as  he  is  writing  il! 

Next  month.  I'll  go  mto  some  other  lan- 
guages. It  is  hoped  that  this  will  provide 
you  with  en  adequate  sample  of  the  vari- 
ous languages  available  for  microcomput- 
er users  and  will  be  helptui  when  you  are 
deciding  which  language  compiler  to  buy. 


LETTERS 


L 


FRESH  AIR 


Just  picked  up  Ihe  November  issue  of 
73  and  I  couldn't  help  but  comment  on  a 


CB  TO  SHUTTLE? 


] 


tetter  sent  you  by  the  gentleman  who  has 
refused  for  over  Nfty  years  to  have  his 
mind  "cluttered. .  .with  code  just  to  pass 
some  test/1 

I  can  certainly  remember  the  challenge 
I  had  as  a  youngster  ot  twelve  In  earning 
that  General  ticket  The  difficulty  at  the 
time,    though,    was,    understanding    that 


electronic  theory.  As  I  recall.  I  couldn't 
quite  understand  why  I  was  required  to 
know  all  that  theory  when  an  understand 
Ing  of  telecommunications  operation 
should  suffice. 

Fortunately,  for  some,  the  FCC  has  pro- 
vided a  portion  of  the  radio  spectrum  for 
those  of  us  who  have  not  the  inclination  to 
clutter  our  minds  with  code  or  theory.  Ten- 
four,  good  buddy? 

Thanks  for  a  refreshing  breath  of  fresh 
air  called  73  and  best  wishes  for  another 
prosperous  year, 

Lou  Devi  Hon  K42RP 
Jupiter  FL 


This  article  was  in  my  local  newspaper  this  evening  (New  Bedford  Standard-Times.  New  Bedford,  Massachusetts.  December  5T 1963). 
f  thought  that  you  might  get  a  kick  out  of  Et.  It  is  amazing  what  will  get  into  print  these  days. 

Chuck  DohertyWBIAlP 
So,  Dartmouth  MA 

CBer  claims  to  hear  voice  from  space 


By  David  Foster 

fTJMMB-TMCt  \TMt* 

ACTJSHNET  —  Jota  WerUunftim  was  dnvutf 
down  Route  14  m  Rayntum  SalurdJf  night  when  hi* 
citizens  band  r*dto  luddenrr  crackled  with  what 
seemed  to  be  ihe  voice  ot  orfrtlng  Snacelib 
Commander  John  Young. 

Officii)!  il  Space  Center  in  Houston  were 
doubtful  today  thai  the  converuiion  could  have 
Liken  pLac*,  but  nkJ  U»y  would   check  u  out  " 

WorthiDftoxu  of  339  Him  St ,  said  be  Lalked  to 
Yovof.  who  ii  orbiting  the  Earth  in  Ihe  ioac* 
phattk  Cul—jlaV  far  ahot  m  «in*r  a*  li?  p  Hi 
SaluntiT 

9t  recalled  (he-  Toice  as  uyinf  Spaceihip 
Columbia.  »<■  *f t  currently  entering  the  cut  coast 
of  the  United!  SUtes.  broadcasting  oo  17-4  mef - 
barti.  channel  1 1.  Does  anyone  net  ween  the  it  j  tea 


of  Htm  Jertej,  New  Yon   Cwwclirgt  and  Mis- 
fart  hum  tit  hare  the  copy  on  ib 

irorUflapim.  M,  *  garage  mpernan-  far  The 
Standard  Times,  said  he  acknowledge  the  trans- 
numoe,  bttt  got  no  response  at  first  Young  re- 
broadcut  the  entire  message,  and  Worthington 
repeated  nil  response.  Worthington  said  today. 

"At  thai  point,  be  received  me  loud  and  clear. 
He  asked  me  tor  my  location,  my  call  letter*,  which 
1  gave  him  " 

They  conversed  hriefly.  be  said 
He  tried  to  get  bach  to  me  again,  but  be 
fUned  to  fade  oat,1"  Worthington  said  He  said, 
"Tnvehag  ■*  IfcwM  nult*  ah  bOuT  t  guess  it's 
impeaaibk  (or  Of  tn  carry  on  a  very  long  oonver 
satkn.  And  then  be  was  gone." 

"The  Thrill  went  d0*»  mj  spine  3 ike  yon 
wouldn't  believe.  You  can  dial  UV  phone  any  time 
you  waal,  but  bow  often  can  you  call  outer  space?" 


Worthington  said 

A  NASA  spokesman  said  the  agency  enqidn  t 
be  urn  that  Young  duanl  talk  tn  Worthuaruo  but 
■aid  they  would  check  it  out  A  spokesman  for  the 
American  Radio  Relay  League,  which  represent! 
ham  radio  operators,  said  it  was  impossible  for  a 
CB  radio  operator  lo  talk  to  Spacelab 

''There's  just  simply  no  way/'  said  Wayne 
Yoshida.  from  ihe  leagues  office  at  Space  Center 

Yoshida  said  ham  operators  are  communj 
eating  with  Spacelab.  hut  thai  us  on  a  completely 
difftresrt  frequency 

For  his  part.  Worthingtoa  is  M  I  percent 
sure1"  1 1  was  Young  he  talked  la.  and  not  an 
earth-bound  hoaxer  'Hey.  who  can  lelJ  anything1' 
I  just  know  mat  if  it  was  a  ground  station,  he 
wouldn't  have  faded  out " 

Worthington  said  he  plans  to  wnie  a  letter  to 
Young  to  confirm  the  conversation 


CUCKOO'S  NEST 


] 


I  have  hesitated  to  wrile  this  until  both 
my  blood  pressure  and  NASA  STS-9  were 
back  to  ground  level  Many  of  us,  including 
yours  truly,  were  shocked,  discouraged,  and 
dismayed  by  the  operational  procedures  of 
some  hams  during  Owen  Garnott's  history- 
making  flight  aboard  the  Columbia. 

Though  there  had  been  months  of  prepa- 
ration regarding  the  operating  frequencies 
to  be  used  by  Garnolt  and  eanhbound  sta- 
tions, dozens  of  hams  insisted  on  calling 
WSLFL  on  his  dedicated  transmit  frequen- 
cy. As  H  that  wasn't  bad  enough  all  of  the 
self -appointed  "poiicernen"  monitoring 
145.55  MHr  oot  on  to  chastise  trie  of  lend- 
ere.  All  ot  which  resulted  In  chaos  on  the 
frequency- 
Some  of  the  language  heard  during  this 
period  was  downright  embarrassing  to  lis- 
teners, both  hams  and  SWLs.  I  heard  of  one 
ham  who  had  gathered  some  non-ham 
friends  around  his  rig  In  hopes  that  iney 
would  hear  WSLFL  on  one  of  his  passes.  In- 
stead he  was  embarrassed  to  hear  lan- 
guage and  behavior  which  would  make 
channel  19  seem  tame. 

I,  for  one,  am  totally  disgusted  with  the 
level  of  operation  on  the  ham  bands  and  on 
2  meters  In  particular.  It  seems  thai  we  trad 
ed  in  our  common  sense,  self-respect  anc 
basic  intelligence  when  we  received  out 
ham  licenses  at  the  FCC  office. 

Maybe  it  is  my  past  training  in  the  US  Ar 
my  Signal  Corps  which  causes  me  to  be  ex 
tra  sensitive  to  careless  operation  I  was 
taught  that  if  you  don1!  know  now  to  oper 


11  e     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


ate  your  equipment  properly  on  the  correct 
frequency,  you  don't  operate.  Also,  if  you 
don't  have  anything  intelligent  to  say,  you 
maintain  radio  silence. 

Now,  don't  go  saying  that  I'm  dragging 
the  ham  community  (town  in  the  mud. 
There  are  thousands  of  dedicated  men  and 
women  on  the  bands  that  do  operate  in  a 
sensible  fashion.  To  those  people,  1  tip  my 
hat! 

Let's  keep  the  bands  free  of  the  cuckoos. 
Maybe  next  time  Owen  flies  over,  he'll  find 
more  ham-era  than  jammens- 

Bill  Shaughnessy  KB1DY 
Arlington  MA 


GRENADA  CONNECTION 


D 


Wednesday,  October  26,  The  Boston 
Globe  front -page  headline  read:  US -Led 
Forces  in  Grenada ,.. Two  Gls  Dead.  23 
Wounded/'  The  Herata",  Boston's  second 
daily  paper,  had  mis  headline;  "Two  US 
Troops  Die  in  Swoop  on  Grenada." 

The  news  media  was  'tongue-tied r  No 
reporters  were  allowed  on  the  Island  so 
nothing  waa  coming  out.  and  to  prove  It, 
both  papers  carried  almost  identical 
headlines.  This  is  by  no  means  a  vendetta 
against  the  press,  but  throughout  the 
years,  with  all  the  great  technical  ad- 
vancements, the  ham-radio  operator  is 
still  the  front  fine  of  communications  to 
the  outside  world  when  a  crisis  breaks- 

The  key  to  the  entire  situation  was  the 
safety  of  the  one  thousand  or  more  Amer- 
ican students  attending  the  two  medical 
colleges  on  the  island,  St.  George's  and 
the  American  Medical  School. 

My  vigil  began  on  the  ^th  when  i  moni- 
tored an  emergency  frequency,  14.302 
MHz,  designated  by  the  FCC  to  handle 
health  and  welfare  traffic  The  True  Blue 
Campus  at  Si,  George's  was  the  "hot 
spot"  for  the  four  pieces  of  traffic  J  re- 
ceived from  concerned  parents,  which  I 
passed  to  net  control 

The  following  morning „  26  October,  at 
1245  Zulu  (8:45  am  EDST).  things  began  to 
really  pop.  Still  monitoring  the  same 
emergency  frequency,  I  could  feel  the 
crescendo  building  as  more  and  more 
pec  pie  became  involved,  when  suddenly  I 
heard  an  almost  whispered  message: 
"QSY  to  350,9,  QSL?"  Roger.  The  point  9 
caught  my  curiosity.  That's  a  no-no;  ifs 
outside  the  regular  band.  Something  must 
be  cooking.  Although  I  wasn't  Invited.  I  fol- 
lowed the  two  mysterious  hams  to  their 
clandestine  rendezvous.  Bingo'  J  hit  pay 
dirt. 

■This  frequency  is  operating  by  the  au- 
thority of  the  FCC  and  the  use  of  this  fre- 
quency by  any  persons  other  than  those 
designated  by  the  FCC  is  prohibited  and 
risks  the  penalties  of  illegal  operations." 


MASSACHUSETTS  GOVERNOR  PROCLAIMS 

HAM  RADIO  WEEK 

Declaring  that  hams  all  over  the  world  are  always  In  the  front  fines  of  communications 
during  every  crisis  {Grenada)  as  well  as  devote  themselves  dally  to  the  safety,  health,  and 
welfare  of  the  general  public,  Massachusetts  Governor  Michael  S.  Dukakis  signed  a 
proclamation  designating  November  7-12  as  Ham  Radio  Week. 

Shown  (left  to  right)  are  Dick  Lindzen  KAiSA.  In/  Geller  K10N,  Sill  Sided  WA1HXQ, 
Paul  Duma  Is  W1UO.  Tony  Ruggelo  K1CET.  and  Neal  Lipson  K1NDF.  all  members  of  the 
Middlesex  Radio  Club  ot  Newton,  Massachusetts, 


This  warning  was   repeated  throughout 
the  day, 

I  was  not  permitted  to  transmit  on  this 
frequency,  but  there  is  no  taw  saying  I 
cannot  tape  the  information  that  was  be- 
ing passed  between  those  who  had  the 
authority, 

Mark  KA2QRK  was  the  Grenada  con 
neclion,  He  was  a  student  at  the  American 
Medical  School  and  he  did  a  tremendous 
job.  Cool,  absolutely  cool.  Hour  after  hour 
he  went  on  handling  all  kinds  of  traffic: 
"The  Marine  Commandant  is  aware  that 
your  food  and  water  supply  is  running 
low/'  "the  four  students  you  were  con- 
cerned about  who  live  off  campus  were 
contacted  and  are  OK,"  "we  received, 
though  we  think  It's  corny;  from  the  State 
Department,  'Cavalry  Is  coming  up 
through  the  Canyon— we  will  pass  it 
along  anyhow." 

My  tape  recorder  was  getting  "red  hot," 
So  I  called  the  ABC  TV  affiliate  station  for 
the  Boston  area  and  played  a  short  blast 
for  the  news  manager.  Within  twenty -five 
minutes.  1506  zulu  (11:05  EDST),  one  of 
their  top  reporters  and  a  two-lime  Pulitzer 
Prize-wfnmng  photographer  were  sitting 
in  my  shack,  glued  to  my  receiver  and  tape 
recorder  Mark  was  really  feeding  us  like  a 
gang  of  Kids  waiting  for  the  ice-cream 
man! 

There  was  a  phone  patch  between  John 
Copycmski.     a    staff    member    at    St 
George's  Medical  School,  and  his  wife. 


Rose,  in  Newark.  New  Jersey,  coming  over 
the  air  while  the  lights  and  camera  were 
being  set  up  In  the  shack.  "HI,  honey,  I  am 
doling  fine  and  everyone  here  is  doing  a 
great  Job.  I'm  coming  home  soon,  Right 
now  we  are  waiting  for  the  Marines  to  land 
on  the  beach  and  there  has  been  some 
fighting.  Alt  the  students  are  safe  and  OK 
They  will  probably  evacuate  us  soon, 
Don't  you  worry,  now,  Give  thai  flttJe  Pol- 
ish princess.  Stephanie,  a  great  big  kiss 
tor  me.  Don't  worry,  you  will  soon  see  my 
smiling  face  coming  through  the  door,  I 
love  you  and  miss  you.  Over/* 

During  Ihek  three-hour  siint,  Jim  Boyd, 
the  reporter,  kept  In  close  touch  with  his 
station,  white  Stanley  Foreman  did  his 
lights,  action,  and  camera  bit,  Including  a 
one-on-one  interview  between  Jim  and  me 


All  of  which  resulted  in  a  five-minute 
lead-'n  segment  on  their  TV  station  (Chan- 
nel 5}  6:00  pm  news  program.  !  was  fold 
the  President  of  the  US  does  not  get  that 
kind  of  coverage. 

The  Boston  Herald  asked  for  my  tapes 
and  did  a  two-column  story  on  the  f oJ low- 
ing morning,  And  local  radio  station  WEEI 
caned  and  did  a  phone  interview  with  me. 

So.  the  hams  were  "cooking"  while  the 
media  was  "stewing."  Thank  you  very 
much,  Mark  Baretteila  KA20RK  of  Ridge- 
field,  New  Jersey  my  Grenada  connec- 
tion, 73, 

Bill  Sldell  WAiHXQ 
West  Newlon  MA 


QTH  SWAP 

During  the  period  between  the  begin- 
ning ot  July  and  the  end  of  October,  1964, 
my  wife  and  I  intended  to  revisit  the  west- 
ern states  of  the  USA  which  we  toured  ex* 
tenslvely  In  1981.  On  this  occasion,  how- 
ever, we  would  like  to  exchange  our  home, 
car,  and  si  at  Eon  for  a  period  of  about  three 
months  with  a  ham  living  somewhere  not 
too  far  from  the  west  coast  of  I  he  US, 
What  we  would  like  from  the  exchange 
would  be  the  use  of  a  modest  out  well  and 
suitably  equipped  motor  home  to  permit 
louring  around  me  western  slates. 

The  Isle  of  Man  Is  a  very  beautiful  island 
which  Is  green  and  lush  at  all  seasons.  It 
is  unspoilt  by  industrial  developments 
with  a  much  slower  pace  to  (He  than  on 
the  English  mainland  We  do  not,  how- 
ever, achieve  southern  California  temper' 
atures,  even  in  high  summer,  being  no- 
where more  than  six  or  seven  miles  from 
the  sea 

I  would  like  to  hear  from  anyone  inter- 
ested in  the  above  offer  of  an  exchange  of 
QTHs,  and  of  course  will  reply  to  all  who 
may  wish  to  enter  into  further  detailed  drs 
cusslon. 

Jack  Etherfngton  GD5UG 

66  Douglas  Street 

Peek  isle  of  Man 

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HICK0K1 

SOLID-STATE  MULTI- 
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covering  0-300  VAC  tn  7  ranges, 
0-1500VDCIn  11  ranges,  0-1 50 
MADC  in  14  ranges,  and  &-50O 
Megohms  7  ranges.  Up  to  700 
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ual, IVn&Yii&Yi" .  13  lbs.  sh. 
S85,  Checked,  4**8r  $125. 


Used-reparable^ 

HICKOK  1890M  Transistor  Tester 

Measures  collector  leakage  0-50  ma  in  5  ranges,  col- 
lector current  0-100  ma  in  3  ranges,  current  rjain  beta 
0-400  in  4  ranges.  Input  res  50-10K  oftns;  Imped  25-1O0K 
Ohms.  Collector  volts  0-1.5-3-4.5  VDC.  Requires  22.5  VDC 
(EV-763J  and  col  lector  V  source;  book  partial  repro 
Included.  10x1 072X9 ■/*",  I8lbs.  Used- reparable,  $54,50, 

TEKTHQNIX  516  Dual-Trace  Scope 

DC-15  Mhz  response  0.06  to  20  Wdrv  tn  9  cakteps 
sertsitivTty  Sweep  0.2  usee  to  2  sec/div  In  22  cal-sleps. 
squarewave  calitxator  and  auio  trigger  W /partial  repro 
manual.  13Yzx9V4x2W.  50  lbs  sh.  Used- reparable. 
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73  Magazine  •  March,  1964     119 


)lb=i=F 


*c*'tJ*t 


^.  ,'^» 


'004 


"*««-, 


$* 


f-to* 


o0 


E1PIAC  «ma00Q/81Zl  with  SK300  and  S03Q& 

SK300  csnd  Sfc03C6  Only, 

(ITiese  are  all  new  not  used  J  Limited  SlbpIv 


S12QO.O0 

$  350,00 


p*        1  \ 

Hit  EjiCTftCAlCSjaC.  Wf  rfflUf  tEfi  PC  BOAflnS  fflt)  RF  TRMeiSTOfi  KITS. 
PtxJel  PA7-7QB  RF  power  irout  irtltts    at  l*rt  to  Htffflz  output  7ftcns  13.5vdc  at  lftirps, 

tiSMS  tftfi  ma  PC  Board  Oilv  114.9 

PCffL  PA1Q14B  RF  DOcr  irput  itkitis  01  1<*I  10  iWE  OfflXlt  ilflNOttS  U. 5ttt  at  13J 

S89.9J  mj  tn  ana  PC  Boant  <hlv  119.99 


GENEVA  CALCULATOR  WATCH 

This  attractive  watch  has  the  following  modes: 

Normal  Time  Setting, 

Calendar  Setting, 

Dally  Alarm  Time  Setting, 

Weekly  Alarm  Time  Setting, 

Chronograph, 

Calculator. 


' 

k 

~ 

£2*hi*J 

1 

•  ' 

Featured  in  Black  Plastic 


518.9$ 


or        Featured   in  Stainless   Steel 


$29.99 


SILICON  DIODES 

■ 

FEED  THKU  SOLDER  RF  CAFACTORS 

KR75I 

lOOvdc 

6  Amps 

10/ S 5. 00 

100/$ 38.  00 

470pf  +-2QZ 

KR510 

lOOOvdc 

3  Amps 

10/53.75 

1Q0/$24.D0 

HEP170 

iOOOvdc 

2  Amps 

20/52,00 

100/515, 00 

5/5L.QO  or  I00/S15.QQ  or 

IN  3209 

IGOvdc 

1 5Amps 

$2,00 

10/  $15.00 

1000/5100.00 

BYX21/200 

200 vdc 

2 5 Amps 

$2.00 

10/  $15.00 

1N2I38A 

600vdc 

60 Amps 

$5,00 

10/  $40.00 

1000pf/*00iuf 

+-10  % 

DS85-04C 

400vdc 

80 Amps 

S 10.00 

10/  $80.00 

1M3269 

600vdc 

l60Amps 

$15.00 

10/5120.00 

4/S1.00  or  100/520.00  or 

27  5Z41 

300vdc 

2  30  A  in  ps 

$20*00 

10/5175.00 

L000/S15O.00 

7-5754 

JOOvdc 
15KVOC 

40OAaps 
20ms. 

$30.00 
53.00 

l0/$250.00 
10/  $20,00 

(LCD- 15 

E  PROMS 

SMFR20K 

20KVBC 

20tBA. 

$4.00 

10/  $30.00 

IN4148 

signal 

30/ $1.00 

100/  $3.00 

2708  1024x1 
2716  2048x8 
27L32/25L32 

52.00  each 

FAIRCHILD 

41M 

i  16K  DYNAMIC  RAMS  200ns.  Part  tf 

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54,00  each 

25  For  $25 

-00 

or  100  For 

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1000  For  $750.00 

510.00  each 

HEWLETT  PACKARD  MICROWAVE  DIODES 


1H5711 

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1N6263 

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5082-2835 

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Quad  Hatched 

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TP 


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■  I 


II 


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$1.00  or  10  for  5  8.50 

$1.50  or  10  for  510.00 

$  .75  or  10  For  5  5,00 

$1,50  or  10  for  $10.00 

per  set  $5.00  or  10  for  $40.00 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-0180 

(For  orders  only) 

PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


J\f  ^z  electronic* 


"All  parts  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substituted  with  comparable  pa  Ms 
If  we  aro  out  of  stock  of  an  item." 


120     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


"MIXERS" 


wATKINS  JOHNSON  WJ-M6  Double  Balanced  Mixer 


LO  and  RF  0.2  to  300MHz 
Conversion  Loss  (SSB) 

Noise  Figure  (SSB) 

Conversion  Compression 


IF  DC  to  3O0KWz 
6.5dB  Max.  1  to  50MHz 
8.5dB  Max.  .2  to  300MHz 
same  as  above 
8.5dB  Max.  50  to  3O0MHz 
.3dB  Typ. 


$21.00 

WITH  DATA  SHEET 


NEC  (NIPPON  ELECTRIC  CO.  LTD. 

■ ~- — ■_ 

NF  Min  F=2GHz     dB  2.4  Typ. 


NE57835/2SC2150  Microwave  Transistor 


F=3GHz 
F=4GHz 


dB  3.4  Typ. 
dB  4.3  Typ. 


MAG  F=2GHz 

dB   12  Typ. 

F=3GHz 

dB  9  Typ. 

F=4GHz 

dB  6.5  Typ 

$5.30 


Ft  Gain  Bandwidth  Product  at  Vce=8v,  Ic=10ma.   GHz  4  Min.  6  Typ. 
Vcbo    25v    Vceo    llv    Vebo    3v    Ic   50ma.  Pt.     250mw 


UNKT.CO  RF  Power  and  Linear  Amplifier  Capacitors 

7  Power  and  Linear 

These  are  the  famous  capacitors  used  by  all  the  RE 

Amplifier 

manufacturers,  and  described  in  the  RF  Data  Book. 

5pf                10pf              18pf          30pf 

43pf 

lOOpf 

200pf 

1    to    lOpcs.    SI. OO   ea 

5.1pf            12pf              22pf          32pf 

5lpf 

llOpf 

220pf 

11    to   50pcs.    $    .90    ea 

6.8pf            13pf              25pf          33pf 

GOpf 

120pf 

470pf 

51   up        pes,    $    .80    ea 

7pf                14pf              27pf          34pf 

80pf 

130pf 

500pf 

8.2pf            15pf              27.5pf      40pf 

82pf 

140pf 

lOOOpf 

NIPPON  ELECTRIC  COMPANY  TUNNEL  DIODES 

MODEL  1S2199 

1S2200       57-50 

Peak  Pt.  Current  ma.                     Ip 

9min.   lOTyp.   Umax. 

9min,    lOTyp.    Umax, 

Valley  Pt.   Current  ma.                   Iv 

1.2Typ. 

l.Smax. 

1.2Typ.    l.Smax. 

Peak  Pt.   Voltage  mv.                      Vp 

95Typ. 

1 20max . 

75Typ.    9Qmax, 

Projected  Peak  Pt.   Voltage  mv.   Vpp  Vf= 

Ip       480min. 

550Typ , 

630max. 

440min,    520Typ,    600max. 

Series  Res.  Ohms                             rS 

2. 5Typ. 

4max. 

2  Typ.   3max. 

Terminal  Cap.   pf.                          Ct 

1.7Typ. 

2max. 

5Typ,   8max. 

Valley  Pt.   Voltage  mv.                   VV 

370Typ. 

350Typ, 

FAIRCHILD  /  DUM0NT  Oscilloscope  Probes 

Model   4290B 

Input  Impedance  10  meg.,  Input  Capacity  6.5  to  12pf . ,  Division  Ratio  (Volts/Div  Factor) 

10:1,  Cable  Length  4Ft.  ,  Frequency  Range  Over  100MHz. 

These  Probes  will  work  on  all  Tektronix,  Hewlett  Packard,  and  other  Oscilloscopes. 

PRICE  $45.00 


MOTOROLA  RF  DATA  BOOK 

.istsall  Motorola  RF  Transistors  /  RF  Power  Amplifiers,  Varactor  Diodes  and  much  much 
no  re. 


>RICE   $7.50 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-0180 
(For  orders  only) 


^/l^Hj,  elect roqicfc 


"All  parts  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  ana  parts  may  be 
substituted  with  comparable  parts 
it  we  are  Qui  ot  stock  ol  an  item,' 


PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     121 


RF  TRANSISTORS,  MICROWAVE  DIODES 


1 


twe 


PRICK 


mi- 


^Eiict: 


nn. 


.  \:n 


lYFE 


paia: 


musm 

$  25.00 

m& 

25.00 

ZH1392 

25,00 

2JG957 

1.55 

2X2857  JAN*: 

4.10 

2K2857JA,Vna' 

-J. 10 

2N287G 

13.50 

2H2947 

IB. 35 

^JN2948 

13.00 

2N2S49 

15,50 

2N3375 

17,10 

2N3553 

1.55 

2N3632 

15.50 

2N3733 

11.00 

ZK3S1S 

§.00 

2N3B6H 

1.30 

2N3S66JAN 

2.20 

3.35 

;&27 

17,25 

2N3954J 

25.00 

2N4012 

1 1 .00 

2N4011 

1-1,00 

2N407U 

i.ao 

2N408O 

; 

2M127 

21.00 

2N4427 

1.30 

2M4428 

1.85 

2N4430 

11.80 

2SH957 

3.45 

2J*4959 

30 

2fi5Q90 

13.80 

2N5108 

3.45 

2N51O0 

1.  to 

2N516I1 

3,45 

2K5177 

21.62 

ZJ5179 

1.04 

5216 

56.00 

:*5*3 

45 

2.^589 

9 

2SB590 

10.  SB 

>591 

13,80 

2*\5637 

15, 50 

2N5641 

285042 

11 ,  03 

2N5G4:j 

15,50 

2N5&15 

13,60 

2N564G 

20.70 

216651 

11.05 

ZS5691 

1B.O0 

j764 

27.00 

2X5S3S 

3.15 

ZN5&J2  W1607 

8.45 

2NSS-; 

20,00 

2N5913 

:j. 

2H5916 

sg.OO 

2N5922 

• 

2N5923 

.00 

2K5941 

23.00 

42 

40,00 

3iH4 

10.35 

2.N5&15 

11.50 

5946 

2NG060 

10,35 

2N6081 

12,07 

2N5062 

2N6083 

I3.2,r> 

2N6084 

.00 

2N5feu 

11.00 

5095 

12.00 

z:&m 

10 

V30S7 

20.70 

2NBJA6 

21.00 

2N6136 

21.85 

2M6106 

,21 

2N82- 

.  DO 

8t$G304 

1.50 

2N6459 

L8.0Q 

2N65G7 

oa 

2NG680 

90.00 

29CT03 

3.00 

2SC756A 

7.50 

C7B1 

- 

2SC1018 

1.00 

• 

12.00 

2SC1070 

2.50 

2SC1239 

2.50 

2SQ251 

12.00 

2sn:r<o. 

2,90 

2SC13Q7 

3,50 

29C1  1 

2.80 

23C1B78                  % 

2.00 

Ml  134                    $  in.' 

M9T1K21-3 

$125.00 

2SC1729 

20.00 

&£l579 

7,95 

WSC1S21-10 

225.  Of) 

2SC1760 

1,50 

HB688 

7,50 

MSC2001 

40.00 

2SC190& 

1. 00 

U9622 

7.B5 

iCX^223-lO 

200.00 

23C1946 

ae.oo 

mean 

S»+ .Si 

MSC3000 

50.00 

2SC13J6A 

40. 00 

me& 

1 1 ,95 

USC3Q01 

50.00 

23CT1970 

2.50 

17.95 

ieC73001 

50.00 

29C1971 

1.00 

MS630 

18.00 

1©C82001 

40,00 

2SC21G6 

9.50 

M9740 

&9  ■  cllJ 

KSC82014 

4D.00 

23C2237 

32.00 

M9741 

29.80 

MSC82020 

00 

2SC361 1 

47.00 

M9755 

L9.50 

MSC82030 

40.  (Hi 

A50-12 

25,00 

M9848 

37.00 

WSCS3001 

50.  im 

A209 

10.00 

hoeso 

^>0 

USC83C05 

100.00 

A2R3 

5.00 

10651 

20,00 

1TT4150 

14 

A283B 

6.00 

lees? 

5.: 

ITTS12B 

FOR 

AF102 

2.50 

WFl  80091 

3.00 

V1B596   -         «6 

99.00 

AFY12 

2.50 

MB550 

10.00 

nr57ra/ai57e8 

95,00 

BF272A 

2,50 

WOS8& 

50,00 

,S7?S 

FOB 

EFR21 

2,50 

HK1553 

50,1X1 

NEDE136 

2.50 

BHCJO 

1.00 

MM1614 

10.00 

NE137S3 

vm 

UFR91 

t«65 

MM1943/2N4072 

1.80 

NI21889 

K3R 

BFR99 

2.50 

MM260S 

5,00 

NE57B35 

5. 

BFT12 

2.50 

^13375A 

17.10 

KE73436 

2.50 

BFN16A 

2.50 

MIW429 

TOW 

BPW17 

2.50 

1118000 

1.15 

WT8637 

POR 

BFH92 

1.50 

WPOOO 

2.30 

PT3190 

™ 

BTS44 

2.50 

neon 

25.00 

PT3194 

PCB 

ffiTOS 

2,50 

iffnoe 

15 

PT3195 

PQR 

BFXE5 

50 

MPSU31 

1.01 

PT35 

7.80 

BF\*1 

2.50 

«4A2ffii:M.5 

42.50 

PTU66E 

POR 

BFXH5 

2,50 

WHF206 

16.10 

PTU76D 

PQR 

BF>. 

2.50 

•1(tl?"2l2 

U     10 

Ert4186B 

POit 

BFKS9 

1   00 

Miy:,223 

13.25 

PT4209 

POR 

EFT  1 

2.50 

MHF221 

1:.   50 

'4209C/58 

pa 

BFY1& 

2.50 

MHF231 

92 

tT4556 

24.60 

BFY19 

2.50 

lftF232 

12.07 

FPt570 

7,50 

BFV39 

2.50 

MHF233 

12.65 

P^4577 

Jfl 

BFV90 

1.00 

IRF237 

3.15 

PT4590 

POR 

BLXS7 

15.24 

KRF238 

13.830 

PT4612 

PCE 

BLX68C3 

15.24 

MRF239 

17.25 

PT462B 

POR 

0LKB3C3 

22.21 

MHF245 

35,65 

PT4640 

POR 

BOB7A 

8.9-1 

MHF247 

35.65 

15T4642 

PCR 

BL¥S8C3 

13,08 

WRF304 

43 

PTO6S3 

4.70 

BLVEUi 

■  ■ ' . 30 

MRF3G9 

33.81 

PT5749 

POR 

BLY351 

10.00 

MRF314 

28.52 

riB629 

PCR 

BLV568C/CF 

30.00 

MBF31r 

SB 

PTB709 

1X31 

0158^17 

25.00 

IffiFS 

POfi 

PTBTSO 

POR 

05 

20^00 

HRF317 

63.^4 

"3510 

PQR 

CD1B99 

20.00 

MRF420 

20.00 

PTBSM 

POR 

CLG18B 

18.00 

AIHF1. 

36,80 

PTB609 

POR 

OCS45 

25.00 

UHF4TOA 

41,40 

Pl«633 

POR 

■  i  ■ ■■  ■ 

CTC3005 

100. 00 

MRF427 

17,2^ 

PIB639 

PCR 

Dexrel  GaAs  FFT 

MRF42S 

46.00 

FT8659 

ft 

DSUSOIA-PIOOF 

;^.ao 

MHF433 

12.07 

F1B679 

POH 

Fujitsu  GftAs  FET 

HRF449/A 

12.65 

FTS70H 

POR 

F5X5UWK 

58,00 

MRF450/A 

M.37 

T'm703 

POR 

OtS90A 

2.50 

MRF453 

18.40 

Fr8727 

29.00 

HEP76 

1  35 

URF454/A 

20.12 

pm73i 

POR 

HEPS3002 

11.40 

kHF455/A 

16.00 

FIB742 

10.10 

HEPS30G3 

30.00 

1SF45S 

20.70 

PT8?87 

PQR 

BEPS3005 

10. 00 

URF463 

25.00 

^HB783 

16.50 

HEPS3006 

19.90 

IRF472 

1,00 

Fm784 

32 

HEPS3007 

25.00 

HHF475 

10 

F[9790 

66.00 

HEPS3010 

11.34 

HRF476 

00 

PT31962 

POR 

Hewlett  Packard 

MRF477 

95 

PT319e3 

pen 

ffftrr2204 

112.00 

M3-L!  •  •  ■ 

23,00 

PT310S3 

POR 

35821E 

38.00 

MRF5<  J2 

I 

PTX6680 

FOR 

sseaag 

32.00 

MRP503 

6.00 

1 

35H2t)h 

32.00 

URF504 

7,00 

•100S1 

5.00 

35831K-  H31 

30.00 

UKF504 

5.00 

G79 

10.00 

3383' 

30.00 

MbU 

10.00 

4.62 

35&31 

50.00 

lt!t^l5 

2.00 

«ax 

10.00 

50,00 

IIRF517 

2.00 

in?82 

20.00 

35853E 

71.50 

MBF559 

2.05 

40290 

*y  ■  wv 

356541 

75.00 

MHP605 

20,00 

10292 

13.05 

35HtiM 

00 

MRPS1S 

25,00 

1029-1 

2 

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7,00 

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S,i 

10341 

21.00 

HXTTL1 IOLI 

8,75 

MRJB29 

3.45 

HH308 

2.18 

KXTO51M 

30.00 

URFS44 

27.60 

^94 

1  00 

HXmfil^l 

68,00 

1KFS46 

29.90 

*77 

10.00 

1KTRH105 

31.00 

iftpsie 

15.00 

63800A 

60.00 

HX"iftSl06 

33,00 

JRFB23 

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H£3754 

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2.00 

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25.00 

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2.30 

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5.00 

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MRPftlYM 

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5.00 

Ml  131 

8,50 

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11.95 

MSC1720 

225,00 

PRICE  OH  ItfJQUEtrr      row 

Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-01 80 
(For  orders  only) 


"All  pans  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substituted  wtth  comparable  pans 
if  we  are  out  of  stock  of  an  ite>- 

For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 

(^VI^x  elect roi\ic^ 


122     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


GaAs,  TUNNEL  DIODES,  ETC. 


•  H  F  THASSISKES  * 


TYft; 

PRJ 

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PRICE 

T>T|: 

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TYPt; 

S-H1CE 

TH3USUN  C5F 

SD1453-1 

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13.00 

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8.00 
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.  65.00 

450,00 

3H100 

5,00 

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3Jl'M-i 

€.00 

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7205/2*45921 

100.00 
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sfcna« 

18,00 

^iil263-l 

15,00 

3>144-i-8 

6.00 

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8.00 
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13,00 

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3H451 

3H4&1-2 

28.00 
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18.01) 

TA7487/2J^aO 
TA7996/2S6367 
3EF2092  M'U 

75,00 
150.00 

18,00 

3>1116 

5.00 

30278 

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SD3  • 

20,00 

URF»179 

K  05 

J3J111K 

22.00 

SJ127S-1 

IS,  oo 

Bm45B-S 

20.00 

»4J  M      1   ■   *  i 

AJ  +   l-Ji_P 

*?  Dm  Cross  Bel*' 

rerk>-  *»t 

HF  Trans t stars,   Dlo(fetiT 

Ih'brid  ifodules  And            ther  Typi 

?  Of  Sanicdt 

r-  ^U,  dK  ^,     H     BL    ^    i*i    H     ^      A    ^,    *V    Hi     &     B,     ^    ^    iV    .A,      ■      ^    ^    ^    ^     ^     ^ 

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5.80 

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110540 

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1N3713 

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11.00 

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4,25 

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4.25 

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4.35 

1M5M4A/B 

I.2S 

l.\7l  1    A.'B 

25 

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4.35 

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3.75 

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lit.            104  O.L. 

If 

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PUR 

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POR 

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PLR 

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PER 

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FOB 

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05506  AIplLi 

PCR 

unwi  58-98  Alpha 

pcr 

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pon 

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onsm-89  at: 

31.35 

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31.35 

ca.607-40  iiir/ 

31 

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37.40 

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10.70 

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PCR 

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• 

*  fJ.H  SltXJC  (1IAH3ES  UAILV  HO  CAU.  IF  IF  TH1.  PAffT  YOU  NEED  IS  NOT  LlSTlU 


•  •..il>.l.il.i..llttMt4M«MIT4MtM4«tft»»tll*t1 


For  intormation  calf:  (602)  242  3037 


Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-01 80 

(For  orders  only) 


All  parts  may  be  naw  or 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substituted  with  comparable  parts 
if  we  are  out  of  stock  of  an  nem." 


JVI^Hz  elect roqics 

PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     123 


COAXIAL  K£L_Vi  SWITCHES  SPDT 


Electronic  Specialty  Co* /Raven  Electronics 
Part  P   25N28  Part  #  SU-Oi 

26Vdc  Tvpe  N  Connector,  DC  to  1  GHz. 


FSN  5985-556-9683 


549.00 


NC 


COM 


')w     3¥*3    5  5*    *6*J 


*»f*     t  a  ■.  PHONIC)     tb 


9k  €b 


Amphenol 

Part   9    316*10102-8 

115Vae   Type  BNC  DC   to   3   GHz. 


$29*99 


FXR 

Part   I    100-11182 

l20Vac  Type  BNC   UG  to  4  GHz, 

FStf   39E5-543-1225 

$39.99 


FXR 

Part    f    300*41173 
120Vac  Type   BNC   Same 
FSN   5985-543-1850 

$39,99 


HNC  To  Banana  Plug  Coax  Cable  RG-58  16  Inch  or  BNC  to  N  Loax  Cablt-  KG-5S  36  inch. 


$7.99  or  2  For  $13.99  or  10  For  $50.00 


$8.99  or  2  For  $15,99  or  10  For  $60,00 


SOLID  STATE  RELAYS 

P&B  Model  ECT1BB72 
PRICK  EACH   $5.00 

Digisig,  Inc-  Model  ECS-215 
PRICE  EACH   $7.50 

r.rigsby/Barton  Model  GB7400 
PRICE  EACH   $7.50 


5vdc  turn  on 


5vdc  turn  on 


5vdc  turn  on 


llOvac  contact  at  7 amps  or  2 Gamps  on  a 
10%  10"x  ,124  aluminum.  Heats  Ink  with 
silicon  grease. 

240vac  contact  Kamps  or  40araps  on  a 
10"x  10"x  -124  aluminum*   Heats  ink  with 
silicon  grease. 

240vaC  cotttact  at  15amps  or  4Damps  on  a 
I0"x  10"*  -124  aluminum.  Beats  Ink  with 
silicon  grease* 


N0TE:  ***   Items  may  be  substituted  with  other  brands  or  equivalent  modi*!  numbers.  *** 


gM^ 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


electronic* 


"All  parrs  may  be  new  Of 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substi  luted  with  comparable  par  is 

if  we  are  out  of  stock  of  an  item  " 


Toll  Fret  Number 
800526-0180 
(For  orders  only) 

PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


124     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


RECALL  PHONE  MEMORY  TELEPHONE  WITH  24  NUMBER  AUTO  DIALER 

The  Recall  Phone  Telephone  employs  Lhe  latest  state  of  art 
communications  technology . 1 l  is  a  combination  telephone 
and  automatic  dialer  that  uses  premium-quality , solid- state 
circuitry  to  assure  high- reliability  performance  in  personal 
or  business  applications.  $49,99 


n 


ARQN  ALPHA  KAF1D  BONDING  GLUE 

Super  Glue  0CE-486  high  strength 
rapid  bonding  adhesive* Alpha 
Cyanoacry late. Set-Time  20  to  40 
sec. *0. 7fl.o2. (20gm. ) 

52.00 


■*<* 


TOUCH  TONE  PAD 

This  pad  contains  all   the  electronic*   Co 
produce   standard   touch-tone   tones-    Nev 
with   data. 


a 


rJi"'-  — " 


> 


$9.99  or  10/589.99 


MITSUMI  UHF/VHF  VARACTQR  TUNER  MODEL  UVE1A 

Perfect  for  those  unscrambler  projects, 
Nev  with  data. 


$19.99  or  10/5149.99 


INTEGRATED  CIRCUIT. 


MC1372P 

MC1358P 

MC1350P 

HC131QA1P 

MC1310P 

MC1496P 

LM565N 

LM380NJ4 

LM1889N 

NE564N 

SE561S 


Color  TV  Video  Hodulator  Circuit, 

IF  Amp. , Limit er»FM  Detector, Audio  Driver, Electronic  Attenuator 

IF  Amplifier 

Low  Level  Video  Detector 

FH  Stereo  Demodulator 

Balanced  Module  tor /Demodulator 

Phase  Locked  Loop 

2 Watt  Audio  Power  Amplifier 

TV  Video  ModuL.iior 

Phase  Locked  Loop 

Phase  Locked  Loop 


1    to    10 

1  lup 

4.42 

$2.95 

5.00 

4.00 

K50 

1-25 

1.50 

1.15 

4.29 

3.30 

J  .50 

1.25 

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1  .56 

1,25 

5.00 

4.00 

10.00 

8.00 

10.00 

B.OO 

FERRANT1  ELECTROHICS  AM  RADIO  RECEIVER  >S0DEL  ZN414  INTEGRATED  CIRCUIT. 
Features ; 

1.2  to  1,6  volt  operating  range. , Less  than  0.5ma  current  consumption.  150KHz  to  3MHz 
Frequency  range,  >Easy  to  assemble, no  alignment  necessary.  Effective  and  variable  AGO   action*. 
Will  drive  an  earphone  direct.  Excellent  audio  quality . ^Typical  power  gain  of  72dB. ,T0-18 
package.  With  data. $2.99  or  10  For  $24.99 


NX  CAD  RECHARGEABLE  BATTERIES 

AA  Battery  Pack  of  6  These  are  Factory 
New.  $5.00 

SUB  C  Pack  of  10  2. SAmp/Hr,   £10.00 

Gates  Rechargeable  Battery  Packs 


12vdc  at  2.5Amp/Hr. 
12vdc  at  5Amp/Hr, 


$11.99 
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cJH^tJjE  elect  roqic& 


Ail  parts  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  and  paMs  may  be 
su&stituied  with  comparable  pans 
if  we  arc  out  of  stock  of  an  item 


MOTOROLA  MRF559  RF  TRANSISTOR 

hfe  30nln  90typ  200nrjx. 

ft  3000ntiz 

gain  8db  min  9.5typ  at  87Cfifiz 

J3db  typ  at  512iriz 
output  power  .Swatts  at  12.5vdc 
at  870Tti2. 

$2.05  or  10/$15.00 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 

Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-0180 
(For  orders  only) 
PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     125 


"SOCKETS  AND  CHIMNEYS" 


EIHAC  TUBE  SOCKETS  AND  CHIMNEYS 


SSUO 

SK3Q0A 

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5K6J6B 

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SKI420 

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Chimney  For  4^250A,400A>400C,4P&400A 

Chimney  For  3-4 00Z 

Socket  For  4-i000A/4PR10OOA/H 

Socket  For  4CX250BfBC1FGtRflACX350A, F,FJ 

Socket   For   ACXiSGB.BCFG.E^CXSSOA.F.FJ 

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Socket  For  4CX3QOAiYT4CXl25C,F 

Socket  For  4CX300A.Y t4CXi25C,F 

Socket  For  4CXlOOOA?4CX!500a 

Chimney  For  4CX1QOOA,4CX1300B 

Socket  For  4CX1000A,4CX1500B 

Socket  For  4XS0QA 

Chiihitey  For  4X50GA 

Socket  For  SCX3000A 

Socket  For  4CV60Q0A 


S?OR 

$520.00 
260,00 
74,00 
36.00 
390.00 
51,00 
73.00 
11-00 
60,00 
60,00 
66*00 

to*  00 

66.00 

34.00 

36.00 

LOO 

225-00 

225.00 

86.00 

86.00 

225,  no 

40.00 

^5,00 

300.00 

57.00 

65O.O0 

^85.00 


JOHNSON   TUBE   SOCKETS   AND   CHIMNEYS 


124-111/SK606 
122-0275-001 
124-0113-00 
12A-U6/SK630A 
124-1 15-2/SK620A 


Chinmey   For   ACX250BtBC»FCiR,   4QO50ATF,FJ 

Socket  For    3-5O0Z,    4-125A,   250A,    4QGA,   4-500A,    5-500A 

Capacitor  Ring 

Socket  For  4CX2  50B,BC,FC ,R,    /4CX 350AtF,FJ 

Socket  For   4CX25QBtBC,FG1Rl    /4CX350AVF tFJ 

813  Tube  Socket 


S  10.00 
(pair) 15.00 
15.00 
55.00 
55.00 
20,00 


CHIP  CAPACITORS 

,8pf 

lOpf 

lpf 

12pf 

Llpf 

15pf 

1.4pf 

I8pf 

1. 5pf 

20pf 

i.8pf 

22pf 

2.2pf 

24pf 

ZJpf 

27pf 

3.3pf 

33pf 

3.6pf 

39pf 

3.  9pf 

47pf 

4.7pf 

Slpf 

5*6pf 

56pf 

6,8pf 

68pf 

S.Zpf 

82pf 

lOGpf* 

HOpf 

12Qpf 

i30pf 

I50pf 

LfcOpf 

I80pf 

2DQpf 

ggQpf* 

240pf 

270pf 

300pf 

330pf 

360pf 

390of 


TUBE  CAPS 

(Plate) 

$11.00 

HtU,    4 

^R2,31 

6  £ 

7 

13.00 

HR5,    8 

14.00 

HR9 

17.00 

HR10 

20.00 

470pf 
510pf 
560pf 
620pf 

ofiOpf 

820pf 

lOOOpf/.OOluf* 

18Q0pf/,0018uf 

27OOpf/.0O27uf 

10,000pf/.01uf 

i2,0OOpf/.0l2uf 

15,000pf/*015uf 

18,000pf/.018uf 


PRICES: 


I  to  10  - 

II  to  50  ■ 
SI  to  100 


99<t 

sot 

80c 


101  to  1000  ,6Q£ 

1001  &  UP    ,35c 


IS  A  SPECIAL  PRICE: 


10  for  $7,50 
100  for  $65.00 
1000  for  $350.00 


WATMNS  JQHH50H  MJ-V9Q7:  Voltage  Controlled  Microwave  Oscillator     $110.00 

Frequency  range  3.6  to  4,2GHz,  Power  ouput,  Win.  lOdBm  typical,  8d8m  Guaranteed. 
Spurious  output  suppression  Harmonic  (nf0),  min.  20dB  typical,  In-Band  Non-Harmonic,  min. 
60dB  typical >  Residual  FM,  pk  to  pk,  Max.  5KH2,  pushing  factor,  Max.  8KHz/V,  Pulling  figure 
(1.5:1  VSWR),  Max.  60MHz,  Tuning  voltage  range  +1  to  HSvolts,  Tuning  current,  Max.  -0.1mA, 
modulation  sensitivity  range*  Max.  120  to  30MHz/V,  Input  capacitance,  Max.  lOOpf ,  Oscillator 
Bias  H5  +-0.05  volts  G  55mA,  Max. 


Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-0180 
(For  orders  only) 


"All    pans    may    be    new   Of 
surplus,    and    parts    may    be 

substituted  wMh  comparable  parts 
H  we  are  oul  of  slock  of  an  Item." 


(fM(*t|^z  elect  roqic$ 

For  Information  call:  (602)  242-3037 
PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


126     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


1 


TVPL 


TUBES 


PRICE 


TYPE 


PRICE 


TYPE 


PRICE 


2C39/7289 

S  34.00 

1182/4600A 

$500.00 

ML7815AL 

5  60.00 

2E26 

7.95 

4600A 

500.00 

7843 

107.00 

2K2S 

200. 00 

4624 

310.00 

7854 

130.00 

3- 500Z 

102,00 

4657 

84.00 

ML7855KAL 

125.00 

3-1000Z/8164 

400.00 

4662 

100.00 

7984 

14.95 

3BZ8/866A 

9.50 

4665 

500 . 00 

8072 

84 .  00 

3CX4QGU7/8961 

255.00 

4687 

P.O.R. 

8106 

5.00 

3CX1000A7/8283 

526,00 

5675 

42.00 

8117A 

225.00 

3CX3000F1/8239 

567.00 

5721 

250.00 

8121 

110.00 

3CW30000H7 

1700.00 

5768 

125.00 

8122 

110.00 

3X25O0A3 

473.00 

5819 

119.00 

8134 

470,00 

3X3000F1 

567.00 

5836 

232.50 

8156 

12.00 

4-65A/8165 

69,  00 

5837 

232.50 

8233 

60.00 

4-125A/4D21 

79.00 

5861 

140.00 

8236 

35.00 

4-250A/5D22 

98,00 

5867A 

185.00 

8295/PL172 

500.00 

4-400A/8438 

98.00 

5868/AX9902 

270.00 

8458 

35 .  00 

4-400B/7527 

110.00 

5876/A 

42.00 

8462 

130.00 

4-400C/6775 

110,00 

5881/6L6 

8.00 

8505A 

95.00 

4-1000A/8166 

444.00 

5893 

60 .  00 

8533W 

136.00 

4CX250B/7203 

54.00 

5894 /A 

54.00 

8560/A 

75.00 

4CX250FG/8621 

75,00 

5894B/8737 

54.00 

8560AS 

100.00 

4CX250K/8245 

125.00 

5946 

395.00 

8608 

38.00 

4CX250R/7580W 

90.00 

6083/ AZ 9909 

95.00 

8624 

100,00 

4CX300A/8167 

170,00 

6146/6146A 

8.50 

8637 

70.00 

4CX350A/8321 

110.00 

6I46B/8298 

10.50 

8643 

83.00 

4CX350F/8322 

115.00 

6146W/7212 

17,95 

8647 

168.00 

4CX350FJ/8904 

140.00 

6156 

110.00 

8683 

95.00 

4CX600 J/8809 

835-00 

6159 

13.85 

8877 

465.00 

4CX100QA/8168 

242.50* 

6159B 

23.50 

8908 

13.00 

4CX1000A/8168 

485,00 

6161 

325,00 

8950 

13,00 

4CJU500B/8660 

555.00 

6280 

42,50 

8930 

137,00 

4CX50OOA/8170 

1100.00 

6291 

180.00 

6L6  Metal 

25.00 

4CX10000D/8171 

1255.00 

6293 

24 .  00 

6L6GC 

5.03 

4CX15000A/8281 

1500.00 

6326 

P.O.R. 

6CA7/EL34 

5.38 

4CW800F 

710.00 

6360/A 

5.75 

6CL6 

3,50 

4D32 

240.00 

6399 

540.00 

6DJ8 

2.50 

4E27A/5-125B 

240-00 

6550A 

10.00 

6DQ5 

6-  58 

4PR60A 

200.00 

6883B/803ZA/S552 

10.00 

6GF5 

5, 85 

4PR60B 

345,00 

6897 

160.00 

6GJ5A 

6.20 

4PR65A/S187 

175.00 

6907 

79,00 

6GK6 

6.00 

4PR1000A/B189 

590 . 00 

6922/6DJ8 

5.00 

6HB5 

6.00 

4X150A/7034 

60.00 

6939 

22.00 

6HF5 

8.73 

4X150D/7609 

95.00 

7094 

250.00 

6JG6A 

6.28 

4X250B 

45-00 

7117 

38.50 

6JM6 

6.00 

4X2 50F 

45.00 

7203 

P.O.R. 

6JN6 

6.00 

4X500A 

412.00 

7211 

100.00 

6JS6C 

7.25 

5CX150QA 

660.00 

7213 

300.00* 

6KN6 

5.05 

KT88 

27.50 

7214 

300.00* 

6KD6 

8.25 

416B 

45.00 

7271 

135.00 

6LF6 

7.00 

416C 

62.50 

7289/2C39 

34,00 

6LQ6  G.E. 

7.00 

572B/T160L 

49.95 

7325 

P.O.R, 

6LQ6/6MJ6  Sylvania 

9.00 

592/3-200A3 

211-00 

7360 

13.50 

6ME6 

8.90 

807 

8*50 

7377 

85.00 

12AT7 

J  »  JU 

sua 

15.00 

7408 

2.50 

12AX7 

3.00 

812A 

29.00 

7609 

95,00 

12BY7 

5.00 

813 

50.00 

7735 

36.00 

12JB6A 

6.50 

NOTE  *  =  USED  TUBE 


NOTE  P.O.R.  =  PRICE  ON  REQUEST 


"ALL  PARTS  HAY  BE  NEW,  USED,  OR  SURPLUS.   PARTS  HAY  BE  SUBSTITUTED  WITH  COMPARABLE  PARTS  IF  WE 
ARE  OUT  OF  STOCK  OF  AN  ITEM. 


NOTICE:  ALL  PRICES  ARE  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE. 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


Toll  Free  Number 
800-528-01 80 

(For  orders  only) 


"All  parts  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substituted  w»|h  comparable  parts 
*!  we  are  out  ot  stock  pt  art  Jtem." 


qJVI GI|z  electronic* 


PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


73  Magazine  •  March,  1984     127 


"FILTERS" 

COLLINS  Mechanical  Filter  #526-9724-010  MODEL  R65Z32F 

455KHZ  at  3.2KHz  wide.  May  be  other  models  but  equivalent.  May  be  used  or  new,  $15.99 

ATLAS  Crystal  Filters 

5 , 595-2 . 7/8/L5B ,  5 . 595-2 • 7 /L£B 

5  pole  2,7KHz  wide  Upper  sideband.  Jjipedence  800ohns  ISpf  In/BOGofrns  Gpf  out,  19,99 

5,595-2,7/8/U,   5* 595-2. 7/USE 

8  pole  2,7Khz  wide  Upper  sideband.   Iupedence  BOOotms  15pf  In/80Gotas  Opf  out.  19.99 

5, 595- .500/4,    5,595-,500/4/OT 

4  pole  500  cycles  wide  CW.     Inpedance  SOOohms  15pf  In/800ohms  Opf  out,  19,99 

9.0USB/OT 

6  pole  2.7KH2  wide  at  6dB,  Bnpedance  680ohms  7pf  ln/300ohms  8pf  out,  CW-1599H2    19.99 

KOKUSAI  ELECTRIC  CO,  Mechanical  Filter  ffi1F-455-ZL/ZU-21H 

455KK2  at  Center  Frequency  of  453. 5KC,  Carrier  Frequency  of  455KHz  2,36KC  Bandwidth. 
Upper  sideband.   (£U>  19*99 

lower  sideband.   (ZL)  19,99 


CRYSTAL  FILTERS 


NIKKO 

TCW 

SDK 

TAMA 

TYCO/CD 

MOTOROLA 

PTI 

PTI 

pn 
omtech 

FRC 
FILTBCH 


FK-07800C 

FBC-103-2 

SCH-113A 

W-31H250 

001019880 

4884863B01 

5350C 

5426C 

1479 

A10300 

ERXF-1570G 

2131 


7 ,  SMHz 

10.6935MH2 

11.2735MHz 

CF  3179, 3KHz 

10,7MHz  2pole  ISKHz  bandwidth 

11.7MHz  2pole  15KH2  bandwidth 

12MHz  2pole  I5KH2  bandwidth 

21.4MK2  2pole  ISKHz  bandwidth 

10,7MEIz  Spole  bandwidth  7.5KHz  at  3dB,   5KHz  at  6dB 

45Miiz   2pole  15KHz  bandwidth 

20.6MHz  36KHz  wide 

CF  7.825MHz 


«V*4#f444ft«tt»«t#*«*ft« 


CERAMIC  FILTERS 

AXEL 
CLD/ITE 


510,50 

10.00 

10,00 

19.99 

5*00 

5.00 

5,00 

5.00 

20,00 

6.00 

10,00 

10.00 


NIPPON 


MATSUSHIR& 


4F449 

TCH01A 

TCF4-12D36A 

BFB455B 

BFB455L 

CFM455E 

CPM455D 

CFR455E 

CFU455B 

CFU455C 

CFU455G 

CFU455H 

CFU455I 

CFW455D 

CTO455H 

SFB455D 

SFD455D 

SFEl0.7m 

SFE10.7MS 

SFG10,1MA 

LF-B4/CFU455I 

LF-B6/CFU455H 

LP-B8 

LF-C18 

CF455A/HFU455K 

EFC-L455K 


12.6KC  Bandpass  Filter  3dB  bandwidth  1.6KHz  from  ll.B-13.4KHz 

455KHz+-2KHz  bandwidth  4-7%  at  3dB 

455KHz-*-UOiz  bandwidth  6dB  min  l2KHz,  60dB  max  36KHz 

455KHZ 

455KHZ 

4  55KHZ  4-5.5KBZ  at  3dB  ,  +-8KIlz  at  6dB   r  -1-16KHZ  at  5GdD 

455KHZ  4-7KHZ  at  3dB   ,  +-10KHz  at  6dB    ,    +-20KHz  at  50dB 

455KIIZ  H-5.5KHz  at  3dB  ,  H— BKIIz  at  6dB   ,   -K16KHZ  at  60dB 

455KHZ  +-2KHZ  bandwidth  +-13KHz  at  6dB,  +-3GKHZ  at  40dB 

455KHZ  4-2KHZ  bandwidth  +-12,5KHz  at  6dB  ,  +-24KHZ  at  40dB 

455KHZ  -i-IKHz  bandwidth  -f-4,5KHz  at  6dB  ,  +~10KHz  at  40dB 

455KHz  -i-IKHz  bandwidth  *~ 3K!Iz  at  6dB  ,  +-9KBz  at  4MB 

455KHZ  -i-IKHz  bandwidth  -r-2KHz  at  6dB  ,   +-6KHZ  at  403B 

455KHZ  H-lOKHz  at  6dB  ,  +-2QKHz  at  40dB 

455KHz  «-3KHz  at  fidB   ,  4-9KHz  at  40dB 

455KHZ 

455KHz  -I-2KHZ  t    3dB  bandwidth  4.5KHZ  +-1KHZ 


10.7MHZ  260KHZ  +-5GKHZ  at  3dB 

10,7MHz  230KH2  -4-50KHZ  at  3dB 

10.7MHz 

455KHZ  **-lKHz 

455KHz  4-lKHz 

455KHZ 

455KHZ 

455KHz  +-2KHz 

455KH2 


650KHZ  at  20dB 
570KHZ  at  20dB 


10,00 
5,00 

10.00 
2.  SO 
3.50 
6. 65 
6.65 
8,00 
2.90 
2.90 
2,90 
2.90 
2,90 
2.90 
2,90 
2.50 
5,00 
2,50 
2,50 

10,00 
2.90 
2.90 
2.90 

10,00 
5.00 
7,00 


*»*#**»»*ft*#*»»4 **»*««»***«*#«*  *  *#*»*«**##*  «»*#*###*#•*#*#**##  »*#**#*#*••***** 


POWER  OUTPUT  l.GTOfl. 
68K  OJ*M  IWATT  BAMAST 


SPECTRA  PHYSICS  INC,  Model  088  HeNe  LASER  TUBES 

EEftM  DIA,  .75MM  BEAM  OlR,  2,7MR 

1000VDC  4-100VDC         At  3.7MA 

R0TR0N  MUFFIN  FANS  Model  WARKVHU2A1 

115  VAC  14WATTS  50/60GPS  IMPEDENCE  PROIBOTEEKF 

105CTH  at  60CPS  THESE  ARE  NEW 

Toll  Free  Number 
^  800-528-0180 

PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  NOTICE 


SKV  STARTUP  VOLTAGE  DC 

$59,99 


sscra  at  50CPS 


o^^t z  elect roqicg 


(For  orders  only) 


$  7,99 

AH  parts  may  be  new  Of 
surplus,  and  parts  may  be 
substituted  wilh  comparable  parts 
if  we  are  out  of  stock  at  an  Item. k 


For  information  call:  (602)  242-3037 


12S     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


HEWLETT  PACKARD  SIGNAL  GENERATORS 


606A 

*Q6S 

fiDSC 

5080/ 
TS510 

urn 

&14A 


616A/ 
TSHQ3 


50kh:  to  65W2  in  6  bands  »-UiOuiDut  level  adjustable  O-Juv 

to  3V  into  50  ohms, Bui  It- In  crystal  cat  Ibretor.lQD  -lQQflH; 
modulation* 

5m  as  above  cut  has  frfiouenev  control  feature  to  allow 
operation  nHn  HP  67Q8A  Synthromrer, 

lOMrtz  to  L+aOttHz.rO-tuV-lV  into  50  ohms,  AH,  CH.  or  Pulse  mod- 
ulation, caHoracea  attenuator, 

xomz  to  mmi,  o.iuv-o.w  into  50  omis,«-o,5;  oecuroc^ 

built-in  crystal  calibrator,  Afl-CW  or  pulse  autout, 

Iflprovftl  version  of  Dooutar  603C,i»  ta  iv  output. tmorovea 
stabilftyJou  restflual  Frt. 

10WH2  ta  ktttiHi   tn  5  Dands  *-15  frequency  accuracy  *l-tb 
built-in  crystal  collDrator.Corv  De  used  with  HP  87Q&A 
Svncrtronirer.  Output  continuously  adj  us  table  from  +luV  to 
^v  into  50 


&1£| 

*  65G.0Q 

6I8B 

(1100.00 

bl*C 

o.oo 

520A 

1  375.00 

6Z0E 

I .    *0.00 

S7G& 

tlimQO 

MSfl-lJ30M«£  ,o.iuv-o*5V  into  50  orHRs.ca  libra  tea  ouipui. 

9O0-210OHHZ  Mltrr  totiy  features  including  calibrated  output 
ana  all  modulation  chartxtertstics. 


I  7*0.00 


l  500.00 


Direct  reaaina  and  direct  j!   tram  l.fi  to  *t,2GH£*   Tnt^ 

H.P.&16A  features  ^-l.SctE  ^al  I  prated  ouiDut  accuracy  from 

^n  to  -d&u.lne  outJHit  is  directly  calibrated  in  ukro- 
volts  one  &*  Hitn  :onTinuous  nonilorlng,  .sirute  Jtion 

rrequency  difld  accuracy  is  +-1X  and  stool  J  J tv  exceeds  0.005*- 

cnonge  in  ambient  teroeroture.  CallDroted  ouenuat 
in.  I  rr- 1  n  *-],5dB  over  entire  cutout  band.  50  orm  impedance  \r> 
has  internal  ouise  modulation  with  reu  rote  variable  from  &Q 
Hz  to  4KH7, variable  oulsewidth'l  to  lOusec  -and  varlabie  Pulse 
oeloycj  ta  3Q0u$et>.  Externa  I  modulating  Inputs  Incteas  ver-         - 
saUJIty.  1575,00 


JO  LABORATORIES    THV2  FL£X|aH  WADSET , 

itiese  neatsets  cope  wim  data  ts  haft  &  to  o  IGJi  radios  wa  nmv  omcr  eaujjHBit< 

Perfect  for  A- [mimes  ,  HelictDters  ,  Mobile  todies  .  or  Just  Die  Teieohme. 
Ihese  Are  Factory  He*  In  Sealed  BQjes      "  ted  Sirclv  rjily  S6S.95 


neater  cfunje 


<*«fe. 


1ectrot|ic& 


"All  parts  may  be  new  or 
surplus,  arid  pans  may  be 
substituted  with  comparable  parts 
if  we  are  out  of  sloe*  of  an  item/* 


Some  as  above  but  Later  ffloael,  *  600.00 

3.8  to  7.&GHZ  ranoe-Hitn  calibrated  outPtfl  and  selection  of      ...  __ 

puJse-FH  or  sauare  wave  modulation.  *  buu.uu 

Sane  as  -joove  but  later  wodel,  !  iOO.00 

7   to  IlGHr  range, with  calibrated  output  ana  selection  of 

pulse-FM  or  sauare  wave  modulation,  *  /w,uu 

Same  as  above  but  later  model.  12200. 00 

10  to  i5GKz#]0nH  output  power  with  calibrated  output  one? 

Pulse -sauare  wave  or  Frt  modulation.  S4/uu,qo 

.-firanfzer  used  wJtn  606B,6O«F.TTie  synchronizer  is  a 
-lock  frequency  stabilizer  *tiKn  Drowdes  crystal - 
oscillator  frequency  stability  to  wm»z  in  tne  608F  signal 
generator. Phase  lacking  eliminates  microphonics  and  d r L r t 
result inq  in  excellent  frequency  stabllltv. the  870&A  includes 
o  vernier  which  can  tune  tne  reference  oscillator  over  o  range 
of  *-0.25I  permitting  freauerK*  settabtlity  to  2  Parts  in  10 
to  the  seventh .Provides  a  very  stable  signal  that  satisfies 
many  critical  aopil  cot  Jons,  fc  ^^^        rMi_k  ,  _,„  nn 

(With  HP  606B  or  60SF>  *  ?IE*9S 

(Without!  J  450.00 


EBC-iO 
HF-I05F 


EtXCTROtttTRlCS  EfK-10  Rf  l/FJII   RECEIVER 

Low  frequency  analyzer  cover i no  20HZ  to  50 KHz  freauency 

range, Extendabie  to  5DO  KHz  In  wLdebonrJ  mode. 

£eoire  Devices  Field  Intensity  Meter.        ,„r,„ 
Has  «F-10S/T*,HF-105/TX.NF^105/T1*NF-105/T2,«F-ID5/T3. 
Covers  1**khz  to  lOOONH*. 

AIL  EQylRHEUT  CARRY  A  3^  DA¥  GUARAH1EE, 

EOUlPMtNl  IS  HOI  CALIBRATED, 


12-500.00 


(ZJOO.UO 


OROERING  lhSTRUCtH>N& 
DEFECTIVE  MATERIAL   All  cl*nTi*  fW  flfel*c1«e  miterml  mufll  Oe  fliide  *HHif»  tittf  I60J  Hay*  aMur  *ed**i(j|  Q< 
fiafcn  An  piaim*  mull  include  tfw  deteci'v*  mai^umfor  lesimg  purpjoart),  auf  snwoici  rtumtef.  ernu  im  Jam 
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73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     120 


W2NSD/1 

NEVER  SAY  DIE 

editorial  t>y  Wayne  Green 


from  page  6 

Some  would  key  the  rigt  most 
wouldn't,  None  would  both  key 
and  modulate.  Eventually  I 
found  the  KLM  mike— worked 
fine,  once  I'd  found  it.  Now  why 
is  it  so  difficult  to  have  some 
standardization  on  mike  con- 
nectors? Come  ONf  you  manu- 
facturers. 

Okay.  Receive  on  145,55— no 
problem.  I  decided  to  use  the 
tunable  vfo  for  the  recerver  and 
the  synthesizer  for  transmitting 
so  I  could  switch  between  144,91- 
,93-.95~  97~.99~  145.01  -.Q3-,Q5- 
.07^.09  quickly.  My  HT  on  145.55 
zeroed  in  the  receiver  and  I  was 
ready  to  roiL 

The  rig  seemed  to  be  working 
finet  with  all  sorts  of  guys  chirp- 
ing in  on  the  .55  channel  before 
the  expected  orbit,  complete 
with  others  telling  'em  to  get  the 
hell  off  the  downlink  channel 
and  others  testily  demanding 
call-letter  identification  by 
everyone  breaking  in.  The  usual 
crapola. 

About  five  minutes  before  the 


orbit,  the  uplink  channels  began 
to  fill  with  callers.  It  sounded 
just  like  a  DX  piteup  on  20m.  I 
checked  all  of  the  ten  uplink 
channels  and  found  all  ten  piled 
high  with  signals.  Having 
operated  from  planes  many 
times  over  the  years,  I  doubt  if 
LFL  could  sort  anything  out  of 
that  mess.  Even  at  two  or  three 
miles  up,  the  channels  turn  to 
garbage  as  several  stations  try 
to  use  the  channel  at  once. 

Some  ops,  confused  by  the 
complexity  of  having  to  transmit 
on  one  channel  and  receive  on 
another,  got  the  two  mixed  up, 
filling  the  uplink  channel  much 
of  the  ttme  with  alternating  calls 
and  put^downs,  I  don't  know 
if  anyone  else  waited  to  hear 
LFL  before  calling  (it  didn't 
sound  like  it  on  the  uplink  chan- 
nels), but  I  held  my  peace, 
waiting  to  hear  if  Columbia  was 
even  going  to  be  on  on  this  orbit, 
Silence  from  above. 

The  chorus  kept  up  for  the 
twenty  minutes  of  the  orbit,  plus 
about  five  minutes  on  either  end 
just  in  case.  What  a  jungle. 


1984  CALLBQQK 

Despite  the  ARRL  trying  to 
put  the  venerable  Caftbook  out 
of  business,  the  new  edition 
came  out.  I  don't  know  why  the 
Callback  seems  to  be  so  much 
more  up  to  date  than  the  ARRL 
version,  but  it  sure  does.  At  any 
rate,  the  1984  Calfbooks  arrived 
($19  each  for  the  US  and  foreign 
editions),  so  after  making  sure 
that  I  am  still  aiivet  i  checked 
out  the  US  ham  census  figures 
to  see  how  many  new  hams  we 
have. 

It's  easy  to  see  why  most  of 
the  ham  dealers  have  gone 
broke  and  why  we  have  so  few 
American  ham  manufacturers 
these  days — hardly  any  new 
hams.  The  overall  increase  was 
about  2.6%  over  1983— pitiful. 
Novices  are  up  9.4%  this  year. 
Techs  are  up  0.5%.  Generals 
are  down  0.7%.  Advanceds  are 
up  1.3%.  Extra  class  is  up 
7.2%.  Tnafs  awful! 

In  the  heyday  of  amateur  ra* 
dio  (1 946-63),  we  grew  at  1 1  % 
per  year  steadily.  Since  1963, 
the  average  growth  has  been 
the  same  as  this  last  year— 
2,6%— and  that's  for  twenty 
years  now.  Indeed,  if  we  had 
not  stopped  our  growth  short  in 
1963,  we  would  today  have  over 
two  million  US  hams— just 
double  the  Japanese  ham  pop- 
ulation, which  makes  sense 
when  you  figure  that  they  have 
almost  exactly  half  our  total 
population. 


Would  we  have  lost  one  after 
another  of  our  consumer  elec- 
tronics industries  if  we'd  kept 
up  supplying  our  country  with 
career  high-tech  people  via  am- 
ateur radio?  I  think  not.  I've 
written  about  this  for  several 
years  now.  but  I  haven't  seen 
any  signs  of  anyone  really  giv- 
ing a  damn.  I  am  bringing  il  up 
again  because  I've  seen  some 
magazines  poo-pooing  this 
with  claims  that  we're  back  into 
a  much  higher  ham  growth. 
Well,  we  arenH.  Nothing  has 
been  done  to  improve  matters 
yet. 


FOREIGN  HAM 
SUBSCRIPTIONS 

A  couple  months  ago,  I  wrote 
mentioning  that  many  hams  in 
many  foreign  countries  have 
currency  restrictions  which 
make  it  almost  impossible  for 
them  to  get  73.  Hundreds  of 
readers  have  been  kind  enough 
to  send  rn  gift  subscriptions  to 
help  these  DX  hams  and  I've 
been  getting  copies  of  the  let- 
ters of  thanks  which  have  been 
forthcoming.  It's  almost  sad  to 
see  how  appreciative  these 
lucky  chaps  are  of  your 
thoughtfulness.  Try  it  and  see 
for  yourself.  The  regular  DX 
subscription  is  $45T  but  if  you 
send  $25.  lit  go  the  other  $20  and 
well  let  more  DX  hams  know 
that  we  Americans  are  the  gooc 
guys. 


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TT 


SEVIERYILLE.  TENNESSEE  171*2 


5**  tisf  of  Advertisers  on  page  !T4 


73  Magazine  ■  March,  1984     131 


international) 


from  page  TB 

lot  of  customers.  Waiting  for  the  pileup,  1 
tokJ  Btn  K  was  my  birthday  (40  years)  l 
spent  The  following  two  hours  receiving 
reports  and  greetings.  When  the  propage- 
tion  changed,  I  turned  the  beam  to  Europe 
and  received  reports  of  20  over  S&  It  was 
really  a  nice  present.  Friends  from  my 
home  QTH  told  me  that  the  XYL  was 
listening  to  my  transmitting  frequency 
and  that  she  was  passing  a  lot  of  6S,  When 
I  wen  I  back,  she  told  me  she  will  apply  for 
a  license  to  bo  able  to  talk  to  me  when  I 
am  away. 

In  fact,  our  group  is  planning  other  ex- 
padl  lions  for  next  year,  and  you  can  bat 
they  will  bo  to  some  of  the  top-wanted  DX 
countries.  For  the  moment  we  do  not  In- 
tend to  give  more  details;  In  these  days 
li'S  very  easy  to  near  people  saying  they 
are  pfenning  to  go  here  and  there,  to  listen 
for  ihem  next  week  from  the  moon,  but 


nothing  comes  out  ot  it!  We  will  advise  ail 
OX  bulletins  a  few  weeks  in  advance,  but 
only  II  everything  will  be  100%  sure,  Bui 
lets  go  back  to  Taiwan. 

We  dio  not  work  too  much  during  the 
nights  as  the  bands  were  dead  and  we  had 
no  authorization  to  operate  on  40  and  80, 
but  I  spent  some  time  listening  and  can 
give  you  assurance  that  it  will  be  no  prob- 
lem to  work  BV  from  W6;  even  with  the 
12AVQ I  was  in  the  position  to  copy  WG on 
40  and  80.  It  was  evident  that  J  A  signals 
were  well  above  S9  and  VK/ZL  on  a  5  level. 
The  propagation  from  BV  was  not  too 
good  during  our  stay.  We  had  only  two 
good  openings  on  20  and  three  on  15. 
More    or    less    the    same    situation    for 
Europe,  but  with  longer  opportunities.  In 
total  we  had  3329  contacts  on  SSB  and 
2050  on  CW.  341  stations  worked  on  20 
meters  from  US  SSB.  317  on  15,  138  on  20 
CW,  and  201  on  1 5  CW,  All  IN  3  thanks  to 
the  beautiful  job  done  by  Tun  and  his 


Lett  to  right.  t2htOP,  BV2AJB,  J2BVS.  and  I2NYN, 


group.  Without  their  help  and  assistance. 
It  would  not  have  been  possible  to  do 
anything. 

Apart  from  the  radio  activity,  we  had  the 
opportunity  to  visit  Taiwan  and  spend 
some  time  with  the  local  people,  Taiwan  is 
a  l3ja00-sQuare-milo  island  with  a  sub- 
tropical climate  situated  700  miles  south 
of  Japan  and  too  miles  from  the  mainland. 
The  standard  or  living  Is  very  high  and  the 
number  of  cars,  television  sets  *™*  air 
conditioners  is  unbelievable 

The  philosophy  ol  Chinese  hospitality 
Is  based  on  what  Confucius  said  2500 
years  ago:  "There  is  no  pleasure  to  sur- 
pass the  greeting  of  friends  coming  from 
a  tar."  I  can  assure  you  that  this  is  stir! 
valid.  We  had  the  opportunity  to  meet  the 
local  authorities,  Including  directors  of 
the  Ministry  of  Communications  and 
others,  and  had  a  wonderful  party  orga- 
nized for  us  by  the  CFoV 

It  is  difficult  for  me  to  express  my  feel- 
ings in  a  language  that  Is  not  mine;  it's  dif- 
ficult even  in  Italian!  t  can  only  repeat  a 
tew  words  Tim  said  to  me  when  we  loft:  "It 
is  the  end  of  a  short  adventure,  my  friend; 
it  can  be  the  start  of  a  long  Iri  end  ship 
Long  Lite  to  you  my  Inend." 
Thank  you,  Tim! 

detzMOP 


The  party:  12MQP  and  !2BV$  {standing}  pnwenf  an  honorary  membership  on  fne  QK  Blue 
Teem  jd  Tim  Chen  3V2ATB  On  the  iett  of  t2MQP  is  Mr.  Pong,  Deputy  Director,  Ulniatry  of 
Telecom. 

132    73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


LIBERIA 

Brother  "Don"  Donard  Steftes.  CS.C 

EL2AUWB8HFY 

Brothers  of  the  Hoty  Cross 

St  Patrick  High  School 

Monrovia 

Republic  of  Liberia 

Amateurs  around  the  world  are  helping 
the  lepers  in  Liberia,  tn  the  August,  1983. 
issue  of  73.  the  Liberia  column  gave  in 
some  detail  the  effort  of  the  amateurs  ol 
Liberia  to  come  to  the  help  of  the  lepers  at 
Ganta,  The  response  to  their  "AS"  special 
prefix  (this  is  Echo-Lima- land  J  has  been 
one-hundred-percent  positive,  Even  be- 
yond that,  many  of  the  amateurs  volunteer 
the  comment  that  they  are  happy  some  ol 
their  numbers  are  Involved  in  a  project 
that  is  so  worthwhile. 

At  the  date  of  this  writing  (11*23/83),  the 
Ganta  Leprosy  Center  has  received  a  total 
of  (2,243.02  from  the  contributions  of  am- 
ateurs in  various  parts  of  the  world,  and 
even  as  these  funds  were  coming  in,  two 
of  the  mud  huts  in  which  the  lepers  ate  liv- 
ing literally  collapsed.  They  are  being 
rebuilt  with  the  money  received  from  the 
amateurs,  and  without  that  money  there 
would  probably  have  been  no  rebuilding  at 
this  time  There  is  another  month  of 
"Alpha  S  calling,"  and  we  hope  that  during 
this  time  we  can  do  better. 

Presently,  the  Center  Is  directed  by  Dr. 
(Sister)  M.  Chamoers.  who  is  assisted  by 
Theresa  Hicks  (a  religious  o*  another 
order).  In  the  area  of  medicines,  they  ere 
funded  by  the  German  Leprosy  Relief  As- 
sociation and  the  government  ot  Liberia. 
They  have  four  hundred  and  forty  pa- 
tients. One  hundred  twenty  of  these  pa- 
tients are  totally  dependent,  another  one 
hundred  twenty  are  ambulatory!  and  two 
hundred  are  outpatients  (off  campus), 

There  is  a  new  medication  in  use  In  the 
form  of  Rlfamptcin  capsules.  With  Dap- 
sane  daily  and  Rlfamptcin  monthly,  non- 
infectious leprosy  can  be  cured  In  si* 
months.  Infectious  leprosy  can  be  cured 
in  two  years  with  Dapsone  administered 
daily,  Lamprene  three  times  per  week,  and 


Rifampicin  monthly  With  the  previous 
medicines,  the  curs  too*  up  to  five  years. 
The  immediate  need  al  the  Center  is 
funding  for  new  houses.  Those  presently 
in  use  are  so  dilapidated  that  targe  pieces 
of  wall  and  or  root  are  breaking  loose  and 
falling  down  in  rough  weather.  The  mud  in 
tne  wails  has  become  washed  out  so  that 
the  walls  are  porous  and  house  bugs  and 
rodents.  The  remaining  part  of  the  story  is 
not  pleasant  even  to  think  about  In  other 
areas,  there  is  always  need  of  bandaging, 
gauze  dressings,  medical  adhesive  tape, 
and  cotton  wool 

When  the  amateurs  of  Liberia  began 
this  project,  they  bad  visions  of  making 
sixty-thousand  contacts,  and  with  a  small 
contribution  Irom  only  a  majority  of  these 
contacts,  the  houses  could  have  been 
built.  As  it  works  out  II  Is  evident  that 
such  a  goal  was  a  bit  ambitious.  On  the 
other  hand,  a  few  of  the  amateurs  con- 
tacted made  sizeable  contributions  and  a 
few  others  have  taken  upon  themselves 
the  Job  of  doing  a  little  fund-raising  of 
their  own  and  have  then  sent  In  the 
money.  As  a  result,  the  total  al  this  date  is 
not  unmeaning fut. 

Reports  are  now  coming  in  from  people 
who  have  received  the  Alpha  8  QSL  card, 
and  they  are  very  pleased  The  word  is  that 
the  card  is  oversize,  thai  it  has  pictures, 
and  that  It  is  very  beautifully  done  We, 
here  in  Monrovia,  have  not  seen  Ihe  card 
yeit  out  we  are  gratified  to  know  (hat  they 
are  being  received  and  that  they  are  a  bit 
more  than  Ihe  ordinary. 

Should  anyone  wish  to  contact  the  Lep- 
rosy Control  Center  directly,  address:  Dr. 
Margaret  Chambers,  Ganta  Leprosy 
Center.  Box  1010,  Monrovia,  Liberia,  West 
Africa. 

For  me,  personally,  this  program  has 
been  a  grand  experience.  Aside  from  the 
fact  that  we  are  helping  lbs  lepers,  I  have 
a  new  appreciation  of  amateur  radio  and 
its  amateurs.  The  response  Irom  all  over 
the  world  has  been  positive  and  courte- 
ous, I  have  received  nothing  but  praise 
and  good  wishes.  The  greater  the  need  or 
the  greater  the  emergency,  the  more  sure 
you  can  be  that  the  amaleurs  will  be  there. 

MONROVIA'S  NEW  REPEATER 

Big  news?  The  brand-new  (second-hand 
and  rebuilt)  repeater  is  twenty  Watts,  With 
a  good  antenna  location,  il  should  cover 
the  city  ot  Monrovia  and  we.  the  local  am- 
ateurs, should  have  HT  communications 
over  the  greater  part  of  the  city! 

That  part  is  all  true  and  it  is  tine,  but 
what  about  the  amateurs  who  do  not  live 
in  greater  Monrovia?  The  situation  in 
Liberia  is  different  from  that  in  the  States. 
In  the  States,  there  axe  many  repeaters 
and  amateur  operators  have  a  wide 
choice.  They  even  have  scanners  More 
important  than  that  ,  they  nave  other  types 
of  communications  available.  Here  in 
Liberia,  amateurs  who  find  themselves  in 
outlying  areas  are  almost  totally  depen- 
dent on  their  radio. 

Until  now,  there  has  been  one  repeater 
in  operation  It  is  al  Bong  Wines,  which  is 
an  excel  lent  location  They  have  skilled 
technicians  who  maintain  it  and  make 
changes  when  It  is  necessary,  it  covers 
most  of  Liberia,  but  when  an  amateur 
finds  hmself  120  miles  "up  count ry,"  he 
has  problems  and  cannot  always  make 
the  repeater  For  a  very  interesting  story 
concerning  this  situation,  read  the  Liberia 
column  and  the  story  of  Mark  H.  Munson. 
M  D.t  EL5G,  73,  September,  1963. 

Monrovia  itself  Is  about  65  ml tes  from 
the  Bong  Mines  repeater,  so  the  little  NT 
has  a  bit  more  than  ft  can  handle,  and 
even  home  sets  wUh  their  higher  power 
and  better  antennas  will  not  make  the  re 
peater  unless  everything  is  working  well 
The  new  Monrovia  repeater  will  solve  this 


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73  Magazine  •  March,  19S4     133 


■n 


problem  nicely  While  we  are  solving  our 
problem,  we  are,  however ,  cutting  out  the 
amateurs  outside. 

Can  our  repeaters  be  made  to  talk  to 
each  other?  The  experts  around  here  say 
"yes;"  In  view  of  the  fact  that  there  will  be 
only  two  repeaters  in  Liberia,  Ihey  expect 
no  interference  and  they  think  It  can  be 
done.  No  one  has  presented  a  feasible 
plan  yet,  although  it  must  be  added  that 
until  now  the  question  has  been  quite 
remote. 

Whatever  happens  it  is  evident  that  we 
will  either  find  a  way  or  go  back  to  the  one- 
repeater  operation,  We  cannot  cut  out  our 
amateur  friends  on  the  outside. 


THE  NETHERLANDS 

Henk  Meerman,  Jr.  PD&DDV 
Zanavoorierwag  33 
2ti1QRA*ntontiovt 
fine  Neiheriamts 

SAW.  Aries  PA38WO 
Schuberthof  3 
2742  BT  Waddinxveen 
Holland 

Finally,  after  several  weeks  of  postal 
and  transport  strikes  over  the  whole  coun- 
try, I  am  able  to  write  another  column  for 
73.  Everybody  is  relieved  that  life  has 
taken  Its  normal  way  again.  It  was  im- 
possible to  send  a  letter  w  a  parcel  to 
someone;  also,  the  national  finance  was 
completely  out  of  order. 

Nevertheless,  we  had  some  extremely 
good  conditions  this  season  on  VHR 
Some  hams  worked  as  far  away  as  Iceland 
on  two  meters  with  FM  mode  and  simple 
beam  antennas.  Yours  truly  had  to  miss 
all  of  the  fun  because  of  a  serious  antenna 
breakdown- 
Last  year,  the  youngest  of  our  three 
Dutch  Radiosocleties,  the  NCV*  cele- 
brated 10  years  of  existence  with  a  party 
for  all  members.  There  also  was  held  an 
open  day  for  ihe  public,  during  which  they 
were  active  with  their  club  station. 
PUHLM,  on  HF,  CW  on  all  bands.  A  com- 
plete amateur  TV  station  on  70  cm  also 
was  on  the  air,  which  made  contact  with  a 
mobile  ATV  station. 

The  mobile  unit  made  some  stops  to 
give  some  demonstrations  to  the  public. 
Furthermore,  they  had  an  operational 
weather-satellite  station  receiving  Meteo- 
sat  2  (1,6  GHzy  A  dish  was  placed  on  the 
roof  of  the  club  building  with  a  converter 
from  1  6  GHz  to  137  MHz.  To  get  a  satellite 


PDQQQV's  VI  and  the  antenna  used  to  receive  Meteosat  if 


picture  on  a  monitor,  an  FX-665  Vraase 
Fax  memory  unit  was  used. 

SIX  METERS  IN  HOLLAND 

Although  50  MHz  is  not  an  amateur 
band  In  Holland,  there  are  a  few  amateurs 
with  a  special  license  who  operate  on  that 
band.  They  are  allowed  to  do  experimental 
transmissions  on  Ihe  following  frequen- 
cies: 53,875  MHz,  53.925  MHz,  and  53.975 
MHz  In  CW  only.  The  maximum  power 
they  use  Is  25  Watts,  Many  hams  hope 
that  this  band  will  become  a  ham  band  In 
the  future,  although  the  license  condi- 
tions are  not  very  clear  There  are  some 
rumors  that  it  will  be  assigned  to  the  land 
mobile  service,  so  lets  keep  our  fingers 
crossed, 

I'd  like  to  end  this  column  by  writing 
about  the  Veron  PACC  (PA  Century  Club) 
Award.  To  earn  this  well-known  Dutch 
award,  you  have  to  work  at  least  100  dif- 
ferent Dutch  amateur  stations  and  have 
proof  of  it  by  means  of  a  OSL  card  or 
another  written  confirmation.  Only  con- 


tacts made  after  the  first  ot  June,  1945, 
ere  valid  for  this  award.  There  are  stamps 
available  for  200  to  900  different  worked 
s  rat  ions,  so  the  certificate  can  be  ex- 
panded In  the  future  whan  you  wotk  more 
Dutch  stations. 

da  PDtOO V 

UIVER  MEMORIAL  AWARD 

It  is  fifty  years  ago  that  the  legendary 
London- Mel  bourne  Race,  organized  by 
the  Australian  chocolate  manufacturer 
Mcpherson  Robertson  was  held.  KLM 
Royal  Dutch  Airlines  participated  in  that 
race  with  the  then  brand-new,  ell-meial. 
low-wing  standard  airliner  Douglas  DC  2 
In  a  field  of  other  aircraft  mainly  built  tor 
speed.  This  famous  aircraft,  named  Uiver 
(stork),  won  the  first  prize  in  the  handicap 
section  and  came  in  second  in  the  speed 
section.  Mosi  remarkable  was  the  fact 
that  KLM  conducted  this  flight  as  if  it  were 
a  regular  airline  flight,  carrying  three  pav- 
ing passengers  tn  all  possible  comforl 
and  some  500  pounds  of  mail. 


To  commemorate  this  famous  event, 
the  Netherlands  Broadcasting  Corpora- 
tion MOS  conceived  the  Idea  to  make  a 
documentary  of  this  Night  which  wilt  be 
shown  serially  on  television  in  October. 
19841  the  month  In  which  the  Melbourne 
Race  took  place  50  years  ago.  The  Idea 
was  born  to  have  this  flight  repeated,  not 
with  a  modem  Boeing  747  airliner,  but 
with  a  Douglas  DC-2  The  apparently  last 
airworthy  D02  in  the  world  was  found  in 
ihe  United  States,  bearing  registration 
NC3916S  and  owned  by  Colgate  W 
Darden. 

The  total  costs  for  the  entire  LUver  proj- 
ect* Including  the  film  production,,  are  tre- 
mendous, and  In  order  lo  raise  these 
costs,,  the  Wver  Memorial  Foundation  was 
established.  The  funds  for  the  commemo- 
railon  flight  were  sought  from  major  spon- 
sors and  the  public. 

The  aircraft  arrived  at  Sent  phot  and  was 
given  Ihe  new  equipment  necessary  to  con- 
duct the  flight  in  the  modern  aviation 
world.  The  aircraft  carried  exactly  the 
same  paint  scheme,  registration  PH-AJIL 
name  Uiv&r,  and  contest  number  44  as  the 
original  aircraft.  The  flight  schedule  look 
this  aircraft  across  a  route  from  Amster- 
dam to  Mel  bourne  as  close  as  possible  to 
the  route  foil  owed  by  the  Utver  in  1934. 
That  flight  took  90  hours,  17  minutes,  but 
the  memorial  flight  lasted  from  Decem- 
ber. 1983,  until  February,  1964, 

Amongst  Dutch  radio  amateurs,  it  was 
suggested  Ihsl  an  award  could  be  issued, 
and  profits  gained  by  Ihe  issuance  of  this 
award  could  be  made  available  to  the 
Foundation  as  a  com  ri  but  ion  of  radio  am 
aieuts  to  this  event. 

OePWBWQ 


NEW  ZEALAND 

Des  Qhapman  ZL2VR 
459  Kennedy  Road 
Napier 
New  Zealand 

2L  LICENSING  STRUCTURE 

There  are  three  grades  of  amateur 
license  pi  us  a  Novice  (non-renewable} 
license  available  in  New  Zealand.  The  am- 
ateur-radio examination  and  licensing 
structure  is  under  the  control  Of  the  Hew 
Zealand  Post  Office,  the  radio  regulatory 
body  In  ZL  The  radio  regulatory  area  Is 
controlled  by  the  Radio  Branch  of  Post  Of- 
fice Headquarters  and  administered  by 


inside  the  NCV  club  budding, 

134    73  Magazine  •  March,  1964 


PE1BTU  demonstrating  the  satellite  receiver, 


WE   HAVE  NO  DEALERS 
—  ORDER  DIRECT 


HOW!  A  State-of-the-Art  Antenna 

for  $tate-of-the-Art  Transceivers — 
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73  Magazine  »  March,  1984     135 


2M  REPEATER 

AMD  SIMPLEX  FREQUENCES 

Repealer 

Repeater 

Nam* 

Output 

Input 

665 

146.65 

146.05 

670 

146  JO 

146,10 

675 

146.75 

146.15 

090 

146.80 

t46_20 

68$ 

146.85 

146.25 

090 

14&90 

146-30 

695 

146.95 

1 46.3& 

700 

147.00 

146-40 

705 

147.05 

147-65 

710 

147.10 

147.70 

715 

147.15 

147.70 

720 

147.20 

147.80 

725 

147.25 

147,85 

730 

147.30 

147.90 

735 

147,35 

147.95 

Simple* 

Calling 

Name 

Frequency 

6475 

146.475 

6525 

148525 

©575 

146575 

7425 

147.425 

7475 

147.475 

7525 

147.525 

7575 

147,575 

70  CM  REPEATERS 

AND  SIMPLEX  FREQUENCIES 

Rep*al«f 

Repeater 

Name 

Output 

Input 

850 

438.50 

433.50 

855 

438.55 

433.55 

8O0 

438,60 

433.60 

885 

43865 

43365 

870 

43870 

43370 

875 

438.75 

433.75 

Simplex  Name       Free 

luency 

230 

433.30 

335 

43X35 

340 

433,40 

Wj 

433,45 

the  Radio  Inspectors  Branch  In  each  of 
the  17  Post  Office  Engineering  Districts 
throughout  the  country. 

The  Novice  license  is  available  for  one 
year  only.  It  cannot  be  renewed.,  only  up- 
graded. The  basic  requirements  to  pass 
the  Novice  exam  are: 

•  a  simple  written  examination  In  ele- 
mentary principles  ot  electricity  and  radio 
communications. 

•  a  written  examination  on  the  Radio 
Regulations  as  they  pertain  to  the  Ama- 
teur Service,  and 

•  a  Morse  test,  sending  and  receiving  6 
words  a  minute  of  each  for  3  minutes;  the 
receiving  test  has  to  he  written 

A  full  pass  In  all  three  sections  above 
entitles  the  Novice  (callalgns  with  the  first 
suffix  letter  N,  e.g.,  NAA,  NAB.  etc.)  to  op- 
erate Cw  and  AM,  including  SSB.  on  the 
bands  3525-3575  kHz  and  28.10-28,60 
MHz.  with  the  restricted  power  of  10  W  in- 
put to  the  final  stage. 

The  next  level,  the  Grade  III  license,  re- 
quires  a  written  paper  on  the  theory  ot 
electricity  and  radio  communications  as 
wet  I  as  the  paper  on  Radio  Regulations, 
but  no  Morse  test.  The  Grade  ill  licensee 
may  operate  on  all  amateur  bands  above 
51  MH2  only,  on  all  modes  except  CW.  The 
caltsigri  issued  to  a  Grade  III  licensee  has 
the  first  suffii  letter  a  T  or  U\  identifying 
him  as  a  VHF  operator. 

To  progress  to  Grade  ll.  the  Grade  HI 
operator  needs  only  to  pass  a  Morse  lest, 
both  sending  and  receiving,  at  12  wpm. 
each  fof  3  minutes,  the  receiving  test  to  be 
written.  A  pass  to  Grade  II  brings  the  a  I  lo- 
cation of  a  full  call  sign,  either  a  two-letter 
(if  one  Is  available)  or  a  three- letter  one, 
which  the  amateur  will  hold  for  life  whilst 
licensed  within  ZL  Previously,  ZL  ama- 
teurs changed  caHsigns  when  they  changed 
their  residential  address  to  another  ZL  Dis- 
trict, e.g.,  T,  2,  3,  or  4,  But  since  1980,  call- 
signs  have  been  allotted  on  a  life  basis,  and 
as  long  as  the  amateur  pays  the  license  lee. 


no  matter  where  he  resides,  he  retains  the 
original  call  issued.  The  only  requirement  Is 
to  notify  the  regulatory  body  of  any  change 
of  address. 

The  Grade  II  operator  is  entitled  to  oper- 
ate on  the  bands  1600-1950  kHz,  3,5-19 
MHz,  26-29  MHz,  50-5 V 15  MHz,  and  all 
bands  above  51  MHz.  on  all  modes,  CW  In- 
cluded on  the  VHF  band*. 

Grade  I  is  the  lop  grade  of  amateur 
license  In  ZL;  to  obtain  this  license,  it  is  nec- 
essary for  the  Grade  II  operator  to  have 
operated  on  the  3.5-3.9-MHz  band  under  a 
Grade  II  license  for  a  period  of  12  months 
and  to  have  had  more  than  50  contacts  on 
I  hat  band.  In  addition  to  the  operating 
Qualification,  it  Is  necessary  to  show,  by  a 
further  Morse  test,  that  he/she  Is  still 
capable  of  sending  and  receiving  12  wpm 
under  the  same  test  conditions  as  before, 
Applicants  satisfying  these  requirements 
are  granted  a  Grade  I  Certificate  which  en- 
titles them  to  operate  all  bands  and  alt 
modes  allocated  to  ZL  amateurs. 

The  theory  examinations  are  conducted 
by  the  New  Zealand  Post  Office  In  various 
examination  centers  throughout  the  coun- 
try, twice  each  year,  on  the  first  Wednes- 
days In  March  and  September,  between 
1:30  pm  and  4:30  pm.  The  Morse  test  can  be 
arranged  anytime  during  the  year  by  mak- 
ing an  appointment  with  the  Radio  Inspec- 
lors  Office  in  your  local  area  and  paying 
I  he  examination  fee  of  f  NZ5.00.  The  fee  for 
the  theory  examinations  are  SNZ13.00. 

VHF  IN  ZL-LANO 

The  VHF  scene  in  ZL  is  very  much  alive. 
Amateurs  are  active  in  operating  and  ex- 
perimentation on  all  bands,  as  can  be 
seen  from  the  ZL  Amateur  Radio  Records 
Chart  In  the  box.  ZL  amateurs  are  doing 
their  thing  with  VHFrSHF  experiment  a 
tion;  as  can  be  seen  from  the  Record 
Chart,  ZLs  hold  at  least  three  world 
records  for  three  different  frequencies.  ZL 
VHFers  are  also  active  in  satellite  work. 


AMATEUR  RADIO  RECORDS 

March  1963 

It  is  well  known  that  amateur-radio  operators  can  talk  all  over  the  world.  However,  there  are  amateur  bands  In  the  Very  High  Fre- 

quency {VHF)  spectrum— above  30  MHz— which  require  special  efforts  to  cover  distances  beyond  the  horizon.  Also,  the  higher 

the  frequency  used,  the  more  difficult  communications  become.  The  fol lowing  are  VHF  records  held  by  New  Zealand  amateur 

radio  operators,  The  caMsfgn  in  parenthesis  is  the  current  call  sign  held,  and  IP  Indicates  portable  operation, 

Band 

Record 

Stations 

Date 

Distance  (km) 

6  Meters 

Overseas 

ZL3NEIOVE1AVX 

11/16^0 

15,555 

52  MHz  band) 

(Canada) 

2  Meters 

Internal 

ZL2ARW/P  to  ZLtSJPrP 

2/3/82 

1.069 

li«-MHz  band) 

2  Meters 

Overseas 

ZUHPtoVKBBC 

12/23/65 

3.195 

(144-MHz  band) 

(Australia) 

2  Meters 

Moonbounce 

ZL1AZR{ZL2AZSMo 

mm 

18.298 

(144-MHz  band) 

SM7BAE  (Sweden} 

(World  Record} 

70  cm 

Internal 

ZL2ARW/F  to  ZL1 B4PYP 

2ft«2 

1.089 

(432-MHz  band) 

70  cm 

Overseas 

ZL2TGZ  to  VK2RU 

2/8/82 

2,480 

(43 2- mhz  band) 

{Australia} 

70  cm 

Moonbounce 

ZL3AAD  to  DL9KR 

3/23/80 

18,630  A 

(432  MHz  band) 

(West  Germany) 

(World  Record) 

70  on 

Television 

ZLZTW&P  to  ZL2A3F/P 

1/31/62 

373.1 

(432- MHz  band) 

23  cm 

Internal 

ZLlTHG/PloZL2ARWfP 

1/30782 

687 

(1296-MHz  bandi 

23  cm 

Overseas 

ZLlAVZtoVK2BDN 

2/9/82 

2,131 

(1296  MHz  band) 

(Australia) 

12i>  cm 

Internal 

ZL1THG/P  to  ZL2ARW/P 

1/31/82 

mr 

(2300-MHz  band) 

9  cm 

Internal 

ZUAQE/P  to  ZL2ARVWP 

mm 

547 

(3300-MHz  band) 

(World  Record) 

5  cm 

Internal 

ZL2AQE/P  to  2L2ARW/P 

1/29/83 

225 

(5800-MHz  band) 

3  cm 

Internal 

ZL1THGJP  to  ZL2BFC/P 

1/25*1 

300 

00,000-MHz  band) 

1.25  cm 

Internal 

ZL2ARVWP  to  2L2THV/P 

12/8/79 

18.5 

(24.000-MHz  band) 

The  VHF  records  are  administered  on  behalf  of  NZAHT  (Inc.}  by  H.  N.  Wiggins  ZL2BFR.  All  claims  must  be  made  In  writing  to  PO 

Box  1718,  Paimerston  North,  giving  frequencies*  date,  can  signs  used,  locations 

of  both  stations,  and  confirmed  distance. 

moon  bounce.  ATV,  packet  radio,  etc.,  and 
many  are  members  of  AM  SAT.  I  shall 
cover  some  of  these  special  areas  In 
another  column. 

Under  the  ZL  licensing  structure,  there 
is  a  non-Morse  license  available  as  out- 
lined previously  In  this  column.  These  T 
calls,  so-named  alter  the  first  letter  of  the 
suffix  ot  the  original  catt$  issued  to  non- 
Morse  licensees,  are  able  to  operate  the 
bands  form  51  MHz  upwards  on  all  modes 
except  CW,  Approximately  33%  of  the  ZL 
amateurs  are  T  calls,  and  these,  plus  the 
VNF  enthusiasts  from  Grade  II  and  I  oper- 
ators, make  the  VHF  fraternity  quite  large 
tn  comparison  with  the  total  amateur 
population  in  New  Zealand. 

The  most  popular  of  the  VHF  bands  are 
6m,  2m ,  and  the  fast-growing  70  cm;  all 
the  other  VHF/SHF  bands  are  at  trading 
the  VHF  experimenters  who  are  keen  to 
see  what  can  be  built  and  operated  on 
these  higher  bands.  Si*  meters  is,  of 
course,  the  VHFer's  DX  band  and  has 
been  made  available  only  to  the  Grade  III 
operators  in  recent  years.  Previously  they 
were  confined  to  2m  upwards,  but  an 
amendment  to  the  licensing  structure  a 
year  or  so  ago  enabled  the  Grade  III  li- 
censee to  use  a  small  part  of  the  8m  band 
*lso- 

Two  meters  is  very  popular,  there  being 
a  very  efficient  net  work  of  2m  repeaters 
throughout  the  country,  giving  excellent 
coverage  for  most  areas  There  are  at 
present  30  repeaters  in  the  North  Island 
and  16  In  the  South  Island,  providing  ex- 
tensive coverage.  The  repeater  offset  Is 
6O0  kHz  plus  or  minus,  negative  below  147 
MHz  and  positive  above  147.06  MHz.  (See 
box  for  the  £m  repeater  and  simplex  fre- 
quencies^ ZL  repeaters,  unlike  those  In 
North  America,  do  not  have  a  CW  iden- 
tification or  timers  built  mto  their  installa- 
tions, 

70  cm  is  in  its  infancy  in  2L  However, 
there  are  8  repeaters  in  ihe  North  Island 
and  3  in  the  South,  located  mainly  In  the 
main  metropolitan  centers  with  a  couple 
of  exceptions.  This  frequency  t&  becom- 
ing very  popular  where  It  is  available  and 
will  spread  further  afield  in  due  course 
(see  box). 

VHF  beacons  also  are  operated  by  the 
various  clubs  (Branches}  throughout  the 
country,  ranging  from  Ihree  on  6m  to  two 
on  10.25  GHz  and  one  on  24.20  GHz  tn  all , 
there  are  32  VHF  beacons,  including  one 
lonely  10m  beacon  on  28,230  MHz  located 
at  Upper  Hull,  near  Wellington, 

Other  VHF  activities  scattered  through 
the  year's  program  include  VHF/SHF  corv 
lests;  2m,  6m,  and  other  specillc  frequen- 
cy contests;  VHF/SHF  field  Days; 
VHF/SHF  DX  Weekends;  and  probably  the 
highlight  of  the  VHF  year,  the  VHF  Con- 
vent i on  held  on  Easter  weekend  (in  a  dif- 
ferent ctty  each  year,  where  VHF  enthu 
siasts  gather  to  "Nog  and  Nosh",  dine 
and  dance,  socialize,  attend  technical  lec- 
tures and  demonstrations,  participate  In 
transmitter  hunts  (fox  hunts)  with  various 
twists,  e.g.,  blindfolded,  pedes t nan,  talk 
m,  a  Mobile  Rally,  various  other  social  and 
VHF-asaociated  activities,  and,  of  course, 
the  usual  trade  displays  and  the  Inevitable 
Trading  Tables."  Last  years  convention 
at  Christchurch  attracted  VHFers  from 
Cook  islands  (2K)  In  the  North  to 
Queenstown  <2L4]  tn  the  South, 

This  years  convention  is  at  Auckland 
with  the  theme.  "Space  Communi ca- 
nons"; It  has  a  full  program  of  technical 
lectures  on  the  convention  theme  sup- 
ported  by  working  demonstrations  and 
lectures  on  amateur  satellite  and  moon- 
bounce techniques,  as  well  as  the  usual 
round  of  social  activities. 

BITS  7**  PIECES 
More  members  of  the  ZL  Ofd-Timers 


136     73  Magazine  *  March,  1984 


Telemetry:  "'data  from  a  remote  point".  The  ROSSO  Repeater  Controller  offers  Voice 
Response  and  Courtesy  Tone  Telemetry, 

Imagine  asking  your  repeater  about  your  signal  strength  or  quieting,  its  transmitter 
power,  or  outside  temperature.  With  the  N8S0  controller,  you  can!  Just  *laskM  it  with  your 
Touch-Tone  pad,  and  it  "tells"  you  in  natural  sounding  synthesized  speech.  What's  the  bat- 
tery voltage?  "Twelve  point  seven  votts.'1  Your  quiet ing?  "Eighty-five  percent."  Transmitter 
power?  "Thirty  three  warts."  Or  wind  speed  and  direction,  current,  deviation,  and  more.  Six- 
teen  readings,  available  at  the  touch  of  a  few  buttons,  in  the  most  natural  format  possible, 

Remote  voice  response  metering  gives  your  users  signal  reports,  letting  them  check  per- 
formance of  their  equipment.  It  helps  your  technical  group  diagnose  problems  before  the 
trip  to  I  he  site.  And  it  lets  you  monitor  equipment  performance,  weather  conditions,  and  more. 

The  Courtesy  Tone  (audible  signal  after  each  user  unkeys}  acts  like  a  "color  code  for  your 
ears+\  Up  to  len  programmable  tone  sets  can  convey  status  of  the  repeater,  indicate  emer- 
gency power  the  tones  can  even  act  as  a  "'musical  S-meter".  With  information  conveyed 
automatically  every  time  the  user  unkeys 

The  350's  telemetry  capabilities  provide  information  for  your  users  and  technical  group. 
It's  one  of  the  ways  that  ACC  is  changing  what  repeaters  are  all  about. 


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WITH  THE  RC-850  REPEATER  CONTROLLER 

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73  Magazine  *  March,  1964    137 


The  antennas  and  rasJtfance  of  LA3XK  His  QTH  is  one  of  the  best  in  Norway,  high  up  on  a 


his  property.  At  that  time,  the  activity  on 
8CMneter  DXing  was  rather  low  all  over  trie 
world.  Only  a  lew  had  discovered  the  won- 
derful DX  openings  occurring  on  80 
meters,  So  his  efforts  realty  paid  off.  Yog 
still  may  hear  him  on  the  lower  bands,  but 
only  occasionally,  even  though  he  does  a 
good  deaf  of  listening.  But  I  can  assure 
you  that  II  a  rare  one  comes  up.  he'll  be 
there. 

Mostty  you  will  find  him  scanning  the 
20%  15*.  ami  10-meter  bands  very  thor- 
oughly, and  If  a  new  one  is  expected,  hell 
be  nailed  to  that  chair  fill  he  works  him. 
This  is  quite  understandable  since  he  has 
put  so  much  effort  into  reaching  the  OXCC 
Honor  Roll.  His  standing  as  of  November 
15th  was:  phone  318.  mixed  320p  and  CWV 


the  mark  where  they 
quality  for  50-year  cert  ideates— congratu- 
lations to  them  all.  They  are  ZLs  Bill 
Forbes  20W,  Bob  Wright  2FX,  Jim  Fish 
IGF.  Dave  Shepherd  2KD.  Jack  Cricket! 
1DY,  Jock  White  2GX,  Bob  Giassey  2ACG, 
(XH.R.  Crawford  2JV.  Dick  Tout  2PQ,  Roy 
Yorke  1WY,  and  Dave  Masted  on  4LR 

Silent  Keys  of  recent  months  were  Nor- 
man vVaiding  2L2GZ,  Seplember,  1963, 
Peter  Rothschild  ZL2TY,  October,  1963, 
Tad  Pratt  ZL1FY,  March,  1963,  and  Jack 
Parminter  e*-ZL20Uh  aged  63  (who  relin- 
quished his  call  two  years  ago  after 
holding  it  since  1935}.  in  September.  1963, 


NORWAY 

BjoffhHuga  Aik  LASYJ 

N-312QAndebu 

Norway 

As  promised  In  earlier  columns,  a  pre- 
sentation of  Norwegian  DXers  was  bound 
to  corns,  and  here  is  the  first  one.  I  am 
proud  to  present  to  you  my  good  friend 
Sveln  Ovenstad  LA3X1  from  Uerskogen, 
40  km  south  of  Oslo  on  the  western  aide  of 
the  Oslo  fiord.  He's  lofty  years  old,  mar- 
ried with  two  more-or-tess  grown  kids.  He 
got  his  license  In  1962.  got  the  taste  of  OX 
ing  In  1963-64,  and  has  ever  since  been 
totally  devoted  to  that  part  of  the  nobby. 

Around  1967-66,  he  was  tearing  up  the 
60-meter  phone  band  with  his  tremendous 
signal  from  a  rhombic  stretched  around 


He  Siaery  made  U  happen  himself.  Daily 
work  is  with  an  aircraft  company,  the 
Braathen  SAFE  airlines,  as  a  Senior 
Engineer.  Beside  his  DXtng  and  work,  he 
is  a  passionate  hunter,  and  he  and  his  dog 
are  really  making  it  quite  unsafe  for 
wildlife  during  the  hunting  season  up  in 
the  mountains. 

One  of  the  most  Interesting  parts  ol  the 
story  about  LA2XI  has  to  do  with  the  kind 
of  gear  he  Is  running.  Here  it  Is.  a  Drake 
TR-7  with  RV-7  remote  vfo.  MN-2700  tuner, 
a  home-brew  linear  giving  the  legal  power 
of  600  Watts  input,  and  a  Hy-Galn  TH6DXX 
{it  used  to  be  a  20-meter.  6-eJement  mono- 
bander  with  a  17-meter  boom)  with  a  tower 
height  of  21  meters-  On  the  lower  band,  he 
is  now  just  running  a  40-meter  sloper 
which  he,  with  his  Drake  tuner,  manages 
to  run  with  a  fairly  good  resuJt  on  the  other 
bands. 

Sveln  has,  in  many  years,  together  with 


Svem  Ovenst atf  LA3Xt  and  his  dog. 


LA8CJ  and  the  late  LA1KI,  been  the  major 
source  of  first-hand  DX  information, 
always  double-checking  any  rumors  and 
passing  the  word  rapidly  around  to  all 
others.  Earlier  last  year  he  was  elected 
president  of  the  LA  DX  group,  and  he  real- 
ly deserved  to  be  the  first  choice  lo  hold 
the  seat  after  our  dear  LAI  Ki- 
ln Norway,  there  is  very  little  news  to 
tell  right  now,  but  everything  seems  to 
point  towards  a  good  season  for  low-band 
DXjng,  W6s  and  W7s  are  starting  to  come 
through  as  usual  at  this  time  ol  the  year, 
over  the  long  path.  And  the  cold  and  snow 
have  come  as  well.  Storms  ana  breaking 
over  the  country,  and  the  hams  are  very 
busy  getting  the  last  antennas  up,  so 
everything  Is  just  normal 

Speaking  of  antennas,  I've  been  trying 
to  get  e  good  one  up  tor  B0  meters,  but  the 
bobtail  curtain  doesn't  realty  seem  to  be 
the  right  one  on  my  property.  So  we're  try- 
ing to  finish  getting  up  that  5*  vertical 
again  and  have  already  found  out  I  hat  a 
lull-size,  two-element  quad  jusi  happens 
to  be  a  little  bit  loo  targe  for  the  property, 
since  the  terrain  is  sloping  on  one  sate 
(and.  of  course,  the  house  is  a  little  loo 
hard  to  move}.  Now  the  planning  machine 
is  really  running  at  full  Speed  again — for  a 
mini-quad,  two-element  delta-quad  at  this 
moment! 

I'm  really  wondering  what  I'm  gonna 
settle  with.  Time  is  critical;  winter  is  com- 
ing* and  since  I  have  only  the  weekends 
available  {with  my  lather  celebrating  his 
70-year  birthday  and  the  CQ  WW  contest 
both  on  the  same  weekend),  I'm  getting 
just  a  little  tense, 

I  nave  learned  through  the  years  and 
from  my  own  experiences  thai  I'm  ab- 
solutely not  the  only  one  suffering  Irom 
that  kind  of  nuisance,  and  since  I  have 
managed  the  previous  seasons,  I  probably 
will  make  it  this  time  as  well! 

Have  a  good  time,  and  work  lotsa  good 
DX,  will  you? 


POLAND 

Jerry  Szymciak 
78-2O0  Btatogard 

SanfetJO 

Poi&nd 

NEWS  FROM  POLAND 

The  most  important  event  organized  by 
PHAA  (Polish  Radio  Amateurs  Associa- 
tion) in  June,  1963,  was  the  Telegraphy 
Championship  of  Poland.  The  Champion- 


ship look  place  on  June  1 1th  and  12th  In 
the  Youth  Palace  in  Cracow,  Seventeen 
competitors  entered  the  contest.  Jozef 
Czystowski  SP3JHT,  before  Adam  Such- 
eta  5P9DH,  won  the  quality  competition 
(reception  and  transmission).  Jozef  Czys 
rowski.  before  Andrzej  Sikorek  SP70U. 
won  the  reception  speed  competition,  but 
Adam  Sucheta  was  better  than  Jozef 
Czystowski  in  the  transmission  speed 
competition.  Jozef  Czystowski  gained  an 
advantage  over  Adam  Sucheta  in  the  gen- 
eral classification  Among  juniors.  Jacek 
Szaro  SP-0Q22FK5  was  the  best.  The  Gor- 
zow  Wfelkopolski  Section  of  PRAA  won 
the  first  place  among  all  teems  taking  part 
in  the  Championship, 

Constant  activity  sponsored  by  the 
Headquarters  of  PRAA,  not  only  in  the  or- 
ganization of  competitions,  makes  (or  the 
revival  of  radio  clubs  in  Poland,  but  not 
without  problems.  Some  time  ago  a  tree 
hand  at  promoting  new  dubs  was  given, 
and  this  seemed  to  stimulate  the  work  ol 
hams.  Some  new  little  clubs  trial  Iried  to 
paddle  their  own  canoes  were  bom  in  re- 
cent years,  but  not  always  did  they  gat 
along  with  each  other.  First  and  foremost, 
lack  of  equipment  did  not  allow  them  to 
pack  on  all  sail.  Furthermore,  as  a  result 
of  the  suspension  of  PRAA  in  December, 
I98l.  lies  of  friendship  between  one  radio 
amateur  and  another  were  broken. 

To  meet  the  needs,  the  Headquarters  of 
PRAA  invited  entries  for  a  contest  of  radio 
amateurs'  output.  The  contest  is  intended 
to  promote  the  designing  of  new  short- 
wave rigsf  measuring  devices,  and  auxilia- 
ry apparatus.  Best  designs  are  to  be  publi- 
cized and  manufactured  by  Poles  residing 
abroad.  The  con  test  started  September  1, 
1383,  and  ends  March  3tt  1384.  On  March 
31  si.  the  Jury  opens  entries  and  generally 
evaluates  the  documentation  furnished. 
Then  at  a  second  stage  of  the  contest  en- 
tries are  more  carefully  screened.  Deci- 
sions on  results  are  made  at  an  exposition 
of  all  Ihe  best  entries  picked  at  the  second 
stage,  The  final  judgment  is  based  on: 

•  parameters  of  device, 

•  modernity  and  originality  of  solution. 

•  use  of  homemade  sub-assemblies, 
v  practicability,  and  the 

•clarity  of  documentation, 

The  Technical  Commission  of  PfW 
looks  forward  to  the  results  of  the  contest 
New  solutions  to  equipment  problem; 
suitable  for  publication  In  magazines  ant 
books  would  be  its  fruit.  The  Technica 
Commission  hopes  that  some  of  Ihe  irmc 
vat  ions  will  be  carried  to  production.  Thii 
would  improve  supplies  for  hams  in  Pc 
land  There  are  quite  a  lew  designers  C 
shortwave  equipment  in  my  country,  en 
the  contest  is  raising  new  hope  of  mot 
and  better  equipment. 


138     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


PORTUGAL 

Lull  Miguet  de  Sous*  CT4UE 

PO&OX32 

S.  Jqqo  do  Estorit 

2765  PortvQMt 

Here  we  axe  orvce  again  to  gh»  you 
mw$  about  ham  activity  in  this  country. 

In  my  previous  column.  I  wrote  about  fe- 
ci proca I  agreements  lhai  we  have  with 
several  countries  In  Europe,  Africa,  and 
North  and  South  America.  However,  on 
November  It,  1963,  an  important  meeting 
was  heJd  m  Lisbon  with  the  Spanish  and 
Portuguese  governments,  and  a  recipro- 
cal agreement  was  signed  on  that  date 
with  this  neighbor  country, 

When  requesting  a  ham  license  under 
reciprocity,  you  have  to  send  the  toi lowing 
information  with  the  petition:  name,  call, 
date  of  birth,  nationality,  place  of  birth,  fa 
thef's  name,  mother's  name,  profession, 
place  staying  in  Portugal,  number  of  pres- 
ent license,  validity,  passport  number, 
place  of  issue,  validity  of  the  passport, 
and  dates  o(  operation  in  Portugal. 

Always  remember  that  under  the  reci- 
procity rules  only  30  days  are  authorized, 
and  a  car  registration  number  is  neces- 
sary If  a  mobile  station  is  used.  Please  ad- 
dress all  this  to  REP  (IARU  member).  Rede 
dos  Emissores  Portugueses.  Rua  0,  Pedro 
V,  i7-4T  1200  Usooa,  Portugal  and  in- 
clude US$30  tor  expenses.  Finally,  do  not 
forget  a  Xerox'  of  your  present  ham  li- 
cense and  passport. 

NEW  REGULATIONS 

During  the  WCY  we  celebrated  in  198a, 
Portuguese  hams  had  the  opportunity  to 
receive  the  new  Regulations  for  the  Ama- 
teur Service,  In  force  since  July  21.  1983, 
and  Issued  by  the  Ministry  of  Communica- 
tions. Its  contents  are  so  controversial  we 
easily  find  out  that  it  does  not  have  all  the 
elementary  basses  of  good  regulations; 
this  certainly  is  due  to  a  lack  of  knowledge 
3 1  the  amateur  radio  hobby.  For  exam- 
ples; 

•The  output  power  attributed  to  the  dif- 
erenl  classes  is  Incompatible  with  the 
equipment  and  components  available  to- 
toy, 

•  RFi  and  TV!— this  chapter  is  a  bit  con- 
used  and  hard  to  understand,  According 
o  the  rules,  the  ham  has  the  highest  re- 
sponsibility and  is  charged  with  finding 
MDlgitons.  including  payment  lor  devices 
o  tw  connected  in  receiving  equipment. 
Ve  do  not  have  any  government  instifth 
ion  supervising  the  production  or  the 
ianu tact u ring  of  electronic  or  electric  ap- 
aracus.  This  means  that  high-pass  filters 
r  other  such  devices  are  seldom  used  in 
uch  equipment 

»  We  are  not  allowed  to  use  all  the  class- 
s  of  emission  for  the  Amateur  Service, 
nd  permission  to  use  JJJE  type  seems 
tranga 

♦  The  subdivision  and  use  of  the  a!  lo- 
st ed  frequencies  does  not  comply  with 
ie  IARU  Region  1  band  plan  (HF),  which 
.  practical  in  the  countries  of  that  region. 
It  is  inexplicable  thai  hams  with  higher 
ass  licenses  cannot  operate  frequen- 
es  allocated  to  lower  classes,  which  we 
I  used  before  Superior  classes  have  had 
loss  of  privileges 

According  to  the  new  rules,  we  have 
iur  different  classes: 

Class  A  (the  highest}  hams  are  allowed 
operate  amateur-radio  stations  with  a 
aximurn  output  power  of  G00  Watts  in  ev- 
y  Amateur-Service  band. 


Class  B  operators— same  as  above, 
with  no  more  than  300  Watts  output- 
Class  C  operators  are  allowed  to  use 
stations  with  maximum  output  power  of 
150  Watts  with  some  limitations  concern- 
ing frequencies  and  emission  types. 

Class  0 — same  as  above,  with  no  more 
than  60  Watts. 

However,  the  critical  point  of  this  regu- 
lation is  the  tact  that  a  ham  having  an  A  or 
B  class  license  cannot  use  frequencies 
and  emission  types  where  the  other  class- 
es can,  as  lot  lows: 

•  on  40  meters— A  and  B:  7.000  to  7.100 
kHz,  A1A(  F1A;  7.050  to  7,100  kHz,  A3E. 
C3F,  while  D  class:  7, 000  to  7.050  kHz, 
A1ATF1A,  A3E- 

e  On  10  meters— A  or  &:  28-200  to  29.700 
kHz,  A1A,  A3E,  C3F,  F3E.  F3F.  while  C 
class:  28.200  to  20.700  kHz,  A1A,  A3E, 
F3E.  F3F,  and  O  class:  28.00  to 28.100  kHz, 
A1A.  F1A,  and  29  000  to  29.100  kHz,  A3E, 
F3E. 

NEW  BANDS  AND  180  METERS 

Many  limes  we  asked  for  the  use  of  the 
new  bands  and  also  180m  but  we  were  not 
lucky,  then  suddenly  the  good  news  came. 
(As  they  say,  better  late  than  never.)  So  as 
of  November  4,  1983,  Portuguese  hams 
are  allowed  to  work  the  new  bands,  as 
well  as  160m  on  ■  secondary  basis,  accor- 
ding to  the  following:  1 .830  to  1 .850  kHz, 
10.100  to  10.150  kHz,  18.068  to  18.168  kHz, 
24.890  to  24.990  kHz. 

Maximum  output  power  for  any  of  these 
bands  is  60  Watts,  and  microphones  must 
be  kept  out  of  the  rigs,  that  is,  CW  only. 

Best  73  from  Portugal. 


SOLOMON  ISLANDS 

Solomon  islands  Ra^o  Society 

POBcuSI 

Honiara 

Solomon  Islands 

A  postage  stamp  featuring  amateur  ra- 
dio has  been  issued  by  Solomon  Islands 
as  pari  of  their  World  Communications 
Year  set  released  on  December  19,  1981 

The  stamp,  featuring  the  Solomon  Is- 
lands Radio  Society  amateur  station,  call- 
sign  H44S9,  Is  available  on  a  special  com- 
memorative cover  The  price  of  the  cover 
is  USS1.00.  5  IRCs.  or  equivalent,  Includ- 
ing postage. 

The  complete  World  Communications 
Year  set  of  three  covers  featuring  a  total 
of  6  stamps  is  also  available  at  a  cost  of 
US$6.00  or  equivalent,  including  postage. 

All  orders  should  be  forwarded  to  the 
Sotomon  islands  Radio  Society,  address 


SWEDEN 

THE  SWEDISH  DX  FEDERATION 

The  Swedish  DX  Federation  is  the  na- 
tional umbreWa  organization  for  Swedish 
DXers  and  DX  clubs.  It  was  originally  es- 
tablished in  1956  and  reorganized  In  1969- 
it  has  more  than  1600  individual  members 
and  some  40  local  DX  clubs. 

The  Federation  publishes  a  monthly  off- 
set-printed magazine  in  Swedish,  Et9t*Ak- 
tueltt.  Through  "OX-Kop  "  Swedish  DXers 
can  buy  report  forms,  books,  receivers. 


The  Dayton  HAMVENTION  will  present  three 
awards  to  selected  recipients  at  the  1984 
HAMVENTION  on  April  27,  28,  29,  1984,  In 
addition  to  the  AMATEUR  OF  THE  YEAR  and 
the  SPECIAL  ACHIEVEMENT  awards,  a  third 
award  for  TECHNICAL  EXCELLENCE  will  be 
given  annually  for  outstanding  accomplish- 
ment specifically  oriented  to  the  technical 
aspect  of  amateur  radio. 

Nominations  are  requested  for  each  of 
these  prestigious  awards.  The  deadline  for 
submission  is  April  1.  1984,  Write  for  addi- 
tional information. 

AWARDS  COMMITTEE 

1984  Dayton  HAMVENTION 

P.O.  Box  44 

Dayton,  Ohio  45401 


etc  The  Swedish  DX  Federation  produces 
regular  OX  programs,  broadcast  via  the 
Voice  of  the  Andes  (Ecuador)  and  Deut- 
schlandfunk  {Federal  Republic  of  Ger- 
many}. 

Member  clubs  are  supported  by  the  DX 
Federation  In  different  ways.  Examples  of 
these  activities  are:  supplying  pamphlets 
about  DXing,  producing  tape  recordings 
and  slides  to  be  used  at  club  meetings, 
completing  material  for  a  DX  course  for 
beginners,  etc. 

The  annual  mealing  of  the  Swedish  DX 
Federation,  the  DX  Parliament,  will  be  part 
of  EDXC  84  (The  European  DX  Council 
1984  conference,  in  Stockholm,  June  8-1 1, 
19B4),  At  the  DX  Parliament,  the  members 
of  the  board  of  directors  are  elected  arid 
decisions  are  made  concerning  future  ac- 
tivities of  the  Federation.  This  pan  of  the 


conference  will  be  held  in  Swedish,  while 
the  rest  of  EDXC  64  will  be  in  English 

We  of  the  Swedish  DX  Federation  are 
very  pleased  for  this  opportunity  to  work 
together  wilh  Radio  Sweden  International 
En  arranging  the  1384  EDXC  conference. 
During  the  1970s,  participation  In  the  DX 
Parliaments  declined.  One  reason  for  this 
has  bean  that  many  foreign  DXers  and  sta- 
tion representatives  ha>n  chosen  instead 
to  participate  In  the  EDXC  conferences. 
To  some  degree*  the  EDXC  conferences 
have  "competed"  with  our  DX  Parlia- 
ments. This  is  one  reason  why  we  are  very 
happy  to  be  able  to  hold  the  28th  DX  Par 
hamem  as  pan  of  the  16th  EDXC  confer- 
ence. We  hope  to  combine  the  enjoyable 
atmosphere  of  past  DX  Parliaments  with 
the  somewhat  larger  EDXC  conference 

Welcome  to  Stockholm  June  8-1 1 ,  19841 


WARDS 


DAYTON  HAMVENTION 
ADDS  NEW  AWARD 

The  Dayton  Hamvention  is  adding  an- 
other award  this  year.  The  award  will  be 
given  tor  technical  excellence.  It  will  go  to 
an  individual  making  a  significant  contri- 
bution to  amateur  radio  in  the  technical 
field. 

The  coveted  Amateur  of  the  Year  and 
Special  Achievement  awards  have  long 
been  a  fixture  of  the  Hamvention  The 
award  for  technical  excellence  will  round 
out  the  awards  by  recognizing  those  keep- 


ing amateur  radio  at  the  forefront  of  the 
state  of  the  art  and  fostering  Interest  In 
technical  achievement 

Anyone  wishing  to  nominate  a  candi- 
date for  any  ot  the  awards  should  do  so  by 
writing  to:  Awards  Committee.  Dayton 
Hamvention p  Box  44,  Dayton  OH  45401. 
The  nomination/a)  should  provide  as 
much  Information  as  possible  about  the 
individuals!,  emphasizing  the  accom- 
plishments justifying  the  awards  The 
dosing  date  for  nominations  is  April  1, 
1884. 

73  Magazine  *  March,  19&4     139 


RAMSEY 
ELECTRONICS 
m  Inc. 


PARTS  WAREHOUSE 

We  now  have  a  war  (able  a  buncn  of  goodies  loo 
good  to  bypass    (terns  are  limited  so  order  today 


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r*n  placement  *™i  irw 
ne  local  oAtiMator  are  pra- 
rjn«r  Ail  partt  are  inCludfld 
iKtlnr  case,  power  supply, 
Clescrtmrw  operal  irtij  mariual  »»  *oH  a&  com 
piete  anwmblt  inmmclHJrts.  Fealuron  of  the  m 
Miciudt,  duel  oorwemon  i>»Hr  f^  hnd 


a  dtph  ardatAa,  4.NA  (low  ncH«e  am 


■  ■  jy  r  -  j ■  7T  i 


RSI 

I2C'K   LMA  «■ 

RMJ  RF  Modutafor  *« 

Piic*jii  rnclutM  domastlc  UPS  arupp 
and  imstiFancB 


IC  SPECIALS 


LINEAR 


301 
3?* 
380 

5S5 

S66 
»T 
741 

use 

3900 
391* 


<r» 


I  35 
f1» 

n  so 

$  *5 

II  00 
$100 

II  00 

ft^5 
10  12.00 
t  .50 
$  50 
J2« 
17  95 


4011 
4013 
4046 
4049 
•OH 

4511 
4M* 


CMOS 


tflU 


.50 

51  ,65 
50 

52  00 
S1.35 
SI  75 


TTL 


M500 
74AT 

7475 
?4196 


»    40 

s  ss 

i  50 
t-» 

*1  35 


SPECIAL 


11C90 

1Q116 

720R 

7P07A 

7J1CD 

7107C 

5314 

5375Ar^G 

7Q01 


S15.00 
t  1  25 
$1750 
f  5  50 
12100 
SI2  50 

%  a  95 

$  295 
S  6  50 


FERRITE  BEADS 


READOUTS 

Fhp»t  rcc  nat 

FHOMf'MO   rC  A  100 

MAM  r?/MPr7»   33'  C  *      1  « 

HP  Wl    43"C*  2  DO 


TRANSISTORS 


2WBKa  m*w  C*F 
C*f 

c^ 

ZHM1D  M*T*  C'f 

JtMlUft  FFT  C-F 
7NVD I  PWP  C*F 
f»«»»C-F 

mm  HP*t  &*can 
jusi  n  uhf  «a*H 
■■■■  T*  HPN  «wr 

Ml 

rat  in*  t.« 

noon 

UJT 


WV1-4i 

tvtiaa 
'him 
ti/ti.at 

*  41  HI 

VII  DO 

4/11  OB 

II  J* 


wi  at 

ariaa 


l« 


--  ■  j, 


^_r^-T 


ii  it  aa 

viiaa 


SocfcFts 

8  Pin  10  12  00 

14  Pin  10*2  00 

16  Pin  10.  J2  00 

24  Pm  4/S2  00 

?8  Pm  4/12.00 

40  P.n  3/fl  00 


Rrtntor  Asi  t 
As&orimeni  ol  Popular  value* 
wall    Cul  lead  lor  PC  mount  in.; 
center     W   leads    bag   ol   300   or 
more 

Si -50 


Mietoaa 

M m.  Toggle  SPOl  SI  00 

Red  Puilibutrnns  NO        3 H  DO 


Earphorws 
hfpda  B  Ohm    qockJ  (or  jmpH  tone 
ipeahers  aijtm  ctochi  ele 
5  fort  1.QQ 


HIrI  •  ohm  Speak?' 
Appipi    ?♦    diam   Round 
type  lor  radios  m*ie  etc 
lit 


Crystals 

3  579545  MH2  St  $0 

10  00000  WHZ  SS0O 

5  24aaoo  MHZ  15  00 


AC 

Good  lor  £Jecfcs  (ucarl 
Lrwoe'V*"  I  to  VAC  p«u4) 
on*  end 

1A  W9c  rkr   'ROmA  12  S« 

I?    vac  fa    7WJmA  K3  00 


Solid  Stale  Butter* 
small   tmMfi   450  Hj    Ofe  dS    *oynrJ 
outptjt  on  5  12  *0c  at  10-30  mA   Ttt 
comtjal4j>le  n  50 


Slug  Tuned  Co4tt 
Smaa  UtT  Nam  SHjgs  lurnedl  coal 
3turm  10  (or  11.00 


AC  Qwttel 

f^nei  Mourn  wtn  Leam 
4  11  00 


CAPACITORS 

TANTALUM 

t>fl|3Il|t   I  [UlV 

1.5  uF  25V  5/1 1  00 
1  St>F25V  3fSl  00 
^2  uF  25V  3ft  1  00 


ALUHiMUH 

f  lecirolyfic 

tOOD    .1     ifiV  Hid.Jl     I  W 

SOO  ,jl  70V  *«.»►       110 
iOul  ",vnio.J'1»l'M 


DIM  CEflAHIC 

oi  iftv  nut    ?q.ii  oo 

I    16V  15-11  H 

oo '  tev         »  it  do 

iOD[rf  »1*00 

047  IfV  Ait  I  « 


DC  DC  dmieiaii 

*5  vdc  tnpul  prod     9  vdc 
»4  »dc  prod udei   iSvdc 


lC*?»ma 

■*3Bw'm  11 


5  1  V  Zener  20/11  00 

1M914  Ty(*  50/11  00 

1KV  ?Amp  ftrll  00 

100V  I  Amp  15/11  00 


25  AMP 

100V  Bridge 
11  50  each 

Mini-Bndge  50V 
1  AMP 

2  for  $1.00 


25K  M  Tirfn  Tom  Pal   11  00 

1K   20  Turn  Trim  Pot    S   50 


BWS*J^  *i  50  ea 


IJE 


Trtmnwr  Cap* 

Spiarjue     3-40  pi 

Sla^e  PoIvp'opv1*"* 

soaa 


Audio 

PreicaltK 

Make     high     resolution     audio 
measurmenrs    great  tor  musical 
mstrumen!  tuning.  PL  tones.  Etc 
MullipliesaudroUPin  frequency 
selectable  *10  or  a  100  gives  01 
HZ  resolution  with   1  sec    gale 
time4   High  sensitivity  o'  25  mv  1 
meg  input  2  and  butii-m  iiitermg 
qives  great  f>erforrnance     Runs 
on  9V  "battery  ah  CMOS 
PS  2  k.l  S39JS 

PS-2  *ired  S  49-95 


GOO  MHz 
PBESCALE 


Extend  the  range  of  yoL 
counter  10  600  MHz  Work 
with  ail  counters  Less  lha 
1 50  mv  sens  it  1  v  \  t  y  spec  ■  1  y 
10  or  -100 


Wired,  tested. 
Kil   PS-iB 


PS-ie     $59! 
S44.S 


30  Wall  2  mtr  PWR  AMP 
Sitrtpie  Class  C  powei  amp  features  8  times  power  gam  1W 
tot  Bout,  2  Win  for  15  out.  4W  in  lor  30  out  Ma*  output  o!35i 
incredible  value,  complete  with  ail  parts,  less  case  and  T-R  refe 
PA-1   30  W  pwr  amp  hit  $  24J 

TR-1.  RF  sensed  T-R  relay  kn  6: 


MRF-J38  iransmlor  as  t*»*r1  m  PA-1 
3-lOdbqam    150  mtxt  III  95 


RF  actuated  relay  senses  RF 

(1WJ  and  closes  OPOT  retay 

For  RF  sensed  T-R  relay 

TR-1  Kit     $6,95 


Power  Supply  Kit 

Compwp  tnpi*  regulaied  pi 
atapply  provides  variable  6lo  i8*o 
3O0maind*5at  i  Aotd  Eacenem 
regulaliDn  good  liiiermg  and  3 
s«e  L  ns  transformer  5  reqo  rfes,  I 
.1  A  and  24  VCT 
Complete  kil  PS3LT  1 


Cfyalai  laacrrjtiHaaw 

Small  t"  tfiampipr    .'  thrck 
crystal  mihe  cartnOO/e    1  75 


Chassis  mount 
BNC  type  $1.00 


Mini  RG-17*  Coam 
10  ft    ior  11  00 


N»cc  qua  my  ciips  5  tor  f  1  00 

V  Ruboar  Grommefn         10  to*  11  00 


Airfl  ©I  chphet  *m    t*»i  lanl    >n.nifwi 

Tri'HJlUVt    d*oo*i    wiCA  c*c+  rlt 

vr-  two  fOC  w    tl  H  Kj  B^rX»0CltU0 


Conrwciori 
4  pm  lype  dolrj  contacts  for 
•n*.-iQfJ3  COT  Clock  module 
prkce  75  t* 


-  your  crioce   please  spec>ty 
M*i.  Red.  Jumbr>  Red,  Hjo/i  Inlonsiry  RcO  itiom<nator  Red  Ui 
M»m  VeHfow   Jumpo  Vellow,  Jympo  Green  l/fl 


Vanaclon 
MnifHDl«  MV  3209  30  PF  Nominal  cap  ?0-»  PF  -  Tumble  rano* 

50<*c*i  or  Vil  00 


i\>1 


OP-AMP  Special 
BUFET  IF  1 3M 1  -  Direcl pm lof  pm  74 f  cjr  QV /  frul 500, 
input  1   super  low  50  pa  input  curr- %Yj    ,x>wer  drain 
54  lor  only 


1100 


w 


10  tor 


U» 


7BMG 

.^9MG 

7?3 

309K 

rao5 


SI  25 
11  24 
S  50 
SV15 
$1  00 


Pleguiaton 


7tl3 

7B15 
7905 
79 12 
791^ 


1100 
1104 
II  25 
11  25 
11,25 


SKrlnk  Tubing  Hufef 
N<*  preCut  peer  o>  ^rmk  %*?t    1     ■    . 
Shrink  lo    km    Gneai  tor  ipkrt       44% H  M> 


Mini  TO  42  Heal  Sink* 
Thermallov  Scared  1  lor  t 

To-2»  Heal  S>nhs  ]  tm  1 


Opto  Isolators  -  4N28  type 

Opto  Retlectors  -  Photo  diode  *  LEO 


$.54 

S100 


Moiei  airoady  oracut  m  rangtn  o*  r  Parttct 
for  1 4  pm  accnota    20  aarlpa  to  ft  JB 


CDS 

Raima  nee  yarns  with  ughi    250  on 
why  3  mep  )  kw 


140     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


812  4220231 


808  N.  Main 
Evansville,  IN  47711 


HAM  SHACK 


I       Jk<k 


TEN-TEC2591 


SANTEC142 


YAESU  726R 

AEA 

CP-i/C  64  or  VIC-20  Software  Package 
MP  20  or  MP- 6 4  Interface  Package 
Software  for  C  64  or  VIC  20 
AMTM  AMTO»RTTY/CW 

ARRl 

US  Call  Directory 
1984   Handbook 
Antenna   Book 

ALLIANCE 

M073|1Q.7  5qft)Rotatoi 

rXMEHITRON         ALS0 1.5  k  W  amp/QSK 

ASTRQN 

^S7A  5-7  Amp  Power  Supply 

1S10A  7.5-10  Amp  Power  Supply 

*S  12A  9  12  Amp  Power  Supply 

*S20A  16-20  Amp  Power  Supply 

IS20M  16-20  Amp  w/merer 

*S35A  25-35  Amp 

IS35M  25-35  Amp  vwmeic 

tS50A  37-50  Arnp . 

IS5GM  37-50  Amp  w/meler.  . 

ZDEN 

CS4000  2M  mobile 'ig 

ENCHER 

YM  Paddie/BY-2  Chrome 
ViA  Balun 


■     ■    -    #    4 


UTTERNUT 

FfiVSaiG  Meier  Vertical 

JSHCRAFT 

I  Tnbander 3EL. 

I  Tribandtr  4EL. 


"call" 

129.00 

6900 

*449  0C 


SI  5.75 

12,00 

600 

$99.00 
$619.00 

S4900 

59.00 

69  00 

B9.00 

109.00 

135.00 

149.00 

19900 

225.00 


..S280.QC 

S  30M9. 00 
...S19.00 

Si  19.00 


$215.00 
279.00 


ICOM  402 
iCOM  720A 
(COM  740 

CLOSEOUT  SPECIAL 

432 MHZxcvr. .....                  S249.00 

General  coverage  rcvr $843.00 

Transceiver  wi  FREE  internal  power  supply 
and  $50  factory  rebate $925.00 

R3  Molar  Tuned  Vertical . 
2148/214FB  Boomers  14£l  2M 
32-19  Super  Boomer  19EL  2M 
ARX-28  Rmgo  ttanger  II 2M 

DAIWA 

CN-520  1.8-60  MH*  SWflfPwr  Mfr 
CN-6208  1  3-  t50  MHz  SWR'Pwr  Mtr 
CN630  140-450  MHi  SWRfPwr  W 
CN720B1  S-l50MHzSWRrPwrMlr 


ENCOMM  (SANTECJ 
ST-142P222b442 

The  Handheld*  Still  Offering  the  Most  Feature? 

Call  tor  Your  Discount  Price 


HAL 

DS3100/MPT'ST6000  .  . 
CT2200/KB2200 
CWR6850  Telefeader 

HY  GAIN 

TH7DXS7EL  Tnbander 

TH5  MK2S  5EL  Trtbander 

Explorer  14  Tnbander 

SrB  Wave 2M  Mag  Ml 

CD45B5sq  M  Hotalc 

NOR  300  25  sq  ft  Rotator 

Ham  IV  15  sq  ft  Rotator 

T2X  20  sq  H  Rotator 

Free  Shipping  on  ell  crank-up  lowers 


tCOM 

IC-02AT  Now  Available 

751  UHimaie  Transceiver 

745  Amazing  New  Transceiver 

730 Super  Buy 

IC-2AT 

3ATMAT  Handheids 

27A2MXcvr        

27iHnew2M  iQOWAmp  ... 

■S5A440MHZ 

R7 1 A  Receiver   


Call 

Call 

Call 

$599.00 

MOW  Only  215.00 

235.00 

._ — call 

„ — »_.caii 

33500 

Call 


KLM 

OSCAR  antennas  in  stock    . 


call  for  prices 


KANTRONICS 

The  Interface  ]{.  The  brand  new  computer  interface  lor 

CW,  RTTY   ASCII   Software  Available  for  VIC2Q.  C  64, 

APPLE.  ATARI.  TR80C.  TI99 

Amtor  Software  Now  Available 


KEN-PRO  KR-500  elevation  rotator 

LARSEN 

NLA- 150  MM  5*8  Wave  2M  Mag  Mt 


,$179. 
$39.00 


Prices  and  Availability  Subject  to  Change 


^a- . 


■  r  «.  * 


ICOM  745 


MFJ 

279  00 

1228  new  computer  interface, 

7500  each 

RTTY/CVWASCmAMTOR   ....... 

. ,  .call 

89  00 

941C  Tuner* Meter/ Ant  SwitchJ&aJun 

Sflt  00 

39  00 

422  Keyer'BENCHER  Paddle  combo 

89  00 

313  VHF  Conv  lor  HT 

3600 

989  3KW  Tuner 

285.00 

$63.00 

940B  Tuner/MeterMnf  Switcn 

72,00 

tlQOO 

900  Tune * 

45  00 

129  00 

40 1  Econokeyer 

45  00 

150.00 

722  Fi  iter  wmo  ten 

S3  oo 

812  VHF  Meter 

29  00 

816  HF  Meter 

29  00 

1040  Deluxe  Preselector 

09.00 

103  New  24 hr  Clock 

33  00 

MIRAGE 

ure?: 

81016  10/ 160  Preamp. 

$245.00 

B3G 16  lOtf  1 60  Pream  p 

T99  00 

D24N440MHzAmp...„„. 


$2,925.00 

SHU  RE 

94500 

444D  Desk  M«: 

749  00 

TEN-TEC 

2M  Handheld  (Model  2591  J. 

S37500 

2KW  Tuner  KJI ...... 

319.00 

The  Fantastic  Corsair  with  free  filter 

279.00 

22  00 

129  00 

TOKYO  HY  POWER 

435.00 

HL30V  2/30W  Amp 

199  00 

HL 160V  3 or  10J160W  Preamp 

249  00 

HC2O00  2KvV  Tuner 

179  00 


55.00 


HL82V  iamO%V  Preamp 
HL20U2/20WUHFAmp 
HL45U  1Q/45WUHFAmp.'Preamp 
HL90U  iG/aOWUHFAmp/Prearnp 

YAESU 

FT-726R  Trt-band  Xcvr. 

FT-9BQ  Computer  A^ded  Xcvr  System 

FT- 102  T6G-1GM  w/WAHC  Bands  Xcvr 

FT208R2M  Handheld 

FT757GX  Genl  Coverage  Xcvr.  _.. 


Available 

T85.00 
Call 


$63.00 
295.00 
295.00 
145  00 
105,00 
175.00 
305  00 


.................. ,.THH,. 


,699.00 

Call 

eeaoo 

265  00 

.._.cail 


OSCAR  HEADQUARTERS 
Transceivers  -  Call  for  Special  Package  Price 
ICOM  271AM71A  Deluxe  Base  Transceivers 
(COM  290 H, 490 A  Affordable  Mobile  Transceivers 
COM  402  432  MHz  Transceiver 
YAESU  726W432  MHz/Duplexer 


Antennas  &  Amplifiers 
KLM  14C.  18C,  CS2  ft  Stacking  Frames 
CUSHCRAFT  416TB,  14<M0T.  144  20T 
MIRAGE  D1010N  432  MHz  AmpfPreamp 
TOKYO  HYPOWER  HL90U  Amp/Pteamp 
KEN  PRO  KR  500  Elevation  Rotor 
ALLIANCE  U110  Small  Elevation  Rotator 


Call 

.Call 

S279.00 

305.00 

S179.00 
4900 


Send  SASE  for  our  new  &  used  equipment  list. 
MON-FRI  9  AM-6  PAA  •  SAT  9  AM-3  PM 

We'll  see  you  at  the  Dayton  Hamvention,  April  27,  28,  29th 


THE  MOST  AFFORDABLE 

REPEATER 

ALSO  HAS  THE  MOST  IMPRESSIVE 
PERFORMANCE  FEATURES 

(AND  GIVES  THEM  TO  YOU  AS  STANDARD  EQUIPMENT!} 


JUST  LOOK  AT  THESE  PRICES! 


Band 


Kit 


10rVL6M.2M,220 
440 


$630 

S780 


Wired/Tested 

S8B0 
S980 


Both  kit  and  wuad  units  are  complete  with  ail  pans,  modules,  hardware,  ana  crystals. 

CALL  OR  WRITE  FOR  COMPLETE  DETAILS. 

Also  available  for  mmote  site  linking,  cro&sband,  and  ramota  basa. 


«t 


I 


FEATURES: 

•  SENSITIVITY  SECOND  TO  NONE;  TYPICALLY 
0.15  uV  ON  VHF,  0.3  uV  ON  UHF. 

•  SELECTIVITY  THAT  CANT  BE  BEAT  BOTH 

8  POLE  CRYSTAL  FILTER  &  CERAMIC  FILTER  FOR 
GREATER  THAN  10QdBAT±  12KH2.  HELICAL 
RESONATOR  FRONT  ENDS.  SEE  R144,  R22G\ 
AND  R451  SPECS  IN  RECEIVER  AD  BELOW. 

•  OTHER  GREAT  RECEIVER  FEATURES:  FLUTTER- 
PROOF  SQUELCH,  AFC  TO  COMPENSATE  FOR 
OFF-FREQ  TRANSMITTERS.  SEPARATE  LOCAL 
SPEAKER  AMPLIFIER  &  CONTROL. 

•  CLEAN,  EASY  TUNE  TRANSMITTER;  UP  TO  20  WATTS  OUT 
(UP  TO  SOW  WITH  OPTIONAL  PA). 


HIGH  QUALITY  MODULES  FOR 
REPEATERS,  LINKS,  TELEMETRY,  J 


HIGH-PERFORMANCE 
RECEIVER  MODULES 


TRANSMITTERS 


R144/R220FMRCVRSfor2Mor220MH2. 
0,1 5uV  sens.:  8  pole  xtal  filters,  ceramicf  liter 
in  i-f,  helical  resonator  front  end  for  exceptional 
selectivity,  more  than  —100  dB  at  ±12  kHz, 
best  available  today.  Flutter-proof  squelch, 
AFC  tracks  drifting  xmtrs.  Xtal  oven  avail. 
Kit  only  $1 38, 

R451  FM  RCVR  Same  but  for  uhL  Tuned  line 
front  end,  0.3  uV  sens.  Kit  oniy  $138. 

R76  FM  RCVR  for  10M,  6Mf  2M,  220f  or 
commercial  bands.  As  above,  but  w/o  AFC  or 
hel.  res.  Kits  only  $1 18. 
Also  avail  w/4  pole  filter,  only  S98/kit. 

R110VHF  AM  RECEIVER  kit  for  VHF  aircraft 
band  or  ham  bands.  Only  $98. 

R11C-259  SPACE  SHUTTLE  RECEIVER, 

kit  only  $98. 


T51  VHF  FM  EXCITER  for  10M,  BM,  2M, 
220  MHz  or  adjacent  bands,  2  Watts  contin- 
uous, up  to  2xh  W  intermittent  S68/kit 


amlronics 


142     73  Magazine  •  March,  1984 


T451  UHF  FM  EXCITER  2  to  3  Watts  on  450 
ham  band  or  adjacent  freq.  Kit  only  S78 

VHFA  UHF  LINEAR  AMPLIFIERS.  Useon 
either  FM  or SSB,  Power  levels  from  1 0  to  45 
Watts  to  go  with  exciters  &  xmtg  converters, 
Several  models.  Kits  from  $78. 


A1  6  RF  TIGHT  BOX  Deep  drawn  alum,  case 
with  tight  cover  and  no  seams,  7  x  8  x  2  inches. 
Designed  especially  for  repeaters.  S20. 


ACCESSORIES 


COR  KITS  With  Audio  mixer,  speakerampli* 
tier,  tail  &  time  out  timers.  Kit  only  $38, 

CWID  KITS  158  bits,  field  programmable 
clean  audio,  rugged  TTL  logic.  Kit  only  £68. 

OTMF   DECODER/CONTROLLER   KITS. 

Control  2  separate  on/off  functions  with 
touch  tones*,  e.g.,  repeater  and  autopatch. 
Use  with  main  or  aux.  receiver  or  with  Auto- 
patch.  Only  S90 

AUTOPATCH  KITS.  Provide  repeater  auto- 
patch,  reverse  patch,  phone  line  remote 
control  of  repeater,  secondary  control  via 
repeater  receiver.  Many  other  features. 
Only  S90.  Requires  DTMF  Module. 


*    «     * 


4&& 


HELICAL  RESONATOR  FILTERS  available 
separately  on  peb  w/con  nee  tors. 

HRF-144  for  143-150  MHz:  $38 
HRF-220  for  213-233  MHz  $38 
HRF-432  for  420-450  MHz     $48 


NEW  LOW-NOISE  PREAMPS     RECEIVING  CONVERTERS   TRANSMIT  CONVERTERS 


New  low-noise  microwave  transistors  make 
preamps  in  the  0.9  to  1.0  dS  noise  figure 
range  possible  without  the  fragility  and  power 
supply  problems  of  gas-fefs.  Units  furnished 
wired  and  tuned  to  ham  band.  Can  be  easily 
retuned  to  nearby  freq, 


Models  LNA(  /, 
shown 


Mode? 

LNA  28 
LNA  50 
LNA  144 
LNA  220 
LNA  432 

LNA  aoo 


Tunable 
Fffrq  Range 

20-40 

40-70 
1  20-1 60 
180-250 
350-470 
470-960 


Nojse  Figure 

0.9  dB 

0.9  dB 

1  Od'fl 

t  OdB 
1.0  d8 
l.2dB 


Gam  Price 

20  dB  $39 

20  dB  $39 

1BdB  $39 

17  dB  $39 

l8dB  S45 

15<JB  $45 


ECONOMY  PREAMPS 


Our  traditional  preamps,  proven  in  years  of 
service.  Over  20,000  in  use  throughout  the 
world.  Tuneable  over  narrow  range.  Specify 
exact  freq*  band  needed.  Gain  T  6-20  dB.  HF  = 
2  dB  or  less.  VHF  units  available  27  to  300  MHz. 
UHF  units  available  300  to  650  MHz. 


•  P30K.  VHF  Ktttess  case 

•  P30W,  VHF  Wired/Tested 

•  P432K,  UHF  Kit  (ess  case 

•  P432W,  UHF  Wired/Tested 


$18 
S33 
$21 
S3  6 


P432  also  available  in  broadband  version  to 
cover  20-650  MHz  without  tuning.  Same  price 
as  P432;  add  "B"  to  model  #. 


HELICAL  RESONATOR 
PREAMPS 


Our  lab  has  developed  a  new  fine  of  low*noise 
receiver  preamps  with  helical  resonator  filters 
built  la  Th  e  combination  of  a  low  noise  amplifier 
similarto  the  LNA  series  and  the  sharp  selectivity 
of  a  3  or  4  section  helical  resonator  provides 
increased  sensitivity  while  reducing  intermod 
and  cross-band  interference  in  critical  appli- 
cations. See  selectivity  curves  at  right,  Noise 
figure  =  1  to  1.2  dB.  Gain  =  12  to  15  dB. 


Model 

Tuning  Range 

Price 

HRA-144 

143-150  MHz 

$49 

HRA-220 

213-233  MHz 

$49 

HRA-432 

420-450  MHz 

$59 

HRA-(  ) 

150*  174MHz 

$69 

HRA-T,  ) 

450-470  MHz 

S79 

Models  to  cover  every  practical  rf  &  if  range  to 
listen  to  SSB,  FM,  ATV,  etc.  NF  =2  dB  or  less. 


VHF  MODELS 

Kit  with  Case  S49 
Less  Case  S3  9 
Wired  $69 


Antenna 
Input  Range 

28-32 

50-52 

50-54 
144-146 
145-147 
144-144.4 
146  148 
144-148 
220-222 
220-224 
222-226 
220-224 
222-224 


Receiver 
Output 

144-148 
28-30 

144-148 
28-30 
28-30 

27-27.4 
29-30 
50-54 
28-30 

T  44-148 

144-148 
50-54 
28-30 


UHF  MODELS 

Kit  with  Case  $59 
Less  Case  $49 
Wired  $75 


432^134 
435-437 
432-436 
432-436 
439.25 


28-30 
28-30 
144-148 
50-54 
61.25 


SCANNER  CONVERTERS  Copy  72*76,  135- 
1 44. 240*270, 400-420.  or  806-894  MHz  bands 
on  any  scanner.  Wired/tested  Only  S88. 


SAVE  A  BUNDLE  ON 
VHF  FM  TRANSCEIVERS! 


FM-5  PC  Board  Kit  -  ONLY  $178 

complete  with  controls,  heatsink,  etc. 

10  Watts,  5  Channels,  for  2M  or  220  MHz. 


While  supply 
lasts,  get  $60 

cabinet  kit  free  when 
you  buy  an  FM-5  Transceiver  kit 
Where  else  can  you  get  a  complete  transceiver 
for  only  SI 78 


For  SSB,  CW,  ATV,  FM,  etc.  Why  pay  big 
bucks  for  a  mufti  mode  rig  for  each  band?  Can 
be  linked  with  recei  ve  converters  for  transceive. 
2  Watts  output  vhf,  1  Watt  uhf. 


For  VHF, 
Model  XV2 

Kit  $79 
Wired  $149 
(Specify  band) 


Exciter 
Input  Range 

28-30 

28-29 

28-30 
27-27,4 

28*30 

50-54 
144-146 

50-54 
144-145 


Antenna 
Output 

144-146 

145-146 

50-52 
144-144.4 
220-222* 
220*224 

50-52 
144-148 

28-30 


For  UHF. 
Model  XV4 
Kit  $93 
Wired  $169 


28-30 
28-30 
50-54 
61.25 
144-148 


432-434 
435^437 
432^*36 
439.25 
432-436* 


'Add  $20  for  2M  Input 


VHF  &  UHF  LINEAR  AMPLIFIERS,  Use  with 
above.  Power  levels  from  10  to  45  Watts. 
Several  models,  kits  from  $78, 


LOOK  AT  THESE 
ATTRACTIVE  CURVES! 


! 

' 

i 

\ 

V 

1 

ih 

.** 

1 

A 

1 

M       s 

2 

o$ 

Typical  SateCJfrffy  Curves 

of  Recovers  and 

HeScai  Resonators 


IMPORTANT  REASONS  WHY 
YOU  SHOULD  BUY  FROM  THE 
VALUE  LEADER: 

7,  Largest  s&  faction  of  vtif  and  uht  kits 
in  the  world. 

2.  Exceptional  quality  and  tow  prices  due 
to  large  votume. 

3.  Fast  delivery,  most  kits  shipped  same  day. 

4.  Complete,  professional  instruction 
manuals. 

5,  Prompt  factory  service  avaifabfe  and 
free  phone  consultation* 

6,  in  business  21  yearn 

7,  Self  more  repeater  modutes  than  all 
Other  mtrs.  and  have  for  years.  Can  give 
quality  features  tor  much  tower  cost 


Call  or  Write  for  FREE  CATALOG 

{Send  S1 .00  or  4  IRC'c  for  overseas  mailing) 
Order  by  phone  or  mail  •  Add  $3  S  &  H  per  order ,. 
(Electronic  answering  service  evenings  &  weekends) 
Use  VISA,  MASTERCARD,  Check,  or  UPS  COD. 


mironics,  inc. 

6 5- A   MOUL  BO.  •  HILTON  NY  14468 

Phone:  716-392-9430 

Hamtronics  -  is  a  registered  trademark 


9e  Ust  of  Advertisers  on  page  1t4 


73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     143 


John  J  Meshna  Jr..  Inc. 


122 


19  Allerton  Street  •  Lynn,  MA  01904  •  Tel:  (617)  595-2275 


SELF  STANDING  COMPUTER  TERMINALS 

We  acquired  a  small  number  of  these  beautifully  made  computer 
terminals  which  were  made  by  a  major  U.  S.  manufacturer,  We 
do  not  know  all  the  details  about  them  at  press  time,  but  we  can 
tell  you  that  someone  lost  over  $2000  on  each  of  them.  They  lose 
you  win.  The  terminals  feature  3  micro-processors  for  powerful 
capabilities,  106  key,  Hall  Effect  ASCII  keyboard,  10  user  define- 
able  keys,  EAROMs,  16K  RAM,  48K  ROM,  serial  RS  232  asyn- 
chronous data  communications,  (synchronous  optional),  select- 
able baud  rates  of  75-38.4K  BPS,  high  resolution,  12"  green 
screen,  composite  video  monitor,  80  X  25  line  scrolling  display, 
built-in  reverse  video  option,  self-contained,  lightweight,  tightly 
regulated  switching  power  supply  &  more  than  can  be  fit  in  this 
space.  The  terminals  were  designed  to  be  daisy  chained  around  a 
central  host  computer  and  used  as  individual  work  stations.  The 
host  system  could  then  selectively  address  any  machine  in  the  net- 
work for  any  message  it  may  have.  All  units  are  visually  inspected 
prior  to  shipment  An  operators  manual  is  provided  w/  each  unit. 
Shpg,  wt  551b.  model  no.  MT686  $289.00 
With  the  addition  of  our  TP  420  dual  FDD  system  below,  you  can 
create  your  own  office  system. 

We  offer  the  following  as  options:  schematic  pac.  3  lb.  $  10.00 
USRT  for  synchronous  data  comm,  w/  installation  data  $  10,00 
25'  RS  232  cable,  1  male  &  1  female  DB  25  connector        $  20.00 


TP  420  DUAL  MINI-FLOPPY  DISC  SYSTEM 

The  TP  420  is  an  extremely  versatile  mini  floppy  disc  drive  sys- 
tem. It  consists  of  2  Shugart  SA  400  5*4"  floppy  disc  drives,  as- 
sociated logic,  controller  card,  power  supply,  cooling  fan,  and 
case.  The  TP  420  has  a  built  in  controller  card  which  features: 
Z  80  A  CPU,  Z  80A  DMA,  Z  80A  CTC,  Intel  8271  controller 
chip,  6K  RAM,     ROM,  plus  other  goodies*  We  have  been  told 
that  the  serial  interface  controller  card  within  the  TP  420  will 
support  up  to  4  8"  drives  from  the  unused  port  on  it  The  con 
troller  card  can  be  easily  removed  should  you  wish  to  use  it  on 
some  other  system.  Also  built  in  is  a  tightly  regulated,  switch- 
ing power  supply  which  runs  on  115/230  v  50/60  hz..  The  TP 
420  is  shipped  w/  the  interface  cable  for  the  MT  686,  data,  & 
schematics.  Shpg.  wt.  22  lb.  Stock  no.  TP  420  $300.00 


PDR-27  NAVY  RADIATION  METER 

Just  released  by  the  US  Navy,  They  appear  to  be  in  excellent  condition  and  indude  the 
fitted  aluminum  transit  case.  Batteries  not  furnished  but  are  available  in  most  electronic 
suppry  houses.  4  ranges  0,5  to  500  mr/hr  Removeabie  hand  probe,  detection  of  Beta 
and  Gamma  radiation.  With  todays  world  conditions  and  perhaps  proximity  to  a  nuke 
power  station,  to  might  provide  a  little  insurance  to  own  one  of  these  instruments.  With  no 
facrirties  to  check  or  test,  we  offer  AS  IS,  visuaHy  OK  Schematte  provided  with  each.  We 
have  some  accessories  and  offer  as  an  option  although  not  required  for  operation. 
Sniping  wgt.  22  lb.  POR-27  Rad  Meter  $50.00 

PDR-27  phones  $7.00  Approx.  1 00  page  Instr,  Book  $1 0.00 

Hi  Sensitivity  GM  tube  $1 0.00  Low  Sensitivity  GM  tube  $5.00 

The  above  listed  tubes  are  already  instated  in \  the  meter 
We  ere  offering  these  as  spares  if  desired. 


PHONE  ORDERS  accepted  on  MC,  VISA,  or  AMEX 

No  COD's.  Shpg.  extra  on  above. 

Send  for  free  72  page  catalogue  jam  packed  w/  bargains. 


144     73  Magazine  *  March,  1964 


THE  FIRST  NAME  IN 
ELECTRONIC  TEST  GEAR 


NEW  FROM  RAMSEY  20  MHz 
DUAL  TRACE  OSCILLOSCOPE 

Unsur passed  quality  at  an  unbeatable  pnce,  the  Ramsey  oscilloscope 
compares  to  others  costing  hundreds  more  Features  include  a  compo- 
nent testing  circuit  that  will  allow  you  (o  easily  test  resistors,  capacitors, 
digital  circuits  and  diodes  *  TV  video  sync  filter  •  wide  bandwidth  & 
high  sensitivity  •  internal  graticule  *  highqualiiy  rectangular  CRT 

•  front  panel  trace  rotator  •  Z  axis  •  high  sensitivity  x-y  mode  •  very 
tow  power  consumption  ■  regulated  power  supply  ■  buirt-m  calibrator 

•  rock  solid  triggering  •  high  quality  hook-on  probes 


$39995 


high  quality 

hook-on  probes  included 


RAMSEY  D- 11 00 
VOM-MULTITESTER 

Compact  and  reliable,  de- 
signed Id  service  a  wide  vari- 
ety at  equipment.  Features  in- 
clude *  mirror  back  scale 
■  double-]  ewefeti  precision 
moving  coil  *  double  over  ■ 
load  protection  •  an  ideal  low 
cost  unit  for  the  beginner  or 
as  a  spare  back-up  unit 

$1995 

tett  lead  1  and  battery 
included 


RAMSEY  D-Z100 
DIGITAL  MULTITESTER 

A  compact  easy  to  use  unit 
designed  to  operate  like  a  pro 
Featuring  *  3  v,  digit  LCD  •  low 
5 AT.  indicator  ■  all  range  over- 
load protection  •  overrange  mdi- 
cation  *  auto  pokaniy 
*  Transistor  taster    ■  du^-siope 
integration  ■  vmy]  carrying  case 


$5495 


RAMSEY  0-3100 
DIGITAL  MULTIMETER 

Reliable,  accurate  digital 
measurements  al  an  amaz- 
ingly low  COSl  ■  In-line  COior 
coded  push  buttons,  speeds 
range  selection  •  ate  pJastic 
tilt  Stand  •  recessed  input 
jacks  •  overload  protection 
on  all  ranges  *  3 tt  digit  LCD 
display  witti  auto  zero,  auto 
polarity  &  low  BAT  indicator 


hpE  test  lead*,  battery  &  vinyl 
Carrying  case  included 


•  •"f.V       $5995 

■ 


test  leads  and  battery 
included 


CT-70  7  DIGIT 
525  MHz  COUNTER 

Lab  quality  at  a  break ihrough  price 
Features  *  3  frequency  ranges  each 
wMh  pre«imp  »  duat  selectable  gate 
times  »  gate  activity  indicator 

*  50m V  f  ISO  MH2  lypical  sensitivity 

*  wide  frequency  range  *  1  ppm 
accuracy 

S-M995 

wind  include*  AG  adapter 

CT70kil        ..  £39.95 

BP4nifa(jpa£»       .  8.95 


CT-90  9  DIGIT 
600  MHz  COUNTER 

The  most  versatile  tot  less  than  S300 
Featurea  3  selectable  gate  times  •  9 
digits  *  gate  indicator  *  display  field 

•  25m V  iti'  150  MHz  typical  sensitivity 

•  10  MH^timebase  lor  WWV  calibra- 
tion *  i  ppm  accuracy 

$14995 

wired  include*  AC  adapter 

CT-90  kit...  S  129.95 

OV-1  0  i  PPM  ovef  timeoase      $59.95 
BP-4  nicfld  pat*  8.95 


CT-12S  9  DIBIT 
1 2.  GHz  COUNTER 

A  9  digit  counter  that  mil  outperform 
units  costing  hundreds  more.  •  gate 
indicator  *  24mV  (Si  150  MHz  typical 
sensitivity  *  9  dig  it  display  *  1  ppm 
accuracy  •  display  hold  •  dual  inputs 
with  preamps 

$16995 

wired  includes  AC  adapter 


BP-4  mead  pack &S5 


CT-50  8  DIGIT 
600  MHz  COUNTER 

A  versatile  lab  bench  counter  with 
optional  receive  frequency  adapter, 
which  turns  the  CT-50  into  a  digital 
readout  for  most  any  receiver  »  25  mV 
^  t50  MHz  typical  sensitivity  *  8  digit 
display  •  i  ppm  accuracy 


$16995 


CT-50  kit f  139  95 

HA- 1  receiver  adapter  kit  .......  14.95 


DM -700  DIGITAL 
MULTIMETER 

Professional  quality  at  a  hobbyist 
price  Features  include Stiddferent 
ranges  and  5  funciions  •  Z%  digit, 
inch  LED  display  *  automatic  decimal 
placement  •  automatic  poianly 

$11995 

wired  includes  AC 


DM  /OOkit 

MP-i  probe  set 


599.95 


PS-2  AUDIO 
MULTIPLIER 


The  PS-2  is  handy  tor  high  resolution 
audio  resolution  measuremefiis.  mul- 
tiplies UP  in  frequency  •  great  for  Pi 
tone  measurements  •  multiplies  by  10 
or  100  •  0  01  Hz  resolution  ft  built-in 
signal  preamp/condilioner 


«4995 


P5-2  Kit 


$39.95 


PR-2  COUNTER 
PREAMP 

The  PR-2  is  ideal  for  measuring  weak 
signal*  from  ID  to  1.000  MHz  •  flat  25 
do  gam  •  BMC  connectors  *  greai  for 
sniffing  RF  •  ideal  receJver/TV 
preamp 

$4495 

wired  include*  AC  adapter 

PR-2  kil 134,9$ 


PS-IB  600MHz 
PRESCALER 

Extends  the  range  of  your  present 
counter  to  600  MHz  *  2  stage  preamp 

•  d wide  by  to  circuitry  •  sensitivity 
25mV  i<i  T5Q  MHi  *  QNC  connectors 

•  drives  any  Counter 


wired  include*  AC  adapter 

r3™  I  O  Kiln  11  -  -  ■  ■  ■  «  •  ■  ■  ■  ■  .  .  » 


549.95 


ACCESSORIES  FOR  RAMSEY  COUNTERS 

Telescopic  whip  antenna— BNC  plug    . .  S  8.95 
High  impedance  probe,  light  loading  .  -       16,95 

Low  pass  probe,  audio  use 16.95 

Direct  probe,  genera*  purpose  ute 13.95 

Tilt  ball,  for  CT-70,  90t  125 3.95 


masiei  charge] 


PHONE  ORDERS  CALL 

716-586-3950 

TELEX  466735  RAMSEY  CI 


TERMS:  *  siiiilattion  guaranteed  •  ei  amine  lor  ID  days;  if  not  pleased 
return  in  original  lorni  for  refund  •  arid  5".  tor  shipping  and  insurance  Id  a 
maximum  of  STOOD  *  overseas  add  15  for  surface  mail  *  COD  add  S2.50 
■  orders  under  SIQ.OOadd  SI  50  •  NY  residents  add  7\  sales  tai  •  aJI  kils 
have  a  90  day  parts  warranty.  Wired  units  Nave  a  one  year  parts  &  labor 
warranty 


2575BafrdRrJ. 

Penfield.  N.Y.  14526 


I  Ltst  of  Advertisers  or  page  1  J* 


73  Magazine  *  March,  1984     145 


DEALER  DIRECTORY 


Culver  City  CA 

jw'f  Electronics,  3819  Scfwlwda  Blvd.,  CuIhw 
Oty  CA  SOW.  MOJrfWCl.  Tr  aifci  463-1*86  Su 
Diego,  827-57,72  J  Reno  SVj 


CLuinjJetp 


F on  land  CA 
line*    1COK4,    DetiTr«n. 


TmiToc, 
Cubic.  Lunar,  cn*r  400Q  rlcrtrumc 
product*  iar  hnbtntAv  Itvfinkun,.  «pKi- 
nutilrf  Aha  CB  fatlitf,  latbrfmobilr.  Fantana 
Electronics.  0628  Starra  Ave.  FnnUii*  CA 
9S335.  m-77HJ. 

San  Jose  CA 

6av  ifw't  wwetf  amattuf  radio  Uore.  New 
4r  used  amateur  radio  sala  6c  mtviop  Wr 
feature  Kenwood,  1O0M,  Ardcn.  Yaew,  Tm- 
Tn=,  Santac  At  mam  more  Shaver  Racba.  Ibc.  , 
mft  So.  I«w  Ave.,  Sm  ]«  Q  951  IS. 
1103. 


New  Castle  DE 

Facton  Anlhurwd  Pole*!  Yaasu,  IfJOM.  Ten, 
tte  KDK,  Aafcn,  AKA,  Kantnnca.  Scnter  Full 
line  uf  aixieBurifs.  Mo  wlo  tat  In  Dela  w  are  One 
mile  uM   1-95    Delaware  Amateur  Sqpplv,  71 

Cadic  DE  19720.  32S-772S- 


Bloom  tngton  IL 

Hohn  Towen-  Wholesale  direct  lb  userv  23% 
lo  34%  dbeourt  from  depict  prior  AH  products 
tlBlhk  IVrUr  nr  rail  Fir  jirirr  liff  AboMrmn- 
wboieaatc  dnmbuton  tor  Arrtenm  Spmalitfs, 
Regency,  and  Hy-Cain  Hilt  Radio,  2503  G.E* 
Road,  FO  Box  1405.  tttnciminKliin  ft  UL701- 
OrttTJ,  #t3-2UL 


Boise  ID 

Rocky  MiHinuin  arnas  bewwl  ham  dealer.  Call 
HJM  firtt  for  A£A.  Aafcn.  KDK    Ten  T«    Bid 
irrwii,  Cusfacraft.  and  morel  B|M  Efcrtftaoaa. 
410*  Otihri,  leaar  U>  13705.  343-4011, 


Preston  ID 

Has  WB7BYZ  hai  The  larjpsi  Stocfc  of  amateur 
m  the  Inteffummtain  West  and  the  bet 
Call  me  for  all  your  horn  noedi  Boat 
Dbtributin*.  78  So.  Stair*  Preston  ID  83263, 

Littleton  MA 

The  reliable  ham  itort  serving  SH  Full  line  of 
I  COM  &  Kenwood.  Yaeui  HTs,  Drake,  Daiwa, 
B&W  accrHH>rH5  Curtis  &  Trai  kryers  l.arsen. 
TeaeavHv  Cain  product*  Mirajp- 
^nn  PS  .  Alpha  Delta  protecton, 
ARAL  At  Karrfrntnti  instruction  a*ds  WhisUrr 
radar  detectors  Full  line  «S  mai  lifting. 
TEL— COM  Electronic  C^HnmunkaUkns.  675 
Cnad    B4-    fRt     119).    Utlkccai    MA    01460, 


Ami  Arbor  MI 

See  m  for  product*  like  Tea-Tot,  H.  L.  Dfakr. 

fJaiTtun  and  mam  more  Open  Monday  through 
Saturday.  0B3Q  to  1730  WB5VCF,  U'BftUXO. 
WDfiOEN.  and  WARP  behind  the  counter.  tw~ 
ohast  Radio  Supply,  327  K.  Hoover  Ave.,  Arm 
Arbar  MI  43101,  6Wi^6S6. 

Livonia  Ml 

Complete  photovoltaic  syvfems.  Amateur  radin, 
repeater,  lateilitr,  and  cnmputrr  appl  icutioml 
Gall  Paul  WDJiAHO  Enoon  Photovoltaic*. 
27fQ0  Sdwfcraft   Rood,    Litonia    Ml    4S150. 

as*taa 


IjtoII-    ham*. 


Hudson  NH 
SWU,      and 


i-i^ierimrnteT^: 
■  iilmtu*.  tuum    Call  for 

Faj^cmojacs  center. 

61  Lowell  Road  {Route  3A|.  Hudm  NH  03IB1, 
M3-500S. 


A I  ham .  New  York 
UPSTATE  MEW  YORK 

Kenwnnd*  [COM,  Ten  Tec,  Betdcfl.  Cushcraft. 
U«tit  Hurtle*.  ARRL.  Hy  Gain,  BAcW.  MF), 
Miragr  New  and  uaed  equipment,  Sen'rofr.  the 
amateur  comntunm  once  11M2  AdirondacJi 
Efoctnmk^,  loc->  100 1  Centrat  Avenwe.  Albpay 
NV  12205,  456-020H  (one  mile  west  of  Northway 
ea4tW>. 


Co  I  tun  has  OH 

The  biggejt  and  beat  ham  tture  in  I  he  Midwest 
featuring  ajcnwraxl  and  crther  quality  productt 
with  working  display  We  tell  onl>  the  beat  Au- 
thoriird  airnwoud  «TvaT  linivmal  Amateur 
Radio,  Inc  .  1280  A ida  Dr..  Rcvnotdsburg  (Co- 
lumbui)  OH  43068.  866-42fiL 


ScnuitonPA 

ICOM.  Bird.  Cushetafl.  Bwkman.  Fluke,  Lar- 
*en.  Itiistler.  Antrmu  Specialist*.  Astrofi.  A  van 
ti.  HHden,  W2AI  WlVS,  AKA.  Vibroplei, 
HamKey .  Ampbenot.  Sony.  B*W,  Coaa^Seat. 
Cover  Croft,  |.W  Miller. Daiwa.  ABRL. 
Ameco.  Shi  we  LaBue  FJccfroui».  1  US  (.rand 
view  St..  Scnnton  PA  IS509.  343-2124. 


Dallas  TX 

IBM  PC/Apple  aftrimarkH  prothifti:  huhbsists 
eleccronkx  project  kib-  ISO  00  wnip^ete  modem 
bt,  hjokti prion  laieilite  TV  decoder  kit*. 
EPROM  proj^ammer  'dupticatur.  popular 
memory  1C  traten,  data  ihtete,  application 
notm.  and  more  than  6000  part*  in  slock,  Semi 
conductor*,  dbcretev  video  prt*durts.  loois 
Facaae  write  for  your  tnr  hteTature/caitalag-  li>- 
dependexit  Electraaais,  NtS-01  Airiine  Rd,. 
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Avantek  traostnori,  amplifiers,  oicillators^  and 
LNAs,  Cnaiial  ratde  and  eonnfeturv  Blr>bde* 
Toi-vRue  dealer  wilh  MitTiJifcave  laborattiry.  Ap- 
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792-2211  7:30  am  to  6:00  pm,  Mcndav  thru 
Friday 


DEALERS 

Your  company  name  and  nnsagc 
can  contain  up  to  25  words  for  as 
littk  as  $150  yearly  (prepaid),  or 
$15  per  month  (prepaid  quarterly). 
No  mention  of  mail  -order  business 
or  area  code  permitted.  Director)'  text 
and  payment  must  reach  us  60  days  in 
advance  of  publication.  For  example, 
advertising  for  the  May  *84  issue  must 
be  in  our  hands  by  March  1st .  Mail  tn 
73  Magazine,  Feterfcoroutfi  NH  03458 
ATTN;  Nancy  Ciampa. 


146     73  Magazine  *  March,  1964 


PROPAGATION 


J.  H.  Nelson 
4  Plymouth  Dr. 
Whiting  NJ  08759 


EASTERN    UNITED    STATES    TO: 


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A  -  Next  higher  frequency  band  may  also  be  useful. 
B  =  Difficult  circuit  this  period. 

First  letter  =  night  waves.  Second  —  day  waves. 

G  =  Good,  F  =  Fair,  P  =  Poor.  *  =  Chance  of  solar  flares. 

#  =  Chance  of  aurora. 

NOTE  THAT  NIGHT  WAVE  LETTER  NOW  COMES  FIRST. 


SL4NI 

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YAESU 


POWER     Ht*fiH 


VAMP 


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The  FT-102  is  factory  equipped  for  operation  on  all  present  and  proposed  Amateur  HF 
bands.  An  extra  AUX  band  position  is  available  for  special  applications.  Equipped  for 
SSB,  CW,  and  AM  (RX),  the  FT-102  may  be  activated  on  FM  and  AM  (TX)  via  the 
optional  AM/FM-102  Module. 

The  all-new  receiver  front  end  utilizes  a  low-distortion  RF  preamplifier  that  may  be  by- 
passed via  a  front  panel  switch  when  not  needed.  Maximum  receiver  performance  is 
fours  with  this  impressive  lineup  of  standard  features;  IF  Notch  Filter,  Audio  Peak 
"iJter,  Variable  IF  Bandwidth  Control,  IF  Shift,  Variable  Pulse  Width  Noise  Blanker, 
ndependent  SSB  and  CW  Audio  Channels  with  Optimized  Audio  Bandwidth,  and 
"ront  Panel  Audio  Tone  Control,  Wide/Narrow  filter  selection  is  independent  of  the 
riode  switch. 

The  celebrated  transmitter  section  is  powered  by  three  6146B  final  tubes,  for  more 
consistent  power  output  and  very  low  distortion.  An  RF  Speech  Processor,  Mic  Amp 
ludio  Tone  Control,   VOXf  and  an  IF  Monitor  round  out  the  transmitter  lineup. 

uturistic  panel  design  and  careful  human  engineering  are  the  hallmarks  of  the 
T-102.  Convenient  pop-out  controls  below  the  meters  may  be  retracted  when  not  in 
se,  thus  avoiding  inadvertent  mistuning.  Abundant  relay  contacts,  rear  panel  phono 
icks  for  PTT,  microphone/patch  input  and  other  essential  interface  connections 
lake  the  FT-102  extremely  simple  to  Incorporate  Into  your  station. 


SPECIFICATIONS 


TRANSMITTER-Power  Input:  (1.8-25  MHz) 
SSB.  CW  240W  DC;  AM  80W  DC  (28-29.9  MHz) 
SSB.  CW  160W  DC.  AM  80W  DC,  FM  16GW  DC; 
Spurious  Radiation;  Better  than  -40dB. 
RECEIVER-lmage  Rejection:  Better  than  70dB 
from  1.8-21 .5  MHz.  Better  than  50dB  from  24.5- 
29.9  MHz.  IF  rejection:  Better  than  70  dB.  Se- 
lectivity (  -  6  dB/  -  60  dB):  SSB,  CW\  AM;  2.7/ 
4.8  kHz  (with  no  optional  filters).  Width  adjusts 
continuously  from  2.7  kHz  lo  500  Hz{~6dB). 


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Ham  Radio  Equipment 
for  the  Sarajevo  1984 
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M02 


e  SP-102  External  Speaker/ Audio  Filter  features  a  large,  high- 
elity  speaker  with  selectable  low-  and  high-cut  audio  filters. 
e  front  panel  A-B  switch  allows  selection  of  two  receiver 
mts  for  maximum  versatility.  Also  available  is  the  SP-102P 
eaker/Patch. 

b  your  Authorized  Yaesu  Dealer  today  for  a  hands-on 
Tionstration  of  the  rig  that  everybody's  talking  about  It's  the 
-102,  The  Transceiver  of  Champions! 


3rice  And  Specifications  Subject  To 
rhange  Without  Notice  or  Obligation 


1082R 

ELECTRONICS  CORPORATION 
CINCINNATI  SERVICE  CENTER 


FV-102DM  FC-102 

CIRCLE  48  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

FV-102DM 

The  FV-102DM  Synthesized  External  VFO  tunes  in  10  Hz  steps. 
Keyboard  entry  of  frequencies,  UP/DOWN  scanning,  and  12 
memories  make  the  FV-102DM  a  "must"  for  serious  DX  or 
contest  work. 

FC-t02 

The  FC-102  Antenna  Coupler  is  capable  of  handling  1.2KW  of 
transmitter  power,  with  an  in-line  wattmeter,  separate  SWR 
meter,  and  A-B  Input/output  selection  expanding  your  station's 
capability.  The  optional  FAS-1-4R  allows  remote  selection  of  up 
to  four  antennas  via  one  coaxial  cable  connected  to  the  FC-102. 

6851  Walthall  Way,  Paramount,  CA  90723    (213)  633-4007 
9070  Gold  Park  Drive,  Hamilton,  OH  45011  (513)  874-3100 


• 


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CI9IQ2IE223C2EHQSXI 


KlNWQQQ 


B*ftfD       OKH 

SSB,  CW,  AM,  FM,  digital  VFO's,  10  memories,  band 
and  memory  scan,  optional  118-174  MHz  coverage... 


2000 


The  R-2O0Q  is  an  innovative  all-mode 
SSB*  CW,  AM,  FM  receiver  that  covers 
150  kHz- 30  MHz,  with  an  optional  VC  10 
VHF  converter  unit  to  provide  coverage 
of  the  118-174  MHz  frequency  range.  New 
microprocessor  controlled  operating 
features  and  an  "UP"  conversion  PLL  cir- 
cuit assure  maximum  flexibility  and  ease 
of  operation  to  enhance  the  excitement 
of  listening  to  stations  around  the  world. 

R-20Q0  FEATURES: 

*  Covers  150  kHz  -30  MHz  in  30  bands. 

Uses  inrmv;iUvc  UP-con version  digitally 
controlled  PLL  circuit.  UP/DOWN  band 
switches  (I -MHz  Step).  VFO'S  <  ontinuouslv 
tuneable  across  the  band  and  from  band* 

to  band. 

*  Optional  113-174  MHz  coverage. 

Through  use  ot  inn  oval  ive  micropnu  essor 
technology,  frequency,  band,  and  mode 
data  of  stations  in  the  118  174  MHz  range 
may  be  tnued>  displayed  [full  frequency. 
ie„  146.000.0).  stored  In  memory 
recalled,  arid  shinned,  vising  the  R-2000 
front  panrl  controls  and  frequency  dis- 
play, allowing  maximum  convenience  and 
ease  of  operatioi  i 

The  optional  VC  10  \]\V  converter  unit 
may  be  easily  installed  on  ihe  rear  panel 
of  the  R  2000. 

■  All  mode:  USB,  LSB\  CW,  AM,  FM. 
Provides  expanded  flexibility  In  receiving 
various  signal  types.  Front  panel  mode 
selector  keys,  with  LED  indicators* 

*  Digital  VFO's  for  best  stability. 

50 Hz  step,  swltchable  to  500  Hz  or  5-kHz, 
F,  LOCK  switch  provided. 


•  Ten  memories  store  frequency,  band, 
and  mode  data. 

Complete  Information  on  frequency,  band, 
and  mode  is  stored  in  memory,  assuring 
maximum  ease  of  operation.  Knch  im-in- 
ory  may  be  tuned  as  a  VFO.  Original 
memory  frequency  may  be  recalled* 
AUTO.  M  switch  for  automatic  storage  of 
current  operating  data*  or,  when  off,  selec- 
tive storage  of  data  using  M.  IN  switch. 

•  Lithium  battery  memory  back-up, 
(Est.  5  yr.  life.) 

•  Programmable  memory  scan, 
Scans  all  memories,  or  may  be  pro 
grammed  lo  scan  specific  memories. 
HOLD  switch  interrupts  scanning.  Fre- 
quency, band,  and  mode  are  automatically 
selected  in  accordance  with  the  memory 
channel  being  scanned.  The  scanning 
lime  is  approximately  2  seconds 

per  channel. 

•  Programmable  band  scan. 

Scans  automatically  wtihln  the  pro- 
grammed bandwidth.  Memory  channels  9 
and  0  establish  upper  and  lower  scan 
limits.  HOLD  switch  interrupts  scanning. 
Frequency  may  be  adjusted,  using  the 
tuning  control,  during  scan  HOLD, 

•  Fluorescent  tube  digital  display 
(100 *Hz  resolution). 

Built-in  7  digit  fluorescent  lube  digital 
display  indicates  frequency  or  time,  plus 
memory  channel  number  DIM  switch  pro- 
vided. The  display  may  be  switched  to 
indicate  CLOCK-2,  FREQUENCY,  CLQCK-l, 
and  timer  ON  or  OFF  l>v  the  front  panel 
FUNCTION  switch. 

•  Dual  24 -hour  quartz  clocks,  with  timer. 

•  Three  buiU-in  IF  filters  with  NARROW/ 
WIDE  selector  switch,  (CW  filter  opt.J 

6-kllz  wide  or2r7-kll/  narrow  on  AM. 
2.7-kHz automatic  on  SSB.  2.7-kllz  wide 


on  CW.  or,  with  optional  YG-455C  filter 
installed.  500-H/  narrow.  15-kHz  au? 
matic  on  FM. 

•  Squelch  circuit,  all  mode,  built-in.  with 
BUSY  indicator. 

•  Noise  blanker  built-in. 

•  Large  front  mounted  speaker. 

•  Tone  control* 

•  RF  step  attenuator.  (0-10-20*30  dB.) 
Four  Step  attenuator,  plus  antenna  fuse. 

•  AGC  switch,  (Slow-Fast.) 

•  "S"  meter,  with  SENPO  "S"  scale. 

•  100/120/220/240  VAC.  or  13.8  VDC 
operation  Keith  opt.  DC  K-l  cable  kit). 

Other  features. 

•  RECORD  output  jack. 

•  Audible  "beeper"   (through  speaker}. 

•  Carrying  handle. 

•  Headphone  jack. 

•  External  speaker  jack. 

Optional  accessories: 

■  VC  10  118  174  MHz  converter. 

•  HS-4,  HS-5.  HS6.  HS-7  headphones, 
•DCK-1  DC  cable  kit. 

•  YG-455C  500-Hz  CW  Biter. 

•  HC-10  World  distal  quartz  clock. 

•  AL-2  Surge  Shunt 

More  information  on  the  R-2000  is 
available  from  all  authorized  dealers  of 
Trin  Ken  w  nod  Comrmmlcadoi 

Mil  West  Wain ul  St  reel 
Compton,  <:alif<n  oJa  90220. 

KENWOOD 

pacesetter  m  amateur  radio 


Spectju-ttuons  and  p  nbjevt  to  change  without  notice  or  obUgatioi