Skip to main content

Full text of "73 Magazine (December 1990)"

See other formats 


DECEMBER  1990 

ISSUE  i363 

USA  $2.95 

CAN  $3.95 


The  dual  banders  of  the  future 
are  here!  ICOM's  IC-24AT  dual  band 
handheld  and  lC-3220  dual  band 
mobile  provide  you  ell  ihe  advan- 
tages with  the  most  feature  i^acked, 
power  packed  dual  banders 
available. 

Whelher  your  needs  require  the 

mobility  of  the  IC-3220  or  the  conven- 
ience of  the  IC-24AT  mini-handheld, 
ICOM  has  the  dual  bander  fit  for  you. 

The  IC-24AT  mini-handheld  and 

the  lC-3220  mobile  give  you  full 
operation  on  the  2-meter  and  440M  Hz 


amateur  bands  with  outstanding 
flexibility  and  performance! 

The  iC-24AT  offers  40  memo- 
ries. 5  watts,  programmable  scanning, 
priority  waich.  a  battery  saver,  plus  a 
DTMF  pad  for  autopai€hing.,.the  list 
is  endless.  Among  the  many  feaiiires 

ICOM 

First  in  Communfcations 


ClftCLE  173  ON  READER  SEHVICE  CARD 


of  the  compact  IC-3220  are  a  built-in 
duplexer.  simultaneous  dual  band 
recetve/au to  dialing  and  a  memory 
transfer  ftinction.  For  full  details  and 
specs  on  the  [C-24ATand  1(^3220. , 
call  the  IC^M  Brochure  h^         ; 
1  -800-99^-y3l7,  See  them  today  at 
your  quality  ICOM  amateur  dealer. 


CORPORATE  HEADOUAHTEHS:  ICOM  Anwica,  Inc. 
2380-1 16lti  Ave.  N.E.  BeQevue.  WA  98004 
CUSTOMER  SERVICE  HQTUNE  O0€)  454-7619 
CUSTOWCR  SBWIC£  CEftfTe^: 
3150  Priffii^  Drirt,  Stite  126,  tiWia  TX  75063 
1777  Flioenix  l^arkway.  Sum  2D1.  MS&nia,  OA  30349 
307T  ^  95  Road.  Unii  9.  Richrrrond  6  C,  V6X  2T4  Can  ada 
2380-1 16tfi  Ave.  N.£„  Bekl^Uf ,  WA  9B004 

IT"  ijiiaii  ii  li  uHiiiiiiiiiiiiriAi  rmwii 


V 


m 


ADVANCED  FEA  TURES  SUCH  AS 

•  speed  Dial  •  Redial  •  Selectable  sampling  mode 
Programmable  CW  ID  •  Built-in  keyboard/display  • 


Keyboard 
setup, 


etc 


MAKE  OUR  CS-raO  THE  BEST  CHOICE  GOING  IN 
LOW  COST  SIMPLEX  INTERCONNECT! 


The  CS-7O0  will  interlace  any  FM  base  station  transceiver 
to  the  telephone  network.  When  installed*  mobile  and 
portable  radios  can  both  initiate  and  receive  telephone 
calls  fuNy  automatically. 

SAMPLING  MODE:  No  other  interconnect  offers  user 
selectable  VOX  enhanced  or  VOX  controUed  sampling. 
Pick  the  nr>ode  that  best  suits  your  application  .  .  . 

VOX  Enhanced  Sampling:  The  sampling  rate  is 
reduced  whenevof  the  telephone  party  is  speaking.  The 
sample  rate  reduction  (enhancement  ratio)  is  selectable 
in  nine  steps. 

VOX  ControlTed  Sampling:  No  sampfing  fnterruptions 
occur  when  the  land  party  is  speaking.  Sampling 
resumes  when  the  Jand  party  is  finished  speaking,  VOX 
controlled  sampling  provides  crystal  clear  audio  quality, 

•  8UILT-JN  PROGRAMMtNG  KEVeOARD  AND 
DISPLAY 

•  9  NUMBER  SPEED  DIALER 
«  LAST  NUMBER  REDIAL 

■  AUTOMATIC  SETUP 

The  CS*700  is  programmed  to  automatically  set  the 
optimum  sampling  window  for  your  transceiver.  Saves 
time  and  effort. 

•  AUTOMATIC  DIALTONE/BUSY  DISCONNECT 
«  USER  PROGRAMMABLE  CW  ID 

•  HOOK  FLASH 

•  REGENERATED  TONE  OR  PULSE  DIALOUT 

•  TURN  AROUND  iEEPS 

•  TOLL  RESTRICT 

•  CONNECT  CODE 

Select  *  up  or  *  plus  1-4  digits.  Any  combination. 

•  TOLL  OVERRIDE  CONNECT  CODE 

Select  *  plus  1-4  digits.  Any  combination. 


•  DISCONNECT  CODE 

Select  #  or  ^  plus  connect  code  digits. 

•  CALL  LIMIT  TIMER 

Selectable  .5-49.5  minutes  tn  .5  min.  steps 

•  MOBILE  ACTIVITY  TIMER 

Selectable  10-99  seconds  In  1  sec,  steps. 

•  LINE  IN  USE  INHIBIT 

•  CALL  WAITING 

•  RINGOUT  (REVERSE  PATCH) 

Rings  tike  a  phone, 

•  REMOTELY  CONTROLLABLE  RELAY 

{Relay  Optional) 

«  NON  VOLATILE  MEMORY 

•  LIGHTNING  PROTECTION 

•  COMPACT  SIZE 

ONE  YEAR  WARRANTY  PARTS  &  LABOR 


Choose 
Second 


Connect  Systems  Inc. 

2064  Eastman  Ave.,  #113 

Ventura,  CA  93003 

Phone  (805)  642-7184 

FAX  (805)  642-7271 

TOLL  FREE 

1-800-545-1349 

CmCl£  12  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Letters 


Number  1  on  yduf  Feedback  card 


Mike  Wengert  9M8XX  Have  bean  ac- 
tive on  17m  tateiy.  Know  what  you 
mGBn  about  "con  test -type"  operation. 
Hate  hi  Everytime  I  gel  on,  nobody 
wants  my  opinion.  .  just  m  y  OS  L  card! 
Wham,  bam,  thank  ya  ma'am!  The  Eu- 
ropeans won't  gimme  a  minute's 
peace.  There  ate  &till  a  few  people  who 
like  to  chatp  but  mosi  ar©  looking  for  a 
new  country  on  a  new  band.  Would  like 
to  get  some  mittdle  and  high  school 
ham  clubs  going  here,  but  licensing 
requires  you  !o  be  at  least  18  years  old. 
SelMefealinQp  isn'iit? 

Consiifering  that  before  iheARRL  's  in* 
c&ntivB  Ltc&nsing  debacte,  80%  of  a// 
rww  AmBTican  hams  were  under  tS, 
that*s  one  way  to  kBep  Sabah  from  get- 
ting kids  interested  in  high  tech  ca- 
reers. .   Wayne 

A  Maine  reader  writes:  KtMAN  has 
been  given  a  fcae  of  $1  ^500  for  "willful 
and  Imentionai  interfere  nee''  by  the 
Belfast  iME)  FCC  office!  I  like  your  arth 
des  abOLJt  tf^js  SfG  MOUTH.  He  does 
nothing  tor  the  area  here  in  Maine;  nor 
do  we  want  htm  on  our  repeaters  We 
have  NO  USE  for  him  in  this  area,  and  t 
am  only  some  35  air  miles  from  him. 
Plus  f  belong  to  the  Augusta  Maine  Am- 
ateur Radio  Clut>,  ar^d  we  all  feel  the 
same  about  him.  Please  keep  up  the 
*^good  work.'*  Nail  hrm  every  chance 
you  get! 

Yep,  ifs  a  pity,  Baxter*s  tARN  is  a 
worthwhile  idea,  and  when  not  end- 
tessfy  promoting  Baxter,  does  some 
worthwhiie  traffic  handfing.  But  this 
seems  mosity  because  Ifte  ARRL  has 
so  totaify  dropped  the  bait  in  providing 
needed  emergency  senrices.  When  St 
Lucia  was  devastat&d  by  a  hurricane  a 
few  years  ago.  the  ARRL  did  nothing, 
so  f  sent  a  good  operator  down  with  a 
targe  suitcase  of  ham  gear  to  heip  out 
And  help  it  did^  Doesn't  it  make  sense 
for  the  ARRL  to  initiate  and  coordinate 
emergmrcy  services  instead  of  ieaving 
it  to  chance?.  . .  Wayne 

Ozzie  KAIifK  Wayne  Green.  "Never 
Say  Die'—eflher  this  guy  was  just  re- 
teased  from  iha  institution  or  he  is  ab- 
solutely brilliant 

To  attract  new  people  to  ham  radio* 
you  need  to  sprinkle  "radio  dust"  I 
remember  as  a  young  boy  about  nine 
years  old  peering  into  the  back  of  a 
radio  and  seeing  the  strange  ar^d  magi- 
cal gJow  from  the  gtass  tjOttles^  and 
when  I  got  my  nose  close  enough.  I 
inhaled  "radfo  dusf'  and  it  went  direct- 
ly into  my  blood  stream.  Once  in  the 
blood  stream,  it's  there  for  life. 

Radio  dust  4S  a  unique  dirst  baked 
from  the  heat  of  the  vacuum  tubes  and 
the  aroma  of  melting  wax  from  con- 
densers  and  warm  resistors.  11  will 
hook  anyone  into  the  weird  world  of 
radio.  Alas,  there  is  no  more  radio  dust: 
vacuum  tubes  have  all  but  disap- 
peared, and  50  have  wax-covered  ca- 


From  the  Hamshack 

pacilors,  Wayne  Green's  idea  for  re- 
cruiting hams  by  aud^o  visual  methods 
is  probably  very  good.  Wayne,  maybe 
f1l  meet  you  on  the  air  or  in  the  institu- 
tion. 

8ni  Wells  N4VSK/AA,  Atlanta  GA  As 
a  37-year-old  entrepreneur  m  the  com- 
puter business  with  almost  two  years 
as  a  licensed  ham  and  ink  still  wet  on 
my  advanced  ticket,  I  was  appalled 
when  1  opened  a  letter  from  President 
Price  requesting  money  to  provide 
'  'special  support"  for  representation  at 
WARC-92,  What  kind  of  tdiois  do  they 
take  us  to  be?  Belter  yet,  what  kind  of 
idiots  are  running  the  ARRL? 

irs  lime  for  th«  League  to  start 
spending  our  money  more  wisely.  I  saw 
the  letter  as  nothing  more  than  a  self- 
ingratiating  espousal  of  what  President 
Price  hasn't  dor\e,  i.e..  get  new  hams. 
The  cost  of  mailing  that  letter  to  ARRL 
members  could  have  purchased  (at 
cost)  a  lot  of  cop  res  of  Tune  in  the 
World  tor  schools  and  clutis.  which  m 
turn  would  produce  more  hams.  We, 
rank  and  f^le  members  Of  the  ARRL, 
need  your  help  in  purging  om  direc- 
tors. 

I  propose  that  you  give  a  full  page  ad 
to  anyone  who  runs  against  an  incom- 
bent  director  until  the  house  is  finally 
clean.  Sure,  it  will  cost  the  magazine  a 
lot  of  money,  but  as  you  said,  you've 
never  lost  enough  money  to  put  the 
magazine  out  of  its  misery. 

Heck,  111  provide  whatever  space  it 
takes  to  help  get  some  new  faces  in  the 
ARRL  annaai  reports. 

Alas,  thousands  of  brain^washed 
members  wilt  get  out  their  checkbooks 
and  send  Price  money. , .  Wayrw 

Delvin  R.  Bunton,  Vancouver  WA 
Wayne,  I  like  your  editofials  They 
make  me  think  and  take  stock  of  my 
prejudices  and  cherished  opinions. 
You've  finally  convinced  me  to  change 
ffiy  priorities  and  gel  my  license.  I  ar^ 
t^cipate  taking  my  Novice  test  soon  and 
upgrading  to  Technician  shortly  after  I 
get  my  license. 

Even  as  a  nonham  subscriber  for 
several  years  (I  think  about  10),  I  re- 
cruited the  locat  ham  clyb  (Clark  Coun- 
ty Amateur  Radio  Club)  to  set  up  a 
booth  at  several  Boy  Scout  activities 
{which  they  did),  but  it  didn't  result  in 
any  new  hams  that  t  know  of. 

Over  the  years.  I've  attended  ham 
club  meetings  where  NO  ONE  came 
up  to  me  {an  obvious  non member)  and 
asked  my  name,  interests,  or  anything 
else.  Small  wonder  harrvdom  is  dyirvg 
off  when  potential  new  members  are 
r>ot  welcomed  in  a  way  that  encour- 
^es  return  visits. 

Stephen  Wfmmer  WUiF,  Raymond 
MS  Having  been  a  service  tech  for 
nearly  12  years  (I  quit  3  years  ago),  I 
enjoyed  Gordon  West's  "Service  Sur- 


vey Wrap-Up."  I  heartily  agree  with  1. 
improve  your  correspondence.  A  note 
that  simply  says  'doasn^t  work"  is  a 
sure  srgn  that  the  radio  does  work,  and 
that  the  problem  is  an  accessory. 
Which  brings  me  to  a  point  I  don't  un- 
derstand: S.  No  accessories,  please. 
Too  many  times  I  have  spent  two  or 
three  hours  on  a  radio  t»ecause  I  be- 
lieved the  customer's  note,  only  to  find 
out  later  (when  I  finally  got  hold  of  the 
customer)  thai  the  real  problem  was 
Iha  mike  or  some  other  accessory  nor- 
mally used  with  the  radio.  The  really 
bad  part  about  this  is  that  I  stilJ  have  to 
charge  them  (my  kids  need  to  eat,  too). 
Nejct.  i  want  to  expand  on  4.  Better 
phone  nt/mbers.  Remember  this  coun- 
try has  four  time  zones.  Please  give 
more  than  one  number  where  you  can 
be  reached,  and  include  the  limes  you 
can  be  reached  at  which  number,  as 
well.  If  you  use  an  answering  machiae, 
PLEASE  piay  the  tape  back  once  a 
day.  Also,  it  has  also  been  my  experi- 
ence that  answering  services  are  even 
worse. 

Steve  Weldon  NGPZV,  TJeCAR  I  just 
received  your  fourth  notice  for  not  re* 
newing  my  subscription.  For  the 
record,  I  have  every  intention  of  renew- 
ing my  subscription  as  soon  as  I  relo- 
cate in  the  states  in  a  couple  o(  months. 

Most  "junk"  mail  t  receive  gels 
thrown  out  before  it's  even  opened,  but 
a  letter  with  "73"  printed  on  it  arouses 
my  curiosity.  Why?  Because  your  e<fi- 
toriats  are  interesting,  to  the  point 
(most  of  the  time),  and  generally  right 
on  the  mark.  Tm  stationed  in  Okinawa. 
Japan  where  entertain rpont  of  any  kind 
js  greatly  appreciated. 

There  have  been  many  times  when 
fellow  hams  have  sat  around  their  ra- 
dios on  a  slow  evening  and  had  a  lot  of 
fun  discussing  your  ediioriais.  Some- 
times when  we  don't  receive  our  issues 
of  73  at  the  sanrie  time,  entire  quotes 
are  transmitted  on  the  local  2m/70m 
simplex  frequencies,  Believe  me,  most 
hams  are  extremely  happy  to  have 
someone  with  guts  representing  our 
hobby. 

73  is  the  bast  ham  radio  monthly 
publication  of  its  kind.  There's  really 
Ifttle  debate  on  this  between  the  50  or 
so  American  hams  stationed  in  Oki- 
nawa. QST  is  plain  boring,  but  very 
informative  on  the  political  side  of 
things,  as  well  as  giving  currant  con- 
test information  Tm  sure  somebody  us- 
es. CQ  tsnH  bad,  but  for  the  most  part  il 
seems  to  be  put  together  hastily  and 
without  much  of  a  plan.  Kind  of  like 
someone  decided  at  the  last  minute  to 
put  out  a  magazine.  On  second 
thought.  I  guess  it  is  l>ad,  sorry  for  the 
lapse.  At  least  it  isn't  as  dry  to  read  as 
OSZ 

73.  on  the  other  hand,  is  a  lot  ot  fun  to 
read.  The  magazine  opens  up  wrih 
what  we  call  "Crazy  Green's"  bitch 
session.  Then  you  have  ''QRX/'  which 
k^ps  us  abreast  o(  the  most  cun'eni 
news  in  amateur  radio  (OS 7 is  normal- 
ly good  for  the  fine  detaits),  followed  by 
a  variety  of  interesting  artrcies  perti- 
nent to  the  current  generation  of  hama* 
Fox  hunting,  projects ,  equipment  re- 


views, and  "Ask  Kaboom"  artafi  inter- 
esting to  read  and  informatrve. 

My  biggest  complaint  with  73 is  all  of 
the  excellent  articles  on  projects  I'd 
like  to  build  and  reviews  of  equipment 
I'd  like  to  purchase,  with  absolutely  no 
verification  from  your  staff.  Let's  face 
it,  most  hams  who  submit  articles  are 
"amateurs"  (pardon  the  pun)  in  the 
electronics  field.  We  need  input  like 
this,  bul  these  guys  make  mistakes, 
heck  even  professionals  make  mis^ 
takes,  and  a  double-check  method  is 
mandatory  tor  almost  anything  in  this 
area. 

Having  a  member  of  your  staff  asr 
sembie  and  buikl  these  projects  and 
report  on  assembly,  function,  and  rela- 
tive worth,  along  with  possibfe  Im- 
provements, would  be  a  major  step- 
ping stone  in  'professionalising" 
these  articles. 

Next.  OS  F  provides  the  best  equip- 
ment reviews  in  the  business.  You  can 
always  count  on  the  same  set  of  specs 
being  tested  on  every  radio^  Sure, 
there  is  some  good  m formation  in  your 
articles,  but  they  don't  carry  enough 
weight  tor  me  to  make  a  purchasing 
decision  For  that,  1  go  lo  QST, 

Do  1  expect  you  to  agree  wlh  me? 
Doubtful,  as  you  seem  to  have  already 
thought  out  most  aspects  of  your  mag- 
azine, and  Vm  sure  the  reason  for  my 
complaint  \s  it  just  costs  too  much. 

Thanks  for  your  great  letter .  Readers' 
opinions  and  criticisms  are  important 
to  us,  especiatty  when  they're  as  welt- 
stated  as  yours.  Let  me  address  your 
two  matn  points:  construction  projects 
and  reviews.  Though  many  of  our 
projects  are  submitted  by  "amateurs, " 
the  majority  of  construction  articles  we 
pubttsh  are  written  by  professionals 
wfio  have  some  conneciton  to  the  elec* 
tronics  field.  Your  suggestion  that  a 
third  party  also  build  every  project  was 
greeted  with  enthusiasm  by  WBBELK. 
Unfortunately,  we  ne0d  htm  to  &dit  the 
magazine.  We  simply  don't  have  the 
staff  to  re-buHd  every  project. 

In  the  area  of  reviews,  t  agree  thai 
OST  do&s  a  fine  technical  review.  Why 
should  we  repeat  their  efforts?  We 
want  to  give  a  true  user's  perspecttve 
in  7Z.  You  could  calf  our  review  styfe  a 
'Afield  test"  review.  9y  doing  this  type 
of  review,  we  feel  thai  we  add  to  the 
reader's  information  about  a  product, 
and  provide  a  perspecttve  that  you 
can 't  get  anywhere  e/se.  Once  again, 
thanks  for  taking  the  time  to  wnie . . . 

[>avidNtGPH 

As  you  say,  even  professionals  make 
mistakes.  Always  check  the  '* Up- 
dates" department  for  improvements, 
f\ew  information,  and  changes.  That's 
what  it's  for.  If  you  think  there's  an 
error  in  a  construction  article,  get  m 
touch  with  the  author  first,  just  in  case. 
Send  us  a  copy  of  your  letter  to  the 
author  so  we  can  foitow  op  on  it.  We 
check  out  alt  reports  of  possible  errors. 
If  you  look  over  'Updates"  for  the  past 
couple  of  years,  say,  you'lt  find  that 
there  are  very  few  errors  in  our  cofh 
struction articles, . . 

Linda  KAWKM/KT 


2    7$  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


THE  TEAM 

PUBLISHER/EDITOR 
Wayrse  Green  W2NSD/t 

ASSOCIATE  PUBLISHER 
OBvidCassiOyNIGPH 


MAMA0ING  EDITOR 
Bill  Brown  WB8EIK 

PRODUCTION  EDITOR 
Hope  Currier 

SENIOR  EDITOR 
Linda  fler*eauKA1  UK  M 

ASSOCIATE  EDITOR 
Joyce  Sawtelle 

CONSULTJ^G  EDITOR 
MiksfihjgemWBaGLO 

COr^TRJEUTING  EDITOHS 
MikeBrvceWeeVGE 
David  CowhJgWAILBP 
MiClia&tGeierKBlUM 
JtmGrayWlXU/7 
Chuck  Hoijghton  WBSlGP 
Ar Hie  Johnson  N1  BAG 
Df  Marc  Leavey  WA3AJR 
A/Ki^MacAlltsierWAszre 
Joe  M(M  KlOV 
Jim  Morrrssert  K6MH 
Bilf  Pasternak  WA6ITF 
Carole  Perry  WB2MGP 
Bot»WifmW5KNE 


ADVERTISING  SALES 
REPRESENTATIVES 
Dan  Harper 

ACCOUNT  SERVICES 
Donna  DiRusso 

1-603-525-4201 
1-800^2^-5083 
FAX  f603}  525-4423 

PRODUCTJON  MANAGER 
WilhamHeydo^ 

PRODUCTION  COORDINATOR 
Vikr  Van  Valen 

ART  DIRECTOR 
Alice  ScofieW 

TVPESETTiNG/PAGlNATlON 

UndaDrew 
Burh  Benedict 
Sieve  Jeweit 

GRAPHIC  SERVICES 

Da^e  Will  tarns 
TrieresaVerville 

GRAPHICS  PHOTOGRAPHiR 
Dan  Croteau 

WGE  PUBLISHING  INC. 

CHIEF  FINANCIAL  OFRCER 
Tim  Pe^^lkey 

CiflCUUTiON  COORDINATOR 
Harvey  Charidfer 

CIRCUUTION  ASSISTANT 

Janet  LaFountaine 

To  »ibscr^:  1-90O-^9-<)388 

Editorial  Offices 

WGE  Centef 

Fores!  Road.  Hancock  NH  03449 

60^-525^201 ,  FAX  (603)  52S4423 

Subscription  Services 
1 -800-289-0388 

Colorado/Foreign  Siihserit>ers 
call  1'303^M7.sa» 

Wayne  Green  Enterprises  is  a  division 
of  Iniemational  Data  Group. 

Repdnts :  Be  first  copy  of  an  articte 
$3.00  (eacti  additional  copy-$l  .50). 
Wnte  to  73  Amateur  Radio  Magazine. 
WGE  Center.  Forest  Road.  Hawock, 
NH  03449. 


T^Amateur 


DECEMBER  1 990 
Issue  #363 


Radio  Today 


TABLE  OF  CONTENTS 


FEATURES 


9  Behold  the  BackPacketl 

Go  take  a  hike  with  packet  radio. 
, NW6H 

19  Upgrade  Your  HD-4040 

KISS  your  Heath  HD-4040  and  keep 

AX.25too! N2BU 

24  The  vox  Plus  HT  Accessory 

Enjoy  base  station  performance 
— witti  your  HTi . . .  WA2EBY 

35  Pack  Your  Seabag,  ''Sparks'' 

Do  you  want  to  be  a  ship's  Radro 
Officer? , N0MM 

54  Audio  Powered  Tape 
Recorder  Controller 

Add  convenience  to  your  ham- 
shack KE0UV 


REVIEWS 


22  Ten-Tec's  Hercules  II 
Model  420 

Turn  your  rig  into  a  550  watt 
transceiver! , . . ,  N4LSJ 

30  The  Lightning  Bolt  Dual-Band 
VHF/UHFQuad 

Two  antennas  in  one  compact 
package ,.*,,.,  WB8ELK 


Take  a  hike!. , .  see  p.  9. 

32  The  PacComm  PSK-1 

Connect  to  the  world  via  the 
MiCFosatsf WA3USG 

38  The  ICOM IC-726 

The  HF+6  road  warrior.  , ,  NIGPH 

40  PT-340  Tuner-Tuner  from 
Palomar  Engineers 

Adjust  your  antenna  tuner  without 
transmitting, *  KA1 LR 

Cover  by  Alice  Scofield 

Cover  Operatfng  portabfe  packet  from 
Monhegan  Isiand,  Maine,  (i  to  r):  Evan 
Cooke.  Adsm  Cooke  and  Mike  "Nuge'* 
Nugent  WBBGLQ.  (Photo  by  Henry 
Levy.) 


DEPARTMENTS 


61  AbQve  and  Beyond 
72  Ad  Index 
64  Ask  Kaboom 

75  ATV 

80  Barter  n'  Buy 
46  Dealer  01  rectory 

76  DX 

17  Feedback  Index 
17  Ham  Profiles 
48  Hams  with  Class 

61  Hamsats 
50  Homing  In 

2  Letters 

56  Looking  West 
4  Never  Say  Die 

60  New  Products 
84  Propagation 
66  ORP 
7  QRX 
04  Random  Output 

57  RTTY  Loop 

76  73  Intern  ati  on  aT 
52  Special  Events 
ea  Ungle  Wayne's 
Bookshelf 

62  Updates 

66  199QAnnijallndex 


ft:kdback... 

Ft:KDBACK! 
It's  like  beinf  tJwfe— 
light  hen  in  our  office^  f 
How?  Jui^t  take  advantage 
of  our  FEEDBACK  canl 
on  page  1  ?.  You'll  notkc 
a  f-Kdback  number  at 
the  beginniiig  ufeach 
article  and  column.  We'd 
like  you  to  mte  whet  ynu 
iTttJ  so  tlikal  UFe  cm  pnnl 
what  lypcs  of  EhJJiigs  you 
likt  best  And  then  we 
will  draw  one  Fecdbttcfc 
c^fd  each  nronlh  for  a 
fwc  subsiCripticHt  to  73 . 


¥ 


Editonal  Offices 

WGE  Center 

Hancock  NH0S449 

phone:  60S-525-4201 


Advertising  Offices 

WGE  Center 

Hancocl(NH  03449 

pfrons:  800-225-5083 


Circulation  Offices 

WGE  Center 

Hancock  NH  03449 

phone :  603-B25-4201 


Manuscripts  Contributions  in  the  form  of  manuscripts  with  draiA^ings  and/or  photographs  are  welcome 
and  ^i^l  be  considered  for  possible  publication  We  can  assume  no  responsibiEity  for  loss  or  damage  to 
arty  mateftal  Please  enclose  a  stamped,  self-addressed  envelope  with  each  submission.  Payment  for  the 
use  ot  any  unsolicited  material  will  be  made  upon  publication.  A  premium  will  be  paid  for  accepted  articles 
that  have  been  submitted  eiectronicaily  (CompuServe  ppn  7031 0,775  or  MCI  Mail' '  WGEPUB"  or  GEnie 
addi^ass  "MAG73")  or  on  disk  as  an  IBM-compatibie  ASCII  file.  Vou  can  also  contact  us  at  the  73  BBS  at 
(603)  525-4438. 300  or  1  £00  baud,  8  data  bits,  no  parity,  one  stop  bit.  All  contributions  should  be  directed 
to  the  73  editorial  offices.  "How  to  Wnte  for  73'^  gutdelinesare  ava»lable  upon  request.  US  citizens  must 
include  their  social  security  numtwr  wiUi  submittecl  manuscripts. 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  (ISSN  1052-2522)  is  pubHshed  monthly  by  WGE  Pjblishfng,  Inc..  WGE 
Cemer.  Forest  Road.  Hancock,  New  Hampshire  03449.  Entire  contents  1990  by  WGE  Publishing,  Inc. 
No  part  of  this  publication  may  be  reproduced  witlioul  written  pefmission  from  the  publisher.  For 
Subscription  Services  write  73  Amateur  Radio,  PO  Bok  56866,  Boulder,  CO  60322-8866,  or  call 
1 '600-2  690388,  \n  CO  call  1-303-447-9330.  The  subscription  rate  is:  one  year  $24.97:  two  yeafs  $39,9? 
Additional  postage  for  Canada  tsS7  GO  and  for  olherloreign  countries.  $19  OD  surface  and  $37.00  airmail 
per  year.  AH  foreign  orders  must  be  accompanied  by  payment  is  US  funds  Second  class  postage  paid  at 
Hancock,  New  Hampshire  aixj  at  additional  mailing  offices  Canadian  secorid  class  in  ait  registration 
number  9566-  Microfilrti  Edition— Uriiversily  Microfilm,  Ann  Arbor.  Ml  48106  Postmaster:  send  address 
changes  to  73  Amsteur  Radio,  PO  Box  58866.  Boulder,  CO  80322^866. 

Contract:  By  being  so  nosey  asio  read  thts  fine  pnni,  you  have  just  entered  irrto  a  binding  agmement 
i*iith  73  Airtaieur  Radio  Today .  You  are  hereby  obligated  to  do  somettitng  nice  for  a  ham  fnend — buy  him 
esubscrlpTion  to  7$.  What?  Ail  of  your  fiam  friends  are  already  subscribers?  Donate  a  subscriplion  to  your 
local  school  iibraryl 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December  1990     3 


«M 


Number  2  an  your  Feedback  card 


Never  sa  y  die 


Wayne  Green  W2NSD/1 


CQ  Owensboro 

Some  i  ale  resting  leriers  tiave  come 
from  Owensboro  (KY)  with  shocking 
news  regarding  W40YI,  the  ARRL  di- 
rector and  his  sycophant  minions  Be- 
fore I  jump  off  the  deep  end  Kd  like  to 
hear  from  other  local  hams  and  OARC 
members  about  what's  been  going  on 
with  the  cfub  and  the  incredible  ctvit 
defense  scandal.  Name$  will  of  course 
be  kepi  in  confidence. 

ARRL  Bashmg?  Me?  Forsooth! 

A  lerter  tn^m  a  Movice  mentioned 
something  about  me  bashing  the 
ARRL . .  and  !he  pmsFdent  of  his  \qcsA 
ham  c^ub  teanng  up  a  letter  from  73  in 
front  of  his  club  members.  You  can 
imagine  what  I  think  of  this  jerk. 

Despite  oonsiderable  pressure  from 
some  directors  to  gat  me  to  hang  ARRL 
dirty  finen  out  for  you,  Tve  tried  to  keep 
my  editortaJ  comments  10  ways  to  im- 
prove the  League,  not  how  to  hurt  it.  1 
have  little  (o  gain  from  bashing  the 
League  and  a  lot  to  gain  from  improv- 
Ifig  it.  This  is  my  hobby  too,  you  know. 

The  next  tme  someone  gripes  about 
me  bashing  the  ARRL  you'M  find  that 
(1J  I've  been  an  active  member  far.  far 
lorrger  than  he  (or  she)  has  (I  have  my 
50-year  pin,  how's  he  doing?).  (2)  I've 
kept  very  close  track  of  the  League  for 
tfie  last  40  years  and  known  most  of  the 
directors,  Ihe  officers  and  the  HQ  peo- 
ple personally.  (3)  I've  been  more  ac- 
tive in  amateur  radio  than  anyone  else 
tn  the  world,  I  believe.  I  say  that  trnm 
the  viewpomt  of  the  hamming  iVe 
done.  .  such  as  DXing  from  over  50 
countries,  working  via  OSCAR,  work- 
ing 350  countries,  pioneering  RTTY, 
repeaters.  NBFM,  SSTV.  and  SSB; 
won  Sweepstakes,  VHF.  DX  and  other 
contests:  built  my  own  gear  for  many 
years:  worked  moonbounce.  seven 
states  on  10  GHz  from  NH,  been  pub- 
lishing ham  mags  for  39  years.  FCC's 
NIAO  member  for  years,  four^ding 
member FCC'sLRPC,  represented  US 
at  ITU  in  Geneva,  have  addressed  ham 
clubs  and  conventions  all  over  the 
world,  etc.  So  why  IS  it  out  ot  place  for 
me  to  make  suggestions  for  ways  the 
ARRL  can  be  improved?  Who  better  in 
the  hobby  knows? 

I  hear  the  inside  dirt  from  disgusted 
ARRL  directors.  I've  heard  the  FCC's 
side  Of  everything  for  the  last  40  years 
loo,  having  talked  with  many  of  the 
Commissioners  personally,  I've  regu- 


larly heard  from  disenchanted  HQ 
staffers. 

Do  you  suppose  that  the  people  in 
the  Industry  know  what's  reaily  going 
on?  You  better  bet  ihey  do.  And  how 
many  of  tfrem  have  yow  talked  with  con- 
fident! ail  y?  I  know  most  of  'em  person- 
ally and  you  It  get  your  eyes  opened  ^f 
you  talk  with  some  of  them. 

Now  tell  me  thts,  whal  do  you  imag^ 
ine  (  have  to  gain  from  bashing  the 
AFtRL?  Tve  heard  that  this  is  supposed 
to  sell  magazines  and  that  Wayne  is 
out  after  the  buck.  1  have  never  heard 
thai  from  anyone  with  an  IQ  in  three 
digits  or  who  actually  knows  me 
.  -  .and  I  don't  expect  lo.  Bashing  ihe 
ARRL  does  not  sell  magazines,  it  just 
makes  blirrdty  loyal  members  so  angry 
they  could  spit.  Mon-memt^ers  rrK>stly 
could  care  less.  There  aren't  many 
ARRL-haters.  .  Just  mostly  lovers  who 
betieve  the  ARRL  can  do  no  wrong 

.  and  then  there  are  about  Iwo-thirds 
of  the  hams  who  really  don't  give  a 
damn  and  realiy  don't  want  to  be  both- 
ered-  Most  dori'l  read  any  ham  maga- 
zines at  alL 

Aboirt  Money 

People  wtio  are  hung  up  ofi  money 
are  to  be  pitied,  1  sure  don't  envy  peo- 
ple who  spend  like  Donald  Trump,  i 
probably  spend  less  money  on  myself 
than  most  of  you.  yet  t  see  ways  to 
make  money  everywhere  I  turn.  There 
are  incredible  opportunities,  once  you 
lune  your  mmd  to  that  wavelength.  I 
could  start  at  least  pne  new,  profitable 
business  every  day. 

Tm  an  entrepreneur,  Afways  have 
been.  When  J  was  12  1  started  a  mail 
order  stamp  business.  If  you  read  more 
than  comic  books  and  OSTyou  know 
that  entrepreneurs  go  into  business  for 
Ihe  fun  of  it  and  few.  if  any,  are  money* 
oriemed.  Oh,  we  know  we  have  to 
make  money  or  we  go  out  of  business, 
so  we  tend  to  make  money.  But  the 
money  is  never  the  goal 

7Jhas  lost  a  little  money  most,  \\  not 
atl,  of  the  30  years  since  I  started  it 
Sure.  I  could  set  the  ad  rates  higher 
and  make  a  profit  .  .or  charge  more 
for  subscriptions. .  but  as  long  as  it 
doesn't  lose  a  lot.  big  deal. )  publish  it 
because  I  enjoy  it. 

When  I  published  computer  maga- 
zines t  put  everything  I  made  right  back 
into  startmg  more  magazines  and  ser« 
vices.  I  published  dozens  of  books. 


hundreds  of  programs,  and  seven 
computer  magazines.  Whenever  it 
looked  as  if  we  might  get  some  money 
ahead  I'd  start  a  new  publication  gr 
service 

r4ow  Im  doing  Ihe  same  thing  again. 
I  recently  listed  some  of  the  new  com- 
panies I've  formed  and  am  forming. 
There  are  even  more  now.  with  only  our 
difficuHy  in  finding  people  slowing  us 
down. 

I've  er>joyed  hamming  for  over  50 
years  and  Td  like  to  be  able  to  continue 
for  what  few  years  I've  probably  got 
left  But  Ihis  means  trying  to  get  you  to 
get  the  ARRL  to  do  what  needs  to  be 
done,  f4ow  tell  me,  do  you  honestly 
think  my  detractors  know  better  what 
needs  to  be  dorte  than  I  do?  Have  they 
done  their  homework?  I  have. 

And  tell  me  agairt  about  how  they  say 
Tm  just  trying  to  get  more  73  sub^ 
scrit^ers  because  of  greed  .  .and  TU 
think  they  are  nitwits.  My  apofogies  to 
the  other  nitwits. 

i  suppose,  if  the  current  ARRL  direc- 
tors have  tfieir  way  and  you  don't  re- 
place them  in  the  next  election,  I  can 
always  get  started  with  some  landline 
bulletin  boards  and  CompuServe  and 
get  more  involved  with  my  Mac  as  a 
substitute,  (t  won't  be  the  same  as 
working  DX  on  20m.  but  it'll  be  fun 
reminiscing  at)out  our  hobby  after  it's 
gone. 

Things  can  move  fast  these  days. 
Look  how  quickly  East  Germany  disap- 
peared. Arvd  how  fast  the  communist 
Eastern  countries  changed!  The  1992 
ITU  conference  will  soon  be  upon  us. 
There  we  will  face  pressures  from  ev- 
ery country  in  Ihe  world  to  gWe  up  our 
bands.  Wilt  we  even  have  the  support 
of  our  own  government?  How  much 
would  you  like  10  bet? 

Friends  tell  me  my  problem  is  that 
Tm  too  much  involved  with  amateur 
radio .  -  -  that  I  care  too  much.  After  all, 
it's  only  a  hobby f  Mayt>e  they're  nght 
and  1  should  spend  more  time  on  other 
things .  .  like  music  and  education. 

Hold  on,  someone's  calling  me  on 
the  repeater. .  gotta  go. 

If  Yqu  Were  President. , , 

Of  the  ARRL.  nOI  America-  .  let's 
not  bite  off  too  much  al  once.  Bush  has 
his  hands  full  with  Iraq,  the  budget  the 
baJance  of  payments,  the  S&L  mes£. 
the  bank  bomb  (Third  World  loans)*  our 
education  debacle  and  so  on. 


4    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


And  we  In  amateur  radio  have  a  dis- 
couraging srtualbn  facing  us.  Here  we 
are  with  large  chunks  of  our  spectrum 
allocations  under  siege  from  every 
quarter.  What  few  of  us  are  left  are 
more  involved  with  fighting  each  other 
than  the  enemy.  If  you  are  going  to  be 
anything  more  than  a  caretaker 
League  president,  arranging  the  deck 
chairs  on  Ihe  Titank:  as  we  sink,  yog 
have  an  awesome  responsibility.  What 
would  you  do? 

Spectrum  needs  are  avalanching 
upon  us.  The  information  Age  means 
communications.  We're  talking  tens  of 
millions  of  personal  telephones  m  shirt 
pockets,  and  that's  just  for  starters. 
The  next  generation  will  be  pocket  per- 
sonal  communications  centers  that  will 
allow  us  to  talk,  handle  voice-forward* 
ed  messages  I  FAX,  snd  even  data  and 
graphics.  We're  talking  major  spec- 
trum needs,  even  with  spread  spec- 
trum commun^qations  and  data-com- 
pacting algorithms. 

Our  delivery  giants  such  as  UPS  and 
Federal  Express  wfll  warn  to  be  able  to 
trace  any  package  right  down  to  the 
truck  it's  on . .  .  instantly.  High  defini* 
lion  television,  digital  sound,  world 
computer  networking,  and  hypermedia 
access  all  mean  more  spectrum 
needs. 

Whal  priortty  would  you  give  a  bunch 
of  testy  old  codgers,  mostly  retired,  al- 
most none  bfack  or  any  other  minority^ 
not  even  many  women ,.  .if  you  were 
going  to  be  fair  m  allocating  spectrum 
for  them  to  while  away  their  few  re^ 
maining  years  instead  Of  watching  TV 
or  playing  golf? 

You  might  want  to  listen  and  see 
what  they're  doing  with  the  billions  of 
dollars  in  frequencies  they're  using. 
Lei's  see  now,  their  most  important 
band,  by  far,  is  20  meters  .  .how's 
that  doing?  This  is  the  band  that  a  hun- 
dred Third  World  countries  would  give 
aJmost  anything  to  use  to  broadcast  to 
their  expatriates  and  keep  them  in 
touch  with  their  homeland. 

You  start  at  the  low  end  of  Ihe  Ameri- 
can phone  band  and  you  hear  the  pile- 
ups.  .  each  with  hundreds  of  crazed 
old  men  calling  and  cursing  each  oth« 
er,  trying  frantically  to  get  through  to  a 
rare  one.  You  hear  the  CaJifornia  *'kilo- 
watts",  .  .which  sound  more  like 
50,000  watts,  all  calling  endlessly  so 
that  no  one  can  even  hear  the  weak  DX 
station.  You  hear  catcalls.  You  hear 
frustration  and  anger,  not  people  hav- 
ing fun. 

Tfre  beleaguered  DX  operator  has 
little  control  of  the  mess  he  has  gener- 
ated and  no  matter  how  he  pleads  for 
cooperation  and  a  chance  to  actually 
talk  with  someone,  the  hordes  are  mer* 
ciless.  This  is  blood.  Thfs  contact  must 
be  made.  Just  give  me  a  signal  report, 
never  mind  your  damned  name,  you 
jerk.  And  break,  break,  who*s  your  OSL 
manager  again? 

W«th  a  stgh  you  tune  up  the  band. 
The  next  SQ  kHz  is  full  of  chirping  carri- 
ers. Slow-scan,  Hmmm,  pinup  pictures 
from  Penthouse  and  Gaftery.  And  one 
chap  with  a  computer  typing  at  about 
three  words  per  miniJte  onto  his  slow- 
scan  raster. 


OU*L  PPBCMUNCT  I^Cftlrvi 


f!     I 


KENWOOD 


mcjrmno    - 


"^•■jnp        y. 


iH,  tnS.OQ^  COS 


!*i  .'  8  S.  J7 

*     #  J        i      A      C      O        • 


NQ  LGVllL 


-*^ 


T»-*Ff        TONB 


pHtlt«« 


I'nmi^PBiiH 


HlC-*-*»Wft 


1 

• 
'man 

\ 

rHBH 

iniH 

^ 

TS-950SD 

The  newTS-950SD  is  the  first 
Amateur  Radio  transceiver  to  utilize 
Digital  Signal  Processing  (DSP),  a 
high  voltage  final  amplifier,  dual 
fluorescent  tube  digital  display  and 
digital  meter  with  a  peak-hold  function 

^  Dual  Frequency  Receive  Function* 

The  TS-950SD  can  receive  two  fre- 
qyencies  simultaneously. 

•  Newl  D^gltai  AF  filter  Synchronized 
with  SSB  IF  slope  tuning,  the  digital  AF 
filter  provides  sharp  characteristics  for 
optimum  filter  response. 

•  New  high  volteoe  final  ampitfier 
50  V  power  transistors  in  the  150-watt 
final  section,  resulting  in  minimum  dis- 
tortion and  higher  efficiency  Fulhpower 
l<ey-down  time  exceeds  one  hour. 

•  Newl  BulH-ln  micropriK^seor 
controlled  automatic  antenna  tuner, 

^  Outstanding  general  coverage      mm 
Receiver  performance  and  sensitivity 
Kenwood's  Dyna-Mix"  high  sensitivity 
direct  mixing  system  provides  incred- 
ible performance  from  100  kHz  to 
30  MHz.  The  Intermodulation  dynamic 
range  is  105  dB, 

•  Famous  Kenwood  Interference 
reduction  circulls.  SSB  Slope  Tuning, 
CWVBT  (Variable  Bandwidth  Tuning), 
CW  AF  tune,  IF  notch  filter,  dual-mode 
noise  blaniter  with  level  control,  4-step 
RF  attenuator  (10. 20,  or  30  dB),  switch- 
able  AGC  circuit  and  all-mode  squelch. 

C-^"  ]^ig  sefviCG  manuals  are  avat^tAa  lof  aH  Kiemvood 

if  J , ,       ■.  -'  ^  ^  n  t  most  ^cessohes. 

Spf'  -miures  and  prtc&i^subiQcimchsnQe  without 


The 
Ultimate 

SignaL 


D/g/ta/  S^naf  Processing 


;i^iul^n 


f\ 


Without  DSP  With  DSP 

•  Diqita*  Siqnat  Processor  DSP  is  a 

state-of-the-art  technique  that  maxi- 
mizes your  transmitted  RF  energy 


•  High  performance  IF  filters  built-in "^ 
Select  various  filter  combinations  from 
the  front  panel.  For  CW  250  and  500  Hz, 
2,4  kHz  for  SSB.  and  6  kHz  for  AM,  Filter 
selections  can  be  stored  in  memory! 

•  MutthDrt¥e  Bmnd  Pbss  F/rter  (BPF) 
circuitry.  Fifteen  band  pass  fflters  are 
available  in  the  front  end  to  enhance 
performance. 


Tk  vUl^QUP 


H  IT>  K  IT 


H.CH/VFQ.OH 


iW  Var-Hi-A'P  ifllT. 


IBB  m.0t*ii  tunft 
.  *  I  *  , 


*  Built-in  TCXO  for  ttie 

♦  Built-in  electronic  keyer  circuit. 

•  100  rnfirtirtr^  ..,jnnet8.  Store  inde- 
pendent transmit  and  receive  frequen- 
cies, mode,  filter  data,  auto-tuner  data 
and  CTCSS  frequency 

*  Digital  bar  meter 

Additional  Features:  •  Built-in  inter- 
face for  computer  control    Program- 
mable  tone  encoder    Built-in  heavy 
duty  AC  power  supply  and  speaker 
Adjustable  VFO  tuning  torque 
Multiple  scanning  functions 
'  MC-43S  hand  microphone  supplied 

Optional  Accessories 

•  DSP*10  Digital  Signal  Processor* 
SO-2  TCXO  *  ^  VS-2  Voice  synthesizer 
YK-88C-1  500  Hz  CW  filter  for  8  83  MHz  IF* 
YG-4 550-1 500  Hz  CW  filter  for  455  kHz  IF* 
VK-88CN-1 270  Hz  CW  filter  for  8.83  MHz  IF 
YG'455CN-t  250  Hz  CW  filter  for 455  kHz  IF* 
YK*88SN-1 18  kHz  SSB  filter  for  8.83  MHz  IF 

^  YG-455S-1  2.4  kHz  SSB  filter  for  455  kHz  tF* 

^  SP-950  Externa]  speaker  w/AF  filter 

"  SM*230  Station  monitor  w/pan  display 

-SW'2100  SWR/power  meter 

-  TL-922A  Linear  amplifier  (not  for  QSK) 

*  Built-  tn  for  the  TS-950SD 
t  Optional  lor  the  TS^950S 

KENWOOD  U.SA.  CORPORATION 

COMMUNICATIONS  &  TEST  EQUIPMENT  GROUP 
P.O.  BOX  22745. 220t  E.  DomthQuez  Street 
Long  Beacfi.  CA  90801-5745 
KENWOOD  ELECTRONICS  CANADA  INC. 
RO.  BOX  1075, 959  Gana  Court 
MEssis^augapOntario<  Canada  l_4T4C2 

KENWOOD 

, . .  pacesetter  in  Amateur  Radio 


144M50  and  144/220  MHz 
FM  Dual  Banders 

•  Extended  receiver  range 
(136.000  -  173.995  MHz)  on  2  m:  70 

■cfn  coverage  is  438.000  -  449  995 
MHz;  1-1/4  m  coverage  is  215  - 
229.995  MHz.  (Specifications  guar- 
anteed on  Amateur  bands  only. Two 
eter  transmit  range  is  144  -  148 
Hz.  Modifiable  for  MARS/CAR 
Permits  requ i red,)  j 

'  Separate  frequency  display  fo 
^maln"  and  *'sub-band: 

•  Versatile  scanning  functions*        ^ 
Dual  scan,  and  carrier  and  time 
operated  scan  stop, 

•  30  mernory  channe  

Stores  everything  you  need  to  make 
operating  easier  Two  channels  for 
"odd  splits: 

•  50  Watts  on  2  m,  35  watts  on  70  cm, 
25  watts  on  M/4  m. 

Approx,  5  watts  low  power 
«  Automatic  oftaet  aeiecllon, 

•  Dual  antenna  ports, 

•  Automatic  Band  Change  (A.B.C.) 
Automatically  changes  between 
main  and  sub*band  when  a  signal 
is  present. 

•  Dual  watch  function  allows  VHF 
and  UHF  receive  simultaneously. 

«  CTCSS  encode/decode  selectable 
from  front  pane*  or  UP/DWN  keys 
on  mfcrophone. 
(Encode  built-in,  optional 
TSU-6  needed  for  decode,) 

•  Balance  control  and  separate 
squelch  controls  for  each  band. 


•  Full  duplex  operation.        y 

•  Dimmerswttc'- 
•  16  key  DTMF/controi  rr 

included. 

•  Frequency  (dial)  lock.  \ 

Optional  AccessoHes: 

•  PG*4H  Extra  interface  cable 
for  IF-20  (for  three  to  four  radios) 

•  PG-4J  Extension  cable  kit  for       ^ 
IF-20  DC  and  audio  ^  PS-430 
Power  supply  •  TSU-6  CTCSS       „     1" 
decode  unit  •  SWT*1  2  m  antenna 
tuner  •  SWT-2  70  cm  antenna  tuner 

•  SP~41  Compact  mobile  speaker 

•  SP-50B  Deluxe  mobile  speaker 

•  PG-2N  DC  cable  -  PG-3B  DC  line 
noise  filter    MC-GOA.  MC-80,  MC-85 
Base  station  mics.  '^  MA-700  Dual 

and  2  m/70  cm  mobile  antenna 
,inount  not  supplied)  •  MB-11  Mobile 
bracket    MC-43S  UP/DWN  handmic. 

•  MC-48B  16-keymWF  hand  mia 

KENWOOD  U.SA  CORPORATraN 

COMMIi^^TIONtS&TEST  EQlltPf/ENT  GROUP 

PO  BO^m^^  ''^^'^  "   -  -.gwezStree! 

LonGBe^c^.C."  ^--i-'.-j--: 

KENWOOD  ELECTRON fCS  CANADA  INC. 

RO,  BOX  t075. 959  GanaCouri 
Missfssauga.  Ontano.  Canada  L-^^  4C2 

KENWOOD 

pacesetter  in  Amateur  Radio 


I^SSPT. 


J^ 


■^•*<.^ 


y  y  I 


*^ 


0*irr»Gfef»  5  •»-".' J  Cf 


.9^*;  3^^^- 


''tj!f  *0r9ii  K^fr4.vnri!r^  i*5f'-^c.^i'/B*'T nrfi  '^r^'f  .^^n^^'-nni 


QRX.  . 


Numlwr  3  on  your  Feedback  c«nl 


EDITED  BY  UNDA  RENEAU  KA 1 UKM 


Radio  Ofllcers  NeediNl 


Radio  officers  are  urgently  needed!  If  you 

have  a  valfd  FGC  radiotelegraph  license  with  a 
6-months  endorsement  (or  one  that  has  not 
lapsed  more  than  five  years),  a  U.S-  Coast 
Guard  license,  and  good  health ;  and  if  you  can 
accept  an  immediate  sea  assignment,  contact 
Mr.  Bernte  Sloller  of  the  ARA  (a  radio  officers 
union)  at  (201)  795^5536.  You  can  also  obtain 
additional  information  from  Mr.  Chhs  Krusa, 
U.S.  Maritime  Administration,  at  (202)  366- 
5755  for  referral  to  a  shipping  company,  As- 
signment will  be  to  a  ship  from  the  ready-re- 
serve fleet.  So  far,  due  to  the  Persian  Guil 
crisis,  40  ships  have  been  activated  and  more 
wilt  be  in  the  near  future.  TNX  WSYI  R&port. 
Vol.  12,  Issue  tfl9.  Also*  see  the  anicle  "Pack 
Your  Seabag,  'Sparks/  ''  in  this  Issue  ol  73. 


FCC  Investigatiofls 


Ttie  FCC's  Field  Operation  Bureau  Is  in- 
vestigating reports  of  interference  wiih  the 
TIKI  distress  call  on  the  maritime  net  frequern 
cy  14.313  MHz  on  the  morning  of  May  t9.  Any 
amateur  radio  stations  with  tapes  of  the  inci- 
dent are  requested  to  mail  them  to  Mr.  John  R. 
Hudack,  FCC  Room  744.  1919  "W  St, 
Washington  DC  20554. 

On  another  matter,  the  FCC  has  asked 
Glenn  Baxter  K1MAN  to  justify  his  praclfce  of 
running  taped  "news"  and  bulletin  transmis- 
sions without  regard  for  QSOs  in  progress  at 
the  time  the  bulletins  begin.  The  FCC  also 
cited  K1MAN  for  improper  identification  and 
running  illegal  phone  patches* 

Concurrently,  it  seems,  KIMAN  sent  the 
FCC  a  notarized  affidavit  charging  KV4FZ, 
who  was  in  contact  with  WD4GDP.  with  refus- 
ing to  relinquish  14.275  for  emergency  logisti- 
cal Red  Cross  medical  traffic  with  a  station  in 
Iran.  The  affidavit  states  there  was  malicious 
and  intentional  interference  later  the  same 
day.  KIMAN  was  quoted  as  saying  that  if  the 
FCC  doesn't  take  some  of  his  recommended 
actions  against  KV4FZ,  WD4PZT,  and  NR6X 
for  repeated  interference,  he  plans  to  take  the 
FCC  to  the  Circuit  Court  of  Appeals  in  Wash- 
ington DC.  Since  Baxtef  KIMAN,  as  the  pro- 
ponent of  AM  modulation,  took  the  FCC 
through  the  courts  to  the  Supreme  Court,  this 
may  be  no  idle  threat.  TNX  B-N-T,  Vol.  18. 
Issue  9,  and  the  Balanced  Modulator,  VoL 
XXV,  No.  9. 


Do  Not  P  Kowalt 


A  QSO  with  a  Kuwaiti  amateur  could  cost 
him  his  freedom  or  his  life.  Accofding  to  a 
message  issued  last  September  by  the  Radio 
Society  of  Great  Britain  via  its  QB2RS  broad* 
casts,  under  no  circumstances  should  you 


hold  a  QSO  with  any  station  operating  from 

Kuwait.  This  is  for  the  Kuwaiti  amateur's 
safety.  The  RSGB  says  that  the  Kuwaiti  Em- 
bassy in  London  requested  Ihem  to  issue  this 
bulletin  to  amateur  operators  woridwide.  It  is 
not  known  if  the  Kuwaiti  ambassador  to  the 
U.S.  made  a  similar  request  to  the  FCC  or 
ARRL.  TNX  WBSilink  Report,  Sep.  28. 1990. 

lyesiionalile  Questions 

Two  questions  in  the  outstanding  pools 
may  cause  problems  in  future  testing.  The 
first  is:  2H-t^.  1  What  emission  designator  de- 
scribes singfe-sideband  suppressed-carrier 
(SSB)  voice  transmissions?  When  this  ques- 
tion was  originally  written,  the  answer  was 
J3E.  of  course.  But  now  that  Part  97  has  t>een 
rewritten,  the  answer  according  to  the  present 
wording  of  the  rules  is  **sideband  phone.** 
Thus,  the  question  now  gives  away  the  an* 
swerf 

The  second  question  is:  4A04.2 How mucft 
farther  does  the  radio-path  horizon  distance 
exceed  the  geometric  horizon?  This  question 
was  originally  released  in  the  fall  of  1986  with 
this  answer  as  correct:  **By  approxfmately  1/3 
the  distance.*'  The  dtstractors  (wrong  an- 
swers) included  ''twice,  1/2,  and  four  times  the 
distance/'  respectively.  Having  reservations 
about  the  answer,  the  ARRL  asked  their  prop- 
agation technical  advisor  (not  on  the  League 
staff)  to  look  into  the  matter.  He  eventually 
determined  that  none  of  the  answers  were 
accurate.  The  Technical  Advisory  Committee 
for  the  Question  Pool  Committee  advises  that 
there  is  not  a  solid  answer  to  the  question  in 
the  frrst  place.  The  committee  believes  at  this 
point  that  the  most  practical  way  to  handle 
both  of  these  questions  is  to  formally  remove 
them  from  the  question  pool.  TNX  Western 
Carolina  Amateur  Radio  SocietyA/EC  Inc, 


Solar  Cycle  22 


Recent  activity  suggests  there's  still 
some  life  left  In  Cycle  22.  During  the  week  of 
August  27t  the  solar  flux  index  soared  to  a 
level  of  317.  The  is  close  to  the  highest  solar 
flux  reading  of  335,  which  occurred  during  the 
second  week  of  July  in  1989.  The  latest  rise 
stayed  above  300  for  six  days,  and  was  ac- 
companied by  several  massive  solar  flares. 

Normally,  a  solarcycle  lasts  about  1 1  years. 
If  the  peak  did  occur  last  summer,  as  some 
suspect,  that  would  put  Cycle  22  on  a  6-year 
schedule.  But  then  again,  since  this  is  only  the 
22nd  solar  cycle  ever  documented,  maybe  we 
don't  yet  know  what  the  ''norm"  is. 

Propagation  expert  Jim  Gray  W1XU  re- 
minds us  Ihat  sunspots  have  t>een  observed 
and  recorded  for  only  250  years,  and  the  sun 
is  several  biltion  years  old.  Since  even  our 
best  records  reveal  only  the  briefest  instant  in 
the  sun's  life,  it's  likely  that  we  have  a  great 


many  surprises  in  store  for  us  regarding  the 
sun's  behavior.  TNX  The  Ground  Wire,  VoL 
IV,  No.  IX,  and  73  "Propagation"  columnist, 
Jim  Gray  W1XU. 


Digital  Audio 


Canada  has  been  testing  DAB — wide- 
spectrum  digital  audio  broadcasting.  First  re- 
ports indicate  quality  far  surpassing  FM 
stereo.  Expert  observers  in  a  specially 
equipped  minibus  reported  superb  audio  with 
no  multipath  distortion,  even  when  traveling  in 
downtown  "canyons'*  and  over  steel  bridges. 
Some  of  the  passengers  even  suspected  trick- 
ery, believing  that  there  was  a  hidden  CD  play- 
er aboard  the  minibus. 

The  transmitter  for  the  first  round  of  tests 
was  a  1  kW  unit  modified  to  operate  on  UHF 
TV  channels  68  and  69.  Many  observers  ex- 
pect DAB  to  eventually  replace  both  AM  and 
FM  broadcast  stations  in  Canada,  and  per- 
haps the  world.  Canadian  broadcasters  are 
looking  for  American  support  at  the  1992 
WARC  Conference  for  a  proposed  digital  ra- 
dio band.  The  desired  spectrum  would  be 
somewhere  between  100  MHz  and  1 .5  GHz. 

It  seems  like  everyone  in  the  world  is  out  to 
get  more  megahertz  at  WARC  '92.  Particular- 
ty  worrisome  to  the  ham  community  are  tech- 
nologies like  DAB  and  High  Definition  TV, 
which  require  very  big  blocks  of  the  spectrum. 
TNX  The  LCARA  Patch,  AARCOVER.  and 
Miles  At^ernathy  N5KOB  for  this  information 
from  Radio  World,  a  magazine  for  commercial 
broadcaster. 


Dldali  Publishing 


Do  you  ever  have  trouble  locating  past 
articles  in  the  ham  magazines?  Some  of  the 
73  staff  ran  into  Didah  Publishing  at  the 
Deeffieid,  New  Hampshire,  hamfest.  In  From 
Beverages  thru  OSCAR— A  Bibliography, 
Didah  has  indexed  every  article  ever  put>- 
lished  in  OST,  CO,  Ham  Radio,  and  73  Maga- 
zine.  It  also  includes  10  years  of  RadCom, 
Updates  are  available  every  Decernber.  The 
entire  data  base  is  available  on  disk  or  mi* 
crofiche.  They  also  provide  printed  lists,  one 
Indexing  over  3400  product  reviews.  You  can 
contact  Didah  Publishing  at  P.O.  Box  7368, 
Nashua  NH  03060-7368.  TeL  (603)  878-3628/ 
883-5152. 


m 


•  It 


.  .  .to  all  our  contributors.  You  can  reach 
us  by  phone  at  (603)  525-4201  or  by  marl  at  73 
Magazine,  Forest  Rd. ,  Hancock  NH  03449;  and 
by  e-mail  on  CompuServe  ppn  7031 0. 775,  MCI 
Mail  *'WGEPUB"  and  the  73  BBS  at  (603) 
525-4438  (300-2400  bps),  8  data  bits,  no 
parity,  one  stop  bit. 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     7 


■^ 


MFJ,  Bencher  and  Curtis  team  up  to  bring  you  America's  most  popular 
keyer  in  a  compact  package  for  smooth  easy  CW 

The  best  of  all  CW  world's  -  a  deluxe  MFJ  Keyer  using  a  Curtis  8044AQM 


MFJ-42ZB 


$134. 


95 


ctiip  in  a  GoiTipact  package  that  fits  right  on  the  8em;heT  lamtjic  paddlet 

Tills  MFJ  Keyer  rs  small  in  size  but  big  in  teatures.  you  get  iamtec  keying, 
adjustable  weight  and  tone  and  front  panel  volume  and  speed  controls  (e&O 
WPM),  dot-dash  memories,  speaker,  sidetone  and  push  button  sefection  of 
automatic  or  seoii-automatic/  tune  modes,  irs  ajso  totally  RF  proof  and  has 
ultra-reliable  solid  state  outputs  ttiat  key  both  tube  and  sotid  state  figs.  Use  9 
volt  battefV  or  1 10  VAC  with  MFJ-t305,  $12.95. 

The  keyer  mounts  on  a  Bencher  paddfe  to  form  a  small  (4-1/8  x  2  5/8  x  5^/z 
inches)  attractive  combination  tiiat  Is  a  pleasure  to  took  at  and  use. 

Tfie  Bencher  paddie  has  adjustable  §old  plated  silver  contacts,  lucite  patldfes. 
chrome  plated  brass  and  a  heavy  steel  base  with  non-skid  feet. 

You  can  buy  just  th€  keyer  assembly,  MFJ-422BX,  for  only  S79-95  to  mount 
on  your  Bencher  paddle. 


Deluxe  300  W  Tuner 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^m 


udicuvi       MFJ-9490  is  the  world's 
Mh^WMU     ^^^^        ^j,^^  ^^  ^^^  p^p 

« 149®*  tuner.  It  covers  1.8-30  MHz, 
gives  you  a  new  peak  and  average  reading 
Cross-Needle  SWR/Wattmeter,  boilT-in 
dummy  load,  6  position  antenna  switch 
and  4:1  balur)  -  in  a  compact  10  x  3  k  7 
Inch  cabinet  Meter  lamp  uses  12  VDC  or 
110  VAC  with  MFJ  1312.  S12.95. 

Antenna  Bridge    ^^^w 

Now  you  can  quickly  '  " 

optimize  your  antenna  for 
peak  performance  with  this 
portable,  totally  self- 
contained  antenna  bridge. 

No  other  equipment 
neetJed  -  take  it  to  your 
antenna  site  Deiermine  It 
your  antenna  is  too  tong  or 
too  shon,  measure  its 
resonate  frequency  and 
antenna  resistance  to  500 
ohms  It's  tlie  easiest,  most 
convenient  way  to  determine 
antenna  pedormance  Built  in  resistance 
bridge,  null  meter,  tunable  osciilator- 
driveii(l.8^30  MHz),  Use  9  V  battery  or 
110  V(iC  with  AC  adapter.  SI 2  95. 


Sufi 


Antenna 


*'World  Radio  TV  Handbook^^  says 
MFJ'1024  is  a  "first  rate  easy-to-operale 
active  antenna  ...  quiet  . .  excellent 
dynamic  range   ..  good  gain  ,    very  low 
noise  i..  bfoad  frequency  coverage 
exceli^t  choice." 

Meym  it  outdoors  away  from  electrical 
noise  fcr  maximum  signal,  minimmn 
ivers  50  KHz  lo  30  MHi. 

Receives  strong,  ctear  signals 
from  all  over  the  world,  20  dB 
attenuator,  gain  control.  ON 
LED.  Swlich  two  receivers  and 
auK  or  active  antenna  6x3x5  ifi. 
Rernoie  untt  has  54  iDth  whip, 
50  ft.  coax  and 
connector,  3x2x4 
in,  Use  12  VDC  or 
110  VAC  with 
MFJ-1312.  $12.95. 


MFM024»129«« 


VHP  SWRA/Vattmeter 

$2909 

Covers  2 
Meters  and 
220  UHl  30  Of  300  Watt  scales.  Also 
reads  relative  field  strengtti  1-170  Mhte 
and  SWR  above  14  MHz.  4^^jc2V4k3  tn. 


MFJ  Coax  Antenna  Switches 

-!1 


$349$ 


MFJ' 1701 


$2^96 


MFJ-1702B 


$599^1*;; 


MF>U04 


Select  any  of  several  antennas  from  your  operating  desk  with  these  MFJ 
Coax  Switches-  They  feature  mounting  holes  and  automatic  grounding  of 
unused  terminals.  They  come  with  MFJ's  one  year  unconditional  guarantee. 
MFJ47Q1,  S34  95  Six  position  antenna  switch.  SO-239  coniiectofs  50-75 
ohm  loads.  2  m  PEP,  1  KW  CW.  Bfack  alum,  cabinet.  10x3x1^^  inches 
MFJ-1702B,  $21.95.  2  positions  pfus  new  Center  Ground.  2.5  KW  PEP.  1  KW 
CW.  Insertion  loss  below  2  dB,  50  dB  isolation  at  45{l  MHz.  50 ohm.  3x2x2 m. 
MFJ-1704,  S59.95  4  posriton  cavity  switch  with  lighten mg/surge  protection 
device  Center  ground.  2  5  KW  PET^,  1  KW  CW.  Low  SWR.  Isolation  better 
than  50  dB  at  500  MHz.  Negligible  loss,  50  ohm.  6y4x4V4XlV4  in. 

*'Dry"  Dummy  Loads  for  HFA^HF/UHF 


12/24  Hour  LCD  Clocks 


fi^i 


*i9*®  MFj-ioee   ^9*^*  mfj  1079 

Huge  5/8  inch  bold  LCD  digits  let  you 
see  the  time  from  anyvvtiere  in  your 
shack.  Choose  from  the  dual  clock  that 
has  separate  UTC/locai  time  display  or  the 
single  24  hour  ham  clock. 

Mminted  in  a  oms4)ed  aluminum  frame. 
Easy  to  set  The  world's  most  popular 
ham  clocks  lor  accurate  logs.  MFJ-103B 
4^/^x1x2: MFJ -1078  2V4Xlx2  in. 

SWRA/Vattmeter  *®®^® 


Cross-Needle 


MFJ-26QB    ^^^^p  IVIFJ'262   HB^^^^  IVIFJ^264 

S289S  ^^^^  S69&s^^^^  tSS" 

NIFJ  has  a  full  line  of  dummy  toads  to  suit  your  nee<Js.  Use  a  dummy  load 
for  tuning  to  reduce  neediess  (and  illegal)  QRM  and  save  your  finals, 
MFJ-250B.  $23.95,  VHF/HF,  Air  cooled,  non  inductive  50  ohm  resistor.  SO-239 
connector.  Handles  300  Watts.  Run  luli  load  for  30  seconds,  derating  curve  to 
5  minutes.  SWR  less  mm  1.3:1  to  30  MHz,  t.5:l  to  150  MHz.  2'/iy5^^«7  in. 
MFJ-262,  S69.95  HF.1  KW.  SWB  less  than  1.5:1  to  30  MHz,  3x3x13  in. 
MFJ^264,  SI 09, 95.  Versaliie  UHF/VHF/HF  1,5  KW  load.  Low  SWR  lo  650 
MHz.  usable  to  750  MHz.  Run  100  watts  for  10  minutes,  1500  watts  for  10 
seconds  SWR  is  1J:1  to  30  MHz,  beiow  1,3:1  to  650  MHz.  ^3x7  inches. 

MFJ  Ham  License  Upgrade  Theory  Tutor 

MFJ  Theory  Tutor  practacally  guarantees  you'll  pass 
the  theory  part  of  any  FCC  ham  license  eitam  Versaliie 
MFi  54)ftware  is  the  best  computer  tutor  ever  tajlor-made 
for  ham  radio  You  can  stiidy  the  ^ti^  F€C  CHiestion 
pcK}<,  selected  areas  and  take  lof  print)  sample  tests. 
Auto,  saves  each  study  session  lex,  sample  tests),  gives 


you  all  FCC  test  graphics  (ex,  mono.),  explanalions  of 

laFoptioft  I 
MFJ^1612-Geii.;  MFJ  teta-Adv.,  MFJ-lStd  El.  fo^  IBM  conifiailMe.  For  MacinU)sit;MFj- 


lard  questions,  popup  calculator  weighted  scoring 
tfj-  "  " -     -     -    - 


itimly^S.  Dolof  change  optiort  and  rtiore   Order  Mfj-tB^OIHivict,  MFJ-l6iMech. 


163(HJ:  Riff  J- 1631 L  MFJ-16324i.  Mf  J-IKB-A;  MFi-ieSlE.  $29,95  per  license  dass 

MFJ  Speaker  Mies      "^'Tm^^'^ 

HFJ'scompact  Speaker/Mics  iet  you  carry  your  HT  on  your 
belt  and  never  tiave  to  remove  it  to  monitor  caDs  or  tafk 

You  get  3  wide  range  speaker  and  first-rate  electret  mic 
element  tor  superb  audio  on  both  transmit  and  receivt?. 

Earphene  jack,  handy  iapef/pocket  clip,  PTT.  lightweight 
retractable  cord.  Gray.  One  year  unconditional  guarantee, 

MFJ-2fl4  fits  ICOM.  Yaesu,  Santec  MFJ-286  fns  Kenwood. 

MFJ-1278  Multi-Mode  Data  Controller 

MFj-1278       Use  computer  to  transm^/ 
®279®^  receive  in  all  9  digital  mod^: 
Packet,  AMTOR.  feCII.  CW. 
RTTY,  FAX,  SSTV,  Contest  Memory  Keyer  and  Mavtex  receive  Easy-Mat!™ 
Personal  Mailbox,  Built-in  primer  port,  20  LED  tuning  indicator,  AC  power 
supply,  Host/KiSS.  32K  RAM,  IVIulti-gray  level  FAX/SSTV  modem.  CW  key 
paddle  lack  and  ions  moie  Options  include  2400  baud  modem  (MFJ-24O0. 
S79  95}  and  software  starter  packs  with  comptrler  cables,  S24^  each,  for 
IBM  compatible.  Commodore  S4/t28,  Macintosh  and  VIC'20. 

CIRCLE  86  ON  REAOE^  SERVICE  CARD 


MFJ  Cross- 
Needle  SWR/ 
Wattmeter  has 
a  new  peak 
reading  func- 
tion! !i  shows  you  SWR,  forward  and 
reelected  power  in  2000/500  and  200/50 
watt  rang^  Covers  1.8-30  MHz. 

Mechanical  zero  adjusts  for  movement 
SO-239  connectors.  Lamp  uses  12  VDC 
or  110  VAC  with  MFJ -1312,  $12  95. 

Deluxe  Code  Practice 

Oscillator 

MFJ  557 

S24»s 

MFJ-557  Deluxe  Code  PrKlice  Oscillator 
has  a  Morse  key  and  oscillator  unit 
mounted  together  on  a  heavy  stee!  base 
so  it  stays  put  on  your  table.  Portabte 
because  it  mns  on  a  9-voJl  battery  (not 
included)  or  an  AC  adapter  ($12.95)  ttiat 
plugs  into  a  jack  on  ttie  side. 

Earphone  jRck  for  private  practice. 
Tone  and  Volume  controls  for  a  wide 
range  of  sound.  Speaker.  Key  has 
adjustable  contacts  and  can  be  hookeif  to 
your  transmitter.  Sturdy.  a'/fex2V4x3V4  in. 

AC  Volt  Monitor  s^ggs 

Prevenl  damage  to  r^g, 
computer  Of  other  gear. 
Monitor  AC  line  voltage 
for  potentiaily  damaging 
power  surge  or  brown  out 
corKfitions.  Expanded  9S- 
135  voti  2'COtor  scale.  Rues  into  any  AC 
outlet.  2%  accuracy  ZV^xPA^V/z  in. 

Nearest  Dealer/Orders:  800-647-1800 

MFJ  ENTERPRISES,  INC. 

Box  4d4,  M^.  State,  MS  39762 
leoi)  323-5869,  FM:  (SOI)  323-6551 
TELIX:  Sa  4590  MFJ  STKV 

*  One  year  uncundillonal  guarantee  •  30  day 
moaey  faadi  guaiantee  iiess  s/h)  on  orders 
from  MFJ  *  Add  S6.00  each  s/h  •  FREEcal^ 
MFJ  .  .  .  making  quality  affordable 

u.}  19S0  ta^i  Enttnpflus,  liK 


Mumber  4  on  your  Feedback  card 


Behold  the  BackPacket! 

Go  take  a  hike  with  packet  radio. 

by  Jon  Trent  Adams  NW6H 


I'm  an  explorer,  so  I  enjoy  amateur  radio 
partly  because  of  the  security  and  com- 
panionship i[  affords  me  when  I  journey  out 
alone  into  the  badlands  of  the  Southwest. 
Whether  Fm  away  from  home  for  just  a 
night,  for  a  weekend,  or  for  a  week  or  tw^o  at  a 
time,  I  always  try  to  carry  along  some  piece 
of  equipment  that  will  let  me  {or  at  least  let  me 
attempt  to)  communicate  with  local  hams,  or 
even  with  my  friends  back  home. 

Carrying  a  little  HF  rig  around  is  pos&ible, 
but  stuffing  a  TH7DX  and  power  supply  into 
a  suitcase  is  a  bit  difficuh.  The  AC  cord  is 
always  a  bear.  In  the  Southwest,  at  least » I  can 
carry  a  VHF  or  UHF  handheld  radio  that 
mually  lets  me  communicate  locally— and 
sometimes  all  ihe  way  back  to  Los  Angeles* 

Sofnettmes  It  Gets  Lonciv  Out  There 

Not  that  1  usually  have  very  much  to  say— 
rd  just  like  to  know  if  the  house  is  still  stand* 
ing,  perhaps  try  to  set  up  a  schedule  on  40 
meters  with  friends  back  home,  or  maybe 
yak,  jusi  for  the  novetiy  of  ii,  from  some 
remote,  isolated  slab  of  sandstone  near 
Moab,  Utah,  or  from  atop  a  big  btock  of 
ancient  txrean  reef  in  West  Texas.  Of  course, 
underlying  all  these  whimsical  desires  is  the 
true  purpose:  To  be  able  to  provide  reliable 
communications  at  a  moment's  notice  from 
any  weird  location  I  find  myself  in. 

What's  the  best  way  of  doing  this?  1  could 
carry  a  QRP  40  meter  CW  rig.  I  could  set  up  a 
station  in  a  hurry  with  a  small  10  wan  radio,  a 
battery  and  a  long  piece  of  wire,  Then,  as- 
sudung  that  an  operator  can  be  found  out 
there  in  the  QRM  and  N  to  hear  my  weak 
station,  we  might  be  able  to  communicate. 
Bui  I  might  not  be  able  to  work  locally,  I 
might  not  be  able  to  battle  the  big  guns  suc- 
ces^iiilty .  I  would  have  to  be  at  the  equipment 


Photo  A.  T7w  individual  components  of  ihe 
BackPacket. 


Photo  B.  Carving  the  foam  for  a  snug  fit. 

when  the  messages  came  in  and,  of  course, 
operate  the  equipment  when  a  message  need- 
ed to  be  sent  repeatedfy  to  get  through  the 
chaff  {Yd  also  have  to  bone  up  quite  a  bit  on 
my  decidedly  poor  CW  fist  and  ear,)  Not  a 
good  solution  for  my  predicament. 

Enter  Packet  Radio 

Packet  provides  a  mode  of  communications 
liiat  is  relatively  automatic  and  error-free. 
Given  that  there  are  now  packet  radio 
digipeaters  in  most  parts  of  the  Southwest 
(even  in  the  wilds  of  Springerville,  Arizona, 
and  Pecos,  Texas)  there  exists  (in  theory)  a 
possible  method  for  me  to  get  information 
back  and  forth  between  almost  any  two  far- 
flung  points.  Since  I  picked  up  my  first  TNC, 
linle  more  than  a  year  ago,  I  have  seen  the 
activity  on  packet  grow  and  expand  into  a 
somewhat  viable  network. 

\  needed  a  prototype  mobile  terminal  to  get 
into  the  system  and  lest  the  concept.  My  first 
attempt  was  with  an  MFJ-1270  TNC.  I 
bought  a  little  Epson  PX-8  laptop  computer, 
complete  with  built-in  telephone  modem, 
tape  drive*  serial  ports  and  RAM  disk.  In  my 
truck  I  installed  the  TNC,  a  Yaesu  FT-209 
handheld  2  meter  radio  with  mobile  charger, 
and  a  quarter-wave  mag-mount  antenna  stuck 
on  the  fender  and  dedicated  to  that  radio. 
With  a  custom-made  cable  harness  and  dash- 
mounted  interface  box,  I  had  a  mobile  packet 
station  that  allow  ed  me  to  use  either  the  hand- 
held, low-power  radio  or  the  25  watt  mobile 
radio  for  the  packet  station. 

There  it  was!  My  first  mobile  packet  station 
(don't  type  while  you  drive)!  A  moderate 
success,  limited  only  by  the  5  watt  output  of 


the  FT-209  and  the  horrible  amount  of  2 
meter  interference  generated  by  the  TNC. 
Bui  I  was  able,  in  my  short  two  week  vacation 
through  the  Southwest,  to  keep  in  touch  with 
the  local  packeieers  and,  occasionally,  the 
hams  back  home.  In  fact.  I  generated  quite  a 
few*  of  the  local  contacts  {o\xx  there*  local  is 
within  two  hundred  miles)  simply  by  trans- 
mitting a  beacon  through  the  nearest 
dig ipe ate r  with  beacon  texts  like:  ''Hoi a  from 
NW6H  mobile  on  US  60  near  Datil,  New 
Mexico,"  It  was  like  shooting  fish  in  a  bar- 
rel—I  lured  them  in  with  those  names  of  ex- 
citing, exotic  places* 

My  friend  Greg  Noneman  WB6ZSU  was 
on  vacation,  driving  from  Los  Angeles  to 
Denver  and  back.  He  installed  a  similar  sta- 
tion in  his  ir^ick.  With  it  (relying  occasion- 
ally on  40  meters— at  that  time  the  packet 
digipeaters  in  New  Mexico  were  few  and  far 

Confimted  on  page  12 


Photo  C  Operating  position  when  using  the 
laptop  computer. 


Photo  D.  The  BackPacket  ready  for  the  hike. 
73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December.  1990     9 


I 


The  Morse  Machine 
MM*3  Keyer 

Tlie  Morse  Machine  has  aft  the  features 
you  need  in  a  memory  keyer,  including 
2 10  99  WPM  speed  selection  and  over 
8.000  characters  of  soft-partitioned 
memory.  Twenty  memories  store  your 
messages.., as  short  or  as  long  as  you 
like.  Memory  can  be  expanded  to 
36pOOO  characters,  All  memory  is  backed 
up  by  an  inlemal  lithium  battery. 

Comprehensive  Morse  training  facitities 
are  built-in,  A  Proficiency  Trainer  for 
random  code  group  practice,  A  Random 
Word  Generator  which  generates  tour- 
letter  words  and  A  QSO  Slmulatof  whicti 
albws  you  to  call  stations,  answer  a  CO 
or  listen  to  realistic  on-the-air  QSO's. 

The  MM-3  also  features  aulomattc 
serial  number  insertion  and  increment- 
ing in  any  memory  message    Use  the 
front  panel  knob  to  adjust  your  sending 
speed  or  enter  a  precise  speed  with  the 
keypad,  toggfing  between  the  two  at  any 
time.  Exchafiges  can  be  expedited  by 
having  parts  of  your  message  sent  at  a 
higher  speed.  You  can  even  add  remote 
switches  for  four  of  the  memories  to  send 
your  response  or  call  CQ.  The  MM-3  can 
also  be  programmed  for  automatic  beacon 
use.  The  RS-232  compatible  serial  I/O 
port  provides  computer  control  of  the 
MM-3  and  monitoring  of  the  Morse 
training  features. 


-fl0^ 


1 1 


J^^K.  ...Brings  You  A 


PK^8 

Packet  Radio  TNC 

Unique  operating  features  wfth  a 
proven  hardware  and  software  design 
make  AEAs  PK-B8  your  best  choice  in 
packet  radio-now  with  MailDrop,  an 
8KByte  efficient  personaf  Mailbox,  The 
PK-BS  also  allows  multiple  single  frequency 
QSO'St  digipeating  and  networKing,  Its  a 
superb  v^ue,  packed  with  aH  the  most 
needed  packet  radio  features  such  as 
direct  interface  capability  with  NET/ROM 
and  TCP.''1P.  In  addition  to  all  the  fea- 
tures of  a  "standard"  TNC.  the  PK-88 
offers  features  not  found  in  any  other 
TNC: 

•  WHYNOT  command  -  Shows  reasons 
why  some  received  packets  are  not 
displayed. 

•  "Packet  Dump  Suppression" 

-  Prevents  dumping  unsent 
packets  on  the  radio  channel  when 
the  link  fails. 

•  CUSTOM  Command  -  Allows  limited 
PK-83  customization  for  non-standard 
applications. 

•  Enhanced  MBX  command- 
Permits  display  of  the  data  in 

I-  and  Ul-frames,  without  packet 
headers  and  without  packet  headers 
or  retried  frames. 

•  Enhanced  MPROTO  command 

-  Suppresses  display  of  non-  ASCII 
packets  from  Level  Three  switches 
and  network  nodes. 


^ 


^^ 


PK-232MBX  Mutti-Mode 
Data  Controller 

With  over  40,000  units  sold  worldwide, 
the  PK-232MBX  is  the  world^s  leading 
multi-mode  data  corrtroHer.  Combining 
afl  amateur  data  communication  fT>odes  in 
one  comprehensive  unit,  the  PK-232MBX 
offers  Morse  Code.  Baudot,  ASCII, 
AMTOR/SITOR  476  and  625>  HF  af>d 
VHF  Packet.  WEFAX  receive  and  trans- 
mit. TDM,  as  well  as  commefdal  standard 
NAVTEX  automated  marine  information 
services. 

All  software  is  on  ROM, 

•  20  front  panel  status  and  mode  LED 
indicators 

•  RS-232  compatible 

•  Exclusive  SI AM"^"^  Signal  Identification 
and  Acquisition  Mode 

•  TDM  Trme  Division  Multiplex  decoding 

•  PakMail™  mailbox  with  selective  con- 
trol of  third- party  traffic 

•  FAX  printing  -  supports  most  printers 

•  Two  radio  ports 

•  Host  mode  for  efficient  program  con- 
trol of  the  PK^232MBX 

•  KISS  mode  for  TCP/IP  networking 
protocol  compatibility 

•  32K  RAM  lithium  battery-backed 

•  Many  features  for  the  digital  SWL 


IsoLoop™  14-30  MHz 
Compact  HF  Antenna 

AEA  brings  you  the  breakthrough  in 
compact  HF  antenna  design  with  its 
high-performance,  low-pfofile  IsoLoop 
HF  antenna.  Designed  specifically  for 
hams  with  limited  space  or  antenna 
restrrctians.  the  32"-square  IsoLoop 
covers  all  frequencies  from  14  to  30 
MHz,  at  up  to  150  watts  continuous. 

No  ground  radials  are  needed  and  its 
balanced,  shielded  feed-loop  isolates 
the  antenna  from  the  feedline.  This  en- 
sures that  your  stgna!  is  radiated  by 


the  antenna,  not  the  feedline.  whfch 
heips  eliminate  TVI  and  stray  RF  rn  the 
shack. 

The  inherent  hi-0  of  the  IsoLoop 
makes  it  like  a  very  sharp  tunable  filter 
that  radiates.  The  narrow  bandwidth 
suppresses  harmonics  from  your  trans- 
mitter, and  also  attenuates  out-of-band 
signals  that  could  overload  your 
receiver. 

The  omni-directionaJ  IsoLoop  makes 
an  excellent  attic  or  balcony  antenna, 
and  because  it  weighs  only  12  pounds 
is  also  perfect  for  portable  use. 


it 

I 
I 


Advanced  Electronic  Applications,  Inc.  2006- 196th  St.  sw/p.o.  Box  21 60  Lynnwood,  wa  98036  206-775-7373 


CIRCU  eS  ON  REAOES  SEAVtCC  CAfA 


Better  Experience 


«« 


DL-1500 

D&650  Mb  Up  to  ISOO  MMIs 

AEA's  dry  dummy  load  simulates  a 
perfect  50  ohm  antenna  up  to  650  MHz 
so  you  can  test  your  transmitter  without 
radiating  a  signal  on  the  air* 

•  DC-650  MHz 

•  Simulates  matched  50  ohm  transmis- 
sion line  to  test  your  transmitter 

•  Handles  short-term  RF  power  up  to 
1 500  watts 

•  VSWR  of  less  than  1 .3:1  at  650  MHz 

•  Compact  and  lightweight 


10    30 


40     SO     60 
Seconds 


120  300  aOO 


Air  cooled  dry  toad 

Wott* 
1500- 

t250 

1000^ 

750^ 

] 

PC 

\ 

>W€ 

rC( 

ape 

]bil 

ity 

1 

250- 
100- 

^ 

^ 

Hi 


0ff^ 


'ofi^ 


&^ 


ET-^1  Antenna  Tuner 

300  WMte  of  AltBand  Tiitring 

Meet  your  match  with  AEA's  new  ET*1 
Econo- Tuner™.  A  quality  economical 
antenna  tuner  for  under  $1 50-  the  ET-1 
Econo-Tuner  is  designed  to  match 
virtually  any  receiver,  transmitter  or 
transceiver  from  1 ,8  to  30  MHz  with  up 
to  300  watts  of  RF  power 

Compatible  with  almost  ANY  antenna 
including  verticals,  dipoles,  inverted 
vees,  beams  and  mobile  whips  that  are 
fed  by  coax  cable,  balanced  lines  or  a 
single  wire.  For  easy  connectjon  to 
balanced  lines,  a  4:1  baJun  is  buHt-in. 

A  front  panel  switch  control  allows  you 
to  switch  between  two  coax-fed  antennas 
{direct  or  through  the  tuner).  You  can  also 
switch  to  a  balanced  line  or  wire  anten- 
na. The  BYPASS  position  allows  you  to 
swtch  to  a  dummy  load  (such  as  AEA's 
DL-1 500  dry  dummy  load)  or  a  direct 
connected  coax  antenna.  In  the 
BYPASS  position,  COAX  1  OUT  or 
COAX  2  OUT  can  be  selected  so  that 
the  tuner  is  bypassed,  but  not  the  meter 
circuit 

The  ET-t  features  a  precision  duaJ- 
movemenl  meter  to  simultaneously 
monitor  power  af>d  SWR- 

Unique  engineenng  designs  have 
made  AEA  one  of  the  leading  innovators 
in  the  amateur  radio  industry.  That  same 
quality  and  superior  technical  support 
make  the  ET-1  your  best  deal  for  an 
antenna  tuner. 


IsoPole    OinnHliractionai  VHF 

and  yHF  Base  Stabofi  Antennas 

An  outstanding  mechanh 
cal  and  electricai  design 
make  the  IsoPole  the  best 
choice  for  an  economical 
cm ni -directional  VHF  or 
UHF  base  station  antenna. 
All  IsoPole  antennas  yield 
the  maximum  gain  attainable 
for  their  respective  lengths 
and  a  zero  degree  angle 
of  radiation  which  puts  the 
most  signal  on  the  horizon. 
Exceptional  decoupfjng 
resulfs  Ijx  simple  tuning 
and  a  significant  reduction 
in  TVI  potentJaf.  Decoupling 
cones  offer  great  efficiency 
over  obsolete  radiais  which 
radiate  in  the  horizontal 
plane.  The  IsoPoles  also 
have  a  broader  frequency 
coverage  than  any  com- 
parable antennas.  Typical 
SWR  is  1.4  to  1  or  better 
across  the  entire  band  I 

All  mounting  hardware  is 
stainless  steel.  The  decou- 
pling cones  and  radiating 
elements  are  made  of  cor- 
rosion-resistant aluminum 
alioys,  Aerodynamic  cones 
are  the  only  appreciable 
wind  load  and  are  attached 
directly  to  the  support 
(a  standard  TV  masl.  not 
supplied). 

IsoPoles  are  ideal  for  packet  radb. 
The  decoupling  cones  stop  computer 
hash  picked  up  by  the  outer  shield  of 
the  coaxial  cable  from  being  passed  to 
the  receiver 


\ 


AEA'S  New  ATV  SyMem 

Add  a  new  dimension  to  your 
amateur  radio  communications  with 
AEA's  Amateur  Television  (ATV)  sys- 
tem. If  you  hold  at  least  a  tech- 
nician-class license,  you  can  trans- 
mit and  receive  live  or  taped  audio 
and  video  Fast-Scan  TV  (FSTV)  in- 
formatron  that  rivals  broadcast 
quality.  Now  you  can  share  nnore 
than  conversation  over  the  air  with 
this  new  mode  of  "personal  com- 
munications." 


It's  Easy  and  Inexpensive.  If  you 

have  a  video  camera  or  camcorder  and 
a  standard  TV  set.  you  may  already 
own  the  most  expensFve  components  of 
an  ATV  system.  AEA's  ATV  system 
includes  a  Iranscerver  and  antenna. 
Simpfy  connect  the  camera,  TV  and  the 
antenna  to  the  transceiver,  and  you're 
on  the  air  LIVE  with  one  watt  PER!  If 
you  want  to  broadcast  with  more  power, 
AEA  also  offers  a  50  watt  mast-mounted 
linear  amplifier  and  GaAsFET  preamp 
with  power  supply.  Your  TV  set  will 
monitor  your  transmitted  and  received 
pictures. 
Amplifier  Now  Available. 


Specificotiom  subject  to  change  without  notice  or  obfigotion.  Dealer  inquiries  invited.  Copyright  1990 

CIRCLE  6S  ON 


\ 


I 


n 


s 

t 

i 


4 


J 


} 


I 


CIRCLE  65  ON  READER  S£RVK;E  CARD 


Cmttinuedfrom  page  9 

bctweeo)  he  and  I  were  able  to  leave  mes- 
sages wiih  one  anoiher.  We  even  scheduled  a 
rendezvous  in  Roswell,  New  Mexico,  at  the 
local  Dairy  Queen! 

This  success  spurred  me  onward,  I  was 
ready  for  the  big  lime.  By  now,  most  of  our 
Jiitle  group  of  packeteers  were  packet- 
mobile,  some  always,  others  on  an  hour's 
notice.  We  decided  to  stretch  our  muscles. 

The  First  Public  Experiment 

Our  dedicated  group  of  bit-bangers  were 
invited  by  the  organizers  of  the  ** Angeles 
Crest  100  Mile  Endurance  Run"  to  put  lo- 

geiher  a  packet  radio  demonstration  by 
providing  an  alternate,  redundjmt,  and  com- 
pletely experimental  route  for  important 
status  and  welfare  cominunications  for  the 
n^rly  sixty  runners  in  the  race.  This  ultra- 
marathon  foot  race  was  held  in  Sepiember 
1 987  in  the  San  Gabriel  mountains  above  Los 
Angeles.  The  packet  stations,  spread  out  over 
the  course  of  the  race,  were  set  up  to  pass 
runner  times  and  location  information  to  our 
main  database  computer  at  race  headquar- 
ters, where  Search  and  Rescue  personnel 
would  be  able  to  monitor  the  runners'  pro- 
gress. 

I  found  that  generally  the  information  col- 
lected via  our  network  was  available  at  race 
headquarters  more  quickly  via  our  fledgling 
packet  network,  set  up  that  weekend,  than 
when  it  was  sent  on  the  established  voice 
network  that  we  paralleled.  Our  system  did 
not  work  perfectly,  but  at  least  it  proved  that 
the  ability  was  there* 

I  called  it  another  success.  After  the  race, 
our  group  realized  that  what  was  really  tieed- 
ed  was  a  dedicated  digipeater  or  tw^o  placed  in 
ideal  spots  on  isolated  mountain  peaks  where 
there  was  no  access  except  by  foot.  Perhaps 
we  could  also  add  a  few  terminals  a  couple  of 
miles  from  any  power  or  vehicular  access. 
These  devices  would  need  to  be  robust,  easily 
transportable,  and  fully  self-contained.  It 
wouldn't  be  easy  to  lug  a  bunch  of  radio 
equipment  up  a  four-mile  trail  in  a  briefcase. 
It  had  to  be  packaged  correctly. 

Enter  the  BackPacket! 

The  BackPacket  consists  of  a  PacComm 
Micropower-2  TNC,  an  Epson  PX-8  laptop, 
a  Yaesu  FT-203  handheld,  a  7  amp-hour 
sealed  lead -acid  battery,  all  encased  in  a  very 
sturdy  Ensolite  laminate  in  a  JanSpon  day 
pack.  The  external  pockets  of  the  BackPacket 
hold  antennas,  connectors,  chargers,  extra 
cable,  maps  and  other  necessities.  This  ts 
important  because  it  lets  you  grab  the  bag  in  a 
hurry  without  having  to  remember  all  the 
little  parts  that  usually  get  lef^  behind. 

When  operating  just  as  a  digipeater  it  has  a 
lifetime  of  nearly  four  days;  when  used  as  a 
terminal  it  has  sufficient  battery  life  for  any- 
where from  one  to  three  days,  depending  on 
the  duty  cycle  of  the  terminal. 

What  is  the  most  critical  problem  when 
atiempnng  to  assemble  something  like  this? 
Number  one  on  the  list  is  RFI— radio  fre- 
quency imcrfercnce!  l^t's  face  it— the  digital 
world  and  the  analog  world  (TNCs,  laptop 
computers  and  radio  transceivers)  are  quite 


incompatible.  The  common  cure  for  RFi 
complaints  involves  bypassing  and  shielding. 
When  that  doesn't  work,  the  next  step  is  to 
put  separations  between  the  interacting 
equipment. 

The  first  two  methods  can  help  some,  but 
the  shielding  can  add  extra  weight,  something 
I  don't  need  here.  Separation  is  an  impossibil- 
ity because  of  the  al  ready -defined  space  of 
the  day  pack.  The  only  other  possibility  is 
orientation:  sometimes  a  few  extra  dBs  can  be 
squeaked  out  there. 

Constructing  the  BackPicket 

The  BackPacket^s  components  are  encased 
in  a  laminated  sandwich  of  Ensolite,  the  ma- 
terial used  for  sleeping  bag  pads-  This  materi- 
al is  a  '^  inch  thick  closed  celL  den^«  flexible 
foam  that  is  available  from  most  camping 
supply  stores  and  is  used  to  pad  hips  and 
shoulders  when  used  as  a  sleeping  pad.  It  also 
provides  excellent  protection  for  the  laptop, 
TNC,  radio  and  battery. 

My  first  step  was  to  find  a  proper  pack,  I 
spent  several  weeks  lurking  around  the  vari- 
ous backpacking  shops  in  Los  Angeles,  at- 
tempting to  find  a  sturdy,  durable  bag  that  not 
only  had  enough  physical  volume  to  hold  the 
parts  but  also  had  external  pockets,  gussets 
and  other  widgetry  so  that  all  vital  accessories 
could  be  carried  as  pan  of  the  package. 

Unfortunately,  almost  all  of  the  bags  I 
looked  at  weren*t  designed  for  my  purpose, 
(Don't  these  guys  ever  think  of  carrying  a 
laptop  computer  and  a  15 -pound  battery 
around?)  I  considered  briefly,  then  discard* 
ed^  the  idea  of  building  my  own  custom  bag.  I 
also  looked  at  the  plethora  of  camera  bags. 
Most  of  these  w^erc  not  deep  enough  to  hold 
the  computer,  and  all  were  frightfully  expen- 
sive, (i  figure  that  the  camera  bag  manufac- 
turers know  that  you*ve  gotta  be  rich  to  buy 
these  fancy  modern  cameras,)  Also,  a  back- 
borne  bag  would  be  easiest  to  carry  and 
would  leave  my  hands  free;  a  camera  bag 
flops  around  too  much.  1  realized  that  most 
bags  would  require  extensive  modification  to 
suit  my  needs. 

1  finally  found  a  reasonable  bag  made  by 
JanSpon:  the  Super  Sack.  This  bag  had  just 
enough  internal  volume  to  hold  all  the  re- 
quired equipment  and  not  much  more.  At  the 
least-protected  points  there  would  be  no  less 
than  a  half-inch  of  foam  between  any  compo- 
nent and  the  outside.  The  bag  is  made  of 
Cordura,  a  very  tough,  heavy  nylon  weave. 
Leather  gussets  and  bosses  are  sewn  on  the 
bag  at  various  places  as  attachment  points  and 
there  are  two  long  vertical  pockets  aside  the 
main  pack  body.  The  entire  base  of  the  bag  is 
made  from  a  single  piece  of  heavy,  top-grain 
cowhide.  It  looked  like  a  very  durable  bag* 
So,  it  came  home  with  me. 

I  needed  a  template  showing  the  internal 
shape  of  the  bag.  The  pack  body  itself  js 
somewhat  tear-shaped.  I  made  a  rough  mea* 
surcment  of  the  interior,  cut  a  piece  of  heavy 
cardboard  slightly  oversized,  then,  through 
successive  fittings,  pared  the  cardboard  down 
to  size. 

Using  the  template,  I  cut  12  pieces  of  En- 
solite  in  this  shape.  At  one  half- inch  per 


piece,  12  pieces  slack  up  to  provide  a  six-inch 

block  of  Ensolite  sandwich.  This  stack  of 
foam  fits  quite  well  into  the  bag  volume,  with 
Uttle  gap. 

Next  came  the  hard  part:  laying  out  the 
individual  components,  routing  the  cabling, 
and  cuning  out  spaces  in  the  Ensolite.  1  began 
with  a  single  piece  of  foam  as  the  base  layer. 
This  provided  a  minimum  half-inch  of  foam 
between  my  back  and  any  component  in  the 
BackPacket.  On  this  layer  I  organized  the 
TNC.  baner>  and  radio.  I  drew  the  outlines  of 
the  components  on  the  surface  of  the  succeed- 
ing foam  layers,  and  proceeded  to  cut  out  two 
pieces  of  foam  with  those  exact  cutouts,  (A 
new  X-Acto  blade  will  last  about  two  minutes 
in  this  service;  be  prepared  to  change  the 
blades  regularly.)  These  fit  snugly  on  the 
bottom  piece,  with  the  individual  layers  of 
foam  cemented  to  one  another  using  standard 
contact  cement*  I-aycrs  six  through  twelve 
were  cut  to  house  the  battery,  computer  and 
control  panel.  I  used  this  same  construction 
technique  to  build  up  the  full  six-inch  height 
of  the  foam  block.  The  block  breaks  open 
between  layer  three  and  layer  four  to  provide 
access  to  the  radio  and  TNC. 

Once  the  components  were  in  place.  1  built 
shielded  cables  and  carved  channels  in  the 
foam  to  accommodate  these  interconnects.  I 
used  shielded  cables  and  metallized  cable 
hoods  wherever  possible  to  keep  the  installa- 
tion electrically  clean. 

The  TNC,  radio  and  battery  base  are  locat- 
ed at  the  bottom  of  the  foam  stack.  On  top  of 
the  TNC  and  radio,  separated  by  another 
half-inch  of  foam,  rests  the  Epson  laptop. 
The  final  foam  layers  surround  the  laptop  and 
the  rest  of  the  battery,  Two  cutouts  of  foam 
protect  the  top  of  the  laptop  when  the  Back- 
Packet  is  in  transit. 

I  built  an  interface  panel  to  control  the 
whole  thing.  I  brought  out  the  antenna  con- 
nector to  an  accessible  point,  away  from  the 
buried  radio.  1  routed  the  audio  output  from 
the  radio  so  that  I  could  listen  to  the  channel. 
In  addition  I  installed  power  connectors  to 
charge  the  battet^,  and  charge  the  laptop  off 
the  main  battery,  as  well  as  fuses  and  power 
switches  to  protect  the  whole  thing. 

A  cast  metal  Budd  box  serves  as  the  mount- 
ing plate  for  all  this  hardware.  A  one-inch 
speaker  ai>d  a  toggle  switch  provide  channel 
audio  when  required.  A  simple  one-resistor 
charger  supplies  current  to  the  laptop  when 
needed  to  charge  the  computer  buttery. 

Finally,  a  jutnper  cable  routes  the  antenna 
line  from  this  interface  panel  to  the  antenna 
mounting  plate  at  the  top  of  the  BackPacket.  I 
cut  a  bracket  of  0:062 -inch  aluminum  that 
rests  between  the  top  of  the  Ensolite  laminate 
and  the  packcloth.  Gravity  holds  the  bracket 
in  when  the  BackPacket  lies  flat;  when  in 
transit,  the  two  closure  zippers  on  the  main 
bag  hold  the  plate  in.  but  still  allow  the  anten- 
na connector  to  project  out  of  the  hag  so  that 
you  can  connect  either  an  antenna  cable  or  a 
rubber  duck  antenna. 

Accessories 

The  BackPacket  still  needed  some  acces- 


12    73  Amateur  R^dio  Today  •  December,  1 990 


Choice  Selection. 


Now  you  can  have  it  all!  Thke  all  the  qualities  you've  come  to  depend  on  in 
our  prDgranunable  CTCSS  tone  equlpTiient  Astonbhing  Accurao;  Instant 
Programmirtg,  Unequaled  Reliability;  and  add  full  spectnim  tone  versatility 
imiltkone  capability  without  diodes,  a  n^ragrammabk  memor>'  *  Jts  our  new 
harvest  of  CTCSS  tone  equipmenL 

The  choice  is  yoursl  If  standard  CTCSS  EIA  tones  do  not 
suR  pur  taMe,  sdect  any  32  tones  of  )CHjr  liking  from  15.0Hz  to 
255.0HE,  And  if  you  change  your  mind  ik)  problan:  the  menv 
ory  can  be  chEmged  in  your  shop  svith  our  HHP-1  pTDgrBinmer, 
or  at  our  factory  for  fi^e.  Your  working  tone  is  accessed  by  a 
simple  DIP  switch,  so  therefe  no  (ussing  with  counteris  or  olher 
t^equipmeni 

Call  today  toU-free  and  find  out  more  about  this  finesh  ne^'  flexi- 
hMy  in  tone  signalling,  and  dorft  forget  to  ask  about  multi-tone 
switching  without  cumbofsome  diode  networks  or  binary  switches. 

Iti  all  brou^t  to  market  by  the  people  who  intooduce  the  fresh- 
est ideas  in  tone  sigoalling,  and  of  course  our  customary  same  day 
shying  and  one  )€ar  \ianHn^' apply 


TS  32P  CTCSS  EKCX)DER-DECODER  Ba^ed  on  the  time  proven 
TS^2p  the  industry  standard  for  over  a  decade.  The  TS-32P  gives  you 
the  added  versatilrt>'  <:^a  custDm,  changeable  memory  base.  A  low  price 
of  S57.95  makes  it  an  even  s\^&:icr  deal 

SS-32P  ENCODER    Based  on  the  equally  poputar 
SS-32  encoden  Available  for  CTCSS,  or  audible  burst 
tones  up  to  6550.0H2.  Price  is  $28.95. 

SS*a2SMP  SLTB^WINlATirRE  ENCODER    Our 

smalfet  encoder  for  handheld  applicaikmSw  Now  you 
can  satisfy  that  customer  that  mieds  to  access  muW- 
pie  repeater  sites  with  a  radio  that  has  precious  little 
space  inside.  At  $27*95.  the  price  is  small  toa 

HHP !  HANDHELD  PROCRAMMER    Fbr 

prog^ainming  the  32  memor>'  locations  in  any  of 
our  new  pfQ0raroinabk  p!T>dtKl5,  Jndtding  0^ 

SD-IOOO  T\w>Tbne  Saquential  decoder  The 

HHP-1  is  battery  operated  fbr  field  use,  and 

will  program  ANY  32  tones  from  15*0  to 

6550*0  Hz  in  .IHz.  increments.  Price  is 


COMMUNICATIONS  SPECIAUSTS,  INC. 

426  \West  'M  Avenue  •  Orange.  CA  926^4296 
Local  (714J  99M021  •  FAX  (714j  974^3420  •  Entire  US.A,  U800-S54-0547 

CmCLE  10  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


d 


1081000  MHZ  RADIO  DIRECTION  FINDING 


•  Interference  Location 

•  Stuck  Microphones 

•  Cable  TV  Leaks 

•  ELT  Search  &  Rescue 


New  Technology  {patented}  converts  any  VHP  or  UHF  FM  receiver  into  a  sensitive  Doppler 
shift  radio  direction  finder.  Simply  plug  into  receiver's  antenna  and  external  speaker  jacks. 
Models  available  with  computer  interface,  synthesized  speech,  fixed  site  or  mobile  - 108  MHz 
to  1  GHz.  Call  or  write  for  details. 


P^ 


nriDDT  iTij  cvcTprjwc    tisin     PO.  B^x  31819  (602)  488-975& 

UUFrLtK  :jY»lt[vi:b,  ir^C.     piioenix,  AZ  85046     FAX  (602)  488  1295 


CmC4£  13  OM  READER  SERVICE:  CARD 


"How  Does  Your  Remote  Base  Stack  Up? 


FC-9no  Interface 


$      « 


*»B«H«  «AH«i  UtaT 


****''**^««o 


hMM^t 


■**«i*-Ff 


_f  ^?v 


«*^»*»*&u.^i 


**■***!*•*  I 


Now  it*s 


to  add  a  multi-band  remote 


to  your  repeater* 


Your  repeater  can  now  link  to  any 
frequency  on  up  to  six  bands  with 
ACC^s  new  Interface  to  the  ICOM 
IC*900/901  FM  MobUe  band  units. 

Our  unique  FC-900  Interface  con- 
neets  your  ACC  repeater  controOcr  to 
the  ICOM  band  units  (Ihe  ICOM  Ober 
optic  controller  and  interface  aren't 
needed).  Add  new  bands  to  your 
system  by  Just  adding  band  units. 
And  best  of  all  -  evenohing  Just  plugs 
togethert 

If  youVe  built  remotes  before,  youll 
appreciate  the  simplicity  -  and  the 
performance.    If  you  haven *t,  now  is 

advanced 
computer 
controls,  inc 


the  time  to  add  a  new  remote  base  or 
linking  system  to  your  repeater, 

Extend  the  range  of  your  repeater, 
link  to  other  repeaters  for  emergency 
and  public  service  activttJes.  and 
benefit  from  the  elevation  of  your 
repeater  site  for  all  bands.  From  ten 
meter  DX  to  1200  MHz  linking  -  and 
everything  in  between, 

ACC     pioneered     frequency    agile 

remotes  and  links  on  repealers  years 
ago.  Now  we've  made  it  easy.  One 
more  reason  that  ACC  is  the  right 
choice  for  your  repeater  system. 

So  stack  the  deck  in  your  favor  and 
write  or  call  for  more  Information 
on  the  FC-900  Interface, 


2356  Walsh  Avenue,  Santa  Clara,  CA     9S051     (406)  727-3330 


sories.  The  laptop,  and  to  a  much  lessor  ex- 
tent the  TNG,  generated  a  great  deal  of  RF 
noise.  This  caused  a  very  high  receiver  noise 
level  in  the  radio,  located  no  more  than  an 
inch  or  so  from  either:  Moreover*  when  a 
rubber  antenna  was  attached  to  the  connector 
at  the  top  of  the  BackPacket.  the  noise  level 
climbed  quite  high.  At  this  noise  level  it  re- 
quired signals  of  many  microvolts  to  produce 
readable  packets.  I  needed  a  transponable, 
easy  antenna  that  was  also  very  durable* 

r  buili  a  simple  rope  dipole.  Starting  with 
20  feel  of  RG223  cable,  1  stripped  off  19 
inches  (quarrer-wave  at  2  meters)  of  the 
shield  from  one  end  of  ihe  cable.  Then  I 
slipped  on  a  19-inch  piece  of  braid  over  that 
eiKl  and  sUd  it  down  so  that  it  formed  an 
electrical  dipole,  with  the  outer  jacket  of  the 
cable  forming  an  insulator  between  the  coax 
shield  and  the  added  braid.  Liberal  use  of 
polyvinyl  tubing  and  heat-shrink  potyolefin 
tubing  sealed  the  whole  antenna  and  made  it 
quite  durable.  A  rubber  ring  eye  at  the  end  of 
the  dipole  provided  a  hook  for  hanging  the 
antenna  from  a  branch  or  rope.  A  BNC 
connector  at  the  other  end  completed  the 
amem^. 

I  needed  a  wall  chaiger  for  the  main  bat- 
tery, various  adapter  cables  and  connectors 
for  a  variety  of  installations,  a  TNC  instruc- 
tion book,  plus  writing  instrumenis  and  pa- 
per. I  also  packed  a  clip-on,  battery -powered 
reading  lamp  with  a  gooseneck  so  that  the 
LCD  screen  could  be  read  in  the  dark.  The 
lantp  also  provided  enough  illumination  to 
work  the  keyboard  welL  A  magnetic-base 
mobile  2  meter  quaner-wave  antenna  com- 
pleted the  suite.  All  these  accessories  were 
packed  in  a  couple  of  nylon  stuff  sacks  to  keep 
the  small  parts  from  wandering  away. 

Final  weight  of  the  BackPackei,  with  all 
accessories  included,  is  about  25  pounds. 
However,  since  it  is  carried  on  the  back,  it  is  a 
minor  encumbrance;  the  most  important 
thing  is  that  it  can  be  cotmted  on  to  work  and 
work  well  in  almost  any  environment  or  lo- 
cation. 

Future  Plans 

Futune  modificattons  to  ihe  unit  may  in- 
clude some  sort  of  LCD  meter  thai  indicates 
battery  voltage.  Also,  it  would  be  handy  to 
know  if  someone  has  connected  to  the  Back- 
Packet  even  with  the  computer  off.  I  can 
achieve  that  either  by  building  a  small  circuit 
within  the  TNC  that  will  generate  an  audio 
beep  lone  on  the  local  speaker,  or  less  inva- 
sively«  by  constructing  an  optically-coupled 
sensor  that  monitors  the  status  of  the  CON- 
NBCr  lamp,  and  generates  the  saine  beep  tone 
if  the  lamp  lights  up.  In  addition,  Td  like  to 
try  some  of  the  latest  micro-size  TNCs  and 
miniature  HTs  now  available.  This  would 
cenainly  help  to  reduce  the  current  drain  and 
overall  weight  of  the  system. 

But  for  now,  the  BackPacket,  along  with  a 
suitable  digipeater.  provides  an  exceUent  and 
reliable  communication  method  anywhere 
that  I  can  hike,  climb  or  bike. 


Jan  Trent  Adanis  NW6H,  1139  S.  Truro  Sl, 
Inglewaod  CA  9030L 


CII^LE  1  ON  READEfl  SERVICE  CAFm 


14    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


Hr  Eqiiipmc?nl  Regular  SALF 

IC-76S  Xcvr/ps/keyer/aulo  tuner 3149,00  2699 


IC-781  Xcvf/Rcwf/ps/tun€r/scope,„.      6149  SISS 


KPEI^  «  ijiui"!  ^"-m^i* ' 


■i*ifeiL*tiiimt$H       I      i^    ■■    4H    P> 


O  o  o  o  o 


IC  751A  9  oand  *cvi/ 1  30  MHz  rcwf     1699  OO  1399 


--**•«* 


PS- 3 5  InternaJ  power  supply 

FL63fl  250  HjT  CW  fitter  llsd  IFJ... 
FL'52A  500H/CWtilftr(2ndlF|„ 
FL-53A  250  Hi  CW  hner  I2nd  IFJ„ 
FL-70  2Z  kHz  wide  SSB  filter,.,.*. 


219  00199** 
S900 

nsooio9^ 

S  IS  00  109'^ 
5900 


IC  735  HP  icvr/SW  fEvr/mM:.„. 1149  00  96^* 

PS  5S  Ejdernal  power  supply  ..„„,.    219  00  199" 
AM50  Automatic  antenna  tuner ....   445  00  389« 

FL'32A  500  Hz  CW  filter ..„ 69.00 

EX" 243  Eie^ctronsc  Neyer  ynft, ....*...     64  50 
tJT-30  Tone  encoder  ,.„,.,,..... 18.50 

IC-725  Hf  )(cvr/SW  TLvr. ......  (Sjemh  949  OD  799*^ 

AH-3  AutoFPaiic  ani  tuner.,  (Sp@m  489  00  379*^ 

iC-726  10bandxcvr/6m/.5-30MHzrx  1299  00  1089 
A  "^-s  Reguiar  SALE 

IC*2KL  HF  solid  state  amp  w/ps.. ......  1999  00  1699 

IC4KL  HF  IKW  out  s/s  amp  w/ps €995  00  599S 

EX-€27  HF  auto,  ant  setector  (Spemf)  315,00  269*^ 
PS' 15  20A  external  power  supply  ..»..  175,00  159*^ 
PS'30  Systems  p/s  w/cord,  6  pm  plug    349.00  319^^ 

SP-3  External  speaher.,„ 65. 00 

SP-7  Small  external  speaker 51  99 

CR-64  Htgh  stab.  rel.  jttat  751  A.  etc  ...     79.00 

SM-6  Desk  micropttone. ..».„.., 47,95 

SM-8  Desk  mic   two  cables,  scan 89.00 

AT' 100  lOOW  Sband  auto,  anl,  tuner ...  445,00  389^ 
AT-50a  500W  9^band  auto,  ant  tuner ...  589.00  519^^ 
AH-2  8-band  tuner  w/mount  &  whip ....  758  00  689^^ 
AH-2A  Ant  tiioer  system,  only..  (Spiem  559.00  469'^ 
aC'5  WorfdGiock„„„......,..fClM»fy  91.95   69'^ 

Acct^soriesfOT  (C-765. 7S1. 725  •  CALL  for  Prices 


?COM 


*  Large  Stocks 

*  Fast  Service 

*  Top  Trades 


VHf  ■'  UHF  BBse  Tran$neivGf& 
(C'275A  25w2mFf^/SSB/CWw/ps.,. 

IC-275H  100w2mFM/SSB/CW 

IC 475A  25w  440  FM/SSB/CW  w/ps 
IC'475H  lOOw  440  FM/SSB/CW  (Sp^c) 
IC^575A  25w  6/ 10m  icvr/ps  (Sfmili 
IC-575H  25w  iODw  6/lOm  Kcvr.,..,.,. 


Regular  SALE 
1299.00  1129 
1399.00  1199 
1399.00  1199 
1599  00  1269 
1399  00  1099 
16^9.00  1469 


^.'HF/n 


'\t]'\c'  TrrinsreiV€-f^: 


'  ■  -p  ■  »  i  *  I 


IC-229A  25w  2m  FM/TTP  mic 

1C-229H  50w2mFM/TIPrrnc 

IC-448A  25w  440  FM/TTP  ...  (Chmaf) 

Dand  FM  Trans        ■  rs 
IC-3220A  25w  2m/440  fM/TTP  mic... 
IC  3220H  45w  2m/35w  440  FM/TTP 

1C'2400A  2m/440  FM/HP...  (Spmrif 
IC-2500A  35w  440/1.2GHZ  FM 


II'  band  FM  Transceiver  Reguliir 

IC-901  2m/440  Fiber  opt  jtcvr  f5^/J  119900 

UXR91A  Broadband  receiver  unit...    389  00 

UXvi9A  lOwiOmunrt......... 299.00 

UX'59A  i0w6munit., 349.00 

UX-592A  2m  SS8/CW  module ,    599.00 

yX-39A  25w  220MH2  unit    fSp^)  349  00 
yX-129A  lOw  L2GH2  unit  ..........   549  00 

VMF  '\  MP  Mnhiip  Tf:in<^P  vRf<?        Regular 

IC  970A  25w  2m/43{J  MHz  transceiver  2895.00 

IC-970H  45w  2m/430  MH;  transceswer  3149  00 

yX-R96  50905  Mhz  receive  unit....   339.00 

^/nhde  Anip-nriri  Regular 

AH'32  2m/440  Dual  Band  mobile  ant       39.00 

AHB'32  Trufikhp  mount , 35.00 

Larsen  PO-K  Roof  mount 23,00 

Larsen  PO-TLM  Trunk-lip  mount 24.70 

Ursen  PO-HU  Magnetic  mount.....     28  75 

1^     -  Refular 

RP  1510  2m  25w  repeater..............  IS4900 

RP-2210  220MHz  25 w  repeater........  1649,00 

RP  4020  440MHi  25w  repealer,......,  2299  00 

RP-1220  12GHz  lOw  repeater. 259S00 


Sale 
929^^ 
349'^ 
269^- 
319*^ 
529*^ 
279** 
499«* 

Salt 
2499 
2699 
349** 

Sale 


Safe 
1649 
1399 
1999 
2249 


WSA 


Use  pat 

CREDIT 
CARD 


Order  Toll  Free:  1-800-558-0411 


mEmnmufiim 


Regular    Sale 

449.00  389^^ 
479.00  4 19« 

599  00  499^^ 
Regular  Ss-: 
659.00  559'^ 

699  00  sas*' 

S99.00  699« 
999.00  869*' 


lC-02AT/High  Power 
I C  04 AT  440  iCksmf) 

IC-2SA  2m  „  (Sf^^h 
IC2SAT  2m/WfSpm 

IC  3SAT  ?2U  HT/TIP 
IC-4SAT  440  HT/TTP 

IC  2GAT  ^m  HT/TTP 
IC  4GAI  440MHz.  TIP 

IC-32Af  '2m/440  NT 
IC  24AT  2m/440  NT 


Regular  SALE 
409  00  349" 
449  00  22T' 

419  00  299*'^ 
439  00  359^^ 

449  00  369*^ 
449.00  369*'^ 

429.00  379^' 
449.00  369^'^ 

629  00  549^^- 
629  00  549^^ 


ImitBJOfhf! . .  FREE  BP-82  external  7.2V  @ 
:  300ma.  battery  w/  1C-2SAT  or  lC-3SATpucfiase 


IC-12GAT  Iw  1.2GH2  HT/batl/cgr/TTP 

Airrmf\  hand  handhf*ld?: 

A-2  5W  PEF  synth,  aircraft  HT,.... — 

A-20  Synth,  aircraft  HT  w/VOR 

For  HT  Accessories  •  CALL  for 

R'71A  lOOkHz  to  30MH?  receiver...... 

ftC'll  Infrared  remote  controller.,.. 

FL-32A  500  Hz  CW  filter 

FL-63A  250  Hz  CW  filter  (1st  IF).... 

FL44A  SSB  filter  |2nd  IF).... 

EX-257  FM  umt 

EX'310  Voice  synttiesjrer 

CR44  Higt^  stability  oscillator  xtil 

SP-3  Extemal  speaker 

CK-70{EX-2991  12V  DC  option 


52900 

Regular 

525,00 

62500 

Prices 

Regular 

$999.00 

70,99 

69.00 

59-00 

178  00 

49,00 

59,00 

79.00 

65.00 

12.99 


469^^ 
SALE 
479*^ 
549*5 

Sft»F 
869" 


159 


*i 


R-7000  2&MHz  2GHz  receiver,...,...,.  1199.00  1029 
RC-12  Infrared  remote  controller....     70,99 

EX- 3 10  Voice  synmestzef 59.00 

TV-R7000  AlVonit.. ,    139  00129'^ 


R-90OO  100KHz-2GHz  all-mode  rcvr ...  5459  00  4699 

Due  to  the  size  of  the  ICOM  product  Ime.  some 
accessory  items  are  not  listed.  If  you  have  a  question, 
please  call.  Prices  subject  tn  cfiange  without  notice 


Top  Trades  I  m  We'll  take  your 
Clean  Late  Model  gear  in  trade 
towards  New  ICOM  Equipment. 

Write  or  Call  loi  our  Quote  Today! 


^  *  0¥et  3S  Ifesfs  m  Amateur  RbcHo 
HOURS:  Mon,  thru  Fri.  9'5:30;  Sat.  9-3 


FAX:  (414)  358-3337 


5710  W.  Good  Hope  Road;  Milwaukee,  Wl  53223  •  Phone  (414)  358-0333 


WICKLIFFE.  Ohio  44092 

28940  Euclid  Avenue 

Phone (216) 585  7388 

1-800-321-3594 


"  BRANCH  STORES  pu.;?«'?r.?/^ ^'**7..,« 

CHICAGO.  Illinois  60630 
ORLANDO.  Fla.  32803  CLEARWATER.  Fla.  34625  LAS  VECAS.  Nev.  8910e  ERJCKSON  COMMUNICATtONS 
62 i  Commonweaith  Ave.  1898  Drew  Stieet  1072  N.  Rancho  Drive  5456  N  Milwaukee  Avenue 

Phone (407)  894-3238  Phone (813)  461-4267  Phone  (702)  647-3114  Phone (312)  631  5181 

1-800-327-1917      No  Toll  Free  Line      1-800-634-6227       1-800-521-5802 


62 i  Commonwealth  Ave. 
Phone  (407)  894  3238 

1  800-327  1917 


THE  REMOTABLE 


TWIN  BANDER 


The  ALINCO  Model  DR-590T  is  a  full  featured/dual  band  trance! ver  that  is  user  friendly, 
and  puts  the  fun  back  in  Radio. 

The  DR-590T  is  packed  with  more  features  than  most  hams  will  ever  use  But  it  is 
engineered  so  thai  you  dont  have  to  be  an  engineer  to  understand  and  use  the  various 
functions.  The  easy  LCD  display  lets  the  operator  know,  at  a  glance,  which  functions  are 
in  operation. 

ALINCO  has  listened  to  you,  the  Ham,  and  incorporated  many  of  the  features  you  told  us 
you  wanted  in  a  Dual  Band  ( VHF/UHF)  radio.  And  we  did  it  while  keeping  the  operations 
truly  user  friendly. 


Ultra-Compact  Body 
5-7A(W)x27H)xT(D) 

High  Power  (Selectable) 

High:  45T  at  VHF         High:  iW  al  IFHF 
Jiiddle  low  Middie  8W 

Low:  5W  Low:  4  W 

Extended  Receiver  Range 

144.00  - 141995  Mtiz  f  TX ).  130  - 173.995  Mhi 

(RX),  mm  ^  44v. ;      Mliz  (TX),  410  470 

Mh£(RX) 

(Specification  guaranteed  on  amateur 

bandsonty.  Modifiable  for  MARS/ CAP 

permits  requi 


FEATURES 


•  ShBuitaDeous 

R«:eiviiig  on  both  band.s  at  the  same  lime 
Scanning  iniermix  scan  mode!  on  both  bands 
at  the  same  time, 

•  Independent  VHF  &  UHF  Controls 

•  Detachable 

With  Ihe  optional  remoling  kit,  the  front 
panel  can  be  seperated  from  the  main  uniL 

•  DSQ  (DTMF  Squelch)  Functian 

•  Code  Squelch  Function 

You  can  program  a  3  digit  code  that  will 
open  the  squelch  only  when  the  s^ime  code 
s%nal  is  receive  from  another  transceiver. 
This  allows  for  selective  receiving.  Addition- 
aOy,  with  the  optional  tone  ^uelch  unit,  the 


code  squelch  and  tone  squelch  work 
together  as  a  powerful  calling  function. 

Various  Useful  Paging  Functions  for 
ing  Calling  ana  Individual 


DR-590T 


Remote  Control  Microphone 

With  this  microphone  there  are  several 
functions  thai  can  be  controlled  remoieiy: 
L  Direct  seuing  of  frequencies  in  VFO  mode 
2.  Up/ Down  of  memory  channels  In 

memurv  mode 
S  Shifting  to  call  mode 
4,  ARM  (Automatic  Repeater  Mode) 
S  VifF/UHF  Switching 
6.  Up/Down  by  1  Mhi  steps 
Z  Setting  and  Selecting  DSJ  codes 
8.  Setting  and  Automatic  Dialer 

Scanning  Features 

Memory  Scan,  Program  Scan,  ARM  Scan, 
Band  Scan,  and  more  Scan. 

Memory  Channels 

The  unit  has  28  memorv  channels,  one 
independent  'Call*  channel  and  10  ARM 
memory  channels  (40  channels  in  total). 
You  can  program  set  tones,  shift  frequences^ 
shift  directions,  and  channel  steps  in  each 
of  the  28  memory  channels. 

ARM  (Automatic  Repeater  Memory) 
Function 

10  repealer  channels  can  be  memorized 


automatically.  While  ARM  mtwle  is  active, 
scanning  stops  at  vacant  channels  and 
pauses,  then  starts  again  automatically. 
This  function  is  useful  to  find  vacant 
repeaters. 

■  ABX  (Automatic  Band  Exchange) 
Function 

*  Bell  Function 

'  Dimmer  Function 

Selectable  2  different  brightness  of  LCD 

light 

*  Three  Priority  Functions 

VFO  Priority,  Memory  Priority  and  Call 
Priority, 

-  Repeater  Operation 

The  DR-S90T  can  be  used  as  a  cross  band 
repeater 

*  Full  Duplex  Cross  band  Operation 

*  Others 

1  Auto  Dialer  Function 

2  6  Channel  Steps  (5/10/125/15/20/25 
Khz) 

5.  DTMF  Monitor  Function 

4  38  Sub-Audible  Tones  bulli-in 

5  And  Many  Other  Features 


ALINCO  ELECTRONICS  INC. 

438  AMAPOLA  AVE.,  LOT  130,  TORRANCE.  CALIFORNfA  90501 
Tel:  (213)  618-8616     Fax:  (213)  618-8758 

CIRCIX  67  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Feedba  ck 


In  our  continuing  effort  to  presani 
the  best  in  amateur  radio  features 
and  columns,  we  recognize  the 
need  to  go  directly  to  the  source — 
you.  the  reader.  Articles  and 
columns  are  assigned  feedback 
numbers,  which  appear  on  each  ar- 
tlcleycotumn  and  are  also  listed 
here.  These  numbers  correspond 
to  those  on  the  feedback  card  oppo- 
site th»s  page.  On  the  card,  please 
check  the  bo>t  which  honestly  rep- 
resents your  opinion  of  each  article 
or  column. 

Do  we  really  read  the  feedback 
cards?  You  bet!  The  results  are  tab- 
ulated each  month,  and  the  editors 
take  a  good,  hard  kx>k  at  what  you 
do  and  don't  like.  To  show  our  ap- 
preciation, we  draw  one  feedback 
card  each  month  and  award  the 
lucky  winner  a  free  one-year  sub- 
scription (or  extension)  to  73. 

To  save  on  postage,  why  not  fill 
out  the  Product  Report  card  and  the 
Feedback  card  and  put  them  In  an 
envelope?  Toss  in  a  damning  or 
praising  letier  to  the  editor  while 
you're  at  it.  Yoy  can  also  enter  your 
QSL  in  our  QSL  of  the  Month  con- 
test. All  for  the  low,  low  price  of  25 
cents! 

Feedback*    TtUe 

1  Letters 

2  Never  Say  Die 
3QRX 

4  Behold  the  BackPacket! 

5  Ham  Profiles 

6  Upgrade  Your  HD-4040 

7  Review:  Ten-Tec  Hercules  II 

8  The  VOX  Plus 

9  Review:  Ltghtning  BoU 
Dual-Band 

10  Review:  PacComm  PSK-I 

1 1  Pack  Your  Seabag,  *^ Sparks" 

12  Review:  ICOMlC^726 

13  Dealer  Directory 

14  RTTYLoop 

15  Looking  West 

16  Hams  wcth  Class 

17  Homing  In 
IB  Updates 

19  Audio  Powered  Tape  Recorder 
Controller 

20  New  Products 

21  Above  &  Beyond 

22  Special  Events 

23  Ask  Kaboom 

24  QRP 

25  1990  Annual  Index 
26AdfndeKl2/90 
27  ATV 
2B  73  International 

29  DX 

30  Barter  'n*  Buy 

31  Hamsats 

32  Random  Output 

33  Propagation 

34  Review:  PT-340  TunerTuner 


fiumbef  S  on  your  Feedtsack  card 


Ham  profiles 

There  are  no  "average"  hams! 


Photo  A.  Left  to  right:  Gem  UA9MA.  Chuck  {Charfes  Emify)  WWW,  and  Serg 
UA9MC,  visiting  WINW  in  November  19B9.  They  are  hokiing  tophies  W1NW 
53AND  DXCC,  5BAND  WAZ  5BAND  WAS. 


Greetings  from  West  Siberfa 

Gennady  Kolmakov  UA9MA  writes 
us  that  he  found  out  about  amateur 
radio  when  ha  was  a  freshman  in  the 
Institute  of  Railroad  Engineers  in  1972. 
At  thai  lima,  there  was  an  active  collec- 
live  radk}  station,  UK9MBA,  at  the  insti- 
tute. He  soon  received  hts  personal 
call  UA9MAF,  and  he  built  his  first  di- 
rectional antenna.  Since  then,  his  main 
interests  have  been  DXing  and  con- 


Photo  D.  Steven  O.  Seifers  N5GZP 
wins  joumalism  awards. 

From  Interest  to  Career 

Licensed  as  an  amateur  radio  opera- 
tor at  the  age  of  12.  Steven  O^  Sellers' 
interest  in  the  hobby  led  to  hts  first 
job — in  broadcasting  at  a  small,  local 
station  in  his  hometown  of  Kenedy k 
Texas,  when  he  was  15. 

Steve  N5GZP  is  active  on  10  meters. 
He's  a  member  of  TEN-X  Internal ionaf, 
the  ARRU  and  the  Palomar  Amateiir 
Radio  Out)  in  the  IModh  County  region 
of  San  0 1  ego. 

Recently,  United  Press  International 
presented  Steve  with  two  broadcasting 
awards  for  two  radio  documentaries  he 
produced  and  reponed.  The  awards 
were  tor  best  investigative  documefF 
tary  in  the  Western  Region  and  out- 
standing  achievement  in  reporting  in 
the  Western  Region   TNXKGMG-AM/ 


testing.  In  the  near  future,  he  plans  to 
learn  about  RTTY  and  packet. 

Olga,  his  wtfe,  doesn't  share  his  In- 
terest in  amateur  radio*  although  she 
accepts  his  hobby  with  respect  and  un* 
derstanding.  But  his  sons,  nine-year- 
old  Mike  and  six-year-oid  Alex,  are  suc- 
cessful ly  studying  CW. 

Besides  radio,  Gennady  is  interest- 
ed in  music.  He  likes  all  kinds  of  Ameri- 
can con  temporary  music,  such  as  all 
fom>sof  jazz, 

Cunantly,  he  is  vice-president  of  the 
West  Siberia  DX  Cfub  and  he  spends 
much  time  domg  the  admintstralive 
and  c^rganizational  work.  In  particular, 
tie's  arranging  a  DXpedition  to  one  of 
the  far  regions  of  the  U.S.S.R.  He*s 
also  QSL  manager  for  radio  stations 
4K201L,  4K2BOU,  4K20KV,  4K2BA2. 
and4K4AB. 

'Td  like  to  use  this  occasion  to  send 
through  your  journai  my  warmest  wish- 
es  to  all  Amencan  ham  radio  fans.  Td 
li^e  to  hope  that  radio  helps  people  of 
our  planet  to  understand  each  other 


Photo  B.  Off  to  a  good  start,  s/x-yesr- 
oki  Terry  Van  Sickfe  KB5NTC  pians  to 
get  his  Extra  in  a  few  years. 

Going  Far— Fast 

The  Piano  Amateur  Radio  Kltib 
(PARK)  congratulates  Terry  Van  Sick- 
le, son  of  Brenda  NSL£U  and  Terry  Sr, 
WQ5WXI,  on  passing  the  Novice  Class 
amateur  radio  exams  last  August.  Six- 
year-old  Terry  had  been  studying  in  a 
class  taught  by  Tad  Derx  N50DR.  The 
class,  sponsored  by  PARK^  had  45  sty- 
dentsf 

Since  Terry  KB5NTC  couldn't  wrtle 
fast  enough  to  copy  Morse  code  by 
hand,  he  passed  his  code  test  by  typing 
the  code  test  portion  on  a  laptop  com- 
puter. 

Terry  is  a  first  grader  at  The  Green- 
hill  School  in  Addison,  Texas.  He's  in- 
terested in  learning  how  to  work  ama- 
teur satellites.  He  hopes  to  have  his 
Extra  Class  by  <he  trme  he's  tO  of  11. 
TNXJohn  T  Beadfes. 


belter  and  bring  peace  to  the  world/ 
TNX,  Gennady,  for  your  greetings  and 
wishes.  Aiso,  thank  you  for  sending  ex- 
amples of  the  t>0auttfijf  awards  of  the 
West  Siberia  DX  Ciub.  which  we  were 
happy  to  pui>fish  m  "73  intemattonai" 
from  October  1939  until  the  summer  of 
1990. 


Let  s  Talk! 

Bob  Weinstein  K£2FE,  assistant 
principal  of  Richmond  Hill  High 
School,  says  that  these  high  schod 
students  love  to  talk  with  other  high 
school  students  and  they  QSL  "100% 


directly."  They  rapidly  become  disen- 
chanted when  eti  they  get  is  "59  old 
man,  QSL  via  the  bureau. .  /'  dunng 
contests  To  Wayne,  KE2FE  says.  "\ 
really  agree  with  your  idea  about  limit- 
ing credits  for  DXCC  to  certain  contest 
dates." 


I 


Photo  C.  Bob  Weinstein  KE2FB  (far  back,  on  the  right)  and  his  ciass  of  high  scfKX^t 
hams. 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December  J  990     17 


a. 


CORPORATION 


0  Autrv 

Irvine.  C A  92718 

[714]  458-7277 


ASTRON  POWER  SUPPLIES 

HEAVY  DUTY  •  HIGH  QUALITY  •  HUGGED  *  RELIABLE 


MODEL  VS=50M 


SPECIAL  FEATURES 

•  SOLIO  STATt  ELECTF^lCAaV  REGULATED 

•  FOLD-BACK  CURRENT  UWMTtNfi  Prolects  Power  Supply 
frofn  excessive  currem  &  continuous  shorted  outpul 

•  CRDWBAfl  OVER  VOLTAaE  PROTECTION  on  all  Models 
e^cepl  RS  3A,  liS-4A.  m-^K  nS4L  RS  5L 

•  MAINTAIN  REGULATION  &  LOW  RIPPLE  at  low  line  input 
Voltage 

•  HEAVY  DUTY  HEAT  SINK  •  CHASSIS  MOUNT  FUSE 

•  THREE  CONDUCTOR  POWER  CORD  eJiCepl  (or  RS  3A 

•  ONE  YEAR  WARRANTY  •  NMDE  IN  U.SA 


PERFORMAfiCE  SPECfFtCATIONS 

•  INPUT  VOLTAGE:  105-125  VAC 

•  OUTPUT  VOLTAGE,  13  J  VOC  ±  0,05  volts 
(Internally  Adjustable:  11-15  VDC] 

•  RIPPLE  U^  than  5mv  p<ak  lo  peak  (lull  load  & 
low  line) 

•  Al!  units  available  in  220  VAC  inpul  voltage 
{except  (or  SL-11A) 


SLSE 


MeDEL 


Culors  Cwitiftuous 

Gray     Btack     Dtity  (Amp&l 


LOW  PROFILE  POWER  SUPPLY 
SL-11A  .  •  7 


ICS' 
[Ampsl 


11 


2¥fX.7¥*x9V4 


Shipping 


11 


RS-L  SERIES 


Ca^tinuDus  ICS'  SizellMI 

MODEL  Duty  lAmpsi  (Amps)  H  *  W  ^  0 

POWER  SUPPLIES  WITH  BUILT  IN  CIGARETTE  LIGHTER  RECEPTACLE 

4  3%  X  eVt  X  Tk 


RS41 


3 

4 


3^^  X  6^  x  Tk 


Shipping 
7 


19"  RACK  MOUNT  POWER  SUPPLIES 

Cominuitus 
MOOEL  Duly  (Amps) 


RM  SERIES 


MODEL  RM-35M 


«M-12A 

RM^3SA 

RM'SOA 

RM^eOA 

Separate  Valt  and  Amp  Meters 

RM^12M 

RM-35M 

RM^SOM 

RM-6(JM 


9 

25 
37 
50 

9 
25 
37 

50 


IGS* 
lAmps^) 

12 

as 
so 

55 

12 
35 
50 
55 


Size  [INI 

H  X  W  X  D 

5V*x19x6a 

S^A  X 19  X  12^;^ 

S^A  X  19  X 12^ 

7  X  19  X  12^ 

5'A  X  19  X  8V4 

SV*  X 19  X  12^^ 

5V4  X  19  X  12y? 

7x19x12V2 


ting 

wi'llbs!] 

16 
38 

50 
60 

16 
38 

50 
60 


RS-A  SERIES 


MODEL  RS-7A 


RS^3A 

RS-4A 

RS-SA 

F^7A 

RS-7B 

RS-10A 

RS12A 

RS-12B 

RS^20A 

PB-35A 

RS-50A 


Bny       Bl«t 


• 
• 


Cantiittous 

Dilf  |Aapi| 

2.5 

3 

4 

6 

5 

7.5 

9 
0 

16 

25 
37 


ICS' 

(A«|st 
3 

4 

$ 

7 
7 

10 
12 
12 
20 

m 

50 


Sin  (IHI 
H  xW  xi 

3  X  4^  X  5^ 
3^  X  6b  X  9 

3^  X  6^  X  Vk 
3^  X  61^  X  9 

4  X  7^/^  X  Wk 
4  X  Tk  X  lOVi 

4^/t  X  fl  X  9 
4  X  7^^  X  10^ 

5  X  9  X  Wk 
Sx  11  xll 

6  X  13^  X  It 


Sbippiii 
WL  [Iti4 

4 

5 

7 

9 

10 

11 

13 

13 

18 

27 

46 


RS  M  SERIES 


MODEL  RS-35M 


MOQEl 

Switchable  volt  and  Amp  meter 
RS-12M 

Separate  volt  and  Amp  meters 

RS-20M 

R$-35M 

RS-SOM 


Coitiiivit 
Oltf  (Arn^s] 

9 

16 
25 
37 


ICS* 

12 

20 
35 
50 


SIzt  [ttl] 
II  X  Hf  X  0 

4%  X  8  X  9 

5  X  9  X  Wk 
5X11  K  11 

6  X  13'^  X  11 


Slifplif 
Wt.  fill.) 

13 

18 
27 
46 


VS-M  AND  VRM'M  SERIES 


Separate  Volt  and  Amp  Meters  •  Output  Voltage  adjustable  Irom  2-15  volts  «  Curren!  limil  adjustable  from  1.5  amps 
to  FufI  Load 

MODEL 

VS~12M 
VS^20M 
VS-35M 
VS-SOIiil 


CoAtinirous 

Duly  (Amps] 

@13.8VDC  @10VOC  @5VDC 

9              5  2 

16              9  4 

»             15  7 

37            22  10 


1C8* 

(Amps) 
@  13.8V 

12 

20 

3S 

50 


Sin  (IN) 
H  X  W  X  D 

4'/ir  X  8  X  9 

5  X  9  X  10^.1 
5x  11  X  11 

6  X  13^  X  11 


Shlpplni 
WL  litis.) 

13 
20 
29 
46 


MODEL  VS^35M 


\^riable  rack  mount  power  suf^plies 
VRM-35M  25  15 

VRM-SOM  37  22 


7 
10 


50 


5Vi  X  19x12'.^ 

51A  X  19  X  12^^ 


36 

50 


RS-S  SERIES 


MODEL  RS-12S 


Built  in  speaker 

MODEL 
ftS^TS 

RS-10S 
RS'12S 
RS-20S 


C{}iQrs 
Gny       Blicfc 


ChHiiiis 

Ditf  lAnpi) 
5 

7.5 
9 
16 


ICS* 
A«ps 

7 
10 

12 
20 


%\l%  (IN| 
H  X  Wx  D 

4  X  7^  X  10% 

4  X  7^  X  1(H4 

4Vi  X  B  X  9 

5  X  9X  Wh 


Shipplil 
WL  |IU.| 

10 

12 

13 
IB 


1 


*ICS— imermiftent  CommunicatlOfi  Service  (50%  Duty  Cycle  Smln-  on  5  min,  otf) 


CmCLE  16  ON  REAPER  SERVICE  CARD 


Number  6  on  your  Feedback  card 


Upgrade  Your  HD-4040 


KISS  your  Heath  HD^4040  and  keep  AX.25  too! 


by  Mark  Dieter  N2BL! 


■  was  in  the  mood  to  try  sotnething  new.  I 
had  a  copy  of  K  A9Q's  Iniemet  package  for 
my  Macintosh,  but  my  old  TNC  would  not 
support  il  (it  requires  KJSS).  I  didn'l  want  to 
invest  lots  of  money  in  a  new  TNC,  and  I 
knew  a  KJSS  upgrade  would  noi  allow  me  to 
u.'ie  the  TNC  in  normal  AX, 25  mode.  I  have 
an  excellent  temiinijl  program  thai  would  be 
useless  without  a  full-function  TNC,  I  wanted 
both,  and  T  didn't  wanl  lo  spend  any  money. 
Sound  familiar?  So  I  put  the  little  gray  cells  to 
work  and  this  is  what  I  came  up  with. 

The  KISS 

KJSS  flCeep  It  Simple  Stupid)  provides  di- 
rect computer-lo-TNC  communica lions  us- 
ing a  simple  protocoL  Normal  TNCs  were 
designed  to  interface  with  humans,  not  com- 
puters. By  designing  the  TNC  for  humans,  it 
actually  makes  it  harder  to  interface  the  TNC 
lo  conipuier  applications,  KISS  removes 
many  of  those  restrictions  by  placing  most  of 
the  TNC  functions  within  the  attached  com- 
puter. A  KJSS  TNC  only  converts  between 
asynchronous  data  for  the  computer  to  syn- 
chronous HDLC  (High  Level  Data  Control) 
for  the  radio,  and  it  controls  the  transmitter. 
This  allows  the  computer  to  maintain  multi- 
ple connects,  run  new  protocols,  and  other 
advanced  functions,  Some  software  packages 
like  bulletin  boards,  TCP/IP  (the  KA9Q  soft- 
ware), and  others  require  a  KISS  TNC. 


The  TNC  1  KISS  upgrade  from  TAPR  con- 
sists of  a  single  EPROM.  It  costs  about  S12. 
For  notmal  installation,  the  new  EPROM 
would  replace  the  existing  EPROM  at  hex 
address  SEOQO.  That^s  U12  in  the  Heath  HD- 
4040.  If  you  replace  that  EPROM  with  the 
KISS  one,  your  TNC  will  work  fine  in  KISS 
mode.  It's  not  even  necessary  to  remove  the 
other  original  EPROM  chips.  The  TNC  will 
ignore  them.  Of  course,  your  TNC  will  not  be 
able  to  operate  in  its  normal  AX.25  mode. 
But  remember,  wcVe  not  willing  to  give  up 
our  normal  TNC  functions  for  a  KtSS! 

Making  It  Work 

What  if  we  could  mount  both  EPROMS  in 
the  TNC?  Then  all  we  have  to  do  is  t  md  a  way 
to  switch  between  the  two  EPROMS,  right? 
Lucky  for  us  there  is  already  a  socket  in  the 
TNC  for  an  additional  RAM  or  ROM  chip — 
U8.  So  mounting  the  new  chip  is  easy.  But 
these  EPROMS  have  28  pins.  How  can  we 


switch  them  a!I?  The  answer  is:  We  don*t 
have  to!  All  the  address,  data,  and  control 
signals,  except  one  (more  about  that  later), 
are  the  same  as  U 1 2.  The  only  problem  left  is 
that  the  starting  memory  address  of  U8  is 
4000.  The  KISS  EPROM  must  be  installed 
at  address  SEOOO. 

All  devices  thai  communicate  with  the  mi- 
croprocessor have  specific  addresses  as- 
signed to  them .  The  address  dect>ding  circuits 
ensure  thai  the  correct  device  is  '"enabled" 
when  it  is  addressed  by  the  microprocessor. 
Each  ROM  chip  makes  up  one  8-kilobyic 
segment  of  the  entire  memory.  The  starting 
address  of  each  chip  (8-kilobylc  segment  for 
ROM)  is  determined  bv  the  address  decoder 
y4.  This  IC  decodes  the  high  bits  of  the 
address  from  the  microprocessor  and  pro- 
duces a  chip  select  signal  to  the  memory 
device  that  holds  the  particular  memory  loca- 
tion the  microprocessor  wants.  The  chip  se- 
lect **enables"  a  particular  memory  chip  and 


Figure  L  DPDT switch  wiring  demils. 


Figure  2.  iMcmion  of  wires  A,  B,  and  Con  the  TNC  I  circtiir  hoard  (wire  D  amneas  to  the  5  volt 
bus), 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990     19 


Photo  A.  The  Heath  HD-4040  TNC. 


Phoio  B.  The  insides  (note  jumper  wire  locanansi^ 


allows  it  to  react  to  the  address,  cantrol,  atid 
data  signals  from  the  microprocessor.  Essen- 
tially, it  turns  the  chip  on  or  off.  Remember,  I 
said  there  is  only  one  signal  thai  i*;  different 
between  U8  and  U12.  Yep,  you  guessed  it! 
It's  the  chip  select. 

What  we  want  to  do  is  re-map  the  starting 
address  of  chip  socket  U8  (starting  address 
$4CKXJ)  to  U 12  (starting  address  SBOOO).  This 
can  be  done  quite  easily  by  connecting  the 
chip  select  signal  for  U12  to  the  chip  enable 
pin  on  U8,  then  cutting  the  normal  chip  select 
traces  from  U4  to  U8  and  U4  to  Ul2.  The 
chip  select  of  the  unused  EPROM  must  be 
tied  to  4*5V.  This  effectively  disables  the 
chip  and  removes  it  from  the  circuit. 

By  doing  this  we  can  make  US  have  a 
starting  addr^s  of  SEOOO,  and  we  can  disable 
U 1 2 ,  If  we  take  the  chip  select  sign^  for  U 12 
and  switch  it  between  IJ12  and  U8  (and 
switch  ihe  unused  chip  to  -i-5V)  we  can 
switch  which  EPROM  is  seen  by  the  mi- 
croprocessor at  address  SEOOO. 

So  it  turns  out  that  we  only  need  to  switch 
one  signal*  the  chip  select.  When  we  flip  the 
switch  and  toggle  the  address  SEtXX)  between 
socket  U8  and  U 12,  we  toggle  between  KISS 
and  AX -25  mode, 

Installation— Step  by  Step 

Very  few  parts  are  required  to  install 
this  upgrade  in  your  TNC:  the  TAPR  KISS 
TNC  I  EPROM,  a  good  quality  DPDT 
switch,  and  a  few  strands  of  small-gauge 

20    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


wirc  (ribbon  conduetor  works  great). 

In  the  following  instructions  I  will  be  refer- 
ring to  positions  on  the  TNC  circuit  board.  It 
is  important  that  we  have  a  common  refer- 
ence to  locate  items  on  the  board.  All  my 
instructions  will  refer  to  the  board,  looking  at 
it  from  the  component  side,  with  front  toward 
the  front  of  the  cabinet  (LEDs  are  mountoJ  in 
the  front  of  the  board) . 

Fir^,  open  the  HD-4040  case.  Find  a  spot 
in  the  case  lo  locate  the  DPDT  switch.  Make 
sure  it  will  clear  the  board  and  aU  compo- 
nents. I  put  mine  in  back  near  the  power 
regulator. 

Second,  remove  the  circuit  board.  When 
you  make  the  hole  for  the  switch  you  will  be 
making  lots  of  aluminum  filings  which  could 
short  components  on  the  board.  To  remove 
the  board  you  must  remove  seven  nuts  hold- 
ing the  board  in,  and  unplug  the  7'pin  power 
plug  J4.  Gendy  pull  the  front  LEDs  back  to 
clear  the  case. 

Next,  put  a  hole  in  die  case  for  the  switch. 
Depending  on  the  size  and  type  of  switch  you 
have,  the  method  will  vary.  Then  reinstall  the 
board  into  the  case. 

Locate  U4,  U8,  and  U12.  Everything 
should  be  marked  on  the  circuit  board.  Care- 
fully install  the  TAPR  TNC  1  KISS  EPROM 
into  socket  U8.  The  notch  end  should  match 
the  notch  shown  on  the  circuit  board.  Make 
sure  you  do  not  bend  any  of  the  pins! 

Solder  four  9Hnch  wires  onto  the  DPDT 
switch,  as  shown  in  Figure  i.  Mount  the 


DPDT  switch  into  the  case.  Insert  wire  "A*' 
into  the  hole  in  the  circuit  board,  near 
the  front  left  comer  of  15,  and  solder.  (See 
Figure  2.)  Take  your  time — the  hole  is  very 
tiny. 

Insert  wire  "*B**  into  the  hole  in  the  circuit 
boaiti  directly  forward  of  the  left-most  pin  of 
iP8,  and  solder.  Insert  wire  *'C"  into  the 
hole  forward  of  U4  slightly  lo  the  right  of  its 
centerline  (it's  the  closest  hole  to  U4  towards 
the  front),  and  solder. 

Insert  wire  *  *  D' '  into  one  of  the  holes  in  the 
+5V  bus  (on  the  front  right-hand  side),  and 
solder.  Locate  the  circuit  trace  from  U4  pin  9 
to  U 12  pin  20,  Since  the  board  has  traces  on 
both  sides  it^s  not  obvious.  It  is  the  same  trace 
that  wire  "A**  is  connected  to.  (See  Figure  2,) 

Now,  the  tricky  part.  Take  a  very  fme- 
tipped  knife  or  scribing  tool  and  cut  the  trace 
somewhere  to  the  right  of  where  wire  *  'A"  is 
connected.  I  found  that  a  scraping  motion  was 
most  effective.  Make  sure  the  trace  is  cut 
completely  through. 

Locate  the  circuit  trace  from  U4  pin  2  to  U8 
pin  20.  It  is  the  same  trace  diat  wirc  **B"  is 
connected  to.  {See  Figure  2.)  Cut  the  trace  to 
the  right  of  where  wire  B  is  connected.  Place 
jumper  JP6  to  the  right.  Place  jumper  JP8  to 
the  right. 

Operation 

With  the  upgrade  in  place,  you're  ready  to 
try  it  out.  Power-up  your  favorite  terminal 
emulator  and  the  TNC.  If  you  don*t  see  the 
norma!  welcome  message  from  your  TNC, 
power  the  unit  off,  flip  the  * 'Normal  /  KISS" 
switch^  and  turn  it  back  on.  One  position  or 
the  other  will  be  the  normal  mode.  CAU- 
TION: I  recommend  that  you  always  turn  the 
TNC  off  when  changing  the  ** Normal  / 
KISS^'  switch.  In  normal  mode  your  TNC 
should  behave  exactly  as  before,  without  so 
much  as  a  changed  parameter. 

To  try  out  you  r  TNC 's  new-found  capabili- 
ties, you  will  of  course  need  KISS  software. 
Unfortunately,  TAPR  did  not  provide  in- 
structions widi  my  EPROM.  I  found  out  that 
the  TNC  in  KISS  mode  is  fued  at  4800  baud, 
8  data  bits^  no  parity^  and  I  stop  bit.  Your 
KISS  software  is  probably  already  config- 
ured for  that  setup.  None  of  the  normal  TNC 
settings  have  any  effect  on  KISS  operation. 
Remember  all  those  TNC  functions  are  done 
in  your  computer  in  KISS  mode.  If  you  have 
the  optional  Heath  HDA-4040-1  TNC  status 
indicator,  the  indicator  LEDs  will  not  work  in 
KISS  mode. 

Postscript 

Unfortunately,  this  upgrade  uses  up  the 
socket  for  additiotial  RAM  (I  wasn't  going  to 

add  more  anyway),  but  nothing  is  completely 
free,  right? 

The  KISS  EPROM  ps  well  as  the  KA9Q 
Internet  Software  Package  is  available  from 
TAPR.  To  get  an  order  form  write  to:  Tucson 
Amateur  Packet  Radio,  P.O.  Box  12925, 
Tucson  AZ  85732;  {602)  749-9479, 


You  may  camact  Mark  Dieter  N2BLI  at  86 
Hiddenwood  Dr. ,  Rochester  NY  J 461 6, 


y 


For  the  best  buys  in  town  caflr 
21 2-925-7000 

Los  Precios  Mas  Bajos  en  Nueva  York 

WE  SHIP  WORLDWIDE! 


KITTY  SAYS:  WE  ARE  NOWOPEN  7  DAYS  A  WEEK. 

Saturday  &  Sunday  10  to  5  P;M. 

Monday-Friday  9  to  6:30  PM  Ttiurs.  to  8  PM 
Come  to  Barry's  for  the  best  buys  in  town. 


Ail 


Santa  Kitty  says, 
Seasons  Greetings  To  Alt** 

Sw  ifou  Oecemtwr  2  -  BAAA  {ipeKlT},  Paraintis.  NJ 
See  you  d«emi»f  lO  -  WEC  A  (»pe*ch  j,  Wwlch«lflf.  NY 


ONV  Safety 
belts-in  stock 


O 

ICOM 

rC-R7lA.  751  A.  781.  229H,  R'7O00. 
IC-76S.  275 A/H.  3220A,  475A/H.  735, 
lC-901 ,  IC725*  IC-2400A/2500A 


KENWOOD 


FT-767GX,  FT-757GXII,  FT-747GX, 
FRG-8800,  FT-736R.  FT^IOOOO, 
FT-4700RH,  FT  21 2/71 2 RH,  FT-470 


I 


ANTENNAS 

Husner  KLM.  METZ,  Mosl*v 
U^tW.  UOOUBLO^  TOUNA. 


TS440S/AT,  B-SOOO,  TS-940  S/AT, 
TM  24  T  A/441  A,  TM-2570A/50A, 
TR'751A,  Kenwood  Service  Repafr, 
TM-731A,  TS-711/811A,  TH205AT. 
TK225A,  TM-631A,  TM-331A,  TS140S, 
TS680S.  R2'1.  TS-790A,  TS950SD, 
TH-75A,  TH27/47AT,  TM'941A 


YAESU  ICOM 
FT-23R  IC2/3/4SAT 
FT411E^11  911  IC02AT/32AT 
FTG't«KW11Z3  IC2/4GAT/24AT 
FTH"2(XmmX)8  IC  A20flJI6 


AMPUFIERS 

STOCKED: 

RF  Concepis 

Mirage 
TE  Sysiems 


MARINE  RAOIQS 

ICOM  M5.  M56.  M700TY,  M8C0 

AVIAHON  PORTABLE  ICOM  A-30 

KING  KX  99 


BwMgAfiT.  Products 

NEL'TEOI  On-lOO  Digital  Vqm^  Keyv 

FUJKE  77. 83.  U.  a?  Huttiinetffi 


LarKlmobile  HT'i 

ICOM:  U16.  Hie.  VtOO.U400 
MAXON,  MOTOROLA 
YAfSU  FTH200flmi08 

UVUNEICOM  lUQ  i.B€.M7U0 
AV1ATIQN IDOM  A2Q  H  T  .  TAD 

"  II 


Simplex  Autopatch  SDI-50  Will  Patch  FM 
Transceiver  To  Your  Telephone.  Great  For 
Telephone  CaJis  From  mobUie  To  Base  Simple 
Totise.  SOI-50,SSl-68. 


A\  H 


1C-32AT 


IC»K1£/U16 


p™^«»mti;»sy- 


•    • 


Connect  Systems  (CSJ} 

PHIVA  TE  PA  TCH  V.  Duptex  6200. 

CS700 

TUNERS  STOCKED: 

NYE  MBV-A  3  Kilowatt  Tuner 


HOTOBOLAEUDIUS 

fqiHTnii  nnntm      tk-tsa        fT'470 


Want«d:  HF  Radio  Technician 


Panasonic 

Shortwave  Radios/Marine 


VoCom/Mirage/Alinco 

Tokyo  HyPower/TE  SYSTEMS 

Amplifiers  4   5/8 XHT  Gain  computer mterf aces 
Antennas  IN  STOCK  stociced:MFj  1270S. 

MFJ-1274.  MFJ-1224.  AEA 
G&G  ELECTRONICS  ART1.  PK-Sa,  MFJ'1278T,  PK^232 

Air  Disk,  SWL.  Morse  Coach  W/FAXp  DRSI  PRODUCTS 


Fa£QUEl4CV 
CDUHTEAS' 
|l»tz-1.9<3»tt 


COMMEI^aAL 

I  HAM 

ft£P£AT£ftS 

SrOCKB). 

WWTETOB 
QUOTEi 


Kanironlca 

KAM,KPCI1, 

KPC IV,  Data  Elaine, 

DVR2^ 


Govercraft^CoaNsea!  Stacked 


SHORTWAVE  RECEIVERS 
STOCKED 


Professional 

Soldenng 

Station 

48  Watts 

J79 


METRON 

KW  HF  MotNlt 

Amplifier 

Stocked 


AOH.AB' 1000— wide 


^^^   MOTOROLA  AUTHORIZED  DEALER 

KACHINA  COMMUNICATIONS  DEALER 

AUTHORIZED 


JRC 

NRD*525. 
JST13S 


Alpha  Delta 
Products 
Stocked 


AEA  Iso  poles 
(144,  220,  440 
MHz),  fsoloop. 


EIMAC 

3-500Z 
572B.  6JS6C 
12BY7A  a 
G146B 

eiRD 

Wattmeters  & 

Elements 

In  Stock 


DEALER 

DIGITAL  FREQUENCY  COUNTERS 
OPTOELECTRONICS  model  1 300 H/A.  0  1 300MHz 
221 0  H,  02200  UHz,  2600H,  UTC-3000 

Lor>9-rait9e  Wireless 
Tetephorte  for  export  in  sioclf 


BENCHER  PADDLES. 

BALUNS.  LOW  PASS  FILTERS 

IN  STOCK 


Radios  for  Business, 
Gov't,  2- way,  etc. 
Stocked  A  serviced, 
call  for  great  prices! 


COMET  ANTENNAS 
STCXXSI 


Media  Meniors— 
Arriateuf  Radio  Course 


MIRAGE  AMPLIFIERS 

AST  RON  POWER  SUPPLIES 

Belden  Wire  &  Cable,  InlM  Wire 

OPTO  KEYERS  STOCKED 


«  •    t  -i  -t  ^   ; 


New  TEN-TEC 
PARAGON.   OMNIV 


HEIL 

EQUIPMENT 
IN  STOCK 


Hy-Giain  Tewefs 
wilt  be  ahrpped 
dire<!t  to  you 
FREE  of 
shippirtgcosl. 


<. 


i 


MX  Towets.  Antennas. 
Mobile  F^dio  rTHHjritSi 

Stocked,  Ca>i. 


AMERITRON  AUTHORfZEO  DEALER 


MAIL  ALL  ORDERS  TO:  BARRY  ELECTRONICS  CORP.,  512  BROADWAY.  NEW  YORK  CITY,  NY  1001 2  [fourblockshmthofganalst,  between  sPRfNG  and  broomestj 


LARGEST  STOCKING  HAM  DEALER 


il«W    YOFK  VIVy   9     COMPLETE  REPAIR  LAB  ON  PREMISES 


"AquI  So  Habia  Eapanor* 

BARRY  INTERNATIONAL  TELEX  12  7670 
MERCHANDISE  TAKEN  ON  CONSIGNMENT 
FOR  TOP  PRICES 

(Uioniay- Friday  9  A  M  to  6  30  P  M        Thufsdar  to  8  P  M 
Satuniay  A  Sunday  fO  AM.  to  5  PM   iFrec  Pafkmg} 

(RT/LEX-- Spring  Sl  Station'".  Subways:  SMT^ 
'Prince  St.  Station".  IND>"F"  Train-Bwy  Station^* 
Bus:  Broadway  #6  to  Spring  SL  Patti'9th  SI. /6th  Ave, 
Station. 


COMMERCIAL  RADIOS 
STOCKED:  ICOM.  Molorej- 
la,  MAXON,  Standard. 
Yaesjj.  We  serve  murtici- 
palit»es.  t^usinesses.  Civil 
DflfQnse.  mc  Portables, 
mobiles^  b^ses^  wm- 
pearors,,. 


ALL 

SALES 

FINAL 


We  Stoc*<:  AEA,  ARRL,  Ameco,  Ameriiron,  Antenna  Specialists.  Astatic, 
Aslron,  B&K,  B&W.  Bancher,  Bird.  Butternut.  CDE,  CES.  Cushcraft,  Daiwa. 
Efmac,  Henry.  Heil.  Hostler,  Hy-Gain,  Icom,  KLM,  Kantronics,  Larsen,  MFJ, 
J  W.  Milter,  Mirage,  Nye<  Palomar.  RF  ProductSp  Saiton,  Shure.  Tempo, 
Ten-Tec,  tubes,  Yaesu,  Vibroplex,  Duplexers,  Repealers,  Scanners.  Radio 
Publications,  Uniden,  Kenwood,  Maxon,  RFC. 

WE  NOW  STOCK COMMEACtAL  COMMUNICATIONS  SYSTEMS 
KAM  DEALER  INQUIRES  INVITED    PHONE  IN  YOUR  OROCA  A  BE  REIMOURSEO 
COMMERCIAL  HADIOS  •tochvd  A  ••rvteatf  ein  pr«mi»«ft. 

Amateur  Radio  Courses  Given  On  Our  Premises,  Call 

Export  Orders  Shippod  Immodlptsly.  TELEX  12^7670 


Technical  help  offered  upon  purchase 


FAX:  212-925-7001 


CIRCLE  41  ON  READER  SEWVICE  GARt> 


Numbtf  7  on  your  Feedback  ami 


73  Review 


by  a  Drayton  Cooper  III,  N4LBJ 


Ten-Tec's  Hercules  II 

Model  420 

Turn  your  rig  into  a  550  watt  transceiver! 


Ten-Tec.  Inc. 

Highway  411  East 

Seviefville  TN  37862 

Phone:(615)453-7172 

Model  420:  $1275. 

Power  supply  9420:  $795. 


Ten*Tec's  new  Hercules  II  solid  state 
linear  amplifier  fills  an  tmporlant  niche  in 
the  equipment  line-up  available  to  today's 
ham.  and  does  it  with  elegance  and  techno- 
logical appropriateness.  1  have  operated  the 
model  420,  as  the  Hercules  11  is  known  at 
Ten-Tec.  since  March  1990.  and  il  has  per- 
tormed  op  to  specs  every  lime  I've  turned  if 
on.  it  is  extremely  easy  to  drive,  requiring  only 
35-50  watts  Input  to  produce  the  full  rated 
output  of  550  watts.  U  is  exceedingly  quiet.  It 
is.  far  and  away,  the  simplest  amplifier  to  oper- 
ate thai  I've  ever  used. 

The  Medium  Power  Niche 

First,  a  word  about  its  power  output  capabili- 
ty. The  420  is  not  a  classic  "rock  crusher." 
The  ham  who  chooses  the  Hercules  II  should 
realize  from  ^he  outset  that  this  is  a  medium- 
power  amplitJer. 

There  is  definitely  a  place  tor  a  mediym- 
power  amplifier  in  today's  world.  The  rules 
and  regulations  we  operate  under  stress  the 
importance  ol  running  only  enough  power  to 
maintain  satisfactory  communication.  It's  very 
difficult  to  run  a  1600-watt  amplifier  at  much 
less  than  ^ull  output  without  developing  pfob- 
lems  of  reduced  thermal  efficiency  in  the  final 
tubes.  Generally  speaking,  reliable  communi- 
cations can  be  maintained  at  much  less  power 
than  the  maximum  allowable  by  law.  It  should 
be  noted  that  Ihe  difference  between  a  500 
watt  power  level  and  the  full  legal  limit  of  1500 
watts  will  only  raise  your  signal  a  Httle  less 
than  an  S-unit.  That  extra  S-unit  can  be  cosily 
If  you  look  at  the  price  of  a  full-power  amplifier. 


Oulet,  Easy,  and  Fast 

For  years,  solid  stale  technology  has  been 
portrayed  as  basically  simple,  straightfor- 
ward, and  highly  reliable.  Yet  with  a  few  nota- 
ble exceptions,  we  have  used  the  benefits  of 
solid  state  technology  only  in  QRP  rigs  and  in 
transceivers  up  to  the  T00-t50  watt  class . 

The  Hercules  II  provides  us  with  an  opportu* 
nity  to  use  the  positive  characteristics  of  solid 
state  devices  in  a  kilowatt-input-class  amplifi- 
er. And  the  benefits  are  quickly  recognizable 
the  minute  you  switch  on  the  420.  It  is  incredi- 
bly quiet,  amazingly  easy  and  simple  to  oper- 
ate, and  it  provides  instantaneous  QSK.  or  full 
break-in  CW! 

Complete  setHjp  of  the  420  can  be  accom* 
plishad  in  about  15  minutes.  Open  the  box. 

22    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  ■  December.  1990 


takeout  the  RFdeck,  make  the  three  intercon- 
nections to  the  transceiver,  screw  in  the  PL- 
259  from  the  antenna,  conned  the  power  sup- 
ply cable,  and  you*re  ready  to  operate.  it*s 
honestly  that  simple. 

A  No-Sweat  Amp 

Assuming  you  have  an  SWR  of  less  than  2:1 
on  your  fe^line.  you  just  turn  il  on  and  talk. 
There's  no  warm-up  pericxi,  no  waiting  for  ca- 
pacitors in  the  power  supply  to  charge  up.  no 
tube  filaments  to  heat.  And  there's  rK>  grid 
drive  fo  peak  or  final  circuit  to  dip.  If  you 're  the 
lype  who  enjoys  fiddling  with  his  gear,  this 
may  be  disconcerting  at  first.  But  believe  me, 
it's  a  welcome  change  after  years  of  worrying 
about  loo  much,  or  too  little,  grid  current; 
about  whether  or  not  the  final  was  loaded  up 
"tightly''  enough;  or  about  a  fatal  parasitic 
wiping  out  a  $200  tut>el 

Since  the  theory  of  how  Ten-Tec  achieves 
1000  watts  input  with  12*voli  transistors  has 
been  thoroughly  covered  elsewhere.  I  won't 
get  into  that.  Suffice  it  to  say  that  they  do,  and 
if  something  were  to  go  wrong,  the  transistors 
would  be  much  less  expensive  to  replace  than 
50-voll  models. 


The  9420  Supply— Heavy  is  the  Word 

Another  feature  of  the  Hercules  II  that 
should  appeal  to  many  in  today's  space-con- 
scious age  is  its  size.  The  420  takes  up  no 
more  space  in  your  shack  than  a  full-sized 
transceiver.  In  fact,  the  Hercules  il  essentially 
matches  the  Tan- Tec  Paragon  or  Omni-V 
transceivers  for  compactness. 

To  accomplish  this,  the  RF  deck  and  the 
power  supply  had  to  be  separated,  as  in  the 
tradition  of  the  Ten -Tec  Titan  amplifier.  Herein 
lies  the  only  disadvantage  that  I  have  discov* 
ered  in  the  system.  Naturally,  a  power  supply 
capable  of  providing  ef^ough  current  at  12-14 
volts  DC  to  run  a  kilowatt-input  linear  has  to  be 
heavy.     Unfortunately,  the  9420  supply  Is 


over  the  UPS  weight  limit  and  must  be 
shipped  separately  from  the  RF  deck  of  the 
amplifier.  Larry  Worth.  Ten-Tec's  service 
manager,  told  me  that  technicians  at  the  fac- 
tory have  successfully  run  a  420  on  a  heavy- 
duty  car  battery  and  an  automatic  trickle 
chargef.  In  some  of  their  advertising,  Ten-Tec 
suggests  this  as  an  alternate  way  of  powering 
the  Hercules  IL  It  certainly  would  be  a  less 
expensive  way  to  go. 

However,  my  experience  with  the  420-9420 
system  since  last  March  leads  me  to  recom- 
mend biting  the  bullet  and  going  with  the  com- 
plete package.  As  heavy  as  the  9420  is,  It  can 
be  conveniently  placed  out  of  the  way.  Since  it 
is  controlled  by  the  onoff  switch  on  the  ampli- 
fier, constant  access  to  it  is  not  necessary. 
Just  put  it  where  air  can  circulate  around  its 
heat  sinks. 

Incidentally,  the  9420  is  wired  so  that  it  can 
provide  power  for  a  1 00-watt  class  transceiver 
as  well  as  the  80-amp  amplifier  Believe  me, 
you  don't  have  to  worry  at)out  whether  it's 
stout  enough  to  handle  both  the  amp  and  your 
rig. 

Remote  Control  Feature 

A  final  feature  of  the  420  should  be  men- 
tioned. Ten-Tec  designed  the  amplifier  so  that 
it  can  be  fully  remote-controlled.  They  provide 
a  remote  head  for  the  unit,  and  you  can  con- 
nect the  RF  deck  to  the  head  with  a  12-foot 
multi-conductor  cable.  The  remote  head, 
which  contains  all  the  function  controls  found 
on  the  front  panel  of  the  amplifier,  including 
the  LED-dhven  PEP  output  Indicator,  can  be 
placed  on  the  operating  desk,  and  the  ampli* 
fier  itself  can  then  be  situated  in  any  location 
the  operator  chooses. 

This  feature  was  originally  designed  so  that 
the  420  could  be  operated  as  a  mobile  ampli- 
fier (RF  deck  in  the  trunk,  remote  head  under 
the  dash),  but  it  may  also  be  a  valuable  feature 
for  anyone  whose  shack  is  smalL 

Since  fii^  using  a  linear  back  in  the  early 
'60s  (a  home-brew  pair  of  4-400s),  I  have 
sampled  a  variety  of  the  breed.  Each  of  them 
needed  some  degree  of  special  handling  to 
get  it  to  perform  up  to  snuff.  Thus  far,  howev- 
er, the  420  is  the  first  amplifier  I  have  ever 
used  that  actually  feels  and  acts  like  an  exten- 
sion of  the  transceiver  itself.  In  fact,  using  it 
makes  me  feel  like  I'm  running  a  550*watt 
transceiver. 


RAMSEY  ELECTRONICS 


COM-3 
$279500 


2  WAY  RADIO 
SERVICE  MONITOR 

COM-3,  ihe  worth's  mos^  popuFar  iow<osl  servi^ce  mor\t- 
tor.  For  shops  bjg  or  small,  the  COM-3  ttelivecs  advanced 
i^9pJ3.tiilii'i6£  fcif  a  fanisiJc^  pric@ — stnti  out  n^w  i&^s^  pro- 
gfam  allows  you  [o  own  a  COM-3  for  less  Ihan  $3.00  a  day, 
Features  •Dlrecl  entry  keyboard  with  programmable 
memory  -Audio  &  iJansmHteF  frequency  coupler » LEO  tjar 
grapih  frequency/'errGr  devhalion  display  •0.1-10.000  pV 
Qutpjt  levels  «Hagh  receive  seinslllvily,  \&$.^  tri^^n  S  pV 
•  1 00  kHz  to  999.99^5  MHz  -ContlTTtiouS  freque-ncy  cover- 
age •Transmll  prelection,  up  to  100  watis  "CTS  tone 
enc(>dec,  1  kHz  and 'Sji.ttTnfli  modulaii&n. 


RSG-IO 
$249500 


SYNTHESIZED 
SIGNAL  GENERATOR 

Finally,  a  iovK:ost  ia&  quaidy  signal  generac&r— a  iru* 
aftemathvie  to  the  S7.,0OD  generators.  The  FlSG-10  Is  a 
hard  wQrklfig,  tjul  easy  to  use  generator  it^i^ai  lor  (tie  ^ab 
as  well  as  toi  production  (esi.  Lease  It  for  less  than  $3,00  a 
day.  Fealures  «1 00  kHz  lo  999  MHz  •  100  Hz  nesalutnn  lo 
5O0  MHz.  HOO  Hz  a-bOve  •  -  1 30  to  -^  10  dBm  Ouipul  rartge 
•0.1  dB  oulpul  resolution!  "AIVI  and  FM  modufalion  •20 
programmable  meimorles  •Oulpul  satectton  in  volls,  dB, 
dBm  wifh  inslani  conversion  between  uncts  +RF  output 
reverse  power  prelected  •LED  display  gf  all  pararre- 
ters— iiti  analog  guesswork! 


FREQUENCY  COUNTERS 


CT-70  7  DIGIT  525  MHz 


CT-SQ  B  DIGIT  600  MHz       CT-tZ5  9  DrCIT  1 .2  GHz 


-^.. 


^^TfTh  B  olfo    • 


n&rtisey  EleetronJcs  has  Oeen  manulaclur'irig  elet- 
Ifonlc  test  gear  for  over  10  years  and  Is  recognized  for 
its  Jab  quality  products  at  &ri?al<:1hroLjgl>  prices.  A\l  of 
[.]4ir  couniors  cairy  s.  full  one-y^a^  warrarily  on  parts 
and  labor  We  lake  gfeal  pride  in  being  the  lafgest 
manyfactuiiOT  of  lo^^-cotc  counters  in  ihe  ei^nre 
U.S.A.  Compare  specif jcalions.  Our  counters  ane  full- 
feai4jred„  from  audro  to  UHF,  with  FET  high 
impedance  inpul,  prapsr  wave  shaping  cIrcuUfy,  and 
durable  Ngh  quaMy  epoxy  glass  plaied-lhru  PC 
board  construe) ion  All  units  are  100%  manufactured 
in  the  U.S.A.  All  counters  Inaturo  r.O  ppm  accuracy. 


ACCESSORIES  FOR  COUNTERS 

TeJe^copic  ship  aAte^na — BMCpJiig.  WA-iO  ...  SilflS 
High  Impedance  probe,  llflht  foacfi^g,  HP-1  ,        St $.95 

Low-pass  p^obe,  amdious*,  LP-i     . , $iS-9$ 

Direct  probe,  general  purpose  use.  DC-I       .      .  IIS-SS 

Till  t>al3.  elevates  coun^^r  fcnr  easy  vi^wmg,  TB-70  ....  $  9.9^5 
Reohargeabfefnlernaibatierypaoh.BP-4  .  ,  ,  3  9-9$ 
CT  90  oven  timebase.  0  I  ppm  accuracy,  OV-1  : .  59.95 


ALL  COUNTERS  ARE  FULLY  WIRED  &  TESTED 


J^ODEL, 


CT-50 


CT-70 


CT-9CI 


:PT-125 


CT'250 


psioa 

PreseaFpr 


FREQ. RANGE 


aO  Hz-600  MHz 


20  Hz-550  MHz 


lOHz-GOOMNi 


10HZ-1.25GH? 


10Hz^2.5GHz 
typically  3.DGH£ 


10MH*-1  SCHj. 

divide  by  1000 


SENSITIVITY 


<25mVto500MHz 


<50mVlo150f^Hj 


^lOinV'lolSOMH; 
<150mVt0  600M'Hi 


<£5nnVto50MHi 
<r5mVlo500MHz 
■clOOmVtD  IQHz 


<:  25  mV  lo  50  MHz 
<:lOmVlo1  GHz 

<50rTfcVEoS.5GHz 


^5CmV 


xmmv 


0 


SPEED  RADAR 
$89.95 

complete  kll 
5B-7 


Jew  fow-cosl  microwave  Doppler 
3.darkll  "clocks"  cars,  planes,  boals, 
orses.  bskes,  baseballs,  rrncsdels,  run- 
ers.  or  vinually  anythi^ng  thai  moves. 
Sperales  at  2-6  OHe  wtth  over  Vh  -nvile 
ange  LED  di^g^tal  readoul  difspFays 
peeda  in  miles  per  tiour.  kitomesers 
er  higur.  or  feel  per  second!  Ear- 
hone  Output  perm  lis  llslenrng  to  aciu- 
I  Doppfer  shift.  Uses  two  1-tb.  coftee 
ar^S  lor  antenna  ^'not  Included]  and 
jns  on  12  VDC  Easy  lo  Cnjilct— all 
licrowave  circuitry  is  PC  Stripline.  Kit 
icludos  deluxe  ABS  plastic  case  wllti 
p^erlv  graphics  for  a  professional 
joK  A  very  uselyl  ^nrJ  Sul'-of-^un  ku. 


yCROWAVE 
^TRUSIONALAHM 
,  real  microwave  Doppler 
snsor  that  will  detect  a  hu- 
ian  as  far  a^  tQ  la^t  awvay. 
iperalea-  On  1.3  GHz,  and  is 
01  affected  by^heat.  light,  or 
ibratlons.  Drives  up  lo  tOO 
lA  oylpyt.  normally  O'P&ri  qr 
losed,  runs  on  12  VOC 
ompleta  kit  MD-3     $16.95 


ONEDECXIP£R 

oompiiele  la^e  decode* 
^a  single  PC  board  Fea- 
rer: =^00-5000  Hr  ad- 
stabls  rancpe  via  2&(urn 
3[.TOfl|^reg!^-il:on,S|.7 
:  U&eful  for  loucti'tone 
jrs;|  delscljon,  FSK,  eic. 
an  also  ix  us«J  as  A  sra- 
e  tone  encoder.  flu-Jis  on 
la  12  volts 
Dm^sieiekit.TD-i    i&.^B 


OLOft  OPQAN 

ee  mdsio  come 
livfji  3  dideTSnC  fights 
jcker  with  n^usic. 
i-n^  light  each  for 
tgh,  mirt-range,  and 
iws.  Each  indivrduaU 
.'  «i<iiiisl9b^@  and 
rives  up  lo  300  W. 
unson  no  VAC. 
iL-t  kH. $6.95 


■TMiFl 


8 


RESOLUTION 


1  Hz,  1 0  Hz 


1  Hz.  10  Hz,  100  Hz 


0.1  Hz,  10  Hz.  100  Hz 


0.1  Hz,  1  Hz,  10  Hz 


0.1  Hi.  IHlJOHr 


Cronvert  your  existing  counter 
Id  1  5  GHz 


PRrCE 


5189.95 


St30.9S 


S 169. 95 


5169.95 


$530.95 


$fl9,35 


BROADBAND 
PREAMP 


Soost  those  weai<  sigMs  to  your 
scanner,  TV,  shortwave  i-adio  0*  fre- 
quency counter.  Ffa!  25  dB  gain,  1  to 
1000 MHz.  3dBNF.  BNC connectors. 
Runs  on  12  VDC  or  110  VAC. 
PB-2,  wired,  includes  AC  adapter 
$S9.95 


2M  POWER  AMP 

Easy  to  buitd  power  amp  has  6  Etmes 
power  gam,  1W  m,  aW  out,  £W  in, 
1 6W  OUl,  5W  is  for  40 W  out.  Same 
amp  as  feaiured  in  many  hami  mag- 
•azirve  arjicles.  Complete  wi-th  alt 
pans,  loss  case  and  T-H  relay. 
PA-1 ,  4aW  pwr  amp  kit  . .  ^, .: ; .  $29 .95 
TP- 1 .  PF  sen^d  Tfl  relay  kii  .  S  e.95 


MUSIC  MACHINE 

tJaat  k'l  itiaJt  will  produce  25  dilter- 
^rtt  gLftMliil  flrid  popular  Ipnes, 
P^U5  3  doorctiime  sourtds  Lots  of 
lun  l(y  daan>ells,  stiop.  or  swrs  en- 
irances,  car  honn,  music  S?otiiM,eic. 

Runs  on  9V  bAltery  ^jr  wflll  trgns- 
lormer  E«elleni!  spea>(0r  volume 
3Jtd  adju^tatriB  ti^po  and  pitt^. 
fiiki  our  case  set  for  4  handMflie 
linisti^  k}04i 

Compleleliit,  MW-5^  $24.95 

Case  4  K<«b  sei.  CM  M-5    S 1 2 .35 


VOICE  ACTIVATED 
SWITCH 

Vofce  activated 
swilch  kit  pfovid&s 
switched  output  wilh 
curreni  capabiltiy  up 
to  100  rnA.  Can  drive 
relays,  tights,  LED,  or 
even  a  lape  recwrdfir 
motor,  Runs  on  9 
VDC. 
VS-1  kil.      .  .      $6.95 


LJGHTBEAH 
COMMUNtCATORS 

Trar^Srrl^tS  9ydJ0  Over 
mlrared  beam  up  Co 
30" — use  simpfo  lens- 
es to  go  up  to  Vi  mile? 
Hum  free,  uses  30  kViz 
carrier.  Great  for  wire- 
teas  earphones  Or  un- 
det^iahte  "bitg." 
Transmitter  +  receiv- 
er set.  LBSC-   S19.35 


FM  WIRELESS 
MIKE  KITS 

FM-3 
SHOWN 

P\ck  the  unit  thal's  righl  for  you.  Alt 
units  If^r^snnSt  stable  Signal  in  30- 
108  MHz  FM  band  up  to  300'  eiccepl 
(or  hi  power  FM-4  that  goas  up  to  W 
mile. 

FM-1,  basic  unit  . .    $5.95 

FM-2.  as  above"  bytwtth  acWedmll^a 
prcamp  .......  i ... ...... ...  .$  7.95 

FM-4,  font!  range,  high  power  wilh 
very  sensitive  audio  siection,  picks 
up  voices  10'  away     $14.95 

FM-3,  oomptete  unit  includes  case, 
baltery,  swilch.  antenna,  and  built -In 
condensDf  mike.  Eji-ceKent  (ideJity, 
vejy  Small,  M  SI 6. 95 

FM-3WT,  as  al^ve^  but  tully  wined 
afidleated  $t9.95 

SMC,  miniature  sensithva  mil^e  car- 
tridge lor  FM-t,  2,  4  ..   $S.95 


PACKET  RADIO 

Commodore  CMn^^  packet 
fadia  inladace.  Uses  famous 
German  Pi^ic-om  so^l^i^f^.  Fea' 
lujss  EXAfl  IC  ctiip  set  lor  reli- 
able operal ion— runs  HF  or 
VHF  lorhfis.  «n<;lude«  FREE  disS? 
so'tyvare.  PC  tjoand,  ail  naces- 
sary  pans  and  full  documenta- 
ihon 
Complete  kit,  FC-1  $49  95 


TELEPHONE 
TflANSMITTEH 

Mirti-siied  with  profas- 
sionai  performance 
Self-powered  fronn 
phone  line,  transmits 
in  FM  b^aadcasi  band 
up  to  Vj.  mile  ingtaHs 
easily  anywhere  on 
phone  line  or  msida 
phonef 
PB-1  kit $14,95 


FMflADIO 
FulMledged  superhet, 
mi^crovolt  sensillvlty. 
IC  detecior  and  io,7 
MHz  IF,  Tunes  Std. 
Fi<A  broadcast  band  as 
we^i  ^S  large  pOrliornS 
on  each  end  ideal  for 
"bug"  receiver,  hob- 
by expertmenis  or 
even  as  FM  radios 
FR-1  hEt   ,  .      .  $14,95 


LO  NOISE  PREAIMPS 

Make  that  reclever  come 
ALIVE'  Small  size  for  easy 
inslailation  wilh  Hl-Q  tuned 
inpul  for  peiak  perform^ftce, 
E?tcellen!  gairn  and  nOise  lig- 
ure— guaranteed  lo  iniprove 
reception!  SpecUy  band: 
2}4—Pn-'iQ.  SaO  MHz— PR^ 
2O,440MHz— Pn^O. 
Each  kll       J17.95 


TJCKLESTIK 

A  shochlna  kW.  Blfnlk- 
tng  LED  attracts  vic- 
tims to  pick  up  Inno- 
cerni-looking  can— 
you  watch  the  (unf  Ide- 
aJ  tor  office  desks, 
pad ies,  nosey  i(now-j(- 
alls^ 
TS-4  kit .  .    .  .      $9.95 


SUPER  SLEUTH 

A  super  senaftiue  am- 
plifier which  will  pick 
up  a  ptn  drop  at  15 
feel  I  Great  for  rYvoni- 
loring  baby's  ro^jffi  or 
as  geneial  purpose 
amplifier  Fuill2VW  rms 
output.  Runs  on  6  to 
15  volts,  uses  8-45 
ohm  speaker 
6N-9  kil   $5.95 


TV  THAMSMtTTEW 

Transmit  your  VCR  or 
TV  camera  throughoul 
your  house.  Stabte 
quallly  signal,  tur>stbie 
Ch  4-6.  Accepts  stan- 
dard video  and  audio 
Inputs. 
Complete  kit, 

JM-7  $14.95 


BltOAOOAND 
PREAMP 

Verypoputar  sensitive 
all-purpose  preamp, 
ideal  for  scanner, 
TVs,  VHF/UHF  rtgs, 
counters.  Lo  noise,  20 
de  gain,  100  kHi-1 
GHt,  9V-ia  VOC  OFH 
eration. 
SA-?kit   .      .    $14.96 


$129 


FANTASTIC  2M  FM  TRANSCEIVER 

SYNTHESIZED— NO  CRYSTALS  TO  BUY! 


Ramsey  breaks  the  price  harrier  gn  2  meter  rrgs?  Here's  the  ideal 
rig  for  field  days,  hamfests,  vacalions,  second  cars  and  packet  (it 
even  has  dedicated  packet  connections).  Six  exparvdafcle  diode- 
programmed  channets,  5W  RF  output,  sensitive  duaf  conversion 
receiver  and  EASY  assembly.  Why  pay  more  for  a  secondhand 
old  r^g  wfiert  you  carv  make  your  own  lor  iass-  Have  some  fur  with 
your  own;  truly  AMERICAN-MADE  FM  rig!  This  kit  coflws  com- 
plete except  for  the  case,  mike  aod  speaker- ICOM  or  e(\un\ 
&peaker-mjke$  plug  right  in.  Add  our  own  beauliful  case  sol  for  a 
professiooai  (aclory  look. 

FTR-MSkil $139.95 

FTfl-146-C  aluminum  case  &  knob  set .      .    .  $24.35 


2  M  &  220  BOOSTER  AMP 

Here's  a  great  booster  for  any  2  meter  or  220  MHz  hand-held  unil. 

ThE?!^^^  i;>oi^er  boosler^  defiver  over  30  waiis  ol  oulpul,  allowing  you  lo 

fill  :ha  repeater's  full  quieti'ng  wtille  the  fow  notse  pneamp  remarltabfy 

Improves  receptkjn.  Flamsey  Electronics  has  sold  thousands  of  £  rfleter 

aiTip  kit£,  bol  (low  we  offer  complelely  w^red  and  tested  2  meter,  as  welt 

as  220  MHz,  unila.  Both  have  all  ihe  features  o(  jhe  hjgih-priced  boo^l- 

ers  a1  a  Iraclion  of  the  cost . 

PA-1 0  Z  MTR  POWER  BOOSTER  ftO  X  potwor  gain) 

Fully  wired  S.  tested  .   , .  $79;9£ 

PA^2D  220  MHz  POWER  BOOSTEfl  (8  X  power  gain) 

FuJiy  wired  &  lested $79.9S 


4 


QRP  TRANSMITTERS     HAM  RECEIVERS 


20. 3S,  40, 80M 
CW  TRANSMinERS 


JoFn  iho  fun  on  QWPl  Thousands  oi  Ihese  mini-ngs  hava 
been  sold  and  tone  of  DX  contacts  have  been  mad<e. 
Imagine  working  Eastern  Europe  with  a  $30  transmit- 
ter — that's  ham  radio  at  Its  best  I  These  CW  ngs  are  ideal 
mates  to  the  receivers  at  right,  They  have  jwo-posision 
variable  crystal  control  (one  papular  QRP  XTAL  mclifd- 
ed),  onewati  output  and  buili-in  antenna  swinch,  Hunsort 
1 2 VDC.  Add  Dur  matching  case  and  l^nob  set  (or  a  harvd- 
Bome  fl;nis.hed  look. 

Yoyr  Choifje  of  bands $29.95 

(Specify  band"  ORP-20,  30. 40  or  aO} 
Maldilng  case  ft  k  nob  sel,  CQFI P  . .     ..........  $i  2M 


E-Z  KEY  CMOS  KEYER 


Send  perfec!  CW  within  an  houir  of  receiving  this  kitl 
E3sy-tc-i^ui>ld  kit  has  sidetor>e  oscillator,  speed  coniol 
and  keys  mosS  any  Iranemitter.  Runs  lor  monihs  on  a9V 
batlerv.  2&-page  manual  gives  ideas  onr  making  your 
own  key  for  extra  savings.  Add  our  nnatthrng  case  set 
(or  complete  slation  look. 

CW-7kil S24.9S 

Matching  case  kno^?  set,  CCW 5 1 2 .95 


ACTIVE  ANTENNA 


Cramped  fo-  5;?ace?  Get  longwire  performance  with 
thrs  deskroip  antenna.  Properly  designed  uoil  fnasdual 
HF  arKi  VHF  Circuitry  and  built-in  whip  antenna,  as  well 
as  external  jack.  RF  gain  control  ajHJ  9V  operation 
makes-  unit  IdeaF  for  SWLs,  travelir»g  hams  or  scanner 
buffs  who  need  hcit\'ef  reception.  The  matching  case 
a  Ad  knob  sel  gives  the  un-it  a  hundred  dollar  look! 

AA-7Kil  S24.95 

Matchingcasei  knob  set,  CAA  ,, ,  ,  .  Sl£,95 


SPEECH  SCRAMBLER 


Commurjhcate  in  toial  privacy  over  phone  or  radio.  Kit 
leatures  full  dupJex  operation  using  frequeocy  inver- 
sion. Both  mike  and  speaker  or  Urte  inVout  connections 
Easy  hookup  to  any  radio^  and  teleptiOr>e  use  requires 
no  sitifeol  oonnecliont  Easy  to  bulfd  2  ^C  circuit.  Can  afso 
be  used  to  descram&le  many  2-way  radio  s<gnats.  Fin- 
tsh  your  Itit  Off  with  the  handsome  case  ft  krvob  sel. 

SS-7kit.    .    .    $29.95 

Matching  case  ft  knob  set,  CSS  ,•..,,.....->-.:; $12.95 


SHORTWAVE  RECEIVER 


20, 30, 40,  OOM 
AD  Mode  RECEIVERS 


Build  your  own  mini  ham  ^tatlo-n.  Sansi^tive  all-mode 
AM,  CW,  SSS  receivers  use  direct  conversion  design 
with  NEe02  iC  as  featured  In  OST  and  ARRL  hand- 
tjooks.  Very  sensilive  varaotor  luned  over  entire  bafvd. 
Plenty  of  speaker  volurtie.  fluns  on  9V  battery.  Very 
EASY  to  buiW,  lots  of  fun  and  eduoariorvat— ideal  for 
tjeginner  or  old  pro  rjew  so-page  manual,  Add  the  case 
set  for  well-fhted  professional  loo^. 

Vour  ohoica  of  bands ....  $27.96 

(Speciiiy  band:  HR'20,  HR-30.  HFl^O,  HR-SO) 
Malching  case  ft  kno^  sel,  GHH $12.95 


2,6,10MTR,220 
FM  RECEIVERS 


Ke<epan  ear  oft  the  local  repeater  ^ang,  monitor  the  cope, 
chock  out  the  woalhor  or  fust  plain  listen  around.  These 
sensitive  superhet  receavers  af§  just  the  tecket.  They  tune 
Any  5  MHit  portion  of  the  barvd  and  have  smooth  varacior 
tuning,  dual  conversion  wHtii  ceramic  IF  filters,  AFC,  ad- 
fuS(able  squelch  and  plenty  of  Speaker  voiurme.  flunson 
9V  battery  and  performance  that  rivals  the  big  rigs  I  For  & 
complele  Mnished  pro  loo^.  add  our  matching  case  and 
knob  set  with  scnaened  graphics. 

FM  communications  receiver  kit $29.95 

Specify  bar>d:  FR  146  (2m},  FR6  f&m},  FRlC  (tOm),  FR^ 

220(220  MHz) 
Matching  case  &  knob  seL  CFR  $12.95 


FM  STEREO  TRANSMITTER 


STEREO 


Run  your  own  stereo  FM  station!  Transmit  a  stable  signal 
in  the  standard  FM  broadcast  band  throughout  the  house, 
dorrn  OH'  neigh borhooO-  Connacis  easily  to  line  outputs  on 
Co  player,  lape  decks,  ale.  Runs  on  9V  baltery,  has 
internal  whip  antenna  and  external  antenna  jack.  Add  opr 
case. set  tor  a  " station"  look! 

FM-lOkit ..         $?&.9S 

Malching  case  set.  CfM  112.95 


AIRCRAFT  RCVR 


Faniasilc  receiver  ifiat  captures  the  world  wrth  fust  a 
1 2"  antenna!  Can  receive  any  2  MHz  portion  irom  4-1 1 
MHz.  Truesuperhet  has  smooth  varactor  tuning,  AGC. 
RF  gain  control,  plenly  o(  speaker  volume  and  runs  on  a 
9V  battery  Fascinating  Scout,  schod  or  club  projecl 
provides  hours  of  fun  for  even  the  most  serious  DXer 
For  the  car,  consider  our  shodwa^^e  converter.  Two 
switchaljle  bands  {in  3-22  MHz  range),  each  1  MHz 
wide — tiunahJe  on  your  car  radio  diaf.  Add  some  interest 
lo  your  dfiive  hOrrre^ 
Shortwave  receiver  kit,  SRI  S27,95 

Shortwave  convener  kit,  sCi $24  95 

Matching  case  set  for  SRI,  CSR  $1^95 

Matctnng  case  sel  for  SCI, CSC $  1 2.35 


Hear  e^cJtEog  aircraft  communications^ pick  up  planes 
up  lo  100  miles  away!  Receives  Ii0-i36  MH2  AM  arr 
band,  smoolh  varactor  tuning  superhet  wilh  AGC,  ce- 
ramic lilter.  adjustaWe  squelch  eMcetlenl  sensiti:vi|y  and 
tots  of  speaker  volume.  Huns  on  9V  battery,  Great  for  air 
Shows  or  lust  hanging  around  Ihe  airport!'  New  30-page 
manual  details  pilot  iStlk,,  lOd.  A^  case  561  for  "prq" 
look, 

AR-t  Kit  .      ,  $24.95 

Matching  case  sel,  CAR  .  $1?.9$ 


TERMS:  Sati-BJaciidii  ^u^ranje«d.  tK^^i^\^flt  taw  10 
Sdyi..  \i  ndl  filc^t^d.  irEEirit  inifirjgiinili  Iprm  fnr  rf- 
lund.  rXtid  T'-6  iiip  Ify  n  maxiinMm  ^rSie)  l^r  ship- 
ninq  nn nd Imei  ^n*  i nsura nee  "For  <©Fieigrn  opsters 
^d  t5^bfii4iu rfdce  insii .  *CDD  (USA  Qnly J    add 
S4.50.  -Oreler^  undtrSJp,  pdtJ  S3  Oft.  'HV  Feai- 
denrEEi,  odd  T4|.  »3ilES  r.a  >< .  *sa-cr9^  paitm  wjirrarrt^ 
tin  Miia.  »%  -year  parts  a  l£bcif  warianl  <f  an  vrifed 
unii^. 

RAMSEY  ELECTRONICS.  INC. 


„  PHONE  ORDERS  CALL 

g  716-924-4560 

■*■■         FAX  716-924-4555 
793  Canning  Parkway,  Victor,  NY  14S64 


CIRCLE  34  ON  REAOf  Fi  SERVICE  CARD 


Number  8  on  your  Feedback  card 


The  vox  Plus  HT  Accessory 

Enjoy  base  station  performance— with  your  i-iT! 


by  Mike  Kossor  WA2EBY 


After  a  long,  busy  season  of  fleamarke- 
teering,  I  managed  to  reallocate  suffi- 
cient funds  to  finally  invest  in  a  2  meter  rigi 
With  all  the  fine  equipment  available^  the 
selection  wasn't  easy.  1  wanted  a  rig  that  1 
could  take  with  me  to  hanifestST  operate  mo- 
bile, and  use  at  home.  The  obvious  choice?  A 
full-featured  handi-talkie,  of  course! 

The  handheld  I  chose  was  perfect  for  taking 
to  hamfcscs.  I  added  the  optional  speaker 
mike,  plugged  the  external  12  volt  DC  power 
cable  into  the  cigarette  lighter  jack,  made  a 
mounting  bracket,  and  enjoyed  excellent  mo- 
bile operation  as  well .  But  when  I  tried  oper- 
ating the  unit  at  home,  it  became  apparent  I 
was  having  to  compromise. 

Unhandy  Talkie 

During  a  recent  VHF  contest,  I  found 
myself  joggling  the  HT,  logbook,  and  pen^ 
trying  to  log  and  call  CQ-  1  did  my  best  at 
making  contacts  running  a  mere  2.5  watts 
RF  output.  Being  limited  to  a  single  mode, 
FM,  took  its  toll  on  my  score,  since  1  was 
unable  to  make  CW  contacts  worth  bonus 
points.  1  did  try  operating  MCW  (Modulated 
CW)  using  the  tone  pad,  but  the  battery  start- 
ed dying  during  the  awkward  QSO. 

With  the  battery  gone,  and  out  of  the  con- 
tost,  J  had  plenty  of  time  to  think  about  how 
nice  it  would  be  to  operate  VOX  on  the  hand- 
held, as  I  do  on  my  HF  gear.  Logging  would 
be  so  much  easier.  It  would  also  be  nice  to 
operate  MCW  with  a  real  key,  and  transmit 
the  fiill  5  watt  RF  output  available  without 
having  to  worry  about  taxing  the  batteries  to 
exhaustion. 

It  also  occurred  to  me  that  an  MCW  mode 
would  be  especially  usefiil  to  individuals  with 
Technician  Class  licenses  who  only  have  FM 
transceivers.  How  could  they  upgrade  with- 
out practicing  CW? 

My  thoughts  soon  turned  to  action.  My 
goal  was  to  design  an  add-on  accessory  that 
could  provide  these  desirable  features,  at  a 
cost  and  complexity  well  within  the  realm  of 
the  average  radio  amateur. 

Features  of  the  VOX  Bus 

Whai  evolved  is  the  VOX  Plus.  This  acces- 
sory uses  the  external  microphone,  speaker,, 
and  power  jacks  of  a  transceiver,  and  adds  the 
features  of  VOX  operation  or  break-in 
MCW.  It  uses  a  clean  800  Hz  sine  wave 
oscillator  complete  with  sidetone.  A  pro- 
grammable regulated  power  supply  is  also 
available  to  power  transceivers  requiring  six 
to  ten  500  mAh  NiCd  batteries,  at  full  RF 
power  output* 

24    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  Decembef,  1990 


*0    ©    0 


Photo  A.  The  VOX  Ptus  setup.  (Photo  by  Eric 
Wagner,) 

These  features  resolved  the  initial  short- 
comings of  HT  base  station  operation.  How- 
ever, since  I  was  using  an  external  speaker,  I 
decided  to  add  an  active  audio  filter,  too.  This 
way  1  could  separately  adjust  the  low  and  high 
frequency  response  of  the  received  audio. 
Compensating  for  poor  frequency  response 
of  transmitted  or  re-transmitted  signals,  I 
could  customize  the  received  audio  for  opti- 
mum readability,  and  also  use  the  filter  to 
attenuate  annoying  CTCSS  tones,  if  present. 
A  2  watt  audio  power  amp  was  added  to 
provide  sufficient  audio  output. 

One  final  feature  I  thought  desirable  was  an 
audio  tape  interface  for  MCW.  With  this  in- 
teii'ace,  taped  bulletins  or  code  practice  can 
be  s^nt  with  full  break- in  operation. 

Circuit  Overview 

The  VOX  Plus  circuit  is  a  combination  of 
transistor  switches  and  common  op  amp  cir- 
cuits described  in  detail  in  many  textbooks. 


Two  good  books  on  the  subject  are  Analysis 
and  Design  of  Integrated  Electronic  Circuits , 
by  Paul  M.  Chirlian  (chapters  13, 14  and  18), 
and  Basic  Electronics,  by  Michael  M. 
Cirovic  (chapters  14  and  15).  The  circuit 
does  get  a  bit  cumbersome  when  all  the  indi- 
vidual circuits  are  grouped  together.  Howev- 
er, Figure  l,  a  functional  block  diagram, 
should  give  you  a  general  idea  of  how  the 
system  operates. 

Referring  to  Fig,  t,  VOX  operation  re- 
quires MODE  switch  SI  to  be  in  the  voice 
position.  Switch  SI  A  disables  the  MCW  os- 
cillator while  segment  SIB  connects  the 
transceiver's  microphone  input  to  the  VOX 
Plus  microphone  amplifier,  The  circuit  is 
considered  to  be  in  an  idle  state  when  the 
operator  is  not  talking  and  the  transceiver  is 
not  receiving  any  signal. 

In  this  state,  the  positive  input  of  compara- 
tor U2C  is  biased  at  50%  of  the  supply 
voltage,  +0.5V,  and  the  negative  input  is 
biased  at  +0,6V.  The  output  of  comparator 
U2C  is  tow  (0  volts)  because  the  negative 
input  is  at  a  higher  potential  than  the  positive 
input.  The  re-iriggerable  monosiable  multi- 
vibrator (or  "one-shot")  is  also  in  an  idle  or 
stable  state  with  its  output  low  because  it  has 
not  received  a  positive  trigger  voltage  from 
comparator  U2C.  ptt  switch  Q3,  controlled 
by  the  one-shot,  is  in  the  open  state,  placing 
the  transceiver  in  the  receive  mode. 

Transmit  Mode 

When  the  operator  begins  talking,  the 
voice  is  picked  up  by  the  internal  VOX  Ptus 
elect  ret  microphone  and  amplified  by  UlA. 
The  signal  is  then  applied  to  the  input  of  VOX 
amp  UIB  via  switch  SIB  for  farther  amplifi- 


iHC» 


SIA 


VOICE 


^^ 


SUFFEI^ 


SIKEWAVE 
O&CILLATDi; 

y£4 


MCW  MUTE 
ISWittHi 


KfT  >- 


I^VI 

SIM  TONE 

H.€VEL 


-m-^y^ — N& 


<i   4 


TftPE 
INPUT 


OI&ITIZER 

(SWiiTChll 

55 


ELECT 
»\0 


\> 


MiC  AMP 


EASS 


KCVP 

Hjja  ID  >— 
gUTS^UT 


n 


^  vox  AMP 


wgpf 


MIC  6A1N! 


ACTIVE 
FILTER 


THEeUE 


ANTF-VOX 


MUTE 


^•nfH 


< 


SPEAKER 


Z  WJ,TT 
ftUOICJ  «l«EFt 
AUPUFIER 


D3 


£3 


KCvR 
IWPUT 


X 


COMPASATDFi- 


flE-TRHiCfFjaBLE 
MOkJO-iTABLE 
UULTIVIBRATOA 
[OMf-SHOTi 


M4i<UAL 
■KM 


y^ 


fiVl 

vox  CKELW 


ftMTIVOK  GAIN 


nil 


PTT' 

Hi 


Kcvn 

PtT 


l^tlvAQ. 


:0- 


TOWER  SUPfLV 
U4 


1 


_.   XCVR 


Figure  l.  Block  diagram. 


Figure  2,  PC  boa  rdfoil  pattern . 


cation.  The  highly  amplified  voice  signal  at 
the  output  of  VOX  amp  UIB  is  then  rectined 
by  diode  D3, 

The  positive  peaks  of  the  rectified  audio 
charge  capacitor  CJ7,  which  is  connected  to 
the  positive  input  of  comparator  U2C.  The 
+0,5 V  DC  bias  level  normally  present  on  the 
positive  input  of  U2C  increases  in  direct  pro- 
portion to  the  amplitude  of  the  operator's 
voice. 

When  the  voltage  level  increases  to  about 


4-0.77,  it  exceeds  the  +0.6V  value  present 
on  the  negative  input  of  U2C,  and  the  com- 
parator's output  goes  high  (  +  V  volts).  This 
in  turn  triggers  the  one-shot  and  turns  on  ptt 
switch  Q3,  keying  the  transceiver.  The  out- 
put of  the  one-shot  is  also  used  lo  mm  on 
audio  MLVTE  swiich  04  toeliminaie  *  'pc^''  in 
the  speaker  when  switching  from  receive  to 
transmit  and  back  to  receive. 

A  sample  of  the  operator's  voice  is  fed  to 
the  microphone  input  of  the  transceiver  and 


transmitted  out.  The  trans- 
ceiver w  ill  remain  keyed  as 
long  as  the  operator's  voice 
is  of  sufficient  amplitude 
to  keep  capacitor  C17 
charged,  maintaining  the 
positive  input  of  compara- 
tor U2C  at  a  higher  level 
than  the  negative  input. 
When  the  operator's  voice 
ceases,  capacitor  C17  dis- 
charges quickly  through  re- 
sistor R22,  and  the  positive 
input  of  comparator  U2C 
returns  to  its  normal  value 
of  +0.5V. 

Upon  reaching  its  normal 
value,  the  circuit  is  back  in 
the  idle  slate,  which  causes 
the  output  of  comparator 
U2C  to  return  to  low.  Thus 
the  trigger  pulse  to  the  one- 
shot  is  removed,  allowing 
its  output  to  return  to  low  after  a  predeter- 
mined lime  delay  set  by  VOX  delay  poten- 
tiometer RV3.  PTT  switch  Q3  returns  to  the 
open  state  when  the  one-shoi  '* times  out," 
putting  the  transceiver  back  into  the  receive 
mode.  If  the  operator  pauses  during  his  trans- 
mission and  begins  to  speak  before  the  one* 
shot  'limes  out,"  the  new^  positive  trigger 
pulse  from  comparator  U2C  resets  or  re*trig- 
gers  the  one-shot  circuit  before  it  releases  ptt 
switch  03*  The  transceiver  will  drop  out  of 


vow  f^m 


■^h 


■I   flsF-'* f"     T' 

1        :^o.oi^>' 


T 
I 


dVIL 


SAP 


MMM\MMi. 


4*tfl 

qpHH 


f ---1    I       " 


MI3*t!»tM4.£ 


^S  ^  agU  1    >m — ♦ — - 


Sto 


^PyT 


VOLTAGE 

n'eGuLiiTi;tN 


12QVM. 


A&3 


m 


^ — T" 


'^   Lli(3i7T   ^"^ 


I  NO 


m 


Meet  trrn 


ijutt  tin  I 


ff7 


m 


sQuncf 

Vft 


m 


f  lOli 


ag,v 


■m 


Hit 

10  f 


v« 

4 


I 


TAMT4UIM' 


jA 


<\ 


±  4DV 


Figure  S.  Scheinafic  diagram  ofihe  VOX  Pius.  i^^To  use  the  VOX  Plus  with  other  HTs,  wirepin  2  for  PIT  when  grounded  and  pin  5  for  MIC  audio 
out.  For  proper  operation  of  the  XM IT  indicator  LED,  attach  pin  4to  -\-  V  and  add  a  blocking  diode  in  the  F'fT  tine  as  shown.) 

73 Amafeur  Radio  Today  *  December,  1990     25 


o 


JtCVH     S^ 


pewRB    t> 


U1 


4UDIO 


-0 


t^i  1  -       ini 

© 


U4 


„?o 


^Ofi""^ 


©L^ 


t*7 


^4* 


uq 


==© 


',  if" 


rm 


T 


:ib'Y^9f 


% 


flhTi-VDX 


M2  j:3^ 


r^      PTF        ^'^ 


OS- 


®    dj  ( .'=^' 


«?! 


^ 


*f 


"^ 


^2 

FUNCtlON 


H3! 


o 


R3e  I   t£ 


o 


*1J 


C3^     Us 


T-IEBLE 


EtELT 


-%    A  1,         kic,&iiih 


Figure  4.  Parts  placement  for  the  VOX  Plus. 


M(W    VQICE 
MDDE 


erator*s  voice.  The  presence  of 
the  800  Hz  audio  signal  at  the 
input  to  the  VOX  amp  is  con- 
trolled by  MC  W  mute,  Q 1 .  A  key 
or  keyer  activates  MCW  mute  Ql 
and  allows  the  800  Hz  signal  to 
reach  the  VOX  amp.  The  same 
process  takes  place  as  described 
for  VOX  operation,  using  the 
MCW  signal  instead  of  the  opera- 
tor's voice. 

A  second  method  of  controlling 
MCW  mute  Q 1  is  to  use  an  audio 
tape  player.  Code  practice^  CQ^ 
or  CW  message  is  recorded  on 
audio  tape.  When  played  back 
into  digitizer  Q5,  on/off  keying 
pulses  are  generated,  which  con- 
trol MCW  mute  Q 1 .  Note  that 
since  the  tape  audio  only  gener- 
ates on/off  keying  pulses,  no  tape 
hiss,  hum,  or  background  noise  is 
heard.  Taped  code  is  QRM-free 


transmit  mode  between  words  if  the  VOX 
delay  is  set  too  short* 

Receive  Mode 

When  the  operator  is  not  talking  and  an 
incoming  signal  is  received,  the  audio  signal 
from  the  transceiver  is  conditioned  by  active 
filler  UlC,  then  passed  to  a  2  watt  audio 
power  amplifier  capable  of  driving  a  4-  to 
8-ohm  speaker  at  a  respectable  level. 

A  sample  of  the  transceiver's  audio  taken 
from  the  active  filter  output  is  used  to  can- 
cel the  effect  of  the  audio  picked  up  by  the 
VOX  Plus'  electret  microphone;  this  pre- 
vents the  received  signal  from  keying  the 
transceiver.  The  transceiver's  audio  sample 
is  taken  from  active  filter  UlC  and  amplified 
by  anii"VOX  amp  UID,  Diode  D4  rectifies 
the  audio  sample. 

The  positive  peaks  of  the  rectified  audio 
charge  capacitor  C21,  which  is  connected  to 
the  negative  input  of  comparator  U2C.  The 
H-0,6V  DC  bias  level  normally  present  on  the 
negative  input  of  U2C  increases  in  direct 
proportion  to  the  transceiver's  audio.  The 
anti-VOX  gain,  conrroiled  by  potentiometer 
RV4,  is  adjusted  so  that  the  bias  level  in- 
crease on  the  negative  input  of  comparator 
U2C  equals  the  bias  level  increase  on  the 
positive  input. 

The  net  result  is  that  comparator  U2C 
remains  in  its  idle  or  low  state  because  the 
negative  input  tracks  the  positive  input  bias 
level,  and  remains  lower  in  level.  The  opera- 
tor can  sdll  initiate  a  transmission  by  begin- 
ning to  speak  while  an  incoming  signal 


Table  1 .  Power  Supply  Voltage 

Programming  Resistor  Values 

R51 

R52 

Output 

NiCd 

(1%) 

(1%)   ^ 

Voltage 

Cells 

4.7k 

5t0 

t2.8V 

10 

3.9k 

5t0 

to.sv 

g 

2.2k 

330 

9.6V 

8 

2.7k 

470 

8.4V 

7 

3.9k 

820 

7.2V 

6 

is  being  received. 
The  voice  will 
cause  an  additional 
increase  in  the  bias 
level  only  on  the 
positive  input  of 
comparator  U2C* 

When  the  in- 
crease on  the  posi- 
tive input  of  U2C 
exceeds  the  nega- 
tive input,  the  VOX 
Plus  will  key  the 
transceiver  and  op- 
erate as  described 
previously.  Resis- 
tor R44  is  used  to 
discharge  capacitor 
C27  when  trans- 
ceiver audio  ceases, 
returning  the  bias 
level  on  the  nega- 
tive input  of  com- 
parator U2C  to  its 
normal  value  of 
4-0. 6V. 

MCW  Mode 

MCW  operation 
is  selected  by  plac- 
ing switch  SI  in  the 
MCW  position. 
This  starts  the  800 
Uz  sine  wave  oscil- 
lator, U2A,  which 
applies  a  sample  of 
its  output  to  the 
transceiver's  mi- 
crophone input  and 
disconnects  tJie  in- 
ternal electret  mi- 
crophone. Break-in 
MCW  operation  is 
identical  to  VOX 
operation,  except 
the  800  Hz  sine 
wave  signal  takes 
the  place  of  the  op- 


PhotoB.  An  internal  view  oj  the  VOX  Pius.  (Photo  by  Eric  Wagner.} 


^* 


Photo  C  Close-up  view  of  the  completed  circuit  board,  (Photo  by  Eric 
Wagnen) 


26    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  ■  December,  1990 


uniden 


® 


i  §  $m$  ii§ 


Scanner  Sale 

Uniden  Corporation  of  America  has  pur- 
chased tine  consumer  products  line  of  Re- 
gency Electronics  Inc,  for  $12,000,000.  To 
celebrate  this  purchase,  wwe're  having  our 
largest  scanner  sale  in  history!  Use  the 
coupon  in  thisad for  big  savings.  Hurry.^offer 
ends  January  31,  1991. 

#  *  *  MONEY  SA  ¥IHO  COUPONS  *  ^ 

G^t  speciai  savings  on  the  soannBTs 
iisi^d  in  this  couf>on  This  coupon  must 
be  included  with  your  prepaid  order. 
Credit  cards,  personafch&cks  and  quan- 
tity disi^ounts  are  excluded  from  this 
off0r  Off&r  vaiidonlyon  prepaid  orders 
ma  iied  directiy  to  Com  m  un  tea  tion  s  f  if^c- 
tronics  Inc.,  P.O.  Box  1O45-D0pt  UN  14. 
Ann  Arbor,  Michigan  48105-1045  U.S. A 
Coupon  expires  January 3t,  i991. 
Coupon  may  not  be  us&d  in  conjunction 
with  any  other  offer  from  CEl  Coupon 
may  b&  photocopied.  Add  $12.00  for 
shipping  in  the  continer}tai  U.S. A 

RELM  RHeoeB-A ,$419.96 

RELM  RH25aB^A , ,$294.95 

B«srcit  SOOXLT-A  ... .  ,$229  95 
Bearcat  aOOXLT-A   ... .  .$229.95 

Boafcat  1 0OXLT-A $1 79.95 

Baarcat  70X LT- A $1 39.95 

B«arcat55XLT-A S99,9S 

Baarcat  21 OXLT-A ,$1  G4.95 

Unldan  CARD-AI $1 44.95 

Unldan  RD3XL  A1   $1 44,95 

Unldan  RDgXL  A $119,95 

^iririr¥ALUABLE  COUPON  #*>* 

Bearcat?  760XLT-A 

List  price  $499.95/CE  price  $254.95/SPEClAL 
fS-Bmnd,  iOaChmnnmi  «  Crrvtaflaaa  •  AC/DC 

Frequency  range:  29*54, 118-1  74, 406-5 1 2, 806-956  MHz 
Exciu des  823. 9875-649.012$  and  8^6. SS  75-3 94  0125  MHz 

The  Bearcat  7 60 XLT  has  100  programmable  chan- 
nels organized  as  five  channel  banks  for  easy  use, 
and  1 2  bands  of  coverage  inctudtng  the  800  MHz. 
band.  The  BBarcat  760 XLT  mounts  neatty  under 
the  dash  and  connects  direct fy  to  fuse  block  or 
battery.  The  unJt  also  has  an  AC  adaptor,  flip  down 
stand  and  telescopic  antenna  for  desk  1op  use.  6- 
5/1  6   W  X  1  %"  H  X  7%  ■  D.  Model  BC  590XLT-A1  is 
a  similar  version  witnout  the  800  MHz.  band  for 
a  new  low  price  of  orrty  $194.95.  Order  today. 

NEW!  Uniden®  Telephones 

AIM70IVA  Uniden  answering  mactiine .  £69.95 

AM464'A  Urtiden  answering  machine $49-&5 

ANMOBV-A  Uniden  answering  machine ,  S49.35 

AlMdO-A  Uniden  answering  machine. $49:95 

AIM480-A  Uniden  answering  machine — , . , .  S69.95 

FP300-A  UfYiden  feature  phone. *34,9& 

FP303'A  Uniden  feature  phona (49  95 

FP320S-A  Uniden  feature  speakerphone £4t.95 

FP322S^-A  Uniden  feature  speaherpho'ne S59.95 

XE5T0-A  Uniden  cordless  phone . . , , f  74.95 

XE^a^S^A  Uniden  cordless  speaKerphone $1 09-95 

XE7T7S-A  Uniden  cordless  speakerphone $1 09.95 

BT1 00-A  Uniden  TrimstyJe  phone. . . . , $l  7. 96 

KT2eO'A  Uniden  Family  phone  with  91 1  feature     ,  £29.95 
FFtflQ-A  Unid0n  Executive  phone S39.95 

RELM®  RH256B-A 

List  price  $5B7.50/CE  price  $299.95/$PEClAL 
f  0  Chmtmmi  •  SS  Wmtt  Trmnmcminr  *  PrfoHff 

The  RELM  RH2S6B  is  a  sixteerhchannel  VHF  land 
mobile  transceiver  designed  to  cover  any  frequency 
between  1 50  to  1 62  MHz,  Since  this  radio  is 
synthesized,  no  expensive  crystais  are  needed  to 
store  up  to  1 6  frequencies  without  battery  backup^ 
All  radios  come  with  CTCSS  tone  and  scanning 
capabilities.  A  monitor  and  nig  ht/day  switch  is  also 
standard.  This  transceiver  even  has  a  priority  func- 
tion. The  RH256  makes  an  ideal  radio  for  any  police 
orf  ire  department  volunteer  because  of  its  low  cost 
and  high  peirformance.  A  60  Watt  VHF  150-162 
MHz.  version  called  the  RH6O0B-A  is  availabfe 
for  $429,95.  A  UHF 1 5  watt,  1 6  channel  version  of 
this  radio  called  the  RU156B-A  is  a^so  available 
and  covers  450-482  MHz.  but  the  cost  is  $454.95. 


•  •  •  Clrif  cf en  CB  Racf  Jaa    •  •  • 

The  Uniden  tine  of  Citizens  Band  Radio  transceivers  Is 
styled  to  compliment  other  mobiie  audio  equipment. 
Uniden  CB  radios  are  so  reitable  tinat  tiney  have  a  two 
year  limited  warranty.  Frorr  the  feature  packed  PRO 
610E  totheSlOE  handheld,  there  is  no  better  Citizens 
Band  radio  on  the  market  today. 

PR03t0E'A  Unidef}  40  Ch  Port  a  We/ Mobile  CB  .  583.95 
PnO330E-A  Uniden  40  Ch.  Remote  mount  CB. .,  $1 04.95 

ER10Q-A  Uniden  Emergency  CB  Mobtle. .  .. . .  S49.95 

ORANl-A  Uniden  40  channel  SSB  CB  mobile  , .  S 1 66,95 
PC1 22-A  Uniden  40  channel  SSB  CB  motWe. ...  $1  19.95 

PR091 OXL-A  Uniden  40  channel  CB  MobMe^ 4  38  95 

PH051  OAXL^A  Uniden  CB  Mobiie  with  antenna  S49.95 
PR0520XL-A  Uniden  40  channel  CB  Mobile  ,  . .  £56.95 
PROe40E*Al/m'tferT40chainneiSSBCBM<>bile...$137.95 
PR061  OE-A  Uniden  40  channei  SSB  CB  Base    .  -  $1  74.95 

it-kif^  Uniden  Radar  Daieciorsir  ^  -k 

Buy  the  finest  Uniden  radar  detectors  from  CEl  today. 

RD3XL- A  Uniden  3  band  radar  detector $  1  59  95 

RD€hA  Uniden  visor  mount  radar  detector  .,».,. . . .  £89-95 
RD0GTL-A1  Lfn*tfef]"Pas3porr  size  radar  detector  $99  95 
RD9XL-A1  Umden  "micro"  size  radar  detector  .  .,$124,95 

RD27-A  Uniden  visor  mount  rada/  detector £54.95 

RD9eGT-A  Uniden  remote  mount  radar  detector. . ,  $T  19.95 
CAFt[>^A1  Uniden  credit  card  £(ze  radar  detector. . .  $  1 59,95 

Bearcat®  200XLT-A 

List  price  $509.95/CE  price  $239.95/SPEClAL 
iS'Band,  SQO  Chmffnmt  •  BOO  MHw.  Mmndheld 
Bmmrch  •  Llmii  •  Hold  *  Priifrify  •  Lockout 

frequency  range  29-54,  1 18-174.  40G-512,  80§-956  MHz. 
Excludes  823.9875-849.01 25  and  Q%B.m?5'BB4Q^  2^  MHz. 

The  Bearcat  200XLT  sets  a  new  standard  for  hand- 
held scanners  in  performance  and  dependability. 
This  full  featured  unit  has  200  programmable 
channeis  with  10  scanning  banks  and  12  band 
coverage.  If  you  want  a  very  simiFar  model  without 
the  800  MHz.  band  and  100  channels,  order  the 
BC  100XLT-A  for  only  $169.95.  Includes  antenna, 
carrying  case  with  belt  loop,  ni-cad  battery  pack^ 
AC  adapter  and  earphone.  Order  your  scanner  now. 

Bearcat®  800XLT*A 

List  price  S549.95/CE  prlC©$239.95/SPECIAL 
iZ-Bmndf  40  Chmnnmi  •  Mo-cry sf«l  meannmr 
FriorHy  centroi  •  Bomreh/Bcmn  •  AC/0C 
Bands:  29-54,  1 18-174,  406-512,  306-912  f^Hz. 
M0w...tt0thin^  mxcluttmd  in  thm  OOd^f  <  MHt.  bm/td^ 

The  Uniden800XLTreceives40chanfselsJn  two  banks. 
Scans  1  5  channels  per  second.  Size  QW  x4Vi '  k  1 2Vi." 
With  ncjthing  excluded  in  the  806-9 12  MHz.  band,  this 
scanner  is  an  excellent  choice  ior  law  enforcement 
agencies.  If  you  do  not  need  the  800  MHz.  biand,  a  similar 
model  cailedthe  BC210XLT-A  isavailable  for$176.95. 

NEW!  Bearcat''  147XL-A 

List  priceS189.95/CE  price  $94.9a/SPECIAL 
iO-Bmndt  f0  Chmttnmt  •  Mo'crymial  mcann*r 
Priority  t:ontroi  •  Wmathmr  m^mrch  •  MC/DC 

Bands:  29  54,  136-174,  406^512  MHz. 
The  Bearcat  147XL  is  a  16  channel,  programmable 
scan  ner  covering  ten  frequency  t^ands.  The  unit  feature^ 
a  built'l  n  delay  function  that  adds  a  three  second  delay 
on  all  channels  to  prevent  missed  transmissions.  A 
mobile  version  called  the  BC560XLT-A  featuring  pri- 
ority, weather  search,  channel  lockout  and  more  is 
available  for  $94.95^  CEI's  package  price  Includes 
mobile  mounting  bracket  and  mobile  power  cord. 

MEW?  Ranger^  RCI2950-A 

List  price  $549.95/CE  price  $249. 95/ SPECK  At 
f  O  Umtmr  Motiim  Trmnmcmiirmr  •  0/fflf«l  ¥FO 
Ftf/f  Omntf  Cowmrma^  •  AlhModm  Qpmrailan 
BmGkitttlqui<lerY9tmidi9pimy  m  AutoSqumicH 

RIT  9  iO  ProgrmmmMbtm  Mmmory  Pomitt<M9 

FroQuency  Coverage:  28.0000  MHz.  to  29.6999  MHz. 

The  Rar^ger  RGI2960  Mobile  10  Meter  Transceiver 
by  Ranger,  has  everything  you  need  for  amateur 
radio  communications.  The  RF  Power  control  fea- 
ture in  the  RCI2950  allows  you  to  adjust  the  RF 
output  power  continuously  from  1  watt  through  a 
full  25  watts  output  on  USB,  LSB  and  CW  modes. 
The  RCI2950  also  features  a  noise  blanker,  roger 
beep,  PA  mode  and  more.  The  Mic  Gain  Control 
adjusts  the  gain  in  transmit  and  PA  modes  to 
maximize  talk  power  Digital  VFO.  Built-in  S/RF/ 
MODySWR  meter  Frequency  selections  may  be 
made  from  a  switch  on  the  micfophone  or  the  front 
panel  There  is  even  a  repeater  spEit  switch  for 
repeater  offsets.  The  RCI2950  lets  you  operate 
AM,  FM.  USB,  LSB  or  CW  f of  full  mode  operation. 
The  digitaily  synthesized  frequency  control  gives 
you  maximum  stabifity.  There's  also  RIT  (Receiver 
Incremental  Tuning)  to  give  you  perfectly  tuned 
signals.  With  memory  channel  scanning,  you  can 
scan  ten  pre  set  frequencies  to  keep  track  of  atl  the 
action,  An  optional  CTCSS  tone  board  is  available 
(order  #  RTONE)  tor  $59.95.  For  technical  ques- 
tions, call  Ranger  at  714-858-4419  Order  your 
Ranger  RCI2950  from  CEl  today. 


BC760XLT 

800  MHz. 

mobile  scanner 

SPECiAU 


icit it  Extended S^rvic^  Contract   iridic 

If  you  purchase  a  scanner,  CB,  radar  detector  or  cordless 
phone  from  any  store  in  ih^  US.  or  Canada  within  the  iastSQ 
days,  yOu  cart  get  up  to  tour  years  oJ  e;<tend©d  service 
contract  from  Warrantech  This  service  extansion  pian  begins 
after  the  manufacturer's  warranty  expires.  Warrantech  will 
perform  ali  neces&ary  labor  and  wiN  not  charge  for  return 
shipping.  Extended  service  contracts  flfe  not  ref lundabte  and 
apply  only  to  the  original  purcl^aser.  Warrantech  does  not 
hav e a r>  extended  warranty  pian  torTrandft^/d  scanners.  For 
mobiie  or  base  scanners,  CB  radios  or  radar  detectors  a  1 
year  extended  warranty  is  $19  99,  two  years  is  $39,99  and 
four  years  is  459.99.  Order  your  service  contract  today 

OTHEH  RADIOS  AMD  ACCESSORIES 

BC5SXLT-A  Bearcat  1  0  channel  scanner  $11  495 

AD1 00-A  Ptug  in  wall  charger  for  BC55XLT £  1  4  95 

PS001-A  Cigarette  iighter  catjie  for  BCSSXtT. . .. . .  $1  495 

VC001 -A  Carrying  case  for  BC5 5 XLT $14.95 

BC70 XLT- A  Sea/car  20  channei  scanner.. ..$159.95 

BC1 7  2X1.' A  fie  area  r  20  channei  scanner. .. $13495^ 

BCI'AI  Bearcat  Information  scanner  with  C9 $1 1995 

BC31  OA- A  fisarca f  informatfon  Radio  $79.95 

BC330A-A  Searcar  information  Radio $104.95 

UCl  02-A  Regency  VHF  2  ch  i  Watt  transceiver. .  $114  &5 
UCaOJ-A  Regency  VHF  2  ch.  2  Watt  transceiver      $149  95 

VM200XL-A  Unidisn  Video  monttorFng  system Si  79,95 

BP205-A  Ni^Cad  batt.  pack  lor  BC200/SC100XLT      $39  95 

FBE-A  Frequency  Directory  for  Eastern  U.S.A. Si  4,96 

FBW-A  Frequency  Dtrectory  tor  Western  U.S.A.  .  $14  95 
RFDI  -  A  M(,  IL,  i  N.  KY,  QH^  Wl  Frequency  Directory  ,     Si  4,95 

flFI>2  A  CT,  ME,  MA,  NH,  Rl,  VT  Directory SI  4  95 

RFDa-A  DE,  OC,  MD.  NJ.  NY,  PA  VA,  WV  Dir S14.9§. 

ftFM'AAL  AR.  FLGA,  LA,  MaNC.  PaSCTN,Vl .  $14  95 
nFD5-AAK  ID.  lA,  MN,  I^T,  IV E,  NO.  OR.  SD.  WA  WY  . .  $1 4.95 
HFWI-ACA.  m,  UT,  AZ,  HI,  GU  Freq  Directory. ..  $1  4,95 
RFDT'A  CO,  KS,  MO,  !SJ  M,  OK,  TX  Freq.  Directory ....  $  1  4  95 

SMK'A  Scanner  Modification  Handbook. $14.95 

ASD-A  Airptane  Scanner  Directory S14.95 

SRF'A  Survival  Radio  Frequency  Directory  ,  -  $1 4.95 

TSCrA  "Top  Secret '  Registry  of  US  Govt   Freq.     ^1  4.95 

TTC-A  Tune  in  on  telephone  calls. . . . , $i 4.95. 

C8H-A  Big  CB  Handbook/AM/FM/f  reeband $1  4.95 

TlC-Alechniquesfor  Intercepting  Co mmumcations  ..   $14.95 

RRF'A  Railroad  frequency  directory S  14.95 

EEC-A  Embassy  4  Espionage  Communications. .  .  Si  4.95 
CIE'A  Covert  jntelNgence.  Elect.  Eavesdropping  ,  $14. 95 
MFF-A  Midwest  Federal  Frequency  directory  ...  Si  4.95 
A^-A  Magnet  mount  mobile  scanner  antenna  —  $34.95 

A70- A  Base  station  scanner  antenna $34,95 

USAMM  A  Mag  mount  VHF  ant.  w/  12  cabie  S39  95 

USAK-A  ^    hole  mount  VHF  ant  w/  1  7  cable $34  95 

Add  $4.00  shipping  for  all  accessories  ordered  at  the  same  time. 
Add  $1  2-00  si^ipping  per  radio  and  $4,00  per  antenna. 

BUY  WITH  CONFIDENCE 

To  gmt  titm  fmm  tmmt  dmtlvvrf  from  CEl  of  any  scanner,  send 
or  phone  your  order  directly  to  our  Scanner  Distribution 
Cent  err  Michigan  residents  please  add  4%  sales  tax  or 
sypply  your  tax  I.D.  n umber.  Written  purchase  orders  are. 
accepted  from  approved  government  agencies  and  moat 
well  rated  firms  at  a  1 0%  surcharge  tornet  1 0  billi  ng.  All  sales 
are  subject  to  availability,  acceptance  and  verification.  On 
al  I  cred  i  t  card  or de  rs,  t  rie  s  h  ip  to  a  d  d  re  ss  m  u  s  t  exac  f /y  match 
the  credit  ca^^d  biilisng  address.  It  the  billing  address  i^s  a  P.O. 
Box  or  a  P.O.  8ox  Zip*  Code,  UPS  can  not  deliver  to  that 
address.  When  this  occurs,  the  order  must  be  shipped  by 
mail  at  a  higher  cosi  to  you  To  avoid  this  extra  charge,  you 
may  rrrail  us  a  check  with  your  ofder^  Prices,  terms  and 
speciMcations  are  subject  to  ctvange  without  notice.  AH 
prices  are  in  U.S.  dollars.  Out  of  stock  items  will  be  placed  on 
backorder  automatically  or  equivalent  product  substituted 
unless  CEl  is  instructed  differently.  A  $6  00  additional  hand- 
ling fee  wHi  be  charged  for  all  orders  with  a  merchandise 
total  under$50.00.  Shipments  are  F.O.B.  CEl  warehouse  m 
Ann  Arbor,  Michigan.  No  COD's  Most  items  listed  have  a 
manufacturer's  warranty.  Free  copies  of  warrant i:es  on  these 
products  are  available  by  writing  toGEI.  W on-certified  checks 
require  clearance.  Hoi  responsible  for  typographical  errors. 
Mat  I  orders  to:  Communioations  Electronics^' 
Box  104S.  Ann  Arbor.  Mictiigan  48106  U.S.A,  Add 
$12.00  perscannerforU.P.S,  groune/stiippingand 
handling  in  the  continental  U,S.A.  For  Canada, 
Puerto  Rico,  Hawaii,  Alaska,  or  APO/FPO  delivery, 
stiipping  charges  are  two  limes  continental  U,S. 
rates.  If  you  tiave  a  Discover,  Visa,  American  Express 
or  MasterCard,  you  may  call  and  place  a  credit  card 
order  S%  surctiargeforbilling  to  American  Ejcpress. 
Order  loll-free  in  ttie  U.S.  Dial  SOO-USA-SCAN, 
In  Canada,  dial  800-221-3475.  FAX  anytime,  dial 
313-971-6000.  If  you  are  outside  the  U.S.  or  in 
MIchiigan  dial  313-973-8888.  Order  from  CEl  today. 

Scanner  Distribution  Center^  and  CEl  logos  are  trade- 
marks of  Commur!!caiion&  Electronics  Inc. 
Sale  dates  7/1  5/90—  1/31/91  AD  #071  590- A 

CopyrlgtitCi  1 990  Communications  El^ctronici  Inc- 

For  credit  card  orders  call 

1-800-USA-SCAN 


TU 

COMMUNICATIONS 
ELECTRONICS  INC. 
Consumer  Products  DMsion 

P.O.  BOK  1045  0  Ann  Artx>r,  Michigan  46 106-1 045  U.S.A. 
For  orders  call  31 3-973-8883  or  FAX  31 3  971  6000 


CIRCLE  12 1  ON  RIAE>E»  SERVICE  CARD 


Table  2.  Handi-Talkie  VOX  Plus 

Resistors 

All  resistors  are  V*  W,  5%. 

unless  otherwise  noted. 

R12 

2,7 

ohms 

R33,47 

10 

ohms 

V2W 

R52* 

510 

ohms 

1% 

R9 

680 

ohms 

R1 1,13,1 4,20,31, 32 

tk 

ohrns 

R49,53 

2.2k 

ohms 

R37,38 

3.9k 

ohms 

R34,35,42 

4.7k 

ohms 

Rsr 

4.7k 

ohms 

1% 

R1,2,3 

5.6k 

ohms 

R5,6.7,10J5,16,17,19, 

10k 

ohms 

39,40,41,43,48 

R36,45 

15k 

ohms 

R8.25,26,30,46 

47k 

ohms 

R22,27,28,44,50 

100k 

ohms 

R18 

150k 

ohms 

R23 

190k 

ohms 

R4 

330k 

ohms 

R21, 24,29 

1 

megohm 

RV1,3 

100k 

ohms 

1  turn  trimmer 

RV4 

1 

megohm 

1  turn  trimmer 

RV2.5,6 

100k 

ohms 

linear  taper  pot 

Capacitors 

C51 

18 

pF,  25V 

ceramic  disc 

C15 

470 

pF,  25V 

ceramic  disc 

CI, 2,3 

0.01 

pF,  50V 

ceramic  disc,  (NPO)  or  Mylar 

05,11.38,39,40.41,42, 

0,01 

pF,  50V 

ceramic  disc 

43,44.45,46,47,48 

C49,50 

0.01 

pF,  1  kV 

ceramic  disc 

C6 

0.02 

pF.  25V 

ceramic  disc 

010,18,25,29,32,33,34 

0.1 

pF,  25V 

ceramic  disc 

C16 

0.033 

pF,  25V 

ceramic  disc 

G21,22 

0.047 

pF,  25V 

ceramic  disc 

C23 

0.0047  pF*  25V 

ceramic  disc 

C  17.27 

1 

pF.  25V 

electrolytic 

C36 

1 

pF, 25V 

tantalum 

C7.8 

Al 

pF,  25V 

electrolytic 

04,13.14,19,20,24.26, 

10 

pF,  25V 

electrolytic 

28,35 

C30 

47 

pF.  25V 

electrolytic 

09,12 

100 

pF.  25V 

electrolytic 

Oil 

1000 

pF,  25V 

electrolytic 

031 

2200 

pF35V 

electrolytic 

SemiconduGtors 

BR1 

50V, ' 

I.5A 

bridge  rectifier 

LED1.2 

Tl  style 

red 

D1,2 

1N52318,  5.1VDC 

ViWzener  diode 

D3,4.5,6 

1N4148 

switching  diode 

01,2,3,4,5 

2N3904 

NPN.  transistor 

101,2 

LM324 

quad  op  amp 

103 

LM380 

2.5W  audio  amp 

104 

LM317 

adjustable  voltage  regulator 

Other  Components 

Tl 

18V.; 

Ik 

power  transformer 

SI 

DPDT  toggle  switch 

S2,4 

SPST  togg  e  switch 

S3 

normally  open 

push  button 

J1,2 

mini-audio 

jack 

J3 

5-pin 

DIN 

jack 

J4 

RCA  phono 

jack 

F1 

V2A  fuse 

with  hoEder 

Electret  condenser  microphone 

PC  board 

AC  power  cord 

tieatslnli 

enclosure 

knobs 

5-pin  DIN  plug,  mini-audio  plugs  (2),  coaxial  power  plug. 

*See  Table  1 .  for  R51  &  R52  values. 

Parts  kits  are  availalble  from  Micro  Mart,  508  Central  Ave.,  Westfield  NJ  07090.  Tel.  (201) 

654-6008.  PC  board  and  components  are  $29.95,  plus  $2.50  S&H;  the  parts  kit,  less 

enclosure,  heat  sink,  and  knobs. 

is  $49.76,  plus  $3  J5  S&H;  the  PC  board  only  is  $12.95,  plus 

$2*50  S&H;  and  the  power  transformer  Is  $4.75  plus 

$3,50  S&H. 

and  indistinguishable  from  hand-sent  code. 

Other  Features 

FUNCTION  switch  S2  disables  comparator 
U2C  so  you  can  operate  in  manual  mode.  In 
this  mode,  you  must  use  PTT  switch  S3  to  key 
the  transceiver.  This  feature  is  useful  in  voice 
mode  when  the  room  noise  level  causes  false 
XCVR  keying,  or  in  the  MOW  mode  to  use 
the  VOX  Plus'  sidetone  as  a  code  practice 
oscillator.  A  programmable  regulated  power 
supply  is  available  for  powering  transceivers 
that  operate  from  six  to  ten  500  mAh  NiCd 
batteries.  The  output  voltage  is  program- 
mable by  changing  the  value  of  resistors  R51 
and  R52.  See  Table  1  for  programming  resis- 
tor  values. 

Design  Details 

A  few  words  need  to  be  said  regarding 
some  of  the  * 'basic**  op  amp  circuits,  since 
their  physical  implementation  is  slightly  dif- 
ferent from  the  theoretical  description.  The 
design  of  the  RC  phase-shift  oscillator  re- 
quires some  practical  modification  to  attain 
dependable  operation. 

In  theory,  ihe  circuit  will  oscillate  when  the 
gain  is  set  to  a  value  of  1/29.  This  is  a  very 
critical  value.  If  the  value  is  slightly  less,  the 
circuit  will  not  oscillate.  If  the  value  is  slight- 
ly  more,  the  output  waveform  will  clip,  re- 
sulting in  distortion.  This  problem  is  over- 
come by  adding  amplitude  compensation  to 
the  circuit. 

Back-to-back  zener  diodes  are  placed  in 
parallel  with  feedback  resistor  R4,  The  zener 
diodes  decrease  the  gain  of  the  oscillator  as 
the  output  amplitude  approaches  the  positive 
power  supply  rail  to  prevent  it  from  clipping 
and  distorting  the  w^aveform.  Because  of  the 
zener  diodes,  you  need  more  gain  to  get  the 
oscillator  started,  thus  the  gain  is  higher  than 
i/29. 

In  theory,  the  frequency  of  oscillation  of 
the  RC  phase-shift  oscillator  is  given  as:  /  - 
0. 065/RC,  The  addition  of  amplitude  com- 
pensation using  the  zener  diodes  causes  the 
actual  frequency  to  be  lower.  It  is  difficuh  to 
predict  the  actual  frequency  of  oscillation  be- 
cause zener  diodes  are  nonlinear  devices,  and 
therefore,  linear  analysis  can  not  be  used  to 
determine  it.  The  theoretical  equation  does, 
however,  give  a  good  place  to  start* 

A  practical  note  penains  to  the  use  of  the 
LM324  op  amp.  For  capacitively  coupled 
loads,  a  resistor  should  be  used  from  the 
output  to  ground  to  increase  the  class  A  bias 
current  and  prevent  crossover  distortion  {see 
the  National  Semiconductor  Corp.  's  Linear 
DamBook  J  1988).  This  is  the  purpose  of 
resistors  R19  and  R39,  Notable  distortion 
was  present  without  them. 

The  one-shot  circuit  corjsists  of  transistor 
switch  Q2  and  comparator  U2D.  The  trigger 
pulse  is  applied  to  the  base  of  Q2  via  R25, 
which  limits  the  base  current  to  a  safe  value. 
Each  lime  a  positive  trigger  pulse  is  applied  to 
R25,  Q2  discharges  capacitor  C 19  to  ground. 
The  voltage  across  C  J  9  is  applied  to  the  nega- 
tive input  of  comparator  U2D;  the  positive 
input  of  U2D  is  fixed  at  V/2,  When  C19  is 
discharged  to  ground » the  voltage  across  CI 9 


28    73  Am^tBur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


THC 


falls  below  V/2  and  the  ouipui  of  comparator 
U2D  goes  high. 

The  output  remaitis  high  uniil  ihe  voltage 
across  C 19  rises  above  V/2  volis .  The  charge 
time  of  C19  is  controlled  by  the  series  combi- 
nation of  resistors  R26  and  RV3.  VOX  delay. 
The  circuit  is  re-triggerable  because  capaci- 
tor C19  can  be  discharged  repc;iicdly  by  a 
trigger  pulse,  effectively  resetting  its  charge 
time.  MUTE  switch  Q4  is  activated  by  the 
output  of  the  one-shot  by  charging  capacitor 
C30  via  diode  D6  and  resistor  R3 1 . 

The  voltage  across  C30  supplies  base  cur- 
rent to  Q4  via  base  resistor  R49.  Q4  turns  on 
and  bypasses  to  ground  the  audio  present  at 
the  junction  of  the  voltage  divider  that  con- 
sists of  R40  and  R4L  preventing  it  from 
reaching  the  audio  power  amp  U3. 

Capacitor  C24  provides  DC  isolation. 
When  the  one-shot  times  out,  diode  D6  pre- 
vents C30  from  discharging  immediately. 
Mirra  switch  Q4  remains  on  while  C30  dis- 
charges through  resistors  R49  and  R50*  and 
keeps  the  audio  path  shunted  to  ground.  In 
this  way,  the  attack  and  decay  of  the  mute 
switch  are  controllied.  and  the  introduction  of 
noise  by  the  action  of  the  mute  circuit  itself  is 
prevented. 

Construction 

Only  common  components  are  used  in  this 
project.  Most  of  them  can  be  found  in  your 
junk  box.  If  you  don*t  have  a  junk  box,  you 
can  get  all  the  pans  from  Micro  Matt  (see 
parts  list). 

Due  to  the  number  of  compHjneots,  I  chose 
PC  board  construction.  You  could  also  use 
poinl*to-point  wiring.  Photo  B.  shows  the 
circuit  board  mounted  in  a  Radio  Shack  steel 
enclosure.  Note  that  voltage  regulator  U4  is 
mounted  on  the  copper  side  of  the  board, 
keeping  the  leads  as  short  as  possible  to  mini- 
mize RF  pickup  and  lo  maintain  load  regula- 
tion. This  also  simplifies  access  to  the  alu- 
minum heat  sink  mounted  to  the  bottom  of  the 
steel  enclosure.  The  steel  enclosure  does  not 
make  a  suitable  heat  sink  because  of  its  lower 
thermal  conductivity.  The  dimensions  of  the 
aluminum  heat  sink  are  6"  %  2.5"  X  0.0625", 

Connect  the  transceiver's  power,  micro- 
phone, and  speaker  jacks  with  a  5-pin  DIN 
plug,  its  receptacle  mounted  on  the  rear  pan- 
eL  Bypass  capacitors  C40.  C43»  C44»  C45 
and  C48  are  mounted  at  the  5-pin  DIN  recep- 
tacle lo  prevent  RF  from  disrupting  circuit 
operation.  Access  to  the  key  input  and  tape 
AUDIO  input  are  made  with  3.5mm  phone 
jacks.  An  RCA  audio  jack  is  used  for  the 
speaker  output .  Bypass  capacitors  C39,  C41» 
and  C42  associated  with  these  terminals  are 
also  located  on  their  respective  jacks. 

Setup  and  Optrathm 

Check  the  circuit  carefijlly  before  applying 
power.  If  all  Uxsks  good,  set  the  function 
switch  S2  to  manual  and  set  the  mode  switch 
SI  to  the  MCW  pof^iition.  Set  bass  and  tre- 
ble to  center  position,  and  Mtc  OAtN  control 
to  minimum.  Sei  sidetone  level  control  RVl 
to  minimum  by  turning  it  CCW;  then  turn  it 
H  turn  CW.  Set  VOX  delay  RV3  and  anti- 
VOX  gain  RV4  to  center  position.  Connect  a 


4-  to  8-ohm  speaker  to  the  speaker  jack  and  a 
telegraph  key  to  the  KEY  input. 

Before  connecting  the  VOX  Plus  to  your 
transceiver,  turn  on  power  switch  S4  and 
check  the  programmed  power  supply  voltage 
to  ensure  its  value  is  correct,  as  selected  from 
Table  1 .  The  supply  voltage  should  be  wiUijn 
5%  of  the  selected  value.  Press  the  telegraph 
key  and  listen  for  the  800  Hz  sidetone  from 
the  external  speaker.  Adjust  sidetone  level 
RVl  to  the  desired  level. 

Connect  the  transceiver  to  the  VOX  Plus. 
Be  sure  to  use  an  external  antenna  to  prevent 
strong  RF  fields  from  causing  undesirable 
operation.  Tune  in  a  QSO  and  try  varying  the 
BASS  and  treble  controls.  You  should  be 
able  to  make  muffled  signals  or  tinny  signals 
more  natural  sounding,  and  attain  better  read- 
ability. 

To  operate  break-in  MCW,  change  func^ 
TION  switch  S2  to  the  VOX  position  and  start 
sending.  The  VOX  Plus  will  automatically 
key  the  transmitter  when  you  start  sending 
code.  The  transceiver  should  remain  in  the 
transmit  nnxle  until  about  i  second  al^er  you 
stop  sending.  If  the  transmitter  drops  out  be- 
tween letters  or  words*  increase  VOX  defay 
RV3  by  mming  it  CW. 

To  operate  voice,  change  mode  switch 
SI  to  the  voice  position,  turn  the  mic  gain 
control  to  about  % ,  and  talk  only  when  you 
what  to  transnih.  Remember,  you  are  now 
operating  VOX,  and  you  should  turn  the  mi- 
crophone gain  down  when  you*re  not  in  a 
QSO. 


Mike  Kossor  WA2EBY,  IS M  I2th  S/. .  Kenil- 
H^rtA  NJ  07033 


Q 


Quick-Launch 

Antenn<]  Jn5tjll4tjciTi 
System 


AntennasWest 


CIRCLE  89  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


MININEC  $35 

MNjr  t.S  aHens  fast,  powerful.  meKpersiv©  antenna 
analysis.  MNjf  modols  antennas  in  free  space  or  over 
ground,  uses  3-1imas  (aster  FSS  an  a  lysis  ►  has  auto- 
matic Irequency  sweep,  simple  daijnitten  of  feeds  arid- 
loads,  and  di&plays  &  prin is  standard  ARRL  polar  plots. 
MNjr  has  everyiNng  you  need^or  most  antennas.  8087 
and  exira-ta^  no -BOB?  vafslonsbDlh  jr>cluded.  MNjr  1.5. 
$35,  Full  Cf^a  towards  MN  3.5. 

MN  3-5  is  the  [a$t&&1.  mDSt  powerfyi.  amt  most  ad- 
vanced MEN  IN  EC  pfOQrarn  available  MN  3  5  dlsp^ys 
S-D  views  tif  artttnrta  ge^jmelry  &  phasor  wife  curr^fits , 
cfo^  sophisl»caited  pa\^t  £  r^ianguNi'  plois  of  H^  V, 
RQrc.  LCirc,  MaxUn,  WnUn,  5.  Max  po^artralJOn  ctHn- 
fKlfients,  Lts^s  up  ro  254  pulses  tar  oomplflir  antennas, 
calculates  naar-fveids  tof  TVI  &  RF-haiard  analyas, 
<a3rnpute5  Jaf  fiskSs  lor  repeater  00 verage,  does  current 
feed  ter  phased  array's,  has  automatic  frequency  sweep, 
and  simple  dernition  of  feeds  &  loads  8087  of  extra-fast 
no^BOS?  yefsiorr.  MN  3.5,  %bb.  500-ptjlse  opilon.  S25. 

MN  &  MNjr  are  up  to  10  times  faster  than  standard 
MININEC  Implementaiions  Comprehensive  antenna 
design  library,  easy -to -use  full- sere  en  editor,  and  exten- 
sive docu mentation  included  Add6.?5%  CA  ,  $5  over- 
seas. US.  check,  cash,  or  money  ordiOr  Fof  IBM  PC< 
3  5*  Of  5.25"  disl4. 

8nait Seezley.  K6ST1, 507-1^ Tayior  Ave  ,  Vtsu,  Ckmm 


mROPLE. 

^-^^-^^    CO.. 

1890-1990 

One  Hundredth 
Anniversary  Celebration 


To  celebrate  our  One  Hundredth  An- 
niversary, we've  published  a  book  on 
the  history  of  the  corr^pany.  Author 
Winiam  Holly  K1 BH  has  done  exhaus- 
tive research  for  over  twenty  years.  As  a 
collector,  thru  other  collectors,  the  Li- 
brary of  Congress  and  other  archives 
and  the  company  records,  with  accura- 
cy  and  delail  that  is  mvaluabte  to  histori- 
ans, collectors  and  those  interested  in 
the  history  of  telegraphy  and  ham  radio. 
Gill  has  reconstructed  the  history  of  the 
company  and  its  world  famous  "Bugs". 

—A  must  reference  tor  the  serious 
colleclor. 

—Available  in  ttme  for  Christmas. 

—Book  designed  by  well  known  book 
designer  Bruce  Kennett. 

—Coated  paper  for  high  resolution 
halftones. 

— Acid  free  paper — will  last  hundreds 
of  years. 

—Smyth  sewn  binding — will  not  fall 
apart. 

—Highest  quality  printmg— easy  lo  read. 

— Vibroplex  quality  throughout — excel- 
lent research,  design  and  prmting, 
what  you'd  expect  from  Vibroplex. 

(SOFT  COVER) 

Retail , S29.95 

Pre  Publication  Piice ,  *  19.95 

(Signed  copy  by  Bill  pleas#  add  S5.0D} 

SIGNED  LIMITED 
EDITION  HARD  COVER 

Only  100  Copies  Printefi  .^   . . . , .  $49.95 
Pre  PublicationJj^O  OM  .......  39.95 

PJease  include  ^t!^  lor  shipping  and  handling 

give  a  piece  of  history  give .  - . 

l-eOO-AMATEUR 
ALSO  REMEMBER  OUR  KEY 
GIFTS  FOR  THE  HOLIDAYS 


'  Vibroplex 

98  ELM  STREET 

PORTLAND,  ME  04101 

OR  SEE  YOUR  LOCAL  DEALER 


«T* 


CIRCLE  1  la  Ofi  lt£A|>£R  SERVICE  CARD 


C»I^UE  19&  Ory  R£AD£R  SERVICE  CARD 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     29 


Numbers  oo  your  Feed  bach  card 


73  Review 


by  Bill  Brown  WB8ELK 


The  Lightning  Bolt  Dual-Band 

VHF/UHF  Quad 

Two  antennas  in  one  compact  package. 


Lightning  BoK  Antennas 
RDlf2,  Route  19 

Volant  PA  16156 
Phone:(412)530-7396 
Price  Cla&s:  $50  (2-element  2m,  4-eiemenr  70cm); 
$80  (4-e!ement  2m,  Sneiement  70cm). 


Whether  heading  out  for  a  mountainlop^ 
foxhunttng  or  setting  up  a  portable  sta- 
tion at  a  moment's  notice,  it's  best  to  iug  as 
little  equipment  along  with  you  as  it  takes  to  do 
the  |ob.  For  dual-band  operation,  the  biggest 
hasste  is  carrying  two  antennas,  along  with 
the  associated  masts  and  mounts.  All  this 
adds  up  to  additionat  weight  and  increased 
set-up  time. 

Mike  Duddy  of  Lightning  Bolt  Antenna  has 
the  answer,  He  has  come  up  with  a  dual-band 
2jr\f70cm  quad  that  is  both  lightweight  and 
easily  assembled  in  the  field. 

The  dual-bander  pfovfdes  you  with  a  2^le- 
menl  quad  on  2  meters  and  4  elements  on 
70cm  using  just  eight  Fiberglas'"  rods  ar- 
ranged te  provide  four  crossed  mounts.  A 
larger  version  Is  available  with  4  elements  on 
2m  and  8  elements  on  the  450  MHz  band. 

Easy  to  Carry  and  Assemble 

I  had  a  chance  to  lest  out  the  dual-bander 
during  a  recent  expedition  out  to  Monhegan 
IsJand.  Maine  (see  front  cover).  The  only  way 
out  to  this  remote  island  is  to  take  a  10-mile 
ferry  boat  ride.  Nuge  WB8GLQ  and  I  ware 
hoping  lo  operate  packet  with  the  space  shut- 
tle SAREX  mission  (unfortunately  scrubbed) 
from  the  vantage  point  of  the  lighthouse  on  top 
of  the  island,  In  addition,  we  planned  to  make 
a  few  ATV  contacts  on  70cm  using  2  meters 
for  our  talk  frequency. 

The  dual-band  quad  comes  packaged  in  a 
heavy-duty  3-foot-long  mailing  tube.  Every- 
thing fits  nicely  inside,  providing  an  excellent 
way  to  transport  the  quad.  After  packing  our 
station  up  into  two  bags  we  hopped  onto  the 
boat  to  Monhegan.  Once  on  the  island,  it  was 
an  easy  hike  up  the  steep  trait  to  the  light- 
house with  our  lightweight  packet  and  ATV 
station. 

The  onty  toots  needed  to  assemble  the  quad 
are  a  small  screwdriver  and  a  crescent  wrench 
to  tighten  the  U-bolt  clamp  to  the  syppoit 
mast.  The  spreader  arms  are  constructed  out 
of  W  Fiberglas''  rods  which  have  grooves  for 
holding  the  quad  loops.  Each  rod  has  a 
threaded  hole  to  accept  the  mounting  screw. 
The  spreaders  are  pushed  through  holes  in  a 
2-foot-long  square  boom.  Each  spreader  is 
lettered  and  matches  the  letter  on  the  boom- 
The  spreaders  can  be  quickly  attached  to  the 
boom  with  the  mounting  screws.  The  wire 
loops  are  held  in  place  by  grooves  In  the  ends 
of  the  spreaders.  The  four  large  spreader 
arms  support  the  2  meter  quad  loops  along 
the  ends,  as  well  as  supporting  the  reftector 
and  the  last  director  of  the  70cm  loops  via 

30    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  ■  December,  1990 


grooves  cut  into  the  middle  of  the  supports. 
I  found  that  the  best  method  was  to  install 


Photo  A.  Evan  Cooke  (()  and  Nuge  WB8GLO 
(r)  use  ttie  Lightning  Bolt  quad  to  make  con- 
tact  onAV/  and  2  meters. 


Photo  B.  Close-up  view  of  the  dual-bander 
quad. 


the  loops  as  I  assembled  each  set  of  spreader 
arms-  Once  complete^  all  I  needed  to  do  was  lo 
mount  the  antenna  to  my  mast  with  the  U-bolt 
(included  with  the  antenna).  This  version  has 
holes  drilled  in  the  boom  to  allow  end*mount* 
Ing  to  the  mast.  Total  assembly  time  was 
about  10  minutes. 

The  driven  elements  tioth  have  female  BNC 
connectors  attached,  I  found  that  the  quad 
loops  seemed  somewhat  loose  m  their 
grooves.  However,  this  provided  an  easy  way 
to  change  polarization  quickly  just  by  sliding 
the  wire  in  the  grooves.  For  a  more  permanent 
installation,  you  might  secure  the  loops  with  a 
dab  of  epoxy.  Lightning  Bolt  can  also  provide 
you  with  drilled  holes  instead  of  grooves  for 
permanent  mounting  of  the  loops.  Also.  I 
found  that  the  Ftberglas  tx>om  seemed  a  little 
rough  in  appearance.  It  may  be  a  good  idea  to 
sand  it  down  some  to  avoid  the  "itchy  finger" 
syndrome. 

Our  total  station  consisted  of  a  Radio  Shack 
Model  100  laptop  computer,  a  Heath  pocket 
TNC»  a  Kodak  Diconix"  printer,  an  ICOM  2m 
HT,  a  t-watt  P,C.  Electronics  ATV  transmitter, 
a  GBC  CCD-100  miniature  TV  camera,  a 
Radio  Shack  pocket-sized  color  LCD  TV 
receiver  and.  of  course,  the  Lightning  Bolt 
dual-band  quad. 

Island-Topping  with  the  Lightning  Bolt 

Although  the  space  shuttle  launch  was 
scrubbed,  we  did  make  a  number  of  packet 
contacts  up  and  down  the  coast  of  Maine, 
Also,  we  made  a  very  successful  contact  with 
Jon  WA2YVL  in  Freeport.  Maine*  on  2m  and 
ATV.  The  gain  is  about  what  you'd  expect 
from  a  2-element  quad  on  2  meters:  about  S  to 
7  dBd.  On  the  440  MHz  band  we  saw  about  9 
dBd  gain.  This  certainly  made  the  difference, 
since  the  quad  brought  Jon's  signal  from  two 
lights  on  my  HT  to  a  full-scale  reception.  On 
439.25  MHz  ATV  the  4-elemem  quad  made 
the  difference  between  a  50%  snowy  picture 
(using  a  V^-wave  whip)  to  a  full-color,  nearly 
closed  circuit  image  (using  the  4-element 
quad).  We  observed  about  a  3  dB  improve* 
ment  over  my  home-brew  6  dBd  2-element 
quad.  The  front-to-back  ratio  seemed  excel- 
lent, and  we  saw  a  nice  clean  pattern  as  we 
rotated  the  antenna. 

After  a  fine  afternoon  island-topping,  we 
quickly  disassembled  the  quad  and  headed 
down  the  hill  for  our  return  boat. 

We  found  the  Lightning  Bolt  dual-band 
quad  to  be  a  great  choice  for  portable  opera- 
tion, and  to  be  sturdy  enough  to  survive  a  good 
deal  of  abuse! 


r 


If  you  always  thought  a  microprocessor-controlled 
repeater  had  to  be  expensive,  LOOK  AGAIN  I  You 
could  easily  spend  this  much  just  for  a  controller. 

REP-200  REPEATER 

A  premium  repeater  with  auto  patch  and  many  versatile  dtmf 
control  features  at  less  than  many  charge  for  a  barB-bones 
repeaterl 

We  don't  skimp  on  rf  modules,  either!  Check  the  features  on 
Rt44  Receiver,  for  instance:  GaAs  FET  front-end,  hefical 
resonators,  sharp  crystal  filters,  hysteresis  squelch. 

Kit  $1095;  w/t  only  $1295! 


.  Availabfe  for  the  2M,  220MH2,  440MHz,  902MHz  bands, 
FCC  type  accepted  (vhfandi  uhf  commerciai  bands]. 

-  Rugged  exciter  and  PA,  desigried  for  continuous  duty. 

.  Power  output  15-10W  (25W  option)  on  2M  or  hhband;  15W  on  220MHz:  10W  on 
uhf  or  B02fAHz. 

■  Access ofy  add-on  PA's  available  with  power  l&vels  up  to  lOOW. 

-  Six  courtesy  beep  types,  Including  two  pleasant,  sequential,  multi-tone  bursts. 

■  AUTOPATCH:  either  open  or  closed  access,  toli-cail  restfict,  auto-disconnect. 

-  Reverse  Autopatch,  two  types:  auto-answer  or  ring  tone  on  the  air. 

.  DTMF  CONTROL:  over  45  functions  can  be  controlled  by  touch-tone.  Separate 
4-digit  control  code  for  eacJi  function,  plus  extra  4-digit  owner  password. 

-  Owfier  can  inhibit  autopatch  or  repeater^  enabfe  either  open-  or  closed-acoess 
for  repeater  or  autopatch.  and  enable  toil  calls,  reverse  patch,  kerchunk  Mer, 
site  aiarin,  aux  rcvr.  and  other  options,  including  two  auxiliary  externai  circuits, 

•  The  cwid  message,  dtmf  command  codes,  and  owner-specffed  defiauR  parame- 
ters tor  Gor  and  cwtd  timers  and  tones  Br&  burned  into  the  eprom  at  the  factory. 

-  Cw  speed  and  tone,  courtesy  beep  and  tail  timerSp  and  courtesy  beep  type  can 
all  be  changed  at  any  time  by  owner-password-protected  dtmJ  commands. 

»  Many  built-in  diagnostic  ^  testing  functions  using  microprocessor. 
'  Color  coded  led's  Indicate  status  of  all  major  functions. 

■  Welded  partitions  for  exccter,  pa.  receiver,  and  controller.  PEM  nuts  liold 
covers- 

■  3-1/2  inch  aluminum  raci<  panel,  finished  in  eggsheil  wbite  and  black. 

•  Auxiliary  receiver  inpy!  for  independent  control  or  cross  linking  repealers. 

REP-200V  Economy  Repeater  Kit*  As  above,  except  uses  COR-4 
Controffer  without  DTMF  control  or  autopatob.  Kit  only  $795. 


HIGH  PERFORMANCE  XMTRS  & 

RCVRS  FOR  REPEATERS,  AF  & 

DIGITAL  LINKS,  TELEMETRY,  ETC 


FM  EXCITERS:  kite 
$ae,  w/t$ie9.  2W  contin- 
uous duty,  TCXO  6  xtal 
oven  options  available. 
FCC  type  aacepted  for 
Gom't  uhf  &  hi  bands. 

-  TA5t  for2M,  150-174, 
zaoMHz. 

•  TA451  for  uhf. 

-  TA90t  for  902-928MH7, 
(O.SVVout;  wAonly). 

.  VHF  St  UHF  AMPLIFIERS. 
For  fm,  ssbf  atv.  Output 
from  low  to  1G0W.  Several  models,  kits  starting  at  $79. 


B 


FM  RECeiVEPS-  kits  St39,  w/t  $189. 

*  B144/R22D  FM  RECEIVERS  for  2M, 
1 50- 1 74,  or  220  M  Hz.  0 aAs  FET  front 

end;  0.1 5uV  sensitivity  1  Both  crystal  & 
ceramic  if  filters  plus  helical 
resonator  front  end  for  exceptional 
selectivity:  >100dB  at  ±  12kHz  (best 
available  anywherei)  Flutter-proof 
hysteresis  squelch;  afc  tracks  drift. 

-  R451  UHF  FM  RCVR,  similar  to 
above 

.  flgOl  902-92&MHZ  FM  RCVR. 
Triple-conversion,  GaAs  FET  front  end. 

-  R76  ECONOMY  FM  RCVR  for  6M,  2M,  220MHz.  w/o  hettcal  res.  or 
afc    Kits  $1 29^ 

•  R137  WEATHER  SATELLITE  RCVR  for  1 37  MHz.  Kit  $129.  w/t  $189. 


^-  ~-^-. 


ACCESSORIES 


TD^3  SUBAUDIBLE  TONE 
DECODER/ENCODER  kit  Adiustable 
for  any  tone.  Designed  especially  for 
repeaters,  with  rerriote  control 
activate/deactivate  provisions $24 


COR-3  REPEATER  COI^TROLLER  kit. 
Features  adjustable  tail  &  time-out 
timers f  soi id-state  relay,  courtesy  beep, 
and  locaf  speaker  ampf if ier $49 

CWID  kit.  Diode  programmed  any  time 
in  the  fleid^  actjustable  tone^  speedy  and 
timer,  to  go  with  COR-3 .$59 


COR'4  kit  Complete  COR  and  CWiD 
ail  on  one  board  for  easy  construdJon. 
CMOS  iogic  for  bw  power  consumption. 
Many  new  features,  EPROM  pro- 
grammed; specify  call $99 


TD'2  TOUCH-TONE  DECODER/CON- 
TROLLER kit    Full  1 6  digits,  with  tolf-call 

restrictor,  programmable.  Can  turn  5 
functbns  on/off.  Great  for  selective  call- 

rl      M^  g        L^J^J  L  hKAriBIIBAABIIB  BilBh^  ■  ^^MHHB.B'B  ■■■■■■!■,■  ■■:■■■■  ■  ■■  ■  ll      ^|^  1^    ^V 

AP-3  AUTOPATCH  kit  Use  with  above 
for  repeater  autopatch.  Reverse  patch 
&  phone  line  remote  control  are  std .  $79 

AP'2  SIMPLEX  AUTOPATCH  Timtng 
Board  ktt.    Use  wtth  above  for  simpte>: 

operation  using  a  transceiver  $39 


MO'202  FSK  DATA  MODULATOR  kit. 
Run  up  to  1200  baud  digital  signals 
through  any  fm  transmitter  with  full 
handshakes.  Radio  iink  computers^ 
teiemetry  gear,  etc.  „,  $35 

DE-20a  FSK  DEMODULATOR  kit,  For 
receive  end  of  link ....$39 

BBQQ  BAUD  OlOrTAL  RF  LINRS.  Low- 
cost  packet  networking  system. 
consisting  of  new  MO-96  Modem  and 
special  versions  of  our  220  or  450  mHz 

FM  Transmitters  and  Receivers.  Inter- 
face directly  with  most  TNG's.  Fast, 
diode-switched  PA's  output  15  or  50W. 


GaAs  FET 
PREAMPS 

at  a  fraction  of  the  cost 
of  comparable  units! 

LNG-(*) 

ONLY  $59 

wired  I'teaiod 


FEATURES: 

-  Very  low  noise:  0,7dB  vhf.  O.SdB  uhf 

-  High  gain:  1 3-20dS.  depends  on  freq 

-  Wide  dynamic  range  -  resist  overload 
'  Stable;  low-feedback  duat-gate  FET 

^SpBCify  tmmg  range:  2&30,  46-5-6,   73^-150, 
■t50-1?2,  210-230,  400-470,  or  80a-9BO  MHz 

"~^         LNW-{*) 

MINIATURE 

GaAs  FET 

PREAMP 

ONLY  $24, 'kn.  $39  wiffed/i^iffd 

-  GaAs  FET  Preamp  similar  ib  LNG, 
e?^cept  designed  for  low  cost  &  smalt 
size.  Only  S/8^'W  x  1-5/81  x  3/4"H. 
Easily  mounts  in  many  radios. 

^specify  Turning  range:  25-35,  55-55,  55^90^ 
90-120,    J20-}SO,   150-200,  200-270,  or  400-500 


<^, 


wlredl/i:esE€ct 


LNS-(*) 

IN-LINE  PREAMP 
ONLY  $79 m,  $99 

*  GaAs  FET  Preamp  with  features  simiiar 
to  LNG  series,  except  auto  mat!  c  ally 
switches  out  of  line  during  transmiL 
Use  with  base  or  mobile  transceivers  up 
to  25W.  Tower  mounting  brackets  incE. 
*Specify  tuning  mng^:  730- J  75.  200-240,  or 
4QQ-BQ0  MHs. 


HELICAL  RESONATOR 
PREAMPS 

Preamps  wfth  3  or  4  section  hellcat 
resonators  reduce  intermod  3(  cross- 
band  interference  in  critical  applications. 
MODEL  HRG-(*),  $49  vhf,  $94  uhf. 
"Specify     tuning     range;     142-150,      150-163, 
152- J74,  213^$3,  420-450,  450-470. 


RECEIVING 
CONVERTERS 

Low  noise  converters  to  receive  vhf  and 

uhf  bands  on  a  10M  receiver.    Choice 

of  kit  with  case  &  BNC  jacks,  kit  with  pcb; 

only,  or  w/t  unit  in  a  case. 

Request  catalog  for  complete  listings. 

VHF  Input  ranges  avail:  136-133, 
144-146.  145-147,  146-148;  kit  less 
case  $39.  kit  w/oase  $59.  w/t  in  case 
$89. 

UHF  input  ranges  avail;  432-434, 
435-437,  435.5-437.5:  kh  less  case  $49, 
kit  w/case  $69.  w/t  in  case  $99. 


TRANSMITTING 
CONVERTERS 

XV2  for  vhf  and  XV4  for  uhf.   Models  to 
convert  lOM  ssb.  cw.  fm,  etc.  to  2M,  432, 
435i  and  for  atv.  1 W  output. 
Kit  only  $79.  PA  s  up  to  45W  available. 
Request  catalog  for  complete  listings. 


OUR  2&TH  YEAR! 


For  complete  info,  call  or  write  for  FREE  40-page  catalog. 

Send  $2  ior  Overseas  air  mall.    For  casual  Intefesl,  check  raader  service;  allow  3-4  weeks. 

Order  by  mail,  fax,  or  phone  {9-12, 1-5  eastern  tfme) 

Min.  $3  S&H  charge  for  first  pound  plus  add1  weight  &  ins. 

Use  VISA,  Mastercard,  check,  or  UPS  C.O.D.  ($3  fee). 


amironics,  mc 

65  MOUL  RD.  •  HILTON  NY  14468-9535 

Phone:  716-392-9430  -  FAX:  716-392-942Q 

Hdmlronic&  ta  a  ^B.p^EleJod  liadamark.  GGpyrrght  13e&.  HemtiflrtiCt  Inc.  AH  tIgMa -TeBatved. 


CIRCJ.E  57  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Number  1 0  on  your  Feedback  card 


73  Review 


by  Dick  Goodman  WA3USG 


The  PacComm  PSK 

Connect  to  the  world  via  the  Microsats! 


1  PacComm 

3S62  West  Cypress  Street 
Tampa  FL  33607 
(813)  874-2980,  (800)  223-351 1 

Price  Class:  $250  (Includes  power  suppfy. 
manual,  and  TNC/radio/lelemetry.) 


Orbiting  the  Earth  at  an  altitude  of 
approximately  800  kilamelers  are  four 
satellites  which  may  be  accessed  and  com- 
municated through  via  packet  radio.  These 
birds  have  something  in  common  that  is  not 
shared  by  the  other  active  ham  salellrtes: 
They  must  be  accessed  using  PSK  (Phase 
Shift  Keyed)  modutation,  rather  than  wtth  corv 
ventionaJ  AFSK  (Audio  Frequency  Shift  Key- 
ing), wtirch  is  the  present  terrestnal  packet 
standard.  These  satellites  are  also  known  as 
"Microsats"  because  of  their  small  size. 
•OSCAR  16  (PACSAT):  euill  by  AMSAT  HA. 
Can  presently  be  used  as  a  digipeater.  Uplink 
frequenctes  are  in  the  2  meter  band,  using 
conventional  FM  transceivers:  downlink  is  in 
the  70cm  band,  using  SSB  reception,  in  the 
near  future  it  will  support  a  store-and-fonward 
mailbox. 

•OSCAR  ie  (WEBERSAT):  Built  by  Weber 
State  University  in  Utah.  Contains  an  on- 
board CCD  camera  that  downlinks  its  pictures 
via  packet  radio.  Also  contains  an  ATV  experi- 
ment which  will  be  activated  in  the  future. 
•OSCAR  19  (LUSAT):  Built  by  AMSAT  Ar- 
gentina. Same  characteristics  as  OSCAR  16. 
•OSCAR  20  (FUJI-2):  Built  by  AMSAT  Japan. 
Packet  store-and-forward  mailbox.  Uptink  2 
meter  FM;  downlink  on  70cm,  using  SSB  re- 
ception. 

Why  Use  PSK? 

Current  packet  radio  TNCs  come  with  an 
AFSK  modem  installed.  These  are  fine  for  ter- 
restrial packet  communication  over  high  qual- 
ity VHF  links,  but  fail  miserably  when  subject- 
ed to  poor  signal-to-noise  ratios  or  frequency 
shift  due  to  the  Doppter  effect.  Existing  AFSK 
packet  modems  must  be  maintained  to  within 
approximately  i-50  Hz  of  the  center  frequen- 
cy. Since  the  Microsats  are  in  low  Earth  orbit* 
their  velocity  in  relation  to  the  user  is  great. 
This  equates  to  a  very  large  Doppler  shift 
when  me  satellite  is  at  its  closest  approach. 
This  shift  is  so  great  that  a  signal  tuned  in  will 
drift  completely  out  of  the  receiver  bandpass 
in  a  matter  of  minutes.  Existing  AFSK 
modems  would  be  virtually  impossible  to  keep 
tuned  dunng  these  conditions. 

The  signals  from  these  OSCARs  are  also 
taking  fades  from  spin  modulation  and  are 
sometimes  weak.  This  is  due  lo  the  nature  of 
the  low  gain  antennas  used  on  the  satellites, 
arKl  to  the  orientatior^  of  both  satellite  and 
ground  station  antennas  (eg:  cross  polariza- 
t!onJ. 

Rnaify,  the  present  AFSK  standard  was  ac- 
tually developed  in  the  1970s  for  use  in  com- 

32    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,! 


poter  telephone  modems.  It  was  put  lo  use  in 
TNCs  because  it  was  cheap  and  available,  but 
it's  certainty  not  state-of-the-art!  What  is  need- 
ed for  satellite  work  (especially  low  orbit  satel- 
lites) is  a  modem  that  will  perform  well  in  the 
environment  identified  above, 

The  Answer 

The  PacComm  PSK-l  satellite  modem  tills 
ttiis  requirement  nicely.  It  is  a  small  package, 
approximately  T-^*  high.  6"  wide  and  9" 
deep.  It  requires  12  VDC  arid  comes  supplied 
with  a  small  plug-in  power  supply.  The  PSK-1 
will  do  the  following: 

1.  Lock  on  and  copy  signals  that  are  off  fre* 
quency  by  as  much  as  +400  Hz, 

2.  Automatically  tune  the  receiver  to  maintain 
proper  center  frequer>cy, 

3.  Give  excellent  performance  during  poor 
signal-to-noise  conditions. 

4*  Allow  you  to  stiti  use  the  AFSK  modem  in 
your  TNC  for  conventional  terrestrial  packet 
operation. 

5.  Copy  the  telemetry  data  from  Phase  3  satel- 
lites {OSCAR  10  and  13)  from  their  engineer- 
ing beacons. 

Interconnections  to  Your  Equipment 

PSK-1  to  your  VHF  FM  radio;  The  cable 
provided  by  PacComm  has  a  5-pin  DIN  plug 
lor  PSK-1  connection  on  one  end;  the  other 
end  has  stripped  and  tinned  ieads  for  attach- 
ment to  your  radio.  Note  that  this  is  the  same 
pinout  configuration  for  the  TAPR  PSK 
Modem. 

PSK-1  to  your  UHF  radio:  The  cable  provid- 
ed by  PacComm  has  a  5-pin  DIN  piug  tor 
PSK-1  connection  on  one  end:  the  other  end 
has  stripped  and  tinned  leads  for  attachment 
to  your  radio.  Note  that  this  is  NOT  the  same 
pinout  configuration  as  the  TAPR  PSK 


Modem.  This  connection  MUST  be  made  if 
you  want  the  PSK-1  to  automatically  compen- 
sate for  Doppler. 

FSK-1  to  your  TNCs  * 'Radio"  connector: 
The  cable  provided  by  PacComm  has  a  5-pin 
DIN  plug  for  PSK*1  connection  on  one  end: 
tfrie  other  end  has  stripped  arKJ  tinned  leads  for 
connection  to  your  TNCs  "Radio"  port. 
(Note:  Your  VHF  FM  radio  is  no  longer  con- 
nected directly  to  your  TNC,  but  is  routed 
through  the  PSK-1  modem.  This  configuration 
will  allow  you  lo  switch  to  either  the  TNC*s 
AFSK  modem  for  conventional  packet  opera* 
tion,  or  to  the  PSK-1  for  satellite  work.) 

PSK*1  to  your  TNCs  modem  disconnect 
header:  The  cable  provided  by  PacComm  has 
an  S-pin  DIN  plug  for  PSK- 1  connection  on  one 
end;  the  other  end  has  stripped  and  tinned 
leads  for  attachment  to  your  TNCs  modem 
disconnect  header.  Also  provided  is  the  20-pin 
plug  to  attach  to  any  TAPR  TNC-1  or  TNC-2 
clone  inline  header.  The  stripped  and  tinned 
leads  attach  to  this  and  it  simply  plugs  into  the 
TNCs  modem  disconnect.  (Note:  The  operat- 
ing manual  included  with  the  PSK-1  goes  into 
considerable  detail.  It  took  me  15-20  minutes 
to  wire  the  header  plug.  If  you  are  presently 
using  a  TAPR  PSK  modem,  your  existing  ca- 
ble will  work  finel) 

PSK-1  to  your  computer's  serial  port  (RS- 
232  &  TTL  both  supported):  Please  note  that 
actual  packet  data  is  still  routed  via  serial  ca- 
ble going  to  your  TNC.  The  connection  identi- 
fied here  allows  control  of  many  PSK-1 
parameters  from  youf  computer.  This  is  atso 
the  port  where  Phase  3  telemetry  data  Is  rout* 
ed  (since  it  is  simply  ASCII  data  and  not  for- 
matted into  AX. 25  packets). 

Once  the  PSK-1  is  correctly  interfaced  to 
your  computer,  INC,  and  Radio(s)  the  fun  be- 
gins. When  power  is  applied  lo  the  PSK-1  the 


.1 


Photo  A.  The  PacComm  PSK- 1 


990 


front  panel  LEDS  cycle  through  a  short  self- 
test  procedure  and  the  modem  Is  ready  for 
use.  The  front  panel  of  the  PSK-1  is  fogically 
laid  out  with  9-status  LEDs  (which  also  func- 
tion as  a  bar  graph  tuning  indicator),  two  up/ 
down  tuning  LEDS,  a  PLL  "LOCK"  LED,  and 
two  switches  which  can  control  set  up  of  the 
PSK-1. 

Operating  thePSK-t 

The  PSK-1  may  be  set  up  by  two  methods. 
The  first  is  with  the  function  and  select  push 
buttons  on  the  front  panel.  The  fumction 
switch  cycles  through  each  of  the  four  PSK-1 
functions.  The  select  switch  allows  each  of 
these  functions  to  be  configured  independent- 
ly. For  exampte,  press  the  function  switch 
until  the  mode  function  status  LED  is  lit  (each 
press  of  the  push  button  cycles  through  one  of 
the  four  functions).  Now,  by  pressing  the 
SELECT  switch  you  can  configure  the  mode 
function  for  Manchester  PSK  for  satellite  oper- 
ation, tenrestriaJ  PSK,  or  400  baud  Phase  3 
telemetry  gathering.  Press  the  function 
switch  again  and  the  modem  funclton  LED  will 
light.  By  pressing  the  select  switch,  the  entire 
PSK-1  unit  can  be  toggled  in  or  out,  thus  allow- 
ing easy  access  to  your  TNC's  internal  AFSK 
modem.  Pressing  the  function  switch  again 
will  IHuminate  the  jt/sp  function  LED.  De- 
pressing the  select  switch  here  selects  which 
radiD(s)  will  be  used  with  the  PSK-1.  In  the 
jttNT  position,  all  PSK-1  data  (both  TX  &  RX) 
will  be  routed  from  the  VHP  port  on  the  PSK-1 . 
In  the  SPLIT  position,  TX  data  will  be  routed 
from  the  VHP  port  of  the  PSK^l  to  the  VHP 
radio  and  RX  data  from  the  UHF  radio  to  Ihe 
UHF  pon  on  the  PSK-t .  Pressing  the  function 
switch  again  lights  the  afc  function  LED.  Ttie 
SELECT  switch  now  controls  how  the  PSK*1 
tunes  the  UHF  receiver  to  compensate  for 
Doppler. 

The  other  method  of  setup  is  by  computer 
control.  The  serial  port  of  your  computer  must 
be  connected  So  the  PSK-1  SERIAL  PORT  (not 
ttie  TNC  serial  port).  I  recommend  using  an 
A-B  switch  on  your  computer's  serial  port  to 
accomplfsh  this  (A  to  your  TNC,  B  to  the  PSK-1 
serial  port).  The  same  terminal  program  that 
you  use  for  your  TNC  will  work  fine  for  con- 
trolling the  PSK-1 .  The  default  baud  rate  of  the 
PSK-1  serial  port  is  1200  baud,  no  parity,  8  bit 
word  length,  1  stop  bit  (1200, N3. 1).  so  initially 
set  your  terminal  program  to  those  parame- 
ters. You  can  change  the  PSK-1  serial  port 
baud  rate  to  match  your  computer  to  TNC 
baud  rate  later.  Powering  up  the  PSK-1  will 
present  an  entire  series  of  menus  which  will 
allow  setup  of  all  previously  specified  parame- 
ters, plus  options  not  available  from  the  front 
panel  switches. 

Either  method  of  setup  is  detailed  ade- 
quately in  the  PSK*1  user  manual.  I  would 
strongly  suggest  reading  ft  from  cover  to  cover 
before  using  the  modem. 

tJ^ing  the  PSK-1  on  the  Birds 

Tune  in  the  signal  from  one  of  the  four  Ml- 
Crosats  on  your  UHP  receiver  in  the  SSB 
mode.  Also,  ensure  that  your  TNC  is  in  Ihe 
MONiTOf^  mode  and  mall  is  on.  I  found  the  lock 
LED  on  the  PSK-1  to  be  a  bit  over-sensitive. 


and  it  wtll  (Itcker  on  rafKJom  receiver  noise* 
But,  when  the  satellite  is  tuned  anywhere 
close  to  being  on  frequency,  the  lock  LED 
will  illuminate  constantly,  and  the  front  panel 
status  LEDs  will  function  as  a  bar  graph  tun- 
ing indicator.  If  you  have  the  automatic 
Ctoppler  shift  compensation  feature  active,  the 
PSK-1  will  finish  tuning  itself  in  arid  you  will  not 
have  to  touch  the  receiver  while  tuning  for  the 
duration  of  the  passf  To  use  the  auto  tume 
feature,  you  must  be  using  a  UHF  radio  that 
has  mike  click  up/down  tuning  capability.  If 
you  are  tuning  the  receiver  manually,  use  the 
CENTER  TUNE  feature  on  the  bar  graph.  You 
should  now  see  data  from  the  Bird  scrolling 
down  your  screen. 

I  have  used  the  PSK-1  with  a  TS-71 1/811 
combination  in  the  automatic  [>Qppler  mode 
and  it  works  Cfuite  well.  My  home  station  uses 
a  Hamlronics  UHF  receive  converter  driving  a 
Kenwood  R-2000  HF  receiver,  I  have  to  tune 
the  receiver  manually,  but  the  FSK-1  main- 
tains lock  on  the  signal  to  about  500  Hz  off 
frequency. 

To  transmit,  dial  in  the  correct  uplink  fre- 
quency on  your  VHF  radio  and  issue  the  ap- 
propriate connect  request  with  your  TNC. 
Since  the  satellites  have  automatic  Doppler 
compensation  on  the  uplink,  you  don't  have  to 
worry  atx>ut  keeping  the  VHF  radio  on  fre- 
quency. Ensure  that  you  don't  over-dhve  the 
VHF  transmitter  because  PSK  is  a  linear 
mode.  There  is  an  external  adjustment  for  the 
modem's  audio  output  on  the  rear  panel  of  the 
PSK^1 . 

Some  Final  Thoughts 

The  PacComm  PSK-i  is  an  excellent  piece 
of  equipment  that  should  appeal  to  anyone 
Interested  in  using  packet  communication 
through  any  satellite.  Since  PSK  is  more  im- 
pervious to  weak  signal  and  fading  conditions 
than  AFSK,  it  works  quite  well  on  the  Phase  3 
birds,  and  is  superior  for  terrestrial  packet  un- 
der ORM  and  QSB  conditions. 

The  PSK-1  will  intertace  to  many  TNCs.  The 
operating  manual  details  the  following  inter- 
face requirements:  TAPR  TNC  1  and  2Ctones 
fTNC  1  will  not  work  on  OSCAR  20).  Pac- 
Comm Tiny-2  (what  I  am  using),  MFJ'1270, 
MFJ-1274.  MFJ-1278,  AEA  PK-232  (read  the 
manual  carefully).  AEA  PK-8B,  AEA  PK-B?, 
Kantronics  KAM,  KPC-4  (KPC-1  &  KPC-2  will 
not  work  with  PSK-1  ). 

1  was  amazed  at  how  well  the  PSK-1  copied 
signals  under  conditions  where  an  AFSK 
modem  would  totally  fail.  Tuning  ts  not  at  all 
critical— get  within  400-500  Hz  on  EITHER 
SIDE  OF  CENTER  and  the  data  starts 
scrolling  by!  Once  you've  read  the  operating 
manual,  mode  changes  and  operation  are  in- 
tuitive. The  ability  to  do  rapid  mode/funcbon 
changes  from  the  front  panel,  or  more  de- 
tailed configuratton  changes  via  computer 
control,  is  a  real  plus.  Finally,  the  fact  that  the 
PSK*1  will  decode  Phase  3  telemetry  blocks 
adds  Ihe  capability  that  would  normally  re- 
quire an  additional  dedicated  $100  modem.  A 
program  to  convert  these  blocks  lo  intelligent 
parameters  is  still  required  and  available  from 
AMSAT. 

I  hope  to  see  yoo  on  the  birds! 


Duplexer  w/Ccmix 
POWER:  MMHiaOOwotts 
WM^i  m  worn 


COHNiaOR  OUmJI:  N4¥pe 
t4MHz  mmz  OKf 
44MHz  mPUT:  N  type 

■  CM160t   CF^160K 

DupleKer  w/o  Cmjc 
POWER:  SameasCF-416 
CONNECTOR  OUTPUT:  UHF 
146MHz  IKPUT:  liKF 
I1II0D£L  446  INPUT:  If -type 
Kmi»£l446l»iFtJT;  UHF 


Call  For  Your  Neareet: 
Dealer  Or  Cal^alog 

1  [BOO]  SBa-S6i1 

NC6  ComiNifiies 

1275  NoftJiGfovi  Street 

Anoheinv  CA  92806 

(714)  630  454I/FAX  (714)  630  7024 


i.E.£L  ca 


NCG 


ClftCL£  54  CH  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

73  AmatBur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990    33 


1333  laiD  ^ffl    Sf  W  B  B  E  L  K^l 


The  H FSB  "Butterfly'^ 

A  Compact  2  Element  Beam 

for  20-15-12-10  Meters 

Operate  As  A  Dipole  on  1 7  Meters 


Butternut 
Verticals 


Butternut's  HF 
veriicals  use 
highest  Q  tuning 
circuits  (not  lossy 
tfapsl)  to  oulpeiiorm 
all  multrband  designs 
of  comparable  size! 


Model  HF6V 

■►ao  40  30.  20  15  ana  10  mfltof* 
automatic  bands wilching 

*AcJcl-on  k\\  lor  1 7  and  12  meiar* 
avaiJabie  now 


Unique  design  reduces  sizi 
but  not  performance. 
No  lossy  traps;  full 
element  radiates  on 
all  bands. 
Turns  with  TV 
rotor 
19  lbs. 


Madel  HF2V 
•Designed  lof  ttie  h^wDdnd  Dler 
'Aolomaiic  baridhswtici^ing  on  BO  and 

•  AdO-on  unjTB  for  160  and  30  or  2D 
m  Biers 

'32  feel  laii  -  rfift^  be  tdp  leaded  for 
addiThonaF  bandwidfh 


For    rno^e    inform^tiofb    sh    V(Hif 
dMier  Of  wm^  few  #  free  brochure 


VIDEO  LD.  BOARD 


I 


'fii 


BUTTERNUT  ELECTRONICS  CO.      '■ 


•Custom  Graphics  with  your  Call  Sign 
•4  Screens  (2  Hi-res/2  color  bar) 
•12  VDC  Operation 
•tnslant  Video  ID 

•Video  Relay  for  switching  in  Live 
Camera  Video 

•Buiil-in  Automatic  Sequencer-Timer 
(steps  through  all  four  screens) 

VDQ-1  with  pre-programmed  calls: 

$99 

Call  or  write  hr  cataiog  ofavmkbk  graphics 

ELKTRONICS 

12536  T.R-  77  •  Findlay,  OH  45840 
(419)422-8206 

ELKTRONICS 


W&RSK 


12S3G  T  B  77 
FiadEiy  OH  15BiO 


405  Easi  Market,  Lockhart,  TX  70644 


CIRCLE  a  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


MRRCH    15,  16  AND  17  IS  HRMCHTIDN  FUN  TIME 

AT  THE 
NEW  FAIRGROUNDS  IN  ORLANDO*  FLORIDA. 


mmimmmmmm^mm&:c 


::?:;;^:;iS::S::$J^ 


!ll!l!piii^l?l!l!w^^:r:ffi^ 


::::;;;^r 


iliw 

l<'■^v.^^^;^.!.!.^v.^^!l;l^J■^^v.^^■C^!.!.^!.v.^■■*■^-■.■.-^r^^!.;.^^!.!■^.!■^■^.!.^!.!■:^^^:.;■^^:.!■^v■^■.;.r-:.!.^  :.:■:- 

''■■'i'iVi'i''B''i'i''/i'iVi'i*;iji^^t'^*i^^F-^''-'' ■'-'-"'"■'-'■'■'  ^'"'!^^ .•.".■-■.■."^ ■.■.-■_".■.■  .■.*.".'.''>".'_"_".'_'_'.'>_".'.'_*.'.".'.'/i,''.'i''_", 


m 


■;s^-';K->; 


;;:W;W;W;W;W|liJ 


•--r^^^''" 


^■■■■iiiiiiiiiiMiiiiiiiiiiiiiliiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiia 


■iiiHililiiiiltllllillilllllilillllli 


if 


ti'i'L' 


^^i^gjljjljjjjl^j^^jj^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ 


g 


Lots  of  RV  Parking  and  Handicap  Parking  on  the  fairgrounds. 

LOWER  prices 

Advance  Tickets  $6.00,  aU  postmarked  after  February  21  and  at  the  door  $8.00 

Swap  Tables  $25.00-TalIgatin£  $10.00 

>Ulf».  STATE  CONVENTtaN 


•larir* 


CALL  (407)  657'9052  FOR  YOUR  RESERVATION  NoW 


Sponsored  by 

The  Orlando  Amateur  Radio  Club 
RO  Box  547811 
Orlando,  FL  32854-781 1 


CIRCLE  96  ON  READER  SERVJCE  CARD 


Number  11  on  your  Ptedbaek  card 


Pack  Your  Seabag,  ^^  Sparks 

Do  you  want  to  be  a  ship's  Radio  Officer? 

by  Michael  A.  Davidson  N®IV!M 


9? 


Lijibon,  Naples.  Palermo,  Alexandria, 
Karachi.  Singapore.  CUL,  lAR,  SUH, 
ASK,  9VG:  Ports  visited  and  coastal  stations 
worked  by  "Sparks/'  a  Merchant  Marine 
radio  officer*  on  a  typical  voyage.  Is  this 
something  you  always  thought  youM  like  lo 
do?  Pack  your  seabag  and  come  aboard! 

Prelend  that  two  days  ago  you  received  a 
call:  *  *She*s  a  freighter  going  to  the  Med  and 
Singapore.  Do  you  want  the  job?**  Sure  you 
do! 

It's  been  a  busy  day.  The  plane  trip,  com- 
ing aboard,  signing  on.  Now  it's  quiet.  Here 
yoti  are,  on  your  first  "solo"'  job  as  a  ship's 
radio  officer.  You  go  over  the  radio  room 
equipment  with  the  vacation-bound  radio  of- 
ficer. You've  said  your  goodbyes,  and  the 
ship  is  your  home  for  the  next  three  months. 
The  radio  equipment  looks  familiar.  The  con- 
sole with  the  R/T  MF  and  HF  transmitters 
and  receivers,  the  SSB  and  linear  amp,  the 
SITOR  and  SATCOM  consoles  over  in  the 
cx)mcr,  don't  look  too  different  from  the  gear 
you  became  familiar  with  last  year,  while 
sailing  as  assistant  radio  officer. 

The  Merchant  Marine 

What  is  the  Merchant  Marine  and  how  do 
you  become  a  ship's  radio  officer?  When 
people  ask  me  what  I  do  for  a  living,  and  I  tell 
them  [  sail  in  the  Merchant  Marine,  they  often 
respond.  *'0h»  yes,  my  son  [brnther*  etc.]  is 
in  the  Marincsf** 

In  the  Merchant  Marine,  you  Ve  a  civilian. 
The  only  direct  military  con- 
oeciion  is  with  the  U.S. 
Coast  Guard  Marine  Inspec- 
tion and  Safety  Division.  In 
addition  to  their  governmen- 
tal duties,  they  set  training 
and  experience  levels,  con- 
duct examinations  for  deck 
and  engineering  personnel, 
and  issue  Merchant  Marine 
seaman's  papers.  In  time  of 
war,  the  Merchant  Marine 
would  come  under  naval 
command  and  protection. 
For  more  information,  call 
theU,S,C,G.  at(3l4)425" 
4655. 

The  vessels  of  fiie  Mer 
chant  Marine  Heet  are 
owned  by  companies  whose 
business  is  maritime  cargo 
transportation.  Some  spe-  i 
ciaiized  vessels  are  oil 
tankers,  chemical  and  liquid 


gas  carriers,  bulk  carriers,  car  carriers,  and 
container  ships  or  freighters.  Merchant 
Marine  ships  carry  almost  anything  that's 
impractical  to  transport  by  air  due  to  weight, 
bulk,  or  quantity.  The  ships  range  in  size 
from  small  coastal  vessels  with  only  a  few 
crew  members,  to  ULCCs  (Ultra  Large 
Crude  Carriers)  that  measure  up  to  1 ,500  feet 
from  stem  to  stern,  w  ith  crews  of  30  or  more. 

On  board  there  are  four  departments:  deck, 
engine,  radio,  and  steward.  The  first  officer 
(chief  mate)  supervises  the  deck;  the  chief 
engineer,  the  engine  room;  and  the  chief 
steward,  the  ship's  galley  and  housekeeping. 
Each  is  responsible  to  the  ship's  master  or 
captain. 

Bui  the  radio  depanment  is  unique.  Unlike 
the  other  departments,  it  consists  of  only  one 
person,  the  radio  officer,  who  works  directly 
under  the  captain's  orders. 

What  Does  an  R.O.  Iki? 

By  international  law,  ships  equipped  with  a 
radio  telegraph  station  must  carry  a  radio 
operator  to  stand  watch  on  the  calling  and 
distress  frequencies,  500  kHz  (W/T)  and 
2182  kHz  (R/T).  There  are  some  exemptions 
for  coastal  voyages,  but  generally  the  SOLAS 
(Safety  of  Life  at  Sea)  regulation  applies. 

At  sea,  seven  days  a  week  '  'sparks "  stands 
an  eight-hour  radio  watch.  The  usual  hours 
are  from  0800  to  1200,  1500  to  1700,  and 
1800  to  2000.  He  monitors  500  kHz  and  2 1 82 
kHz  and  logs  all  traffic  sent  and  received,  and 


Fhofo  A.  Radio  adveniure  on  the  high  seas. 


silent  periods  observed.  Sparks  is  also  on-caU 
24  hours  a  day  for  emergency  repairs  to  elec- 
tronic equipment. 

In  addition  to  the  radio  officer*s  basic  du- 
ties, he  handles  the  transmission  and  recep- 
tion of  the  ship's  traffic.  The  traffic  could  be 
CW  (W/T)  on  medium-wave  frequency  (450 
to  535  kHz)  or  on  the  high  frequency  mar- 
itime bands  (2  to  22  MHz)  using  either  W/T 
or  voice  (R/T),  radio  telephone,  or  telex  via 
SITOR  on  HF  (basically  the  same  as 
AMTOR),  Using  the  satellite  communica- 
tions terminal,  SATCOM.  traffic  is  passed 
telex  or  voice  mode  via  INMARSAT.  Fac- 
simile is  being  installed  in  more  and  more 
ships.  This  mode  uses  a  voice  channel  on  the 
SATCOM  for  transmit  and  receive,  and  il  can 
also  be  used  on  HF  channels. 

Although  W/T  (Wireless  Telegraphy)  and 
R/T  (Radio  Telephony)  are  United  Kingdom 
abbreviations,  they  are  used  in  ITU  publica- 
tions and  understood  throughout  the  maritime 
radio  world. 

Arrival  and  departure  limes  can  be  busy, 
with  messages  lo  the  ship's  owners »  charter- 
ers, and  agents;  observer  weather  reports; 
private  calls  for  the  crew  via  the  high  seas 
operator  on  R/T  and  SATCOM;  and  reports 
to  the  U.S.C.G.  Amver  system.  Amver  is  a 
maritime  assistance  program  that  provides 
search  and  rescue  (SAR)  efforts.  Participa- 
tion is  mandatory  for  U.S.  registered  vessels 
and  voluntary  for  **foreign  flag"  vessels  on 
voyages  over  24  hours  long. 

Weadier  reports  at  saa  and 
FAX  weather  charts  are 
copied  daily  by  the  radio  of- 
ficer. The  weather  reports 
are  broadcast  on  CW, 
SITOR,  and  voice  by  the 
U.S.C.G.,  U,S.N.,  and 
commercial  and  national 
coastal  stations  around  the 
world.  And  in  the  winter 
months,  on-station  North 
Atlantic  weather  ships 
known  as  OWSs  (Ocean 
Weather  Stations)  transmit 
up-to-date  forecasts  and 
storm  warnings.  They  ako 
accept  observer  weather  re- 
ports from  ships  passing 
throui^h  their  areas. 

Simple  accounting  for 
traffic  charges  IS  also  part  of 
the  R.O.'s  job.  Traffic 
charges  are  based  upon 
word  count  or  duration  of 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990    35 


the  message  or  telex.  Charges,  if  not  known . 

are  requested  from  the  coast  station  worked, 
or  if  via  satellite,  from  INMARSAT  tariffs  in 
the  radio  room.  The  R.O.  is,  in  effect,  an 
agent  for  the  ship's  radio  accounting  authori- 
ty or  company.  It  may  sound  complex  and 
involved,  but  in  practice  it's  quite  simple. 
After  completing  your  six  months  under  the 
guidance  of  an  experienced  radio  officer,  you 
would  be  very  familiar  with  these  proce- 
dures- 

On  arrival  in  port,  you  are  usually  free  to 
go  ashore.  Maybe  even  have  an  **eyebtn 
QSO' '  with  hams  you  worked  off  watch  at 
sea.  A  visit  with  three  JA's  in  Yokohama,  one 
a  Shinto  priest,  was  the  result  of  a  QSO  on  a 
trip  to  die  Far  East,  So  if  you  don*t  have  any 
repairs  or  inspections  coming  up  in  pon»  you 
can  head  down  the  gangway.  But  don*i  forget 
to  check  the  Sailing  Board;  you  must  be 
aboard  one  hour  before  sailing  time. 

Becoming  a  Radio  Olfker 

To  be  employed  as  a  radio  officer  in  the 
U.S,  Merchant  Marine,  you  must  be  a  U.S. 
citizen  and  have  the  following  licenses,  en- 
dorsements, and  documents: 

L  An  FCC  radiotelegraph  license.  It 
must  be  at  least  a  Second  Class  Ra- 
diotelegraph license  with  a  Six  Month  Ser- 
vice Endorsement. 

2,  A  U.S,  Merchant  Marine  Officer^s 
license,  issued  by  the  United  States  Coast 
Guard. 

3.  A  U,S,  Merchant  Mariner's  Docu- 
ment (Z-Card),  issued  by  the  United  States 
Coast  Guard. 

In  order  to  sail  as  the  sale  radio  officer  on  a 
U,S.  Merchant  Marine  ship,  your  ra* 
diotelegraph  license  must  have  a  Six  Month 
Service  Endorsement.  According  to  FCC 
Rules  and  Regulations,  Part  83,  in  order  to 
get  the  endorsement  you  must  have  '\  .  -at 
least  six  months  satisfactory  service  as  a  qual- 
ified radiotelegraph  operator  in  a  station  on 
board  a  ship  or  ships  of  the  United  States/' 
Catch  22?  Not  really.  If  you  have  military  or 
naval  sea  time  experience  with  CW,  as  a 
radioman  or  radio  operator,  you  could  possi- 
bly get  some  credit  for  the  service  endorse- 
ment. Check  with  the  FCC.  Failing  this,  all  is 
not  lost.  Later,  TH  describe  various  methods 
to  get  that  **sea  time*'  and  the  endorsement. 
First,  the  license. 

The  Radiotelegraph  License 

As  a  prospective  radio  officer,  your  first 
step  is  to  pass  the  FCC  examination  for  the 
Second  Class  Radiotelegraph  license  (T-2), 
This  two-part  examination  is  held  at  FCC 
offices.  The  code  test  consists  of  transmitting 
arid  receiving  plain  language  at  20  wpm  and 
16  code  groupji  per  minute.  The  written,  mul- 
tiple choice  test  consists  of  Elements  U  2,  5, 
and  6.  lt*s  similar  to  the  Genera]  Radiotele- 
phone license  examination,  but  emphasizes 
radiotelegraph  practices  and  procedures, 
maritime  equipmem,  and  radio  direction 
finding.  The  FCC  examiner  may  require  you 
to  draw  block  diagrams  or  schematics.  On  my 
exam,  I  had  to  draw  a  block  diagram  and 

3$    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


schematic  of  a  direction  finder.  Til  never 
forget  that  the  antenna  has  a  *'gap"I 

An  excellent  license  preparation  manual, 
the  Marine  Radioteie graph  Operator  License 
Handbook,  by  Edward  M.  Noll,  is  available 
from  WPT  Publications.  979  Young  St,, 
Suite  A,  Woodbum  OR  97071.  Tel.  (503) 
981-5 159,  If  you  would  rather  not  tackle  the 
theory  and  code  in  one  sitting,  you  can  take 
the  examination  for  the  Third  Class  Ra- 
diotelegraph Permit  (T-3)  and  get  the  code 
requirement  out  of  the  way  first.  This  exami- 
natioQ  consi^  of  the  code  lest  already  men- 
tioned, plus  Elements  1,  2,  and  5,  which 
cover  basic  law  and  operating  practices. 

Then  you  can  then  concentrate  your  studies 
on  Element  6,  electronic  theory.  And  while 
you're  in  the  study  mode,  don't  forget  ihe 
Ship  Radar  Encorsement,  Element  8.  This 
endorsement  will  allow  you  to  service  and 
maintain  the  shipboard  radar  system.  You 
can  take  Element  8  separately  or  with  Ele- 
ment 6, 

Shipping  Out 

All  that  effort  and  study  pays  off.  Let's  say 
you  have  your  Second  Class  Radiotelegraph 
license  with  the  Ship  Radar  Endorsement. 
You  can  almost  smell  the  sea  air.  But  what 
about  that  Six  Month  Service  Endorsement? 
If  you  have  a  letter  from  either  a  shipping 
company  or  a  maritime  union  stating  thai  you 
have  been  offered  shipboard  employment  as 
an  assistant  radio  officer  or  apprentice  radio 
officer,  the  Coast  Guard  will  issue  you  the 
U.S.  Merchant  Mariner's  Document,  or  Z- 
Card,  and  the  Merchant  Marine  Oflficer^s 
License. 

As  suggested  above,  you  can  get  the  sea 
time  for  the  endorsement  through  an  inde- 
pendent shipping  company.  You  would  sign 
on  as  an  ordinary  seaman,  engine  room 
wiper,  or  galleyman.  In  your  off-watch 
hours,  you  would  stand  watch  in  the  radio 
room.  You  would  have  to  keep  a  log  for  the 
FCC  to  evaluate,  of  the  dates  and  hours  you 
stood  the  radio  watches,  and  have  it  signed  by 
the  radio  oITicer  and  master,  or  captain.  This 
can  be  a  lengthy  process,  but  it's  a  method 


Maritime  CW  (W/T) 
Working  Frequencies  (kHz) 

4188,5     to     4219.5 


6285.0 

10 

6324.3 

8377.0 

(0 

0435.5 

12565.5 

to 

12651.0 

1 6754.0 

to 

16858.5 

22250.5 

to 

22261 .5 

Sample  Ships  SITOR  (F1 B} 

Working  FrequenGies  (kHz) 

Dial  Setting 


4170.8 

6257.4 

8344.3 

12489.8 

16658.8 

22197.8 


4174.8 

6365.8 

6356.8 

12516,3 

16688-3 

22220.3 


that  has  been  successhjlly  used  to  obtain  the 

endorsement. 

Sailing  on  ''foreign  flag**  ships  as  a  radio 
operator  is  another  way  to  obtain  experience. 
This  sea  time  would  not  be  app!ieable  toward 
the  service  requirement,  but  it  could  put  you 
in  a  favorable  position  when  applying  to  an 
independent  company  or  to  a  union  for  an 
assistant  radio  operator  position.  Sailing  for- 
eign flag,  you  would  not  be  required  to  have 
the  U,S,C,G,  license  or  the  Z-Card-  You'd 
only  need  the  FCC  Second  Class  Ra- 
diotelegraph license  and  the  appropriate 
country's  seaman' s  document. 

In  the  past^  ships  of  Panamanian  and 
Libcrian  registry  have  been  traditionally  used 
by  * 'unendorsed'*  radio  officers  seeking  ex- 
perience. But  with  the  increase  in  countries 
that  offer  '*  flags  of  convenience"  to  ship 
owners  (companies  that  don't  have  an  agree- 
ment with  a  maritime  AFL/CIO  radio  op> 
erator*s  union),  the  possibilities  have  also 
increased.  Without  any  prior  ship  radio  opier- 
ating  experience,  it  can  be  toogh.  But  serious 
listening  on  the  maritime  CW  frequencies, 
and  close  study  of  the  radiotelegraph  proce- 
dures in  the  text,  can  give  you  the  knowledge 
and  confidence  to  tackle  a  first  assignmenL 
See  the  table  for  frequencies. 

Training  ProgrBms 

Certainly,  the  least  cotnplicated  way  to  go 
would  be  through  acceptance  into  a  union 
training  program.  The  two  major  maritime 
radio  officer  unions  are:  The  American  Radio 
Association »  M.M.&P.  26  Journal  Square, 
Suite  I  SOL  Jersey  City  NJ  07306^168, 
(201)  795-5536:  and  The  Radio  Officers 
Union,  1415  Nfoylan  Road.  Panama  City 
Beach  FL  32407,  (904)  234-8448. 

These  maritime  unions  have  agreements 
with  shipping  companies  to  provide  licensed 
radio  ofllcers  for  their  vessels.  Depending 
upon  (heir  membership  needs,  the  unions 
have  programs  for  persons  with  the  Second 
Class  Radiotelegraph  license,  but  without  the 
Six  Month  Service  Endorsement.  Upon  ac- 
cept^mce  inm  the  program*  you  would  sail  as 
assistant  or  apprentice  radio  officer,  gaining 
service  lime  (endorsement  time)  under  an 
experienced  radio  or  radio-electronic  officer. 
Both  the  A.R.A.  and  the  R.O.U.  have  resi- 
dent schools,  where  their  qualified  R.O.s  can 
take  the  necessary  courses  to  obtain  certifica- 
tion as  a  radio-electronic  officer,  with  the 
opponunity  for  taking  advanced  courses  after 
certification. 

Signing  maritime  mobile  has  led  to  many 
QSOs  where  Tve  been  asked  about  the  seafar- 
ing life,  and  how  one  becomes  a  ship's 
sparks.  Getting  that  information  on  your  own 
can  be  frustrating.  This  article  should  give 
you  a  gocKl  idea  about  what  those  ^^sparkies** 
out  on  the  high  seas  arc  doing,  and  about 
those  faraway  places.  Ready  to  pack  your 
seabag? 


You  can  contact  Michael  A.  Davidson  N0MM 
at  1118  1 3th  St.  (A'54},  Boulder  CO  80S02. 
Don*t  expect  a  quick  answer,  though:  he 
could  be  anp%'here  in  the  world  right  now! 
The  last  we  heard,  he  was  in  Saudi  Arabia. 


\C9urtffQtm  Servic*  -  Discount  Price*  *  Ftmt  Shipping 


$38/1000 


p[usS2.00  shipping 


Thoughi  you  coutdn't  afford  really  good  QSLs?  These  cards 
will  change  vour  mindf  High  Qifalitv  RAISED  PRINTEn  nSI 
CARDS  can  be  in  yom  hards  for  only  4e  EACH!  Beautiful 
Glossy  Ink  on  Ivory,  Blue,  Gray  or  Yellow  671b.  Vellum  Bristol. 
We  print  in  blue  ink  in  the  format  shown.  If  you  don't  want  the 
state  outline,  we  can  remove  St,  and  enlarge  the  caHsign  to 
balance  out  the  card.  NO  EXTRA  CHARGE  Jor  ARRL ,  QCWA, 
AMSAT  logos  or  additional  wording  if  we  have  the  room^ 
Order  with  confidence;  these  cards  are  the  best  value  in  Ham 
Radio  todayl  Your  satisfaction  is  guaranteedf  Questrons  about 
our  other  cards  or  to  discuss  a  custom  QSL  are  handled  on 
oLir  Rag-Chew  fine  (318^  44372B1.  MasterCard  or  VISA  orders 

only  call  TOLL  FREE  1-800-256-2 1  04 


NEW  YORK 


JAY  A.  CDHEIM 

3^7  Fores-I  Amc. 
WcKj((ime*e.  NY  l!59a 


TI^EWftC- 

laxf 'fhind  Cr^ 

IH- 

iMrr^ 

V1-«.i 

jir 

•**■ 

Ah-- 

p  #s*  q*.  □  r*i. 

Network  QSL  Cards 

RO.  Box  13200,  Alexandria,  LA  71315 
FAX:  (318)  445-9940 


CtRCLE  44  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


ELENCO  &  HITACHI  PRODUCTS 
AT  DISCOUNT  PRICES 


^\     fiSOs  (fteal-TIm*  ^  sroroge  Oscjllascopes)  Frqm  HITACHI    ^r 
•l^  The  RSQ  '  tli  tha  n#w  solution  ^^ 

View.  AcquUe,  Teii,  Tronsfer  ond  Documeni  Vouf  waveTorm  Oda 


Compact  Series  Scopes 


4-CliOiin*l,  lOOHS/*Mod*l 


iTilrQd'ucllory  Price 


lOOMa's  I2SM5.S  on  *  cninneis  s.Tullaneoi*si^|.  lOCMKi.  iww  k  ich  .  2kwi2cfi..  Wwi^tf.  VC-614S      $4,695.00 


C{}rri[>t]Cf ,  FuU  Feolure  Mooels 


Low  costvHidfi  voiue  Modeli 


VC'fi045 


2GMS.S  2Z'U »i.  -ik-M  J  tti  VC'&023      $  ! ,74'9.tKJ 

PlSO^  r^orn  Hnach^'ealura  suc^^lunclJons  as  «oll  mode,  avatagm^.  9^us  moiT>afy.  smMthirl^,  Jnc^rpofatianipre'lrigBAring^ 
Oissot  (fisasgfsmifils.  plotlar  intoHa«i.  jfKl  ftS'232C  inrgriace.  With  tha  comJorT  d!  analog  and  the  poiwar  of  C^igrtsl, 

..r— ^.-  vii2         Hitachi  Portable  Scopes 

$  4  3  5       D  C  to  50M  Hz.  2-Chcin  ne  I ,  DC  offset 
p'l*      DC  to  2dlulHi     fuficHon,  Alterrtote  rnognifief  (urtqhon 

CSjaJ  Chaniwl  ^"^25  CRT  fl*S(hju5,  Ci^rsor  Heas.     £  1 ,025 
U-523  Peiayod  Swaep  W95 

V-ia2  ^OWHi  Dual  Tfa«    S715  v-522  Bssk^  ModB.  seM 


LighlwetghHUfes) 
EnaV  Sana 
3  Vr  Warranly 

L        Mmtel  ^/-toes 
Shown 

This  series  f^ro^l■idea  many  new  lufsctions  such  as  CRT 
Readout.  Gursijr  measurements  (V-t0e5j'i0&5y6S5), 
Frequerffiy  Ctr  (V-1&B5).  Swe^ptimf  Aul-o ranging  and 
Tngje/  Loch  using  a  B4nch  CRT  Ypu  iton'i  tflel  th^ 
oompaciftess  m  jernis  of  fwrtarmance  and  0|Mfalion. 

V'660  60MH£DualTra£:&  Sl.l&S 

V-6S5  60M  hlr  Dual  Trace  w/Cursor  S 1 345 

V-1 060  1 0m^z  Dual  Trace  $1 ,425 

V- 1 065  t  OOM  Hj  Dual  Trace  w/Cursof  Si  .695 

V-10S5  TODMHz  Quad  Trace  Wil^ursor  SZfl45 

V^llOOA  1CWMHiOuadTrac«w/Cyrsor  $2,295 

V^IIBO  1 50MHz  Quad  Traww/Cursor  $2^775 


20MHz  Elenco  Oscilloscope 

$375 


MO  0251 

^  Dual  Tface 

*  Cofliponfl^l  Teller 

*  J(-Y  OpfffJiioTi 

*  TV*TfK 

■  2  |j-1  Prab*t 


FREE  DMM 

with  purchase  ot 
ANY  SCOPE 


SCOPE  PROSES 

P-2  lOGSvINz,  iK.  10k    S23..'?5 


ElmCQ  35MHz  Dual  Trace 

Good  to  SOMHi 


$495 

MO- 1252 


•  Hsg*i  liffiitnancfl  6'  CAT 

•  IrrtVSen^ii'iviCy 

•  IDnf,  Aist  Tirfiig 

■  K-y  Operalion  ■  Z  AxIe 

•  O^laysd  trigg&ri[>g  Smep 


M  scapes  include  probe&.  &d»iematic4.  opefator^  manual,  aid  3  ^ear  (2  yrs  lor  EJenoo  scopes)  wom  wide  warfanl^  on  parts  £  iaoor.  Many  acces&ories  available  lor  all 
HHacfii  scopes.  CalUjr  wni^  1o^  compleie  spe<;i1tdations  on  these  and  ^any  otfigrtins  oscilloscopes. 


WE  NOW 

CAflRV 

COMPLETE  LINE 

OF 

auKE 

MULTiMETERS 
Models 

25F  $? 
27F  M50A 
73  8060A 
75  fl062A 
77F  t  Mor* 
CALL  FOfi 
SPECIAL  PRrCWG 


true  RMS  4  1  /2 
Dtgit  Muliim«1«f 
M  70CO 

SI  35 

(Hid  DC  Accuracy 

.1^  fles-iBra^ca 

v<f[  FrK].C*unlBf 


Function  Q^'nerotor 

•~— — '-sss;^  BfOii 

S28JS 


PrOMK]e&  Eine^.  triangle,  squara 

wave  iror?  tHf  lo  IWM; 

AM  or  PM  cajHbihl^ 


AC  Curreifll  Meter 
ST'IDIO 

S6B.^5 


1000  f<*npi 

Dm  i  Hnk  hoJd 

B  Funcl^kins 
D&luiB  Cau 


Decode  Blox 

4^10  or 

$1B.95 

l^^tE^F^asislCirfllot 

47oh(ii !«  1M<£  FQDKpol 

J^fi^a  CsfMirilDr  Bioi 


Digital  Irfple  Powar  SuppJy 


XP-7AS 
$249 

a-2i}V  ^  lA 
£VjJ!5«A 


Fgl^  jVQulattiT.  Shun  ci^cufl  peo^acEed'  with 
2  limil  canlcdi,,  3  i^jural-e  suppiies 


10  FunctEon 

Multimeter 

CM-36& 

$65 

AC  t  DC  VaHaga  4  Amps 

Flestsiaj1«  ti>ECi!K!Mf] 

(>iQd«,  Lo^ic.  &  Trans  lesl 

Cacaoilancfl  l^:-  ^CQuF 


Digital  CapocHonce  M«ter 
CM- 1550 

(58.95 

S  Hansts 
Ipl'EQ.OODuld 

wilh  ca&a 


Triple  Power  Supply  XP-620 

,  Kit  $45 

,  ij  ZtDlSVatlA. 

**•"  ZIo-l&ValtA 

for  4  14  ^V  al  tfk) 

and  5.V  si  3..A 

C(!rTlai'n&  all  I  he  desired  lealijra^  lor -ddi^g  e:<p<Br  ^ants 

fttlvtti  shon  ar^uif  pror^di-txi.  tji  suisph^n, 


Quad  P 


Suppiv 


xp-sao 

559.95 

I2VBI1A 

■5V  «l  .5A 

FullY  fafluJaHftlf  ana  *hi*ii  cittyil  ^ torsclefl 
KP-575  V4 11  haul  meters  (J9.95 


GF-aOI6  FuncHon  Gerherotof 
with  Freq^  Counilir 

$249 

^in«  'Sqiii^i^  Tnangla 
Pulit.  Ramp.  2  lo-fMHz 
l^'flq  CDLHi^iir  1  -  10hlH2 

GF-eOiS  without  Freq,  h^ler  $179 


Digital  LCR  Meter 


Measures: 


Wide  Band  Signal  Generators 


$129 


RF  Frsfl  1(J!?t;^4iMlHl 

AM  Uo4kiE«hon  ql  IKH^ 

Vaiuble  RF  oulpul 

SC-9500W  Digital  [>is)ifaT  ind  I^OMMr  bulli-ln  Counter  S243 


LEARN  TO  euiLD  AND  Pf^GfiAhit 
COMPUTERS  WITH  THIS  KITJ 

INCllli^ES^  AdI  Pam,  AA«4amb[y  end  U»i4n  ManuaE 

Model 

MM-aodo 
$129.00 


^larting  h'tun  scralidi.  yog  buitd  a  ■^cnnplatU'  s.ystem  Out  h^c?ci  Pt^ibDai 
irainti:  KiaiJiei.  ydu  m  wniti  ma?  -RAMs  RDN%  and  run  a  eDa5.4ikjr<jpre«6ri' 
sor.  which  tiE9G  S'l^riar  ria^inp  l^rigu?^  ?;  IflU  F^  Ytu  will  wrfti  Ihq 
ira'DM  Ri&ffLJirDOra  re  tsll  Ihe  aOS5  pkcchhsCh  Id  gff\  £UnBd  arid  £Hya  Ihtta 
«»lrtKnk>n5  I*!  penriane-Jil  lifl^wsfy  in  a  ^16  £  PROM  fMcties  ^oii  sb 
aboyt  inpgi  and  r>ut3HJ[  podB.  eomjujSw  UmgrE.  Sufid  ypur  gi*m  k^^bwind 
anii  luam  hoA  in  ±(::dn  linytyuirl  and  dapiay  Nr^  prievicDuii  mmDuiai 
^nw^edg^  raqLurtid  Smipfa  ^as-y  )&  imdefslartd  mstnictKm  i^cties  j^uu 
10  wnl^  In  m^c^an^langg^gfii 

fiOaOTIC$  KIT  FO^  AIOVE^MM-BOID)  I7I.9& 


WE  WILL  NOT  BE  UNDERSOLD!     p  Jfc  G  ^Af  FS  INI^ 

UPS  Shipping:  4a  Sta.«  S%  ^-^    ^^J^  Ro  J^o^fof^r^.S.  IL loTlS 
($10  Maj<)  IL  Res.,  7%  TaK  C^j^j  fgoO)  292^7711  (706)  541-07t0 


15  Day  Money  Back  Gyarantee 
2  Y©ar  Warranty    p«>ces  &ub«i  ^o  cti.^*^ 

WRITE  FOR  FREE  CATALOG 


CIRCLE  165  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


P.O.  Box  567*  Van  Nuys,  CA  91408 


Special  New  Reduced  Price 
PHOTOFLASH  CAPACITOR 


Rubicon  CE  photofiash  capacFlor 

O.TQi"  dia.  X  1.1"  high,  Th^sa  are 

r>ew  capat^^rs  that  hav«  boen 

propped  with  1 .4'  bjack  and 

red  wtre  leads  soldered  to  ite  terminals, 

£lOMfd  330  Vol       CAT#PPC-Z10 

$1.25  each  •  10  Ibr  $11.00*  1 00  for  $1 00.00 

Large  quantftbG  available.  Call  for  prpc[f>g, 


FLASHER  LED 


Diffused  ue.D.  with  buJtt  in  ilashing  unit.  PULSE 
RATE:  3  H^  @  5  Vqlt/20  ma.  Unit  continually  flasha^ 
when  5  Volts  Is  applied.  Operates  between  4.5  VoFts 
and  S.S  Volts.  T  1  3/4  siie.  IDEAL  AS  AN  INDfCATOR. 
RED     CAT#LED^  _ 

^iS£M    CAT#LED^G  ^=^i 

J[£LUm    CAT#L£D^Y 
$1.00  each  -  l0fofS9.60  ■  100forS&0.00 


6  Volt  1  Amp/Hour 
RECHARGEABLE  BATTERY 


JAPAN  STORAGE 

BATTERY  CO. 

Por1atac#  PE6V1 

€  Volt  1  Ah  rechargeable 

sealed  lead-add  (gell  oalfj. 

Z  X  1  .fi3S-  X  r  high. 

Barter fes  are  propped 

with  5"  black  and  red  leads  tefminatgd  wvith  2  pin  tOh- 

nector.  Ideal  for  rechargeable  reserve  power. 

CAT#GC-61    S4. 75  each    ■  10  for  $42.50 


HEA  VY-DUTY  NICKEL 
CADMIUM  "C"  BA  TTERY 


Yuasal&OOC 

Special  purchase  of  new,  rechargeable 
nickel-cad  batteries.  1.2  volts,  1800  mAH. 
PRfCE  REDUCED  ON  W  OR  MORE. 

CAT*  HDNCB-C 
10  pieces  for  $42  50  ($4,25  each) 
100  pieces  for  $375.00  ($3.75  each) 


Experimentor's  Delight 

CORDLESS  TELEPHONE/ 

TRANSCEIVER 


I 


Phonemar©#1Q4210T 
Base  statfon  for  a  cordlesB  telephone, 
this  irar^ceiver  contains  hundreds  of 
L^eful  pafts.  Includes  power  trartsformer, 
600  ohrn  phone  coaling  Iransformof.  crystals,  heat 
sinks,  voltage  regulator,  power  cord,  phorta  cord  and 
Jack,  relay  and  30"  telescoping  antenna.  The  beige 
chassis  Ixjx  has  only  a  few  holes  in  the  back  panel  and 
would  be  an  excellent  housEng  for  other  prefects.  725* 
X5.e7-X2.15-.    CAT*PMB-1  $3.75  each 
SOLD  AS-iS  For  Patta  On/y.  No  returns  accepted. 


PHOTO  RESISTOR 


1CX>  ohn^  Eight  f^^ 

16K  ohms  dark.aiar  dia*  X  .QB^hlgh,  St 

0.18"  long  leaJs.  CATi  PRe^7    2  for  $1.00       II 


ill  piipqaii  pill  111  11  I  M  ii^  PI  I.PII  P  I  I  ■■!■  I  ■■  ■■  >■■  !■  Ill  I  ■■  I  ■  I  pi  I  ■■III  11  I  ■■_■■■  ■■■piJi 


b***iaA****AA** 


TEBMS:  Minimum  <w^r  $70,00.  ShifipiJig  ^nd  handiing 

tof  th»  4S  contin^nt&t  U.S.A.  $3.50p»ford9r.  Ati others 

inchjding  AK  Hi  PR  or  Canada  must  pay  futt  shfiping. 

Aii  oni&ts  €t0^^fwf  in  CALiFORNtA  most  tndads  stats 

saiss  tax  (6  1/4  %,  5  3/4  %,  7  VA  %} .  Quantities  Limited 

NO  C.O:D.  Pnces  subj&ct  to  change  without  notion. 


Call  or  Write  For  Our 
FREE  60  Page  Catalog 

(Outsida  Tha  U.S.A.  Send  $2,00  Postage) 

ALL  ELECTRONICS  CORP. 

P.O.  Box  567 '  Van  Nuys,  CA  -  91403 

CIRCLE  1 S4  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARO 


J 


Number  1 2  on  your  Feedback  card 


73  Review 


by  David  Cassidy  NIGPH 


The  ICOM  10-726 


The  HF+6road  warrior. 


ICOM  America,  inc, 

2380  1t 6th  Avenue  N.E. 

Beilevue  WA  98004 

(206)  454-761 9 
Price  Class:  $1,300. 


At  the  beginning  of  last  summen  television 
reception  in  the  non-cable  towns  and 
villages  of  central  New  Hampshire  turned 
strange.  Every  night,  stations  usually  received 
with  extreme  clarity  were  fuzzy  and  filled  with 
interference  for  most  of  the  evening.  For  the 
rest  of  the  world,  this  was  another  of  the  minor 
"inconveniences  of  living  with  old-fashioned 
broadcast  TV.  For  a  ham,  it  could  mean  only 
one  thing:  6  meter  DX\ 

Signals  were  comtng  from  places  like  Texas 
and  Florida  (I  even  saw  the  ID  screen  from  a 
Dallas  station).  With  this  evidence  of  great  6 
meter  propagation  staring  me  in  the  face  (liter- 
altyj),  it  was  time  to  take  a  look  at  some  of  the 
available  6  meter  equipment. 

On  The  Road 

Not  too  long  ago,  getting  onto  6  meters 
meant  buying  or  building  separate  equipment 
for  that  band.  But  not  anymore.  Now  you  can 
get  the  6  meter  band  Included  with  your  HF 
rig.  ICOM  took  their  10-725,  added  6  meter 
capabilities,  and  re-christened  it  the  IC-726. 
I've  had  the  chance  to  put  in  several  hours 
behind  the  mike  of  this  rig,  and  this  is  what  1 
found. 

The  layout  of  the  operating  controls  on  the 
10-726  Js  prelty  straightforward.  The  mode  se- 
lection buttons  are  stacked  to  the  left  of  the 
main  tuning  knob,  and  the  frequency  controls 
are  stacked  to  the  right. 

The  first  thing  I  did  after  unpacking  the  rig 
was  throw  It  on  the  front  seat  of  my  car,  attach 
the  antenna  and  power,  and  tune  in  the  20 
meter  band.  Then  I  started  driving  the  40- 
minute  commute  home  from  work.  After  scan- 
ning the  phone  portion  of  the  band  with  the 
tuning  controls  on  the  supplied  microphone  (a 
very  handy  feature  for  mobrle  operation),  I 
called  "CQ; '  For  the  next  20  minutes  I  had  a 
very  enjoyable  QSO  with  a  gentleman  in  Flori- 
da. By  the  time  I  pulled  into  my  driveway,  my 
hands  were  finding  the  controls  without  look- 
ing at  the  rrg.  Even  switching  bands  was  no 
problem;  you  just  push  the  button  marked 
BAND,  use  the  mike  controls  to  select  the  band 
you  want,  then  push  the  band  button  again,  A 
quick  glance  at  the  frequency  display,  and 
that's  all  there  is  to  It.  A  push  of  the  lock  button 
disables  the  main  tuning  knob  but  leaves  the 


up^Dowiv  but- 
tons on  the 
microphone 
functional,  so 
bumping  the 
main  tuning 
knob  while 
reaching  for 
the  volume 
has  no  effect. 
This  was 
my  first  expe- 
rience  with 
mobile  HF, 
and  I  was  hooked.  The  10-726  Is  now  my  con- 
stant copilot  during  my  daily  commute. 

Back  in  the  Shack 

Once  I  arrived  home,  it  took  only  a  few  sec- 
onds to  set  up  the  IC-726  at  the  operating 
desk.  There  is  a  plate  on  the  back  of  the  rig 
that  tells  what  each  jack,  switch  and  plug  is 
for,  so  the  confident  need  not  even  look  at  the 
manual.  In  fact,  this  rig  is  so  plainly  laid  out 
that  anyone  familiar  with  modern  transceivers 
probably  won't  need  to  read  what  is,  with  few 
exceptions,  aweli-written  instruction  manual. 
(Once  the  initial  excitement  of  any  new  piece 
of  gear  wears  off,  I  would  suggest  spending  30 
minutes  or  so  with  the  manual,  and  if  you  are 
adding  a  linear  amplifier  or  other  gear  to  the 
chain,  I  would  strongly  urge  that  you  lake  the 
time  to  go  through  the  manual  first.) 

The  spec  rundown  for  the  IC-726  is  fairly 
standard  for  a  modern  HF  rig:  general  cover- 
age receiver,  two  VFOs,  26  memory  channels 
(with  two  channels  holding  split  frequencies), 
RIT,  band  and  memory  scanning,  and  variable 
tuning  rates.  One  feature  that  I  found  very 
helpful  was  the  built-in  10  dB  preamp.  Espe- 
ciatly  during  mobile  operation,  that  extra  push 
in  thesignal4o-noise  ratio  can  make  the  differ- 
ence. The  built-in  noise  blanker  was  also  quite 
helpful  in  eliminating  ignition  noise.  The  back- 
lit  amber  display  is  something  else  that  1  liked 
very  much.  All  operating  fur^ctlons  have  an 
indicator,  so  you  only  need  to  look  In  one  spot 
to  remind  yourself  exactly  where  you  are  and 
what  you're  doing  (another  handy  feature  for 
mobile  operation}. 

On-the-Afr 

1  spent  several  weekends  operating  the  \C- 
726  on  every  band,  and  in  every  available 
mode.  Audio  reports  were  consistently  su- 
perb, even  on  AM  where  the  newer  rigs  can't 
realty  compete  with  the  audio  quality  of  some 
vintage  equipment. 

Receiver  audio  is  average,  as  long  as  you 
don't  use  the  tiny  speaker  built  into  the  cabi- 
net. Almost  any  extension  speaker  will  sound 
better.  If  you  plan  to  go  mobile  with  this  rig,  an 
extension  speaker  is  a  must.  The  built-in 
speaker  started  buzzing  at  relatively  low  audio 
output  in  the  quiet  of  the  shack.  Mobile  opera- 


tion, even  with  the  rig  on  the  passenger  seat 
and  the  speaker  facing  directly  at  me,  was 
next  to  impossible. 

This  is  reaNy  not  a  criticism  of  the  trans- 
ceiver. In  order  to  put  a  larger  speaker  in  the 
cabinet,  the  cabinet  would  have  to  be  larger. 
Consider  the  built-in  speaker  as  sort  of  a  back- 
up, and  you'll  have  no  problems  or  com- 
plaints. 

As  stated  earlier,  band  changing  is  a  snap. 
Tuning  is  very  smooth  and  precise,  even  when 
tuning  down  to  10  Hz  steps.  The  knob  tension 
is  easily  controlled  by  a  front  panel  screw,  so 
those  who  like  a  bosef  or  stiffer  tuning  can  be 
accom  m  odated . 

What  passes  for  tuning  up  in  a  modern 
transceiver  is  quick.  Set  your  power  level, 
check  your  SWR,  and  you're  on  the  air.  The 
lC-726  will  give  you  1 0O  watts  (40  watts  in  AM 
mode)  on  160-10  meters  and  40  watts  (10 
watts  in  AM  mode)  on  6  meters  into  an  SWR  of 
1.3:1  or  better.  The  automatic  protection  cir- 
cuits kick  in  at  higher  SWR  and  your  total 
output  will  be  reduced  accordingly. 

QRP  operation  is  a  simple  matter  of  turning 
down  your  RF  power.  Even  when  the  power  is 
turned  fully  counterclockwise,  you'll  still  get 
about  1 0  watts  output.  This  is  due  to  the  idling 
current  supplied  to  the  driver  and  final  transis- 
tors to  obtain  bias  voltage.  If  you  want  to  oper- 
ate serious  QRP,  a  simple  attenuator  could  be 
put  in  line. 

What  1  Liked 

1.  Of  course,  6  meter  capability  has  to  top 
this  list.  It's  great  to  have  that  extra  band.  Vou 
don't  get  it  for  free,  though.  Only  you  can 
decide  whether  or  not  its  worth  around  $300  to 
have  the  extra  band.  The  way  I  look  at  it, 
you're  already  spending  a  lot  of  money  so  you 
might  as  well  shell  out  a  little  more. 

2.  The  front  panel  layout  of  this  rig  Is  excel- 
lent. Mobile  operations  are  safe  and  easy. 

3.  The  variable  tuning  steps  are  eas[ly  ac- 
cessible. If  you  want  to  go  from  the  FM  portion 
of  10  meters  to  the  Novice/Tech  SSB  sub- 
band,  a  simple  button  push  lets  you  tune  1  kHz 
or  even  1  MHz  at  a  time. 

3.  The  10  dB  preamp  is  greatf  I  never  real- 
ized I  needed  one  until  I  had  one.  Now.  I 
couldn't  live  without  it, 

4.  The  back-lit  amber  display  is  well  thought 
out  and  easy  on  the  eyes.  Everything  you 
need  to  know  is  contained  in  about  four  inches 
of  space,  which  adds  another  safety  margin  in 
mobile  operation. 

5.  The  band  stacking  registers  will  remem- 
ber where  you  were  the  last  time  you  were 
tuned  to  a  certain  band.  At  first  I  thought,  "big 
deal/'  but  I  found  this  feature  very  useful. 
Before  tuning  to  another  band,  I  always  leave 
the  VFO  on  a  special  frequency  (the  center  of 
the  phone  portion,  or  maybe  a  net  frequency). 
As  I'm  scanning  the  bands,  that  special  fre- 
quency is  waiting  for  me  when  I  return. 


38    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December,  1990 


6.  The  smoolh  and  precise  tuning  is  a  real 
plus.  Many  rigs  get  a  bit  cranky  when  you're 
tuning  10  Hz  steps.  The  IC-726  was  easy  to 
tune  and  never  wavered. 

What  I  Didn't  Lite 

1 .  ICOM's  biggest  sins  are  sms  of  omission. 
It  woyld  be  nice  if  the  tone  encoder  and  CW 
fitter  were  standard  instead  of  options,  but  to 
not  indude  the  carryrng  handle. .  .shame, 
shame,  shame.  For  a  rig  that  is  marl^eted  as  a 
base/mobile  unit,  the  carrying  handle  should 
be  standard  equipment. 

2.  The  nr^anuat  falls  short  in  helping  you  set 
up  digital  modes.  In  today's  world  of  packet 
TNCs  and  multimode  controllers,  the  trans- 
ceiver manufacturers  ought  to  get  a  bit  more 
specific  on  how  to  set  up  their  rigs  for  these 
modes, 

3.  The  noise  blanker  circuit  does  not  oper- 
ate in  the  AM  or  FM  modes.  This  made  mobile 
AM  work  rather  aggravating. 

Options 

ICOM  has  an  extensive  line  of  options  for 
the  IC'726.  These  range  from  the  standard 


''Now  you  can  get 
the  6  meter  band 
included  with 
your  HF  rig. 


ff 


choice  of  power  supplies,  antenna  tuners  and 
external  speakers,  to  a  programmable  tone 
encoder,  mobile  mounting  bracket  and  the 
missing  carrying  handle. 

The  GR-64  high-stability  crystal  unit  will 
improve  frequency  stabiiity.  especially  if  you 
will  be  operating  in  extreme  weather  (the 
CR-64  is  rated  from  -22''Fto  +  140°F).  There 
are  two  different  CW  filters  available.  The 
FUl00isa50OHzy-6dBfilter,  andtheFL-t01 

isgoodfor250Hz/-6dB. 

Other  options  include  the  CT-16  Satellite 
Interface  Unit,  which  provides  easy  tuning  for 
satellite  communications,  and  the  CT-17  Lev- 
el Converter  for  remote  control  of  the  trans* 
ceivef  through  your  computer's  RS-232  port. 

Final  Comments 

ICOM's  usual  quality  is  evident  In  the  IC- 
726-  After  two  months  of  heavy  use,  including 
the  daily  switch  from  the  shack  to  the  car.  the 
rig  hasn't  given  any  trouble.  The  simplicity  of 
operation  makes  it  a  breeze  lo  use,  especially 
when  going  mobile. 

If  6  meters  is  not  your  cup  of  lea,  then 
you  might  want  to  save  yourself  a  few  hundred 
bucks  and  check  out  the  IC-725.  But  if  you're 
the  type  of  ham  who  is  always  interested 
in  putting  your  callsign  out  on  another  band 
or  in  another  mode,  the  IC*726  is  a  great 
way  to  get  on  6  meters  with  no  hassles.  The 
next  summer  DX  season  is  right  around  the 
oornerl 


When  he's  not  motiie  or  busy  in  the  ham 
shack,  David  Cassidy  NiOFH  is  Associate 
Puhtisher  of  73  Amateur  Radio  Today.  You 
may  reach  him  at  73.  Forest  Road,  Hancock 
NH  03449. 


CDHNfaOR OpTfUl:  Kfype 
t4ftfilfz  IKPU!:  UHF 
44&MHZ  INPUT:  N-typi 


TiTEtfexar  w/d  Coqx 
POWER:  kirii  Qi  m  431       I 
COMNECTOR  OUTPtn:  H  lypt 
14&MHzlNPm^  UHF 
446«Hi  mm:  UHF 
noOMHi  iNPUT:  N-tyfie 

Call  Far  Your  Near 
Dealer  Or  Catalog 

1  [eOO]  362-5611 


«u  CG-  jua 


NCG 


NC6  Comp 

127S  North  Gmve  Stmi 

kdmB,  (A  92806 

(714)  630-4541/FAX  (714)  630-7024 


GORDON  WEST 

RADIO  SCHOOL 


#04  21-DAY  NOVICE $22.95 


112-page    textbook 
two  stereo  code 
learnir^g  tapes 
sample  5  wpm 
Novice  code  test 
over  $50  In  radio 
maniifacturers* 
discount  coupons. 


#01  COMPLETE  NOVICE  .  .  .  56235 

Z  theory  tapes*  2  textbooks,  FCC 
RUte  Book,  4  code  tapes,  code  osciHator 
set,  examiner  test  packet,  arid  over  S50 
In  radio  discount  coupons. 

*02  NOVICE  CODE  COURSE    S32.95 

6  cassette  tapes  make  it  easy  to 
(earn  ttie  code  from  scratch, 

#07A  2  WEEK  TECH    $22.95 

•  TtiJs    Technician   course   includes  2 

theory  tapes  and  1  rUystrdted  textbook* 

#05  COMPLETE  GENERAL  .  S62,95 

6  code  tapes,  4  theory  tapes,  and  2 
textbooks,  Idear  for  upgrade  from 
Novice  to  General* 

#06  GEN.  CODE  COURSE  .  .  S32J5 

This  Generdl  course  fncludes  6 
tapes  for  speed  l^uildlng  from  5  to  13 
wpm* 

#08B  COMPLETE  ADVANCED  $62J5 

This  Advanced  course  includes  4 
theory  tapes,  1  textbook,  and  6  code 
tapes  U3  to  22  wpm>, 

*09  ADV,  THEORY  COURSE    S32J5 

4   tapes  and   1  rriustrated  textbook 

#10  COMPLETE  EXTRA,  ,  .  .  S62.95 

4  theory  tapes,  1  textbook,  and  6 
code  tapes  (13  to  22  wpm). 

#12  EXTRA  THEORY  COURSE  $32,95 

4  theory  tapes  and  1  illustrated 
textbook  for  Extra  class  theory. 

#11   EXTRA  CODE  COURSE      $32,96 

6  tapes  for  speed  building  from  13 
to   22   wpm   for   the   Extra   code  exam* 


#13  BRASS  KEY  E(  DSC. 


$25.95 


#15  PLASTIC  KEY  &  DSC.  .  .  521.95 
SINGLE  CODE  TAPES 

$10.95  each  including  shipping 

#19  5  wpm  Novice  QSO  tests 

#20  5  wpm  Random  Code 

#21  5-7  wpm  Speed  Butlder 

#22  7-10  worn  Sp^ed  Builder 

#23  10  wpm  Plateau  Breaker 

#24  10-12  wpm  Speed  Builder 

#25  12-15  wpm  CaJIS  &  Numbers 

#26  13  wpm  Random  Code 

#27  13  wpm  Test  Preparation 

#2S  13  wpm  Car  Code 

#29  13*15  wpm  Speed  Builder 

#30  15- X7  wpm  Speed  Builder 

#31  17-19  wpm  speed  Builder 

#32  20  wpm  Random  Code 

#33  20  wpm  Test  Preparation 

#34  20  wpm  car  Code 

#43  3^1  5  wpm  Code  Review 

#40  12 -2J  wpm  Code  Review 


f>rrc«t  In  etude 
^Ifiping  &.  fiantfllng 
JL  f»i£l«ntj  add  £^% 


eADIO  AMATEUR  CALLBOOK  INC 
925  Sherwood  Dr.,  Lake  Btuft,  IL  60044 
Mod.  Fri  8  4pm  (708)  234  6600 


I 

• 

I 


I 


I 


ORCLE  31  ON  READER  SERVICE  CAITO 


ClftCUE  237  ON  REAOER  SERVICE  CARO 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     39 


Number  34  on  your  Feedback  card 


73  Review 


by  Paul  Grupp  KAiLR 


PT-340  Tuner-Tuner  from 

Palomar  Engineers 

Adjust  your  antenna  tuner  without  transmitting. 


Palomar  Engineers 

1924-F  West  Mission  Road 

Escondtdo  CA  92029 

Tel.  (619)  747-3343 

Price  Class:  $100 


The  scenario  repeats  itseif  hundreds  of 
times  every  day:  Two  hams  are  in  the 
middte  of  a  QSO.  Conditions  are  less  than 
ideal,  and  both  operators  are  hunched  over 
their  rigs,  straining  !o  hear  the  other's  name, 
QTH,  and  signal  report. 

SLfddenly,  an  S9-f40  carrier  comes  up  on 
frequency,  obliterating  any  hope  of  complet- 
ing the  QSO.  Sound  familfar?  If  you  spend  any 
time  on  the  HF  bands,  you  probably  have  lots 
of  stones  to  tell  about  OSOs  you've  tost  due  to 
"carrier  pollution, " 

Tuning  Your  Tuner 

Soma  of  the  carriers  whining  away  on  the 
HF  bands  come  and  go  with  such  precision 
that  they  are  obviously  the  work  of  some  fruit* 
cake  intent  on  disrupting  communications. 
Fortunately,  the  number  of  carriers  transmit- 
ted as  intentional  jamming  is  small  compared 
to  those  used  to  tune  up  rigs,  amplifiers,  or 
tuners. 

You'd  have  to  be  living  under  a  rock  not  to 
know  that  you're  supposed  to  use  a  dummy 
load  to  turie  your  rig  or  amplifier.  However,  a 
surprisingly  large  number  of  hams  are  un- 
aware that  there  is  also  a  method  of  accurately 
tuning  an  antenna  tuner  without  transmitting  a 
carrier,  which  brings  us  to  the  subject  of  this 
revfew:  The  Palomar  Engineers  PT-340 
Tuner-Tuner. 

The  Tuner-Tuner  allows  you  to  adjust  an 
antenna  tuner  without  transmitting.  On  the 
front  panel  of  this  simple  device  is  a  rotary 
switch  with  Iwo  positions,  off  and  tune.  A  red 
LED  Oashes  rapidly  whenever  the  switch  is  in 
the  TUNE  position,  On  the  rear  panel  are  Iwo 
SO-239  connecters,  one  marked  transceiver 
and  one  marked  tuner.  A  9  volt  battery  clip 
and  battery  holder  are  also  provided. 

Just  Hook  It  Up 

Installation  and  operation  couldn't  be 
easier.  Simply  connect  the  Tuner-Tuner 
between  your  transceiver  and  antenna  turh 
er,  and  set  the  front  panel  switch  to  tune. 
(You'll  hear  a  loud  hissing  noise  from  the 
tiansceiver.)  Tune  the  receiver  to  a  frequen* 
cy  near  where  you  wish  to  transmit,  and 
turn  ils  AGG  off.  Then  adjust  the  tuner's 
controls  until  the  noise  level  is  as  low  as  pos- 
sible. Bingof  You've  adjusted  your  an* 


tenna  tuner  for  minimum  SWR, 

The  Tuner-Tunef  must  be  switched  off  t)e- 
tore  transmitting.  The  front  panel  LED  flashes 
at  a  rapid  rate  whenever  the  Tuner-Tun r^r  is  on 
to  help  you  remember  this.  If  you  lorget  to 
switch  it  off  before  transmitting  (and  believe 
me,  you  will  at  least  oncel)  an  AGX  1/100  amp 
fuse  protects  the  unit  against  damage.  One 
spare  fuse  is  provided,  and  a  good  thing^  too. 
Just  try  finding  an  AGX  1/100  amp  fuse  at  your 
local  hardware  store. 

Tuner-Tuner  tn  Use 

I  installed  the  Tuner-Tuner  In  my  shack  just 
after  moving  to  a  new  QTH.  This  provided 
perfect  condilions  for  a  test*  since  the  tower 
wassliti  in  pieces  on  the  ground,  and  !he  only 
antenna  installed  was  a  lOO-foot  wire  about  35 
feet  high,  center-fed  with  ladder  line.  The  an- 
tenna was  matched  with  an  Ameritron  ATR-1 S 
antenna  tuner,  and  ted  with  a  Kenwood  TS- 
940S  transceiver.  Since  the  antenna  and  loca- 
tion were  not  familiar  to  me,  I  had  no  idea  what 
the  correct  settings  for  my  tuner  controls 
would  be. 

Ease  of  use  varied  from  band  to  band.  The 
first  band  I  tried  was  10  meters.  Adjustment  of 
the  tuner's  controls  produced  an  obvious  dip 
in  the  noise  level  from  the  TS-940S-  On  15 
meters  the  dip  wasn't  as  obvious,  and  it  turned 
out  that  the  dip  was  an  extremely  narrow 
range  that  was  very  easy  to  miss  when  adjust- 
ing the  controls.  Once  I  found  it,  it  was  jusi  as 
deep  as  the  dip  on  10  meters,  but  I  had  to 
adjust  the  controls  carefully  to  avoid  missing 
the  dip  altogether. 

On  75  meters,  the  effect  was  exact- 
ly the  opposite.  The  dip  was  wide 
and  gradual,  and  large  move- 
ments of  the  tuner's  con- 
trols produced  a  barely 
ooticeable  reduction  in 
the  noise  level  Switch* 
ing  the  receiver  to  AM 
and  following  the  S-me- 
ter  helped.  Dips  in  the 
noise  level  thai  were 
barely  perceptible  to 
the  ear  were  immedi- 
ately obvious  on  the  S- 
meter. 

In  every  case,  the 


antrnma  tuner  control  settings  I  came  up 
with  using  the  Tuner-Tuner  corresponded 
to  3  low  SWR  reading  on  the  TS-940S 
built-in  SWR  meter.  Most  readings  were 
around  1 .2  to  1 ,  which  is  a  perfectly  accept- 
able match. 

My  only  complaint  is  that  when  the  fuse  is 
blown  (by  accidentally  transmitting  when  the 
unit  is  on)  the  Tuner-Tuner  still  appears  to 
work.  The  noise  level  is  lower  than  usual,  but 
the  nulls  still  appear,  although  with  incorrect 
settings  of  the  tuner  controis.  resulting  in  high 
SWR.  This  could  easily  cause  problems  for  a 
casual  user  who  is  unaware  of  the  internal 
fuse.  I'd  like  to  see  a  mod  that  causes  the 
Tuner-Tuner  to  ga  completely  dead  when  the 
fuse  LS  blown,  removing  any  ambiguity  about 
Its  condition. 

Conclusions 

After  using  the  Tuner-Tuner  for  a  few 
weeks,  I  find  that  it  takes  a  little  longer  than  to 
simply  tune  for  minimum  SWR  while  transmit- 
ting. But  that's  a  small  price  to  pay  for  elimi- 
nating my  contribution  to  the  carrier  pollution 
problem.  If  even  ha^f  of  the  amateurs  who  use 
antenna  tuners  used  a  device  like  the  Tuner- 
Tuner,  the  outrageous  level  of  carrier  pollution 
heard  on  the  bands  would  be  significantly  re* 
duced.  If  you  use  an  antenna  tuner,  you 
should  seriously  consider  adding  a  Tuner- 
Tuner  to  your  shack. 


Contact  Paul  Grupp  KAILR  at  22  Lawrence 
Street  Pepp&reU  MA  014B3, 


40    73 ArrtatBur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


Enjoy  MEV^R 
CLIMBING 


YOUR  TOWER 

AGAIN 

Are  you  too  scared  or  too  ofd  to  climb?  Never 
dimb  again  with  thte  tower  and  elevator  tram 
syswn.  Voyager  towers  are  13  ar»d  18  indi 
triangular  structures  stackaDie  to  any  height  in  7 
1/z.  8  3/4'  or  10-  section  lengtm.  Easy  to  retail 
hinge  base,  wa«t  i^i  erecrtoo.  Next  plumd  tower 
with  levying  boTts  m  base.  Mount  rotor  and  large 
heavy  besms  on  Hazer  tram  and  witn  one  hand 
wtndi  to  top  of  tower  for  nomm  operating 
portion,  safety  todc  system  operates  while  raisiag 
or  lowering.  At  last  a  cneapp  cunvenlent  ana  safe 
way  CO  install  and  maintain  your  beam.  Thts  is  a 
deluxe  tower  system  that  you  can  enloy  today. 

SPECIAL  TOWER  PACKAGE:  50  ft  high  by  W 

face  tower  kit,  conci'ete  Footing  section,  hinged 
base^  HAZE  R  kit,  Phlllystran  guy  wrre5.  turn  buckles, 
earth  saew  anclxirs,  1  cr  mast,  thrust  bearing,  cooJ 
kit,  ground  rod  and  clamp,  rated  at  15  sq.  ft 
antenna  load  @  100  MPH,  $1974.95. 


stir  EK 1  r  Mde  ttMiff ^  vne  [kg  »  atvic 

HiSIItQr iorvi 2&S33  ATa  8^  ^  w>id csad 
HU&  4  lor  J^^m  2Stw  ^^  S^  t£  33  ft  wnt  Kl 
1B-2Sftrf  HHRisc  tsomg  2>^~  rrm  rmst  da. 


11570.95 
J  JAM 

10I.9S 

M3S 


Rin-iV  S  VI  It  Mm  UK! 
svssn  f^  Km  5i  32  ta  it  wna  naa 


S3tltfactk)n  guaranteed.  Call  today  and  order 
by  v^sa,  M/cor  mall  check.  Immediate  (fell very. 

Glen  Martin  Engineering,  inc. 

Dept.  A 

RR  5,  BOX  322, 

Boanvllle,  MO  SS233 

816-882-2734 

FAX^81&'882-7200 


Tha  no-hole,  On-Glass*, 

mobile  antenna  that 

Installs  in  15-minutes. 


Capacltfve  coupHng  establishes  highly 
tyned  circurl  through  glass  with  no 
nneasurable  signal  loss. 

No  ground  plane:  Full  haltwave  design  — 
peffonnance  equal  to  practical  5/8  wave 
installations. 

DUO-BOND"  mounting  for  firm,  fast, 
waterproof  bonding.  Removable  without 
damaging  car  or  antenna. 

No  holes:  No  vehicle  damage;  fast,  easy 
cable  routing.  ^^ 

Models  for  2  meter  220  MHz  and  UHF 
annataur  bands. 


a  member  of  The  Allen  Group  lnc» 

30500  Bruco  Industrial  Parkway 

Cleveland,  OH  44139-39% 

216/349-8400,  Telex:  43321 33,  Fax:  216/349-8407 


'^helping  the  vvorld  communicate''^ 


CIRCLE  6  O^  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


*! 


CJRCIE  72  ON  RElADER  SERVICE  CARD 


here  is  the  next  generation  Repeater 


MARK  4CR 


No  other  repeaters  or  controllers  match 
Mark  4  in  capability  and  features.  That's 
why  Mark  4  is  the  performance  leader  at 
amateur  and  commerciat  repeater  sites 
around  the  world.  Only  Mark  4  gives  you 
Message  MasterxM  real  speech  •  voice 
readout  of  received  signal  strength, 
deviation,  and  frequency  error  •  4- 
channel  receiver  voting  *  clock  time 
announcements  and  function  control  •  7- 
hellcal  filter  receiver  •  extensive  phone 
patch  functions.  Unlike  others,  Mark  4 
even  includes  power  supply  and  a 
handsome  cabinet. 


The  only  repeaters  and  controllers 
with  REAL  SPEECHl 

Create  messages  just  by  talking.  Speak  any  phrases  or 
words  in  any  languages  or  dialect  and  your  own  voice 
is  stored  instantly  in  solid-state  memory.  Perfect  for 
emergency  warnings,  club  news  bulletins,  and  DX 
alerts.  Create  unique  ID  and  tail  messages,  and  the 
ultimate  in  a  real  speech  user  mailbox  —  only  with  a 
Mark  4, 


i 


*^9t?u^ 


Catl  or  write  for  specifications  on  the 
repeater,  controller,  and  receiver  winners. 


*»*.i« 


IhSSb 


MICRO  CONTROL  SPECIALTIES 

Division  of  Kendecom  fnc. 
23  Elm  Park,  Groveland,  MA  01834 


2  meters  220  440 


CtROLE  144  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Factory  Authorized  Dealer  ^  Service  For 

KENWOOD 

YAESU 

ICOM 


I  Cat!  Us  For 

Grmat  Prices  &.  Qreat  Service 


TOLL  FREE  ORDER  LINE    1^00-344^144 
CmatunM  U  B  &  Tmkm 


IhT 


THE 


^liff^^^^^V 


ccnti:r 


&iU5  AMATEUR  RADIO  slRViCL 


STDTA 


THE  RF  CONNECTION 

^SPECIALIST  IN  RF  CONNECTORS  AND  COAX" 


Part  No* 

PL259/USA 

B34SP-1050 

83622 

Pt-259^ST 

UG175 

U(3rl76 

UG-2lBaj 
U6>2lBa9l3 

y&t4GAiy 


D«icrtptlon  Prlc« 

UHF  Male  Phenotkci,  USA  made  I  ,70 

PL-2  5  9  Phenfl  He.  Am  phenol  .89 

PL  2S9  Teflon,  Amphenol  175 

UHF  Male  Silver  Tefjor,  USA  l.&O 

Reducer  for  RG-Sfl  ,20 

Reducer  for  t^Sd  &  MINI  g  .  20 

NMMfeR&e,  3ia.2Ujar^bcxJly  500 
N  Maie  Ptfi  ior  99 13. 90S6,  S2!4 

fits  00-2 1  r>ru  A  ua2 1 WU  Ws  I  50 

NM»icforR&«witfi9913Pkii  3,95 

NMalef€fRa-Bwrtn99l3Ptfi  &I& 

N  Male  m  S0239.  Teflon  USA  G  00 

i^FemateiQPt  359.  Teflon  USA  6  00 


'"THJS  LrST  REPRESENTS  ONLY  A 
FRACTION  OF  OUR  HUGE  INVENTORY*' 

THE  R.F.  CONNECTION 

213  North  Frederick  Ave.  #11 

Gaithersburg,  MD  20877 

ORDERS    1-800-783-2666 
INFO    301-340-5477     FAX    301-86^-3680 

PRICES  DO  NOT  INCLUDE  SHIPPING 

PRiCES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE 

VISA.  MASTERCARD,  ADD  4% 

UPS  COD  ADD  $3.50  PER  ORDER 


J 


ClltCLE  1  IS  ON  READER  SERVICE  CAffD 


REPEATER  LINK  CONTROLLER 


LINK  COMM  RLC-6 

ALLOWS  3  HUB  OR  CHAIN  LINKS 

CAN  BE  JNTERFACeD  TO  MOST  REPEATER 

CONTROLLERS 

DIRECT  CONNECTION  TO  aCOMM  5/6 

BEPEATEff  CONTROLLERS 

HALF  OR  FULL  OUPl£X  LINK 

REQUIRES  OMLY  3  LOG*C  LINES  fOH  CONTROL 


FS      ONLY$149;95 

LED  DISPLAY  BOARD 
&COM  CABLE 


S29  9& 

S995 


UNIC  COMIi 
PO  BOX  1071  *  BOZEMAN,  MT  S9771 

{406)  Sa?  40B5 

CIRCLC  47  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARP 


Measure  Up  With  Coaxia]  Dynamics  Model 

83000A  RF  Peak  Reading  Wattmeter 

Take  a  PEAK  with  Coaxial  Dynamics  '*NEW*^  Model  83000A,  designed 
10  measure  both  F  WD/RFL  power  in  CW 
and  FM  systems  simply  and  quickfy. 
Then  with  a  "FLIP'*  of  a  switch^ 
measure  "PEAK  POWER"  in  most 
AM,  SSB  or  pulse  systems.  Our 
Model  83000A  features  a  complete  se- 
lection of  plug-in-elements  plus  a  2 
year  warranty.  This  makes  the 
Model  83000A  an  investment  worth 
looking  at.  So  go  ahead,  take  a 
"PEAK  \  you  11  like  "WATT*  you  seel 
Contact  us  for  your  nearest  autho- 
rized Coaxial  Dynamics  representa- 
tive or  distributor  in  our  world-wide 
saJes  network. 

COAXIAL 

DYNAMICS, 
INC. 


15210  Industrial  Parkway 
Cleveland,  Ohio  44 1 35 
216-267*2233 
1-800-CO  AXIAL 
Fax:  216-267-3142 

Service  and  Dependability 


a  Part  of  Every  Product 


ancLE  lae  on  fmAoei  sehvk^e  card 


CALL  913-381-5900 

FAX  91 3-648-3020 


ASSOCIATED  RADIO 

8012CONSER  BOX  4327 

OVERLAND  PARK,  KANSAS  66204  _,,„,      __..       ^„.,».- 

BUY— SELL— TRADE 

EVERY  D  AY  ^"  ^^^^^^  ^^^  ^^^  reconaitionBd. 

A  HAMFEST 

WE'LL  BUY 

YOUR 
EXTRA  RrC 
STATIONS  - 

ESTATES  ETC. 

Send  $3.00  for  our  current  catalog  and  wholesale  stjeet 


OSCAR  MOPE-J  FILTERS 

PREVENT  DESENSE  OF  YOUR  DOWNLINK  RECEIVER 


$S9.00 


MMf200-7  $55.00  PSf432 

(usually  sufftctent)  {for  extra  protection) 

LL  @  1 45  MHz  0.5cfB  tL  @  435  MH2  0. 1  dB 

Loss  @  435  MHz  ^0  dB  mm  Loss  @  145  MHz  '^^  ^^  W 

Seti6  75c  {3  stamps)  far  detailed  specs  on  all  VHF  &  UHF  products.  SMppfng  f  OS  Concord,  MA 

PRICES  SUBJECT  TO  CHANGE  WITHOUT  PRIOR  NOTICE 

SPECTRUM  INTERNATIONAL  INC.  (508)  263-2145 

P.O.  Box  10845,  Concord,  MA  01742,  USA 


CIRCLE  iS3  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARf> 


42    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  Dec  embers  1990 


/^Amateur 

Radio  Today 


SWEEPSTAKES 


Over  $30,000  worth  of  fabulous  amateur  radio  gear 

We've  got  so  much  equipment,  its  going  to  take  us  six  months  to  give  it  all  away. 


KENWOOD 


OUTBACKER 


TM 


Chester  QSL  Cards      BiRil 


AMlRifR«M, 


tha 


^h »" 


o^ 


^ 


jL    UNADILLA  ANTENNA    a 
^  MANUFACTURING  00.^ 


ALFA  *  CENTRAL  WtSTflM  COMM.  7747^5TH  STflEET.  EDMQMTON.  A0 
ftC«  RADIO  SUPPLY ,  3 1 0 1 4TH  A VE  S  ,  Bl  AMI  NGHAM,  AL 
POUNDERS  TRUE  VALUE,  35 lOCLOVERDAlE  ROAO..  FLORENCE.  AL 
WCDOWELLEUCTROWrCS.ZOaetLLEVILLEAVE  POeOX  1206,  BREWTON.AL 

HAM  RADIO  Outlet,  itek?  w  cahelback  ho  pkoenix,  az 

ALL  ELECTR0N;<:S  COf^i*..  905S.  VERMONT  AVE ,  LOS  ANGELES  CA 
HENRY  flAQlO.  2OS0  SOtTTH  BUMO^  DRIVE  LOS  ANCeiES,  CA 
JUN'S  ELECrR(M:S.38lSS£PUtVH]A  BL^  CULVER CfTY. CA 
MPAOjfCT  2213 R0O<&aL£HU^R£I)Q<400  BEACH  CA 
HlBlQODELeCTIIOfllCS.  47D1  WCSmiflY  BLW 

HMiAU30CirriH.GGSS8U.VB)AeGIMVAfV  VAMNUVS  CA 
mElKTlOCSGOfP  6?2&^PULVSMaW.v«l«NUVS.CA 

A^KM  rmmLimcxBfikY^BmmiCk 

MUTfVM^  9t5&€  ARQ^M^  A^ .  CUOUCN&V  CA 

LOHEfCTROMCS  ^enOAOlWV.OHUU^VSTA.CA 

aiTEMrAra£CTnC]iiC$QFCA.«l3C0NVDrST .  SMQCOaCA 

K£C  BK1T«)NC Sur^..r  SSQHaaOCM ST , SICAMlCMTD, CA 

WESleWftAOOEiKTRC  *79?HlJFBeiST  SAWMCO  CA 

lilUtffWMOOUTlH  5375  I^AflNY  VILLA  I^OAO  SAN  Dl^ 

MACS  ELECTRONICS,  1S1  SOUTHS  ST  SAN0Ef«fWOlNlO,a 

HAM  ftAD€  OUTLET.  miW  lA  PALWA,  AHAhEiM,  CA 

HARDING  WAY  NEWS.  tlS  W  HARDING  WAY.  STOCKTON,  CA 

HAM  RADIO  OUTLET,  m  HOWARD  AVE.,  BUftLINGAME,  CA 

BASE  STATION.  ie3a£A3TST,COrCOftO,CA 

HAM  RACIO  OUTLET,  m  DIABLO  RD.  SUITE  210.  OAMVILLE,  CA 

HAM  RADIO  OUTLET.  2^10  LIVINGSTON  ST ,  OAKLAFtD.  CA 

H,S.C  ELECTRO^ilC  SUPPLV. €8l9  REDWOOD  ORJVE.COTATI.  CA 

H.SC  ELECTfiOMiC  SUPPLY.  35WflYOtR  STREET  SANTA  CLARA.  CA 

QUEllENT  ELECTRONICS.  lCMMS.QASCOll.SAri  JOSE,  CA 

QUAM  Sa£CTRQNlC£SUfPt  73S&ALBUnN&VDUMfT  3.C1TTIUSIHBGHTS.  CA 

iMn¥AC3CiiLfC)niAnwio.s357DapASoeLVD  NO  SACiMem]  CA 

THE  RADIO  R.MX.a«lFnS'a?rBLVD.$ACIlAMENTO.CA 
GATBMYlL£C?V0K5OFa).£l1&N  FEDBUL8LVD  l£.DEMVEaCO 
CajOR/i^COli«CafTm5^£7!IT^AVE.SU!€i  W.E)e<VSi.OO 
HiMlRM»00UTliT,|4ttLll7AVEli.0Blvei,C0 

CBfTeNUi&eciioic&23^4E  Bucx7.ooiavi06smMG.ca 

IBAVWU€AllATEUnSUFRT.7t  ICACCWRO  .KCWCASTIE  PE 
ltiAL£AH00liftlMCAT1OllS,€XE.9THST.HtAL£Ali.FL 

MIAMI  RAIW  CENTER  COfV^.^SOWaAGER  ST. MlAW].a 

N  A  G  DISTRifiUTOftS .  l  ^  NORTHWEST  UTH  AVE. ,  UW*,  FL 

BJ'S  AMATEUfi  RADIO  IMC, ,  251 3 SOUTHWEST  9TH  AVE  ,  FT  LAUDETOALE,  FL 

a^WNYSSUMRlSE.SKO  SUNSET  STRIP  SUNRISE  FL 


out  an  entry  form  at  any  of  these  locations* 


AMATBJR  ELECTROMICS  SPtv.  1B9S  DREW  ST .  CIEWIWATER.  Fl 
COTRONICS-HADIO SHACK,  220D  SE  FEDERAL  HWY.  STUART.  FL 
ATUNTIC  NEWS.  £663  H.  ATLANTIC  AVE  .  DAYTONA  BEACH,  FL 
OUAOELECTflONO,  KfflN  PACEflL^D  .  PEN3AC0LA.  FL 
AMATEUR  ELECTfiO^tlCS.  621  COMMONIfllEALTH  AVE .  OfiLANDO  FL 
HAM  RADIO  OUTLP"  5071  BUFORD  HIGHWAY  ATLANTA,  QA 
RADIO  SALES  *  Se^lCE.aSOO  I2TH  AVE  ,  COLUMBUS.  GA 
TRt  STATE.  200  W  NORTHWEST  HWfV  MT  PROSPECT.  IL 
KAMR/ISIOTOh^STQfE.  nr  WMSTLEYST.WHEATON.  IL 
£RlCSONCOMilMCATK]NS.54Sf  N  UiWAlUHAVE^CHOGOU 
C8  S}>ECiA|£!S.  iSOl  LffCOUWA  v  ABT^  SOUTH  6END.  #1 
ftSSOQATED  AMMO  C0HU3Gia€0ieei.0veUlO  RAM.  RS 
DAMTS,  mNQPH  iM9M3fTt}N  ST .  NEiiiinM^  ^ 
PSftmBHTfilCMC.  TtiS  SO  TTN  Sr .  LOUSniEIV 
la^eOUiCiTSOI^TRQ.yTTlftOMlllA 

JMATEJnAUNOCIR  tii7NSTHST,BALTIi3HE,l|) 

HgEiKTflQNiCS  72224EVANSTON.MUSKgQ0M,li 

NORWEST£LECTTO»CS.  339i7  PlYlCUTHflO-,  IJVONiA.  W 

LITTIE  PflOF£^OflS»lCTR.,2£i7<  MICHIGAN  AVE  .DEAllSOftN.  Ml 

flAOlOCOWMUNlCATCNS,  151QEA5T  PEAftL,  HAZEi  PARp?,  Ml 

MICHIGAN  RADIO.  ^5000  NIWE  MILE  f^DAD.E  DETROIT  Ml 

PUICHASE  RADMD  SUPPLV,  3??  E  HOOVER  AVE ,  ANN  ARBOR,  Wl 

FERRPS  RADIO,  2173Q  JOHN  k,  HAZEL  PARK,  Ml 

HAL'TRONIK.  12671  DIX  TOLEDO  HWY.  SOUTHGATE.  Ml 

KEN'SS  WAY  R;\DI0.  2135  LAKE  STREET,  XALAMA200.  Ml 

AWATEURRAOIOCOKSIGNM£NT,3SI5THST  NORTHWEST.  NE^fVflfiKjH TON  MN 

SATELLITE  CktY.  12581  CENTRAL  AVE .  EUINI,  MN 

N0flT><WESTRAfflO.  1Z3£  FAST ST  ,  OULUTH.  UN 

GATeMAYEl£CTHONCSOFUO.ai23^PAG£&V^.ST  ySt^UO 

USSOURlAAOOCCHTQl  TlSMVaU6H€SSPKLN  KANSASCmr.HQ 

HOOPER BBnRQHCSUPPLY.lTQiPASSRGAO  Ek.€3Sim 

FIUI^rSNBIS.339S.liftllSr.HGHPaNTJC 

rnmBLiwmmem  m^mm,m 

HAUEVWOimH.^NO  MMMAY  SAUHltt 
LAS»e«BBnnOMCS.2l  EtfKUDWAY  DBMi£.llt 
gUetSHCfmuVESSRARK  AVt^FAfliWGE.  MJ 
ATKHSON&SHTNMC  ITLBmSST.EATONTDWNNJ 
PAGE  Of€  NBIIISTAI®.  1 1^  MOr^TGOlCRt  NE,  ALaXMJERO^ 
ElECITOMChlODULEeom  TURNER HCeBS, NM 
RENO  WOO,  1?aL£N  CABRANCiRCLE  SPAR»<S,  W 
RADIO  WORLD  1556  NEVADA  HKJHWAV  SOULDERClTY,  HV 
SPARTAN  ELECTRONICS  IMC ,  6143  JERICHO  TURNPIKE  COMMACK.  NY 


EAST-^OAST  .AMATEUR  RADIO.  i%  MCCONKEY  DRIVE.  TONAWANDA,  NY 
HIRSCH  SALES  CO.,  219  CALIFORNIA  DR..  WlLLlAHSVIilE.  NY 
WORLD  WIDE  NEWS.  lOOST.  PAULST .  flOGHESTER.  NY 
UHFCOMMMUNICATIONS.  TIFFANY  AVE.  RAMCO  SUlLDfNG.  JAMESTOWN.  NY 
BEECHCROFTNEWS STAND.  19333SE  DilBLiNGRANVlLE. COLUMBUS.  OH 
LEO'SfiOOK  &  WINE  SHOP.  330  N  SUPERIOR  STREET.  TOLEDO.  OH 
ELA-CO  ELECTRONICS  INC  _  fl7iAi(E  AVE  .  ELYHIA  OH 
NORTH  OlUSTED  AJyiATEUR  ftADiO  DEPOT.  2*4©  LORAW  ROAD, 
NORT>l  OLMSTED,  Om 
KENMAR  irilSlllES.fia65NAflCy  JOST.  N  W.  NQm>lCANTCN,OH 
WftERiALAlKfBIt  RWO.  t2»  A«A  OR .  REYKXDSSURO.  OH 
FAAftAOOSAiES.  ({JliEURBUl  L1IA.0H 
AUA~E^EL£CTTO«:ia»«eUClJDAVE.MQiaf?€,0H 

GBflUR¥2t€aHHiC/|1lOKS  BucieiiTTOOum^iMr  a  o^ 
mmH  RAOOSUPPIY.  ITP  STHIES  AVE-W^  NORTM  TCnc.  CM 

fwiiAJ«»RA0DSiFaY.i3*s£^RAieAVER]miAw  on 

R&RCOyUUMCATaC  nQN0ITTHEASTUMO»IAVLPORT|A»C^.OR 
GECngE^etHmOCS.  110  HiGHWAVSaW. DUNDEE.  OR 
KAUBUeiGB^IMC  ,l170AVl6\nLL£  R0AD,miI7WQV)VE.  PA 

WARRENRAOIO.  I3i5  PEACH  ST .  ERIE.  PA 

JRS  DlSTR^BUTOftS.  &46  W  MARKET  ST  ,  YOflK.  PA 

WH^ESiDE  ELECTRONICS,  Wl5SALTSeURG  ROAD.  PinSBLJRGH,  PA 

MEMPHIS  AMATEUR  ELEC,  1*65  WELLS  STATION  ROAD,  MEMPHIS.  TN 

MUSIC  CITY  /  HAM  SHACK.  aiO-SGALUTlN  flOAD.  MADISON,  TN 

CT  hCTGAN.  ma  EAST  3^TH  ST  ,  CHAHANOOGA.  TN 

AUSTIN  A^WT£^JR  RADIO  SDP  ,  5310CAMERON  ROAD.  AUSTIN,  n 

GATEWAY  ELECTRONICS  Of  TX,  9890  WESTPARK  DRIVE.  HOUSTON.  TX 

ElECTHONK f'ARTSOUTLET.  l73iaNlGHWAY  3.  WEBSTER. TX 

ELECTRONIC  CENTER  INC. ^09  ROSSAVE.  DALLAS.  TX 

OTY  aECTROMC  SUPav,  ALEX.  M315AT1NELL  HOUSTON.  TX 

VALLEY  RADIO  CeVliH  TSS^H  77$tAl9MESTW.  HAAJUGEM  TX 

HAiDNBBniVSlIC  aSE  ROSeMtE.IT  WDRTKfX 

IICGH1MC..S707-AIIOBUO  SANAffTONCtX 

STSOOMMUNCATONS  ^1S3S0  TQOEASf  SALtyVEOrrr.UT 

onnffuTLtesre^^taeso  SALTLAXEOTY^UT  

SOUBSYSiadEGCIfQNCS.  f^HfiMlSlll^  MIVOUC  VA 

HW  »AOD  OUTLET.  tABOailAOAieiCA  Da  IIOOOOROOE  VA 
00IMeTRADiDS^^STeiS.O0  WRONMDDRniEBtAaC  m 

SKAar^wi$iTcoMELH;Tnoii:s.G2DWQnriSK}HMr  VERNON 

AliAlE/n  fW)0  TBUUI  SmANE  2S  SOUTl^  G  IIWtD  RO .  9>^^ 
C  COHM  51 1 5 1 5TH  AVE  HW .  SEATTLE.  WA 
AMATEUR  ELECTRONIC  SPLY  .S?!0  WEST  GOODHDPERD.  MILWAUKEE  W/ 
CHESTER  ELECTRONICS,  7703  SHERIDAN  RD..  KENOSHA  Wl 


P 


^smo 


HOW  TO  ENTER 

Visit  yourlocaJ  participating  amateur  radio  dealer  and  fill  out 
an  Official  Entry  Survey.  Only  one  entry'  per  month  per  person. 
Dupiicaic  entries  will  he  disqualified. 

Once  every  month,  we  will  pick  5  names  from  every  partici- 
pating retail  outlet.  *  One  of  these  lucky  hams  will  receive  that 
month's  prize  package,  but  all  of  them  will  be  entered  in  the 
Grand  Prize  Drawing,  to  be  held  in  April  1991- 

Visit  you  local  retailer  cver>"  month  to  check  if  your  name  is 
on  the  Ham  It  UpJ  Tote  Board*  which  lists  all  the  Grand  Prize 
entrants  from  that  store.  While  you're  there,  fill  out  the  next 
month's  Official  Entry  Survey,  Remember,  you  can  enter  once 
every  month.  You  get  six  chances  to  win  a  fabulous  prize 
package  and  six  chances  to  be  included  in  the  Grand  Prize 
Drawingf 

After  weVe  given  away  all  of  the  monthly  prize  packages, 
well  take  the  Grand  Prize  Drawing  entries  (30  from  each  par- 
ticipating retailer)  and  give  away  over  $30,000  worth  of  great 
ham  gear, 

'ir^nu  arc  uitabk  lo  tmier  i|  1  locst  r^taikr,  you  nu^  crfmin  an  orficta!  EEltr>'  Survey  by 
isoKliiig  an  S.A.S.E  lo  Hiiiii  It  Upl  Smcrpstakcs.  "^  Amateur  Rsdio  Todav.  Fofesi  RokJ. 
Hancodc,  MH  03449^  Rtrtum  ihe  tnay  litrn'r)*  to  ihc  vimc  addims,  and  yo4]  wfff  be  cuic^ftHt 

This  Month's  Prize  Package 
is  worth  over  $1,200,001 

If  you  Ye  this  month's  winner,  you'U  receive  an  MFJ  Priate  Package. 

including: 

MFJ-949D  Deluxe  300  watt  tuner 

MFJ-n  12  Multiple  DC  oudei 

MFJ-I08B  Dual  dock 

MFJ -30  Golden  Classics  of  Yesterday  by  David  Ingram  K4TWJ 

MFJ'32  Packet  Radio  ts  Made  Easy  by  Buck  Rogers  K4ABT 

MFJ-35  The  Wonderful  World  of  Ham  Radio 

by  Richard  Skilnik  KB4LCS 
MFJ- 1 281  Easy  DX  Software  (IBM  compatable) 
MFJ-1286  Gray  Line  DX  Advantage  software  (IBM  compatable) 

Plus,  the  A£A  Isoloop  HF  Antenna 

You'll  also  receive  these  grtat  prizes. . . 

Outbacker  mobile  HF  antenna 

A  custom  QSL  order  from  Chester  QSL  Cards  (a  S250  value) 

Antenna  Specialists  glass  mounted  2  meter  antenna 

Unadilia  5  band  antenna  kit 
GGTE  Morse  Tutor  software 


KENWOOD 


*  ■■  ' 


OUTB ACKER'"*    ^li^fi3^T^'^^m./<     BiRp 


Chester  QSL  Cards 


■II- IT-      <     ■« 


CNtt  antianf^B  ■psaiBliliiit^i  ooi 


'■n*  fe'iii- Uiiii^  )««• 


E^oiise  ^Q©o(i^ 


TM~aww 


Satellite  TV  Components  and 

COMPLETE  SYSTEMS 


from  $25  /mo' 

No-Money-Down 


iflvlllttiMHiH 
lii'jnithHr-! 


pj 


|i]r-Jl»jj|H.J11 


1^1^*: 


fe  -?    ch^*^ 


{fr^rsn  -r 


Join  our  thousands  of  satisfied  customers  and 

receive  a  universe  of  entertainment... 

delivered  right  to  your  home  24  hrs/day  with 

crystal-clear  video  and  digital  stereo  sound, 

FREE  CATALOG 

1  -800-346-6466 


NBOi  'Name  Brands  Only' 

NATIONAL  HOME  SATELUTE  STORE 


CIRCLE  3 1  QH  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


HIGH  PERFORMANCE 
PRESELECTOR-PREAMP 


The  solution  to  most  interference,  intermod,  and  desense 
problems  in  repeater  systems. 

-40  to  1 0dO  Mhz  tuned  to  your  frequency 

*5  large  helical  resonators 

•Very  higH  rejection 

•Low  noise— high  overload  resistance 

•8  db  gain— uHrmate  fejection  >80  db 

•GaAs  fet  option  (above  200  Mhz) 

•Cast  aJumtnum  enclosure 

Typicaf  rejection:  •N,  BNC.  and  S0239  connector  opiksns 

±600  Khz  #  145  Mhz:  28db 

±  1 .6  Mhz  @  220  Mhz:  40db  (44db  GaAs)       ±20  Mhz  @  800  Mhz:  6Sdb 

±    5  Mhz  @  450  Mhz:  50db  (60db  GaAs)       ±  20  Mhz  @  950  Mhz:  70db 


AUTOMATIC  IDENTIFIERS 


NEW 

Model 

ID-2B 


•Up1o8EPROM programmed  messages 
•Adjustable  audiOn  speed  &  interval  timer 
•'10  over  voice  inhibit" 
•Low  power  option 
•Modular  design 

•Message  selection  via  binary  input — 
TTL  levels 
•Size:  2.7  X  2.6  xOT* 

Ttie  iD-2B  provides  required  station  identification  without  troublesome 
diode  programming.  The  "10  over  voice  inhtbiV  circuitry  allows  for  cour- 
teous operation  by  not  allowing  an  ID  until  the  next  sQuetch  closing. 

ID-2B  Wired/Tested  S99.95  1D-2B-LP  Low  Power  SI 09.95 


GLB  ELECTRONKS  JNC. 

151  Commerce  Pkwy.,  Buffalo^  NY  14224 
716-675-6740     9  to  4 


CIRCtE  1 7  Ohf  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

46    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  ■  December.  1990 


Number  13  on  your  Feedback  card 


Dealer  directory 


CALIFORNIA 


San  Ptego 

Hard  to  find  parts »  surplus  electronics, 
standard  line  ilems.  Hams,  hobbyists, 
industrial  professionals — from  nuts  A 
bolts  to  laser  diodes. .  .Electronically 
speaking.  Gateway's  got  it!  M^F  9- 
5:30.  Sat.  9-5.  GATEWAY  ELEC- 
TRONICS, 9222  Chesapeake  Drive, 
San  D»ego  CA  92123.  (&19)  27d- 
6802. 


COLORADO 


Denver 
Hard  lo  find  parts,  surplus  electronics, 
standard  line  rlems  Hams,  hobbyists, 
industrial  professionals — from  nuts  A 
botts  to  laser  diodes. .  .Electronicalfy 
speaking,  Gaieway's  got  it!  M-F  9- 
5t30,  SaL  9-5.  GATEWAY  ELEC- 
TRONICS. 511S  N,  Federal  Blvd.  ^32- 
B,  Denver  CO  00221.  (303^ 
45S-S444. 


DELAWARE 


New  Castle 

Factory  authorised  dealer!  Yaasu, 
ICOMp  Kenwood^  Ten-Tec»  AEA, 
Kanfronics,  DBSI  Mfg.,  Amerdfon, 
CLfshcratt.  HyGain.  Heath  Amateur 
Radio,  hiell  Sound.  DELAWARE  AMA> 
TEUR  SUPPLY,  71  Meadow  Road, 
New  Castle  DE  19720.  (302}  32a- 
7728, 


fOAHO 


Preston 
Ross  W87BYZ  has  the  largest  slock  of 
amateur  gear  in  (he  intermountain 
West  and  the  bes!  prices.  Over  9,000 
ham  related  gear  in  stock.  Calt  us  tor 
"all"  your  ham  needs  today.  ROSS 
DISTRIBUTING  CO.,  78  5.  State.  Pre^ 
ston  to  a32&3.  (208)  352-0830. 


KANSAS 


Wellington 
We  have  it!  AEA,  ASTRON,  BUTTER- 
NUT, CALLBOOK,  COMET,  DIA- 
MOND, HEATHKIT,  HUSTLER, 
KANTRONICS,  LASER  COMPUT* 
EFIS,  MFJ.  RADIO  SHACK.  SMILEY 
AltfTtNNAS,  TEN^TEC,  VALOR  AN- 
TENNAS  ^  more.  SmafI  town  service 
wtth  discount  prices.  DANDYS,  120  N* 
Washington.  Wellington  KS  £7152, 
(316)  32e-€314.  Circ^  Reader  Ser- 
vice 263  for  more  infomiation. 


MISSOURI 


St.  Louis 

Hard  to  find  parts,  surplus  elet^troniCSi 
standard  line  items.  Hams,  Inobbyists, 
Industrial  professionals— from  nuts  & 
bolts  to  laser  diodes. . . Elect ronically 
speaking,  Gateway's  901  it!  M-F  9- 
5:30.  Sat  9-5.  GATEWAY  ELEC- 
TRONICS. 8123  Page  Biyd.,  St. 
Louis  MO  63130.  (314)  427-61 16. 


NEW  YORK 


Jamestown 
Western  New  York's  finest  amateur  ra- 


dio dealer  featuring  ICOMM^rsen- 
AEA-Hamtrontcs-Astron.  New  and 
used  gear.  8  am  Jo  5:30  p.m. ,  Sat.  and 
Sun.  by  appointment.  VHP COMMUNl- 
CATIONS,  280  Tiffany  Ave., 
Jamestown  NY  14701.  (716)  664- 
6345.  Circle  Reader  Service  number 
129  for  more  information. 

Manhattan 
Manhattan's  largest  and  only  ham  and 
business  Radio  Store.  Featuring  MO- 
TOROLA, ICOM.  KENWOOD,  YAE^ 
SU,  AEA.  SONY,  BJRO,  TEN-TEC,  etc. 
Full  stock  of  radios  and  accessories. 
Repair  lab  on  premises.  Open  7  days 
M-F,  9-6  p.m.;  Sal  &  Sun..  1 0-5  p.m. 
We  ship  wo^ldw^de,  BARRY  ELEC- 
TRONICS, 512  Broadway,  New  York 
NY  10012.  (212)  925-7000.  FAX 
(212)92S-700n 


OHIO 


Cotymbus 
Central  Ohio's  full-line  authorized 
dealer  for  Kenwood,  ICOM,  Yaesu,  Al- 
inco,  Info-Tech,  Japan  Radio,  AEA, 
Cushcraft,  Hustler,  and  Butternut.  New 
and  used  equipment  on  display  and 
operational  in  our  4000  sq.  fl.  store. 
Large  SWL  department,  too.  UNIVER- 
SAL RADIO.  1280  Aida  Drfve, 
Reynoidsburg  (Columbus)  OH 
43068.(614)866-4267, 


PENNSYLVANIA 


Trevose 
Authortzed  tactory  sales  and  service. 
KENWOOD.  ICOM,  YAESU.  featuring 
AMERITRON,  B&W,  MFJ,  HYGAIN. 
KLM.  CUSHCRAFT.  HUSTLER. 
KANTRONICS,  AEA.  VIBROPLEX. 
HEIL,  CALLBOOK,  ARRL  Publica- 
tions, and  much  more.  HAMTRONICS, 
INC.,  4033  Brownsvnie  Road,  Tre- 
vose PA  19047,(215)357-1400.  FAX 
(215)  355-8958.  Sales  Order  1-800- 
4^-2820.  Circle  Reader  Service  379 
for  more  information. 


TEXAS 


Dallas 
In  DaHas  since  i960.  We  feature  Ken- 
wood, ICOM,  Yaesu.  AEA,  Butternut, 
Rohn.  amateur  publications,  and  a  full 
line  of  accessories,  Facotry  authorized 
Kenwood  Service  Center.  ELEC- 
TRONIC CENTER,  INC,  2809  Ross 
Ave.,  Dallas  TX  75201.  (214)  969- 
1936,  Circle  Reader  Service  74  for 
more  information. 

Houston 
Hard  to  find  parts,  surplus  electronics. 
Standard  line  items,  Hams,  hobbyists, 
industrial  professionals — from  nuts  & 
bolts  to  laser  diodes. . . Electronically 
speaking,  Gateway's  got  it!  M-F  9- 
5;30.  Sat.  9-5.  GATEWAY  ELEC- 
TRONICS, 9890  Westpafk  Drive, 
Houston  TX  77063.  (713)  978-6575, 


DEALERS:  Your  company  name  and  message  can  contain  up  to  SO  words  for 
as  little  as  S420  yearly  (prepaid),  or  S2 10  for  six  months  (prepaid).  No  mention 
of  mall-order  business  please.  Directory  text  artd  payment  must  reach  us  60 
days  in  advance  of  publication.  For  example,  advertising  for  the  April  '91 
Issue  must  be  in  our  hands  by  February  1  st.  Mail  to  73  Amsteur  Radio  Todsy^ 
Box  276,  Forest  Road,  Hancock  NH  03449. 


CABLE  T- V.  CONVERTERS 

JerroW™.  Oak,  Scientific  Atlantic,  Zenith,  & 
many  others,  "New"  MTS  stereo  add-on: 
mute  &  volume.  Ideal  for  400  &  450  owners. 


1-800-826-7623 

B&BINC. 

4030  Beay-D'Rue  Dnve,  Eagan  MN  55122 


CIRCLE  21  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


NEW  ONLINE  CALL  DIRECTORY 

Our  new  HAMCALL  service  gives  you 
494,114+ Hams,  via  your  computer 
S29  95  per  year  —  unUm»te<J  use* 


BUCKMASTER  PUBLISHING 

Mmerat  Virgrnia  23117 
703:  8^*5777         800:  282-5628 


Radio  Direction  Finder 


J 


CIRCLE  170  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Silent  Solar  Power 


The  Sll^.5?:  Bullfi  RsseJ  QRV  Solar  Po^cr  Supply  tii^pi  your 
repcfli^r  on  tJie  *tr  'row&ij  rlie cJ^ct  or  (Ktwcn  ytmr  iCOw  HF'  station' 

1  6n  tm  a  manilt.  Control  ciccviT  sp«ed»  chaigc.'  protects  gel  gelU  j; 

lic^U-i  bj!vni:i^,  Fullv  aj.s«mb|>hL  QF^t  E^^ffJbk.  EAnlv  espanJt4.J 

(8^1)573-8425  ~|0ri     "  r      PrjvoUT^4605 

CiRCLE  236  ON  REAOER  SERVICE  CARO 


The   SuperDF 

Ttit  Ideal  POt^  ir>eitpensiye  kits  and  assemble 
units  for  trse  On-foct.  f*toDile,  or  B^e.  100  to 
550  nm  wttn  2  antennas  Flrvd  stuck 

transmit  ten,  stolen  radios,  SntcTfcrerice 
sources         NOF^-ambiguDus  Ho    overload 

use  with  UlsTTOOlFiED  Hi.  SCANNER,  or 
TRANSCEIVER  No  attenuator  or  "S"  meter 

needed  OF  signals  below  t^e  not^e  OF 
short  signals  Multipath  errors  cancel  wi^ile 
mobile-in-motion  Used  oy  FCC,  State  Depl, 
US  Army,  State  of  Calif,,  Los  Angeles  Comty 
Easy  maintenance  Complete  Documentation. 
For  details  send  long  SASE  lo; 
SMG  Engrneenng.  Dept  7,  9935  Garibaldi. 
Temple  City,  Calif.  9t7eo,  USA. 


1-800-666-0908 


0«>H  iHW  tend  v«lu# 

DJ-1?0T-DJ  llWr  i  4BDT»DJaOGT 
'NtW  DL>-et«OT  3 win  BiirHj  "NEW" 


AUNCO 


H-iltfTJlBI 


•0#Mf 


DR- nOT  A  <i  TOT^Dfi.  1 1  at  (Mewi 

Dn-aiBT-&fl-57ur*&n-Miijr  jNf  wj 


LOW  DISCOUNT  PRICES  -  FULL  LINE  OF  ACCESSORIES 


LENTINI COMMUNICA  TIONS 

21  Garfield  St.,  Newington.  CT 061 1 1 

New  ei|llipment  pricing  and  orders  1-800-666-0908  Out  of  State. 

Tech  questions,  used  gear,  info  203-666-6227 

We  carry  most  major  brands.  WE  SHIP  UPS 


Hours:  Mon-Fri.  10-^  Sat.  10-4 


H 


C.O.D.S  WELCOME 


CmCLE  234  0»ii  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Check  prices,  then  cal!  us.  We  are  competitive  with  all  the 
big  boys,  and  offer  same  day  shipping  on  items  in  stock. 
Use  our  toll-free  lines. 

Trade?  Yes,  we  give  the  highest  trade-ins  for  clean,  sale- 
able equipment.  Call  for  quotes. 

ASTRO N/M FJ/AR R L7Nye  Viking/MIRAGE/ 

KENWOODA'AESU/Cushcraft/Larsen  Antennas/ 
AIVtECO/ICOM/BencherJnc./SONY/HUSTLER 

1-800-441-0145  (IN  TEXAS)  1-800-527-2156  •  ask  for  Ham  Dept, 


electronic  center,  inc 

BOSS  AT  CENTRAL  EXPRESSWAY,  DALLAS,  TX  75201 


CIRCLE  133  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


MODEL  PP*256 


PRWTFfl  dUFFEfl  FOR 

ALL  AMtCA  COUPUTEFS 

FASTER  PRiNJtt^  OUTft/n 

CLfTS  GRAPHICS 

PRJNT]NGTIME8V70% 

$149.95 

AME^^ICAE^  MADE 


fiarJU  COMMODORES  i 

AMfOAS 

CONNECT  3  DEVICES  TO 
OftE  PORTA  SELECT  with 

$29.95 


DUAL  swrrcHiia  FAN 

aX)L£D  T5Q  WATTPOWFR 

BJFPVf  Fv  AMIGA  500, 

WU.  POWER  SHARD 

ofiaoi^pYDfiives! 
$129,95 


LIFETIME  WARRANTY 

HEAVY  DUTY 

POWER  SUPPtY 

AMERICAN  MADE 
MW.70l(C-64}    W9.fS 
MW'7QS(C-13Q)  $e§M 
HW-738tA5C0]Sl29JS 


CALL  YOUR  DEALER  OR  MICRO  R&D  NOW* 

30e-745-»243    FAX308'74&^1246 
137  NO.  7th  ST,.  LOUP  CITY,  NEBRASKA  68^3 


CIRCLE  1 19  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


™    AMIGA  CO 
C*  CHIPS-PARTS 


mmodore  ™ 


-UPGRADES 


o 


B52t)-CrA 


I  17.95 
SCALL 
$  3S9S 

1235 

f5  95 
12  25 


mitcMp  pkJv  and  wnplt  10  nwi 


6526ACIA 

f  1£.25 

2&6i*«0NS 

t    845 

A50(B12KUpflfulDflem 

E  E53i 

A$4X)HV^P»VPthMrStitpply 

*  efl.« 

ASDQO  HV/DDY  Rnw  Strpply 

I1475C 

A500*i;ffytir»rd 

%m59 

42000  KflytoMQ 

$I14.K 

HfpoviivAMm 

tmM 

*i\QO0$aFm$llmm 

taas 

»SoaSeniKmt»mmi 

t3&3 

Ksms0fw€;§mf*m 

t«J6 

iwivie^nsimm 

i*JS 

p%»tfp% 


WW 
la  miv  43060 


£M1 


•  *  •  REPAIRABLE  C64  •  •  * 

COMMODOUE  POWER  SUPPLY 
Heftvy  dury  «x*ct  reptft^KnerU  for  Coomociorv  04  com* 
putars.  Ej[C*liftn!  for  Pacfcst  Ra^io,"  1  ytiir  «FVrtfiCy, 
evtomii  tUM,  t  A  amp  output.  UL  approvwl,  njm  cool, 
highqusliTy.  E«arap«ftnefattsrTi«nsHp.  ir>cludMiich»mat> 
Ic  OvBf  S^  0<  "M"  tttHmPS  ar«  di>ii  le  pc)w*f  supply 


tnaifuncBwii? 
Introductofy  firte*  ol 


$24.95 


(pIttfUPS.J. 


Tbe 


Send  for  our  FREE  catalog. 


GRAPEVINE 
GROUP 

Inc. 


3  CHESTNUT  ST. 
SUFFREN.NY  10901 

FAX914-3S7*fi243        914^57-2434        •00'^2<744S 

DeaJer  PHcei  «vall«|»(e.    ^B^V    f  j  OUR  lOTH 

Prices  sublet  io  change  ilSHg    [*■  **")       yci^j^ 


CIRCLE  192  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


SCARED  OF  THE  CODE? 


rr  s  A  SNAP  wnn  ggte 

MORSE  TUTOR,  TWE  CHOICE 

OF  THOUSAPiDS  OF  HAMS  t± 

FROSPECnVE  HAMS,  PRAISED 

FN  aST.  73  AKO  WORLD  RADIOI 

LEARIU  IN  JUST  12  EASY  LESSONS1 


^'^'^h 


■a"^ 


O^ 


^o 


FEATlifiE3  OF  THIS  UNJOilE  PACKI^OE  INCLUDE; 

■C^oct*  apftH  from  t  to  ovef  1 0Q  WPM 

■Slandart^  Of  FiunawOrth  madfl» 

■Ac^uttabli' lOfi*  I^VQU^ncy 

■Ovvr  a  tnWWon  r»fH*oi«  c^xrversaf  tons 

■  Lefter^,  nuFtibem.  p>unc:tuat<o«^  arKJ  p/o  feigi^t 

■  RAfKkftm  chiir«ct«ra  &  words  for  eacfi  iMMOtl 

■  DrfipK^ay  tort  while  lesioning  or  atigf  copyiAO 
■All  paramflter9  r^fnem&ered  berween  sBssKma 

■  PflramelBF^  p^B.^^^heno^H  wh^n  desired 


For  F>D<D03^M5-005  compulers    AvnUabJo  ai  deal- 
ers, thru  OST  OF  73  or  &end  S19-9&  fo^  ^.^^  <}r-  $2i  dS 
tora^S"  +  $^  SAH  (CA  ro^Jdents  add  6^  Tan)  to: 
■QGXELpO-&PJLSlQ5^JSIgwpgjigeacjiLC  A  9^658 


1 


CIRCLE  193  DN  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Carote  Perry  W82MaP 

Media  Mentors,  fnc. 

PO  Bom  13164$ 

Siamn  Isiand  NY  J0313W06 

73  from  72 

TTie  melodious  sound  of  "73  fronn  72*' 
hes  become  famifiaron  28.303  MHz  every 
Tuesday  and  Thursday  a1 12:30  p.m.  EST 
Gordon  West  WB6N0A  and  I  began  The 
CO  All  Schools  Net  two  years  ago  in  re- 
sponse to  the  ARRL's  challenge  to  get 
more  school  kids  exposed  to  the  airwaves. 

I  open  ihe  Net  as  the  East  Coast  Net 
Control  from  Intermediate  School  72  in 
Staten  Island,  New  York.  With  over  400 
youngsters  a  term  taking  my  course,  "to* 
IfOduciion  to  Amateur  Radio/'  we  felt  that 
the  Net  provided  a  great  opportunity  to 
involve  our  students  with  other  schools 
across  ttie  country.  Neither  Gordon  nor  ( 
realised  that  there  were  so  many  schools 
with  access  to  ham  radio.  We  were  also 
delighted  lo  receive  letters  from  many 
teachers  who  we^e  listening  to  us  wiih 
SWLca|>abtlfties.  Irt  many  cases,  listening 
10  the  othet  children  on  the  Net  was  the 
molivaiion  fof  these  classes  to  gtt  irv 
votvedinhamradK). 

Either  Gofdofl  or  Joe  N6CftX  is  Wesi 
Goest  Net  Control,  inviting  schtoo^s  across 
Amenca  to  check  In  with  us .  So  ma  n y  won* 
dftfful  hams  t^ave  been  supportive  by  act* 
tng  as  relays  during  efratic  conditiorts  on 
Ihe  10  meter  band^  We  ctiose  10  meters  so 
that  all  Novices  would  feel  welcome  to  join 
us. 

Benefits  of  the  Net 

As  any  good  salesperson  can  teil  you^ 
it's  important  that  your  customers  (m  this 
Case,  studenis)  expenence  a  relevance  to 
their  lives  when  you're  trying  to  sell  them 
on  an  Idea  The  t»enetits  of  getting  young 
people  on  the  air  talking  to  other  young- 
sters are  readily  observable.  Classes 
speaking  with  oitier  classes  in  different 
parts  ol  the  work)  verifies  that  it's  OK  to 
have  fun  in  school  and  on  the  ham  radio. 

Speaking  with  their  peers  gives  the  chil- 
dren a  chance  lo  discuss  matters  oi  muiu* 
af  interest  m  addition  to  ham  radio.  In* 
evitably,  Inendships  begin  to  form 
between  the  students  at  ditferent  schools. 
We  began  some  toliow-up  activities  which 
added  ii>credib^e  enrichment  to  our  radio 
experiences.  We'd  like  to  share  some  of 
these  «deas  with  other  instructors  who  are 
concerned  with  keeping  the  interest  level 
high. 

One  of  the  immediate  benefits  of  enrich- 
ment activities  is  that  every  siudeni  can 
pursue  his  own  particular  interest  at  his 
own  speed.  Remember  that  in  a  regular 
classroom,  ham  radio  should  be  used  as 
the  vehicle  to  motivate  learning  and  to 
sti m u late  creat  i v ily  i n  a II  ot h er  areas  of  the 
school's  curricula. 

Extras  and  Enrichments 
A  pen-pat  exchange  is  usually  the  fust 


Number  16  on  your  Feedback  eaftJ 

involved  with  the  exchange  to  see  what  a 
school  in  another  part  of  the  country  was 

mW[^9^     B^r  f  m  tfV    ^^Hi#l'^^^9         ^^^^  several  months  of  wonderlut  e%- 

changes  of  letters,  pictures,  videos,  and 

"skeds."  Bob  and  I  decided  to  share  our 
experience  with  other  inslructors.  The  fol- 
lowing IS  an  excerpt  from  Bob's  writings 
on  our  coasl4ocoast  connectKjn, 


Recently,  we  spoke  with  Ban^  KB6RAA,  a 
teacher  in  Los  Angeles,  California.  Tfie 
kids  in  hts  class  t>ad  recently  expenenced 
a  minor  earthquake.  What  a  drfference  it 
ntade  to  be  aWe  to  sp^k  directly  to  chil- 
dren who  cou^  tell  us  what  the  earth- 
quake fett  like  from  a  chitd's  perspective. 
My  students  were  able  to  ask,  'Was  ft 
scary^  Oid  you  go  home  or  slay  If*  school 
when  the  earthquake  hit?  What  precau- 
tions do  the  schools  in  your  part  ot  the 
country  take?''  II  was  absolutely  fascinate 
ing[ 

The  Net  has  provided  some  real 
firsthand  current  events  lessons  tor  us. 
Many  ot  the  children  in  Barry's  class  ex- 
changed letters  with  my  classes,  It  was 


From  Sob  Jost  AA6AQ 

Amateur  radio  in  fhe  ciASsroom  has 
sparkBda  unique  partners^tp  i^etwetn  tha 
students  at  tntermediate  School  72  in 
Staten  isiEand.  New  Yofk,  and  Manchester 
GATE  Bfementary  Schoci  m  Fresno.  Ceii- 
iomm.  These  two  schoais  at  opposites 
ends  oi  the  country  have  been  meeting  on 
The  CO  M  Schools  Net  {2&,303  MHz) 
Tuesdays  and  Thursdays  at  t730  UTC, 
exchanging  video-taped  school  tours  end 
writing  pen-pal  tetters 

For  the  sixth  grade  students  at 
Manchester  GATE  (a  Gifted  and  Taisnted 


Photo.  The  children  dtd  projects  on  earthquakes  as  a  resuit  Of  cur  contact  with 
Barry's  Class  in  Los  Angeles. 


follow- up  to  some  really  good  OSOs. 

7$  Amateur  Radio  Today  ■  December,  1990 


interesting  to  compare  the  newspaper 
coverage  in  their  local  Los  Angeles  papers 
with  what  we  were  reading  on  the  East 
Coast  We  had  some  real  thought-provok- 
sng  discussions  in  class  about  media  cov- 
erage of  disasters  that  we  had  been  able 
to  monitor  ourselves  in  cfass  on  the  radio 

The  next  step  was  to  encourage  Ihe  pen 
pials  to  make  their  own  arrarvgements  to 
speak  With  each  other  on  the  air  Any 
teacher  woukl  be  thrilled  to  see  the  excite- 
ment that  these  "skeds"  generate  m  the 
classroom.  So  many  excellent  communi- 
cations skills  come  out  o1  these  foltows^p 
adivities  that  they  really  quality  as  leairv 
ingatitst>est. 

Another  terrific  foitow-up  activity  we  do 
with  some  of  the  schools  we've  contacted 
is  to  exchange  videos.  We  recently 
videotaped  a  tour  of  our  school  in  Staten 
Island,  showing  the  different  types  of 
classes  and  what  the  building  and  the  sur- 
rounding community  look  like.  Each  child 
got  on  Ihe  tape  and  inlrodLiced  him  or  her* 
self  and  told  something  about  their  hob- 
bies and  likes  and  dislikes.  We  sent  the 
tape  to  the  Manchester  Elementary 
School  in  Fresno,  California,  where  we 
had  made  contact  with  the  teacher,  Bob 
Jost  AA6AQ,  In  return  we  received  a  copy 
of  the  video  that  his  students  made  lor  us. 
It  was  entigfitentng  for  all  the  youngsters 


Education  magnet  school  in  the  Fresno 
Unified  School  District)  and  me.  it  started 
when  we  heard  through  tha  ham 
grapevine  that  WB2MGP  and  the  kids 
from  IS.  72  were  reguiarfy  getting  on  W 
meters  to  chat  with  hams  atl  over  the 
world.  Several  times  during  the  fall  guar- 
ler.  we  tried  unsuccessfully  to  check  into 
the  Net.  Then  on  January  23.  f990Jthap^ 
pened.  We  met  Carole,  and  the  kids  had  a 
great  BO-minute  QSO.  We  promptly 
matted  a  QSL  card  and  a  list  of  dass  mem- 
bers. When  a  QSL  card  from  New  York 
arrived  in  FresDO.  tt  created  quite  a  stir. 
Several  days  later  we  met  on  the  atr  agmn. 
and  as  we  concluded  our  chat.  Carole 
cryptically  told  the  class,  ' '  You  "re  going  to 
iike  what  we  're  sending  you*" 

Students  at  Manchester  impatiently 
checked  the  mail  every  day  to  see  if  the 
"mystery  from  Staten  Island  'had  arrived. 
After  several  days  of  disappointments, 
a  thick  package  arrived  at  my  home.  The 
first  item  of  business  the  following  school 
day  was  the  viewing  of  a  wonderful  videO' 
taped  tour  ot  iS.  72  led  by  several  stu- 
dents^  The  tape  concluded  with  Carole's 
cfass  members  introducing  themselves.  A 
lively  discussion  ot  the  simtlanttes  and 
differences  between  the  two  schools 
and  the  kids  with  the  "strange  accents" 
fottowed. 


The  students  in  Room  2f  qukkty  voted 
to  write  letters  to  their  new  pen  pais  and  to 
produce  a  video-taped  tour  of  our  school. 
An  exciting  day  ot  deciding  what  to  fiimt 
planning  camera  angles,  and  scnphm^ting 
fottpwed.  We  decided  to  start  with  anottier 
CQ  Atl  Schools  Net  cor^tact  with 
WB2MGP.  Conditions  on  W  meters  were 
dismal,  but  Jack  N5PSJ  in  Friendwood, 
Texas,  was  able  to  copy  both  Califomta 
and  New  York.  As  tie  swung  Ins  beam 
back  and  fcrfh  i?efween  the  EMt  and  Wesf 
Coast,  Jack  refayed  the  message  ttrnt  the 
videotape  from  New  York  fiad  arnved  in 
C^Woma.  and  that  as  we  spoke,  we  were 
filming  the  Fresno  video. 

Most  Of  f^bruary  15,  199&,  was  ^>ent 
touring  the  school  and  filming  the  sights  at 
Manchester  GATE.  The  whole  school  was 
buzzing  about  "the  kids  in  New  York," 
and  several  other  classes  asked  to  see  the 
Staten  Island  video.  Students  in  Room  it 
concluded  the  tape  with  each  class  mem- 
tier  presenting  a  short  monologue  intro- 
ducing themselves  to  IS.  72,  After  some 
editing  (the  original  tape  was  Over  90  min- 
utes long},  the  final  copy  was  mailed  along 
with  the  ftrst  batch  of  pen  pal  letters. 

i  established  a  marginal  contact  with 
WB2MGP  on  February  20  and  several  stu- 
dents managed  to  say  hello  to  tfteir  new 
friends  before  fading  stgnais  ended  the 
Q$0.  Tfien  on  February  27,  Carote  came 
right  back  i^m^  we  called  Tfie  VH^otape 
had  arrived*  Sixth  graders  crowded 
around  the  radio  in  the  back  of  the  Ctas$- 
room  to  ^k  to  equally  exated  New  York' 
ers.  The  per^pat  fetters  began  amving 
once  or  twice  a  week  Dehghfed  kids 
claimed  their  personally  addressed  letters 
or  vied  for  the  ones  addressed  to  ^"any 
sixth  grade  boy/girt''  or  "aomeww  who 
tikes  The  N&¥  Kids  on  the  Block'  "  or 
'someone  into  martial  arts.^*  Return  fet- 
ters came  bacA  regularly.  Some  students 
bypassed  the  school  mail  and  exchanged 
letters  and  photographs  directly. 

As  the  school  year  progressed^  extend- 
ed QSOs  between  WB2MGP  and  myself 
found  the  students  talking  about  a  variety 
of  topics  ranging  from  their  favorite  music 
groups  and  sports  teams,  the  weather, 
school  dress  codes,  after^school  activi- 
ties, homework,  and  all  the  other  topics 
intermediate  grade  students  find  interest- 
ing. The  students  at  Manchester  reguiarfy 
remind  me  when  it's  ttme  to  listen  for 
WB2MGP.  The  tetters  may  have  sl&wed 
down  a  bit,  but  the  interest  in  amateur  ra* 
dio  and  the  excitement  of  talking  to  some- 
one on  the  other  Side  of  the  contityent  re- 
mains. Students  m  the  ahef-schoot  Ham 
fliadio  Club  at  Manchester  GATE  School 
are  wortmg  on  getting  thetr  own  tickeis, 
like  ''those  kids  in  New  York. " 

Station  de^is:  Bob  Jast  AA6QA,  Room 
2t,  t^anchester  GATE  School;  2305  E 
Dakota,  Fresno  CA  9372S.  {209}  44  f^ 
6747.  Or  5055  E.  Hedges,  Fresno  CA 

93727  {209}  255-9553. 

Listen  for  Us 

Many  interesling  and  friendly  ham  radio 
operators  have  checked  Into  the  Net  to 
encourage  the  children  to  get  involved 
with  ham  radio.  Their  spirit  and  enthusi- 
asm are  contagious  over  the  ainvaves 
right  into  the  classroom. 

Please  join  us  on  The  CQ  All  Schools 
Net  and  help  us  to  show  young  people  all 
that  IS  exciting  and  stimulating  in  amateur 
radio, 


EVERY  ISSUE 
of  7J 

on  microfiche  I 

The  entire  run  of  73  from  October,  1960 
through  last  year  is  available, 

You  can  have  access  to  the  treasures  of 
73  without  several  hundred  pounds  of 
bulky  back  issues.  Our  24x  fiche  have  98 
pages  each  and  wfll  fit  in  a  card  file  on 
your  desk. 

We  offer  a  battery  operated  hand  hefd 
viewer  for  $75.  and  a  desk  model  for 
$220.  Ubraries  have  these  readers. 

The  collection  of  over  600  mfcrofiche.  is 
availabJe  as  an  entrre  set,  Cno  partial  sets) 
for  S25Q  plus  $5  for  shipping  (USAJ. 
Annual  updates  available  for  $l  0. 

Your  fulf  satisfaction  is  guaranteed  or 
your  money  back.  Visa/MC  accepted. 

BUCKMASTER 

PUBLISHING 

"Whitehall" 

Route  3,  Route  56 

Minerat,  Virginia  231 1 7 

703-894-5777 
800-282-5628 


J 


CIRCLE  16d  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


HAM  STATION 


P.O.  Box  6522 

220  N.  Fulton  Ave. 

EvansvilleJN  47719  0522 

Store  Hours 

M0N-FR1:8AM>SPM 

SAT:  9  AM -3  PM 

CENTRALTIME 

SEND  A  SELF  ADDRESSED  STAMf^ED 

(S0«)  ENVELOPE  (SASE)  FOR  NEW  AND 

USED  EQUIPMENT  SHEETS. 

WARRANTY  SERVtCE  CENTIH  FOR: 
\QQm,  YAESU,  TEN-TEC 

FOR  SERVICE  INFORMATION  CALL 

(812)  422-4253 

FAX  81 2. 42 2  4253 

MONDAY -FRIDAY 


New  AOR 
Receiver 


2016  Channels. 
1  MHz  to  1500  MHz 


AP2500 

1  Dial  l>iice.  Ffeighl  Repaid  (Ezpres;  Shipfzng:  Opbonol) 

$499 

•  ContEnuous  aoveiage 

■  AM  FM.  wide  bond  FM.  S^  BFOkvSSB.  CW 

■  64  Soon  Banks. 

•  16  Search  Banks 

•  KS232  port  buHt  in 

•  25  Day  Sotlslciction  QjOKiriJw, 
Full  reiund  U  not  Satisfied. 

»  Includes  AC/TXT  power  cord.  Antenna  and 
Mounting  Baicket 

•  Size:  2  1/4"H  K  5  5/8-W  x  6  1  /TTD  Wt  lib 


COMMUNiCAriONS 
10707  £.  106!h  St  Flshari,  IN  46038 

Ton  Free  800-445-7717 

Visa  and.  MasterCard 

(COD  slightlv  htgherj 

In  Indiana  3]  7-849-2570  Collecl    FAX  (3l7>e49-a7'?4 


KENWOOD 

?COM 


1-800-231-3057 
71 3-729-7300 


1 


CIRCLE  1G4  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


lljl 


Electronics  Supply 

fMmOmED  SINCE  1956 

1 231 OZAVALLA  STREET 
HOUSTON.  TEXAS  7708S 


CIRCLE  25  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


FT-736R 

2  Meter,  70cm,  Optional  50, 
220, 1.2  GHz  Work  Satellites, 
Moonbounce,  Aurora, 
Meteor  Scatter. 


FT-757GXMarkll 

HF  Portability  And  Performance 


FT.iOOO 

Get  The  Competitive  Edge 
This  Contest  Season 
All  Band  HF  Performer 


TERMS: 

Prioes  Ofl  Not  Ittclude  Shipping. 

Prk^e  in6  Availability  Subject  to 

Change  Wiihtiut  Noiici 

Una  Ordors  Shipped  The  Same  Dty 

Zm's  Weii^mt  iS4.at  4>  shipping^ 


■^T^3 


FT-212RH 

Power . . ,  And  More! 
45  Watt,  2  Meter  Mobil© 


FT'411 

2  Meter  HI 
Leads  The  Pack 
With  Industry 
"FIRSTS" 
2  VFO^s,  Bu(ll-ir> 
CTCSS  Pagmg  And 
PL  Encode/Decode 
•  ..PI  us  More 


FT-470 

Dual'Band 

Performance 

Perfected 

2  Meter/70  cm 
With  All  The 
Features  You  Want 


Large  Selection  Call  For  Prices  All  Your  Favorite  Accessories 


ORDERS  & 
PRICE  CHECKS 


800-729-4373 

NATIONWmE  &  CANADA 


LOCAL 

INFORMATION    812-422-0231 


CtRCLE  131  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


4^ 


Ntiinb^i'  1 7  on  youf  Ftedback  card 


Homing  in 


Joe  Moeif  PE  K§OV 
PO  Box  2508 
FuU0mnCA9263$ 

Throw  Your  Voice 

Surprises  are  what  give  competitive 
transmitter  hunting  tts  excitement. 
When  you  set  out  from  the  start  point, 
you  have  no  idea  where  you  will  end  up 
or  how  long  it  will  take  to  get  there. 
Usually,  you  know  nothing  atx>ut  what 
the  fox's  setup  will  look  like.  The  hid- 
den T  could  be  a  bunch  of  gear  in  an 
old  ice  chest,  or  a  riandie-laJkte  in  the 
bustle.  The  antenna  could  be  plainty 
visible  in  the  dear,  or  deverty  camou- 
ffayrBd. 

The  hi<iden  Fs  modulation  seldom 
gives  a  good  clue.  One  Sunday  sfter- 
noori,  t  had  the  hunters  checking  under 
freeway  overpasses  instead  of  in  the 
tranquil  park  where  I  was  located.  All  it 
took  was  some  tape-recorded  speeds 
way  sounds  playing  in  the  background 
as  I  tafked  to  the  hunters^ 

Things  get  even  more  interesting 
when  the  hunters  drive  up  to  the  hid- 
den operator,  but  Ihe  transmitter  arid 
antenna  are  nowhere  m  sight,  "You 
mean  this  isn'i  the  hidden  T7  We've 
beefi  Itstenirvg  to  you  talking /'  Some 
of  my  favorite  hiding  axperienees 
have  been  times  wher?  1  was  alj^e  to 
watch  ail  the  fun  from  a  nearby  otsser^ 
vaiion  point,  while  talking  to  the 
hunters  through  a  distant  hidden  trans- 
mitter. 

A  dual-band  mobrle  transceiver 
makes  this  easy.  Many  models  such  as 
the  Kenwood  TM -62 1763 1/72 1/731  se- 
ries are  easily  modified  to  serve  as  a 
crossband  repeater.  Set  it  to  transmit 
on  the  2  meter  hunt  frequency,  conceal 
it  with  a  storage  battery  and  antenna  at 


Radio  Direction  Finding 

the  hiding  spot,  and  talk  through  It  on 
the  220  or  440  MHz  band  from  your 
vantage  point. 

Dual-band  hand-helds  can  make 
great  remote  hidden  transmitters,  too. 
On  one  Sunday  afternoon  hunt,  f  put  an 
100 M  IC-32AT  and  a  motorcycle  bat- 
tery down  in  a  sprinkler  hole  along  the 
Santa  Ana  River  bicycle  trait.  I  talked  to 
the  2  meter  hunters  through  the  dual 
bander  via  440  MHz.  It  was  great  fun 
watching  the  hunters  wander  around 
trying  to  figure  out  wheie  the  transmit- 
ter was,  but  there  were  sonve  dose 
calts--a  couple  of  hunters  almost 
stepped  on  the  rig! 

I(  you  try  this  trick,  be  ^ry  careftil  to 
provide  cooling  for  the  radio.  I  wrapped 
the  tC-32AT  m  a  towel  and  put  it  in  a 
plastic  bag  to  protect  it  from  jarnng  and 
moisture.  In  doing  so,  I  gave  it  too 
much  thermal  insulation,  i  was  only 
transmitting  intermittently,  but  by  the 
end  of  the  Inunt,  the  back  of  the  hand- 
held was  hot  enough  to  fry  an  egg! 
(Well,  almost.)  Fortunately,  it  didn't 
fait.  Next  time  Til  be  sure  to  allow  for 
free  air  Flow  and  perhaps  include  a 
small  fan. 

The  Fox  Commander 

Saturday  night  transmitlor  hunts  in 
the  Los  Angeles  area  require  the  hider 
to  transmit  continuously.  Some  hiders 
use  endless  tape  fecordmgs  to  provide 
the  continuous  audio,  but  most  have 
concocted  some  sort  of  tone/iD  box. 
Adding  remote  control  to  either  system 
is  easy  and  provides  a  lot  of  conve- 
nience, 

That  brings  us  to  this  month's  con- 
struction project.  The  Fox  Commander 
is  a  simplet  effective  remote  control 
system  for  your  hidden  T's  push-to-talk 


(PTT)  and  audio.  By  adding  the  circuit 
Shown  In  Rgure  1,  you  can  "throw 
your  voice."  ma  km  9  short  or  long 
transmissions  throu9h  the  concealed 
bunny  using  your  UHF  handheld  or 
mobJIe  rig.  The  Fox  Commander  also 
lets  you  (urn  the  target  transmitter  arid 
Its  audio  ton^  on  and  off  with  the  con- 
trol transmitter's  DTMF  buttons. 

The  heart  of  this  project  ts  a  tiny 
(2^>^''  K  V/2'*}  single-channel  UHF  re- 
ceiver {Photo  A),  Originally  designed 
for  pocket  pagers,  U  has  a  sensitive 
MOSFET  input  dual  conversion  drcuH, 
with  fractional  microvolt  sensitivity  and 
excel  rent  adjacent  channel  rejection.  It 
draws  only  about  10  mA  from  a  +  6  volt 
power  source ■ 

These  surplus  UHF  receivers  are 
available  for  $12.^5  each,  plus  han^ 
dling  charges,,  from  Lynn  Johnson 
Etectronks  (UE),  (Lynn  WA61-NU  has 
quantity  prices  for  larger  orders.)  The 
UIE  receiver  has  no  speaker  oulpyt 
stage,  but  this  isn't  necessary  for  this 
project.  The  audio  output  is  just  the 
right  leveJ  to  drive  subaudible  tone 
(CTCSS)  and  dual-tone  (DTMF)  de- 
coders. 

There  is  atso  no  squelch  on  the  re- 
ceiver, but  using  a  CTCSS  decoder  In- 
stead of  carrier  squelch  makes  your 
control  link  more  secure.  It  also  adds 
immunity  to  squelch  trips  from  inter- 
mod  ar^d  RFl  The  MC3357  IF  chip  in 
the  receiver  has  provisions  for  a  carrier 
squelch,  if  you  are  willing  to  do  some 
miCfO-surgery  to  add  it,  but  I  recom- 
mend the  CTCSS  method  instead. 

Cryslalling  Up 

As  shipped,  the  t_JE  receiver  is 
tuned  up  on  a  454  common-carr^er 
frequency.  The  first  thing  to  do  is  to 
decide  on  your  control  frequency  and 
order  a  crystal  (XI).  Hams  can  legally 
do  controlling  anywhere  in  the  420- 
450  MHz  band,  e^tcept  in  the  431^33 
and  432-435  MHz  segments. 

Choose  a  quiet  frequency  in  keeping 
with  the  band  plan  in  your  area.  A  call 


mc  III  PUT 


w 


Photo  A.  The  matchbox-size  LJE  re- 
ceiver mounts  under  the  afuminum 
cover  pfare  with  adrtes/ve  foam.  Keep 
the  i^id  k>  the  anienna  connector 

SiiOft. 

10  your  UHF  frequency  coordination 
council  may  be  in  order. 

Calculate  the  crystal  frequency  by 
subtracting  the  (F  frequency  (21.4 
MHz)  from  the  receive  frequency,  then 
dividing  by  nine.  For  example,  a 
47.1778  MHz  crystal  sets  the  receiver 
for  446.0  MHz. 


Figure  T.  SchBmatic  diagram  of  the  Fok  Commander. 
50    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


Photo  S.  The  Fox  Commander  circuit 
ffts  easily  inside  the  Un-Mustc  Box.  The 
aiuminum  cover  piste  forms  a  ground 
plane  for  the  UHF  control  antenna. 


Indoor  Antenna  ^om 


Compact 

forAttic^  Apartment,  Motel, &  Portable  Use 


:tit  f  r1nr»  JiJwTi.  ri'irif  ■  rinn~rnril,  juttiI  Tttirg.  it  tmnt' 

WorKaU  blinds  40-10  on  bafti«   t2l^       30-ni    i4it 
Its*  itfvbfrnii&^  ManueJ  incruded    ^^^f^ii       CoilSr ->3;$kh; 

£xifind  Jn  1  mfriuta  Zip  out  of  sigfit  in  ar?  Instant. 

£uid  yiMrONnlroN  »a&ch.  Ordif  Isehhiol*  viSS-B  £5M  ppd  USA 
■7373  OnkrHDt-LiTif.  Far  IkhtnftPCiU  801-373-8425 


MAX  1/4  WAVE  TRI'BAND  WHO*— I 

Get  into  tmpGat&fz  rubbof  ducks  miss 


Extend  \  s&gmeini  Ibr  440, 3  tor  220,  ex  6  tor  2 
imters^  simplG  &  WOtkB  Qr&Sl.  ONLY  $1 2.95 

ex  MO.      MAX  System  ^^ 

MC.VfSA  GttOUNO  PLANE  ANTENT*** 

Chargnby phone  503-281-8892  (igiAa»5% 


tn} 


Send  paymern  \o  Getlular  S&curHy  Gfoiip, 
4  Gerring  Rd .  Gloucesier,  MA  01930 


CIRCLE  90  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


HI-PERFORMANCE  DIPOLES 


*«* 


-^ 


"==^ 


MiS^f 


:^ic: 


Anivi'iHit  III*!  wnrk*  Cuantmi  assiiniFihinl  In  fUur  c**\\n\  Ua^   ca    bdnd  -  4c;yrii« 


3 


11»4fr«HM'ipartBiB«aM4p*iiillTta(ia  inpfHl 

1 8H»  mi  H  Mill  IB  ■■!  ■g*C<h'  i   ^t^tHp    S7-STQSp»d[ 

l-t:lHi««ei^4ttw4iM»4««eltttt^WVla  IT-S  Hp^ 


T«a^^9«4.^3414  B4^  ^^ 


MKssa'ii 


AOOS^A 


CIRCLE  39  ON  RE:ADEI1  SERVICE  CARD 


CIRCLM  127  014  READER  SERVICE  CAR& 


■'^H.^^   NO  TUNERS! 

NORADiALSI 

NO  RESISTORS^ 

NO  COMPROMISE! 

TOUR  EXCELLENT  REVIEWS  JUST 

OONT  HAPPEN  BY  CHANCE 
CALL  US  FOR  A  FREE  CATALOGUE, 

-S««  review  in  Oct.  7J.  1 9SJ      '  Sipt  7J.  1 38a      RUrcfi  12.  iSM 

CO. 


BILALCOIWPANY 

137  ManclhhBSter  Drive 
FlorissAnl  Colorado  SO^tC 


SPY  ON  THE  EARTH 


See  on  your  computer  screen  what  6  US, 
Russian,  and  Japanese  environmental 
satelliles  see.  Learn  data  acquisition  and 
computer  imaging.  Make  money  selling 
acquired  data.  Makes  terrific  science 
project.  We  manufacture  and  sell  all  the 
equipment  you  need. 

In  business  since  1956. 
For  complete  details  dial  our  electronic 
bulletin  board  anytime. 

300^2400  modem,  8  bits,  1  stop, 

no  parity:  (718)  740-3911. 
Voice  8  AM-1PM:  (718)  468-2720- 

Vanguard  Labs,  Hoflis,  NY 


CmCLE  79  ON  R£AO£H  SERVICE  CARD 


C-A-T-S- 


CIRCLE  42  ON  READER  SERVICE  CAHO 


Bolor&,  Paris  anc5  Repair  iiarviice 

ReconfiJilJcning  Large  or  Small 

American  Made  Roiora 


IV[Mil#lC«Xt 


Repairs  $15  00' 

Rebuilds-$3S.OO* 

All  parts  in  stock  for  immedfate  delivery. 

New  units  for  s^Je-  Trade-'n«).  welcome. 

aA,T.S. 

7368  S.R.  105  Pembervillft,  OH434S0 
Cail  N60J  e  at  (4 1 9 )  1 52  -4465        1 0ui-SPti 

'LABOn  ONLY-PARTS S  SNfPPtNG  ADOmONAL 

CmClB  1  le  ON  READER  SERVICE  CAJ^O 


QUICK,  EASY,  &    COMPACT 

Flash  cards  *N0VICE  thru  EXTRA*  theory. Key  wgrda 
ynd«rllDed.  Over  tOQO  $atfi  In  u&e!  For  beginner,  OMs, 
KVLsSfctdS.  


TECNNbClAAL       $10,95 
GfMfftAL  S  3.9S 

ADVANCED         S15,f5 
EXTOA  *t4,4S 

SiHBpnifl  1—3  2.50 
2«nm  — $  i.S^ 
CUUdCHSCOUIfm 


Qrdimr  TcKlayl 
from 


VIS  STUDY  CARDS 
P.O.  BOX  16646 
HATTIESBURG.  MS  33402 


CIRCLE  104  ON  i^EADBI  S^TVICE  CARD 


Two  Meter  Special 


MoMRlalfkn:  45  m^tt.  &  ft^,  132-150  MHz.  Drwig  lint  Only.  570 

CEEiwlL  138-155  MHl  40  w^Orai>efUnrtQn>if.CTmeii:wgigF 
Scan  Acoesiones,  %^  25  eacfi, 

C££»eQ:  42^50  MKi.  50  watt.  Prayer  UrvitOfOv.  S65  &ch.  wtH  accss- 
scRygfmip;Sl35e8ct!, 

GECenmry  DH .  Z  or  6  Freq.  25  watt  .136-155/148-174: 190  sadi. 

Slmdsrd  HX-300poriablMi  t3e-1 44  MHz:  399  eacK 

CALl  QK  WHITEPOX  ClfflHCHT  riYER. 

ALL  SALES  "WSH"  OR  "CERTJFIED  FUNDS- SHIPPED  B¥  UPS. 

C.W,  WOLFE  COMMUNlCAnONS.  IHC. 

II 3  Central  AvtnuQ 

*  FAX  *  FAX  *  FAX  * 

C4063 252-961 7 

•  TELEPHONE  *TELEPHONE  * 
(406)  252-9220 


1 
I 


CIRCLE  20  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


PacComm  Presents more  packet  enjoyment 


The   HandiPacket 

Heavy  Duty  Portable  Packet  Controller 


p»iv^*w<'toifM>w*<gB^Miii  i>i'  f  n'nW  <lrt^l^f^>;ft{Wftw^ft'i<HWrtrt*awftMr^»w^5rt^Jir^»>T»^^l?l^^  m*  <H*iti^«i'f^vii,Fy>fiyi,ifr^vw^y^i!r£'^>ni^^  ywwvw^wy 


-  Shirt  Pocket  Size  -  Only  L28  x  2,55  x  4,15  inches 
- 10  hour  built-in  battery  pack 

-  All  metal  case  for  strength  and  low  noise 

-  Open  Squelch  DCD 

-  Personal  Message  System,  32k  RAM 

-  Belt  clip  J  mounting  strap,  radio  and  computer 
cables,  batterv  charger  included. 

Only  $229.95 


■riiiiff>>>'iiVB~dViV|VBTrtfii~tfririn~i^iTJiiTrin  ViiJBiH^p^iff^ih^iMi^rtJ^f^^^  i  d    rf      ' 


■  ^aiHWPPUP  ^i^fH^^F  ■  VP^iV  ^^^ftiUMW  ■  ■^11*  ■    rt^llli>|lll^M^Wl^iMi***^^pJ 


The   TINY-2PLUS 

The  popular  TINY-2  with: 

-  Up  to  4  EPROMS ,  switch  or  software  selectable 

-  Up  to  1/2  megabyte  of  batteiy  backed  RAM 

-  Improved  Personal  Message  System 

-  Open  Squelch  DCD 

-  Hardw  are  clock 

-  RS'B2  Activity  UEDS 

-  Firmware  allows  over-the-air  programming 

-  Existing  TINY-2  and  MICROPO  WER-2  are 
upgradeable. 

$229.95  complete     (Upgrade  $109.95) 


■ 


EPRQW  ]       Z       J      4 

O  o  o  o  o 

Tmy-l  O     O      O 

PlU3  EKO        FTT        STA 


O 

COM 


EMS   PMS  RXD    D(D 

O    O      o      O    O 
RESET      Q 

O 


ON 

PacComm 


lHWW«*WIWmWy>W<WMftWWWWNHW^^^<>ni)h|lrtM|l<W** 


PacComm  Packet  Radio  Systems,  Inc., 
3652  W.  Cypress  St,  Tampa,  FL  33607 

Orders:  (800)  223-3511    [in  FL  (813)  874-2980)] 
Technical:  (813)  875-6417 


Europe:  Europdata  Systems,  Antwerp,  Belgium 
Latin  America:  PacComm  LA,  San  Jose,  Costa  Rica 

Australia:  Blamac  Pty  Ltd,  Coomba,  NSW 
New  Zealand:  Ryel  Electronics,  Christchurch 
Japan:  Ueda  Musen,  Osaka 


'.■.fJ,VJ.i.A>.i. 


^^^^fii^mf^^f^^^;^:^ 


CmCLf  1 52  ON  READE1?  SERVICE  CARD 


73  Amsteur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     51 


QUEMENT  ELECTRONICS 


LARSEN  •  MFI  •CUSHCRAFT  •  BUTTERNUT  'P ALOMAR 
KANTRONICS  •  GORDEN  WEST  «  AMIDON  •ALPHA  DELTA 
VAN  GORDON  •  KLM  'TELEX/HYGAIN  •  RF  CONCEPTS 


YAESU  FT-747GX 

•HP  All  Mode  Mobile/Base 

Call  For  NEW  LOW  PRICE! 


ICOM 


•270  Mhz 
Transceiver 
with  FREE 
BP82 


SOUTH  BAY'S  LARGEST  AMATEUR  DEPARTMENT 
Serving  The  Area  For  58  Years! 

Ham  Magazines  •  Technical  Books  •  Test  Materials  &  Info 


VIBROPLEX     •     NYE     VIKING     •     AMECO     •ALINCO 
AEA  •  ARRL  •   BENCHER  •  CENTURIAN  •   HUSTLER 


McnrsfOBtt 


r^nnntTi-ia 


Shop  Mon-Sat9  AM-6PM 
(408)  998-5900  •  Closed  Sunday 


1000  S.  Bascom  •  San  Jose,  CA  95128 


CtffCLE  1 33  ON  f%EAO€fl  S€ltV1CE  CAAO 


Number  22  on  your  Feedback  c^ard 


FECIAL  EVENTS 

Ham  Doings  Around  the  World 


DECI 


APACHE  JUtyCTlON,  AZ  Ta^  Syperslrllon 
ARC  wit!  spofVSOt  0  K^tnitr?!  ai  !t>B  R^M  Rod«0 
Grounds  irom  7  AM-£:30  P1U  AdMirssion  Si, 
sales  spatx  S3  TsMt-tfi  on  147  tgf  7^  OommcA 

FAmSAULT ,  WN  TTw  afinual  Coupage  Cemm 
WWnm  Hamlet  mM  b«  hAJ  81  ItW  Lajfut  Oub. 
Mating  wflti  r^gtuiition  at  9  AM  "Hmm  w«  b«  a 
HancNHam  flqutpAWm  aucliofi.  dirliWr  if  rwOfi 
and  iiro^ram  Taiit'in  on  Vna  1 4&  79  rapMMf  Con- 
(act  Ofjn  f/anj  Irt^RfT.  1114  Rar*  ^i*-.  4/&eff 
L^d  MN  56007 


DEC  2 


HAZEL  PARK.  Ml  TTie  Nazal  Park  ARC  will 
spoflsof  ii3  251  h  annual  Swap  A  Shop  ai  the  Hazd 
Park  Higti  School  from  B  AM-2  PM  Advan^a  ad- 
missiQni  %2,  S3  ai  tn#  dcKi^r  Ttckm  and  talblii  ra«ar~ 
V9t!pn$  by  mail   MP  ARC  ,  PO  Sa*  36*.  Hji/ef 


DEC  21 


VERONA.  NY  Th»  MadiSorvOwidd  AlC  noUS 
VE  Exams,  me  [firid:  F^ncta^  oi  avary  month  it  itw 
MadisorvOneiiJa  BOCES  on  Spnng  Rd  Tlm«:  7 
PM  Technician  fhrou^h  Extra  ctass  lasts  cost 
$4  95  Talk'tn  on  145  37  ConTid  L^CfnJtrd  Pep/- 
Ack  WF2V.  ^315}  853-8974.  Can  also  tM  raachfld 
on  146.79.  145,37,  WF2V^  WA2TVE,  orPOPY- 
A  CK#  TOFB20  RADC  AF  MtL 


PEC  30 


SOUTH  BEND.  lU  Trts  Ftepea^^f  v^iiiry  Ham- 
last  Commidefi  ■*iM  ^t>4d  a  Hamf esi  Swap  &  S^%p 
at  Century  Carrter  on  US  33  Tsbtes  iSiS'  round; 
SlS/ax2.5  red  angular  S20/e  WaM  Ioe«ii0«i«^ 
Tifc4n  on  S2'S2,  99-39.  65^-09=  3*-**,  t4§,29 
Contact  fcVa>4M  M^#ns  K^X(/.  rai9llpMM»diiDr.. 
South8en&m4SSJ6  01^233-5307 


SPECIAL  EVENT  STATIONS 


D&C  1-3 


FLAMmGO.  B.  HieEvsri^todMABCwiBoper- 
^  W4SV1  from  1400£SSL->900Z  Sun  to  CQla< 
braile  th9  43fd  anniversary  ot  Evargiadaa  Naiionaj 
Park  FraquwioesPhone^T  ^30, 14  240.2133(1 
andS837S,CW-7|}30, 14lld0*rid2l  T30  Stfid 
QSt  and  two  urtft)  of  po^agt  for  unfciidsd  cettiii- 
cam  to  EAIIC;  ^O  Sox  I  f  %  MxnatfOBd  R.  ^3090- 
0113 


DEC1S-16 


NEW  JERSEY  Tha  Major  Armstrong  Memorial 
ARC  will  opgrate  W2XMN  S«t  rrqm  1300- 
1S00UTC  and  Sun  from  1900-2200  UTC,  Fe- 
quei^cies.  10  meters  2B.400  h25  kHz  due  lo 
QRM  Special  caniiicates  will  ba  aenl  to  alt  sta- 
lions  making  contaqi  with  us  on  ihoaa  ciays  and 
tim&s  Ploasa  send  a  SASE  iB^^'  x  11  "J  te 
W  A  W  A  P  C  ,  POBojr  5B1.  A^no  HJ 07620. 


DEC  29- J  AN  t 


PASAOENA,  CA  ^rv#  R^it >  Flep«a?#r  ARC 
opfiratv  KE6PE  ?rcT^  T&OOZO-ioaZ,  Sal.  afld 
Sun  ,  (rom  tha  Wngley  Mansiofi.  to  cornmeiiioiatB 
Ihd  l02ri(|Anntv«rsaryoi^diaTouririame^ofRo9p 
es.  ffaquAficiH'  T4.2S0,  21  335  and  2B  4S0.  Ain^ 
ateirs  in  Caifbmia^tevada  can  cofiUd  the  ^a- 
tioft  on  2  maiors  via  iha  cliitu  fspeatcf 
144.0701147  4l0or0f?  220  rtMtts vid  Th#  Gomjo? 
Coflnectkm  For  certificate  send  OSL  and  9  )f  12 
SASE  (50  cents)  lo  Relay  Rep^ster  Club,  PO  Box 
8h  Atcadia  CA  S  JOm-SOiB. 

EVERY  WEDN  E  SD A  Y  N IGHT  TrJvJa  Hei  is  held 
eveiv  Wedntitidav  night  al  7:30  PM  onlJi*  145.17 
and  ^4  ti6t«p«Bti?r3  kicated  m  Rhode  tsiand  Net 
opefators  ftf«  D»/t K>« tBf/Q Biv^LonKAl OCf 

EVERY  THURSDAY  NIGHT  The  RJ  Technical 
Talk  Ro4jnd  Table  giDUp  rrweta  awy  Thursday 
evening  ai  7  PM  on  the  223  Bfl  (KAtPBS  re- 
pmAi&ti  Th«pMrpoa»dfthan«Cisioh«lpameieiM« 
«¥ith  arsvren  to  taclinimiy  ratoed  aJiiacta.  The 
COOrtinatdr  ^ Hie  net  is  MVC  t<A  lEGY- 


Oontimmd  from  pag&  50 

I  ordered  m^  cryst^  from  CaJ  Crys- 
tal >  a  locaf  company,  tf  you  order  fmm 
Cal,  just  gtve  your  receive  frequency 
an^  state  ttrat  ttie  crystal  Is  for  the  Uyrm 
Johnscn  receiver.  Cost  is  $12.50* 
$16.00  postpaid,  depending  on  how 
fast  you  want  rL 

If  you  order  frgm  another  crystal 
company,  give  the  receive  frequency 
and  crystal  frequency,  and  specify  IHC- 
18  holder,  ^QO-size  en  closure,  end  8.5 
pF  toad  capacitance.  Better  yet,  send 
along  with  your  order  the  454  MHz 
crystal  supplied  in  tt^e  receiver.  This 
wilt  hefp  the  manufactufer  make  a 
crystal  that  fits  and  works  perfectly  on 
yoijr  chosen  frequency. 

Wiih  the  crystal  fof  70cm  installed, 
control  range  using  a  6V4 "  whtp  ante  fi- 
ne wilt  be  several  blocks  without  any 
further  tuning  up.  If  you  have  access 
to  a  weak  signal  source  or  a  signal 
generator,  peak  the  RF  and  multiplier 
stages  tor  maximum  sensilivtiy.  UE 
supplies  a  schetnafic  and  parts  layout 
with  your  order  to  help  you  find  the 
tuned  circuits. 

The  TS-32P  CTCSS  decoder 
(^7.95  from  Communicatrons  Spe* 
cialists)  Is  ideal  for  this  project  tiecause 
it  has  a  built-in  audio  filler  10  buffer  the 
received  audio  and  get  rid  of  the  sut>^ 
audible  tone  ahead  of  the  DTMF  de- 
coder circuit.  Before  installing  the  TS- 
32 P,  use  the  supplied  layout  drawing  to 
find  jumper  JU-1  and  cut  it. 

The  SS1-202  DTMF  decoder  IC  is 
fast,  non -falsing,  and  lOleranl  of  audio 
sfipui  level  varialions  Seller  yet,  it  is 
cheap  and  works  with  an  ordinary  TV 
color  t>urst  crystal  {X2),  It's  hard  to 
go  wrong  with  this  circuit  if  you  use 
good  construction  practices,  Put  sock- 
ets en  U2  and  U3«  and  check  the  wir* 
tng  before  plugging  in  the  iCs.  Bypass 
the  U3  Vcc  supply  with  C3  right  at  the 
socket, 

A  7805  or  LM309H  regulator  (U1) 
supplies  +5  volts  for  all  parts  of  the  unit 
excepi  the  TS^2P  and  PTT  control. 
The  UE  receiver  works  fine  at  this 
sligl^tly  reduced  voltage.  Diode  01  pro- 
tects you  from  (he  agony  of  reversing 
the  12  volt  supply  polarity  and  frying 
the  circuit  In  your  haste  to  get  the  fox 
on  the  air.  (I  learned  that  lesson  the 
hard  way.) 

Photo  B  shows  a  typical  tone/ID  box 
with  the  Fox  Commander  installed. 

Unless  you  plan  to  be  a  long  way 
from  the  hidden  station,  a  6V4 "  whip  Is 


adequate  lor  a  control  antenna.  I  nevm 
bother  with  an  etched  board  for  a  sim- 
ple non-RF  project  like  liiis,  since 
poini-to-point  wiring  on  pert  board 
lakes  only  a  few  minules. 

Beep— You're  On 

Operating  the  Fox  Commander  Is 
simple.  Just  key  your  UHF  control 
transmitter  (with  CTCSS  on)  and  you 
are  talking  through  the  hidden  T. 

K1  closes,  overriding  the  tone  box 
audio  with  the  control  receiver  audio. 
K1  opervs  when  you  ynkey  the  control 
link.  Rip-f^op  U2  a/b  controls  the  hid- 
den transmitter*s  PTT.  Key  the  controf 
link  and  press  DTMF  1  to  turn  on  the 
hidden  rig;  press  0  to  turn  it  off. 

Audio  input  can  come  from  a  por- 
table tape  recorder  or  your  favorite 
tone  generator  circuit.  (See;  Moetl  and 
Curlee,  "TheUn-MusicBox/'pp.  193- 
200.  in  Transmitter Hunting^Radio  Di' 
recUon  Finding  Simpfified,  TAB  Books 
#2701 ,  available  from  ''Uncle  Wayne's 
Bookshelf",  and  Morrow,  '*Huni  the 
Auto-Fox*"  in  73  Amatmjr  RadtQ  Ta- 
daft  August  1965,  p,  48.)  Automatic 
CW  identification  is  nice,  but  not  nec- 
wss&xy  if  you  remember  to  identify  your 
hidden  transmitter  by  voice  every  ten 
nynutes  using  the  control  link.  Set  R7 
for  proper  deviation  of  the  repeated 
control  audio,  You  may  need  to  change 
the  value  of  R1  to  equalize  the  levels 
between  your  audio  source  and  the 
control  receiver  output. 

Two  transistors  (01  and  Q2)  Insure 
enough  drive  to  cJose  the  PTT  relays  in 
most  transceivers.  If  hunt  mles  c^ll  for 
regular,  tinned  transmissions,  just  add 
a  circuit  to  cycfe  the  PTT  off  and  on  by 
pulling  the  base  Of  Q2  to  ground. 

U2c  sets  the  flip-flop  to  key  up  the 
hidden  T  automatically  at  power-up. 
This  allows  local  use  of  the  tone  box 
without  the  control  link,  and  assures 
immediate  resumption  of  the  fox's 
transmission  tf  the  battery  connection 
Is  interrupted  momentafily.  It  you 
woutd  prefer  the  unit  to  come  up  in  the 
OFF  mode  ai  power-upt  remove  the 
wires  from  U2-10  to  U2-5  and  U2'1  to 
U2-2.  then  wire  U2*5  to U2-3 and  U2- 1 0 
toU2-1, 

Remoiety  operating  your  rig  will  add 
a  new  dimension  of  fun  to  being  the 
hider,  so  get  started  on  your  Fox  Com- 
mander. My  next  column  will  have 
more  to  say  about  the  perils  and  plea- 
sures of  hiding. 


Parts  Sources 

UHF  Receiver:  Lyilfl  Johnson  Electronics,  P.O.  Box  51 268,  San  Jose  CA 

96 1 51 -1 268;  (458)  274-2534. 

UHF  CrystaJ  (X1):  Cal  Crystal  Lab.  inc..  1142  fi.  GWMTt  St..  Anaheim  CA 
92S01;  (714)  991-1580,  {SOOJ  333-9825. 

CTCSS  Decoder:  Communications  Specialists,  Inc.,  426  W,  Taft  Ave., 
Orange  CA  92666'4296:  (71 4)  998-3021 . 

Small  Parts  (Radio  Shack  Numbers) 
SSI-202  OTMF  Decoder  (U3)  276-1303 

Color  Burst  Crysial  (X2)  276-1310 

5-vOJt  regulator  (Ul )  276-1 770 

Relay  (K1)  275^241 


52    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


r 


WHEN  DOES  ONE  EQUAL  TWO? 

WTfEN  IT'S  A  TAB  MS  FTVf  TRANSCEIVER 

COMMERCIAL  &  MUTEUE  BANDS  IN  ONE  IMT 


•(deal  for  MAPS,  Vol.  Rre, 
EMT,  B'casi  RPU,  Police,  etc. 

*  FulEy  FieJd  ProgramrrabEe 

♦  ^  Channels 

■  True  40  Watt  Power 

•  Extremely  Rugged 


^  yulti  Function  LCD  display 
'  Friquency  Range  1 39-174  or 
43(H0OmH£ 

■FCC  4  DOC  type  accept. 
'  Low  CosSt  OTMF  mike  avafl. 
■  OvefiiJghi  Shipping  Available 


•snipped  Complete  wMke,  Mobile  Siiide  Mouni  &  Power  Caisle 
•BaseStaliOfi  P.S.  Mobite  Aniennas  etc.  in  stock 

O&aler  Inquines  Invited 

AXJVJ  Incorporated 
11791  LoaraSL 

Gardoi  Grove,  CA  92640-2321 

WritftorCaH714-63fl-aa07  fo^  immediate  informatkin 


---'I 


CIRCLE  243  ON  HEADER  SERVICE  CARD 


4t^-¥i*^  PRESENTING  ***** 

TV 
OESCRAMBLERS 

*****   STARRIWG    ***** 

JCRROLD,  HAMUK  OAK 

AND  OTHER  FAMOUS  MANUFACTURERS 

i  f}f<iE^T  WASKAHTY  PPOGRAM  Ali/AiLABLE 

•  lO^ttiT  «ttAIL/WHOLEiALE  fWCfS  IN  US 

•  ORDERS  SHIPPED  FROM  STOCK  WR^HIN  24  HOUR5 

FOR  FREE  CATALOG  ONLY  1-000^345-^27 
FOR  AU  INFORMATION    1-819^70^^9937. 


PACIFIC  CABLE  CO.,  INC. 

7325 1.-^  RESEDA  BLVD..  DEPT  1846 
RESEDA.  CA  91335 


MorseMan  P I  us 


CIRCLE  17a  QH  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


|r^rf«Hr^:nowMhix)rj^^  l&upix>ll;;' llnfiipr^ 

iy^d!  farhsworth  method/ imj^oved  c<iKJlCt»^ 
an  ejcpartdlsd -informatfon  base  and  manfyirr^brj^ 

Jl^  feature! .  ■■■  ^  4^ 

iliiliiiS:v3n^ulfe^  th«:  newccmbr  ^irom; 

l^found  iiBvel  :tp  f3J|*^jrt:  ^n  record  time!  tt  s  an  idi^ 
traiiWr  for  the-  pbt«hilaii  harn^  MorseMan  PMIIi 
|i(^t  fi&r  lidenaed:  *]!ie^  to-  ijip^irade  -  n6 

ri<>ed;li6 "^whl^b^  with  co&e  Upes  or  on  tlifdar j?ra<;i^ 
IJQelviilhari^you  can  use  any  and  all  of 'tl^'^ilM 

cifiHirHiMif   g^  randbni   word    g©neralb|| 

ASCjlM'^il-i^ifieiflfe  ttue.fart^o-m  .calisigWg 

tnie  ranck)m  f  CC^'VEC  typ^  teste  IME  limp  trobk  of 
y<>ur  progress  fs|  wvejl  as  %  rahddm, '  reaJraHc  ori;^ 
jftsi^aif  OSO  simulator  that  soMnlds  jusl  like  Uie 
IhirijIIPtlui^-inrtdihy-^m        more;  options.:: 
^i^i^-i^^  iSMryj  CfPU  IND£P^N0£ii1^ 
TIMING  so  that  you  don i  have  to  livpi|^  ;^ 
.5ettingit|fp«;^ypurcp!Tiputerl;  ^  ;-::(i 

teliki&::;iplhi^^  CW  trainers;^  Morae^Man''  Plus  )f^- 
(Resigned  by  a  CW  jeipelrt  (NE4L)  wh  knows  wf^ejjt 
It  takes  to  get  to  tti^  fiigli  lavei  pf|5r<!)ficien£^.  Other 
|r|in^r$  tfon*t  ^i#en  com^^  close!  ^^^^^^:^i^^^<€A 
sAisfkad  users  ca<i1  b^%irting^)  You  can  g«4:  jIAv^ 
^afifm^:^  for $24.91^  (plua $2.00  s/h)  PLUSii. 

If  you  want  JEo'bcoc^^  h^m,  upgrade,-' or 

Just  enK>y  CW  riienj  iift?^  Is  fbf  you! 

$rve  u$  iicalf  «rt  l^pPrSaSh-zas^  arid  order  ytxinpji 
today/ :  or  c^d^r  frain]! JoMrB^ 


Renaissance  Development 
Box  640  -  Killen  -  AL  -  35645 


CtRCLE  14  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Are  You  Serious 

About  HF  mobile  operation? 
THE 

TEXAS 
BUGCATCHER 

HF  Mobile  Antenna  System 


•  Hi  Q  air-wound  coils 

•  Minimum  SWR— excellent  per- 
formance on  all  HF  bands 

•  Easy  assembly  to  meet  almost  any 
configuration 

^  Fits  standard  3/8-24  SAE  mounts 

•  Various  length  base  masts  & 
whips  available 

Henry  Allen  WB5TYD 
21 4-388-4724  8  am-4  pm  weekdays 
214-527-41 63  evenings  &  weekends 


GLA  Systems 

PO  Box  425 

Caddo  Mills,  TX  75005 


Call  us  for  great  prices 

on  COMET  dual  band 
and  tri-band  antennas. 


CIRCLE  124  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Rob,WA3QLS 


Gail,  KAaiTN 


HF 

FT-1000D 

FT-1000 

FT-767GX 

FT-757GX1I 

FT-747GX 


Base  Stations 

FT-6506nn,  10mJ2m 
FT^736RV/UHF 


Mobiles 

FT-212RH,2m 
FT-712RH,70cm 
FT^912RH,1.2GH2 
FT-4700RHT,  2m/70cm 

Receiver 

FRG-saoo 


HF  Amplifier 


FL-7000 


I 


Paul,  WA3QPX 


Hand  Helds 

FT-23R,  2m 
FT-33R,220MHz 
FT-73R,  70cm 
FT-411,2m 
FT"81 1 ,  70cnn 
FT-911J.2GHZ 
FT-470  2m/70cm 

Celebrating 

Year 


0fK       M  ^^  Our  15th  Y 

71  Meadow  Road,  New  Castte,  Del.  19720  95 Monday-Friday, 9-3 Saturday 

OUU"TrTl  "f  UUO      New  Equipment  Order  and  Pricing 

302-328-7728     Service,  Used  Gear  Information  No  Sales  Tax  in  Delaware!  One  mile  off  !-95 


I 


73  Amat&ur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990    53 


J 


Nyrnber  10  Qfi  your  Feedback  card 


Audio  Powered  Tape 
Recorder  Controller 

Add  convenience  to  your  hamshack. 


by  Gregory  R.  Mclntire  KEOUV 


Have  you  ever  needed  a  device  that 
would  turn  a  tape  recorder  on  and  off 
through  the  presence  or  absence  of  the  audio 
being  recorded?  I  wanted  to  record  the  trans- 
missions from  the  Russian  cosTnonauts  on  2 
meters,  but  1  could  never  be  at  home  when 
they  were  active,  i  needed  just  such  a  device, 
with  a  few  more  requirements.  In  addition  to 
stopping  and  starting  on  its  own,  I  wanted  it  to 
operate  without  external  power.  I  already 
have  too  many  plugs  in  the  wall.  Nor  did  I 
want  10  use  batteries,  since  the  device  would 
be  in  service  for  long  periods  of  time. 

Audio  Activated  Ciretiit 

After  much  trial  and  error  experimenting 
widi  various  types  of  transistors,  T  devised  a 
simple  yet  effective  circuit.  The  finished  de- 
vice is  basically  a  switch  that  will  open  or 
close  any  circuit  {such  as  a  tape  recorder  mo- 
tor supply  line  or  pause  control),  of  up  to  3 
amps  or  up  to  60  volts  (it  mu<it  not  exceed  20 
watts),  by  the  presence  or  absence  of  an  audio 
signal.  It  requires  no  batteries  or  power  sup- 
ply. The  audio  signal  itself  supplies  the  power 
to  operate  this  switch. 

The  actual  switch  is  a  power  MOSFET. 
Although  it  requires  an  extremely  tow 
amount  of  gate  current  for  operation,  it  does 
require  at  least  4  volts  at  the  gate.  Voltage  at 
an  8  ohm  audio  source  is  much  less  than  4 
volts  at  normal  audio  listening  levels.  In  fact, 
I  consider  the  audio  quite  loud  with  a  peak 
voltage  of  only  1.5  volts  across  an  8  ohm 
speaker.  So»  unless  the  audio  source  is  a 
ghetto  blaster  cranked  up  lo  full  volume,  the 
voltage  levei  of  the  audio  must  he  increased  in 
order  for  it  to  turn  the  MOSFET  on. 


Photo  A.  The  recorder  controller  circuit, 
housed  in  a  small  plastic  box,  is  ready  to  be 
hooked  up. 

Increasing  the  Voltage 

An  8  to  1000  ohm  audio  transformer  is  used 
for  two  purposes:  First,  it  presents  an  8  ohm 
load  to  the  audio  source  (such  as  the  external 
speaker  jack  of  a  radio),  and  secondly,  it 
multiplies  the  voltage  several  times.  It  still 
does  not  step  up  the  audio  voltage  enough  at 
low  or  moderate  volume  levels,  though. 
Therefore,  1  used  a  network  of  four  diodes 
and  four  capacitors  to  quadruple  the  voltage 
output  of  the  transformer.  This  reduces  the 
available  current,  but  there  is  still  much  more 
current  than  the  MOSFET  requires. 

Since  using  an  external  speaker  jack  will 
usually  disconnect  the  receiver's  speaker^  1 
included  an  external  speaker  jack  in  this  cir- 
cuit. A  second  jack  supplies  the  actual  audio 
source  for  recording.  Except  for  a  slight  at- 
tenuation of  the  audio,  caused  by  the  resistors 
in  series  with  the  jacks,  this  device  has  no 
effect  on  the  quality  of  the  audio  source. 

Circuit  Operation 

Audio  from  an  8  ohm  source  is  fed  to  the 


B20n 


H\-l  OUTPUT 


-®  1/9"  P 


HOH£  ^ACK 


LO'I   OUTPUT 


®  1/a*  PHOME.  JACK 


ea  TO  I  KO 

AUDIO 
TfiANSFOfiMER 


C2 


E)4 


1 


D1 


Rl 


:c3 


^C4       :; 


IQMEG 


X 


C5 

.05 


-0-4 


[RF5II 


TO  TAPE 

RECORDER 
ON /OFF 
SWITCH 


4  — 


fW'  PHONE  PLUG 


01-04    IN9I4 
CI-C4    O.I^F 


2ENER  IS  AMY  VALUE 
FROM  €  TO  18  VOLTS 


Figure  /,  Schemaric  of  the  audio-powered  tape  recorder  controller. 
54    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


8  ohm  windings  of  a  small  audio  trans- 
former.  The  audio  is  also  connected  to  two 
other  jacks  through  appropriate  resistors, 
to  provide  audio  sources  for  external  speaker 
and/or  tape  recorder  input.  The  output  (high 
impedanee)  windings  of  the  transformer  is 
fed  to  a  *  *diode,  capacitor  voltage  quadrupler 
circuit/'  This  provides  enough  voltage  to 
switch  on  the  power  MOSFET.  A  zener 
diode  is  used  at  the  MOSFET  gate  to  clamp 
the  voltage  to  a  safe  level,  since  a  high  audio 
level  from  the  source  can  be  multipiied  above 
the  maximum  gate  voltage. 

The  output  of  the  MOSFET  (drain  to 
source)  does  not  supply  any  voltage  or  cur-- 
rent,  but  rather  acts  as  a  single-pole,  single- 
throw  switch-  This  switch  opens  and  closes 
the  circuit  of  the  tape  recorder's  motor  via  a 
relay  in  the  tape  recorder  or  via  a  remote 
control  jack  on  the  recorder.  That  iSj  the 


2  im 


V4' 


T(k  TAPE  RECCfflDEA  ON/QFF 
SWITCH  WILL  Switch  UP  TO 
•BOVtlC   AT  3  4MPS  VTItH  AUEQU^TE 
HEif  SINK   GU  P^WEH  MOSFET 


Figure  2.  (a)  PC  board  foil  pattern,  (b)  Parts 
placement. 


AAIA 
SIDEKICK 

ANTENNAS 

144  -  220  -  440  Mhz.  Models 
Dual  Extended  ColHnear  Elements 
Stainless  Elements  and  Hardware 
Side/Top  Mount  Tower  or  Mast 
Excellent  Gain  and  Quality 
Easily  Stacked 
Broadband  ■  Tunable 
SO-239  Feed 
New  Deaign  and  High  Efficiency 

S  79.95 


•  Witii  *N'  Connector  and  Silver 
Plated  Feed  Probe 

$89.95 

Broadcast  Tech.  Services 

11  Walnut  St, 
Marshfield,  Mass,  02050 

617-837-2880 

800-874-2880  Order 

No  Extra  Charge  for  VISA  MC 
Shipping  Handling  add  $4.00 
Mass.  Residents  add  5% 


TNR  The  Battery  Store 

If  You*re  Serious  About  Radios 
You  Want  The  Best  Batteries! 

Sanyo  Battery  Inserts 

(COM  Kenwood 

BP-2 .Sl4.aO  PB2500 SI 8.00 

BP-3 ,.,...15.00  PB2600 18.00 

BP'5 21.00  PB2400  (Tabs) 15.00 

Dp   "■/  14.. I. It *iittfm'^'J . UvJ       r   Ej  ^  I  Uu ..j^di.^iid^t.i'.i  \  ^, \AJ 

Complete  Replacement 
Boltery  Packs 

Yaesu 

FNB-L; S24.00    FNB-ll S57.00 

FNB-Z,,....,, ....24.00    FNB-12...... ....47,00 

FNB-4 58.00    FNB-14......... 48,50 

rv4  D'  10 f 3  f ,  QU    FN  Br"  1  / . . . .  n .  m  i ,  J V  kjU 

ICOM 

or  ''^.j.^^..4*«t<.>ii,i,  ,boO-3U      Dr  "/ bOG.LRJ 

BP-3 35,50    BP-8 , 65.00 

QP-5 u,vm,*. 42.50    BP-IL. ...65.00 

AddS^,OOS^ipp^^g 

SPECIAL! 

Sanyo  "AA*  Nicod  Batteries , , SI  ,50  each 

Complete  Line  of  Sonyo  Nicads,  Gell  C^lls, 
Litlnium.  Cordless  Telephone,  Camcorder  and 
Computer  Bottefies 

MasterCard  VISA  FREE  CATALOG 

1-800-346-0601 

Fi  Residonts  Add  6%  Sales  Tax 

TNR  Technical,  Inc. 

279  Douglas  Ave.,  Suite  1112 

Altamonte  Springs,  FL  32714 

C407)  662-431 1 


GO  mm  THE  WORLD  LEADER! 

The  WB20PA  LogMaster 

HF  Lodging  System 


CIRCLE  62  ON  READER  SEf^VICE  CARD 


Now  KlEA  Compatible! 

•Unpariillelkd  Lt>g  Statistics. 

*  Autti  QSO  Alert  fndicaior. 

*Aut(>  Beam  Hfadings* 

•Autt>  Country,  Prefix^  and  Zone  Selections. 

•Print  Log  Sheets,  QSL  Cards,  and  QSL  Labels. 

*Duai  Clock  Calendar, 

•User  Configurable^ 

•Search  and  Sort  on  Call  Sign,  Date  Prefix, 

Conntry-H  State,  CQ  Zon<f,  ITU  Zone,  or  User 

Defined  FieMs. 
•IBM  Compatible. 
•AND  MUCH,  MUCH  MORE!!! 

Just  $59.95  (Plus  $2,00  P  &  H)  Complete. 

(New  Jerst'if  Residents  Please  hidude  Stiit^^  Tax} 

30  Day  Money  Back  Guarantee 
FREE  DEMO  DISK<incrudeS2™ffirP&H) 
Send  Call  and  Disk  Size  (5,25  or  3.5)  to: 
Sensible  Solutions 

P.O.  Box  474 
Middletqwn,  New  Jersey  07748 

(201)495-5066 
^'Professionat  Softxv&re  For  The  R^dio  Amateur" 


CIRCLE  95  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


CrRCLE  84  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


RF  POWER  AMPLIFIERS 


400 


WATTS 

(144-148  MHz) 


TE  SYSTEMS  new  HPA  Series  of  high  power 
amplifiers  now  available  through  select  national 
distributors. 

All  amplifiers  are  linear  (afl-mode),  automatic 
T/R  switching,  and  incorporate  optional  GaAs 
FET  preamp.  Amps  are  usable  with  a  wide  in- 
put drive  level  range.  Thermal  shutdown  protec- 
tion and  remote  control  capability  included,  All 
units  are  designed  to  ICAS  ratings  and  meet 
FCC  part  97  regulations,  Approx.  size  is  2.8  x 
10  X  11.5"  and  weight  Is  8  lbs. 

Consult  your  local  dealer  or  send  directly  for 
further  product  Information. 


TE  SYSTEMS 

P.O,  Box  25845 

Los  Angetes,  CA  90025 

^21 3)478-0691 


SPECIFICATIONS 

Freq. 

Power 

Preamp 

DC 

Power 

RF 

'     Model 

MHz 

Input 

Output 

NF'dB 

GaindB 

+Vdc 

A 

Conn* 

0550G 

50-54 

10 

400 

.6 

15 

13.6 

60 

UHF 

0552G 

50-54 

25 

400 

A 

15 

13.6 

55 

UHF 

1 450G 

144-148 

10 

400 

M 

15 

13.6 

54 

UHF 

1452G 

144-148 

25 

400 

.6 

15 

13.6 

50 

UHF 

2252G 

220-225 

25 

220 

J 

14 

13.6 

36 

UHF 

4450G 

420450 

10 

T75 

1.1 

12 

13.6 

34 

N 

4452  G 

420-450 

25 

175 

1.1 

12 

13.6 

29 

N 

Models  also  availabfe  without  GaAs  FET  preamp  (delete  G  suffix  on  mode!  §).  All  units 
cover  full  amateur  band  -  specify  10  MHz  bandwidth  for  420-460  MHz  amplifier  Con- 
tJnLious  duty  repeater  amps  also  available. 

Amplifier  capabilities:  100-200  MHz,  225400  MHz,  1-2  GHz,  Military  (28V),  Commercial, 
etc.  al3o  available  -  consult  factory. 


CIRCLE  332  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


SATELLITENyA 
CITY 


[Cammuilctfioni  tot  tht  FiAura 

DAN  KBO-KIRBY  KAeZTS-LOUIS  KA0IPN 
ROW  N0KMR-DENISE  YL--WIAL!NE  XYL-MIKE  S^aN 


1-800-426-2891 


FT'767GXGen  Cvj 

FT'7S7GXIIGen, 

FT-7O0OT5m-16Om 

FT-^1?RHNEW2m45w 

FT-7l£RH70cm35w 

FT-290R  All  Mode. 

FT'23R/TTMiiii/ 

FT'736n,  AIIMt/ 

FT^70  2m^0cf 

FT-747  Gen' I  Ci 

FRGeaOOHRffy 

FRG960OufeL. 

FT690R/H   T^ 

FT790R/h^^:^^ 

FT  4700  Du 

FT4T1  2  Meter  ^; 

FTatI  440  HT 


Call  $ 
Qall$ 
Catl$ 
Call  $ 

Cans 
CaO£ 
Calls 
Call  $ 
Call$ 
Calls 
Call$ 
Call$ 
Calls 
Dal  II 
Call  S 
Calls 

Cans 


IC-7&1  N 

tC765 

IG735 

IC-751 

IC 

IC 

IC'Sl^^M/ 

IC-28AyHFMy 

IC  2GAT  2m  1 

!C9(K)SixBal 

]C-3SAT2Zok 

IC-2SAT2M 

tC'4S  AT  . 

tC-48AFM  Mobile  2£>^ 

IC-4GAT  New  6w  HTt^^-. 

IC-3SA25wFMXcvr   ►^^ 

IC-?2AI  ?tl/70cm  HT 


^ff^?^ 


00 

.     f^.95 

"4ii9,00 

629  95 


Call  £ 
Cans 
Gall  3 
CalJ$ 

C3l1$ 

Calls 
Call$ 
Calls 
Calls 
Call£ 
Calls 
Call$ 
Call  $ 
Call! 
Call  $ 
Call$ 
Cal1$ 


Alinco 

Astron 

Butternut 

ARRL 

Kantronics 

Sony 

Bencher 


CORPORATION 

Lafsen 
Hustler 

Lakeview 
AEA 
MFJ 
Cushcraft 

Vibroptex 


Plus  more  , , ,  Thanks  for  your  support, 


1-800-426-2891 
METRO;     (612)786^4475 

2663  County  Rd.  I 

Mounds  View,  MN  55112 

Super  Minnesota  Watts    1  -600-279-1 503 


Figure  5,  (a)  Two  methods  of  connecting  the 
tape  recorder  controller  to  the  motor  of  the 
recorder. 

(b)  Controlling  the  recorder  via  the  built-in 
remote  control/pause  jack.  [Ed  Note:  Some 
recorder  pause  controls  have  a  grounded 
center  pin;  just  switch  polarities  on  the  con- 
troller output  in  this  case.} 


Parts  List 

All  components  are  available  at  Radio  Shack  stores. 


1 

T1 

C1  ,C£,C3,C4 

C5 

D1,D2,D3,D4 

D5 

R1 

R2 

R3 

R4 


iRF511  power  MOSFET 

audio  transformer 

0,1  ^Fcaps 

0.047  ^F  cap 

1N91 4  diodes 

^ener  diode 

resistor 

resistor 

resistor 

resistor 


plLfgs  and  jacks  as  required  (see  text) 


*  Or  any  zener  value  between  6  and  15  votts. 

**  For  tape  recorder  lime  input  use  an  820  ohm  resistor;  for  mjc 

input  use  a  100k  resistor  or  pot. 

A  blank  PC  board  is  available  from  FAR  Circuits,  18N640  Field 
Court,  Dundee  IL  601 1 S  for  $3  +  $1 .50  postage. 


CmCLi  1S3  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

56    ZS  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1 


MOSFET  can  be  inserted  into  the  tape 
recorder  motor  supply  line  if  the  recorder 
does  not  have  buik-in  remote  control  on/off 
operation. 

Construction  Notes 

Any  construction  technique  can  be  em- 
ployed  here,  as  nothing  is  critical  about  this 
circuit.  I  made  a  printed  circuit  board,  as  1 
fmd  this  method  of  construction  simpler  and 
more  goof-proof  than  perfboard  or  point-to- 
point  wiring. 

I  used  a  small  plastic  box  (Radio  Shack 
270-230)  to  house  the  unit.  I  also  wired  one 
'/^ "  mini  phone  plug  to  the  input  of  the  device 
and  another  such  plug  to  the  switched  output, 
as  my  radio  speaker  jack  and  tape  recorder 
ON/OFF  jack  are  both  the  same.  Use  whatever 
type  of  plugs  and/or  jacks  you  need  for  inter- 
facing your  own  equipment. 

Although  it  wouldn't  cause  any  damage  to 
put  the  wrong  plug  into  the  wrong  jack,  I 
advise  labeling  the  plugs.  The  IRF51 1  power 


MOSFET  is  internally  protected  against  stat- 
ic shock,  but  it's  still  a  good  idea  to  take  care 
when  installing  MOS  devices. 

Two  jacks  mounted  in  the  plastic  box  are 
connected  to  the  audio  source  via  limiting 
resistors.  They  are  used  for  a  source  of  audio 
for  the  tape  recorder  and  a  source  for  an 
external  speaker.  The  22  ohm  resistor  is  put 
in  series  with  an  external  speaker  because  the 
transformer  already  provides  an  8  ohm  load 
to  the  audio  source  (scanner,  transceiver, 
etc.).  This  also  ensures  that  an  external 
speaker  will  not  drop  the  voltage  below  the 
threshold  of  the  MOSFET. 

Ready  to  Record 

Plug  the  audio  input  side  of  the  device  into 
the  external  speaker  jack  of  any  audio  source. 
Plug  or  connect  the  high  impedance  jack  into 
the  tape  recorder  audio  input.  (If  your  audio 
source  already  has  a  tape  jack  for  recording, 
this  will  not  be  necessary,  of  course.)  If  your 
recorder  has  a  line  input,  R4  should  be  820 
ohms.  If  you  use  the  mic  input  then  R4  should 
be  a  1 00k  resistor  or  pot.  The  switched  output 
of  the  controller  should  be  hooked  up  to  the 
recorder's  PAUSE/REMOTE  control  jack  (Fig- 
ure 3b).  If  your  recorder  has  no  pause/ 
REMOTE  control  jack  then  you  can  connect  the 
output  of  the  device  into  the 
motor  circuit  of  the  recorder.  If 
you  use  the  direct  connect 
method,  the  IRF3  L  L  MOSFET 
must  be  inserted  into  the  nega- 
tive or  grounded  side  of  the  mo- 
tor or  motor  relay  (Figure  3a). 
Cut  the  wire  on  die  motor  and 
connect  the  drain  pin  of  the 
MOSFET  to  the  motor  or  the 
motor  relay.  Connect  the 
source  pin  to  ground. 

Now  turn  on  the  tape  recorder 
and  set  it  to  record.  Slowly 
turn  up  the  volume  of  the  audio 
source  until  the  recorder  motor 
starts  turning.  This  should  oc- 
cur at  a  low  to  moderate  volume 
level.  If  it  doesn't,  check  your 
wiring  and  connections.  Also 
be  sure  you  have  the  polarity  correct  on  all 
five  of  the  diodes. 

I  tried  several  minor  variations  of  this  cir- 
cuit (with  different  transformers^  capacitors, 
and  resistors)  and  it  worked  just  as  well.  The 
main  requirement  is  to  send  4  volts  minimum 
to  the  gate  of  the  MOSFET  to  switch  it  on. 

The  MOSFET  switches  on  fast,  but  when 
the  audio  source  stops,  it  waits  a  second  or 
two  before  it  switches  off.  This  way  it  doesn't 
switch  off  during  pauses  between  words.  At 
the  start  of  a  transmission,  you  rarely  miss  a 
single  syllable*  and  the  end  doesn't  drop  off 
in  mid-sentence. 

For  a  couple  of  months  now,  I  have  been 
using  this  device,  sometimes  connected  to  the 
2  meter  rig  and  sometimes  to  a  scanner.  It 
works  very  well;  and  perhaps  best  of  all,  it 
doesn^t  require  batteries,  wall  transformers, 
or  any  other  source  of  power! 


RS  276  2072 
RS  273-1380 
RS  272-135 
RS  272-143 
RS  276-1 122 
RS  276-562* 
1  megohm 

10  megohm 

22  ohm 
820  ohm*" 


Gregory  R.  Mclniire  KE0UV,  Hillsview  Tn 
a,  Loi92 ,  Belle  fourche  SD  5  771 Z 


990 


Number  1 4  on  your  Feedback  card 


TTY LOOP 


Marc  I  Leavey.  M.D.,  WA3AJR 
€  Jenny  Lsne 
Baltimore  MD2t20B 

ICOM  Computer  Control 

Ai  ihis  lime  of  year  I  am  always  lorn 
between  putting  together  a  column 
devoted  to  gift  giving — * '  Everything  the 
RTTYfcomputer  ham  always  wanted 
but  didn't  know  how  to  ask  for*' — or  a 
column  devoted  to  suggestions  on 
whai  10  6a  while  locked  m  the  shack  on 
these  cold  wmter  evenings.  Well,  some 
material  on  th%  fatter  topk:  crossed  my 
desk,  and  ti  is  so  good,  I  just  have  to 
share  it  wt(h  you  all. 

r  found  this  little  gem  in  the  amateur 
radio  database  on  Delphi,  and  after 
discusstng  the  matter  with  the  SYSOP, 
Vm  presenting  it  lie  re.  Cart  Clawson 
N7KBV  originated  this  piece  on  com- 
puter control  of  ICOM  amateur  radio 
gear. 

N7KBV:  Several  ICOM  products  fea- 
ture a  buift4n  computer  interface  con- 
nected to  a  ^/i "  phone  jack  ort  the  rear 
paneK  ICOM  gives  no  information 
about  this  interface  in  the  mstruction 
manuals  ttiat  Cve  seen,  but  my  dealer 
managed  to  get  it  frt>m  ICQM  for  me. 

This  interface,  called  the  "Ci-V,"  m 
standard  on  the  following  models:  735. 
761 ,  275, 375. 475,  and  R7000.  Eariier 
models  (751 ,  271, 471, 1271 ,  and  R71) 
used  the  CI-1V  parallel  interface,  which 
can  be  connected  to  Cl-V  by  ICOM's 
UX' 14  converter. 

Thie  information  I  received  was  writ- 
ten with  the  735  in  mindt  but  a  iisting  of 
a  BASIC  program  to  control  the  R7000 
was  appended.  I  beHeve  it  will  help  with 
the  other  models,  loo.  The  control 
codes  and  data  format  should  be  the 
same  for  ati  of  them. 

The  computer  tnterface  allows  you  to 
do  such  things  as:  set  and  read  the 
frequency  and  modulation  mode;  set 
VFO  A.  VFO  B.  or  memory  mode;  se- 
lect memory  channel:  store  displayed 
frequency  into  memory;  and  transfer 
displayed  memory-mode  frequency  to 
a  VFO. 

Even  without  a  computer,  you  can 
run  a  cable  between  the  remote  conirof 
jacks  of  two  rigs,  and  whenever  the 
frequerrcy  or  modulation  mode  of  el- 
ther  is  changed,  the  other  will  track  it  if 
possible.  (If  (he  rigs  have  incompatible 
frequency  coverages,  like  the  735  and 
R7CMX),  funny  things  can  happen,) 

The  btdi^reciKinal  interface  uses  TTL 
levels  on  a  singfe  line  for  sending  and 
receiving  serial  ASCII  data.  You  may 
need  an  appropnate  hardware  intor^ 
face  io  convert  the  RS'232  to  TTL,  for 
example^  (I  understand  Commodore 
computers  have  TTL  inputs  and  out- 
puts,  and  require  no  interface.)  I  used 
the  Motorola  MC14B8  and  MC14B9 


Amateur  Radio  Teletype 


chips  powered  by  two  9«volt  batteries 
to  interface  to  my  RS-232  line.  Table  2 
lists  the  pinouts  tor  this  interface.  If 
you'd  rather  buy  something,  ICOM 
sells  ihe  model  CT-17  level  converter 
fortheRS'232. 

The  interface  uses  a  'carrier-sense, 
muitiple-access  with  collision  detec- 
tion'' local  area  network  protocol  so 
that  multiple  rigs  can  be  connected  in 
parallel  without  difficulty.  Thus,  you 
can  use  the  same  RS-232  tine  and  lev- 
el-converter fnlerface  to  control  many 
rigs.  Each  ng  must  have  a  unique  ad- 
dress, which  is  set  by  internal  jumpers. 
Each  model  comes  factory  preset  to  its 
own  address,  which  is  04  for  the  735 
and  08  for  the  R7000.  Table  2  has  infor- 
mation on  the  jumper  settings. 

In  the  following  fist,  ^'receive'*  and 
"send"  refer  to  dala  transmission. 
Thus  a  "receiver"  isn't  necessarily  an 
R7000;  it's  any  device  receiving  data 
from  the  Cl-V  bus^  "Rig"  means  an 
ICOM  product  using  the  CUV  interface. 
The  rigs  send  and  receive  data  in  vari- 
able packet  lengths,  formatted  as  fol- 
lows: 

Data  Format 
Byte  ff  Contents 


1 

hex  *FE*  (I.e.  11111 1  tO  binary. 

254  decimal) 

2 

hex  -FE* 

3 

<RX> 

4 

<TX> 

5 

<Code> 

6^n 

<  BCD  data  of  variable  length  > 

n  +  1 

Jiex  TD" 

The  two  hexadecjmai  FE  bytes  sig- 
nal the  beginning  of  a  packet^  and  the 
FD  byte  signals  the  er^d.  <Code>  is 
the  control  code  sent  by  the  computer 
to  the  rig,  which  determines  the  action 
that  the  rig  will  lake.  In  some  cases,  the 
receivirtg  rig  wilt  fnclude  a  control  coda 
in  its  response  to  the  sender;  sdO 
Table  1,  <TX>  ts  the  address  of  the 
device  sending  the  data,  and  <  RX  >  is 


the  address  to  which  the  data  is  being 
sent.  When  a  hg  responds  to  a  data 
packet.  It  addresses  that  response  to 
the  <TX>  in  the  packet.  Thus,  if  your 
computer  requests  a  rig  lo  report  its 
frequency,  tl  will  address  that  report  to 
the  computer  and  other  rigs  wilt  ignore 
Ihe  data.  (Of  course,  the  computer  can 
lie  about  its  address  and  trick  orve  rig 
mto  talking  to  anotherf)  Your  computer 
should  use  its  own  yniquei  non-zero 
address  on  the  network.  I  wilf  assume 
in  the  examples  that  the  computer  is  at 
address  02.  There  are  two  control 
codes  that  can  cause  any  rig  on  the 
network  to  respond  when  sent  with 
<  RX>  =0;  I  discuss  these  beiow. 

Bytes  #6  through  #o  contain  data  re- 
quired by  the  control  code,  in  BCD  for- 
mat with  2  decimal  digits  per  byte.  Fre- 
quency dala  is  sent  starting  with  the 
byte  containing  the  1  Hz  and  10  Hz 
digits.  These  digits  are  sent  even  if 
they  are  not  used  by  If^  rig,  so  that  the 
data  format  ts  the  same  for  all  rigs  re* 
gardiess  of  their  frequency  covefage 
and  resolution.  For  example,  25.13244 
MHz  is  broken  up  into  two-digit  groups: 
25, 1 3,  24,  and  40,  then  coded  in  BCD. 
In  other  words,  consider  each  digit 
group  to  be  a  hexadecimal  number  in- 
stead of  decimal.  The  decimal  values 
of  these  BCD  digit  groups  are  2x16-1- 
5  =  37, 1  X  16  +  3  =  19,  2x16  +  4  = 
36,  and  4  x  16  +  0  >=  64.  Now  send 
ttiese  groups,  sianing  wrth  the  least 
significant.  The  complete  dala  packet 
will  be.  in  hexadecimal:  FE  FE  <  RX> 
<TX>  <Code>40  24t3  25FD. 

tf  you  have  more  than  one  rig  on  the 
neh^ork.  you  may  occasionally  receive 
a  sequence  of  5  bytes  of  hex  TC\  This 
is  the  "jammer  code"  used  by  a  rig  to 
Indicate  that  a  collision  has  occurred. 
Each  rig,  when  sending,  monitors  the 
interface.  If  It  does  not  receive  exactly 
what  it  sent,  a  collision  occurred,  i.e., 
another  rig  was  sending  data  at  the 
same  time.  If  a  rig  delects  a  colHsion,  it 
wrN  send  the  Jammer  code  as  soon  as 
the  netwofk  is  idle.  A  ng  that  receives 
this  code  realizes  that  a  collision  has 
occurred  and  ignores  the  previously  re- 
ceived packet.  Because  the  ICOM  re- 
mote control  ports  are  bidirectional, 


HS23Z 
Conned  tar 


! 

Z 
3 
4 
S 


0 

o- 


Xmkt 


4 

o 

4 


ficv 


1^ 


M 


D  1 


mm 


Am 


L    Orh 


/Tlf 


'1 


Rn«i 


489 
Recctvpf 


ram 


1 


fCOM 

Remole 

plug 


ICOM 

RS232-TTL 

Converter 


+9* 


^'I'l^^'jil 


9^ 


Figure.  BS-232  to  TTL  cortverter 


your  computer  will  receive  everything  it 
sends,  so  you  can  check  for  colMstons 
from  your  oompyter,  too. 

Conlrot  Codes  arYd  Responses 

Mosi  of  the  codes  are  addressed  to  a 
specific  rig,  whrch  addresses  an  ac- 
iMiowledgmeni  pacltet  to  the  <TX> 
contained  m  the  control  packel.  The 
firsi  two  codes.  00  and  Ot ,  can  be  sent 
to  the  ''group  call"  address,  00,  in 
which  case  any  rig  will  receive  ihem 
without  sending  an  acknowledgment. 
These  two  codes  are  sent  In  this  way  by 
any  rig  when  its  mode  Or  frequency  is 
changed  by  manual  control,  and  are 
received  by  any  rig  on  the  network. 
This  allows  a  number  of  rigs  to  track 
each  other  in  frequency  and  mode 
witlKKft  computer  intervention.  Rigs 
con  be  inhibited  from  sending  and  re- 
ceiving group  call  packets  by  an  rnter- 
nal  jumper.  See  the  tables  for  more 
details.  Jh&se  codes  can  also  be  sent 
with  a  specific,  non-zero  <RX>,  in 
which  case  they  will  be  received  by  the 
addressed  rig  even  if  the  group  call 
function  is  disabled. 

Here  are  some  examples  for  the  735. 
The  735  is  at  address  04  and  the  com- 
puter Is  at  02.  First,  let^s  find  out  what's 
in  memory  channel  1  (code  08  to  set 
the  channel,  and  code  03  to  read  the 
frequency).  Assume  the  735  has  the 
frequency  7.12750  MHz  stored  in 
memory  #1 . 

Computer  to  735:  FE  FE  04  02  08  01  FD 
735  to  computer:  FE  FE  02  04  FB  FD 
Computer  to  735:FE  FE  04  CS  03  FD 
735  to  computer  FE  FE  02  04  03  00  75 

1207FO 

Now  let's  change  the  frequency  and 
mode  to  14.02500  MHz  USB  (codes  05 
ancfOS). 

Computer  to  735: FE  FE  04  02  05  00  50 

0214FO 
735  to  computer:  FE  FE  02  04  FB  FD 
Compulef  to  735:FE  FE  04  02  06  01  FD 
735  to  computer  FE  FE  02  04  FB  FD 

Now  store  the  new  result  in  rnemory 
if\ .  This  channel  is  already  displayed, 
so  all  you  need  is  oo<te  09,  the  store 
command. 

Computer  to  735:FE  FE  04  02  09  FD 
735  to  computer:  FE  FE  02  04  FB  FD 

^8-232  to  TTL  Converter 

This  Is  an  easily  built  converter  that 
will  run  your  ICOM  gear  from  a  sfan* 
dard  RS*232  line.  You  can  build  it  fn  an 
hour  or  two  for  alKDut  $10.  11  uses  two 
inexpensive,  wideiy-a  vail  able  chips — 
the  Motorola  MC14SS  line  dhver  and 
the  MC1489  line  recervef  (see  the  fig- 
tire).  The  only  other  things  you  need 
aie  a  box.  connectors,  a  power  switch, 
and  a  couple  of  0,01  or  0.1  capacitors 
10  bypass  the  power  supply  leads.  I 
used  two  9V  tjatteries  for  power.  Power 
for  Ihe  1488  can  be  ±9  to  ±15  volts, 

Contmue^onp.  59 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     57 


Number  IS  on  your  Feedback  canl 


OOKING  WEST 


Bill  Pasternak  WABiTF 
28197  Robin  AveftUQ 
Saugus  CA  9t350 

Handicapped  Waivers: 
The  View  of  an  Expert 

Aprlt  Moell  WA60PS  is  opposed  to 
the  granting  of  waivers  to  handicapped 
individuals  who  claim  Ihat  they  cannot 
pass  Mors^  <x}de  tests  in  excess  of  five 
words  per  ininute.  Moeil  is  an  expert  in 
the  ti^id  of  rthdbiiitation  of  handi- 
capped persons.  Now  in  pri^^vate  pfac* 
tice,  she  spent  15  years  serving  as  the 
Director  of  Occupational  Therapy  at  St, 
Jude  Hospital  and  Rehabililation  Cen* 
ler  in  FuHerton,  California,  where  in 
T977  she  developed  and  introduced 
the  Rehab  Radk)  Program. 

A  licensed  amateur  sir^ce  1976.  Apnl 
Moell  holc^  an  Advanced  Class  ticket 
She  is  an  expert  in  the  field  of  using 
amateur  radio  as  a  therapy  tool.  In  this 
interview  with  me,  as  producer  of 
Newsline  Radio,  she  shares  some 
stafiling  mslghts  into  the  issue  of 
waivering  CW  testing  for  haiid^capped 
appficanis  for  amateur  radio  upgrades, 

Hewftline:  The  FCC  says  that  it  will 
waive  Morse  test  requirements  for 
handicapped  radio  amateurs  who 
claim  that  they  cannot  copy  Morse 
code  at  speeds  greater  than  five 
words  per  minute.  What  effect  do  yoy 
see  this  havmg  on  the  handicapped  in 
gener^al? 

Moell:  I  am  concerned  about  it  be- 
cause people  who  are  not  disabled 
sometimes  say  things  like.  '^Isn'UNs  a 
nice  thing  to  do  for  the  poor  handi- 
capped?'' which  immediately  puts  ev- 
erybody with  a  disability  into  one  cate- 
gory. 3t  is  a  put-down  because  you  are 
saying  to  anytiody  with  a  disability, 
"You  are  not  as  capable  as  the  rest  of 
us. 

We  have  many  disabled  peopte  in 
the  hobby  who  have  shown  us  Ihat  they 
are  equaHy  capable,  and  in  some  cas- 
es, more  capable.  I  can  think  of  several 
hams  who  are  deaf  and  blind,  but  who 
got  N censes.  I  know  a  9entteman«  a 
quadfiplegiCt  who  had  to  leam  the  13 
wpm  code  in  his  head  because  he  is 
ynabre  to  write. 

I  think  that  putting  afi  people  with 
disabilities  in  one  group,  and  assuming 
they  are  not  capable,  is  a  very  bad 
precedent . 

Newsline:  You  indicate  that  the  gen- 
eral public  does  not  understand  who 
the  handicapped  are,  and  groups  them 
all  together.  Has  this  been  a  problem 
for  the  handicapped? 

Moell:  The  non-handicapped  make 
a  lot  of  assumptions  about  the  liandi- 
capped.  That  has  been  an  ongoing 
problem.  The  handicapped  are  individ- 
uals with  individual  differences  and  ca- 
pabilities, just  like  you  and  me. 

Newsline:  fn  teaching  amateur  radio 
to  handicapped  individuals,  have  you 


ever  run  into  someone  who  could  not 
leam  the  code  and  who  could  not  get  a 
license? 

Moell:  Yes,  I  have,  and  ttiose  have 
been  people  wfro  have  suffered  certain 
kinds  of  brain  damage  so  that  they  can- 
not process  adequately.  I  think  that  we 
have  to  havs  certain  requireinents  [for 
becoming  licensed],  if  a  person  can't 
process  adequately,  he's  probably  not 
going  to  be  able  to  function  adequately 
on  the  radio. 

I  don't  see  it  that  ditf erenlly  from  driv- 
ing issues.  You  do  not  waive  the  re- 
quirements for  a  driver's  license  for 
someone  who  may  not  be  safe  as  a 
driver.  In  the  case  of  radio,  Iwhile]  it 
might  be  nice  for  the  severely  disabled 
to  hold  licenses,  if  they  cannot  process 
information  property,  they  will  not  tie 
able  to  operate  con^ectly  or  safely  with 
their  equipment.  But  these  persons 
can  still  enjoy  amateur  radio  as  a  third 
party,  with  a  licensed  ham  running  the 
equipment. 

Newsline:  Could  any  of  these  peo- 
ple who  were  unat^e  to  learn  Morse 
code  have  passed  the  theory  ejtam? 

Moell:  If  they  haven't  t>een  able  lo 
handle  the  code,  they  often  have  not 
been  able  to  handle  theory,  either, 
because  they  couldn't  retain  the  in* 
formation  or  became  confused.  Or 
they  may  have  trouble  learning  new 
maierial,  even  though  they  might  be 
fine  with  things  they  teamed  several 
years  ago. 

Sometimes  the  code  has  been  a  real 
t>Qan  for  people  with  physrcal  limita- 
tions because  it's  the  only  way  they 
can  communicate,  Some  have  prob- 
iems  expressing  themselves,  and  it's 
easier  to  communicate  \n  Morse  code 
than  by  voice.  Vm  concerned  that  if  ihe 
FCC  grants  too  many  waivers,  it'll  de- 
crease the  pool  of  amateurs  wfm  are 
usir>g  code,  and  we  may  make  it  harder 
for  the  disabled  people  who  need  to 
communicate  in  code.  They  are  not  go- 
ing to  have  anyone  to  communicate 
with. 

Newsline:  Then  you  consider  the 
code  a  valuable  tool  for  the  handi- 
capped? 

Moellr  Again,  you  can't  group  all 
handicapped  people  together,  but  I  am 
aware  of  a  number  of  disabled  hams  to 
whom  code  is  the  primary  mode  of 
communication.  I  think  it's  important 
that  learning  the  code  be  affered  to 
them  [the  handicappedt.  To  assume 
Thai  because  someone  rs  handi- 
capped, she  or  he  can't  leam  the  code 
is  a  very  faulty  assumption. 

Newsline:  Apparently  this  waiver 
system  came  about  as  the  res u it  of  one 
person  who  contacted  King  Hussein 
JYl,  who  in  turn  contacted  President 
Bush,  who  then  contacted  the  FCC  and 
said^  '*Vou  will  do  this."  Was  it  fair  lo 
the  handicapped  of  this  nation  for  the 
leader  of  another  nation  lo  dictate  poli- 
cy toward  them? 


Moell:  This  issue  is  really  of  serious 
concern  to  me— whether  it  has  to  do 
{pnmafily]  wtth  the  handicapped  or  not 
To  have  a  citizen  go  to  the  leader  of 
another  country  lo  gain  something  for 
personal  benefit,  and  to  have  our  gov- 
ernment react  as  it  apparently  has.  is 
appalling.  I  am  as  concerned  about 
how  Ihis  was  done  as  I  am  about  the 
result. 

Nftwaflrw:  Tirte  evidence  is  that  ihis 
ts  what  happened.  Should  tire  issue 
now  be  brought  to  our  legislators  or 
would  an  appeal  to  them  be  a  waste  of 
time? 

Moelt:  I  would  hate  lo  think  that  in 
our  country  that  would  t>e  a  waste  of 
time.  Maybe  we  won't  get  the  decision 
reversed,  but  I  certainly  think  that  we 
stiould  let  our  representatives  know 
that  we  are  not  happy  with  Ihat  pro- 
cess. This  might  be  considered  small 
potatoes  to  some  people  [an  issue  im- 
portant only  to  hams].  But  what  other 
things  are  going  to  be  done  this  way? 

Newsline:  What  about  our  other 
elected  repfesentatives,  the  Amer^c^n 
Radio  Relay  League? 

Moetl;  I  think  that  the  League  needs 
to  take  the  lead  in  saying, "  How  did  this 
happen,  and  why  wasn't  the  ham  com- 
munity involved  in  it?  Why  weren't  we 
asked  about  it?  Why  weren't  opinions 
gathered?"  I  think  the  League  should 
be  very  rrnlignanl  about  the  process  . 

Nobody  is  saying  that  we  shouldn't 
make  reasonable  accommodaiions  for 
people  with  disabilities,  and  I  think  that 
reasonable  accommodation  is  being 
made  in  the  VE  system.  I  have  been 
involved  in  some  of  that,  where  we 
have  had  people  with  disabiiities  tesl- 
ed.  But.  we  are  not  talking  about  that. 
We  are  talking  about  a  process  that 
was  done  in  a  very  inappropnate  mafh 
ner,  and  1  think  that  is  where  the 
League  needs  lo  focus* 

Newsline:  You  are  considered  one 
of  the  national  experts  on  using  ama- 
teur radio  in  rehabilitation.  You  say  you 
were  never  contacted?  Do  you  find  it  a 
btt  strange  ttiat  the  experts  like  you  and 
Handi-Hams  were  left  out  of  the  deci- 
sjon  process? 

Moell:  Yes.  It  bothers  me  to  think 
thai  (he  leader  of  a  foreign  government 
can  call  and  say,  "Gee— what  about 
this  poor  soul?"  and  have  a  policy 
changed  [without  our  government]  get- 
ting infonnation  from  nationally  recog- 
nized groups,  especially  the  Handi- 
Haifis,  and  the  ARRL 

Newsline:  How  do  you  think  handi- 
capped people  who  fought  for  their  li- 
censes might  react? 

Moell:  I  would  certainly  hope  that 
people  fwith  disabilities]  who  currently 
have  amateur  licenses  will  share  their 
thoughts  and  feelings  about  this  situa- 
tion. I  think  it  would  shed  some  light  on 
the  fact  that  there  are  many  varieties  of 
disability,  and  to  show  [our  Congres- 
sional representatives]  how  dangerous 
and  inappropriate  it  is  to  try  to  group 
everybody  together. 

There  are  hams  who  are  essentially 
bed-bound  or  lK>use-bound  because  of 
cardiac  candtlions.  There  are  people 
who  are  bVir\d,  and  wtio  have  severe 
cerebral  palsy  and  limited  motor  con- 


in>l.  They  operate  with  mouth  sticks 
and  mouth  switch^  and  use  Morsa 
code!  I  would  like  to  think  that  some  ol 
those  hams  will  comment  about  what  rl 
took  for  them  to  upgrade  and  how  they 
feel  about  this  new  policy. 

NewsHne:  What  about  the  future? 

Moell:  I  am  concerned  about  the 
precedent  that  we  may  b^  setting.  Will 
someone  claim  thai  medication  makes 
it  hard  to  concentrate  on  teajning  the 
rules?  Or  thai  a  learning  disability 
keeps  him  from  learning  and  using 
Ohm's  Law?  Will  there  soon  be  preS' 
sure  for  theory  waivers? 

Newsline:  Playing  devil's  advocate 
for  a  moment,  who  are  we  the  healthy 
10  decide  who  should  or  should  not 
hold  an  amateur  license  based  on  a 
physical  or  even  a  mental  handicap? 

Moell:  I  don't  think  we  are  deciding 
that.  We're  talking  about  guidelines, 
and  I  think  we  have  set  some  up  for 
people  to  operate  reasonably  and  sate- 
ly  on  the  air,  Peopte  who  can  meet 
those  requirements  with  reasonable 
ac  com  modal  ion^w  ho  can  show  in 
some  way  Ihat  they  understand  the 
rules  and  regulations  of  safe  operation 
and  can  understand  the  required 
code^ should  receive  theEr  licenses.  It 
is  not  discrimination  wher^  you  set  up 
basic  requirements  and  then  let  any- 
one who  can  achieve  them  be  a  part  of 
the  Amateur  Radio  Service. 

I  do  not  decide  who  can  drrve  a  car. 
What  we  do  as  3  government  is  lo  set 
up  guidelines  saying  that  m  order  to 
drive,  you  have  to  pass  these  minimum 
requirements*  Many  disabled  people 
drive.  We  make  accommodations  for 
them  with  hand  controls,  sensUized 
steering,  and  things  like  that.  I  don't 
see  amateur  radio  as  being  different. 
We  are  not  deciding  that  som&tKKly 
with  a  particular  disability  should  or 
shouldn't  be  in  ham  radio.  What  we  are 
saying  is  that  we  have  reasonable  stan- 
dards and  we  do  what  we  can  to  help 
people  meet  those  standards.  I  don't 
think  it  is  inappropriate  or  unrealistic 
for  us  to  say  that  rK>t  everytxxty  should 
be  able  to  upgrade, 

Newsline:  There  are  some  who  dis- 
agree With  your  position.  A  Mr,  Mon- 
cure  in  Virginia  feels  that  this  waiver 
system  does  not  go  far  enough,  and  It 
Is  a  handout  to  the  handicapped.  He 
says  he  may  agair>  litigate  to  get  ail 
Morse  code  requirements  eliminated 
for  the  handicapped,  As  sonteone  wtio 
has  worked  with  the  disat;>led  for  so 
many  years »  how  do  you  feel  about  a 
handicapped  person  like  Mr.  Moncure 
taking  that  view? 

Moell:  Maybe  the  code  has  been  dif- 
ficult for  him,  but  there  are  some  dis- 
abled people  tor  whom  theory  is  as 
much  of  a  hindrance  as  code,  just  as  in 
the  rest  of  the  ham  population.  Some 
have  had  problems  with  theory  for 
maybe  some  of  the  same  reasons  that 
he  cites  as  causing  trouble  with  the 
code.  It  couid  be  medication,  but  again 
I  am  concerned  with  the  blanket  ap- 
proach that  says  all  handicapped  are 
the  same.  He  assumes  thai  everytx>dy 
(handicapped]  has  the  same  prot^ 
terns,  instead  of  focusing  on  ways  he 
m^ht  help  his  own  particular  situation. 


58    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


He  sounds  like  he  is  bright  and  en- 
ergetic enough,  that  I  think  he  coy  Id 
pass  a  flexibly  admin jstere<l  exam  if  he 
applied  )he  same  energy  lever  and  par- 
si  sience  to  studying  the  code! 

Newsline:  Winding  up.  v^hat  M^ould 
^u  like  10  see  as  a  result  of  all  that  has 
happened? 

Moell:  t  would  like  to  see  the  FCC 
stop  for  a  momertt  and  take  anothar 
look.  Say  [to  themselves],  "Hey.  waiE  a 
minute,  what  are  we  doing?  Is  this  real- 
ly the  ri^ht  way  to  go?  Let's  talk  with 
people  who  have  had  experience  along 
these  lines.'* 


If,  after  careful  study,  the  FCC  de- 
cides that  waivers  are  the  way.  I  hope 
they  wiJi  talk  wilh  groups  like  Hand!- 
Hams,  because  i  don't  feel  that  ail 
physciar^s  can  sign  off  for  someone 
and  say  that  that  f  here  is  a  good  m&on 
for  them  not  to  he  able  to  learn  the 
code.  I  think  you  need  to  have  people 
who  are  e)(perienced  in  the  areas  of 
physical  medicine  and  rehabilitation 
making  the  decisions,  and  not  the  gen- 
eral  practitioner  or  opthomofogist,  for 
example. 

I  hope  that  we  will  be  able  to  get  our 
ieaders  at  the  League  and  our  leaders 


in  Congress  to  take  a  look  at  the  pro* 
cess  and  explain  10  us  why  they  did 
what  they  d(d.  That's  wtiat  I  hope  fw, 
and  I  aJso  hope  that  rtothirig  like  this 
ever  happens  again,  in  this  way. 

Late  News 

On  Friday  July  T3,  the  United  States 
Senate  passed,  and  sent  to  the  presi- 
deni  for  his  signature,  the  omnibus 
Americans  in  Oisabi  lilies  Act  of  1990. 
The  House  of  Representatives  had 
previously  passed  an  almost  identi- 
cal bill,  and  President  Bush  promised 
to  sign  it  into  law  as  soon  as  it  ar- 


rived on  his  White  House  olfice  desk. 
Tlie  bill  directs  the  public  and  private 
sectors  to  make  sweeping  accom^rK^ 
dat^ons  for  the  nation's  several  mitlion 
disabled  c'rtizens.  and  does  this  wi^ 
the  force  of  federal  law  Peyton  Mon- 
cure^  the  indivdual  who  has  been  the 
moving  force  behind  abolishing  all 
Morse  Code  testing  for  handicapped 
applicants  for  amateur  radio  ticienses. 
has  vowed  to  use  the  terms  of  the  act  ifi 
court  to  achieve  this  goal  before  the 
end  of  1 990.  It  appears  1  hat  the  next  act 
m  this  drama  will  be  with  Mr.  Moncure. 
de  WA6ITF 


Continued  from  p.  57 


Table  1 .  Codes  and  Respons«* 

00  Set  frequency.  See  the  text  ior  format  of  frequency  data  See  code  05  below 
for  more  details. 

01  Set  modutation  mode.  One  Of  two  data  bytes  are  required  to  indicate  the 
mode  desired. 


Data 

Mode 

00 

LSB 

01 

USB 

02 

AM 

03 

CW 

04 

RTTY 

05 

FM 

0500 

SSB  {R7000) 

02  Report  tunmg  rai^ge,  No  data  required.  The  rig  will  report  its  frequency 
limits  in  the  fomtat: 

re    FE  <RX>  <:TX>  02  <ypperlimit>  2D  <  lower  limit>  FD 
(Hex  2D  iS  the  ASCII  hyphen.)  Ac^^rdtng  to  I  COM,  some  rigs  report  ihe 
lower  hrm  first. 

03  Report  frequency.  No  data  required.  The  addressed  ng  returns  its  dis- 
played frequency  to  the  sender  in  the  format: 

FE     FE  <RX>  <TX>  03  <Frtquency>  FD 

04  Report  modulation  mode.  No  data  required.  The  addressed  rig  returns  its 
mode  to  the  sender  using  the  codes  listed  atiove.  Rigs  wtih  selectable 
bandwidth  return  an  additional  byte  indicating  the  bandwidth  in  the  format: 

FE    FE  <RX>  <TX>  04  <Mode>  <  Bandwidth  >  FD 


Bandwidth  Codes 

Data 

Bandwidth 

01 

Width  1  (widest) 

02 

Width  2  (narrower) 

03 

Width  3  {narrowest) 

05  Set  frequency.  The  data  format  is  given  above.  If  the  data  contains  fewer 
digits  than  the  rig  uses,  the  digits  sent  wiil  t>e  changed  and  the  rest  wtII 
remain  the  same.  If  the  rig  receives  valid  frequency  data  within  its  tuning 
range,  it  responds  with  a  packer  containing  the  data  "FB": 

FE     FE  <BX>  <TX>  FB  FD 
If  It  didn't  like  the  data,  it  responds  with  "FA": 

FE  F€  <ftX>  <TX>  FAFO 
These  acknowledgment  codes  are  used  by  alT  following  commands. 
The  735  responds  to  out-of- range  frequency  data  by  sending  the  "FA" 
acknowledgement  and:  1)  II  the  frequency  it  receives  is  less  than  0,1  MHz.  it 
sets  its  frequency  to  0.1  MHz.  2)  If  it  received  4  bytes  of  frequency  data  more 
than  30  MHz,  it  sets  itseif  to  30  MHz.  And  3)  if  it  received  more  than  4  bytes  of 
freqyency  data,  the  data  is  ignored. 

06  Set  modufation  mode,  li  one  byte  is  sent,  it  sets  the  mode  per  the  atiove 
table  If  two  bytes  are  sent,  the  second  is  the  IF  bandwidth, 

07  Set  VFO  status.  If  no  data  is  sent,  the  ng  changes  from  MEMORY  mode  to 
VFO  mode.  If  data  OO  or  0 1  is  seni .  Ihe  rig  sets  VFO  A  or  VFO  B  fespecii  vety. 

Ofi  Set  memory  chanrtel.  if  no  data  is  sent,  the  ng  changes  from  VFO  mode  10 

MEMORY  mode.  If  BCD  channel  data  is  senl.  the  ng  changes  to  that 

memory  channel. 
09  Store  displayed  frequency  and  mode  into  displayed  memory  channel.  No 

data  required. 
OA  Write  Irequency  and  mode  from  displayed  mernory  channel  to  a  VFO.  No 

data  required. 


and  the  14B9  requires  +5  to  +10 
volls.  With  a  stitlable  DC-DC  converter 
chip,  and  a  7BL05  or  78LQB.  you  could 
power  the  circuit  off  o(  your  13,8-V 
suppty.  Or,  rf  you"  re  devefn  you  could 
figure  out  a  way  to  iriChle  charge  two 
9V  NiCds  off  of  youf  RS-232  line.  See 
Table  2  for  pinouts  and  jumper  selec- 
tions. 

There  are  jumpers  in  the  ICOM  rigs 
to  set  the  device  address  and  baud 
rate,  and  to  enable  the  group  call  fea- 
ture. You  must  look  on  the  schematic 
to  find  them.  The  jumper  to  enable  the 
group  call  feature  is  called  the  ''trans- 
cetve"  bit  by  ICOM.  and  may  be  la- 
beled with  ■  TRV"  on  the  schematic 
The  others  are  labeled  'D8n'"  on  the 
735  and  R7CK}0*  looh  tor  something 
similar.  The  rigs  are  factory-set  to  1 20Q 
baud,  iransceive  enabled 

The  table  gives  specific  information 


from  ICOM  on  the  735  jumpers,  and  for 
I  ha  R7000 1  make  a  Itkeiy  guess  based 
on  the  735  codes  and  schematic. 

Last  Words 

I  certainly  thank  CaH  for  his  fine 
work,  and  I  hope  that  this  material  will 
enable  mar^y  of  you  to  more  fully  use 
Ihe  features  in  some  of  the  more  so- 
phisticated amateur  rigs. 

Next  month,  who  krrows!  Maybe  I'll 
have  something  from  youf  You  see,  1 
reafly  do  read  my  maiL  and  I  appreciate 
your  comments,  suggestjons,  and  tips. 
Pass  them  along  to  me  by  maiL  at  the 
above  address,  or  on  Delphi  (user- 
name  MARCWA3AJR)  or  Compu- 
Serve (ppr>  75036,2501)  Until  next 
time,  my  best  wishes  to  you  and  yours 
this  holiday  season,  tor  a  Happy  Han* 
nukah.  Merry  Christmas,  and  a  happy^ 
heatthy  new  year.  ^1 


Table  2.  PInouts  and  Jumper  Selections 


ForthB  M68: 


For  the  1489: 


Pin 

1 
2 
3 
7 
U 

1 
3 
7 

14 


Connect  to 


■V 


ICOM  remote  jack  center  conductor 

RS-232pin3{RD) 

Ground 

+V 

RS-232pin2(TD) 

ICOM  remote  jack  center  conductor 

Ground 
+V 


Ground  pin  7  of  the  RS-232  line  aod  the  outer  conductor  of  the  tCOM  remote 
[ack,  and  you're  on  line. 

Jumper  Selections 
For  the  735-    The  jumpers  use  lines  labeled  DBO  through  D65  at  connector 
J22  on  the  PL  board.  Lines  DBO  through  DB2  set  the  device  address.  Line  DB3 
is  the  transceive  enable.  The  baud  rate  is  controlled  by  DB4  and  DB5  accord- 
ing to: 


0B4 

DBS 

Baud 

0 

0 

undefined 

t 

0 

9600 

0 

t 

1200 

1 

1 

300 

The  735  ts  set  at  the  factory  to  address  04. 

For  the  R7000  Th©|ompefs  use  Ifnes  DBO  through  DB7  at  connector  J1 7  on 
the  lo^  board.  The  address  is  set  by  DBO  through  0B4;  DBS  rs  the  transcei  ve 
enable,  and  the  baud  rate  is  set  by  DBS  and  DB7.  The  factory  address  is  03. 

For  other  ngs:  Determine  the  address  by  hooking  the  rig  up  to  your  computer 
and  manualty  changing  the  frequency  or  modulation  mode.  You  will  receive  a 
group  call  packet  that  contains  the  address  of  the  rig  as  its  4th  byle. 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1 990     59 


Number  20  on  yDur  Feedback  cand 


New  products 

Compiled  by  Hope  Currier 


PRODUCT  OF  THE  MONTH 


MFJ  ENTERPRISES,  INC. 

MFJ-207 

The  new  MFJ-207  Hf  SWR  analyzer  in* 
stantJy  grves  yt>u  a  OQrnplat&  picture  of  youf 
anienna  SWR  over  an  entire  band,  wiihoul 
a  transmittef,  SWR  meter  or  arty  other 
equipment.  11  makes  setting  yp  and  trim- 
ming your  antenna  precise  and  easy.  All 
you  do  is  plug  your  anienna  into  the  coax 
connector,  set  the  Mf^J-207  to  the  frequen- 
cy you  want,  and  read  your  SWR.  II  even 
has  a  frequency  counter  outpult  so  you  can 
connect  your  frequency  counter  for  precise 
digiial  read*out.  Plus,  the  MFJ'207  is  bat- 
tery-operated, so  you  can  lake  it  right  to 
your  antenna  and  measure  the  aritenna's 
SWR  directly,  e^immating  the  distorting  ef- 
fects of  the  coax.  Ssnce  you  can  immedi- 
ately see  SWR  changes,  you'll  kfKW  right 
away  which  adfustments  to  make. 

The  MFJ-307  \%  priced  at  $100.  and 
comes  with  MFJ*s  one-yeaf  uncondihonal 
guarantee.  It  runs  on  a  9  volt  battery  (not 
Included),  or  110  VAC  with  optional  MFJ- 

1312  ($13).  Contact  any  MFJ  dealer  or  hAFJ  Enterprises,  inc.,  P.O. 

BoKj94.  Mississippi  State  MS  39762;  (60  f)  323-5S69,  FAX  (601)  323- 

655t  TELEX  53  4590  MFJSTKV,  (800)  647-1800.  Or  circle  Reader 

SefviceNo  201- 


AMERITRON 

Ameritron  lias  released  a  new  600 
watt  tineaf  amplttief,  the  AL-811  The 
AL-81 1  uses  three  8t  i  A  tubes  to  6e\m 
er  600  watts  PEP  or  &00  watts  CW  from 
160-10  meters.  (Ea&y  modificaiion  in- 
structions for  10/12  meters  operation 
requires  presenlatjon  of  a  valid  ama- 
teur license.)  A  Pi* Network  tuned  input 
circuit  matches  the  tubes  to  50  Qbm 
exciters  It  lets  even  the  fussiest  solld^ 
state  rig  perform  flawlessly,  A  vernier 
reduction  drive  on  the  plate  control 
makes  tuning  precise  an^d  easy  Dual 
illuminated  meters  give  you  a  complete 
picture  of  your  operating  condition: 
One  meter  gives  you  a  continuous 
readirtg  of  grid  current;  a  second 
switchabie  meter  lets  you  monitor  high 
voltage  and  plate  current. 

The  suggested  retail  price  tor  the  AL- 
81 1  is  $600.  For  more  information,  con- 
tart  your  Ameritron  dealer  or  Amer- 
itfon,  1 16  Wittow  HoaiS,  StarHvifie  MS 
39759;  (60 f}  $23-B2ti,  (800}  647- 
1800,  FAX  (601)  323-^51.  Or  Circle 
Reader  Service  No.  203, 


CURTIS 
MANUFACTURING 

Curtis  Manufacturing  Co.,  Inc.  has 
imroduced  Cable  Organ izerSn  an  mex- 
pensive  new  system  designed  to  Keep 
computer  and  eiectricai  cables  neat 
ar^d  organized.  Cabie  Organizers  will 
straighten  up  those  corifusfng  cord  tan- 
gles behind  your  equipmeni.  A  special 
custom  labeling  capability  provides 
quick  and  easy  cable  ktenlification  No 
more  unplugging  the  wrong  cofd  by 
mistake^  Cable  Organizers  comes 
with:  one  10-slot  cord  mar^agef,  iwo 
bund ler  clips,  six  runner  clips,  and  ten 
biank  peel -and- stick  labels  for  custom 
labeling.  Self-adhesive  mounting  al- 
lows quick  and  easy  inslaltaiion, 

Tlie  suggested  retail  price  is  $10,  in- 
ctuding  a  ilfetinie  war  rarity.  Contact 
Cufiis  Manufacturing  Company,  inc., 
30  Fitig^mtd  Drive,  Jeffrey  NH  03452; 
(603)  532-4123.  Of  cifcle  Reader  Ser- 
vice No.  207. 


CONTACT  EAST 

Contact  East  has  released  a  new 
suppiement  to  their  general  catalog.  It 


indudes  thousands  of  tools  and  test 
instruments  for  testing,  ^pairing  ar^d 
assembling  electronic  equipment,  in* 
eluding  many  brand-name  items. 
Product  tines,  shown  in  full  color  with 
detailed  descfipltons,  have  been  ex- 
panded to  indude  power  supplies,  os- 
cJtloscopes>  soldering  equipment, 
DMMs,  EPROM  programmers,  tone 
test  sets,  inspection  equipmeni,  light 
meters,  sweep^function  generatorSp 
LCR  meters  and  telecom  testers.  Also 
Included  are  work  benches,  precision 
hand  tools,  tool  kits,  and  our  custom 
tod  kits  designed  lo  meet  yojjr  indiviO* 
ual  needs  All  products  are  fully  guar^ 
an  teed.  And  if  you  pface  your  order  by 
4  p.m.,  it  will  be  shipped  that  day  To 
ofder  this  hee  catalog,  call  (508}  682- 
200  or  write  to  Contact  East,  335  Wiilow 
Street  North  Andover  MA  0l&45,0f 
Circle  Reader  Service  No.  205. 


COMPUTER  AUTOMATION 
TECHNOLOGY  INC- 

The  CAT-100  automatic  control  op- 
erator wrif  enhance  your  existing  re- 
peater system  by  ackfing  features  usu- 
ally available  only  m  conlrollers  costing 
thousands  ol  dollars  more.  The  CAT- 
1CX)*s  user-friendiy  voice  ar*d  compre- 
hensive manual  make  it  easy  to  inter- 
face with  your  present  controller.  II  is 
fully  field-programmable,  so  you  can 
customize  the  CAT-tOO  to  meet  your 
particular  needs.  Tlie  synthesized 
voice  will  announce  the  time,  identify 


your  repeater,  and  interact  with  you 
during  control  and  programming  oper- 
ations, (You  can  select  from  seven  dif- 
ferent voice  message  anncMincements 
tailored  to  amateur  repeater  opera- 
tion.) The  scheduler  permits  automatic 
control  of  your  repeater  system,  Stjdy 
OTMF  commarfds  of  up  to  31  digits  in 
length  can  be  stored  in  the  CAT-100 
memory.  Program  the  command  and 
time,  the  CAT-1 00  will  do  the  rest.  Five 
user  function  switches,  easy  to  change 
with  a  DTMF  command,  control  equip- 
ment a!  the  repealer  site,  A  cor\trol  au- 
thorization feature  permits  you  to  as- 
sign each  oontio^  operator  a  unique 
prefix  number,  ^nt$  indrvrduatly  limit 
their  level  of  control.  A  computof  inter- 
face is  included. 

The  GAT- 100  is  priced  at  S229.  COfV 
tact  Comput&r Automation  T&chnoksgy 
inc.,  4631  NW.  31st  Ave,,  Suite  142, 
Ft  Lauderdale  FL  33309;  (305)  978- 
$171.  Or  cifcle  Reader  Service  No. 
206, 


FINE  TUNING 

Fine  Tuning,  a  rton-profit  organtia- 
liOfi  of  senior  radio  hobbyists  who  spe- 
cialize in  shortwave  broadcast  DXing. 
has  released  the  ihifd  edition  of  Pro- 
ceediftgs.  Proceedings  1990  is  a  col- 
tection  of  in-depth  reviews,  articles  and 
features  for  the  SW8C  DXer.  Every  ar- 
ticle Is  written  with  expertise  by  leading 
radio  hobbyists  and  thoroughly  exam- 
ined by  a  review  panel  of  top-nolch  OX^ 
e^s.  Included  are  reviews  of  receivers 
and  accessories,  sm  great  DXing  fea- 
tures, compendmms  on  DXpeditfOns 
and  modifications  for  the  Sony  ICF- 
201 0/2001 0  receiver,  antenna  articles, 
afKl  muoh  more.  This  year's  edition  is 
an  essential  reference  for  anyone 
wishing  to  increase  their  enjoyment 
and  skill  as  a  shortwave  broadcast 
DXer. 

Proceedings  1990  costs  $19.50. 
plus  $2  postage.  For  more  information 
and  prices  for  postage  outside  Noah 
America,  cor*lact  Fine  Tuning  SpeciBt 
Pubticarions,  %  John  Bryant.  RRT  if 5 
Box  f4,  Stitfwater  OK  74074.  Or  circle 
Reader  Service  No.  204. 


KUBY 
KOMMUNICATiONS 

Kuby  Kommumcaiions'  HT  and 
scanner  all-metal  vehide  window  arv* 
lenna  mount  assembly  is  lightwerghi, 
compact,  and  durable.  No  tools  are  re- 
quired—it comes  ready-to-use,  and  ii's 
easy  to  mount  and  remove.  The  mount 
can  be  slipped  off  and  tossed  into  the 
vehicle  for  security,  but  with  the  win- 
dow rolled  up  light  the  mount  is  secure 
to  the  vehicle.  No  scratches  on  your 
vehicle's  roof!  This  antenna  mount  was 
designed  to  tie  used  with  a  supplied  HT 
rubber  ducky  antenna  that  eliminates 
wind  loading  problems-  Optional  Bel- 
don  RG-SS  or  RGk174  coax  cable  is 
avaHable. 

The  HT/Scanner  8NC  is  priced  at 
$20  with  cable.  $1 3  without,  plus  $2.50 
shipping  and  handling.  For  more  infor- 
mation, con  lac  t  Kuby  Kommunica' 
tions,  19254  Tranbarger  Street,  Row^ 
/and  HBights  CA  91748;  (818)  964- 
1 188.  Or  circle  Reader  Service  No. 
202, 


60    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December.  1990 


Mumber21  on  your  Feedback  car^ 


Abo  ve  and  beyond 


at.  Houghton  WBSfGP 
San  Diego  Microwave  Group 
6345  Badger  Lake  Ave. 
San  Diego  CA  921 19 

5670  MHz  LO  &  Converter 


Browsing  through  back  issues  of 
Feedpoint,  the  North  Texas  Mi* 
crowave  Society  newsletter,  I  found  a 
design  for  a  5.6  GHz  microwave  build- 
ing block  PC  board  in  the  July  1988 
issue.  The  original  article  was  pub- 
lished in  Germany  and  is  ysed  in  this 
oolumn  courtesy  of  CQ-DL  magazine^ 
12/87.  Credit  for  this  converter  design 
goes  to  Roman  Wesolowski  DJ6EP 
and  Jurgen  Dahms  DC0DA. 

This  project  was  just  what  the  doctor 
ordered,  everf  in  time  for  Christmas.  I 
could  not  balfeve  the  sfmplicfty  of  the 
design  and  the  methods  for  construct- 
ing such  a  truly  fine  converter  for  5.670 
GHz.  This  discovery  completed  the 
search  for  a  working  design  that  I 
thought  was  not  available.  Prior  to  this  I 
was  assembling  components  to  put  a 
system  together,  and  I  had  not  com- 
pleted the  gathering  phase,  This  PC 
board  made  the  job  a  lot  easier  I  have 
to  praise  our  German  amateur  counter- 
parts for  their  workmanship.  See  Fig- 
ure t  for  the  schematic. 

Circuit  Description 

The  circuit  uses  two  GaAsFET  am- 
plifiers, one  for  the  receive  pre-amplifi- 
er  stage,  and  the  other  for  a  transmit 
ampfifier  stage.  The  transmft  amplifier 
provides  about  5  mW  power  output  and 
helps  balance  out  the  filter  loss.  The 
5.6  GHz  filters,  ir^terestingly  designed, 
use  two  3/4 -inch  copper  pipe  caps  with 
Vb'inch  stubs  for  coupling  rnto  the  fil- 
ters. The  depth  of  the  stub  determines 
the  bandpass  and  filter  loss.  One- 
fourth  of  an  inch  is  a  good  compromise. 
Each  filter  is  fed  from  independent 
transmit  and  receive  mixers,  further 
simplifying  ihe  circuitry.  See  Figure  4 
for  details - 

The  mixers  use  any  good  mixer 
device^  such  as  the  ecofiomicai  HP 
5082-2711  to  the  high  performance 
stnpNne  HP  5082-2794.  Alpha  6-5827- 
00  strjpline  types  are  also  suitable.  The 
RFC  for  the  144  MHz  cojpEing  mixeT" 
input/output  is  an  a fr- wound  colL  I  used 
5  turns  of  ^32  wire,  If  you  want  a  form, 
use  a  1  meg  V4W  resistor. 

Other  parts  for  the  PG  board,  such 
as  the  transmit  attenuator,  are  com- 
mon, Use  carbon  resistors,  not  wire- 
wound  types.  The  variable  inductor  L  in 
the  preamp  stage  is  a  NEOSCD  5061 .  A 
suitable  replacement  can  be  made  by 
winding  4  turns  of  #26  magnet  wire 
over  a  l^-inch  slug  tuned  form.  The 
stripline  PC  board  is  etched  from  dou- 
ble-sided 0.031 -inch  Teflon'"  stock. 
Leave  the  side  opposite  of  the  stripline 
un etched  to  act  as  a  ground  plane.  Af- 
ter drilling  the  board,  I  used  a  V4-inch 
sharp  drill  bit  to  ream  out  the  holes  on 


VHF  and  Above  Operation 


the  ground  plane  to  ailow  the  compo- 
nents' leads  to  pass  through  without 
shorting  out.  Please  note  that  those 
connections  indicated  with  a  ground 
symbol  on  the  schematic  should  be 
jumpered  from  the  stripline  side  of  the 
board  directly  to  the  ground  plane  side. 
Most  of  the  components  including  the 
pipe  cap  filters  are  mounted  on  the 
ground  plane  Sfde.  The  chip  capaci- 
tors, RF  chokes,  the  mixer  diodes  and 
a  few  of  the  resistors  are  mounted  on 
the  stripline  side.  See  Figure  2  for  parts 
placement  and  the  foil  diagram. 


2-5W 


— W*— 1 
lOOil    I 


,^j)0l 


^ 


Lulijll 


0141  MfiROLlNE   coat!  \Opr 


X 


-Sh- 


II2VI 
♦  RX 
144  MHt 


07 


HSF-lla; 


lOpF 


^llSVl 


*TX 


Ida* 


MOF^moz 


m 


,_  --©-□    @-n-^H^" '" 


:o.o€n 


f 

I       Wr^H  I^M 


iWR  ■ 


T^QdOi 


□ 


/77 


*7 
1— "Ws- 


n.m: 


in 


TgtflS' 


:n5^F      ]^ 


n 


in 


'pfiOJ 


ffi 


.47 


'D"-'«ICRCii»^Av£   3TRIPLIWE  MuEfi   OlODtS 
4     -SEf   T£)i;t 


;iOeP- 


m 


Ft   S/^  in    Cy  KfE   CfiP  W/iCJ-lf  9HASS  BOLT  \H 
TOP   M   FRtflUfl^CT  AQJUS' 

tlt«PRIHtFO   CIRCJfT   BVPAS5   CAWCITOR 
t(i/-t   PC  eWli^Bf 


Modificatioris 

The  IF  system  for  this  converter 
works  at  2  meters  and  has  an  on-board 
U-310  receive  2  meter  preamp.  If  you 
desire,  you  can  replace  this  preamp 
with  other  preamps  by  coupling  direct- 
ly out  of  the  U-310  input  ctrouit. 

I  have  made  several  modifications  to 
the  original  PC  board  to  suit  my  re- 
quire ments.  For  exam  pi 61  I  removed 
the  crystal  multiplier  that  was  part  of 
the  Jocal  oscH later  drive  circuit.  The 
system  as  onginaily  designed  used  a 
crystal  oscillator  running  at  117  MHz, 


Figure  1.  Schematic  of  the  5.6  GHz  microwave  converter. 


and  one  tripler  and  five  doublers  multi- 
plying the  crystal  frequency  to  5616 
MHz,  The  final  doubler  circuit,  located 
on  the  main  PC  board,  is  driven  by 
2808  MHz  from  the  oscillator  PC 
board. 

I  modified  the  circuit  by  eliminating 
the  crystal  oscillator  PC  board  and  re- 
moving the  multiplier  (doubler)  on  the 
main  converter  PC  board.  I  replaced 
this  entire  circuit  with  a  5.6  GHz, 
phase-locked  "brick"  local  oscillator 
(see  Figure  3).  The  brick  provides  a 


local  oscillator  output  directly  at  6.615 
GHz,  (5760  operating  frequency  - 145 
MHz  IF  frequency  =  5.615  GHz  local 
oscillator.)  This  greatly  improves  sta- 
biMty  and  simplifies  cor^struotion. 
There^s  nothing  wrong  with  the  multi- 
plier string,  but  if  a  high  quality  oscilla- 
tor is  aval  lab  la  from  surplus^  why  not 
use  it? 

Phase-Locked  Bnck  Oscillators 

The  phase-locked  brick  oscillator 
can  be  described  as  a  compacts  self- 


^MT/REC  MIXERS/ FILTERS       +  tx 

5.&  6li!  REC/XMT  ampljfiers 
H4MHf    RECEIVE   PRE-AhtP 

L=  4  TURNS   #^S   ENAMELED    COVERED    WJRE   0"    1/6  m   SLUG-TUNED    FOft*^    iOR  NEOSED    #5061} 
♦MtXINTED  ON  FOIL  SIDE  OF  BOARD 


r 


Figure  2.  (a)  Foif  diagram  ar}d  (t^)  parts  placement  (as  viewed  from  stripline  side). 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  Decennber,  1990     61 


EXTERNAi.  OSCILLATOR 

9<?  TO  APPROXiMATELY  i05¥Hz  , 

CRYSTftL 

BUFFEH 

liARMQNlC 
66;NEft*TOIt 

DETECTOB 
MIXER 

LOOP  AMP 
COMPAflATOP 
SEARCH  AM^" 

1 

1 

i            1 
'man"     *jrt*L' 

** 

1                  ^    . 

CCMTfff>L 

1 

Out 

i«iit: 

OUTPUT  FlLttH 

WAIIACTOII 

pcmEn 

MULT 

OUT 

P0WC1I 
OUT 

t         .... 

-!9V 

-?SW 

Figure  J-  The  mtcrowave  tfick  asQitiator^ 


^ 

■!?— ^ 

ir_     r 

•^'H  v^ti  «  m^'      1 

Bi                  "uim          1 

•iTt\* 

y 

P\H   FROM 

^L     V 

4 

■ 

ITH^PUMF  iM-i         ^'       I 

"^^   L*tllH^LtN«  OllT 

L 

—  K  BOAHI  {Cail  TEFLOtl! 

figure  4.  The  ^-inch  pipe  cap  Mer  for  the 
SB  GHz  converter.  Adjust  the  pin  tengrh 
for  fffter  shape  Bnd  kxss  (approxtmateiy  14 
tnchfong}.  Use  RG-SWUcemer  conductor 
feaving  the  foam  msuiation  mtaci  Adjust 
the  Mt  for  remfiar^:^  al  5670  MHz  or  cfe- 
sired  frequency^ 

coniainod  system  for  local  oscHlalor  irv 
ieclion,  hence  the  name  ''brick/' 
Availat?iHtv  depends  on  the  drifting 
Winds  of  surplus.  The  circuitry  internal 
lo  a  bftck  is  qufie  extensive;  new,  they 
COS1  atx^ut  S1 70O  each. 

WDrking  surplus  bricks  were  prcced 
at  S2S  lo  $35  when  I  hey  first  slaited 
to  show  up,  bm  prices  on  all  micfo- 
wave  related  components  have  fcioeri 
steadily  rising.  I  have  seen  tested,  cer- 
tifiabid  bricks  sell  for  a  ^ow  of  $50  and  a 
high  of  aOout  $75,  depending  on  their 
condition,  Tve  picked  up  bargain 
bricks  at  S5  each,  only  to  find  them  in 
serious  trouble. 

The  crystal  oscillator  for  controlling 
the  tarick  can  be  internal  or  externa j  lo 
the  basic  brick.  The  bricks  with  internal 
oscillators  make  the  system  simpler, 
bill  Ihey  are  getting  hard  10  find  in 
surplus. 


If  the  brick  you  obtain  needs  an  ex- 
ternal oscillator  circuit,  see  the  Sep- 
tember and  October  issues  of  73  tlris 
year,  in  which  I  describe  a  crystal  oscif- 
fator  circuit  and  a  ternperalure  control 
circuit  in  this  column. 

The  brick  I  am  using  does  not  have 
an  Internal  oscillator,  so  Tve  put  the 
external  oscillator  and  temperature  cir- 
cuit lo  use.  It  is  a  lot  easier  to  build  the 
crystal  oscillator  and  buffer  stage  than 
the  entire  multiplier  siring. 

Two  transistors  lof  a  100  MHz  oscil- 
lator and  a  single  op  amp  for  tempera- 
ture control  are  not  difficult  to  put  to- 
gether. Ttie  external  oscillator  supplies 
the  brick's  harmonic  gejierator.  whose 
overall  multiplication  ratio  is  60.  That 
means  that  the  crystal  is  multiplied  12 
times,  arxi  controls  the  high  power  os- 
ciitalor.  phase-locking  it  at  the  I2th 
harmonic.  A  dfode  multiplier  multiplies 
this  phase-locked  signal  five  times  to 
the  6  GHz  range.  The  crystal  myttiplier 
(12J.  times  the  hamionic  multiplier  (5)^ 
ectual5  60. 

The  oscHlaiors  showing  up  on  the 
surplus  market  are  coming  from  tele- 
phone companies,  who  are  shifting 
from  microwave  lo  fiber  optics  for  com- 
munications systems.  Most  equlpmenl 
is  junked  out  to  scrap  metal  dealers  at 
ten  cents  a  pound.  Now  this  sounds 
great,  but  don't  forget  that  the  bricks 
come  with  about  300  pounds  of  relay 
rack  and  support  equipment,  After  this 
is  removed,  the  Junkyard  still  has  Ihe 
bulk  of  iron  and  unusable  equipment 
left  over.  You  have  to  find  the  brick 
oscillators  before  they're  turned  into 
scrap  metal  People  are  catching  on 
and  demanding  higher  prices  for  them* 


All  is  net  a  bed  of  roses,  as  you  must 
purchase  this  equipment  without  any 
form  of  guarantee.  My  local  scrap  deaU 
#r  has  lold  me  several  limes  in  price 
negotiations  tJiali  "*Vou  canl  romance 
a  junk  man."  Their  price  is  firm  I  Look* 
ir^g  for  treasure  in  a  scrapyard  can  t>e 
tols  of  fun^  tMjt  it  takes  time  aitd  ts 
wrought  with  dead  ends 

Crystal  MultifiUers 

Here  are  a  few  hints  on  how  to  prop- 
erty tune  a  crystal  multiplier  for  com- 
parison. Some  oMhe  details  are  appli- 
cabfe  to  general  building  at  higher 
frequencies.  Component  parts  and 
construction  techniques  are  very  im- 
portant, and  not  paying  attention  to  de* 
tan  will  give  poor  results. 

First,  let's  assume  a  multiple  stage 
circuit  like  the  original  one  used  for  the 
5,6  GHz  converter.  Adjust  each  multi- 
plier stage  for  a  clean  stable  output, 
making  sure  the  output  is  on  the  in- 
tended harmonic.  Don't  tune  the  circuit 
for  maximum,  as  a  system,  by  the 
tweak  and  peak  method.  Sure,  it  puts 
out  power,  but  on  what  frequency?  And 
what  about  oscillator  garbage?  I  bet 
it'd  have  lots  ol  false  outputs  and  be 
somewtrat  unstatile^  It's  better  to  tune 
each  stage  as  a  separate  output  ttetore 
piooeeding  on  to  the  next  stage,  mak- 
ing sure  it's  on  frequernry  and  not  seM- 
oscillating.  (PutI  the  cfysial;  the  system 
should  be  stable  and  not  oscillate). 

As  t  staled  earlier,  circuit  constnjc- 
tion  techniques  are  very  critical  be- 
cause at  microwave  frequencies,  the 
Size  of  the  components  becomes  a 
larger  and  larger  fraction  of  a  wave- 
length. A  short  wire  connection  at  low 
frequency  can  be  a  very  large  imped- 
ance, or  RF  choke,  at  microwave  fre- 
quencies. Poor  construction  tech- 
niques and  solder  blobs  can  render  a 
microwave  circuit  useless.  Don't  leave 
solder  rosin  on  the  PC  board.  Clean  it 
with  alcohol  or  other  thinners.  Just  as 
you  tune  one  stage  at  a  lime,  do  Ihe 
same  when  building.  Do  not  populate 
Ihe  entire  PC  t>oard  with  component 
parts  at  one  time.  You  could  place 
most  of  the  ''nonvolaifle"  parts,  tran- 
sistors, and  diodes  only  as  needed 
while  testing.  This  should  minimize  any 
circuit  problems. 

Mailbox  Comments 

Junjf  Tamara  JHtMOY  of  Tokyo  in- 
quires about  ttie  brick  oscillators  for 
both  10  and  6  GHz  bands  We  are 
sending  him  detatts  on  the  bncks  He 
reports  thai  a  2.4  GHz  ropaaler  was 
settled  m  Tokyo  recently,  and  activity 
has  increased  on  that  band.  He  be- 
lieves that  soon  this  wave  of  interest 
will  cover  all  of  Japan.  Well,  Jun[i,  I 
hope  the  interest  spreads  and  maf^y 
other  amateurs  enter  the  fascinating 
world  of  microwave  communications.  I 
started  in  amateur  microwave  several 
years  ago,  being  Interested  In  building 
simple  and  practical  circuits  for  our  mi- 
crowave bands. 

Ray  Kajma  of  Farrell,  Pennsylvania, 
writes  that  he  is  looking  for  an  APQ-1 1 0 
radar  manual.  He's  also  looking  fnto 
small  antennas,  and  has  researched  a 
spiral  antenna  capable  of  operation 


over  many  GHz.  A  spiral  antenna,  like 
a  log  array,  starts  smalt  in  the  center 
and  spirals  out.  the  dual  elements  get- 
ting broader  as  they  circle  out.  Contact 
Ron  at  317  FJorida  St..  Farrell  PA 
16121. 

Terry  N8SIF  questions  the  pola- 
plexer.  Does  it  function  as  a  circulator 
and  detector?  Also,  he  wants  me  to 
describe  my  TWT  and  power  supply. 
Well.  Terry,  ihe  polaplexer  is  not  a 
circulator,  in  that  no  magnetics  tsolate 
the  detector  from  the  transmit  source. 
The  polaplexer  was  first  used  over  40 
years  ago  with  ttn  cans  of  resonant 
size.  The  polaplexer  derives  its  isola- 
tion from  the  fact  that  transmit  Is  180 
degrees  offset  from  the  receive,  one 
horizontal  and  one  vertical  In  the 
waveguide  or  tube<  Local  oscillator 
Injection  is  controlled  by  upsetting  the 
inherent  balance  by  a  B/35  brass  bolt. 
This  boll  Is  positioned  at  45  degrees, 
and  its  depth  of  penetration  controls 
transmit  injection  of  current  into  the 
detector  diode  for  bias. 

The  TWT  or  traveling  wave  tube  that 
I  use  is  a  surplus  item  from  telephone 
equipment  for  analog  microwave 
transmitters  that  became  obsolete. 
The  TWT  ts  a  helix  tube  6  to  0  inches 
long,  its  plaie  structure  a  spnng-ltke, 
spiral-wound  coil  tt  is  surrounded  by 
special  magnets  to  cor^taln  an  electron 
beam  Ughtiy  focused  in  the  coil.  The 
power  supply  requires  several  high 
voltages— 600.  1200.  3000  volts— 
which  are  adjusted  to  each  tube  type, 
Cun-enls  are  quite  low;  in  the  3  to  25 
mA  range  for  lOW  types. 

My  TWT  funs  off  24  volts  DC  at  3 
amps  on  transmit  and  has  an  output  of 
10  watts.  My  Reld  Day  station  has  two 
options.  One  is  the  lower,  more  conve- 
nient solid  state  amplifier  with  200  mW 
output  for  1 2  volts  at  1 ,3  amps  on  trans- 
mit The  other  Is  the  TWT  with  Its  power 
supply.  The  power  supply  is  as  wide  as 
a  relay  rack  (19  inches).  It's  8  inches 
high  and  weighs  about  10  pounds.  The 
tube  is  10  inches  long  in  its  protective 
case. 

The  large  battery  supplies  that  the 
TWT  needs  for  a  lull  day's  operation 
(two  12V.  26  Ah)  pose  a  problem  for 
Field  Day  microwave  contests.  The 
battery  might  tie  overktil,  but  Ji  can  last 
a  full  weekend  without  recharging. 

Bricks  Available 

By  the  way,  I  have  obtained  several 
extra  6  GHz  brick  oscillators  similar  to 
the  ones  described  m  this  column  The 
bricks  are  as  good  as  new,  and  ril 
make  them  available  for  $50  each, 
postpaid  U.S.  They  require  an  external 
oscillator  {^00  MHz  crystal,  approxi- 
mately). All  have  been  tested  and  are  in 
good  condition,  phase-locking  at  6 
GHz,  with  the  typical  6  GHz  output  50 
lo  1 00  mW  { +20  dBm  maximum). 

The  last  weekend  of  the  ARRL  10 
GHz  Contest  is  about  to  start,  and  I 
hope  to  get  some  pictures  to  let  you 
know  what's  happening.  As  always,  I 
will  be  glad  to  answer  any  questions 
concerning  this  and  other  VHF/UHF 
microwave -related  items.  Please  in* 
elude  an  SASE  for  a  prom  pi  reply.  73 
Chuck  WB6IGP 


62    73  AmaieuT  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


THEY'LL  THINK  THEY'RE 
T  HAVING  FUN 


YOU'LL  KNOW 
THEY'RE  LEARNING 

Csrole  Perfy's  (Dayton  1987  Mam  of  The  Year) 
"Introduction  To  Amateur  Radio"  package  atiows 
ctiildren  of  all  abilities  to  achieve  success 

Ready-to-tea ch  psckage  contains;  Teacher's 
Manual  with  26  lesson  pfans,  Code  Practice 
Osctllator  for  Morse  Code  practice,  Spacecode 
audtocassette  which  follows  lesson  plans.    $99.95 

•FREE  Video  Tape  Showirtg  Cfassf oom  Use 

G  Any  motivated  tocher  can  teach  t*^e  program. 
DHani  Radio  program  is 
used  3S  d  motivational 
looHoieachshiiism 
other  subject  areas, 
D24  hour  Hotline  is 
available  for  help  and  questions. 

DHrgh  motivational  activities, 
homewofhs,  fund  raisers,  quizzes,  & 

repf  oductWes  iriciuded. 
_   iSlOrliri    P.0,  Box  131646 

~  Clrmrnr^T —    staten  island 

irSC'  7 18-983' 14 16 


I^ 


So  don 'I,   For  only  $6  per  hour,  you  can 
downlpad  to  your  hard  disk  from  DELPHI'S 
llbraiy  of  over  10,000  pro- 
grams.   That's  right,  Just 
$6  per  hour  including 
evening  and  ureekend  ]ocal 
access  at  modem  speeds 
up  to  2400  bps> 


SIGH  UP  WITH  YOUR 

*  Dial  1-800-365 

*  Al  Usemanve: 

*  Al  floss  LL'ord: 


Of  course,  you  may  t?%'entually  fill  up 
your  hard  disk,    llien  you  can  enjoy  cxplor- 

1  ing  DELPHI'S  other  serHces 


COMPUriR  IND  MODEM 

-4636 

typeJOINDELPHI 
type  SEVENTY 


such  as  elecitrottlc  raalJv 
conference,  multl -player 
games,  news,  stock  quotes, 
encyclopedia,  and  LraveL 


Join  DELPHI  now  for  S9^95  and  your 
first  hour  Is  free.   There's  no  risk —  if  jfou're 
not  complete Iv  satisfied,  well  refund  the 
S9,95, 


DELPHI 


raniuniif  HAii  Mtms  sjNa  i9t2 


CIRCU  241  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Oenerml  Videotex  Cufporatfon  ■  Thtrr  BlR^lciHtcine  Sirrrl  •  Camtiild^r  MA  02133 

soo-544.400a  -  617^49]  -aaas         cneLE  233  ON  flEAOER  SERVICE  CARD 


31  St  ANNUAL 

TROPICAL  HAMBOREE 

AMATEUR  RADIO  &  COMPUTER  SHOW 
ARRL  SOUTHEASTERN  DIVISION  CONVENTION 

FEBRUARY  2-3,  1 991 

DADE  COUNTY  YOUTH  FAIR  &  EXPOSITION  FAIRGROUNDS 

•!00+  EXHIBIT  BOOTHS  •  1,000  INDOOR  SWAP  TABLES    •  300CAMPSITES  WITH  HOOK-UPS 
FREE  PARKING  15,000  VEHICLES  •  EXAMS  FOR  AMATEUR  LICENSES  •  WOUFF  HONG  INITIATION 

•  SPECIAL  CONVENTION  PROGRAMS  ft  ACTIVITIES  FOR  EVERYONE 

FRIDAY  SPECIAL!!! 


EDUCATIONAL  C.E.U.  WORKSHOP 
FOR  PROFESSIONAL  &  VOLUNTEER  INSTRUCTORS 

CONDUCTED  BY  THE  ARRL  EDUCATIONAL  ACTIVITIES  DEPARTMENT 

Resist  ration:  55.00  Advance  —  S6,00  Door  *  Valid  Both  Days  (Advance  deadline  Jan,  22) 

Swap  Tables:  S20.00each  +  Registration  *  Power:  S10.00  per  User. 

Campsites:  3  Days  (FrL,  Sat.,  Sun.)  540,00  •  4  Days  (Thurs,,  Fri.,  Sat,  Sun,)  555,00 

Headquarters  Hotel:  Miami  Airport  Marriott  —  565.00  Single,  Double 

Call:  (305)  649-5000  -  Speak  Only  to  Reservation  Department 

Must  Mention  "Tropical  Hamborce"  to  Get  Special  Rate,  Deadline  Jan,  19, 1991, 
After  Deadline,  Special  Rates  on  Room  Available  Basis  Only 


WRITE  TODAY 

FOR  DETAILED  BROCHURE 

&  RESERVATION  FORMS 


Send  to:  Chairman,  Evelyn  Gauzens,  W4WyR 

2780  N.W.  3rd  Street,  Miami,  FL  33125 

TeL:  (305)  642^41 39  •  Fax:  (305)  642- 1 648 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December.  1990    63 


As 


Numbef  23  on  your  Feedback  card 


K KABOOM 


MichaeiJ.  GeierKBWM 
%  73  Amateuf  Radio  Today 
WGE  Center 
Forest  Read 
Hmicock  NH  03449 

Still  More  Troubleshooting 

Last  month  we  discussed  the  ins  and 
outs  of  various  radio  circuit  stages, 
with  aslant  toward  andarslanding  and 
fixing  them  without  schematic  dia- 
grams. There's  plersiy  more  to  go.  so 
let's  get  righi  to  it. 

Detectorsi  Tfits  ts  rather  a  broad 
area.  The  circuit  conf  guration  will  de- 
pend, Of  course,  on  the  mode  (AM, 
SS8.  FM,  etc.)  being  detected,  fn  a 
muttimode  rig,  several  detectors  will  be 
present.  The  simplest  detector  is  the 
diode  used  in  basic  AM  4'eceivers. 

You  will  find  it  hanging  off  the  end  of 
the  last  IF  transformer.  Generally,  it  ei- 
ther  works  or  it  doe^nH.  However,  most 
rigs,  even  if  they  receive  AM.  avoid  tt^e 
diode  detector  because  there  are 
much  better-performing  schemes.  The 
product  detector  is  a  balanced  ar- 
rangement whose  outpui  is  the  product 
of  a  local  oscillator  and  the  receivad 
signal.  By  "product'*  I  mean  lli©  math- 
ematical kind,  as  in  multiplication.  So, 
this  circuit  has  some  gain,  instead  of 
Ihe  loss  inherent  in  the  passive  diode 
defector.  Atso,  by  feeding  in  the  BFO 
instead  Of  the  local  oscillator,  the 
product  detector  makes  a  very  nice 
SSB  and  CW  demodulator.  Consa- 
querttly.  i1  is  common  in  sidet>and  HF 
rigs.  As  with  all  detectors,  look  for  it  at 
theendolthe  IF  chain. 

It  may  be  an  IC  or  it  may  have  diodes, 
transistors  or  FETs.  The  giveaway  is 
ttiat  it  has  two  inputs  and  only  one  out- 
put, it  IS  essentially  a  mtjcer,  so  it  looks 
like  one.  If  it  doesn't  seem  to  be  work* 
ing;  check  tfiat  both  ifiputs  are  there 
before  you  Start  yariking  any  parts.  If 
you  do  puii  parts  to  check  them,  pyll 
and  replace  them  one  at  a  time  to  avoid 
unbalancing  the  circuit  by  swapping 
^'identical"  components. 

FM  Is  another  story  altogether.  Vari- 
ous detector  schemes  have  been  de- 
veloped over  the  years,  including  the 
ratio  detector,  discriminator,  pulse  in* 
tegratof,  etc.  Tf>e  job  of  the  FM  detec- 
tor IS  to  convert  wiggles  in  the  incommg 
carrier  frequerK^  into  corresponding 
voltages.  Tlie  result  of  this  process  is 
reconstruction  of  ttie  same  audio  sig* 
nals  which  caused  the  frequency  wig- 
gles at  the  transmitter.  Most  rigs  use 
discriminator-type  detectors,  which 
consist  of  two  diodes  and  an  IF  coil  with 
an  extra  winding.  The  coH  has  to  be 
tuned  to  the  unmodulated  carrier  fre- 
quency  for  the  circuit  to  produce  good 
audio.  If  It  is  even  a  little  bit  off.  tr>e 
recovered  aiKJio  will  be  significantly 
distorted.  I  remember  of^e  rig  that  re- 
ceived clear  audio  when  disassem- 
bled, but  always  sounded  distorted 
when  the  case  was  put  together.  It 
turned  out  that  someone  had  replaced 
the  original,  magnetically-shielded 
speaker  with  a  cheap ,  unshielded  one. 


The  Tech  Answer  Man 

The  new  speaker's  magnetic  field  was 
detuning  the  discriminator  coll  when 
the  case  was  assembled,  t^ecause  it 
was  right  on  top  of  iti  Moral:  Never  take 
ANYTHING  for  granted. 

Some  rigs  use  ceramic  discHmina- 
tors.  These  are  smalK  pretuned.  three- 
legged  beast ies.  Because  they  have 
no  adjustments,  they  can  be  looked  at 
as  either/or  devices;  Either  they  work, 
or  they  don*t.  They  have  no  active  com- 
ponents, so  they  usually  work. 

Pulse  integrators  are  not  common  tn 
radio  equipment,  but  Ihey  are  excel- 
lent, low-distortion  FM  detectors  and 
are  worth  exploring ,  as  Ihey  are  handy 
for  home-brewtrvg.  The  ides  is  simple: 
Make  narrow  pulses  from  the  incoming 
carrier  by  applying  it  to  a  monostable 
multivibrator  (one-shot),  Now  inte- 
grate, or  low-pass  filter,  the  pulses  with 
a  simple  resistor/capacitor  (R/C)  fitter, 
and  voiia,  aydtoE  As  the  carrier  tre- 
quertcy  increases,  the  "on"  time  of  the 
pulses  wilt  be  more  freqoent,  causing 
tho  capacitor's  voltage  to  rise.  As  the 
frequency  decreases,  tt^e  '*oii"  tirne 
will  be  less  frequent,  and  the  cap's 
voltage  will  decrease.  The  flyctuating 
voltage  will  correspond  to  the  original 
audio  signal. 

Low-level  audio  amps:  If  you  have 
a  signal  at  the  output  of  the  detector, 
but  have  no  audio  closer  to  the  speak- 
er, check  tiie  low-level  amp  stages. 
These  are  straightforward  circuits,  and 
they  may  be  made  of  transistors  or  iCs. 
In  some  rigs  they're  op  amps,  in  any 
event,  their  function  is  to  build  Ihe  sig- 
nal up  enough  to  dnve  the  speaker 
amp  stage.  The  signal  voltage  should 
get  bigger  at  each  stage  or ,  in  the  case 
of  an  emitter  follower  stage,  it  should 
stay  about  the  same. 

You  may  wonder  al  the  purpose  of 
an  amplifier  that  seems  lo  have  no 
gain.  Why  is  it  there?  Because  tt^ere 
are  two  kinds  of  gain.  When  the  signal 
gets  bigger,  that's  voltage  gain.  When 
it  doesn^t.  the  purpose  is  most  likely 
current  gain.  In  other  words,  the 
stage's  Output  can  drive  a  lower 
Impedance  load  without  getting  wiped 
out.  Current  amplifiers  are  called 
"buffers."  especially  when  they  are 
made  from  op  amps. 

Noise  blinkers:  There  are  various 
types,  but  the  basic  idea  is  to  blank  the 
audio  output  at  the  instant  of  a  noisd 
pulse  because  the  brain  finds  the  ab- 
sence of  sound  far  less  intrusive  than  a 
sudden  "pop."  Blankers  use  a  high- 
pass  filler  to  look  for  noise  pulses, 
which  hawe  a  far  faster  rise  time  than 
normal  audio.  It  can  be  hard  to  tell 
when  noise  blankers  are  broken.  They 
can  be  pretty  particular  regarding 
which  noises  they  will  eliminate,  even 
when  ihey  work.  Unless  you  have 
some  handy  source  of  impulse  noise, 
such  as  an  electric  drill  you  will  have  to 
check  components  out-of 'Circuit. 

Some  noise  blankers  can  be  fairly 
compIeK,  with  variable  levels, 
thresholds,  time  constants,  etc.  These 
can  involve  digital  gates  and  decision* 
making  circuits.  Jysl  as  with  the  sim- 


pler variety,  you  need  to  inject  noise  to 
do  any  reaJ  tfouble^iooting.  If  you  do 
try.  simply  trace  the  noise  pulses 
through  the  highisass  filter  into  the 
noise  amp  and  any  circuits  that  follow. 

Squelch  circuits:  These  can  fool 
you  into  thinking  your  low-level  audio 
amps  are  not  working  because  they 
gate  the  audio  on  Bn6  off.  Some 
squelches  have  their  own  gate  transis- 
tors* while  others  stiort  out  the  base  of 
the  first  low^evet  audk>  amp.  If  the  amp 
doesn't  seem  to  worlt.  always  check 
the  squelch  first. 

Although  some  SSB  rigs  have 
squelch  circuits,  they  are  most  com- 
mon on  FM  rigSf  where  they're  an  ab- 
solute necessity  because  of  the  loud 
Wank-channel  "whoosh"'  which  would 
otherwise  drive  you  crazy.  Ttte  usual 
FM  squelch  technique  ts  to  exploit  that 
whoosh.  The  annoying  notse  contains 
lots  of  high-frequency  audio  energy 
which  is  outside  the  normal  signal 
passband  that  would  be  delivered  by  a 
transmitting  station.  A  high-pass  filter, 
followed  by  a  rectifier  and  smoothing 
fitter,  will  deliver  a  DC  voltage  when  the 
noise  is  there »  and  next  to  nothing 
when  a  carrier  is  present.  (Even  if 
there's  plenty  of  audio  modulation  on 
the  carrier^  it  will  never  approach  the 
high*frequency  content  of  the  noise.) 
The  output  of  ttre  rectifier/filter  drives 
the  squelch  gate  transistor.  Some 
squelch  circuits  can  be  a  bit  more  com- 
plex, but  the  basic  scheme  is  the  same. 
If  you  have  no  audio,  check  the  squelch 
gate.  It  may  be  shorted.  If  the  audio's 
there  but  the  squelch  won't  work,  it 
may  be  open  Of  course,  check  the  in- 
put to  the  transistor  first*^lhe  trouble 
may  lie  farther  upstream. 

AM/SS6  squelches  work  just  the 
Other  way  around.  They  look  for  an  al>- 
sence  of  signal,  champing  the  audio  off 
when  the  signal  drops  below  the 
threshold  you  set  with  the  squelch  con- 
trol .  With  AM  and  SSB,  of  course,  there 
is  no  loud  wideband  noise  because  the 
iF  stages  are  not  being  driven  to  their 
saturation  point.  In  fact,  amaprobjec^ 
five  is  that  the  front  end  and  JFs  be  as 
quief  as  posaibie.  The  troubleshooting 
procedure  is  pretty  muc^  the  same  as 
for  FM  rigs,  except  that  ttm  iignal  lev- 
els in  the  early  stages  are  inverted  <  and 
there  is  no  high-^pass  filter.  It  all  still 
comes  down  to  a  gate  being  driven  by 
the  received  signal. 

Audio  power  amps:  These,  of 
course,  drive  the  speaker.  Usually,  the 
audio  power  amp  is  a  current  amplifier 
arKJ  does  not  exhibit  voltage  gain.  If 
discrete,  it  is  almost  certainly  a  posh- 
puti  circuit*  or  some  vanat^n.  Irt  this 
scheme,  there  are  two  transistors  and 
each  one  amplifies  only  one  half  of  the 
audio  waveform.  Severe  audio  distor- 
tion in  the  power  amp  is  nearly  always 
caused  by  one  of  those  transistors  fail- 
ing. If  it  is  accompanied  by  hum  which 
does  not  vary  with  the  volume  control, 
suspect  a  shorted  transistor.  It  not, 
kx>k  for  an  open.  Often,  these  transis- 
tors are  matched  pairs,  and  should  be 
replaced  the  same  way.  Using  off-the- 
shelf  +  unrelated  parts  can  cause  over- 
heating and  increased  distortion.  Also, 
when  you  replace  a  shorted  transistor, 
be  sure  to  replace  any  resistors  con- 
nected to  its  emitter,  as  they  may  be 
damaged,  tf  the  transistors  are  good, 
see  if  there  is  a  large,  electrolytic  cap 


t>elween  the  amp  and  speaker  A  short- 
ed or  leaky  one  will  often  cause  symp- 
toms which  mimic  a  bad  transistor. 

IC  power  amps  are  becoming  in* 
creasingly  common.  When  they  go* 
they  usually  get  so  hot  you  can't  touch 
them  for  more  than  a  second.  If  the 
audio  looks  good  going  in  but  nettling 
comes  out,  and  the  speaker  coupling 
cap  is  OK.  the  IC  b  protiably  bad. 

By  the  way,  tjefore  you  get  too  in* 
vof^d  in  tracking  down  power  amp 
troubles,  check  that  the  speaker  is 
good  and  is  CONNECTED.  A  bad  ear- 
phone jack  or  blown  voice  coil  can 
waste  lots  of  your  time.  Blown  speak* 
ers  are  especially  common  in  HTs  be- 
cause they  are  often  played  at  high 
volume  in  cars.  Also,  some  HT  speak- 
ers are  rated  far  t?elow  tfta  power  level 
the  rigs'  amps  can  deliver. 

The  Circuits 

Now,  let*s  look  at  some  drcMte  pe- 
culiar lo  transmitters. 

Speech  processors:  There  are  two 
types,  AF  and  RF.  The  audio  frequency 
processors  usually  are  compressors, 
and  work  much  like  the  automatic  level 
control  circuits  on  cassette  tape 
recorders,  only  faster.  They  attempt  to 
keep  ttie  average  audio  level  close  to 
the  peaJc  level,  Altfrotigh  the  Hf  tech- 
nique has  domrnated  for  many  years, 
AF  processors  have  begun  to  reap- 
pear, and  they  are  remarkably  effec- 
tive. If  the  processor  passes  audio  but 
does  not  compress,  check  the  variable 
gain  element h  Typically.  it*s  an  FET 
connected  between  the  input  and  oul- 
pul  of  Ifie  amplifier  stage  passing  the 
audio.  If  there's  jusi  no  audio  at  all. 
Check  the  amp  itself. 

RF  processors  are  considerably 
more  complex.  They  actually  work  at  IF 
frequencies.  The  basic  scheme  is  to 
take  the  modulated  IF  signal  and  detib- 
erately  overdrive  it  so  that  the  peaks 
are  clipped  off.  The  result  is  that  the 
average  level  is  close  lo  the  newly- 
dipped  peaks.  To  avoid  the  horrerv 
dous  distortion  and  splatter  this  seem- 
ingly ugly  process  generates,  the 
signal  is  then  fed  through  a  tiandpass 
filter  which  amoothes  the  edges  and 
keeps  the  signal  within  the  normal  3 
kHz  limits.  If  there's  no  output,  check 
all  stages,  starting  from  the  proces- 
sor's input,  for  the  presence  of  a  modu^ 
lated  carrier.  You  need  lo  put  audio 
into  the  mike,  artd  you  actually  may 
have  to  operate  your  transmitter  to  do 
this  test,  so  use  a  dummy  kiad.  Under 
no  circumstances  should  you  be  on  the 
air  as  you  talk  into  the  mike  and  start 
probing  for  signals.  Needless  to  say, 
be  careful  to  avoid  injury  when  working 
near  a  live  transmitter. 

If  the  processor  passes  a  signal  but 
does  not  seem  to  have  much  effect  on 
it,  there  probably  isn't  enough  gain  to 
drive  it  to  clipping.  Remember,  bBkm 
the  dipping  point,  the  whole  thing  is 
just  an  amplifier.  You  should  be  able  to 
see  the  d^ppjng  on  the  signal  at  the 
bandpass  filter  entry  point  If  not. 
check  the  gain  stages  between  the 
mike  and  the  fitter. 

Weill  once  again  I'm  out  of  room, 
and  we  still  aren't  finished!  Next 
month,  we'll  wrap  this  up  ar>6  move  on 
to  something  else - 


64    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1 990 


Short  Multiband  DIpole-V-Sfqpers 


Ready  eo  L'se 

Fastest  Ipstall 
Coaji  Feed 
SOOOVInsul 


Tougb 

Flexible 
Kink-Proof 


Full  Lege]  Power 
Ko  Lossy  Traps 
Low  Noise 
Nev-er  Corrode 


^^5^' $49-95  I eJ?^;' $59.95 

SO- 10  51  ft.  long       I T 6 ^- i ^  ^  icj2  ft,  joog 

Fully  AssesnbJed,  wSrh  Tech  MsnyaJ  &  MaHxtiiJ  Adaptor 
Add  £5  Posl^fi;  Handling      %  Order  Hot- Line: 

For  Tech  MopackKiid  $1      ^11^00-956-7373^ 
CIRCLE  138  ON  REAOEfi  SERVICE  CARD 


Anienna  Mounting  Hardware 

Side  Mount— Vent  Mount— Wall  Mount 

Roof  Mount — Chimney  Mount 

Alliance  Rotors  Model  U-1 10 

Ground  Wire— A-B  Switch— Ground  Rod 

3  Foot  Tripod— VHS  Rev^inder 

SASEForCat&fog 

Antenna  Service  *  165  Olympia  Street 

PUtsburgti,PA1£211 

(412)431-S171  or  (41 2)  431-9330 

Ask  for  Job,  KA3TDQ 


CIRCLE  196  QH  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Adda 

Touch  OF  Glass 

TO  YOURSNACK 
with  our  hand  en- 
graved crystal  clear 
glass  desk  placard. 
We  win  engrave  your  first  name  and  caJI  (up  to  stx  charac- 
ters each)  along  with  a  beam  and  lowej-  on  a  QSL  card 
sjze  piece  of  clear  glass  and  set  tt  in  a  solid  oak  base.  We 
engrave  freehand  using  a  stafionary  grinding  wheel 
making  your  placard  a  truly  unique  crysiaJ  creation.  Cost 
is  $7,95  each  +  $2.50  s/h.  Send  check  or  money  order  to: 
Crystal  Cfeaf  ions,  Rt.  1 ,  Box  1 B,  Boyceville,  Wl  54725. 
We  also  carry  desk/ name  placards  for  businesses.. 


CIRCLE  134  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Omar 
WA8F0N 

AEA 
Alinco 
Ameritron 
Pro-Am 


Omar  Electronics  Ino 

Rt.  1  Hwy.  81  South 
Loganvtild,  GA  30249 

(404)  466  -3241 


MFJ 

Kenwood 

Yaesu 

Uniden 


Marc 

N4YHM 

ARRL 

Bencher 

ICOM 

Van  Gorden 


TEN-TEC 

Made  in  USA 
All  your  TEN-TEC  needs! 

•  RF  Connectors 

•  Dacron  Rope 

M  &  N  Electronics 


RD#i,  Box66-Orangeville,  PA  17859 

717-458-6243 
1^800-457-0705 


r  Wirtirfi* 


Used  Equipment  available 


1990  CALL  DIRECTORY 

(On  Microfiche) 

Calf  Directory ,  .$10 

Name  Index 10 

Geographic  Index 10 

All  three  ^$25 
Shipping  per  order  $3 

BUCKMASTER  PUBLrSHrNG 

Mineral,  Virginia  23117 

.703;  894-5777         800:282-5628 


CIRCLE  7  ON  HEADER  SERVICE  CARD 


MAXCOM 


AirrOMATlC  AFfFENWA  MATCHER 

Th©  uilimate  advanced  technolOQy  — ■ 

whe^h  you  need  it  most 


L 


P^O.  Box  502 

Ft.  Lflud«rdal«,  Fl.  Sd302 

(305)  52S-6369 


Ca/i  Sonny 


ITKE    BOTraM    LIME  I        *^J^  A  X COM    WfSFi K  d " ■ 


CIRCLE  101  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


ATV  CONVERTERS   •  HF  LINEAR  AMPLIFIERS 


DISCOVER  THE  WOHLO  Of 
f  AST  SCAN      /Sk     .TELEVISION 

79  CM 


HJ=  AMPUFIEBS  par  MOTOROIA  HULLETtW^ 


J3€M 


in  th>  MO  TO 

AN7&¥^Oi:9Wll«4.70 
AN762  liaWI  03.7S 
AN7T9<L  2DW  f  «3.T9 
AN77aR  3dW  I^J  IC 


fvr  HF  Amplifhri.  Di 


ibcd 


EB63   H(^Wtn.«S 

EB104  6D4W  «44t.15 
ARJaS  lOOW  I3A3.EJ 


UWIVEHSAL  DICaTALFBEQUEhrCT  READOUT 
T  K  - 1  (WirEd/UFltd ) .v..«w,^..,  f f Jlft.M 


-t  21-M 

.tie, 00 


AMATEUq  TEiEVlSlOW  CQMVERtEWS 

ETVi  «o-45a.T. .....J  u.fli 


ATV3   4l20-4E1i  |G>AS-FET|. 
ATV4  Wii^ni  ]g,AS"FET1, 


Kit 
I  49.95  Kit 
I  59.9S  Kit 


AyPtO  SQUELCH  CONTROL  for  ATV 
SIL.... .„ J  J9. 


HEWI!'   IK  WATT  a-?l>  MHj  AmplgJM 

POWiR  SPLITTERS  ind  COH^BlNEFtS 
3^J0MHf 

too  W«tt       Pep  Z-Pert ..., 4  «>t,?5 

IQD^  VVntH  PEP  3 -Port....... I  7fi.95 

llOJ}  Witt      PEP  4-Part_.. .......J  K.K 


95  Kit 


2  METER  VHF  AMPLIFIERS 

35  W«tt  Modd  iUkr., „•  79.95  Kit 

7Er  'lA/nit  Model  &75A ...1119.95  Kit 

AwaJlabJe  in  kit  or  wlrrd/tnttd 


IDD  WATT  4H^-450  MHt  PUSH- 
AMPLIFIER   -    SJB^mUfSr 


PULL  LINEAR 


KtB6T— PH  [Kitl  .....i.. ->:.;...->; Si»,ft4 

K£BeT— PCS  \Pt  Qoanii .v.. *  —  .■■■  ¥    1604 

H£BeT— 1  Wflnuall  :....,..'.-.....  $     6JXy 


HEAT  SIMK  MATERIAL 

Med«4  99  Htikl  SJnk{A.j^l3AL«]  ,.,„ 
CHS-e  Copper  SFkrcadcr(ex6Kl/4]!. 

We  alia  mitfi;k  H  Hfrf— tfli  -  Find  paiti 


CHIP  CAPS-Kiirticl/ATC 

METALCIA&  MICA  CAPS-Urwke/Semcs 

HF  POWER  Tfl ANSISTDRS 

Mlhll-CIRCUIT  MIXERS 

S&L-l  (]-50DMi) , •   e.»0 

SBL  -  IX  tt  0^  1  DtiiMt  I •   T,S5 

ARCO  TRllVtMEft  CAPAdTDRS 

VK30(^- 20^/48  RF  Ch«lu .1   1.39 

5ft-  ^90  -  6  5  -  ]  D  Ftktttt  B«4d |     .39 

3  road  band  HF  Tramforinerl 


Add  I  3.50  ftut  ahlpplni  and  hflhdliiil^ 


far  d^eiaillad  Inform^Uqn  flnd  prKca,  c«li  or  writ*  fer  our  fT««  catkhiif. 


Wi 


"***^,v 


•f/rf 


iv,v,. 


ICommunication 
loncepts  IncL 

SOS  MIiratDUe  Drive  *  Xenia,  Ohio  45185  *  liXHi  43«^4${)0 
FAX513-42fl^3B11 


CCi 


CIRCLE  99  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


24   HR   UTC  CLOCK 


•12' DIAMETER  FACE 
•QUAHn  MOVEMENT 
•MADEINU.S.A. 
•I  TEAR  WARRANTY 
•SHAnERPROOFLENS 
•HIGH  IMPAa  BUCK  ABSCASi 
•AA  BAnERY  LASTS  1 YII  (NOT  INtt.) 
•ACCURACY  1 1 MIN/YEAR 
•NORFI 

ONLY  $39.95 


Ml  RESIDENTS 
ADD  4%  SALES  TAX 
POSTAGE  PAID       " 
CONT.  U.S  A 


SEND  PAYMENT  TO: 
ROYAL  INSTRUMENTS  CO. 
DEPTK 

5507C0LYERS 
ROCHESTER,  Ml  48306-263  T 


4WKSDEL. 


^fiOnVU  1^  idea  phone 


in  a  Chip 

STILL  FRAME  TV  PICTURE  TELEPHONE 

TRANCEIVER   KIT 

3  6ncds   Slow    Scain    TV   piicturss  ov«r 
Tri©  f^t-ioofii  llriQ  in    Twelve   Seconcia 


VCR.    fslTSC    VIcIh^o    Output    and   HolcJs 
th&  cftsplaty  and  sends  on  commaLnd 


Auto    Mods 


lIIows   hianda   fr^o   B^nd 
Olspiays   on   any    TV 


lOOhlia   R^pl^ei 


ISO   SSI    Dip* 


50  Levels 
of  Grey  Scale 
Serves  as: 
TV  FAX 

20Q  X  ^4^5 


-T^^Vr 


CCam*ra 


Phonvu 


TsL 


n« 


HIgfi  Pm. 

SO.DOO 

Plxd« 


:•■  "^._""^ 


Mort^ 


.^ 


Mod  u  fat  Of 


US8 

VCR 
Mod, 


1. 


TV 


Vldeophons  Chip 
and  SchfiJTiatic 
A/0,  D^AM,  P-FTag. 
PC  Board  (BARE) 
50  Res.  Cap.  Clod« 
Cabinet  funi::ut) 
Powflf  Pack 

KfT  PRKXi 
ASSEMBLED 


o 


48P  DIP 
t5fl.95 

$f2.75 

$e,7s 


lirr*^Tp  and  FAX  Order        (£1 3j  327- 1  SSS 

PWLM  f^  Electronics  Bom  1  1  1 4S 

IVJ  V        Manna  Dg\  Roy.  ga  90202 


CIRCLE  19Q  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARP 


Natural  Voice  Products 


DataVoice  -  DV-64 

Add  a  Natumf  Vohe  to  you r  system  or  equip- 
ment. Voice  vocabularies  or  multiple 
phrases  up  to  1  minute  in  a  Natural  Voice  is 
saved  in  Non-Voltatle  E-Prom  memory. 

■  Repeater  Identifiers 
M  Contest  Stations 

■  Site  Alarms 

■  Multiple  Languages 

Ask  about  our  other  Voice  products 

Pa tomar  Telecom,  Inc. 

2250  N.  Iris  Lane  -  E&tondido,  Ca.  92026 

(619)746-7998 

CIRCLE  IS 9  ON  READEft  SERVICE  CAfiD 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     65 


Number  24  on  your  Fe«dback  card 


Mike  Bryce  WSaVGE 
2225  May^Qwer  NW 
MassiHon  OH  44B46 

The  Varfabte  Crystal  Oscillator 

When  you  slart  talking  about  QRP^ 
without  question  rhe  conwersation 
turns  to  portable-mobile  setups. 
Portable  requirements  are  a  bit  dif- 
ferent as  opposed  to  home  station  use. 
Not©,  however,  that  when  I'm  talking 
portable,  Tm  really  talking  portable. 
Smali  figs  you  can  carry  into  places 
you  wouldn't  dare  take  a  commercial 
rig.  Wes  Harward  WTTOl  described 
such  equipment  tn  his  mountain- 
eering figs.  Smaller  ccwtrols.  less  ener- 
gy use.  and  frequency  stability  are 
utmost-  In  keepfng  with  the  topic  of 
frequency  control,  this  time  weM)  look 
al  a  special  type  o(  frequency  control: 
the  VXO. 

The  Variable  Crystal  OsciJIatorp  or 
VXO.  Is  a  very  good  compromise  be- 
tween being  rock-bound  or  using  a 
I  ess-th  an -perfect  VFO.  In  portable  use. 
a  VFO  can  sometimes  be  extremely 
hard  to  keep  stable,  due  largely  to  the 
temperatures  you  encounter  in  the  out- 
back Mechanical  stress  also  affects 
the  stability  of  the  VFO.  It  is  dlfftcuR  to 
|<eep  capacitor  siaior-shaft  bearings, 
drives  and  vernier  dials  operating  OK- 
rectly  while  sitting  on  top  of  a  rock.  A 


Low  Power  Operation 

VFO  win  more  than  likety  get  trounced 
off  frequency  if  the  rig  is  dropped  a 
small  tieight.  say  off  the  top  of  our  rock 
iedge  onto  the  ground. 

Comparisons  to  the  VFO 

A  VXO  can  overcome  most  of  the 
troubles  affecting  the  VFO~at  s  cost. 
We  lose  a  great  deal  of  flexibility.  Even 
the  best  designed  VXO  has  a  limit  on 
the  amount  of  swing  one  can  ''rubber'* 
the  crystal,  depending  on  the  frequen- 
cy used.  Tlie  type  of  crystal  and  circuit 
of  the  VXO  will  give  tis  the  required 
frequency  spread.  We  can  get  atXHJt  2 
to  12  kHz  of  swing.  The  tower  the  opef* 
atfng  frequency,  the  less  the  amount  of 
frequency  swing.  For  SO  and  40  me- 
ters, you  can  took  at  atXHit  2  (o  4,  may- 
be 5  kHz  worth.  As  you  go  higher  in 
frequency,  you  can  achieve  a  much 
wider  frequency  swing.  At  20  meters, 
you  can  have  a  VXD  with  a  10  kHz 
swing.  On  15  meters,  you  Can  some- 
times get  a  VXO  range  of  12  kHz— 
maybe  more.  Above  15  meters.  yoLi 
don't  see  too  much  use  of  the  VXO.  just 
too  much  ground  to  cover.  You' It  still 
need  a  shoe  box  futi  of  eryslaJs  1o  cover 
all  of  the  1 0  meter  band. 

Because  the  VXD  can  give  you  crys- 
tal control  stability  with  the  movement 
Of  a  VFO,  now  and  then  we'll  see  them 
used  in  VHF  gear.  IRunning  the  VXO  at 


QUEMENT  ELECTRONICS 

WIDE  YAESU  SELECTION 


FT  757GXII 

Cadillac  of  cofnpacts 

All  modes 

Built-in 

General  Coverage 

receiver. 

100  watts  PEP  output 
12  vott  operation 


FT  470: 

Compact  Dual  Band 

2M&70CM 

4VF0'sand42 
memories. 

lOMemDTMF 
auto  dialer. 

Built-in  CTCSS, 


FT  lOOOD 

The  best  of  the  best 

200  watts  output 

All  amateur  bands. 

Dual  receiver 

DDS  direct  digital 
synthesis 


SERVING  THE  SOUTH  BAY  FOR  57  YEARS! 

'Over  40  Lines  of  Popular  Amateur  Gear 

Test  Materiaf  \  Info  •  Ham  Magazines  •  Technical  Books 


m 


Shop  Mon-Sat  9  AM"6PM 
(408)  998-5900  •  Closed  Sunday 


1000  S.  Bascom  •  San  Jose,  CA  95128 


CIRCLE  235  ON  READEft  SERVICE  CARD 

$6    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


cnntal 


4.rK 


vw^^^^ 


2H2222 


10K 


*TQ 


ZOuH  cmi 


7"^v 


VXOtiJt«! 


or 


5.1    votts 
regulated 


Figure.  The  ciBSsic  VXO  circwt.  The  inductor  gives  the  crystaf  more  swing. 


a  lower  frequency,  we  can  get  est  eel* 
lent  slal^tlity  wilti  multiplier  sieges  in 
the  kans#iiner  to  achieve  the  required 
operating  frequeney^  Changing  th0  fre- 
quency of  the  VXO  will  result  in  a  large 
frequency  shtft  at  the  final  stage,  Voti'll 
see  this  scheme  often  used  in  home- 
brew  2  meter  if  ansmitters- 

Crystal  Type 

Often,  the  type  of  crystal  you  use  will 
make  or  break  Ihe  VXO.  The  popular 
FT-243  crystals  wilt  not  work  very  well 
with  a  VXO.  in  many  cases,  the  VXO 
just  won't  work  at  all,  You 'If  find  the 
frequency  swing  to  be  very  litlie,  and  \n 
some  cases,  unstable.  The  best  bei  is 
fhe  AT  cut  crystals.  I  get  my  crystals 
from  Jan  Cryslats  /see  ' 'Updates"  tn 
this  t$su0  for  thff  correct  phone  num- 
ber}. I  use  a  30  pF  load  capacitance  in 
a  HCQiU  holder.  You  can  use  the  least 
expensive  crystals;  you're  not  launch- 
ing missiles  with  these,  so  get  the 
0  Ot%  tolerance  rocks  and  put  ihe 
change  m  your  p<K;ket. 

I've  used  various  VXOs  in  the  past 
Some  have  worked  great  and  others 
have  been  vast  disappointments.  All 
but  a  few  real  pocpers  have  provided 
stable  operation. 

The  figure  shows  a  classic  VXO  cir- 
cuit. Note  the  coil  in  series  wiih  ihe 
crystal.  This  inductor  gives  the  crystal 
an  even  greater  swing.  But  you  have  to 
t>e  careful  not  lo  increase  the  mduc- 
tar>cetoo  much,  or  you  il  losecortirol  of 
the  crystal  and  the  circuit  will  then  l>e- 
come  a  VFO.  Youll  need  to  experi- 
ment. A  good  rule  of  thumb  m  to  use 
atKJUt  1 5  liH  for  30  meters,  20  yH  for  40 
meters,  and  12  ^K  for  20  meters. 
Again,  these  are  starting  vaJues  Nolh- 
ing  js  set  in  stone,  so  you  must  experi* 
men  I  for  accuracy. 

Selecting  Crystal  Frequency 

Deciding  on  the  frequency  of  the 
crystal  can  be  frustrating!  IVe  found 
out  the  hard  way  I  ha!  you  just  can't  be 
sure  where  the  crystal  will  oscillate!  An- 
other rule  of  thumb  is  to  choose  a  crys- 
tal iow0f  in  frequency  than  what  you 
need.  Most  VXOs  will  oscitlaie  the  crys- 
tat  higher  ihan  the  frequertcy  marked 
on  the  crystal,  so  the  VXO  control  will 
then  allow  for  frequencies  higher  xhary 
the  marked  frequei^. 

If  you  order  a  crystal  at  10.102  MHz, 
the  oscillator  will  output  a  frequency  of 
10.102.7  MHz  because  of  the  001% 
tolerance  of  the  crystal,  tf  the  crystal  is 
used  in  a  local  oscillator,  you  can  add 


capacitance  to  towerihe  operating  fre- 
quency of  the  crystal.  Since  we're  not 
using  the  crystal  in  this  application^  we 
have  to  adjust  the  outptit  to  suit  our 
needs.  When  we  connect  the  VXO  ca- 
pacitor, we  swing  the  cry staJ's  frequen- 
cy even  high&r  than  marked.  With  the 
VXO  I  have  t>een  using  for  some  time,  I 
can  9et  about  7  kHz  worth  of  swmg,  all 
on  ttte  higher  end  of  the  marked  fre- 
quency. 

Now  just  when  you  thought  it  was 
safe  to  break  out  the  crystal  catalog, 
you  have  to  consider  that  some  VXOs 
will  move  the  crystal  frequency  both 
lower  and  higher  than  the  marked  fre- 
quency. This  seems  to  happen  when 
the  Pierce  crystal  oscillator  is  used  as  a 
VXO.  In  most  cases,  the  VXO  will  only 
altow  you  to  move  the  frequency 
higher. 

Even  though  the  VXO  Is  crystal  con- 
iTolfedt  be  sure  to  include  vottage  regu- 
lation to  the  oscillator  You  don't  want  a 
ctttrpy  signal  on  ihe  air.  You  can  use  a 
small  zener  diode  I  prefer  the  7BL08 
three-terminal  regulator  for  VFOA/XQ 
use.  They're  cheap,  easy  to  use.  and 
work  great. 

As  in  the  construction  oi  VFOs,  be 
sure  to  enclose  the  circuit  with  some 
type  of  shielding.  Double-sided  PC 
board  is  great  for  this. 

You  may  also  want  to  use  a  vernier 
drive  attached  to  the  mam  VXO  capaci- 
tor. This  will  help  in  tuning  in  the  need- 
ed frequency.  Sometimes  the  VXO 
capacitor  and  crystal  combination 
cause  a  nasty  littla  problem.  The  tuning 
becomes  nonlinear  The  frequency 
spread  is  not  distributed  evenly 
thoughout  the  tuning  range  of  the  ca* 
pacitor.  This  results  m  having  the  en- 
tire tuning  range  of  the  VXO  bunched 
together  on  one  end.  Best  bet  is  to  re- 
place the  crystal  and  or  tuning  capaci- 
tor. 

Don't  Overlook  It 

A  VXO  can  prove  a  good  trade-off 
between  moving  all  over  the  place  with 
a  less  than  perfect  VFO,  to  moving  a 
tittle  bit  with  rock- sot  id  slabtlityf  Don't 
cut  the  VXO  Short  for  your  next  trans- 
mitter pfoject.  Look  for  a  VXO  30  meter 
transmitter  coming  very  soon  next 
year.  Next  month  vwll  start  on  a  sta- 
tion transmit  control  board.  Also,  we'll 
Mnven  the  Drake  "B'"  and  "C"  series 
receivers  for  the  WAAC  bands. 

Until  next  month,  everyone  have  a 
good  holiday  season,  and  see  you  next 
year,  here  m  the  ''QRP'  column 


AMATEUR  RADIO  EQUIPMENT 


CALL 


©"""Rl 


nc. 


800-942-8873 

For  Your  Best  Price 


Authorized  dealer  for  Icom,  Kenwood,  Yaesu, 
ASTRON.  Belden,  Bencher,  AEA,  Cushcraft,  MFJ,  RF 
Concepts,  Hustler,  Kantronics,  Wilson,  Diamond, 
Ham-10,  Larsen,  Wm.  M,  Nye,  B&W,  ARRL,  Ameritron, 

Epson,  Farr  Corner,  DTK 


1057  East  2100  South,  Salt  Uke  City,  UT  84106 

801-467-8873 


CrRCLE  ISe  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


ICOM 


AVHF 

COMMUNICATIONS 


9:00  am  -  5:30  pm 
weekdays 

Weekends  and  evenings 
by  appointment. 


280  Tiffany  Avenue 
Jamestown,  New  York  14701 


PH.   {716)664-6345 

(800)  752-8813  for  orders  only 


CAT- 100  AUTOMATIC  CONTROL  OPERATOR 


^1.^ 


■%KSk 


m 


*  Digital  Voice  Clock 

*  120  Channel  Scheduler 

*  Five  User  Functions 

*  Control  Authorization 

it  RS-232  Computer  Interface 


Breathe  new  life  into  your  "old''  repeater  controller.  Add  the  CAT-100 
to  your  existing  system,  and  realize  the  features  of  controllers  costing 
thousands  more. 


4631  N.W.  31st  Ave.  Suite  142 


COMPUTER  AUTOMATION  TECHNOLOGY  INC.    SJif^'llS^^^^^ 


CIRCLE  40  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


IMPROVE 


YOUR 


SCANNER  STICK     \ 

iiEf  rsccti'tiiDn  ; 

lovir  ^]  jckiinti' : 
bkodi      vEth      tiiE  J 

pact  SCAJjNCft; 
STICK,        CowshI 

up  tn:  f"  dlii.  \ 
<^n\t  SB"  Irnnj  I 
«flj  ONLY  %%^M\\ 


HEARING 


AMPLIFIKD 

ANTENNA  far 
SHORTWAVE! 

Hear       iL^naJi       frojn 

Ck«b«  with  \\n  ANTENNA  PLU3--i.  R«G«i?tt«n 
HVi  >.  Eai:g«  outdoor  arit*i;nji.  ^av^v*.  b.S^SO^tTEr,. 
lS-3:db  unpltd^if  tnd  30'  wire  jftciuded.  115 VAC 
l><;-#«i:^,  ONLY  Vn-'A.Vt 


\  VAK-TENNA 

[  UltjiTiM*  (M^t^Tin*  fi)F  n-TSftrtTiinnUl  Or***  fop  S  nitr,  33Q  *t  SCANNTIH.  Mjumt* 

ELEOTRDN  PROCESSlNd,  INC.  OS  %A  Ship/ttandlin^ 

P.O.  BOX  W,  CBDAlt.  Ml  4aG£]  'G&h«d,a,AK.KL,FK  If 

(81^)  asa^T^l^  KV  iL  Ml  Bdd  £■!«>  Tjuc 

SAri!SFA(?TlON  GUARANTEEDf     MANY  PRODUOTS.  SEND  FOR  DETAILS  I 


™*  MUG  FACTORY™ 

Custom  Etched— Call  Sign  Mugs 


$9 .95  Each  PEua  S^.95Mch  TorShippif^  antl  HandHing 

Checks  Payatie  To ;  Pl^se  Specify ; 

13  o;.  Grass  Mug  or 


TODOSKOGEN 

P.O  BOX  3025- 

FOX  VALLEY  STAnON 
AUflOFIA.  IL  605C4 


10  oz.  Qlue  or  Blaclt  Coffee  Cup 
Add  S2 .  50  tor  A .Fl .  R 1 .  Logo 
Add  $3.50  for  A.R, E.S.Logo 

(312) 805-5972 

Write  for  quote  on  cussom  orders  or  company  logos, 
lino  is  ^es^dents  add  6.75%  tax.  Allow  2-4  weeks  deltvery. 


CIRCLE  143  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


CIRCLE  268  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


^•^^^m^*?*^^ 


:k 


liiiiS:isii^i:S^llili;^iii^!S:iSiS;l^?^i^ 


h-->   Ife--    --4    p-fl--    ^Pl    I--   •    -  1   r  -  1    p  ^   I 


;j;;:-j;i 


lV.Vj'l'.-'iV. 

■■'■-■■"-Xv;w. 


flrf.  4W-, 


^.iiJiituii^.iiiiiiwwiiiiiwwiiiP*''''^  11" iiMi'^^^j>ihii» 

lUnit  10  Lot 
JerTtildSBwrrrimode»I99...^S70        ,^^  ^  ^, 
Super  Tri-Modc ^,^..%im..A7S        US  Cable  will 

OaV  KN12  (wfvsy^ — 1 1*9  ...$65       Beat  Anyone** 

Scknuflc  Atlanta.^.^ ^|109!i..+(7S  Prfr* 

SA  (Combo) — ,^.«.«..«I2S(1..*S19S         '  \   ■^™* 

Pioneer. „ $109....*79  AdvertlSfcd  111 

H Amiin  MLD  120)1 SS*..„. J5*  |hls  Mwsaziilc ! 

Stargat'C  converter „  $95. $75 

Far^aionic  corrvcrter^.^.  $99t. J79 

30  Dayd  Money  Back  Guarantee 

Ffiee  16  page  Calalog 

Visa.  M/C,  GOD  or  send  money  order  to: 

US  Cable  TV  Inc.  Dept,K73i2 

4100  N.Pcnverliiw  Rd.,  Siiile  F'4 
Pom  pa  no  Beach,    FL    33073 

1-800-445-9285 

Foi-  Oiir  Record 

1,  tbc  under^tgned  do  hereby  dedare  uftdcr  periglty  o(  per- 
juiy  ttiat  all  prcNJucts  put^diued,  nam  and  in  the  Future,  will 
CHi^  be  usea  on  Cable  TV  gyatenis  wiib  procjcr  autborizsljon 
from  local  offidaJi  or  cabk  ocxnpar^  ofikials  in  accordance 
wtih  all  applicable  federal  and  itate  lawL  FEDERAL  AND 
VARIOUS  STATE  LAWS  PROVIDE  FOR  SUBSTANTIAL 
CRIMINAL  AND  OVIL  PENALTIES  FOR  UNAUTHORIZED 
USE. 
C^te: 

Signed: ^ 

No  Fioiida  Saks! 

CIRCLE  182  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

DIGITAL  VIDEO  STABILIZER 

REMOVES  ALL  VIDEO  COPY  PROTECTION 


While  watching  renta.1 
movies,  you  will  nolfc#  an- 
Fhoying  periodic  color 
darkenmg,  color  shift,  uji- 
wanted  lines,  flashing  or 
Jagged  edges. This  1^ caused 
by  the  copy  projection  jam- 
ming signals  embedded  In 
the  video  tape,  sue  h  as  Mac- 
rovjsion  copy  protection. 
THE  DIGITAL  VIDEO  STA0E^ 
LIZER  COMPLETELY 
ELIMINATES  ALL  COPY 
PROTECTIONS  AND  JAM- 
MING  SIGNALS  AND 
BRINGS  YOU  CRYSTAL 
CLEAR  PICTURES. 

WARNING 

THE  DIGITAL  VIDEO 
STABIUZER  IS  INTENDED 
FOR  PRIVATE  HOME  USE 
ONLY,  IT  IS  NOT  INTENDED 
TO  COPY  RENTAL  f^OVIES 
OR  COPYRIGHTED  VIDEO 
TAPES  THAT  MAY 
CONSTITUTE  COPYRIGHT 
INFRINGEMENT. 


FEATURES 

•  Ea^  to  use  and  a  snap  to 
install 

#The  best  and  most  eKcH- 
Fng  video  stabJIizer  in  the 
market 

•  State -of' the- Art  Micro- 
chip Technology 

•  1 00%  automatic 

•  Worics  on  all  VCRs  &  TVs 

•  SimiEar  units  sold  else- 
where for  $99 

•  Light  weight  &  compact 

•  Uses  a  standard  d  Volt 
battery  (lasts  1-2  yeans ); 
battery  not  included 

•  Fast  Shipping 

•  AJr  Shipping  Aval  Fable 

•  UNCONDITIONAL  30 
days  money  back 
guarantee 

•  1  year  warranty 

Special 

$49'' 

( $4  p  &  h } 


ea 


ToOrder:    Visa,  IWC,  COD      M-F:  9-6 

1-800-445-9285    or    516-568.9850 

SCO  Electrorrics  Irc.         Dept.  C7312 

SSI  W. Merrick  Rd      VaUey  Stream      NY      ttSSO 


CIRCLE  1«2  ON  READER  S£f^VIC£  CARD 


Number  25  on  your  FeedbiCk  card 


1990  Annual  Index 


Subject/ Article 
Amplifiers,  Audio. 

40WOSKCWainp 

Accessocy  Plug 

AGC 

Audwa  Paich  Panel 

AudkO  Riwerod 

HnMlw 

quafity  headsef  A  mike 
speaker 
VOX  Plus 
wicte-t^ajrid  preamp 

Antennai 
bearn,  HF 
eoiiceninc  cofn£K3 


Description/Column   Author 


Issue    Page      Subiect/Arttel* 


Description/Coiumn  Author 


Issue    Page 


ffipote  for  HT 
dipoleslopef 
dipole.  veftical 
dummy  0ucky 
terriie  nxl,  fsj6LZW 
»^  Homer 
K:2ATmo(! 
tJ-antenna.  duaf^bafwt 
J-pote.  2m 

LPOA/yag*  combo 
mobila,  t/aftey^ 
mount,  portable 
PRB-1  enforcemeni 
quadSm 
quads  €m 
quads,  aN  k^nds 
qyagis 
radial  system 
roll-up  arttQnna 
Iranamatch,  SPC 
tree  anlerina 
turnstile  antennas 
verticat  10m 
vertical  iVim 
vertical  Hf 
venicaL  omni-gatn 
WgDUUDFer 


Pre  amps 

MOuSeFeET 
pfOfwr  df ive  level 
mofcie,  multiple  uses 
svfTiclriiTtg  ease 
Tape  Roc  ContmHer 
&  miners 
specification 
adius^ments 
lof  HF  rig 

KTAoeessory 

UolofolatCs 


^D  loop  spec^aF 
ttw'  RayGun" 
end-fed.  coppif 
"RadRadiatQr'^ 
Tl&m  %  -wave 
SFAiSm 

dummy  Joad  tor  MT 
highO 

using  RG-17i 

146;220  MH2 

Srom  TV  antenna 

tueckwarcl.  invened^ 

40m  adjustaJste 

for  vei/hor  polarizaiion 

iQing  spare  lire 

ARRL  kit 

portable 

lor  RDFirrg 

(or  RDFing 

Sateiliie  comrr^unicatiori 

pi  jua  cutter 

T0^20m 

20- to  meters 

from  Japan 

HF/UHF 

for  base  staiion 

"aereodlpity'^  Bearcat 

multlb^ind 

collinaer,  VHF/UHF 

use  w/2  antennas 


Computers  and  Software 

Atari  ST  SSTV 

B1NCON.BAS 

C-64&  1541 

Diamorvd  Sysrems,  Inc.(R) 

Facsimile  4. 0(R) 

ICOM  ngs 

Inductance  program 

MFJPICEXE 

packet 

PC  QSO  TLJtor(B) 

Plan"t3(R) 

Portal  SyslemfH) 

Prodigy 

Proiet  EasylraxtR)! 

R080-C0PY 

RTTY  BAS 

Super-RATT 

TNC  programs,  13 

Vfdeo  CapTijre 

Converters 

5  67d  GHz 
PTT  Ieve4 
ViF  eOAU 

Oigltar  Modes:  CW.  RTTY 

tOm  packet 

iQvnpacitei 

9600  bps 

AHPANETflntemet 

Betiold  tne  BackPackei 

EPROM  CW  Keysf 

CW  keyef ,  mobile 

CW  offset  tfidieatty 

0C£  Expenrrrtefil 

Ha4040Upgr»>e 

IO'r44VKenwood 

modems 

Packet  FlAOlO 

PK-232  Oonrved  Memory 

PK-232.MFJ-1270 

ROBOT  ftOO 


HPITEST 

llslirig 

IPVconversfon 

FCC  study  disks 

HF.PC 

computer  qorlrol  of 

0-64:  Apple  tret,  article) 

video  digitizer 

LAMLINK.WHATSUP 

QSO  Sohware 

tracking  OS' 13 

rec  ham- radio,  Usenet 

RTTY  Loop 

PCa  tayout 

software  lor  CW 

source  of 

RTTY  for  Apple  It 

dIgHal  modes 

VC-lQOOt)oard 


w/GaAsFETs 
interlacing  radios 
(o>f  80tT(  receiver? 

,  Packet,  etc. 

USB/L SB  packet 
QQOHzs^ift 
modem  a^cuit 
fww  equipinefil 
ptttltile  system 
programTnai>te  iDer 
Teri-Tec  &  NMne-brew 
ustng  LCDs 
Hamsats 

fiMJiB  bW  AMTOR 
Packet  Talk 
2mTNC 
torpedtel 
ad|u£lrFienta 
RTTY  utiit 


N5HNN 

W6YUY 

KA9NEH 

NlCTl 

KBKJV 

WB6«3P 

WBBIGP 

WB6IGP 

VE5XZ 

WA3UKC 

WA2EBY 

VESEFC 


W1XU 

KA5DNP 

N8KDD 

W8MOV 

WA3EKL 

KAdOGD 

DA1QB/WB7T4ZCJ 

KlOV 

KA8CNI 

W5VUY 

AASKB 

W1GV 

K1NIT 

W880-K 

KC3Y8 

KA7FQW 

K3YWY 

K«OV 

KiOV 

WASZm 

W»WU2 

WV8R 

W4RNL 

WAtLBP 

KH6FMT 

WA6ZQS 

ItAILCO 

KASN 

WA6SVT 

W9DUU 


WB2QSZ 

WA5ZIB 

K6YDW 

KA9CS0 

K9EYY 

WA3AJR 

W5JG 

WA3AJR 

Q.H^L.N. 

KA1TGA 

WB&JNW9 

Nt4RVE 

WA3AJR 

WB9RRT 

WB9DY! 

WA3AJR 

WA3AJR 

WA3AJH 

WASAJR 


MAR 
SEP 

JUL 

DEC 

MAR 

APR 

tsiOV 

FEB 

JUN 


UAY 


weeiGP 

WB6RON 
WD4PU 


WA1L6P 
nDnnun 
NW6H 
WB^GP 

W08VGE 

wAszm 

M2eLl 
WA3AJF) 

WB6R0N 

WB6ROt4 

WaGOi 

WB6RON 

WA3Ajrt 


DEC 

APR 
JUN 


AUG 
MAY 
JAN 

oec 

JUW 

MAY 

OCT 

DEC 

DEC 

JUL 

FEB 

JUL 

JUL 

MAR 

SEP 


36 

36 
32 
45 
54 
58 
62 
71 
10 
32 
24 
31 


RTTY 

RTTY  cross  display 
RTTY,  tuning  m 
RTTY  video  icmrt 
TNC  Connect  Alarm 
lone  warbler 
TS-4306  AGC 


conirollens.itmtrs 
tuning  scope 
pulse  generator 
VC-1000 
wttti  ffip-flop 
for  EPROM  keyer 
mo(^  for  AMTOR 


OCl 

41 

JUN 

10 

SEP 

2S 

MAY 

m 

SEP 

IS 

JUN 

57 

NOV 

41 

FEB 

45 

APR 

60 

JUN 

77 

MAR 

4a 

OCT 

^ 

JUN 

45 

JUN 

22 

APR 

ae 

SEP 

44 

hbB 

B 

JUN 

24 

JAN 

54 

SEP 

68 

NOV 

51 

APR 

44 

NOV 

12 

OCT 

22 

MAY 

24 

JUL 

42 

SEP 

29 

JAN 

18 

APR 

B9 

AUG 

10 

JUL 

9 

JAN 

41 

APR 

57 

JUL 

26 

JUN 

21 

JUN 

26 

DEC 

57 

JUN 

77 

APR 

52 

MAY 

58 

JAN 

35 

MAY 

U 

JAN 

24 

JUN 

61 

hta 

13 

OCT 

26 

JUL 

70 

AUG 

42 

MAR 

61 

ttB 

40 

61 

S4 
30 


48 

76 
24 
58 

70 

6i 

46 
81 

19 
70 
58 


5e#  Btso   CofTifHiters  anti  Software 


56 

64 


General  Interest 

AB4RL  Arthur  Tan 

AL7KU.  Gilbert  Monroe 

Alaska  t^am  graduates 

SeaHam? 

Bhutan 

Bouvel  Ktand 

Burton.  Rjchaid 

CaJIsipgnS 

Carft)4e  Perry 

Communcelor 

Convmynicaiof 

Communicaior 

COSIN 

CQ  All  Schools  Nei 

oxcc 

OXCC,  enclaves 

DXOA  Countries 

DK  Dynasty  Award 

DXfiet» 

harkjicapped  waiver 

handicapped  wairver 

Htgfi  on  ATV 

Hooked  on  Foxtnuntntg 

Jamboree  RadM) 

Japan 

Just  Do  It! 

KSKEJ,  Orrtn  Brand 

KA2 VL P.  Martin  Gruen 

KA3WDW.  Andy  Robmsofi 

KA3WMS,  Stepfianie  Hassan 

KASWMJ,  Jennifer  Doerrie 

KBHyBDV,  Aaron  Gremer 

K92IQF,  Chris  MignemS 

KB2IGG,  Mary  Ales  Ira 

KB2IGY.  Mery  Seteraj 

KB2JFU,  Avraham  M  Broges 

KaSAQV,  Kevin  Biekert 

KB5AWP.  Ken  Cameron 

KB5NTC,  Terry  Sickle 

KC6MJJ.  IDavId  Pioirowskl 

KC9HP.  Hap  Holly 

KF7LX,  Toddimie 

KF8CP,  Sieve  Mindy 

King  and  Us.  Tt^e 

marketing  ham  radio 

Memories 

N4YZW,  Michael  Johnson 

N5GZP.  Steven  O  Sellers 

N6PNY,  Kelly  Howard 

N6WRL  Mark  Hendrl^cson 

NSGEV.  Michael  Adams 

N8HEY,MaryBeardslee 

ND5Y.  Dwjghl  KaJim 

OSCARS  in  Classioom 

Pack  Your  Seabag 

pile-up  techniques 

proper  OSUng 

OStingprodlems 

OSL  roiJt^ 

ROFing,  clubs 

Rchmond  Hill  HS 

San  Francrsco  Quake 

SAREX.  space 

ServKe  Survey 

5erv>ce  Survey 

S#rvice  Survey 

Sermee  Stjrvey 

Service  Sufvey 

Service  Survey 

Service  Survey 

Shanng  the  Adventure 

Solar  Car  Race 

Soviet  Union 

Soviet  Uniofi 

teaching  ham  radio 

UAdMA.  Gennady  Kolmakov 

VHP  iBlening 

W9L0V.  Dale  Shimp 

WA4SIR-  Ron  Panse 

WASaKD.  Rev.  Gil  Pries 

WA8UMT.  Rich  Redoi^ey 

WAavWY.JimSftala 


HamProfites 

Ham  Profites 

Ham  Profiles 

boking  tor  Elmer 

QXc^umn 

DX  column 

Looking  lAtesI 

mfofmailKMi  in 

mterviewr 

Looking  West 

Looking  West 

Looking  We^ 

student  netuforti 

benefits 

new  applications 

DX  column 

corrected  lisA 

member^ 

awards  difectofies 

WA60PS  interview 

WS3HGW  ifT^fview 

beioon  marnage 

account 

ham  scouts 

Biggest  Ham  Country 

Hams  with  Class 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profites 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profftes 

Hem  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Prolites 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

King  Hussein  VE6/JY1 

Hams  with  Class 

the  1940s 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  profiles 

Looking  West 

Ham  Profsies 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

Ham  Profiles 

aclivities 

merctiant  marines 

DX  cxilumn 

DX  coluTTirt 

standards 

DXcolumri 

lun  for  kids 

ham  graduates 

1989 

NistOfY 

Ajtnoo 

ICOM 

KnniMiood 

IBpiflif  mJHII 

Teft-Tec 
Wrap-up 
Yaesu 

Mary  Duffield 
&  public  service 
oariisigfis 
Cattstgns 
quaiitfesrweded 
Ham  Profiles 
above  &  isekTw  2m 
Hasn  Profiles 
Ham  Profiles 
Ham  Profiles 
Ham  prof  jtes 
Ham  Profiles 


WA3AJR 

WA3AJR 

WA3AJR 

WASAJR 

UA1AU.We9EGA 

WB6IGP 

KAtSUN 


Staff 

stfldH 

staff 

r46SlW 

WSl^NE 

W5KNE 

WASflF 

W5KNE 

KB2IGG 

WAsnr 

WASTTF 
WABfTF 
WB2IIIC 

WB2MIGP 

W5KNE 
W5KNE 


OCT 
AUG 
JAN 
FES 
MAY 


W5KNE 

WA6ITF 

WASITF 

KS8J 

N9FHF 

WQ4eNU 

WAILBP 

WB2MGP 

staff 

slaK 

staff 

staff 

slaff 

staff 

staff 

staff 

siaff 

staff 

staff 

staff 

steff 

staff 

staff 

staff 

staff 

McGregor  a  VE6V 

WB2MGP 

W6CK 

staff 

stall 

WA6ITF 

staff 

staff 

staff 

staff 

NaiWJ 

NSMM 

W5KNE 

W5KNE 

W5KNE 

WSKNE 

K80V 

Staff 

WASriT 

WAeiTF 
W86NOA 

WB6NOA 
WB&NOA 
WB6NOA 
WB6NOA 
WBeNOA 

weeNc^ 

KA1UKM 

WBSELK 

WSKNE 

WSKhtE 

WB2MGP 

staff 

r^2DUP 

stalf 

staff 

Staff 

staff 

staff 


JUN 


APR 

JUhr 

OCT 

JUN 

NOV 

JAN 

AUG 

AUG 

MAY 

APR 

JUN 

JUL 

JUN 

DEC 

SEP 

FES 

OCT 

SEP 

MAY 

DEC 

OCT 

AUG 
JUL 
MAR 
MAY 
NOV 
JAN 
SEP 
AUG 
OCT 
SEP 
JUN 
MAR 
FEB 
JAtsI 
JUL 
APR 
MAY 
DEC 
MAY 
MAR 
JUN 
APR 
iPJAN 
SEP 
JUN 
OCT 
DEC 
FEB 
SEP 
SEP 
SEP 
AUG 
MAR 
DEC 
APR 
MAR 
OCT 
DEC 
FEB 
DEC 
FEB 
MAY 
SEP 
JUN 
APR 
MAR 
JUL 
OCT 
AUG 
MAY 
OCT 
JUN 
JUL 
OCT 
DEC 
OCT 
FEB 
MAY 
OCT 
JUL 
JUL 


78 
42 
64 
48 
14 
89 
77 


17 

17 
17 
B4 
52 
46 
66 
73 

20 
41 

38 
84 

18 
48 
59 
84 
80 
81 
80 
58 
60 

ts 

58 
1§ 
24 
56 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
17 
9 
43 
66 
17 
17 
7B 
17 
17 
17 
17 
11 
3S 
55 
54 

50 
78 
62 
17 
16 
38 
20 
40 
70 
28 
14 
38 
46 
IB 
34 
85 
73 
56 
17 

62 
IT 
17 

17 
17 
17 


60    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


Subject/Article 


DescHptionyColumn  Author 


WLTexQ,  erynSitzer 

Ham  Profiles 

■taff 

WL?BXR,  eilzabelh  Bitzer 

Ham  P/ofiles 

staff 

WL7BXS,  Sarah  8rrzef 

Ham  Pforiles 

^laff 

Worlds  of  Gus  Browrting 

DX  pioneer 

W4BP0 

For  other  news,  see  the   "Lett&rs, "  "ORX. "  and  "73 

fntemattooi 

Newr  Say  Die ' '  ana  edrtortals  by  K6MH.  WB^ELX,  and  N IGPH 

New  Prociiicts 

AAA  Engineerinig 

Signal  Sentry 

^ratf 

AEA 

HFteotnnn 

siaff 

Almco  Elect  rtHifcs 

aHWUl  an<f4e0T 

SlAtt 

Amefitron 

AL-811  amp 

statf 

Afrwfitron 

AL-flPamp 

staff 

ARl/Ani&rc^n  l^^ianpa 

AFM70O 

staff 

Ashlorr  FTC 

Aries-2 

staff 

AstTOnCorp 

SL-1 1 A  po*9r  supfsly 

staff 

Baylin  Pubiicaikoos 

Ku^Sartd  Sat  TV 

staff 

B^ylm  P^&lcaiiofks 

scrambling  mettioffs 

staff 

Baylin  Publications 

TVRO,  ant  software  tXKWs  stati 

Bird  El&crroiiicCorp.  4410A 

wattmeter 

slaff 

Bfian  Be«;(ey 

MNC  program 

staff 

Brian  Beezley 

MN  &YO  ant  software 

^laff 

Cellular  Security  Gfoup 

MAX  aniennai^ 

staff 

Chester  QSL  Cards 

order  by  BBS 

staff 

Communications  Specialists 

DCS-23 

staff 

CompuEer  AutomaHQrr 

Technology 

CAT'IOO 

staff 

Connect  Sy stems  Inc. 

Model  CS-700 

staff 

Contact  Ea&l 

catalog 

stafi 

Contact  8as( 

catalog 

staff 

Contact  East 

catalog  supplement 

staff 

Contact  East 

catalog  supplement 

staff 

CuJ-ry  Communicatior^s 

ANB-I089preamp 

Slaff 

Curlis  Manufactunng  Co. 

CabJe  Organizers 

start 

CushcraftCS28M 

mag  mount  antenna 

statf 

Cu&licfaft  D3W 

WAHCdipQie 

atetf 

Cushcraft  Tea-3 

yagi 

staif 

Cusiom  Antenna 

omfw 

stall 

CyberRe  search 

PC  S^iems  Handbook 

staff 

Electron  Processing,  Inc. 

Antenna  PlitR-l 

•iaff 

LPF-f  Mm 

staff 

Oscifofi  ProciftBBino.  Jnc, 

Sc^rtTKf  Fitidk: 

staff 

Signal  gen/counter 

(Etaff 

Rfie  Tuning 

Pfoceedtnffs 

^aft 

H€li|X^vifer.  Ir^ 

SotefPoMef  Pack 

ttaff 

ICOM  iO<V??OQAJH 

diial-band  FM  mobile 

fltalf 

COM  IC'9?0 

muJi3)ari(J  trar^sceivef 

staff 

International  Radio  and 

Comput&rs 

T^  Enhancer 

stiff 

Japan  R  adio  Co,  JST-1 35 

HFtransc^fver 

itsff 

K-COM 

tetephone  fillers 

staff 

Ktfby  KommnnkcaUOf^ 

vehjcte  window  mount 

stall 

MFJ  ^nisrprtsoa 

1112  multiple  outlet 

^alt 

MFJ  Enterprises 

207  HFSWR  analyzer 

staff 

MFJ  Entarpris$$ 

&&0  voltage  monitor 

ditf 

MFJ  Enierprtses 

924  &0OW  ant.  tuner 

staff 

MFJ  Enierpffflfls 

548  300W  ant,  tuner 

staff 

MFJ  Enterprises 

speaker/mEkes 

aiaff 

Micro-Circuits  Co. 

shielding  dessgn 

staff 

Mic  roc  raft 

code  scanner 

staff 

Motorola  Inc. 

Rnel  telemetry  radios 

staff 

Nemaj  Etectronica 

cables 

staff 

Nevada  preamps 

J.t.M.MlOOGaAsFET 

staff 

OpEoefectronics  2210*  A 

treq.  finder/counter 

staff 

Pajomar  Engmeefs  baluns 

high  power 

staff 

Periphex.  Inc. 

PB-ZS  and  &S 

siatf 

Phjdystran 

HPTG'l" 

slaff 

Poyntek  Associates 

FuU-Santd  antenn«is 

staff 

Rad K}  Amateur  QallbOQ^.  Inc. 

on  dtsk 

staff 

Rad>a  Works 

BemoteBalun 

staff 

RF  Tronics 

CAD-CYCLER 

staff 

Rotating  Tower  Systems 
SGC  SB-2000 

Wire  &  bases 

staff 
ttilf 

Ht^  ssd  radioteieptiiMw 

Somerset  Electror)te« 

MICFKK)EC 

st«ti 

Spi-^Mfg 

2rr»  baf%  sta.  ariL 

Stan 

Sufpjys  Sales  of  Nebraska 

AFT  terminal 

staff 

SVSPEC  INC  OVP-tZ 

ovefvoliage  R^B 

iiall 

System  One  Control,  inc. 

FOlogi 

itril 

TAB  Books 

T^k  10  ttve  World 

^ifl 

Tripp  Liter 

EPG-t200 

siaif 

Van  Gorden  Eng^fieorihg 

HhQ  snt  &  ins. 

staff 

VtS  Study  Cartts 

Novice  thru  Eirtra 

stall 

Waiter  Scientific  Inc. 

ELF-50  monitor 

staff 

Witiicer  Scientific  Inc. 

ELF-50D  monitor 

staff 

Yaesu  USA 

FT- 1000  xcvT 

•tail 

YaflsuUSA 

G-2&D  nstator 

staff 

Holjday  Buying  Guide 

1990 

staff 

Power  Supplies 

1  ampragulaied 

using  dead  VCR 

WSiVGE 

dual  voltage 

bencti  supply 

WeWTU 

fow  voltage 

current  limited 

WA3AJR 

mobile  organizer 

for  12V  hookups 

AH2AR/8 

Switching  Power  Supplies 

FETs 

WB6IGP 

switching  power  supply 

60  Hz,  11 OV 

WB6IGP 

UNi-e 

porta-power  adapter 

W3RW 

Receivers 

LORAN 

&  locator  manufactyrera 

hJY3F 

NR5At7mQRP 

receiver  convener 

WBSVGE 

Ramsey  HR-4 

eictending  range 

NBKDD 

Receiver  Hunl 

flORng 

WA4TEM 

fegenefativfl 

1  transistof 

WB«NQM 

Issue 

Page 

Subjecl/Ailicle 

De^c  ript  1  a  n /Colu  in 

in   Author 

Issue 

Page 

AUG 

17 

Reviews:  Books,  Tapes,  MIsc, 

AUG 

17 

Cuckoo's  Egg 

by  Sloli 

WA5ZI8 

JUN 

37 

AUG 

t? 

Elements  of  Microwaw 

NOV 

40 

Technology 

byCarr 

WBdHHI 

APR 

2d 

s,  f^us  W2NSn's 

H0«  Ham  Radio  Handbook 

byK9£tD 

N4RVE 

MAR 

44 

Rad^o  Joumai  19t2'-40 

byWiCRC 

HA5E 

jur^ 

26 

I  une  rn  on  Te4ephofie  Calte        by  K2AES 

WASZU 

FEB 

60 

Fof  ^ftwaf0  reviews,  s®e 

'  'CompuWrs  and  Sotrwsm. ' ' 

JUM 

62 

J  UN 

64 

Revtevra:  EquTpmefit 

APR 

92 

A&  A  Engineering 

Signal  Sentry 

WB6ELK 

OCT 

t4 

DEC 

60 

ACE  AR^SaO 

pCiCkQt  scanner 

N3aAH 

JUL 

48 

MAR 

70 

AEA430A 

tor  FSTV 

WA4UUU  $  K4IMHN  AUG 

24 

OCT 

68 

AEA  IsoLOOp 

HF  antenna 

KA7LDN,KQ/UA 

SEP 

10 

APR 

tz 

AEAMM<3 

Morse  Machine 

KA3ELV 

FEB 

36 

^P 

aa 

AEAMX^ 

$mSSeCWHT 

WB6IGP 

FEB 

30 

JLN. 

62 

Al^flCO  DR-570T 

2m/70cm  motiia 

NSIB 

l-fcB 

26 

Jim 

62 

Amentron  AL-62 

linear  amplifier 

WA4R10 

SEP 

S2 

AUG 

70 

Anwritron  RCS-4 

coax  switch 

WA4BLC 

JUL 

36 

FEB 

68 

Antennas  West 

OuiCk  Launch 

WIXU 

OCT 

26 

OCT 

ea 

Cetlulaf  Security  Sy^em 

MAX'l46amefina 

NIGPH 

NOV 

B 

MAR 

70 

Command  Techrrotogies 

MF-2500 

f^^E 

APR 

32 

JUL 

61 

Cushcratt  D3W 

WARC  dipole 

WA49LC 

MAY 

32 

UCI 

es 

ElencoMl90Q 

digital  multimeter 

WB9RBT 

MAR 

38 

OCT 

66 

Engineering  Consutfing 

Com  shack  64 

N7{PY 

FEB 

32 

GAP  Antenna  Products 

GAP  DX^VI 

K5CNF 

OCT 

m 

DEC 

60 

Heath  Company 

adapter  &  coax  kit$ 

WB9RRT 

NOV 

47 

JUN 

62 

ICOI^  tSGATHT 

w/1  2GH2  0p.  too 

WBStGP 

JAN 

36 

JAN 

75 

ICOM  725 

mobile  rig 

N4RVe 

FEB 

54 

JUL 

6^ 

ICOM  726 

mobile  w/6m 

N1GPH 

Dec 

3fl 

SEP 

62 

ICOM  765 

DDS  unit 

WAIEYP 

FEB 

22 

DEC 

60 

ICOMCT-16 

satellite  interface 

KA7LDN 

JUL 

34 

APR 

92 

Jotm  Fluke  Mfg.  Co 

Model  67  DM  M 

WB9RRT 

SEP 

45 

DEC 

60 

Lightning  Bolt  Arriennas 

VHF/UHFquad 

WB6ELK 

DEC 

30 

JUN 

64 

L  L.  Grace 

Kansas  City  Tracker 

WA3USG 

AUG 

64 

JAN 

74 

MFJ^6 

Grandmaster  memory 

FE3 

sa 

keyOf 

WA4BtC 

APR 

30 

lAAY 

56 

MFJ -9410 

Versa  Tuner  II 

KT2a 

FEB 

37 

AUG 

70 

PacComm 

P&K-1  sat.  modem 

WA3USG 

DEC 

32 

MAR 

70 

PaJomar  Engirwers 

P 1  -340  Tirner-Tuner 

KAIi-R 

DEC 

40 

JUL 

62 

PC  Elecironfcs  1 250 MHz 

ATVdowncon  &  ant. 

Kiov 

AUG 

36 

JUU 

64 

P^po  Comm  u  niir^iions 

p.7  0TMFpad 

W5PFG,W50RW 

JUN 

54 

JAN 

74 

Pytam^  Sound 

PS-£5sup^ 

NtCTl 

JUN 

12 

DEC 

60 

Ram^^y  SA-7  RF  amp 

QfoacitTafw 

AH2AR/e 

FEB 

ao 

AUG 

70 

Stnilti  Design 

portable  spectrum  prdbe    N4RVE 

JAN 

30 

SEP 

62 

T.D.  Systems 

ATV  system 

NtfVN 

AUG 

49 

MAY 

56 

TaMff  Inc. 

the  CEUACK 

NU3T 

ftlOV 

se 

Ten^Toc,  Inc. 

Hef€4ilesiiMod9i420 

N4Laj 

DEC 

22 

FEB 

m 

TefrTec,  inc 

OMNf-V  HF  xcw 

WA4fll.G 

APR 

10 

MAR 

70 

The  Coope€  Group 

WeOef  Pyropen 

KA9KAF 

SFP 

55 

JUN 

64 

UnidBn  NR'2600 

moblterig 

WA1R 

MAR 

32 

DEC 

60 

YdmiFT-lOOD 

transcerver 

WA4a*-C 

OCT 

16 

JUN 

64 

Yaesu  FT-4700RH 

mobile  Irar^sceivei 

K3RVN/Gt£ZZ 

JAtJ 

20 

DEC 

60 

For  software  reviews,  see  "\ 

Cotnpijters  and  Softwi^e. " 

JAN 

74 

SEP 

6t 

Satellfte  Operation 

AUG 

70 

BADR1.DOVE 

Ham^als 

WABZIB 

OCT 

76 

MAY 

&e 

F^-20  &  other  sets 

treqs.  and  modes 

WA5ZiB 

MAY 

46 

JUL 

62 

GPS 

saielNte  location  system 

NY9F 

JUL 

18 

JUL 

61 

Micfosais 

Hamsai& 

WASZiB 

AUG 

44 

JUL 

62 

A^ode  B  Ground  Station 

torO-S-13 

ND9T 

APR 

22 

FEB 

ea 

modems  for  ha msats 

BBS,  digipeatsr 

WASZIB 

JUN 

ST 

JUN 

64 

Phase  IN  Hamsat 

sign^al  reporting 

W3LOY 

MAR 

40 

JUN 

6? 

portabl4»  setup 

briefcase-size 

WASZlfl 

SEP 

66 

JAN 

74 

ROBOT  ID  Keyer 

Hamsats 

WA5ZFB 

APR 

57 

APR 

^ 

Rudak2,U-a9,  13 

Hamsais 

WASZIB 

JAN 

78 

JUL 

61 

Rudak  2/AMSAT'U 

Hamsats 

WASZIB 

JUL 

62 

JUL 

61 

SAREX'90 

ttams  In  space 

W3IWI  WA4StR, 

DEC 

60 

W3X0 

MAY 

90 

MAY 

56 

SARE3C 

Hamisata 

WASZIB 

MAR 

9 

AUG 

70 

Spa<^  SyfTipc^ium 

fiamsats 

WASZIB 

FEB 

50 

APR 

92 

FEB 

66 

Test  Equipment,  Misc. 

Circuits,  Repair 

SEP 

62 

coii  E&si«r 

L  A  f  escmartt  itfK\ 

N4Tlrit 

SEP 

48 

SEP 

62 

oocnpui  ing  countec 

HP5360A 

WRRIGP 

FEB 

45 

MAY 

56 

continuity  beeper 

tow  power 

W90TW 

JAN 

% 

JAN 

74 

dumrny  loads  tor  DC 

usmg  headlights 

VE1GM 

SEP 

22 

JUN 

62 

Held  strength  meter 

baste  pfp^ect 

KM4KT 

SEP 

9 

MAY 

56 

field  strength  meter 

tiorRlS^ing 

ictov 

MAY 

60 

OCT 

S8 

frequency  eountafs 

Above  $  Bayorid 

WB6fGP 

JAM 

62 

OCT 

68 

FSM  sniffer 

for  ROFirig 

KtOV 

JUL 

7B 

SEP 

62 

rSMsfkifter 

LM294imod 

KIOV 

AUG 

66 

MAR 

70 

gauss  meter 

A  cal%fator 

fCB4ZGC 

JUN 

34 

JUL 

61 

inductance/capacitance 

C-64mflter 

KOgCN 

JUL 

54 

JIAN 

74 

oscillatof 

100  MHz  overtone 

WB6IGP 

OCT 

64 

OCT 

66 

Poor  Man  &  Servr^R  Monitor 

multiple  tests 

N6MWS 

JAN 

10 

NOV 

61 

proiect ion  circuit 

using  MMiCa 

WBBfGP 

MAY 

77 

Sp^trum  AnaJyzef 

Si  0  circuit 

KE«UV 

FEB 

41 

temperature  control 

circuit 

WB61GP 

SEP 

70 

JUL 

77 

VXO  tutorial 

&  classic  ciircuil 

W88VGE 

DEC 

66 

OCT 

10 

NOV 

57 

TheorVt  Conslmction  Tips,  How-To 

SEP 

24 

baslcioolkii 

Ask  Kaboom 

KB1UM 

FEB 

70 

JUL 

66 

basic  tool  kit 

Welcome  Newcomers 

KAIUKM 

JAN 

2 

AUG 

64 

circuit  stagey 

recognizing  I  hem 

KB1UM 

(40V 

54 

MAR 

14 

CTCSS 

what  II  is 

N6MWS 

JAN 

77 

fix  or  ship? 

AskKaboom 

KaiUM 

APR 

42 

frequency 

sta^iEity&shill 

KBIUM 

MAR 

85 

JUL 

2t-2 

Ground  Rules 

PCBs&  circuits 

WB-iEHS 

MAR 

25 

FEB 

:^ 

Hamlest  Shopping 

tips 

K8SI 

JUL 

40 

MAR 

12 

lieatgun 

construction  uses 

WA1FHB 

SEP 

26 

JUL 

12 

fKvikirvg  up  right 

connections 

K81UM 

JUL 

60 

MOV 

34 

hot  glue  gun 

use  in  construction 

WA4aLC 

APR 

45 

73  AmatBur  Radio  Today  •  Decemb©f.  1990    69 


Subt^t/Article 

^mpec&f^oe  matching 
jammeflMflfing 
jammer  b^jsting 
junk  box 
Kitauirding 
Make  Your  Own 
math  for  hams 
Painless  RGBs 
power  regulation 
power  igpplkes 
RTTY  fundament^ 
Tune  Dtvfsiofi  MuniplM 

troubleshooting 
iroubleshoorSng 
troubleSl^ooting 
VFOfl&VXOs 


Descrfption/Column  Auttior 


AskKaiKKVR 

nDFing 

flDFing 

sidckirtg  up 

rips;  Ramsey 

Circuit  Boa rd« 

lerms,  notaiions 

making  loil  diagrams 

Mk  Kaboom 

Gw^ttching  &  linear 

RTTVlJOop 

biiMtepace  meMte 

lips 

w/o  schematic 

w/o  schematic 

w/o  schematic 

useful  lips 


Se&  Ih0  "Propagation*'  coiumn  (or  predictions  on  the 
'Vnci&  Wayn&'s  Baokshetf  " 


Transcctvers 
TDGHiFun 
CaaMite  Box  Special 
tkskmTBS 

Fire-eall  xcvr 

IC-735  rrifld 

mamgry  bank  for  TS'940S 

TTL  j<cvr 

Transmitters 

2m W  Ftre-Sal! 
2m W  Fir^-BaH 
^nVVFire-eaJ] 
Sml^l^pOW^  FM 

3Qm\  gtmdif^  crystdi 

30m  mods 

40/aOm  2-ttJbe  6C4 

De2S  xmtr 

ELTa 

EUTS  &  PELTS 

Fox  Commander 

JAeUVG3  controller 

One-Tube 

VFO  circuit 

VFO  Ctf  cuil 

Updates 

2m  portable  quad 
Alinco  DJ  500 


eOfUfilete  system 

aom.sw 

Irof^t  etid  mod 
"Smoke  Deiector" 
lor  QRP 
external  circuit 
for  40m 


»ceiuM 

KiOV 

tc»ov 

WBaVGE 

K4ZRA 

WfiWTU 

KBIUM 

W89RRT 

KBIUM 

KB1UM 

W4TAL 
KA9KAG 
KB1UM 
KeiUM 
KdlUM 
WBaVGE 
bgst  tirtf^s  tp  op^ratG, 


WB6IGP 

KfilUM 

K3VLO 

wB«esv 

WBAVGE 
WQ0NQM 


Fof  iJOQ^S,  B66 


caiibrarion  WB^ESV 

OBflsmjctiDil  WBdELK 

slOir  K»600 
lighrw^igM.  expefidable     WA4AOG 

kMhCOSt  iseaooft  WA4ADG 

OfiP  WB8VGE 
cofitroHer^  sideton^  gen      WBBVGE 

w/Pierce  osc  6A05  WBSVGE 

ORP  WBSVGE 

RDFIng  people  KCOV 

proposals  K&OV 

!of  hidden  T  KiOV 

FAX  t  ransm  iss  Kjn  W  A 1 LBP 

ORP  xmtr  AUefi 

ORP  wtevGE 

refinements  Wa8VG£ 


re  June '90  K3YWV 

ra  Sep,  90  staff 


Issue    Page      Subfect/Artrcle 

JAN  48  AMSATBBS 

MAR         52  ARSWOCUO 

JUN         SO  G-&4  &  tS4t  convefSNm 

APR         85  OaJtas  Remote  Imaging 

JUL  32  OXD A  corrections 

SE  P  36  Easy  Tu  n  i  ng  fof  the  H  R-^S  1 0 

AUG         69  ferrjte  rod  ant  schematic 

JAN         22  Flavorigl 

MAY        n  FSM  artcle 

JUN  50  GEEIectronjc  Service  number 

JAM  &4  GM.  Scotiand 

MAI^        20  Gool-Proofl*egefircw 

JUL         24  Ham  Profiles 

SEP  5e  JASIJY  G3  FAX 

OCT         58  Jan  Crystals 

DEC         64  Kenwood  Service  Mum ber 

AUG         78  Kenwood  Warranty 

PodablelOCBBS 

ORP  circuit 

ORP  column 

ROBCKiOPY 

T.D  Systems  address. 

TecJfiTips 

TTVKiCVT40m 

USSDrum 

variac  danger 


Video;  ATV.FSTV.SSTV 

73  ATV  bat  loon 

ATV  ballooning 

ATV  &  travel 

BACAR 

canwrps 

Color  SSTy  for  Ataii  ST 

kite  ATV 

kite/balloon 

MFJ-1292 

mobile  equipment 

Model  Rocket  ATV 

pOftable  ATV 

R/C  airplanes 

RC  Helicopter  ATV 

siwittimstoo 

VldtoCl^ure 

video  RDFirtg 
AUG         22  WEBERSAT 

NOV  84  WEBER  SAT 


Description/Column  Author 


APR 

18 

APR 

46 

JUW 

32 

NOV 

24 

JUN 

76 

APR 

34 

NiOV 

30 

NOV 

22 

f40\f 

18 

MOV 

14 

AUG 

U 

JUL 

tfi 

JAN 

52 

pm 

38 

MAR 

66 

NOV 

76 

OCT 

52 

NOV 

86 

DEC 

50 

MAY 

24 

NOV 

38 

SEP 

48 

OCT 

59 

phone  number 

rieMafctt'90 

re  Jufy  '90 

reFets'SO 

re  Qci    90 

re  Nov.  "89 

re  Feb,  '90 

DigvKey  part  number 

re  Sep  '30 

reAp4ir90 

re  Aug   90 

re  Nov  '90 

re  June  "90 

re  May  '90 

m  Aug.  '90 

new 

new  program 

re  Aug.  '90 

re  July '90 

re  Aug  '89 

re  Oct   90 

re  Aug.  90 

reOcl. '89 

re  Nov.  '90 

re  Apfit  '90 

re  June  90 


WA5ZIB 
stalt 

WA4W0L 
Staff 
K4EQY 
K3JML 

wseiGP 

KB1UM 
KM4KT 

GM7CXM 

staff 

PT2KU 

WAlLfiP 

staff 

staff 

Bta^ 

Huge 

N6PQP 

stall 

WB9DYI 

stati 

K5BDZ 

KS1UM 

staff 

WA2RGB 


Iswe 

Page 

APR 

45 

APR 

45 

SEP 

61 

APR 

45 

DEC 

82 

FEB 

59 

MAY 

47 

MAY 

76 

OCT 

75 

JUL 

59 

NOV 

84 

DEC 

83 

OCT 

TS 

NOV 

64 

NOV 

84 

SEP 

81 

DEC 

82 

OCT 

75 

OCT 

75 

JAN 

59 

DEC 

82 

S£P 

61 

JAN 

59 

DEC 

82 

MAY 

47 

SEP 

61 

I  BaMoons 

summer  "90 
high  attitude 
h«lpfu[ttps 


for  ATV  video 

Part  II 

delta  wing 

ATV 

video  digitizer 

ATV 

&  flight  computer 

RS  Pocketvision 

8DayTon"90ATV 

ATV 

VO-1000 

ATV 

ATV 

equipment 


WBBELK 

W&eELK 

WB8ELK 

ZS8AKV 

WB8ELK 

WB50S2 

WQBELK 

W08ELK 

WA3AJR 

weaELK 

N81Y0 

weaELK 

WB8ELK 
WA8HTF 

W68ELK 
WA3AJR 
WB6ELK 
WB8ELK 
W88ELK 


NOV 

74 

AUG 

30 

SEP 

79 

MAR 

to 

Jim 

B2 

JAN 

41 

OCT 

54 

FEB 

76 

APR 

52 

APR 

SB 

AUG 

52 

DEC 

75 

AUG 

74 

AUG 

57 

MAY 

53 

fEB 

48 

JUt 

50 

MAR 

64 

MAR 

64 

AMATEUR  TELEVISION 


TVC-4G 
only  $89 

SEE  THE  SPACE  SHUTTLE  VIDEO 

Many  ATV  repeaters  and  individuals  are  retransmitting 
Space  Shuttle  Video  &  Audio  from  their  TVRO^s  tuned  to 
Satcom  F2-R  transponder  13.  if  it  is  being  done  in  your 
area  on  70  CM,  all  you  need  is  one  of  our  TVC-4G  ATV 
420-450  MHz  downconveters,  add  any  TV  set  to  ch  3 
and  70  CM  antenna.  Others  may  be  retransmitting 
weather  radar  during  significant  storms.  Once  you  get 
bitten  by  the  ATV  bug  -  and  you  will  after  seeing  your 
first  picture  -  show  your  shack  with  the  TX70*1  A  com- 
panion ATV  transmitter  for  only  $279.  H  enables  you  to 
send  back  video  from  your  camcorder,  VCR  or  TV 
camera.  ATV  repeaters  are  springing  up  ail  over  -  check 
page  41 1  in  the  90-91  ARRL  Repeater  Directory.  Call 
for  a  copy  of  our  complete  70.  33  &  23  CM  ATV  catalog. 


am 


rTAratiefT  of  owmnHr,  luuuuiemwT  ami  cmcuutioM 


If 


'■'1    Inar-f'-.  r    i*5iei 


«fc9»tt»I  i 


Tm     -^    .■ 


^/.;j^i 


rrs 


m^  iferita 


TWUSSTfSi^Wi 


f3%  Ctm^  ■B-aHraF»«[ji» 


L-L 


r»fPiit  t]i,^  m  B«i  ira^  Q«it!D«i  nr    03444^jii 


I    ttm\fiitn  WiFrnt  ^iwif  w  n(  f**  Wf»i»iMii  iH  liii»*i*t  tunim  -Off*!  ni  in*  Kjimiii  ^mt  ^tf^ttt 


r 


t  im*mm^^ 


tM  wnnp*  idttBi  ifh*  1^  n^ir  nvri* 


Hmf*  er*«s.    f9tm»t  14,   a.»c-»f^   til     <}SJ.4tH.0£T« 


mmt**   Et<«M^   r«f»»t   14,,    VaKKt   lit     «1U4. 


•  lis     itai,^^     for  fit    •*_    Sji.cDf:^    fM       D  S*  44 -ft  1 1 H 


:Wiif~f"ubi^8r)mji     '*'u 


y.EP     J*.,  hi  1  nhmn 


9mifimmmn*imi»» 


^fi.fTT    Bd.    l^ni^atL    KH      n^iS,'* 


ft  iM 


^mm^mimmm'^ 


^w% 


tumm 


r«f  £r 


(818)  447-4565  m-l  eam-5:30pm  pst.  Visa,  MC,  COD 

P.C.  ELECTRONICS  Tom(W60RG) 

2522  S,  Paxson  Ln  Arcadia  CA  91007        Maryann  (WBeYSS) 


D 


UM  Nut  ChmpM'  Ihji^ 


m 


Id 


11  r 


«.1»4Ati 


liATg 


i^^— ^ib 


t  TM*ei4 


\tfemmm 


I    WOcq  nw,  tall  *m. 


w4t4atM*h  «rt44  thtr  iHiifii 


J-    nMHml 


fA.tj 


1)1«Q 


ri^*t 


TTIf4 


J^*$* 


^^«»11 


t^d 


44T!C 


TUQ 


Il5nn 


ft  tTPi^  itm  iff.  m  mt  I 


741 


i^ijnj 


3H43 


791  IT 


IIU} 


I  cantfr  i^Mt  Ih*  : 


i]i34.  mm  ^ 


70    7$  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December.  1990 


CABLE  TV  CONVERTERS 

Why  Pay  A  High  Monthly  Fee? 
Save  $lOO's  A  Year 


•  All  Jerrotd,  Oak,  Hamlin,  Zenith, 
Scientific  Atlanta,  and  more. 

•  60  Day  Money  Back  Guarantee 

•  Shipment  within  24  hours 

•  Visa/MC  and  C.O.D. 

WE  WILL  BEAT  ANYONPS  PRICE 
No  lltinois  Orders  Accepted 


Electronic  Engineering 

P.O.  Box  337,  Barrington,  IL  60011 

FREE  CATALOG 

1-800-542-9425 

INFORMATION 

1-708-540-1106 


CIRCLE  1ft 5  ON  READEft  SERVICE  CARD 


Packet-GOLD  v1 .2 


TN-   wim 


^ 


GD 


1 


PC-Pakratt  users: 

Upgrade  to  GOLD! 


SMMMIIiHIIIilllinilH^ 


I^M 


Upgrade  offer   scridiisvtmrPC-pcikruttirisk 

■ciUmy,  iviiii  :ii4V,95  iCu  ros  iidd  (V.25*?rf  and  wt'Ml 
stud  yau  iIk^  uppnidt^  ^tMi'vt?  been  waitiiiji  hir. 
Piieliet-PLUS  ust^rs  tan  opj^radf  for  $29»*>5,  and 
F*rt  e  kr  t-(  i  ()  1^  I )  I  A\  u  se  rs  en  ii  u  pj^  rat  I  v  U  ir  $  1 0.  Co  n  i  - 
Ijk'k-  Hitli  75 -page  bound  iiiaiiual. 

Features^  Multiple  ctmnecls  made  vaaj  w'liU 
iiuUmr.\ik  "iit'sl  r»LS?iicnr'  ke>j  adju.staMi  split 
*;ert*t;ii  motiitnr  i  ni't-vuK  IH>S  Mieil  to  either  EMS 
or  tlisk,  Mnarj'  file  ti'tiinsrcr  £o  or  iVoin  rematt-- 
re  mute  diredorir,  Irjirisfer  stnt^^  (ti  fleet  ive  liaud 
riiU\  ^f-eomplctc,  esL  time),  PK -8^/23  2  mall  drop 
«iiipport.  bnig  files*  e\p:iiiried  text  editor,  iii- 
te^r^ited  setup,  ntemor^-  usage  sereeti,  supports 
jinv  serial  port  address  and  inierrupt,  J  N<'  fde  and 
current  pa rn meters  editor,  Qtiick-eoniiects  & 
M"  rnOM  support,  QSC)  Io^t  nsinie  loj?,  phrase  keys 
sAlt'0,.'>)  vvjtJi  name  and  tall  inaero,s,  save  usos  hy 
aiKsi];M  (if  desired),  and  our  new  CONFER  EN  CF. 
MOlHi  with  mnltipje  eonferenees,  "lesit  headers 
with  eallsi^n  and  name.  H resit  for  nets,  dlseus- 
sions,  or  emerKeneieii*  You  tliought  nndtiple  ses- 
siolKHiva?,  nice?  How  nliont  mnkipLe  ccmfereoeesll 

How  to  Order:  l-lrst  time  Imyers,  st^nd  ^5^,95 
[in  re,s  add  6.25^f3  to:  In lerFle\  Svstem.s  Des^en 
Corp.,  P.O.  Bov  641 H,  Lrts^imi^  NigueL  tA  y2(dl7- 
6418  or  eall  l7J4!  4%  fi63<^  for  COD  orders  {$S 
additional]),  i^or  nnj^rades*  foUow  instruetionsand 
prit'in;4  outlined  aUoM, 


f'lmrik^  fur  voiir  order. 


CIRCLE  77  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARO 


TN-339/BC-939 
Antenna  Tuner 


2-18  MHz  Range 
400  Watt  Capability 


I 


^ 


Schematic  &  Info  Included 
$100.00  FOB  Canandaigua,  NY 


N,  E,  Litsche 

P.O.  Box  191 

Canandaigua,  MY  14424-0191 

71 6-394  9099  7 1  $  3940 1 48 

FAX  716-394-8329 


UAI-10  AND  UAI-20 

UNIVERSAL  REPEATER/LINK 

AUDIO  INTERFACE 


Detailed  api^hcatlon  manual 

Low  power  operalron.  19 ma  @  12v 

CTQSS  decoder  on  the  UAI-2t}  only 

Assembled,  tested,  one  year  warranty 

Link  monitor-mixy  monitor  mute  control 

Adjustabfe  rep&ater/Hnk/DTMF  audio  outputs 

Selectable  DTMF  mute  on  repeater  and  link  audio 

Repeater,  link;  auKiliary  and  controj^  audio  inputs 


UAMO 

$44.00 


UAr-20 

$89.00 


CREATIVE  CONTROL  PROOtfCTS 

2\R5  Bunlmg  Avenue 

Grafid  Junction,  CO  81504 

(303)  434-9405 


CIRCLE  146  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


DISCOVER- 
LOW  PRICES 

PL  259  Nickel^eflon(r),  USA,  69^  or  $ia^2S 
PL-2S9  Sliyef/T*f,  USA.  *1,29  Or  (25^25 
PL  259  GOLOfTaf.  USA,  f1.49  or  S30J2S 
N  (UG  Jl)  for  991 3.  9036  ate.  Sl,2£ 
UG25Bconv«n4HTBNC  lQltHF»t.7i 

N  E W  F  F  le )« ib  I  e  99t  3  type,  I  dw  Ids  s     > 

for  era  n1(  u  p  &  &  rolalcrrs  &9t  X  \ 

RG'BX  rtOn-COnismtnatiriig  23f 

RC'BX,  95^-11,  preiniLjm  14* 
RG'?13Mil-typa.3lt  / 

*H  ant  wire  1%  i    ,  i 


C«btein5iO 
In^ren^enls 
Only 


BALUNS    : 

CurT#nl-type(C} 

Ldh^rsfory  Dave  toped 

Superior  Conslfuction 

U  n  aqua  I  ed  Speci  tic  stions 

1 1  nigdeJ  $  (0  r  every  »p-p  tic  atifl  n 

61 -2K  1 :1  £K  W  C  urr^nt '  ao  1 0M  $  1 S  .9S 

B4-1.5K  4:1  Low  Joss  1.5KW  S0-1OM  S17.95 

yi  4K  1:1  4KW  'CuftOfil'  B^am  baSun  $3395 

B4^KX  4M  Precisian  ^Currenl- ISO- 10M  S30S 


(804)484-0140 


FREE  64  pg  DISCOUNT  Catalog.  Everyttiing  for  wire 
antennas.  Allow  4-6  weeks  for  bulk-rate  delivery.  Send 
%2  for  1st  mail.  Mentiofi  Ihis  ad  for  sale  prices-  ADD 
SHIPPING  -  VISA  &  MC  welcome  Give  card  ff,  exp. 
date.  Signature  COD  add  S3.30  ^  shipping.  Virginia 
Re&ideri!&  add  4.5%  sales  tax.  Dealer  inquiries 
welcome. 

Box  61 59  -  Portsmouth,  VA  23703 


CIRCLE  150  QN  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


^l^i^T 


ALLYOUNEEDIS: 
ONE  SIMPLEX  RADIO  AND  ONE  FnEQUENCY 


'-^^^^S^ 

"*««« 


•  NO  DUPLEXER  NEEDED 
-  VOICE  MAIL 

*  VOICE  IDer 

•  DTMF  REMOTE  PROGRAMABLE 

*  REMOTE  FUNCTIONS 
-AUX.   RELAY  OPTION 

BRAir^STORM 

$3  2  9   '^J'^H  PL  UECODER  tNSTALLED       ENGINEERING 

$229  wflTOscjTPLDEeoKP  (818)249-4383 

7  DAYS  A  WEEK 


CIRCLE  197  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

SMILE  . . .  YOU'RE  NOT  ON  TV , . . 

CALLI-800-KILLTVl 

TO  ORDER 

RFI  FILTERS  THAT  REALLY  WORK 

BX-2S  Screw^s  On  to  tv/vcr  input 
Now  used  by  FCC  during  investigations 


M  Y-iS 


Jf'l.JH 


:.: '  r  t^,:am 


TP12 


KW-1 


BX-2P 


The  World  Famous  BX  cable^TV  filter . . .  $24.95 
TP*12  Effective  standard  tet&ptione  fjfter.'tS.95 
KW-1  Pure  AC  output  line  filter 42.95 

1M)  DAY  RETURN -FOfl— REFUND  GUAFIANTEE 

Replace  Unfllterable  Electronic  Tefeptiones  Wfth  Our 
NEW  TP^XL  Filtered  Touch-Tone  Telephone  $4^9f. 
TP-XL  +  12  For  FuM  Quieting  With  Lirrear  Amp  SS9.9S. 

800  number  for  orders  only . . . 
For  engineering  help^  (512)  656-3635 

Tom  Coffee,  W4PSC  (R&D  Eng.) 

TCE  LABORATORIES 

5818  Sun  Ridge 

San  Anton  iOp  Texas  78247 

DEALER  INQUfRfESARE  NOWfNViTtD 


CIRCLE  87  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


MICROWAVE  AMPLIFIERS 

from 

DOWN  EAST  MICROWAVE 


Linear  Power  Amps 

forSSB, 

AJy,FM.W2^l29&- 

2304     345eMH2 

Z304PA 

lOmWinSWoiK 

1240-1300  MHz 

$130 

2318  PAM 

0.5Wiii18Wout 

124CH300MHZ 

$205 

233SPA 

lOWmasWout 

1  £40-1300  MKz 

S315 

2340  PA 

lWin35Woui 

1240-1300  MHz 

$355 

2370  PA 

&Wiii70WouT 

1240-1300  MHz 

$695 

331BPA 

lWln20WotJt 

90£^S2S  mz 

$265 

33S5PA 

14Win40Wout 

90^926  MHz 

$320 

1303 IPA 

10mWin0.4Wout 

2304  MHz 

$150 

901  IPA 

lOmWimWoul 

3456  UHz 

Write  dw  Call 

T/R  Switching  availaijie,  all  1 M  VDC 

Low  Noise  Preamps  &  prearnp  kits — 432,  902,  1296. 
1691,  £304.2401,  3456  MHz,  5.7  and  10  GH^. 

33LNA  prearnp  SdBNF  90?  MHz  13iV    $  90 

231NA  prearnp   EtfSNF  129BMHz  13,SV    S  90 

13LNA  pr&amp  .7dB^fF  23(H>2400MHz  13JV    $130 

1691 LWAWP  prearnp  1cl8NF   1691  MHZ  mast  mourrted  13.8  V    $140 

4017LNAK      prearnp  kil  400-1 700  MHz  MB     $40 

pfsauip  kids  for  23^4-10  GHz  WriieorCall 

CALL  OR  WR[TE  FOR  MORE  iNFORMATtON 

DOWN  EAST  iUirCROWAVE 

0(H  Olson,  W3HQT 
Sox2310,RRl     Troy,  ME04987 


yiS4 


■fcnivfOoit 


(207)  948-3741 


n4 


R 


EC  TOR  rlNDER 


ZERO-IN 
THE  SIGNAL i 


HAND-HELD 

PHASE  SENSE 

ANTENNAS  FOR 

VHP  DIRECTION 

FINDING.  USES 

ANY  PH  XCVR, 

COMPASS  GIVES 

DIRECTION, 
ARMS  FOLD  FOR 
STORAGE,  TYPE 
VF-142  COVERS 
BOTH  2-MTR5  & 
22  0MHZ,   OTHER 
MODELS  AVAILABLE. 
WRITE  OR  CALL  FOR 
MORE  IMFO, 
S3,50  SHIPPING  &  TYPE  VF-142 

CA.  ADD  TAX)     $129-95   619- 

RADIO  ENQiNEEJ^S      "^e^-iBig 


\ 


3941   MT.  BRUNDAGE  AVE. 
SAN  D(EGO  CA.9211t 


CIRCLE  76  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


^Amateur 
Radio  Today 


• 


ICOM 


EADER  Service  Give  Away 

1st  fill  out  the  Reader  Service  card  and  send  it  in.  You'll  receive  free  product  information 
im  our  advertisers,  and  one  lucky  reader  will  win  a  great  prize  from  ICOM. 

THIS  MONTH'S  READER  SERVICE  PRIZE 


f 


ICOM  IC-2SAT 


IGOM's  expertise  in  miniaturization  has  resulted  in  another  remarkable  handheld,  the  fC-23AT. 

•  5  Watt  Power  Output 

The  IC-2SAT  delivers  a  full  5  watts  of  output  power  a!  1 3.8V  DC. 

•  Built-in  NiCd  Batteries 

Wfien  the  internal  tjatteries  are  exhausted  just  clip  on  one  of  the  optional  batter/  packs  and  keep  on  operating! 

•  48  Memory  Channels 

Each  memory  and  call  channel  stores  all  information  required  for  repeater  operation. 

•  Quick  Tuning  Control 

Frequencies  or  rremory  channels  can  be  easily  selected  with  the  built-in  keyboard  or  tuning  control  knob. 

•  DTMF  Code  Memory 

1 0  DTMF  memory  channels  store  up  to  1 5  digits  each.  Excellent  for  autopatching! 

•  Built-in  Clock 

The  IC-2SAT  is  equipped  with  a  24-hour  system  clock  with  timer  function. 

•  External  DC  Power  Jack 

The  IC-2SAT  can  be  connected  to  an  external  6-1 6  volt  DC  power  supply  directly. 
The  ICOM  IC-2SAT  includes  a  variety  of  other  features  like  convenient  scan  functions,  priority 
watch,  memory  masking ,  memory  transfer,  tone  squelch  and  so  much  more.  Battery  packs  and  a 
battery  case,  chargers,  headsets  and  a  wide  selection  of  other  options  are  also  available. 


DVERTISERS 


Number  25  on  yoyr  Feedback  card 


R.S.^  page 

109  A  i  A  Engineering 83 

164  Ace  Communicatbns  oi  Indianapoiis  4^ 
1  Advanced  Computer  Control!  ......  14 

65  Advanced  EEectraric 

Applicatjons ....  10,11' 

as  Aerospace  ConsuJTlng 83 

67  Alinco  EJectfonics 16' 

194  All  Electronics  Corporation 37 

*  Amateur  Electronics  Supply  . . . , . .  IS* 

1 96  Antenna  Service  ».,,....,, SS 

1 07  Antennas  West 79 

1 35  Antennas  West  83 

13a  Antennas  West  65 

5  Antenr^as  West  .       79 

90  Antennas  West 51 

89  Antennae  West  29 

236  Antennas  West  47 

•  Antique  EJectronic  Suppty 79 

271  AnliQue  Radio  Clas&ifjed 83 

•  Associated  Radio      42 

16  Astron  Corporation 18 

£43  AXM,  Jnc 53,85 

21  B&B.Inc 47 

53  Barker  &  Williamson 79 

41  Barry  Electronics  Corporation  21 

42  Btlaf  Company 51 

•  BMG  Engmeering  Depot 47 

197  Brainstorm  Engineering 71 

118  Brian  BeezJey  K6STI 29 

84  Broadcast  Technical  Service  ......  55 

56   Buckmaster  Publishing  79" 

170  Buckmaster  Publishing    47* 

168  Buckmaster  Publishing 49* 

7  Buckmaster  Publi:$hing 65* 

■   Sutternu!  Electronics  .......  34 

165  C&SSales,  Inc. 37 

116  CATS.  . 51 


HSJ  page 

•  CB City  International  79 

127  Cellular  Security  Group 51 

13  Cellular  Security  Group S3 

HO  Cellular  Security  Group 65 

1 66  Coaxial  Dynamics , 42 

156  Commpute  Corporation .  67 

99  Communication  Concepts,  Inc.    ...  65 

121    Communications  Electronic  27 

10  CommunicationsSpeciali&l 13" 

40  C<imputer  Automation  Technology  .  67 
15  Comteico  79 

12  Connect  Syslems ,  1 

1 46  Creative  Control  Products .^ . . ,  71 

134  Crystal  Creations SB 

•  De  I  aware  Amateu  r  S  uppl  y v  * . . .  53 

13  Doppler  Systems , 14* 

•  Down  £ast  Microwave .  71 

143  Eteciron  Processirtg 67* 

133  Electronic  Center,  Inc. 47 

165  Electronic  Engineering , 71 

S  Elktronics 34 

•  Engineering  Consulting 74 

268  Etched  Call  Sign  Cups 67 

169  G  &  G  Electronics 82 

193  GGTE .47* 

1 7  QLB  Electronics 46 

72  Gien  Martin  Engineering 41 

192  Grapevine  Group   47 

•  Ham  Radio  Toy  Store ......  63 

57  Hamtronlcs,  Inc 31 

179  ICOM  America GV2* 

77  Interfiex  Systems  71 

42  Isotron 51 

•  K-Comm  , ,  ....  42 

•  Kenwood  USA  Corporation  . .  5,6,CV4" 
234  Lentinl  Communications 47 


R.S.^  page 

47  Link^Com .,...,  42 

•  M  Sc  N  EI&clFonics 65 

25  Madison  Electro rbic  Supply ....  49 

lOl    Maxcom,  Inc. 65* 

241   Media  Menlcrs 63' 

44  Metro  Printing  ...................  37 

86  MFJ  Enterprises 8 

160  Miicro  Computer  Concepts   76 

144  Micro  Control  Specialities 41 

119  MicroR&D 47 

32  Midland  Technologies S5 

•  Missouri  Radio  Center 88 

•  N.E.Lilsche 71 

91    HBO  Distributors 46 

54   NCG , . . , .  33 

23?  NCG    39 

•  Nenial  Electronics  — . , B5 

78  North  Olmsted  Amateur  Radio 79 

•  OmarEleeironies  , es 

96  Orlando  Hamcation  34 

•  PC  Electronics 70" 

•  PC  Electronics ...  74* 

152  Pac-Comm 61 

178  Pacific  Cable  Company,  Inc 53 

1 99  Palomar  Telec^jm  ;'k>  ^ 65 

68  PeriphOK 85 

1  d8  PliffC  Electronics h  G5 

»  Procomm 77 

235  Quem^nt  Electronics €6 

1 32  Ouernent  Electronics 52 

24  Quorum  Communications 82 

31   Radio  Amateur  Callbook 39 

76  fladio  Engineers 71 

48  Radiokii 74 

34  Ramsey  Electronics 23' 

14  Renaissance  Development 53 

254  floss  Distributing .......... 79 


R.S.#  page 

•  Royal  Instruments  Company  . .  ^ . .  65 
71    Rutland  Arrays . , , 85 

153  SalelUte  City 56' 

182  SCO  Electronics 87 

182  SCO  Electronics 67 

95  Sensible  Solutions  65 

250  Software  Systems  , 79 

244  Software  Systems , ,  77 

183  Spectrum  tntsmational 42 

87  TCELabs 71 

232  TE Systems 55 

1 24  Texas  Bug  Catcher  Antenna 53 

6  The  Antenna  Specialist  41 

•  The  Ham  Center 42 

131  The  Ham  Slation 49 

150  The  Radio  Worlds 71 

1 1 5  The  RF  Connection 42 

62  TMR 55 

49  Traxit,  Inc 83 

•  Tropica]  Kamboree - 63 

•  Uncle  Wayne's  Bookshelf 86^87 

•  Universal  Amateur  Radio 63' 

1 20  Van  Gorden  Enginsering 83 

1 04  Van  iderstine  &  Sons,  Inc. 51 

79  Vanguard  Labs  — 51 

•  VHP  Communications 67 

195  Vlbroplex  Company,  Inc. ........ .  29 

1 91  W  &  W  Associates 77 

38  W9FMN  Aniennas i   : : :,  51 

2Q  Wolfe  Communications 51 

•  Yaesu  Eleciroftics  Corporal  ton CV3 

69  ZCo  Corportation S3 

•These  advertisers  pfefer  to  be  contadEd  directly. 

BdM  listiRfs  are  73!*s  new  ajdvertisers  this  month . 

'Advertisers  wlio  have  conLributad  to  the 
National  Industry  Advisory  CorrTniltee 

(NIAC). 


72    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


Continued  from  p.  4 

Now  we're  up  to  14.275  and  there's 
Glen  Baieier  K1  MAN  with  his  tapes  that 
go  on  for  whai  seems  like  hours,  byl  he 
claims  only  last  45  minutes.  Now  he's 
bragging  that  he  transmils  his  "bul- 
letins" over  100  times  a  week,  Oh^ 
there,  he*s  doing  a  commercial  for  Ra- 
dio  Scan  magazine. 

Atwve  I  hat.  for  the  next  50  kHz.  we 
find  we're  m  the  middle  of  what  seeriis 
likea  waf .  Hai&.  frustration,  artger,  bad 
language,  jamming,  more  catcalls. 
Hey,  Uiis  is  a  hobby? 

So  ttifs  is  the  b^si  amateur  radio 
has  to  offer,  eh?  Utis  rs  thetr  famous 
20  meter  band?  Why,  this  is  a  sewer. 
This  is  disgusting!  Why  should  some 
obviously  deranged  old  men  be  per- 
mitied  to  waste  such  a  valuable  re- 
source? What  on  earth  Is  the  mat- 
ter with  the  FCC?  How  can  they  not 
close  down  this  mess  entirefy  and  turn 
these  jncredibfy  valuable  frequencies 
over  to  someone  who  has  better  use 
for  them? 

Well,  let's  give  one  more  listen  and 
see  what  wa  can  find  in  between  the 
DX  piie-ups,  the  slow*scan  porno  and 
the  lotal  chaos  above  14,275.  Sure 
enough,  there  are  some  retired  old 
men  in  there  tafking  with  each  other. 
Thay*re  endlessly  repealing  their  calls, 
a  signal  repon,  their  'handte/'  a  bhef 
weather  report,  the  make  and  rroxJel 
number  of  their  transceiver  and  anten- 
na, and  a  mention  that  sorry,  they 
didn't  get  much  of  the  last  transmissiofi 
dye  to  OR  M, 

You  know  that  in  just  a  littfe  over  a 
year  representatives  of  every  coun!ry 
in  the  International  Tetecommunrca- 
tions  Union  will  t^e  meeting  in  Madrid  to 
decide  how  to  reshuffle  the  spectrum 
for  better  usage. 

You  also  know  that  the  Third  World 
countries  have  little  use  for  amateur 
radio.  Few  of  the  African  hams  are 
black,  ft's  a  white  man's  hobby. . . 
and  most  of  the  men  who  get  on  the 
air  while  visiting  these  countries  ig- 
nore their  laws,  run  Illegal  power, 
and  even  talk  home  via  phone  patch- 
es. Why  should  these  countries  be 
interested  in  giving  up  frequencies 
they  need  so  a  handful  of  oW  American 
men  can  waste  them?  Of  what  pos- 
Sib\e  benefil  is  amateur  radio  to  their 
country? 

Your  Job, ,, 

Let's  see.  as  the  ARRL  president  all 
you  have  to  do  is  gel  amateur  radio 
growing  again,  particularly  by  attract- 
ing youngsters;  cteari  up  the  bad  oper- 
ating on  our  bands:  and  get  the  Third 
World  counihes  to  fscogmze  how  valu- 
able amateuf  radto  can  be  for  them  and 
thus  protect  our  bands  ai  the  1992 
Madrid  and  1993  Geneva  WARCs, 
You're  not  going  to  do  all  this  with 
something  simple  like  a  no-code  li* 
cense,  that's  for  sure- 

No,  you're  obviously  going  to  have  to 
mount  a  barrage  of  new  programs. 
Worse,  unless  a  bunch  of  new  direc- 
tors have  been  elected,  you're  proba- 
bly going  to  have  to  fight  around  13 
directors  for  every  program  you  want  to 
inrtlale.  On  the  other  hand,  you  have 
some  power  at  your  command  too.  It 


you  can  gel  control  of  the  Executive 
Committee  you've  got  QST  at  your 
beck.  .   andthelARU. 

Now,  the  programs. .  .it's  going  to 
take  a  bunch  and  you've  got  to  gel 
moving  quickly. 

Okay,  first  you1l  have  to  get  to  work 
deaning  up  our  bairds  so  we  can  be 
proud  of  them.  We  know  the  FCC 
doesn't  want  to  get  involved,  so  we* re 
going  to  have  to  do  this  ourselves. 
Well,  we're  supposed  to  be  self-polic- 
ing anyway.  We've  always  bragged  to 
the  FCC  al>out  this,  so  it's  about  time  to 
live  up  to  our  billing. 

One  thing  we  do  need  from  the  FCC 
is  a  way  to  at  least  temporarily  suspend 


prodded  !o  get  radio  clubs  started  In  an 
*"adopt-a-school"  program.  They  need 
coverage  in  the  local  newspapers,  on 
radio  and  TV, 

It  tsn*t  going  to  be  easy  prying  kJdS 
away  from  TV,  but  it  can  t>e  done.  We 
have  a  lot  to  offer  kfds,  but  as  long  as 
they've  never  even  heard  of  amateur 
radio,  we  aren't  going  to  get  far- 

We  need  vi^leos  thai  e^plair)  the  fun 
we>e  having  and  ftow  litlte  t\  can  cost 
to  get  started.  They  need  to  know 
about  repeaters,  fox  hunting,  OSCAR. 
packe!.  QRP.  etc  We  m^ghl  StaJl  to 
Class  action  libel  suits  against  TV  or 
movie  producers  who  depict  hams  as 
nerds.  Of  course  Ihey  might  claim  truth 


"Why  should  these 

countries  be  interested  in  giving 

up  frequencies  they  need  so  a  handful 

of  old  American  men  can  waste  them? 

Of  what  possible  benefit  is  amateur 

radio  to  their  country?" 


the  licenses  of  troublemakers.  .  plus 
an  immunity  from  legal  harassment 
which  might  result.  Could  we  make  it  a 
felony  to  sue  over  an  amateur  radio 
matter?  I  would  prefer  capital  punish- 
ment, but  Td  settle  for  a  felony  convic- 
tlonn 

The  next  move  would  be  to  set  up  a 
team  at  headquarters  to  organize  the 
ARRL  member  clubs  to  get  out  there 
and  bury  the  bad  apples  in  suspen- 
sions. 

The  DX  pileups  can  be  cured,  as  Tve 
mentioned  before^  just  by  limiting 
award  credit  to  contacts  made  during 
contests.  Once  the  DXCC  and  Honor 
Roll  pressures  are  taken  off,  the  pile- 
ups will  blow  away.  This  not  only  will 
clean  up  our  bands  enormously,  it'll 
eventually  result  in  us  seemg  thou- 
sands of  hams  getting  on  from  rarer 
countnes.  This  isn't  gotng  to  hurt  when 
the  votes  are  counted  at  WARC. 

Ne>n  we  need  to  get  back  where  we 
were  25  years  ago  and  start  attracting 
youngsters  again.  Hundreds  of  thou- 
sands of  youngsters,  not  jusi  the 
dozens  we're  getting  now. 

There's  no  easy  fix  on  this  like  (here 
is  for  cleaning  up  our  bands  Here  we 
need  another  HQ  team,  dedicated  to 
promoting  amateur  radio  growth.  This 
means  organizing  every  member  club 
in  the  project.  It  means  helping  them 
understand  the  importance  of  public 
relations.  .  of  making  amateur  radio 
visible  and  getting  across  to  ktds  that 
it's  fun .  No  kid  should  be  able  to  get  out 
of  the  fifth  grade  without  knowing 
about  how  neat  ham  radio  is. 

Clubs  need  to  get  a  newsletter  help- 
ing them  organize  community  oommg- 
nicdtions  efforts.  .  for  parades,  races, 
walkathons  and  so  on.  They  need  to  be 


as  a  defense,  playing  tapes  of  our  20m 
band^ 

But  What  Abotit  WARC? 

There's  never  been  an  attempt  to  get 
ham  ambassadors  to  visit  the  leaders 
of  Third  Worfd  countries  and  explain  to 
them  how  amateur  radio  can  benefit 
them  and  their  countries,  Afl  it  would 
take  is  a  couple  retired  hams  with  some 
lime  and  a  few  thousand  dollars  in  trav- 
el expenses. 

Heck,  I  went  to  Jordan  and  talked  His 
Majesty  King  Hussein  into  setting  up 
amateur  radio.  YouVe  not  going  to  find 
a  stronger  supporter  of  amateur  radio 
today  than  Jordan.  If  I  can  do  it,  so  can 
the  ARRL.  .  .and  they  should. 

Voujust  talk  money,  that's  aJt.  Third 
World  countries  have  to  pay  through 
the  nose  to  import  technicians  to  help 
set  up.  operate  and  service  com  muni- 
cations,  efecironics  and  computer  sys- 
tems. These  techs  can  cost  £500  to 
SI  .000  a  day  vs.  a  few  doHars  il  they 
had  some  of  the?r  own  people.  So  put 
ham  sEatfons  in  ihe  schools,  provide  a 
teacher,  and  soon  you'll  have  hun- 
dreds and  then  thousa  n  ds  of  you  n  g 
amateurs,  all  anxious  to  team  t>ecause 
it's  fun.  It  works.  Heck,  it'll  even  work 
here,  it  used  lo  before  the  League 
wiped  out  our  school  radio  clubs  with 
their  "incentive  licensing"  proposal  25 
years  ago. 

Yes,  there's  a  lot  to  be  done. .  .but 
it's  all  do-able  if  you  have  someone 
with  guts  and  drive  as  president.  That 
you?  You're  going  to  have  to  draw 
straight  lines,  even  if  they  bisect  a  few 
balky  old  directors. 

Simitar  Situation 
In  1969.  when  I  spotted  FM  and  re- 


peaters as  a  possible  way  to  help  get 
amateur  radio  growing  again  after  five 
years  of  losing  newcomers,  I  went  at  it 
every  way  i  coukf,  I  set  up  my  own 
repeater  so  Td  know  what  I  was  writing 
about,  t  published  hundreds  of  articles 
on  the  subject.  I  organized  repeatar 
conferences  around  tfie  country  to  get 
dubs  to  cooperate  and  standardize 
Channels,  I  published  a  monthly  re- 
peater magazine  and  a  flurry  of  books. 
if  worked!  Within  two  years  re- 
peaters were  the  biggest  ham  activity 
in  the  country  and  I'd  gerverated  a  new 
$100  million  industry ^ 

When  I  saw  the  potential  for  the  mi^ 
crocomputer  in  1 975  f  started  one  mag- 
azine after  another,  organized  industry 
meetings  to  set  standards,  put  on  a 
huge  microcomputer  industry  show  in 
Boston,  established  one  of  the  first 
mass  produced  software  companies, 
started  some  software  retail  stores 
(ended  up  with  a  56  Softwaire  Centers 
Chain),  and  so  on. 

Right  now  Vm  tackling  the  music  in- 
dustry, it^s  dominated  by  a  cartel  of  s\x 
iniernalfonal  megacorporalions 
fowned  by  Sony,  Mitsubishi,  etc.)  and  I 
want  to  break  their  hold  over  some 
5.000  independertt  music  companies. 
I've  got  a  long  list  Of  projects  Tve 
formed  or  am  forming  to  do  this.  Each 
has  to  be  profitable,  but  the  end  goal  is 
to  sell  more  independent  music. 

Wait'll  you  see  all  the  ways  I'm  pro- 
motirrg  the  sale  of  indie  music  vta 
samplers  in  hotels,  dance  studios, 
m^ftu rants,  book  stores,  hi-fi  stores, 
discount  stores,  etc.  I've  already  start- 
ed releasing  samplers  and  I'm  gearing 
up  to  crank  out  up  to  a  dozen  a  month  I 
Then  there's  my  international  talent 
hunt,  looking  for  undiscovered  per* 
formers  who  should  be  record* 
ed     .  and  wrH  be  on  indie  Eabels. 

If  you  were  to  take  over  as  president 
of  the  ARRL  you'd  be  faced  with  one 
heck  of  a  job,  just  as  I  was.  But  it  would 
be  a  challenge  and  fun.  Just  as  it  was 
tor  me.  You  have  the  tools  you  need  to 
make  it  happen,  all  you  have  to  do  is 
organize  and  manage  the  many  efforts 
it's  going  to  take. 

You'll  be  talking  with  the  FCC  Com* 
missioners  and  selling  them  on  what 
you  want  to  do.  That  won1  be  hard 
t>ecause  you  11  be  solving  many  prot^ 
lems  for  them .  .  .  and  helping  to  cut  not 
only  ttwiraggravatkin,  but  saving  {hem 
money.  Further,  by  attracting  young- 
sters to  our  hobby,  you'll  be  laying  the 
groundwork  for  a  much  stronger  Amer- 
ica in  a  few  years.  That  Information 
Agesiulf  isn't  hype:  it's  where  the  mon* 
ey  is  right  now  and  where  it's  going  to 
be  even  more  concentrated  in  the  fu- 
ture. 

You'll  have  to  get  out  and  visit  some 
Third  World  leaders  to  get  this  program 
started.  It'll  take  a  selling  Job.  but  you 
have  so  much  to  offer  you  aren't  going 
lo  get  many  tumdowns, 

You're  going  to  be  the  keynote 
speaker  at  every  major  ham  test  and 
convention,  whipping  up  excitement 
and  cooperation.  You're  going  to  make 
videos  to  help  sell  member  clubs  on 
cooperating.  You're  going  to  have  to 
find  some  good  ham  writers  and  set 


f 


I 
I 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1 990     73 


AMATEUR  TELEVISION 


SMILE!  YOU'RE  ON  TV 

(S)  _  Only 

$329 

Designed  and 
built  In  the  USA 

Value  +  Quality 
from  over  25y0ars 
in  ATV.,.W60RG 

With  our  all  in  one  box  TC70-1  TOcm  ATV  Trans- 
ceiver you  can  easily  transmit  and  receive  live  action 
color  and  sound  video  just  like  broadcast  TV.  Use 
any  home  TV  camera  or  VCR  by  plugging  the  com- 
posite video  and  audio  into  the  front  VHS  10  pin  or 
rear  phono  jacks.  Add  70cm  antenna,  coax  J  3.8  Vdc 
and  TV  set  and  you  are  on  the  air.Jfs  that  easy! 

TC70-1  has  >1  watt  p.e.p.  with  one  xtal  on  439.25.  434.0 
Of  426.25  MHz,  runs  on  12-14  Vdc@  -5A,  and  hotGaAsfet 
downconverter  tunes  whole  420-450  MHz  band  down  to 
ch3.  Shielded  cabinet  only  7x7x2.5*'.  Transmitters  sold 
only  to  licensed  amateursjor  legal  purposes,  verified  in  the 
latest  Callbook  or  with  copy  of  license  sent  with  order* 

Call  or  write  now  for  our  complete  ATV  catalog 
including  downconverters,  transceivers,  linear 
amps,  and  antennas  for  the  70, 33,  &  23cm  bands. 


(818)  447-4565  m-f  aaffi-5:30pm  psl. 

P.C.  ELECTRONrCS 

2522  Paxson  Ln  Arcadta  CA  91006 


Visa,  MC,  COD 

Tom  (W60RGJ 
Maryann  (WS6VSS)     I 


The  Radiokit  DVR-60  Digital  Voice  Recorder 

state  of  the  irl  aurfacfl  mount  technology  provides  unequaled  price/ 
ptrflormance  benefits  in  a  unit  thet  measures  only  IV^t  m  Z'k  Inchet. 


PRICE 
$149.95 


Numerous  Amateyr^CommergiaJ/lducilional  Applications: 
<  Rdp«dter  ^D  and  Meat  agifi§    *  Simplex  Plofpeaisr      ■  Voice  Mai  I  box 

■  Co^testerrDXER  Voice  Messagfng,  Int^ffwe  Vidh  Po^hJiar  Contesi 
LoQQing  Prog  rams 

•  Mtssed  or  Bu4l«0  Call  Playback,  Works  on  ANY  AudtoSignai 

■  Inafant  Replay  of  Emergency  gr  Traltic  Messages.     *  Home  Security 

■  Tal  h  f  n  g  S  i  en     •  Pu  bl  ic  Ai^  d  fess  System — Emergenc  y  A  ri  nou  ncemefH  s 

S|Hicirica1lons: 

•  up  to  16  Variable  Length  Messages 

•  60  Second  $  Recording /Playback  Available  as  Shipped,  User 
Expandable  lo  4  Minutes, 

•  Message  Suffers  Qomple'telv  Soft  Sectored 

•  Randorn  Access  Playback 

•  Selectable  Conilnuoua  Loop  on  Record 

•  Manual  or  Computer  Conlrolftble 


1  Meg  V  1  Drams  S9.95  at. 
30  Seconals  Per  ORAM 


32KBPS  Saitipling  Rale  for  Natural  Soundtng  Audio 

•  Selectable  input  Gain  Levats,  0, 20,  or  46.  ZV  PR  Max 

•  Message  Setecr  Up  to  *  unos  Binary  Code 

•  Si^gnal  lo  Notse  Ratio  56 dS         •  Poorer  Requirefnent5  9-15  VOC  e  50ma  Peak 

•  Dfatonion  Less  Thajt  2%  Th  D     •  Completely  Wired  and  Tested  NOT  a  Kit 

The  DVR-60  la  proYlded  with  full  documentation.  Fo^r  holes  are  provtd^ 
ed  on  the  PC  board  tor  mounthg  convenience.  All  input/output  lines 
and  component  deiignatlons  are  cieerty  sJIk  ecreenedon  the  board. 

OEM  tnd  DBa!€f  Irtqutrlms  WwfcomB 
Cii5fo/n  Design  and  Productton  FmcHiti^s  AvaltablB 

RADIOKIT  •  P.O.  Box  973-0  •  Pelham,  NH  03076 

(603)  635-2235 


them  10  turning  gut  the  n&od&d  support 
publicatkins. 

You're  going  to  have  to  cultivate  an 
atmosphere  of  cooperation  al  HQ.  tl 
^"l  going  to  t»  easy,  titjl  you  aren't 
going  to  gel  much  done  if  everyone  is 
tied  up  with  inlemal  politico.  ..and 
afraid  to  say  anything. 

You're  going  to  have  to  work  with  the 
QST  edliof$  to  get  ihe  covers  Into  the 
'90s  and  out  of  Ihe  *50s.  Then  you  can 
put  QST  on  the  newsstands  so  it  can 
help  attract  newcomers.  I'd  even  plan 
on  starting  a  newcomer's  magazii^e, 
once  the  dam  has  been  broken  and  we 
Stan  seeirkg  new  blood. 

Using  determination  and  creativity, 
the  president  of  Ihe  ARRL  can  change 
America's  role  in  the  neict  oeniury, 
helping  lo  gel  badt  ou  r  consumer  eleC' 
tronic  industries,  revivirig  our  research 
lal^.  The  a  Her  native  is  the  gradual 
death  of  amateur  radio  in  America. 

Japan  understands  how  critically  inv 
porta nt  amateur  radio  Is  to  their  suc- 
cess in  electronics  manufacturing  and 
research  and  how  it's  the  powerhouse 
behind  their  financial  power.  This  is  the 
power  that's  made  it  possible  for  them 
to  buy  mora  and  mora  of  our  antertaln- 
mant  industry  ^ 

Oh,  You  Don*!  Agree? 

On  what  point  don't  you  agree?  Do 
you  disagree  that  our  bands  need 
cleaning  up?  How  about  our  need  for 
growth?  Our  ham  industry  is  down  to 
25%  of  what  it  was  25  years  ago.  You 


disagree  that  we  need  to  attract  young- 
sters? Or  maybe  that  we  can? 

How  about  WARC?  Hech,  if  you're 
an  AHRL  member  you  got  a  letter  ask^ 
ing  for  money,  Cfting  a  N>ng  list  of  the 
problems  we  face  tn  Madrid  in  1992.  I 
think  you're  a  sucker  if  you  sent  mon- 
ey. Many  true  believers  will,  no  doubt. 

I  didn't  bring  up  gettmg  the  National 
Traffic  System  onto  packet  instead  ot 
Chugging  along  al  around  TO  wpm  on 
CW.  I  didn't  suggest  organizing  teams 
to  be  sent  to  emerger\cy  areas  to  set  up 
communications  oentare . .  Jike  In 
Saudi  Arabia  lo  handle  welfare  traffic 
for  ou  r  m  iti  tary  wh  o  a  re  sitti  ng  in  the  hot 
sun  with  little  lo  do. 

How  about  sending  loams  to  Jordan, 
Egypt  and  India  to  handle  traffk:  for  the 
thou^nds  of  refugees  streaming  into 
Jordan  from  Iraq? 

When  St.  Lucia  was  devastated  by  a 
hun'tcane  i  sent  73  staffer  Tim  Daniel 
MBRK  down  wFth  severaj  trunks  of  ham 
gear,  ft  helped  to  tide  them  over  and  we 
got  a  very  n  ice  commendation  from  ttie 
island  governor.  So  where  are  the 
ARRL  emergency  teams  when  they're 
needed?  Heck,  even  K1  MAN  and  his 
blithering  has  been  able  to  do  better 
than  the  ARRL  In  helping  with  emer- 
gencies. Far  tjelter, 

If  you  ware  president  of  the  Laague, 
wouldn't  you  have  a  ball  getting  ama- 
teur radio  going  again?  I  know  I  would. 
But  it's  going  lo  take  guts,  creativTty, 
and  wofid^iass  problem  soling  skills. 
It'll  be  fun,  if  you  take  it  on 


Computer  Controlled  Ham  Shack  for  personal  or  club  system 
New  Simplex  option,  operate  patch  &  remotes  via  repeatersl 


Ultra  Comshack  64  Duplex/Simplex  Controller 


HF  &  VHF  Remote  Base'AutopatchXW  Practice"Rolor  Control 
*Voice  Meters*Paging*Logging*Polite  ID^s'Packel  Voice  8.B.S. 


lodel  CS64S 
REV  a..4379,9S 


FT757;renflB0iT3iL747 

T5  440;  140:140 
73S:  TBI  .Tai  VHP 


FT  TaTTS;  TfT;  T>» 


Hi?r&  are  a  few  of  Itie  Ultra's  Fcarures 


'Operatv  dupl*i  or  SJmpl«x*  Load,  saw,  ctiAn^e  all 
from  TAorfeet,  Ptck^t.  or  modem'  UniimitBd  voiot 
vocabulary  'Voica  clo-ok  «xftciit»s  evanti  D»lty  & 
W**i(ly  *'Sup«r  Uacros"  usef  pr&gr«mmlng  langu*g«t 
*30(M  digit  u««r  acc«»9  coda  *tM^  &  Pnmmt  Nagging 
Dl  sIF  trltphon«  numO#r}  d{al«d,  iiaaga  ()ma,  tunclions 
*t8  Rotstir^  Pollfa  10' »*  1B  Erlftmal  ralay  conlfote*  2.  5. 
&  cress  Ton*  Paging'  CW  Practlca  «riin  vofoa  *Sku- 
itty  moda,  T.ton*  muia'  v<Mca  announcad  uaar  call  sign 
wtwfi  loggtag  on"  Voitvg«  preportlDfui  caurtasy  b*eps 

acvfti  Indication  of  itgnal  strength  ■  16  rotating  PoliLa 
)  ta^m"  Safaiy  \\fTmi%  A  overrliSes  '"Ultra  Link  "^ provide 
T.  tOf>a  contr^  trofn  ramott  audio  monMorad  *Us«f  da- 
figiad  rmilll-Ton*  c#unasy  be#ps  «ach  moda'Modam  or 
Packat  control*  9  TJon*  Macros  itofa  25  digit  com- 
inand  stDoga  *2  Talking  Mater  inputs  '  Packet  Of  Mo- 
dam  elata-MTT17p^riP;li^PriI^  Store  1000  {1^  digit)  teL 
#'i  'Quick  alan^ijEC^nawa^ Directed  i  ganarat 
p«g«*sa  tal  4'i  raatrlctad  patch  ^Tateptiona  control 
Input'  n«g«r«r«1»d  touchtoii»»  'Autopatch  aulo  ofl, 
detects  calltna  party  hanQup'f  ulae  pV louchlona  dial 
^Call  willing  a  aulo  radl  at  *■  S I  di;M  MJ  :M  i^'iPilf  JJ*  Ou  al 
H.F.  i  VHF  SO.  del  'Scafi  up/down ;100Kjc  at«p  *  varl- 
aWa  scan  rala  'Monitor  mod*  dataala  PIT' Lock  inoda 
allows  T.  tones  xq  TX  1h rough  remol*  *Auto  moda  ft 
sp(it  aaiecT  "9  Scan  metnorTes  stora  Mode,  splUSp  VFO 
A  ft  a  n'alktng  Matar*,  Voitmetaf  '  Voice  ft  CW  Beacon 
'Vplca  Polor  contfol*  Uear  »Blactatote  courtesy  t»ap 


CS&45  boarri 


Includes:  C&4  Intortace. 
disk,  cables,  Manual 
Add  S5.00  S.H  USA 
CA.  Address  add  6  35% 


Uttra  Com  Shack  64  Options 


'Moyfti  All  module*  including  C64, 
Prednlled  &  pajnied  inci 
mounts  &  cat^  damps 
AL8X ™f  159,95 


^Digiiai  Voioa  Racontar  32  m  U\ 

1' '^i  =    Rim,  oonti>Ql niti  ^e or PKS. 
^rr^^   ird  oOa  k)*  fl£Ve  LRn  bDKi.  S 
"  "■-  "  J  w  f tVOC       DVM_i  1 79,9* 


^Oparat*  CS4  &  ^S41  Irorn 
1 2VdC  wtTilta  0y$tai  Oon- 

l^ljgi  no  Cfri  lu^eiJ  pFOtactad 
'  OOPS „^  1»^ 


*Add  OMplflx  C^mnii  dt  PI4 

mgltt  i  ptjch  witi-i  TalaphDne 
■npllf  lad  ttylxfd,  null  &  gam  pott 

pMjb  irtio'CS^MS  twanJ,  TLCN....  f  159,95 


Auto  boot  EPROMcan 
plitgn  inid  €64-  or  PKS,  d^  ^f 
SyBlAiti  wrs^on  CART.,.  %  109.V5 


AUDIO  BLASTER 


Works  In  all  NT 


«-aahMur« 


AM01O  Amp/  u««0  pt  ^pno* 
Uoduii  «ialaie  hUd*  li  lira:  i  waB  ««|p  tm^  <  iAAi«n  t 
needs «  M  iMal  Uf«vt<«r  n^^l^Bn  tfaqfrnm^ 


fl  palty  On/Oft:  int  3 -DPDT  ^  A 

mkiys  "  &  ^   oulptits.  Uh  wih  HM1 

loroiii«  b«m..«.«.CS  ©......J  99-35 


mm 


OUAO 


ABis  -sa4-a& 


TSOQ 1  DIQJT  Tc^jctKone  Decoder 
qujW  Rtisv  Exparmui  piug^«)  of^iDn 


0ra9VDQ   wdpR.FIil^fhiiorarnSO.OCOCatei.liQni  Aiudcfiing  inc 
lour  t  AfflD  fviavt  •  S  dkii  on  ft  oel  cod*  lor  ucfv  ratav  TVJ" 


inc. 


2  vote*  mmmw  +  3  Aipmi  tipMtt  •  • 

mtTvvki  PadM  DT  T«l  in*  +  P*cfc«i 
to  vole*  SaS.  Rk(.  2rHt  C&4  I  PIC*. 


'Rotor  control 

cfinv«i1*r.  uM  «#l  CSS , 'iioiea  tivlrw 

*    ;  deg  ito*  tf  foiwT  HM1  Jt  69.95 


£j.pand^CiK^     TSDQ.Sa9.S5      Qplipn.il:    QUA0...5  99-95 


Touctitcn^  to  FtSJ32 
300  Baud  inlcrl^sce 
"Decode-A-Pad  ■ 


^  Ultra  Com  S2i«ck  &4  Manual 
opfli' Mfl^  M  up  rfimoie  base  liahfnd 


Depodflt  I A  tHJchlarwi 


U«*  with  any  lannlnal  prfl^rwn  or  mil* 
Your  own,  aaay  id  uaal 


'T.Lisscfcjrd^Visa'Amieif'DJse 

Ef4^ir4EEmNG  CONSULTING 
SS3  CaNOLewQOD  ST, 
B^EK  CA  92621 
D  AP2  %m.m  I  Tel :  7 1 4-67 1  -2009  Fa  1 :  71 4-2S5-99S4 


Jn^*!^!'.!,.  ^^^ 


CIRCLE  4d  014  FTEADEft  SiltVICE  CARD 

74    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  Decombor,  1990 


Atv 


Number  27  on  your  Feedback  card 


Biil  Brown  WB8ELK 
%73  Magazine 
Forest  Road 
Hancock  NH  03449 

The  Mt.  Washington 
DXpedition 

On  August  4,  a  group  of  enter- 
prising hams  ascended  to  the  top 
of  Mt.  Washington,  New  Hamp- 
shire, to  hook  up  the  146-655  re- 
peater and  to  try  for  some  real 
ATV  DX.  This  6,288-foot  peak  is 
the  highest  point  in  New  England 
and  provides  2  meter  coverage 
from  as  far  as  Albany,  New  York, 
to  the  mid  coast  of  Maine.  \Vs  also 
the  home  of  the  worst  recorded 
weather  in  the  world!  Winds  ex- 
ceeding 238  mph  have  been 
recorded  (just  before  the  ane- 
mometer broke!) . . , .  Even  on  a 
hot  summer's  day  it  can  be  down- 
right bone-chifling  on  the  summit. 

Mike  WA1PTC  drove  his  ATV- 
filled  van  up  to  the  top,  Cal 
WA1W0K  brought  along  NIKK's 
10  watt  ATV  station  and  headed 
up  the  mountain  along  with  Mike 


Photo  A,  Working  Mt.  Washington 
from  Monhegan  lslar}d,  Mame^ 
From  left  to  right,  Adam  and  Evan 
Cooke  holding  the  portable  ATV 
package. 


Ham  Television 

N1CGF,  Chan  KA10U  and  Vern 
NiCKX.  Situated  on  top  of  the 
weather  observatory,  they  in- 
stalled the  beam  and  hooked  up 
their  10  watt  ATV  transmitter  to 
provide  New  England  with  an  af- 
ternoon of  excellent  video.  They 
knew  they  were  in  a  good  spot 
when  the  first  signal  received  was 
a  P4  picture  from  the  KAIAFE 
ATV  repeater  in  N.  Andoven  Mas- 
sachusettSi  nearly  100  miles  to 
the  south. 

Meanwhile p  somewhere  off  the 

coast  of  Maine I  hauled  my 

portable  ATV  station  out  to  Mon- 
hegan fsland.  Situated  10  miles 
off  the  coast,  the  view  from  the 
base  of  the  lighthouse  provided  a 
line-of-sight  path  to  Mt,  Washing- 
ton (100  miles  to  the  west).  On  a 
clear  day  you  can  actually  see  the 
peak's  silhouette  just  after  sun- 
set. Assisted  by  Bob  KC1MC, 
atong  with  helpers  Adam  and 
Evan  Cooke,  we  hauled  every- 
thing up  to  the  top  of  Lighthouse 
Hill. 

After  setting  up,  we  gave  the 
crew  on  Mt-  Washington  a  call  and 
got  an  immediate  full-scale  reply 
on  2  meters!  Mike  WA1  PTC  point- 
ed the  beam  our  way  and  provided 
us  a  bird's-eye  viewof  the  visitor's 
center  with  a  P4  full-color  picture 
complete  with  great  subcarr ter  au- 
dio. My  receive  setup  consisted  of 
nothing  more  than  a  stock  Radio 
Shack  Pocketvislon'^  23  LCD  TV 
with  its  onboard  whip  antenna! 
Visitors  to  the  lighthouse  museum 
on  the  island  were  amazed  to  see 
the  live  pictures  of  the  cog  railway 
chugging  up  the  side  of  Mt.  Wash- 
ington, complete  with  its  whistle 
btowing. 

We  were  also  able  to  send  a  P2 
picture  up  to  the  mountam  with 
just  1  watt  to  a  vertical  V4-wave 
whip.  Jon  WA2YVL  tn  Freeport 
exchanged  two-way  P5  pictures 
with  the  Mt.  Washington  crew  as 
well  as  with  our  station  on  Mon- 
hegan Island. 

Tugboat  TV 

Jon  WA2YVL  is  the  captain  of  a 
large  ocean-going  tugboat.  Every 
two  weeks  he  heads  out  on  a  two- 
week  journey  up  and  down  the 
Eastern  Seaboard  with  a  large 
barge  in  tow.  On  October  4  he  set 
sail  from  Providence  heading  to- 
wards Delaware.  He  brought 
along  a  1  watt  ATV  station  and 


• 


Photo  B.  Bill  WBSELK  receives 
the  Mt.  Washington  signal  with  his 
portable  LCD  TV  (Monhegan  Is- 
land). 

transmitted  a  signal  on  426.25 
MH2  in  hopes  of  stirring  up  some 
activity.  His  antenna  is  mounted 
90  feet  above  the  water  on  a  mast 
above  the  bridge.  Bob  WA1WVJ 
from  West  Haven,  Connecticut, 
first  saw  him  on  the  morning  of 


up  to  Block  Island,  over  50  miles 
away. 

Jon  plans  to  add  a  live  camera 
to  his  station  on  the  next  couple  of 
trips  and  may  be  covering  differ- 
ent areas  of  the  East  Coast,  pos- 
sibly as  far  north  as  Portland, 
Maine.  Anyone  seeing  his  signal 
should  give  him  a  call  on  144.34 
MHz.  If  you'd  like  to  find  out  his 
schedule,  drop  him  a  line  via 
packet  radio.  His  packet  address 
is  WA2YVL  @  K1RQG.ME.  Also, 
we  will  announce  his  schedule 
and  location  during  the  weekly 
ATV  net  on  3.871  MHz  at  8  p,m. 
eastern  time. 

You  never  know  just  where 
Jon  will  end  up  in  his  journeys  up 
and  down  the  coast.  At  the  time  of 
this  writing  he's  in  New  Haven 
harbor  having  a  great  time  work- 
ing W2W0D,  KB2BUA,  WA2FNQ 
and  KA1  DBS. 

Since  band  enhancements  oc- 
cur somewhat  frequently  along 
the  seacoast,  Jon  thinks  it  may  be 
possible  to  work  stations  from 
Maine  to  South  Carolina  with  a 
good  opening  from  his  seafaring 
vantage  point.  If  anyone  sees  the 
tugboat  signal,  you  can  QSL  to 
Captain  Jon  Andrews  WA2YVL, 
P.O.  Box  367,  So,  Freeport,  ME 
04078-^357. 


Photo  C.  Tugboat  ATV. 


October  5.  Even  though  the  tug- 
boat was  over  70  miles  to  his 
south,  and  shooting  over  a  good 
part  of  Long  Island,  he  was  P3  to 
P4.  The  tugboat  signal  was  even 
able  to  access  the  WiNRE  ATV 
repeater  In  West  Haven  as  well.  A 
few  days  later  on  the  return  trip 
from  Delaware.  Jon  was  rewarded 
with  successful  ATV  contacts  at 
distances  up  to  100  miles  away 
thanks  to  a  band  opening.  John 
WAItAO  in  northern  Connecticut 
received  a  P2  picture  at  times, 
Dave  WA1UQC  and  Fran  N1GAU 
both  received  the  signal  near  the 
Hartford  area.  WA1WVJ  started 
receiving  the  tugboat  transmis- 
sion at  9  a.m.  and  could  see  him 
all  day  long  as  the  boat  travelled 


Photo  D.  Jon  WA2YVL  at  the  helm 
of  the  A  TV  tugboat. 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1900     75 


Number  2S  on  your  F^^dback  card 


INTERNATIONAL 


Arnie  Johnson  N16AC 
103  Did  HomestBad  Hwy. 
N.  Swanzey.  NH  Q3431 

Notes  from  FN42 

winter  in  New  England  is  upon 
us  again.  We  have  moved  past  a 
very  beautiful  fall  foiiage  season 
with  leaves  in  shades  of  red,  gold, 
brown f  yellow^  and  orange.  Those 
of  you  who  have  not  seen  New 
England  in  October  should  try  to 
visit  then. 

You  can  enjoy  a  late  afternoon 
and  night  on  Friday,  and  a  whole 
day  on  Saturday,  at  the 
Hosstraders  Ham  Fleamarket  at 
the  Deerfield  Fairgrounds  in  Deer- 
field,  New  Hampshire,  The  fall 
date  has  stabilized  on  the  first  Sat- 
urday in  October,  and  the  Spring 
Edition  is  the  first  Saturday  In 
May.  It  Is  said  that  the  best  deals 
happen  on  Friday  night. 

You  can  also  enjoy  the  N&w 
England  ARRL  Conference  and 
ham  fleamarket  at  Boxboro. 
Massachusetts,  the  second  week- 
end in  October.  This  year  the 
weather  was  wonderful  at  Deer- 
field,  but  Boxboro  was  deluged  by 
rain  from  the  remnants  of  two  hur- 
ricanes. 

At  Deerfield,  I  had  the  great 
pleasure  of  meeting  our  Ham- 
bassador  from  Kenya,  imagine 
my  surprise  when  Hooked  up  from 
my  selling  table  and  saw  a  name 
tag  with  Rod  5Z4BH  on  itl  Rod 
Hallen  was  back  in  the  United 
States  for  a  conference.  He  had 
heard  about  a  "small  ham  flea 
market"  and  he  decided  to  attend. 


There  were  over  5,000  paid  ad- 
missions. The  entire  proceeds 
went  to  the  Shrine  Hospital  Burn 
Clinic  In  Boston. 

Rod  and  I  had  a  very  nice  chatf 
and  he  informed  me  that  he  has 
extended  his  stay  in  Kenya  for  one 
more  year  so  we  will  have  the 
pleasure  of  his  informative  obser- 
vations and  news  from  Kenya  for 
another  year.  "It*s  a  small  world, 
Part  II, "  took  place  at  the  same 
table  when  one  of  the  hams  I  was 
selling  with^  Dave  N2GE,  came 
over  and  reintroduced  himself  to 
Rod.  Dave  had  been  in  Kenya  dur- 
ing the  summer  and  had  met  Rod 
at  the  embassy.  Unfortunately, 
this  was  the  one  day  I  didn*t  take 
my  camera  with  me,  so  I  couldn't 
get  a  picture  of  Rod  for  this 
column. 

I  have  had  a  very  rewarding  and 
satisfying  year  with  73  Amateur 
Radio  Today  and  *7$  Internation- 
ai  "  The  news  from  our  Hambas* 
sadors  has  been  timely  and  inter- 
esting. But  we've  lost  a  few  of  our 
past  Hambassadors  along  the 
way.  I  feel  this  is  an  appropriate 
time  to  recognize  those  who  have 
contributed  so  much  during  the 
past  year,  and  make  a  plea  to  our 
readers  for  volunteers  to  increase 
our  staff  of  Hambassadors, 

If  you  do  not  see  your  country 
represented  in  the  following  list  of 
Hambassadors  and  wish  to  volun- 
teer, please  drop  me  a  note  at  the 
address  above  or  the  address  of 
the  magazine.  You  can  also  reach 
me  through  the  73  BBS.  (See  the 
'Table  of  Contents"  page.) 

Your  written  skills  in  English  do 


N  ^--      RC-1000 

Micro  nrncATCD 

Computer  KtrtAltK 

W  Concepts  CONTROLLER 


•  AutDpateh 
•  Itaer  Programmable  CW  ID, 
Control  &  User  Codes  &  Timeouts 

•  InteWigent  CW  ID  •  Auxiliary  Outputs  •  Easy 
lo  Interface  •  Remote  Base/Tape  •  Reverse 

Patcti  •  Taitbeeps  •  12  VDC  Operation 

•  DTMF  Decoder  with  Muting  •  Telemetry 

•  Control  RX  •  Response  Tones  *  Program- 

mat]le  COS  Polarities  •  Detailed  Application 

Manual  witti  schematics  •  90Day  Warranty 

Wired  &  Tested  w/manual  ....  $239.95 

Micro  Computer  Concepts 

7869  Rustic  Wood  Drive 

Dayton,  OH  45424 

513-233-9675 


RC-100 

Repeater 
Control 


Intellinent  CW  ID 
Remote  Base/Tape 
w/Freq.  Programming 
of  Kenwood,  ICOM, 
Yaesu  HF  Rigs 
Tailbeeps-DTMF 
Decoder witli  Muting 
Auxiliary  Outputs 

Detailed  Application 
Manual  with 
schematics  (25  pages) 

W&T  ....$139.95 


VS-1000 


ATV  Repeater  control 
&  video  switcher 

,..$399J5 


Australia 

KenGottVK3AJU 
36A  Lansdowne  Road 
St.  Kilda,  Victoria  3183 
Australia 
"Silent  Ke/ 


.n 


Brazil 

Carlos  Vienna  Carneiro  PY1CC 
Afonso  Pena,  49/701 
a0270  Rio  de  Janeiro 
Brazil 

Buigaiia 

Milan  Postadshteff  LZ2MP 
PO  Box  237 
7000  Russe 
Bulgaria 

Cyprus 

Aris  Kaponides  564JE 
PO  Box  1 723 
Limassol 
Cyprus 

Hong  Kong 

Phil  Weaver  VSSCT 
Flat  39C  Two  Park  Towers 
1  Kings  Road 
Hong  Kong 

Israel 

Ron  Gang  4X1 MK 
Kibbutz  U  rim 
D.N,  Hanagev  85530 
Israel 

Kenya 

Rod  Hallen  5Z4BH 
Box  55 

APO  New  York  09675 

Republic  of  Korea 

Byong-joo  Cho  HL5AP 
PO  Box  4,  Haeundae 
Pusan  61 2-600 
Republic  of  Korea 


Liberia 

Mahnr^DUd  Idera-Abdullah  EL2CE 
PO  Box  20*4262 
1000  Monrovia  20 
Liberia.  West  Africa 

Lithuania 

Jonas  Paskauskas  LY2ZZ 
PO  Box  71 
Siauliaip2354D0 
Litliuania 

Mozambique 
Phil  Gray  KA7TWQ 
cfo  CARE,  C.P.  4657 
Maputo 
Mozambique 

New  Zealand 

Des  Chapman  2L2VR 
469  Kennedy  Road 
Napier 
New  Zealand 

South  Africa 

Peter  Strauss  ZS6ET 
PO  Box  35461 
NorthciiffZA-2115 
Republic  of  South  Africa 
"Silent  Key' 


,p» 


Spain 

Woodson  Gannaway  NSKYB/EA 
Aparlado  1 1 

35450  Santa  Maria  de  Gufa 
(Las  Palmas  de  Gran  Canaria) 
IslasCanahas,  Spain 

Sweden 

Rune  Wande  SM0GOP 
Ffejavagen  10 
S-1 55  00  Nykvar  n 
Sweden 

Union  of  Soviet  Socialist  Republics 

Gennady  Kolmakov  UA9MA 

PO  Box  341 

Omslc-9g 

USSR 


not  need  to  be  perfect.  That's 
what  I  am  here  for.  But  I  am  not 
perfect,  either,  so  that  is  why 
Wayne  hired  wonderful  people 
like  Linda,  Hope,  and  Joyce,  to 
keep  the  rest  of  us  straight.  Don't 
be  afraid.  WE  NEED  YOU! 

You  will  never  get  rich  in  the 
publishing  business  (ask  Wayne), 
especially  by  becoming  a  Ham- 
bassador.  The  pay  is  a  FREE  air- 
mail subscription  to  73  Amateur 
Radio  Today  as  long  as  you  sub- 
mit timely  information  three  to  four 
times  a  yea  r.  The  rewards  are  see- 
ing your  name  in  print  AND  know- 
ing that  the  rest  of  the  world  is 
made  aware  of  the  newsworthy 
ham  events  happening  In  your 
country. 

As  a  matter  of  fact,  I  just  re- 
ceived a  letter  from  a  ham  in  Bul- 


garia who  wishes  to  become  a 
part  of  73  Magazine.  Keep  an  eye 
out  for  offerings  from  t\4(len 
Postadshieff  LZ2ti4P.  His  address 
appears  In  this  column  for  those 
who  wish  to  communicate  with 
him. 

This  is  B  holy  time  for  many  reli- 
gions, and  it*s  the  end  of  the 
present  year  and  the  beginning  of 
a  new  year.  I  am  sure  that  I  can 
speak  for  our  73  Hambassadors 
when  I  pass  to  all  the  best  of  wish- 
es for  the  holy  season  and  the 
coming  new  year.  May  there  be 
peace  and  prosperity  to  alt,  and 
may  all  hams  in  all  nations  make 
the  world  a  better  place  to  live. 

And  now,  the  list  of  73  Hambas- 
sadors who  have  submitted  infor- 
mation during  1990.—Arnie, 
N1BAC\ 


NEW  ADDED  FEATURES 

CIRCLE  ISO  ON  READER  SERV9CE  CARD 


IPCSW^^JOO 

A  Complete  Digital 
Reception  System 

PC  SWL  contains  the  hardware,  software,  fn- 
structions  and  fmquency  lists  needed  to  allow 
you  to  recefve  a  vast  variety  of  digital  broad- 
casts transmitted  over  shortwave  radio  with 
any  IBM  PC  or  Compatible  computer.  The 
prodod  consists  of: 
Demodulator 

Digital  Signal  Processing  Software 
$0  Page  Tutortai  Reference  Manuaf 
Wofid  Press  Frequency  List 
Tutorial  Audio  Cassette  with  Samples 

PC  SWL  automatically  decodes  Morse  code. 
Radio  Teletype.  FEC  (forward  Error  Correcting 
Code),  SELCAL  (Selective  calling  transmis- 
sions), and  NAVTEX, 


Merry 
Christmas 


MOTOROLA  RADIUS 


I 


ADVANCED  FEATURES: 

Tuning  Oscilloscope 

Digftal  Waveform  Presentation 

Auto  CaiibratJon  and  Code  Recognition 

Continously  Tunable  RIter  Frequencies 

Variable  Shift 

Adjoatable  CW  RIter  Sensrtfvity 

Famsworth  Code  Compatibility 

Unattended  Capture  and  Printing 


Software  Systems  Consulting 

150Avend;a  Cabrillo  "C* 

San  Clemente,  CA  92672 

(714)  498-5784 


•  Fof  the  discriminating  amateur  involved  in 
commercial  communications  as  well.  Meat 
significantly  tighter  commerciai  specs! 

•  Up  to  40%  discount. 

•  3  year  warranty  by  Motorola,  an  added  year 
provided  by  Procomm. 

•  Mobiles/handhefds  and  accessories  to  meet 

your  amateur/commercial  needs 

simultaneously. 

Motorola  Catalog  $  1 0— 

^^^^^  refundable  with  purchase. 

-s  ^■■■rraHHaH  procomm 

'-  ^*    ^^^  rTWT"lE  1948  Coventry  Ct. 

Thousand  Oaks,  CA  91362 
Phone:  805-497-2397 


'    L'"  I  k 


CffiCLf  244  ON  READER  SEWViCE  CAflO 


The  Wideband 

SUPERCONE 

ANTENNA 

TX/RX.  10  meter.  VHF, 
UHF  and  MIoDwave  bands 


SUPERCONE 

$99.95 

•  ARRL  approved,  73  review  in  April  1989  and 
Monitoring  Tmesre^m  in  Augusi  19fl9 

■  Ideal  for  irKtoor/outdoor  use 

■  Use  either  standing  on  radials  or  50'  in  the  air 

•  Oniy  2  lbs.  rugged  construction,  no  hollow 
tubir>9.  US  n^ade.  5  minutes  to  assemble 

i  Expandabte  to  TX/RX  on  alt  HFbands 
(Sypmone  Plus),  no  added  radials  r^eeded, 
kteal  for  a]i  iransceivers.  scanners 

•  FWI  rroney  bKJ(  guarantee 

PROCOMM 

MMiT-zair 


1 

— 

^ 

.f 

i 

The 

SUPEFICONE 

PLUS 

TWRX.  HF.  VHF.  UHF 
and  Microwave  bands 


BATTERIES  ''R"  US... 

You've  bought  our  replacement  batteries  before.-. 
NOW  YOU  CAN  BUY  DIRECT  FROM  US.  THE  MANUFACTURER! 


CM2.  P62 
CMS,  PBS 


ICOM 
7-2v  (5  500  MAH 
10.8V  &  500  MAH 


SUPER 

7S      13.2V  ^  1200  MAH      S63.95 

8S       9.6v  ^  1200  MAH      $59.95 

(bas«  charge  onty-1 "  longer) 


HAPPY  HOLIDAYS 
SEASON'S  GREETINGS 


1 2%  OFF  ON  ALL  PRODUCTS  FOR 


THE  MONTH  OF  DECEMBER!!! 


ICOM  CHARGERS  AVAILABLE 


CUSTOM  MADE  BATTERY 

PACK  4  INSERTS 

Made  to  your  specfficatiDns. 

KENWOOD  INSERTS 

PB-21— S13.75.FB-25— S20.00 

P828— S20  00 

ICOf\A  INSERTS 

BP'S— S23-O0.  BP-3-S17.45. 

BP-7.  BP-& 


t'l 


^/rsA 


MasterCard  and  Visa 
cards  accepted  NYS 
residents  add  BWi% 
sates  tsM.  Add  S3  00 
for  postage  and 
handlirrg. 


Prices  subject  to  <m«r»gB  witttouf  notice. 

SOURCE  FOR  ALL  YOUR  COMMUNICATION 
BATFERY  REPLACEMENT  NEEDS. 

W  &  W  ASSOCIATES 

29*11  Parsons  Boulevard,  Flushing,  N.Y.  11354 

WORLD  WIDE  DISTRIBUTORSHIPS  Ai/AiLAaLE,  PLEASE  INQUmE. 


MADE  IN 
THEU.S.A 

SEND  FOR  FREE 
CATALOG  AND 

PRJCELIST 


In  U.S.  &  Canada  Call  Toll  Free  {800)  221-0732  •  IN  NYS  (718)  961-2103  •  Telex:  51060  16795  •  FAX:  (718)  461-1978 


ClftCLE  191  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December,  1990    77 


Number  29  on  your  Feedback  card 


Bob  Wmn  W5KNE 
c/o(mZDX 
P.Q.BOU  8322m 
Richsrason  TX  75063 

The  Colvins 

Uoyd  ar>d  Iris  Colvin,  W6KG  aird  ^mOL 
r«spdctiv«fy,  are  of>  The  DXpedLtion  trail 
aQaln.  The  first  two  operations  of  this  six- 
month  DXpedition.  they  signed  5HBQL 
and  707KG-  TTiey  usually  remasn  at  each 
local  ion  iof  ihree  or  four  weeks.  They'll 
feiurn  home  in  March  Contacts  with  the 
Colvins  count  for  the  YASME  Award.  For 
all  of  their  operations,  QSL  via  YASME, 
P.O.  BOK  2025,  Castro  Valley  CA  94543, 

VPflWW  and  XUI DX— Pirates? 
There  is  considerable  doubt  thai  the 


Hams  Around  the  World 

September  operation  by  VP6WW  was 
legitarnate.  The  operator  gave  hts  location 
as  South  Georgia  and  said  td  05L  via 
G3hVVW,  G3HWW  is  the  eal»sign  of 
the  York  Amateur  Radio  Sooeiy.  and  the 
secretary  erf  the  society  knows  nothifvg 
about  VP8WW!  Ttvanks  OX  News  Sheet  ei 
al. 

J A1  NUT  notes  thai  ttie  recent  operation 
by  XU1DX  was  r^ot  [egitimate.  The  or^ly 
operator  currently  active  from  Kam- 
puchea/Cainbodia  is  Sokun^  who  oper- 
ates XUBDX,  She  is  not  prctlcient  at  CW 
and  seldom  operates  the  mode, 

CEiSanFeliM 

Weak  rumors  mention  the  possibility 
that  one  of  the  members  ot  the  military 
garrison  may  be  an  amateur  radio  opera- 


tor, with  expected  arrival  around  January 
1,1991. 

Leningrad  InternatioiiglHamventlon 

Plans  for  next  year's  convention  in 
Leningrad,  to  be  held  the  first  week  in  Au- 
gust 1991.  are  underway.  Further  details 
may  be  obtained  by  writing  to  Amateut 
Radio  Center  Inter-Radio,  P,Q  Bo*  73, 
Lenin^r^  1 96070,  USSR. 

QSL  Notes 

T3$BC.  ZL20W  is  not  the  QSL  manager 
fof  Henry  T3f6C  She  has  not  received 
togs  from  Henry  since  April ,  The  new  man' 
agerisKTEHI. 

QSL  manager  WN5K.  due  to  Sickness  in 
the  family,  is  no  Conger  the  OSL  manager 
for  YSWD.  YSiMAE,  VP5U,  VP5DG, 
VPSHG,  VPSHL  and  VP5JD.  The  last  six 
stations  will  find  stateside  managers,  but 
cards  for  VSIOD  should  be  mailed  to  the 
Ca/^ijoo^ address,  Thanks  WN5K. 

HS0B,  HS0M,  HS&SMandHSMCQSl 
cards  now  go  to  NY2E.  Note  that  NYSE 


has  a  new  address:  Ray  Riker,  433  Palo 
Alio  Drive,  Palm  Sprmgs  FL  33461, 
WA4BCO  is  ill  and  can  no  longer  hairdle 
these  cards.  Thanks  NY2E. 

KC4AAA  Antarctica  Bo£5  NC6J  has  in- 
formed  the  ARRL  thai  he  can  only  confirm 
contacts  for  this  station  for  the  period  Au- 
gust 1 966  through  October  1 989.  The  iww 
support  group  operating  there  now  won*! 
send  him  the  logs  Bob  suggests  the  fd^ 
lowing  OSL  route:  Antarctic  Support  As- 
soc., 61  Inverness  Drive  East,  Suite  300. 
Ertglewood  CO  aoiia.  Thanks  NJ1Q  of 
the  ARRL 

7Z1AB  Ssuifi  Arabia,  There  are 
several  QSL  routes  for  the  Am  eric  art 
Embassy  station  in  Saudi  Arabia.  For  op- 
erators flick  (NeTRE),  Dirk  (WB3ZIZJ 
and  Dau  (DL7ALC)  QSL  via  WB2WOW. 
Cards  for  operator  Don  KS9F  go  to 
WA1S 

XU8DX.  JA1  NUT  can  only  confirm  con- 
tacts made  after  April  19,  1990.  Contacts 
made  with  YL  Sokum  made  before  that 
date  should  be  sent  to  F2YSW2 


1^9eCW 

4K4Q0 

4K4/UA6WCG 

4U1ITU 

SHKQL 

5T5HH 

5V7SA 

Tpsew 

707KG 

707XB 
7Z1AB 

6P9HR 

efil/WtCOC 

9H1XX 

9H3CT 

9J2AL 

9N1NF0 

9Q5PL 

A35KB 

A15P/WJ4 

AY9F 

BY4RSA 

C3(SCAG 

CRfEl 

ED1ISI 

i05»PE 

F3JD/CE7 

FPA/E1DXX 

FRSCN 

FWiOD&FWfET 

GMWA/ 

G4WyG/ST4 

QB5eB0B 

GXiANT 

GS6UW/P 

GX6UW 

HL3iAP 

HSeE 

J2dX 

J73BM 

jT7eSH 

JWdKSB 

KBeFUE/DU3 

KC6CW 

KC6DX 

KC6EE 

KC6GV 
KH2I/KHB 

LX2PA 

LZSf^ 

U5Z 

N6BUV/KHB 

005YU 

OH0BT 

0H2AQ/DJB 

0N4USA/P 

0Y3QN 


A  piratel  Don't  QSL  via  KA6V/7. 

via  RA 1  GO'S  1 990  CaUbook  address 

via  IBYRK 

circa  SepL  1 1 .  1990:  USA  via  AA6MC:  Europe  via  G0MFO 

via  YASME  (see  707KG) 

H.  Hourtofi,  Box  1 172.  NouakcfKin.  Mauntania 

RTTY  via  KBaSS;  Other  via  WB4LFM 

viaZSseK 

YASME.  P.O  Box  202S,  Castro  Valley  VA  94546 

via  U7XB 

For  op^ators  Rich  (M6TRE),  Oirk  (WBaZlZ)  arMJ  Dau  (DL7ALC) 

wa  WB2W0W.  For  operator  Don  (KS9F)  OSL  via  WA1 S. 

vtaK4eAI 

viaABtU 

vJaDL2GBT 

via  VS6CT 

Should  be  QRT  QSL  via  bureau  ONLY,toWD0HHM. 

viaWB4NF0 

Peter  Laschan,  Koernerslr  1 3,  A-6020  Innsbruck,  Austria 

Bo3<  1,  Nuku  alofa,  Tonga 

viaAJ5P 

via  LU6FHF 

Bo^  538,  Nanking,  People's  Republic  of  China 

Wiliy  Petit,  Rue  Jules  Valtes.  BT  E  No,  1 

F' 76920  Amfreviile  La  Mi  Voie,  France 

viaCTlCQK 

viaEAlANE 

via  EA5GE0 

via  F6AJA 

viaVElAL 

vi  a  FR4CN 

SamTorop#.  Box  3040,  Noumea,  New  Catedortia 

viaGSGWA 

viaG4aHX 

To  G(&KUC  via  RSGB  bureau 

via64XTA 

viaGSZAY 

viaG43AH 

viaHLBAP 

via  K9EL 

viaF2VX 

Marcus  Bristof,  Box  245,  Oomtnica 

P  O.  Box  11 27,  Ulan  Bator.  Mcmgolia 

viaWB4ZBI 

PSC  5,  Box  1 055a.  APO  San  Francisco  CA  964^0  USA 

viaJA2fslQG 

JH2BNL,  Yuji  Wada,  P.O.  Box  73,  Sekishi  431-31 .  Japan 

viaLAlEE 

via  LA2GV 

viaJKIKRS 

via  PA3DKC 

viaLZlRU 

viaLZIKDP 

viaWD6DNE 

Box  B,  Tripoli  604,  Lebanon 

via  DL4DSR 

viaQH2BVF 

viaONSPL 

via  021  ACQ 


QSL  Routes 

P29NEP 

Nathan,  PC-  60x769,  East  Highlands  Province.  PNG 

P299C 

viaWBlGWB 

PAiGAM/ST2 

via  PAiGIN 

FA3FAC/SU 

via  PA3FAC 

PJ6MS4E 

YiaWS4E 

PY1QN/PV8 

viaPYlON 

RIAJ 

via  UZejWA 

R1S0 

via  RA3YF  (see  this  i$sue) 

RA3YF 

Vlartimtr  Scheft^kov.  Box  27, 241000  Srynsk.  USSR 

RLiPiKASZYF 

P.O.  Box  1 489.  Santa  Monica  CA  90406-14» 

ALC)           R09W 

vtaUOiGWW 

flYlBAJWaSG 

P.O.  Box  1 161. 460051  Orenburg.  USSR 

S79NBD 

viaJGlNBD 

S03HRA 

viaOJilF 

ST0YD 

viaf6AJA 

ST2YD 

via  F6AJA 

SVeHS 

viaDJ8MT 

T32HK 

viaJL3UIX 

TM1BRE 

(CW)  via  FBI  MUX;  (SSB)  via  F6GMS 

T080NR 

via  F6ELE 

TR8RY 

viaFF6KGU 

TU2UI 

viaWABZWR 

U9W/KA6ZYF 

see  RL0P/KA6^YF 

U9W/W6/G3MHV 

see  flL8P/KA6ZYF 

UA6U/VE6JO 

via  VE6J0 

ULTP/G3IWHV 

seeRLBP/KAeZYF 

UMflQDX 

Sox  1 ,  Kadzhi-Sai  722452,  Kirghiz,  USSR 

UW2F 

via  UA2FM 

UW4HM)RL4L 

Sox  6267,  Kuibyshev 4443067.  USSR 

V31BB 

via  Gordon  Silverman.  N3ADC,  77  Homestead  RoaJ, 

Levittown  PA  19056-1349 

V47NXX 

viaKB2XR 

V51BI 

viaDF2AL 

veaAN 

viaJA2NQG 

V63AH 

viaJA2BNL(seeKC6DX) 

V73BL 

viaWB4CSK 

VPSfVrNSXX 

viaNSXX 

VPSVAA 

viaWS4E 

VQ9TB 

Tom  aenlon,  P.O.  Box  55.  hPU  San  Franctsco  CA  96€i5  USA 

WA^NWHHa 

ATvin  Blevins.  8090 1 5th  St.  E,  Samsota  Ft  34243 

WB4CSK/KH6 

viaWB4CSK 

XE2XSQ 

viaKSTSQ 

XX9XJ 

Two  routes  mentroned;  K6JJ  and  K&JJE;  neither  call  is  in  the 

^moCaftbook. 

Y9iAf^ 

viaY2lR0 

YE®K 

P.O.  Box  77,  JKWB,  Jakarta  10270,  rndonesia 

YJflAI^H 

via  KF7PG 

YN1CC 

Jos0  says  via  Box  2971 .  Managua,  but  W3HNK  &ays  via 

W3HE^K 

YS1HUKE 

via  N8FU 

ZDBS 

ViaAKOM 

ZDBZ 

via  W6CF 

ZF2NBZF8 

via  W5ASP 

ZF2PM 

viaNE4L 

ZF2PN 

via  NE4L 

ZM7Af^0 

viaZLlAMO 

2S6®PTA 

viaZSEfB 

ZWiJR 

via  PP5JR 

ZYBBl 

viaPYBBl 

78    73 Amateur  Radio  Today  *  D&ceml>ef,  1990 


G5RV  All-Band  QuicKits 


PA 


F»9|  &  Easy  lo  Build 

<  |So  mc&iurtii^or<?ulliag 

■■  Every  [hingi.r  flu  J*d 

"  FinJull  iflf*[l(H  m  miaatti 

Qpjllly  Cdmpancnt] 
•  PT*t^^Sd*reJ.5ilv^F  Fitting 

+    Kinlq!iro(vfQai*lfklwir* 
■  fully  in^uliEs^^wx  ffaKd, 

TtaiK  All  BiDds  Incl  WAKC 

Tech  Slot*  *^124-CS5.^5  ppd  L'S.^ 

Cam   «I?1-3T3-64±S       rfrrTKhlO^lt* 


BnijL  SOOeJL  Pfov^^.  L'T  8460-5 


$5&.95 


*Dflubl<SLEeC5RV 

2G4fi  IdC^iODtpok 
» Full  Sim  G5lPw' 

102  ft  SO-lCiDiT?<jl« 
•Hil£Sw*G3B.V  %25.95 

51ft  40-10  Dircl* 

26  it  20-10  Dip^itf 
■  Mtieoni  AJapterkJi      $  7.95 

*  30(7  Diflron  250*f  line  $11.95 


S^iSi-i 


519^5 


Ordiil'  HDt-Ui4«^ 


1-800-926^7373 


CIRCLE  107  ON  R£A0iR  SERVICE  CARD 


CB-TO-10  METERS 


We  specialize  in  CB  radio  modification 
plans  and  hardware.  Frequency  and  FM 
conversion  kits,  repair  books,  plans,  high- 
performance  accessories.  Thousands  of 
satisfied  customers  since  19761  Catalog  $2, 


QBC  INTERNATIONAL 

LOU  FRANKLiN/K5NH  -  Owner 
P.O.  BOX  31500X,  PHOENIX.  AZ  BS046 


RDC 


THIS  MONTH'S  GOOD  I  £  FftOW  THE  CANDY  STORE 

ICOM 

IC-735 

UNDER  S950.QO 


I 


SifTiiia'  Savings  On  Kftnw&otJ.  Asiro-rs 
Yaesu.  Hy-Gain.  Alinco,  Etc  ^Jl  L.T.O. 

ASTltON         R&20A         $87.90 

Over  aOld  Nam  Hemf.  m  Stcci^..  sW  Pnces  C^fih  FOB  Pffe^Hin 

Mofe  Specials  in  HAM  ADS.  Look  in©  for  SormGlhinfl  nci  Lisjed"^ 

Call  or  Write 

fTDSS  DISTRIBun^fG  COMPAI^Y 

78  S.  Sl*t6  £lr*ftt.  Pr«^iflfi,  M.  «3«$3  -  TeJephcme  (25^3  flS2-0fl3Q 

Houfs  Tu^.-Frj.  9-6  —  9-2  Mondays.  CloS^  Sal.  £  Sun, 


CIRCLE  2^4  ON  READER  SEflVlCE  CARD 


HamCall  /  CD-ROM 

50Q,00Q  HAMS  pliiS 
1,000's  of  Publitr  Domain 
Amateur  Fidd to  Programs  end  Dala 


CO-FOMQec..,..^^ _ 

□lie^toj  Rslrieva)  Sottwane.. 

SflfiyCOCl-eiOO  playsf 


K 


iSucKMAiTER  Publishing 

Rt.  3,  BOX  S6- Micler? I,  Virginia  23117 


....iso.oo 
....Sso.oo 


Wfcffd 


CIRCLE  ^  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Next  Da  V 


^SEs 


E 


Kff JiTpgH  Assortneni 
Wf  Ship  S€xtUay~2nd  Ikr^  ASAF 


tiflfo  51 
,  ^SQlj  373-8425 


500 
1000 


53».»5 
$5-1.95 


S44.95 
S49.95 


529,95 

S39.95 
S44.95 
$79.95 


Alt  «r^m  ppi  ^E'd  day  ilr  /  pn<trity  miit. 

Box  50062-S,  Provo  IfT  54^5 


CIRCLE  5  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARO 


ELECTRON  TUBES 

OVER  3000  TYPES  IN  ST0CK1 

AlsocapacitorSi  transformers 

and  parts  far  tube  lype  equipment. 

Write  or  caff  forZS  page  catalog. 


AisrriquE  electronic  supply 


6221  S.  MAPLE  AVE.,  TEMPE.  AZ  05233 

PHONE:  B02/820'S4  i  1   FAX:  602/820-4643 


North  Olmsted  Amateur  Radio 

29462  LoraJn  Road 

North  Olmsted,  OH  44070 

216-777-9460 


Handi-Finder 


Daiwa 

Heath  Company 

GAP     Diamond 


many  other  items 


CIRCLE  7d  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


COMTELCO 


INDUSTRIES 


MAGNET  MOUNT 

DUAL  BAND  MOBILE 

ANTENNA 

140-150  mliz  /  435-450  mhz 
150  WATT  POWER  RATING 

Supplied  with  t2  tt.  of  RG  58  Coait 

Choice  of  BNC  Of  PL259  Connector. 

"ASso  Availabio  As  a  Body  or  Tfunh  i\A>iint 

Antenna  Only $12.95  ea 

Trunk  Mount t2.00  ea 

Thru  Body  MquhI  „„»„.,^„.S.QQ  ea 

1 -SOD- 6  34-462  2 
1-708-790-9894 

COMTELCO  INDUSTRIES  INC. 
P.O.  BOK  €31429,  Schaumbeirg,  IL  60168 


l«3»<*<«<4 


i 


CIRCLE  IS  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Improve  Your  World  Image 


PC  HF  FACSIMILE  4.0  $99 


A  ctimplete  facsimile  reception  system 

for  the  IBM  PC  or  Compatihle,  Receives 

up  to  16  inten.^ity  t^tvels. 

Includes!; 

80  Pb^e  Manual 
Tulorial  Cassette 
Interpretation  Guide 


Demodulfltor 

Software 

Fri^quency  List 
Fealurei»: 

Print  on  Epson,  or  HF  Lastr  Jet 
Disk  Save,  Zooming,  Image  processing 

Unattended  Imsge  Capture  aad  mucJi  more 


PC  GOESAVEFAX  $250 


Designed  to  receive  lnii«|£es  directly  from 
U.S,  und  Soviet  meteorological  satellites. 
Includes  ail  of  the  above  feature  plus 
a.  4!oinplete  orbital  tracking  sytem  and 
resolution  of  up  to  256  gray  levels. 


Software  Systems  Consulting 

150  Avenida  Cabrillo;'C",  San  Clemente,  CA  92672 


CJeCLE  250  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


ANTENNA 
TUNERS 


^U 


K 


MODEL  VS150DA   ANTENNA  COUPLER 

The  Barker  &  WillEanison  VS1500A  antenna 
coupler  is  designed  to  match  virtually  any 
receiver  transmitter  or  transceiver  in  the 
160  to  10  meter  range  (1 .8  to  30  MHz)  with 
up  to  1500  watts  RF  power  to  almost  any 
antenna.  Including  dipoles,  inverted  vees, 
verticals,  mobile  whips,  beams*  random 
wires  and  others,  fed  by  coax  cable,  bal- 
anced lines  or  a  single  wire.  A  1 :4  balun  is 
built'ir?  for  connection  to  balanced  lines, 

FEATURES  INCLUDE: 

•  Series  parallel  capacitor  connection 
for  greater  harmonic  attenuation. 

•  !n -circuit  wattmeter  for  continuous 
monitoring. 

•  ^mier  tuning  for  easy  adjustment 

Front  panei  twitching  allows  rapfd  selectfon  of 
antenna,  or  to  an  external  dummy  load,  or 
permits  bypassing  tfie  tuner. 

Dfmenslon  (Appri^.):  t1"  wide  x  13"  deep 

X  6*  hfoh 
Wefght:  6  1/a  lbs. 

Price  5499-00 


SHIPPING  J. 
HAM)UNG  S4.00 


FOB  Factor/. 
Fully  warranted 
for  one  year. 


Oi^ 


MODEL  VS-300A  ANTENNA  TUNER 

guarahteed  the  best  value 

YOWa  EVER  FIND! 


$111 


.00 


SHIPPING 
AND 
HAN DUNG 


FULL  COVERAGE  -  1.B  ^  30  MHz 
HANDLES  UP  TO  300  WATTS 
MATCHES  VIRTUALLY  ALL  ANTENNAS 
DIPOLE  BEAM 

INVERTED  VEE       RANDOM  WIRE 
VERTICAL  MOBILE  WHIP 

ACCEPTS  COAX  BALANCED  LINE  OR 
SINGLE  WIRE  FEEDLINE 
BUILT-IN  ANTENNA  SWITCH 
BUILT-IN  WATTMETER  WITH  FORWARD 
AND  REFLECTED  POWER  FOR  SVm 
MEASUREMENTS 
WATTMETER  ACTIVE  EVEN  WITH 
TUNER  IN  BYPASS  POSITION 
ATTRACTIVE  CHARCOAL  GRAY  FINISH 
AT  HOME  IN  ANY  HAM  SHACK 
RUGGED  4:1  BALUN  FOR  BAJJ\NCED 
FEEDLINE 


c 


B'W 


^1  i  en  iR  l^-O^  i  '■: T£ -MAC*. :^  li^ 

BAlUmR  *  WII.UAHSOIW 

iti  Cjt^I  ■"/■f*-Hi  "^i-nsrgi.  PA  -f^D^^  ^  == 


CIRCLE  S3  ON  REAPER  SERVICE  CARD 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     79 


Number  3Q  on  your  Feedback  card 


ARTER  'N'BUY 


Turn  yoyf  M  ham  and  computer  gear  ir>to  cash  now.  Si^re,  you  can  wad  for  a 
Immfest  to  iry  and  dump  ii.  but  you  know  you  11  gel  a  Taf  more  reansfic  price  if  you  have 
it  o«l  where  100,000  active  ham  poieniial  buyers  can  see  it  than  rtie  few  hundred  local 
hams  who  come  by  a  flea  market  rai^te.  Check  youf  attic,  garage,  cellar  and  closet 
shelves  and  get  casli  lor  your  ham  and  compirtef  gear  befofe  it's  too  old  to  sell,  You 
know  you're  noi  goJng  to  ose  it  agam^  so  why  leave  it  for  your  widow  to  throw  out?  That 
stuff  isn't  getting  any  younger! 

The  73  Bea  Markei,  Saner  'n'  Buy,  costs  ytju  peajtuts  (almost) — comes  to  35^  a 
iMWd  for  individual  jnoncomrnercidl)  ads  ami  $t  .00  a  word  for  commerciai  ads.  [}on't 
piQft  on  lelting  a  long  story.  Use  abbreviatioos,  cram  it  in .  But  be  tionest  Ttiere  are 
ptefUy  04  hams  who  love  to  fi%  things,  so  if  it  doesn't  worff,  say  so 

Maice  yOiir  JiSt,  count  the  words.  mcJuding  your  calt.  ^dress  and  phone  numt»ef  ■ 
include  a  chedc  or  your  credit  card  ntrmbef  and  expiration.  U  you're  placing  a 
commeroat  ad;  include  an  additional  phone  numtier,  separate  frum  your  ad 

This  is  a  monttriy  magazine,  not  a  daily  newspaper ,  so  figure  a  coupte  monihe 
b^ore  the  action  starts,  then  bo  prepa/ed.  H  you  get  too  many  cafls,  you  pri^^d  ft  low. 
If  you  don't  get  many  calls,  too  high 

So  get  busy  Blow  Iho  dust  oft,  check  everything  oyt.  make  sure  ft  still  works  right 
and  mayt)e  you  can  help  make  a  ham  newcomer  or  retired  okl  timef  happy  with  tt^ 
rig  you're  rioi  using  now.  Or  you  might  get  busy  on  your  compcfter  and  put  together  a 
gst  of  small  gear/parts  to  send  to  those  mteresied? 

Send  your  ads  end  paymerit  io  the  Harfer  *rt*  Bay,  t>onna  DiHusso,  Forest  Road* 
Hancodt  HH  03449  sndgsi  s&ffofU*0  phone  c^is. 


HAM  RADIO  KITS  &  ASSEMBUES  for  ^ari- 
OLi£  QST  &  73  c£>n^rructK}n  article  We  also 
offer  books  and  electronic  components  Fof 
catalog,  send  legal  size  SASE  wf45c  postage 
Of$1  00toA&AEngjneefing,252i  W  LaPaa- 
maa<.AnaheimCA92i01.  BNQ25§ 

AZDEN  SERVICE  by  lornwr  factory  techno- 
ctan.  Fast  turnaround  PC 5  300  NiCads 
936 .95  Souttiem  Technologies  Amateur  Ra- 
diOp  Inc.,  10715  SW  190  St.  #9.  Miami  FL 
33157,  (305)  238-3327  BlsrB2G2 

WE  PRO-PHINT  VOUH  CALLSIGN  Ofi  a  but- 
ton.  Send  £2.00  and  3ASE  lo'  KC  College  An 
Inc.,  14  Hillel  Place.  Brooklyn,  NY  11210. 
Many/KBZLGC.  BNe263 

QSL  CARDS-  loqk  gOdd  wilh  lop  quality 
printing,  Choose  slandard  designs  or  lully 
customized  card^.  Better  cards  m@an  more 
returns  lo  you,  Free  brochure,  samples. 
Stamps  appreciated.  Che&ier  QSLs,  Depi  A. 
310  Commercial,  Emporia  KS  66801 ,  or  FAX 
request  lo  (31 6}  342-4705.  BNB434 

SUPERFAST  MORSE  CODE  SUPEREASY, 
Subliminal  cassette  $10  LEARN  MORSE 
CODE  IN  1  HOUR  Amazing  new  suporeasy 
technique.  SIO.  Botti  £17-  Moneyback  guar- 
an  lee  Free  caialog:  SAS£  Batir,  Oept  73-€. 
1 1 96  C)  I  r  us.  P  aim  bay  FL  32805         BN  BS3 1 

aB.220/221  OWf^ERS^  20  detailed  mods 
wtiich  include  160-5  meter  operation,  05K. 
-^enl^anced  p.s  S€%  rebate  tor  new  mods 
submrtled'  9  pages  ot  3-5Q0Z  tecfi  info  St  1 
postpaiiJ  —info  SASE.  BOB  KOZLAREK 
WA2SQO.  69  Memorial  Ft^e.  Camwood  Paric 
Ml  07407  BNS58t 


V  SSSS  USED  Dm^emhef  (ONLY)  SPE- 
CIALS: KENWOOD  TS-830S  S899  90.  TS- 
520S.DC.CW  W99  90.  H-5000.VK-«eA.VS-t 
$869  90.  TM^S2tA  $4?9  90.  TSOOS.WAT 
SV300  (XI.  iCOlyl  IO-7B1  $4659  SO.  lC-761 
S1je»9a.  K>730  $539  90.  PS-15  $122  90. 
AT  100  $249  90.  Yaes^j  FT'727R  $279  90. 
FT-22SRO  $589  90.  NC-flA  $©5  90.  NC-3A 
$39  90.  MFJ^g84  $229  90.  MFJ  9893 
^29.90:  DEKtTBOl^  GLA-iOOO  $3^9  90. 
CtlPPERTON  L  $200,00  AS  IS  LOOKtMQ 
FOR  SOMETHIMGl«3T  USTED'''  CALL  OH 
SEND  S.A  S  E  ,  HAVE  OVER  190  USED 
ITEMS  m  Slock.  MENTION  AD  PRICES 
CASH  FOB  PRESTON  HOURS  TUESDAY - 
FRIDAY  9  00  TO  6  00. 9  00-2  00  P  M  UOH- 
OAVS   CLOSED  SATURDAY  A  SUNDAY 


ROSS  DISTRIBUTING  COMPANY.  78 
SOUTH  STATE.  PflESTON  ID  83263.  (208) 
S52-0830.  8NB654 

WRITTEN  EXAMS  SUPEREASY.  Merrxsry 
aidfi  from  p&yctiio>ogisl/er>gineef  cut  study- 
time  50%.  Nohrtce.  Tech,  Gen:  $7  each  Ad* 
vanced,  Extra: 512 each.  Moneybackguaran* 
lee.  Batir,  [>epl  73^  1 T9S  Crtrys.  Palmbay  Fl 
32905.  SNB^SI 

ROSS*  $$5$  NEW  December  (ONLY)  SPE^ 
CIALS:  J  S.C- f^G-213500FT.  $150  00;  KEM- 
WOOD  TM^631  A  $629,90,  TR^S4{>0  $349  90, 
TM-701A  $452.90.  TH-41AT  S209  90.  TM^ 
241 A  $394  90,  TS-940S/WAT  $2055,00.  TS^ 
440SyWAT  $1199.90.  TH'75A  $43490,  TH- 
31 5A  S339.99,  TH'31BT  5229.90;  tCOM 
IC'765  12609,90.  lC-781  $5099.90,  IC-24AT 
$539,90,  lC-735  S919.90,  IC-2SA  $289,90. 
IC'28AT  $317.50.  10-471  H  $939.90;  YAESU 
FT-411E  $329.90,  G-5400B  S445,90,  FT- 
1000D  $3619.90,  FT-4rO  $394  90,  FV- 
101  DM  $229,90.  FT-33R  $259.90,  VR-901 
$499,99,  TOKYO  HY-POWER  HC-20Q 
$109.90,  HL-t02V  S239.99,  HL*t60V 
$299,90.  HL-e2V  $139.90,  MFJ  127BT 
$299,90,  ALL  LT.O,  (LIMITED  TIME  OFFER} 
LOOKING  FOR  SOMETHING  NOT  LIST^ 
ED??  CALL  OR  WRITE.  Over  9O04  harrvre- 
tated  items  In  stcx:k  for  immecttate  shipment. 
Mention  ad  Fnces  casti,  FO.S.  PRESTON 
HOURS  TUESDAY-FRIDAY  9lO0  TO  6;00. 
9:00-2:00  P.M.  MONDAYS  CLOSED  SAT* 
UROAY  &  SUNDAY.  ROSS  DISTRIBUTING 
COMPANY,  78  SOUTH  STATE  PRESTON 
ID  83263  {208}  852-{%30.  BNBT09 

HAM  RADIO  REPAm  sA  ma»tes.  models  Ex- 
penenced,  reliable  service  Robert  HaiJ  Elec- 
rronics.  Bex  28D3€3,  San  Francisca  CA 
94 12^^0363.  (406)729-8200.  BNB751 

WANTED:  Ham  eqiripnient  and  oftiei  ptoper- 
ty  Tha  Radio  Club  of  Junior  High  Schocri  22 
NYC,  Inc  .  ts  a  nonprDfit  organization,  grant- 
e<l  501  (CK3)  status  by  the  I RS.  mcorpofaied 
with  \\m  goal  o^  usir^  the  theme  d^  ham  r^tio 
to  furthjar  and  enhajice  ttie  ediicatjon  ot 
young  people  oatiomvide.  Your  profierty  do- 
nation or  firtancial  support  would  be  greatly 
afipiQctaied  and  acimovdadgsd  with  a  rece^ 
lor  your  tax  deductible  cofrtnbutkm.  As  1990 
draws  to  a  dose,  pfease  lodt  over  whatever 
unwanted  equipment  you  maY  tiave,  amj  call 
IIS  We  wil  pick  up  or  arrange  shipping,  You 
will  fBcerve  The  lax  ded  t/ction ,  but  ff»osl  impot- 
lant.  tt^  pnvifege  of  knovrtfig  ttiat  your  gitl 


really  made  a  dlft^renc^  in  the  educaiiart  artd 
upbringing  of  a  youngster.  Write  us  atr  RC  of 
JHS  22.  PO  Bow  1052.  Mew  York  NY  10002- 
Round  the  cPOCk  HOTLINES:  VOJCE  (516) 
674^072.  FAX  (51 6j  674-9600.        BNB762 

*'HAliLO^  '  COMPUTER  PROGRAM  Full 
featuraf.  iB  modules.  Auto-Jogs,  7-&arid 
WAS/DXCC  Apple.  IBM.  CP/M.  KAYPBO. 
TANDY ,  CR8  S24  95.  73-KA^ AWH.  PB  20 !  5, 
Peabody  MA  0 1 960.  BNB775 

LAMBDA  AMATEUR  RADJO  CLUB  Interna- 
tional amaleyr  radifOf^futi  for  gay  and  l^bian 
hams  On-air  skeds.  monthly  newsletter;  and 
annual  ga[lterin$  at  Daylon  t215)  978- 
LARC,  PO  Box  24810,  PhllddaJphia  PA 
19130.  BNB812 

HAM  RADIO  REP  Am  CENTER,  quality  work- 
ma/^ip  Solid  state  ^  tut^e.  aiJ  makes  arx) 
mMffits.  Al&i?  repair  HF  amptifier^  A-Z  Eiec- 
UDOic  Repa[r,  363a  East.  Indian  School  Rd^. 
Fhfwmx  AZ  SSO^B.  (602^  956-30(24  BNS874 

INEXPENSIVE  HAM  RADIO  EQUlPUENT. 
Send  postage  stamp  for  Ii5t  Jim  Bracfy— 
WA4DS0.  3037  Audrey  Or .  Gaslonia  NC 

280S4  BNesso 

WANTED:  BUY  h  SELL  All  types  of  Electron 
Tubes  Call  lofl  tree  i  (BOOJ  421-9397  or  1 
(612)  429-9397  CAN  Electronics.  HarohJ 
Brar?al«dl4  6104  Eyg  Lake  Road.  Hugo  MN 
55038.  BNB900 

ELECTRON  TUBES:  All  types  4  sizes  Trans- 
milling,  receiving,  mic^rowave  Large  m- 
vontory  *  ^^^w  day  pipping  Ask  about  our 
3^5002  special  Daily  Electronics.  PO  6or 
5029.  Compton  CA  90324  ^8003  340- 
6867,  eNS9t3 

COMMODORE  64  HAM  PROaRAMS— & 
dJSk  sides  over  200  Ham  programs  £16  95 
25^  stamp  gels  unusual  software  catalog  of 
UliUtlas,  Gamas.  Adult  and  Britfshi  Disks. 
Home-Spun  Softuvare^  Bo*  t064'BB,  Estero 
FL  33929.  BNB917 

BATTERY  PACK  REBUILDING:  SEND 
YOUR  PACK  /  4eHR  SERVICE  ICOM;  BP^ 
BP3fBP22  $19,95,  BPS  S2S  95,  QP7/BP& 
$32.95.  BP70  $a.&S.  KENWOODi  PB21 
S1SJ5.  P621H  $21,96,  P825/2e  $34,95. 
VAESUF»^B9S19.95,FNB10S23.95,FNB11 
$27  95,  FNB4/4A  $36. 95.  'U-OO-IT  IN- 
SERTS'" ICOM;  BP2  $17.50.  6P3  $1695, 
BPS  S22  95.  BP7m  $27.50,  BP22  $17.95, 
BP70  $25  95  KENWOOD:  PB21  $12,95. 
P021H$ie.95.PB24A25/26Si9  95  TEMPO; 
SI/2/4/15  $22.95,  YAESU  FNB4/4A  $32  95. 
FNB9  $16  95.  FNBlO  |1S  95,  A20EN: 
$19.95.  'NEW  PACKS  W/CASE:'*  iCOM 
aPSB  (9  4V/800  BASE  CHG  ONLY)  Sa4.95. 
YAESU:  FNB2  $19  95.  FNB 12  $44.50.  SAN- 
TEC:  142/1200  $22,95  FREE  CATALOG, 
$3.00  Stupping/order,  PA+6«V%.  V1SA~M/C  - 
$2.  CUNAflD.  R,0.  6  Box  t04^  Badford  PA 
15522.  (914}  fi23-7000.  BNB^l 

WANTED:  Manuals  and/or  schematics  for 
Hammanund  HO- 100  &  HO-145X,  copy  OK. 
Wayne  Nortti.  542  Watert^oni^  Melbourne  FL 
32934 


SATELUTE  MONTHLY  AUDIO  CODES  \ 
(900  J  HOT  SHOT  intended  lor  lasting  only. 
S3,50  per  call  eMB93S 

COD€  HTTY  Send  Receive  Dtsk  V1C'20.  C- 
64^  Mnd  $5  Tape  $6  Codeware,  BoJi  3091, 
Nashua  NH  03061.  3110940 

KOME^BREW^PIIOJECTS  UST  SASE 
WB2eUF.  Box  TOe.  Easi  Hampton  NY  1 1937 

BNB943 

WANTED  IBM^PC/CLOHE  AND  PACKET 
equiprn#nt  tor  Ru55«an  amateur  emefg^ency 


radio  Service — tax  deductible.  Dave  Larsen 
KK4WW,  PO  Box  341 ,  Floyd  VA  24091  (703) 
763^331 1/382-4458.  BHB94S 

WANTED:  Manuajs  (including  Sctifimatics) 
tor  LAFAYETTE  SIGNAL  GENERATOR  TE- 
20  Meyef  Minchen  AG5G.  4635  SW  FWY. 
H04jston  TX  77027.  (713}622'^161.  BNB952 

HIGH  PERFORMANCE  2M  BEAM.  Oratnati* 
catly  improve  your  Cusht^ratt  llHalernant 
beam's  DiRECTIVITY  &  GAJN.  EASY  conver* 
Stan  pians  needing  tvq  extra  parts  Or  hMorrw- 
bfew  &^lerfient  beam  from  irKluded  dimen- 
sions. $10,  check  or  money  order  WB90ZB. 
De0.  73«  P.O.  Box  357,  t^Oimt  Prospect  IL 

eoose.  BNB^s 

WANTED;  Pro^  1380  mcfocompvlefs  and 
pufolicatior^  tor  musei^jni.  KK4WW,  Dave 
Im^^n.^  Blacksbuig  Group.  PO  So*  1 .  B4acha- 
t34Jfi9  VA  24063  (703)  753-331 1 , 


WANTOl:  Yourt>dp  donating  iSM-PC  ckxie, 
lechnicai  and  calllx>oks  for  LARN  emertiMK^ 
radio  sendee  in  USSR  I  «ili  personally  deipver 
equipment  io  UB5WE  David  Larsen 
KK4WW-  (703)  7B3-3311 .  &NB967 

25-420  MHz  MILITARY  AVIATIOH  FRE- 
QUENCY OIHECTORteS  tor  NORTH  AMEH- 
IGA — over  20.000  newly  researched  iisiirt^s. 
HAP3.  BOK  754,  Fteminglqn  NJ  0Se22*07S4 
{201)806-7134.  BNB95S 

BACK-PACKET  Jump  tjack-and-foriti  be- 
tween packet  radio  and  any  MS-DOS  apfiica- 
tion  with  the  press  ot  a  key.  Source  code 
induded,  ^19.95  to  WA4APU  6521  Creeh- 
stone  Place.  Charlotte  NO  2821 3.      BNB959 

FREE  Ham  Gospel  Tracts.  SASE.  N3FTT, 
51S3  Gramercy,  Clifton  Hi^  PAl90ia 

BNB960 

FIVE  WATTSl  Nine  partsl  30/40  melerlrana- 
mitler!  Radio  Stiack  parlsf  Plans— S2  plus 
stamp!  Bill  Lauterbach,  1709  North  W@st, 
#  1 03,  Jackson  M 1 49202.  B IM  B  962 

THEY  OFFERED  PEANUTS  for  your  trade- 
in?  Contact  Radio  R^cycJers  for  a  quote  on 
'For  Sale"  list.  3221  W,  Lincoln  Ave..  MHwau- 
Kea  Wl  53215.  (414)  383-9001.         BNB963 

AMIGA,  MACINTOSH,  ATARI  XL/XE/ST 
Amateur  RadJo  pubNc  domain  software, 
$4,0O/dtsk.  SASE  tof  catalog  Specify  com* 
puiarj  WA4EFH,  Bok  1646.  Orange  Park  FL 
32067-1646.  8N89€5 

PRINTED  CIRCUIT  BOARDS  lor  projects  in 
73,  HAm  Radio.  QSL  Aflfli  Handbmk.  List 
SASE  FAR  Circuits.  18M&40  Fietd  Ct .  Dun- 
dee  IL  60118.  BNBdee 

AUTHORIZED  AMIGA  &  COMMODORE  Ser- 
vice Center.  Send  SASE  for  pnce  list  Caltan- 
der  Eledronics.  PO  Box  363.  Bakerstown  PA 
15007.  BNB87t 

TRADE  FOR  tOM  TRANSCEIVER  Panason- 
ic RF-B6S.  Covers:  LW,  MW,  SW,  FM  (153 
kHz-2d,9d§  IcHz).  BFO  tuning  ror  SSB  36 
memo,  doctc  (ocaiAjTC  Digital  read-out,  dl- 
reci  access  keypad  GecKge  Moa^PO  Box 
8^.  Jacksonvitie  Fl.  3^20 1  (904)  387-37  f  5 
after  1 500  hr.  BNB972 

NEEDED:  Schematkr  for  ^maiS  2  meter  amp. 
N^MJ.  (412>  531-7443  anytime.       6^6973 

MscSAMUEL  HORSE  CODE  TUTORtAL 
SOFTWARE  tor  the  Macmtos/i  Sp«<eds  io  90 
ViTpfn  StandanJ  or  Fransworlh  mode.  Ran- 
dom ctmractef  and  word  genefatkm.  Bandofit 
QSO  simulation  Also,  send  code  Irom  yottr 
ovtm  XQia  files.  Send  $^  00  plus  S2.00  snip- 
ping and  haridting  to:  Avant  Sysimns,  F^  Box 
5437.  Pitts&urgii  PA  1 5205  BNB97^ 


m    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


H. 


Number  31  on  your  Feedback  eard 


AMSA  TS 


Andy  MacMister  WASZfB 
14714  Knightsw&y  Drive 
Houston  TX  77083 

Packet  via  Satellites 


Packet  via  amateur  sateifites  has 
been  around  since  the  early  days  of 
pacl<6t  radio  acttvity.  Even  before  the 
first  ARRL  Amateur  Radio  Computer 
Networking  Convention  in  1981  at  the 
National  Bureau  of  Standards  in 
Gaithersburg,  Maryland,  AMSAT  ear- 
marked Special  Service  Channels 
(SSGs)  for  packet  communications  on 
future  high-orbit  ^at@llite$.  Dr.  Hank 
Magnuskt  KA6M,  designer  of  one  of 
the  first  packe!  diglp eaters,  was  in 
charge  of  setting  standards  for  S3C 
use.  This  came  at  a  time  when  AMSAT 
was  stilj  recovering  from  the  loss  of 
Phase  3  A^  which  was  to  have  been  the 
first  high-orbit,  long-life  hamsat.  Phase 
3  A  met  a  watery  end  when  its  Ariane 
launcher  failed  to  achieve  orbit  tn  early 
1980. 

Packet  operation  thfough  analog 
satellite  transponders  is  comparable  to 
direct  user-to-user  packet  procedure. 
Early  tests  were  made  al  1200  baud, 
but  acllvity  at  300  baud  using  HF 
modems  was  more  reliable  due  to  the 
weak-signal  nature  of  satetlite  commu- 
nications at  the  time.  The  use  of  the 
analog  transponder  space  for  packet 
experiments  was  never  popular, 
though.  The  store-and-forward  poten* 
tiaf  of  the  AX.  25  protocol  was  not  ad- 
dressed  via  the  transponder  medium. 
A  digipeater  in  space,  or  some  other 
digital  mailbox  system  for  handling 
packets,  was  needed. 

Determining  the  Standards 

At  the  1983  ARRL  Amateur  Radio 
Computer  Networking  Convention  in 
San  Francisco,  California,  Phil  Kam 
KA9Q  presented  the  paper,  "Modula- 
tion and  Access  Techniques  for  P AC- 
SAT,"  and  Don  Connors  KD2S  pre- 
sented 'The  PACSAT  Project/'  Don^s 
paper  described  the  design  goal  of 
"total  global  access  by  all  hams  to  a 
St  ore- an  d-f  or  ward  packet  message 
handler'*  via  satellite  systems.  He  ex- 
planned  the  need  for  packet  satellites 
and  described  the  on-board  systems 
and  technical  parameters  for  a  If  satel- 
lite subsystems. 

PhiKs  paper  on  modulation  tech- 
niques ^  when  viewed  with  Don's,  laid 
down  the  blueprint  of  today's  Mi- 
crosats  from  frequency  choices  to 
modulation  methods,  it  was  obvious 
that  a  form  of  phase-shift  keying  (PSK) 
would  work  better  than  standard  audio- 
frequency-shift keying  (AFSK)  on  an 
FM  carrier  for  packet-satellite  down- 
links, and  that  ^s  what  we  have  today. 

AFSK-FM  has  advantages  that  in- 
clude low  cost,  simplicity,  and  easy 
Doppler  tracking,  but  it  has  some  seri- 
ous disadvantages.  These  include  in- 
efficient bandwidth  use  and  poor  noise 
performance. 


Amateur  Radio  Via  Satellite 


The  UoSAT-OSCAR-11  FM  down- 
link requires  1 5  kHz  to  support  a  1200 
baud  signal,  while  a  PSK  signal  with 
the  same  bandwidth  coutd  easily  carry 
9600  baud.  AFSK-FM  exhibits  a  sharp 
noise  threshold  at  a  relatively  high  car- 
rier-to- noise  ratio.  Problems  with  im- 
pulse noise  are  also  evident.  Anyone 
who  has  been  active  with  VHP  packet 
has  noticed  that  even  strong  signals 
are  difficult  to  copy  when  powerline 
and  auto  ignition  noise  get  into  the  re- 
ceived signal. 

Other  concerns  with  satellite  down- 
links include  fading  and  polarization 
fosses  due  to  spacecraft  rotation  and 
orientation  with  respect  to  the  ground 
observer. 


The  DCE  Experiment 

In  1984  when  U-0-t1  went  to  orbits  it 
carried  the  Digital  Communications 
Experiment  (DCE)  which  provided  a 
proof-of-concept  testbed  for  PACSAT 
work.  The  experiment  continues  to  act 
as  a  mailbox  in  orbit  to  test  digital  com- 
munication software  and  provide  data 
on  hardware  survivability,  current  con- 
sumption, arid  operational  behavior  in 
space.  Only  a  small  number  of  hams 
around  the  world  are  active  as  gateway 
stations  through  the  DCE,  but  others 
can  route  their  messages  to  these 
gateways  for  uptinking  to  UO-1 1 ,  Mes- 
sages can  sometimes  be  seen  be- 
tween telemetry  frames  on  the  145.825 
MHz  FM  downlink  at  1200  baud. 

When  Fuji-OSCAR-12  was  launched 
in  August  1986,  hams  had  their  first 
opportunity  to  find  out  what  PACSATs 
were  all  about.  Whenever  the  mode 
"J"  (2  meters  up  and  70cm  down)  digit- 
al transponder  was  active,  stations 
could  access  the  mailt>ox  and  leave 
messages  for  hams  on  the  other  side  of 
the  world.  Signals  were  good,  but  bat- 
tery problems  made  continuous  activi- 
ty impossible.  After  only  a  day  or  two 
the  system  needed  recharging,  with 
corresponding  down  periods  and  loss 
of  all  the  messages  in  memory.  EvQn 
with  these  problems,  the  open  mailbox 
was  an  exerting  packet  experience. 

Fujl-OSCAR-20,  faunched  in  Febru- 
ary of  this  year,  is  e»<periencing  similar 
difficulties,  but  this  time  they  are  relat* 
ed  to  temperature  problems.  The  satel- 
lite is  too  hot.  High  current  consumers 
(ike  the  digital  system  must  be  shut  off 
for  long  periods  to  keep  the  internaf 
temperature  at  a  reasonable  level  to 
avoid  serious  battery  damage.  Sched- 
ule annourvcements  from  the  JARL 
{Japanese  ARRL  counterpart)  have 
provided  some  relief  to  those  stations 
listening  for  the  satellite, 

Today's  Packet  Satellites 

In  January  1990,  an  Ariane-4  rocket 
placed  four  AMSAT-built  Mi  crosats  in- 
to a  nearly  perfect  sun-synchronous  or- 
bit at  800  km.  The  satelliteSf  nine  inch- 
es on  a  side,  all  carry  similar  pay  loads 
of  packet  and  scientific  experiments. 


All  of  this  group  of  Microsats  have 
store-and-f onward  capability,  with  two 
of  the  four  carrying  packet  com  muni  ca* 
tions  as  their  primary  payfoads.  The 
other  two  are  for  more  educational  pur- 
poses and  include  a  charge-coupled- 
devlce  (CCD)  camera  for  Earth  imag- 
ing and  adigitai  speech  synthesizer. 

In  addition  to  the  packet  communica- 
tions systems,  the  Microsats  incorpo- 
rate highly  efficient  so  Ear  panels,  inno- 
vative power  supply  designs.  VHF  and 
UHF  transmitters  with  DC  to  RF  effi- 
ciencies as  high  as  76  percent,  and 
computers  using  1.3  micron  surface- 
mount  technology  (SMT)  devices  with 
a  megabytes  of  memory  that  use  only 
about  half  a  watt.  All  of  this  (batteries 
included)  goes  into  a  nine-inch  cube 
weighing  less  than  22  pounds. 

The  packet  systems  are  primary  to 
AMSAT-OSCAR'16  and  LUSAT 
OSCAR-19.  They  each  have  five  uplink 
receivers  and  two  downlink  trans- 


order  a  copy  from  the  Superintendent 
of  Documents,  Government  Printing 
Office,  Washington.  DC  20402-9325, 
for  $2.25,  shipping  included.  Ask  for 
GPO  stock  number  052-003-01 1 74-3, 

Easy  Packets  from  Spac# 

D-0-17  transmits  standard  packet 
using  AFSK-FM  on  145.825  MHz.  It  is 
the  perfect  place  to  get  started  with 
satellite  packet  activity.  Typical  power 
levels  from  the  satellite  provide  a  10  dB 
improvement  over  U-O-ll  signals  and 
can  be  heard  on  almost  any  antenna. 
Anyone  who  rs  currently  active  on  VHF 
packet  can  hear  the  signals  and  see 
the  resulting  raw  telemetry  and  mes- 
sages on  their  CRT  or  other  display 
device. 

For  those  who  can  capture  the  data 
to  disk,  programs  are  available  to  de^ 
code  the  data  and  display  information 
on  the  satellite's  activities  and  health. 
One  program  found  on  many  bulletin 


Photo,  WEBERSAVs  view  of  the  sun.  Taken  on  8/WBO  at  0508  UTC.  Photo 
courtesy  of  Weber  State  Coltege. 


mitters.  WhNe  all  receivers  are  on  si- 
multaneously, only  one  transmitter  per 
satellite  is  usuafly  active  for  packet 
downlinking.  A  complete  frequency 
chart  of  uplinks  and  downlinks  can  be 
found  in  the  May  1990  "Hamsats." 

While  the  objectives  of  DOVE- 
OSCAR-17  and  Weber-OSCAR-tB  dif- 
fer from  the  store-and-forward  objec- 
tives of  the  other  two  satellites,  they 
offer  exciting  possibilities  to  those  with 
educational  interests. 

Microsats  are  small  and  light  be- 
cause it  costs  1 6  times  more  per  pound 
for  AMSAT  to  get  their  pay  loads  into 
orbit  now  than  it  did  five  years  ago.  A 
$20,000  satellite  launch  in  1985  would 
cost  $320,000  today.  Interest  in  the  Mi- 
crosal  or  Itghtsat  concept  has  height- 
ened in  recent  years.  As  the  world  be- 
comes aware  of  the  potential  of  the 
small  or  "micro'*  satellite,  AMSAT 
finds  itself  competing  for  launch  space 
once  filled  with  ballast  and  nearly  free 
for  the  asking. 

Just  after  the  launch  of  the  Mi- 
crosats, a  background  paper  for 
Congress  became  available.  Entitled 
"Affordable  Spacecraft:  Design  and 
Launch  Alternatives/'  it  covered  sev- 
eral different  ideas  on  satellite  con- 
struction from  'Mlghtsats"  to  "fatsats" 
and  from  simple  devices  to  highly  com- 
plex and  compact  designs.  You  can 


boards  is  NK6KTLM.  It  is  usually  listed 
as  NK6KTLM.ARC (for  archived).  After 
"un-arc'ing"'  the  file,  the  "readme" 
document  explains  how  to  activate  the 
easy-to-use  program,  Fifty-seven 
channels  of  data  can  be  decoded  and 
examined  with  this  program. 

Picture  Packets  from  Space 

W-0-18  takes  snapshots  of  the  Earth 
near  the  equatorial  regions  and  sends 
them  to  Earth  in  packet  form  on  70cm, 

The  picture  information  is  stored  on 
the  satellite  in  digital  form  and  sent  on 
one  of  the  70cm  PSK  transmitters. 
It's  not  sent  pixel-by-plxel;  two  good 
passes  are  needed  to  coltect  a  com- 
plete image.  On  one  pass,  odd-num- 
bered lines  are  sent,  and  on  the  next 
pass,  the  even-n umbered  iines.  When 
data  from  two  subsequent  passes 
are  received  and  merged,  a  complete 
image  can  be  put  together.  Any  gaps 
that  occur  can  be  filled  with  values 
from  adjoining  pixels  to  make  a  clean 
picture. 

Each  day  the  satellite  typically  sends 
data  for  one  picture,  allowing  Earth 
stations  four  to  six  opportunities  to  col- 
^ect  enough  data  to  build  a  complete 
picture. 

To  capture  and  display  the  images, 
you  need  a  PSK  modem  in  conjunction 
with  a  standard  packe!  terminal  node 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990    81 


Kr' 


#^i_ii*    ^^H^t^v*^    9)< 


Receive 

Weather  Satellite 

Images  and  Charts 

on  your  PC 

with  Quorum^s 

Totally  Integrated 

and  Affordable 

Weather  Facsimile 

System 


Quorum  introduces  the  first 
lot  (illy  integrated  system 
for  the  receptiun  of  wealher 
satellite  images  directly  on 
your  personal  computer. 
ScJcction  of  HF  NAFAX, 
GOES  WEFAX,  GOES  [  AP, 
METEOSAT;  NOAA  and 
METEOR  APT  {induJing 
sate  Nile  downlink  frequency 
selection)  are  made  under 
complete  progrum  conirol 
hum  yimt  PC  keybdJiird. 

The  easy  to  leitrn  and  use 
Menu  driven  program  4illows 
you  to  ciipture,  store,  retrieve, 
view  and  print  images  with  a. 
few  simple  keystrokes.  Im- 
ages can  be  colorized  from  a 
palette  of  u p  to  262.000  colors 
wben  using  a  VGA  di^phy. 

System  coiiifigurations 
capij  b  te  of  N  AFAX  recept  io  n 
start  at  S39?.0n  while  fully 
cupablc  systems  can  be  con- 
figured for  S 1500  to  S2OO0.O(K 
providing  professional 
quality  ^t  low  prices. 

For  complete  information 
£ind  a  Demo  Difik,  call  or 

write; 

Quorum  Communications, 
fnc,  102G  S.  Main  St.  Suite  A, 
Grapevine,  TX  76051  (SI7) 
488-4861.  Or,  download  a 
demo  from  our  Bulletin 
Board  by  Ciilling  (817)  421- 
D228  using  240O  baud,  8  data 
bits  and  No  parity. 


^ttI 


QUORUM  COMMUNICATIONS 


CIRCLE  24  OH  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


Amateur  Software 

and  Hardware  for 

the  Commodore  User 


RRT-I 


AfiT-1 :  A  complete  hnterface  system  for  send 
and  receive  on  CW,  RTTY  {Baudot  &  ASCII)  and 
AM  TOR.  for  use  with  the  Commodore  &4/12B 
computer.  Operating  program  on  disk  included. 

$199.00 


AIR-1 :  A  complete  interface  system  for  send 
and  receive  on  CW,  BTfY  {Baudot  &  ASCI!}  and 
AMTOR,  for  us©  with  Commodore  VIC  20, 
Operating  program  in  ROM. 

S99.9S 


SWL;  A  receive  onty  cartridge  lor  CW,  RTJy 
(Baudot  Si  ASGIi)  for  use  with  Commodore  64^ 
128.  Operating  program  in  flOM . 

$69.95 


AIRDISK:  An  AIR-1  type  op- 
erating program  for  use  with 
your  intedace  hardware.  8oth 
VlC-20  and  064/128  programs 
on  one  disk.  $39.95 

AIR-ROM;  Cartridge  version 
of  AIROISK  tor  064/128  Only. 

MORSE 
COACH 


MORSE  COACH:  a  complete  teaching 
and  resting  program  for  learning  the  Morse 
code  inacarindge. 

ForC64orC"t2S.  $49.95 

VEC  SPECIAL  $39.95 


G  AND  G     ELECTRONICS 

OF  MARYLANQ 


8524   DAKOTA  DRIVE,    GAITHERSBURG,  MO    20877 

(301)  258-7373 


controlter  (TNC).  Several  modems 
have  been  described  in  recent  "Harrr- 
sat*'  columns.  They  include  the 
G3RUH  unil  available  in  kit  form  from 
Radiokit,  the  TAPR  kit  from  the  Tucson 
Amateur  Packet  Radio  Corporation^ 
the  PacComm  Microsat  PSK  modem 
from  PacComm,  the  DSP- 12  Multi- 
mode  controller  from  L.L,  Grace,  and 
|h0  Microsat  Demodulator  as  de- 
scribed by  W60IJ  in  the  September 
1990  issue  of  QEX.  A  receive  system 
capable  of  operation  at  437  MHz  SSS 
with  digital  frequency  control  from  the 
PSK  modem  is  needed.  Finally,  to 
complete  ilie  system,  you  need  an  an- 
tenna (omni  is  fine),  a  PC  compatible 
computer  with  EGA  or  VGA  graphics, 
and  appropriate  software. 

The  most  commonly  used  data-col- 
lection software  is  TLMDC  version  3  by 
N4HY.  Like  NK6KTLM  for  DOVE  de- 
coding, you  can  find  it  on  many  BBSs. 

First  the  TNC  is  put  in  the  KISS  mode 
by  sending  it  the  command  KISS  ON 
followed  by  RESTART.  Then  TLMDC 
is  run  according  to  its  ''readme"  docu- 
ment. Norma!  deta  and  messages  are 
displayed  on  the  screen  while  a  raw- 
data  file  is  collected  and  stored  by  the 
program  during  the  course  of  a  pass. 
Upon  exiting  the  program,  a  second 
program  is  needed  to  read  the  raw- 
dara  file  and  display  the  results. 

WEBERWARE  1.0  from  Weber 
State  University  is  avai!able  from 
AM  SAT  and  is  currently  the  best  sys- 
tem for  picture  display  and  manipula- 


tion. This  collection  of  programs  allows 
the  user  to  change  parameters  of  the 
viewed  image,  merge  in  other  passes 
of  the  same  picture,  fill  mixed  piKels* 
print  the  results  in  black-and-white,  or 
colorize  the  scene  according  to  color- 
burst  information  sent  with  the  picture 
file  from  the  satellite.  To  get  the  TNC 
back  to  normal  operation,  it  may  be 
necessary  to  give  it  a  hardware  reset 
by  turning  it  off  and  disconnecting  the 
back-up  battery. 

W*0*1 8  is  also  capable  of  receiving 
and  storing  an  image  from  Earth.  It  has 
a  1265  MHz  receiver  for  standard  ama- 
teur television  (ATV)  reception.  On 
commands  from  the  control  station  in 
Ogden,  Utah,  it  can  take  a  snapshot  of 
a  picture  sent  from  an  Earth  station  and 
retransmit  it  via  the  packet  system. 
Early  experiments  with  this  scheme 
have  demonstrated  that  very  high-pow- 
er or  high-gain  antennas  on  the  ground 
are  needed  for  picture  uploads. 

SAREX  2  Update 

NASA  officials  were  forced  to  scrub 
the  launch  of  STS-35  on  September 
11. 1990  due  to  another  hydrogen  leak 
in  the  rear  engine  compartment.  The 
next  opportunity  for  Columbia  and  the 
Shuttle  Amateur  Radio  Experiment  is 
in  early  December.  AMSAT  will  once 
again  publicize  the  frequency  plans 
and  schedule  information  for  the  mis^ 
sion  as  the  launch  approaches.  Check 
the  May  1990  issue  of  73  for  back- 
ground information. 


Upda  tes 


Number  1 8  on  your  feedback  card 


CIRCLE  169  OK  READER  SEfiVICE  CARD 

82    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


DXDA  Corrections 

See  the  OctOliei'  '90  issue,  pag€  BP.  S^ipan  and 
Rtsia  Is^ami  should  tolh  b«  KHI,  not  KH2.  These  are 

tt)«  onl^  t^o  cofrections.  h^anBuia  IslarMl  and  TimirBn, 
also  KHiJ,  are  cofrect  as  iisied.  Guam  iscarrecUy  fisted 
as  KH?.  TP4X  Paui  Swanzeniinib&f  K4EQY  sn  KH§^ 
fartdiorcaitfDgus. 

RO  BO-COPY 

See  the  alwv*  artfcle  in  the  Od.  '90  ]s&u%  f  age 

28.  Mil<e  Hansen  WB9DYI:  "Thanks  to  input  from 
readers,.  I've  verified  Biat  there  are  Ewo errors  in  the  ppn 
selectiofi^soltware  versioni  (or  the  iignaJ  inpjl  to 
R08C>COPY.  These errcrts  aJfect  SOME  bui  noE  alt  pin 
seleclionteoftware  combinaiions.  If  you  are  noE  geitirkg 
any  respofise  from  ROSO-CGPY  once  the  main 
screen  appears,  one  ol  Ifie  following  fixes  should  cjre 
the  prabiem. 

"For  sottware  downloided  Iromthe  73BBS  prior  to 
October  16:  The  version  qt  the  software  labeled 
ROBO-EXE  uses  the  'DCD'  (dala  carrier  detect)  sig^a^ 
tor  input,  WTthe  Wiring indic:^tor}  a$ sfa/etf  in  the 
aftsde. 

"FIX  1]  Move  the  signal  irpui  Irom  llw  'fll'  pin  to 
'DCD.'  The  correct  ssgnal  input  pin  for  the  ROBO.EXE 
version  is  pin  1  on  a  DBS  connector  and  pin  8  on  a 
0625. 

"F(X  2.  Download  the  updated  soJrwara  ^rs^on 
R0BQ2.EXE  from  the  73  BBS.  Ctteck  to  make  sure 
that  M  signal  pin  is  it^ed  'fli/  The  "Rr  pin  is  number 
9  on  a  DB9  and  pift  32  on  a  DB25 .  Note  fhaf  W  for  ihe 
DBS5  type  conmctor  is  statsd  if}corf$^fy  in  the  ariscfe. 
The  D&9  pin  numhef  is  listed  cqirectiy.  There  are  no 
other  dilfeiences  between  ROBO.EXE  and 
R0B02.EXE  ^KC&pi  the  pqn  seiection  char^gee. 

"For  software  received  directly  (rom  WB9DYI;  The 
only  software  version  sent  I h rough  the  mail  is 
ROBOZ.EXE.  even  jhough  i1  is  labefed  ROBO.EXE, 
You  may  want  to  rename  your  copy  to  match  the  new 
name.  Check  lo  maike  sure  thai  tht  signal  pin  is  indeed 
'RL" 

"I'm  sorry  fof  thii  mix-up.  I  changed  co^nputers  dur- 
itig  Ihe  f\n^\  stages  ol  Ihe  ROBO-GOPY  check  ojt  and 
must  have  archived  the  wrong  vefsion  oi  the  soU- 


New  Kenwood  Warranty 

Kenwood  anrtaunces  a  new  Wisnranty  progrftm 

for  all  nevv  amaieur  radio  products  purchased  in  the 
United  States.  Effective  October  1,  1990.  all  new 
Kenwood  transceivers,  receivers,  accessories,  and 
Dptions  carry  a  lull  qne^year  warranty  Irom  the  elate  of 
purchase. 

New  waira/ity  cards  a/e  beir>g  issLied  loi  existing 
dealer  stock,  but  (hey  may  not  be  avaNable  iniliaHy.  A 
sales  receipt  dated  or^  or  after  October  1 ,  1990,  is  She 
only  dwumentatton  necessary  tor  warranty  claims. 
Additional  information  is  availatile  by  mail  from  Ken- 
wood: USA  Corpofation,  Amateur  Radio  Customer  Ser* 
vice,  P.O.  Boi  2274S,  Long  Beach  CA  9O801;  by 
phone  al|S IS)  761-7140;  or  via  the  Kenwood  BBS  at 
(?13J  761-82^4  (2400  baud  max,  &  bits,  no  parfty,  1 
stop  (>i(.}.  Add  this  new  wananty  into  to  the  Kenwood 
servioe  article  by  WB6N0A  In  the  April  'SD  issue.  TNX, 
Kenwood,  forMbutlstin.. 

Goof -Pro  of  Goof 

See  "Goot^Pfooi  Regenerative  Receiver'^  \n  the 
Nov.  '90  issue,  page  3^,  Figure  4.  The  parrs  piace^ 
rmeni  should  indicale  Headphor>e3  (i^  using  the  head- 
phones-only option— in  which  case  you  don't  need  to 
buM  ^tie  LM33^  audio  anip  section)  where  il  shows 
Audio  output.  The  S  ohm  speaker  is  attached  where  rt 
shows  SPKdeWBflEU( 

KANDs,  not  ANDs 

Se«  ''TTL  Transceiver  for  40  Meters"  In  the  Ngv. 
'90  issue,  page  30.  Look  at  the  "IC  Layout"  in  the 

upper  Ie4t  comer  o1  Figure  1 ,  The  little  circles  were  left 
off  the  top  ot  the  syrnixal  describing  the  type  of  gate, 
rendering  them  AJ^Dgate^  when  they  should  be  f^AND 
gates.  See  the  proper  symbol  in  the  ligure.  TNX 

KBWM  for  caiching  this. 


Figure.  Thefittfedfcieoniop 
signifi^  that  tft&  gate  is  s 
NAf^Dgate. 


SIGNAL  SENTRY 

A  VERY  iNTELUGtNr  OTMF  OECOOEH 


Complete  Kit  Only  ..,,$69,95 
Assembled  Board  .,..$89,95 

SoVe  youi  mom^aring  p^oblenits.  Can  storfl  and  remefriber  the  ID  ol 

I  he  caller  Ignor^^  b^ichgnound  dianer,  re^por^s  only  to  valid  DTM^F 
^pgnals    Screens  incomjmg  c^lts    Small  e^cx^gh  to  lit  injo  man^  riQE. 

imclud^tKl  soma  HT'Si    Pra¥ides  g^iaj  otilpLil  of  alt  DTMF  l(?ne?. 
%i%iit\<i  3fi  a  rctmolo  coAEroDer   Oparat^  on  fi  lo  iSVDC. 
CA  fv^idanis  ^d  6.S5%  sales  i^.  S^H:  $4.SQ  {insured).  Foreign 
otii^fs  iT^  !5%  Fof  mors  ifiic  &r  ca^sfog.  f§^  LSASE(45c}  fo: 

AM  Engmermg 

£S?I  W.  Ul^aJma  tfK  -  Af^heim.  CA  92BCli  •  7M^3S2-Z114 


CIRCLE  109  OH  IICA&ER  SffiVlCE  CARD 


Macintosh  . . 

Software 

We  have  the  largest  coIIll  lion  of 
commercial  (non  PD)  ham  radio 
sofiwarc  in  the  world.  Luckily,  it 
is  for  the  friendliesi  computer  in 
the  world:  MACINTOSH. 

Programs  for  packet,  RTTY.  fax, 
satellite,  Morse,  theory  training, 
gray-line,  MUF  maps,  logging. 
contest,  cw  keyer,  etc.  Check  us 
oaf,  before  you  buy  your  next 
computer.    Simply  the  best! 

ZCo  Corporation 

R  O.  Box  3720,  Nashya,  NH  03061 
(603)  888^7200  Fax  (603)  888-8452 


r 


SAMPLE 
COPY! 


JUmgUE  RADIO  CUSSIFIED 

Antique  Radio's  Largest'Circuiation 
Monthly  Magazine 

Articles  -  Classifieds  -  Ads  for  Pans  &  Services 

AIsp:  Earty  TV,  Ham  Equip.*  Books^ 

Telegraph,  40's  &  SO's  Radios  &  more... 

fwe  2Q-wQrtiBd  each  month.  Don't  miss  outi 

Fre«  Sample.  &-MontK  Trial  -  $13. 
1-Year:  $24  ($36  by  1st  Class).  Foreign  -  Write. 

A.R.C.,  RO.  Box  d02-E6,  Carlisle,  MA  01741 


CIRCLE  271  ON  READER  SEftVtCE  CARD 


NEW  CATALOG 
—   .„ WITH  PRICES! 

Big  92  page  8Pix11"  Format 


Communications  Receivers 

Portable  Receivers 

Scanners 

Amateur  HF  Transceivers 

VHF-UHF  Transceivers 

HTs  and  Mobiles 

Amateur  and  SWL  Antennas 

Accessories  and  Parts 

RTTY  and  FAX  Equipment 

Books  and  Manuals 


Send 
$ito 


Universal  Radio 

1280  Aida  Drive  Dept.  73 
Reynoldsburg,  OH  43068 

TeL  614  866-4267 


"You  asked  for  it"" 

NEW  MAX  im-BANDER 

'  COMPACT,  31/2- 
elements  extand  lo  cover 
440,  220  or  2M 

•  IDEAL  FOR  vacation. 

camptDQ.  portable 

and  inside  use 


.Only  $39.95 

Money  back     i)/ijr\J\     SyStOm^^ 

Qijaramee.      QpoUND  PLANE  ANTENNAS 
CK'MOMC-VISA  Accspced  [  MA  add  5%  sales  tax) 


StHid  paymenr  lo  Ct^ilular  Seoirily  Group. 
4  Gerring  Rd  .  Gfoucesrer,  MA  01930 
Of  chaige  by  phone  (508)  281-8892 


CIRCLE  125  ON  READER  5ERVICE  CAftO 


NKVV  IMrHt>Vt:i) 

LOGWRITE""  V2.0 

t  fM:tVR|TE*"  VIillufl,;iniif  the  i^ifiqiiaf  lcJlvv«i)ftiKLJw%uijliirr  I 
,  i  !^!nia»  111  l]K:ka|Ui:»>>iu.  I Ik  W«rv  riM>|Ur^i;d'  7*^:4  (callirr^^ittLLM-; 

•  Lahid  prinl  Mf 

•  C'<4 V  kvMii  «•*  It V  ii4m  mHiilLfn 

Clf  fnvTv^  Wl  r4  ll«  nU  kf^^c^  hviT  hrot  ■■■iiJ  wi  il.  mJ  ^  Titri 

LI  Mi'HnrfE%  Hiqw  i|J«i  Vf¥¥a  Ic^wtr  ^^»»  hm  \ 
JAiJ  \tn  priic««uai|t    i^i^Hi  l«i(iiri:%  larlwlr 

•  Vfitn.  Edii.  tw  \  *ii  rrviiiiJli 

»     AWtiilMilir  Imtiif  Jddt  MrihfMi; 
Trt4  pfdkiicrivii  tifafdtc^  Btscimjilii  htutt  «i^  liKLi^i.T  Lttfrm.  Jilhl 

*»  r  I  lEkfLp    Thj!<  *»■  ^xv-sx  I  **iir  (X'n  jnJ  i«|h.t* 

Bfin|^  \ii|ir  iJidkim  wik\*  \Y%tt  i,mn|t|rti  v  aj^-  HMh  UIIpVIHII'L-  |hf  i|t4Mlit)^. 

n-U-)ku  dthi'n,  |i;ii'i  fiK'n^H^  ln^^nc  j»fM|£i|im  wrilltn  hv  EJ  Ti^n  (NfLtV). 

Mi^ilVHIHL  L-.ii,»ni.tni<it*lL-  whh  till  IBM  W  1  aJulti.fflfiHlihii,-*, 

fk^  LUiJvt  y^^Ur  LJipir  iii  LcKiWHITIiH  tiT^pkii,'  ^\\Yi  inNlruclu^n  lii.Lnliiil, 

Aero!ipiii,«  L'iiH»ultlnu 
Rl).  Bai.'t.^i.  BuLtiinuhMm.  Pit.  \m\t 

i:ii^).wi"iK-i 

^>  dill  ttiinih;>-hi*,i  ukturanttf* 


NflH>f>C4t4 


CIRCLE  SS  QH  READEIt  S'ERVfCE  CARP 


HAM  RADIO  TOY  STORE,  Inc. 


UNCLE  ELMER  SAYS:  Come 
in  and  operate  our  demo  station 
featuring  TEN-TEC  radios. 

CALL  for  low  prices. 


TEIM-TEC 


117  WEST  WESLEY  STREET  -  WHEATON,  IL  60187  -  (708)  668-9577 


SHORTY  ALL-BANDER 


THE  PenFECT  MATCH  FOB 

ANTENNA  TUNERS  WITH 

A  aAt*N<:CD  OUTPUT 


OHLT  TO  FOOT 
LDMG  OVERAU. 


-      ^Kf^ 

•  C«riiWlHvMh  iOOlHtOll9wioss«S(>tfirTii3iMno«lltH 

•  Inciuifas  e«fiitt  aiiuDitw  Mhin  ^n  B^  nook  ^  zev^iaf  iMPIXKi 

"   irir.udfrscuiKVTiniot(l«0iit$ati[iori.mai(ie0a<ttfp<&^^ 
!iK]ti  dieteciTiC  iqiiJlhtWB  tad  «KC«{len4  west:h«riet4«ty 

•  CoinplfHB  irv»tiiil«iNin  iiai(Ljcin«ii  rtidufftfd 

«    Hni'idMfl  ?  4i«  PEP  i  I'Uv'ma  IGO  Lh^Dug^  10  mdiff^t 

>   May  b?  irimiriBd  IS  Fii  imaii  e:itv  mcs 

Only  $39.95  ppd 

The  JiLL  IMIDiR  DIPQLf   ->!'  I-Jiid  dDudJBl  Lyp«  arhirin^  i«  lullj^  M/mtnfyV 
ea  averaFI  tor>gtrt  S2Li  rt^ell  Aim  I0l5  ^eer  d'^fl  HMM  fimdHn* 

Only  S29.95  ppo 

G5RV  ANTENNA 


'^  OUrV  HtlLTIBANDEn  vtenri*  s  an  «»$zlMBn|  tfl  tertf  (3  ^» 
UHZ1 1@;  icxi4  d«oi«  0««  1  B  MH7  irvaifdsiwta  mtr  b*  umk)  h  i  Ito 
E31IH  Ij^K  viihnrtA  MW*  vtwi  ^^0v  *  Inner  aid  ■  qooQ  tflftf*  ^t^mttg'  T^ 
piopef  »in&«MHIfi  of  ■  tor  iDOl  Kll-lw  Vid  31  tM4  d  100  04im  K^'. 

<'{]fri  sci  infou^i^  iCi  Tti«ivr«  m^  w^f  one  *nfmni  Tiw*  is  wj  hjii  i!^ 
irjip^  Anal  cn^Ji  tPU  -tmpMtJinc*  fireseni  w  itVF  end  i>i  Ihe  iOO  dhm  KW 
rwtrrt&ad  [r#n|iTiiMfcioi>  liiHf  if  flUWME  &C-&0  Ohm*,  i  good  mJHeh  TO  rtie  70 
ii»ei  (M  A&fl  V  iTiirti  iQtm  i;oA»  tl  ewnf»s  sfrmpl^ielv  dsiitmj^Ml  rsr^Eiv  fm 
in^tallJKrnn  hjincjinii  7.  KW  ^EP  anrtt  mav  tiQ  UMd  m  4  horifDntJil  Df  in 
^.^rr&d    V    ccjMrigL*r*«ioin 

AflODEL  BANDS     LENGTH 

rmacteF  ilju'^ir^tsd} 
GSI^V  BO-TCr  T02 

Q5RV  JR  40  10  SI  S;!  §S  POD 

Hio  ■tnur  Of  aitri«  fwtfi  36  tui   f«e<lhn«]. 

AT  rOUn  QEALER  IF  NOT    01?I>ER  OinCCT 


PRICE 
$49.45  P^a 

S34,iS  PPD 


VGE 


VAN  COflI>EN  EHGlNEf  RING 
■   ■*  fl3QB   S   EUCLS>  OhiO  4^121 

CIRCLE  120  ON  READER  SERVICE  CAR0 


TfsStIt 


CENTRO  OE  VENIUT 
SEHVieiO  iUTQMtZJUlO 

Sales  AutnoriiMl  Cenlfff 


MUNOIAI  EM  nADIOCQMtfflieJlCUli 

HF     TNF     WfT 
WiiatilMRES  AUTORIZAOOS  OE: 

Atfraa   Htoiv  SigMis   Ufsm  Cama^fSmn 


lnTe!>^s 


HmulACturcrS  Warrrantr 

TlillTCmiNICItCIClES 


UeAiBi! ,  Tejru  7E501 


Col,  &jgBrpthka&,  t^iMbta.  Pii«.  Mexico 
Tels'(22)44&l93/4&»1BD    4SB201 
Fa»(i^J44S&91 


J 


CIRCLE  49  ON  f^EADER  SERVICE  CARD 


'tF/iV?  ^  ffte  NO'Tune 


Windom  Antennas 


^ 


TST  ^  X^ljiM  iM  fiOie*,  JGl  3X  i7. 12  &  la  TNT  Z  n  N^Bia*  <*ft 
Ja  20  A  la  W«ilc  Q«k<T  ^uic  w  ow^  IJK  ft  Gu«  im  m  fitt^iKCttc^. 


Ci;D»N^Oftf<f 
56,9?  pp4  USA 

.4  i»/efl  n  asWesi 


\ 


3u«t'?Vi]^  \#  lift  w  aonufi 

%'^'5«>kri  |«H]iiA|»  3000  V 


»1- 


'  600-926-7373 


CIRCLE  13$  ON  AEAOEH  SERVICE  CAftD 


73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990     83 


Number  32  on  your  Feedback  ca  rd 


R,  Number  12  9n  your  Feed! 

ANDOM  OUTPUT 

David  Cassidy  NIGPH 


agic 

My  generaiiorj  (thirtysomethfnig)  is 
ttie  last  generation  itiat  will  be  amazed 
by  radio.  The  fad  ttiat  t  can  sit  in  my 
bedroom  and  talk  to  some  cither  per- 
son sitting  in  their  bedroom  on  the 
other  side  of  the  globe  slill  f  ill^  me  with 
wonder.  Thai,  in  a  nutshell,  is  why  I 
became  a  radio  amateur.  To  this  day,  I 
still  have  a  childlike  feeling  of  awe 
every  time  I  turn  on  a  tmnsceiver.  Oh,  I 
know  why  \he  whole  thing  works  and  I 
even  have  a  pretty  good  grasp  on  how 
the  whole  thing  works.  I  don't  care 
about  Marconi,  the  ARRL  study  guides 
or  the  FCC  exam.  I  know  that  radio  is 
magic! 

Kids  loday  grow  up  with  magic.  It 
has  become  commonplace.  They 
have  dozens  of  channels  of  cable  TV 
piped  r?gh|  info  ttieir  homes  with  no 
intederence  They  learn  at>out  com- 
puters before  they  learn  to  read.  They 
don't  realtze  thai  a  computer  is  magic. 
They  have  never  known  a  time  when 
ordinary  men  and  women  didn't  climb 
to  the  top  of  tall  rockets  and  travel  into 
space.  It  wasn't  so  long  ago  thai  a 
space  launch  was  an  international 
event.  Now,  the  major  networks  don't 
even  provide  live  coverage  for  space 
shuttle  launches,  Space  travel  ts  mag- 
ic, and  they  don 'I  even  know  \l.  And 
what  about  communication  satellites? 
In  a  world  where  1  can  si!  in  my  car  (my 
car^)  and  talk  to  anyone,  anywhere  In 
the  world  on  a  telephone,  what  is  ihe 
big  deal  abo^t  a  bunch  of  old  men  sit- 
ting in  their  ham  shacks?  Radio  is  low 
tech.  Even  packet  is  a  dinosaur  when 
you  compare  H  to  wfiat  your  average 
iwelve-year-old  can  do  with  a  Com- 
modore 64  and  a  modem. 

I  feel  sorry  for  today's  kids  because 
they  don't  have  that  magic.  Even 
though  I  grew  up  in  the  age  of  televi- 
sion, it  is  personal  communications  by 
radio  that  has  always  fascinated  me 
(what  is  television,  after  all.  but  radio 
witf^  pictures?)  1  still  remember  vividly, 
as  Tm  sure  most  of  yoo  do.  the  first  time 
1 9at  aJone  t^&hind  the  key  of  a  code  rig 
and  sent  my  own  callsign,  Somewhere 
in  Texas  another  person  sat  by  his 
code  key  and  returned  my  CO.  There  \l 
wasi  My  own  catlsign.  coming  over  the 
speaker — coming  out  of  thin  air.  Jt  was 
magic, 

I  think  kids  today  have  lost  that 
sense  of  magic  Sure,  they  car)  re- 
create the  experience  that  rrrost  of  us 
had— sitting  behind  a  radio  that  gEows 
in  the  dark,  the  smell  of  warm  dust 
on  the  tubeSt  tistening  for  that  faint 
CO.  They  can  buy  the  old  rigs  and  have 
a  ball  with  them,  but  I  don't  think 
they  have  the  same  sense  of  amaze* 
ment  many  of  us  experienced ,  Modern 
transceivers  are  great.  They  have  all 
kinds  ot  bells  and  whislles  that  we  only 
dreamed  of  len  years  ago  But  still, 
don't  you  sometimes  wish  you  had  a 
radio  the  size  of  a  Volkswagen  sitting 
on  your  desk— all  dials  and  knobs  and 
meters — just  sitting  there,  waiting  for 
you  to  '"Ihrow  the  big  switch"? 

I  kr^ow  1  sound  Jike  an  old-timer 
grumbling  about  the  "good  ol'  days.*' 
but  all  of  this  is  leading  up  to  somrethmg 
I'd  like  you  all  to  consider. 

The  problem  of  getting  young  peopEe 
interested  in  amateur  radio  has  been 


84    73  Amateur  Radio  Today  •  December,  1990 


talked  to  deaih.  The  reasons  why  kids 
never  get  involved  in  this  great  hot»by 
are  numerous  and  have  been  stated 
and  restated  to  the  point  of  redundan- 
cy. To  be  sure,  there  are  a  few  bright 
spots.  People  like  Carole  Perry 
WB2MGP  are  actually  doing  some- 
thing about  it.  (Dd  you  realize  that  she 
teaches  amateur  radio  to  400  students 
every  semester?  Four  hundred^  Not  all 
of  those  kids  get  or  keep  a  license,  but 
can  you  imagine  what  would  happen  if 
only  one  school  in  evsrf  state  could 
follow  her  example?)  The  fact  remains 
thai  unless  we  figure  out  a  way  to  mar- 
ket and  self  amateur  radio  to  kids, 
many  of  us  wilE  live  to  see  the  end  o1  this 
hobby.  Unless  we  have  the  numbers 
that  demand  attention,  and  the  youth- 
ful enthusiasm  to  fight  for  the  dispro- 
portionate amounl  of  spectrum  we  oc- 
cupy, It  won't  be  long  before  amateur 
radio  is  reduced  to  repeater  wars  on  2 
meters  and  two  old  men  calling  CO  OX 
on  20  meters  (both  on  the  same  fre- 
quency, no  doubt). 

It  all  boils  down  to  this:  We  have 
got  to  find  a  way  io  put  the  magic 
back  into  amateur  radio.  We  have  got 
to  figure  out  a  way  to  show  yoyng 
people  that  they  can  have  a  blast 
with  this  hobby.  Do  you  think  your  aver- 
age tweive-year^id  wants  to  spend  his 
Saturday  afternoons  sitting  behind  a 
desk  saying,  '^You^e  5-9.  I'll  QSL 
through  the  bureau/'  or  "You're  num- 
ber ISS'—good  luck  In  the  contest,"  or 
"Rig  is  . .  antenna  is  ,  QTH  is . ,  73 
and  CUL**  That*s  not  m^cl  Thafs 
boringi 

There  are  so  many  things  about 
amateur  radio  that  would  fascinate  a 
kid.  Carole  Perry  has  dozens  of  kids 
running  around  the  hatis  of  her  school 
with  little  code  practice  osciilators  that 
look  like  Star  Trek  communicators. 
These  kids  know  a  secret  language— 
l^orse  code— and  they  think  it's  great. 
Tbey  know  that  radio  is  magic  be- 
cause they  can  rroid  the  magic  m  their 
hands. 

We  published  a  letter  a  few  months 
ago  from  a  gentleman  who  was  help* 
ing  his  grandchildren  put  together 
crystal  radio  sets.  You  give  an  eight- 
year-old  a  pile  of  parts,  show  her  what 
to  do,  then  watch  her  face  as  voices 
start  coming  out  of  something  she  has 
tHJiH  tierself .  You  won't  have  to  expiair* 
to  that  eight-year-old  about  the  magic 
of  ham  radio.  She'll  know  it's  magic. 
It's  right  there  in  front  of  her,  and  she 
did  it  herself. 

Joe  Fairdough  WB2JKJ  is  the  driv- 
ing force  behind  the  Junior  High 
School  22  radio  Club  in  New  York,  He 
has  taken  a  bunch  of  street  kids  from 
tfve  toughest  pan  of  a  very  lough  city 
and  changed  their  Irves,  He  is  literally 
changing  lives  with  nothing  but  ama- 
teur radio.  You  don't  have  to  explarn  to 
his  kids  that  radio  is  magic.  They  are 
living  proofl 

Do  you  remember  what  it  was  like, 
the  first  time  you  heard  your  very  own 
caJIsign  coming  through  the  speaker? 
Dkj  any  of  you  feel  you  had  the  power 
of  the  universe  right  there  at  yoar  fin- 
gers? Do  you,  oh  patient  reader,  re- 
member the  magic? 

Can  we  get  the  magic  back... 
please? 


Numtwr  S3  on  your  Feedback  c«rd 


M^^  Numcwr  33  on  you 

Fropagation 


Jim  Gtby  WiXU 

2 we:  Chateau CIrcte 

PaysonAZB5541 

A  Few  Good  Days 

Unfortiinately,  December  is  MOT 
predicted  to  be  a  particularly  good 
month  for  DX  on  the  high  frequency 
bands.  The  "Good"  days,  indicated 
by  '^G"  on  the  calendar,  are  expect* 
ed  to  center  around  the  6th  and  the 
leth:  the  "Poor"  days.  "P"  on  the 
catendar,  center  around  the 
10th  and  the  25th.  All  the  oth- 
er days  of  December  trend 
from  "Fair"  (F)  to  "Poor^^P) 
orfronr>"Poor"to'Talf;* 

Coupled  with  an  unsettled- 
to-active  nriagntettc  field  on 
the  ■ '  Poor" '  days .  you  can  ex-  |-^^ 
pect  earty  darkness  in  the 
Northern  Hemisphere,  with 
bands  above  20  meters  clos- 
mg  shortly  before  or  after 
dark.  The  bands  beiaw  20 
meters  will  Itkety  be  quite  us- 
able, even  on  the  "Poor" 
days.  You  can  expect  DX 
across  the  equator,  especial- 
ly across  the  north  pole  Into 
the  USSRp  during  evening 
hours  local  time. 

Winter  solstice  propaga^ 
tion  on  the  higher  HP  bands 
of  20-1 0  meters  is  likely  to  be 
daytime  only,  with  some 
short  skip  possibilities  occur'- 
ring  on  many  days.  .  but 
don't  expect  too  much  for  10 
and  12  meters.  Any  DX  you   ,c*iwLa5NE     \m 


Jim  Gray  WIXU 

half.  Listen  just  before  and  after 
dark,  and  just  before  and  after  dawn . 
I  hope  my  gloomy  forecast  is 
wrong,  and  Tm  looking  forward  to 
giving  yoy  a  better  one  nead  month. 
Remember  to  monitor  WWV  at  18 
minutes  after  any  hour  and  look  for 
LOW  "A"  index  and  HIGH  solar  flux 
reports  for  your  best  conditions* 
Trends  are  always  helpful  if  you 
keep  a  I09  every  day.  The  best  of 
Season's  Greetings  to  a*i  of  you 


EASTERN  UINITED  5TATES  TO: 

GMT              00  02    04   [%  Og    to    1?    14    1fi    tB  ;!0  g^ 

ALASt^A 

n 

ffl 

-^ 

tf" 

iff' 

*^ 

^■" 

P" 

■~ 

ir 

- 

1* 

ARGENT^MA 

■'r. 

',.■ 

"t" 

V 

— 

- 

1* 

Q 

w 

1£ 

AUSTRALIA 

L. 

- 

a", 

m^ 

f 

'i-r 

c 

^.• 

CANAL  JEEwe 

t^  a 

9 

m 

- 

4 

- 

II 

1 

« 

a 

*l 

ENGUHD 

*  % 

> 

% 

« 

— 

^ 

% 

V 

« 

!> 

i 

HAMAn 

V  a 

a 

1 1 

■♦ 

'•1 

— 

V* 

j  IMDIA 

'^ 

T- 

- 

a 

^ 

* 

. 

'  jfj>tm 

[3^ 

.1 

— 

r 

m- 

^ 

r 

ML 

*" 

- 

ii*. 

MEXICO 

n 

a 

ff 

m 

— 

« 

■fPi 

n 

« 

w 

It 

^, 

PHILIPRNES 

tS'" 

— 

- 

- 

- 

IT' 

r 

V" 

PUERTO mco 

IS 

io 

^ 

to 

- 

4J1 

- 

ID 

If 

IG 

9D 

ia 

SOUTH  AFRICA  ^ 

^ 

vr- 

~ 

— 

— 

- 

— 

— 

1C 

1^ 

J" 

JL 

u.s^n. 

- 

- 

- 

- 

- 

W'" 

% 

\ 

-* 

W££T  COAST 

%. 

V 

^ 

JL 

« 

K 

- 

\ 

1 

J. 

« 

CENTRAL  UNITED  STATES  TO: 


AL*SltA 


Vf^l- 


AAS£HT1NA 


AUSIRALiA 


CANAL  2GWa 


ENSLAMO 


HAWAlt 


_INDIA  ^ 
JAPAN 


i^lUPPW^S 


Rgnpaoo      aia 


sotmfj>rac* 


U£S» 


18 


« 


r' 


a 


% 


3i 


IT 


%'^ 


a 


R.M 


C 


a  ht 


a. 


% 


■j. 


18 


2r 


« 


A 


v' 


— 


1.V 


*!* 


'I.. 


m 


aff" 


w 


%• 


-a"- 


'V.I 


«     !     tt. 


'J* 


15 


r  3  — 


1! 


K} 


'% 


r 


WESTERN  UNITED  STATES  TO: 


ALASKA 


AftGrENTtNA 


AUSTRALIA 


;  EWGLAHB 


HAWAa 


MEXtCO 


PHlUPfHNES 


find  will  be  a  bonus.  Some  of 
the  best  DX  opport unities  iagiA 
may  happen  along  the  line  of  '**™^ 
the  terminator.  The  termina- 
tor is  the  path  of  advancing 
darkness  tn  one  half  of  the 
earth  whjch  corresponds  to 
advancing  dawn  on  the  other 


PUERTO  RJQO 


SOUTH  AFRICA 


USSH 


^STCOA^ 


IP 


tS 


V 


18 


£ 


39 


3J 


u 


\ 


21 


^h 


r 


15 


c: 


R 


> 


«■ 


■j> 


n' 


40 


W" 


41^ 


J. 


V%ra 


I— z=^ 


^.1 


a 


■l, 


ir" 


\ 


IS 


i 


M 


IQ 


Itf" 


'j« 


^    *h 


te 


JL 


a 


19 


Ml 


M 


SJ 


M. 


n 


IS 


A 


■t^iffBlC  "ka 


,_.j  1 


DECEMBER  1990 

SUN                MON                 TUE                 WED                 IHU                  FFI                  SAT 

1 

P 

2 

P-F 

3 

F 

4 

F! 

5 

F-G 

6 

G 

7 

G 

8 

G-F 

9 

F-P 

10 

P 

11 

P-F 

12 

F 

13 

F 

14 

F 

15 

F-G 

16 

G 

17 

G 

18 

G-F 

19 

F-P 

20 

p 

21 

p 

22 

P-F 

23 

F-P 

24 

p 

25 

p 

26 

p 

27 

P-F 

28 

F 

29 

F 

30 

F-P 

31 

p 

Hie  Best  Value 


PACKET  RADIO  *  RePBAJERS  •  PORTABII 

READV-TO-GO-Pre-assembted  & 
pre-tunecJ  •  RUGGED  •Stainless  slael 
&  Bghtwl-  DEPENDABLE  -Water  4 
oofro&ion-prool  ■  PROVEN  DESJGN- 

From  ARRL  HandbooK  highest  qlty. 
materials  and  workmanship. 

only  $29.95  r<^*!^'^ 

Money  back  guaranlee. 
Specify  MAX  146, 
MAX220.  Of  MAX440 

bS/IAJk  System^^ 

GROUND  PtANE  ANTENNAS 
CX-MOMOVtSA  Aco&pisd  (  MA  add  5%  sate  &x) 


Send  payiTKKit  lo  Celluiar  Security  GfOOp. 
4  Gerrmg  Rd  .  Gloucestef,  MA  01930 
Or  charge  by  phone  (508)  281  8092 


CJUCU  BO  ON  READEfl  SERVICE  CARD 


THE  SUN  IS  STILL  SHINING  ON  TEN! 

00  DX  ON  10  WITH  THEflCI-2950FROMAJ(M  INC. 
The  RCI-295CI  is  a^  you  d  expect  in  a  tc^MJf-the^ijne  ama- 


leuT  radio  transc^rver  and  more^f 


MSR  Price  $449  00 

AXMlntroduciory 

Price  $259.95  plus  ^h 

CasnorCOD 


•Fiul  Bsnd  Cm«fa$e 
'AH  ModtOperatiofH- 
indutfinsFM 
•BuiNjnDUALVFO 

CAP/MARS  capable 
BngN,  twldreadoui— 
and  much,  mucJi  more 


--.-*-> 


fflfFeMTfi^iT; 


THE  K1F0  12  ELEMENT 
144  MHz  YAGI 


Sl36.i35 


^«4«itt 


*  lltl 


f  iFmen^g  1 14     htlhliriuXI 'Bit 

filrnvnl    IrujMHifH    Blil^    MlMri 
Ctl«>  CCHOnK  Id'  H  I^PP 


ALSO  AVAILABLE 

FO-16-S20,  FaZ3-432   Fa25-432,  Fa33^33  FO-tt^*40 
POWER  OIVIDEH&  STACKING  FRAMES 


**so 


RUTLAND  ARRAYS 

T70S  Warren  Street  *  Ne«r  C4imb«f1and,  PA    17070 
(?17)  774-5299         7-10  P-M.  EST 


AXM    Incorporated 

Senputg  the  mdm  amaitur  who  aetds  more 
than  on  wnafeur  radio. 

1JT9I  J.a4ir«Slnct,SaitFB 
Gftni«]GrDvr,Caifortiu92M(l    " 
Tdt  r714i  &3«^880t  FAX:  (714)  6J»-95S6 


CIRCLE  243  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


SPECIALISTS 

IN  FAST  TURN 

PC.  BOARDS 


PROTO  TYPE  P.C.  BOARDS 

AS  LOW  AS  $25.00 

•  SINGLE  &  DOUBLE  SIDED 

•  PLATE  THROUGH  HOLES 

•  TEFLON  AVAILABLE 

•  P.C-  DESIGN  SERVICES 

FOU  MORE  IXroHXtA  TU)  \ 


/T 


Alidland 
lechnologies 


34374  EAST  FRONTAGE  ROAD 
BQZEMAN,  MT  597 1 5  (406)  586*1 1 90 


CIRCLE  71  ON  READER  SERVICE  CARD 


CIRCiE  2S2  ON  READER  SERVrCE  CARD 


NEMAL  ELECTRONICS 


*Compkt€  Cable  Ass€iidl^  facilities  MIL-STIM520S 

*CciEiii]ieTitia]  Aecoonti;  welcome-  Quantity  prirlng  •  Sam«  day  shipping  most  onlers 

*Faffory  authomed  di-stribulor  for  Alpha,  Amphenol^  Belderu  Rings,  Times  Fil^r 


Call  NEMAL  for  computer  cabte^  CAIV  cable,  Rat  cable,  semi-rigid  cablet  telephone  cabte, 
crimping  tools,  D-^ub  camiectorst  beat  shrink  cable  ti«s,  high  voltage  connectors. 


HARDLINE  50  OHM 

FXA12   I/ST  Aiumimjm  Bfmok  J»ck0t...... .«..>>«».„. e^ft 

FLC T S  1/2  Cabte wa ve  corr.  copper  bfk  jkt ikt  „„...  f. 69/ft 

FLC78  7/8"  CAbtewave  cotr.  copper  bfkjkttt  4.25/fi 

NMt2C€  N  conn   1/T  corr  copper  m/f ...25.00 

NM7&CC  N  cortn  7/ff"  c^ft  copp9f  m/f ...54,00 


^■.■■■■f^iiii,<^Tiiipj^fi^i 


t^w^ ■ ammmwr 


COAXiAL  CABLES  {p*r  tfj 

I  fW  86106 fiJ  99 13  very  tow  tcss 
tits  ROfi/tr  d5%  sMa^  k^  kas  hmi  tig: 

II  fO  BOmC  9ff)^  $ht«m  (fTJini  19  . 

f  130  RGS13/U  95%  s/lnM  irvT  tpec  NCV  fkt 

Tf40  RG214/tJ  dew  sJAi«f  tNd  mil  ^wc....»«.». 1-S5 

UOS  f^r42BjV  dbt  «^Mw  MNd,  tfiikin  irm  ..„ 150 

13W  RG2i7Af  50  ohm  BOOO  w^  dbl  lAW  ., 9B 

145&  RG174/U  50  ohm  JO(f  od  mti  spsc   ,,.«*„ — ,,/4 


■  '"i^%  ■  HWlht-HIIP^P*"' 


--55 
.36 
.17 
.39 


ROTOR  CA8LE-8  CONDUCTOR 

GC^822  2'1dga  and  &22ga 
SC1S20  2'76ga  and  &-20ga 


■  ,«^H.B  WM  n^m 


■  ■bWI-l-l-l  ■■■■-■  ■■■ 


.27/ft 
.39/fi 


CONNECTORS-MADE  IN  USA 

MB720  Type  N  piug  hf  Beld^n  9913 
NE723  Type  N  jack  fof  Balden  9913 
UGC2  73  BNC-PL259  A  dapter-A  mphenot  „„. .  .„, . .  .„, . , 

RL?5aAM  Amph0noi  PL259  

PUi^rs  Pass  te/ion  Ir^/Aifvar  ptat^,... 
PL2S8AM  Amphenoi  femsie-temste  (barrsi) 

iX^l75/VGl7€  feducm^  fo4  RQ5e/59  {^pecif^ 

UG21DS  N  ptijg  hf  RG€^213,214  S*w«__.^ 

UGe3B  H  lack  to  Pt259  adapter,  teflon  „.,«,.^ 

i/G146A  S0239  to  N  pfeff  •dapi^r,   ftflqn ^«_ 

UCi255  $0239  to  BNC  pkjg  adapter,  An^^hmwi.^ 
S023a4M  LHF  cfaisis  rt^  f^Ctpt^cieAmpher^.,^ 
UQ&3C  BNC  Ptug  AG  SB,  T42 

GROUND  STRAP-GROUND  WIRE 

G^3d  3/sr  tinned  coppef  braid    ... 
GST?  1/^  tinned  copper  brwd  ... 

HWQ6  6g*  Insuf&ted  strafKted  win 

AW14   t4ga  stranded  Antenna  wire  CCS 


„$3.95 
4  95 

3.00 

.89 
t.S9 

Ids 

,.,,  .22 

„.  6.50 
,^  6.50 
^3.^*9 

1  45 


*  *  ■- iHI -ft  «  d- *4-«-l  ■■  V 


■hri-ri-*'i  ■-i+*l-l     -iBI-l  I  I^WP 


hfen*il4**ili!ll4**ftl>t 


■■  +  ■  I  l-ii  II  I  I  F-f  q  mi  P     *■ 


39/^ 

50/ff 
35/ft 


All  prices  plus  shipping,  S3. 00  min,  VisayM«stercard  S30  mln,  COD  add  S3.{)0 

Caii  Of  mHm  ftw  pampieto  pries  hsi  iceman  n#w  40  pa^  CABLE  AND  COfiiNECTOH  SELECTtOfiGUfDFci  AvmflatM 
a*  j|*a  inmga  mtti  ^tOtf^^  ^f  S50  C^  m^ne  jy^fM  cost  of  $4  wrm  pned'  r  aQ4<n$4  ftext  Qifuhfying  0dTj^f 

NEMAL  ELECTROMCS,  INC,  13240  NE  14th  Ave.  N,  Miami,  FL  33161 
(>05)  893-3924  Telex  ^975377  24hr  FAX  (305)S95^17fi 


REMEMBER.   A  LOW  COST  POWER  PACK 
WtTHQUT  PEBIPHEX'S  QUAUTV  IS  KG  BARGAIN 


PE 


B,PHEX  POWER  PACK^OR 


^\SUPER  PACKS  FOR 
'^     IC0M2/4SAT&24AT 

BP^83  7.2V  GOOmah 

S33.50 
BP-83S  7.2V  ?50mah 

S43.50 
BP  84  7.2V  lOOOmah 

S57.W 
BP  84S  7.2V  14Mmah 

$63.00 
BP-85S12VBO0mah 

$76.00 


SAVE  ON  THESE  POPULAR 

PERIPHEX  POWER  PACKS 

BP-7S  13.2V  1200mah  .,.  $65.00 

BP-8S  9.6V  1 2D0mah  . . .    S6S.(M 


SAVE  WITH  THESE 
YAESU  VALUES 


FNB^SK  17V  lOOOmah 

$71.00 

FNB'14S7ZV1400mah 

$59.75 

FNB-17  7.ZV600mah 

$35.00 
FNB-12 12V  500fnah 
S4595 
"SEND  FOR  FREE    FNB-210  8VSQ0mah 

CATALOG"  ^^ 


BIG  SAVINGS! 


PB-25/26$  B.4V  SOOmah 

$65.00 
PB  llZVtZOOmah 

$67.00 
PB-dS  12V  SOOmah 

559.00 


Manirfacrureii  m  ths  USA  with  Fn^tched  ce\K  Die&e 

Sniper  Factcs  fedtitne  short  tiitmt  {irotectio^i  ind 

qvercliarge  proiection,  ant^  b12  month  wamnty 

AO  inserts  ir  sfQc1(  or  available  from  aultionrGd  dealers 

CAU  US  TO  OlSCUSS  YOUR  BATTEftV  REQUlREMEf^^TS. 


^ 


Add  U  OQ  Shipping  &  Handling. 
Conner  li  cut  ra si  dents  add  B%  isx. 

iiUPCHUPIKX  inc. 

800»634»8132 

In  Connecticui  203»264*3985  -  FAX  2(B-26M943 


CHICLE  68  ON  RE:ADER  SERVICE  CARD 

73  Amateur  Radio  Today  *  December,  1990     85 


Uncle  M^ayne's  Bookshelf 


I 


m&5i  *  199t  Pnssportlo 
World  Band  Radb 
ify  inttmmotitfi  HnHidcaHing 

You  can  have  the  wortd  it  yom 
iui^atipfi.  You'dl  ^  the  bda(  Hi- 
tion  luid  linw;  grid*,  ihe  1991 
Buypr'!!  Guide  and  mott    384 


Al^.^l^M  •  W«attier  Sateirite 
Harrdbook  t4th  Ed.) 

KcM  oH  the  i*n:^&t  Ekpandcd  ^nd 
revised  to  reflect  lodiy'i  vi^eatlvr- 
bH  Htdl  1^  techttkOk^ .       120.  CM 

Aftl-W  ♦  CDinpinion  S<jtt- 
wan  for  W«itHer  S  si«I^Ke 
Kindboofc 

5  S4  -  h4S-  DOS  noppy  S  lO.M 


VIS  Study  C«rtl« 

Advance  the  c<b>  vtv^  wiih  VIS  Study  Onh.  CoaipKt.  Up-tt^-ilite  Raih 
Cuds  wiih  Key-wortii,  UiviefitaKl,  Ou«  on  bvck,  fmnrnh^  wTortcd 
Dtu.  SclktHHlici  fli  your  fiaiertips.  Uicd  SLCCESSFirLLY  by  ^ges  6 

NOVICE  visai  $11. fS 

TECW  VlSOa  10.95 

GENKJIAL  VIS  03  9M 

ADVANCED  VfSW  «.« 

EXTRA  VtSOS  14,45 


Lam*  Coda  Pragrams — (Availaijla  on  5%  *  cllak,^ 

Incj^mHjvc  conplcte  ^umJ)  gv  '  ^ '-  "iiifiaui  for  bulli  the  €61^128 
Cuffmnoduret  and  the  JBI^l  i^utuf — .  -,  i^rafrmfm  iidiKie  ufdaljed  FCC 
imiltifrie  cfadke  ara^vn^  fiTtmuiaji.  whemiik  iymboU.  dia- 
and  unwLBJsd  |  VE)  upnfHc  tf  ^t 

[DMF^fftf       Cmimoflor^  ^an  # 


Movke  mi40L 

Tecfi  ie«4(l2 

Gesentl  WM03 

Advsfioe  tEMCM 

€xin(NcwPkK4)  IBM05 


COMOI 

COW02 
COM03 
COMIM 

CO%f05 


Prka: 

$14.^ 
SIC95 
$14.95 
flf.95 


IBM97  •  Amateur  Rad^o  Pact  97  Ftuiaa    ( includes  updated,  revi^ied 
Comiiu!bs,icin  $  Rules.  Vf<L-«nhiCf  JU*  t9S9J  5 "A*  4isis  IBM  compaiible 


IQMO 1 2  •  Map  Library  fry  Xt^i&  AmaJttir  Callho&k  Inc. 

EiKltMks:  I  Prefix  M^jpufihc  World  4  colwf  W  4  2»' 

I  Map  p-f  Ntmh  America  4'Cic*(of  30"  x  15" 
I  GfcMt  Clrtk  CK»rl  iilthc  World  4-color  JO*  x  35* 
I  Wurld  Atkfr  4-i;ciliv  2fl  pfi.|;t.-s  $ ]  2  »00 


ARRL  BOOKS 


AR22UU  -  Ant«nn« 

Imp&tfance  Matching 

irv  Wiifred  N,  Ctttyftt 
Advanced  amncL^urs,  unienrj  dcM^ai 
finginccrs,  (4;cliriJi:iaiih.  Mdsl  cfifn^ 
prchc.'inijivL*  buijk.  WriLlL'n  isii  usin^ 
Smtlh  Charts  in  Nolvinj;!  iiTipcdunce 
niaichmgprcihlems-  $I5.1KJ 

AR2472  •  Tune  In  Ihe  ^oiid 

with  Ham  Radio  Kit  (Bth  ed) 
BrpUJid  New  Edition.  Haitier  td rcAd, 
rcvlMrd  lex  I  tovcrii  ihc  cjitettiian 
pool  Si  on  IVovJE^e  euni:^  |iv<Mi  on 
November  I ,  I ?*89 u^d Inter.  Ctjdc- 
it^achinf  and  ciidc-priciicc  cii&- 
M;[itbii  included  m  ij'ie  kit      $1  ^i^oo 

AIU46«  •  Tun«  In  the  World 
Booli  only %HM 

At%21«^7  »  Dalaaook 
VBUiAblc  aid  in  the  R  P  dca  p  n  c  ng:i  ■ 
nctr,.  techhician,  mdm  anauiilcur. 
antttfupeririifntcr,  CornnKinly  uccd 
tables,  irhirui.  and  tboK  Imrd-tf)- 
reitimibcr  fomiulas .  $11.00 

ARAS4I  *  Interfereno* 

Handbooll 
Wntlen  from  an  RFJ  »lci]ili%  per- 
jpCiCliwe.  His  expcn^u:^  m  iol*'ifi| 
\mc  rf ctr  nee  prabknu.         1 1  l.M 

ARilPl  »  WlFB'aH«lflfC»r 

HawKamt 

Guides  liie  nev^ciMnirner  ihroui^h 
ihc  male  oC  nciii'  opcr^tmp  ind 
leciuuc*!  pnjcffikrci  Pyi  k^gelht' 
s  sttfkm  jnd  f0  an  the  AIT    Ili.lO 

AM4L4]  «  WlFB'sDea^ 


07D9I  *  oxer's  Directory, 
1d90-§1  Ednion 

ComjKted  hf  Frt4  Oiirrrri&n 
Miv^i  complete  list  oi  radio  listen^ 
crs  ever!  Feanires  over  IIWO  li>.lcji- 
eR  from  ovei  7^5  caumries  Alio 
included  is  full  iufcmiuiikm  ofi  over 
100  mdb  clubb  woridwkle    f4.95 

aiF04-t  *  44  Pow^rSuppliei 

for  Your  Electronic  Proved 

b\  Robert  J.  Tnu3ittr  amd 

Jammkam  L.  M^o 

Writtef)  at  the  ba^ic  levd,  perfect 

fw  iim  begizmcr.   Tbc  rcad^  is 

given  caaa^  ckOftNiw  theory  to 

ufldcntBiid  the  cooceptt  expkined 

dtrooElKM  the  ^wk  $15.9$ 

10W020  •  HSRJ  Origlnat  2nd 

Op  ^1 7iJii  RMffffrty  SiMJ 

A  iie«  editifon  in  m  eafy-to-vsc 
^^^vhed"  lornui.  Sioifi^  tihd  ihc 
pic&c  md  ifisaacly  ^ve  avadibk 
B^xni  bcadn:^,  Cdotioesi  ideaifi- 
C)iaicn$,  Znor  ideiiiicaniDii,  I^Mat 

Iff- 15 


t6PB6*  Packet  User's 
Notebook 

If^  SBf*  Abfrn  K4ABT 
Qv^r  ^  diagr^irtk  ihuw  Uicd  aiid 
true  CQitnectioni  for  popular 
T^Ca,  im^ri^ver^^  and  c«npyt- 
er^,  A  gemiine  nuts^-^od  belts  bow- 
tixln  mamial   Brand  new!      $9.95 

09D22  •  The  WofW  Him  Hel 

Directory  A^  tftir  WitA^wtii' 
New— liecood  editifln  now  o^cr 
60O  net  [isitings.  Thit  hook  intro- 
duces the  spcemJ  mtcixst  ham  nuJtu 
networks  3TK}  show*;  ycm  wlun  4inii 
where  vcRi  can  tL re  them  in    S9.>0 


15*002  •  Scanner  and 
Shortwaire  Anawer  Book 

hy  Bifh  Grvrr 
Wheth&r  ytHi  have  difTiculi)'  cal/x- 
laung  world  time  Eonet  «f  ire  ay- 
tng  to  figure  oui  ktloheru,  mcfa- 
lieruL,  and  meicr  band,  this  book 
>"  1 1  ^  prriivtcfc  The  a  nis  wcrs       1 1  J.lAS 

lOFOTI  •  1991  tnterrulional 

Caltbook 
The  new  1991  Inteniatkiiiil  CkU- 
bcHjk  Hm  500,000  littiiaed  tvdin 
amiiatrs  ifi  ifie  contatm  omside 
^kifili  AnKTka  h  £«^en  South 
Anwfka^  Europe.  Ainca,  Aita. 
tntJ  thr  ^dlk  ««■  (cxdnsive  gC 
Hawaii  AAd  dK  U.S.  rmriyrnai? 

M9.95 

1QD091  •  1991  North 
Anwrtcan  CaJltwolt 
Tfcc  1991  N<mb  Ameocon  Call 
boo^  \^»  At  calUi.  names,  and  kI- 
drew  infommkHi  foro*ef  500.000 
liccraed  rodau  anuteunh  in  all  t,-iitin- 
tnesdl'NqrUi  America,  from  Pana- 
iBaipCaiBda  rnfctudingGnealaDd, 
Bemttnli.  and  ihe  Cafthl)£3fl  tt- 
landik  pluv  Hawaji  and  ihe   US. 
puMc^iHtim.  S29,95 

05A4!i  •  Eaay-up  Arrlennaa 
for  Radio  LJateners  and 
HmmM         hfBtnmfdM.Soti 

Ltltc  t«  (cam  hu»  mcmunriKt  !"«f  - 
ci)sl  ^  easy  -  ioerect  intennax  ^  tin  \ 
up  Antemut  will  heip  ytm    1 1 6 ,50 

i)tD40«  DXPowar 

iftectlve  Techn^rque*  for 

Radio  Arrrflteura 

by  Eugttte  H.  Tiitaa  k^KSCw 
2  5(5  page  I* ,  1 0  1 1 1  LiNtraiiurki. .    S9 .  50 


Here's  jmc  the  hut4  fur  the  a^id 
builder  c^  AmlRff  Railki  equip- 
mem*  This  ploid-Lugu^  bcxii  ts 
filled  widt  lanplc  proLUcai  pm^octi 
thai  am  he  Niili  yvtng  reodiK 
availoMe  cumipuiicfas  and  amnxvi 
hand  ontf  t94  i^agei.        fti^M 


ARIWl  •  ARRL  1991 
Handbook  (6Sth  ed\) 

W  L-hiifcpicrs,  ttaiuring  2.100  !ii- 
hlL's,  fj^Urcx  und  churls.  The  mnst 
ciimprcficnsive,  well  urbanized 
uiul  ijlT(iriJuh]i?  i^Lmrct;  nf  Amateur 
RadiEi  rcfertncc  miiicriiil.  1232 
pugCH.  $25.00 

AH04U2  *  Solid  State  Design 
Chick  full  of  gtxxl,  bftsjc  inlorma^ 
iH'ii — iafiTUil  dc!ti^nR  and  applica- 
Tions;  descriplitmN  of  recti veri, 
TratiKmitfcrs.  power  supplies,  and 
tciit  equipnicnt  St 2,00 

Af^i^O^S  •  ARAL  Antenna  Book 
RcptcvcnLs  tiK  Ih!s1  ami  mti^t  high- 
ly re^Mr'd>i^iJ  infonriBtinn  on  anicmia 
fLndflnKnLiiLs.  tran^mtssipn  lintv 
dc^^igh,  and  von&trijctiun  of  wire 
antennia.  SIH.DO 

ARiaH6  «  ARRL  Operating 

Maniial 
Pacri^  With  infcHmaikHi  on  how  io 
make  ihc  bcsi  lue  of  your  stabon. 
including:  uMeriKing  home  comi- 

icurn^  ttS.M 

AJIOJ56  -  Iforse  C«ide: 

The  Essential  Language 
bv  i..  iVtcr  CwTOB  Jr.  W30KV 
Tc  I  E%  tif  cvohuiaa  fhui  strai|bt  ke^' 
tu  t/omfui^i.  Gi^es  ptoctkaJ  ad- 
vicr  oti  Irommg  the  code  imd  its 
modnti'day  ieks.  S5.il 


J^RH»;^  •  TheDXCC 
Compoiikm 

bf  Jim  Kimrmm  KRIS 
The  DXCC  Compamon  qDdb  aid 
to  umpk.  itniftaforuani  leniB^ 
what  yau  need  lo  be  a  siiaaeafal 
DXef  Tlte  rcwicT  wdU  Ic^a  atam 
equipment  Matriintt  proptfjaksn 
and  ptirupfi.  Ti'&all  hne  and  ci'iv  to 
undermoind.  J28|;Ages.  S6.a0 


AR22Sb«  First  Steps  In 

Radio  by  Doug  DeMitii  WIFE 
Series  of  QSTiirtide*.  See  camptv 
nent,s  tLs.^mbled  Into  pniciical  cir- 
CLjils  and  huw  the  cirtiuil^  rniike  up 
your  radio  gear  %5A)iO 


AR2%0  •  Transmission 
Line  Transformers  (2nd  Ed) 
by  Dr.  Jtrry  Sevick  WlFMi 
PraciicaJ  de-signs,  speciHc  infor- 
rnatian  on  consiruction  techniques 
and  sources  of  male  rial,  More  de- 
signs for  antenna  tuners,  hybrids, 
and  for  ibe  VHP  jind  LIHF  handM 
272  pp,  iZ(i,m 


AR0194  •  Antenna 

Compendium  Vol.  1 
M.^[c rials  on  vcrtiiruU,  qiiAdb, 
Joopi^  Yagji*  nc4uced  uic  anten- 
nas, bafuos,  Smi:ih  Cham.  Amen- 
na  palarizolkm,  and  other  inlerei^t- 
iag  subjects ,  S 1 0<00 


AR2545  •  Antenna 

Ccunperutium     VoL  2 
41  papers  cove  rift  g  venicals^ 
yj^t&,  quods.  muhrbatKf  and  brcmd- 
band  iivsieins,  anternu  sctcctitm^ 
and  QKicbmiOfc.  $12.00 

AR2636  •  Companion  Soft- 
ware for  Antenna 
ComperKiiurti  Vol.  2 

5^*  MS-DOS  ]liipp>  tlO.iO 

AR£M«&  •  WIFE'S  Antenna 
Notebook 

{rjDotigDeM9»WJFB 

Gel  the  best  pcirformalKC  nut  of 

iinpbmisve  *irc  mtennis  and  ^er- 

;  ticals.   Build  tuner  and   SWR 

bnd^Es  SS.OI 

AAO^S  *  QBP  Noiebook 

bytkmgDeMawWtrB 

Presents  caeitnictkM  projiects  foe 
the  QRP  opefouir.  tmm  a  simple  1 
watt  cr>^sSal-i::ofKfi)nfid  trsttuniner 
lo  moK  eomplei  tiaasoeiver  de- 

HgB. 14.01 

AR 1 250  •  tog  Bo<i4(— 


ARfIL  License  Manuat 
BeiEinnmg  wdh  Vunt  m  the  WtwM 
With  Hum  Mutlm  l-uf  ihc  Novice  and 
pfoj^rcs^mi?;  [hroti^h  the  crhlically 
avi;  la  Lined  AKKL  tjr^me  Mtitiutit 
wrie?.  for  tjijc  Tec  time  Ian  throuijti 
EjilruCldHit;  occur  Qie  te\lexplinu- 
Liom  of  [lie  mBterinl  covered  along 
iiVith  FCC  question  ptwb  and  «n- 
(twcr  ktsys, 

AR2375  *  Technician  Cl«ft« 
AR2^3i:}  •  General  Class 
AR0L66  •  Advanced  Class 

KucU$4i.OO 
AR239i  *  Extra  Claas        UM 

AROJIO*  Yagl  Antenna 
Deiign 

Hum  ktMittf  publi!«he!d  a  ieri$t  of 
aniclcs  on  Vagii^^  T^c  mftienai 
friHn  thc^  articles  thit  in  pre»nUsd 
hcfc  wa%  polisihcd  itnd  eiipaniifed  by 
Dr.  UifrAon. SlS.OO 

AR2tn,i  •  Hovlce  Antenna 
Notebook 

No^icei.  ^\\\  learn,  ajnong  a^m 
diinf  &,  hew  nmennu  openue,  and 
wh4t  £ovenu  their  efleeljvene?i« 
for  ihort^  and  lai^^iitanx  com 
municatioa. iW.OO 

AR0437*  AHRLn*pealer 

Directory  1990-1991 
AJmou  Ifli.iiOU  liuufi  tiBcla^Df 
updated  Iturnft  fiw  MS.  GA,  ST. 
NC.  TN.  KY,  WV^ittJ  VAl  with 
over  220D  dijt.ipeaiBn,  Band  ploib. 
cress  (PL^  Tone  Chart,  oompl- 
tAkn  of  frequeiKY  ccmdlnildri, 
ARRL  Specui  Service  Clubs,  ad 
beacon  lutioffH  frcm  MM  Hz  lo 

24catg um 

AR20«3  •  Complete  OX 'er 
2nd  Ed.     by  Boh  ijH-krr  W9KM 
hcAtti  h0w  iQi  latot  OX  Mttd  dbaatt 
hard  HQ^icf  OSL  CWfe.        MM 

AR5tbQ  •  ORP  Classks 
CoUeeoM  4tf  tntsk*  from  Uy  15 
yn  of  ARRL  fnMicitiom  ixt  bitild- 
lE^  Tccenvent,  namminen.  tnn-^ 
sonv^,  aEismriei.  2SK  pp^  %%1M 


QIC  Ml  •  The  Commodore 
Ham^B  Companion 

hy  Jim  Gmltbs  K9EJ 
160  pafes  of  uicbil  inft^mMioit  on 
wlccling  a  Commodore  ctnnputcr 
ff»r  The  ham  shock,  where  Vi  Tind 
special  iied  i^tiigiiims.  ftie  Com- 
modorc-pac-kel  coan^rtiaai.  and 
mofc!  S?JO 

03S 1 1  '  Shortwave  Receivers 
Pnt  and  Preaent 

Caaaii£  guide  ts  2D0+  ilaviws  ve 
noeivm  nambcanvd  in  the  let 
20  >eafi .  Gi^es  lu^  mforiDalkni  Ob 
cocfa  model  int^faidii^  c<r«rrage» 
ibtptogF.  CEici&l  lype^  pcffomiaace, 
new  vifoe.  med  vsiat.  ett.  T^sxas 
IX)  nmst  models.  Tie  Blue  Book  of 
tharvuk^vc  rttib  lolnc.  I9B7.  ICH 
p^ces -.  vTt  %  11.  M.95 

0!^H24  •  Radio  Handbook, 

MO  pages  ^  cver^iiMng  vou  woia- 
ed  to  know  ohoui  rodao  coaunuoi- 
cofion.  Indepdi  snuh'  of  AC/DC 
futHJonxmols^  SSB.  loijenBas^  am- 
piilkti..  power  aqjplie:^.  and  more- 
S29.5(l  h»rd  cover  dohr 

tJ3Rui  *  World  Press  Servfcaa 
Frequencies  (RTT¥) 

^  JhiMniu  Harrmp&n  WEQSfV 
A  compfulifi  ns  [ vc  mony^il  ':o^cnng 
R^tnteletype  news  oionitaring — 
i.i7nntn$  oil  tnformoiion — anccnna^ 
recciven,  terminal  units,  plus 
three  eittcnsive  frequency  lisis- 
Co^eri  65  World  Press  Services 
bruadcBsiing  iin  English.  "The 
OriglnaJ  Preu  Book."  S4  pages. 

S8^ 


AR0477  •  Low  Send  0X1  ng 
How  lo  meet  the  thiilieng^  of  the 
di:fter^nt  forms  of  1 60.  30,  amJ  40 
ineier  propagation  with  cf  fee  Live 
antenna^,  tquiptnciiL  ^nd  Dfieral- 
itig  siratcgiic^.  $LO.(KI 


IHB65  •  The  Beginner 'a 
Handbook  of  Amateur 
RBdicM-2nd£dlton 

Combines  thec^-  and  practice  in  an 
euy-io-iiniieri^und  fDnnaf,  and 
pnrvi'idcj.  informaiion  for  choosin|( 
sod  io^LidJing  rad>o  recci^'er&  and 
ijansmitiers,  antcnai:is,  transmit- 
Stan  Itnes^  and  les  cquipmem.  400 
page&,  291  LIluiumiiMis.       IIS.IV 


AR2CL10  •  YourGafeway  to 

Packet  RadI  o  2nd  £di  t  ion 
Filled  with  infurrnaUon  fur  all  anta- 
Icuni  TeJIs  everything  you  iieed  to 
know  about  this  popular  new 
mode:  how  to  get  started,  equip 
I  rent  you  need,  and  more.   $12.00 

AR2456*  FCC  Rule  Qook 

(athed) 
This  New  Edition  is  almost  50% 
falter,  The  tutorial  chapters  in  the 
froni  of  the  book  aiu  a  nmjor  up- 
grade oVcf  liif-  piEviotis  cdllon^.  A 
musi  for  evcr^  Active  todio  oma- 
leur^  S^.DO 

AR21T1  •  HInis  and  Kinka 
Find  the  answer  to  that  tricky  protk- 
lem.  Ideas  ior  istiing  np  ^our  gear 
fpT  €OmJpiflnble  and  cffkrienl  opcr- 
olion.  ^M 

AR2I0?  <  Saleinte  Anthology 
The  latest  inknialion  on  OSCARs 
9  dirough  1 3  H  well » the  RS  saiel - 
liics.  rnfonnatioD  do  the  osc  of  dt- 
gtiaJ  modc§,  ttsckiiiE,  .aicieniias^ 
ttUDAK.  microcompuier.  and 
hkitg!  SS.OO 

AROCw^  •  SatefTlte 

Experiment ^'''^  Hoi^booik 
Ufidnr  cnie  ixy^^  '  tfac  Ana- 

lewr  Radio  Openitor  needs  to  knan' 

\A  Utdef  ttl  ^tmtmaanratt!  flirough 

OSCAR  sdElfitEs.  Sit-tl 

AR2S9§  •  Space  Atmanac 

by  Ai^hmy  X.  Cartis  iU  ATA' 
E^fTODidtnar)'  boal,.  C^Jtures  the 
breaihukme;  recem  news^  from 
ipicr.  biclydes  olMui  40  pages  oo 
Aduieitr  Radio  saiellites.  Find  al- 
musi  sRythaof  you  nuthf  waot  no 
kootir  iluut  men's  nip  id  ihe  imn. 


CrTR25  •  Tha  RTTY  Llatener 

by  Fftd  OitwrmoM 
Cotnpiles  tssucf  I  ihri:iy:gfi  2fJ  of  liie 
RTTV  Lisiener  Se«-aetaer.  Coo^ 
fains  iqMOMdale,  hard^li^-rindi  W^ 
fomuiion  on  advance  l^tTY  «ii 
FAX  moniionng  technMiiue*  and 
fnK|iKDcies-  156  pp.  llf^fS 

Q5C6?  «  Commodore  64 
Troiih^eshoQtir^  &  Repair 
Gukje     bytUA^fiC.Bramtf 
SiEp  b^  sirp  ihrough  the  complcjii- 
ti£&  of  ttiokjng  himfik  repam  to 
jixavComavdorehil'  SlI^SQ 

tDA345  •  Beam  Anianna 
Handbook 

frr  ^^imam  Qtt  H ASA// 
Staurf  GnntH  M'2IJr 

Yagt  beam  theory,  coaiyruclifm, 
ap^ration.  Wire  beoitis.  SWR 
curvci.  Matching  tyiiemi.  A 
' '  imisi' '  for  .%erinus  DXers- 11 1  *9S 

0IA87  •  The  Shortwave 

Liatenaf' a  Antenna 

HarKtbook  Ai'  fu^btrtj.  Ttnisttt 
Beef  up  i^hunwavi:  reccpiuin.  «:■< 
paciiy  and  increase  liAiening  enjoy- 
ment easily  and  inrApensively. 

Sll.lM 

\}Til6  •  aaslo  Electron  lea 

Prepared  by  ike  Burtau  af 
Navai  Ffm&rtntt 
Thoroughly  revised  in  1V72  Cov- 
its  the  iinportiint  a&peut&  of  applied 
elt:i]t.ronii:bi  und  clriiironicii  com- 
municaiiorts. 
567  pp.  $10,95 

\:aa\  *  Second  Layal  Baalc 
El  ect  ron  Ics  Frfpartif  by  rhf 
Bureau  ofXavtJ  frrsonnri 
Sequei  to  BmU^  Eittfrnnivx ,  ihcff> 
opjeh  I  regiment  of  the  mtirr  ad- 
v^niccd  levels  of  applied  cld^tron- 
1CS.  Includes  m^rowave  receiving 
and  irawimitiing  Hundred*  of  e*^ 
cclleni  dijigrams,  325  pp-       $7.S0 

IGM44  >  Wortd  Attas 
by  Radio  Amaleur  Ct^ibiiiok  IttCk 
I  20  pp.  of  fiilL  color.  HI '  k  lOH  '> 
I  comainik  NiHth  Polaj  projiecfian  (?f 

the  w^ivrld:  mopi  of  all  bcvcn  i:onii' 

nems.  We$4  IndiekCanbbfinn  aiea. 

and  Pairific  Oeeom.  iS^M 

01 P22  •  The  Packet  Radio 
Handbook 

by  j£MM*aa  JL  Maiy9  JPtTT 
".  .an  eKcelleni  piece  of  wort. 
Weil  wtmh  feaimi;  for  b^  the 
e&penenced  and  the  new  pai:|i:a' 
tecT- .- die  defimtj^eg^ude  loams' 
teor  pKJwi  ppcntwa." 

— Giiryn  Retdy  WIBEL 
Oaly  f  I4J0 

09C09  «  Shortwave 
CtandeaUne  Conf  Idential 

ky  Cerry  L.  Dtxier 

CovcTf  all  daodcfttne  twoadcaat* 
inf.  001101?  by  coui^:  telli  fre* 
quenS^,  oihrr  unpubHili^  istat- 
mtboo:  spy,  nsMiT^tAM,  freedom 
figtuers.  rebel,  oaarchui  todia, 
seerci  radio.  Cvrrcnt  pvlMicaiMni. 
M  pages.  18.50 


I  AS  10  •  Air  Sc^n  Guide  to 
Aeronautical  Commuiiica- 
tion*  (5th  Edition) 

by  Tom  Kneitel  K2AES 
iasi  coifiprLihcnsi  ve  gu  ide  tci  inon  ■ 
oring  aemnauiitjiil  commuEJca- 
i:)n  m  (he  US,  Expanded  lo  cover 
I  Canadian  land  airports  and 
^ptanc  bdiKCfj^  p]ii^  listings  ff^r 
entral  Amertca,  the  Caribbean^ 
orth  At  far  He,  and  the  Pacific 
:;rri[ortc>;.  $14*95 


*  RTTV  Tcday 
by  Oave  tngram  K4TWJ 
nly  up^tJO-date  RTTY  book  inex- 
Lence,  Covers  all  fatcts^jf  RTTY . 
lOhi  cOETiprchKniJkvu  RTTY  guide 
'erpLibliiihed,  FuJIy  Jllu^^t rated.  A 
jsi.  1 12  pages,  S8*S0 

SC30  •  The  Commodore 
Ham's  Companf  on 

byJimGrubbsK9Et 

a  pages  of  information  on  seJect' 
g  a  Commodore  for  the  ham 
ayk,  where  XQ  find  !i.pecia[i?ed 

ograms,  [he  CcimmodorE'- packet 
mnection.  and  ti)oine1  $9*50 

M22I  <  USMilflafV 
Gommujiications  (Part  1J 

:!ab  witli  US  Miilitary  eommunl- 
rioFi  channelh  on  short Vt'avc, 
>vt:rs  frequent:  ie.^,  background 
:  point  lo  poinl  frequencies  for  [he 
lilipplrtes.  Japan  and  Korea,  Indi- 
and  Pacific  Oceans,  and  more. 
2  pages  SI  2.95 

1^222  *  USMihtary 
Communications  (Part  2) 

>vcr*  US  CtKLSlguard,  NASA, 
\P,  FAA,  Dept,  of  Energ>\  Ped- 
al Emergency  Management 
jiency.  Disaster  Comniunica- 
■ns,  FCC,  Dcpi.  of  Jujitice.  From 
KC  to  9073  KG  79  pages. 

$12.95 

M223  •  US  Military 
Communicattons  (Part  3) 

lis  part  complietes  the  vast  overall 
iquenty  lijii  of  US  Mililary  jicr- 
?cs,  from  89^3  KG  lo  27,944 
:.7KpaEe!^ $t2.95 

im\  •  1^90  Shortwave 
Directory     6th  Edition 

by  Bob  Gr&ve 
I  excellent  refsfCrtce  for  ^forlh 
nerican  shortwave  lisleners.  this 
idr'is  bible  i£  crammed  with  up- 
date, accurate  frequency  and 
rf  LrLformation  from   lOKHz  to 


I0A343  •  All  AlK>ut  Cubical 
Quad  Antennas 

by  Wiliiiim  Orr  W6SAIJ 
Stuart  C&tmn  W2LX 
The  ''CJaKsic*'  on  Quad  design. 
theory.  constTucHon,  operation. 
New  feed  and  matching  systems. 
New  data.  $9.50 

10A344  •  The  Radio  Amateur 
Antenna  Handbook 

by  WUtiiWi  Orr  W6SAI/ 
Stuart  Cownn  W2LX 
Vagi  beam  ihtory^  construction. 
operation,  wire  l^eanis,  SWR 
curves.  Matching  systems.  A 
"must"  for  serious  DXeni.  SH.SO 

tOA346  •  Simple,  Low-cost 
Wire  Antennas  for  Radio 
Amateurs 

by  Wmimt  Orr  W6SAI/ 
Stuart  Com  an  W2LX 
Ail  Nev*''!  Low^coit, mukt-band an- 
tennas; inexpetisive  beam^.  "l!n- 
viivibie"'  antenna.^  for  ham^^  in 
"lough"  lotaE ions'  New  data. 

$IJ.50 

I0A342  •  AH  At>out  Vertical 
Antennas 

ty  Wiffiam  Orr  W6SAt/ 
Stuart  Cawaa  W2IJC 
Effective^  kiw-cost  verticals  10- 
I6(J  m.  -DX,  rnu]tiband;  compact 
verticals  for  small  spaces;  ground- 
ing: te^^c  equipment:  lightening. 

$Jft.SO 

mA347  •  All  AtioutVHF 
Amateur  Radio 

by  Wiitiom  Orr  W6SAI 
DX  propagation.  VHP  Yagi  gnd 
Quad  beams,  repeaters  and  how 
they  w.ork.  fJSCAR  satellites  and 
how  to  use  tliem.  SIL9S 

I5A24  «  Verticat  Antenna 
Handbook,  2nd  Edition 

by  Paui  ff^  U?  mPl 
A  claiisie.  Reprinted  with  updaief?, 
including  an  addendum  on  antenna 
dcsigT3  for  1 60  meters.  Also,  feed- 
ing and  matf^hing,  .ihort  veriicalfi, 
ground  effects,  and  more. 
139  pages,  paperback.  S9-'9'5 

09V]  J  •  The  Basic  Guide  to 
VHF/UHF  Ham  Radio 

by  Ed^a/ti  M.  !\alt 
This  book  provides  a  first  rate  in- 
Eroduciion  to  life  on  the  2.6  and 
]  .25  mteter  bands  as  weH  as  23*  33> 
and  70  CM.  $6.50 


t>4M54  •  GGTE  IMorse  TtJtor 
F[oppy  disk  for  IBM  PC,  XT,  AT, 
and  compatibles.  Learn  the  Inter- 
national  Morse  etxie  or  improve 
your  capabilities.  One  diskette  wi]l 
lake  you  from  t>eg  inner  through  ex- 
tra class  in  eas-y  self- paced  iesii^oaii. 
Standard  tjr  Farns worth  mode. 
Code  speeds^  from  I  to  over  100 
words  per  m inuie .  $1 9.5& 

n'^E94  *  Crash  Course  Tn 
Electronics  Technology 

by  Louis  E.  Pr^metjr. 
With  a  proven  format  of  pro- 
grammed in.*itructioTi,  thi^  book 
teaehes  you  the  basics  of  electricity 
and  electronics  in  a  step-by-stepn 
easy-Co-undenstand  faftbion .  $2 1  »S0 

OIB033  •  Talk  To  The  World; 

Getting  Started  In  Amateur 

Badio  ^v  Ume^  P.  r>ax  K3JD 

and  Morton  Keyser  i\3MK 

Pfovides  irtformaEion  and  practical 

tips  on  obtaining  a  novice  license. 

Authors  take  the  mystery  tTut  of 

technicat  and  procedural  aspects  of 

ham  radio.  Si  1+50 

09S42  •  The  Scanner 
Listener's  Handtat>ok 

by  Edward  Si/omre  iV2BFF 
Get  the  tnon  out  of  your  scanner 
radio.  Covers  getting  started,  ,':ican- 
ncfsartd  receivers,  antennas,  coas- 
ial  cabEe,  accessories,  computer 
conlr{>l]Eid  monitoring.^  mtjue. 

%t4M 


03S208  *  Radioteletype 
Press  Sroadcasis 

by  Michaei  Schaay 
Covers  schedules  of  Press  Services 
hy  time,  frequency,  and  ccumtry 
broadcasting  in  EngK^h.  French. 
German.  Spanish,  and  Portuguc.^. 
£>etfliled  Press  Agency  Portraits. 
120  pp.  S13.95 

t>IC80  •  Master  Handbook  of 
1 01]  1  C  if cu  its— S  o\  id-State 
Ed.  by  Keiulait  Webber  Sgi&ians 
With  this  outstanding  reference  in 
hand,  electronics  hohbyist,s  and 
professionals;  sviM  never  have  to 
search  for  schematics  again.  Com- 
pletely update^,  the  book  is  thor- 
oughly indexed  and  ail  1001  eir- 
cu  i  IS  a  re  clea  riy  il  I  u.'it  rated  .430  pp. 
$19.5(^^!lctiyer 

I1TS8  •  Tune  tn  on  Telephone 
Cal la  hy  Tom  Kn^tef  K2AES 
Fonnatted  as  a  ffequiii]i;y  list  with 
detailed  description  of  each  service 
and  its  location  in  RF  spectrum. 
Provides  basic  inforniaiEOn  fot  casu- 
al listeners  getting  started  and  de- 
tai  Is  for  ardent  eni  husiasts .  $ )  2 .  95 

0^P33  -  The  Pirate  Radio 
Directory  199€  Edition 

bj  George  Ze  I Jer 

Contains  data  on  some  100  pirate 
stations  }ietive  during  t989  How  to 
tune  in  pirate  broadcasts  and  get 
QSLs  f rotn  the  stat  ioni .         $7,95 


THEVORLD    $4.00 


OlTOl  •  Transmitter 
Hunting:  Radio  Direction 
Finding  Sft^ipl^fied 
by  Joseph  £>,  Moefi  K§OV  and 
Thomm  S.  Curlee  WB6UZZ 
^i6  pages ,  248  ill  usts .  $  1 7 .50 

03K205  •  Guide  to  Radio- 
teletype  {RTTY J  Stations 

by  J.  Ktingenfusx 
Updated  book  covers  all  RTTY  sta- 
tions from  3MHz-30MHz.  Press, 
Miiitary,  Commercial,  Meteo, 
PTTs>  Embassies,,  and  more. 
105  pp.  SJ2.#5 

15S003  •  Comrnunicatlons 
SatellHes  (3rd  Edition) 

by  Lany  Vim  Horn 
Chapters  on  channelization  band 
plans,  transponder  identification^ 
Lacematianal  sateliii£;s^  Diore.  $7.04 

07A66  •  Aeronautical 
Communications  Handbook 
by  Robert  E.  Evans 
Exhaustive,^  .scholarly  treatment  of 
shortwave  aeronautical  listening. 
Wet  I  organized  J  up-to-date. 
266  pp.  $19*95 

07R2O  •  A  Radio  Journal 
1912-1940 

Hy  Russ  Rmnnker  W9CftC 

A  fascinating  trip  through  lime. 
[Eajiy  to  read  and  informative,  edu- 
cational and  entertaining.  A  trip 
down  memory  larte  to  the  ear[y 
dniys  of  radio,  $7.95 


03SD4  •  The  Hidden  Signals 
on  Satellite  TV 

by  Thomas  P.  Harrington 
and  flfl*  Cooper  Jr. 
Tune  in  thousands  of  Telephone, 
Data,  Telex,  Teletype,  Facsimile 
Signals  on  most  of  the  TV  Satel- 
lites; plus  ail  5Ut>carrijers.  Covem 
equipment,  hookups,  where  to 
tune   234  pages.  tl9.50 

0lP6a  *  Pirate  Radio  Stations^ 
Tunfng  Into  Underground 
Broadcasts/i^'  Ajidrm^  iL  Ytider 
Cotnpfeheitsive  guide  to  tuning  in^ 
identifying,  and  contacting  the 
tnost  unpredietable  stations  on  the 
radio  spectrum.  192  pp.       $12^50 


How  can  the  World's  Bt^st  DX  Map  cost  onJy  $4,00?  Obvi- 
ously, a  serious  bJ under  which  you  should  lake  advantage  of 
before  we  discover  it.  This  is  the  only  world  map  in  bliick 
and  white  so  you  can  color  in  the  countries  as  you  work  them ! 
Further,  it  has  almost  all  of  the  official  lARU  400  countries 
on  tt.  which  no  other  nnap  at  any  price  has. 


CODE  TAPES 

ttc  am  hrW  rrt  ffw  lt(t  i-inie  timu-hu-ha  ii  a*  maii-  fftf  tvdi'  m  ilmpii  tu  Itarrt  thai  it 's 
•mn-priihiem.  llerewifh  the  worid  '.¥  eusieai  rtnif  ctmr'H' — tiitii  (tfth£i\i^(ia<i^  i?fhattL'f 
\vf  gtittf^r  shfir  ifcfTLtfs  thi.s  nfftnzirsg  tff  h-  shornW  "hwy,  fi's  fiuiu-fe-proof.  Mosi 
'<ip!e  are  uhie  II*  whip  (hraaf;h  thr  Ninycrr  iesi  ajier  ipendinf^  ie\s  than  shref  h^ivrx 
•fh  /m  GfwsiK  and  Jtif  i"?^"ft/f/'.  PeftpSt"  i^fut  fuav  '^hftt  »p  on  ofhi^mxle  Viturufi 
ui  fhis  tme  dt?*:i  the^oh  in  ajijfy.  Gcfin/f  after ytmr  C^rtprp/.'  ti  V  fihtM4i  timi'.  t}.\^  she 
ifi.  Bffakfr  nmf  yatf  'ii  Iff  tit^tr  i^fitre  you  kntm'  it.  .A  wre*:  ihunkf  do  it.  FfuFTf rrr^. 
hipm  ciiiif  almoinS  iftv-ariahh-  appfnr.i  Sa  ftxuse  trrfpnmfjfe,  iri'fVffS'af*!^,  petifUi- 
fH  b^tm\  diimafie.  Um'le  W^yne  atrfept.i  rttr  re^ponsihitiiy  ivhaifver  for  artythinij 
It  ftappefLX  U.>  those  vfhf>  arejhrfiiih  enough  tt^  usf  the  QtiUf^gequi  lihvptn  tapt^. 


20MO9<>  *  Computing  Across 
Atnerica 

by  Stei^ett  K.  Roberts  N4NRVE 
Roberts  has  written  anicles  tor  73 
\fagijzme  about  the  technical  as- 
pects of  his  US  tour  on  his  recum- 
bent bicycle.  Covers  his  adven- 
tures^ people  be  met,  and  peaces  he 
saw,  [f  your  tifestyle  seems  a  little 
conrmin^^re^thishw}]*;.      S9*95 

IIRFIS  ■  The  "Top Secfet" 
Registry  of  US  Government 
Radio  Freqy  en  isles  {7th  Ed.) 
by  Tom  Kneiid  ii2AES 
Thii  scanner  directory  has  become 
the  standard  reference  source  for 
frequency  and  other  importam  in- 
formation  riclaiing  to  the  communi- 
cations of  fedetal  agencies.  25  lo 
470  MH7.  "  S19.95 


0 1 A70  •  Practical  Antenna 
Handbook   by  Joseph  J.  Carr 

Design,  build,  modify',  and  install 
your  own  antennas.  Carr,  a  20-ycaf 
veteran  of  technical  writing,  has  a 
unique  ability  to  present  complex 
technicaE  concepts  in  an  easy-to- 
understand  way.  416  pp.     $21^50 

1 1 F52  •  Feireirs Confidential 
Frequency  Li^ 

Compiled  by  A,  G.  Iftdfi^ey 
All  frequencies  from4MH7-2^MH2: 
covering  ship^  embassy,  areo,  Vol- 
met,  Interpol,  nutnbers.  Air  Force 
One/Two,,  more  37ft  pp.      $19.^ 

IISR97  *  National  Directory 

of  Survival  Radio 

Frequencies 

by  nm  KneU^I  K2AES 
HarKJy  and  concise  reference  guide 
to  high  interest  communications 
frequencies  required  by  survivaE- 
ists.  Includes  chapter  on  building 
errtergency  com EnunicaiioiLS  anten- 
na svstem,'^.  $^*95 


I  ISM  n  *  Scanner  Modifica- 
tion Handbook  by  Biii  Creek 

Provides  straight  forward  step-by - 
step  instructions  for  expanding  the 
operating  capabilities  of  VHF 
scanners.  Filled  with  inte resting 
text-,  helpful  photos,  tables,  and 
figures.  S17.9S 

nE:B06  •  Guide  to  Embassy 
Espionage  Communications 
byTomKneitdKlAES 
Candid  and  probing  examination  of 

worldwide  cmliassy  and  (alleged) 
espionijge  communication  sy sterns 

and  networks.  Extensive  nation- 
by -nation  directory  of  embassy  sta- 
tions is  included.  Slfl.^S 


105    "Genesis**  $5.*S 

*pm— This  is  the  beginning 
<t^  taking  you  through  the 
letters^  10  nutntjers,  and  nec- 
ary  ptinctualion.  complete 
h  practice  every  step  of  the 
Y.  The  ease  of  learning  gives 
ifidence  even  to  the  faini  of 
n. 


ri3     **Back  Breaker"    SS.*5 
f   wpm — Code  groups  again, 

I  brisk  l3-»-  wpm  so  you'll  l>e 
lly  at  ease  when  you  sit  down 
front  of  a  steel  y-ey (id  voiun- 
r  cxatniner  who  starts  scnd- 
you  plain  language  code  at 
y  13  per.  You'll  need  this 
ra  margin  to  [ivcrc{>mc  the 
:er  panic  universal  in  moist 
I  siiuations.  You've  come 
i  far.  so  don' I  get  code  shy 


73T06  ^*The  Stickler'"  $5.yS 
6+  wpm— This  is  rhe  practice  tape 

fnrlhow  who  survived  the  ,S  wpm 
tape,  and  it\^  also  the  tape  for  the 
Novice  and  Technician  licenses,  ][ 
i;^  comprised  of  one  solid  hour  of 
€{jdc.  Characters  arc  .sent  at  13 
wpm  and  spaced  at  5  wptn.  Code 
groups  arc  entirely  random  charac- 
ters sent  in  groups  of  five— defi- 
nitely not  tiiemorizable! 


73T20  "Courageous'-  $5.95 
20+  wpm— Congratulations! 
Okay,  the  challenge  of  code 
ib  what's  gutEen  you  this  far«  io 
don't  quit  now.  Go  for  the  extra 
clafls  ticense.  We  send  the  c<jtle 
faster  than  20  per.  It*s  like  wear- 
ing^  lead  weights  on  your  feet 
virhen  you  run:  You'll  wonder 
why  the  examiner  is  scruiing  so 
slowly! 


Uncle  Wayne's  Bookshelf  Order  Form 

You  may  order  by  mail,  telephone,  or  fax.  All  payments  are  lo  be  in  US  funds.  Allow  3  weeks 
for  delivery. 


Item# 


Qty. 


Price 


Total 


Name 
Street 
City_ 


U.S.  orders  add  $2.50,  Canadian  orders  add  $3.50  -*  Shipping 
TOTAL 


state 


Zip 


TOTAL  $ 


Card#. 


nAE  DMC  nVISA  n Check/Money  Order 


Telephone:  (603)  525-4201 
FAX:  (603)  525-4423 

Expiration  Date 


Mall:  73 Magazine,  Attn.  Uncle  Wayne.  Forest  Road,  Hancock,  NH  03449 


MasterCard— VISA— Discover— COD 


Missouri 


> 

m 

> 

m 
> 


O 
O 


> 


> 

£ 
in 


o 


> 
z 

m 


m 

m 
o 


0i 


m 

o 
m 

39 


=1 

m 

31 


Hiir  TEN-TEC 


OMNIV 

AMERICA'S  BE&THF 

•  Superior  Phase  Noise  Performance 

•  Dual  VFOs  •  10-160  Meters 

•  25  Tune/Scan  Memories 

SPECIAL  SALE!  CALL  TODAY 


KENWOOD 

I      DUAL-BAND  SALEI 


TH-7SA      TM-701A 


*  26  I'll  ^^is  on  2  Mattr 

*  3)  Mefi^ry  Ch«>tn«?i 

*  FkiJI  Duplex -&o» 
Bsri<a Operation 


136449  996  ^IH£ 

OONT  DELAY— CALL  TODAY* 


KENWOOD 


TH-225A 

•  Now  5 Wat^s  Output 

•  Odd  Off  Sets 

•  Wideband  Frec|u#ncy 
Coverage 

•  Same  AcLces^ories 
asTH-jr? 

fTH26AT 

Coverage 
■SWCapabfUty 
•  Automatic  Repeater 

Offset 

CALL  TODAY! 


SALE 

LARGEST  STOCK  OF  ALL 

YOUR  MFJ  FAVORITE 

ACCESSORIES 

CALL TODAY  FOR 

BEST  PRICE 


i  4'  -*  I  I' 


1 


MFJ-1278 

Multt'Mode  Data  Controller 
CALL  FOR  EXTRA  SAVINGS 


yAEBU 


FT-1000 

THE  SEST  OF  THE  BEST 

»  200  Watts  Output 

>  All  Amateur  Bands 

»  Dual  Receive 

i  DDS-Dlrect  Digital  Synthesis 

CALL  FOR  ALL  THE  DETAILS? 


FT-736R  VHF  UHF  BASE  STATION 

•  SS8,  CW.  FM  on  2  Meters 
and  70  cm 

•  Optional  50  MHz,  220  MM?  or 
1.2  GHz 

•  25  Watts  Output  on  2  Meters, 
220  and  70  cm 

•  10  Watts  Output  on  6  Meiers 
and  1  2  GHz    •  100  Memories 


FT-470 


COMPACT  DUAL  BAND 

FM  HANDHELD 
(2M/70CM} 

21  Mefriories  tot  Each  Band 

Dual  VFO's  for  Each  Band 

Up  ID  ^  W^tt$  Power 

Buillm  CTCSS 

Bu«M  in  lO-Me-mory  DTMF 

AulDdtaier 


Jiu 


EB 


GtO  10  METER 
COLINEAR  VERTICAL 

Fiberglass  Construction 
Vz  Wave  Gain  Antenna 

SPECIAL  SALE 

(BELOW  DEALER  COST) 
LIMITED  SUPPLY— CALL  TODAY 


102  N.W.  Business  Park  Lane    Kansas  City.  MO  64150 

Send  SASE  For  Used  List  | 

i  WANTED:  QUALITY  USED 


?COM 


1C765 


ADVANCED  PERFORMANCE 
HF  TRANSCEIVER 

DD5  (Direct  Digital  Synthesizer) 
Auto.  Antenna  Tuner 
100  Watts  Output 
99  Memories 

CALL  TODAY! 


AUNCO 


DR<S90 

2  METERmO  MOBILE 

•  45W/2Meter35W/UHF 

•  Cross  Band  Repeater  Function 

•  Receiving  and  Scanning  on 
Both  Bands 

•  Detachable  Front  Control  Panel 

CALL  FOR  DETAILS! 


ICOM 


AUNCO 


IC-735 

PROVEN  HFWtNN EH 

Compact  and  lightweight 
100  Watts  Output 
Noise  Blanker 
General  Coverage  Receiver 
CALL  TODAY! 


I 


DR'STOT 

VHF/UHF  TWIN  OANOER 

•  45W  on  2M/35W  0f>  70cm 

•  Receive  on  both 
Bands  at  Same  Time 

•  Extended  Receiver  Range 
'Mom  Features  *or  the  Money 

Than  Anyone  Else 

ALL  ALINCO  SALE  PRICED! 


ICOM 


1C-24AT 

DUAL  BAND 

FM  TRANSCEIVER 

•  140-150  MHz 
440-450  MHz 

•  Compact  and  Lightweight 

•  Up  to  5  Watts  Output 

•  Versatile  Scan  Functions 

CALL  TODAY! 


AUNCO 


DJ-160T 

DELUXE  METER 
HANDHELD 

•  Receive  137  173995  MH£ 

•  20  Memories 

•  3  Watts  Stafrdenl 

•  3  Scan  Modes 

•  Store  Dyplex/ 
Simpler  Pairs, 
Call  Cfianne!, 

33  Encoding  Sublones 

CALLTODAYt 


Kantronics 


Data  Engine 

•  Hign  Speed  Packet 

•  Internal  1200  Baud  Modem 

•  Off  The  Shelf  9600  Baud  Packet 
With  The  DVR  2-2 

•  Internal  9600  Baud,  G3RUH  Type 
Modem  Available 

CALL  TODAY! 


•  RS7A 

S49 

•  RS35M 

SI  59 

•  RS12A 

$70 

•  VS35M 

$174 

•  RS20A 

$69 

•  RS50A 

$199 

•  RS20M  . 

$109 

•  RS  50M 

$219 

•  VS20M  . 

$124 

•  RM50M 

$259 

•  RS35A  . 

SI  39 

•  VS50M 

$232 

Call  Toll  Free— 9am -6pm  Mon.-Fri.  9am -2pm  Sat 

In  Missouri  Call— 816-741-8118 


1 


CUSHCRAFT  •  DIAMOND  •  DRSI 


GEAR.  CASH  OR  TRADE 


I 


HUSTLER 


HYG< 


To  be 
7  a  star  in 

^  international 
competition,  you 
>     have  to  play  your 
cards  right.  Stack 
the  deck  in  your  favor  with 
\^esu^s  FT-1000.  It  has  aU  the 
features  world-class  mnners 
demand. 

Our  Direct  Digital  Syn- 
thesis  (DOS),  for  exam- 
pie,  utilizes  two  lO-bit         , 
and  three  8-bit 
DDS  for     y-^ 
fast  lock-    ?^* 
up  and      h  * 
lower       <J^-  "^  >^ 
noise  than 
traditional 
PLL  systems.  And 
continuously  adjust- 
able RF  Power  Output  of 
up  to  200  watts  gi^  es  you 
excellent  ** Barefoot"  output  for 
pileups,  plus  generous  drive  for 
your  linear,  UTiile  the  Stereo 
Dual  Recebe  gives  you  two  tun- 
ing knobs  for  easy  spotting  and 


simultaneous  reception 
of  two  different  fre- 
quencies — for  cross- 
band  dual  receive  or 
diversity  reception 
using  tTto  antennas^  add 
the  optional  BPF-1  I 

module,  Anto^.^t^] 

The  FT4000  also  cimrit^ 

has  the  optional  Digital  \bice 
Storage  (DVS-2)  to  let  you  play 
back  i6-seconds  of  receive 

memory  and  two 
"  -  ^  8-second 

^^'^       (or  four  4- 

second)  mes- 
y  sages  in 
'   transmit.  A 
y  fast-action 
y  Automatic 
Antenna  Tuner 
offers  39  memories 
for  quick  band 
changes.  The  QRM 
Rejection  Systems  include 
cascaded  filter  selections,  IF 
width  control,  IP  shift,  IP  notch 
fUter,  all-mode  squelch  ^  dual- 
mode  noise  blanker  and  CW 


audio  peaking  niter. 
■j   Additional  features 
'    include: 

•  100  Memories. 

•  High  D>Tiamic 
Range- lOBdB. 

•  Multimode  Selection  on 
Packet/RTTY. 

•  CW  Spot. 

•  Independent  mode  and  filter 
selection  on  SSB/CW. 

•  Mode/Frequency/Filter  Infor- 
mation Stored  Independently 
in  each  VFO, 

•  Built-in  Electronic  Keyer 
Module. 

•  Twin  Frequency  Displays. 

•  Standard  (FMOOO)  and 
Deluxe  (FT-IOOOD)  Versions. 

Be  a  Star  Performer,  For 
more  information  on  the 
FT' 1000  and  other  Yaesu  ama- 
teur  radio  products  call  the 
Yaesu  Dealer  nearest  you. 


s^ 


Performance  without  compromise. 


— ^  LEGS,  l^  asn  3S„    IP^SOa  ^«    T-~-Z; 


~^nr^^ 


!■« 


:  •■r- 


I     HW^l    \. 


rut  ii* 


f>^  er 


O  0 


•W^im  ,*^^H 


TH-77A 

Compact  2m/70cnfi  Dual 
Band  HT 

Here's  a  radio  that  deserves  « 
double-^take!  The  TH-77A  is  a 
feature- packed  dual  band  radfo 
compressed  into  an  HT  package. 
The  accessories  are  compatible 
with  ourTH-75,TH-25,andTH-26 
Series  radios.  Repeater  and  remote 
base  users  wtii  appreciate  the  DTMF 
memory  that  can  store  all  of  the 
DTMF  characters  f,  #,  A,  B,  C,  and  D) 
that  are  usually  required  for 
repeater  functions! 

•  Wide  band  receiver  coverage* 
136-165  (118-165  [AM  mode 
118-1361  MHz  after  modification)  and 
438-449.995  MHz.  TX  on  Amateur 
bands  only.  (Two  meter  section  is 
modifiable  for  MARS/ CAP.  Permits 
required,) 

•  Dual  receive/dual  LCD  display. 
Separate  volume  and  squelch  con- 
trols for  each  band.  Audio  output  can 
be  mixed  or  separated  by  using  an 
external  speaker. 


band  repeat  function. 

•  Dual  Tone  Squelch  System  (DTSS), 

Uses  standard  DTMF  to  open 
squelch. 

•  CTCSS  encode/decode  bullt-tn. 

•  Forty-two  memory  channels. 
All  channels  odd  split  capable, 

•  DTMF  memory /a  utodialer. 
Ten  15-digit  codes  can  be  stored 

•  Direct  keyboard  frequency  entry. 
The  rotary  dial  can  also  be  used 

to  select  memory,  frequency, 
frequency  step.  CTCSS,  and  scan 
direction. 

•  Multl-functaonf  dual  scanning.  Time 
or  carrier  operated  channel  or  band 
scanning, 

•  Frequency  step  selectable  for 
quick  QSY  Choose  from  5. 10, 12.5, 
15, 20,  or  25  kHz  steps. 

•  Two  watts  (IS  W  on  UHF)  with 
supplied  battery  pack.  Five  watts 
output  with  PB-8  battery  pack  or 
13.8  volts.  Low  power  is  500  mW. 

•  DC  direct-in  operation  from  6.3-16 
VDC  with  the  PG-2W. 

•  T-Alert  with  eiapaed  time  Indicator. 

•  Automatic  repeater  offset  on  2  m. 

•  Battery-saving  features. 

Auto  battery  saver,  auto  power  off 
function,  and  economy  power  mode. 


COfnpTe  re  sent^ice  manu&fs  am  &vaifabfe  tor  ilf  Kenwood  trBnsoeiv^m^  and  most  Bcctssorhs^ 
Sp9citiC3tto^s  and  f^aturss  sfb  sutifeQi  ro  Change  wrr/rcHff  n&ticG  orcbligatiQn. 


•  Supplied  accessories: 

Flex  antenna,  PB-6  battery  pack 
(7.2  V.  600  mAHX  wall  charger,  belt 
hook,  wrist  strap,  keyboard  cover. 

Optional  accessories: 

•  BC-10;  Compact  charger*  BC-tl:  Rapid 
charger  •  BH-6:  Swivel  mount  •  BT-6:  AAA 
battery  case  •  0C-1/PG-2Vr  DC  adapter 

•  DC-4;  Mobile  charger  for  P8-10  •  DC-S: 
Mobile  charger  for  PB-6, 7.  9  •  PB-5:  Z2  V, 
200  mAh  NiCd  pack  for  2.5  W  output 

•  Pe-6>  7.2  V  600  mAh  NiCd  pack  •  PB-T: 
7.2  V,  1100  mAh  NiCd  pack  •  PB-8: 12  V, 
600  mAh  NiCd  for  5  W  output  •  PB'9: 

7.2  V,  600  mAh  NiCd  wrth  built-in  charger 

•  PB-tl:  12  V,  600  mAh  OR  6  V,  1200  mAh, 
for  5  W  OR  2  W  •  HMC-2:  Headset  with 
VOX  and  PTT*  PG-2W:  DC  cable  w/fuse 

•  PG-3F:  DC  cable  with  filter  and  cigarette 
lighter  plug  «  SC-26,  29:  Soft  case 

«  SMC-30/31:  Speaker  mics.  •  SMC'33: 
Speaker  mic,  w/remote  control  •  WR-1: 
Water  resistant  bag. 

KENWOOD  U.S.A,  CORPORATION 

COMMUNICATIONS  &TEST  EQUIPMENT  GROUP 
RO.  BOX  22745, 2201  E.  Dommguez  Street 
Lang  Beach.  CA  90601-5745 

KENWOOD  ELECTRONICS  CANADA  INC. 
RO.  BOX  1075,  959  Gana  Court 
Mississauga,  Ontario.  Canada  L4T  4C2 

KENWOOD 

, . .  pacesetter  in  Amateur  Radio