DECEMBER 1991
ISSUE it375
USA $2.95
CAN $3.95
EPublicaiion
International Edition
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Writa to 73 Amateur Radio Magazine,
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ma teur
Radio Today
DECEMBER 1991
Issue #375
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES
1 0 The Simple TXTX
Tfie perfect companion for the
SupeRX receiver! WA6IVC
22 Project INSPIRE:
A Space Shuttle Experiment
Build a simple receiver to explore the
wonders of the 60.000 meter band!
KG6EK
iBi-l+i'-l-l b
36 The QUAG-V
A high performance and wide
bandwidth antenna for VHF and
UHF , . WeaAYW
42 Computerized Tyning for
Ramsey Receiver Kits
It doesn't have to be eKpensive.
N8KDD
SO Not Just Another Island
Weekend DXpedifion activaias the
Walrus Islands _ . NL7KH
66 The "Cheap and Simple"
Power Supply Revisited
Improved regulation for a classic
power supply . WA9VLK/G0NBZ
REVIEWS
1 8 The Ramsey 2 Meter
Transceiver Kit
Build your own high-quaJKy FM rig the
easy way. ........ KIBQT
20 The BayCom Packet System
Run packet without a TNC. WA3USG
29 ZD Engineering Hardline
Matching Transformers
A great way to use all of that cheap
CATV cable! WB9RRT
32 The Yaesu FT-990
A fuliy-equipped transceiver for the
everyday ham WA4BLC
46 ICOM IC-2SRA 2 Meter HT
and Scanner
A full-feature 2 meter handheld with
a separata wideband receivef .
, , , , . WB6N0A
Cover A "pre-constwction" vtew of the Ramsey
FTR- 14S2 meter tmnsceiver kit
Cover design: David C3$Sfdy
Cover photo: LMnyDunn
DEPARTMENTS
74 A bave and Beyond
60 Ad Index
32 AskKmboom
58 ATV
92 Barter 'n' Buy
70 Dealer Directory
17 Fe«dbftc kinder
53 Ham Help
72 Hams witti Class
62 Ham sat s
GO Homing tn
8 Letters
4 Never Say Die
77 New Products
93 Propagation
69 QRP
7 Qnx
88 Random Output
70 RTTYLoop
54 73 International
76 Special Events
94 Uncle Wayne's
Bookshelf
59 Updates
Build a TXTX. . .seepage iO.
I>^ [Q space limhaiions,
the 1991 Annud Index
will appear in the
January 1992 issue.
1 1
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December. 1991 3
Number 1 on your Fe&dbach card
Never sa y die
Wayne Green W2NSD/1
Aspen '92
Anybody who has to be tcFd twice
about the Aspen Ham Colloquluin in
order lo get him to decide lo go, proba-
bly shoufdriH go anyway. We i^on't
need any wishy-washy namby-pam-
bies cfogglng up ihe works.
The ham business ts in trouble and
action is needed. Yes, t said ham busi-
ness. Any of you commie fellow travel-
ers who sttll believe that socralism is
better than capitalism have your head
so far up youf . . . er . . , armpit, that you
need some fresh air. Non-profit?
That's the ticket to bureBucracv and
lousy service.
As I pointed out fast month, it's this
nofvprofit baloney which has so badly
screwed up our postal 'service" and
our educational "systeTn."' The sooner
we lake these pul^lic protects private,
the sooner we*i* start getting some pro-
ductivity. Just look at the terrible mess
our non-profit ARRL has made of our
hobby! They destroyed the American
ham industry 25 years ago, from the
manufacturers down to most of our
ham stores. Now IheyVe nan-profiting
away in Newington while technology is
sque&zir>g us out of our frequencies. 111
lake for-profit ar)d the merciless mar-
ketplace every time for efficiency.
When we use the capitalist system
we vote every day with our dollars And
this works lor every rang« of products,
from Rolex right on down lo Tim ex.
They both keep just as good lime,
one's just flashier than the other. Pri-
vate schools can provide better educa-
tions than public for every economic
level. Once we changed to public
schools in the last century our literacy
rate dropped and it's never come back
up to what it was.
The 16th Annual Winter Ham Colk>
quium will be m Aspen Fetjfuary l^eth.
Gonna be there, skis and NT in hand?
We'll save a chair at our table for you.
Doing Something
Not everyone is sitting on their. . .
ar. . laurels. I see in EDN that Bob
KODVH is starting a science club In
Wichita to stir kids' imaglnallons.
Where are the experimenters?
"They're alt around us. just waiting for
the opportunity to grow." says 8ob.
He's lined up mentors to help the
kids learn about aviation, electronics,
amateur radio, computers, photogra-
phy, astronomy, and so on. The local
Lions Ciub wili help firman ce National
Science Fair projects.
Good idea. . so how about getting
something similar started in your area?
Or j>erhaps as an activity of your ham
club?
I remember, way liefofe I discovered
amateur radio, I had a great interest in
science. 1 read everything I could get
on rockets and space travel when I was
around seven years old. Td have loved
a club iika that. When I was eight I got a
huge chemistry (Chemcraft) set for
Christmas. My grandfather even built a
workbench to go with it. I had a bail with
the chemistry set and built my first ra-
dios on that same workbench when I
was 14.
How about it? Our kids need all the
encouragement they can get. Or would
you rather see them dragging Iheir un-
tied shoelaces aroijnd the malls, with
nothing much to do but cruise? If 1 ever
develop any job openings for expen
enced cruisers I'll be able to fiil them a
thousand times over.
Radio Therapy
A chap in New Jersey has discov-
ered a way to ease pains, such as
those from arthritis, with low frequency
audio modulated radio frequencies.
Sirtce he wants to put the device on the
market, he's not given any details He
says It also works on horses with pulled
tendons and other pains J 'II try lo Tind
out more.
Scientists have been gently zapping
cats with 2m RF, modulated at the
brain frequencies in the 3-15 H^
range. The field strengths used are on
a par with what we normally experi-
ence when we use our NTs. Even at
these low powers the results with the
test gmup have been markedty differ-
ent from the control group.
No. they have no mkling so far as to
how brains demodulate the 2m energy
or why the resulting low frequencies
have such a powerful effect on the per-
formance and reinforcement of behav-
ioral patterns of the animals. These ex-
periments are certainly going to get me
to use remote mikes with my HTs from
now on particularly tf any sub-audi-
ble tones are being used.
This work shows how much we have
to learn about the brain and atraut
the effect of electromagnetic fields on
cells, trs interesting that many of these
experiments are well within the re-
sources of the average amateur, the
only stumbling btock being a lack of
curiosity.
Electricity has been gaining ground
in medicine in recent years. It's used
now lo help the healing of bones and
soft tissue, in many cases healing
bones which have been broken for
many years Transcutaneous electrical
nerwB stimulation (TENS) is used to re-
duce chronic pain. Electroacupunc-
ture is helping the Ireatment of heroin
and cocaine addition. , .ft even helps
smoking withdrawai and fet lag, and
Improves learning and memory.
My thanks to Or. Adey K6UI, a tead-
ing researcher in this field, and to the
nenifSletter of the American Institute of
Stress for [tie above data.
DXpeditioning
As I was reading a short item In
Chod's The DX Buftetirr about a group
going to Albania, it got my juices up.
Lordy, what fun that'd bef Gee, I wish
some of these DXpedition groups
would remember poor ol" Uncle Wayne
when they're deciding who they want
with 'em.
Well that's my reaclion. . .what's
yours? Do you get the urge when you
read atiout OXpeditions? Do you say,
"Dammit, that sure would t>e fun!"? Or
has a defective gene or irresponsible
parental upbringing grounded you? Or
perhaps you feel family responsibilities
have permanently clipped your wings?
I don't care how busy I am or how
important work iSn if I get invited on a
reatly good DXpediiion, 11! have my
bags packed in minutes. Should I bring
afong my cute tittle ICOM 735? How
about sorr^ antennas? What else do
we need? My passport is at the ready!
Ho, I'm probably not the fastest oper-
ator in the world though I mink I am
and am wiUing to tackle the plle-ups
from the DX end with anyone who
wants to challenge me. Til work those
piles, right on down to the mobiles and
QRP, and 111 still rack up contacts
faster than anybody olse with my sys-
tem, ril even try not to get testy when
the Goliath Big Gun DXers insist on not
wailing their turn. Aha, but wilt they
ever get a QSL? Heh. heh, link Wayne
is merciless with bullies.
So this group is headed for Albania
and rrionumental piie-ups and Im
sitting in New Hampshire writing this
damned editorial, watching the first
hints of red in Ihe sky over Crotched
Mountain as the sun starts working its
way up. My barefoot 735 is sitting at my
elbow, waiting. . .patiently waiting,
perhaps hoping to be packed away for
use in some fascinating spot.
Sure, travel is expensive. Weli, it
isn't anywhere near as expensive as it
seems if you do some planning. Like
getting an airline credit card and rack-
ing up as many free miles as you can. 1
use it as much as possible for company
expenses, so I've got enough free
mites saved up to circle the earth a tew
times.
Clothes? Heck, there aren't any
dre^ codes for most DXpeditions. Oh.
you don*1 want to look like a homeless
person. Some pSain oid Banana Re-
public stuff wiiJ do fine. That's what I
wear most of the time anyway.
You're probably not going lo be DX*
Ing from a country with a Hyatt ho-
tel.. . unless you're heading to Sabah.
where I recommend the Kinabalu Hy-
att. Great spot to visit. . .particularly if
you'd like to do some diving loo. Tt^
diving there is almost beyond descnp-
tjon in terms of excitement. And one
more thing, you don't even have to
bring a rig . the local hams couldn't
be more friendly, so they'll like nothing
more than to let you sit at their rigs and
work aiaoul 10,000 Japanese tor them
. . plus maybe 5,000 Indonesians ,
if youll handle the OSLs!
My first DXpedition was back in 1 956
when six of us went to Nava^»a. We
first planned on Clippofton. 1 still have
the FOBAS call I got for that trip. . ,
finally got to use it in t9€€ when I visit-
ed Tahiti, where I used FOSAA's sta-
tion.
I got the call KC4AF for Navassa and
we had one heck of an adventure. I've
got to tell you about that sometime. We
went through a hurricane and almost
crashed on a reef getting (here. Then
we caine that close to getting killed
when we stopped at Haiti. You 11 kive
the part where I have to dive in shark-
infested waters to retrieve some
/Iropped antenna elements.
That's part of the excitement of DX*
peditioning. You're going to rare spots
and you don't know what's gokng to
happen. Sure, it can be dangerous, but
that's part of the excitement.
Other DXpeditions can be luMuri-
ous. . tike the time t operated for a
couple of weeks from King Hussein s
summer palace. It doesn't get any
more luxurious than that. . .complete
with a king for company on a ham4o-
ham basis^
Of cou^^e tfve burning of the Ameri-
can Library in Amman the day before I
got there and the stoning ot our em-
bassy made walking al>out downtown
not particufarly wise. Another Ameri-
can ham ignored the warnings and
managed lo get beaten up by a coupEe
PLO soldiers. But then he was Jewish,
took pictures of the soldiers, and his
wife was wearing a miniskirt. . three
very big fK>-nos in Jordan at tf^ time.
I can't understand why you haven't
gone on a DXpedition yet. It's fun and
Continued on p&g^ 84
4 7$ Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
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providing extended transmit tinne
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• Extended receive coverage.
TH-27A: 118-165 IVIHz:TH-47A:
438-449,995 MHz. TX on Amateur
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• Multi-function scanning.
Band and memory channels can
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• Frequency step selectable tor
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• Built-in digital clock with
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• Dual Tone Squelch System
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\ squelch.
• Rve watts output when operated
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• T"Alert tor quiet monitoring.
Tone Alert beeps when squelch
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• Auto battery saver, auto power
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• DTMF memory, The DTMF
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Sfie&Scations ^ta features are subject to c^snge ivrmour ftGiic:^ at oi>itgaUQfi.
0>mpMe serwce mam^s sr& mmtiatMe kifsii Kenwood uunscetv^rs and mom aooessofiea
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store receive and transmit
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• DC direct tn operation*
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(PB-13 only.)
Optional accessories:
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• BC-ISi Rapid charger for PB-13. 14
• BH*6: Swivel mount • BT-e: Six cell AA
Alkaline battery case * HMC-2 : Headset
with VOX and Prr • PB-13 : 72 V 700 mAh
NiCd pack • PB-t4: 12 Y 300 mAh NiCd
pack ♦ PG-3F: DC cabte with filter and
cigarette lighter plug • PQ-2W: DC cable
• SC-30 : Soft case • SMC-31: Standard
speaker mic*SMC-32:
Compact speaker mic
• SMQ-aa: Compact
speaker mic with
controls
• WR-2: Waterj
resrstant
bag.
1
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• cress encode/decode i^ullt-in,
• Supplied accessories:
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wall charger, belt hook, wrist strap,
dust caps.
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BDITED BY LfNDA RENEA U KA f UKM
Albania Success
The Intemationat Amateur Radio Union
(tARU) team of operators^instructors re-
turned in early October from a successful
operation in Albania. The ZA1A team was
given the honor of establishing amateur radio
in Albania and training 12 Albanian students
to carry that seed further, Dyhng the expedi-
tion over 71 ,000 contacts were made. Thanks
to theZAI A project, Albania is no longer a rare
DX country and will continue to be active. On
October 8. the ARRL DXCC desk approved
the ZA1A operation for DXCC credit. The
NCOXF is aiming for the shortest ever turn-
around in QSLJng tor any major DXpedltlon.
They started shipping out cards as of October
26. The QSL address is NCDXF, P.O. Box 1,
Los Altos CA 94023. Please include two SAE/
SASEs, TNX Erkki -'Ehc" Hefkkinen
0H28BF, Mariti Laine 0H2BH and Yaesu
USA.
Business on the Bands?
FCC Rule 97,113, "Prohlbtted Transmis-
sions,** could be changed to permit ''per-
sonal business" communtcations, includ-
ing ordering piz2a by autopatch. At the
recent ARRL National Convention held in
Saginaw^ Michigan, FCC Private Radio Bu-
reau Chief Ralph Haller N4RH startled listen-
ers with this proposal, which he says was m
response to numerous requests from the ham
community to broaden the range of amateur
communications. The Commission indicated
that il was open to the filing of a request for a
ruies change that would address certain as-
pects of quasi-commerciaJ use of amateur ra-
dio spectra by hams. Among the possible
changes would be: allowing hams to conduct
personal and club business over amateur ra-
dio; Increasing access to amateur radio for
local government activities and nonprofit or-
ganizations; permitting greater latitude in the
gathering and dissemination of news, even for
the media^ by hams through amateur radio;
and permitting payments to educators who
operate amateur radio stations for education-
al purposes. The proposal would also permit
hams to retransmit other radio services, such
as the Voice of America, WWV, and NOAA
bulletins.
Says Haller, "As frequency managers, we
feel overly bureaucratic when we have to tell
you that you must not use your unused Ama-
teur Service frequencies for non-amateur pur-
poses. After allp the real anti-exploitation rules
are those rooied in your respect for the princi-
ples for which your frequencies are made
available to you, and by your good judgment."
[Unused Amateur Service frequencies?}
When traditional uses of the amateur bands
are insufficient to "completely occupy all
available amateur spectrum/' amateurs
should be allowed to use ^'inactive ' frequen-
cies for these at most -commercial operations.
This would be on a secondary, non interfering
basis with all other amateur radio communica-
tions. These secondary communications
would be limited to areas falling under FCC
jurisdiction, and where international regula-
tions do not take precedence. The question is:
What are the implications of this proposal, and
if such a proposal were accepted, how might it
change amateur radio? TNX W5Yt Report,
Vol tS, Issue m>, Westlmk Report, No, 6th
and others.
Museum Station W4BFB
On Saturday, IMovember 2, the Amateur
Radio Education Center at Discovery
Place, Charlotte's Science Museum, North
Carolina^ opened its doors, Opening on the
same day were an OMNI MAX Theatre and
America's largest Spitz Space Voyager Plane-
tarium.
Station W4BFB. under the direction ol the
Mecklenburg Amateur Radio Society, invites
and encourages all licensed hams to use this
fine equipment.
The Science Museums of Charlotte accept
tax deductible contributions for the purchase
of more radio equipment and station supplies.
Contributions also enable them to conduct ra-
dio license classes. With a contribution of
$100, your QSL card is permanently sealed in
plastic and mounted on a wooden panel inside
the station for all to see.
For more information, write Science Muse-
ums of Charlotte, Inc., 301 North Tryon Street,
Charlotte NC 28202 or call (704) 372-6261 ,
Ham Arrested
far Owning Ham Bear
Eric Dobrowansky KA2YKC has been in^
dieted by a New Jersey grand jury on
charges of having amateur radio gear in his
car that can receive police dispatch chan-
nels, which violates New Jersey Statute A2A
1 24-4, The police channels are adjaceni to the
2 meter band. Dobrowansky was arrested late
las! year by the Cranford police while trying to
assist that department in its hunt for a jammer
of its police radio communications. His mobile
JCOM IC-901 transceiver receives on the fre-
quencies of 136-174 MHz,
The indictment angered the New Jersey
amateur radio community. New Jersey hams
were already involved m a major political bat-
tle to overturn the 30-year-old law urKfer which
KA2YKC was charged- The replacement mea-
sure. New Jersey Assembly Bill A-3044, or the
** Mendelsohn Law" after ARRL Hudson Divi-
sion Director Stephen Mendelsohn WA2DHF
who has been spearheading its passage,
would make possession of mobile scanners a
criminal offense only if the device was used in
conjunction with the commission of a cnme.
While hams in the community are deciding
what to do. or have perhaps already engaged
in doing some of the ideas they have thougfit
of (picketing the P.O.? getting on 'Inside Edi-
tion"? forming a motorcade equipped with
banned gear and driving around town?). Eric
Dobrowansky KA2YKC has refused a court
plea bargain that would have permitted him to
enter a no-contesl plea. Instead, he has elect*
ed to demand a jury trial. He is represented by
ARRL Volunteer Counsel John Norton N2IOB,
If convicted, Dobrowansky faces up to a year
in jail and several thousand doilars in fines, or
both. TNX Westiirjk Report, Number 610.
Let's Talk Radio
A growmg number of TVRO (satellite
dish) listeners have been tuning in and dis-
covering a very intriguing audio subcarrier.
This audio show is called Let's Talk Radio,
and operates every weeknight from 6 p.m.
Eastern till past 2 a^m. (9 a.m. till 2 a.m.
on weekends). It features live call-in discus-
sions about amateur radio, TVRO. and short-
wave listening, along with a wide array of
regular talk show hosts covering just about
any topic (usually between 9 p.m. and mid-
night). Operated by Jim Bass of Syracuse,
New York, the listening audience covers most
of North America! You can tune into the show
by looking at Spacenet 3. channel 21 (S3-21),
You'll probably see a scrambled picture, so
just turn off or unhook your videocipher unit,
tune into the 6.2 MHz audio subcarrier, and
join in the fun.
In addition. Jim has an HF receiver at his
home which he uses to uplink various amateur
radio nets to the satellite subcarrier. Current-
ly he uplinks the ATV net every Tuesday
night at &-10 p.m., various swap nets (usu-
ally between 8^9 p.m ), and the weekend
TVRO HF net. Anyone who would like
more information, or who would like Jim to
uplink your net or special activity, should
contact Jim Bass, c/o Let's Talk Radio, P.O.
BoK 254. Syracuse NY 13215. Or call him at
(315) $73^3752.
Tropical Hamhoree
Every ham is encouraged to bring a
young nonham to the Youth Forum on Sun-
day, February 9, at the Tropical Hamboree
in MlBmL Carole Perry WB2MGP. famous
teacher of amateur radio to young people and
conductor of the Youth Forum, also needs
good speakers ami presenters under 18
years ol age. Write Carole at P.O, Box
1 3 1 646 , Staten Island NY 1 03 1 3^006. (If nec-
essary, you may call Carole at 71 8/983-1 41 60
For information on the Hamboree, write Chair-
man Evelyn Gauzens W4WYR, 2780 NW 3rd
St., Miami FL 331 25.
73 Amateur Radio Today • December. 1991 7
liUIVlbtr 3 on your Feedback card
ETTERS
OrvilLa Guls«th WSPGG, Minnetonka
UN J was thinking aboul sendirvg a sub-
scripiicm 1o ?3 to my grandson, who is
nearly 13 years old and jusi getting started
in ham radio. (This is the third generation
of hams m the Gulseth family.) Then after I
saw the picture of WK3N's Q8L card on
page 87 of the Saptamber 1991 issue of
73, 1 decided not to. That spoiled an other-
wise very good issue,
Ofv, m a few momhs your grandson witi
discover gifts afl by /rims&lf and well get
rhe Siii>scfiptfon from htm. You must hAvB
B gre^i ttme censortng aft hts newspapers
aod magazines and k&eptng htm away
from the TV, fmagine what woufd tiappmi
tlh€0v^r saw Murphy 8rown^ . Wayne
W.E. Beckman WAdJlE, Buffalo IL 1
have a problem \ haven't tieen atsie to re-
set ve and am now requesting the help of
the amateur fraternity. It's the computer-
iz^ed equipment in my Lincoln Town car
that puts out millions of harmonics, and
makes a royal mess on my 10 meter HR-
£600 transceiver. I haven't dared try my
loom 730,
Remedial steps included good ground-
ing of the equipment to chassis, running
RG-i/U coax directty from the car battery
into the transceiver with ground strap to
coax shield near txttti the batt&ry and rig.
Mo si^!ces$. I Nvt put femte &eads on ait
power and speaker leads inside the rig.
Stilt r>o succe^. {Ran out at t}eads and
coykl not do tt>e mike leads.}
With the computer chip becoming more
and more prevaleni in ouf society ^ more
problems are going to arise. Hopefully
some of the hams out there have found a
tried and true way of geltmg rid of all this
chirping in their mobile rigs and would like
to pass that information on. I'd hale to
have to build a Faraday cage around the
darn thing; I'm hoping to firnl an easier
solution through my fetlow amateurs.
Woifle, my Toyota Pravm van fs mar-
veioti^y^iei^taftdhandf§s better than the
Lfncofn. Thafs ofte way to care all that
hash. . .. Wayne
Mark Cronenwett KA7ULD^6. Santa
Clara CA After being mactrve for several
years, i am very haiJpy to see thai you are
still around. Vour editonals are the very
first part that I read then and now. I can see
that things must nol have changed much.
Your edilorial in the September issue
was great. The part about clubs was excel-
lent. I remember when 1 ioined the local
Club in Montana. At 1 7 J was the youngest
member: the ne>ct closest was about to
retire 1 didn't fike il much after a vvhile,
t have no problem with heights and
Climbing towefs. and I am also vmy tielpful
by naiure. So I found mysett doing a tot of
tower work for all of the members of the
dub wtio suddenly found they couUn't do
lifof themsefves.
Now 1 am debating about joining a club
or not. t have noticed on the local re-
pealers that AO one will lalk to you if you
don't belong to the club or group. I origi-
nally stopped because J was getting ha-
rassed for being a pirate station. Fortu-
natefy, that hasn't started again.
From the Hamshack
Mark, what did you gm m return for dimi)-
ing towers for the geriatrics, a hearty
handshake? if they make it worihwhite in
someway, noprobfem. You don't owe 'em
free work. Same thing with a dub .if It 's
fun, then join, it's tfjat simple ti it isn't fun,
forget 'em. And if they don't want you on
their repealer, put your own on. and don't
/ef 'em trse ;l No, better, send me their
calls and i 'if print 'em in my new Ham Hail
of Shame . Wayne.
Kevin KD4CNH. Key West FL I can't be-
gin to tell you how much t en|Oy your edito^
nal in 73 J think yw Speak for The majority
of us new and future hams. I love the part
about the fogies, tt remincts me Ol the '1
had to walk five mites to school, uphill botft
ways, atways three feet of snow on the
ground/' saymg. I'm an avionics techni-
cian tor the Navy, and agree with you
when yoii say most don t know vvtiat they
are talking about, t just believe if you can't
say good things about a person, don't say
anything, ff you're ever lalking Florida,
give me a call on 10 meters The 2510 is
always scanning I And I iove to talk: but
make sure you have some time to spare!
Kev. bAby, if you don*t have anything good
to say aiMut a person, wnte an editoa-
af . . . . Wayne
Hobert Dickson N4UBK Mr. Green, if it
was not tor your etfDrts^ I woiikj Have t>een
"Out of there" a long time ago. Did you
know that 73 Magazm is the only ham
publicaiioft in the milttary bookstore on
Ramsiein AFB. Germany? 1 read only 73.
beam /?/ and Funk Amateur, which are
exceilent mags, but if I had to p^ck one, i!
would be your 73. Keep up the hard work,
Don isjorman AF8B, Elyria OH The no-
code Technician license is changmg ama-
teur radio rapidly. Although a recent OST
ar^alysis says tfiat 90% o! new exams are
for no^ode. il doesn't fit my experierkce.
Seems more tike 40% oi total exams to
me
Almost all no-code Tecfis thai I have
mei are working on the code. ar>d I have
had two pass their 13 wpm m VE sessions
I've worked
It itte hobby is to grow, we need more VE
sessions. No matter wtiere a session is
held, candidates appear. I have assisted
in three sessions in Gilmer County, West
Virginia, and no session has had less than
10 candidates,
I suggest 73 magazine do some maieri-
al on 6 meters. This was a lot of fun in the
late fjftiies. Suppose a 6 meter rig like Ihe
Uniden 251 0/2600 were available. Seems
tike a natural for tfie no-code people.
fttorm. oi' boy, t've been hoping that the
last fiam on 6m would wnte something for
AadK^ Fun so we'd get rnore activity there.
tt*sa wonderful tiand- . Wayne
Robert A. Willingham NSUYA, Tularosa
MM You /W^yrtejj required m your note tvow
I had been received on the air. This is hard
to quantify I can say that nobody has tieen
openly hostile to me; Tve head a number
of derogatory remarj^s about us ' codeless
Techs'' voiced on the air among some of
lire * 'old-timers," They don't think we can
operate correctly Beiieve me. All the non-
sense and bad pfocedure isn't |ust on 20
rrwters' I don't thmk most of ihese know^t-
alts could pa^ a (est on ttve FCC regula-
tkjns. much less Morse codel All of my
QSOs have been on 2 meters so far, and
Td say tt>e "IrierKlty vs^ unfriem^ly" has
been about 50-50. As 1 say. nobody tras
t>aen openl:y hostile, but IVe been given
the brush-off more than once. I find that
the other "codetess Techs'' are always
eager tg find a friendly voice. I might add
that while this part of the country is sparse*
ly populated, we've got a lot of 2 meter
repeaters available for use on the sur-
rounding mountain lops and a couple of
linked systems, one that stretches from
Texas to California the result is that I hear
a surprising amount of activity m the
"sc^n" mode.
As far as reception in other areas, thai
hasn't been e^tremety warm either, I don*l
t^ve any ck>se tnends among the local
amateur community, but a lot of them
kiKJw me on s^hi arKJ now know I am li*
censed. Nobody has invited me to a meet-
ing of the local dub. I went to the tocal
hamfest a few weeks ago an6 mostly all
who would talk to me were selling some-
thing. 1 did run into a guy I took Ihe exami*
nation with and he seemed to be glad to
have someone to hold a conversation
with.
There was one notable exception. I
w^ked up to the ARAL booih and intro-
duced myself to the section manager, Joe
K nig tit W5PDV. He extended to me what I
itiought was a heartfelt welcome to ama*
leur radio. (I've heard Joe on the air a lot,
on 2 meters, and running the net on HF,
and 1 thtnk he is a genuinety nice guy.} 1
guess tt>e AR^L isn't all bad, tart we knew
that anyway.
In general, I think a lot of these old-
timers don I realize the value to the hobby
a lot of us "codeless Techs" could be.
Just think of the repeaters, satellites, and
other high overhead goodies our money
could help finance. Your magazine might
become as thick as Ehe Japanese ham
magazine you mentioned in one of your
editorials. To give you a little bit of my
technfcal background: Tve operated my
own two-way radio shop, ran a telephone
construct ton company, consulted for
ATAT Long tjnes and Mouniain Bell in the
common earner microwave area I engi-
neered and buttt a lot of the prevaie and
industrxal microwave systems in the
southwest Tve done a kat of bfoadcasi
engineering work, inciudjng buikJirvg an
FU station from the ground up in El Paso.
Te)(as. I've had, along with all this, exten-
sive experience In the data communica*
tlDns field,
No, nol everybody has had Ihe back-
ground that I have had , but just think of the
computer hobbyists out there who could
add their knowtedge to the pool.
As far as operating on the ham bands,
right now Vm confined to 2 meters. My
next step is to get involved with packet,
t've got an IBM campaiible computer al-
ready, so all I need Is a Tr^C. I don't know
about ATV; I don't have anything worth
looking at, and nobody would want to k^
at me< I would like to explore tt^ mi-
crowave region and use the amateur satet*
lites, having had a tot o! experiertce in
those areas Tve got mcxecf feelings about
trying HF. Look at the people you have to
associate with down there! I'm glad we of
the sub-human species have people like
/ou out there beating the drum for us,
Ell Ubera, Jr.. WTIW, Palmer MA 1 have
been licensed for one year now, tiaving
anajned Ihe Extra class license in just un*
der seven months.
I read 73 every month, and I find thai
between Ihe artides and columns, sptced
with just enough advertisements, your
magazine is a very good buy lof S2,d5, (
donl want to subscribe, tiowever, be-
cause I like to visit the YL who runs the
local newssiarnj.
Your editorials, I find, do illustrate some
of the nonsense that I have already ob-
served in my new-found hobby. It's an ugly
thing, the fact thai some hams have been
operating tor so many years in ttie same
modes, on the same bands, talking to the
same people about the same things. Just
listen to 75 meters AM, you'll find some
dodi even acknowledge the existence of
SS3. Then you have the potiticiai^s.
schizophrenics, drunks and dopers. Why
does such an enjoyable hobby attract
such weirdos?
I know people wtio spend all their air
bme on either 2 meter packet or windbag
repeater rag-chewing, always talking
about the same things I get sick of being
told that if I buy UMF and microwave
equipment I won't have anyone to lalk to.
Then you get these guys who hear new
operators on local repeaters and yell at
them rather than trying to coach them,
t have been nominated for ^^Icb presi-
dent of our local club, and will probably be
elected. All the older members want
someor>e younger (I'm 33} to have a place
in dub management I am sworn to get
new m^nbers and educate new hams,
and to get these guys to talking about
tilings t>esides "my dog's c^taraci opera*
lion."
Kathleen Smith VE3WKW, London. On-
tario I look forward to getting your maga^
zine every month at the newsstand. I love
your editorials. I find that there is a general
lack of enthusiasm with our local hams
when it comes to newcomers or interested
prospects, so you are correct. Not much of
asurpriset
lam a newcomer to the radio hobby, but
it seems to me that with an army of retired
hams locally, there could be some effort to
push our bobby a bit and lend a hand to
newcomers.
At my radio class there were only two
used rigs for sale, and no accessories at
ail. No dealers stKwed up to show off new
equipment or even drop off catalogs, t
think that a list oi used equipment OKjtd
have been compiled from the local ie~
peater or from ttie local ham club,
I expected a visit from the president of
the local radio club to round up new mem-
bers, but this opportunity was missed as
well. I must admit thai some members of
[he 2 meter club showed up and were well
received, so someone is doing some
thinking.
One suggestion I would make is that
amateur radio students could be paired
with older, more experienced hams to
help tfiem find and get their S[tations run-
ning, t^t to mention a chance to pass on
all that knowledge before H is bsf to the
Silent Key Patroit
I am temporarily inactive due to an ifl^
ness and ftnandal setback that forced me
to liquidate my siaUon. but as soon as I am
able, I will be tiack on the air. Tlie ques*
tions still stand, though: What kind ol old
lig is depend a bie , wh o do 1 bu y It from, and
how do I keep it running? Better ye!, who
will take the lime to explain?
0 73 AmatBur Radio Today • December. 1991
**=^''*^j;,
''^^A/5^/r
"^^m
^f^^D
^?frj»lte
d9?«=^*«o^
: 4flc.
Without a doubt,
the MM-3 Morse
Machine from AEA is the
u hi male keyer. Whether
you're a contesten DX chafer or ragchewer there is
no better meniorv kever available.
J
ust look at these memory keyer features:
• 20 "soft-partitioned" memories (8K standard,
expandable to 32K),
• Complete adjustability of your Morse signal - dot
& dash length, letter & word spacing, and more,
• Straight. Bug, Iambic, and Curtis A&B™ keying
modes so you can use the MM-3 just like you've
used other kc\ crs in the past
• Enter commands via the keypad or from a computer
through the MM-3's serial port (optional),
• Automatic serial number generation and insertion,
• Paddle reverse command to accommodate
different types of paddles.
• Common command list on the front panel for
quick and easy operation.
• Real-time or automatic memor\' spacing.
I
n addition to these features, the MM-3 is also a
full-fledged Morse trainer with four training modes:
• DX Contest Simulator — practice realistic CW
contesting without going on the air!
• QSO Simulator — practice realistic rag-chews
without going on the air. Great tune-up for license
class upgrades.
• Random four-letter word generation with
increasing speed.
• Random letter generation.
With a computer, you can check youj copy or
download a specialized training session into
the MM-3's memory!
T
T
hese are only some of the best features of the MM-3.
o find out more, see vour AEA Authorized Dealer
or call Uie AEA InfoLine at 1-800-432-7388,
Advanced Electronic
Applications, Inc.
RO. Box C2 160/2006 196tti St. S.W, * Lynnwood. WA 98036-0918
Tech Support (206)775-7373 • Office {206)774-5554 • CompuServe ID 767Q2J013
All stated specifications ore subject to chonge without notice or obligation
© Copyright 1991 by Advanced Electronic Applications. Inc. All Rights Reserved.
D;\aea\ads\MM3079 1 .clip 7-22-91 check- 1 , nnal
Number 4 an ^our Feedback cafd
The Simple TX TX
The perfect companion for the SupeRX receiver!
by Bruce 0. Williams WA6IVC
Ever since t introduced the Simple Su-
peRX (see the April )99l i.ssue of 7S) J
meet QRPers looking for a companion trans-
mitter ai every hamfest I attend. The irans-
miticr must have 2-3 watts output, provide
reasonable performance and cost» and be suit-
able for ponable or backpacking use with the
SupeRX. tl must also be abie to operate on
any band from 80 to 20 meters* And now it
exists— the Simple Texas Transniilter (TX
TX). It produces 1 .5-2.5 watts on any one of
four bands, is simple to build, and can be |»jf
on the air in about two hours.
After developing the Simple TX TX, I have
a real sense of accomplishment. It only oscil-
lates where it should, aiKi it's not a particular-
ly exotic design. It uses a basic oscillator/
driver/ampHfier scheme. There are a couple
of improvements over the classic circuits, but
by and large, h is a perfectly straightforward
application of several proven circuits. Refer
to Figure 1 for the schematic. Q I is a bipolar-
transistor Pierce crystal oscillator. A tuned
output \s desirable in a crystal oscillator to
maximize power output and reduce harmon-
ics. However, in the Simple TX TX, unlike
most circuits, the resonant circuit, Tl, is in
the emitter of the transistor. This provides the
necessary stability and purity of the signal [
wanted.
I tried the microminiature 10.7 MHz IF
transformer in the collector circuit initially,
and attempted to take the oscillator output
from the secondary of the transformer, but
discovered that the output of the oscillator
was too low, reqtunng an additional stage to
drive the final amplifier. With the resonant
circuit in the emitter, the ouipui of the oscilla-
tor, taken at the collector, is about 4 Vpp, and
it does not exhibit the distorted sine wave that
many crystal oscillators do.
The oscillator collector voltage is regulated
at 5 volts by Ul, a subminiaturc 78L05
voltage regulator rated at 100 mA. Since the
collector current of Ql is only about 10 mA,
there is little stress on the regulator. Keying is
accomplished by controlling the 12 volt input
to the regulator via Q4, This arrangement
creates a smooth keying characteristic, with-
out clicks or other problems*
Q2 is a conventional buffer/d river. The
2N2222A is capable of driving the final am-
plifier to about 1 .5 watts with 1 2.0 volts, and
over 2.0 watts with a 13.5 volt supply. Q2 is
10 73 Amateur Radio Today • December. 1991
• + 1£V
/p /ft
• ANT
* SEE T^Xt F0« VAtL/ES
• ii£4T smut 03
Figure L Sdiematicfor the Simple TX TX,
keyed with the oscil-
lator by Q4. T2 is a
wideband balun
transformer that
drives a convention-
al class C finai am-
plifier, Q3. Because
of the nearly pure
sine wave output of
the oscillator, the
output from the PA
is clean and free
fiomdistonion.
The simple output
filter (LI, C7 and
C8) attenuates har-
monics, but provides
no impedance
matching. It is taken
directly from the
ARRL's Solid State
Design, a book by
Wes Hayward
W7ZOI and Doug
DeMaw Wl FB
(1986). Because the
output power is less
than 5 watts, this fil-
ter provides suffi-
cient filtering to
meet FCC spectral
purity requirements.
There are several
good bipolar ampli-
fiers available that
could be used for
Q3. The 2SC799 is
Figure!. The PCB foil pattern.
Figure 3. Pans layout for the Simpic TX TX.
■
^^^^•^^^^^^^^
.-- ^
^^^1
^^^^^^1 1 ^^^^^^^^^^^p
^^H
^
■
Photo. The simple TX TX.
MFJ's innovative new
SWR Analj^zer™ gives you a
complete picture of your
antenna SWR over an
entire band — without a
transmitter, SWR meter or
any other equipment!
AU you do is plug your antenna inio ihe
coax connector, sei jraur SWR Analyzer ^^ to
the frequency you warn and read your SWR.
Setting up and trimming your antenna:
Super simple and super aecumte
Vou cun instantly find your antenna's true
resonant frequency right at your feediine --
that^s something a noise bridge just can*t do,
Vou can numilor SWR changes as you ad-
just your beam or vertical — you 11 know
rig hi away which way to adjust it.
Vou can shorten or lengthen your dipole
and see the effect immediately.
The MR SWR Analyzer^'^ is battery oper-
ated and handheld size so you can lake it
rig hi to your antenna. It makes it soockk}
easy lo work on your antenna until it's just
the wsy you want it.
Crepti' your perfect mu hi- band antenna
Vou can msiantJ} check multi-band dipotes
and trap %'erlica!s to see if the low SW'R
points are where >ou want them and adjust
your antenna uniil they're right.
McAiilt Antennas made ea^
HhiH find the perfect adjustment for your
mobile whip in seconds by actually seeing
the SWR a?i yiiu pull the whip in and out
without transmtuing.
Vnu can easily ftnd the id^ place on die
car tbr your mobile antenna by checking
differem spots with the SWR Analyzer™.
All kinds of uses
Ynu can see how the SWR varies over
your entire band and quickiy fmd your
usable 2:1 SWR bandwidth.
Vou can see your SWR change as you
drive under an overpass and see how mobile
whip tl utter affects SWR.
You can sec what happens as you swing
your beam toward the power line or away
fvom your tower.
You can see haw min or snow affects your
beam.
You can tunc up your antenna tuner
without transmiiting.
\bu can check the SWR of the input to
ytMir linear amplifier.
You'll tlnd ail kinds of uses for this totally
self-contained handheld unit that'll revolu-
lionize how SWR is measured.
Super Value: Several Instruments in One
Yttu get a super value because severaJ in-
struments are combined into a single portable
handheld unit.
It has a low disirrti^iji RF generator that
ccwere 10-160 meters, an SWR bridge that
gives forward and reflected components and
a computing circuit that automatically com-
putes the SWR and displays it on the meter.
Everything is automatic. All you do is set
,TM
the fre^uetKy^ and read SWR. It also has a
frequency counter output so you can connect
a freciueoi^ counter for precise digital
readout.
Use 9 volt battery or HO VAC with
MH-DI2, $12.95. IVi" x 2W* x2lA*\
The best way e*er to measure SWR
Here^s the best w^^ ever to measure SWR
... so get yours today I
MFJ VHF SWR Analyzer
MFI-208
$gg9o
If you operate 2 meters this
MEr-208 VHF SWR
Analyzer^^ helps get your
antenna,"^ in tip-top shape. Just
plug in the coax to fmd the
SWR of any antenna from
142-156 MHz. Use 9 volt bat-
tery or 110 VAC with
MFJ-B12. $12.95.
NEW . • , Tm Models
For Commercial Radioi!
MFJ-2I7 awere 30-50 MHz;
MF3-218 tXTvcrs 150-1?} MHz.
These an! only S149.95 each.
MFJ 600 MHz 10 Digit
LCD Frequency Counter
A perfect companion for
MFJs SWR Analyzer^
^ ' Add dijs handy
MFJ-346 frequency
counter to your sta-
tion and get high ae-
cufBcy frequent^
measurements to 600
MHz with 10 digit
precision- lt*s also
compatible with the MFJ SWR Analyzers
and Antenna Bridge. Large quarter- inch
LCD digits make reading easy. These hi^h
contrast LCD digits doni wash out in bright
sunlight like LEDs do - they're actually
easier to read the brighter the light.
Four gate times let you select the resolu-
tion you need -- selecting a 1 second ^atc
time gives you 1 Hz resolution. Has high
accuracy I ppm 10 MHz crystal time base
with adjustable calibration.
Uses high speed ASIC and custom LCD
$
MFI-346
189
i^rhnology. 3-7/8 x 1-3/8 x 5-1/4 itKhes.
Uses 9 volt battery or 110 VAC with op-
tional MFJ-012B. $12,95.
MFJ-247 SWR Analyzer™ with LCD frequency counter
JM
MFTs newest SWR Analywr
has buik4n 10 digit LCD frequency
counter ^ makes reading SWR easier
than even
f
MH-247
189
You can use the new
MFJ 247 as an SWR
Analyzer™, as a sen-
sitive high accuracy
150 MHz frequency
counter and as a signal
generator.
ll has high contrast
LCD digits that don't
wash out in bright
sunlight like LEDs do - they re actually
easier to read the brighter the light.
Reading SWR is automatic. All you do ts
plug in your antenna, set your MFJ SWR
Analyzer''^ to the frequency you want and
read your SWR — it couldn't be easier!
The MFJ-247 is battcr> operated and
handheld si^e so you can take it right to your
antenna and work on it until it's just the way
you want it. Reads SWR 160-10 Meters.
You can instantly find your antenna's true
resonant frequency right at your feedline —
that's something a noise bridge just can't do.
\bu can monitor how SWR changes as yoy
adjust your beam or vertical - you'll know
right away which way to adjust it.
You can shorten or lengthen your dipole
and see the effect immediately,
ORCLE ae ON READER SERVICE CARf>
%ull find all kinds of uses for this totally
self'<::oniained handheld unit that has revolu-
tionized how SWR is measured.
Has separate BNC input connector for use
as high accuracy frequency counter. Counter
has 1 ppm 10 MHz crystal time base; OK J,
I, 10 second gate times; A Hz resolution.
Uses 6 AA cells or 110 VAC with MFJ4312,
$12,95, 4 ?t m X 7J/1 inches.
Nearait Dealer/Orders: 80ft*f^I800
Ibchnical Help: SW-«47-TECH(8324)
FAX: (601) 323^551
MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC
Box 494, Miss. Stale, MS 39762
(601) 323-5869; TELEX: 53 4590
MFJ . . . making quality affordable
Add S5 tsmh &hrppi£i^l^jidluig; © m\ MB
Band
80m
40m
20m
T2 Values
Primary
5TNo.28efiarn,
STNo. 2eenam-
4TNo, 28enam.
3 T No. 28 enam.
Secondary
1 T No. 24 enam.
1 TNo.24enam,
1 TNo. 24enam.
1 T No. 24 enam.
Output Rller Values
Bmd
C7. C8
Lt
aom
750 pF
21 T No. 24 on T-50-2
40m
470 pF
14TNo.24onT*50-2
30m
300 pF
12TNo.24onT^50-2
20m
210pF
12TNo.22onT*50'6
feadity available at low cost. It wa,s common-
ly used as an output amplifier in C6 rigs, and
is capable of up to about 4 watts. Of course,
the 2N3H66, 2N4895, RCA 4013. or any of
siiveral other TO-5 configured transistors can
be used. The MRF 472 and MRF 476 are also
usable with a slight change in pinout.
The Simple TX TX design is veiy forgiv-
ing* You can substitute parts of different val-
ues for almost any of the components shown.
The only critical parts are the 10,7 MHz
transformer, Tl , and the output filter compo-
nents. I tried several different values for
RFC 1 and RFC2, and the effect on perform-
ance was minimaL
CiMistructioft
I built the Simple TX TX prototypes using
printed stripboard (see the table for sources
of parts) ^ This product is easy to use, and not
expensive. So-called **ugly construction,*'
or what Zack Law KH6CP/1 now calls
**ground plane" construction, is another op-
tion. 1 personally have never had much luck
with this approach, but 1 know of many
home-brewers who do very well using this
technique. However, a printed circuit board
is available at a reasonable price (see the
table]. Figure 2 shows the etching pattern for
the circuit board, and Figure 3 shows com-
ponent placement. You can get a complete
circuit board kit from MXM Industries. I
recommend using the available printed cir-
ctiii board, since it speeds construction and
makes it difficult to ^'garT' up the circuit.
Sian your construction by installing the
power supply capacitors and keying circuit
components, and the 5 volt regulator, UK
Don't make the mistake of attempting to com-
plete the entire transmitter before testing the
individutjl circuits. Build one stage and check
it out before going to the next. Trouble-
shooting the entire transmitter will drive you
nuts, and there is a strong likelihood that you
will damage some of the components in the
process! After assembling the regulator and
keying circuit, make sure that the output of
Ul is approximately 5 volts (typically 5.02
volts), and that the keying circuit operates
properly. Only after this crucial step should
you continue.
Install the components of the oscillator
(Rl, R2, R8, Tl, CI. RFCl. Ql. C2) and
verify that the oscillator is operational before
continuing to the buffer /driver, Q2, Tune Tl
12 73 Amateur Radio Today • Dec© mter» 1991
for the best sounding
signal, not necessar-
ily the signal with the
most output. Check
that when the oscilla-
tor is keyed there are
no key clicks or oth-
er anomalies during
keying. You can
monitor the output of the oscillator on a ham
band or general coverage receiver. If you
have a frequency counter or oscilloscope, a
small piece of compt>neni lead can be sol-
dered into the board at TPl to allow confir-
mation of the proper signal. Don't be sur-
prised if the frequency of oscillation is a little
above the frequency indicated on the crystal
(1-2 kHz). It's easy to tune the output of the
oscillator to the frequency you desire later.
Extra Adjustment for 20 Meters
Tl is a microminiature (7mm) 10.7 MHz
IF transformer. To make the transformer res-
onant on the particular band of interest, a
padding capacitor must be added across the
3-pin primary. Different values for capacitor
C 1 for operation on the 80 » 40, 30, and 20
meter bands, rcspeaively, is given in the
pans list.
Although the value for the padding capaci-
tor is shown as 27 pF for 20 meter operation,
some modification to Tl is also required.
There is a small ceramic capacitor mounted
in the base of the transformer. This capacitor
must be carefully removed before you install
the transformer on the circuit board.
Carefully break the capacitor in half, using
a very^ small, sharp X-ACTO* knife, and pull
the two halves out. l>o not try to pull the
halves from the transformer base. Firsts care-
fully cut the leads connected to the halves,
then remove the halves.
Check continuity between the two outboard
pins on the 3'pin side of the iranstormer. If
there is no continuity, the transformer must
be replaced . With this capacitor removed, Tl
wil! be resonant at 20 meters with the addition
of the 27 pF capacitor as C 1 .
The value of 39 pF for C2 limits the output
of the Simple TX TX to about 1 .5 watts with a
12 volt supply. If you wish to increase or
decrease the output, some experimentation
with C2 will be required. I found that if the
value ofC2 is as high as 100 pF, both 02 and
the output transistor will exhibit extreme
healing, and shortly destruct! 1 tbund that the
usable upper-limit value is about 51 pF.
Winding T2
T2 is a broadband transformer wound on a
1
Parts List
C1
20m, 27 pF; 30m, IS pF; 40m, 51 pF; 80m, 330 pF silver mica or polystyrene
C2
39 pF silver mica or polystyrene
C3,4.5,T0
0.1 mF, 50V monolithic
C6
0.1 |iF, 200V monolithic
C7,e
470 pF silver mica
C9.11
0.01 pF,50V monolithic
CI 2
l00iiF,35V eledrotytic
D1
36V zener diode 1N4754 or equi.
Q1>2
2N2222A
Q3
2SC799orequi.
Q4
2N3906 1
R17
tOk, 1/4W carbon
R2
47k, 1MW carbon
R3,e
2.2k, t/4W carbon
R4
5,6S^. I/4W carbon
R5
lOOohm. 1/4W carbon
R6
47 ohm, 1/4W carbon
R9
lOohm, 1/4W cartjon
RFC1
1 mH RF choke
RFC2
47 ^H RF choke
Tl
10.7 MHz micfomimature IF transformer Mouser 421F222 or 421F223
T2
wideband balun core BN^i3-2402
Ul
78L05. 5V regulator
Y1
HC'1 8 crystal, 32 pF parallel select for frequency
Z1
FB-43-201 ferrite bead
Printed slripboard may t>e ordered from Dick Smith EtectronicsyAmencan Electronics, P.O.
Box 468, Greenwood IN 46142. (800) 872-1373.
Transformers are available from Mouser Electronics, 2401 Hwy, 287 North. Mansfield TX
76063. Tel
. (817) 483-4422; (800) 348-6873.
For transistors and balun cores, you may contact Danny Slevig KA7QJY, P,0. Box 7970,
Jackson WY B3Q01 . Tel (307) 739-1634. evenings.
A drilled and plated circuit board is available from FAR Circuits (N9ATW), 18N640 Field Court,
Dundee IL 601 18. Price $4.50 plus $1 .50 S&H.
You may also obtain a complete circuit board hit» which includes all board-mounted compo-
nents and
a crystal on the QRP calling frequency for the selected band, from [he author at
MXM Industries, Rt. 1 Box 156C, Smithville TX 78957. Tel. (512) 237-3906. Price for the
complete Kit with crystal is S32.95 plus $4.00 S&H, Texas residents add sales tax.
A complete transmitter/recetver kit on a single txjard (uses the SupeRX receiver) is available
for $79,95
+ $4 shipping.
PI
0 NEW MODELS
ULTRA HIGH SENSITIVITY
RND FREQUENCIES FAST
LOCATE RF SOURCES
iCALIBRATE EQUIPMENT.
ANTENNAS, CIRCUITS
2 INCH LED BAR GRAPH
BRIGHT RED DI&=>LAY SHOWS
THE RELATIVE RF SIGNAL
STRENGTH OF INPUT SIGNAL
(NO BACK LIGhfT REQUIRED)
• SWrTCH SELECTABLE
DOT OR BAR GRAPH
• ALL MODELS COMPATIBLE
Wrm MFJ ANT ANALYZER
9-12 VDC AlSTO-POLflJ^TY
POWER INPUT ■ WILL
ACXJEPT DC POWER PLUG
CENTER NEG. OR PCS.
• WHILE CHARGING NI-CAD
BATTERIES- COUNTER
CAN BE USED OR
SWITCHED OFF
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ALUMINUM CABINET
ALL PRICES
INCLUDE FACTORY
INSTALLED NkCADs &
110VAC ADP/CHARGER
GRAPH ■ COUNTERS
TWO NEW MODELS
T-1S00 MHZ&
1-3200 MHZ
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OPERATION WITH
STANDARD FACTORY
INSTALLED NI-CAO's
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wrm INDICATOR
• FULL YEAR
LIMITED WARRANTY
• BRIGHT RED LED DIGFTS
(NO BACK UGHT REQ'D)
DESIGNED & 100%
ASSEMBLED IN USA
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fTA^ Telescoping BNC anienna , , , 12.00
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male BtiC ee. end
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BN-43-2402 binocular balun core. I start
winding T2 by putting the secondary 1-tum
winding on first— I turn of #24 enameled
wire for operation on the 80, 40, 30, and 20
meter bands— then [ wind the primary over
the secondary.
The turns ratio for the primary winding
varies with the particular baiid. For 80 and 40
meters, it*s 5 turns of #28 enameled wire; for
30 meters, it's 4 turns of #28 enameled wire;
and for 20 meters, it's 3 turns of ^8 enam-
eled wire.
The primary leads should come out of one
end of the core, and the secondar>' leads out
of the other end of the core. The baiun core is
extremely small, and the holes through the
core arc also small. If you have to use larger
size wire, you may have problems getting all
the turns on. You can use a larger balun core,
of course, but some experimentation with
turns and turn-ratios will be required. If you
don't have a binocular type of core, a broad-
band toroidal transformer can be substituted*
Solid State Design gives information for us*
ing toroidal cores as broadband transformers.
Output Filta^
The final power amplifier, QS, is a
straightforward con Hgu ration which you
may recognize as about standard for most
QRP transmitters. The value of RFC2 is not
very critical. I have tried values from 15 ^H
to 1 mH with little effect on performance. I
found that the i mH value reduces the output
a litde, just because of the additional resis-
tance of die winding in the higher value.
Values from 25 to 100 \XH will work fine. Dl
is a 36 volt zener diode that protects Q3 from
damage in the event an antenna is not con-
nected when the iransniitter is keyed.
Testing and Operation
If you have followed my suggestions about
assembling each stage separately^ by the time
you finish construction, the transmitter will
be ready to use. A few preliminary tests are a
good idea, however, NEVER test the trans-
mitter without a dummy load (of at least a 5
watt rating). If you don't have a suitable dum-
my load, you can construct one by placing
three 150 ohm^ 2 watt resistors in parallel, or
by using any number of combinatiom* Al-
though I have a 10-1000 watt dummy load, I
generally use a small, calibrated SWR/
wattmeter with a home-built dummy toad. I
find that my commercial dummy load/
wattmeter is poorly calibrated at low power
levels, showing less than a watt when the
actual power is over I watt. One sure way to
gel a good estimate of output power is with an
oscilloscope.
It is essential, even at low power levels, to
use a heat sink on the final amplifier. In fact,
it may be a good idea to put a heat sink on Q2,
since it does cany a heavy burden in this
design. Although during tune-up the fmal
amplifier may seem to be running cooU when
it is mounted in a cabinet, the circulation of
the cooling air may be impaired. In the same
vein, be sure to install a fenite bead, Zl , on
the base lead of the final amplifier.
It is possible to VXO the crystal a little by
placing a capacitance across it. Don't expect
too much of a shift, however. Maybe just 2-^3
kHz. Remember that the tuning capacitor
must be isolated from ground. 1 use a DPDT
switch with a center OFF position, and con-
nect the two center connections across the
crystal . In the center OFF position, no capac-
itance appears across the crystal, and the
frequency will be whatever the crystal gen-
erates. I placed two cap^itors across the
other two poles* so that if the switch is in
one position, that capacitor controls the fre-
quency, and if it's in the other position, the
second capacitor controls the frequency. If
you canH get the frequency where you want it
with a fixed capacitor, there is room on the
switch to mourn a small variable capacitor to
fme-tune it.
Good luck with your Simple TX TX! The
project is so simple that you should not expe-
rience any major difficulties. If the darned
thing doesn^t operate right off, check your
wiring for solder bridges, and see that the
components are in the right place. With the
Simple SupeRX, no problems have been re-
ported to me apart from two isolated part
failures not die fault of the design. If you
think you have a problem that I might be able
to help you with, or if you just want to talk
about it^ please do not hesitate to write or
even call.
You may contact Bruce 0. Williams WA61VC
ai MXM Industries, Ri. I Box 156C,
Smithville TX 78957. Please enclose an
SASE.
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December/1&9i IS
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1§ 73 Amateur R^dio Today • December, 1991
Feedback
In our continuing effort to present the best
in amateur radio features and columns, we
recognize the need to go directly to ttie
source^you, the reader. Artfcles and
columns are assigned feedback numbers,
which appear on each article/column ar^d
are also listed here. These numbers corre*
spond to those on the feedback card oppo-
site this page. On the card, please check
the box which honestly represents your
opinion of each article or column.
Do we realty read the feedback cards?
You beM The resutts are tabulated each
months and the editors take a good, hard
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sion) to 73.
To save on postage, why not fill out the
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card and put them in an envelope? Toss in
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while you're at it. You can also enter yoor
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for the low, low price of 29 cents!
Feedback^ Title
1 Never Say Die
2 ORX
3 Letters
4 The Simple TX TX
5 Review: Ramsey 2m Transceiver Kit
6 Review: Baycom Packet System
7 Project INSPIRE: A Space Shuttle
Experiment
8 Review: ZD Engineering Hardline
Matchmg Transformers
9 Review: Yaesu FT-990
10 TheQUAG-V
1 1 Computerized Tuning for Ramsey
Receiver Kits
12 Review: ICOM IC'2SR A
13 Not Just Another Island
14 Ham Hetp
15 73 InternationaJ
16 ATV
17 Updates
IS Hams with CEass
19 Hamsats
20 "Cheap and Simple" Power Supply
21 QRP
22 RTTYLoop
23 Dealer Difectory
24 Homing In
25 Atxsve and Beyond
26 Special Events
27 New Products
28 AskKaboom
29 Random Output
30 Barter 'n' Buy
31 Propagation
DJ-S€tiT Twintund
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CIRCLE 184 ON READER SERVICE CARD
73 Amateur Radio Today • Decemljer, 1991 17
Ntimber 5 on yo yr Feedback c«fil
73 Review
by Rick Littlefield KIBQT
The Ramsey 2 Meter
Transceiver Kit
Build your own high-quality FM rig the easy way.
Ramsey Electronics
793 Canning Parkway
Victor NY 14564
(71 8) 924-4560
Price Classr FTR-146, $150;
l=TR-C (cabinet), $25; add
$10 S&H, plus S4.50 for COD.
When Ramsey Electronics first adver-
tised the FTR-146 2 meter transceiver
kll, the promise of a synthesized VHf radio for
$149 was just too attractive to pass up. My
only fear was that a project this inexpensive
might be difficult tg construct — or not work
very well. Fortunately » these fears proved un-
founded.
Features
The FTR-146 is a six-channel diode-pro-
grammabte PLL-synihesized FM transceiver,
covenng 144,000 to 147.995 MHz. "Diode-
programmable synthesis" means that you se-
lect six of your favorite operating frequencies
and program them into the radio when you
build it. Programming is done by installing
diodes in a binary matrix, a procedure that is
much easier than it sounds. Transmit offsets
for -i-600 kHz, -600 kHz, and simplex are
also programmed in by installing diodes.
Ramsey conveniently provides a t2-position
switch with the kit. so you can add up to six
additional channels by expanding upon their
diode matrix.
FTR-146 RF output is rated at 4-6 watts,
which is plenty of signal for base or close-in
mobile operation. Since the radio draws only
1.5 amps on transmit, nearly any inexpensive
CB-type supply wHI provide enough power.
Although amenities like a signal strength
meter, microphone, and buitt-in speaker
aren't provided with the FTR-146 kit, it
does include attractive "packet-ready" fea-
tures other radios
may not
have— like PIN^diode T/R switching and a
DlN-type TNC jack on the rear panel. An on-
board jumper selects squelched speaker-lev-
el audio or unsquelched discriminator-level
audio for your TNC. For an additional $24.95,
Ramsey offers an attractive 9" x 6'' x 1.5"
cabinet with stlk-screened front and rear pan-
els, and matching knobs. I found plenty of
room inside this enclosure to install a home-
brew channel expansion board and a 3"
speaker.
Constructing the Kit
With any kit, the dividing tine between suc-
cess and frustration usually depends on
two key factors: the integrity of the circuit
board, and the clarity of the instructions. A
poorly designed board or a confusing man*
ual can turn even the simplest kit into a night-
mare Happily, I found the FTR-146's CAD-
designed two-sided PC board an absolute
pleasure to construct- Part locations are silk-
screened on the component side, and there's
ptenty of space for everything to fit. You
won't need the dexterity of a brain surgeon to
make it look professional. The same CAD pro-
gram that generated the board layout was
used to produce striking 11* x 17* multi-
colored parts placement and schematic dia-
grams for the manual. Credit goes to project
designer Tom Hodge WA2YTM for some fine
computer work.
In a similar vein. 1 found the kit's
documentation ^ written by Dan
Oniey K4ZRA, to be
equally impressive.
The manual
^M>m
(M*ISEV ELECTTRONICS IMC
Photo A. Completed FTR*t46, front paneL
18 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
Photo 8. Completed FTR-146, rear panel.
has over 100 pages of Information and dia-
grams to guide you through construction,
complete with check-listed steps, mini-sche-
matics, and parts placement figures for every
stage. Even the parts list is cross-referenced
to the installation steps in (he manuall The
instructions are not only detailed^ they're edu-
cational as well. By the time I completed the
project 1 had learned a great deal about how
synthesized traosceivers work.
For the most part, you won't need special
toots to complete this project. However, if you
make a mistake, you may need a vacuunvtype
desoldering tool (or a roll of Solderwick™) to
remove parts from the radio's double-sided,
pEated-through, PC board. Radio Shack's de-
soldering iron (#64-2060) is inexpenswe at
$8.49, and does this job well. Also, tune-up
requires nonmetallic tuning wands, including
one with an tnsulated metal tip fike the GC-
8608 (Radio Shack Tuning Wand Set #64-
2230). Finally, some of the air-wound induc-
tors are formed on a 3/8-inch IS-TPI bolt. If
you don't have one on hand, this could mean
an unscheduled trip to the hardware store.
Improvements
t reafly enjoyed building the radio. But, be^
fore I'm accused of working for Ramsey's ad
department. Til confess to at least ONE as-
pect of the kit that I don*t like. The solid-copper
bell wire supplied for pomt-to-point
wiring of controls and switches
was hard to handle — and easy
to break. 1 threw it away and
made a color-coded har-
ness from flexible
stranded wire.
More significantly, I
had to solve a couple
of technical snags to
gel my rig on the air.
Initially, the radio's
squelch circuit
wouldn't function
properly, due to a
defective IC. Ram-
sey helped me find
the problem and
promptly mailed a
new chip.
POwt»
SERIES
Photo C The kit comes with a high-quality PC ix>afd, aH components and excelfsnt documenta-
tion.
Photo D. The assembled FTR- 146 transceiver t>oard
The second soag was a brt more complex.
The radio's synthesizer \C tunes in 10 kHz
steps. When a +5 kHz frequency change
is needed for 15 kHz channel spacing, the
loading on each mrxer oscillator crystal is
switched by diodes to "pull" that oscillator
m frequency (recall the -i-5 kH2 switch on
your old synthesized HT). Unfortynately. I
couldn't make two of the four oscillators in my
radio pull tar enough lo hrt both frequencies. I
traced the problem to out-of-tole ranee crys-
tals. Once again. Ramsey helped me diag-
nose the problem, and promptly shipped the
items I needed.
Getting on the Air
Aside from the crystal problem, align-
ment was straightforward. You'll need a fre-
quency counter to set each oscillator on
frequency, and an RF power meter to peak
the transmitter. You'll also need a weak sig-
nal source to align the receiver. Lacking
an expensive FM service generator, I ternni-
nated the antenna jack with a 47 ohm resis-
tor and used a short scrap of wire to pick up
a local repeater. Any signal weak enough
to produce audible background rtoise will
suffice.
During construction, you'll wind many of the
radio's air^wound inductors by hand — a some*
what imprecise science. During tune-up, you
may need to "tweak" some of these by com*
pressing or stretching the windings (tweaking
may be needed to bnng a coiPs associated
trimmer capacitor in-range, or to optimize a
circuit using a fixed capacitor). Once aligned,
my radio delivered 4.5 watts into a 50 ohm
load and approximated the receiver sensitivity
of my ICOM HT. I later measured receiver
sensitivity at a respectable 0.4 |jV on an FM
service monitor
The FTR- 146 microphone circuit was de*
signed to work with an ICOM-type speaker
mike, and empfoys 'load-sensing" to activate
the transmitter (there's no separate PTT
line). If you opt to use a replacement-type
mobile mike, you'll need to wire the PTT
switch in series with the mike cartridge in or-
der to key the radio. When I first tested my
microphone. I got reports of a loud hum on the
audio, f quickly discovered the cause to be
stray RF pickup — a consequence of running
the hg without a case into a rubt^er duck an-
tenna. Connecting an external antenna cured
the hum.
There are as many ways to package the
FTR- 146 as there are ways to use it. I keep
mine next to our telephone, serving as base
station for our **mult^ham*' household. For
this task, 1 installed a three-inch speaker in the
Ramsey cabinet. This provides plenty of vol*
ume to hear calls while you're in another part
of the house. More extensive customizing is
possible — including sophisticated channel
switching schemes^ and even a digital display.
Toward this end, manual writer Dan Onley has
established a user's group and newsletter for
FTR buildera in order to share customizing
schemes and circuit upgrades.
The Bottom Line
The Ramsey FTR-t46 kit is a fine value from
several standpoints. First, It's instructional.
After buitding it I find synthesized radios less
mysterious, and I'm more confident when
tackling repairs on other radios.
Second, the FTR-146 is the right tool for the
job. 1 don't really NEED a 50-watt radio with
100-channel scanning to hit the local re-
peater. The FTR-146 does this flawlessly, and
people say that the Ramsey transmitter audio
sounds superior to my other rigs!
Finafly. for the serious packeteer. the FTR-
146 may be a sensible radio to dedicate to
online data communication. Hook it onto your
TNC or modem and save your other rig for
voice contacts.
Evolution
By the time you read this review, an en-
hanced version of the FTR-146 (the FX*146)
will be avaiiable for S169. According to Ram-
sey designer Tom Hodge^ this FM transceiver
is now on the bench and headed for produc-
tion soon. This new radio uses a more sophis-
ticated synthesizer cinip winicli expands re-
ceiver coverage to 20 MHz. provides a
pn:>grammable offset, and facilitates produc*
ing 220 and 440 MHz versions of the radio.
The new synthesizer atso provides 5 kHz
steps, eliminating the need to shift mixer fre-
quencies. Other changes include a simplified
receiver circuit using a more advanced IC.
According to Hodge, receiver changes will
provide tighter IF filtenng, improved image
rejection, an RSSi meter output, artd enough
extra board space to include a 12-channel
diode malfix.
OK, so you are nervous around hot solder-
ing Irons and you have fat fingers. Should you
tackle one of these kits? 1 say YES! Through
the FTR-146, Ramsey Electronics has clearly
demonstrated the ability to engineer and pro-
duce a good radio that's easy to build. And,
they've shown that they can support it with
first-class documentation. If my experience
with the FTR-146 is any indicator, construc-
tion of the FX-1 46 kit should be a snap as welli
I like my radio a lot, and 1 suspect that Ramsey
transceivers are going to be with us for a long
time to come.
Contact Rfck Littlefield KIBQT at W9A
McDaniel Shore Drive. Bamngton NH 03825.
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 19
Number 6 on your Feedback card
73 Review
by Dick Goodman WA3USG
The BayCom
Packet System
Run packet without a TNC.
A & A Engineering
2521 W. LaPalma^K
Anaheim CA 92801
Telephone: (714) 952-21 14, FAX: (714) 952-3280
Price class: Blank board, $13; complete kit, $60;
assembled and tested board, $90.
Over ttie course of the last seven
years packet radio has devel-
oped into amateur radio's fastest
growing mode. The computer hack-
ers love it, some operators find it
useful for obtaining the latest infor*
mation on a variety of subjects from
ham radio to amateur astronomy, and
other operalors find that packet is not
their *'cup of tea." One thing stands
incontestable, however: Packet has
become prevalent in virtually all aspects of our
hobby. Visit any reasonably large city, tune
around 144.91-145.09 MHz, and the sound ol
various packet networks will greet you. Tune
the HF bands near the domain of what used to
be our primary digital mode (RTTY), and again
the sound of 300 baud packet bursts will be
heard. Virtually all of the new amateur satel-
lites use packet as the commumcations medi-
um. Most importantly, packet has givers the
amateur community visibility and recognition
by advancmg the state of the art in digital
communications.
One of the main reasons for packet radio's
skyrocketing popularity is its ease of imple-
mentation. Only a few years ago getting on
packet meant building a terminal node con-
troller (TNC) from a kit and interfacmg it to one
of the many then nonstandard computers. To
those with computer e^tpertise, this was a
challenge thai was eagerly anticipated. To
others with a curios^ about this new mode,
but who were somewhat less endowed with
"computer smarts." this challenge turned Into
a fiasco.
Differences in standards, such as TTL vs.
RS-232, resulted in damaged equipment and
hurt pride. Luckily, the manufacturers of pack-
el systems took note. Soon, factory-built
TNCs were on the market with documentation
that made computer and radio interfacing less
of an arduous task. Each year, as the state of
the art progressed, ihe TNCs became mofe
capable. As of this writing, most TNCs are
eftectivety muttimode controllers that offer a
diverse mix of digital modes from packet to
SSTV in a single turnkey package. "Plug and
play" has become the watchword.
With the present simplicity of packet radio, I
teund it puzzling that it wasn't being used in
portable applications or public service more
frequently. In October of 1989 1 put together a
portable packet system. It consisted of an old
2 meter handle talkie, a standard packet TNC,
20 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
The A&A Engineering modem for the BayCom packet program.
a Tandy LT-1400 laptop computer, and all
necessary cabling. 1 packed all this into my
attache case and headed into the wilderness
for my first OR P. portable packet operation
(actually the "wilderness" was a hotel room
on a business trip).
Upon arrival. I set everything up and found
some probfems. Packet requires virioatly full
quieting signals with no interference. The HT
with its rubber ducky antenna had to be
moved a considerable distance from the TNG
to avoid RFI. Even using an external antenna,
I couldn't move it tar enough from the TNC in
the confines of the hotel room to eliminate all
RFI. RF from the HT would also get into the
TNC, sometimes causing it to lock up. Finally,
it seemed that interconnecting the TNC to the
computer really enhanced the RFI problems. I
used shielded cable, ferrite forms, and ail the
suggested solutions, to no avail. It seemed
that portable packet required a "fixed" anteri-
na located at least 30 feet from the TNC and
computer.
Oet Rid of the TNC!
Commodore 64 users have a system of
"TNC-less" packet, known as DigiCom>64,
which has been in existence for several years.
The function of (lie TNC has been imple-
mented in the Commodore's software, Even
through this eliminates the TNC from the RFI
equation, another problem is presented. The
Commodore 64 and its separate disk drive
was originally designed for 120 VAC opera-
tion. It can be modified for 12 VDC opera-
tion and through use of A & A's DigiCart>64
cartridge the disk drive can be eliminated.
However, the "64*' still requires an exter-
nal monitor, generally a TV set. Opera-
tors have used this system successfully in
portable packet radio, but it there was a
way to do the same thing with the IBM-oonv
patible laptop then portable operation is a
whole lot easier.
Enter the BayCom
TNC-Less Packet Systemt
Florian Radher DL8MBT and Jo-
hannes Kneip DGSRBU of Regens-
burg, Munich, Germany have de-
veloped a program to allow most
IBM compatibles to run packet radio
without a TNC. Their system really
consists of two parts: a shareware
program called "BayCom," and a
simple modem. The program is available from
several sources, including A&A Engineer-
ing and many telephone BBS systems, such
as CompuServe, Although you can com-
pletely home-brew a modem, a new kH which
Includes HF packet is available from A&A
Engineering.
The A&A Engineedng Modem
The A&A modem uses the 7910 "WortiJ
Modem Chip," and is quite easy to buitd. It
came with a high-quality printed circuit board
and all the components , and took a total of just
two hours to build. It is quite small (approxi*
mately 1.5'' x 2.5"). Connectors are supplied
to interface with the computer (DB9) and the
radio {5-pin DIN).
Another nice feature is movable jumpers
that allow the push-to-talk (PTT) configuration
to be switched from the standard "grounded
pin'* 10 various "handie talkie" systems. By
simply movmg two jumpers and changing a
cable, either conventional FhA radic^ or HTs
may be used. The PTT function is performed
via a relay on the modem board.
;)■(> IrwriF
mm 1841 i-i tm pm nm 1 1
ItolHHBlt tnt Urw.
Is »hMlii «i
.Mi tmhnt.
The terminal screen for the BayCom packet
program. Three window area display transmit-
ted packets, received packets and monitored
packets.
The onty adjustment on the modem ^s the
transmit audio level. The modem draws about
100 mA from a 12 VDC Input. A & A includes a
small 12 VDC wall type plug*in power supply
with the modem, 1 found that the 5-volt regula-
lor (7805) ran quite warm, t added a small heat
sink on the regulator to keep it cooler.
The only other control on the modem is
a switch that selects normal VHF operation,
enhanced VHF operatfon. or HF packet
operation. On VHF FM I noticed no differ-
ence between the ''normal" or "enhanced"
mode — both worked quite well. It should be
noted that the modem effectively has an
'*audio** DCD.
Whenever the squelch is broken (by noise
as welf as by bona fide packets) the DCD
light comes on. This causes no problem on
FM packet, but on HF SSB noise and static
crashes will generate a false DCD. A very nice
feature of this modem is tts capability to
function on HF packet. It's helpful to use an
external tuning indicator on HF since the
DCD LED on the modem Is responsive to any
audio. I paralleled the BayCom modem with
my AEA PM-1 packet modem (which has a
tuning indicator). HF operation with the
BayCom system is possible, but any noise or
QRM on the frequency degrades its F^erfomi-
ance. This problem is typical with every HF
packet system, however. Finally the A & A
modem incorporates a 45 second 'watchdog
timer' to prevent QRMing the frequency if
there is a malfunction or problem with the
computer or modem,
Ttie Program (BayCom Version 1,2)
The Terminal/TNC emulation program ?s
superb! There is a configuration file called
"BAYCOM. INC" that must be initialized wrth
your parameters (e.g.: COM port number,
calfsign, CTEXT, TXD, etc). Most parameters
will be instantly recognizable to those with
experience in conventional TNCs. Screen
colors and screen layout may be modified. Up
to nine simultaneous connect channels are
supported.
Once the configuration file is set up and the
program is booted, the terminal screen will be
displayed. This screen consists of three sec-
tions: a transmit window, a receive window,
and a monitor window. The transmit (Of top)
window holds data from the keyboard or the
file that is to be sent. The receive (or center)
window displays data from the station that you
are connected to. The monitor (or lower) win-
dow displays both transmit and received data,
along with the status of the packet, or any
system requests (e.g.: connect request) as
well as all packet activity on the frequency.
The size of each of these windows may be
changed to make that window the predomi-
nant one. Sy using (he appropriate function
key. the cursor may be placed in any window
and the window contents scrolled back a num-
ber of lines (scroll back buffer size specified in
BAYCOM.INI).
Since the computer is essentially the TNC,
many parameters not available with conven-
tional packet systems are displayed. The up-
per window status line contains the opera-
tional mode, callsign with SSJD, present port
state (disconnected, info transfer, frame re-
ject, waiting acknowledge, reject sent).
Another very useful parameter that is dis^
played is the number of outstanding unac*
knowledged packets, along with the maxi-
mum number allowed. This Is valuable
information to have on a busy channel. Once
the number of outstanding packets reaches
the maximum allowed, an automatic discon-
nect will take place. Monitoring these parame-
ters will flag you to stop generating additional
packets until some of the outstanding ones
are acknowtedged.
Other displayed parameters are memory
buffer sizeSf Frack time, channel number,
connected callsign, time from youf system
clock, and Com port number.
There is an excellent hefp screen available
via one keystroke. The program has a self-
connect mode that can be used without a
rmxjem. Issuing a connect request to your
own calfsign win cause BayCom to connect to
yourself. Many aspects of the program may
then be tested, exercised, and practiced. Go-
ing back and forth between the program and
the help screen will help you become an "ex-
perienced user*' in a matter of an hour or so.
BayCom has the capability to transfer both
ASCII and binary files (binary to other Bay-
Corn systems). It offers extensive file handling
utilities in the form of its diverse command set.
Files may be created and edited offline with-
out leaving the BayCom program. Most TNC
monitoring functions are supported (e.g. Mon-
itor Heard), as well as functions such as
digipeaimg. Even the connect and disconnect
sequences are enhanced with *'spjffy" sound
effects. For a pure packet terminal program,
this is the best that I have ever seen . . . and
you don't need a TNC* On an even more posi-
tive note, I could detect NO RFI FROM THIS
SYSTEM in my radio!
Suggested Improvements
The only real problem that I could find was
with the documentation. This consists of an
ASCII file on the BayCom system disk. Simply
copied to the printer, it generates a complete
49^page users' manual with a table of con-
tents and index. While it contains a wealth of
information, its translation from German is, at
times, confusing.
Some of the result and error messages gen-
erated by BayCom are in German, although
these will be changed to English in the near
future. While this causes no problems, it is a
bit startling. Finally, the modem section in the
users' manual is apparently written for a differ-
ent modem than the one provided in kit form
by A & A Engineering. However, if you do
purchase the A & A kit, it is "plug and play/'
The documentation provided by A & A is quite
good and it identifies all necessary pin-outs to
get both the computer and radio interfaced
correctly.
tn Summary
BayCom is an absolutely superb system! II
is simple to learn and use. It is second to none
for portable operations, and should be quite
useful in public service and emergency com-
munications.
RF POWER
TRANSISTORS
W^ stock a full line oi Motorola,
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73 Amateur Radio Today • Decemljer, 1991 21
Project Inspire:
VLF Space Shuttle
Experiment
Build a simple receiver to explore
the wonders of the 60,000 meter band!
NuTTibef ^ on your Feedback curd
by Jim Ericson KG6EK
Tired of hearing the same old
stuff on your radio? Do you
tend to think of 160 meters as Ute
^'bottom of the band"? This arti-
cle wiU discuss both man-noade
and natural radio acijviiy be-
tween [00 Hz and 10 kHE, the
absolute bottom end of ihc VLF
(Very Low Frequency) spec-
trum. If we call 5 kHz the center
of the band, we're talking about a
60,000 meter wavelength! 1 will
describe a simple aiid inexpen-
sive (under S40) VLF receiver
design, and present some ideas on
how you can participate with
space scientists in scientific data
gathering involving VLF propa-
gation (and possibly share some
of your ham radio expertise with U.S. high
school students and other experimenters)
during a March 1992 space shuttle experi-
ment. Letters inviting panicipation in the lis-
tening experiment have already gone out to
10,000 high school physics classes in the
U.S,. and both amateurs and private experi-
menters are also being invited to panicipaie,
A Quick History
The story begins in World War T Europe,
where both sides used telephones for trench
communications. Soon the vacuum tube
came along, opening the way for high gain
amplification. Each side began intercepting
* leakage'* from the other's telephone com-
munications by using amplifiers connected to
widely separated ground rods. Electronic
Counter Measures were bom! Evidently this
system worked quite well most of the time.
but now and then strange railing notes fdled
the monitors' headsets, sounding Like phan-
tom shells passing overhead.
German scientist H, Barkhausen was as-
signed to f\\ this interference problem. He
was unsuccessful, but he became intrigued by
the mystery. He and other researchers picked
at it for years, and by the late 1920s there was
general agreement that lightning was respon-
sible for these ^'whistlers/' But it was not
22 73 Amateur Radio Today • Decern ber, 1991
Photo A. TJic RS-4 VLF receiver iayouh ming perpoard construaion
technique, {Photo by Mike Mideke WB6EER,)
until the 1950s that the exact mechanism was
found.
As researchers learned, lightning is an
enormous spark discharge which produces a
broad spectrum of radio energy in which all
frequencies appear at once, from hundreds of
hertz through hundreds of MHz, However,
scientists discovered that a large percentage
of lightning's effective radio energy is con-
centrated in the I to 20 kHz region, loosely
defined as VLF,
VLF Punches Through the Ionosphere!
VLF static bursts caused by lighming prop-
agate with great efficiency in the waveguide
formed by the earth's surface and the lower
regions of the ionosphere. Mostly it sounds
just like the static you hear on an AM radio
receiver. But if you listen closely, you'll
sometimes find that somewhere below 10
kHz the static crackles become liquid
"pings*' or ** whistles' *.. .brief musical
notes.
Today, the mechanism for this effect is
well understood. Radio signals propagating
through a non-vacuum medium become dis-
persed. This means that the higher finequen-
cies travel a little faster than the lower fre-
quencies. A lightning burst starts out as all
frequencies at once and propagation in the
earth-ionosphere waveguide ef-
fectively spreads the frequency
components to produce audible
** pings" at the lowest frequen-
cies. By measuring this disper-
sion, investigators can calculate
just how far the signals have trav-
eled.
Early investigators were puz-
zled by the fact that nobody could
find signal paths on earth that
were anywhere near long enough
to account for the huge amount of
dispersion heard in long whistles.
Eventually, new techniques in-
cluding spectrum analysis helped
to unravel the mysteries of whis-
tlers. L.R.O. Storey of Cam-
bridge University and R.A. Hel-
liwell of Stanford University were among the
widespread group which developed a new
view of the earth's near-space environment,
opening up the field of magnetospheric
physics. As it turned ouL the long dispersive
whistler paths were ducts in the magneto-
spheric plasma which extend between the
Northern and the Southern Hemispheres.
These ducts (sort of like the lines you see
when you sprinkle iron fillings over a bar
magnet) arch to a maximum distance of sev-
eral earth radii, far beyond the boundaries of
our ionosphere. This explains why some
whistlers have a duration of several seconds
when heard here on earth.
TTie Antarctic Antenna Farm
In the i950s, researchers discovered that
CW transmissions from military VLF sta*
tions sometimes triggered whistler- 1 ike
events. In the 1960s, they chose Antarctica as
a perfect spot for controlled whistler re-
search. Plenty of room to put up a 40 kilome-
ter (26 mile) VLF dipole transmitting anten-
na, mile-thick ice (a nice insulator to keep the
antenna off the "^ground/' and almost no
interference from AC power!
A powerful transmitter was built at Siple
Station, Antarctica, In the 1970s and '80s,
transmissions from Siple generated a variety
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of magnetospheric signals which were
r^orded by a monitoring station at the mag-
netic conjugate region near Rt^herval. Que*
bcc, and by a variety of satellite monitors.
These experiments have advanced scientists*
understanding of the ionosphere and magne-
losphere while suggesting many subjects for
funher research.
The Need for More Ears
Until recently, VLF research was carried
out using only a hand^K of listening stations
mannoj by the govemmeni and a few univer-
sities- In 1989, high school and amateur lis-
tening panicipaiion was invited in a joint
NASA/Soviet experiment involving the Sovi-
et satellite ACTIVE. The Soviet satellite at-
tempted artificial stimulation of the magneto-
sphere by passing large 10.5 kHz
currents through a 20-meter-diameier
loop antenna. Unfortunately, the loop
apparently deployed in a twisted config-
uration» and the SWR was very high.
Several months of monitoring by
NASA, Soviet observers, and dozens of
private experimenters in the U.S. failed
to produce any copy. These joint ex peri -
ments were nonetheless successftjt in
that they provided the first occasion for
participation by amateurs and high
school groups. The possibilities of a
large network of coordinated monitors
had never before been explored.
INSPIRE 1992
INSPIRE stands for Interactive
NASA Space Physics Ionosphere Ex-
periments. The private industry spon-
sors who, at this time, are co<irdinating
with NASA include TRW Systems and
Micro Power Systems in California, and
MESA Art and Printing in Arizona. In
March 1992, NASA plans to launch
the space shuttle (STS-45) with the first
mission in a series of 10 flights called
ATLAS (ATmospheric Laboratory for
Applications and Science). /£V/. Noie:
STS-45 wili aiso be the next SAREX
Jlighi ./ One of the ATLAS investiga-
tions is called SEPAC (Space Experi-
mcnis with Particle Accelerators),
which is an experiment involving the
earth's atmosphere, ionosphere, and
magnetosphere. The 7 kW SEPAC ac-
celerator (see Photo A) will emit a beam
of electrons modulated by a series of
audio [ones from 50 Hz to 7 kHz, A
unique feature of the transmitter is that ildoes
not directly utilize a metallic antenna. The
modulated electron beam projected into
space will become its own "virtual"* antenna!
SEPAC will use coordinated high school
and amateur experimenter teams to listen and
tape record the radio waves. The locations
where the transmissions can be detected will
define the "footprint'' of the signal* an im-
possible task without a large number of par-
ticipants.
How to Hear Audiu Frequency **Radio'' Waves
Radio signals in the VLF region occur at
frequencies ranging from a few hundred
24 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
hertz to something above 10 kHz. These fre-
quencies are readily accessible to human
hearing but, even so, they are not directly
audible. Why? Because they are electromag-
netic events which do not produce the me-
chanical vibrations in the air that our cars
need to detect them as sound.
In order to hear ihcse waves, we must con-
vert their electromagnetic activity to acousti-
cal vibration. Conversion is done with a
transducer—a simple amplifier connected to
a loudspeaker or headphones— that uses the
electrical energy^ to move air molecules to
produce an audible sound.
Building a Practical VLF Receiver
It is fortunate that very simple and inexpen-
sive circuits can be used to hear and record
Fhoio B. The 'business end* of the SEPAC Electron
Beam Generator. The 7,5 kW electron beam is emitted
from the cone at the top. The base {measuring about two
fee! on a side) is a large heat sink. Peripheral drivers and
associated electronics are in a separate module, Tfiis
experimental package will he mounted on a pallet in the
cargo hay of the shutile. iPhoio courtesy of TRW.)
both natural and man-made VLF signals. Be-
ginners can build ihem; it is not necessary to
understand ihc theory of operation in orderio
make equipment thai works very well,
The receiver described here has been
dubbed the RS-4 by its designer, amateur
experimenter Michael Midekc WB6EER,
The identical design (in kit form) will be
constructed and used by the participating
high school physics classes. All essential
components are listed in the current Radio
Shack catalog.
The receiver uses a FET input stage to trans-
form the extremely high impedance of a short
(I to 10 foot) antenna to a more practical value.
A low-pass filter rolls off frequencies above 7
kHz in order to prevent overloading from
high power OMEGA radio-navigationaJ sig-
nals at 10.2 kHz and above. The active high-
pass filler (controlled by SW-h significantly
rolls off frequencies below 1 kHz. helping to
reduce the hum from 60 Hz power line har-
monics. A ferrite be^d (Amidon FB90M3,
available from Amidon Associates, 12033
Otsego Street, North Hollywood CA 91607)
in the FET gate circuit helps prevent over-
loading by radar and TV. Resistor Rl should
be shorted via SW-3 when using an antenna
longer than about 30 feet. A switch and jack
are included to allow the operator to use a
microphone for insertion of time marks and
commentary while recording.
Note that the receiver uses a jack instead of
a conventional power switch, Insening a
shoned plug into the power jack com-
pletes the battery negative circuit, ap-
plying power to the unit. This approach
prevents accidental turn-on of the re-
ceiver while it is being transported.
(There is nothing more frustrating than
pulling the receiver out of your knap-
sack to discover that ii has gotten turned
on and the battery is dead!) (Ed. Note:
You can use an SPSTswitci^ in place of
the jack if you so desire. /
The layout of the circuit board is not
particularly critical (see the accompany-
ing photo for suggest^ layout using
perfboard construction). Try to keep
"output stuff as far as possible from
the antenna input. Component values
aren*t critical either, but try lo keep the
Ilk and 22k resistors associated with
Ul-A within 5% or so. Since Radio
Shack doesn't supply 1 Ik resistors, you
can parallel two 22k units, or series-con-
nect a 10k with a Ik.
When all components (including jacks
and switches) are soldered in place, it is
a good idea to double-check the wiring
and do some preliminary tests before
mounting the board in the enclosure.
The first check is to remove Ul and
connect the 9V batter)" to the circuit, in
series with a milliammcier. It should
read about 0.5 mA. If the meter indi-
cates much more, or no current at all,
something is wrong. Go back and check
your work.
The second test h to disconnect ihe
power and insert U-l in its socket (check
for proper orientation). When you re-
connect the battery, current consumption
should be 3 10 6 mA. If it is, chances are good
that everything is OK-
When the receiver is completed, raise the
whip antenna a few inches and attach a
ground (or several feet of wire if no ground is
handy). Listen with Walkman-type head-
phones or a monitor amplifier, and vcriiy that
you have hum and noise. Touching the small
antenna, or even moving your hand near it
should increase the hum intcasity. Switching
the high -pass filter in and out should make a
noticeable change in the sound of the output.
The scries antenna resistor will make little
difference, whether it's in or out.
/i
y
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CIRCLE 41 ON READER SERVICE CARP
Using tlie Receiver
Even though high-pass filtering is incor-
porated in the receiver design, it is not a cure-all
for the pervasive hum radiated by the AC power
lines that dominate our modem civilization. To
get reasonable reception of VLF signals, you're
going to need to find a site which is at least 500
meters from AC power lines. You'll also need
some kind of ground or counterpoise. Usually a
simple one-foot nail or spike provides enough
grounding to prevent squeals in the receiver.
The chassis of an autoniobile (engine off!) also
works nicely. Try the little Radio Shack whip
antenna if you are in the open, and maybe a 20-
to 50-foot wire if you're in the woods. You will
hear some AC Une hum, but if you've picked die
light site youMl also hear clicks, pops and, with
some patience, some whistlers!
Alternatives to
Building RS-4 from Scratch
The volunteer nonprofit INSPDIE organiza-
tion is offering the RS-4 receiver in kit form to
the high schools, and the same deal is available
to radio amateurs and private experimenters. At
$49.95 postpaid (plus $4.12 sales tax in CA), the
kit includes:
• All components, enclosure, etched PC board,
and detailed assembly instructions.
• The Beginner 's Guide to Whistler Hunting , by
Michael Mideke WB6EER, a 23-page history of
VLF, including dps and advice on observing,
describing, and recording natural and man-
made signals at very low frequencies.
• A 60-minute narrated cassetie tape by Mideke
which samples the incredible variety of sounds
that can be heard in the VLF range. Included are
notes describing the audio segments, and sample
spectograms of some of the signals*
• Instructional materials designed to assist you
in working with high school students to mutually
Why buy a TNC?
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Demodulator
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CIRCLE 244 ON READER SERVICE CARD
26 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
learn more about natural radio and the ATLAS-
SEPAC INSPIRE mission.
• You will aliio receive updates by mail about
SEPAC operation schedules, and the status of
the mission.
To order an INSPIRE kit, send a check made
out to INSPIRE to: Bill Pine, Science Depart-
ment, Chaffcy High School, 1245 N. Euclid
Avenue, Onlario CA 91762. If you need a re-
ceipt, or have any questions, please include an
SASE- If you just want the blank PC board, it's
available for $7.
If you decide to build the RS-4 as described in
this article, but don't anticipate direct project
participation, you may still want to get a copy of
the Mideke booklet and audio tape. The Guide is
$6 poslpaid in the U.S. (plus 83C sales ta?t in
CA), $12.50 outside North America. Write
Michael Mideke at P,0. Box 123, San Simeon
CA 93452^0 123,
For those not interested in construction but
who would like to experiment with a receiv-
er, Conversion Research has a new VLF pocket
receiver available completely assem-
bled for $48 postpaid in the U.S. (plus $3.96
sales tax in CA). The circuit is not exactly the
same as the RS^, but it is fully effective,
includes a 33-inch telescoping whip an-
tenna and a battery, and is housed in a sturdy
diecast aluminum enclosure with an on/off
v<
AMTEI^f^A
O" — J^
D G S
BOTTOM VIE'M
eU tic
4
Rl
470h
SW-3
fl2
47 k
R4
R3
TL033
I
TOP V<EW
+ V
/f7
GflOUWD OR
COUNTEfiPOlSE
SW-5
OUTPUT
^^
Figure 1. Schematic for the RS4 VLF receiver.
Figure 2. PC board foil pattern for the receiver.
Ll^ nni#=0
] t I
■' m.
kv
l^AfeT NO. i»f.-!
-VM
I o
Figure 3. Parts placement diagram.
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PROeiOE-S Uniden 40 channel SSB CB Base ,$174.95
UNIDEN RADAR DETECTORS
RD3000ZX-B Uniden 3 band suction mounl radar ....$1 19.95
RD2400ZX S Uniden 3 band radar detector $109.95
RDBO-B Uniden 2 band radar detector ........$64.95
CARD-8 2 band credit cerd ^\ze radar delsdof ......... $89,95
RD3XL-B Uniden 3 band radar detector $109,95
RD9XL-B Uniden "micro" size radar detector $69,95
RD27-B Uniden visor mount radaf detector , ...$39,95
19 PLUS'B Cobra CB radk) $3695
1 BR V'B Cobra C8 radio , ,».».».... $54.95
41PLUS'B Cobra CB radio , $72.95
TOLTD-B Cobra remote mount CB radio .,.....«,*.,..«.... $99.95
19LTD-B Cobra Classic serleB CB radio .,.,..,..»....,..„, $44.95
21LT1>B Cobra Class Jc series CB radio $54.95
2SLTDB Cobra Classic series OS radio .,.. ....$89.95
29LTD-B Cobra Classic series CB fadto .$109.95
146GTL-B Cobra AM/SSBCB radio., $129.35
U8GTL-B Cobra AM/SSBCB radio. $149,35
90LTDB Cobra Base station ......$69,95
142GTL'B Cobra AM/SSB Base Station $193.95
2000GTL'B Cobra Deluxe AM/SSB Ba^ station $379.95
COBRA RADAR DETECTORS
R03163-B Cobra 3 band radar detector $109.95
RD3175'B Cobra 3 band radar detector ......$129.95
fl 031 73' B Cobra 3 band radar detector $13995
RD31B3-B Cobra 3 band radar deledor .$139.95
Bearcat 200XLT-B
List price $509.95/CE price $239.95/SPEClAL
1 2 Band. 200 Channei. Han*e*d, S&wdi, Urrtt, HqW, Prforiiy, LockjU
Frequency range: 29-54, 1 1&-174. 406-512, B06-956 MHz.
E)(dudes 823.9875-849.0125 and &ea.9a7 5 894.0125 MHz.
Tha Bearcat ^OOXLT 3«ta a n#w standard for handheld scanners in
pMformance and d*pen inability. This futi featured unit haa 200 pro-
g ramnriBble channels wth 1 0 scanning bg rks a nd 1 2 band co verege.
If ycHJ w^nt n V9iy $imila/ mcdd without the 800 MHz. band and 100
ch annuls , order th e BC 1 0OXLT-fl for ooly $1 7&.96. 1 nclude^ a ntenna.
f::arrying ca» bneH loop, ni-cad bart*r/ pack, AC adapter end ear-
phone. Ortlsf your scanner from CE4 today.
Bearcat 800XLT-B
List price $549.95/CE price $239.95/SPECIAL
12-band. 40CharnelH Nothing excluded \n the BOO MHz. band.
Bands: 29-54. 1 16-174. 406-512* 806-956 Mhz.
If you do r^oi rtoed the 800 MHz. band, order the Bearcat
210XLT-B for the special CEI price of $139.95.
Magnavox^ Satellite Phone
C£ priOB $48.8e0.00/Spedal order - aJlow 45 days br delivery.
When war broke out In Iraq, you heard all the action because
CNN had a satelHte telephone. Wheo a disaster ^uch as an
earthquake or a hurricane strikes your oommtiolty and commu-
nications afe dlerupted. you cart depend On instant reliable
communications, }ust like CNN did using your Magnavox
MagnaPhone. Inmarsat communicaljon salellltefi are in geosta-
tionary orbit along the equator. Ttiey boani two-way vofce and
datatransmissiorts between your Eatelllte phono and fixed earth
stations. In most Instances^ telephone calls are d^led directly
once you have selected the satellite serving your location. No
matter where you afeon the pfanetp Ihe Magna? hone automatl-
cafly selects the Land Earth Station (LES) nearest the destina-
tbncafled.Thrsmakesplaclngacalias easy asusingastandard
telephone. Dual ID numbers permit a sep^arate Inmarsat tele-
phone number to be u^ed to route caUfi to one of the external
telephone ports which could be used for a fax machine or a
computer dala ^Ine. For telephone, telex, fax and data commu-
n (cations anywhere I n th e world , the n ew UK2U20P Mag naPhone
is the most corrpact Inmarsat-A. Class 1 terminal available
today. Lil<e a cellular phone, alrtime will be billed to your
account. The new MagnaPhone weighs just 47 lbs (21 kgK
irM:bding the antenna. Add the optional ruggedlzed case (only
$950.00] and (t can travel as airline baggage on commercial
carriers. When you an-rve at ycLfr destination, Ir^stallatbncan bo
done in less Ihan five minutes. For more information call 04;r
EmergefK^y Operations Center at 313 99S-Ba&B.
RELM UC202-B 2 Watt transceiver on 154.57 MHz.tt 14.95
RELM RH25SNB B 25 WatI VHF transceiver ....$299.95
RCie950-a Ranger Comm- 25 Watt 10 Meter xcevr, $334.95
MRS100-8 Unlderi curveillanoe scanner .CALL FOR PRICE
BC55XLT-B Bearcat 10 channel scanner $114,95
AD 100-8 Plug in wall diarger fo/ BCS5XLT „ 14,9S
PS001-B Cigarette lighter cabte f&r BC55XLT „.«„.„. $14.95
VCOOl-B Carrying case for BC55XLT.. .„..$ 14.95
BC70XLT-B Bearcat 20 channel scanner $139.95
eP70-B Nl-Cad battery pack for BC70HLT scanner ..$39.95
aCt42iXL-B Bearcat 10 chanr>et 10 band scanner ..,,$84.95
BC147XLT-B Bearcat 16 channel 10 band scanner ..$94.95
BC172XL'B Bearcat 20 channel 11 band scanner ,. $124.95
BC177XLT'B Bearcat 16 Channel 11 band scanner $129.95
BC590XLT'B Bearcat 100 channel 11 band scanners 194.95
BC760XLT-B Bearcat 100 channel 12 band scanner$254.95
BC002-e CTCSS lone board for BC590^760XLT ......$54.95
aCO03-B Switch assembly for BC590/760XLT $22.95
BCe55XLT-B Bearcat 50 channel 12 band scanner $174.95
BC&60XLT-& Searcal 16 channel 10 band scanner „ $94.95
BP205-B Ni-Cad battery pack for BC20Of100XLT $39.95
TRAVELLER2'B Grundlg shortwave receiver ..$B4.9S
COSMOPOUT-B Grundig shortwave receiver..... $179.95
SATELL1T500-B Grundlg shortWBfve receiver $499.95
SATELL1TS50-8 Grundig shortwave receiver $849.95
ATS800-B Sangean shortwave receiver $89,95
ATSe03-B Bangean shortwave receiver $159.95
74102-0 Midland emergency weather reoel\rar .....$34.95
771 16-B Midland CB with VHF weather A antenna ..,$66.95
77lia'B Midland CB rrxjbiJe with VHF weather ..„„... $62.95
7791 3-B Midland CB portable with VHF weather, ,$79.95
76300-B Midlar>d CB base station $92.95
NPD-8 Uniden National Police Otredory .......,...........$19,96
FBE-B Frequency Directory for Eastern U.S,A ...,.$14,95
FBW-8 Frequency Directory for Western U.S.A. ...,,..$14.95
RFD1-B Ml, lU IN, KY, OH. Wl Frequency Directory .$14.95
RF02-B GT, ME, MA, NH. Rl. VT Directory $14.95
RFD3'B DE. DC, MD. NJ. NY. PA. VA, WV Directory $14.95
RF04 AL. AR. FU GA. LA, MS. NC. PR. SC. TISJ, VI .$14.95
RFD5 AK. ID. lA. MN. ML KE. NO, OH, SO, WA, Wy$14.95
RFD6 CA, NV, UT. AZ. Ml GU Frequency Directory .$14.95
RFD7-8 CO. KS. MO, NM, OK, TX Freq. Directory „. $14.95
PWB-B Passport to World Band Radb ,. $16.95
ASD-B Airplane Scanner Directory ...$14.95
TSG-B "Top Secref Registry of U.S. Govt. Freq. $16.95
TTC-B Tune in on Telephone Calts. ..$14.95
CBH'B Big CB Handbook/AM/FM/Freeband $14.95
TIC-8 Techniques for Intercopling Communicatons ..$14.95
EEG-S Errtoassy & Espionage Communicallone ..$14.95
SMHV1-B Scanner Modification HandbookA/olume 1$1B.95
SMHV2-B Scanner Modification Handbook/Volume 2 $16.95
LIN B Latest Inteliigenoe by James E. Tunnel! ,.........$17.95
A60-B Magnet mouni mobile scanner antenna .„^,„. $39.96
A70-B Base station fanner antenna .$39.95
USAMM-B Mag mount VHF ant. w^ 1^ cable $39,95
USAK-B 3^4- hole mount VHF antenna w/ ^Z c^le ..$34.96
Add $5.00 shipping for all acc$3SQri9$ ordGred at thd SAm§ f fms.
Add $15.00 shipping p^rmdio And $6.00 per Antenna.
BUY WITH CONFIDENCE
Michigan res IderMs p lease add 4% sales tax or s u pply you r
tax I.D. number. Wrirten purcftase orders are accepted
from approved government agencies and most well rated
firms at a 10% sunsfiarge for net 10 billing. All salos are
subject lo availability, aocoptanco and verification. Prices,
temis and specifications are eybject to change without
notice. Alt prices are In U.S, dollars. Out of stock items will
be placed on backorder automatically or equivalent prod-
uct substituted unless CEt Is Instructed differently. Ship-
ments are F.O.B. CEI warehouse In Ann Arbor, f^ichigan.
No COD'S. Not responsible tor typographical errars.
Mail Of ders to: Communications Electronics, Bok 1 045,
Ann Arbor. Michigan 481 06 U.S.A. Add t1 S.QO per radio for
U. P,S. ground shipping end liandling Jn the continental
U.S.A. For Canada, Puerto Rico, Hawaii, Alaska, or APOy
FPO del Every p shipping charges are two times continental
U,S. fates. It you have a Discover, Visa, American Express
or MasterCard, you may call and place a credit card order
5% surcharge for billing lo American Express. For credit
card orders, calttolf-fr&e in the U.S. Dial BOO- USA-SCAN.
For 1 nf ormai Ion call 3 1 3-996-0888 FAX any 1 1 me, d iai 31 3-
663-B8B8. Order from Com mun leal ions Electronics today.
Scanner Disiribuilon C^nler^ and CEI logos are trade-
marks of Com mu nf cations Electronics Inc.
Sale dates 1 2/Z/91 through 5^31 /92 AD #1 21 691 -B
Copy rig hi © 1992 Communications Electronics Inc.
For more information call
1 -31 3-996-8888
Communications Electronics Inc,
Emergency Operations Center
P.O. Box 104S, Arm Arbor^ Michigan 4dl0€*-t045 [}.BA,
For orders call 3l3-93e-&88d or FAX 313-663-8888
ORCLE 121 ON READEH SERVICE CARD
MICROWAVE TRANSVERTERS
SHF 1240 Cornpleie Transverter
SH F S YSTE MiS Mq tune linear tratisvierterB and Crarsverter kits lof
902, 1263, \2%, 2304, 240O, 3456 MHz. All useatm U.gi3.SV. Kits
indode mixer and LO. P,C. laoarda, xiaJ and alf componenls. Built
Unirs include I.F.yD.C. swiJctiboand, conneclons aJVd oompac! low
profile hO'Using. Other fr&quersc^oplioits in amateur band avaiJaWe..
SHF SCKJK 902-90eMHi SflmW Kit$l39 euin265
SHFt240K 1296 1300 HH2 iOmW Kitt149 BjilrS2&5
SHF126eK t2SB'1272 05carModeL tOmW Kit$140 Bui1tS£56
SHF 2304K 2304-2308 HHl lilmW Kit$2D& BuiU^£5
SHF 240 1 K 2400 MHi Mode S i?CV Corv KiJ $ 1 55 Byilt $255
SHF3456K a45&-34SQMHi lOmW Kil$205 Built $325
SHFLOK &4D-580MHzLO. 50fnW Kil? 66
CALL OR WRITE FOR COWlPirTE CATALOG
DOWN EAST MICROWAVE
Bill Olson, W3HQT
Box23tO,RRl Troy. ME 04987
(207) 948-3741 FAX: (207) 946-51 57
UotMHl^ta
MICROWAVE AMPLIFIERS
from
DOWN EAST MICROWAVE
Linear Power Amps
lor SSSp ATV, FM, 902— T296— S304— 34S6MHz
^504 PA
23I8PAIVI
2335 PA
234QPA
3370 PA
3318 PA
1302 PA
90nFA
10mWin5WoiH
0.5Winl8Wout
10Wirv35W[Hit
lWin35Woi>t
5Win70WoU't
lWln20Wod
14Win4CWoLil
lOmWina.OWtjUt
lOmWiniWout
1240-1 300 MHz
1240-1 300 MHi
1240-1300 MKi
1 240-1 3D0M Hi
1240-1 300 MHz
902-926 MHz
902-928 IWHz
2304 MH?
3456 MH2
$140
S215
$325
$355
$695
$275
$335
$400
Write or Call
T/fl Swilching available, all 13.6 VDC
Lew Noise f^reamps & pre amp kits — 432, 902, 1296,
1 e91 , 2304 ,2401, 3456 M Hz , 5 7 and 1 0 GHz.
t3.av
13.8V
13,fiV
13.&V
.5dB
33LM f}f& .6<JeHF M2MHz
23LJ^A pfeamp .6dflNF 129&MHZ
1 3LMA jK«arrtp . 7 dS MF 230D-24M W Hjt
le^lLWAWP pr«amp1dBNF 1S91 MH2 mast mounted
4{H7LNIAJ< pr^ampy AQ^M^mi
Preamp l(its for 2304^ 10 GH^
CALL OR WRITE FOR MORE INFORMATION
DOWN EAST MICROWAVE _
Bill Olson, W3HQT
Box 231 0 , R R 1 Troy, M E 04937
$ %
$t30
$14D
$40
WfiieorCaii
(207) 948*3741 FAX: (207) 948-51 57
MICROWAVE ANTENNAS
Loop Yagis, Power Dividers, Stacking Frames, Coinpiete
Arra^Of 902, 910, 1269, 1296, 1691, 2304. 2401, 3456
MHz. For Tropo, EME, Weak Sigrial. OSCAfl, ATV, Re-
peaters, WE FAX, Commencjal point topoim. Available In
kil form or assembled and tested.
3333LVK 33el loop Yagf Kit S02MHi IS.SdBI
2345LVK 45e( loop Vagi i<it 1206 MH2 21 d8i
2445LYK 45el loop Vagi Kit 1269 MHz 21{i8i
1 844LY 44«l toop Yagi (assem .] 1 69 1 M Hi 21 dB I
2355LYK 55el Superlooper Kit 1296 MHz 22dBi
1345 LYK 45el foopYagiKrt 2304 M Hi 2tdBi
9451 YK 45el EoopYagiKil 3456 MHz 2TdBi
Otiier
£ 9S.O0
$ 95.00
$ 05.00
SlQS.OO
$108.00
S 79.00
S 79.00
mode I s ^ vai I able . CaPI or write f o r catalog .
DOWN EAST MICROWAVE
Bill Olson, W3HQT
Box 231 0, RR1 Troy, ME 04987
(207)948-3741
FAX: (207) 948-51 57
switch, audio gain conirol, and a 3.5mm jack
for stereo earphones. Order from Conversion
Research (Frank Cathell K3YAZ), P.O. Box
535, DescansoCA91916,
Project INSPIRE offers an opportunity for
amateurs to be involved in a truly significant
research project. To make it fully effective,
we amateurs need to bridge the gap between
the NASA shuttle experiment and local
high schools. Pick up the phone and connect
with the physics teacher at your neighbor-
hood high school. If he (or she) hasn't heard
about INSPIRE, have them send an SASE
to Bill Pine for information. Offer to help
students build the kit, and maybe give some
advice and assistance in searching out a
remote and radio-quiet lisiening site for the
March 1992 mission. Good hunting on
60, OCX) meters!
Contact Jim Ericson KG6EK at 226 Charles
Street, Smnwak CA 94086-6063.
Parts List
Resistors: Except for R-1 6, 1/4W metal film 5% units are preferred.
R1
470k
R2
47k
R3
2 Megohm
R4
I5k
R5
2 Megohm
R6
880Q
R7
2200
m
2oa
R9
33k
RIO
10k
R11
4.7k
H12
10k
R13
6.8k
R14, R15
tk
R16
100k, audio taper
R17
10k
R18
11k
R19
22k
R20, R21
33k
Capacitors: 1 6 volt or higher.
CI
27 pFdipped silver mica
C2
0.01 pF ceramic or mylar
03
0.10 pF ceramic or mylar
C4,C5
0,022 ^F my ar
C6
0.01 pF ceramic or mytar
C7,C8
0.10 pF ceramic or mylar
09
0.022 pF ceramic or mylar
CIO
0. 1 0 pF ceramic or mylar
C11,C12
0.01 pF mylar
C13
10 pF aluminum or tantalum
014
1.0 pF aluminum or tantalum
Ct5
10 pF aluminum or tantalum
Active Devpces
Inductor
Q1
Q2
U1
LI
Miscellaneous
Ferrite bead
BP1,2
J1,J3
J2,J4
OneS-pin
One 3.5mm
Perlboard
Enclosure
Battery
Battery clip
SW1 , SW2
SW3
Whip antenna
Monitor amplifier
NOTE: See text for kit availabttity.
2N381 9 or similar
2N2222A or similar
IL082,IF353 or similar
1 k c.t. to SO miniatum output transformer
RS^ 273-1380. Mouser 42KM014, or similar
Amidon FB90H3 or similar
Binding posts
3.6mm mono jacks
RCA-type ''phono" jacks
IC socket
plug for power switch
RS# 276-1 50
5-1/4" x 3'' X 2-1/8"
9V alkaline recommended.
Exlernat supply up to 12V can also be used.
DC Electronics ^1290 is good.
Miniature SPOT toggles
Toggle or sttde OK,
RS# 270-1408 or similar
RSJ!^ 277-1008
number B &n yoyr feedback card
73 Review
by Larty R. Anionuk WB9RRT
ZD Engineering
Hardline Matching
Transformers
ZD Engineering
605 Balsley Avenue
Findlay OH 45840
Tel, (41 9) 424^765,
Price Class: $28-$30 per pair (available
for any band between 1 44 and 1 296 MHz).
Other frequencies can be specially ordered—
call for price quote. Two-port power divider —
$40 including companion transformer.
CATV
Ham radio operators, in general, are a re-
sourceful bunch. Most hams have some
experience with makmg something out of
nothing, and just about every amateuf product
advertised makes you say, "Why didn't I think
of that??" The RF hardline matching trans-
formers manufactured by ZD Engineering are
Just such an item. Not only do these matching
transformers allow the use of very cheap
CATV coax for ham radio, they afso perform
environmental and social services as well.
What s So Good About Hardline?
If youVe new to ham radio, all of this interest
in hardline may be somewhat confusing. After
all, why deal with big holes in the wall and st^ff,
uncooperative cabte, when a piece of RG-S or
RG'58 does the same job? The answer is ca-
ble loss.
Cable loss refers to the amount of power
that is lost on the trip from the transmitter to
the antenna. It varies from cable to cable, A
percentage of your transmitter power is used
up on the way to the antenna due to cable
resistance and other factors. This **missing"
power is turned into heat which dissipates
along the cabJe rather than being radiated
from the antenna.
As you might guess, cable loss increases as
the cable gets smalter. and as the frequency
gets higher. It also ir^creases as the VSWR
increases, which means that you lose even
more power in the coax jf the antenna isn't
properiy matched. Loss isn't much of a prob-
lem on the HP bands, but on VHP and above,
it's a real concern.
Por Example, . .
Consider a 2 meter transmitter feeding an
antenna on a tower, with a coaxial cable
length of 100 feet. An average loss factor for
100 feet of RG-e/U at 146 MHz might be 3.5
dB. A 100 ft. piece of 7/6" hardline has a loss
factor of about 0.6 dB — ^a difference of almost
3 dB. What this means in terms of perform*
ance is that the same difference in radiated
signal can be realized by either doubling your
transmitter power — or by switching to hard*
line. (While different varieties of cable have
Photo A. 440 MHz Matching Transformer af-
tached to 7/8" i'me, shown next to 440 MHz
power d/vider.
Photo B. 440 MHz Matching Transformer fer-
minated in a 50 ohm dummy load.
Photo C. 7/8" iine prepared for installation of
matching transformer and power dividen
different Joss factors, the values presented
here represent reasonable averages.)
If hardline is such great stuff, why isn't ev-
eryone usmg it? As usual, the answer is mon*
ey* Prices vary, but a good estimate of com-
munications grade hardTme, in amateur
quantities, is right around "several bucks a
loot/' Yikes! Not only that, but even rf you can
get the fine for free, the connector prices are
prohibitive.
As luck would have it. there is one source of
free (or neariy free) hardline. The type of cable
used for main runs by CATV companies turns
out to be a very high grade of hardline, and it
comes in 1/2", 3/4". and 7/8" inch sizes.
These cables typically run for miles, and a
"short end" to a cabte company is often any-
thing less than 500 feet. These * 'short ends**
are often available for the asking — nice long
sections of low-loss hardline — just haul them
away. But there is one problem— it's 75 ohm
impedance cable. And then, you still need to
buy those expensive connectors.
The Solution
Fully aware of all of the above facts, the
folks at ZD Engineering put two and two to*
gether and came up wrth six. The ZD Engi-
neering Hardline Matching Transformers al-
low the use of standard CATV hardline for
communications use. Each adapter consists
of an appropriate connector (UHF or N) and a
quarter-wave matching section that mounts
on the end of the hardline,
A pair of matching transformers turns a
piece of hardline into a flat 50 ohm transmis-
sion line (for only $30), It may seem tike magic,
but the ZD Adapter impedance transformer
I rick is based on straightforward transmission
line theory. One characteristic of a quarter-
wave section of transmission line is that it has
(he ability to match two unequal impedances
provided that the impedance of the quarter-
wave matching section is of a specific value.
The value happens to be the square root of the
Typical Attenuation Figures tor
1/2 CATV Hardline
Frequency (MHz) dB/l 00 ft.
5 0.16
30 0.40
SS 0,54
150 0.90
220 1,11
425 1.57
73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991 29
^
*
Throw away your
magnifying gl
Find
W2NSD
Wayne Green II
WGE Center
Peterborough NH 03458
Born: 1922
Class: Advanced
C Saue 3 C Print ^
■
;./
i«-g?
TM
HamBase
database software
Contains over 500.000 US calls.
Instantly retrieves to screen or file,
PC and Macintosh versions.
Runs with or without a hard disk.
Edits and prints address labels.
Exports data to ASCII format.
W Ham Base for Windows users,
HBPopup TSR pops up with user
selectable Mtkeyl, Transfers name
and address to keyboard buffer.
Deino dfsk $5 Irefuridabie with order) or download tteTno
from CompuServes GO HAMNEl' (library 123
Macintosh 800K disks 79,95
PC i .44 Meg 3.5" disks 79,95
PC 1.2 Meg 5.25" disks 69.95
WHamBase (program only) 19.95
HBPopup (program only) 19.95
UPS Shipping included.
CA residents please add sales tax-
1992 Version will ship January 15.
Credit cards will be billed on ship date.
j'Com
VLSIA
I* O Box 194 T Ben Lomond CA 95005
(40S) 335-9120 FAX 335-9121
CIRCLE 270 ON READER SERVICE CARD
product of the two values to be matched— in
our case, 50 and 75 ohms.
The value of the matcliing section therefore
needs to be 61.2 ohms. The ZD Hardline
Adapter is simply a quarter-wavelength fine,
built to the size necessary to produce a 61.2
ohm impedance. The line is then machined to
allow mounting to the desired size of hardline,
and a connector is silver-soldered to the other
end. Although straightforward En design^ the
adapters provide a feature that makes instal-
lation a snap, and prevents a problem that's
often experienced with lines of this type.
One of the main difficulties experienced
with long runs of CATV hardline has to do with
the amount of expansion and contraction that
the copper-coated aluminum center conduc-
tor undergoes with changes in temperature.
Expansion can cause the center conductor to
move within the coax, stressing the connec-
tions. In extreme cases, the contraction of the
center conductor will be so great that it will re-
cede back into the dielectric by several inches.
The ZD Hardline Transformers eliminate
this problem by providing a receptacle that's
machined to allow the insertion of several
inches of center conductor (in the 146 MHz
version, the center conductor could be left up
to two feet long). This extra length of conduc-
tor means that the connection will be making
contact regardless of thermal expansion or
physical movement.
The coax is simply slid into the adapter, and
the inner receptacle holds the center conduc-
tor firmly in place. The outer conductor of the
adapter is then clamped to the shield of the
coax, hoEding the whole assembly in place. No
soldering, threading, or special tools. The ZD
Adapters come with explicit installation in-
structions, and a small amount of anti-^ixidiz-
Ing compound is included In the hardware
package.
Transformers are available for 144 MHz,
222 MHz, 440 MH2, 903 MHz, and t296 MHz.
In addition, straight connectors (with no
matching section) are available, as are power
dividers.
But Do They Work?
The proof of the pudding is in the transmit-
ting, and in this case the ZD Transformers
worked just as expected. A series of tests was
run using both 7/8" and 1/2" line, at power
levels of 1 0 and 100 watts.
In all cases the measured toss was exactly
what was expected from the coax itself— the
transformers introduced negligible, if any, ad-
ditional loss. (See the Table for typical hard-
line loss figures.) In addition, the transformers
produced an absolute flat match into a 50 ohm
dummy load. (Due to their high quality con-
struction, the quarter-wave sections probably
have a lower loss factor than the cable itself.)
Installation Tips
At this point, It may seem like the ZD Trans-
formers are almost too good to be true. There
are a couple of slight limitations that should be
noted. First, the physical construction of the
adapters could allow water to infiltrate under
the outer cable jacket if proper waterproofing
methods aren't taken. This can obviously be
prevented by the careful use of Coax Seal™*
The instructions that come along with the ZD
Transformers state that you should wrap Coax
Seal so that it overlaps two inches on each
side of the junction of the transformer and the
hardline. You should make sure the clamp is
covered completely by sealant as well.
Second, the length of the adapter is rather
long compared to the length of the section of
coax that the adapter clamps onto, especially
in the 2 meter version. This means that any
movement of the adapter wiil be felt at the
cable junction with a fair amount of leverage.
The adapters and the cable should be phys-
ically secured to a solid structure (the tower
leg or, if indoors, a wall) to keep them from
moving, and flexible coax jumpers should
make the final connections to the antenna or
transmitter. This is common practice in the
commercial radio field, but may be something
new to some amateurs.
Obviously, these two points are a minor
trade-off in order to obtain a piece of low-loss
line, but they should be carefully addressed.
(The loss factor of hardline increases dramati-
cally if the line is filled with water!)
Saving the Earth
Skepticaf by nature, the author decided to
check out the claims of all this low cost hard-
line available at cable TV companies. Obvi-
ously, the true value of a product like the ZD
Transformer is directly related to how cheaply
one can get the hardline. After calls to three
cable companies in the area, it was clear that
the term "low cost hardline** was something of
a misnomer.
More correctly, it should be called ''Free —
how much do you want?" or perhaps, "We'll
give you a few bucks to haul it away" hardline.
Environmental awareness, landfill problems,
and recycling have finally caught up with the
CATV companies. Those ''short ends" we
were discussing earlier have to go someplace,
and the landfill doesn't want to deal with them.
Aluminum scrap collectors used to burn the
jacket off and salvage the metal, but burning
the cable produces toxic gases — no longer an
option. In most cases the short ends and old
replaced cable are thrown in a pile, and some-
one who specialises in scrap cable comes by
once a year— and charges to haul it away.
One CATV manager proudly told of a deal
he worked with a scrap deafer concerning a
run of existing cable that was being replaced.
After a day on the phone, he finally found
someone who would come and get the
TWELVE MILES of old 7/8'' cable and haul it
away in exchange for the aluminum value— a
real coup.
Obviously, the cable companies want to get
rid of this stuff. Not only are you going to set
yourself up with a very low loss antenna line
system, saving a load of money in the bargain,
you're also doing the Earth a favor. And the
social implications? Just think how happy
things wilt be around the house— once you tell
the XYL how you saved a thousand dollars on
hardline by using 20 Matching Transformers*
and then only spent five hundred dollars on a
new rig.
Now why didn't I think of that?
30 73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991
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73 Review
by Bill Clarke WA4BLC
The Yaesu FT-990
A fully-equipped transceiver for the everyday ham.
Yaesu USA
17210 Edwards Road
Cerritos CA 90701
{213)404-2700
Priw Class $2,400
The FT-990 is ad-
vertised as incor-
porating many of the
features found on the
FT- 1000. yet leaving
out some that nnost
hams would seidom
use. The result is a ful-
ly-equipped trans-
ceiver somewhat more
artordable than the FT-
1000, and more appli-
cable to the typical
ham. (See the sidebar
for a list of some of the
FT-990's features J
Operating
Getting the FT-990 on the air was straight-
foHA/ard and took just a few minutes. Only two
things are required to operate the rig: AC
power and an antenna. This is a complete HP
ham station in a single box.
If you are just entering the microprocessor
rig era you may find the large number of con-
trols rather formidable, but don't be daunted-
The FT-990 is really a very simple rig to oper-
ate and the dexterity it offers will be warming
to any operator. Most functions are selected
via microprocessor control buttons, in con-
trast to the old wafer switches of yesteryear
with their thump-and-bump knobs.
Frequency selection is done with the main
tuning knob, which has a very heavy, yet
smooth feel. Actual^, this can be said for all
the controls on the front panel, They operate
smoothly and are goDd*looking. Keypad se*
lection of frequency is simple {except for
adding a leading zero below 10 MHz) and,
after the memories have been set, selection
can be made directly from the memories.
There are 90 memories, atl tunable and scan-
fiable. Of course, there are two VFOs, The
frequency readout is excellent and the display
also monitors mode, memory number, VFO in
use, tuning speed, and clarifier offset (RIT),
The automatic antenna tuner does its work
quickly, even when not operating from one of
its 39 memories. Typically, it only takes a few
seconds. The received audio is a little mushy,
to my ears, when all controls are open or cen-
tered, but slight adjustments to the DIGITAL
FILTER and SHlfn^ controls make it real sharp
(more about these features later). My transmit-
ted audio got many unsolicited reports of '^au-
dio really sounds good/' which is notable be-
32 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
The Yaesu FT-990 HF Uanscei^/er.
cause I was using the hand-mike that came
with the rig,
OveratL it is the quality and action of the
FT-990 "s controls that impressed me the
most.
Receive Performance
My antenna system is designed to instantly
switch from one rig to another, and can be set
to parallel rigs on the same feed line. This pro-
vides a means to compare performance. Dur-
ing the review process. I operated only in SSB,
FM, AM, and CW modes, even thougli the
FT-990 is built with internal interfaces for digit-
al modes (RTTY, packet. AMTOR). I was very
pleased with the general receivmg capabili*
ties of the FT-990 and \ feel ft will meet most
needs. I still think that the FT-1000 has what [
feel to be the ultimate receiver, but it is, after
atl, more expensive than the FT-990.
The rig 1 tested had the 2 kHz SSB and 250
Hz filters installed. 1 found that for signal sepa-
ration, using these optional filters gave a dis-
tinct edge. Overall* the receiver is very tight
and does not appear to suffer overloading
problems caused by nearby strong signals.
Features and Comments
The Digital SGF ftltering is super! I cannot
say enough good about this feature. I used it
often and was very pleased with its power and
ease of operation. The filter consists of two
controls that limit the audio bandwidth of the
received signal One cuts out the highs and
the other the lows. Both are infinitely se-
lectable and have very steep skirts. This filler
is a real plus that isn't even found on the
FT-1000.
The SHIFT (IF pass-
band) control is great
to use. smoother and
broader (easier to
tune) than most other
rigs. Although the
NOTCH FILTER
works like it should,
IVe found that there
are some tremendous
automatic notch filters
in the add-on market*
Ifd sure be great to
see this kind of noth fil-
ter available in com*
merctal rigs.
The RF FSP speech
processor is unique in
that it has a provision for shifting your transmit
frequency. It is most effective duhng pile-ups.
The slightly higher-sounding audio really cuts
through. Just don't use it on 75 and 40 for local
work. Vou won't be liked very much. This fea-
ture can be cloned by operating split, using
two VFOSi or by using RIT, But, I doubt if you
would consistently be as good sounding or as
effective as the FT-990.
If you have never used a rig with an auto-
matic antenna tuner, treat yourself to it some-
time. 1 used muttiband wire and vertical anten-
nas for most of my HF work and found the
990' s automatic tuner to be perfect for fast
QSY. It tuned everything I normally use, with
no problems. It did balk at working with my
linear amplifier, so in those situations 1 turned
the tuner off.
There is a nice feel to the tuning knob and all
the controls are of excellent quality both visu-
ally and functionally.
The front feet on the rig are far nicer than the
typjcat wire bails found on most rigs. They
drop out ot the case bottom, are round, and
large in diameter. They are also non-slip!
For the CW operator, a built-in iambic mem-
ory keyer with dot/dash memory and se-
lectable weight is standard. The keyer can
even be set to simulate a bug. The BFO fre-
quency is adjustable, and a SPOT button al-
lows for precise tuning. A 500 Hz CW filter is
standard with 250 Hz optional.
Each of the 90 memories stores frequency,
mode, bandwidth, and clarifier (RIT) settings.
They are scannable, perhaps nice for keeping
track of activity on favorite nets or lor FM.
The DVS-2 digital voice recorder (optional
device) is basically a solid-state tape recorder.
" • FjII range -10H2 to 3GHz.
Don't Wait,
This Offer Can't Lastl
Reg. Price, $259
CC30
BL10:
BL28:
BG26:
TCXO 30;
• LCD display (daylight visibility).
• True state-of-the-art technology with the
high speed ASIC.
• NiCads & Charger included.
• Ultra-high sensitivity. • 4 gate times.
• Extruded metal case. • Compatible with MFJ207.
Suggested options
TA100S: Telescoping Whip Antenna $ 12.
Vinyl Carry Case $ 14.
LED Backlight $ 15.
El Backlight for use in roomlight and
Bargraph Signal Level Indicator ,..„$100.
Precision ±0,2ppm 20 to 40°C temp,
compensated time base $100,
Universal
Handi-
Counter^"
Modet 3000,
$375. and
Bench Modet
8030. $579.
Both offer
frequency.
period, ratio
and time
interval.
5821 NE 14th Ave, * Ft. Lauderdate. FL 33334
5% Ship/Handling (Maj<. $10) U.S. & Canada.
15% outside continental USA,
Visa and Master Card accepted.
Call for free catalog - Factory Direct Order Line:
1-800-327-5912
FL (305)771 -2050 - FAX (305)771 -2052
emCLE 26 ON READER SERVICE CAflD
It is convenient for calfing CO and, with the
four short message sections, can be set up to
XMIT most of a comesi contact. Recording
otf-tfie-atr is a good feature for repeating
missed calls and contact numbers. In addi-
tion, as n^any hams really do wonder what
Ihey sound like on the air, particularly when
making mike and/or audio changes to their
stations, being able to play back on the air is a
great feature.
Yaesu does not recommend long transmis-
sions at fuH power on the FT-990 when operat-
If^g digitaf modes. They suggest operating at
half power.
The Manual
The manual for the FT-990 includes an ex-
cellent tutorial to get you going and does a
good job of explaining the function at each
control. It is a must-read booklet, as It contains
Instructions for customizing the transceiver
for your own operation (power*up selections). I
found the manual lacked some specifications
(no stated dynamic range).
Customizing the FT-9dO
You cars customize some of the operations
of the FT-990 to suit your particular desires by
instructing the rig how to come on when pow-
ered up (turned on).
Power*yp selection choices are made by
holding specified keys/buttons while switch-
ing the FT-990 from '*off" to "on." and by
using DIP switches. Once selected, these
choices will be included every time the rig is
turned on (until you change them). Some pow-
er-up selections are: method of frequency dis-
play (offsets for different modes). E>eeper on/
off and pitch, 10 Hz readoul, CW pitch, and
sidetone volume. This capability makes it
easy to turn the 900 into your radio.
Recommendations
At a suggested list price of $2,399 you will
be getting a high-grade transceiver loaded
with bells and whistles, internal power supply,
automatic antenna tuner, and digital 3CF au-
dio filtering. The rig is also ready for any cur-
rent digital mode.
Putting these prices into perspective, the
FT-990 isn't such a case of sticker shock after
all. All you need for general operation is a
single ail-band antenna such as a G5RV or
Windom. a feedline, and a place to plug in the
FT-990.
Would 1 recommend the FT-990? Yes. H
offers the features most hams are looking for.
Its controls are smooth and very effective, par-
ticulariy the digital SCF audio filter and shift
tuning. And. let's face it. the rig does look
pretty darn good!
Some Features of the FT-9M
Keypad direct frequency entry
Passband shift
90 merrrories
Automatic antenna tuner
Dual digital SCF (switched capacitance
fitter] audio filter
Noise blanker
RF FSP (frequency-shifted speech
processor)
All-mode squelch
Notch filter (manual)
Iambic memory keyer
Selectable BFO offset
Spotting button
Key jacks on front and rear panels
Dedicated interfaces for RTTY, AMTOR.
and packet
Internal switching AC power supply
DVS*2 digital voice recorder (optional)
10 meter FM operation
SPECIFICATIONS (as taken from the FT-990 Operating Manual)
80
40
30
20
17
15
12
10
General
RCVR Coverage: tOO kHz-^SO MHi
XMIT coverage
160 1.8- 2.0 MHz
3.5- 4.0 MHz
7,0- 7.5 MHz
10.0-10.5 MHz
14.0-14,5 MHz
18.0-18.5 MHz
21 .0-21 .5 MHz
24.5-25.0 MHz
28.0^29 J MHz
Frequency Stability
<lOppm(-10to +50 degrees C)
<0.5 ppm (wrrCXO-2 option)
OnFM; < 200 Hz
Emission modes
LSB/USB-CW-FSKAM-FM
(J3E*A1A-J1 D-J2D-A3E-F3E)
Basic frequency steps
10 Hz LSB/USB^W-FSK(J1D)
100 Hz AM-FM-FSKfJ^D)
Antenna Impedance: 1 6.5-1 50 Q (50 Q nominal)
Power requirements
Voltage: 1 1 0-1 1 7 or 200-234 VAC 50/60 Hz
Amperage: 60 VA on RX/470 VA on TX
Dimensions (WHO) 14.3" x 5^ x 14.4"
Weight: aa.e lbs.
Transmitter
Power output
100W (adjustable)
(25W on AM)
Duty cycle
100%
(50% FM & RTTY)
Modulation types
SSB-Balanced filtered carrier
AM-LoW'level (early stage)
FM-Variabie reactance
FSK-Audio frequency shift keying
Maximun FM deviation: ±2.5 kHz
FSK shift frequencies: 170/425/850 Hz
Packet shift frequencies: 200/1000 Hz
Harmonic radiation: <50 dB below peak output
SSB carrier suppression: < 40 dB below peak output
Undesired sideband suppression: <50 dB below peak output
Audio response: < -6 dB (400-2600 Hz on SSB)
3rd order IMD: > -36 dB (TOO W PEP at 1 4.2 MHz)
Microphone impedance: 500-600 Q
Receiver
Circuit type: Triple-conversion superheterodyne
IF frequencies: 47.21/10.94/.455 MHz
Sensitivity
10dBS/N,0dB = 1 tiV
SSB^CW 100-500 kHz < 1 |iV
SSB/CW0.5-1,8MHz <2pV
SSB/CW 1 ,8-30 MHz <0.25 |iV
AMI 00-250 kHz < 10 pV
AM 250-500 kHi:< 2 mV
AM 0.5-1 .8 MHz <4pV
AM 1 ,8-30 MHz < 1 ^iV
FM 29 MHz for 12dB SINAD <0.5 pV
Selectivity
e.0kHzAMWide:6kHz. -6dB:15kHz, -60 dB
2.4 kHzSSB/AM/CW/RTTY/Packet: 2,2 kHz, -6dB;4.0 kHz, -60 dB
2.0 kHzSSB/CW/RTTY/Packet; 1 .8 kHz, -6 dB; 3.6 kHz, -60 dB
500 HzCW/RTTY/Packet: 500 Hz. - 6 dB; 1 .8 kHz Hz, - 60 dB
250 HzCW/RTTY: 240 Hz, -6 dB; 700 Hz, -60 dB
Squelch sensitivity
1 .8-30 MHz (CW^SSB AM): <2 mV
28-30 MHz (FM): <0.32|jV
IF rejection: > 80 dB (1 .8-30 MHz)
Image rejection: > 80 dB (1.8-30 MHz)
IF shift: ±1.2 kHz
Maximun Audio output: 2W Into 4 Q load w/< 10% THD
Audio output impedance: 4-8 Q
34 73 Amateur Radio Today * December. 1991
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CIRCLE XU2QH READER SERVICE QAHQ
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 35
Number 1 0 on your Faedback card
The QUAG-V
A high performance and wide
bandwidth antenna for VHFand UHF.
by Leonard Shick WB3AYW
A broadband anienna is a must for 440-
45Q MHz. The main problem of most
antennas (as well as the matching system) for
this band is the ability to achieve a low VSWR
over a wide bandwidth while maintaining a
high gain. This limits most antennas to a
bandwidth of \ or 2 MHz. By using quagi di-
mensions for directors and all spacings. the
bandwidth of the driven element can be
widened to 10 MHz by changing the driven
element and the ncflecior to the double quad
design, then bending them a! a 90 degree
angle. When this is done, all ihree radiating
elements on the driven element reinforce
^ch other at the flrs! director for added gain
on both receive and transmit.
In an antenna system with two quad loops
■OVEWLAP WIRE 1 1/2*
THEN SOUJER
CUT 4 ttin£ iU
HMF AFTER
SOLDEi^ING TO
WOQt> fiOQM
ZA-
BEHQ TO 90^ AHSLE BEFORE
ASSEMBUMG Tg SOOy TOfOITM A V£t
ACUU^TilEttT
Figtire I. The driven element
EfitD VtEW OF WOOD SOOkt ANO DRfVEN ELEMENT
CONNECT FIRST
AttO SOLOES
CONl^ECT SECOND
Pull tight and
SOLOEfl
SKOITT AS POSSIBLE
driven at the center; there is an impedance of
approximately 75 ohms. When used in an
array* this can drop to around 50 ohms,
which can be driven with 50 ohm coax direct-
ly without any matching device. This helps
with the simplicity of the easy-to-build broad-
band design.
Construction Details
The antenna is made from #10 AWG house
wiring because of its stiffness and low cost.
The boom is made from wood (1" %2" pine
for 70cm and r x 3" for 2m). DO NOT USE
METAL, as ii will interfere with the clement
length and radiation pattern.
Using a #39 bit, drill all the holes in the
boom, except the one for the driven element,
which does not gel drilled completely
through. The undrilled part of the boom be-
tween the two holes keeps the two wires from
i
FhoroA. Close-up view of the driven element, reflector and feedline aiHichmeni poim\
Figure 2, Feedline connection to the driven element.
36 7$ Amateur Radio Today * Decemt>er, 1991
Photo B. Two Quag- Vs can be stacked for additional gain . If you mount the Quag- Vsfor
horizontal polarization in the configuration shown, you mmt use a wooden or fiberglass
cross supports
HF VHP VHF-UHF
(MR1000) (IVIR2000)
Power & SWR Meter
MR1000 $109.00
MR2000 ........ ...$129-00
Freq. Range: a5-200MHi> 130-5 12 MHz
Meas. Pow. Ranges: 0-50W/0-200W CW
Input lmpedar>c&: 50il
Insertion Loss: L&S& Ihan O.SdB
Residual SWR: Wilftin 1.2
HSMHz {MR1000K435*llHz fMR2000J
Conrteclor: S0239 (MR1000). N (MR2000)
Size: 2.75* x6.22-x 4.41 ■ (HkWxD)
Weight: 1 25 lbs.
Trunk/Hatch Mount
BM1. $29.00
Matte Black Finish
Zine Die Cast
Adjustable Mounting Angle
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Features: fnserte for tfm
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Speaker
HSP60D0
«•«*■'»#'
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4 Inch fixed cone speaker with high
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Max. Input: tSW
Impedance: 8Q
Weight: .94 lbs,
Connector: 3,5 mm plug
Size: 4.33' x 5.32" x 2.13' (HxWxD)
Speaker
HSP7000
$37.00
2.75 Inch fixed cone speaker (high
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Max. InpiFt: aw
Mmpedaoce: 8Q
I Weight: 67 8)6.
iCortnector 3.5 mm plug
Stze: 3.51" K 4.06" x 1.42^ (HxWxO)
Hartdy Whip
Antennas
1 44/440 MHz
HS2RB
(144MN4
HS70RB
(440MH2)
HS2RB . ..$12.80
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Material: Siticone Rubber
Max Inpul: 5W (FM)
Length: 4.33 7110mm
Weight: .05 lbs.
Connector: BNC- Male
13 CD
CQ Q
CO **
144/440/900 MHz
HG600B ..$37.80
Freq.: 144/430/900 MHz
Gajn: - - (144MHz)
1.9cfBt430MHz)
3 6cJB (900MH2)
Max. Input: lOW(FM)
Length: 12.5 7320 mm
Weight: .16 lbs.
Conneclofi BMC- Male
lOIAeter Horizontal Beam
UPS Shippable
28 MHz
28HS2HB
$99.50
Max. Input 500W (SSB). 250W (FM*
Gain: Better than 6.0 dB
FBR; Better than 16 dB
Element Length: 5,400 mm/iT 0*
Boom Length; 1,340 mm/4" 5*
Shipping Weight: 7 lbs, 13 oz.
Connector: S0239 Jack
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HSVK5JR $287-00
Max. Input: 500W SSB, 250W CW,
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Height: 20\ Radial: 1 0' 2"
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Connector: S0239Jack
LTPS Shippable
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HS790WP HS790D/DN
Frequency: 1.6-150MHz (LPF)/410-460MHz (HPF)
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30-150yH2 300W (F3) 500W(A3J)
4l0^t60MHz 300W(F3) 500W tA3J)
Insenion Loss: 1.6-1 50MHz 0,1 5d8
4lO'460MHz 0-25dB
VSWR Less than 1.2
teolatbn: SOdBmore
Size: 1 ,2* m 2,5* k 1 .9* (Hx WxO} (Ejtcluding Protubefance)
Input Conn ectcirs: S0233
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Direct Link
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CIRCLE 9 ON READEn SERVICE CARD
DRILL HOLE FOR NAIL
SAW l/e" DEEP NOTCHES tWIQtH
OF WIRE OH WIDER)
SUPPORT
DRtVEH ELEMEWT SUPPORT
-SAW THREE [>- 01 M E N S ICHN N0TCHE5
l/S" DEEP AND DRILL NAIL HOLE
REFL^CIVR SUPPOftT
SAW THREE G-DIMENSIOM NOTCHES
f/fl"DeEP CONLV TAO EMO NOTCHES
ARE USEDfc *ND DRILL NAIL HOLE
TIE WIRE #16
(BOTH SIDES S
ELEMEI^T BENT
TO SO"
Figure 3. Top view of the driven eletnent and reflector support. The
elements are held in place by short loops ofil8 wire as shown. The
"/>" dimensions are used for the driven element and the ''G'*
dimensions are for the reflector assembly (see Table 2).
Table 1, Director Lengths
(in inches)
432
438
446
448
146
D1
1 1 -3/8
11-1/4
1M/16
11
33-3/4
D2
11-5/16
11-3/16
11
10-15/16
33-5/8
D3
11-1/4
11-1/8
10-15/16
1 0-7/8
33-1/2
D4
11 3/16
11-1/16
10-7/8
10-13/16
33-3/8
D5
1M/8
11
10-13/16
1 0-3/4
33-1/4
D6
11-1/16
10-15/16
1 0-3/4
10-11/16
33-1/8
D7
11
10-7/8
10-11/16
10-6/8
33-1/8
D8,
etc.: Same
as D7.
REFLECTOR
■Overlap i i/s"
IHEH SOLDER
■ASSEMBLE K THROU&H
WOOD BOOM FIRST THEN
SOLOER
CLOseo
— WOOD fiOOM
M
■m
H*l
BEhtO TO 30* AMGLE BEFORE
ASSEMBLY TO M TO FORM A VEE
EUD VIEW
OF WOOO BOOM
il
■K- ELEMENT
THROUGH &0OM
Mk-
Figure 4. The reflector.
DRIVEN ELEMENT
oD£
*je TiEWiRE
[4 REO'Oi
REFLECTOR
NAIL OR eOLT TO BOOM
ilF NAILED. BEMD OVER
AFTER ASSEMBLE TO
HOLD SUPPOftT)
F CAPPROX DIHI-
Figure S. Top view of the driven element and the cross support assembled
and attached to the boom.
^•— 4in.— ^
OE
Dl
&3
D-?
D4
05
D6
HOLES FOR
U-BOLT
-4 \f\.
■*!
4ir fS TO TAPE COAX
TO BOOM IN BACK OF
THE REFLECTOf?
4 n. - BOOM I en. * £ m. X 4 It. OR LONOER AS
NEEDED FOfl FREQ AND NUMBER OF ELEMENTS.
T^OwER side M0UN"T
/
wRAP#iB
WIRE A-ND
SOLDER
WRAP #18
WIRE AMD
SOLDER^
1
T
ve ift
12 in. IS MOUMTlNG AND
TO KEEP REFLECTOR
AWAY FROM SUPPORT
ALL ELEMEtJTS EmCEPT WHERE
CO AS? IS ATTACHED
INCL<JOIN<; THE REFLECTOR
Figure 6. Boom dimensions and element locations. Although not required,
you can taper the boom as shown to lighten the total weight of the antenna.
VSWff 4^3 MHi VER^iON
432
433
455 437
FHEOUEMCY (UHH
439
441
44J
VSWR 446 MHi VERStOht
43S 439 440 441 442 44:1 444 445 446
FREQUENCY (MKi)
447 446 449 449.9
Figure 7, VSWR plots for the 438 MHz and 446 MHz versions,
touching a! the feedpoint, and is also the
driven element center support (see Figures 1
and 2),
The directors must be cut for the higher
portion of the band to be used, so as not to
act as reflectors at the highest frequency
used. When making the directors, cut care-
fully, file both ends flat, and then deburr to
gel the correct length. (A burr on one end of
an element can change the length by one MHz
or more.)
When mounting the directors, wrap some
#18 bare wire around the directors on both
sides of the boom, then solder so that the
38 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
elements will not slide down through the
boom.
If the antenna is to be stacked side by side
for vertical radiation^ d^e maslcan be metal as
it will not affect the pattern. For horizontal
operation, the mast and supporting structure
should be nonmctallic if they are in the field
of the radiation pattern.
The support for the front of the driven
element and reflector is made of wood, ap-
proximately 1/4" X r' X 12'' long. The center
of the two wood cross supports is held in
place by a nail approximately 2" long, bent
over to hold the support from moving- Three
notches position the elements in place and
two #18 tie wires hold and support the ele-
ments to the supports. This ensures diat all
three vertical elements are the same distance
from the first director.
The coax should go from the driven ele-
ment back through the reflector, ±en be
looped back to the supporting structure. The
mast should be of a non-conducting material:
wood, fiberglass, etc. A metal mast will
change the gain and pattern of the system*
Tuning
When the antenna is complete, adjust the
The MiHiatype VHF/FM
Handheld Tpansceivep
A super-compact handheld about
half the size of a regular HT, the
tiny DJ-F1T is a powerful com-
munications station which fits
literaliy in the palm of your hand.
The Ni-Cd battery Is an innova-
tive design, made to charge with
the AC desk top, drop-in charging
stand.
Standard on the unit are 40
memory channels, 3-stage power
settings, pager and code squelch
functions, several scan options,
and full size illuminated keypad for
easy operation and programming.
j^
.^A
Ask to see AUNCO pro-
ducts at your dealer and
tecome familiar widi our
Quality line and acces-
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here, and now we're ready
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^J
AUNCO
ELECTRONICS INC.
AUNCO ELECTRONICS INC<
438 Amapola Avenue, Unit 130
Torrance. CA 90501
Tel. (213) 618-8616 to (213) 618-8758
Two Year Limited Warranty.
Spacitications and teatu res are subject lo diange wittioul
notice or obligalum
ClilCLE «T OK READER S£1)VICE CARD
VSWR by unsolderifig ihe side of the driv-
en element where it is soldered together,
then slide it to increase or decrease the
length. When you have completed the anteiv
na, and before installatioii. coat the wood
with a latex-base finish to protect it from
the weather.
This antenna is similar to the parabeam
(**J'' beam), but uses the quagi spacings and
is bent so that the first director i.s in line with
Ihe outside of the driven element.
At the \99\ W3MIE Field Day, site tests
were conducted on die 440-450 QUAG-V,
and it showed a much-improved gain and
bandwidth over a quagi of the same size. B
Table 2. Driven element and reflector dimensions (In
Frequency (MHz): 432 438 446
Elemenldia.#wire A 7^3/8 7-7/16 7-1/B
inches).
448
7
146
21-3/4
aA
14-3/4
14-7/8
14*1/4
14
43-1/2
B
5-5/8
5-5/8
5-1/2
5-7/16
16-1/8
D
4-5/8
4-9/16
4-3/8
4-3/8
1 3-5/8
G
5-9/1 6
5-9/16
5-3/8
S-1/8
1 4-7/8
J
6-3/4
6-5/8
6-1/2
6-7/16
19-3/8
F.H.K
7-1/16
7-1/16
6-7/8
6-1 3/1 6
21
Total length of D.E.. Including overlap
Total length of ref., incl. overlap
2H
43-1 /4
43-7/8
14-1/8
41^3/8
43^5/8
14-1/8
41
42-1/4
13-3/4
40-3/8
42
13-5/6
120-3/4
127-1/2
42
Frequency (MHz):
tf 1 0 wire
^6 wire
Boom (pine or redwood)
Cross supports (2)
Sealant tor boom and cross supports
U-bofts
Tie wire #18
432
103"
TaMe 3. 8-Elemeiit Material List
438 446
IDS'* 103"
1 " X 2" X 55 '^
1/4"xrxt2'*
1/2 pint
11/4'' X 3* (1)
IS'
1 " X 2^ X 55''
1/4"xt"x12''
1/2 pint
1-1/4" X 3* (1)
15'
1''x2"x55"
l/4"xrx12''
1 /2 pint
1-1/4* X 3" (1)
15"
448
103'^
rx2"x55"
1/4''xrx12''
1/2 pint
1 1/4*3' (1)
15"
146
26'
r x3"x12'
rxr x32'^
1 pint
1-1/4" X 3* (2)
24' #16
Conrad Leonard Shick WBSAYW at 2631
Hershey Rd^ , Erie PA 16509. Please enclose
an SASE, The auihor thanks WAS AN A for his
assistance in preparing this tirtide and build-
mg the prototype, WB3JDI for VSWR and
gain tests at the J99I Field Day site, and
K3VLQ and all the others who assisted y^'ith
the tests.
References
*The VHF Quagi." QST. April 1977.
"Two Meter FM Antenna," Ham Radio, May
1971.
"Multi-element Twin-Loop Array Antennas for
VHF/UHF;^ OST, January 1980-
'^ 10-Meter Lazy Quad*." QST, July 1968.
ARRL Handbook, 1989 edition, Chapter
33.25.
Sell YOUR used gear
in ^J Classifieds. , ,
Call Sue Colbert,
*14
f,
EC TOR riNDER
ZEPO-IN
THB SIGNAL!
HAND-HELD
PHASE SENSE
ANTENNAS FOR
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FINDING. USES
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Table 4.
Element Spacing (in Inches)
Frequency (MHz):
432
438
446
448
146
R-DE
7
6^15/16
6-13/16
6^3/4
20-5/8
DE-Dt
5-1/4
5-1/8
5
4-15/16
15-1/2
D1-D2
11
1 0-7/8
10-3/4
10-11/16
32-3/4
D2 D3
5-7/8
5-13/16
5-5/8
5-9/1 6
17-1/4
D3-D4
8-3/4
8r5/8
8-1/2
8^7/16
25-7/8
D4-D5,
D6. etc.
8-3/4
8-5/8
S-1/2
3-7/16
25^7/8
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Variable bandwidth control (BWC).
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Nu mber 1 1 on you r Feedbac k card
Computerized Tuning for
Ramsey Receiver Kits
It doesn't have to be expensive.
by Mike Gray N8KDD
Computer conir oiled tuning
is generally considered
the domain of only very expen-
sive receivers. It doesn^i have
to be that way . This project wili
show you how to convert an in-
expensive receiver kit from a
manually tuned radio to a scan-
ning receiver with 10 memory
locations.
Receiver kits from Ramsey
Electronics are tuned using a
varactor diode. A bias voltage
is applied to the diode, changing
circuit capacitance as a function
of the bias voltage. The capaci-
tance is not linear with respect
to the voitagc, so a little slug
tweaking is required to opti-
mize the resolution for the band
segment you arc interested in. The tunihg
potentiometers provided with the kits are of
high quaiity. but because they arc linear the
tuning resolution is reduced at low voltage. In
other words, you can't expect as mych selec-
tivity when the bias voltage is low. This is not
really a problem, and it isn't evident until you
find that you have been turning the knob a
iiltle too fast and missing some active fre-
quencies. A large diameter tuning knob will
make an improvement.
These receivers are an excellent btiy, and
they perform very well. You can do a lot of
experimentation with them without fear of
creating a smoldering pile on the bench.
Using these receivers is a lot more fun
when a computer docs the work. Because
computers are digital and the radio kits are
analog, a digital-to-analog interface is re-
quired. The computer and interface do the
same job as the tuning potentiometer, and
allow automated control and scanning, too.
Computerized tuning allows you to return to
a particular frequency easily and accurately.
Although absolute frequency cannot be deter-
mined without a frequency counter, a very
close approximation can be made just by lis-
tening for scheduled nets- When you have a
couple of absolute frequencies assigned to
42 73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991
Photo A. Mfxiified receiver (prototype).
channels, you can use them as landmarks for
unknown frequencies. A frequency counter is
not necessary. Ramsey Electronics includes
tuning suggestions in the kit documentation.
DigitaMo- Analog Converter (DAC)
The DAC reads 8 bits of data from the
computer, then converts them to counts
which represent sotue fraction of the refer-
ence voltage applied to the DAC. Two hun-
dred fifty-five counts is equal to 5 volts. Att
LM lOCN op amp is used to buffer the output
from the DAC and double the DAC output
voltage.
Some of the features of the DAC chip have
been disabled because they are not required
for this simple project. Only 10 wires connect
the DAC assembly to the computer. Eight
lines are for data, one is for DAC control, and
one is ground reference.
The DAC and receiver together draw less
than 25 mA, and both must be powered from
a clean 12-13 volt source. The receiver isn't
very particular about the supply voltage, but
the DAC chip is. It must be powered by a
supply which is at least 7 volts higher than its
reference, You will have to remove the 9 volt
battery holder from the receiver anyway, to
make room for the DAC assembly.
Receiver Modification
This really couldn 't be easier*
Simpty remove the tuning po-
tentiometer and run a wire from
the DAC assembly ouipui to the
center solder pad on the receiv-
er board. Then run another wire
from the grounded solder pad to
ground on the DAC assembly.
The figure shows an HR^ 40
meter receiver. UHF/VHF kits
will be similar.
Connect a clean 1 2 volt (nom-
inal) power supply or battery in
place of the 9 volt battery on the
receiver board. Make sure the
polarity is right. I can't tell you
what will happen if it's wrong,
but it can*t be anything good.
Power for the DAC is taken from the center
terminal of the power switch on the receiver
kit. Just connect a wire from the top side of
die switch to the DAC. That way, die front
panel switch controls both boards.
These receivers are very sensitive. You
must use a coaxial feedline, and locate die
antenna at least 12 feet away from the
computer, otherwise you may be listening
to computer generated noise. The ampli-
tude of the noise depends upon the receiv-
er frequency, and the clock rate of your
computer. A 7 MHz computer will wreak
havoc with a 40 meter receiver if the antenna
is too close.
T had added an amplifier and a Radio Shack
piezo-electric audio transducer to my re-
ceiver during the course of a previous ex-
periment. The assembly is located near the
antenna connector. It's a big improvement
over an earphone, and it sounds pretty
good, too.
DAC Construction
The entire assembly could be built on a
Radio Shack plated PC board. Photo A shows
a switch in my prototype which is not re-
quired in the fmal version. The switch allows
the gain of the op amp to be fixed or variable.
N
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CONTROLLER
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•Codes quickly field programmable via plug-in Cod-
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5VDC Input Gotd-plated connectors.
SCT410B
Transmitter Assy.
SCT1 10 VHF Xmtr/Exciter Board
«10 Wts. Output. 100% Duty Cycle I
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filter & rel. pwr sensor
•BA75 75 Wt, unit also available
SCT1 10 Transmitter Assembfy
•SCT1 to mounted in shmtdsd housmg
•Same as used on SCR 1 400
•Completely assmbld. w/FT. caps. S0239 conn.
•10.30. or 75 WL unit,
SOT 41 OS UHF Transmitter Bd. or Assy.
•Similar to SCT110, lOWts, nom.
•Now includes "on board*' proportionat Xtai
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•BA-40 40W. UHF AMP. BD. & H£AT SINK
Receiver Front-End Preselectors
•FL*«: CHi Q Resonators with Lo-Noise Transistor
Amp {2M or 220 MHz)
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Amp, in shielded housing, (42(M7a tlH2)
•ProvldM tremendous re|ection of ""out-of-
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•Extremely helpful ai sites wfth many nearby trans-
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SCAP Autop3tch Board
•Provides ail basic autopatch functions
•Secure 3 Digit Access: t Aux Qn-Off function, Audio
AGC: Built-in timers; etc Beautiful A^io!
•0/1 rnhibil bd^ also avatlable
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RPCM Board
•Used w/SCAP board to provide '^Reveme Patch'*
and Land-Une Control of Repeaief
•includes land-tine "answering" circuitry
Lightning Arrester For Autopatch
•Gas Discharge Tube shunts phone line surges to
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•Handles up to 40,000 Ampsf
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We need adjustable gain, so the switch is not
included in the schematic.
To attach the DAC board to the receiver
board, screw a threaded spacer to each corner
of the DAC board. Then apply a little epoxy
to the bottom of each spacer and set the as-
sembly on the receiver board.
You can use ribbon or bundled cable to
connect the DAC to the 25-in. connector. A
complete printer cable can be bought for
about $8 from computer discount houses.
Buying a printer cable might be cheaper
than buying the connector and wire separate-
ly. Jusl cut the printer connector off, and
using an ohmmeter, fmd the wires for pins
1-9 and 25.
o
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CIRCLE 284 ON READER SERVICE CARD
9e-
DAC ASSEMBLY
f-f 1
HH-4
Sfr-
7»i"
tm-
^^
40-
ie-
t ^
*-L
AD 7224LtJ
I •-
PRINTER PORT
CONNECTOR
♦ •-
50k
GAIN
LWlO
iok
■^QUT
—a —
I
I > — '
I I I
REM'OVE TUNING
PtITEP)TlOM£"efi
1 '
I I . I
1Q0
-WS^ jl-
rrrr^
I
■^i^ I
+ I5V
^^,
V
POWEft SWITCH
LM340LAOFi7aLO5
+5V REGULATOR ( BOTTOM VIEW)
L'
Software
The computer controls the WR
line of the DAC chip, and sup-
plies the 8-bit data word, which
the chip converts to a voltage.
The program must toggle the WR
line, and send 8 bits of data to the
DAC. The DAC chip will latch
the output voltage at the most re-
cent level, until instrycted to
change it or power is lost.
The program listing in the side-
bar is the minimum required to
produce an output voltage from
the DAC. The listing prompts
you to enter the desired output
value in counts.
After you finish assembly of
the digital-to-analog converter,
run the program and enter 255
counts. Turn the potentiometer
until the voltage at pin 6 of the
LMlOis 10 volts.
The address of the printer port
of most computers is 888. If the
circuit does not respond, change
address 888 to 956, and change
address 890 to 958.
Find an active frequency by en-
tering a value from zero to 255
when the program prompts you for it. Each
time you fmd activity » write down the D/A
counts so that you can retiirn to that frequency
just by entering the number. The program
kernel shown in the sidebar is intended for
experimentation. In order to realize the ad-
vamages of cotnputer mning, a more sophis-
ticated program is in order.
My program is much too long to list com-
pletely here. You can write your own pro-
gram or downioad mine from the 73 BBS at
(603) 525-4438. The name of the program is
DAC-TUNE.ZIP, and it will run on PC com-
patibles with CGA graphics. I can also supply
the program on a diskette for $6,
The DAC-TUNE program can scan the
entire band (global search), or station pre-
sets. When you hit any key, the program
stops scanning and executes the command
associated with that key. Manual mning is
accomplished with the left and right arrow
keys. When you fmd an active frequency,
you can assign it to a channel. You can return
Figure I. SchemnHc of the computer interface,
n
rSBKDD
by FPR
•
J
Figure 2, PC board
5m
24LN
Figure 3. Parts layout.
to any channel simply by entering the channel
number. Station presets, frequencies, and
screen colors are saved in a tile called SETUP
when you terminate the program. These are
recalled automatically the next time you start
the program. The program operation is self-
explanatory .
The DAC chip is relatively new and can be
purchased only in lots of 10 or more from the
distributor. 1 can offer kits which include a
printed circuit board, DAC-TUNE software,
and components. I have not included a printer
cable, because cables are often available
cheap or free locally. A kit costs $30, which
includes shipping and tax. If you just want the
7224 DAC, it's available for $10. The blank
PC board is available for $6.
The receiver kits arc available from Ram-
sey Electronics, Inc. , 793 Canning Parkway,
Victor NY 14564.
Contact Mike Gray NSKDD at 465 W. Maple
Road, Milford, MI4838L
44 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
H
HF Equipment Rsgular SALE
IC-7ai Xcvr/ps/tuner/scope • 5pegf3/$6149.QQ 5099
IC-765 Xcvf/ps/keyer/tuner $2692.00 23S9
' fS iff 'iff"mt-
. ■■ -^ ^P" ^'
U U U
IC-751A 9-bandxcvr/.l-30 MHz rx... $1699.00 !Zf9
PS-35 Internal power supply... 219.00 209^^
FL-G3A 250 Hz CW fi Iter (1st IF) 59.00
FL-52A 500 Hz CW filter (2nd IF) 115.00
FL-53A 250 H2CW filter {2nd IF) 115 00
FL 70 2 8 kHz wide SSB filter 59.00
lC-735 HFxcvr/SWrc^/r/mic 1149.00 899^5
PS-55 Extemal power supply .219.00 209^^
AT-1 50 Automatic antenna tuner 445.00 Z2S^^
FL-32A 500 Hz CWfffter 69.00
EX-243 Electrortic keyer unit 64.50
UT-30 Tone encoder 18.50
IC-725 HRxcvr/SWrctfr $94&.00 759^=
AH-3 Automatic antenna funsr ....489.00 449^=
JC^726 10-bandxcvrw/6m.„...... 1299.00 fOaS
HF Accessories: Regufar SALE
IC-2ia HF solid state amp w/ps $1999.00 1719
IC-4KL HF 1 kwamp w/ps • Special.. 6995.00 5799
EX-627 Auto antenna selector ...315.00 279*^
PS-15 20A external power supply 175.00 169^^
PS-30 Systems p/s w/cord, 6 pin plug 349.00 329^=
SP-3 External speaker 65.00
SP-7 Small external speaker 51.99
CR-B4 High stab. nef. xtal; 751 A, etc 79.00
SM-G Desk microplione 47.95
SM-B Desk mic; two cabl&s, scan 89.00
AT-500 500w 9 band auto ant tuner 589.00 539^=
AH-2 S-band tuner w/mount& whip,.,.. 758.00 689^5
lecessofies ror IC 781/785/765/726/725 • CALL
iMosterCdnl
it Large Stocks
• Fast Service
• Top Trades
VHF/UHF Base Transceivers Regular SALE
fC-275A 25w2m w/ps • Ufoseout $1299.00 1129
IC-275H lOOw 2m FM/SSB/CW 1399.00 1219
IC-475A 25w 440MHz w/ps • Gloseout 1399.00 1329
IC-475H lOOw 440 FW/SSB/CW 1599.00 1399
IC-575A 25w6/10mxcvr/ps 1399.00 1199
IC-575H 25wl00w6/l0mxcvr. ...„ 699.00 1329
(D-1275A lOw 1.2GHz FIWSS8/GW ..1849.00 1G19
VHF/UHF FM Transceivers Regular SALE
IC-229A Z5w 2m FM/HP mic ....$423.00 329^
IC-229H 50w 2m FM/nP mic 462.00 359^^
IC-448A 25w 440 FM/TTP • Chseou!.... 599,00 379^^
IC-443A 35w440FMxcvr/TTP... ...563.00 399^^
IC-t201 lOw 1.2GHz FM/SSB/CW 1349.00 719*^
Dua\ band FM Transcetvers Regular SALE
[C-2410A 25w 2m/440 FM/TTP mic .... $855.00 749^=
IC-2410H 45w2m/35w440FM/nPmic 899.00 789^^
IC'3220A 25w 2m/440 FM/HP mic ........ 659.00 579^5
IC-3220H 45w 2m/ 35w 440 FM/HP mic 699.00 609^5
IC-2500A 35w440/10w 1.2GHz FM 999.00 869'*
Multi-band FM Transceiver Regular SALE
IC-9D1 50w 2m/35w 440MHz FM xcvr .. $999.00 869^^
UX-R91A Broad band receiver unit .....389.00 359^
UX-19A lOw 10m unit 299.00 279^^
UX-59A lOw 6m unit. ....._........,....... 349.00 329^'=
UX-S92A 2m SSB/CW module 599.00 549^*
11X-39A 25w 220MHz unit ........349.00 329^^
m-mi^ lOw l,2GHzunit.„... .........549.00 509'^
IC-97DA 25w2m/430MHz transceiver ..2895.00 2029
IC-97flH 45w2m/430 MHz transceiver. 3149.00 2159
UX-R9G 50-905 l\flHz receive unit ...389.00 349*=
UX-97 1.2GHz band un]t 999.00 EB2^^
VHF/UHF Mobile Antenna Regular SALE
AH-32 2m/440 Dual Band mobile ant $39.00
AHB-32 Trunk lip mount.. 35.00
Larsen PO-K Roof mount 23.00
Larsen PO-TLM Trunk-fip mount ., 24,70
Larsen PO-MM Magnetic mount 28.75
VHF/UHF Rept oters Regular SALE
RP'1520 2m 25w repeater .....$2229.00 1949
fiP-22ia 220MHz 25w repeater...,,, 1649.00 1443
RP-4020 440MHz 25w repeater 2299.00 2D09
RP-4020/50W 440MHz 50w repeater .2499 00 2189
RP-1220 1.2GHz lOw repeater 2599,00 2269
Order Toll Free: 1-800-558-0411
Han dh elds Regular SALE
IC-02AT/HlEb Paw^r 2fn.. $409.00 269^5
IC-2SA 2m HI 419.00 289^^
IC-2SAT 2ni/n? ...439.00 319^=
IC-2SRA 2m/25-905MHz rx 599.00 509^
IC-24AT 2m/440MHz/rrP... 565.00 413^5
1C-3SAT 2Z0lVlHzHI/rrP.... 449,00 299^*
IC-4SAT 440lVlHzHT/TTP.... 449,00 299^*
IG^SfiA 440MHZ/25-905 fX 539.00 509^5
IC-2GAT 2m HT/RP 429.00 31995
lC-4fiAT 440MHz/rrP 449.00 319^^
IC^12CAT L2GHZ/ITP......... 529.00 329^=
iC-W2A 2nn/440HT 629.00 529*^
Aircraft band handhelds Regular %;\ll
A-2 5WPEP synth aircraft HT 525.00 479^^
A-20 aircraft HT w/VOR • Closeout . 625,00 499^^
A-21 Navicom Plus Aircraft HT 660.00 599^^
For inforniBtJon and PrEces an accessories
for hanrfhelds Nsteri above • CALL
1 : o o^f^m^
• c : o\
i- :-^
V a- ■ • \-i . .
■■ ■■•■■■ -■■ ^
Shortwave Receivers Regular SALE
R-1 100kHz4.3GHzAM/FMhandhelci.$624.00 539^^
R-71A 100kHz-30MHzrcvr 999,00 m^^
RC-11 Infrared remote controller 70.99
FL-32A 500 H?CW filter „.. , 69,00
FL-G3A 250 Hz CW filter (1st IF) ....„„. 59.00
FL-44A 3SB filter (2nd IF) 178.00 163»^
EX-257 FIVI unit..... 49.00
EX-310 Voice synthesizer 59.00
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Number 1 2 on your Feedback oard
73 Review
by Gordon West WB6N0A
ICOM IC-2SRA 2 Meter
HT and Scanner
A full-feature 2 meter handtreld
witti a separate wideband receiver.
ICOM America. Inc.
2380-n6th Ave. N.E,
Bellevue WA 98004
Telephone: (206) 454^155; FAX: (206) 454-1509
Pfice Class: $600
ICOM's new IC-2SRA should really get the
attention of the avid ham and dedicated
scanner enthusiast. Not only is il a 2 meter
hand-held^t also has a built-in wideband scan-
ner receiver.
Two Antennas???
The (C-2SRA looks exactly like Ihe popular
ICOM dual-band 2 meter/440 MHz tC-W2A.
The bultons, oval magnified LCD screen, arid
top knob placement are identical. Even the
Nltle red power-on button is the same as Ihe
ICOM IC-W2A.
But there IS one thing
that immediately sets
the two unrls apart when
you put them side by side
—the IC-2SRA boasts
two antennas coming
out of the top. That's
righlp folks— antennas in
stereo.
On the first look, you
might think someone is
teasing you by slicking
an antenna speaker/ mi-
crophone jack on the top
of Ihe unit. In fact, when
you take a close look at
the top of the 2 meter
scanner, youll see that
the two jacks are abso-
lutely identical— the left
jack for the speaker/
mike, and the right jack
lor the supplied wide-
band rubber ducky. No
BMC jack—no TNG
jack — simply an ear*
phone-type jack that
the wideband scan-
Photo 8. Antennas
In stereo! We found
that the wideband an-
tenna for scanning
(right) was not quite as
sensitive on 2 maters as
the 2 meter ducky (left).
Photo A. The tC'2SRA, showing the 2 meter
readout (left) and the scanner frequency read-
out (right).
ning antenna plugs into. It seems to make a
good connection, but nonetheless, an ear*
phone jack for an antenna connection?
The 2 meter side of the ICOM IC-2SRA
hand- held transceiver/scanner seems identi-
cal to the IC-W2A receiver The 2 meter receiv-
er tunes tnjm 136.000 MHz to 174.000 MHz,
and transmits from 140.000 MHz to 149.995
MHz. We measured in-band receive sensitivi-
ty at 0.095 ^V for 12 dS SINAD. and 30 kHz
selectivity at -60 dB. The 2 meter receiver
gave us the good performance we have al-
ways found with ICOM hand-hetd trans-
ceivers, in both single^band and dual-band
models.
We tested the 2 meter receiver on an out-
side antenna. There were absolutely no sur-
prises when it came to good rejection to out-of-
band paging transmitters, local weather
stations, and numerous other high-band sig-
nals blanketing my local QTH. On the same
outside antenna, some other brand HTs have
not fared as well— but, as usual the 2 meter
receiver was nice and tight in a heavy RF area.
The 2 meter transmitter pops on at 140,000
MHz and cycles off at 149.995
MHz, This is good f>ews for Ihos©
of you in the United States Coast
Guard Auxiliary. Civil Air Patrol, or
MARS, As soon as you unpack the
unit you are on the air on those
government frequencies, if you've
got the proper license.
Push-Button
Programming
Four levels of power output are
avaitabte from the push buttons.
(Table 1 shows what
we measured.) When
you first set up the
programming of your
handheld, you may
dial in exactly how
low you want your
low^power output to
be. I chose the low'^
est setting— Low 1—
because this only
draws 478 mA on my
high-power battery
pack, as opposed to
a whopping 1.34
amps on high power.
The 2 meter side of
this transceiver/
scanner features aJl
the functions and
sub-functions found
with a sophisticated
handheld- It will take
you some time to
learn alJ of Ihe pro-
gramming steps to
Photo C The 440
MHz version of the
transceiver/scan-
ner. Remember, it Is
NOT a dual-band,
ontyduai-receivB.
HHISS
m •
46 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
4
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1.3 watts
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Lowl
0.4 watts
0.4 watts
Table h Avaiiabfe pow&r output from push-
button setections^
Receive limits: 25.000 MHz through 950,000 MHz
No locked-out band segments; few birdies
Modes: AM- FM, wideband FM
Average NBFM sensitivity throughout band: 0.32 \iV for 12dB SIN AD
Receiver type: Triple-conversion superhet
Tuning steps: 5, 10, 12,5, 16, 20. 25. 30. 50, 100 kHz (VHF band);
10, 12.5, 20, 25, 30, 50, 100 kHz (UHFandSOO MHz-950 MHz)
Table 2. Scanner/receiver featurBS.
set in your favorite repeater and simpiex fre-
quencies in the 30 memory channels, plus the
single call channel and two-frequency band
edge channels.
Of course, what's a 2 meter transceiver
without a clock? That same clock that can turn
your unit on can also shut it off. In fact, the
clock button is right next to the ''enter*' button,
so you might be seeing the clock come up a lot
more often than you want to until you get more
precise at poking away at the closely-spaced
rubber keypads.
gle-band 2 meter or 440 handheld contains a
built-in "wideband receiver/* What they are
raying is that the single-band 2 meter or the
singte-band 440 handheld has a built-in, wide-
band, multlmode, 60-meinory-channel scan-
ner. (Table 2 lists what we found in the sepa-
rate built-in scanner/receiver.)
The wideband scanner/receiver is not part
part of the main
transceiver re-
ceiver section*
Rather, it's ab-
solutely sepa-
rate, with its
own right-hand
LCD readout,
antenna port,
volume and
squelch knob
Built*ln Scanner
Early press releases indicate that this sin-
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Table 3. TV channels 2-13 audio frequency
assignments tuned "WFM** mode on the
ICOM fO-2SRA scanner.
squelch knob, and automatic turn-off when
you are actually transmitting on the 2 meter
band.
This prevents feedback, desense> and
potential damage if you're receiving on the
same frequency as your transceiver is
transmitting. We made that test^ and as
soon as we hit the PTT the receiver simpty
blanked out.
And speaking of blanking out— when you
begin to program the wideband receiver, as
soon as you hit the enter button, the screen
goes blank. Do not worry I Start punching
m numbers, and the screen jumps to lite.
This is different from what occurs on the 2
meter side of the radio. On 2 meters there are
always a couple of leading numbers to let you
know where you are, but on the receive-only
side of this trar^sceiver the screen blanks out
to allow you to punch in anything from 25 to
950 MHz.
Use the AM mode for tuning in the aeronau-
ticai band, the 27 MHz band, or some aero-
nautical military frequencies in the 200-300
MHz band.
Use the FM mode to listen to regular two-
way radio communications. For listening to
some pop music on the FM music band, use
the WFM ^wideband FM) mode, It's easy to
select the mode— simply press a single mode
key. Be sure to add a leading zero to any
direct-dial frequency below 100 MHz. If you
don't, you won't hear your popular FM music
station at 88.6, because your radio is at 885
MHzl
In the wideband FM mode, you can easily
tune into all television audio channels. It
comes out crystal clear (except for a birdie on
71 75 MHZp TV audio channel 4, which tCOM
indicates they will try and cure), and has a lot
more fidelity than trying to tune into a ball
game on an old-fashioned AM portable radio.
Spend a few minutes, and store your iooal TV
audio channels in the memory for quick re-
trieval. You can always search out the audio
by setting the squelch, and then electronically
scanning up. Of course, you can do this at the
same time as you are working on the 2 meter
side of your transceiver. <See Table 3 J
Unfortunately, the receiver does not go all
the way down to shortwave or AM broadcast
band frequencies. The lowest you can tune is
25 MHz, and with that little tiny, skinny, rubber
duck antenna, any signal below 40 MHz better
be real strong.
There will be some ICOM products coming
down the line, specificaity for tuning in the
shortwave bands, but this one won't go below
25 MHz.
To increase your scanner reception, sol-
der up a miniature plug with micro-sized
coaxial cable or a good shielded short
piece of audio cable. Terminate that to a BNC
jack, and this would allow you to plug Into a
regular outside antenna for improved recep-
tion. But a word of caution: The scanner an-
tenna jack Is little more than an audio plug
receptacle, so don't even consider running a
regular piece of RG58AU to it. It could cause
the jack to fail
Another word of caution: The engineers at
ICOM recommended at least five feet separa-
tion between any external antenna hooked
Into the antenna jack from a regular transmit-
ting VHF or UHF antenna. I tried this set-up,
and didn't blow the receiver — but be careful.
With any scanner on an outside antenna, per-
manent front-end damage might occur if your
scanner antenna gets right next to a high-pow-
er transmitting antenna.
As for selectivity and inter mod rejection, the
triple conversion receiver did a good job of
canceling out the stuff not on frequency.
I would have preferred a BNC or TNC type
connector for the scanner antenna, and it
would also have been nice to give you a little
bit more "finger room" between the second
antenna and the main tuning knob. Also,
don't be surprised that the plug-in charger
that comes with this unit features yet an-
other design not found on those octopus
charging plugs with multiple adapters. But
good news— if you already own some ICOM
products, the battery packs may be inter-
changeable, and this includes the drop-in
charger, too.
If you are into both 2 meter and 440 MHz
(separate units), and also want a built-in
scanner^ do consider this new offering from
ICOM. The scanner capabilities were just as
good as with a regular-sized pocket scanner,
and the audio a whole lot better from the ICOM
communications-style speaker. Best of all, it's
one radio with both a built-in ham band and a
scanner.
4S 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
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Not Just Another Island
Weekend DXpedition activates the Walrus Islands,
byBobKtngNL7KH
The Walrus Islands are a group of five
small islands in the Bering Sea, tucked
in along the southwestern shoreline of main-
land Alaska. These islands arc uninhabited
for most of the year, but in the summer their
population swells with hundreds of thousands
of seabirds— puffins, kittiwakes, aukleis and
murres.
Thousands of walrus also make the islands
their summer home. Male walrus only,
though. While the females take care of their
young farther nonh, the men haul out on
Round Island, feasting on clams and tanning
their bodies on the gravel beaches, It\s the
ideal bachelor pad, if you happen to be a
one -ton pinniped!
Human visitors are rare. Adventuresome
wildlife enthusiasts who can afford the trip
will venture to the islands to view the walrus
and the spectacle of thousands of cliff-
dwelling birds. Commercial fishermen are
also familiar with the nearby waters, where;
they casi their nets for herring, salmon, hal-
ibut and sole. But before this June, the Wal-
rus Islands have been unknown to the ranks of
amateur radio.
An Isluiid ''Vacation*'?
^^Back in 1988, Chod Harris VP2ML
wrote a column for 73 (see DX , Jtily 1988, p,
87) about a group called Islands on the Air/'
said Scott Diseth KL7N. 'Mn it he explained
what IOTA was all about and what islands
qualified for the program. He mentioned that
Alaska has 24 potential credits, 14 of which
have been on the air. Anyone for a DXpedi-
tion to Walrus Island !his summer?'' he
asked, kind of tongue-in-cheek.
IOTA members, or ** island chasers," as
they're known, collect contacts from as many
islands or island groups around the world as
possible. Many islands, like Hawaii, New
Zealand and the Bahamas, arc relatively easy
catches, but the prospect of a new group like
the Walrus Islands was tempting. /Bd, Note:
The IOTA group meets on 14.260 MHz at
1300 UTC Saturdays, 21.260 MHz at 1400
UTC Sandays and on 28. 460 MHz just about
anytime. Also a list of potential island credits
* 'The IOTA Directory. '' is availabh to U.S.
residents for$4ppd. from The DX Bulletin^
Box 50, Fuiton CA 95439.} Scott, a resi-
dent of Dillingham, Alaska, just 60 miles
from the island group, decided it was time to
take ep the challenge. '* None of us are IOTA
50 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
Photo A. The KL7N camp on remote Crooked Island,
in the Walrus Island chain.
members, but ii seemed obvious to
me that the Walrys Islands were a
rare one, something that people
wanted, and it was right in our back
yard," he said. ''It was kind of a
lark, but we were the only ones
qualified to activate the islands,"
Joining KL7N in the expedition
were Les Robinson KL7KN, Mike
Megli AL7KA and Bob King
NL7KH, all residents of Dilling-
ham.
Getting There
Even though the islands are not
far away, getting to them was an
expedition in itself. Round Island,
home to most of the walrus , is a state
game sanctuary and access is re-
stricted, so the expedition chose
Crooked Island, the second largest
island in the chain.
Crooked Island, however, is ac-
cessible only by boat or floatplane.
Fortunately, the owner of Yute Air
Alaska, a Dillingham-based air taxi.
*" ^1 ^ r '*=' j^r
Photo B. T}\e KL7N site and antenna fann on Crooked island.
I
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i
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December. 1991 51
is an active ham himself* Will Johnson
WA0LKT and one of his pilots, Steve Hud-
dleston KB5GAH, volunteered to help with
the transportation. To expedite matters »
Steve ferried planeloads of equipment to a
beach halfway to the islands, and from there
it was transferred to Will and his Cessna 206
on amphibious floats.
It took three trips on each leg. Some of the
larger equipment, including a 35-faot crank-
up tower and the disassembled antennas* had
to be strapped to the plane's floats.
Scott rode over on the first flight to select
the site and set up camp, "On the first flight,
we took the antennas, the tower, and enough
gear for me to survive in case nobody else
made it/' he said. "You never know what's
going to happen."
Fortunately, the weather cooperated with
die DXpedition. The skies were sunny and
the winds were calm as Will shu tiled back
and forth with equipment and Scott began
to set up the tents and a small farm of an-
tennas.
The radio tent held a Kenwood T 3^440 and
a Heaih SB-200 amplifier. Since the linear
drew almost all the current of the generator,
the transceiver was run off batteries which
were recharged at night. The signal was fed
into a Hy-Gain TH-3-JR yagi atop a Tri-Ex
35 -foot crank-up tower. A home-brew
phased vertical was used as a backup. Having
a backup became important as soon as Mur-
phy made his first appearance on the island:
Inevitably, the one box that got left back in
the hangar 60 miles away contained all the
group's tools.
**Ycah, things went pretty smooth, except
for forgetting our fools and extension cords,"
Scott later joked. "But, using some ingenu-
ity, we rigged up a phased vertical system
with Mike's leatherman tool and Les's Swiss
Army knife. Thai wasn't enough to put the
yagi together, but it worked for the vertical.
So score another one for the Swiss Army
knife!'*
On the Air
We were still struggling to assemble the
antenna, and running out of options on our
Swiss Army knife to do it with, when some-
body asked, "'What time is it?'*
The sun was still high in the Alaskan
evening sky, but it was already ten minutes
past nine. Ten minutes late for oyr first sked.
Hurriedly, we hooked the rig up to the
half-erected vertical just to see if anybody
was waiting. Scott whirled the dial on his
TS-440 to 14.260 and* sure enough, there
was already a pile- up try ing to contact KL7N ,
portable Walrus Island.
With the phased vertical directed north
and the rig running barefoot due to the lack
of extension cords, KL7N activated the
Walrus Island group, designated by IOTA as
NA-l2Uat0528ZonJune2, 1990,
The first contact came off the side of the
antenna, from '*Doc'* Khalsa KD7S0, in
Eugene, Oregon. Doc is IOTA*s point man
on the West Coast and had helped Scott ar-
range publicity about the expedition. He had
been among those calling for KL7N. In fact.
FhoW C Members of the Walms Island group (f. to n): Scott Diseth KL7N, Les Robinson
KL7KN, Bob King NL7KH and Mike Megii AL7KA.
Photo D. Scott KLTNlogs contacts while Les KL7KN works the pile-ups.
when the group missed its 9p.m. sked, he had
begun to get worried.
"When we "^tr^ late. Doc called my wife
Vickie to find out what had happened to us/*
Scott recalled. *'Hc was on the phone at 0515
and Vickie assured him thai we were out
there."
After logging his first 59 report, Scott
worked a few more stateside contacts and, as
iuck would have it, WilFs Cessna unexpect-
edly buzzed the camp to announce the belated
arrival of the toolbox. The plane gingerly
taxied up to the rocky shoreline. The yagi was
quickly assembled and NA-lli was in busi-
ness.
Over the next day and a half » KL7N logged
464 contacts in 42 countries and most of the
United States, Most of the calls came on the
IOTA frequency of 14.260, but a few con-
tacts were also made on the 15 and 40 meter
bands.
Europeans are the most eager island
chasers by far. Contacts were quickly made
in England, France, Germany and Italy,
throughout Scandinavia, and in Spain and
Portugal. Signals flowed freely over the now-
crumbled Iron Curtain from East Germany,
Poland and Czechoslovakia. Latvian and Es-
tonian hams lined up with Russians to swap
reports with KL7N, but it was a most orderly
pile-up.
Johnnie Varetto IIHYW provided net con-
trol on the continent and ran a tight show,
which was appreciated back on the island. ' 'It
was kind of a free-for-all with the Ameri-
cans/' Scoti said* 'it seems like IOTA is a
52 73 Atnateur Radio Today • December, 1991
lot more popular with the Europeans.
They're a lot more organized. "
While members of the KL7N group took
turns making contacts* others hiked around
the island, beachcombed, and even tasted
herring roe on kelp— a Japanese delicacy
which is collected by commercial fishermen
on nearby beaches. On Saturday, Will shut-
tled some of the expedition's fatxiilies over
for a visit. Scott's son Alex celebrated his
sixth birthday playing along the shoreline of
Crooked Island while his father worked DX,
including a call from his father-in-law, Walt
Wilson K8AEM, in Marshall, Michigan*
**We cleared the frequency for that/' said
Scott. "That was the biggest thing that ever
happened to Walt."
Actually, Walt has been an invaluable
friend of amateur radio in DiUingham. Over
the years he has helped get gear for just about
every ham in the isolated fishing community.
Having a stateside connection is a necessity
for hams in remote places like Dillingham,
where the nearest Radio Shack is 350 miles
away .
Walt also kept tabs on the expedilion
diroughout the weekend. Since almost all the
hams in Dillingham were on the island,
Scott's wife Vickie had to call her father in
Michigan to make sure the groyp had arrived
safely. Mike was able to finally reach home
through the Dillingham repealer, but it look
an evening climb up a thousand-foot peak,
and a %-wave whip on his handie-^lalkie, to
raise the carrier.
Next Time, * *
Back home now, Scott has been busy veri-
fying the QSL cards he has received not only
from hams but from the many SWLers who
monitored the expedition.
Despite the complicated logistics and occa-
sional mis-cues, Scott credited the relative
ease of the undertaking to past Field Day
work. "Without the Field Day experience,
we wouldn't have been able to put it togeth-
er^"* he said.
**But, I think everybody is Field Day'ed
out. I doubt if the Dillingham Club will be on
the air this year. Even a weekend DXpedition
is kind of a Field Day to the extreme."
But would he reactivate the island again?
* 'Yeah, T think I would in a couple of years,"
said Scott. **I don't think we worked every-
body. There are 2,000 members of IOTA, so
it sounds like we only worked a quarter of
diem. There must be others out there that still
need Walrus Island,
And I won*t forget my tools," Scott added
with a laugh, '* Actually , I would have spread
my tools out. I wouldn't have had them all in
one box/*
Scott also said that next time he would try
to give IOTA members more advance notice ^
The KL7N group went out with just two
weeks notice. But longer lead time is not
always possible in the Bering Sea.
'The problem with those islands is the
weather. You can*t stick your necks out two
months in advance and say you're going to
go, because you can*t even be sure you're
going to make it.
Number 1 4 on your Feedback card
H
AM HELP
Your Bulletin Board
We am happy to provide Ham Heip Ustings tree on a spac&i
a^aiiable basis. To make our job easier and to ensure that
your fisting is correct piease type or print your request ci^atiy,
doubte spaced, on a M (31^^ x IV} sheet of paper You may
aiso upload a listing as E-mait to Sysop to th& 73 B8S/73 MAG
Message Area #f . (2400 tmud, 3 data bits, no parity, t stop bit.
(603) 525^443$). Use upper- and lower-case fetters where
appropriate. Aho, print numt>ers carefuify—a t for example,
can be misread as the tetters 1 or i, or even the number 7,
Specifioalty mention that your message is for the Ham Help
Column. Piease remember to acknowledge responses to your
requests. Thank you for your cooperation.
Wanted: A copy of the manuafforDentron 160-10L wfthflfia
lube, or info on converting 160-1 OUS^'^B to Bl 1 A. I witt pay
copy cost and shipping. Ship lo NP4XB/4 or call (407) 2T3-
5555 from 9 to 5 EST,
I haveaSitfe Band Engineers (SBE)^. I would like a copy
of the schematJc and ttie operating manuaj. J will be happy to
pay postage and copymg costs. Thank you. Joei Kaplan
WA7ERH, M25 £. Ocotiih Rd, i2. Phoenix AZ 85016. (602)
277-2832.
Wanted by handi-ham: Older HF 5SB rig or 2 rmter FM
squfpment dead or aJive, Inexpensive to repair. PJease write
to t^SiMJ. 257SebringAve., Pittsburgh PA 152i6.
Wanted: Operating manuals and schematics fot Halli-
crafier SX'42 (Skyrider Panoramic) 6-band generaf coverage
receiver and Johnson Viking Messenger I (5 channel "white
face") 1 1 -metef transceiver. Originals or copies are fine. I will,
gladly pay duplicating costs ar>d postage. K&iiy Andrews,-
3608 Timterwind Dr.., Raleigh NC 27615. Day phone (919)
370-03 15: evening phone (9 1 9) 870-6923.
Needed: Service and/or operating menual for HaliicrafEer's
SX-S9- 1 wtti pay for original or copy, Luther Hoffums N4KTC,
i5W3 Mahogany Dr.. Boynton Beach FL 33436.
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CIRCLE 26 ON READER SERVICE CAI^D
Number t5 on your Feedback card
INTERNATIONAL
Arrtie Johnson N18AC
103 OW Hofve^e&d Hwy.
N, Swanzey NH 0343 1
Notes from FN42
i have rm^wed a f^equesf for irtfor-
mation About Romania, but I have
none. Do any of you have news you
cotitd sen<$ me?
This month's cottimn fndudes ex-
cerpfs from ftv^ lettefs from the USSR,
which certainfy shows the opening of
communications to the rest of the worfd
from there.
DaVB Horsfatl submits his first offer^
ing from the iand "Down Under.''
Mtjch food for thought.
i would like to arfd my wishes to ait for
the religious season that is upon us,
with peace and prosperity for aii. Hap-
py HoUdays*
And last but aimost foremost. I wish
to thank Rod Hatten for his faithful re-
porting from Kenya during the past
yems. His news is always timely and
informative. Best wishes in his move,
and t certainty hope that he ts able to
acquire a itcense to operate in Pah*
istan. t am printing a letter from him in
the column , Rod, I will certamty be glad
to continue you as the new Hami>as-
sador to Pakistan. Thmk it over. —Amm
NfaACRoumJup
USSR Prom VladZaytsev UA4FDS:
In April 1991 Pauf UA4FEG and 1 be-
gan planning our second DXpediltOfi
within a year. We tiad operated from
UHaw, UH8Y, and UI8U in early 1991
as UA4FEG/, . .and UA4FDS^ ... We
gave serious thougl^t to oLir next spot.
We contacted UZ4FWD, who had been
to Asia in 1989, in hopes of obtaining
information on making arrangements
to gel to Uzbek and Turkoman. They
gave us a description and a few I'vprds
about that pariicuiar operaiion. We
then prepared our equipment, whicti
tncluded: a new modet radio, Iwo am-
plifjers with modem tuttes. a folding 10
meter tower, a 3-bartd ftome-^rew yagi.
q&bies. guy wires, auiotransformer,
elc, wirh a total weighl of about 300 kg.
We hope to get lo Asia in October for
two weeks, operating CW and SSB
from these otJiasts: on all Da/ids except
WARC. We hope that conditions wtif bo
good and we will g^x through to all tt>e
world.
Ptease QSLto UMR>S— Vlad 2ayt*
sev. P.O, BOK 5S5, Penza 440061
USSR {CCCP), or UA4FEG— Paul
Bogachev, P.O. Box 222, Penza
44001 1 USSR (CCCP}. We are also
good in the iggi Call Book. Please
OSL, with a self-addressed-enveiope
(SAE)andlRCsorUS$.
From Yuri Funkner UL7LS: QSL In-
formation tor RF6a/UL7LS is Yuri V-
Funltner. P.O. Box 1 Frunze 459411,
Ordihonfktdzevskiy rayon, Kusta*
nayskaya oblast Kazakh SSR USSR.
Prom Andrey V. Pervacov UA9XC: If
yoy worked any stations from UA9X
(UZ9X}. Komi. SSR, U-Obl:090 from 19
to 24 August 1991; or 4K3, Vayga*^
tsl., U-otol:1 14 trom 20 August lo2 S«p-
twniwr 1991. or from Amdenna. OSL
direct or via P.O. Box 1247, 16700t
Syhtyvfcar, USSR with an SA$E. [An-
drey is the president of the Fnends Ra-
dfO Society I
From Alex Utyanich RB5U: A new.
comprehensive, English-language
publication, Soviet Ham Press D^es/,
became available during the summer
of 1991. The Digest, or SHPD. covers
ail aspects of the exciting world of Sovi-
et aniateur radio, and is aimed at ama-
teurs around the world. Topics include
ham life in the USSR. DXpedltions,
clubs, awards, QSL information, con-
testing, equipments and more.
SHPD, edited by Alex Ulyantcb. is
published by the Prometheus Amateur
Association (PAA) of the Ukraine. Let-
ters^ articles, pictures, etc, should be
submitted directly to the editor,
Sybscriptions are available for
US$12 and year oattsign, name. aiKl
address, from PAA. do George Yanko-
poius NA30, 13 GJefi Meadow Drtve,
Glen M1II5 PA 19342. Up-to-the-minute
member and DXpedition lists are avail*
able tor IRCs/SASE from PAA, Box
195, S40000 USSR, or to NA30. It is
suggested thai applications for mem-
bership (one-year US$10 and life
US$50). award programs, and tees go
to NA30. [We received a copy of the
first edition. No, t. August I99t, from
AfBx. It is 4 pages. 7 1/2 x 11 inches,
translated from Russian to English,
and appears to be very well done^ The
PAA also has an award program. I will
upload the info to (he 73 B&S under
"Prometheus Award Program,*'-^
Arniej
From Sushkov Vaiery UA3GPA:
Sushkov says that he has all addresses
0I the radioamateurs in the USSR and
information aboul special cailstgns,
memorial calls, OXpeditions, arid other
information. If you are having iroubte
serkding or obtaining OSLs, you may
want to use his "E^tpress QSL Ser-
vice" Please BASE for more informa-
tion to: Sushkov Vaiery* P.O Box 3,
Upetsk. USSR. 398000.
AUSTRALIA
David Horsfail VK2KPU
P,0, Box ^7
Wahroonga NSW2076QL
Australia
PACKET:
Vf<2KFU& VK2RWI.NSW.AUS.0C
INTEHNBT: dave^ips OZAU
Hello from "down-under," or, as
they say, "G'day.'' Til be bringing you
news of liappenings in Austmlle, and I
hope I can do as good a job as the late
Ken Gott. By the way, it's nice to see
Ihatlhe USA has finaliy created a code^
free licence— Australia has had one for
almost forty years, Naiurally the same
gloom-and-doom predictions wert
made, and again when the Novice 11-
cence was introduced in the seventies,
and again when fsjovices gamed 2m
FM privileges recenlly Amateurs
certainly seem to be a gloomy lot'
Speaking of code-free licences, the
debate ts raging oAce again on the re*
moval of the CW requirement for ac-
cess 10 HP bands. The idea is lo re-
place it with extra Ihe&ry (packet ratSo
perhaps?). Funny how it's mostly ihe
code-free licence (6m and above) that
seems Co agitating for tfiisf The packet
radio system was full of messages on
this subject. A lot of people appear to
be unaware of the iniemaiional radio
regulations in this respect, all hough it
won't be long before Morse code ceas-
es Eo be used by the Maritime Service.
Whither CW then?
Another battle being fought is the
perennidi paci^ei protocol wars, this
time ROSE vs. NET/HOM. Although
NET/ROM is not permitted at the data
link iayer (due to what some would re-
gard as restrictive Government regula-
tions^, it is allowable at level three, and
appears poised to defeat ROSE. Given
a country the size ot Australia where
nodes come and go {especially whan
ihey get stolen J), the dynamic rouling
capabilities of NET/ROM makes a lot ol
sense As is biecommg usual m ama-
teur radio, there is a \oi of m-lEghtrng
going of>. and by the time thts appears
in print there may be some develop-
ments, (ndeed. there are rumours thai
f^ET/ROM at level two will eventually
be allowed, and some hardy souts are
already using it . The general feel-
ing IS that the govemmeni shoutd nol
ordain how packets travel from point A
to point B
The WireEess Institute of AtJSfralta
(WIA) has now become the sole suppli-
er of examination papers to accredited
examiners around the country. Previ-
ously, these examiners composed
their own papers and submitted them
for approval to the Department of
Transportation and Communications
(DoTC). This system was beset with
various dffficuitias. with many unsuit-
able examination papers being reject-
ed< and eventually the DoTC invited
the WIA to beconte ihe sole supplier
NatitraHy, this upset a number of peo-
ple, with all sorts of ludicrous ctaims
being made, such as that the WJ A was
trying to make money from the system*
Hands up, those VEs wtio are making
money from exami nations . This will
take effect from next year, and ts tjeing
ptmsed in from Octot>er It remains to
t>e seen whether it works or not, by t the
•'debated" if that is not too strong a
word Js raging.
Cheers for now.
BRAZIL
Carlos Vienna Carneiro PYfCC
Alfonso Pena, 49/701
20270 - Rio de Janeiro
Brasii
Brazilian QSL Bureau Updatel Ac-
cording to the Brazilian Radioamateur
League's statutes, delivering QSLs for
all associates is one of the league's
responsibilities.
In Brazil, a country with contir>ental
dimensions, our League has as many
branches as states, and mm and then*
as every qttier year a new Oireclory ts
elected, no one can help eventual mis-
iHKferstandings and coliapsiftg here
and tfiere, hitting points that ought nev-
er be touched
Something like that has hU exactly
such an important point the delivery of
QSLs to tt^ DX Bureau suffered during
the last year, and we had to put an end
10 tt^is disaster!
Unfortunately, the words about this
were spread everywhere, radioama-
teurs from Brazil arKf DX were having
troubles with the movement of their
QSLs,
Something had to be done. The
present President and Vice President
of Radioamateurs League in Brazii had
a very serious mealing with the EBCT
(Brazilian Post Office Enterprise) main
authorities.
An agreement was settled granting
LAB RE special post taxes, 40% lower
than usuaL a guarantee 10 the perfect
devetopmeni of these invoices by the
Brazilian Radioamateurs League, the
real importance of radioamateur being
recognized . And m very speciai defer*
ence to all radioamateurs, Ihe EBCT te
deliverir^, by its own, more than one
ton of OSL cards still in Brazil ia at Ifiat
lime, as a show of what alt radioama-
teurs represent to woridwide communi-
caikms.
The troub+es are over. We congratu-
tate both the EBCT Brazilian Post Of-
fice Enterprise and lABflE, Brazilian
Radioamateurs League, for this agree-
ment towards the development of
friendship, culture, 4tnderstanding«
com m Sin [cat ton T and goodwill among
peopleof the world.
And to our DX friends, this agree-
ment is sureiy news, as many of you
stiil need Brazii ian QSLs for awards
and liies just as we too need Ihe DX
OSLs for our awards and tiles.
Ham Radio in a Marathonl II seems
for the first time in Ihe world, as far as
we know, a radio amateur joined a
Marathon, running riKKe than 42 kilo-
meters, handling and operating a VHF
radio, tied to an HF radk) through a
repeater.
This past June, Sunday the 23rd.
Paulo Roberlo Oomingos Sobrinho
PY1ZT, operating with a speciaJ cafl-
stgn of ZY12T, left the starting point at
Leme Beacti in Rio to run the Interna-
tionat RIO Marathon, aimrng at this
"'for the first time in the world*' tit lei
Pauio used an Icom IC-2SAT linked
to the LABRE's office through a VHP
repeater on 147.300 MHz on a mour*-
tain near ISfiteroi City PYISCR operat-
ed the LABRE Kenwood TS-430S, han-
dling cails to Paulo and trying to i<eep
the battery usage down on the HT.
Even though many problems sur-
faced during the run [dead batteries
and frayed mike cord, fixed with
Paulo's teeth whiie still running). Paulo
made 42 contacts on 2m, 40m, 20m,
15m, and 10m.
This year close to 3,000 athletes
54 73 Amateur Radio Tod^y • December, 1991
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56 73 Amateur Radio Today ■ December, 1991
CIRCLE 54 ON REAPER SERVICE CARD
Photo A. Pauio PYIZJ crosses the finish fine, having made 42 QSOs en route on his iC-2SAT.
Photo B. Members of the Radio Society of Kenya who have worked the Russian sateflites fisted on the
banner in the baQi<ground.
were runnfng the marathon, and we
hope that next year even more will join
Ls for this marvelous event, and who
knows, maybe Paulo will break his own
record for QSOs made duri ng the 1 991
RIO Marathon! After all, running
42.1 95 km while holding and operating
radio equipment to the world deserves
respect and admiration from all- Does
the editor of the Guiness Book of
Records know about PY1ZT and his
success? Maybe we need to find out.
By the way. Paulo PYIZT was
ZY0SA at St. Peter/St. Paul DXpedi-
lion to the Rocks February/March
1989, together with Ron ZYOSB
{PY1BVY),
ISRAEL
FhnGang4Xtf[4K
Kibbutz Urim
D.N. Hmagev 85530
isra&i
PACKET: 4XWK@4X4SV. iSR. EU
The Callsign Game. Congratula-
tions to Yosef Lior (ex-4Z9BFB)^ now
4Z5AA, of Timral in the Gaiilee, who
holds the distinction of opening up the
new block of 4Z5 call&igns.
For some time we were wondering
what new prefix wouid follow in the
wake of the completion of the 4X6 se-
ries. From 1 94B to 1966 the series from
4X4AA through ZZ was issued. Then
up til 19&8, the 4Z4 block was filled.
More than a year ago, the East of the
4XSSi 4X62Z, was assigned. Then we
started waiting.
Callsign assignment policy was
once simplicity in itself. All two-letter
suffixes were assigned in alphabetical
order, with the is^ovices having an '*N'*
tacked on which would be deleted
upon passing the test for Grade B or
Grade A. No old cails were re-issued,
and you could tell who was licensed
when, according to their call.
In 1987 policy changed, as the Min-
istry of Communications decided to
give Grade A's (Advanced-Extra, ap-
proximately) the distinct 4X1 (and later
4Zl) prefix. Their old call could be re-is-
sued to a family member passing the
Grade B test. It is said that a few Grade
A ofd-timers, fond of their old 4X4 or
4Z4 calls, refused to be pressured to
take on the new "prize*' prefix. It still
remains to be seen what came out of
these few h assies.
Following along with class-distinct
callsigns, all Novices became 4Z9s
with a three-letter suffix. Upon upgrad*
ing, they would be granted an entirely
new call.
In the last year,
previously unheard
from 4X4 calls be-
gan appearing on
the bands, whose
youthful voices re-
vealed that the
Ministry had decid-
ed to do away with
the "holes" in the
callbook and issue
the unheld calls to
new licensees.
Your faithful ser-
vant resigned him-
self to the apparent
reality of no new
prefix for much
time to come, as
among the 4X43,
6'Stand4Z4's, a to-
tal of 2,028 call'
signs are possible,
and we don't yet
have nearly that
many currently li-
censed hams^ not
to mention the
Grade A's and C's
of other prefix dis-
tinction!
Unexpected ly< it
came to our atten-
tion recently that
4Z5AA of the
Galilee has inaugu-
rated the long-
awaited new se-
ries- Prefix hunters
the world over-^-re-
joicei
A New fsrael
Ccintest. The next
Israel'International
Contest is project-
ed to take place on
AprillS, 1992. The
rules will be published in our future
issues [if short enough}. It will be a very
interesting contest, with attractive
prizes, and will be part of the special
100 hour Pesach activity of the IARC»
Refusing ''HKchtiLkers" Applying
for lARC Membership Dani 4X4YM,
chairman of the outgoing Israel Ama-
teur Radio Club Membership Commit-
tee, said that there had been 1 50 new
applications for membership in the
I ARC in the past year, yet only a third of
them had been accepted. This curious
state of affairs was explained, and later
elaborated upon by Mr. Bar Sela of the
Ministry of Communications, ft turns
out that in order to legally purchase a
VHF/UHF scanner receiver, the Min-
istry of Communications requires that
the applicant have either journalist's
credentials or be a member of the
lARC. Thus many people interested in
no more than listening to police calls
and cellular telephone conversations
have been knocking at our door. The
policy of the membership committee
has been to prefer accepting only
those with a real interest in amateur
radio p rather than bolstering the club
treasury with an additional 6,000
shekels (tJS$4,236) from those without
an interest.
KENYA
Rod Hafien 5Z4BH
Box55A
APO New York 09675
I've just returned from a mlni-DXpe-
dition to the Comoros Islands. I am
D68RH down there. I had so much fun
that I am planning to go back for the CO
WW Phone Contest the end of Octo-
ber. My tour in Kenya is up in Decem-
ber and I will be moving to Karachi,
Pakistan. I've already written to a num-
ber of hams there but have received no
response yet about licensing. \ gather it
will be difficult if not impossible to gel a
license. It will be a dreary two years If
that PS true.
The enclosed photo is of some mem-
bers of the Radio Society of Kenya
(RSK) who have worked the Russian
satellites listed on the banner in the
background. The gentleman whose
picture is hanging above the black*
board is Daniel Arap Moi. the President
of Kenya. The RSK has almost 100
members, but less than a dozen are
truly active DXers.
73 from Kenya, Rod 5Z4BH, KB7NK,
UK1 HR, D68RH. [We are certainty go-
ing to miss Rod's reporting on the gO'
ings-on in Kenya and the surrounding
area.—Arnie}\
Say you saw it in 73!
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 57
Atv
Number 16 on your Feedback card
BiH Brown WB8ELK
%1Z Magazine
Forest Road
Hancock NH 03449
Jet-Powered ATV!
Ever wonder what it'd be like to fly a
fighter jet? Wouldn't it be great to zip
along at treetop level at several hun-
dred miles per hour; buzz the airport in
a high speed pass, or experience the
thrill of aerial acrobatics?
Of course^ it'd be even better if we
could somehow experience all this
right in our hamshacks without having
to subject ourselves to high-G maneu-
vers, Well, Bill Wagner WB1ADF and
Bin Kinton NX1D have worked out just
such a system.
Vampire Mobile
Every year* in late September, the
New England Escradritle group puts
on the Warbirds Air Show at the
Manchester. New Hampshire, airport.
This is a chance for collectors and re-
storers of vintage military aircraft to
Ham Television
show oft their prize aircraft. One of the
fighters that would perform during the
show was a British training jet calEed
the Vampire. It was manufactured dur-
ing the '50s and is still in use in parts of
the worid. One of the interesting fea-
tures of the Vampire is that it had a
small glass porthole directly in the
nose cone, A movie camera was usual-
ly mounted just behind the porthole
and used during combat or training for
reconnaissance, or to record the sue*
cess of a mission. It seemed like the
ideal place for a video camera!
Bill WB1 ADF and Bill NX1 D contact-
ed Ed Stead of Stead Aviation (the
owner of the jet) and proposed a way
that spectators could ride along with
the Jet during its flight via an ATV link
back to a TV receiver on the ground. Ed
thought it was a great idea, and the
ATV jet project w^ ready to take off.
The Remote-Control ATV System
Once the movie camera system is
re moved ^ there is a tot of room under
the cowling of the jet for an ATV sys-
-^E£^
«atf£^
1
Photo A, The Vampire ATV jet takes off during the Warbirds airshow. Photo by
Charles R. Cofe.
^MOm C0f*TROL ATV Tm^S€£rVEfl
jAiVT
Photo C The ATV package fits nicely in the nose cone of the jet. The camcorder
looks through the gun camera porthole. (L to R:) Bill Wagner WB1ADF, BUI Kinton
NX ID and pilot Doug Wood,
Photo D. Close-up viewoftheATVinstaliation. TheP.C Electronics TC70-1 was
remotely controlled by touch-tone commands received by a small HT underneath
the transmitter. An 8mm Ricoh camcorder not only provided the video signai for
the ATV transmitter, but also recorded the flight on its video tape.
Photo B, The remote controi A TV jet system. Chart drawn by Btti Wagner WB }AQF.
58 73 AmBt&ur Radio Today • December, 1991
tern. Special care had to be taken to
ensure that the ATV transceiver (P.C.
Electronics TC70-1) and the Ricoh
8mm camcorder were securely mount-
ed. Bill NX1D built up a touchtone de-
coder circuit and modified the TC70 so
that they could remotely turn the trans-
mitter on and off via a VHF link. A^sc,
he had the ability to select more than
one video source (In the future they
may have a cockpit camera looking
over the pilot's shoulder). They origi-
nally planned on a lOQ-watt amplifier
but weren't able to cure some power
supply problems before the show. The
amplifier could also be turned on or off
via touch-tone commands.
Since they had a 2 meter uplink, they
could use the subcarrier of the ATV
tran s m itter to ope rate as th e outp ut of a
crossband voice repeater.
Loops and Rolls
Pilot Doug Wood took up the Vam-
pire on several test flights prior to the
scheduled show activities. It was a
blast watching him do loops and roKs
(without getting TOO di^zy!). Since
they had an outside vertical antenna on
the belly of the jet the 1-watt ATV sig-
nal did quite well, ATVers as far away
as the Boston area (40 miles to the
south) had good reception at times, de-
pending on the jet's altitude. A number
of the ECAT (East Coast ATV Society}
group could also watch the flight via
the KA1 AFE ATV repeater.
During the airshow, Bill WB1ADF
and Bill NX 1 D had their receive station
set up in the back of a Jeep next to a
number of display booths. During the
Jet's flight, quite a crowd of fascir^ated
spectators gathered around, glued to
the spectacular views coming down
from the ATV system. It was definitely a
big hit with the crowd. Believe me, it
takes something really Intriguing to dis-
tract folks from watching passing
planes at an airshow! The views from
the jet were nothing short of amazing,
particularly the high speed passes over
the airport. After watching the jet video
AMATEUR TELEVISION
Photo E. BiU Wagner W81ADF mans the ground station during the f fight ^s
fascinated onlookers gather about to watch the fantastic views from the jet.
during its takeoff, acrobatics and fand-
ifig, tine crowd all fet! as if they had
gone along for the ride.
The Next Flight
Look for future flights of the ATV jet.
Their next effort may include multipte
camera vtews from the cockpit as weW
as the nose cone. Also, therr 100-waU
amplifier system should be in operation
for some real DX reception of tfie jet.
Next month we'll show you the
hardware details of the ATV jet system
and how you can remotely control your
ATV transceiver by touch-tone com-
mand.
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, Others may be retrans-
mitting weather radar during significant storms. If it is
being done in your area on 70 CM - check page 413 in
the 91-92 ARRL Repeater Directory or call us, ATV re-
peaters are springing up all over - all you need is one of
the TVC-4G ATV 420-450 MHz downconveters, add any
TV set to ch 2, 3 or 4 and a 70 CM antenna. We also
have downconverters and antennas for the 900 and
1200 MHz amateur bands. In fact we are your one stop
for all your ATV needs and info. Hams, call for our
complete ATV catalog - antennas, transceivers, amplifi-
ers. We ship most items within 24 hours after you call.
(818) 447-4565 m*f 8am-5 :30pm pst.
P.C. ELECTRONICS
visa, MC, COD
Tom (WBORG)
2522-WG Paxson Ln Arcadia CA 91007 Maryann (WB8YSS)
Upda tes
Number 1 7 on your Feedback card
The Mini-Keyer
Refer to the article, 'The Mini-
Keyer," by Klaus Spies WB9YBM in
the May 1991 issue, page 14. The fol-
lowing corrections need to be made for
proper operation:
1. A wire is missing from the sche-
matic {eee Figure 1 for the updated
schematic). The junction of D2 and 03
needs to be connected to ptn 7 ef U2b.
You need to run an addilconal jumper
wire on the PC board to make this new
connection as shown in Figure 3. For
your information, the combinations of
C3/R3 and C2/R2 are contact de-
bouncers for the dash and dot paddfe
inputs respectively. For dash genera-
tion, the U2b fiip-flop must receive its
clocking input from the output of the
U2a ffip-flop. When the dash paddle is
closed, 5 volts is fed from pin 7 of U2bi
through diode 02, to pin 14 of U2a
which causes U2a to toggle its output,
thereby producing a clock for U2b.
2. Two changes need to be made to
the PC board foil pattern: Pin 6 of U2
should be connected to p3n 10 of U2,
The foil pattern erroneously shows pin
6tfed to pin 1 1 . In addition, pins 3, 2, 10
and 6 of U2 need to be tied to +5 volts
as shown in the schematic. If you have
aiready made up a PC board from the
original article just cut the trace leading
from pin 6 of U2 where it joins pin 1 1
and attach it with a smali jumper or
solder bridge to pin 10 instead. Then stantially by removing the
solder pin 2 of U2 with a small jumper LED indicator. [Thanf<s to
or solder bridge to the +5 volt trace Dom Suppappofa KA7VCR
that passes next to pin 2. See Figure 2 for this information. ]{
for the correct PC foil pat-
tern.
3. Improvements: U3 is
shown as a 7432 on the
schematic, but is Hsted as a
74HC32 in the parts list.
The circuit Is appropriate for
a 7432 (TTL) part. If a
74HC32 (High Current
CMOS) part is used in-
stead, the C2/R2 values
may be modified for much
lower power requirements,
R2 causes an 8 mA load on
the output (pin 3) of U3 as
originally shown. If R2 is in-
creased to 4.7k and C2 de-
creased to 0.005 [iF, the RC
time constant is maintained
but a much iower current
drain results. The same val-
ues may be substituted for
R3/C3 as we El . If you want to
experiment around, you
may be able to increase the
value of R 2 by two orders of
magnitude and steli retain
proper operation. One final
note: You can reduce the
current comsumption sub-
^14
<^CLK
tUR
+SV
J
i\
Qr
R4
1 7k
L.
Figure t. The corrected schematic (new con^
nection shown in red) of the Mini-Keyer.
^""f/^eX Panel Mcmn!
POT J Pots' ntJD mater
To Paddle
(Dash)
To Paddle (Gsnter) +5V
To Paddte
(Dot)
CWOut
1© ' ' ^P^
+12 V
NEW JUMPER
Figure 2. The corrected PC board
fOiipBttBrn for the keyer.
Figure 3. Location of the new jump&r wire
(shown in red) for the Mini-Keyer.
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 59
Homing in
N u m ber 2 4 on you r Feedback can!
Joe Moeft. P.E. K0OV
P.O. Box 2503
Fuiierton CA 92633
RDF Spans the Globe
Writing for 73 Amateur Radio Today
is great fun because you am oontact#d
by enthusiastic readers near and far. In
the last two weeks, ) received inquiries
on radio di reel ion finding (RDF) horn
South Africa. Germany and Zimtiab*e,
It fates pefsonai mitiattve to get a
ham license. You need persistence to
study ajid take exams for upgrades.
So, it's no surprise thai hams every^
Mrhere have a penchani for self-im-
pfovemeoi and friendly com petit ion in
all forms. Thus, we chaHenge our-
selves to succeed m on-ihe-air con-
tests, chasing certificates . and break*
ing VHF/UHF disiajice records.
Regular "Homing In" readers know
thai ar^other way hams eompele is
RDF contesting, often called 'loxhuni-
ing" Of ' T-hunting " One ham goes to
a special place he's loured. Usually \Vs
either hard to find or it has unusual
radio propagation to the sterling poirxt^
where the rest of the participants be-
gin. They will see who wins by getting
to the hider first, or perhaps by having
the least mileage.
With our love Of mobility and inex-
pensive fuel prices {compared to the
rest of the world), it makes sense that
hams in tha USA would choose mobile
over on -foot foxhunts most of the time.
Stateside hunts are local events (no
national championship hare yet), and
rules and customs vary widely. They
range from shoM "first-in wins' ' events,
covering only a few square miles, all
the way up to rough-and-tumble
marathons where almost anything
goes. On the Southern California "All
Day" hunt, for example, the bounda-
ries are the continental USA1 Of
course, you can't get a reliable signal
across the country on 2 meters (space
Ptm^A. Roei Boit PA3CDO tests hi$
expermentai 3-^iement phased ar-
my for 2 meter RDF. He also bwU a
companion ponat>ie supe^het RDF
receiver fof the iocmi competitions in
Apeidoorn, The Nethertands. (Photo
by WB6UZZ)
Radio Direction Finding
shuttle astronauts can't be the hiders),
but ending points have frequently been
in adjacent states. Once, the hiders
were on a mountain over 250 miles
from the start
European Athletes
RDF as a sport in Europe began over
50 years ago, and swept the continent
in the "50s and '60s. Enthusiasts soon
realized that formal touman^ents ad<^
ed to the fun. The first offtcml European
Foxhunt Championship Competition
was held in 1961. with eight countries
represented. tl was so successful that
It grew into the lntamatk)nai Amateur
Radio Union Region 1 Amateur RDF
(ARDF) Championships, usually held
every two years.
Though contestants of any age are
welcome, yoong people usually domi-
nate the winners' positions. They
aren't all licensed hams. Only the
transmitter operators must have their
tickets, so SWLs can and do compete-
They must know a IJttle CW, because
that is how the transmitters are identi-
fied.
Five foxes transmit in sequence, and
the hunters must find them in order. It*s
a map and compass exercise as well as
an RDF test. To win. you have to keep
track of your own position, and the
bearings to the five beacons, at all
times.
Many young people have discovered
foxhunting from Scouting, At a Boy
Scout World Jamboree in Nonway, 150
receivers and another 150 kits were
produced to give 2,800 participants
from 90 countries a chance at "hands
on" RDF.
Another major source of European
competitors is the military. RDF teams
of soldiers and reservists are common.
In eariier years, hunts were on 3.5
MHz. Eighty meters is being steadily
replaced by 2 meters as the most popu*
lar band for cross-country trans mitter
Phoio 8. This RDF set for 2 meters ts
one of the few pieces of Amateur Radio
gear being manufactured in Russia.
Foxhunting is a regular activity for
manyst^KX^ radio dubs tt\ere, for both
S Wtjs and licensed hams.
tracking.
Well-attended Region 1 champi-
onships would not be possible without
widespread local activity. Many clubs
are active in ARDF. Foxhunters like lo
hiome-brew their gear, and new de-
signs continue lo pop up {see Photo A).
Russian Radfosports
Exposure to technok>gy and physi-
ca) exercise are both important for
young minds and bodies. That is why
foxhunting Is encouraged in the Soviet
Union, especially for teenagers and
pr84eens. Schoot radio ctubs are com-
mon. HF and VHF transmitting arwJ re-
ceiving equipment is often hard to
come by, afKf must t>e made on site.
But RDF gear ts rolling off a Russian
assembly tme.
US hams who attended the 1939
Friendship Radio Oames m Khaba-
rovsk reported that RDF sets were the
only commercially manufactured ham
equipment they saw while in Russia.
The Barnaul Radio Factory in soutfi-
wastern Siberia produces toys and
electronic products. Rip through the
factory's tS^page color catalog, and
the first two products you 11 see are
hand-held RDF sets.
The Allat-l4S 2 meter sniffer (Photo
B) is a compiete receiver/antenna unit
in one piece, except for headphones,
The receiver is bualt tnto the boom of a
3-element yagi. It's easy to use— the
foxhunter holds it overhead and orients
the yagi for loudest signal in the ear-
phones^ then heads in the indicated
direction. For safety, the yagi elements
are made of curved steel tape that folds
over i n ste ad of i m pa I i n g th e operator or
breaking.
Eighty* meter foxhunts remain popu-
lar in the USSR. The factory makes the
Altai'3.5 for that band, with a similar
tuneable receiver and attached loop/
spike directiorial antenna system. The
loop is about one fool in diameter. Bar*
naul makes only one other ham radio
product , called a Tlsa. It's a transverter
to allow 10 meter rigs to transmit and
receive on Z meters.
The Barnaul Production Association
is eager to sell its RDF products world-
wide. While suitable for foxhunting in
some other countries, the design is not
compatibte with the needs of T-huniers
in the USA. The Altai- 145 is meant lo
track CW transmitters and has approx^-
mateiy 7 microvoUs sensitivity. US
liams usually use FM and require a
"hotter" front end. The VFO-tuneit)lt
(non-synthesized) Altai receiver is no!
stabte or selective enough to work in
the intense RF environment of most
cities in the USA.
The Brits are Qitferent
Engiandefs like foxhunting (both the
radio and horseback hound-chasmg
kinds), but ARDF there is a world apart
from events on the European conti-
nent. British hams hold their hunts on
ISO meters, just as they have tor ateHJt
70 years.
There are frequent local contests
throyghout the year, requiring entrants
to find one to four transmitiers in an
afternoon or evening, with winners
having the shortest elapsed lime.
Starters anticipate a drive of tO miles
or so to each fox^ fotlowed by a lengthy
waik.
After some National Qualifying
Rounds, the National FinaJ Champi-
onship occurs each September. Three
trar^mitters are hidden in well-spaced
locations. They all provide a physical
challenge, such as patches of nettles,
swamps, and large decoy antennas
that re-radiate the 160 meter signals.
The Radio Society of Great Britain
heavily promotes RDF outings. RSGB
is encouraging members to add 2 me-
ters to local events. an6 is also setting
up European-style hunts. The Society
hopes that G-calls will someday be iisl-
ed among the Region 1 championship
winners.
Hlgh>Tech in Japan
Nowhere on earth Is RDF competi-
tion more popular than in Japan , where
it's often called "foxteering" or "fox-
tailing,' ' Just as we have ATV societies
Continued on p&ge 73
Photo C. Hams in Japan like foxhunts in vehides as weif as on foot, JPllGV (the
driver) and an SWL partner are ready to rotL (Photo by JQtLCWJ
60 73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 61
H
Muitiber 1 9 on your Feedback card
AMSAT5
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147i4 Knightsway Drive
Houston TX 77083
9600 BPS Modems
Since Ihe Ociober cotumn. I've re-
ceived requests for more mformatJon
about 9600 bit-per-second fbpsj pack-
el operation vie Ihe University of Sur-
rey low-eafth-orbtl satellites UoSAT-
OSCAR'l4 and 22. The effort nee<te<l
to get on these htgh speed packet
satellites may seem formidable at first,
but when the tasks af« broken down
into separate small projects, it's really
quite simple to gel a system on the air
High speed packet activity at 9600
bps is not as conr^mon as 1 200 bps, but
is the only speed currently available
from U'O-14 and 22. Radios some-
times require modifications to operate
propefly in both receive and Iransmii at
this speed, and always need internal
wirmQ additions 10 make the connec-
tion to appropnate high speed mo<
dems. This has stopped many poten*
ttal enthusiasts from becomir^g active
at faster data rates. Future radios will
likely have data ports for these connec-
tions, but for now. it's necessary to
make the changes on stock equipment
which the designers never envisioned
would be used lor these purposes.
Small Projects
To prepare a station for activity at
9G00 bps via satelElta. there are several
items that must be considered. U-0-14
and 22 operate via Mod a J with a 2
meter uplink and 70cm downlink. U^O-
t4's FM uplink is on 145.S75 MHz with
an FM downlink of 435.070 MHz, while
11-0-22 comes down on 435.120 MHz
with the uplink on 145 900 MHz. A
9600 bps modem with TNCS-compat-
ibie packet controller, FM radios, an-
tennas, a PC'Compaiible computer,
and appropriate software are required
to make connection with these bgtieiiri
ttoard systems (BBSs) in the sky.
PacComm and TAPR Modems
The comportent at the heart of any
UoSAT earth station is a high speed
modem such as those available from
PacComm and I A PR (The Tucson Am-
ateur Packet Radio Corporation).
PacComm Packet Radio Systems,
lr>c , canies different versions of their
NB-96 series 9600 bps modems rartg-
ing irom cards for mternal TNC-2
mounting to complete high speed, nar*
rowband radios. For satellite work, ei-
ther the MCNB-96 modem card for
$109.95. or the EMNB'96 OKtemal
modem for $174,95* is fine. The
modem design was Ucensed from
Jam^ Miller Q3RUH and has t>een in
productk>n from PacComm for three
years.
These products are not klis. They
come complete with cables and tn^
struclions tor interfacing to existing
Amateur Radio Via Satellite
TNCs and compuflers. Details concern-
ing the design and use of this modem
can be found in James Miller's paper
**9600 Baud Packet Radio Modem
Design" in the "ARRL Amateur Radio
7th Computer Networking Conference
Proceedings" dated Ociober 1. 1988,
available from Ihe ARRL. PacComm
can be reached al (8O0) 223-3S1 1 or
(fll3> 874^2980- Their address is 3652
W. Cypress Ave., Tampa FL 33607-
4916.
The TAPR high speed modem by
Steve Goode K9NG was ooginally de-
signed for half-dup4ex operation, De-
tails were outiined in Steve Goode 's
paper "Modrfying the Hamtronics FM-
5 for 9600 BPS Packel Operation" in
the "ARRL Amateur Radio 4th Com*
puter Networking Conference Pro-
ceedings" dated March 30, 1986. also
available from the ARRL. A single
modem will not provide the fu It-duplex
ability needed fur satellite activity.
Since a complete klL including double-
sided board and alt parts setts for
$35.00, if s cost effective to buy two to
create one full-duplex modem.
One TAPR board can be wiretf as a
Modulator and the other as a DEModu-
tator The push-to-talk (PTT) line from
the TNC does tfte job for satellite work,
thus the original specialized modem
PTT circuitry can be omitted on both
boards. Clock signals from the TNC
are routed to both boards, while traris-
mit audio and receive signais are sent
to the appropriate "'MO" and '"DEM"
unit. Integration is simple and only one
control, for transmit signal level, needs
adjustment This is set for three kHz
Ff^ deviation.
TAPR can be reached at (602) 749-
9479, or write to: P.O. Box 12925, Tuc-
son AZ 85732.
The TNC
The high speed 9600 bps modem
needs a terminal node controller with a
modem disconnect header, A list of
U-0-1 4 users shows that most use vari-
ationsof the TNC'2 design. In the U.S..
many use PacComm TNCs with the
NB-96 modem, while foreign 0-0-14
enthusiasts have TMC-2S (or c^ones^
with the original G3RUH modem sotd
by James as a "semi-kit" including a
bare board. ROMs ai^d documenta-
tion.
The modem disconnect header is
ttie most important feature a TNC
n9edsfor 9600 bps use. This allows the
internal TNC modem to be easily by-
passed. Most TNCs have a disconnect
header or a place on the main circuit
board to install one^ Modem documen-
tation usually provides ifistruclions for
cutting one or two la/)ds in the TNC
when Ihe external modem is attached.
A useful, but uno^mmon, feature in
TNCs is a daia rale to the computer
greater than 9600 bps. Buffering prob-
lems are possible if both the TNC and
compulsF are used at 9600 bps. Most
TNCs are noi wired to go faster, but
with a few simple modifications, a
TNC-2 can be configured for 19,200
bps operation.
The TNC-2 has several speeds for
data transfer via the RS-232 lack from
300 to 9600 bps. The 300 bps dip
switch setting is Ihe least usetui. To
replace the function of the 300 bps
switch with 19,200. first iSOJate pin 1 o(
SW2 from other lands on both sides of
the Circuit board. Reconnect p^n 1 on
SW2 10 U1 (CMOS 404<Q pin 10. II
lands are cut to isolate pin 1 on SW2,
be sure to reroute wiring that originally
went through pin 1. Replace U3
{MC3403 quad operational amplifier)
with a faster op amp such as the
TL084, The TNC can now be used a|
1 9.200 bp& on the computer side when
SW2 position 1 (previously 300 bps but
now 19.200 bps) is selected.
Radios
A sensitive FM receiver capable of
tuning increments of 2 kHi^to allow
for Doppler shift tracking— should be
used for tiie downlink. Most receivers
have retativefy namow front^nd filters
■
I
1
. i
Photo A. PacComm High-Speed FSK modem for fuif-duplex 9600 bps.
Photo B. K9NG/TAPR 9600 bps modem for half-dupiex applications.
Two of these modems provide full-duplex 9600 bps.
Photo C. A spectacular view from the camera on board U-O-22 as it
passes oyer Italy.
62 73 Amateur Badio Today * December, 1991
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since they're typically used only for
voice tBCBphon. Although modifica-
lions can be made to wtden the filters,
usually requiring Ihe repiacemeni of a
single futer unit, most will work fine
without changes as long as Ihe tuning
can be adjusted during the course of a
satellite pass.
The usual audio output from the re-
ceiver caftrK>t be used due lo the na-
ture of high speed data. It's too wide for
the radio's audio stages. Connection
musi be made directty to the output ot
the receiver's FM discriminalor cir-
cuitTy. The ARRL Handbook provider
examples of what to look for whei^ at-
tempting to identify discriminator cir^
cuits.
For many newer transceivers and
scanners, the connection is simple, An
MC33S7 (or similar) IC is used for the
FM receiver. A shielded wire to pin 9 is
all that is retiuired. For older radios and
(hose without this chip, a schematic
search Is in order. Generally, the dis-
criminator output can be found just be-
fore the audio amplifier stages where
two diodes, aimed in opposite direc^
tigns and connected to a common
poinr are located.
iohn Branegan GM4iHJ wrote a
very descriptive artide, "Low Budget
UoSATOSCAn 14 9600 Baud Recep-
tion'* for the Septembef 1990 issue of
Tim AM$AT Joumai. John descrit>ed
connection methods and bandwidth
widening procedures for several ra*
diOS^ Preparing a receiver for 9600 bps
recaption can. in many cases, be very
simple When a g<>Qd preamplifier fS
used in con junction with a wide front
end, tuning increments ot five kHz are
possible. A Yaesu FRG-9600 scanner
works fine wilhoLrt changes and only a
simple connection to the MC3357 and
the addition of a preamp. The same is
true for many other rigs
A true FM 2 meter transmitter is re-
quired for the uplmk. Phase-modulated
ri^s may t>e difficult or impossible lo
use Without serrtHJS modifications, Ffe-
quency resolution should be at least 3
kHz, although many operators have
done very well with ngs thai tune in 5
kHz increments. The power output
should be at least 10 watts.
The 2 meter trar^smitter must tie
properly connected to the modem.
Finding the appropriate modulation in-
put point and correctly setting the drive
level are the most difficuit portions of
this task, The July 1991 issue of the
Packet Status Register from TAPR
contained a short article from James
Miller titled "FT-736 and 9600 Baud
Operation." James described how to
find the varactor diode used in the Yae-
su FT-736R 2 meter modulator, and
how lo drive it properly.
For nearly all transmitters, once
the varactor diode has been found,
the modem's transmit output signal
can be coupled to the low-fevei. au-
dio input Side of the varactor, and
adjusted via the modem's trans mil-
drive level potentiometer for proper
operation The PacComm unit is ready
for connection when th© drive point is
found. The TAPR board should be
connected to the radk* through a 10
microfarad capacitor (already on the
PacComm board), in transmit, the
transmitter should oe set for 3 kHz
deviation.
Antennas
Most U-O-14 and U-O-Za users have
directional arrays. This is not because
tfie UoSAT actfvity demands high-gain
arrays^ but rather hecause the anten-
nas are used for other satellite activi*
lies requiring large arrays. Very small
yagjs. home-brew dual-l^nd J-Poies.
small helix beams, and even omnj*d»-
factional antennas have b&en used
successf utiy for UoSAT work .
If high-gain antennas are used, re-
member that accurate tracking will be
needed to keep the satellite in the use-
ful be am width of the antenna. A typical
pass may only last 20 minules from
horizon to horizon. If an automated an-
tenna tracking system is not available,
the operator will be typing, reading a
satellite beam heading lisl, adjusting
for Doppier, and positioning the fota-
lors ail at the same Time.
Computers
The best software for UoSAT use
was written for IBM PCs and I heir
ctones. The programs PB, PG, PHS
and PFHAOD are availaMe free on
many BBS systems and include oofn-
plete docunRentation on their use. They
are also available from AMSAT lor a
small fee. Write lo AMSAT at 650 Sligo
Ave. jireOO, Silver Spring, MP 20910 Or
call 1 (301) 589^6062 for details.
PB sets the TNC to KISS mode ^ftsi
allows reception ol broadcast files from
the satellites. It can also be used to
begin file broadcasts and fill holes in
received files that have been heard but
not completely received and stored on
disk.
PG provides complete connected
uplink and downlink aciivHy with the
sateUite while PFHADO prepares files
for upk^ading and PHS processes re-
ceived files for viewing and use,
Hundreds of text. data, picture and
voice nies have been sent through U-
0-14, while dozens of picture files have
been made available through U-O-22
in conjynctton with its on-board cam-
era eJtperimenl.
Trylt
Since the launch of U-0-22, many
new callsigns have appeared on U-O-
14 and U-0-22. Although U-O-14 has
been in orbit tor nearly two years, this
satellite is attracting attention now due
to the camera system on U*0-22 (see
Photo C for a spectacular view of Italy
irom I his satellite). Hams have discov-
ered the versaliiity ol an internalional
BBS in orbit that can send and receive
files of all types at a speed eight times
faster than the usual terrestrial system.
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KENWOOD TS-940
Software Enhancement Kit
■ Tuneable Memories makes each of your 40 memory channel is
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■ Memory Bank Selection i^ logically per formed by using the
I MHZ STEP UP and DOWN lieyi whiEe in MEMO mode.
The UP and DOWN keys work as usual when in vfo mode.
■ Mnin \h* Kntib Tuning Rate cfir be set ta 1, 2, 5, Of 10 kHz
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• Mkrophoiw Lip/ Down keys can he used to change memory
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CIRCLE 262 ON READCit SERVICE CARD
73 Amat&ur Radio Today • Decefnber, 1991 65
Number 20 on your Feedback card
The
44
Cheap and Simple
99
Power Supply Revisited
Improved regulation for a classic power supply.
by Vern A. Weiss WA9VLK/G0NBZ
The year 198t gave us our hostages back,
our White Houm Gipper and our first
space shuttle mission. It also gave us ' 'Cheap
and Simple, your basic 13.8 volt, 25 -A power
supply/* published in the January 1981 issue
of 73 Magazine . This artiele described a 1 3.8
VDC (variable if you want), high-current
supply capable of delivering 15, 25 or even
more amperes. The circuit was certainly
more than adequate for the likes of me, but
for some of you, its 0.4 VDC drop at full load
was unacceptable.
The other day when Gorbachev and I were
on the phone discussing this no-code thing,
he said to me, *'Can we really get Hewlett-
Packard regulation at bargain-basement
prices?*' I replied. '^Probably not, but maybe
we can come close. ' * There arc better voltage
regulators around than the 7812, which is the
one specified in the 1981 "Cheap and Sim-
ple" article. You have to go a long way to
beat the LM317 or LM200H, But let's stick
with the 7812 because it's very affordable
and it's always available at the local Radio
Shack.
Revising the **Cheap and Simple^'
Figure 1 shows the original ** Cheap and
Simple*' circuit. Enjoy switch S2 and diodes
D5. D4, D3, D2andDl while you have them
because in the new circuit (Figure 2) they will
begone.
What we have done is simply establish out-
put voltage feedback so that IC I can compen-
sate for voltage decreases under load. Moni-
toritig the output voltage, as we have done,
improves regulation. That will keep Daniel
Ortega and other critics of my 0.4 VDC full-
load drop happy.
Another hint for builders of this supply is to
switch capacitors CI and C2. The January
1981 article's 'Tarts Lisf* showed CI as a
13,000mF, 25V electrolytic and C2 as a
10|JF, 25V electrolytic. The parts list should
have shown C I at IOmF and C2 at IB.OOOjJiF.
If you followed the text, your project proba-
bly went smoothly, but if you relied too heav-
ily on the parts list (and, I admit, I am as
guilty of this as the next guy) , your capacitors
may have become impossible to get along
with.
66 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
IZOVAC SI
Figure L The original **Cheap and Simple" circuit as it appeared in the January I98I 73
M€igazine article.
IJOVAC SI
* +
Figure 2. The modified power supply circuit monitors the output voltage, thus improving
voltage regulation.
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801-467-8873
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CIRCLE 156 ON READER SERVICE CARD
CAN YOU SPOT THE ANTENNA?
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At last a solution to antenna
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Please add t4,00 for shipping and liandlmg. Dealer inquiries invited.
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CIRCLE SI3« ON READER SERVICE CARD
7S Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 67
DO-TACOMM" K7000 imd your MS-DOS computer
givcA you a ciiatom intetface iategrftlod wtth optunked
Aoflwue that will not jtisl ccmlrol but will maxiiai£e the
potEiitul of your R7000.
* Spectrum log at speeds in excess of 130G channeb/min
while ftutom&ticatJy generating b hifltognun of
frequency activity.
CY6ERSCAN" aUows scon file tracking control of
sy^ttms employing frequency hopping techniques.
Biidie log diidng frequency search AUiotn^tic^Uy
chsracterizes your R7000, then locks out tho^e
frequencies during frequency search operation.
Custom interface hfts electronics to allow software
control (by cbaiuvel number) of external tape recorder.
moimmmmmwEM
moMMVNmATiGNsmmmGsm
DELTACOMM" 1-71 Veraion 4.0 offera read/write
control of your R7t receiver's frequency » mode and
memofy channels. AdditionHl program featurcB include
autn Log frequency search^ sca^ining, timer/clock event
manHgemcui, dtita base management, pull-down menu
windows, split screen for your Terminal Node Controller
(TNC) conununtcHtion needs and the ability lo control an
antenna switching system or logging tape recorder.
* Dftta base managemenl allows definition of frequency ,
call aigni time »cbedyle> m<dc, target area, couotty,
140 characiernotcs flekJ^ 69 character TNC command
fleW, QSL status , control relay status and, in addition,
displays user defined optimum settings of receiver
front panel knob posiUotts.
• Combined with your TNC, DELTACOMM™ 1-71 '»
user defmed command codes prog lam your TNC for
reception and logging of PACKET, AMTOR, RTTY
and Morse Code (fully unattended and axttomaticaUy).
DELTATONE™ 2,0 connect to your MS-DOS compu^r
via the printer port. In its high speed mode^ DTMF
digits arc »ent to your repeater controller at a raCe In
excea» of SOD per minute.
# DELTATONE™ 2.0 accepts progiammlng commands
from a file created using your favorite word procesaor.
■ Transformer coupled 6O0 ohm balanced output,
adjustable to -lOdbm, and software control of relay
contacts makes interfacing an easy four (4) wire
connection to your transceiver, handheid or repeater
coQtroUer.
Component parameters can differ greatly
between companies, especially when we start
comparing a new component with one that
has been stored beneath the septic lank since
1960. If your supply isn't performing like
you think ii should, and you've followed my
suggestions to a tee» try NOT follow ing them
to a tee. Experiment with other components
of similar values. I would not, however, actu-
ally imply that you should use NEW compo-
nents, fresh and within manufacturer's toler-
ances. That approach gets Into money that
defeats the purpose of ' 'Cheap and Simple. ' '
We are ham operators, remember, and pride
ourselves in building anything electrical from
common items found easily in any household
in America.
All DELTACOMAf™ communication products include
custom interface, UL tisted power supply and components
for cahling.
DELTACOMM* 1-7000 or 1^71 $299,00 each
P-71 require* ICOM~ UX-14 converter)
DELTATONE™ 2.0 including interface $149.00
VISA* MC, AMEX and MO accepted. Contact us for
diBCOunt pricing to registered DELTACOMM^ ueera.
Comacr Vern A. Weiss WA9VLK/G0NBZ at
4259 Park Place, R.R. #5, Lakes of Four
Seasons IN 46307.
Revised Parts List
C1
10^F,25V
electrolytic capacitor
C2
13,000mF,25V
electrolytic capacitor
C3
0.22mF, 100V
tubular capacitor
C4.
C5
0,01 ^jF, 500V
ceramic capacitor
06.
C7
0.1 laF ceramic capacitor
D1-
'D4
25 amp diodes or
bridge rectifier
F1
5 amp fuse
F2
30 amp fuse
Q1-
-Q5
2N3055 transistors
(mount on large heatsink)
R1
1 20Q, 4W resistor
R2
220Q,1W resistor
R3
5 k a,2W resistor
R4-
-R8
0.25n, 1W resistor
R9
6.2n, 1W resistor
ICt
781 2 voltage regulator
S1
SPST switch
T1
1 20/1 7-24 VAC
power transformer
(NOTE: must be able to
handle fu 1 current)
Mtscei aneous: NE1 neon bulb, binding
posts, line cord, 0-25 VDC voltmeter, 0-
1 30
amp
ammeter, heat sinks, chassis,
blower.
fusehoiders, and bulb socket.
American Heart
Association
RF POWER
AMPUFIERS
NEW!
400
WATTS
'{144-148 MHz]
nn Pout Ic Galn/NF (13.e V)
MDdal (Wl m W(ilB){dB] Typa
50 MHz
0508II
0&08R
0510G
05lQn
05&06
0550RH
0552G
1 170 28 15/0.6
1 no ae -I-
10 170 26 15/0.6
10 170 25 ^/"
10 400 fiO 15/DJ
10 400 60 -/--
2S-40 400 55 15/0,5
D55Zf?H 25-40 400 S5 -h
Stantlard
Rfipeater
Stardard
Repeater
HPA
Repealer HPA
HPA
Repeater HPA
144 mHz
t403G
14090
1409R
1410G
1410R
1412Q
t412R
t45QG
U50RH
1452G
1452nH
1454G
1-5 10^50 5 15/0.6
2 150 25 15/0,6
2 150 24 -/--
10 180 Z^ 15/0,6
10 180 24 -/-
Z5-4S 160 20 15/0.6
25-45 160 19 -/-
10 40D 54 15/0.6
10 400 54 ^-
25 400 50 15/0,6
25 400 50 -/-
50-100 400 45 15/0.6
1 4 54 RH 50-100 400 45 -/-
LPA
Stafidanl
Repealer
Standanl
Repeater
Standanl
Repealer
HPA
Repeater HPA
HPA
Repeater HPA
HPA
Repeater HPA
220 nil Kz
221 QG
221QR
22I2G
2212R
2250G
2250RH
2252G
2252RH
440 MKz
4410G
4410R
441ZG
4412fl
44506
445DRE
445ZG
4452 RE
10
130
20
12/0.7
Standanl
10
130
19
-/-
Repeater
30
130
16
12/0.7
Standard
30
130
15
-/-
Repeater
10
220
42
14/0 J
HPA
10
200
45
-h
Repeater HPA
25
220
36
14/0.7
HPA
25
280
40
-/-
Rep eater HPA
ID
10
20-30
20-30
10
10
25
25
100
100
100
100
175
175
175
175
19
1B
19
IB
34
34
29
29
10/1.1
-h
loyii
12/1.1
12/1.1
Standard
Repeater
Standard
Repeater
HPA
Repeater HPA
HPA
Repeater HPA
liml
MODEL 141 OS
•■rT-riir"iiM|||Mnj:
MODEL 14500
All emplifmrs [nan-rptr) are linear, aH-mode with fully
automatic; T/R switching and PTT capaMlltv, The receive
preamps use GaAs f ET devices nted at ,5 dB NF with +18
dBm 3rd order IP, LPA^ Standard and HPA amps are
Intermittent duty deslp suitable for base and mobile
aperatien. Repeater amps ^re continuous duty, clitss C,
Amplifiir capaliilities: Higti-pewer narrow or wide-
liand; 100-200 MH^ 225-400 Mi 1-2 GHz. Milifanr
[28V|, Commercial, etc. - c&nsuH factorv- A complete line of
Rx preamps also available.
RX Preamfilifiers
NF Gain
fianil Modfti (dO) (dB) ConnQctar
50 MHi
052QB
,S
25
8NC
50 MHz
G520N
,5
25
N
144 Ml
142QB
.6
24
INC
144 MHz
1420N
,5
24
H
220 MHz
2220G
,5
22
BNC
220 MHz
222011
.5
22
N
440 MHz
44206
,5
1B
GNG
440 I^Hz
4420N
.5
1B
N
Consult your local dealer or send directly lor
further product information. All Products Made in
USA,
T£ SYSTEMS
P.! Ui 2S84S
Li)s AngelES, CA 90025
TEL213-47B-0S9I
FAJ[ Z13-473-4033
CIRCLE 257 ON READER SERVICE QAfTD
CIRCLE 232 OH READER SERVICE CARD
Qrp
Number 21 on your Feedback card
Mfchaef Bryce WB3VGE
2225 Mayflower NW
Massiffan OH 44646
KDSJN's QRP Achievements
If you have never taught a Novice
class^ youVe missing out on a lolo^ fun.
When I teach a cfass, we have a good
lime. That's the way it's suppose to be,
right? The class teams all about deep
earth antennas, dark emitting diodes,
and feedtines long enough to reach
from the antenna to the radio.
Now I guess youVe wonderfng what
this has to do with QRP, Well, one of
the young men in my class turned out
to be one hell of a QRPer and DXer.
This month we'll take a peek inside the
shack of Randy Phelps KD8J N (see the
Photo).
Randy works on all bands and most
modes, including RTTYand packet, at-
though not necessarily with QRP.
When the HF bands are running, you'll
see Randy's TNC sending to the DX
cluster NODE. In the shack you'll find
a Heath SB-220 ready and willing to
breakthrough the pile- up to work a new
DX station if need be.
Low Power Operation
However, the DX total wtth just the 2
watt Argonaut 515 is very impressive.
Randy has over 202 stations worked
and 164 stations confirmed. The skill
needed to work, using a pea-shooter,
side by side with the big guns, really
paid off.
Randy took first place, single op, ail-
band U.S.A. 8th district place in the
1939 CQ World Wide DX contest in the
QRP section. He also impressed the
neighbors with his first piace single op
phone, Ohio seclronjnthe 1989 ARRL
DX Internationaj DX contest. Not bad
considering the amount of RF power
used was less than that required to run
the PK'232!
QRP Antennas
Randy will be the first one to admit
the need for a better-than-average
antenna farm when running QRP and
chasing DX. Randy's antenna installa-
tion would make any ham's want list.
Nope, it's not comprised of three
monoband beams placed a full wave-
length apart, Ifs a TH6 DXX tribander
In a city lot. Simple wire dipoles are
used for 40 and 80 meters. What
Photo A. Avid DXer and QRP enthusiast Randy Phelps KD8JN at hts opsrating
position.
INPUT
20k O-SO^A
-<2)^
5ek
78L08
I^F
d
ik
CHANGE TO 4.Tk
FOR 0-lmA METER
8k
IfF 5 470
Figure. Schematic diagram of the expanded voltmeter
makes Randy's systems click is
smoothing out all the rough edges.
I've discussed these before, here In
the '^QRP" column. All the antenna's
hardware is stainless steel. Every
PL-239 has a silver plated-Teflon^* in-
sulated center. No hamfest cheapies
heref The feedline^ while just coming
short of nitrogen-fklled 7/8 " hard-line, is
the best you can buy. You'll find no
"barrel" connectors in any of Randy's
feedlines. There is only one RF power
meter/SWR bridge in his shack. And
finally, everything in the antenna farm
is designed to be used at the maximum
legal power.
As you can see. Randy is a very ac-
tive ham. I'll get a call from him during
the contests asking if I have a 5Y4GT. I
can't let this one go. so I tell him, "No.
but I think there's one in the junk box.*"
Next time you hear Randy on the air,
ask him if he has a 5Y4GT.
Expanded Voltmeter
Several months ago I had a smail
circuit for expanding the range of a
0^50 iJiA meter to read 10-15 volts. It
was a simple tittle circuit using a 10 volt
zener diode and some resistors. This
month ril show you an expanded volt-
meter that works even belter.
Take a look at the schematic. The
voltage reference this time is nothing
more than an 8 volt regulator. An
LM7aL08, to be precise, and a resistive
voltage divider. When coupled to a 0-
50 [iA meter, the range will be 10-15
volts. What makes this cfrcuit a bit
better is the ability to zero the meter
at exactly 10.0 volts on one end, and
15.0 volts on the other end. When us-
ing only the 1 0 volt zener diode, some-
times the meter would not fall to tO
volts, when in fact the battery voltage is
lOvoltSn
The circuit may be built on a small
perfboard or PC board. Make the board
small enough to mount directly to the
back of the meter. Use good quality
parts for the meter; they will reflect
higher accuracy.
To calibrate the expanded voltmeter,
adjust the 1000 ohm trimmer so that
the meter reads zero with 10 volts at
the input. Raise the Input to 15 volts
and set the 20k trimmer for full scale
(15 volts); you might want to re-check
the setting by running through them a
second time. Be sure to use a good,
high quality digital voltmeter when set-
ting up the circuit. With a good digital
meter for reference, you'll have resolu-
tion down to 0.1 volt — or better.
I used a 0-1 mA meter in place of the
0-50 pA meter. Doing this, I had to
change the value of the 56k resistor in
the voltage divider. I had to drop the
resistor's value to 4.7k to get the meter
to operate correctly. With the 0-1 mA
meter, the circuit draws 27 mA from the
battery you're checking.
That's all for this month. I still have
some Pulse Charger kits left at $29.95
+ $2.50 P/H- Great project to charge
up those gelled lead-aid batteries for
winter projects.
Getting deep into winter, home-
brewing goes into full gear. Next month
well look at Mike's Rules of Ten.
Brainstorm Engineering
2948 V2 HONOLULU AVE. LA CRESCENTA, CA. 91214
PHONE (818) 249-4383 FAX {818) 248-0040
MULTI-MODE J§ R 4
SIMPLEX REPEATER
NO DUPLE XER NEEDED r
USE ONE RADTO AND ONR SIMPT.RX FRROtlFNCY!-^-^
GENERAL INFORMATION
THE SR4 IS A FUUYSELF'CONTAINED, yiCROPROCESSOR eASED, REMOTE PROGRAMMABLE
CONTfiOLLER. CAPABLE OF OPERATING ONE OR TWO RADIO TRANSCEIVERS IM SIMPLEX
REPEATER, SPLIT SIMPLEX REPEATER DUPLEX REPEATER CONTROLLER. VOICE MAIL AND
V03CH IDer MODES SEPAftATELV OR SIMULTANEOUSLY..
■ ONE RADIO SIMPLEX REPEATER
" DUAL RADIO SIMPLEX REPEATER
' CROSS BAMD SIMPLEX REPEATER
' CROSS BAND DUPLEX REPEATER
* DUAL RADIO SPLIT StMPLEX REPEATER
• DUPLEX REPEATER CONTOOLLER
- BI-DIRECTIONAL DUPLEX REPEATER
•REPEATER BACK-UPSYSTEM
CROSS BAND SPLIT SIMPLEX / DUPLEX REPEATER ' REMOTE LINK
2 h^lNUTES & 48 SECONDS OF TIME ^ M0B3LE EXTENDER
" VOICE MAJL * AUTOMATEC VO^CE IDENTIFIER - AUXILIARY OUTPUT
'no duprexar rused^d i^or iiff\fy\6r r^p^ti'iei lundions
■* f-or 'on« radio sif:tpl-ex rep&aier'
MASTERCARD ' VISA ■ AMERSCAN EXPRESS - DISCOVER
.Jp v i7 y •
^
a UP
CIRCLE 197 ON READER SERVICE CARD
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 69
Number 22 on your Feedback card
TTYLOOP
Marc f- Leavey. M.D., WA3AJR
6 Jenny Lane
Baltimore MD2t308
Oops! It DOES Exist
How oouki I have been so blin<}7 1 mean,
it was righl there, umjef my nose. All I had
10 do was kx>k for ilf tn rhe October 1991
''RTTV Loop" \ menttoned that some am-
ateurs wsfe looking for inteff acing for tlreir
Commodore MmpuJefs oft RTTY. and I
said that the old Mtcrolo^ sty ft was great
but no longef avaitabie, Was I wrong!
Ihanks to Mechel Ricard VE2D0T and
others, my attention has been drawn to ihB
advertis^nent on page 26 ot the sanie i&»
sueol 73. G and G Electron ics ot Maryland
is iusA the answer for the amateur looking
to put his or her Commo<iore computer
onto the air.
The upshot of this is that I had a de^ht-
ful conver^tion wth JeH Goldman, ol G
and G Electronics, who gave me some
t»ackground on the situation. It seems that
G ar>d G was a dealer and serv^e facility
for Microiog equipment, both companies
being located in Ga^thefsburg. Marytar>d,
a suburb of Washington, DC MiCfOlog de-
cided to pursue other markets, and the
amateur line was ^n danger of being or-
phaned. That's when G and G stepped in.
With the original equipment and plans pro
ducdd by Mici'oiog. they have tooled up to
continue to produce this line ot amateur
computer RTTY equiprr^ent,
The G and G Jine currently features five
systems or devices, which can, among
other things, put your VIC-20 or C-64 on
the air as a receive-oniy unU^ multimode
transceiver, or InieHigent terminal The
units are affordable, and represent quite a
bang for the buckl
The Morse Coach
Here's a simple plug-in cartridge for the
expansion port on a 0-64 that enables a
complete, computer controlled Morse
teaching plan. In use by government
agencies and military programs, ihjs irain-
Of is as useful lor the individual as i\ is tor
club programs.
An "Alphabet" mode presumes no prior
knowledge of florae, and sends the char-
acters at a minimum 10 wpm character
ratOp with variable spacing for the slower
rates. This avoids the "dtt counting'' pitfall
weil known lo tnsiruaors. (Uncle Wayne's
tapes work the same way!) A "Practice**
program sef>ds a predefermir^ed number
ol five character groups, with the student
typing in the answers. Alter the fun. a
score ts displayed In the "Speed Tesl"
routine, getting tess than 80% cofrect
abons the test
Both of these latter tests employ logic to
allow for the characters to get "o^t of
sync" by eiit^er missmg a key or hitting a
key twice. Lacking that, one miss ooukI
throw the entire test out of lir>e
Overall, the Morse Coach may de just
the answer tor individuals, clubs^ or
groups studying for a hlgrse code test.
The S WL Cartridge
By plugging ttiis simple cartridge into
your C-64 Of C- 128. expansion port. yotJ
can turn your computer into a RTTY and
Morse receiver. Atl ii needs is recetver au-
Amateur Radio Teletype
dio, and the screen displays a reaMime
clock, mode and speed in use, and status
Indicators, along with the itKysming te)ct.
Reception of five-level Baudot at 60, 66,
75, 100 and ^32 wpm is supported, along
viftth ASCII at 100 and 300 bauds, and
Morse from frve to 99 words per minute,
A video "cross" display is simu^ted for
RTTY tunir^g and a red dot for Morse. Au-
dio is piped through the TV siwakef so th at
monitofing tt>e band becomes an ea^y
matter.
Atong wittt the SWL Cartridge, an AJR-
DOS disk program is available, whicli al-
lows savir^g the received data to disk.
Printer output is provided to the standard
computer printer, wrtti either manual or
keyword control. If receiving Morse or
RTTY is your desire, this may be just the
package,
ART.1 Alt-Mode Termini
Here's a multi-mode controWer that
plugs into your C-64 orC-l2S and provides
a wide range of digital modes in a small
package. The ART-i features RTTY.
ASCII. Morse, and AMTOR, in a box less
than six by six irKhes big.
Physical connection to the C-64r of C-
t2B is via a cable to the user port. RadK)
Input is via receiver audio, and transmit
output may be positive voEtage switching
for CW and F3K, AFSK tones for micro-
phone input, and PIT transmitter control.
No power supply is required, all operating
voltages being obtained from the host
computer.
As with the SWL. operation or^ Morse at
Speeds up to 1 49 wpm, on RTTY at speeds
from &0 wpm (45.45 bauds} to 132 wpm
(100 bauds), and ASCI! at the standard
1 10 and 300 bauds, is supported. Addi-
tionally, four AMTOR modes are support-
ed: Mode A (CHIRP), Mode B (FEC), Col-
lective/Selective Broadcast, and Listen
Mode (eavesdrop Mode A),
With the same on-screen tuning cross
or light, operation of this llttie wonder is
straightf onward and should provide years
of flexible communication.
AIR-1 Cartridge
The preceding units were designed for
the C^64 or C-1 28; here is one for the 'low-
ly" VIC-2G. ThQ AIR*1 cartridge proNftdes
full RTTY, Morse, and AMTOR operation
in a plug-in cartridge at a budget price.
Fitting directly into the ccMnputer's ex-
pansion port, this cartridge takes receiver
audio and puts out positive and negative
switched levels for RTTY and CW. pfus
AFSK tones for micropf>one keying. As
with the others in the line, support for
Morse to 1 49 wpm. Baudot from 60 wpm to
1 32 virpm. and ASCII at 110 or 300 bauds,
IS provided. AMTOR support is a^ avail-
abfe in the same four modes as the ART-l .
A real-time Ciock. selective calling, WRU
(who are you}^ and multiple transmit
buffers make tfie AlR-i a fulfy fimctional
umt.
There ts even a code pfactice routine
built in, to send random five-cfiaracler
code graups at any programmed speed. A
tfue RTTY demodulator is buift in as well
handling \he standard tone pairs ol 2125/
229 S Hz, with switch-selected mode or
narrow shift.
AlRDtSK
If you have a terminal unit and Com-
modore computer, the AIR DISK may be
just what you're looking for. Containing
the software of the AIR-l . but not the hard-
ware- this program adds the all-mode ca^
pabiiity ol the AlR-1 to VlC*20 and C-64
computers loc^ less than forty bucks.
As with the others, operation is on all
modes, with the same spectrum as the
AlR't On- screen tuning and software di-
gttai (iltermg makes operation on the
bands a ptece ol cake. This program acts
as a soltware interface between just about
any terminal unit and your computer, aU
lowing you to either use one you have, or
experiment with new demodulator de^
signs.
Both VIC-30 and QS* programs are m
the same disk, with the VIC-?0 requiring at
least 16K of RAM in the computer. For
those G^ users who do no4 want or have
a disk, an AIR-ROM software cartndge is
also available. If you have a demodulator
you are happy with, this Is certainly the
most cost effective way to go.
Overall, we all need to thank G and G
Electronics of Maryland for promoting the
oid Microiog line. Far too often in the ama-
teur RTTY world we have seen wonderful
equipment produced then discontinued
as the manufacturer abandons the ham
market. Several such units are sitting on
my shelves rKJw. Fine though they were,
they were dead ends on the road of tech*
nological development. By continuing to
support our market. G and G deserves our
support in return. Thanks!
Next morrth I may have another pro-
gram for live MS-DOS crowd with potent
possibiliti^. In tfte meantime i kx>k for-
ward to fiearing from you by mail or on
CompuServe (ppn 75036. 2501 J, Oe<p*ii
{userr\ame MARCWASAJR}, or now on
Amenca Online as well (screen name Mar-
cl_9). ril teli you more about America On-
iii^ in Hie future, too, don't wonyH
Morse Coach
C-64
$ 49.95
SWL Canridge
OS4iC-i2E
$ 69.95
AIR DOS
disk
S 15 00
Pkg. ot MlUhrm:
SI 19.95
ART-1
C-64yC-l28
SI 99,00 Wj^fTO^am disk
ART-1
cartridge
$ 59.95 progmm on ROM
AIR-1
VIC-20
S 99.95 w/AMTOR
AIR-1
C-64
SrB^Mw/o AMTOR
AIR-1
C*64
S279.00 w/AMTOR
AIRD1SK
VIC-20 (16K>/C-64
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70 73 Amateur Radio Today * December. 1991
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 71
Number 1 8 on your Feedback card
Hams with class
Specific Points
Diana Ramsey, rn her book Keys to
Motivation, notes some research find-
ings for teachers to keep in mind,
Un order for a learner to take a risk
in the learning environment, the
learner must perceive that risk as be-
ing manageable.
2. The degree of risk present in a
learning situation is uniquely per-
ceived by eacli learner.
3. Tlie teacher, as motivator, can
create a classroom climate where risk-
taking is part of the [earning process.
E?<ploration, growth ^ and iearning re-
sult from students mastering chal-
lenges the teacher presents.
4. The M^ motivator is an opportunity
for success.
5. Students learn best when they are
fully involved and appropriately chal-
ienged. The teacher should initiate a
rotation of chailenge and success,
6. Learners must see a payoff for
their efforts if motivation is to be main-
tained,
7. Both boredom and fear decrease
student opportunities to learn. Fear
and boredom are negative stresses^
especially when they are sustained
over a long period of time. Hence the
phrases "bored to death" and "scared
to death/'
Dialogs with Setf and Other
Positive affirmations are statements
we should learn to use and encourage
more often in our daily iives. They are
especially important in the classroom.
We all draw strength from many
sources— a higher power, our parents,
family^ friends, and co-workers. A
powerful source of strength we some-
times forget to use is our own personal
power.
Positive affirmations are strong posi-
tive statements we make to others and
oursetves, or hear others say. They
help us tap our internal power and fo-
cus on the positive use of that power.
The use of positive affirmations in the
classroom can help students become
self -motivated in their work efforts. It
also helps build self-esteem and cre-
ates the feeling that we have power
over events In our lives.
An example of a positive affirmation
is, "I have ail the information I need to
answer these questions/' It avoids the
use of negative words like no, can't,
don't, and won't, which tap negative
energy rather than positive energy.
Positive energy affirmations empower
us by focusing on our strengths to man-
age our weaknesses.
Many successful people have re-
vealed their ability to create a mental
picture of success; this is helpful in
creating a positive affirmation. Teach-
ers who encourage the use; of positive
affirmations are going a long way to-
wards ensuring thai they will have a
group of happy» successful, highly mo-
tivated students who are eager to come
to class and will enjoy and benefit from
the learning process.
Quiz Answers
t . Birds of a feather flock together,
2^ Cleanliness is next to godliness.
3. Beauty is skin deep.
4. You can't teach on old dog new
tricks,
5. Don't cry over spilled milk,
6. All that glitters is not gold.
7. Where there's smoke, there's fire,
S. Beggars can't be choosers.
9. Goodness is its own reward.
10. People who live in glass houses
shouldn't throw stones.
Please send write-ups on interesting
classes, recruiting ideas, youth club
activities, or individual children 's expe-
riences along with photos, to Carole
Perry at ttie above address ^
Carole Perry W92MGP
Media Mentors, Inc.
P.O.Box 131646
Staten Island NY W31 3-0006
Keys to Motivation
The theme of this month's column is
motivation. There is probably no other
factor that is more directly responsible
for the success or failures we experi-
ence in life than that of motivation. It
permeates and affects everything we
do, but it is especially important for
those of us who are teachers or Instruc-
tors to understand the importance of
motivation in the learning process.
Someone once said^ 'The man who
believes he can do something is proba-
bly right, and so is the man who be-
lieves he can't."
Those of us who stand in front of the
classroom must never forget that the
youngster or adult who is sitting before
us needs a reason to be listening, a
desire to learn, and a belief that he or
she can master the material. All of us
require motivation to master new skills
and grow.
The teacher of a technical subject
should be especially sensitive to the
ability levels of the students^ and be
sure to present the curriculum in a way
that is relevant to their needs.
A Quiz
Try to imagine how you would feel if a
teacher were to give you just five min-
utes to translate and react to the follow-
ing popular adages (see the answers at
the end of the column):
1. Avian species of identical plum-
age congregate.
Z, Freedom from encrustations of
noxious substances is contiguous with
conformity to divine prescription.
3. Pulchritude possesses solely cu-
taneous profundity.
4. A superannuated canine is im-
mune to indoctrination to innovative
maneuvers,
5. Ululate not over precipitated
lacteal secretion.
6. All that coruscates with resplen-
dence will not assay auriferous.
7. The existence of visible vapors
from ignited carbonaceous materials
confirms conflagration.
8. Mendicants are interdicted from
elective recipiency.
9. Probity gratifies reflexively.
10. Inhabitants of vitreous edifices
ill-advised I y catapult petrous projec-
tiles.
If you're like most of uSi you experi-
enced frustration and an?Jiety while
rushing in to translate the words a
teacher told you to respond to. Every
day, all across the country, children are
sitting in classrooms feeling frustrated
and anxious because they don't under-
stand what's being said to them, tt may
be English that's being spoken^ but it's
not appropriate to the children's ages
or abilities, and it's certainly not rele-
vant to their lives. Photo 6, A good teacher makes sure every student has the opportunities for challenge and success.
72 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
Photo A, Good motivation is the key to happy, learning students. In the ham class as well as In the school classroom, be sure
to provide an environment that encourages risk-taking and success.
HOmlNG IN continued from p^g& 60
and DX clybs in the USA, the J As have
orgai>izations devoted to foKharkting.
Commercial RDF gear is plentiful
and popular. Typicai hand*heJd units
for 2 meters feature a 2*elament
phased array beam, similar to the
HB9C V array found in HF DX stations.
This array rs smaller than a yagi. which
makes it excellent for romping through
the brush.
The receiver, built into the short
boom, Is synthesized to cover 144 to
146 MHz. It detects both AM and FM^
and is very serisitive. An S-meter and
electronic attenuator are included, giv-
ing contestants the ability to estimate
dislaRce to the fox. One model feafures
an audio S-meter in one channel of
stereo headphones, and receiver au-
dio in the other ohannel.
Yoy asl^. "Why aren*t these statenjf-
tfw^an sets exported lo the USA?"
Good questior*— f'd like to krwjw, too.
With a slight modification, they would
cover tfie full US 2 meter band. Per-
haps US importers don't think thai T-
hunters here will buy enough of them to
cover the high cost of FCC receiver
certification. What do you think?
In addition to on-foot radio races ^
Japanese hams are discovering
mobile T-hunts. World-ctass Tender
Yoshtko Yamagami JQ1LCW sent
pictures of a June 1991 nighttime
event. Yagis were the most popular
f^DF antennas (Photo CJ, with some
ingenious methods of mounting and
tumirrg.
Yoshiko says her dub holds a hynl
every two months, with a rwo*hour
time limit It's comnron to see 20 to 30
vehides competing. The Japanese are
strong supporters of national and mter-
nalionaJ events. The AII^JA-OF compe-
tition for 1991 was held in October near
Mt. Fuji, J A hams have participated in
the Friendship Radio Games and the
All-China RDF Contest.
Your Turn
What l@ your ctub doing about RDF,
for sport or more serious purposes?
Send me your T-hunt news and photos
to share with ''Homing In" readers. If
your club's newsletter reports on T>
hunting, how atx>ul putttrig me on the
mailing list?
You say there Is no hunting in your
area? Well, your assignment for next
month is to start one. Just talk it up and
you will probably be surpn&ed at the
response,
Kevin Kelly N6QAB, an intrepid
Southern California T-hunter, moved
to Albuquerque some months back
and found no radiosporting activity. Af-
ter a bit of jawboning and demonstrate
Ing, an active hunting crew developed.
You can now find a 2 meter mobile hunt
there almost any weekend.
So now it*s your turn. I expect a full
report.
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 7Z
Number 25 on your Feedbacic canJ
AgOy£>l/VP BEYOND
VHF and Above Operation
C.L Houghton WBBIGP
San Diego Microwave Group
6345 Badger Lake Ave.
San Diego CA 92119
Microwave PLL Bricks
If s the end of Ihe year, and Vm thinking
about all the projects f've done. Several of
them are stiN in the mill for improvements,
and, considering my basic personality,
probably will be lorever. I'm stitl working
on the laser communications projects and
improving my microwave station for 6 and
10 GHz. Recently they had to take a back
seat to other items, particularly vacations
and family matters which, of course, take
priority.
This month we wiN wrap up phase*
locked brick oscillators for some time, at
least Lintil a better device becomes avail-
able in syrplus. The brick oscillator, in my
estimation, is the best single local oscilla^
lor. It has promoted interest in microwave,
as it is easy to modify to amateur frequen-
cies by re tuning the output filter. Once re-
tuned, you have a high precision that's
easy to maintain, Accuracy is something
In the order of a few kHz at 10 GHz for a
stand-alone unit. Long-term (a month or
so) stability runs from 20 to 40 kHz.
Where do you get a bnck? Ciieck your
iocal swap meets and Nea markets. You
never know when one might turn up. Keep
an ear tuned tor commercial stations clos-
ing down a micro wave link. If you're in
education, have your school write a letter
to the commiinications authority for possi-
ble donations of material. It's worth a shot.
As to the applications the brick oscitlator
can fill, they are many. Us$ depends on
what frequency brick you can obtain. If
you can^t locate one, I have a modest
quantity of 6 and 10 GHz bricks. These
include bricks without tht harmonic multi-
plier assembly. This is the type needed tor
this month's project. Ail units i specify
have been bench-tested and are function-
ing.
Constructing the Converter
Although the basic brick is used exten-
sively for the 6 and 10 GHz amateur
bands, I verified that it can cover other
frequencies, including the 2304 MHz ama-
teur and 1691 MHz weather satellite fre-
quencies^ While quite different in applica-
tion, both frequencies present exciting
new domains to explore. It is tough to lo-
cate surplus components for these fre-
quencies. What came about was the real-
isation that a 10 GHz brick can work on
these frequencies^ making it possible to
more easily construct a 2304 MHz
transverter and a receiver for the 1691
MHz weather satellite service.
The trick in making a converter is to
come up with a simple mixer and RF am-
plifier. These are not difficutl to obtain
from standard designs published previ-
ously, The local oscillator is what stumps
most people on home-construction
projects. I would prefer a GaAsFET ampti-
Photo A. W91 MHz RF amplifier used in tests ^ This was a surpfus 4-stBge
biock ampfiffer with a3dB noise figure and 40 dB gain over 1.26- 1. 96 GHz. The
square PC board is the home-brew mixer used for 1-2.5 GHz operation. Refer-
ence Figure 2.
Photo B, Exampie of transfer relay. The left unit has been opened for ciarity. Only
one rociier (actuator for relay shown} transfer relay uses two rocker arms on either
side of the retay coli to affect 4-port switching used for "transfer operation/' See
Figure 3 for detaifs
RF IN^OUT
w^
kh
Lg)
GaA^FRT PRlEAMP
2i04 MHr
FILTER
RF \H/QVT
FREOUENCV WEST
PLL a RICK ost
PLL BRICK
LO
SI5S WHr
OUTPUT
Q ftQDBM
LG tN
MIXER CISM
IF Ht/OUT
CRYSTAL REOUIREO TO PHASE LOCK L.O
2159 4 23* 93. 85956522 MHl
HARMOMtC
t'APROP PAO iATTENUATORl' TO
REOUCE POWER TO MIxER TO 12 mW
OR fl&OUT +IODeMi tON TRANSMIT
ONLY}
FOR RECEIVE; HO PAD IN CIRCUIT
(MAKE DH^ecT CONNECTION)
/
HEC
\
^ a ^
XHIT
I4S.0O
1
□ □□□
nODD
p nna
nana
2 METER H.T,
(g) lOOmW OH LESS
Figure T. 2304 MHz transmit receive converter using building block method of
construction.
RFIN V
[691 MHl'^
Rf AMP
CaAs FET
MGF-1402
TfPtCAL
MIXER
a^M
IF WT v^ IF IN
137 MHi
EXIST n^e
wEATHEfl
RECElveS
WBFM
HOMEBREW
?^
i
T
FREQUENCY WEST
LOCAL OSC
PLL-8PUCK
1534 MHE
OH
1
f >■ V /ii rnfii-F^L
^ rii 1 1 ^k ..__
OUTPUT
DEVICE
COMPUTER
OR DATA
PLOTTER
5*t K y L wM 1 1 h r |_L_ - ii-\j ^
i82SMHl ■ CRYSTAL REO'D-
19 HflfiMON^C
36,21052632 MHI
Figure 2. 1691 MHz weather receiver.
RELAY COIL NOT ENERGIZED
'TO ANTENNA
RELAY COLL ENER^D^EQ
"TO ANTEriNA
-TO RECEIVER
TRANSMITTER
CONVERTER
■TO RECEIVER
TRAN^MI'TTER
CONVFftTER
Figure 3. Coaxiai transfer relay. Four-coax connector relay with the unique ability
to reverse the transmission of an amplifier used non-energized for receive and
energized for transmit gain.
fier witfi a MGF-1402 device. The mixer is
not too difficult to come up with. I designed
a home-tirew mixer for the 1.3 GHz bands
which will also work well at 2.3 GHz. Pack-
aged mixers, such as the Mini Circuits
Labs TFM series mixers, are smaJI and
cost less than $£0 each. Performance is
good to 1.5 GHZi which is not bad for a
mixer (TFM-5) that is so small you can hide
it in a pencil eraser.
The PF amplifiers are not difficult to ob-
tain, either. You can purchase several ful-
ly constructed devices. Several GaAsFET
amps are avaiiable for home-brewing. The
ARRL has published excellent designs
from both Kent WA5VJS and AL
WB5LUA. See Al Ward^s article on de-
signs for 2.3-10 GHz in the May 1989 is-
sue of OST. Any ARRL Handbook from
the last few years has some ot Kent's
GaAsFET designs for 1296 MHz. Look
the m u p; t h ey a re w hat t h e doctor ordered ,
and they should be modifiable to work at
1691 MHz.
The main difference between the two
converters (apart from frequency) is that
the 2304 MHz converter isbi-dlrectjonal. It
will receive as we El as transmit, with relay
switching used to turn the preamplifier
around for transmit. This amplifier will not
deliver rock-crushing levels, but it will
provide a good 10 to 15 dB gain from the
mixer. See Figure 1 for block diagrams of
both systems.
The Weather Receiver
The weather satellite converter output
is connected directly to a 137 MHz
VHF weather receiver. In the 2304 MHz
version, the receive circuitry is essentially
the same except for relay switching.
In transmit, the transfer relay reverses
the preamplifier to make it a transmit
amplifier. An attenuator is switched
74 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
)S() Tutor
Studv AicMVir Ihe Amjfeur kiictitj r.\jiin*^
QSO ComptTQUer
Program Features:
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■ Work wllh the entire^ que^ioB pools
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' Creale.s randumiy {(vnerjti'd sample tests
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CmetE 62 ON REAOEft SERVICE CAfiD
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 75
into the transmit path to reduce ddve to a
level suitabte for the mixer. The maximum
power needed te drive the mixer is typjc-
aJly +10 dBm, or about 12 milliwatts ol
RF. When switching is compisie, Ihe
transmitter can De activated. Thts wifl
produce output on 2304 MHz« F^ or SSB
OperatK>n.
Converters, transvert&rs^they are all
the ^me, no matter what frequency ttiey
are for. Usually a high frequency is hetero-
dyned to a lower fr eq uency for processi r>g ,
The addition of filtefS arnt other switching
Simpiify the lo<ai operation towards a one-
switch operation. Timing or sequencer cir-
cuits are added to ensure prop&r relay op-
efation.
Relay switching can be done manually it
you choose. My station operates in the
manual mode and works well. It might not
be full o1 frills, but what's important is that
It work$, II just depends on how far you
watii to go with your project and what you
want to spend on it.
Crystal Multiplier Construction
Now comes the local oscillator, in most
designs this is a crystal muHiplier that
needs to be construcled due to a lack of
commercial equipment for 1691 and 2304
MHz. Now, i am not a lazy person, but
wfien an easy way is available. I make use
ot It. Tilts mmally caused some head
scratching until it became apparent ttial
the old 10 GHz bncks are usable with mi-
nor modifications.
lM$\ month you learned how to convert
the OutpiJt ttiter of this same brick. In
this application, the filter and SRQ
diode muftiplier are removed. Now the
fundamental high power locaJ osciltatof
is ttie LO ompui. I don't know wby I
didn't think of this before.
The operation is quite simple. The 10
GHz bricks have a high power oscillator
that nomiaify runs in the 1 700 10 2000 MHz
range. Tfie 6 GH^ prick's cavity oscillator
runs from 1200 to 1400 MHz, making van*
ous applications possitjie. Take a !>asic 10
GHz brick (L0 1 .7-2 GHz) and remove the
microwave varactor multiplier and fUtec.
This gives you direct access to the high
powef LO, This unit is directfy under the
blue label for Frequency We$t bricks
He^, change the length of the cavity
screw fof the frequency desired. With the
cavity screw seated deeper in the cavity,
the frequency will t>e higher. Place a coax-
iat probe mounted o n a sma! I ad apter plal e
over the LO high power output port. This
hole was previously occupied by ihe var*
actor multiplier's RF probe. By changing
the cavity length, it is then possible to
make the oscillator phase-lock to frequen-
cies as high as 2A GHz, making 2.159
GHz very easy to reach. This allows a £
meter iF at 1 45 MHz to mix with the LO at
2159 MHz, producing 2304 MHz
(or 2.304 GHz), This is the high side mijt
product.
For the weather satellite receiver using
a system IF at 137 MHz, the LO required
would be 1554 MHz (low side injection)
aj^ 1S2B MHz for high side injection. I
have not tried the iow frequency operation
at 1554 MHz. but suspect ii m»ghi be pos>
Sible I am not familiar with the FM format
for the weather data^ but I believe high or
LO S^de mix can work well. I am an RF
person, and have never tried to receive
weather data, but I will get the design
worked out OK.
The crystal required for use in the brick
is a fiigh accuracy oven-controlted over-
tone crystal. I obtained my crystal from
International Crystal Co. in Oklahoma,
part number #585132 tot Ihe Frequency
West brick oscillator type 54XOL. The
crystals costs about S20 each. Crystal fre-
Quency can vary from 95 to lOS MHz at the
frequency of osciHation. Tfie crystaEs 1 7th
to 1 9th harmonkcs are used to kick the
Cdvvty oscillator to the desired output fre^
quertcy. Higher liarnKinics are available
such as tbe 21st Of 23rd making phase
Jock at 21 59 MHz with a 102 309^238 MHz
crystal. Using a lower harmonic would
make the crystal frequency quite high and
put it out oi the 90 to 1 0B MHz range speci*
Tied.
As I stated earfier, I have piclcid Up a
quantity of the 1 0 GHz phase-locked brick
oscillators with and without the multipli-
ers. The full to GHz brick with multiplier
and retuned for the amateur band is $65.
The basic brick without filter lor the weath-
er satellite or 2304 MHz service is $50. All
prices are postpaid for U.S. destinations,
For further Information on Ihese brick
oscillators, check out the many different
applications covered in previous 73 arti-
cles. For temperature control and typical
interrtal crystal osciliators. see the June
and July 1990 columns. For details, m-
duding diagrams, on the S GHz bhck. see
the September 1990 column. The 10 GHz
brick system was covered in the Decem-
ber 1989 coEumn.
Mall BoK Comments
Blajr VE6AHG saw the column covering
the FET Swtcher {power supply) in the
August 1990 issue. He has an o*d WWII
Navy iraBsmitier (TBW-5) he is restoring,
3 nd ran i nto 3 snag . The I npui power tra ns-
former is rated at 800 Hz AC inptJt, and the
switcher used to convert 12 volts DC to
1 10 AC is at Ihe frequency of choice. The
FET Switcher should work well. With sev-
eral FETs in parallel, Blair should be able
to increase current demands. The FETs
are hooked up eiemeni*to-eiement with-
out current equalization resistors. Use a
heat sink and p^e transieni protection
from drain to ground. This transient net-
work is a 0.1 pF capacitof and 5 ohm resis-
tor tied in s&nes to ground from each
drain.
Jrm WASPYH saw his response for in-
formaiion on stripUne liliefS in this column,
and wants to say thanks for the 1 296 LO
PC board designed t>y Paul Schuch. He
was goi ng to make a copy of I he artwork to
try the 1296 MHz filler circuitry on the
board. Jim was going to convert the fillers
to 1691 MHz for use with a weather salet-
lite converter. I kind of upset his plans, as t
sent a fully etched PC board with my reply.
It was the same one he was going to make.
Jim wrote back, "Thanks a loll See how
nice hams are. They are Interested in tech-
nology and want to Itarn." Thanks, Jim.
for the kind words.
Supplying the PC board is not only a
way to answer your question, but to give
your project a boost Glad I could help out,
I make my own PC boards, using the silk
screen method. Once the screen is com-
plele for a particular proied. a PC board
can be zi(^>ed off in no time. I have to give
thanks to Paul Schuch for designing the
PC board. His article for the 1 296 MHz LO
appeared in the Decemb^ 1979 issue of
V\\ be glad to answer C^iddtbns relating
to the VHF/UHF microwave areas of inter-
est. Please include an SAS£, 73 Chuck
wBeiGP
Mumber 26 on your Feedback card
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DEC1
PASADENA, CA The Toys for Tots Ham
Radio Rally wtll be hald at thie worlct famous
tRos& BowlffOrri 11 AM^ FM Jo rais^tDys for
und^rpriviloged children in ihe Los Angeles
area All you have to do is bring a new toy
valued al $5 or mo-re to parking Lot 1 , just
^Mih of 1 he Aose Bovi4. All toys wiU be collecf-
etJ by tf^ US Marine Corp Reserves Other
«cnedule<) events are Itw Ham Radio tn^taJla-
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neatness of inslaMation, inventivenQ^^.
targe^t number of rigs and aniertnas. Judging
begins at 3 PM Talif-inon 145 160- Foftnfo
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WfiFFS o N6YN.
HAZEL PAfltC. Ml Th$ Hazel Park ARC wfi
hoU Its 26tn annual Swap and Sr>dp at Itm
Hazel Parh High School from 6 AM-2 PU
Admission S3 advance or at the door Tatslfls
$12 {res€rrvations niyst be received with
Chech, no reservaiiofts by phone!} Free
pafkmg TaJk-in on 14fi.64- (DART) Send
tab^ and ttckei reserwaiFons to HPARC, PO
Bom ^BB, Hazet P^rlc Mi 4303Q.
DEC 7
OOTHAN, At rne Wiregrass ARC ^i\\ hold
a Hamfesi from a A^^-3 PM ai ihe Wiregrast
f^emofial Park. Set-up from 7-S AM. Free
admission. Tables wlh power $7.50; without
power $5. Tailgating $2.50, Concessions
available on site. ATN'M and Packet Forums
VEC FCC Exams on site. Tatk-in on 147,340/
MQ CortlatI N4Rt^U, 1811 West Main St.,
Oothan AL 36301 for into and reservations.
FARIBAULT, MN The annual Couraga
Cemer Hand t Ham Winter Ham^i will be
hekj ai Ihe Eagles Club in Faribault, starting
with registraikjn a) 330 AM There will bo a
handi-hem wjuipment aucti&n, V£ eitams,
dinner at noon, arMi program Talh-in on
1 4?. 1 9/79 Contact Don Frsnz W§FiT, 1114
Frank Ave., Albert Lea MN 56007.
DEC&
LARGO. MD TheGoddardARCarvdlheTh-
Counly ARC will CQ-spon^or HoEidayfesl '91
to benefit Prince George's County RAGES/
AR£S, tfom 8 AM-4 PM. at the Prknc©
George's Commun^y Cotlege Student UnKfti
Bklg (Eitit 1 5A or 17A Capital Beltway) There
will be Symposiums on Emer^ncy Manage-
ment. Antefinas. AMSAT. Packet Radro. and
SKYWARM. Meieonotogist Doug Hiti wiU
pfifesent a Wealhei symfjosium fi^ VBC Bn*
an^ w4ll b^ admioistefBd by the LAFtC VECs
Ihreugheut the day. A special CW Speed
Cliallenge camasA wfll also be feature Do-
nafibo ^ Unlicensed spouses m\C child reti
under 12 admitted free. Tailgatrng (weather
pemiJtfing} S5. Tables are $1B till Nov 23rd.
$22 at the ($oor (if availaJQtei Each table in-
dydes one paid donation. Plenty of free hard
surface parking. Taik-m on 147. t SO * , 1 4S ?3
simplex, 14^.935-, 444.65+ For reserva-
tions, send payment arxi SASE to T¥hC0/
GottdAfti Hotldayfest, 360 D&m^r 4ve..
Matt^Drop 120, Laurel MO 20707. (301}
S72-2326.
DEC 14
NORFOLK, VA PC Feat Compuler Shows
will sponsor an event at the Norfolk Scope
Convention Center from 10 AM-4 PM. Ad mis-
sion is S6 for adults, chUdren under 10 admit-
ted Iree. For into contaci Shows, /nc, (407}
247^t6€0.
DEC 28
GAITHERS8URG. MD PC Feat Compuler
Shows wilJ host an event at the Montgomery
County FatrgroLinds from 10 AM -4 PM. Ad-
mission S6. chfcldren untJef lOadmitt^ free.
Cor>iact StKfWS. inc., PO Bcm 632049. Del*
fmy Be^h FL 334B3^ (407} ^4t-l6^,
DEC 29
SOUTH BEND, IN Tha Repenir^r Valley
HamtostComiTirHee will hold a Hdrriiesi Swap
S Shop at Century Center, Down 1 own on
US 33 ONEWAY North between the Soci-
ety Bank 8!dg. and the rtver in South Send.
Four Jane highways to the door from all
dir&ctiofts. Tabies 55/5' round; StSfB t 2 S'
rect angola ^O^S' Wall locations TaJk4n
<^n 52>52. 9S/39. 69/09. 34/&4, 145 ?9 COfV
taci Wayne Wens K9iXU, 1899 mvtrsme
Df . Swih Bend IN 4^1^, or phone {219}
233-5307.
SPECIAL EVENT STATIONS
DEC
SYDNEY, NOVA SCOTIA The Marconi
Amateur Wiretess Society ot Sydney. Nova
Scotra. will operate Station VAtS during
the month Of December, 1991, to cofn-
me mo rate ttie 89th Anniversary ef Mar<
coni's first successful West 10 East trans*
All antic radio transmission on Dec. 15,
1902, from Glace Bay, Nova Scotia la
Poldhu. Cornwall, England An attractive
certificate suitable tor framing iz, avail-
able to confirm contact with VAIS. Send
$3 or 5 IRCs to Afan L^tttf ^BlAL. 846
George St., Sydney, Nava Scotta, Canada
BiP 1L9.
DEC1
ROSE eOWL. PASADENA. CA The Toys
for Tots Ham Radio Rally will operate
KASRJF from 1&00Z-240OZ on Dec, 1 te
commemorate the first annual Toys for Tots
Mam Radio Rally charily avanl Operation will
be SSB in the General 40 m and ?0 m and the
Novice 10 msubbands. For a certificate, send
a QSL and a 9 X 12 SASE so KA&fUF, 1302
M»r Viftfi. P»s0<fena CA91104,
DEC 7-8
PEARL HARBOR, HI Region Eight, Navy^
Marine Corps MARS Will operate KH6SP,
HMm and NNN*ARZ. 04O0Z Dec. 7-04002
Dec e, fn:im Ford Island adjacent to the Arizo-
na Memoria], to commemorate the SOlh An-
niversary ot the Peaii Haitior attach and the
sinking of the USS An^ona Amateur opera-
tion will be in Itvei lower portion ol ihe General
phone tyands, AMTOR and RTTY m sub-
bands MAI^S operations will be announced
separately. For QSL, ser^ your OSL card and
M SASE to KB4JtfKm. 10s fofd i9tm>d,
HoneluhiHlB€Sl8.
HONOLULU, HI Agroup Of Hawakan hams
win operate a Special Event Station to com-
men^^orate the SOth Anniversary ot the attack
00 Peart Harbor OperaiKm wilt t>e T70QZ
Dec. 7-1 ^XJZ Dec 6 Frequeficiei. Acitvittes
are pianrwd tor aH banctSH, All rnodi^. includ-
ing Novice ^bbands, Look for ua at the lower
portion of each subband Fof a OSL certify
cale, please send your OSL card. € IRCs or
equtvaJeni. and a9 v 13 SASE to Pearf Har-
tjof Special Evant, PO Bon 760, Wstii^wa
H! 96786.
OECJB-JANI
PAS ADE N A, C A T he R elay Repeater A^ C
will operate AA6YL from the Wrigley Mansion
in Pasadena, to commemora,te Ihe 103rd An-
ntversary of the Tournament 01 Roses; 103
years of the Rose Parade, and 78 years of the
Rase Bowl Game. The stallon will operate
from 1600Z-0400Z each day on the lollowing
frequencies; "14 260, 2 1 335 and 28.450. Am-
ateurs in California/Nevada can contact the
station on 2 meters via the Club repeater
144 970/1 47 41 0, on 147.21 ^ . Or on 220 me^
lets via the Condor Connection For certifi-
tms. send OSL and 9x12 SASE {5B cents) to
Relay Repeater Club. PO Box 81^ ArcMdia
CA 910G6.
76 73 Amateur Radio Today • [December, 1991
New
Number 27 on your Feedback card
PRODUCTS
OPTOELECTRONICS
Optoelectronics Inc, has an-
nounced a new frequency detec-
tor/counter, the Handt-Counter
Model 2300, for use in secure in-
sta nations, countefsurveillance
Compiled by Hope Currier
and polfce tactical situations, pri-
vate investigations, two-way ra-
dio, ham radio, frequency moni-
toring and other applications
where a dedicated frequency
counter is usually too costly. The
Model 2300 features full eight-
place readout resolution, 10 mV
sensitivity for signal detection at
maximum distance from the trans-
mitter, and a unique and conve-
nient display-hold switch so the
user won't have to remember or
write down the detected frequency.
The Model 2300 is priced at
$99, There is an optional NiCd
battery pack available for $29. For
more information, contact Op-
toefectronics Ina, 5821 NE 14th
Avenue, Fort Lauderdale PL
33334: {305} 771-2050, (BOO)
327-5912, FAX: (305) 771-2052,
Or circle Reader Service No. 201 ,
RADIO SHACK
The Realistic® HTX-202 2m
synthesized VHF-FM HT comes
with a large-capacity NiCd battery
pack/charger, a multifunction
scanning system, 12 indepen-
dently programmable memory
channels (plus one calling and
three priority memory channels),
a buitt-in subaudible tone encoder
and tone squelch, a touch-tone
(DTMF) memory dialer and DTMF
squelch. The highJy selective re-
ceiver fights intermod and front-
end overload. True FM transmit
gives superior clarity on voice and
outstanding performance on
packet. An alkaline battery case,
belt cHp, charger and rubber
ducky antenna are included.
The suggested retail price for
the HTX-202 is $260. For the ad-
dress of a local dealer, contact
Radio Shack, 700 One Tandy
Center, Fort Worth TX 76102;
(817) 390-3300, Or circle Reader
Service No. 202.
MILESTONE TECHNOLOGIES
CODEMASTER Version 4.0 is a
new version of Milestone Tech-
nologies' Morse code training pro-
gram. This upgrade incorporates
changes requested by customers,
especially in the area of the user
mterface, taking advantage of the
latest compifer and processor
technology. It significantly en-
hances user control of the pro-
gram, offering a new routine for
changing and saving program set-
tings, improved performance, and
a higher level of error checking.
The price hasn't gone up— the
new version is stili $19.95. Con-
tact Milestone Technologies,
3551 S. Monaco Parkway, Suite
223, Denver CO 80237-1228;
(303) 752-3382, Or circle Reader
Service No. 205.
;^l^^im4^\^Mmwm3mm^hjm.
m \%m^^-^
\
Meter
iUENCO #
CM tssoa
ELENCO ELECTRONICS
Elenco Electronics has intro-
duced a new series of digital
handheld multimeters that
have an extra-large, easy-to-
read, three-quarter LCD dis-
play, perfect for engineers,
technicians or hobbyists. The
CM-1500B multimeter and
CM-1550B capacitance meter
have a one-half percent accu-
racy rate. The CM 1 500B mea-
sures AC/DC volts; AC/DC
current to 20 amps; and resis-
tance, transistors, diodes, ca-
pacitors to 20 pF as well as
conductance. The CM-1550B
tneasures capacitance from
0 J pF to 20,000 \i¥. Both me-
ters have side push-button
switcheSp and the CM-1650B
has a zero control.
Both meters include Elen-
co's two-year warranty, test
ieads, operator manual, and a
carrying case at no additional
charge. Prices are $75 for the
CM-1500B, and $79,95 for the
CM-1550B. For more informa*
tion, contact Elenco Electron-
ics. inc., 150 West Carpenter
Ave., Wheeling IL 60090; (708)
541-3800, FAX: (708) 520-
0085. Or circle Reader Service
No. 203.
QUICK-N-EASY DXGC
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FB ENTERPRISES
FBenterprises is offering a set
of handy reference cards for
hams. ''Quick-N-Easy 2m Re-
peater Maps'* are maps of yotir
state, including an up-to-date tist
of 2m repeaters. The back of the
card lists 220, 440, and 900 MHz,
and 1.2 GHz repeaters in the
state. These cards are easy^o-
read, and great for travel. The
'*Quick-N-Easy DXCC" card (see
photo) has a listing of all DXGC
countries, along with their most
common prefix, and the beam
heading from your location.
''Quick-N-Easy QSO Helper!"
lists the RST system. Q signals,
UTC time conversion, Fahrenheit*
to-Celsfus temperature conver-
sion, and feet-to-meters conver-
sion. "Quick-N-Easy Shortwave
Listening" is a series of four cards
for shortwave listeners. Each card
shows six hours of the day with
listings for shortwave broadcast
stations. The "QSL Kct*' is a pack-
age containing everything needed
for QSLing DX stations via the bu-
reau, including envelopes, ad-
dresses for each bureau p and in-
structions on how to use the
faureatj.
The cards retail for $4.95 each;
the QSL kit is $1.99. Dealer in-
quiries are welcome. Contact
FBenterprises, 6818 Rainier Dr.,
Vancouver WA 98664; (206) 695-
3637. Or circle Reader Service
No. 204.
73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991 77
ffnl
t'
II 1 * • • *s '
4 % - • i
^ Z^^
A.W.SPERRY INSTRUMENTS
A.W. Sperry Instruments has an^
flounced a new Techmasler
digital myttimeter. Model
DM-8S00. Thrs rugged 3-3/4
digit, drop-proof, fieasry du-
ty, autoranging DMM can
read 12 functions on 37
ranges. Its many features
include a fused 20A AC/DC
range, overload protection
on all ranges, HFE transis-
tor test, bgic indicator, peak
holdp diode test, safety yel*
low housing and "auto-off/'
making the DM-8500 one of
the most state-of-the-art di-
gital multimeters available
today. It cornes complete
with one set of tesi leads
(TL-58). one 6*4 battery,
one F-20 fuse, operating irh
Structions and a warranty
card.
The Model DW-8500 is
priced at SI 39.95. For more
information, contact A. W.
Sparry instruments /nc,
B45 Marcus Boulevard,
Hauppauge NY 11788;
(516) 231-7050. Or circle
Reader Service No. 207.
CCTV CORP
CCTV Corporation has intro-
duced the '*G8C*^ CCD-300 mi-
cro-miniature solid-state CCD
camera, a vidtcon camera re-
placement, ideal for all CCTV
needs. The camera uses a unique
micro-electronic shutter that al-
lows the sensor itself to compen-
sate for all light changes, there-
fore eliminalmg the need for an
auto-iris lens. The CCD-300 can
use both '^C*' and "CS" type lens-
es. It operates from low voltage
(7-1 2V DC) and comes standard
Wfth a 1 20V AC to low voltage OC
power modula. Full video can be
achieved with light levels as low
as 2 lux. The camera otters resolu-
tion in excess of 350 lines. pEus
standard features such as ad-
justable gamma, auto black level,
a built-in image enhancer, mirror
image revei^al and switchable au-
to/manuat gain.
The CCD-300 is priced at
$229.50 for 73 readers. Contact
CCTV Corp,, 315 Hudson Street,
New York NY 10013; (212) 989-
443$, (800) 22U2240, FAX: (212)
463-9758. Or circle Reader Ser-
vice No. 210.
MARCOMP
"Mr, Morse*' from MARCOMP,
a customized version of a pack-
age used by the Canadian Navy,
is a user friendly program which
uses hypertext technology, pull-
down menus, windows, dialogue
boxes and selection buttons. The
program rs divided into two modes
of operation: Learning Mode for
beginners, where the characters
and their symbols can bo dis-
played while transmitting: and
Training Mode for continuous
training for advanced users. The
Receiving Module is $39.95, the
Transmitting Module (added) is
$24. 95, both modules together
are S59,95. and a kit for interfac*
ing an actual Morse key to the
user's computer is $129-95. All
prices are Canadian dollars; taxes
and shipping not included. Con-
tact MARCOMP, M4Q2'130 Keith
Road West, North Vancouver,
B.C., Canada V7M 1L5; (604)
980-5718, FAX: (604) 988-6455.
Or circle Reader Service No. 206.
THE RADIO WORKS
Catalog /tf9t2 from The Radio
Works, an 80-page source book oJ
wire antenna systems* parts and
accessories, is now available free
to 73 readers (for extra-fast deliv-
ery, send $2 for first-class
postage), tt includes a complete
selection of coax, connectors, and
antenna wire — everything for the
wire antenna wire enthusiast. A
full array of complete antenna sys-
tems like the Carolina Windom,
*'G5RV Ultra*' and SuperLoop are
featured. New in this issue is a line
of isolators made speclficaliy for
vertical antennas, plus the 60-
10m Carolina beam and the 40-
10m Carolina Beam/2, Everything
you need to accessorize or update
your present antenna system is in
this catalog, all at discount prices.
To order your copy, contact The
Radio Works, Box 6159,
Portsmouth VA 23703; (804) 484-
0140, FAX: ($04) 483" 1873,
(Mention 73) Or circle Reader
Service No. 21 1 .
POLYPHASER
A video tutorial, "Grounding—
An OvervteWp" is now available
from Polyphaser and its dis-
tributors for $49,95. The video,
approximately 60 minutes long,
provides extensive information
on the latest grounding tech-
niques for communication site
protection from lightning. Future
videos Will cover more site-selec-
tive installations, such as high-
rise buildings and mountain top
locations.
For more Information, contact
PoiyPhaser Corporation, Cus-
tamer Service Department, P.O.
Box 9000, Minden NV 89423-
9000; (702) 782^2511, (800)
3^5-7170, FAX: (702) 782^476.
Or circle Reader Service No, 208.
OWENS/BROWNING
SOFTWARE
CW Simulator software from
Owens/Browning Software in-
cludes Morse code training fea-
tures that ham radio operators
have requested: adjustable code
speed and tone; beginning lesson
menu; display in groups, lines and
characters; **Hide and Seek" text
option; letters, numbers, punctua-
tion and 0 signals; random char-
acter and callstgn generator; and
standard and Farnsworth modes.
It has a QSO generator capable of
over 700 billion combinations
(users can edit and create new
text); a screen editor to create,
save and play back user-created
QSOs and messages; a plamtext
generator for three*, four- and five*
letter words; and the ability to cali-
brate software code speed to the
PC cJock. The program offers on-
the-air simulation, teaching the
operator to copy through QRM
and poor operator rhythm,
CW Simulator is available on
3.5'' and 5.25" diskettes, for
$24.95 each. Contact Owens/
Browning Software, 954 Church
St., Hutchinson MN 55350. Or cir-
cle Reader Service No. 209.
COYNE CO.
MacHam"^ software programs
from the Coyne Co. are test gen-
erator/study aids for getting a
no-code Technician class ham li-
cense, and for upgradmg. "Krtac-
Ham Technician" contains all
700 possible FCC questions for
the code-free Technician test,
covering both elements 2-Nov-
ice and 3A-Techntcian. The Mac-
Ham programs for upgrades
cover all possible questions from
elements 3B-General. 4A-Ad-
vanced and 4B-£xtra, respective-
ly. Each program will generate
FCC-style exams and any num-
ber of unique tests are possible.
Exams can be taken on*screen
or in printed form. An on-line
glossary of key terms is included.
Hardware requirements: any
Macintosh computer. Mac Plus
or newer: 2MB RAM and a hard
drive; and a Macintosh-compat-
ible printer.
The suggested retail price for
MacHam Technician is $49.95;
MacHam General. Advanced
and Extra are $34.95 each. Pncea
include shipping. Contact Coyne
Co.. P,0. Box 2000-200, Mission
Viejo CA 92692; (714) 855-
4689. Or circle Reader Service
No. 212.
78 73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991
Custom Embroidery
606«371-8200
Wear your name and, or call signs! Clotliing wFlh youf club
jnsignia and name. Personal servic&and custom designs,
* Ba&eball caps — foam with mesh back, adjustable size
(calls onSy) , , , . . ... $6.00
* TShfrts— h^avyweighl 50/50 tiJencl
* Sweatshirts— 50/50 bl-end
S6.50
:. $13.00
* GoftShirts — SO/SO jersey knit with banded sJeeve . 514.00-
'\
* Mylon Jacket— flannel Mned $25.00 ^ .^'^^'^
pile fined , , . $30,00
Specify color: white, bEack, navy, or red^ i^-=
and size: S-XXLG an '
sizts fT shirts and aweat-
shirts) S-L, A\
orders prepaid.
Add $2.00 for
shipping and
allow 2^ weeks
lor dfJivery, For
additional colors
and custom infer
mation, call l
606^371-8200.
Custom Embroidery
6S91 Louise Court
Rorefice,KY41042
CIRCLE 229 OH READER SERVICE CARD
CABLETV CONVERTERS
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Purchaser ^gre&& to Comply with all state and
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TV equipment. Consuft local cable operator.
Electronic Engineering
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FOR ORDERS ONLY
1-800-542-9425
INFOnMATION
1-70&540-1106
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Sell your product in 73 Magazine Call Dan Harper
& Louise O'Sullivan today 800-225-5083
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Range Extender for
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Language Guide
CIRCLE 107 ON READER SERVICE CARD
• Written especially tor Ihe hajn radio operator
• Hundreds of phrases ■ Vol, 1— ircl- French,
Spanish, Gennan, Japanese, Poii^sh • Vol. 2—
incl. Swedish, Kalian, Portjgese, Croatian,
Morweg Ian. O N L Y $ 1 0
Send $10 pef vol. in U.S. (All (JtNers add 2.50 S&H)
ROSE, P.O. Box 796, Mundelein, IL 60060-
CIRCLE 134 ON READER SERVICE CARD
WATTMETER
;''^^?^?W^
c
TS-118A WATTMETER
measures RF power over 20-
1400 MHz in ranges 20-100
(300 WmaxjJ 00-300 (500
W), 3Q0-700 (250 W), and
700-1400 MHz (125 W),
Meter shows voltage
developed and reading is
translated into RF watts on
calibration chart, SWR < 1.25rt. With four
thermocouples, tuning shunt, LG to N adapter and
transit case. 8 5?(6x20.5, 43 Ibssh, Used . . , $143.50
IVIAMUALforTS-113, partial-reproduction Sa.50
TS-1771A WATTIVJETER, ab&orption type operating
in 30-1000 MHz range with power scales 50 or 150
watts. Direct reading on 3.5" dia meter; rear
H connections, 7,5x5,5x16,5, 9 lbs sh.
Used
iiii.^»^;B«;iaij^ipj^-ir.".«>»k^»".#.".^A*A^!i'^X^X»Xi ■ j
$99.50
Prices F.O.B. Lima, 0 • VISA, MASTERCARD Accepted,
Allow lor Shipping • Wnte far latest C^lali^g
Address Dept. 73 * Phone 419/227^5573
FAIR RADIO SALES
TOTB E. EUREKA • Box 1105 * LIMA, OHIO * 45B02
CIRCLE 75 ON JiEADER SERVICE CARD
Used Commercial Gear
30 Watt, Uniden AMH 300- VHF $125
90 Watt, 42-50 MHz, Mastr Pro $69
30 Watt VHF, Johnson 529 $49
no Watt VHF GE Century II $99
75 Watt UHFGE Mastr II $149
Repeaters, DTMF Mies, MORE!!
Versatel Communications
1-800-456-5548
P.O. Box 4012 'Casper, Wyoming'82604
CIRCLE 2S9 ON READER SERVICE CARD
THIS MONTH'S GOODIE FROM THE CANDY STORE
YAESU
FT-#70
UNOER $400.00
RDC
9
YauKj. Hy Gain, A|iw». Elc M L f 0.
MFJ 94a UND^R $79.90
Over 90S4 Ham ftsms In Stock, ail f^ncas. Qn$^ FQB Pf<s5iort
iAofs Specials In HAM -ADS Looking Tor Sometning not Uslotf^
CM Of WiHo
ROSS qiSTRlBUTFMG COMPAWV
78 S. seals Slroal, Preslon, Id. B3263 - Telephone i^^i 3&J-0830
H&urs Tu^.-Frl. 9-6 - 9-Z Mondays CiqbccT Sat. & Sam.
CIRCLE 254 ON READER SERVICE CARD
Natural Voice Playback Board
Contest Stalipns
Site Alarms
Remolc Tele met rj'
Wes^therStaticiRS
Multiple L^ngu^gc^
AnnauncemcTits
Data Voice - DV.64
Add u fiecarded Natural ygice U) y"ur sy^ttrn or ei|uipmeni.
Voice vocabuliirjes or mil Eli pie phrases up to ] minute in a
Natural Voice is saved in Non-Volatitc C-Prom niemory.(lf
pOwcrtireniovetlThc fCt:ording,(i%vi!ll nut ht- losE)- We'll record
yourmejis.yg?(!j) m a male or Femjik voice -or -you can record
the libritrv by using the optional SDS-lOOO development board
on an FBM or compatible computer.
Parallel Input Word Select
50fl ma KE:>yline Out|:^ut
52 Kb SHimpling rate
Multlpk Modes
30 sec ' 30 minuie Timers
8 ohm Audio out put
^(K^ ohm Audici oulpiit
+9vto +l4vSupplj
Size 1 4.00'' X 42S"
Conneelors tncluded
Price % ]fty.(M}Sin^k Qty (progrsimmcd)
Paiomar Telectinij Int%
300 Ersterpriftt Si, Suite E
(619) 746-7998
CmCLE 139 ON AEADER SERVICE CAfiD
rHI-PERFORMANCE DIPOLES-i
^^^g:
J.
r
I
hi 01 c^nler and edcti end hiiriy jg; invqriQi^ "V honz'cinlBl ven diciolo
^ap\n^ diif>Ql« CCjrnmcTcial quality ■ Sl-Bin'e^St hardw^rt^ l«gal pQAffr no-HaiP.
hiijh «1 IJ£iBrn:¥ design Peraoflfil Ch^ii. M-Q- or C 0 0 rt 3!.
MPD-I" Sd.4a :t£l t!^ kSH mai.pgriDinijnctdppalaBrienQ tlftSppd
MPD-? 8Ci"4CIM niiK -(wh fu§ m anco dipolB, US' long Vft 95'-Ufl {tttH
Hptl- J' 1 WW3-45M hi fWfTO'm* i*CS dl-piilft II 1 3" IqMtg ifi ppO
SSP-4' ^Bf^■9Q■^Q■^l3-•^i■^Q^*ip^ic^li1lw^^Tai{!^o^t^^•\^^¥\q %iihppi$
SSD'S^ BQ.4a.2Q. 1 J. TUM tp*<;fl x ? WMr clspu](i-40*cily L UH 1 D5 S2' ttOfi ppd
SSD.4 - 9a. WSd 1 SiH ^p#i;« npittT dipole -smoH f 1. 4&' f? 3 6Q' i S6 ppd
^St lor ctlBlogue ol 30 iMp«l4s. ilfiptra, jnd a(iA£«siviing, uniqu* univnnss
9A*-i*«i^i« W9INM AKTCHNAi
CIRCLE 38 ON READER SERViCE CARD
GIVE YOUR
HR-2510 HR-2600
the same features as the
"BIG RIG S"
+
*
■■*
m
■*
+
*
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30 Memory Channels
Automatic Repeater Offset
Programmable Transmit Timeout
Programmable Seek /Scan (5 Kh^.etc)
Programmable Mike/Cliannel Buttons
ProgrammLable Transmit Freq. Limits
Extended Frequency Range do to rj mttcf^)
Priority Channel ^^^^ ^
Split Frequency ^^^n li
Many More Features j|gj^ y
f^:^''
All these features by replacing
your radio's existing "CFt7" chip!
(Priority Channel requires Dptional hardware)
$59*95 (optional Chip Socket $7. SO)
Includes Operator's and Installation Manuals
cmpswrrcm
4773 Sonoma Hwy, Suite 132
Santa Rosa, CA 95409-4269
Write or call (707) 539-0512 for free information
Quantitr prices available. Dealer inouirfis wilconie
i
CIRCLE 265 ON READER SERVICE CARD
NEW ONLINE CALL DIRECTORY
Our new HAMCALL service gives you
494,1 14+ Hams, via your computer.
$29,95 per year — unlimited use!
BUCKMASTER PUBLISHING
Mineral. Virginia 23117
703: 894-5777 800: 282-5628
CIRCLE 170 ON READER SERVICE CARD
THE RF CONNECTION
^'SPECiALIST IN RF CONNECTORS AND COAX"
l>art No. Description Price
PL-259mSA UHF Male Phenolic. USA made $ .70
83 ■ i SP- 1 Qb.0 PL-259 Phenol ic. Amphenol . 89
83-622 PL-259 Teflon, Amph^rrol 1J5
PL-2 59/ST U HP Male Silver Teflo n , U S A 1 . 50
UG- 1 75 Re du ce r for RG-58 . 20
UG- 1 76 Reducef for Ra-59 4 MINI 3 ,20
UG-2 1 B/U N M a le HG-S, 213,214,1 ar ge body 5.00
99 1 3/PIN N Male Pin for 99 13, 90&e, 8214
(now i n gol d) fits UG-2 1 D/U & UG-2 1 B/Lf N 's X .50
UG-2 1 D/9 9 1 3 M Wl a le for RG-& with 99 1 3 Pin 3.95
UG-21B/9913 IN Wl ale for RG-S with 99 13 Pin 5.75
U G - 1 46 AVU N Ma IG to SO-239 . Tef fon LIS A 6.00
L;G-&3B/U in Female to PL-259, Teflon USA 6.00
'THIS LIST REPBESENTS ONLY A
FRACTJON OF OUR HUGE INVENTORY"
THE R.F. CONNECTION
213 North Frederick Ave. #11W
Gaithersburg, MD 20877
ORDERS 1 -aOO-783'266G
FNFO aOI -840^5477 FAX 301-869-3680
PFtlCES DO NOT INCLUDE SHIPPING
PRiCES SUBJECT TO CHANGE
VISA, MASTERCAPD, ADD 4%
UPS C.O.D. ADD 54.00 PER OflDEfl
CIRCLE 11 5 ON READER SERVICE CARD
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 79
Advertisers
R.S.#
page H.SJ
page R,S.^
page HSJ
page
109
AAA Enginrctrtng
35
13
164
Ace CommunicatNSins of IndJana
65
19
03
Aca Sy^ems
83
«
«
Attvanced Eleciforitc Application
.fl*
114
2S3
Alabama AmaiBur ElecUonics
35
9
e7
Almco Efecttonic^
^•
*
1§4
AH EJecironics Corporalkm
67
*
»
AmaEeur El^ectfomcs Supply
45'
185
43
Ant-Ventures .
49
3
M
Antennas Weal
IE
•
236
AnlennBsWesI
35
a
5
AniennasWesr
63
32
107
Anienna^s Wasi
79
75
135
Antennas Wesi
91
169
@9
Anl^nnas Wesi
83
1»5
296
Anrennas Wesl
B3
193
•
A£soci3le<dBadiD
67
282
16
Astrcin Corporation
31
17
21
B&BJnc
SI
n
53
BartteiT & W»lltan-ison
90
291
41
Barry Eiectrofucs Corporation
as
195
42
Oilai CompaJiy
:k
133
197
eramstonm Engtn^^dfing
09
hf
I&8
Bucixmastef Pubfisliing
m*
*
7
BuckTRAst&T Puts-le^ing
03'
2S4
170
Buckmaster PuEhtismng
79'
17^
S6
Buckmasier ^ubUshirhg
83-
77
223
ByersChAssiBKIt* ,..,.,^
, 35
42
tB4
C & S Sales. Inc.
17
S3
270
•
CB City Internal ionat
66
«
Ceriul^af Security Group
36
*
265
Chfpswitch . ....
79
•
156
Commpute Co'rporfiUon
67
2
99
GomrnunicahcKn Concepts J nc, ..
. 89
m
121
Comm u n icailons Electronic
27
60
10
CoTiimunicalioris SpeclBlisl
47'
234
26e
Computer Automalion Tech
06
47
15
Comieico
65
25
146
Creativre Contn?! Producla
81
•
229
Custom Emt^middiy
79
101
?fi7
D«lta Researcti
68
•
>
Diffinoifid Anlemui
.2
241
Doppt^ Systems
Doupg HtM Electn^nks
Down E^l Microwavfi
E H Vost .-.-
EtisyTocli .....p.-.
Eavesdropping Detection . .
Elec I ron tc^ 0 i gt nbiu tors .
Electfo-njc Engineering
Elktronics . .
Emcom Indusiries
Engineering Consu HI riB ...
^ZV^nlures . .,,, ,,«^
Fair Radio Sales
G ft G Eleclronics
Get'Tech ,...,,.,...
GGTE
Gifilil Etactronics
GL8 Elsclronics
Gl#n Martin Engirieanng
Gtmcikm - .
Grapevi ne Group
Gr««flktMlgri Labs
HflnMrenlCs, inc.
Hamw^^ , ....
Heights Tcww«f Systems
Ic4>m .*.,„.
IntoftieK Systarns
is^iron...
J^CofTi
Japan Radio .
K-Comm . , , , ^ , — , — .
K&wa Producttans ..*«... ^ ^
Kenwood USA Corp. ....,«
Lfira^n Antenna . — ..,
Lantini Communicationa
Link-Com .....,,.. ', .
Madison Etactronic Supply
Marin e Eleclronics , , .
Mftvoom, Inc, . ,
lAaadowlake Corporation.
Media Men3c>-rs
■ ■ II 4 -I
63
73
23
89
37
35
51
79
51
sr
73
16
.,.,,. 79
73
33
as*
65
93
16
93
48
63
55
^
44
CV£'
fit
..,►.. 35
30
15
41
61
, , 65
* 6.e,CV4
i
17
61
83
40
63
65-
162
160
144
114
246
223
54
227
«
102
26
96
•
tS2
176
139
264
66
225
249
66
145
26
132
S6
•
279
324
34
»
134
254
71
153
1S2
36
95
167
Metro PHotifig 71
MFJ Entefprisfls . 11
Michigan Badio 35
MiCiO Computer Concepts 6 1
M ic ro Com rol Specral i I res 64
Mr iMicod as
Matron Electfaolcs .... . . 65
National Amateur fladio - - - 71
NC^ . . . . 56
North Country Radio 63
Ocean State Eleclronics ...«,.,, 69
OklahiOmaCommConief . .^^-^p.,. B6
ONV Safely Sen SI
OploelectroniDs 33
OrlBr>do Hamcation , . , 71
Outtiacker Ante nn a Sales 90
PC. Electfonics 59,89'
PacConrm 63
PacMtC Clbl« Company, Inc, . „ . _ Si
Pakmur Talacom 71^
PaJomar Telecom dO
Penphpif ^.^^.^ . 14
Pcfsor^Ctaiabase ._...«. 56
Phitlip^-TMll , , . , , , - 61
Pipe Communk^liofs ..... 56
<^0 Software 75
Quantum in^trumenls 53
Gyemem Etacironics 75,90
Radio Engineers ................ 40
Radio Fgn 91
RAI Enterprises 66
RAj Enterprises . . , 65
Ramsey Elactronjca , . 23 *
flFPafieCo. 21"
It O^B V « j' I* ■ ■ p ■ ■ ■ « I J a I I I < f 0
Rosa DislrlbinLling 79
Rutland Arrays . 40
Satellite Cily 61*
BCOEIaclronics 63
Scrambling News 40
Sensible Solution^ 14
Seicomjnc . GB
250 Software Systemi ►^^^r- tS
244 Software Syal«Tt9 ,. 26
198 Solarcoil „. 6T
51 5pa<:lrumComfnunicalion«,„,--. 43
163 Spectrum International 16
247 Startek . 13
221 Synrad ,....* 15
B7 TCE Labs .40
232 TE Systems ' 68
124 Te)(as Bug Catcher Antenna ...... 67
The Forb*s Group 67
The Ham Cenier . . . ^ . , 61
The Pouch . .... 63
The Radio Wotlw . . .... 61
The BF ConnodkMi 70
TNB ?S
Townsarrd Electronics 16
Trt-EK 67
Tropical Hambof a*...,... 07
Uficte Wayii« a Bcohitwif ... 04.96
Unfversai RHftO 81'
Van Gctfden EnoineennQ . . . ^. 7i
lOi VIS Study Guidaajnc. 16
■ Vanguard Late ..«^,„.v. . 03
Vector Control Sys i en^ , . . . i^.,* , , 1 6
Versaiel Communications 79
VHFConrmunicationa 16
W&WAssocJal«« .40
W9^NN Antennas 79
Walker Scienti lie, I nc . 49
Winter Designs 51
WoJfe Communications 51
Vaesu Electron JCG Corporation . . CV3
ZD Engineering , 16
228
150
115
62
299
22
50
120
76
259
14
191
38
•
20
Bold lislinga are 73'« n«w advertisers ttiia
montti.
' adv«rti$«r^ wt*o have coniribuied to itie na-
iHXiaJ advisory cocnmittee [NIAC]i.
Recipieni'^ Nsme
Tw the Season to Give and Receive.
We would love to send you an authentic, original, one of a kind,
beautifully styled, barely tailored, "75 AMATEUR RADIO
TODAY'" T-shirt* All you have to do is send us $19.97 and sign up
any one of your ham friends for a year subscription to 73 Amateur
Radio Today. So pick a buddy, family member or yourself (or all of 'em)
and give them a great holiday gift, and we will send you a great T-shirt
for each paid order.
These Ts will be the talk of the Hamfests. They are black with white
lettering with the *Vi AMATEUR RADIO TODAY^' logo on the front
and the world famous **HAM IT UP!" on the back. Remember it's
better to give than receive, but it ain't
bad to give and receive. And the only
way you can receive the T is to give a
subscription.
(please print}
Call
1
I
Address
Send me the T*shift in size
City
Small
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aAxui
Slate 2^
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r Payment enclosed Z Bill menCharge my: MC ViSA AMEX
I
Newsstand rate $35.40 Canadian orders add S7 plus Si. 40 GST Other forergn orders add S19
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I I
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Or call 1-800-289-0388.
(In Colorado call 303-447-9330.)
^-^
;*n(H:
t* T4lli ql P^bUcitlen
STATEIUIEI^T OF OWNERSHIP WIAWaGE^MENT AND CIRCUM^TFOM
^rytif uj frj jy U.S. C jiMJJ
?3 AtnateuT- FtcflO Today
ftJriJBt Rd., P,<.l. 6c?K Z7B, Mftiij^ock NH rs'3'S49-n?7fl.
mon til ly
ia. Ft>BtlCATIQH NQi.
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9/27/ 91
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roi-nst Rd., P.O. Bo J 279, Ufinfiocl: Hi\ (i^AAB-0?.7fi
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Weyne Rrcon, For> Fid., tf^rrock WH fl3^45'-O&70
Rill flrown, Forest Rcf., Nrtrtcrrtk NH Q3^flt-fl379
t ^ritwM ^ mor^ ^ iotaX ^r^^^mM -d^ tftm^ i^ not Dimrif ^a Lijjpvira'Eaa. f\^ rufwj aiiif mtfff nij of iht mJk\4Ju^ UKnwr^ m&ii ^ l^i'ui- [fawned ft|r a ^riArv'jEi^
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it, H^Qn^lkviiiKirir. -ti^d -Uiliti l^it* Cnplii
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f£ij
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752
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^ ' ■ FubliHhEr
■ ^%-^^ 7 A'-,_k.
Pfl Fnfm 3^29. |l«r l^tT
^MV -MldrBC41UB£
M Sr^ RC-1000
Computer REPEATER
W Concepts CONTROLLER
• Auto patch
• User Programmable CW ID,
Control & User Codes & iFmeouts
• Intelligent CW ID * Auxiliary Outputs ■ Easy
to Interface * Remoto Base/Tape • Reverse
Patch • Tailbeeps • 1 2 VCD Operation
• DTMF Decoder with Muting • Telemetry
• Control RX * Response Tones • Program-
mable COS Polanties • Detailed Application
Manual with schematics • 90-Day Warranty
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Micro Computer Concepts
7869 Rustic Wood Drive
Dayton, OH 45424
513-233-9675
RC-1 00
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Control
MatletCord
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of KenwoodJCOMi
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NEW ADDED FEATURES
CIRCLE 160 ON READER SERVICE CARD
LIFETIME
Quality Microwave TV Antennas
WIHELESS CABLE - IFTK - MMDS - Amateur TV
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. Call or wilt (SASE) for "FHEE" Catalog
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WARRANTY IVTBSterCard • Visa ■ COD'k * QuanUtjf frielm
Today's No-Tune
Multlband Antenna
CIRCLE 24eON READER SERVICE CARD
4^
LX17 pruning. Mi No tuning. No tnab'S eo t\VL^i,
TNT ii N*'Tu[i* on 80 cw. 40. 20. 17, ] 2. I a TKT/Z \s Nhj-iuh* on
40.. 20. 10, Wt>rk. *il5*r fcanJ* w/ [uner. DX i*GiiEi rise w/ fw^juencv
IncJudes [^oJatiPiv ■ Ws-S«teJ
ta i tin & 99 f I RG^s | L^^ w N\%i ji;
The m&dei-R co&x-fed
A'-ersion of the cinssic
&ff-ceiuer fed wintfom
AniennasWest
boK 50062S, Pcwo, m 646(5
mnoom
Jn.iuLaT*d TO 5000 V
13:? tL lojg
800-926-7373
m
P*H
CIRCLE 135 ON READER SERVICE CARD
DISCOVER LOW PRICES
PUr^^g Klchel-T«MDrv, USA 6^" •■,4rS1SJ25
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CO-RiKl H*^l FifrjiWB 9913 type, lawiau
toi'Cftnlt.uptawwr.. irotatare, Hf - UMF 61^
CQ^^K MM U%f, SQlId, Tvpc llhCowr 231:
n&4Xt5KBt«lfl.Pt«mlumCluKl. Ifit .
H&^ljUH'-TvptPram. Cdix »<: j^
3Vi Ohm i^ol ir^ LicidFf-Un* 1 3c
4» Ohm Pol^ U^tMat'UiM 1 3=
JKH OrunHeivrTwM t3c
72 Ohm Sttpsif Twin 2ft: ^ ' ■
f14 Ahitfina WireSi: >
Wirt 4 Mb^
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BALUNS
Cuntfli-tyiK
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Unequalftd SpKif IcatHm
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Renwie Salun 4l1 Optn-wkc te coast Cunf nIBalun S2S.d5^
(804)484-0140
Fre« 60 frag« Dis^x^unt Catalog. Everything for wire antennas,
connBdOfi, coan. Allow 4 - S weeks for Bulk mail delivery of
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tor COD. Visa & WC welcome. Give card if, exp. date, signature.
VA r^idecils add 4.S% Sales tax. See ad in (}57ar>d CO.
Dealer iNOUtRiES iNvrfEO
Bojc6159 • Portsmouth, VA 23703
CIRCLE 150 ON READER SERVICE CARD
SRC "10
REPEATER /LINK
CONTROLLER
QTMF muting
intelligeftt ID'ar
AuxJllary outpute
Easy to Interface
fiSarm monitor input
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73 AmaiBur Radio Today • December, 1991 81
Numtser 2B on your Feedback cird
SK KABOOM
MichaefJ. GeterKBtUM
%73 Magazina
Forest R<f.
Hancock NH 03449
More Gain
Before we continue our discus-
sion of gain, I'd like To sidetrack a
little and discuss a lopic which may
surprise you. In the three years I've
been writing this column, we Ve cov-
ered just about every component
used in modem radio gear, right?
WeH, there's ore we've overlooked,
and I was reminded of its importance
by a probtem I had with my TS-940,
l*ve had the rig for about five
years, and never noticed anything
wrong. Recently, though, I was fool-
ing around with it while it was con^
nected to my dummy load, and I dis*
covered that the ''high cut*' control,
which narrows the high side of Ihe
receive passband, was affecting my
transmit audio as well!
The '940 has an tF monitor tunc-
tjon which lets you listen to your ac-
tual transmit signal. Sure enough,
my voice was being severely muff ted
in transmit whenever the high cut
control was turned toward the nar-
row side, Even weirder, the problem
only occurred when I was in LSB: in
USB. the rfg behaved perfectly nor*
maHy! What was gotng on here?
Up with the Scope
Maturatly, I dug out my oscillo-
scope and started probing. Luckily, I
have the service manual for the ra-
dio, so I knew where to look. Actual-
ly. I needn't have bothered with the
scope. In fact, I could have left the
rig's covers on; a little deduction was
all that was really required. Let's
look at the facts here: Everything
works fine in receive, where the con-
trol is supposed to function. It is
properly locked out in transmit as
long as the radio is set to USB. A look
si the service manual reveals that
the high cut control functions by the
microprocessor's reading the posh
tion of the knob and sending data to
the PLL, which then shifts an oscilla-
tor in order to shift the signal around
within the SS6 filter's pass band. If
all this stuff works, then how could it
be broken only in LSB? The answer
iST It isn't! The rig is shifting the PLL
when a shouldn't because the sofh
ware fs teding ft to^
Does Software Break?
You got it, it was defective soft-
ware. Today's radios, which are vir-
tually all microprocessor-driven, de-
pend upon their system software to
control most functions, A defect or
bug in that software can make the
radio seem broken, and in effect , it
is. Yes, software is a component af-
ter all! Don't overlook it as a suspect.
especraily in obscure cases like this
The Tech Answer Man
one. where nearly everything works
and the pieces of the puzzle just
don't add up.
Thanks^ Guys
Kenwood was unaware of any
bugs in the TS'040 operating sys*
tern* but they suggested that the
EPROM (which holds the software)
in my rig could be defective. Al*
though EPROMs don1 fail that way
(in the rare event of failure, they go
completely), it occurred to me that
mine could have glitched a few bytes
during its factory programming, In
any event, a new EPROM from the
nice folks at Kenwood fjxed the
whole thing up. Casectosedl
Gaining on Us
Let's continue our discussion of
gain. We've seen what it is and why
we do it. So what's Ihe big deal,
hght? We know how to make amplifi-
ers by the barrelfuL But no! so last. II
you've ever built an amplifier stage,
you know that its gain drops off with
increasing signal frequency. Audto
amps are completely useless at RF,
Why should that be?
The answer is: capacitance. Any
time you have a voftage potential
across any two circuit elements
which are near each other, those two
elements will exhibit capacitance
along with their other properties
(such as inductance, resistance,
etc.)- Unfortunately, this essential
fact of life extends even to etec-
tfodes in a tube or layers in a semi-
conductor.
Thus^ transistors, diodes, or any
parts for that matter, have capaci-
tance between their leads, in other
words, they store charges. The re-
sult is that they have speed limits
beyond which those tnternal capaci-
tors cannot charge and discharge
fast enough. The result is thai there
are numerous little low-pass filters
all over the circuit. Every circuit has
them. And, if you recall, the
impedance of a given capacitarK:e
value goes down as the frequency
goes up.
So, as the intended signals rise
into the RF range, those tmy capacl^
tances. which have little or no effect
on audio signals, start to short out
the RF signals you want. The result:
The gain drops off until there is none
left. In fact, you wind up with iess
signai at the output than you fed inl
This is called negative gain, but real*
ty, it is toss.
Two Ways Out
There are two ways out of this situ-
ation, and each has its place. The
first is obvious: Reduce the stray ca-
pacitances until they are low enough
that they don't cause trouble II
works— to a point. Especially with
small signal amplifiers, gain devices
(transistors, iCs and tuttes) are avail-
able that have been designed to
have very tow capacitance. They
make nice RF amps up to and be-
yond 30 MHz.
The other solution is to make the
existing capacitances part of 3 tuned
circuit which resonates at or near the
frequencies you want to amplifyl
Now, that same pesky property Is
turned to your advantage because,
as you surety know, nothing works
as well as a tuned circuit! This is pre-
cisely the technique used in the final
amps of rigs with tube finals, and a
few early transistor finals were made
that way. loo. Now you know where
the TUNE and LOAD controls came
from— Ihey set the resonant circuit
to the frequency you are trying to
amplify.
It is possible to make no-tune RF
amps. Most solid'^staie rigs have
them, and some tube linear amps
use them also. Basically, they are
broadband tuned circuits, t know
that sounds like an oxymoron, but it
can be done. You just use a very
tow-O LC (inductive'Capacltive)
combination with no distinct reso-
nant peaks within the desired pass-
band. As long as you cancel the cir-
cuit's internal capacitance with
sufficient inductance, it works. In
practice, It's a M harder to do well
than it sounds.
More Than Amps
Last month, at the beginning of
this exploration. I stated that gain
was the foundation for virtually all
electronics. We've examined ampli-
fiers, but it takes more than amplifi-
ers to make radios, computers, TVs,
etc. Let's look at how gain can be
turned to other uses.
You know how placing a micro*
phone too close to a PA speaker
causes feedback howl? Well, that's
exactty how oscillators work.
They're just amplifiers which '*hear*'
their own signals, causing the signal
to go around and around The speed
of travel is limited by circuit capaci-
tance, and by deliberate means
such as coil-cap, resistor-cap. or
crystal resonant circuit elements, if a
voltage-tunable capacitor (called a
varlcap or varactor diode) is used,
you ve got a VCO (Voltage Con-
trolled Oscillator), which is an Impor-
tant part of most frequency synthe-
sizer schemes.
In order for the oscillator to work,
the direction or *^phase/' of the out-
put must be the same as the Input.
That's called noninverting gain.
When the phase is opposite— when
the output goes down as the input
goes up, and vice versa— you have
inverting gain. An inverted signal
cannot reinforce itself at the input,
so there can be no perpetuation of
the signal. It's a useful technique
when you want to a vo^y oscillation in
a circuit meant only to amplify,
Open the Gate
Digital gates, from which all com-
puters are built, are amplifiers, tool
The foundation of the binary digital
technique is that there are only two
circuit states: on and off. So. these
amplifiers are delit>erately designed
to have extremely poor Imearity!
They are always either driven all the
way on, or they are oft. Actuatly, the
internal construction of a typical di-
gital gate looks remarkably like that
of an audio amplifier. Inverting am-
plifiers are used for inverting func-
tions like inverters. NAND and NOR
gates, f^on inverting amps are used
for AND and OR gates, as well as
buffers. By the way, an entire com-
puter can be built from NAND or
NOR gates. But it would take an aw-
ful lot of them to build a PC clone!
Now, let*s look at some tetters:
DearKaboom,
/ have an ICOM 575H 6 and 10
meter radio, and f need an antenna
tuner for it Dalwa makes one, but
they onfy sell it in Europe. Any
ideas?
Signed, Out of Tune
Dear Out,
An antenna tuner is a very simple
thing. Really, it ts fust a coll and few
vahable capacitors. The first thing
rd try Is to borrow a small tuner from
a friend and try it. even if ti isn't made
to cover 6 meters. Start with the in-
ductor set for minimum inductance
and give it a try. keeping the rig set
for k)W power while tuning the ca-
pacitors. The tuner*s SWR meter will
probably be a bit inaccurate at the
higher frequencies, but it should still
suffice tor relative Indications, which
is all you need anyway. I'd stay away
from big, kilowatt tuners here, be*
cause their larger components are
likely to have too much stray reac-
tance to work well at 50 MHz. If you
can t get it to work^ why not build
your own tuner? Check the ARRL
Handbook and other antenna pro-
ject books for plans. Lots of hams
build their own tuners, and you can,
too!
Dear Kaboom,
Sometime back you mentioned
the KDKFM-20f6A 2meter mobile, I
have one with a probiem. The trans*
mit frequency is off by 3 kHz on the
high side. I've tned adjusting the os-
ciilator trimmer and also the three
offset caps, but no iuck. What can I
do?
Signed, Off and Tired of It
Dear Off,
Yeah, miners had that problem,
too. You need a new crystal, which
you can get for a few bucks from any
of the crystai houses advertising in
the backs of the magazines. If the
frequency is off only in the + shift
position, replace X2, which is the
13.966 MHz crystal After you re-
place it, be sure to set the trimcap for
the correct frequency and also to
readjust the trimpot next to it by set-
ting the +5 kHz switch on and turn-
ing the pot for the con^ect frequency.
73, and see you all r>ext month .
82 73 Amateur Radio Today * December. 1991
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73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 83
Never Say Die
Continued from page 4
often exciting. And beating down the
pjle-ups, hour after hour, js a ru^h
you'll never forget the rest of your life.
What does it take to blast you away
from the boob tube and your nightly
net? Or are you investing the few hours
left of your life numbly watcliing quiz
shows p sitcoms and soaps, drinking
beer and eating potato chips? Oh, I see
tho^e fEabby beer betiies hanging out
from under your dirty tee shirts and
over your belts at hanafests.
Albania was one of the last bastions.
One of the rarest of the rare. I forget
now how long ago it was that Frank
DL7FT/ZA got on the air for a few
hours . , . yes, of course I worked him. I
think he got permission from a minor
officfal and it look a while for higher
officials to overrule the decision and
escort Frank back over the border
But you don't have to go for the #1
needed country, If you just go down to
the Caribbean you can find some fairly
rare islands which'll guarantee you
pile-ups. Visiting these are more a mat-
ter of your doing some research and
having the initiative. No dangers in-
volved. No pioneering. But one heck of
a lot of fun. And if you take some pic-
lures you might get published in 73 by
a jealous editor. A very jealous editor.
It's been a couple years since I got
on from W2NSO/FP8. so I need a DX-
pedltlon fix. Tm definitely antsy, i've
got my pictures out from my 7P8 and
3D6 trip. . sfgh. Then We been invit-
ed on a diving trip for next March to
New Caledonia. 1 haven't operated
from there in years, I haven't even kept
in touch with all my ham friends In
Noumea.
What' 1 1 it take to get you off dead
center and into action? Don't you get
excited thinking about it? I suppose 1
should tell you about when 1 got on
from Nairobi, Beirut, Damascus, the
American embassy in Tehran, Kabul,
Katmandu, and so on to get your fires
warmed up.
I guarantee I'm busier than you, but
that doesn't mean I wouldn't drop ev-
erything in a minute and head to Alba-
nia, The readers who responded to my
September editorial asking for help
setting up a national rep organization
to sell music and music publications
will get an Idea of the number of proj-
ects Tve got going. It's such a network
of interrelated projects that Hhink there
are oniy one or two peopEe working for
me who understand how it ali fits to-
gether.
1 do my letterhead on my laptop com-
puter because the number of my com-
panies changes every few days. Of
course I suppose t come across as a
Great Panjandrum as a result. Put it
down to the Wizard of O2 syndrome.
But yes, I'm busy. Of course, since 1
retired in 1 983 1" ve been just having fun
and I rarefy spend much more than half
a day "working". . .12 to 16 hours,
tops. Okay, so where shall we go and
raise some hell on the bands?
Let's not forget to take along SSTV, I
had it with me at KC4DX, JY9AA and
7P&PA. Weli need packet and OSCAR
NOLLL
Peter Growl
PO, Sox 66a
Uctleton. Colorado
Arapahoe County
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gear. RTTY? Why not? I had a great
time on RTTY from Bangkok not long
ago. Are you packed yet? Burma
seems to be opening up. When I visited
there was no hamming. Ditto when I
visited Baghdad, but I'll bet King Hus-
sein couid put In a bad word for me and
YI2NSD might be able to hit the ground
running. Or shoutd I start another mag-
azine instead? I've got this Secret
Guide to FREE Music I want to get go-
ing. ..
The Magic of Communications
Until you are robbed of both the visu-
al and audio cues we're used to getting
while talking! you don't realize how Im-
portant these things are for communis
cations. This, more than anything else,
is what causes mike fright. Suddenly
we have to talk to someone and we're
not getting the cues we've been used
to getting ail our life. No nods, no eyes
to see, not even any uh-huhs to keep us
going.
tt*s no wonder so many of us tend to
get Into habit patterns, saying essen-
tially the same thing for one contact
after another. . . day after day, year af-
ter year. What can we talk about? We
call a CQ, get a call from someone who
gives us nothing more than a cailsign.
So we have to start off with the ba-
sics. . .name, iocation and signal re-
po rt . Then we f ee i we s hou I d say some-
thing eise . . . like what? We don't even
know his name yet. So how can we get
any kind of a conversation going? The
weather? Good grief! How about your
rig and antenna? You know he doesn't
care any more about that than you do»
so why waste your breath?
It's embarrassing to start reading off
a list of your interests, so thaf s out. in a
couple of years I hope we'll have a way
to send such a list, perhaps via packet
or a sub-carrier, so it can be displayed
on the screen on the other chap's rig.
Better yet. a fairly simple processor In
your rig could match your interests
against his and highlight them on your
screen.
Meanwhile, how are we going to get
a real QSO started? Maybe this is in-
surmountable and we should just for-
get even trying to use amateur radio for
meaningful communications. Perhaps
we should just give up and use it for
contests, DXing (which is a form of con-
test) and checking into nets where
we've already known everyone for a
long time.
Duplex
If s a shame that we didn't at least
build our repeater systems so they'd
work full duplex. Back before the FCC
changed the rules, I used to love work-
ing duplex on 1 60m with four to eight
stations all sitting there talking, just as
we would in a living room. I think it was
January 1938 they made that illegal.
Oh, they didn't intend to, . .that was a
by-product of their wanting to stop a
handful of jerks who were broadcast-
ing records for hours at a time. Yes,
we've always had a good supply of
jerks.
So the FCC dumped a rule on us
which said ali transmissions had to be
for the purposes of communications.
That scotched the records all right, but
it also had the FCC monitors sending
out pink OSLs for duplex contacts.
We could get back to duplex on our
repeaters if we'd use two-band rigs.
Then two of us could transmit on two
1 46 MHz channels and listen on 222 or
450 MHz. Anyone want to give it a try
and write about it?
It would be much more difficult to do
this on the HF bands, but if you sepa-
rated your antennas a bit, you could
work duplex from one end of 10m to the
other. . .and probably 15m too.
I used to have a bali getting some
fairly rare DX stations into a 75m net
via my 20m station. Td relay the 75m
net on 20m for the DX station and then
relay the DX station from 20m to 75 so
he could talk to the net. I! worked great
and was exciting.
I got an FCC monitoring com plaint
alxjut it once* but they backed down
when t explained that (a) all my trans-
missions were for the purposes of com-
munications and (b) Td checked with
the FCC in Washington before I did it,
As long as you've got at least two
stations on one band you can legally
work duplex cross band. A devious per-
son might set up a duplex operation
with another station and give the call of
a fictitious third station just to give the
facade of propriety.
But what about QRM, I hear you
grumbling? Sure, that*s a problem, but
not an insurmountable or^e^ Ten me-
ters Is essentially dead for many hours
a day^ so you wouldn't be likely to get
much interference if you you used it for
ground wave contacts, Fifteen meters
will be dead more and more of the time
as the sun spots fade again. Then
there's poor old six meters, which has
almost been abandoned.
It doesn't take a lot of Ingenuity to set
up a remote station on, say, 20m. It
only has to be far enough away so your
receiver doesn't biock. I used to have
my 20m station linked via a 2m re*
peater so I could operate it from any-
where around town via a 2m HT. That
worked out fine, allowing me to make
DX contacts while getting my morning
exercise, climbing Pack Monad nock
Mountain.
So let's use some imagination and
get more fun into hamming. If you can
start a movement toward duplex opera-
tion, you may be able to help us break
the boredom barrier. Let me know how
you make out. And let me know if du-
plex operating doesn't bring excite-
ment and fun to your hamming.
Bad Mouthing the Lesiguft
t got a letter last month griping that
"Tm always bad mouthing the
League." Let's mull that one over.
Bad-printing would be a more accurate
term for the perception.
When I get a ietter l^ke that I kno^
two things, I know that the writer is (a)
not a thinking person and (b) has a
religious affiliation with the ARRL, not
a rational one. Let me explain the situa-
tion.
As the dominant publisher in the
ham field, the ARRL has, to my mind, a
responsibility to do its best to keep the
hobby healthy and make it grow. It's
the League's failure at these two basic
responsibilities which I deplore. - and
which I often comment on, offering
constructive criticism.
In the music field my magazine. CD
Review/Music & Audio Reviews, is as
dominant as QST is in amateur radio,
so I feel a responsibility as the publish-
er to help the music Industry be healthy
and grow.
When I was publishing computer
magazines I accepted the responsibili-
ty that came with my dominance in that
field and helped the field to grow with
books, the first mass-produced soft-
ware, a computer show in Boston arwi
so on. None of these were big money-
makers, but I felt they were important
for the growth of the industry.
In the music field the industry has
been taken over by a cartel of six inter-
national megacorporations (mostly for-
eign owned) that now control over 95%
of all music sates in America! That
doesn*t seem healthy to me, so I'm
working to bring about some changes
... as i mentioned in September. The
music business is big enough so even
5% of it is significants running to
anDund $400 million a year in sales. My
goal is to build that to maybe $4 billion.
In September I asked for hams inter-
84 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
ested in making sofne spare change as
reps for my dlsinbut^on company, Cre-
atrve Music Mailceting. We ve already
got a nice stack of applications, so
we're in business-
Reps will help get my magazines,
plus about eight other music maga-
zines, whtch we also distribyte, into
record, music inslrument, t>ook, and
hi-fi stores. They'll help us distribute
music from several hundred indepen-
dent record companies. They'll help
distribute our "Adventures In Music"
sampler CDs. They'll help get new re*
leases played on local radio stations
and reviews in local papers, tt's a fan-
tastic business for anyone who toves
music, and should everituaily pay of!
¥©fywelL
Just as Tm helping the music indus-
try to grow and to dean up some of the
dirtier aspects of the business . such
as Itie radio payola which was recently
documented by the bast sailer Mil
Men, and a sorry lot of crooked distrtb-
utors. . , I believe the ARRL directors
should be working with every tool at
their disposal to help us clean up the
messes we have on our bands, I also
believe they should make ft their busi-
ness to get the growth of amateur radio
back to where It was before the League
stopped it dead in 1964.
Yes, the no-code license, which the
ARRL fought For year^, has increased
our growth, but it's still far short of the
steady 11% growth we had m the
1945-1964 period. The League, if the
directors wanted, c»ukf turn this situa-
tion arourvd in a year. Tve outlined what
needs to be done many limes . , ,
known as "League-bashir>g."
There was a wonderful article in the
September issue of Success magazine
on goal setting. ''E^rery successful per*
son is an obsessive goal setter" The
article pointed to a study made of the
1953 Yale graduating class. They were
asked (a) Have you any goals? (b) Have
you written them down? (c) Do you
have a plan for accomplishing ihem?
Only 3% answered yes to all three
quesNons. Twenty years later the
group was surveyed again. The 3%
who'd said yes were more happily mar-
ried, more successful and had t>etter
health - , . and 97% of the net worth of
the class of '53 was in the hands of ihai
3%. Il*s almost enough to make a per-
son think.
Says Success: "You can go through
Itfe, or you can design one. If you have
a plan, if you have a goal , then opportu^
nilies pop out in front of you. Mosi peo-
ple spend more time planning their va-
cation than they do their life."
It also points out that, 'Doing any-
thing for money is instant failure/' and
^'Studies show thai 58% of Americans
never read a non-fiction l?ook once
they finish school . . . the average per-
son tisted in Who's Who reads 20
books a year. . .now tell me who has
the better chance at being success-
ful?''
Tve got all kinds of opportunities to
use my guerrilla marketing approach in
the music buslrress because the siK
majors are run by financial guys, not
music guys. The music industry is
muctii tike a third world coontry wtFh a
few very rich people and the rest in
aijject poverty, Of such conditions rev*
otutions Bre made, . .and I'm startmg
one.
My IMPS Journal is read by 5,000
independent music producers. My Mu-
sic RBtmling is read by about 5,000
independent record store owners^
These are the only publicatws reach-
ing these groups regularly, so they give
me an enormous advantage in mount-
ing my guerrilla attacks.
If the ARRL directors would set up
some goals . .and then honor them
. . ,our hobby would benefit endlessly.
They did set up a goal a while back to
promote the hobby and bring about
substantial growth. Then they did al-
most nothing to make rt happen. How
much credit should they lake for the
current s|Mjr1 in growth? I've seen let-
ters from Newington taking fult credit
for the no-code license. Before arty HO
arms get broken with self-con gratuta-
iton, there should be some admission
that we'd have had no-code at feast 1 0
years earlier if the ARRL hadn't fought
it with every trick in the book. The
League reluctantly endorsed the Idea
once there was no further way to stop
it.
League old-timers are still griping to
anyone who will listen , , . and not many
will, Jhat the no*€Ddefs will ruin the
hobby^ They're nothing but dymb
CBers, they claim. These old turkeys
stopped reading 73 years ago. . .if
they ever did so they don't know
(and don't want to know) that the new
FK>-code licensees are turning out to be
some of our best operators. They don't
know . . and don't want to hear about
it . . that the newcomers are. almost to
a person, getting busy learning the
code so they can upgrade. Closed
minds ward off such data.
As my grandmother used to say, "A
man convinced against his will is of the
same opinion still." Max Planck, who
ran into the same problem with his
quantum theory, said essentially the
same thing. Some old-time scientists
are siiJl fighting quantum theory.
I keep Max's quote on my office wall.
''A new scientific truth does not trj*
umpti by convincing its opponents and
makmg them see the light, but rather
because its opponents eveniualty die
and a new generation grows up that is
familiar with it." Keep that in mind as
those doddering otd-timers grouse
about no-code at club meetings.
They're old^ so you'll be seeing them In
Silent Keys ere long.
Of course, with the average ham age
in the mid-50s these days, most of us
are headed toward pulling the big
swrtch. You can react to that news by
giving up and making everyone around
you as miserable as posstbte white you
await your final blessing from the
ARRL. Or you can say. hey, I've got to
get moving and get some things done
that need doing set some goars and
pursue them.
\l helping to clean up amateur radio
and g$t it growing by ousting the old
guard ARRL directors doesn't appeal
to you. . .and If you aren't particularly
interested in helping me clean up the
music industry and open rt up for en-
trepreneurs. . perhaps you can get
your teeth into something else where
you'll make a dffference.
Tm active in the education field and
I'm already making a small difference^
The governor (NH) appointed me to the
new Economic Development Commis-
sion to try and get New Hampshire
back in the black. I've got some plans
for helping our largest industry,
tourism, grow . , , with a goal of dou-
bling in the next three years. And I've
got some educational plans which
should bear fruit in about 10 years, at-
Iracting high tech entrepreneurs to the
stale.
If I can improve ^few Hampshire
tourism, you can bet other states will
soon follow suit. Ditto education. This
is a perfect state for thtngs like this in
that it's small enough so it's easy to
know the govemof aruf other key play-
ers . . .like the richest guy in the state,
who is also a good friend and suppoft-
er.
New Hampshire has always been
progressive, W© had the first aerial
tramway in North America (1938). We
had the first lottery. We've had two gov-
ernors who became presidential advi-
sors.
The current unemployment in NH
has mostly to do with the high con-
centration of larger high tech business-
es such as DEC, Data General. Wang
and so on. Too much bet on fading
technologies too much on defense
contracting. New Hampshire needs to
actively attract smalt high tech entre-
preneurial businesses if it wants to
avoid future recessions.
Once the large companies falter they
start laying off thousands of workers.
This has a domino effect on construc-
tion, home prices, car sales and so on,
It depresses everything. Entrepre-
neurs, on the other hand, are able to
quickty adapt to changing technolo-
gies and ride each succeeding wave.
It's far easier lo be in front of a trend
than to try and catch up later.
The microcomputer is making both
the mainframe and the minicomputer
obsolete. Anyone but the accountants
running the big companies saw this
commg years ago. tndeed. I wrote
about that m my editonals 15 years
ago, explaining exactly what I expect-
ed would happen . . and it has.
What do I see ahead in the ham
field? Either we accept the responsibil-
ity and force the ARRL to do what its
charter says it should, or we're dead
meat. We all know in our hearts that
technology is rapidly making amateur
radio a pathetic relic of the past. Sure,
CW is fun. So is DXing. But do we really
t>elieve that we're going to be able to
hold onto hundreds of billions of dollars
of radio spectrum for the amusement
of an aging group of old men? Old
white men?
We either bring in yoyngslers by the
hundreds of thousands and encourage
Ihem lo experiment with new commu-
nications modes or we're goners^ but
just don't know it yet. Bltl Hoisington
was busy experimenting with new
modes until he died in his 80s He was
at that since I first met him as W2BAV
m 1948. Age is no excuse for vegetat-
ing.
Old-time readers wiM remember
Bill's dozens of articles in T^on build-
ing microwave transmitters and receiv-
ers using simple, inexpensive transis-
tors and test equipment.
Ham Broadcast
Service Coordination
Just as repeaters started sprouting
throughout the VHF bands 20 years
ago, we are seeing a ham broadcasting
service starting to spread through our
Hf t^ands. And just as we found it crit^
cally important to set up voluntary re-
peater coordination to limit interfer-
ence, perhaps ifs time for c%>ordi nation
to help keep our ham broadcasting ser-
vices from interfering with each other.
Some Basic Rules
Since tho FCC has provided no real
guidelines for this service, Tm go^ng to
propose some whrch seem reasonable
to me. If you disagree, please let me
know what you suggest as an alterna-
tive.
For instance, since it's so simple to
set up a ham broadcasting service us-
ing a tape recorder that almost any
ham can do it- I propose we agree up
front to try to keep news broadcasts
under one hour in the interests of spec-
trum conservation.
Of course our role model for ham
broadcasting should be Wi AW, which
has been cloing this with great success
tor decades. Few of us can hope to
equal their incredible (and horrendous^
ty expensive) array of Harris commer-
cial broadcasting equipment, but their
computer control, which allows the sta-
tion to be run with no operator present,
can be easily emulated. Indeed, arti-
cles on software for this application witi
certainly be of interest.
In order to keep interference mini-
mal. I suggest we plan to give broad-
casters 10 kHz channels Since
K1 MAN has claimed 14 275 kHz for hts
own on 20m. we can allocate from
there on down the band, stopping at
14.225, which would give us seven
channels. Once tFvose have been allo-
cated we might want to continue on up
to 14.325, giving us five more chan-
nels. This could be a great solution to
KV4FZ's continuing 14.313 garbage
heap.
Once those 12 channels have ail
been coordinated, we'll need to con-
sider a time-sharing system, with per-
haps some transmitting on the even
hours and the alternates on the odd
hours.
But What About QRM?
First, the FCC regu tat ions say dear-
ly that it's necessary to check a fre-
quency before transmitting on their
self^assigned (commandeered) fre-
quencies, whether anyone else hap-
pens to already be using them or not
Many nets operate on the same princi-
ple. - that they are the primary users
of the frequency and have an inherent
right to them.
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991 85
Once we have enough broadcasters
in operation, most hams will probably be
so busy listening to these interesting
broadcasts that they will have little need
to transmit, anyway. Thus, each ham
broadcaster could easily keep hundreds
or even rhou$ands ot other ham operators
busy listening, thus redydng QRM signifi-
cantly.
Material To Broadcast
The FCC reguiations stale that ham
broadcasters m^ust transmit information of
particular interest to amateurs ^ This could
include discussions of proposed rule
changes, it could include technicai dis-
oussions. It could include theory iectures
and code practice to help amateurs up-
grade their license grades. It could include
DX and DXpedition information and lists of
QSL handlers.
In fact, almost anything can be dis-
cussed, as long as even a remote connee-
tion is made to amateur radio. I'm looking
forward to making tapes discussing in de-
tail every one of my DXpedltions over the
last 33 years. And tor those of you with
color s low-scan equipment Til have some
nice color pictures of the DX stations and
rare countries I've visited. I've got thou-
sands offabubus pictures.
There's no reason bulletins have to be
al f on voice , C W or S SVsi , so 1 ' m su re we ' II
be seeing RTTY, ASCII and other com-
puter-readable formats turning up.
Just as w have hundreds of ham nets,
ril bet we'll fiave special interest ham
broadcasting.. Jor ham doctors, law-
yers, submarine vets, G.E. employees
and ex-employees, UFOs, MAC users,
PCers, and soon.
I hope we don't run into the problem
we have with repeaters where we've al-
most reached a 1:1 ratio., .one ham
lor each repealer. This at least has the
benefit of keeping our VHF bands al-
most totally silent, other than for random
automatic repeater identifications. The up
side is that once we saturate our tjands
with ham broadcasters, we'll have less
of a need for coordination, since every-
one w[IE be transmitting and almost no one
listening.
Quality Counts
If you've been listening to the WlAW
and K1 MAN daily broadcasts, you already
know many ways you can substantially
improve on the services they are provid-
ing. For instance^ you certainly don't
want your broadcasts to be as deadly pon-
tlfical and humorless as those from
W1 AW. And please try to avoid those self-
promotions and egregious ego-gratilica-
tions which characterize K1 MAN'S end-
less tirades.
You want your material to be interest-
ing, amusing, and helpful to your tistenars.
After ail, you're in the world of broad^cast
radio now and you win or lose your listen-
ers not so much on the information con-
tent of your broadcasts as on their presen-
tation. You're in show biz. Non-profit show
biz, to be sure. . . much tike our public ra-
dio systems such as NPR, APR and col-
lege radio stations. This means you'll
build your listening audience more on your
interpretation or slant on the news tlian on
the news itself.
Data Services
With computers so ubiquitous, there's
no reason not to include data transmis-
sions at the end of voice broadcasts. I've
suggested including slow-scan video so
you can include illustrations. , .such as
pictures of hams who have done some-
thing outstanding (good or bad) and their
stations. You might show QSL cards from
rare DX stations.
For greater illustrative detail, you'll want
to go to desktop publishing technology
and scan sn things like schematics or
magazine pages and send them as data.
Music, too, can be sent as data, using
the standard compact disc encoding for-
mat. Yes^ you can legally transmit music
this wayf
Then there are items such as lists of
hamfests, auctions, and other such club
activities, contest schedules, rules and re-
sults from the hundreds of contests and
awards around the world, data and com-
ments on pending rule changes, even
complete scanned-in club newsletters and
foreign ham magazines. Wait 'II you see
som0 Of the marvelous construction arti-
cles appearing in the Japanese maga-
zines! The FCC's recent hints that it may
no longer object to us selling ham gear
over the air could open a whole new broad-
casting and data arena.
Simultaneous Broadcasting
Ham bfoadcasters will want to emulate
W1AW and K1MAN by developing their
services to cover several amateur bands
at once. This means buying more trans-
mitters, but that's just more business for
our ham industry. If hundreds or even
thousands of ham broadcasters buy eight
or 10 transmitters each, it'll do wonders to
improve the ham industry economy. I
don't recall any rules against transmitting
on several frequencies in one band at the
same time
Paid Operators
Obviously a strong ham broadcast ser-
vice will be more than can be accom-
plished with all volunteer operators. Ham
broadcasters will have to operate seven
days a week and at least around 12. hours
a day. This is going to mean paid opera-
tors. Fortunately for us WtAW has set
a precedent which, though it was pat-
ently illegal, has been accepted by the
FCC for many years. It's legal to pay ham
operators to broadcast. You can also pay
them to write the material, record it and
transmit it.
Unfortunately, that brings up something
none of us want to talk about or admit to
even obliquely. . .how to bring in the mon-
ey i t takes to pay a staff. Wei I , one way i s to
set up some sort of national or even inter-
national ham organizations and charge a
membership fee.
Another might be to work a deal to inno-
cently weave product mentions into your
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broadcasts. For instance, you might com-
ment at length about how this or that fa-
mous DXer is awfully fond of drinking an
ice cold, refreshing Coke when the going
gets rough. Or that a ham luminary who
will be giving a talk at the such and such
ham club will be staying at the local Em-
bassy Suites hotel, where they serve fan-
tastically delicious breakfasts at no extra
charge and have TV sets in both the living
room and bedroom of their surprising Ey in-
expensive suites,
I'm sure our legendary ham ingenuity
will find a way to circumvent what's left of
our tattered regulations.
Special Interest
I suspect that many ot the early ham
broadcasters may, like K1MAN, be driv-
en by emotional considerations more
than by public service, so well probably
be hearing ham broadcasters with spe-
cial interests holding forth and slant-
ing their material to support things like
homosexuality, women's rights, women's
choice, anti-abortion, rain forest pres-
ervation, tree hugging, baby seal pro-
tection, dolphin saving, education bash-
ing, Christianity, Mormonism. Islam,
world peace, famine relief, Libertarianism,
and soon.
But, you expostulate, some of these
things are pretty far afield from amateur
radio, is not to worry . that aspect of ham
broadcasting has already been pioneered
by W1 AW. Far's I know, the FCC has nev-
er in ail these years cited WlAW for ad-
dressing their broadcasting to non-ama-
teurs. And what else would you call their
code practice transmissions?
In my day, over 50 years ago, they were
sending code practice at 13 wpm to help
non licensed listeners pass their first li-
cense tests. When the code speed was
dropped to five per they lowered their
practice speed. These transmissions
clearly were not addressed to iicense am-
ateurs. Thus we have at least a 50-year
acceptance by the FCC of using our ama-
teur bands for broadcasting to non-ama-
teufs. Td say that's a pretty dear-cut
precedent,
Frequencies
With Kir\flAN tying up 3975, 14275 and
28475 six times a day (0745, 11 00, 1 300,
1700, 2100, and 0000 UTC) for 45 minutes
at a time, newcomer broadcasters are go-
ing to have to go some to get ahead of
Baxter. He even goes on AM on Sundays
on 3890 and 7290 at 2300Z.
] like the idea of high fidelity AM trans*
missions. Yes, they sure do till up a 1 0 kHz
channel, but they're much easier for
SWLs to tune in, possibly attracting new
hams to our hobby from the listener ranks^
since most inexpensive shortwave receiv-
ers aren't equipped to handle SSB.
Coordination
I will be glad to list ham broadcasting
service stations, along with their frequen-
cies and times, plus any special interests
they may cover. Once iisted in 73they may
then announce themselves as "Amateur
Radio Official Bfoadcast Stations"
(AR08SJ.
Am I Serious?
Yes, of course i am. . this is a seri-
ous test to your credulity. . .just as the
Kif^AN transmissions are a test of your
ability to put up with a massive waste of
our frequencies and patience.
86 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1 931
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Number 29 an yaur Feedback card
Random output
It being December (even though Tm
writing this in October), 1 wanted to
write a quaint holiday story— maybe
something about all those repeater
groups who bring Santa C^aus to kids m
hospitals, or a tender and touching story
from my chitdhood. Tm sorry, but 1 can't do
that. There area few things going on in our
hobby right now that are too important to
wait unti [January.
The Nailer Hustle
FCC Private Radio Bureau Chief Ralph
Halier (N4RH) announced at an FCC Fo-
rum held during the ABRL National Con-
vention that the FCC is considering a
rewrite of Rule 97.1 13. This is the rule that
tells ys what we can't transmit over ama-
teur frequencies— business communtca-
tlons, messages for hire, broadcastmg.
music, elc. In a nutshell, what Halier pro-
poses is to allow certain types of business
communications on the ham bands. This
would Include such activities as coordinate
ing public events and providing informa*
tion for the news media, as well as person-
ai business like ordering a pizza over a
phone patch.
Hallef stressed that this new "third
type" of amateur communications [the
first two being emergency communica-
tions and "all other" permitted communi-
cations) would be on a secondary usage
basis, utilizing "unused Amateur Service
frequencies/'
Th is proposa f sea res me , a nd it o ught to
frighten you, too.
By accepting Mailer's premise, we are
agreeing with him that there is an excess
of "unused Amateur Service frequen-
cies." Do you really want to stand up in
front of the FCC and say, 'We have plenty
of unused frequencies, and Td sure like to
help out my [ocal TV station by providing a
free business band/ ? You and I both
know that once you allow use of amateur
frequencies for business purposes, it is
only a matter of time before those frequen-
cies become fulMime business frequen-
cies. As soon as you make the amateur
service a business service, you can kiss it
good-bye , and this is exactly what
Mailer is trying to sneak by us.
The problem with a suggestion like this
is that it SOUNDS great. To be sure, there
are some communications services that
currently fall under the gray area of
"business" that might benefit both
amateur radio and the recipients of those
services. A club offering communications
services to local non-profit groups (which
hams have been doing for decades,
anyway) would be a great PR tool tor
amateur radio. But ordering a pizza over
a phone patch? Is that what amateur radio
is all about? Don't be fooled by phrases
like ''secondary use" or "utilize unused
Amateur Sen/ice frequencies." This is a
smoke screen, set up to hide the fact that
business interests in this country desper-
ately want our spectrum. Every scenario
of a business use suggested by Halier
already has a radio service that can take
David Cassidy Nl GPH
care of it. The only thing that Mailer's
suggestion will do ^s allow businesses to
get free communications services, with
the amateur band equipment costing
thousan ds le ss t h an comparable b u si n ess
band equipment.
Now that the subject has been raised, it
is inevitable that we will have some sort of
change to the "no business" rule. I sug-
gest that we all take a very hard and long
look at whatever is proposed, I urge you to
send a very definite message to the FCC,
Tell them, especially Private Radio Bu-
reau Chief Ralph Halier, that you see right
through this charade. Tell them that you
do not believe there is such a thing as
"unused Amateur Service frequencies."
Tell them that the Amateur Radio Service
must keep itself clear of any association
With business communications.
If the proposed changes are in the inter-
est and for the benefit of amateur ra-
dio . . fine But let them l<now that we are
watching their every move to see exactly
what is going to come out of ail this.
You might want to mention that you are
also well aware of PR Docket 91-170. Oh,
you mean you don't know about PR 91-
170? Please, allow me to enlighten you.
PR 91-170 is a move, Initiated by Mr.
Mailer's group, which could revise the
land/mobile frequency spectrum in order
to make room for new and developing
technologies. How coincidental that
Halier now suggests that perhaps busi-
ness communications should be allowed
on the amateur bands. Mm mm ... do you
think the two ideas could be somehow
connected? Lefs see. ./'take some of
the frequencies away from land/mobile
users to make room for commercial exper-
imentation, and at the same time we can
star! suggesting that there is an abun-
dance of unused Amateur Service fre-
quencies' . and wouldn't it be grand if
we could make those dumb hams think we
were doing them a favor by allowing them
to order pizza over an auto patch, while at
the same time making it possible for other
business communications to get a foot-
hoEd on that frequency spectrum. Those
idiot hams will be so busy stuffing their
^aces with autopatch-ordered pizza that
they won't even notice that we're stealing
amateur radio's birthright out from under
their tomato-sauce-stained noses."
Mr. Mailer, I have never met you but I am
assured by those who have that you are a
reasonable and concerned individual. I'd
like you to remember that we amateurs are
not stupid (at least not all of us. anyway).
We can see through this silk purse for
what It is— the ear of a swine ► We do not
buy for one minute that there are an ex-
cess of "unused Amateur Service fre-
quencies/' Your promise of "secondary
use" is laughable. If you're getting letters
from amateurs who want this kind of "reg-
ulatory relief/' tell them to buy their way
onto the land/mobile service or whatever
service is appropriate to their intended
use. if you feel that business interests
need more frequencies, give 'em some of
that 200 megahertz of excess U.S. Gov-
ernment allocation that isn't being used. If
they feel like ordering a pizza, tell them to
use the phone.
Why is it that every time the FCC runs up
against a small group of boneheads in am-
ateur radio— whether it's the BARF idiots,
t h e 1 1 1 egal p hone-patcher s , or just a b u n c h
of hams who have forgotten what amateur
radio Is supposed to be all about— why is it
that the FCC always tries to wash their
hands of the problem by giving away a
piece of amateur radio's heritage^ instead
of what they should be doing with our tax
dollars . .stringently en fore ing the rules?
I'm sick and tired of the FCC using the
''no money" excuse for not doing their
jobs. Money is tight everywhere p boys. It
means you have to fi nd ways to do you r jo b
better. It doesn't mean you can simply
write off an entire area of responsibility by
rewriting the rules to make a problem dis-
appear. If 1 did that, I'd lose my job. When a
U.S. Government employee or agency
does Itf it Is nothing short of theft. You're
stealing my lax money, and it really ticks
me off[ If you are unable to do the jobs the
American people are paying you to
do. . . quit! Get the hell out of the way and
let someone who knows how to run a busi-
ness in there. Just stop crying to us about
how little money you have and how short-
staffed you are.
To those of you who have requested this
kind of a rule change, I ask that you sit
down tor 10 minutes and ask yourself . . .
is ordering a pizza over your repeater
worth the raping of amateur radio? If you
still think this Is a good idea, drop me a line
and ril send you your reward— 30 pieces
of silver.
ARRL Up To Their Old Tricks
When the FCC decided it couldn't deal
with licensing the Amateur Radio Service
anymore (once again, abdicating their re-
sponsibility with the feeble "no money"
excuse), the ARRL saw its chance to grab
some more power and coyly offered to
handle the licensing for them. The FCC
said sure, but you can't have a monopoly.
The ARRL then said, "Forget it—if we
ain't the only game in town, we don't want
to play/'
Well, we all know how things turned out
VECs popped up all over the country, and
the ARRL had to swallow its oversized
pride and enter the arena as one of many
VECs.
A few years ago, it was suggested that
special callsign requests could be han-
dled in much the same way. A private or*
ganization could do all the work of passing
out callsigns, and the FCC wouldn't have
to bother their over- worked and under-
funded heads about it. Again, the geriatric
gulag at the ARRL saw the chance to grab
a little power. "We'll do it[ We'll provide
this service for amateur radio. Aren't we
just the most nicest » altruistic and caring
organization ever? Oh, by the way, one
smalls insignificant point. Ws want the ex-
clusive right to do this."
The FGC told the League to stick It.
They suggested that If amateurs wanted
special callsign allocation, a system simi-
lar to the VEC program could be set up,
but the ARRL was not going to gel the
exclusive. You guessed it. The ARRL
backed out, making It seem like the FCC
was the bad guy for not letting the nice and
only-thinking-of-us-hams ARRL give you a
caElslgn with your initials in it
Well folks, the Gerltol set at the ARRL
have done it again, only this time they
were a lot sneakier about it. Incorporated
into the wording of MR 1 674, the " ' Federal
Communications Commission Authoriza-
tion Act of 1 991 /' was the following:
The Commissm for purposes of provid-
ing specialized, radio ctub, and fnliltBiy-
recr&ation cat! signs, may utilize the volun-
tary ^nd ufiGomp^nsated services of an
incorporated association of amateur radio
operators with more than 100,000 dues
paying members representing all States
which has B tax-exempt status under Sec-
tion sot (c)(3) of the internal Revenue
Code^
Gee, what organization does that sound
like to you?
Luckily, Fred Mai a W5Y1 got wind of this
tiehind-ihe-soenes power grab and con-
tacted the House Committee overseeing
the legislation. The wording was changed
to let any amateur radio organization au-
thorized by the FCC act as a special cail-
sign provider.
There are hvo issues at work here. The
first is the sneaky way the ARRL got the
original wording into the bilE without the
amateur community ever knowing, I
thought the League was "of^ by, and for
the radio amateur."
Of course, the ARRL often forgets that
they DO NOT represent the interests of
the majority of hams in this country, The
majority of licensed amateurs in this coun-
try are not members of the League. This is
unfortunate, because amateur radio des-
perately needs a national lobbying organi-
zation. What the League leadership has
become is an ineffective, self -perpetuat-
ing group of old men who lost their ideals
years ago. The ARRL's sole reason for
being has become of, by and for the
ARRL. Is it any wonder that the majority of
hams in this country have chosen not to
join this joke of an organization?
The biggest crime is that there is no al-
ternative organization, and neither should
ttiere be. The ARRL is, for t>0tter or worse,
THE national amateur radio organization.
This blatant power grab only goes to fur-
ther prove how ineffective those old men
are. I only hope that by the time all the
self-servtng and lifeless old farts who pull
the strings at the League die off, there is
an Amateur Radio Service still around to
protect.
(Note to League officials who take of-
fense at the above statements; Like my
mother always said when she would yell at
all four of her sons for something only one
or two of us were responsible for, "If you
did n 't d 0 anythi n g wrong , the n t ' m not taJ k-
ing to you/' Of course, the question al-
ways remains, if you didn't do anything
wrong, why do you feel that I AM talking
about you?)
(Wote to readers who want to write me
nasty letters and accuse me of "bashing''
the League: This is America, and in Ameri-
ca we are allowed to speak out when we
feel something is wrong with our govern-
ment. The ARRL is setting themselves up
as the "government" of U.S. amateur ra-
dio. If you would like to debate the issues
BB 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
EVERY ISSUE
of 73
on microfiche!
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involving meptUyde and lack of leadership
at the ARRL, I would be glad to hear from
you. [f you are one of [hose people who
thinks we shouid sliu! up and be graieful
tor the benevolent wisdom of ihose who
are mismanaging our aflaifs, then please,
ke^p your letters lo yourself ,)
The second issue that this whole affair
brings up Is . do we r^lly want anyone
other Ihan the FCC handing out ca!lsigf>s?
t don't. If we want to change the current
system ^n6 atlow for the issuing of expired
and special caFistgns, iht people who are
btkHQ paid to do tt are the fCC. If^ead of
writing a rule that gives ft>e raaporaibifity
10 someone elte^ why doesn't the FCC
write a rule it^t allows them to cliarge a
fee for the extra work involved in adminiS'
Irating such a program (though, why
etwcicing the datatiase to see whether or
not WlE}C i$ cuTrently assigned should
cost anything is t>syond me)^ Most states
offer custom license plates. ar>d they
cf^arge a premium for ttve privilege. So
Why doesn't the FCC charge 50 bucks for
licensing and renewing special callstgns?
This wouJd more than pay for the few sec-
onds o1 ettort involved in ikying the call-
sign, and the rest could be put inio the
FCC enfof cement budget, Ot course, then
they wouldn't have any excuses for not
do^ng fjbaf part of their job.
Btoadcaating
Let's Stan this section with a few basic
assumptions. Assumption number one is
Ihat the ARRL is a broadcaster, and they
make these broadcasts with the express
permission and blessing of the FCC. They
can even pay someone to operate the sta-
tion during broadcasts. This Is all fine, and
well ar>d perfectly legal.
Let us also assume that other peqDie who
broadcast on the amateur bands, such as
K1MAN"s endless propaganda, and the
"Newsline"' show I've heard a few times,
and any other group out there who puts a
ham radio news show on the amateur
bands are operating under the same provi*
S!on of the FCC ailes, arid as long as they
operate within the regulations, evef^hlng
is hunkey-dorey and nobody gets a "No-
lice of Forfeiture"' from our pats at the FCC.
Lei us also assume, because hams all
O^ifer Itie country have adamantly voiced
th^ opinion to me (though J certainly would
nevef say sucfi a thing), that Glenn Baxtar
K1MAN is one of the biggest fK>rse's be-
hinds in am^teuf radio ^ I hate to give little
people like Baxtef more pubJiaty by notic-
ing them, but this cun^nt crop ot comedy
fifom what locals have called "Maine's i^
emt>arrassment" is just too funny lo let by
vinthout comment.
Baxter is currently fighting a S1 500 fin«.
He was accused of starting one of his
broadcasts on lop of a 030 in progress,
as we^i as some other stuff having to do
with using the amateur bafids to conduct
business (gee, I wonder if he and Mr.
Haller are biiddies) and broadcast ir>g to
non-amateurs. Baxter's defense is that
the ARRL do^ If, SO it's OK for him to do
it (Baxter goes on tor page after page,
t>ut this is his premise in a nutshell). As
long as he publishes his broadcast
schedule and announces on the frequen-
cy that his broadcast is about to start, he
thinks he's fol [owing FCC r^ulations to
the letter.
Wrongl As my mother used to say (I hate
to keep bringing my mother into this, but
as often happens in life, when you're
faced with a jackass, mom's brand of com-
mon sense is just the ticket). '"Two wrongs
don't make a right." Just because the
League breaks the law by not checking to
see if a fre<iuency is in use. it doesn't
mean thai Glenn ''all mike and no speak-
er" Baxter can do it, too. Glenn. . .rent a
brain, buddy. You're wrong, and so is the
League.
i have read and reread the FCC nils
book. carefuFiy going over the regulations
that permit very spedric types of broad-
casting. Nowhere in those regulations
does ft give those wfio broadcast the right
to break any other FCC regulations. In-
duding the ru^es regarding control opera-
tors, good amateur practice, arvd not caus-
ing willful interfarefK^, Tfiose rules are
stiH in effect, and the League, Baxter, and
anyone eise who wants to broadcast ama-
teur bulletir^ shoiikj keep that in mind.
Baxter also claims that ARRL 5 wpm
code practice is obviously aimed at
non-amateurs, so it must be OK for him
to dtrect broadcasts ro SWLs and other
non-amateurs Well Glef»n. that razmV
edge mind of yours has neglected one
small paragraph rn Pari 97. Specifrcatly,
97. 1 11 (bX5) wh^h stales:
In addition to oneway trafismisshns
specffic&tfy aiifhorii0d etsewhem in this
P3it, anamBteur station may transmit the
foihwing types of one-way communica-
Uons: (S) Tran$fni$Sfons necessary to as-
sisting persons fearning. or improving pro-
ficiency in, tha iniemationai Morse code.
Did you read that? tt specifically says
"learning/' The ARRL is weli within the
iaw in broadcasting 5 wpm code practice,
and I support the League 100% In this
endeavor. It's or»e of the few programs
that the League has enacted that is of a
direct benefit to amateur radio. So, why is
Baxter bashing the League? Do you think
perhaps he had a slight problem with
^'Reading Comprehension lOV in
scfioot?
Glenn, pick up your ego and pay ihe
damned fine. If you Y& not going lo piay by
the rutes, don't play at all. tf you dont like
the rules tf^ere are simple ways to suggest
changes, bvt this ego^ratifying nonsense
is getting you (and amateur radio in gerver*
al) nowhere, tt is only making us rrwre ef>e-
m»^ at the FCC-
Tile Baxter t>roadcasts tha! f have moni-
tored have spent more time talking about
Baxter himself than any other subject.
Maybe I Hioiiel tieed the advice of those
w!k) tell me to just ignore this . . . er . . .
guy. I've been lold that his incessant
babble oniy digs his own grave, because
the more he talks, the bigger an idiot fit
appears to be (i don't waste my time listerv
Ing to enough of iiim broadcasts to know,
but this te what fve been told time and
again from hams all across the c&untry).
The biggest favor Baxter coukj do ama-
teur radso, and himself, is lo shut up and
go away. It appears that aJI he's doing is
serving his own ends* not those of ama'
teuf radio, and judging from the hundeds
of hams I've spoken with over the past tew
months , the vast majority of am ateur rad io
operators are getting tired of listening to
him,
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64
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73 Amateur Radio Today * December, 1991 91
Number 30 on your Feedback card
ARTER 'N' BUY
Tqm your Old ham afKJ computer gear into cash now Stira. you can wait for a hamfesi to
Iry and dump it, but you know you'll gel a far more maJistic price if you l>ave it out where
lOO.OCXJ active ham pcleniiial buyefs can see ii than the few hyodred local shams who come
by a flea market labia,
Jh^ 73 Ftea Matkei , Barter 'r\* Buy, costs you peanuts (almostK-comes lo 35<^ a wor^ *or
jndMduaHnonJximmerciai) ads arid $ t 00 a ii^ord for t^smm^rcial ads Qon'i pian on tellir>§ a
bog story U^ atilifQirmtions, cram it in Bui be honest. There are plenty ol bams who lova
to fiK thir>p. so if it dMsn't work, say 90
Make your lisl. couni trie wetds. inctudmg youf call, address and phone number. Include
A check or your credil card number arid expiration. \\ you're plaring a cornmerciel ed.
in^ude em «bdditi(7r^ phone numi>er, separate frcmi your ad
Send ^i>uf ^^ and payrioefit io the Barter 'ji 'Suy. Sue Co4beft. Forest Road, Hancock NH
0344d ai^ pef sei Ay e/ie f»/)one c«/£s .
OeidlknifQfthtlbfCh
itJwul. 1992.
tUUi FlAOtO REPAER CEKTER, qutfly ttorlanan'
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Also rqisaif HF arr^iers AZ Oed^onc R«f>aif ,
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WANTED: Yaeai rr.23fi-HT »nd pr»-t9e& ffli-
crocompaters lor muavuiii. ICK4WW. (7tk3) 231-
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H^^f WEWtl NEWl MEWtr SPCAX TO THE
WORLD Amaieuf ractio iar^guagt ou«d« •Written
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HQIiE-BREW PROJECTS lists fof S^ S£ Ken-
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QSL CARDS- Look good with top quaJ^ty pnntEng.
Choose standard designs or fully customized
cards Request Iree brochure, samples (stamps
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WEST, ARRL coda tapes, Mor^ tulor for C 64,
f 2S.0D. Call Bill N t JOF (603) 434 -6497. BMBS&5
REVOLUTIONARY HYBRID AERIAL WIRE; 16B^
strand copper "FLEK-WEAVE'^ Tm, 114, slronQ,
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SI .00. DAVIS RF Co.. P 0. Box 230-3, Carlisle
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4002, fl*t. 1356 Bwe557
QUAD FIVE BAND $269.00 lightning bdt an^
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IN DALLAS SINCE 19§0 We tflature Kenwood,
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TRANSISTORS RF FOR SALE: MRF454,
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SEIZED GOODS, radios, steret^s, computers,
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GIAMT SOLAR PANELS $44.00 thl Ex!slBnt
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BUILD YOUR OWN WIRE ANTENNAS, parts,
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WANTED: OAIWA CNW'3191I anienna tunef. Of
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WANTED: YAESU 726fi Pfefer 2m-6m-450 FM,
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WANTED: Hame^ulpm«nt dF>d other property^
The Radio Club of Junior High School 22 NYC.
Itic, iaa nonprolltorganizalion, granted 501(0^3)
BtaltiB by Ih^ IRS, irvcorporaied with the goal ol
using I ha themo of ham radio lo further and en-
hance the education of young people nalionwide
Your properly donation or financial support would
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fecelpt for your tax deduciible conlribution.
Please look ov^r wrfiaiever un^wanied equipment
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1100 UTC on 7-236 MHz The '^ dew" *ould
|jl<e lo wish all our friends and supporters a won-
derful holiday and super New Year Write us at:
T^e RC ol JHS ^ N YC. I NC . , P O . Box 1 052 , New
Yofli NY 10002- Round the clock HOTLINES:
Voice \^\ 6) 674-4072. FAX (5 1 6) 674-9600
BN&7e2
HELPI H&AAN wll be rirfeued trom prison in
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92 73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1991
Number 31 on your Feedback card
ROPA GA TION
Jim Gray WlXU
P.O. Box 1079
RaysonAZ$564t
A Few Good to Fair Days
December is another of the "dol-
drum'' months on the HF bands, but
there are some real advantages as
well: The bands are generally quietn
with atmospheric noise from thunder-
storms at a minimum. This means that
160 and 80 meters, along with 40 and
some higher bands, ought to be good
for both local and DX work. The
higher frequency bands from
20 through 1 0 meters will either
close before dark, or not be
open much during the day un-
der the worst conditions.
December is the month
halfway between the equinox-
es, and like June, ^t doesn't of-
fer much HF opportunity on the
10, 12, and 17 meter bands.
However, there wiff be some
good days during the month as
well as poor ones.
Expect the poorest condi-
tions around the first day or two
of the month, and again during
the week of the 11th througli
the 18th. The remaining days
can be good to fair, as shown
on the calendar and time-band-
country chart. On VHF there
may be some cold-front propa-
gation along boundaries of air
masses having different densi-
ties and temperatures. Some-
tjmes a weather map can be
helpful in deciding where to
point the 2 meter beam. Don't
expect any 6 meter openings
this month.
As i write (in August), the so-
lar flux is UP again (surprise,
surprise) between 250 and
300, and the A and K indexes
are low. Hey, Sol. tiiis is sup-
posed to be the DOWN side of
your cycte! What gives? To
paraphrase an old saying: "A
flare every day keeps the hams
away." It has been true all
year. So. keep your ears open
Jim Gray WIXU
for WWV at 18 minutes past each hour
for an update of conditions, and a fore-
cast for the following 24 hours. . .plus
a synopsis of the past 24 hours. Great
service, that!
A partial eclipse of the moon wiil tai<e
place on December 21, and can be
seen in Iceland and Greenland, the
arctic regions, the N.W. of S. America,
N. America, the Pacific Ocean, Aus-
tralia except for the extreme west, Asia
except for the S.W., and extreme
northern Europe,
EASTERN UNITED STATES TO:
QMT: 00 Q2 04 06 [» 10 -ES M ^{^ ^& HQ, 22
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DECEMBER 1991
SUtSf M01SI TUE WED THU FR1 SAT
1
P-F
2
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3
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4
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5
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6
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7
F-G
8
G
9
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10
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11 1
F-P,
12
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13
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14
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15
p
16
p
17
p
18
p
19
P-F
20
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21
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22
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26
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27
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28
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29
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30
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31
G
HIGH PERFORMANCE
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CJRCLE 29 1 ON READER SERVICE QARO
73 Amateur Radio Today • December, 1 991 93
Oil©
WDi]
REFERENCE
30N10I Iv«ffyday Electronic* Dit« Wook i>y Mike TiM^wy 04. fnfo
lUPtiuD ts pfCMTiikiJ \i\\\k If^nii k^l 4 Nmi ck'tlTMnK: recipe Ixw^ wlih numcr-
au^ eutnfiln stHtwtni; Nik iht-iHy en be pul tnti> (iradxt uung Ji nuift ol
ccHmiHin^y m viiUblir ' tnJiiitry utindlinl' wmpiwiefits afwl doicei. 256 pp. 1 34
Ibcdnwiiiig^ $1^,40
2UK[02 Pnclktl Coital EWclfDnkt Handbodfc ib MiAf Toe^ a»-
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nifeiciicf itei, UmulDua diptd cmtitls. Jpfic fMc^, N^ublcs nd inoors,
iiKZTqinKeiMira. mcrnqfy gjd ■ytf/fltfan 4Jk^K«». b^riire iDOkni if de
RS-21H: uvotKC Jod the IE££-ISS mA IEEE - 1 0QD micfxipcfKesKin tnucs
JOSlp^.. lC0liiiciirmw«^. III.SO
20N I0> Bectronlc Power Supply HamXboOh ^ tarn A. 5wf£i2Dr cin«n
iDin> T> fie^ 01 a^ia- biuertn^, w ' .^vrk, iwndi tnaic sqifriies
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IB tkiMl., ^''^'^ *^'^ *^^^''^ '^ hMcrio i»! f timlii^ h^ «a) tif rcctilied
nude rr^Ldon^ DC- EXT cixiv'fflcn awl Hiifffen 1 44 pp.. 9(1 Isk dnw-
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puitk ki doLtioiuc Ic^ c\|uififiKni li>f iJK rfij^tmj. tfvllffiKBA^ AiAdt Ifid
IhomfOibiBcisiE. ht)iHiiJcia.practitjd jcunJcutwiijcl) uvtt dtemnci latDii^
^cmi aaj ifeie iccta&qijei of nnptfni J «v^ raofc erf p^
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numbcft^^ Aif Fome Onej'Ti**, n»ie 576 pp %19. 5^
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AR 10)^ The DXCC Companion t^f Ji
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ARr250ljO9 Book-SpTTitC"^
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AR2I9T Data Book Va^fale aid to the RF desifR
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Aft^9fiCi' Transfnlsswfi Line Transfonnef^ (2nd
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AR(M 10 Vagi Antenna Design OriginaOy puMishcd
m 1 serte^i^ in //iivn /iWiii? . palishoJ and expanded hj Df .
Liwson. $15.00
AR(M37 ARRL Repeater mrectory 1991-1992
AlitKtsl IS.QOI) iivtjng'^ with over 2200 dJELtpcjEcra.
Bond plam, CfCSS (PL'^ lone Chan. campiJation of
frf cpencv t:oQridina[Qr?i^ ARRL Special Service Clutis.
oml^iOaWmi li^tin^s fmm t4MH2 tD24GK£ $6.00
20 M) I H Technician Clasa License Manual; New
N opcode hy Oofd&n We^s Thi.s buok will LOvcr
everything ycjy nci-d in bccumc j9 Technician C]a:<iS
Hjim, Every cxdcl qucii^lion and iinNwer on th? ^itainiDa'
liorvt ii rpund in this one hxiok covering cEcmcnE 2 siiMi
clennctif 3 A quchttLin ptwk. Gundun Wtbl tells yrHJ the
riglit iiAiwcr and tlie:n cxpliiin^ ir detail u^'hy ih£r artii.Vi'cr
istroftttt. Full J iliyi^truied (exi, fremjency c^n :f,hQw
In^ pn V) tc^ . I i^ of ei^anitJiers and an FCC Fomi t \ 0
i|;jfilkalitin.$9,95
20NOt9 l/.S, Repeater Mapbook »v Wcf/iain
SMdi S^MQS The Guidi' fur iravelLng radio diru-
(euHi f ivc^ yuMj nrpcaEc^ lrcqiuencie&. and tiKanofls on
ei&y lo read djic map, Inclttdes all 30 scales , and 23-
BOOKS FOR BEGINNERS
0IB&5 The Beginrwr'i Handbook ot Amateur
flitfO— 2n^ Edttonfrr Oirr teicrr Cymh<Tv« iIk»>
md pr^L'tKe in mo c^vHo^iutdcnund fiivnrv^. iiid pn>^
vides iniMniBCim for diqctfii^ ani iiHLaJlirk]^ tsdM rr-
EtiY'Ent and iranainiiiBi, -MifciMMik. traBiini»inci Imei,
4CDpip»^29l lihittniivii SIS^
mnm T9w Wonderhil World Of Ham Radio ^
aukitfii Skaimk, kB4l€S Jhkk tuoL mkitrv^ ihe
pJlaiibiA ^.tmcthinj; ^mplc. clar^aodfiiBtx wruesta
tofodBPe yousf fnople lo jwimm ntfia. Pkfc-apeoe
tor ifce ac» kaot ia iwr Id^ ST3S
2f)^i9p9 Digiial Bactrontcs froyccts lor Sapct-
nera ^ {J^rm llfffciy ewunh 12 difijlil eieaniaiiii
pfT^ccts mkifaie fordvbe|Wier|icjbttdd«ithibeniiAi-
mumofcquEpmcnt f2Kpp .56liiK-«tra[«binfi. SU-^
ZONIOO Elecbnonka Byik) and Laarn [2nd edi-
tion] br HA t*m/oti amt^ne* i^avj and prjdice mi
^idl viKi can 'feiuii in AimL' Fvlf nmaCrtKtKift deuitv
ofi dnud deniQiisitAir unit ilis a ncd in ^bKs|ueiif
chif4ci^ ii^ idanak^v *'*"'"**"* cJfictnmc coD^poBCiai.
t>e»cribt) how dicse ujiii|MiuibaiT fanii Bprnume-
M ciitiuKii^ osciliiars, nmtdviHaBfSs btsobles. and
bfc CH^cisli. IZS pp., IS fiMJtm, 71 Boe dnwii^,
AR207^ NoviEe Antecma Noieboak A bcgimEj^
fuide loeviy adcffecmc «^g™^^ xnl umer^ you can
tmid fa.O(i ^nAKRLPuNicdxit
AR^fTl WiFB'a Help lor Hew Hatm h Oimg
DiMs* *tfB Cofflftelc fof *e aniTHimcr Pui lo.
fOttet a djaiDii md fcs en dk an l]0.<n .^n ARJ^L
PIlDllldUOBi.
Alt2386 Rnt Steps in Radio i^ Dvvg OrAld*
H'/fB Sene dT QSlis^da. See ciBD|Knaas ssseid-
bled ittD pfviif^ drniiEs Ad laav ibc drcuil^ make 1^
jfMitt^ofSM. %SM An ARRL PU^icatiPfi-
AR3171 HInis and Kin|(a Find ihc msw^ lo that
tricky prutJlcm. LdCiU. U» «*ritm^ up yimr gcaj" for
comlatiiile.eflkiailoperiitHiii fil.oo
AR3169 QRP Clasaks Ciilkt^iim nf tnicki imm
last 15 yean oC ARRL pubtic:jUKin» im build pji| rrceiv-
ef^. iranvmittert. trumoeivcr. aoreuiiirie^. 2S8 pp
SI2.0D
AftRL UeerHia Uanuafa All ihc thcnry you ntsed t»
pi^yoiiriesi Compiete FCC i|ue<Hii» pooli wilk an-
AR103G Yoirr Gateway to Packet Radio {2nd ed .\
Tells cvcrylhini; yuu nceJ (*.» ikJUJ* jKhjI tiuk jv*}^iiIji
Dtrtt mode; howtogelstaned, equiprncnt you need, and
imHe. 112,00
AR2103 SatelIKe Anthology The imai mfonruuKHi
gii OSCAR.^ 9 liimu^ 1 1 as well ss ttE RS uiellile».
Infnnmiion on the u&eijf dignal nxidcs, IracLinf; anlen-
ruu, RUDAK. nuauccniiputrr, and mnl If.lNI
Afti-175 Tecfinkian Cl
AR23» General Oasa
Alto 166 Advancad Ctaaa
ARI391 Extra
16.00
ARJllt5 The Sitallite Expehmenter'i Hand-
book, (2"'1 ^d j ft IfoAiB IMtidtt/f UVBC
Frp— rtrrt icd. thu^ndodam of "ThcSaiet*
Nfc EjqKnmenier i Kaodbool*' ii yvur fttide ki yo^nf
ind ikafMni Miell^C*. focv^nf on ihoic huik b^
aad fcur chc intemaiKirEil radxi Anauid^ njOHBaiy.
AROiTT Low Sand Oilng Htm ¥> meel die cbal-
lP|^ol*edtliea«ai lonai^^of Ifid. M.aiid40ncief
iSslFW inl*Tnt^. fl^BtpnciM, lad
SMJI
AR24)6fCC fWe 8o6k [ttb ed. } A TiBid for Fvcry
miiw ra^D Hiileur 19.09
CODE TAPES
\R2S9fi Space Almanac ht .AmthtMi^ ft. Caf^
KJKXK Captures ihc brtaibuLii^g fwent ncwi fmn
kpHX IntltHki arfanniacni on Aismeur Radio sKl-
fiiB. Find liiiKi^ n^TTthinf about mtft'i tfip to Ibe
stat^ 960pp fM.M
ARJdKl Ocn^ieie DtTer {Znd ad.) kfBa^Ud^
WfKNi Lean Iw b hunt DX aid obmn tetd^o-fct
Q5Landi.$llJi
AR20id ARRL Antenna Book Tte k« I6di editwa
jtpiiUiEiJU lile bcn aad ibqii b^i^ w^gmlfd talonna-
s^pL aad CDBfliKtioe of wire aijuuuv Oct TOO
pa^es^oi^rOODflppEiu AnARRLPLibljc^iQA S20.W
AR3293 Worse CotJe: The Essential Language
bf L Feter Cmefmtjr* ff7DA~V' Tl^? beeaexpiaikiJ ^Ehj
rcviied tn 05 2iid fl^inn Retc.'' Cirrofi diti^ ib fMCf-
ksiory a^ '^r^^ ^ iiianii; prviiol lanmig id-
Readn^ will Ism bam to hmdk: djairta&
atkktvdsaaatv fm6ii hiiid:iiad& but on numuw
ma ajfoia IhipeikA Ccfnn^ 149 K wbcm^.
Alt AfifiLP^&^kn. S«.0O
i§Kt pf%»pif 4trr labkr if -Ajf* J'^J'nMjf^ **< -Vrnnfr iVTi*^r i^hnWi^ ir" J'Atw t^rtr haun tac^ i-m Gene^u iumi The SiKiirr
F^spfr ti^ ^ w r^vfn iv^ <4 irtArr n Jf r p vnwi ^ykl tbii iwtr Jbn Aejt^b m afifft. Gmttg ^m jN4#r Oivjulf '' A i alMu hnr
Uir thr Sact Rifutrw .trail »« 'tl tv thftr ht^.te mtt luilt* tt 4 nvrA %/mMiddaiL Warmmg, Shijim cade nbmnt invundiiw
appmn ttr amff trrtpamiitf. trrrrtrxibtf. fffimtmrKt Srmn Jamajfr tmie Wajmr acnptt 4fr ft^ffKnatiHifn wuhtfffvtr fgr
75T06 "TheSticfcier^* iS.«
64 wpii)— This is die pfictke lape ibr those who mr-
vived the 5 v^pm tape, and it's also the tape for die
Novke and Tecbciict3i> licenses It is compmied of one
solid hot^r ofc^CHje- Chantcter^ are ^nt at I !!^ lAipm anti
spstc&d at ^ wpin. Code griHipst arr crbEirrly mfkkim
dunvncni sent in grmips u( Hvr— de fEititjely not meino-
uros "Ganaato" iSM
5 ttpOi — Thi&. IS ihg bei^iniiinjjf tape, t^iing you through
the 26 Ictlen, 10 num^ni, and nci:c\S.]ry punctiuatioil^
ccmiptetf With pnictK;^ t\trf lacp id ihc wiiy The
tasc of teaming, gn^^ ccnfidcttce even to the faml of
heaft,
73T13 ^' Back Breaker" $5.95
I J + «fpm— Cijdc gn HI p'i J y J I ri , JL ,1 li riiik I iJ f wpm io
yt»u1l be really at ease wten you p>il iktwn in frtjnf nf a
i4ecly-cy^ iiubniccr ciwrnintM' whti stanji M:ndin]j you
plain lungua^ fitnk Jl only 11 pet. Vdull n^cd EhU
extra mnrgtn En overtofne ihc sibcer pantw universal in
most EeM Mtuttitansi. You've t;i>rt]clhi.N fur. .sstdsm't jjet
73T20 '^Courageous" $S,95
^4- wpm— CangTBiLilatlon&l Okay, the f^halEengc of
code u» whal^$ gotten you this far, ^ deHn't quit wiw. (ju
fcjr the extra class license We send Ehc code faitter than
20 [KJ. It'.s like wearing lead wi'ighE^ 4>ri y(,>ur fecrl: when
you run: You'll wonder why i he eitdin titer is sutuhiig Ml
itIowEy!
Uncle Wayne's Bookshelf Order Form
' You may order by mail, telephone, or fax. All payments are lo be
I in US funds. Allow 3 weeks for delivery.
I
I
I
I
Item^
1
■
Title
Qty.
Price
Total
SHIPPING
TOTAL
SHIPPING
U.S. add U.OO maiL $4.00 UPS.
Can^aaddM.DOmail.
If .P.S. to Canada and all foreign orden FOB Peterborougfi, MH
Nam©
Street
City-
state
Zip
TOTAL $
Card #
□AE DMC nVISA DChoCk/Mon^y Order
Fypjratinn Date
T^epKorid: (603) 924^1 96 (BOO) 234-^458 FAX: (603) 924-361 3
■ Mail: 73 Magazine. Attn Uncle Wayne, PO Box 3080. PetertXHOugh. NH 03458
UW129T
AUNCO
ELECTRONICS INC.
DR-1 1 0
DR-570
Si*-*.
DJ-120T
DR-590
DR-1 12
DJ-1 60T
STANDARD
klahoma
ofntn
enter
\
^T ^™ ^i
95- 9! «S?
l!Xt^4^Tr
DJ-460T
HV
EH
YAESU TEN-TEC
rfconcepts ARRL PC Electronics
IL/'OM Lnrsen flntennos Ameco
Outbacker Antennas
viSt^
cushcraft
C D « P 1.1 fi * ' i1 fi
W5YI
Nye-Viking KantroniCS M^ ENTERPRISES
Ramsey Kits telex bjfuiiffi Bug Catcher COMET
SPECIAL
SPECIAL
CALL
CALL TOLL
For This Month's Special-Buy
Some Quantities Are Limited
800-70K-HAMS
800-765-4267
(C)k/a/foma
(Renter
FREE SHIPPING UPS SURFACE (except towers/antennas)
Oklahoma Comm Center owned and operatedi ngt ifliliM^d with any oth
9500 Cedar Lake Ave., Suite 100
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 731 14
Local & Info (405) 478-2866 FAX (405) 478-4202 ^^"'^s of Operation
3S C.O.D.
M-F 10-6
Sat 10 3
FT-411E/
11/911
ompact FM Handhelds
ie lightweight and compact
-41 1 E offen* superb operating
onvenience and an incredible
~"y of features. Such a.s,
liuk'iHMdi'rit \ f
kiill ill f ^
/kltJUUl
• M Battery Savifi^Safiipling Rate^
• ITT/Keypad I.iH:k
• Indudt s: CSC-35 Vinvl Case,
NC-28B 1 17 VAC WallChareen
Belt Clip and FNB-!7Ni-Cad
Battery
t;jnHinvFNB-12S
{5 Waits J Batterv, MH-1 2A2B
Speaken'Mic. MH-I9A2B Mint
Earpiece/Mic. MH-18A2B
fcapel Speaker and LCC*25
tCusiom Leather Case.
^^ SpedfTCBtions
-^•p^tqutncv RiM RX: 130-174
MHzTX: l44^148MHziFr-41 1 E):
f 430^50 MHz f FT-8 II >; 1 240-
ll30CJMHz^FT^9ljJ
>iie-T uKnall
1^
taS
.*to
ISO'
*l*5<^
ji.(g9
I
Performance without compromise:
IVrtwrOutput: W/FNB-17: 2.5 Watts
{ FT-4 1 1 E): 2 .0 Watts { FT-8 1 1 K 1 .0 Watt
lFT-91 1 )- W/ FNB I2S: 5.0 Watts
(FT-41 1 E): 5.0 Watts (FT-8I I):
I.0\V^:m(FT-9ll)
( hanndSteps: 5. 10. l2.5.20&25kH2
CitseSi/t: 2.2W)x5.0(H>s l.3(D)iii.
Wtifiht ( Appn)\. I: 1 iA oz. ( FT-4 HE):
13.4 oz.fFT*8Ih:l5.2 oz.iFT-9lh
FT-470
Compact Dual Band
2m/70cm
FM Transceiver
Compact . . .Powerful Eainomically
Priced. The FT-470 pro\ ides true"
Dual Band Operation so you can trans-
mil on one band while monitoring or
scanning on the other band.
Plus these features:
• 42Meriiories
|2lndepem1ent \ H>s
^ lUiih' ncode/I) it' J
KAii?^^rnuicP*mert>ff(AP^>^
I Pniiiniiiimable Channel Meps
' Biuklil Kc> pad and Display
s h^"^* inorv \utO'T>taIer
' Ui itaUrrv Sin in mpiini; K^ites
i^n/Kt'vnadl
I CSC^43 Vinyl Case, NC-28B
/VAC Wall Charger Belt Clip and
FNB-l7Ni^Cad Battery.
► FNB-I2S
f .*i Wiitts) Battery, MH-l 2A2B
Speaker/Mic. MH^]9A2BMini Ear-
piece/Mic. MH-18A2B Label Speaker
and LCC-27 Custom Leather Case.
Specifications
i RX:I3C^I80MH2.
^X: !44-l4KMH/jVHFK430^50
MH/(LHF)
g W/FNB-17: 2.3 Wails
f 144 & 43U MHz) - W/FNB-1 2s:
5.0Watts(l44&430iMHz)
I 5 JO, 1 2.5, 20& 25 kHz
2.2<W)x6,0(H)xL3<D)in,
14,8 oz.
; 1390 V^ffsu USA
C«mros, CA9O70T
cttange without notice
SmclficilKms ttiarameeo
On»>V08r Limited Wtefsnty on 3S\ fkoaa^a Radki Pmducts
HamWindows™ is an all new con-
cept in the world of Amateur Radio.
Tliis pro-
^^^^^^^^^m gram pulls
together
eight full cplQr "windows' includ-
ing transceiver control, station log,
world almanac, awards tracking,
SWL data base, greyline maps,
regional world maps, and packet
TNC control .
greyline and regional maps put the
world at
-Arr "-ti-t -^1
■w:
J
M.*r
♦.-.-^■if
1 r: '4 •■ I ■ ■
f ti- rJj ^ : :
1 1 — ft n uT-* '
4^U
TTTT
LI :i::^:
■•■I I
L-i •.\l:t
'-I •.II-::'
. L 11-11
1-1 ;*<":t
.-.I >Li.kk.
TlJi !:..:rli-
H1.K1.
T!i7I HiM ■
?w ^ai -L» ii»i
'E.H »
:£^
more about the countries you con-
tact, and then add the QSO to
the logging program. You'll auto-
matically track contacts for the
DXCC award. The SWL data base
lists thousands of frequencies and
schedules
from over
9,000
broadcast
stations.
And the
JWrv f-UKSxt\ie:,¥ui.
m i-^l.-.
N4(A.^ [v4iiiBiL<n:>-
JXl
'iJ
your finger-
tips. With
the proper
interface
you can
even control
your Kenwood HF transceiver.
HamWindows^"" is the one pro-
gram every amateur or shortwave
listener needs. See your Kenwood
dealer for system requirements and
more information.
Using a mouse to "point and
click" HamWindows'"' lets you
see the world your transceiver
hears. Use the almanac to learn
KENWOOD
. ..pacesetter in Amateur Radio
KENWOOD U.S.A. CORFORATfONcOMMUNicATtoNSi test equipment group
P.O. 60X22745,2201 E. Dominguez Street, Long Beach, CA 90301-5745
©Copyright 1991 Kenwood USA Corporation All rights reserved.
HamWindows is atrademarl< ot California Software^ Inc.
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