20031122.qrp v03_n112.qrl.20031122 Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 19:03:07 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3112 QRP-L Digest 3112 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [161671] [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K1- lower price by Bruce Grubbs 2) [161672] Re:Curtis keyer by Fran Flynn 3) [161673] Re: Aurora by "Michael C. Boatright" 4) [161674] Want K1, have TT509 as part trade by "NZ8J" 5) [161675] re: Meteor Scatter? by "Dale Parfitt" 6) [161676] Frequency measurement by Karl Larsen 7) [161677] Sunday Morning SSB/CW QRP Net by "Ken La Rose" 8) [161678] Vacation over! by WAYNE SMITH 9) [161679] Quiet Laptop PSU? by "Deni" 10) [161680] FT: Collins 51j4 by "Pastor-kc1di" 11) [161681] WTB by Wayne Dillon 12) [161682] Re: OFF TOPIC PROBLEMO by "Mike Yetsko" 13) [161683] KK6MC/5 Frequency Measurements Results by "James R. Duffey" 14) [161684] Favourites file update for HRD and Commander radio programs by "KL7FDQ, Wayne Leman" 15) [161685] Need instructions by "Mike Yetsko" 16) [161686] Re: Need instructions by "George, W5YR" 17) [161687] Re: Need instructions by "Mike Yetsko" 18) [161688] 15 Meters by "Ron Polityka" 19) [161689] FS: Ten Tec 509 and accessouries by "Ronnie Zoerb" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 17:00:04 -0700 From: Bruce Grubbs To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Cc: mail@brucegrubbs.com Subject: [161671] [Elecraft] For Sale: Elecraft K1- lower price Message-ID: <200311211700.04217.mail@brucegrubbs.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Disposition: inline Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For sale, lower price: Elecraft K1 #510 4 bands, 40, 30, 20, 15, with low temperature trimmer cap mod KAT1 internal automatic antenna tuner KNB1 noise blanker KTS1 wide range tilt stand power cord Manuals Paddlette Backpacker K1 version Custom ultralight foam case See www.elecraft.com for details and a downloadable manual. The K1 and all accessories are in excellent shape mechanically and electrically. This is a complete CW QRP station- all you need is a power supply and antenna. The Paddlette Backpacker mounts on the base of the tilt stand, or on the left rear corner of the K1 ( you can see the magnetic pad in the photos). You can also use the Paddlette leg mount, which is included. I'm asking $495 for the complete station. I'll pay ground shipping and insurance in the 48 states. You can see photos of the K1 and accessories at http://n7cee.brucegrubbs.com/rigs Please email with any questions. 73, Bruce N7CEE -- Bruce Grubbs Flagstaff, Arizona E-mail: mail@brucegrubbs.com _______________________________________________ Elecraft mailing list: Elecraft@mailman.qth.net You must be subscribed to post to the list. To subscribe or unsubscribe see: http://mailman.qth.net/mailman/listinfo/elecraft Elecraft Web Page: http://www.elecraft.com Also see: http://www.elecraft.com/elecraft_list_guidelines.htm ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 19:48:58 -0500 From: Fran Flynn To: housden@comcast.net, qrp-l Subject: [161672] Re:Curtis keyer Message-ID: <3FBEB27A.1050707@adelphia.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'm guessing, but it probably uses the Curtis 8044 chip. There is a schematic of a keyer using this chip in my 1996 copy of the ARRL handbook. About 3 years ago I managed to connect a battery backwards to my homebuilt Curtis chip keyer and let the magic smoke out. When I went to look for another chip I found out that they are no longer available, unfortunately (but now it appears that they are available as NOS, at least). So, I put together one of the PIC controlled keyers to use in it's place. If you look up an ARRL handbook from a few years back and you will most likely find a schematic of a keyer very similar to yours. I did a google on it and found a page that says MFJ has the 8044 in stock for $19. I don't know how current this information is. I did not find a schematic of it online however. Good luck with it. Fran Flynn km1z >>I recently acquired a beautiful Curtis EK-430 keyer. Beautiful, but it doesn't work properly. I am wondering if anyone has a schematic or manual so that I could get a copy? ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 22:43:47 -0500 From: "Michael C. Boatright" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161673] Re: Aurora Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20031121224320.02f5da28@pop.mindspring.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Anybody have any cool pictures (that you took) of the auroras? 72 de Mike, KO4WX Michael C. Boatright ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Nov 2003 23:25:59 -0500 From: "NZ8J" To: Subject: [161674] Want K1, have TT509 as part trade Message-ID: <004401c3b0b0$bce8c550$6400a8c0@NZ8J> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Looking for a 4 band K1 with the ATU and int battery if possible. I have a extra clean Ten Tec 509 SSB/CW QRP transceiver with the matching power supply, xtal calibrator, cw filter, all manuals, connecting cables and a Shure 450 desk mic that I would offer as part trade. Would buy outright, but would prefer to work out a trade with someone who might be interested a classic ssb/cw qrp station first. Can send pictures if interested. Thanks Tim Nz8J ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 08:58:09 -0500 From: "Dale Parfitt" To: Subject: [161675] re: Meteor Scatter? Message-ID: <004d01c3b100$ab226420$13c0f043@D57H2931> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Since we were in the middle of a meteor shower, does anyone think that is= > > possible? Is there any such thing as meteor scatter on 40 meters? > > TNX & 73, > Rick W0IS In order for meteor scatter to function, the trails would have to be MUCH longer and there would have to be NO ionospheric prop- Strong aurora last 2 nights. W4OP ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 07:00:50 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Cc: "George, W5YR" Subject: [161676] Frequency measurement Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Well with the help of a O-scope I got my method working and found I have some more "head" problems. I said the FT-817 reads down to one Hz and that is WRONG. It reads down to 10 Hz. This is a huge problem with my method. I can get the counter to read close to 1000 Hz. But it's impossible to set it exactly on 1000 Hz. I was able to get it to about 1003 Hz most of the time. When someone talks on WWV it screws up the reading. The basic method works, but I need a reciever that reads down to 1 Hz and I need to adjust the reciever tuning rate to the slowest possible. That will be done after I read the 817 manual. -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 09:21:11 -0500 From: "Ken La Rose" To: , "QRP-Canada" Cc: "Tom Hamblin" , "Tom Curtola" , Subject: [161677] Sunday Morning SSB/CW QRP Net Message-ID: <000b01c3b103$f44e0d40$4526e2d1@D1YQV721> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings, Last week band conditions were terrible, resulting in just two check-ins besides myself: KA9YCB George in Carrier Mills, IL VE3XT Bill in Thunder Bay, ON Thanks to VE3TEQ, VE3KQN, VE3RLX, VE5QRP who e-mailed me indicating they made an attempt! We'll meet again Sunday at 1430Z on 7.067 MHz, for another informal ragchew net. Hope to hear more of you then! 72 de Ken VE3ELA, NCS in Midland, ON ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 10:19:20 -0500 From: WAYNE SMITH To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161678] Vacation over! Message-ID: <20031122.101921.3100.0.K8FF@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit The XYL and I are back from sunny Florida. Any FingerDimple orders placed within the last couple of weeks were shipped yesterday. My apologies to the many that have been patiently waiting the arrival. My goal is to ship on the day the order is received. Now that the logjam has been cleared we are again shipping same day. Visit the updated web site www.fingerdimple.com Many thanks for the bandwidth, Wayne K8FF Designer NORCAL/Vibroplex Code Warrior paddle ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 16:44:58 +0100 From: "Deni" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161679] Quiet Laptop PSU? Message-ID: <002201c3b10f$97a5d800$9a2181d4@homeygjg4hzkb1> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit My Tosh Sat Pro 4600 laptop PSU/Charger generates too much RF hash to be usable with HF radio, is this normal for this unit? If so what is an alternative PSU/Charger? I'd like to use the laptop but the noise does spoil things. I've tried ferrites to no effect. 73, Deni GM3SKN ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 11:18:03 -0500 (Eastern Standard Time) From: "Pastor-kc1di" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161680] FT: Collins 51j4 Message-ID: <3FBF8C3B.000003.02592@DOR> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: Text/Plain Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Good Afternoon all,=0D =0D I have a Collins 51j4 not in great shape but working knobs and dial dru= m not original.. would be will in to trade for what have you.. qrp related stuff or morse code stuff. This is pick up only since it is way to heavy= to ship and give meaning to the word boat anchor.=0D Qth is in southwestern Maine . =0D 73 Dave kc1di=20 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 08:28:53 -0800 (PST) From: Wayne Dillon To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [161681] WTB Message-ID: <20031122162853.9829.qmail@web20505.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Hi Gang, Does anybody have a copy of "Solid State Design for The Radio Amateur" that they are willing to part with. I lost mine in transit when I moved to the USA. 72/3! de Wayne - KC0PMH ===== "An individual has a healthy personality to the exact degree to which they have the propensity to look for the good in every situation." Ralph Waldo Emerson __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Free Pop-Up Blocker - Get it now http://companion.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 11:44:47 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161682] Re: OFF TOPIC PROBLEMO Message-ID: <005201c3b117$f1ecd4a0$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > I have an old solid state stereo receiver (Yamaha R-8), 65 watts per channel > and it uses silicon output transistors. I want to use to drive the system. > I want to strap the 4 ohm outputs together and then feed the strapped amp > into a 70 volt line transformer. > > Can I strap the outputs together without letting out the magic smoke? > > Or, could I use two 70 volt line transformers with inputs going to the amps > two 4 ohm outputs and then tie the 70 volt secondaries in parallel? > > Or, if the above doesn't work, how can I accomplish my goal? > (I know the above suggestions will isolate the two output's DC voltages, but > what does the AC audio feeding back from one amp into the other's output > through the transformers do to all this? That is my concern. I also > understand the transformers must handle the power requirements they will be > subjected to in the system). I wouldn't try strapping the amp unless you know it would be stable. And if you do, I'd strap the INPUTS too. To make sure the output are matched. Most amps that are capable of strapping have indications showing it. If not, then don't. There should be places that should still have some big transformers available. I'm sure you know how to do that setup, right? If not, then I won't risk telling you. Find someone LOCAL who does. And not some kid who CLAIMS to know. You can't use the distribution transformers at the amp! Just not enough power... On the other hand, stuff like the 100w Radio Shack PA amp can usually be found pretty cheap, and if I'm not mistaken, it will drive 70v lines directly. It's a pretty solid amp, but most of the second hand music stores will only give about 1/2 to 1/4th the trade on that they give to other amps. I've seen them for as low as $35, and they really are a solid amp. Good deal for the money. Sorry to sound so gruff here, but if you don't know how to do it, they you aren't going to learn in an email. Get someone local to help you. ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 10:52:25 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: QRP-L Subject: [161683] KK6MC/5 Frequency Measurements Results Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1" Content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable This morning I got to sit down and look at the data I took for the W1AW FMT= . I also looked at the errors associated with my technique. My 40 M FMT results weren't so far off at all considering the slap dash job I did getting ready for it. I obtained 7050.413 =B1 3 Hz for W1AW on 40 M. I think that my 80 M technique needs some work as I obtained 3085.208 =B1 3 HZ on 80=A0M. I am using Jim's measurements as a standard as he seemed to have the most accurate technique. We'll have to wait and see when the results come out. These include dial corrections obtained on 2.5 MHz, 5 MHz, anmd 10 MHz WWV = a half hour after the FMT. The 2.5 and 5 MHz corrections were the same, so I used these corrections for the 3.5 MHz measurements. The 10 MHz was off a bit more, so I used an average from the 5 and 10 MHz WWV corrections for 7 MHz. They include "averages" of 3 measurements made on 7MHz and 2 made on 80 M. = I put the word average in quotes since so few measurements were used, and on 40 M all of the raw data was the same. Using the raw radio dial reading in the CW mode, using the tune (Kenwood's version of zero beat) and correcting for the offset (settable to 1 Hz), I obtained 7050.37 =B1 5 Hz. Since I was measuring the same signal and my error= s for the two techniques don't overlap on 40 M, I clearly have some thinking to do about my technique, my error analysis, or both. I already know what to work on for the next test. My biggest source of erro= r was too wide resolution on the spectrum analyyzer program. I just turned it on and used the default settings. Narrower would have been much better. I manually switched sidebands; as George points out I could have used the normal-reverse switch on the radio. I realize that I have a "precision" audio generator in the Timewave 59 DSP that I could use to zero beat with. = I need a better technique to set the radio dial as well. There is always next tiem. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 11:29:48 -0700 From: "KL7FDQ, Wayne Leman" To: Subject: [161684] Favourites file update for HRD and Commander radio programs Message-ID: <014b01c3b126$ad0bef60$97d87689@computer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Today I uploaded another revision to my large list of Favourites frequencies for the excellent freeware programs Ham Radio Deluxe (HRD) and FT-817 Commander designed by award-wining progammer Simon Brown. Revisions include ongoing updates for 10 meter beacons, ham radio nets, the winter schedule for international shortwave broadcasters, etc. Ham Radio Deluxe can be used with a variety of radios which can be controlled by a computer program, including some models made by Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Elecraft K2, and TenTec. I find the Favourites helpful both for my ham radio and SWL DXing. If you have a rig which can be controlled by either of the above software programs, feel free to download my Favourites file from my website (address below). I periodically update my Favourites file, and I very much welcome corrections and additions. My website credits others whose work has benefitted my Favourites file greatly, including Eike Bierwirth, Daniel Sampson, and the Radio Listener's Database. The Favourites file is not simply a list of frequencies and stations, but it is an important feature of these freeware programs by which you can click on whatever bands and specific favourite frequencies you wish to use. A program window identifies stations which are programmed into the Favourites file. Wayne ----- Wayne Leman, KL7FDQ Busby, Montana, Grid: DN65 http://www.qsl.net/kl7fdq ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 14:30:52 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161685] Need instructions Message-ID: <000901c3b12f$2685fb80$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have to repair an amp today, and it's one of those fix one thing and something else breaks. So I dug out my old transistor tester and figured I'd take any of the transistors 'in the loop' and test them all out of circuit. Thing is, I haven't used the thing in years. I just wondered if anyone here had one of the things that could give me some hints on it. It's the OLD Micronta tester from Radio Shack. the one that's in the black plastic project box with the metal front plate. Uses 1 C cell. It has a neon bulb in the middle, and a transistor socket on the edge, as well as 3 wires with alligator clips. The thing doesn't even have a 'catalog number' on it. Which is strange for Radio Shack! As I remember it, the NPN-OFF-PNP switch is the 'on/off' switch, and changes polarity of the circuit. The 'knob' sets gain of the transistor under test, and the 'off' position on the knob sets a fix gain for power transistors. I can't remember what the 'On/Off' switch up in the corner of the panel is for. Load? I know the thing just sets up an oscillator to boost voltage to light the neon light. And you can 'sorta' match transistors by just taking note of what knob position the neon turns on/off at. But other than that... Anyone remember this unit? ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 15:01:52 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161686] Re: Need instructions Message-ID: <013d01c3b13b$db6df870$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Can't help on this one, Mike, but why not take it apart and trace out the circuit and figure out how it works and how to use it? Sounds like it might be fairly straightforward . . . George ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mike Yetsko" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Saturday, November 22, 2003 1:30 PM Subject: Need instructions > I have to repair an amp today, and it's one of those fix one thing and > something else breaks. > > So I dug out my old transistor tester and figured I'd take any of the > transistors 'in the loop' and test them all out of circuit. > > Thing is, I haven't used the thing in years. I just wondered if anyone > here had one of the things that could give me some hints on it. > > It's the OLD Micronta tester from Radio Shack. the one that's in > the black plastic project box with the metal front plate. Uses 1 C > cell. It has a neon bulb in the middle, and a transistor socket on the > edge, as well as 3 wires with alligator clips. > > The thing doesn't even have a 'catalog number' on it. Which is strange > for Radio Shack! > > As I remember it, the NPN-OFF-PNP switch is the 'on/off' switch, > and changes polarity of the circuit. The 'knob' sets gain of the > transistor under test, and the 'off' position on the knob sets a fix > gain for power transistors. I can't remember what the 'On/Off' > switch up in the corner of the panel is for. Load? > > I know the thing just sets up an oscillator to boost voltage to light the > neon light. And you can 'sorta' match transistors by just taking note > of what knob position the neon turns on/off at. But other than that... > > Anyone remember this unit? > ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 16:07:08 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: "George, W5YR" , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [161687] Re: Need instructions Message-ID: <004101c3b13c$98ef9ca0$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Can't help on this one, Mike, but why not take it apart and trace out the > circuit and figure out how it works and how to use it? Sounds like it might > be fairly straightforward . . . > > George Actually, I already did. That's how I figured out how to use it at all. But I was hoping to find some 'tips' or other hits about how to use it more 'effectively'. Right now I can test and even match to some extent. Which is actually enough to get me going. Oh, I DID find it on the internet. On an 'antiques' page! Mike ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 16:51:02 -0500 From: "Ron Polityka" To: ".QRP-L" Subject: [161688] 15 Meters Message-ID: <000501c3b142$b95f3c10$0200a8c0@WB3AAL> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello, I am sitting here calling CQ on 21.060 with the beam pointed west. I hear other stations below in QSO but nothing happening up at the QRP frequencies. I guess I will continue printing out the contest calendars and call CQ on 15m. Maybe I will snag a QSO. 72 and Thanks, Ron Polityka WB3AAL www.n3epa.org/ ------------------------------ Date: Sat, 22 Nov 2003 16:32:07 -0700 From: "Ronnie Zoerb" To: "Ten Tec Reflector" , "QRP-L Post messages" Subject: [161689] FS: Ten Tec 509 and accessouries Message-ID: <001f01c3b150$d8f65c30$71ae490c@sony> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings, I have for sale a very nice Ten Tec Argonaut 509 station consisting of the following equipment. - Ten Tec 509 Argonaut, Serial # 02239. Very nice original condition with near perfect front panel, original knobs and tight dial string. PTO is nice and tight. Manual included. - Model 208 CW Filter with 3 position switch. Looks and works good. - Model 206 Crystal Calibrator. Works as described in the manual. - Electra-Voice banana mic with stand. Some paint wear on the mic but works good. Digital pictures can be provided upon request. This station is assembled in working order and is available for a sked if desired on either CW or SSB. Bands (10, 15, 20, 40 & 80). One of the classic QRP setups with exceptional performance! Asking $210 plus shipping from 80128. Thanks for reading. 73 Ron KI0II 'KI0II@arrl.net' ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3112 ************************ --------------------------------