20031224.qrp v03_n144.qrl.20031224 Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 19:03:12 EST From: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: QRP-L digest 3144 QRP-L Digest 3144 Topics covered in this issue include: 1) [163665] Looking for email of K4YKI, Norm S. by TJM 2) [163666] Re: Tuna Tin II by Lee Mairs 3) [163667] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI by "Bob Schreibmaier" 4) [163668] straight key before paddle? by "Michael Bower N4NMR" 5) [163669] Iowa QRP Club CW Net by Mark Milburn 6) [163670] RE: straight key before paddle? by "David Porter" 7) [163671] Re: straight key before paddle? by "John J. McDonough" 8) [163672] Re: Small inverter generators by Kenneth Cooperstein 9) [163673] Re: straight key before paddle? by Lee Mairs 10) [163674] RE: staight key before paddle? by "R Mason" 11) [163675] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial by "James R. Duffey" 12) [163676] RE: straight key before paddle? by "Ken Alexander" 13) [163677] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one by "James R. Duffey" 14) [163678] Re: straight key before paddle by "James R. Duffey" 15) [163679] FOX: Band is *Rockin'*! :-) by Todd Enders 16) [163680] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI by "Mike Yetsko" 17) [163681] FOX: spotted one... by Lloyd Lachow 18) [163682] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI by Tim Groat 19) [163683] FOX: Gettin' skunked agin! by "Lawrence Makoski" 20) [163684] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Ron KU7Y" 21) [163685] FOX: Band Going Long... by Todd Enders 22) [163686] FOX:Three fer by Karl Larsen 23) [163687] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Thom R. Lacosta" 24) [163688] Straight key source by "James Kelley" 25) [163689] RE: [qrp-l] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial by "Nick Kennedy" 26) [163690] AZ Paddle Kit #136 and cleaning brass by J38AL@aol.com 27) [163691] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one? by "Rod N0RC" 28) [163692] Re: Straight key source by Lee Mairs 29) [163693] Re: [qrp-l] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial by "James R. Duffey" 30) [163694] OT: Help with aol mail by J38AL@aol.com 31) [163695] Re: Straight key source by "Lew Paceley" 32) [163696] Elmer 160 question by Jim Ford 33) [163697] Fox: stinko!! by Dan Presley 34) [163698] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one by "James R. Duffey" 35) [163699] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one by "Tim, N9PUZ" 36) [163700] Re: Straight key source by "James R. Duffey" 37) [163701] Re: straight key before paddle? by Tom Sevart 38) [163702] Re: Fox: stinko!! by Peter Burbank 39) [163703] Another RFI/EMI source by Peter Burbank 40) [163704] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Marshall Emm" 41) [163705] Re: Straight key source by "George, W5YR" 42) [163706] NIMH Batts FT817 by "Francis Callahan" 43) [163707] FS: LDG Digital Wattmeter by Pete Meier 44) [163708] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 by "Mike Yetsko" 45) [163709] Re: AZ Paddle Kit #136 and cleaning brass by Joe Martin 46) [163710] Re: Elmer 160 question by "John J. McDonough" 47) [163711] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 by Karl Larsen 48) [163712] Re: straight key before paddle by Alex 49) [163713] Re: straight key before paddle? by John Sielke 50) [163714] by k8cz@att.net 51) [163715] Re: Straight key source (fwd) by Dale Botkin 52) [163716] Re: Elmer 160 question (fwd) by Dale Botkin 53) [163717] Re: Fox: stinko!! by Karl Larsen 54) [163718] K2QO Fox Quick Report by "Mark S. Adams, P.E." 55) [163719] The Truffles with Tribbles by Lloyd Lachow 56) [163720] HAPPY HOLIDAYS by W2BJ 57) [163721] Red Hot 20 Question by "Paul J Mackanos, Jr." 58) [163722] Re: K2QO Fox Quick Report by Lloyd Lachow 59) [163723] Holiday Milliwatt CW Contest by "Ralph Irons" 60) [163724] QBA - first blush by Lloyd Lachow 61) [163725] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] by Chuck Carpenter 62) [163726] Re: straight key before paddle? by Kevin Gunther 63) [163727] OT, but relevant to using the list - AOL mail bouncing by KJ7UN 64) [163728] FS: Logikit SCAF-1 filter by "Dick Housden, W0NTA" 65) [163729] WTB: 6M and 2M AM Xtals by "Alan Fryer" 66) [163730] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] by "Mike Yetsko" 67) [163731] Best Wishes for the Holiday Season from the QRP Quarterly Staff by "Michael C. Boatright" 68) [163732] AT Sprint on ebay by "John_Evans" 69) [163733] Study of Morse code by "Oleg V. Borodin" 70) [163734] Re: Study of Morse code...another view by Lloyd Lachow 71) [163735] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one by "Mark Rauchfuss" 72) [163736] Re: AT Sprint on ebay by W2AGN 73) [163737] Re: straight key before paddle? by Bruce Muscolino 74) [163738] Re: AT Sprint on ebay by "Mark Rauchfuss" 75) [163739] Re: Study of Morse code by Garie Halstead K8KFJ 76) [163740] RE: straight key before paddle? by "Dave Richards" 77) [163741] Re: [Re: AT Sprint on ebay] by Michael Goins 78) [163742] RE: [qrp-l] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Nick Kennedy" 79) [163743] Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) by "Oleg V. Borodin" 80) [163744] RE: straight key before paddle? by "Charles Mabbott" 81) [163745] Re: Study of Morse code...another view by "Trevor Jacobs" 82) [163746] Relative Costs in 1957 vs 2002 - for bugs and such by Jim Larsen 83) [163747] Re: Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) by Lloyd Lachow 84) [163748] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] by Karl Larsen 85) [163749] Re: Study of Morse code...My view by "Audie Kaufman" 86) [163750] suspend by wa6ltv@comcast.net 87) [163751] Happy Holidays by WJuergens@t-online.de (Wolf-Ruediger Juergens) 88) [163752] Re: AT Sprint on ebay by "John_Evans" 89) [163753] Re: Study of Morse code...another view by "Mike Yetsko" 90) [163754] RE: [qrp-l] Re: Study of Morse code...another view by "Nick Kennedy" 91) [163755] Re: straight key before paddle by "Jade's Technical Services" 92) [163756] Re: Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) by "Chris Trask" 93) [163757] AT Sprint, et al by Ken 94) [163758] Drilling Altoids Tins by John Sielke 95) [163759] Re[2]: Study of Morse code by "Oleg V. Borodin" 96) [163760] Merry Christmas!!! by "Oleg V. Borodin" 97) [163761] Re: Merry Christmas!!! by "Timothy-Allen Albertson-KG6IRH" 98) [163762] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Lee Hopper" 99) [163763] Re: K2QO Fox Quick Report by "palmer_t" 100) [163764] RE: [fpqrp] Hey, Ed... by "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" 101) [163765] nimh batteries in FT-817 ........... by "Walt Amos" 102) [163766] Re: straight key before paddle? by John Sielke 103) [163767] Re: straight key before paddle? by Peter Burbank 104) [163768] scrap PC board by "JC Smith" 105) [163769] Re: straight key before paddle? by Peter Burbank 106) [163770] Re: straight key before paddle? by "Nick Kennedy" 107) [163771] Re: Red Hot 20 Question by "C. Mulder" 108) [163772] Re: straight key before paddle? by Donald E Sanders 109) [163773] Re: straight key before paddle? by W2BJ 110) [163774] Re: AT Sprint, et al by "Bill Linn" 111) [163775] Re: Straight key source by Steve Smith 112) [163776] Re: AT Sprint, et al by "Emmersom Bigguns" 113) [163777] Re: straight key before paddle? by George F Franklin 114) [163778] Re: straight key before paddle? by George F Franklin 115) [163779] FS: DSW-II 20 meter by Mike B 116) [163780] Re: straight key before paddle? by Peter Burbank 117) [163781] Talking about straight keys by "Joseph Trombino Jr" 118) [163782] Seasons Greetings by "Ian C. Purdie" 119) [163783] Re: Straight key source by "James R. Duffey" 120) [163784] Using an External Receiver Downconverter with the K2 by "George, W5YR" 121) [163785] XMAS night by "Oleg V. Borodin" 122) [163786] Re: Straight key source by "George, W5YR" 123) [163787] J-38's & E. F. Johnson by Rick McKee 124) [163788] SKN and Xtal Control by John Sielke 125) [163789] Re: Talking about straight keys by Steve Smith 126) [163790] RFI by "Elliott Lawrence" 127) [163791] Re: AT Sprint, et al by Steven Weber 128) [163792] QRP Companion Battery by "Tim O'Rourke" 129) [163793] Re: AT Sprint, et al by "Bob Baxter" 130) [163794] RE: AT Sprint, et al by "Paul Womble" ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 18:18:40 -0500 From: TJM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163665] Looking for email of K4YKI, Norm S. Message-ID: <3FE8CD50.4090101@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit If anyone has an email for Norman Smith, K4yki... plse send directly Tks in advance Tom aa2vk ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:03:36 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: jsielke@pobox.com, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163666] Re: Tuna Tin II Message-ID: <001501c3c9b1$65f27a10$3b6d020a@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT The deterioration of quality in the straight key industry is a well-documented phenomena... 73 de Lee KM4YY/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "John Sielke" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 2:25 PM Subject: Tuna Tin II > Been catching up, building some small kits I got a long time ago. Built > my MRX-40 receiver (remember that one?) yesterday. Found just the right > little box for it. Then I built my Tuna Tin 2. Put a 22 ohm resistor in > the emitter of Q2 and getting a good 300 mw out. No chirp, either! Using > a little miniature straight key from Morse Express. Had a nice 30 minute > QSO with K1IQI in MA with the pair just now. MRX 40 is just right to go > with the TT2. > > Only thing is, I have not used a straight key in so long, my fist is > poor and now my wrist is tired. I used to go for hours on a straight > key, must not build them that well anymore.... ;-) > > John W2AGN > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:17:54 -0500 From: "Bob Schreibmaier" To: Subject: [163667] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI Message-ID: <001d01c3c9b3$624f50c0$6400a8c0@k3ph> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit >Do you know if there are e-mail reflectors or Yahoo groups, etc, devoted to >RFI? Don't know about Yahoo, but lists.contesting.com has an RFI group. Seems to be pretty active. 72/73, ____ / _____ / / ) / / / /____/ ____ /___ (____ ____ /___ /___ / ) / ) / ) ) / / ) / /_____/ /____/ /____/ _____/ (____ / / / . . . +----------------------------------------------+ | Bob Schreibmaier K3PH | E-mail: k3ph@ptd.net | | Kresgeville, PA 18333 | http://www.dxis.org | +----------------------------------------------+ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:24:58 -0500 From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" To: "Qrp-L" Subject: [163668] straight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a straight key before using a paddle. I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn CW. Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. TIA Michael N4NMR ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 18:33:16 -0600 From: Mark Milburn To: QRP-L Reflector Subject: [163669] Iowa QRP Club CW Net Message-ID: <3FE8DECC.31DFF182@ispwest.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In deference to the many social and family demands on the next two Wednesday nights, there will be no formal Iowa QRP Club CW net. Have a wonderful Christmas Eve, and a Happy New Year's Eve, and we'll see you again starting on January 7, 2004. 72 Mark KQ0I Des Moines, Iowa ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:13:37 -0500 From: "David Porter" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163670] RE: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I, like most novices in the early sixties, started with a straight key. Bugs were too expensive. Keyers weren't readily available unless you homebrewed one or could afford the equivalent of several bugs. I picked up the straight key without any trouble and had a good fist. Like many, I could send faster than I could receive and often got in trouble trying to keep up with people who were duplicating my speed. I got to where I could send around 22 WPM and still had my good fist. When I picked up one of the Japanese plastic bugs, my friends told me I would ruin my fist. It didn't seem to bother it, but I wasn't too happy with it either. I built several keyers none of which worked well. I went QRT for about 30 years and when I came back, I realized that I didn't have that good fist anymore. I decided that I'd use a keyer at least until I knew what code was supposed to sound like again. I haven't been back to the straight key except on Straight Key Nights. Maybe I'll try again. All in all, I think it depends on whether or not you can pick it up. If a straight key works well for you use it. If not, get a keyer and a paddle. I don't think it either decision will ruin your ability for the other method. Dave, AA3UR > > Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a > paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. > > TIA > > Michael N4NMR > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:14:54 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [163671] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <01dc01c3c9bb$5700bf80$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I'll probably get all sorts of flack for this, but I would suggest learning on the paddle and keep the straight key on the shelf except for New Year's. With a keyer, you get the weighting right and don't have to struggle with that in addition to trying to think and send at the same time. But I think the only real cure for learning CW is to just get on the air. It seems to come pretty quick once you take the plunge. Chuck Adams used to have some great material on learning to send with a paddle on his web site ... don't know if it's still there, though. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 7:24 PM Subject: straight key before paddle? > I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a straight > key before using a paddle. > > I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as > soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig > and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn CW. > > Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a > paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. > > TIA > > Michael N4NMR > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:36:20 -0500 From: Kenneth Cooperstein To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163672] Re: Small inverter generators Message-ID: <3FE8ED94.20700@att.net> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT I suggest the [discontinued] Coleman/Subaru Ultimite and jettison the inverter. This tiny thing continuously outputs 90 amps DC. It can bring a 105 amp-hour battery from 20% charge to 80% charge in under an hour. They sell new on eBay for under $300. It will also help start your car or truck when its battery is low. The only drawback is the advanced two-stroke engine it uses. It is a bit noisy and smelly. Runs 50:1, so it is similar to a small Toro snowblower in environmental impact. Actually, it is a little quieter. It uses the same mix as most outboard motors, making it also good for boaters. Ken KC2JDY ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:43:38 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163673] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <002501c3c9bf$5cded5f0$3b6d020a@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT I certainly agree with John. If nothing else, jour ear will become attuned to what good di and dahs are supposed to sound like relative to each other. 73 de Lee km4yy/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 8:14 PM Subject: Re: straight key before paddle? > I'll probably get all sorts of flack for this, but I would suggest learning > on the paddle and keep the straight key on the shelf except for New Year's. > With a keyer, you get the weighting right and don't have to struggle with > that in addition to trying to think and send at the same time. But I think > the only real cure for learning CW is to just get on the air. It seems to > come pretty quick once you take the plunge. > > Chuck Adams used to have some great material on learning to send with a > paddle on his web site ... don't know if it's still there, though. > > 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr > didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" > To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 7:24 PM > Subject: straight key before paddle? > > > > I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a > straight > > key before using a paddle. > > > > I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as > > soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig > > and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn > CW. > > > > Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > > while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a > > paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. > > > > TIA > > > > Michael N4NMR > > > > > > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:44:54 -0500 From: "R Mason" To: Subject: [163674] RE: staight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Thanks for asking the question. I operate almost entirely CW ( have for about 35 years.... it's a bad habbit I don't want to quit... still use tubes a lot, God, I must be getting old ). Anyway. I used a keyer for the first time last year, and am still having a hard time getting used to the paddle. I really beleive that it is important to learn the actual rhythm of the code before attempting to use a paddle. I hear far too many operators that sound like they are trying to count the dits and dahs as the keyer sends them. They never seem to be able to stop soon enough. They are in fact reacting to what they hear the keyer doing, rather than having the keyer react to code they are sending by knowing the rhythm of the code. With a straight key, you don't have to depend on being able to stop a string of dits and dahs that will go on forever unless you do something. Iambic keying is entirely impossible if you don't have a grasp of the rhythm. You will annoy a lot of people trying. I gave up on iambic keying entirely, and I can copy over 50 WPM.... my reflexes suck, so I will never be able to handle that kind of keying properly, so will no longer try. Accuracy is far more important than speed. If you don't have to repeat to correct mistakes, your effective speed is greater. Learn the rhythm, use a straight key for a while. Just my opinion for whatever it's worth. And PLEASE use CW a lot. We need all the CW ops we can get!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 73 Bob WB8CAC http://www.qsl.net/wb8cac ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 18:53:20 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: Cc: QRP-L Subject: [163675] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit While I think that everybody should study calculus, a triumph of mans ability to think abstractly, it is possible to design circuits and radios without knowing much advanced math. Although with complex variables, understanding AC circuits and transmission lines falls right into place. The proper biasing of a transistor to make an amplifier is within the reach of someone with a grasp of algebra, Ohm's law, and transistor operating points. You can begin with designing a simple audio amplifier. The ARRL Handbook is a good place to start, as is "Solid State Design for the Radio Amateur", and the newer "Experimental Methods in RF design" which has replaced Solid State Design although it is good to have both. Horowitz and Hill, "The Art of Electronics" is probably as close to what you are looking for as you can get, but it only has a bit on RF design. If you have a smattering of Elementary Physics, circuits, and calculus, you can't go wrong with Wes Hayward's "Introduction to RF Design". The ARRL sells these, or you can order one from your local independent book seller. You will get all you know to design RF circuits. It is not a great leap to go from amplifiers to oscillators. Filters can be understood with algebra, but again complex math helps. Mixers are pretty straight forward, so with amplifiers, mixers, oscillators and filters you have all the ingredients of a receiver. Deisgning a larger circuit like a radio from a set of smaller circuits like amplifiers, oscillators, and filters requires knowledge of impedance and level matching between stages. "The Art of Electronics" has a good section on that. With a good understanding of impedance matching and level matching, you can design a pretty good radio by just patching together circuits you find in books. Not necessarily the best way to design a radio, but it can be done. There are a variety of computer programs to help with RF design, particularly filter design. The new "Experimental Methods in RF Design" has a good set of programs included with it as does "Introduction to RF Design". You can find a lot of others on the web as well. SPICE and its multiple variants and descendants are very powerful, but have a steep learning curve. As steep as calculus in my opinion. You can't use a computer program blind, you need to know the physics/electronics or you can easily get mangled results without knowing it. Garbage in, Gospel out. I meant what I said about complex variables. One can do worse than "Complex Variables" by Churchill. Understanding AC circuits, filters and trasnmssion lines fall right into place. My $0.72 worth. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 _____________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:03:40 -0500 From: "Ken Alexander" To: bowerm@ix.netcom.com, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163676] RE: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed My own impression is that knowledge of Morse Code comes from your head and not from your hands. Getting your hands to do what your brain wants is another thing entirely, as I'm learning with advancing age! 8-) I think most people use keyers and paddles so they can send faster, and I believe it's just more efficient, too. I know if I tried to send Morse Code at 20 wpm on a straight key for more than a few minutes I'd be a wreck, so for me the keyer and paddle is the way to go. First and foremost though, your brain has to know what to send, and it has to be able to process incoming code into something you can understand. That just takes dedication and practice. Hope this helps a little! 73, Ken - VE3HLS Sharon, ON KX1 #112, FPqrp #716 >From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" >Reply-To: >To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" >Subject: straight key before paddle? >Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:24:58 -0500 > >I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a >straight >key before using a paddle. > >I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as >soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig >and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn CW. > >Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a >while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a >paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. > >TIA > >Michael N4NMR > > _________________________________________________________________ MSN 8 with e-mail virus protection service: 2 months FREE* http://join.msn.com/?page=features/virus&pgmarket=en-ca&RU=http%3a%2f%2fjoin.msn.com%2f%3fpage%3dmisc%2fspecialoffers%26pgmarket%3den-ca ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:04:42 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: Cc: QRP-L Subject: [163677] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Rod - Choosing a rig is a personal quest. Defining exactly what you want is a good place to start. You have done that. There is a real tendency on most Ham's part to "want it all ", that is, to want everything in one box, or antenna, or station accessory. Often better performance can be had by getting 2 or more rigs, having 2 or more antennas and so forth. Have you considered buying a separate general comverage receiver? The Ten-Tec 1240 is a nice general coverage receiver and not too expensive. This would alleviate your concern about the K-2 not having a general coverage receiver. The K-2 performancewise on CW is better than the rigs you are considering. Just my opinion. Everybody's got em. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:21:28 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: Cc: QRP-L Subject: [163678] Re: straight key before paddle Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Michael - Learn to send CW on a good paddle keyer combination before trying a straight key. You can send good readable CW much easier with the paddle/keyer combination than with the striaght key with the same amount of practice. Those who work you will thank you. Practice sending text (QST) to yourself first. Use QST. Start slow. Set the contact spacings a bit wider than normal, say two file card thicknesses. You should be able to send good CW in less than an hour. Then have a contact with a local who can honestly criticize your CW before you work the rest of us. :^) You will naturally speed up as you have more practice. Close the spacing to one file card's thickness. Paddles/keyers are commonplace these days, so you are unlikely to not be able to operate someone else's station because they don't have one. Learn the straight key later. Use the same technique. It will be easier than learning the straight key first because you will have a good sense and feel of how good CW should sound by first using the paddle. Speaking of straight keys, don't forget SKN. CW the old fashiuoned way with a champagne chaser. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:22:17 -0600 From: Todd Enders To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163679] FOX: Band is *Rockin'*! :-) Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v553) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Got them both in less than 15 min. :-) Good signals, and they seem to be reeling them off at a good clip. N7CQR is at 7.041.8, working up about 1.5, and K2QO is at 7.039.2, up about 1. If you've been pelt starved, tonight looks to be a good chance to break your drought! :-) 72/73, Todd, AG0T ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:00:31 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163680] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI Message-ID: <003201c3c9c2$982f9740$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Hi Mike, > > Do you know if there are e-mail reflectors or Yahoo groups, etc, devoted to > RFI? Seems to me that there are so many hams and SWLs that suffer from RFI > caused by household appliances that there must be quite a large body of > knowledge out there that just needs to be funnelled into one spot where we > can all benefit. I'm sure there are. But I would suspect that most of the participants, other than a select or dedicated few, would be transients. Coming in, getting help, or not, and then going away. > Likewise, I would think that there must be an equally large number of hams > out there with experience at solving interference problems created by their > transmissions, but once again I don't know where to look. The forums like QRP are really where the best help is. I mean, here is where people fight the noise to get down into the basement! Mike ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 18:33:16 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163681] FOX: spotted one... Message-ID: <20031224023316.52147.qmail@web41001.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Dan is banging them out on 7.0418. Mark's Pack is at7.039-ish. Hope I get to hear him! LL ===== 73, 72 es oo, Lloyd, K3ESE - Reisterstown, Maryland KX1#11 - multiPIG+#14 - K1#379 - 20/40M RockMites Loop - EDZ - LW - Begali Magnetic Classic Paddles ARRL - ARS - QRParci - QCWA - FISTS #8774 FPQRP #476 - QRP-L - BORG #2 Fun = Skill / Power ! 8^D __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:05:29 -0700 From: Tim Groat To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163682] Re: [OT] dimmer switch RFI Message-ID: <5.1.1.6.2.20031223200109.00a2e270@mail.earthlink.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Look at the RFI reflector on contesting.com. The archive contain much useful information. You need not sign up to read the list archive, only if you want to post. 72, --Tim (KR0U) >"Ken Alexander" > >Do you know if there are e-mail reflectors or Yahoo groups, etc, devoted to >RFI? Seems to me that there are so many hams and SWLs that suffer from RFI >caused by household appliances that there must be quite a large body of >knowledge out there that just needs to be funnelled into one spot where we >can all benefit. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:11:58 -0500 From: "Lawrence Makoski" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163683] FOX: Gettin' skunked agin! Message-ID: <002901c3c9cb$b1f93830$cdcf4b0c@larrysahyqy001> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Can hear plenty of hounds here in Central NJ; but neither Foxii. Oh well, maybe as a consolation, Santa will leave me something nice under the tree for being a faithful hunter! 73 de Larry W2LJ - Vivat Morse! W2LJ@arrl.net http://www.qsl.net/w2lj ARRL Lifemember QRP ARCI #4488 NJQRP #47 FISTS #1469 QRP-L #778 FP #612 QRPp-I #759 ARS #1528 --- K1 #1647 --- AmQRP, CQC #746 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:14:45 -0700 From: "Ron KU7Y" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163684] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <002e01c3c9cc$234a7760$15910b45@ku7y> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Michael, Forget the straight key until you know just how it should sound without thinking about it. Very few people can send good CW with a hand key. Same goes for a bug. And I would say that about 90% of those who think they send good CW with a hand key are really kidding themselves! :-) I mention something like this in my little booklet that the ARCI has for sale at their toy store: http://www.qsl.net/k8dd/toystore/thetoystore.htm Using a keyer/paddle combination helps you get the right timing very early on. Listen to SKN and you will hear LOTS and LOTS of very poorly sent CW. :-) The more you send the better you get. Do like others have said.... grab a magazine or newspaper and start sending. You should get to the point where there is NO thought of what you are sending. While in a QSO I will often start thinking of something else and forget what I'm sending. I then have to listen to what I'm sending to see what I'm chatting about! I know that sounds funny but it really does happen. Whatever you do don't force speed. Let it come to you. But on the other hand never send or copy at a speed you are comfortable at either..... always push a tad. Just enough to keep it interesting and FUN. Hope this helps, Ron, KU7Y ku7y@qsl.net ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:19:37 -0600 From: Todd Enders To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163685] FOX: Band Going Long... Message-ID: <014B8295-35C0-11D8-ABD7-000A957FF9F2@bolshoi.cc.misu.nodak.edu> Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v553) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit N7CQR is still audible at 7.041.9, calling CQ. K2QO is gone, and the Russian "K" beacon is in his place. Think the band is shifting long. Maybe the east coasters will get a shot at Dan, and the west coasters a shot at Mark... :-) Good luck, hounds! 72/73, Todd, AG0T ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:26:58 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163686] FOX:Three fer Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII Boy, what a differance a week makes! I found W3IS calling CQ and he heard me right away. Then got N7CQR but he was not as strong. Then went to dinner with the Christmas Crowd, and came back to the shack after 0310 UTC. I had heard Mark, but he was too weak to work. When I came back he was still to weak to work but it was time to try. He was calling CQ so I called him on his freq. No Joy but I got that he was listening up. So called him up, no joy. Finally in desperation I gave him a 3 by 3 right on his freq and he came back! I had to repeat my state twice and he got it the second time. So last week it was total skunk, this week total joy. -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:28:06 -0500 (EST) From: "Thom R. Lacosta" To: Ron KU7Y Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163687] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Tue, 23 Dec 2003, Ron KU7Y wrote: > Hi Michael, > > Forget the straight key until you know just how it should sound without thinking > about it. Very few people can send good CW with a hand key. Glad I never asked that question 40 years ago....I never would have had any contacts or upgraded my ticket because I couldn't afford a keyer/paddle. > Listen to SKN and you will hear LOTS and LOTS of very poorly sent CW. :-) To say nothing of day-to-day contacts where one hears LOTS of poorly sent CW from keyers/paddles. > > The more you send the better you get. Na....that doesn't explain a LOT of the terrible CW from people who are on the air a lot. I think the key is to find good cw and learn how it sounds...there's a rythmn(sp?) and once you know the music, the dance comes easy. Thom http://www.baltimorehon.com/ Home of the Baltimore Lexicon http://www.tlchost.net/ Web Hosting as low as 3.49/month ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:29:33 -0500 From: "James Kelley" To: "qrp-l" Subject: [163688] Straight key source Message-ID: <410-220031232432933588@earthlink.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Group: If anyone is intrerested in or looking for a good straight key, well I found some. Go to: and you will find a lot of NOS stuff which includes an unknown quantity of J-38 Key's. He ( the fellow what operates tjhe site) claims to have a 50 year accumulation of all sorts of STUFF which includes the J-38 keys. He gets $47.00 total including S & H .. and they are nice, I know, I bought one. I have no interest / connection with this site just passing along info. Thank you 73 Jim K4YBB James Kelley k4ybb@earthlink.net Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 23:40:19 -0600 From: "Nick Kennedy" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163689] RE: [qrp-l] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial Message-ID: <004f01c3c9e0$6aed74f0$0400000a@wa5bdu> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Right on target as usual, Doc. And your insistence on the value of mastering complex math is on target as well. This is one branch of slightly advanced math that you WILL see in typical ham publications, typically in network and transmission analysis where numbers like A + jB are used. The very term, "complex math", has got to be daunting to one who hasn't been introduced to it. But in fact, usage of this system involves only simple arithmetic and algebraic rules that can be learned in a very short time. Furthermore, modern pocket calculators and spreadsheets like Excel can handle complex math in a pretty straightforward manner. No more smoking slide rules! Another sometimes confusing thing about complex numbers is the use of "imaginary" numbers to denote reactive components. It seems to imply that the quantities associated with these numbers aren't "real". But "imaginary" is just a term that came from the mathematician's whimsy; those "imaginary" terms are real enough when used in an engineering context. "Joy of Electronics" is another one I should have mentioned. As Bruce indicated, there is no one "holy grail" book for seekers. Unfortunately (or maybe not), one needs several good ones. And when you're ready to learn a difficult new topic (or try out a new experiment/project), it's best to get viewpoints from all of your sources, and magazine articles too. -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of James R. Duffey >While I think that everybody should study calculus, a triumph of mans ability to think abstractly, The brainchild of Isaac Newton, whose birthday (GMT) is tomorrow, December 25th. e. >The proper biasing of a transistor to make an amplifier is within the reach of someone with a >grasp of algebra, Ohm's law, and transistor operating points. You can begin with designing a >simple audio amplifier. Yep. Engineers constantly strive to simply the design process and avoid constantly reinventing the wheel by creating by creating tables, shortcuts, nomographs, rules of thumb, modeling programs and what have you. To the great benefit of their fellow engineers (& physicists) and other persons with a technical bent. 72--Nick, WA5BDU ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:43:24 -0500 From: J38AL@aol.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163690] AZ Paddle Kit #136 and cleaning brass Message-ID: <017CF084.01C06A1E.0000D49A@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Received my paddle kit today - wow - just in time for Christmas! What a really nice job, a lot of cutting and drilling. As the story goes, now it's time for the cleaning. Several years ago, I read in ARC (Antique Radio Classified)about an easy wat to clean brass. It was geared to cleaning small knurled nuts found on antique radio binding posts,keys, etc. but should also work with the paddle parts. Just get a jar with a screw lid, pour in some ammonia and put in your parts. Let sit a day or two (or more if needed) and then wash with soap and water. The ammonia turns a light blue color. I cleaned some knurled nuts from an Atwater Kent IF transformer and they looked like gold when done. Thanks for a great kit. 72, Al N2ZHS Scotia, NY ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:53:28 -0700 From: "Rod N0RC" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163691] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one? Message-ID: <010b01c3c9d1$7ec9fb60$6401a8c0@bigdog> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Folks, Thanks one and all for your thoughtful replies and analysis. I read and re-read each one, then plugged all the facts, figures, ideas.... into a giant BRAINIAC XP37 BIG THINK computer and the answer is: A K2 with the IF DSP/GC-RX functionality of the Icom 746pro. :-) Well that just doesn't exist. So I settled on an ARGO V, I got a good price on a used one from a local ham. The 100W rigs people suggested are all good. I can't use more than about 20W into my attic antenna with out tripping GFIs, and there is the health concerns WRT to RF exposure to consider. Yes I can turn the power down, but they're not very portable, and they cost $1000 or more. Recall I want to free up cash. The ARGO is a good compromise, It does PSK nicely, CW/QSK are great. It also has IF DSP albeit only 16 bit. It's light weight and can make occasional outdoor excursions. The BEEP sounds great on the ARGO. It does not have the ergonomics of the K2 or Icom rigs, but for somebody who will be operating only 1 or 2 hours per month if that, the ARGO V is a good choice. I selected the ARGO over the 703 based mainly on user input, from list members and eHam reports. One day, when I have more time to operate I'll have another K2 or it's successor. When you work mainly CW, and want the ultimate in portability, the K2 is tough to beat. Thanks again all, and have a great holiday season. 73, Rod N0RC **Happy Holidays** ----- Original Message ----- From: "Rod N0RC" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Monday, December 22, 2003 10:50 AM Subject: newer simpler rig for me, but which one? > Folks, > > Now that I sold some gear, and have some deals pending on the rest, it's > time to settle on the new rig. I was all set to buy an Icom 703 but eHam ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:54:52 -0500 From: Lee Mairs To: k4ybb@earthlink.net, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163692] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: <001501c3c9d1$b41cf3d0$3b6d020a@J4> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT I bought one from him also, and they are very good, but that is a heck of a lot of shekels for a J-38 when you can get a paddle kit for $25 and a keyer kit for less!!! 73 de Lee km4yy/8 ----- Original Message ----- From: "James Kelley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 10:29 PM Subject: Straight key source > > > Group: If anyone is intrerested in or looking for a good straight key, well > I found some. > Go to: and you will find a lot of NOS stuff which > includes an unknown quantity of J-38 Key's. He ( the fellow what operates > tjhe site) claims to have a 50 year accumulation of all sorts of STUFF > which includes the J-38 keys. He gets $47.00 total including S & H .. and > they are nice, I know, I bought one. I have no interest / connection with > this site just passing along info. Thank you 73 Jim K4YBB > > James Kelley > k4ybb@earthlink.net > Why Wait? Move to EarthLink. > > > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:15:43 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163693] Re: [qrp-l] Re: Introductory/Step by Step Circuit Design Tutorial Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Nick - Thanks for the kind words. I am not familar with the book you reccommend in your post: "Joy of Electronics" is another one I should have mentioned. " At least I don't recall seeing or hearing about it. Can you tell us a bit more about it? Horowitz and Hill is getting a bit long in the tooth; the last edition came out in 1989 and that is several generations ago electronics wise. A good up to date replacement would be nice to have. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 > ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 23:19:32 -0500 From: J38AL@aol.com To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163694] OT: Help with aol mail Message-ID: <749CA610.486C7EBA.0000D49A@aol.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Sorry for the BW. My older computer died, so I now have to use this one for everything. Old comp - win 98 and aol 5.0, worked fb posting to the list. This comp- -win xp pro and aol 8.0, I can't post to the list from my regular aol mail. I have to post from aol mail on the web but the text does not wrap and I can't find a way to change it. I spent 2 hours of on-line chat with an aol tech the other day and all that happened was I lost 2 hours. I also tryed to set up MS Outlook for email, but can't get that to work either. Thanks in advance. Please reply direct. < j38al@aol.com > 72, Al N2ZHS Scotia, NY ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:19:59 -0600 From: "Lew Paceley" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163695] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: <001601c3c9d5$32837980$6501a8c0@swbell.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For a real variety of straight keys (& paddles too) you should check out Morse Express: http://www.morsex.com Marshall (N1FN) is not only an avid QRPer, fox, and fox hunter, but a genuine good guy. Usual disclaimer. 72/73, *Lew* N5ZE ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:28:04 -0800 From: Jim Ford To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163696] Elmer 160 question Message-ID: <4.3.2.7.2.20031223201610.00c46470@mail.comcast.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed I'm confused about something in Lesson 5 at the beginning of page 8 in the code section for Subtraction. When it says bsf STATUS,C does that mean bit C (whichever bit that is) is set? Or do we have two commands separated by a comma? I thought the STATUS register could not be written into directly but only by results? Also the next command subwf Spot2, F Does the ,F mean that the results of a subtraction are to be stored in Spot2 and the ,F is a clarification that Spot2 is a file register or again is this two commands with two different storage locations for results. I'm sure the answer is probably painfully simple but I'm confused on this point. Any answers out there? Thanks, Jim Ford, N6JF ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 20:29:17 -0800 From: Dan Presley To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163697] Fox: stinko!! Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" ; format="flowed" Well, that was the worst conditions I've experienced as a fox! The first 45 minutes were full speed, so I thought this would be fun, but then the 'rf curtain' was pulled, and I think I managed about 15 more Q's for the entire time remaining. Log to follow shortly-thanks for your patience. I guess reindeer sporadic E won't hit until later :) -- Dan Presley-N7CQR-Portland, Or QRP-L #502 n7cqr@arrl.net ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:30:40 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: Cc: QRP-L Subject: [163698] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit Rod - Congrats on your new Argonaut. This is not such a far fetched concept: "A K2 with the IF DSP/GC-RX functionality of the Icom 746pro. :-)" George, W5YR, who occasionally frequents this list, uses a similar setup. He takes the IF from the K-2 after the crystal filter and pipes it into his 756PRO2, thereby getting all of the advantages of the K-2's excellent front end, and all of the good back end pass band tuning and DSP of the Icom. For all of its excellence in the front end, the K-2 is still a bit behind the times in the back end processing and really benefits from the setup you suggest. - Dr. Megacycle Kk6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:52:17 -0600 From: "Tim, N9PUZ" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163699] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one Message-ID: <20031223225217.022895@EOS> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:04:42 -0700, James R. Duffey wrote: > Have you considered buying a separate general comverage receiver? > The Ten-Tec 1240 is a nice general coverage receiver and not too > expensive. This would alleviate your concern about the K-2 not > having a general coverage receiver. The K-2 performancewise on CW > is better than the rigs you are considering. I've never seen or touched a K2 outside of the Elecraft booth at Dayton. I know from operating a K1 and reports like this one that Elecraft makes some of the best CW rigs around. How does the SSB and digital mode performance of the K2 stack up to the Ten-Tec and Asian rigs? Tim, N9PUZ ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 22:01:13 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: Cc: QRP-L Subject: [163700] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit James - It is hard to believe that a J-38 fetches nearly $50 these days. But the price of all straight keys has gone up since I bought my last straight key. Way up. I thought that some of the Nye keys would be a better buy than the J-38 so I went over to Morse Express. I have a Nye Master Key that I bought for $30 in 1979 after I got active again in Ham radio after beign out of it in graduate school. It now fetches $84.95! I thoguht it was the best straight key going then, but when I went back home and operated my old rectangular Speed-X I realized that it was not. I bought the Speed-X back in 1965 when I was first licensed as Novice. I don't recall the price, but it must have been around $10 - $15. My dad still uses it these 38 years later, still bolted to that 1/4 inch plywwod base not quite cut square, green felt on the bottom to reduce scratching, and attached with two diffeent bolts. I get big kick out of operating it these many years later. It is surprising what legacy we leave. Well, that key now sells for $43! It is a nice key though. I think that the oval model at the same price, $43, is a better looking key with better feel than the J-38. In brass with the tune up lever it is quite a thing of beauty. A "Navy style" knob is a big help, at least for me, when it comes to sending code with a straight key. You can really get your fist around it. The rectangular Nye comes with it, the oval does not. The option to add one is $15.50! You can make one yourself by drilling a hole in the center of a poker chip and reattaching the knob with the poker chip between the knob and the key lever. I don't mean to bad mouth Morse Express; everybody charges these prices. Marshall does a good job of making it all available to us. - Dr. Megacycle KK6MC/5 ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 21:46:02 -0800 (PST) From: Tom Sevart To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163701] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <20031224054602.25910.qmail@web9610.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- Michael Bower N4NMR wrote: > Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using > a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? I must admit that I've never heard that it's a good idea to use a straight key for a while before using a paddle. However, this is how I started operating CW. I used a straight key for quite a while before building a keyer & buying a paddle. Whether or not it was beneficial I really can't say, but some may find it useful to use a straight key in order to get used to the rhythm of the code before switching to a paddle. ===== Tom Sevart N2UHC http://www.geocities.com/n2uhc __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:51:20 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: dpresley1@comcast.net, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163702] Re: Fox: stinko!! Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20031224004100.00a36ec0@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 11:29 PM 12/23/2003, Dan Presley wrote: >Well, that was the worst conditions I've experienced as a fox! The first >45 minutes were full speed, so I thought this would be fun, but then the >'rf curtain' was pulled, and I think I managed about 15 more Q's for the >entire time remaining. Log to follow shortly-thanks for your patience. I >guess reindeer sporadic E won't hit until later :) >-- >Dan Presley-N7CQR-Portland, Or QRP-L #502 >n7cqr@arrl.net I heard you calling Dan but the QSB and QRM would not allow a decent exchange. At one time you were being QRM 'd by a G3! I hope you are not bummed out by the band condx, you were certainly toughing it out. 73 Pete NV4V Ky ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:36:40 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163703] Another RFI/EMI source Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20031224001251.00a2b1a0@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Whilst getting skunked in tonights hunt I discovered the source of a "buzz buzz* noise that had been plaguing me for the past week or so on all bands. At first I had blamed it on christmas lights. That turned out not to be the case. I had installed a new Bell South phone last week and somehow my massive brain realized the fact that the noise had started about the time that I had installed the telephone. Unplugged the wall xformer and voila! no more buzz. More than likely it conforms to part 15 but from now on it gets unplugged when I get on the air. Another victory for "Noise Busters" :-) 73 to all and Happy Holidays Pete NV4V * 1 second on....1 second off ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:44:23 -0700 From: "Marshall Emm" To: , QRP-L@lehigh.edu Subject: [163704] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <3FE8E167.14752.1799AC3@localhost> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT Content-description: Mail message body Michael N4NMR asks... >>Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a while helps or doesn't make any difference? << You will likely hear from two "sides" on this one and both are well-meaning but misguided. The old school would have you master the straight key before "graduating" to the paddle. The only logic in that is circumstantial-- it's the way they did it, and never mind the facts. You did indeed have to reach a certain level of skill with a key to move on to a BUG. After all, a bug is a combination of an automatic dot machine and... wait for it... a straight key [g]. But when paddles and electronic keyers replaced bugs there was no longer a need for "straight key skills," which simply are not used with a paddle. The "new school" recognizes the difference, but goes too far, arguing that you are going to end up using a paddle 99.9% of the time, so you might as well start out with the paddle, and pick up the straight key later if you want to. Conflicting advice... which way to go? Well, there are elements of truth in both arguments-- 1. You should be able to handle a straight key, for all sorts of reasons having to do with tradition, and the ability to make do under difficult circumstances. 2. You probably won't use a straight key very often. The answer is pretty simple. Learn both at the same time. Not literally the same time, of course, but trade off frequently so that your progress is relatively even with both straight key and paddle, at least to the point where you can send around 20wpm with either. Beyond that speed you pretty much have to use the paddle, but you will always be able to "fall back" on your 20wpm straight key skills if you need to. There are actually two very good reasons for learning both at the same time. First, the paddle and keyer will generate perfectly formed characters, so you have an immediate example of good code that you can try to emulate with the key. Second, there is a learning curve with both instruments. If you master the key to the point of being able to send at 20wpm with it, you will find it difficult to learn to use the paddle because you have to start out a LOT slower. Same applies if you are used to whipping along at 20 with a paddle, then try to learn to send with a straight key. Ultimately it's far from a life-or-death decision.. The worst that can happen if you go with one of them exclusively, is that it will be more difficult to pick up the other one later. Whatever approach you decide on, relax and enjoy yourself! 73 Marshall Emm N1FN/VK5FN n1fn@MorseX.com Morse Express and Oak Hills Research "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast" http://www.MorseX.com http://www.ohr.com (303)752-3382 -- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 00:59:02 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163705] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: <02e901c3c9f3$c41ac330$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Jim, sounds like you are describing my Johnson Speed-X that I bought in 1945 and used to teach myself the code with a homebrew audio oscillator. Rectangular base; Navy knob; 1/4" silver contacts; square "bar" lever construction; and so on. Oh yes, black crackle paint finish on the diecast potmetal base. And I still have it, and on the original piece of Masonite that mounted the straight key next to the Vibroplex bug that dated back to around 1900 and was brought to Texas by an itinerant railroad telegrapher (or so I was told). I very foolishly traded the bug away after converting to paddle and keyer but have kept the Speed-X now for 58 years. I wish that I were in as good shape as the key! <:} 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "James R. Duffey" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:01 PM Subject: Re: Straight key source > I have a Nye Master Key that I bought for $30 in 1979 after I got active > again in Ham radio after beign out of it in graduate school. It now fetches > $84.95! I thoguht it was the best straight key going then, but when I went > back home and operated my old rectangular Speed-X I realized that it was > not. I bought the Speed-X back in 1965 when I was first licensed as Novice. > I don't recall the price, but it must have been around $10 - $15. My dad > still uses it these 38 years later, still bolted to that 1/4 inch plywwod > base not quite cut square, green felt on the bottom to reduce scratching, > and attached with two diffeent bolts. I get big kick out of operating it > these many years later. It is surprising what legacy we leave. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 04:07:13 -0700 From: "Francis Callahan" To: Subject: [163706] NIMH Batts FT817 Message-ID: <002701c3ca0e$28383130$23ce1341@DJKTLQ31> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Can NIMH batteries be put into the FT 817 in place of the nicads without any modifications Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone Cal KF7ET ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:54:50 -0500 From: Pete Meier To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163707] FS: LDG Digital Wattmeter Message-ID: <5C20359C-3610-11D8-B840-000A95799708@mac.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 (Apple Message framework v609) Content-Type: text/plain; charset=US-ASCII; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit For sale or trade : LDG Digital Wattmeter with 3 remote elements, HF, VHF and QRP HF In excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition. Factory built. Respond off the list with reasonable offer. Pete WK8S ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:56:07 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163708] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 Message-ID: <00e901c3ca1d$509f8600$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Can NIMH batteries be put into the FT 817 in place of the nicads without any > modifications Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone Cal KF7ET > As a 'general' rule, you can sub in almost any battery for 'use' in almost any device. Where you get in trouble is charging. As long as you don't try to charge the 'wrong technology', you're safe. And that's pretty much a 'general' rule to follow too. Does the 817 have a charge circuit? ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:15:45 -0600 From: Joe Martin To: QRP-l Subject: [163709] Re: AZ Paddle Kit #136 and cleaning brass Message-ID: <3FE99181.3060906@km5cw.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit J38AL@aol.com wrote: > Received my paddle kit today - wow - just in time for Christmas! What a really nice job, a lot of cutting and drilling. As the story goes, now it's time for the cleaning. > > Several years ago, I read in ARC (Antique Radio Classified)about an easy wat to clean brass. It was geared to cleaning small knurled nuts found on antique radio binding posts,keys, etc. but should also work with the paddle parts. > Of course it works, it's even better if you had one of the tools dental tech's use to clean with, it vibrates an ultrasonic wave into the tank. I recommend BoPeep ammonia and an old tooth brush. Also after you have used the coarse, fine etc, get yourself some of the auto body paint finishing 2000 grain paper to finish with. You can get it at any auto supply shop. I used a paint stirring stick as a line guide to glide the brass back and forth across the paper with to keep a nice straight line. Then: > Just get a jar with a screw lid, pour in some ammonia and put in your parts. Let sit a day or two (or more if needed) and then wash with soap and water. The ammonia turns a light blue color. I cleaned some knurled nuts from an Atwater Kent IF transformer and they looked like gold when done. > > > You will be able to see yourself in the finish like a mirror. Also make sure the lacquer isn't the glaze finish type, it will make the brass look "milky" unless that's what your looking for. These are techniques I used for years as a dental tech, of course having a lab for hobby metal work is the ultimate because you can "bead blast" the metal for perfection . >Thanks for a great kit. > >72, Al N2ZHS >Scotia, NY > 72 de KM5CW, Joe FP#-697 QRP-L#2524 ARCI #11368 FISTS#4217 GRID EM13kf FtWorth,Tx ( http://www.km5cw.org ) dit dit ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:32:05 -0500 From: "John J. McDonough" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Cc: Subject: [163710] Re: Elmer 160 question Message-ID: <000701c3ca22$52906740$090044c0@BrianBoru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Jim Actually, maybe it's not that simple. There are a number of different formats for instructions, these are two different cases. In the case of the bit set/clear/test instructions, the argument takes the form of a memory location, a comma, and a bit number. If you look in your quick reference card, these instructions have a small "f,b" after them, indicating that the argument is a file register address followed by a bit number. Thus bsf STATUS,C means to set bit number "C" in file register location "STATUS". Were we to go looking in p16f84a.inc, we would find 2 lines: STATUS EQU H'0003' and C EQU H'0000' If we looked at the special register map in the datasheet (page 6), we would discover that the STATUS register can be addressed through file register location 3, and later, in the table that outlines each of the bits of the status register (page 7), we would see that the Carry or C bit is bit 0. The second case is a little different. If we look again at our quick reference, the argument for our subwf instruction is f,d. The f again indicates that we provide a file register address, but the 'd' represents a destination. In those cases, the destination can be either a W or an F. The F means to store the result back into the file register, leaving the working register untouched. The W means to store the result in the working register, leaving the file register location unchanged. (Well, actually, the destination can be a 0 or a 1, but once again, our include file defines these as W and F so we don't have to try to remember which is which). Thus: subwf Spot2, F Means to subtract the contents of the working register from the file register location Spot2, and store the result back into the file register location Spot2. I hope this helps. 72/73 de WB8RCR http://www.qsl.net/wb8rcr didileydadidah QRP-L #1446 Code Warriors #35 ----- Original Message ----- From: "Jim Ford" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:28 PM Subject: Elmer 160 question > I'm confused about something in Lesson 5 at the beginning of page 8 in the > code section for Subtraction. When it says > > bsf STATUS,C does that mean bit C (whichever bit that is) is set? Or do > we have two commands separated by a comma? I thought the STATUS register > could not be written into directly but only by results? > > Also the next command > > subwf Spot2, F Does the ,F mean that the results of a subtraction are to > be stored in Spot2 and the ,F is a clarification that Spot2 is a > file register or again is this two commands with two different storage > locations for results. > > I'm sure the answer is probably painfully simple but I'm confused on this > point. > > Any answers out there? > > Thanks, > > Jim Ford, N6JF > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 06:58:46 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: Francis Callahan Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163711] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Wed, 24 Dec 2003, Francis Callahan wrote: > Can NIMH batteries be put into the FT 817 in place of the nicads without any > modifications Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone Cal KF7ET Yes, I bought a 2.2 Amp-hour NiMH battery pack for mine and it works fine. > > > -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:55:46 -0500 From: Alex To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163712] Re: straight key before paddle Message-ID: <3FE99AE2.C6D5A290@amsat.org> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Those who work > you will thank you. > > before you work the rest of > us. :^) Let me apologize ahead of time for my not so great fist when I do finally hit the bands with CW. I can only imagine how horrible it must be for all you pros having to listen my ditstutterdahs. You may insert a smiley face in my comment if you feel it's necessary. I don't think it makes one bit of difference if you start with a straight key or a paddle. Like Marshall, N1FN, suggests, I practice with both the straight key and the paddle at the same time because it helps me with the timing on the straight key. It's like I try to make the code from the straight key sound the same as that of the paddles/keyer. I often use a program like CWGet to copy my code because not only does it show what it can copy, but also shows the code in a graphical format so I can see where my timing is off. Now these programs are very picky when it comes to timing, so I only use it as an indication. I realize that the human brain is far superior when it comes to copying code. Even not so great code, but only by brains that can be bothered with it, of course. ;-) 73, --Alex KR1ST http://www.kr1st.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:57:03 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163713] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <3FE99B2F.3060809@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Well, let me throw my 2 cents worth in here. Back in the "olden days," as Dave described, there wasn't much choice. Keyers were RARE, and bugs took a great deal of skill, and went faster than the new ham could copy, so the straight key was the only choice. Incidentally, the FCC required you to pass a SENDING test as well as receiving...with a straight key. (You could bring a bug and use it, but for a "newbie" it would have been suicide. I did bring a bug, and use it for my Commercial CW test, but that was at 25 wpm. I digress. Today, keyers are the norm, being built into most rigs, even kits. Sometimes, it's hard to figure out how to hook up a straight key.. John M. said it best. Learn what GOOD CW sounds like. You will be better able to emulate it with a keyer. Then, you can learn the straight key, to use on those occasions when nostalgia hits. (Like SKN, or with your Tuna Tin II..) Keyer, bug or straight key, CW is a skill. You will be known by your fist. Even with keyers, there are a lot of guys I can pick out just by the way they send. This is why, IMHO, keyboards are for computers, PSK, RTTY, but NOT CW. (See, just had to get controversial ;-) Merry Christmas, all, John W2AGN (Where, in SNJ it is 62 degrees and raining..HARD!) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:59:39 +0000 From: k8cz@att.net To: fpqrp-l@mpna.com (The Pigs!), qrp-l@lehigh.edu (QRP-L), njqrp@njqrp.org (NJQRP), w8cci@hotmail.com (BCVHFA) Message-ID: <122420031359.22777.2c2b@att.net> I just wanted to take the time to wish everyone the best of the Holiday season. I hope everyone makes that special QSO this coming year. -- 73,72, OO FP #41 NJQRP #338 Fists #2360 ARCI #9606 SOC #336 Norcal ARRL Hamilton, Ohio EM79ri Tom, K8CZ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:08:23 -0600 (CST) From: Dale Botkin To: QRP list Subject: [163715] Re: Straight key source (fwd) Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Tue, 23 Dec 2003, Lee Mairs wrote: > I bought one from him also, and they are very good, but that is a heck of a > lot of shekels for a J-38 when you can get a paddle kit for $25 and a keyer > kit for less!!! Wow, even better would be a keyer kit specially built for that paddle kit! 8-) I have to agree... $47 is a lot of money for a straight key. I have one of those old generic straight keys, probably came from Radio Shack long ago... brass looking, with a stamped steel lever and ball bearings on the pivots. Oddly enough it's the ONLY straight key I've ever used. How much better would a J-38 be than that, and why? I'm really curious, maybe it's one of those things you don't understand until you try it and then it's perfectly clear. 73, Dale - n0xas -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:08:40 -0600 (CST) From: Dale Botkin To: QRP list Subject: [163716] Re: Elmer 160 question (fwd) Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Tue, 23 Dec 2003, Jim Ford wrote: > I'm confused about something in Lesson 5 at the beginning of page 8 in the > code section for Subtraction. When it says > > bsf STATUS,C does that mean bit C (whichever bit that is) is set? Or do > we have two commands separated by a comma? I thought the STATUS register > could not be written into directly but only by results? Nope. Some bits in STATUS can be written; I think all but !TO and !PD. I don't keep a 16F84 data sheet around, but I believe the bits are the same. > subwf Spot2, F Does the ,F mean that the results of a subtraction are to > be stored in Spot2 and the ,F is a clarification that Spot2 is a > file register or again is this two commands with two different storage > locations for results. Subtract W from file register Spot2, and place the result in the file register (understood to be Spot2) and does NOT modify the contents of W. This modifies Spot2. The alternative is subwf Spot2, W which does the operation but leaves the result in W and does NOT modify Spot2. > I'm sure the answer is probably painfully simple but I'm confused on this > point. Hey, it's a learning process. And there's a reason some of us use compilers! ;) 73, Dale n0xas (Who just *happens* to have been bit-banging all evening again on a PIC project anyway,and had the datasheet handy and brain cells aligned in 14-bit chunks) -- It's a thankless job, but I've got a lot of Karma to burn off. PicoKeyer Analog with pot speed control now available! Or add memory and more to your Rock-Mite -- http://www.hamgadgets.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:16:46 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: Dan Presley Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163717] Re: Fox: stinko!! Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Tue, 23 Dec 2003, Dan Presley wrote: > Well, that was the worst conditions I've experienced as a fox! The > first 45 minutes were full speed, so I thought this would be fun, but > then the 'rf curtain' was pulled, and I think I managed about 15 more > Q's for the entire time remaining. Log to follow shortly-thanks for > your patience. I guess reindeer sporadic E won't hit until later :) > Hi Dan, conditions depend on what you can hear/work from your location. I was able to hear/work you and the other 2 guys so it was a good day to me. But yes as a Fox it's the pits. On my outing a few weeks ago I had the same thing happen. Made me mad I didn't hurry with the early group. I'm pushing the Fox committee for some changes toward going to 80 meters and see if that band is better. -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:13:35 -0500 From: "Mark S. Adams, P.E." To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163718] K2QO Fox Quick Report Message-ID: <2886660.1072257215@adams> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline Thanks to all those who stuck in there for the last 1 hr 15 minutes as the condx were simply awful! My K2 was cooking along with the TR ratemeter showing 72 at the 45 minute mark. But then, massive QSB and elevated noise took center stage. There were stations that I went back to that never replied. Some I even called 4 or 5 times without luck. I used ALL of the K2's filtering options to find the best S/N ratio but it was to no avail. Then, near the end while calling CQ for about 14 minutes without and answer, one guy calls me with a 3x3 like he is trying to get me for a rag chew sked. We worked and things went flat to finish out my worst night as a fox. The final tally is about 64 Q's. I hope that this is NOT a modern day record of any kind as I feel that I am much better operator than this would indicate. To put the last 1 hr and 15 min into perspective, image operating in the VHF SS form northern MB in a valley using qrp and only dipoles. 72 and final report to follow soon. Mark K2QO >From the depths of the WNY RF-Hole ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 06:18:17 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: "Li'l Piggies" , a low-energy group Subject: [163719] The Truffles with Tribbles Message-ID: <20031224141817.19639.qmail@web41011.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Two Truffles with Tribbles were awarded yesterday to two outstanding porkers: Nick, WA5BDU, and Sam, KL7V. Thanks, guys, and enjoy! Twenty-eight Truffles went to deserving little boys last night, to wit: N9NE WA5BDU K4BYF KL7V N0JRN W0ANM W5YR W5USJ WE9K AB9CA N5ZE AC5JH K6XR WB8ICN K5JHP K5SR N1TP W5TB W7ILW KB9YIG K0EVZ NK6A AG4PJ AJ4AY K5DI KK5LD K0PC/5 N0TK Thanks to all for playing! Conditions were not too bad for this one...wish there had been more time to work all who were calling. Happy Holidays! oo es 72, LL ===== 73, 72 es oo, Lloyd, K3ESE - Reisterstown, Maryland KX1#11 - multiPIG+#14 - K1#379 - 20/40M RockMites Loop - EDZ - LW - Begali Magnetic Classic Paddles ARRL - ARS - QRParci - QCWA - FISTS #8774 FPQRP #476 - QRP-L - BORG #2 Fun = Skill / Power ! 8^D __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:27:37 -0500 From: W2BJ To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163720] HAPPY HOLIDAYS Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit To All of My Fellow QRPers, Have a joyous Christmas holiday and a great New Year! 72, Barry, W2BJ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:30:51 -0000 From: "Paul J Mackanos, Jr." To: Subject: [163721] Red Hot 20 Question Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In building the Red Hot 20, on page 13 it says: Next Insert and solder the following components: Item 88 U3 TUF1(TFM-2 on PCB) and then about 50 more components, then on page 14 it says: (after I installed and soldered) The TUF-1 mixer (U3) has a blue insulation material around Pin 1. etc. What does this mean ? I don't remember seeing a blue insulation material. What do I do, unsolder and check it out, as I cannot seem to get any receiver noise in my adjustments of TC2-6 as per page 15. Thanks Paul K2DB ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 06:31:51 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163722] Re: K2QO Fox Quick Report Message-ID: <20031224143151.97094.qmail@web41008.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- "Mark S. Adams, P.E." wrote: The final tally is about 64 Q's. I hope that > this is NOT a modern > day record of any kind as I feel that I am much > better operator than this > would indicate. Hey! I beat the heck out of that "record" with my 55! And even that wasn't the best worst! It's been an interesting season, sun-fart-wise. 72, LL ===== 73, 72 es oo, Lloyd, K3ESE - Reisterstown, Maryland KX1#11 - multiPIG+#14 - K1#379 - 20/40M RockMites Loop - EDZ - LW - Begali Magnetic Classic Paddles ARRL - ARS - QRParci - QCWA - FISTS #8774 FPQRP #476 - QRP-L - BORG #2 Fun = Skill / Power ! 8^D __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:31:50 -0500 From: "Ralph Irons" To: "QRP -L" Subject: [163723] Holiday Milliwatt CW Contest Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit 'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the band Not a signal was heard, not even LORAN; The stealth dipole was hung in the attic with care, In hopes that some contest soon would be there; The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my callsign cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out of the speaker there arose such a clatter, I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the shack I flew like a flash, Twiddling the knobs for a dot or a dash. The tubes in the old Drake made a cheerful red glow Casting a luminous lustre on my logbook below, When, what to my wondering ears should I hear, But a miniature pileup, which seemed really weird, Over a really weak signal, Q5 but small, I knew in a moment it must be a Club Call. More rapid than eagles his QSOs they came, And he gave honest signal reports, and called them by name; "72, Jim! Ur S4, Joe! 72, Janet and Jerry! Ur S5, John! 72, Tom, Dick and Harry!" As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So through the airwaves his dots and dashes they flew, With his log full of QSOs, he was happy, I knew. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old Club elf, And I laughed when I thought of him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his wrist, And he and his bencher had me added to his list; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And gave everyone bonus points; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger on his VFO knob's side, And giving a nod, up the band he QSYed; He flew up the band, with his milliwatt peanutwhistle, And away the signals all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight, "HAPPY HOLIDAY MILLIWATT TEST TO ALL, AND TO ALL A GOOD-NIGHT!" ********************************************************************* Hope some of you jolly Club elves out there spread some holiday cheer during the HOLIDAY MILLIWATT CW CONTEST - 2003. DATES AND TIMES: Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, 1800Z to 0200Z; Monday Dec. 29, 1800Z to 0200Z; and, Tuesday, Dec. 30, 1800Z to 0200Z. Contestants may submit a log for only 2 days of the 3 day contest. FREQUENCIES: 160M, 80M, 40M, 20M, 15M, 10M, near standard QRP calling frequencies. EXCHANGE: Exchange RST, SPC, First Name, PWR. (Club) Suggest using W as decimal point when reporting power. I.e., 1W5 = 1.5W, W5 = 500mW, W25 = 250mW, W02 = 20mW. SCORING: QSO points are awarded to contestants according to their power output. Power may be changed from QSO to QSO and must be noted in the log. 1001mW and over 1 Point 501mW to 1000mW 2 Points 251mW to 500mW 4 Points 101mW to 250mW 8 Points 51mW to 100mW 16 Points 26mW to 50mW 32 Points 11mW to 25mW 64 Points 1mW to 10mW 128 Points <1mW 500 Points NOTE: No schedules or prearranged contacts between stations are permitted. BONUS MULTIPLIER: Number of identical first letters of first names worked. I.e., worked Jim, John, Jennie, Joe, Jack, = 5 multiplier. Note: one name only counts once - if you work 10 Jacks, that's still just one multiplier. Only one bonus letter counts. CLUB BONUS: Anyone who works a club station (Clubs add "Club" to the exchange) which is running the specified power levels listed below collects bonus points as follows: (Clubs will not raise or lower power to accommodate a single QSO.) 900mW 1,000 points 500mW 2,000 points 250mW 3,000 points 100mW 4,000 points 50mW 5,000 points Calculate score for each days activity: (QSO Points) X (Total SPC Multipliers all bands) X (Bonus Multiplier) + (Club Bonus total) = Daily Score. Add the two best daily scores to find Total Score. PRIZES: The top five scores will receive Certificates from the Knightlites QRP association. LOGS: Submit logs before Feb 1st, 2004. Winners will be announced on QRP-L and KLQRP. Send email entries to: n7ri@earthlink.net. Paper logs: Ralph Irons, N7RI 1119 Avon St. Charlottesville, VA 22902 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 06:42:14 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: "Li'l Piggies" , a low-energy group Subject: [163724] QBA - first blush Message-ID: <20031224144214.81176.qmail@web41014.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii The new loop was used last night as the Truffle Distributor, Fox Hunter and WAP whapper, with, I think, good results. I tuned it with the K1's ATU through a 4:1 balun, and it tuned to 1.1:1 on 15, 20, 30 and 40. On receive, it was noticeably quieter than my 88' EDZ at 45', and the difference in background noise between the loop and my 200' LW at 20' was astounding; startling. Amazing. The wire was S9+ QRN, and the loop was S1 or 2 QRN. I had only one comparison between the EDZ and the loop, with Richard, N5XM in AR, who reported there was not much difference between the sigs. Of course, he was in the path of the EDZ's main, broadside lobe. It's really too bad I've got a few days off coming up - wonder what I'll find to fill the empty hours? 72/00, LL ===== 73, 72 es oo, Lloyd, K3ESE - Reisterstown, Maryland KX1#11 - multiPIG+#14 - K1#379 - 20/40M RockMites Loop - EDZ - LW - Begali Magnetic Classic Paddles ARRL - ARS - QRParci - QCWA - FISTS #8774 FPQRP #476 - QRP-L - BORG #2 Fun = Skill / Power ! 8^D __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:48:01 -0600 From: Chuck Carpenter To: k5di@zianet.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163725] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] Message-ID: <3.0.2.32.20031224084801.0069f524@mail.9plus.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Karl, I'd agree with Mike that you could use any battery technology with the FT-817. And charging might be the problem. But I can't figure out from the manual or looking at the circuit if the internal charger would handle NiMH. All reference are to NiCD. Did you try to or charge the NiMH cells you have with the FT-817 internal charger? At 06:58 AM 12/24/03 -0700, Karl Larsen wrote: >On Wed, 24 Dec 2003, Francis Callahan wrote: > >> Can NIMH batteries be put into the FT 817 in place of the nicads without any >> modifications Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone Cal KF7ET > > Yes, I bought a 2.2 Amp-hour NiMH battery pack for mine and it >works fine. > >> >> >> > >-- > > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - > > Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:55:33 -0500 From: Kevin Gunther To: bowerm@ix.netcom.com, Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163726] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <003a01c3ca2d$fb932750$9b825643@cdghome> MIME-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-transfer-encoding: 7BIT ----- Original Message ----- From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 7:24 PM Subject: straight key before paddle? > I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a straight > key before using a paddle. > > I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as > soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig > and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn CW. > > Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a > paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. > > TIA > > Michael N4NMR > I'v been using a straight key since I was first got my ticket in '68. I never found it difficult and always found CW to be a lot of fun. When my dad passed away, I was left his bug. That is about 10 years now, and I still can't get the hang of it. Never tried paddles, I'm afraind I would have the same problem. I can send at about 20 wpm most of an evening with no major fatigue. I use a Ham-Key HK-3M that my mother-in-law bought for me about the second year I had my ticket. I do about 50% of my contacts on CW, so i'll be looking for you on SK night. Kevin W1FWB ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 07:57:42 -0700 From: KJ7UN To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163727] OT, but relevant to using the list - AOL mail bouncing Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed; charset=iso-8859-15 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit OFF TOPIC - but relevant to AOL users on the list and those trying to write to them. Even though my messages are short and plain text, AOL is bouncing them. My ISP and a quick check in the AOL support groups tells me that some new SPAM filtering they are doing is causing MUCH good email to be bounced. So, if you have AOL and you aren't getting replies or email you are expecting never shows up, it's most likely bouncing back to the sender. As for this list, I've written directly back to a few different AOL users and all my email bounced back - so if you didn't hear from me, now you know why. Perhaps you AOL users have some control over the spam filtering - if so, set it lighter. If not, contact AOL and tell them of the difficulty. My ISP tells me that AOL would need to hear from their own users before this problem could begin to be solved. I'm posting this to the list, because it's the only way for list users with AOL mail to know what's happening, since I can't write to them directly. It's also why there was so much chatter from people that thought they were no longer subscribed to the list - even the LIST mail was bouncing. Hope this helps the AOL users and those trying to write to them. -- 73 de KJ7UN ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:20:36 -0700 From: "Dick Housden, W0NTA" To: Subject: [163728] FS: Logikit SCAF-1 filter Message-ID: <000501c3ca31$7b813760$0bc40918@yourtarbvp550m> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit This SCAF-1 audio filter is in excellent condition and has had little use. Works very well. Complete description can be found at: http://www.idiompress.com/scaf-1.html Price $90.00 shipped to lower 48. 72, Dick, W0NTA Greeley, CO ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:36:43 -0500 From: "Alan Fryer" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163729] WTB: 6M and 2M AM Xtals Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Wonder if anyone on the list has any old FT-243 style 6M AM crystals in the freq. range of approx. 8400 kHz. (8400 kHz X 6 = 50.4 mHz, the AM calling freq.). Frequencies slightly below and above 8400 useful, too. Can use 12 or 24 mHz crystals in one rig I have, also. If you have an old 6M AM rig that has some crystals in it, might consider that, too. Need a few 2M xtals, too. That freq. would be approx. 8.022 kHz. Thanks, Alan, N3BJ Bent Mountain, VA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:19:29 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163730] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] Message-ID: <005501c3ca31$61bb9f00$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > I'd agree with Mike that you could use any battery technology with the > FT-817. And charging might be the problem. But I can't figure out from the > manual or looking at the circuit if the internal charger would handle NiMH. > All reference are to NiCD. NiMH support is such a perk to product sheet that if it had it, it would most certainly be mentioned! Want the expert opinion? Call the radio manufacturer, or service department. Tell them your radio is burning up NiMH battery packs, and you want to see what it cost to fix... ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:38:15 -0500 From: "Michael C. Boatright" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Cc: "QRP Quarterly Staff":; Subject: [163731] Best Wishes for the Holiday Season from the QRP Quarterly Staff Message-ID: <5.0.2.1.2.20031224102111.03125638@pop.mindspring.com> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable On behalf of the entire QRP Quarterly Staff, I extend our Best Wishes for=20 the Holiday Season! For those who have asked, the Winter QRP Quarterly has received its final=20 edits and will be going to the printer's at the end of this week or early=20 next. Given the holidays and the vagaries of the postal system, expect to= =20 see it to begin to arrive in your post boxes approximately middle to end of= =20 January. We wish you safe travels, good DX, the warmth of family and friends and all= =20 the best in the coming new year! 72 de Mike, KO4WX, Editor, QRP Quarterly Editorial Staff Mike Boatright, KO4WX, Editor Larry East, W1HUE, Associate Editor John King, KB3WK, Associate Editor Mike Czuhajewski, WA8MCQ, Associate Editor & Idea Exchange Randy Foltz, K7TQ, Associate Editor, Contests Tom Owens, WB5KHC, Contest Manager Gary Breed, K9AY, Production & Advertising Regular Columnists Oleg Borodin, RV3GM, QRP World News Michael Fletcher, KL7IXI/7, QRP Clubhouse Steve Hudson, AA4BW, QRV? Anthony Luscre, K8ZT, The QRP Home Companion Bob Witte, K=D8NR, Does QRP Apply to VHF? Contributing QRP ARCI Staff Dick Pascoe, G0BPS, Incoming President Ken Evans, W4DU, Incoming Vice-President Jack Nelson, K5FSE, Secretary/Treasurer and Membership/Subscription Renewal Steve Slavsky, N4EUK, Membership Chairman Thom Durfee, WI8W, Awards Manager Steve Fletcher, G4GXL, Webmaster Michael C. Boatright ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:51:56 -0700 From: "John_Evans" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163732] AT Sprint on ebay Message-ID: <200312240851.AA206176444@mail.codenet.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii greetings all, I just saw this item on ebay and I know folks have been itching to get one, so here's a heads up. I am not connected to this item in any way, other than the fact that I am a proud owner of an AT Sprint that is NOT for sale at any price :) Happy Holidays es 72 - john - n0hj http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dllViewItem&item=3066874577&category=4674 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 17:39:40 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: QRP-L Subject: [163733] Study of Morse code Message-ID: <446566998.20031224173940@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Greetings from Russia! There is a single question about study of Morse code sustem. In Russia we are use the system which I would name as "phrases-sounds-like-morse-code". For example, M - - (sound like "Ma-ma") S ... ("si-li-con") H .... ("hyd-ro-xy-lit") R .-. ("re-tur-ning") and so long Of cause, only by Russian words :-) I may confirm that is the best system to learn Morse code. I learned the Code when I was 12 years and after couple of months I could receive 12 words per minute (60 letters). Isn't the same system in US/English Morse-code? Wish you all the best! 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:12:48 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163734] Re: Study of Morse code...another view Message-ID: <20031224161248.42443.qmail@web41011.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- "Oleg V. Borodin" wrote: > R .-. ("re-tur-ning") and so long > Of cause, only by Russian words :-) I may confirm > that is the best > system to learn Morse code. well, Oleg, that seems like fun, but I'm convinced that systems such as this encourage the "look-up table" method of learning CW, which fail when you get above 10-12 wpm, requiring you to learn all over again. I think learning the sounds of the letters in Morse with individual letters sent at a speed of about 15wpm, but as slow a sending rate as needed, allow a learner to hear the sound "dididit" and think "s," rather than, "dididit" equals "three dots" equals "si-li-con" equals "s." Happy Season! 72!!! LL __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:05:17 -0500 From: "Mark Rauchfuss" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163735] Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one Message-ID: <008901c3ca38$2540f820$65134b0c@oemcomputer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Jim, This sounds like an interesting approach. George, can you please contact me off-line to discuss how you accomplished this? I am interested in the interfaces and circuit diagrams. Thx & 73s, Mark ----- Original Message ----- From: "James R. Duffey" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:30 PM Subject: Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one > Rod - Congrats on your new Argonaut. > > This is not such a far fetched concept: > > "A K2 with the IF DSP/GC-RX functionality of the Icom 746pro. :-)" > > George, W5YR, who occasionally frequents this list, uses a similar setup. He > takes the IF from the K-2 after the crystal filter and pipes it into his > 756PRO2, thereby getting all of the advantages of the K-2's excellent front > end, and all of the good back end pass band tuning and DSP of the Icom. > > For all of its excellence in the front end, the K-2 is still a bit behind > the times in the back end processing and really benefits from the setup you > suggest. - Dr. Megacycle Kk6MC/5 > ______________________ > James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 > Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:23:04 -0500 From: W2AGN To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163736] Re: AT Sprint on ebay Message-ID: <3FE9BD68.1E20983B@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hate to see what the bidding war will be on this! John W2AGN ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:17:08 -0500 From: Bruce Muscolino To: mgemm@mtechnologies.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163737] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <3FE9BC04.9B53E5A6@erols.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Woah, I can't let this go by without comment. I am most definitely a member of Marshall's old school; I started with a straight key. I used it ONLY from 1956 through 1976. I use it still though I have also used bugs and keyers. The question is why. In 1956 a keyer was as common as horns on a rooster. The few vacuum tube keyers were arcane and very expensive. The few relay operated keyers were even worse. A good straight key could be had for $0.79, and that was for a new, in the box, J-38. Now in 1956 I was a 16 year old high school student. I had very little money to spend on my hobby. 79 cents looked more attractive than 60 dollars or more for a bug. I bought my first bug about two years later. By that time I had learned what good code sounded like and had sufficient straight key skills to pass any FCC test anywhere. You should note that the FCC required the use of a straight key for their code tests up to 20 wpm. It wasn't until the mid 70's (to me) that the "solid state electronic keyer" came down enough in price that it became attractive to me. I built an AccuKeyer; loved it, used it for 10 years, until I decided it no longer fit the station decor I embarked on a repackaging project that remains unfinished to this date. In the 1990's there was an influx of small chip based keyers, the PIC among them. They were cheap (relatively), came with interfaces for all the modern rigs, and only required a paddle and some time to learn to use. Keyers were now small enough to be built into rigs. It is true that the straight key and the electronic keyer are the easiest to use. The first requires that you form all elements of a character by yourself. The second forms all the elements for the character itself, but you must put them together. Putting them together is not as trivial as it first seems. With a straight key you rarely have extra dits or dashes. The main problem is learning what a 3:1 ratio sounds like and putting in the appropriate spaces. With a keyer all three elements of a CW character are formed electronically. Putting them together requires very fast conscious thought, as least for the first uses. The inter character spacing is predetermined, so you don't have to worry that your dits and dashes aren't equal and evenly spaced at any speed. What's the problem? The problem is having reflexes fast enough to send the letter "B", or "C", or "Z", or any other complex character. This takes practice, whether you started with a straight key or went directly to the keyer. Straight key use adds very to keyer use. One is not necessary before the other. A straight key makes it possible to get a start with CW at a very inexpensive price. It is also usable in situations where the key has been destroyed and you must send an emergency message.. It is also self contained The keyer is expensive, even today. Maybe the difference is smaller, but a new keyer seems to sell for more than a basic straight key. The keyer can also be used under the same emergency conditions listed above, BUT only if the user has some straight key training, because the characters are formed differently. And then there are the problems with sloppy spacing, missed elements, and extra dits and dahs. Believe it or not they occur with both straight keys and keyers. Poor rhythm is most often felt with a straight key. This is in the formation of characters, an unusually long dash followed by extremely short dits, or dashes that are barely longer than the dits. An occasional dropped element can occur, but it is not as common as additional dashes or dits. The keyer does not often suffer from poor rhythm, at least where the individual characters are concerned. Poor rhythm shows up in inter character spacing. You are expecting the next character to match the character speed chosen. It either comes too soon or too slowly, and the worst case it comes at random times. And here the extra dit or dash problem is real. I should note that most modern keyers have inter character spacing gates that do not allow you to send too fast, but do nothing about sending too slow or with random spacing. Now, lets investigate what can be done about these problems easily. The first, foremost, and probably the best solution is "OFF THE AIR PRACTICE", either alone or with another learner to set the QSO process. Probably the only accessory requires is a Code Practice Oscillator. Keyers usually include one. A simple CPO can be built for a straight key for only a few dollars. So, from my perspective there is only a very small requirement to learn to use a straight key before switching to a keyer. But I still prefer the straight key. It makes the station equipment list shorter. It can be used under more different conditions. And, it is cheaper and simpler! Bruce Emm wrote: > > Michael N4NMR asks... > > >>Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? << > > You will likely hear from two "sides" on this one and both are well-meaning but > misguided. The old school would have you master the straight key before > "graduating" to the paddle. The only logic in that is circumstantial-- it's > the way they did it, and never mind the facts. You did indeed have to reach a > certain level of skill with a key to move on to a BUG. After all, a bug is a > combination of an automatic dot machine and... wait for it... a straight key > [g]. But when paddles and electronic keyers replaced bugs there was no longer > a need for "straight key skills," which simply are not used with a paddle. > > The "new school" recognizes the difference, but goes too far, arguing that you > are going to end up using a paddle 99.9% of the time, so you might as well > start out with the paddle, and pick up the straight key later if you want to. > > Conflicting advice... which way to go? Well, there are elements of truth in > both arguments-- > > 1. You should be able to handle a straight key, for all sorts of reasons > having to do with tradition, and the ability to make do under difficult > circumstances. > > 2. You probably won't use a straight key very often. > > The answer is pretty simple. Learn both at the same time. Not literally the > same time, of course, but trade off frequently so that your progress is > relatively even with both straight key and paddle, at least to the point where > you can send around 20wpm with either. Beyond that speed you pretty much have > to use the paddle, but you will always be able to "fall back" on your 20wpm > straight key skills if you need to. > > There are actually two very good reasons for learning both at the same time. > First, the paddle and keyer will generate perfectly formed characters, so you > have an immediate example of good code that you can try to emulate with the > key. Second, there is a learning curve with both instruments. If you master > the key to the point of being able to send at 20wpm with it, you will find it > difficult to learn to use the paddle because you have to start out a LOT > slower. Same applies if you are used to whipping along at 20 with a paddle, > then try to learn to send with a straight key. > > Ultimately it's far from a life-or-death decision.. The worst that can happen > if you go with one of them exclusively, is that it will be more difficult to > pick up the other one later. Whatever approach you decide on, relax and enjoy > yourself! > > > > > > 73 > Marshall Emm > N1FN/VK5FN > n1fn@MorseX.com > Morse Express and Oak Hills Research > "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast" > http://www.MorseX.com > http://www.ohr.com > (303)752-3382 > -- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:16:58 -0500 From: "Mark Rauchfuss" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163738] Re: AT Sprint on ebay Message-ID: <00fb01c3ca39$5e2167a0$65134b0c@oemcomputer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit It is already listed at $150 with more than three days left!!! Mark ----- Original Message ----- From: "W2AGN" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 11:23 AM Subject: Re: AT Sprint on ebay > Hate to see what the bidding war will be on this! > > John W2AGN > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:36:26 -0800 (PST) From: Garie Halstead K8KFJ To: "Oleg V. Borodin" , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163739] Re: Study of Morse code Message-ID: <20031224163626.36123.qmail@web60303.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii --- "Oleg V. Borodin" wrote: > Greetings from Russia! > > There is a single question about study of Morse code sustem. > In Russia we are use the system which I would name as > "phrases-sounds-like-morse-code". For example, > M - - (sound like "Ma-ma") > S ... ("si-li-con") > H .... ("hyd-ro-xy-lit") > R .-. ("re-tur-ning") and so long > Of cause, only by Russian words :-) I may confirm that is the best > system to learn Morse code. I learned the Code when I was 12 years > and > after couple of months I could receive 12 words per minute (60 > letters). > > Isn't the same system in US/English Morse-code? Yes Oleg, you are correct, sound patterns is what it's all about when it comes to learning Morse. One needs to totally forget about dits and dahs. Here is a couple of examples to add to yours... X = Cry baby cry Q = pay day today If you don't learn it via the sound patterns, you'll probably never acquire any speed IMHO. 72, Gary -K8KFJ- __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? Protect your identity with Yahoo! Mail AddressGuard http://antispam.yahoo.com/whatsnewfree ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:41:03 -0500 From: "Dave Richards" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163740] RE: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Bruce, thanks your the man Dave W1QB -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of Bruce Muscolino Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 11:17 AM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: Re: straight key before paddle? Woah, I can't let this go by without comment. I am most definitely a member of Marshall's old school; I started with a straight key. I used it ONLY from 1956 through 1976. I use it still though I have also used bugs and keyers. The question is why. In 1956 a keyer was as common as horns on a rooster. The few vacuum tube keyers were arcane and very expensive. The few relay operated keyers were even worse. A good straight key could be had for $0.79, and that was for a new, in the box, J-38. Now in 1956 I was a 16 year old high school student. I had very little money to spend on my hobby. 79 cents looked more attractive than 60 dollars or more for a bug. I bought my first bug about two years later. By that time I had learned what good code sounded like and had sufficient straight key skills to pass any FCC test anywhere. You should note that the FCC required the use of a straight key for their code tests up to 20 wpm. It wasn't until the mid 70's (to me) that the "solid state electronic keyer" came down enough in price that it became attractive to me. I built an AccuKeyer; loved it, used it for 10 years, until I decided it no longer fit the station decor I embarked on a repackaging project that remains unfinished to this date. In the 1990's there was an influx of small chip based keyers, the PIC among them. They were cheap (relatively), came with interfaces for all the modern rigs, and only required a paddle and some time to learn to use. Keyers were now small enough to be built into rigs. It is true that the straight key and the electronic keyer are the easiest to use. The first requires that you form all elements of a character by yourself. The second forms all the elements for the character itself, but you must put them together. Putting them together is not as trivial as it first seems. With a straight key you rarely have extra dits or dashes. The main problem is learning what a 3:1 ratio sounds like and putting in the appropriate spaces. With a keyer all three elements of a CW character are formed electronically. Putting them together requires very fast conscious thought, as least for the first uses. The inter character spacing is predetermined, so you don't have to worry that your dits and dashes aren't equal and evenly spaced at any speed. What's the problem? The problem is having reflexes fast enough to send the letter "B", or "C", or "Z", or any other complex character. This takes practice, whether you started with a straight key or went directly to the keyer. Straight key use adds very to keyer use. One is not necessary before the other. A straight key makes it possible to get a start with CW at a very inexpensive price. It is also usable in situations where the key has been destroyed and you must send an emergency message.. It is also self contained The keyer is expensive, even today. Maybe the difference is smaller, but a new keyer seems to sell for more than a basic straight key. The keyer can also be used under the same emergency conditions listed above, BUT only if the user has some straight key training, because the characters are formed differently. And then there are the problems with sloppy spacing, missed elements, and extra dits and dahs. Believe it or not they occur with both straight keys and keyers. Poor rhythm is most often felt with a straight key. This is in the formation of characters, an unusually long dash followed by extremely short dits, or dashes that are barely longer than the dits. An occasional dropped element can occur, but it is not as common as additional dashes or dits. The keyer does not often suffer from poor rhythm, at least where the individual characters are concerned. Poor rhythm shows up in inter character spacing. You are expecting the next character to match the character speed chosen. It either comes too soon or too slowly, and the worst case it comes at random times. And here the extra dit or dash problem is real. I should note that most modern keyers have inter character spacing gates that do not allow you to send too fast, but do nothing about sending too slow or with random spacing. Now, lets investigate what can be done about these problems easily. The first, foremost, and probably the best solution is "OFF THE AIR PRACTICE", either alone or with another learner to set the QSO process. Probably the only accessory requires is a Code Practice Oscillator. Keyers usually include one. A simple CPO can be built for a straight key for only a few dollars. So, from my perspective there is only a very small requirement to learn to use a straight key before switching to a keyer. But I still prefer the straight key. It makes the station equipment list shorter. It can be used under more different conditions. And, it is cheaper and simpler! Bruce Emm wrote: > > Michael N4NMR asks... > > >>Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a > while helps or doesn't make any difference? << > > You will likely hear from two "sides" on this one and both are well-meaning but > misguided. The old school would have you master the straight key before > "graduating" to the paddle. The only logic in that is circumstantial-- it's > the way they did it, and never mind the facts. You did indeed have to reach a > certain level of skill with a key to move on to a BUG. After all, a bug is a > combination of an automatic dot machine and... wait for it... a straight key > [g]. But when paddles and electronic keyers replaced bugs there was no longer > a need for "straight key skills," which simply are not used with a paddle. > > The "new school" recognizes the difference, but goes too far, arguing that you > are going to end up using a paddle 99.9% of the time, so you might as well > start out with the paddle, and pick up the straight key later if you want to. > > Conflicting advice... which way to go? Well, there are elements of truth in > both arguments-- > > 1. You should be able to handle a straight key, for all sorts of reasons > having to do with tradition, and the ability to make do under difficult > circumstances. > > 2. You probably won't use a straight key very often. > > The answer is pretty simple. Learn both at the same time. Not literally the > same time, of course, but trade off frequently so that your progress is > relatively even with both straight key and paddle, at least to the point where > you can send around 20wpm with either. Beyond that speed you pretty much have > to use the paddle, but you will always be able to "fall back" on your 20wpm > straight key skills if you need to. > > There are actually two very good reasons for learning both at the same time. > First, the paddle and keyer will generate perfectly formed characters, so you > have an immediate example of good code that you can try to emulate with the > key. Second, there is a learning curve with both instruments. If you master > the key to the point of being able to send at 20wpm with it, you will find it > difficult to learn to use the paddle because you have to start out a LOT > slower. Same applies if you are used to whipping along at 20 with a paddle, > then try to learn to send with a straight key. > > Ultimately it's far from a life-or-death decision.. The worst that can happen > if you go with one of them exclusively, is that it will be more difficult to > pick up the other one later. Whatever approach you decide on, relax and enjoy > yourself! > > > > > > 73 > Marshall Emm > N1FN/VK5FN > n1fn@MorseX.com > Morse Express and Oak Hills Research > "Everything for the Morse Enthusiast" > http://www.MorseX.com > http://www.ohr.com > (303)752-3382 > -- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:42:15 -0600 From: Michael Goins To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163741] Re: [Re: AT Sprint on ebay] Message-ID: <912HLXqQo0192S17.1072284135@uwdvg017.cms.usa.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable The owner STARTED it at $150. Could easily bring $200 or more on ebay. mike k5wmg "Mark Rauchfuss" wrote: It is already listed at $150 with more than three days left!!! Mark ----- Original Message ----- = From: "W2AGN" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 11:23 AM Subject: Re: AT Sprint on ebay > Hate to see what the bidding war will be on this! > = > John W2AGN > = ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 12:52:56 -0600 From: "Nick Kennedy" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163742] RE: [qrp-l] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <000c01c3ca4f$25208060$0400000a@wa5bdu> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hey, I walked to school uphill both ways and keyed my rig with a knife switch too, but 60 bucks for a bug? The advertising section of my 1957 Handbook shows the Presentation for $29.95, on down to the standard Lightning Bug for $18.95. The nice hard shell case was $6.95. 72--Nick, WA5BDU Just finished my $25 AzQRPion paddle a few minutes. What a beauty! -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of Bruce Muscolino Now in 1956 I was a 16 year old high school student. I had very little money to spend on my hobby. 79 cents looked more attractive than 60 dollars or more for a bug. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 19:49:39 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: QRP-L Subject: [163743] Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) Message-ID: <9314367266.20031224194939@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit In Winter when the fields are white I call CQ for QRP delight. At Spring when woods are getting green I'll close DXCC, I mean ;^) Wish you all the best! 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:53:05 -0500 From: "Charles Mabbott" To: bowerm@ix.netcom.com, qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163744] RE: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed Michael, Apparently I am on a different tack than some of the folks. But I would recomend using the straight key first. Use a simple up and down motion of forearm. Start slow to get the feel for it and in the begining take your finger off the key breifly between the words. This will help you with learning the spacing. Use the phone book for practice it has a nice mix of letters and numbers and do not worry about going fast, go well with smoothness.... Speed will come later. After a period of time you can switch to the paddles, bug, or what ever you wish. But the Straight key gives a good solid foundation and later you can always fall back to it after you are working 25/ 30 on the keyer for relaxing 15/ 18 QSO... 73 Chuck AA8VS "The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease." Voltaire www.aa8vs.org/aa8vs ----Original Message Follows---- From: "Michael Bower N4NMR" Reply-To: To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: straight key before paddle? Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 19:24:58 -0500 I vaguely remember one document I read said something about using a straight key before using a paddle. I've always had trouble (still having trouble) learning CW but almost as soon as I got HF privileges, I got a paddle. And then I got a 2 meter rig and that was the downfall temporarily of HF. I'm still trying to learn CW. Does anyone know or care to comment on whether using a straight key for a while helps or doesn't make any difference? Eventually I'll want to use a paddle but if it takes using a straight key for a while, I'll do that. TIA Michael N4NMR _________________________________________________________________ Working moms: Find helpful tips here on managing kids, home, work and yourself. http://special.msn.com/msnbc/workingmom.armx ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:55:43 -0800 From: "Trevor Jacobs" To: llachow@yahoo.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163745] Re: Study of Morse code...another view Message-ID: <00a201c3ca3e$c5ff6ca0$38fea8c0@TREVORMAINPC> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I couldn't agree more! This method was widely used when I was learning Morse, and tends to really slow you down. Took a lot of re-learning to get past that. I'd suggest a Morse trainer such as G4FON's Free CW Trainer that can send random code groups at a character speed of at least 15 WPM, and also a lot of listening to on the air CW. It may be frustrating at first, but it's much better than trying to re-learn it later. I'm also not a big fan of the Farnsworth spacing method. Spacing should be sent correctly. There's a rhythm to CW, and once your mind is used to it, it feels very natural. Happy Holidays... 73's Trev - KG6CYN http://www.qsl.net/kg6cyn > well, Oleg, that seems like fun, but I'm convinced > that systems such as this encourage the "look-up > table" method of learning CW, which fail when you get > above 10-12 wpm, requiring you to learn all over > again. I think learning the sounds of the letters in > Morse with individual letters sent at a speed of about > 15wpm, but as slow a sending rate as needed, allow a > learner to hear the sound "dididit" and think "s," > rather than, "dididit" equals "three dots" equals > "si-li-con" equals "s." ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:03:48 -0900 From: Jim Larsen To: nkennedy@tcainternet.com Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163746] Relative Costs in 1957 vs 2002 - for bugs and such Message-ID: <3FE9C6F4.20109@alaska.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I love these comparisons. Nick Kennedy wrote: 1957 Handbook shows the Presentation for $29.95, the standard Lightning Bug for $18.95. Using a Consumer Price Index calculator: http://www.westegg.com/inflation/ What cost $29.95 in 1957 would cost $190.68 in 2002. What cost $18.95 in 1957 would cost $120.65 in 2002. These numbers add a little bit of perspective to how things change. 73, Jim -- Jim Larsen, AL7FS Anchorage, Alaska http://www.qsl.net/al7fs ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 09:07:13 -0800 (PST) From: Lloyd Lachow To: "Oleg V. Borodin" , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Cc: "Li'l Piggies" Subject: [163747] Re: Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) Message-ID: <20031224170713.21627.qmail@web41002.mail.yahoo.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Oleg, you've inspired me! Spasibo! This is based on another Robbie, Bob Frost: Whose sigs these are, I think I know they're mostly in the static, though Between the Spanish SSB And lightning landing near my tree. He gives a plaintive "QRL?" For on this freq he'd like to dwell The only other sound's the hum Of RFI from the TV. The band is lovely, long and clear But the end of WAP is drawing near And I have many skeds to keep And I have many skeds to keep. 72! LL --- "Oleg V. Borodin" wrote: > In Winter when the fields are white > I call CQ for QRP delight. > At Spring when woods are getting green > I'll close DXCC, I mean > > ;^) > > Wish you all the best! > 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin > RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru > > === In QRP We Trust! === > __________________________________ Do you Yahoo!? New Yahoo! Photos - easier uploading and sharing. http://photos.yahoo.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:16:13 -0700 (MST) From: Karl Larsen To: Chuck Carpenter Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163748] Re: NIMH Batts FT817 [vs NiCD and built-in charger] Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: TEXT/PLAIN; charset=US-ASCII On Wed, 24 Dec 2003, Chuck Carpenter wrote: > Karl, > > I'd agree with Mike that you could use any battery technology with the > FT-817. And charging might be the problem. But I can't figure out from the > manual or looking at the circuit if the internal charger would handle NiMH. > All reference are to NiCD. > > Did you try to or charge the NiMH cells you have with the FT-817 internal > charger? Yes I do and I use the internal and charge for 16 hours. That is 2 8 hour charge intervals and it seems about right. > > At 06:58 AM 12/24/03 -0700, Karl Larsen wrote: > >On Wed, 24 Dec 2003, Francis Callahan wrote: > > > >> Can NIMH batteries be put into the FT 817 in place of the nicads without > any > >> modifications Thanks and Happy Holidays to everyone Cal KF7ET > > > > Yes, I bought a 2.2 Amp-hour NiMH battery pack for mine and it > >works fine. > > > >> > >> > >> > > > >-- > > > > - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - > > > > > > > Chuck Carpenter, W5USJ, Point, Rains Co., TX - EM22cv, NETXQRP #1 > QRP-ARCI #5422, QRP-L #1306, QRPp-I #115, ARS #1280, SOC #57 > Zombie #759, COG #11, 6 Club #201, FP #601 http://www.netxqrp.org > -- - Karl Larsen k5di Las Cruces,NM Az ScQRPions - ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:09:44 -0700 From: "Audie Kaufman" To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163749] Re: Study of Morse code...My view Message-ID: Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/html

Since the idea is to send code that is understandable, does it really matter how you start or what you use as long as communication is possible with what you use?

Audie K5IC

PS I can't used a bug or straight key enough to communicate I don't use them. I use an iambic keyer (and sometimes I can't communicate with that).

>From: "Trevor Jacobs"
>Reply-To: kg6cyn@softhome.net
>To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion"
>Subject: Re: Study of Morse code...another view
>Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 08:55:43 -0800
>
>I couldn't agree more! This method was widely used when I was learning
>Morse, and tends to really slow you down. Took a lot of re-learning to get
>past that. I'd suggest a Morse trainer such as G4FON's Free CW Trainer that
>can send random code groups at a character speed of at least 15 WPM, and
>also a lot of listening to on the air CW. It may be frustrating at first,
>but it's much better than trying to re-learn it later. I'm also not a big
>fan of the Farnsworth spacing method. Spacing should be sent correctly.
>There's a rhythm to CW, and once your mind is used to it, it feels very
>natural.
>
>Happy Holidays...
>
>73's Trev - KG6CYN
>http://www.qsl.net/kg6cyn
>
>
> >   well, Oleg, that seems like fun, but I'm convinced
> > that systems such as this encourage the "look-up
> > table" method of learning CW, which fail when you get
> > above 10-12 wpm, requiring you to learn all over
> > again. I think learning the sounds of the letters in
> > Morse with individual letters sent at a speed of about
> > 15wpm, but as slow a sending rate as needed, allow a
> > learner to hear the sound "dididit" and think "s,"
> > rather than, "dididit" equals "three dots" equals
> > "si-li-con" equals "s."
>
>
>


Have fun customizing MSN Messenger learn how here! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 17:35:44 +0000 From: wa6ltv@comcast.net To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163750] suspend Message-ID: <122420031735.25243.e13@comcast.net> Suspend -- ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 18:40:30 +0100 From: WJuergens@t-online.de (Wolf-Ruediger Juergens) To: Subject: [163751] Happy Holidays Message-ID: <043701c3ca45$069e7cf0$0100a8c0@homepc> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Merry Christmas and best wishes for a peaceful and healthy New Year to all Ham's all over the world! 72 Wolf, DL2WRJ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:47:36 -0700 From: "John_Evans" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163752] Re: AT Sprint on ebay Message-ID: <200312241047.AA7930142@mail.codenet.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii evidently my link doesn't work now. Just go to ebay and search for AT Sprint - you'll find it amidst the at&t and sprint hits :) 72 - john - n0hj ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 12:37:40 -0500 From: "Mike Yetsko" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163753] Re: Study of Morse code...another view Message-ID: <006201c3ca44$b58b54a0$0200a8c0@charter.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Well, I agree, but the real question is what does the student wish to learn? Especially in the old days, when 5wpm was an entry, there were a LOT of people that just wanted to 'get it over with'. They didn't give a rodents behind beyond being about to 'get into' HAM radio for CW. After that... Even with 12wpm for HF access, again, that was all they cared about. 'Getting in'. Now with the relaxation of CW requirements, there really IS justification for learning 'right', and learning so that you can advance as the criteria more than just 'getting in'. But, we have to be careful here. Even if one method is superior in the long term, the fact that some people find it harder to get in that door can mean that they won't open the door in the first place. Even if the CW requirement were to go away totally tomorrow, do we want to say that the 'best and only' way to learn/teach CW is a method that takes longer for the student to see some return on his effort? Yeah, we can all moan about the poor methods we were taught with, or the way we started, but the bottom line is we're here. We're in the door. We have to look at the people outside and make sure that we bring them in, not make them wait outside until they can be brought in properly kind of thing. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:11:06 -0600 From: "Nick Kennedy" To: "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163754] RE: [qrp-l] Re: Study of Morse code...another view Message-ID: <001201c3ca5a$1033e650$0400000a@wa5bdu> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Do 'em both at the same time. Multi-task. Don't over think it. Don't worry, be happy. OK, now we have a third viewpoint. 72--Nick, WA5BDU paddling upstream as usual. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:20:20 -0800 From: "Jade's Technical Services" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163755] Re: straight key before paddle Message-ID: <00c001c3ca63$bd0facc0$2da306d8@f5b7l2> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi; Fun subject, lots of good thoughts. My own story on cw, is straight key in the late sixties as novice. In early seventies after the war, I got relicensed and ran all straight keys, the nye viking master being my favorite- adjusted to get 20wpm which was real necessary to work dx. However after gaining the extra license and new dx land to work, I had to bite the bullet and get bencher paddles to get the speeds needed for dxing pileups and such. I got proficient enuff to send fast exchanges in contests and dxing but never did well shooting the bull with it, so still spend 99% of time on the straight keys ragchewing around 15 wpm. My absolute all time favorite key is the PLA chinese army key(available at morsex). It works great for me, and it could also be used as a weapon to defend yourself. That said the bencher straight key is the other one I recommend. Keys have feelings too so please use them often this holiday season, take a picture of your favorite one and email it to your contacts. Happy Holidays fm kw3u Jim ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:29:57 -0700 From: "Chris Trask" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163756] Re: Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) Message-ID: <009601c3ca4b$ef6f1ba0$92043b41@default> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit After reading this morning's faux Robert Burns poetry, I went looking for the text of "Ode to a Mouse" and came across this: ODE TO A MOUSE PAD Copyright 1998 by Catherine Kanner and Jim Hull Oh brand-new mouse pad, smooth and bright, Beneath my mouse you do delight. The other one was old and sticky, Now computing's much less icky. Chris ,----------------------. High Performance Mixers and / What's all this \ Amplifiers for RF Communications / extinct stuff, anyhow? / \ _______,--------------' Chris Trask / N7ZWY _ |/ Principal Engineer oo\ Sonoran Radio Research (__)\ _ P.O. Box 25240 \ \ .' `. Tempe, Arizona 85285-5240 \ \ / \ \ '" \ IEEE Member #40274515 . ( ) \ '-| )__| :. \ Email: christrask@earthlink.net | | | | \ '. http://www.home.earthlink.net/~christrask c__; c__; '-..'>.__ Graphics by Loek Frederiks ----- Original Message ----- From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 9:49 AM Subject: Verses of Robert Burns (almost ;^) > In Winter when the fields are white > I call CQ for QRP delight. > At Spring when woods are getting green > I'll close DXCC, I mean > > ;^) > > Wish you all the best! > 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin > RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru > > === In QRP We Trust! === > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:35:33 -0700 From: Ken To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163757] AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <5.2.1.1.2.20031224112907.00aebd78@mail.commspeed.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed Maybe someone can explain it to me... How come some kits with overwhelming need and desire aren't re-introduced I've seen reports that some of them sell out in several hours. It's not like the clubs are tired of doing kits, cause they go on offering other different projects. Do the authors only authorize a certain number to be sold? I'm new here and no biggie, just wondering why.... Ken - WA4MNT ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:38:53 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163758] Drilling Altoids Tins Message-ID: <3FE9DD3D.7040609@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I don't build stuff in Altoids tins much. I like a little fancier enclosures, but, while doing some old kits I had set aside. (end of year cleaning), I decided to go ahead and put my Rainbow Tuner in an Altoids tin. Now it's not my original idea, but in case somebody didn't hear it before. The way to drill an Altoids Tin without having it catch on drill and spin around, bashing your knuckles is: 1. Fill tin with water 2. Freeze 3. Drill while still frozen. It REALLY works! Nice neat holes. I may have to build something else in an Altoids tin.... Merry Christmas to all. John W2AGN ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 20:07:42 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: Garie Halstead K8KFJ Cc: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163759] Re[2]: Study of Morse code Message-ID: <13315449876.20031224200742@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Dear OM Garie! GHK> X = Cry baby cry GHK> Q = pay day today GHK> If you don't learn it via the sound patterns, you'll probably never GHK> acquire any speed IMHO. Using this method, my "speed" is 140 letters (numbers) per min, I think it isn't bad. This level for ex.USSR Candidate of RadioSport Master. We have a sound patterns which begining with the same letter (M=Ma-ma), it's more easier for memory. Wish you all the best! 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 21:39:51 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: G-QRP , QRP-L Subject: [163760] Merry Christmas!!! Message-ID: <10820980341.20031224213951@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "...Jingle bell, jingle bell, Jingles all the way..." The best wishes for all you there! Nice health, clear sky and good luck in business. Warm regards from Russia and from RU-QRP Members! MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 18:46:30 -0000 From: "Timothy-Allen Albertson-KG6IRH" To: "Oleg V. Borodin" Cc: Subject: [163761] Re: Merry Christmas!!! Message-ID: <007201c3ca4e$3ff3ada0$fc9baa40@computer> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit spasiba and Merry Christmas, both Western and Eastern, to you and all RU-QRP members 73/72 de tim kg6irh ----- Original Message ----- From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 6:39 PM Subject: Merry Christmas!!! > "...Jingle bell, jingle bell, > Jingles all the way..." > > The best wishes for all you there! > Nice health, clear sky and good luck in business. > Warm regards from Russia and from RU-QRP Members! > > MERRY CHRISTMAS !!! > > 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin > RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru > > === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 10:47:09 -0800 From: "Lee Hopper" To: "Posting to the list QRP-L" Subject: [163762] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Has anyone else noticed the same argument (timing proficiency) used in support of learning *both* first? Funny. I learned paddles from the start, following the KISS principle! (KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid!) 73 - Lee Hopper, NB7F Portland, OR ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:50:38 -0500 From: "palmer_t" To: Subject: [163763] Re: K2QO Fox Quick Report Message-ID: content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Number of pelts bagged through Week 8: 97, 93, 87, 55, 58, 24, 30, 55, 93, 128 (N1FN), 57, 69, 45, 86, 26, & = 61. A very interesting Winter Season so far. I foresee no reason why=20 band conditions will improve during the remaining weeks.=20 Tom, N1TP Naples, FL. =20 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:56:43 -0500 From: "Hare,Ed, W1RFI" To: Subject: [163764] RE: [fpqrp] Hey, Ed... Message-ID: <721D3436A7C2B344A301FD4A413C71A90251232E@kosh.arrlhq.org> content-class: urn:content-classes:message MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable Once you are logged in as a member, one of your options on the ARRL.org = web page, in one of the boxes near the top of the page, is "Member = Data." Once there, there is an option to modify your membership data.=20 73,=20 Ed Hare, W1RFI ARRL Lab 225 Main St Newington, CT 06111 Tel: 860-594-0318 Internet: w1rfi@arrl.org Web: http://www.arrl.org/tis ARRL is the National Association for Amateur Radio. It is supported by = membership dues, individual contributions and the sale of publications = and advertising. For more information about ARRL, go to = http://www.arrl.org/news/features/inside-your-league.html. For more = information about membership, go to http://www.arrl.org/join.html. Your = contribution can also help support ARRL's ongoing efforts to protect = Amateur spectrum. Go to = https://www.arrl.org/forms/development/donations/basic/ to learn more = about the ways you can support the ARRL programs and activities of most = importance to you. You can help ARRL protect Amateur Radio for you and = future generations to enjoy. > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-fpqrp-l@mpna.com=20 > [mailto:owner-fpqrp-l@mpna.com]On Behalf Of > Jo Thompson > Sent: Friday, December 19, 2003 12:42 AM > To: fpqrp-l@mpna.com > Subject: [fpqrp] Hey, Ed... >=20 >=20 > How do I change my forwarding address on the ARRL site? Jo >=20 >=20 > -To unsubscribe, mail to majordomo@fpqrp.com, msg:=20 > unsubscribe fpqrp-l - >=20 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 19:19:03 -0500 From: "Walt Amos" To: "Qrp-L Mail" Subject: [163765] nimh batteries in FT-817 ........... Message-ID: <000901c3ca7c$b63b4940$7bc83f40@waltamos> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Yes, it has a built in charger but you must remove the GREEN wire from the battery holder but pressing the little notch and removing it and putting a piece of sleeving over the RAW end or you can leave it in the holder and just cut and tape it but then you will have to splice it if you ever get the YAESU battery. Walt K8CV Royal oak, MI ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:24:28 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163766] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <3FE9E7EC.7040203@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > Has anyone else noticed the same argument (timing proficiency) used in > support of learning *both* first? Funny. > > I learned paddles from the start, following the KISS principle! > (KISS: Keep It Simple, Stupid!) Back in the olden days, we couldn't afford keys. We sent CW using a couple of pieces of old rusty barb wire we tapped together. (Barbed wire "liberated" from neighbor's fence, of course.) The good ops still could only do 35 WPM with the barbed wire. Many new ops gave up because they kept holding the pointy part of the wire. Happy was the op who was given on old hacksaw blade, for he then could make a REAL key! John W2AGN Merry Christmas ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:41:02 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163767] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20031224144017.00a45070@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 08:57 AM 12/24/2003, John Sielke wrote: >Well, let me throw my 2 cents worth in here. > >Back in the "olden days," as Dave described, there wasn't much choice. >Keyers were RARE, and bugs took a great deal of skill, and went faster >than the new ham could copy, so the straight key was the only choice. >Incidentally, the FCC required you to pass a SENDING test as well as >receiving...with a straight key. (You could bring a bug and use it, but >for a "newbie" it would have been suicide. I did bring a bug, and use it >for my Commercial CW test, but that was at 25 wpm. > >I digress. > >Today, keyers are the norm, being built into most rigs, even kits. >Sometimes, it's hard to figure out how to hook up a straight key.. > >John M. said it best. Learn what GOOD CW sounds like. You will be better >able to emulate it with a keyer. Then, you can learn the straight key, to >use on those occasions when nostalgia hits. (Like SKN, or with your Tuna >Tin II..) > >Keyer, bug or straight key, CW is a skill. You will be known by your fist. >Even with keyers, there are a lot of guys I can pick out just by the way >they send. This is why, IMHO, keyboards are for computers, PSK, RTTY, but >NOT CW. (See, just had to get controversial ;-) > >Merry Christmas, all, > >John W2AGN > >(Where, in SNJ it is 62 degrees and raining..HARD!) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:55:03 -0800 From: "JC Smith" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163768] scrap PC board Message-ID: MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I've been off the list for a while so I apologize if this has been addressed recently. A while back someone was offering scrap PC board by the pound or bundle. Does anyone know who that was and/or if it is still available? Thanks, Happy Holidays & 73 - JC,k0hps@amsat.org -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU]On Behalf Of Peter Burbank Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 11:41 AM To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: Re: straight key before paddle? At 08:57 AM 12/24/2003, John Sielke wrote: >Well, let me throw my 2 cents worth in here. > >Back in the "olden days," as Dave described, there wasn't much choice. >Keyers were RARE, and bugs took a great deal of skill, and went faster >than the new ham could copy, so the straight key was the only choice. >Incidentally, the FCC required you to pass a SENDING test as well as >receiving...with a straight key. (You could bring a bug and use it, but >for a "newbie" it would have been suicide. I did bring a bug, and use it >for my Commercial CW test, but that was at 25 wpm. > >I digress. > >Today, keyers are the norm, being built into most rigs, even kits. >Sometimes, it's hard to figure out how to hook up a straight key.. > >John M. said it best. Learn what GOOD CW sounds like. You will be better >able to emulate it with a keyer. Then, you can learn the straight key, to >use on those occasions when nostalgia hits. (Like SKN, or with your Tuna >Tin II..) > >Keyer, bug or straight key, CW is a skill. You will be known by your fist. >Even with keyers, there are a lot of guys I can pick out just by the way >they send. This is why, IMHO, keyboards are for computers, PSK, RTTY, but >NOT CW. (See, just had to get controversial ;-) > >Merry Christmas, all, > >John W2AGN > >(Where, in SNJ it is 62 degrees and raining..HARD!) ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:05:08 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163769] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20031224144159.00a423b0@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 08:57 AM 12/24/2003, John Sielke wrote: >Well, let me throw my 2 cents worth in here. > >Back in the "olden days," as Dave described, there wasn't much choice. >Keyers were RARE, and bugs took a great deal of skill, and went faster >than the new ham could copy, so the straight key was the only choice. >Incidentally, the FCC required you to pass a SENDING test as well as >receiving...with a straight key. (You could bring a bug and use it, but >for a "newbie" it would have been suicide. I did bring a bug, and use it >for my Commercial CW test, but that was at 25 wpm. I think my fingers were running ahead of my brain on my previous post. One reason many of us started out on the straight key is that was all we could afford. I went from a 1$ j-38 to one of those cheap Japanese bugs and finally a Vibroplex presentation model. My major beef with bugs was the frenetic 'Dit " speed which required making an extra weight for all of them. Keyers are "hawg heaven". IMHO the human brain seems to be extremely versatile. After 5 motorcycles with right /left foot brakes and shifters, Various up/down shift patterns I don't think it matters what you start with. The main thing is the rhythm and copying W1AW is a great place to copy good code. All God's children got rhythm.....some folks just need to work a bit harder at it. 73 and Happy Holidays to all. Pete NV4V ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:12:11 -0600 From: "Nick Kennedy" To: , "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163770] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <000601c3ca6a$fad0d500$0400000a@wa5bdu> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit No doubt you're familiar with this too, since you brought it up, but one of my high school buddies made a bug using a coping saw blade as a spring. That boy was an artist with the key--you should have heard the music coming from his homemade bug, HT-40 and Signal Shifter VFO. What a distinctive, emphatic thump that lashup had when the contacts closed! I speak of WA5HNN, who now goes by the more forgettable call of AE5L, or something like that. 72/Merry Christmas, Nick, WA5BDU -----Original Message----- From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] On Behalf Of John Sielke Happy was the op who was given on old hacksaw blade, for he then could make a REAL key! John W2AGN Merry Christmas ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 21:13:55 +0100 From: "C. Mulder" To: Subject: [163771] Re: Red Hot 20 Question Message-ID: <000301c3ca5a$757b7b40$0200a8c0@Zolder01> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Paul, If you have placed the mixer in the wrong position (180 degrees CW) the other parts like C21, C22, C24, C25, R25 and VR7 cannot be placed, because the pins of the TUF-1 / TFM-2 are placed eccentric! See appendix D of the manual and check the silk screen. If you would like to see a RH20 Manhattan style, check out my homepage. Merry Christmas, 72, Carel - PA0CMU ---------------------------------- http://home.wanadoo.nl/cmulder ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:31:03 -0500 From: Donald E Sanders To: jsielke@pobox.com Cc: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163772] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <20031224.153311.-174505.0.w4bws@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:24:28 -0500 John Sielke writes: >> Back in the olden days, we couldn't afford keys. We sent CW using a > couple of pieces of old rusty barb wire we tapped together. (Barbed > wire "liberated" from neighbor's fence, of course.) > Happy was the op who was given on old hacksaw blade, for he then > could > make a REAL key! > > John W2AGN > > Merry Christmas Kept the number of hams down since most rigs were cathode keyed. That high viltage sure took its toll. Don W4BWS ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:35:15 -0500 From: W2BJ To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163773] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit When I was first licensed in 1955 we had to send as well as receive when taking the test. The two devices were straight keys and bugs. I learned on the straight key and then graduated to the bug. I remember going to the FCC field office in Philadelphia, PA to be tested. I could have taken my bug, but chose not to. I took the test using their straight key. At home, I had both my straight key and bug connected to the rig so that that I could switch. I used the bug most of the time. Now I have a paddle and a bug connected. I still use the bug most of the time. Have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. 73/72, Barry, W2BJ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 12:32:00 -0800 From: "Bill Linn" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163774] Re: AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <00b601c3ca5c$fc52e980$4f70ef42@wa7tqk> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Well, take a look... http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ats2.HTM Merry Christmas to all. Bill - W7WEL --- [SMGazette.com E-mail is scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] [Visit us on the web at SMGazette.com] ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 11:36:09 -0800 From: Steve Smith To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163775] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: <20031224.113611.-248787.1.sigcom@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit There is nothing extra special about most any J-38 key other than it another of those devices that helped get the U.S. through WW-II . Be that as it may, I've never found another straight key with the same "feel" as a J-38. There is something about it's action that gives it sort of a "snap" when keying. Since unused J-38 keys are practically unobtainium, if you really want one the Surplustuff Artec keys are probably a reasonably priced key. There is, however, some controversy over wether or not the Artecs are "real" J-38s. See the following URL for some great info: http://www.qsl.net/k6ix/J38Keys.html Like Jim and George, I much prefer my chrome-plated E.F. Johnson Speed-X retangular key that I've had since I was a new Novice. Dad routed out a wooden base engraved with my WN6TNL callsign. Orignally manufactured by the Les Logan Company, the Speed-X brand was purchased by EFJ in the 50s and later by the Wm. Nye Company who manufactures and sells the keys to this day. The retangular key is an excellent telegraph instrument well suited to beginners and seasoned operators and those quarter-inch silver contacts can hold up to the keying current of any boatanchor transmitter. 73.......Steve Smith, WB6TNL "Snort Rosin" ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:47:40 -0500 From: "Emmersom Bigguns" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163776] Re: AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <003301c3ca5f$2c409640$0400a8c0@home5vtkw1ykj9> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit "Price, approx $200" You have got to be kidding. 73, Merry Christmas to all! Dan, N8IE ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bill Linn" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 3:32 PM Subject: Re: AT Sprint, et al > Well, take a look... http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ats2.HTM > > Merry Christmas to all. > > Bill - W7WEL > > --- > [SMGazette.com E-mail is scanned for viruses by Declude Virus] > [Visit us on the web at SMGazette.com] > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.542 / Virus Database: 336 - Release Date: 11/18/2003 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:53:21 -0600 From: George F Franklin To: w4bws@juno.com Cc: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163777] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <20031224.145321.3428.1.w0av@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hello Don, Remember back a year or so ago there was a debate here about whether or not you could get zapped across a key in the cathode circuit of a rig? As I recall, several people "proved" that it was not possible to get zapped that way. A recent article in QST confirms that it was indeed possible. Been there, got zapped. 73 de George/W0AV Hamming since 1935 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:48:18 -0600 From: George F Franklin To: nkennedy@tcainternet.com Cc: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163778] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <20031224.145321.3428.0.w0av@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Hi Nick, Are you certain that your chum made a "bug" out of a hacksaw blade, or was it an old-time "sideswiper?" Been there, done that! 73 de George/W0AV Hamming since 1935 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 21:03:09 +0000 From: Mike B To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163779] FS: DSW-II 20 meter Message-ID: <200312242103.09027.kw1nd@comcast.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Disposition: inline I recently built a DSW-II 20 meter transceiver that I ordered late in the summer, but times have changed and I'd like to sell it. It works exactly as spec'd, including current draw. Factory info is at http://smallwonderlabs.com/swl_dsw.htm. It's in "like new" condition, with no scratches or dings. Yesterday I got a 20 meter dipole up in a tree while on a break at work, and had a nice albeit short QSO with a Florida station. Pix are available at: http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/boardbottom.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/boardtop.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/dswfront.jpg http://www.qsl.net/kw1nd/dswback.jpg Originally I was going to mount the board in a different enclosure, and very gently & carefully removed a small amount of board along each edge. Only groundplane was removed - no traces. My enclosure idea didn't work out, so I mounted it in the factory case. Due to Dave's primo engineering, the board still fits nice & snug in the factory case, so no worries there. As I mentioned, the rig still functions perfectly - didn't even have to do any troubleshooting! I try very hard to do a nice job on soldering and assembly - I take pride in my work. I'd like to get $150 for it, including Priority Mail shipping. I'll even offer a 7-day money back guarantee if you don't like it. Please reply off-list. 73 Mike Boice, KW1ND Karns, Tennessee ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:04:09 -0500 From: Peter Burbank To: w4bws@juno.com, "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163780] Re: straight key before paddle? Message-ID: <5.2.0.9.0.20031224155629.00a07b80@mail.qx.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"; format=flowed At 03:31 PM 12/24/2003, Donald E Sanders wrote: >On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:24:28 -0500 John Sielke >writes: > >> Back in the olden days, we couldn't afford keys. We sent CW using a > > couple of pieces of old rusty barb wire we tapped together. (Barbed > > wire "liberated" from neighbor's fence, of course.) > > Happy was the op who was given on old hacksaw blade, for he then > > could > make a REAL key! > > > > John W2AGN > > > > Merry Christmas > >Kept the number of hams down since most rigs were cathode keyed. That >high viltage sure took its toll. >Don W4BWS Most hams had thick skin on their fingers from pulling 5U4s and were immunized from electrical shock due to a few brushes with 6146 or 807 plate caps. :-) :-) BTW the 6146 provides another economic scale. They cost $5.40 in the olden days and the last time I priced one they were over $40. Pete NV4V ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:21:01 -0500 From: "Joseph Trombino Jr" To: "QRP-L" Subject: [163781] Talking about straight keys Message-ID: <014701c3ca63$d6ba1c00$220110ac@gateway.2wire.net> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Howdy Gang: Like most of us I started off as a Novice using a straight then moving up to a bug and finally to a paddle using iambic keying techniques. The best straight key I have come across in a long time is a type used on tanker ships. The key is spark proof and completely enclosed. It has been called a submarine key but a friend who was a submariner insists they only used J38's on subs and not the "tanker key". These tanker keys show up on eBay all the time called "U.S. Navy keys". The units I own have model numbers CMI-26003A and CJB 26003A. Some have anchors one the bottom of the key. The all have the nice, big Navy style knob on top. Regaradless of model number and manufacturer these keys appear to be all the same. They are the smoothest and best handling straight key I have ever used. Will definitely put one on the air on New Years eve for straight key night. Does anyone have more background info on these keys?? 73, Joe W2KJ North Carolina I QRP, therefore, I am ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 08:32:12 +1100 From: "Ian C. Purdie" To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion , SOC Subject: [163782] Seasons Greetings Message-ID: <3FEA05DC.12AF3259@integritynet.com.au> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Season's Greetings to one and all. Christmas morning here in OZ right now at 08:30 LT, preparing for a day of torrid temperatures Australia wide. Top of 32C expected locally which I expect is a sharp contrast with our friends in the northern hemisphere. Anyway a safe and happy season to all. The Australian version of Jingle Bells. http://www.jaybees.com.au/carols/ausjinglebells.html [Translations] Holden Ute = Utility, tradesman's motor vehicle - tray at back for carrying hay, concrete, tools, ladders, whatever Esky = Insulated container designed to carry beer and ice Kelpie = Sheepdog shoot through = go home 72/73's Ian C. Purdie Budgewoi N.S.W. Australia - Co-ords S33 14', E151 34' VK2TIP "I'll give ya the TIP mate" QRP-L #1978. SOC #171 FP#91 http://www.electronics-tutorials.com/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:44:07 -0700 From: "James R. Duffey" To: "George, W5YR" , Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion Subject: [163783] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: Mime-version: 1.0 Content-type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-transfer-encoding: 7bit George - That is the one. I think Nye bought out the Ham Radio portion of E.F. Johnson in the early 70s. They are very nice keys, and the fact that they are still sold 60 years after their design, and still widely used are a testament to their good utilitarian design. - Duffey ______________________ James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:30:55 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: "Elecraft" , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" , Subject: [163784] Using an External Receiver Downconverter with the K2 Message-ID: <016001c3ca68$3c70c9a0$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit I have intended to write this up for the Elecraft and QRP-L lists for some time but keep putting it off. I don't have time right now to do a detailed description but let me hit the highlights. I have brought out two "IF" signals from the K2. The first comes from the input to the Noise Blanker as a convenient point to tap. The circuit is simply a 22 pF ceramic cap and a length of RG-174 going from the cap (connected to the NB input) to one of the two BNCs added on the rear deck in the XVERTER holes. That was done in order to allow the K2 signals to operate the PRO2 Spectrum Scope at the price of losing some of the K2 front-end magic. Remember that in the K2, the IF filter actually performs dual service as a roofing filter and an IF filter. The IF signal from this point will be at various frequencies depending upon mode and band. Finding these for your particular K2 and the downconverter receiver is the challenge, and writing up that procedure has been the delaying point for me. A tap at this point would not necessarily be all that beneficial for the 746PRO without the SS. But it works great on a PRO or PRO2. The second tap comes from the output of the AGC amplifier! Trying to take a signal from the IF filter output, even at the input of the NE602 second mixer, proved to be too detrimental to the receiver operation. In the K2, AGC voltage is derived not at the IF frequency but rather yet another NE602 downconverts the IF signal to around 154 kHz. This signal is then amplified and rectified to become the AGC control voltage applied to the IF amplifier. This signal has the full benefit of the IF/roofing filter front end and yet is isolated from the IF frequency circuitry to avoid interaction and the introduction of coupling that the K2 should have. Obtaining AGC voltage this way is an elegant solution to what is usually a difficult problem with superhet receivers. And it gives us an excellent, isolated tap point for the external receiver. The circuit here is a little more complex. First, you remove R5, which controls the gain of the op amp following the AGC NE602, and replace it with a 50K minipot. This pot value can be adjusted to set the AGC gain. From pin 7 of the op amp (the output) the circuit comprises a 0.005 cap and a 47K resistor in series with the RG-174 to the other BNC on the rear panel. The 47K value was chosen to match the PRO2 S-meter readings with those of the K2. The cap value is not critical but it needs to pass a 154 kHz signal. I just don't have time (Christmas Eve with guests!) to explain the details of finding the IF signal on the PRO dial, but the IF output will be in the 4900 kHz range and the AGC output in the 154 kHz range. The mode for the external receiver is the same as that of the K2 on some modes and bands and opposite on others. Sorry to be vague here, but you just have to start tuning until you find the frequency and mode that causes the CW tone from the external receiver to match that of the K2. That is the frequency to use for that band and mode. Set the K2 IF for maximum bandwidth. This signal is really clean and "narrow" and is a perfect candidate for the PRO DSP IF magic. One drawback: at that low frequency, the preamps do not operate. But everything else does and having the IF DSP capabilities make the K2 seem like a new radio. The notch filter alone is reason enough to make this mod Well, that should be confusing enough, so I'd better quit. Rather than load up the list with a lot of conversation on this, perhaps you should address any questions to me privately. If my response is of general interest, I'll post to the reflectors. I am also posting this to the Elecraft reflector. Thanks for the interest! 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net . ----- Original Message ----- From: "Mark Rauchfuss" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 10:05 AM Subject: Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one > Hi Jim, > > This sounds like an interesting approach. George, can you please contact me > off-line to discuss how you accomplished this? I am interested in the > interfaces and circuit diagrams. > > Thx & 73s, > > > Mark > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "James R. Duffey" > To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" > Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:30 PM > Subject: Re: newer simpler rig for me, but which one > > > > Rod - Congrats on your new Argonaut. > > > > This is not such a far fetched concept: > > > > "A K2 with the IF DSP/GC-RX functionality of the Icom 746pro. :-)" > > > > George, W5YR, who occasionally frequents this list, uses a similar setup. > He > > takes the IF from the K-2 after the crystal filter and pipes it into his > > 756PRO2, thereby getting all of the advantages of the K-2's excellent > front > > end, and all of the good back end pass band tuning and DSP of the Icom. > > > > For all of its excellence in the front end, the K-2 is still a bit behind > > the times in the back end processing and really benefits from the setup > you > > suggest. - Dr. Megacycle Kk6MC/5 > > ______________________ > > James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 > > Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 > > > > ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 25 Dec 2003 00:52:17 +0300 From: "Oleg V. Borodin" To: G-QRP , QRP-L Subject: [163785] XMAS night Message-ID: <556063954.20031225005217@lipetsk.ru> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit There is a midnight in Central Russia already! The magic Christmas night goes to Europe and to America after. Just I saw in TV-news of the celebrating people of Western countries. But we don't wait Santa Claus today ;-) Our Russian Wizards will come to us in New Year's night 31Dec to 1 Jan. It is our Ded MorOz (Grandfather a Frost) with his granddaughter SnegUrochka (Snowy Girl). Ded Moroz will leave the gifts to children under Christmas Tree (fir). True, these days everybody has reset in childhood slightly :^) Happy holidays! Wish you all the best! 72! de RV3GM Oleg ("Master-72") V. Borodin RU-QRP Club http://ruqrp.narod.ru === In QRP We Trust! === ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 15:56:49 -0600 From: "George, W5YR" To: "James R. Duffey" , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163786] Re: Straight key source Message-ID: <016c01c3ca68$d6f0a310$0401a8c0@PS> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Plus, Jim, just think how many super CW operators they trained! But you wouldn't want to hear me use mine now . . . <:} 73, George W5YR w5yr@att.net ----- Original Message ----- From: "James R. Duffey" To: "George, W5YR" ; "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 3:44 PM Subject: Re: Straight key source > George - That is the one. I think Nye bought out the Ham Radio portion of > E.F. Johnson in the early 70s. > > They are very nice keys, and the fact that they are still sold 60 years > after their design, and still widely used are a testament to their good > utilitarian design. - Duffey > ______________________ > James R. Duffey KK6MC/5 > Cedar Crest NM 87009 DM65 > > ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 17:05:13 -0500 From: Rick McKee To: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163787] J-38's & E. F. Johnson Message-ID: <20031224.170519.11414.0.kc8aon@juno.com> My J-38 key is made by E.F. Johnson Co. ! It has an all brass base with steel lever, and is mounted on what appears to be a rectangular bakelite plate with J-38 engraved on the front, and the words "TEL" and "LINE" on the back with arrows going through the 2 words. It's a very nice key, and I have never seen another key that has a feel like this one ! I have made many contacts with it too ! It was sent to me as a gift from another ham I worked on 40 meters ! His name is Doug Maiden, KG4KGL. While working Doug, he asked me what type of keyer I was using. Boy, that sure made me feel proud, because all I had at the time was an old Ameco straight key that cost me a mere $13 ! When I told him what I was using, he complimented me on my fist and told me he had an old J-38, but didn't like to use straight keys ! Well, a few days later I received a package in the mail from Doug with a QSL card confirming our qso, and his J-38 along with a note that said "Anyone having a fist as good as your's. needs to have this key in his collection" ! I don't think of myself as having a super good fist, but receiving something like this from someone I really didn't know really made me feel grateful and proud all at the same time ! That was in 1996, when I was fairly new at CW, and I still have and use that key on occasion with my Yaesu FT-7, and will never part with it ! I still have the old Ameco too ! I use a keyer and paddles more than ever now though, but that's only due to the fact that I have carpal tunnel syndrome, and the straight key causes me some pain if I use it too long - but I still love the old keys ! 72/73 de: Rick McKee, KC8AON <> Willow Wood, Ohio <> Grid: EM88rl SW-20+, SW-30+, SW-40+, Norcal BLT, Yaesu FT-7, Homebrew 6V6 tube TX QRP-L #2112, FPqrp #33, AR QRP, AmQRP, Ohio Valley Fists, Zombie #718, MQFD #1 For info on MQFD, go to: http://www.smartgroups.com/groups/mqfd I'll give up CW & QRP when I'm dead ! MAYBE ! didididadidah ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 17:37:01 -0500 From: John Sielke To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163788] SKN and Xtal Control Message-ID: <3FEA150D.5030201@pobox.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii; format=flowed Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Last year we hjad a fun "contest" with bonus points for using Rockmites, TT2s, Pixies, etc. Not sure if that will be repeated, BUT.... May I ask that folks listen out at the xtal control "watering holes," 3560, 3579, 7040, etc, during this years SKN. I am sure a lot of folks will be putting old rigs on the air, crystal controlled. I plan to get on with the TT2, and also fire up my old Hallicrafters HT-17, perhaps on 80M. It is also crystal controlled. I'll be receiving with the S-40B.Hope someone copies this shaky old fist. John W2AGN ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 13:46:36 -0800 From: Steve Smith To: w2kj@bellsouth.net Cc: qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU Subject: [163789] Re: Talking about straight keys Message-ID: <20031224.134650.-106775.0.sigcom@juno.com> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Joe, What you have there is commonly called the "Navy flameproof" key. They were manufactured by several different companies under contract to the U.S. governent. You're right, they're great keys with a terrific "feel" and extremely rugged. You can read about them and many other keys at: http://w1tp.com/m9000.htm 73.......Steve Smith, WB6TNL "Snort Rosin" On Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:21:01 -0500 "Joseph Trombino Jr" writes: > Howdy Gang: > > Like most of us I started off as a Novice using a straight then > moving up to > a bug and finally to a paddle using iambic keying techniques. > > The best straight key I have come across in a long time is a type > used on > tanker ships. The key is spark proof and completely enclosed. It > has been > called a submarine key but a friend who was a submariner insists > they only > used J38's on subs and not the "tanker key". > > These tanker keys show up on eBay all the time called "U.S. Navy > keys". The > units I own have model numbers CMI-26003A and CJB 26003A. Some have > anchors > one the bottom of the key. The all have the nice, big Navy style > knob on > top. > > Regaradless of model number and manufacturer these keys appear to be > all the > same. They are the smoothest and best handling straight key I have > ever > used. Will definitely put one on the air on New Years eve for > straight key > night. > > Does anyone have more background info on these keys?? > > 73, Joe W2KJ > North Carolina > I QRP, therefore, I > am > > > > ________________________________________________________________ The best thing to hit the internet in years - Juno SpeedBand! Surf the web up to FIVE TIMES FASTER! Only $14.95/ month - visit www.juno.com to sign up today! ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 14:55:25 -0800 From: "Elliott Lawrence" To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163790] RFI Message-ID: <00f001c3ca71$04f3af20$6400a8c0@g2ss901> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit A while back I believe someone on this Reflector had a RFI problem with a new plasma screen TV. I was wondering if he resolved the issue and if anyone else has experienced this same type of problem? I've been thinking about getting a new set to replace the old 27" TV and don't want anything that generate RFI in the house! 72 Elliott WA6TLA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 18:15:32 -0500 From: Steven Weber To: "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163791] Re: AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <3.0.6.32.20031224181532.007bfcd0@mailhost.ncia.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii" >"Price, approx $200" >You have got to be kidding. > But that's only $31.41 in 1957 dollars :-) 72, Steve, KD1JV "Melt Solder" White Mountains of New Hampshire http://www.qsl.net/kd1jv/ ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 18:23:46 -0500 (GMT-05:00) From: "Tim O'Rourke" To: qrp-l@lehigh.edu Subject: [163792] QRP Companion Battery Message-ID: <11202420.1072308226888.JavaMail.root@beaker.psp.pas.earthlink.net> Mime-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Anyone know a source for replacement battery? I am also looking for a copy of the manual. Tim O'Rourke W4YN Tim O'Rourke W4YN@ARRL.Net ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 16:41:00 -0700 From: "Bob Baxter" To: , "Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion" Subject: [163793] Re: AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <00a901c3ca77$68f4f9b0$fb542aa2@radioroom> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit > >"Price, approx $200" > >You have got to be kidding. > > > But that's only $31.41 in 1957 dollars :-) And that's only 6 1/2 years ago in dog years. Bob Baxter AA7EQ Bisbee, Az. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 24 Dec 2003 18:57:49 -0500 From: "Paul Womble" To: "'Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion'" Subject: [163794] RE: AT Sprint, et al Message-ID: <003401c3ca79$bcc4bf10$6401a8c0@house> MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit How about I date my check for 2020? Paul K4FB > -----Original Message----- > From: owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU [mailto:owner-qrp-l@Lehigh.EDU] > On Behalf Of Steven Weber > Sent: Wednesday, December 24, 2003 6:16 PM > To: Low Power Amateur Radio Discussion > Subject: Re: AT Sprint, et al > > > >"Price, approx $200" > >You have got to be kidding. > > > But that's only $31.41 in 1957 dollars :-) ------------------------------ End of QRP-L Digest 3144 ************************ --------------------------------