Date: Fri, 12 Nov 93 19:37:56 PST From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <info-hams@ucsd.edu> Errors-To: Info-Hams-Errors@UCSD.Edu Reply-To: Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu Precedence: Bulk Subject: Info-Hams Digest V93 #1341 To: Info-Hams Info-Hams Digest Fri, 12 Nov 93 Volume 93 : Issue 1341 Today's Topics: * SpaceNews 15-Nov-93 * Abbreviating Dates Code software for the Mac? Domestic QSL Strategies Fun with Radio Shack Help with Tempo S5 HT Multiple YAGIS on mast NMO Help One Antenna Two Poor audio fix for HTs The League SUPPORTS Morse... - rec.radio.amateur.policy #6979 (2 msgs) Send Replies or notes for publication to: <Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu> Send subscription requests to: <Info-Hams-REQUEST@UCSD.Edu> Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu. Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available (by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams". We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: 12 Nov 93 14:34:36 GMT From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu Subject: * SpaceNews 15-Nov-93 * To: info-hams@ucsd.edu SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC1115 * SpaceNews 15-Nov-93 * BID: $SPC1115 ========= SpaceNews ========= MONDAY NOVEMBER 15, 1993 SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA. It is published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution. * DOVE RECOVERY BEGUN * ======================= The following is by Jim White, WD0E: DOVE is up and running on 2 meters. It is sending normal ASCII telemetry and short text bulletins on 145.825. A very quick look at telemetry indicates the s/c is basically healthy. The team of Bob Diersing, N5HAD, Bill McCaa, K0RZ, and myself have been working very intensively for about 10 days to create and test new software that allowed automated software loading via two meters in a half duplex mode. This replaces the 'ear-ack on s-band' method N4HY had used in the past that was so difficult as to be a barrier to recovery. We would like to have telemetry reports. Please send them to vk7zbx@KO-23, @ AO-16 or on internet vk7zbx@amsat.org or to me wd0e@amsat.org, or CI$ 71477,546. The most recent version of TLMDCII (3-8-92) will decode and record DOVE telemetry very nicely. After we are sure the satellite is stable in this configuration and the power targets are established, the next step will be to load up through PHTX and test the voice module. Depending on the condition of the s/c and other issue, this could take several weeks. It'd like to express sincere thanks to Bob Diersing for all of his hard work creating a RAM loader, and Bill McCaa for the many passes of s-band and two meter receive he provided (often late into the night). It could not have been done without their enthusiastic efforts. Thanks also to Harold Price, NK6K, for providing the development system hardware, software, and a good deal of coaching. His contribution was invaluable. Given a reasonably healthy s/c, I'm confident we can make DOVE talk as I described at the AMSAT-NA Space Symposium in Dallas a few weeks ago. Jim White wd0e@amsat.org [Story via PACSAT-OSCAR-16] * PACSAT-OSCAR-16 STATUS * ========================== PACSAT-1>AMSAT <UI>: 02 November 1993 Monthly WOD collection by week 1) Array currents 2)Temperatures 3)Bus/Battery AO16 Command Team <WJ9F> * WEBERSAT-OSCAR-18 NEWS * ========================== WEBER-1>CAST <UI>: 06-NOV-93 *Collecting and Sending WOD Week4: Temps & Impact Ch# 14 2F 30 35 3B 40 *New Images *Monday, New Spectrum I3/EA2CLS * LUSAT-OSCAR-19 STATUS * ========================= LUSAT-1>AMARG <UI>: October 16. BBS is open. Directory Broadcast feature is available. Use PB version 920430p. Enjoy!. LU8DYF, LO-19 command station. * OSCAR 20 SCHEDULE CHANGE * ============================= Effective December 1, 1993, the Fuji-OSCAR 20 satellite will change its digital/analog operating schedule. At present, the satellite functions as a packet BBS every day except Wednesday when it switches to the analog transponder (CW/SSB) mode for approximately 24 hours. Beginning December 1, at 0843 UTC, OSCAR 20 will be switched to the analog mode (Mode JA) where it will remain for one week. On December 11, at 07:51 UTC, it will be switched back to the digital BBS mode (Mode JD) for one week. The modes will continus to alternate on a weekly basis until further notice. The December operating schedule is as follows: Mode JA-Analog : 01-Dec-93 at 08:43 UTC through 08-Dec-93 at 07:16 UTC Mode JD-Digital: 08-Dec-93 at 07:16 UTC through 15-Dec-93 at 07:41 UTC Mode JA-Analog : 15-Dec-93 at 07:41 UTC through 22-Dec-93 at 08:05 UTC Mode JD-Digital: 22-Dec-93 at 08:05 UTC through 29-Dec-93 at 08:30 UTC (+/-) OSCAR 20 Frequencies: Digital Uplink : 145.850, 145.870, 145.890, 145.910 MHz Digital Downlink: 435.910 MHz Analog Uplink : 145.900 to 146.000 MHz Analog Downlink : 435.800 to 435.900 MHz The analog transponder inverts uplinked signals. LSB on the uplink becomes USB on the downlink. A signal in the lower portion of the uplink passband appears in the upper portion of the downlink passband. The decision to change the schedule was made by Toshiyuki Kondoh, JR1NVU, who is in charge of FO-20 operations. By providing a full week of analog transponder time, the OSCAR 20 command team hopes to encourage more hams to use this mode. The Japan Amateur Radio League offers a "Fuji Award" to any amateur making at least 10 contacts via OSCAR-20 Mode JA. More details on this award will be relayed as they become available from the JARL. [Info from Fujio Yamashita, JS1UKR, via W1AW and the ARRL] * AMSAT-OSCAR-21 STATUS * ========================= RUDAK2>BEACON <UI C>: ++ Hi, this is the RUDAK-II experiment on AMSAT OSCAR 21 ++ RUDAK2>BEACON <UI C>: ***** New Modes ahead ***** * The current schedule is about to change * * soon. New TX modes will be installed. * * Stay tuned! 73 de RUDAK-Team * * THANKS! * =========== Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation regarding SpaceNews, especially: N3NCS ZS5FR AA6CK G6YPK NF6H F9ZY * FEEDBACK/INPUT WELCOMED * =========================== Mail to SpaceNews should be directed to the editor (John, KD2BD) via any of the following paths: FAX : 1-908-747-7107 PACKET : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA INTERNET : kd2bd@ka2qhd.ocpt.ccur.com -or- kd2bd@amsat.org MAIL : John A. Magliacane, KD2BD Department of Engineering and Technology Advanced Technology Center Brookdale Community College Lincroft, New Jersey 07738 U.S.A. <<=- SpaceNews: The first amateur newsletter read in space! -=>> /EX -- John A. Magliacane, KD2BD * /\/\ * Voice : 1-908-224-2948 Advanced Technology Center |/\/\/\| Packet : KD2BD @ N2KZH.NJ.USA.NA Brookdale Community College |\/\/\/| Internet: kd2bd@ka2qhd.ocpt.ccur.com Lincroft, NJ 07738 * \/\/ * Morse : -.- -.. ..--- -... -.. ------------------------------ Date: 12 Nov 93 23:39:35 GMT From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu Subject: Abbreviating Dates To: info-hams@ucsd.edu The net has recently seen a bit of good-natured (?) joshing about who is out of step on abbreviating dates... I've gone to the unassailable authority in such matters, my MS-DOS User's Guide and Reference ...... Date in words: The fifteenth day of December in the year one thousand nine hundred ninety three. Abbreviated Countries where used ------------ --------------------- 12/15/1993 USA 15/12/1993 Belgium, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom, Brazil, International English, Latin America 15.12.1993 Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Switzerland 15-12-1993 Denmark, Netherlands, Portugal 1993-12-15 Canada(French), Hungary, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Sweden, Poland Note: Doesn't Japan use something like the last format (above)? It also seems to me that following is true... 19931215 American National Standards Institute (since it collates directly without any special treatment). Who's out of step? 73, Bob W3OTC >>>>> Not a reflection of my employer's views, if any. ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Nov 93 14:08:46 GMT From: mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx!jwiggins@uunet.uu.net Subject: Code software for the Mac? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Just passed my Technician exam (no license yet) and I want to prepare for the code tests. I have a PC at work and have a fairly nice shareware program for it (Super Morse). Are there any snazzier programs available for the PC (free, share, or commercial)? I have a Mac at home and would like to practice there (I really ought to be working at work!). Does anyone know of any shareware or commercial programs that will teach code on the Mac? Thanks, Joe ------------------------------ Date: 10 Nov 1993 08:21:11 -0500 From: noc.near.net!genrad.com!genrad.com!not-for-mail@uunet.uu.net Subject: Domestic QSL Strategies To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <1993Nov10.022503.20167@ke4zv.atl.ga.us> gary@ke4zv.UUCP (Gary Coffman) writes: >In article <Charles.R.Hohenstein.1-091193111547@oldmac14.debartolo.lab.nd.edu> Charles.R.Hohenstein.1@nd.edu (Charles R. Hohenstein) writes: >>3. Suppose that an amateur doesn't even know that his call book address is >>invalid. How can I or anyone else let him know, if the whole problem is >>that the guy can't be reached? Maybe the League should share the last known >>address for ARRL members, but that sounds like a lot of work. > >It also wouldn't be a popular idea with some League members. Divulging >mailing lists is a sore point with some. They consider that confidential >information. It wouldn't be surprising if a large number of amateurs didn't >know whether their callbook address were correct or in error. Take me for >example, I haven't bought a new callbook since 1967. I recently bought the >SAM database, and my address is correct, but between 1968 and 1992 I have >no idea whether the callbook was printing correct information or not. This would almost definitely not be a popular idea. However, the fact of the matter is, ARRL DOES in fact probably have the most up-to-date info available for hams. How you ask? Simple. The Incoming QSL bureau sends foreign cards to US hams. Where do they get their information? Answer: 1. US Callbook (most recent one available) 2. Buckmaster 3. From the ham himself! Normally, the ham wants the bureau to know where to send his foreign QSL cards. 4. From the US Postal Service! When the sorter sends out cards to an invalid address, quite often, it will get returned, but with a "forwarding address expired" tag on it, WITH the new forwarding address! How does this help us, the hams? Well, I believe ARRL sends this type of information to the US Callbook so that the next edition is more up-to-date. I KNOW I send the data to US Callbook (I'm one of those volunteer sorters). And of course, ARRL has the data in their "database"....'course that "database" may be spread out among 260 different individuals spread out over the entire US....so that may not be too helpful. :-) Diana The "1Y" sorter -- ->Diana L. (Syriac) Carlson dls@genrad.com Ham: KC1SP (Sweet Pea) <- ->I'D RATHER BE FLYING! P-ASEL, INST CAP: CPT, Freedom 690 Mobile<- ->AD ASTRA, PER ASPERA Airplane: None :-( <- ->GenRad, MS/6, 300 Baker Ave, Concord, Mass. 01742 (508)369-4400 x2459 <- ------------------------------ Date: 10 Nov 1993 06:01:48 -0700 From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!ds9.sim.es.com!not-for-mail@uunet.uu.net Subject: Fun with Radio Shack To: info-hams@ucsd.edu What about just using the $3 coupon for the catalog? -- | Harrison Cooper | email : hcooper@javelin.sim.es.com | | SP Hardware Design | Phone : 801-582-5847 ext 3275 | | Evans & Sutherland Computer Corp. | Radio : N7KST 147.04 R, 145.49 R | | Salt Lake City, Utah 84158 | Davis County ARES 147.42 S | ------------------------------ Date: 10 Nov 93 11:41:05 CST From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!engr.uark.edu!news.ualr.edu!eivax.ualr.edu!heiss@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Help with Tempo S5 HT To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Hello: The wires on the speaker/mic connector came loose and I need to reattach them. I have tried to work through the proper connections on my own but have not been able to arrive at the correct solution. If anyone has the schematic for the proper connection I would appreciate it very much. I would also like to find a service manual for this Tempo S5. Thanks Larry -- KC5CVL ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 11 Nov 1993 21:10:05 GMT From: sdd.hp.com!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!darwin.sura.net!fconvx.ncifcrf.gov!fcs260c!mack@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Multiple YAGIS on mast To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <CGC5GI.C9t@cdsmail.cdc.com> molson@bml4380.cpg.cdc.com (Mark Olson) writes: > > > I've got a 2m and a 70cm Yagi on the same mast, both >vertically polarized. I originally had them spaced ~15cm >apart, and found that while the 2m had acceptable SWR, >the 70cm had > 2:1 SWR at the frequencies I wanted to use. >After fiddling around with the gamma match I found that >no amount of tuning would reduce the SWR. So, I moved >the antennas further apart, about 30cm, and now the >SWR ranges between 1.5:1 and 1.9:1. > > I still have a feeling that the antennas are too close together. >As I see it, I have two options: mount the antennas crosswise >on the mast, which is undesirable, because I want them both >pointing in the same direction, or to increase the spacing. This >will cause me to use a longer mast or to have one antenna >fairly close to the rotor, which might cause more problems. >My question: is there a general rule of thumb for yagi separation >distance, or is what I am doing a no-no? > >Thanks in advance for the advice, > >Mark Olson AA0MH Dear Mark, There is a rule of thumb (which I've forgotten) and one antenna (can't remember whether smaller or larger) will see the other, but not the reverse. Also a vertical yagi on the mast will see the mast and be unhapy (the mathematical term for it). How about putting a cross boom on the maast and putting but antennas on the horizontal corss boom? Joe Mack (NA3T) mack@ncifcrf.gov ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 9 Nov 1993 22:08:40 GMT From: cs.yale.edu!theodolite!ksmith@yale.arpa Subject: NMO Help To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Yesterday I ordered two NMO mounts (Larsen) and 1/4 wave whips (2m/440, black, Larsen) for my 1990 Isuzu Trooper since I've grown tired of mag-mounts and am ready to bore holes. Anything I should look out for? I've got a friend at the local county communications shop who's agreed to help with the install, and his plan is to use the Motorola bit without removing the headliner. The headliner is a one piece deal that looks like it would be impossible to reinstall, so I'm definately up for not removing it if at all possible. He seems to think he can fish the cables from the holes in the roof. I'm planning to take the cables down the column between the front and rear passenger doors on the right side, fishing them out the bottom near the seat belt retractor. Has anyone done this, and is there anything to watch out for (dome light wiring, etc?)? Post or reply via email, either is fine. -Kirk J. Smith, KD6RCT ------------------------------ Date: 10 Nov 1993 08:36:37 -0500 From: swrinde!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!srgenprp!news.dtc.hp.com!hplextra!hpscit.sc.hp.com!hpuerca.atl.hp.com!hpuerca!edh@ Subject: One Antenna Two To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In <2boi1r$6pr@vlsi.agcs.com> romanenkod@agcs.com (Dan Romanenko) writes: >In the process of looking at dual band (2m/70cm) mobile radios, I have >observed some radios come with one antenna lead for both bands, It has a built in duplexor. >1. From a two antenna lead, run separate coax, mount two single band > antennas on the vehicle. > Adv: - Each antenna tuned for a particular band Also, you can optimise your antenna selection: I have used the cross-band repeat function of my Alinco DR-590 on several occaisions where I was close (relatively) to my truck, but the repeater being used for the public service event was pretty far away. I left the 1/4 band 70cm antenna in place, but unscrewed the 2m antenna and replaced in with a hefty gain antenna (that I don't like to drive around with all the time because of its length). Used either my IC-4AT or the 444 side of my DJ-580 for the input. Worked so well, other hams along the route began using my "portable repeater" to reach the net control too. > Dis: - Two antennas on top of vehicle > - Two coax runs required I never felt like two coax runs was a disadvantage: my bet is that I can loose half my antenna system and still be on the air! >2. From a two antenna lead, run into a duplexer, run coax to dual band > antenna. > Adv: - Single antenna on vehicle Okay, until something whacks it. :-) > Dis: Contrary to the nest statement, I found I could put up two good antennas cheaper than I could buy a good dual-band antenna and a good duplexor! These things are pricey items for equivilent gain, design, quality, etc. compared to the single band ones. >In pricing the two options, the cost for each setup would be >about the same. See my note above. > Still waiting for my license... Here's hoping your license comes soon -- 73 Ed Humphries N5RCK HP Atlanta GA ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 10 Nov 93 21:54:29 EST From: noc.near.net!news.delphi.com!usenet@uunet.uu.net Subject: Poor audio fix for HTs To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Guillermo Gosset <gosset@pbr322.ceingebi.unam.MX> writes: > A common complaint about the newer micro handhelds is the low volume audio. > There is a fix to that problem, which I have applied to my Kenwood TH-78A. > I use a CD Player-to-Cassette adapter (Radio Shack 12-1951), it plugs into > the headphone jack of the HT and the adapter loads like a cassette into the > car stereo system. With this setup one hears the HT audio amplified by the > car stereo, so there is plenty of power available. Also it is possible to > modify audio tone with the stereo controls. I saw that thing in the Radio Shack catalog and I'm really curious to learn how well it works. I'm afraid the blasted wire will get hung in the cassette mechanism and ruin an otherwise perfectly good Kenwood car stereo. :-) The cassettes slide in sideways in my Kenwood, then drop down into the cassette mechanism. From the picture in the catalog, it appears the wire comes out of the back of the cassette, which means it'll be halfway in the cassette mechanism -- an invitation for disaster in my opinion. -- Greg KE4DPX ------------------------------ Date: 13 Nov 93 01:03:32 GMT From: paperboy.ids.net!anomaly.sbs.com!kd1hz@uunet.uu.net Subject: The League SUPPORTS Morse... - rec.radio.amateur.policy #6979 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <2c0pugINNbgf@tonto.ksu.ksu.edu>, cbr600@tonto.ksu.ksu.edu (Jeremy L. Utley) writes: > Have you ever tried explaining to them that Amateur Radio has it's own set of > operating practices, different from CB, and show them what those practices > are??? Yup. The last one I mentioned this to told me to "fuck off". I was even nice enough to call him on the phone instead of mentioning it on the air where he might get offended. Just goes to show you what the 'no-clue' license did in RI... > And the No-Clue moniker is NOT appreciated, because to the ordinary reader > of this > group, it implies No-Code = No-Clue. Oh well, that's their problem. MD -- -- Michael P. Deignan, KD1HZ - -- Internet: kd1hz@anomaly.sbs.com - I never tell the truth, because I -- UUCP: ...!uunet!anomaly!kd1hz - I don't believe that there is such -- AT&TNet: 401-273-4669 - a thing... ------------------------------ Date: 13 Nov 93 03:03:38 GMT From: ogicse!uwm.edu!msuinfo!pacific!cravitma@network.ucsd.edu Subject: The League SUPPORTS Morse... - rec.radio.amateur.policy #6979 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <1993Nov13.010332.17160@anomaly.sbs.com> kd1hz@anomaly.sbs.com (Rev. Michael P. Deignan) writes: >> And the No-Clue moniker is NOT appreciated, because to the ordinary reader >> of this >> group, it implies No-Code = No-Clue. > >Oh well, that's their problem. I disagree, simply because it is not true. Also, you seem to imply that No-Code = CBer, which is also incorrect. /MC -- Matthew Cravit | "So I sent him to ask of the Michigan State University | owl, if he's there, how to East Lansing, MI 48825 | loosen a jar from the nose E-Mail: cravitma@cps.msu.edu | of a bear..." ------------------------------ Date: 12 Nov 1993 11:09:46 -0500 From: psinntp!satelnet.org!satelnet.org!usenet@uunet.uu.net To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <VBREAULT.93Nov8111110@rinhp750.gmr.com>, <2bogl8$km0@oak.oakland.edu>, <VBREAULT.93Nov9134406@rinhp750.gmr.com> Subject : Re: Fun with Radio Shack Its not just the RS salesman. I was in RS the other day to return something and I witnessed the most amazing thing. A customer was talked into buying a $19.95 service policy on a $24.95 universal remote control. It took all of FIVE seconds for the sales pitch. Maybe the droids aren't as dumb as we think. Scott Pallack KJ4WT/ex-KB4TR/ex-WB9MTA/ex-WA2GLH/ex-WN2GLH "You mean I qualify for QCWA? But I'm only 39. Scary, isn't it." skybird@satelnet.org ------------------------------ Date: 10 Nov 1993 16:01:00 -0800 From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!asuvax!chnews!ornews.intel.com!ornews.intel.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <CGA8n6.4q0@ryn.mro4.dec.com>, <CGAAr2.F14@ncifcrf.gov>, <CGArCy.77w@ryn.mro4.dec.com>ex Subject : Re: Modify a TV antenna? In article <CGArCy.77w@ryn.mro4.dec.com> randolph@est.enet.dec.com (Tom Randolph) writes: > >In article <CGAAr2.F14@ncifcrf.gov>, mack@fcs260c.ncifcrf.gov (Joe Mack) writes... >>Assuming the point is to have a 2m antenna, rather than the object being >>to modify an existing antenna, why not get a design (somewhere, ARRL handbook >>if nowhere else), by the boom feedthroughs and brackets from say Rutland >>Arrays (advertise in QST, Tom says he sells the hardware if you want it), >>buy some 6061 Al tubing and rod from your local metal tubing supply ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ Ha! Have you ever tried this? They are NOT interested in your puny order and will let you know in no uncertain terms when you are quoted the cost of a single rod or you are brought to understand their minimum order terms. I was quoted $80 for a small tube as an example. I now buy all the busted and broken antennas at swap meets for their metal. >Yah, I think if I were to do it over, I'd just buy the tubing and build it. >Drilling out all those rivets was a fair amount of work. Well good luck finding the tubing. I can't see what's so terrible about using the log periodic as-is. The Radium Shack VHF-UHF special should make a great directional scanner antenna and will cover 6 meters to 222 Mhz as well I bet. The challenge is to come up with a good broad banded match suitable for transmitting. I wouldn't be beyond resorting to twin lead but how do you match at the rig end? There are VHF antenna tunas and I suppose you could wind a serious bifilar air balun somehow. I was disappointed with a recent ham rag article that suggested complete disassembly of a log periodic and reassembly into a classic yagi which had non-optimum dimensions (just like the League books). -- zardoz@ornews.intel.com WA7LDV ------------------------------ End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1341 ****************************** ******************************