Date: Sun, 19 Dec 93 03:01:21 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <info-hams@ucsd.edu>
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V93 #1477
To: Info-Hams
Info-Hams Digest Sun, 19 Dec 93 Volume 93 : Issue 1477
Today's Topics:
2K Filter FT990
[Frequencies in use: a FAQ?]
Carolina Windom
How callsigns are sequenced
how to scare away birds from my antenna
Need Specs to control Rigs.
Ni-Cd questions
Optimum call sign for CW/contests?
Reference for xmit tubes?
Report on VK2WI Broadcast, 12 Dec 93
Where are all the young enthusiasts? (3 msgs)
Send Replies or notes for publication to: <Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu>
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Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available
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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: 17 Dec 1993 22:54:59 GMT
From: orca.es.com!olin!alan@uunet.uu.net
Subject: 2K Filter FT990
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Speaking of filters and FT1000s...
I am contemplating the purchase of an FT1000. I have heard good
things about the FT1000 and I have heard some bad things. I have
had the opportunity to use two different FT1000s recently, and I
do like the performance of the receiver on CW. I began investigating
what I would likely have to shell out for one of these and I
discovered that there are two different models available; the FT1000
and the FT1000D. The 'D ("deluxe") model includes the bandpass filter
for "dual band reception", the TXCO (more stable oscillator), and 3
additional filters (including the 2K filter). According to the AES
catalog, the combined prices of the 5 additional accessories included
in the D model did not equal or exceed the difference in list price
between the D model and the standard model. I asked the person at AES
why this was and he did not know. I asked about the TXCO accessory
and it turned out that there was a specified four-fold improvement
in stability (.05 ppm accuracy versus .2 ppm without the TXCO).
Close enough for me. In short, it appears that the FT1000 is likely
the better value because you can add any option later if you choose
to do so. I guess the "added value" of the D model is that you do
not have to install the five accessories yourself, if you really
want them anyway (the delta is about $200). I would be interested
in hearing opinions from FT1000 owners before I take the plunge. I
have some input, but some more would not hurt. I have been a
Kenwood TS-930 owner for many years, and am ready to upgrade to a
more modern transceiver. I suspect that the FT1000 is a good choice.
The current price of an FT1000 with no accessories is around $3000
at the moment. The list price is close to $4000. Good thing that I
have been saving my pennies.
--
Alan Brubaker, K6XO |~~|_ "Pumps have handles, Hams have names;
<IYF disclaimer> | * |mine's Lee, what's yours?" - Lee Wical,
Internet: alan@dsd.es.com|____|KH6BZF, the Bloomin' Zipper Flipper.
------------------------------
Date: 17 Dec 1993 15:14:58 CST
From: ftpbox!mothost!schbbs!maccvm.corp.mot.com!CSLE87@uunet.uu.net
Subject: [Frequencies in use: a FAQ?]
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Have you considered purchasing the ARRL Repeater Directory?? It is a
great source of reasonably up-to-date information on repeaters in all
bands from 10M up to at least 1296. FYI, generally for anyone looking
for information on a subject, the ARRL has a publication!! WA8NVW
------------------------- Original Article -------------------------
Path: schbbs!mothost!binford!att-in!fnnews.fnal.gov!uwm.edu!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!h
From: gereiswi@nmsu.edu (George S. Reiswig)
Newsgroups: rec.radio.amateur.misc
Subject: [Frequencies in use: a FAQ?]
Date: 14 Dec 1993 01:52:37 GMT
Organization: New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, NM
Lines: 10
Message-ID: <2ej695INNhbt@dns1.NMSU.Edu>
NNTP-Posting-Host: dante.nmsu.edu
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL1]
I hope this isn't a stupid FAQ, but I would really like to get
some information: How can I get lists of 2m/70cm frequencies used in
certain geographical areas, along with repeater offsets and access tones?
It would also be nice to know police, etc., frequencies.
I'd REALLY appreciate any suggestions. The only references I
found (at Radical Shack) didn't have offsets or anything. I am
particularly interested in the New Mexico/Colorado area.
Thanks in advance for the help!
------------------------------
Date: 17 Dec 93 18:36:37 GMT
From: mvb.saic.com!unogate!news.service.uci.edu!usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!ulowell!swlvx2!cg-atla!hajjar@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Carolina Windom
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Does anyone know if any magazine has ever done a product
review of the Carolina Windom ?
I found a little information in World Radio June '88 and July '88
but I couldn't find any product reviews. Their ad in QST and
CQ states that 6 product reviews can't be wrong!
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1993 22:17:46 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!jfh@decwrl.dec.com
Subject: How callsigns are sequenced
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
There was a very interesting article in the December 1 W5YI report about
the sequence in which callsigns are assigned. Here's how it's done (as
of the mid-70's, I think). "A:", "B:", etc. at the beginning of a line
mean the call sign group - A for Extra, B for Advanced, C for Technician
or General, and D for Novice.
Call Sign Assignment Order
# = a number, $ = sequential letter
Outside the 48 contiguous states:
Pacific area
A: AH#$, KH#$, NH#$, WH#$, group b
B: AH#$$, group c
C: KH#$$, NH#$$, WH#$$, group d
D: KH#$$$, WH#$$$
Alaska area
A: AL7$, KL7$, NL7$, WL7$, group b
B: AL7$$, group c
C: KL7$$, NL7$$, WL7$$, group d
D: KL7$$$, WL7$$$
Atlantic area (Caribbean)
A: KP#$, NP#$, WP#$, group b
B: KP#$ (I assume this is a typo for KP#$$), group c
C: NP#$$, WP#$$, group d
D: KP#$$$, WP#$$$
Continental US
A: K#$$, N#$$, W#$$, AA#$-AK#$, KA#$-KZ#$, NA#$-NZ#$, WA#$-WZ#$,
AA#$$-AK#$$, group b
(prefixes AH, KH, KL, NH, NL, WH, WP reserved)
B: KB#$$-KZ#$$, NA#$$-NZ#$$, WA#$$-WZ#$$, group c
(prefixes KH, KL, KP, NH, NP, WH, WL, WP reserved)
C: N#$$$, group d
D: KA#$$$-KZ#$$$, WA#$$$-WZ#$$$
(prefixes KH, KP, WC, WH, WK, WL, WM, WP, WR, WT reserved)
Reserved non-geographic prefixes:
WC - RACES
WK - Club
WM - Military recreation
WR - Repeaters
WT - Temporary licenses
WZ - Temporary operating authority under proposed new rule
W5YI also mentioned that two letter call signs with the first letter Y
were originally reserved for institutes of higher learning - W5YG for
Rice, W5YJ for Oklahoma State, W5YM for the University of Arkansas, and
a bunch of others. W5YI once belonged to Rice as well.
Were there any other specially designated letter combinations?
===========
Callsigns assigned as of November 1:
District Group A Group B Group C Group D
Extra Advanced Tech/Gen Novice
0 AA0PJ KG0JP N0ZFP KB0LMN
1 AA1HU KD1SC N1QOL KB1BEI
2 AA2QI KF2SM N2XAA KB2QPY
3 AA3GK KE3KS N3QVP KB3AZG
4 AD4MR KR4HF ++ KE4HJE
5 AB5QJ KJ5SC ++ KC5DZT
6 AB6YI KN6US ++ KE6DDA
7 AA7ZR KI7TD ++ KB7JZM
8 AA8NC KG8EZ ++ KB8QHH
9 AA9JF KF9SE N9VKZ KB9IVZ
N. Mariana Is. AH0V AH0AO KH0CF WH0AAY
Guam NH2X AH2CT KH2HN WH2ANH
Virgin Islands WP2C KP2CC NP2GT WP2AHU
Johnston Is. AH3D AH3AD KH3AG WH3AAG
Puerto Rico ++ KP4VW ++ WP4MLM
Midway Island AH4AA KH4AG WH4AAH
Hawaii ++ AH6NE WH6QJ WH6CQZ
Alaska ++ AL7PJ WL7NY WL7CHI
Kure Island KH7AA
American Samoa AH8H AH8AF KH8BA WH8ABB
Wake W. Peale AH9C AH9AD KH9AE WH9AAI
++All call signs in this group have been issued in this district.
I don't know what the overseas 1 series is assigned to, or why 3 columns
for Kure Island were left blank. Perhaps there has been only one ham
there in the last 15 or 20 years?
--
----------------------------------------------------
Jack Hamilton POB 281107 SF CA 94128 USA
jfh@netcom.com kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 16 Dec 1993 16:26:31 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!csn!news.den.mmc.com!pogo.den.mmc.com!boutell@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: how to scare away birds from my antenna
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <2enveu$hob@reznor.larc.nasa.gov> kludge@grissom.larc.nasa.gov (Scott Dorsey) writes:
>In article <9312151601.AA00556@ganges.agro.nl> G.POLDER@CPRO.AGRO.NL writes:
>>I'm thinking of scaring away birds from my antenna
>>using ultrasound. I ever heard about people doing it,
>>but don't know what frequency to use, or which
>>output power.
>
>Why bother? With something like a yagi, they might affect the antenna
>pattern a bit, but as soon as you put the key down, they aren't going to
>stay there for very long. With a dipole they'll just affect the tuning
>a little bit, and again they will quickly decide to move when you apply
>power.
>--scott
>
>--
>"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
I haven't tried it myself, but I have heard that the fake owls placed in
the vicinity of the antenna are effective in alleviating the "bird on
the wire" problem :-)
73 de WD0FTF (I think I'll keep my old call)
------------------------------
Date: 16 Dec 1993 23:18:49 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!cleveland.Freenet.Edu!da884@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Need Specs to control Rigs.
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Is there a Text fIle out there somewhere witht he codes or specs to send
commands to the rigs to control there operation via serial port??
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1993 16:48:52 -0700
From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!msanders.sim.es.com!user@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Ni-Cd questions
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <1993Dec15.170356.1@uoft02.utoledo.edu>,
klee2@uoft02.utoledo.edu wrote:
> Hi:
> Need some input on rechargeables,
> 1. Should I store them Ni-Cd charged or drained?
> 2. Should I discharge them after a period of storage and then
> recharge them to full ? If they needed to be stored charged.
>
> Thanks
> klee
KLEE:
I recommend charging them prior to storage, especially if they are in a
pack. Single cells are OK to store either way. In fact individual cells
which I purchase are usually pretty dead. I use many 4-cell and 8-cell
packs with my radio control airplanes. I normally charge them when stored
for the winter, then if I think about it, charge them at least once every
three months. I also have a battery cycler that I use, especially in the
spring before I put the batteries back into normal use. I will usually
charge them up and then run them through the battery cycler to determine
existing capacity (I get a direct milliamp hour capacity readout), charge
them up again and go fly. If the capacity is less than 60% of rated, I
cycle them a couple of times. If they don't come up, they get thrown away.
Of course airplanes are more critical to battery failure than radios. I
haven't heard of an HT crashing and burning as the batteries gave out. The
other option is to give the reduced capacity batteries to my kids for their
battery powered toys.
I would not store a pack dead or near dead, because weaker batteries can be
reverse charged by stronger ones (at lest as long as there is some closed
circuit that keeps memory going or something else).
My two cents;
Milt
--
=========================================================================
Opinions, thoughts, &cetera are my own (when I can remember them).
"He flies the sky KB7MSF
Like an Eagle in the eye UTAH
of a hurricane that's abandoned."
America
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1993 20:38:30 GMT
From: nntp.ucsb.edu!library.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!udel!news.udel.edu!brahms.udel.edu!penneys@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Optimum call sign for CW/contests?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Now that the pick-your-own-callsign era may be at hand, there is a lot
of furious thinking about what new ones would be best for various reasons.
I am primarily interested in CW and contesting in both modes. I want to
come up with some 3-land calls which might have the most impact.
All suggestions welcome and a bizarre prize will be concocted for the
winning entry.
Tnx Bob WN3K FRC
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 15 Dec 1993 20:39:23 GMT
From: nntp.ucsb.edu!library.ucla.edu!agate!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!sdd.hp.com!hpscit.sc.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!srgenprp!alanb@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Reference for xmit tubes?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Mark Olson (molson@bml4380.cpg.cdc.com) wrote:
: Can anyone point me to a reference for transmitting tubes?
: I used to have the RCA Transmitting Tube Manual but it
: took the long hike with a lot of my other "old" stuff.
: Now I need information about the 4X and 4CX series
: of xmit tubes: 4X150 series, 4CX250 and 4CX350 series,
: and I cannot find anything but cursory information
: about these.
The ARRL Handbook has short-form info on some transmitting tubes.
At least the basing diagrams and voltages and currents. The older
editions (up to the late 70's) have more info than the current ones.
AL N1AL
------------------------------
Date: 14 Dec 93 23:21:06 GMT
From: munnari.oz.au!newshost.anu.edu.au!sserve!usage!metro!news.ci.com.au!eram!dave@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Report on VK2WI Broadcast, 12 Dec 93
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
What follows is a report of the events leading up to and surrounding
the VK2WI Evening Broadcast on Sunday 12 December, 1993.
-----
I was invited to produce a report on the Council Meeting held on 10th
December for inclusion in the Divisional Broadcast on Sunday 12th
December; this I did, and it was posted on the packet network as a
bulletin sent "WIA @ VKNET", titled "VK2 Divisional News" (from VK2WI),
BID "24545_VK2RWI"; it was also sent to the world USENET newsgroups
aus.radio, rec.radio.amateur.misc, and rec.radio.info, with Message-ID
"4986@eram.esi.com.au". If there is anyone who has not seen that
report after a reasonable time, please let me know, and I will forward
a copy by whichever means are appropriate.
The rostered morning broadcast team assembled at Dural on the morning
of Sunday 12th December, to present the scheduled morning broadcast.
Also in attendance were several visitors, including (but not limited
to) Tim Mills VK2ZTM (Councillor), Cesar Miranda VK2TCM (Councillor,
Broadcast Officer, and Dural Property Officer) and Bob Yorston VK2CAN
(Councillor).
The Divisional President, Terry Ryeland VK2UX appeared just before
broadcast time. Following the usual banter he went into the Engineer's
booth and remained there for a considerable period during the
broadcast.
It should be noted that during the morning broadcast there were three
Divisional Councillors present (apart from T.Ryeland VK2UX): T.Mills
VK2ZTM, C.Miranda VK2TCM, and R.Yorston VK2CAN. It is known that at
least two other Councillors, Roger Henley VK2ZIG and subsequently Julie
Kentwell VK2XBR, were in agreement that the report on that meeting be
aired; this is a majority of the VK2 Councillors.
It should be noted that the callbacks to the morning broadcast were
heavily in support of the inclusion of the report on the Friday Council
meeting. It should also be noted that there was some concern expressed
in the past over the broadcast text being altered, and this had led to
the attempted disciplining of a member. To prevent this, it was agreed
that the broadcast notes be removed and returned in time for the
evening broadcast, to ensure that the official notes were read out
unaltered on that broadcast.
Late on Sunday afternoon, the Divisional Secretary, Roger Harrison
VK2ZTB contacted the scheduled engineer for the evening broadcast, and
informed him that the broadcast was "cancelled" on "[his] authority".
No reason was given, and being somewhat perturbed over this turn of
events this rostered person contacted R.Henley VK2ZIG (a Divisional
Councillor), and advised him of this sudden decision.
Following many telephone calls, a majority of VK2 Councillors decided
that the evening broadcast goes ahead regardless of any attempt to
prevent same. As a result, two Councillors, R.Henley VK2ZIG and
R.Yorston VK2CAN, gained access to the Dural premises, after
encountering some resistance in the form of an unauthorised padlock.
As none of the aforesaid Councillors was aware of this new lock,
particularly the Dural Property Officer C.Miranda VK2TCM, he gave his
permission to enter the premises regardless, with care to not damage
WIA property.
When the evening broadcast team appeared, the premises were secured
against any interference to the airing of the broadcast script. It was
noted that various items had disappeared from the Dural transmitter
site since the morning broadcast; to wit: the logbooks, the visitors
book, a broadcast tape, and minor items. It was not clear why these
items had disappeared, but improvisations were made.
During the broadcast, a telephone call was received from the Divisional
Secretary, demanding that the broadcast cease immediately, by his
authority. After advising him of who was present at Dural, he was
ignored, and the broadcast continued. It ought to be mentioned that
the Castle Hill Police were advised beforehand of the intention of the
majority of Councillors that the broadcast goes ahead, and that they
may receive some calls that may state otherwise.
During the callbacks, a police car arrived. It was revealed by these
Police that they had received a FAX, on Divisional letterhead, from the
Divisional Secretary, advising them that a break-and-enter had occurred
at the Dural site, and that they were to arrest those within, including
the two Divisional Councillors. It is noted that the Divisional Secretary
had already been advised of the situation at Dural, namely that a
majority of Councillors had decided that the evening broadcast go ahead
regardless of any attempt to interfere with it, or to alter the
legitimately-prepared script.
The police were advised of the situation, namely that it was a purely
internal dispute, and they went on their way. The evening broadcast
concluded; the logs were signed off; and the premises were secured.
-- David Horsfall VK2KFU, acting under instruction from Cesar
Miranda VK2TCM (Divisional Broadcast Officer and Dural Property
Officer), Julie Kentwell VK2XBR (Publicity Officer), Roger Henley
VK2ZIG, Bob Yorston VK2CAN, and Tim Mills VK2ZTM; all of whom are
Divisional Councillors (with the exception of VK2KFU). 14 Dec 93.
--
Dave Horsfall (VK2KFU) VK2KFU @ VK2RWI.NSW.AUS.OC PGP 2.3
dave@esi.COM.AU ...munnari!esi.COM.AU!dave available
------------------------------
Date: 17 Dec 1993 22:47:47 GMT
From: unogate!news.service.uci.edu!usc!math.ohio-state.edu!magnus.acs.ohio-state.edu!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!eff!news.kei.com!news.byu.edu!cwis.isu.edu!u.cc.utah.edu!news.cc.utah@mvb.saic.com
Subject: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I would like to put my $.02 into this debate. First define young. Lets
say less than 20 yrs. I was given an HF reciever at about age 10 by
my grandfather who was a ham. Enjoyed listening for years but never
considered joining. Got my ticket during my first year of college at
Worcester Polytech (Home of W1YK). The reason: tremendous access to a
shack equipped for DX, VHF, UHF etc. In my opinion there is nothing
like the allure of true DX and talking to people all around the globe.
It seems to me (in a narrow view) that the people who join the amateur
ranks, and stay active, are not interested in 2m communications during
their commute to work. Sadly, when I used to teach classes, 9/10 were
there only to upgrade to tech and get their 2m gear on the air. If this
is the introduction to radio that most kids get, then is it no wonder
they do not have, or maintain interest??? BTW, I don't buy any of the
expense/antenna related arguments for staying off the HF bands. Computers
are much more costly to feed than a ham habit, and good HF can be found
with just wires. I do, however, long for my 4el at 175 ft.
73, Mark KA1ODA
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 93 22:47:13 GMT
From: mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx!jsteinhu@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <drew.95.0@trl.oz.au>, Drew Diamond <drew@trl.oz.au> wrote:
>Is there no longer any "magic" in radio for young persons? At my radio
>club, I see the same bunch of (mostly) grey and balding heads- rare to see a
>young, enthusiastic person attend a meeting. And on the air- same bunch of
>grey beards- not many young voices.
...
>Young persons now are surrounded by global TV, cellular phones, computers
>with exciting games.... Is it surprising that building radios offers little
>prospect of any real fun?
Well as a 16 year old whas held a license for almost two years now, I
have to say not to worry too much..There will always be people who want
to "play" (or more importantly to "understand") with things. The main
draw to ham radio was both the actully radio aspect of it, but also the
group that ham radio is. My local club (Central Vermont Amateur Radio
Club) was experincing what you desccribe..Then for some unkown reason a
bunch of us kids just went "hey that sounds like fun". A key suggestion
is to have clubs and people who give classes, hold them at a school. Not
only is it a most logicly place to do this, (Guess what its day-job is..)
but if you have a member who is a teacher he can spread the word and try
to get peple intrested. In our reletivly small area, a school where the
teacher got involved, there is currently a radio club of ~60 kids. So
intrest is still out there...
(going back to why I got involved, i sort of left that dangling)
The other aspect was the community. I really enjoy talking with people
about Rf scince, math that is involved, general scince...Whatever..and
where else (besides internet) am I going to find that in vermont?
Enough withe rambling..
TTYL
josh/N1MAM
--
jsteinhu@nyx.cs.du.edu
------------------------------
Date: Fri, 17 Dec 1993 00:51:23 GMT
From: mentor.cc.purdue.edu!sage.cc.purdue.edu!aj@purdue.edu
Subject: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Do what I did; try to play with the cutting edge where no one else (or
at least not great numbers of "someone elses") play; digital communication
in the 902-928MHz ISM band. This is fun stuff. It's so short range I can't
really step on important communications, and it gives me design and
construction experience for those higher bands, like the 5GHz ISM band. You
can't use 28MHz construction techniquest at 5GHz, or you'll just get a
space heater.
I guess that because there are fewer of us young ones around nowadays, there
is a statistical decline in the number of motivated ones. It's the 100th
monkey theorem a lot of times; 1 starts washing its food, soon 10 do, then
over a period of time, the numbers gradually increase to about 100 doing
this in a colony of 5000. Then, suddenly, they all start doing it.
Now, 100 is a random number picked for illustrative purposes, but you get
the idea.
In an age where the 100th monkey is watching Beavis and Butthead, is it
much wonder why us geeky types concentrate on the neato stuff?
Another argument is that it takes a lot of discipline and curiosity to
get yourself up on the tech curve, so you better start young. Nowadays many
children are weaned on the front of the TV's picture tube, not on the ideas
that drive it or the circuits that empower it.
: John Dormer
: aj@sage.cc.purdue.edu
------------------------------
End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1477
******************************
******************************