Date: Tue, 21 Dec 93 20:04:38 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 #1492
To: Info-Hams
Info-Hams Digest Tue, 21 Dec 93 Volume 93 : Issue 1492
Today's Topics:
"Young" Enthusiast here
* Need help with interference problem! *
Designations for microwave bands?
Don't try this at home
FTP Sites, BBS
Ham ticket (3 msgs)
heathkit support?
HELP with KLM Beam ???
Mod for Icom IC449A needed
Morse Code blues
need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories (2 msgs)
Order Pizza by Internet
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: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 22:38:19 GMT
From: newshub.nosc.mil!crash!news.sprintlink.net!direct!indirect.com!aardvark@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: "Young" Enthusiast here
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Don't worry, there are some young enthusiasts out here...I just passed,
and I'm 15 years old. I'm a nocode right now, but I'm upgrading this
summer...hopefully to an advanced or extra.
--Aardvark
--aardvark@indirect.com
------------------------------
Date: 20 Dec 93 16:31:49 EST
From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!news.ans.net!malgudi.oar.net!ucbeh!armogicl@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: * Need help with interference problem! *
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Howdy! I was referred to this newsgroup because of the nature of my problem:
Does anyone know of a way to remedy this problem? When I turn on my
guitar amp, I get radio interference coming out of it (I can make out the songs
perfectly - quite annoying and embarrasing!!) So, is there a way to "filter"
this garbage out? Also, the interference intensifies as the reverb is turned
up.
ANY help would be appreciated!
--
-Chris
-------------------------
armogicl@ucbeh.san.uc.edu
cla@iti-oh.com
-------------------------
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 93 22:11:13 GMT
From: ogicse!hp-cv!hp-pcd!hpcvsnz!tomb@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Designations for microwave bands?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Bruce Toback (btoback@netcom.com) wrote:
: I've looked everywhere but in the right place, and I can't find a list of
: the alphabetic designations for microwave bands and the frequencies they
: represent (e.g., Ku-band, C-band, etc.).
: Can anyone tell me where I can find such a list? I've been able to get
Sams' "Reference Data for Engineers" has such a list in the seventh edition
on pg 1-4. For example, X band is 5.20GHz to 10.90GHz, K band is
10.9 to 36 (with Ku at 17.25). A footnote says C band includes Sz through
Xy, or 3.90 to 6.20GHz.
(This book has, IMHO, a _lot_ of pretty accessible information, though I've
found the filters section to have become somewhat more cryptic in the current
edition than in previous editions. Previously it was called "Reference Data
for Radio Engineers," and still has a fairly strong "radio" flavor.)
------------------------------
Date: 22 Dec 93 01:00:11 GMT
From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!gatech!mailer.acns.fsu.edu!freenet.scri.fsu.edu!twright@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Don't try this at home
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
gary@ke4zv.atl.ga.us (Gary Coffman) writes:
> In article <CIE334.7HM@usenet.ucs.indiana.edu> djadams@silver.ucs.indiana.edu (david jerome adams) writes:
> >
> >Greetings! Let's just imagine that you are tooling around on 80m one
> >evening and come across a very faint signal which sounds like it just ended
> >a cq call with /qrp. Let's just suppose that you are seized with the desire
> >to work this station, so you through on your phones (stereo so all sound goes
> >through one ear piece only) and you turn the af and rf gain all the way up
> >so that you can hear the signal better....now, just as you are straining to
> >the utmost to make out the final letter in the call, let's just say your wife
> >is in the kitchen and decides to make some cookies....and, as a result, turns
> >on the hand mixer...
> >
> >When you regain consciousness, you'll have to mention to your dear xyl that
> >the noise level coming out of that thing takes the needle off the scale...
> >OW.....
>
> Back in the old days, this used to be a problem for me too. So let
> me pass on a tip. Wire back to back diodes across the headphones.
> For the older 2,000 ohm phones single diodes worked well, for the
> newer low impedance phones you may want to try low threshold germanium
> diodes. The idea is to make a limiter that normally doesn't
> conduct, but when a sudden loud noise comes along it will clamp
> the signal to a tolerable level.
>
> This also has another side effect that you may or may not like. When
> you transmit, the diodes act as an untuned crystal set. For my old
> AM rig, I could monitor my transmissions nicely. With Morse, you'd
> get the click clack of a telegraph sounder. Donald Duck would still
> sound like Donald Duck.
>
> Gary
> --
> Gary Coffman KE4ZV | I kill you, | gatech!wa4mei!ke4zv!gary
> Destructive Testing Systems | You kill me, | uunet!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary
> 534 Shannon Way | We're the Manson Family | emory!kd4nc!ke4zv!gary
> Lawrenceville, GA 30244 | -sorry Barney |
My cure to this problem a few years ago was to take the mixer away
from the wife. This still works great today. HI HI!!
Merry Christmas to everyone of us.
Tim KD4OVM
--
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 23:16:05 GMT
From: news@lanl.gov
Subject: FTP Sites, BBS
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
This has probably been asked a million jillion times, but:
Is there a list of FTP sites and BBS's which archive
radio related items such as software, modifications,
homebrew designs etc. ?
=======================================================================
David R. Wolf wolf@lanl.gov LANL, MS P940, 87545 (505) 667-3813
=======================================================================
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 93 20:45:30 GMT
From: ogicse!news.tek.com!gvgpsa.gvg.tek.com!gold.gvg.tek.com!gvgadg.gvg.tek.com!groverc@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Ham ticket
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, <artie.uberti@hofbbs.com> writes:
>
> DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM
STILL
> WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT.
> ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!!
> 73
Patience, patience my son. It shall surely soon be revealed unto you.
If you were good, maybe in time for Christmas.
73
Grover
WT6P
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 1993 18:53:21 GMT
From: noc.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!sw.stratus.com!fms@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Ham ticket
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, artie.uberti@hofbbs.com writes:
>
> DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM STILL
> WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT.
> ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!!
> 73
>
Given that it's been only 6 weeks since you took your exam, I'd say kick
back, relax, and stop pestering your mailman! :-) We generally tell folks that
the wait is about 8-10 weeks (though it might be less, if the FCC is feeling
fairly efficient -- don't count on it, though). Given that Thanksgiving
happened between now and then, and given the upcoming Christmas holidays, I'd
say it's going to be closer to 10. Also, don't bother calling the FCC until 90
days have passed -- they'll only tell you to wait until 90 days have passed.
And they can't tell you anything about your application unless they've actually
processed it -- which only happens about 3 days before you receive it in the mail.
BTW, I am assuming that the 11/9/93 you mention is November 9th, not September 11th.
If it's actually supposed to be September, then call your VE team, ask which
VEC they sent your forms to, and call that VEC immediately! If it's November,
then relax, you've still got a few weeks to wait. Yup, I know it's tough --
I think my mailman is still a bit traumatized from when I was waiting for mine,
and that was 2-1/2 years ago! :-)
73 de Faith N1JIT
--
Faith M. Senie InterNet: fms@vos.stratus.com
Stratus Computer, Inc. InterNet: fms@hoop.sw.stratus.com
55 Fairbanks Blvd. Pkt Radio: n1jit@wa1phy.ma.usa.na
Marlboro, MA 01752 Phone: (508)460-2632
Curiosity doesn't flourish among the burned-out...
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 18:46:37 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com
Subject: Ham ticket
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com> artie.uberti@hofbbs.com writes:
-DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM STILL
-WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT.
Unfortunately, processing a new license has been taking 8-10 weeks. Please be
patient.
/mike
(BTW, try lower case. No need to shout :-)
--
\|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston
--- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
/|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 04:54:30 GMT
From: sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!fc.hp.com!keith@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: heathkit support?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Is there any source available for finding parts replacements for Heathkip
products? Has anyone picked up customer support for old heathkits?
John Keith
keith@fc.hp.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 17:09:41 GMT
From: news.service.uci.edu!usc.edu!wupost!udel!darwin.sura.net!fconvx.ncifcrf.gov!mack@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: HELP with KLM Beam ???
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <2f5u5d$iku@sousa.ako.dec.com> segrest@bobseg.enet.dec.com () writes:
>I have is a KLM 440-10X
>beam.
>I don't know how to hook the coax up to this beast.
>
It sounds like you have a KLM with the two element log-periodic feed. These
are supposed to (and may actually have) a wider bandwidth than a regular
yagi feed. I have several of these at 2m. The feed point is 200ohms balanced.
It sounds like you are missing the balun. No problem. You need a connector
mounted to the boom (electrically) via a thick strap (say 1/8" Al sheet), bent
to fit the boom (recommend N connector). You need 1/2wavelngth of coax (any
impedance - suggest RG-141, it's the hard copper outer teflon diellectric
coax - it's 0.141" in diam - you can solder the outsdie of the coax). Drill
two of the holes in the coax connector out to fit the coax (need a plated
brass N connector for this). FOrm the coax into a hair pin and solder the
ends of the coax into the connector. Join the center pin of the connector
to the center conductor of one side of the hairpin. tThe balnun output
- the two ends of the center conductor of the coax hairpin - is 200 ohms
balanced. Join these to your feed point.
Give me a call if you have trouble
Joe
NA3T
mack@ncifcrf.gov
(301)-402-4573 (w)
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 05:06:43 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com
Subject: Mod for Icom IC449A needed
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Greetings. I recently picked up an Icom IC449A 440 MHz mobile rig, and
have found out that you need to perform the 'Out of band xmit' mod in
order to transmit in the 430-440 MHz portion of the Ham band. Unfortunately,
Icom refuses to give any info on this mod, since it would also let you
transmit outside the Ham band. The mod listed in the Pink Artsci book
(or in the schematic supplied with the radio) doesn't match the actual
PCB, and doesn't work. In my radio, only diode D5 is loaded. This setup
is identical to that of the IC229H, but that mod (clip D5, add a solder
bridge accros two pads) doesn't work. Any ideas? The serial number is
0171X if that makes a difference. Thanks.
/mike
--
\|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston
--- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
/|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 93 10:50:23 GMT
From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!cbr600@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Morse Code blues
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Hello all. Just had my first bad experience as a Tech plus licensee. Went up
to KSUARC's club shack to see if 10M was open...it wasn't (or if it was, noone
was listening), so I decided to practice a little bit of code live. Dropped down
to 15 meters, threw out the following:
CQ CQ CQ DE N0YAX N0YAX N0YAX QRS K
I put the QRS in there so hams would know I had trouble copying code, and would
send slower. I did that about 3 times, and this guy comes back at about 18 wpm
all I could catch was N0YAX DE and from there lost it totally. I kept on trying
to copy it, but finally got so frustrated that I just said forget it and left.
What's the use of getting on the code bands if noone is going to send slow enough
to copy it? I need lots of spacing, because I'm so new to morse I need time to
hear the character and recognize it...It doesn't come automatically yet.
I thought the Novice code bands were so people could build up their code skills
by actually using it. How are we supposed to do that if no one will drop their
code down to our level? Come on guys, help out us new ppl struggling with the
code!
73's everyone.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jeremy L. Utley | jlu@cygnus.cis.ksu.edu
Computing & Infomation Sciences | cbr600@matt.ksu.ksu.edu
Student | cbr600@ksuvm.bitnet
Kansas State University | bxth85a (Prodigy)
A.S. Comp. Sci. & Acctg. | N0YAX@N0OER.#NEKS.KS.USA.NA (Packet Radio)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 93 13:43:37 GMT
From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!gatech!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I need a 2m mobile antenna and like to get comments about the MFJ
5/8 wave magnet mount antenna MFJ-1728B ($25).
Also, is the MFJ J Pocket Rollup antenna any good ($15)?
how about telescopic antennas for HT (MFJ-1714, $17) ? how does this
compare to the AEA hot rod ($25) ?
are the MFJ speaker mikes for HTs good ?
please email replies if possible.
thanks in advance.
happy holidays
jerry
------------------------------
Date: 21 Dec 93 13:53:12 GMT
From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: need comments on MFJ antennas and accessories
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I need a 2m mobile antenna and like to get comments about the MFJ
5/8 wave magnet mount antenna MFJ-1728B ($25).
Also, is the MFJ J Pocket Rollup antenna any good ($15)?
how about telescopic antennas for HT (MFJ-1714, $17) ? how does this
compare to the AEA hot rod ($25) ?
are the MFJ speaker mikes for HTs good ?
please email replies if possible.
thanks in advance.
happy holidays
jerry
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 06:09:52 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!jfh@decwrl.dec.com
Subject: Order Pizza by Internet
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
randy@cyphyn.radnet.com (Randy) wrote:
>The guy who maintains the Hams on Internet FAQ? I tried 3 times to Email
>him to say thanks..he's doing a good job... and each time
>
>CAN'T MAIL! MAIL RETURNED! ... I had to give up on the guy!
>
>So, either we gobble up bandwidth by posting, or ignor all the Ham packets.
Hmm. I've sent him mail, and he's gotten it. Perhaps there was something
else wrong somewhere. That's a problem with Internet mail - there are so
many possible points of failure.
--
----------------------------------------------------
Jack Hamilton POB 281107 SF CA 94128 USA
jfh@netcom.com kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 11:48:49 -0700
From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!msanders.sim.es.com!user@uunet.uu.net
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <SDS.93Dec17000051@cslab9f.cs.brown.edu>, <1993Dec20.164130.9865@n5ial.mythical.com>, <CIEC97.F6x@cbnewsi.cb.att.com>ser
Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
In article <CIEC97.F6x@cbnewsi.cb.att.com>, warnergt@cbnewsi.cb.att.com
(george.t.warner) wrote:
>
> >Where are all the young enthusiasts?
>
> They are waiting for the obsolete code requirements to be eliminated.
--
George:
I disagree: I know five young hams in my area (under the age of 17) who
are studying code, and two who have been making CW contacts on the novice
bands and are nearly ready to get their general licenses at 13 WPM. I also
just upgraded to general, and worked hard to meet the code requirements.
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: 21 Dec 93 21:49:36 GMT
From: ogicse!cs.uoregon.edu!sgiblab!spool.mu.edu!uwm.edu!ginews!don@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <1993Dec20.164130.9865@n5ial.mythical.com>, <CIEC97.F6x@cbnewsi.cb.att.com>, <msanders-211293114849@msanders.sim.es.com>
Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
In article <msanders-211293114849@msanders.sim.es.com> msanders@sim.es.com (Milt Sanders) writes:
>In article <CIEC97.F6x@cbnewsi.cb.att.com>, warnergt@cbnewsi.cb.att.com
>(george.t.warner) wrote:
>>
>> >Where are all the young enthusiasts?
>>
>> They are waiting for the obsolete code requirements to be eliminated.
>
>I disagree: I know five young hams in my area (under the age of 17) who
>are studying code, and two who have been making CW contacts on the novice
>bands and are nearly ready to get their general licenses at 13 WPM. I also
>just upgraded to general, and worked hard to meet the code requirements.
>
I also disagree: My son, now 15 has had a General Class license for
almost a year now, and had a Novice before than, and started with
the codeless Technician license. His favorite pasttime is CW
contesting!
Donald D. Woelz, K9GR Office Phone: 414-644-8700
GENROCO, Inc. K9GR @WB9TYT.#MKE.WI.USA.NOAM
205 Kettle Moraine Drive North k9gr@k9gr.ampr.org [44.92.1.48]
Slinger, WI 53086 U.S.A. don@genroco.com
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 20 Dec 1993 04:46:31 GMT
From: netcomsv!netcom.com!n1ist@decwrl.dec.com
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <2er4on$f1b@wuecl.wustl.edu>, <CI6MLC.Iqo@world.std.com>, <2esi38$h6k@crchh941.bnr.ca>wr
Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts?
[Complaints about how expensive ham radio is deleted]
Sure, it is expensive if you go for all new stuff. Try looking at hamfests;
you can get great bargains there. I have recently picked up an Icom 2AT
for $20 (needs alittle work, but that just adds to the fun) and a pair of
Tempo HTs for $60. For HF, you can get a TS520 for about $300-350,
Heathkits often go for much less. For antennas, use a dipole (an old
extension cord) or a Hamstick ($16) on HF, or a 1/4 wave groundplane
(an SO239 and some coat hangers) or a Hotrod for VHF/UHF. For a TNC, get
one of the Baycom/PMP modems (or build one) or if you have a well-stocked
junk box, get the TAPR TNC2 bare board for $30 and stuff it yourself.
While it is nice to use the IC781 with stacked monobanders over at W1AF,
that is definite overkill for my home station. WIth a little inginuity,
you can set up a nice and functional station for a lot less than you think.
73, and good luck.
/mike
--
\|/ Michael L. Ardai N1IST Teradyne ATG Boston
--- -------------------------------------------------------------------------
/|\ ardai@maven.dnet.teradyne.com n1ist@netcom.com
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 21 Dec 1993 10:57:52 -0700
From: orca.es.com!cnn.sim.es.com!msanders.sim.es.com!user@uunet.uu.net
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <9312172309.A8344wk@hofbbs.com>, <msanders-211293095131@msanders.sim.es.com>, <2f7b6l$7nr2@ep130.wg2.waii.com>.s
Subject : Re: Ham ticket
> |> > DOES ANYONE OUT THERE KNOW IF FCC HAS STOPPED PROCESSING LICENSES. I AM
> |> STILL
> |> > WAITING SINCE 11/9/93 FOR MY TICKET TO ARRIVE AND I AM GROWING IMPATIENT.
> |> > ALL REPLIES WELCOME!!!
> |>
> |> Who knows? I upgraded to General on 20 Oct and have not heard anything (9
> |> weeks on Wed). My two sons passed their Tech on 15 Sep and got their
> |> tickets on 3 Nov - 7 weeks.
> |> Milt
>
> Here is a phone number anyone can call and get info on their ticket status, if
> issued, when received ect. ect.
>
> F.C.C. Gettesburg, PA. (717) 337-1212
> They will ask for your name and where you live.
>
> Mike KB5TOJ
Thanks Mike: BTW, I just called 12:58 PM Eastern time, 21 Dec, and the
recording said that their computer was down. Beats all, Huh?
Milt
--
=========================================================================
------------------------------
End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1492
******************************
******************************