Date: Thu, 23 Dec 93 17:06:53 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 #1502 To: Info-Hams Info-Hams Digest Thu, 23 Dec 93 Volume 93 : Issue 1502 Today's Topics: * SpaceNews 27-Dec-93 * Cushcraft R-5 for sale $175 heathkit support? ISO-Loop Information Request Is SAREX still being planned Need Sep '80 73 Magazine Article REPEATER DATABASE? UK Radio Amateurs Callbook 1994 WANTED: Comments on IC-W2A what frequencies are marine band? Where are all the young enthusiasts? 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: 23 Dec 93 17:38:34 GMT From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu Subject: * SpaceNews 27-Dec-93 * To: info-hams@ucsd.edu SB NEWS @ AMSAT $SPC1227 * SpaceNews 27-Dec-93 * BID: $SPC1227 ========= SpaceNews ========= MONDAY DECEMBER 27, 1993 SpaceNews originates at KD2BD in Wall Township, New Jersey, USA. It is published every week and is made available for unlimited distribution. * AO-21 GOES MULTIMEDIA * ========================= As reported last week in SpaceNews, the RUDAK group of AMSAT-DL achieved another milestone with the development of more sophisticated software for the OSCAR-21/RUDAK satellite. Although some key members are already very busy with P3D activities, much time has been invested to implement new attractive modes on AO21. Besides the Voice Broadcast which was successfully used throughout the last year with several greeting messages in different languages, RUDAK is now capable of transmitting picture files in WEFAX compatible format. Unfortunately there is no camera onboard AO-21, so the pictures have to be uploaded first by the AO-21 command station. Not only is RUDAK now capable of transmitting FAX pictures, the pictures themselves are uploaded and stored in JPEG format! They are also converted from JPEG to WEFAX format online by the RTX-2000 RISC processor during transmission, so not much memory is needed to hold the images. JPEG compression gives an enormous reduction in file size compared to GIF picture format, without much loss in quality. This saves a lot of space in the 1MB RAMDISK and will also speed-up the upload time drastically. RUDAK is also capable of holding several picture and voice broadcast files in the RAMDISK at the same time. They can be transmitted on a schedule mixed with FM-Mode and 1200 baud AX.25 Telemetry. The "Multimedia" satellite premiere will be activated for the first time on December 24 and some special season greeting in voice and picture will be transmitted. Stay tuned on AMSAT OSCAR-21 and be prepared for some surprises! The RUDAK downlink center frequency is 145.987 MHz. The uplink for FM-Mode is 435.014 MHz. The WEFAX format is like METEOSAT WEFAX Specification (MGCS): FM, 2400 Hz Subcarrier frequency with double sideband AM modulation, 300 Hz start signal for 3 seconds, 450 Hz stop signal for 5 seconds, 800 x 800 Pixel Image format with 256 grey levels, 4 Lines/sec. * MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR * AMSAT-DL, Germany and AMSAT-U, Russia [Info via Peter Guelzow] * SANTA GETS CLEARANCE * ======================== To all our friends who have participated in SAREX operations this past year: The Kennedy Space Center has given clearance for Santa to land on the Shuttle landing strip. The folks in Mission Control have given their go ahead for deorbit burn and landing operations. Engineering has declared all systems operating properly and the range safety officer has cleared the landing area of all interfering craft. We are ready for final Christmas operations. We trust that our friends in the north have taken good care of Santa's Reindeer during this past year and all systems are go. We here at the Johnson Space Center and the SAREX team send our Seasons Greetings and Wishes for a Happy New Year. [Info via Lou McFadin, W5DID at the NASA Johnson Space Center] * 2 METER AMSAT NET * ===================== All interested are invited to check in to the WA2SNQ repeater satellite net, on the 147.075 MHz repeater in Dix Hills, Long Island. Beginners are welcome, as are old hands. We are especially looking for PACSAT users. There will soon be a Oscar 13 gateway in operation during good AO13 passes during net time. Please stop in and say hello Tuesday nites at 7 PM. [Info via Scott, WB2UZR @ WA2NDV.#NLI.NY.USA.NA] * CELESTIAL BBS NUMBER CHANGE * =============================== The telephone number of the Celestial land-line BBS system will change effective 6 January 1994 from 513/427-0674 to 513/253-9767. [Info via WX8X] * NEW AMSAT LAND-LINE BBS * =========================== Dave, KB9BNR has added a land line port to his packet radio BBS (QCBBS), a F6FBB packet BBS with three RF ports supporting RF data rates from 1200 to 9600 baud. The BBS has a very nice satellite section containing realtime satellite tracking facilities as well as text files on each Amateur satellite. There are also back issues of SpaceNews and ANS bulletins available, and Dave hopes to add a bigger hard disk soon and include much more information. There are also lots of other Ham Radio files on the system, such as radio mods, SWL frequency lists, and much more. On your first connect to the system you will have read only status. You can send Dave a message if you would like full access to the system. Simply provide your name and callsign and select a password for your login and pass it along to Dave. The next time you connect, you will have full access to the system. The telephone number is 309-797-3827. The BBS supports baud rates from 300 to 9600 baud, with 8N1 data format and is available 24 hours a day. [Info via Dave, KB9BNR] * FO-20 OPERATION SCHEDULE * ============================ The following is the FO-20 operation schedule for December 1993 through February 1994. During this period, the analog and digital transponder modes will on alternately for a week as they were in December. ANALOG MODE: 15-Dec-93 7:41 -to- 22-Dec-93 8:05 UTC 29-Dec-93 8:30 -to- 05-Jan-94 8:50 UTC 12-Jan-94 7:30 -to- 19-Jan-94 7:50 UTC 26-Jan-94 8:20 -to- 02-Feb-94 6:50 UTC 09-Feb-94 7:15 -to- 16-Feb-94 7:40 UTC The digital (Mode JD) transponder is available at all other times. [Info via Kazu Sakamoto, JJ1WTK] * THANKS! * =========== Thanks to all those who sent messages of appreciation regarding SpaceNews, especially: G3IOR N3JIX W3PYF AA4MI ZS5FR KD6ILO YT7MPB WD8LAQ F9XG Frank L. Weissferdt * 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: 21 Dec 1993 13:11:06 GMT From: agate!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!eff!neoucom.edu!news.ysu.edu!yfn.ysu.edu!ap451@ames.arpa Subject: Cushcraft R-5 for sale $175 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I have one Cushcraft R-5 in excellent condition for sale at $175. The R-5 is an easy to put together halfwave vertical for 10-20 meters (but works on 6 meters too, an unadvertised feature) that requires no ground radials. It's a great performer. Email if interested. 73, Randy, WA4FJF ap451@yfn.ysu.edu -- ----------------------------------------------------------------- Randy Padawer, P.O. Box 1167, Knoxville, TN 37901-1167 U.S.of A Internet: ap451@yfn.ysu.edu America Online: GwRepRandy Telephone: (615) 637-7263 Ham Radio op: WA4FJF & a groovy guy. ------------------------------ Date: 24 Dec 1993 00:09:45 GMT From: gumby!andrews-cc!carpentc@yale.arpa Subject: heathkit support? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <CIBHMv.8uB@fc.hp.com> keith@fc.hp.com (John Keith) writes: > >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 I think I might be able to help you...Heathkit's plant and headquarters is about 5 miles from where I live, and the phone books lists the following: * Heath Company - Parts (616) 925-5899 - Service Repair (616) 925-3273 - Technical Assistance (616) 925-4914 - Order Department 1-800-253-0570 - Catalog Requests 1-800-444-3284 If you don't see what you are looking for, I'm sure the operators at any one of the numbers will be able to direct you to the proper place. Hope this helps! Chad Carpenter carpentc@andrews.edu -- .............................................................. .Chad Carpenter...............Internet:....................... .Stevensville, MI USA.........carpentc@edmund.cs.andrews.edu.. .............................................................. ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1993 15:14:06 GMT From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!uchinews!att-out!cbnewst!waco@network.ucsd.edu Subject: ISO-Loop Information Request To: info-hams@ucsd.edu This request is being made for a friend of mine who doesn't have access to the net. Please respond directly to him at: george.v.wilder@att.com He is living in a 4th floor apartment while he is between houses and is considering an ISO-Loop antenna for 10 watt HF operation. He would appreciate information from anyone who has had experience with this antenna, or any other suggestions. 73, John, WB9VGJ ========================================================= John L. Broughton | snail mail: Room 1K-322 AT&T | 1200 E. Warrenville Rd. | P.O. Box 3045 | Naperville, IL 60566-7045 | (708) 713-4319 | e-mail: john.l.broughton@att.com | att!john.l.broughton | air mail: WB9VGJ ========================================================= ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Dec 93 12:57:57 GMT From: mnemosyne.cs.du.edu!nyx10!jmaynard@uunet.uu.net Subject: Is SAREX still being planned To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <2fbnm8$jm4@news.u.washington.edu>, Roberto Camama <xile@hardy.u.washington.edu> wrote: >I've been out of touch with the SAREX experiments and whether or not they >are still being planned for future shuttle flights. Are more SAREX-carrying >shuttle flights being arranged, and if so, when are they due to take place? Indeed they are, and on a continuing basis. There's a strong ham contingent in the astronaut corps, and they think SAREX is good stuff - which is the best insurance we can get. The next SAREX mission is the next shuttle mission, STS-60. Charlie Bolden, the commander, has passed his Tech test, and is expected to get his ticket in before the launch, and Sergei Krikalyev, U5MIR, will also be on this one. The launch is currently scheduled for late January, but may slip some more. -- Jay Maynard, EMT-P, K5ZC, PP-ASEL | Never ascribe to malice that which can jmaynard@oac.hsc.uth.tmc.edu | adequately be explained by stupidity. "A good flame is fuel to warm the soul." -- Karl Denninger ------------------------------ Date: 22 Dec 1993 16:32:01 GMT From: library.ucla.edu!agate!usenet.ins.cwru.edu!eff!news.kei.com!yeshua.marcam.com!nic.hookup.net!news.sprintlink.net!clark.net!andy@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Need Sep '80 73 Magazine Article To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Looking for the Sep 1980 issue of 73 Magazine, or at least a copy of the article on "Modifications for the NCL-2000 HF Linear for 6 Meters. If anyone can help me out, I'd appreciate it. Many thanks... andy/k4adl ------------------------------ Date: Thu, 23 Dec 93 08:46:57 From: clone!bill.feidt@uunet.uu.net Subject: REPEATER DATABASE? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Bob Wilkins n6fri posted: >The Database of US repeaters is kept by individual coordinators in each >state or region. There must be at least fifty of them. Once a year the >repeater coordinators send in their part of the data to the ARRL. The >ARRL compiles the data into a vary fine book known as the ARRL REPEATER >DIRECTORY. Many of the individual coordinating groups copyright the >material that is published. Still, the ARRL seemingly must have the consolidated data in machine readable form prior to creating the printed version. If they were able to obtain whatever copyright is required to publish the printed version, might they not also obtain permission to create and sell a machine readable (MR) version? Production costs for a MR version ought to be less than those for the printed version, I would think. If they could sell an MR version for anything near the very reasonable cost of the printed version, it should be very popular. --Bill, NG3K wfeidt@his.com ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1993 13:03:42 GMT From: usc.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!doc.ic.ac.uk!uknet!nessie!goshawk!john@network.ucsd.edu Subject: UK Radio Amateurs Callbook 1994 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu For the last few weeks or so a copy of the UK Radio Amateurs Callbook 1994 has been passed around the UK amateur community. What I have done is to put the Callbook up on our HTTP server. http://www.mcc.ac.uk/htbin/callbook This database holds just over 49000 UK amateurs. John -- John Heaton - NRS Central Administrator MCC Network Unit, The University, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13-9PL Phone: (+44) 61 275 6011 - FAX: (+44) 61 275 6040 ------------------------------ Date: 21 Dec 1993 07:22:29 -0500 From: noc.near.net!chaos.dac.neu.edu!lynx.dac.neu.edu!not-for-mail@uunet.uu.net Subject: WANTED: Comments on IC-W2A To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I am in the market for a new dual-bander. I originally had a Yaesu FT-470, but I am looking for something different. Friends of mine have W2As, and seem to like them. I'd like opinions and comments about this radio. Any problems, praises, etc. Thanks much! Scott -- =============================================================================== | Scott Ehrlich Internet: wy1z@neu.edu | | Amateur Radio: wy1z AX.25: wy1z@wg1i.ma.usa.na | =============================================================================== ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 22 Dec 1993 16:22:58 GMT From: library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!spool.mu.edu!olivea!apple.com!gallant.apple.com!NewsWatcher!user@network.ucsd.edu Subject: what frequencies are marine band? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <LINNIG.93Dec21134704@m2000.dseg.ti.com>, linnig@m2000.dseg.ti.com (Mike Linnig) wrote: > Here is a list of VHF marine frequencies that I got off the net... > > > 156.275 MC <65> (port operations) 156.300 MS <6> (intership saftey) > ... > 157.425 MS <88> (commercial) > > -- Mike, N5QAW > Note that some of the channels have different frequencies for ship and shore communication: I assume for full duplex. I forget which channels are set up that way, but there are only a half dozen of them. phil sohn, KE6CRR ------------------------------ Date: 23 Dec 93 13:22:41 GMT From: ogicse!cs.uoregon.edu!sgiblab!swrinde!emory!kd4nc!n4tii@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Where are all the young enthusiasts? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu (Earl Morse) writes: >In article <1993Dec22.060722.7669@kd4nc.uucp> n4tii@kd4nc.uucp (John Reed) writes: >>I'm almost 23 on this end...I got my license when I was 17 and a Junior in >>High school....(Got Novice and Technician within a month of each other). >>A year later, I got my General and have been in a holding pattern since... >> >>The problem I am having with my club is my age... I am the first young ham >>they've had in a while that is highly active....always on the radio...operating >>at field day, raising hell at club meetings, etc.... >> >>It seems that everytime there's a problem in the club, I'm the one to blame. >>Shortly after I got my license, we had a problem with a TouchTone bandit on >>the club repeater....all the OF's thought it was me..... even since, I have >>been more active then 80% of the club members, yet I'm still passed up for >>club nominations each year, passed up for control operator appointments, >>special duties in the club, etc... >> >>MMy club as yet to give me the respect that I deserve as a member and as a >>person..everytime I open my mouth at a meeting, I'm met with a "That's nice >>son" attitude and a motion to shut up... I'm cut off in mid sentence, etc... >> >>I don't if other clubs are like that with their new young hams, but mine is >>bad... >> >>Some of these old phartes need to learn that us new hams have plenty to offer >>and in no way are we threatening to the establishment... I've done plenty for >>my club, without return.... if they only knew what I was capable of... in >>the CAP, I am a group communications officer, a node operator, a repeater >>control operator and site custodian for the machine, I node op a ham node, >>(GVL07:n4tii-7 in Gainesville, GA - 145.07), I am in AF MARS, (afa2fh), and >>have been a region 2 net control station, a beacon station, a TEXN agent. >>I'm the AEC for the Hall County GA ares...etc etc etc.... but I'm just not >>qualified to serve as an officer in my club because "I'm too little!" >> >> >Don't sweat it John. You could have it worse. My club has old farts that >want everything done for them. I was first nominated for president at the >age of 18. I declined because I was going to college. I have been the >Field Day Chairman for umpteen years, and an officer of some sort since I >graduated from college and returned to the area. >To put it mildly the elections are a railroad that nobody votes in. As soon >as someone gets nominated he is voted in by acclamation as everyone breathes >sigh of relief that they don't have to be in a position of reponsibility. >There are 100 members in this club. You would think people were fighting >to lead, but not so. So I would say go find another club, or start your own >repeater. A repeater will definitely take up your time. I work with >2 other guys that homebrewed a 2m/440 set of repeaters and it eats up all >my time. >Good luck to ya. If you keep looking someplace you'll find a group that >will welcome your talents and enthusiasm. Woe to the old "phartes" that >are losing your expertises. >BTW, I was still the youngest in the club when I was 28. (almost 31 now). >73 >Earl Morse >KZ8E >e.morse@zds.com So sorry to quote all of that.....this editor still gives me the willies! I've gotten some email from a few folks that advise me to do the same thing...go find myself another club....chances are that's what I'll do... I'd like to start my own repeater, but the funding is a major setback... One of these days I'll do it...and pee on the old club... we'll see how the new president does....he's supposed to be somewhat on my side...but if he passes me up for committee appointments like every other year, then screw them!!! I'm going down the road a few miles! John So so rry to quote all of thatSo sorry to quote all of thatSo sorry to quote all of that> ------------------------------ Date: 23 Dec 93 14:21:46 GMT From: ogicse!emory!kd4nc!ke4zv!gary@network.ucsd.edu To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <CIEH0B.2wB@news.iastate.edu>, <dbasinge-221293105457@ds9.hper.indiana.edu>, <CURRAN.93Dec22104248@corona.med.utah.edu> Reply-To : gary@ke4zv.atl.ga.us (Gary Coffman) Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts? In article <CURRAN.93Dec22104248@corona.med.utah.edu> curran@corona.med.utah.edu (Mark Curran) writes: >Just a thought about CW requirements and licences. The last I new, and >quite possibly not so now, The novice and tech licences included some >wonderful CW only bandspace (Pick your favorite band). Do new hams >get access to these freqs without demonstrating rudimentary CW skills? Oddly enough, there are only two band segments in all of amateur spectrum that are A1 only, and both are open to code test free amateur licensees. (50.0-50.1 and 144.0-144.1) But then the EME boys only need to know how to send 'O' and 'M' real slow. >How about the opposite side of this argument. I.E. why should one need >to know EE theory to upgrade from general to advanced and advanced to >extra? While homebrewing is a vibrant part of the service, in these >days of mass marketed radios, it is not essential. How about rewarding >operating practice and amature service as an alternative method of >upgrade. (Impracticality arguments welcome). Well the amateur service requires that operators know enough regulations and radio theory to adjust their transmitters so that they operate legally. Amateurs are unique in being given blanket authority to make internal adjustments to their transmitters. The FCC wants assurance that they have an inkling of what they are doing. Thus the written exams on theory and regulations. In point of fact, there's no reason whatsoever for the Advanced or Extra class to exist. They serve no useful purpose since Generals and Techs need the same knowledge. Manual Morse exams are totally redundant since those who do Morse, by definition, have to know Morse, and it doesn't matter if those who don't do Morse know it or not. It's just one of many amateur operating modes. For those who must have an external validation of their self worth, W1AW has Morse runs that can get you a piece of wallpaper. Returning to the origins of this thread, I think one of the problems faced by youngsters entering the service is that too many of the older amateurs are so insecure that they need this external validation of their self worth, and that they try to force their forms and rituals on the young people who just want to explore and expand their knowledge of radio to satisfy their own internal curiosity. This often kills the interest and excitment with which the youngster approached the service. Gary -- Gary Coffman KE4ZV | You make it, | gatech!wa4mei!ke4zv!gary Destructive Testing Systems | we break it. | uunet!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary 534 Shannon Way | Guaranteed! | emory!kd4nc!ke4zv!gary Lawrenceville, GA 30244 | | ------------------------------ Date: 22 Dec 1993 19:54:46 -0800 From: swrinde!sgiblab!spool.mu.edu!olivea!apple.com!apple.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <drew.95.0@trl.oz.au>, <aj.756089483@sage.cc.purdue.edu>, <CI5r0G.3DH@mentor.cc.purdue.edu>0 Subject : Re: Where are all the young enthusiasts? blumb@sage.cc.purdue.edu (Bill Blum) writes: >aj@sage.cc.purdue.edu (John Dormer) writes: >> 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? > >For those of you who aren't in the Purdue area, I'd like to comment on John >Dormer's apt. and the equipment therein. > >His apt. qualifies as the proverbial "geek"'s residence. Ahhh. But Purdue itself has *always* been geek heaven! When I was there (mid- to late-60s), my dorm, Cary Quadrangle, had its own Ham station, W9CLY. Even though I had no license ('furriner in days when you need citizenship to get a license), they gave me a key to the shack anyway, so I could do SWL'ing on the trusty old Drake 2B. Spent many a cold Indiana night in that shack, I did. Cary Quad also boasted of the nation's first carrier current radio station, WCCR. Go Boilermakers. 73 Kok Chen, AA6TY kchen@apple.com Apple Computer, Inc. ------------------------------ Date: 23 Dec 93 19:35:11 GMT From: ogicse!emory!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!pavo.csi.cam.ac.uk!bck1@network.ucsd.edu To: info-hams@ucsd.edu References <9312221357.aa00505@cbdcom.apgea.army.mil>, <1993Dec22.221620.26964@ll.mit.edu>, <1993Dec23.051205.18795@coplex.com> Subject : Re: ?Phonetic alphabet for numbers? > 3 "TREE" > 4 "FOW-er" > 5 "FIFE" > 9 "NIN-er" How about this set: partridge, turtle dove, French hen, calling bird, gold ring etc Merry Christmas. Brian Kelk Cambridge U.K. bck1@cl.cam.ac.uk ------------------------------ End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1502 ****************************** ******************************