Date: Tue, 4 Jan 94 09:38:57 PST
From: Info-Hams Mailing List and Newsgroup <info-hams@ucsd.edu>
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Subject: Info-Hams Digest V93 #1542
To: Info-Hams
Info-Hams Digest Tue, 4 Jan 94 Volume 93 : Issue 1542
Today's Topics:
Bad Ham Company
DEP May Impose Fees On YOU!
Disability waivers
Hamblaster Update
Ham Clubs in Michigan
Hamwindows plus
QHH (2 msgs)
Ramsey kits not too good?
Repeaters in Keystone, Breckenridge CO area?
Strange Antenna
TOYOTAS AND MOBILE RIGS
What goes on, on 6 meters ?
Where to Start?
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: 4 Jan 94 08:17:51 EDT
From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!news.ans.net!malgudi.oar.net!mercury.wright.edu!desire.wright.edu!matrix.cs.wright.edu!isoper@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Bad Ham Company
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
>
> It seems that Bud Southard is the contact at Innovative Electronics and
> Bud deals with the problems with bad chips...Did you try to contact
> Innovative Electronics?
>
> What more would want R&R do for you? You feel that you may have isolated the
> problem with the kit. But then from the description of the problem it does
> seem likely you may have a bad solder joint. About the only other thing that
> crosses my mind is that R&R could have sent you a new chip. Are you sure you
> got your original chip back? Maybe R&R can't get returns from Innovative
> and that is why Dick suggested you contact Innovative.
>
> The days of Heathkit are only enjoyed in the history books. From what I
> have read about Ramsey on the net, you seem to have had the luck of getting
> you project working.
>
> 73, Jim, WA6SDM
>
After reading the subsequent post by Jeff reference this issue, and rereading
your post. I have concluded that you must have some sort of intimate knowledge
of R&R the rest of us do not. Myself, I never had heard of Bud Southard nor
Innovative. It is my opinion Jeff posed a valid question as to the identity
of this individual.
As for R&R, if they can not stand the heat then they out to get out kitchen, as
the old saying goes. By your logic, if say Radio Shack uses a chip manufactured
by say National Semiconductor, then they could pass the buck on warranty
problems to National by saying there is some sort of promblem with the chip.
Or is it because R&R is a small company this allowed but not with Radio Shack
as in my example. I have built a few Heathkits in my days however, the one time
I called them for technical help they did not go out of their way to help me.
In fact they acted as if I was imposing on them, maybe this is one of the many
reasons they are not around anymore.
73, Wes WB8CEH
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 15:21:18 GMT
From: usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!newsrelay.iastate.edu!news.iastate.edu!kenman@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: DEP May Impose Fees On YOU!
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <tcjCJ3nLD.pt@netcom.com> tcj@netcom.com (Todd Jonz) writes:
>John Magliacane (magliaco@pilot.njin.net) writes:
>
> > The Department of Environmental Protection and Energy in New Jersey
> > is proposing a fee pertaining to owners of RF generating devices.
> > In summary, the proposed rule will require the owners of sources of
> > radio frequency and microwave radiation between the frequencies of
> > 300 KHz and 100 GHz that have the potential of exposing either
> > workers or the general public to radiation levels in excess of the
> > regulatory limits
>
>With regard to the word "potential", wouldn't this include anybody with a
>microwave oven in the kitchen?
>
and garage door openers, electric dog fences and my neighbor's
alarm system 8->.
--
Ken Anderson N0ZEM Kenman@iastate.edu PH: 515.294.8996
126 Soil Tilth Bldg., Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa 50011
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 3 Jan 1994 22:36:24 GMT
From: usc!howland.reston.ans.net!paladin.american.edu!darwin.sura.net!gallux.gallaudet.edu!gallua.gallaudet.edu!rbweinstock@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Disability waivers
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I would never try to lump all people with disabilities together,
but I'm unpersuaded that waivers to the CW requirement should be
granted. I am deaf, but copy code at rates three times the Extra
class requirement (and have done so in CW copying contests in front
of large crowds at hamfests).
I think the greater problem lies with VE teams not always being able to
accommodate people with disabilities. From this, the perception
may arise that it's easier to suggest waivers than to encourage
skill development.
73,
Bob Weinstock, KN1K
rbweinstock@gallua.gallaudet.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 14:48:13 GMT
From: psinntp!laidbak!tellab5!jwa@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Hamblaster Update
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
The Hamblaster Update
Over the past several months I posted updates about a
DSP "The Hamblaster" that Will Torgrim (N9PEA) and myself
are developing.
We are focusing our efforts on a packet modem that allows
the user to improve H.F. reception by interfacing the Ham-
blaster (a PC compatable DSP sound board) to a transceiver
and a packet or all mode TNC. Modems/filters for RTTY,
Packtor, Amtor are also under developement and are compatable
with the same control panal software.
Here are the latest developements
1) We do Windows! I spent about 16 hours this weekend on
the Windows software. There's a receive/demodulator
control panal that allows me to control the FSK demo-
dulator's filter center frequency using a mouse driven
slidebar. There's also an on screen tuning indicator that
mirrors the tuning slidebar. You tune the filter by moving
the mouse cursor over the filter tune slide bar button and
when you press the left mouse button the slide bar button
moves.
2) A new option allows me to lock the tuning indicator to the
"Filter Tune" slide bar. The Hamblaster sends frequency in-
formation, that it hears at the output of the first filter,
to the PC via the PC's I/O epansion port. Even in noisy
conditions it can count the center frequency of an FSK signal.
The tuning indicator does jump around in noisy conditions
3) A new Windows control panel provides an on screen digital
storage oscilloscope. By pressing the "SNAP SHOT" button,
you can capture 4 signals and display the traces in a graphics
window. The traces can be resized or you can move the window
left or right. About 100 ms per trace is aquired.
You can select or attach the 4 traces to any of the signals that
are displayed on a block diagram in the o-scope control panal.
The Hamblaster captures the signals and stores them in it's own
memory. Then the PC gets the data from the Hamblaster via the
PC I/O port and stores it in the PC memory. The software
displays the aquisition by getting the data from the PC RAM.
The process takes about 2 to 3 seconds (the DOS version takes
about 1/2 the time to execute).
4) Using Windows multitasking, you can run the Hamblaster software
and your favorate a packet program (like PC Packratt). I was even
able to run two instances of the same Hamblaster software. Both
control panals displayed the tune bar and responded it real time.
I also got two o-scope aquisitions.
5) We now have FFT analysis software built into the o-scope control
panel. When you click on the "Freq" button the audio spectrum is
displayed. You can move the mouse cursor over the display and
where ever it is positioned, the frequency is displayed in the
status window. When you click the mouse the modem filters jump
to the frequency. This feature provides a simple tuning aid.
Another button allows you to convert all 4 traces (mentioned in
paragraph 3) to spectral displays. You can, for example, analyze
the frequency at the input signal, the modem prefilter and the
mark filter output. Based on the FFT, a second button allows
you to modify the filter tune limits by clicking on min-max
limits that you select.
I have to admit, After I debugged the FFT software and I getting
the control panel working to my satifaction, I got hooked on the
operation of the Hamblaster system. I spent hours tuning the 40
and 20 meter bands, displaying the FFT and copying CW/RTTY signals
through the Hamblaster filters. The FFT really simplifies the
tuning process.
Ongoing developments;
1 Post detection carrier detect.
2 HDL protocol decoding
3 Morse code detection/regeneration
4 Adaptive voice filter.
7 DTMF & PL tone detection.
---
Jack Albert Fellow Radio Hacker
Tele (708) 378-6201
Tellabs Operations, Inc. FAX (708) 378-4590
1000 Remington Blvd. jwa@tellabs.com
Bolingbrook, IL 60440
*
* *
* * *
* * * * * * *
* * *
* *
*
THE BOWTIE FILTER
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 94 14:35:35 GMT
From: psinntp!newsserver.pixel.kodak.com!kodak!eastman!woody!bmitchel@uunet.uu.net
Subject: Ham Clubs in Michigan
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
tests can be taken.
73 Brad WB8YGG
bmitchel@kodak.com
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 94 17:17:10 GMT
From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu
Subject: Hamwindows plus
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Has anyone used or heard of a software package called Hamwindows plus.
I believe it is produced by California Software Incorporated.
Any comments or opinions would be appreciated.
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 1994 13:56:26 GMT
From: news.larc.nasa.gov!grissom.larc.nasa.gov!kludge@ames.arpa
Subject: QHH
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <rohvm1.mah48d-030194155946@136.141.220.39> rohvm1.mah48d@rohmhaas.com (John E. Taylor III) writes:
>
>Some of the Q signals are pretty obscure, as I recall--things like, "My
>present heading and altitude are..." (Yes, Gary, people used to send Morse
>code from airplanes with a straight key strapped to their legs!)
I believe that Aeroflot still does.
--scott
--
"C'est un Nagra. C'est suisse, et tres, tres precis."
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 1994 14:59:39 GMT
From: usc!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!casbah.acns.nwu.edu!rdewan@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: QHH
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <rohvm1.mah48d-030194155946@136.141.220.39>,
John E. Taylor III W3ZID <rohvm1.mah48d@rohmhaas.com> wrote:
... a few lines have been deleted for brevity ...
>present heading and altitude are..." (Yes, Gary, people used to send Morse
>code from airplanes with a straight key strapped to their legs!)
Ah! A reference to a J45. This is the straight key I use and the one
I used when I was CW mobile for a while. BTW, a couple of SKNs ago
I had a qso with a ham in the Yukon who had used a J45 aeronautical mobile.
Rajiv
aa9ch
r-dewan@nwu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 13:34:37 GMT
From: swrinde!emory!rsiatl!ke4zv!gary@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Ramsey kits not too good?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <2g9g7h$92t@news.acns.nwu.edu> lapin@casbah.acns.nwu.edu (Gregory Lapin) writes:
>Jeffrey D. Angus <jangus@skyld.tele.com> wrote:
>> Ramsey Kits (and others) are for the entertainment value of playing
>> with something on the bench. They are NOT a substitue/alternative to
>> paying for a quality item that works properly.
>
>This is an attitude that will turn hams into appliance operators PDQ.
>Building kits is not supposed to be just entertainment but should also
>teach some electronics. There is no reason why they should work poorly.
>
>> Yeah, I can hear the old farts now, "What about HeathKit?" I bought them
>> and built them myself. They worked. Some of them worked pretty good. None
>> of them was a direct replacement for a expensive commercial product.
>
>First of all, Jeff, you are older than I am. Yet, most of the contacts
>that I used for DXCC were with Heathkits. Sure, they were no Collins
>S-line but they outperformed other ham gear that cost twice as much. The
>Heathkits, in general, were fine radios and had the added benefit of
>teaching some electronics, too.
>One of the raisons d'etre of ham radio is to help train technically
>competent people. Attitudes like this and kits like Ramsey's, that
>discourage potential kit builders, are contrary to this. How can you argue
>that ham radio should exist as you keep chipping away at its basic
>premises?
Actually, all Heathkits taught was how to follow simplistic directions,
and how to solder. And they cost more than wired and tested commercial
equipment of equivalent, or higher, quality. The beauty of the Ramsey kits
is that they *don't* usually work right the first time. Therefore you get
the learning experience of figuring out *why* they don't work right, and
fixing it.
I've built Heathkits and Ramsey kits. Ramsey is more fun. Lot's of
homebrew projects die on the vine because of the hassles of acquiring
the special parts, especially the mechanical bits, to finish the
project. The advantage of a kit is that the bits are provided. But
Heath took it too far with their "We won't let you fail" approach.
You don't learn much when things work first time, or you don't have
to scrounge for at least *some* of the parts.
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: 4 Jan 1994 09:52:54 -0600
From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Repeaters in Keystone, Breckenridge CO area?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I was wondering if there are any repeaters in the Keystone and Breckenridge
area of Colorado. I'm going with a large group of people, and would like any
information available. I didn't find anything in the 1993-94 edition of the
repeater directory. Please mail responses, since I don't get a chance to read
this group often. Thanks in advance!
chris
cmwang@cs.utexas.edu
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 16:39:29 GMT
From: galaxy.ucr.edu!library.ucla.edu!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!osuunx.ucc.okstate.edu!datacomm.ucc.okstate.edu!martin@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Strange Antenna
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
What kind of pattern do these loops produce?
Martin McCormick WB5AGZ Stillwater, OK
O.S.U. Computer Center Data Communications Group
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 94 08:56:00 -0400
From: news2.uunet.ca!uunet.ca!uunet.ca!portnoy!canrem.com!steve.jones@uunet.uu.net
Subject: TOYOTAS AND MOBILE RIGS
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Dk> >I SEEM TO RECALL A FLURRY OF INFO A FEW YEARS BACK ABOUT TOYOTAS AND
Dk> MOBILE
RIG>S. ANYONE OUT THERE RECALL THE BASIC SCOOP? TNX ES 73, BRIAN, WY2G
I've run mobile rigs in a '81 Celica, 87 Supra, 88 Celica GTS, 85 MR2 and
a 87 4x4 without any problems. The current Toyota (4x4) run 35w on VHF,
45w on UHF, 110w on 6m and 30w on 10m. I've only had one problem and
that was the result of a high VSWR on the duo-band antenna. Loose
connector at the radio end of the cable caused a 'check engine' light to
pop on but resetting the computer fixed that.
Cheers,
Steve Jones <steve.jones@canrem.com>
(PGP public key available)
!--------------------!---------------------------------------!
!Steve Jones !Amprnet : VE3SDJ@VE3OY.#SCON.ON.CAN.NA !
!General Delivery !Internet: ve3sdj@amiga.ve3sdj.ampr.org !
!Stayner, Ontario ! : steve.jones@canrem.com !
!Canada ! : !
!L0M 1S0 !Phone : (705) 428-5358 !
! ! Fax : (705) 428-5359 !
!--------------------!---------------------------------------!
... QWK: the MS-DOS of offline mail formats.
* Q-Blue 1.0 [NR] *
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 1994 17:02:45 GMT
From: dog.ee.lbl.gov!agate!etch-eshop.Berkeley.EDU!ron@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: What goes on, on 6 meters ?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Hello
I m new to amatuer radio, and have a question.
Is AM phone used on 6 meters ? or is it mostly ssb and fm .
Thanks.
ron@etcheshop.Berekeley.EDU
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 14:35:35 GMT
From: usc!yeshua.marcam.com!zip.eecs.umich.edu!umn.edu!uum1!ncrtimes!csdpc214.stpaul.ncr.com!tony.blake@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Where to Start?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <2ga3ev$5mds@ep130.wg2.waii.com> mjg@ep130.wg2.waii.com (Michael Gentle) writes:
>From: mjg@ep130.wg2.waii.com (Michael Gentle)
>Subject: Re: Where to Start?
>Date: 3 Jan 1994 21:41:51 GMT
>Keywords: 2m HF Satellite
>In article <tony.blake.17.2D287BDF@stpaul.ncr.com>, tony.blake@stpaul.ncr.com
>(Tony C Blake) writes:
>|> Hi Gang,
.
.
.
>|>
>|> I hope I'm posting in the right area. I'm currently waiting for
>|> the FCC to issue my license. I'm using this waiting period to
.>|> I can't get into HF and satellite right away. Any opions as to which
>|> would be better to start out in would be greatly appreciated.
>|>
>|> 73's
>|>
>|>
>|> Tony
>|>
>|> ===================================================================
>|>
>|> Tony Blake DoD#9045 NCR Corporation
>|> tony.blake@ccmsmtp.stpaul.ncr.com Network Products Division
>|> (612) 638-7259 voice 2700 Snelling Avenue North
>|> (612) 638-8173 fax St Paul, MN 55113-1784
>|>
>|> Disclaimer: The smelling pistakes are all my own.
>|> ===================================================================
>What class ticket did you get?
>Mike KB5TOJ
Technician, Plus code. I'm building my code speed up to pass the
general & advanced tests next month.
===================================================================
Tony Blake DoD#9045 NCR Corporation
tony.blake@ccmsmtp.stpaul.ncr.com Network Products Division
(612) 638-7259 voice 2700 Snelling Avenue North
(612) 638-8173 fax St Paul, MN 55113-1784
Disclaimer: The smelling pistakes are all my own.
===================================================================
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 16:25:03 GMT
From: sdd.hp.com!col.hp.com!news.dtc.hp.com!hpscit.sc.hp.com!cupnews0.cup.hp.com!jholly@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <CJ2M5E.I5L@cup.hp.com>, <2g9mq1$jdj@news.ysu.edu>, <2gab1p$r85@news.ysu.edu>new
Subject : Re: Bad Ham Company
Jeff Gold (ag821@yfn.ysu.edu) wrote:
: >Jeff Gold (ag821@yfn.ysu.edu) wrote:
: Jim,
: Well, actually as I explained to him in the letter, I had spent a lot
: of time checking it out before I sent it back. I had an Idiom press
: version of the same keyer that I have had working for about 2 years. I
: checked all the voltages and such. Finally I pulled the chip out of the
: Idiom Press version and stuck it into the R&R keyer I built. everything
: worked fine. I have built a lot of equipment.. there is NO doubt in this
: case as to what the problem was.
: I have been working in the computer busineess for about
: 12 years now. I am curently Manager of Computer Suport for a University
: and have fixed many computer type devices. No matter how good the company,
: there are bad chips. The chips usually go in the first 30 days or so.. in
: their burn in period.
: product and not use the "ship it and forget it approach"
: I would expect someone who has a business to stand behand their
Ahh, some of this was not in the original post I responded to...I would
have some expectation of a new chip, or at least some compromise on the
cost of a new chip. But beyond that I would have no other expectations.
Jim
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 15:21:48 GMT
From: swrinde!sgiblab!sgigate.sgi.com!olivea!news.bu.edu!att-in!cbnewsm!jeffj@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <2fvpke$e5l@cascade.ens.tek.com>, <30DEC199321501489@erich.triumf.ca>, <2g5o8bINNjts@xs4all.hacktic.nl>
Subject : Re: CW WAIVERS
In article <2g5o8bINNjts@xs4all.hacktic.nl> zap@hacktic.nl (Martin Heffels) writes:
>
>Well, maybe we could let people choose for the kind of examn to get their
>HF license.
>1) CW examn
>2) A very tough theoratical examn (much tougher than for those who'll do
> the CW). Followed by a practical test, in which they show their ability
> as a correct radio-operator.
>
>Hence you get a system in which both categories have proven their
>knowledge, and you'll get good operators (and the bands still don't get
>that crowded).
Nope, here is what people want;
What is your name? ____________ Use X if unknown.
U R now a Amateur Radio operator. (Translation on request)
Jeff
--
Jeff Jones AB6MB | Vote out those who voted for the North American
jeffj@seeker.mystic.com | Free Trade Agreement!
Infolinc BBS 510-778-5929 |
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 4 Jan 1994 16:31:49 GMT
From: usc!howland.reston.ans.net!vixen.cso.uiuc.edu!moe.ksu.ksu.edu!osuunx.ucc.okstate.edu!datacomm.ucc.okstate.edu!martin@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <1993Dec25.211737.4849@gsm001.mendelson.com>, <willmore.757376779@metropolis.gis.iastate.edu>, <2gc4b3$ae6@oak.oakland.edu>e.edu
Subject : WWV Seems to Have a Problem.
Has anybody noticed how distorted the audio is from WWV on 2.5MHZ?
I have noticed this off and on for several months and first thought that
it was my receiver. The distortion is worst on 2.5MHZ but is also found
to a lesser degreee on 10MHZ.
Martin McCormick WB5AGZ Stillwater, OK
O.S.U. Computer Center Data Communications Group
------------------------------
Date: 4 Jan 1994 16:09:07 GMT
From: usc!yeshua.marcam.com!zip.eecs.umich.edu!destroyer!news1.oakland.edu!vela.acs.oakland.edu!prvalko@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <btobackCILr6x.EEn@netcom.com>, <1993Dec25.211737.4849@gsm001.mendelson.com>, <willmore.757376779@metropolis.gis.iastate.edu>
Subject : Re: "Renewal" batteries -- a note
: Just a few comments here. For one, Renewal or any other Alkaline battery is
: a poor choice of power for amateur radio equiptment due to their level of
: current use. Alkaline batteries lose out to high capacity NiCd batteries (for
: AA size) at about 300ma of current draw. Almost any transmitter fits into
: this category. TNC's and other small devices may be able to make use of Alkaline
: batteries, but a transmitter or a receiver (with a speaker) will easily draw
: more power than that.
I'm not sure what you are talking about... I've used alkaline batteries
in my HTs for a dozen years without any trouble whatsoever. A six-pack
od duracells will run my FT-530 on BOTH bands at Dayton for *almost* the
entire weekend.
73 =paul=
------------------------------
End of Info-Hams Digest V93 #1542
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