Date: Sun, 23 Jan 94 11:09:24 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 V94 #67 To: Info-Hams Info-Hams Digest Sun, 23 Jan 94 Volume 94 : Issue 67 Today's Topics: ARLX003 Girl Scout Thinking Day Converter? CTCSS encode/decode CW filters and DSP-9 Daily Summary of Solar Geophysical Activity for 18 January Expanded receive mod for Yaesu FT-41R Old receivers Propagation Programs Ramsey FX Transceivers US License Examination Opportunities Scheduled 1/18/94 to 5/02/94 What could this mean? (2 msgs) Send Replies or notes for publication to: <Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu> Send subscription requests to: <Info-Hams-REQUEST@UCSD.Edu> Problems you can't solve otherwise to brian@ucsd.edu. Archives of past issues of the Info-Hams Digest are available (by FTP only) from UCSD.Edu in directory "mailarchives/info-hams". We trust that readers are intelligent enough to realize that all text herein consists of personal comments and does not represent the official policies or positions of any party. Your mileage may vary. So there. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 08:22:28 -0700 From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!nebulus!ve6mgs!usenet@network.ucsd.edu Subject: ARLX003 Girl Scout Thinking Day To: info-hams@ucsd.edu SB SPCL @ ARL $ARLX003 ARLX003 Girl Scout Thinking Day ZCZC AX35 QST de W1AW Special Bulletin 3 ARLX003 ------------------------------ Date: Sun, 23 Jan 94 01:39:00 +0200 From: sdd.hp.com!sgiblab!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!sunic!EU.net!news.eunet.fi!mpoli!matti.nieminen@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Converter? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Would it be possible to build a _simple_ converter, located between antenna and receiver, which would convert incoming FM (with 18-20kHz deviation) to WFM (75kHz deviation)? It should cover frequencies from 137 to 138MHz. It's just that the signals from the NOAA satellites are so weak that I can't get any useful pictures with signals received in WFM mode. ( to me the sound isn't that noisy, go and figure) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 1994 01:23:11 GMT From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!MathWorks.Com!bigboote.WPI.EDU!bigwpi.WPI.EDU!bhiller@network.ucsd.edu Subject: CTCSS encode/decode To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I'm looking for ICs or suggestions on how to generate and decode subaudible tones (CTCSS) for amateur radio. Any help would be appreciated. It is part of my senior project which involves building a computer controlled 2M transceiver. Thanks. Brent bhiller@wpi.wpi.edu ------------------------------ Date: 21 Jan 1994 16:01:22 -0800 From: library.ucla.edu!csulb.edu!paris.ics.uci.edu!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu Subject: CW filters and DSP-9 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In <YEE.94Jan21183427@mipgsun.mipg.upenn.edu> yee@mipg.upenn.edu (Conway Yee) writes: >I am asking about the difference in CW performance. Is a narrower >filter easier to copy or a wider one? This is a matter of personal taste for many of us. I really prefer the narrower, my favorite filter is the Kenwood 270 Hz filter in the TS 430. The 500 Hz filter is fine, though, especially with IF shift or PBT (though there is a difference in PBT and IF shift that seems to make PBT much preferable :-). The filter can do two things for you : 1. Eliminate QRM nearby 2. Quiet down the background noise. Reference number 2, some filters don't do so well at this, and some narrow filters have a "ring", or hollow sound to them. Many don't like this at all. Most IF filters don't have much ring, though some, many audio filters (except DSP I understand) can ring pretty badly. My two cents. Clark ..................... Clark Savage Turner, Graduate Student Researcher Safety Critical Software Group home: Department of Info. and Computer Science 1514 Verano Place Irvine, CA. 92717 Irvine, CA. 92715 (714) 856 4049 (714) 856 2131 WA3JPG, QRP #3526, active on HF, VHF and UHF. Admitted to practice law in California, Massachusetts, and New York. ARRL Volunteer Counsel ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 21:37:02 MST From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!nebulus!ve6mgs!usenet@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Daily Summary of Solar Geophysical Activity for 18 January To: info-hams@ucsd.edu /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ DAILY SUMMARY OF SOLAR GEOPHYSICAL ACTIVITY 18 JANUARY, 1994 /\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\ (Based In-Part On SESC Observational Data) SOLAR AND GEOPHYSICAL ACTIVITY INDICES FOR 18 JANUARY, 1994 ----------------------------------------------------------- !!BEGIN!! (1.0) S.T.D. Solar Geophysical Data Broadcast for DAY 018, 01/18/94 10.7 FLUX=100.7 90-AVG=102 SSN=043 BKI=3333 5522 BAI=021 BGND-XRAY=B2.2 FLU1=7.0E+06 FLU10=1.0E+04 PKI=3333 5533 PAI=022 BOU-DEV=033,031,027,024,084,109,017,017 DEV-AVG=042 NT SWF=00:000 XRAY-MAX= C2.8 @ 0423UT XRAY-MIN= B1.9 @ 1530UT XRAY-AVG= B4.4 NEUTN-MAX= +002% @ 1705UT NEUTN-MIN= -002% @ 1210UT NEUTN-AVG= -0.0% PCA-MAX= +0.1DB @ 1815UT PCA-MIN= -0.2DB @ 0745UT PCA-AVG= +0.0DB BOUTF-MAX=55351NT @ 0543UT BOUTF-MIN=55320NT @ 1706UT BOUTF-AVG=55339NT GOES7-MAX=P:+000NT@ 0000UT GOES7-MIN=N:+000NT@ 0000UT G7-AVG=+067,+000,+000 GOES6-MAX=P:+121NT@ 2028UT GOES6-MIN=N:-064NT@ 0808UT G6-AVG=+090,+029,-030 FLUXFCST=STD:105,107,110;SESC:105,107,110 BAI/PAI-FCST=015,010,015/020,015,015 KFCST=3345 4322 2343 3332 27DAY-AP=010,010 27DAY-KP=2124 3222 2313 3223 WARNINGS=*SWF;*MAJFLR; ALERTS= !!END-DATA!! NOTE: The Effective Sunspot Number for 17 JAN 94 is not available. The Full Kp Indices for 17 JAN 94 are: 4o 5- 4- 4- 2- 3o 3o 3+ SYNOPSIS OF ACTIVITY -------------------- Solar activity was low. Region 7654 (N08E46) remains the most active region on the disk. Five optically uncorrelated C-class flares were observed this period, most likely originating from this region. Magnetic inversion line analysis indicates 7654 has developed a beta-gamma-delta configuration while maintaining its overall size and shape. Region 7656 (S22W08) was numbered this period as an AXX spot group. All other regions quiet and stable. Solar activity forecast: solar activity is expected to be low. Region 7654 is forecast to continue producing C-class, and possibly M-class activity. STD: The National Solar Observatory has confirmed that Region 7654 is associated with extremely intense Ca XV emissions. Intense emissions were observed on 16 and 17 January. These emissions reduced to moderate levels today. The group has been relatively quiet over the last 24 hours, but remains capable of producing potentially strong activity. The geomagnetic field has been at mostly unsettled levels with some minor storming experienced from 18/14Z-17Z at middle latitudes. Levels have been quiet to unsettled since. High latitudes were at mostly unsettled to active levels with some major to severe storm levels recorded from 18/14Z-17Z. Levels have calmed down to mostly unsettled to active since. Geophysical activity forecast: the geomagnetic field is expected to be mostly unsettled at middle latitudes with unsettled to active levels expected at higher latitudes. Event probabilities 19 jan-21 jan Class M 40/40/40 Class X 05/05/05 Proton 01/01/01 PCAF Green Geomagnetic activity probabilities 19 jan-21 jan A. Middle Latitudes Active 25/20/25 Minor Storm 05/01/05 Major-Severe Storm 01/01/01 B. High Latitudes Active 35/25/30 Minor Storm 15/10/10 Major-Severe Storm 05/01/05 HF propagation conditions were again near-normal over the low and middle latitudes today, and below-normal to near-normal over the high and polar latitudes. High and polar latitude paths (particularly night-sector transauroral circuits) observed additional periods of minor signal degradation. No changes are expected. Middle and low latitude paths should continue to see near-normal propagation, while high and polar latitude paths are expected to see periods of minor signal degradation during night-sector signal transits. There remains a moderate risk for potentially strong SWF activity on daylit circuits. COPIES OF JOINT USAF/NOAA SESC SOLAR GEOPHYSICAL REPORTS ======================================================== REGIONS WITH SUNSPOTS. LOCATIONS VALID AT 18/2400Z JANUARY ---------------------------------------------------------- NMBR LOCATION LO AREA Z LL NN MAG TYPE 7652 N04E30 220 0110 HSX 02 001 ALPHA 7654 N08E44 206 0580 DKC 07 011 BETA-GAMMA-DELTA 7656 S22W10 260 0000 AXX 00 001 ALPHA 7655 S07W50 300 PLAGE REGIONS DUE TO RETURN 19 JANUARY TO 21 JANUARY NMBR LAT LO NONE LISTING OF SOLAR ENERGETIC EVENTS FOR 18 JANUARY, 1994 ------------------------------------------------------ A. ENERGETIC EVENTS: BEGIN MAX END RGN LOC XRAY OP 245MHZ 10CM SWEEP 1810 1810 1810 120 2201 2201 2202 190 2314 2315 2315 130 POSSIBLE CORONAL MASS EJECTION EVENTS FOR 18 JANUARY, 1994 ---------------------------------------------------------- BEGIN MAX END LOCATION TYPE SIZE DUR II IV 18/ 0044 0124 0208 LDE C1.7 84 INFERRED CORONAL HOLES. LOCATIONS VALID AT 18/2400Z --------------------------------------------------- ISOLATED HOLES AND POLAR EXTENSIONS EAST SOUTH WEST NORTH CAR TYPE POL AREA OBSN 57 N23E11 N05E03 N10W02 N23E11 254 ISO NEG 002 10830A 58 N36E88 S11E73 N00E64 N36E88 186 ISO POS 012 10830A SUMMARY OF FLARE EVENTS FOR THE PREVIOUS UTC DAY ------------------------------------------------ Date Begin Max End Xray Op Region Locn 2695 MHz 8800 MHz 15.4 GHz ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- -- ------ ------ --------- --------- --------- 17 Jan: 0033 0039 0045 C1.1 0204 0207 0209 B5.5 0221 0224 0228 B6.2 0242 0247 0250 B7.7 0603 0608 0612 C1.6 0718 0724 0745 B7.8 32 40 0910 0919 0925 C9.3 1N 7654 N06E65 40 36 110 1301 1309 1319 C2.3 SF 7654 N08E68 1351 1353 1405 SF 7654 N07E62 1857 1901 1905 C1.5 SF 7654 N09E58 28 57 68 2116 2117 2129 SF 7654 N05E58 2347 2357 0003 C3.7 REGION FLARE STATISTICS FOR THE PREVIOUS UTC DAY ------------------------------------------------ C M X S 1 2 3 4 Total (%) -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- ------ Region 7654: 3 0 0 4 1 0 0 0 005 (41.7) Uncorrellated: 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 007 (58.3) Total Events: 012 optical and x-ray. EVENTS WITH SWEEPS AND/OR OPTICAL PHENOMENA FOR THE LAST UTC DAY ---------------------------------------------------------------- Date Begin Max End Xray Op Region Locn Sweeps/Optical Observations ------ ---- ---- ---- ---- -- ------ ------ --------------------------- 17 Jan: 0718 0724 0745 B7.8 III 1857 1901 1905 C1.5 SF 7654 N09E58 V NOTES: All times are in Universal Time (UT). Characters preceding begin, max, and end times are defined as: B = Before, U = Uncertain, A = After. All times associated with x-ray flares (ex. flares which produce associated x-ray bursts) refer to the begin, max, and end times of the x-rays. Flares which are not associated with x-ray signatures use the optical observations to determine the begin, max, and end times. Acronyms used to identify sweeps and optical phenomena include: II = Type II Sweep Frequency Event III = Type III Sweep IV = Type IV Sweep V = Type V Sweep Continuum = Continuum Radio Event Loop = Loop Prominence System, Spray = Limb Spray, Surge = Bright Limb Surge, EPL = Eruptive Prominence on the Limb. ** End of Daily Report ** ------------------------------ Date: 19 Jan 1994 19:27:47 -0500 From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!newsserver.jvnc.net!newsserver.usl.com!netnews.usl.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Expanded receive mod for Yaesu FT-41R To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I and a friend each just got a Yaesu FT-41R HT. I called Yaesu and asked for any available mods. They have an expanded Rx/Tx mod which they won't give out without proof of MARS/CAP authorization. They did tell me about a keypad mod for getting just the expanded receive. You just hold down both the up and down arrow keys while powering the unit on. Now it accepts frequencies from 420-470 MHz instead of its normal limits of 430-450. It still only transmits on 430-450. It also now requires the 100MHz digit to be entered when a frequency is directly entered. I don't know why this is since it doesn't seem to accept any frequencies that don't start with "4". Does anyone have any explanation for this? Does anyone know of any other mods for the FT-41R? I heard that some Yaesu 70cm HTs can pick up the 800MHz range; can the FT-41R be modified to do this? Thanks, "Designed specifically to -=] Ford [=- dissolve scum on contact" (Mike Ditto) ------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 94 02:23:56 GMT From: swrinde!sgiblab!news.cs.indiana.edu!bsu-cs!gdlee@network.ucsd.edu Subject: Old receivers To: info-hams@ucsd.edu I am looking for old working communications receivers. I am a shortwave listener and am thinking about going back into ham radio and getting my tech. I would like to buy or maybe trade I have a little stuff for old working general coverage receivers. The wider the coverage the better. Age is no object as long as it works. If you want to clean out your garage basement, or atic let me know. Thanks. Gary Lee ------------------------------ Date: Fri, 21 Jan 1994 16:47:32 GMT From: rd1.InterLan.COM!sun1.interlan.com!tavernin@uunet.uu.net Subject: Propagation Programs To: info-hams@ucsd.edu Does anybody have any recommendations for any propagation prediction programs that are available!? I'd appreciate any info on any freeware, shareware, or commercial propagation software that is available ... Thanks, Victor Tavernini Racal-Datacom, Inc. tavernin@sun1.interlan.com ------------------------------ Date: 17 Jan 94 06:52:43 GMT From: olivea!gossip.pyramid.com!pyramid!unify!csusac!citrus!beagle!chandler@uunet.uu.net Subject: Ramsey FX Transceivers To: info-hams@ucsd.edu howi@world.std.com (howie cahn) writes: > rich@mulvey.com writes: > > >............ Personally, I got an astounding deal with > >the Norcal 40 QRP xcvr kit that I assembled a few months ago. High > >performance, easy assembly, looks great on a spectrum analyzer, and good > >support from the distributer. And it cost me exactly $5.00 more than > >I would have paid for the crappy Ramsey transmitter/receiver pair. > > In fairness, you can't compare the prices of Ramsey and Norcal. One's a > business and the other's a non-profit club with volunteer labor. > > howie, wb2cpu You're absolutely right howie. One is well thought out and designed, and the kits are meticulously assembled to ensure the components are correct (NorCal). The other is quickly thrown together to make a profit (Ramsey). My hats off to N6KR (designer) and WA6GER (assembler). I can't wait for the new 5 band QRP rig that the Northern California QRP club it putting together. ------------ Jim Chandler, N0VAH infopro.com!beagle!chandler citrus.sac.ca.us!beagle!chandler ------------------------------ Date: Tue, 18 Jan 1994 12:48:09 MST From: swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!math.ohio-state.edu!cyber2.cyberstore.ca!nntp.cs.ubc.ca!alberta!nebulus!ve6mgs!usenet@network.ucsd.edu Subject: US License Examination Opportunities Scheduled 1/18/94 to 5/02/94 To: info-hams@ucsd.edu AMATEUR RADIO EXAMINATION OPPORTUNITIES ***************************************************************** Special Note: Amateur Radio licenses usually arrive between 8 and 10 weeks after the test session. The FCC considers their processing time to be 90 days--from the date they receive the application. The FCC usually receives the application one to two weeks after the test session (once the VE Team and the coordinating VEC have completed their processing). Note: Codeless Technician to Technician w/HF upgraders (who pass a Morse code test) will not receive a new license from the FCC. The existing Technician license plus the CSCE conveying the Morse code test credit is the only documentation issued for use of the additional HF privileges. ***************************************************************** The following test session information is provided by the ARRL/VEC for the upcoming six to eight week period. For further information, please contact the test session CONTACT PERSON at the telephone number provided. If necessary, you may contact the ARRL/VEC at 203-666-1541 x282 for additional information. Electronic mail may be forwarded to the ARRL/VEC via USENET at "bjahnke@arrl.org" or via MCI Mail to MCI ID: 215-5052. Although the test session information presented here does not indicate whether walk-ins are accepted or not, most test sessions do allow walk-ins. We encourage you, however, to always contact the CONTACT PERSON at the telephone number provided so that the VE Team is aware that you be attending the test session. STILL NEED TO PREPARE FOR YOUR EXAM? If you would like information on how to become licensed; or how to locate Amateur Radio clubs, instructors, licensing classes and/or Novice examiners in your area; please contact the ARRL Educational Activities Department (EAD) at 203-666- 1541 x219. The EAD can also provide information on recommended study materials. Electronic mail may be forwarded to the ARRL EAD via USENET at "rwhite@arrl.org" or via MCI Mail to MCI ID: 215-5052. EXAM LISTINGS - DEFINITION OF FIELDS STATE Test Date,VEC,City,,Contact Phone,Contact Person The SECOND field in the following listing specifies the VEC which is coordinating this examination. This single-character designator denotes the VEC as defined below. An "A" (for example) indicates that this examination is coordinated by the ARRL/VEC. For further information on any examinations listed, or if you do not find any examinations listed for your area, you may contact any of the coordinating VECs below. A = ARRL/VEC, 225 Main St, Newington, CT 06111; (d) 203-666-1541 The 1994 test fee is $5.75. X = Anchorage ARC, 2628 Turnagain Parkway, Anchorage, AK 99517; (d) 907-786-8121, (n) 907-243-2221 (or) 907-276-5121 (or) 907-274-5546 C = Central Alabama VEC, 1215 Dale Dr SE, Huntsville, AL 35801; 205-536-3904 N = Charlotte VEC, 227 Bennett Ln, Charlotte, NC 28213; 704-596-2168 D = Great Lakes ARC VEC Inc., PO Box 273, Glenview, IL 60025; 708-486-8019 E = Golden Empire ARS, PO Box 508, Chico, CA 95927; No phone. G = Greater Los Angeles ARG, 9737 Noble Ave, Sepulveda, CA 91343; 818-892-2068, 805-822-1473. J = Jefferson ARC, PO Box 24368, New Orleans, LA 70184-4368; No phone K = Koolau ARC, 45-529 Nakuluai St, Kaneohe, HI 96744; 808-235-4132 L = Laurel ARC Inc., PO Box 3039, Laurel, MD 20709-0039; (d) 301-572-5124, 301-317-7819, (n) 301-588-3924 M = The Milwaukee RAC Inc., 1737 N 116th St, Wauwatosa, WI 53226; 414-774-6999. Test fee for 1994 is $5.00. H = Mountain ARC, PO Box 10, Burlington, WV 26710; 304-289-3576, 301-724-0674 P = PHD ARA Inc., PO Box 11, Liberty, MO 64068; 816-781-7313 R = Sandarc-VEC, PO Box 2446, La Mesa, CA 91943-2446; 619-465-3926 S = Sunnyvale VEC ARC, PO Box 60307, Sunnyvale, CA 94088-0307; 408-255-9000 T = Triad Emergency ARC, 3504 Stonehurst Pl, High Point, NC 27265; 919-841-7576 W = Western Carolinas ARS VEC, 5833 Clinton Hwy - Suite 203, Knoxville, TN 37912-2500; 615-688-7771. The 1994 test fee is $5.75. 5 = W5YI-VEC, PO Box 565101, Dallas, TX 75356-5101; 817-461-6443 The 1994 test fee is $5.75. EXAMINATION OPPORTUNITIES OUTSIDE THE UNITED STATES: 02/05/94,A,Australia,,089-531-305,Maury Hatfield 01/29/94,A,Japan,,098-897-7381,Alice Kottmyer 01/23/94,A,Papua New Guinea,,,Kyle Harris KE9TZ - POB 997 - PNG 01/28/94,A,Saudi Arabia,,966-3-878-501,David Hart *EOF ------------------------------ Date: Wed, 19 Jan 1994 20:03:45 GMT From: amd!amdahl!netcomsv!netcom.com!jfh@decwrl.dec.com Subject: What could this mean? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu The following paragraph appeared in an article in today's San Francisco Chronicle about what local companies are doing to help prepare for the next earthquake: Finally, in an attempt to encourage the use of amateur (Ham) radios, which are used by many relief agencies during an emergency, Pacific Bell has reduced the cost of operating a Ham radio to the basic service rate of $8.35 a month. Ham radios are licensed through the phone company. I called PacBel to ask about this. They didn't have any idea. They realize that they don't license amateur radios, and they also don't rent any kind of amateur equipment. I thought they might be referring to a special rate for phone patches, but they denied knowing anything about that either. Any ideas? Do other phone companies do anything to encourage amateur radio? -- ---------------------------------------------------- Jack Hamilton POB 281107 SF CA 94128 USA jfh@netcom.com kd6ttl@w6pw.#nocal.ca.us.na ------------------------------ Date: 20 Jan 1994 01:58:02 GMT From: think.com!hsdndev!dartvax.dartmouth.edu!usenet@ames.arpa Subject: What could this mean? To: info-hams@ucsd.edu In article <jfhCJw7qA.29r@netcom.com> jfh@netcom.com (Jack Hamilton) writes: > Any ideas? Ignorance in the press. Pure and simple. ======================================================================= Kenneth E. Harker N1PVB Dartmouth College Amateur Packet Radio kenneth.e.harker@dartmouth.edu Hinman Box 1262 n1pvb@w1et.nh.usa.na (603) 643-6549 Hanover, NH 03755 or n1pvb-5 on 144.99 ======================================================================= ------------------------------ Date: (null) From: (null) SB SPCL ARL ARLX003 ARLX003 Girl Scout Thinking Day THE GIRL SCOUT'S THINKING DAY IS FEBRUARY 22. GIRL SCOUTS AND GIRL GUIDES THE WORLD OVER USE THINKING DAY TO REFLECT ON INTERNATIONAL FRIENDSHIP AND WORLD PEACE. WHY NOT CONTACT YOUR LOCAL GIRL SCOUT COUNCIL AND INVITE TROOP LEADERS TO BRING THE GIRLS TO YOUR STATION FOR A FEW QSOS? CONTACT ARRL FOR OUR FREE BROCHURES ABOUT GIRL SCOUTS AND HAM RADIO TO SEND HOME WITH THE YOUNG LADIES. NNNN /EX ------------------------------ End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #67 ****************************** ******************************