Date: Wed, 9 Feb 94 03:42:37 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 #125
To: Info-Hams
Info-Hams Digest Wed, 9 Feb 94 Volume 94 : Issue 125
Today's Topics:
A code speed question
Antenna Erection Aids
Dominican Republic / Haitti
Hams With Pacemakers
htx-202 or dj-162 ?
Peter 1 Freqs
QSL Questions
Radar Detector Detectors (2 msgs)
SAREX Update for Feb 9 at 3:30 UTC
Tech No-Code computer test - is there a Macintosh version?
Send Replies or notes for publication to: <Info-Hams@UCSD.Edu>
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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: 3 Feb 1994 20:44:31 GMT
From: iris.mbvlab.wpafb.af.mil!edfue0!engberg@uunet.uu.net
Subject: A code speed question
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Vince,
When I studied for my Extra and Commercial licenses. I used a PC with
random code groups. I pushed it to a speed that I couldn't copy 100%.
I also listened to W1AW. There is no way I can write down 30/35 wpm but
I discovered I could "see it in my mind's eye" . Just a little at first,
then more as I continued to practice. After listening and copying about
75% at the high speeds, 20 wpm seemed slow. One other trick: I recoreded
W1AW on tape and played it back. Of course, after a few playbacks, you
will anticipate what is next so don't keep 'em for too long. I also liked
to play them in the car on the way to/from work. Your certainly cannot
write anything down while driving, so if will just copy it in your head.
Of course, there should be no distractions like cars or pedestians in your
vacinity. Actually, I believe this is dangerous because you should be
concentrating on your driving and what's around you. But what the heck,
a lot of people have radios in their cars these days listening to all kinds
of stuff while driving. Some people even have telephones...
Anyway, back to cw. Just push yourself to speeds you cannot copy. Try
listening to high speed cw and you will be surprised how many letters you
can pick out. Do this for a few weeks (6-8) and you will be hearing words.
It is a challenge - but rewarding too.
GL & 73,
--
Bob Engberg
phone: 907-552-7172
e-mail: engberg@ctis.af.mil
packet: K0MVL@KL7AA
------------------------------
Date: Tue, 8 Feb 1994 19:42:32 GMT
From: usc!howland.reston.ans.net!europa.eng.gtefsd.com!emory!wa4mei.ping.com!nanovx!kd4dts!jcw@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Antenna Erection Aids
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
sas@opus.xyplex.COM (Scott Sminkey - Sustaining Eng Group) writes:
>Julian Macassey N6ARE recommended the use of slingshot and fishing reel
>combination for putting up antenna wires and ropes. I second Julian's
>advice on that method! I've tried lots of ways to put up antennas wires
>and ropes over the last twenty years and the slingshot/reel method is
>definitely the best.
>...
I personally prefer a crossbow. I drill out the end of an aluminum
bolt with a 1/64 bit, tie off some 20-30lb fishing line (using the
Zebco 202 spinning reel), sight over the limb (bow has a scope mounted
on it), and *twang*, over it goes. Bolt has enough weight to cause
it to drop to the ground.
A couple of notes, in addition. I prefer a heavy nut to a stone, as it's
easy to tie to, and seems to have reasonable ballistics. It's also heavier
than a size for size stone. You have to select a weight fairly carefully.
Too heavy, and the slingshot can't throw it far enough, too light, and it
won't drop over the limb. Pine tree are especially a problem because the
line will hang in the bark flakes.
- John Wren
KD4DTS
--
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
John C. Wren (kd4dts) | "The UNIX operating system has a command, NICE,
jcw@kd4dts.atl.ga.us | which allows a user to voluntarily reduce the
..!emory!wa4mei!kd4dts!jcw | priority of his process, in order to be nice to
------------------------------
Date: Sun, 6 Feb 1994 20:33:52 +0000
From: munnari.oz.au!spool.mu.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!pipex!uknet!demon!dis.demon.co.uk!kanga.demon.co.uk!dick@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Dominican Republic / Haitti
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Hi, I am planning a vacation in HI & HH during may of 94
Looking for hints and tips about getting licence, and any
problems encountered when operating, first trip to caribean.
All help welcome...
73 de Dick G0BPS
------------------------------
Date: 7 Feb 1994 23:05:34 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!noc.near.net!transfer.stratus.com!sw.stratus.com!fms@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Hams With Pacemakers
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Paul Dujmich (pauld@fs1.ece.cmu.edu) wrote:
>
> : I would like to get in touch with active hams (HF or VHF) who have
> : a pacemaker. My father just received an on-demand type pacemaker, and
> : I am concerned about operating radio gear and the rfi that it might
> : cause to the pacemaker. I operate 2-meters with 25 watts, and the
> : HF bands with 100 watts. If you are an active ham and currently wear
> : a pacemaker, please reply to:
>
Hi Paul,
You might have your father check with his doctor. My mother checked with hers
when she got her pacemaker (she was concerned about the microwave oven in the
house). Her doctor told her that she should be fine, the only thing she should
be careful of is direct exposure to police radar (i.e. cop aiming radar gun
directly at her chest, close range). So just don't operate 10GHz near your dad,
and he should be fine! :-)
Oh, and Mom showed no ill effects from our operating 100W HF from the truck
parked in the driveway out there, with antennas right at 1st floor level (and lord
only knows how much stray RF was coming off our mobile antennas...)
To be on the safe side, let your Dad know when you're operating, and ask him
to let you know IMMEDIATELY if he feels anything out of the ordinary.
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: 03 Feb 1994 20:36:22 GMT
From: mvb.saic.com!unogate!news.service.uci.edu!usc!news.bbn.com!news.bbn.com!levin@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: htx-202 or dj-162 ?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <2ire53$o2g@explorer.clark.net> robocop@clark.net (matt roberts) writes:
In article <CKM79r.45H@sunsrvr6.cci.com>, James D. Cronin <jdc@cci.com> wrote:
>In article <2i8rnf$o5n@explorer.clark.net>,
>matt roberts <robocop@clark.net> wrote:
>>The HTX202 is a good radio. It comes with the CTCSS, DTMF squelch, and
>>it can store telephone numbers. It has 14 memories, I think.
>I'll second the motion. The HTX-202 is also more sensitive on receive
>than my ICOM-27H, of a late 70's or early 80's vintage. And the price
>is right when Radio Shack runs one of their periodic "sales".
The radio is also free of intermod. I hear a lot of complaints on the
air about intermod, but I never hear these from HTX202 owners.
On the other hand you hear complaints here about the inability to
expand the receive capabilities of the HTX-202 so one can monitor the
NOAA weather or public service agencies. It is because you can't that
the receiver is so clean. If expanded VHF reception is important to
you, the Alinco would be the correct choice (of the two mentioned
here).
/JBL KD1ON
=
Nets: levin@bbn.com | "Earn more sessions by sleeving."
pots: (617)873-3463 |
ARS: KD1ON | -- Roxanne Kowalski
------------------------------
Date: 7 Feb 1994 14:22:10 -0800
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!spool.mu.edu!olivea!apple.com!apple.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Peter 1 Freqs
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
gdo@aloft.att.com (Glenn D. O'Donnell) writes:
>Can somebody post the frequencies that the Peter 1 Island DXpedition guys
>are operating on? I have heard them on SSB on 14.195 and I know they're
>elsewhere, but where? They were only handling "1" calls when I heard them
>and I didn't have time to wait for them to do we "3" guys.
The W1AW RTTY bulletin from a day or two ago gave their operating
frequencies. Look for it on this newsgroup, since some kind soul
usually reposts the ARRL bulletins here.
At about 0200Z Monday (Sunday evening US time), the op on 14.195 MHz
was no longer working by call districts. The pileup must be thinning
out, although you sure can't tell from this end -- still wall-to-wall
signals.
73
Kok Chen, AA6TY kchen@apple.com
Apple Computer, Inc.
------------------------------
Date: Wed, 9 Feb 1994 06:22:59 GMT
From: agate!spool.mu.edu!sgiblab!wetware!kaiwan.com!dab@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: QSL Questions
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
I worked YX0AI on Aves Island in Feb/Mar 1992. The QSL info was via YV5A
and I've sent three requests over the past two years with no response.
Has anybody received cards via this route, or is there an alternate/better
route?
Does anybody know if F6FNU QSLs via the bureau?
Does anybody know the current rate (number of cards per dollar) of N7RO's
DX QSLing service?
Thanks for any responses,
73 de Doug - NF6H
--
/*--------------------------------------------------------------------*/
Doug Brandon [NF6H] Placentia, California dab@kaiwan.com
------------------------------
Date: Thu, 3 Feb 1994 20:46:21 GMT
From: mvb.saic.com!unogate!news.service.uci.edu!usc!elroy.jpl.nasa.gov!swrinde!cs.utexas.edu!convex!news.utdallas.edu!corpgate!nrtpa22!b4pphff!billag@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Radar Detector Detectors
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
Since this group contains all the RF types ... I was wondering
if anyone here knows where I can find out about radar detector
"detectors" ... specifically something published ... I have
a friend who is quite the sceptic and doesn't believe me that
they exist ...
Thanks.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bill Gutknecht "If I die, I will go before Crom and he will
Bell Northern Research ask me 'What is the Riddle of Steel?' If I do
Research Triangle Park, NC not know it, he will cast me out of Valhalla
billag@bnr.ca and laugh at me ... "
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 22:43:35 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!usenet.ucs.indiana.edu!reid.ucs.indiana.edu!reid@network.ucsd.edu
Subject: Radar Detector Detectors
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
In article <tcjCKuKtu.EEq@netcom.com> tcj@netcom.com (Todd Jonz) writes:
>Earl Morse (e.morse@zds.com) writes:
>
> > The cars that light up their break lights have radar detectors.
>
>I've noticed this effect on a couple of occasions while transmitting on
>23cm with about 10 watts. In one case I could see a little red light
^^^^
>on the guy's dashboard light up every time I keyed the rig. Front-end
>overload, I presume.
Possibly I-F overload; superhet radar-detectors have a 1 GHz first IF,
followed by a 100 MHz IF. They work like little spectrum-analyzers: The
local oscillator sweeps through a range around 11.5 GHz. That way the
detector can have high gain at narrow bandwidth and still cover a wide
range of X-band frequencies.
I built a "tractor beam" ;-) by retuning the local oscillator of a junked
Escort(tm) radar detector to 10.5 GHz and removing the three screws which
protrude into the antenna horn to form a trap which is supposed to suppress
local-oscillator radiation. It's built into a toy plastic Star Trek phaser
pistol which I bought at a yard sale, and also contains a sound generator
which makes "science fiction" noises...
Given that local oscillators can be tuned downward by 1 GHz, it should be
possible to make your own "detector detector." I haven't tried it.
--
Frank reid@ucs.indiana.edu
------------------------------
Date: 9 Feb 94 04:04:45 GMT
From: news-mail-gateway@ucsd.edu
Subject: SAREX Update for Feb 9 at 3:30 UTC
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
SB SAREX @ AMSAT $STS-60.014
SAREX Update Feb. 9 at 03:30 UTC
Three of the five school groups slated for STS-60 have now made
successful contacts. The most recent success was with the Mars Middle
School, in Mars, Pennsylvania. They contacted the Discovery astronauts
through a Telebridge in Texas on orbit number 85. The contact was
initiated by Cosmonaut/Shuttle Mission Specialist Sergei Krikalev,
U5MIR. Jan Davis then joined in on the school group discussion. A
total of 9 students were able to ask questions.
Please note one correction from SAREX bulletin, SB008, regarding the
SAREX contact between Sergei, U5MIR, and the school group at the House
of Science and Technology for Youth in Moscow, Russia. The Cosmonaut
who initiated the contact with Sergei was Musa Manarov, U2MIR. Sorry
about the error.
School groups interested in communicating with the Shuttle astronauts are
reminded to submit an application and proposal to the ARRL to be considered
for a future contact. Final SAREX school group selections are decided
approximately 6 months prior to the mission launch date. For more
information, please write:
Educational Activities Division
ARRL
225 Main St
Newington, CT 06111
School groups are always welcome to listen into a school group contact when
a telebridge contact occurs. We had several schools listening to the Mars,
PA contact. For more details on how to listen in through the telebridge,
please contact the ARRL at the above address or Frank Bauer, KA3HDO of
AMSAT. His e-mail address is ka3hdo@amsat.org
The official SAREX element set for today will be GSFC-011. This
element sent was generated by Ron Parise, WA4SIR of the Goddard Space Flight
Center. Gil Carman, WA5NOM reports that the predictions using GSFC-011
differed from GSFC-009 by approximately 2 seconds.
STS-60
1 22977U 94006A 94 39.59046866 0.00000351 00000-0 69389-5 0 119
2 22977 56.9887 193.2605 0009224 272.9504 87.0508 15.72376812 813
Satellite: STS-60
Catalog number: 22977
Epoch time: 94039.59046866 (08 FEB 94 14:10:16.49 UTC)
Element set: GSFC-011
Inclination: 56.9887 deg
RA of node: 193.2605 deg Space Shuttle Flight STS-60
Eccentricity: 0.0009224 Keplerian Elements
Arg of perigee: 272.9504 deg
Mean anomaly: 87.0508 deg
Mean motion: 15.72376812 rev/day Semi-major Axis: 6730.2383 Km
Decay rate: 0.35E-05 rev/day*2 Apogee Alt: 358.06 Km
Epoch rev: 81 Perigee Alt: 345.64 Km
NOTE - This element set is based on NORAD element set # 011.
The spacecraft has been propagated to the next ascending
node, and the orbit number has been adjusted to bring it
into agreement with the NASA numbering convention.
Submitted by Frank H. Bauer, KA3HDO, for the SAREX Working Group
/EX
------------------------------
Date: 7 Feb 94 21:22:45 GMT
From: news.graphics.cornell.edu!newsstand.cit.cornell.edu!piccolo.cit.cornell.edu!crux1!jrl2@tcgould.tn.cornell.edu
Subject: Tech No-Code computer test - is there a Macintosh version?
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
<hberg@sun.sws.uiuc.edu> writes:
Hi Steve,
Check out world.std.com
They have the ham stacks online there via anon ftp.
I think the path is
\pub\hamradio
Hope this helps
-Jeff Luszcz N2TIQ
> Is there a Macintosh version of the Novice/Tech No-Code question pool
>available via FTP? I am part of a group studying for the Tech No-Code, and
>most of us have been using a DOS program that generates sample tests from
>the current question pool to practice. One of our group has access only to
>a Macintosh, and he would like to have something similar to practice with.
> Thanks in advance.
>-Steve-
>shooting for the March 20 test date
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 20:44:54 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!darwin.sura.net!news.duc.auburn.edu!eng.auburn.edu!weltyrc@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <13659@blue.cis.pitt.edu>, <CKpDq7.FMA@murdoch.acc.Virginia.EDU>, <CKpsK7.FC5@wang.com>n
Subject : Reciprocal License - Brazil
Anyone have a recent experience with the Ministry of Com in Brazil?
I wrote to them asking for info, with no reply yet. I'll be there (hopefully)
in August or September, so time's not an issue (yet). Any clues or info
would be appreciated.
73's
Ryan kd4vzx/aa soon a kr4??
weltyrc@eng.auburn.edu
------------------------------
Date: 8 Feb 1994 16:15:17 GMT
From: usc!math.ohio-state.edu!news.acns.nwu.edu!casbah.acns.nwu.edu!rdewan@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <rohvm1.mah48d-030294075300@136.141.220.39>, <CKo0uy.HzJ@srgenprp.sr.hp.com>, <2j63p1$jlp@slinky.cs.nyu.edu>
Subject : Re: A code speed question
In article <2j63p1$jlp@slinky.cs.nyu.edu>,
Steven Jackson <jackson@longlast.cs.nyu.edu> wrote:
>|> so I retyped the copy before sending it in to ARRL!)
>
>Question: I use SuperMorse 4.04 and I love the "Group" training under Learn.
>It looks like my first Amateur test is going to be at 20 WPM.
>
>How many people use typewriters or computers for copying code? Having learned
>to type a decade ago, I can now type at ~70 WPM. If I ever thought I was going
>to copy code at an obnoxious (;-) rate, I would definitely prefer to have a
>typewriter next to my radio. You don't even need an IBM Selectric.. even one
>from Naked Lunch will do.. it's a lot easier than writing, once you learn how
>to type.
>
>You can always practice with the "Solid" function on SuperMorse. It lets you
>type to code until you get a character wrong.
I think that there is one down side to this approach. Apparently, visual code,
aural code copied in head and aural code copied on typewriter involve
different parts of the brain and do not transfer well from one to another.
I recall a story, firsthand, from a signal corpsman in Korean PA who
copied code directly onto a typewriter but did *not* know what he had
received till he read the copy. To make short of a long story, the skills
for typewirter copy may be different from that for head copy. The latter
skill is useful, especially for mobile cw.
Rajiv
aa9ch/m ts50, j45 leg clamp st key, mini bug catcher in a toyota tercel ez
r-dewan@nwu.edu
------------------------------
Date: Mon, 7 Feb 1994 14:33:23 GMT
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!news.intercon.com!psinntp!psinntp!psinntp!arrl.org!zlau@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <Anthony_Pelliccio-020294104608@138.16.64.8>, <2itt8qINN3q@cronkite.Central.Sun.COM>, <CKpy6n.4F7@news.direct.net>rrl.or
Subject : Re: "Flexible" 9913 (Was - Re: Coaxial cable)
Cecil Moore (kg7bk@indirect.com) wrote:
: : a discernible difference? I thought that NMO was supposed to do well
: : at least past the 70cm. band. -- Steve Bunis
: My dual-band 2x4MAX Comet has an so239 connector on it. Just how bad
: is a pl259 connection on UHF? Should I use an N to so239 adapter? I
: use 9913 on HF with pl259s and some copper tape.
A radio with an UHF connector usually has the mismatch tuned out (if
it matters). At 70 cm, a typical mismatch is around 1.5 to 1, according
to measurements. One advantage to using PL-259s is the captivated
center conductor. It is quite disturbing to see the center pin of
a type N connector moving around.
I don't recommend the use of UHF connectors at 2.3 GHz. I use either
N or SMA connectors.
--
Zack Lau KH6CP/1 2 way QRP WAS
8 States on 10 GHz
Internet: zlau@arrl.org 10 grids on 2304 MHz
------------------------------
Date: 7 Feb 1994 13:59:56 -0800
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!howland.reston.ans.net!agate!apple.com!apple.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <CKBJtu.45s@freenet.carleton.ca>, <2ik0cn$9hq@orca.es.com>, <CKKntK.M8M@news.Hawaii.Edu>
Subject : Re: Famous hams
jherman@uhunix3.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Jeff Herman) writes:
>In article <2ik0cn$9hq@orca.es.com> alan@olin.es.com (Alan Brubaker) writes:
>>In article <CKBJtu.45s@freenet.carleton.ca> ab510@FreeNet.Carleton.CA (George Attallah) writes:
>>>
>> ...Famous Hams...
>>>
>>>H0HO Santa Claus
>>>W7KID Billy The Kid
>>>
>>
>>How could you forget:
>>
>>SL1CE Lorena Bobbitt
>SK8TR Tonya ``Will she be indicted?'' Harding
Who knows, she could still end up in Japan with the call
JA1L, ex-SK8TR.
73,
Kok Chen, AA6TY kchen@apple.com
Apple Computer, Inc.
------------------------------
Date: 7 Feb 1994 13:54:29 -0800
From: ucsnews!sol.ctr.columbia.edu!spool.mu.edu!olivea!apple.com!apple.com!not-for-mail@network.ucsd.edu
To: info-hams@ucsd.edu
References <19940131.02065376.armond@delphi.com>, <CKIHK9.2ss@ucdavis.edu>, <CKKnFq.M24@news.Hawaii.Edu>
Subject : Re: Boring WWV Programs
jherman@uhunix3.uhcc.Hawaii.Edu (Jeff Herman) writes:
>In article <CKIHK9.2ss@ucdavis.edu> ez006683@chip.ucdavis.edu (Daniel D. Todd) writes:
>>ARMOND@delphi.com wrote:
>>: Those WWV people are not nice at all. I was just trying to be helpful
>>: when I called to tell them that my S-38 (which I got at a swapmeet
>>: for $15) inmdicated that WWV was about 10 kilocycles off. That, when
>>: they were not drifting. I suggested they go to crystal control.
>>: I got this really neat Timex watch at a yard sale for $5. It sez that
>>: ] WWV is about 30 seconds off. What snotty people work at WWV. They did
>>: not appreciate my helpful call at all.
>>
>>Perhaps you should have used the telephone instead of calling them on
>>frequency. BTW: yopu were 59 in No. Cal
>>;-)
>You could get even with them by reporting them to the FCC for not ID'ing
>every ten minutes. I really don't know who they think they are - hogging
>so many frequencies; and they're certainly running more than the legal
>limit. Stuck up, too - they never answer my QRZ? calls...
Worse, I keep hearing them deliberately QRM'ing a YL station in Hawaii.
They have really bad manners too, I've never heard them send a single
"QRL?".
73,
Kok Chen, AA6TY kchen@apple.com
Apple Computer, Inc.
------------------------------
End of Info-Hams Digest V94 #125
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