RSGB Radcom 2011 01
RSGB Radcom 2011 01
RSGB Radcom 2011 01
JANUARY 2011
VOLUME 87
NUMBER 01
4.25
Sebatik Island
DXpedition puts rare
IOTA on the air for only
the second time
0 1 1 1
Kenwood TS-590S
Homebrew
SMD Unsoldering
Latest HF and
50MHz rig reviewed
Prototype RF amplifier
for the HF transceiver project
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CONTENTS
Operating from
Sebatik Island
described on
page 70.
RadCom
THE RADIO SOCIETY OF GREAT
BRITAINS MEMBERS MAGAZINE
Photo:
9M6DXX.
MANAGING EDITOR:
ELAINE RICHARDS, G4LFM
E-mail elaine.richards@rsgb.org.uk
TECHNICAL EDITOR:
GILES READ, G1MFG
E-mail giles.read@rsgb.org.uk
RSGB ADVERTISING:
KIM MEYERN
All contributions and correspondence
concerning the content of RadCom should
be posted to: The Editor, RadCom, 3 Abbey
Court, Fraser Road, Priory Business Park,
Bedford MK44 3WH
Telephone. 01234 832700
Facsimile. 01234 831496
E-mail. radcom@rsgb.org.uk
RSGB Matters
RSGB President Dave Wilson, M0OBW looks back
at his first year in office
10 News
All the amateur radio news including club news
Reviews
39 Kenwood TS-950S
Peter Hart looks at Kenwood's new HF + 6m
compact base radio
60 Bandmaster Universal Band Decoder
So much more than just a CAT decoder,
writes Dick Pascoe, G0BPS
74 Book Review
Personal favourites of 2010 by Giles Read, G1MFG
Features
17 Battleship New Jersey, NJ2BB
Terry Stow, G0SWS describes his visit to this
WWII ship's amateur radio station
RSGB MEMBERSHIP
Annual Rates from 1 January 2011
19 Homebrew
Eamon Skelton, EI9GQ, continues his transceiver
project
26 Simple antenna for 13cm
Part 1 of a two-part article by Rover Paskvan, WA0IUJ
35 Start Here
Radios with dual watch / two VFOs by Jonathan,
M5FUN and Tatiana, MM6TAT
66 Unsoldering SMD
Harry Weston, M0SOP
explains how to remove
SMD without damaging
the PCB
72 Design Notes
A direct-from-audio
I/Q upconverter by
Andy Talbot, G4JNT
79 Morse code examined
using modern
Morse's code
communication theory
is remarkably
Morse is remarkably
efficient says David Bird,
efficient P79
G6EJD
Regulars
78
51
32
84
58
52
86
88
Technical Features
83
76
92
54
Would members please note that the HMCA leaflet with this edition contains details of a Travel Plan.
We have been asked to point out this is only available to those under 70 years of age.
05
RSGB MATTERS
RADIO SOCIETY
OF GREAT BRITAIN
THE NATIONAL SOCIETY WHICH
REPRESENTS UK RADIO AMATEURS
Founded in 1913 incorporated 1926.
Limited by guarantee
Member society of the
International Amateur Radio Union
Patron: HRH Prince Philip,
Duke of Edinburgh, KG, KT
Membership is open to all those with an active interest in
radio experimentation and communication as a hobby.
Applications for membership should be made to the
Subscriptions Department from which full details of Society
services may also be obtained.
General Manager:
Peter Kirby, FCMI, MISM, G0TWW
Honorary Company Secretary:
Rupert Thorogood, G3KKT
Honorary Treasurer:
Dr R Dingle, G0OCB
BOARD OF THE SOCIETY
PRESIDENT
Dave Wilson, M0OBW
MEMBERS
D Beattie, G3BJ
P Brooks, G4NZQ
L Butterfields, G0CIB
D Field, G3XTT
J Gould, G3WKL
C Morrison, GI4FUE (until 31 December 2010)
I Phillips, G0RDI (until 31 December 2010)
B Reay, G8OSN
J Stevenson, G0EJQ (until 31 December 2010)
REGIONAL MANAGERS
L Paget, GM0ONX - Region 1
D Morrison, GM1BAN - Region 2
K A Wilson, M1CNY - Region 3
H Scrivens, G0UGE - Region 4
Vaughan Ravenscroft, M0VRR - Region 5
M Harper, MW1MDH - Region 6
J Sneddon, MW0EQL - Region 7
P Lowrie, MI5JYK - Region 8
A Johnston, G8ROG - Region 9
G Keegan, G6DGK - Region 10
P Helliwell, G7SME - Region 11
Neil Whiteside, G4HUN - Region 12
J Stevenson, G0EJQ - Region 13
Details of the Societys volunteer officers can be
found in the RSGB Yearbook and on the RSGB website.
HEADQUARTERS AND REGISTERED OFFICE
3 Abbey Court, Fraser Road,
Priory Business Park,
Bedford MK44 3WH
Tel: 01234 832700
Fax: 01234 831496
QSL Bureau address:
PO Box 5, Halifax, HX1 9JR, England.
Tel: 01422 359362
E-mail: qsl@rsgb.org.uk
E-mail addresses:
sales@rsgb.org.uk (books, filters, membership and general
enquiries) GB2RS@rsgb.org.uk (GB2RS and club news items)
RadCom@rsgb.org.uk (news items, feature submissions, etc)
AR.Dept@rsgb.org.uk, RCE.Dept@rsgb.org.uk
(Examinations) IOTA.HQ@rsgb.org.uk (Islands On The Air)
GM.Dept@rsgb.org.uk (managerial)
Website: www.rsgb.org
Members Area: www.rsgb.org/membersonly
Log-in using your callsign in lower case as the user name,
and your membership number (see RadCom address label)
as the password.
The online RadCom can now be found at
www.rsgb.org/radcom.
06
RSGB MATTERS
In recent years, the ratio of large, nonstandard multi-page and assorted home brew
cards from UK amateurs has risen alarmingly,
from less than 20% to more than 33% of
everything that we currently see. This greatly
impacts on shipping costs, which ultimately
affects all members. Non-standard cards require
additional sort and packing time to prevent being
damaged and, logistically, space per shipment for
large cards is always limited. We would like to
remind users that cards should be single page,
standard postcard size, (190 x 40mm) printed
on 130-230g board, not paper. In fairness to
all members, as from 2012, only cards meeting
the Yearbook definition will be accepted.
QSL Matters
DESPATCHES. End of year dispatches saw 20kg
to Germany, 10kg each to Canada, Greece,
Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Spain,
Sweden and 6kg packs went to Argentina
and Turkey. Periodically, we look to sending
packages to smaller destinations and 15kg
went to Andorra, Algeria, Bahrain, Bermuda,
India, Kuwait, Paraguay and Uzbekistan.
NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS. Please make
it a priority to collect your QSL cards this year,
even if you have never actually sent one. Royal
Mail has recently been given permission to
raise its charges so now is the time to send
C5 envelopes to your manager.
The most common call that we receive at
the bureau is, who is my Sub Manager? Mark,
G1CSS has recently brought to our attention, six
websites offering QSL sub-manager information.
Much of it is misleading and way out of date.
For up to date information, keep a note of your
RSGB membership number/password and
always check the official RSGB site.
Following numerous pleas from sub managers
for a spring clean we are advising them that
all old, unused envelopes held for more than
5 years, can be despatched or disposed of at
the end of June 2011.
Competition Winners
European Appointments
07
RSGB MATTERS
CONGRATULATIONS
The Society would like to apologise unreservedly
to the following Members, whose 50th and 60th
anniversaries were missed from the June 2010
RadCom due to a production error:
60 years
Mr T N Green
G3GLL
Mr A W Wright
GM3IBU
Mr J D Smith
G3KGW
Mr E F Harverson
G3OEG
Mr R A Rimmer
G3RQS
50 years
Mr G D Lively
G3KII
Mr G A Maclauchlan
GM3NVU
Mr M J T Smith
G3RMN
Mr J F Kelly
GM3TCW
Mr P Barville
G3XJS
Mr G D Hodgkinson
GI7TPO
Mr L Arnold
G8AHE
Congratulations to the following members whom
our records show as having reached 50 or 60 years'
continuous membership of the RSGB in January
2011.
60 years
Mr AJF Powell
G3GYF
50 years
Mr BJR Davies
G3OYU
Mr JFC Johnson
ZL2AMJ
Morse Passes at
National Hamfest
At the National Hamfest in October, four
amateurs took their Morse Proficiency Test
and three were successful. Ray Bullock, G0EML
passed at 20wpm, Gareth Warriner, 2E0BKW
passed at 12wpm and Larry Partington, G4BZP
passed at 15wpm. Congratulations to them all.
Welcome
The RSGB would like to welcome
to the RSGB family the following
new Members who have joined
their voice to ours and are helping
to keep the RSGB strong.
Mr P White
Mrs S Jones
Mr A Warman
Mr Black
Mr J McLean
Mr J L Jenkins
Mr JM Capuz
Mr B Stehle
Mr P Serrano
Mr I Wilson
P Pokusinski
Mr D Ince
Mr DJ Miller
Mr NI Royle
Mr JB Condron
Mr S Warner
Mr M Brady
Mr T Jones
Mr A Wright
Mr B Morgan
Mr R Allard
Mr W Berg
S Bounanos
Mr L Zywicki
Leicester DX ARG
Mr AP Cross
Mr A J Moye
Mr J Brunton
Mr R Rawson
Mr D Slade
Mr P Richmond
Mr G G Heard
Mr L Rich
Miss LJ Marriott
Mr M Payne
Mr NE Hoare
Mr P D Chell
Mr P Sipple
08
2E0PDW
2E0SUJ
2HPK
2M0GRK
AC5QE
ATG1025
EA3HHX
F6GYY
F8BXI
G1JXP
G4JQU
G4UPO
G6LYM
G7CAA
G7KDZ
G8AQP
GM7VEY
GW0HGN
GW0LIS
GW1MIK
KC2TFI
KR9A
M0GLD
M0ICJ
M0LRG
M0ONZ
M6AEF
M6AJQ
M6BFD
M6DFS
M6EPM
M6GGH
M6LHR
M6LJM
M6MDP
M6NEH
M6PDC
M6PSI
Ms R Johnston-Stuart M6RBY
Mr PF Wilson
M6RFW
Mr S Hopkins
M6SDH
Mr S Page
M6SDX
Mr T Akay
M6TAA
Mr AP Amos
M6TAV
Mr I Hoey
MI6AJO
Mr R P Tomalin
MI6RPT
Mr NG Robertson
MM6GWW
Mr S Fenton
MM6TCH
Castle Rock ARS
MN0GVC
Mr CJ Sweeney
MW6CJS
Mr ET Sweeney
MW6ESW
Mr R Duckhouse
MW6GWR
Mr L Chang
MW6HKL
Mr A Moriarty
N8CX
Mr T Anderssen
OH6NT
Mr R Bakker
PA0RDT
H Roubos
PA3D
Mr RM Higgins
RS07104
Mr Andrew Pounce RS200426
Mr K Yates
RS206693
Mr T Horsten
RS206837
Mr DG Bailey
RS207075
Mr JH Harrison
RS207130
Mr SC Melton
RS207141
Mr M Courtenay
RS207160
Mr N F Bisiker
RS207161
Ms E Musselle
RS207174
Mr E Musselle
RS207175
Mr JA Roberts
RS207180
Mr A Rampon
RS207195
Mr P Pain
RS207210
Mr BF Withers
RS207228
Mr N P Stewart
RS207229
Mr JA Bischoffe
RS207237
Mr R Jarman
VK2FVRJ
Mr L Martin
VK3BLM
Mr J Reed
ZL2AH
The RSGB would like to welcome
back the following Members who
have rejoined the Society.
Mr C Howard
Mr A Burleton
2E0CTH
2E0GHD
Mr R E Railey
Mr C R Warr
Mr RWF Palmer
Mr B Sweeney
Miss TM Morris
Mr I Wilson
Mr PL Williams
Mr G D Barnes
Mr R Young
Mr G N Wheatley
Rev J McKae
Mr A G Prior
Mr P Thurlow
Mr T W Russell
Mr C E Brett
Mr M A Saunders
Mr D J Perry
Mr D M Surgey
Mr E J Hornby
Mr W J Pugh
Mr E A Smyth
Mr R J Wilson
Mr M G McIntyre
Mr G A Ward
Mr J Stephen
Mr P Scott
Mr W Goudie
Mr A L Swiffin
Mr G P Budge
Mr D P Harris
Mr M I Owen
Mr J I Swann
Mr J Clarey
Mr R J Wyatt
Mr P Holmes
Mr C Bell
Mr PS Dunnicliffe
Mr D H Morgan
Eng MS Khayat
Mr M Vinquart
Mr PJ Roelse
Mr KR Avery
Mr A Devine
Mr DMA Stockton
Mr R Gaschk
AD6LV
G0AWM
G0TYX
G1ETQ
G1IWU
G1JXP
G1OMQ
G4AAO
G4GWC
G4HNJ
G4ILA
G4UWW
G4YUP
G4ZRV
G6AXF
G6IWC
G6JIE
G6MBF
G7CYQ
G8IAY
GI0UTS
GI0VKP
GI3YDH
GI3ZCK
GM0CHM
GM0VOU
GM4WXQ
GM8OEG
GW0MGQ
GW0ONU
GW0PZZ
M0BUY
M0CGR
M0CIO
M0IRK
M0RTM
M6FIL
MW1FDN
OD5SK
ON4TU
PA1PSD
RS170886
RS179702
RS203035
W6FYA
25%
OFF RRP
from
By Paddy Heazell
Orford Ness was so secret a place that most people have never
even heard of it. Yet this remote stretch of the Suffolk coast has seen the
development of Radar, testing of atom bombs, Secret US projects and
much more in its eighty year history.
This book details how Orford Ness developed from its WW1 origins
testing and developing all manner of aerial weaponry through to highly
secret radar projects of the cold war. In between, Watson Watt and his
team worked in the 1930s developing the highly secret radar systems
that were to prove so crucial in WW2. All manner of ordinance was
tested at Orford Ness from hand held WW1 bombs to Barnes Wallis
WW2 bouncing bombs, all manner of rockets and missiles and even
Cold War Atom bombs (without ssile material). The top-secret UK-US
COBRA MIST project was built at Orford Ness with its antenna that
alone covered a massive 132 acres. Always at the forefront of military
technology from 1913 to the 1990s, Orford Ness was involved in much
else as well and readers will nd it all detailed here.
This extraordinary book details the story of Orford Ness and the work
conducted here by some of the greatest bofns of past generations.
The role Orford Ness played in inventing and testing was crucial
over the course of the twentieth century and this book published in
conjunction with the National Trust recounts the history of one of
Britains truly historic sites.
Size 156x254mm, 288 pages, ISBN 9780-7524-5741-3
from
14.99
www.rsgbshop.org
E&OE
SAVE
NEWS
Young Amateur's
Success
Matthew, aged 9, who attends Corsham
Primary School, took the Foundation
exam in November at the Chippenham
and District ARC HQ and was successful
with a score of 19/25. He's been on to his
father, G0IUE, for ages about obtaining
an amateur radio licence. Thanks to the
Chippenham Club and, in particular, the
sterling efforts of Ian Carter, G0GRI, the
last two months of lessons have certainly
paid off. Matthew hopes to be on the air
from his own shack (bedroom) soon.
Foundation success
at Dover ARC
In November five prospective amateurs
sat their Foundation course in Dover.
The trainees' hard work paid off as all
five passed and are eager to join the
rest of the club members on the bands.
Over the next few weeks the club will
have a dedicated operating shack ready
for use at the flick of a switch. This, along
with a superb location are just two of the
reasons why they hope to attract new
members and see some old faces turning
up as well. Details of the planned events
and other useful information can be found
at the website www.darc.org.uk. The photo
shows, from left to right, Catherine Block
(Instructor), Sarah Love (2nd Invigilator),
Paul Barker, Louise Flynn, Leon Lee, Neil
Fairbairn, Graham Cahill (Invigilator),
Stephen Ward.
10
Preston's Mobile
Radio Room
The photo shows
Preston Amateur
Radio Societys
new mobile radio
room. It has been
fitted out ready
for events. Other
items to be added
soon will be maps
and other publicity
material.
Details at www.prestonars.co.uk.
Passes
The Foundation licence course run at Mold
& District Amateur Radio Club culminated
with five successful passes in November.
Those candidates were Paul, M6AKF,
James, MW6WXM and Dan, MW6BUT.
They are still waiting to hear the callsigns
of Anne and her son, 14 year old Tom.
Unfortunately, two candidates just failed
but with a little help and encouragement
the club is sure they will pass the retest in
December. Thanks go to Keith, GW4OKT
and the rest of the training team. The club
plans to run a Full licence course early in
the New Year. Anyone wishing to join this
or any other course is welcome. Contact
Steve, GW7AAV or Keith, GW4OKT who
are both QTHR and on QRZ.com.
SADARC Foundation
Passes
Southport & District Amateur Radio
Club held its latest Foundation course
in November. Five candidates passed
including Alison and Rebecca, the wife
and daughter of the chairman Derek,
G7LFC. The photo shows on the back
row the instructors Keith, G0OXV, Stuart,
G0MJG, Brian, G0JCQ, Derek, G7LFC
and the front row shows Stephen Moorcroft,
David Horrocks, Amanda Nutt, Rebecca
Hughes and Alison Hughes.
JOTA Activity
Southport & District ARC took part in this
years JOTA from the Scout hut in Ormskirk
using the club callsign GX2OA. They were
on the air using PSK31, IRLP and SSB on
both the HF and VHF bands. In the photo
are Gordon, M6CWA, Stuart, G0MJG and
Chris, M6XJP operating the HF station.
GB70CBC, Coventry
Members of
the Coventry
Amateur Radio
Society operated
GB70CBC as
part of the
commemoration
of the Coventry
blitz. Much of
central Coventry
was destroyed
Photo courtesy M3HBM.
including the
near destruction of the Cathedral, with over
560 dead, 863 seriously wounded and at
least another 393 persons who reported
their wounds.
GB70CBC was situated in the grounds
of Coventry cathedral. There was so much
activity and lack of space that the station was
confined to a shopping trolley. The station
consists of an Icom IC-708, Versatuner,
12V battery and loaded vertical made from
a carbon fibre fishing pole resonant on 40m
(and covering 20m with the tuner). The
trolley modifications were performed by
Brian, G8GMU and grandson M3HBM.
New Intermediate
Callsigns at Darton
In November, three members of the
Rose and Crown ARC in Darton, Barnsley
took and passed their Intermediate licence.
Mark Riley, who also took the course,
took his exam at the RSGB Convention
in October at Milton Keynes and is now
the proud owner of his new callsign
2E0CDC.
In the photograph are (left to right)
Mark, 2E0CDC, Alan, M0ZTG (2nd
instructor), Earnest, M6EWS, William,
M6WLC, Peter, M6PJE and, in front,
Jan, G6KOB (lead instructor). All students
and instructors would like to give special
thanks to the Rose & Crown for the facilities
they provide for members of the amateur
radio club.
Yeo Project
Walford Electroncis have developed a new
entry level home construction kit the Yeo.
It is a low cost direct conversion Rx that can
be built for any single band from 20 to 80m.
The kit includes all parts to build it, including
a 9V PP3 battery holder and a small PCB
mounted speaker. For ease of use with a low
tuning rate, it has two sub bands (selected by
a toggle switch) and a single large knobbed
PolyVaricon tuning capacitor. There are double
tuned RF filters and a double balanced mixer,
which is driven by the Colpitts VFO. The two
main audio stages provide plenty of gain for
normal aerials and are separated by an AF
gain potentiometer. The output stage includes
a buffer for driving a small loud speaker or
phones. The supply needs to be between
9 and 16 volts and reverse protection is
included. It is easy to add improvements
such as a full sized external loudspeaker,
or your own cabinet etc.
The price is 33 with 3 for P&P, details
at www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~walfor.
NEWS
A Visit by Martein,
PA3AKE
LEFARS Intermediate
Success
NEWS
GB0LD
6m Repeater
MARS Passes
12
from
from
32.39
Antenna Towers for Radio Amateurs outlines the basic tower types, the
realities of climbing towers and much more. The entire installation process
is covered from selecting a tower, digging the base, pouring concrete,
working with cranes before moving into tips for working with rope and
pulleys, guy wires and associated hardware. This book also teaches the
correct procedures for taking down existing towers, conducting inspections
and even performing maintenance.
www.rsgbshop.org
E&OE
NEWS
GB2AD
In October,
Mid Ulster
Amateur Radio
Club ran three
Foundation
courses and
exams for
members of the
St John Ambulance and other prospective
radio amateurs. The club would like to
congratulate all the new licensees and
hope to hear them on the air soon.
More Foundation
Stones at Warrington
November
saw the
successful
finale of
the second
formally
organised
Foundation
course run
by the
Warrington
Amateur Radio Club, Bellhouse Lane,
Grappenhall. The course was once again
very well organised by Paul, G7ODJ and
led by lead instructor Albert, G3ZHE.
The enrolled students studied very hard
over the two days, which resulted in five
successful passes.
Students James Whalley, Brian Ardrey,
Peter Cunliffe, Thomas Porter (12) and
Christopher Quinn (11) proudly display
their pass certificates accompanied by
course tutor Vincent, M0LCR. Thomas
was presented his pass certificate by a
very proud grandfather, Tom, G0MYN.
Both Thomas (1st Appleton Scouts) and
Christopher (28th Warrington Scouts) also
qualified for their Scouting Communication
Badge well done!
This achievement was not only due
to the hard work of the students but also
to the dedication of the instructors and
assistants. These included, Mike, G4VSS,
Alan, G8WQE, Carmel, M3CFI, Vincent,
M0LCR and Jeff, G1DYN.
NEWS
Skye High
Pro Antennas
Nevada will carry the new Dual Beam Pro
and the iPro home antennas, developed
by Pro Antennas last year. The design of
both models incorporates high efficiency
capacitive end loading elements, together
with a matching unit, allowing coverage
of all bands from 20 to 10m (plus 30 &
40m with a suitable tuner).
More information can be found on
the Nevada and Pro Antenna websites
www.nevadaradio.co.uk and
www.proantennas.co.uk.
NEWS IN BRIEF
On the brink of the Second World War, the huge
Graf Zeppelin airship crossed the North Sea on a
daring spy mission. What happened in the next
24 hours was to decide the future Battle of
Britain. Fighter Command assumed that all the
secrets of Chain Home the RAF's vital radar
network were now being analysed by the top
wireless experts of the Luftwaffe. When war was
declared just a few weeks later the radar stations
braced themselves for a knockout blow but it
never came.
With exclusive interviews, reconstructions and
expert analysis, a new documentary is available
on this story. To see more and view clips please
visit www.boffinstv.co.uk.
Norfolk RAYNET
Exercise
Special Event Station GB4CLB (Cromer
Life Boat) will be operational on 28 to
30 January 2011 from the RNLI Boat
Shed, Cromer Pier, Cromer, Norfolk
NR27 9HE. The event is combined
with a RAYNET Coastal Exercise Sea
Over Sand and the RNLI Annual SOS
Radio Week. The station will be primarily
on 80m SSB but will be operational also
on CW and RTTY from time to time
depending on available operators and
propagation.
Special event QSL card will be available
via the RSGB Bureau or direct with an
SAE to G4PSH, QTHR or www.qrz.com.
This Exercise will give the public, who
can visit the station over the three days, the
opportunity to find out more about RAYNET
and what it does. If an emergency rescue
call out occurs, the SES may have to close
down until such times the RNLI station is
stood down and back on normal ops.
NEWS
Lancashire Day
Sheffield Intermediate
Passes
Sheffield Amateur Radio Club had three
more Intermediate passes in November.
Darren, 2E0DBN, Chris, 2E0PAM and
Peter, 2E0ERA would like to thank their
tutors Tony, G1TKX and Peter, M0TWG
for all their hard work over the last few
weeks.
16
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Bodleian Libraries are calling for
applicants interested in researching the history
of science and technology. Thanks to a grant
from the Wireless Preservation Society, the
Bodleian Libraries offer an annual fellowship
Douglas Byrne Marconi Fellowship to
support a scholar in residence. The value of
the award in 2011 will be 4000.
Applications are encouraged from those
wishing to consult the Marconi Archive at the
Bodleian Library and the collection of objects
held at the Museum of Science, Oxford. The vast
archive, occupying some 400 linear metres of
shelving, includes personal papers of Guglielmo
Marconi and business records relating to the
radio industry up to the late twentieth century.
Objects in the collection include devices from
early experiments in transmission.
For details of funding and how to apply for
the Douglas Byrne Marconi Fellowship at the
Bodleian Library, visit the library website at
www.bodley.ox.ac.uk/csb, or write to:
Fellowships, Centre for the Study of the Book,
Bodleian Library, Oxford OX1 3BG. Applications
for the 2011 fellowship must be submitted by
31 December 2010.
Scout Foundation
Course
In December Tamworth Amateur Radio
Society, after running a Foundation course
on the previous two Sundays, held a
Foundation exam for nine members of the
Scout association one Beaver Scout, one
Cub Scout (who's grandfather is G4EHT),
one Scout, four Explorer Scouts and two
Scout Leaders. Eight out of the nine passed.
All nine will be the founder members of
Tamworth Radio Scouting Group. The exam
certificates were presented by Tamworth's
current Mayor, Clr Lee Bates, who himself
is intending to obtain a Foundation licence
as soon as his mayoral duties allow. The
course was organised by Tamworth's
Assistant District Commissioner for Scouts
Steve Smith, M6TSD as a follow on from a
successful JOTA. Thanks must go to Tony,
G0FEO who assisted during the course and
intends to become a registered tutor soon.
In the photograph are (L-R) Josh Harriot,
Jane Hilton, Owen Smith, Russell Hilton
Clr Lee Bates, Adrian Maye, Thomas
Granahan, Josh Smith, Heather Allison
and Sam Kingstone.
Bob, N4XAT inside one of the restoration shops (SP-600 on bench & RB receivers in background).
FEATURE
PEP-2000
(Performance
Enhancement
Programme)
www.yaesu.co.uk
Amateur Radio
www.yaesu.co.uk
Marine Electronics
www.standardhorizon.co.uk
HOMEBREW
Homebrew
Transmit mixers and band pass filters
for the HF transceiver project
3k3
In from
SSB filter
01
MPSH10
SSB IF out
to TX mixer
10n
10n
T1
680
100
22n
HOMEBREW
HOMEBREW
+13.8V DC
22
L
PIN diode
FB
3k9
40p
560
RF
01
T1
FIGURE 6:
Link coupling
can be used
with PIN
diode or relay
switcing.
47n
Out
+12V DC
47n
In
RF
47n
2 x MPSH10
10
L
10
1k
+12V DC
56
47n
047 *
Relay
21
HOMEBREW
C
50
Lk
40p
40p
40p
L
C34
C23
40p
L
C
L
Lk
50
inductors wound on
T50 powdered iron
cores. The new filter
unit should be more
suitable for use in a
high dynamic range
receiver. Although,
I must admit, there
was never any obvious
sign of distortion caused
by non-linearity in the
BPF of the old rig.
The filter design is
based on the same
formula as the 144MHz
BPF from September
2010. The design
procedure is as described
FIGURE 8: QUCS simulation of the transmission (red) and return loss
in The Handbook of
(blue).
Filter Synthesis by
A Zverev and in several publications by
feedback resistors is significant at VHF/UHF.
Wes Hayward, W7ZOI. See page 19-23
Perhaps a microstripline layout and a change
of the September 2010 RadCom for more
to surface mount resistors and capacitors
detailed information.
would result in a greater bandwidth. We
I decided to use inductive link coupling at
might return to this subject in a future
the filter input/output because this offers the
Homebrew.
greatest flexibility in the choice of switching
method. Figure 6 shows how this arrangement
BAND PASS FILTERS. The next stage in
is equally well suited to relay or PIN diode
the transmit chain is the RF band pass filter
switching. So far, I have built and tested five
unit. As this will be a multiband transceiver,
sets of filters covering the 160, 80, 40, 17
I will have to build a separate filter for each
and 10m bands. The filter configuration is
band. My old rig has nine sets of filters,
shown in Figure 7. The filter is a 4th order
one for each of the nine HF bands. Each
Butterworth type designed for 50 I/O
filter has three capacitively coupled LC
impedance. Working through the design
resonators. PIN diodes are used for filter
equations for the 17m band (18.1MHz)
switching. In keeping with the general theme
gives the following component values.
of improvement over the old design, the new
The inductors are 15 turns on a T50-6
BPF will use four resonators (N=4). The
(yellow) core with an inductance of 0.9H.
filters will be switched by miniature relays
An unloaded Q of 200 is assumed for each
instead of PIN diodes. This is quite expensive
because two separate relays are used for each resonator. This is very close to the measured
value of Qu. Each resonator is tuned to
band. The miniature Toko type inductors of
the old rig have been replaced by home made resonance by a 40pF trimmer capacitor.
22
C0=85.9pF
C12/C34=3.3pF
C23=2.2pF
C1/C4=82.6pF (47pF + trimmer)
C2/C3=80.4pF (47pF + trimmer)
Rp=1816
The turns ratio for the I/O coupling coils
is (Rp/50)=6. This calls for a rather
inconvenient 2.5 turns. The filter was
tested with three turns and two turns.
As two turns gave the best passband
shape and I/O return loss, this value was
used in the finished design. The completed
filter is shown in Photo 4. A QUCS simulation
showing transmission and return loss is
shown in Figure 8. Measurements of the
finished filter show that the QUCS model is
quite accurate.
The output of the circuit is quite
impressive. Photo 5 shows the spectrum
of the 80m version - no harmonics or spurs
are detectable. Next month, more BPFs and
the TX low-level amplifiers.
RECOMMENDED READING. Low Cost,
Triple Balanced, LTCC Mixer, Mini-Circuits,
and Mixer Basics Primer: A Tutorial for
RF & Microwave Mixers by Ferenc Marki &
Christopher Marki.
WEBSEARCH
[1] www.fairchildsemi.com/pf/MP/MPSH10.html
SAVE
25%
OFF RRP
from
The history of SOEs war in the shadows has been told many times
and much is known about the men who fought in secret. However, less
is known about the women who also risked their lives for Britain and the
liberation of France. By 1942 Britains Special Operations Executive (SOE)
was in desperate need of new recruits for their dangerous missions in
France and they turned to a previously unexplored group - women.
Without doubt their contributions to Britains secret missions of
intelligence-gathering and sabotage helped the resistance to drive out
their occupiers and free France. Here, for the rst time is the extraordinary
account of all forty SOE F women agents. It is a story that deserves to be
read by everyone.
Size 165x140, 240 pages, ISBN 9780-7524-5661-4
from
16.99
By Phil Shanahan
The capture of the Enigma codes helped shorten the Second World War
by at least a year. Churchill took a special interest in the information that
came out of Bletchley Parks Station X and he guarded his contact well
so that the Germans would never nd out the source.Without the quick
actions of three men from HMS Petard, who clambered aboard a sinking
German U-boat, the codes might never have been broken.
Phil Shanahan tells the extraordinary story of the three men who saved
countless Allied lives and shortened the war by a year, as well as the efforts to recognise their bravery.
Size 254x178, 240 pages, ISBN 9780-7524-4472-7
Inside Enigma
from
12.74
www.rsgbshop.org
E&OE
FEATURE
PHOTO 1: G4DIY (left) and G0DBE with the antenna, generator and radials.
FEATURE
PHOTO 3: Not exactly what you would call a mobile station despite being set up in a car!
25
TECHNICAL FEATURE
PHOTO 1: The finished basic 2.4GHz tube antenna gives around 9dB of gain.
TECHNICAL FEATURE
h = 1.3065 x d
So, using the 76mm example,
h = 1.3065 x 76
h = 99.29mm
So, 99.29mm is the critical upper wavelength
of this 76mm pipe.
Using Equation 2 again, we can calculate the
critical upper frequency:
Critical frequency in GHz, fl = 300 / h
= 300/ 99.29
= 3.02GHz
(Equation 4)
= 122.44mm (from Equation 3)
c = 129.656mm (from Equation 1)
Lg = 372.39mm
The cylinder length is 75% of Lg, ie
Cylinder length = 0.75 x Lg (Equation 5)
= 279.29mm
The cylinder should therefore be 279.29mm
long, closed at one end.
CONNECTING IT UP. Now that we know
the critical dimensions of your ready-made
cylindrical waveguide, some means of feeding
TECHNICAL FEATURE
29
Hand-helds
Hand-helds
Base/Portable
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Kenwood TH-D72E Dual band 2/70cm
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Wouxun KG-UVD1P Great value dual band
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5
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Manufacturers of
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E-mail: sales@moonraker.eu
antennas and
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AMPRO-80 3.5MHz, Length 220cm, 38th tting (slimline design) ......... 19.95
AMPRO-160 1.8MHz, Length 220cm, 38th tting (heavy duty design) ... 49.95
ATOM-20S 14MHz, Length 130cm, PL259 tting (compact design) .... 24.95
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The CHAMELEON V1
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Frequency Range: 80/60/40/30/20/17/15/12/11
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Accessories
G5RV-IND Convert any half size G5RV to full with these great inductors, adds 8ft on each leg24.95
MB-9 Choke Balun for G5RV to reduce RF Feedback.............................................................. 39.95
TSS-1 Pair of stainless steel springs to take the tension out of a G5RV or similar .................... 19.95
GF151
MRM-100
MR700
MR777
MRQ525
MRQ500
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MR2 POWER ROD
MR3 POWER ROD
MRQ800
MRQ273
VHF/UHF Mobiles
Glass Mount 2/70cm, Gain 2.9/4.3dBd, Length 78cm complete with 4m cable and PL259..................................29.95
MICRO MAG 2/70cm, Gain 0.5/3.0dBd, Length 55cm, 1 magnetic base with 4m coax and BNC...................... 19.95
2/70cm, Gain 0/3.0dBd, Length 50cm, 3/8 tting ...................................................................................................... 9.95
2/70cm, Gain 2.8/4.8dBd, Length 150cm, 3/8 tting ...............................................................................................17.95
2/70cm, Gain 0.5/3.2dBd, Length 43cm, PL259 tting (high quality) .....................................................................19.95
2/70cm, Gain 3.2/5.8dBd, Length 95cm, PL259 tting (high quality) .....................................................................24.95
2/70cm, Gain 5.5/8.0dBd, Length 150cm, PL259 tting (high quality) ...................................................................34.95
2/70cm, Gain 3.5/6.5dBd, Length 50cm, PL259 tting (breglass colinear) ......................................................... 24.95
2/70cm, Gain 2.0/3.5dBd, Length 50cm, PL259 tting (breglass colinear) ......................................................... 29.95
6/2/70cm Gain 3.0dBi/5.0/7.5dBdBd, Length 150cm, PL259 tting (high quality) .................................................39.95
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HF Verticals
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Hustler 4-BTV 4 Bands 40-10m 1000W Length 6.52m Weight 6.8kg................179.95
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Moonraker Satellite Shop
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ANTENNAS
Antennas
Modelling, measuring and more on loops
PHOTO 1: Roy Lewallen, W7EL giving an antenna lecture at the RSGB Convention.
Stealth Antennas
from
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from
7th Edition
Some think of amateur radio antennas and expect a 100ft steel lattice
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the EH antenna. There are even reviews of a number of commerciallymade stealth antennas. Stealth Antennas also looks at the best way to
work DX with a modest station.
Stealth Antennas does not neglect VHF/UHF antennas. While easier
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what are the effects of mounting a VHF antenna in the loft? Roof tile
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copper water pipes or house wiring.
Despite what many believe amateur radio is a fast-moving hobby and the
last ve or six years in particular have seen numerous changes. The RSGB
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station for maximum efciency, DX Operating, Radio Sports many guises,
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detailing the numerous changes to the amateur bands as more countries
have gained frequencies at, or around, 136 and 500kHz, as well as 5,
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along with the developments in the WSJT suite of software and the whole
datamode eld. The use of computers in amateur radio is extensively
covered, as are basic operating practices and there are even guides
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Many amateur radio operators are faced with the fear of interference
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With more than 25 new contributors, this Seventh Edition of the RSGB
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If you are able to put up a 100ft tower and 6-element beam this
book may not be for you. For the rest of us, Stealth Antennas should
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world without a beam, tower and linear amplier.
www.rsgbshop.org
E&OE
ANTENNAS
PHOTO 2: Richard Brett-Knowles, G3AAT, at the RSGB Convention, discussing the principle of the dip
oscillator.
Start Here
Using a radio with dual watch/two VFOs
INTRODUCTION. One of the defining
features of a modern radio is the ability to
have two VFOs or even two fully independent
receivers contained within one box. In this
months Start Here we consider some of the
ways that you can experiment with these
features to gain more use from your radio.
START HERE
35
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HF/50MHz All Mode Base 100W Transceiver
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Built-In Auto ATU (also covers 5MHz band)
Built-In USB and Serial COM Ports
1st-IF Down Conversion (1.8 - 21MHz WARC bands)
Built-In CW Keyer with selectable Mode A/B Keying
Two-Colour LCD Display (Amber or Green)
Low-level TX DRV terminal for 135.7 - 137.8 kHz output
Sky Command II function with Kenwood TH-D72E (new model coming soon)
CALL 01702 203353 or 0845 5050128 (Scotland) - for Next Working Day Delivery
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
Kenwood TS-590S
Peter Hart reviews the latest HF & 50MHz transceiver
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
PHOTO 2: Top view with covers removed showing PA, output filters and
auto ATU.
TS- 590S
For full details of our dealer network and all Kenwood amateur products contact your local dealer or Kenwood
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Peter Hart
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E-mail:
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EQUIPMENT REVIEW
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
-90
-100
-110
-120
-30
-25
-20
-15
-10
-5
10
15
20
25
30
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
1.8MHz
3.5MHz
7MHz
10MHz
14MHz
18MHz
21MHz
24MHz
28MHz
50MHz
50V
50V
56V
45V
56V
45V
56V
40V
40V
35V
0.35V (-116dBm)
0.35V (-116dBm)
0.35V (-116dBm)
0.28V (-118dBm)
0.35V (-116dBm)
0.28V (-118dBm)
0.4V (-115dBm)
0.25V (-119dBm)
0.28V (-118dBm)
0.32V (-117dBm)
0.13V (-125dBm)
0.13V (-125dBm)
0.13V (-125dBm)
0.14V (-124dBm)
0.14V (-124dBm)
0.13V (-125dBm)
0.13V (-125dBm)
0.1V (-127dBm)
0.08V (-129dBm)
0.09V (-128dBm)
16V
16V
16V
18V
16V
14V
11V
13V
10V
10V
AM sensitivity (28MHz) Preamp on: 0.45V for 10dBs+n:n at 30% mod depth
FM sensitivity (28MHz) Preamp on: 0.16V for 12dB SINAD 3kHz pk deviation
AGC threshold Preamp on: 0.56V
100dB above AGC threshold for <1dB audio output increase
AGC attack time: 1ms (see tet)
AGC decay time: adjustable 150ms to 5s
Max audio at 1% distortion: 1.8W into 8 ohm
Inband intermodulation products: -45 to -55dB
3.2V
5.6V
11V
20V
56V
560V
3.2mV
80mV
0.9V
1.8V
2.5V
6.3V
16V
180V
900V
22mV
BANDWIDTH
SET TO
----IF BANDWIDTH----6dB
-60dB
CW 500Hz
USB 2300Hz
AM 2500Hz
AM 5000Hz
FM and FM-N
517Hz
2303Hz
5970Hz
11420Hz
12750Hz
825Hz
3573Hz
9005Hz
15190Hz
20540Hz
---Rx1 PREAMP OFF--- ---Rx1 PREAMP ON--- ---Rx2 PREAMP OFF--- ---Rx2 PREAMP ON--3rd order
2 tone
3rd order
2 tone
3rd order
2 tone
3rd order
2 tone
intercept
dyn range intercept
dyn range intercept
dyn range intercept
dyn range
1.8MHz
3.5MHz
7MHz
10MHz
14MHz
18MHz
21MHz
24MHz
28MHz
50MHz
+25dBm
+28dBm
+31dBm
+29.5dBm
+27.5dBm
-
101dB
103dB
105dB
104dB
102dB
-
+14.5dBm
+16dBm
+22dBm
+15.5dBm
+12dBm
-
100dB
101dB
105dB
100dB
98dB
-
+29.5dBm
+20.5dBm
+21.5dBm
+21.5dBm
+21dBm
+21.5dBm
+22dBm
+18dBm
+18.5dBm
+22dBm
Spacing
1kHz
1.5kHz
2kHz
3kHz
4kHz
5kHz
7kHz
10kHz
15kHz
20kHz
25kHz
+3.5dBm
+6.5dBm
+23dBm
+29dBm
+29dBm
+29dBm
+30.5dBm
+30.5dBm
+31dBm
+31dBm
+31dBm
see text
see text
see text
+4.5dBm
+5dBm
+7.5dBm
+11dBm
+21dBm
+22.5dBm
+24dBm
+25dBm
FREQUENCY
OFFSET
1kHz
2kHz
3kHz
5kHz
10kHz
15kHz
20kHz
30kHz
50kHz
100kHz
90dB
92dB
103dB
107dB
107dB
107dB
108dB
108dB
108dB
108dB
108dB
see text
see text
see text
92dB
92dB
94dB
96dB
103dB
104dB
105dB
105dB
106dB
100dB
100dB
100dB
99dB
100dB
99dB
98dB
98dB
99dB
+16dBm
+16.5dBm
+12dBm
+15dBm
+11dBm
+11dBm
+9dBm
+6.5dBm
+10dBm
+1dBm
101dB
102dB
99dB
99dB
97dB
97dB
96dB
96dB
99dB
93dB
TRANSMITTER MEASUREMENTS
---CW---INTERMODULATIONPOWER
-------PRODUCTS------FREQUENCY OUTPUT HARMONICS 3rd order
5th order
1.8MHz
3.5MHz
7MHz
10MHz
14MHz
18MHz
21MHz
24MHz
28MHz
50MHz
98W
103W
101W
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100W
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96W
-65dB
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-70dB
-63dB
-75dB
-71dB
-68dB
-70dB
-70dB
-68dB
-36dB
-37dB
-37dB
-36dB
-36dB
-38dB
-34dB
-31dB
-26dB
-33dB
-40dB
-34dB
-34dB
-34dB
-34dB
-34dB
-35dB
-33dB
-38dB
-36dB
Open six days a week. Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sat: 9.00am - 4.30pm
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As a nal postscript, I have been searching for some time for a new main station
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E&OE
ATV
Rx & Tx frequency control with a PIC
standalone
multiband
Tx and Rx
controller that
physically
appeared to
look like the
Mobicomm
unit.
A feature
with one of
the G1MFG
controller PICs
is that it can
initiate a frequency sweep of the Comtech
transmit module. This makes a useful swept
RF source for antenna match and filter
checking.
Grant, ZL1WTT had a short article in
New Zealand's Break-in Sept/Oct 2010
about a Comtech L-band module (950 to
2150MHz) being used with a PIC controller
providing various features as an analogue
ATV receiver covering 800 to 2200MHz [5].
His website also includes SSTV software
amongst other things.
GOING SMALLER. There are times when
an absolutely minimal front panel, pocket
size Rx or possibly a separate Tx is required.
For me, such a 23 or 13cm receiver, using
the 3.5 Inesun monitor previously highlighted,
are all built into a 'plate' antenna radome
(cover). I use this for signal strength/repeater
coverage checks and general stick it in a
briefcase /P operation. The real size saving
is obtained if a dedicated mini-controller board
is produced that is limited to the hardware
components specific to just receive or transmit.
This has led to the concept of a plug-in minicontroller that directly replaces the original
DIL switched PIC. Power and I2C frequency
control are automatically connected when
plugged in. A 10 way ribbon cable connects
to the LCD display and any special function
controls, with a 3 way cable to the tuning
knob or frequency up-down push buttons.
In a spurt of enthusiasm I have configured
PCBs for several PIC mini-controller types
including the G1MFG controllers.
The unit in Photo 2 is based on a PIC design
by Mike, N0QBH, with modifications by Colin,
G1IVG for the European 479MHz Rx IF [6].
It only requires an 8 way ribbon cable for the
LCD and a 3 way cable for two push buttons.
The buttons are multi-function, providing updown frequency, scan and full ATV or reduced
videosender frequency coverage selection.
The information from [4] is a good beginners
ATV
HF
HF
Looking forward to some great DXpeditions
team. Activity will be on all HF bands 160m10m using SSB, CW and RTTY. The press
release says, Those who have enjoyed our
operations over the last 8 years may recall that
our methods and philosophy are somewhat
different from other DXpeditions. Though our
overall goal is still to provide a new DXCC entity
on as many bands and modes as possible,
we also strive to increase the fun factor by
focusing on operational simplicity and radio
skill. Again, the expedition website has lots
of useful background material.
OTHER DX NEWS. Henri, F6EAY (ex 4Z8AY,
J28FF, T6RF) is in Cameroon for the next several
years, operating as TJ3AY. He is running a
vertical and dipoles with an amplifier. Listen
for him on 40m and up. QSL via F5LGE.
Richmond, KI6YIP, has left California after
20 years to return to Africa (he was previously
9L1HR and still holds that call). He is now
EL2BG in Liberia and back on the air, initially
from the club station on Bushrod Island, but
planning to set up antennas from his new
home in due course.
JD1BLY (JI5RPT) and JD1BMH (JG7PSJ)
were due to be on Chichijima Island, Ogasawara,
160-10 focusing on the low bands, from 24
December to 8 January. JD1BLY will be on
from 24 December to 3 January and JD1BMH
will be active 30 December to 8 January. QSL
to their home callsigns.
Jim, ND9M will by now be in Diego Garcia
as VQ9JC for a four-month tour of duty, but
reports that, according to VQ9LA, only one rig
in the ham shack is currently working and all
the power amplifiers are out of commission.
Jim says that without support from the Navy's
Recreation Office VQ9 may become a rare
entity sooner than planned.
Hiroo, JA2EZD (XU7AAA), reports that he has
obtained a Laotian licence for his forthcoming
one year stay in the country. The callsign, for
some reason, is XWPA. He plans to be very
active while there.
Six Japanese operators will go to Christmas
Island, VK9X (this is the Christmas Island in
the Indian Ocean, not the one in the Pacific)
from 14 to 20 January. Each will have and
use his own callsign. A list appears on their
website. QSL to the JARL bureau or direct to
each individual.
60m REPORT (from G4TRA). Making a lot of
effort to raise European stations this last month
was Dale, CX/N3BNA and, as a professional
short wave radio station installer, he sure knows
his antennas. A large vertical for transmit and
Beverages for receive, but still he wasn't strong
in the UK at sunrise. However, at least three
of us have now worked this new country for
the first time on 60m. Other new ones this
month were UR7GG and a certain Frenchman
running maritime mobile from off the coast of
Italy, in addition to which V47JA and YN2N
have been active on the band too. However
a station that didn't show this month was
continue to require a
period as an SWL before
ALL MODE
issuing a licence, with
CALL
1.8 3.5 7
10 14 18 21 24 28 TOTAL MODE
G3KMA 280 310 336 336 337 336 337 328 333 2933 Mixed
proof of activity by way
G4BWP 264 308 335 327 338 332 336 320 327 2887 Mixed
of QSL cards received.
G3XTT
256 291 327 311 337 327 335 306 315 2805 Mixed
This certainly has
G3SED
269 302 323 319 329 324 321 291 295 2773 Mixed
GW3JXN 233 284 317 314 335 326 328 303 307 2747 Mixed
been the case in some
GM3YTS 242 289 322 327 336 319 325 280 301 2741 Mixed
countries in the past.
G4OBK 242 270 313 322 334 321 324 310 304 2740 Mixed
So while an SWL card
GM3POI 282 311 321 319 328 306 308 270 272 2717 CW
G3TXF
196 272 319 320 335 317 329 296 308 2692 Mixed
may be of little use to
G3GIQ
160 256 309 288 337 329 335 313 329 2656 Mixed
you, as an HF operator,
GM3YTS 228 283 317 324 334 304 319 257 285 2651 CW
G0JHC
202 236 300 314 310 324 328 300 311 2625 Mixed
if you receive it, I would
G4PTJ
127 249 288 282 332 293 327 280 308 2486 Mixed
urge all readers to respond
GM3PPE 153 241 276 297 326 279 285 249 231 2337 Mixed
by way of a QSL card as it
G3IFB
70 243 299 261 325 263 310 253 289 2313 Mixed
G3VKW 48 216 272 214 336 291 328 276 312 2293 Mixed
will be appreciated by the
G3AKU
277 269 283 275 308 277 257 189 128 2263 Mixed
recipient and encourage
G4DYO
74 207 272 170 331 295 328 245 319 2241 Mixed
him or her to progress in
G4WFQ 127 262 283 300 292 265 255 210 214 2208 CW
GM4FAM 188 249 281 284 276 270 248 211 167 2174 CW
the hobby as no doubt
G0EHO 114 200 237 258 310 271 290 237 250 2167 CW
was the case for us in
G4EZT
148 219 272 266 289 273 257 201 234 2159 Mixed
G4OWT 106 172 250 198 326 256 306 185 273 2072 Mixed
years gone by. That said,
G0BNR 122 174 257 260 298 280 250 208 177 2026 Mixed
it is unfortunate that some
G4NXG/M 43 74 169 0
308 257 297 210 257 1615 Mixed
SWLs, in their quest to
G4FVK
45 90 123 79 212 115 202 88 180 1134 Mixed
2E1RDX 41 60 130 63 220 148 213 133 116 1124 Mixed
collect confirmations,
M0CNP 17 71 107 24 210 129 187 87 131 963 Mixed
are clearly getting their
AVERAGE 163 229 273 252 310 280 295 244 260 2305
information from the
Cluster network or a
remote internet receiver rather than wholly via
the promise of the first signal from Botswana,
the airwaves and are giving other SWLs a bad
A25UQ.
name in the process. I have observed this a
A new Danish beacon may be heard on
number of times, where a basic understanding
5.2905MHz. OV1BCN runs 30 watts to a
of HF propagation would have demonstrated
ground warming TFD antenna at just 1m
AGL, which is really too lossy for any practical that the SWL could not have heard the station
purpose, but at least one or two have reported concerned on that band at that time. This is a
pity, but should in no way negate the overall
hearing it in the UK. Reports go via Lars,
principle of supporting SWLs who are actively
OZ1FJB, the beacon-master.
engaged in the hobby that we enjoy so much.
Whilst talking beacons, here in the UK the
Liverpool based RAF Volmet weather station
on 5.450MHz is a good indicator for intra-UK CORRESPONDENCE AND TABLES. There
continues to be plenty of interest in the 9-band
propagation and, of course, for our friends in
tables and the latest appears this month. Its
the US its a good transatlantic beacon.
been quite some time because, as previously
Another good beacon for us here in the UK
mentioned, the last set of updates found their
is the Florida based AFN/AFRTS USB station
way into the table that was published in the
on 5.4465MHz that comes through very well
RSGB Yearbook, thereby recording the scores
after dark when the transatlantic path is open.
for greater posterity! It should be noted that
(Steve also commented to me that
the latest table was compiled prior to the
chasing unusual ones on 60m really takes
arrival on the scene of the new Netherlands
some patience and late-night operating, not
Antilles entities. To make space I have omitted
unlike some of the other specialist bands,
the annual table this time. Apropos of which
and wonders just how many readers of this
Dave, G3TBK has suggested that, in 2011,
column actually find this material of interest.
in addition to the WARC band columns, there
I would be curious to know! G3XTT)
should also be a total entities regardless of
SWL REPORTS. The letter from Tom, GM4FDM band column which seems a reasonable
in last months RadCom relating to SWL reports idea. Lets see how it pans out.
I was delighted once again to receive a
gave me pause for thought. Many of us, myself
snail mail letter from John, G3BDQ who,
included, served an apprenticeship as SWLs
at 87 years young, still returns to Top Band
while studying diligently to pass the old radio
each winter season. So far this autumn he
amateurs examination. Nowadays, in the UK
notes contacts with A65BP, JW8DW, JA7NI,
at least, SWLing is pretty much moribund,
6V7Z and others but feels that US openings
from what I can see. The good news is that a
have been less frequent than in recent years.
would-be amateur can study for, and pass, a
John has improved both his transmitting and
Foundation course in a weekend and actually
receiving antenna systems for the season,
get some on-air experience, developing his or
her operating skills while studying for the next thereby setting an example to all of us that
we should never rest on our laurels if we
tier of licence. But SWLing is still reasonably
want to remain competitive in the DX chase.
common in some countries. Indeed, I rather
Peter, G4XEX was pleased with conditions
suspect there are some administrations who
9 BAND TABLE No 76
HF
53
VHF/UHF
VHF/UHF
VHF and UHF contests bring
a welcome increase in activity
1100UTC and 1330UTC
on 15 November again to
Hungary and between
1130-1145UTC on 20
November to Hungary yet
again. This is most unusual.
Also on the 20th the station of
IK5YJY (Italy, JN53) reported
hearing the GB3RMK beacon
(50.060MHz) peaking 599
for over 10 minutes. A more
substantial Es opening was
reported on 22 November
with CW and SSB contacts
being made between 12001400UTC with stations
in the Balearic Islands, Italy
PHOTO 1: The 432MHz antenna system at the QTH of Bernd
Wilde, DL7APV.
and Spain. Contacts were
reported to have been made
with EA5/G3XGS, EA6SA, I0JX, IK0FTA,
PROPAGATION SYNOPSIS. The month of
IW3FZQ, IW4BET, I6DVX and IC8ATA.
November was pretty much devoid of any
significant propagation events. There were no Towards the end of the opening the station
periods of enhanced tropospheric propagation of Bryn Llewellyn, G4DEZ (Lincolnshire,
JO03) made a QSO with TR8CA (Gabon,
like those that were experienced on the VHF
JJ40) on 50.110MHz. The initial QSO at
and UHF bands during September. Very few
1350UTC was accomplished using JT6M
Sporadic-E openings were reported on the
50MHz band throughout November, although but as signals were so strong both stations
one event did link into a southerly path to Gabon then swapped over to SSB to complete a
59 telephony contact over a path some
(TR). Only one auroral back-scatter opening
and one auroral-Es forward scatter event were 5924km distant. It is easy to suggest that
reported by stations in Scotland but both were this was northerly Es propagation linking
into a southerly trans-equatorial (TEP) path
brief and uneventful. It was left to the 'digital'
but as Gabon is situated on the geomagnetic
operators to eke out DX contacts via meteor
scatter and the Earth-Moon-Earth (EME) paths. equator it cannot strictly be a TEP link.
Trans-equatorial propagation suggests that
both stations should be located equidistant
SPORADIC-E PROPAGATION. Ian Hogan,
from the equator.
G6TGO commented on my chart of 50MHz
Sporadic-E openings that I placed in last month's
column. The chart showed a substantial rise in EARTH-MOON-EARTH. Martin Andrew,
GM6VXB (Aberdeenshire, IO97) reports that
Es propagation in October during the last 10
on 28 October he contacted the 144MHz
years and this matches similar observation
station of CE/DK2ZF (Chile). Martin runs
made by Ian. I find this peak in activity most
interesting as there is generally little Es in either 400W into a group of four 11-element Yagis
September or November. Propagation has been and was amazed that the DXpedition group
heard him, particularly as they had no receive
generally, but not always, due south of the
preamplifier. The group consisting of Rolf,
UK to areas of Portugal and Spain. Maybe
DK2ZF and Martin, DK7ZB planned to activate
we are experiencing a seasonal shift in the
Easter Island (CE0Y) and Chile (CE) on EME
winter Es season. After all it was freezing
(moonbounce) but suffered from, to say the
cold and snowing heavily throughout the
least, bad luck. The journey from Germany was
UK in November! That's not to say there is
interrupted initially by an air traffic controller
any link with the UK weather but global
strike and as a consequence it took four days
climate change or some other mechanism
before they landed on Easter Island. All baggage
may be having an influence on the formation
arrived with them, however the suitcases
of mid-latitude Es propagation.
looked somewhat damaged. Unfortunately the
Es openings were reported on the
customs had performed some kind of rattling
50MHz band between 1050-1115UTC
test to check for explosives. The result was that
on 2 November to Austria and Hungary, at
54
VHF/UHF
Mode
Date
UK/Locator
DX/Locator
Distance
6m
4m
2m
2m
2m
2m
70cm
Es
Es
Es
Tropo
MS
Au
Tropo
31 May
5 July
2 Aug
18 July
13 Aug
2 May
10 Oct
G0JHC (IO83)
G4DEZ (JO03)
GI6ATZ (IO74)
G4CBW (IO83)
G8VHI (IO92)
G4RRA (IO80)
G8JVM (IO82)
9M2TO (OJ05)
D44TD (HM86)
EA8TJ (IL18)
EA8TX (IL18)
LZ9X (KN32)
LY2WR (KO24)
LY2WR (KO24)
10370km
4530km
3020km
2989km
2319km
1943km
1777km
FIGURE 1: 144MHz noise profile at the QTH of Russ Stewart, G4PBP.
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Loss per 100m:
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Price: 5.60 per metre, 504 per 100m drum
Ecoflex 15 Connectors
PL259 connector (Part: 7350) .........8.95
N type connector (Part: 7395) ........9.95
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Loss per 100m:
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Price: 2.65 per mtr, 238 per 100m drum
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Loss per 100m: 3.8dB @ 100MHz,
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CHA-250B
299.95
CWA 1000
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99.95
Kenwood Accessories
SP-23 ................Extension speaker .............................68.95
HS-6 ..................Lightweight headphones ...................35.95
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GHz BANDS
GHz Bands
More on that big opening and the final
part of Getting Started on 24GHz
QSY to 1.3GHz. Although
the LY was a good signal on
1.3GHz a wall of PA stations
was waiting! Eventually the
LY faded away before he
got a chance to work him.
On 1.3GHz he worked several
OZ and SP stations before
hearing LY2WR (KO24)
again calling CQ on CW.
He came back to Johns
call and is now his best
DX on the band at 1612km.
LY2WR said he was pleased
with his first LY-G on 1.3GHz.
John is happy to claim the
first LY to G contact on the
band.
After sunset on the 10th
FIGURE 1: Part of a screen grab from Planefinder showing
the
higher frequency bands
the position of many aircraft over the UK and Eire on a day in
opened up. On 1.3GHz several
November 2010. The web page gives details of flight numbers
new # were worked including
and heights to aid identifying suitable scatter targets for a QSO
OZ1IEP in rare JO55 locator
over a path up to around 800km. There are several other programs
available with similar capabilities.
and DL3BUA (JO73).
By Monday 11th many
stations in mainland Europe had worked OY
LOOKING BACK. A brief look back across
on 1.3GHz but even though the OY beacon
microwave band happenings in 2010 shows
had been spotted on the Cluster as heard in
that at last we have experienced that longthe UK few, if any UK operators had succeeded
awaited big opening with some spectacular
in making QSOs with OY. During the afternoon
DX worked from the UK on 1.3GHz and
conditions peaked to GM and John worked
above. The move to frequency lock many
GM3SBC/P (IO86) on both 1.3 and 10GHz.
UK microwave beacons, mostly by using
He then put out a CW CQ call on 1.3GHz and
the Reverse DDS technique, finally got under
OY9JD (IP62) answered with a QRZ? on SSB.
way. With this has come the ability to add
OY9JDs 10W and 23-element Yagi showed
interesting MGM (machine generated
that, even with modest stations, if you wait for
messages) such as digital modes like JT4G.
good conditions then easy QSOs are possible.
One of the disappointments of 2010 has
Ducting conditions on Tuesday the 12th
been the continuing logjam in getting new
favoured the northern UK but John was
microwave band beacons approved. This
pleased to work GJ4ISM/P for a new DXCC
seems to be mainly due to a lack of resources
entity on 10GHz. French 10GHz beacons in
within the main primary user organisations.
IN88 and IN99 showed slight sea path ducting.
BAND ACTIVITY. First, more on the great
October opening. After I sent in the December AIRCRAFT SCATTER. Martin, GM8IEM
(JO78) has upgraded his 1.3GHz station
column I received a few more reports. John,
to 120 watts output, using a linear amplifier
G4EAT, is well located in Essex to take
from PE1RKI. This is driven by an Icom
advantage of good conditions to the east.
IC-910H with a 39-element quad loop Yagi
For him the first sign of the opening was
and Microwave Modules MV1296 preamplifier
hearing SP6GWB (JO80) at 1125km on
on receive. His first successful aircraft scatter
CW at 559 working G3XDY. His 50W was
contact was made with Alan, GM0USI (IO75)
insufficient to alert Staszek, whose 250W
at 267km on 13 November using CW. His
was clearly just sufficient. John says the
report was 539. This was followed with a
main fun started on the 10th when SM
52 exchange in SSB. Further tests were
stations were being heard at good signal
conducted using SSB only on 15 November,
strength on 1.3GHz. SM6DVG (JO66) was
when three contacts were made, the best one
worked for a new # (initial contact). He then
lasting 4 minutes with signals peaking at 54.
worked LY3AG (KO06) on 432MHz before a
58
GHz BANDS
FIGURE 3: Several of our most popular amateur radio bands lie within
(2000 times)
the low noise window. This allows us to take advantage of very low noise
gives an effective
receiver systems. The 24GHz band lies close to the upper edge of the first
isotropic radiated
water vapour absorption band. The actual window edge is only approximate
power (EIRP) of
and can move slightly from day to day.
4kW. With a 60cm
dish that becomes
6dB greater, or 16kW EIRP. This is still
FORTHCOMING MICROWAVE
somewhat short of the recommended 50kW
EVENTS 2011 - 2012
needed for effective troposcatter on the lower
Heelweg Microwave meeting,
bands, not even allowing for the greater water
15 January 2011. Details at
vapour losses on this band.
www.pamicrowaves.nl/website
A positive feature, if it can be regarded as
such, is that super low receiver noise figures
Martlesham Microwave Round Table
are not required and 2dB is usually regarded
meeting, 17 April 2011. Note the move
as adequate. Most good 24GHz preamplifier
of MMRT to the spring. Details from G3XDY,
designs, both home brew and commercial,
g3xdy@btinternet.com
are capable of achieving a noise figure of
Microwave Update, 13-16 October 2011.
this order.
Details from Conference Chairman Bruce
The above may seem like good reasons
Wood, N2LIV n2liv@arrl.net
not to try 24GHz, but this is far from the
case. The reality of 24GHz operating is that
15th International EME Conference,
you shouldnt expect to achieve operating
Cambridge, UK, 16-19 August 2012.
ranges similar to 10GHz and below under
Details at www.eme2012.com
normal conditions. If you do, you will be
disappointed.
Serious 24GHz DX requires patience
But 24GHz can spring surprises. Even
and systematic monitoring of the lower
in foggy weather, when you would expect
bands, looking for enhancements in signal
losses to be high, it has been possible to
level on these bands. Many experienced
work over 200km from my station near
24GHz operators will tell you that signal
Felixstowe to G0EWN near Sheffield during
levels on 10GHz need to exceed 30dB
a lift and contacts have been made across
carrier to noise (in 2.5kHz) in order for
the North Sea from several locations in East
24GHz to work. This is a very rough
Anglia to both the Netherlands and Belgium.
estimate and 24GHz signals have been
The best of these was over 400km. Light
received more strongly than on 10GHz,
rain and snow also provides opportunities
over the same path, on some occasions.
to increase range using scatter modes. In
The above point seems to indicate that
general it is best to be able to elevate the
home station operation is to be preferred
dish to achieve the best signals using 24GHz
over portable operation, simply because of
scatter modes.
the need to continually monitor the band.
Until recently the 24GHz distance record
This is something that is impractical for
was a 542km contact between WW2R/5
portable operators to do. However, by
in Mississippi and W5LUA at home near
carefully watching activity on ON4KST
Dallas, Texas. This was in September 2002
chat and beacon signal levels it is
and used tropospheric ducting and relatively
sometimes possible to detect when 24GHz
high power (for 24GHz). I reported a rain
is likely to open. Then it is maybe time to
scatter QSO of 637km between F2CT/P
head for the hills?
(JN13) and F6DWG/P (JN19) in the
I will repeat the message, in case I didnt
September 2008 GHz Bands column.
make the point well enough above. Dont
This is the current world distance record
expect 24GHz to provide really long distance
for 24GHz terrestrial operation.
QSOs under normal conditions. Various
The UK 24GHz distance record is
anomalous propagation events will however
408km, made in 2008 between G4EAT
occasionally permit some exceptional QSOs,
(JO02) and PA0BAT (JO31) during a
some of which will apparently defy logic.
ducting propagation event.
59
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
Bandmaster II
A universal band decoder that senses band information
by monitoring the data going to and from your radio
EQUIPMENT REVIEW
Photo 3: Inside the unit you can see the relays and switches.
FEATURE
RSGB Convention
WELCOME. Dave Wilson, M0OBW, opened
the 2010 RSGB Convention by saying,
Welcome to this years Convention at
Horwood House. Thanks for your support
making this the largest event of its kind in
the UK. Its great to see so many familiar
faces and many new ones. Id like to say a
big thank you to the two sponsors, Icom UK
and Martin Lynch & Sons for their continued
support and I encourage visitors to check out
the Icom radios on display outside and also
what radio goodies Martin has on offer.
Putting on an event like this is a team
effort and, as Chairman of the Organising
Committee, Id like to thank all the team for
their hard work. We must say a big thank
you to the 60-odd presenters whove given
up their time to be here this weekend. Building
on the success of previous years we have four
very full streams hopefully with something
for everyone. We have streams labelled, DX &
Operating, Technical, VHF & Up and the ever
popular Contest University. Tomorrow that
will become a Beginners Stream.
But presentations are only one aspect
of the Convention this weekend is a great
opportunity to meet up with old friends,
catch up on the last 12 months and a great
opportunity to make new friends.
As in previous years, the card checking
folk are out there ready to check your DXCC
and other applications. We are very grateful
for the time they give to this. UK amateur
radio exams take place today and tomorrow
and also tomorrow there is the opportunity
to take US amateur exams. Good luck,
particularly to all those taking their UK
exams this weekend.
At the National Hamfest, the RSGB
launched a major survey with an interactive
questionnaire for all radio amateurs and
SWLs, whether they are RSGB members
or not. The objective is to gather as much
information as possible on amateur radio
operation in the UK. The survey, which is
internet based, will run for three months
and the data collected will be used to
determine the direction amateur radio
takes over the next ten years. Over this
weekend we hope to break the 1000
completed survey mark and we have two
computers set up in the traders area if youd
like to fill it in over the weekend. I encourage
all radio amateurs and clubs to participate.
Please give help and assistance to those
who find accessing the internet or using
computers difficult. Its your opportunity
if you want your opinions to be noted, so
please take part.
Finally, if you have any issues, just contact
62
A6195
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E&OE
FEATURE
The winners of the two star prizes at the RSGB Convention 2010. Many thanks to the sponsors who supplied the prizes.
FEATURE
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TECHNICAL FEATURE
as thin a wire as
possible that isn't
too prone to breaking
I used 0.38mm
diameter (including
the enamelling).
I found it useful to
flux the pins and add
more solder for a good
thermal contact. Photo
3 shows the first side
half done and in Photo
4 it is fully released.
Because the other
side was still attached,
it had formed a good
anchor while working
on the first side of the
PHOTO 7: The PCB and IC securely fixed before the second side is started,
SMD, but this didn't
to prevent a repeat of the situation in Photo 5.
apply for the second
side. I hadn't realised the significance of
I have successfully repaired several of them
this the first time I tried it and at the last two
by scraping away the coating over the PCB
pins the chip swung round and broke the
track that had been attached to the missing
lands off, as shown in Photo 5. Luckily it
land, exposing the copper, and soldering
didn't matter on this occasion as they are
a fine wire between the pin and track to
not connected inside this particular IC, so
remake the connection.
when I replaced the chip I could leave them
For an example, I could not at first get
floating. If you do intend to re-use the chip,
the specified IC for an early SMD project
it is easy enough to bend any distorted pins
and, in the process of trying and swapping
back to their original shape.
several substitutes, I completely destroyed
I cleaned the board up, Photo 6, and
some of the lands in that region: two of
fitted a new IC. Unfortunately I'd bought
them had gone to a common track. When
my replacement from a Hong Kong supplier,
I finally got the correct IC it was very difficult
to avoid a big payout on minimum orders
to handle just the tiny piece of wire that was
and shipping costs: ostensibly an AD9851
needed for the repair. Figure 1 shows how
sine wave generator, it turned out to be a
I used a longer piece of wire, shaped it to fit,
counterfeit whose output became badly
clamped it at the free end so that I could
distorted as it heated up useless. (I got my
solder the other end and then cut off the
money back, and the Hong Kong company
surplus.
is not happy with their own supplier). I had
The finished repair is in Photo 8 two
to take the chip off again. The first side went
pins to the right of my finger tip are those
as before, and for the second side I made
reconnected. This was a double sided board,
sure that the pressure was taken by a piece
but without soldered through holes, so much
of plywood clamped to the bench. I also used
of the blobby solder is over wire vias joining
a strong spring clip to hold the IC so it could
the ground planes on each side their cut
not move as the last pins came free, as shown ends are visible in places. Not pretty, one
in Photo 7.
of my earliest builds, but it works.
I've used the same method for other SMDs
I haven't covered all the possibilities,
that have the space behind the pins, so it's
no BGAs for example, and I readily accept
now an established technique for me.
that other people will have and prefer
different approaches, but again I hope that
my experiences will encourage you to have
REPAIRING THE PCB. As a footnote, all may
a go and not despair.
not be lost if a land or two does get pulled off.
69
FEATURE
FEATURE
71
DESIGN NOTES
Design Notes
A direct-from-audio I/Q upconverter
Input at
4 x carrier
frequency
S0
Audio
input
S1
Audio driver
with differential
outputs
Quadrature
Network
FIGURE 1:
Outline of the direct
upconverter using
a quad bus switch
chip as the RF mixer.
Binary
count 0 - 3
0
1
+ 0 deg.
I (0 deg.)
Low pass
filter
- 180 deg.
RF Output
+ 90 deg.
0
Q (90 deg.)
- 270 deg.
2
FST3135
Dual 4-way
bus switch
DESIGN NOTES
+12V
Option
for I/Q
inputs
15n*
22
+12V
12k
20k #
3
2
82k *
2.5V
8
1
1
4
T1, 5-6
2
10k
LM358
LM358
3k3
10k
82k #
22
15H
2n2 *
033
10n
01
10n
56
20k #
12k
+5V
47k
1k2
150
10k
82k *
2k7
10k
82k #
2.5V
680 x 4
10
2k7
+5V
4
2
3
13
CL
12
2
S1
14
S0
CLK
74HC04
4 X RF
74ACT74
+5V
33n
2B3
2B2
2B1
2B0
3
4
5
6
1B3
1B2
1B1
1B0
10
12
11
2A
9
T1 - 1
1A
7
01
CLK
CL
15
1
OE1
13
12
11
10
+5V
47k
OE2
FST3253
33n x 4
13
+5V
Ring Counter
counts 0, 1, 3, 2
From binary
ring counter
FIGURE 4:
Alternative quadrature
mixer configuration
allowing single-ended
audio drive, but requiring
an accurately balanced
output transformer.
4
5
680
1
2
Single Ended
I/Q Audio Drive
FST3125
9
10
680
13
12
11
+2.5V
DESIGN NOTES
Honourable Mentions
One of the perils of doing a Top Three of anything is that you have to make some hard decisions,
so I'd like to let you into the secret of the next three that didn't quite make it to the top three places.
74
BOOK REVIEW
Book review
January's Book Review usually reflects on the best books of the previous year.
This time I thought I'd share my personal Top Three of 2010.
Stealth Antennas
Homebrew Cookbook
By Paddy Heazell
I love secret places
and things. I'll never
forget standing deep
within the bowels of
the rebuilt Colossus
at Bletchley Park,
visiting the Cabinet
War Rooms and
secret nuclear bunkers.
If I can't go there, then
reading about it is the
next best thing and
Most Secret: The
Hidden History of Orford Ness paints a very vivid
picture of goings-on in that very secretive area.
The role Orford Ness played in inventing and
testing was crucial over the course of the twentieth
century, for example the radar development
work by Watson Watt and his team. A relatively
remote and inaccessible spit of land, Orford
Ness was well-suited to providing privacy for
the most confidential experiments, yet with
enough room to conduct quite large-scale
works when necessary.
Orford Ness operated for over eighty years
as a highly classified research and testing site
for the British military, the Atomic Weapons
Research Establishment and, at one point,
even the US Department of Defense. The book
describes such diverse activities as test-dropping
inert nuclear bombs, conventional explosives
testing and even a Cold War over-the-horizon
radar. The radar, codename Cobra Mist, was
never used operationally despite its 132-acre
antenna
Working in association with The National
Trust and using material from the National
Archives, the author has set out to tell that
tale and record the work of the greatest boffins
of past generations. This highly readable book
provides many surprises about that Most Secret
place, Orford Ness.
Perhaps related
to my affinity for
secret places,
secret or stealth
antennas are
very appealing
too. I even
included a
stealth antennas
chapter in my
own recent book,
HF Antennas
for Everyone.
Steve Nichols' Stealth Antennas is very
practical and deals with the sort of real
antenna problems that are faced by today's
amateurs with small gardens and / or planning
limitations on what can be erected.
All of the examples in the book are real
antennas used by real radio amateurs just like
you and me. Whether it's a dipole or loop in the
loft or a stealthy outdoor antenna, all-band HF
or VHF/UHF, there's something really practical
to help you. I particularly liked the chapter
called Let's Get Really Stealthy, which includes
such gems as carpet loops and foil antennas.
There are lots of photos and the all-important
setting-up details that sadly aren't always
included in antenna books.
Not everything is homebrew. There is
a comprehensive section of commercially
available antennas and accessories that
let you get on the air with the minimum of
visual impact.
Safety is not overlooked, with a chapter
all to itself. Likewise, EMC interference to,
or from, domestic equipment, is well covered.
There's even a chapter on improving the
efficiency of your stealth antenna system.
As I read this book I kept on thinking
"Yes, that's a good idea" or "I reckon that
would work for me". It's a very practical
resource that will help many an amateur
whether they have stealth problems or not.
RadCom has
always attracted
the very best
amateur radio
writers and
Homebrew
columnist
Eamon Skelton
is a perfect
example. His
articles are always
accessible and are
underpinned by a
laid-back attitude that belies his experience and
professionalism.
The demands of a monthly column are such
that it is not always possible to tell a linear story.
Sometimes it's necessary to mention something
only in passing, coming back to it later. Now,
for the first time, the first two years' worth of
Homebrew have been re-arranged by theme,
laying everything out in a straightforward form
so there's no flipping backwards and forwards.
The book is in five sections, covering
construction methods, building a receiver,
frequency measurement, transmitter & receiver
projects and aerials. Projects include a simple
direct conversion receiver followed by a more
sophisticated superhet. On the transmit side,
Homebrew Cookbook includes an SSB transmitter,
PA and a VHF transverter. All the designs are
modular, making it very easy to extract sections
for other uses. Everything is eminently buildable
and down to earth. For instance, wherever
possible Eamon tends to use 1mm copper
wire when winding coils, because that's the
diameter of the centre core of 75 TV coax:
most people have some offcuts lying around.
I particularly like the attitude to the novice
constructor. The whole message seems to be,
"Don't worry if you don't understand it at first,
just build it. Once you have built it, it'll make
a lot more sense!" If you are considering or are
already homebrewing then this book is for you.
ISBN 978-0-75245-741-3
Published by History Press
288 pages
Non Members 14.99
RSGB Members 11.24
ISBN 9781-9050-8666-5
208 pages, 174 x 240mm approx
Published by RSGB
Non-members price 13.99
Members price 11.89
ISBN 9781-0-5-8661-0
202 pages, 210 x 275mm
Published by RSGB
Non members' price 12.99
Members' price 11.04
75
SPORT RADIO
Sport Radio
How one club has rocketed to the top of the
UKACs, UBNs and the 21/28MHz contest
YOUR
RSGB
SPORT RADIO
RSGB HF EVENTS
Date
Event
Times (UTC)
Mode(s)
Band(s)
Exchange
Jan 3
Jan 9
Jan 12
Jan 15
Jan 20
2000-2130
1400-1800
2000-2130
1400-1800
2000-2130
CW
CW
SSB
SSB
Data
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
3.5
RST + SN
RST + SN
RS + SN
RS + SN
RST + SN
Event
Times (UTC)
Mode(s)
Band(s)
Exchange
Jan 4
Jan 11
Jan 18
Jan 25
2000-2230
2000-2230
2000-2230
2000-2230
All
All
All
All
144
432
1.3/2.3
50
RS(T) + SN + Locator
RS(T) + SN + Locator
RS(T) + SN + Locator
RS(T) + SN + Locator
Event
Times (UTC)
Mode(s)
Band(s)
Exchange (info)
Jan 1
Jan 8-9
Jan 8
Jan 9
Jan 15-16
Jan 22-23
Jan 29
Jan 28-30
1400-1700
1800-2359
2000-2300
0400-0700
1200-1200
1200-1200
1900-2300
2200-2200
SSB/CW
Data
CW
CW
CW, SSB
RTTY
SSB
CW
3.5
3.5-28
1.8
1.8
1.8-28
3.5-28
1.8
1.8
Italics indicate that provisional information only was available at the time of writing.
For all the latest RSGB contest information and results, visit www.rsgbcc.org.
Entrant Date
Time Call
Correct Call RepTX SnTX RepRX SnRX Reason
Loc
Correct Locator
Notes
THIS MONTHS
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 19:45 OK1VTV
55
7
57
42 AdjInv
JO60RN
Received serial error
EVENTS. January
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 21:02 GM6HR
57
27
57
4 Broken:Locator IO86DD
IO86CD
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 21:28 DJ9WO DG9WO
57
32
59
17 CoLoc
JO40AG
is 80m month,
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 21:38 PA8TFD
53
33
57
5 Concensus
JO21WP JO31WP
the first event of
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 22:09 G9SDO
54
44
55
14 NotInLog
IO82FW
the year being the
G3ZVW 12/06/2010 22:24 G9RLA
G9RMA
43
48
55
41 Broken:Callsign JO01WE
first of the new 80m
FIGURE 1: The kind of UBN report that entrants to RSGB VHF contests can expect to be able to access.
Club Championships.
As regards non-RSGB events, you could
Its CW on the 3rd, SSB on the 12th and
start contesting on New Years Day by entering
data on the 20th. Remember please the
the IRTS 80m Counties Contest. There are
maximum power allowed in Club Champs
sections for SSB only, SSB/CW and SWL.
is 100 watts, but for Foundation licensees
QSOs with EI and GI only count for points.
and those who enjoy low power operation
There are awards (see Figure 2) for the
theres also a 10 watt category. For much of
2010 it looked like Newbury would be placed leading station outside EI in each section.
The ARRL RTTY Roundup takes place for
second to Bristol in the Club Champs, but a
late set of good results by De Montfort Uni, who 30 hours over the following weekend, 8-9th.
There are single- and multi-op categories.
were by far the strongest team in the whole
Oddly enough you can use a variety of
event on datamodes, saw them overtake
datamodes in this event, not just RTTY.
Newbury. The Three As were the strongest
FIGURE 2: You could be awarded a certificate
Work everyone and send a signal report
team on CW, but Bristol were miles ahead of
like this for winning the IRTS 80m Counties
and serial number. USA stations will send
everyone on SSB. Moving on to the HF AFS
Contest.
a signal report and their 2-letter State code,
contests both of which count towards the
station that has been placed in the Top 10
while Canadian stations will send a signal
new AFS Super League Sunday 9th is CW
in any BARTG contest in the past three
report and their 3-letter Province code.
AFS day. Expect the competition to be tough
years must enter the expert category.
Over the same weekend theres also the
in this one, but expect the competition to be
The contest exchange for this event is
EUCW 160m CW Party, which is split across
even tougher in SSB AFS on Saturday 16th.
serial number only (ie no signal report).
two 3-hour sessions. There are five different
On VHF/UHF the new series of UKACs
The CQ WW 160m DX Contest takes place
classes of entry. Members of clubs affiliated
begins with 2m on Tuesday 4th. Its UKACs
to the European CW Association (FOC, FISTS, for the whole 48 hours of 29-30th. Work
only this month, with the other legs being
the contiguous 48 States plus Canada
G-QRP and Essex CW Club are the ones in
70cm on the 11th, 23/13cm on the 18th
only, giving a signal report and CQ Zone
the UK) send RST + name + club +
and 6m on the 25th. Please note that there
(UK is 14). USA stations will send a signal
membership number; others send RST +
are rule changes to the UKACs this year,
report and their 2-letter State code, while
including new entry categories for (a) 10 watt name + NM (for non member). On the
Canadian stations will send a signal report
stations, and (b) active users of the DX cluster 15-16th the HA DX Contest takes place for
24 hours. There are numerous categories and and their 3-letter Province code. The final
and chat channels such as ON4KST. There is
event of the month is the WAB 1.8MHz
three power levels in this one. The BARTG
also a change to the locator squares multiplier
Phone Contest that takes place on the
RTTY Sprint takes place for 24 hours on the
rule. To ensure you enter the right category
evening of the 29th. Its the usual WAB
22nd-23rd. Single band entries are not
and avoid claiming the wrong score, please
contest exchange of signal report, serial
allowed in this event and BARTG have an
check the full rules on the Contest Committee
number and WAB area.
web site at www.rsgbcc.org/vhf before the start. interesting rule whereby any single operator
77
ARDF
YOUR
ARDF
RSGB
TECHNICAL FEATURE
from
12.74
Homebrew Cookbook
from
11.04
from
5.94
from
7.64
9th Edition
Edited by Fred Handscombe,
G4BWP
Order on the internet at www.rsgbshop.org cheques and postal orders crossed and made payable to Radio Society of Great Britain or telephone your
credit card order to 01234 832 700. HQ open 8.30-4.30 (Mon-Fri). Send no cash. Post & Packing 1.95 for 1 item, 3.50 for 2 or more items. Overseas
air 9 for 1 item, 15 for 2 items & 3 for each extra item. Surface 3.00 for 1 item, 5 for 2 items & 1.00 for each extra item.
16.14
Edited by Steve White, G3ZVW
13.59
from
4.24
22.94
16.99
5.94
11.04
6.79
20.39
8.49
23.79
3 Abbey Court, Fraser Road, Priory Business Park, Bedford MK44 3WH Tel: 01234 832 700 Fax: 01234 831 496
www.rsgbshop.org
E&OE
TECHNICAL FEATURE
FIGURE 3: Binary tree for Huffman encoding. Shaded boxes show where this is the same as Morse.
82
694
8.32%
70
0.84%
342
4.1%
325
3.9%
906
10.86%
139
1.67%
141
1.69%
215
2.58%
633
7.59%
0
0.0%
36
0.43%
280
3.36%
713
8.55%
629
7.54%
580
6.95%
277
3.32%
38
0.46%
518
6.21%
579
6.94%
837
10.03%
105
1.26%
88
1.06%
63
0.76%
11
0.13%
107
1.28%
15
0.18%
RadCom
6.....577767
...55367645.
......787554
.......34333
968....99989
....5665....
............
......37544.
.....58632..
...87.......
............
............
....7555....
7......36666
3........233
775.....6677
87.....28888
8786....8878
22.5........
23.6.......2
.2.3........
44.3......23
.2.2........
67.6......36
77.72.....77
57.6.....774
66.5...35555
33.2........
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
2........112
............
12.......111
3........222
666.....6666
............
............
............
............
............
3331........
3342.......3
5653.....365
333.........
............
............
............
7372..388688
883....77788
.......25542
.......3222.
.......2212.
............
893....58888
7.0MHz
000011111220
246802468020
3.5MHz
000011111220
246802468020
....6.......
............
.4.......64.
....4...53..
3...33..7...
............
............
............
24.8......22
35.8.....343
.3.5........
35.83....563
4......76534
76.....28878
775.....7777
6......46666
88.7...68888
....6775....
............
......773...
....4886....
...89.......
.....4......
............
....8884....
...77..55...
............
......65....
.......53...
...2..485...
...766783...
10.1MHz
000011111220
246802468020
............
............
.....6346...
....66667...
............
............
............
............
...6........
...6........
............
....7...4...
.......7....
.......776..
...4...587..
.......66...
....666747..
....576.....
............
......76....
....788.....
...79.......
............
............
....686.....
...45.......
............
......6.....
......55....
...65678....
...78887....
14.0MHz
000011111220
246802468020
............
............
......454...
......66....
............
............
............
.......5....
............
............
............
.....6567...
.......5....
............
...755676...
......46....
....8888....
.....54.....
............
............
....35......
....96......
............
............
.....74.....
............
............
.....67.....
......5.....
...68886....
...8999.....
18.1MHz
000011111220
246802468020
............
............
......56....
......66....
............
............
............
.......4....
............
............
............
.....777....
............
............
...77677....
...4.466....
....6666....
............
............
............
............
....9.......
............
............
.....5......
............
............
.....55.....
......5.....
....887.....
...6998.....
21.0MHz
000011111220
246802468020
............
............
......64....
......5.....
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
.....777....
............
............
....7777....
.....47.....
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
.....4......
............
....88......
....88......
24.9MHz
000011111220
246802468020
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
.....56.....
............
............
....776.....
......4.....
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
............
....77......
28.0MHz
000011111220
246802468020
KEY: Each number in the table represents the expected circuit reliability, eg 1 represents reliability between 1 and 19% of days, 2 between 20 and 30% of days, etc. No signal is
expected when a . is shown. Black is shown when the signal strength is expected to be low to very low, blue when it is expected to be fair and red when it is expected to be strong.
The RSGB Propagation Studies Committee provides propagation predictions on the internet at www.rsgb.org.uk/propagation/index.php. An input power of 100W and a dipole aerial has
been used in the preparation of these predictions; therefore a better equipped station should expect better results. The predicted smoothed sunspot numbers for January, February and
March are respectively (SIDC classical method Waldmeiers standard) 30, 32 & 35 and (combined method) 55, 59 & 62. The provisional mean sunspot number for November was
21.6. The daily maximum / minimum numbers were 43 on 13 November and 8 on 24 to 27 November.
Time
(UTC)
*** Europe
Moscow
*** Asia
Yakutsk
Tokyo
Singapore
Hyderabad
Tel Aviv
*** Oceania
Wellington
Well (ZL) (LP)
Perth
Sydney
Melbourne (LP)
Honolulu
Honolulu (LP)
W. Samoa
*** Africa
Mauritius
Johanesburg
Ibadan
Nairobi
Canary Isles
*** S. America
Buenos Aires
Rio de Janeiro
Lima
Caracas
*** N. America
Guatemala
New Orleans
Washington
Quebec
Anchorage
Vancouver
San Francisco
San Fran (LP)
83
CLUB CALENDAR
1 SCOTLAND SOUTH
& WESTERN ISLES
REGIONAL REP: LEN PAGET,
GM0ONX, RM1@RSGB.ORG.UK
WEST OF SCOTLAND
(GLASGOW) ARS
Fred Coombes, 2M0BIN,
01415715512,
www.wosars.org.uk
5, 7 Club closed
12, 19, 26 Construction projects
& licence training
14, 21, 28 Presentations, guest
speakers, raffle & quiz
3 NORTH WEST
REGIONAL REP: KATH WILSON,
M1CNY, RM3@RSGB.ORG.UK
Getting listed here and on GB2RS is easy. E-mail details of your meetings as early as possible to GB2RS@RSGB.org.uk and we'll do the rest.
We need to know your club name, RSGB Region number, contact name & phone number, date of meeting and detail of meeting. Example:
South Bristol ARS, Region 11, Len, G4RZY, 01275 834 282, 29 October, On the Air. It's that simple. The deadline for the February RadCom
is 4 January and for the March edition it's 28 January. For GB2RS, the deadline is 10am on the Tuesday for the week of broadcast.
2 SCOTLAND NORTH
& NORTHERN ISLES
4 NORTH EAST
REGIONAL REP: HAROLD SCRIVENS,
G0UGE, RM4@RSGB.ORG.UK
5 WEST MIDLANDS
REGIONAL REP:
VAUGHAN RAVENSCROFT, M0VRR,
RM5@RSGB.ORG.UK
6 NORTH WALES
REGIONAL REP:
MARK HARPER, MW1MDH,
RM6@RSGB.ORG.UK
7 SOUTH WALES
REGIONAL REP: JIMMY SNEDDON,
MW0EQL, RM7@RSGB.ORG.UK
8 NORTHERN IRELAND
REGIONAL REP: PETER LOWRIE,
MI5JYK, RM8@RSGB.ORG.UK
9 LONDON
& THAMES VALLEY
REGIONAL REP: ALISON JOHNSTON,
G8ROG, RM9@RSGB.ORG.UK
ANDOVER RAC
Martin, M0MWS,
07776181646,
www.arac.co.uk
4 Club night
18 Club night, committee meeting
ECHELFORD ARS
John, G4GSC, 01784 451898
13 Bring & Buy, CW practice,
natter night
27 Ham radio Olympics
by Roger Western, G3SXW
BASINGSTOKE ARC
Clive, G4ODM,
01256 326050
3 Natter night
17 January junk sale
HARWELL ARS
Malcolm, G8NRP,
01235 524844,
info@g3pia.org.uk
11 Rally preparation
and quiz night
22 Annual dinner
25 Shack activity night
HORSHAM ARC
www.harc.org.uk
6 Bring, show & tell
20 Social
MID-SUSSEX ARS
Peter, G4AKG, 01444 239371
7 Closed
14 Discussion meeting for the year
21 Radio night
28 50 Years of the Bluebell
Railway by Chris, G4ZCS
SWINDON & DARC
Den, M0ACM, 07810 317750,
www.sdarc.ne
6, 20 Natter night
13 The Channel Tunnel
by Deryck, G3YKC
27 Summits on the Air
by Richard, G4ERP
WATERLOOVILLE ARC
Rich, G4IBW, 02392680852,
g4ibw1@ntlworld.com
28 Natter night
HASTINGS E&RC
Gordon, 01424 431 909,
www.herc.uk.net
23 Annual luncheon, Kings Arms
30 Repeater group auction
CLUB CALENDAR
YOUR
RSGB
BITTERN DX GROUP
Linda, G0AJJ, 01692 404154,
secretary@bittern-dxers.org.uk
13, 27 Informal club meeting at
Pinewood Park Leisure Club
CAMBRIDGE & DARC
Ron Huntsman, 012233 501712
7 Baluns revisited talk
by Ian, G4AKD
14 AGM
21 Morse for all abilities
28 OTA
CHELMSFORD ARS
Martyn, G1EFL, 01245 469 008,
www.g0mwt.org.uk
4 IOTA by Martin Atherton, G3ZAY
8 CARS 80m contest
11, 12, 18, 25 Club net nights
12 Committee meeting at
Danbury Village Hall
13 Start of Foundation course
in Danbury Village Hall
15 CARS 80m contest
HARWICH ARIG
Kevan, 2E0WMG, 07766 543784,
kevan2e0wmg@live.co.uk
12 Members' show and tell night
HAVERING & DARC
John, M0UKD, 07817365354,
john@m0ukd.com
5 AGM
12 Summits on the Air by Dave,
M0TAZ and John, M0UKD
19 Informal club evening
26 3D photography by Steve, M6AEI
Continued on page 86
85
MEMBERS ADS
FOR SALE
CLUB CALENDAR
LEISTON ARC
Dave, G4HUP, 0777 764 8448,
g4hup@btinternet.com
11 Quiz night
LOUGHTON &
EPPING FOREST ARS
Marc Litchman, G0TOC,
020 8502 1645
14 Video night
15 Foundation licence
course & exam
23 New Years' lunch,
Metropolitan Police
Sports Club, Chigwell
28 OTA, HF
LOWESTOFT &
DISTRICT PYE ARC
Lee, 2E1LJL, 01502 564242,
leejlewis@hotmail.co.uk
13 Annual dinner
86
13 EAST MIDLANDS
REGIONAL REP: JIM STEVENSON,
G0EJQ, RM13@RSGB.ORG.UK
HINCKLEY ARS
John, M0JAV, 07836 731544,
m0jav@lowgables.co.uk
5 Social / open forum
on summer events
12 80m Club Calls SSB
15 AFS contest
19 Workshop: digital control
of FT-847
26 Using MiniVNA Pro analyser
by John Rogers, M0JAV
LINCOLN SHORT-WAVE CLUB
Pam Rose, G4STO, 01427 788356,
pamelagrose@tiscali.co.uk
1, 8, 15, 22, 29 G5FZ on the air
and work around the shack
5, 9 G5FZ on the air
12 Annual General Meeting
26 Jim, G0EJQ is showing a DVD
on Antennas for New Amateurs
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Complete inventory for servicing amateur
and commercial communications equipment
001-760-744-0700
www.rfparts.com
Email: info@rfparts.com
435 South Pacific Street
San Marcos, California 92078 U.S.A.
30 JANUARY HORNCASTLE
WINTER RALLY Horncastle Youth
Centre, Lincolnshire LN9 6DZ. 10.30am,
1.50, DF, C, free CP. Tony, G3ZPU, 01507
527835, e-mail G3ZPU@yahoo.co.uk.
SILENT KEYS
We regret to record the passing of the following
members:
MR J Johnson, G0HJJ
Mr A L Sinclair, G0NDK
Mr P W Mortimer, G0ORN
Mr D Roberts, G0TFI
Mr J H Allcroft, G0TMN
Mr J C Hawkins, G1CJH
Mr A Hitchcock, G3ESB
Mr Ivan Rosevear, G3GKC
Mr C Merrett, G3JGH
Mr B H Licence, G4DCG
Mr J P Caledon-Scott, G4LRS
Mr A L Dick, GM6KKP
Mr A Johnstone, M0BCE
Mr A Bell, M0WHY
30/10/2010
19/10/2010
18/11/2010
February 2010
7/11/2010
August 2010
21/10/2010
5/11/2010
1/11/2010
7/11/2010
10/8/2010
October 2010
31/10/2010
This list shows all rallies and events we are aware of as at 1 December 2010 . If your rally or event is not listed,
TELL US ABOUT IT! Send an e-mail to GB2RS@RSGB.org.uk and your event will appear here and on GB2RS.
Its free! Guidelines for submissions: Please let us know your event details as early as possible. If you submit by
email (to GB2RS@RSGB.org.uk) then we suggest you set your email program to request a 'read' receipt so you
can be sure we've seen the details.
TI Talk-In; CP Car Park; Admission; OT Opening time - time for disabled visitors appears first, (eg 10.30/11am);
TS Trade Stands; FM Flea Market; CBS Car Boot Sale; B&B Bring and Buy; A Auction; SIG Special Interest Groups;
MT Morse tests; MA Foundation Morse Assessments; LB Licensed Bar; C Catering; DF Disabled Facilities; WIN prize
draw, raffle; LEC Lectures/Seminars; FAM Family attractions; CS Camp Site.
Classified advertisements 58p per word (VAT inc.) minimum 14 words 8.12. All classified
advertisements must be prepaid. Please write clearly. No responsibility accepted for errors.
Latest date for acceptance is 1st of the month prior to publication.
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Payment to: RSGB, 3 Abbey Court, Priory Business Park, Bedford, MK44 3WH
M0CVO ANTENNAS HF, VHF and UHF antenPROGRAMMING AND DATA MODE CABLES for nas, fixed or portable. Full details at:
Icom, Yaesu, Kenwood, Ten-Tec, Motorola, Vertex, http://www.m0cvoantennas.co.uk
and many other brands at www.radioarena.co.uk
Tel. 0845 0942245 info@radioarena.co.uk
X-TALS 3.560/7.030/10.106/10.245/
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Matched <30Hz 6-95/set P&P 1-50 + VAT.
Many freq ex-stock. vincentvoy@hotmail.co.uk
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cards 75 inc postage. M0DOL Chris, 24
Westridge, Northampton NN27RA
--LOW COST AND HIGH QUALITY QSL cards by
LZ1JZ QSL PRINT http://www.LZ1JZ.com
UNWANTED VALVE AMPLIFIERS, working or
not. Known makes only (Kenwood, Yaesu, Drake,
Linear Amp, etc), not homebrew. Cash paid.
Contact Peter G3ZRS on 01482 862323 or email: g3zrs@hotmail.co.uk
Web: www.hamradio.co.uk
E-mail: sales@hamradio.co.uk
VHF/UHF ACCESSORIES and aerials, TVI filters,
4m & 6m transceivers.
GAREX ELECTRONICS PO Box 52, Exeter EX4
8WX Tel: 07714 198374
www.garex.co.uk
REPAIRS to all amateur and vintage RX/TX cost
effective service phone or call in for details. Kent
Rigs, 52, Salisbury Road, CHATHAM, Kent, ME4
5NN, 07903 023437
RELIABLE REPAIRS for all amateur and
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Tel:
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Radio Communications Centre
18 Fairmile Road Christchurch Dorset BH23 2LJ
Phone/Fax 01202 490099
www.shortwave.co.uk
Specialist Suppliers of Amateur Airband Marine PMR & Shortwave
Equipment to the Business User and Hobby Enthusiast
W.H.WESTLAKE ELECTRONICS
40 years supplying into the Amateur Radio Market with
WWW.TETRA2000.COM
www.qsl-comms.co.uk
whwestlake.co.uk
Unit
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18
RSGB ARDF
Stan Ames, G4OAV
I was pleased to read the letter published
in November's RadCom by Bernard Spencer,
G3SMW on radiolocation and, like him, I'm
looking forward to reading the column by
Bob Titterington on the subject. But, like
many members I expect, my interest is not
in IARU or any other contests, I'm interested
in the science and technology of radio
direction finding.
I have spent some time researching British
RDF in WWII and there is a fascinating story
to be told there. If the ARDF committee is not
interested in matters outside the IARU rules,
I would be pleased to prepare something and
I feel certain that others would also contribute.
5kHz DEVIATION
Gordon, G8WWD
The suggestion by John McCullagh that the
use of 5kHz should be avoided in order to
avoid clipping etc is, in my opinion and
experience, theoretical rubbish! I am sure
that Derek, G1ZJQ in his letter was not
suggesting using that deviation on repeaters,
but for simplex contacts and why on earth
not if it is getting you good audio reports?
If you live in London or the South East, or
perhaps in a very big city then there may
be a need for more channels and 2.5kHz
deviation with its associated higher noise
levels, but travel further afield and you will
find 2m and 70cm are often silent!
It is 3.30pm on a Monday afternoon
and for the last 45 minutes I have had my
2m rig scanning continuously from 145.000
- 145.9875MHz. How many stations has
it stopped on? ONE short mobile to base
station simplex QSO. Other than that, just
the odd repeater broadcasting its callsign!
My QTH is on the Wirral, 4 miles south of
central Liverpool. I have a reasonably good
take off in most directions and can hear
and work simplex stations in Merseyside,
Lancashire, Cheshire and along the north
of Wales as far as Holyhead, but the 2m
and 70cm bands being silent is the norm
rather than unusual.
I have two rigs for 2m, one of which is
an old Kenwood TR-9000 that I have kept
primarily for SSB. I rarely use it on FM,
but when I do, I often get comments
about the audio being superb quality.
Why would that be? It is a standard rig
with the manufacturer's standard mic
and it is nearly 30 years old. The answer
is that it is still set for 5kHz deviation on FM!
In fact if I put a call out using that rig, I have
considerably more chance of getting a reply
than if I use my far newer Yaesu FT-7100
that can deliver 5 times the output power.
No doubt the receivers that the TR-9000 is
being heard on are set for 2.5kHz deviation,
but I have never had any comments about
it being distorted or clipping, just that it is
punchy and clear!
92
WWW.RSGB.ORG
Letters published in The Last Word do not necessarily reflect RSGB policy. Last Word
letters may be e-mailed to radcom@rsgb.org.uk. Please note that letters submitted for
The Last Word may not be acknowledged. The RSGB reserves the right not to publish
any letter, with no reason being given. It is a condition of publication that all letters may
be edited for grammar, length and / or clarity. Due to the limited space available, please
keep letters as short as possible. Additional letters may be published on the RSGB
members-only website at www.rsgb.org/membersonly/lastword.
Yesterday, Saturday 6 November 2010,
it happened again. Listening on 20 metres
a station in the USA, KC9xyz/P called 'QRZ
on frequency'. I jumped in eagerly not
expecting to be heard, but he came straight
back to me! Once again, with my lowly set
up, I was euphoric. I gave my call and name
and then passed the mic back. On his second
over he then said: 'this is KC9xyz/P operating
remotely through OE3xyz'. Further to this,
he then said: 'the antenna at OE3xyz will
turn to face your direction automatically'.
This is not amateur radio as I was brought
up to believe amateur radio to be. First, and
laughably, the KC9 station did not need any
kind of antenna for the contact just a good
telephone connection through an internet
link to his pal in Austria. Also, signal reports
were pointless.
So, apart from feeling cheated, again,
may I make a humble suggestion? If this
mode, or type of amateur radio is to continue,
(to the detriment of the 'technical' hobby as a
whole, in my opinion), can the powers-thatbe introduce a new law, or rule, to the hobby,
whereby in future such stations must first
give the prefix of the country from which
their signal is emanating in this case for
example, the call should have been: OE3/
KC9xyz/P. Then, and only then, will we all
realise exactly from where the signal is
coming. From that moment on, if technical
details are to be exchanged (antennas/rigs/
power whatever), we would need to know
the set up of the remote station only and
nothing whatsoever from the operator's end
at all; except perhaps his microphone and,
socially perhaps, what his weather is doing.
Technically, from an amateur radio point
of view, anything else from his end would
have been worthless and irrelevant unless,
he wished to discuss the hows and whys of
his telephone connection to Europe; but
that's another hobby, not mine; if it is a
hobby, that is?
SPORT RADIO
R Wheeler, G3MGW
I agree with Bob, G4BWB / 9V1RA that
the term 'Sport Radio' somehow seems an
uncomfortable phrase to describe what
is universally understood as 'Contesting'
Just out of interest a Google search
for 'Sport Radio' doesn't yield much to
do with contesting but a search for
'Radio Sport' does.
May I suggest that using the term 'Sport
Radio' introduces both syntax and semantic
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Wouxun KG-679E/2M
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Also available for 70cm! See below.
5W RF output
English voice guide to under 5W RF
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144-146MHz 2m Amateur Band (136-174MHz capable)
8 groups scrambler
Channel name edit available
High/Low power can changeable by top key
VOX (Level adjustable)
DTMF encoding and DTMF decoding
105 groups D.C.S/50 groups CTCSS
DCS/CTCSS of RX and TX can be set respectivelyy
Reverse frequency function
Busy channel lockout
Distant alarm
NI (Caller ID)
Multi scan mode (TO/CO/SE)
rm
Inspection, monitor, stun, kill and emergency alarm
All calls, group calls and selective calls
Calling ring and ring overtime auto answer
Multi silent mode (QT/QTADT/QTXDT)
Channel steps (5K/6.25K/10K/12.5K/25K)
Hz)
Wide/Narrow bandwidth selection (25KHz/12.5KHz)
Wouxun KG-699E/4M
W
K
4m FM Handie
4
ML&S Prices:
KG 679E/2M ...................................... 58.99
KG-679E/U 70cm
(400-470MHz).....................................58.99
or with Voice Scrambler KG-689E/U ..69.99
Supplied accessories:
1.3Ah Li-Ion Battery pack (5W)
Intelligent Base Charger (110V-240V & 12V in input)
Belt-Clip
Dualband Antenna
Hand Strap
Handbook
www.wouxun .co.uk
WO/BLO-004
1700mAh Li-ion
BatteryPack
19.99
WO/BAO-001
'AA' Battery
Pack
9.99
WO/ELO-001
Eliminator
9.99
WO/CCO-001
Car charger
9.99
WO/SMO-001
Mic/Speaker
14.99
5W RF output
English voice guide to under 5W RF
70-70.500MHz 4m Amatuer Band (66-88MHz capable)
Dual display and standby modes
128 Memory Channels
8 Groups Scrambler
Channel Name Edit Available
High/Low Power can be changeable by Top Key
VOX (Level Adjustable)
DTMF Encoding and DTMF Decoding
105 Groups D.C.S/50 Groups CTCSS
DCS/CTCSS of RX and TX can be set respectively
Reverse FrequencyFunction
Busy Channel Lockout
Distant Alarm
ANI (Caller ID)
Multi Scan Mode (TO/CO/SE)
Inspection, Monitor, Stun, Kill and Emergency Alarm
All Calls, Group Calls and Selective Calls
Calling Ring and Ring Overtime Auto Answer
Multi Silent Mode (QT/QTADT/QTXDT)
Channel Steps (5K/6.25K/10K/12.5K/25K)
Wide/Narrow bandwidth Selection (25KHz/12.5KHz)
WO/CASE
WO/AAO-002
WO/AAO-001
WO/CHO-004
WO/PSO-110
WO/CHO-006
SO-239 socket
110-234v AC & Six-way charger
Programming Leatherette case BNC Socket
9.99
to SMA plug
to SMA plug
13.8v DC spare
Software and USB
149.99
antenna adapter antenna adapter charger (allows radio
Programming
4.99
4.99
Cable
& spare battery to be
19.99
charged at same time)
22.95
E&EO
Open six days a week. Mon - Fri: 9.30am - 5.30pm Sat: 9.00am - 4.30pm
Web: www.hamradio.co.uk
E-mail: sales@hamradio.co.uk